Rain in Sharjah forced the clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators to be abandoned after only 16 overs were possible

The Report by Danyal Rasool17-Feb-2017
No result
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsFile photo: Tamim Iqbal cruised to a 41-ball fifty in a rain-affected match•AFP

In a nutshellContinual rain in Sharjah meant only 16 overs were possible in the game between the PSL’s top two sides this season. Quetta Gladiators won the toss and, as has been the theme of the tournament, put Peshawar Zalmi in to bat. There were no less than three weather interruptions in Peshawar’s innings, which saw Tamim Iqbal bat through, finishing unbeaten on 62 off 46 balls. It was a pitch more reminiscent of the fifth day of a sub-continental Test match; the ball spat off the surface, and anyone who could turn their arm over was thrust into the attack. Case in point: Rilee Rossouw bowled for the first time in T20 cricket, and had Eoin Morgan caught at first slip off his very first ball.Sarfraz Ahmed appeared to have read the surface right, and left-arm spinners Zulfiqar Babar and Mohammad Nawaz were asked to open the bowling. Peshawar made a bright start, before Hafeez holed out attempting to clear cow corner in the sixth over off Mahmudullah – one of three Bangladesh players arriving after the one-off Test in India. Kamran Akmal fell without scoring, before Rossouw snared Morgan as Peshawar lost three wickets for one run, and threatened to come unstuck.But Sohaib Maqsood ably partnered Tamim thereafter, and the pair battled turning deliveries and dark skies to take their side to what looked to be a daunting 117 in their allotted 16 overs. With the rain coming down again, Quetta’s target was revised twice, but no cricket was possible, leaving the frontrunners to share of the spoils.Quetta’s indiscipline, Akmal’s slumpOn a pitch that heavily favoured spin, Quetta let themselves down at times. Their spinners repeatedly bowled unacceptably short lengths that allowed Tamim and Maqsood regular pressure-releasing shots in the first ten overs. They then appeared to be in disarray following the third rain break after 12.1 overs, as Tamim and Maqsood smashed 41 runs in the next 17 balls. Zulfiqar Babar was the chief culprit, as in a particularly atrocious 15th over, he compensated for his short length early on by floating a pair of friendly full tosses to Tamim. The batsman smashed both for six over midwicket as Peshawar surged to 117. In a completed game, that indiscipline might have been decisive.When Kamran Akmal smashed 88 off 48 balls in the season opener, it looked like this might be a tournament the Akmal family would remember for a long time. However, with Kamran’s stay lasting all of three deliveries today, the brothers now have four ducks in their last seven innings in the PSL, two apiece. The momentum the pair had been building up to stake a claim in the national side is fizzing out again.Where they standQuetta and Peshawar both gained a point from the abandonment, and now have five each – one more than third-placed Islamabad United. Peshawar are ahead with a superior net run rate.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is believed to be open to a potential move away to Bayern Munich this summer but Daniel Levy will not make any deal easy.

How much is Harry Kane worth?

Despite the north London club enduring a seriously underwhelming 2022/23 campaign, it was not a season to forget for Kane on a personal note.

Indeed, the 29-year-old striker enjoyed one of his best individual Premier League campaigns after returning an impressive 30 league goals.

To put that into context, his return was only six short of the Golden Boot winner, Erling Haaland, who was operating in a Manchester City side which won the title.

And it is apparent his stunning displays across his career at Tottenham has earned him a lot of interested potential suitors.

The likes of Manchester United have been heavily linked with a possible move for the England captain this summer, but are believed to have since pulled out of the race.

Now, it seems as if a potential move abroad could potentially be opening up for the 29-year-old with the Bundesliga champions reportedly making their move in the last few days.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the striker is believed to be open to a possible move to Munich but any deal would be made difficult by Levy:

"From what I understand, and I always said even when he was linked with Real Madrid, Daniel Levy – Tottenham chairman – is going to make this deal very difficult. He wants to keep the player the club is still dreams of Harry Kane as Tottenham player for the next season and for the future."

"They don't want to give up on the story for Harry Kane also because they feel that the player will be open to make this move happen. So Harry Kane is not saying no to Bayern and this is why they sent an official bid and this is why they want to insist but it's also crucial to understand Tottenham's position in this story. They don't want to make it happen."

