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Shahrukh was originally picked as a reserve player for the T20Is against West Indies

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Feb-20222:38

Shahrukh Khan: ‘Whichever team I get picked for, I will do my best for them’

Tamil Nadu batter Shahrukh Khan has been added to India’s main squad along with Ishan Kishan for the first ODI against West Indies in Ahmedabad on Sunday.Shahrukh was originally picked as a reserve player for the T20I series against West Indies along with his Tamil Nadu team-mate R Sai Kishore.On the eve of the first ODI, India’s white-ball captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Kishan will open the batting along with him in the Covid-enforced absence of Shikhar Dhawan and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Mayank Agarwal, the other reserve batter, is still undergoing mandatory quarantine and is unlikely to be available for selection for the first game.Shahrukh has been Tamil Nadu’s designated finisher over the past three white-ball seasons, having batted at the top in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). He hit the winning runs for Tamil Nadu during their back-to-back Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victories. In the most recent season, when Tamil Nadu needed five off the last ball against Karnataka, he hit a six, underscoring his status as one of the best finishers in Indian domestic cricket.During a chat with ESPNcricinfo recently, Shahrukh said he would want to play a similar style of cricket if picked for India during the series.”Playing for India is a huge responsibility in itself, and brings with it its own pressure,” Shahrukh said. “There are some massive names in this team, and I have grown up watching them on TV. My aim – if I get the chance – would be to simply go with an open mind and enjoy my cricket, just the way I do for Tamil Nadu.”If I overthink this, then I would just create more pressure on myself and stray from my natural game. My aim in every game is to go out to the middle and play freely, without worrying too much about the results and focusing on the process instead.”Shahrukh initially featured among the first round of uncapped players, which will start from Player No. 55, for the forthcoming IPL mega auction. If he makes his international debut on Sunday, he will instead be part of the capped players’ pool. Shahrukh had increased his base price from INR 20 lakh to 40 lakh when the auction shortlist was announced earlier this week. Kishan, meanwhile, had listed his base price at INR 2 crore, but he isn’t part of the marquee set.India squad for first ODI: Rohit Sharma (capt), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Ishan Kishan, Shahrukh Khan

Shakib Al Hasan has cast doubts over his future in Test cricket, as he feels it is “close to impossible” to play all three formats, especially during the pandemic. Shakib also said that he wants to pick and choose ODIs, and avoid playing those matches that are not part of the Super League.Shakib has already skipped Bangladesh’s upcoming Test series against New Zealand that begins on January 1. He cited family reasons, and although it created a bit of controversy, ultimately the BCB granted him the leave. Shakib has been skipping many series since the 2017 South Africa tour, although he was also served a one-year suspension from October 2019 to October 2020 by the ICC.”I know which format to give importance or preference,” Shakib told the Dhaka-based TV channel . “The time has come for me to think about Test cricket. This is the fact: whether I will play Tests or not. And even if I do, how I will play the format. I also need to consider if I need to participate in ODIs where no points are at stake. I don’t have any other option.”I am not saying I will retire from Tests. It might even happen that I stop playing T20Is after the 2022 T20 World Cup. I can play Tests and ODIs. But playing three formats is almost close to impossible. Playing two Tests in 40-42 days is not fruitful. It encourages one to play selectively. I will definitely plan well with BCB, and then go forward. It will be the smart thing to do. If it happens in January, I will know what I am doing for the rest of the year.”Bangladesh are currently vying for an automatic entry into the 2023 ODI World Cup through the Super League. They will play the Super 12s in the 2022 T20 World Cup, while also taking part in the World Test Championship. In the Test tournament, Shakib has played very little cricket.Tamim Iqbal, too, has skipped plenty of T20Is this year including the T20 World Cup, although he hasn’t declared his retirement from the format.The 34-year-old Shakib suggested that the pandemic, and the bio-bubble environment that has come with it, has played a part in this thinking process. He said that spending so much time away from his family isn’t healthy.”It was like life in a jail. It is not like the players roam around a lot during a series. But when you will know it mentally that you can’t go out even if you want to, that’s where the problem lies. New Zealand didn’t even send their U-19 team to the World Cup, thinking about mental health. Coronavirus isn’t going away easily. We have to find out a new way to survive this. I don’t think bio-bubble and quarantine is the best way.”When you can’t meet your three little kids regularly, it becomes an unhealthy situation. It affects their growing up.”

