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We're just a week away from the transfer window officially opening, but clubs have been hard at work behind the scenes to bolster their squads ahead of next season, and Tottenham Hotspur are no different.

Ange Postecoglou has had a full Premier League season to assess the areas of his team that he thinks need strengthening, and based on recent reports, midfield is one of the priorities.

The latest player touted for a move to N17 has drawn comparisons to former fan favourite Dele Alli and could even threaten James Maddison's place in the team.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer rumours

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are still incredibly interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher in the coming weeks and are currently preparing an offer.

The report has revealed that while the player wishes to stay at Stamford Bridge, the West Londoners are resolute in their decision to sell the boyhood Blues fan.

Alongside the Lilywhites, Aston Villa and Atlético Madrid are said to be interested in the Englishman, and while the Blues hope to raise £50m from the sale, the interested parties believe £40m should be enough to get it done.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but adding an all-action midfielder like Gallagher to a Postecoglou system is an enticing prospect made all the more so by his comparisons to Dele – even if it puts Maddison's place in the team at risk.

How Gallagher compares to Dele and Maddison

Now, before we compare Gallagher to Spurs' current attacking midfielder, where do these comparisons to Dele come from?

Well, they stem from The Athletics' Spurs correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke, who described Gallagher as a "Poch-era Dele Alli", primarily due to how "great at pressing and winning the ball back" he is.

He also claimed his "clever and dangerous" play in the final third was reminiscent of the former Lilywhites ace, and considering he scored 67 goals and provided 58 assists in 269 games for the club, that's high praise indeed.

With that said, if Postecoglou does get his hands on the Epsom-born midfielder this summer, the fact he started 21 games in attacking midfield this year could put him in direct competition with Maddison for a starting role in N17 next season, so how do the two players stack up against one another?

Well, from a pure output perspective, the Blues ace returned seven goals and nine assists in 50 games for the West Londoners, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 3.1 games.

Appearances

50

30

Goals

7

4

Assists

9

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.32

0.43

In contrast, the former Foxes ace only managed four goals and nine assists, but he did it in 30 games, meaning he had a better average of a goal involvement every 2.3 games, making it hard to pick a standout winner for their output.

However, there is one area in which it is incredibly clear-cut: injuries.

The Pensioners ace has never missed a game of senior football through injury in his career, whereas the man he could replace next season has missed 56 games, or 46 since the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

Moreover, he has suffered from five knee injuries, three hip injuries and two ankle injuries, which suggests these problems are not going to go away as he edges closer to 30.

Spurs hold talks to sign £21m star who could be Soldado 2.0

There are shades of the Spaniard’s transfer in this one.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 6, 2024

Ultimately, both Maddison and Gallagher are incredibly talented footballers, but the former's injury record is a serious concern, so if Levy and Co can bring the Chelsea man to N17 this summer, they should – the comparisons to Dele are just a nice bonus.

The Spanish pressed a launched a scathing inquest into Real Madrid's struggles this season, noting Jude Bellingham's 'decline'.

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Bellingham told he has 'declined'Real Madrid struggling for formChange in play style causing issuesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

Real Madrid have struggled to find their footing this season and things hit a low point after Carlo Ancelotti's side fell to a 1-0 loss against Ligue 1 side Lille on the second matchday of the Champions League. Spanish outlet AS has now listed a detailed explanation of the drop in form for Bellingham compared to last season, as they noted Kylian Mbappe's arrival and the Englishman's change of position is a key reason why 'nothing works like before'.

AdvertisementWHAT WAS SAID ABOUT BELLINGHAM

AS wrote: "In Bellingham's case, the decline is much more palpable: he has only two assists, without goals, in seven games played. Last season, after seven games, he had scored six goals. These figures should not be compared coldly, because his role now, since the arrival of Mbappe, is very different, but the Englishman is still looking for his best version as a midfielder"

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The inquest noted that several other things are not working for the reigning European champions right now, including Real's struggles to play a vertical style of football since Toni Kroos' retirement. Vinicius Jr.'s output has decreased, with the Brazilian dribbling and shooting less than last season, while nobody is sure what formation will get the best out of Ancelotti's stars.

