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da 888casino： Diferentemente do que ocorreu com Maycon e Yuri Alberto, o Corinthians não terá pressa para tentar manter o zagueiro Fabián Balbuena. O atleta está emprestado ao Timão pelo Dínamo de Moscou, da Rússia, até o dia 30 de junho, e o clube alvinegro ainda não buscou alternativas para a manutenção do jogador. A situação do paraguaio é diferente da dos brasileiros pelos seguintes aspectos: modelo de negócio e desempenho esportivo.

Balbuena é o único entre os jogadores que chegaram ao Parque São Jorge no ano passado em que o Time do Povo utilizou a’cláusula da guerra’. Durante a última temporada, a Fifa autorizou que atletas que atuassem na Rússia ou Ucrânia suspendessem os seus contratos e firmassem acordos com outras equipes. Inicialmente, o prazo para isso foi até junho do ano passado, mas depois foi estendido para junho deste ano. Assim, o defensor, que pertence ao Dínamo de Moscou, clube russo, pôde firmar a vínculo com o Coringão.

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Como o conflito no leste europeu segue, existe a chance da Fifa ampliar a ‘cláusula da guerra’. Se isso acontecer, facilitará a possibilidade do Timão ampliar o contrato de empréstimo de Balbuena. O acordo atual do zagueiro com o Dínamo de Moscou tem duração até junho de 2026. O Coringão não teria condições financeiras de comprar o jogador em definitivo no momento.

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Como o contrato de Balbuena vai até o meio do ano, a direção corintiana não tratou a manutenção do atleta com a mesma prioridade do que teve com a que se movimentou para a manter Maycon e Yuri Alberto. A situação do volante era a mais ‘desesperadora’, já que o empréstimo com o Shakhtar Donetsk, da Ucrânia, terminava no fim de 2022. Depois de conversas entre as partes, a equipe ucraniana liberou o meio-campista, que é revelado pelo Timão, para atuar por mais uma temporada com a camisa alvinegra. Já no caso de Yuri, o movimento no mercado foi para ter em definitivo um atleta que estava emprestado. foi bem pelo Corinthians no segundo semestre do ano passado e que é visto internamente como um ativo de grande potencial de mercado, principalmente por conta da juventude – ele tem 21 anos. A opinião do presidente Duílio Monteiro Alves é que Yuri Alberto será o atacante da Seleção Brasileira nos próximos anos e poderá render ao Corinthians tanto esportivamente, quanto financeiramente, no futuro.

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Outro fator que pesa para que a direção do Corinthians tenha maior cautela para começar a discutir a aquisição definitiva ou a ampliação de empréstimo de Balbuena são as atuações do defensor no ano passado. Algumas partidas no fim da última temporada colocaram em xeque o potencial físico e técnico do paraguaio. Assim, o departamento de futebol corintiano apostará nas avaliações que serão feitas durante o Campeonato Paulista, que terminará no dia 9 de abril. A partir daí, o clube alvinegro terá cerca de dois meses para discutir a compra ou extensão da cessão do zagueiro, caso entenda ser necessário. Se não for, o atleta será devolvido ao Dínamo de Moscou.

Enquanto não se decidiu se tentará a permanência de Balbuena, o Corinthians não entrará em contato com o Dínamo de Moscou que, enquanto isso, esperará o retorno do defensor paraguaio ao território russo já no próximo dia 1º de julho.

O sistema defensivo corintiano foi enxugado na atual janela de transferências. Raul Gustavo foi emprestado ao Bahia, e Robert Renan vendido ao Zenit, da Rússia, no negócio que envolveu a aquisição de Yuri Alberto pelo Corinthians. Hoje, além de Balbuena, o Timão tem Bruno Méndez, Caetano e Gil como opções para o sistema defensivo. Após o fim da disputa da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, a tendência é que o garoto Murillo seja integrado ao elenco profissional do Coringão – o atleta, no entanto, possui um impasse contratual que precisará ser resolvido.

Liverpool are now plotting a transfer swoop for a “fantastic” 19 year-old forward who could be a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, according to a new report.

