Afghanistan are on the rise, despite playing so little international cricket, but Bangladesh T20 coach Sriram expects his team to “go out there” and “do the job”

Mohammad Isam29-Aug-2022

Rashid Khan: We have more youngsters now than before. Most of the guys enjoy this short format•ICC via Getty

Rashid Khan believes that Afghanistan’s relatively younger side enjoying T20s is making a big difference. Their eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup opener sent out a warning to the rest of the participants that when they combine well as a team, they can be quite dangerous.Rashid, regarded among T20’s elite, said that their contest against Bangladesh on Tuesday will tilt towards the side that handles the pressure better, but stressed on how well Afghanistan have prepared ahead of this tournament.Related

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“We have more youngsters now than before,” Rashid said. “Most of the guys enjoy this short format. We are playing in Sharjah after a long time, but at the same time, our cricket remains the same. We know our roles. We are playing Bangladesh away for the first time since Dehradun, so it has been four years. At the same time, whoever plays better cricket and controls their nerve in the big game, they will do the best. As a team, we will prepare well and go with a fresh mind and enjoy the cricket.”Afghanistan are benefiting from playing a lot of franchise T20 over the last few years. Indeed, many of the capped and uncapped Afghan players are in high demand in most of the leagues. Rashid believes that they are making up for the lack of international cricket with franchise exposure.”We don’t play a lot of longer format cricket,” he said. “It is about the FTP, and not in the players’ hands. We want to play a lot of international cricket, so that our youngsters can understand the environment to improve their skills. Since we play a lot of international leagues, it gives us the opportunity to learn from the best players. We bring that experience to the international team. We share that with the rest of the team.”Specially in the batting department it helps if we play more international leagues. If there’s international duty, you have to be present. It is always first priority. But we are hopeful of playing more international games in the coming years.”Afghanistan rolled Sri Lanka over to kick off the Asia Cup•AFP via Getty Images

Meanwhile, Bangladesh have much to prove after going down to ODI and T20I series defeats in Zimbabwe recently. Even so, Rashid knows not to take them lightly, like his Sri Lankan counterpart Dasun Shanaka who termed Bangladesh as a “weaker opponent” to Afghanistan.”It will be different condition in Sharjah tomorrow,” he said. “Shakib [Al Hasan] is the skipper, the most experienced player in the side. It makes a huge difference. But we think about our process. It is in the players’ mind. We know our roles and jobs tomorrow. We don’t think about the result, whether we beat them or not.”We don’t think opposition is weak or strong. You can’t say that in cricket. It is something that you never handle the result of the game. For us, every opposition is tough. We have to take the opposition seriously, and be well prepared. If we are playing Hong Kong or India tomorrow, we will have the same preparation.”Bangladesh have appointed Sridharan Sriram as a technical consultant, essentially their T20 head coach for the next three months, while Shakib, despite a sponsorship controversy, was made the new captain.Sriram, who only joined the team a few days before their departure from Dhaka, said that proper communication and role clarity are some of the first things he has tried to establish with the team.”I think it is about role clarity,” he said. “One thing we have made an effort to do is, be as clear in communication as possible to what to expect from everyone. Players are aware of their roles. Once we get there, we will assess conditions and probably take the right call.”We are clear about our game style. What we want to play. I have played in Sharjah so many times. It is good that we didn’t practice there. Practice facilities are not great in Sharjah. We have had very good facilities here, so we are happy with what we got.”Bangladesh go into the Asia Cup having lost series to West Indies and Zimbabwe, and looking confused in many aspects of the game. But Sriram is hopeful that with the right encouragement, things can change.”We have to give them the freedom to play,” he said. “Ability-wise there’s no doubt that Bangladesh has the ability to do it. But it is about going out there, and getting the confidence. Keep expressing themselves, keep doing the job.”

MatériaMais Notícias

da jogodeouro： Apesar dos bons resultados na temporada, o Corinthians ainda não tinha feito uma atuação convincente para o seu torcedor, especialmente em clássicos. A goleada por 4 a 0 contra o Santos representou um marco na temporada do Timão, que está em sinergia com a torcida, responsável por uma linda festa nas arquibancadas da Neo Química Arenano jogo de ida das oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil.

