AC Milan have been named the fastest growing club in Europe for the third year in a row by a new report.
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Milan enjoyed another promising yearRevenues have doubled in short periodPulisic & Co. qualified for UCL againWHAT HAPPENED?
The San Siro side have experienced a staggering increase in revenue and a rapidly growing fanbase in what has been a fruitful few years, according to a report titled by Football Benchmark.
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Football Benchmark has analysed the top 32 teams on the continent and calculated that Milan have experienced a year-on-year growth of 35 percent. Over the last eight seasons, that figure reaches 163% over the last eight seasons – a greater rate than any other European side. Operating revenues have increased by 84% over the last five years and a significant improvement over the last year has seen matchday revenues more than double.
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The Rossoneri have gone to great lengths to invest in their future, too. They have invested more than any other team in Italy over the last three years, the report says, with €191.1 million (£163m/$207m) net being spent on improving their senior squad.
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The Serie A side, who won the Scudetto in 2022-23, have qualified for the Champions League four years in a row, reaching the semi-finals last year, too. They finished second in the Italian top-flight this term, 19 points behind Inter. They will aim to improve on their fine season again next term, with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao fired up to bring glory back to the club.
India captain makes intervention from the middle after “Cheater!” chants directed at Steven Smith
Melinda Farrell at The Oval09-Jun-2019Virat Kohli expressed his sympathy for Steven Smith and apologised on behalf of the crowd after the former Australia captain was heckled by the India dominated crowd at the Oval.Kohli was batting when Smith was sent to field on the boundary at one stage of India’s innings. Spectators near Smith started chanting, “Cheater!” repeatedly but Kohli, in the middle, gestured to the India insignia on his helmet, pointed at Smith and clapped in an effort to quiet the crowd.”Just because there’s so many Indian fans here, I just didn’t want them to set a bad example, to be honest, because he didn’t do anything to be booed in my opinion,” Kohli said. “He’s just playing cricket. He was just standing there, and I felt bad because if I was in a position where something had happened with me and I had apologised, I accepted it and I came back and still I would get booed, I wouldn’t like it, either.”So I just felt for him, and I told him, I’m sorry on behalf of the crowd because I’ve seen that happen in a few earlier games, as well, and in my opinion that’s not acceptable.”Smith and David Warner have been booed and heckled repeatedly on the field since their return to the Australian team following their one-year bans over the ball-tampering incident at Newlands. But while Kohli has had various run-ins with Smith – most memorably when he suggested Smith had deliberately sought guidance from the dressing room while deciding whether to review a decision during Australia’s Test tour of India in 2017 – he said he felt for Smith in his current circumstance.”Look, I think what’s happened has happened like long back, the guy is back, he’s trying to play well for his side,” Kohli said. “Even in the IPL I saw him, it’s not good to see someone down like that, to be honest. We’ve had issues in the past. We’ve had a few arguments on the field. But you don’t want to see a guy feeling that heat every time he goes out to play.”What’s happened has happened. Everyone has known that. He’s come back. He’s worked hard. He’s playing well for his side now.”Glenn Maxwell became aware of Kohli’s gesture after the match and said he was not surprised with the aggressive Kohli on the field being different to the person they know away from the heat of the battle.”It’s nice to hear that, I’m not surprised by it because we do get along as individuals really well with him off the field,” Maxwell said. “What happens on the field, that’s for everyone else to write about but all we want to do is play our cricket hard. That’s what he does, gets in the opposition’s face which is great, but off the field I’m not surprised by that all.”
The former Chelsea boss had her side playing some free-flowing soccer in her second pre-Paris Olympics warmup match
Crystal Dunn showed how good she is, while newcomer Lily Yohannes showed just how bright the future can be, as the USWNT rolled to a 3-0 win over South Korea in Emma Hayes' second fixture at the helm.
The new-look USWNT turned in a solid first half before blowing the game open in the second, and cruising to a win that probably could have been more one-sided.
Dunn opened the scoring for Hayes' side, completing a flowing attacking move with a tidy finish at the back post. Chances were otherwise limited in the first half, Hayes' side not short on effort, but managing just one shot on target in the opening period. South Korea, for their part, showed some attacking intent, and forced an impressive diving stop from Casey Murphy off a free-kick.
