When is the IPL likely to resume?
Not immediately.These are the operative parts of the BCCI statement:”… it is imperative that the tournament is now suspended and everyone goes back to their families and loved ones in these trying times.””The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021.”Related

• 'Difficult' to play T20 World Cup in India – Mike Hussey

• Sporting pitches, surprise omissions, and Chennai Super Kings' refreshing turnaround

• IPL 2021: Australians head to Maldives, New Zealand and Bangladesh on chartered flights on May 6

• Amit Mishra first player from Delhi Capitals to test positive for Covid-19

• Australian players set for IPL exodus to the Maldives

“The BCCI would like to thank all the healthcare workers, state associations, players, support staff, franchises, sponsors, partners and all the service providers who have tried their best to organise IPL 2021 even in these extremely difficult times.”When is the likeliest window?
The inevitable question once everyone has been sent safely home is: when can they finish the IPL?Things are unlikely to improve soon enough, so you can rule out a completion before India’s tour of England. India’s top players are free in July – between the WTC final and the Tests in England – but it might just not be possible to figure everything out and move it out of India and finish it in time for the commitments in England.India return in September and they are hosting New Zealand before the T20 World Cup in November. So September might be a possible window and might give the BCCI enough time to sort out logistics and venues, etc.Getty Images

The BCCI’s biggest immediate challenge
Given the stated aim – rightly so – is to get every participant to their families and loved ones, the biggest immediate challenge for the BCCI is to get overseas players into their respective countries.As it stands, most countries in the world have already banned entry for those coming in from India, or are contemplating it. Australia is one of the countries that have done the former. New Zealand is still allowing citizens back in. The UK will require those coming in to quarantine for ten days at a government-approved hotel and test on days two and eight. However, the UAE, a major transit point for most flights, has stopped entertaining flights from India. Air travel from India to Bangladesh stands suspended but the land border is open with the caveat of a 14-day quarantine.What happens to the T20 World Cup?
One of the lessons from this IPL, even after making an allowance for the dramatic surge in cases as compared to during the England Test series, is that it is a different ball game to organise a multi-team event with multiple venues and air travel involved.It is no surprise that cases emerged inside the strict IPL bubbles within days of their travel from Chennai and Mumbai to Delhi and Ahmedabad. This will raise questions on whether it is safe to host the T20 World Cup in India.The ICC will surely look into it and take the BCCI’s inputs on it. We already know that the UAE is a back-up option in a worst-case scenario.

Middlesex seamer tears knee cartilage during practice, faces lengthy lay-off

ESPNcricinfo staff06-May-2021

Toby Roland-Jones, the Middlesex seamer, faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee cartilage tear while training on Tuesday ahead of his side’s LV= County Championship clash with Gloucestershire at Lord’s.Roland-Jones, who has endured a horrific run of misfortune since breaking into the England Test squad in the 2017 home summer, is set to undergo surgery on Thursday, where the full extent of the injury will be ascertained.Peter Waxman, Middlesex’s Head of Science and Medicine, said: “Toby twisted his right knee in warm-ups on Tuesday sustaining a cartilage tear, which is due to be surgically repaired today.”He is having keyhole surgery to ascertain the full extent of the injury and to repair the damage. His precise recovery time will be dictated by the exact nature of the injury and the procedure that is performed. He is expected to be unfit to play for a lengthy period of time.”Related

