Glasgow Rangers bounced back to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership by narrowly beating Hearts 1-0 at Ibrox on Sunday evening.

The Light Blues opened the scoring in the sixth minute of the match, through a bundled finish by Cyriel Dessers, and that was all it took to secure all three points.

It was far from a perfect performance from the Scottish giants, who tied with Hearts for ‘big chances’ created (2), but it was enough to claim the victory.

One player who caught the eye with his performance for Philippe Clement’s side was central midfielder Nicolas Raskin, who was announced as the Player of the Match in the stadium.

Nicolas Raskin's performance in numbers

The Belgian midfielder has enjoyed a run of games in midfield in recent weeks and his performance on Sunday evening showcased how much he is benefitting from that.

Raskin played the full 90 minutes at Ibrox and was constantly competing all over the park to win duels to help out his team defensively, whilst also making things tick in possession.

Vs Hearts	Nicolas Raskin
Minutes played	90
Pass accuracy	85%
Key passes	0
Duels won	11/15
Dribbles completed	2/5
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the former Standard Liege star was incredibly combative for Rangers and won the majority of his duels in midfield.

He was also relatively reliable in possession of the ball, completing 85% of his attempted passes, but did not create a single chance for his teammates.

Raskin was not the only midfielder to impress in the middle of the park for the Light Blues, however, as Mohamed Diomande was also in fine form.

Mohamed Diomande's performance in numbers

The Ivorian ace was selected in the number ten position, with Tom Lawrence sidelined with a thigh injury, and did enough to justify his place in the side with his display.

It was more industrious than you would typically expect from an attacking midfielder but he is far from a natural in that role, so it was to be expected.

Diomande helped Rangers to grind out the three points with his excellent work out of possession to constantly pressure and close down Hearts players when they had the ball.

The left-footed battler, who recorded a Sofascore rating of 7.4/10, won six of his ten ground duels and both of his aerial contests, which shows that he dominated opposition players on the ground and in the air in duels.

He made two tackles and one interception without being dribbled past a single time, and completed two of his three attempted dribbles, which shows that Diomande was as defensively impressive as Raskin was.

Meanwhile, the Ivorian dynamo completed 86% of his attempted passes and created three chances for his teammates, which shows that he tried to make things happen in the final third and was reliable in his use of the ball, albeit without being rewarded with an assist for his efforts.

Overall, Diomande and Raskin were both as impressive as each other in midfield and Clement will surely be happy with the dynamism his players showed in that area of the pitch.

Morelos 2.0: Rangers let go of a "big talent" who's now scoring for fun

The former Glasgow Rangers centre-forward has thrived since moving on from Ibrox.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 6, 2024

Arsenal are interested in signing a £40m-rated Premier League player who is now open to leaving his current club in January, according to a report.

Arsenal linked with new defenders

Although they endured a slow start to the campaign, Arsenal have shown signs of real improvement over the past few weeks, and they look particularly impressive from an attacking point of view, notching 13 goals in their last three matches.

The Gunners had the best defensive record in the top flight last season, shipping just 29 goals across the season, and despite their attacking prowess, they have looked a little more vulnerable defensively this term.

As such, Mikel Arteta may be keen to bring in some reinforcements at the back to provide the strong centre-back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba with some extra solidity.

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Last month, Arsenal are said to have made an approach for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, while Jules Kounde has also been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium due to Arteta’s admiration of the Frenchman.

Arsenal keen on Bournemouth's Kerkez

Not only has Arteta been running the rule over a number of centre-backs, but the manager may also now be keen on a new full-back, with Caught Offside reporting that AFC Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is on the list of potential options in that position for Arsenal.

Kerkez may be available sooner rather than later, with the report stating that he is open to a move away from his current club this January, and there are a number of other clubs also vying for his signature.

Liverpool are said to be stepping up their interest in the left-back, with the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Aston Villa also being named as potential suitors. Should Bournemouth sanction the 21-year-old’s departure, they would be looking to receive a fee in the region of £40m.

