One Rangers player is reportedly looking to leave Ibrox at the end of the season and can actually secure his next move now.

Rangers January transfer window

Philippe Clement’s first transfer window as Rangers boss ended up being a productive one, with three new players being brought in on loan.

Fabio Silva, Mohamed Diomande and Oscar Cortes joined from Wolves, Nordsjaelland and Lens respectively, whereas Sam Lammers, Jose Cifuentes and Adam Devine headed out on temporary deals until the end of the season. Talking about the club’s business last month, Clement seemed fairly happy, saying:

“Great and I'm happy that it's finished and we know what the squad is to go on for the next four months. It's almost going to be a sprint now in the next four months with a lot of games and we know what the squad is.

“We adjusted a few things to get balance in the squad, we added some young and talented players who can raise their game here and add value to the club and also, in the future, to bring more money into the club. It's not the main concern, the main concern is to get results but with a good business plan.”

As we know, Rangers are pushing rivals Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership, while also still being in the Europa League and Scottish Cup following their League Cup triumph.

It looks set to be a frantic final few months of the season, however, it seems as if one player already has his mind on a move away from Glasgow.

Borna Barisic transfer update

According to Football Insider in the last 48 hours, left-back Borna Barisic is on course to leave Ibrox for free at the end of the current campaign and already appears to have his eye on a “bigger deal” elsewhere.

“Rangers left-back Borna Barisic is ready to quit the club this summer when his contract comes to an end, sources have told Football Insider. The 31-year-old’s deal is up in May and he is now looking to take advantage of his free agent status in the off-season. Barisic is aware he can get a bigger deal elsewhere if he leaves Ibrox for free.”

Barisic has been at Rangers since 2018 and enjoyed plenty of success at Ibrox, but it looks as if his days in Scotland are now numbered.

Appearances

228

Goals

10

Assists

54

Scottish Premiership

1

Scottish Cup

1

Scottish League Cup

1

He’s previously come in for praise from former managers Steven Gerrard and Michael Beale, with Gerrard saying: "Borna was outstanding last night, he is the Croatian left-back and he is used to these high-pressure games. "He is very highly respected by the staff and in the dressing room."

Beale said last year: “I think Borna must have sensed he [Yilmaz] was getting fit because Borna has been consistently our strongest player over the last few weeks.”

The tables have turned and Ridvan Yilmaz is first choice under Clement, and with links to left-back Jefte not going away, losing Barisic might not be the end of the world for Rangers.

A wonderful century from the former captain lifted Australia from the tatters of 122 for 8 on a dramatic opening day to the Ashes

