علق محمد صلاح، مدرب الزمالك السابق، على هزيمة منتخب مصر أمام كرواتيا، أمس الثلاثاء، في نهائي بطولة كأس عاصمة مصر الدولية الودية.
وتلقى المنتخب المصري هزيمة ثقيلة برباعية مُقابل هدفين، في اللقاء الذي أقيم على ملعب “استاد مصر” بالعاصمة الإدارية الجديدة.
وقال محمد صلاح، في تصريحات عبر برنامج “الريمونتادا” على قناة “المحور”: “حسام حسن كان يريد إسعاد الجماهير، لكن عليه أن يعرف أن نوعية لاعبي المنتخب يجب أن تكون أفضل من ذلك”.
وأشار صلاح إلى ضرورة توسيع نطاق الاختيارات: “لا توجد مواهب وكل اللاعبين متساوون، ما المانع من اختيار لاعبين من خارج الأهلي والزمالك؟”.
طالع أيضًا | ميدو يشن هجومًا عنيفًا على لاعبي منتخب مصر بعد الخسارة أمام كرواتيا في نهائي كأس العاصمة
وأضاف: “أفهم رغبة المدرب في خفض متوسط أعمار الفريق وبناء فريق للمستقبل، لكن يجب أن يكون ذلك مع اختيار نوعية اللاعبين القادرين على تحمل الضغط الجماهيري”.
وشدد صلاح على أهمية توسيع دائرة الاختيارات: “لا يوجد لاعبون في الأهلي أو الزمالك يجعلون المدير الفني يشعر بالراحة، بدليل أن إصابة أي لاعب تُغير الوضع تمامًا”.
واختتم: “واجهنا مشكلة في وسط الملعب أمام كرواتيا، وأكرم توفيق ما زال غير جاهز للمشاركة، ولعب لوكا مودريتش بدون رقابة، بالإضافة إلى سوء الأداء الدفاعي”.
A consistently threatening Bangladesh bowling attack limited Sri Lanka to 238 for 7 on the opening day in Colombo, with only Dinesh Chandimal fighting back for the hosts
The Report by Mohammad Isam15-Mar-2017 Scorecard and ball-by-ball details2:50
Isam: Bangladesh looked prepared for the landmark
Sri Lanka fought back in the final 75 minutes of play in Colombo through an obdurate eighth-wicket partnership between Dinesh Chandimal and Rangana Herath, but Bangladesh won the day, making a fine start to their landmark 100th Test. When bad light stopped play at 5.16pm, they had taken seven wickets and given away only 238 runs.Chandimal’s favourite opposition
131.50 Dinesh Chandimal’s average against Bangladesh, the fifth-highest among all batsman with at least 500 runs. He has made three centuries and two fifties in eight innings.
64 Runs scored by Chandimal in his first five Test innings at the P Sara Oval, at an average of 12.80. His scores were 1, 11, 15, 25 and 12. Now he has made 86.
23 Total runs accumulated by Sri Lanka’s top-three batsmen, their lowest ever against Bangladesh, eclipsing the 29 runs they had put on at same venue in 2005.
3 Successful reviews by Sri Lanka’s batsmen – Upul Tharanga and Rangana Herath overturned lbw calls while Chandimal survived an appeal for a catch at slip. The visitors appealed for DRS only once and were unsuccessful.
293 Sri Lanka’s lowest innings total against Bangladesh in Tests – Dhaka 2008. They are seven down and 55 runs short of that mark.
