Dani Dyer is in line for a post-wedding cash boost, with the ex-Love Island star preparing for a return to reality TV on Strictly Come Dancing.

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Tied the knot with Hammers skipperAgreed deal with BBC productionDiscussing terms of that appearanceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 28-year-old has tied the knot with West Ham and England star Jarrod Bowen. A lavish ceremony saw Dyer wear a £10,000 dress as friends and family – including father Danny – made lifelong memories with the happy couple.

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According to , Dyer is now preparing for a move back into television. It is claimed that she is locked in “pay deal talks” with Strictly after agreeing to star in the next series of the BBC production.

DID YOU KNOW?

She will be able to demand a sizeable fee, much like fellow WAG Coleen Rooney – the wife of Manchester United legend Wayne – did when appearing on the 2024 edition of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.

InstagramWHAT AN INSIDER SAID

A Strictly insider has told The Sun of Dyer: “Bosses are thrilled she’s agreed to take part and are ironing out her fee. She’s bubbly, down-to-earth and straight-talking and producers reckon she’ll make an ideal contestant — not to mention the bonus of having Jarrod and dad Danny in the audience supporting her.”

The bench also slapped Nepal legspinner with a fine of Rs 300,000

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jan-2024Nepal spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been sentenced to eight years in jail by a Kathmandu court for rape, the has reported.A single-judge bench of the Kathmandu District Court had last month found Lamichhane guilty of of raping an 18-year-old woman, and the sentence was announced on January 10. The bench also slapped him with a fine of Rs 300,000 (USD 2255 approx) and ordered him to pay Rs 200,000 (USD 1500 approx) in compensation to the victim. Lamichhane’s lawyer, Saroj Ghimire, told that he “will appeal the decision in a higher court.”On January 11, following the verdict, Lamichhane was suspended by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). “We inform you that Sandeep Lamichhane has been suspended from any kind of domestic and international cricket activities as he has been convicted and sentenced,” CAN said.In early September 2022, Lamichhane, then the Nepal captain, was suspended by CAN after an arrest warrant was issued against him in Kathmandu over the matter. It followed the news that a complaint against Lamichhane had been lodged in a Kathmandu police station.Related

• Kathmandu court finds Lamichhane guilty of rape

• Lamichhane suspended by Nepal board after arrest warrant against him

At the time, Lamichhane was in the West Indies with Jamaica Tallawahs taking part in CPL 2022. The club announced that Lamichhane would be leaving the tournament with immediate effect. Upon landing at the airport in Kathmandu in early October, he had been taken into custody.Shortly before being arrested, Lamichhane had written on Facebook that he would “fully cooperate in all stages of the investigation and will fight a legal battle to prove my innocence” and called it a “conspiracy and wrongful allegation”.He returned to the Nepal side in February last year – amid protests from rights groups at home – for a Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series at home, against Namibia and Scotland, during which opposition players did not shake his hand after the games. Subsequently, he was not considered for Nepal’s squad for the Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series in Dubai in early 2023, but joined the team later as an injury replacement. He has continued to turn out for Nepal since then, including at the ODI World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe in June-July last year and the ODI Asia Cup in August-September.On the day of his conviction, December 29, Lamichhane had led PARSA Club XI to a win over Nepal Army Club in a Nepal Pro Club Championship match in Birgunj.

da dobrowin： Tottenham Hotspur have endured an inconsistent season, and their managerial situation has now become a point of contention with the campaign drawing to a close.

Ange Postecoglou speculation runs rife at Tottenham Hotspur

da 888casino： Who would be a manager? Ange Postecoglou has recently become the latest Premier League boss to come under scrutiny due to his side’s inconsistent campaign, which has left their potential destiny hinging on the outcome of Spurs’ Europa League exploits.

Incredibly, Tottenham could secure Champions League qualification if they can navigate their way to trophy glory in Bilbao. However, the Lilywhites must overcome Eintracht Frankfurt, followed by one of Bodo/Glimt or Lazio, before potential final opponents emerge from the other side of the draw.

