É bem verdade que as principais figuras goleadoras do Coritiba na última temporada foram nomes mais experientes como Léo Gamalho (23 gols em 49 partidas) e Waguininho, autor de 11 tentos em 48 compromissos que disputou.
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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS
Todavia, diante da ausência do artilheiro máximo em recuperação do quadro de Covid-19 e da transferência do vice-artilheiro para o Cruzeiro, coube ao jovem Igor Paixão, dono do terceiro lugar na lista com 10 gols em 47 jogos, assumir a responsabilidade. E ele tem feito isso nos primeiros duelos do ano.
Dos quatro gols que os comandados de Gustavo Morínigo fizeram nas três primeiras rodadas do Campeonato Paranaense, dois vieram dos pés de Igor. Ele marcou nas vitórias contra Cianorte (1 a 0 no Couto Pereira) e, mais recentemente, contra o União, no último domingo (30) em triunfo por 2 a 1 de virada.
Feliz com a manutenção do bom momento com a camisa Coxa Branca, Igor Paixão atribui ao bom trabalho de preparação que conseguiu desenvolver durante os treinos de pré-temporada para chegar em boas condições físicas logo nas primeiras aparições de 2022:
-Estou muito feliz pelo meu início de ano, fiz uma boa pré-temporada para chegar bem nesses primeiros jogos. Contente que os gols e assistências estão saindo e continuo trabalhando diariamente para ajudar o Coritiba da melhor forma possível, sei da enorme responsabilidade de vestir essa camisa e espero seguir honrando essas cores com toda minha dedicação e vontade.
A próxima chance que o atacante deve ter de ratificar a boa fase será na próxima quarta-feira (2) onde, pela quarta rodada do estadual, o Coritiba receberá o Rio Branco, às 19h30 (de Brasília), no Couto Pereira.
O Vasco segue sua intensa preparação para a estreia no Campeonato Carioca 2022. Na manhã deste sábado, o Cruz-Maltino encarou o seu primeiro teste no ano ao realizar um jogo-treino contraa equipe profissional da Saferj (Sindicato dos Atletas de Futebol do Estado do Rio de Janeiro), noCT Moacyr Barbosa, na Cidade de Deus. O duelo terminou com a vitória do Gigante da Colina por 2 a 0, com gols deJuninho e Laranjeira.O goleiro Lucão ainda defendeu um pênalti.
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O técnico Zé Ricardo utilizou o confronto, que foidividido em dois tempos de 30 minutos, para observar os jogadores, sobretudo os reforços que compões o novo elenco vascaíno. Entre eles, apenasThiago Rodrigues, Alexander, Weverton Jesus, MT, Sarrafiore e Jhon Sánchez não participaram do jogo-treino.
+ Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Carioca 2022
Ao longo do jogo-treino, os jogadores colocaram em prática o que vem sendo treinado desde a reapresentação da equipe no último dia 3 de janeiro. Os reforçosAnderson Conceição, Edimar, Raniel e Isaque tiveram boas oportunidades de marcar, mas quem balançou a rede foram as pratas da casa.
No primeiro tempo, Juninho arrancou pela esquerda e abriu o placar para o Vasco. Na volta do intervalo, o comandante fez algumas mudanças na equipes, que continuou superior e ampliou a vantagem com Laranjeira. O duelo ainda foi marcado pelo goleiro Lucão, quedefendeu um pênalti.
+E o Miranda? À mercê da Conmebol, zagueiro negocia renovação com o Vasco enquanto treina fora do clube
Escalação do 1º tempo: Halls, Weverton, Ulisses, Anderson Conceição e Edimar; Matías Galarza, Juninho, Vitinho, Bruno Nazário, Isaque e Raniel
Escalação do 2º tempo: Lucão, Weverton (Paulinho), Ulisses (Luis Cangá), Anderson Conceição (Léo Matos) e Edimar (Matheus Maycon); Caio Dantas, Juninho (Roger), Riquelme, Gabriel Pec, Laranjeira e Isaque (Nenê).
Arsenal’s start to the current season has not been easy on the injury front with a whole host of names ruled out for small to large periods of time.