Chandimal was unbeaten on 86 off 210 balls with four fours, in a great display of solidity against a Bangladesh attack that consistently threatened. Mustafizur Rahman and Mehedi Hasan took two wickets each, while Subashis Roy, Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul Islam backed them up with controlled spells taking one wicket apiece.Bangladesh overcame some of the disadvantage of losing the toss with Mustafizur and Mehedi making crucial early strikes. Mustafizur tempted opener Dimuth Karunaratne to play away from his body and had him caught at gully by Mehedi, who then took over and took out not one but both centurions from the Galle Test – Kusal Mendis and Upul Tharanga.Mendis ran past a drifter and was stumped by Mushfiqur Rahim, who took over the gloves with Liton Das injured, and Tharanga was caught at slip after jabbing at a classic offspinner’s delivery. Roy then claimed the morning session for Bangladesh when he trapped Asela Gunaratne lbw for 13, which left Sri Lanka on 70 for 4 at lunch.Things changed in the afternoon though. Chandimal, recognising the importance of batting through the innings, did not hit a single boundary in the session as he helped Sri Lanka up their score by 79 runs for the loss of only one wicket. That wicket came in the 48th over when a fluent Dhananjaya de Silva tried to pull Taijul Islam’s left-arm spin and was instead bowled. Sri Lanka’s largest partnership of the innings – 66 runs in 19.4 overs – had been broken. It might have ended a lot sooner if not for DRS. In the 39th over, Shakib had got the on-field umpire’s approval for a catch off the inside edge at slip, but with Chandimal opting for the review, replays showing no conclusive evidence of bat being involved.Sri Lanka began the third session positively, taking four fours off Subashis, but Shakib made up for it from the other end when he removed Niroshan Dickwella, who had struck three of those boundaries, for 34. Mustafizur followed that up by having Dilruwan Perera caught at second slip to reinforce Bangladesh’s dominance.Sri Lanka’s hopes now rest with their captain Herath, who successfully challenged Aleem Dar ruling him lbw, and Chandimal. They had put on 43 runs in 18.3 overs, before dark clouds descended over the P Sara Oval, forcing early stumps.
Arsenal are interested in Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, but the imminent signing of Jurrien Timber could stop a move from materialising, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Who is Jeremie Frimpong?
Frimpong began his career in the youth setup at Manchester City, where he spent nine years before moving to the Scottish Premiership with Celtic. In his short spell in Scotland, the 22-year-old made 51 appearances and scored three goals, winning the only league title of his career so far. The right-back received lots of interest whilst at Parkhead and in January 2021 sealed a move to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
Frimpong enjoyed his career breakthrough at Leverkusen, where he has made 95 appearances and scored 11 goals whilst providing 20 assists, becoming one of the most highly coveted young defenders on the planet.
Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United have been reported as having an interest in the defender, though the Red Devils' next steps in their pursuit are dependent on their ownership situation.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that whilst Arsenal do hold an interest in the former Celtic man, the recent signing of Timber by the Gunners may stop them pushing on with a move.
"We had some rumours about [Frimpong] that Arsenal are not in an official negotiation with Bayer Leverkusen for Frimpong.
"From what I understand, Bayer Leverkusen want at least around £35m for Frimpong, so at the moment, Arsenal are very happy with Timber who can help in different positions.
"Then, we will see if they attack the Frimpong situation or not. But at the moment, just some preliminary talks a few days ago and weeks ago, but not something advanced for Frimpong."
Would Frimpong be the right signing for Arsenal?
The signing of Frimpong would bring a different aspect to the Gunners' current full-back situation.
As it stands, the club's most natural right-back is Cedric, who is third-choice behind natural central defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Whilst the duo have performed admirably in the position across the past couple of seasons, they do have a couple of issues.
The Japan international has struggled with injuries since arriving at the Emirates, missing 24 games through injury, whilst White, although defensively sound, leaves something to be desired from an attacking end.
Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong.
That is where the Dutchman from Leverkusen comes in. He is statistically one of the best attacking full-backs on the planet, sitting in the top 5% in categories such as progressive carries, successful take-ons, touches in the attacking penalty area and non-penalty goals per 90 (as per FBref). His 0.21 assists per 90 ranks him in the top 10%, which makes it clear to see the dynamic he could offer Mikel Arteta and why the north London side are so interested.
The attacking threat that the wing-back carries could also be beneficial to Bukayo Saka. Opposition teams often try to man-mark Saka out of the game or commit two to three players on him alone, sometimes even resorting to kicking and fouling him. However, the threat that Frimpong poses means that defenders cannot simply leave him unmarked to focus on the Englishman, which in turn creates more space and more threatening possibilities for the current England Player of the Year.
Should Arsenal decide to push on in their pursuit of Frimpong, the different dynamic he offers could be the deciding factor in the success they achieve this season.
Chelsea are reportedly interested in Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Rayan Cherki, in a move that could add significant firepower to Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
The Blues will be looking to right their wrongs from last season, after registering a disastrous 12th-place finish, 27 points away from the top four and miles from where the club is expected to be.
