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Ed Smith’s first squad as national selector includes a couple of big calls

George Dobell15-May-20183:44

Buttler selection not a snub to county cricket – Smith

Jos Buttler has earned a surprise recall to England’s Test team at the expense of James Vince, while the Somerset spinner, Dominic Bess, was the beneficiary of his team-mate Jack Leach’s misfortune, as the new national selector, Ed Smith, unveiled his squad for next week’s first Test against Pakistan.Buttler, who has not played red-ball cricket for England since the tour of India in November and December 2016, has found a rich vein of form for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL this month, with a tournament-record five consecutive half-centuries, including unbeaten scores of 95 and 94 in his last two innings.”Jos Buttler is an outstanding talent, who is already a central part of England’s white-ball teams,” Smith said. “The selection panel feels that this is the perfect moment to reintroduce Jos to Test cricket, where he has already enjoyed some success, including a stint playing as a specialist batsman at number seven. Jos is playing with great confidence and flair, and he will bring unique qualities to the Test team.”England squad for first Test v Pakistan

Joe Root (capt), Jimmy Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Mark Stoneman, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

He will return to the middle order, with Jonny Bairstow retaining the wicketkeeper’s role and moving up the order, meaning Vince is fall guy after a winter of false dawns, in spite of a timely Championship double-century for Hampshire against Somerset on Monday. Joe Root will bat at No.3 with Dawid Malan at No. 4.Vince, who was recalled to the Test squad for the Ashes, in spite of a mediocre start to his career against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2016, made an attractive 83 in his first Test innings of the winter, at Brisbane in November, and signed off with 76 against New Zealand at Christchurch last month. However, in between whiles, he made just one more score of fifty in nine innings, with a propensity to get himself out when well set costing him dear.Buttler has outperformed the rest of his IPL side in May•ESPNcricinfo LtdBess, meanwhile, has leapfrogged to the front of England’s spinning options, in the wake of a cruel injury for Leach in the nets at Taunton next week. A fractured left thumb means he will be out of action for both Pakistan Tests, and so will be unable to back up the promise he showed on Test debut in Christchurch last month. Moeen Ali was dropped for the final Test in New Zealand and has played no red-ball cricket since due to his spell at the IPL.”Dom Bess has made an excellent start to his first-class career,” Smith said. “He has impressed everyone with his performances for Somerset and when he has been given opportunities with England representative teams. With Jack Leach missing out due to injury, the selection panel wanted to invest opportunity in a young spin bowler. Dom’s strong form, character and all-round abilities presented a compelling case for selection.Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, who was recalled in Christchurch, will compete for the final fast-bowling spot while Mark Stoneman has retained his place at the top of the order despite a lean start to the season. He had faced pressure from an in-form Nick Gubbins.Meanwhile, Malan and Tom Curran have been awarded incremental contracts based on their performances in the 2017-18 period. Malan was one of the few successes in the Ashes while Curran became a regular part of the one-day side.

Newcastle United have had scouts keeping tabs on an exciting new defender, and a fresh report has revealed the chances of him moving to the Premier League.

What's the latest transfer news at Newcastle?

Last week, Eddie Howe received an in-house boost when Callum Wilson put pen to paper on a one-year contract extension that runs until 2025, but outside of the northeast, there have been a few names doing the rounds as to who the boss could potentially target in the market next year.

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs recently name-checked the black and white stripes as a possible destination for West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen should he be on the move, while other outlets have linked the likes of Paris Saint-Germain’s Hugo Ekitike and Royal Antwerp’s Arthur Vermeeren with a switch to St. James’ Park.

Now, a new name to have entered the fold is Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco who, having worked his way up through the academy ranks to get promoted to the first-team, has so far made 22 senior appearances for Jorge Almiron’s side.

In addition, Argentina’s youth international will be out of contract in December 2024 meaning that his club could be tempted to cash in should they receive a respectable offer to risk not losing him for free at the end of next year, and if the following update is to be believed, the 19-year-old has a whole host of clubs chasing him.

