Russell Domingo first to be interviewed but Mike Hesson being seen as a frontrunner
Mohammad Isam in Dhaka08-Aug-2019The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has cranked up its search for the senior team coach, with the side’s next assignment – a one-off Test against Afghanistan – less than a month away. The board’s shortlist included Mike Hesson, Grant Flower, Paul Farbrace, Russell Domingo and Chandika Hathurusingha, after Andy Flower declined the board’s offer a second time. The BCB may be in a race with other subcontinent boards, with India, Pakistan and Afghanistan also looking for a head coach, and ongoing issues between Hathurusingha and Sri Lanka Cricket.Farbrace, it is understood, is out of the running after he declined the BCB’s offer to take things further.* It is the second time the former England assistant coach has done so; he was among those being discussed for the role even though he had declined the board’s offer in March last year. The BCB eventually appointed Steve Rhodes then, with whom it parted ways immediately after the World Cup.ESPNcricinfo has learned that Hesson, the former New Zealand coach, is a frontrunner, with BCB president Nazmul Hassan and some directors expressing interest. However, Domingo, who coached South Africa from 2013 to 2016, was the first coach to be interviewed as the board began its process in Dhaka on Thursday. Grant Flower, who was Pakistan’s batting coach, and Hathurusingha remain on the periphery of the board’s interest.Hathurusingha, who coached Bangladesh from 2014 to 2017, is known to be a favourite of the BCB president and a few directors, even though he quit to take up the Sri Lanka job in October 2017. However, ESPNcricinfo understands that Hathurusingha’s ongoing struggle with Sri Lanka Cricket, which resulted in his suspension this week, has resulted in a difference of opinion between the Bangladesh board directors over his prospects. Still, the BCB will reportedly conduct a telephone interview with Hathurusingha, which doesn’t rule him out of contention.The, BCB, meanwhile, was impressed with Domingo’s presentation during the interview.”We have started working with our shortlisted coaches,” the BCB’s media committee chairman, Jalal Yunus, said. “We have just conducted an interview with Russell Domingo, the former South Africa coach. He is a real professional. He is well qualified. He gave us a presentation about what he thinks about Bangladesh cricket. It was satisfying for the BCB.”We will interview the rest of the coaches on our shortlist. We have two more to interview in the next few days, and then we will choose between these coaches.”*
Liverpool enjoyed a wonderful 4-1 victory over Chelsea in midweek which kept them top of the Premier League table and could Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge end with a second league crown?
They face another big test tomorrow afternoon as they travel to the Emirates to play Arsenal. Win and the supporters will believe a 20th league title is destiny for Klopp. Lose, however, and they may just take a big hit in confidence.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The emphatic win over the Blues will have given the German a boost heading into this title clash against the Gunners tomorrow and with plenty at stake, he will be ready to choose the starting XI which will see the Anfield side secure another win.
With that in mind, here's the team that could take to the pitch at the Emirates on Sunday in what is a pivotal clash if the Reds are to win a second Premier League title under Klopp…
1 GK – Alisson
Alisson Becker.
The Brazilian will retain his place in the starting XI from the midweek victory over Chelsea, and he has missed just two league matches all season.
In the 20 that he has played, Alisson has kept only seven clean sheets, but the Reds have lost just once in those games, and that shows how good their attacking output is.
2 RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.
While Conor Bradley enjoyed a stunning performance against the Blues during the week – finishing the game with a goal and two assists – due to the nature of the task at hand against Arsenal, Trent Alexander Arnold will return to the starting XI.
The Englishman has missed only three matches in the league this season, chipping in with five goal contributions, and his presence in the starting XI will be crucial if Liverpool are to win tomorrow.
3 CB – Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
The Dutchman has started every single one of his league ties this term, missing only two due to a suspension he picked up following a sending-off against Newcastle United at the start of the campaign.
The former Southampton man will need to be at his best to deal with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus tomorrow, and he will be key to Liverpool securing a positive result.
4 CB – Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.
The 24-year-old has been Van Dijk’s main partner at the heart of the defence due to Joel Matip suffering a serious injury against Fulham back in December, with the Cameroonian likely to miss the rest of the season.
Since replacing Matip during that game, the Reds have conceded just five league goals in their subsequent seven games Konate has featured, indicating that he is the ideal person to partner the Dutchman tomorrow.
5 LB – Andy Robertson
predicted-xi-robertson-liverpool
The Scot has missed a large chunk of the season due to suffering a shoulder injury and only made his return against Chelsea in midweek, playing 21 minutes.
He will be deployed in the starting XI against the Gunners and Klopp will be hoping he can keep Saka quiet during the clash.
6 CM – Curtis Jones
conor-gallagher-curtis-jones-tottenham-opinion
The academy product has really taken his game to new levels this season and could become a key member of the Liverpool midfield for years to come.