Martin Odegaard has been the main patient on the treatment table over the opening month or so of the new campaign with the Norwegian having sustained significant damage to his ankle ligament during the last international break.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has also been absent while Ben White has endured time with the team doctors at London Colney too. With Jurrien Timber also missing against Southampton last weekend, it meant that Thomas Partey had to play at right-back. He did an admirable job to be fair to him.
But there’s one player who continues to soldier on despite a lack of rest. That man is Bukayo Saka.
Bukayo Saka injury claim
One of the biggest priorities for Arsenal over the last few years has been the need to sign a new right winger.
Saka is their star boy, he’s their number one man, and he’s their most important player. As a result, he’s likely to play a high volume of minutes. Mikel Arteta needs him on the pitch at all times and at all costs.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
The arrival of Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea over the summer should help but even then, Saka still played against Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup with his England colleague favoured on the left.
That felt like an ideal opportunity to rest the 23-year-old, alas he was kept on the field as the Gunners eased into the next round at the expense of the Trotters.
Arteta probably knows more than anyone that Saka could do with more rest periods and now he’s been given a huge warning over the direction that his star winger’s career could head in.
Research conducted by OLBG concludes that his career could head in the direction of someone like Michael Owen or Dele Alli if Arsenal aren’t careful.
According to said research, the England international has already played 52.9% of his projected career minutes at the age of 23. If we compare that to Phil Foden who is a year older, he has been more carefully managed and has only played 33.2% of his projected minutes.
Phil Foden vs Bukayo Saka in 2023/24
Saka’s injury record is rather impressive compared to his peers, with a ratio of 355 minutes played per day injured.
Referring back to the aforementioned Owen, he had a rate of 39 minutes played per day injured as the former Ballon d’Or winner ultimately saw his career burn out.
Mins played by 7th season in their career
Player
Mins played
Games missed (total)
Gerrard
19,861
97
Lampard
15,793
88
Rooney
20,415
153
Dele
20,068
155
Owen
17,643
179
Foden
17,447
28
Saka *
19,536
15
Rashford
19,707
50
Trent
23,312
62
Sterling
18,792
58
* = projected minutes played.
As it happens the Arsenal star has played an average of 3,595 minutes per season and has already played more minutes in his first six seasons than Owen and Dele. Considering both players suffered from early-career burnout and injuries, Saka’s heavy workload could come back to bite him.
The research comes to a shocking verdict if you are of an Arsenal persuasion that we could start to see a significant drop-off in the forward’s career numbers in two years. That would happen to mark his eighth year at the highest level of the game and a crucial period in Arteta’s project as they look to make themselves consistent Premier League and Champions League contenders.
Dele Alli in action for Tottenham.
As a result, Arsenal must prepare for the future and ensure the Hale End star’s minutes are managed. They could do so by signing a new winger in 2025.
Wingers Arsenal could sign in 2025
Sterling’s future at Arsenal is unlikely to be long-term so acquiring a major signing in attack over the next year or so should be at the height of Arsenal’s agenda.
One option could be Barcelona winger Raphinha. The Gunners were interested in snapping the Brazilian up when he was still at Leeds but he preferred a move to the Catalan giants.
Barcelona star Raphinha.
Michael Olise and Pedro Neto had previously been options but they signed for Bayern Munich and Chelsea respectively over the summer so won’t be on the market.
Thus, they could turn their attention to someone like Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams who has been of huge interest to Arteta and Co for a while now.
Possessing a £49m release clause, signing the Spaniard would be smart business. Although predominantly a left winger, he has operated on the right and would provide phenomenal competition for places among the likes of Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal have been sent a warning here and they must ensure that the club’s dazzling number 7 is given more rest and competition.
It's bad news for Saka & Havertz: Arsenal star ruled out for a month
One of Arsenal’s key men isn’t going to return from injury until November at the earliest.
