The England star was electric as Emma Hayes' side moved one step closer to a possible meeting with UWCL holders Barcelona

Chelsea have one foot in the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-finals after beating Ajax 3-0 in what was eventually a comfortable victory in the first leg of their quarter-final on Tuesday. The Dutch side started well but sloppiness at the back allowed Lauren James to put the Blues ahead with less than 20 minutes on the clock and the champions of England were never going to let their lead slip from there.

Chasity Grant gave Chelsea an early scare when she struck the post but as bright as Ajax looked going forward, they were anything but at the back for the goal that broke the deadlock. As James pounced on a ball that had ricocheted off a defender, the home side completed stopped and allowed the England star to find the back of the net. A lengthy VAR check confirmed that she was indeed offside and the Blues had their lead.

Ajax seemed somewhat disheartened by the goal and their level dropped off, allowing Chelsea to take control. Chances flowed towards the end of the first half and almost immediately after Guro Reiten had a goal controversially ruled out by VAR, Kadeisha Buchanan's cheeky Cruyff turn, at the Johan Cruyff Arena off all places, created the space for her to find Reiten, who in turn set up Sjoeke Nusken to double the Blues' advantage.

The onus was on the Dutch side in the second half then, but they struggled to carve out any notable chances and the Blues thrived on the counter, Nusken eventually, surely, killing the tie off when she converted Catarina Macario's brilliant cross late on. Emma Hayes' side are in full control ahead of the return leg at Stamford Bridge next week.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from the Johan Cruyff Arena…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Hannah Hampton (6/10):

A first-half error nearly gifted Ajax an equaliser but she was fine after that and stood up to any danger that came her way.

Eve Perisset (7/10):

Set pieces were great. Allowed little threat down her side.

Jess Carter (7/10):

A couple of questionable decisions in the early stages of the game but improved as it went on. Composed on the ball.

Kadeisha Buchanan (7/10):

Also got better after a shaky start, a lovely turn and pass setting Reiten free to tee up Nusken to double the lead.

Niamh Charles (6/10):

Solid at the back but didn't get involved as much as usual going forward.

AdvertisementMidfield

Melanie Leupolz (7/10):

Fantastic in possession and won plenty of duels.

Erin Cuthbert (7/10):

Battled well in midfield, was great on the ball and took up good positions in the final third. Probably should've scored.

Sjoeke Nusken (8/10):

Superb in a free-roaming role which saw her occupy the Ajax centre-backs at times. Scored two and could've even had a couple more. Great movement.

Getty ImagesAttack

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (7/10):

A constant threat out wide with her desire to run at players and create something.

Lauren James (8/10):

Was the only one on her toes for the opening goal and put in a super cross for Chelsea to double their lead. Pressed brilliantly.

Guro Reiten (7/10):

Should've had a goal but for a contentious offside. Got a great assist moments later, though. Also played her part in the effectiveness of the press.

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Ashley Lawrence (7/10):

On for the final 15 minutes or so and was lively in a more advanced role than usual. Played her part in the third goal.

Catarina Macario (7/10):

Almost scored with her first touch, but Lawrence's cross was just too high. Got an assist before the game was done though, her superb cross met by Nusken.

Jelena Cankovic (N/A):

Only on for the final few minutes.

Aggie Beever-Jones (N/A):

Only on for the final few minutes.

Emma Hayes (8/10):

Plan to press Ajax high was effective and well executed by her players. The free role for James and Nusken's instructions to fill that No.9 space was a great combination, too.

With added investment from new super-rich owners originating from the Middle East – new Saudi owners buying the club for a reported £300m after the disastrous reign of Mike Ashley as chairman was over – Newcastle have started to compete with the best of the best both in terms of league performance but also with transfers into St James' Park.

Sandro Tonali especially was a statement purchase for the Magpies, swapping Milan for Newcastle in the last transfer window with the Italian giants demanding a hefty £55m transfer fee to win the midfielder's services.

