French women's team coach Herve Renard says he wants to manage at the men's 2026 World Cup and that's partly why he is stepping down from his role.
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Renard to leave France role after Olympics
Eyes coach role at men's 2026 World Cup
Linked with Poland, Nigeria and South Korea
WHAT HAPPENED?
Renard is set to leave his role after the Olympic Games this summer following less than 18 months in charge. And amid links with the men's teams of Poland, South Korea, Cameroon, Nigeria and Morocco, the Frenchman admits he wants to manage a new national side soon.
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WHAT HERVE RENARD SAID
He said, via Get Football News France: “It’s a difficult job. If I had to be brief, I have in the back of my mind the 2026 World Cup in men’s football, I hope that it will be my third World Cup at the head of a men’s team. These are my personal motivations."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The former Saudi Arabia, Zambia and Morocco manager has made a name for himself as an international boss and it seems the 55-year-old wants another crack at the men's game. And after the French women's third successive quarter-final defeat at last year's World Cup, he will be a free agent later this year.
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WHAT NEXT?
France are hosting this year's Summer Olympics and will hope being on home soil will help them towards gold medal glory. The United States, Brazil, Canada, World Cup winners Spain, and Germany are among the teams in the 12-team competition which begins on July 25.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made another big move that makes their pitching staff even more impressive as they have agreed on a four-year deal with left-handed reliever Tanner Scott, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The deal is worth $72 million.
This move, of course, comes just days after they landed Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki. The defending champs are now even deeper with the addition of Scott, who has been one of the best relievers in the league over the past two seasons.
Scott split last season with the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres and faced the the Dodgers in the playoffs, where he had some really good success against Shohei Ohtani.
The Dodgers seem poised to be even better this coming season than they were last year, which is saying a lot because they were dominant in 2024 and won a World Series title.
da betsson: Wolverhampton Wanderers have picked up two wins and two clean sheets on the bounce in all competitions after a polished 2-0 win away over Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup.
da stake casino: The Championship hosts did have a goal dubiously ruled out for offside early on, but once the Old Gold took the lead courtesy of a Joao Gomes strike trickling in just after the half-an-hour mark, the victory ended up being rather routine to collect.
In fact, it would be only moments after Gomes’ opener that Wolves would have their game-clinching second, with Matheus Cunha showing off his Premier League class with an emphatic finish on another standout day at the office from the Brazilian.
Matheus Cunha's performance in numbers
From that point onwards, it was relatively straightforward for the top-flight outfit to secure their passage through to the next round of the esteemed competition, but Cunha would still be on the hunt for more goals.
Across the course of the 90 minutes, the ex-Atletico Madrid attacker would spurn two big chances as a constant livewire for his side, which included one fantastic solo run in the second half that was unfortunately not finished off.
But, nobody could take the priceless effort away from him come the full-time whistle, with Cunha also a brave battler for his team in a game that was played at a fast pace, resulting in an impressive nine ground duels being won.
Indeed, Blackburn did have brief moments in the contest where they could have gained a momentary foothold and mounted a comeback, only to be met by a stern Wolves defender standing firm time after time.
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Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The Wolves star who was as good as Cunha
Whilst Cunha’s star quality certainly helped his team get over the line at Ewood Park, there were occasions in the contest where Wolves needed to remain staunch at the back to ensure John Eustace’s men didn’t win a goal back.
That’s where Toti Gomes thankfully came to the rescue for Vitor Pereira’s visitors, with the two-time Portugal international managing to impressively win seven out of eight duels on the day among other glowing defensive numbers.
Gomes’ performance in numbers
Stat
Gomes
Minutes played
90
Touches
70
Accurate passes
55/59 (93%)
Successful dribbles
3/3
Clearances
2
Interceptions
2
Tackles
3
Total duels won
7/8
Stats by Sofascore
Looking at his numbers in depth from the win in Lancashire, it was an extremely well-rounded display from the defensive titan, with his ability on the ball there for all to see with his 93% pass accuracy and 100% successful dribble completion rate come full-time, on top of his hefty combined total of seven clearances, interceptions and tackles.
