Former England international James Beattie has described how unwelcoming the Three Lions’ squad was during its famous golden generation, revealing just four players introduced themselves following his first call-up. Beattie was in the prime of his club career with Southampton when he received the news that he had been called up for England in 2003.
Who was in the England squad when Beattie was called up?
Beattie, who went on to score 23 goals in 38 Premier League games for the Saints in 2003-04, entered into a star-studded England squad, then managed by Sven-Goran Eriksson, which included the likes of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhich players from the 'golden generation' welcomed Beattie?
However Beattie – alongside fellow debutants Wayne Bridge, Matt Upson and Trevor Sinclair – has revealed only then-England captain David Beckham, former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell and ex-Manchester United duo Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes made the effort to make the new additions feel welcome.
Beattie opens up about the testing England atmosphere
In an interview with Midnite – Southampton FC's official training kit partner who have launched the league's first-ever Tifo Committee for the EFL Championship season – Beattie said: "When I went into that England squad, there were only a few lads that talked to us. David Beckham, Sol Campbell, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes, probably. The rest of them were just sitting in their club cliques.
"It was a massive, massive event for us debutants – me, Wayne Bridge, Matt Upson, Trevor Sinclair. Beckham was really good, Sol was really good, they were the ones that sort of made us feel welcome."
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Getty Images SportHow did Beattie perform for England?
Beattie made his senior international debut in England's surprise 3-1 defeat against Australia in February 2003. The striker went on to earn four more caps during the so-called 'golden generation' which saw the Three Lions' players struggle to replicate their success at club level on the international scene. Having earned the moniker in the 2000s, England were subsequently eliminated at the quarter-final stage at three successive major tournaments – the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups and the 2004 European Championships.
Diferente do cenário visto na última temporada, Rafael assumiu o posto de titular absoluto no gol do São Paulo nesta temporada. O jogador chegou como um reforço para a posição neste ano e foi escalado em todos os jogos até agora.
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Em 2022, o cenário no gol era um pouco diferente. Frequentemente, desde o início do Campeonato Paulista daquela época, Rogério Ceni revezava entre as opções disponíveis. Rafael falou sobre o ‘fim’ desta disputa de posição, mas destacou que é algo ‘sadio’ entre os companheiros.
ATUAÇÕES: Em noite ruim, Marcos Paulo salva, e Calleri mostra que faz diferença em vitória do São Paulo
Veja tabela da Copa Sul-Americana
Atualmente, além de Rafael, o elenco tricolor conta também com Jandrei e Felipe Alves – que chegou até a se firmar no gol no final da última temporada. Além dos citados, a Cria de Cotia Young também pode ser utilizado.
Rafael destacou que todos mantêm um bom relacionamento nos treinamentos, ‘buscando sempre fazer o melhor para crescer’, mas afirmou estar feliz com a titularidade.
– Eu estou muito feliz, gosto de enaltecer o trabalho de todos os goleiros. Hoje estou em campo, mas eu sempre represento Jandrei, Felipe, Young, que trabalham muito. A disputa é sadia e grande, essa parceria que a gente tem faz a gente crescer e aí dependendo a gente segue fazendo o melhor – explicou.
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Rafael foi essencial para a vitória do São Paulo nesta terça-feira (18), por 2 a 0, contra o Puerto Cabello. O jogador salvou a equipe da oportunidade mais perigosa criada pelo adversário, em partida que foi válida pela Copa Sul-Americana.
Ao ser questionado sobre o confronto em si, falou que o time venezuelano era uma grande incógnita para a equipe e alegou que as fortes chuvas no estádio do Morumbi atrapalharam um pouco o desempenho são-paulino. O arqueiro também destacou a atuação dos seus companheiros.
– Não sabíamos da capacidade da equipe deles, que teríamos dificuldade. Depois que a chuva apertou, dificultou. Brigamos o tempo inteiro, buscamos jogo, finalizamos muito. Acho que foi um jogo consistente, esses dois gols coroaram a boa atuação. Muito feliz com esses três pontos – completou.
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Agora, o São Paulo volta a campo no sábado (22), contra o América-MG, em busca da primeira vitória pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. O jogo também será no Morumbi.
Newcastle United’s growing interest in Hugo Ekitike could boil down to any number of reasons, but the minds of Liverpool fans will no doubt be drawn toward the possibility of signing Alexander Isak.
Certainly, it makes little sense for the Magpies to fork out £86m on Eintracht Frankfurt’s covetous centre-forward only for him to contest with Isak for the focal berth. It’s a tussle he’s apt to lose, relegating himself to the backbenches or at least as the second fiddle to Eddie Howe’s offensive instrument.