TRJ means business again – but don't mention England just yet

M'sex seamers combine for stunning rout as Surrey lose London pride

Roland-Jones takes five, Middlesex recover from nightmare first day

It is a grievous set-back for Roland-Jones, 33, who had started the season well for Middlesex, claiming 13 wickets at 18.23 in three fixtures, having fought back from a series of injuries, including a stress fracture of the back that ruled him out of the 2018 season and a shoulder injury that kept him out of last summer’s Bob Willis Trophy.Speaking to ESPNcricinfo prior to the start of the season, Roland-Jones outlined the efforts he had made to get himself back to full fitness for the the 2021 season, with Stuart Law, Middlesex’s head coach, acknowledging that his bowler had been looking “super-fit” having “changed his body shape”.”Given the disappointment of those recent seasons, my focus this year has been on a long-term goal,” Roland-Jones said, “making changes from a physical standpoint as well as a bowling standpoint, to set things up for one, two, three summers, rather than hoping to get through three games back-to-back.””This is horrible news for Toby,” Law added. “He is having no luck with injury at all. It is really unfortunate to lose a player of Toby’s ability and presence both on and off the field. We hope the post-surgery news is positive but his absence does create opportunities for other players to shine. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”

وجه أيمن يونس، نجم الزمالك السابق، رسالة خاصة إلى جماهير القلعة البيضاء، مشددًا على أهمية الإخلاص للنادي وضرورة تطوير لوائح التعاقدات بما يحقق العدالة بين النادي واللاعبين.

وكتب أيمن يونس، عبر حسابه الرسمي على منصة “إكس” رسالة غامضة: “مسؤولية إسعاد جماهير الزمالك الحقيقية مسؤولية كبيرة وشرف عظيم، لكنها ليست صعبة، ولا يدركها سوى عشاق النادي من المخلصين الذين يضعون اسم الزمالك قبل أسمائهم، جمهور الزمالك يمتلك ترمومتر رهيب للتقييم”.

وفي تغريدة أخرى، أضاف أيمن يونس: “بصراحة، لابد أن تكون هناك لائحة احترافية مرنة ترتبط بعطاء اللاعب وإنجازات الفريق، يجب أن تكون عقود الشراكة على الحلوة والمرة، فلا يجوز أن يكون اللاعب هو المستفيد الوحيد”.

طالع أيضًا | إسماعيل يوسف: الزمالك يحتاج لتدعيم مركزين.. وكنت أتمنى ضم هذا اللاعب

وتأتي تصريحات يونس في ظل الأزمات المتكررة التي يمر بها النادي، حيث يعبر عن دعمه لجماهير الزمالك، مطالبًا في الوقت نفسه بتعديل العقود لتكون أكثر إنصافًا ولتعزيز انتماء اللاعبين للكيان الأبيض.

يذكر، أن الزمالك نجح في الفوز على الإسماعيلي، أمس الجمعة، بهدفين دون رد، على ملعب استاد السلام، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية عشر من الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ومن المقرر أن يواصل الزمالك مشواره في بطولة الدوري المصري بعد الفوز على الدراويش، بمواجهة مرتقبة أمام فاركو، يوم الثلاثاء المقبل الموافق 11 فبراير، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة عشر.

مسؤليه إسعاد جماهير الزمالك الحقيقيه مسؤليه كبيره و شرف كبير و لكنها مش صعبه لا يدركها سوي عاشقي النادي من المخلصين اللي بينسوا اسمهم جنب اسم نادي الزمالك.. بس كده ..جمهور الزمالك يمتلك تيرمومتر رهيب للتقيم.. 👊🏽

— Ayman Younis. ايمن يونس (@AymanYounis) February 8, 2025

A new date has been set for the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, but Everton and Liverpool are waiting on approval from UEFA.

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Original game postponed due to stormNeed to fit fixture into a midweek slotLooking to play in Champions League weekFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Toffees were due to play host to their local rivals from across Stanley Park on December 7, but saw that contest postponed as Storm Darragh brought gale-force winds to the North West of England. Discussions have been taking place regarding the rearranged fixture.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Premier League rules dictate that any cancelled contest should be worked back into the top-flight diary at the next available midweek slot. Part of the problem there is that Liverpool are facing a stacked schedule. With Carabao Cup and Champions League games to contend with, the Reds may not be free again until mid-February.

DID YOU KNOW?