This isn’t a one-off from the 26-year-old either, with six duels also won last time out in the Premier League when Wolves picked up another 2-0 victory versus Aston Villa, before showing off his defensive prowess once more against the Riversiders. In fact, he’s been really rather good since Pereira came in with the defender keeping four clean sheets in a row since he was introduced into the starting lineup.
Toti Gomes warming up for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The £25k-per-week centre-back will hope he can keep his first-team spot as more and more league fixtures come his relegation-threatened side’s way this February, with this showing on the road against Blackburn more than helping his cause.
Since Pereira’s arrival into the building, the Portuguese manager has managed to strike a finer balance between exciting attacking displays and dogged defensive showings than his predecessor in Gary O’Neil, with Cunha still at the peak of his powers whilst stars at the back such as Gomes come to the surface.
Only time will tell if enough of these displays will keep Wolves up in the Premier League, with Pereira’s side needing all the luck they can get when travelling to table-topping Liverpool up next.
Wolves have unearthed their next Diogo Jota in "sensational" £60k-p/w star
Wolverhampton Wanderers already have their next Diogo Jota with this impressive ace.
Shariz Ahmad’s maiden five-for in vain as Netherlands fall short by one run
ESPNcricinfo staff23-Mar-2023In a match that ebbed and flowed right till the final ball, Zimbabwe held their nerve to beat Netherlands by one run in the second ODI in Harare. The win helped them level the three-match series 1-1.Batting first, fifties from Sean Williams and Clive Madande kept Zimbabwe chugging along, but legspinner Shariz Ahmad’s maiden five-wicket haul saw the hosts lose their last five wickets in just 47 runs and be bowled out for 271.In reply, Netherlands were on course for a big chunk of the game with Max’O Dowd and Tom Cooper leading the way. Wessly Madhevere, though, turned the game on its head with a hat-trick – the third by a Zimbabwe bowler in ODIs.With Netherlands requiring 19 in the final over and just one wicket in hand, Zimbabwe seemed to have the game in the bag. But Tendai Chatara went for 15 runs off his first five balls to cause a few flutters. However, with four needed off the last ball, Fred Klaassen was unable to dispatch a low full toss past wide long-off.Earlier, Zimbabwe started well with Craig Ervine and Madhevere adding 61 in 11 overs for the opening stand before the former was cleaned up by Colin Ackermann for 39 off 42. Gary Ballance struck three fours but was dismissed for 14. Shariz then got into the act, getting rid of Madhevere and Sikandar Raza in the space of three balls to stifle Zimbabwe. In his next over, the legspinner induced a top edge of Ryan Burl’s blade to make it 120 for 5.Williams and Madande revived the innings by adding 104 runs off 93 balls for the sixth wicket. Williams struck 77 off 73 balls, while Madande hit his second successive half-century. But Shariz struck back. He first removed Williams, who top-edged a sweep to deep-backward square leg, and two balls later trapped Brad Evans lbw to complete his five-for.O’Dowd gave Netherlands a quick start even though his opening partner Vikramjit Singh managed only 14 off 25. O’Dowd and Cooper then kept the Zimbabwe bowlers at bay for 25.2 overs, adding 125 runs for the second wicket. But then Cooper was run-out, and a few overs later, Raza had O’Dowd lbw.But it was Madhevere’s three strikes that put Zimbabwe ahead. In the 44th over of the innings, he first had Ackermann stumped for 28. With his next ball, a quick offbreak, he castled opening ODI’s hero Teja Nidamanuru before claiming his hat-trick with a similar fast offspinning delivery that rattled Paul van Meekeren stumps.Madhevere’s hat-trick left Netherlands struggling at 213 for 6. With the required rate rising every over, captain Scott Edwards tried his best to take his side closer to the target. He struck 36 off 28 balls before falling to Raza. Raza would have thought he had all but sealed the game when he removed Musa Ahmed as well three balls later.Klaassen and Ryan Klein, though, made the Zimbabwe camp very nervous in the final over but failed to close the game.
The Argentine scored twice and played a key role in a third to spark a furious comeback in the Champions Cup
Lionel Messi played hero in yet another memorable night of football, scoring twice and orchestrating a third to lead Inter Miami to a 3-2 aggregate win over LAFC and book a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. The home side came into the evening trailing 1-0 in the tie after losing the first leg, and after conceding early, had to score three to advance. But Messi worked his typical magic, playing a role in each goal to keep his team alive in a tournament they are favorites to win.
