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Sunil Joshi’s all-round show had Andhra in so much trouble that despite a counterattacking 104-run seventh-wicket stand between Manoj Sai and M Suresh, the visitors faced the prospect of a follow-on

The Bulletin by Siddarth Ravindran in Mysore17-Nov-2008 by 205 runs
Scorecard

Sunil Joshi scored 65 and took four wickets © Getty Images
While a raucous crowd had watched the two teams share the spoils on the first day, a far quieter one witnessed hosts Karnataka dominate on day two. Sunil Joshi’s all-round show had Andhra in so much trouble that despite a counterattacking 104-run seventh-wicket stand between Manoj Sai and M Suresh, the visitors faced the prospect of a follow-on.After having sliced through the Karnataka middle order late on the first day, Andhra continued in the same vein on the second morning, removing Vinay Kumar in the second over. There on, it was almost entirely Karnataka’s day.When NC Aiyappa (first-class average 6.95) was dropped in the slips on 2 soon after, it didn’t seem a costly miss. But he went on to a career-best score of 34, and his breezy 74-run stand with Joshi frustrated Andhra. The bowlers made things easy for the pair by repeatedly straying on the leg side, even with a 7-2 offside field. The legspinner Suresh was paddle-swept out of the attack, and Joshi launched a couple of lofted drives to the right of mid-off against the quick bowlers. It was nearly lunch before Karnataka were bowled out for 366; Joshi was the last man out for a well-made 65, his first first-class fifty in four years.Hemal Watekar started Andhra’s reply with a confident punch down the ground for four, but the visitors were in trouble early in the second session, Aiyappa getting the in-form Watekar to nibble one to the keeper.That started a procession of wickets: captain Gnaneshwara Rao fell lbw to Aiyappa while trying to play across the line, LNP Reddy was trapped on the back foot by a straight one from Joshi, ASK Varma top-edged a half-tracker from Joshi to square leg, and Andhra slid to 42 for 4.Karnataka were in complete control; none of Andhra’s top six were comfortable at the crease, but No. 4 B Sumanth’s 35-minute stay was particularly harrowing. Soon after walking in, he was nearly run out going for a non-existing single, two balls later an attempted upper-cut flew just wide of backward point for four (his only scoring stroke), a huge appeal for caught behind off Aiyappa was then turned down, and an awkwardly fended bouncer from Vinay landed inches short of point before he was finally lbw, playing down the wrong line to Joshi.AG Pradeep also fell lbw to Joshi in the first over after tea, and Andhra were six down, still more than 150 runs shy of avoiding the follow-on. That brought in Suresh, whose partnership with Sai stalled the Karnataka juggernaut in the final session.Suresh showed his ability to occupy the crease with a battling 46 against UP, and was happy to play second fiddle to Sai, depending on the cut to collect his runs. Sai was more expansive, repeatedly hitting the spinners to the midwicket boundary and taking on the fast bowlers as well, with some pleasing drives and flicks.Vinay and Aiyappa, so accurate with the new ball, started to struggle with their lines, perhaps because of the left-right combination (the top seven in the Andhra line-up were all right-hand batsmen), and the batsmen helped themselves to some easy boundaries. They also hustled the Karnataka fielders with their sharp running between the wickets, even managing several threes on a smallish ground, to keep the runs flowing at a fast clip.Uthappa rotated his bowlers around but to no avail, until Joshi rounded off a day to remember with a wicket off the last ball of the day, inducing an edge from Sai to the keeper. Joshi had taken five expensive wickets so far this season and Karnataka were nearly at the bottom of the table with two points from two games. His performance today helped both him and his side shake off their lethargic starts in Ranji Trophy.

Kevin Phillips believes Divock Origi could thrive at West Ham United, even if he wasn’t the Hammers’ first-choice striking target.

The former Premier League Golden Boot winner was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

The publication claimed at the weekend that preliminary talks are underway with Liverpool over the signing of the Belgian.

Origi, who sits behind the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota in the pecking order, was limited to nine Premier League appearances for the Reds last season.

Overall, he managed to score only one goal in 536 minutes of football, and that came in a 7-2 rout of League One Lincoln City.

Origi is into the final year of the contract he signed in 2019, and Transfermarkt value him at £10.8million.

