The grass is green, the sky is blue, and Chelsea remain inconsistent.

Mauricio Pochettino's side have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch this season, although it might not be for the right reasons.

It's impossible to know which version of the team will show up under the Argentine this year, as in one game, they might put in a brilliant performance away to the Premier League champions, and then a few weeks later, they might struggle to a 2-2 draw away to Brentford.

Now, there are clearly some talented youngsters in this Blues squad, such as Cole Palmer, Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernández, but there are also too many players who simply aren't of the level required.

One of those stars who might not be good enough was a Frank Lampard signing, and he has seen his value crater in the years since he joined the club.

Ben Chilwell's value when he signed for Chelsea

Yes, the player in question is England international and, at points this season, Chelsea captain Ben Chilwell. The talented left-back was, at one stage, and not long ago at that, one of the most sought-after full-backs in English football.

His performances for Leicester City between the 2017/18 season – when he became a first-team regular after making 24 league appearances – and 2019/20 were genuinely quite impressive, as he managed to average a match rating of 6.94 in the league across that period, per WhoScored.

So, with the club just coming off of two transfer windows in which they didn't spend a penny, the Blues opted to drop £50m on the then-23-year-old and signed him up to a five-year deal.

There was a lot of pressure on the Milton Keynes-born defender to step up and justify the price tag in his first year in west London, and where some players might wilt under said pressure, Chilwell thrived.

The former Foxes ace made 42 appearances for the club, scored four goals, provided seven assists and played a crucial role in the club's Champions League glory.

Appearances

42

Goals

4

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.26

At this point, it looked like this was a move that would work out, and Chelsea had a left-back who could play a key role in the team for up to the next decade.

However, it has since panned out very differently.

Ben Chilwell's valuation in 2024

Unfortunately, as Chelsea fans will be well aware, the 2020/21 season remains Chilwell's most successful in Blue.

The 5 foot 11 left-back's second year in the capital was a disaster as he suffered a cruciate ligament tear in late November that ruled him out for the rest of the season, leaving him with just 13 appearances, three goals and one assist to his name.

2020/21

2

84

7

2021/22

1

178

45

2022/23

2

117

20

2023/24

2

108

18

Total

7

487

90

The 2022/23 campaign brought more injury as a hamstring problem saw him miss 15 games for club and country, and while he did manage to make 30 appearances, he only scored two goals and provided three assists.

Finally, this season has been another one dominated by injuries as another problem with his hamstring saw him miss 17 games for the club, and as things stand, he's made 18 appearances, in which he has registered a single assist.

In fact, Chilwell's most notable moment of the season so far is probably his altercation with Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley in the League Cup final last month, for which he was labelled "pathetic" by football writer Joel Rabinowitz.

Even playing further up the pitch as a winger or wing-back this season has failed to rejuvenate the 27-year-old, with the Standard's Dom Smith giving him a 5/10 for his display against Brentford at the weekend, which he described as a 'pretty anonymous display.'

With these persistent injuries and downturn in form, a player who cost £50m only three and a half years ago has recently been valued at just €15m by the CIES Football Observatory, which comes to about £13m or £37m less than what Lampard paid for him.

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The former Blues star has been raking it in since leaving Stamford Bridge.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 1, 2024

Ultimately, the signing of Chilwell is starting to look like a mistake on the part of Chelsea, as the combination of his consistent injury problems and poor form has seen what was once a valuable asset deteriorate into almost nothing.

Australia allrounder will play at least eight group games for county

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Mar-2020Glenn Maxwell will return to Lancashire for the T20 Blast this summer.Maxwell starred with the bat as Lancashire topped the North Group last season, hitting 305 runs at a strike rate above 150, while averaging 38.12 before a surprise quarter-final exit against Essex. He also contributed with the ball, conceding only 6.60 runs per over as he formed part of the competition’s most parsimonious spin attack alongside Matt Parkinson and Liam Livingstone.He will play at least eight group stages games before linking up with the Australia squad ahead of their white-ball series in England. He joins James Faulkner as the other overseas player in the T20 squad.”Last season was one of the best summers of cricket I have ever experienced and I cannot wait to return to Emirates Old Trafford in 2020,” Maxwell said. “We were very unfortunate not to progress further after dominating the North Group and I was so impressed with the talent inside the changing room. I’m very confident we can improve on the quarter-final finish of 2019.”I have been keeping in touch with the lads ever since I departed in September and I’m already excited to catch up with everyone when I arrive in May.”Paul Allott, Lancashire’s director of cricket, said: “Glenn is one of the most sought-after players in world cricket and to have signed him again after the enormous impact he made last year is hugely significant as we go in search of a second Vitality Blast title.”To have a player of his talent on the pitch, as well as the person he is away from the field, can only enhance our prospects in this year’s tournament. He is extremely generous with his time in passing on his experiences to younger players and will no doubt play a huge part in their development once again.”He firmly embraced himself in the culture of Lancashire Cricket last year, understood the pride in pulling on the Red Rose and we can’t wait to welcome him back to Emirates Old Trafford.”