LAFC took the lead inside 10 minutes, Aaron Long hooking a volley into the far corner after Inter Miami failed to clear a set piece. Miami responded, though. They thought they had an equalizer when Messi curled in a free-kick — but saw the goal chalked off after VAR determined the referee hadn't blown the whistle. Messi didn't need long after that to level things, though, weaving through the LAFC defense before finding the top corner with a curled effort.
Miami came alive in the second half. Messi started picking up dangerous pockets of space. Suarez had a long-range effort saved. Jordi Alba clipped the post. Noah Allen grabbed the second, his dinked pass evading two defenders and Tadeo Allende before trickling into the net. Suarez thought he had a decisive third after 70 minutes, but saw a deft flicked header ruled out for a narrow offside. Messi ultimately, inevitably, provided the killer blow. LAFC center back Marlon handled the ball in the box in the 83rd minute. The Argentine stepped up from the spot. LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris didn't move and Messi clipped the ball past him.
There was still drama to be found. Veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made two immense saves for . Tackles flew in. Referee Cesar Ramos was routinely surrounded by angry men. But Miami, amid it all, held on, and, with Messi at the helm, can almost taste Javier Mascherano's first trophy in club management.
GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium…
Getty
Goalkeeper & Defense
Oscar Ustari (7/10):
Got caught between minds in the LAFC goal, redeemed himself with two vital saves in the final minutes.
Marcelo Weigandt (6/10):
Given a real headache by Denis Bouanga early on, but settled in thereafter.
Maximiliano Falcon (7/10):
Looked like he wanted to get sent off at times, really flying into tackles. But Miami needed that grit.
Noah Allen (8/10):
Scored what might be the most important goal of his Miami career – even if he didn't mean it. Really composed at the back otherwise.
Jordi Alba (7/10):
Full of energy and attacking thrust on the left. Put in a few key tackles, too.
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Midfield
Yannick Bright (7/10):
Flew into tackles and put out fires everywhere. A really good hour of work until he ran out of gas.
Federico Redondo (7/10):
Full of legs in center midfield. Helped Miami hold things down after a far too frantic start.
Telasco Segovia (6/10):
A bit lacking in his usual attacking quality on the wing. Could have delivered a better pass on a few occasions.
Tadeo Allende (7/10):
Very quiet when Miami had the ball. Completed just 13 passes all evening. But indispensable off it, helping cover ground for the immobile Suarez.
Getty
Attack
Lionel Messi (10/10):
Scored a really very silly goal. Created chaos in between, and buried the winning penalty. Magical, match-winning, and so, so, so predictable.
Luis Suarez (6/10):
A bit all over the place. Caused problems with his movement, unfortunate to have a goal ruled out, but looked awfully slow at times.
Getty
Subs & Manager
Benjamin Cremaschi (7/10):
Immediately up for the fight. Played a role in winning the corner in the run up to the third.
Tomas Aviles (N/A):
Late legs to shore up the defense.
Gonzalo Lujan (N/A):
Made an important clearance late.
Fafa Picault (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Javier Mascherano (9/10):
His finest moment in management to date. He set up a bit cautiously, packed the midfield, and got the most out of his star. Wonderfully done. Bring on the semis.
Newcastle are gearing up for an early January transfer as a fresh report claims that one of Eddie Howe’s men is already in the final stages of agreeing a midseason exit.
Newcastle United transfer news
After struggling through the summer transfer window and ultimately failing to sign their no.1 target Marc Guehi, Newcastle are expected to be one of the quieter Premier League sides again in January. Speaking on the topic, Howe admitted signings were unlikely unless sales were made at St James’ Park, and quashed talk of any potential loan deals.
“The loan market is an easy one to chuck out there and go, ‘Let’s look at loans’ but the reality of those loans is very difficult”, he explained.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe
Howe added: “The issue with PSR and our position is that nothing is clearcut. Nothing is absolutely fixed; there will be lots of twists and turns in January. But we want to try and improve the squad.”