The 23-year-old has started nine league matches thus far, scoring once and grabbing an assist, and he will retain his place in the starting XI for the visit to London.
7 CM – Alexis Mac Allister
The Argentine was in fine form against Chelsea during the week, finishing the game with a 90% pass success rate, winning 11 ground duels and making one key pass as he shone in the heart of the midfield.
His performances have been getting better and better since adapting to Klopp’s way of playing and his signing is beginning to look like a stroke of genius from the German.
The Hungarian gem was another player who shone against the Stamford Bridge side on Wednesday. Not only did he find the back of the net, but he also made two key passes, succeeded with 91% of his pass attempts and took 68 touches, showcasing his desire to get involved.
The former RB Leipzig starlet has started all but one of Liverpool’s league ties this term and Klopp will place his full trust in the 23-year-old against stern opposition at the Emirates on Sunday.
9 RW – Diogo Jota
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.
The former Wolves gem has been tasked with performing in a few roles this season by Klopp, featuring on both wings and also as a centre-forward.
The 27-year-old has scored 13 goals and grabbed three assists across all competitions and, due to Mohamed Salah’s injury, the manager will unleash him on the right wing, similar to the midweek clash against Chelsea.
He scored against the Blues, suggesting that no matter what position he plays across the front three, he is able to contribute effectively.
10 ST – Cody Gakpo
Liverpool's James McConnell and Cody Gakpo.
Darwin Núñez is likely to be ruled out for the Arsenal clash after he left in a protective boot following the midweek win over the Blues.
The £140k-per-week striker failed to score despite hitting the woodwork four times, but he did grab an assist and his unpredictability will be missed against the Gunners.
This means Cody Gakpo will earn a start leading the line. The "special" Dutchman – as described by his manager – has managed to net nine goals and chip in with four assists, but facing a stubborn Arsenal defence will be a big test of his abilities.
Southampton are now staggeringly 19 games unbeaten in the Championship after a thumping 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend. Russell Martin's Saints are on song and look like a tough nut to crack at the top end of the division.
The south coast side are now within touching distance of the top two places in the division, with the whole squad playing their part against the Owls – four different goalscorers chipping in against Danny Rohl's beleaguered away side to secure a comprehensive win.
Yet, although Adam Armstrong got on the scoresheet himself for the high-flyers in the victory, the prolific Southampton man could be supercharged even further with this potential addition in through the door at St Mary's this month.
Southampton going after Premier League winger
talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook revealed on social media late last month that the promotion-chasing Saints were interested in bringing David Brooks to the club on loan, with a further development recently only adding more fuel to the fire over a potential deal.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT in the past few days, journalist Dean Jones confirmed that Martin's side are going after Brooks with the transfer 'one to genuinely keep an open mind about' from a Southampton perspective.
A deal to bring in the current AFC Bournemouth winger could see Armstrong moved back to a far more comfortable centre-forward position, Martin shoehorning his star-man into a right-wing role owing to Che Adams' upturn in form.
Acknowledging that this decision to play the Saints number nine out wide recently has made Armstrong a 'bit annoyed' when speaking to BBC Radio Solent directly after the Wednesday demolition job, bringing in Brooks could see Martin opt to start the exciting Cherries attacker there instead to link up with Armstrong up top.
Southampton forward Adam Armstrong.
If Adams also decides to move on from St Mary's this transfer window, it's a win-win deal for all involved.
Why Brooks would benefit Armstrong
Brooks and Armstrong could make the Southampton attack even more terrifying for Championship defences to attempt to thwart, 4-0 and 5-0 wins on their own patch becoming customary now even without the additional firepower of the Welsh winger in the side.
David Brooks
During his last full campaign at this level for the Cherries, the slick attacker managed to contribute to 11 goals in total with five goals and six assists tallied from 32 games.
With those numbers in the Saints set-up now, Brooks wouldn't be far off the likes of Samuel Edozie and Ryan Fraser who both have five and seven assists next to their name respectively in an attack just oozing strength in numbers.
Yet, the 26-year-old can stand out from the pack making the short trip across the South Coast from Bournemouth to Southampton if signed.
Boasting a promotion to the Premier League on his Cherries CV could make him a worthwhile buy alone, alongside glowing comments from previous managers who single out how dazzling Brooks can be on his day.
At the peak of his powers in the top flight during the 2018/19 season – helping himself to five goals and seven assists across a breakthrough season – the then Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe praised Brooks for his "intelligent" play on the ball after scoring in a 2-0 win over Brighton. Further praise would be forthcoming during Scott Parker's time at the helm, the former midfielder labelling Brooks as "first-class".
