All posts by h716a5.icu

Many Everton fans have been flocking to a behind-the-scenes claim on Rafael Benitez.

As per The Athletic, some key players at Goodison Park faithful have concerns with regards to the style of play that the Spaniard is trying to implement. They feel as if it is limiting their own ability, with one player even going as far as to claim that it is ‘ugly football’.

This comes after the Toffees were humiliated 4-1 at home by their bitter rivals Liverpool, which now makes it eight games in the Premier League without a win.

One such player to raise concerns could well be Lucas Digne, who finds himself averaging fewer crosses and passes than last season in the top flight, while he recorded seven assists last term compared to none so far in this campaign (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, when players seemingly start to turn on the manager, it is never a good sign for the club going forward.

Everton fans on Benitez claim

These Everton supporters flocked to the claim as it was shared on Twitter:

“If true he should be gone by the end of the day”

Credit: @PCorner01

“Lost the dressing room, no point keeping a manager who lost the players, get him gone #rafaout”

Credit: @VSFDaniel123

“There you go. He’s lost the dressing room. Time to go.”

Credit: @SK21878

“These players are unbelievable, aren’t they”

Credit: @PaulBrownEFC

“Big alarm bells.”

Credit: @efc_alex18

“Uh oh….going to get messy this, isn’t it”

Credit: @KUEFC

In other news, find out whose derby display was slammed by many Evertonians

Some Liverpool supporters have been showing their love for Joel Matip once again after another funny video of him emerged in training.

The Reds are preparing to face Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, with Anfield hosting arguably the biggest Premier League game of the season so far.

A win for Liverpool would take them four points clear of their rivals in the table, which could end up being significant come the end of the season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

One player who is expected to start on Sunday is Matip, with the centre-back enjoying an excellent start to the season at the heart of the Reds’ defence.

The 30-year-old is a cult hero at Anfield and footage of him in training on Friday [via the club’s official Twitter account] has shown him lose his chewing gun during a rondo exercise, in what was a typical moment involving him.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-5/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans love latest Matip video

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to laugh at the latest piece of Matip brilliance.

“Even with the video being about VVD, Matip is still killing me lmao”

Credit: @Lallanatelli

“Joel is too funny “

Credit: @aeleo92

“Big Joel is something else isn’t he”

Credit: @robmclean1986

“Matip is a joke”

Credit: @ntokozo_nje

“‘I lost my chewing gum man’ why is Matip so funny”

Credit: @AiddyLFC

“When I say the light of my life”

Credit: @capttvandijk

In other news, some Liverpool fans are desperate for the Reds to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

The Lions have declared their interest in signing Andrew Symonds should the Australian allrounder opt to forgo his international ambitions for a career as a freelance Twenty20 specialist

Alex Brown10-Jun-2009South African Twenty20 franchise, Highveld Lions, have declared their interest in signing Andrew Symonds should the Australian allrounder opt to forego his international ambitions for a career as a freelance 20-over specialist. Alan Kourie, the chief executive of the Lions and Gauteng Cricket Board, said a player of Symonds’ power and versatility would provide a tremendous boost to the Johannesburg-based franchise, which failed to win a game in South Africa’s Pro20 competition last season.Domestic Twenty20 sides around the world are anxiously awaiting word on Symonds’ playing future, following his expulsion from the Australian squad on the eve of the World Twenty20 in England. Symonds, who held lengthy discussions with his agent on Wednesday, is expected to announce his retirement from international cricket in the coming days to focus on his domestic Twenty20 career, freeing him to pursue opportunities in India, Australia, England and South Africa.A Queensland official told Cricinfo on Wednesday the state association was expecting a decision from Symonds before the weekend regarding his commitment to the Bulls for next season. But given that Australia’s Big Bash tournament overlaps South Africa’s Pro20, Queensland may face a battle with South African franchises for Symonds’ signature.”At this point in time we haven’t made an approach, but if he were to come on the market we would certainly be interested,” Kourie told Cricinfo. “He is one of the most exciting players in the world and still has plenty to offer. I believe the key to getting the best out of him would be to make him feel comfortable and welcome in his environment, which I feel we could do.”Several South African domestic sources told Cricinfo on Monday that Symonds could expect to earn between R800,000 and R1 million ($120,000) for a six-week stint playing 50-and 20-over cricket in South Africa. Kourie was not so certain.”It must be remembered that we operate in rand, not pounds or dollars, and our currency is not as strong as some of the others out there,” he said. “I’m sure a player like him could do well if he wanted to play in South Africa, but I’m not sure whether those figures you mention are realistic. I guess it will depend on the needs and revenues of the franchises looking at him.”Since returning to Australia, Symonds has discussed his playing future with family, friends and cricketing colleagues. He also held talks on Monday with Cricket Australia’s operations officer, Michael Brown, who is believed to have informed him he would not be offered another central contract following a series of highly publicised behavioural infractions over the past four years.John Buchanan, Symonds’ former coach with Queensland and Australia, was hopeful the allrounder would find contentment after deciding upon his future path.”My view is that it should never have come to this, but it has got to the stage where something had to be done,” Buchanan said. “We’ve exchanged text messages. I am always here to offer Andrew support if he wants it. Hopefully his next move, whatever it is, is a good one for him.”