Domestically, their form contradicts the likelihood of that sequence of events unfolding. In the Premier League, Spurs have taken 34 points from 87 available and crashed out of both cup competitions, leaving Postecoglou’s future in North London hanging in the balance amid rumours that Daniel Levy is starting to do his due diligence on a potential succession plan.

Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola have emerged as frontrunners for the role. Noise is part and parcel of every manager’s duties, but it has created an unwanted sideshow for the Australian as he looks to deliver the first piece of silverware since 2008 in N17.

Ange Postecoglou’s record in charge of Tottenham Hotspur – all competitions

Wins

42

Draws

12

Losses

33

Points per game (Premier League)

1.49

Injuries have also hampered his mission to take Tottenham forward, and on that basis, there is an argument for giving the former Celtic manager more time to implement his masterplan.

Nevertheless, Levy and ENIC may have seen enough as a high-profile manager has entered the frame to step into the Spurs hot seat.

Mauricio Pochettino could make exciting Tottenham return

According to reports in Spain, the Tottenham board is seriously considering a reunion with Mauricio Pochettino, with Postecoglou’s future in North London becoming increasingly uncertain.

The outlet states the prospect of the Argentinian returning appeals to all parties, and he could be the new face of the Spurs project due to his strong rapport with supporters and at board level.

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Recently, Pochettino revealed he would be keen to come back to North London one day, stating: “Look, when I left the club I always remember one interview I said I would like one day to come back to Tottenham and that is of course.

“I am in the USA, I am not going to no, I’m not going to talk about that, but what I said then still after six years or five years, I still feel in my heart that, yes, I would like one day to come back.”

Pointing out his current engagement as head coach of the United States national team, it remains to be seen whether he would be open to swapping Stateside life for another crack at Premier League football following his latest club spell in charge at Chelsea. Earning recognition for his sterling work, Pochettino was previously labelled one of the ‘top managers in England” by Pep Guardiola.

While the prospect of leading the Stars and Stripes out as one of the host nations in next year’s World Cup is enticing, could the thought of a sensational rescue mission at the side where he shot to global prominence as a manager carry a little bit more weight? Only time will tell.

da lvbet： An “incredible” Premier League player is keen on joining Newcastle United at the end of the season, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Newcastle linked with new signings

da poker： The Magpies continue to be linked with fresh faces in the summer transfer window, with Jonathan Burkardt one potential target who has been mentioned. The Mainz star has enjoyed a fantastic season, scoring 15 goals in just 21 starts in the Bundesliga, also chipping in with two assists.

Newcastle are also said to be working on striking a deal for Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino, as Eddie Howe looks for more attacking options in his squad, especially following the exit of Miguel Almiron in the January window. He has a £67m release clause in his current deal.

Semih Kilicsoy has been mentioned as a possible signing for the Magpies for a while now, and they are continuing to track him. They are battling to sign the Besiktas ace, who has even been likened to Sergio Aguero.

The future of Alexander Isak is also a major talking point currently, with Newcastle doing all they can to keep him at St James’ Park for as long as possible. Champions League football will be key to that, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal seeing him as a perfect choice to lead the line.

"Incredible" Premier League champion keen to join Newcastle

According to The Chronicle, Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is keen on moving to Newcastle this summer, in a development from a previous rumour claiming the Magpies could be offered his services.

The 29-year-old sees it as a way to “resurrect his stalled career”, having fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola this season, and his price tag is now seen as a “fraction” of the £100m City paid Aston Villa for his services back in 2021.

Grealish’s stock has fallen over the past year or so – City wouldn’t be considering selling him if that wasn’t the case – but that’s not to say that he couldn’t be a shrewd signing for Newcastle.

The England international, who has won three top-flight titles with City, could love the idea of being able to express himself more than at the Etihad, as was the case during his Villa days, with Guardiola’s style of play more precise and robotic. The Spaniard may have struggled to give his player minutes this season, but he has still heaped praise on him in the past:

“I want him to make goals and assists and he does too but it’s not about that. It’s about his contribution without the ball and what he can produce for the other ones. We didn’t sign Jack Grealish for the incredible goals or assists at Aston Villa. It was for another reason. He competes with top, top players as well and he knows it perfectly. He never complains about that.”