Liverpool extend Premier League lead to 13 points

It was another routine win for Arne Slot’s side on Wednesday night, as goals, surprisingly not from Salah, but from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister saw Liverpool run out 2–0 winners and extend their lead to 13 points with 10 games left to play. That means they can now conceivably win the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur on the 26th of April, with four games left to play.

Forget Salah: Slot has made 9/10 Liverpool star a truly "unstoppable" force

Liverpool beat Newcastle at Anfield to stretch their title lead to 13 points.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 27, 2025

Despite the healthy lead and the short number of games left to play, Slot believes there is still a long way to go and is taking it game by game): “It is still a long way to go, ten games. In March, we only play one Premier League game; then we have the cup final, of course, and an international break, and then two big games against Paris Saint-Germain – so we are not focused on the long term.

“I know, and the players know how difficult the Champions League game is going to be – they are in the same form as us, hardly lose. It is going to be a difficult task for both teams. Now the players have some days off, and then we focus on PSG more than we do on the table in the Premier League.”

Liverpool eye move for "fantastic" Salah successor

But as the Reds get closer to securing that Premier League title, focus may start switching to the summer, and according to Caught Offside, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on teenager Assane Diao after his recent performances in Italy.

The report states that Liverpool’s interest in Diao comes as the future of Salah at Anfield is still very uncertain. There is a likelihood that the Egyptian leaves in the summer when his contract expires, and that would leave Liverpool very light in that area of the team. Therefore, the club are actively looking at possible short and long-term replacements, and Diao has emerged as a possible target.

The 19-year-old, who has been described as “fantastic” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past, plays for Italian side Como, joining Cesc Fabregas’ side January and kicking on another gear under the Spaniard.

Apps

8

Starts

7

Goals

5

xG

1.74

Shots per game

2.0

Chance conversion

31%

Key passes per game

0.4

Succ. Dribbles per game

1.0 (35%)

Duels won per game

6.8 (42%)

The Spanish under-19 international decided to join Como in the New Year, and it is a move that has paid off, scoring five goals in eight Serie A games. Diao has started all but one game, operating as a right and left-winger. The forward has scored three goals in the last three consecutive games against Juventus, Fiorentina, and Napoli, and those performances have now put him on the radar of Liverpool.

It’s unclear how much he could cost the Reds, but Como paid a record fee of €12 million, so they are expected to want more than that in any departure.

Son Heung-min hailed his "best mate" Harry Kane and confirmed the Bayern Munich star will be the "biggest Spurs fan" during the Europa League final.

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Son & Kane remain the best of friends Kane won the first trophy of his career with Bayern Son can follow in his footsteps by lifting the UEL trophy Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Kane and Son formed one of the Premier League’s most iconic attacking partnerships during their time together at Tottenham from 2015 to 2023. Though now separated by leagues and countries, the bond between the two remains as strong as ever.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Earlier this month, Bayern Munich secured the Bundesliga title — the first major honour of Kane’s career. Son was quick to congratulate his friend and acknowledged how significant the achievement was for the England captain. As Kane savours his Bundesliga medal, Son is hoping he too can celebrate silverware, with Tottenham on the verge of clinching the Europa League title.

WHAT SON SAID

Ahead of the Europa League final, Son said: "Everyone knows Harry is my best mate and it was a huge honour of playing alongside him. After he won his first title, we had a chat about his trophy. He is already on holiday, so he doesn't have to text me. I am just concentrating on myself with the boys and I'm sure Harry will be the biggest Spurs fan tomorrow and supporting us from his holidays."

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR SON?

The final, which sees Spurs face Manchester United on Wednesday night, is being seen as a defining moment for a squad that has faced immense pressure and mixed fortunes throughout the season. Victory would mark Tottenham’s first major trophy since 2008 and would also be a personal milestone for Son, who is yet to lift silverware during his long and committed service to the North London club.

Chelsea only played Brighton six days ago, losing 2-1 at the Amex Stadium in the FA Cup, leaving the Blues out of both domestic cup competitions now.