For now, according to the , that means pencilling in a derby date with Everton for Tuesday February 11 – as talks continue with the Premier League, police forces and television broadcasters. Said date will require a green light from UEFA as it falls on a Champions League matchday – when the knockout phase play-offs take place, which Liverpool appear set to avoid.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

European football’s governing body are expected to give the go ahead, meaning that Everton can face old adversaries for the last time at Goodison before they move into a new £800 million ($1 billion) home in 2025-26.

Tottenham Hotspur drew their opening game of the 2024/25 Premier League season, then won emphatically in their second clash, as was the case last year.

Having thrashed Everton 4-0 last weekend, Tottenham are preparing to visit their bogey ground, St. James’ Park, and take on Newcastle United, having lost their past two trips to Tyneside by an aggregate scoreline of 10-1.

Ange Postecoglou is shaping Spurs to his design and looks to be gearing up for a concerted drive toward Champions League qualification and perhaps even an elusive slice of silverware.

There’s so much to like about this Tottenham side, mixed with youth and experience, dynamism and depth across the park. Injuries ruined last term’s electric-paced start, however, and fans will be desperate to see the Lilywhites’ collective fitness level hold up this time.

1 Spurs team news

The primary frustration Postecoglou is dealing with ahead of this afternoon’s fixture is the absence of Dominic Solanke, who missed out last week after picking up an ankle injury in training.

The centre-forward, who signed from Bournemouth in a club record £65m deal this summer, will play no part today but Postecoglou has allayed fears of a lengthy setback, revealing in his pre-match press conference that he is “close” to returning but won’t be risked with the international break forthcoming.

Spurs’ striker issue is exacerbated by the expected absence of Richarlison, who pulled up with a muscle injury in training and will play no part. Heung-min Son will be expected to retain his spot at the spearhead.

Rodrigo Bentancur missed out last week too, having suffered a concussion during Tottenham’s opening-day draw against Leicester City, but he is back in the frame now and must start in the middle of the park.

2 Why Rodrigo Bentancur must start vs Newcastle

He can’t seem to catch a break. Bentancur missed the majority of 2023 after injuring an anterior cruciate ligament against Leicester in February of last year, ending an impressive 2022/23 campaign.

His misfortune spilt heavily into Postecoglou’s first term at the helm, and he managed just 13 Premier League starts. It’s a cruel sense of irony to see him start the fresh season off in such a manner, having suffered the blow at the King Power Stadium once again.

He’s the complete package, dynamic, skilled and hard-working, fuelled by a ceaseless engine. When fit and at his best, Bentancur is comfortably one of the best players on the pitch.

Described as a “Rolls-Royce” by football writer Tom Robinson, he ranks among the top 9% of centre-midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted and the top 8% for touches in the attacking penalty area and interceptions per 90, emphasising his technical skill and athleticism.

Rodrigo Bentancur: Stats vs Leicester

Stats

#

Minutes played

78′

Touches

62

Shots taken

3

Accurate passes

46/47 (98%)

Dribble attempts

0/1

Tackles

2

Interceptions

3

Total duels won

4/11

Stats via Sofascore

Alongside Yves Bissouma or Archie Gray in the engine room, blending with James Maddison in the central spot, Bentancur could be the difference-maker, proving combative out of possession and influential when on the ball.

His redeployment to the starting line-up would see Dejan Kuluesvski displaced, and while such a change should be enforced, the Sweden international must start too.

3 How Dejan Kulusevski could keep Son firing

Kulusevski, of course, is typically a right-sided forward. He doesn’t have the fleet feet of Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert or Timo Werner, but his intelligence, creativity and hands-on style could be crucial in allowing Son to shine against the Magpies.

Benched for the opening game of the term, Kulusevski excelled against Everton, picking up an assist, completing 95% of his passes and two dribbles, and winning four of his seven contested duels, as per Sofascore.