Armstrong being unleashed back in a lone striker role is a no-brainer move, the 26-year-old becoming more of an assist machine than a goalscoring one in recent weeks but could well be the prolific finisher Southampton require to mount a more aggressive charge for the automatic promotion spaces.
Finding the back of the net an astounding 70 times at second-tier level during his career to date, Martin will hope the goals continue to flow with Brooks next to him in the team with a promotion to celebrate come the end of the season as a result.
Sky Sports made one of the most exciting moves in the transfer window as they brought in Peter Drury to replace Martin Tyler as the voice of their Premier League coverage. The commentator has built a reputation as the top wordsmith in the profession over his 30+ year career, after all.
Of course, the majority of that reputation, at least in recent times, has been built away from England.
After 15 years of making his name at ITV, Drury has primarily provided coverage of the world's biggest games for TV networks in America, working at both CBS Sports and NBC Sports.
Football FanCast has taken a look at Peter Drury's top commentary moments from his fantastic career:
10
Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Man United
11th September 2021, Manchester United 4-1 Newcastle United
Cristiano Ronaldo's reappearance in red at Old Trafford was a massive moment in what now seems like a long, long, long time ago. In reality, it was 2021. Didn't things fall apart quickly?
It really felt like an enormous moment for Manchester United when they re-signed the superstar from Juventus. Here was an all-time great returning to the club where he truly took off in an effort to sign off on one of the most incredible club careers the sport has ever seen.
With the Portugal star's time in Turin fizzling out, an extraordinary return to the place he made his name became reality when he made a second United debut against Newcastle United in September 2021.
And in true Ronaldo style, he grabbed all the headlines, not only through his mere appearance, but through a match-defining double that spurred the Red Devils to victory.
Drury attempted to capture the feelings as Ronaldo made that return, doing so in his usual poetic style:
"18 years since that trembling teenager of touch and tease first tip-toed onto this storied stage. Now in his immaculate maturity, CR7 re-United.
"Guess who's there? Close your eyes and he never went away! Cristiano Ronaldo has stolen back the show!
"The Theatre lives its Dream! Its fantasy hero retreads the boards! A phenomenon! Hello again, Stretford End: here I am!"
You can catch his introduction here.
Ronaldo's second spell at United, in statistics:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
55
27
5
9
Vincent Kompany's bolt from the blue
6th May 2019, Manchester City 1-0 Leicester City
In a titanic tussle for the title back in 2019, Manchester City knew only perfection would stop Liverpool claiming a first league title in nearly 30 years.
The Citizens, reigning champions at the time after amassing triple figures in terms of points, eventually went within touching distance of repeating that feat 12 months later, with their 98-point haul pipping the Reds to the post.
Therefore, every point mattered. And in early May, a stubborn Leicester City side were proving difficult to break down, with City requiring a victory to ensure they went into the final day in control of their destiny.
City skipper Vincent Kompany – not exactly famed for his long-range shooting – took efforts into his own hands by unleashing a rasping 25-yard strike that ultimately led to Pep Guardiola’s side sealing a domestic treble.
And in typical fashion, Drury was on hand to narrate the dramatic moment a nervy Etihad Stadium was sent into raptures by the Belgian’s wondergoal:
“Kompany… had a look, had a hit… ohhh! Captain fantastic! A wild celebration for a goal from his wildest dreams!
“A fantasy goal for City’s fantasy footballer! A goal fit for a champion of all time!
“He merely gives thanks. Around him, tens of thousands in blue give thanks for Manchester City’s man of men!”
Kompany's honours:
Trophy
Year
Belgian Pro League
2004, 2006
FA Cup
2011, 2019
Premier League
2012, 2014, 2018, 2019
Community Shield
2013, 2019
League Cup
2014, 2016, 2018, 2019
8
Thierry Henry stuns the Bernabeu
21st February 2006, Real Madrid 0-1 Arsenal
Thierry Henry
We're going all the way back to 2006 for this one as Arsenal attempted to ascend to the top of European football for the first time. They'd come awfully close, too, falling in the final to Barcelona after a heartbreaking defeat in Paris.
Indeed, Arsenal would go on to dispatch fellow European heavyweights Juventus and a talented Villarreal outfit on their way to a first-ever Champions League final.
However, the highlight of their run was surely the Gunners' victory over a star-studded Real Madrid in the first knockout round.
The Gunners would take the tie 1-0 on aggregate, with the crucial goal coming in Madrid courtesy of Thierry Henry.
A tense goalless draw at Highbury followed in what was Real Madrid’s one and only visit to the famous old ground, with Jens Lehmann’s heroics key to maintaining the north Londoners’ slender advantage.
