أشاد حاتم الطرابلسي، أسطورة كرة القدم التونسية، بالدولي المصري محمد صلاح نجم فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي ليفربول، بعد تألقه في الجولة الأولى من الدوري الإنجليزي.
وسجل محمد صلاح هدفًا وصنع آخر في فوز ليفربول بهدف نظيف على ملعب بورتمان، في افتتاحية مباريات الريدز ببطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز موسم 2024-2025.
هذا الهدف هو التاسع لصلاح في الجولة الافتتاحية، ليحتل صدارة قائمة أفضل الهدافين على الإطلاق في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز خلال الجولة الأولى.
وفي تصريحاته خلال تواجده باستوديو بي إن سبورتس، قال الطرابلسي: “للبقاء في القمة لابد أن يعمل اللاعب على نفسه ذهنيًا”.
وأضاف: “محمد صلاح ثابت وسريع ويتطور أكثر أمام المرمى في كل موسم. لكن للبقاء في هذا المستوى الذي نشاهده لـ محمد صلاح في كل موسم، ما بين التغيّر من حيث صناعة الأهداف والتسجيل، فهو يؤكد العمل الذهني الكبير الذي يقوم به”.
طالع أيضًا.. نجم توتنهام السابق: انتقاد محمد صلاح أمر جنوني
وكشف: “لدي معلومة بأن محمد صلاح لديه معد خاص وطبيب خاص للأمور الذهنية، يعمل عليها بشكل ممتاز، وهذا ما لم نعهده على لاعبينا الأفارقة والعرب”.
وأوضح: “أي لاعب يمكنه النجاح في موسم أو آخر، ولكن الاستمرار في هذا المستوى كما قلت يحتاج لعقلية احترافية ويحافظ على نفسه بشكل رائع”.
واستشهد: “نحن نشيد جميعًا بـ كريستيانو رونالدو وليونيل ميسي، لأن كلاهما مستمر حتى الآن في العطاء رغم تقدمهما في العمر، وننتقد رونالدينيو ونيمار”.
وواصل: “انتقاد البعض لعقلية نيمار ورونالدينيو، رغم أن كلبهما يمتلك إمكانيات رائعة بالكرة، ذلك لأن الثنائي لم يتمكنا من النجاح المتواصل، وأعتقد أن محمد صلاح غيّر ذلك. فهو يتمتع بعقلية احترافية يستطيع من خلالها إدارة مسيرته بشكل جيد، ويحافظ على عقليته كما هي”.
واختتم: “العائلة أيضًا توفر ظروف نجاح للاعب، ويجب الإشادة بعائلة محمد صلاح والمقربين منه، زوجته وأولاده وجميع من حوله، يجعلونه يركز بشكل أكبر في كرة القدم، لأن الأمر ليس سهلًا على الإطلاق”.
Manchester City are willing to submit a huge offer to bring a rising star to the Premier League in January, according to a fresh report.
Man City's summer signings
The Sky Blues secured four fresh faces during the previous transfer window in the form of Josko Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku and Mateo Kovacic, and despite the squad’s impressive form this season, club chiefs are of course assessing who they could sign in January.
The Etihad Stadium outfit have been linked with moves for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz and AC Milan forward Francesco Camarda, but should the hierarchy fail to secure the services of the latter player in particular, Pep Guardiola has set his sights on one of his teammates at the San Siro Stadium.
Man City want to hand “important contract” to record-breaking star
They have “seriously tried” to sign him in the past.
ByHenry Jackson Nov 28, 2023
The Serie A’s left-winger Rafael Leao has firmly established himself as Stefano Pioli’s overall best-performing player so far this season with a match rating of 7.14 (WhoScored – AC Milan statistics), but it’s not the first time that he’s been on the radar of the champions in England.
The Portugal international was strongly associated with a switch towards the end of last year, and whilst a deal for the 24-year-old has failed to come to fruition ever since, the following update would suggest that the board are willing to go one step further in order to secure his services in 2024.