Odobert did a decent job against the Toffees, but Newcastle are one of the best-drilled and coherent outfits in the Premier League, and a player of Kulusevski’s quality could be crucial in ensuring the hosts are outthought and outfought.

After all, he was handed an 8/10 match score by football.london after his recent display, with reporter Alasdair Gold writing: ‘Back in the team in midfield and he had a big part to play in the opening goal with his dribbling in the Everton final third and then teeing up Bissouma. A bright return to the team and has shown that he’s a very good option as a member of that midfield three.’

Sky Sports’ Jamie Weir summed him up nicely, saying: “Dejan Kulusevski really is a special special player. Works so hard, covers every blade of grass. Hell of an engine on him, and just so much heart.”

He’s not just a workhorse: he’s a thoroughbred creative sensation. Last season, the indefatigable winger created 14 big chances in the English top flight and averaged 1.5 dribbles and 1.8 key passes per game.

The South Korean skipper bagged twice last time out and will fancy his chances up front once again today. However, he’s only scored five goals in 16 fixtures against the Toon, who will seek to marshall him and subdue his attacking threat.

But you wouldn’t bet against the 32-year-old finding the back of the net if Tottenham turn up on Tyneside, with Postecoglou even hailing his talisman as a “superstar” and “world-class”.

He’s much, much more than just a goalscorer though. As per FBref, Son ranks among the top 7% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 11% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for pass completion, the top 7% for progressive passes and the top 6% for progressive carries per 90.

Effectively, he can return the favour and pull defenders away, thread balls through, to keep Tottenham’s attack multi-dimensional, allowing Kulusevski to find space and work on his ball-striking too.

It’s pretty clear that Son will start as the centre-forward against Newcastle, but some supporters might be concerned that Kulusevski could lose his place given Bentancur’s been given the green light to return to the pitch.

He simply has to shift up to the right flank, where he can wreak chaos and work in tandem with his many-faceted captain.

Related Bigger talent than Cardoso: Spurs struck gold with "future £100m" player

Ange is going to turn him into a force to be reckoned with…

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Aug 31, 2024

It's been an interesting summer for Arsenal so far this year, as while it's been nothing but positivity for the team's performances on the pitch, the work off of it has left fans wanting more.

As things stand, Riccardo Calafiori is the only new addition to the first team and in the face of a juggernaut such as Manchester City, more might be needed, especially as the Gunners ended last season with five goals fewer than the Sky Blues.

Fortunately, recent reports have linked the club to an experienced striker who'd surely bring bags of goals to the Emirates and help make Martin Odegaard unplayable in the process.

Arsenal's striker search

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal have maintained their interest in Brentford striker Ivan Toney despite being put off by his high asking price earlier in the window.

Alongside the Gunners, the report claims that Chelsea are still keen on the Englishman, while Al Ahli are prepared to make an offer in the region of £30m for his services.

If the Bees were willing to accept offers in and around this fee, then that could tempt the North Londoners to act on their lingering interest with one of their own, as it would be substantially lower than the £100m figure banded around in January and the £50m fee reported earlier this summer.

It would still require a sizeable investment from Arsenal, but given Toney's record in the Premier League and the potential partnership he could form with Odegaard, it would be worth making.

Why Toney would be an ideal signing for Odegaard

So, to cut straight to the chase, there is one key reason why Toney would be an excellent teammate for Odegaard, and that's his impressive output.

For example, in his 83 Premier League appearances for Brentford, he has scored 36 goals and provided 11 assists, meaning he's averaged a goal involvement every 1.76 games since winning promotion three years ago.

Moreover, that impressive average includes last season, in which he returned to the fray in January after being banned from all footballing activities for eight months due to his betting breaches.

Appearances

33

33

17

Goals

12

20

4

Assists

5

4

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

0.72

0.35

So, if you just look at his two uninterrupted campaigns in the top flight, he scored 32 goals and provided nine assists in 66 games, equating to an even more impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.69 games.

