Firpo binned for £21k-p/w signing in Leeds’ dream starting XI after January

Leeds United have around two weeks left to bolster their squad during the January transfer window ahead of the second half of the season.

The Whites are currently in the mix to secure a place in the top two to land automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

However, as you can see in the table below, Daniel Farke's side have a mountain to climb and it will take a huge effort to finish above their rivals to avoid the play-offs.

Leicester

1

27

65

Ipswich

2

27

58

Southampton

3

27

55

Leeds

4

27

51

West Brom

5

27

45

Coventry

6

27

40

The January transfer window has provided the club with an opportunity to improve their chances of promotion by adding more quality to the playing group.

With this in mind, here is a dream XI that Farke could select at the end of the month if the club are able to sign three of their reported targets over the next two weeks…

1 Illan Meslier

Illan Meslier

Starting off between the sticks, Illan Meslier could remain the club's number one as there has not been much in the way of serious transfer speculation over his future or another goalkeeper coming in to take his place.

The French stopper has started 25 matches in the Championship so far this season and has kept nine clean sheets for the Whites in total.

2 Neco Williams

The first new signing could come at right-back. On The Square Ball Podcast, journalist Phil Hay revealed that Leeds are interested in Neco Williams, although it could be difficult to convince Nottingham Forest to part ways with him.

In his last season in the Championship – for Fulham in the 2021/22 campaign – the Wales international caught the eye with his sublime attacking play.

Williams ranked within the top 1% of full-backs in the division for progressive passes (6.42) and the top 2% for progressive carries (4.23) per 90.

In a dream scenario, Leeds will be able to land the Welsh dynamo and his arrival would free up Archie Gray to compete for a spot in the middle of the park.

3 Joe Rodon

Leeds United's loan defender Joe Rodon.

At the heart of the defence, Joe Rodon's place should not be in question. The on-loan Tottenham Hotspur titan has played 24 league games for the Whites and won an eye-catching 68% of his duels, which shows that the ace has been dominant in physical battles.

4 Pascal Struijk

Leeds defender Pascal Struijk.

Alongside the Wales international, Pascal Struijk is another player who should remain a first-choice for Farke heading into the second half of the campaign.

The Dutch colossus has captained the Whites when Liam Cooper has not been on the pitch this season and has formed a strong partnership with Rodon at the back.

5 Borna Barisic

Rangers defender Borna Barisic.

The second dream signing of the window could come in the form of Rangers full-back Borna Barisic, who FootballScotland recently claimed is a target for Leeds.

Farke could ditch Junior Firpo from the starting XI with a deal to sign the Croatia international, who could provide more at both ends of the pitch.

Appearances

Seven

11

Key passes per game

0.9

2.2

Tackles per game

1.1

1.6

Interceptions per game

0.9

0.9

Duel success rate

48%

61%

As you can see in the table above, the £21k-per-week Light Blues whiz, who also created 12 'big chances' and made 2.3 key passes per game during the 2022/23 league season, can offer over twice as much creativity per match whilst also being far more effective in individual duels.

Therefore, the head coach could bench the former Barcelona man to improve his side from a defensive and offensive perspective by snapping Barisic up from the Scottish giants.

6 Ethan Ampadu

Leeds midfielder Ethan Ampadu.

The central midfield pairing does not need tinkering with. Ethan Ampadu, who joined from Chelsea on a permanent deal last summer, has started 27 league matches for the Whites this season and averaged 7.2 ball recoveries per game for his side.

7 Glen Kamara

joe-rodon-glen-kamara-leeds-opinion

Alongside the Welsh enforcer, Glen Kamara should still be a key player for Leeds. He is a midfield metronome with his phenomenal passing ability, which is illustrated by his superb pass success rate of 92.5% – placing him within the top 2% of Championship midfielders this season.

8 Dan James

Dan James

On the right side of the attack, Farke should continue to place his faith in former Swansea and Manchester United winger Dan James, who has been in fantastic form with nine goals and five assists in the second tier.

