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The allrounder played Australia’s previous four ODIs but couldn’t find a place on the England tour

Andrew McGlashan20-Aug-2020D’Arcy Short has been encouraged to keep working on his spin bowling by Australia coach Justin Langer after being left out of the limited-overs squad to tour England.Short, who has a career-best of 257 in List A cricket, was one of five names cut from the initial 26-man training group announced last month. He was the most notable absentee given he was part of the previous Australia team to take the field, against New Zealand in March, while the tour to England also includes three T20Is, the format Short has enjoyed considerable success in at domestic level.The reasoning behind Short’s omission has been explained as the fact he was filling Glenn Maxwell’s allrounder position in the ODI side earlier this year while there is also a crush for top-order batting roles. Maxwell was ruled out of the South Africa tour due to elbow surgery having earned a recall following time away from the game to manage his mental health.ALSO READ: Australian cricket will need to compromise to keep game going – LangerShort bowls left-arm wristspin and was used by Aaron Finch in two of the four ODIs he played against South Africa and New Zealand without picking up a wicket. With the bat he was asked to fill a middle-order role and made 69 in Bloemfontein. He had initially been recalled to the squad for the tour to India as a replacement for Sean Abbott but did not play in that series.D’Arcy Short steps out to drive•Associated Press”I saw him [on Wednesday] play a practice game here yesterday in Perth, he played really well again as he keeps doing,” Langer said. “With him, he’s got the double chance, in the sense that he’s competing at the top of the order which we know he can do…and does that really well in domestic cricket [and] we need some allrounders in the middle.”And at the moment he’s competing with Glenn Maxwell who has come back into the team. He’s taken D’Arcy’s spot, mainly because we feel more confident getting overs at the moment out of Glenn Maxwell than we do out of Shorty in the middle overs. Shorty is really aware of that. He’s working very, very hard on his bowling.”Short is also unable to squeeze into the reckoning higher up the order at the moment with David Warner, Aaron Finch and Steven Smith established as the top three in ODIs and T20Is while Marnus Labuschagne will take the No. 4 position for the one-dayers.Matthew Wade is viewed as a versatile batsman who can cover a number of positions while the uncapped Josh Philippe, one of three new faces in the squad, is another option for the top order if required.

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly planning to axe either Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius or Rodrygo to start a "mini revolution" at Real Madrid.

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Ancelotti trying to find the lost rhythmCould drop one of his forwardsMight opt for a four-man midfieldWHAT HAPPENED?

It was believed that Mbappe's arrival would make Real Madrid an unstoppable force in Spain and Europe. However, the team has found it difficult to achieve their customary balance and fluidity with the French star’s introduction and have laboured to victories in La Liga and the Champions League.

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According to Ancelotti, who does not shy away from tactical innovation to bring the best out of the squad, has reached a crucial conclusion: a shift towards a four-midfielder formation. This move aims to restore the balance that has been missing, intending to make the team more solid without sacrificing their attacking threat. Although the change will not be applied in every game, it is expected to be rolled out in key fixtures, particularly away from the Santiago Bernabeu and in high-stakes matches including the upcoming derby against Atletico.

DID YOU KNOW?

With Vinicius, Mbappe, and Rodrygo all unwilling to relinquish their position in a three-man forward line, Ancelotti is now faced with the challenge of dropping one of them to accommodate the additional midfielder. While this decision has yet to be finalized, the prospect of benching any one of these players would have been unthinkable before the season began. The coaching staff acknowledges that this change might not sit well with the attacking trio but Ancelotti seems willing to make difficult decisions in pursuit of long-term success.

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One player who will be pivotal in this tactical reorganization is Jude Bellingham. In the new setup, Bellingham will not only continue his attacking duties but also take on additional defensive responsibilities, particularly on the left side of the midfield. Before facing Atletico on September 29, Ancelotti has two matches in hand to understand how the experiment pans out. It remains to be seen if the Italian introduces the changes right away against Espanyol on Saturday.

It's set to be a massive summer for Arsenal this year, with the gap between themselves and the all-conquering Manchester City seemingly smaller than ever.

However, while Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar will certainly have to add some high-quality players to strengthen their bid for the Premier League title, they'll also need to shed some deadwood.

As talented a squad as the Gunners have, several players should probably be moved on this summer, including one who has been with the team since childhood, although he's now worth considerably less than man of the moment Kai Havertz.

Reiss Nelson's Arsenal career

The player in question is Reiss Nelson, who joined the Gunners' youth academy at just eight years old and has been one of the more prominent Hale End graduates over the last few years, behind the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah.

The Elephant and Castle-born winger made his first team debut off the bench in Arsenal's penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea in the 2017 Community Shield, and his full debut came soon after in a 1-0 League Cup victory over Doncaster Rovers.