Unfortunate news around an impending ban for Tonali – alleged betting activity on the Italian's part could lead to him being sidelined – has come at the worst possible time for Eddie Howe's men – the 23-year-old performing well for the Magpies since leaving Serie A football behind.

How is Sandro Tonali performing?

Tonali has made a big impression on the Magpies faithful from only 11 appearances for Howe's side to date, scoring on his debut versus Aston Villa in a blistering introduction to Premier League life.

Newcastle would win 5-1 in this contest, overwhelming Unai Emery's sub-par Villa away team on the day. Tonali's sixth minute strike set the tone for the rest of the afternoon, the 23-year-old's movement into the area top class with Anthony Gordon's cross into the box inch perfect for the former Milan man to power home.

The central midfielder was also solid when Newcastle faced off against AC Milan in the Champions League group stages, the first time the Magpies had featured in this elite competition since back in the 2002/03 season.

He helped contribute to an effective shut-out of his former club, an excellent point on their travels at the San Siro backed up by an unbelievable 4-1 demolition job of PSG on home turf.

Newcastle will be rueing their luck therefore that Tonali has found himself embroiled in a betting scandal so early into his career with the club, but they could well have an ace up their sleeve from their academy to call upon to ease the blow in Lewis Miley.

Who is Lewis Miley?

Joining the Newcastle United Academy ranks at just seven years of age, Miley is highly thought of at the Magpies as a major talent for the future.

He would make his first ever appearance in the starting XI for the senior side in a pre-season friendly match against Al-Hilal in 2022, a reward for his development within the youth set-up.

In total, he's made 46 appearances for both the Newcastle United U18s and U21s – helping himself to seven goals along the way, alongside tallying up eight assists.

It's led to Howe giving him more first-team chances away from that solitary run-out in pre-season, making his first team debut for his hometown team at the end of last campaign – afforded 14 minutes at Stamford Bridge in May this year, holding himself well against Chelsea in a 1-1 draw.

Miley would even hit the crossbar with a speculative effort versus Chelsea, a sign that the youngster wasn't fazed by the bright lights of Premier League football.

The 17-year-old was delighted with his impactful cameo off the bench, stating "I have dreamt about that since I was a little boy" when questioned about the emotions racing through his head pulling on a Newcastle jersey.

The future certainly looks bright for this homegrown talent, and with Tonali expected to be handed a lengthy ban, Howe could well look to Miley as a bold, raw option through the centre.

Sussex, who claimed a quarter-final place with three wins in less than a week, have been rewarded with a 500-mile round trip to Chester-le-Street where they will meet the North Group’s surprise packets, Durham.Quarter-final ties:Kent Spitfires v Lancashire Lightning – Thursday 23 August (7pm)
Durham Jets v Sussex Sharks – Friday 24 August (6.30pm)
Worcestershire Rapids v Gloucestershire – Saturday 25 August (3pm)
Somerset v Nottinghamshire Outlaws – Sunday 26 August (3pm)

أثار رونالد كومان مدرب منتخب هولندا القلق في صفوف نادي برشلونة الإسباني، بشأن إصابة فرينكي دي يونج.

ويعاني دي يونج من إصابة على مستوى الكاحل الأيمن أبعدته عن المشاركة مع المنتخب الهولندي في منافسات كأس أمم أوروبا 2024، والتي توجت بها إسبانيا لاحقًا.

وقال كومان في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية: “بالطبع أتحدث مع دي يونج، نعرف بعضنا البعض جيدًا، إنه قلق بشأن إصابته”.

وأضاف: “قبل بطولة أوروبا كنا نتوقع أن يكون على ما يرام، كنا نعلم أنه في المباراة الأولى لن يتمكن من اللعب ولكن كانت لدينا آمال”.