Man City preparing bid for Rafael Leao
According to Spanish reports (via CaughtOffside), Man City are interested in Leao ahead of January. The Premier League giants are “keen on signing” the attacker and are claimed to be “willing to offer” approximately €150m (£129m) to get a deal over the line.
The AC Milan star will likely find a move attractive considering that he could compete for trophies on a regular basis, not to mention that he’d be able to get coached by Guardiola, so this could be one to keep a close eye on in the near future.
AC Milan forwardRafael Leao.
Leao could be a "difference-maker" for Guardiola
In the Serie A this season, Leao already has seven contributions, four assists and three goals, to his name in 12 appearances, which shows how prolific he can be in the final third, and he’s constantly posing a threat even if the end product isn’t always there (Transfermarkt – Leao statistics).
Standing at 6 foot 2, Almada’s native has recorded 21 shots over the course of the current campaign which is more than any of his fellow teammates (FBRef – AC Milan statistics), highlighting how much of a “difference-maker” he can be in the opposition's area, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Sponsored by Adidas, the forward is even a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions over the grass since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even as an attacking midfielder, so his ability to provide cover would make him a useful option to have in the building.
Having been named AC Milan’s Player of the Year during the 2021/22 season, Leao knows what it takes to be successful and is clearly getting the individual recognition that he deserves, so should the club get him to put pen to paper, it would be a massive coup for Guardiola and Man City.
Wolverhampton Wanderers made an interesting move over the summer as they opted to appoint Gary O'Neil after he was relieved of his duties by another Premier League club.
Bournemouth decided to part ways with the English tactician at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, despite his success in keeping them within the division, and the Old Gold swooped in to secure his services after Julen Lopetegui's departure.
The new head coach has enjoyed a solid start to his tenure at the Molineux and has already masterminded two memorable results for supporters to enjoy.
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil
O'Neil has won four of his opening 12 top-flight matches in charge of the club, and secured incredible victories over reigning champions Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur – both by a scoreline of 2-1.
Wolves have scored 16 goals in those 12 games and are well on course to beat their dismal tally of 31 goals in 38 Premier League outings last term.
The club could, however, look to make further additions to their attack during the upcoming January transfer window, despite their improvement in that area, as Youssoufa Moukoko has been linked with a move to England.
Wolves transfer news – Youssoufa Moukoko
Last month, 90min reported that the Old Gold are one of a number of teams eyeing up a possible swoop to sign the Borussia Dortmund centre-forward at the turn of the year.
The outlet claimed that the Germany international is exploring a potential loan move away from the Bundesliga outfit due to his lack of minutes on the pitch this season.
Sebastien Haller and Niclas Fullkrug have made it difficult for the teenage dynamo to find regular game time at first-team level, which now looks set to open the door for a winter exit.
youssouffa-moukoko
Premier League sides Wolves and Brentford are said to be keen on the 19-year-old attacker, whilst Lazio, Fiorentina, Lens, and Lyon are also in the running to secure his signature.
90min claimed that Liverpool are long-term admirers of the talented ace but it remains to be seen whether or not they would be interested in a loan deal for him at this moment in time.
O'Neil could, therefore, face stiff competition to land Moukoko's services in January as a number of teams could be competing to sign him on loan.
However, the Dortmund starlet could be a terrific addition to the squad if they are able to win the race as he has the potential to be an upgrade on current Wolves centre-forward Matheus Cunha, who has had a difficult year in England since his move to the club in January.
Cunha's Wolves career in numbers
The Brazil international was initially signed on loan from Spanish side Atletico Madrid at the start of the year in a deal that was pre-agreed to become a permanent one in the summer.
This meant that Wolves signed him permanently for a reported club-record fee of £43m at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, which came after a tough first five months at the club.
