Lionel Messi considers it to be “unacceptable to tie a game”, with Julian Gressel revealing that draws annoy his illustrious Inter Miami team-mate.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Most decorated player of all-timeSets the highest of standardsWill be back for more in 2025Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has not become the most decorated player of all-time by accepting mediocrity, with the Argentina superstar expecting to win every time that he takes to the field. That passion and drive continues to burn bright at 37 years of age.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Messi was able to help Inter Miami to a historic Supporters’ Shield triumph in 2024, as they posted a new regular season high in the points department, but ultimate MLS Cup glory proved elusive. The South American GOAT was demanding more from himself and those alongside him in Florida, with Gressel explaining the mindset that makes Messi different.
WHAT GRESSEL SAID
USMNT star Gressel has told the podcast: “It's demanding [in the locker room with Messi]. You're talking about the player with the most wins in the history of the game. They're coming in and they're expecting the same, and you as a teammate, you kind of have to get accustomed to that and get used to that with Messi, [Luis] Suarez, [Sergio] Busquets and [Jordi] Alba. It's unacceptable to tie a game, as simple as that. We tied a game earlier in the year and I remember him being really, really upset in the locker room, he's like, ‘We shouldn't tie, we can't tie’.”
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Gressel added on how Messi and Co get their message across when it comes to pursuing perfection: “When it comes to the game or when it comes to being serious, it's being serious and it's time. If you're not doing your part, you're getting it, like, you're hearing it. You notice they're not content. [Messi has] addressed other guys directly, he's more so quiet, but you have guys like Luis, who's a little bit more emotional. He's more outgoing in a sense, emotionally outgoing like that, so you hear more from him. Messi will certainly come up to you and will talk to you more so rather than be in your face about things. So we definitely kind of see that demand.”
Chelsea are looking to bolster their squad heading into the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, having finished sixth last season, five points away from a top-four finish, which would have seen them qualify for Champions League football.
New manager Enzo Maresca has already been equipped with reinforcements, such as Leicester City POTY Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Caleb Wiley, Renato Veiga, and Omari Kellyman.
Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
But Chelsea could still have further changes to their squad, with links circulating of adding another striker and potentially a left-winger to the mix, as well as some potential outgoings.
Chelsea transfer news
According to reports from Football Insider earlier this month, Chelsea are among the clubs keeping tabs on Crystal Palace star, Eberechi Eze, who is also attracting attention from Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United.
The reports state Eze has a £60m release clause in his contract at Palace, but it does include some 'complications' such as a clause dependent on whether the buying club is in the Champions League or not.
Eberechi Eze celebrates for Crystal Palace
Eze made 31 appearances for Crystal Palace last season in all competitions, scoring 11 goals, providing six assists, and totalling 2,285 minutes of football.
Why Eze could thrive with Osimhen
By adding the creativity of Eze to the clinical finishing of Victor Osimhen – who could be on his way to west London this summer – you could have a recipe for success.
Osimhen made 32 appearances for Napoli last season, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists. The season prior, he managed 31 goals and five assists, showing his reliability at putting the ball in the back of the net.
A massive factor in Osimhen's success at Napoli, was playmaker and partner in crime, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgia international managed nine assists in the 2023/24 season, and 17 in the 2022/23 season, showing his importance for chance creation.
It is then noteworthy that Eze is viewed as a similar player to Kvaratskhelia, according to FBref, thus ensuring that the Englishman could be Osimhen's new dream partner at Stamford Bridge.
Stats (per 90 mins)
Eze
Kvaratskhelia
Assists
0.18
0.19
Shot-Creating Actions
4.82
5.21
Progressive Passes
4.07
3.22
Key Passes
2.37
2.17
Passes into Penalty Area
1.97
1.30
Successful Take-Ons
3.02
3.44
Described as "mesmerising" by Palace teammate Joel Ward, Eze is highly praised for his ability on the ball, and the way he "glides over the pitch". His 3.02 successful take-ons per 90 highlight his ability to carry the ball, mixed with his 2.37 key passes per 90 – showing his end product doesn't lack.