The Report by Andrew McGlashan01-Aug-2019

Steven Smith looks to the skies•Getty Images

Steven Smith finished the last Ashes series having scored 687 runs in seven innings so, really, there was little surprise that he began the next contest in similar vein. Except, of course, for everything that has happened since. He marked his return to Test cricket after 16 months with one of his finest hands, lifting Australia from an almost down-and-out 122 for 8 – with considerable help from the tail – to a position from which they could consider themselves ahead of the game, psychologically if nothing else.Having gone to 98 with a six off Moeen Ali then tucking a single, a drive through the covers against Ben Stokes from his 183rd delivery brought up his 24th Test hundred – and it was no ordinary milestone. The emotions came flooding out as he celebrated then tried to compose himself with a few deep breaths and a look to the sky, taking in the applause along with a few remaining and largely foolish-sounding boos.He had been beaten early on by the excellent Stuart Broad – most batsmen would have been – but once he settled there was barely a moment when he did not look in control despite the many problems of his team-mates, although was thankful for the DRS on 34 when he was given lbw playing no shot at Broad. By the end he was flaying England’s bowlers to all corners of (Fortress) Edgbaston including a monstrous, dismissive swing over the leg side off Broad three balls before he finally missed to end one of the great Test innings.Away from the personal landmarks and epic backstory he had turned around Australia’s day in partnership with Peter Siddle, who earned the final place in the XI ahead of Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon. The last two wickets added 162 with Siddle contributing a superbly constructed 44, in a stand that firstly frustrated England and then began to deflate them, before Smith dominated the last-wicket alliance of 74 in 13 overs with Lyon which left them looking forlorn.While Broad and Chris Woakes had done so much to put England in command, the absence of James Anderson to a recurrence of the calf injury he sustained in the lead-up to the series hurt in the final session. Anderson only managed four overs before leaving the field for the first time and by lunch was already off for a scan. With Stokes below his best, Joe Root suddenly didn’t appear to have many options to turn to. It was probably not Plan A, B, or C to use Joe Denly’s legspin with Australia eight down.Root had not been unhappy to lose the toss and the challenge to Australia’s top order was clear inside the first couple of overs. While Smith’s Test comeback would go on to take the headlines, David Warner’s stay was a bizarre affair. He edged his first ball from Broad down the leg side but it wasn’t spotted by umpire Aleem Dar (the first of a host of errors for the on-field officials) and England didn’t review. Then they did review for an lbw that was going over before Broad won a decision off Dar that was missing leg stump. And that was all before the end of fourth over.Cameron Bancroft, who was handed a nine-month ban compared to the year for Warner and Smith, was worked over by Broad before edging low to first slip and when England successfully reviewed for a thin edge by Usman Khawaja shortly after drinks it was 35 for 3.Travis Head enjoyed a promising first season in the Test side as the post-Newlands rebuilding began and looked in good order as he made the bowlers come to him before working off the pads. However, five overs after lunch, Woakes swung one back to win a leg before and did the same to end Matthew Wade’s first Test innings in two years – although the latter, again, needed recourse to the third umpire.England, and especially Broad, could not believe their luck when Tim Paine pulled a short delivery straight to deep square leg – it wasn’t quite 60 all out or Stokes’ Trent Bridge catch, but the #Broadface made an appearance – and two balls later James Pattinson was given lbw to one which replays showed was sliding down leg. By then it was hard to keep up with what should and shouldn’t have been out.When Pat Cummins offered no shot to a booming Stokes inswinger Australia had lost 5 for 23 in 11 overs and were heading for something very similar to the 136 they were bundled out for in the 2015 Test at this ground. That was the point in the series, level at 1-1, where it swung England’s way with considerable haste. Being skittled out early this time could have opened up some old wounds.Smith hadn’t even reached fifty by this point and when he quietly acknowledged that milestone off 119 balls it seemed like being not much more than a face-saver in the bigger picture. But Siddle, who has averaged over 30 for Essex this season, showed that he has learnt about batting against the moving Dukes ball (Paine will hope the bowling follows tomorrow) having been saved by the DRS before scoring when he was given lbw to Woakes despite a thick inside edge.At times early on he scored more freely than Smith, who was intent on seeing through the innings, and showed some deft placement until he lunged forward at Moeen and inside-edged to short leg. For a few balls it appeared Smith would try to slog his way to a century, but Lyon has a solid technique and did not let his former captain down.The timing of Smith’s dismissal meant two overs for England’s openers to face. With no nightwatchman this time, Rory Burns and Jason Roy got through but Australia were the buoyant side with plenty more plaudits for Smith as he left the field again. There is one indisputably great Test batsman on show in this series. It’s very early days, but he could be the difference.

Ex-managing director Fabio Paratici, who is said to still advise Tottenham regularly off-the-field, has more words of wisdom for chairman Daniel Levy.

Paratici's active consultancy role for Spurs

Last year, Paratici was forced to officially resign as the club's leading transfer chief following his 30-month worldwide FIFA ban from all footballing activities.

"Fantastic" player's camp think he's eventually going to play for Tottenham

People around him are thinking of a north London switch.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 27, 2024

The Italian, who played a key role in securing deals for popular members of Ange Postecoglou's squad, like Destiny Udogie, Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur among others, does however remain influential.

Paratici apparently pulled the strings in a move for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who's enjoyed an absolutely brilliant debut season as one of the Premier League's most consistent shot-stoppers.

The 51-year-old's unofficial role is on a consultancy basis, meaning he can still lend a small hand in Spurs' transfer pursuits.

Chief Football Officer Scott Munn currently oversees the Lilywhites' footballing recruitment, with new technical director Johan Lange assuming a similar role to that of Paratici's former post.

Timo Werner

Arrival

Radu Dragusin

Arrival

Eric Dier

Exit

Djed Spence

Exit

Ashley Phillips

Exit

Sergio Reguilon

Exit

Japhet Tanganga

Exit

Ivan Perisic

Exit

This comes amid Tottenham's widely reported hunt for another central midfielder if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg leaves, with links still surrounding Chelsea star Conor Gallagher.

Spurs are still firm admirers of Gallagher and could make a move before deadline day, but as time runs out and Chelsea's demands are said to be high, the club also have alternative names on the agenda.