He made 16 mostly substitute appearances that season, in which he failed to score or provide an assist, before being sent on a season-long loan to German side Hoffenheim the following campaign, where he did far better, scoring seven goals and providing one assist in 29 games.

Appearances

89

29

32

Goals

8

7

4

Assists

9

1

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.19

0.27

0.34

The next two years saw the Englishman make more appearances for the first team, but with it clear he wasn't going to be the first choice anytime soon, he went back out on loan for the 2021/22 season to Dutch outfit Feyenoord, scoring four goals and providing seven assists in 32 games.

Last year saw the 24-year-old return to the Gunners' bench, and while he made just 18 appearances across all competitions, he was responsible for a moment that will live long in the memory of Arsenal fans everywhere: that late winner against Bournemouth.

Unfortunately for the Hale End ace, he only played 639 minutes of first-team action across 23 games this season, truly cementing the fact that he has no future at the club, which has been reflected in his valuation.

Nelson's transfer valuation in 2024

According to CIES Football Observatory, Nelson is now worth just €15m or £13m despite still being relatively young and having a £100k-per-week contract set to run until June 2027.

Place

Player

Valuation

Age

1

Bukayo Saka

€150m(£127mm)

24

2

Gabriel Martinelli

€100m(£85m)

23

3

Leandro Trossard

€40m(£34m)

28

4

Reiss Nelson

€15m(£13m)

24

This makes the 24-year-old the least valuable winger in the first team, and by quite some way, with Leandro Trossard coming in above him at €40m, which is about £34m.

It also means that fellow 24-year-old Havertz, last summer's surprise signing, is now worth considerably more, as the German is valued at €100m or £85m by the CIES Football Observatory, which is about seven times more than the Englishman.

The former Chelsea ace – who has had some heroic moments just as Nelson has – cost the Gunners £65m last July, and while he had a slow start to life in red and white, he found his form in the latter half of the season, especially as a striker, and managed a reasonable return of 14 goals and seven assists in 51 games.

His uptick in form, positional versatility, and age have likely seen his value soar throughout the season, and it would be hard to argue against his effectiveness since the turn of the year.

Ultimately, while Nelson clearly has some talent and could play in the Premier League, Arteta does not seem to trust him, and therefore, the club must cash in on him before his stock falls any further.

Harry Kane stars: The Arsenal team if they could only pick & buy Londoners

What if Arsenal employed Athletic Bilbao’s tactics of signing local-born players?

ByMatt Dawson Mar 17, 2024

Australia will wait on fitness of Steven Smith and Mitchell Starc as they eye series win

