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From watching India play at Lord’s from the stands, to walking out to bat at The Oval, Vihari’s journey is still a work in progress

Deivarayan Muthu in Bengaluru16-Oct-2018

Hanuma Vihari drives the ball square•PTI

After finding no takers in the 2014 IPL auction, Hanuma Vihari signed up with Hutton CC in the Essex league in England. During his time off, he was in the stands for the Lord’s Test that year, soaking in Ajinkya Rahane’s counterattacking century. Four years later at The Oval, he would walk in to bat after Rahane was dismissed.After overcoming early jitters, he made a fifty on Test debut and claimed three wickets to boot. He could not break into the XI for the home series against West Indies that followed, but celebrated his 25th birthday with the side. Some turnaround, eh?”It was a wonderful Test where Ajinkya [Rahane] got that hundred. I think I went to watch the second day, but after four years actually me representing India was also wonderful. It was a great feeling,” Vihari gushed on the sidelines of the Vijay Hazare Trophy quarter-final between Andhra and Hyderabad at the Just Cricket Academy Ground in Bengaluru.Hanuma Vihari on:

From being a Rayudu fan to playing against him: “It is very special. Once I look at at those memories of watching Rayudu bat when I was a kid in Hyderabad… He’s a great batsman and in my opinion he’s one of the best in the county because the amount of time he has when he plays I still admire him a lot. Great fun playing against him.”
Captaining Andhra: “It made me think about the game more. Once you think about the game more, it will help your batting as well. You know what the bowler is exactly trying to do, it’s a great honour to be captaining Andhra. It’s a wonderful team and we’ve been playing wonderful cricket in the last two years.”

“Sharing the dressing room with them on my birthday was very special. Because it was my first birthday after coming into the national side and everyone greeted me well.”Vihari had started out being a nervous wreck in his early exchanges at The Oval. He fell over his front foot and was pinned plumb in front for a duck by Stuart Broad. But umpire Joel Wilson shot down the appeal, and England didn’t review either, handing Vihari a lifeline. Broad kept targetting his pads with booming inswingers, but a piece of advice from captain Virat Kohli helped him weather that burst.”I was just looking to get the runs to get the deficit down and obviously having Virat at the other end helped because he gave me clues of what Broad was doing,” Vihari said. “I was making adjustments with my front foot because he [Broad] was getting it in quite sharply. I [opened my stance], giving more space with my front foot and those were the adjustments I made to ensure I counter the inswing.Vihari picked out his straight drive off left-arm seamer Sam Curran as the shot that made him believe he “belonged here”.”That was the moment where I got confidence because if you move your feet in and drive the ball, you get your eye in,” he said. “Those are one of the moments you need in international cricket to be confident about yourself.”Vihari wasn’t as confident when he went unsold in the 2014 auction. He did get another gig with Sunrisers Hyderabad the next season, but he blew it by tallying just 39 runs in four innings. He hasn’t been part of the IPL since.”He was always talented but there was a time when he wasn’t getting the opportunity,” Vihari’s former coach at Andhra, and current India Under-19 bowling coach Sanath Kumar said. “He wasn’t getting recognition and he wasn’t even getting picked up for the IPL. All those things – and some bad experiences in Hyderabad – weighed on his mind and he started doubting himself. “Such setbacks have defined Vihari’s career. He lost his father in 2005 when he was 12 and was later dropped from Under-13s state side. He hadn’t been selected for the 2012 Under-19 World Cup either, but was eventually picked as a last-minute replacement for the injured Manan Vohra.”These setbacks have made me a better person,” he said. “Once you reflect on it, it will make you more humble and whatever you achieve, you have to keep going consistently and not relax or get complacent. But those are things, which make you stronger. If you are strong enough, it can make you a stronger person. Otherwise, you crumble. That is the choice I had. Every international player has a story. This is my story.”He has added another chapter to his story by unlocking his power game in limited-overs cricket. It was on display against Hyderabad on Monday: he cracked four sixes in his 99-ball 95, including three that went out of the ground. He also was central to Andhra qualifying for the semi-finals in the 2017-18 Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 378 runs in eight innings at an average of 54 and strike-rate of 103.84. Only his Andhra team-mate KS Bharat, Saurashtra’s Cheteshwar Pujara and Karnataka’s Mayank Agarwal had made more runs than him in that season.”My mindset has also changed in limited-overs cricket. I want to be more aggressive,” Vihari said. “I have a formula in the four-day format, which I don’t want to change much. But in the one-dayers and T20s, I want to be more expressive; I know I have the shots. I want to be the X-factor in the team. I just don’t want to contribute to the team score but I also want to win matches. With my game, I want to create some fear in the opposition when I’m there in the crease.”

Aston Villa have seen a huge wave of progression crash over Villa Park since the arrival of Unai Emery in October 2022, with the Spaniard being the catalyst for change in the Midlands.

The former Arsenal boss inherited his squad from Steven Gerrard following the Englishman’s dismissal, as the Villans sat in 16th place with little direction to progress, fate that changed almost overnight when Emery arrived.

The four-time Europa League winner ended his first campaign in seventh, handing his new club a place in the Europa Conference League and miraculously improving their form, with only Arsenal and Manchester City winning more points in 2023 so far.

Premier League points won in 2023
Rank	Club	Points
1	Manchester City	71
2	Arsenal	61
3	Aston Villa	59
4	Liverpool	56
5	Manchester United	55
Via Transfermarkt

After orchestrating a successful summer of business boosted Emery’s plans for further success, as he welcomed five new faces to Villa Park, it is suggested that the Spaniard could already be weighing up his options for additional change ahead.

As the January transfer window fast approaches, clubs will be alert to the situations of potential targets, and for Villa, one name could finally make his way to the Midlands after months of speculation regarding a possible move.

Could Aston Villa sign Dani Ceballos?