And looking back to that decisive moment in the first leg, it was a stunning display of brilliance from Henry as he showed strength and poise to tie Real's defence in knots. Drury delivered worthy commentary to sum it all up:
“Here's Henry getting clear, it's Thierry Henry… he's scored! He's scored for Arsenal in the Bernabeu! No more, no less than they merit! Arsenal have been the thrusting force of this tie! Thierry Henry, the Gunner Galactico, it is Real Madrid nil, Arsenal one!”
Perfect.
Thierry Henry's Arsenal career in statistics:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Trophies
377
228
103
7
7
Sergio Agüero's title-winner
13th May 2012, Manchester City 3-2 Queens Park Rangers
The final day of the 2011/12 season saw the Citizens in need of a victory against relegation-threatened QPR to secure their first-ever Premier League title.
Though, the script was ripped into shreds when Jamie Mackie put the visitors 2-1 up in the second half, sinking Roberto Mancini's side to second, behind bitter rivals Manchester United.
Edin Dzeko levelled in the 92nd minute and provided the hosts with a lifeline but still a mountain to climb as the pulsating encounter edged closer to the full-time whistle.
But, of course, Sergio Agüero stepped up in the fifth minute of stoppage, lashing home the title-winner to send the Etihad Stadium into bedlem.
Read more: 10 most famous Manchester City players in history
Martin Tyler's commentary of the moment perhaps stole much of Drury's limelight, but nonetheless, the football poet produced a memorable sequence.
“Drama of the ultimate type! Tears of distress turn to tears of unbridled joy! It just does not get better than this. It will never get better than this in blue.
“The blue moon has risen. Just like a dream in their hearts. Where does football go from here?”
Agüero's 2011/12 season, in numbers:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Trophies
48
30
12
1
6
Scott McTominay's derby-day goal
8th March 2020, Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
Manchester United welcomed their noisy neighbours Manchester City, who were the reigning Premier League champions having amassed a remarkable 99 points the season prior.
Though, at the time the Citizens were some way off the summit of the table, as Liverpool raced away 25 points clear in the lead. Even still, City were 15 points ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjær's side, so heading into the derby, they were certainly the favoured outfit.
But in the 30th minute, Ederson allowed Anthony Martial's shot to squirm underneath his hands, putting the hosts ahead before Scott McTominay netted a 40-yard wondergoal in stoppage time to make sure of the three points.
Here's how Drury painted the picture:
"A red-Letter day, Scott McTominay, Ederson stay to hide, it's Solskjær's day to look to paradise and say ‘I've done a double over the neighbours.’"
McTominay's United career so far, in numbers:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Trophies
218
22
5
1
5
Liverpool utopia
5th March 2023, Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United
The Reds did indeed defeat their bitter rivals 7-0, that did happen, it wasn't a dream. Perhaps even more remarkably, they only led 1-0 at half-time.
United's second-half capitulation saw Liverpool relentlessly punish error after error, netting six times, with Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah all scoring a brace.
Roberto Firmino added the seventh with two minutes of normal time remaining before Drury perfectly captured the unprecedented scenes:
“A story at Anfield of restored faith. Of restored verve. Restored appetite. That is Liverpool as you remember them and that is Manchester United as they’d rather forget.”
Five of Liverpool's biggest Premier League wins over Manchester United:
Scoreline
Date
Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
16th March 2014
Manchester United 1-4 Liverpool
14th March 2009
Liverpool 4-0 Manchester United
19th April 2022
Manchester United 0-5 Liverpool
24th October 2021
Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United
5th March 2023
4
Saka's poise
9th October 2022, Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool
Bukayo Saka's 76th-minute penalty settled the pulsating affair, as the Gunners defeated Liverpool 3-2 and regained their spot at the top of the league table.
As Saka stepped up to take the spot kick, much of the focus was centralised around his miss in the EURO 2020 final shootout against Italy and whether he could bury those demons, here.
Drury built up the occasion fabulously, commending his bravery and the Gunners golden boy proceeded to confidently stroke the ball home before wheeling away in elation.
Here's how Dury narrated the pressure penalty:
"Now this is one brave boy. Bukayo Saka. Because this is one pressure penalty. He has experienced pressure from the spot like few others.
"He has suffered for that pressure, but now the Emirates braces itself for perhaps a pivotal kick of the football.
“These are broad shoulders. This is courage. A sporting moment in time. Bukayo Saka. Such poise! Such noise!”
Saka's 2022/23 season, in numbers:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
48
15
11
3
Wayne Rooney's moment of magic
12th February 2011, Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City
Wayne Rooney produced some incredible moments throughout his glittering career, but one does manage to stand out amongst them all.
He may have announced himself with his long-range rocket against Arsenal as an Everton teenager back in 2002, while his thunderbolt volley against Newcastle nearly three years later still lives long in the memory.