He has created ten 'big chances' for his teammates so far this season and has only been rewarded with five Championship assists, which suggests that his fellow attackers have let him down at times.

9 David Brooks

David Brooks

The third dream signing that could be made this month is Bournemouth attacking midfielder David Brooks – once described as a "creative spark" by journalist Josh Bunting.

Reporter Alex Crook recently told GIVEMESPORT that Leeds are interested in a deal for the Wales international, who could be on the move before the end of the month.

In his last full season in the second tier, the 26-year-old whiz ranked within the top 15% of Championship attacking midfielders and wingers for Expected Assisted Goals (0.21) and progressive passes (4.36) per 90 during the 2020/21 campaign.

Joel Piroe has been deployed as a number ten this term and currently ranks within the bottom 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the division for xAG (0.06) per 90 and the bottom 44% for progressive passes (3.45) per 90.

This suggests that Farke could land a natural number ten who is able to create high-quality opportunities and progress the play at an impressive rate, in comparison to Piroe.

10 Crysencio Summerville

Crysencio Summerville.

Crysencio Summerville's position in a dream XI for Leeds does not need much explaining. The Dutch whiz has chipped in with 12 goals and seven assists in 24 league appearances this season.

Craque da estreia do Corinthians na Libertadores feminina afirma: 'Conseguimos nos destacar'

MatériaMais Notícias

Com dois gols marcados na goleada do time feminino do Corinthians por 16 a 0 sobre o El Nacional, do Equador, na estreia da Libertadoes, em Buenos Aires, na última sexta-feira (5), Giovanna Crivelari foi a destaque do Timão na partida.

As meninas corintianas praticamente não treinaram para a partida, já que foram impedidas de embarcar para a Argentina na quarta-feira (3), por conta de interpretações controversas entre a Turkish Airlaines, companhia que levaria a delegação do Corinthians, a Conmebol e o próprio clube. A empresa entendia que, por conta da pandemia, pessoas vindas do Brasil não poderiam adentrar o solo argentino, mas há restrição para atletas que participam de competições esportivas no formato bolha, onde todo o torneio é realizado no mesmo país.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansVÍDEO: Varanda fala sobre primeiro gol pelo Corinthians: ‘Parece que é um sonho ainda’Corinthians05/03/2021CorinthiansCorinthians de berço! Conheça a história de Rodrigo Varanda, novo xodó da FielCorinthians05/03/2021

Crivelari comentou sobre os problemas enfrentados para a estreia e ansiedade natural, além de projetar o próximo compromisso, nesta segunda-feira (8), às 17h, contra o Universitário, do Peru, pelo grupo A da competição.

– Primeiro jogo, sempre estreia, aquela ansiedade, mas conseguimos nos destacar em campo, a gente chegou e não treinou, mas conseguimos colocar a bola no chão e devagarzinho conseguimos fazer os gols e jogando bem – disse a atleta à reportagem da Conmebol ao fim do jogo.

– Não conhecemos muito bem o time, mas continuamos trabalhando no nosso estilo de jogo. Vamos entrar em forma, fazer gols, se tiver que fazer gols, jogar bem e sair com a vitória – acrescentou.

Atuais campeãs continentais, o time feminino do Corinthians defende o bicampeonato. Além do El Nacional e Universitário, fecham a chave em que as corintianas estão o América de Cali, da Colômbia.

فيديو | فرانك كيسيه يسجل هدف الأهلي الأول أمام النصر في الدوري السعودي

نجح فريق الأهلي السعودي، في التقدم على النصر، خلال اللقاء الجاري بينهما الآن ضمن منافسات الدوري السعودي.

وتقام مباراة النصر والأهلي، على أرضية ملعب الأول بارك، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الثالثة من الدوري السعودي.

وسجل فرانك كيسيه، الهدف الأول في الدقيقة 57 من عمر المباراة، بتسديدة قوية من خارج منطقة الجزاء.

