Tag Futebol

We all love football, it is the world’s game after all, but sometimes it can get a little samey, a little predictable and maybe just a little bit boring, but one thing that is guaranteed to make a game interesting is when an outfield player has to go in goal.

Maybe it’s the chaos it creates, the comical commentary it produces, or maybe we just like seeing professional footballers look a bit silly on a football pitch. Whatever it is, watching your club’s 5 foot 5 winger pull on those gloves and proceed to fling themselves all over the penalty area is undeniably entertaining.

With that in mind, Football FanCast has created a list of some of our favourite times an outfield player has pulled on those gloves.

Olivier Giroud vs Genoa

Olivier Giroud was tasked with taking Mike Maignan’s place in the AC Milan goal against Genoa in October 2023 after the shot-stopper was sent off in the match’s dying moments.

The thing is, this was a must-win game for Milan, as collecting all three points here meant they would end the weekend atop the Serie A table. So, no pressure, Olivier.

Luckily for the Rossoneri, Giroud was up for the challenge, and with moments left in the game, he saw a free-kick sail over his bar and even made a save of his own to deny the hosts a share of the spoils.

However, just to make the game that bit more chaotic, the Genoa keeper decided to foul one of the Milan players whilst up for a corner and got himself sent off as well.

Surely, that is taking the goalkeeper’s union too far.

Harry Kane vs Asteras Tripolis

Now, from a man who was able to keep a clean sheet during his dabble with goalkeeping to one who very much could not, despite his best efforts.

It was a Europa League game against Greek side Asteras Tripolis all the way back in 2014/15 – Kane’s breakthrough season – and after he had scored a hat trick to give the Lilywhites an unassailable lead, he was tasked with maintaining the side’s clean sheet after Hugo Lloris was shown a straight red for a terrible tackle outside the penalty area.

Unfortunately for the hat trick hero, he immediately conceded from the free kick Asteras were awarded for the foul, and it was a pretty weak shot as well, just bouncing off his chest and under his body to roll into the net.

Don’t quit your day job, Harry.

Kyle Walker vs Atalanta

From Kane to one of his England teammates, Manchester City’s Kyle Walker.

Now, this example is a little more high stakes as it took place in the Champions League group stage away to Serie A side Atalanta. The reason Walker ended up between the sticks was that, with the scores level and Josip Ilicic running through on goal, substitute goalkeeper Claudio Bravo decided to take him out.

This, understandably, resulted in a red card and with Ederson already off the pitch with an injury, it was the former Spurs man who stepped up and donned the gloves.

He did a good job as well, saving the free-kick from Alejandro Gomez and helping his team leave Bergamo with a point.

John O'Shea vs Tottenham Hotspur

We’re going back a bit here, but in February 2007, Manchester United and Ireland legend John O’Shea was forced to become the side’s makeshift number one following an injury to Edwin Van Der Saar that forced him off the pitch in the 85th minute.

With no substitutes left, Sir Alex Ferguson turned to his tough-as-nails defender and put him in the Dutchman’s place.

Luckily, the game was as good as won at that point as it was already 4-0, but O’Shea put in a good showing during his short stint as a ‘keeper, making a save late on and stopping Spurs from scoring a consolation goal.

Rio Ferdinand vs Portsmouth

Now, Rio Ferdinand is undoubtedly one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history, but when it comes to goalkeeping, we’re not too sure.

He would be forced to step between the sticks in 2008 for United’s FA Cup quarter-final tie against Portsmouth. He found himself wearing the gloves after Van der Sar went off injured, and his replacement Tomasz Kuszczak was sent off for a foul in the penalty area.

With both keepers out of the game and a penalty to save, Ferdinand stepped up to do his best to keep his side from an early exit from the cup.

Unfortunately, he could do little to stop Sulley Muntari’s penalty as it sailed past him despite guessing the right way.

John Terry vs Reading

Mr Chelsea himself was called upon to don the goalkeeping gloves in the Premier League clash away to Reading in October 2006.