Pochettino is in for a busy summer at Stamford Bridge, as he gets to work on revamping the shell-shocked side he inherited from Frank Lampard, with changes to be made in and around the squad.
News emerging last week suggested that the Blues are eyeing Lyon’s teen sensation Cherki, with journalist Simon Phillips claiming that Chelsea are ‘exploring’ the idea of signing the Frenchman.
A separate report last month suggested that the French side would want a fee in the region of €50m (£43m) for the midfielder, making him a reasonably priced option for the west Londoners, who spent around £600m over last season’s windows.
Where could Rayan Cherki fit in at Chelsea?
Hailed as a “wonderkid” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 19-year-old could prove to be a perfect asset for Pochettino to have on board at the Bridge.
A pivotal area that the Argentine is expected to get to work on is the attack, considering the Blues netted just 38 goals in 38 league games last campaign, highlighting a lack of clinical spirit and creativity in the final third.
There are plenty of areas for the former Tottenham boss to explore and manipulate, and lots of talent to both express and expel.
Criticised as being “so poor” by members of the media, Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher could see Pochettino secure an upgrade on his services in the middle of the park, should he opt to sign Cherki.
A product of Chelsea’s academy, Gallagher endured several loan spells before getting regular game time in the squad last season, however, the Englishman has failed to make an impact sufficient enough to aid the side’s woes in the final third.
At 19, Cherki could claim the 23-year-old’s place in Pochettino’s plans, with his numbers painting an exciting picture for the Blues to imagine their future to be in attack.
rayan-cherki-lyon
When comparing Gallagher and the Frenchman’s numbers over their respective 2022/23 league campaigns, it’s harsh viewing for the Epsom-born player who could face the reality of falling down the pecking order.
As per FBref comparisons, the teenager achieved a greater threat in his distribution, as highlighted through his average of 6.92 progressive passes per 90 to Gallagher’s 5.83, as well as averaging 3.17 key passes to his 1.17 per 90.
Another area of his game that Cherki could bolster Chelsea’s midfield with are his capabilities on the ball, topping the charts in Ligue 1 last season by registering 6.39 progressive carries per 90, scoring higher than Lionel Messi in this area, via FBref.
Gallagher managed an average of 2.22 progressive carries per 90 in the Premier League, suggesting the ways that the teenager could add to the Blues’ attack with his youthful and energetic spark in possession that could greatly benefit those around him.
Pochettino has a job on his hands this summer, however, the Argentine could get Chelsea back to familiar highs with a positive transfer window and a chance to craft his side.
كشف إيهاب الكومي عضو مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة موقف محمد صلاح من الانضمام لمعسكر منتخب مصر المقبل، موضحًا المستجدات الخاصة بـ قضية الثنائي حسين الشحات ومحمد الشيبي.
ومن المقرر أن ينتظم منتخب مصر في معسكر خلال شهر مايو المقبل استعداداً لمواجهة بوركينا فاسو ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.
وقال إيهاب الكومي في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “صدي البلد”: “معسكر منتخب مصر كان مفيدًا جدًا، الإيجابيات من وجهة نظري عودة الجماهير المصرية للالتفاف حول المنتخب وسنبني على ذلك في الفترة القادمة”.
وتابع: “خضنا مباراتين وحسام حسن كان يريد أن يعرف ما يحتاجه المنتخب ومن سيتم استبعادهم، المباراة الأولى أمام نيوزيلندا تمكنا من الفوز”.
وأردف: “أمام كرواتيا واجهنا المنتخب المصنف العاشر عالميًا ولا يُستهان به، مباراة كانت كبيرة، بكل تأكيد هناك إيجابيات وسلبيات وحسام حسن سيعمل على تصحيحها في الفترات القادمة”.
واستطرد: “لا أحد عاقل يقول إن غياب محمد صلاح غير مؤثر، نحن نحتاج إلى قائد مثلما كان مودريتش قائدًا للمنتخب الكرواتي، وكنا نحتاج لـ محمد الشناوي وإمام عاشور وزيزو”.
طالع | أيمن يونس: ما فعله محمد صلاح يشبه ميسي.. و”العيب” في حسام حسن لو لم يستفد منه
ويستعد منتخب مصر لمباراة بوركينا فاسو في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026 وذلك يوم 5 يونيو المقبل في القاهرة، حيث يتواجد المنتخبان ضمن فرق المجموعة الأولى.