ويستهدف الأهلي مصالحة جماهيره بتحقيق نتيجة إيجابية في مباراة اليوم، بعد الخسارة في اللقاء الماضي أمام الفتح بهدف وحيد.

وفي الجولة الأولى، حقق الأهلي الفوز على العروبة بهدفين مقابل لا شيء.

ويمتلك الأهلي، في رصيده 3 نقاط قبل مباراة اليوم، محتلًا المركز العاشر في جدول ترتيب مسابقة الدوري السعودي، بينما النصر في المركز الخامس برصيد 4 نقاط. هدف فرانك كيسيه أمام النصر في الدوري السعودي

Steidten and West Ham ready to smash transfer record for Bundesliga striker

With 11 days remaining in the January transfer window, West Ham United are yet to welcome a single reinforcement. And whilst they're far from in a position to panic, competing for a place in the Premier League's top six, they could yet solve some of the remaining issues in David Moyes' squad.

West Ham transfer news

Even amid a quiet window, the Hammers have been linked with a number of names, from Celtic's Matt O'Riley to out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips in two deals that would undoubtedly hand Moyes a major boost for the remainder of the campaign. Moyes recently spoke about the potential of fresh faces this month, saying:

“We said right at the start that we wanted some outs before we had people coming in.

“Our budget isn't huge in this window. There's lots of reasons why there's probably not a lot of signings going on. We probably need to sell to get some other players in. If that’s the case then we’re probably in a selling mood, rather than a loaning mood.”

West Ham United manager David Moyes.

Despite that budget concern, however, a fresh report has suggested that the London club are ready to spend big. According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon of The Sun, West Ham are 'ready to smash their transfer record' to sign Victor Boniface this month, with technical director Tim Steidten reportedly pushing for the move. The Hammers' current transfer record stands at a reported €50m (£43m) for Sebastien Haller back in 2019, but it seems as though they are prepared to go above that to welcome Boniface.

The Bayer Leverkusen forward has been part of an unbeaten side under Xabi Alonso this season and could be a major coup if West Ham managed to secure a deal before the end of the month.

"Complete" Boniface could be West Ham's best striker

Boniface's stats instantly suggest that he'd immediately become West Ham's best striker and would be a major upgrade on both Danny Ings and Michail Antonio. Though he wouldn't come cheap, if Moyes' side are to shock the rest of England's first tier by challenging for a place in the top six, then proving that ambition by signing the Leverkusen man could be the key. Here's how Boniface has compared to Ings and Antonio so far this season.

Victor Boniface

10

7

12.1

20

Michail Antonio

2

2

1.8

6

Danny Ings

0

0

0.1

0

That said, it's no surprise that Leverkusen manager Alonso has been so full of praise for his forward this season, saying via the club's official website:

"Victor is not only a good striker, he is a complete player. And you can see on and off the pitch then he gets on very well with his teammates."

West Ham will now hope to be the ones benefitting from that "complete" ability that Boniface has when leading the line. It would certainly be a statement deal if those at the London Stadium managed to pull it off in the next 11 days.

Chelsea line up two potential candidates to replace Mauricio Pochettino as Blues boss prepares for crunch talks with Todd Boehly & Co.

Chelsea have added two names to their managerial shortlist if they decide to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino.

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Chelsea eyeing moves for McKenna and Amorim Pochettino to meet Blues hierarchy for season reviewChelsea finished sixth in the Premier League WHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentine manager is due to meet Todd Boehly and Co. for an end-of-season review this week where a decision could be taken regarding his future upon assessment of his performance by the Chelsea hierarchy.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Per the club have already included two names to their managerial shortlist if they decide to sack Pochettino after just one season in charge at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are reportedly eyeing moves for Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim and Kieran McKenna, who guided Ipswich to automatic promotion from the Championship this season.

DID YOU KNOW?

After a slow start to their campaign, the West London side managed to turn things around and since the boxing day, they have secured 41 points in the league which allowed them to finish sixth in the Premier League standings.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

The players will now enjoy a well-earned break before they return to action in July. The club will travel to the US where they are scheduled to face Wrexham in a pre-season friendly.