This was because starting Petr Cech had to be stretchered off the pitch following a severe head injury, and his replacement, Carlo Cudicini, was then forced off through injury with four minutes left on the clock.

The Blues were 1-0 up at the time, so they just had to defend for their lives and hope the Royals couldn’t get a shot on target.

Oh, and Jon Obi-Mikel had been sent off earlier in the game. When it rains, it pours.

Luckily for the West Londoners, they did a fantastic job shielding their skipper, and he managed to survive without facing a serious effort. And they headed back to the capital with all three points in tow.

Cosmin Moti vs Steaua Bucharest

We’re going a little off the beaten path here, but trust us, it’s worth it.

Back in 2014, Bulgarian champions Ludogorets were playing in a Champions League qualifier that would ultimately decide whether they would make it into the competition for the first time in their history.

They were trailing 1-0 for much of the game, but five minutes of madness saw them score a late equaliser and lose their keeper to a red card. With extra time looming, centre-back Cosmin Moti put on the gloves and helped them make it to penalties, where he scored his and saved two of Bucharest’s.

Having made such a brilliant contribution to the club’s history, Ludogorets named their stadium’s south stand the ‘Moti Stand’ as a token of appreciation.

Felipe Melo vs Elazigspor

When an outfield player is in goal to face a penalty, they often, understandably, fail to save it. Galatasaray’s Felipe Melo, on the other hand, had no such trouble back in 2013.

The Brazilian midfielder was forced to pull on the number one shirt after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was sent off late on in their Super Lig game against Elazigspor for a terrible tackle in the penalty area.

With the Turkish giants just one goal ahead and mere minutes left on the clock, the expectation was that the penalty meant the points would be shared.

Luckily for the Gala fans, Melo had other ideas, diving to his right to maintain his team’s lead.

Phil Jagielka vs Arsenal

Neil Warnock’s Sheffield United were hosting Arsenal for a game in 2006, when their goalkeeper, Paddy Kenny, limped off with an injury with 34 minutes left to play.

Now, usually, this would be annoying, but most teams will just sub on their reserve ‘keeper and get on with things; the only problem was that the Blades didn’t have a backup keeper on the bench.

Warnock was quite well known at the time for not putting a ‘keeper on his bench as he wanted more outfield options during the game, but this meant that there was nobody to replace Kenny at the time except Phil Jagielka.

Ever the team player, the defender pulled on the gloves and stood guard over the Sheffield United goal for the remaining 34 minutes of the game, and somehow, with the help of his defence, he kept a clean sheet.

Robbie Savage vs Reading

Now, a lot of the players on this list only step between the sticks for a few minutes or less, but when Robbie Savage was given the gloves in a Championship match between Derby County and Reading, it was the 41st minute.

Derby did have two ‘keepers in the squad that day, but thanks to an injury to Stephen Bywater at the start of the game and a red card for Saul Deeney just before the half, manager Nigel Clough was forced to pick an outfield player to put on the gloves, and that player happened to be the team captain, Savage.

When Savage put the gloves on, the score was 2-1 to the Royals, and, to his credit, he somehow managed to keep it that way until the home side finally added a third in the 69th minute and a fourth in the 84th minute.

In all, Savage did an admirable job as a stand-in goalkeeper and even pulled off a couple of decent saves, much to the delight of the fans.

The chief selector says the decision to omit Fawad Alam was based purely on merit