Should Harry Kane leave Spurs?

There was certainly a lot that went on in north London last season which could potentially make the England captain keen to find a new adventure this summer.

Tottenham's eighth place finish was largely as a result of the stunning form in front of goal shown by the 29-year-old who after he scored 43% of the club's leagues goals.

However, another season showing similar form in front of goal could potentially take him within 30 goals of matching Alan Shearer's all-time record.

It is apparent Levy will be in no mood to see his prized assed leave this summer under any circumstances which could potentially lead to a messy affair in north London.

But if Kane is adamant on leaving, then next summer would allow him free rein over his options and would even allow him a bigger scope to negotiate a better deal for himself.

There promises to be a lot of change at Spurs this summer with the arrival of Ange Postecoglou and the expected signing of James Maddison.

And perhaps the early signs being shown from Levy to wrap up the signing of Maddison, for example, may be enough to persuade Kane to give Spurs one more chance.

Thirty-two-year-old Sarah Aley has been added to Australia Women’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand on February 17. She was called in as cover for Lauren Cheatle, who sustained an injury to her shoulder during training last week.Aley – who finished as the highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded Women’s Big Bash League – would be the fourth-oldest Australian woman to make a T20I debut if she plays, behind Cathryn Fitzpatrick (37), Belinda Clark (34) and Lisa Keightley (34).She was the player of the match during the WBBL final. In 10 matches in the tournament, Aley took 19 wickets with three three-wicket hauls, including 4 for 23 in the final.National selector Shawn Flegler said Aley’s consistent performances in both the 50-over and 20-over versions have earned her a spot in Australia’s squad. “Sarah had yet another consistent season in both the T20 and 50-over competitions this season and there’s no doubt she has earned her selection,” Flegler said. “She has got a wealth of experience and we know that if the opportunity arises she will be able to perform the role she’s given. You always know what you are going to get with Sarah.”Cheatle is expected to be available for the second and third matches of the series. The three-match T20I series starts in Melbourne, before moving to Geelong and finishing in Adelaide on February 22.

AB de Villiers rallied the middle and lower order to help South Africa score 271 for 8 before their fast bowlers scripted New Zealand’s collapse for 112

The Report by Andrew McGlashan in Wellington25-Feb-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:38

McGlashan: NZ batting beginning to look a little flaky

AB de Villiers had called on his batsmen to take responsibility for an innings and he showed the way in Wellington as South Africa surged to a crushing 159-run victory. De Villiers’ controlled 85, during which he became the fastest player to 9000 ODI runs, turned the tables after a middle-order slide, then the pace bowlers combined with unnerving accuracy to dismantle New Zealand for 112 in the 33rd over.Another Latham duck

6 Number of lower scores at home for New Zealand than the 112 they made against South Africa. This was also New Zealand’s lowest score against South Africa in ODIs. The previous lowest was 134 at Newlands in 1994.
3 Ducks scored by Tom Latham in his last four innings. Latham has scored 13 runs in this period.
5 Consecutive fifties for Quinton de Kock in ODIs. He equaled the record for most consecutive fifties for South Africa joining Jonty Rhodes. The overall record for most consecutive fifties is held by Javed Miandad who made nine such scores in 1987.