وأكمل: “أشرف صبحي وزير الشباب والرياضة هو رب الأسرة الرياضية المصرية، ولا يتأخر عن أي شيء إيجابي، وهناك تنسيق كامل بين الوزير والجهاز الفني واتحاد الكرة ومحمد صلاح”.
وأضاف: “محمد صلاح سيكون موجودًا في المعسكر المُقبل، وبالتأكيد صلاح يعي أهمية تواجد حسام حسن على رأس القيادة الفنية”.
وبسؤاله هل حسام حسن تقدم بطلبات؟، أجاب: “أي طلبات سيتقدم بها اتحاد الكرة سيستجيب، سواء كانت مباريات ودية أو خلافه، والرابطة لا تتأخر في تأجيل المباريات”.
وبشأن قضية الشحات والشيبي؟، أوضح: “الموضوع عند لجنة الانضباط، لكن تفاصيل ما حدث داخل اللجنة لا أعرفها، البيانات بالكامل عند اللجنة ولا أعرف ما هو موعد القرار الذي سيصدر”.
وأتم: “بكل تأكيد ستكون هناك قرارات من لجنة المسابقات بشأن مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في نهائي كأس مصر بعد الاطلاع على تقرير مراقب المباراة، وسيتم اتخاذ قرارات بناءً على ذلك، ولن يتم مجاملة ناد على حساب الآخر”.
ESPNcricinfo previews the second Test between New Zealand and South Africa in Wellington
The Preview by Andrew McGlashan15-Mar-2017Match FactsMarch 16-20 2017 Start time 11.00am local (2200GMT)1:09
Moonda: Matt Henry might get into the XI
Big PictureAs you were, then. Sort of. Four days of cut-and-thrust set things up for a fascinating fifth day in Dunedin. Then it rained. It’s done that quite a lot in New Zealand this summer. The good news, however, is after a wet and windy build-up the forecast for the five days in Wellington (and you always need to say this with fingers crossed) is shaping up nicely.If the first Test had gone the distance, South Africa had their noses in front going into the final day with New Zealand a batsman and a bowler down. But they were never allowed to dominate, even when their batsmen were building partnerships, due to a combination of a sluggish pitch and accurate bowling.However tight the opening skirmishes on paper South Africa now have a significant advantage with New Zealand having lost both Ross Taylor and Trent Boult. While Tim Southee can help sustain the bowling department, this match will be a test of New Zealand’s batting depth. A No. 4-5 axis of Neil Broom and Henry Nicholls looks flimsy and leaves even more on the shoulders of Kane Williamson who is now ranked No. 2 after his superb 130 in Dunedin.Half of South Africa’s attack also bring with them good memories – and valuable knowledge of the Basin’s characteristics – from the 2012 Test. Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel claimed six-wicket hauls – Morkel’s 6 for 23 remain his career-best – and both will have their sights set on that inexperienced New Zealand top order. That Test five years ago was a draw, though, with Williamson standing in South Africa’s way. It is likely he will need to do the same again.Form guideNew Zealand DWWWW (completed matches, most recent first) South Africa DWWWLTim Southee will help cover for Trent Boult’s absence, but Ross Taylor’s presence will be harder to replace•Getty Images
In the spotlightAt least to replace Boult, New Zealand have Southee. For the batting it’s a little different. Neil Broom has some big boots to fill, boots that have scored 6030 Test runs. New Zealand have backed his domestic experience – 136 matches of it spread across 14 years – and Broom’s debut will cap a remarkable summer which included quitting his deal with Derbyshire after a surprise recall. His scores in the one-day series of 2,2 and 0 were noted by Faf du Plessis – “we were quite successful in getting rid of him so hopefully that will continue,” he said in Dunedin – but at least Broom has seen enough ups and downs to keep his emotions level. He’ll need that composure this week.Quinton de Kock can expect to face Jeetan Patel as soon as he walks in (presuming New Zealand now don’t leave him out having brought him back) probably regardless of the state of the innings or age of the ball. Four times in four innings Patel has nabbed him and this presents a little challenge for de Kock who has been South Africa’s trump card at No. 7 in recent times, either staging a counter-attacking recovery or hurting tired attacks. This duel has become an enjoyable little