Of course, there’s the possibility that Ekitike will jockey with the Sweden international for a term or two before taking his place upon an eventual transfer to one of Europe’s true powerhouses. Like Liverpool, perhaps.
Ekitike and Isak
But then Arne Slot isn’t going to want to hang about for a new number nine, one who can replace Darwin Nunez. A resolution of some regard will be reached this summer, bringing a striker to Anfield’s pitch.
FSG are proving themselves to be incisive now that they have returned to the pinnacle, champions of the Premier League. Just look at Liverpool’s move for Florian Wirtz.
Why Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz
When Liverpool lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, Slot knew his team needed to replace the creativity of a man who had been described in the past being “like having Kevin de Bruyne playing at right-back” by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.
It would have been negligible to have attempted to sign a cardboard cutout at right-back, so instead, signing a world-class playmaker like Wirtz to nestle into midfield made much more sense. He cost a British record £116m, but it’s likely to be money well spent all the same.
The attacking midfielder, indeed, ranked among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe last season for both shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.
Florian Wirtz
Looking at his accomplishments in Germany’s top flight, it’s easy to forget that Wirtz is a 22-year-old who has already rebounded from a potentially detrimental ACL injury.
But that brutal setback in 2022 has only fuelled his ascent to the realm of the world-class.
Florian Wirtz – German Bundesliga Career by Season
Season
Apps (starts)
Goals
Assists
24/25
31 (25)
10
12
23/24
32 (26)
11
11
22/23
17 (11)
1
6
21/22
24 (22)
7
10
20/21
29 (25)
5
5
19/20
7 (3)
1
–
Data via Sofascore
For now, we wait with bated breath for the German international to grace the Premier League and lead Liverpool toward further riches.
Liverpool often strike gold when raiding the Bundesliga, and they appear ready to do so once more before the summer market slams shut, repeating their Wirtz acquisition.
Liverpool in contact to sign new striker
If Liverpool are to replace Nunez this summer, they will want to sign a striker fit for a Premier League title defence. Isak or Ekitike would do the trick, but an alternative pick has also been earmarked in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
The Slovenian striker, 22, has been on Arsenal’s radar for a long time, but the Gunners are pushing ahead with a move for Viktor Gyokeres, thus opening the door for Liverpool to pounce.
That’s according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, anyway, who revealed that Sesko’s agents have been in contact with Liverpool over a potential summer deal, offering his services to the Reds.
It’s unclear, however, whether the Bundesliga outfit will be inclined to budge on their €90m (£78m) valuation – a figure which proved to end Arsenal’s interest.
What Benjamin Sesko would bring to Liverpool
Sesko is a raw talent but one whose ceiling stretches far above the potential of most other forwards. His power and predatory instinct suggest he has what it takes to become a superstar in the Premier League.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
Standing at 6 foot 5 but blessed with the high-speed running and ability to use his physicality to a great effect, he’s been hailed as a “monster” in the final third by analyst Ben Mattinson, who continued to remark he’s “raw but has excellent fundamentals”.
With some fine tweaks and Slot-led coaching, he could prove to be one of the very best in the English top flight, something talent scout Jacek Kulig definitely believes is within his grasp, having gone as far as to dub him “the new Haaland”.
It’s clear that this young and rising star could emulate Wirtz in travelling to England from Germany and becoming a superstar. The latter, of course, hasn’t actually kicked a ball in the country yet, but he’s regarded as one of the world’s best all the same.
Benjamin Sesko – Senior Career Goals so Far
Club
Season
Apps
Goals
RB Leipzig
24/25
45
21
RB Leipzig
23/24
42
18
RB Salzburg
22/23
41
18
RB Salzburg
20/21
37
11
RB Salzburg
20/21
1
0
FC Liefering
20/21
29
21
FC Liefering
19/20
15
1
Data via Transfermarkt
As you can see, Sesko has improved steadily, continually, establishing himself as the kind of striker who can provide a steady source of goals in a top-five European division like the Bundesliga.
And he’s going to be supported and developed with a partnership with Wirtz, for sure. But more to the point, Sesko has the potential to become a superstar of equal proportions, so mobile and dynamic in his play, ranked among the top 11% of centre-forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
Then, of course, Sesko’s goalscoring ability, the way in which he swings his leg and connects with ridiculous power (something Jurgen Klopp would attest to), emphasises that Haaland-esque ability that underscores his world-class potential.
Liverpool would be taking something of a risk by forking out a significant sum for a player who has yet to reach their potential, but Sesko has all the properties of a Liverpool-level forward, leading the line across a period of sustained success.
Given their success in raiding the Bundesliga, Liverpool might just want to take the punt, quickly repeating what promises to be a triumph in bringing Wirtz over from Bayer Leverkusen.
