Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are hoping to throw another promotion party at Wrexham, with a SuperComputer predicting how League Two will finish.

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Red Dragons won National League title in 2023Taking aim at back-to-back promotionsHave eight games left to take in this seasonGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Dragons surged back into the EFL ranks in record-breaking style last season, as they claimed the National League title. A bid for the fourth-tier crown in English football has been pieced together in 2023-24, although an untimely wobble of late has narrowed focus at SToK Racecourse on a top-three finish.

AdvertisementWHAT PARKINSON HAS SAID

Wrexham have eight games left to take in this season, starting with a trip to Grimsby on Saturday, and Phil Parkinson has said of a thrilling climax to the campaign: "It is still all to play for. It is a very tight division and very competition, and we are in the mix where we want to be. We could be a in a lot stronger position, but we are not. But we look at the league table and say 'it is just an eight-game season, that's what it is all about now', and we have got to be ready for that."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Data analysts have used a SuperComputer – which takes into account betting partners, sentimental analysis and historic form – to draw up a final League Two table using code that is “written and simulated 1,000 times to rule out anomalous results”. The good news for Wrexham is that they are predicted to finish third on 85 points, five adrift of champions Mansfield but two clear of MK Dons in fourth.

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WHAT NEXT?

Stockport are considered most likely to claim the other automatic promotion spot, as runners-up, while Barrow, Crewe Alexandra and AFC Wimbledon complete the play-off pack.

The issues continue to mount for Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, with the upcoming Premier League clash with Brentford already looking like something of a must-win game, amid the club's wretched run of form of late.

The Red Devils have now lost six of their opening ten games in all competitions this season following the midweek defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League, with the hosts' defensive shortcomings having been laid bare at Old Trafford as they simply wilted in the closing stages.

A particular issue that was exposed in that 3-2 defeat was the use of Sofyan Amrabat as a makeshift left-back in the absence of Sergio Reguilon – with the likes of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia also sidelined – as the 27-year-old summer signing 'did not look a natural' in that role, according to Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

Having been signed primarily to feature in central midfield, the on-loan Fiorentina man seemingly needs to revert back to his usual role to be afforded the chance to properly impress in his new surroundings, with club captain Bruno Fernandes another who could also benefit from a tactical tweak.

How did Bruno Fernandes perform against Galatasaray?

As Luckhurst stated on Twitter on Tuesday night, the Portugal international was seemingly "at his worst" up against the Turkish outfit, having seemingly been "trying too hard" to make things happen for his side as they slumped to yet another loss.

Also described as "particularly poor" by Luckhurst, the 29-year-old was unable to impact proceedings too greatly after being shifted out onto the right flank in order to accommodate the likes of Mason Mount and Hannibal Mejbri.

Moved away from his usual number ten berth, the "creative machine" – as described by Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne – was unable to dictate the game as he would have liked, giving away the ball on 27 occasions and making just two key passes.

The former Sporting CP ace also squandered an early chance following fine work from Rasmus Hojlund down the left flank, setting the tone for the abject display that was to follow from the experienced playmaker.

Should Bruno Fernandes play on the right wing?

There's no denying that on occasions the use of the £240k-per-week star in that wide berth can pay off, with Fernandes notably netting a stunning volley in the win over newly-promoted Burnley a few weeks ago.

Even in that 1-0 win, however, the versatile asset 'did little' up until making the breakthrough, as per Luckhurst, with Ten Hag seemingly needing his talisman and skipper to be more involved if United are to stop the rot sooner rather than later.

That strike away at Turf Moor has indicated that Fernandes will do a job at times off the right, yet why should such a vital figure – who created the most big chances in the league last term – be shifted out of position for relatively untested options, like Mejbri and Mount?

With the latter man having previously played on the wing for former club Chelsea – and with Anthony having made his return from his recent absence – there should be no need for Fernandes to be shunted from the centre moving forward.