The USWNT doubled their lead midway through the second half. Trinity Rodman won possession in midfield before orchestrating a well-worked counter attack – which Sophia Smith tucked away from a tight angle.
Mal Swanson could have made it three soon after, but diverted her shot just wide of the post. Rodman came close, too, smashing one off the woodwork. Yohannes grabbed the inevitable third, converting from a set-piece to mark her debut with a goal. The future is bright.
GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Allianz Field…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense
Casey Murphy (7/10):
Had one save to make – and did so. Will take the clean sheet.
Casey Krueger (7/10):
Went about some of her 1v1 work admirably. Let Dunn do most of the fun attacking things in front of her.
Sam Staab (6/10):
Got an earful for a couple of lazy moments in possession, but was otherwise ok.
Emily Sonnett (6/10):
Solid at the back. Made a few tackles and commanded space well.
Jenna Nighswonger (7/10):
Delivered an outrageous assist for the USWNT first – she has such a good left foot. Questions to be asked about her work at the other end, though.
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Lindsey Horan (7/10):
Commanding in central areas, and moved the ball effectively when required. Seems to complement Albert well in there.
Korbin Albert (6/10):
A mixed bag. Some nice attacking moments, but was rather saved by Horan's positional instincts once or twice.
Rose Lavelle (7/10):
Some delightful touches and nice moments as a No.10. A fine showing in her 100th cap.
Getty ImagesAttack
Crystal Dunn (8/10):
Scored her first national team goal in six years. Turns out she's good going forward, after all. Showed her versatility by dropping into a deeper role late on.
Alex Morgan (6/10):
Played like she had a point to prove. Full of fight, but still a bit rusty coming off an injury.
Jaedyn Shaw (7/10):
Started on the left, moved to the 10, and did a bit of everything in between. Not quite at her best on the ball, yet still made a massive impact.
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Mallory Swanson (7/10):
More dynamic than Morgan through the middle – and made things happen after entering the fray.
Sophia Smith (7/10):
Took her goal well – she needs more of those at this level.
Sam Coffey (6/10):
Tidy after coming on. Didn't overcomplicate things and ensured the ball kept moving.
Trinity Rodman (8/10):
Changed the game with her attacking impetus from the midfield. Unlucky not to score after smashing the bar.
Lily Yohannes (9/10):
What a debut! Orchestrated things from deep and took her goal well.
Emily Fox(N/A): Didn't have much to do after coming on.
Emma Hayes (8/10):
Switched things up at the start, but gave an indication of her best XI with some of her changes after the break. Will be encouraged by the general quality, as well as the performances from Dunn and Yohannes. She's got some tough roster decisions to make now…
It's crunch time for Arsenal on Sunday, with the Gunners taking on rivals Liverpool in what could prove to be a pivotal showdown in the Premier League title race, with just five points currently separating the two sides in third and first, respectively.
While imperious champions Manchester City are also firmly in the mix and with a game in hand on the two teams either side of them, a win tomorrow would help to lay down a marker for either the north Londoners or the Anfield outfit amid their own pursuit of glory.
The recent announcement of Jurgen Klopp's impending departure from the Merseysiders has likely only heightened their desire for the German to go out with a bang at the end of the season, although those at the Emirates can help to spoil the party by picking up a positive result on home soil.
Having now won their last two games since losing to Klopp and co in the FA Cup at the start of January, there could well be just one change made by Mikel Arteta from the side that saw off Nottingham Forest in midweek.
1 GK – David Raya
There have been shaky moments for David Raya this season – including his two notable errors away to Luton Town back in December – although the Spaniard appears to be truly finding his feet in an Arsenal shirt, having produced 'one of his best performances' in the 5-0 win over Crystal Palace, as per the Standard's Simon Collings.
While Aaron Ramsdale will be chomping at the bit to get back into the side, there would be no rhyme or reason for Arteta to usurp the Brentford loanee.
2 RB – Ben White
The major talking point may have been the Englishman's post-match row with teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko in midweek, although prior to that it had been another smooth outing for the former Brighton and Hove Albion man.
The 26-year-old notably enjoyed an 88% pass accuracy rate and provided one key pass against the Tricky Trees, although will now face a far tougher test up against the lively Luis Diaz.