Matheus Cunha's pre-Wolves career (via Transfermarkt)
Statistic
FC Sion
RB Leipzig
Hertha BSC
Atletico Madrid
Appearances
32
52
40
54
Goals
Ten
Nine
13
Seven
Assists
Eight
Three
Ten
Eight
Cunha did not hit the ground running in English football as he struggled to make an impact at the top end of the pitch during the second half of last season.
The right-footed attacker scored two goals in 17 Premier League appearances, which included 12 starts, and scored from just one of his 18 shots within the penalty area.
Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.
He did not make up for his lack of goalscoring with creativity as the 24-year-old forward made 0.4 key passes per game and created one 'big chance' for his teammates in those 17 outings.
The Brazilian gem has enjoyed an improvement in that area this season with 0.9 key passes per match and three 'big chances' created for his fellow attackers across 12 top-flight starts for O'Neil.
However, Cunha has continued to struggle in front of goal with just two league strikes in 12 appearances. He is not able to blame his teammates for a lack of service as the Wolves striker has amassed 3.15 xG and missed three 'big chances'.
This shows that the former Atletico prospect has been wasteful with his shooting and has not been a reliable option at the top end of the pitch for the Old Gold.
Therefore, O'Neil could improve his team by bringing in a number nine who could provide more consistent quality in the final third, which is what Moukoko has the potential to do if they are able to sign him on loan from Dortmund during the January transfer window.
Moukoko's goal record for Dortmund
The £51k-per-week hotshot burst onto the scene for his club at youth level with a phenomenal record of 90 goals and 16 assists in 56 U17 matches.
He followed that up with a stunning 47 goals and ten assists in 25 U19 outings for the German giants and that form elevated him to first-team football.
To date, Moukoko has scored 14 goals and provided eight assists in 83 appearances for Dortmund, which includes 13 goals in 63 Bundesliga clashes.
Those numbers do not paint the full picture, though, as the teenage dynamo has often been used as an impact substitute rather than getting regular minutes as a starter.
Cody Gakpo
Fifth
Terem Moffi
Fourth
Alexander Sorloth
Third
Evan Ferguson
Second
Yoane Wissa
First
He has only started 14 Bundesliga matches in his career and contributed with 13 goals and six assists. During the 2022/23 campaign, Moukoko scored seven goals and assisted three in 11 starts for the German side, with five of his 24 shots inside of the box finding the back of the net.
As you can see in the post above, the teenage ace, who talent scout Jacek Kulig also hailed as being "born to score", is a "record-breaker" who has achieved a lot in his short career to date.
Moukoko would arrive with plenty of experience at such a young age and his form for Dortmund last season, and his overall Bundesliga record of goals and assists in comparison to starts, suggests that he could provide more quality than Cunha at the top end of the pitch.
This is why he could be an upgrade on the Brazil international if the young gem is able to adapt to English football and, therefore, be an excellent signing for O'Neil to make in January.
Liverpool fans have been left bemused by the decision to award Arsenal a penalty against Brighton after they did not get one against Manchester City.
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Arsenal awarded penalty against BrightonLiverpool fans vent anger on social mediaGunners go top of the table with winWHAT HAPPENED?
Gabriel Jesus picked up the ball just outside the Brighton penalty area before jinking inside the box and away from Tariq Lamptey. The Brighton defender took the Brazilian out after brushing the lower side of the ball, resulting in a a penalty that was dispatched by Bukayo Saka. VAR decided there was no clear and obvious error and the decision was upheld, despite the touch on the ball. Liverpool fans, however, have been quick to point to Jeremy Doku's challenge on Alexis Mac Allister last month was not given as a penalty because the Belgian got a touch on the ball first.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
Liverpool fans let their anger be known on X, @LfcShaunjudge said: "VAR is corrupt as f*ck.. Mac Allister didn't get penalty because Doku clips ball 1st… 10000000000% proves what a bunch of cheating w*nkers VAR are…"
Another Reds fan, @SawkurGod, took aim at PGMOL: "They said Doku got the ball first (highly debatable) and that was enough to make a kick to the chest legal. Lamptey clearly gets the ball before tripping Jesus, but that's not enough to overturn the call? No tribalism required to say the consistency from PGMOL really stinks."