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At 29 and on £15.6m-a-year, Grealish isn’t getting any younger, but if Howe believes he can bring him back to his best for several years, he could prove to be an inspired signing.

Newcastle United have established themselves as one of the top-flight’s top four contenders, but Eddie Howe has no intention of stopping there once the summer window opens for business.

Newcastle's summer activity could be determined by Premier League fate

Despite three losses in their last five Premier League fixtures, Newcastle remain firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification under Eddie Howe.

While the FA Cup fifth round offers some welcome respite from their top-flight duties this weekend, the Magpies know the significance of taking a step closer to another appearance at Wembley should they overcome Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon.

With a place in the Carabao Cup final already secure, Newcastle could potentially have three different avenues to qualify for Europe this season when factoring in their league position and potential to go all the way in England’s oldest domestic competition.

Howe will also be aware that the competition they enter may have a bearing on incomings, and they may also need to make some tough choices to meet PSR requirements. According to reports, Samu Aghehowa has been identified as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak should the Swede be sacrificed to adhere with regulations.

Departures will also make way for fresh blood to enter the fold at St James’ Park. Matt Targett, Callum Wilson and Jamal Lascelles could be due to leave upon the expiry of their contracts, which could free up significant wage expenditure after PIF gave Howe the green light to spend this summer.

Creativity may be needed to maximise the scope for recruitment on Tyneside this summer. Now, Howe could now revisit a move for one of his top January targets as he aims to streamline his squad.

Newcastle United could tempt Angel Gomes to Tyneside

According to the Daily Briefing via CaughtOffside, Newcastle are keen to bring in Lille midfielder Angel Gomes this summer on a free transfer as his contract at Lille runs into its final few months.

Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the England international. Nevertheless, the report claims a move to Tyneside could be a tempting proposition for the Carrington graduate, who has two goals and one assist in 19 appearances this term.

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1

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Back in January, Gomes was Newcastle’s top target before the window petered out with no deal coming to fruition. Mid-season deals are often difficult to conduct by nature, but the summer may be a different proposition for the Magpies when bolstering the ranks is firmly on the agenda.

Featuring in a variety of roles across the engine room, the Lille man has created 14 chances on Ligue 1 duty this term alongside winning 31 duels despite his slight frame.

Newcastle’s squad is in need of new energy to replenish some ageing fringe players that may need upgrading before too long, making Gomes someone that should be pursued as a priority due to the fact he is available for nothing.

The international break came at the right for Arsenal. Trailing the league by 12 points, they’ve needed some time off to reset and prepare for a busy few final months of the season.

While the Premier League title now feels impossible, their chances in the Champions League are not done and dusted just yet. However, they do face Real Madrid. Good luck, Mikel Arteta.

Before then, they will hope for a fitter squad. Gabriel Martinelli is back in action now and Bukayo Saka’s return isn’t too far off.

They will be missing Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus though, two long-term absentees who won’t play again this season.

As a result, they will need to find more fortune in the final third. Finding form for your country could be key.

How Arsenal's players are performing for their country

The biggest story of this international break has undoubtedly been Thomas Tuchel’s first match in the Wembley dugout with England.

It wasn’t too much of a rip-roaring start, beating Albania 2-0, but there was a Three Lions debut for 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The teenager started at left-back and made an almighty impact, notably scoring the first goal of the Tuchel era, running in behind and getting on the end of a beautiful Jude Bellingham pass before finding the back of the net.

It was a magical moment. Only Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney have scored goals at a younger age for England.

Declan Rice also played a part in that win, assisting Harry Kane’s 70th England goal.

Elsewhere, Riccardo Calafiori was injured with Italy and we still await a prognosis of a knee injury after the defender fell awkwardly last week and twisted his leg.

Fellow defender William Saliba kept a clean sheet on Sunday night, subsequently helping France to the UEFA Nations League semi-finals after defeating Croatia. Mikel Merino scored last week against the Netherlands as La Roja sealed their place in the last four too.

That said, it hasn’t been productive for everyone away with their country. Just ask Leandro Trossard.

