All posts by h716a5.icu

Sachin Tendulkar has opted not to join Middlesex for this summer’s domestic Twenty20 Cup, telling the county that the additional workload would place too much pressure on an already busy international schedule.

Cricinfo staff15-Jan-2010Sachin Tendulkar has opted not to join Middlesex for this summer’s domestic Twenty20 Cup, telling the county that the additional workload would place too much pressure on an already busy international schedule. It had been hoped that he would join Adam Gilchrist, who has already signed a contract with Middlesex, for the 2010 edition of the competition.”We are all naturally extremely disappointed that Sachin has reached the decision not to join us this year, as without doubt, his presence within the Middlesex ranks alongside Adam Gilchrist would have been a major coup for the club,” said Vinny Codrington, Middlesex CCC chief executive. “”When the news initially broke that we were in negotiations with Sachin, it quite rightly created major headlines in all the sports pages, and it’s a real shame we have been unable to reach a satisfactory outcome to our discussions with him. Sachin was very open and honest with us when advising us of his decision and he went to lengths to express how flattered he was that a club like Middlesex were so keen to have him on board.”Whilst extremely keen to join the club, Sachin felt he wished to concentrate his efforts on prolonging his international career at the top of world cricket, and believed that the additional workload of playing Twenty20 cricket in the UK for Middlesex this year would place too much pressure on his already busy cricketing schedule.”Tendulkar, 36, also opted out of the tri-series in Bangladesh earlier this month in preparation for Test series against Bangladesh and South Africa. He gave up Twenty20 cricket at international level after just one match in 2006, but is captain of Mumbai Indians in the IPL.”We would like to express our thanks to John Stephenson, MCC’s Head of Cricket, for all his help, and we wish Sachin continued success with India and our thanks go to him for giving the Club every consideration,” added Codrington.

According to The Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa look unlikely to land target Harold Moukoudi this January. 

The 21-year-old defender is currently with Ligue 2 outfit Le Havre, but his agent has said that the player is more likely to join a Ligue 1 side rather than move abroad.

This would have been a great addition to Dean Smith’s squad, not only for this season, but for many years to come. He would have added security to The Villans’ defence, which looks disconcertingly barren at the moment. Furthermore, the Frenchman would have been a huge figure in the Villa defence next season for a promotion push, or even in the Premier League.

The Lions have already signed Kortney Hause this month on loan from Wolves, but that was surely not going to be enough for a defence that has only had one fit centre-back on a number of occasions this season. Aston Villa will want another new face at Villa Park in defence this January, and this latest news will therefore be a huge blow to Villa.

However, with over a week remaining in the transfer window to recruit a new name, Villa still have time, but it is certainly running out. Villa fans would be severely worried if it reaches the final days of the window and they have not signed someone else, but that could be a reality. Of course, a lot of this depends on FFP rules, as Villa have had a lot of financial problems, but fans and staff at Villa will be the first to say that the defence is still a problem for the club.

With the 2022 January transfer window now open, this will allow clubs such as Leeds United to make any potential transfer deals that they may want to complete to strengthen their squad.

Looking ahead to the next few weeks, it seems as though Bielsa has his eye on one player that he would like to see in his squad in the future.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Pete O’Rourke had this to say about Bielsa’s interest in Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien.

He said: “I think he was interested in O’Brien. He does like him as a player. He thinks he’s got the style and profile that fits the way he wants to play football.”

As a product of Huddersfield’s youth system, O’Brien has made a total of 107 appearances for the Championship club across all competitions in which he has managed to score seven goals and provide eight assists along the way.

Having been linked with a move to Elland Road during the previous summer transfer window to the point that Leeds reportedly made four offers to Huddersfield for with a maximum reported transfer bid of £13m, this shows just how desperate Leeds were to sign the 23-year-old.

This also doesn’t make it much of a surprise to hear the extent of Bielsa’s interest in the player from O’Rourke.

However, it would still excite a lot of Leeds fans to hear just how infatuated the manager is with the player, potentially reopening the door for another move for the midfielder during the current January transfer window.