Having been a standout figure for the club over the last three years or so – recording 122 goal involvements in 194 games – the one-time Udinese maestro deserves to be in his rightful place as the man pulling the strings as the link between the midfield and attack.

Middlesex beat Gloucestershire at Uxbridge for the first time in 12 attempts last year but normal service was resumed as they succumbed to Michael Klinger’s ebullience

ECB Reporters Network08-Jul-2018

Michael Klinger was in ebullient mood at Uxbridge•Getty Images

ScorecardMichael Klinger’s assured half-century saw Gloucestershire resume their T20 hoodoo over Middlesex with a comfortable six-wicket win at Uxbridge.Gloucestershire’s first defeat to Middlesex at Uxbridge last season came at the 12th attempt but thanks to Klinger’s 58 that result proved the exception.The 38-year-old Australian was content to play second fiddle initially to Miles Hammond before taking responsibility for seeing his charges comfortably to their under-par target with a succession of elegant variations.For Middlesex, the only cause for cheer was a belligerent 33 in just 12 balls from James Fuller, back playing again after an 18-month injury hell.Middlesex were glad to have skipper Dawid Malan back from 12th-man duties with England, but the left-hander’s recent run of low scores continued as he chipped one back to David Payne in the first over to depart without scoring.Worse followed in the next over when Paul Stirling skied a top-edge from Matt Taylor which eventually came down into the gloves of wicketkeeper Gareth Roderick.Nick Gubbins responded with four quick-fire boundaries but when he edged Thisara Perera to Roderick, Middlesex were 35 for 3.Attempts at a rebuild by Stevie Eskinazi and John Simpson also came up short when the latter holed out at long-off for 13 off Benny Howell. It was all-rounder’s last contribution to the bowling effort as he pulled up injured one ball later and promptly left the field. He has damaged a groin and could miss several weeks – a blow for Gloucestershire as he is the kingpin of their attack.However, there was to be no respite for Middlesex as Ryan Higgins grabbed the chance to bowl against his former county and promptly had Eskinazi caught off the glove.At 63 for 5 off nine, Middlesex effected a rally of sorts courtesy of Dwayne Bravo and Hilton Cartwright, the pair adding 47 in seven overs before Cartwright failed to clear cow corner.Such was the Gloucestershire strangled-hold, typified by Middlesex old-boy Tom Smith’s four overs for just 15 runs, it was the 18th over before Bravo (34) flayed the first six of the innings. He would depart next ball, hit wicket, to cue Fuller’s extraordinary cameo.Gloucester began their pursuit of 161 at full throttle, Hammond, in only his second match in almost three years because of architectural studies, hammering eight fours in a breezy 36 before hitting a Bravo full toss straight to substitute fielder James Harris.Under no scoreboard pressure skipper Klinger and Ian Cockbain continued, albeit with few boundaries, to tick the score along until the latter lofted Stirling to Cartwright on the square leg boundary with the score on 93.Roderick weighed in with 24 to go with his three catches and although Klinger, too, left before the end, bowled by Bravo, Gloucester eased home with eight balls to spare.

Newcastle United’s Champions League chase is back on track.

On Sunday, the Magpies beat Nottingham Forest 4-3 in a thoroughly entertaining clash at St James’ Park, with all of the home side’s goals coming during an 11-minute first-half spree; Lewis Miley and Jacob Murphy on target, before Alexander Isak struck twice.

Despite having lost three of their previous four Premier League games beforehand, Eddie Howe’s team have moved back up to fifth, thereby occupying the final Champions League spot, ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup Final dress rehearsal, facing champions-elect Liverpool at Anfield.

The Toon Army certainly have a strong side to get behind, but just imagine how good they would be if they had not been forced to sell one of their most prized assets. Spoiler; he might have even more potential than Anthony Gordon.

Anthony Gordon's amazing rise at Newcastle

When Gordon joined Newcastle from Everton in January 2023 for a reported £45m, becoming, at the time, the club’s second-most expensive signing of all-time, many were questioning the price tag.

