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Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have gone wild over a Sky Sports post involving midfielder and fan favourite Tomas Soucek.

The Czech Republic international, signed by manager David Moyes in the summer of 2020, has gone on to become a real favourite at the London Stadium.

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Last season, he was one of the fixtures in a West Ham team which defied all expectation and played a pivotal role in helping the Hammers to European qualification.

The 26-year-old won an outstanding 6.2 aerial duels per 90, more than any other West Ham player, whilst also starting every single Premier League game and making the joint-most tackles (WhoScored).

Now, Sky Sports have dropped a post on Soucek which further supports his ability.

According to their power rankings, a formula which bases a player’s season on 35 different statistics and ‘removes all subjectivity’, Soucek has been the seventh-best player across Europe’s top five leagues since October 2020.

This is above the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Memphis Depay and Harry Kane – with this analysis now sending West Ham fans wild on Twitter.

Find all of their best reactions down below.

West Ham fans erupt over Sky Sports post…

“Man like Tomas!”

Credit: @WestHamViews_

“TOMAS SOUCEK ON A BALLON DOR POST??? INJECT IT”

Credit: @RiceSZN_

“TOMAS SOUCEK IS RANKED AS THE 7TH BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD, THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”

Credit: @FinallyFornals

“We are massive”

Credit: @apearson18_

“Yh we are massive. What a player”

Credit: @HR_whuFC

“Potato Salad is the goat”

Credit: @HammersMighty

“Machine”

Credit: @whu1515

In other news: Newman gifted boost in race to sign ‘outstanding’ star who is ‘very keen’ to join West Ham, find out more here.

Everton didn’t have much luck when it came to the summer transfer window.

They were severely restricted with their finances and as a consequence, spent money on a solitary player in Demarai Gray.

Four other faces arrived but they happened to be free transfers.

What’s the word?

It’s unlikely the Toffees will have much money to spend in January either but their wage bill has been saved drastically after James Rodriguez departed permanently earlier this month.

The Colombian didn’t play a single game under Rafa Benitez but his mesmeric qualities will need replacing sooner rather than later.

One player that Everton have seemingly identified ahead of January is Real Madrid’s creative midfielder, Isco.

That’s according to Defensa Central (via Sport Witness) who suggests the Toffees are ‘crazy’ to get signings done in the winter.

As a result, they have targeted £16.2m-rated Isco with a view to bringing the Spaniard to Goodison Park on loan.

It’s thought that Everton are willing to pay the player’s full salary.

Rodriguez 2.0

If Everton decided to spend all of Rodriguez’s salary on one player, it would be a strange judgement call from Marcel Brands and co.

That being said, there would be few better players to bring to Merseyside than Isco.

He is cut from a similar cloth as Rodriguez and could be their next version of the Colombia international for more reasons than one.

The Spain international wouldn’t just cost a fair wedge in terms of his wage but he’d hopefully be able to offer similarly magical performances.

Back when Isco was breaking onto the scene, Spanish publication Marca compared him to one of the greatest the game has seen, while waxing lyrical about his style of play.

One report wrote: “Isco combines strength and skill. His centre of gravity is low and this makes him quick off the mark and able to keep possession of the ball, characteristics he shares with Aguero.

“He has great vision as well as a killer pass, and a level of control reminiscent of Zidane.”

A lot of those traits are also comparable to Rodriguez, someone who contributed to ten Premier League goals in his one and only season in England.

At the age of 29, Isco is now in the prime of his career and is still capable of producing magical performances. For instance, this season he has produced a dazzling 1.7 dribbles per game.

His ball control is elite and with his deft touch and clever skill, he could take Everton’s attack to the next level.

It also helps that Rafa Benitez knows him well. Speaking about the playmaker in 2015, the Everton boss said: “Isco is a great footballer and what he needs to do is to carry on doing what he has been this whole time. Work, work with intensity and dedication and beyond that make the most of the quality he has to score the odd goal more.”

With Everton’s financial situation not in the greatest of places, a loan move for someone with the quality of Isco makes plenty of sense.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Gordon: Everton have a gem in rarely-seen 17 y/o with “great potential”…

Newcastle United have been dealt a major injury blow regarding Callum Wilson ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture.