Mumbai Indians aim for ninth consecutive win over deflated Kolkata Knight Riders

It’s only the first meeting between the two sides this season, but Knight Riders enter the contest needing nothing less than a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive

The Preview Sreshth Shah27-Apr-20196:46

Can floundering hosts Kolkata Knight Riders stop the Mumbai Indians juggernaut?

Big pictureWhen Rohit Sharma walks out at the toss at Eden Gardens on Sunday night, he’d be looking to extend Mumbai Indians’ eight-match unbeaten run over Kolkata Knight Riders. But if there’s ever a night for the hosts to change that statistic, it would be Sunday. Languishing at the sixth place with eight points, and needing victories in their last three matches to even dream of a playoff spot, Knight Riders can bid the season goodbye if they lose their seventh successive IPL game, and fifth successive at home.Form guide

Kolkata Knight Riders: lost to Royals by 3 wickets, lost to Sunrisers by 9 wickets, lost to Royal Challengers by 10 runs (most recent matches first)
Mumbai Indians: beat Super Kings by 46 runs, lost to Royals by 5 wickets, beat Capitals by 40 runs

After Piyush Chawla and Sunil Narine found turn against Rajasthan Royals, Dinesh Karthik may consider bringing Kuldeep Yadav back after he has spent two games in the dugout. That their pacers have been poor in the Powerplay, taking only six wickets in the period, is an extra reason for Karthik to revert to Knight Riders’ old formula of spin.For Mumbai, just one victory in their final three games would be enough for the playoffs, but they’ll be aiming a top-two finish, and a chance to play Qualifier 1 at the Chepauk – a ground where they haven’t lost an IPL match since May 2011. Mumbai and India fans alike would’ve enjoyed Rohit’s maiden half-century of the season in their convincing win over Chennai Super Kings, and both Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya could inflict damage on Knight Riders’ pace bowlers at a ground where the ball travels far.Lasith Malinga comes into the contest with a four-for in his last match and, in Krunal Pandya and Rahul Chahar, Mumbai have potent spin options to match Knight Riders player-for-player. Thus it’s not much of a surprise that Mumbai start as clear favourites, but they’ll remain wary of the chutzpah that Knight Riders will come in with, given they have nothing more to lose.In the newsLeft-arm fast bowler Beuran Hendricks, Mumbai’s replacement for the injured Alzarri Joseph, has linked up with the team but is unlikely to get a look-in unless Malinga is rested. Mumbai left-arm spinner Anukul Roy made a promising IPL debut with 1 for 11 in Chennai and has impressed enough to merit another opportunity.Likely XIsKolkata Knight Riders: 1 Chris Lynn, 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Shubman Gill, 4 Nitish Rana, 5 Andre Russell, 6 Dinesh Karthik, 7 Rinku Singh, 8 Carlos Brathwaite, 9 Piyush Chawla, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Prasidh KrishnaMumbai Indians: 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Rohit Sharma (capt), 3 Evin Lewis, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Krunal Pandya, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Kieron Pollard, 8 Anukul Roy, 9 Rahul Chahar, 10 Lasith Malinga, 11 Jasprit BumrahStrategy punt It’s time for Knight Riders to go all in, so don’t be surprised if Australian fast-bowler Matt Kelly comes into the side for Carlos Brathwaite. In his short T20 career, Kelly has picked up a wicket every 15.4 deliveries in the Powerplay and concedes only 7.20 runs per over; 52.8% of the 24-year-old’s deliveries in Powerplays have been dots. Piyush Chawla, Knight Riders’ regular new-ball bowler, may be held back for later in the innings. Hardik Pandya has scored only 100 runs in 98 deliveries against legspinners since IPL 2018 and has been out six times to them. Mumbai should aim to save two overs each of Bumrah and Malinga for the final five overs. When they bowl in tandem at the death, Mumbai concede only 8.50 runs an over at an average of 13.50. For any other bowling combination, Mumbai concede 11.40 runs per over.Stats and trivia If Knight Riders lose to Mumbai on Sunday, it will be the worst streak for any IPL team. They enter the contest tied for the record at eight losses with Kings XI Punjab (against Knight Riders, 2014-17) and Delhi Daredevils (against Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2011-2015). It will be Rohit Sharma’s 100th game as IPL captain.