Are Newcastle signing Valentin Barco?

According to 90min, Newcastle, Chelsea, Manchester City, Brentford, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest have “all watched” Barco in recent weeks. However, Brighton and Hove Albion are currently in pole position to secure the defender’s services having already held talks with his representatives.

Celtic, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Porto, Roma, Juventus, PSG and Monaco have also been keeping close tabs on the in-demand teenager, but as previously stated, Roberto De Zerbi’s side are the favourites.

Boca Juniors are looking to get their prized asset to sign a new long-term contract to fend off interest, but with his current deal including a €10m (£8m) release clause, potential suitors have sniffed out the ideal opportunity to sign him.

How good is Valentin Barco?

Whilst Barco is still at a very young age, he’s already been dubbed the “Argentinian Marcelo” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and even though he might not be ready to be thrown straight into the senior action, he would be a fantastic signing for the long-term future of Newcastle.

Boca’s left-footed ace posted three contributions (two assists and one goal) in 19 outings across all competitions last season and loves to use his pace to burst down the flank and whip balls into the opposition’s box, racking up 48 crosses, which is the third-highest total throughout his squad, via FBRef.

Sponsored by Adidas, Barco, who represented his nation at the U20s World Cup, even has the versatility to operate everywhere down the left-hand side of the pitch in defence, midfield and attack, so this really is a no-brainer of a deal to pursue.

Seamer Mohammad Naveed contributed much to PNG’s slide, taking career-best ODI figures of 5 for 28

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Mar-2018Peter Della PennaMahuru Dai receives one demerit point

Papua New Guinea allrounder Mahuru Dai has received an official warning and one demerit point for violating Article 2.1.8 of the ICC code of conduct, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match”.
The incident occurred during PNG’s revised chase of 170, after Dai was caught by the substitute fielder off Rohan Mustafa. Dai admitted the offence, and accepted the sanction.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) kicked off their World Cup Qualifiers campaign on a very positive note, easing past Papua New Guinea (PNG) in a rain-hit encounter in Harare. PNG’s target was revised from 222 to 170 from 28 after a rain break, and they didn’t get close, folding for 113. Seamer Mohammad Naveed contributed much to this slide, taking career-best ODI figures of 5 for 28.At one point PNG looked in danger of missing out on triple digits, falling to 70 for 8; none of their top five got past 12, and the innings’ top score was 24 from No. 6 Charles Amini who was eventually run out.It was PNG who chose to chase, and UAE looked like there were keen to make them pay for this decision from the outset. Their openers Rohan Mustafa and Ashfaq Ahmed put on 91 at a brisk pace, but none could kick on to big hundreds. PNG enjoyed some relief after Ashfaq fell for 50 off 56, taking two more quick wickets.The UAE middle order could not quite get going thereafter, and Mustafa was kept in check too – he eventually fell five short of a hundred, having played out 136 balls. PNG must have felt relieved to have only 222 to chase, given UAE’s start. However, rain and Naveed intervened and spoiled those plans.

Everton are determined to strengthen their squad before the summer transfer window closes, and are considering bolstering the midfield after agreeing to the £22m sale of Alex Iwobi to Premier League rivals Fulham.

What's the latest on Harrison Reed to Everton?

According to the Independent [1st September, 10:10], Fulham central midfielder Harrison Reed has attracted the attention of the Toffees following Iwobi's departure to Craven Cottage.

The report claims that while Reed could sign a new deal with his London outfit, Wolves are pushing hard for his signature and Everton are also 'in the mix'.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

The Merseyside outfit have prioritised the bolstering of the attack this summer but now need to fortify the Goodison Park centre, especially after such a woeful start to the league season.

How good is Harrison Reed?

Something of an unsung hero, Reed has been a central figure for the Cottagers since joining the club from Southampton in a £6m deal in 2020 after spending the previous season at the club on loan.