subplot of the tour, and perhaps an unexpected one.Team newsNew Zealand did not confirm their final XI with a decision to be made over the balance of the attack. It would be a surprise if they did not return to a single frontline spinner and that leaves Mitchell Santner vulnerable. Colin de Grandhomme’s batting could mean he edges out Matt Henry.New Zealand (probable) 1 Tom Latham, 2 Jeet Raval, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Neil Broom, 5 Henry Nicholls, 6 James Neesham, 7 BJ Watling (wk), 8 Colin de Grandhomme, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Neil Wagner, 11 Jeetan PatelSouth Africa are likely to remain unchanged, although du Plessis did leave the door ajar for an extra pace bowler at the expense of a batsman. That would mean dropping JP Duminy, probably for Wayne Parnell.South Africa (probable) 1 Stephen Cook, 2 Dean Elgar, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Faf du Plessis (capt), 5 JP Duminy, 6 Temba Bavuma, 7 Quinton de Kock (wk), 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Kagiso RabadaPitch and conditionsMike Hesson, the New Zealand coach, has admitted he doesn’t want green seamers in this series. The strip was pretty green on Wednesday, but that can often be misleading at this ground. However, what the 22 yards does end up like is a little uncertain. Hagen Faith, the groundsman, has had a fraught build-up with 70mm of rain falling in Wellington the days before Test. The forecast for the five days is promising with currently just a chance of showers on Saturday.Stats and trivia Kane Williamson needs 63 runs for 5000 and also one century to equal Martin Crowe’s record of 17 South Africa have won four of their six Tests at the Basin Reserve – two coming since readmission although 2012 was a draw The previous Test on this ground, against Bangladesh, saw New Zealand overhaul the biggest first-innings score to secure victory – 595 for 8 dec.Quotes”With the weather they have had over the last week, it hasn’t been ideal. There might be a little bit to offer with the surface early on but it tends to be a good cricket wicket.” “It sounds good. If you have that confidence where you’ve come to a ground in a different country and you’ve done well it sounds very good, but we know it doesn’t mean anything. We’ve got to see what the wicket produces because it has been a bit different this time around.”
يستعد فريق كرة اليد الأول بالنادي الأهلي لخوض مواجهة هامة ومرتقبة أمام الغريم التقليدي الزمالك مساء اليوم الثلاثاء.
المباراة المقرر إقامتها فى إطار منافسات الجولة الثانية عشرة بالمرحلة الثانية من دوري المحترفين لكرة اليد.
وتقام مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في البطولة المحلية لموسم 2023 / 2024 على الصالة المغطاة بالعاصمة الإدارية الجديدة.
طالع.. إيهاب الكومي يبرر خطأ جمال علام بشأن أزمة رمضان صبحي.. ويوضح رأيه في إقامة مباراة القمة بالسعودية
ويحتل الأهلي صدارة ترتيب دوري المحترفين للموسم المحلي برصيد 38 نقطة، بعد انتهاء 11 جولة من عمر البطولة.
ويأتي فريق الزمالك في المركز الثاني برصيد 32 نقطة، ويليه البنك الأهلي ثالثاً برصيد 23 نقطة، ثم سبورتنج رابعًا برصيد 21 نقطة. موعد مباراة الأهلي والزمالك لكرة اليد اليوم
ومن المقرر أن تنطلق مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في دوري المحترفين لكرة اليد، في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساء بتوقيت مصر و11 بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة الأهلي والزمالك اليوم
ومن المنتظر أن تذاع مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في دوري المحترفين لكرة اليد على فضائية “أون تايم سبورتس 1”. معلق مباراة الأهلي والزمالك لكرة اليد
وقررت شبكة قنوات أون تايم سبورتس، اسناد مهمة نقل أحداث وفعاليات المباراة للمعلق خالد خيري.
West Bromwich Albion risk annoying head coach Carlos Corberan with their transfer activity as outgoings continue to take priority over incomings at The Hawthorns.
Who are West Brom signing?
A combination of their Premier League parachute payments expiring, plus owner Guochuan Lai simply being reluctant to spend, means it is likely to continue being a frustrating transfer window for the Baggies and their supporters.