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Northern Superchargers kept their season alive with a rain-affected victory over London Spirit in the Hundred at Headingley.They sit second in the table with 11 points, and now face an anxious wait to see if that is enough to secure a place in the knockout stages. They are relying on either Welsh Fire or Manchester Originals doing them a favour in the next two nights, but will be eliminated if those two teams are beaten by Southern Brave and Birmingham Phoenix respectivley. Either way, it is clear progress after they finished bottom last year.Related
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Adil Rashid was the stand-out performer for Harry Brook and Andrew Flintoff’s side, taking 3 for 16 as part of a bowling performance that restricted Spirit to just 111 from their 100 balls.The England legspinner has troubled batters throughout the competition, and on Tuesday night he removed Matt Critchley, Shimron Hetmyer and Andre Russell across 15 balls in the middle of the innings to knock the stuffing out of a Spirit batting effort that was already flattering to deceive.Michael Pepper had already headed back to the pavilion, caught terrifically by Mitchell Santner, as had Keaton Jennings, who burned brightly for his 12-ball 30 and was on the receiving end of a send-off from Reece Topley, who had him caught at deep point.
Liam Dawson has been Spirit’s leading wicket-taker and top run-scorer and once again he shouldered the burden of trying to keep Spirit in the game, his 27 from 19 alongside the veteran Ravi Bopara’s 31 took the visitors into triple figures.But at the interval, the smart money was on the Superchargers.As it was, their chase was to be limited by the rain, but their openers Graham Clark and Matt Short had done enough to ensure they were miles ahead of Duckworth-Lewis Stern when the game was called off. For Spirit, it was a seventh loss from eight games in a campaign which they will be glad is over.”I think we’ve got a very good squad, good batters and match-winners all the way through,” Rashid said. “We’ve got a bit of a waiting game tomorrow and Thursday, but hopefully one of those two teams do lose and we’re good.”
Arsenal love signing a defender. Even this summer, with the Gunners’ need for more quality and depth in attack abundantly clear, it’s not stopped them from looking at more defensive options.
Dean Huijsen was regularly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium after a fabulous debut campaign at Bournemouth, one that even saw him score against Mikel Arteta’s side.
Yet, he ended up heading back to his native country where the Spanish centre-back signed for Real Madrid in time for the Club World Cup.
Also on their radar is Ajax’s young superstar defender, Jorrel Hato.
Why Arsenal want to sign Jorrel Hato
Last summer, there was interest from Arsenal in signing the Dutch starlet from Ajax, but he ultimately stayed put in Amsterdam.
The Gunners turned their attention to another hybrid defender instead, signing Italian star Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
Well, a year on, the interest remains in the 19-year-old sensation. That’s according to Fabrizio Romano who reported last week that Arsenal have been in contact with the Dutch side about potentially signing him.
So, why do they want him? Well, in the words of scout Jacek Kulig, Hato is “one of the most talented centre-backs of his generation in Europe”, rubberstamping the teenager’s simply frightening potential.
Despite being a centre-back by trade, it was actually at left-back where the youngster thrived for Ajax in 2024/25, playing 46 games in that role.
From that position, he put in some seriously impressive performances. Indeed, compared to full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues and the continent’s premier competitions, he ranks among the best 9% of players for pass accuracy per 90 minutes, the top 14% for aerial duels won and the best 14% for interceptions.
As data analyst Ben Mattinson also outlined, he’s a bit of a “Jurrien Timber 2.0”. That’s not just because he can play competently in the middle and on the sides, but he’s also incredibly hard to beat.
Timber was very rarely beaten by a defender in 2024/25, only losing 0.34 challenges per 90 minutes, enough to rank him among the best 5% of full-backs in the Premier League. Hato is even better in this regard, ranking in the finest 1% of players in the top five leagues for his metric, losing just 0.10 challenges per 90.
So, he’s really one of the best in his position, even before he’s reached his 20th birthday. There wouldn’t be many better Huijsen alternatives out there, that’s for sure.
Ajax Amsterdam's JorrelHatocelebrates after the match
But, what would his arrival mean for those already at the club?
What Hato's arrival would mean for Arsenal
Well, it’s safe to say that Arsenal don’t have a bottomless pit of money this summer and if they are going to spend big, it surely has to be on strengthening the forward ranks.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres continue to be linked with a move to bolster the striking ranks at Arteta’s disposal. Thus, how can they free up room for Hato, both in terms of game time and financially?
Well, with Kieran Tierney already out the exit door, heading for Celtic, there’s one less competitor for a place at left-back. Myles Lewis-Skelly could also be moved into midfield, his more natural position.
But, as far as sales go, we’re looking at Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Kiwior looked certain to leave a few months ago but after Gabriel’s hamstring injury, the Pole came in and deputised to an exceptional level.