Although, with the Englishman putting pen to paper on a new long-term deal at Huddersfield back in September that will see him stay at the Championship club until 2025, it could take a lot more than the £13m bid Leeds offered a few months ago if they want to sign him this time around.

If Bielsa is still desperate to bring O’Brien to Elland Road, then Leeds’ hierarchy should definitely explore the possibility of potentially signing him this month and eventually granting their Argentine tactician his wish of adding the Terriers ace to his squad.

With Leeds only having three senior players in their squad that predominantly play in the central-midfield role, it could be worth the club signing another option for this position whether they are able to secure O’Brien’s signature or not to give them a bit of extra depth.

On the evidence of their injuries, primarily in that third of the pitch, it provides another reason for fans to be elated about their interest in him.

In other news: Bielsa can finally axe “humiliating” Leeds dud by signing “first-class” 28 y/o machine – opinion

Alastair Cook failed to shine with the bat again but Bangladesh also ran into problems ahead of next week’s first Test at Lord’s when they collapsed against England Lions at Derby

19-May-2010
ScorecardAdam Gale extended his good form for Yorkshire to steady England Lions•Getty ImagesAlastair Cook failed to shine with the bat again but Bangladesh also ran into problems ahead of next week’s first Test at Lord’s when they collapsed against England Lions at Derby.England opener Cook made only 31 after the tourists had slipped from 109 for 1 to be bowled out for 220, with Steve Kirby taking three wickets in 18 balls.Ravi Bopara returned from England’s Twenty20 World Cup triumph to run through the tail, finishing with 3 for 9, but he made only 12 with the bat as the Lions were reduced to 16 for 2, and Cook’s lean season continued when he mistimed a pull.Andrew Gale then led a recovery with an unbeaten 63 as the Lions ended day one on 125 for 3. Bangladesh had batted well in the morning after they were put in against a Lions attack which struggled for the right length, but the innings was undermined by some rash shots.Tamim Iqbal drove and glanced Kirby for three consecutive fours and Imrul Kayes brought up the 50 in the 11th over when he off-drove Chris Woakes to the ropes. Kayes was dropped on 20 when he drove James Harris low to Woakes in the covers but Iqbal’s attacking instincts betrayed him when he top-edged a hook at Liam Plunkett and was caught at fine leg for 36.Kayes looked well set until he flashed at Woakes and was caught behind for 42, and the tourists’ decline gathered pace after lunch as the seamers found a more consistent line. Junaid Siddique was taken by a juggling Moeen Ali at second slip for 30 and Mohammad Ashraful suffered his first failure of the tour when he edged a big drive at Kirby.The Gloucestershire paceman then found some extra bounce to have Mushfiqur Rahim caught by Ali for a single and Plunkett struck with his first ball back when Jahurul Islam mistimed a pull to mid on.The tourists were in deep trouble at 158 for 7 after Abdur Razzak edged Woakes to first slip but Mahmudullah responded by hooking Plunkett for two consecutive sixes before he pulled Bopara to Monty Panesar at fine leg.Panesar did not bowl in the innings which was quickly polished off by Bopara, who replaced the injured Michael Carberry. Bopara then failed with the bat, taken at second slip by Robiul Islam, and Moeen Ali went first ball when he edged low to Kayes.Cook and Gale had some uncomfortable moments against the tourists’ seamers but were rebuilding the innings until the skipper pulled Rubel Hossain to mid-on. Gale completed his half-century from 71 balls and shared an unbroken stand of 50 with James Taylor to leave the Lions 95 behind at the close.

The Portuguese striker's petulance is overshadowing his form at Al-Nassr, and setting a poor example for the next generation

“There are people out there who hate me and who say I’m arrogant, vain and whatever. That’s all part of my success. I am made to be the best,” Cristiano Ronaldo said in 2016 interview with Spanish outlet . “We cannot live being obsessed with what other people think about us. It’s impossible to live like that. Not even God managed to please the entire world.”

Portugal's favourite son has never been one for humility. No one really read that much into his attitude back then, though, as he was still at the peak of his powers in a Real Madrid team sweeping aside all-comers in the Champions League.