A lean run in the Sheffield Shield has not dented the wicketkeeper’s confidence

Andrew McGlashan30-Nov-2021Despite a relatively lean Sheffield Shield season Alex Carey feels he is well placed should he get the nod to be Australia’s wicketkeeper in the opening Ashes Test at the Gabba.Thirty-year-old Carey, who plays for South Australia, is the frontrunner to fill Tim Paine’s position ahead of the highly-regarded Josh Inglis but insisted he has yet to be given the nudge from the selectors.Inglis, along with fellow Western Australia team-mates Mitchell Marsh and Ashton Agar, flew back to Perth on Tuesday for a pre-planned few days back home and will rejoin the squad after a short break but it has been taken as an indication of the way the selectors will fall.Related

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Carey has made just 153 runs in eight Sheffield Shield innings this season – with single-figure scores in his last five outings – but did crack a century in the Marsh Cup before heading to Brisbane. Due to his place in the T20 World Cup squad Inglis, who shot into contention after a superb 2020-21 domestic season, has only played one first-class match this summer.”I’ve felt in a really good place,” Carey told RSN radio. “I feel like I’m hitting the ball well and although the runs didn’t come as I would have liked in the first part of the Sheffield Shield season I think consistently over the last couple of years I’ve been pretty solid.”It wasn’t a case which end do I hold the bat, still felt like I knew what I was doing, and to get some runs in that one-day game is great. Nice to know what I was doing is still the right thing.”I’ve done what I can so I’ll sit back and hope for the best.”Alex Carey has a solid first-class record behind him•Getty Images

Carey is also encouraged by the philosophy of the current selection panel – headed by George Bailey – that they are not swayed by a small sample of recent results and look at a larger picture.”Cricket’s a game where if you miss out in one game you are judged on that and you feel like everything is coming down on you but it takes one innings to turn that around and you are in great form again,” he said. “Justin [Langer] and George have played so many games and they know what it’s like and they’ve put a lot of trust and open communication with the players.”Overall Carey averages 34.73 in first-class cricket with five centuries. He was due to be the reserve wicketkeeper on the postponed Test tour of South Africa earlier this year and last season took the gloves for Australia A.Other selection calls Australia need to make ahead of the opening Test are between Mitchell Starc and Jhye Richardson – with Starc expected to retain his place – and which of Travis Head and Usman Khawaja bats at No. 5.Australia’s intrasquad match which was due to start on Wednesday has been canceled due to the continued wet weather in Brisbane with players hoping to get some centre-wicket time if the rain clears over the next couple of days.

Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League in the summer of 2023 and are still carrying some of the players who did not opt to fight for promotion back from the Championship.

Max Wober spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach before starting the current season on the bench, and is now out through injury.

Meanwhile, Jack Harrison and Rasmus Kristensen are both out on loan for the second season in succession, with Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt respectively.

The 49ers, however, now look set to hit the jackpot by finally cashing in on Jesse Marsch flop Kristensen, amid interest from the Bundesliga outfit.

Latest transfer news on Rasmus Kristensen

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Frankfurt are interested in signing Kristensen on a permanent deal in one of the upcoming transfer windows.

The journalist does not reveal whether they would like to make it happen in January or when his loan officially expires at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Plettenberg adds that Frankfurt have already decided that they want to make his loan a permanent deal and that they are prepared to trigger their option to buy the Denmark international.

It is said to be worth up to €12m (£10m) and this means that the Leeds owners could be set to hit the jackpot by cashing in on the 27-year-old dud for such a fee, given his performances for the club in the Premier League.