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WHAT ELSE?

Another issue arises from Mbappe's inability to be a difference-maker so far, although a lack of sharpness against Lille can be excused considering he had only just recovered from injury.

Arne Slot strolled into Kirkby with a grin plastered across his face. The Liverpool boss was at ease, carrying all the weight of a man enjoying the rolling blue harbourside of Rotterdam, a sight he has seen many times during his illustrious tenure as Feyenoord's head coach.

For Liverpool and its myriad supporters, this signalled the beginning of a new era, life after Jurgen Klopp quickly unfolding after several weeks of relative silence. Now, the work truly begins for Anfield, seeking to build on the promise of the 2023/24 campaign and muster together a squad fit to inspire a successful new chapter.

While Liverpool has an embarrassment of quality at its disposal, several pressing concerns need to be addressed in the market, so Slot's admission that he has been in regular transfer-discussing contact with sporting director Richard Hughes over the past few weeks bodes well.

Signing a centre-back seems to be Liverpool's priority but it has also been made clear that a top-level wide forward is being sought.

Liverpool transfer news

Mohamed Salah looks set to stay on Merseyside for the first year of Slot's tenure, though with the 32-year-old Egyptian out of contract in 12 months, Liverpool clearly need some new blood on the right flank.

And so, as per Football Transfers, Liverpool have joined the congested race for Crystal Palace sensation Michael Olise. The new-look Reds are trying to do business under the radar this summer but have shortlisted Olise along with PSV Eindhoven's Johan Bakayoko.

Olise signed a new deal at Selhurst Park following advances from Chelsea one year ago, with the £60m release clause in need of being met to facilitate his sale.

Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich are also fighting for the Premier League phenom's signature but FSG will know that accelerating their interest could sway the odds in Anfield's favour.

Why Liverpool are interested in Michael Olise

Olise's statistics across the 2023/24 campaign present something of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the Eagles phenom is injury-prone and as such featured only 19 times in the Premier League last season, starting 14 matches.

On the other, he's one of the most exhilarating, devastating forwards in Europe. Olise scored ten goals and added six assists during his short time on the field and has since stirred English football into a frenzy, with talent scout Jacek Kulig hailing him as "one of the EPL's best players" when fit and firing.

He was great during the 2022/23 term, scoring only two league goals across 37 outings but racking up 11 assists. He was incredible last season, fostering, honing and sharpening every facet of his jewelled skill set.

Matches played

37

19

Matches started

31

14

Goals

2

10

Assists

11

6

Goal/assist rate

0.35

0.84

Pass completion

78%

83%

Big chances created

11

9

Shots per game

1.4

3.0

Key passes per game

1.9

1.9

Dribbles per game

1.5 (48%)

2.1 (55%)

Duels won per game

5.4 (49%)

5.7 (50%)

One of the most impressive parts of Olise's development is he hasn't actually mushroomed across every angle of his game; plainly, his combativeness, creativity and ball-carrying skill remain relatively similar, just polished and taken to another level.

This, indeed, speaks highly of Olise's performance level. Transferring to Liverpool, the aspiring France international would offer a dynamic and far-reaching style that would make a real impact on Slot's team – after all, pundit Micah Richards has claimed "he's going to become a superstar", dubbing him a "world-class" talent.

He's also of a profile that Liverpool have sought after for some time now. Sure, Jude Bellingham slipped through FSG's fingers, Jamal Musiala remains a long-term target, but Anfield could wield a player of such acumen and playing style by agreeing a deal with Crystal Palace.

A Musiala & Bellingham hybrid

Musiala and Bellingham are probably best regarded as attacking midfielders, playing off the centre-forward to score goals and post assists. Generally just influencing play with string-pulling performances.