اقرأ أيضًا | سيرجي روبيرتو يرفض طلب برشلونة من أجل الانتقال إلى الدوري الإنجليزي

وواصل: “لكن هذا لم يكن هو الحال، فهو يعاني من إصابة كبيرة وعلينا أن ننتظر لنرى كيف ستسير الأمور، أتمنى له التوفيق وأن يتعافى مبكرًا، لكنه ليس جاهزًا للعب بعد”.

وردًا على سؤال عما كان يشير إليه في تصريحاته قبل شهر والتي أكد فيها أن “ناديه خاطر من قبل والآن علينا أن ندفع الثمن”، كان كومان صريحًا وأفاد: “أعتقد أنني أعرف أكثر منك بكثير”.

وأتم: “عندما لم يكن موجودًا للعب، لم يكن في إيقاع المباريات أو التدريب للعب المباريات ضد باريس سان جيرمان، من ناحية أخرى، أتفهم ذلك، لأنها كانت لحظة مهمة جدًا لـ برشلونة، لكنها في النهاية، لم تكن صحة فرينكي جيدة”.

The fast bowler delivered yorkers in his eight-for, his career-best figures and third five-wicket haul in his last four first-class innings

The Report by Varun Shetty in Bengaluru02-Sep-2018PTI

Australia A had started the first day in ideal fashion till they ran into Mohammed Siraj. Makeshift opener Kurtis Patterson, who had come in to replace the injured Matt Renshaw, partnered Usman Khawaja solidly through a 78-run stand in the first session after Australia had elected to bat. But with three overs to go for lunch, Siraj switched to the Pavilion End at the Chinnaswamy Stadium for his second spell and took an immediate liking for it, picking up three wickets in two overs before the interval.He then returned to take five more wickets from the same end to finish with 8 for 59, career-best figures and his third five-wicket haul in his last four first-class innings.Usman Khawaja on….

Batting on the first day: “It was one of those wickets where it was going be to be hard to start. It was reversing and there was a little bit of spin at the other end, so it was going to be hard to start coming in the middle order or at the tail-end. Would’ve loved to have got a couple of partnerships. It’s very India-like. You lose one and you can lose wickets in clusters.”
His impressive footwork against spin: “It’s something I’ve been working on for three-four years now. Had a few wickets in England that were really spin-friendly, when I was playing county cricket. And I felt really comfortable over there. Just giving myself options to score and have a positive mindset. It’s something I really found white-ball cricket has really helped with. It gives me freedom, allows me to play shots.”

On a sunny morning, Siraj had been the more wayward opening bowler for India A. As Navdeep Saini bowled a tight opening spell, Siraj leaked boundaries off a predominantly short-of-length strategy. But when he returned in the 26th over, the length had gotten fuller, and the ball had begun to reverse swing. And those were the tools he used, first to swing a yorker back in at the left-handed Patterson’s off stump, and then to jag one away to take the outside edge of Travis Head’s bat.On either side of the lunch break, Siraj got two more full inswingers in, one of which trapped Peter Handscomb first ball as he looked to flick across the line, and the other accounting for captain Mitchell Marsh, whose defence was of the nervous, static variety.With those, the first two of what would be five ducks, Australia sunk to 90 for 4. Marnus Labuschagne, who stayed back for the four-day series only because of Renshaw’s injury, took his chance at No. 6. Despite being stuck on no score for close to half an hour, he looked assured in defence, apart from one over in which he seemed unable to pick Kuldeep Yadav’s wrong’uns.But, having survived two lbw shouts on the back foot in that over, Labuschagne started putting in a more pronounced forward stride, with the immmediate result being that Kuldeep went flatter and wider. This fed three of Labushagne’s drives through extra cover for four. But after he had put up 114 for the fifth wicket with Khawaja, Siraj returned with another scorching yorker, this one swinging away from leg stump to knock out Labuschagne’s middle stump and complete the five-for.Siraj’s bowling was one of two outstanding performances on the day, the other coming from Khawaja, who was largely flawless in a knock of 127. Khawaja looked fluid at the start of the innings as Patterson looked to feel his way into a role he’s played before but is not necessarily a specialist at. Apart from a dropped catch at gully early in Patterson’s innings, the openers dominated India’s bowlers.Khawaja was particularly good against spin. When Kuldeep was brought in first-change, Khawaja went after him with three boundaries in two overs, including a delightful chip over extra cover with the turn. The wristspinner would finish with two wickets, but his 18 overs were barely troublesome, with inconsistent lengths allowing the batsmen to settle down.Offspinner K Gowtham was used in a containing role, but Khawaja went after him nonetheless, preferring to plonk his leg down the pitch and ramp him fine with the incoming angle. He pulled the shot off successfully on a number of occasions and, for a man with a questionable reputation against spin, looked in complete control every time he played it. The only blemishes in his innings were two edges – an inside edge that brought up his century and the 100-run stand with Labuschagne, and the other his dismissal, when he chased a wide one from Siraj as he looked to push the rate with No. 11 Jon Holland.Australia might have been encouraged by the signs of movement they saw through their innings, particularly since they picked only four specialists bowlers, one of whom is a spinner. But they didn’t see much of that in the 12 overs they bowled later. Karnataka openers Mayank Agarwal and R Samarth survived several menacing bouncers as they saw India through at their home ground, in the presence of about 50 local fans who cheered their every run.