Although Eze ranks marginally below Kvaratskhelia for assists per 90, averaging 0.18, to the Georgian's 0.19, the creative numbers such as progressive passes, key passes and passes into the penalty area all rank higher, showing the potential to strike a similar dynamic for the lethal Osimhen.
Pairing the creative passing and chance creation of Eze, with the 3.73 shots per 90, and 0.52 Non-Penalty goals per 90 of Osimhen, could be a recipe for plenty of goals in Chelsea blue.
Pairing Eze with Osimhen could also unlock even more for the 26-year-old Palace star, with extra attention being paid to the Nigerian striker, it would give Eze even more space to operate, and perhaps even unlock further his goal threat.
Outscored Osimhen & Palmer: Chelsea could land £86m Jackson upgrade
Chelsea continue to hunt for clinical striker option
Manchester United are once again stepping up their transfer plans ahead of the upcoming Premier League season and have reportedly begun discussing personal terms with one of their targets.
Man Utd facing left-back dilemma
Erik ten Hag's side are facing something of a dilemma at fullback heading into the new campaign. First choice Luke Shaw missed much of last season through injury, forcing the Manchester United boss to opt for makeshift options in the role, a position that Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof and even Sofyan Amrabat were asked to fill at various points.
Meanwhile, second choice option Tyrell Malacia missed the entire campaign with an injury of his own, leading to speculation that a left-back might be signed this summer.
Personal terms no issue: Man Utd closing in on their own Amadou Onana
The Red Devils could be set to make a third signing of the summer…
ByRobbie Walls Aug 9, 2024
But Shaw's return quietened those rumours, and the latest comments from Ten Hag appear to suggest that Malacia could be back in the coming weeks too.
"Tyrell is now in a good place," Ten Hag told Man Utd.com. "But he is not here because I only took players who could play games or be available for team training.
"He is not that far [off], but he is now in a progress situation. At a relatively short notice, he can again return into team training and then into team performance in games. I think it would be possible [to be available again] in two months."
However, with both players injury prone, the club could do with someone versatile and able to fill in at full back and across the pitch when required. Now, they seem to have found that player.
Manchester United chase "special" talent
That comes amid reports that the Red Devils are eyeing up a potential move for Fenerbahce defender Ferdi Kadioglu. The Turkish defender has been linked with Brighton and Southampton this summer as he heads into the final two years of his £47,000 a week deal in Turkey, and Manchester United are the latest to join the hunt.
That is according to Turkish reporter Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, who took to X to reveal that talks have been held between the Red Devils and Kadioglu's camp over a potential move to Old Trafford.
"Manchester United met with Ferdi Kadıoğlu's representative and asked about the contract terms he would demand from them in case of an agreement with Fenerbahce."
Former teammate Ole Romeny, who played with him at NEC Nijmegen, described him as a "special" talent: "The absolute top. He is also special as a left-back, there is no one with those footballing qualities."
Though listed as a left-sided player, Kadioglu is one of the most versatile players in Europe, having played across midfield and in both fullback positions so far in his career.
Ferdi Kadioglu's appearances by position (min 10 appearances, via transfermarkt)
Right Back
37
Attacking Midfield
56
Left Back
67
Right Winger
44
Right Midfield
19
Left Winger
24
Left Midfield
20
Central Midfield
15
That versatility could prove a massive bonus at Manchester United, with the Red Devils still looking light in the centre of the pitch as well as at left-back, meaning that Kadioglu could see plenty of action were he to make the move.
It is thought that his current side are holding out for around £30m to part ways with the defender, with a host of clubs pushing for a move, which may well mean Ten Hag and co. will have to speed up negotiations should they truly want to land the 24-year-old.
