Category Uncategorized

Down 5-4 in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Arizona Diamondbacks had the bases loaded with a chance to do some damage and potentially come away with a comeback win over the New York Mets. Corbin Carroll got a slider low in the zone, took his swing, and watched his ball go out of the playing field for a grand slam.

As Carroll left the box, he took a few seconds to stare. You might think he was admiring his hit, but he admitted during media availability after the game that what he was actually doing was glancing at the Statcast data—his exit velocity and launch angle—on the hit to see if it was a home run or not.

"I looked up at the exit velo and the launch angle in right field and I was pretty sure," Carroll said. "I didn't know off the bat so I gave it a look."

Asked if he looked at the data on for a 440-foot home run earlier in the game, Carroll said, "No I was running a little bit. We got a big center field so, yeah, can never be too sure."

The solo home run to center earlier in the game went off the bat at 108.8 MPH with a launch angle of 27 degrees. His grand slam later was off the bat at 102.5 miles per hour with a launch angle of 33 degrees.

Earlier in the game, the Mets battled for a lead out of a 4-0 deficit.

تحدد مواجهات دور نصف النهائي من بطولة كأس الخليج 2024 “خليحي 26” المقامة في دولة الكويت، بعد انتهاء مباريات دور المجموعات.

وتقام بطولة كأس الخليج “خليجي 26″، بمشاركة 8 منتخبات، حيث انطلقت بداية من يوم السبت 21 ديسمبر وتنتهي يوم الجمعة 3 يناير 2025.

واستطاع منتخب عمان أن يتأهل متصدرًا للمجموعة الأولى بعدما أنهي دور المجموعات برصيد 5 نقاط، بينما جاء منتخب الكويت في المركز الثاني، بترتيب المجموعة، بنفس عدد النقاط.

طالع | المنتخبات المتأهلة إلى نصف نهائي كأس الخليج 2024 “خليجي 26”

كما حسم منتخبا البحرين والسعودية تأهلهما إلى دور نصف النهائي من المجموعة الثانية لبطولة كأس الخليج، بعد نهاية الجولة الثالثة مساء السبت.

حيث تأهل منتخب البحرين متصدرًا للمجموعة الثانية برصيد 6 نقاط، يأتي منتخب السعودية في المركز الثاني بنفس عدد النقاط، لكن الصدارة لمنتخب البحرين، للفوز في المواجهة المباشرة بينهما. 

وبذلك يواجه منتخب عمان وصيف المجموعة الثانية السعودية، في دور نصف النهائي الأول لـ كأس الخليج “خليجي 26”.

بينما منتخب الكويت يلاقي متصدر المجموعة الثانية، البحرين في دور نصف النهائي الثاني من بطولة كأس الخليج “خليجي 26”. مواجهات نصف نهائي كأس الخليج 2024 “خليجي 26”

عمان ضد السعودية

الكويت ضد البحرين. مواعيد مواجهات نصف نهائي كأس الخليج 2024 “خليجي 26”

عمان ضد السعودية

تقام يوم الثلاثاء 31 ديسمبر، في تمام الساعة 4:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 5:30 بتوقيت السعودية والبحرين و6:30 بتوقيت عمان.

البحرين ضد الكويت

تقام يوم الثلاثاء 31 ديسمبر، في تمام الساعة 7:45 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 8:45 بتوقيت السعودية والكويت.

Michael Beale hasn't quite been able to stamp his authority on Sunderland just yet, the ex-Rangers manager picking up just one win from his opening three games in charge of the Black Cats.

It's not as if the second-tier side have been humiliated in any match under their divisive new manager however, Beale only coming up short with one defeat so far from his opening trio of Championship contests.

He could well tinker with the lineup for Sunderland's lunchtime game on New Year's Day against Ryan Lowe's Preston North End in a bid to find the golden starting eleven that clicks everything into place, a team worthy of competing for promotion and going the distance instead of narrowly missing out on the playoffs.