Umar Farooq16-Apr-2018Unfazed by the severe criticism concerning the omission of batsman Fawad Alam, chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq insisted he has seen “better players in the last three years”. He has been passed over for national selection, and this time, it ignited nationwide anger.Alam’s selection – or lack thereof – has been an enigma for years. Despite the mounds of runs he accumulates year upon year in domestic cricket – his average in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy over the past four years has been 40.71, 55.54, 56 and 71.90 – the left-hander has been overlooked for Tests by various selection committees and captains over the past eight years. He made his Test debut in 2009, scoring 168, and played a further Test against New Zealand later that year, but was subsequently dropped, and hasn’t played Test cricket since. During the intervening years, he made it into the limited-overs squads occasionally and went on to play 38 ODIs and 24 T20Is until 2015. But it is Test cricket he is best suited to, his average in the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy consistently well over 50.He was called up by Inzamam among the 25 probables in the fitness camp ahead of the Ireland and England tour, only to be overlooked yet again.”Fawad Alam is an outstanding player but in the last three years there are others at the top of the list,” Inzamam told ESPNcricinfo. “We got him here in the nets but we found Saad Ali to be better, and the decision to prefer Saad was unanimous, with input from all the coaching staff and captain. Fawad is a good player and we obviously can’t ignore his career average; that is why he was brought into the camp. During my tenure, I have given 12 to 14 players an opportunity and none of them have disappointed us. If you look back in the past three seasons, there are players who have scored more runs than Fawad Alam.”Dropping any player doesn’t mean we are disregarding them. It’s easy to pick players following scorecards or statistics, but there are many more things we take into consideration. I am not sure why Fawad wasn’t picked in the past before me but if you ask me about my tenure as chief selector, I have seen better players.”ESPNcricinfo LtdAlam was last picked in a Test squad in 2015 that played three matches against England, but he never made it into the playing XI. He sat out for several years because of a settled middle order comprising Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq. But with the exit of Misbah and Younis, Alam’s prospects looked bright. Instead, the selectors opted to bring in younger players , recalling left-hand batsman Harris Sohail, investing in Sami Aslam, and now Usman Salahuddin and Saad Ali – who scored 957 runs at an average of 68.35 in last year’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.”I am not taking away anything from Fawad, as he has scored a lot of runs in domestic cricket at a great average. When there is a competition, some players get left out, but that doesn’t mean their career ends there,” Inzamam said. “We haven’t ignored him, we have actually given an opportunity to a few others we thought were more suited to English conditions. Last season, we had tough bowling conditions in the QeA, and Saad Ali was a stand-out performer, and that is why he was preferred. I have spoken to Fawad on many occasions and given him the confidence to keep on working hard.”I know people are very critical about his non-selection but we need to see things in perspective. People have expectations and they want to see their team win every game which brings a lot of responsibility on us. I have nothing against any player. We have a responsibility and what is important is we do not fail it. We must select players on merit. I am lucky that most of my picks so far are paying off well, and we now have a bigger pool of players.”Talk of merit invariably raises the uncomfortable topic of Imam-ul-Haq in the team. Imam is Inzamam’s nephew, and his selection for the tour of England raised eyebrows, particularly because he had a slightly worse average than Alam in the 2016-17 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the last season both of them played the competition together. Imam was, however, the third-highest run-scorer that year in the competition, and was picked for the ODI series against Sri Lanka, and ended up scoring a century on debut.”Picking Imam is a tough decision but this is one decision I didn’t take,” Inzamam said. “People might be cynical about this but the head coach [Mickey Arthur], batting coach [Grant Flower] and other selectors made the decision to select Imam. I am the part of the discussion group, but I didn’t say anything about it. The report given by trainers and coaches about him showed a significant improvement in his skill and fitness levels. He was already in the system even before my becoming selector, so associating me shouldn’t be a point of discussion.”

They have made the leap back up to Division One in the County Championship but the road to consolidating their place, let alone contesting the title, is not lacking in hurdles

Melinda Farrell05-Apr-2018Nottinghamshire have made the leap back up to Division One in the County Championship but the road to consolidating their place, let alone contesting the title, is not lacking in hurdles.Talented all-rounder Paul Coughlin is out with a shoulder injury for at least four months, making it unlikely he will play white-ball cricket for his new club this season. After his highly anticipated signing from Durham in September, Coughlin dislocated his shoulder in the outfield while playing for England Lions in the West Indies and required surgery. The loss of his seam bowling is a blow but it is, perhaps, in the batting stakes where Nottinghamshire may feel the squeeze.The Trent Bridge departure lounge was busy in 2018; those moving on included captain Chris Read, Brett Hutton, Michael Lumb and Brendan Taylor. More recently, Alex Hales signed a white-ball only contract.

