Lionel Messi has been given a “70%” chance of positing seven goal contributions at some stage, while also helping Inter Miami to a record MLS win.
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Argentine put in historic display vs Red BullsIs enjoying another stunning run of formCapable of raising the bar even furtherWHAT HAPPENED?
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner rewrote the history books in his latest outing for the Herons when contributing to all six of their goals in a 6-2 mauling of the New York Red Bulls. His achievements there have never been seen before, but he is being backed to raise the bar of individual brilliance even higher.
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With the all-time great enjoying a stunning purple patch, MLS pundit Matt Doyle sees no reason why Messi cannot be involved in seven goals across a single 90-minute outing. The Argentine World Cup winner is also being tipped to help Inter Miami to a huge victory over one unfortunate opponent.
WHAT DOYLE SAID
Doyle has told : “I think pretty strongly, there’s like a 70% chance that he breaks this record this year, that he ends a game with seven goal contributions. I also think there’s a pretty good chance that Inter Miami break the all-time record for goals in a game, which is eight.”
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Next on the agenda for Messi is a trip to Montreal on Saturday, with Inter Miami looking to cement their standing at the top of the Eastern Conference. Their mercurial No.10 has won three Matchday MVP awards this season, a Player of the Month gong for April and is considered to be leading the overall 2024 MVP race.
Leeds United appointed German tactician Daniel Farke in the summer with the hopes of bouncing straight back to the Premier League.
The 47-year-old, who recorded two promotions on his CV during his time with Norwich City, knows what it takes to propel a team out of the second tier.
In the summer, he was armed with the resources to overhaul his squad and mould it into his swashbuckling style as high earners Rodrigo, Jack Harrison, Max Wober, Robin Koch, and Luis Sinisterra were among those to depart, either permanently or on loan, which opened the door for new arrivals.
Jaidon Anthony, Ilia Gruev, Djed Spence, Joel Piroe, Joe Rodon, Glen Kamara, Sam Byram, Karl Darlow, and Ethan Ampadu were all snapped up to improve their chances of promotion.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.
With the Whites currently sitting third in the table, eight points behind the automatic promotion spots, it appears their business has had a positive impact.
Given the transfer window fast approaching, however, Leeds could make a few tweaks that will give them every chance of achieving their ultimate goal.
The first piece of business through the door could be Nadiem Amiri.
Leeds United transfer news – Nadiem Amiri
While nine signings arrived in a chaotic summer at Elland Road, Leeds could have added a tenth if they didn't miss out on Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Nadiem Amiri.
According to Kicker in Germany, the West Yorkshire giants had agreed a £5m (€6m) deal with the Bundesliga outfit to bring him to the club in August.
Bayer Leverkusen midfielderNadiem Amiri.
Despite agreeing on a fee, there was another twist in the tale as Sky Deutschland reporter Marlon Irlbacher claimed that Amiri and Leeds failed to agree terms.
Per reports, the failure to capture the 27-year-old stemmed from an apparent exit clause he wanted in the deal, allowing him to move on next summer if promotion was not secured.
After seeing a string of players leave the club in the wake of similar clauses, Farke refused to meet the request and a deal broke down.
As relayed by TEAMtalk earlier this month, the Whites could go back in for Amiri – who has accepted his career at Leverkusen is as good as over – and the report suggests he's 'aiming for a move' in January with just six months left on his deal.
With this in mind, Leeds could reignite interest in the midfield maestro and snap him up on a cut-price deal to provide competition to Joel Piroe.
How Nadiem Amiri compares to Joel Piroe
Since his arrival from Swansea City, Piroe has been utilised by Farke in a number ten role, dropping deeper to feed the talented Georginio Rutter in behind.
The Dutch dynamo, who scored 20 goals for the Swans last term, is a clinical finisher by trade but he's been moulded into a more creative asset in this Leeds side.
Leeds forward Joel Piroe.
While he's still bagged a respectable six goals in 16 Championship appearances this term, a move for Amiri could see his place sacrificed in the team, given the German's technical qualities.