Tim Sherwood, who won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers, believed Gordon was “overpriced”, although he’s since admitted he was wrong, proved so by the winger’s form.

Chris Waugh of the Athletic describes the 24-year-old as ‘durable, pacy, direct, hard-working, versatile and has end-product’ adding ‘most wingers have some of those traits, but [Gordon] possess them all’, while Ben McAleer of the Guardian believes he has ‘set the Premier League alight’ since making the move to Tyneside.

This form has also earned Gordon international recognition,

He was player of the tournament as England won the U21 Euros in the summer of 2023, before making his senior international debut against Brazil last March, opening his account for the Three Lions during November’s 5-0 hammering of the Republic of Ireland at Wembley.

Alongside, Gordon believes Newcastle striker Isak to be “the best in Europe” and together they form quite the partnership, so just imagine how formidable the Magpies’ front line would be, had they been able to keep a top-class right-winger.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Newcastle's biggest transfer regret

Even though Yankuba Minteh never actually made an appearance for Newcastle, they’re being made to regret his sale.

The Gambian joined Newcastle from Danish Superligaen side Odense Boldklub for a reported fee of £6.5m in June 2023, immediately loaned out to Feyenoord, with the plan for him to be integrated into the first team a year later.

Minteh scored 11 goals in 37 appearances for the Eredivisie giants, averaging a goal every 181 minutes, most notably on target in the Champions League at Celtic Park, before bagging a brace during a famous 6-0 demolition of Ajax in De Klassieker.

So, despite the plans being for Minteh to return to Newcastle, he never did, sold to Brighton last June for a reported price tag of £33m, with the Magpies forced to sell both he, as well as Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest, in order to avoid a PSR breach.

Well, it appears as though the Seagulls snapped up a bargain, with the Athletic’s Ryan Adsett describing the 20-year-old as a “world-class talent”, while Matt Furniss of Opta’s the Analyst believes Brighton supporters are rightfully excited.

Speaking on Sky Sports in August, Jamie Carragher asserted that Newcastle “are going to rue” the sale of Minteh, a claim that is certainly coming to fruition.

By bagging a brace against Chelsea on Valentine’s night, Minteh took his tally to five Premier League goals this season, on top of his four assists, so let’s assess how he compares to Gordon.

Minteh vs Gordon 2024/25 comparison
Statistics	Minteh	Gordon
Appearances	24	32
Minutes	1,259	2,451
Goals	5	9
Minutes per goal	252	272
Assists	4	6
Expected assists per 90	0.32	0.22
Goals – xG	+1.9	-1.8
Shots on target %	52%	36.1%
Goal-creating actions	8	12
Goal-creating actions per 90	0.71	0.54
Take-on success %	47.9%	38.2%
Touches per 90	33	34
Information courtesy of Transfermarkt and FBref.com

While Gordon’s surface-level statistics, goals and assists, are superior to Minteh’s, the Gambian’s per-90 numbers are more impressive. He’s averaging a higher take-on success and more goal-creating actions per 90.

Meanwhile, the Brighton winger boasts a higher shot on target percentage too. This suggests that, two years four years Gordon’s junior, his ceiling may well be bigger. Just take a look at the company he’s now in…

Of players who have attempted 70+ dribbles this season, only eight have a higher take-on success percentage than Minteh, namely Amad, Mikkel Damsgaard, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Jadon Sancho, Mohamed Salah, Antoine Semenyo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jérémy Doku.

So, what a pair of wide-attackers Minteh and Gordon would’ve been with Isak in the middle; no wonder Howe believes the Profit and Sustainability Rules are “not right”.

As bad as Pope: 6/10 Newcastle star should be on borrowed time under Howe

Newcastle United nearly had to settle for a point in a barmstorming 4-3 victory over Nottingham Forest.

