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It has felt like Arsenal have simply gone from one problem to another this season.

Mikel Arteta has had to deal with silly suspensions, a constant stream of injuries to key players and a lack of form from his attacking options.

In fact, the only fit attacker who is on song at the moment is 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who’s racked up a brilliant haul of seven goals and one assist in just 790 minutes of first-team football.

In contrast, club captain Martin Odegaard and experienced winger Leandro Trossard have been disappointing and, worse yet, are being outperformed by a Premier League star axed by the club as a youngster.

Odegaard and Trossard's season so far

So, after winning the club’s Player of the Year for the second successive campaign last season, it would be fair to say that there was an expectation that Odegaard would once again be one of Arsenal’s best players this year.

Unfortunately, as things stand, that is not the case, and while his ankle injury has likely played a role in his lacklustre form, it seems equally unlikely that it’s all down to that.

In all, the Norwegian maestro has scored three goals and provided six assists in 26 games this season, which isn’t enough from the team’s leader, and on top of that, he’s been taken off early in several games when the team have been searching for a goal, such as Everton at home and Newcastle United away.

Like his captain, Trossard has been incredibly underwhelming this season.

For example, the Belgian ace, who racked up 17 goals and two assists in 46 appearances last season, has only been able to score five goals and provide seven assists in 37 appearances this year.

That’s a drop from an average of a goal involvement every 2.42 games to one every 3.08 games, which might not be enormous, but considering how much of the goalscoring burden rests on him for at least the next month, it is concerning.

What makes the pair’s drop-off all the more frustrating is that a player axed from the club’s academy well over a decade ago is now pulling up trees in the Premier League and outperforming them both.

Where Are They Now

The Arsenal youngster sold too soon

Given the size of Arsenal and their impressive academy system, there are several players who they’ve released too soon, from the most well-known, Harry Kane, to his new teammate at Bayern Munich, Micheal Olise.

However, in this instance, the youngster in question is actually the Frenchman’s old teammate, Eberechi Eze.

The dynamic attacker joined the North Londoners’ academy as a child but was released in 2011 at just 13 years old, after which he’d spend the next five years in the academies of Fulham, Reading and Millwall before finally joining Queens Park Rangers in 2016.

Four years after that, with 32 goal involvements in 112 first-team appearances and a loan spell with Wycombe Wanderers under his belt, the young Englishman secured a £20m move to Premier League side Crystal Palace, where he has since cemented his place as one of the most exciting players in the division.

Not only can the “superstar” attacker, as dubbed by football analyst Ben Mattinson, play in midfield and out wide, but he’s also more than capable of chipping in with goals and assists, racking up a total of 32 goals and 23 assists in 150 games for the club.

However, in terms of just this season, he’s already scored six goals and provided six assists in just 26 appearances, totalling 2012 minutes.

That means the former QPR ace is averaging a goal involvement every 2.16 games, or every 167.66 minutes, which is a better rate of return than both Odegaard and Trossard, despite playing a team that’ll likely finish midtable at best.

Ultimately, determining which youngsters are worth investing in is notoriously difficult, so it’s hard to blame Arsenal for missing out on Eze, but we reckon the team’s injury crisis would be a lot more manageable with him in the side.

Arsenal struck gold on "beast" whose valued has soared by 1488% this season

The incredible talent has a bright future with Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Feb 19, 2025

Perth Scorchers 7 for 140 (Edgar 36*, Jonassen 3-22) beat Brisbane Heat 7 for 137 (Wyatt 34) by three runsPerth Scorchers became the third team to occupy top spot on the ladder on an eventful day in the WBBL, after a thrilling three-run win over Brisbane Heat at Allan Border Field.Chasing 141 for victory in front of a capacity crowd in Brisbane on Saturday, the home side needed 13 off the final over bowled by Sophie Devine, but managed just nine.Strikers, who didn’t play on Saturday, had started the day top, but Sydney Sixers overhauled them, jumping from fourth to first with an eight-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes in a reduced 12 overs-a-side match in Ballarat.Related

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The winners of the Heat-Scorchers clash knew they would go top – and Heat looked to be on track at 2 for 74 after 12 overs before English batter Danni Wyatt (34 off 29) was bowled by pacer Marizanne Kapp. Offspinner Lilly Mills claimed the key duo of Grace Harris and Amelia Kerr with Heat’s spinners having a major impact.Legspinner Alana King dismissed the dangerous Laura Harris and Georgia Voll in the 17th over. Kapp bowled Charli Knott in the 19th and Heat finished at 7 for 137.Earlier, Perth had overcome a sluggish period when they scored just scored just 18 off six overs and went almost eight without a boundary.Top scorer Amy Edgar (36no off 26) scored just three off her first 14 deliveries, but bolstered the Scorchers total with four fours and two sixes.