Nadiem Amiri vs Joel Piroe's creative per 90 statistics in the past year
Statistic
Nadiem Amiri
Joel Piroe
Pass completion
84.5%
80.5%
Progressive passes
5.73
2.57
Progressive carries
2.81
1.36
Successful take-ons
1.73
0.68
Carries into the penalty area
0.43
0.55
Through balls
0.22
0.10
Crosses
2.27
0.18
All stats via FBref
Although those stats could be skewed considering Piroe predominantly played as a striker for Swansea, the table still demonstrates that Amiri – who was lauded for his "excellent acceleration" by journalist Dougie Critchley – could be the missing piece to their puzzle in the final third, offering better quality of passes, progressive passes while beating his man on more occasions.
There are fine margins between finishing in the play-offs and earning automatic promotion out of the Championship, and it's the finer details – like signing Amiri – that could make all the difference come May.
Adelaide Strikers captain Colin Ingram withdrew a run-out appeal after James Pattinson was given out despite clearly grounding his bat
Alex Malcolm19-Dec-2018Adelaide Strikers captain Colin Ingram withdrew a run-out appeal to allow Brisbane Heat batsman James Pattinson to continue batting during the opening game of the 2018-19 Big Bash League at the Gabba after Pattinson was given out by the third umpire despite clearly making his ground.The Strikers appealed for a run-out against Pattinson in the 13th over of the match, with the Heat on 6 for 92. Pattinson was late to respond to a call from Jimmy Peirson for a single to short third man. He was forced to dive to try and beat Peter Siddle’s throw to Strikers keeper Alex Carey and the decision was referred upstairs to TV umpire Greg Davidson.Pattinson looked to have clearly made his ground with the back of the bat sliding past the line when Carey broke the stumps.But the decision on the big screen at the ground read “OUT” causing confusion amongst players and fans at the ground alike. Pattinson remained in the middle as the players on the ground had all seen the replay and assumed the incorrect button had been pressed for the graphics on the big screen. But after confirmation via radio to on-field umpire Simon Fry it was discovered that the TV umpire had in fact given Pattinson out, and that the decision would stand.Pattinson started to walk off as Heat captain Chris Lynn and coach Daniel Vettori began a heated discussion with reserve umpire Donovan Koch on the sidelines. But Ingram saved everyone’s blushes by withdrawing the appeal and recalling Pattinson.Carey was wearing a microphone and earpiece for broadcaster Channel Seven and confirmed at the end of the over that the Strikers had withdrawn the appeal.”We could see on the big screen that James was in,” Carey said. “So we just told the umpire that we all acknowledge that he was in and free to bat on.”It said on the big board that it was ‘out’ and Simon said the [decision] stays, so we said fair play, bat on. I’m not sure what was seen upstairs but no worries from us.”Speaking during the innings break, Ingram told Fox Sports he was unsure whether he could withdraw the appeal but checked with umpire Fry.”It was a unique scenario, I ended up chatting with Benny Laughlin, and he said what is the option with withdrawing the appeal, so the initial idea came from him,” Ingram said.”We can all clearly see that it wasn’t out, you’ll look like an idiot on TV if it isn’t, but we’ve got to back what we saw and most of our boys were happy and just wanted to get on with the game.”I didn’t know if it was an option or not. All we wanted to do was get the right decision. I thought maybe they’d pressed the wrong button or something like that. It was just part of the game today.”Pattinson was stumped in the following over, for 4 off six balls, as Brisbane Heat struggled to 146 all out against the defending champions.
Leeds United continued their excellent form in the Championship with an incredible win away at runaway second-tier leaders Leicester City on Friday night, Georginio Rutter the difference maker as his poacher-like instincts ensured the Whites left the King Power Stadium with all three points.
Inflicting the Foxes to only their second defeat of the season to date, Daniel Farke’s men will now hope that Ipswich Town start to falter in order to make up some ground on the Tractor Boys in that coveted second automatic promotion spot.
The likes of Joel Piroe, Crysencio Summerville and Ethan Ampadu continue to impress the Elland Road masses, but it’s young Archie Gray – great nephew of Leeds icon Eddie Gray – that is standing out in the first team ranks at only 17 years of age.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke.
The teen prodigy could well be Leeds’ next Stuart Dallas in the making, versatile in being able to play both centrally and at full-back and hopefully as reliable and as key as the 32-year-old has been to all major successes experienced by the Whites in recent years when called upon.
