Liverpool are currently in second place in the Premier League having topped their Europa League group and advanced to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, of which they are ostensible favourites in both cup competitions.

Table-toppers Arsenal are imminently making the trip to Merseyside to face Jurgen Klopp's side in a pivotal league clash, which will determine whether the Reds spend Christmas Day in pole position.

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ByDan Emery Dec 22, 2023

All this paints a brilliant picture of promise, but further work is needed to ensure that Liverpool succeed in their ambitious endeavours.

The midfield welcomed four new additions in the summer to combat the mass exodus after a dismal year, and now, reports from the continent suggest that Klopp is eager to add another to the engine room…

Liverpool transfer news – Nicolo Barella

According to Spanish sources, Liverpool are among the English clubs to be in contention to sign Inter Milan maestro Nicolo Barella, with Arsenal and Newcastle United also registering an interest.

In June, reliable reports surfaced that Newcastle were closing in on a sensational £50m deal for the Italian, though ultimately his Serie A outfit refused to advance negotiations to the conclusive stage.

Barella – who could command a fee of around £70m-£80m – is contracted to the San Siro until 2026 and has proved his worth as one of Europe's elite midfielders over the past several seasons, but is he the signing that the Reds need?

Nicolo Barella's style of play

Barella is a midfielder of supreme technicality, first-class ball-playing ability and an all-action approach that has led sports editor Mike Piellucci to describe him as a "genius" for his work.

As per FBref, the £153k-per-week machine ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive passes and the top 12% for progressive carries per 90.

#

Player

Club

1

Martin Odegaard

Arsenal

2

Ilkay Gundogan

Barcelona

3

Granit Xhaka

Bayer Leverkusen

4

Florian Wirtz

Bayer Leverkusen

5

Thomas Muller

Bayern Munich

*Sourced via Football Transfers

Likened to many of Europe's most guileful and inventive midfielders, Barella was "appreciated" by Liverpool in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, but no deal materialised as Klopp moved for other options.

It's clear to see why; having chalked up 210 appearances for the Nerazzurri, posting 21 goals and 47 assists and proving instrumental in the winning of the Serie A and two Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana apiece, Barella has been nothing short of an "unbelievable" member of the squad over the past several years, as was noted by one podcast host.

But, crucially, he's not a defensive midfielder, instead finding success as a midfield operator in and around half-spaces, pushing forward with creative intent and contributing effectively in recycling possession.

Understandably, Klopp appreciates his talents, but Barella is not the answer to Liverpool's midfield questions, and signing him would only have a negative effect on Harvey Elliott.

How Nicolo Barella compares to Harvey Elliott

Having played 46 times across all competitions last year, Elliott has established himself as one of the brightest starlets in the Premier League, and despite multiple midfield signings in the summer, remains a coveted asset of Klopp's team.

This season, the "incredible" prospect – as stated by Paul Dalglish – has started all nine of Liverpool's cup fixtures, though only has one Premier League start to his name and has recently admitted that he is disgruntled by a lack of match action in the English top-flight.

Elliott, aged 20, offers many of the tools that Barella brings to the table and is contributing effectively for Klopp's side; frankly, he is a frightening talent and signing the Inter player would not bode well for him.

Metric

Per 90

Rank

Shot-creating actions

3.54

7th

Prog. passes

7.71

2nd

Prog. carries

3.54

2nd

Shots taken

3.28

3rd

*Sourced via FBref

It's worth noting that several players have been excluded from several columns due to scant match action, thus bloating their metrics; Elliott's rankings are collated with those having played more than 180 minutes of football across all competitions.

To emphasise how effective this young star is, he ranks among the top 11% of midfielders for shot-creating actions, the top 9% for progressive passes, the top 4% for progressive carries, the top 6% for touches in the attacking penalty area and the top 17% for blocks per 90.

Given the overload of creative and multi-functional midfielders in Liverpool's squad, it's hard to conclude that signing a player such as Barella – who, granted, is fantastic and would be a credit to the Merseyside outfit – would be the best move to continue the resurgence.