After his move to Bournemouth in the summer of 2023, the youngster was tipped for success by former teammate Mathew Ryan, who said:

“Milos is a great boy. A crazy dude, in a good way. He is always positive and smiling. Hopefully he can develop even further in England and become even more mature. He is aggressive, powerful and has so many qualities. A unique skill set. Bournemouth is going to get stronger because of him. Milos still has a great career ahead of him.”

Since then, the Hungary international has really kicked on, establishing himself as a first-team regular for the Cherries, so it is no wonder some of the Premier League’s top clubs could soon come calling.

NBC Sports’ Robbie Mustoe has also explained that he believes Kerkez is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League:

However, Arsenal are well-stocked at left-back, with Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko at Arteta’s disposal, so signing the Bournemouth star could be low down the list of priorities this winter, although it looks like one to watch following this update.

رفض خفيتشا كفاراتسخيليا، الدولي الجورجي، لاعب فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي، اعتبار فريقه متأهلًا قبل مواجهة الإياب ضد أستون فيلا.

وفاز باريس سان جيرمان بثلاثية مقابل هدف في ذهاب ربع نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، على ملعب بارك دي برانس، قبل مواجهة الإياب الثلاثاء المقبل بملعب فيلا بارك.

طالع أيضًا.. إيمري بعد ثلاثية باريس سان جيرمان: واجهنا فريقًا بُني للفوز وكنا نفكر في مباراة الإياب

وقال كفاراتسخيليا في تصريحات عقب المباراة لوسائل الإعلام المختلفة: “لقد واجهنا فريقا صعبا للغاية، سعداء بهذه النتيجة، ولكن علينا مواصلة العمل هناك”.

وأضاف: “هناك مواجهة أخرى في ملعب فيلا بارك، ولا يمكن اعتبار فريقنا متأهل، المهمة لم تنتهِ بعد، ستكون مواجهة صعبة في الإياب، ونحن نعلم جيدًا قوة هذا الفريق (أستون فيلا)”.

وواصل: “علينا مواصلة اللعب بأسلوبنا أمامهم في الإياب، سنرى ما سيحدث هناك، لكننا نثق في أنفسنا، وقادرون على تكرار الفوز”.

واختتم: “لا أهتم للمركز الذي ألعب فيه، والأهم هو مساعدة الفريق، وأعتقد أن هذه هي عقلية جميع اللاعبين والشخصية التي نتمتع بها”.

West Ham United majority shareholder David Sullivan has already made a decision on hiring one potential Julen Lopetegui replacement, as murmurs continue to surround the Spaniard’s immediate future in east London.

Lopetegui fails to beat Everton as West Ham pressure grows

The Hammers’ 0-0 draw against Everton last weekend was billed by some as a must-win game for Lopetegui (Jacob Steinberg), so their bore draw stalemate at home to Sean Dyche’s strugglers certainly wouldn’t have helped to ease the noise surrounding the 58-year-old’s possible dismissal.

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He’s been in fantastic form since joining another club.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 13, 2024

Questions have been asked about Lopetegui’s approaches to games and consistent use of out-of-form players like Guido Rodriguez and Carlos Soler, with West Ham sitting 14th in the table and winning just three league games all season.

West Ham are believed to be sounding out managerial candidates to replace Lopetegui, even if no final decision has been made yet. Of the managers linked with moves to West Ham, ex-FC Porto boss Sergio Conceicao, former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic, Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness, ex-Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand and former Benfica tactician Roger Schmidt.

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#13

09/11/2024

Everton (H)

Premier League

0-0 draw

#12

02/11/2024

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#11

27/10/2024

Man United (H)

Premier League

2-1 win

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

#9

05/10/2024

Ipswich (H)

Premier League

4-1 win

#8

28/09/2024

Brentford (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#7

25/09/2024

Liverpool (A)

Carabao Cup

5-1 loss

#6

21/09/2024

Chelsea (H)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#5

14/09/2024

Fulham (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#4

31/08/2024

Man City (H)

Premier League

3-1 loss

#3

28/08/2024

Bournemouth (H)

Carabao Cup

1-0 win

#2

24/08/2024

Crystal Palace (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#1

17/08/2024

Aston Villa (H)

Premier League

2-1 loss

West Ham failed to score for the second game in a row against Everton, and Arsenal legend Martin Keown is convinced the Spaniard has lost his dressing room.