Here's the Sunderland predicted XI for their showdown with the Lilywhites, with three potential changes from the 1-1 draw with Rotherham United last game present…

1 GK – Anthony Patterson

Anthony Patterson will continue being Beale's first-choice goalkeeper, the Sunderland shot-stopper making three saves last game – as per Sofascore – to ensure the Black Cats came away from Rotherham with at least a point.

2 RB – Jenson Seelt

Playing in an unorthodox right-back position last match, Jenson Seelt still put in a competent display against the Millers.

Seelt's composure on the ball stood out in the game under the New York Stadium floodlights, misplacing just three of his 41 passes before being hauled off by Beale in the second half.

Timothee Pembele will give Seelt competition now however, the former Paris St.Germain defender fit enough for a cameo off the bench in place of Seelt against Rotherham.

Still, Beale should keep faith in his young Dutch defender who has barely put a foot wrong playing as a stand-in full-back to date.

3 CB – Daniel Ballard

Daniel Ballard makes up the next part of an unchanged back four, the ex-Arsenal centre-back resolute versus the Millers with 12 aerial duels won in total over the course of the 90 minutes.

Clearing the ball away seven times too, Ballard will hope his efforts against Preston are rewarded with a clean sheet.

4 CB – Luke O'Nien

Sunderland's captain was the standout performer from a resilient defence against Leam Richardson's hosts last game, winning an astounding 16 duels in total.

Luke O'Nien was also measured on the ball playing out from the back, misplacing just six passes as a calm but authoritative presence in the 1-1 draw.

5 LB – Trai Hume

Trai Hume will also be retained at left-back for the test of the Lilywhites on Monday – switching over to the left-hand side to make up for Niall Huggins being sidelined – with the Northern Ireland international constantly involved in passages of play at the New York Stadium.

Hume would accumulate a staggering 120 touches in the draw, showing off his dominance in the air with four out of five aerial duels won.

6 CM – Pierre Ekwah

Pierre Ekwah will also start against Lowe's Lilywhites, the central midfielder focusing on his football still despite interest from Premier League suitors which is predicted to heat up this January.

Ekwah wasn't at his best in South Yorkshire last match however, only winning a solitary duel in the competitive clash.

7 CM – Dan Neil

Dan Neil and Ekwah have formed a formidable partnership in recent weeks from holding midfield, with Neil the more creative and forward-thinking of the fixed duo.

That was apparent in the Rotherham game, with Neil attempting to test Victor Johanssen in the opposing goal with one off-target effort whilst notching up five accurate long balls in the clash to push his timid team further up the pitch.

8 RM – Abdoullah Ba

The first change Beale could make to his starting eleven would be dropping Patrick Roberts for Abdoullah Ba, gifting the 20-year-old a rare start owing to Roberts hobbling off the pitch last game.

Roberts came off with a suspected muscle issue, but Ba deserves to start regardless of the ex-Celtic man's ailment potentially ruling him out.

Ba impressed throughout the 75 minutes he was on the field versus Rotherham when replacing Roberts, 100% successful with all of his dribble attempts in the contest with the French winger regularly twisting and turning Millers defenders for fun.

The young French attacker will see this as the perfect opportunity to kickstart his faltering campaign again, proving to his manager that he's a useful weapon within the Black Cats ranks to rely upon.

9 CAM – Alex Pritchard

The second change could well see Jobe Bellingham drop out of the starting lineup for the more experienced Alex Pritchard, Bellingham nowhere near his electric best against Rotherham.

Bellingham could well be experiencing lethargy, the teenager rarely given a breather this campaign in an unforgiving league – the 18-year-old midfielder failing to register a single shot on the Rotherham goal, whilst successfully completing just two of his six dribbles on the night.

Pritchard deserves another run-out in Bellingham's place, the former Huddersfield Town man still able to conjure up moments of magic for the Tyne and Wear side despite reaching the twilight of his career now at 30 years of age.

The ex-Terriers man has received glowing praise throughout his Black Cats career for his obvious pedigree and ability on the ball, described in the past as having "incredible technique" by Not the Top 20 Podcast host Ali Maxwell in set-piece situations.