Gareth Southgate is considering making a significant change to England's tactical set-up for their Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.

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England criticised for performancesSouthgate open to making big changeThree Lions may line up in new formationWHAT HAPPENED?

The Three Lions boss has been criticised for his team's underwhelming performances throughout the tournament in Germany, despite guiding them to the last eight. However, reports he is exploring a new system in his team's preparations for the clash against a Swiss side that eliminated Italy in the previous round.

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The report claims the England manager is exploring the idea of setting his team up with a three-man defence for their next match. With central defender Marc Guehi ruled out with a yellow card suspension, Southgate could opt to line up with John Stones, Kyle Walker and Ezri Konsa in the backline. However, it remains to be seen if England will adopt a new formation or stick with the 4-2-3-1 system they have used so far.

DID YOU KNOW?

Southgate switched to a back three in extra-time in England's last-16 win against Slovakia on Sunday. England trailed 1-0 for most of the game before Jude Bellingham's stoppage-time equaliser forced extra-time, where Harry Kane's early goal sealed a 2-1 victory.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

Southgate will consider his options over the coming days before his team come up against Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday. The winner of the clash will go on to face either Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals.

Mike Dodds will be pulling his hair out over who he should select at centre-back for Sunderland's next Championship encounter, with the issues in defence just piling up for the out-of-luck Black Cats of late.

Whilst Luke O'Nien being suspended and Daniel Ballard's availability being up in the air owing to a hamstring knock was already adding to Dodds' stress, the misery has been compounded even more now knowing that Jenson Seelt looks like he could well be out for the season in the heart of defence too with a serious injury.

As a consequence, Sunderland may well be cursing their luck that they allowed a certain defensive prospect to head out on loan to Scotland, with the versatile 20-year-old in question beginning to impress those at his new short-term club to the dismay of the Black Cats in their current predicament.

Nectarios Trinatis' time at Sunderland

Signed from Central Coast Mariners in far-out Australia just last summer, Nectarios Trinatis hasn't really been able to bed into the Sunderland starting lineup in his short time in the building.

The young Australian defender hasn't been helped by the fact O'Nien and Ballard are trusted in their centre-back duties as main starters for Sunderland when available, and so the 6 foot 3 new recruit found himself unable to break into the first team on a consistent basis as a result.

It would lead to the 20-year-old being given more minutes in the U21 fold over playing regular Championship football – where he made just two appearances – but he would end up amassing six games for the youthful Black Cats and even scored against Tottenham Hotspur U21s back in October.

In the January transfer window, off the back of his lack of minutes in the first team, it must have been viewed in Triantis' best interests to ship him out on loan to get more first-team experience away from the Stadium of Light.

Looking back now, knowing the dire situation Sunderland find themselves in at the back, this could prove to be a decision held with some regret.

Nectarios Triantis' time at Hibernian

Triantis has slowly but surely worked his way into the Hibernian first team up in Edinburgh, the nomadic youngster notching up eight appearances for the Scottish side since joining on deadline day.

Deployed as a defensive midfielder from at times during his fleeting spell with Hibs to date – making one appearance in that spot – Dodds and Co massively overlooked Triantis' versatility to plug gaps when a crisis crops up.

The towering 6 foot 3 youngster from down-under has excelled in spurts at centre-back away from showing off his eagerness to play wherever suits, winning six duels as an imposing presence versus Aberdeen just last month.

With O'Nien out for another game owing to suspension, alongside Ballard and Seelt being potential long-term casualties to the Stadium of Light treatment room, the powers that be at the Wearside outfit will be wondering why they didn't stick it out with their summer buy in case the injury list at Sunderland did somehow get longer.