On a slower-than-normal pitch that offered assistance for seamers, especially in the evening, South Africa’s 271 for 8 – bolstered by a seventh-wicket stand of 84 in 10.4 overs between de Villiers and Wayne Parnell – had the makings of a demanding chase and it soon proved that way.Kagiso Rabada, back in the side after missing Christchurch, set the tone with an exemplary new-ball spell. He was followed by Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius who removed the cream of New Zealand’s batting by nabbing Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor in the space of five deliveries. The pair bowled nine overs between them in their first spells, returning figures of 4 for 16, in the sort of seam-friendly conditions that could be on show in the Champions Trophy. Pretorius finished with 3 for 5 from 5.2 overs.New Zealand had entered this match buoyed by their batting performance at Hagley Oval, but this display will raise a few concerns as they fell in a heap in a manner not often seen. Tom Latham collected his third duck in four ODI innings and there was another failure for Neil Broom.They had made one change, replacing legspinner Ish Sodhi with the pace of Lockie Ferguson and may ponder if that was correct after he went for 71 in his 10 overs – the most expensive bowling performance of the day.Quinton de Kock, with his fifth 50-plus ODI score in a row, and Faf du Plessis led South Africa to 114 for 1 in the 23rd over but then followed a collapse of 5 for 66. Colin de Grandhomme gave New Zealand the control they strived for, claiming two wickets in four deliveries and bowling his 10 overs straight through, while Mitchell Santner produced another impressive performance of left-arm spin.De Grandhomme removed du Plessis who riffled a drive low to mid-off, then in what is becoming a habit on this tour, de Kock picked out the leg-side field having set himself for a century. He hung his head and could barely drag himself off.De Villiers was greeted by a hostile delivery from Ferguson which rammed into his gloves but quickly ticked off the five runs he needed to jump past Sourav Ganguly to top the 9000 list. However, senior batsmen came and went. JP Duminy, who had struggled for fluency, was run out by a direct hit from Tim Southee at backward point and David Miller chipped a low catch to midwicket which was upheld by the third umpire.AB de Villiers scored his 51st ODI half-century•AFPIn each of the three matches in this series, someone from the lower order has stepped forward for South Africa. It wasn’t Pretorius this time – he was bowled by Ferguson – but Parnell helped de Villiers stop New Zealand in their tracks.De Villiers had been above a run-a-ball early in his innings, but bided his time as he lost partners for the closing overs. Back-to-back boundaries off Ferguson, rasping shots through midwicket and cover, hustled him through the 40s and the half-century came from 59 deliveries. He went from 39 off 51 balls to 85 off 80; it was not one of de Villiers’ more explosive innings, but it was a masterclass in repairing damage, judging conditions and not overreaching.And his efforts were soon put into context. Latham middled a square drive but picked out point. Dean Brownlie then feathered to the keeper off Rabada who found considered seam movement and proceeded to work over Williamson.Williamson was dropped at slip on 4 by Hashim Amla off Parnell and alongside Taylor weathered the new balls for a period although scoring was always hard work and the pressure did not relent.Phehlukwayo had conceded just four runs into his third over when Williamson, trying to dab the ball to third man, played into his stumps and in the next over, Taylor fell across a full, straight delivery from Pretorius. He was not far off walking for the lbw decision. The stuffing had been knocked out of New Zealand’s innings and there was precious little else on offer. Broom’s poke outside off against Phehlukwayo was a poor shot and Pretorius’ miserly spell, as he nipped the ball around off the seam under the lights, also accounted for Mitchell Santner.New Zealand’s total was their lowest completed innings at home since being bowled out for 73 by Sri Lanka, in Auckland in 2007, and the result their heaviest runs defeat to South Africa.

Chelsea are edging closer to signing Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo following a recent update by renowned transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the latest on Moises Caicedo to Chelsea?

The Stamford Bridge outfit could now finally see Caicedo at the club sooner rather than later, with the Italian now tweeting:

“Chelsea are set to open talks with Brighton for Moisés Caicedo as negotiations between clubs starting within 24/48h.

“Personal terms, not as issue — now Chelsea prepared to ‘attack’ the deal.

“Never easy or fast negotiations with Brighton. Chelsea, on it.”

Chelsea had a £55m bid rejected in January, and he will cost a lot more now should the Blues get a deal over the line in the coming weeks, with some reports suggesting that the Segulls will demand in the region of £80m.

Will Moises Caicedo join Chelsea?

It looks as though Chelsea have beaten off competition from Arsenal and Manchester United for the Brighton starlet as evidenced by the Romano update and the £60k-per-week gem could be a dream signing for Mauricio Pochettino as he looks to form a new-look midfield ahead of next season.

The Ecuador international could link up in the middle of the park with Enzo Fernandez as N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic have both departed west London recently.

Caicedo could enjoy success at the heart of the Chelsea midfield as he completed 2209 passes last season, the seventh most in the Premier League while ranking second in the top flight for tackles, making 100 over the course of the season and Pochettino would be signing a tenacious player who will fight for every ball while also being able to dictate play with his excellent passing ability.