Brydon Carse requires stitches after being struck on ear in his follow-through
ECB Reporters' Network18-Jul-2021Notts Outlaws celebrated an impressive Vitality Blast group campaign with a crushing 78-run victory over Durham although the game was marred by a nasty injury to Brydon Carse. The pace bowler was hit on his ear by an Alex Hales drive when he slipped in his follow-through in the 4th over and played no further part in the match.”Thankfully, it’s just a couple of stitches and he should be okay. It looked ugly at first,” Durham coach Alan Walker told the BBC. “He was tripping up on his follow-through and couldn’t protect himself.”Ben Duckett, with an unbeaten 74 from 41 balls, and 43 not out off 17 balls by Steven Mullaney propelled the Outlaws to 221 for 4 which was far too much for Durham. They collapsed to 59 for 6 and were bowled out for 143 in 16 overs with Calvin Harrison taking 4 for 36 as the North Group winners claimed a ninth victory.Joe Clarke, awarded his Nottinghamshire cap before the game, and Hales gave the Outlaws early momentum before both fell in Paul van Meekeren’s second over. Clarke skied to point and Hales, missed on 14, failed to clear mid-on as the Outlaws ended the Powerplay on 70 for 2.Although Tom Moores was lbw first ball to Scott Borthwick, Duckett and Samit Patel got the Outlaws back on track by adding 67 in 7 overs. Duckett swept Liam Trevaskis for two fours and a six and made Durham pay for dropping him on 28 when Alex Lees spilled a chance at deep midwicket.Matty Potts held a much harder catch running in from long on to remove Patel for 34 off 26 balls but that only opened the way for Mullaney’s brutal late onslaught. He pulled Graham Clark’s legspin for three sixes in the 15th over which cost 24 and he and Duckett plundered 83 from 37 balls to take the Outlaws to an imposing total.Any chance Durham had of chasing it down vanished when they lost four wickets in the Powerplay with Clark and Alex Lees both failing to score. David Bedingham struck some defiant blows before he skied Dane Paterson and after Cameron Bancroft was yorked by Zak Chappell, Harrison removed Ben Raine and Borthwick in the 9th over.Potts at least went down swinging, heaving Patel for three sixes in the 13th over, but Harrison wrapped up a comprehensive win with four overs to spare.
Aston Villa have opened talks with Borussia Dortmund over a potential £25 million ($31m) deal for Dutch forward Donyell Malen.
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Aston Villa are in talks for Malen
Deal for Dortmund forward could be worth £25m
Striker would bring Champions League experience
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Villa are keen to sign a versatile forward this month and have made Malen their number one target, reports . The Dutchman has scored five goals for Dortmund this season but has only started three of their last 10 matches and could get more playing time at Villa Park. Talks have taken place over a £25m move but the Midlands club are said to have more than one target should they be priced out of the deal.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Villa have relied on Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran for goals this season after the summer sale of Moussa Diaby and a drop-off in form for Leon Bailey. As Emery aims to juggle competing for European qualification with ongoing Champions League and FA Cup campaigns, targeting a forward who can play anywhere across the frontline and ease the burden on that duo makes sense.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Malen has already had a taste of English football having been a member of Arsenal's academy from 2015 to 2017. The 25-year-old impressed in the Gunners' youth squads across domestic and European competitions, eventually earning himself a place on the first-team's pre-season tour of Australia and China in 2017. That was his last action in an Arsenal shirt, though, with a move to PSV agreed in August 2017.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MALEN AND ASTON VILLA?
Malen is currently on the Bundesliga's winter break and Villa are unlikely to rush into a deal considering he would be unavailable for their two remaining Champions League matches this month. Any move could have a knock-on effect at the club, though, with reporting that Ipswich are interested in revisiting their summer interest in winger Jaden Philogene. The 22-year-old could be allowed to leave for the Tractor Boys if Malen or an alternative does arrive.
Few honours have the weight and reputation of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year award in the historical annals of English football. This esteemed award is given annually to the player whose extraordinary accomplishments, talent and overall influence on the field have won the respect of supporters, colleagues and analysts alike.
Every winner, from skilful midfielders to goalscoring juggernauts, adds a special chapter to the colourful history of English football, demonstrating the range of skill and the game’s timeless appeal.