But eight years on, there is no question that Ronaldo's character flaws are outweighing his impact on the pitch. He said his "work in Europe is done" when signing a record-breaking contract at Al-Nassr in January last year, but really had nowhere else to turn after an acrimonious end to his second spell at Manchester United.

Since then Ronaldo has gone to great lengths to try and prove he remains relevant, completely contradicting his past comments in the process. It seems that, now, nothing is more important to the 39-year-old than how he is perceived by the public, and that narcissistic mindset is threatening to ruin the final chapter of his illustrious career.

Getty ImagesMissing the bigger picture

Ronaldo has been scoring for fun at Al-Nassr, and no one bettered his haul of 54 goals for club and country in 2023. The Portuguese took delight in outdoing "young animals" like Manchester City's Erling Haaland, and insisted he could still play on for another 10 years, but he's missing the bigger picture.

The Saudi Pro League is still a long way from being one of the top divisions in world football, despite the influx of European talent to the Middle East over the past year. Ronaldo's prolific output in the final third counts for little among the purists, who just see a once-great player stat-padding while pocketing obscene wages.

There would be nothing wrong with that, if he was still being a role model to the millions of youngsters that look up to him and could admit that Al-Nassr is just a place for him to wind down towards retirement. But Ronaldo seems to still genuinely believe he is the number one player in the game, and construes any suggestion otherwise as a personal attack.

AdvertisementGetty Images – Goal ARCourting controversy

Ronaldo netted his 22nd goal of the 2023-24 Pro League season from the penalty spot last Sunday, setting Al-Nassr on their way to a crucial 3-2 victory over Al-Shabab that keeps them within sight of Al-Hilal at the top of the table. However, after the final whistle, Ronaldo was too distracted by the home crowd to focus on celebrating the three points with his team-mates.

Al-Shabab supporters attempted to rile Ronaldo up with chants for his long-time rival Lionel Messi, and got what they wanted, with footage on social media showing the striker cupping his hand to his ear before making a lewd fist-pumping gesture in front of his genital area.

There appeared to be little doubt Ronaldo was motioning in the direction of the fans, and the Saudi FA subsequently launched an investigation, amid a fierce public backlash. Ronaldo was eventually punished with a one-game ban and 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300) fine by an ethics and disciplinary committee.

The final verdict came after remarks from popular Saudi journalist Waleed Al-Farraj, who had urged the FA to make an example of Ronaldo – as reports. “Everything has limits, no matter how (much of a) star you are,” Al-Farraj said.

Getty'Used to it in Europe'

According to , Ronaldo explained his actions in an official statement. He is reported to have said: "I respect all clubs and the action in the shot expresses strength and victory and is not disgraceful, and we are used to it in Europe."

The sheer ignorance of that statement cannot be overlooked. Ronaldo is not in Europe anymore, and it is his duty to be aware of Saudi Arabia's conservative customs as a foreign national.

has reported that Ronaldo's gesture was seen as "immoral" by a country known for its strong religious beliefs, and he should consider himself lucky that he's not facing a much longer suspension. And to make matters even worse, it's not the first time that the former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar has exhibited such childish behaviour in his first year in the Middle East.

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Previous escapes

Ronaldo was faced with more Messi taunts during Al-Nassr's 2-0 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Riyadh Season Cup final on February 8, and allowed his frustration to get the better of him again when making his way down the tunnel.

Al-Hilal supporters threw a team scarf at Ronaldo, which he then appeared to rub near his crotch before hurling it back in the direction it came from. There were no sanctions imposed after that incident, with the Portugal international getting the benefit of the doubt despite similar controversy in April last year.

After another loss to Al-Hilal, this time in the final weeks of the 2022-23 Pro League season, Ronaldo grabbed his crotch when trudging off the pitch, much to the outrage of Saudi lawyer Nouf Bint Ahmad. She described the gesture as a "crime that requires detention and deportation" in a post on social media, and Ronaldo was subjected to another investigation, before ultimately being cleared of any wrongdoing.