By
Kelan Sarson

Feb 23, 2025

After a month-long heat wave across the UK, the weather gods decided to play a prank on a pair of Associate nation guests making their long-awaited return to Lord’s

Peter Della Penna at Lord's29-Jul-2018
ScorecardAfter a month-long heat wave across the UK, the weather gods decided to play a prank on a pair of Associate nation guests making their long-awaited return to Lord’s. In the T20 tri-series played by hosts MCC, Nepal and Netherlands, rain was the ultimate winner as a pair of scheduled 20-over matches between the MCC and each Associate were reduced to six-over affairs before the finale between Nepal and Netherlands ended with a no result after 16.4 overs.For Netherlands, this was their first T20I at Lord’s since the 2009 World T20, where they pulled off one of their greatest triumphs against England. Two years ago, Nepal had made their 50-over Lord’s debut against the MCC in front of more than 5000 fans. Despite it being on a weekend, just over 2000 fans turned up to Lord’s on this day as the majority of fans around the UK were scared off by damp weather, a scarce occurrence all July.Fans who did show up were treated to an impressive Dutch batting display through much of the afternoon. Making use of the short east side boundary on offer thanks to a pitch chosen near the end of the Lord’s square, Wesley Barresi powered the Netherlands with an impressive 44 off 24 balls after entering at No. 3. His innings included six fours as well as an exquisitely timed six driven over cover off medium pacer Sompal Kami.Barresi added 54 for the third wicket with Ryan ten Doeschate and when Barresi departed near the end of the ninth over, it was ten Doeschate who dazzled with a series of elegant flicks over mid on. Playing his first T20I in more than eight years, the ageless wonder spent his day off from Essex captaincy showing he hasn’t lost his touch at international level one bit as he cruised to 38 off 27 balls.A rain break after 12 overs broke Netherlands’ momentum. They resumed at 112 for 3 with two overs shaved off the match and two balls later ten Doeschate was run out thanks to a brilliant charge, scoop and fire by Dipendra Singh Airee from backward point.Michael Rippon showed how much he was missed at the World Cup Qualifier by dismantling Nepal’s spinners on his way to 38 not out off 22 balls. Shane Edwards was just as relentless, swatting an unbeaten 34 off 14 that included three fours and back-to-back sixes off star legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane in the 16th. He was the most expensive bowler on the day, finishing with 0 for 43 in three overs.Captain Paras Khadka vigorously dried the ball with a towel after nearly every delivery in a vain attempt to make it easier for Lamichhane and the other spinners to grip in the midst of a steady drizzle. A short time later, the drizzle turned into a thick shower and it became clear that play would be difficult to continue. When Rippon backed out of a delivery with the wind and rain blowing in his face midway through the 17th over, that became the final signal and the umpires took everyone off one ball later with Netherlands’ innings declared finished at 174 for 4.Despite hopes of a restart, officials called off play more than an hour before the official cutoff time as the forecast for the rest of the evening remained bleak. Nepal’s players shook hands with the Dutch, then continued on to the edge of the stands to show thanks to their supporters. With many having traveled from as far as the USA and even Nepal to take in the occasion, a selfie with Khadka, Lamichhane and the rest was just as good as a six.

When Todd Boehly completed his takeover of Chelsea in 2022, his arrival was filled with excitement and apprehension but fast-forward 17 months, and the Blues have gone through turmoil on the back of their disastrous spending in the transfer window.

From finishing 12th in the Premier League last season after Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor and Frank Lampard all had spells as head coach, they now lie in the bottom half under Mauricio Pochettino.

What's more alarming is the fact that the Blues have gone backwards as a club despite spending an eye-watering £1bn on 33 new signings since May 2022 and according to Jamie Carragher, still need at least four top players if they are to stand any chance of catching Manchester City.