10 LM – Jack Clarke

Jack Clarke also possesses dazzling ability at this moment in time for Sunderland, showcased throughout this second-tier season to date.

Clarke's equalising goal against Rotherham was his 12th strike of the season already, the Tyne and Wear outfit heavily reliant on the former Leeds United man to lead from the front and secure results off his own back.

Not fazed by this pressure on his shoulders whatsoever, Clarke will no doubt want to be the hero again versus Preston tomorrow lunchtime.

Phil Simmons, the Afghanistan coach, was pleased with the side’s preparation but stressed on channeling white-ball temperament in Test cricket

Shashank Kishore in Bengaluru13-Jun-20182:34

Rashid will come out as the best spinner in this Test – Simmons

Asghar Stanikzai was asked about “nerves” as he arrived for his first official press conference as Test captain. “I’m hearing this for the first time,” he shot back, setting the tone for the next 15 minutes during which he and coach Phil Simmons talked all things Test cricket and the build-up to their inaugural Test.It was in Bengaluru seven years ago that Simmons truly left his imprint as a coach, when Ireland upset England at the 2011 World Cup. Now, he returns to the venue of that famous triumph in charge of another side, who he just helped qualify for the 2019 World Cup two months ago.Having witnessed the turmoil West Indies went through towards the end of his career, Simmons is aware of the immediate challenge to channel Afghanistan’s white-ball temperament to the longest format.”I was with Ireland for a long time, but they haven’t produced the amount of youngsters in the last four-five years like Afghanistan have,” he said. “The batting is a little bit less but the bowling, you will see a young fast bowler in this Test match hopefully. It shows that they have young talent coming up. And exciting prospects for the future.”Preparation wise, Afghanistan picked two vastly different squads for the T20Is against Bangladesh and their inaugural Test. Only Stanikzai, Mohammad Shahzad, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman featured in their 3-0 T20I whitewash of Bangladesh in Dehrarun earlier this month. This decision of allowing players time to prepare for the Test by monitoring their training schedules was a conscious one.”Our preparation has been good. We still had 12-13 players training with red ball,” Simmons said. “Fortunately the three fast bowlers (Wafadar, Sayed Shirzad and Yamin Ahmadzai) were not in T20I squad and they have been concentrating on Test preparation. The two senior spinners Nabi and Rashid am sure will be able to adjust themselves.”Afghanistan are under no illusion about how the pitch will behave and expect India’s three spinners to come hard at them. Having two wristspinners themselves – Rashid and Zahir Khan – along with Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s variations should help cope to an extent.Afghanistan’s players attend the BCCI awards ceremony•BCCI”You prepare for what you expect. We expected Jadeja, Ashwin, Kuldeep,” Simmons said. “We have had our own Kuldeep in young Zahir. We have bowlers of similar ilk and they have been bowling at the batsmen. My feeling is that I can’t tell you how to prepare for a particular player. When you practice it against a spinner you learn how to play him. So we have put that in front of them and I think they have worked hard enough to be put out there.”Simmons cracked up when asked about “grass on the surface” for this Test. “When I played with them (Afghanistan) in Ireland, it was a little more greener than this and it still turned,” he said. “I think our bowlers are experienced enough to turn on that. It looks a lot darker today than it did two days ago, so I think by the time tomorrow (Thursday) comes it will be dry enough to spin on it.”The surface aside, it was also inevitable Simmons was going to be asked about Stanikzai’s remarks of Afghanistan’s spinners being better than India’s. My captain knows what he is talking about,” Simmons laughed with Stanikzai also grinning beside him. “When you look at it, all spinners in this contest will be excellent.”We know that right now, Rashid is the most difficult spinner to play around. He has not played Test cricket. We have to look and see what happens. but his professionalism will help him to adjust and am sure he will come out well.”Afghanistan have trained in India regularly since making Greater Noida their home base last year. Access to different training wickets and modern facilities has been maximised so much that Simmons downplayed the prospect of being undercooked. He stressed more on the temperament needed to succeed and hoped the team had learnt from experience.”The mental part comes from the way you train, how long you bat and how long you bowl and train in the nets,” Simmons said. “That’s the only way you prepare mentally because when you get out there then you understand what it takes. They have played four-day cricket so they have a fair idea…the good thing about it is that they learn quickly.”The press conference was lit up further when Simmons was asked about Virat Kohli’s unavailability. His answer elicited laughter among those in attendance.”I think there will always be a bit of disappointment in the players not to be on the same field as Virat, but at the same time we look at it as win the Test match and beat India, we don’t beat Virat,” he said. “So we are disappointed he is not playing, but little bit happy that we are not going to bowl to him all the time. We are happy to be here and playing India, Virat is not India.”