What’s the latest?

Speaking after the 4-1 loss to Manchester United last weekend, Steve Bruce revealed that he could not put a timescale on the 29-year-old’s absence from first team action, but suggested that the centre-forward looks set to be sidelined for at least another two weeks due to injury.

On the England international’s injury, as cited by Chronicle Live, Bruce said: “We aren’t putting a time scale on it. But he could be touch and go for next week and the week after it.”

Fans will be devastated

With Bruce’s team having sorely missed Wilson in the heavy loss at Old Trafford last Saturday, the news that the forward also looks set to miss the Magpies’ clash with Leeds United on Friday, as well as potentially the fixture against Watford later this month, is sure to leave Newcastle fans devastated.

Since making the move from Bournemouth to St James’ Park back in the summer of 2020, the £19.8m-rated striker has been something of a revelation on Tyneside.

Indeed, over his 26 Premier League appearances last season, the £77k-per-week marksman scored 12 goals, registered five assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.9 shots and making 0.7 key passes per game.

These returns saw Wilson earn an impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.99, ranking him as the Magpies’ second-best performer in the top flight.

The centre-forward has also started the 2021/22 campaign in fine form, scoring two goals and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.03 over his three Premier League fixtures so far this season.

As such, it is evident how important the 29-year-old is to this Newcastle side, while it is also clear to see just how big of a miss he will be for the Magpies if he is ruled out for the rest of September.

In other news: Ashley must sanction Newcastle swoop for £9m-rated beast in January, he’d be a big coup

Crystal Palace succumbed to an injury-time Neal Maupay strike as fierce rivals Brighton and Hove Albion rescued a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park on Monday night.

The Eagles’ talisman Wilfried Zaha had put the hosts ahead on the stroke of halftime after Leandro Trossard clumsily bundled Conor Gallagher over inside the box, but the home side failed to put the game to bed.

Struggling forward Jordan Ayew was guilty of missing a golden opportunity to double Palace’s lead following a swift breakaway, giving Maupay the chance to steal a point in the final moments on an enthralling encounter.

Despite the ultimately disappointing result for the hosts, there were plenty of positives for manager Patrick Vieira to take away.

The French tactician will perhaps be most pleased with the impressive display summer signing Joachim Andersen put in at the heart of defence, successfully repelling everything Brighton threw at him until the dying embers.

Andersen dominated Danny Welbeck for large spells and threw Maupay to the ground in the early stages, setting the tone for his domineering display in south London.

As per SofaScore, the 25-year-old received a match rating of 7.2 out of 10, the highest total awarded to anyone one his team.

During the 90 minutes, Andersen set the tone for his team’s intensity and front-footed approach, winning all three of his duels while also completing two tackles, two clearances and a whopping four interceptions.

But the Danish beast was just as competent with the ball at his feet, a key aspect for any modern-day defender at the top level. He had a huge 88 touches, made one key pass and completed all of his attempted dribbles.

It may have been Zaha who popped up with another important goal, but it was Andersen who allowed his team to dominate for large spells, constantly ending Brighton attacks and kickstarting ones of his own, proving to be Patrick Vieira’s real hero for the capital club.

And, in other news…Lost 70% of his duels: Palace lightweight let Vieira down badly against Brighton 

Liverpool have made a move to bring Yves Bissouma to Anfield this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Express, who claim that Jurgen Klopp’s side have submitted an enquiry with Brighton & Hove Albion regarding the price of the central midfielder, with the German manager believed to have been interested in the 24-year-old for a considerable amount of time.

The report goes on to state that Graham Potter’s side have subsequently informed the Reds they would require a figure in the region of £40m in order to part with the Mali international, although the Seagulls are under no pressure to sell, having already received a £50m fee from Ben White’s sale to Arsenal earlier this summer.

Finally, it is claimed that Liverpool could face competition for the signing of the midfielder from both Manchester United and the Gunners, who are also thought to be extremely keen on the Brighton man.

Klopp must move

With Georginio Wijnaldum and Marko Grujic both having departed Liverpool earlier this summer, Klopp has been left somewhat short of players capable of operating in defensive midfield.