Despite having 57% possession, Enzo Maresca’s side only took seven shots in the game, creating zero “big chances”.

On the other hand, Brighton managed to create two “big chances” with only 43% possession, only taking six shots at goal throughout.

But, Chelsea now have a good chance to put things right, facing Brighton at the Amex Stadium again on Friday, this time in the Premier League, with the chance to secure their top-four spot for another week.

The latest Chelsea team news

Maresca confirmed in his press conference that Chelsea will be without Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, with the former now “out until the international break”. The muscular injury was confirmed to be worse than was first feared, with a scan showing he would be out for six to eight weeks.

Guiu is also going to be out “for a little while”, in the words of the manager, with a hamstring issue. This leaves Christopher Nkunku as one of Chelsea’s main striker options in the absence of the pair, but the Italian also stated they will find “other solutions”.

On a more positive note, Maresca confirmed Chelsea captain, Reece James, is fit and available to face Brighton after being rested against them in the cup six days ago, as was the plan according to the Italian.

Roméo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana all remain out, but it was revealed Fofana has started to work with the group again and could be available as soon as the next few weeks, but Maresca will be careful not to rush anything.

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

Chelsea's Jackson, Guiu & Nkunku dilemma

Jackson and Guiu are the only two natural number nines Maresca has had at his disposal in the first-team, with the Senegal international scoring nine goals in 24 appearances this season, and the 18-year-old Spaniard netting six times in 13 appearances.

Their least natural fit in that position has proven to be Nkunku leading the line, which we saw against Brighton in the FA Cup to minimal effect.

Despite having a good goal-scoring record this season, scoring 13 goals in 31 appearances, Maresca has admitted himself the Frenchman isn’t a “proper” nine and is more of an attacking midfielder, who has different behaviours.

Goals

0.47

1.18

0.77

Assists

0.26

0.00

0.26

xG

0.59

N/A

0.78

Progressive Carries

2.12

N/A

1.57

Progressive Passes

1.40

N/A

2.35

Shots Total

3.26

3.92

2.97

Goals/Shot

0.14

0.30

0.22

Key Passes

1.30

1.25

1.76

Shot-Creating Actions

3.21

1.25

3.92

Aerial Duels Won

0.67

0.00

1.96

When comparing the underlying numbers of each forward this season, you can see how each one brings something slightly different to the table. Jackson provides an all-around profile, being able to progress play in the build-up, make runs in behind and also create for others.

Guiu, being a slightly more natural number nine build, is looking to do more of his work in the box, winning aerial duels (which doesn’t show up in the stats) and wanting to provide that finishing touch. With Nkunku being more of an attacking midfielder, wants to receive the ball deeper, get plenty of touches and be a big part of the game.

The Frenchman playing as the nine is still likely to be a solution for Maresca to use in these coming weeks, but it clearly isn’t the only one on his mind, and perhaps a slight tweak in positions between Nkunku and a certain other star could prove to be more fruitful.

Maresca's possible solution

Everyone already knows how good Cole Palmer is, Chelsea’s top scorer this season with 14 goals in 27 appearances. Earlier in the season, after scoring four goals against Brighton at Stamford Bridge, Theo Walcott praised the 22-year-old as a “gifted” talent, stating “he is going to be a Premier League legend”.

But, one option for Maresca could be to switch the positions of Palmer and Nkunku, with the Englishman playing as more of a “false nine” and the Frenchman being able to play off of him in tandem. This would the Englishman the freedom as a nine to drift around, picking up the ball and dragging central defenders with him everywhere he goes. This would open up spaces for others around him, one being Nkunku, but another being Noni Madueke, who would be a key ingredient to this recipe.