West Ham apparently held a ‘strong interest’ in Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong, but Southampton have now agreed a deal with the Championship side after losing Danny Ings to Aston Villa.

The latest

Phillips says that cover and competition for Michail Antonio must be a priority for West Ham and is confident that Origi could regain ‘consistency’ under the tutelage of David Moyes.

“You almost feel there’s no one else out there and they have to go for him,” he said.

“It’s clearly an area they need to strengthen,” he continued. “Michail Antonio can’t play every game of the season.

“If he’s injured, who plays? Origi has quality, the only concern is his consistency.

“I would like to think West Ham can get the best out of him, Moyes can get the best out of him.”

The verdict

Origi would be an uninspiring addition after failing to make any sort of impression last season.

There’s often a sluggish look about him on the pitch, but perhaps a move away and a greater role would indeed revitalise him. In his defence, it is difficult to generate any real rhythm or sharpness when you are used so sparingly.

Antonio would probably be the main man at West Ham, but his injury record suggests there would be plenty of opportunities for Origi to shine.

In other news, Kevin Campbell says this would be a ‘huge signing’ for the Hammers.

Former Everton defender Michael Ball believes that Sheffield United player Sander Berge is a player the Toffees would like to bring to Goodison Park. 

The 21-year-old midfielder signed for Sheffield United in January 2020, featuring 16 times for the Blades in all competitions last season.

After Sheffield United were relegated from the Premier League, there has been interest in the signature of Berge from Everton, but the Star have reported that Arsenal are interested in a double swoop of the Bramhall Lane outfit, showing interest in Sander Berge and also goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

With possible competition for the 6 ft 5 Berge, Everton will need to act swiftly if they want to land his signature, with Ball telling Transfer Tavern: “I think it’s one Everton would like to bring in, but it’s always going to be a sort of sitting and wait to see who actually moves on going forward and whether they’ve got the cash to actually make that deal happen.”

Prior to Sheffield United’s opening day Championship match against Birmingham City in pre-match press conference manager Slavisa Jokanovic told the Examiner: “There’s a long time in the window ahead of us and I hope the guys will stay with us because they are important players in my squad.”

Berge completed 90 minutes for the Blades in their defeat to Birmingham City over the weekend but with interest from the Premier League it remains to be seen where Berge will be playing his football when the transfer window closes at the end of this month.

Aston Villa paid Southampton £30m for striker Danny Ings, according to reliable reporter Gregg Evans.

And a number of Villa supporters have been sharing their negative thoughts at the figure on social media.

The 29-year-old was announced as a Villa player on Wednesday evening out of nowhere, penning a three-year deal at Villa Park.

Both Sky Sports and BBC believed a deal cost in the region of £25m, however, Evans, who writes for The Athletic, claimed a move cost Villa £30m.

Ings became Villa’s fourth summer signing after moves for Emiliano Buendia, Ashley Young and Leon Bailey and bolsters Dean Smith’s ranks going forward with Jack Grealish now a Manchester City player.

Villa fans react

Well-known Villa page @villareport shared Evans’ claim on Ings on Twitter on Wednesday evening.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply to the post, with one describing a fee as ’embarrassing’ with a number of fans not exactly thrilled at the fee.

“i’m baffled but fair play”Credit: @JacobHaallam”That’s awful business”Credit: @issaAVFC”Embarrassing fee for a back up striker. Unless Ollie is being pushed out left !! Spending the Grealish money wisely for a 29-year-old injury prone second striker”Credit: @roberton_sj”I don’t like this at all.”Credit: @lewjt11″Wow. 30 mil for a 29-year-old. No wonder saints said yes and he was here in a flash.”Credit: @723OJ”That’s shocking we’ve been robbed that’s way over priced, he had less than a year on his contract and he injury prone”Credit: @KingFlipper_

In other news: ‘I’ve heard’ – Dharmesh Sheth shares Todd Cantwell to Aston Villa transfer update on Sky Sports. 