3 CB – William Saliba
The towering Frenchman could have perhaps done better to prevent Taiwo Awoniyi from firing home amid a nervy climax at the City Ground, yet that was a rare blip in an otherwise "exceptional" spell in north London to date – as lauded by his manager.
If the Gunners are to keep a frontline that has scored 14 goals across their last four games quiet, they will need Saliba to be at his brilliant best.
4 CB – Gabriel
The surprise goalscorer in the reverse fixture at Anfield, Gabriel has 'quietly been one of Arsenal's better players this season' – according to Collings – shaking off summer reports that he looked set for an exit.
Although it is his centre-back partner who usually gets most of the plaudits, the Brazilian brute is seemingly just as important to a backline that has shipped just 21 league goals thus far – the second-best record in the division.
5 LB – Oleksandr Zinchenko
The Ukrainian ace won't have fond memories of this fixture having been branded a "liability" by pundit Gary Neville during the 1-1 draw back in December, yet with Takehiro Tomiyasu still at the Asian Cup and Jurrien Timber still edging his way back to fitness, he'll simply have to start once again.
6 CDM – Declan Rice
joshua-kimmich-declan-rice-liverpool
It came as no real shock when Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Thomas Partey had endured a "setback" in his recovery from injury, with that news ensuring that Declan Rice will once again operate in that deep-lying midfield berth.
Although there has been a clamour to see the former West Ham United skipper unleashed in a more advanced number eight role, he has previously outlined his preference for operating as the six, and will be looking to make another big impact in that position tomorrow.
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A previous match winner in a crunch clash with Manchester United at the Emirates, could the 25-year-old replicate such heroics against Klopp's men?
7 CM – Martin Odegaard
The Gunners skipper has only recorded victory once in his career against tomorrow's opponents – while also failing to score in those eight meetings – yet he could be instrumental in changing those fortunes and helping to maintain his side's title charge.
Now without a goal or an assist in his last four league games, the Norwegian maestro needs to step up on the big stage on Sunday.
8 CM – Emile Smith Rowe
Aston Villa transfer target Emile Smith-Rowe in action for Arsenal.
Having 'looked sharp' against Forest last time out – as per Collings – Emile Smith Rowe could be deserving of another chance to shine from the start this time around, ahead of summer signing Kai Havertz.
Despite being the subject of interest from West Ham last month, the 23-year-old playmaker could now have a central role to play for the Gunners over the coming months.
9 RW – Bukayo Saka
johan-bakayoko-bukayo-saka-tottenham-opinion
Another Hale End graduate, Bukayo Saka has begun to hit form again after providing three goals and assists across his last league games, netting what proved to be the decisive goal in Nottingham.
That ensures that the Englishman has now already reached double figures for both goals and assists in all competitions this season, continuing his sparkling rise in an Arsenal shirt.
10 ST – Gabriel Jesus
There were no doubt concerns when Gabriel Jesus limped off in midweek, although having trained with the squad all week, the fleet-footed Brazilian should be fit to feature tomorrow.
With no new striker coming in the door, the Gunners' number nine – who kicked things off against Forest after prodding through the legs of former teammate, Matt Turner – will need to find a clinical edge if the club's long wait for Premier League glory is to come to an end.
Contracts must be earned and not seen as a privilege, argues Urooj Mumtaz, chairperson of the PCB’s women’s selection committee
Umar Farooq and Annesha Ghosh28-Jun-2019Ensuring that contracts are “earned” and not seen as a “privilege” was the driving rationale behind the PCB’s move to reduce its women cricketers’ central contract pool, according to Urooj Mumtaz, chairperson of the all-woman selection committee.The latest contracts, starting July 1, include only ten players, brought down from 17, but there has been an increase in remuneration for those in the new retainers. The new list has only Sana Mir and Nida Dar in the ‘A’ category, while Bismah Maroof and Javeria Khan have been demoted to category ‘B’. The fourth level, ‘D’, has been removed altogether.The ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ categories now come with higher pay: hiked by 20%, 18.5% and 18% respectively. In addition, the length of each contract – hitherto always six months – has been increased to a year. For the first time in 12 years, daily allowances have also increased – in training camps they have been doubled, making it Rs 2000 (approx. USD 13), as well as on foreign tours, going from USD 50 to USD 100. Travel upgrades for tours have also been introduced so that the team travels business class on longer-distance flights. And all women cricketers will now also earn a match fee for each game of domestic cricket.
