Casemiro scored in his second successive game for Manchester United to strike first in the post-Erik ten Hag era against Leicester.
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This summer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will look to bolster their Manchester United side, with a particular focus on the attack.
The perfect stage for the Red Devils to find talent is the current European Championship, with plenty of quality on display.
Two individuals who’ve already excelled at the tournament are Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, who both scored against Scotland.
With the two attacking midfielders in mind, let’s take a look at a United target who’s somewhat of a hybrid of the duo.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man Utd have 'major interest' in making a move for the talented Xavi Simons.
Simons spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig, but he will return to Paris Saint-Germain after the Euros.
It’s mentioned that United have made contact with Simons’ agency recently, but as of right now, it seems a deal would be a straight loan due to the French team’s refusal of a sale.
Furthermore, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Borussia Dortmund are also keen on his signature, which may become a problem for the Red Devils.
Ever since his days as a youngster at Barcelona, Simons has been tipped to become a world-class player who has the potential to become one of the very best.
His development hasn’t happened quite as quickly as anticipated, but he finally started to show his true quality in the Bundesliga last season.
The 21-year-old started 32 times in the league, mainly operating as a winger who had the freedom to drift inside to find pockets of space.
The Dutchman became the main creative outlet in the side, producing 11 league assists, while also netting on eight occasions himself.
|
Simons vs Musiala vs Wirtz 23/24 Bundesliga Stats |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Stats (per 90) |
Simons |
Musiala |
Wirtz |
|
Goals |
0.27 |
0.51 |
0.42 |
|
Assists |
0.37 |
0.26 |
0.42 |
|
Key passes |
2.68 |
2.15 |
2.77 |
|
Shot-creating actions |
5.97 |
5.44 |
6.30 |
|
Touches |
61.64 |
55.90 |
85.45 |
|
Progressive carries |
5.12 |
5.28 |
5.24 |
|
Progressive passes |
6.34 |
5.13 |
8.50 |
|
Successful take-ons |
2.85 |
4.46 |
3.00 |
|
Via FBref |
|||
As you can see from Simons’ Bundesliga stats, it’s no surprise that FBref have classified him as a ‘similar player’ to Musiala and Wirtz over the last year.
Although he doesn't come out on top in any area, Simons has the same unpredictability to his game that enables him to create moments of magic from absolutely nothing, as displayed by his key passes and shot-creating actions.
The former PSV star can score and assist, and he’s the type of player that can win a game on his own, which is exactly what United need given they ended the campaign with a -1 goal difference.
Football scout Jacek Kulig even mentioned that Simons is 'a bit of both' Musiala and Wirtz, with the former being 'more of a dribbler' and the latter being 'more of a creator'. The stats certainly serve as evidence for that comparison.
Simons is the heartbeat of the team, someone who’s involved throughout, whether that be dropping deep to progress the play or receiving between the lines and causing chaos, as shown by his touches, and progressive stats.
The Netherlands ace is the definition of a "superstar,” according to analyst Ben Mattinson, who will do anything to ensure his side is victorious, which is the type of mentality Ratcliffe will desire from his players.
Simons and Bruno Fernandes would be a deadly duo, and it’d be almost guaranteed that the output of Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford would skyrocket with their service.
Overall, even if United can’t secure a permanent deal just yet, signing Simons on loan would be a huge boost to the side, especially considering he’s putting up numbers similar to Wirtz and Musiala.
What Man Utd's dream XI could look like after £230m spending spree
Marcus Rashford doesn’t make the best eleven.
1
By
Tom Lever
Jun 7, 2024
Over the past few years, Chelsea’s transfer strategy hasn’t followed a routine pattern in terms of cost, but there has been a common theme in terms of profiles.
It seems that Todd Boehly is looking to create a squad full of young talent that can help the club sustain success for multiple years, such as Moises Caicedo and Malo Gusto.
However, the most exciting youngster could now be Estevao Willian, who recently became a Blue until 2033.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a Chelsea star who’s now become worth even more than the talented wonderkid, and still has plenty of potential himself.
In January 2023, Chelsea brought the highly-rated Noni Madueke to the club in a bid to bolster the attacking department and find a permanent solution to the right-wing spot.
Prior to his move to Stamford Bridge, the attacker was playing his football in the Netherlands for PSV, where he was known as a “crazy talent” by some, including football scout Jacek Kulig.