Brett Lee believes a demanding tour could be the right platform for newer players to make an impression

Cricinfo staff23-Sep-2008
Brett Lee: “The reason why, over the past couple of decades, the team has done pretty well is because everyone gets along on and off the field and gels as a group” © Getty Images
Australia’s relative inexperience has been the focus ahead of the Tests against India but Brett Lee, the fast bowler, believes a demanding tour could be the perfect platform for newer players to make an impression. Only four members of Australia’s squad have played Tests in India and the team has sought the help of Greg Chappell, the former India coach, for the tour.”Yeah, we’ve lost the likes of Glenn [McGrath], Shane Warne, Damien Martyn, Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist,” Lee said. “But it’s a new era for Australian cricket.”The younger guys have to start somewhere and what better stage than to play here in India? It’s a wonderful place to tour – the country, the people, the culture, the cricket’s pretty hard work so we have to make sure our plans are in place.”There are four uncapped bowlers in the squad, including spinners Jason Krejza and Bryce McGain. Another man with limited Test experience is Shane Watson, who is likely to replace Andrew Symonds in the starting XI, but Lee believes his time in the IPL will be a huge advantage.”If you look at the Man of the Series in Shane Watson, I think it’s definitely going to help his cause over here,” Lee said. “He’s had the experience of playing over here for 14-15 weeks.”Lee, who hasn’t played a Test in India either, bears the mantle of Australia’s strike bowler and has taken 58 wickets at an average of 21.55 in nine Tests since the retirement of McGrath and Warne. He is looking forward to his biggest challenge on Indian soil.”I know there is going to be a lot of pressure on me as a bowler to lead an Australian attack but that’s what I enjoy,” he said. “I look at this as being a massive challenge and a great opportunity that I know myself and the rest of the guys are looking forward to.”Lee was on the 2004-05 tour but did not get a chance to play as Australia won the Tests 2-1, their first series victory in India for 35 years. “The reason why the team has done pretty well over the past couple of decades is because everyone gets along on and off the field and gels as a group – [and there is] no difference here to 2004.”Lee believed the fact that several Australians had spent time in the IPL would help relations between the two sides and he was not expecting any grudges to be carried into the upcoming series. Relations between the two teams were strained during India’s recent tour of Australia, especially after the Sydney Test.”The controversy is behind us,” he said. “That’s happened, we’ve dealt with that pretty well. It’s a new leaf. We’re turning over a new page in our book, and that is coming over here to play tough, fair, hard, aggressive cricket.”

The Pakistan board has launched the National Twenty20 Quadrangular Championship as part of its plans to prepare the national women’s team for the inaugural World Twenty20 in England in 2009

Cricinfo staff15-Jul-2008The Pakistan board has launched the National Twenty20 Quadrangular Championship as part of its plans to prepare the national women’s team for the inaugural World Twenty20 in England in 2009. The domestic tournament will be held in Karachi between July 18 and 27.The 64 cricketers will be divided among four zonal teams: North Zone [Peshawar, Abbottabad, Islamabad], Central Zone Blues [Lahore, Sialkot], Central Zone Greens [Multan, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi], and South Zone [Karachi, Hyderadad, Quetta]. Urooj Mumtaz, the national captain, will lead the South Zone squad.The WorldTwenty20 is set to increase the profile of the women’s game since their matches will be staged alongside the men’s event, the first time that it’s happening. Mumtaz, in her blog entry on Cricinfo in May, wrote about what the tournament could mean for women’s cricket despite the fact that Pakistan have not yet played international Twenty20s. “Knowing that we are going to have the opportunity to play at the same grounds as some of these players, on the same day, at the World Twenty20 is really exciting,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to promote the women’s game.”The opening day of the competition sees South Zone face Central Zone Blues and Central Zone Greens take on North Zone.Squads:
North Zone: Qanita Jalil, Asma Tehseen, Wajiha Sundas, Naila Qureshi, Tayyaba Khan, Shakila Naz, Sana Javed, Badar-un-Nisa, Marriam Hasan Shah, Naila Nazir, Hina Shafique, Salma Faiz, Faiza, Waheed, Sumaiya Akbar, Kiran Mukhtar
Coach: Nadeem Abbasi
Manager: Hajra Sarwar
Central Zone Blues : Sabeen Abdul Samad, Zeba Manzoor, Nida Dar, Almas Akram, Bismah Maroof, Taskeen Qadeer, Marina Iqbal, Sabahat Rashid, Mehwish Tariq, Faryal Awan, Saima Jamil, Sidra Amin, Nimra Imran, Marriam Butt, Tehreen Iqbal
Coach: Mohammad Riaz
Manager:Zeb-Un-Nisa
Central Zone Greens: Asmavia Iqbal, Sania Khan, Sukhan Faiz, Atiya Shakira, Asfa Batool, Sana Gulzar, Nazia Nazir, Rabiya Batool, Sadia Yousuf, Anum Zahra, Shaumaila Mushtaq, Armaan Khan, Nazia Sadiq, Sadia Iqbal, Maria Javed
Coach: Aftab Warraich
Manager: Riffat Manzoor
South Zone: Batool Fatima, Nain Abidi, Sana Mir, Urooj Mumtaz, Javeria Khan, Sajida Shah, Sumaiya Siddiqui, Kanwal Naz, Rabia Shah, Kainat Imtiaz, Nahida Khan, Shazia Anjum, Masooma Junaid, Humaira Masroor, Sana Taj
Coach: Farrukh Bari
Manager: Ayesha Qureshi