Kings XI take aim at RCB's batting problems

De Villiers looks rusty and the middle order continues to be a source of worry for RCB as they try to turn around a six-match losing streak

Alagappan Muthu12-Apr-20196:02

Will RCB finally collect their first win?

Big picturePlenty of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s losses tally back to their weak bowling units. But it may be argued that the six on the trot this season is more the result of their batting misfiring through every stage of an IPL match. Statistics indicate they have scored at 7.3 per over in the Powerplay (seventh-best out of eight teams), 6.9 between overs 7 and 15 (seventh-best again) and 8.9 in the back end (dead last).So, clearly, Kings XI Punjab have plenty of targets to aim at and a fine roster of bowlers to do it for them. Yet, two of their three losses in 2019 were the result of bowling mishaps. They fumbled a great opportunity against Mumbai earlier this week and, before that, allowed KKR to score 218. Strange things happen in the IPL and that trend is probably going to continue when these two teams meet on Saturday.In the news Kings XI batting coach S Sriram said Chris Gayle felt a twitch in his back during the game against Mumbai on Wednesday and that he needed to be monitored. Mayank Agarwal missed Kings XI’s previous match with a hand injury. The 28-year old has already played a high-impact innings against one of the best bowling teams in the tournament and his return to the XI could prove a major boost. RCB confirmed the signing of Dale Steyn on Friday evening. The South Africa fast bowler replaces the injured Nathan Coulter-Nile but will only be available for selection after April 15. Form guide

Kings XI Punjab: Lost to Mumbai Indians by three wickets, beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets, lost to Chennai Super Kings by 22 runs
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Lost to Delhi Capitals by four wickets, lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets, lost to Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets

Previous meetingGoes back to last year, when Kings XI were bowled out for 88 after fast bowler Umesh Yadav took out their two best batsmen – KL Rahul and Chris Gayle – inside five overs. RCB won with 10 wickets and 71 balls to spare.BCCI

Likely XIsKings XI Punjab: 1 KL Rahul (wk), 2 Mayank Agarwal, 3 Karun Nair, 4 David Miller/ Nicholas Pooran, 5 Sarfaraz Khan, 6 Mandeep Singh, 7 Sam Curran, 8 R Ashwin (capt), 9 Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10 M Ashwin, 11 Mohammed ShamiRoyal Challengers Bangalore: 1 Virat Kohli (capt), 2 Parthiv Patel (wk), 3 AB de Villiers, 4 Marcus Stoinis, 5 Moeen Ali, 6 Akshdeep Nath, 7 Pawan Negi, 8 Tim Southee, 9 Umesh Yadav, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Navdeep SainiStrategy punt Spin to AB de Villiers. His strike-rate of 94 this season is among the lowest for any batsman over the first 10 balls of their innings. Also, three of his five dismissals in 2019 were the result of opposition teams forcing him to play spin as soon as he came to the crease. Kings XI will want to exploit this weakness, and may even draft M Ashwin into their XI to do so. De Villiers, since IPL 2017, has lost his wicket to legspin seven times, while making a modest 158 runs in 121 balls. There is an equally strong case for Umesh Yadav’s inclusion in the RCB line-up. He matches up favourably against both Gayle and Rahul, conceding just about a run a ball, while also dismissing them a combined four times – Gayle thrice and Rahul once. In fact, Kings XI are Umesh’s favourite opposition – 26 wickets (personal best), 16 average (personal best), 7.13 economy (personal best)R Ashwin is pumped up after taking a wicket•BCCI