It's a bit like saying Thibaut Courtois is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and thus Liverpool must target his signature: with Alisson Becker between the sticks, such an acquisition would be met with incredulity.

Thiago Alcantara is plagued by injury problems and is out of contract at the end of the campaign, while Mac Allister has proved his worth in the deep-lying role and Wataru Endo, aged 30, improves with each passing fixture. All this being said, a specialist No. 6 is a prerequisite for lasting success at the peak of the European pyramid.

When partnering Liverpool's need for a natural Fabinho replacement – the Brazilian was sold to Al-Ittihad in the summer after declining – with the ongoing requirement for defensive reinforcements, exacerbated by Joel Matip's season-ending ACL injury, Barella is just not the answer.

Such a transfer could force Ryan Gravenberch into a deeper role, which is clearly not his best position, while precluding Elliott's chances of cementing a starting berth with regularity.

Intangibles such as confidence and guile form the base of Elliott's creative repertoire, and at a time when he is on the cusp of a level-up, it would be ludicrous to sign a player that would inhibit his prospects of success.

Jorginho revealed Mikel Arteta had been a huge admirer of him for nearly a decade and tried to get him since he was in Napoli in the mid 2010s.

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• Jorginho signed an extension with Arsenal
• Set to stay until 2025
• Believes Arteta will sign an extension as well

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  As his contract approached its conclusion this summer, Jorginho opted to prolong his stay, penning a short-term deal believed to span 12 months, with the possibility of an additional year. The 32-year-old midfield maestro has become a mainstay in Arteta's squad as the Gunners challenge for the top crown in England. Notably, Arteta's interest in the Italian dates back to his time at Napoli between 2014 and 2018, with the Arsenal manager making multiple attempts in the past to secure his signature.

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  WHAT JORGINHO SAID

  "When he (Arteta) was at City and I was in Naples, that was the first time (he tried signing me) and then he tried twice when he was here and it didn't happen," Jorginho said after signing the new deal.

  "But now fortunately it happened. I am here, happy, having the opportunity to work together with him and learning a lot from him."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With one year remaining on Arteta's contract, speculation surrounding his future has been rife. However, Jorginho remains confident in Arteta's commitment to Arsenal, citing the transformative impact the coach has had on the club.

  "I feel that he could stay way longer," he said.

  "I feel he feels good here and I honestly don't see him going. It is really important for the club for him to stay because him with Edu and the board, the whole club, they created something special. I don't believe he wants to go as well."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JORGINHO?

  As Arsenal prepare for a crucial fixture against Manchester United on Sunday, Jorginho will aim to maintain the momentum garnered from recent successes. A victory against their rivals would bolster Arsenal's position at the top of the table, leaving Manchester City no room for error against Tottenham on Tuesday night.

West Ham and manager David Moyes are "hoping to complete a deal" for one club's lethal striker with "zero expectation" that he stays put in January.

West Ham on the lookout for new striker

Some reports suggest West Ham are eyeing as many as three new additions next month (TEAMtalk), but to comply with FFP and avoid an Everton-type scenario, they may need to be careful.

West Ham "leading the way" to sign striker who Shearer thinks is "clinical"

Steidten is chasing a new forward.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 12, 2023

The Hammers spent close to £120 million on signings over the most recent summer window, a kitty bolstered by their marquee sale of former club captain Declan Rice to Arsenal. However, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has recently stated West Ham will need to be careful budget-wise in January, mainly due to their overspending in the summer of 2021.

“I have spoken to the person who would be best placed to answer on our January transfer budget,” said Ex (via The West Ham Way). "We overspent in 2021 and we have to be careful to not ‘do an Everton’. So although there is money there in the pot, it isn’t a huge amount as the club are being understandably careful."

That being said, technical director Tim Steidten is still working with co-chairman David Sullivan and the board to identify transfer targets. Steidten's "main focus" is signing a striker for West Ham, according to reports, with there being a few names on the agenda.

RB Leipzig ace Timo Werner and Chelsea's Armando Broja are some of the more high-profile names to be linked with a move to east London recently, while Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy is a very promising lesser-known option.

