Overview

How Shakib Al Hasan fares in Sri Lanka could determine whether Bangladesh makes it past round one•AFP

The World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka will be as much a test of Bangladesh’s skills and preparation as a measure of their progress as an international side. They’ve been grouped with a team they crushed in ODIs two years ago, and the contest in Pallekele will be Bangladesh’s first against New Zealand since that 4-0 result. The other, and more recent, source of confidence is their wins against India and Sri Lanka during this year’s Asia Cup, when Bangladesh qualified for the final.Even Bangladesh’s poor record against their other Group D opponents should provide extra inspiration. They haven’t beaten Pakistan in 13 years, though in their last two matches they showed the readiness to fight, especially in the Asia Cup final in March.Bangladesh’s performance in that tournament is now considered the marker by many, though expecting the players to take a step further in the World Twenty20, where one bad over or shot could see them knocked out of the group stages, might be asking too much. They’re primarily focused on making it past the New Zealand game unscathed and hoping for a Super Eights berth. It is a realistic target for a team that played a quarter of all their Twenty20 internationals four months before the World Twenty20.

Key player

Shakib Al Hasan considers himself a leader in the team, and rightly so. He provides match-winning ability to a team that needs it, despite the presence of other talented players. Shakib’s batting and bowling averages are substantially better in Bangladesh wins in the past six years, a measure of his contribution to the team’s cause. He will be playing with a dodgy knee and will bat at No 3. The bowling attack will also revolve around his left-arm spin.

Surprise package

In Ziaur Rahman, Bangladesh finally have an end-over hitter who can clear his right leg and swing powerfully. After an awkward teething period in Zimbabwe, Rahman hit eleven sixes during the build-up tours and broadened his range from just midwicket. He can use his feet against the spinners but high pace will test him: when he encountered such bowling against South Africa in June, Rahman settled for boundaries and the odd nudge. A fast-bowling talent cut short due to injury, Rahman reinvented himself as the sort of a shock-value player Bangladesh has lacked since Mohammad Rafique’s heyday.

Weakness

Spin will test the Bangladesh batsmen, especially Pakistan’s offspinners. They tend to play out overs, which is a flawed strategy in a Twenty20 game. Also, they can be inflexible when things don’t go according to plan. A recent example of this was the middle-order collapses after Shakib’s dismissal during the two practice games in Sri Lanka.

World T20 history

A surprise win over West Indies took them to the Super Eights in 2007, but they failed to make it past the group stages in 2009 and 2010.

Recent form

Bangladesh have won four games out of six in 2012, results that include the 3-0 series win over Ireland in July. That performance took Bangladesh all the way up to No. 4 in the Twenty20 rankings but they returned to ninth three days later, after an unflattering start to their series in the Netherlands, where they won once and lost twice. One of those defeats was against Scotland. During an off-season dedicated to Twenty20, Bangladesh also won unofficial matches against South Africa, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Barbados on either side of the Europe tour.

Everton youngster Thierry Small is reported to be increasingly interested in joining Aston Villa this summer, as uncertainty over his future intensifies [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Dean Smith’s men gear up for 2021/22

Moving towards 2021/22, Dean Smith will be looking for the perfect blend of youth and experience if he is to improve on his side’s 11th placed finish last term.

Acquiring ready-made first-team starters will be crucial to this prospective success, however being able to spot the stars of the future will ensure long-term progression for the football club.

One man who could fit the bill for the latter is 16-year-old Small, who has put the cat amongst the pigeons following latest developments.

The Latest: Small ‘very keen’ on the idea of an Aston Villa switch

The Toffees youth product is said to be ‘very keen’ on a move to Villa Park this window, as reported by a Football Insider recruitment source.

Small is a boyhood Aston Villa fan, whilst his uncle Bryan Small was a player for the Premier League outfit between 1990 and 1996.

Notably, the wonderkid has strong connections with the Midlands and surrounding area, which is cited as one of his main motivations behind his interest in the prospective switch.