For two sides possessing such hulking heavyweights as Graham Napier and Justin Kemp, the final of the Friends Provident Trophy appeared destined to offer big runs and lavish hundreds. And yet for all the power contained Essex’s lineup, it was left to Gran

Will Luke at Lord's15-Aug-2008
Scorecard
Grant Flower lofts the winning boundary high over midwicket as Essex win by five wickets © Getty Images
For two sides possessing such hulking heavyweights as Graham Napier and Justin Kemp, the final of the Friends Provident Trophy appeared destined to offer big runs and lavish hundreds. And yet for all the power contained Essex’s lineup, it was left to Grant Flower to guide them home with a pitch-perfect 70, beating Kent by five wickets.It was the second occasion this season that Kent have reached a final yet finished as losers. Middlesex beat them in the Twenty20 Cup, a result which deflated the usually indefatigable Robert Key, and again today they were outplayed from the outset at a packed Lord’s.Six years ago, the domestic 50-over final was the peak of a county cricketers’ season. And although Twenty20’s attitude has seeped into batsmen’s mindset in 50-over cricket on occasion, the 2008 final was as much a throwback to the dusty old days of low-scoring one-dayers. And no bad thing that was, either.With Essex chasing what appeared to be a straightforward 215, Kent had fought back impressively to leave them on 161 for 5, still needing 54. The catalyst for this comeback was Robbie Joseph, the young Antiguan-born fast bowler in whom Kent have invested so much time, who produced the sort of blistering spell his supporters know he is capable of. Reintroduced into the attack after a wayward first over conceded seven, he trapped Ravi Bopara leg-before with a quick off-cutter and then caused Alastair Cook embarrassing indecision trying to pull, and then cut. The result was a bottom edge to short extra cover, and Essex had lost two of their big guns.At last, however, Flower found a similarly determined team-mate in James Foster to keep things under control, and the pair put on a patient 68 for the fifth wicket. With Azhar Mahmood and Yasir Arafat out of the attack, Key turned to Darren Stevens and Ryan McLaren who both bowled tidily enough, but their lack of venom allowed Foster and, in particular Flower, to keep the scoreboard ticking. Nurdles through midwicket, cheeky paddles down to fine-leg and a sweetly timed four off Stevens’ gentle drifters kept Essex and they never needed more than a vaguely-testing five-an-over.Foster, to his own outrage, fell to a loose flap outside his off stump – Joseph’s third wicket – but Flower soon stepped up another gear, reaching 50 from 73 balls and lofting Joseph over extra cover. Ryan ten Doeschate played a vital and infuriating role at the other end, running Kent ragged with daring singles out to cover, and he was typically elegant to anything minutely straight, turning them through midwicket with ease. Yet it was Flower who appropriately sealed Essex’s win with a clout over midwicket, and Kent’s 30-year wait to win a Lord’s final continued.”That was the epitome of a team performance,” Mark Pettini, the Essex captain, said. “Grant Flower stood out in the run chase, but the rest of the day was all down to the fight from the team. It turned out to be a nice toss to lose. My team were absolutely fantastic. We knew Kent would come hard at us, and the guys rose to the challenge really well.”If Flower sealed the win, then it was Essex’s bowlers who set up the victory-charge. Renowned as a frighteningly powerful striker this season, Napier has been more consistent with the ball than in years gone by, and bowled a fine opening spell alongside David Masters to upset Joe Denly and Key’s natural free-flowing partnership.On 7, Key tried to force Masters off the back foot but could only edge him behind to Foster, standing up to the stumps, who took an effortless snaffle – as is now expected of him. Martin van Jaarsveld, evergreen at 34 and the tournament’s highest run-scorer, nearly fell for nought lbw, but the same bowler found one to cut back sharply on Denly and bowl him through the gate.Essex were in business and had restricted Kent to a distinctly tepid 31 for 2 after 10 tight overs. Nevertheless, van Jaarsveld had his fellow South African for company, Kemp, and the pair set about calming Kent’s evident nerves with a patient, nurdling partnership of 39. It couldn’t last, however, and an equally frantic cut off Masters, whose unerring line outside off was a testament to the underrated control he has offered Essex this season, sent an inside edge cannoning into his stumps. Kent had slipped to 58 for 3.Panic set in, aptly demonstrated by Stevens’ fraught swipe off Chris Wright. Geraint Jones, meanwhile, threatened briefly with two crunching cuts before he was trapped by Danish Kaneria. Essex were on top through a disciplined bowling performance, but the shot selection from Kent was much less restrained.van Jaarsveld brought up yet another fifty from 68 balls – his third this season, in addition to four hundreds – but fell shortly afterwards to an outstanding catch by Cook, sprinting back from midwicket. And it was left to McLaren to salvage something for Kent, working balls through midwicket; back-cutting to the wider deliveries offered by ten Doeschate and nudging through the gaps with a coolness of temperament that his top-order team-mates lacked. His 63 was too little, much too late.As a hefty contingent of Essex fans roared their side on with victory in sight, Flower lofted the winning runs to seal their first Lord’s final since the B&H Cup in 1998. The 50-over lark may lack Modi’s millions, but Essex’s triumph was no less sweet.