Alan Gardner12-Sep-2020Big PictureThere was once a time when Gary Lineker’s famous football aphorism – “Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end the Germans win” – could be transposed almost directly across to cricket and Australia. And while they may have fallen some way since the green-and-golden era in which they won four World Cups out of five between 1999 and 2015, victory over England in Friday’s opening ODI was a reminder of their enduring qualities.Australia’s successful defence of 294 on a surface that offered batsmen a fine balance between risk and reward was also a rebuke to the big-hitting blueprint that has made England the frontrunners in this format – albeit that coming into the series Eoin Morgan had expressed the hope that his side could expand their range while preparing for a World Cup in India in three years’ time. In that regard, their recovery from a most parlous Powerplay to lose by 19 runs, on the back of Sam Billings’ maiden hundred, was a nugget of encouragement for the home side.The dividends for Australia, playing their first one-dayer since March, were more obvious. For Aaron Finch, the match-turning stand of 126 between Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell was both boon and balm, helping to sooth the long-standing sore spot that is Australia’s ODI middle order. That Finch has the attack at his disposal to protect such totals was a matter of less quibbling, but the way they tore into England at the top – led by the magnificent Josh Hazlewood – reinforced the sense they can still play the game on their own terms.The circumstances in which Australia’s sixth-wicket pair came to the fore were also encouraging. Only twice in their last 19 ODIs have Australia won without a 50-plus contribution from Finch, David Warner or Steven Smith (the other was against New Zealand at Lord’s during the World Cup). In achieving the right balance between repair job and counterattack, Marsh and Maxwell looked capable of finding the combination to unlock Australia’s batting potential.England could still reflect that had Tom Banton, fielding as a substitute at long-on, been slightly more alert to the chance offered when Maxwell had scored just 10, their target might have been more in the region of 195. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, both back in the side for the first time since the World Cup final, gave England’s attack greater cutting edge, though the burden for taking middle-overs wickets still lies heavily on Adil Rashid.There was also a rustiness to their batting, with Jason Roy still searching for form after returning from injury and Joe Root playing his first limited-overs international since February. Nothing exemplified England’s initial struggle, in the face of some top-rank bowling, more than Jonny Bairstow scratching his way to 22 off 58 (strike rate 37.9). That he fought through to make 84, alongside Billings helping to give them a puncher’s chance during the closing stages, should keep Australia on their guard going into the second game.Sam Billings pulls into the leg side•Getty ImagesForm guide(last five completed matches)
England LLWWW
Australia WWLLLIn the spotlightMore than five years after his England debut, Sam Billings finally played the innings that his talent long suggested he was capable of. In that period, Billings has only batted 16 times in ODIs (roughly three outings a year), usually little more than one-off appearances – but since Joe Denly’s back spasm before the Ireland series in July offered him a route back in, he has produced scores of 67*, 46*, 19 and 118. Even if he keeps it up, his place may only be secure until the return of Ben Stokes. But after missing out on last year’s World Cup through injury, Billings seems intent on making up for lost time.While England’s batting has faced a problem of plenty, Australia have long been auditioning candidates for their middle order. Mitchell Marsh has had to deal with injuries, as well as the vagaries of selection, but hadn’t played an ODI for more than two years before returning on the South Africa tour in early 2020; ahead of this series, Finch said Australia had been guilty of “shuffling him around to try and fit other pieces in”, but he indicated Marsh would now be given time to make the spot his own. An ability to dovetail with Maxwell augurs well, and could help ease the pressure on Alex Carey as Australia seek stability at Nos. 5-7.Team newsEngland have tended to react to defeat under Morgan by sending the same players out to try and atone.England (probable) 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jonny Bairstow, 3 Joe Root, 4 Eoin Morgan, 5 Sam Billings, 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Moeen Ali, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Mark Wood, 11 Jofra ArcherSmith passed his second concussion test on Saturday, following the blow in training that kept him out of the first match, but will continue to be monitored. His return would likely come at the expense of Marcus Stoinis. Mitchell Starc experienced some “minor upper leg soreness” after slipping on the outfield and could be a doubt, with Kane Richardson standing by.Australia (probable) 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch (capt), 3 Steven Smith/Marcus Stoinis, 4 Marnus Labuschagne, 5 Mitchell Marsh, 6 Alex Carey (wk), 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc/Kane Richardson, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodPitch and conditionsThe same strip will be used for a second time, which could curtail scoring further. England went with their preferred strategy of chasing in the first match but there was no sense the pitch became easier under lights, and both teams may now place a premium on getting runs on the board. Another day-night game means autumnal dew shouldn’t be a factor, while the forecast is for a warm afternoon and clear evening in Manchester.Stats and Trivia England have not lost a bilateral ODI series at home since 2015 (when Australia beat them 3-2), winning their last nine in a row. The last seven ODIs at Old Trafford have all been won by the side batting first.. Maxwell is 46 runs away from the 3000-mark in ODIs; Finch is 102 from 5000. Marsh is two wickets shy of 50. Root needs 77 runs to reach 6000 in ODIs – if he gets there in this game, he will equal Kane Williamson as third-fastest to the mark.Quotes”It’s [about] still being positive, not taking a backward step. How you do that on a pitch like that might not be going out all guns blazing and trying to hit the sight screens, but coming up with game plans of putting pressure back on them. [That] is why England got to No. 1 and won the World Cup.”
“Our one-day team has been under a little bit of pressure of late so it was really nice to respond with a great win. We know we are only one win away now from a series win so that’s a big carrot for us.”

Preston forward Milutin Osmajic, who bit Blackburn's Owen Beck last week, has been handed an eight-match suspension in addition to a £15,000 fine.

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Preston star Osmajic handed eight-game banOsmajic bit Liverpool loanee Owen Beck on the neckThe FA also hand the Montenegrin a £15,000 fineFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Osmajic and Beck were involved in an altercation that broke out during the final minutes of the Championship clash between Preston and Blackburn, after Beck kicked out at Preston's Duane Holmes. The biggest discussion came in the aftermath of the brawl when replays revealed that Osmajic appeared to bite the Liverpool loanee on the back of his neck.

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Beck protested to the assistant referee at the moment, displaying the bite marks, but Osmajic was not sent off at the time. He has now been punished heavily by the Football Association, however. The FA have handed Osmajic an eight-match ban and a £15,000 fine for the misconduct after the Montenegro international admitted his offence in front of an independent Regulatory Commission set up by the FA.

WHAT THE FA'S STATEMENT READ

On Friday morning, the FA released a statement that read: "Preston North End’s Milutin Osmajic has been given an eight-match suspension and £15,000 fine for misconduct during their match against Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship on Sunday 22 September.

"The forward admitted that he committed an act of violent conduct around the 87th minute by biting an opponent. An independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing. Its written reasons will be published in due course."

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The Montenegrin will now be unavailable for the next eight matches for Paul Heckingbottom and will likely return for Preston when they take on Derby County on November 23.