The then-20-year-old joined Chelsea for a fee of around £31m, as he signed a seven-year contract with the option to extend for a further year.
Without the luxury of a pre-season, Madueke jumped straight into the action of the Premier League, starting seven times and scoring once, but it was last season when he began to show his true ability.
The 2023/24 campaign for Chelsea was a rather unique period, with new boss Mauricio Pochettino attempting to find his best squad.
This meant that plenty of players were rotated, and game time was somewhat infrequent, especially for Madueke, who was competing against the excellent Cole Palmer for the majority of the season.
Therefore, the Englishman only made 13 Premier League starts last campaign despite making 23 appearances, and most of them came towards the end of the Argentine’s time at the club.
Nonetheless, he truly cemented himself into the side once Palmer had been moved more centrally, scoring five goals and registering two assists, which is a respectable return considering he averaged 47 minutes per game.
|
Chelsea's Most Valuable English Players |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Value |
|
1. Cole Palmer |
£84m |
|
2. Conor Gallagher |
£51m |
|
3. Noni Madueke |
£42m |
|
4. Levi Colwill |
£42m |
|
5. Raheem Sterling |
£34m |
|
Via CIES' Football Observatory |
|
The number 11 is currently estimated to be worth around £42m by CIES’ Football Observatory, which is clearly an increase from the figure he was bought for.
Impressively, as of right now, Madueke is still much more valuable than Estevao, who joined Chelsea for an initial fee of £29m, as per Fabrizio Romano. Why is that particularly interesting? Well, they could well be fighting for the same place on the wings in the years to come.
When compared to the entire Chelsea squad, the left-footed ace is only behind Palmer, Mykhaylo Mudryk, and Nicolas Jackson for transfer value when it comes to attackers, while also being the joint-third-most valuable Englishman at Chelsea.
Usually, signing a player of the Brazilian’s quality would instantly make Madueke feel like his spot was under threat; however, the winger won’t arrive at the club until next summer.
This means that the number 11 has a full season to truly showcase what he’s all about in the Premier League and, more importantly, Enzo Maresca, and that added determination could just see him explode next year.
Overall, considering his market value has increased and he has begun to show why Kulig described him as having “enormous potential," Chelsea looks to have hit the jackpot by signing Madueke last year.
No Jackson, £226m trio sign: Enzo Maresca's dream lineup at Chelsea
Chelsea are set for a busy summer with plenty of signings expected.
By
Tom Lever
May 29, 2024
Manchester United are set for a huge defensive overhaul during the 2024 summer transfer window.
This comes after a season which saw them concede 58 Premier League goals and 15 times in the Champions League group stage, which is the most by a Premier League side in the group stages of a Champions League campaign.
The Red Devils could let up to four defenders leave this summer. Raphael Varane has already departed the club upon the expiration of his contract, with fellow centre-backs Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof also potential departures. Aaron Wan-Bissaka could also leave Old Trafford if the right offer arrives.
Of course, with all of these departures, there must be incomings to balance the books and add depth to the squad. United have been heavily linked with Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich, with the former Ajax captain thought to have agreed terms with the Red Devils. They have also placed a bid for exciting young French defender Leny Yoro, although it remains to be seen if he will pick United over Real Madrid.
However, there is another name on INEOS' list of potential centre-backs, and they have been heavily linked with this player during the entire transfer window.
Man Utd target Premier League defender
The player in question here is, of course, Everton and England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. After a superb season with the Toffees in 2023/24, the defender has been linked with a move to Old Trafford regularly this summer.
Now, according to a report from Graeme Bailey, the Red Devils are currently 'working on making' a third bid for the defender. This comes after United had two previous offers, the most recent one worth around £50m, rejected by the Toffees for the talented England star.
However, despite a tough negotiation at the moment, it might not all be plain sailing for United when it comes to doing a deal for Branthwaite this summer.
Manchester City could challenge their biggest rivals in a bid to bring Branthwaite to the blue side of Manchester instead.
In terms of a price for Branthwaite, Everton have been firm in their stance that he is worth around £80m, in line with deals for Josko Gvardiol and Wesley Fofana. Bailey confirms that United are preparing their third bid, with internal talks finalising 'what level they will come in at' to try and sign the young defender.