Real Madrid midfielder and former player of Emery at Arsenal, Dani Ceballos, has once again been linked with a potential move to Villa.

Following the 2022 January transfer window, Spanish publication Marca claimed that the 27-year-old had been approached and had rejected a move to Villa Park in the bid to push for a place in the squad with Los Blancos.

There was further speculation in the summer regarding Villa’s hopes to capture the Spaniard’s signature, with SPORT reporting that the Midlands club were preparing to make an offer in the region of €15m (£13m) for the playmaker.

Nothing came from the rumours, as Ceballos penned a new deal with the Galacticos in June, however news in Spain has once again reported the narrative of a potential return to England for the out of favour midfielder.

DefensaCentral reported after the close of the transfer window that the Spaniard remains the ‘goal and desire’ for Villa, with the valuation for the 27-year-old having the possibility to reach €18m (£15.5m).

The report also adds that Emery’s side could even double the midfielder’s wages in order to convince him to join the club, with interest spanning almost a year between club and player, making his movements something to keep an eye on in January.

How much is Dani Ceballos worth?

While his quality is unquestionable, Ceballos has found it difficult to secure regular game time at Madrid among the abundance of generational talent Los Blancos have in midfield.

The summer capture of Jude Bellingham only made matters harder for the Utrera-born gem, who in his six-year association with Real Madrid, has secured only 38 La Liga starts.

As a result, the 27-year-old has seen his expected transfer value (xTV) fluctuate throughout the course of the footballing calendar. As relayed by Football Transfers, the former Arsenal midfielder has seen his xTV dip as low as €5m (£4.3m) this year due to lack of game time and injury.

Currently, as per CIES Football Observatory, the Spaniard is valued at €30m (£26m), making a potential move in the region of £15m, a coup for Villa.

While his value is more than affordable, Ceballos’ wage would make him the highest-earner currently in Emery’s squad, with him picking up a healthy £173k-per-week from Los Blancos.

How good is Dani Ceballos?

When you’re competing for a starting place against the likes of Bellingham, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga, form can be irrelevant as world-class quality prevails.

Ceballos was forced to endeavour on consecutive loan spells in order to grasp consistent minutes, with his two seasons at Arsenal giving him room to flourish and gain experience in playing in England.

In north London, Emery was the figure that lured the Spaniard to the Premier League, where he made 77 appearances for the Gunners over the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons.

Leaving England as an FA Cup winner and an appreciated player at the Emirates, Ceballos could arrive at Villa well-equipped for the challenges that come with playing in the Premier League.

Away from England, the Real Betis academy graduate has taken advantage of his minutes on the field over the past year, cementing himself as one of the top talents in Europe’s top five leagues based on his averages per 90.

As per FBref, the Real Madrid outsider averaged 87.51 passes, 11.25 progressive passes and 2.44 successful take-ons per 90 over the last 365 days, decimals that place him within the top 1% of midfielders in Europe to reinforce his quality.

Being a good player is one thing, but having the ability to fit into a new squad is another, however there are signs that Ceballos could fit perfectly into Emery’s vision at Villa Park.

Where could Dani Ceballos fit in at Villa?

In the summer, Emery completed the signing of free-agent Youri Tielemans, who left Leicester City at the expiration of his contract, freeing him of the prospect of playing in the Championship with the Foxes.

While everything was poised for the Belgian to thrive at Villa, things haven’t worked as expected for the midfielder, with Football Insider suggesting that the 26-year-old already wants out of the club due to a disagreement with Emery.

It’s no secret that Tielemans is unhappy at Villa, as the former Leicester star spoke publicly about his lack of game time at the club while on international duty, telling the media that the situation is “not pleasant”.

If rumours are to be believed, Emery could ease the potential premature exit of the Belgian by signing Ceballos, who could be the perfect figure to replace the disgruntled midfielder.

Dani Ceballos' Premier League averages per game
	2019/20	2020/21
Pass completion %	88%	87%
Key passes	1.2	1.1
Successful dribbles %	75%	68%
Interceptions	1.3	1.4
Tackles	1.9	1.5
Figures via Sofascore

Once lauded as having an “incredible amount of quality” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the former Arsenal loanee performed well over his two campaigns in England, as highlighted in the table above.

The midfielder, who is best equipped as a deep-lying playmaker, portrayed that he has the ability to juggle both defensive and offensive tasks in the engine room in an environment as high-pressured as the English top flight.

When comparing the averages of Ceballos in the Premier League with those of Tielemans from the 2022/23 campaign, numbers suggest that the Spaniard could be almost a straight-swap for the 26-year-old, and in some elements, a better match.

As per Sofascore, at Leicester last season, Tielemans averaged 0.9 interceptions and 1.0 key passes per game in the league, recording a passing accuracy rate of 82%, with all decimals shy of those recorded by the Real Madrid gem while at Arsenal.

Whether or not Villa opt to let go of their summer acquisition so promptly remains speculation, however regardless of his stance in January, signing Ceballos could be a smart move for Emery to add to his depth.

For a slim price, the Spaniard could rekindle his relationship with his former player, in a move that could benefit the Villans given the rumours regarding Tielemans’ future.

Chelsea's prolific academy continues to churn out talent at an unbelievably fast rate with several stars beginning their careers in east London.

Of course, when freakish talents are prevalent in an individual at a young age, clubs will naturally show their interest, as seen when Bayern Munich snapped up Jamal Musiala from the Blues as a 16-year-old.

Now 20-years-old, the Germany international is one of the hottest prospects on the planet and after finishing second behind Jude Bellingham in the Golden Boy award, has an apparent value of £129m (€150m), according to Football Observatory.

Declan Rice is another talent whose value has exceeded £100m since departing Chelsea for West Ham as a 14-year-old and has gone on to become one of the best midfielders on the planet with Arsenal shelling out £105m for him this summer.