Whilst the mood at Sunderland remains sour, Hibs manager Nick Montgomery will just be ecstatic that he has Triantis at his disposal who he has praised for being "versatile" and "strong" since walking into Easter Road as a relative unknown entity on loan.

Sunderland will have to simply make do with what they have when they face off against Queens Park Rangers this Saturday, Dodds praying that a seventh loss on the trot in the league isn't the outcome for his running-on-empty group.

MatériaMais Notícias

da bet7k： O Internacional estreou com derrota na Libertadores diante do Always Read, na Bolívia. Com o revés, as críticas sobre o trabalho apresentado por Miguel Ángel Ramírez aumentaram a pressão por resultados. Apesar da goleada sobre o Esportivo, pela última rodada do Campeonato Gaúcho, a apresentadora Renata Fan ponderou no programa “Jogo Aberto” que, amanhã, diante do Deportivo Tátchira, será a última chance para o treinador reverter a situação incômoda.
+ Confira os grupos da Copa Libertadores

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da betcris： -Miguel Ángel, amanhã ou é ou não é mais. Amanhã é minha última chance para você. Está na hora da diversão chegar – comentou a jornalista.

Sobre a confiança da equipe após a vitória no estadual, Renata Fan cobrou a mesma postura amanhã, pela principal competição do continente.

-Eu me diverti no sábado. É bom. Não interessa quem está do outro lado. O importante é você chegar em campo e fazer o que o treinador planejou – concluiu.

Com a derrota na abertura do torneio, o Colorado amarga a lanterna do Grupo B. O próximo duelo é diante do Deportivo Táchira, da Venezuela, no Beira-Rio.

Mikel Merino has been left out of the Real Sociedad squad for their opening La Liga match of the season, suggesting a move to Arsenal is almost done.

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• Arsenal and Sociedad in talks over Merino deal
• Midfielder left out of squad for La Liga clash
• Has already agreed personal terms with Gunners

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  It was reported on Friday that the Gunners are close to an agreement with the Basque club over a £29.8 million ($39m) transfer fee for the midfielder. With Sociedad set to take on Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in their first match of the new campaign, they have left the Spain international out of the squad.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With no news of any fitness issues keeping him out, the latest development has been taken as confirmation that the 28-year-old will soon be confirmed as a new addition to Mikel Arteta's squad, as it has been reported that he has already come to a personal agreement with the north London club.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  The Premier League side were not the only team interested in signing Merino this summer. Barcelona had been linked with him as Hansi Flick hoped to strengthen in midfield ahead of his debut season at the Catalan club, but he has since ruled out any new arrivals.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MERINO?

  Arsenal will kick off their Premier League season with a game at home against Wolves on Saturday. In the days afterwards, they are expected to confirm the signing of Merino.

da pinup bet： A former Tottenham employee has been left thrilled by the "positive transfer model" at Spurs as they allegedly chase a £20m forward.

Spurs want new wide player for Postecoglou

da jogodeouro： The north Londoners are believed to be chasing a new winger this summer as manager Ange Postecoglou seeks more options out wide.

Related Tottenham now set sights on record-breaking starlet after Lucas Bergvall

The Lilywhites are eyeing some of Europe’s brightest talents.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Mar 12, 2024

The likes of Pedro Neto and Eberechi Eze are being targeted by Spurs, according to reliable reports, despite the abundance of attacking quality which they already possess.

Timo Werner is so far passing his audition for a potential permanent move in the summer, with the German's contract rumoured to contain a £15 million option to buy at the end of this season.

Tottenham's best-performing players in the league this season

Match Rating (via WhoScored)

James Maddison

7.45

Son Heung-min

7.44

Pedro Porro

7.19

Cristian Romero

7.11

Dejan Kulusevski

7.08

Brennan Johnson, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski stand out as the other star wide forwards, but reports have suggested that the likes of Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil could leave Spurs and make way for new arrivals.

Tottenham will also be seeking to continue their trend of signing Europe's most promising up-and-coming talents. They've been linked with FC Copenhagen starlet Roony Bardghji in this regard.

Indeed, HITC also recently claimed that Tottenham are among the club's "pushing hardest" to sign Bardghji this summer, who is thought to be valued at around £20 million. The Swede could well follow his fellow young countryman, Lucas Bergvall, to Spurs if things pan out in Postecoglou's favour.