David Phillips argued: "Premier League refereeing and its application of VAR is truly incomprehensible if you can award a penalty for Lamptey's challenge on Jesus but not award a penalty for the challenge by Doku on Mac Allister."
@Stehoare could not believe the decision. He said: Doku apparently touched the ball first, hence no pen given for the foul on Mac Allister. Lamptey touched the ball first, still a pen anyway… Make it make sense."
Some Liverpool fans even claimed there was corruption. @GeirIvanTorvik tweeted: Lamptey tackle, gets a small part of the ball. Penalty. Doku highfoot tackle, gets a small part of the ball. No penalty. Howard Webb is reading the rules from a checkbook."
@AnfieldRd96 believes the league have decided they do not want Liverpool to be crowned champions. They said: "The day they didn’t give Liverpool a penalty for Doku almost sending Mac Allister to hospital for multiple holes in his chest, that’s when I knew they didn’t want us to win it."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Both decisions can be considered to be 50:50 and could have been awarded either way. The difference between the two incidents lies in the on-field decision.0 The Gunners were awarded the penalty without hesitation by John Brooks and VAR did not deem it to be a clear and obvious error. Liverpool, however, were not awarded the spot kick and VAR did not overturn that decision either.
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL AND LIVERPOOL?
Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Brighton takes them back to the top of the summit and puts pressure on Liverpool to secure victory against Manchester United on Sunday. The Gunners meanwhile host a struggling Bayern Munich on Tuesday in the Champions League quarter-finals.
أوضح محمود حرب مدير الكرة في منتخب مصر الأولمبي، كواليس معسكر المنتخب المقام حالياً في مدينة بوردو الفرنسية، استعدادًا لأولمبياد باريس 2024.
ويستهل منتخب مصر الأولمبي مبارياته بمواجهة جمهورية الدومينيكان يوم 24 يوليو، ثم يلعب أمام أوزبكستان 27 من الشهر ذاته، ويختتم مواجهاته أمام إسبانيا 30 يوليو.
وقال محمود حرب في تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر 2”: “المعسكر كان ناجحًا بكل المقاييس، اندماج اللاعبين الكبار مع الصغار، الملفت للنظر أنك تشعر أن محمد النني وزيزو مع اللاعبين منذ سنتين، واعتادا على طريقة اللعب وهذا أعطى راحة نفسية لميكالي”.
طالع أيضاً.. خاص | باستثناء مركز واحد.. ميكالي يحسم تشكيل مصر أمام الدومينيكان في الأولمبياد
وعن إصابة أحمد نبيل كوكا، أفاد: “حتى الآن يسير على التأهيل ومنتظرين القرار، هل سيلحق بالمباراة الأولى أم لا، ولكن يوجد تحسن بشكل كبير”.
وأتم: “لا ننظر إلى المنافسين في الأولمبياد ولكن ما نريده أن نحصل على ميدالية، وهذا ما قاله ميكالي منذ سنتين ونصف بعد توليه تدريب المنتخب”.