Here we take a look at every winner of the prestigious award since 2000…
Year
Player
Club
2023/24
Phil Foden
Manchester City
2022/23
Erling Haaland
Manchester City
2021/22
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool
2020/21
Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City
2019/20
Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City
2018/19
Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool
2017/18
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool
2016/17
N’Golo Kante
Chelsea
2015/16
Riyad Mahrez
Leicester
2014/15
Eden Hazard
Chelsea
2013/14
Luis Suárez
Liverpool
2012/13
Gareth Bale
Tottenham Hotspur
2011/12
Robin van Persie
Arsenal
2010/11
Gareth Bale
Tottenham Hotspur
2009/10
Wayne Rooney
Manchester United
2008/09
Ryan Giggs
Manchester United
2007/08
Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United
2006/07
Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United
2005/06
Steven Gerrard
Liverpool
2004/05
John Terry
Chelsea
2003/04
Thierry Henry
Arsenal
2002/03
Thierry Henry
Arsenal
2001/02
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Manchester United
2000/01
Teddy Sheringham
Manchester United
1999/00
Roy Keane
Manchester United
These are the last 11 winners of the award:
Luis Suárez
2013/14
Luis Suárez made Premier League history in the 2013/14 season with a performance that was nothing short of spectacular. The Uruguayan led Liverpool’s title push by scoring an incredible 31 goals and laying on 19 assists in just 33 league games, earning the coveted Premier League Golden Boot.
Despite all his efforts, Liverpool ended up missing out on the Premier League by two points, and Suárez opted for a move to Barcelona the following summer.
Every Premier League Golden Boot winner
Some of the Premier League’s greatest goalscorers have won the Golden Boot – here’s every player to earn the coveted prize.
By
Stephan Georgiou
May 26, 2025
Eden Hazard
2014/15
During the 2014/15 season, Eden Hazard elevated himself to the top of the Premier League’s elite ranks with a masterclass in football genius. Under José Mourinho’s management, he was the cornerstone of Chelsea’s attacking arsenal and was essential to the Blues’ run to the Premier League title. With an incredible 14 goals and 9 assists in 38 games, it’s safe to say Hazard lit up the league.
Hazard was justifiably named the PFA Player of the Year after his incredible season, solidifying his place among the Premier League’s most formidable players.
Riyad Mahrez
2015/16
Riyad Mahrez became a shining figure during Leicester City’s incredible ascent to the top of English football in the 2015/16 season.
With his flawless dribbling, accurate passing and clinical finishing, the Algerian winger captivated spectators and became one of the league’s best, recording an impressive 17 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances.
His contributions were nothing short of amazing and rightly led to him winning the PFA Player of the Year award as Leicester City pulled off the impossible to lift the Premier League trophy.
N'Golo Kante
2016/17
N’Golo Kanté revolutionised the position of midfield enforcer in the 2016/17 campaign as the driving force behind Chelsea’s title win under manager Antonio Conte. Though he had a modest manner, Kanté had a huge impact on the game as he constantly patrolled the midfield, winning tackles, making interceptions and setting the pace of play.
As well as being a menace in the defensive third for the Blues, which saw them ship just 33 goals all season, he also played a key part in starting attacks with midfield-splitting passes.
Mohamed Salah
2017/18
Mohamed Salah, one of the most dangerous attackers in international football, shocked the Premier League with his brilliant exploits in the 2017/18 campaign. After moving from AS Roma to Liverpool, the Egyptian winger led Liverpool’s thrilling attacking play, forming a potent attacking combination with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané.
He broke the record for most goals scored in a 38-game Premier League season with an incredible 32 goals in 36 league games, which helped the Reds secure a top-four finish and go all the way to the Champions League final.
Virgil van Dijk
2018/19
Virgil van Dijk proved to be an unstoppable defensive force in the 2018/19 campaign, revolutionising Liverpool’s backline and leading them to the summit of European football in the Champions League. Under manager Jürgen Klopp’s direction, Van Dijk rapidly became the mainstay of Liverpool’s defence after joining from Southampton in January 2018.
His influence went beyond his own accomplishments, since his strong presence gave his colleagues confidence and raised the bar for the whole squad. As well as his defensive qualities, the Dutchman scored six goals and assisted four in all competitions, as the Reds were edged out by a single point in the Premier League title race.