“It’s like Lopetegui has lost the players a little bit, he is shouting from the sidelines but some of his players are walking around,” Keown said (via The Mirror). “It looks a stroll in the park for Everton at the moment and that is a real worry for West Ham.”

West Ham make decision on hiring Graham Potter

According to GiveMeSport, an update has come to light on the prospect of West Ham hiring out-of-work former Brighton boss Graham Potter. Sullivan has already made a decision on appointing Potter to replace Lopetegui, and as per GMS, it is a polite no to the Englishman – who hasn’t been in a job since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023.

There are concerns within the West Ham boardroom that the 49-year-old is a “risky” appointment, despite the fine job he did at Brighton, where he laid the foundations for Roberto De Zerbi and Fabian Hürzeler to impress in his wake.

Pep Guardiola once called Potter “the best” English manager, with Adam Lallana also branding the tactician “world-class” during their time together at the Amex.

Newcastle have been dealt a cruel Carabao Cup final injury blow after it was revealed Lewis Hall will miss the rest of the season with a foot injury.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Hall out for the rest of the season
• Joins Gordon in missing Carabao Cup final
• Mohamed Salah will fancy his chances

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Hall sustained the injury during Newcastle's 2-0 defeat at Anfield in February and will miss the Carabao Cup final next weekend. He has established himself as Eddie Howe's first-choice left-back this season and the news will force a defensive reshuffle on a highly-anticipated occasion for the club.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Hall is the latest addition to a list of absentees for next Sunday's showdown, including winger Anthony Gordon, who is suspended after being sent off in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton at the weekend. Jamaal Lascelles is a long-term absentee, while there are concerns over Sven Botman, Alexander Isak and Kieran Trippier.

• WHAT NEWCASTLE SAID

  A Newcastle statement read: "Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall will miss the rest of the 2024-25 season after sustaining an injury to a bone in his foot. The 20-year-old was injured during the Magpies' Premier League fixture at Liverpool. Following a scan and advice from a specialist, Lewis will undergo surgery before a period of rehabilitation with the club's medical team."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE?

  Tino Livramento is Newcastle's only natural full-back who has regularly featured and is fully fit, with Trippier nursing a back problem and Hall now ruled out. The situation could see Howe turn to left-back Matt Targett, who has only made four appearances this season, or move Dan Burn back to the left-hand side of his defence. It is far from ideal ahead of the Wembley showdown, where the Premier League's current top scorer Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold will likely be lining up on Liverpool's right.

Kolkata Knight Riders have named Shreyas Iyer their new captain for the upcoming IPL season. Iyer was Knight Riders’ most expensive buy at the IPL 2022 auction last weekend – for INR 12.25 crore (USD 1.63 million approx.) – and became their highest-paid player by overtaking Andre Russell’s salary of INR 12 crore (USD 1.6 million approx.).Iyer takes over from Eoin Morgan, under whom Knight Riders had reached the IPL final last year and lost to Chennai Super Kings.”We are delighted firstly to have been able to successfully bid for Shreyas in the IPL auction and to have the opportunity for him to lead #TeamKKR,” Venky Mysore, CEO & MD of Knight Riders said in a statement. “He has impressed one and all as a quality batsman at the highest level and we are confident that he will excel as a leader of #TeamKKR.”Related

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• From shoulder dislocation to sealing a Test spot, how Shreyas Iyer turned it around

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• IPL 2022 mega auction: Ishan Kishan, Deepak Chahar and Shreyas Iyer earn the biggest bucks