Angela Williamson, who was dismissed over her tweets criticising the Tasmanian government’s abortion policies, has rejected an alternative job offer from the board
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Aug-2018Angela Williamson, the former Cricket Australia (CA) employee sacked over her tweets criticizing the Tasmanian government’s abortion policies, has rejected an alternative job offer from the board, and is set to fight her case in the Federal Court.On Friday, Williamson argued before the Fair Work Commission, in a conciliatory hearing with CA, that she had been unfairly sacked over a political opinion. The two parties failed to come to an amiable agreement, however, and Williamson has resolved to continue her battle in court.”I spoke my mind on a political issue because I believe strongly in the reproductive health rights of Tasmanian women,” Williamson said. “I am disappointed the case didn’t resolve today but I am prepared to continue my fight in the Federal Court.”On Friday, CA chief executive James Sutherland said he had offered Williamson a new role within CA – that of communications manager – community cricket. She had been employed as a government relations manager in Tasmania before her dismissal.”We have reflected on Angela’s dismissal and been empathetic to her personal circumstances and the sensitivity of the underlying issues,” Sutherland said.”Over recent weeks, I have personally been involved in discussions with Angela about a return to CA in the role of communications manager – community cricket. She has informed CA that she will not be taking up the new opportunity and, whilst we are disappointed, we fully respect Angela’s decision.”Kamal Faroque, Williamson’s lawyer, said Williamson had rejected the offer since it was not the same role she had held previously.”Angela Williamson spoke about about women’s access to abortion in Tasmania, and she lost her job. That should never have happened,” Williamson’s lawyer Kamal Farouque said. “We will now continue the case in the Federal Court to determine that she should not have lost her job for expressing a political opinion.”We note that Cricket Australia made a statement early this morning, a few hours prior to the conciliation, disclosing that it had offered Ms Williamson an alternative job.”The offer was made two weeks ago, directly to Ms Williamson by Cricket Australia. Ms Williamson considered the offer and rejected it as it was not the same position she had been dismissed from.”While revealing CA’s offer of an alternative role, Sutherland had stated the organisation’s view that it would be untenable for Williamson to continue in a role that involved engaging with the government.”In our reflections we have also reaffirmed the necessity to administer social media policy while respecting people’s rights to publish personal views,” he said. “The need to be bipartisan in our government engagement has also been acknowledged.”While this is a difficult matter with many aspects and layers, it’s important that in our leadership of cricket in this country, we continue to be guided and influenced by our values. Our values focus heavily on demonstrating appropriate behaviours and showing respect to members and stakeholders of our diverse community all the time.”Getty ImagesThe tweets that led to Williamson’s sacking criticised Tasmania’s health minister Michael Ferguson, describing him as “most irresponsible … gutless and reckless” for helping the government reject a parliamentary motion to return access to abortions in public hospital. In a report published by Fairfax Media, Williamson revealed she had been compelled to fly from Hobart to Melbourne on the mainland to have a surgical abortion in February this year.Tasmania Police, meanwhile, has dismissed calls for a probe into allegations that Ferguson – who is also police minister – had revealed medical information to CA before she was sacked, when Cricket Tasmania CEO Nick Cummins had called him to apologise for Williamson’s tweets.Ferguson has denied these allegations, saying he had no access to Williamson’s private medical information, and that any knowledge he had of her experiences came from what Williamson herself had posted on social media, referring to a link she had tweeted to a article while identifying herself as the subject of the piece.He also denied that he played any role in getting Williamson sacked, and said he had no issues with her expressing her opinions.”Mr Cummins rang me because he was concerned that I would interpret Ms Williamson’s comments as an attack on me by Cricket Tasmania,” Ferguson said in a statement. “My point was that anybody who had seen Ms Williamson’s tweets, as I had, would appreciate that her contribution was a personal one and that it was understandable that she was passionate about the issue.”I expressed that as a politician I am used to public criticism and as Mr Cummins has stated, that I was happy to forgive and forget the tweet Mr Cummins rang me to apologise for. As has already been established, I made no attempt to influence Ms Williamson’s employment status.”In fact, I asked Mr Cummins to understand that the Government was unreservedly willing to keep working positively with Cricket Australia / Tasmania and was not seeking any apology from Ms Williamson.”
شنّ محمد عادل، المشرف العام على الكرة بنادي المقاولون العرب، هجومًا حادًا على الوضع الحالي لكرة القدم المصرية، مؤكدًا أن “ما يحدث هو فوضى كروية حقيقية”.
