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Liverpool were one of the most difficult teams to predict ahead of the Premier League season. They had welcomed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to take two steps forward towards completing their midfield rebuild, but the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho forced them back to square one.

A 0-0 draw against Chelsea on the opening day didn't help solve the Liverpool puzzle either, but wins over Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa, alongside the arrivals of Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch since that opening day draw, suggests that Jurgen Klopp's side will be, at the very least, vying for a place in the top four this season.

The Reds' superb start to the season hasn't put an end to the criticism, however, with Manchester City legend Richard Dunne taking aim at one of Jurgen Klopp's star men.

What has Richard Dunne said?

A lot changed at Liverpool during the summer transfer window, and one of those changes was the captaincy. Following the departure of Henderson, Klopp had a decision to make, and chose to hand Virgil van Dijk the armband.

The Dutchman, of course, was already the captain of his country, so he had more than enough experience of stepping into the role. It is with his country that he received criticism from Dunne, however, even after the Netherlands defeated Greece 3-0.

Dunne said, via The Boot Room: "It has left them very weak defensively, as a team they don’t have the balance right at the moment. They won the game against Gibraltar, but against teams that are a similar level they have really struggled.

"You don’t want to pin it on certain players, but the captain of the team at centre-back, Van Dijk, is one of the players who highlights the problems in the side. He seems to be very individualistic, he’s always pointing at people, pointing out their errors and nobody is working on their errors."

The criticism comes at a troublesome time for Van Dijk, too, given that the central defender recently had a moment to forget when he was sent off against Newcastle United, and has now been banned for a further game, missing next weekend's trip to Wolves.

How has Virgil van Dijk performed this season?

Aside from his controversial sending off against Newcastle, Van Dijk has looked far closer to his best than last season. The statistics only confirm that, too. As per FBref, the Liverpool captain is putting up better numbers than during the last campaign.

Player

Blocks Per 90

Interceptions Per 90

Clearances Per 90

Virgil van Dijk 23/24

0.87

3.48

6.96

Virgil Van Dijk 22/23

0.76

0.98

4.38

So, when it comes to performances, Van Dijk is far from struggling in the current campaign, albeit Dunne's criticism was aimed towards the defender's leadership capabilities.

As of right now, though, it is arguably too early to tell whether or not Van Dijk will be a good captain for Liverpool. As the months go on, and the Reds inevitably have their moments to forget, how Van Dijk gets them to regroup and go again will be a telling sign as to how good his leadership actually is.

The Karnataka captain was critical in his assessment of the team’s performance after the semi-final loss to Vidarbha