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da bet nacional： + GALERIA -Willian e Giuliano se destacam em goleada do Timão; veja notas

O timeacabou com o tabu dos clássicosno ano de maneira grandiosa e irrepreensível, para torcedor algum colocar defeito. Do apito inicial até o último toque na bola o time do Parque São Jorge honrou o canto efusivo e apaixonado do torcedor, que mais uma vez apoiou e cantou durante os 90 minutos.

Sem poder contar com Renato Augusto, lesionado, Vítor Pereira optou por Cantillo como primeiro volante, liberando Du Queiroz pela direita e dando liberdade para Giuliano circular no meio-campo. Pelos lados, o treinador contava com Mantuan e Willian, além de Piton e Fagner fornecendo suporte nas laterais.

O grande mérito do Timão no primeiro tempo foi o repertório ofensivo. A equipe conseguia agredir o Santos por dentro, pelo alto, e principalmente pelos lados. Com a movimentação de Róger Guedes, saindo do centro para as beiradas, a equipe realizava com facilidade e agilidade as triangulações e tabelas, abrindo a defesa adversária.

Os gols de Mantuan e Giuliano na primeira etapa exemplificaram como a troca de passes era efetiva e o Corinthians conseguia facilmente envolver o rival.

Não apenas na parte criativa o Timão mostrou evolução, como também na agressividade. Du Queiroz dava o primeiro combate no campo de ataque e seus companheiros o acompanhavam. No primeiro tempo, os mandantes conseguiram nove desarmes, sendo três de Cantillo, que dominou as ações defensivas.

+ TABELA – Confira e simule os jogos do Corinthians no Brasileirão

Não bastasse os dois gols de vantagem nos primeiros 45 minutos, Raul Gustavo deixou a vantagem ainda mais confortável antes do intervalo com um belo gol de cabeça após cruzamento na medida de Willian.

O camisa 10 participou dos três primeiros gols e foi a principal arma da equipe, desequilibrando nas jogadas individuais.

Com a partida amplamente controlada, naturalmente o Corinthians baixou o ritmo, mas não deixou ser dominado pelo Santos, que não encontrava respostas.

Pensando no extensivo e cruel calendário brasileiro, Vítor Pereira começou a poupar algumas peças do elenco visando a partida contra o Boca Juniors.

A expulsão de Zanocelo e os jogadores que entraram na segunda etapa ajudaram a dar novo gás ao time corintiano, que não tirou o pé do acelerador. Embora o Timão não tenha produzido como no primeiro tempo, em nenhum momento levou pressão do adversário.

Aos 32 minutos, o Corinthians foi premiado por seguir envolvendo o rival e chegou ao quarto gol, em jogada na qual Giuliano brigou pelo rebote no escanteio, Robert Renan ganha no ‘pé de ferro’ de Felipe Jonatan, e o camisa 11 anotou o seu segundo gol na partida.

Com a vaga encaminhada na Copa do Brasil e no pelotão de frente do Brasileirão, o Corinthians chega fortalecido e na sua melhor fase e forma da temporada para o confronto do dia 28, contra o Boca Juniors, pelas oitavas de final da Libertadores.

Kemar Roach reached the landmark of 250 Test wickets as West Indies dominated the third day of the second test with Bangladesh fighting to avoid an innings defeat.Bangladesh was reduced to 132 for 6 in its second innings at stumps on Sunday and still trailed the hosts by 42 runs at Daren Sammy Stadium.Roach took the first three wickets to finish the day on 3 for 32 in 10 overs and move to 252 wickets in his 73rd test for West Indies. Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal was caught behind to give Roach his 250th wicket.Roach is now the sixth-highest test wicket-taker for West Indies. Another quick, Courtney Walsh, tops that list with 519 wickets in 132 matches.Roach went on to dismiss opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Anamul Haque to leave Bangladesh struggling on 32 for 3.Najmul Hossain Shanto is the top scorer so far for Bangladesh in its innings with a 91-ball 42. He was also caught behind off Alzarri Joseph.West Indies earlier resumed on 340 for 5 – thanks to a chanceless and unbeaten 126 from allrounder Kyle Mayers – and extended its overnight lead of 106 to 174 after being dismissed for 408 in the first innings.Mayers was dismissed by Khaled Ahmed after moving on to 146, caught by Shoriful Islam. Mayers’ innings included 18 fours and two sixes. Khaled took 5 for 106.Play was called off for the day at 5.30 p.m. local time after heavy rain.Bangladesh scored a sub-par 234 in the first innings. West Indies won the first test in Antigua in just over three days, by seven wickets.