وقال عادل، في مداخلة عبر إذاعة “أون سبورت إف إم”: “نحن في فوضى كروية، ماذا يعني تعديل لجنة الحكام؟، لا يوجد فريق لم يشتكي من التحكيم والأخطاء الفجة؟ نحن لا نُعالج الأمور بشكل صحيح”.
وتابع: “لا أحد يسأل رئيس لجنة الحكام الأجنبي عن عمله، بينما نمتلك 24 حكمًا، لكن العدد لا يعني الجودة، فلو كان لدينا 4 أو 5 حكام مميزين لكان أفضل بكثير من 24 حكمًا عاديًا”.
طالع أيضًا | المقاولون العرب يخاطب اتحاد الكرة ورابطة الأندية مجددًا بشأن طلب إعادة مباراة بيراميدز
وأضاف: “حل أزمة الكرة المصرية يكمن في إسناد إدارتها إلى أشخاص محترفين متفرغين يتقاضون رواتب حقيقية تُعادل تفرغهم لهذا العمل، فاتحاد الكرة يحتاج إلى جهد كبير جدًا”.
وأوضح: “عندما يتفرغ أشخاص لإدارة الكرة، سيستعينون بخبرات كبيرة، وستتغير منظومة كرة القدم المصرية بأكملها. لا يوجد شيء اسمه تطوع في هذا المجال، فالزمن قد تغير، والمسؤولون يجب أن يتفرغوا لإدارة الاتحاد”.
وكشف عادل عن سبب اعتذار معتمد جمال عن تدريب المقاولون العرب، وهو صعوبة موقف الفريق، لكنه أعرب عن تفاؤله بقدرة عماد النحاس على الحفاظ على تواجد الفريق في الدوري الممتاز.
واختتم عادل: “حتى لو هبط المقاولون العرب إلى دوري الدرجة الثانية، سيستمر عماد النحاس على رأس الجهاز الفني، وسنعمل بسرعة على إعادة الفريق إلى مكانه الطبيعي في الدوري الممتاز”.
The allrounder has been named in a 13-man squad that will take on an ICC Rest of the World XI at Lord’s to raise funds for rehabilitation of cricket centres in the Caribbean
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Apr-2018Allrounder Andre Russell is set to return to the West Indies squad for the first time since he was banned for a doping-code violation in January 2017. He was named in a 13-man squad for the Hurricane Relief T20 Challenge, a charity match against an ICC Rest of the World XI. The match is being staged with the support of the MCC, ECB and ICC to raise funds to rebuild and restore five cricket venues in the Caribbean that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria last year.The squad will be led by allrounder Carlos Brathwaite and will also feature openers Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis. All three of them, along with Russell, are currently playing in the IPL, which is scheduled to end on May 27, three days before the charity match at Lord’s.”We welcome the return of the players who missed the Pakistan series and are delighted to recall Andre Russell to the squad, as we believe he will have a key role in our white-ball cricket. Denesh Ramdin and Keemo Paul keep their places after encouraging performances at both regional and international level,” the chairman of selectors Courtney Browne said.The five major venues
Ronald Webster Park, Anguilla – damaged in Irma
Sir Viv Richards Stadium, Antigua – temporarily converted to host refugees from Barbuda following Irma
Windsor Park Stadium, Dominica – damaged in Maria
A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground, BVI- damaged in Irma
Carib Lumber Ball Park, St Maarten – damaged in Irma
Russell last played an international match in August 2016 and is currently in the middle of a productive comeback which began with him representing Jamaica in the Regional 50-over competition in February.This isn’t the first charity match being staged to raise funds to repair the damage done by the two Category 5 hurricanes, Irma and Maria – the former being the most powerful recorded in the Atlantic since 2005 – which ravaged the Caribbean Islands last year, among other hurricanes through August and September.In October last year, Darren Sammy and Kieron Pollard had led the Caribbean Select XI and Trinidad sides in a charity match that was aimed to directly help the communities that had suffered damages. This time round, the focus will be on the major cricketing centres that were affected, with all proceeds going into their rehabilitation.Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave said: “On behalf of CWI, I’d like to thank the players for their commitment to and support of this vital cause. We’re hoping to raise a significant sum from the Hurricane Relief T20 Challenge and are very grateful to the MCC, ECB and ICC, without whom this match would not be taking place.”West Indies squad: Samuel Badree, Carlos Brathwaite (capt.), Rayad Emrit, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Kesrick Williams
Match referee Jeff Crowe will deliver his verdict on Monday, with Kagiso Rabada facing the possibility of a ban for the rest of the series