He notably kept a clean sheet in the win over Real Madrid at the Emirates and looked the more assured of the two between him and William Saliba at the Bernabeu, where it was the Frenchman’s error that led to a Madrid consolation goal. He even scored in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Gabriel
42
3,500
Jakub Kiwior
30
2,155
Riccardo Calafiori
29
1,497
Myles Lewis-Skelly
39
2,306
Oleksandr Zinchenko
23
789
Kieran Tierney
20
447
So, with Kiwior now more likely to stay, it will surely be Zinchenko to depart. According to new reports, he could now be ‘closing in’ on an exit.
Back in January, the £30m signing from Manchester City attracted the interest of Borussia Dortmund but a move ultimately didn’t happen.
Six months down the line and a deal could finally materialise with Dortmund once again monitoring the situation, according to Caught Offside. The same report notes that Zinchenko has a fellow suitor in the form of AC Milan who view him as a possible reinforcement.
Arsenal would now be happy to sell the Ukrainian, but only if they receive a fee in the region of £10m-£15m.
A departure this summer would be unsurprising, particularly given his waning minutes over the season that’s just concluded.
Indeed, the 28-year-old has gone from one of the first names on the teamsheet back in his debut year in London to someone who can barely get a game.
He revolutionised the style Arteta’s side played with, inverting from his left-back position but the manager has now found fresher blood capable of doing that, chiefly Lewis-Skelly.
Zinchenko only played 23 games in all competitions in 2024/25 and only started five league games all season long. It’s safe to say it wasn’t the finest year of his career, even if he did score a Champions League goal against PSV Eindhoven.
So, if the former City title-winner does move on, not only will it free up funds for more transfer business but it would also free up a space in the squad for Hato to fill.
For Andrea Berta, this is surely a no-brainer if the stars align.
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It’s safe to say that Liverpool and their closest title rivals this season, Arsenal, enjoyed very different weeks.
While the Gunners were in Paris, crashing out of the Champions League, those back at Merseyside were metaphorically and quite literally on the beach.
Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was pictured enjoying a sandy sun-kissed setting just a few days before their clash with Mikel Arteta’s men on Sunday.
Truth be told, the opening to the game very much played out like one where both teams wanted the campaign to end.
Arsenal spurned early chances after lacklustre Liverpool defending and then the visitors did not cover themselves in glory across a two-minute spell from the 20th minute, where Arne Slot’s side raced into a 2-0 lead.
While the Londoners came back into things courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino, the result meant nothing for the Reds. They have, of course, already won the league.
Still, it wasn’t without its drama. Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed after being brought on as a sub. He’s not the only one who is likely playing his final minutes for the Anfield outfit though.
Trent and Carragher
Who could leave Liverpool this summer
The most important news for Liverpool heading into the transfer window is that, despite Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid, they are keeping their other two most important assets.
Indeed, only a few weeks ago, both Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah signed new terms, ensuring that Slot’s side should still be pretty strong next season.
Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah
That said, there could be sweeping changes elsewhere, notably in the forward line. Indeed, the future looks remarkably uncertain for winger Luis Diaz.
The Colombian has had a sensational term for Liverpool, scoring 17 goals and registering eight assists in all competitions. His form has attracted the interest of Barcelona, according to reports, and he could well be exiting in the summer.
Diogo Jota’s future also remains unclear. The Portuguese has been a very underrated player since moving from Wolves but has arguably endured his toughest year at the club.
Liverpool striker Diogo Jota
Jota has missed 18 games for club and country this term due to muscle problems and he’s not been too consistent on the field either, finding the net on just nine occasions in 36 outings.
As a result, amid reported interest from the Saudi Pro League, it would not be a surprise if FSG agreed to sanction his departure without much hesitation.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
You may notice we’re missing one key name here, though.
What the future holds for Darwin Nunez at Liverpool
Has there been a more perplexing attacker in Liverpool history than Darwin Nunez? On his day, he’s a world-beater, boasting pace and power to burst past the most resolute of defences. However, his finishing leaves a lot to be desired, particularly when he cost a club-record £85m.
Well, since that move, he’s not exactly set the world alight in English football. Consequently, a move away could well be on the cards.
According to reports from Spain over the weekend, Nunez has already attracted two bids worth around £50m from Italian side Napoli and German team RB Leipzig.
Liverpool's DarwinNunezcelebrates after winning the Premier League
It’s revealed that the Reds are ‘in no rush’ to sell the player, but with Slot wanting to improve the options at his disposal this summer, that could be important cash gained.