While it is a gut-wrenching feeling knowing that Musiala and Rice could have been plying their trade in the Blues midfield for the next decade, the blow of seeing them thrive elsewhere is cushioned by the current crop of academy stars thriving in the first-team, as Levi Colwill, Reece James and Conor Gallagher have all endeared themselves to the Stamford Bridge faithful.

Gallagher, in particular, has seen his value skyrocket as a result of his performances.

How much was Conor Gallagher worth at the start of his career?

In the early stages of his Chelsea career, Gallagher must have thought he was going to fall victim to the Blues' ruthless policy of loaning out precocious talents without giving them a single chance to shine in the first team.

Joining the club at the age of eight, the youngster's first taste of men's football came in a loan spell at Charlton Athletic in the Championship as one of the 41 players to be loaned out in the summer of 2019.

At this point, the Englishman had an expected transfer value (xTV) of £3.8m (€4.5m), as per Football Transfers, but after notching up 17 direct goal contributions in 45 appearances across two loan spells at Charlton and Swansea during the 2019/20 season, Gallagher's value rose to £12.4m (€14.4m)

Making a sharp rise to stardom from an early age, subsequent loans at Premier League sides West Brom and Crystal Palace allowed him to showcase his all-action midfield displays in the top flight, as his spectacular performances in the latter of those spells earned him an array of plaudits.

Registering more direct goal involvements than any other Palace player across the 2021/22 season with 11, Gallagher was utilised by Patrick Vieira in a more advanced midfield role, and the Frenchman waxed lyrical about his outstanding performances.

He said: "He surprised me with his finishing, he surprised me with his energy, he surprised me with the way he gets into the box at the right time to score goals".

Exceeding expectations by becoming the Eagles talisman and a senior England international, by the time he returned to Chelsea, his value skyrocketed to £32m (€37.6m), as per Football Transfers' xTV model.

Now an integral part of Mauricio Pochettino's plans, Gallagher has been one of the Blues standout performers this term.

What is Conor Gallagher worth now?

Gallagher is the type of midfielder who can overpower the opposition with his abundance of energy and desire to cover ground, utilising his love of ball-winning to rescue possession for his side.

Operating next to the mesmeric playmaking abilities of Enzo Fernandez, Gallagher's indefatigable work rate and unbelievable stamina are two of the standout attributes that place him in the upper echelons among the league's most industrious midfielders.

Eating up ground like it's going out of fashion and operating like a battery that never dies, the 23-year-old averages 3.1 tackles per game, 7.3 balls recovered, 1.9 interceptions and duel success of 60%, as per Sofascore.

While this aggressive nature to win possession back is crucial in the Blue's midfield machine, he's also astute in possession, registering a pass completion of 91% and a long pass success rate of 83%, indicating that he's capable of making line splitting passes.

Dubbed by former manager and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard as a "top talent" after he captained his side to victory over Fulham, the midfielder has showcased his amazing character since Pochettino was appointed manager, with the Argentine awarding him increased game time and responsibility.

After nearly departing the club this summer, the £50k-per-week England international's rise from academy graduate to first-team regular should be used as a tool of inspiration for any youngster aspiring to follow the hard work and dedication that has propelled Gallagher into a £50m-rated star.

Manchester United's staffing numbers could be cut by up to a quarter as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS seek ways to save money at Old Trafford.

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Ratcliffe and INEOS bring in corporate restructuring firmStaff left fearing for their jobs United have biggest wage budget of any PL club for staffWHAT HAPPENED?

The reports that Ratcliffe has appointed a corporate restructuring firm, Interpath Advisory, to cut costs at Old Trafford. United's most recent financial results showed that their staff costs had risen to a staggering £95 million ($121.5m) in 2023-24 and Ratcliffe is said to believe that such a giant outlay is holding the club back.

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As a result of the review, staff have been left fearing for their jobs and up to a quarter of those employees could be laid off. United have over 1,100 staff members; by comparison, the next highest number in the league comes at Liverpool, who have 900. Manchester City have 720.

DID YOU KNOW?

United were unable to buy any players in the January transfer window because they were close to breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR). Ratcliffe, as a result, is taking steps to ensure they can reverse away from the precipice.

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United are back in action this Sunday against Liverpool in a major FA Cup quarter-final. Ratcliffe may well be present for such a massive encounter.

Manchester City bounced back from their disappointing defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League by beating Newcastle United 4-0 at The Etihad on Saturday.

The Cityzens have moved up to fourth in the Premier League table after their win over the Magpies and are not on course to miss out on Europe’s premier competition, despite their seven league losses already this season.

An eye-catching first-half hat-trick from January signing Omar Marmoush secured all three points for Pep Guardiola’s side against Newcastle.

The Egypt international took three Premier League matches to score his first hat-trick for the club. Whereas, it took fellow Egyptian dynamo Mohamed Salah 30 matches to score at least three goals in one match, with four against Watford in 2018.

It has silenced any of the doubters after Marmoush failed to score in any of his first four appearances in all competitions for the Cityzens, against Chelsea, Arsenal, Leyton Orient, and Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old forward arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt in the January transfer window and his stunning display against Newcastle is, hopefully, a sign that he can carry his Bundesliga form over to the Premier League.

Omar Marmoush's form this season

Marmoush has been one of the most in-form marksmen in Europe this season with his form for both Frankfurt and City, as he has racked up 18 goals in England and Germany combined at league level.

The versatile forward, who can play out wide or through the middle, enjoyed a fantastic season in the Bundesliga with his previous club before the Cityzens decided to swoop in for his services during the January transfer window last month.

He had plundered a sublime 15 goals from just 8.87 xG and contributed with 11 ‘big chances’ created, which led to nine assists for forward in the German top-flight during the first half of the campaign.

These statistics show that Marmoush is a winger who can ruthlessly finish chances at an impressive rate, whilst also being able to create high-quality openings for his teammates to find the back of the net.