Stats that matter Since IPL 2015, the average first-innings score in a night game at Mohali is 173 and this is one of the rare venues where teams have more wins batting first (11) than second (5) RCB desperately need a strong hand in the middle order, especially now that international retirement seems to have made de Villiers a bit rusty. In an ideal world, Colin de Grandhomme and Moeen Ali should have solved that problem considering they have been striking at 148 and 170 in the middle overs of a T20 match since 2015. Except they average only 19 when playing the shortest format in India and it is that trend that is on show a little too often. Fair warning to fans of both teams. The Powerplay might be hard to watch. RCB have picked up only three wickets in this period across six different matches – that’s a bowling average of 98. Kings XI have been equally ineffective; they are the only team that leaks runs at a higher rate (8.6) than RCB (8.2). So yeah, might be useful to hide behind the couch and ask a friend to tell you when the first six overs are done.

Major target: Everton interested in "unbelievable" new Onana replacement

With Everton still sitting precariously above the relegation zone by one point in the Premier League, the January transfer window could prove to be more important than ever. The Toffees have enjoyed some excellent displays throughout the current campaign, but a 10-point deduction has left them in an unwanted scrap to survive.

Sean Dyche will hope that this month hands him the perfect opportunity to push away from the bottom three and bring their position in the top flight to where their performances have been.

With that said, the former Burnley boss has reportedly identified one particular midfielder as a major target this month. Given Amadou Onana's exit links, it may well be the perfect move for Everton.

Everton transfer news

The Toffees are at serious risk of losing Onana, with several clubs are reportedly plotting moves to sign the Belgian this month, which could leave Dyche without a key part of his side.

Perhaps hoping to reinforce their midfield before it reaches crisis point, however, reports suggest that Everton are interested in signing a Premier League player who's been in top form in the current campaign. It would certainly be a major coup for Dyche this month.

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.

According to Football Transfers, Everton are interested in signing Scott McTominay and Dyche has identified the Manchester United man as a major target. The Scotland international has been the standout in a disappointing United side this season, with his goals playing an important part in the few good moments that Erik ten Hag's team have enjoyed.

It remains to be seen whether United are willing to cash in on their academy graduate amid Everton's interest, but with the Red Devils reportedly opening talks to sign Onana, the Merseyside club could use the Belgian to their advantage in any deal for McTominay this month.

"Unbelievable" McTominay has outperformed Onana this season

Whilst it would be a blow to lose a young midfielder of such high potential in Onana, McTominay would be an adequate replacement capable of making an instant impact at Goodison Park. McTominay's versatility allows him to play in central midfield, centre-back and in defensive midfield would certainly hand Dyche a boost when it comes to sourcing options in the relegation scrap too. And as McTominay's stats show, he's even outperformed Onana in certain areas this season.

Player Goals Blocks Interceptions Clearances Scott McTominay 5 17 10 30

Amadou Onana

1

13

9

15

It's no wonder when looking at the numbers that the United man has been at the centre of praise from several Old Trafford icons this season, including Wes Brown. The former defender told MUTV, via United In Focus: "He’s playing unbelievable at the moment, the runs into the box, he makes himself a nuisance, people can’t pick him up.”

In what could prove to be a vital month, McTominay may have a vital career decision to make. As Everton look to avoid the drop once again in the Premier League, they would be wise to move for the versatile midfielder before the end of the window.