With the series in the bag, the only dampener for the hosts in the third and final T20I in Auckland could be rain
Mohammad Isam31-Mar-2021Big PictureNew Zealand are about to end their all-win home summer that has stretched seven series. They have hosted 21 international matches, the most by any country since the Covid-19 pandemic. It is regarded as an administrative success, particularly given their country’s stringent quarantine protocols. The only dampener is likely to be the rain in the forecast in Auckland for the season finale, the third T20I against Bangladesh.A major strength for New Zealand has been their newcomers turning in superb contributions even after they have been put under pressure. In the second T20I in Napier, it was Glenn Phillips whose unbeaten half-century got them out of trouble and into a total that proved too much for Bangladesh amid confusion over the DLS-determined target. Daryl Mitchell helped Phillips in an unbroken 62-run sixth-wicket stand that came off just 27 balls.In the first match, it was Devon Conway and debutant Will Young who got them into a position of strength. New Zealand will also be pleased with how Ish Sodhi has continued his good form throughout the summer despite playing only T20Is. During the ongoing T20I series in particular, Tim Southee’s captaincy has also stood out.Come the third and final T20I on Thursday, they wouldn’t mind Martin Guptill getting a big score as he has been in threatening form since the ODI series against Bangladesh with his quick starts. Finn Allen, too, would be eyeing a sizeable score having made just 17 across two innings so far in this series. There’s going to be an opportunity to see who among Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson and Hamish Bennett get to pair up in Auckland.Related
'Almost felt like my debut' – Milne relishes NZ comeback
DLS drama: Confusion over target reigns as Bangladesh begin chase
Bangladesh have had a few positives during this tour but their players have been somewhat inconsistent. Nasum Ahmed bowled well in both T20Is, particularly opening the bowling, although he has only two wickets to show for so far. Soumya Sarkar’s half-century in the second T20I should help him get out of a trough.Mohammad Naim has shown glimpses of his impressive strokeplay in both games, albeit without a big score. Afif Hossain made 45 in a losing cause in the first game, in Hamilton, while Shoriful bounced back with an economical spell in Napier after a disastrous debut in the series opener.Mohammad Saifuddin has been expensive with the ball in both games, Liton Das has scored only 50 runs on this tour while Mohammad Mithun and Mahedi Hasan haven’t converted their promise from the ODI series.Form guide(last five completed matches) New Zealand WWWLL Bangladesh LLWWLIn the spotlightGlenn Phillips has been unbeaten in his last three international matches, with all three being pivotal to New Zealand wins. In the second T20I, his 58 came off 31 balls, his big-hitting prowess on show as much as his diligence in building partnerships during a tricky passage of play.It’s hard to predict which Soumya Sarkar might turn up in Auckland. He averaged 9.5 on the tour until his quickfire 51 in Napier. It contained an array of special shots but his dismissal sparked a batting collapse. Perhaps getting back to form is important but for a batsman with 129 international matches under his belt getting the team to winning positions is his main job.Team newsOnly Todd Astle is yet to get a game in this series while the pace combination of Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne may also come to fruition.New Zealand (probable) 1 Finn Allen, 2 Martin Guptill, 3 Devon Conway (wk), 4 Will Young, 5 Glenn Phillips, 6 Mark Chapman, 7 Daryl Mitchell, 8 Tim Southee (capt), 9 Ish Sodhi, 10, Adam Milne, 11 Hamish BennettBangladesh may not want to tweak the starting XI that to some degree tested New Zealand in the previous game unless Mushfiqur Rahim is fit.Bangladesh (probable) 1 Liton Das (wk), 2 Mohammad Naim, 3 Soumya Sarkar, 4 Mohammad Mithun, 5 Mahmudullah (capt), 6 Afif Hossain, 7 Mahedi Hasan, 8 Mohammad Saifuddin, 9 Shoriful Islam, 10 Nasum Ahmed, 11 Taskin AhmedPitch and conditionsThe series-ender will be the first day-night T20I at the Eden Park in five years. Short boundaries and an expected flat pitch hint at a high-scoring game in the offing. There’s rain in the forecast, though.Stats and trivia Martin Guptil’s 582 runs at Eden Park makes him the only player to score 500-plus T20I runs in a single venue. Mahmudullah is set to play his 55th consecutive T20I for Bangladesh, currently the fourth longest in the all-time list. Essentially, he hasn’t missed a T20I since November 2015.Quotes”I have been ridden with injuries in the last three years, so I want to be injury-free, firstly. I am just going to try to keep my body in the park and play consistent cricket.””We haven’t done well in all three departments in one particular game. We have bowled well and batted well in separate matches. We need to bring it all together to win a game.”