Al-Nassr even came out to defend their prized asset, saying in a quite frankly absurd official statement: "Ronaldo suffers from an injury. His challenge with Gustavo Cuellar, the Al-Hilal player, started with a blow in a very sensitive area. This is confirmed information. As for the fans’ explanations, they are free to think whatever they want.”

South Africa will play a Gabba Test for the first time in 49 years and Sri Lanka will return to the MCG for their first Boxing Day Test since Muttiah Muralitharan was no-balled for throwing in 1995, as part of Australia’s international schedule for 2012-1

Brydon Coverdale19-Jul-2012South Africa will play a Gabba Test for the first time in 49 years and Sri Lanka will return to the MCG for their first Boxing Day Test since Muttiah Muralitharan was no-balled for throwing in 1995, as part of Australia’s international schedule for 2012-13. The summer will also feature a Twenty20 against Sri Lanka at Sydney’s Olympic Park on January 26, the first time in a decade Adelaide Oval has missed out on hosting the national team on Australia Day.Australia will also play an international in Canberra for the first time, a one-dayer against West Indies, who will visit for a five-match ODI series in February. The one-day tri-series, which was reinstated last summer when India and Sri Lanka competed, has not surprisingly been ditched again, and both Sri Lanka and West Indies will play separate limited-overs series against Australia.The international season will begin at the Gabba on November 9 with the first Test against South Africa, who will then move on to play Tests in Adelaide from November 22 to 26 and Perth from November 30 to December 4. South Africa’s desire to play cricket at home around the Christmas-New Year period meant the only option was to play them earlier in the season.The Gabba match will be South Africa’s first Test in Brisbane since 1963, when Ian Meckiff was no-balled for throwing and Graeme Pollock made his Test debut. Australia have not lost a Test at the Gabba since 1988, when West Indies beat them, and facing Dale Steyn and his colleagues at the venue could provide them with their toughest challenge yet to keep that record alive.Sri Lanka’s three-Test series begins in Hobart on December 14, and it could be an extra special match for the Tasmanian fans. If Ricky Ponting plays all three Tests against South Africa he will be in line to break Steve Waugh’s all-time record of 168 Test appearances for Australia and he will do so at his home ground, Bellerive Oval.Sri Lanka will then play the MCG Boxing Day Test for only the second time, and while the first holds dark memories for the Sri Lankans after Muralitharan’s no-balling, both teams have moved on since then. Ponting is the only man who played in that Test who is likely to be part of this year’s Boxing Day encounter, and the Sri Lankans have enjoyed success at the MCG in the shorter formats over the past few years.The Test summer finishes with the third Test against Sri Lanka, at the SCG from January 3 to 7, before the limited-overs part of the season kicks in. From January 11 to 23, Sri Lanka play five ODIs at the MCG, Adelaide Oval, Gabba, SCG and Bellerive, before two Twenty20 internationals in Sydney on January 26 and Melbourne on January 28.It will be the first time since 2003 that Adelaide Oval has not hosted the national team on Australian Day, a decision that came about largely because the venue is being redeveloped and will have a reduced capacity this summer. Adelaide’s Australia Day tradition is expected to resume when the ground’s redevelopment is complete.The final part of the international summer will consist of five ODIs and a T20 against West Indies from February 1 to 13. As part of Canberra’s centenary celebrations, Manuka Oval will host an ODI on February 6, and the other one-dayers will be held at the WACA, SCG and MCG, before the Gabba finishes the international season with the one-off T20.”Over the last 12 to 24 months we’ve seen some young and exciting talent injected into the Australian men’s team and those changes are starting to reap the rewards of the hard work led by Michael Clarke and Mickey Arthur,” James Sutherland, the Cricket Australia chief executive, said. “The Australian men’s team has a chance to test themselves early in the summer against a very strong South African side and the series is a great way to start the program.”We’re also fortunate to have Sri Lanka back again. They play a very entertaining and attacking style of cricket and as we saw last year have a passionate and vocal fan base around Australia. This year we also return to head-to-head Commonwealth Bank Series and a highlight will be the Australian men’s team first international match in Canberra.”The match is part of a big year of celebrations for Canberra and fans will be spoilt for choice with West Indies playing in the city twice and Sri Lanka once over the course of the summer. The Test and one-day series are again complemented by KFC T20 Internationals, including the Australia Day blockbuster at Sydney Olympic Park that I’m confident will draw a bumper crowd after last year’s first international match at the venue.”Australia’s schedule for 2012-13
Nov 2-4: Australia A v South Africans, Sydney