Daniel Farke already has Jayden Bogle, Sam Byram, and Isaac Schmidt in his squad to compete for a place at right-back, which means that any sale of the Frankfurt loanee would not disrupt his team at all, whilst bringing more money into the club.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Rasmus Kristensen's form for Leeds

Marsch swooped to sign the defender from his former team RB Salzburg in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of £10m, which means that the Whites could be about to break even on him.

That is an impressive achievement by the 49ers when you consider how much Kristensen struggled in the Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign, as Leeds were relegated from the division.

The defender reportedly earned around £39k-per-week that term and, speaking to Danish channel TV Midtvest, via the Yorkshire Evening Post, admitted that he is sometimes “embarrassed” and “ashamed” of his wages and the money in football generally, adding that does not do anything “important”.

A noble sentiment but some may have questioned his wages even within the context of football, after his disappointing performances in the top-flight for the Whites.

Appearances

26

Starts

21

Pass accuracy

69%

Key passes per game

0.3

Dribbled past

34 times

Duel success rate

54%

As you can see in the table above, Kristensen was an unreliable passer, completing just 69% of his attempted passes, and was dribbled past a whopping 34 times in 21 starts.

Attackers found it far too easy to get the better of him in English football, suggesting that he was not suited to the pace and physicality of the country, and that is why the 49ers are now set to hit the jackpot by landing £10m from Frankfurt for him, as his performances for Leeds suggest that his value should have dropped.

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Everton fans haven’t exactly had much to be proud of over the last couple of campaigns, with the Toffees always seemingly finding themselves battling against the Premier League drop.

The last three seasons have seen the Merseyside outfit survive by the skin of their teeth come the final crunch game of the gruelling season, finishing in 15th, 17th and 16th after once being viewed as regular top-half finishers that constantly eyed up a spot in the top four of the table.

Sean Dyche has his work cut out for him again this campaign by the looks of things, but there is obvious talent in the current Toffees camp despite their already lowly position of 16th, with one star even sticking out as their next potential Ross Barkley.

Ross Barkley's time at Everton

Before his career went slightly pear-shaped at Chelsea, and then when he breathed life into his playing days on the books of Luton Town, Barkley was a beloved homegrown talent at Goodison Park.

The exciting attacking midfielder was front and centre of some top Toffees squads, with his stellar output of 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions during the 2015/16 season a standout high from his seven-season stay on Merseyside, often linking up with sharp shooter Romelu Lukaku in the process.

The Toffees were always likely to face an uphill battle when attempting to keep Barkley happy at Goodison Park, especially when the Blues did come calling in 2017, offering the Liverpool-born midfielder a chance at more opportunities to pick up illustrious silverware, on top of a chance to line up alongside some exceptional talents at Stamford Bridge.

In total, Barkley would notch up a mightily impressive 27 goals and 25 assists donning Everton blue, eventually costing Chelsea £15m to win his services.

Much like Anthony Gordon is a pantomime villain for the way he exited Merseyside for Newcastle United, Barkley is also treated in a similar hostile manner for the way he deserted the Toffees, leaving mid-way through the 2017/18 campaign after a summer move went awry.

Whilst there is still very much bad blood between the two parties, Everton won’t say no to having a player in a similar ilk to Barkley in their current ranks.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The player who could be the new Barkley

Now dazzling the Goodison Park faithful with top-drawer displays from attacking midfield, it could be argued that Dwight McNeil is slowly but surely turning into Everton’s new Barkley this season, with the former Burnley midfielder a definite standout performer for Dyche’s men even when things have been largely against them.

Regularly deployed as a winger by Dyche when the pair were together at Turf Moor, the 24-year-old is now shining in a number ten spot – the position Barkley loved at Merseyside – and a role that would have been alien to him when playing in Lancashire.

AM

4

2

1

LW

2

0

0

SS

1

1

1

Now, it’s proving to have been a masterstroke of a decision to throw him into this fresh position, with zero goals coming his way when he has lined up in a more conventional left wing spot this season.

