The calming influence of Alastair Cook will be one of the qualities England will miss most

Melinda Farrell09-Sep-20181:12

England happy to only face Jadeja once – Farbrace

England will miss the calming influence Alastair Cook has in the dressing room environment, particularly on their upcoming tour to Sri Lanka, according to assistant coach Paul Farbrace who spoke as Cook ended the third day at The Oval unbeaten on 46.Cook had walked out to a rapturous standing ovation from a full house at The Oval for his final international innings and by the close was within touching distance of making twin fifties in the match – with the fairytale finish of a century still on offer.”He’s been pretty calm,” said Farbrace. “I would imagine that the reception he got tonight when he went out to bat I think it probably moved him. It moved everybody else in our dressing room how fantastic the support he’s had.””I think he just showed everything he’s about so far in this game. He’s all about waiting for the right ball in the right place but he’s just looked pretty organised and got stuck in. It’s not easy out there, it’s been quite tough, but he’s looks as though he’s really enjoying the scrap doesn’t he?”He just seems to cope with everything that’s in front of him and I think, as much as we are going to miss his runs and his catches, I think the calming influence that he has amongst the team, amongst the staff, amongst everybody, his calm way about going about things, doing things, dealing with what comes from media and television. You know he copes with that or seems to cope with that very well and I think that’s something well all miss that when he’s not in that dressing room.”Farbrace also gave an insight into Cook’s role in making newcomers feel welcome in the England camp and suggested that aspect of his character would be immediately missed on the first tour without him in the side.”When I came into the group in 2014 he was captain of the side and made it so easy to be a member of staff for the English cricket team,” said Farbrace. “It’s quite a daunting thing to come into having never played international cricket.””He’s a very caring bloke and he’s someone you can talk to about anything and everything and I think the young players who have come into the team this year have found him to be exactly that.”What he manages to do is make everybody feel very welcome, very part of things. Young players, old players, he seems to have the respect of everybody and everybody’s very comfortable talking to him. He’s got a very down to earth way of being, he’s got a very cheeky sense of humour and people find themselves being drawn to him and I think that’s something, come Sri Lanka, that a lot of people will be looking around realising he’s not there and I think then people will start to realise what an impact he’s had on them and us as a team.”

Manchester United have previously been linked with a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi – and a fresh report has delivered an update on the club’s pursuit ahead of 2024.

Are Man Utd interested in Marc Guehi?

At Selhurst Park, Guehi first put pen to paper for Roy Hodgson’s side back in 2021 after signing from Premier League rivals Chelsea, and made a total of 91 appearances to date in south London (Transfermarkt – Guehi statistics).

The England international still has another three years remaining on his deal with the Eagles (Crystal Palace contracts), but that didn't stop United chiefs from considering a move for him before the end of the previous transfer window.

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside back in August, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Red Devils had placed the 23-year-old onto their summer shortlist of defensive targets, alongside Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba and Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo.

Erik ten Hag is likely to be back in the market to search for reinforcements next year, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding the future of Harry Maguire and amid Lisandro Martinez’s long-term injury, and it appears that the boss could be set to take a second bite of the cherry for his former candidate.

Marc Guehi transfer update

According to The South London Press, which has shared a transfer update on Marc Guehi, Man United remain interested in signing the star at Crystal Palace, but next summer rather than in January.

“Manchester United are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi ahead of a potential summer move.

"The South London Press understands the Red Devils are keen on the 23-year-old and could look to make a summer play to bring the centre-back to Old Trafford.

"Any potential exit for Guehi would surpass the club-record £50million fee the Eagles received from United for academy graduate Aaron Wan-Bissaka in 2019.”

How impressive is Marc Guehi?

Standing at 6 feet tall, Guehi isn’t the tallest of centre-backs, but that hasn’t prevented him from being a rock at the heart of his backline so far this season, where he’s averaging 4.9 clearances per top-flight game, not to mention his calmness and composure on the ball with a 91.3% pass success rate (WhoScored – Guehi statistics).

Hodgson’s £50k-per-week earner (Crystal Palace salaries) also has the ability to get involved with the action in the final third, having posted 22 contributions (14 goals and eight assists) since the start of his career, with this form, especially in his natural role, having seen him dubbed a “beast” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

In addition, Abidjan’s native has previously beaten the Old Trafford outfit, with Guehi part of the team that defeated Ten Hag's side in September, so if he’s capable of securing a victory over the club when on the away side, imagine how much he could flourish further under the guidance of the Dutchman.