The 28-year-old machine made 25 appearances for Fulham during the 2019/20 Championship season as the side clinched promotion to the Premier League, and while they continued their yo-yo existence with relegation the following year, he maintained his role as a dependable and assiduous member and now stars regularly for an outfit comfortably secure in the top-flight.

Indeed, having once been hailed as “immense” by one-time Southampton teammate Shane Long, the £30k-per-week gem started 35 league matches last term as Fulham recorded a tenth-placed finish upon their return to the big time, scoring three goals, supplying four assists, completing 80% of his passes and averaging 1.2 tackles per game.

A deceptively creative midfielder, Reed ranks among the top 16% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists and the top 15% for blocks per 90, as per FBref, with the respective metrics underscoring a dynamism to his craft, competent at both ends of the pitch.

While a very different type of player to Iwobi, Reed could impact the industriousness and even use his creativity to lessen the blow the Nigeria international's departure in that regard, having created eight goals in the Premier League last season.

With veteran Abdoulaye Doucoure's contract at Goodison Park set for expiry next summer, Dyche might be inclined to target Reed as a replacement, with the Fulham star capable of replicating the multi-functional qualities of the one-time Watford player.

Signing from Watford in a £20m deal in 2020, the 30-year-old has plundered ten goals and assists apiece from 99 outings for the Blues, and scored a tremendous volley to beat Bournemouth in the final match of the 2022/23 league season, preserving the club's Premier League status.

The £120k-per-week Malian is a natural goalscorer and ranks among the top 3% of positional peers for goals, while also among the top 16% for blocks per 90, and while Reed does not boast the same innate striking knack, he could emulate his role as a solid central force, providing a new dimension to the forward efforts too.

Dyche would be wise to push for a swoop after selling Iwobi to Reed's current outfit, and while he is not the biggest name on the block, he might surprise a few on Merseyside with his composure and intelligence in the middle of the pitch.

Aston Villa have had a difficult start to the 2023/24 campaign, after enjoying a magnificent end to last season and a thrilling summer in the build-up to Unai Emery's first full year in charge.

Strong signings, and an encouraging pre-season left an inspired aura at the club in preparation for the new footballing calendar that includes Villa's first involvement in Europe since 2010, but things have taken a turn in a blink.

Less than a week before the Premier League opener, Emiliano Buendia was injured in training which has since been confirmed as an anterior cruciate ligament blow, followed closely by Tyrone Mings’ significant knee injury sustained on the opening day.

The two long-term injuries have left the Villans short of two players that would typically start in Emery’s squad, leaving the Spaniard pondering the transfer market, though he could save the club millions in the future by developing an academy starlet.

Who could replace Tyrone Mings?

Villa have been linked to defensive names such as Kieran Tierney and Marcos Acuna recently, however with both being fielded as full-backs, neither speculated target could cover the areas perfected by Mings.

The summer signing of Pau Torres added to the depth in central defence, however, no one could have anticipated the horrifying blow that Mings would suffer just half an hour into the new campaign.

An enlightening tweak within the club has been recognised on social media, with the club’s official Instagram account posting a picture of the first team in training, with the addition of 19-year-old academy talent Lamare Bogarde.

Welcomed to the academy from Feyenoord back in 2020, the versatile defensive-minded player could be one to watch in the future in terms of eventual heirs to the English centre-back.

Who is Lamare Bogarde?

Born in Rotterdam, the teenager is deployed primarily in defensive midfield, however, has the ability to play at centre-back as he has done when called upon in his career.

Despite not playing for the senior team at Villa yet, the teenager earned himself vital experience away from youth level, spending half of last season on loan in League One at Bristol Rovers, before returning to the club this week on a season-long loan to further his experience and gain regular game time at this stage in his journey.

The Dutchman made 18 league appearances for Rovers last term, showcasing his talents and impressing at his first taste of senior football after featuring heavily in the Premier League 2 for the academy.