His later career had some fine strikes, too – a superb strike from just inside the West Ham United half showed his undying class, while he repeated the trick of sorts against the Hammers by drilling in a superb 59-yarder during his second Everton spell.
However, that bicycle kick during the Manchester derby in February 2011 is an all-time Premier League moment – even if he quite clearly shinned it.
Read more: Ranking the 10 best goals not to win the Puskas Award
It was an extraordinary hit late on in a clash that secured a massive result in the title race – one that United would go on to win.
With Nani’s opener cancelled out by Edin Dzeko’s deflected effort, it was up to Rooney to settle things, and his goal for the ages ensured United maintained their four-point lead at the top with 12 games to play.
And as special as the strike was, Drury's commentary for the strike was nearly as good, too, as he tried to capture the magnitude:
"Rooney! Oh, wonderful! What a goal! And what a time, in what a place! What a player! Wayne Rooney, out of this world! 2-1 United!"
Wayne Rooney's career statistics:
Team
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Trophies
England
120
53
21
0
Manchester United
559
253
145
17
Everton
117
28
8
0
D.C. United
52
25
14
0
Derby County
35
7
3
0
2
History for South Africa
11th June 2010, South Africa 1-1 Mexico
The 2010 World Cup might primarily be remembered for a very dull brand of football played to the sound of bored bees, but the opener delivered a truly historic moment.
South Africa, after all, were the first African nation to ever host the tournament as they kicked it off against Mexico in June 2010.
They have not featured on the global stage since their home World Cup, but there were certainly moments to savour.
Alongside the weight of being the continent’s first World Cup hosts, they also beat an albeit out-of-sorts France as the former world champions completely crumbled, even finishing below their unfancied opponents in the group.
Bafana Bafana were also unfortunate to exit the tournament by virtue of goal difference.
Nevertheless, they will always have one of the tournament’s most iconic strikes to their name, and despite not holding on for victory on opening night, their opener was undoubtedly one of the goals of the finals.
You can't really overstate how enormous that was for the continent, let alone the country. So when Siphiwe Tshabalala put the hosts ahead with the tournament’s first goal, emotion completely took over the game.
Drury did his best to capture that on commentary, with a call that summed up just how special the moment was. He even later proclaimed the match to be his favourite of his career:
"It's Tshabalala… Goal Bafana Bafana! Goal for South Africa! Goal for all Africa! Jambulila, rejoice! Bafana Bafana have popped the first cork of their day of days!"
2010 World Cup Group A table:
#
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Points
1
Uruguay
3
2
1
0
4
0
4
7
2
Mexico
3
1
1
1
3
2
1
4
3
South Africa
3
1
1
1
3
5
-2
4
4
France
3
0
1
2
1
4
-3
1
1
The Greek God in Rome
10th April 2018, Roma 3-0 Barcelona
No matter what your opinion is of Drury's commentary, there's no question that his call of Kostas Manolas' goal against Barcelona in 2018 was a turning point in the commentator's career.
His description of one of the Champions League's most incredible moments of recent years catapulted him into the minds of football fans across the world.
Of course, the conditions were perfect. Barcelona had beaten Roma 3-1 in Catalonia and looked certain to progress. The Italians had other ideas, however, and produced a sensational comeback to win 3-0 at home.
Edin Dzeko opened the scoring early on at the Stadio Olimpico, before a Daniele De Rossi penalty just before the hour mark had Roma threatening to complete an improbable comeback, as an away-goals victory was suddenly within their grasp.
And Greek centre-back Manolas struck from a corner with around 10 minutes remaining to send his side through to the semi-finals at Lionel Messi and co.’s expense.
Drury practically stole the limelight for himself, however, such was his description of the events:
"Roma have risen from their ruins! Manolas, the Greek God in Rome! The unthinkable unfolds before our eyes!
"This was not meant to happen, this could not happen – this is happening!"
The commentary went viral and Drury has been in demand ever since.
Leeds United decided to part ways with sporting director Victor Orta back in May shortly before the club's relegation from the Premier League.
The Spanish chief had plenty of highs and lows at Elland Road and his work in the transfer market left a lot to be desired, particularly towards the end of his time in Yorkshire.
One signing that has turned out to be a disaster for the Whites is central defender Diego Llorente, who is currently out on loan at Roma this season.
The 30-year-old stopper was snapped up from Real Sociedad for a reported fee of £18m in the summer of 2020. It was claimed that Leeds wanted to sign Josko Gvardiol from Dinamo Zagreb for the same figure but lost out to RB Leipzig in that particular race.
Diego Llorente's form for Leeds
Llorente went on to play 59 competitive matches for the Whites across two-and-a-half seasons with the club before his loan move to Roma at the start of this year.
His availability left a lot to be desired during his debut campaign in England as the defender missed 23 games through three separate injury issues.