Astronomical spending without significant returns on their outlay isn't a concept that is alien to Chelsea. In the near two decades that Roman Abramovich owned the club, the Russian shelled out large sums of money on several stars who flopped at Stamford Bridge, including Fernando Torres (£50m), Tiemoue Bakayoko (£40m) and Timo Werner (£45m) – to name a few – but by far the worst of the lost was the deal to bring Romelu Lukaku back to the club in 2021.

How much did Romelu Lukaku cost Chelsea?

Romelu Lukaku declared he had "unfinished business" when he returned to Chelsea from Inter Milan in 2021 for a club-record fee of £97.5m.

The Belgian "monster" – as dubbed by Jose Mourinho during his time at Manchester United – arrived in west London when his stock was at its highest having chalked up a sensational 40 goal contributions in one season for Inter prior to joining the Blues.

Expected to fire Thomas Tuchel's side to a Premier League title on the back of their Champions League triumph over Manchester City, Chelsea paid Lukaku a staggering £325k-per-week, making him the club's highest earner, as per Capology.

Amounting to an eye-watering salary of £16.9m across the 2021/22 campaign, the weight of expectation on the shoulders of the 6 foot 3 powerhouse was enormous and a return to Stamford Bridge would either make or break him.

Unfortunately, the latter transpired as Lukaku would go down as one of the worst signings, not just in the club's history, but of all-time.

What went wrong for Lukaku at Chelsea?

Although Lukaku's disastrous spell on the books of Chelsea is still ongoing, initially it looked as though Tuchel would be a match made in heaven for the striker as he opened his account for the club with three goals in as many matches, including a brace against Aston Villa.

Speaking after his excellent display against the Villans, Tuchel expressed his delight, saying: “He was the difference.

“He wants to score and he wants to help the team with his goals. He has composure and confidence. He was super important. He adds something to the group that we did not have in this capacity before now.”

While Lukaku was playing with a point to prove in those initial matches, his second spell at Stamford Bridge would soon unravel into a nightmare, beginning with an injury in late October and continuing when he publicly admitted – months after he signed – that he wasn't happy with his situation at Chelsea, suggesting Tuchel has opted to play a system that doesn't suit his style of play.

"Physically I am fine. But I'm not happy with the situation at Chelsea," Lukaku told Sky in Italy [Via talkSPORT] in an interview that took place in December 2021.

"Tuchel has chosen to play with another system – I won't give up, I'll be professional. I am not happy with the situation but I am professional – and I can't give up now."

If the knife wasn't already stabbed into Tuchel's back enough, he went deeper by saying he regrets the way he left former club Inter Milan and vowed to go back to the San Siro – and would be granted his wish in the following season as he returned on loan, with the Italian side paying £6.9m (€8m) for his services.

Now on loan at Roma, linking up with former manager Mourinho, Lukaku has scored four goals in his first six appearances for the club as Chelsea hope to finally offload their "biggest flop" – as dubbed by the journalist Jonny Bentley – once and for all. That won't be before he's cost them the best part of £114m, though, when considering salary and transfer fee.

ESPNcricinfo has learned that visiting teams for the World T20 regional qualifier have already been notified that Raleigh has been tentatively pencilled in as the host site

Peter Della Penna19-Jul-2018

USA squad stands for the playing of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’•Peter Della Penna