Averaging 1.8 tackles and 0.7 interceptions for his loan side, via WhoScored, the teenager certainly impressed during his short time at the Memorial Stadium, praised heavily by club manager and former Premier League midfielder Joey Barton.

As relayed by Birmingham Live, Barton dubbed the Dutchman as “quality”, singling out his composure and maturity as his strengths, as well as being called a player that “does a bit of everything”.

It's no wonder the former Newcastle United and Manchester City midfielder has returned to sign the promising Bodymoor Heath talent on loan once again.

The teenager's spell away from Villa could pave the way to his eventual breakthrough at this parent club, with Mings being 30 years of age and set to miss a huge chunk of the season through injury.

Also hailed by Barton as a player with “enormous potential”, Emery's inclusion of the 19-year-old in training prior to his departure could be an exciting indication that he is set for an extensive future with the Villans, one that is likely to see him usurp the aforementioned first-team star within a few years.

Aston Villa are ready to make an offer to bring Juventus forward Federico Chiesa to the Premier League, according to fresh reports.

Is Federico Chiesa leaving Juventus?

The Italy international, who is naturally a left-winger, still has another two years to run on his contract with the Serie A outfit, but having been handed just six starts in league competition last season, he’s fallen significantly out of favour under Massimiliano Allegri at the Allianz Stadium.

As a result, Calciomercato have reported that the Turin giants are keen to sell the 25-year-old before the end of the ongoing window, and should he indeed look to seal a departure, he won’t be short of potential suitors with three clubs in the top-flight having already been linked with a swoop.

Read The Latest Aston Villa Transfer News HERE…

Italian newspaper Tuttosport previously claimed that NSWE, Monchi and Unai Emery are, as it stands, the most interested hierarchy in the experienced attacker despite rival interest from Liverpool and Newcastle United, and the following update would suggest that is very much still the case heading into the final few weeks of the summer.

Are Aston Villa signing Federico Chiesa?

According to Tuttosport once again (via Sport Witness), both Aston Villa and the Magpies are “ready to put €50m [£42m] plus bonuses on the table” to sign Chiesa ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Premier League “sirens” are going off and it’s claimed that the forward has rejected big-money offers from Saudi Arabia to explore his options elsewhere, likely in England.

Juventus appear to have since had a change of heart regarding his future though as it’s stated that they are planning to offer him a new deal, but it’s “not clear” whether their stance could alter for a second time should an irresistible offer arrive at their door.

In the Serie A last season, Chiesa posted seven goal contributions (five assists and two goals) in 21 appearances, which shows just how much of a positive and instant impact he made despite receiving limited minutes, so should he put pen to paper, the winger would be an extremely exciting acquisition for Aston Villa.

The Genoa native, who’s sponsored by Nike, also averaged 4.34 shot-creating actions per league match which was the third-highest total throughout the whole of his squad, via FBRef, highlighting his constant desire to produce chances for himself and his fellow teammates in the final third.

Juventus’ “magic” dynamo, as dubbed by members of the media, is additionally a versatile operator having been deployed in seven various positions across the pitch since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, so he’d be a useful option for Emery to have at his disposal.

Furthermore, Chiesa knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level with four pieces of silverware to his name, so he would be able to match the positive, winning mentality of the squad who are already getting to work in the Midlands.

Manchester City have agreed a £77.6m deal with RB Leipzig to sign long-term target Josko Gvardiol, according to Sky Sports.

Are Man City signing Josko Gvardiol?

Pep Guardiola and those at the Etihad have been heavily linked with a move for the Croatia international after bringing in his fellow countryman Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea earlier this summer.

The Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League winners appeared to be closing in on the defender, with a fee and even a part of a medical completed, however, Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl quickly squashed those rumours.

That led to more speculation regarding Gvardiol’s future, with City’s Premier League rivals Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all allegedly submitting offers of their own.

City were always still in pole position to sign the 21-year-old, though, and it looks as if they have made a breakthrough over a transfer.