When utilised in his new spot, however, he has been key to Everton picking up some positive results, with two strikes finding the back of the net against Crystal Palace when McNeil was used centrally as Dyche’s men ended up picking up their first league win.

Managing to evade Eagles shirts to then lash home a tremendous strike in the 2-1 win, McNeil might well find more freedom has come his way operating in this new role, than bombing down the flanks ever gifted him.

Labelled as a “magic” talent in the past for the Toffees by football journalist Joe Thomas, he is very much coming into his own now, with Dyche potentially reliant on the ex-Burnley man to keep coming up trumps in moments of adversity that could follow.

He might well even be referred to in the same breath as Barkley if he continues to make that attacking midfield spot his own, as Dyche’s men aim to pick up another league victory against Ipswich Town up next courtesy of their breakout star.

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A young Rangers player has sealed a move away from Ibrox after an agreement was reached outside of the transfer window.

Latest Rangers news

The Gers returned to a newly-renovated Ibrox for the first time in many months on Saturday, taking on Dundee in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.

On an emotional occasion, Philippe Clement’s side delivered a strong performance and result, cruising to a 3-0 victory to book their place in the semi-finals. Cyriel Dessers scored twice for the hosts, while a James Tavernier penalty was sandwiched in between, on a positive day all round for Rangers.

For Clement, this was a particularly important result, considering the Belgian is reportedly under pressure to keep his job, following a hit-and-miss start to the season in the Scottish Premiership. His side have already slipped five points behind Celtic, and he will know that a dominant run of form is needed to take some of the heat off him.

A trip to Malmo in the Europa League is up next on Thursday evening, followed by Hibernian’s visit in the league, representing another important week for the manager. Now, a fresh piece of Gers transfer news has emerged, despite the window not being open currently.

Rangers youngster seals move away

Rangers’ official website has confirmed that young defender Connor Allan has joined Kelty Hearts on loan for the rest of the 2024/25 season, with an agreement reached to take him there.

The 20-year-old has sealed a switch to the Scottish League One side despite the summer transfer window closing at the end of last month, as he looks to enjoy more regular playing time between now and May.

It makes total sense to give Allan this opportunity, considering he isn’t seen as a remotely integral part of Clement’s plans at Rangers currently.

In fact, he has exclusively been a Gers B team player, making 43 appearances for them – he has four goals and two assists to his name for good measure – but not yet making the grade for a single game in the senior setup.

At 20, it is so important that Allan gains vital minutes at a good level, in order not to go stale in the B team, so this feels like a move that may benefit everyone concerned. It will allow the Scot to return to Ibrox a more experienced player next summer, at which point the club may decide whether to retain his services moving forward or look to receive a fee, letting him leave permanently in the process.

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It is encouraging that the Rangers youngster has already made one appearance for Kelty Hearts, coming in the Scottish League One on Saturday, in a 1-0 defeat away to Alloa Athletic. He played all 90 minutes, suggesting he will be considered a regular man from the off, making his development one to watch.

تحدث رمضان السيد، نجم الأهلي الأسبق، عن مواجهة الزمالك في قمة مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز في المباراة المقبلة للأحمر.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع الزمالك في المباراة المقرر إقامتها يوم السبت 22 فبراير على استاد القاهرة، ضمن منافسات الجولة الخامسة عشر من الدوري المصري الممتاز.

طالع.. خاص | ضربة قوية.. إصابة لاعب الأهلي وغيابه عن مباراة الزمالك

وقال رمضان السيد عبر قناة “تن”: “مباراة الأهلي والزمالك لا تخضع لأي مقاييس محددة، وستُحسم خلال الـ90 دقيقة، الفريق الذي يركز طوال اللقاء والأجهز بدنيًا هو الذي سيفوز”.

وأكمل: “الأهلي سيخوض المباراة بطريقة هجومية، ولاعبو الأهلي أكثر جاهزية من لاعبي الزمالك”.