Akshay Gopalakrishnan in Kolkata21-Dec-2017

R Vinay Kumar was ruthless in his assessment after Karnataka fell six runs short of making the Ranji Trophy final for the third time in five years. Declarations of not deserving to be in the final gave the impression of a man who had a single-minded ambition, and his despondency at having failed to achieve it.In many ways, this had been a brilliant season for Karnataka. Their unsparing demolition of opponents on the road to the semifinal had made them look near-invincible. But Vidarbha was a different story.Karnataka hadn’t faced this kind of passion, fire and heart before the semi-final. Here was a team that was as hungry, as determined and as relentless as they were. The one factor that could have separated them was experience; Karnataka were more familiar with the big stage but Vidarbha simply never gave up.”If you ask me, the season is successful only if you win the Ranji Trophy,” Vinay said. “Otherwise, even if you make the final, if you don’t win, you should treat that as not qualified. That’s how I look at it. We had many advantages while coming into this game. But unfortunately, we didn’t capitalise on them.”When play began, Karnataka made a point of setting right mistakes from the previous day, and avoided going into their shell. Vinay scored a brisk 36 and along with Shreyas Gopal, he turned the strike over regularly, ran hard between the wickets, and found timely boundaries to bring belief back into the Karnataka camp.Balancing attack and defence, however, with only three wickets remaining was tricky work and Vinay ended up playing one shot too many. In the 50th over – after he had struck Rajneesh Gurbani for successive boundaries and the bowler had also conceded four byes – the Karnataka captain played a flashed at a wide one and was caught behind.”Bad shot from my side,” Vinay said. “Maybe I should have let the ball go. And (Abhimanyu) Mithun again, when we required nine runs… maybe we could have played a little more sensibly, both of us.”Credit has to go to their bowlers. They bowled in channels where we are not comfortable. Definitely, this is a let down from our batting group, because 200 runs in the fourth innings was not that difficult on this wicket actually. Most of the batsmen got out to bad shots. And the way we played, I think we deserved not to be in the finals.”Gurbani was a thorn in the Karnataka side throughout. Umesh Yadav’s erratic lines and lengths meant he never looked a threat. Siddhesh Neral took two wickets in an over, but was otherwise manageable. Gurbani, though, was relentless. He continued getting sideways movement, without ever letting his pace drop. He finished with 13 wickets in the game, including all three that fell on Thursday to seal the win.”The sort of energy he bowled with was really good. He was bowling long spells, and was bowling where our batsmen are not that comfortable,” Vinay said. “He is a tough bowler for batsmen who offer shots. If you play close to the body and keep leaving, then he may not be so effective. I think if we had played him that way, it may not have been that difficult to handle him. They were destined to go play the final, I think.”Karnataka end the season with several positives. Mayank Agarwal has had his breakout season with 1160 runs. R Samarth has established himself as first-choice opener, giving them cover for when KL Rahul goes on national duty. K Gowtham, who topped their wicket charts, has evolved into their premier spinner. Gopal’s all-round performances have further added to the squad’s depth. And Mithun, who showed improved speed with the ball, has begun to consider himself as more than a carefree slogger.”Definitely, the top-order batsmen getting scores… it’s a very rare sight for me as captain,” Vinay said. “Scoring 500-plus runs most of the games, don’t think we have done it so consistently. That is a big advantage, and if you see the fighting spirit from the lower-order batsmen, that is a big takeaway from the season.”These are the guys to take Karnataka forward for long years. They have a very bright future where they can go and play for the country. I think they need to learn to perform in these kind of high-pressure matches. It’s not about the league games. If they want to play the next level, they need to show it in these sort of matches. Many positives, but I always look at the big games.”

Delhi coach backs 20-year old to return to form soon; says smarter shot selection could make him a bigger threat

Akshay Gopalakrishnan in Alur12-Nov-2017

Less than a year ago, Rishabh Pant was the most celebrated young performer to come out of the Ranji Trophy. His 872 runs at a strike rate of 107.28 went a long way towards him getting an India cap – against England in a T20I in February – after just 10 first-class matches. Today, he’s in the middle of a rough patch and hasn’t been considered for national selection since the limited-overs series against West Indies in June, with questions raised over his temperament and shot selection.In five first-class games so far this season, Pant has managed just one half-century, a counter-attacking 67 for India A against New Zealand A in Vijayawada. In his first Ranji Trophy outing this season, against Uttar Pradesh, he wasted two strong starts. This didn’t deter Delhi’s selectors from naming him captain after Ishant Sharma’s departure to join the Indian Test squad.Gautam Gambhir had declined captaincy, and Unmukt Chand was left to concentrate on his batting. Under these circumstances, KP Bhaskar, the Delhi coach, saw an opportunity to groom a youngster. At 20, Pant is Delhi’s youngest captain in the last 12 years.”His style is not to block and occupy the crease. He can change the whole outcome of the game in a few overs,” Bhaskar told ESPNcricinfo. “But shot selection is something he can work on, especially when playing for India and expectations are high. So then the responsibility automatically comes.”The overriding concern with Pant has been the manner of some of his dismissals. He has vehemently trusted his approach of see-ball-hit-ball. Sometimes, it has been refreshing to see. Other times, it has cost him some big innings.The latest indiscretion took the form of an expansive cut shot against Karnataka in Alur. The failure to spot an arm ball from offspinner K Gowtham resulted in him losing his stumps, this after he had spent the better part of 90 minutes trying to focus and play himself in. He was nine short of a fifty, his team was 400 runs behind in the first innings.Bhaskar understands the frustration that could come with managing a player of Pant’s ability, but he is willing to remain patient. “He understands his role well. His coach at Sonnet Cricket Club, Mr. Tarak Sinha, I’m sure, is keeping in touch with him and working on his game, because with me it’s only during the season,” he said. “But I’m sure Sinha would be guiding and advising him. He is quite receptive, but you can only advise. You can’t really force him to change the way you want him to play.”Pant gives out an air of insouciance when he bats. He can also occasionally be slapdash with his words, like at the end of the fourth day, when asked about the need to play a little more responsibly, he jovially remarked something to the effect of captaincy or no-captaincy, his approach will remain the same. Yet, the one unmissable trait is his supreme confidence.His natural aptitude for stroke-making prompted Bhaskar to liken him to Virender Sehwag. The former India batsman, known for compiling monumental innings at an astounding rate, has himself hailed Pant’s ability in the past. Pant displayed similar potential when he blasted a triple-century at nearly a run a ball against Maharashtra last season.”What we saw last year is that he has the staying power of scoring 300. So he can occupy the crease and score the big runs,” Bhaskar said. “There’s no point asking him to curb his instincts. Players like (Krishnamachari) Srikkanth, Sandeep Patil, Kapil Dev were natural stroke-makers. How can you force or stop them? It doesn’t make sense. He’s very natural that way.”Bhaskar’s assessment is in line with Dravid’s observations of not wanting to take away Pant’s attacking instincts. The India A coach had stressed on the importance of the experience itself, after Pant’s poor series against New Zealand A.”He may not be showing it, but deep down I’m sure he must be feeling it. Now that he is out of the [India] side, he has realised it and I’m sure he must be working hard on his temperament,” Bhaskar said. “His body language is the same as it was last year, but he looks much fitter, and his keeping has definitely improved.”I have always told him: it’s easy to play for India, but your preparations – mental, physical and technical – are what will help cement yourself. That’s more important. And age is by his side. His advantage is that he’s a keeper along with batsman. (MS) Dhoni has been around for some time, but once Dhoni hangs his boots, I’m sure he will be a prime man to fill his boots.”