Leeds United were left frustrated last time out in the Championship as they travelled away from West Yorkshire and fell to a 1-0 defeat to Millwall at The Den.

A first-half goal from Japhet Tanganga was enough to secure all three points for the home side, who were rarely threatened by dangerous attacks from the visitors.

Daniel Farke will now be keen for an improved display, particularly in the attacking third of the pitch, when his side takes to the field against QPR at Elland Road this evening.

One player who could be in danger of missing out on the starting XI after his performance against Millwall on Wednesday night is centre-forward Joel Piroe.

Why Joel Piroe could be dropped

The Dutch forward had a night to forget at The Den and Football FanCast published an article explaining why he was even worse than Brenden Aaronson on the night, and why Farke should ditch him from the line-up.

Piroe played the full 90 minutes of the game and only won one duel, losing three of his four in total, whilst he only managed one shot on target and did not create a ‘big chance’ for his teammates.

The big problem for Farke with the former Swansea City star is his lack of mobility. He struggles to get around the pitch to make runs in behind consistently, to press the opposition effectively, and to win duels against defenders – as shown by his statistics on Wednesday.

However, Piroe has scored five goals and provided two assists in five league starts this season, which shows that there is still value in having him on the pitch.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

With this in mind, upon reflection after the reaction to Wednesday’s game, there could be another way for Farke to solve the issue, instead of dropping him, and that could be to move Wilfried Gnonto into a new role.

A new role for Wilfried Gnonto

The Italian forward, who was hailed as “direct” by Jermaine Beckford, has made all 15 of his appearances in all competitions this season on either the left or the right flank, either cutting inside from the left or going down the line on the right wing.

What Farke could do to solve the issues around Piroe’s lack of mobility could be to deploy Gnonto in the number ten position, with Aaronson then shifting across to the left.

That would, firstly, allow Aaronson to take the ball in facing across the pitch instead of having to deal with stronger defenders coming through the back of him, and, secondly, it would allow Gnonto to make runs beyond Piroe.

Starts

33

xG

7.98

Goals

10

Big chances missed

6

Assists

7

As you can see in the table above, the Italian youngster has been ruthless in front of goal at Championship level since the start of last season, outperforming his xG.

This suggests that he could make the most of the opportunities that could fall to him by running beyond Piroe to make runs in behind the defence.

This could then allow the Dutch forward to focus on being in the right positions to finish inside of the box, rather than worrying about constantly stretching the defence and dueling with defenders, which could get the best out of both players, whilst also helping Aaronson.

Sold for £3.7m: Leeds flop is now worth more than Tanaka after leaving

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Notts battle then fade on another night of massive run-making at Trent Bridge