Finally, Guehi shares the same agent, Unique Sports Group, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club could give the board a small advantage should they want to get a deal over the line in 2024.

Sunderland could be set to lose one of their most integral players next year, with a fresh report claiming that they are happy to cash in on him in January.

Sunderland transfer updates: Clarke, Ballard

Over the summer, Tony Mowbray sanctioned the permanent sales of Ross Stewart, Leon Dajaku, Bailey Wright, Carl Winchester, Lynden Gooch, Isaac Lihadji and Danny Batth, whilst sending Elliot Embleton, Alex Bass and Joe Anderson out on loan for the remainder of the season, but there’s now another star who is being targeted.

At the Stadium of Light, Daniel Ballard is once again wanted by Premier League side Burnley after he previously turned down the opportunity to join them, but it would appear that the defender isn’t the only first-team feature in the northeast that Vincent Kompany’s side have set their sights on.

Before September 1st, Jack Clarke was the subject of a £10m rejected offer from the Clarets, but having made an impressive start to the new season, where he’s established himself as the Championship club’s overall top-performing player with a match rating of 7.54 (WhoScored – Sunderland statistics), he is back on their radar.

As per the same outlet as above, Burnley and Brentford are both preparing bids for the left-winger at the start of next year, and whilst the red and whites stripes stayed strong in their position before the previous transfer deadline, it sounds like they now have other ideas regarding the 22-year-old’s future.

Jack Clarke transfer update

According to Football Insider, who have shared a transfer update on Jack Clarke, Sunderland are holding out for a fee of more than £15m for their prized asset, but then would be willing to sell.

The Bees and Clarets are both once again name-checked as his two potential suitors, and it’s stated that the northeast outfit would be more than happy to sanction their attacker’s sale should they receive their desired fee in January.

How many goals has Jack Clarke scored?

In the Championship this season, Clarke has scored seven goals in 11 appearances which shows how prolific he can be in the final third (Transfermarkt – Clarke statistics), and even if the ball doesn’t always hit the back of the net, he poses a constant threat to the opposition.

The York-born talent has recorded 38 crosses and 21 shots in the second-tier so far this term, both of which are higher than any of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Sunderland statistics), showing what a standout star he is when it comes to creating opportunities.

Furthermore, Mowbray’s dynamo is a versatile operator having been deployed in six different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including three roles across the frontline and the same number in the midfield, so his ability to adapt makes him a wonderful option for any manager to have at their disposal.

Whilst Clarke is a “golden” player that Sunderland should want to retain the services of, as hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, it’s easy to understand that they could be tempted to cash in should they receive a respectable offer, so this will be a situation to keep a close eye on in the weeks and months ahead.

Heung-min Son made a candid evaluation of his team's performance after Tottenham's "unacceptable" 3-0 defeat against Fulham.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Tottenham beaten 3-0 by the CottagersInsipid display from Son & CoA major jolt to top-four ambitionsGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Rodrigo Muniz's brace and Sasa Lukic's goal condemned Spurs to their second loss in four games on Saturday afternoon, denting their hopes of climbing to fourth place in the Premier League standings. Ange Postecoglou's side appeared lacklustre at Craven Cottage following a sharp display in their 4-0 victory over Aston Villa last week and Son was distraught after their latest defeat.

AdvertisementWHAT SON SAID

Speaking after the match, Son did not hold back while expressing his frustration at the current situation.

“It is very disappointing and very frustrating and everybody has to look in the mirror and say, ‘It’s my fault’,” he told reporters.

“Because it was not good enough and it’s not the level of effort we’ve put in this season. The attitude, and the performance were not good enough. For everyone, it’s a big, big wake-up call. In the Premier League, if you’re not 100 per cent ready you get punished like this. Aston Villa are an amazing team but so are Fulham, everybody has high-quality players.

“But if you’re not giving 100 per cent, including me, that’s what you get. You get punished. Especially because last season we had amazing results [against Fulham] doesn’t mean you get three points for free. It’s a big wake-up call and the result has happened so you have to make it two steps backwards and make some strong steps forward."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Son went on to label the performance as "unacceptable" and later even apologised to Tottenham’s fans during an interview with the club’s official media.

"It is unacceptable but you always have lessons and, including me it was unacceptable, we know where we are – not in terms of [the table] or points – but we’re representing Tottenham. This [game] wasn’t close to where we’ve been all this season," he said.

It’s very, very sad to watch and very, very sad to get a result like that – and also the fans don’t deserve it. They came here with positive energy and good vibes, and losing this way is very, very tough. The players are very down and this is normal, we now have to make it two steps backwards and another strong few steps forward because after the international break we have a massive game.