The Verdict: Small would be an astute piece of business by the Villa Park hierarchy

Capable of posing a considerable forward threat from the left-back position, Small would be an excellent signing for Villa who could develop into an established player in years to come.

In 2020/21, the Solihull-born man enjoyed a very profitable campaign featuring in different spells for Everton’s youth sides.

Combined across senior and academy football, Small registered seven goal contributions in 30 appearances – six goals and one assist [Transfermarkt].

Unbelievably, the prospect became Everton’s youngest ever player to feature in a senior match, coming on as a record-breaking substitute in a 3-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday in January [Daily Mail].

Once labelled as ‘quality’ by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, Villa should look to secure Small’s signature before it is too late [Football London].

In other news, Aston Villa fans react to links with a Bundesliga ace.

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According to Record via Sports Witness, Everton are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon captain Bruno Fernandes in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the word, then?

Fernandes has been in quite outstanding form for Sporting this season, scoring 22 times and registering 11 assists in 39 appearances in all competitions.

When considering that he is not even a striker, those numbers are quite something.

Fernandes has a contract with his Portuguese club until the summer of 2023, but according to Record via Sports Witness, he might have a decision to make at the end of the season.

The report has claimed that Everton have joined Liverpool and Atletico Madrid in pursuit of the 24-year-old, who is an 11-time Portugal international.

The price tag could be substantial, but the Toffees must do all that they can to bring the attacker to Goodison Park in this summer’s transfer window.

Why should Everton sign him?

Simply put, Fernandes would be a huge upgrade on Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Sigurdsson has scored nine Premier League goals this season, but is quite unpopular with the Everton fans due to his inconsistency.

Indeed, there are many of the club’s supporters who feel that the Iceland international does not turn up when his team really needs him.

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Sigurdsson is five years older than Fernandes, meanwhile, and Everton should look to upgrade in this summer’s transfer window.

Beating the likes of Liverpool and Atletico to the Portuguese would certainly send out a huge message to the rest of the Premier League.

And it is absolutely vital that the Merseyside giants have a strong summer transfer window as they look to progress next season.

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It would be fair to say that the West Ham United supporters were not pleased with what they saw from Pablo Zabaleta in Friday night’s 3-1 win over Fulham.

Zabaleta was handed the right-back berth against the Cottagers, but found it difficult to deal with Ryan Babel, who opened the scoring early on.

The 34-year-old has been a fine signing for the Hammers since his arrival in 2017, but his contract will expire this summer and he could well move on or even retire.

It seems that the West Ham fans will be happy to see the back of the Argentine based on their reaction to his display against Fulham.

Indeed, many took to social media to criticise the South American, claiming that he no longer has what is required to operate in the Premier League.

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Their criticism was perhaps a touch harsh, but Zabaleta did struggle on Friday night.

A selection of the Twitter reaction to his performance can be seen below:

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Xande Silva is very nearly ready to become a senior star at West Ham United.

The forward, just 21, has been at the club for under a year, joining from Benfica in 2018.

But he has already shown flashes that he is more than ready to make the permanent step up to the first-team.

In just seven Premier League 2 games this season, he has scored seven goals and has an international pedigree to boot.

He has played for Portugal at every level from Under-15 to Under-20, scoring for every single one of them.

Silva, who can play as a striker or on either wing, was handed his debut by Manuel Pellegrini against Burnley earlier this season, coming on for 17 minutes of the 2-0 defeat.

And though he was unable to hit the back of the net, Silva expressed his determination to get back into the first-team as soon as possible.

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Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “I’m very happy as it’s a dream come true.

“We are disappointed with the game but we are still fighting for more. I work every day for this. It was close to being a goal. I tried my best, but I’ll have to wait for the next game.

“I was waiting for the opportunity and the opportunity came to me and I enjoyed it, but what I’m saying is we are still working for the next games.

“It’s a dream because this is the best league in the world and every kid in the world wants to play in this league.”

He subsequently started in the 2-0 win over Birmingham City in the FA Cup, playing 79 minutes.

Marko Arnautovic, when motivated and fit, is surely the first-choice forward at the club but the likes of Javier Hernandez, Andy Carroll and Lucas Perez are largely interchangeable in the pecking order.