Vanuatu kept their slim hopes of avoiding relegation alive with the four-wicket win while also eliminating Bermuda’s chances at promotion

The Report by Peter Della Penna in Kuala Lumpur03-May-2018Player-coach Shane Deitz top-scored – with an unbeaten 114-ball 71 over Bermuda – for the third time in four matches since his international debut at the start of WCL Division Four. Dietz’s maiden half-century propelled Vanuatu to a four-wicket win – their first win in the tournament – and kept alive their slim hopes of avoiding relegation.After their disastrous decision to bat second on a wearing track, Bermuda opted to go the other way on Thursday. But the slipped to 24 for 3 inside the Powerplay. The big scalp in that bunch was Kamau Leverock, who decimated Jersey with a belligerent 28-ball half-century.Dion Stovell, who took four wickets on Wednesday, teamed with captain Terryn Fray to grind out a 110-run stand across 32.1 overs to get Bermuda back into the match. But Nalin Nipiko’s medium pace broke the stand in the 38th over and new-ball bowler Patrick Matautaava returned at the death to claim three more wickets, including Fray for 77 to finish with 4 for 41.Bermuda began their defence of 181 with spin and Stovell struck on his fifth delivery to claim Jonathon Dunn leg before. Matautaava was dismissed for 10 as his nightmarish tournament with the bat continued. And in walked Deitz. The former South Australian wicketkeeper added 54 for the third wicket with Joshua Rasu (31 off 67 balls) before Leverock and Stovell struck six balls apart to remove Rasu and then captain Andrew Mansale.Deitz held firm, and with nuggety contributions from Nipiko (26 off 34 balls), Ronald Tari (15 off 39 balls) and Trevor Langa (13 not out off 25 balls) along the way, Vanuatu sealed victory with an over to spare and also put an end to Bermuda’s chances of promotion.

The Washington Nationals haven’t been a playoff-caliber team in 2024, but they are taking a step forward from the last few seasons, sitting just six games under .500 entering Monday’s matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals. 

The Cardinals took Sunday’s matchup with an 8-3 win, which means Washington needs a win on Monday to split the four-game set that began over the holiday weekend. 

St. Louis sits in second place in the NL Central coming into this game, but it actually has a worse run differential (minus-39) than the Nationals (minus -17) this season. 

With this game set as a pick’em, how should we bet on it?

Let’s break down the odds, probable pitchers and more for the series finale. 

Cardinals vs. Nationals Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line

• Cardinals -1.5 (+150)
• Nationals +1.5 (-180)

Moneyline

• Cardinals: -105
• Nationals: -115

Total

• 9 (Over -112/Under -108)

Cardinals vs. Nationals Probable Pitchers

• St. Louis: Miles Mikola (6-7, 5.19 ERA)
• Washington: Mitchell Parker (5-4, 3.61 ERA)

Cardinals vs. Nationals How to Watch

• Date: Monday, July 8
• Time: 4:05 p.m. EST
• Venue: Nationals Park
• How to watch (TV): Bally Sports Midwest, MASN
• Cardinals record: 47-42
• Nationals record: 42-48

Cardinals vs. Nationals Key Players to Watch

St. Louis Cardinals

Paul Goldschmidt: A former league MVP, Goldy has really struggled in 2024, hitting just .226 coming into this matchup. However, he’s been much better against left-handed pitching, posting a .273/.354/.352 slash line in 88 at bats. The Cardinals have been awful against lefties this season, so they’ll need Goldy to step up on Monday. 