While Naby Keita, Thiago and Jordan Henderson can all be played in the role if needs must, aside from Fabinho, the 54-year-old manager does not have any natural options in the position, something that Bissouma’s signing would more than address.

Indeed, since his arrival at Brighton from LOSC Lille back in 2018, the 24-year-old has gone on to prove himself as one of the standout defensive midfielders in the Premier League – something illustrated by the £22.5m-rated man’s form for Potter’s side last season.

Over his 36 Premier League appearances for the Seagulls last term, Bissouma made an average of 1.8 interceptions, 2.9 tackles, 1.8 clearances and won a whopping 6.3 duels per game.

These returns saw the man Gary Lineker dubbed an “exceptional” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.07, ranking him as Brighton’s fourth-best performer in the top flight.

For comparison, over Fabinho’s 30 league fixtures for Liverpool last season, the Brazilian made an average of 1.5 interceptions, 1.9 tackles, 2.2 clearances and won 4.9 duels per match, as well as earning a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

As such, it would appear highly advisable for Klopp to do all he can to secure the signing of the £25k-per-week midfielder prior to Tuesday’s transfer deadline, as Bissouma clearly has the ability to not only plug a gap in the Reds’ squad but to push Fabinho for his starting spot in the team.

In other news: Bye-bye Origi: Klopp must replace LFC dud with “special talent”, fans would love it

Leeds United take on Fulham in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night hoping to get back to winning ways after a tough run of results in the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side head into tonight’s contest at Craven Cottage off the back of an enthralling 1-1 draw against Newcastle United last Friday, and the Whites boss will have to deal with some major injury issues against the Cottagers.

That could see a number of fringe players being given their chance to shine, while a couple of academy starlets will no doubt be banging on the door to make a rare appearance too.

And with that in mind, below is a look at how Leeds might line up when they make the trip down to London to face Fulham in the Carabao Cup.

In goal, Illan Meslier is likely to keep his place especially with there being numerous injuries to the defence in front of him.

The likes of Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Luke Ayling will all be missing through injury, while Pascal Struijk will serve the second of his three-game suspension for his challenge on Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott a couple of weeks ago.

That could see 19-year-old Charlie Cresswell come into the side to make only his second appearance for the seniors, partnering club captain Liam Cooper at the back.

Speaking after signing his new contract earlier in the summer, Crewsswell himself said: “I’m confident, I’m a leader, I like to play and I like to head it! There’s lots of players in the first team that I look up to, the likes of Coops, Bill, they lead by example and that is what I want to try and follow.”

Dubbed a “dying breed” for his leadership and communication skills at the back, Leeds U23’s boss Mark Jackson added: “Charlie’s got that, he understands how to lead and we’ve been working with him a long time, in the academy even, when he first broke through in the 18s as a 16-year-old, (working) on his leadership skills.

“Even on the bench in the second half, he’s still talking behind me so that’s a positive because you don’t find many of them these days and we’ve got to try and embrace that, he’s got to try embrace it and develop it as well – and that’s a real positive within his game.”

Further forward, the likes of Jamie Shackleton and Adam Forshaw could make rare appearances in the first-team, with the latter of course having only recently come back from a very long-term injury.

Crysencio Summerville could get the nod out wide with Dan James on the other side, while Tyler Roberts could come in up front to allow Patrick Bamford to sit out and recuperate.

Predicted XI: Meslier; Dallas, Cresswell, Cooper, Firpo; Forshaw, Shackleton, Klich; James, Summerville, Roberts.