Dallas’ numbers for Leeds
Dallas was an integral part of the Marcelo Bielsa machine when the eccentric Argentine head coach galvanised Leeds to break out of their Championship mediocrity back to the promised land of the top flight, the Northern Irishman was excellent for the most part under Bielsa’s esteemed tenure.
Leeds defender Stuart Dallas.
Swapping between playing as a full-back, a winger or as a central midfielder, Leeds’ number 15 very rarely made a glaring error with his full-throttle performances winning him plaudits.
He would score five goals and assist a further three in the memorable 2019/20 promotion campaign up to the Premier League, netting on the final day versus Charlton in a 4-0 win with the champagne flowing at full-time.
Gray will hope he can follow in the footsteps of Dallas, the wide-eyed youngster already making an impact for the Whites’ first team this campaign despite still learning the ropes at senior level.
Gray’s numbers this season
Labelled as having “something very special” for such a young footballer by Leeds United journalist Phil Hay after starring in pre-season, Gray has shone in the cut and thrust of the Championship this campaign to reinforce this glowing praise.
Performing at a level way above anyone’s wildest predictions at 17, Gray has been a constant in Farke’s first-team plans – transitioning to full-back recently after starting the season centrally, with shades of Dallas’ game apparent in the teenager’s displays.
Games Played
14 (12 starts)
Key Passes
0.6 per game
Pass Accuracy
80%
Interceptions
0.7 per game
Tackles Won
2.2 per game
Ball Recoveries
5.1 per game
Successful Dribbles
0.7 per game
Stats via Sofascore.
Playing the full 90 minutes versus Leicester at right-back, Leeds’ number 22 excelled on the big occasion. Gray would win four of his five ground duels at the King Power per Sofascore, whilst remaining fearless on the ball throughout with 19 of his 23 passes on the night accurate.
He was equally as daring versus QPR at the start of October, successful with both dribbles attempted as his side went on to narrowly overcome the visitors from West London 1-0. That all-round nature that Dallas possesses is clearly also brewing inside the teenager.
Clocking up 16 first-team appearances this campaign, mostly as a midfielder, Gray is steadily becoming part of the furniture with Leeds with fans and coaches alike hoping that he goes on to have a sustained and successful career at Elland Road.
Leeds midfielder Archie Gray.
Flexible in where he’s selected by Farke, the 17-year-old is demonstrating a remarkable maturity far beyond his years – unfazed by the bright lights and media attention, his football doing the talking. The German head coach will hope he can continue to rely on his teenage starlet to perform, the world Gray’s oyster at this moment in time.
A vitória por 3 a 1 sobre o Delfín, no Equador, deu ao Palmeiras uma ótima vantagem para o jogo de volta das oitavas de final da Copa Libertadores. De quebra, o clube atingiu mais uma marca expressiva na história da competição. Com os três gols marcados – Gabriel Menino, Rony e Zé Rafael estufaram as redes -, o Alviverde chegou aos 350 tentos no histórico geral da disputa.