Peter Chingoka, the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, has criticised Ray Mali for tabling a motion to discuss the future of Zimbabwe when the ICC meets in Dubai this week

Cricinfo staff30-Jun-2008
Ray Mali and Peter Chingoka: the latest developments have tested their friendship © Getty Images
Peter Chingoka, the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, has criticised Ray Mali, the ICC’s outgoing president, for tabling a motion to discuss the future of Zimbabwe when the ICC meets in Dubai this week.In two letters that followed Mali’s announcement, Chingoka reminded him that the ICC had already discussed the matter. “You will recall that last year in London, a decision was taken and well-supported by you and other members that sport and politics, like oil and water, do not mix.”Quoting the ICC’s own rules, Chingoka insisted Zimbabwe’s status could be discussed only at next year’s annual conference as such a motion needed to be tabled by December 31 of the preceding year. Ironically, a change to the rules was proposed two years ago to allow more immediate action to be taken. Chingoka opposed it at the time and the move was defeated after India indicated they would not support it.The letters also pointed to a possible breakdown in relations between Chingoka and Mali, hitherto seen as close allies. Less than a year ago, Mali was effusive in his praise for the ZC administration following a six-day fact-finding visit. But last week he told Chingoka that he had acted because he “owed it to the cricket community to feel all is normal.”Chingoka, playing the race card, warned Mali of “setting double standards and discriminatory levels that go against the ICC anti-racism code”.He went on to accuse Mali of making Zimbabwe “a scapegoat” for the decision to stand down Malcolm Speed as the ICC’s chief executive in April and called the latest announcement of the discussion on Zimbabwe “unethical”, adding it was an “agenda item infested with political connotations”. He concluded by asking: “Whose political gallery are these antics supposed to appease?””There are over 100 ICC member countries with differing political environments,” he continued. “Without venturing to mention names as it is apparent, it is clear that certain worse conditions exist in those other member countries. It has not warranted the ICC putting them on its agenda as it is doing with Zimbabwe right now.”