"I can’t describe the feeling. I’m devastated, disappointed, frustrated. As the captain of this club I just want to apologise to the fans, they don’t deserve that result and that performance.

“We can’t just give up in these games, we have to give everything we have – including me – we have to do better. After the international break we have to come back stronger than ever. I don’t want to blame any player because we weren’t good enough. Fulham did a good job but the goals came of our mistakes. We can talk about it all night but the performance and attitude was nowhere near close to what we’ve put in this season.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Tottenham would have wanted to break into the top four with a win before the international break but they fell flat. Nonetheless, they will hope to return with renewed vigour after two weeks when they host Luton Town on March 30.

Aston Villa's rise can be backed up by their new-found ability to welcome some of Europe's most exciting talents in the transfer market. During the summer transfer window, the Midlands club signed the likes of Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby, as Unai Emery and his ongoing project paid dividends at Villa Park. Since splashing the cash, too, the Villans have more than been rewarded.

As things stand, Villa sit as high as fifth in the Premier League – just four points adrift of table-toppers Tottenham Hotspur – and will look to continue that momentum after the international break. They've reportedly already turned their attention to the January transfer window, too, but could face disappointment when pursuing one particular target.

Aston Villa transfer news

When looking at the current Villa side, you can see that it's all slowly coming together for Emery. With every transfer window, his side have fewer and fewer weaknesses by the time that deadline day arrives. The last window was no different, either, as a number of stars arrived. Diaby, in particular, has got off to a strong start, having a hand in five goals in eight Premier League games so far.

It's the type of transfer that Villa may have been looking to repeat in January, but the latest Pedro Goncalves transfer news suggests that they're in for disappointment. According to Record, via Sport Witness, Sporting CP see their midfielder as untouchable in the winter window, and will say no to any offer, in the hope of keeping hold of Goncalves until at least next summer.

With the Sporting man's contract expiring in 2027, too, any potential deal would be difficult for Villa to negotiate, especially in January, given the Portugal side's reported stance. This may leave Emery frustrated, as he looks to take the Midlands club to unprecedented heights in the Premier League.

Pedro Goncalves' stats

Goncalves' stats show exactly why Aston Villa are reportedly interested in landing his signature. The 25-year-old could be the difference in a Europa Conference League place, and a Europa League place, or even, in what would send shockwaves in the Premier League, a place in next season's Champions League. Here's how Goncalves compares to some of Emery's current midfield options this season, as per FBref.

Player

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Goals + Assists

Pedro Goncalves

27

45

3

Douglas Luiz

13

46

3

John McGinn

8

42

2

During his time in Portugal, the reported Villa target has earned plenty of praise, including from Zach Lowy, who posted on X: "Pedro Gonçalves proving once again why he is one of the brightest talents in European football with that superb goal. Reminder: Fernando Santos did not give Pote a single minute in the Euros. Bravo, Engenheiro."

Even if Villa are forced to wait until next summer, acquiring Goncalves should be high up on Emery's priorities. The Sporting star could take the Villans' midfield up a level or two, potentially resulting in new success at Villa Park. When the transfer window opens, the midfielder is certainly one to keep an eye on.

After a resurgent run of form in the Championship, Leeds United's momentum came to a crashing halt against Stoke City in a frustrating 1-0 defeat for Daniel Farke's side. Now, they must avoid a repeat of their early-season run of results and instantly get back to winning ways against Huddersfield Town. On paper, it should prove to be a routine day at the office for the Yorkshire club, given that Huddersfield sit just one place above the relegation zone.

Leeds could be forced to pick up all three points against the Terriers without a pretty key player, however, with the latest injury news potentially dealing Farke an untimely blow.

Leeds injury news

As things stand, Leeds are already without Stuart Dallas for the long-term, meaning that they could do without any other knocks to add to what is fortunately still a list without extensive absentees. As the fixtures come thick and fast in the coming months, things could change at Elland Road in an instant. And Farke will be well aware of the need to keep his squad as fit as possible, making the latest news even more of a concern.

That news, of course, is that Sam Byram is facing a late fitness test ahead of the Huddersfield Town game. Farke told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "Always someone we have to be careful with his injury record, last time he was able to play three games in seven days but each week is different – we make a late decision with him. He came through the game with a few knocks but we’ll make a late decision.”

Byram will be left feeling frustrated if he does have to sit out, having started ten of the Whites' 13 Championship games this season in an impressive run of fitness for the left-back.