Tottenham Hotspur's resurgence under Ange Postecoglou has been nothing short of emphatic, and despite defeat against Chelsea last time out, there is plenty of reason to be optimistic down the N17.

The Premier League was not a happy place for Spurs last season, who collapsed under erstwhile manager Antonio Conte and languished to an eighth-placed finish, resulting in his dismissal in March – the fourth in as many years at the club – and convinced Harry Kane to leave for pastures new.

The club's record scorer joined Bayern Munich in August in what felt like a hammer blow right at the maiden stage of Postecoglou's reign, before the framework had even been drilled in, but any trepidation was dispelled as Spurs swiftly asserted themselves in the early stages of the season.

Indeed, after drawing away to Brentford in the opener, Postecoglou claimed his first victory with a convincing 2-0 win over Manchester United, starting a four-match winning streak that was halted during an impressive draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

At present, Tottenham are perched in second place in the table, boasting 26 points from 11 matches and just one point behind imperious table-topper Manchester City, despite the recent defeat to the Blues.

Postecoglou will be delighted with the progress on the pitch but understands the importance of bolstering the squad and strengthening ahead of the dreaded business end.

It's understood that the defence will receive priority in January; this was the decision before £43m summer signing Micky van de Ven sustained a hamstring injury against the Blues, but now the requirement for backline reinforcements is only intensified.

Tottenham transfer targets – Lloyd Kelly

According to the Evening Standard, Van de Ven's injury has reignited Spurs' interest in Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly, with the London club likely to throw the kitchen sink at sealing the deal.

However, Italian publication Tuttosport have recently revealed that Arsenal are actually leading the race for the 25-year-old at present, having taken an interest following AC Milan and Juventus' earmarking of the player.

Spurs had been pursuing Kelly last summer and had presented Bournemouth with a £20m offer, and though Kelly opted to stay, Postecoglou has not given up on his pursuit.

Kelly's contract at the Vitality Stadium is set to expire at the end of the season and there is no indication that the Englishman will renew terms, but Tottenham would be wise to bypass the competition and secure his services in January on a cut-price deal.

Lloyd Kelly's style of play

Once described as a "Rolls-Royce" of a defender by Jonathan Woodgate, Kelly has been an excellent signing on the south coast since joining from Bristol City in a £13m deal in 2019.

Having completed 124 games with Bournemouth, the £30k-per-week titan has been among the most important players at the club and played a key role in guiding the Cherries back to the Premier League following relegation and cementing a spot back in the top flight last season.

On top of his ball-playing skill, Kelly is a robust and energetic member of the backline, ranking among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for clearances and the top 15% for aerial wins per 90, as per FBref.