After confirming the arrival of Stefanos Tzimas, Brighton & Hove Albion have now reportedly agreed a deal to sign their first summer arrival a matter of days following January’s transfer deadline.

Brighton transfer news

Whilst’s it wasn’t a hectic window for Brighton, they saved their best move till last to welcome Tzimas on a permanent deal before loaning the forward back to Nuremberg for the rest of the season. With Evan Ferguson heading out on loan to West Ham United at the same time, the Seagulls’ transfer business will certainly be interesting to watch when both young forward re-enter The Amex in pre-season.

Welcoming his new striker with open arms, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler told the club website: “Stefanos is an exceptional young talent, an out-and-out centre-forward with a natural ability to score goals, and we are absolutely delighted to have signed him.

“He will join up with us in the summer, ahead of next season, but we are really looking forward to working with him, and feel he has a very exciting future ahead.”

Brighton submit £13m bid to sign "exciting forward", they've had a response

The Seagulls are looking to bolster their squad before the transfer deadline.

ByDominic Lund Feb 3, 2025

Tzimas’ arrival may yet be a sign of things to come too. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Brighton have now reached an agreement to sign Clement Bischoff in a deal worth €8m (£7m).

In what will reportedly be the Seagulls’ first summer transfer, the versatile midfielder will arrive and join up with Tzimas in the hope of turning Hurzeler’s side back into one vying for the European places.

Following a dip in form since November – culminating in a 7-0 humiliation at the hands of Nottingham Forest – Brighton will be hoping to turn a corner under their young manager and then welcome two young additions when the summer arrives.

"Excellent" Bischoff is a rising star

Such is their reputation for signing the Premier League’s next stars, Brighton fans have every reason to be excited once again in the case of Bischoff. The Brondby teenager can play both as a left-midfielder and as a left-back in what should offer Hurzeler key versatility and has even earned the praise of Ben Mattinson this season.

The analyst described the midfielder’s two-way dribbling as “excellent” and his crossing ability as “well-weighted in an early-season review of his potential and what could come next.

Having had a hand in as many as 10 goals so far this season, with two goals and eight assists, it’s clear that Bischoff is a threat on the left-hand side whether that is in midfield or from within the backline.

A rising star and another youngster that Brighton have seemingly identified, Bischoff should be one to watch when the summer arrives.

أقام الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”، اليوم الأحد، مراسم قرعة بطولة كأس العرب 2025، التي ستقام في دولة قطر نهاية العام الحالي.

وتقام بطولة كأس العرب في قطر، في نسختها الثانية، وتبدأ في 1 ديسمبر وتختتم بالنهائي في 18 ديسمبر.

ويتواجد على رأس قائمة المنتخبات المشاركة، منتخب مصر، وسيقوده جهاز فني بقيادة حلمي طولان ومعه أحمد حسن مديرًا للمنتخب وعصام الحضري مدربًا للحراس، وذلك بقرار من اتحاد الكرة المصري، بعد رفض حسام حسن المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر خوض البطولة في وقت الاستعداد لـ كأس أمم إفريقيا بالمغرب.

وجاء منتخب مصر في مجموعة قوية، لمنافسات كأس العرب، بجانب منتخبات الأردن والإمارات والفائز من المباراة التأهيلية بين الكويت وموريتانيا.

ويشارك في بطولة كأس العرب، 16 فريقًا بداية من دور المجموعات للبطولة، حيث تأهل 9 منتخبات، ويتبقى 7، سيتم حسمهما من مباريات التصفيات التي تقام يومي 25 و26 نوفمبر من مباراة واحدة، الفائز سيتواجد في دور المجموعات.

طالع | وائل جمعة: المشاركة في كأس العرب من أفضل التجارب.. وقدمنا 10 لاعبين لمنتخب مصر نتائج قرعة كأس العرب 2025

المجموعة الأولى

قطر – تونس – الفائز من (سوريا ضد جنوب السودان) – الفائز من (فلسطين ضد ليبيا).

المجموعة الثانية

المغرب –  السعودية – الفائز من (عمان ضد الصومال) – الفائز من ( اليمن ضد جزر القمر).