The veteran striker set to join MLS's surprise playoff outfit, will onboard at the start of the 2025 season
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Choupo-Moting joins RBNY on two-year dealHas scored 108 overall goalsLast played at Bayern Munich until the end of '23-24Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The New York Red Bulls will add some much-needed firepower up top next season as they have reportedly signed Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting on a two-year deal that starts in January 2025.
Choupo-Moting, 35, has had a well-traveled career in Europe, having played for seven clubs on the continent. The Cameroonian international is a bit of late bloomer, with his career taking off in the past five years with notable stops at Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. The striker scored 46 of his 108 overall career goals with those two clubs during that span.
It is unclear whether Choupo-Moting will be one of the Red Bulls' designated players next season.
Sky Sports Germany were first to report the signing.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The Red Bulls are MLS's surprise contender this postseason as they stand two wins away from winning the Cup. Yet, despite their success, striker has been an inconsistent position for Sandro Schwarz throughout the campaign.
Dante Vanzeir and Lewis Morgan have both played the position during the year, but both are better suited on the wing. With Choupo-Moting's reported arrival, he would give the Red Bulls a forward with good size at 6-3 who is adept at triggering the press from up top. All Red Bulls teams are renown for their pressing style of play, so on paper, it's an ideal fit — even if Moting is in the latter half of his 30s.
DID YOU KNOW?
Choupo-Moting has largely had a solid career as a striker, but his first year at PSG left some legitimate questions over his quality.
That's all because of an EPIC missed attempt at goal that would ultimately cost Paris the Ligue 1 title in a match against Strasburg. BBC has dubbed the worst miss in the history of football.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
WHAT NEXT FOR THE RED BULLS?
New York travels to face Orlando City SC Saturday in the MLS Eastern Conference final.
Arsenal kickstarted their Premier League campaign in the best way possible last weekend with a relatively comfortable 2-0 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Mikel Arteta's side weren't at their very best, but a brilliant header from Kai Havertz in the first half and a spectacular strike from Bukayo Saka in the second was enough to see them pick up all three points.
However, while there is much to be optimistic about heading into the next ten months, some fans are still hesitant to get too carried away, as Edu Gaspar and Co have yet to make an attacking addition to the first team this summer, despite finishing last season with five goals fewer than Manchester City.
The good news is that recent reports have revealed that the Gunners are looking to reinforce the frontline in the next eight days, and the latest star touted for a move to the Emirates could even challenge Havertz for a place in the team.
Arsenal transfer news
According to a recent report from Italy, Arsenal are now preparing a bid for Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.
Ademola Lookman for Atalanta
The report has revealed that the North Londoners are planning to make an offer of €50m, which is £42m, plus defender Jakub Kiwior to the Serie A side for their incredibly talented attacker.
However, the report also claims that the Bergamo-based outfit currently value the Nigerian superstar at between €65m to €70m, which would convert to between £55m and £59m.
Whether Atalanta are willing to accept the Gunners' cash plus player deal remains to be seen, but following his stellar campaign last season, Lookman would be a brilliant signing and might be able to challenge Havertz for a place in the lineup.