Pellegrini bringing Silva through against Burnley and Birmingham may well have been a warning to those on the fringes, that there is a kid waiting in the wings hungry to take their place.

He will surely make his first Premier League start for the club soon – Silva is more than ready, and looks a truly mouth-watering prospect for Hammers fans to fawn over.

افتتح أنطوان جريزمان، نجم برشلونة الإسباني، التسجيل أمام إلتشي، في المباراة الجارية بينهما الآن ضمن منافسات كأس خوان جامبر.

وجاء الهدف في الدقيقة الثانية بعدما أسكن جريزمان، عرضية جوردي ألبا المتقنة في الشباك.

وتعد هذه المباراة، الودية الثالثة لبرشلونة استعدادًا للموسم الجديد.

شاهد الهدف

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Brendan Rodgers has all-but confirmed that Scott Brown is about to sign a new Celtic contract.

What’s the word?

The midfielder is out of contract in the summer and has held talks with Australian outfit Western Melbourne as well as receiving an offer the UAE – according to recent reports from The Daily Record.

Brown was signed from Hibs in 2007 for a record Scottish transfer fee and has picked up eight title winning medals since making the move along the M8.

It was reported on Wednesday that the Celtic skipper is set to sign a new deal, and following a 2-0 win over St. Johnstone, Rodgers appeared to confirm the rumours.

As quoted by The Daily Record, Rodgers said: “He’s an outstanding player and I think the possibilities to go and try something else will come later on. Scott could be a coach here in the future. There will always be a role.”

Priceless Experience

It is easy to overlook or take for granted the influence that Brown has but as well as his experience, his ability to dictate the tempo is priceless.

Last season without their skipper the team looked paralysed but a strange thing happened in November when Celtic suddenly clicked into gear as Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie took charge with Brown out injured.

Having other options and combinations is welcome but it shouldn’t detract from the influence and qualities of the club captain.

Craig Gordon and Mikael Lustig could soon be dropping out of the side creating a vacuum in experience – Brown fills that and much much more.

[ad_pod ]The early departure of Yannick Bolasie back to his parent club Everton, as per avfc.co.uk,Âhas left a hole in Aston Villa’s squad.Dean Smith must seek to find a solution to this issue ahead of his side’s clash with Ipswich Town at Villa Park this weekend.

On the chalkboard

Whilst Bolasie wasn’t able to produce his best form consistently in his time with the Villans this season, the 29-year-old’s pace, trickery and directness would have been the ideal weapon to target former manager Paul Lambert’s full-backs with on Saturday.

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In Bolasie’s stead, Smith ought to give Andre Green a rare chance in the starting XI, as the 20-year-old has the required attributes to replicate the Everton winger’s effect on the Tractor Boys. The youngster’s pace and confidence when running at opponents with the ball at his feet should make him a dynamic and dangerous presence for the Ipswich defence to have to contend with.

Ready to rise to the challenge

Green spent a chunk of the first half of the campaign on loan with League One high flyers Portsmouth. He is yet to start for Villa after he was recalled, as per the club’s official Twitter account, from Fratton Park though, and has only made two starts so far this season for the Midlands outfit in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

However, he replaced Bolasie from the bench against Hull City last time out and impressed in his cameo. What’s more, the Villa faithful are sure to get behind Green and give him a chance to grow into a greater role in the team due to the fact he is a product of their club’s academy.

He isn’t the finished article yet, but the potential is clear and he’s ready for this next big test in his career.

تلقى المدرب الفرنسي زين الدين زيدان، المدير الفني لنادي ريال مدريد، نبًأ سارًا في تدريبات اللوس بلانكوس، اليوم الجمعة، استعدادًا لمباراة ريال سوسيداد في الدوري الإسباني.

ريال مدريد يستقبل ريال سوسيداد بالجولة الثانية من الدوري الإسباني على ملعب “أنويتا” مساء الأحد المقبل.