A new turf-wicket facility in North Carolina is set to be announced as host of the 2020 World T20 regional qualifying tournament scheduled for September 16 to 23, according to multiple ESPNcricinfo sources. The top two finishers out of the four-team event – featuring hosts USA, Canada, Belize and Panama – will advance to the Americas regional qualifying final in 2019 where Bermuda and Cayman Islands await.The September tournament would be held at Church Street Park, a $5.2 million dedicated cricket pitch opened in the Raleigh suburb of Morrisville in 2015. The ground’s address is 5800 Cricket Pitch Way, highlighting the support in the local Morrisville community whose 25,000 population includes a 30% South Asian demographic. In addition a natural-turf wicket, the ground has floodlights that are good enough for club cricket regulations but not believed to be adequate for international cricket.ESPNcricinfo has learned that visiting teams for the World T20 regional qualifier have already been notified that Raleigh has been tentatively pencilled in as the host site. However, an official announcement for the host city has yet to be made despite the tournament’s scheduled start less than two months away.Multiple sources have confirmed that local cricket officials in the area are hosting ICC officials this weekend for a final inspection of the pitch and facilities at Church Street Park to make sure it is suitable for international cricket before giving the all-clear to assign it as the tournament host site. Church Street Park has hosted national junior tournaments and regional tournaments for senior men’s cricket before. It was also used as one of eight sites for USA Cricket regional combines this spring, but it has never hosted an international tournament.If the North Carolina venue does gain the hosting assignment for the T20 Qualifier, it will also most likely host the 2018 Auty Cup between USA and Canada as well. However, if Church Street Park fails its ICC inspection this weekend, the most likely venue to host both the T20 Qualifier and the Auty Cup would be Woodley Park in the Los Angeles suburb of Van Nuys. Woodley Park hosted the Auty Cup and WCL Division Four within weeks of each other in October 2016.Sources have told ESPNcricinfo that USA Cricket and Cricket Canada officials have been engaged in discussions to hold the Auty Cup immediately after the conclusion of the T20 Qualifier to save on travel costs and streamline logistics. The Auty Cup would most likely remain a three-match 50-over series format, with USA using it as preparation for ICC WCL Division Three that is due to be held in October or November at a location yet to be announced.Church Street Park is used regularly on a weekly basis by the Triangle Cricket League, which was founded in 2009 to support the rapidly growing cricket community in the area of North Carolina, known as the Research Triangle. The ‘Triangle’ is a geographic reference to the major university cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, which are less than 25 miles apart and home to North Carolina State University, Duke University and the University of North Carolina respectively.Church Street Park is located four miles southwest of Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Due to its proximity to the Research Triangle, it also has strong local support infrastructure that makes it an appealing venue to host international tournaments.One of the most prominent supporters of the facility and cricket in the North Carolina community is Alvin Kallicharran. The 69-year-old former West Indies opening batsman has been a North Carolina resident since 1995 and continues to do youth coaching in the area. The fruits of that labor are starting to show as Smit Doshi emerged last year from North Carolina junior cricket to be picked at age 15 as the youngest player in the USA U-19 squad that went to Toronto for the U-19 World Cup Qualifier.Then-ICC head of global development Tim Anderson led an ICC delegation that also included the regional development manager Ben Kavanagh and ICC Americas high performance manager Tom Evans to visit the Church Street Park site when it first opened in 2015 and highlighted the venue’s potential as a future tournament host site.”There’s not a lot of good cricket grounds in America and you guys, you’ve got one,” Anderson was quoted by Raleigh’s newspaper as telling Morrisville officials during an open public meeting in November 2015. “This is beautiful. We were saying – we’re all from Australia – and this would be a good cricket ground in Australia.”

Liverpool are much-improved across all departments after Jurgen Klopp restored the engine room this summer with multiple exciting additions, replacing the bulk of last season's sapped midfield.

Last year, Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League, with the squad's stark decline from former fluidity and intensity – hallmarks of Klopp's illustrious reign – exposed, but Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and co have settled the equilibrium and success is on the cards once again.

There is further work to be done on the transfer front, however, and the Reds appear to have an assortment of targets lined up ahead of what could be a busy winter transfer market at Anfield.

Liverpool transfer targets for January

According to Italian publication Calciomercato, a 'great frost has fallen' in Naples, with star striker Victor Osimhen disconcerted at Serie A champions Napoli and starting to fix his gaze on an exit.

Liverpool are among the contenders should the Nigerian sharpshooter become available next year, though the finances involved in a deal would be astronomical.