A round-up from the latest matches in the Twenty20 Cup

Cricinfo staff16-Jun-2008South DivisionAzhar Mahmood was Kent’s saviour with an unbeaten 26 from 12 balls, including a four to seal victory off the final ball of the match, as Hampshire were made to pay for their victory at The Rose Bowl last week. In a tense encounter at Canterbury, Hampshire batted first and posted a competitive 162 for 7 thanks to Michael Carberry’s 51 from 39 balls. In reply, however, Kent got off to a flying start, as Robert Key and Joe Denly added 56 for the first wicket in six overs, before Key ran himself out for 40 attempting a second run to Billy Taylor at third man. Denly pushed on to a 46-ball half-century, but when he fell at 132 for 3, the innings suffered a late wobble. Darren Stevens and Geraint Jones faced one ball between them in the tense closing stages, but Mahmood was on hand to put Kent second behind Middlesex in the South Division table.Click here for a full report of the match between Middlesex and Surrey at Lord’sNorth DivisionGraham Wagg produced a match-turning allround performance as Derbyshire inched to victory off the final ball of their match against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. After Derbyshire lost the toss and were asked to field first, Wagg claimed 3 for 23 with his left-arm seamers to restrict Notts to 144 for 9. Adam Voges was the mainstay with 52 from 39 balls, and Bilal Shafayat made 32 from 28, but no-one else more than 15. At 100 for 2 in reply, with Wavell Hinds in fine form, the contest looked somewhat one-sided, but four wickets fell for 13 to tip the scales back to Nottinghamshire. With 11 needed off the final over, Wagg clipped Andre Adams for four through fine leg, then belted the last ball of the match through the covers to finish unbeaten on 27 from 18 balls.

Midlands/West/Wales Division Team Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR For Against

Northamptonshire 3 3 00 0 6 +1.417 545/60.0 460/60.0 Warwickshire 3 1 0 11 4 +0.055 290/39.5 289/40.0Glamorgan 2 1 0 0 13 +0.700 170/20.0 156/20.0 Worcestershire 2 1 1 0 0 2-0.382 318/38.0 350/40.0 Gloucestershire 30 2 1 0 1 -0.748461/60.0 489/58.0 Somerset 3 03 0 0 0 -0.690 463/60.0503/59.5

North Division Team Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR For Against

Lancashire 3 30 0 0 6 +2.019 436/56.0346/60.0 Nottinghamshire 3 2 10 0 4 +0.483 453/54.2 432/55.0 Derbyshire 5 2 3 0 04 +0.086 645/87.0 607/82.5 Durham 3 2 1 00 4 -0.014 338/44.5 355/47.0 Yorkshire 3 1 2 0 0 2-0.798 444/55.0 482/54.2 Leicestershire 30 3 0 0 0 -1.837377/60.0 471/58.0

South Division Team Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR For Against

Middlesex 44 0 0 0 8 +1.285 583/72.0 545/80.0 Kent 4 3 10 0 6 -0.283 640/79.5 664/80.0 Hampshire 4 22 0 0 4 +0.100 721/80.0713/80.0 Essex 3 1 2 00 2 -0.275 374/55.0 375/53.0Surrey 4 1 3 0 02 -0.616 577/78.0 593/74.0 Sussex 3 0 3 0 0 0-0.387 482/60.0 487/57.5

Liverpool could have made a mistake in letting Georginio Wijnaldum run down his contract and leave the club, according to former Premier League striker Marcus Bent.

Wijnaldum’s five-year spell with Liverpool has come to an end and the central midfielder has joined French giants Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.

The ex-Newcastle United man played a key role as Jurgen Klopp’s side returned to their glory days, with Wijnaldum claiming the Premier League, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup titles during his time at Anfield.

However, Wijnaldum has moved onto pastures new and linked up with former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino as PSG will look to reclaim the Ligue One title after being beaten to the crown by Lille last term.

Wijnaldum, who scored three goals at Euro 2020 before the Netherlands crashed out at the hands of the Czech Republic at the last 16 stage, opted for a move to France after a move to Barcelona failed to materialise.

It came after the 30-year-old turned down a new Anfield deal earlier this year and although former Everton frontman Bent is confident Klopp has enough options to make up for the loss of Wijnaldum, he feels Liverpool could have done more to keep him at the club.

Bent exclusively told Football FanCast: “Everyone makes mistakes and players deciding to leave could have been down to a number of reasons. It could come down to where you’re living, your nationality, if you can speak the language or if you and your family feel at home. It’s not just about on the pitch, but off the pitch.

“He’s gone to PSG and he could have a whirl of a time. You could see the confidence within his play at Euro 2020. You could see it in his passing, he has a shot on him and can score a goal.

“Will Liverpool be bowing their heads in disgrace that they let him go? I’m not sure they will. Liverpool have an abundance of talent in their squad. Although they’ve let him go, I’m sure they will make up for that somewhere else.”