Leandro Trossard's performances for Belgium

This has been a tough season for Trossard who should have been able to kick on after a brilliant 2023/24 campaign.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Only Saka scored more (20) than Trossard’s haul of 17 goals in all competitions throughout last term but he’s underwhelmed significantly through 2024/25.

The Belgian has found the net on six occasions and posted seven assists in 43 games but his recent record leaves plenty to be desired, scoring just once in his last 13 appearances at club level.

That record has now stretched to 15 matches for club and country, failing to net in Belgium’s recent matches against Ukraine, an initial 3-1 defeat and then a 3-0 win on Sunday.

In those games, the wide forward failed to deliver, with Belgian media notably unhappy with his performances.

In the first fixture against Ukraine, Belgian outlet Walfoot noted that ‘Trossard was only a shadow of the player he can be at Arsenal (and was at Brighton).’

Minutes played

80

69

Touches

46

42

Accurate passes

24/32 (75%)

26/31 (84%)

Key passes

2

1

Crosses

0

0/2

Shots on target

0

0

Shots off target

1

1

Successful dribbles

2/3

0/1

Ground duels won

5/9

0/3

Aerial duels won

0/1

0

Lost possession

11x

10x

Meanwhile, after the 3-0 win over the weekend, Voetbalkrant handed a 5/10 match rating, writing: ‘He was deployed as right forward, but roamed everywhere in a free role. His efforts left much to be desired and he really wasn’t in the game. Too weak.’

It continues a pretty wretched run of form for the 30-year-old who is playing himself out of the team, not just for his country but for his club too.

With Saka set to return before too long, the Belgian could well find himself behind the likes of Nwaneri, Martinelli and the club’s iconic number 7.

There is said to be interest from Saudi in Trossard and over the summer, Arteta and Co simply have to be looking at cashing in on the attacker.

His recent run, including over the international break, proves he’s no longer good enough for the Gunners.

Arsenal's "huge talent" was the original Lewis-Skelly, then he left for £0

Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly has made quite the impression at club and international level this season.

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South Africa will look to bounce back from the beating they suffered against India

Ashish Pant09-Nov-2023Big picture: Batting might vs bowling smartsAfghanistan were so close to achieving their most important ODI win. Against Australia. For a shot at the World Cup semi-finals. Almost there. Before a Glenn Maxwell-sized meteor flattened them.They are now in Ahmedabad to play their final league game and will bow out of the World Cup at the largest cricket stadium in the world. Having only ever beaten Scotland once in 2015 and 2019, Afghanistan have beaten three former champions – England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan – this time, as well as Netherlands, but the 438-run victory they need against South Africa to push New Zealand out of fourth place on net run rate is impossible. An exit with ten points, as many as the team that qualifies fourth, however, will be a massive win in itself.Afghanistan have only played one ODI and two T20Is against South Africa and never won. But that was old Afghanistan. The Afghanistan of the 2023 World Cup have excelled as a unit. Each of their top five batters have 250-plus runs in the tournament. In the bowling department, it’s not the usual suspects doing the damage. Yes, Rashid Khan is Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker, but he hasn’t always been consistent. And while Mujeeb Ur Rahman has only seven in eight games, the likes of Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq have all been among the wickets.Related

Hashmatullah Shahidi wants more Tests and ODIs for Afghanistan to 'improve'

Marco Jansen, South Africa's Magnificent No. 7

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Clinical, risk-assessed, productive – Afghanistan's batting evolution unlocks new highs