One of them is Atalanta star Ederson, with a report by Corriere Torino sharing an update on their fondness for the Brazilian.

Paratici tells Spurs to sign Ederson with an approach made

According to the Italian news outlet, as relayed by Sport Witness, Paratici has personally recommended Ederson to Spurs and an approach has been made for him.

Juventus are also said to be keen on the 24-year-old who's been a key player for Atalanta, so Tottenham potentially beating them to his signature, courtesy of Juve's ex-transfer chief, would be a sore one to take from the Old Lady's perspective.

The South American is among Atalanta's best-performing players per 90, according to WhoScored, not to mention their chief attackers in terms of goals and assists.

Former Atalanta striker German Denis even went as far as to call Ederson the club's "most important player" right now.

“He is the most important player, the one who can never be missing among the starters," said Denis in an interview with Corriere di Bergamo (via Atalantini.online).

"I like this year a lot, he has improved and does a lot of work in midfield, both in the defensive and offensive phases. Muriel? Lucho is the second player I like the most because when he is in shape he turns the game around, he has great quality shots and intuitions, he is fun."

We have longed to have something to play for that gives proper context to Test cricket, says Faf du Plessis of the competition

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jul-20191:16

World Test Championship will give Test cricket a boost – Kohli

Virat Kohli, India captain”It is a great thing, to be honest. We all were looking forward to it. Very honestly, we felt like there were a few series in between where after big tours we felt like maybe a one-off Test or a couple of Tests were not apt for the moment, but this gives a lot of context to all kinds of cricket that we are going to play.”It is a great thing for Test cricket at the moment because we have been talking about it for the last two-three years, regardless of how we have played as a team and the interest of the fans building because of that, going for results and all that sort of stuff.”Test cricket really needed a boost. The players were always putting in the effort but from a global point of view, an incentive attached in a way which the Test Championship presents. I think for all the cricketers involved now, every session and every game will be more intense, there will be more on the line. So it will be challenging, but all the more exciting and all the teams I am sure are going to enjoy a lot through this whole journey of the Test Championships.

This should add a bit more colour to Test cricket, having the numbers and names gives a clear indication of who is whoJason Holder

“We are awaiting the ICC World Test Championship with great enthusiasm as it adds context to the longest format of the game. Test cricket is very challenging and coming out on top in the traditional form is always highly satisfying. The Indian team has done really well in recent years and will be fancying its chances in the championship.”Tim Paine, Australia Test captain”The World Test Championship is a fantastic initiative. We love playing Test cricket, it’s the pinnacle for us, remains hugely popular in Australia and we’re fortunate that it enjoys great support at home among players, the media and the public. To wear the baggy green is the ultimate for all Australian cricketers and if the World Test Championship helps to ensure that all countries make Tests a high priority then that has to be good news for the game in general and the continuing health of the format in particular.”Jason Holder, West Indies captain”It brings a different dynamic to Test cricket. It’s the format that the true cricket fan really loves and adores. Having something more to play for now, with points and an overall winner at the end of the two years and to decide who is the best Test team in the world is great. Having numbers and names at the back of the shirts also adds a bit of flavour to the game as well. This should add a bit more colour to Test cricket, having the numbers and names gives a clear indication of who is who.The World Test Championship will kick off with the first Ashes Test•Getty Images”Going through five intense days of cricket and then the last session, getting the ultimate results – that’s the beauty of the game. When you’re on the winning end of a Test match, after fighting so hard, that actually makes you feel like you have done something significant.”I cherish those moments and every Test win because they stand out significantly. Being put under pressure for five days – the mental struggle, the mental grind – and then to be able to win is what it’s all about. We recall the win at Leeds against England back in 2017, when we played so hard and gave it everything to come away with that kind of victory was truly remarkable and quite memorable.”ESPNcricinfo LtdFaf du Plessis, South Africa captain”The ICC Test Championship is something new and quite exciting for this format. We have longed to have something to play for that gives proper context to Test cricket. The Proteas have had some cracking contests in bilateral series over the last couple of years, and going forward, the stakes are high because every series matters over a period of two years with it culminating in a final at Lord’s. It’s refreshing; as the players we are looking forward to this new chapter of Test cricket.”We have a tough assignment to start with against India away playing for the Freedom series. We beat them at home last season but playing against India in India is probably one of the toughest challenges for an international player. We then have the current world champions England at home, this is always a cracker of a series during our summer and one that we look forward to. We probably have the toughest start, but everyone will play everyone, so it doesn’t really matter.””I feel Test cricket is in a healthy state. The players who play all three formats will attest to the fact that Test cricket is the purest format of the game and it is still the No. 1 format. The younger generation may enjoy the hustle and bustle of T20 cricket but when a Test match goes down to the final hour on the fifth day, that entertainment is hard to beat.”James Anderson, England’s leading Test wicket-taker”Test cricket is the pinnacle of our sport. It is the very essence of cricket and the majority of players want to strive to play the purest form of the game. The ICC World Test Championship is another brilliant initiative for the sport, adding context and relevance to every Test series. Every Test matters, but even more so now.”