Why Branthwaite would be a good signing
Branthwaite was a pivotal player under Sean Dyche for Everton last season. The 22-year-old played 35 Premier League games for the Toffees, helping to keep an impressive 12 clean sheets and chipped in with three goals, including one in the Merseyside Derby, backing up the claim of scout Jacek Kulig that he is an "absolute monster".
He is highly rated by those close to Old Trafford, including one of Erik ten Hag’s soon-to-be coaches, and the club’s legendary striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The Dutchman managed Branthwaite at PSV two seasons ago, when the young defender had a loan spell at the Dutch side. Van Nistelrooy called Branthwaite a “great talent”, before explaining that he is a “very complete” centre-back.
Should United sign Branthwaite, he may not just become a superb option for Ten Hag at centre-back, but also at left-back, allowing him tactical flexibility and more depth. This would be bad news for £150k-per-week earner Luke Shaw who is the Red Devils’ first-choice in that position. He has struggled with injuries, and having a player like Branthwaite could be an excellent alternative to the England international.
As is the current tactical trend at the moment, Ten Hag could choose to set up in a 3-2-5 system when his side have the ball. With Branthaite at left-back, it could be the case that he tucks into left centre-back when United are in possession, a role he has superb attributes for. Football analyst H also explained that he believes the 22-year-old is “capable of playing” on the left side and tucking into centre-back with the ball.
He is an excellent wide defender, able to use his long stride to cover wide spaces with ease. This is also somewhat reflected in his stats on Sofascore, averaging 5.2 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, as well as winning 2.5 ground duels each game. He is also a wonderful box defender, which could come in handy at left-back especially when defending the far post.
Branthwaite defensive stats Premier League 2023/24
Stat (per 90)
Number
Ball recoveries
5.2
Tackles
1.9
Interceptions
1.4
Aerial duels
2.7
Ground duels
2.5
Clearances
4.5
Stats from Sofascore
One issue with Branthwaite playing left-back ahead of Shaw means that the former Southampton man would not be able to strike up his successful partnership with Marcus Rashford. Over the years, the pair have formed a brilliant understanding, and Shaw is deadly on the overlap as Rashford operates in the left half-space.
Rashford discussed his and Shaw’s partnership in 2021, describing that the things they do on the left-hand side are “simple but they’re effective”, before explaining that he thinks the pair are a “threat” when operating together on that left-hand side.
However, with Branthwaite operating at left-back, it would mean that Rashford does not have that overlap from Shaw, or indeed from any left-back, and has to hold the width on the left himself. This is not Rashford’s best role, and he would be better utilised in the left-half space with a flying full-back.
With that being said, it could be necessary for some games to play the Everton man at left-back, and Ten Hag can lean on that aforementioned tactical flexibility to help him get through games and make his side better equipped to beat the best sides.
Whilst it may be an expensive deal to do, Branthwiate could be at the heart of the United defence for the next ten years. He is a wonderful player, as shown by his stats and well-rated by the likes of van Nistelrooy. It could be a superb addition to United’s centre-back ranks this summer.
Better than Branthwaite: Man Utd plot bid for "monster" CB on top of Yoro
This would be a colossal statement of intent from INEOS.