Both, however, are not confined to one role, and neither is Olise, who is usually found on the right wing but is versatile and proven centrally and on the alternate flank. Interestingly enough, they're both 'similar players' to the French star, as per FBref.

The key point here, though, is that the 22-year-old boasts a skill set that Liverpool have already scouted fiercely, perused over in the form of scouting reports on Bellingham and Musiala. Slot might be a new face in the dugout but he will need a Salah successor all the same, and Olise could be the man.

Matches played

19

24

28

Matches started

14

20

27

Goals

0.70

0.51

0.74

Assists

0.42

0.26

0.23

Shot-creating actions

5.77

5.44

3.85

Progressive passes

5.49

5.13

7.63

Progressive carries

4.79

5.28

3.31

Successful take-ons

2.82

4.46

1.95

Ball recoveries

4.79

4.59

4.67

Look at the table above. Olise holds his own and then some against two of football's pre-eminent current offensive midfielders, proving himself to be sharper in his playmaking and more energetic in his ball-recovering.

Sure, Musiala might edge him in dribbling – Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner Lothar Matthaus has said "he can be the Messi of the future". And yes, Jude Bellingham is the most valuable player in world football right now, as per CIES Football Observatory, but Olise is proving that he can go punch-to-punch with two of the game's burgeoning juggernauts.

Liverpool simply have to get him on the books. FSG's CEO of Football Michael Edwards is going to want to see Liverpool get bang for their buck in the transfer market over the coming months. Look no further, Mike, for here is a player destined for greatness. Bring him in.

Diaz sold, £216m spent: What Arne Slot's dream Liverpool XI could be

Anfield could boast quite the team come the end of the transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 16, 2024

USMNT star Sergino Dest has explained what went wrong for him at Barcelona, with former boss Xavi accused of being dishonest in their discussions.

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Defender moved to Camp Nou in 2020Blaugrana legend tried to change his gameHas no regrets after leaving for PSVFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

United States international Dest moved to Camp Nou when fellow Dutchman Ronald Koeman put a transfer in place during the autumn of 2020. The highly-rated defender was just 19 years of age when agreeing a switch to Catalunya from Ajax.

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Dest was tipped to become a long-term solution for Barca in their right-back berth, but saw Koeman replaced by World Cup winner Xavi in November 2021 and began to slip down the pecking order – to the point that he had loan spells at AC Milan and PSV before heading to Eindhoven on a permanent basis in the summer of 2024.

WHAT DEST SAID

Dest has told of his time at Barca and why he feels that a club legend was not always honest with him: “I wouldn't say I regret it, because in the end it wasn't something that depended on me, but I don't feel like I had the necessary opportunities with Xavi. I felt like I had to play within limits, that I wasn't myself. I wanted to join the attack, because that's my greatest virtue, but he asked me not to go up.

“I don't think he was honest with me. We had several conversations where he told me one thing but then I doubted whether it was really true. In the summer, before going on holiday, he told me ‘I'm counting on you, don't read the press’. And as soon as I got back, he told me ‘you have to go’.”

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GettyDID YOU KNOW?

The Netherlands-born full-back added on having the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs and sporting institutions on the planet: “It was an incredible and wonderful experience. I will always carry Barca in my heart. It was a shame that it had to end like this because I felt I could still be useful to the club. But when a new coach arrives and has his ideas you can't change them.

“I agree, I arrived 'flying', I wanted to show what I can do, play… and things were going well for me on an individual level. But in the end I was new here, my team-mates didn't know me… In the end I have a style in which I often take risks with the ball but here I was asked to play a different game. That made me lose some confidence in my decisions, doubts about whether you should be yourself or change your style and those doubts end up harming your performance.”