Now imagine a player as clinical as the 28-year-old "monster", as manager Thomas Frank dubbed him, playing in a team with a creator as gifted as the Arsenal captain; he'd see his goal tally explode.

Moreover, the Norwegian would see his assist count shoot up as well and, based on Understat's data, we already know that he underperformed his expected assists figure by 1.58 in the league last year, suggesting that with a better finisher in the squad he'd be able to have more of an impact.

Ultimately, while Toney potentially isn't the most exciting name on the market at the moment, he has proven himself in the Premier League over the last three years, and with Arsenal coming so close last year, his ability to find the back of the net could be the final piece of the puzzle.

Martinelli upgrade: £34m Champions League star wants to join Arsenal

The impressive international would be a smart signing.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 13, 2024

Therefore, Edu Gaspar and Co should do what they can and bring him to the Emirates this summer.

Despite Unai Emery significantly bolstering his Aston Villa squad with the additions of the likes Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen and Samuel Illing-Junior, among others, he still clearly wants more before the end of the transfer window.

The Spaniard may have to move on another player or two in order to raise some more funds, however. So far, Emery has sold Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby to Juventus and Al-Ittihad respectively. Could it be a defender who is next to leave the Midlands?

The manager doesn’t have long until the window slams shut, indicating that he must do his business as soon as possible.

Latest on Diego Carlos' Aston Villa future

Diego Carlos has been a player linked with a move away in recent weeks, as Fulham appear keen on signing the Brazilian.

Indeed, the Cottagers had an opening bid rejected by Villa for the former Sevilla centre-back last week. Interest also comes from the Saudi Pro League for a player who has just 12 months remaining on his current contract, suggesting this summer is the last chance for the club to cash in.

He cost Steven Gerrard a staggering £26m upon his arrival in the summer of 2022, but Emery won't be able to recoup that sort of figure.

If they can sell him for a decent transfer fee, this could, in turn, fund a couple of incomings which may give the team an edge heading into the Champions League group stage.

The club are already looking for a replacement should Carlos leave in the coming weeks. Might they test the resolve of a fellow Premier League side regarding one of their defenders?

Aston Villa chasing late move for Carlos replacement

According to the Athletic, Villa are showing some interest in Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah as they seek to bolster their defensive options.

The report goes on to state that Emery is a big admirer of the Englishman, but he will only sign him as a replacement for Carlos, which means he will need to try and speed up his departure if he wishes to bring Chalobah into the squad.

There are an extensive list of clubs chasing him too, according to the report, with Crystal Palace ‘actively interested’, although much will depend on the future of Marc Guehi.

The Stamford Bridge side are demanding a fee of around £35m for any club to prise away their academy graduate, which will force the club to accept a reasonable offer for Carlos should one be submitted.

The Blues gem would be an ideal signing and could replace the Brazilian with ease in the Villa squad.

How Trevoh Chalobah compares to Diego Carlos

The defender is six years younger than Carlos for a start, meaning his long-term potential is, of course, far greater.

Injury issues did rule Chalobah out throughout the first few months of the season, not making his first appearance until February. When he was fit, the 25-year-old did play a part in all but one game that he was available for, yet it was clear Mauricio Pochettino favoured other defenders.

Carlos played more games in the Premier League than Chalobah last term (27 vs 13), but the English defender finished the season with a pass success rate of 90%, won three total duels per game – a success rate of 53% – and recovered 3.5 balls per game, which are solid stats considering how little action he saw in the top flight.

The Brazilian, on the other hand, averaged a pass success rate of 88%, while he won just two total duels per game – a success rate of 45% – and recovered 2.9 balls per game. These statistics clearly show that Chalobah would be an upgrade on Carlos for Villa next season.

Not only that, but he also plays like one of the Premier League’s finest defenders, who also starred at Euro 2024 – William Saliba.