Leeds defender Diego Llorente.
He was then able to play 28 Premier League matches during the 2021/22 campaign but Leeds only kept five clean sheets in those outings.
The experienced dud then struggled during the first half of last season as he only made eight top-flight appearances before his January exit.
Sky Sports pundit Sue Smith described him as being "really poor" against Brentford in September 2022 and Llorente made two errors that led to goals for the opposition in those eight games.
The fee Leeds could receive for Llorente
It was recently reported by Roma Metropolitan Magazine that the Italian side could strike a deal for his services on a permanent basis for a fee within the region of €5m (£4.3m) next summer.
The Spanish giant has been a solid performer for the Serie A outfit with zero errors that have led to shots or goals for the opposition in 14 league appearances this term, and has not been a liability for his team.
AS Roma's loan defenderDiego Llorente.
He has won 65% of his defensive duels and completed 91% of his attempted passes in those 14 games, which suggests that the Leeds flop has been a reliable operator in and out of possession.
However, his current performances for Roma do not take away from how much of a disaster the transfer was for the Whites if they end up cashing in on him for £4.3m.
It is a staggering £13.7m loss on the £18m that was spent to secure his services ahead of the 2020/21 campaign under Marcelo Bielsa.
Leeds did not get much in the way of quality displays on the pitch, due to the aforementioned injury and performance issues, and now look set to make a major loss on the money they paid for him.
Therefore, Orta had a disaster with the signing of Llorente from Sociedad back in 2020 and the now-Sevilla sporting director may not look back on that piece of business as one of his finer moments at the club.
To rub salt in the wound, RB Leipzig went on to sell Gvardiol, who was the preferred target for Leeds ahead of the Spaniard, to Manchester City for a reported fee of £77.6m earlier this year.
Leeds United have managed to not let the disappointment of relegation down to the Championship completely derail them, the mood at Elland Road at the moment ecstatic with Daniel Farke's rejuvenated Whites third in the league.
New signings in through the door in the summer have breathed life into a team that had become stale, arrivals such as Ethan Ampadu and Joel Piroe have been crucial after joining in the off-season whilst figures already at the club such as Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter have come on leaps and bounds in the division below, registering 27 goal involvements between them.
Leeds were also effective in the summer transfer window in getting rid of deadwood at the club with many former first-team underperformers loaned out, players not deemed suitable for the demands of a promotion challenge right after being scarred by a demoralising relegation.
Marc Roca is one of those Leeds players who was shipped away on loan, loaned back out to his native Spain to play with Real Betis.
The deal to sign Roca in 2022 is now one filled with regret from a Whites perspective, the second-tier outfit now destined to sell the wantaway Spaniard for less already than what they paid to land his services just last year.
How Marc Roca performed at Leeds
Victor Orta paid £10m to secure Roca's signing from Bayern Munich, with the fee now looking rather extortionate.
It did feel like a bargain buy at the time though, with the 27-year-old even compared to Xabi Alonso in his play style according to the Bundesliga website when featuring for the German titans – heralded as the Spaniard's rightful heir when the former Liverpool man would hang up his boots.
Roca did show in flashes at Elland Road that he was worth splashing the cash on and warranted his former manager Julien Nagelsmann calling him "impressive" whilst in Germany, the 6-foot holding midfielder stood out against Newcastle United last December in a 0-0 stalemate – the 27-year-old winning all but one of his ground duels at St James' Park as per Sofascore.
Leeds United defender Marc Roca.
He was, in other games, way off the pace on the contrary. Indeed, Roca's performance in a late season loss to Fulham angered Leeds fans who were already agitated by their club's relegation predicament, the tough-tackling presence of the Spaniard was nowhere to be found and had been replaced by a sheepish and anxious midfielder – winning just one of his nine duels at Craven Cottage.
It's no surprise therefore that Farke and Co were happy to see the back of Roca in the summer, loaning him out to Real Betis in La Liga after a spell where he'd cost £3.3m per goal involvement.
Former Leeds goalkeeper and current football pundit Paul Robinson stated – when the loan deal was announced – that it was smart thinking by the second-tier giants, commenting that Roca is simply "not good enough."
Yet, the one-time Bundesliga man has managed to redeem himself in his new surroundings despite vocal critics in West Yorkshire.
How Marc Roca is playing at Betis
Still, Betis could land Roca at a cut price with Leeds just keen to get the defensive midfielder off their books.
Football Insider are reporting that the La Liga outfit could sign Roca permanently for £9m in the upcoming transfer window, a deal that would see Leeds make a loss on their flop.
This is the case even with Roca putting in some stellar displays in Spain, making 15 appearances for Betis so far this campaign with an average of 5.6 balls recovered per game.