Iyer has had considerable success as captain in the IPL. He led Delhi Capitals, his last franchise, to the playoffs in consecutive years in 2019 (eliminator) and 2020 (final). He led them from 2018 to 2021 before a shoulder injury during the home series against England early last year had ruled him out of IPL 2021. But the IPL was then postponed in May because of the rising Covid-19 cases in India, and when he returned to the squad for the second leg in the UAE, the Capitals management decided to continue with Rishabh Pant as captain, who had taken over from Iyer in May.Overall, Iyer has led in 41 matches in the IPL, out of which he won 21, lost 18 and two ended in ties.”I am extremely honoured to have gotten the opportunity to lead a prestigious team like KKR,” Iyer said. “The IPL as a tournament brings the best players from different countries and cultures together and I look forward to leading this great group of very talented individuals.”Iyer will join head coach Brendon McCullum in the team management, which also includes a new member in Bharat Arun as their bowling coach.”I am very excited to have one of India’s brightest future leaders in Shreyas Iyer, take the reins at KKR,” McCullum said. “I’ve enjoyed Shreyas’ game and his captaincy skills from afar and now will look forward to working closely with him to drive forward the success and style of play we want at KKR.”After the last IPL, Iyer also made a scintillating Test debut with a century and half-century at No. 5 against New Zealand in Kanpur. When the time came for IPL retentions, Iyer opted to go into the mega auction instead of being retained by Capitals.Iyer was then bagged by Knight Riders as the third most expensive player at the auction, after Ishan Kishan (INR 15.25 crore by Mumbai Indians) and Deepak Chahar (INR 14.00 crore by Chennai Super Kings).

In 1969, at the age of 23, George Best wanted to focus solely on the essentials. Just football, just his job. So he turned his back on his two other great passions, alcohol and women. His sobering conclusion: "It was the worst 20 minutes of my life." A Manchester United legend, that quote sums up Bet's rebellious attitude towards football, and life in general.

Getty ImagesDouble-life

Best was at the height of his career in '69. A year earlier, he had led United to their first European Cup, was the top scorer in England and won the Ballon d'Or.

But as prolific as Best was a producing spectacular dribbles, countless goals and important titles on the pitch, he was just as prominent when it came to partying, drinking and undertaking in affairs off it. At the time, his dazzling double-life as a football star and bon vivant was going well – but it would soon come to an end.

AdvertisementGetty Images'I think I've found a genius'

Best was born in Belfast in 1946 and grew up in a working-class neighbourhood. When he was 15 years old, he was discovered by Manchester United scout Bob Bishop, who wrote to the club's manager, Matt Busby: "I think I've found a genius."

Busby was in the process of building his second great team in Manchester. The first had been torn apart far too early by the tragic Munich air disaster of 1958, but the second achieved greatness. Best made his debut for United in 1963 at the age of 17 and quickly formed the most dangerous attack in the country alongside Denis Law and Bobby Charlton. Dubbed 'The Holy Trinity', Best, Law and Charlton have since been immortalised as statues outside Old Trafford.

United won the league in 1965 and 1967 before, in 1968 – exactly 10 years after Munich – they won their long-awaited first European Cup. Best put United ahead in extra-time in the final against Benfica, which ended in a 4-1 win for Busby's side.

Getty Images'Best I've ever seen'

Best had long been more than just a footballer. His sporting achievements, coupled with his rebellious lifestyle, infamous escapades, long hair and catchphrases, exuded a very special magic. He was one of the world's first football celebrities, 'the fifth Beatle', a true sensation. Emerging from the somewhat socially rigid early-1960s, he, like many rockstars, stood for the dawn of a new era.

"If you gave me the choice between scoring a goal from 40 yards at Anfield or going to bed with Miss World, it would be a tough decision," Best once said. "Luckily, I've done both!" 

Another of his memorable one-liners went: "I spent most of my money on alcohol, women and fast cars. The rest I just squandered!"

Best's rise was rapid, but so was his decline. The European Cup victory proved to be his last major title, as his priorities shifted further and further away from sport and into nightlife. Far too early in his career, football became a secondary concern for Best despite his ridiculous levels of talent.

"The best I've ever seen," said Pele of the Northern Ireland international; Best replied that this praise was the "highest honour of his life".

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Getty ImagesSimply the best

Best would repeatedly turn up drunk for training, and in 1972, United coach Tommy Docherty suspended him. Two years later, at the age of just 27, Best played his final game for United. He then spent 10 years playing for various lower-league teams in England and the United States, with the spotlight now focused on his life off the pitch.