وبحسب صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية، فإن التدريبات الجماعية اليوم شهدت تواجد النجم النرويجي بشكل طبيعي في التدريبات.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كورتوا: نأمل في حفاظ ريال مدريد على لقب الليجا والتتويج بكل البطولات

أوديجارد يُعاني من مشاكل في وتر الرضفة (صابونة الركبة)، وكان من المفترض أن يخضع لعملية جراحية، ولكنه فضل عدم الدخول لغرفة العمليات، ويريد التعافي منها بالعلاج الطبيعي

وأوضحت الصحيفة أنّ أوديجارد تدرب بشكل طبيعي، وكل شيء يُشير لإمكانية تواجده في مباراة الأحد.

واشارت الصحيفة إلى أنّ لوكا يوفيتش، تدرب أيضًا مع المجموعة، بينما لم يتواجد أي من لوكاس فاسكيز أو إيدير ميليتاو، حيث ظلا في صالة الألعاب الرياضية (الجيم) للتعافي من إصابتهما.

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Despite crashing out of both domestic cup competitions, Liverpool’s league form has been utterly phenomenal. The troubles of yesteryear have ceased, as the Reds have only conceded 14 goals in 24 games – the best defensive record in the division. Having won 19 of their 24 games, they have given themselves a favourable position as we embark towards the conclusion of the season.

Given the club’s historical tendencies to fall short when it matters most, any predictions about lifting the title would be ill-timed. Regardless of how this season develops, Jurgen Klopp deserves enormous praise for the way he has transformed this Liverpool team to be a thoroughly competitive outfit in the league and Europe.

A prominent feature of that transformation has been the formation of the Reds’ devastating attack. The signing of Mohammed Salah has been utterly inspired, and it has placed the Egyptian in the elite echelons of world football. Collectively, Salah, Sadio Mane Roberto Firmino and Xherdan Shaqiri have totalled 41 Premier League goals, with almost half a season of football remaining. From next season onward, the Reds should further equip their attacking arsenal, in the form of one of their youth products.

The importance of youth development, specifically, youth integration, has seemingly reached its peak with German clubs looking to acquire the best young talent from British team, and a player of Wilson’s undeniable class will begin to attract interest if the Wales international is overlooked by his parent club.

During his current loan spell at Derby, the 21-year-old has pieced together an impressive catalogue of sensational goals, particularly from dead-ball situations. And, while his goal-scoring prowess is a valued facet of his game, to focus solely on it would be a cruel dismissal of Wilson’s other qualities.

As is customary for most wingers, Wilson is blessed with great technicality, and thanks to his electric turn of pace, quick-thinking, and dizzying skill, he is a difficult player to contain. The winger also exhibits fine passing ability, particularly his valued tendency to play through balls. Resultantly, he is often the source of consistent service from wide positions.

The Welshman played a vital role while on loan at Hull City last season, helping the Tigers to avoid relegation with 10 goal contributions (seven goals, three assists) in 13 Championship games – a demonstration of his ability to make a meaningful, and speedy impact. In the same vein, Wilson has maintained his excellent form this campaign. In 28 appearances in all competitions for Frank Lampard’s Derby, the winger has 16 goal contributions (12 goals, four assists). He has also impressed at international level for Wales, earning eight caps and contributing towards three goals (two goals, one assist).

It seems entirely plausible that Wilson will surpass the 20 goal contributions mark, and at the age of 21, his potential is vast. At both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, Klopp has developed an ability to maximise the output of his creative talents, giving them the best opportunity to express themselves. Wilson could prove to be the perfect addition to this Liverpool team, that already flaunts a plethora of attacking talent.

While Klopp rightly deserves acclaim for Liverpool’s transformation from top-four hopefuls to a genuinely competitive team, he has done so through exercising the club’s financial power. Most definitely, there is nothing wrong with resorting to the transfer market to strengthen one’s side, but youth integration is a far cheaper method, and often a source of tremendous pride for supporters.

Naturally, not every academy product or young player is of sufficient quality to play for the first-team and make an enduring impression; but Wilson undoubtedly has the talent and the potential to become a crucial component of Liverpool’s side for years to come.