Elsewhere, TEAMtalk report that Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen is set to leave Stamford Bridge as owner Todd Boehly looks to continue the staggering spending spree since taking ownership of the club in 2022.

Maatsen, aged 21, is considered one of the most exciting young prospects at the outfit but manager Mauricio Pochettino has yet to start him in the Premier League and several sales will be required to facilitate the upcoming activity.

Burnley enjoyed the Dutchman's services on loan last season as Vincent Kompany's side blitzed the Championship, and while efforts were taken to secure his signature on a permanent basis in the summer, with a £31.5m offer accepted, he remained in west London after rejecting the Clarets' advances.

Liverpool and Manchester City are poised to compete for the left-back, the report states, with Klopp earmarking Maatsen as a possible option should the Merseyside outfit choose to bolster the left side of the backline in January.

The stats that show why Liverpool should sign Ian Maatsen

When Maatsen signed for Burnley on a short-term deal in January 2022, Kompany praised his qualities, saying: "We’re pleased to add Ian to our team, he’s a talented, energetic and pacy player, who can defend and get forward well. Ian will be a great addition to our team on and off the pitch."

Some effusive remarks for an exciting new addition, but Maatsen surpassed all expectations with his blistering performances, racking up four goals and six assists across 39 Championship appearances last term.

The electric full-back complemented his direct return with sustained and impressive displays across the year, creating 11 big chances, averaging 1.0 key passes, 1.9 tackles, and 1.4 interceptions per game, also completing 83% of his total passes, as per Sofascore.

These statistics show that the talented whiz made an impact at both ends of the pitch. He was able to contribute with attacking quality whilst still being able to win possession back for his team on a regular basis to cut out opposition attacks.

While he is inexperienced at the highest level – Maatsen has played six times in the Premier League for the Blues this season but has started from the bench on every occasion – there is plenty to work with and his high-octane, offensive approach fits perfectly with the way that Klopp sets his teams up to play.

And given the "dangerous" approach to his game, as was once said by manager Peter van der Veen, he could be the perfect heir to Andy Robertson's position in the Liverpool squad, with the 29-year-old Scotland captain currently out injured and not expected to return until after Christmas.

Robertson has been a reliable option for Klopp's side since signing from Hull City for a bargain £10m in 2017, making 275 appearances in total and winning the whole gamut of silverware under the German's tutelage, but his presence will not last forever and an heir must soon be established.

Kostas Tsimikas has served as his understudy for the past three years since arriving from Olympiakos for around £12m, but the Greek ace has never managed to usurp Robertson's starting position and has only made 66 displays for the Reds, assisting 12 times.

While Tsimikas is deputising in the Scotsman's absence right now, it certainly does not look like he is the long-term solution at left-back, and while Maatsen is a raw talent, he does boast quality in abundance and could be shaped to Klopp's own creation.

Metric (per 90)

Maatsen

Tsimikas

Goals

0.12

0.00

Assists

0.08

0.12

Shot-creating actions

2.05

2.90

Passes attempted

74.92

74.20

Pass completion

81.2%

77.6%

Progressive passes

6.77

4.95

Progressive carries

3.32

2.90

Tackles

2.05

1.57

Interceptions

1.43

1.45

Clearances

1.47

2.77

While the statistics show that Tsimikas is more creative with his ball-playing, Maatsen is clearly more energetic and marauding in his play, with an innate eye for goal that the Greece international, who has never scored for Liverpool, lacks.

Given Maatsen's youthful age and the fact that he is largely an untested commodity on the major stage, there would be a slight risk in taking on the left-back.

However, there is so much potential there and some discernible core qualities that would be well worth the venture, especially considering Robertson is set to retain his starting spot in the Anfield side for several years yet.

Maatsen would be a long-term project, and the dynamic Dutchman could take inspiration from his compatriot Ryan Gravenberch in making the move to Merseyside.