The ten central contracts awarded were based on four comprehensive criteria, but does not mean other players are ignored. They need to work hard for itUrooj Mumtaz
“We are an emerging nation in women’s cricket and have a pool of only 40 to 45 girls playing in the domestic structure,” Mumtaz, also a former Pakistan captain, told ESPNcricinfo. “We aim to make a professional set-up where contracts are earned rather assuming it as a privilege.”Despite the multiple upsides, a couple of decisions have stood out, such as the demotion of limited-overs captain Maroof and senior batsman Javeria to ‘B’ and that of Nahida Khan, from ‘A’ to ‘C’.”It is a result of their performance over the last one year and this new structure doesn’t make anyone earn a highest contract just on the basis of seniority,” Mumtaz explained. “Bismah acknowledged and accepted the category awarded and that her performances have not been up to par.”She remains an integral member of our team and she believes she has a lot more to offer with the bat. The contract given to her is in no way a reflection of her captaincy.”Maroof, the second-most-capped Pakistan women’s player after Mir, returned to captaining the side in January after a sinus operation, and led Pakistan to a historic 2-1 ODI series win over West Indies at ‘home’ in Dubai in February and levelled the following away ODI assignment, against the higher-ranked South Africa, 1-1 in May. She has also been Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in T20Is in the past 12 months, with two half-centuries in the series against South Africa.Contracts must be earned, not assumed as a privilege, Urooj Mumtaz argues•Getty ImagesJaveria, Pakistan’s leading run-getter in ODIs since June 27 last year, trails Maroof by two spots on the run-getters’ list in T20Is, and had topped Pakistan’s run-charts at the World T20 in the Caribbean last November where she stood in as captain. At the time, in a bid to manage her post-surgery workload, Maroof featured in the side only as a player.Contradictory noises have come from Pakistan about the process by which these contracts were finalised. ESPNcricinfo understands that a number of senior players were not involved in discussions around the revised structure. Most of them, as part of the pool of the 17 contracted players for the 2019 January-June cycle that was announced earlier this year, were made aware of the decision only after it had been made by the board and the selection committee on Tuesday.That, however, would go against what Mumtaz said. “All 17 cricketers were called in person or over the phone. We had a one-to-one detailed meeting with them about the new contracts, which are purely performance-based. They were explained the criteria individually and they all not only understood but also accepted.”Mumtaz added that comparing the depth of the PCB’s pool of centrally contracted players with that of its English (21 cricketers) or Australian counterparts (14) “who have developed systems and 200 players to choose from,” would not be fair.”But our vision and plan is to get there. The main focus, regarding the women’s central contracts, is on quality and top performers. The ten central contracts awarded were based on four comprehensive criteria, but does not mean other players are ignored. They need to work hard for it.”From now on there will be three domestic tournaments being slotted per year. More matches means more opportunities for girls to mark an impact at national level. This pool will keep on growing once we have more elite cricketers that check our criteria, giving a wider pool of players more opportunities to play cricket as well earn money.”This is extremely important as we need to value our women players and inspire more girls to play the sport at a higher level.”