There’s a buzz that Sri Lanka, after England claimed back the Ashes, are sitting pretty at No. 2 in the Test world. But Kumar Sangakkara is having none of it

Jamie Alter in Colombo25-Aug-2009There’s a significant buzz within the local media given that Sri Lanka, after England’s stirring reclaiming of the Ashes, sit pretty at the second spot in the Test world. But Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lankan captain, is having none of it.When asked the question whether Sri Lanka’s possible ascent was an added incentive, Sangakkara had the look of a man who was fed up of the question but he hid it well. “The easiest thing is to get somewhere; the harder is to stay there,” he said. “The No. 2 position probably reflects how well we are playing but also says that we are second best, and that means we have a lot more to achieve to get where we want to be.”His comments come with Australia slipping to No. 4 in the ICC rankings and their rivals fighting to climb all over them. The situation, based on form and the success the hosts have at the fortress known as the SSC, favours of Sri Lanka celebrating their promotion with another home series win. Leading the series and in search of 2-0, Sangakkara said there was no need to motivate the side.”We’re a good self-motivating team. The players take a lot of individual pride in their performances. Not just winning, but playing in the right spirit. We have been very good examples over the years and we’re continuing to do that.”While admitting his team wears the ”favourites” tag comfortably, Sangakkara expected a tough response from New Zealand. “I think they are going to come back very strongly and try to win this Test, so that they have something to take back home. We are going all out to win this game and win the series.”Replying to criticism of the inclusion of Ajantha Mendis over Rangana Herath in Galle, Sangakarra said Mendis did his job perfectly well. “I think Ajantha bowled very well in Galle. The perception is that he might not have looked as dangerous as he could be but I think he put an enormous amount of pressure on the batsmen not to play strokes. The one stroke that Jacob Oram played got him out and the rest had to hang in there and wait, defending Mendis, and that put a lot of pressure on each other.”Sri Lanka are not risking Angelo Mathews, who sustained a hamstring strain in Galle, which leaves a very significant No 6 void to be filled. Sangakkara said the man to step in would be Chamara Kapugedera, who’d play his eighth Test. Sri Lanka would prefer three spinners but without Mathews that doesn’t really give them the option.”Kapugedera is going to be a variable player coming in after runs in the warm-up games, plus the good nick he’s been in recently [in ODIs]. We’d like him to get an opportunity after the 96 he got against Bangladesh [in his most recent Test in January].”