Byram missing out would be a blow for Farke

Byram's stats speak for themselves. The former Norwich City full-back has quickly established himself at Elland Road and has proved to be an upgrade on Luke Ayling. When compared, via FBref, it is the summer arrival who comes out on top.

Player

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Blocks

Interceptions

Sam Byram

23

43

16

17

Luke Ayling

13

21

10

9

With Leeds in need of a win after suffering defeat against Stoke, they could certainly do with having Byram to call upon, who has previously been spoken incredibly highly of by Farke. The Leeds boss said, via Leeds Live: “Sometimes you have to be a bit careful [when assessing players’ fitness]. Whenever you ask a player if they’re ready to go, then normally everyone wants to play and says ‘Yes, I’m top fit, boss. Let me play, everything’s okay.’

“But Sam is really, really honest because he knows also his history and when you ask him you get to always a really good answer. Never a guarantee, but we got a good feeling that he would be in shape at least to go for many minutes today.

“I’m pleased that he was there each and every second on the pitch because there was this one situation in the second half when we need also his experience but overall his quality in this position, his awareness level. He’s quite important for us.”

In the final group stage round of the Quaid-e-Azam trophy, a diamond in the rough in unveiled

Danyal Rasool14-Oct-2018The delayed declarationKarachi Whites set a slew of batting records for this year’s Quaid-e-Azam trophy after batting first, amassing 600 for six in the first innings, this season’s highest team score. It included, predictably, mammoth contributions, none more so than Shehzar Mohammad. He scored 265, the highest individual score in the QeA this season. On either side of him, Saad Ali, the highest aggregate scorer in the QeA last season, smashed 129, while opener Omair Yousuf accumulated 163.After bowling out Multan for 273, with less than a full day remaining in the game, you might have expected captain Anwar Ali – an experienced international cricketer – to have put Multan back in immediately. Instead, Karachi decided to bat again. Even more bizarrely, that innings saw a scoring rate of 2.5, as Karachi crawled to 73 in 29 overs, before finally putting Multan back in. They showed far greater intent in the 49 overs they batted, putting up 235 for six, as Karachi found themselves four wickets short of victory.It won’t impact their progress into the Super Eight, with the Whites joint second on 34 points, but it was a unusual approach to a game they might have backed themselves to get sewn up.Yet another Pakistan fast bowling prodigy?Last year it was Shaheen Afridi emerging into the limelight with a nine-wicket haul in the first round of the QeA. This year, it is Nasim Shah.For all the complaints about the QeA, it is a spell like this one that makes everything worthwhile. Nasim, making waves on the domestic circuit as an up-and-coming fast bowler, had a dream of a debut first-class game. After bowling just four overs for ZTBL in the first innings, it was the second go that saw him showcase a glimpse of the exciting future he may have ahead of him.In 20 overs, he took six wickets for 59 as PTV were bowled out for 241, but it was the brimming potential of the debutant that most enticed. With a clean, front-on action, he showed the full repertoire of deliveries he was confident bowling. There were balls that swung either way, raw pace that had batsmen ducking for cover, sometimes unsuccessfully. The best part? Nasim is fifteen!So no pressure, kid. Actually, who are we fooling? In Pakistan, the concept of giving a budding young fast bowler space is as non-existent as it is essential.All or nothingIn the game between WAPDA and SSGC, moderation was in short supply. After the game was called off on the first day after 6.1 overs due to a dangerous pitch, play resumed on day two after the groundstaff had, presumably, made running repairs on it. WAPDA were bowled out for 182 (Mohammad Amir, dropping back into the first-class competition after his ouster from the national team, took three wickets), and we seemed to have a game on.But it appears the pitch flattened out completely, with SSGC piling up 581 for nine in what would have been a backbreaking 161 overs for WAPDA’s bowlers. You can tell because by the end, even Kamran Akmal had been called upon to bowl a couple.And that was the cue for the match to end. WAPDA might wonder why they resumed after the first day’s abandonment anyway.

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.

Rangers have been boosted by a key injury update regarding an "excellent" Ibrox favourite, acting as a big positive for manager Philippe Clement.

Rangers injury news

The Gers enjoyed a memorable Scottish Premiership victory on Sunday afternoon, coming from 1-0 down at home to Hearts to win 2-1, having scored twice in stoppage time, thanks to a James Tavernier penalty and a Danilo strike sending Ibrox wild in the process. It was a win that means Clement's side have narrowed the gap on rivals Celtic to five points at the top of the table, following their 0-0 draw away to Hibernian over the weekend, giving the fresh hope that they can secure title glory this season.