Nov 9-13: Australia v South Africa, 1st Test, Gabba
Nov 22-26: Australia v South Africa, 2nd Test, Adelaide Oval
Nov 30-Dec 4: Australia v South Africa, 3rd Test, WACA

Dec 6-8: CA Chairman’s XI v Sri Lankans, Manuka Oval, Canberra

Dec 14-18: Australia v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Bellerive Oval
Dec 26-30: Australia v Sri Lanka, 2nd Test, MCG
Jan 3-7: Australia v Sri Lanka, 3rd Test, SCG

Jan 11: Australia v Sri Lanka, 1st ODI, MCG
Jan 13: Australia v Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI, Adelaide Oval
Jan 18: Australia v Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI, Gabba
Jan 20: Australia v Sri Lanka, 4th ODI, SCG
Jan 23: Australia v Sri Lanka, 5th ODI, Bellerive Oval

Jan 26: Australia v Sri Lanka, 1st T20I, Sydney Olympic Park
Jan 28: Australia v Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I, MCG

TBC: Prime Minister’s XI v West Indians, Manuka Oval, Canberra

Feb 1: Australia v West Indies, 1st ODI, WACA
Feb 3: Australia v West Indies, 2nd ODI, WACA
Feb 6: Australia v West Indies, 3rd ODI, Manuka Oval, Canberra
Feb 8: Australia v West Indies, 4th ODI, SCG
Feb 10: Australia v West Indies, 5th ODI, MCG

Feb 13: Austalia v West Indies, Only T20I, Gabba

Ricky Ponting has called on Australia’s batsmen to lift their game ahead of Saturday’s second ODI against New Zealand in Auckland

Cricinfo staff04-Mar-2010Ricky Ponting has called on Australia’s batsmen to lift their game ahead of Saturday’s second ODI against New Zealand in Auckland. Ponting was unhappy with the way several players, including himself, failed to capitalise on promising starts in the first game in Napier, where Australia’s 275 was overhauled by New Zealand.It was the first one-day loss for Australia since October 31, when they went down in the third game of their tour of India. However, Ponting was in no mood to be generous after his men raced to 50 for 1 from six overs, only to finish with a sub-par total.”After we got off to such a great start, we probably just took things for granted a little bit and expected that the run-rate was going to continue to go that way,” Ponting said after the game. “Before we knew it we had lost two or three wickets and all of a sudden we were back under pressure again.”There were problems in the middle overs as Ponting fell for 44, Michael Clarke for 22 and Cameron White for 33. None of them were at their most fluent and the run-rate dropped until Michael Hussey and Mitchell Johnson moved things along a bit quicker in the later stages.”I was out there at the time, I was feeling it as much as anybody,” Ponting said. “At different times like that you have to change your game a little bit and adapt and get through and none of us did that today. A lot of our batsmen need to look at themselves long and hard to make sure they do better next time.”Every game that we play has to be like it is your last. I didn’t think we were necessarily playing with that sort of attitude tonight, especially with our bowling and our fielding. We’ve got a little bit of work to do before the next game.”

USMNT leged Clint Dempsey believes that the 2024 Copa America could either be the peak or end of boss Gregg Berhalter's tenure.

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Dempsey gives exclusive Berhalter interviewBelieves Copa America is make-or-break for USMNT bossSays 'questions' will come about if bad performances arriveWHAT HAPPENED?