ByAngus Sinclair Jul 9, 2024
“It’s great to be back in the fold as a player and try to build on the good work that the guys have been doing”
Deivarayan Muthu19-Dec-2020
Kane Williamson and Sarah Raheem welcomed the birth of their first child•Getty Images
After welcoming the birth of his first child with his partner Sarah Raheem, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson rejoined the side on the eve of the second T20I against Pakistan in Hamilton. The 30-year-old was on paternity leave when New Zealand beat West Indies in the Wellington Test and then beat Pakistan in Auckland to secure a 1-0 lead in the ongoing T20I series.Williamson described the past week as an “incredibly special” one and looked forward to returning to action on the field. “Obviously, you get a lot of advice on the way on what to expect and you try to take that into account, but you can’t quite expect it eh? It’s just so amazing, really, to be there through it, and obviously to have a few days at home has been really, really cool,” Williamson told NZC. “But at the same time, it’s nice to get back with the guys and looking forward to getting involved in some of these T20s.”Williamson was welcomed back by fellow dads Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor, who isn’t part of the T20I squad, at the Seddon Park nets.Watch cricket on ESPN+
New Zealand vs Pakistan is available in the US on ESPN+. Subscribe to ESPN+ and tune in to the series
“There’re a lot of guys in the team that now have children,” Williamson said. “In a lot of ways, you go through the years and you’re all the young guys, and now you’re not so young, and you have a few other interests. There’s a lot of kids in among the team which is really, really cool.”It’s just an incredibly special experience to have. It’s really hard to put words into how you feel and going through it, and the appreciation you have for your wives and partners that are obviously bearing so much of that whole experience.” While bowling coach Shane Jurgensen also joined Guptill and Taylor in embracing Williamson at training, head coach Gary Stead said he was “pleased” for Williamson and Sarah.”He’s quite tired, so a bit bleary-eyed, I think,” Stead said. “But, overall he’s hitting them well. Just normal Kane – gets about and does his business. It’s always nice, I guess, when you welcome a new addition into the family and we’re all so pleased for Kane and Sarah. Delighted that everything is well and back in with us in the cricket team as well.”Williamson had also been rested for the three T20Is against West Indies, which kicked off New Zealand’s international home summer, after playing a crucial role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s run to the IPL knockouts. In his absence, newbie Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips took charge of the middle order, while Mitchell Santner got his first taste of captaincy. Then, in the series opener against Pakistan on Friday, Jacob Duffy came away with the best figures by a Black Cap on T20I debut.Williamson was enthused by the progress of the fringe players and hoped to build on the gains made over the last couple of months.”They’ve been playing beautifully well and with real energy and the team has changed a bit within the last series and this series,” Williamson said. “It has been awesome to see so many new faces step up really, really well. Guys who we’ve seen in the international scene that have come back in and played with heaps of confidence and that’s been really cool to watch. It’s great to be back in the fold as a player and catch up with some of the guys and try to build on some of the good work that they’ve been doing.”As for Stead, he felt that the selection headaches may not be a bad thing as New Zealand tune up for next year’s T20 World Cup in India. Other seniors like Tim Southee and Trent Boult are also back in the T20I side, but New Zealand will still be without Lockie Ferguson (injured) and Santner (rested). This could present another chance for the likes of Scott Kuggeleijn and Todd Astle to press their claims for a permanent role in the T20I side.Kuggeleijn consistently hit speeds north of 140kph and found steep bounce at Eden Park. Earlier this year in the CPL, he varied his pace cleverly and was the top wicket-taker with 17 strikes at an economy of 7.78 for Daren Sammy’s St Lucia Zouks. Astle had retired from red-ball cricket in January to focus on his limited-overs career and has been among the most economical bowlers in the 50-over Ford Trophy this season, conceding at only 4.90.”That’s [selection headaches] always a good sign – but the big focus is still the World Cup in 11 months’ time or something like that, so that’s the end goal,” Stead said. But we keep working back from there and that’s good that we’re creating some good, healthy competition for places. But soon we will get to the point where we actually narrow down what our best team is as well. Every game we do [that] we get a little bit closer to solving those puzzles.”Pakistan had a horror start at Eden Park, losing four wickets in the powerplay, but they got better as the game progressed and made the hosts dig deep. With the first match out of the way, Stead was wary of Pakistan and expected them to get even better.”I think teams always get better after the first hit-out and I mean they’re still a real quality team and certainly not a team we won’t be taking lightly,” he said. “So, hopefully we improve as well and we get better, but we also expect them to.”
أعلن نادي ريال مدريد عن غياب لاعبه أمام ريال مايوركا بالدور نصف النهائي من بطولة كأس السوبر الإسباني مساء اليوم، الخميس.
ويلتقي ريال مدريد وريال مايوركا مساء اليوم في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة” على ملعب “الجوهرة المشعة” في مدينة “جدة” في المملكة العربية السعودية.
وكان برشلونة قد افتتح مباريات البطولة بالأمس وفاز على أتلتيك بلباو بهدفين نظيفين وينتظر الفائز من مباراة ريال مدريد وريال مايوركا في النهائي يوم 12 يناير.
اقرأ أيضًا | يامال: ريال مدريد أم مايوركا؟ لا يهمنا الخصم في النهائي.. وعلينا العودة باللقب
Parte médico de Modrić.#RealMadrid — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 9, 2025
ولكن بيان ريال مدريد عبر موقعه الرسمي الإلكتروني يؤكد أن لاعب وقائد الفريق، لوكا مودريتش، لن يتواجد في مباراة ريال مايوركا اليوم للمرض.