The former India allrounder hasn’t played competitive T20 cricket since February 2019

Andrew Fidel Fernando and Shamya Dasgupta31-Oct-2020Irfan Pathan, the former India allrounder, has signed a contract to play in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) for the Kandy Tuskers franchise. Irfan, and Tuskers coach Hashan Tillakaratne, both confirmed the signing to ESPNcricinfo. Pathan joins a Tuskers roster that includes Chris Gayle, Liam Plunkett, Wahab Riaz and Kusal Perera.Irfan, 36, had not played T20 cricket since February 2019, turning out only for the India Legends side in a charity tournament since then. He is currently commentating on the IPL.”I am definitely looking forward to this,” Irfan told ESPNcricinfo. “Yes, I had retired from T20 cricket, but I can play around the world and hopefully I will be able to have fun with my game as well, which I didn’t have for the last two years. I think I can still play some, but I will start slowly and see how this goes, and then I will take it forward.”ALSO READ: Russell, du Plessis among five overseas players to pull out of LPLPathan, who had mentored Jammu & Kashmir to the Ranji Trophy knockouts in 2019-20, also said that he was open to assisting teams if and when the Indian domestic season gets underway.”I just need a bit of clarity about domestic cricket,” he said. “As soon as I get some clarity, I would love to help out whichever team I can, share my experience, I would love to do it. That’s always open.”Indian players – even recently-retired ones – do not generally turn out for foreign franchise tournaments. But LPL has pursued older Indian players, with no significant pushback from the BCCI. Manpreet Gony, who also last played a competitive T20 match 18 months ago, has been picked by the Colombo Kings franchise.Pathan’s signing is a minor boost for the tournament, after five other foreign players – Andre Russell, Faf du Plessis, David Miller, Manvinder Bisla and Dawid Malan – were confirmed by an SLC official to have withdrawn from the LPL, in the past week. The LPL is scheduled to begin on November 21 and will run till December 13.

In her first season in England, the midfielder has already made her first-team breakthrough at the club that has won the last five WSL titles

When GOAL asked Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor what she had seen in Wieke Kaptein that prompted her to hand the teenage midfielder such a prominent role in the Blues' pre-season campaign this summer, she was straight to the point. "That's really simple," she replied. "She is performing."

It's Kaptein's first year with the Women's Super League champions, who have a squad stacked with enough quality to have lifted that title in five successive seasons. That she has been able to make such an immediate impact, then, is a testament to her talent, her work ethic and, despite being just 19 years old, her experience.

When Chelsea made the short journey to Twente last week, to take on the Dutch club that played such a huge role in Kaptein's development, through three memorable and trophy-laden seasons in the first team, the pride that those in the area have in watching one of their own thrive at one of the biggest clubs in the women's game was evident. When it was the turn of the Dutch press to direct questions to Bompastor and Chelsea defender Kadeisha Buchanan, they were all about Kaptein.

It was then that Bompastor was able to reiterate what she had already said in the build-up to the teenager's first season in blue. "She will be a really important player for us through the season, for sure," the coach said. "No matter her age, she's performing and that's the most important thing."

Getty ImagesWhere it all began

Born in Hengelo, a city in the Twente region in the Netherlands, Kaptein's introduction to football came from playing with her brothers from the age of five. Soon enough, she would start playing for Achilles '12, the local amateur club, in the boys' teams. Indeed, Kaptein played football with the boys for most of her childhood, something which she believes really helped her develop. "You always have to keep up, you always want to be better than the guys," she told GOAL last year.

As a teenager, she would progress into the youth teams at Twente, the club she and her brothers supported growing up. Kaptein's rise from that point was quite sudden. Towards the end of the 2020-21 season, at 15 years old, the midfielder signed a professional contract. A few months later, in the new campaign, her first-team debut followed.

She wasn't done there either, asserting herself as a key player almost immediately. Within two years, she'd played over 50 senior games, experienced Champions League football and won five major trophies.

AdvertisementGettyThe big break

While followers of the game in the Netherlands were well aware of her talent already, it was in the summer of 2023 that Kaptein really announced herself to a more global audience. That first started to come with the senior national team, for whom the midfielder debuted in April last year.