Não é todo dia que um clube atinge esse feito. Aliás, a marca havia sido alcançada apenas por outros seis times até então. Nenhum brasileiro. A lista conta com River Plate, Peñarol, Nacional, Boca Juniors, Olimpia e Cerro Porteño. Entre os brasileiros, o Cruzeiro, com 307, é quem mais se aproxima da equipe paulista. Veja o ranking:
CLUBES BRASILEIROS COM MAIS GOLS NA HISTÓRIA DA LIBERTADORES
1º – Palmeiras – 350 gols em 191 jogos 2º – Cruzeiro – 307 gols em 166 jogos 3º – Grêmio – 302 gols em 199 jogos 4º – São Paulo – 293 gols em 189 jogos 5º – Santos – 263 gols em 137 jogos 6º – Flamengo – 249 gols em 135 jogos 7º – Corinthians – 211 gols em 122 jogos 8º – Internacional – 189 gols em 130 jogos 9º – Atlético-MG – 137 gols em 91 jogos 10º – Vasco – 94 gols em 74 jogos
RelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras é o clube brasileiro com mais vitórias fora do Brasil na LibertadoresPalmeiras25/11/2020PalmeirasGabriel Menino celebra vitória: ‘Elenco do Palmeiras é muito bom’Palmeiras25/11/2020LibertadoresPalmeiras confirma favoritismo e derrota o Delfín na LibertadoresLibertadores25/11/2020
Surrey Stars 167 for 8 (Lee 70, Taylor 51) beat Lancashire Thunder 112 (Jones 40, van Niekerk 3-20) by 55 runs ScorecardHalf-centuries for Lizelle Lee and Sarah Taylor set Surrey Stars on their way to a crucial Kia Super League win over Lancashire Thunder at Emirates Old Trafford.The Stars posted 167 for 8 and defended it comfortably to win for the second time in six games, by 55 runs, and breathe life into their Finals Day hopes. They moved to within a point of the Thunder, who currently occupy the all-important third place but have lost their last two outings and three from six in all.South African opener Lee led the way with 70 off 37 balls, including six sixes, after the visitors had been inserted. Her international captain Dane van Niekerk then claimed 3 for 20 as the Thunder were bowled out for 112 in the last over.The majority of Lee’s sixes were slog swept over mid-wicket or long-on, with one narrowly avoiding a sprawling Ebony Rainford-Brent, Surrey’s director of women’s cricket, who comically tripped over a kit bag just beyond the boundary rope.Lee shared 94 in eight-and-a-half overs for the second wicket with former Thunder wicketkeeper Taylor.The England star was typically inventive on the way to 51 off 37 balls as the pair advanced the score from 16 for 1 in their bid to avenge last week’s defeat to the Thunder at the Kia Oval.Lancashire dragged things back well in the second half of the Stars innings, with the visitors having reached the 10-over mark at 92 for 1 on an excellent pitch.Off-spinner Emma Lamb continued her impressive competition with two for 12 from three overs, while Sophie Ecclestone and captain Danni Hazell claimed two wickets apiece.Ecclestone had Lee superbly caught low down at deep square-leg by Nicole Bolton, with that slog sweep eventually proving her undoing. Hazell then bowled Taylor shortly after taking a superb reflex catch at cover at the second attempt to remove van Niekerk (19). Wicketkeeper Ellie Threlkeld also claimed her eighth stumping of the competition off Lamb in the last over.Thunder opening pair Bolton and Eve Jones were then tied down at the start of the chase, reaching 20 without loss after five overs. Nineteen came off the next two overs, but there just wasn’t enough impetus.Bolton (24) fell in the 10th over, caught at long-off to van Niekerk’s leg-spin as the score slipped to 55 for one, where Lancashire reached at halfway.Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur was then run out without facing in the next over courtesy of a Bryony Smith throw at the striker’s end from cover. Kaur was run out for nought off one ball against Western Storm last Friday.New Zealander Amy Satterthwaite was quickly into her stride with 21 off her first 10 balls, but she fell in identical fashion to Bolton off her next ball as the score fell to 86 for three in the 14th.Smith added her second catch to the run out as the Stars were clinical with the ball and in the field on their way to a first win in four games.Jones was then caught at cover for 40 to leave van Niekerk on a hat-trick, and from there it was virtually game over. Smith later struck twice with her off-spinners to cap a comprehensive bonus point victory.
Leeds United return to Championship action at Elland Road this evening as they welcome Queens Park Rangers to Yorkshire in the hope of bouncing back from their last match.
Daniel Farke's side travelled down south to St. Mary's to take on Southampton live on Sky Sports in the early kick-off last weekend and were beaten 3-1 by Russell Martin's men.
That loss ended a run of six matches without a defeat for the Whites in the league and they will now be looking to return to that imperious run of form, starting with tonight's clash under the lights.
What's the latest Leeds team news?
Farke has confirmed that a number of players will remain unavailable for selection against QPR as they continue to recover from their respective injury issues.
On-loan right-back Djed Spence and Italy international Wilfried Gnonto are both on track to return to action after the international break this month. The latter has scored one goal in five league outings so far this season and could face a fight on his hands to win back his place in the side.
Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto.
Left-back Junior Firpo is also set to return to training on the other side of the break, whilst Northern Ireland international Stuart Dallas has had a minor setback and will be back with the squad over the next few days.