He wants to get better at white-ball cricket, he thinks that’s his real strength. He wants to become one of the best players in the worldNottinghamshire coach Peter Moores on Alex Hales

Nottinghamshire were unsuccessful in securing several batsmen, including Sam Northeast, in the off-season and they remain in the market should someone suitable becomes available. Head coach Peter Moores will look to the experience of new signing Chris Nash and emerging players to push for success in 2018, but he knows any injuries will leave the cupboard bare.”Our staff is actually smaller than we’d like, if I’m honest,” Moores said. “And so, it probably lacks a little bit of depth but it’s a great chance for some of the youngsters and that’s just the way it’s gone.”In some ways, we are waiting for the right sort of player to come along. We’ve been in the market for two or three players in the winter, didn’t get them. But that’s what happens. We’re fine, we’re happy where we are, but if that right player comes along we’d be interested in signing somebody.”Samit Patel struck twice in the first over•PCB/PSLMoores is philosophical and supportive of Hales’ decision to eschew first-class cricket, coming in the same week Adil Rashid signed an exclusive white-ball deal with Yorkshire.”I understand it. I really do,” Moores said. “Alex had thought long and hard about it. It came across to some people that he made a snap decision.”But he’d made that decision, told us about it, thought long and hard about it before Adil Rashid announced it. He’s pretty clear in his goals. He wants to get better at white-ball cricket, he thinks that’s his real strength. He wants to become one of the best players in the world. He’s got areas he needs to work at and he’s got to use the little gaps in between to work on that.”Samit Patel is one Notts player keen to take on more responsibility. After playing a key role in the side’s promotion, the Royal London One-Day title and the Natwest T20 Blast trophy, the allrounder has returned to England with a few new tricks after some “eye-opening” training sessions with Saeed Ajmal and PSL franchise Islamabad United.Patel has never worked with a specialist spin-bowling coach and, while he was naturally coy about the specifics of Ajmal’s advice, he revealed he has made some tweaks and is focusing more on what is happening at the other end of the pitch.”The way he coaches and comes across as a person is really good and just tactically he is really smart,” Patel said. “There’s not too much [difference] as a finger spinner that you’re going to get but subtle variations in actions and things. Not big things but things that I wasn’t aware about on what makes things happen at the other end instead of short term at the crease.”It’s what happens down at the other end that makes [a wicket] happen if that kind of makes sense. Where it lands and how it comes off the pitch. So there’s a little bit of a difference in what happens this year compared to previous years.”The 33-year-old has made no secret of his desire to play for England but he has added a new goal to his list: he wants to play until he reaches 40.”It’s just a figure in my head that I thought it’d be a good age to play until and if the body allows to be honest,” Patel said. “But at the minute I think it’s pretty realistic.”

Prime Doleshwar picked up their first win of the tournament with a thrilling one-wicket win against Khelaghar, while defending champions Gazi Group beating the newly-promoted Shinepukur Cricket Club