Seamers share six wickets on rain-interrupted day at Canterbury
ECB Reporters Network18-Aug-2019Kent 125 for 6 (Bell-Drummond 55, Cook 3-25) v EssexThree-wicket bursts by Sam Cook and Mohammad Amir helped Specsavers County Championship leaders Essex to command a rain-interrupted opening day to the 168th Canterbury Cricket Week encounter with Kent. By stumps at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence Kent had limped to 125 for 6 after 53 overs with Cook and Amir sharing the spoils for the visitors.Chelmsford-born paceman Cook wrecked Kent’s top-order during a stint of 3 for 7, while Amir hit his straps later in the day after the hosts had mounted a partial recovery courtesy of a three-hour innings of 55 by No. 3 Daniel Bell-Drummond and a gritty 35 from keeper-batsman Ollie Robinson.Batting first after an uncontested toss, Kent lost Zak Crawley in only the fourth over of the day. Driving down the wrong line at a full delivery from Amir, Crawley was bowled through the gate, losing his off stump to make it 7 for 1.With heavy cloud cover and the floodlights on from the third over, Amir and Jamie Porter continued to set the Kent batsmen a stern examination until rain stopped play at 11.38am with Kent on 11 for 1 after only 9.1 overs. With the covers on and pools of rainwater quickly forming on the outfield, the players went in for lunch as umpires Ian Blackwell and Paul Baldwin eventually deemed that play could re-start at 3.29pm with the loss of 43 overs in the day.Seven overs after the resumption Kent opener Sean Dickson shuffled half-forward to a Cook in-ducker to be hit on the knee roll and depart lbw for 8 then, in his next over, Cook snared the returning Kent skipper Sam Billings in near identical fashion, leg before for 1 on his season’s first-class debut.Cook struck again during his superb mid-afternoon stint by removing Heino Kuhn for 6 – Kent’s fourth batsman to depart for a single-figure score. The South African’s late decision to run a Cook off-cutter down to third man backfired when he chopped the ball on to off stump.Kent rebuilt steadily either side of tea through Robinson and Bell-Drummond, who added 68 for the fifth wicket with Bell-Drummond extending a fine run of red-ball form that has led to him scoring either a fifty or a century in each of his last five, four-day appearances.Bell-Drummond, Kent’s leading championship run-getter for the season, notched his fifth half-century of the campaign from 99 balls and with seven fours, while Robinson, who contributed 35 in 98 minutes, batting with maturity way beyond his 20 years to help take Kent into three figures shortly before 6pm.With six overs left in the day, Amir returned for a second spell to finally dislodge Bell-Drummond, who chopped on for a painstaking 55 with seven fours after aiming a late cut to a low-bouncing delivery. In his next over the Pakistan left-armer swung one in through the air to pluck out Robinson’s off pole, leaving Darren Stevens, on his 300th first-class appearance, and No. 8 Ollie Rayner, to see Kent through to stumps without further alarm.
Rodrigo Bentancur issued a public apology to Spurs teammate Son Heung-min after making a racist joke in an interview.
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Bentancur apologises to SonMade racist joke in interviewWill be in action for Uruguay in Copa AmericaWHAT HAPPENED?
During an appearance on Uruguayan TV, an interviewer asked Bentancur for Son's Tottenham Hotspur shirt, to which the midfielder replied he should take the jersey from the South Korean star's cousin as "they all look the same".
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The racial comment naturally drew criticism on social media which led to the 26-year-old issuing a public apology to his Spurs teammate. He took to social media to share a message addressing Son where he expressed his regret over his joke which was in poor taste.
WHAT BENTANCUR SAID
The former Juventus player uploaded a story on Instagram where he wrote: "Sony brother! I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke! You know what I love you and I would never disrespect you or hurt you or anyone else! I love you, brother!"
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Bentancur will be next seen in action for his national team as they take on Panama in their opening game of Copa America 2024 on June 24.
Tottenham Hotspur endured a frustrating 2022/23 campaign as they finished eighth in the Premier League and failed to qualify for any of the three European competitions.
They then opted to bring in Australian head coach Ange Postecoglou from Scottish giants Celtic and it has been a strong start to life in North London for the former Hoops chief.
Spurs are currently sat fifth in the table and two points off the Champions League places after 23 matches, which means that they are on track for a better season than last term under him.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou.
Whilst impressive signings, including Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, and the returning Destiny Udogie, who spent last season on loan with Udinese, have made an impact on the side, Postecoglou has also showcased his ability to improve and develop players.
Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison's improvement under Postecoglou
Two players who have improved significantly from last season at Spurs are Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison, who have both taken their game to another level.
The Sweden international made 30 appearances in the Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign and contributed with two goals and seven 'big chances' created for his side.
Under Postecoglou, the former Juventus prospect has produced five goals and eight 'big chances' created in just 21 top-flight matches this season, which is a significant improvement in front of goal.
Richarlison, meanwhile, has established himself as a consistent performer at the top end of the pitch after a woeful first year at the club after his move from Everton.
Appearances
27
20
Starts
12
15
Sofascore rating
6.73
7.15
Goals
One
Ten
xG
3.32
7.67
Assists
Three
Three
As you can see in the table above, the Brazil international has outperformed his xG, after underperforming last season, and been lethal in the final third.
Tottenham are reaping the benefits of having a manager who can develop and get the best out of the talent at his disposal and it may leave some wondering what could have been for some of the players who have moved on in recent years.
Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn is one talented forward whose form since moving on from England suggests that Postecoglou could have made him a success at Spurs with his progressive and attacking system, which has helped Kulusevski and Richarlison to thrive.
Steven Bergwijn's improvement at Ajax
The 26-year-old wizard, who should now be in the prime years of his career, is currently outperforming Tottenham attacker Brennan Johnson, whose lack of quality in the final third has let him down at times this season.
Ajax swooped to sign the Netherlands international in the summer of 2022 for a reported fee of £26.4m after a return of eight goals and ten assists in 83 appearances in all competitions for Spurs.
Tottenham Hotspur's Steven Bergwijn celebrates
Bergwijn only started 25 of his 60 Premier League matches for the Lilywhites and contributed with seven goals and six assists in the division.
It is hard to criticise Daniel Levy for cashing in on the former PSV star as he failed to nail down a regular place in the team and had a fairly average record in front of goal.
However, the right-footed whiz appears to be back to his best in his home country as he has been in fantastic form since the start of last season.
Appearances
32
Goals
12
Big chances missed
11
Assists
Five
Big chances created
Six
As you can see in the table above, Bergwijn hit the ground running in the Eredivisie after his move to Ajax with an excellent return of 17 goals and assists in 32 matches – more than one every other game on average.
The 26-year-old talent has followed that up with seven goals and four assists in 16 league outings for the Dutch giants during the 2023/24 campaign, which is a direct goal involvement every 1.54 matches on average.
Those four assists have come from 5.78 xA, which suggests that his fellow forwards have let him down at times, and those seven strikes came from 6.30 xG, which suggests that he has been clinical with the opportunities that have come his way.
The exciting winger has, therefore, excelled as both a scorer and a creator of goals from out wide for Ajax this season, whilst Johnson has struggled at times since his move from Nottingham Forest last summer.
Brennan Johnson's struggles this season
The Wales international has not made the most of the attacking opportunities that Postecoglou's system has provided him with, in the same way that Kulusevski and Richarlison have.
Johnson was snapped up from Nottingham Forest for a reported fee in excess of £45m and has been brought in with long-term potential at the age of 22.
However, his current output at the top end of the pitch is a small concern at this moment in time and Spurs will be hoping that he improves with consistent game time and coaching over the months, and possibly years, to come.
Appearances
16
20
xG
6.30
4.40
Goals
Seven
Two
xA
5.78
1.93
Assists
Four
Four
Sofascore rating
7.61
6.91
As you can see in the table above, Johnson has underperformed in comparison to the chances that his teammates have provided him with, whilst his fellow attackers have enhanced his assist numbers through their exceptional finishing.
Albeit they are playing in different leagues, those statistics also illustrate that Bergwijn has outperformed the Welsh forward both as a scorer and a creator of goals, with considerably more goals and xA in fewer appearances.
Now, imagine if Spurs had the Dutch whiz available under Postecoglou for the Australian boss to integrate him into his current system in North London.
His current form for Ajax suggests that the former PSV gem would be a significantly better option than Johnson, who produced eight goals and three assists in 38 Premier League outings for Forest, due to his superior finishing and creative quality on the flank.
Hopefully, the current Tottenham winger will improve under Postecoglou and start to excel in front of goal by improving his finishing and chance creation.
However, Bergwijn is outperforming him at this moment in time and some may wonder how he would have fared in the current set-up.
Earlier this month, Tottenham Hotspur confirmed the signing of 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall from Swedish club Djurgarden. Bergvall travelled to Barcelona to hold talks with sporting director Deco but ultimately chose to join Ange Postecoglou's project in North London instead.
Bergvall will link up with his new teammates in the summer, having penned a long-term senior contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Technical director Johan Lange was apparently the driving force behind the deal, and he's now set his sights on another player in the same division.
Spurs now set sights on Djukanovic
According to Swedish publication Fotboll Direkt, via Sport Witness, Spurs are now showing a strong interest in Viktor Djukanovic at Hammarby. Lange has been following the winger since last autumn, and the reports he's received from his scouting team at the club have been very strong up to this point.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou celebrates.
Tottenham are one of a multitude of clubs looking at Djukanovic as they look to recruit another young talent based in Scandinavia, and they're seemingly ready to meet Hammarby's valuation of up to £15m.