Predicted to become a "top, top player" by Eddie Howe, Kelly has the makings of a modern-day complete defender – he's comfortable in possession, elegant on the ball and staggering in his technique.

Kelly is left-footed too, which makes him the perfect player to fill in for Van de Ven in defence, while also providing cover for left-back Destiny Udogie when need be.

His time on the south coast has been vital in sculpting him into the kind of player worthy of attention from thriving outfits like Arsenal and Tottenham, but the timing feels apt for transfer, and by joining the Spurs fold he could emulate the career path of former teammate Nathan Ake somewhat, who now razes opponents with Manchester City.

How Lloyd Kelly compares to Nathan Ake

Kelly is clearly an impressive distributor of the ball, and because of this Tottenham could get their hands on the next version of Ake, who really cemented himself as an impressive Premier League player at Bournemouth.

Ake joined Manchester City from the Cherries for £41m in 2020, and while he initially struggled to establish form and fitness at the Etihad Stadium, playing just 13 times in his debut campaign, he is now an integral member of the squad and has chalked up 96 appearances, scoring nine goals and winning a wealth of silverware including three Premier League titles and the treble last year.

Hailed for his "exceptional" qualities by Pep Guardiola, Ake's transfer could be used as the blueprint to bring Kelly to London, with the startling similarities between the pair likely something that Postecoglou should take advantage of, given Ake's trajectory since leaving the Cherries.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Ball retention

Crossing

Passing

Discipline

*Sourced via WhoScored

As per FBref, the £160k-per-week star ranks among the top 16% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 1% for pass completion, the top 6% for progressive passes, the top 4% for passes attempted and the top 9% for aerial wins per 90.

Evidently, he's a pretty decent passer, and given that he rotates in flux from central defence and out wide, Kelly could look to emulate his performances under Postecoglou's wing, who implements a similarly fluid, interchanging attacking system to Guardiola.

While Kelly might have been dissuaded from joining Tottenham in the summer – perhaps due to a lack of assurances regarding the regularity of his appearances from the outset – there is no question that Postecoglou's side now present a compelling offer.

With dynamism and passing aptitude on his side, the Bournemouth star could dazzle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, playing an important role in both central and wide defence and deepening the club's backline.

He should take inspiration from his former teammate Ake and join a Premier League club competing at the forefront of the table, emulating the Dutchman and working his way up to be an instrumental member.

Atletico Madrid have baulked at the asking price Manchester United are demanding for Mason Greenwood, currently on-loan at Getafe.

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Greenwood on loan at GetafeAtletico interested in signing playerGreenwood not appeared for United since arrestWHAT HAPPENED?

Greenwood has not appeared for United since he was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 2022. The case was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023 and the player was sent on loan to Getafe. It is unclear whether he has a future at United and Atletico are interested in signing the forward, according to

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

According to the Spanish outlet, Atletico have been taken aback by United's asking price for the Englishman – set at €58 million (£50m/$63m) – which is seen as "outrageous" to the Rojiblancos. However, given Greenwood's situation at United, it is difficult to make any predictions on what his next destination is and the fee United may charge potential suitors.

WHAT JIM RATCLIFFE SAID

Greenwood's future will be dealt with by the hierarchy at United, including Ratcliffe who oversees the club’s football operations. In February, he said on Greenwood: "He’s a Manchester United footballer so we are in charge of football. So the answer is yes, we have to make decisions. There is no decision that’s been made. The process will be: understand the facts not the hype and then try and come to fair decision on the basis of values which is basically is he a good guy or not, and answer could he play sincerely for Manchester United well and would we be comfortable with it and would the fans be comfortable with it."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR GREENWOOD?

Major decisions on Greenwood's future will have to be taken in the summer when he returns from Getafe. Should United decide they do not wish to retain his services, he will have to find a new club and United a buyer. Juventus recently emerged as new candidates for his signature.