David Hopps17-Jun-2022Birmingham 261 for 2 (Hain 112*, Hose 88*) beat Nottinghamshire 206 (Clarke 86, Moores 40, Brathwaite 3-31) by 55 runsWhat a week. Jonny Bairstow went haywire on this same ground only three days earlier, in a run-strewn Test that might have reinvented the format for a more restive age. Over in Amstelveen, earlier in the day, England had set an ODI record of 498 for 4 with Jos Buttler scoring England’s second-fastest hundred in ODIs.And now this, in the Blast. Birmingham strengthened their hold on a top-four place as they achieved the highest total in English T20 history, their 261 for 2 surpassing Yorkshire’s 260 for 4 against Northants at Headingley five years ago, an unbroken stand of 174 in 70 balls between Sam Hain and Adam Hose, another record for the third wicket. It beat the 171 assembled by Hose, this time with Ian Bell, four years ago. Just seven better scores have ever been made in all world T20 cricket and one of those was by the Czech Republic over Turkey.Amazingly, Notts kept up with the required rate for much of their reply, but Birmingham had crashed 113 from their last six overs and it was in these latter overs where the hosts came to grief. This, on the ground where the Outlaws have strutted for so long. When Carlos Brathwaite yorked Luke Fletcher to end Notts’ innings with 10 balls remaining, it confirmed Notts’ fourth defeat in eight and left them with considerable ground to make up to claim a quarter-final place that, in recent years, has appeared to be theirs by right. They have reached the last eight every year since 2010, except 2015 when they only missed out on net run rate.Hain is surely the best 50-over batter never to play for England and, as his career progresses, his strike rate is quickening in T20, too. His unbeaten 112 (his first in this format) took 52 balls, with 12 fours and five sixes, and unusually for scores of this magnitude, he was not leg-side dependent. His first fifty passed by almost unnoticed, which might be his habit, but it was quite a feat on a record-breaking night like this. Perception is all. He does not quite fit England’s gung-ho image and, if he can’t get a gig on a tour of the Netherlands, it may be forever thus. Still, at least he can point to a T20 average at Trent Bridge of 411.Hose’s 88 from 35 balls, with three fours and 10 sixes, had more of a leg-side emphasis, although not exclusively. Dan Christian’s medium pace was brutally punished, his three overs costing 59, his last two overs conceding six sixes, as Hose smashed 28 from his last of the innings.Even on such an absurd night, Notts’ bowlers claimed little victories. Samit Patel’s first three overs cost only 21, and he claimed the wicket at long-on of Rob Yates, who was standing in because Paul Stirling had withdrawn for personal reasons and who reached his maiden T20 half-century. Luke Fletcher managed nine dot balls. Alex Davies had fallen in Matt Carter’s first over, although Carter’s expression became more morbid as the evening progressed, as if his native county of Lincolnshire had announced prohibition.Trent Bridge was parched, drain lines on the outfield clearly visible, beige advancing upon green by the hour. The outfield was like glass and the boundary on the Fox Road side of the ground had also been brought in to an excessive extent. No hover cover needs that much room. Several sixes plopped roughly where the boundary fielder should have been and the extra jeopardy would have been more interesting. Nottinghamshire will argue that they were merely balancing the boundary distances with the pitch set well over to the other side of the ground, but they were probably happy to take on Birmingham in a six-hitting contest. They lost it 18-9.Since Test outfields improved their drainage a decade or more ago, it only takes a heatwave to last a couple of days for bowlers to feel bereft. The most forlorn sight of the opening overs came from a drone shot from above the ground as Patel set off from short fine lag in hopeless chase of several sweep shots which had crossed the boundary before he had got into his stride. A much-loved figure in green and yellow cast adrift upon a sun-burnished field. Notts generally looked flat in the field, an uncommon sight for the Trent Bridge crowd which began to stream away long before the end.It was not the sort of night for Notts to lose Alex Hales early, but Hain’s contribution was not yet spent and he ran back at cover to hold an excellent catch off Olly Stone. Joe Clarke made a withering 86 from 45 balls in riposte to take the Outlaws to 150 for two, with 112 needed at 14.6 per over. But he fell at long-off and, even when the batters had such a licence to kill, the rate could not ultimately be sustained: the rest crashed in 36 balls. Brathwaite, Birmingham’s Bajan captain, removed Clarke, who struck him off one knee to long off. Two victims for left-arm spinner Danny Briggs included Steven Mullaney, whose despairing loft to long off was his fourth duck of the tournament, the last three of them first ball.Peter Moores, Notts’ coach, was left to respond to those who felt a little sated by the experience. “I take the point that there’s more to cricket than fours and sixes but I’d just say this was one of those nights, far from the usual. And it was great entertainment. I’d say let’s take it for what it is: one of those nights, a brilliant pitch to bat on, brilliant weather to watch it. Not every game will be like that.”

تحدث حلمي طولان المدير الفني الأسبق لنادي الزمالك، عن ملف تجديد لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم عبد الله السعيد، بعد الأنباء التي ترددت عن إفساد تجديد اللاعب بسبب أحد أعضاء مجلس الإدارة.

وقال حلمي طولان في تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر”: “أعلم جيدًا أخلاقيات عبد الله السعيد وسلوكياته، هو متزن ومحترم جدًا ويصنع الفارق مع فريق الزمالك، وأتمنى أن تكون الإدارة ولجنة التخطيط حريصة على استمراره”.