Kevin De Bruyne
2019/20
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne
During the 2019/20 campaign, Kevin De Bruyne demonstrated his unparalleled creativity, vision and technical skill, solidifying his position as the engine of Manchester City’s attack.
Under Pep Guardiola, the Belgian was at the heart of everything, which is evident from his 13 goals and 20 assists in the Premier League, as Manchester City relied on him to produce the goods on a number of occasions.
The fact that he won the PFA Player of the Year award in a season where Liverpool stormed to the Premier League title just goes to show how special he was in that particular campaign.
Kevin De Bruyne
2020/21
Kevin De Bruyne had yet another season to remember in the 2020/21 campaign, as the cornerstone in Manchester City’s pursuit for glory on multiple fronts.
Despite his struggles with injuries during the season, he continued to demonstrate his capacity to set the pace of games, generate scoring opportunities and lead by example. This saw him score six goals and assist 12 in just 26 games in the Premier League.
The Citizens lifted the Premier League and the Carabao Cup, while they also got to their first Champions League final, which was all made possible by De Bruyne’s contributions.
Mohamed Salah
2021/22
Throughout the 2021/22 campaign, Mohamed Salah’s electric performances and goalscoring ability captivated football fans worldwide.
The Egyptian led Liverpool’s assault on the title, showing off his deadly finishing to take his tally to 23 goals and 13 assists in the Premier League. Despite finishing as the joint-top scorer in the top flight, the Reds were edged out in the race for the title, as Manchester City took the spoils. There’s no doubting that the Reds would’ve been nowhere near City had they not had this man.
Erling Haaland
2022/23
Erling Haaland became a goalscoring phenomenon in the 2022/23 campaign. Throughout the campaign, Haaland’s commanding presence and skilful finishing terrified opposing defences, leading the line for his club with stunning brilliance.
Haaland struck 36 times with eight assists in his first 35 Premier League games to earn the honour as the top scorer for the 2022/23 campaign, a mark that helped him score 52 goals across all competitions in his first season in England. This allowed City to lift the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
The amount of records he broke last season is truly sickening, and is too long to list.
Erling Haaland: Net worth, salary, girlfriend, height, age, dad, song & more
FFC takes a look at Erling Haaland, his career and his life outside of football.
Established by FIFPRO in 2005, the World 11 is the only global football award decided exclusively by professional footballers
The FIFPRO Men's World 11 is voted upon annually by the best players in the modern game. Dating back to 2005, the award celebrates footballing excellence on the global level.
The 2024 awards will mark the 20th edition. The 11 players who receive the most votes at their position are selected for the FIFPRO World 11, to be announced on Dec. 9. A record 28,000 players from 70 countries have voted for the 2024 Men’s World 11 and Women’s World 11.
Here is a look back at every previous squad, with global superstars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Didier Drogba, Gianluigi Buffon and more all taking centerstage.
FIFPRO World 11
2023
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)
Defenders: Ruben Dias (Portugal), John Stones (England), Kyle Walker (England)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (England), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium), Bernardo Silva (Portugal);
Nesta quinta-feira, o STJD absolveu Gabigol, do Flamengo, por ter chamado o futebol brasileiro de “várzea”. O fato aconteceu após o atacante ser expulso da partida contra o Internacional,pela 15ª rodada do Brasileirão, no dia 8 de agosto. O camisa 9 não gostou de ter sido mandado embora para os vestiários mais cedo e câmeras no Maracanã flagraram o desabafo, que também foi ouvido pelo auxiliar.
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> ATUAÇÕES: Pedro garante empate e recebe a maior nota do Flamengo
-STJD absolveu o Gabriel por ter falado Várzea. Pegou um jogo por ter batido palmas. Portanto, está livre para jogar, porque já cumpriu a punição. Vamos em frente – comemorou o vice-presidente Geral e da Procuradoria Geral do Flamengo, Rodrigo Dunshee de Abranches.
STJD absolveu o Gabriel por ter falado Várzea. Pegou um jogo por ter batido palmas. Portanto, está livre para jogar, porque já cumpriu a punição. Vamos em frente!