المجموعة الثالثة

مصر – الأردن – الإمارات – الفائز من (الكويت ضد موريتانيا).

المجموعة الرابعة

الجزائر –  العراق – الفائز من (البحرين ضد جيبوتي) – الفائز من (لبنان ضد السودان).

وكان منتخب الجزائر هو الفائز بالنسخة الأولى من بطولة كأس العرب التي أقيمت عام 2021 في قطر، والتي شارك بها منتخب مصر وخرج من الدور نصف النهائي، واكتفى بالمركز الرابع.

وستقام مباريات بطولة كأس العرب، على 6 ملاعب وهي البيت ولوسيل واستاد خليفة الدولي وأحمد بن علي واستاد 974، والمدينة التعليمية.

وستكون مباراة الافتتاح على استاد البيت فى الأول من ديسمبر، بينما يستضيف ملعب لوسيل المباراة النهائية للبطولة يوم 18 من الشهر ذاته.

With rumours regarding Andreas Pereira’s potential exit not going away, Fulham have now reportedly set their sights on signing an in-demand Premier League midfielder for Marco Silva.

Fulham transfer news

The Cottagers remain one of the most exciting sides to watch in the Premier League. No longer a side scrapping away in the battle to avoid relegation, Fulham have once again become an established top-flight side under Silva – who is doing an excellent job. His side’s recent success may not come without its consequences, however. In fact, they could fall victim to their own success.

Fulham now keen to sign "special" Man City star ready to leave in January

He’s a man in demand…

By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 28, 2024

With the January transfer window now open, Fulham are reportedly fearful that Marseille could reignite their interest in Pereira and secure the Brazilian’s signature this month. And they’re not the only club reportedly interested. Recent reports have indicated that Brazilian club Fluminense are progressing in talks to sign the midfielder in what would be a major blow this month.

It seems as though that fear has led them straight to a potential replacement too. According to Football Insider, Fulham are now eyeing a move to sign Will Hughes in what could come at no cost at all if he leaves Crystal Palace as a free agent at the end of the season.

The London club aren’t the only side interested, however, with West Ham United and local rivals Brentford also keeping an eye on the situation. A player with plenty of experience in the top flight, the interest in Hughes’ signature should come as no surprise.

From a business standpoint, selling Pereira for an impressive fee and welcoming a possible replacement in the summer without having to splash out, themselves, could represent a shrewd move for all involved at Fulham.

"Leader" Hughes could seamlessly replace Pereira

More combative than the elegant Pereira, Hughes would step straight in to replace the Brazilian at Craven Cottage and sit next to both Alex Iwobi and Sasa Lukic. Forming a tireless midfield three, Silva’s side could even benefit from swapping the old for the new all whilst wisely cashing in.

Also able to create whilst completing impressive work off the ball, it’s no surprise that Hughes has been at the centre of Oliver Glasner’s praise throughout his Crystal Palace tenure.

The Palace manager told reporters as relayed by Tribal Football last month: “Will Hughes not just a performer, he’s also a leader in the dressing room. He’s an experienced guy, an English guy, he’s been here for several years, he knows the club, he knows his teammates, and of course he’s an outstanding good football player.

“His passing, his fighting spirit, and he’s one of the few players, maybe a little bit old generation, who is talking on the pitch. Every manager is looking for some guys who are talking on the pitch, he’s one of them, so he’s very important for our game.”

Crystal Palace do have the option to extend Hughes’ Selhurst Park deal, but if they don’t, Fulham could be in a position to pounce in a cheap transfer.

Newcastle United are in the midst of an excellent run of form which has not only seen them rise to fifth in the Premier League table but also secure an impressive 2-0 win over Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final first leg.

Eddie Howe won’t want to stop there, especially with another cup final in sight. Powered by the talents of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, Newcastle could be on the verge of greatness this season.

Gordon, in particular, has been wonderful since the start of 2024/25, taking his game to new heights.

Newcastle's best attackers in 2024/25

While Isak has been the Toon’s main source of comfort this term, we cannot forget about Gordon and Jacob Murphy.

The latter is perhaps in the form of his life right now, registering four assists and three goals in his last six Premier League outings.

He’s gone under the radar though compared to Gordon. Comparatively, the winger has registered 12 goal contributions – seven goals and five assists – across 25 games this season, including a goal in the win over Arsenal recently.