How Lookman compares to Havertz
So, the first thing to say is that one of the most significant benefits of signing Lookman this summer would be that he can play in any position across the frontline, including second striker.
However, considering that he started 15 matches in the centre-forward position last season and that there is still a belief that the Gunners need to strengthen there, he could move to the Emirates with the intention of operating at the top of the pitch.
If that ends up happening, then one of his biggest rivals for a place in the lineup would be Havertz, but how do the pair stack up to one another?
When it comes to their pure output from last season, it's advantage to the Atalanta man, well, sort of. In his 45 appearances, he scored 17 goals and provided ten assists, equating to a goal involvement on average every 1.66 games.
In contrast, the German's haul of 21 goals and assists in 51 appearances comes to an average of a goal involvement every 2.42 games, but when we look at the games in which the pair played up top, things get much closer.
Appearances
45
15
51
18
Goals
17
7
14
8
Games
10
6
7
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.60
0.86
0.41
0.83
For example, the former Chelsea ace's haul of 15 goals and assists in 18 appearances equates to a goal involvement on average every 1.2 games, while the former Everton star's 13 goals and assists in 15 matches comes to a slightly better average of a goal involvement every 1.15 games.
So, while the "unbelievable" Wandsworth-born ace, as dubbed by former Arsenal player Sead Kolasinac, does still maintain a slightly better average than the Gunners' number 29, it's not enough to draw conclusions about who would come out on top were they competing for a spot in Arteta's team.
This is a good thing, though, as if Lookman does end up joining Arsenal in the coming days, he'd have to compete with the likes of Havertz for a chance to be the team's starting nine, which in turn would hopefully see both players strive to be the best they can be, while also giving the manager another attacking option when the team are struggling to break down a stubborn defence.
Therefore, Edu and Co should do what they can to get this transfer sewn up as soon as possible.
A right-footed Saka: Arsenal target unreal £51m Trossard rival
The “blistering” attacker would be an excellent signing for the Gunners.
The attacking midfielder left the game in the first half after taking a knock on the calf, and his side went on to lose 2-1
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Christian Pulisic subbed off with injuryLeads Milan with nine goal contributions in Serie A this seasonAtalanta won 2-1 thanks to late Ademola Lookman goalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Milan and the USMNT might have an injury concern after Christian Pulisic was forced off with a knock in Serie A clash with Atalanta. The attacking midfielder took a blow to his left calf 32 minutes into the contest, and after playing on for five minutes, limped off. He went straight down the tunnel.
The struggled without him, and went on to lose 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Lookman. They are now seventh in Serie A, three points behind sixth-placed Juventus, who occupy the final European spot.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The injury seems to have come an at inopportune time for Milan. were locked at 1-1 against Atalanta when he was removed, and were looking for a result against the reigning Europa League Champions to stay in contention for a European spot next season. Pulisic has been crucial for Paulo Fonseca's side this season, leading the team in goals and assists. Fellow U.S. teammate Yunus Musah also started the contest, and failed to have an impact before being subbed for Samuel Chukwueze late on.
DID YOU KNOW?
Pulisic has remained relatively injury free for the last year. He missed six games at the start of the 2023-24 season, but enjoyed a run of fitness since then.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
DAZNWHAT NEXT FOR PULISIC?
The USMNT star will now await injury evaluation, and there is no immediate update on his status. The Rossoneri play FK Crvena zvezda in the Champions League midweek.
Rajasthan Royals’ Andrew Tye was the first Australian to leave the IPL, on Sunday
ESPNcricinfo staff26-Apr-2021The Australian pair of Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa, both of the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad, have left the IPL and will be returning to Australia. A statement by the franchise put their decision down to “personal reasons”.
Official Announcment:
Adam Zampa & Kane Richardson are returning to Australia for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of #IPL2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore management respects their decision and offers them complete support.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/NfzIOW5Pwl
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 26, 2021
Richardson and Zampa became the second and third Australians to leave the IPL following the Rajasthan Royals’ Andrew Tye’s departure on Sunday. Tye has flown back to Australia to avoid the risk of not being able to return home because of the prevailing Covid-19 situation.