By setting the former Manchester City ace on the last line, his ability to drop into the half spaces, receive the ball slightly deeper and drag defenders with him, would allow Madueke to make runs inside from wide areas, attacking the space vacated between the central defenders which would allow Maresca to get more goal threat from his most direct winger this season.

vs Fulham (H)

12

8

vs Ipswich (A)

20

5

vs Crystal Palace (A)

15

1

vs Morecambe (H)

28

8

vs Bournemouth (H)

26

10

vs Wolves (H)

19

7

vs Man City (A)

10

4

vs West Ham (H)

22

3

vs Brighton (A)

7

1

When analysing Chelsea’s shot tallies over the past ten games, you can see the highest Premier League shot tallies (26 against Bournemouth and 22 against West Ham) both started with Madueke on the right, whereas two of the three lowest tallies (12 against Fulham and 7 against Brighton) both came with a wing pairing of Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho.

Bringing that extra shot volume into the team in the absence of Jackson and the ability to run in behind will be key, which is why the trio of Palmer, Nkunku and Madueke could be the key for Maresca in this tough stint of the season coming up.

Chelsea must regret letting go of one of the "world's best" players for £0

This player has become one of the best in Europe after leaving Chelsea behind.

ByConnor Holden Feb 13, 2025

The Premier League has seen plenty of young talents introduce themselves throughout the previous 30 years.

Remember James Milner making his debut for Leeds United aged just 16 years and 309 days, while who can forget Wayne Rooney smashing his way into the headlines with his stunning goal against Arsenal in October 2002?

Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and Frank Lampard made a name for themselves as youngsters before becoming world-class players.

This season, there have been a whole host of youngsters showcasing their abilities in the top tier. As such, we examine the finest young talent at every Premier League club.

Every 2024/25 Premier League club's most underrated player

These players don’t get the credit they deserve.

ByBarney Lane Feb 6, 2025

For this list, any player aged 21 or under at the time of writing can be included.

Arsenal Ethan Nwaneri, 17

Arsenal might not be at their fluent best this season, but Mikel Arteta is brewing some special talent that could take the club to new heights in the coming years.

Ethan Nwaneri is arguably the best of the lot. This season, the 17-year-old has scored seven goals in his 23 first-team appearances, repaying the trust shown in him by the manager.

The future looks exceedingly bright for the English teenager.

From Cole to Wilshere: The best 11 players to come out of Arsenal's academy

There have been plenty of stars to come out of Arsenal’s famed Hale End academy.

ByBen Browning Feb 14, 2025 Aston Villa Lamare Bogarde, 21

Lamare Bogarde made his debut for Aston Villa during the 2020/21 campaign, but it wasn’t until the start of the current season that he began to make his mark.

Indeed, the Dutchman has fitted in well across three positions for the club, making 11 appearances thus far. If given more chances between now and the end of the season, it could set him up well ahead of 2025/26.

Bournemouth Dean Huijsen, 19

Dean Huijsen is still only 19, but the Bournemouth defender has already attracted transfer attention from Europe’s biggest clubs following his excellent start to life on the south coast.

The teenager has played a key role in the Cherries’ ascendency under Andoni Iraola of late as they seek a European spot next term. It is no wonder plenty of clubs are showing interest in the centre-back. Whether Bournemouth will be able to keep him is the question.

Brentford Yehor Yarmoliuk, 20

Yehor Yarmoliuk joined Brentford back in 2022, but it has only been since the start of last season that he has become a regular in the first team.

Aged just 20, the Ukrainian winger has plenty of talent to suggest Brentford might well just be a stepping stone in his career. He has yet to score or grab an assist this season – something which may need to change in the coming months if he is to fulfil his potential.

Brighton & Hove Albion Yankuba Minteh, 20

Brighton signed Yankuba Minteh from Newcastle last summer in a deal worth around £30m. The winger failed to make an appearance for the Magpies and with the need to balance the books, Eddie Howe cashed in.

The youngster has already registered six goal contributions for the Seagulls – three goals and three assists – this term. If he continues to impress, Minteh might not be at Brighton long.

Chelsea Tyrique George, 19

Chelsea have a multitude of young talents ready and waiting to make an impression in the first team. Tyrique George, however, could turn out to be the best of the lot.

The left-winger made waves at youth level, scoring 18 goals for the U18s and U21s before getting a chance this term in the senior squad. In two FA Cup matches, he has already notched two assists.