West Ham "hoping to complete a deal" for Guirassy

According to TEAMtalk, Moyes is personally very keen to add a goalscorer and West Ham are "hoping to complete a deal" for Guirassy in January.

The Guinea international has caught the eye with some scintillating Bundesliga displays this season, sitting just behind Harry Kane in the Bundesliga's goalscoring charts.

Guirassy would also be eager to make a Premier League move and test himself in Europe's most prestigious division, which gives hope to West Ham alongside his enticing £15 million release clause.

Such a figure would come as one of the bargains of the season based off his form this campaign, and West Ham are given a further incentive to move based off news over his future at Stuttgart.

TEAMtalk and journalist Fraser Gillan add that there is "zero expectation" Guirassy stays at his club beyond January, with a winter move almost a matter of who he leaves for rather than if.

The 27-year-old, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, is one of Germany's most potent marksmen right now. According to WhoScored, only Victor Boniface, Harry Kane and Lois Openda have averaged more attempts at goal per 90 so far this term.

Scoring 16 goals in just 12 appearances, Guirassy's red-hot form makes his meagre clause look like a price well and truly worth paying. Going by Ex's information on West Ham's limited budget, this electric striker seems like the most obvious solution.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou could soon be set for a double injury boost with Micky van de Ven's return "imminent" alongside another Spurs star.

Spurs looking for centre-back depth

One thing van de Ven's absence has really highlighted since his hamstring injury, which was sustained in early November, is the serious lack of depth behind both the Dutchman and Cristian Romero.

Postecoglou's first choice centre-backs have been either injured or suspended for large periods since their 4-1 defeat to Chelsea late last year, which has motivated the Lilywhites to look for another defender.

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Posts ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Emerson Royal and Ben Davies are the makeshift central defensive pairing again in the absence of van de Ven and Romero, with Postecoglou highlighting the importance of bringing another one in this month as the January window opens.

"I don't put as much stock into the left-sided or right-sided centre-back scenario," said Postecoglou on a new centre-back before Spurs' defeat to Brighton.

"We just need another player in that position who can provide some more depth for us and the ability to change it up. It won't matter if it is left-sided or right-sided, it is more the profile and characteristics.

"We didn't go looking for a left-sided centre-back at the start of the year, it just happened that Micky was the perfect centre-back. Even if we had another left-sided one, I still would have signed him. It is about looking at the right profile, the right characteristics and seeing what is available, then going from there."

They're making headway in terms of signing a new name, with Spurs talks now advancing to seal Genoa defender Radu Dragusin this month. That will come as great news for Postecoglou, who has previously stated that he wants his January business done early, so he can bed Tottenham's potential new recruits into the first team quickly.

Van de ven and Solomon close to Spurs return

However, the north Londoners may not be so reliant on the transfer window very soon, as FA registered intermediary Paul O'Keefe says both van de Ven and Manor Solomon are close to making an injury comeback.

A reliable source of information of Tottenham news, O'Keefe says Solomon is also nearing a Spurs return from injury alongside van de Ven – with the latter's availability said to be "imminent".

Alongside a centre-back, Spurs are also thought to be chasing a winger signing this month, but perhaps the need for one will be slightly less urgent with Solomon's mooted comeback, making this one to watch ahead of Friday.

Manchester United are believed to be the front-runners to sign an "extraordinary" attacking player, according to a transfer fresh update.

Man Utd eyeing new striker

Erik ten Hag's side may have secured a massive 3-2 victory at home to Aston Villa on Boxing Day, but there are still clearly issues within the squad that need to be addressed. While Rasmus Hojlund ended his long Premier League drought with the winning goal against Villa, attacking reinforcements are arguably still needed, in order to provide more firepower in the final third.

The fact that Scott McTominay is United's top scorer in the league this season with just five goals speaks volumes about their struggles, with Hojlund, Antony and Marcus Rashford netting just three times between them.