وواصل:” جراديشار هو الأنسب لقيادة هجوم الأهلي أمام الزمالك، في ظل غياب وسام أبو علي عن المباريات بسبب الإصابة”.

وكان وسام أبو علي، عاد للمشاركة مع الأهلي، في المباراة الماضية أمام الإسماعيلي بعد الغياب فترة طويلة بسبب تعرضه للإصابة.

Peshawar Zalmi have taken the tough route to the final, and their captain now wants the players to just soak in the feeling of playing the big game

Umar Farooq23-Jun-2021

Wahab Riaz and Shoaib Malik celebrate a wicket during their winning run through the business end of the tournament•Pakistan Super League

Wahab Riaz, captain of the Peshawar Zalmi, feels that after having soaked up all the pressure possible over the past 15 days to get to the PSL 2021 final, against the Multan Sultans on Thursday in Abu Dhabi, the team is now quite relaxed for that title clash.”It’s an honour to play the final, as we have been the most consistent team, having played three finals and played all the playoffs,” Riaz said ahead of the final. “My journey [with the Zalmi] started in 2016, and the team is like a family; the sort of confidence we get here and the way we are treated is all reflected in our performances. We have come this far playing good cricket. Though we lost a couple of matches, it’s a part of the game; what matters is where and how you pick up the momentum. So beating Karachi [Kings] and Islamabad [United] was the best time to lift ourselves.Related

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“We have played so well, played as a team. Being a team means to work as a team – together we achieve more. The best thing from the first leg was that we never blamed anyone for losing a game, we didn’t blame anyone for any mistakes. This is a team where every individual has a very important role, whether he is in the playing XI or sitting on the bench. Our morale and the momentum are high; playing together is our strength and that is our biggest win, because we played good cricket together.”The season started with the Zalmi losing their core, including Hasan Ali. They were the only team to retain only five players, while all other teams kept the maximum quota of eight. They then lost key players like Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Saqib Mahmood and Ravi Bopara for the second leg, and plugged the gaps by signing Fabian Allen, Rovman Powell and Fidel Edwards, while David Miller was also only available to play a few games.Then they won five games in the group stage after the resumption to end at No. 3 on the points table. They won both their playoffs then, beating the Kings and the United to make it the final for the fourth time in six seasons.”Credit should be given to (Mohammad) Akram , Daren Sammy, and the entire support staff for keeping us together despite so many challenges,” Riaz said. “Whether the availability of players, or new players coming in, and the sort of heat here… they took care of everything. The man-management has been great.”You normally see me laughing and joking around, but a captain has to be conscious and serious about everything. The situation changes every moment, and whether you lose or win, it’s always you in focus. It was a big challenge to get the team combination right after the first leg.”We knew David Miller and Fabian Allen would leave, and had to work hard to make a team that didn’t lose it’s strengths. Whoever we got in, played according to our requirements, they responded well and rose to the occasion. Every decision we took paid off so well, and that is because the decisions were made with the right intentions and complete honesty.”The Sultans found their way to the final with fewer struggles than the Zalmi, but Riaz doesn’t expect that to make a difference. “You see a smile on my face; there is no pressure on me or on the team,” he said. “We worked hard in the last 15 days for this day, and to be where we are right now. So all the pressure has been absorbed. It’s time to go out and express ourselves, play good cricket, and enjoy the final.”Winning and losing is a part of the game… and one team has to lose. The attitude and the approach is far more important, and we will see if we can convert it to a win.”

Arsenal are hot on the trail of a £26 million player – alongside Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino – and have reportedly already agreed personal terms, but his club are determined to halt a move.

Arsenal on the verge of signing Merino from Sociedad

Following weeks of transfer talks, it appears an Arsenal deal for Merino looks set to be completed pretty soon.

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The 28-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his contract and is fresh off the back of an impressive Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, making him a potential summer bargain, especially considering his brilliant 2023/2024 season at Sociedad.

Merino scored eight goals and assisted five others across 45 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga side, and it is believed Gunners boss Mikel Arteta holds a personal belief that the former Newcastle star can help Arsenal dominate opposition midfields (Simon Collings).