Vinicius Junior

1

Mohamed Salah

2

Rafael Leao

3

Ademola Lookman

4

Adama Traore

5

As you can see in the table above, his statistics in the Men’s Big 5 Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days have earned him comparisons to some of the best wingers in the world, which further speaks to how impressive his performances have been.

Manchester City reportedly paid a fee of £59m to sign Marmoush from Frankfurt and that move has helped his Transfermarkt valuation to soar to £50m, making him one of the most valuable players in Guardiola’s squad as it stands.

Manchester City's most valuable players

There are still a number of players who are worth more, per Transfermarkt, than the impressive and in-form attacker, however, and that is a credit to the club’s recruitment work over the years.

No one will get a prize for guessing the most valuable player in the Manchester City squad right now, as Erling Halaand stands out above the rest at a whopping £166m.

The Norway international, who has scored 19 goals in 25 Premier League matches so far this season, is worth more than three times as much as Marmoush and £50m more than any other player at the club, with Phil Foden in second place at £116m.

Erling Haaland

£166m

Phil Foden

£116m

Rodri

£100m

Ruben Dias

£62m

Josko Gvardiol

£62m

Bernardo Silva

£50m

Omar Marmoush

£50m

Jeremy Doku

£50m

Savinho

£46m

As you can see in the table above, Guardiola has a squad that is full of incredibly highly-rated talent and Marmoush is just the latest one to join the ranks.

Manchester City will be hoping that he can continue to impress and turn out to be another player the club have hit the jackpot with, as has been the case with a number of players on that list.

Market Movers

Ruben Dias is one of the stars who City have struck gold with, as the central defender’s value has soared since his move to the club from Benfica in the summer of 2020.

Ruben Dias' soaring market value

The Portugal international joined the Cityzens from Benfica ahead of the 2020/21 campaign and was valued at £29m by Transfermarkt at the time of his move.

Dias hit the ground running in England and made 50 appearances in all competitions in his first season with the club, helping City to claim the Premier League title and reach the final of the Champions League.

His terrific performances at the heart of the defence, as shown in the highlights above, helped him to earn the Premier League Player of the Season award in his first year in the country.

Dias became the first defender in the history of the division to win the award in his first season in the league, and only the fouth defender to ever claim the trophy.

Nemanja Vidic

2008/09

Nemanja Vidic

2010/11

Vincent Kompany

2011/12

Virgil van Dijk

2018/19

Ruben Dias

2020/21

The 27-year-old colossus was compared to Virgil van Dijk and described as “transformative” by Jamie Carragher during the 2020/21 campaign, which speaks to how impressive his displays were.

Dias has since gone on to make 201 appearances for City in all competitions and has won one Champions League and four Premier League titles to date.

His achievements on the pitch for the Cityzens have resulted in his Transfermarkt value soaring up to £62m at the time of writing, which is significantly higher than the £29m it was at when he arrived at The Etihad, whilst it also makes him one of the most valuable players in the squad.

Man City's 70-touch star was just as good as Marmoush vs Newcastle

Man City secured a wonderful victory against Newcastle in the Premier League.

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 16, 2025

This shows that Manchester City have hit the jackpot with the Portugal international, as they landed a central defender who has made Premier League history and helped the club to achieve great success on the pitch, whilst his value has also sky rocketed throughout his time at the club to date.

تمكن الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، من تحقيق الفوز على فاركو بهدفين مقابل هدف، خلال المباراة التي انتهت منذ قليل ببطولة الدوري المصري.

المباراة أقيمت على أرضية استاد الجيش ببرج العرب، ضمن مؤجلات الجولة الحادية عشر من عمر الدوري المصري.

وفي مباراة أخرى أقيمت في الوقت ذاته، حقق الزمالك فوزاً مثيراً على نظيره سيراميكا كليوباترا بهدفين مقابل هدف.

طالع أيضاً.. موعد مباراة الأهلي القادمة بعد الفوز على فاركو في الدوري المصري

والتقى الزمالك مع سيراميكا كليوباترا على أرضية استاد المقاولون العرب، في اللقاء المؤجل من الجولة الحادية عشر لمسابقة الدوري.

وسجل إمام عاشور ثنائية الأهلي في الدقيقتين 30 و45+2، حيث جاء الهدف الأول من ركلة جزاء، والثاني تم تسجيله بعد تصويبة صاروخية من خارج منطقة الجزاء سكنت الشباك.

وفي مباراة الزمالك وسيراميكا كليوباترا سجل أحمد رمضان بيكهام لفريقه سيراميكا الهدف الأول في الدقيقة 26 بعد عرضية استقبلها برأسية سكنت شباك الأببض.

وأدرك الزمالك التعادل في الدقيقة 81 عن طريق عبد الله السعيد بعد تسديدة قوية من خارج منطقة الجزاء سكنت الشباك.

وتقدم إبراهيما نداي بالهدف الثاني للزمالك في الدقيقة 87، بعد عرضية من عبد الله السعيد استقبلها نداي برأسية سكنت الشباك. ترتيب هدافي الدوي المصري

1- حسام أشرف (بلدية المحلة): 12 هدفًا.

2- مابولولو (الاتحاد السكندري): 10 أهداف.

3- ياو أنور (البنك الأهلي): 9 أهداف.

4- أحمد بلحاج (سيراميكا كليوباترا)، مصطفى زيكو (زد)، فيستون مايلي (بيراميدز): 8 أهداف.

5- أحمد سيد زيزو (الزمالك)، حسام حسن (سموحة)، محمد سالم (المقاولون العرب)، صديق أوجولا (سيراميكا كليوباترا)، ميدو جابر (المصري)، كريم بامبو (البنك الأهلي) : 7 أهداف.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Swedish football phenomenon, enjoyed an extraordinary career with a series of remarkable feats. Born on October 3, 1981, in Malmo, Sweden, Ibrahimovic quickly showcased his football prowess. He commenced his professional journey with Malmo FF, rapidly gaining attention for his technical finesse, strength, and audacious strikes.