وتابع: “أنا مستغرب جدًا، لأننا سعداء بوجود لجنة تخطيط ولجنة مسؤولة عن التعاقدات ومسؤولة عن الحديث مع اللاعبين والتفاوض معهم والتجديد لهم، وهم ميدو وحازم إمام وعمرو الجنايني وحسين لبيب، من المفترض ألا يكون هناك أي أحد آخر في المجلس يتحدث مع لاعب، هذا ليس دوره ولكن دور اللجنة، وللأسف هذا سبب الفشل في الزمالك، إن (كله داخل على بعضه)”.

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وأوضح: “هناك شخص تدخل وحاول أن يُفسد هذه الصفقة، ما هو دورك لكي تتدخل، يوجد أفراد مسؤولون عن ذلك، لا تقول لي حسن نية لأنه لا يوجد شيء اسمه حسن نية في الكرة، رغم أن عمرو الجنايني اتفق معه على كل شئ”.

وأكمل: “أنا أعرف ومتأكد أن هذا العضو ذهب إلى عبد الله السعيد باتفاق جديد واتفاق (أي كلام)، أنا ممكن أقول اسمه أمام جمهور الزمالك لكي لا يتدخل بعد ذلك فيما لا يعنيه”.

وأتم: “عبد الله السعيد لم يتمرد ولم يتمارض كما تردد”.

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Mar-2015David Warner, though, remained unfazed and punished the short-pitched bowling by using the pull to maximum effect•Getty ImagesHe raced to 100 off 92 deliveries•AFPSteven Smith provided ample support at the other end, as the pair added 260 runs, Australia’s highest ever ODI partnership•Associated PressDavid Warner’s 178 was the highest individual score by an Australian in World Cups•Getty ImagesAfghanistan finally saw the back of David Warner when he skied a Shapoor Zadran delivery to Mohammad Nabi, but he had laid the platform for a late flourish•AFPSmith too fell five runs short of his fourth ODI ton, as Afghanistan looked to limit the damage•Getty ImagesBut that was always going to be difficult once Glenn Maxwell got going. He smashed 88 off 39 balls, entertaining the WACA crowd to a range of innovative shots. Australia compiled 417 for 6, the highest score in a World Cup•Associated PressAfghanistan failed to gather any momentum in the chase, and lost half their side for just 94 runs•Getty ImagesNawroz Mangal gave the Afghanistan fans something to cheer about when he hit back-to-back sixes off Mitchell Marsh•AFPBut he had to depart after Finch pulled off a stunner at slips•Associated PressMitchell Marsh and Steven Smith narrowly avoided a collision while taking a catch at third man•Getty ImagesNo Afghanistan batsman offered a resistance, as Australia wrapped the game up with 12 overs to spare, winning by 275 runs, the second largest margin in ODI history•Getty Images

Chelsea have made an excellent start to life under new boss Enzo Maresca, losing just two of their opening nine Premier League games so far this season.

The only defeats came against title contenders Manchester City and Liverpool, winning five of the remaining seven outings, which included a 6-2 rout of Wolves, where winger Noni Madueke grabbed a hat-trick.

The Blues have enjoyed success in Europe, winning both of the two Europa Conference League outings, currently sitting top of the table in the new-looking league phase.

Maresca has certainly made an immediate mark on the playing squad, with their free-flowing attacking output demonstrated by their tally of 19 goals in the league only bettered by defending champions Manchester City.

Undoubtedly, one player is to thank for their success in attacking areas, catching the eye once more as he so often managed during the previous campaign.

Cole Palmer’s time at Chelsea

Winger Cole Palmer has succeeded beyond all expectations during his first year at Stamford Bridge, often the most reliable source of tangible rewards in the final third.

The 22-year-old immediately became a key first-team member after his £40m transfer from Pep Guardiola’s side at the end of the summer window in 2023 – posting some phenomenal attacking numbers.

He registered a total of 40 combined goals and assists in all competitions, helping the Blues reach the Carabao Cup final before tasting defeat to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool at Wembley.

As a result, the attacker registered the highest tally of goal contributions in England’s top flight, further highlighting his excellent form since his big-money transfer.