Meanwhile, Bielsa must unleash this Leeds star tonight vs Fulham…

The Bangladesh XI came into this match desperate to make make amends for a slip-up against World XI in their first game, and proved that they are up for winning this tournament

Cricinfo staff25-Nov-2008
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out

After a good ICL 20-20 Indian Championship, Shahriar Nafees stepped up against the India XI © ICL
The Bangladesh XI came into this match desperate to make make amends for a slip-up against the World XI in their first game, and proved that they are up for winning this tournament. Aftab Ahmed and Alok Kapali played handy contributions in a five-wicket, last-over win, but it was Shahriar Nafees’ splendid unbeaten 70 from 54 balls that finished the job in tense fashion. Totals around 160 had proven tough to defend all season, and India will rue that no batsman apart from their captain, R Sathish, went on to score something substantial.Bangladesh lost Nazimuddin in the opening over of their chase, slogging Rajamani Jesuraj’s fourth ball to third man. That brought Nafees to partner Aftab, and they took after the attack like there was no tomorrow. Nafees slapped ten in two balls from Rakesh Patel while Aftab, having been dropped on 4 by Sathish on the long-on boundary, executed the paddle shot superbly against the medium-pacers. The Aftab-Nafees stand had added 52 in 6.4 overs before Aftab missed a slog-sweep and was bowled by Inder Shekhar Reddy for 26 from 18 balls.A middle order collapse hurt Bangladesh when they chased against the World XI. Then Kapali failed after a successful outing in the previous tournament, but here he clicked. Kapali got off with two slogs – one for six, the other for four – against Reddy and meted out similar treatment when Sathish brought himself on. His third six came off Patel, a lovely lofted drive over cover, and it inspired Nafees to saunter out of his crease and deposit Ali Murtaza for the biggest six of the night. Nafees’ striking remained crisp and never did he look flustered.Kapali fell for a 23-ball 44 just after striking his fourth six, Jesuraj steadying himself and holding onto a big hit to deep midwicket (112 for 3). With 34 needed from 22 balls, Nafees clipped Patel off his pads for six and eased past his half-century from 45 balls. Mohammad Rafique was promoted to No. 5 and fell for a 13-ball 16 in the 18th over to give India a slight chance, with 18 needed off 14 balls. An appeal for lbw next ball was turned down, and just seven had come from Murtaza’s over.India, however, goofed in the 18th over. Jesuraj bowled a wide, Ambati Rayudu dropped a sitter at long-off to reprieve Nafees, only to hold onto Golam Mobad next ball, and Nafees was allowed to get back on strike for the final over. With 11 to win off six balls, Reddy let the ball go through his legs at deep midwicket first ball, and very next ball Nafees slammed six over long-off to level the scores. The third ball was driven to mid-on, and the batsmen crossed.India had the momentum after their win against Pakistan XI yesterday but Bangladesh checked their top order after electing to field. Tapash Baisya just gave one run in his first over and had G Vignesh snapped up at third man in the fourth over. Ibrahim Khaleel was allowed to free his arms and strike a few lusty blows – the best of which was an inside-out six off Rafique – but Kapali accounted for him in his opening over, the eighth.That wicket slowed the run rate, and Kapali and Rafique tightened up. Mosharraf Hossain was introduced in the 11tth over and struck immediately, drawing a false shot from Rayudu. In Mosharraf’s second over, Hemang Badani came waltzing out only to miscue a booming drive to deep extra cover. The two batting heroes from India’s win over Pakistan had fizzed.Stuart Binny struck two sixes off Mosharraf but attempting a third, was brilliantly held by a tumbling Mabub at long-on, who dived forward and took the ball inches from the ground. Then Sathish unloaded with a series of stunning shots – deep midwicket, deep extra cover and long-on were all pinged will alarming authority. Sathish took three sixes off Mosharraf’s final over, the 18th, each one hit ever so firmly. Baisya gave away seven runs in the penultimate over, dismissing Reetinder Singh Sodhi, and India lost three wickets in the final six balls. Jesuraj was run out off third ball, Sathish sliced the fifth to long-off, and Murtaza was caught short of his crease on the last. Sathish’s 44 came from just 20 balls.

Leeds United are still attempting to sign Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez this summer after talks over a move to Inter Milan cooled.

The Lowdown: Leeds constantly linked with Nandez

The Whites have been tipped to sign numerous players during the transfer window, but few have been linked more intensely than Nandez.

The 25-year-old, who has won 41 caps for Uruguay, is seen as a possible midfield addition, having been a key player for Cagliari during his time in Serie A.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Another potential twist?

A fresh update has now been provided on Nandez’s future, with Tuttomercatoweb claiming that negotiations with fellow suitors Inter Milan have slowed down, amid reports that they are turning their attention to replacing right-back Achraf Hakimi instead.