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Feb-2018

Mashrafe Mortaza turned in an all-round performance as Abahani Limited completed their second win in as many Dhaka Premier League matches, beating Kalabagan Krira Chakra by 36 runs at the BKSP-3 Ground.Batting first, Abahani were bowled out for 217 in 49.5 overs but only after a late recovery. Batting at No. 8, Mashrafe slammed five sixes and three fours in his 54-ball 67. After walking out at 105 for 6 in the 30th over, he added 98 runs for the seventh wicket with No. 6 Mosaddek Hossain, who scored 40 off 73 balls.Seamer Muktar Ali took three wickets while Shahadat Hossain, Abul Hasan and Jatin Saxena took two each. In reply, Kalabagan were bowled out for 181 runs in 48.1 overs. Mashrafe took 4 for 49 while Taskin Ahmed picked up three wickets for 30 runs. Muktar top-scored with 40 but couldn’t take them too close to the target.At the BKSP-4 Ground, defending champions Gazi Group Cricketers picked up their first win, beating the newly-promoted Shinepukur Cricket Club by 20 runs.Zakir Ali’s 90 was complemented by fifties from Nadif Chowdhury (71) and Rajat Bhatia (58*) which helped Gazi Group each 279 for 6. Mohammad Saifuddin took two wickets but also conceded 68 runs in his 10 overs.Shinepukur also saw three fifties – from Sabbir Hossain, Towhid Hridoy and Uday Kaul – but the middle order slipped and they were bowled out for 259 in 48.4 overs. Rubel Ahmed and Nayeem Hasan took three wickets each.Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club also picked up their first win though it was a very tight finish as they beat Khelaghar by one wicket on the last ball of the match in Fatullah.Batting first, Khelaghar managed 199 for 7 in 50 overs with Nazimuddin’s 51 and Ashok Menaria’s 45. Farhad Reza finished with a stifling 4 for 37.Farhad Hossain and Fazle Mahmud get Prime Doleshwar off to a good start but their middle order failed to capitalise too, only to be rescued by No. 11 Manik Khan who saw them home. Seven down, they needed four to win from the last over but lost two more wickets on the second and third balls before Manik hit the winning runs on the last ball.

تمكن الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، من تحقيق الفوز على نظيره الاتحاد السكندري بهدفين دون رد، خلال المواجهة التي انتهت منذ قليل ببطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

والتقى الزمالك مع الاتحاد السكندري، على أرضية استاد الجيش ببرج العرب في الإسكندرية، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الخامسة والعشرين من عمر بطولة الدوري.

وسجل ناصر ماهر هدف الزمالك الأول في الدقيقة 29، بعد تمريرة رائعة من عمر جابر استقبلها ناصر بتسديدة قوية سكنت الشباك.

طالع أيضاً.. محامي الزمالك يٌعلن مصير الطعون المقدمة ضد صحة انتخابات النادي

وأحرز سيف الدين الجزيري هدف الزمالك الثاني في الدقيقة 57، بعد تمريرة من إبراهيما نداي استقبلها الجزيري بتسديدة سكنت المرمى.

وشهدت المباراة هدف ثالث للزمالك عن طريق زياد كمال في الدقيقة 87، بعد تسديدة قوية من داخل منطقة الجزاء سكنت مرمى الاتحاد السكندري، لكن تم الغاءه بداعي وجود تسلل.

بهذا الفوز، يحتل الزمالك المركز الثاني عشر في جدول الدوري المصري برصيد 28 نقطة، فيما يأتي الاتحاد السكندري بالمرتبة الخامسة، وفي جعبته 36 نقطة. أهداف مباراة الزمالك والاتحاد السكندري في الدوري المصري

Pakistan, on the other hand, are coming into the T20 series with the confidence of a fantastic run in limited-overs matches this year