Palmer has continued his stellar form into 2024/25, registering five goals and seven assists in his first nine league matches – with four of his goals coming in the first half during the victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.

He’s subsequently already won one Player of the Month award, which could be the first of many should he keep up his excellent start to the new season.

The England international could be bolstered in his attempts in the attacking third should the club complete a deal for a player they’re said to monitoring ahead of the January transfer window.

Chelsea monitoring move for £110m star

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Bayern Munich talent Jamal Musiala over a potential return to Stamford Bridge.

The “world-class” German international, as dubbed by former boss Julian Nagelsmann, came through the Cobham academy, before leaving at the age of 16 to join the German giants.

However, with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2026, the Blues, along with Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid are monitoring his current situation ahead of a potential cut-price deal should he fail to agree a new deal.

Musiala, who’s valued at £110m as per Transfermarkt, has already registered seven goals and three assists in all competitions for Vincent Kompany’s side, demonstrating his excellent form in front of goal.

2019/20

1

0

0

2020/21

37

7

1

2021/22

40

8

6

2022/23

47

16

16

2023/24

38

12

8

2024/25

11

7

4

Total:

174

50

35

Such a record could fall perfectly into the hands of Palmer, with his creativity in attacking areas potentially aiding the German should he ever complete a move to West London.

As demonstrated against Newcastle, the England international has the ability to pick out a pass that not many people can see, with Musiala able to thrive on such service.

Undoubtedly, Bayern won’t want to lose their talented 21-year-old and will have to kick-start contract talks to fend off any potential move away from the Allianz Arena.

As for Chelsea, any transfer could potentially trump the £115m fee paid for Moises Caicedo, but it would certainly be worth every penny with the attacking midfielder having the ability to make an immediate impact whilst potentially developing even further in the years ahead.

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Chelsea wasted millions on one costly Boehly signing

ByConnor Holden Nov 1, 2024

The highest wicket-taker in T20Is is being given “full support”, a CWI statement said

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Sep-2022Anisa Mohammed, the West Indies vice-captain, has been granted leave from international cricket for a period of six months. “Mohammed requested to take a break from the game with immediate effect, after a hectic year of cricket both home and away,” said a CWI statement, adding that the board had given Mohammed its “full support”.Offspinner Mohammed, just a few days away from her 34th birthday, hasn’t played a T20I since West Indies’ series at home against South Africa in September last year, but has turned out in 14 ODIs in the past 12 months. The last of them was in March this year at the 50-over World Cup in the semi-final against eventual champions Australia in Hamilton. It didn’t end well for Mohammed on that occasion, as she pulled up with a hamstring injury while fielding and had to be driven from the field.Mohammed, the highest wicket-taker in women’s T20Is with 125 strikes in 117 games – to go with 180 wickets in 141 ODIs – has been a part of the action at the ongoing Women’s CPL 2022, where she returned 1 for 9 in two overs in her only bowling innings, against Barbados Royals. Their second game, against Guyana Amazon Warriors, had to be called off because of rain, but Mohammed could be in the fray in the final, where Knight Riders will meet the winners of the Royals vs Amazon Warriors contest.Prior to the WCPL, Mohammed played the women’s 6ixty competition, where she turned out for Knight Riders as well. Knight Riders lost in the final to Royals then, and Mohammed finished the tournament with four wickets in four bowling innings, with an economy rate of 8.00.

Celtic head coach Brendan Rodgers was dealt a blow during the recent summer transfer window when attacking midfielder Matt O’Riley was sold.

The Denmark international completed a move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, and recently scored the winning goal for his new club against Manchester City.

It reportedly took a fee of more than £25m to tempt the Scottish giants into cashing in on the former MK Dons star, who was the star of the show for Rodgers in the 2023/24 campaign.

Sofascore rating

7.91

1st

Goals

18

1st

Assists

13

1st

Big chances created

14

1st

Key passes per game

2.5

1st

As you can see in the table above, O’Riley led the way for Celtic in pretty much every meaningful attacking statistic in the Scottish Premiership, as he proved himself to be a scorer and a creator of goals for his side.