First and foremost, that’s a primary reason FSG must be open to bids this summer. While a move for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, now valued at £150m, is likely off the cards, Liverpool have been linked with Benjamin Sesko of the aforementioned Leipzig.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
While the Slovenian is certainly raw, like Nunez was when he moved to Anfield, there is a belief that he could reach elite levels in the not-too-distant future, having netted 21 times in 2024/25.
The biggest reason for wanting to move the Uruguayan on, however, is that he’s far too wasteful to play back up, let alone be the focal point of the team alongside Salah.
Liverpool's Darwin Nunez and MohamedSalahcelebrate after the match
This season, Nunez has a measly goal tally of just seven in 45 appearances. The 25-year-old has only started eight league games as well. For someone who cost as much as he did, that simply isn’t acceptable.
His record of missing big chances is also particularly poor.
2022/23
29
9
20
2023/24
36
11
27
2024/25
28
5
7
To his credit, the £140k-per-week earner has improved in that regard this season, but the damage as far as his reputation in the Premier League was already done by the time the 2024/25 campaign had come around.
In the South American’s first year, only Erling Haaland (28) and Marcus Rashford (22) missed more big chances, while last term, only Haaland (34), was worse. Now, the key difference here is that while the Norwegian powerhouse misses a lot of chances, he also puts them away at an incredible rate.
Salah has had an extraordinarily good season in front of goal this time around, bagging 33, and while he is unlikely to slow down too much next season, Liverpool need someone else to take on the goalscoring burden.
It’s safe to say Nunez just isn’t going to be that person. He should be sold with an upgrade sought.
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Leeds United have conducted excellent work in the transfer window over the last couple of years, undoubtedly aiding their Championship title-winning campaign in 2024/25.
Daniel Farke has built a superb side, which has constantly been affected by sales, with Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville all departing last summer after the play-off final defeat.
The likes of Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Joel Piroe have all been signed since the German’s appointment in the summer of 2023, all playing influential roles in securing promotion to the Premier League.
However, added spending is likely needed over the next couple of months if the Whites are to maintain their Premier League status for more than just a single season.
With the summer window rapidly approaching, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting reinforcements to aid Farke in his quest throughout 2025/26.
The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions
Striker Callum Wilson has been the biggest name on Leeds’ shortlist over the last couple of weeks, with it reported that Farke’s side were leading the race for his signature this summer.
The 33-year-old is set to leave Newcastle United this summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of June, but could face competition from West Ham United for his signature in the coming months.
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson
However, he’s not the only player on their shortlist ahead of the off-season, with £10m Union Berlin right-back Josip Juranovic emerging as another option, according to TBR Football.
Their report states that the Whites are battling Burnley, West Ham and Fulham for the 29-year-old’s signature after making 17 appearances in the Bundesliga this campaign.
It also claims that the Croatian would be interested in a move to the Premier League during the upcoming window, with no offers yet made for his services.
Why Leeds’ latest target could be Farke’s next Tanaka
Midfielder Ao Tanaka has cemented himself as a fan favourite at Leeds after his heroic displays during his debut campaign in Yorkshire – being named in the EFL’s Team of the Season as a result.
The Japanese international joined the club from German outfit Fortuna Düsseldorf for a fee in the region of just £3.5m, which now looks to be a bargain given his showings at Elland Road.
The 26-year-old made 43 appearances, scoring five goals and registering two assists, highlighting the impact he’s made at both ends of the pitch over the last few months.
He will likely be a key part of any success endured in the Premier League throughout 2025/26, more than deserving of an opportunity in the top-flight given his time in Yorkshire to date.
Should the hierarchy complete a deal for Juranovic, it would hand Farke another version of the midfielder, joining the club from a German side – market that has evidently served them well in recent times.
Former Celtic star Josip Juranovic.
Any move for the 29-year-old would see added competition for Jayden Bogle, offering depth should Sam Byram fail to agree a new contract at Elland Road.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Union Berlin ace would set the club back, he would be a shrewd addition, producing numerous key stats that would see him be a fit in the first team.
Josip Juranovic’s stats for Union Berlin in the Bundesliga (2023/24)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
17
Minutes played
1159
Chances created
2.1
Successful crosses
2.1
Dribble success
58%
Tackles won
62%
Duels won
3.3
Recoveries made
4.8
Stats via FotMob
He’s managed to win 62% of the tackles he’s entered, along with 4.8 recoveries made, handing Farke an added defensive presence in what’s likely to be a difficult campaign.
However, Juranovic, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by former boss Ange Postecoglou, has also starred with the ball at his feet, creating 2.1 chances per 90 and completing 58% of the dribbles he’s attempted – offering the likes of Piroe, Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto an opportunity to improve their goalscoring tallies.
Given the interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, the hierarchy will have to act quickly to avoid missing out on his signature this summer, potentially landing themselves a bargain transfer in the process.