“Everyone’s sort of a bit nervous about whether they can get back into Australia. I dare say there’ll be a few other Australians a bit nervous about getting back into Australia”David Hussey
“There was a number of reasons [for leaving], but the main one was with the situation that has started to happen back home in Perth with a lot of cases in hotel quarantine coming out of India,” Tye told SEN radio from Doha on Monday as he transited on to a flight to Sydney. “Now there’s been a community case in Perth, governments are trying to restrict numbers coming back in, especially Western Australia.”Related
BCCI reassures IPL teams: 'You are totally safe within the bubble'
Fireworks loom as high-flying Capitals, Royal Challengers head to Motera
Can the IPL wield its power to aid a country in crisis?
R Ashwin leaves IPL 2021 to 'support family' amid the pandemic
Englishman Liam Livingstone, also of the Royals, had left for home last week citing “bubble fatigue”, while R Ashwin left the Delhi Capitals team set-up on Sunday to return home to be with his family as India grappled with a vicious second wave of the pandemic.David Hussey, an assistant coach with the Kolkata Knight Riders, has opened up on the subject to the , saying, “Everyone’s sort of a bit nervous about whether they can get back into Australia. I dare say there’ll be a few other Australians a bit nervous about getting back into Australia.”Richardson played one game for the Royal Challengers in IPL 2021, returning figures of 1 for 29 in three overs against the Royals in Mumbai. Zampa hasn’t featured in the playing XI for RCB at all this season despite spin-friendly conditions in Chennai. He had earlier missed the first game of RCB’s season because of his marriage.With Richardson and Zampa leaving, the Royal Challengers’ overseas contingent has been reduced to six players: Finn Allen, Dan Christian, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Kyle Jamieson and Daniel Sams.
Fans might be crying out for signings down Anfield Road but Liverpool are actually in a very good position, having won Arne Slot's first game at the helm against Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
Three points to start the campaign is not the extent of the positivity, with Jurgen Klopp leaving the Merseyside squad in a highly promising position, with a strong framework and an abundance of varied potential.
But that's not to say that it's been flawless. A dogged pursuit to sign Martin Zubimendi ended with no gain, while key triumvirate Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all into the final year of their contracts and without any sign of a resolution.
Such worrying possible outgoings on that front will surely influence transfer thinking, and with Joel Matip now gone and Joe Gomez being linked with a move away, Reds supporters might be treated to a defensive signing before the end of the month.
Liverpool transfer plans
Liverpool have not signed a centre-back since Ibrahima Konate's £36m release clause at RB Leipzig was met in 2021, and now is surely the time to refresh the ranks.
As such, there might be something in whispers that Liverpool are gearing up to sign Marc Guehi this month. As per The Athletic, Liverpool appreciate the England star and could look to accelerate their interest following Crystal Palace's decision to reject four Newcastle United bids, holding out for £75m.
That would mean that FSG would need to sanction an outlay to the same tune as the one-time signing of Van Dijk from Southampton for the same fee – this feels unlikely; Guehi is a talented player but such a figure doesn't really align with Liverpool's circumspect transfer approach.
£75m would also be the required price were Liverpool to sign Everton sensation Jarrad Branthwaite, who has seen his odds slashed on a cross-Merseyside switch this month – make of that what you will.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
It's a big figure and something that Liverpool will be unlikely to sanction, with FSG preferring to complete shrewder deals and turn budding talents into top-class superstars.
Cody Gakpo is one example, with his present market value surpassing both of the English transfer targets…
Cody Gakpo's transfer value in 2024/25
It's January 2023, and Gakpo has just announced himself to the major stage following a sensational campaign in Qatar at the 2022 World Cup.