Lai, via the Birmingham Mail, has already admitted that more players could be sold before the September 1st deadline should the right offers be made. This is despite captain Dara O'Shea already being sold to Burnley for £7m last month.
The likes of Jake Livermore, Tom Rogic and highly-rated Rico Richards have also departed, while no new recruits have yet been signed.
With it looking increasingly likely that Corberan will have to settle largely with what he has, the Baggies may have a new signing of sorts ready to be unleashed.
According to The Express & Star's Lewis Cox, youngster Reyes Cleary will get a chance to show what he is all about during pre-season, potentially opening the door for more first-team appearances in the 2023/24 Championship campaign.
Who is West Brom youngster Reyes Cleary?
Cleary made his senior debut for West Brom in an FA Cup third-round loss against Brighton and Hove Albion in January 2022 and a further five appearances last season, two of those as a substitute in the league.
The 19-year-old has not exactly been given a run of games just yet, then, meaning he has had to leave his talking to appearances in Premier League 2 Division 2. With 16 goals in 12 outings in the 2022-23 season, he did exactly that.
Indeed, no player could match that return in the division, with Cleary's tally made up of a couple of hat-tricks, four braces and single goals in two other matches.
Considered the crown in the club's academy ranks, 6 foot 1 frontman made the step up and was praised by U21 boss Richard Beale for working hard to get himself in shape and ultimately reaping the rewards.
"He's a really, really good finisher and he's got bags of pace," Beale said only last October. "They're not two bad attributes to have for a player in his position."
Throw Arsenal-linked Cleary's ability to play in different positions in attack, and it is all the more strange he was not given more of a chance to prove himself at senior level last season.
That could change this campaign, however, in what could pave the way for an exciting partnership with the returning Daryl Dike. The United States international is out until October with a long-term injury, but he can profit from having a player like Cleary playing alongside him.
Indeed, Dike was one of only two West Brom players to score at least seven goals last season, along with Brandon Thomas-Asante, despite the fact he played just 23 matches.
Corberan needs a player who can both link up with Dike and chip in with regular goals, which Cleary has the potential to do. It may be through necessity more than choice, but Cleary will surely now have a chance to show more regularly what he is capable of.
Alex Davies posted his maiden first-class century to help Lancashire set Essex 478 to win – or four full sessions to save the game – in a decidedly one-sided opening match of the Specsavers County Championship season.
ECB Reporters Network09-Apr-2017 ScorecardAlex Davies put a troubled season behind him by posting his maiden first-class century to help Lancashire set Essex 478 to win – or four full sessions to save the game – in a decidedly one-sided opening match of the Specsavers County Championship season.Essex knocked off 89 of the runs in 38 overs before the close. They lost both openers in the process as Lancashire closed in on their first Championship win in 12 attempts.The day, though, belonged to Davies. He had been within one run of a century against Kent at Old Trafford almost two years ago, but batted throughout the 94.3 overs of Lancashire’s second innings at Chelmsford to finish unbeaten on 140.Essex were made to pay dearly for dropping the wicketkeeper-rookie opener twice on the second afternoon when he had just 10 and 26. Neil Wagner floored a third chance on the long-leg boundary off Tom Westley, but by then the 22-year-old had 132 to his name.Davies showed he had all the orthodox shots in the textbook as well as a punishing reverse-sweep, one of which was sent scudding to the boundary off Simon Harmer, another lobbing gently over Wagner standing at point.A fierce drive off Wagner was so straight it smashed into the stumps at the bowler’s end and ricocheted for one of his 21 boundaries. Twice he stepped back to leg and cut Wagner firmly square of the wicket. He took successive fours off Ravi Bopara to bring up the century partnership with Dane Vilas. It was not far off brutal.Davies had reached his half-century from the penultimate ball of the second day, and went to lunch on the third 97 not out. He pushed his third ball after the interval through midwicket off Harmer to reach three figures from 214 balls with 17 fours.Davies had to fight back from 11 months out of the game with a knee injury that required an operation during the winter.He said: “There were a couple of dark moments during that time. But you have to stay positive and have belief in your own ability, belief that you will get back fit, that you will get back playing. It was tough to watch Lancs last season and see people move ahead of me. But I had that belief deep down, the hunger, and that will stand me in good stead.”Yes, there are days when you think, ‘I’m injured’ and you get down on yourself. But deep down it’s always been there and hopefully there is plenty more to come. But this was