Despite being a regular in the youth national teams throughout her teenage years, Kaptein never actually played at one of the marquee tournaments in her age groups, most notably missing the 2022 UEFA Under-17 Women's Championship because it clashed with the end of Twente's domestic season, and she was so important to their title bid that she stuck around. But she was soon to make up for that by playing at the biggest tournament of them all.

That’s because Kaptein's breakthrough with the Oranje came at the perfect time, when the World Cup was right around the corner. It was going to be a long shot to make it, but she impressed head coach Andries Jonker enough in the build-up to earn her place. Aged 17, Kaptein made her senior World Cup debut in the 7-0 win over Vietnam.

And yet, there was still something huge around the corner that would make her summer even bigger than it already was. At the beginning of September, shortly after her 18th birthday, Chelsea announced that Kaptein had signed a four-year contract with the club. "It’s a really big club and I’m very honoured to be here," she said.

Getty ImagesHow it's going

After being loaned back to Twente for one more season, a campaign that brought with it three more trophies, Kaptein is now making her mark in west London. She impressed throughout pre-season and has won over new head coach Bompastor very quickly with her performance levels, starting three of Chelsea's first six games of the campaign.

Kaptein's role with the national team is only growing, too. That she played in just one of the Netherlands' six games at the World Cup was an indication of her extremely recent breakthrough, but those minutes have only increased with time. It's now much more common to see her starting for the Oranje, as she has three times in their last six games.

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Getty ImagesBiggest strengths

There is a lot to like about Kaptein's game. At times a defender in her past before settling almost exclusively into a midfield position, it's perhaps no surprise that her battling qualities stand out. The teenager reads play brilliantly, something clearly enhanced by the number of senior games she has already played, and is fantastic at winning possession back as a result.

She has no problem competing physically in the WSL either, despite being so young and it being a division which is a little more robust than others. Likely aided by her development in boys' football, Kaptein is strong, she doesn't shy away from a tackle and she is full of energy. It's exactly what you need in a midfield player.

In possession, there are also plenty of positives. Last week, Chelsea team-mate Buchanan described the teenager as being "cool and quite laidback", something she believes is evident in how "composed" she is on the pitch. Kaptein is accurate, she makes smart decisions and she has the vision, and the confidence, to be more expansive with her passing, too.

But what will be most encouraging of all to Bompastor at Chelsea, and Jonker with the Netherlands, is how coachable Kaptein is as a player. "She's someone who always wants to get some advice from the staff," Bompastor said last week. With that attitude, she will go far.

Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar appears set to kickstart an overhaul at the Emirates this summer, as he sets his sights on an "exciting" forward.

Arsenal targeting new attacking options for Arteta

Manager Mikel Arteta is believed to be keen on new attacking options this summer, while a host of squad members could also be sold.

£34 million Euro 2024 star has decided he's open to joining Arsenal

He’s a pretty big name.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2024

Arsenal have been linked PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko this week as one option, and are widely rumoured to still be pursuing a new striker after failing in their bid to bring in RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko.

To fund a potential new forward addition or two, various reports have suggested that Thomas Partey, Aaron Ramsdale, Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Aaron Ramsdale, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares, Olekasandr Zinchenko, Reiss Nelson and Kieran Tierney are players who Arsenal could sell this summer.

Now, a rumour has surfaced of how they could kill two birds with one stone, as they eye a move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Edu looking to sell Smith Rowe and Nelson so Arsenal can sign Eze

According to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, Arsenal are looking to sell Nelson and Smith Rowe to make room for signing Eze. The Gunners are believed to be pushing for Palace's star player, who commands a release clause of around £60 million.

Interestingly, Nelson is thought to be valued at around £30 million, while Smith Rowe carries a £30 million price tag as well. While a lot could depend on whether clubs are willing to pay that amount for either of the duo, the total £60 million sum made by their potential sales would help to pay for Eze.

“His journey has been unique. He’s had disappointments in his academy life, released from clubs, found a new journey and a different pathway for himself. He’s got to this level and now he’s an England international," said pundit Rio Ferdinand to TNT Sports.