The Uruguayan has been refusing to train with his teammates, leading to him being called “disrespectful” by Cagliari sporting director Stefano Capozucca, and Leeds are keen to get a deal over the line.

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The Verdict: Sign him up, Whites

Leeds’ insipid midfield showing in their 5-1 defeat at Manchester United, in which Kalvin Phillips didn’t play, highlighted the need for a new signing in that area.

Nandez could be an ideal addition in that respect, given his international experience with Uruguay and his average of 1.8 tackles per game in Serie A last season.

He and Phillips could forge a fearsome midfield pairing over time, helping take Leeds up another level in the process, and this latest development suggests that he could be very attainable if the Whites truly want to bring him to Elland Road.

In other news, Phil Hay has given an important update on the future of one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

England have named one new face in their squad for the Women’s World Cup in Australia next March with Lauren Griffiths, the 21-year-old wicketkeeper, earning her first call-up

Cricinfo staff01-Oct-2008
Charlotte Edwards and Katherine Brunt are two key players in England’s World Cup plans © Getty Images
England have named one new face in their squad for the Women’s World Cup in Australia next March with Lauren Griffiths, the 21-year-old wicketkeeper, earning her first call-up.Griffiths plays for Cheshire and was part of this summer’s academy squad. She will provide cover for No.1 wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor and replaces Lynsey Askew.”Playing for England has always been something I’ve dreamt of and it’s a great honour to be selected in the squad, especially for a World Cup,” Griffiths said. “I’m out in Australia already playing cricket and training in Victoria for the winter in preparation for the tournament.”I was so surprised to be included in the squad, but it’s a great opportunity and I’m really looking forward to touring with this set of players.”England are one of the favourites for the World Cup having won 12 out of their last 16 ODIs with the other four washed out. During the recent home season they beat West Indies, South Africa and India with impressive ease.Captain Charlotte Edwards was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Year earlier this month and is excited about the challenge in Australia, which will be followed by the first Women’s World Twenty20 in England next June”We’ve got a great blend of youth and experience going to the World Cup in Australia and we’ll be looking to continue our success of 2008,” Edwards said. “It won’t be easy, but we’re well prepared and know what we have to do to ensure we’re all performing at our optimum when we arrive in February.”Mark Lane, the head coach, said that the World Cup has been a major target for the team. “All our focus this year has been on the World Cup and the World Twenty20 – everything we have done over the past twelve months has been for these two global tournaments.”It will be a tough but exciting competition as the standard of women’s cricket is continually improving and there are four or five teams who on their day could all become world champions.”Squad Charlotte Edwards (capt),Caroline Atkins, Katherine Brunt, Holly Colvin, Lydia Greenway, Lauren Griffiths, Isa Guha, Jenny Gunn, Laura Marsh, Beth Morgan, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Nicky Shaw, Anya Shrubsole, Claire Taylor, Sarah Taylor

MatériaMais Notícias

O volante Rômulo será reavaliado pelo departamento médico do Flamengo nesta segunda-feira. Ele sofreu uma entorse no joelho direito no início do primeiro tempo do clássico contra o Fluminense. Por isso, a participação dele no duelo contra a Universidad Católica, na quarta-feira ainda é incerta.

No entanto, o volante mostrou-se confiante na saída do Maracanã, após a vitória de 1 a 0 sobre o Tricolor das Laranjeiras.

– Não foi nada demais. Pedi para sair mais por precaução.Agora é tratar, descansar e pensar na quarta. Estou me sentindo bem – disse o cabeça de área na zona mista.

O Flamengo já não poderá contar com Donatti e Diego no jogo da próxima quarta-feira. O primeiro sofreu uma lesão na panturrilha esquerda, enquanto Diego recupera-se de uma cirurgia no joelho direito. Além disso, Berrío segue suspenso pela Libertadores.

GUERRERO SENTIUCÂIMBRAS

O atacante Paolo Guerrero foi substituído no segundo tempo do clássico contra o Fluminense porque saiu com câimbras. De acordo com o Flamengo, o camisa 9 não preocupa para o jogo contra a Católica.

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