The Netherlands international had attracted attention from Manchester United and a deal looked to be close, but Liverpool swept by and hijacked the deal, signing Gakpo on an initial £35m deal.
He arrived at a turbulent time, and while he's ebbed and flowed, Gakpo looks ready to tackle the 2024/25 season after a strong finish to the Klopp era and further international success at Euro 2024 in Germany.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo
He has bagged a decent return of 23 goals and nine assists from 46 starting appearances at Liverpool, made all the more impressive when noting that Klopp played him across a wide range of roles, leaving him unable to nail down the fluency that comes with a determined place in the starting 11.
And anyway, his underlying numbers are a thing to behold. Hailed for his "special skill set" by Klopp's former assistant manager Pep Lijnders, the 25-year-old will be itching to showcase his quality under Slot's management.
Assists
0.25
Top 17%
Shot-creating actions
4.19
Top 7%
Passes attempted
31.88
Top 11%
Progressive passes
4.19
Top 7%
Progressive carries
2.36
Top 20%
Successful take-ons
1.62
Top 12%
Tackles
1.16
Top 11%
Because of all this, it's no surprise that Gakpo's market value has shot right up, with CIES Football Observatory's number-crunching model working out that the Dutchman currently bears a market value of £88m, placing him in a higher bracket than both of the aforementioned defensive targets.
It's a testament to FSG's model that Gakpo was found and acquired for a comparatively small figure before being sharpened on Merseyside to a point that sees him regarded among the highest-valued forwards in the Premier League.
The £120k-per-week ace was introduced off the bench in Liverpool's season opener but will feel that he has plenty to give this year and could prove his lofty worth as the campaign goes on, especially if Slot allows him to maintain a more sustained attacking position at the front of the ship.
He notched three goals and an assist over five matches for Oranje in the summer and looked a real menace in a left-sided attacking role – a deployment that he was given sporadically last year.
There's been a real clamour for signings at Liverpool and understandably so. Left wing has been one of the more talked-about positions, and Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon was even reported to have agreed to a £75m deal with the Reds before the Magpies, sweating over a Premier League profit and sustainability (PSR) breach, found an alternative, less damaging route to delve down.
But with Slot adamant that the fleet-footed Luis Diaz is going nowhere, that hardly looks to be detrimental to the prospect of success this season, especially when considering Gakpo's quality in the role.
He's one of the most underrated players in Liverpool's first team and could be in line for a big campaign that will finally announce him as one of the Premier League's very finest forwards. With so much yet to give, Liverpool have definitely hit the jackpot with this one.
Liverpool can land "immense" £38m titan who'd be better than Branthwaite
Two unpredictable sides desperate for a win face off in a two-match Test series in Pallekele
Mohammad Isam20-Apr-2021Big pictureIll-judged shots, inconsistent bowling, dropped catches, batting collapses – these aren’t unexpected anymore when Sri Lanka or Bangladesh play Test cricket. At the same time, when they start the first of two Tests in Pallekele on Wednesday, do expect the odd heroic performance. Those aren’t unusual with these teams either.Bangladesh come into the series having lost their last eight international matches across formats. The wheels came off during the white-ball tour of New Zealand, but the confidence had already been shattered during their 2-0 Test series defeat against West Indies. Bangladesh were favourites at home, but they looked a team without a Plan B when the West Indian rookies fought back in Chattogram and Dhaka.What will particularly hurt Bangladesh is the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, who is currently playing in the IPL. Without him, the visitors will rely heavily on Tamim Iqbal, Mominul Haque, and Mushfiqur Rahim .Related
Shoriful Islam included in Bangladesh squad for first Sri Lanka Test
Hasaranga, Nissanka, Oshada and Embuldeniya – Arthur's picks
Three questions for Sri Lanka, three questions for Bangladesh
Haque: 'We haven't been batting up to expectations'