King thrilled by Bardghji chase at Tottenham

Speaking to Tottenham News, former Spurs scout Bryan King has praised the club for their transfer model – after hearing that news they're apparently chasing a move for Bardghji.

“It would be interesting to see Bardghji join Tottenham and work alongside Lucas Bergvall and Luka Vuskovic," said King.

"That would mean Spurs have signed supposedly the best young players from Croatia, Sweden and Denmark. It would then be up to Postecoglou to see where he would fit these players in and how he would use them.

“It is always exciting when clubs are following young players in Europe, especially young players who have got options. Spurs won the races for Bergvall and Vuskovic, so it will be interesting to see if they can beat out the competition for Bardghji, and why not?

“It looks like the club are trying to integrate the best young European players with their own young players. That is a positive transfer model because you will never lose money on these young players, if they struggle to perform you will always be able to get your money back, that is for sure.”

The 18-year-old announced himself to the rest of Europe with his winner against Manchester United in the Champions League group stages and has carried on that fine form in the Danish Super Liga with seven goals in 15 starts.

أعرب حسام حسن المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر، عن سعادته بعد الفوز على الرأس الأخضر بثلاثية دون رد، وذلك بالمباراة التي جمعتهما مساء أمس في تصفيات كأس الأمم الإفريقية المغرب 2025.

وتواجه منتخب مصر والرأس الأخضر على أرضية ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي في إطار مباريات الجولة الأولى بتصفيات أمم إفريقيا.

وقال حسام حسن في تصريحات خلال المؤتمر الصحفي عقب المباراة: “مبروك عليكم الفوز على الرأس الأخضر، اللاعبون هم من يستحقون الثناء، سواء المحترفين أو المحليين الذي حققوا معجزة بعدما لعبوا المباراة دون فترة إعداد جيدة، عملوا اللا معقول”.

طالع أيضاً.. خاص | تفاصيل مشادة أحمد حجازي مع حسام حسن خلال مباراة الرأس الأخضر

وتابع: “كيف استطاع هؤلاء اللاعبون أن يلعبوا بهذا المستوى وهم استعدوا للمباراة في 4 أيام فقط”.

وأضاف: “منتخب الرأس الأخضر محترم جدا وقوي واحترمناه جدًا، لهم فرص ومحاولات على المرمى، كسبنا 3-0 لأننا كنا نلعب جيداً”.

وأفاد: “الحمدلله على المكسب لو حصل شيء غير ذلك كنت )هتشرح)، الحمد لله استطعنا أن ننفذ طريقة اللعب المتفق عليها، أي مدرب يمتلك ابتكارا قد ينجح وقد يفشل، أنا واثق في إمكانيات اللاعبين مثل تريزيجيه يستطيع اللعب في أي مكان، مروان عطية ما شاء الله عليه في وسط الملعب، يضغط وكان له فضل أنه منح لنا الأفضلية، كنت مقتنعا جدًا بهذه الطريقة، خرجت محمد حمدي لأنه بذل مجهودا كبيرا جدا مع بيراميدز في الموسم الماضي”.

واستطرد: “كنت أتمنى خروج مروان عطية لأنه ليس جاهزا بنسبة 100٪ ولكن ظروف المباراة أجبرتني أن يكون متواجدا في الملعب لأخر ثانية”.

وعن عدم مشاركة أحمد حجازي أساسياً.. قال: “أثق في حجازي؛ ولكن من وجهة نظري أنني كنت أحتاج تحضيراً بشكل أفضل ولذلك فضلت حمدي فتحي هذه كانت فكرتي، كما أن لاعبي الرأس الأخضر لديهم سرعات، وهذا المكان ليس جديدا على حمدي فتحي”.

ورداً على سؤال مراسل بطولات بشأن اعتراض حجازي وأزمته: “حجازي من كباتن المنتخب وطبيعي يكون حزينا أنه لن يشارك، أنا أريد أن يشارك حجازي ولكن شعرت أنه مشدود نفسياً ولذلك قررت عدم مشاركته، هذه الأزمات طبيعية داخل الملعب طالما اللاعب لم يتجاوز”.

واستطرد: “النني لاعب مهم جدا، وتواجده على دكة البدلاء في بداية المباراة لاىيعني عدم وجود دور له”.