Serhou Guirassy

19th December

Nico Williams

19th December

Donyell Malen

8th December

Max Moerstedt

7th December

Timo Werner

1st December

VfB Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy is one player who has been linked with a January move to Old Trafford, with the Guinean only behind Harry Kane in the Bundesliga scoring charts currently. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres is also seen as a potential target for the Red Devils, with the former Coventry City striker shining at new club Sporting CP.

Man Utd front-runners to sign Joshua Zirkzee

According to a new update from Il Resto del Carlino [via Sport Witness], Manchester United have set their sights on signing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

A number of top clubs "won't leave" the 22-year-old alone, seeing him as a big player for the future, and the Red Devils appear to be at the front of the queue to snap him up, with the report describing them as "above all".

Bayern Munich do have an option to buy him back, however, having sold him to Bologna, although it remains to be seen if they will trigger that clause. His current club are not keen on entertaining the idea of a January exit, however, so unless United can sway their thinking with a big offer, they may potentially have to wait until next summer.

Zirkzee could be a brilliant addition for Ten Hag if the club can strike a deal for his signature, whether that be next month or at the end of the season, with the youngster a player of enormous potential. He has scored seven goals and registered two assists in 16 Serie A starts this season, while Bologna boss Thiago Motta has heaped praise on him in the past, saying:

"It was an excellent goal from a player with extraordinary qualities. He scored a similar goal in training. Joshua is very talented, but I want to emphasize that he also works very hard for it."

Hojlund isn't yet the finished article, so it is unfair to be expecting him to perform week in, week out, and Zirkzee could be an ideal figure to come in and provide stiff competition for him, paving the way for Anthony Martial to leave next summer in the process.

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Erik ten Hag is keen on reinforcing his striker options this winter.

ByTom Lever Dec 28, 2023

The Dutchman may only get better as the years pass as well, and having both him and Hojlund in the squad could be a mouthwatering prospect for years to come.

تحدث الإيطالي كارلو أنشيلوتي مدرب ريال مدريد، بعد فوز فريقه في الدوري الإسباني ليلة الأحد أمام ريال بيتيس.

وقاد كيليان مبابي ريال مدريد للفوز أمام ريال بيتيس بهدفين دون مقابل، ضمن مباريات الجولة الرابعة للدوري الإسباني.

وإذا خفف الهدفان الضغط عن مبابي، رد: “عليك أن تسأله، نحن لا نضغط عليه أبدًا لتسجيل الأهداف، لقد لعب مباراة جيدة، مثل الجميع، وأتيحت له العديد من الفرص، من المهم بالنسبة له أن يسجل، وأيضًا بالنسبة لنا كفريق”.

وواصل: “فينيسيوس أعطاه ركلة الجزاء، من المهم بالنسبة له أن يسجل ولكن أعتقد أننا نقيم العمل الجماعي أكثر، وهو أفضل مما كان عليه في المباراة الأخيرة.”

وبشأن ركلة الجزاء، أوضح: “لقد كان فينيسيوس إيثاريًا جدًا في منح ركلة الجزاء لمبابي، لديهم علاقة جيدة، وكذلك مع رودريجو”.

وأردف: “لقد حاولنا اللعب مع فينيسيوس ورودريجو على الأطراف، وفي بعض الأحيان يتدخلون في الداخل، لكنني أعتقد أن الأمر سار بشكل جيد،على المستوى الدفاعي، مع وجود الثلاثة في الوسط، كنا أكثر صلابة”.

اقرأ أيضًا | مبابي بعد هدفيه أمام ريال بيتيس: 3 مباريات أكثر من اللازم لي

وإذا كان الفوز يخفف الضغط وشعور الإحباط عن لاعبي ريال مدريد، أكد أنشيلوتي: “ليس لدينا القلق، تعادلنا في مباراتين، لدينا حماس كبير وحافز لمحاولة القيام بعمل أفضل، لقد قدمنا ​​أداءً أفضل واستحقينا الفوز، كنا أكثر دعما لبعضنا البعض، نذهب بمشاعر طيبة”.