“This kid, no disrespect to Palace, could go on and play for one of the top teams. He’s got that individual brilliance; he’s got the awareness when he’s dribbling to keep his head up and bring others into play. I speak to other players that play against him, and they say he’s such an elusive player, unpredictable in the way that he carries the ball, but also [his strength].

Appearances

32

Goals

11

Assists

6

Minutes per goal

210

Minutes played

2,306

“If you look at the size of him, he’s got the strength and power to go with it. Again, you’ve got to get out on the pitch and you’ve got to be available.“

Meanwhile, fellow pundit Jamie O'Hara urged Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham to move for Eze – calling the former QPR star a "top" and "exciting" player.

“Eze and Gallagher would be perfect signings," said O'Hara.

"They’re top players, exciting, they know what it’s about and would be signing for a club that are moving forward – especially as Tottenham have European football next season.”

The three-Test series might also be reduced to two keeping the players’ requirements in mind

Mohammad Isam22-Nov-2020Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt has given Bangladesh hope that they will be touring the country in January 2021 with the “best available” West Indies team, also hinting that the three-Test series might be reduced to two keeping the players’ requirements in mind.According to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, the tour was slotted for January 2021 featuring three Tests, three ODIs and two T20Is, with the Tests part of the World Test Championship. By the time this month ends, Bangladesh will be among the few Full Member teams to have not played international cricket since March.ALSO READ: ICC confirms altered points system for World Test Championship”There has been an option to reduce from three to two Tests but it is not finalised yet,” Skerritt told the Dhaka-based . “It will be finalised within the next few days. The problem is [that] we have to look at it from all perspectives, that of Covid-19, scheduling and cost. These days, the pressures that Covid has brought to world cricket are significant in terms of revenue. We want to come to Bangladesh because we respect the relationship and the bilateral agreements that we have.”I just want to assure you that we will always send the best available team to any tour that we undertake, including Bangladesh. We believe a tour to Bangladesh is always a challenging tour because it is an environment that’s very different to our own conditions. But we have always done well in Bangladesh. Our players enjoy playing against Bangladesh. At the moment we are fairly evenly matched and it is always a good series between West Indies and Bangladesh. We are doing everything we can to participate in tours abroad and at home. The Covid-19 pandemic is making it extremely difficult to implement our plans.”On Wednesday, the BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury said in a press briefing that CWI had requested one fewer Test due to the length of the bio-bubble in Bangladesh.”It is not final yet. The West Indies cricket board has requested us, as staying inside bio-bubble for a long time is tough for players,” Chowdhury had said. “They requested to consider if it is possible to shorten the duration of the series. In that case, one of the options is to reduce one Test match. We are still discussing the issues, nothing is finalised yet.”Skerritt also said they want to ensure that the BCB followed the recognised worldwide health protocols – that the West Indies team had experienced in England – after they became the first international cricket team to tour during the pandemic.”We want to be sure that the protocols established in Bangladesh meet the requirement that we have established so far in the various tours we have been on,” Skerritt said. “There are case studies to benchmark from. This is not going to be the first overseas tour. As you know, we did the first overseas tour to England.”Certain standards were set, certain learnings were achieved, and I think once Bangladesh can meet those standards, I don’t think there’s going to be any major problem. We just have to verify in our own way that the situation will be safe for all concerned.”The BCB has so far held one domestic tournament, the President’s Cup, in which they managed to keep three teams in a bio-bubble, allowing them only to commute between the hotel and the Shere Bangla National Stadium. From Tuesday, they will be hosting the five-team Bangabandhu T20 Cup, which will also have a BCB-sponsored bio-bubble.

Interim boss Renee Slegers has revealed that Arsenal will have to wait and see if Lotte Wubben-Moy will be available for the Gunners' next clash.