— Rodrigo Dunshee de Abranches (@roddunshee) October 21, 2021
RELEMBRE O CASO
Após a vitória do Internacional sobre oFlamengo por 4 a 0, o árbitro da partida, Paulo Roberto Alves Júnior, explicou, na súmula, os cartões dados a Gabriel Barbosa. O atacante rubro-negro acabou expulso aos 17 minutos do segundo tempo, após “bater palmas de forma irônica, por diversas vezes, em direção ao árbitro.”
Confira, abaixo, as justificativas dadas pelo árbitro para a aplicação do cartão amarelo e do consecutivo cartão vermelho dado a Gabigol, respectivamente.
“- Chutar a bola para longe ou carrega-la com as mãos depois de o árbitro ter paralisado o jogo – Com a partida paralisada, chutar a bola para longe em forma de protesto contra a decisão da arbitragem.”
“- Por após receber uma advertência com cartão amarelo, bater palmas de forma irônica, por diversas vezes, em direção ao árbitro. o mesmo atleta, quando saia do campo de jogo proferiu as seguintes palavras: ” isso é uma piada! por isso que o futebol brasileiro é essa várzea!”, o que foi ouvido pelo assistente número um, sr. victor hugo imazu dos santos.”
> Veja a tabela do Brasileirão
continua após a publicidade
No dia seguinte, 9 de agosto, Gabi foi denunciado no Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva e poderia pegar até seis jogos de suspensão. Na época, a Procuradoria o enquadrou duas vezes no artigo 258, §2º,II do Código Brasileiro de Justiça Desportiva.
Assim, enquanto esperava o julgamento, ele cumpriu suspensão automática pela expulsão na partida contra o Sport, pela 16ª rodada do Brasileirão.
No dia 17 de setembro, o STJDjulgou e condenou Gabigol a dois jogos de suspensão. Entretanto, oclube agiu rápido e conseguiu um efeito suspensivo para que ele ficasse à disposiçãode Renato Gaúcho para a partida contra o Grêmio, que foi válida pela 21ª rodada do Brasileirão.
Com a decisão desta quinta-feira, Gabigol fica livre para defender o Flamengo, uma vez que já cumpriu a suspensão automática contra o Sport.
“I have started to understand more about my own game and leadership skills,” says Zimbabwe’s captain
Firdose Moonda03-Mar-2021
Sean Williams has led Zimbabwe in three Tests so far and averages 80.50 as captain•Abu Dhabi Cricket
Zimbabwe’s captain Sean Williams hailed his side’s ten-wicket win over Afghanistan in the first Test in Abu Dhabi as a coming-of-age performance from a young group of players, and particularly important for his fledgling captaincy. Three Tests into his captaincy, Williams has lost once, and averages 80.50 with two hundreds and a fifty, and is enjoying the additional responsibility.”To win a Test match in two days with a young side is an extremely big feat for us as a team,” Williams said. “And for me it’s huge. As I have got older and taken on more responsibility as captain and a senior player, I started to understand more about my own game and leadership skills, and how important my performance is through tough times. As a leader, you can’t show weakness, You need to be strong. That’s a big thing for me. I’ve had it tough, I’ve had it rough and I’ve just kept on pushing. I feel like I didn’t come this far, to just go this far.”Williams was handed over the captaincy early last year, and his first assignment was a home series against Sri Lanka. After Zimbabwe were beaten by ten wickets in the first Test in Harare, he scored 107 and 53* in the second fixture that helped them post 406 in the second Test and set Sri Lanka 361 to win though eventually the match was drawn. In Abu Dhabi, Williams’ 105 rescued Zimbabwe from 38 for 4, helping post a match-winning 250 in their first innings on a tricky pitch.Related
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Zimbabwe Cricket nearly debt-free, says chairman
He described it as a “carpet on one side and a dustbowl on the other”, and acknowledged it was a good toss to lose because he would have batted first as well, like Asghar Afghan did. There was plenty in the surface and through the air for Zimbabwe’s seamers, as Blessing Muzarabani and Victor Nyauchi made a successful new-ball pair that Williams hopes will continue to operate together in future. “When you have Blessing on one end and Victor on the other end, it’s not going to be easy,” he said.He singled out Nyauchi, who had made his debut in Williams’ first Test as captain after finishing second in Zimbabwe’s first-class competition in two out of the last three seasons, as being particularly deserving of the opportunity for a long run at the international stage. “He is something special for us,” Williams said. “He came from a difficult place in that he performed for three