وإذا كان ذلك أسعد يوم بالنسبة له هذا الموسم، أفاد: “إنه ليس أسعد يوم، أنا سعيد لأنني اتخذت خطوة للأمام فيما نريد أن نفعله وما نريد أن نكون، علينا أن نعمل، ولكن لدينا كل الموارد للقيام بذلك بشكل جيد”.

وحول المستوى الدفاعي للمهاجمين، علّق: “فينيسيوس ورودريجو ليس جيدين في الدفاع، علينا أن نصلح الأمور بشكل جيد”.

وبشأن صعوبة الدفع بإبراهيم دياز وفران كأساسيين، أوضح: “أصنفهما كلاعبين جيدين للغاية ويساهمان دائمًا في الفريق، بغض النظر عن عدد الدقائق التي يمتلكانها، هذا ما يجب على لاعب كرة القدم فعله، أن يكون جاهزًا، اليوم كانوا جيدين للغاية وأعطوا الطاقة للفريق”.

وفيما يتعلق بفترة التوقف الدولي، أصر: “فترة الاستراحة ليست جيدة، وليست جيدة أبدًا، لأنها تحرم اللاعبين، خاصة أولئك الذين يسافرون إلى أمريكا الجنوبية، والذين يصعب عليهم العودة والراحة”.

وأشار: “عندما تكون هناك فترة راحة، ما أطلبه هو ألا يكون لدينا إصابات، وهذا هو الخطر الأكبر، أما بالنسبة للباقي، فاللاعبون معتادون على اللعب دائمًا، الشيء الوحيد الذي أطلبه هو أن يعود الجميع بشكل جيد”.

وأستطرد بشأن ما يحتاج إليه الفريق: “نحن بحاجة إلى أن نكون أكثر استمرارية، في بعض الأحيان نضيع قليلاً، المشكلة الأخيرة التي نواجهها هي تسجيل الأهداف”.

وأتم بشأن أهمية لاعبه تشواميني: “لقد أظهر كل صفاته، فهو محور دفاعي رائع، إنه صغير جدًا وسيتعلم شيئًا فشيئًا لعب الكرة في الوقت المناسب، لكن على المستوى الدفاعي فهو لاعب لا يمكن تعويضه، اليوم قدم المدافعون أداءً جيدًا للغاية”.

Tottenham Hotspur have navigated away from the dark patch before the festive period and returned to form across multiple fronts, in contention for the top four in the Premier League and having advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

It certainly hasn't been plain sailing, with the Lilywhites' issues over the past few months an unfortunate by-product of the squad's certain thinness, exacerbated by the numerous absences of key players.

But manager Ange Postecoglou has posed the pertinent questions in the boardroom and Tottenham are making moves in the transfer market this month, with a surprise loan move lined up for former Chelsea forward Timo Werner.

Spurs in talks to sign £50m Werner partner who would supercharge Maddison

Ange Postecoglou’s side appear to be busy in the January transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 6, 2024

The backline remains the priority, however, and Spurs are addressing this issue and searching for the perfect new addition.

Spurs transfer news – Loic Bade

According to one Spanish news outlet, Tottenham are lining up a formal offer for Sevilla centre-back Loic Bade and could advance their interest over the coming days.

Sevilla have fallen by the wayside this year but Bade, aged 23, has been a pillar of strength in the backline, and if Postecoglou wishes to snap him up Spurs will surely need to surpass the €12m (£10m) fee paid for his services in the summer.

It's been no secret that Spurs have been pursuing a deal for Genoa's Radu Dragusin over the past few weeks but discussions have become protracted of late, with Serie A champions Napoli now allegedly looking to steal a swoop.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

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ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024 Loic Bade's style of play

Nottingham Forest signed Bade on loan from Rennes at the eleventh hour on transfer deadline day in 2022 but the Frenchman failed to make a single appearance, a victim of the Tricky Trees' bloated squad.

Joining Sevilla on an initial loan deal 12 months ago, Bade has now chalked up 43 displays for his La Liga side, and having been described as "confident and assured" by former teammate Ignatius Ganago, he is now starting to live up to such praise with some stellar showings.