The 19-year-old has a big future ahead. Watch this space.

7 goalkeepers who could replace Robert Sanchez at Chelsea

Chelsea are in dire need of a new ‘keeper…

1 ByBarney Lane Jan 27, 2025 Crystal Palace Matheus Franca, 20

Crystal Palace brought Matheus Franca to the club last summer, yet he has played just 12 games for the club. This season, the Brazilian has made a solitary appearance due to injury, but he is certainly one for the future.

With two caps for the Brazil U20 side, there may be no stopping him once Franca gets consistent game time.

Everton Tim Iroegbunam, 21

Despite being highly regarded at Aston Villa, Tim Iroegbunam moved to Everton last summer. It was something of a coup for the Toffees given his talent, and he has 10 appearances to his name.

An ankle injury has derailed his progress, but once fit, David Moyes should be introducing the Englishman to his starting XI regularly.

Fulham Martial Godo, 21

Martial Godo has made fleeting appearances for Fulham this term, but the very fact he has made the matchday squad on numerous occasions suggests Marco Silva is a big believer in his talents.

He registered an assist during the FA Cup win over Watford last month, which must have given him plenty of confidence, while he also played the full 90 minutes against Wigan in the fourth round.

Ipswich Town Omari Hutchinson, 21

With opportunities at Arsenal and Chelsea failing to materialise into something meaningful, Ipswich Town signed Omari Hutchinson on a permanent deal last summer, giving him a fresh chance.

23 appearances as a Premier League starter and he is finally demonstrating the talent that indicated he would have a big future in the game.

Hutchinson should be a key figure in this Ipswich team for the foreseeable future.

da dobrowin： A recent comment from Eddie Howe made in a meeting with Yasir Al-Rumayyan has now made the Newcastle United chairman and board ready to spend big this summer, according to a new report.

Newcastle chasing new centre-back and forwards

da blaze casino： The Magpies are firmly in the fight to finish in the top four this season, and returning to Europe’s biggest club competition could mean Newcastle have more money to spend and a better ability to attract top players in the transfer market this summer.

Newcastle’s next five fixtures

Brighton (FA Cup)

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Away

Liverpool (League Cup)

n/a

Brentford

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Leicester City

Away

Despite still having a lot to play for this season, plans have already started for the summer, with Howe keen on adding in numerous positions to his squad. One position they want to strengthen is defence, and they have been linked with a move for former Chelsea man Kalidou Koulibaly – PIF are said to be considering using their Saudi Arabia links to their advantage.

As well as a defender, the Magpies are also looking at adding to their forward line. It was reported last week that Newcastle have joined the race to sign Tammy Abraham from Roma. The striker is currently on loan at AC Milan but has failed to earn a regular starting role. As a result, he could soon be leaving Italy, and the Magpies are among the Premier League teams interested in a possible deal.

Related PIF now considering Newcastle move to sign "strong" £553k-p/w star for Howe

He could make a return to European football…

Posts 1 ByTom Cunningham Feb 23, 2025

But Abraham is not the only forward that is on their radar, as according to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are considering a move to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta. Paul Mitchell has sent officials to keep a close eye on the player, with the Italian side open to doing business for around £54 million. However, the Magpies face competition to secure Lookman’s signature, as Manchester United are also interested in a deal.

Howe pushes Newcastle board to green-light spending

The Magpies may not need to choose between Abraham or Lookman, as according to The Chronicle, Howe and Newcastle have been given the go-ahead by PIF to spend big in the summer transfer window.

The report states that Howe spoke to Al-Rumayyan, Mitchell, and CEO Darren Eales this week to discuss plans for the summer. Howe raised concerns about the current Newcastle squad, stating it had gone “stale”, and that has led to a green light to spend money this summer.

It is unclear how much Howe will be given to spend, but some observations have been made that he could get between £80-100 million, though that number would presumably rise with any sales.

The Magpies have players such as Matt Targett, Jamaal Lascelles and Callum Wilson coming to the end of their contracts, meaning they will need to be replaced first of all, and Miguel Almirón’s exit leaves the right-hand side of attack short, with Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz thought to be a target there.