ScorecardJoe Burns watches the ball closely•Getty Images

Joe Burns, Sam Heazlett and Jimmy Peirson (43 off 26) powered Queensland to a total beyond the reach of Tasmania in the domestic limited-overs match at Bellerive Oval in Hobart.At the venue where the tournament final will be played, only the Tigers had the faintest hope of qualifying for the playoffs but needed to gain a double bonus-point over the Bulls. However the early wicket of Test opener Matt Renshaw was followed by an establishing stand between the captain Usman Khawaja (41) and Marnus Labuschagne (64), that allowed the Queensland middle order to capitalise.Heazlett and Burns added 79 in 59 balls, before Peirson added further acceleration alongside some late blows from Ben Cutting and Jake Wildermuth.Needing to chase down their target in a mere 25 overs to qualify, the Tigers were never a chance, as the Bulls took regular wickets throughout, three to the wrist spin of Mitchell Swepson. South Australia will now meet Victoria on Thursday for the right to play top-of-the-table Western Australia in the final.

Barisal Bulls won’t be part of the 2017 Bangladesh Premier League season after they were ousted for not meeting the financial terms and conditions set by the BCB

Mohammad Isam09-Aug-2017

This year’s Bangladesh Premier League will be without Barisal Bulls after the governing council ousted them for not paying the tournament fees. The tournament will now have seven teams.”At a meeting today, we decided that Barisal Bulls will not be participating in the 2017 BPL,” governing council chairman Afzalur Rahman Sinha said. “They didn’t meet the BPL’s financial terms and conditions.”The Barisal franchise, co-owned by Axiom Technologies and BCB director MA Awwal Chowdhury, finished last in 2016. ESPNcricinfo understands that one of the owners was reluctant to run the team this year due to financial difficulties.Sinha said the Barisal players, including their icon player, were likely to be in the draft next month.

Newcastle United are thought to be interested in possibly signing Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch this summer.

What’s the latest Newcastle transfer news?

The Magpies and Eddie Howe have already made two marquee signings this summer to bolster their squad ahead of the 2023/24 season which will include Champions League football.

Midfielder Sandro Tonali arrived from AC Milan in a deal worth £55m, whereas winger Harvey Barnes has recently signed from Leicester City at a cost thought to be in the region of £38m.