As far as South Africa go, with their semi-final spot already secure, this fixture is a pressure-free opportunity to pick themselves up after the beating they suffered against India in Kolkata by India. After that 243-run drubbing David Miller did not feel South Africa have been “horrific chasing”, but it’s no secret they have been much more successful batting first than second in ODIs this year.Eventually, the result is likely to hinge on how Afghanistan’s bowlers fare against South Africa’s batting might. Afghanistan and India are the only teams to have not conceded 300 even once this World Cup. South Africa have scored five totals in excess of 300, the highest being 428 against Sri Lanka. Do Afghanistan have it in them to contain South Africa?Form GuideAfghanistan LWWWL (Last five completed ODIs; most recent first)
South Africa LWWWWCan Marco Jansen bounce back from the beating he took against India?•Associated PressIn the spotlight: Ibrahim Zadran and Marco Jansen The current top-scorer for Afghanistan, Ibrahim Zadran was their first centurion at the World Cup, in their previous game against Australia. The opener averages 57.5 against fast bowlers in the competition and the way he tackles the South Africa quicks will be crucial. Ibrahim has had a top start to his ODI career. He has only played 27 ODIs but is already second on the list of most centuries for Afghanistan. A sixth will take him level with Mohammad Shahzad.Marco Jansen had a rare bad day against India, when he went for 94 runs in 9.4 overs and couldn’t do much with the bat. Having had a stellar run in the World Cup, he will be keen to show his bouncebackability. Jansen is in third place for the most wickets in the competition (17) and it’s his powerplay bowling that has really stood out: 12 wickets in eight innings – more than any other bowler in the tournament. Not to forget his batting lower down the order, where he’s struck at 111.34. After an ordinary outing at Eden Gardens, Jansen will want to return to his match-winning ways.Team news: Phehlukwayo to get a game?Depending on the Ahmedabad pitch, Afghanistan might bring back Farooqi for either Noor or Mujeeb. The rest of their playing XI is unlikely to change.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 5 Azmatullah Omarzai, 6 Mohammad Nabi, 7 Ikram Alikhil (wk), 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Mujeeb Ur Rahman/Fazalhaq Farooqi, 10 Naveen-ul-Haq, 11 Noor AhmadAndile Phehlukwayo is yet to get a game in the World Cup•Associated PressLungi Ngidi did not complete his ten overs against India, walking off two balls into his ninth. While he did come out to bat later and is declared fit for the game, South Africa could rest either him or Kagiso Rabada, with Andile Phehlukwayo coming in for his first game. Tazbraiz Shamsi could also make way for fast bowler Gerald Coetzee.South Africa (probable): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Temba Bavuma (capt), 3 Rassie van der Dussen, 4 Aiden Markram, 5 Heinrich Klaasen, 6 David Miller, 7 Marco Jansen, 8 Keshav Maharaj, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Lungi Ngidi/Andile Phehlukwayo, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi/Gerald Coetzee Pitch and conditionsAhmedabad hasn’t had extremely high totals so far in the World Cup – no team has been able to score more than 300. The soil type will be a factor in how the surface plays. The temperature is expected to hover around the 36-degree mark when the match starts and will go down in the evening. There is little to no chance of rain.Stats and triviaRahmat Shah is just 13 short of becoming the fourth Afghanistan batter to score 4000 runs in international cricket.South Africa have a win percentage of 90.90 when batting first in ODIs in 2023. They have lost just one of 11 matchesHeinrich Klaasen’s strike rate of 148.67 is the highest in ODIs in 2023 (minimum 200 runs)If Jansen takes one more wicket, he will become the leading wicket-taker for South Africa in a single ODI World CupRassie van der Dussen has fallen to spin six times in eight innings so far this World Cup Quotes”We haven’t been horrific chasing, it’s just been one or two games where we slipped up. I think it’s just comparing to what we have done batting first, which has been exceptional.”
“In this World Cup, I think one part that we are not good enough in, is the fielding, you know, like we dropped so many catches. In the New Zealand game also, those dropped catches hurt us. Especially last game with Australia, that dropped the chances that we had. That was the reason, if we took that, the result and scenario would be far different than now.”