With the centre-back, right-wing and striker positions all in need of additional youth, depth and quality, Howe being given the permission to spend big this summer – with the possibilty of elite European football to offer as well – will lead to an exciting window for Magpies fans.

The striker says he still believes he can play at a World Cup after spending much of the last three years out of action

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• Dike sets sights on USMNT return
• Scored long-awaited goal this past weekend
• Has been hit with multiple injuries since moving to West Brom

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Daryl Dike has not given up his dream of representing the U.S. men's national team in a World Cup as the striker set his sights high after scoring a long-awaited goal for West Brom this past weekend.

  Dike's goal came in the Baggies' final match of the Championship season, a win over Luton Town, his first in nearly a year and a half. He'd spent most of that time with yet another Achilles injury, the latest in a long line of injury setbacks to impact him since his arrival at the club in 2022. Dike only returned to the field in February after a year out, and the 24-year-old striker was clearly overcome with emotion as the ball hit the back of the net.

  With that goal behind him, Dike can now head into the summer on a high as he looks to be fit and ready for what's to come. Notably, the striker is out to prove he can reclaim a place with the USMNT and finally put his injury hell behind him.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT DIKE SAID

  “I’m a football fan,” Dike said, per the Athletic. “Everyone in the squad knows I’ll watch every game, I’ll know every player. I’ll always watch, so I have dreams in football. Whether that’s playing in the Champions League, or playing at the World Cup.

  “I always tell myself that I’m only 24, so I can achieve every one of those dreams. I tell myself that, even though I’ve fallen down, I can get back up. I can still keep going, I can still keep running, and I still have the chance to prove myself and prove to everyone I can still do it and achieve those dreams.”

  He added: “That’s one of my goals. Every single player has always dreamt of playing at a World Cup. I’d love to be part of that squad. Any time you’re able to represent your country, it’s a big honor, especially on a big stage like that. Of course, I’ll be working towards that, all off-season, all season, to be able to be a part of that.”

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dike went on to speak about the emotional toll his injuries took on him over the last several years. In total, he missed 129 games over his first four seasons with

  “You are always going to end up feeling sorry for yourself," he said. "The first time it happened, I was very upset, naturally, but I was like ‘OK, I’ll be alright.’ But the second time I was like, ‘I worked all the way to get back…and now it’s happened again.’ I’ve got to work again. That was definitely a low point, because I was so excited to be playing again. So for it to happen again, and for me to think, ‘OK, this is just the kind of condition I’m in until I’m done playing…’ You’re thinking, ‘Is it going to happen ? Am I going to be the same?’

  “But with my support group and the goals in the back of my head, I knew I’d bounce back. With training sessions like the past few months, and games like today, I can push a few of those doubts away and show I can still do it and be confident in myself.“

  In terms of the USMNT, Dike faces a big fight to get back into the picture, particularly with the wealth of options at the striker position. Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Josh Sargent headline the European contingent, while Mauricio Pochettino has also leaned on Patrick Agyemang, Brian White, and Brandon Vazquez as MLS-based options.

  Dike earned 10 caps for the USMNT between 2021 and 2023, scoring three goals, including a brace against Martinique at the 2021 Gold Cup.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR WEST BROM?

  West Brom finsihed ninth in the Championship this season, narrowly missing out on a chance to play in the promotion playoff. The club will remain in England's second division next season with Dike, hopefully, helping to lead the line.