Firdose Moonda in Port Elizabeth11-Mar-2018Kagiso Rabada will find out if he will play any part in the remaining two Tests in the series on Monday, when match referee Jeff Crowe will announce his verdict after a hearing on Sunday evening. Rabada was charged with a Level 2 offence after a shoulder bump against Australia’s captain Steven Smith on the first day. He attended a hearing at the close of play on day three and Crowe now has 24 hours to make a decision. If found guilty, Rabada will have three demerit points added to the five he already has and will miss the rest of the series.This would not be the first time Rabada has fallen foul of the ICC’s code of conduct or the first time he has been banned – he sat out the second Test against England last July – but though his team-mates are rallying around him, they also want him to start taking stock of his celebrations. “He’s got to be smarter and he knows that,” AB de Villiers said. “I don’t know what is going to happen to him after this Test but if he is around for the next Test match I think he would have learnt from his mistakes.”De Villiers said that Rabada’s outbursts, which became multiple after he proceeded to give David Warner a send-off in the second innings (an act for which he has yet to be charged) were spontaneous reactions that bubbled up after an incident-filled first Test. Bad blood between the sides emerged at Kingsmead, where David Warner and Quinton de Kock were involved in a stairwell spat. Both were disciplined but tensions ran high in Port Elizabeth, where some sections of the crowd took it upon themselves to try to antagonise Warner.Although on the field there was not as much chatter as usual, Rabada was one of the few with a lot to say. “There was a lot of emotion from that last Test match going into this one and once again, as a fast bowler, you want to prove things to people and you want to show everyone you belong on this stage,” de Villiers said. “In a way I understand it. Dale [Steyn], when he’s on fire, you don’t even understand what’s going on in that mind, you just see eyes and all sorts of stuff. Luckily for him he’s never crossed that line. But I think it’s because we get to him. We’ll try and get to KG before he does the damage.”When Rabada next plays, South Africa’s senior players will look to hatch a plan to ensure Rabada reacts less aggressively in the direction of the opposition. “It’s up to some of our senior guys to just help him. It’s important to some of the players to get around him before he gets close to a batter to tell him ‘you know what? I just got you out.’ That’s what it basically comes down to except with more emotion. He wants to tell him ‘I just won that battle’. I would’ve been the same. You see me when I take a good catch and it’s a big wicket … thank goodness I’m not close to the batter because I think I’ll do the same thing. I have sympathy for the guys who cross the line but they’ve got to find a way.”Even the opposition feel similarly. Australia bowling coach David Saker admitted that if he played today, he would be among those who get so fired up they sometimes can’t control themselves.”I’m probably the worst person ever to be commenting on disciplinary … out there there’s a lot of passion, a lot of willingness to win a game of cricket, things sometimes don’t go your way and you get frustrated but I think the game has moved forward since the times I played,” Saker said. “If I played now I’d probably only play two games a year, so you’ve just got to be much more careful these days. But the game is so competitive, you’re trying to win for your country and sometimes you can go overboard but it’s not a great look.”But Rabada may not get much sympathy from those who study his rap sheet. In January last year, Rabada received three demerit points after a shoulder barge on Niroshan Dickwella at an ODI in Cape Town. There, the match referee ruled that the contact made was “inappropriate and avoidable”. Then, in July, during the first Test against England at Lord’s, Rabada earned a fourth when he told Ben Stokes to “f*** off” after dismissing him. As a result, Rabada missed the second Test at Trent Bridge and was said to be “heartbroken” because he had let the team down.Rabada seemed to may have understood the seriousness of the sanction at the time, but he did not remain chastened for long. In an ODI against India last month, he picked up another demerit point when he waved Shikhar Dhawan off the field after dismissing him and then told