Several players seem set to leave the club, with both Kieran Trippier and Miguel Almiron having been linked with moves away and both having lost their spots in the Newcastle starting line up this season.
Almiron and Trippier in 24/25 Premier League
Miguel Almiron
Kieran Trippier
Appearances
6
8
Starts
1
3
Total Minutes played
119
319
Goals and assists
0
0
Callum Wilson could also be cashed in on, with his contract set to expire in the summer, while Sean Longstaff is in the same boat despite having emerged as a vital player for Howe in the early stages of the season. Now though, the club’s first exit could be set to take place.
Dubravka in initial agreement to leave Newcastle in January
That comes courtesy of a report from Saudi Arabia [Via Sport Witness], which claims that Saudi side Al Shabab FC have reached an “initial agreement” to sign out of favour Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
The Slovakian international made his first start of the season against Leicester City at the weekend, filling in for Nick Pope after the latter suffered a knee injury.
He was called into action last season too, with one performance against Liverpool prompting Howe to label him a “magnificent” goalkeeper.
Pope is expected to be out for around a month, during which time Dubravka will likely be called on to deputise, but his return could allow the veteran to leave in the dying stages of the transfer window or sooner if Newcastle were to sign a new shot-stopper.
Sky Sports: Newcastle eye move to sign £17m+ forward who may replace Wilson
He could be a long-term upgrade for Eddie Howe’s side if they can sign him.
By
Ben Browning
Dec 17, 2024
The 35-year-old’s £40k-per-week contract expires at the end of the current season, meaning that this is Newcastle’s last chance to receive a fee from any sale, while Dubravka can enter into pre-contract negotiations with any other side from January 1st.
And that move could be to Al Shabab FC, with the report claiming that “the two parties have reached an ‘initial agreement’” over a move to the Middle East, leaving only “details” before they can announce his arrival.
Pope’s injury could force them to put that announcement on hold, but it seems that a deal could be in the works to see Dubravka depart Tyneside, in a move that may allow Newcastle to rekindle their interest in James Trafford.
Abbas, Abbott apply finishing touches to humiliating three-day loss at Wantage Road
David Hopps22-Apr-2023
James Fuller made swift work of Northants in the first innings, before his team-mates mopped up in the second•Getty Images
Hampshire 482 for 8 dec (Vince 186, Gubbins 125) beat Northamptonshire 149 (Cobb 44, Fuller 6-37) and 63 (Abbas 4-31, Abbott 3-9) by an innings and 270 runsTo concede 482 for 8 and then be dismissed twice in 72 overs represents quite a pummeling and it is bound to leave Northamptonshire deeply anxious about the Championship season that lies in store. They were overwhelmed by a Hampshire seam bowling attack that grew in authority with every passing over and mercilessly exposed their shaky confidence.Hampshire’s victory by an innings and 270 runs was the biggest in their history, an emphatic pronouncement of their title pretensions. From Northants’ perspective, things were not as rosy. This represented their eighth heaviest County Championship defeat as they lost 15 wickets in three hours on a pitch that offered decent bounce and just enough movement to keep the bowlers on their mettle.James Fuller’s six-wicket haul in Northants’ first innings was one of the most feel-good performances of a fast-bowling career that has reached fruition on the south coast. Northants were already in a predicament at 95 for 5 overnight and Fuller’s morning burst of 4 for 9 in 27 balls took him to 200 first-class wickets and invited you to wonder how he had taken so few.If Northants were shaken by their first-innings fate, worse was to follow as they lasted only 22.3 overs second time around. Hampshire’s seasoned campaigners, Kyle Abbott and Mohammad Abbas were just too good for them. Their top order suffered for faltering footwork and the lower order, at times, resorted to a bit of a hit. They were also without Lewis McManus, who was unable to resume his first innings because of a broken finger suffered while batting and who took no further part.Hampshire’s captain, James Vince, was thrilled to have bounced back so impressively from last week’s defeat against Surrey. “There are a lot of draws here,” he observed. “It’s as complete a performance as we could wish for.”Northants will be grateful for next week off as they seek a fast-bowling replacement for Chris Tremain, whose visa cannot be extended. His envisaged replacement, Lance Morris, has pulled out of his deal because of what Cricket Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, called “a bit of a de-load.” By the time David Willey completes his IPL stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore, his much-anticipated return to his former county will be sorely needed.Fuller