There could be more big-money additions on the cards at St James’ Park, though, with Southampton full-back Tino Livramento a target. Reports have claimed that the Saints want around £50m for the 20-year-old, whereas Newcastle have gone to £30m, and it looks as if Gravenberch is another target for Howe and co.

Journalist Rudy Galetti shared a transfer column on Tribal Football in the last 48 hours, revealing what he knows about Gravenberch’s future.

The reporter said that the midfielder wants to make the move to the Premier League and that Newcastle – who are still looking for a new midfielder – appreciate him a lot.

Serie A champions Napoli are also showing an interest, but Galetti added that there are no concrete talks going on with any side at this stage, so it could be one that develops next month ahead of the September 1 deadline.

Who is Ryan Gravenberch?

Gravenberch is 21 years of age and is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in a holding midfield role if needed. The Netherlands international progressed through Ajax’s academy and made 102 senior appearances for the club, contributing to 25 goals and winning five major honours.

He made the move to Bayern Munich last summer in a deal worth €18.5m and turned out on 33 occasions during his first season in Germany, helping the club win the Bundesliga and German Super Cup.

Valued at €30m by Transfermarkt, former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann had suggested that Gravenberch was "better than most other footballers" his age.

“He has my complete confidence. He also knows exactly what he needs to fit our style of play perfectly. He has everything a footballer needs. He has a fantastic dribble and can play out under the pressure.

“Ryan is better than most other footballers in Europe his age. You must have patience. This is Bayern Munich. You have to be better than the other players because there is no reason for me not to field the best.”

The midfielder picks up around £152,000-a-week with the German giants, and as per FBref, has even been compared to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister over the past 12 months.

Howe currently has Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Isaac Hayden, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and even Jeff Hendrick on the books as holding or central midfield options heading into the new season, so Gravenberch could be viewed as a potential upgrade on a few of the current options, making this one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a potential replacement for talisman Harry Kane if the England international chooses to leave N17 this summer, according to journalist Christian Falk.

What's the latest transfer news involving Victor Osimhen?

Sky Sports journalist Massimo Marianella claimed last month on Sky Sport 24 quoted via Tuttonapoli that Osimhen was a target for Tottenham this summer as well as several other elite clubs, stating: "They say that even Chelsea are about to make a phone call to Napoli for Osimhen. It seems that one door is closed, which is that of Real Madrid, the two most open to catch a striker remain Manchester United and PSG. At that point, a place would also open up at Tottenham."

As per The Manchester Evening News, Napoli manager Rudi Garcia has recently spoken to media indicating that £89k-a-week earner Osimhen is keen to stay at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, saying: "Of course, I have spoken to him. I can assure you that he wants to stay, he is happy to be with us and still wants to do great things."

Osimhen, who has been hailed as a "monster", was in brilliant form for Napoli during the 2022/23 season and notched 31 goals alongside five assists in 39 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

In other news, Tottenham hitman Harry Kane faces an uncertain future at the club amid interest from Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain in his services, as per Telegraph Sport.

Kane would likely turn down any approach from the latter, leaving Spurs and Bayern Munich in a straight fight for him. Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness has suggested that the England international is open to a move to the Bundesliga, saying: "Harry Kane has clearly signalled in all conversations that his decision stands – and if he keeps to his word, then we’ll get him, because then Tottenham will have to buckle."

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Falk has signalled that Osimhen is someone Spurs would be keen on bringing to N17; however, he doubts whether the Nigeria international would be keen on a potential switch.

Falk stated: "Everybody's trying [to sign him] and he's also in the ideas of Tottenham as an alternative if Harry Kane is leaving. But I heard Osimhen is not so interested in going to Tottenham."

Who else does Ange Postecoglou want to sign at Tottenham Hotspur?

Postecoglou has already made several additions to his squad this summer, including James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario, Manor Solomon and tying Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro to permanent deals following initial loan spells, as per Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, the Australian boss will be keen to land more signings to help build his vision of success at Hotspur Way and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has emerged as a target for the Lilywhites, with Chelsea, Newcastle United and West Ham United also keen on securing his signature, as per The Sun.