It’s no wonder that he is being courted by a plethora of teams this summer, as he could improve pretty much every side in the division, perhaps aside from Manchester City and the Argentinian will be desperate to get a deal over the line soon.

A move from the South coast to the big city lights shouldn’t faze Caicedo, especially with his experience at the World Cup last year with Ecuador, and it appears as though he is ready to take his game to the next level and challenge for trophies.

If he continues his current upward trajectory, could he even become one of the finest players that Ecuador has ever produced? Historian Enrico Castro-Montes certainly thinks so, dubbing the 21-year-old as being a “crown jewel of a new generation” and this wonderful praise goes to show just how highly regarded he is.

Finally securing his signature would ensure Pochettino gets his business off to a wonderful start, especially as Chelsea will have beaten off clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United, who both could offer the Brighton gem Champions League football next term.

It shows the appeal of Pochettino and the project he is clearly trying to build at the Stamford Bridge side, and with Caicedo the beating heart, it could be a dream move for all parties.

Liverpool’s signing of Alexis Mac Allister understandably had fans thrilled, as it marked the start of what promised to be a revolutionary summer.

However, since that early June acquisition, it seems to have all gone quiet on the transfer front, despite Fabrizio Romano promising that Jurgen Klopp wanted “two or three midfielders” back in late April.

With nearly a month and a half until the new Premier League season gets underway, the German is likely far from where he envisions his team to end up come that trip to Chelsea.

However, that could all be set to change with one marquee addition, which could leave rival clubs stunned and petrified at the prospect of facing the Reds once more.

With reports emerging late last week, it seems that this could well be the case, as the Merseyside outfit are one of the clubs listed as interested in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, a striker valued at £60m by FootballTransfers.

In linking this in-form front-man with their new Argentinian maestro, they could form a fine partnership to catapult them back to the apex of the English game.

Would Victor Osimhen improve Liverpool?

Whilst Mac Allister is far from the most expansive attacking midfielder, his offensive figures for a Brighton and Hove Albion side that finished below Liverpool remained impressive. This is emphasised given he was often forced into numerous roles across a stellar campaign, including a defensive one too.

After all, notching ten goals and two assists merely scratched the surface of his 87% pass completion rate and 1.3 key passes per game in the league, via Sofascore.

The 24-year-old has only just begun to light up English football, with his future made all the more exciting by his Anfield switch.

This kind of goalscoring quality, combined with the lethal presence of Osimhen, could form a terrifying partnership the likes of which this striker has already been a part of. Not to mention he has the quality to drop deep and supplement such a powerful asset due to his versatility.

Journalist Marco Messina noted one such pairing he has starred in that has already brought widespread success, as he wrote on Twitter: “I can’t figure out who is more scary to play against: Kvara or Osimhen. They’re THAT good”.

With 31 goals in all competitions for the Serie A-winning Naples outfit, the 24-year-old was instrumental in bringing the Scudetto back to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for the first time since 1990.

However, it is not just his ability in front of goal that suggests he and Mac Allister would thrive together. When given space, the World Cup-winning gem can prove particularly deadly in the attacking third, as he proved last campaign with the Seagulls.

Given the immense power and pace Osimhen offers, with journalist Raj Chohan having branded him a “monster”, his mere presence would attract multiple defenders to quell his threat.

If that should be the case, Klopp’s first summer signing will truly be able to exercise his qualities in the pockets of space that will open up. Should the opposition then push up to keep him quiet, the 6 foot 1 marksman will instead punish them in behind.

Whilst midfield might remain the priority, this is one move which would take many by surprise, and likely take the league by storm.

Liverpool are one of the suitors appealing to Benjamin Pavard ahead of a potential transfer move this summer, according to a report from Christian Falk, via Caught Offside.

How has Benjamin Pavard performed this season?

Having been with Bayern Munich for the last four seasons, he has been a part of domestic dominance which has seen them rack up four consecutive Bundesliga titles. He's had a key part to play in all of them too, never dipping below a total of 20 league outings for the side and he managed a further 30 for the club over the course of the 2022/23 season.

his led to the defender bagging himself four goals and one assist along the way. They're his best totals for the side since he initially moved to the club back in 2019/20.