As per Sofascore, Bade has impressed over his 12 matches in the Spanish top-flight this season, completing 81% of his passes, averaging two tackles, 1.5 interceptions, five ball recoveries and 4.3 clearances per game while succeeding with 64% of his contested duels – with that latter metric above Micky van de Ven (61%) this season.

# Tackling

# Intercepting

# Passing

# Dribbling

*Sourced via WhoScored

The £55k-per-week ace is enterprising with his passing and this is perhaps why he is not the most accurate with his distribution, but having been described as an "elite talent" by well-regarded scout Jacek Kulig, it's clear that he a move to a team like Tottenham could take him to that next level.

An energetic and tenacious player, Bade also ranks among the top 16% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for tackles made per 90, as per FBref, underpinning that robustness that has urged Postecoglou and Spurs technical director Johan Lange to line him up as an alternative to Dragusin.

On that earlier point of passing accuracy, Dragusin has only completed 83% of his passes in Italy this year and is considered an excellent prospect; with Sevilla and Genoa fighting deeper down their respective tables than Tottenham, who are steeped in fluidity and crispness in possession, it is difficult to reach statistics of someone like Van de Ven.

One thing is certain, either target would mark a clear upgrade on Eric Dier, who is out of contract at the end of the campaign and pursued by Bayern Munich, somewhat surprisingly, having started just one Premier League match all season.

It's clear that Dragusin is Tottenham's number one target and that's fine; he's a great defender. But Bade is proving himself to be one of the best players in a rather dismal Sevilla side, and he would be a credit to Spurs blooming system under Postecoglou.

Frustrated fans in Canada have taken to altering Messi shirts to “Lionel Missing” after seeing the Inter Miami superstar sit out a trip to Vancouver.

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Argentine sat out trip to CanadaLocals left disappointedWorkload being managed carefullyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Whitecaps shifted over 50,000 tickets for an eagerly-anticipated encounter that was expected to see eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi take to the field. He was, however, to play no part in a 2-1 win for the Herons.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

That is because he was left back in Florida, alongside fellow former Barcelona stars Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets. Inter Miami are having to manage his workload carefully, as the Argentine prepares to turn 37, but his absence from any fixture hits supporters and promoters hard.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowDID YOU KNOW?

Vancouver natives were clearly disappointed at missing out on the chance to watch the all-time great in action, with a number of Inter Miami jerseys being tweaked to hammer home the fact that Messi was “missing”.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

It is not the first time that Messi’s absence has caused controversy – as a political storm was sparked in Hong Kong during pre-season – and will not be the last, as he remains tied to a contract through 2025. He is, however, expected to be back in action on Wednesday when Inter Miami play host to Atlanta United.

He reckons that it might be better for his players to stay away from social media – ‘it creates trouble’ – at the showpiece event, but stresses that it’s not a team rule

Mohammad Isam in Dhaka29-Apr-2019There’s no pressure on him or on the team at the World Cup, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said, but hoped the players would put up a show that would help change perceptions about them.There has been speculation about Mashrafe’s future at the top level following his election as a Member of Parliament in January this year, and given how the Bangladesh Cricket Board has often reacted to results in major tournaments, a lot might depend on the team’s result in England and Wales. But even if he does continue playing, there wouldn’t be any more World Cups for him, the medium-pace-bowling allrounder stressed.”This is definitely my last World Cup. I have to perform as a player, and of course, my role as captain is going to be important too,” he said. “I have to fulfil my duties, but there’s nothing more I can do. There will be pressure at the World Cup. I don’t have any personal goals. I never want to take any extra pressure. I am a believer in luck, so what is meant to happen, will happen.