Why Chalobah could be Emery’s own William Saliba

The current Arsenal star was impressive for the Gunners last term. His excellent passing ability was on show, finishing the season with a stunning pass success rate of 93%, while he won 60% of his total duels and lost possession just 6.7 times on average per game.

While France may have failed in their bid to win Euro 2024, Saliba dictated games from the heart of the defence, evidenced by the fact he held a 96% pass success rate throughout the tournament, an astonishing statistic.

If Villa could sign a player similar in style to Saliba, then it would signify a major coup, especially as he would clearly be an upgrade on one of their current options.

According to FBref, Saliba is the seventh-most comparable player to the current Chelsea gem, showing how alike the duo are.

Indeed, the pair even registered similar domestic statistics with regard to pass completion percentage (89.4% vs 92.4%), successful take-on percentage (50% vs 66.7%), aerial duels won percentage (46.3% vs 59.5%) and clearances (51 vs 81), showcasing how alike they performed across various metrics.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig previously described the Chelsea defender as a “monster” back in 2021 and there is no doubt he would be a wonderful signing should he join Villa this summer.

Much will depend on other factors, of course, but bringing in a defender who can play like Saliba should give Emery a chance to steer his side to another top-four finish in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old has made 58 appearances in the English top flight during his career, suggesting he wouldn’t need much time to settle it at all.

Nine appearances in the Champions League may not be a lot on the surface, but it could give Emery yet another bonus should he secure the services of the centre-back in the coming weeks.

He doesn’t have much time to sell Carlos and then launch a move for Chalobah as the clock is ticking fast.

Dream Duran replacement: Aston Villa ready move for "phenomenon"

He is in the Premier League 100 club

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 14, 2024

Hansi Flick gave a two-day break to Barcelona players to recover after the shock defeat against Leganes in La Liga.

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• Flick grants two-day off to Barcelona players
• Went down 1-0 against Leganes on Sunday
• Tied on points with Atletico Madrid

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A hapless Barcelona side went down 1-0 against Leganes on Sunday at home as they saw their lead at the top of the table cut. Atletico Madrid, who beat Getafe 1-0 on the same night, are now tied on points with the Catalan giants with a game in hand. Barcelona have collected just five points from their last six league matches and have lost in three games in this period.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The poor run of form has taken a toll on the environment of the dressing room, according to , which has prompted manager Flick to grant a two-day leave to the 'broken' Barcelona squad to recover mentally from the setback. The German coach did not appear on the sidelines during the Leganes clash but after the game, he had a chat with his assistant Marcus Sorg and the duo concluded that the team 'need a mental refresher'.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Since Flick arrived at the Catalan club, the players have been used to attending training sessions a day after a game, however, the former Bayern boss made an exception this time as he wanted to rejuvenate his players mentally.

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• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  Flick's side will play their final game of 2024 against Atletico Madrid on Saturday before La Liga comes to a halt for the winter break.

It's not very fair is, it? Come on Erling, these people have families. The rampant Norwegian is proving to be the usual source of chaos, chaos that once all is said and done will probably see Manchester City beat Arsenal to the Premier League title for the third year in a row.

Haaland is a robot, an alien, a footballing juggernaut who destroys everyone and everything in his wake.

As Arsenal slumped to a 1-1 draw with Brighton in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, Man City responded in emphatic fashion. Well, their striker responded.

Pep Guardiola's main man was at it again at the London Stadium to down West Ham in brutal, mesmerising fashion.

Haaland's performance against West Ham

The Norway international's hat-trick against Ipswich Town the weekend prior felt inevitable. Kieran McKenna's men performed some admirable business in the transfer window but very little can prepare you for the onslaught of Haaland.

The Tractor Boys went 1-0 up but the powerhouse forward responded by knocking three goals past them. Well, he was at it again against West Ham on Saturday evening.

Another hat-trick was notched up to take his early season tally to seven goals in three outings. For anyone who doesn't have him in their fantasy team, quite frankly, what are you playing at?