The France international – who can feature as either a central defender or on one of the flanks – also ranks favourably against others in his position. When you look at his FBRef scouting report amongst centre-backs in the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe for example, he ranks within the top five percent on nearly every offensive stat that there is.

His 0.18 non-penalty goals per 90 puts him within the top one percent for example, as does his progressive passes rate per 90 of 7.59. It shows that Pavard has the passing ability and end product to perform a similar role to Trent Alexander-Arnold, creating attacks from deep.

Are Liverpool linked with Pavard?

It's previously been stated that Pavard could actually be on his way out this summer despite these impressive stats. Liverpool had been linked, only for the Reds to apparently not be prepared to make a move for him.

Now, in another twist, a new report from Christian Falk, via Caught Offside, has revealed that the Premier League outfit are actually one of four clubs still in the mix to make something happen.

There has been no "concrete" bid yet for the £116,000-a-week player but that the Reds are an intriguing proposition for him – as are Barcelona, Chelsea and Man City – and they've already spoken to his agents, claims Falk.

He's clearly still viewed in high regard, with football journalist Josh Bunting stating that a recent goal was "stunning" and "top class" from Pavard. The 27-year-old then still has plenty to offer a club and if Liverpool want to strengthen their backline and potentially mix up Alexander-Arnold's position next season, then they could do a lot worse than adding the Bayern Munich man to their ranks.

أشاد أحمد حسام ميدو لاعب الزمالك ومنتخب مصر السابق، بأداء الفراعنة في مباراة أمس أمام نيوزيلندا، مؤكدًا على روح القتال لدى اللاعبين.

وفاز منتخب مصر بهدف دون رد، على أرضية استاد مصر بالعاصمة الإدارية الجديدة، في دور نصف نهائي البطولة الودية.

وكتب ميدو عبر حسابه الرسمي بمنصة “أكس”: “عجبني المنتخب إمبارح، اللاعيبة بتقاتل، ومنتخبنا بعد الهدف ساب الاستحواذ ولعب على المرتدات بشكل كويس”.

ولاحظ ميدو تطبيق بعض أفكار حسام حسن في اللعب، مثل تجميع اللعب في ناحية ونقل الكرة بسرعة للناحية الأخرى.

وأضاف: “بعض من أفكار حسام حسن واضحة بمحاولة تجميع اللعب في ناحية، ونقل الكرة بسرعة للناحية الثانية”.

وشدد ميدو على أهمية القتال والروح في الملعب كشرط أساسي للتواجد في التشكيل الأساسي.

طالع أيضًا | إبراهيم حسن: لاعب الأهلي لا يحتاج إلى تقييم.. والفوز على نيوزيلندا “تاريخي”

وقال: “مهم أن الرسالة واصلة، إللي مش هيقاتل كل دقيقة وكل ثانية في الملعب مش هيكون ليه مكان في التشكيل الأساسي”.

كما أشار ميدو إلى ضرورة حل أزمة محمد صلاح مع الجهاز الفني بذكاء وتدخل مسؤولين كبار.

وأوضح: “الخطوة الجاية لازم أزمة محمد صلاح مع الجهاز تتحل، وتتحل بذكاء بتدخل مسؤولين كبار، ماتسيبوش الموضوع ده لأصحاب اللقطة”.

وأكد ميدو على أهمية عودة فتوح للمنتخب، معتبراً أنه أفضل من محمد حمدي في المباريات الصعبة.

واختتم: “ومهم جدا عودة فتوح للمنتخب، محمد حمدي لاعب كويس لكنه مش الباك لفت إللي هيشيلك في الماتشات الثقيلة، البداية لازم تيجي من فتوح، وإن شاء الله يكون مركز ومتألق الفترة إللي جاية مع الزمالك، وترجع المنتخب وترجع لاعب أساسي، لأن ده مكانك الطبيعي”.

عجبني المنتخب إمبارح اللاعيبة بتقاتل ومنتخبنا بعد الهدف ساب الاستحواذ ولعب على المرتدات بشكل كويس..بعض من افكار #حسام_حسن واضحه بمحاولة تجميع العب في ناحية ونقل الكورة بسرعة للناحية الثانيه..مهم اما الرسالة واصلة اللي مش هيقاتل كل دقيقة وكل ثانية في الملعب مش هيكون ليه مكان في…

— Mido (@midoahm) March 23, 2024

An interesting development has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their chances of landing a deal to bring Malik Tillman back to Ibrox for the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest on Malik Tillman's future at Rangers?