Spurs may catch rivals napping for Djukanovic
Lange seems to have a pretty good eye for talent, because Djukanovic has been impressing since he made his move from homeland club Buducnost Podgorica just over a year ago.
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The Lilywhites made the decision at the end of last year.
ByTom Cunningham Feb 11, 2024
He ranked joint-third in the Swedish league's goal charts last season after scoring 11 times, and overall, he's found the net 13 times in 33 senior appearances for the club – an excellent return for a 20-year-old.
Rank
Player
Club
Goals
1
Isaac Kiese Thelin
Malmo
16
2
Benie Adama Traore
Hacken
12
=3
Gustav Engvall
Varnamo
11
=3
Sebastian Nanasi
Malmo
11
=3
Jeppe Okkels
Elfsborg
11
=3
Viktor Djukanovic
Hammarby
11
At the international level, meanwhile, Djukanovic has already earned three senior caps for Montenegro, the first of which came in a 3-0 win Nations League win over Romania in June 2022. That made him the fifth-youngest debutant in his country's history at 18 years, four months and 16 days.
Fabrizio Romano reported last month that French club Lorient, who are currently in the relegation places in Ligue 1, saw a €5.5m (£4.7m) bid for Djukanovic rejected, while Belgian struggles Leuven, mid-table Austrian outfit Rapid Vienna and Major League Soccer franchise Charlotte FC had all shown interest too.
It seems interesting that Spurs are the only 'big' team eyeing the winger given what he's achieved so far, and if they do manage to sign him, their rivals both in the Premier League and across Europe might be left wondering just how he escaped their radar. The surprising lack of hype suits Lange, of course, who could be able to do a deal on more favourable terms.
Need to keep ‘making good decisions at crunch moments’, says the wicketkeeper-batsman as Sri Lanka chase series sweep against New Zealand
Andrew Fidel Fernando in Colombo21-Aug-2019Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s relatively new captain, doesn’t ride players hard, doesn’t tear them down for taking aggressive options, and when criticism is required, he ensures it’s constructive. Perhaps this is all a bit sappy, but it the feedback from several members of this Sri Lanka dressing room.Thisara Perera spoke of Karunaratne being “like a brother” during the World Cup campaign. Acting coach Rumesh Ratnayake spoke of the calmness Karunaratne spreads through the dressing room. And now, ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, Niroshan Dickwella has given Sri Lanka’s fifth Test captain in three years an endorsement of his own.Dickwella had been Karunaratne’s deputy during the Test series victory in South Africa. And although no vice-captain has been officially named for this series, with Dickwella’s own place in the XI not assured ahead of the first Test, he spoke about the unique qualities Karunaratne has brought to the role.ALSO READ: Fernando – Sri Lanka are winning, but it’s in spite of the system”Dimuth is a very different kind of captain,” he said. “His way of managing players is different, and every captain has their own style. I’ve played a lot with Dimuth and what he does is give the player the freedom to go and express themselves 100% in the match.”What Dimuth says is go and do what you want to do, and what you feel you can do. If we make a mistake, he’ll pull us aside and say this happened, why don’t we fix that mistake for next time? He talks a lot about being confident about your abilities. And he gives you that confidence.”Sri Lanka have so far won each of the three Tests they have played under Karunaratne, but they arrive now at a venue at which they have struggled. Sri Lanka have lost five of their seven most recent Tests at the P Sara Oval, including their last match to New Zealand here, in 2012. The pitch, Dickwella said, should favour fast bowlers and batsmen more than the Galle surface, on which neither team crossed 300. Sri Lanka’s victory in Galle was ultimately comfortable, but the team remains wary of a New Zealand resurgence, particularly at a venue that often provides good bounce for seam bowlers.”It’s a big challenge. Having won one game, we have a big responsibility to win the series. We have the confidence, but we need to keep making good decisions at crunch moments,” Dickwella said. “Close-in fielders, including me, have missed some chances in Galle, but those were difficult chances – you don’t have even seconds to react. But still, we spoke about that. We’re happy to improve on those areas.”In the batting, we were 142 for 2 and then collapsed to 168 for 7 in the first-innings, so we have to improve on that as well. When it comes to bowling, when one bowler is bowling well, from one end, we need to build a partnership from the other end as well.”