Should he manage to get anywhere close to the levels produced by Tanaka in Yorkshire over the last few months, it would be yet another sensational signing and one that would increase their chances of Premier League survival in 2025/26.
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Arsenal fans have to be feeling pretty down right now.
After coming close to silverware in 22/23 and closer still last year, they have once again seen their team fail to win the Premier League and, fresher than that, fail to win their first Champions League semi-final in over a decade.
Mikel Arteta must be feeling like he’s been cursed right about now, and while that’s probably taking things too far, there is one disappointing trend that has followed the club for almost twenty years now.
Since William Gallas received the armband in 2007, more often than not, the Gunners’ captains have either seen their form fade, suffered injury after injury, or most dramatically of all, simply fallen out with the fans – and the current skipper is no different.
Arsenal's cursed armband
While we could go through every captain the club have had in the last twenty or so years, there are two more recent players who perhaps demonstrate what we are talking about better than any others: Granit Xhaka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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Despite being a known firebrand and someone capable of doing ridiculous things on a football pitch, the former was elected skipper by his teammates in September 2019 under manager Unai Emery.
Now, in his defence, it wasn’t a particularly nice time for the club; the team had just missed out on the top four, had been humiliated in the Europa League Final by Chelsea, and started the new campaign poorly, so it felt like something was going to give at some point, and it did.
It was a home game against Crystal Palace in November of the same year, and with the score level at 2-2, the Swiss international was taken off in the 61st minute, but instead of being clapped off, he was jeered, which saw him respond in kind by throwing the shirt and armband to the floor.
It looked like his Arsenal career was over, but somehow, Arteta convinced him to stay, and he became a firm fan favourite again, no longer with the weight of the captaincy on his shoulders.
Unfortunately, things didn’t end so well for Aubameyang, as within a year of taking the role from the Swiss midfielder, he saw his previously incredible goalscoring ability all but disappear.
Moreover, he wasn’t just making the wrong choices on the pitch either, as he was increasingly pushing the limits off of it, with the manager famously leaving him out of the North London Derby in March 2021.
The situation became so negative that the club were forced to let him leave for free in January 2022, which would have been inconceivable when he first received the armband.
The bad news is that the curse once again seems alive and well.
Arsenal's curse continues
Indeed, while we all hoped it wasn’t the case, it’s become increasingly difficult to deny the sad reality that, as things stand, Martin Odegaard appears to be the next victim of Arsenal’s captaincy curse.
The Norwegian maestro was first handed the massive responsibility in the summer of 2022, at just 23 years old, and for a good couple of years, it looked as if he was going to be the first skipper in a generation to lead the club to glory.
However, he picked up the first significant injury of his Gunners career early on this season, and while everyone expected him to take a while to get back to his best upon his return, it’s been six months now, and he looks a shadow of the man who won successive Player of the Year awards.
Appearances
45
48
42
Minutes
3404′
4053′
3252′
Goals
15
11
5
Assists
7
11
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.48
0.45
0.38
Minutes per Goal Involvement
154.72′
184.22
203.25′
Moreover, the £30m signing’s drop in output, while undeniable, is only part of the problem.
For example, instead of picking up the ball from deep and getting it forward with a brilliant pass or mercurial piece of skill, every action now looks laboured, as if he’s running with weights in his boots.
Moreover, his ability to hold onto the ball in dangerous areas has seemingly fallen off a cliff, with every fan now all too familiar with the picture of him receiving the ball on the edge of the box and then simply losing it, either through a misjudged pass or poor control.
The consistently lacklustre performances are starting to turn fans as well, with content creator Rimedi arguing he’s “not at the level” to lead this team and the Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid exclaiming that he was “anonymous” during the second half of their game in Paris a few days ago.
Ultimately, next season will let us know whether Odegaard really is just the next victim of the club’s wretched curse or just out of form – although it’s not looking good.
Arsenal line up move for PSG star who'd be a big upgrade on Martinelli
The incredibly entertaining international is just what Arsenal need this summer.