Social media will neither harm us, nor will it be of any help to our cricket. It would be better not to focus on itMASHRAFE MORTAZA

“We must work really hard, and it is important to find out if we are prepared to do that. The best teams sometimes don’t make it to the semifinals, let alone win the World Cup. There’s no pressure on us to win the World Cup, or even reach the semifinals. We just want to play well.”Mashrafe called on the players to try and make Bangladesh a better-regarded side by the time the World Cup gets over. “If you ask all the experts, analysts and former players about their favourites for this World Cup, none of them will pick us,” he said. “I think we can change some perceptions if we can do something this time, more than how much it changed in the past. It is a great opportunity for us.”Some Bangladesh players have, over the years, been trolled incessantly by fans on social media, and Mashrafe suggested that, as far as possible, the players should avoid such distractions for the duration of the World Cup.”Social media will neither harm us, nor will it be of any help to our cricket. It would be better not to focus on it,” Mashrafe said. “It is a matter of personal choice. I am on social media but it doesn’t affect me. I know it is the same for Shakib [Al Hasan]. It might affect others. There are no team rules for it.”Since it creates trouble, it is better to stay away from it. We have to be totally focused on the World Cup for two months.”There has been talk in cricket circles in the country that the current Bangladesh squad is their best ever. While the lack of debate and controversy following the selection announcement on April 16 has contributed to this notion, Mashrafe pointed out that the side has largely remained unchanged since the 2017 Champions Trophy, as well as the Asia Cup where they lost to India in the final.”There is little importance placed on whether this is our best squad or not. We had a similar squad in the Asia Cup and nearly won it. We made the semifinals of the 2017 Champions Trophy, with mostly these players,” he said. “They have not become the best team by doing anything extraordinary in the last two years. The best team doesn’t always do well. Only those who perform in the field, get the best results.”

Alex Hughes chimes in with 109 not out as match closes at Bristol

ECB Reporters Network14-Apr-2019

Wayne Madsen punches through the line•Getty Images

Wayne Madsen finished unbeaten on 204 as Derbyshire comfortably batted for a draw on a low key final day of the County Championship match with Gloucestershire at Bristol.It was the 35-year-old South African’s 30th first class century and the second time he had gone past 200 for his county. He shared an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 278 with Alex Hughes, who contributed 109 not out to the visitors’ second-innings total of 388 for 3 declared, which gave them a lead of 329 when the players shook hands at 4.50pm.Tom Lace made his second half-century of the match before falling to Benny Howell for 57 with the score on 110, but there was never any threat of Gloucestershire’s bowlers taking the necessary number of quick wickets to force a victory.During the course of his innings, Madsen went past 15,000 runs in all competitions for Derbyshire, only the ninth player to do so and the first since John Morris in 1991. On 93, he reached 10,000 first class runs for the club he has served with such distinction since 2009.Gloucestershire took 11 points, while Derbyshire went top of Division Two with nine from a match played on a slow pitch that rewarded patient batting and offered precious little for the bowlers on the last two days.Resuming their second innings on 97 for 2, the visitors had added only 13 when Lace, who began the day on 48, was brilliantly caught by the diving Chris Dent at wide second slip off Howell.The young batsman on loan for the season from Middlesex had reached fifty off 112 balls, with six fours. At 110 for 3, the Derbyshire lead was only 51, but Madsen and Hughes calmed any nerves, adding 76 before lunch.Madsen, who had started the morning on 41, was 82 not out at the interval and cashed in on some generous bowling at the start of the afternoon session as Gloucestershire, eager to boost a slow over-rate, put on spinners Graeme van Buuren and Miles Hammond.The latter went for 13 in an over as Madsen hit three fours and a single to close in on his hundred, which was completed two overs later, off 219 balls and including eight fours, with a nudge into the leg-side off Hammond.Gloucestershire took the second new ball with the total 213 for 3 and with Derbyshire leading by 154. But it made little impact as Hughes moved to his half-century off 113 balls.By tea, Derbyshire had moved to 325 for 3, a lead of 266, with Madsen on 160 and Hughes 91, neither of them having looked in the slightest trouble.Hughes reached his sixth first class hundred with a boundary to square leg off Hammond, having faced 211 deliveries and hit 10 fours and a pulled six off Harry Hankins.It only remained for Madsen to bring up his 200, which he did with a single courtesy of a misfield off van Buuren. He removed his helmet and raised both arms, having batted for more than seven hours, facing 343 balls and hitting 21 fours.Sadly, the ground was almost empty as the chill wind had sent even the hardiest spectators home long before.