AB de Villiers is confident South Africa will “come off when the pressure is there” despite their history of falling short in must-win games

Cricinfo staff26-Sep-2009England’s victory against Sri Lanka has added an interesting twist to Group B, where every remaining match is of vital importance. South Africa have to beat England in Centurion in order for their semi-final hopes to not depend heavily on a difficult permutation and combination of results. AB de Villiers, though, is confident South Africa will “come off when the pressure is there”, despite their history of falling short in must-win games.Another victory for England will virtually ensure their semi-final berth. South Africa, on the other hand, have only one win from two games going into their final group match. The pressure on them will be especially severe if Sri Lanka beat New Zealand to record their second group-stage victory.”The most important thing for us tomorrow is to win, to focus on our basics and to carry out our game plan well,” de Villiers said. “We can’t be worrying about run-rates. The important thing for us is to win and to get to four points on the log. If we get to 40 overs and we are close to winning the game, then we will definitely up the tempo a bit.”It is a massive game for us. We normally come off when the pressure is there and we need to win. The same thing happened at the 2007 World Cup when we had a ‘must win’ game against England and we managed to do it then and pull through.”The Centurion pitch won’t be as helpful for England’s fast bowlers as the surface in Johannesburg, where James Anderson and Graham Onions wrecked the Sri Lankan top order on Friday. “The Wanderers wicket suited them. In addition they have just come out of a tough series at home and managed to win the last one there where they had similar conditions,” de Villiers said. “But they played extremely well against a very strong Sri Lankan side and deserved their win. It is going to be a tough group for us and I think it is going to come down to net run-rate.”Andy Flower, England’s team director, said his side’s success against Sri Lanka was “confidence-boosting” but added that it was only one game in a tough tournament. “The guys did brilliantly yesterday against a very good side. We knew they would be tough to turn over,” Flower said. “It was great to see the batsmen see it through after some of our batting travails against Australia.”

Many Everton fans have been left reacting to some transfer news that has emerged on Donny van de Beek.

Speaking on FIVE (via EFC DAILY), Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that the Goodison Park faithful are ‘still interested’ in the Manchester United midfield player after wanting him at the end of August, and the deal could be an initial loan with in January with an option to buy in the summer transfer window.

Van de Beek has struggled to get regular game time at Old Trafford, as he has only managed to play in a mere five matches in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt), so there would certainly be question marks over his sharpness if he made the move to Merseyside.

However, that is not to say that he is not a quality player on his day, emphasised by his time at Ajax, where he managed to score 41 goals and make a further 34 assists in 175 appearances (Transfermarkt).

Everton fans on van de Beek transfer news

These Toffees supporters seemed split as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, perhaps unsurprising given his obvious quality but inability to break through in England so far…

“Would be a good signing imo, him on loan and Ramsey on a free pleaseee Everton, then sell Davies and Gomes”

Credit: @jayhammefc

“Yes please”

Credit: @taylor_davies77

“VDB needs a new lease at life and would solidify the 3rd piece in our midfield. I’m not quite sure how we could pull it off but it would be great business”

Credit: @1878_Shirts

“He can’t get a game in United’s midfield over Fred and McTominay”

Credit: @KevinGillen8

“No. He’s the same as Klaassen. Not strong enough and quick enough for Premier League. It’s easy when you’re at Ajax, the opposition let you have the ball and you have that confidence of having the ball in Europe competitions. In PL under Rafa especially he will struggle.”

Credit: @SatFlora

“I fear that he maybe another Davy Klaassen. Hope he proves me wrong if he does come.”

Credit: @SG_Ramon

In other news, find out what transfer news has Blues raging here!

India Emerging Players, aided by Virat Kohli’s century and Sudeep Tyagi’s four wickets, clinched the Emerging Players Tournament by defeating South Africa at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane

Cricinfo staff01-Aug-2009
ScorecardIndia Emerging Players, aided by Virat Kohli’s century and Sudeep Tyagi’s four wickets, clinched the Emerging Players Tournament by defeating South Africa at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. In South Africa’s only loss of the tournament they went down to India in the final by 17 runs, losing their last five wickets for 30 runs.Vaughan van Jaarsveld, the South African captain, chose to give his bowlers first use of the surface and Lonwabe Tsotsobe dealt the early advantage. Tsotsobe, the tall left-arm fast bowler, trapped Ajinkya Rahane lbw in the first over, the ball after the opener smacked him for six over extra cover. Next ball he had M Vijay lbw for a duck with a fuller ball and India were 2 for 7.S Badrinath (20) and Kohli started a recovery but India were further rattled and found themselves half down for 109 in the 22nd over. Then Wriddhiman Saha, the wicketkeeper, added 78 with Kohli who raised his half-century from 59 balls. Kohli was particularly strong on the leg side, collecting sixes in consecutive overs with superb feet movement. Kohli brought up his century from 97 balls, a sterling effort under pressure, before he fell for 104 when driving straight to extra cover. Saha made a fine 74 and with Amit Mishra contributing 25 from 22 balls India finished on 9 for 283. Tsotsobe finished with 5 for 69.South Africa’s openers put on 52 with Rilee Rossouw particularly dismissive of India’s new-ball pair. He slammed 35 from just 16 balls, including consecutive sixes off Tyagi, before the bowler had his number. Tyagi struck in successive overs and thereafter India’s bowlers chipped away. The blow that effectively turned the match their way was Tyagi’s dismissal of Henry Davids for 82 in the 40th over, the opener steering a widish delivery to backward point. Thandi Tshabalala nicked Tyagi next ball and South Africa slumped to defeat with Misha capping a good day with two economical wickets.
ScorecardNew Zealand Emerging Players’ poor run in Australia continued with a crushing defeat at the hands of the Australian Institute of Sports in Brisbane. The third-place play-off was a 40-overs per side affair and Australia hardly broke a sweat as they chased down 245 with eight wickets and 42 deliveries remaining.This was a win set up in the field. Peter George hurt New Zealand at the top and put pressure on Watling, who responded with a mature innings that spanned the full 40 overs. Anaru Kitchen’s 45 helped steady the situation with Watling but he became the first of offbreak bowler Jason Floros’ three wickets. There was little else in terms of support and Watling swung his bat at the end to remain unbeaten on 115 from 104 balls as New Zealand made 244.Led by the opener Rob Quiney’s unbeaten century, Australia cruised to victory. Quiney and Tom Cooper shared a 60-run opening stand after which Steven Smith added 79 with Quiney. Once he was dismissed for a brisk 44 Matthew Wade walked in and blasted 60 from 42 balls, including five sixes, and the match was a fairly one-sided affair. Quiney’s 115 needed 94 deliveries and featured six fours and a three sixes.

Tottenham Hotspur finally got back to winning ways in the Premier League after they defeated Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Nuno Santo’s men had been thumped in each of their last three outings, the last of which being an embarrassing north London derby defeat to Arsenal a week ago but clearly, the Lilywhites put those ghosts in the past to deliver one of their most impressive performances of the 2021/22 campaign.

Heung-min Son was one major catalyst towards the three points as he provided an assist for both of their goals – the first time that Spurs had scored more than one goal in any league game this term.

Although he wasn’t the highest-rated player on SofaScore.

That acclaim went to Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who was graded an 8.0, in comparison to the South Korean’s 7.3.

The 26-year-old even opened the scoring for Spurs with a cool finish from the edge of the penalty box after he received the ball from Son just 27 minutes into the match.

But Hojbjerg’s contribution didn’t stop there as he was a constant thorn in Dean Smith’s side all afternoon.

Only one other player (Emerson, 86) recorded more touches than the £36m-rated powerhouse (84), proving he was an influential figure in the engine room, playing alongside Oliver Skipp and Tanguy Ndombele.

The 21-year-old gem’s involvement has allowed the Dane to have more of an influence in the final third, hence why he was in the right spot at the right time to get himself on the scoresheet.

He made 89% of his 66 passing attempts, which was the best of any Spurs starter, whilst he also managed six successful dribbles from six attempts (100%). It suggests that he played a key role in linking the midfield to the attack.

By comparison, more-attack minded players like Son (three) and Ndombele (one) managed far fewer.