وواصل: “صلاح كان له دور كبير داخل الملعب، ونفذ ما طلبته منه، لقد شارك كجناح ولاعب وسط ثم مهاجم ثاني، ونجح في عمل استحواذ للفريق على الكرة”.

وأوضح حسن، أن مصطفى محمد، لن يلحق بمواجهة بوتسوانا المقبلة بشكل كبير بسبب الإصابة التي تعرض لها.

وأتم حديثه متمنيًا الشفاء لإيهاب جلال، المدير الفني لفريق الإسماعيلي مؤكدًا أنه والجهاز المعاون سيزوروه.

Whilst there are few certainties on Merseyside after this season, Liverpool fans will be happy to see one of its star players look set to commit their future to the club.

Liverpool braced for big changes this summer

As the looming departure of Jürgen Klopp finally settles in for Reds' fans, the club look ready for their biggest transition since the German took over in 2015. With the Anfield outfit still competing in four competitions both domestically and on the continent, FSG will have to juggle immediate success on the pitch with ensuring an equally as bright future.

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The search for a successor in the dugout has seen Liverpool make not-so-subtle attempts to tempt Xabi Alonso away from the high-flying Bayer Leverkusen. However, the Spaniard has yet to speak out about what his future holds. Turning their attention away from Alonso, FSG have looked towards other names to fill the void left by the German.

FSG have also had to address the lack of a Sporting Director after Jorg Schmadtke departed at the end of the January window, leaving his desk vacant for the remainder of the season. Unsuccessful attempts to beat Manchester United to Dan Ashworth has left the Reds with a lot of work to do off the pitch before the end of the season.

Superstar trio, Vigril Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent-Alexander Arnold are all set to see their contracts expire in the summer of 2025. Whilst the club attempt to offer new deals to these players, the club are confident that at least one of their star players will be staying at the club beyond this summer.

Robertson to stay at Anfield

As first reported by Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Liverpool are “confident” that Andrew Robertson will remain at the club for the foreseeable future. Whilst the Scotsman's contract is not set to expire until 2026, Liverpool are eager to tie down the defender with other clubs circling for his signature.

O'Rourke states that German giants Bayern Munich are interested in Robertson if they are to lose Alphonso Davies, who has reportedly agreed a deal in principle and personal terms with Real Madrid.

It was a modest £8million fee that first saw Robertson join the Reds, leaving Hull City after their relegation in 2017. Since arriving at Anfield, the left back has become a fan favourite, making 283 appearances across seven seasons at the club. The Scottish international has enjoyed major success during his time with Liverpool, lifting both the Champions League and Premier League as well as numerous other domestic trophies.

Striking up a partnership with right back Trent Alexander-Arnold, the pair have been famous on Merseyside for their crossing abilities. The duo currently sit joint top for all-time Premier League assists for defenders, a testament to their quality in their respective positions.

With few guarantees going into the post-Klopp era at Anfield, securing the future of Robertson could go a long way in reassuring fans that the success does not stop with the German's departure.

Ewie Cronje, the former Free State Cricket president and father of the late South Africa captain Hansie Cronje has died. Cronje was suffering from stomach cancer. He was 80.Cronje played 27 first-class matches for Free State between 1960 and 1971 but was better known for his time in administration. He played a leading role in establishing and growing cricket at the University of the Free State and went on to become president of Free State Cricket Union, a position he held between 1983 and 1990. Cronjé was a mentor to some of the province’s high-profile players including Allan Donald, Corrie van Zyl and Boeta Dippenaar.He stood by Hansie during the match-fixing scandal in the year 2000 and though Hansie was banned from all forms of cricket and died two years later, Ewie continued to work in the development of the game. In 2012, Cronje was honoured by Cricket South Africa, who presented him with the Khaya Majola Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his years of service to the game.Cronje’s health deteriorated steadily this year and he was unable to speak when former cricket boss Dr Ali Bacher contacted him late last month to mend their relationship. Bacher told the weekly Afrikaans newspaper that the coronavirus pandemic prompted him to reach out to Cronje, who he had not spoken to in almost two decades. Though Cronjé could not respond, he was able to listen to Bacher and his family reported that his response was emotional.That was three weeks ago, when Cronje was described as seriously ill. At 2.05pm on Monday, he passed away.With South Africa still under a strict lockdown and restrictions in place on the number of people who can gather, the family have opted not have a funeral at this stage. Cronje is survived by his wife San-Marie, his son Frans and his daughter Hester.