The German head coach also commented on the performance of central defender Liam Cooper in his pre-match press conference as he conceded that the game against Southampton was not his 'best' day in a Leeds shirt.
However, the ex-Norwich boss added that he is 'happy' with the Scotland international but that does not mean that the Whites captain will play 'every second'.
How did Cooper perform against Southampton?
The central defender put in a dismal display against the Saints and his first contribution to the defeat came after just two minutes as he was caught out for the opening goal.
Cooper, for reasons that he may only be able to explain, stepped out of his position despite Leeds having two midfielders between him and the player in possession and that allowed Adam Armstrong to run off the back of him, which led to the striker dinking the ball over Illan Meslier and into the back of the net.
Leeds defender Liam Cooper.
The central defender was not directly at fault for the second Saints goal but the shot from Will Smallbone did creep past the Leeds man's left foot and he could have attempted to make himself bigger to make the block.
Cooper, who ended the match with a Sofascore rating of 6.6, then took too long to come across on the cover to help out Sam Byram, which led to Armstrong having all the time he needed to fire the ball into the back of the net for 3-0 before half time.
It was a disappointing display from the £35k-per-week enforcer and Farke must now ruthlessly ditch him from the starting line-up for this clash against QPR tonight.
Will Joe Rodon start against QPR?
The Leeds head coach must then unleash central defender Joe Rodon, who is on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, in place of the veteran captain at the heart of the defence alongside Pascal Struijk.
Farke swooped to sign the former Swansea star on a temporary basis during the summer transfer window and he was an unused substitute against the Saints after returning from his suspension.
The Wales international had been sent off for two bookable offences in the 0-0 draw with Hull City last month but had caught the eye in his previous four appearances for the Whites.
Leeds defender Joe Rodon.
Rodon averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.18 across his first four Championship matches for Leeds as they went unbeaten in that time; against West Brom, Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday, and Millwall.
The 25-year-old titan has impressed with his play in and out of possession. On the ball, the Spurs loanee has completed 90% of his attempted passes and shown himself to be capable of finding a teammate the vast majority of the time, rather than consistently handing the ball back to the opposition.
He has also won an outstanding 72% of his aerial battles in the Championship so far this season, which shows that the towering centre-back is dominant in the air and able to outmuscle his opponent far more often than not.
Is Rodon better than Cooper?
Cooper and Rodon's respective statistics over the last 365 days suggest that Farke's team would be better off with the latter in possession of the ball.
The current Leeds captain has averaged 0.27 progressive carries and successful take-ons combined per 90 over the last year, as per FBref. This has him in the bottom 21% of his positional peers across the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions in both statistics.
Whereas, Rodon, who spent last season on loan with Rennes in Ligue 1, has averaged 0.65 progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 over the last 365 days. In fact, he ranks within the top 31% of centre-backs in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions for take-ons completed per 90 in that time.
This suggests that the Welsh titan excels at dribbling forward with the ball to start attacks for his side from a central defensive position, whereas Cooper rarely looks to progress possession in that way.
Leeds defender Joe Rodon.
The Scotland international has also won 67% of his aerial duels in the Championship this term, which suggests that Rodon is more dominant than him when it comes to battles in the air.
His ability to sense danger around the box could also make him an upgrade on the Scottish dud as the 6 foot 4 ace has made 3.3 clearances per game this term, in comparison to his skipper's 1.8 per match.
Therefore, Farke must now unleash the Spurs defender, who was once hailed as "perfect" by ex-boss Jose Mourinho, in place of Cooper to improve his starting XI for this clash with QPR.
The former Chesterfield colossus' disappointing display against Southampton should see him dropped from the team as Leeds will want to avoid back-to-back defeats, which could see them slip further behind the chasing pack in the hunt for automatic promotion.
After just three years in the Premier League, Leeds United now find themselves back in the battle for promotion in England's second tier, with the size of the task ahead for Daniel Farke and co already evident following a mixed start to the new season.
While currently in the playoff spots, the Yorkshire giants have still only won three times so far this term since their return to the Championship, with things only recently beginning to settle down following the mass summer exodus that occurred at Elland Road.