In the batting department, Iqbal will be expected to provide stability at the top, although he hasn’t had a set opening partner for a long time, and the No. 3 position also remains uncertain. Haque’s home-and-away record carries a Jekyll-Hyde look, which would leave Rahim, one of Bangladesh’s best batters on foreign soil, with some heavy lifting to do. There are concerns in the bowling department, too. Mehidy Hasan and Abu Jayed are the only bowlers who are confirmed inclusions in the XI, leaving at least three spots up for grabs.Bangladesh’s situation opens up an opportunity for Sri Lanka, who recently lost to England at home, and drew 0-0 in the West Indies. A few fightbacks notwithstanding, Sri Lanka have mostly struggled to get going in the recent past. At home, South Africa were the last visitors they truly dominated, in February 2019. After a 2-0 win in that series, they drew against New Zealand and lost to Pakistan, too.The emergence of Oshada Fernando and Pathum Nissanka has helped the team strike a balance, with Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal bringing in the experience. Mathews returns after missing the West Indies series. Lahiru Thirimanne’s three fifties against West Indies were also encouraging, but for Sri Lanka to do better, these batters have to score big.Much of the hosts’ bowling would depend on Suranga Lakmal in the absence of the injured Lasith Embuldeniya, who has been their highest wicket-taker this year so far. Vishwa Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga and Lahiru Kumara will also have to lend support to Lakmal’s new-ball efforts.Mominul Haque will look to improve both his captaincy record and away numbers as a batter•Raton Gomes/BCBForm guideSri Lanka DDLLLBangladesh LLWLLIn the spotlightSuranga Lakmal was adjudged Player of the Series for his 11 wickets against West Indies. He will be expected to do a similar job against Bangladesh in conditions that might assist pace bowlers. Lakmal would also be keen to bring down his bowling average of 50.87 in 23 Tests at home.Mominul Haque has two things to work on: reviving his captaincy fortunes after losing five out of the last six Tests, and fixing his dismal away record as a batter. There will be considerable pressure on both fronts but, as he has proven in the past, he has the character to turn things around.Team newsSri Lanka may go in with three specialist quicks, though this would be a highly unusual strategy at home. Lakmal would be the first-choice pacer, while Vishwa and Kumara might also feature in the XI. On the batting front, they will try to squeeze Nissanka into the side. Chandimal, who had a decent tour of West Indies, might just make way for Nissanka.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), 2 Lahiru Thirimanne, 3 Oshada Fernando, 4 Dinesh Chandimal/Pathum Nissanka, 5 Angelo Mathews, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Suranga Lakmal, 10 Lahiru Kumara, 11 Vishwa FernandoSoumya Sarkar’s axing once again opens up the debate on the opening combination. Pallekele’s green pitch may tempt Bangladesh to play three pace bowlers.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Shadman Islam, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Mominul Haque (capt), 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Mohammad Mithun, 7 Liton Das (wk), 8 Mehidy Hasan, 9 Ebadot Hossain, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Abu JayedPitch and conditionsThe photograph of Karunaratne inspecting a greenish Pallekele pitch two days before the first Test left many wondering if seam, swing and bounce could play a part on the first morning. Though it has rained around the Pallekele area, the weather is likely to be clear over the next five days.Stats that matter This will be Bangladesh’s first overseas Test since the pandemic began. They lost the home series against West Indies 2-0 in February. Lakmal’s recent Player of the Series award was the first for a Sri Lankan fast bowler in a Test series since Nuwan Kulasekara won one in 2014. No Bangladesh bowler has taken a five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka since 2014.Quotes”Technically, he’s outstanding. Physically, he’s very good and his fielding standards are exactly where they need to be. He’s slotted in nicely. Yes we’ve had to chip away and polish a little bit, but whatever Nissanka did with his coaches through the ranks has been pretty good. They’ve prepared him very well for international cricket.” “I have come to Sri Lanka to play cricket. We will play according to our plan. I am only concerned about these things, and not much else. I don’t need to think about other things as a professional cricketer.”