حيث تعرض مودريتش لإصابة بعدوى فيروسية، وبالتالي، لن يتمكن من التواجد في قائمة المباراة اليوم في انتظار تحسن حالته.
ولم يكشف ريال مدريد عن موقف مودريتش من المباراة النهائية في حالة الفوز على ريال مايوركا والتأهل إلى النهائي لمواجهة برشلونة في كلاسيكو منتظر.
MatériaMais Notícias
A empresária Leila Pereira definiu a composição de sua chapa para a disputa da eleição presidencial no Palmeiras. São quatro vices escolhidos e todos já trabalham no clube, sendo que o primeiro nome, Paulo Buosi, já ocupa a função. A informação foi publicada em primeira mão pelo jornalista André Galvão.
Além de Buosi, Maria Tereza Ambrósio Bellangero, Neive Conceição Bulla de Andrade e Tarso Luiz Furtado Gouveia fazem parte da chapa. No Palmeiras, Maria cumpre a função de diretora estatutária de patinação, enquanto Neiva é membro do Conselho de Orientação e Fiscalização e Tarso trabalha como diretor do departamento de interior.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasBastidores: Após irritação de Dudu, Abel reforça ‘todos somos um’ dentro do elenco do PalmeirasPalmeiras22/09/2021PalmeirasPalmeiras se reapresenta após empate na Libertadores e inicia preparação para o DérbiPalmeiras22/09/2021PalmeirasDudu reage à declaração de Abel após empate: ‘O Palmeiras é muito maior do que todos, sim, claro!Palmeiras22/09/2021
Favorito ao pleito, o grupo de Leila Pereira concorrerá com Mario Gianni, candidato da oposição que tem vínculos com Mustafá Contursi, conselheiro vitalício do clube. O registro da chapa ainda não foi efetuado, mas deve ocorrer em breve.
O detalhe é que Gianni não terá o apoio do ex-mandatário Paulo Nobre, e tampouco de seus parceiros. Apesar da expectativa de contar com suporte do grupo, os participantes deixaram claro que não tem intenções de atuar nas eleições alviverdes.
O mandato do atual presidente Maurício Galiotte se encerra no final do mês novembro, quando acontece o pleito. Antes de concorrer ao cargo na Assembleia de Sócios, é necessário conseguir 15% de aprovação no Conselho. Ao final do processo, será eleito o presidente que ficará três anos na cadeira presidencial do Palmeiras.
continua após a publicidade
Chapa Palmeiras de Todos.
Presidente Leila Pereira
1 Vice-presidente Paulo Roberto Buosi
2 Vice-presidente Maria Tereza Ambrósio Bellangero
3 Vice-presidente Neive Conceição Bulla de Andrade
4 Vice-presidente Tarso Luiz Furtado Gouveia. pic.twitter.com/kdYUPOwHDx— Leila Pereira (@leilapereiralp) September 22, 2021
With the summer transfer window now in full swing, Newcastle United are interested in a move for a winger who could be an exciting addition to Eddie Howe's side.
Eddie eyes attacking reinforcements
The biggest story currently doing the rounds on Tyneside surrounds the future of Anthony Gordon. The England international is attracting attention from numerous Premier League sides, with Liverpool currently looking like the most likely destination for the Merseyside-born star.
Newcastle move to hijack midfielder after Aston Villa's £21.1m bid
He has been called a “big character” by Gary Neville.
ByHenry Jackson Jul 9, 2024
In terms of incomings, the Magpies appear to be the latest team linked with a move for Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville. Mainz winger Brajan Gruda is another name rumoured to be making a move to Tyneside, with the Magpies currently battling with Bundesliga titans Bayern Munich for the exciting talent's signature.
With a new winger clearly high on PIF's list of targets, it appears that the Magpies have set their sights on a wide-man who English fans will be well aware of.
Toon target move for Barcelona forward
As first reported by Football Insider's Wayne Veysey, Newcastle United have registered their interest in signing Barcelona’s Raphinha. The Toon are said to be in the market for a new winger this summer and view the Brazilian winger as a perfect option going into next season.
Whilst the outlet claims that the Magpies are interested in a deal for the 27-year-old, it states that a deal between Newcastle and the Catalan giants is not close at this stage. Despite this, there is a good chance that Raphinha will be shown the door, owing to the meteoric rise of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.