The left-arm fast bowler talks about moving on from the nightmare over, and what he has learned from Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami and Zaheer Khan
Interview by Nagraj Gollapudi and Nikhil Sharma18-Sep-20241:32
A timeline of Yash Dayal’s incredible redemption
When Yash Dayal helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru seal a spot in the 2024 IPL playoffs by defending 17 in the last over against Chennai Super Kings, his performance was widely described as redemption for failing to defend 29 against Rinku Singh and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023Earlier this year Dayal, 26, impressed the selectors enough with his skills in white-ball and first-class cricket to be given a fast-bowling contract. And this month, he got his maiden Test call-up when he was picked in India’s squad to play the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. Dayal talks here about how he struggled to cope after the KKR match, his thoughts before bowling the final over against CSK, a significant conversation he had with Virat Kohli ahead of the 2024 IPL, and the cricketers who make up his support system.You are one step closer to realising the dream of playing for India. What has it been like since you received the Test call-up? In 2022 I was named in the Indian squad for the first time – for an ODI series in Bangladesh – but I couldn’t make it due to injury. At the start of the Duleep Trophy [earlier this month], I was aware that there was a spot for a left-arm fast bowler in the Indian Test team. In the first innings, my bowling was normal [1 for 39 for India B against India A], though not to my satisfaction. But the way I bowled in the second innings [3 for 50], I believed I was a strong contender.We comfortably won the match and my performance was very good. I was at the team hotel in Bangalore, watching TV, when I got a message from a friend saying I’d been selected in India’s Test squad. I didn’t believe him, but a little later I saw my name in the Test squad on BCCI’s website.Related
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Immediately I kept my phones aside to try to process what was happening inside me emotionally.I had become too emotional, because getting a Test call-up is very big. I started recalling my journey across the years. I then called my family: my mother and my sister were equally emotional, tears of joy were rolling down their faces. I spoke to my dad in the evening. It was like a festival at home. A lot of people had gathered and the and [types of drums] were being played. The BCCI fast-bowling contract you got earlier this year – was that the first signal that you were in the India management’s plans? I was already in the targeted pool after the 2022 IPL. But now, getting a fast-bowling contract given to a select few – I was aware that if I do well in domestic cricket, it could be easy to get the India call-up.At first I wasn’t aware what exactly happens with players in the targeted pool. But soon I understood that everything about my game would be looked after and monitored by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). That includes not just my bowling but my workload, training sessions, how much strain was on my body.A lot has changed in the last two years. When I see senior players from up close, when I talk to them, I notice [that some of them] travel with personal chefs, they measure what they eat, how much rice they consume, how much protein had, things to avoid to enhance their training. When I see them looking that lean, it naturally motivates me.In the 2023 IPL, after that match against KKR, I became slightly weak and my focus wasn’t there. But slowly I started to cope with what had happened. After that I made a set-up so I would not turn back – whether it be in training or my diet, I would be so clear that when I make the comeback, I would leave no stone unturned. I took the decision to focus on the assignments given to me and the targets I need to meet. Because of that I now feel that this call-up has come at the best time.”My basic bowling strength has always been swing. Then I developed speed to go with my swing, which is very difficult for batsmen to confront”•BCCIYour sister, Suchi, is a nutritionist. What role has she played in your career? [MS Dhoni] hit Lockie [Ferguson] for a four in the 19th over [CSK scored 18 in that over]. At that point there was this anxiety in my head. I hoped CSK would need a lot of runs in the final over. There was this [changes direction]. I have always believed without swing nearly 90% of my bowling strength will be reduced.Dayal on what defending 17 runs in an over against CSK: “[Kohli] told me take my time between deliveries, not to worry about what happened, but that I needed to believe in myself”•BCCIWhile you were at the NCA with other fast bowlers in the targeted pool, Mohammed Shami, your team-mate at Titans was also there for his injury rehab. How has he helped you with your bowling? I have spent a lot of time with Shami bhai at GT, both on and off the ground. He spoke to me a lot about the importance of backspin on the ball and suggested I work on that. He said the more backspin you have, the faster you will be able to bowl.Then there’s Ashu pa [Titans head coach Ashish Nehra], who has played a big role in my professional career. He has supported me a lot. He is the one who got me into the IPL. In the beginning, I used to face problems bowling in first-class cricket. Ashu pa worked on my [bowling] volume. In the IPL, you have to bowl only four overs, but he would say you cannot prepare for just four. You shouldn’t feel tired by the 24th ball. He would make us prepare in a way that even after bowling the 24th ball, you felt you could bowl another six overs. That helped change my mindset and become better at bowling longer spells.Your 27th birthday will fall in the middle of India’s tour of Australia. You wouldn’t mind celebrating your birthday bowling in a Test in Australia, will you? If given a chance, it will be like the ultimate dream coming true.Having picked you in the ODI squad in 2022 and now in the Test squad, it looks like the selectors are considering you an all-format bowler. That does feel really good that the selectors, the BCCI, people at the NCA, show trust in me. Yes, if you are here after performing in the IPL, then it’s obvious that you can do well in white-ball cricket. But now when I was picked for red-ball cricket, I realised they had been observing me for quite some time in domestic cricket.I was first picked for the Bangladesh tour [in 2022]. Since then I’d been wondering if I would ever get another chance [to make it to an India squad]. I have heard from others that it’s a big thing to make a comeback. I get that boost that I have made my comeback to such a big Test team that has all these big names who will play alongside me.