In 2001, Ajax signed Ibrahimovic, where he flourished as a prolific striker, amassing 48 goals in 110 appearances. His dazzling performances attracted the eyes of Europe's elite clubs, leading to his move to Juventus in 2004. Despite a brief Juventus spell due to the Calciopoli scandal, Ibrahimovic's resilience shone through, and he emerged as a key player for Inter Milan after signing for the Serie A giants in 2006.

Zlatan's early career was punctuated by league titles with each of these clubs, demonstrating his consistency and influence. A versatile forward known for his acrobatic goals, he amassed a remarkable goal tally, setting a standard for future generations.

His early milestones paved the way for a glittering career, cementing his legacy as one of the game's most charismatic and accomplished talents.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Malmo

Ibrahimovic's formative years at Malmo were a precursor to his footballing brilliance. Rising through the ranks of the Swedish club, he made his senior debut in 1999. His meteoric rise continued as he netted 16 goals in 40 appearances.

Zlatan's prolific strike rate and technical prowess caught the attention of larger clubs, leading to his transfer to Ajax in 2001. Despite a very brief stint at his boyhood club, his time at Malmo remains a testament to his innate talent and the launching pad for a career that would later redefine football's limits.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Ajax

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's tenure at Ajax, spanning from 2001 to 2004, marked a crucial phase in his rise to footballing stardom. The Swedish sensation's time at the Dutch club was characterized by his unique blend of skill and power. In 110 appearances, Ibrahimovic netted an impressive 48 goals, showcasing his clinical finishing and ability to score from both close range and long distance.

During his stint, Ajax secured two Eredivisie titles in 2001/2002 and 2003/2004, with Ibrahimovic being an instrumental part of the team's success. His remarkable athleticism and towering presence also made him a formidable aerial threat, a trait that would become one of his trademarks throughout his career.

Ibrahimovic's performances at Ajax drew the attention of Europe's top clubs once again, leading to his subsequent transfers to Juventus. Despite his relatively short time at the club, his impact was undeniable, leaving a lasting impression on Ajax's fans and football enthusiasts worldwide.

His Ajax chapter served as a stepping stone, propelling him towards a legendary career defined by his unique playing style, record-breaking achievements, and charismatic persona on and off the field.

Ibrahimovic's Honours at Ajax

Title	Years(s)
Eredivisie (2)	2001/2022, 2003/2004
KNVB Cup (1)	2001/2002
Johan Cruyff Shield (1)	2002

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Juventus

Signed for €16m, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's time at Juventus club was highlighted by his incredible technical prowess and goal-scoring ability. In 92 first-team appearances, Ibrahimovic netted 26 goals, showcasing his versatility as a striker.

During his Juventus tenure, he contributed to two Serie A titles, although they were later revoked due to the Calciopoli scandal. Nonetheless, his performances were nothing short of remarkable, solidifying his reputation as one of the world's most talented forwards. Ibrahimovic's time at Juventus would lay the foundation for his subsequent successes, as he moved on to Inter Milan and continued to amass accolades and records throughout his illustrious career.

His Juve chapter, although relatively brief, remains an integral part of his journey and a testament to his ability to make an impact on the biggest stages of football.

Ibrahimovic's Honours at Juventus

Title	Year(s)
Serie A (2)	2004/2005, 2005/2006

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Inter Milan

Ibrahimovic signed for Inter Milan in August 2006 in a deal worth €24.8m His arrival marked a turning point for the club, with his imposing presence and goal-scoring prowess invigorating Inter's attack. In 117 appearances, he netted 66 goals in all competitions.

The Swede's time at Inter was laden with success, securing three Serie A titles consecutively from 2006 to 2009. His partnership with players like Adriano and later Samuel Eto'o propelled Inter to domestic dominance.

Moreover, Ibrahimovic earned recognition for his flair, unique skill set and uncanny ability to score from unconventional positions. His stint at Inter showcased his evolution into one of the world's top strikers, setting the stage for his continued exploits at various elite clubs. His legacy at Inter Milan remains etched in football history, as he left an indelible mark on the club's resurgence in Italy.

Ibrahimovic's Honours at Inter Milan

Title	Year(s)
Serie A (3)	2006/2007, 2007/2008, 2008/2009
Supercoppa Italiana (2)	2006, 2008

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Barcelona

Ibrahimovic's spell at Barcelona was a brief yet eventful time, lasting just one campaign in 2009/2010 season.

His £59m move to the Spanish giants was high-profile but, despite his undeniable talent, he faced difficulties in fitting into the tactical framework of the team.

In his single season with Barcelona, Ibrahimovic made 46 appearances, scoring 22 goals and contributing to the club's La Liga victory that year. However, his time there was defined by the clash of playing styles and interpersonal differences with Pep Guardiola, leading to his eventual move to AC Milan.

Despite the challenges, Ibrahimovic's time at Barcelona remains a testament to his versatility as a striker and his ability to make an impact at some of the world's most prestigious clubs.

Ibrahimovic's Honours at Barcelona

Title	Year(s)
La Liga (1)	2009/2010
Supercopa de Espana (2)	2009, 2010
UEFA Super Cup (1)	2009
FIFA Club World Cup (1)	2009

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at AC Milan

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's first spell at AC Milan, from 2010 to 2012, marked a triumphant return to Serie A after his stint at Barcelona. Initially signing on a season-long loan before making his San Siro stay permanent the following summer, his arrival injected new life into the team, elevating Milan's attacking prowess. In 85 appearances, Ibrahimovic netted an impressive 56 goals, showcasing his enduring scoring ability and leadership on the field.

During his time at Milan, the Swede guided the club to the 2010/2011 Serie A title, ending Inter Milan's domestic dominance. His partnership with Robinho and later Stephan El Shaarawy became a cornerstone of Milan's attacking strategy. His time at the club also saw him clinch the Serie A top scorer award in the 2011/2012 season.