Washington Nationals

Mitchell Parker: This will be the young lefty’s 16th start of the 2024 season, and he’s fared pretty well for Washington, leading the team to a 8-7 record across 15 starts while posting a 3.61 ERA. If there's one concern, it’s that Parker has given up 11 runs over his last three outings after a great start to June. 

Cardinals vs. Nationals Prediction and Pick

The Cardinals have struggled mightily against left-handed pitching this season, ranking 29th in the league in OPS, which is a great sign for Parker and the Nationals on Monday night.

Parker – despite struggling a bit over his last three outings – has been solid for Washington in 2024, allowing three or fewer runs in 13 of his 15 starts.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals are relying on Miles Mikolas (5.19 ERA) to get them a series win on Monday. The veteran right-hander has been up and down this season, leading the Cards to an 8-10 record in his 18 starts. He struggled at the end of June, allowing 14 runs and 18 hits over his last two starts (10.1 innings of work). 

While Washington isn’t a powerhouse offensive, I do think it has a huge advantage at the dish given St. Louis’ struggles against lefties. 

I’ll back the Nats to split this four-game set with a win tonight. 

India’s young batting star dropped his pants on debut, missed the team bus countless times, and has an obsession with a certain number

Nagraj Gollapudi04-Jun-2009<!–So, what did you buy with your IPL prize money?
I haven’t got the money yet, but I will be investing it in buying some real estate in Mumbai. –>Tell us something we don’t know about you.
People think I’m quiet, but that’s not the case.Are you lazy?
Yes. I love to sleep.Have you ever missed the team bus?
Quite a few times. I even did it during the IPL, with Deccan Chargers. And I’ve been penalised many times. At times I have ended up paying my day’s perks for the entire day’s meals [for the team] whenever I’ve missed the India bus.Talking about food, we’ve heard you love eating eggs?
Yes, once I ate 25 fried eggs at one go.Who’s a batsman you would pay to watch?
Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh. I enjoy watching left-handers.You’re an avid collector of t-shirts, apparently?
I picked up 10 Ed Hardy t-shirts on my last trip to Australia, two years ago.Do you have any autographed souvenirs?
I got two of my bats signed by every team member after we won the 2007 World Twenty20 and the CB Series in Australia in 2008. Both were amazing victories and I wanted something to remember them by.What’s the one thing you never forget to pack when going on a tour?
My boxers!Is it true you have this thing about the number five?
It is my lucky number. I like to stay in rooms whose numbers add up to five, for example.What’s the one thing you always take with you wherever you go?
I was gifted a small idol, and I always keep that close.Do you have any treasured mementos from early in your career?
I still have the Vampire bat with which I scored the first century of my life. That was when I was 12.When you were younger, was there anything you wanted to own when you were grown up?
I like BMWs. I even used to collect posters and stickers of them. As a teenager I would tell my friends that one day I would own one. Luckily, I now own a white BMW 5 series.What do hotel rooms need to make them more enjoyable?
They should have big bathtubs, not just showers.What has been the most embarrassing moment of your career?
On my first tour, in Ireland, I had to slide to stop the ball on the ropes. But in the process my trousers slid down too and the crowd had a good laugh. I was all red behind the ears with my pants down.Describe yourself in a few words?
Tough and easy going.What’s the drink you celebrate victory with?
Champagne.What’s been the best compliment you’ve received?
Adam Gilchrist said during this IPL: “You are one of the big talents, not only for India but in world cricket. You are going to be one of the brightest stars in the future.” I couldn’t stop feeling nice.

Just a few weeks ago, Arsenal were travelling back to London following an impressive draw away at Anfield and celebrating that they would be top of the Premier League table on Christmas Day. Everything was looking good for Mikel Arteta's men.

However, three losses from the three games that followed have left the Gunners in fourth place, out of the FA Cup and in the midst of a mini-crisis.