him to “f*** off” as well.That meant Rabada came into this series with five points against him, which should have resulted in greater vigilance, especially given his importance to South Africa. Rabada is the leading wicket-taker in the series so far, with 12 scalps, and single-handedly bowled his team into a position of authority on the first day in Port Elizabeth, with five wickets in 18 balls. Losing him could have a significant effect on the series, especially if Steyn, who is targeting the Cape Town Test for a comeback, is unavailable. For Australia, though, not having to face Rabada would be nothing short of a blessing.”He’s been probably one of the outstanding bowlers of the series so far and with his pace and the way he strikes, I think his strike rate’s one of the better ones in the world, it would be beneficial if we didn’t have to face him,” Saker said. “Too or three years ago when I first saw the guy, it was pretty exciting. He’s still a kid now, he’s just got this raw pace, his arm speed is quite amazing and he keeps running in. Like a lot of really good bowlers he gets wickets in clumps and puts pressure on the new batters. He’s hard to start against because of his pace. You wouldn’t be changing a thing. South Africa are very blessed to have him in their team.”
Leeds United could welcome back three players from injury for this weekend’s trip to Millwall, according to The Yorkshire Evening Post.
What’s the latest Leeds injury news?
The Whites and Daniel Farke have had a number of injury issues already this season.
Stuart Dallas has remained sidelined as has Junior Firpo, with the pair yet to feature at all under the new Leeds manager. Forwards Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph were injured in pre-season and haven’t featured since, whereas captain Liam Cooper sustained a foot problem on the opening weekend after scoring against Cardiff City.
New signing Sam Byram had an adductor issue in the club’s only Championship win against Ipswich Town and wingers Dan James and Ian Poveda have also been injured in recent weeks.
However, it looks as if Farke and Leeds are set for a much-needed boost heading to The Den on Sunday lunchtime as domestic action returns.
According to The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Joe Donnohue, James has a chance of featuring against Millwall following an adductor injury.
“Wales international James has a chance of making this weekend's matchday squad against Millwall after picking up an adductor strain last month. Wales boss Rob Page described the issue as a 'three-week injury' prior to September's international break, therefore his comeback is imminent.”
The next was Joseph, who ‘will be considered’ this weekend after spraining his ankle.
“England youth international Mateo Joseph is highly-rated by Whites boss Farke but missed the first month of the new campaign with an ankle sprain. He's back in training now, though, and will be considered for Sunday's game against Millwall.”
Finally, Poveda also appears to be on course for potential selection from the bench this weekend.
“Another who could be back for this weekend's fixture is Ian Poveda, who made a splash during pre-season, featuring unexpectedly under Farke after two seasons out on loan. The winger's return from injury supplements Leeds' wide options, most likely as an impact sub.”
Dan James
Leeds’ next five fixtures…
The Whites have struggled to get that winning feeling back at Elland Road after relegation from the Premier League last season, winning just one of their opening five second-tier fixtures.
Three home draws and one away defeat alongside the win at Portman Road leaves Farke’s side with work to do over the coming weeks to climb the table.
First up is a trip to Millwall on Sunday, which is followed by another away game against Hull City on Wednesday evening. A return to Elland Road against Watford follows on Saturday 23 September, with Leeds ending September with a trip to Southampton on Saturday 30 September.
October begins with a home clash against Queens Park Rangers, and by then, Leeds and Farke will be hoping to be higher than their current 15th-place position.
The hope will be that more players can return from injury over the coming weeks alongside James, Joseph and Poveda, and having a fully fit squad for large parts of the campaign will only help the club’s chances of returning to the top flight at the first time of asking.