On the set of with CBS Sports Soccer, Dempsey spoke to the Daily Mail about Berhalter's current form with the USMNT. The ex-striker believes, now, that the next year will define the American's time with the USA – NOT – the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The result of that tournament is in the past, and this is a new era for his squad, meaning they can only look forward.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Berhalter's performances of late have put him under the scrutiny of many after falling to Germany in an international friendly in October, and then suffering an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Trinidad and Tobago in the Concacaf Nations League in November. Now, with the biggest tournament of 2024 upon him, Dempsey believes that Copa America could define his tenure with the USMNT.

WHAT DEMPSEY SAID

"I think Copa America is truly how you're going to be graded for the team,' Dempsey told Mail Sport, 'And, you know, for the coaches, are we doing the right thing? Because you're not gonna get another bigger opportunity to do well in the World Cup on home soil in 2026. So if you do well in [the Copa America] and you're building towards something, then that's great. But if you're not, I think there's still time to change things if you need to.
"You don't do well, then you're always on the chopping block,' Dempsey added. "That's what comes with every job, right? If you're not performing, the question starts to be asked. So I think there's still time to show what you can do. But I think Copa America is going to be a huge test for this team and for this coach in terms of where we're going."

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WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

The USSF have scheduled an international friendly against Slovenia for January 20, with the first test of the year for Berhalter and co. being against the EURO 2024 side. For now, though, Berhalter will be having his eyes on his player's club performances, especially that of Ricardo Pepi, who notched a stoppage-time winner for PSV in the Champions League Wednesday.

Lionel Messi scored a second-half winner against Toulouse on Saturday to lift the Ligue 1 leaders in the absence of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Lionel Messi lurked for most of Paris Saint-Germain's contest against Toulouse. He floated around, enjoyed a few touches, and served as an unnerving presence, more a warning than an attacking threat.

But then, he came to life. As he always does. With PSG locked at 1-1 with the mid-table side, Messi drifted towards the top of the box, and whipped a loose ball into the bottom corner.

Messi has scored that goal countless times. And on this occasion, it lifted PSG to a vital Ligue 1 win.

Toulouse took the lead inside 20 minutes, with Branco van den Boomen sweeping a free kick past a wrong-footed Gianluigi Donnarumma.

PSG struggled for a creative spark in the fitness-related absence of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, with Lionel Messi a peripheral figure in the early goings. Achraf Hakimi provided a moment of magic, though, firing into the bottom corner from 20 yards out to equalise.

Things changed in the second half, with Messi inevitably popping up with the goal to put his side ahead. Hakimi laid the ball off to the World Cup winner just outside the box, who curled his shot past a helpless goalkeeper.

Toulouse had one clear chance late on, but Donnarumma equaled a scrappy effort after a scramble in the box. And it was all about Messi in the end, the Argentine stepping up in the absence of Mbappe and Neymar, dragging PSG to the finish line.

Getty ImagesThe Winners

Achraf Hakimi:

On a day where PSG lacked creativity from their attacking players, Hakimi stepped up. He scored PSG's equaliser, cutting onto his weaker left foot before curling his effort into the far corner. Hakimi often found himself the furthest man forward, pushing down the right wing and stretching the Toulouse back-line. It was never likely to be a tricky defensive game for the Morocco international, and he made sure to impact play at the other end.

Lionel Messi:

Inevitable, wasn't it? Everything seemed primed for one of games for Messi. Neymar and Mbappe out, the team struggling to create, a dogged defensive opponent. And so it continued, with Toulouse keeping Messi quiet for long stretches. The goal, predictably, came. It was a vintage Messi strike, curled into the far corner from just outside the box, with no space to work with. The World Cup winner had little further impact on the game, but it didn't really matter. Their Argentine magician had done it. What a player.