While the whole team has slipped as of late, the main culprits for this poor run of form are the frontline, as rather shockingly, they have scored just one goal from the 63 shots they have had since their draw against Liverpool.

This lack of goals has clearly worried the club, as the latest player touted for a move to N5 has been on fire in La Liga and could have an impact similar to Leandro Trossard's last season: Getafe's Borja Mayoral.

Arsenal transfer news – Borja Mayoral

According to The Sun, Arsenal have made an official £22m bid for Getafe's in-form striker, Mayoral.

The report has revealed that the former Real Madrid star's exploits for the Madrid-based side have caught the Gunners' attention as they desperately look for a goalscorer this month, although unfortunately for Edu and Co, their offer has already been knocked back.

The Sun claims that the Deep Blues are holding out for an offer closer to their £39m valuation of the Spaniard, which could cause problems for an Arsenal side that are reportedly hamstrung by FFP concerns at the moment.

That said, if the club can find a way to make this deal work, it could be precisely what they need to get the season back on track, especially if he can replicate the sort of impact Trossard had when he arrived last January.

Borja Mayoral could replicate Leandro Trossard's impact last season

There are evident parallels between the Trossard transfer last year and this potential move for Mayoral. Data analyst Ben Mattinson seems to agree, as he has described this possible transfer as a "Trossard type signing" – and he's right.

When Arsenal signed the Belgian international from Brighton & Hove Albion last January, the reception was rather reserved. It wasn't necessarily that fans were unhappy with the tricky wideman's arrival; it was more the disappointment at losing out on the much more expensive – and shiny – Mykhailo Mudryk to London rivals Chelsea that left fans feeling somewhat deflated.

However, fast-forward a year – or just a couple of months really – and it was the west Londoners who were regretting their choice in the transfer market thanks to the instant and brilliant impact that Trossard had made in N5, finishing the season with one goal and ten assists in just ten starts.

Similarly, much of the talk surrounding Arsenal's hunt for a new striker this month has focussed on the far more expensive and better-known – to English fans – Ivan Toney. The Brentford man would still likely be an excellent option for the club, but with him costing potentially £100m, Mayoral is the smarter option.

Stats

Mayoral

Nketiah

Jesus

Games

19

19

15

Goals

12

5

3

Assists

1

1

1

Goal Involvements

13

6

4

Expected Goals and Assists

0.58

0.43

0.60

All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season

Moreover, the performances of the Spanish "goal machine", as described by journalist Dean Jones, this season have been a level above Arsenal's strikers, as Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus' combined ten league goal involvements pale in comparison to his 13.

Arsenal could sign "outrageously good" Frimpong alternative

The 30-year-old full-back could be the solution to one of Arsenal’s most pressing problems.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 11, 2024

Ultimately, it might not be the flashiest or most exciting of transfers.

Still, neither was Trossard's move last January and with how well Mayoral has been performing in Spain this year, there is no reason to suggest that he could not replicate the Belgian's impact when he signed last season.

Celtic have been dealt a fresh injury blow regarding the fitness of one of their regular senior features, following a fresh update before Aberdeen.

Celtic injury news

The Scottish Premiership side currently have Reo Hatate, Liel Abada, Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki out on the sidelines with their own respective injury problems for the foreseeable future, and unfortunately for supporters, they have now been joined by another squad member in the treatment room.

On Tuesday evening, Brendan Rodgers’ side suffered a staggering 6-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium leaving them at rock bottom of their group on just one point, so they’ve got it all to do in their final two fixtures should they want to stay in the competition.

During the heavy loss in midweek, Daizen Maeda didn’t help matters after receiving a straight red card after 23 minutes, and it appeared that the left-winger had hurt himself by making the tackle.

The Japan international has started 11 league games so far this season which highlights just how much of an integral feature of the starting side he is (WhoScored – Maeda statistics), but with an update on the 26-year-old’s fitness having emerged, he’ll face a wait before he can start his 12th.