Chief Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol shared an update on Wednesday afternoon regarding City and Gvardiol, claiming a €90m fee has been agreed by the two clubs. He said it was significant as it is below Leipzig’s valuation and also won’t be a record deal for a defender.

“They (Man City) have managed to agree a transfer fee of €90m. That is significant because all along, what Leipzig have been saying is that we want €100m guaranteed – that is the minimum we want for him.

“He’s a 21-year-old centre-back who everyone will remember seeing him play at the World Cup wearing that mask. He had a very famous moment when Lionel Messi gave him the run around which may have affected his valuation but apart from that he’s one of the best young defenders in world football at the moment and Pep Guardiola decided he wanted him.”

Who is Josko Gvardiol?

Gvardiol came through the academy system at Dinamo Zagreb and made 52 senior appearances for the club before joining Leipzig in 2021.

The left-footed defender has gone on to become a regular in the Bundesliga, making 87 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig, scoring five goals, one of which came against City last season.

He should offer some versatility to Guardiola’s side as well, as Gvardiol is capable of turning out as a left-back as well as in a central role if needed.

In terms of his qualities, The Analyst has suggested he is extremely strong on the ball and an elite ball carrier who plays a number of progressive passes. That should work in Guardiola’s system, and off the ball, Gvardiol is “quick and aggressive, which makes him a very good one-vs-one defender”.

The Analyst said that the addition of the Leipzig man in Manchester “feels a bit like cheating” due to his abilities on and off the ball, so by the looks of things, City could be about to land a player perfectly made for Guardiola.

After something of a muted start to the transfer window, Scottish champions Celtic look to be ramping up their transfer dealings, as returning boss Brendan Rodgers hopes to assemble a squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe next term.

With the Parkhead giants having already secured the signings of both Marco Tilio and Odin Thiago Holm, the Glasgow side have now invested even further in order to add South Korean starlet, Hyunjun Yang to their ranks.

Following that latest acquisition, it looks as if there may be further additions to come before the start of the new season, with FC Voldendam's Xavier Mbuyamba among those being considered.

What's the latest on Mbuyamba to Celtic?

The Daily Mail only recently reported that the Hoops are interested in signing the former Chelsea youngster this summer, albeit with the Scottish Premiership side set to face 'competition' in their bid to snap up the 21-year-old.

The belief is that the Dutchman is 'high on a list of targets' at Celtic Park in the search to bolster the backline, with a new central defender potentially set to be needed amid reports that Carl Starfelt is the subject of interest from Spartak Moscow.

This follows a previous report from Sky Sports which revealed that Celtic – and the likes of Watford – are keeping a close eye on the one-time Barcelona youth asset, with a departure from his current side in the works despite having only joined from the Blues last year.

Who is Xavier Mbuyamba?

The towering, 6 foot 5 colossus has notably caught the attention of clubs across Europe amid his apparent likeness to compatriot, Virgil van Dijk, although he could also prove to be a dream heir to another Celtic icon in the form of ex-Guinea international, Bobo Balde.

Lauded as "complete" and "dominant" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Mbuyamba could well be a perfect successor to the now-retired centre-back in Glasgow, with Balde – who is also 6 foot 5 – having also been a "strong, dominant" force during his eight-year stay at the club – according to ex-teammate, Neil Lennon.

Having signed from Toulouse back in 2001, the France-born sensation went on to rack up over 200 appearances in all competitions prior to his departure in 2009, having notably won five league titles during that glittering spell, among other domestic honours.

As Lennon also noted, Balde was able to simply cause "carnage" for the opposition due to his tough-tackling and no-nonsense nature, with that ball-winning prowess seemingly shared by Mbuyamba, as he notably ranks in the top 4% among his peers in the Men's 'next eight competitions' for tackles made, as well as in the top 6% for blocks and the top 7% for clearances.

One perhaps slight advantage that the £4m-rated Voldendam ace may have over Balde – who was described as "old-school" in the past by John Hartson – is his quality on the ball, with the emerging prospect having been hailed as "elegant" by Kulig.