Gordon has also created seven big chances in the top flight, along with averaging 2.3 key passes and succeeding with 1.2 dribbles per game, showcasing his vast attacking talents in the final third.

These are impressive statistics, no doubt about that. Unsurprisingly, his impressive performances saw the Englishman rewarded with a bumper new contract this term, one that made him the second-highest-paid player in the squad

To highlight the winger’s rise, only Brazilian star Bruno Guimaraes (£160k-per-week) earns more than Gordon’s £150k-per-week.

Neither of those players will be leaving in a hurry but because of the form of Isak, that man Gordon and Murphy, it leaves little room for Miggy Almiron who must be given the boot.

Why Miguel Almiron should be sold by Newcastle

The Paraguayan may well be taking home a great deal less than Gordon, but he is earning £25k-per-week more than Murphy and yet failing to offer anything near an adequate contribution to the team this term.

Indeed, across 12 appearances in all competitions, the 30-year-old has failed to score or even grab an assist, starting just four times.

2023/24

45

5

3

2022/23

41

11

4

2021/22

32

1

0

2020/21

39

5

3

2019/20

42

8

2

2018/19

10

0

0

In the Premier League, Almiron has created zero big chances, succeeded with 0% of his dribble attempts and averages a lowly 0.1 key passes per game. These statistics certainly prove that perhaps his spell at the Magpies is coming to an end and he won’t be missed that much on this basis.

According to Telegraph Sport, the winger is close to leaving Newcastle, with clubs in America, Brazil and Europe all looking to sign him this month.

Howe is demanding a fee of around £12m, which would give him a boost as he seeks a couple of signings.

Previously hailed as “absolutely unbelievable” by pundit Tam McManus in 2022, Almiron’s stature at the club has diminished of late, which has led to Howe looking to move him on.

Since his arrival six years ago, the South American has gone on to play 221 games for the Toon in that time, scoring 30 goals while grabbing 12 assists.

It’s fair to say that the £21m they spent on signing him from Atlanta United was money well spent. With just 18 months left on his contract, this is the last chance PIF will be able to secure a decent fee for the player.

Earning £60k-per-week but failing to produce the goods this season suggests a sale could be the best outcome for all parties.

Amazing Barnes replacement: Newcastle plot move for "dangerous" £25m star

Eddie Howe would love to add this new attacker to his Newcastle United squad.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 12, 2025

Over the space of 24 hours, Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League have taken a huge boost. It’s funny how quickly football changes, isn’t it?

The Gunners have been dealt two bitter blows in their bid to win silverware across their previous two matches, losing in the Carabao Cup to Newcastle and then in the FA Cup to Manchester United.

However, after Liverpool drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, Mikel Arteta’s men managed to close the gap to four points at the summit by defeating their arch-rivals, Tottenham, 2-1 on Wednesday.

It wasn’t a vintage performance but it was enough and, positively, Arsenal are beginning to find solutions in the final third.

Over the last three games, the Gunners have created an xG tally of 7.78. Whereas in the few games before that they struggled to create at all, they are at least now coming up with chances. They’re just finding it difficult to find the back of the net.

Any chance of a new forward this month, Arteta? For a moment, however, let’s focus on the positives.

Arsenal's best players against Tottenham

Since Bukayo Saka’s fateful hamstring injury, the club have needed players to step up.

It’s been a challenge finding someone to replace him and they have now tried five different players; Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling on the right since Saka was ruled out.

All of them bar Sterling have scored – so you could say they have stepped up – but you’d still want more from your forward line.

One player who really needs to do more is Martin Odegaard. Thankfully, the Norwegian might be slowly creeping towards his best form again.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

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The club captain registered a whopping ten key passes in the FA Cup defeat to Man United a few days ago and dictated play beautifully again on Wednesday in the derby, registering four key passes and supplying the assist for Trossard’s winner.

Speaking of Trossard, it was about time the Belgian did something. He has struggled for form, notably not scoring in seven straight league outings before the visit of Ange Postecoglou’s side.

His goal was brilliantly taken, though, fashioning an opportunity onto his left foot before firing past new Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

Another to shine was 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, the first 18-year-old to start for Arsenal in a north London derby since a certain Cesc Fabregas.

The teenager was calmness personified at left-back, completing 94% of his passes and winning four of his five duels. He only lost possession five times from 46 touches too. He really is making that position his own and looks every bit a senior player already.

Sadly, not everyone caught the eye.