is the sort of bowler who can get onto a hot streak when others cannot stop the game from drifting. From the moment he had bowled Luke Procter the previous evening with an inswinging, thigh-high full toss it appeared that the force might be with him. He ripped out Gareth Berg’s middle stump as he gated him on the drive and in his following over added Josh Cobb, who had played better than most, with a superb delivery that left him to strike off stump. After Ben Sanderson mistimed a short ball to cover, Tremain offered up the first of two unbridled yahoos – clearly a bowler who prefers a bit of a de-load with a bat in his hands. Exhibit A: a step-back outside leg stump, a swing and a miss.With an unsettled forecast for the final day, Northants had good cause for resolve. Such thoughts were banished when the follow-on was enforced and they plunged to 24 for 5 in 13 overs before lunch. This time Abbott, full-bodied and flavourful, from over and around the wicket, was the chief instigator. This was Abbott approaching his best. He had three by lunch, beginning with Ricardo Vasconcelos, who suffered for a lack of footwork as he was bowled pushing down the wrong line. It is difficult to get forward to Abbott as he pounds out a perfect length and as much as Sam Whiteman sought to do just that, he was bowled by a top-notch delivery that shaded away from him. Rob Keogh pushed forward to be lbw. Abbas’ first spell had lacked its usual accuracy, although he did add Hassan Azad, caught at first slip as he offered up a crooked defence.Madness then descended upon Northants, in the shape of Cobb, who displayed an unexpected appetite for a second run to Abbas at long leg. Maybe gossip had gone round the circuit that his throwing arm had gone? The throw was as dependable as it needed to be. Cobb fell a foot short. Abbott, the bowler, had watched this play out in mid-pitch, his hands resting on his head. Surprised to find Cobb rushing past him to his doom, he punched the air in satisfaction.After a heavy-hearted lunch, Northants found no respite. Fuller defeated Procter’s drive, Abbas tightened his line and improved his figures. At 48 for 8, they were still two runs short of their lowest total against Hampshire in first-class cricket. Some lusty blows from Tremain avoided that before another slog, timed at 2.34pm, brought the sorry proceedings to a close.Hampshire’s seamers had been warned that in the absence of Keith Barker they would have to bowl more overs, but they had not had to bowl too many at all. They will face stiffer opposition than this, but when their pace attack is fit and firing they are a match for anybody.
Amid rumours linking Xabi Alonso with the Real Madrid managerial role, the Bayer Leverkusen boss is set to announce a decision on his future.
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Alonso to announce decision on future
Heavily tipped to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid
Italian's future in Spain remains unclear
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WHAT HAPPENED?
According to a report from , Alonso is set to reveal his plans for next season in a press conference scheduled for Thursday afternoon. During the session, he will field questions from the media ahead of Bayer Leverkusen's upcoming clash with VfL Bochum. It is suggested that Alonso will confirm he is staying with the German club for the 2025-26 season amid interest from Real Madrid.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Carlo Ancelotti is under contract with Real Madrid until 2026, but his future with the club could be in jeopardy if he fails to secure either La Liga title or the Champions League this season. However, the Los Blancos will hold off on any decisions regarding the final year of his deal until those outcomes are determined. While Alonso is widely considered a potential successor and discussions have reportedly taken place with his representatives, Leverkusen are eager for clarity on Alonso's future to continue their preparations for next season.
DID YOU KNOW?
If Alonso decides to leave Bayer Leverkusen, he risks having to wait for Ancelotti's departure. Meanwhile, if Alonso stays at Leverkusen and Ancelotti is sacked this summer, Real Madrid might be forced explore other options, putting Alonso’s future in the hands of the potential new coach’s performance. It’s also not an ideal time for Alonso to take over, as the Club World Cup would likely delay his start until mid-July.
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WHAT NEXT FOR XABI ALONSO?
After being knocked out of the Champions League by domestic rivals Bayern Munich, Alonso's men remain in the hunt for both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles, which they claimed last season. Die Werkself's next fixture is a Bundesliga clash against Bochum on Friday, followed by a cup semi-final clash against Arminia Bielefeld next Tuesday, April 1. Leverkusen are currently in second position in the league table, six points behind Bayern with just eight games to go.
With Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United future more in doubt than ever, INEOS are reportedly set to prioritise the signature of a £60m option to replace their academy graduate.
Man Utd transfer news
Amid struggles to find his best form for the first time in a year or so, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly ready to sell Rashford for as little as £40m in 2025, with Barcelona among the clubs now eyeing a move. In a shock decision, the England international could find himself shown the exit door, allowing Manchester United to welcome reinforcements who suit Ruben Amorim’s system.
The Red Devils have already seen glimpses of just how difficult it will be to transition into life under their new manager, with Andre Onana’s mistake in midweek gifting Viktoria Plzen an opening goal when attempting to play out from the back as instructed.
The former Sporting boss will rightfully stick to his ways, however, and hope to eventually reap the rewards. There’s no doubt that he will need reinforcements if he is to be successful, though.
With that said, according to reports in Spain, INEOS now want to prioritise signing Evan Ferguson to replace Rashford at Manchester United. The Brighton & Hove Albion forward, who is valued at as much as £60m, would slot straight into the sole striker role in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system in which Rashford has struggled.
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The La Liga giants could take full advantage.
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Alas, at £60m, it remains to be seen whether Manchester United will be in a position to spend such money when 2025 arrives, especially if they fail to qualify for the Champions League once again. The last thing that INEOS need is to run into trouble with profit and sustainability.
"Amazing" Ferguson suits Amorim more than Rashford
If Rashord isn’t going to play in one of the wingback roles, which seems to be the case, then it’s difficult to find a place for him in the current Manchester United side. Amorim has so far turned towards Rasmus Hojlund to lead the line and question marks remain over Rashford’s ability to play in either advanced number 10 roles behind the Dane.
Ferguson, meanwhile, could hand the new manager a new version of Viktor Gyokeres. The powerful and clinical Swede was the star of the show in Amorim’s Sporting side, becoming one of the best goalscorers in Europe.
Now, Ferguson could follow suit. A striker who has a similar build and running power, Ferguson’s best years are yet to come and United could take full advantage by landing an early deal.
Whilst he has struggled for minutes at Brighton & Hove Albion in the last year or so, the praise has always poured in for the 20-year-old, including from former teammate Alexis Mac Allister.
The current Liverpool midfielder told BBC Sport in 2023 after Brighton’s 2-0 victory over Bournemouth: “Evan is an amazing player. He was not having his best evening, but he showed his quality. We are really happy for him, we know how important he is.”
Before Jurgen Klopp arrived, Liverpool supporters just wanted to see their team be competitive in the fight for Champions League qualification, year in, year out.
This is a proud and prestigious football club, one of the biggest worldwide, but it was a fallen giant despite the anomaly of that 2013/14 season, supercharged by the once-in-a-lifetime Luis Suarez.
Only, he wasn’t actually an unrepeatable kind of forward, for Mohamed Salah would arrive three years beyond the Uruguayan’s sale, and has forged a legacy for the ages.
Mohamed Salah has surpassed Luis Suarez
Salah might be the greatest Liverpool forward of the Premier League era. Sure, Suarez took a rather average team, fused together with the very spirit of Steven Gerrard and posted 31 goals and 13 assists across 33 top-flight fixtures.
Again, Robbie Fowler is a division great, while Fernando Torres’ time on Merseyside was unforgettable, almost indefinable in the connection he forged with the city. Michael Owen literally won the Ballon d’Or in 2001 while rising to prominence with the Anfield side.
No one compares to Salah though, whose unceasing brilliance over what will be eight years this summer has etched his name into eternal Premier League folklore. Journalist David Lynch has called him an “all-time great”, praise that echoes across the country.
Premier League: All-time Top Scorers
Rank
Player
Apps
Goals (per game)
1.
Alan Shearer
441
260 (0.59)
2.
Harry Kane
320
213 (0.67)
3.
Wayne Rooney
491
208 (0.42)
4.
Andy Cole
414
187 (0.45)
5.
Sergio Aguero
275
184 (0.67)
6.