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Lotte Wubben-Moy misses Valeranga winRenee Slegers reveals she has a concussionArsenal to 'wait and see' if defender can returnFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal began their post-Jonas Eidevall era with a 4-1 Women's Champions League win over Norwegian side Valerenga. However, defender Wubben-Moy was unavailable for selection for interim boss Slegers due to a reported case of concussion.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

As per Kathryn Batte, Slegers has revealed that Wubben-Moy is not ruled out of Arsenal's next match against West Ham in the Women's Super League. The Dutch interim coach revealed that the centre-back's case is one of 'wait and see' as the club looks to improve their league form.

DID YOU KNOW?

Wubben-Moy started all four of Arsenal's clashes under Eidevall in the Women's Super League and was one of the Gunners' top performers in a poor start to the season. However, it is possible that Slegers may have to be without the defender for her WSL debut.

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WHAT NEXT FOR WUBBEN-MOY?

Arsenal will be in action next when Slegers' side take on West Ham on Sunday, October 20. Wubben-Moy will be hopeful to return to full fitness by then.

The series begins with a rearranged opener in Paarl after Friday’s Covid-19 scare

George Dobell03-Dec-2020Remember when ODI cricket was the priority? For England, at least, that was the case from May 2015 until the World Cup success of 2019. Every advantage, in selection and scheduling, was given to the 50-over format as England pursued their goal.Those days are gone. And, with two T20 World Cups scheduled within the next 24 months, it may be a while until they return.For that reason, it is two sides shorn of several of their stars which meet in this ODI series. For England, Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes and Sam Curran are rested, providing opportunities for some of those who could feature in three years’ time. There are still eight men who played in the World Cup final in their squad, though.South Africa aren’t at full strength, either. But then they never are. The state of the economy – both cricketing and nationally – renders it enduringly hard for them to retain the services of their best players, but combine that with illness (there has been an outbreak of Covid-19 around the squad) and the need to fulfil transformation targets, they probably go into this series as underdogs.And that’s a bigger statement than it sounds. England have only once (at the end of 2009) won a bilateral ODI series in South Africa. England have also lost three of their four most recent ODIs and, in September, lost their first ODI series (omitting one-off matches) anywhere since the start of 2017 and their first at home since 2015.Perhaps the most notable absence from the South Africa squad is Kagiso Rabada, who is injured. Pite van Biljon, Bjorn Fortuin and Reeza Hendricks have all been released to play four-day cricket. South Africa have also allowed Faf du Plessis, their most experienced player and highest ODI run-scorer of those currently available, to leave the squad. Bearing in mind he has the fitness of a superhero and has played around 15 hours of cricket in the last month, we can probably take the explanation of ‘rest’ with a pinch of salt. Instead, it seems younger players will be given an opportunity to claim a place in the side in the knowledge that du Plessis is now 36 and far from certain to make the next World Cup.For both teams, then, the focus is on the future as much as the present. England will be hoping to find a ‘new’ Liam Plunkett – some would argue there’s not much wrong with the ‘old’ one – with Olly Stone’s pace and Reece Topley’s left-arm angle and height potentially intriguing options.And while Eoin Morgan, England’s captain, insisted everyone involved was a viable option for selection for that next 50-over World Cup, there may be just a little doubt over whether Chris Woakes, now aged 31, and Moeen Ali, now aged 33, are going to last until 2023. Morgan, too, is 34 now and admitted that could be a factor.”We don’t know what our bodies will be like in two or three years’ time,” he said. “If 50-over cricket is going to continue to replicate 20-over cricket and the scores and intensity of the game continue to get higher, is that going to place more physical demand on every player? And if so, is a 36 or 37-year-old guy going to be able to fulfil the high-intensity standard of a World Cup?”Eoin Morgan and Joe Root chat in training•Getty Images(last five completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa WWWLW