The January transfer window slams shut in a little over a week and Arsenal are reportedly looking to snap up a player from one of their Premier League rivals.

Arsenal considering second attempt at Wolves star

Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have set their sights on a move to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers star Rayan Ait-Nouri to bolster the club's options at the back. The Gunners had a bid rejected for Ait-Nouri last week, with Liverpool also lurking with an interest.

Now, according to Football Insider, Edu and co are "considering" another swoop to sign the Algeria international before the end of the window, or could simply lay the groundwork to get it done in the summer. He is currently under contract through to the end of the 2025/26 campaign and Wolves have an option to extend that by 12 months, which means that they are in control of the situation and under no pressure to cash in.

The report claims that Arsenal and Liverpool continue to monitor his situation at the Molineux as they eye him up as a possible addition to their respective squads. However, it states that Ait-Nouri is likely to remain with the Old Gold beyond February's deadline day and that a summer switch is more likely. The Gunners, and Jurgen Klopp's side, are equipping themselves for a battle at the end of the season as Edu attempts to improve Arteta's full-back options.

Arsenal's most expensive full-back signings (via Transfermarkt)
Player	Fee paid	Bought from
Ben White	£50.2m	Brighton
Jurrien Timber	£34.3m	Ajax
Oleksandr Zinchenko	£30m	Manchester City
Kieran Tierney	£23.2m	Celtic
Jakub Kiwior	£21.4m	Spezia

There is no mention this time of how much Wolves would demand for the defender, but the previous report of a rejected bid claimed it would take £50m to tempt Wolves into selling the versatile left-back, whether that is in January or the summer. It now remains to be seen who will be willing to make the first move out of Arsenal and Liverpool in the race to sign Gary O'Neil's impressive ace.

Ait-Nouri's Premier League form is outstanding

One of the reasons why Edu and Arteta may be considering a swoop for Ait-Nouri is that he is a proven Premier League performer who would not need any time to adapt to the rigours of English football. The Algerian whiz, who was hailed as "underrated" by analyst Ben Mattinson, has made 82 top-flight appearances for the Old Gold since his move to England from Angers, initially on loan, ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

He is a dynamic and progressive left-back, as evidenced by his exceptional assist in the clip below, who could help the Gunners with his play in possession, and he is also versatile enough to play further up in a back five, as well as slot in on the left side of a back three if needs must.

In the Premier League this season, Ait-Nouri ranks within the top 15% of his positional peers for non-penalty Expected Goals (npxG) and Expected Assisted Goals combined per 90 (0.17), as well as for shot-creating actions per 90 (2.43), which speaks to his attacking quality.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

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By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

The 22-year-old dynamo, impressively, ranks in the top 1% of Premier League full-backs for successful take-ons per 90 (2.36) and this suggests that he could be particularly effective at bypassing the opposition's press to then release the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in space down the left flank.

Kylian Mbappe has avoided the need for surgery, but will be given a custom mask after suffering a “really bad” nose break for France at Euro 2024.

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• Les Bleus claimed narrow in over Austria
• Talismanic captain picked up injury
• No operation but protective guard required

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Real Madrid-bound forward was forced off late on as Les Bleus opened their European Championship campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Austria. Mbappe was involved in the only goal of the game, with it his burst into the box and clipped cross that resulted in Maximilian Wober heading into his own net.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mbappe was, however, to suffer a painful end to proceedings following a clash of heads with Kevin Danso. The 25-year-old was left with blood pouring from his nose, with it quickly determined that he had suffered a nasty break. Fears were immediately raised regarding his involvement in the rest of Euro 2024.