Best's gambling addiction drove him into financial ruin, while his alcohol addiction ruined his health. His marriage failed, as did his ventures as the owner of nightclubs and fashion boutiques. He even spent the Christmas of 1984 in prison after driving while intoxicated before getting into an altercation with a police officer.

In 2002, he received a liver transplant, but continued to drink, and in November 2005, Best died of multiple organ failure at the age of just 57. Around 100,000 people made the pilgrimage to his funeral in Belfast, where the eulogy was given by the then-British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. In Manchester and in his hometown, people still say today: "[Diego] Maradona good, Pele better, George Best."

MatériaMais Notícias

Após muita pressão de todos os lados – torcedores comuns, influenciadores, organizadas e até de conselheiros aliados -, a presidente Leila Pereira oficializou nesta quinta-feira (3) a troca no comando da comunicação do Palmeiras.

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O jornalista Olivério Júnior será substituído pelo colega de profissão FernãoKetelhuth, que tem passagens por grandes veículos como Gazeta Esportiva, Diário de São Paulo e o próprio LANCE!.

Olivério sofreu uma pressão descomunal desde que assumiu a função oficialmente. Na última quarta-feira (2), por exemplo, durante a vitória por 2 a 0 do Verdão sobre o Athletico, na final da Recopa Sul-Americana, no Allianz Parque, a Mancha Verde, principal organizada do clube, se manifestou antes, durante e depois da partida contra o jornalista.

Leila bancou Olivério na função inclusive na última semana, durante encontro na Academia de Futebol com influenciadores. Entretanto, conselheiros aliados da dirigente chegaram a assinar um manifesto acusando que o jornalista teria interesses conflitantes com os do Palmeiras ocupando o cargo.

Apesar de deixar o Palmeiras, Olivério continuará trabalhando com Leila, em parceria que dura desde 2016, tanto no âmbito pessoal como em suas empresas.

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Both teams are coming off a lean trot in T20Is, but the visitors like the format, while the hosts don’t

Mohammad Isam02-Mar-2022Big pictureAfghanistan will be happy with action shifting to the two-match T20I series that begins in Dhaka on Thursday, but Bangladesh might feel differently; they have started to dread the format in recent times. Bangladesh have lost their last eight T20Is, and although Afghanistan didn’t cover themselves in glory in the T20 World Cup last year, everyone agrees that they love T20s, and they have the personnel for it.This time, Afghanistan have a new-look side after dropping a number of senior cricketers, most notably, Mohammad Shahzad, Gulbadin Naib, Hamid Hassan and Hashmatullah Shahidi. They have made way for, among others, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai and Nijat Masood. Asghar Afghan has also retired, which leaves more responsibility on the shoulders of senior pros Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran.With Naveen-ul-Haq also absent, they will also have a new-look pace attack, with Karim Janat and Omarzai in the mix as the allrounders. Their main strength, as always, will be the spin trio of Rashid Khan, Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and now they also have Qais Ahmad, who did well in the BPL.Bangladesh have returned to some of their T20 World Cup players, including Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan. While Shakib was out with an injury recently, Litton was dropped after the World Cup, perhaps unfairly. They will still be without Mushfiqur Rahim though, who’s out of at least the first match with a “contusion of the right thumb”. “He will be under observation of the medical team and will be assessed on Friday before a decision is made regarding his availability for the second and final match of the series,” as per a BCB statement.*The selectors have included Munim Shahriar, the big-hitting opener who made a good first impression in this season’s BPL.But getting rid of Shamim Hossain and Nurul Hasan does seem hasty, given that they were growing into the finishers’ role. That will now go back to Mahmudullah, who would expect Yasir Ali and Afif Hossain to help him out in the last few overs.How Bangladesh shape their pace attack might be interesting too. They may want to look at Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam up front, with Mustafizur Rahman the floater, so to say, to attack Rahmanullah Gurbaz, but that could be at the cost of an extra batter.Form guideBangladesh LLLLL (Last five completed matches; most recent first)
Afghanistan LLWLWAfghanistan’s bowling plans will revolve around Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, as well as Mujeeb Ur Rahman•AFP/Getty ImagesIn the spotlightThe big-hitting Rahmanullah Gurbaz struck his third ODI hundred earlier this week. Gurbaz’s 180.51 strike rate in this season’s PSL adds to Afghanistan’s top-order firepower that already includes Hazratullah Zazai and newcomer Rasooli. Gurbaz prefers to hit the ball down the ground but he has also shown his willingness to launch into pull shots and the square cut.Team newsShakib and Litton will slot into the XI, while Shahriar could make his international debut. Mushfiqur Rahim picked up a finger injury during training on Wednesday and will miss the match. Nurul Hasan* was added to the squad overnight and could come in straightaway.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Litton Das, 2 Munim Shahriar, 3 Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Nurul Hasan (wk), 5 Mahmudullah (capt), 6 Yasir Ali, 7 Afif Hossain, 8 Mahedi Hasan, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Nasum Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur RahmanRasooli and Omarzai could make their T20I debuts looking at how Afghanistan have been looking at making changes and giving their team a fresh look.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Hazratullah Zazai, 2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3 Darwish Rasooli, 4 Najibullah Zadran, 5 Mohammad Nabi (capt), 6 Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Karim Janat, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10 Fazalhaq Farooqi, 11 Farid AhmedPitch and conditionsIt will be interesting to see if the Shere Bangla National Stadium’s curator Gamini Silva avoids laying out a turner, something he is used to doing even for T20s. Chattogram had a grassy pitch that worked against the Afghanistan spinners, so Dhaka could also go that way. Dry weather is forecast.Stats and trivia Afghanistan have won four of their six T20Is against Bangladesh. Mahmudullah is 29 runs away from becoming the first Bangladesh batter to reach 2000 runs in T20Is. Shakib, who holds the record for most wickets in the format, is 106 runs away from 2000 runs.*