The loss of 15 players has been eased by the nine new faces that have arrived through the door, however, while Farke is also able to call upon a handful of figures who have returned to the club following stints out on loan last term, such as Daniel James.
Although the Wales international can be somewhat "headless" at times – as per pundit Darren Bent – it looks as if the winger could have a vital role to play this season, having already racked up four assists from just six league appearances from the flanks.
Leeds United's Dan James
The 25-year-old has also been joined back at the club by fellow winger, Ian Poveda, with the previously outcast asset having been afforded a handful of opportunities to impress in recent weeks – albeit without truly being able to shine.
Those struggles beg the question as to whether the former Manchester City starlet actually has a future under Farke, with it clear to see that the 5 foot 6 enigma has not lived up to the billing since his arrival back in January 2020.
Why did Leeds sign Ian Poveda?
The diminutive talent certainly enjoyed an impressive footballing education having spent time on the books at the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Brentford and even La Liga giants Barcelona, prior to joining Manchester City in 2016.
There was no doubt a great deal of buzz surrounding the promising sensation during his time at the Etihad, in particular, having been tipped to be the next wonderkid to emerge at City – following the likes of Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden.
The youngster's quality was evident with the Cityzens as he notably contributed 14 goals and assists in 32 games in all competitions at U18 level, before plundering a further six goals and eight assists for the club's U21 side.
Such consistent form even led the London-born wizard to earn a solitary first-team appearance for Pep Guardiola's side in the Carabao Cup meeting with Burton Albion in January 2019, describing it as a "dream come true" to be able to enjoy a first taste of senior action.
It was then just a year later that Leeds and Marcelo Bielsa came calling, with Poveda making the move to Yorkshire mid-way through the club's 2019/20 promotion-winning campaign – taking on the number shirt as an indication of how highly-regarded he was at the time.
What was said about Poveda when he joined Leeds?
The move to Elland Road to work under the enigmatic Bielsa was seen as a "perfect" fit – according to Guardiola – with the Poveda looking like the type of gifted, creative talent that the Argentine coach would love to work with.
The expectation was that the new man would blossom into a real star under the experienced tactician, with there having even been talk that he was the heir to footballing icon, Lionel Messi, as a diminutive left-footed talent who primarily operates from the right wing.
Ian Poveda for Leeds
While the former England youth international did only make four appearances for Leeds in the second half of 2019/20, a strong start to the following campaign also brought with it further plaudits, with pundit Noel Whelan having said at the time:
"You can see now when you talk about people changing games and bringing a different dimension, he’s very, very quick, got great feet, very tricky, likes to run at players. Very much like Raphinha as well.
“He just looks a lot stronger this season, body-wise, mentality wise. He looks like he’s there to push people rather than just take up a bench place."
Poveda was also hailed by club legend Danny Mills for his "superb" display against his former employers in October 2020, albeit while ultimately going on to make just 14 Premier League appearances that season, showcasing a sign of things to come…
What has gone wrong for Poveda at Leeds?
The struggling asset was subsequently shipped out on loan to Blackburn Rovers for the entirety of the 2021/22 campaign, with that coming amid reports that he had been demoted to the U23's at Leeds after being frozen out by Bielsa.
As per the aforementioned Mills, the suggestion at the time was that the once-promising talent had no future back at Elland Road, having become "surplus to requirements" after struggling to make an impact over the previous 18 months.
That drop into the second tier with Rovers failed to reinvigorate the forward, however, as he scored just once in only ten appearances in what was an injury-hit campaign at Ewood Park, having then been sent out again last season to join Blackpool.
Ian Poveda
That latter switch did prove slightly more fruitful as the 23-year-old netted three goals and provided two assists in 26 games in all competitions, albeit while coming under fire at Bloomfield Road due to 'a disciplinary issue', having responded poorly to being left out of the matchday squad on one occasion by manager Mick McCarthy.
Now back at his parent club after a two-year absence, Poveda has made four appearances so far this term, albeit while notably failing to impress during his 90-minute outing against Birmingham City last month, with Leeds Live's Beren Cross writing of his performance:
'None of the guile and flair we have seen from him since mid-summer. Struggled to unlock doors or go past Birmingham players with his skill.'