really amazing and it’s good to get it off my back really. I’ve had a lot of chances in the past and not quite got over the line. It’s just another day, but a really special one at the same time.”Head coach Glen Chapple told Davies during the winter that he would be both No1 wicketkeeper and opening batsman. “I love it,” he said. “I want to bat higher, I don’t want to be the keeper who bats seven. I want to bat higher because I believe I can. It fits best for the team at the moment that I open the batting, and if it’s best for the team it’s good for me.”It was a chastening experience for newly-promoted Essex who enjoyed only two moments of success in the field during the day. The first arrived in the seventh over of the day when Aaron Beard took his second wicket of the innings. Liam Livingstone, having helped put on 51 with Davies, tried to force the young bowler through the off-side but only picked out Nick Browne at cover point and departed for 28.Lancashire’s third wicket fell 49 overs later when Jamie Porter took out Vilas’s middle stump and precipitated the declaration. In between Davies and Vilas made hay in the sunshine, adding 183 runs and taking the game out of Essex’s reach. Vilas reached 92 off 165 balls, with just five fours, and it looked for all the world like he was set fair for a ton.The Essex openers negotiated seven overs before tea and a further 11 afterwards without undue alarm before Browne carelessly gave his wicket away. He dragged a rank long hop from Stephen Parry straight into Haseeb Hameed’s hands halfway back to the boundary at midwicket for 18.With just 12 runs added, Varun Chopra (29) played across one from Ryan McLaren and turned to see his off stump cartwheeling into the distance. Westley had lives when 10 and 11, dropped by Shivnarine Chanderpaul at short extra cover off McLaren, and then by Livingstone at slip off Parry. But he reached the close on 27 with Dan Lawrence on 13.
An update has emerged on Liverpool's search for further reinforcements in the middle of the park ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…
What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?
According to Football Insider, the Reds are exploring the possibility of a swoop to sign Crystal Palace central midfielder Cheick Doucoure during the summer transfer window.
The report claims that Jurgen Klopp could snap the impressive battler, who joined the Eagles from Lens for £21m last year, as a replacement for Fabinho.
Liverpool's Brazil international has been the subject of a £40m offer from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad Club and The Guardian have claimed that it is 'likely' the former AS Monaco star moves on from Anfield.
The Mersey giants have already made two additions to their midfield ranks this summer, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister both having been signed on permanent deals to bolster the manager's options in that area of the pitch.
How good is Cheick Doucoure?
Klopp could secure a masterstroke by selling the ageing Fabinho and replacing him with Doucoure heading into next season as the Palace titan's performances last term suggest that he has the quality to be a big upgrade on the Brazilian.
Liverpool would be signing a player who has already proven themselves in the Premier League, as opposed to someone from a foreign league who may or may not be able to adapt to English football. This could allow him to hit the ground running in August instead of needing a period to adjust to the division.
Doucoure averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.97 across 34 top-flight matches for Roy Hodgson's side last season, which placed him fourth within their squad.
Fabinho, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.87 over 36 league matches for the Reds, which was the 13th-highest score in the team.
Liverpool midfielder Fabinho.
Defensively, the Mali international came out on top with an impressive 3.9 tackles and interceptions per match, compared to the former Ligue 1 ace's 2.8 per outing. In fact, no Liverpool player – in any position – made more than Doucoure's 1.6 interceptions per game.
This suggests that the Palace enforcer, who was once hailed as a "complete" player by his former Eagles boss Patrick Vieira, has the defensive quality to be a destroyer in midfield for Liverpool.
He can constantly disrupt the play by cutting out opposition attacks on a regular basis, which means that the talented ace can protect the back four.
The 23-year-old tank could ease some of the pressure on the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate by winning possession back for the Reds before the ball gets that far. Whereas, Fabinho made interventions less frequently throughout the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, which suggests that he is not as effective in such a role.
This is also backed up by the fact that the Brazil international was dribbled past more times per game (1.1) than Doucoure was for Palace (0.7).
Opposition players found it easier to bypass the Liverpool defensive midfielder whilst the Palace powerhouse was able to put his foot in to stop them from going past him.
Therefore, Klopp could land a big upgrade on Fabinho by signing Doucoure before the end of the summer transfer window.