England LWLLWYou could almost see Quinton de Kock ageing by the moment during the T20I series. As if opening the batting against Archer and co wasn’t demanding enough (it was actually Chris Jordan who dismissed him in all three games), he is also required to lead his side with the bat and remain on top of his game with the gloves. There is a huge amount demanded of de Kock and there are times – not least with the gloves, eg. the missed run-out of Dawid Malan in the final T20I – when it looks as if he is stooping under the weight of his burden.England’s strength in depth, at the top of the order in particular, is remarkable. But it does demand some careful management. At present, Jason Roy looks out of form and is enduring a bit of a grim run: his 10 most recent international innings (across T20I and ODI cricket) have earned him three ducks, three other single figure scores and a top score of just 24. There’s little doubt the England management – and the England captain, in particular – will give Roy every chance of regaining his form; his long-term record remains outstanding and in his selfless aggression he has embodied many of the finer qualities of this team. But when you have likes of Tom Banton, Alex Hales, Dawid Malan and Ben Duckett breathing down your neck, the requirement to deliver is never ending.Both Andile Phehlukwayo and David Miller have rejoined the squad, though they will need to undergo fitness tests to determine their availability for the first ODI. If they are fit – and the whispers about Phehlukwayo are encouraging – they should slot straight in. Janneman Malan is expected to open with de Kock after his strong performances against Australia and Jon-Jon Smuts and Kyle Verreynne will get opportunities in du Plessis’ absence. South Africa could have as many as four spin options if Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Smuts and George Linde all play, while seamer Junior Dala could well take the new ball. After South Africa’s third positive Covid-19 test on Thursday, they have 17 fit players in the squad to pick from.South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (capt, wk), 2 Janneman Malan, 3 Jon-Jon Smuts, 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 Kyle Verreynne, 6 David Miller, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 George Linde/Keshav Maharaj, 9 Junior Dala/Lungi Ngidi, 10 Anrich Nortje, 11 Tabraiz ShamsiWith no Stokes or Sam Curran, England do not quite have the all-round depth that has served them so well in recent times. For that reason, they may be inclined to include Tom Curran, despite his modest T20I series, or Moeen Ali as a second spin option at No. 7. A final decision will be made after a look at the pitch. Mark Wood and Olly Stone are set to provide a sharp pace attack with Sam Billings having earned himself a run in the middle order after an impressive display against Australia. With back-to-back matches on Sunday and Monday due to the rearranged schedule, England are likely to be extra careful in looking after their fast bowlers.England (possible): 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jonny Bairstow, 3 Joe Root, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Jos Buttler (wk), 6 Sam Billings, 7 Moeen Ali/Tom Curran, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Mark Wood, 11 Olly Stone.Paarl proved a trickier proposition for the batsmen than expected during last week’s T20I, with the boundaries noticeably more distant from the middle than at Newlands. A hot day is in prospect, which might aid purchase for the spinners as the game wears on.Stats and trivia Joe Root, playing his 150th ODI, requires 36 more runs to record 6000 in the format. He will be just the second England player, after Eoin Morgan, to do so, and if he gets there on Sunday, in his 141st innings, he will equal Viv Richards as fourth-fastest to the mark. Chris Woakes requires one more wicket to become the sixth England player to claim 150 in ODI cricket. South Africa have won 30 and lost 28 of their ODIs against England. They have won six out of seven ODIs at Boland Park, with their only defeat coming against New Zealand in 2013.”It purely comes down to execution. It’s how you execute when you are under pressure. You can train as much as you want to in the nets but it’s not the same intensity as in a game. It’s identifying the big moment in the game, being able to stay calm in it and then execute.”
Charl Langeveldt on the challenge awaiting South Africa’s bowlers “To say Jonny Bairstow only performs when he’s angry is undervaluing him and not giving credit where it’s due. We see Jonny as one of the best players in the world, particularly in the white-ball format. Jonny performs against the best sides in the world, he takes the best bowling line-ups in the world on and succeeds the majority of the time. We feel that he is one of our best players, so when we see him walking out to bat we are delighted to have him in our team.”
Eoin Morgan defends his opening batsman after suggestions he needs to prove a point