The Brazilian was limited to just 28 league appearances last season, only completing a full 90 minutes on a handful of occasions. Even amid his lack of consistent game time, Raphinha managed to contribute 6 goals and 9 assists over the course of the previous campaign.
Former Barcelona boss Xavi picked up on the 27-year-old's quality despite his limited minutes, branding the winger an "extraordinary player" during a press conference in February 2023.
And despite his somewhat lacklustre period with Barcelona, English fans will best remember Raphinha for his performances with Leeds United, which earned the Brazilian his £55million move to Camp Nou in the first place.
Raphinha played 67 games for the Elland Road outfit, scoring 17 goals and contributing 12 assists whilst the Whites shone under the management of Marcelo Bielsa. It was his exploits in West Yorkshire that led to Barcelona and Brazil legend Ronaldinho asking his former side to sign the player, saying that he "would very much like him to come [to Barcelona], he has a lot of quality".
Whilst Ronaldinho did get his wish to see Raphinha play in Catalonia, his time in Barcelona has not gone to plan, and the Brazilian is likely to be on his way out this summer. If Newcastle are serious about signing the player, the Toon could get a great deal for the 27-year-old and bring him back to England.
England have announced that the two suspected cases of Covid-19 within their touring party were false positives, following independent ratification of the tests.The ECB revealed on Sunday that a full round of tests had returned “unconfirmed positive” results for two members of the touring group, understood to be a player and a member of support staff.Neither displayed any symptoms, raising the possibility that they had received false positives, and after further analysis of the results in both Cape Town and London, Professor Nick Peirce, the ECB’s chief medical officer, issued a statement to say that neither individual was Covid-positive.ALSO READ: England blame ‘unacceptable’ nets after claims of Covid protocols breach“Following the independent ratification of the two unconfirmed positive Covid-19 tests from the England camp in South Africa, the England and Wales Cricket Board can confirm that, following further testing and analysis, in the opinion of the independent virologists based in Cape Town and London, the two individuals are not infected, and do not pose any risk of passing on the infection to the rest of the party,” the statement said.”As such, the advice is they are now free to join the rest of the group and are no longer self-isolating.”Ashley Giles, the ECB director of men’s cricket, and medical staff would have been among those to stay behind in South Africa until December 15 if the individuals had been confirmed as positive. Instead, they will be free to fly home on Thursday on the team’s chartered flight.Sam Billings, Lewis Gregory, Liam Livingstone and Jason Roy will all travel to Australia to begin a 14-day quarantine period ahead of the Big Bash League, while it is understood that Jake Ball may join them after being sounded out as a possible replacement for Tom Curran at the Sydney Sixers.The Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town, where England and South Africa’s squads have been staying•Getty Images
Meanwhile, the South African player who tested positive before the ODI series – understood to be Heinrich Klaasen, who also missed the third T20I – has returned home to Johannesburg after returning a negative test on Monday.Confirmation that the players were not infected with Covid-19 came less than 24 hours after the tour’s abandonment, with the chief executives of both CSA and ECB citing player welfare in the decision to postpone the three-match ODI series indefinitely.Giles told British newspapers in Cape Town last night that the call had been taken in recognition of the fact that the squad felt distracted and had been unsettled by news of the initial positive results.”These guys have been living in bubbles for long periods of time and their mental health and wellbeing is the absolute priority for us,” he said. “I think we felt ultimately focusing on a game of cricket, and trying to squeeze two games into two days when this had been going on in the background, was going to be particularly difficult and we were better off calling it and looking to re-arrange these fixtures at a better time.”Giles had also confirmed the England camp’s doubts about the efficacy of CSA’s Covid protocols, though news that nobody in the touring party was infected with the virus will be reassuring for the home board ahead of scheduled series against Sri Lanka, Australia and Pakistan later this season.”I think the thing that really raised the levels of anxiety and nervousness were that we were coming into a biosecure environment and from very early on it appeared that it wasn’t biosecure,” Giles said. “I think the South African [team] doctor has said he could understand our nervousness because of that.”In future, perhaps we can never guarantee a place is biosecure. Maybe we have to adapt but that is the environment we expected when we came here.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold hailed Liverpool colleague Virgil van Dijk as he claimed the Dutchman does not have a weakness.
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