South Australia lost their first three wickets without a run on the board and the theme continued

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff16-Feb-2024

Bowlers held sway on a chaotic 17-wicket first day of the Sheffield Shield match at Adelaide Oval. On a decidedly difficult green-tinged pitch, the ball reigned supreme as the home side were routed for 132 and Queensland struggled to 112 for 7, with out-of-form Test No.3 Marnus Labuschagne top-scoring with a 112-ball 38 in his first Shield match as captain.After a disappointing Test summer when his form came under the microscope, Labuschange defended for his life against the Redbacks in his only Shield match before the tour of New Zealand.Related

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Like most batters on day one, Labuschange looked shaky and survived multiple scares during his battling stay at the crease. He fell to Nathan McAndrew late in the day as South Australia closed in on an unlikely first-innings lead.Opener Matt Renshaw endured another failure in his last match before going on the New Zealand tour as a spare batter.Dismissed for 2 in both innings against Tasmania earlier in February, Renshaw was out for 8, caught off the outside edge by Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey off Jordan Buckingham.Renshaw’s best score from his past 12 innings in first-class cricket, domestic one-dayers and T20s is the 40 he made in last month’s BBL final.The day started as it finished – with wickets tumbling. After winning the toss, South Australia were quickly on the ropes at 0 for 3 in the fourth over.In-form Queensland quick Xavier Bartlett carried his sparkling form from the recent ODI series against the West Indies into the Shield, dismissing maverick opener Jake Fraser-McGurk and Nathan McSweeney.But Carey and captain Jake Lehmann saved the Redbacks from complete embarrassment, putting on a crucial 64-run fourth-wicket stand. Lehmann and Carey were the only South Australian batters to reach double figures in the hosts’ 40.3 over innings.In reply, Queensland stumbled to 13 for 3 and 77 for 5 before mounting some late resistance but again lost wickets towards the close.

The dust has settled, acceptance firmly embedded in the myriad of Liverpool supporters who thought Wembley would bring more joy, sparking the beginning of a double for Arne Slot in his debut season.

And that is important, that last part. Slot has not yet spent a year in the hot seat. Jurgen Klopp left after winning the Carabao Cup last term, falling short across other routes.

But this time, Liverpool have surprised the world by imperiously shifting into pole position in the Premier League. 12 points cover the ground between Anfield and their closest competitor Arsenal. It’s a significant gap and one that ceding would mark an unprecedented collapse in the business stretch.

However, FSG will bore witness to a startling polarity against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final, with Alexander Isak once again reminding Liverpool and the rest of them that he will be the most covetous option on the market when it opens in a few months.

Alexander Isak showed why Liverpool need him

Isak. Born in Sweden, reared under the fabled Sociedad mountains and shaped into a superstar at Newcastle, getting better and better after joining for a club-record £63m fee in 2022.

After sealing the Magpies’ victory over Liverpool, respected analyst Raj Chohan hailed him as “the best striker in the world this season, bar none.”

That’s 23 goals for the campaign, three assists. It’s no surprise he’s so desperately wanted for by Europe’s elite, Liverpool among the most interested.

But it’s not just the numbers. Isak is so intelligent and instinctive. His movement and anticipation are second to none. Injury problems, also, seem to have deserted him.

Indeed, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has confirmed Anfield’s desire to bring him in this summer, though finances will determine the true substance of the pursuit.

Isak is a superstar, but Liverpool boast a first-class squad that such a player would love to join, especially with the likes of Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz all flattering to deceive and thus facing potential sales this summer.

While the frontline needs to be revamped, Liverpool certainly don’t need to replace any of their starting midfield options, merely bring in some competition, some depth.

After all, they are regarded as one of the best in the business, repurposing Liverpool’s engine room and driving it toward trophies.

All three were signed by Klopp, but one in particular has Slot’s mark on him, thriving in a new role.

Slot's Liverpool triumph is now worth as much as Isak

Liverpool’s season has been stained by the performances over the past several weeks, but there’s still a Premier League title on the line and that was the all-important prize before the season started – in fact, such success was considered out of Slot’s reach by most.

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But the mood shifted quite swiftly as Liverpool proved themselves title contenders. Now, they are way ahead in the driving seat.

Pre-season trepidation devolved into something more worrying when Liverpool failed to sign Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi last summer, doubly so when Ryan Gravenberch was promoted to the first-choice at number six. An internal solution to an obviously outward problem.

Only, it wasn’t so. In fact, Liverpool have gone from strength to strength with the Dutchman partnering Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in the Red centre.