or four seasons without getting a look into the national side. He is a work horse. He has got good skill and his skills are developing.”Nyauchi finished the Test with six wickets – and Zimbabwe’s seamers with 16 between them – justifying the team selection to go without a specialist spinner. Afghanistan went the other way, with only one frontline pace bowler and three spinners. And though turn was evident from the first day, apart from Amir Hamza, they did not have a significant enough say in the Test. Had there been more overs for each side to face and more days in the match, that might have changed. Also, Williams noted that the pitch seemed to be getting slower, especially against the older ball, which meant batting would have become more difficult.Even in the two days that were played, patience was key to run-scoring and it was in short supply across both sides. Afghanistan’s line-up played at many balls they could have left – especially in the first innings – and were loose in defence. And Williams thinks it is the mental – and not the technical – aspects of the game they need more practice in.Victor Nyauchi, who had debuted under Sean Williams last year, grabbed six wickets against Afghanistan•Abu Dhabi Cricket
“It’s pressure. When you’ve got that many debutants (Afghanistan had three while Zimbabwe one) and you lose quick wickets, it’s pressure,” Williams said. “Afghanistan are a very strong white-ball team, and we saw a lot of nick offs (nine out of 20). There are certain disciplines in Test cricket that you can get away with not having in ODI cricket because the slip cordon is not there. So It’s a mental battle. It’s almost like a war going in your mind when you’re out there. Once you can learn to go and control that, you will be ready for Test cricket.”Zimbabwe’s only newcomer, Wesley Madhevere, had a maiden Test to forget and was dismissed for a first-ball duck. But Williams heaped praise on him as well as Tarisai Musakanda, who was returning to the side for the first time since 2017, for their efforts in the field and behind the scenes. Musakanda took a good catch at gully to dismiss Ibrahim Zadran in the first innings and Madhevere took a diving grab at deep square leg to get rid of Hasmatullah Shahidi.”They bring a lot to this team,” Williams said. “Tari has got speed, talent and he is an excellent fielder. So is Wesley. The catch he took set the tone for the rest of the innings. They are young. They are full of beans in the change room. They bring support, energy and enjoyment. They bring a lot.”Crucially, they also point to depth in the Zimbabwean set-up, which is much needed in the absence of several senior players like Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine and Kyle Jarvis who are sitting out of the tour with illness, and Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha and PJ Moor, who are absent through injury, thus forcing Zimbabwe to find new heroes. Williams hopes that process is now well underway.”For the future this win is huge,” he said, while also cautioning his men not to get too carried with what is just a single win. “It’s important that we stay humble. There is still another Test to go.”
Philippe Clement knew the size of the task awaiting him at Glasgow Rangers this summer, but is it looking like a job that could stretch into future transfer windows?
Releasing five players at the end of their contracts in May was good progress, shaving thousands off the wage bill in the process, yet this won't be enough to fund future arrivals.
Indeed, players such as Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers and Scott Wright could all be sold in the coming weeks, yet the trio are all still at Ibrox.
Cyriel Dessers
Might it be a player who has contributed so much to the club in recent years who is the first to be sold this summer? As a fresh update has been given regarding his future.
Rangers could cash in on their top scorer from last season
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Rangers captain James Tavernier could be set for a move to join Turkish side Trabzonspor.
On Thursday evening, the respected insider revealed that the Super Lig outfit have lodged a "formal proposal" for the Englishman, and while a further update revealed that the offer has been rejected, they could return with "improved terms".
It hasn’t been the first time the right-back has been linked with a move away from Ibrox this summer. A few months ago, Steven Gerrard, now manager of Saudi outfit Al-Etiffaq, was linked with a move for his former player, according to reports from the Middle East (via Football Scotland).