For Mbuyamba to have the 'dominance' of Balde as well as the added bonus of a more modern approach on the ball – with "passing" noted as one of his strengths, according to Kulig – he could represent a truly perfect option as far as Rodgers is concerned.

أعلن نادي مازيمبي عن موعد مباراته أمام الأهلي في اللقاء الذي يجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات نصف نهائي بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وكان الأهلي قد نجح في التأهل إلى تلك المرحلة بعد الفوز على سيمبا بمجموع مباراتي الذهاب والإياب 3-0.

بينما تمكن مازيمبي من تخطي عقبة بترو أتلتيكو بعد الفوز بنتيجة 2-1 بعد المباراتين في دور الثمانية.

طالع.. مران الأهلي | محاضرة فنية.. وتدريبات استشفائية للأساسيين أمام إنبي

وتقام مباراة الأهلي ومازيمبي في جولة الإياب على أرضية ملعب الأخير في مدينة “لوبومباشي” الكونغولية على أن تكون مباراة الإياب في “القاهرة”، كما حددت قرعة الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم من قبل.

وكان “بطولات” قد تواصل مع مصدر بـ نادي مازيمبي والذي كشف عن وجود نية لدى إدارة النادي الكونغولي لإقامة المباراة نهارًا.

الأهلي ومازيمبي تواجها 4 مرات من قبل في بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا وجميعها في دور المجموعات، وكانت الغلبة لصالح القلعة الحمراء أمام الفريق الكونغولي. موعد مباراة الأهلي ومازيمبي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وحدد نادي مازيمبي يوم 20 أبريل الجاري، لإقامة المباراة على أن تنطلق في تمام الساعة الثالثة بتوقيت مصر والكونغو الديموقراطية الرابعة عصرًا بتوقيت السعودية.

علق الدولي الفرنسي كيليان مبابي لاعب فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي باريس سان جيرمان، على صافرات الاستهجان المنتظرة في ملعب فالدروم خلال مواجهة تشيلي.

ويواجه منتخب فرنسا على ملعب فالدروم الخاص بنادي مارسيليا، نظيره تشيلي، في مباراة ودية غدًا الثلاثاء، ضمن توقف مارس الدولي.

طالع أيضًا.. مبابي يرد على تصريحات تشواميني المثيرة حول انضمامه لـ ريال مدريد

من المنتظر اطلاق صافرات استهجان من جماهير ملعب فالدروم على كيليان مبابي قبل مباراة الأسبوع المقبل بين باريس سان جيرمان ومارسيليا.

اللاعب الفرنسي رد على سؤال حول ذلك في المؤتمر الصحفي، قائلا: “بغض النظر عن كيفية استقبالي، سيكون تركيزي في الملعب فقط، وسأقاتل لقيادة الفريق من أجل تحقيق الفوز”.

وأضاف: “بصراحة، سأتفهم إذا تم إطلاق صافرات الاستهجان ضدي، هناك مباراة كلاسيكو يوم الأحد وأنا لاعب في باريس سان جيرمان، لذا إذا حدث ذلك فسيكون أمرًا طبيعيًا، لكنني لن آخذ الأمر على محمل شخصي، ولن يغير الطريقة التي ألعب بها مع المنتخب”.

وواصل لاعب منتخب فرنسا: “في معظم مسيرتي جئت إلى ملعب فالدروم كمنافس، والآن أنا هنا كلاعب في منتخب فرنسا، وأعتقد أنني سأشارك الجمهور في الرغبة من أجل الفوز على تشيلي، هذا الملعب من أفضل الملاعب في فرنسا، وفخر لي أن ألعب به دائمًا”.

واختتم: “ننتظر أجواء ملعب فالدروم التي نعرفها أمام تشيلي، وهذا ما يمنحنا دائمًا الرغبة في الحصول على أفضل نتيجة من أجل اسعاد هؤلاء المشجعين”.