This shows that the Hoops lost a huge player when they sanctioned his departure to the Premier League, whilst they managed to keep hold of Kyogo Furuhashi amid reported interest from elsewhere.

Kyogo Furuhashi's form this season

The Daily Mail claimed that Premier League champions Manchester City held an interest in the Japan international, in their pursuit of a replacement for Julian Alvarez.

It was reported that the Scottish giants were demanding a fee of more than £20m in order to let the centre-forward move on from Parkhead, and the Cityzens seemingly decided against a move for him in the end.

Celtic may not have many more chances to rake in a massive sum of money for the striker, however, as he turns 30 in January and his form on the pitch has left a lot to be desired this season.

The 29-year-old marksman has struggled to make the most of the chances that have been created for him by his teammates and the Hoops may rue not being able to cash in on him for more than £20m in the summer, despite the quality he can still provide at times.

Appearances

11

4

Goals

4

1

Big chances missed

12

2

Conversion rate

10%

14%

Assists

3

0

As you can see in the table above, Kyogo has been wasteful at the top end of the pitch with just five goals and 14 ‘big chances’ missed in the Premiership and Champions League combined.

Unfortunately, Adam Idah – who was signed on a permanent deal from Norwich in the summer – has only scored two goals and missed four ‘big chances’ in eight Premiership outings so far, which means that he is yet to prove that he can be an upgrade on the Japanese forward.

Celtic may, therefore, have to look further afield to find an upgrade on the stuttering Kyogo, who has been unreliable in front of goal, and Brondby star Mathias Kvistgaarden could be an ideal target.

Celtic's interest in Mathias Kvistgaaden

Danish outlet Tipsbladet recently claimed that the Hoops were one of a number of clubs in attendance to watch Brondby in action against FC Nordsjælland on Sunday.

Fenerbahce, Hellas Verona, Brighton & Hove Albion, Feyenoord, and Bologna were also said to have sent scouts to watch the match, along with Celtic’s talent spotters.

The report also revealed that the Scottish giants have sent scouts to several Brondby matches in recent weeks to keep an eye on their talent ahead of the January transfer window.

Although it is not certain that Kvistgaarden is the one they have been specifically scouting, Tipsbladet does mention that Celtic have been linked with an interest in the Danish forward, whilst it was claimed that they had a long-standing interest in him during the summer window.

There is also no mention of how much it would cost to sign the 22-year-old dynamo, who is valued at €5m (£4.1m) by Transfermarkt, and that means that it is hard to gauge whether or not it is a viable move for the club to make when the January transfer window officially opens for business.

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Kvistgaarden, who has been hailed as “impressive” and a “jewel” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been in terrific form for Brondby, however, and could come in as an upgrade on Kyogo for Rodgers.

Why Celtic should sign Mathias Kvistgaarden

The Premiership champions should improve their team by signing the in-form centre-forward, who has caught the eye with his performances this season, and that is why they should explore the possibility of a transfer in January.

Kyogo’s struggles in front of goal throughout the 2024/25 campaign show that there is room for another striker to come in and take his spot if Celtic get their recruitment right, which is what they could do by bringing Kvistgaarden to Paradise.

Last season, the then-21-year-old produced ten goals and seven assists in 28 appearances in all competitions for the Danish side, which was a solid but unremarkable return.

This time around, Kvistgaarden has already fired in 13 goals and provided five assists in 20 outings across all competitions for Brondby, which shows that he has provided regular quality in the final third for his side.

Appearances

15

11

Sofascore rating

7.51

6.90

Goals

10

4

Big chances missed

6

12

Conversion rate

26%

10%

As you can see in the table above, the Denmark U21 international has significantly outperformed Kyogo at league level in the 2024/25 campaign so far, with six more goals and six fewer ‘big chances’ missed.

The 5 foot 7 marksman, who scored 31 goals in 45 games for Brondby’s U19s, has finished 16% more of his chances in front of goal and this suggests that he is far more ruthless in the final third.

At the age of 22, Kvistgaarden is also seven years younger than the current Celtic marksman and this means that the club could sign an upgrade on the striker, whilst also bringing in a player who has the potential to improve and develop over the years to come.

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Therefore, Rodgers could improve his team and sign an asset with the scope to soar in value by securing a deal to bring in the Danish youngster.