• WHAT THE FFF SAID

  A statement from the French Football Federation has confirmed that no operation will be required, with Mbappe set to be fitted with a protective face covering. The FFF said: "Kylian Mbappe suffered a broken nose during the second half of the Austria v France match this Monday in Duesseldorf. The captain of the French team was first taken care of by the medical staff and doctor Franck Le Gall, who diagnosed a broken nose. Diagnosis confirmed during radiological examinations at the Duesseldorf hospital. Kylian Mbappe has returned to the base camp of the French team. He will undergo treatment in the coming days, without undergoing surgery immediately. A mask will be made so as to allow the number 10 of the French team to consider resuming competition after a period devoted to treatment.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Mbappe left hospital at around 1am, with France boss Didier Deschamps having said of his unfortunate injury: “He's got a really bad nose. We'll have to wait and see, the medical staff are dealing with it. We'll have to see what's going to be done and then how long it will take. It's very bad news for us tonight. Obviously, the French team with or without him, this is not the same thing. I hope he can be there.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Dono do ataque que mais marcou gols nas últimas duas temporadas – 281 bolas na rede ao todo -, o Flamengo deve ter concorrência pesada em 2021. Ao menos é o que mostram os números das outras equipes da Série A neste início das competições.

Dos 20 times que estarão na primeira divisão este ano, cinco possuem uma média de gols superior a dois por partida até este momento. Além do próprio Flamengo, São Paulo, Grêmio, Atlético Mineiro e Atlético Goianiense ultrapassaram esta marca. Destaque para os comandados de Hernán Crespo, que marcaram 16 vezes em apenas seis atuações (2,66 g/j).

O Palmeiras, atual campeão da Copa do Brasil e da Libertadores, também está perto. Com 12 tentos em seis partidas, tem tido uma eficiência de dois por jogo. Nos últimos anos o Alviverde foi o principal rival do Rubro-Negro nas estatísticas ofensivas. Os dois, inclusive, se enfrentaram no fim de semana, na decisão da Supercopa do Brasil, e empataram em 2 a 2 no tempo normal, com os cariocas levantando a taça após as cobranças de pênaltis.

Em números absolutos, porém, ninguém balançou mais as redes do que o Bahia nesta temporada. Já tendo disputado 17 jogos, o Tricolor Baiano acumula a marca de 33 gols (1,94 g/j). Gilberto, com sete, é o principal artilheiro do time.

MAIORES MÉDIAS DE GOLS NA TEMPORADA 2021
– Entre os 20 clubes da Série A

1º – São Paulo – 2,66 g/j – 16 gols em 6 jogos
2º – Grêmio – 2,36 g/j – 26 gols em 11 jogos
3º – Flamengo – 2,22 g/j – 20 gols em 9 jogos
Atlético-MG – 2,22 g/j – 20 gols em 9 jogos
Atlético-GO – 2,22 g/j – 20 gols em 9 jogos
6º – Palmeiras – 2,00 g/j – 12 gols em 6 jogos
7º – Bahia – 1,94 g/j – 33 gols em 17 jogos
8º – Cuiabá – 1,88 g/j – 17 gols em 9 jogos
9º – Chapecoense – 1,70 g/j – 17 gols em 10 jogos
10º – Ceará – 1,66 g/j – 15 gols em 9 jogos
Fluminense – 1,66 g/j – 15 gols em 9 jogos
12º – Red Bull Bragantino – 1,50 g/j – 12 gols em 8 jogos
13º – Internacional – 1,44 g/j – 13 gols em 9 jogos
14º – Santos – 1,37 g/j – 11 gols em 8 jogos
Corinthians – 1,37 g/j – 11 gols em 8 jogos
16º – Juventude – 1,27 g/j – 14 gols em 11 jogos
17º – Fortaleza – 1,18 g/j – 13 gols em 11 jogos
18º – América-MG – 1,10 g/j – 11 gols em 10 jogos
19º – Sport – 1,07 g/j – 15 gols em 14 jogos
20º – Athletico-PR – 0,5 g/j – 1 gol em 2 jogos

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أعلن الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم “يويفا”، عن اللاعب الفائز بجائزة رجل مباراة ليفربول وبولونيا في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

والتقى ليفربول مع بولونيا مساء اليوم الأربعاء، في ختام مباريات الجولة الثانية لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ونجح ليفربول في تحقيق الفوز بهدفين دون رد أمام بولونيا الإيطالي، ليصبح رصيده 6 نقاط.