Warren Zaire-Emery:

Rarely is a player so young so composed. Zaire-Emery became PSG's second-youngest ever Ligue 1 scorer with a calm finish midweek, and he built on that on Saturday. Yes, PSG have midfield injury problems. But the 16-year-old Zaire Emery was brought on for the misfiring Carlos Soler with 15 minutes remaining in a tight game — a clear indication of his manager's trust. This wasn't a flawless performance from the youngster – he looked a bit lost in more advanced positions – but every minute on the pitch is crucial for a player who looks increasingly ready to fulfil his potential as one of the world's best teenagers.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers

Renato Sanches:

PSG manager Christophe Galtier really seems to like Sanches. The Portuguese midfielder played under him at Lille last year, and he's started to show signs of the midfielder many expected him to be when he burst onto the scene as a teenager. His PSG career, though, has been marred by time spent on the sidelines. The injury bug reared its head again on Saturday. Sanches seemed to clutch his thigh and was in tears as he walked off the pitch after just 11 minutes. At the very least, it's encouraging that Sanches could help himself off. But he could face more time off the pitch.

Carlos Soler:

In a way, Soler is tasked with a near impossible job. Although PSG change their style without Neymar, Soler is asked to do a similar thing: make runs forward and create in the final third. The issue is, Soler is not Neymar. Galtier, of course, knows this. But the expectation that the Spaniard should make something happen seems to weigh on him. Soler frequently tries to do too much, and some of his quality in the final third is lacking. He was better Saturday than sometimes in the recent past, especially when the game became more stretched. But in the early goings, Soler looked like a weak link. He has been agreeable, if unspectacular, since coming into the side due to a litany of injuries. The dropoff from any of PSG's front three to Soler is glaring, though.

Getty ImagesPSG Ratings: Defence

Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):

Wrong footed for Toulouse's opener, but redeemed himself with an impressive save late on.

Achraf Hakimi (8/10):

A memorable showing. Scored the first and assisted the second, and was often the furthest PSG player forward.

Marquinhos (7/10):

Some nice blocks, reliable passes.

Danilo Pereira (6/10):

Solid at the back, even better when moved to the no.6

Nuno Mendes (5/10):

Still working his way back to full fitness. Could've been sent off for a rash challenge when already on a yellow.

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Getty ImagesMidfield

Carlos Soler (6/10):

Fine, but not Neymar. Which is tricky when you're supposed to be doing the stuff that Neymar does.

Renato Sanches (5/10):

Substituted within the first 15 minutes. Another injury blow for a player who just can't seem to stay fit.

Fabian Ruiz (5/10):

Followed a masterclass with an anonymous showing. A thoroughly strange footballer.

Vitinha (6/10):

Offered much-needed energy, got into the box quite a bit.

The newly-crowned league champions are the main force in the best XI this season, with Tottenham Hotspur well represented as well

Few people will be surprised to see Manchester City dominate the PFA Premier League Team of the Year by having five players named.

Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Nicolas Otamendi and Kyle Walker are the five newly-crowned English champions included in the XI due to their impressive performances for a side sitting 16 points clear at the top of the table with four games to go.

Despite Pep Guardiola's team's dominance of the league, there are more star-studded names throughout the squad.

Tottenham Hotspur are the next best represented side as star striker Harry Kane takes the centre-forward role, with Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen also included. 

Although still sitting second and third in the league, Manchester United and Liverpool only have one star each in the squad, with David de Gea taking his place between the posts and 30-goal hero and PFA Player of the Year Mohamed Salah adding to a mouth-watering attack.

Amid their poor title defence, Chelsea also saw one player named in the side, with Marcos Alonso earning praise for his impressive work on the left side.

David de Gea | Manchester UnitedThe Spanish goalkeeper has been pivotal in keeping the Red Devils in the fight for second place, with some of his individual displays being enough to justify his inclusion in the squad alone.AdvertisementGettyKyle Walker | Manchester CityThe right-back has looked worth the £50 million investment City parted with to lure the England international from Tottenham Hotspur. He has been a big presence for Pep Guardiola's side and is expected to be even more important for his country at the World Cup.GettyJan Vertonghen | Tottenham HotspurThe Belgian centre-back remains a fan favourite at Spurs and a huge asset for Mauricio Pochettino's men. Christian Eriksen is the only other Tottenham player to have started as many Premier League games this term.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty ImagesNicolas Otamendi | Manchester CityThe Argentine's development under Pep Guardiola has earned him a great deal of praise recently and his progress has been recognised with a place alongside Vertonghen.