Frank Lampard
609
177 (0.29)
7.
Thierry Henry
258
175 (0.68)
8.
Mohamed Salah
274
165 (0.60)
9.
Robbie Fowler
379
163 (0.43)
10.
Jermaine Defoe
496
162 (0.33)
Stats via Premier League
Salah needs just 11 Premier League goals to surpass Thierry Henry and insinuate himself among the top seven goalscorers in the league’s history. The 32-year-old requires merely 20 strikes to overtake Sergio Aguero in the top five. The big-boy league.
Liverpool have been treated to a wondrous talent, one who spearheaded trophy-laden success throughout the Klopp era and might just have a definitive say in a similar fight under Arne Slot’s wing this season.
It all could have been so different though. In that weird, bleak hinterland between Suarez’s exit and Klopp’s advent, Liverpool wanted to replace their all-powerful number nine with a new attacking talisman – and settled on Lazar Markovic.
Lazar Markovic was supposed to be Liverpool's superstar
Farewell, Suarez. At least that £75m transfer fee can be put toward a thrilling rebuild that will set Liverpool up for an age at the highest echelon of English football, right?
Right?
Liverpool: Summer Transfer Signings 2014
Player
Signed from
Transfer Fee
Adam Lallana
Southampton
£25m
Lazar Markovic
SL Benfica
£20m
Dejan Lovren
Southampton
£20m
Mario Balotelli
AC Milan
£16m
Alberto Moreno
Sevilla
£12m
Divock Origi
LOSC Lille
£10m
Emre Can
Bayer Leverkusen
£10m
Rickie Lambert
Southampton
£4m
Javier Manquillo
Atletico Madrid
Loan
Sourced via Transfermarkt
It was a disaster of a window, though not without its (in hindsight) silver linings. How funny that Divock Origi, a £10m signing from Lille who was tasked with replacing Suarez in the aggregate, would score the win-settling goal in the Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur, five years later, despite never really establishing himself as a high-scoring star.
For Markovic, no such luck. The young winger arrived from SL Benfica for a pretty hefty £20m fee, with correspondent James Pearce looking back at the transfer flop and saying: “He was rated as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe.”
His Liverpool career probably reached its apotheosis when he played a rather simple, Busquets-esque pass into Phil Coutinho’s vicinity against Southampton in 2015, who thus proceeded to dispatch one of the most awe-inspiring ranged strikes in the Reds’ Premier League history.
That, sadly, is the tale of the tape. Or rather, a fleeting bright moment bespeaking high footballing merit that sits alongside a sweep of struggle.
Lazar Markovic
Markovic’s poignant failure is one of sadness, but it’s not unusual. Many a highly-touted prospect has been hurtled to the wayside upon stepping into the rigours of big-time football.
He featured 34 times for Liverpool throughout the 2014/15 season, posting three goals and one assist. His growth was stunted, however, and the now-30-year-old was loaned out to Fenerbahce the following campaign. Klopp arrived during this time and probably took one perfunctory glance at the Serbian’s file before eliminating him from contention.
Lazar Markovic
Avram Grant, formerly of Chelsea and Markovic’s manager during his first stint at Partizan, even said this: “I can say that apart from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Markovic is one of the best talents I’ve ever seen at 19 years of age.”
This gushing praise fell flat, sort of like a drunk in the rain.
Journalist Andy Brassel said that Liverpool’s young acquisition was a player of “rare talent”, but unfortunately it was so recherché that Markovic was unable to find it within himself. He toiled.
Throughout his maiden year, Markovic featured often, but that was all she wrote. One year after his arrival, he was discarded and thrown out on a series of loan moves that culminated in a permanent move to Fulham on a free transfer.
For a player who was of such ‘rare’ quality, indeed likened to Messi and Ronaldo, arguably the two greatest footballers in history, he quite heavily fell from a promising position and failed to pick himself back up.
Perhaps, in a way, this was the ‘OG’ Salah. A talented and electric forward with a growing sense of style and skill, capable of shouldering that Atlas burden that Suarez balanced on his back with such preternatural poise.
Supposed to be, in any case. Liverpool are hardly complaining now, not with one of the greatest forwards in modern history flourishing for their team.
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