The Preview by Danyal Rasool25-Oct-2017

Big PictureAt this point of the series, even traditionalists can’t wait for the T20 series. After a one-sided ODI series that seemed to stretch out interminably, the focus now turns to a three-match T20 series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Tests saw a clean sweep for Sri Lanka, while Pakistan avenged the loss in a comprehensive 5-0 whitewash in the ODIs.Sri Lanka have had a dismal ODI record this year, but their T20 record in 2017 has been much more impressive. They began the year with two away series wins – in South Africa and Australia, no less – and boast a winning record over the year, having won five of nine games. They will look to make that count to ensure they bookend the tour with positive memories to dull the pain of the ODI thrashing.Complicating things, however, are the peculiar scheduling arrangements of this series. With the third T20 to be held in Lahore, the Sri Lankan management have decided to only select players willing to travel to Pakistan. That means Sri Lanka will be without Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella and Akila Dananjaya for the T20s.That means a new-look Sri Lanka gear up for the series, while Pakistan have their full squad at their disposal. That, and recent form, makes the Pakistan firm favourites, but with T20 cricket, predictions are a thankless task.Form guideSri Lanka LLWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan WLWWLIn the spotlightBabar Azam’s T20 form is every bit as impressive as in ODIs. Averaging 54, he has never been dismissed in single figures in the format. This ability to feel comfortable in a high-pressure format is part of his growing appeal and reputation. Sri Lanka’s captain this series Thisara Perera will know all about that, given he was part of the World XI that toured Pakistan last month. Babar Azam was the leading run-scorer over the tour and won Man-of-the-series.Thisara Perera takes over the captaincy reins in difficult times for his country. What bodes well for him is his game is most suited to the T20 format. But his experience will be required in more ways than one, especially in the Lahore T20, as he was the only Sri Lankan in the World XI side.Team newsUsman Khan, after his five-for in the fifth ODI, may had done enough to secure a consistent run, beating off competition from Rumman Raees. Imam-ul-Haq impressed in the ODIs, but Ahmed Shehzad got big runs against the World XI, and could return.Pakistan (probable): 1 Ahmed Shehzad, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Mohammad Hafeez, 5 Shoaib Malik, 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (capt, wk), 7 Imad Wasim, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shadab Khan, 10 Hasan Ali, 11 Usman KhanSri Lanka’s T20 squad was put together hurriedly, and they might not be sure of their best XI yet.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Dilshan Munaweera, 2 Danushka Gunathilaka, 3 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 4 Mahela Udawatte, 5 Ashan Priyanjan, 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Seekkuge Prasanna, 8 Thisara Perera (capt.), 9 Sachith Pathirana, 10 Jeffrey Vandersay, 11 Lahiru GamagePitch and conditionsDew could play a role in Abu Dhabi, but as it could impact both teams since it’s a night game. The slow surface is likely to assist spin bowlers.Stats and trivia Thisara Perera has played more T20Is (60) than the rest of the 16-man Sri Lankan squad put together (47). Eleven players in the squad are yet to make their T20I debut Abu Dhabi doesn’t have a reputation for particularly high scores, but it does boast one of the highest totals in T20I cricket. That came in a World T20 qualifier in 2013 when Ireland amassed 225 against Afghanistan Quotes”We are very happy because we will be playing at home and if we can go on to lift the trophy in front of home fans, then nothing like it”
“I think we can do something special in this series. I believe in my team and think we can give a good challenge for the Pakistan team”

Aston Villa are open to listening to offers for attacker Leon Bailey this summer, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

When did Leon Bailey join Aston Villa?

The Jamaica international first arrived in the Midlands from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2021 meaning that his contract isn’t set to expire for another two years, and last season he nailed himself down a regular starting place under Unai Emery at Villa Park.

In the Premier League, the left-winger was handed 26 starts so wasn’t at all out of favour in any way, but despite this, NSWE and Monchi have recently been linked with moves for Wolverhampton Wanderers' former star Adama Traore and Barcelona’s Ferran Torres, which would suggest that they are looking at potential replacements.

Read The Latest Aston Villa Transfer News HERE…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor delivered his own personal verdict on the 25-year-old’s current future. He said:

“I think Bailey’s situation is self-inflicted. I don't mean that nastily, but he hasn't honestly really delivered since he arrived at the club. I had high hopes for him because I'd seen what he could do with Bayer Leverkusen and during his time in Belgium. He had that ability to cut in and score goals which is so hard to be stopped. But he hasn't shown that Villa.”

Is Leon Bailey leaving Aston Villa?

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are "willing to listen to offers" for Bailey ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The B6 outfit are hoping to "raise cash" to fund another forward signing and have identified the attacker as a player that they can let go of before the end of the ongoing transfer window due to him no longer being seen as a "regular starter" by the boss following the arrival of Moussa Diaby.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are "showing an interest" in him which leaves his future "up in the air", and it's stated that the board "would not discourage" the move going ahead, with the Middle East club able to offer their target a "huge" contract and also to easily meet his £20m asking price.

Aston Villa and more importantly Emery believing that Bailey doesn’t have a long-term future at the club is tough to take when considering how much of an integral part in their success he played last season, so getting rid of the left-winger this summer would be a huge mistake.