Defence looks like a key area that Postecoglou will look to bolster and Wolfsburg central defender Micky van de Ven is said to have agreed terms with Tottenham over a prospective move to north London. However, no transfer fee has been shook on between both parties, according to Football Insider.

In the striking department, Brentford forward Ivan Toney has become a surprise candidate to replace Kane and Spurs potentially would be willing to wait until the January window to try and sign him, as per FootballTransfers.

Dinesh Chandimal struck an unbeaten 190 off 253 balls in a drawn two-day game between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Cricket President’s XI in Moratuwa

Andrew Fidel Fernando03-Mar-2017
ScorecardDinesh Chandimal ended a poor run of form with a century•AFP

Dinesh Chandimal has made a strong return to runs, while Bangladesh seam bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman made promising starts to their tour of Sri Lanka as well, in the two-day practice match in Moratuwa.Chandimal’s 190 not out off 253 balls followed a chastening tour of South Africa in which his highest score in 12 international innings was 36. He had been omitted from the ODI XI towards the end of that tour, and was later told by chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya that he should “go back to club cricket” in order to “work his game out”.Though there was little doubt he would feature in the Test XI – especially in a series with Bangladesh, whom he averages 128.33 against – this long occupation of the crease will have Sri Lanka feeling much happier about what remains an inexperienced top order. Chandimal struck seven sixes and 21 fours in the innings, after he had kept wicket the previous day. Despite Niroshan Dickwella’s presence in the Test squad, Chandimal is likely to bat at No. 6 and keep wickets in the first Test as well.Mustafizur was the most economical of the Bangladesh bowlers, conceding only 28 runs from his 12 overs, while claiming the scalps of opener Ron Chandraguptha and Leo Fransisco. Taskin was more penetrative: he took two new-ball wickets in his second over of the day, then returned later on to dismiss the highly-rated Roshen Silva. He finished with figures of 3 for 41 from 11 overs.Twenty-year-old Tamil Union allrounder Chamika Karunaratne also hit an unbeaten fifty late in match, after he had claimed three wickets on day one. The SLC President’s XI ended the day on 403 for 7 compared to Bangladesh’s 391 for 7 declared.Both teams scored their runs at more than four an over – an indication that this had been a particularly batting-friendly track. The surfaces awaiting Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Galle and the P Sara Oval are almost certain to be more treacherous.

PCA chairman Daryl Mitchell believes the proposed new T20 competition in England is likely to dilute the quality of domestic 50-over cricket and provide “another kick” to its future

George Dobell17-Feb-2017

The proposed new T20 competition in England is likely to dilute the quality of domestic 50-over cricket and provide “another kick” to its future, according to new PCA chairman, Daryl Mitchell.While Mitchell, the Worcestershire top-order batsman who was recently elected to the PCA role, regards the launch of the eight-team T20 competition, scheduled for 2020, as “inevitable” he has reservations about several aspects of it and promised to work hard to ensure the interests of all 400 PCA members are protected.”The new T20 competition looks like a great opportunity for the 90 to 100 lads selected to play in it,” Mitchell told ESPNcricinfo. “But the role of the PCA is to look out for the other 300 players, too.”The plan at the moment is to play the 50-over competition during the window when the new T20 competition will be on. But if you take the best 100 white-ball players out of the tournament it is pretty inevitable there will be a dilution in quality.”We’re told players not in action in the new T20 competition may be made available to their counties, but 50-over cricket is probably already the format given the least priority by the players – something that is reflected in the prize money – and this will be another kick for it.”Our role will be to ensure the money we’re told will come into the sport trickles down for the benefit of everyone.”Mitchell’s personal views would appear to conflict quite sharply with the ECB’s approach in several areas. He believes a partial return to free-to-air broadcasting is essential if the game is to reach a new audience, he preferred the idea of a two-division solution (with promotion and relegation) in the T20 debate, and he argues for a need to increase the wages of young players.He accepts, however, that the ECB has “an incredibly difficult job” in trying to “look after so many stakeholders” and that his role is to communicate not his own views but those of his membership. “It’s about feeding back the views of the collective,” he said.”One of the challenging parts of the job is the need to balance the long-term health of the game with the short-term benefits to our current member. We have to remember that, if we don’t look after the game, we might not have any future members.”We appreciate that the ECB are trying to ensure the health of the game in the long-term and we appreciate we’re one of many stakeholders. We know we have to balance our aspirations with the aspirations of everyone else and I’m looking forward to working with the ECB to that end.”But he believes the players may have been “a bit naïve” in their enthusiasm for the new T20 competition and that reality has “hit home in recent times”.”As a Worcestershire player, we really look forward to the T20 competition as it provides us with a chance to play in front of packed houses and on big grounds,” he said. “As things stand, we go into that competition each year with a chance of winning it. To have that taken away from us is a bit of a blow.”When the new competition was first talked about, I think everyone thought they were about to become millionaires. Now people are realising that only about a quarter of us will play. We’re going to need quite a lot of info from the ECB.”From a personal point of view, I liked the two-division idea and, from a personal point of view, I think we need to get some cricket back on free to air. I think the ECB recognise that, too, and they are very clear about trying to raise the profile of the game.”Responding to the ECB’s reported attempt to change the mechanism by which the domestic salary cap is calculated, Mitchell suggested his attention was more on players at the lower end of the salary spectrum.”The salary cap isn’t relevant to many clubs,” Mitchell said. “I’m more worried up upping the minimum salaries. There are players in county cricket earning around £15,000 a year, which I don’t think reflects the skill and dedication required to be a professional athlete.”I’m told that nothing is decided about the salary cap yet, but I think our main priority will be making sure some of the money coming into the game filters down to the lower ends.”