Paul Stirling's Championship best sets up Middlesex

Centuries for Paul Stirling and Sam Robson put Middlesex firmly in charge after two days of their Specsavers County Championship Division Two clash with Glamorgan at Radlett.Stirling hit a Championship career-best 138, his first four-day century in almost two years, while Robson’s 107 was his first ton of the campaign.In a quirk of fate, Ireland international Stirling’s previous career-best, 111 against Yorkshire in June, 2017 also came on a day when Robson hit three figures. The duo’s efforts carried the hosts to 410 before the bowlers took over to reduce Glamorgan to 112 for 3 in an elongated final session.Middlesex resumed at 151 for 3 with Robson 15 short of his century and while the former England man accumulated quietly, Stirling was typically aggressive.An on-drive to midwicket took Robson to three figures, but soon afterwards Marnus Labuschagne spun a delivery just enough to take the edge of the right-hander’s bat and give Tom Cullen his second catch of the innings.Stirling pressed on and with George Scott providing good support, the pair added 76 either side of lunch before the latter was bowled offering no shot to a delivery which came in a touch from outside off-stump.This was Stirling first first-class knock since Ireland’s Test against Afghanistan in March. However, he played with authority, reaching his own century with a sumptuous drive down the ground, his 12th boundary.To their credit, Glamorgan kept plugging away on a pitch offering less bounce than day one and a little bit of spin and eventually wickets began to fall with regularity.John Simpson nicked Timm van der Gugten into the gloves of Cullen and then it was the turn of Labuschagne to take centre stage, pinning Tom Helm leg before wicket with a delivery which kept low before castling centurion Stirling nine runs short of what would have been his highest first-class score.Nathan Sowter struck three boundaries in a breezy 28 but the end came swiftly after tea, when Marchant de Lange had the legspinner caught behind, before sending Tim Murtagh’s middle stump cartwheeling.That left the visitors 35 overs to face and they made the worst possible start. Charlie Hemphrey pushed the second ball of the innings into the covers and called for a run, but non-striker Nick Selman hesitated before setting off and was not in the frame when Nick Gubbins’ direct hit sent him packing.Labuschagne counter-attacked, producing a succession of boundaries, although he was given a life when edging a delivery from Helm to Robson at first slip on 32, only for the umpire to call no-ball.The Australian Test allrounder made the most of the reprieve, moving to 50 from 57 balls, passing 700 runs for the season in the process, before the second-wicket stand of 80 ended when Murtagh trapped Hemphrey lbw.New batsman Lloyd could have gone cheaply when flashing at a delivery from Steven Finn, Stevie Eskinazi just failing to cling on to what would been a blinder above his head. However, the former England paceman gained ample compensation from the next delivery when Labuschagne skied another ball which climbed on him, giving Stirling a simple catch at point.There was still time for in-form Billy Root to be dropped at slip by Robson in the final over of the day, denying Sowter deserved reward for an excellent spell. Nevertheless, Middlesex still have hopes of enforcing the follow-on on day three.

Jude Bellingham given same message as Erling Haaland when leaving Borussia Dortmund – with Real Madrid superstar emulating Manchester City striker as a Champions League winner

Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland were given the same message by Borussia Dortmund when leaving club – before going on to win the Champions League.

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  • Bellingham and Madrid win Champions League
  • Haaland given same message before City move
  • Bellingham to star for England in Euros
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Dortmund manager, Edin Terzic, has explained how he had expressed his pride to both Bellingham and Haaland at having coached the superstars in Germany. Bellingham replicated Haaland's success in winning the Champions League at the first time of asking after leaving Dortmund and Terzic had nothing but praise for his former player.

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    WHAT TERZIC SAID

    Terzic said to : "When he left us I said the same thing I said to Erling Haaland – that I was proud to be their manager. It is his first Champions League win and it is a proud moment for him. I know what Mark, Denise and Jobe are doing to get this success in the family. Congratulations to Jude."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Haaland helped Manchester City to break their Champions League duck and beat Inter 1-0 in the 2023final. Bellingham, perhaps inspired by his former team-mate and friend's successful move, made the switch to the Bernabeu and has torn up record after record in Madrid. The Englishman ended the season as the club's top scorer in the league, and the Champions League triumph strengthens his claim to win the Ballon d'Or.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

    Bellingham will have little time to recover before he is thrown back into the limelight. The 20-year-old has been tipped to lead England to glory in this summer's European Championships and end a 58-year wait for a trophy for the men's side. Success at the tournament could propel him to being recognised as the best player in the world.

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