Rangers aren't without injury problems at the moment, however, with the likes of Tom Lawrence, Nicolas Raskin picking up knocks recently, and Jose Cifuentes and Kieran Dowell only recently returning from respective problems. In order for the Gers to keep improving with Clement in charge, they will need as many key players as possible, and an encouraging update has emerged regarding one of those individuals.

Tom Lawrence injury update

According to an update from Rangers Review reporter Christopher Jack, Tom Lawrence is set to return for full training for Rangers after recovering from injury, giving Clement an undoubted boost:

This is great news for Rangers, considering how well Lawrence has done for the club since arriving from Derby County last year, adding quality in the middle of the park. Lawrence's stats show the impact he has made in the short time that he has been available, with three goals and assists coming his way in 13 appearances to date. David McCallam has lauded the 29-year-old in the past, talking up the influence that he has had and saying of him:

"Tom was excellent around the group, sharing his experience, and we spoke before the game about that. That’s what some of these games are going to be about, when we get the odd occasion where a player, or two, drops down from the first-team squad to get important minutes."

Philippe Clement

2023

Michael Beale

2023

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

2021-2022

Steven Gerrard

2018-2021

Pedro Caixinha

2017

Mark Warburton

2015-2017

Ally McCoist

2011-2014

Walter Smith

2007-2011

Paul Le Guen

2006-2007

Alex McLeish

2001-2006

Having Lawrence back in the fold will suddenly give Clement another midfield option to choose from, having not been fit since September, and his experience and all-round quality should provide competition for the likes of John Lundstram and Raskin, once the latter returns from his own injury that he suffered against Hearts, being stretchered off the pitch.

Squad depth is essential in any title race, allowing the manager to rotate effectively and keep his squad fresh until the business end of the season, and Lawrence is someone who could play a big role between now and the end of the campaign, assuming he can rid himself of his injury problems and stay fit.

Liverpool progressed through to the next round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday as they came out 2-1 winners against fellow Premier League side Bournemouth.

Goals from Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez, either side of an equaliser from Justin Kluivert, sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Jurgen Klopp's side have now won four games on the bounce and central defender Joel Matip played a crucial role with his performance at the back.

Matip's performance against Bournemouth in numbers

The experienced battler was drafted into the XI to partner with young Jarell Quansah and produced a fine display in defence to keep Bournemouth at bay for the majority of the match.

In possession, the former Schalke titan showcased his composure and ability with a pass completion rate of 92%, which included three of his four long pass attempts, and created one chance for the team.

However, it was off the ball that Matip displayed his best qualities as the 32-year-old colossus won 100% of his physical contests (4/4) and made four interceptions and one block.

These statistics show that the central defender was virtually faultless defensively as he did not allow Bournemouth to get the better of him, by dribbling past or winning a duel, throughout his 90 minutes on the pitch.

Despite his impressive showing, Nunez was Klopp's saviour on the night as the substitute came on and provided the spark that was needed to secure the victory.

Nunez's performance against Bournemouth in numbers

The Uruguay international came on with 30 minutes to play but that was all he needed to make a significant impact on the match as he put the tie to bed.

In that half an hour, the former Benfica superstar completed two dribbles, won five of his nine duels, and created a chance for one of his teammates.

That alone was an impressive contribution for 30 minutes of action, as the energetic forward showcased his directness and physicality at the top end of the pitch.

However, the 6 foot 2 maverick capped it off with a stunning goal in the 70th minute to make it 2-1 to Liverpool, which ultimately proved to be the winning strike.

The goal summed Nunez up as his initially poor piece of play, in failing to control the ball, was redeemed by the subsequent finish that was bent over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net from range after the Cherries defender afforded him far too much time to pick his spot.

Journalist Josh Williams described the goal as the forward going "full Suarez", in reference to the former Liverpool star's terrific goal at Carrow Road against Norwich – one of many.

Suarez was mocked by the home crowd for missing a huge opportunity in front of goal before robbing the centre-back from the subsequent goal kick and beautifully stroking the ball into the bottom corner with the outside of his foot.

Nunez produced a similar moment of genius after being jeered by the Bournemouth fans for his poor control from Trent Alexander-Arnold's sublime pass.

His stunning strike was the match-winning moment for Liverpool and his all-round energy and positivity off the bench was the catalyst for Klopp's side coming away with the win, which is why he was the saviour over Matip.