While there were signings of life in pre-season for the £8.3k-per-week trickster, a limp start to the season has not helped his cause with regard to earning a regular role in the side, particularly with Farke having the likes of James, Jaidon Anthony and Crysencio Summerville to call upon.
With just a year left on his contract, time may be running out for the 'Mini Messi' to finally flourish in Yorkshire, with it looking as if he remains somewhat 'surplus' still…
The elections had initially been announced for May 19, but were postponed on technical grounds
Madushka Balasuriya11-May-2018Sri Lanka Cricket’s board elections will be held on May 31 after the country’s sports ministry gave its go-ahead following consultation with the Attorney General’s department.SLC elections had initially been announced for May 19, but were postponed on April 27 on technical grounds. SLC contested that they had received permission from previous Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera to appoint an election committee at an Executive Committee meeting, but new Sports Minister Faiszer Mustapha insisted on following constitutional protocol, which dictates that such an appointment requires the approval of the general membership at an Extraordinary General Meeting.As such SLC called for an EGM on May 19. However, with the SLC constitution mandating a 40-day period between calling an election and holding one at an Annual General Meeting, elections could only be held in June at the earliest. With the present board’s term ending on May 31, this would have resulted in an interim committee being appointed until the elections. While in reality this would have likely seen the present Executive Committee remain in charge in the guise of an interim committee, it would have stripped them of the power to pass annual accounts at an AGM – a pressing concern for SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala.SLC therefore petitioned the sports ministry to hold elections on May 31 or at an earlier date, citing the fact that the nomination deadline had shut on April 27. With no new nominations being accepted, SLC felt the 40-day waiting period could be waived – an assessment the sports ministry eventually agreed with.It is expected that two camps headed by former SLC office bearers Nishantha Ranatunga and Jayantha Dharmadasa will contest against the incumbent board headed by Sumathipala.
Derby County have been dealt an injury blow to another player alongside Tyreece John-Jules, and Paul Warne has delivered an update on his situation.
What's the latest injury news at Derby?
Liam Thompson, Max Bird and Jake Rooney are all currently on the sidelines with their own respective problems at Pride Park, as well as John-Jules, who hasn’t had the opportunity to make the impact that he would have hoped following his summer move from Arsenal.
The Rams striker is yet to make his first full start since putting pen to paper on a half-season loan with the outfit in the Midlands, and he wasn’t named in the squad for the League One 1-1 draw vs Portsmouth on Saturday, with reports claiming that he’s set to undergo a scan to discover the extent of his issue.
However, there is now also fresh concern over Conor Hourihane, who was forced off the pitch with hamstring pain during the latest fixture which saw him replaced on 38 minutes by Elliot Embleton, and the boss has shared what he’s heard on the midfielder’s current state.
How long is Conor Hourihane out for?
Speaking during his post-match interview following Saturday’s encounter, Warne was asked about Hourihane’s departure from the field. As quoted by DerbyshireLive, he said:
“I don’t honestly know with Conor because I've not spoken to him since the game ended. But when he came off on the side of the pitch during the game he said he has had one of those nervy tendons in his hamstring before and he's just run it off.
"He thought he could run it off, but he couldn't. It could be two or three days or two or three weeks – I don't honestly know. It isn’t ideal to make that change early on.”
Republic of Ireland midfielder Conor Hourihane.
How good is Conor Hourihane?
Following his arrival at Derby last summer, Hourihane has quickly become an integral member of Warne’s squad and the positive impression he’s made since the start of this season in particular has been clear to see, therefore it would be a huge blow if he was to be ruled out of action.
The Bandon native, who is naturally left-footed, has posted four contributions (two goals and the same number of assists) in seven league appearances this term which has seen him hailed a “quality” player in the final third by journalist Josh Bunting.
The Rams’ £12k-per-week earner has also recorded a total of ten shots so far over the course of the campaign which is the joint second-highest number throughout the whole of the squad, via FBRef, which shows the threat he poses even if the ball doesn’t always hit the back of the net.
Furthermore, Hourihane is a versatile operator having been deployed in seven different positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the midfield, at left-back and even out wide on the left-wing, so this is another attribute that the boss may have to cope without should his star be set to face a spell on the sidelines.