Game rattles on after Marsh ton, Wood five-for as England lose their top three before close

Alan Gardner06-Jul-2023Mark Wood and Mitchell Marsh were the standout performers on a rollercoaster day one at Headingley, as England and Australia jousted for the ascendency on a juicy Headingley pitch.Wood, back in the side after concerns about his fitness, bowled with sustained pace and hostility to claim his first five-wicket haul in a home Test, and helped England clean up the Australia innings with alacrity after an unheralded scene-stealing performance from Marsh had threatened to take the game away.Marsh was a surprise selection in the Australia XI, after Cameron Green picked up a minor hamstring strain, and playing his first Test since the final match of the 2019 Ashes. He had only made four first-class appearances in the intervening period, but produced a bullocking, 102-ball hundred – his third in Tests and third against England – to help steer Australia away from the rocks at 85 for 4 just before lunch.Marsh dominated his stand of 155 with Travis Head, outscoring his partner by almost four to one, but England hit back to take the last six Australia wickets for 23 runs in the space of 8.4 overs. The game continued to rattle along thereafter, too, as England lost their top three before the close.England came into this match 2-0 behind in the series and nursing their grievances after narrow defeats at Edgbaston and Lord’s. Only a win in Leeds will suffice if they are to keep their attempts to win the Ashes alive – and only Don Bradman’s 1936-37 Australians have successfully come back from such a position against their oldest rivals.Ben Stokes won his third toss of the series and duly put Australia in, with the expectation of helpful conditions at Headingley – scene of Stokes’ heroics four years ago and a ground known for its partisan stance. It took just five balls for the Western Terrace to let out its first roar of the day, as Stuart Broad found David Warner’s outside edge to extend his record against the Australia opener to 16 dismissals in Tests.Stuart Broad claimed the wicket of David Warner for the 16th time in Tests•Getty ImagesThere were immediate signs of pace and carry for the seamers, in contrast to the surfaces for the opening two Tests, and England’s reshaped attack were soon making further inroads. Wood had not played a Test since December or bowled in competitive match since mid-April at the IPL but hit his straps from the outset, pushing the speed gun up to 96.5mph/155kph and leaving Marnus Labuschagne groping for the ball during three consecutive maidens.When Labuschagne managed to get off strike, that left Usman Khawaja in the firing line. Five balls that were short or short of a good length were followed by a fuller, 95mph/152kph delivery that beat Khawaja’s flat-footed drive and left leg stump flat on the ground. His opening spell of 4-3-2-1 was proof plenty that Wood was ready to blast off.Labuschagne had grafted for more than hour but eventually fell for a ponderous 21 when Chris Woakes – this was his first Test appearance since March 2022 – had him edging to slip, and England went in to lunch in buoyant mood when Steven Smith, in his 100th Test, fell to a catch at the wicket off Broad despite reviewing Kumar Dharmasena’s on-field decision.It could have been better for the hosts, and dropped catches were a major blight on England’s day. Jonny Bairstow missed a tough chance off Smith on 4 and then put down a far simpler chance down the leg side when Head had made 9. The worst aberration was to come at the start of the afternoon session, however, when Woakes found Marsh’s outside edge only for Joe Root to grass a straightforward take at first slip.Marsh was on 12, having smashed Woakes for six earlier in the over, and he fully capitalised on his good fortune in one of the more extraordinary Ashes hundreds of recent memory. Strong on the drive through the covers and down the ground, he showcased his power with a bludgeoned six off Wood that flew into the Western Terrace, racking up his first Test fifty since March 2018 – from just 59 balls – to push England back.Their mood got worse when Ollie Robinson walked off the field mid-over after suffering from a back spasm, and Marsh continued to do much as he pleased. Broad was thumped down the ground, barely able to get his fingertips to a fast chance, and Moeen Ali’s offspin came in for similarly disdainful treatment, as a straight six took Marsh to 99 before a tap into the off side – a tight single had Stokes collected cleanly – brought up the second-fastest hundred by an Australian in England.But as the day threatened to run away from them, England grabbed on to Marsh’s coattails at the vital moment, Woakes finding an inside edge that ballooned to slip on the brink of tea. And although Root put down another chance to reprieve Alex Carey after the interval, he held Head’s outside edge from the very next ball and Wood then tore through the tail in the space of 14 deliveries: Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins pinned by pace, Carey hit on the head and then holing out, Todd Murphy dragging into his stumps.There was still more than an hour and a half left in the evening session, and Australia made use of the conditions themselves as Cummins struck twice in his opening spell. Ben Duckett was well held by the leaping Carey – who clinched an outstanding catch by pressing the ball to his lips in the tips of his gloves – and Harry Brook’s first outing at No. 3 was short-lived as he edged to second slip.Marsh then capped his day in the Yorkshire sun by removing Zak Crawley in his second over, via another fiddle to the cordon, before the local pairing of Root and Bairstow throttled down to see out a high-octane day, with the promise of more to come.