وحصل المصري محمد صلاح على جائزة رجل مباراة ليفربول وبولونيا بعد أدائه المميز في لقاء اليوم.

اقرأ أيضًا | فيديو | ماذا قدم محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وبولونيا بـ دوري أبطال أوروبا؟

وصنع محمد صلاح هدف ليفربول الأول الذي سجله ماك أليستر، وأحرز المصري الهدف الثاني.

وتم اختيار صلاح لاعب ليفربول كأفضل لاعب في المباراة، وقالت لجنة المراقبة الفنية التابعة للاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم: “لقد قدم لحظتين حاسمتين في المباراة، حيث صنع الهدف الأول ونفذ تسديدة رائعة جعلت النتيجة 2-0”.

Record-breaker Lamine Yamal announced himself on the international stage as Spain cruised past Croatia in their Euro 2024 opener

Fabian Ruiz and Lamine Yamal ran the show as three first-half goals secured Spain a 3-0 win over Croatia to kick-start their Euro 2024 campaign.

After a low-key start to the game, two goals in three minutes from Alvaro Morata and Ruiz put Spain 2-0 up in 32 minutes. Dani Carvajal tucked home record-breaker Yamal's sublime delivery on the stroke of half time as Croatia looked shell-shocked.

Zlatko Dalic's side improved in the second half and looked to have pulled a goal back through Bruno Petkovic, who scored after having his penalty brilliantly saved by Unai Simon, only for it to be chalked off due to encroachment – with Ivan Perisic setting off too early and then providing the assist.

In the end, the 2012 Euro winners kept a clean sheet and showed they are a force to be reckoned with.

GOAL rates Spain's players from Olympiastadion…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Unai Simon (7/10):

Made a number of important saves in the first half to preserve Spain's lead. His distribution was questionable at times, no more so when he lost the ball in his box and then moments later Rodri conceded a penalty – one that he expertly saved to atone for his error.

Dani Carvajal (7/10):

After looking a little suspect defensively, responded in style with a neat finish from a great cross. The Real Madrid man was solid if unspectacular.

Robin Le Normand (7/10):

Was beaten a couple of times at the back by quick Croatia feet but was part of a backline that looked composed and had the beating of the opposition's attack.

Nacho (7/10):

Wasn't really troubled at the back but did the stuff that generally goes unnoticed in a more than adequate performance.

Marc Cucurella (7/10):

It was perhaps surprising he started at left-back after the season he has had for Chelsea but after being proficient enough he made a fantastic, last-ditch diving stop to deny Josip Stanisic from close range early in the second half.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Pedri (7/10):

Looked lively and was neat and tidy in possession. Was the quietest of Spain's midfielders but was competent enough before being replaced.

Rodri (7/10):

For much of the contest he anchored Spain's midfield well, just as he does for Manchester City. But he undid his good work, somewhat, by giving away a penalty late on – one that was saved, mind.

Fabian Ruiz (9/10):

Played an inch-perfect pass to set Morata on his way for the first goal and then went on a superb, slaloming run before firing into the corner for an excellent individual goal. A player to watch this tournament.

GettyAttack

Lamine Yamal (9/10):

The first 16-year-old to play in a Euros fired in an inch-perfect cross to the onrushing Carvajal to make it 3-0 before half time. His quality shone through and he was unlucky not to get a goal and another assist.

Alvaro Morata (8/10):

Looked like the ball was going to get stuck under his feet but recovered to slot home Spain's opener. A much-derided figure but one who does pop up with important goals for his country and led the line well.

Nico Williams (8/10):

Croatia struggled to get to grips with his pace and trickery. He and Yamal were the out-ball Spain used and they were very effective.

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GettySubs & Manager

Mikel Oyarzabal (6/10):

Didn't do a great when brought on for the dangerous Williams.

Dani Olmo (7/10):

Had a couple of nice driving runs and shots on goal when introduced in the second half.

Mikel Merino (7/10):

Played some nice through balls to his team-mates to kickstart attacks.

Ferran Torres (7/10):

Looked to run at the defence whenever he got the ball.

Martin Zubimendi (N/A):

Had too little time to make an impact.

Luis de la Fuente (8/10):

Made some bold calls with Yamal and Cucurella but both, particularly the former, paid off in fine fashion. He got his tactics and Spain's formation spot on as they eased past a dangerous team.