Games played
15
Goals
2
Assists
1
Balls recovered per game
5.6
Passing accuracy (own half)
91%
Leeds will be better off just cutting their losses at this point however, with Farke able to call upon Ampadu, Glen Kamara and many others in Roca's position at Elland Road.
Roca will also just be content remaining in his native Spain, putting this Leeds nightmare firmly behind him.
Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal have now spoke about signing an £80 million star called "similar" to Douglas Luiz.
Arsenal's reported top January targets
Widespread media claims have shared that manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have well and truly got to work on identifying transfer targets for the winter window. Thomas Partey's injury woes and rumours that the midfielder could even depart mid-season are leading to other reports that a new midfielder is top of the Arsenal agenda next month.
An important target for the north Londoners, as stated previously, is Villa star Luiz. The Brazilian has starred under Unai Emery so far, playing all 15 of their opening Premier League games while pitching in with five goals.
douglas-luiz-1
Arsenal could make a bid for Luiz in January, despite Emery wanting him to stay, but Villa look set to make life difficult for Edu in his pursuit of the player (Fabrizio Romano). The Midlands side are performing exceptionally this season and are on an upward trajectory of their own, making a deal all the more difficult to do.
Meanwhile, it's also been reported that Arsenal have their eye on a new striker and could well attempt to steal away Brentford star Ivan Toney. In a boost for Arteta and co, Toney is apparently ready to leave Brentford next year after Arsenal's talks with his representatives.
Arsenal hold internal Palhinha talks
Toney may well be more attainable than Luiz at this point, especially given Villa's rumoured hard stance over selling their star midfielder. Alternative options for the 25-year-old are now being mooted, with Fulham star Joao Palhinha apparently liked by the Gunners.
The Portuguese has been incredible under Marco Silva and even attracted summer interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, who ultimately failed to take him (The Guardian).
According to Romano, Arsenal have held internal talks over signing Palhinha, with some inside the club viewing him as a pretty great option to bolster Arteta's midfield. However, there are also potential roadblocks.
“What I can confirm about Palhinha, this was around the media in recent days, is that there are also English clubs interested in Palhinha,” he told Kick (via Sport Bible).
“One of those clubs is Arsenal. It is true that Arsenal appreciate the player. There are some people at the club who consider Palhinha a very good player. It’s one of the players they discussed internally.
“There are two issues. The first one is the age, he’s not a super young player. I think next year he will be 29. Also, the price. Arsenal cannot spend that amount of money, something like £70-80 million on one more midfielder after spending the big amount of money they invested on Declan Rice.”
Joao Palhinha strengths (via WhoScored)
Tackling
Aerial duels
Palhinha has made 12 appearances for Fulham this season, scoring two goals and ranking as one of their top performers according to WhoScored. Former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has also called the 29-year-old an "amazing, amazing" player, with Football Transfers saying he is "similar" to Luiz in playing style.
“I think this year there’s been some sensational [signings] that we have made," said Mitrovic.
“For me personally, [Joao] Palhinha is the signing of the season so far, amazing, amazing [player]. [Bernd] Leno is the signing that we made that’s amazing. The players who fit straight away and didn’t need time to adapt like before, they fit straight away."
It's been reported that West Ham could consider making a "surprise" move by cashing in one of their senior squad members this January.
Hammers seal dramatic win 2-1 away to Burnley
This time last month, the pressure was seriously on manager David Moyes who had just come off the back of a dismal 1-0 defeat at home to struggling Everton. Since then, West Ham have won four out of their last five in all competitions, with impressive victories over the likes of Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and the Clarets.
By all accounts, their latest Premier League three points was a real smash and grab. Promising young striker Divin Mubama, who is being offered a new West Ham contract, played a heavy hand in Dara O'Shea's own goal before Tomas Soucek's acrobatic volley sealed the game in added time.
West Ham United manager David Moyes.
However, Moyes, speaking after the contest, was adamant his side can play better. "We were really disappointed with our performance in the first-half. We needed to do better – we never played any forward ball or put them under any pressure," said Moyes on West Ham's win over Burnley (via BBC).
"Second-half we did. I thought we got into some areas, got some good chances, attempts at goal. In the end we nicked a win, in the Premier League that's the way it is. There's very little between a lot of the teams, even Burnley, and that's the way it is today.
"Getting back with a couple wins on the trot and a good win away from home – we want to play better but we're in a good league positions, still in the League Cup, top of our group in Europe. We musn't forget the good things we are doing as well."
With the January transfer window looming, there could be a chance to better West Ham's chances of more eye-catching performances with star signings. They're sorely lacking a proven goalscorer, for instance, and reports suggest technical director Steidten is desperate to sign a striker.
However, it is believed January funds are actually pretty limited (ExWHUemployee), so the club may well need to consider a sell-to-buy approach.