The Phoenix Sports Management client, who’s sponsored by Nike, posted eight goal contributions (four goals and the same number of assists) in 33 top-flight appearances whilst recording 51 shots over the course of the previous campaign which was the second-highest total behind Ollie Watkins, via FBRef.

The Spaniard’s “deadly” forward, as previously dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also provides the manager with excellent versatility having been deployed in seven various positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, so regardless of whether he’d start, Bailey is still a wonderful player to have in the building.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Sevilla defender Gonzalo Montiel this summer as Unai Emery eyes further reinforcements ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Spaniard has had a strong transfer window so far, recruiting Youri Tielemans, Moussa Diaby and Pau Torres to cement the spine of his squad at Villa Park.

Having already dipped in the transfer pool in LaLiga earlier in the summer to secure Torres, the four-time Europa League winner could approach his homeland once more.

Could Aston Villa sign Gonzalo Montiel?

As reported in Spain (as relayed by Sport Witness), Villa have made contact with Emery’s former club in the hope to strike a deal for Montiel.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

It’s speculated that the Villans have made ‘simple contacts’ for the right-back, whom Monchi signed for the Spaniard during his time at the club.

It’s also believed that the defender is ‘unhappy’ at the LaLiga outfit, bolstering Villa’s chances of capturing the 26-year-old dynamo, who is currently valued around €12m (£10m).

How good is Gonzalo Montiel?

The Argentine had a season to remember last term, winning dazzling prizes both domestically and internationally in securing a Europa League and World Cup medal for his efforts in both squads.

Deployed at right-back, Montiel was captured by Monchi in 2021 from his boyhood club River Plate, in which he worked his way up the ranks to secure a move to Europe.

After just two years in Spain, the defender could be on the move again, with Emery eyeing his talent from the Midlands in a move that could bolster his squad ahead of the dawning Premier League campaign.

The 26-year-old is a figure well known to some in the region, with Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui branding his former player as an “animal” during his time in charge of Sevilla.

A lively full-back, the Argentine could be the perfect presence for Emery to integrate into his side at Villa Park, particularly following his moves made earlier this window.

The arrival of Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen was that of a marquee signing in a club-record deal worth £51.9m, and while his talent is unquestionable, the Frenchman could have his form bolstered in the arrival of Montiel.

Identified as being a defender ‘very active in transition’ by scouting site Target Scouting, the right-back could mirror the success of other wide defenders in the league that have assumed the inverted role to the benefit of the attack.

Diaby could have the stability of a competent defender behind him as well as a strong presence in progressive play to support his offensive exploits on the flank.

As per FBref, the Argentine averaged in the top 11% of full-backs in LaLiga in terms of assists last season, averaging 0.18 per 90 as well as recording an average of 1.18 key passes per 90 to showcase his proficiency in the final third.

Once lauded as “electrifying” by journalist Aaron Stokes, Diaby could be the ideal partner on the flank for Montiel to align with at Villa Park, in a talent clued-up on the importance of going forward from deep.

Also highlighted by Target Scouting as being a defender with the ability to make a ‘good run’ to lure the opposition, the 26-year-old could entice the Frenchman to unlock further areas to his game as an additional target aside from those deployed in attack.

Emery could gift the Argentine with an escape route from Sevilla in making a swoop this summer, in a move that could benefit all parties.

The Bangladesh allrounder blamed overeager shot selection against part-time spin as the reason for his team’s defeat in the Champions Trophy semi-finall