He’s been nothing short of a revelation, with Reds reporter Ste Hoare hailing him for his “sensational” performances this term. Had Gravenberch failed to adapt to Slot’s teachings, Liverpool would not be ahead in the title race.

As you can see, the leaps and bounds he’s made this year have been extraordinary, so much more composed and intelligent with his distribution, also providing an athletic and energetic approach to meld with his central peers.

Matches (starts)

26 (12)

29 (29)

Goals

1

0

Assists

0

2

Touches*

28.8

65.5

Pass completion

83%

89%

Key passes*

0.6

0.8

Dribbles*

0.9

1.0

Ball recoveries*

2.8

5.2

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

3.5

Total duels (won)*

2.8 (47%)

4.7 (58%)

The decision to sign Bayern Munich’s struggling prospect for £34m in August 2023 looks all the more clear. Klopp saw something in the Netherlands star, and Slot has now activated his latent brilliance.

In fact, as per CIES Football Observatory – the world’s leading football-focused statisticians – Liverpool’s Dutch midfielder is currently worth about £88m, marginally more than Newcastle’s Isak: £87m.

Now, the free-scoring striker is going to fetch a heavier cost if he is to leave this coming summer. Newcastle have already revealed they are looking for a sum in excess of £150m to grant his sale.

Though Gravenberch has looked somewhat leggy in recent weeks, it’s hardly surprising given he’s started the vast majority of Liverpool’s fixtures. Indeed, the 22-year-old’s 3,516 minutes played across all competitions this year is surpassed only by Virgil van Dijk and Salah.

Comparatively speaking, he’s got every bit as much potential as a player like Isak, who is three years the midfielder’s senior. If he continues to make headway over the coming years, there’s no telling how high Gravenberch might reach as he soars toward the uppermost echelon of midfielders playing in Europe right now – if he’s not reached that level already.

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This free-scoring centre-forward would be an even bigger deal than Darwin Nunez at Liverpool.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 16, 2025

Three days before their World Cup semi-final against Australia, South Africa were given a potential boost, as their captain Temba Bavuma took full part in an optional training session, at Eden Gardens, on Monday.Bavuma ran a couple of laps around the outfield, before doing some fitness drills under the watchful eye of the team physiotherapist Sizwe Hadebe and the strength and conditioning coach Runeshan Moodley. He then proceeded to do some shuttle runs, increasing the pace with each lap, and then moved to running drills as he moved forward and backwards. While Bavuma occasionally looked uncomfortable and bent over with his hand on his sides, he did not appear to be at any unease while running. The South Africa captain was seen with a bit of a strapping on his thigh.Later in the session, Bavuma padded up and shadow batted with a stump before having a lengthy conversation with coach Rob Walter. After watching Rassie van der Dussen for a while, Bavuma then padded up and went into a net, where he spent around 50 minutes batting. He even advanced down the track to hit a few balls.Related

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“Temba’s right hamstring strain has shown good objective signs of improvement over the last 72 hours,” said a statement from the South African medical team. ” We will continuously assess his progress through the management plan over the next few days towards giving him the best chance to play on Thursday.” They also clarified that the work Bavuma was putting in on Monday was not for a fitness test but merely “part of the rehabilitation strategies of the recovery plan.”Bavuma had suffered a hamstring injury during South Africa’s league game against Afghanistan in Ahmedabad last week. He left the field after nine balls of the first innings, and returned four overs later but limped as he fielded – mostly at mid-off. He chased balls gingerly and hobbled as he jogged to talk to his bowlers but did not go off again, with his role as opening batter in mind. Had Bavuma spent significant time off the field, he would have only been allowed to bat after the same amount of time had elapsed or until at least five batters had been dismissed, which he did not want to do as he searches for form. To date, Bavuma has a top score of 35 at the tournament, and scored 23 against Afghanistan.CSA had said on Sunday that Bavuma had “shown an improvement” overnight, and that he had not been sent for scans, but did not give an official update on his current condition.If Bavuma is unable to play the semi-final, Aiden Markram is likely to captain South Africa – as he did when Bavuma missed the England and Bangladesh games with illness – while Reeza Hendricks could open the batting.