According to Sport1, via Sport Witness, the Light Blues are still in with a chance of securing a swoop for the USA international on another loan next term.

The report claims that Bayern Munich are willing to sanction another temporary deal for the young attacking midfielder after they decided to activate a clause that stripped the Scottish giants of their €6m (£5m) option to sign him permanently.

However, there is said to be interest from Premier League teams and that could make it difficult for Michael Beale to convince the 21-year-old magician to come back in the summer transfer window.

How did Malik Tillman perform last season?

Tillman enjoyed an incredible campaign with the Gers and his impressive performances for the club mean that the manager could get Ibrox rocking by snapping up the exciting talent again.

Rangers supporters would surely love to see him back in a blue shirt in 23/24 as the Bayern prodigy has already proven himself to be an exceptional option at Scottish Premiership level.

The right-footed whiz averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.09 across 28 league appearances and made a huge impact in the final third, whilst playing out wide and as a number ten.

He scored ten goals and created 12 'big chances' for his teammates throughout the Premiership campaign. Meanwhile, Ryan Kent – on the other flank – scored three goals and provided his fellow attackers with nine 'big chances' in 29 outings for the Light Blues prior to his move to Fenerbahce this summer.

The USMNT starlet also endeared himself to the supporters with his work rate out of possession and willingness to get stuck in for the team. No Rangers player averaged more tackles per game (two) in the top flight than Tillman and this shows that the hard-working wizard is able to provide usefulness on and off the ball.

These statistics, of his ability at both sides of the game, indicate that the 21-year-old prospect would be able to hit the ground running next season as he already knows what it takes to be a consistent performer for the club.

Therefore, Beale could delight the Ibrox faithful by signing the £13k-per-week ace, who was hailed as "phenomenal" by teammate John Lundstram, for a second loan spell this summer due to his pre-existing relationship with the supporters and his proven quality on the pitch.

Manchester City target Josko Gvardiol is “keen to join” and the club are "not so far to reach an agreement", according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

How good is Josko Gvardiol?

Gvardiol is a centre-back who currently plays his football for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga having moved there from Dinamo Zagreb back in 2021, and his impressive performances under Marco Rose have recently caught the eye of Pep Guardiola.

Football Insider have reported that the Sky Blues have already held initial talks with the 21-year-old and are confident of reaching an agreement, with the defender having a £98m buyout clause in his contract that is set to become active next year.

The Secret Scout has since claimed that after Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, the Croatia international is the next “key target” for the boss and stated that the two parties were expected to start discussing a fee, a process which sounds like it’s already begun.

Are Man City signing Gvardiol?

Taking to Twitter, Galetti revealed that Gvardiol wants to complete the switch to Man City and suggested that the Premier League champions and RB Leipzig aren't miles away from finding a middle ground. He wrote:

“#ManchesterCity are speeding things up for Josko #Gvardiol. Understand that the gap between #MCFC and #RBLeipzig is reducing, not so far to reach an agreement. The CB is keen to join the club until 2028.”

Should Man City splash the cash on Gvardiol?

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has previously dubbed Gvardiol the “Haaland of defenders” for his physical dominance and enormous potential, so he’s clearly at the high standard required to slot into Guardiola‘s team at Man City.

The World Cup participant, who pockets just £18k-per-week currently, won 17 out of his 23 tackles last season whilst averaging 2.3 clearances and 1.4 aerial wins per league game, via WhoScored, so shows real composure in the heart of the defence despite his aggressive nature.

Leipzig’s left-footed gem, who has the versatility to operate at left-back alongside centre-back, also held a desire to make a difference in the final third having scored three goals across all competitions. He also ranked in the 96th percentile for successful take-ons by centre-backs, so always looks to push his team higher up the pitch from the back.

Finally, Gvardiol will already know what it takes to compete and be successful having secured five pieces of silverware at the age of just 21, and should he put pen to paper in the top-flight, that number would no doubt only continue to increase in years to come.