Another former Rangers manager, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, was also looking to take Tavernier away from Glasgow in a bid to bolster Besiktas, meaning the captain has had no shortage of admirers this summer, that’s for sure.
Could this fresh rumour regarding interest from Trabzonspor be the most realistic of the lot? And will Clement cash in on the defender in order to raise precious funds? Only time will tell.
James Tavernier's Rangers statistics
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2023/24
58
24
12
2022/23
55
18
12
2021/22
58
18
17
2020/21
46
19
17
2019/20
46
3
16
2018/19
57
17
20
2017/18
46
9
9
2016/17
44
2
7
2015/16
50
15
23
Via Transfermarkt
If his nine-year association with the Glasgow side does come to an end this summer, he will depart with the best wishes from the Ibrox faithful.
Might his exit be as sad as when Gerrard left suddenly in 2021 to take over at Aston Villa?
Steven Gerrard’s record as Rangers manager
The former Liverpool icon arrived in Glasgow back in May 2018 with one aim, to stop Celtic in their tracks.
His first two seasons saw plenty of progress on the pitch but were certainly a learning curve in how best to return the Ibrox side to the summit of Scottish football.
The summer of 2020 proved to be the turning point. Buoyed by Celtic’s complacency, the Gers went through an entire league season undefeated, securing their first title in a decade, all while preventing their arch-rivals from winning the much coveted tenth title in a row.
Steven Gerrard
This should have been the beginning of a new era for the Light Blues. With Gerrard’s pulling power at the helm, they should have bolstered their squad that summer, yet failed to do so, which led to the club failing to qualify for the Champions League group stages.
Following a stuttering start to the 2021/22 campaign, Gerrard joined Villa in mid-November, thus ending a three-and-a-half-year stint at Rangers.
Rangers win the Scottish Premiership May 2021
It took a while for the supporters to get over Gerrard leaving. Might it be the same if Tavernier did likewise?
James Tavernier’s season in numbers
The Englishman finished as the club’s top scorer for the second season in a row last term, netting a staggering 24 goals from right-back in all competitions, pipping Cyriel Dessers to top spot by two goals.
Add in 12 assists, and it is clear to see exactly what the club will be missing should the 32-year-old finally leave this summer.
James Tavernier
It wasn’t just his goal contributions which saw him rank highly in the squad last term. Indeed, when compared to his teammates, Tavernier ranked first for big chances created (19), key passes per game (3) and for goals and assists (27) in the Premiership, showing how crucial he was in the final third for Clement’s side.
His goal contributions tailed off towards the end of the season and his mentality was poor during the final weeks, as the Gers suffered defeats against Motherwell, Ross County and Celtic, which saw the league title slip away.
Tavernier's impact at Rangers
While the time may be right for both parties to go their separate ways, it is clear that Clement will have an impossible job of replacing the numbers to which the captain contributes from right-back.
Across 460 games for the Gers, Tavernier has scored 125 goals while registering 129 assists, staggering numbers.
This total of 254 goal contributions for the club works out as a ratio of one goal involvement every 1.8 matches, a stat which would be impressive for a centre-forward, never mind a defender.
Kris Boyd lavished praise on the player in 2022, saying: "Since signing in 2015, Tav has been a key figure in Rangers' recent journey.
"People will rightly point to title No 55 and the part he played in that. They will also look at his role in helping Gers to reach last season's Europa League final. But he's delivered a helluva lot more than that.
"He's become a proud ambassador for the club. As captain, he sets an example for others to follow. His numbers, in terms of goals and assists, speak for themselves. But it's the way he has carried himself that has been so impressive.”
If Clement can sell him for a decent transfer fee, the move will give him some flexibility in the transfer window in terms of new signings.
With the first match of the new season just two weeks ago, it is clear several new players are required to freshen up the starting XI.
Will Tavernier be in the squad for the clash against Hearts at the start of August? It remains to be seen, but the Ibrox faithful must be careful what they wish for.
Rangers could finally axe Dessers by signing £5m Scotland international
Philippe Clement has shown interest in a current Scottish international…