Beyond his prolific scoring, Ibrahimovic's presence inspired his teammates and resonated with the Rossoneri faithful, and that was a relationship that would eventually be rekindled later in his career.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at PSG

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) from 2012 to 2016 marked a period of remarkable dominance and personal achievement. Signed as the club's marquee player in July 2012, he quickly established himself as the focal point of PSG's attack. In his 180 appearances across four full seasons, Ibrahimovic scored an astonishing 156 goals, cementing his status as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the club's history.

During his PSG stint, Ibrahimovic led the club to four consecutive Ligue 1 titles, along with numerous domestic cups. His partnership with fellow striker Edinson Cavani propelled PSG onto the European stage as well. Notably, Ibrahimovic's mesmerizing strikes and creative brilliance became synonymous with PSG's ascendancy.

His time in Paris also brought personal accolades, including Ligue 1's top scorer honours in multiple seasons. His charisma, leadership and audacious style left an indelible mark on the club and its fans. Ibrahimovic's PSG chapter showcased his enduring impact on and off the field, and his legacy continues to influence the club's trajectory even after his departure.

Ibrahimovic's Honours at PSG

Title	Year(s)
Ligue 1 (4)	2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016
Coupe de France (2)	2014/2015, 2015/2016
Coupe de la Ligue (3)	2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016
Trophee des Champions (3)	2013, 2014, 2015

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Man United

Signed by Jose Mourinho on a free transfer, the striker quickly became a pivotal figure in Man United's attack. Despite a knee injury that sidelined him for part of his second season, including the Europa League final, Ibrahimovic's influence was profound.

In 53 appearances across two seasons, he scored 29 goals, including a match-winning brace in the 2017 EFL Cup final, making him the first player to win domestic league titles in four different countries. That success led to Man United offering the striker a fresh one-year contract to remain at the club, which the Swede accepted.

However, injuries during the first half of his second season at Old Trafford led to the mutual termination of Ibrahimovic's contract in March 2018.

Ibrahimovic's Honours at Man United

Title	Year(s)
EFL Cup (1)	2016/2017
FA Community Shield (1)	2016/2017
UEFA Europa League (1)	2016/2017

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at LA Galaxy

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's time at LA Galaxy, from 2018 to 2019, left an indelible mark on Major League Soccer (MLS). His arrival brought unparalleled star power and an immediate impact. In 58 appearances, the striker netted an incredible 53 goals, showcasing his enduring scoring prowess.

His outstanding long-range volley on his debut quickly became an iconic MLS moment, while Ibrahimovic's larger-than-life personality and on-field heroics revitalized the Galaxy and drew global attention to the league. His achievements included being named to the MLS Best XI in both seasons and winning the 2018 MLS Newcomer of the Year award.

Beyond the statistics, Ibrahimovic's charisma and leadership elevated the team's performance and energized the fan base. His remarkable hat-trick against LAFC in the inaugural "El Trafico" derby encapsulated his ability to deliver on the grandest stages. His stint at LA Galaxy marked another chapter in his illustrious career, where his impact transcended the pitch and showcased his ability to leave an enduring legacy wherever he played.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Return to AC Milan

Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to AC Milan in January 2020. With his return, Ibrahimovic injected experience, leadership and a scoring touch into the team. In his second stint, he continued to defy expectations, scoring crucial goals and guiding the younger players.

The striker's leadership was palpable as he embraced the role of a mentor to the club's emerging talents. His performances on the field were equally remarkable, contributing 15 goals in 19 Serie A appearances during the 2019/2020 season. His impact extended beyond statistics, invigorating Milan's overall play and pushing them back into the European spotlight.

Additionally, Ibrahimovic's San Siro return marked a personal milestone for the Swede as he scored his 500th career goal in February 2020. His unwavering determination and his knack for delivering in pivotal moments demonstrated his enduring prowess.

Injury kept the striker sidelined for the majority of his fourth season back in Italy and in June 2023, Ibrahimovic announced his retirement from football, leading to emotional scenes at San Siro from the fans and the Swede's teammates.

He ended his career with a total of 511 goals in 866 first-team appearances in all competitions.

Ibrahimovic's Honours at AC Milan (both spells)

Title	Year(s)
Serie A (2)	2010/2011, 2021/2022
Supercoppa Italiana (1)	2011

Zlatan Ibrahimovic with Sweden

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's journey with the Sweden national team is a testament to his enduring impact on the international stage. Debuting in 2001, he represented Sweden for over a decade and became their all-time leading scorer, amassing an incredible number of appearances and goals.

Ibrahimovic's contribution to Sweden's national team is unparalleled. With 62 goals in 118 appearances, he surpassed the previous record held by Sven Rydell, cementing his legacy as Sweden's greatest goalscorer. His proficiency in finding the net showcased his ability to perform consistently at the highest level.

Noteworthy among his international achievements is his performance in the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament. Ibrahimovic led the team as captain and played a pivotal role in their journey to the semi-finals. His acrobatic goal against France in the group stage is a testament to his extraordinary skill and creativity.

Throughout his international career, Ibrahimovic consistently demonstrated his commitment to the national team, often carrying them to victory with his goals and leadership. His impact went beyond the pitch; his presence and charisma inspired teammates and captured the hearts of fans across the globe.

In 2016, Ibrahimovic bid farewell to international football after Sweden's exit from the UEFA Euro tournament. His departure marked the end of an era for Swedish football, but his legacy remains deeply ingrained.

However, after Sweden qualified for the 2018 World Cup, the striker expressed his wish to come out of retirement and represent his country at the tournament, but manager Janne Andersson blocked any possibility of a return to international duty for Ibrahimovic.