As those at Anfield begin to think about potential upgrades for Arne Slot, Michael Edwards reportedly sent Liverpool scouts on a fresh mission to watch an attacking target he has already enquired about.

Liverpool transfer news

Heading into the weekend eight points clear at the top of the Premier League standings and the only side with a 100% record in the Champions League after defeating Real Madrid, things couldn’t be going much better for Slot’s Liverpool side.

The Reds – barring one slip against Nottingham Forest – have been untouchable and have the chance to go 11 points clear of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this weekend.

However, those at Anfield can’t afford to rest on their laurels, especially if Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all fail to sign fresh deals to keep them at the club beyond this summer.

It would be the ultimate failure if Liverpool allowed all three to depart as free agents. But if that does happen, the Reds must turn to the transfer market.

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With that said, according to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Liverpool scouts were recently sent on a fresh mission to watch Georgiy Sudakov as his Shakhtar Donetsk side suffered a 3-2 defeat against PSV Eindhoven in midweek. This follows Michael Edwards’ initial enquiry earlier this year about the attacking midfielder, who is valued at £50m and reportedly ready to leave his current club in January.

The 23-year-old has continued to impress for Shakhtar, despite defeat against PSV in the Champions League last time out. And given that Slot’s system allows No 10s to flourish, Sudakov could emerge to become the ultimate option at the heart of the Dutchman’s midfield.

"Brilliant" Sudakov is on the rise

We’ve seen Curtis Jones thrive and it feels inevitable that Harvey Elliott will enjoy similar success in Slot’s system, which features the No 10 role that Klopp’s setup lacked in the face of several players who are best in the more advanced position.

Sudakov could prove to be better than both academy graduates, highlighting the levels he’s capable of reaching.

Scoring eight goals and assisting a further three for Shakhtar so far this season, Sudakov also offers key versatility as a player who is capable of playing off the left-hand side, as well as in a deeper midfield role. Dubbed a “brilliant midfielder” by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig earlier this year, there’s no doubt that the 22-year-old is one to watch.

For £50m, Liverpool could get themselves a bargain in today’s market, especially if Sudakov continues his recent rise to become one of the most talented players in his position.