This is an unstoppable beast and the way in which he took his trio of goals in the capital two days ago was freakish. The second was a rasping crunching effort that soared past the goalkeeper and the third, out of nowhere, was quite magnificent.

Haaland ran in behind and comfortably slotted the ball past substitute goalkeeper and former Arsenal man Lukasz Fabianski as if he wasn't even in the net.

So, good luck Gunners. Truly, good luck finding a way to beat Man City when they have him up front.

How do they respond? Well, despite not adding a centre-forward to their ranks over the summer, they are beginning to build quite the weapon up front.

Arsenal's answer to Haaland

Now, hear us out, but Kai Havertz does have similar attributes to Haaland.

He may not have the goalscoring prowess – although that is improving – but he has a lengthy build that ensures he is a nightmare for defenders, boasts remarkable strength and is left-footed.

That last one is rather tenuous, admittedly, but like we said, hear us out for a few minutes, he has come a long way since his blase attitude was said to be "like Mesut Ozil" by Paul Merson.

Standing at 6 foot 4, the £65m signing from Chelsea is actually the same height as City's no.9. So, there's the first box ticked.

Where else are they similar? Well, they've got that style of play that looks rather effortless. The German has already been compared to a figure like Dennis Bergkamp and it's clear to see why.

He may not be as graceful as the great Dutchman but like Haaland, that wirey frame and the long strides they possess come in handy when looking for two things; someone to hold the ball up and someone to regularly hassle defenders.

Until recently, Havertz had been playing as more of a false 9 in the Arsenal team. Yet, in 2024/25, he's been given the keys to become the leading man. The way he took his goal against Brighton on Saturday was Haaland-esque, racing onto a ball in behind and plonking the ball over Bart Verbruggen.

Stylistically there are also clear differences. Haaland has pace. Havertz isn't blessed hugely in that department. The numbers do tell us something interesting though, even if we can't quantify their biggest similarity; strength.

Progressive carries

1.33

2.00

Progressive passes

1.00

3.33

Passes completed

6

15

Passes into final third

0.33

0.33

Shot-creating actions

1.67

2.67

Tackles won

0.67

0.67

Touches

16.7

32.3

As we noted above, there are clear differences in some areas. Havertz is more creative, boasting more progressive passes per 90 minutes. There is a reason former teammate Roberto Hilbert once declared the Germany international has "some things Ozil had". This time we're comparing the two Germans in a positive light.

That said, they aren't really too dissimilar in the carrying department. They don't complete an awful number of passes per 90 minutes and defensively they've actually been relatively on par this term, leading the press with 0.67 tackles apiece.

There is little chance that Havertz ends up ending the campaign as prolific a goalscorer as Haaland but both of them, with their languid and rangy playstyles, will prove key in the destination of this season's Premier League title.

Less touches than Raya: Arsenal must look to bench 5/10 star after Brighton

Arsenal dropped their first points of the season on Saturday lunchtime.

ByMatt Dawson Aug 31, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Na noite desta quarta-feira, Ceará e Fortaleza medem forças pelo Campeonato Brasileiro em duelo que vale muito para os rivais, na Arena Castelão.

+ Veja no aplicativo do LANCE! o resultado dos jogos da rodada

Pelo lado do Fortaleza, o time de Pablo Vojvoda vem em queda livre. Nos últimos cinco duelos, o Tricolor venceu um e caiu para a 6ª colocação.

Para entender o momento delicado, caso perca do maior rival, o Leão do Pici corre o risco de sair da zona de Libertadores.

Do outro lado do duelo, o Ceará chega embalado para conseguir um ótimo resultado. Se Tiago Nunes ainda é olhado sob desconfiança pelo torcedor, um triunfo no Clássico-Rei pode mudar tudo.

Além de tentar embalar na reta final do torneio nacional, o Vozão pode tirar o Fortaleza da zona de Libertadores caso leve a melhor na partida.

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