One club's £100 million player is prepared to push for an exit after Arsenal talks to sign him.

Arsenal targeting host of players for 2024

The north Londoners could look to January for reinforcements despite spending over £200 million in the summer. Arsenal's unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign suggests that they're certain title contenders once again, but there are still a few weak spots in Mikel Arteta's squad.

They're seriously lacking a proven goalscorer, and an injury to Gabriel Jesus has only highlighted the need for more striking options. Eddie Nketiah's hat-trick against Sheffield United last weekend aside, reports suggest that Arsenal know signing a forward could be crucial. Indeed, Arteta is reportedly keen on Pedro Neto from Wolves as an alternative to star winger Bukayo Saka as well, while there are reports that a possible Arsenal exit for Thomas Partey could prompt interest in a new midfielder.

Perhaps the most regularly mentioned name, though, is Brentford star Ivan Toney. The 27-year-old, who is currently serving a ban for alleged gambling breaches, will be eligible to return on January 17. This has apparently enticed the interest of a few top sides, including Arsenal and Chelsea, who are both said to be keen on a new number nine.

Ivan Toney "ready" to leave after Arsenal "talks"

An update by 90min has shed some light on Arsenal and their current transfer saga with Brentford's star man. According to their information, Toney is prepared to leave after Arsenal talks to sign him.

Toney strengths

Aerial duels

Direct free-kicks

Through balls

Finishing

The Englishman's representatives have held negotiations with Arteta's side already, alongside Chelsea, with Toney now "ready" to push for the exit door as he chases a way out of his current club. The forward, who scored 20 league goals last season, apparently wants to join an elite side and is prepared to try and convince Brentford into selling.

Another report by Sky Sports claimed Toney will cost £100 million for interested clubs in January, a sky-high figure. The former Peterborough star has showcased his quality on more than one occasion, though, with Football Transfers even likening Toney to Antoine Griezmann.

Frank admits Toney could leave

Earlier this year, Bees boss Thomas Frank confirmed Toney could go for the "right price".

"I think every club in the world are a selling club except five or six clubs. We are a selling club, if the right price is there," Frank said.

"I think if it's the right time for the player to go, from my perspective that’s not my decision that would be Phil [Giles, director of football] or Matthew [Benham, Brentford's owner] in the end, then I think if they have developed well with us, been on the journey, and now they're proven good enough to go to the top clubs, then I think it's the right thing, if it's the right price.

"I understand why there are a lot of rumours out there about [Toney]. For me he's one of the best strikers, as a striker No.9, I don't see many out there who is better in the world than him, of course you have [Harry] Kane, [Robert] Lewandowski, [Erling] Haaland and these types, but not many."