West Ham could sell Benrahma
According to a report by Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, winger Said Benrahma could be a candidate for the Irons chopping block.
Indeed, West Ham could consider selling Benrahma amid interest from Saudi Arabia, which O'Rourke claims would come as a "surprise" move given his starring role in the Europa Conference League last season.
Said-Benrahma-in-action
The Algerian has started four of their 13 league games this term, though, and is believed to be eyeing more first team football for 2024. Benrahma has also been called a "wonderful, wonderful talent" by former striker Frank McAvennie, who told West Ham Zone that he was wrong to doubt the winger's signing back in 2020.
“At the time I thought it was stupid because there was a young player everyone was raving about in the exact same position, and they sold him and brought in Benrahma and I’m thinking really," said McAvennie.
Said Benrahma's strengths (via WhoScored)
Long shots
Direct free kicks
Through balls
“But he proved me wrong, he’s a great talent, a wonderful, wonderful talent. So it just shows you David Moyes knows what he’s doing.”
Everton will be reeling from a recent verdict that has seen them punished with a ten-point deduction in the Premier League, the Toffees alleged to have breached Financial Fair Play rules.
This points deduction would see Sean Dyche's side slide down the division into the top-flight drop-zone, level on points with bottom-of-the-table Burnley and into a dog-fight to stave off relegation in a blink of an eye.
This damning news has come at the worst possible time for the Blues, who had been rejuvenated by recent positive form with a 3-2 victory at Selhurst Park last time out in league action against Crystal Palace meaning Dyche's men were only eight points off Manchester United in sixth spot.
Transfer rumours linking star Everton players away from Goodison Park could intensify as a result of this points deduction revelation, with Jarrad Branthwaite being eyed up by a number of clubs according to reports.
As a result, Dyche might start putting together a list of targets tentatively for his side to go after if their star 21-year-old defender does indeed end up moving on.
Here are three potential centre-backs the Toffees could look at signing if that eventuality occurs…
1 Ben Cabango
Shopping in the EFL market for centre-backs has proven to be a fruitful endeavour for Everton in the past, John Stones joining from Barnsley the obvious example but Branthwaite was also signed by Everton from Carlisle United who now play in League One.
The Toffees will hope that they can pick up another top talent by exploring this pool of players once more, with Ben Cabango standing out at Swansea City this season whom Everton should look to target for a bargain price. At present, Football Transfers' xTV model values him at £7m.
A regular first-teamer with the Swans for a number of seasons now – coming through the Academy ranks at the club before becoming a key senior player – the 23-year-old's strengths lie in his ability to pass out from the back and give his team an added attacking threat going forward when necessary.
Averaging 1.33 progressive carries per 90 minutes over the last year according to FBRef, Cabango would be an exciting addition to the Toffees group if signed that could competently fill the gap left behind by Branthwaite and offer something more unique as a result.
2 Wout Faes
The next target Everton could potentially go after is Leicester City's dominating presence Wout Faes, the Belgian centre-back excelling at Championship level this season after a tricky introduction to the Foxes' first-team in the Premier League.
Averaging a 7.36 Sofascore rating this campaign for Enzo Maresca's promotion-chasers, Faes has helped himself to five clean sheets from the 13 games he's played in with crucial interventions and tackles nullifying opposition attackers effectively.
Winning the ball back 6.4 times per game according to Sofascore, Faes would slot straight into the Toffees set-up in the wake of Branthwaite's exit and provide Dyche's men with some needed steel and defensive resilience.
Question marks could arise about whether or not the £22m-rated defender is cut out for Premier League football, but with his form in the Championship at the moment currently excellent, he deserves another crack at top-flight action to prove himself.
3 Jorrel Hato
The most left-field option out of the three transfers that could be lined up, Jorrel Hato is standing out in the Ajax ranks as an exuberant and confident centre-back at just 17 years of age. As a young talent, he certainly fits the Branthwaite bill when it comes to youthful energy.
It's led to Hato being linked with Liverpool and Arsenal in recent memory, but the Toffees could offer Hato an opportunity to impress straight away in the first team set-up if Branthwaite departs rather than waiting it out for a spot at Anfield or the Emirates.
The Dutch giants find themselves uncharacteristically languishing in 12th spot in the Eredivisie, but Hato is still gaining plaudits for his individual displays amidst the collective mess at the club.
The teenage starlet's performance last match versus Almere showcased his talents at the back, winning nine out of ten aerial and ground duels in the contest as per Sofascore.
The £22m-rated starlet would even wear the captain's armband for the Dutch club in this contest, the world Hato's oyster currently.
Everton gave a young Branthwaite a chance in the first team whilst he was still learning the ropes and never looked back, the Toffees hoping lightning could strike twice if they pursued a deal for Hato.
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.