Daizen Maeda ruled out for six weeks

Speaking to the press on Friday, Rodgers confirmed that Maeda is facing an extended spell on the sidelines at Celtic.

As quoted by STV News, he said: “Daizen will probably be up to six weeks out with the injury from the challenge. He has strained his medial knee ligament. f he was stronger in the challenge he probably wouldn’t have had the injury. The clash of feet has just opened up the knee ligament. It’s a big shame for us because he has been brilliant for me since I came here.”

Maeda injury a big setback for Rodgers

According to journalist Josh Bunting, Maeda has recently proven to be a “workhorse” for Celtic, so the fact that his high pressing and desire to make the magic happen in the final third will be unavailable for the next six weeks will be a blow for Rodgers. The Taishi native has four contributions – two goals and the same number of assists – to his name in the league this season (Transfermarkt – Maeda statistics), and he’s constantly able to carry a threat even if the end product isn’t always there.

Parkhead’s £18k-per-week earner (Celtic salaries), has recorded a total of 24 shots over the course of the current campaign, which is the third-highest throughout the squad behind Kyogo Furuhashi and Matt O’Riley (FBRef – Celtic statistics), displaying his hunger and determination to hit the back of the net.

Furthermore, Maeda is a versatile operator having been deployed in six different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even two roles in the midfield, so there’s no doubt that the boss will be hoping to have that versaility back at his disposal as soon as possible.

Liverpool are battling one of their Premier League rivals for the signing of an "amazing" attacking maestro, according to a fresh transfer update.

Liverpool transfer latest

The January transfer window will offer the Reds the opportunity to make further additions to their squad, should Jurgen Klopp feel the need to bolster his options. Liverpool are looking primed for a potential Premier League title race, with Saturday's 2-0 win at home to Everton in the Merseyside derby another step in the right direction, and a few extra sprinklings of brilliance could make them even more formidable.

The Reds, and by extension owners FSG, have been linked with a number of players recently, from Jamal Musiala to Manu Kone, both of which represent exciting pieces of Liverpool transfer news, and although the latter could be a great addition, it would be a surprise if the midfield was focused on over other areas of the pitch.

With Mohamed Salah on Africa Cup of Nations duty early next year, it could be that Klopp also eyes up another attacker to bring in, especially if there is the threat of the Egyptian departing Anfield at the end of the season. A new update suggests that Liverpool are looking to Serie A for a possible signing.

Liverpool eyeing Nico Gonzalez

According to a fresh claim from Calciomercato [via Sport Witness] Nico Gonzalez to Liverpool is a transfer that could come to fruition, with the Fiorentina winger seen as a strong option by the Reds. The 25-year-old is believed to be a "popular target" with a number of English clubs, with Chelsea mentioned in the report as one of those interested in him. Liverpool have also sent scouts to watch him in action on "several occasions", further adding fuel to the fire, with Fiorentina possibly wanting around €60m (£52m) for his services.

Gonzalez has grown into a formidable player at Fiorentina since arriving at the club from VfB Stuttgart back in 2021, proving to be a regular supplier of end product in the final third and being called "amazing" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

When you look at Gonzalez's stats, they highlight his consistency, with 29 goals coming his way in 92 appearances, and 16 assists also registered. Five goals in six Serie A starts have already been netted this season, with the Argentine predominantly taking up a right-sided attacking role.

Liverpool could see the Fiorentina ace as a good backup for Salah, and someone who can immediately fill in for him when he heads off to AFCON duty in January. As mentioned above, it may be that the Reds are lining him up as the legendary attacker's long-term replacement on Merseyside.

Dribbling

Could be better defensively

Finishing

Can hold onto the ball

Aerial duels

Injuries

Being the successor to Salah is going to be an almost impossible job for whoever does become that man at some point in the future, but Gonzalez has the attributes to suit Klopp's style of play, combining quick feet, strong finishing a good work ethic out of possession. At 25, you could say he is also coming into his prime, meaning he could be an intriguing addition to the Klopp 2.0 era that is currently happening at Anfield.