Arsenal's poorest performers against Tottenham

One man who appears to be struggling for confidence right now is Kai Havertz who just can’t seem to find the back of the net.

Against Newcastle a week ago, the German missed a gilt-edged headed chance from just yards out before he spurned a succession of opportunities last Sunday, most alarmingly firing over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Havertz struggled again this time, missing two big chances including a free header inside the area.

The goals will no doubt flow again for the former Chelsea man but his last three performances have summed up why Arsenal have reportedly considered signing a player like Benjamin Sesko.

Another underperformer was midfielder Thomas Partey, a player who showed why the Gunners are allegedly closing in on the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Partey vs Spurs

Minutes played

90

Touches

61

Accurate passes

41/45 (91%)

Key passes

1

Accurate crosses

1

Shots

1

Dribble attempts

0

Duels won

5/8

Possession lost

8x

Tackles

4

Interceptions

2

Dribbled past

1

Error leading to shot

1

Stats via Sofascore.

Considering his average performance it was perhaps a surprise to see the Ghanaian last the full 90 minutes at the Emirates Stadium.

While the midfielder completed 91% of his passes and won five of his eight duels, had the player tracked back in the build-up to Spurs’ goal, they may have kept a clean sheet.

Indeed, Partey let Pape Matar Sarr run down the right-hand side of the pitch under no pressure, with Tottenham eventually forcing a corner that wasn’t cleared properly and then Heung-min Son finding the net.

It was a moment in the game that drew mass criticism with The Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid commenting that “Partey is a ghost in transition” while Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley noted that “his lack of effort is shocking”.

So, while Partey cost £45m when he first penned terms with Arsenal, he shouldn’t be fetching a single penny over the summer with his contract due to expire.

It’s time for Arteta to replace him. Zubimendi, we’re waiting for you.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 15, 2025

واصل نادي اتحاد جدة سلسلة انتصاراته في دوري روشن السعودي، بعد أن تغلب على ضيفه الاتفاق بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدفين.

جاء ذلك في اللقاء الذي أُقيم مساء اليوم على ملعب مدينة الملك عبدالله الرياضية (الجوهرة المشعة)، ضمن منافسات الجولة التاسعة والعشرين من عمر المسابقة.

بدأت المباراة بإثارة مبكرة، حيث افتتح فيتينيو التسجيل للاتفاق في الدقيقة الخامسة، مستغلًا ارتباكًا في دفاع الاتحاد، ليمنح فريقه أفضلية مبكرة، إلا أن رد أصحاب الأرض جاء سريعًا، عندما أدرك دانيلو بيريرا التعادل للاتحاد في الدقيقة 11 بعد كرة ثابتة مُحكمة التنفيذ.

ترتيب الدوري السعودي بعد تعادل الهلال مع الشباب

وواصل الاتحاد ضغطه الهجومي، ليتمكن النجم الفرنسي كريم بنزيما من تسجيل الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 35، بعد تمريرة متقنة وضعته في مواجهة المرمى، أسكنها الشباك بثقة.

وقبل نهاية الشوط الأول، وبالتحديد في الدقيقة الثانية من الوقت بدل الضائع، عزز حسام عوار تقدم “العميد” بهدف ثالث بتسديدة قوية من داخل منطقة الجزاء.

في الشوط الثاني، حاول الاتفاق العودة إلى المباراة، وتمكن بالفعل من تقليص الفارق في الدقيقة 83، بعد أن سجّل دانيلو بيريرا بالخطأ في مرمى فريقه، مانحًا الاتفاق الهدف الثاني، لكن الوقت لم يسعف الفريق الضيف لتعديل النتيجة.

بهذا الفوز، رفع الاتحاد رصيده إلى 68 نقطة في صدارة ترتيب دوري روشن، محققًا فوزه الحادي والعشرين، مقابل 5 تعادلات و3 هزائم، مؤكدًا استمراره في المنافسة على اللقب بثبات.

في المقابل، تجمد رصيد الاتفاق عند 40 نقطة في المركز السابع في ترتيب الدوري السعودي، بعد أن تلقى الهزيمة الحادية عشرة، مقابل 11 فوزًا و7 تعادلات.

Everything you need to know about explosive forward Rodrygo's wages playing for Real Madrid

Rodrygo is one of the three Brazilian gems in Real Madrid's attack and he has a habit of scoring crucial goals for Los Blancos, especially in the Champions League, making him a decisive player for the club.

Rodrygo arrived in the Spanish capital back in 2019 after playing for Brazilian side Santos for two seasons.