George Dobell at Edgbaston16-Jun-2017

Bangladesh were “nowhere near their best,” said Shakib Al Hasan, as they succumbed to a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of India in the Champions Trophy semi-final at Edgbaston.They were progressing well at 154 for 2 with Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal well set with more than 20 overs left. But the introduction of Kedar Jadhav’s part-time offspin created “panic” in the batsmen who, in Shakib’s words, “played some silly shots” to be knocked over for 264.Shakib dismissed the idea that inexperience was to blame, pointing out that the players Jadhav dismissed were among the most seasoned in the Bangladesh side.”The way we performed today was very disappointing,” Shakib said. “We were in a good position to get 320 or 330. The batsmen were looking good to make individual hundreds and get us to 320.”But India bowled a few dot balls. And because it was a part-time bowler, the batsmen tried to score more runs and in doing that, they lost wickets. Losing two wickets to an occasional bowler obviously didn’t help. And from there on they kept on bowling in good areas and that put us under a lot of pressure.”We have played enough games to know these things happen. We are all experienced people. Bowlers bowl good balls and sometimes you can’t score runs. It doesn’t mean you panic and play big shots and get out. We played some silly shots. And on this wicket, a score of 260 or 270 is not even par.”In that situation, it was important for them to bat another five or 10 overs, like the way I did with Mahmudullah against New Zealand. If they could have batted until the 40th over, both would have scored their hundreds and we might have made 330 or 340.”That was the game-changing period. It is disappointing. Playing in a semi-final is a big thing for us but we were nowhere near our best.”Shakib wasn’t overly impressed with Bangladesh’s performance in the field, either. While he accepted the batsman had made life “very hard” for the bowlers with an inadequate total, he was disappointed by their response.”We have a solid bowling line-up,” he said. “But there isn’t much help for the bowlers on these wickets unless you are a super quality bowler. Most of our bowlers need a little bit of help from the wicket, but we haven’t been getting any. I haven’t taken any wickets in the tournament.”With our total and that wicket, we knew it was very hard for our bowlers. But still I think we were nowhere near our best in our bowling and fielding.”Shakib insisted there were no divisions in the squad, though, and suggested that the team would learn from the experience.”It’s a group,” he said. “It’s nothing individual. We play as a team, we win as a team and we lose as a team.”Now we have time to regroup and come back strongly. We’ve come a long way and from here we can only go forward. We will have a good break and think how we can move forward.”

Manchester United are still no further along in the process of being taken over and the situation is 'very complicated' at Old Trafford to predict when it will come to an end, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest takeover news involving Manchester United?

According to Qatari outlet Al Raya via The Mirror, Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation could bring an end to the drawn-out takeover process at Manchester United and finally assume control at Old Trafford.

The report states that Sheikh Jassim is now confident that he can win the race to take over from the Glazers and a deal may be officially announced in the not-too-distant future.

Manchester United have been up for sale since last November as the Glazer family seek 'strategic alternatives', including 'new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company'.

Sheikh Jassim wants to buy 100% of the Premier League giants while his main bidding rival, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm INEOS, are aiming to secure a majority share in the club that could still leave one or more of the Glazer family in minority stakeholding roles, as per The Guardian.

Despite the ongoing battle for control of Manchester United, the club have been active in the transfer market and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has completed his medical and will swap blue for red imminently, according to Sky Sports.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has detailed that it still looks like there is no end in sight in the long battle for ownership at Manchester United.

Romano said: “It’s very difficult to predict this very complicated story. So, I don’t want to lie to Man United fans, I don’t know when it will be completed. Honestly, the expectation was to have news already in March, in April, now we are in July and the situation is still the same. So, it’s a very complicated story.”

What other matters do Manchester United need to get to the bottom of this summer?

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag will be focused on recruitment for the new season. However, there is no doubt that his endeavours to sign top talent are being impeded by the ongoing battle for control at Old Trafford.

As per The Daily Mail, Ten Hag wants new signings in place by next week to follow Chelsea ace Mount into the building, though 'budget restrictions' are getting in the way amid interest in Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana and Feyenoord's Justin Bijlow, with a new goalkeeper said to be a main priority.

The Red Devils are keen to sign a striker this summer in addition to provide a focal point in attack and discussions with Atalanta rising star Rasmus Hojlund are continuing between both parties, as per 90min.

Sky Sports News have reported that Fiorentina enforcer Sofyan Amrabat is also on the radar at Manchester United as they continue to expand their transfer business as the window progresses.

Nevertheless, the takeover situation engulfing the club needs to be sorted out sooner or later, as Manchester United risk falling behind their rivals without the ability to effectively strengthen in key areas.