Liverpool might sit at the summit of the Premier League but Jurgen Klopp will have reminded his players in no uncertain terms that Manchester City and Arsenal lurk ominously behind.

The former, Pep Guardiola's defending champions, have a game in hand and would go top with victory, so it's very much all in the balance and the forthcoming fixture against Brentford is an absolute must-win for the Reds.

Naturally, Liverpool have never won away to the Bees in the Premier League but will view Saturday's affair with a third-time-lucky mentality, with Mohamed Salah in contention once again after returning to full-team training this week.

Unfortunately, influential duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai remain injured and will not return until after next weekend's Carabao Cup final clash against Chelsea.

The Reds host Luton Town in midweek but Klopp is likely to field a strong line-up at the Gtech Community Stadium, with four changes to the side that defeated Burnley one week ago.

1 GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

Last weekend, Caoimhin Kelleher deputised between the sticks for the third time in the Premier League this season and maintained his 100% record, and while Alisson has overcome illness, he has now been ruled out with a hamstring injury and the Irishman will start between the sticks once again.

Kelleher is a competent back-up but Alisson is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world and Klopp will be anxiously hoping for a swift recovery.

2 RB – Conor Bradley

Alexander-Arnold is back on the sidelines after aggravating his knee injury but have no fear Liverpool fans: Conor Bradley is back in line for a starting berth.

Bradley's incredible emergence was paused as he took compassionate leave but the 20-year-old is back on Merseyside and will be eager to add to his one goal and five assists last month.

3 CB – Ibrahima Konate

Ibrahima Konate missed out last week after picking up two yellow cards during the insipid defeat against Arsenal in London at the start of the month, though the Frenchman will be confident of a much happier return to the capital tomorrow.

He's been brilliant this term and has stepped up with some first-class displays after Joel Matip's season-ending ACL injury back in December, recently described as an “absolute beast” by one analyst.

4 CB – Virgil van Dijk

Barring any unforeseen late drama, Virgil van Dijk should make his 250th Liverpool appearance on Saturday, having captained Liverpool toward a title chase this season.

The Dutchman fell by the wayside last term but has been in imperious form this year and will be crucial in nullifying Toney's dominance in the final third.

5 LB – Andy Robertson

Andy Robertson has been so reliable for Liverpool over the years but has spent the lion's share of the current campaign on the periphery, requiring shoulder surgery after international duty back in October and being kept out of the side by the in-form Joe Gomez after recovering fitness last month.

The Scotland captain was in stunning form against Burnley last weekend though and made five key passes, so he is likely to start despite Gomez recovering from flu this week.

6 DM – Wataru Endo

Wataru Endo was awarded Liverpool's Player of the Month for December but saw his club progress halted by international duty with Japan throughout January.

The 30-year-old started last week, winning nine duels and making four tackles, so should feature from the outset once again.

7 CM – Harvey Elliott

Hailed as a "superstar" by pundit Joe Cole, Alexis Mac Allister has been near undroppable this season but Endo's industriousness at the base of the engine room might be a tool worth using at the Gtech, and with Harvey Elliott's impact off the bench last week, he's surely deserving of a start.

The 20-year-old is delightfully creative and has the skill and vision to unlock the Bees defence. He has to start just his fourth Premier League match of the season.

8 CM – Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones is possibly Liverpool's most underrated player and will be so important in stuffing Thomas Frank's side's threat and establishing control in the centre of the park.

As per FBref, the dynamic midfielder ranks among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 13% for assists, the top 4% for pass completion, the top 7% for progressive carries, the top 12% for successful take-ons and the top 20% for tackles per 90.

9 RW – Diogo Jota

Recently crowned Premier League Player of the Month, there is no question that Diogo Jota is a man bang in form, and if fitness levels prevail the Portuguese ace will be a defining figure over the coming months.

Diogo Jota: Key Characteristics

Strengths

Weaknesses

Finishing

Ball retention

Passing

Long shots

Defensive contribution

Source: WhoScored

Salah is fit again but might just have to settle for the bench on his first time back in action, although Jota's "clinical" – as he has been called by reporter Neil Jones – nature will leave few supporters concerned.

10 LW – Luis Diaz

There's no shirking away from the fact that Luis Diaz could have done better throughout large portions of the campaign, but the Colombian winger has been much-improved across recent outings and boasts four goals and three assists since the new year.

His electricity and dynamism will be crucial to wrongfooting the Brentford backline and handing his side another crucial victory in the Premier League title race.