Says he relies on his hands for placement and gives himself “a few options for different lengths”

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Nov-20234:00

Harmison on Maxwell’s 201*: ‘It has to be the greatest innings in ODI cricket’

One of the reasons why Glenn Maxwell’s hardly-believable double-century against Afghanistan in Mumbai is being billed as the greatest ODI knock of all time is because of how he was suffering from back spasms and severe cramps in the lower half of his body, and he still managed to hit a total of 21 fours and 10 sixes to lead Australia to victory, mainly by using his arms and upper-body strength.Maxwell attributed that ability to a pre-match batting drill he used to practice around eight-nine years ago in the BBL, to hit some big boundaries.”One of the things I used to work on before every BBL game – going back about eight or nine years – was foot drills where the first 12 balls I’d face I’d stay dead still but try and hit them as far as I could,” he told the . “Whatever the length, I basically had to hold my top body for as long as I could to get the right trajectory to feel like I hit a six. Working on that upper-body movement without using your legs is actually a good way of finding out where your ideal heave point is. Going back to that [innings against Afghanistan], I obviously had to tinker a little bit with actual bowlers not just bowling half-volleys outside off stump but bowling different areas. Jut relying on stuff I had worked on in early years and try to adapt as quickly as I could.”Related

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Cummins hails Maxwell's 201* as 'the greatest ODI innings that's ever happened'

When asked what helped him prepare for such unorthodox shots, Maxwell said: “I think it has a lot to do with the positions I get myself in on a golf course where I’m stuck behind a tree and I’ve to throw my wrists around or flick it around. It’s little things like that. I feel like it allows you to be inventive and tests the boundaries.”Maxwell also revealed on the podcast that the worst cramps in his body were in his calf muscle, and that at one point the middle toe on his right foot “starting to bend back” and combined with the back spasms, his “body was starting to shut down”.When he fell to the ground at one point and lay flat because of cramps just after completing a single, he was attended to by the team physio who said that going off the field would be worse because Maxwell’s body would cool down and coming back down the long staircase from the dressing room at the Wankhede Stadium would become very tough. The physio then advised Maxwell to slow things down since the batter also “couldn’t control my breathing,” and told him to hydrate himself more and bat on.Not only against Afghanistan, but during his record-breaking 40-ball century against Netherlands, and further back in the past in white-ball cricket, one of Maxwell’s trademark ability is to find the gaps in all corners of the ground, irrespective of the line and length of the ball, and the bowlers.”Once I get in, I feel like I can set myself early enough in my mind and have a good idea of where I’m trying to hit it,” Maxwell explained. “I feel like my hands can get me out of trouble if the ball is not quite in that areas and do I give myself a few options for different lengths.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s demands for signing a new Al-Nassr contract reportedly include sacking the club’s coach, sporting director and several players.

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• Current deal is set to expire this summer
• Reluctant to pen extension as things stand
• Wants sweeping changes across the board

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The expectation was, having made a trend-setting move to the Middle East in 2023, that CR7 would agree an extension to his record-breaking deal at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr – with his current terms set to expire this summer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  No paperwork has been signed, though, and Ronaldo is said to have grown frustrated and concerned by the lack of success that Al-Nassr have been enjoying. He still has just one trophy to his name across two-and-a-half years in Riyadh.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  With Ronaldo stalling on prolonging his spell with Al-Nassr, claims that the Portuguese GOAT has laid out his demands in order for an agreement to be reached. He is calling for sweeping change.

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  WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO IS DEMANDING

  Ronaldo is said to be keen for Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro to leave his role as sporting director and follow head coach Stefano Pioli through the exits. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is also of the opinion that half of Al-Nassr’s squad are not good enough.