He would, though, make a return to action with Sweden in 2021. He would then take another year out of international duty before making his final appearance for Sweden against Belgium in March 2023.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic 's Personal Accolades & Records

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's illustrious career is punctuated by a plethora of personal records, awards and extraordinary milestones. Throughout his journey, he consistently etched his name in football history. Notably, he has won league titles in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France, making him one of the few players to achieve this remarkable feat.

He is Sweden's all-time top scorer, amassing an impressive 62 goals for the national team. Ibrahimovic's versatility is evident in his four UEFA Team of the Year selections, showcasing his impact across different leagues. His bicycle-kick against England in 2012, often described as one of the greatest goals ever scored, showcased his exceptional skill and creativity.

With individual honours including multiple top scorer awards and Player of the Year titles in various leagues, Ibrahimovic's impact transcends borders. His charisma and leadership earned him captaincy roles at several clubs, a testament to his influence in the locker room.

Moreover, Ibrahimovic's longevity is exemplified by his ability to thrive into his late thirties and beyond, maintaining a remarkable goalscoring record. His journey encapsulates resilience, adaptability and an unyielding passion for the sport, leaving an indelible mark on football history and inspiring generations of players worldwide.

However, despite his incredible records, milestones and career achievements, having played for several of the world's biggest clubs, Ibrahimovic unbelievably went his entire career without winning the Champions League or appearing at a World Cup finals.

Ibrahimovic's Personal Honours

Award	Year(s)
Golden Foot (1)	2012
FIFA Puskas Award (1)	2013
FIFA FIFPro World XI (1)	2013
UEFA Team of the Year (4)	2007, 2009, 2013, 2014
UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament (1)	2012
UEFA European Championship Goal of the Tournament (2)	2004, 2012
UEFA Champions League Top Assist Provider (1)	2012/2013
Juventus Player of the Year (1)	2004/2005
Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year (5)	2004/2005, 2007/2008, 2008/2009, 2010/2011, 2011/2012
Serie A Footballer of the Year (3)	2007/2008, 2008/2009, 2010/2011
Serie A Team of the Year (2)	2010/2011, 2011/2012
Serie A Goal of the Year (1)	2008
Serie A Top Scorer (2)	2008/2009, 2011/2012
Ligue 1 Best Foreign Player (3)	2012, 2013, 2014
Ligue 1 Player of the Year (3)	2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2015/2016
Ligue 1 Team of the Year (4)	2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016
Ligue 1 Top Scorer (3)	2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2015/2016
Ligue 1 Goal of the Year (1)	2014
Coupe de France Top Scorer (2)	2014/2015, 2015/2016
EFL Cup Top Scorer (1)	2016/2017
MLS All-Star (2)	2018, 2019
MLS Best XI (2)	2018, 2019
MLS Newcomer of the Year (1)	2018
MLS Goal of the Year (1)	2018
MLS Greatest Goal (1)	2020
LA Galaxy Player of the Year (2)	2018, 2019
LA Galaxy Golden Boot (2)	2018, 2019
LA Galaxy Goal of the Year (2)	2018, 2019
Best Swedish Footballer of the Year (12)	2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020
Malmo Walk of Fame (1)	2012
Swedish Newcomer of the Year (1)	2001
Swedish Football Personality of the Year (1)	2002
Swedish Forward of the Year (15)	2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Swedish Male Athlete of the Year (4)	2008, 2010, 2013, 2015
Swedish Goal of the Year (2)	2012, 2013

Ibrahimovic's Individual Club & International Records

Milestone	Record
Most teams scored for in the UEFA Champions League	6
Most Consecutive Ligue 1 Top Scorer Awards	3
Most Ligue 1 Goals in a Single Season	38
Most PSG Goals in a Single Season	50
All-time Le Classique Top Scorer	11
Most MLS Goals in a Single Season	30
All-time Sweden Top Scorer	62

Leeds United have been eyeing a move for Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara this summer and now a significant update has emerged regarding his future.

Do Leeds want to sign Glen Kamara?

The 27-year-old has been a real stalwart in the middle of the park for the Gers over the years, performing with real consistency and influence for an extended period of time. He has made 193 appearances in total and was part of the team that secured Scottish Premiership title glory under Steven Gerrard back in 2020/21.

Kamara may feel that he has come as far as he can in a Rangers shirt, however, instead looking for a fresh challenge while he is still at the peak of his powers. Leeds are arguably in need of a new midfielder before the summer transfer window reaches its conclusion on Friday evening, and the Rangers man has emerged as a key target, according to reports.

Time is running out for the Whites to get their man, but a new update suggests that they are now really pushing hard to complete a deal as soon as possible, in order to aid their Championship promotion push.

Have Leeds bid for Glen Kamara?

Taking to Twitter, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano provided a big update on Kamara's future, saying Leeds have now officially submitted an offer for his services:

"Leeds United have submitted official bid for Glen Kamara. Negotiations now at the final stages with Rangers. Deal expected to be completed next week, player has already accepted."

This is a massive boost for Leeds, with Kamara someone with the potential to come and make a huge difference, strengthening their midfield significantly in the progress. There is an authority about his game that could make the Whites so much more formidable, with an ability to cover ground and retain possession, having completed an incredible 97.5% of his passes in the 126 minutes of Champions League action last season.

Not only that, but Kamara is now a 52-time capped Finland international, going to show how much experience he possesses at international level, and Gerrard once waxed lyrical over him after one game during his tenure, saying:

"Glen Kamara could have felt sorry for himself after what happened to him at the weekend, but he showed a fantastic attitude to come in and he was excellent over the 90 minutes alongside Davo [Steven Davis]."

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

In truth, it is hard to find many negatives when it comes to assessing the imminent signing of Kamara for Leeds, and he is even coming in at a great age, in terms of having years behind him to hone his trade, but also still being young enough to be a key signing for the foreseeable future into his early 30s.