Arsenal reached an agreement on personal terms with Merino some time ago, with the north Londoners now close to shaking hands on a final fee and details with Sociedad, as Edu Gaspar and co look to seal their third major signing of the window.

Mikel Merino's statistical averages per 90 minutes over the course of his domestic career compared to Declan Rice

Mikel Merino

Declan Rice

Percentage of aerial duels won

59.9

55.6

Ball recoveries

7.93

7.49

Shot-creating actions

2.59

1.95

Tackles

2.56

2.42

Blocks

1.52

1.22

Key passes

1.01

0.72

Statistics correct as of 21/08/2024

Edu may not be done with Merino, either, as links surround Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia. The Spaniard, whose contract includes a £26 million release clause, is reportedly being targeted as a potential heir for exit-bound Aaron Ramsdale.

Fabrizio Romano even shared news earlier this week that Garcia and Arsenal have reached a verbal agreement on personal terms, so the interest in him is clearly there heading towards deadline day.

Espanyol in constant contact with Garcia to stop him joining Arsenal

News of this has reached Spain, with newspaper AS providing an update on the 23-year-old's future.

They write that Espanyol are in constant contact with Garcia to stop him from joining Arsenal, consistently reassuring the Olympian that he's crucial for the newly-promoted La Liga side this season, and they really don't want to lose him.

While Espanyol are believed to be calm over the interest from north London, it would be very difficult to find a replacement for Garcia this late in the window, so they're keen to make sure his move to the Premier League does not happen.

Garcia conceded just 10 goals across 21 appearances in all competitions last season, keeping 12 clean sheets in the process.

With just two weeks left until the transfer window slams shut and the Premier League campaign already now underway, Everton are reportedly intensifying their efforts to sign a midfield reinforcement.

Everton transfer news

The Toffees, even without a resolution for their takeover problem, have enjoyed a solid summer of arrivals and, as things stand, are set to keep hold of Jarrad Branthwaite. Those at Goodison Park have welcomed Iliman Ndiaye, Tim Iroegnunam, Jesper Lindstrom and arguably most impressively, Jake O'Brien from Lyon this month in what should hand Sean Dyche quite the boost once everyone is settled.

Whilst they've so far managed to keep hold of Branthwaite, the same can't be said for Amadou Onana. The Belgium international sealed his exit away from Goodison Park to join Aston Villa earlier this summer in a deal worth a reported £50m, leaving a gaping hole in Everton's midfield.

Filling that void could yet be a Europa League midfielder, however. According to Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness, Everton are now intensifying their move to sign Edoardo Bove, who AS Roma value at a reported €15m (£13m) this month.

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A player who can play as an attacking, central and defensive midfielder, Dyche would be welcoming a player who could act as a three-in-one reinforcement and a direct replacement for Onana.

Just 22 years old, Bove came through the ranks at Roma, earning a number of first-team opportunities last season from the start, but could now ditch his boyhood club for the Premier League. For just £13m too, the Toffees would crucially avoid breaking the bank in a deal that should see them avoid any trouble with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.

Record-breaker Bove can replace Onana

It's quite the task, but Bove is the calibre of player who would be able to step up and replace Onana this month. What's more, still 22 years old, the Italian should be a player with plenty more to offer in years to come. Everton's potential £13m investment could quickly turn into a stroke of genius if he reaches his potential.

Progressive Carries

21

21

Progressive Passes

88

101

Tackles Won

31

38

Ball Recoveries

95

160

Bove managed to keep up with Onana last season, especially on the ball and in the number of tackles that he managed to win. The one concern for Everton should be his struggle to match the Belgian when it comes to recovering possession. Having such a player at the heart of a side that will be out of possession more often than not is vital. It is a trait that any Onana replacement must bring in abundance.

If this is to be it for Bove at Roma, then he will leave a record breaker, having become the youngest player to score in a European semi-final for the club in May 2023.