New era began with a loss, and focus on bowlers than batting depth – Buttler will have to learn quickly ahead of T20 World Cup
Matt Roller08-Jul-2022It was an incongruous handover. “Today, I start my new life as an England fan,” Eoin Morgan wrote in his programme notes for his old side’s T20I series against India. “I think for now it makes sense to detach myself from the England set-up a little bit, to give Jos [Buttler] and Motty [Matthew Mott, the white-ball coach] some room.”But it was hard to escape Morgan’s presence at the Ageas Bowl on Thursday night. Rather than relaxing at home with a glass of red wine in England’s first game since his international retirement, Morgan was on site in a crisp white shirt, watching on from the Sky Sports “pod” on the boundary edge.At the start of the 12th over, when Chris Jordan returned to bowl his second over, former England batter Nick Knight was thrown on commentary. “Morgan has gone to his most experienced bowler because he knows the importance of this partnership,” he said, before correcting himself: “Buttler, even…” The change of captaincy has loomed for some time, but it will take some getting used to.Related
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Buttler has led England before in white-ball cricket – five times in T20Is and nine times in ODIs – but this was his first game in full-time charge, and represented a reality check as to the scale of the role. He has a significant burden on his workload in this format in particular – opening the batting and keeping wicket as well as now captaining – and this was the first of a dozen games in a 25-day window which will be a significant test.The first obvious difference of the Buttler era was in selection. Morgan prioritised batting depth at all costs throughout his tenure, but under Buttler in the first T20I against India in Southampton, England fielded an extra bowling option compared to the sides they played throughout last year’s World Cup, with Tymal Mills unusually high at No. 9.”That will develop over time,” Morgan said of their balance. “There’s flexibility depending on how we see fit.”But the biggest change was simply his position behind the stumps, rather than in the field. Morgan would typically field at extra cover, giving him easy access to his bowlers throughout an over to discuss plans. “I always felt I wanted to give the bowler clear direction at the top of his mark,” he explained on air.Buttler attacked by using Moeen Ali in the powerplay, and got mixed results•PA Images via Getty ImagesButtler, by contrast, generally opted to leave his bowlers to the task at hand, delegating responsibility to two senior players in Moeen Ali and Jordan when he felt a message needed to be relayed. At times, bowlers appeared isolated: during Matt Parkinson’s second over when deep extra cover, long-off and long-on were in place, there were no red shirts within 20 yards of the bowler.”If you need to talk, it’s easy to just to do the legwork as a wicketkeeper and touch base at the start of overs,” Buttler said. “A lot of the time either Chris Jordan or Moeen Ali is at mid-off or mid-on relaying messages as well. But I like the bowlers to take some ownership; I like them to try and lead that as much as they can.”And of course, doing that legwork, we can have good conversations as to what we’re trying to achieve.”Buttler made several attacking moves, not least opting to dangle the carrot to India in the powerplay by giving the third and fifth overs to Moeen. It was a qualified success: Moeen removed Rohit Sharma with an arm ball which took his outside edge, and had Ishan Kishan caught top-edging a sweep to short fine leg. However, he returned 2 for 26 in the powerplay, being swept for consecutive fours by Rohit and launched over long-on by Deepak Hooda for back-to-back sixes.Buttler had spoken in the build-up about looking to solve England’s death-bowling problems by taking early wickets, and was successful up to a point: the final six overs cost 48 runs as Jordan, in particular, thrived by bowling hard lengths, but India still managed 198 after putting England’s new-ball bowlers under pressure with their early intent.Buttler was bowled first ball as full-time England captain•Getty ImagesWith the bat, England fell a long way short, and Buttler conceded that India’s “fantastic new-ball spell” had changed the game. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh both found prodigious swing with the new ball in stark contrast to England’s seamers; in typical Morgan style, Buttler suggested that might have been different if they had “hit one to the stands to reduce the swing”.Buttler himself is among the world’s most in-form white-ball batter after following up his MVP-winning IPL season with two stunning innings against Netherlands last month. But he could use a score in one of this weekend’s T20Is against India to remove any suggestion that his batting will suffer under the burden of his new role.There was not much he could have done about his first-ball duck on Thursday night at the hands of Bhuvneshwar, whose hooping inswinger tailed in sharply to crash into leg stump. It was his fourth duck in his last seven innings as captain, but there has been no kind of pattern to those dismissals, spread out across a four-year period.Morgan’s one-word description of Buttler’s captaincy at the innings break was “exceptional”, but it will take time for both of them to become used to their respective new roles. They are close friends, and live nearby too, but Buttler’s challenge is to find his own voice and continue England’s evolution; with just over three months until the World Cup, he will have to learn quickly.