With Joel Piroe coming in from Swansea City as a huge signing in attack, the hope is that the Finn can enjoy a similar impact in the middle of the park, knitting things together and potentially also being joined in the squad by Joseph Paintsil and Nadiem Amiri, should deals for the pair go through this week.

Pakistan Under-19s were once again tormented by offspinner Mujeeb Zadran, who took 5 for 13 in the final to bowl them out for a mere 63

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Nov-2017
ScorecardACCIkram Faizi’s unbeaten 107 and a five-for from offspinner Mujeeb Zadran clinched the maiden Asia Cup title for Afghanistan Under-19s, with a 185-run win over Pakistan Under-19s in the final in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.Mujeeb came into the final having taken six wickets against Nepal Under-19s in the semi-final and a six-for against Pakistan in the side’s first match of the tournament. His domination over the opponents continued – having dismissed Pakistan’s openers by the fourth over, Mujeeb returned in his second spell to pick up three lower-order wickets without conceding a run. His 5 for 13 took his overall wicket tally in the tournament to 20. Mujeeb was well-supported by legspinner Qais Ahmad, whose three wickets included Mohammad Taha – the leading run-getter in the tournament – and wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir. Taha and captain Hasan Khan were the only two Pakistan batsmen to score in double-figures in an innings that lasted 22.1 overs.Earlier, having been put in to bat, Afghanistan’s top three did the bulk of the scoring. The openers, Rahman Gul (40 off 53 balls) and Ibrahim Zadran (36 off 76), began with a 61-run opening partnership before Faizi took charge of the innings, smashing 10 fours and two sixes en route to his 113-ball 107. He anchored two fifty-plus stands with Darwish Rasooli (18) and Qais (14) for the third and sixth wickets respectively, negating much of the impact of the strikes from Muhammad Musa and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took five wickets between them. Having hit only 14 off his first 50 balls, Faizi accelerated quickly – he brought up his century with a six in the penultimate over, while smashing 18 runs in a 26-run over bowled by Munir Riaz.

Cricket South Africa is preparing for a net loss of US $25 million (approx R342.58 million) from the inaugural edition of the T20 Global League, an amount that accounts for more than half its current cash reserves.In its 2016-17 integrated report, CSA reported a bank balance of $47.8 million (approx R655.44 million) at the end of April but the costs of running the tournament with reduced revenue and stadium upgrades of $25.5 million (approx R350 million) spread over three years, means the glamour competition will initially cost much more money than anticipated.While CSA had always predicted it would take at least three seasons before the T20 Global League turned a profit, much like the Big Bash League, the extent of the losses was alarming. Cricket Australia incurred similar losses over the first two years but offset that with revenue from the Champions League T20, a luxury that CSA don’t have. With the broadcast deal and sponsorship yet to be sewn up, there could be more bad news to come for South. Africa.Revenue from television rights and sponsorship has been reduced from what CSA hoped for, as acting CEO Thabang Moroe explained in Bloemfontein. “The numbers have changed, not as drastically as has been reported. Initially we were looking at a total net revenue of $32 million (approx R438.50 million) as far as broadcast and central sponsorship is concerned. At the moment it will be in its 20s.”Moroe expected the broadcast deal, which was due to be completed on Thursday but has still not been signed, to be worth between US $17 and 18 million dollars (approx R233.35 million and R247.09 million). At the same time, Moroe and his team are also seeking out a title sponsor and cutting costs on everything from the opening and closing ceremony to marketing, to cushion the blow.”We have cut down, but it’s not to wane the quality of the tournament. We are making sure our members don’t get hurt the most. As CSA, we have decided to absorb some of the losses that our members would have incurred, but we’re doing so because when we look at our numbers, we’re pretty confident that we can help them regain them in the following year,” Moroe said. “We as CSA and the team owners will still suffer losses. Hopefully, depending on how well we negotiate with all the broadcasters, the team owners will break even in year three. Our model is pretty watertight, it’s now just a matter of making sure that we deliver operationally.”Morne Morkel, Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis at the inaugural player draft of the T20 Global League•T20 Global League

The team owners, of whom all but one are from overseas, were aware that losses were expected. Moroe said the “bigger teams,” referring to those owned by IPL franchises, for example will have to incur a loss of $1.5 million (approx R20.5 million). Despite that, Moroe, who has had meetings with the owners, was reassured they were all on board. “All owners are committed to staying in the league. The owners are happy to accept those losses for the first two years.”While that may buy CSA some time to make the T20 Global League financially viable, it does not decrease the pressure to produce a product that can be profitable. For that, a broadcast deal must be secured and Moroe understood the seriousness of that. “Obviously everything is tied to the broadcast deal,” he said. “When you go and see a sponsor the first thing they ask is, ‘Where is my brand going to be seen?”CSA has been in protracted negotiations with Africa’s biggest sports broadcaster, , for months and while all indications are that they will air the tournament, a sticking point is the price. Former CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat is believed to have turned down previous offers while also excluding CFO Naasei Appiah from meetings, but CSA has been forced to go back to their long-time television partners and will likely have to accept a lower deal.CSA President Chris Nenzani did not blame Lorgat for the current predicament, and said Lorgat’s failure to sign the broadcast deal was not the only reason he and CSA parted ways last week. Nenzani would not go into detail over why Lorgat’s relationship with the CSA board had become untenable but would only say the issues began in January and came to a head at a board meeting on May 13. Though Nenzani himself believed the relationship could be saved, the board did not.CSA is in the process of negotiating a payout with Lorgat, which is believed to be between $218,823 and $437,646 (approx 3 to 6 million rand), small change compared to the other losses.Ironically, the initial idea behind the creation of the T20 Global League was to enable CSA to become financially self-sufficient, so it would not have to rely on incoming tours from India, England or Australia to make money. Now, this summer’s visit by two of those teams, India and Australia, will bring in much-needed money to pump up the depleted reserves.*One US dollar = 13.71 Rand as on October 6, 2017