Douglas Luiz is on board the proverbial ship, chugging toward the westering sun and disappearing beyond the horizon. Aston Villa are resigned to selling him to Juventus, necessary to stay in line with PSR.

The Bianconeri are set to sign the Brazil international for about £17m, with Villa claiming Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling-Junior in return too.

Whether such players are makeweights or players tailored to perform prominently within Emery's vision remains to be seen but it's without question that a sense of malaise has been left lingering at Villa Park, like mist.

After qualifying for the Champions League, the hope is that the Lions will cement their newfound position of power and build for lasting success, but losing Luiz threatens to be a detrimental blow, having been described as "one of the best 6s" in English football by journalist Adam Gilk.

Whether McKennie, who was criticised for his "poor" passing and "mistimed" tackling by journalist Beren Cross during his botched loan stint with Leeds United in 2022/23, is up for the task remains to be seen. Villa might be better off looking elsewhere.

Villa lining up Premier League star

Aston Villa have been eyeing a deal for Chelsea's Conor Gallagher for several weeks but now need to further their advances with haste after an important development.

Indeed, as per The Guardian, Chelsea are considering making a U-turn and offering the Three Lions star a new contract at Stamford Bridge, despite the vested interest of Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.

Valued at £50m, Gallagher has already been the focus of recent discussions between the Blues and Villa, so the blocks are in place to make a move.

Monchi and Co just need to move the pesky PSR quandary out of the way first.

Conor Gallagher's season in numbers

From the onset of Chelsea's struggles over the past few years, one constant source of optimism has been the ever-flowing talent cascading from Cobham Academy.

Gallagher, now aged 24, has been one of the creams of that crop but now faces an untimely exit from his boyhood club as they look to fund the summer's anticipated spending. Gallagher is a homegrown product and thus would bring home pure profit if he was to be sold.

Aston Villa must pounce on the opportunity to bring him to the Midlands, especially so after losing Luiz. Across all competitions last season, he scored seven goals and added nine assists over 50 matches, but his influence stretched far further than that of goal contributions.

Hailed for bringing "balance and chemistry" to the Chelsea first team by reporter Liam Twomey, the £50k-per-week ace is the veritable lifeblood and makes such a difference to the performances of those around him.

Ranking among the top 17% of midfielders in the Premier League (2023/24) for successful take-ons and the top 20% for ball recoveries made per 90, as per FBref, Gallagher would clearly bring the energy and enthusiasm needed.

Whether signing McKennie would affect any bid for his signature is likely alarming for supporters. But would he actually be better than the Juventus star?

How Conor Gallagher compares to Weston McKennie

In a word: yes. McKennie does have his strengths and should not be defined by a short spell at Elland Road that saw him thrown into the firepit in January 2023, but he's not too dissimilar from Gallagher and the Blues man is unquestionably performing to a higher standard.

As per FBref, McKennie ranks among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 11% for touches in the attacking penalty area, the top 5% for clearances and the top 17% for progressive carries per 90.

He's been described in the past as "one of the best players at Juventus this year and one of the top midfielders in Serie A" by the USMNT head coach Greg Berhalter, who naturally spoke kindly of the American but not without credibility.

Matches played

37

34

Matches started

37

29

Goals

5

0

Assists

7

7

Pass completion

92%

81%

Touches per game

70.4

44.9

Key passes per game

1.4

1.2

Ball recoveries per game

6.0

3.4

Tackles per game

2.3

1.4

Dribbles per game

1.0 (68%)

0.5 (38%)

Duels won per game

5.7 (50%)

3.4 (50%)

The comparisons between the respective stars' campaigns speak of Gallagher's superiority in all of athletic output, ball-playing ability and defensive commitment.

For Emery's system, reliant on hard work and sharp tactical awareness, Gallagher would be the one to make the most marked impact on the squad, with one analyst even noting that he's something of a "pressing and transition monster".

McKennie's mediocre defensive metrics hardly suggest that he is indeed the suitable man to replace Luiz in the centre of the park, even if he might be considered a more dynamic and advanced player anyway – the 25-year-old featured nine times in right midfield for Juve last season.

While Boubacar Kamara offers the sound defensive skill set to allow a player such as McKennie to play with more freedom and security, Gallagher is the complete package and has proven himself in the Premier League moreover.

McKennie, conversely, flattered to deceive during his stay in England's top flight, completing just 78% of his passes and winning only 39% of his ground duels across his 16 starting appearances for Leeds, as per Sofascore.

Different circumstances; different conditions. Sure. But Gallagher is a player who could be a real difference-maker for Emery, not only filling in the Luiz-shaped hole but ensuring the club enjoy success domestically and on the continent during the forthcoming campaign.

Aston Villa must sell £25m star who earns more than Weston McKennie

He could be set for a move to Italy this summer.

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 13, 2024