Elsewhere, Hojbjerg still did his defensive duties a lot of justice – as per SofaScore, he managed two tackles, two clearances, one interception and even won nine of 12 duels (75%).

football.london’s Alasdair Gold described the 6 foot 1 midfielder as a “big presence”, whilst the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick claimed he was “tidy on the ball and shielded the back four well from the threat of John McGinn.”

On the above evidence, you could argue that Hojbjerg ran the show for Nuno and Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He was different class and deserves just as many plaudits as Son.

AND in other news, Paratici could sign Spurs’ next Dembele in swoop for “extraordinary” £36m-rated beast…

Many Scotland fans were critical of Glasgow Rangers defender Nathan Patterson despite their 3-2 win at home to Israel on Saturday evening.

Israel took the lead very early on through a free kick from Eran Zahavi, and a lot of Scottish supporters thought that the Ibrox youngster was at fault for not clearing his lines properly in the build-up to the foul.

The right-back endured a pretty difficult first half, and although he improved afterwards, he was guilty of giving the ball away on far too many occasions throughout the match.

Patterson lost possession 24 times, the most out of any player on the pitch by far, and also lost out on 11 of his duels, again the most of anyone who featured at Hampden Park (Sofascore). The Rangers ace failed with three of his dribble attempts and also made no interceptions or accurate crosses (Sofascore).

Scotland fans on Patterson

These Scotland fans slammed Patterson on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he was ‘rotten’:

“Patterson is an U21 player at best!! Should be nowhere near it!!! If you’re honest with yourself you actually know it!!”

Credit: @eyesandears17

“I thought Patterson was meant to be the 2nd coming of Cafu? Absolutely rotten so far.”

Credit: @quadtreblechamp

“Patterson’s fault”

Credit: @Richardbytheco1

“Patterson and Hendry with some work to do to make up for that shambles.”

Credit: @Warbraindrew

“Patterson then Hendry at fault there, amateur defending”

Credit: @MrAmazing1980

“Patterson should have cleared the ball believing his own hype. Hendry foolish tackle”

Credit: @jockybelfast

In other news, find out whose international goal has left these Gers fans buzzing

Younis Khan, Pakistan’s new captain, wants all of his players to “wave magic wands” to try and help the team improve

Osman Samiuddin27-Jan-2009
Younis Khan: “I will try and fix things that aren’t right at the moment. But the boys will all have to get together and wave their magic wands” © AFP
Younis Khan, Pakistan’s new captain, wants all of his players to “wave magic wands” to try and help the team improve. Younis took over as Test and ODI captain from Shoaib Malik, who was relieved of his duties by the PCB after a disastrous ODI series loss to Sri Lanka.Having turned down the captaincy twice before, Younis said he had no hesitation in accepting the post this time. Though he acknowledged that difficult challenges lie in wait, past experiences, he said, will help him through.”I didn’t need to think twice this time in accepting the post,” Younis told Cricinfo. “It is and it isn’t a tough challenge in a sense. Captaincy is always tough, but I’ve already been captain before and I don’t think you can be in a tougher situation than the 2006 Champions Trophy, when we lost Shoaib [Akhtar] and [Mohammad] Asif a day before the tournament.”Younis comes in not only to lead a team struggling on the field, but one fractured under Malik’s reign. Cliques have been built up, senior players have been isolated and even some younger players have suffered. The task is complex and not for one man alone.”I will try and fix things that aren’t right at the moment,” Younis said. “But the boys will all have to get together and wave their magic wands. I can’t just wave it by myself. I want our team to be consistent above all, in everything we do and that will require everyone to put their hands up.”Had he accepted the post after the 2007 World Cup, it would’ve completed a rare succession plan. Then 29, it would’ve been the perfect age, and time, to take over. Now at 31, Younis knows time is not entirely on his side, but there is enough for him to contribute significantly.”I’m at the age now where I don’t have a huge amount of time, but still some time,” he said. “Fitness permitting I can still play another three-four years, but it’s not the same as if you’re younger and can really plan long-term.”There is enough time to make a mark though. Difficult decisions will have to be made and you have to be brave to be captain. But I have nothing to lose and I’m naturally aggressive so that will come through in my captaincy.”