“The answer is straight up ‘no’.”That was Australia coach Justin Langer’s response to the when asked a few weeks ago if he knew who the best six batsmen in Australia were.”You take Smith who has got 79 hundreds, you take Warner who has got 88 hundreds — I am talking about all A-grade cricket — you take those out. You take [out] Cameron Bancroft who you could say had just started to find his feet, he was a bit of the heartbeat of the team…there are certainly some questions,” Langer had said.That was a few days before the Australia A squad flew to India for a quadrangular one-day series, and about two weeks before Australia A’s four-dayers against India A. With just one batting innings left in the series for the Australians, Langer, perhaps, still doesn’t have too much clarity on who those best six are, with Australia’s tour of the UAE looming. So inseparable have been the performances from the Australians, that barring Khawaja’s grand performances on one extreme, and an underperforming Peter Handscomb’s on the other, the contest is neck-to-neck.In that middling group is New South Wales’ Kurtis Patterson, who had been pushed up to open – what he calls the “best place to bat” in the subcontinent. He has looked the visitors’ best batsman so far, but hasn’t converted his starts into substantial scores.”Yeah it is a bit frustrating,” Patterson said. “I feel like I’m batting nicely and having not opened that much in my career, I know that opening over here is probably one of the better places to bat. It starts turning later and skidding and playing tricks. So a little bit disappointed that I haven’t been able to push on.”Patterson made 48 off 71 balls, including eight classy boundaries, before he was bowled through the gate by left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem in Alur. Until the dismissal, it was an innings full of grace, and he was particularly fluent down the ground against spinners who were taking the ball away from him. In his batting were glimpses of why the 25-year-old left-hander is rated highly, but the premature exit marked something of a career trend.Patterson began his first-class career in style, when he became New South Wales’ youngest centurion in Sheffield Shield cricket at the age of 18, on debut in 2011. Not long after that, Patterson turned down a Big Bash League contract in order to focus on a national Under-19s tournament and a NSW Second XIs appearance.These were signs of a man leaning towards conventional growth as a batsman, but things haven’t gone along that trajectory. Patterson’s 157 on debut continues to be his highest score in first-class cricket, and he has since made four hundreds in 90 innings, with the last one coming in October 2016. Not ideal numbers for a top-order batsman over seven years, but his average still sits at 40-plus. The bigger concern is that since that debut innings, Patterson has faced more deliveries on only four occasions.But Patterson downplayed it, and felt he wasn’t far away from a big score. More importantly, he said, he is now a better player than he had ever been. Patterson was the tenth-highest scorer in the Sheffield Shield in 2017-18, with 672 runs in 19 innings, and for the second season in a row, made more than 600 runs.”I’m a lot better player than I was back then [during the debut].” Patterson said, “I had a lot of luck in that innings. It was one of those days that comes along once every now and then in your career, and I was just lucky that it was my first day when it happened.”I feel like I’m a lot better player and cricketer, a lot more mature person than I was. To win a title with my state team, both one-day and Shield cricket and also a Big Bash title in there as well. It’s been a good six years and hopefully it continues in that trajectory.”With Australia A captain Mitchell Marsh approaching a hundred in Alur, the battle for what could be the final few spots for the Pakistan series has ostensibly narrowed into that of one starter and one reserve batsman. Handscomb, Head, and Patterson would appear the frontrunners, with Queensland’s Marnus Labuschagne, who wasn’t picked for the four-dayers originally, a left-field choice.”We’re all aware that there are some spots available, it doesn’t take a genius to know that,” Patterson said. “But I think the thing we’ve really done well is come over here and play as a team and put in two good performances. We obviously did that in game one, and we’re doing the exact same in game two.”I think that’s the best way. When you’re winning, generally, a lot of players are picked. We all know as batters we’ve to try and get runs. Yes there’s a carrot there with the Test side, but I think what the leadership group has done really well is emphasie the importance of playing as a team and playing to win.”At the moment, even with average numbers in India, Patterson comes in second in the aforementioned three-horse race. But in an Australian cricket year that’ll be long remembered for its tumult, and with a management focused on repair, there isn’t a better chance for Patterson to finally turn his potential into a baggy green. If only he can make that last innings count.

Following the frustrations of last term after missing out on Champions League qualification, it looks as if Liverpool are once again a side to be feared, with Jurgen Klopp's men currently in the mix at the top end of the table after an impressive start to the Premier League season.

Now just three points behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur following the weekend win over rivals Everton, the Reds could well be part of what looks to be an exciting title tussle involving themselves, Arsenal, Manchester City and Spurs, even if it is still early days.

The Merseyside giants appear to have particularly benefitted from something of a squad refresh of late, with Klopp ruthlessly moving on the ageing figures of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino over the summer.

That raft of exits highlighted the end of one cycle and the start of another for Klopp and co, with the German having somewhat disassembled elements of the side that claimed Premier League and Champions League glory in the recent past.

There does still remain a healthy core from that glittering outfit – including the likes of Alisson, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk – yet with many of those talents now in their thirties, further changes are likely to lie in store in the near future.