Gravenberch had languished on the fringe with Bayern Munich before Klopp pushed for his signature in the late days of the summer transfer window, signing the 11-cap Netherlands star in a £34m deal.

And he is already proving to be quite the acquisition, with Gravenberch, also aged 21, already posting two goals and assists apiece and earning praise from his manager for his "incredible" talent.

Maatsen too is a top-tier prospect, and indeed evidenced his glittering qualities during an immense loan spell with the Clarets last term, albeit at Championship level, and he still has plenty of time left to develop and improve at his young age.

Given that Chelsea were all too willing to ship him on in the summer, Liverpool would likely be able to prise him away from Stamford Bridge in 2024, with Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella both contesting for the starting spot in Pochettino's team.

Therefore, the transfer rumours surrounding Klopp's interest might hold some weight, and Maatsen would be the perfect protégée to serve underneath Robertson, transcending the role that Tsimikas plays for the Reds at present.

MatériaMais Notícias

Terceiro colocado no Campeonato Brasileiro, o São Paulo é a equipe de melhor aproveitamento da competição: 66,7% dos pontos conquistados. Consolidado na briga pelo título desta temporada, o atual Tricolor tem um rendimento muito parecido com os das campanhas nos anos de 2006, 2007 e 2008 – quando faturou o tricampeonato nacional em sequência.

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>Veja os confrontos das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil

Em 2006, o São Paulo foi campeão brasileiro com 68,4% de aproveitamento. No ano seguinte registrou 67,5%, e na temporada 2008 fechou a competição com 65,7% – este último, inclusive, inferior ao da equipe treinada por Fernando Diniz. Até aqui, o Tricolor soma dez vitórias, seis empates e duas derrotas em 18 partidas no Campeonato Brasileiro.

Caso o São Paulo mantenha o atual aproveitamento até o fim da temporada, a equipe certamente estará na briga pelo título nacional. Em 2009, por exemplo, o Flamengo foi campeão com 58,7% dos pontos ganhos após 38 rodadas. Aquela campanha, no entanto, é a pior entre todos os vencedores do Brasileirão no atual formato.

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O clube do Morumbi tem a possibilidade real de conquistar o Troféu Osmar Santos – prêmio concedido pelo LANCE! ao campeão do primeiro turno do Brasileirão, já que tem três jogos da primeira metade do campeonato para jogar contra Goiás e Ceará, fora de casa, e diante do Botafogo, como mandante na capital paulista.

-É um dos candidatos ao título. Já falei disso em outras ocasiões. Trabalhamos para essas ocasiões. É muito difícil ganhar do Fortaleza. Vitórias como essa fazem com que o time ganhe mais confiança ainda para brigar pela conquista do campeonato- afirmou o técnico Fernando Diniz, na noite do último sábado, logo após o triunfo diante do Fortaleza no Castelão.

Paris Saint-Germain are lining up a £75 million bid for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford this summer as a potential Kylian Mbappe replacement.

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• PSG lining up Rashford move
• Mbappe poised for Real Madrid switch
• Rashford in middling form for Red Devils

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per the , PSG want to sign Rashford as they are preparing for Mbappe's exit, as he looks set to finally make his long-mooted move to Real Madrid. The French giants made an attempt to sign the 26-year-old in 2022 but were unable to lure him away, despite offering a wage worth £400,000-per-week.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rashford's form this season has been middling, as he has scored seven goals in 27 league games. As a result, PSG are willing to make a renewed attempt to sign Rashford, although United value him at closer to £100m ($128m). The club could be willing to do a deal, however, as they have seen their summer budget reduced by Financial Fair Play regulations. It remains to be seen, however, if Rashford will be willing to leave.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Rashford has scored in both of his previous outings, against Manchester City and Everton. His longest scoring run in the league this season saw him score in three consecutive games between December and January. He will be out to add a third goal in his third game against Liverpool in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United may need to find a way to qualify for Europe to have some negotiating power this summer. They are currently sixth and sit eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.