Arsenal have been linked to a number of players ahead of the transfer window, with a potential option at right-back emerging as Mikel Arteta aims to bolster his squad this summer.

The Gunners will be keen to make improvements in the window, after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City this season.

Adding depth in quality to the squad is key for the Spaniard over the summer, something that he could begin by signing the latest player in question.

What’s the latest on Sacha Boey to Arsenal?

As reported by the Telegraph late last month, Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey has gained interest from north London after a strong season in Turkey.

Since the initial news broke regarding Arsenal’s interest, GIVEMESPORT have revealed via Fabrizio Romano that the club are ‘informed’ on the conditions surrounding the €25m (£22m) price tag placed on the defender by the Turkish champions.

Despite multiple news sources linking the player and club, Romano noted that the situation remains ‘quiet’, with no direct contact made between the Gunners and the players’ agent yet.

What could Sacha Boey bring to Arsenal?

Hailed as “tireless” by journalist Cetin Cem Yilmaz, the 22-year-old has been a revelation for the Turkish giants since signing from Rennes in the summer of 2021.

The young defender could be a revelation for Arsenal and could not only challenge the likes of Ben White defensively but could take Bukayo Saka to the next level in forming a partnership on the right flank.

At just 21 years old, the English forward has been one of the Premier League’s best players this season, scoring 14 goals and assisting 11 in 38 appearances, via FBref.

There are many elements to the wingers’ game that see him thrive in Arteta’s set-up, however, his partnership with White has played a significant factor in his growth this campaign.

Lauded as providing “top class” runs to support Saka out wide in attack, the English duo have unlocked a new side to Arsenal, making them one of the most threatening duos in the league from the wide areas.

However, as claimed by Football Insider, Arteta could hand White a new role centrally next season, which could open doors for Boey who in theory could take Saka to a new level if he takes the reins from White.

The Frenchman is a danger from the back when getting forward, which benefits the Arsenal forward, who ranks in the top 2% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues when it comes to receiving progressive passes, with an average of 14.61 per 90 – as per FBref.

While White has been direct in Saka’s progression, Boey ranks better in creative scenarios than the Englishman, averaging one key pass per game to the former Brighton man’s 0.7, and creating eight big chances to his six – as per Sofascore.

There is still room for progression for the formidable youngster, who could reach the heights of Mohamed Salah who was integral to Liverpool’s title win in 2020, who averaged a monstrous 0.50 goals per 90, with Saka averaging 0.33 this season – as per FBref.

His improvement could be the difference in Arsenal’s ability to win the title next campaign.

Having a style of play that identifies his favour to play short passes, as per WhoScored, the Galatasaray gem could form a deadly partnership with Saka, who could become even more unplayable in his presence as a significantly strong attacking full-back.