The defensive ranks, in particular, appear in need of a refresh before too long with both Matip and Van Dijk now 32, although the Anfield outfit could have ready-made replacements for that experienced pairing in the form of two emerging academy sensations – Jarell Quansah and Terence Miles.

The possible replacements for Matip and Van Dijk at Liverpool

As club legend Jamie Carragher recently stated, Van Dijk, in particular, has had his fair share of "criticism" in recent times, yet the towering Dutchman remains "one of the best" in the Premier League, having been a key cog in Klopp's machine over the past five years or so.

Arguably the "best defender that has ever lived" when he was at the peak of his powers, according to ex-England goalkeeper, Ben Foster, the former Southampton man was a central part of the golden period in Klopp's reign, with only the ACL injury sustained in 2020 having somewhat hampered his progress.

While the one-time Celtic man does appear to be thriving at present – forming part of a backline that has shipped just nine goals in nine league games – the time will come when an heir to the defensive titan will have to be found.

The same is also true of his long-serving teammate, Matip, with the Cameroonian star having not always been the most reliable figure due to injury, after enduring numerous spells on the treatment table over the years.

Undoubtedly a "huge presence" in the side when he is fit and available – according to Carragher – the problem is that too often is the former Schalke man not fit for action, with his usual understudy Ibrahima Konate also rather injury-prone himself.

With Joe Gomez also now utilised more frequently as a backup right-back to Trent Alexander-Arnold, there has been an encouraging emergence for academy starlet, Quansah, with the 20-year-old one of those who could plug the gap left behind by Matip and Van Dijk.

Jarell Quansah's early impact for Liverpool at senior level

While it is still early days in the youngster's senior career, Quansah has already racked up five first-team appearances so far this term after forcing his way into Klopp's thinking, notably making his first Premier League start in the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.

83 minutes played

91 touches

96% pass accuracy rate

5/9 total duels won

5 clearances

3/3 long balls completed

7.2 match rating

Stats via Sofascore

That long-awaited top-flight bow led to notable praise from those within the club for the academy product, as he was hailed as "excellent" by teammate Robertson, while the Englishman's manager also stated that he had played "really well" amid a chaotic first-half display from those around him.

Although another league outing has not yet presented itself for the Warrington-born gem, he does look to be a player with a "bright future ahead of him", in the words of Robertson, with excitement growing as to just what he can achieve in a red jersey in the years to come.

Such is the young prospect's talent, Klopp is believed to have held back on signing a new centre-back this summer, according to The Athletic, with that a clear sign that he is not too far away from becoming a regular in the side either in place of or alongside Van Dijk and co.

In that case, it may not be too long before Quansah is joined in the first-team ranks by the aforementioned Miles, with the teenage defender currently catching the eye in the youth set-up.

A closer look at Liverpool's academy starlet, Terence Miles

The 19-year-old – who has previously been described as "imperious" at the back by journalist Neil Jones – could be the next academy gem to breakthrough at Anfield, despite a first-team bow having yet to emerge for the youngster to date.

A 'strong and passionate leader' – according to the club's official website – the England youth international also has the quality on the ball to match, as a 'good reader of the game, he steps out confidently with the ball from the back and distributes well', as per the same source.

Also comfortable at right-back, the local starlet has scored once in eight appearances in all competitions so far this term in the respective youth sides, notably facing off against senior opposition in the EFL Trophy against Morecambe and Blackpool.

Lining up in his usual centre-back berth, Miles was particularly impressive in the 3-0 win over the Shrimps last month, making six clearances as a sign of his ability to sniff out the danger, while also enjoying a solid 87% pass accuracy rate on the day to indicate his composure in possession.

That mix of abilities should make the teen titan a worthy candidate to step into the shoes of either Matip or Van Dijk in future, with Klopp likely to be able to save the club millions by promoting from within, rather than looking to the transfer market for possible long-term solutions.

With Quansah having already made his mark in the early knockings of this season, don't be surprised to see Miles emerge onto the scene before too long.