The Brazil international earns a substantial salary at Real Madrid, but exactly how much does he earn?

GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!

*

• Rodrygo’s wages at Real Madrid in numbers

  Having played for Real Madrid for a while now, Rodrygo makes about £202,717 ($261,975) on a weekly basis.

  Meanwhile, his annual salary scale a little over £10 million ($13m).

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in GBP	Weekly wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD
  Rodrygo	Brazilian	£202,717	$261,975	£10,541,294	$13,322,722

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Top earners at Real Madrid

  Despite his substantial earnings at the club, Rodrygo fails to make the top five when it comes to the highest-paid players at Real Madrid.

  The number one spot currently belongs to former PSG superstar Kylian Mbappé, followed by Austrian defender David Alaba.

  Taking the third and fourth spots are Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, who earn identical wages, while Uruguayan midfielder Fede Valverde rounds off the list at number five.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in GBP	Weekly wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD
  Kylian Mbappe	French	£498,248	$629,355	£25,908,917	$32,726,459
  David Alaba	Austrian	£356,659	455,608	£18,546,242	$ 23,691,627
  Jude Bellingham	English	£330,187	$ 421,792	£17,169,698	$ 21,933,182
  Vinicius Jr.	Brazilian	£330,187	$ 421,792	£17,169,698	$ 21,933,182
  Fede Valverde	Uruguayan	£264,244	$337,555	£ 13,740,704	$17,552,863

• Top earners in La Liga

  When it comes to the top five earners in the league, Barcelona's veteran striker Robert Lewandowski tops the list.

  Meanwhile, three Real Madrid players in Mbappé, Alaba, and Bellingham also make the top five.

  The only Atlético Madrid player to make the cut is Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages GBP	Weekly wages USD	Annual  wages GBP	Annual wages USD
  Robert Lewandowski	Polish	£528,330	$ 674,908	£27,473,166	$35,095,197
  Kylian Mbappe	French	£498,248	$629,355	£25,908,917	$32,726,459
  David Alaba	Austrian	£356,659	£455,608	£18,546,242	$23,691,627
  Jan Oblak	Slovenian	£330,187	$421,792	£17,169,698	$21,933,182
  Jude Bellingham	English	£330,187	$421,792	£17,169,698	$21,933,182

• Getty Images
  

  Highest paid players in the world

  Although it may seem like players in La Liga earn incredible wages, their salaries don't even come close when compared to the top earners worldwide.

  Currently, all the players in the top five highest earners globally play in the Saudi Pro League.

  Ranking first and second on the list are former Real Madrid attackers Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, respectively, while Riyad Mahrez takes the third spot. Finally, rounding off the top five are Senegalese internationals Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly

  Player	Club	Weekly wages GBP	Weekly wages USD	Annual wages GBP	Annual wages USD
  Cristiano Ronaldo	Al Nassr	£3,224,935	$4,166,513	£167,696,622	$215,658,680
  Karim Benzema	Al Ittihad	£1,612,468	$2,083,257	£83,848,311	$108,329,340
  Riyad Mahrez	Al Ahli	£841,708	$1,087,460	£43,768,818	$56,547,915
  Sadio Mane	Al Nassr	£644,987	$833,033	£33,539,324	$43,331,736
  Kalidou Koulibaly	Al Hilal	£559,526	$722,890	£29,095,364	$37,590,281

New Zealand bowling coach Jacob Oram tags heavy loss against Australia their first “blip” of the tournament

Valkerie Baynes13-Mar-2022Ashleigh Gardner has revealed she was still feeling the effects of her recovery from Covid-19 during a stunning all-round performance that helped propel unbeaten Australia to the top of the Women’s World Cup table with a commanding victory over New Zealand.Gardner built on the foundation set by Player of the Match Ellyse Perry and Tahlia McGrath after an extremely unsteady start to smash 48 not out off just 18 balls as Australia reached 269 for 8 from 56 for 3. Gardner then took 2 for 15 from 3.2 overs as New Zealand were bowled out 141 runs short with nearly 20 overs to spare.Related

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All that upon making her return from Covid, which had kept her out of Australia’s first two victories and in isolation for 10 days, with relatively mild symptoms.”I was pretty lucky, really,” Gardner said. “My first symptom was just having a sore throat… and then I just had a consistent headache, probably for about a week. From a week onwards to the end of the isolation period, I fell back to normal.”Obviously, today was always going to be a test with how I was going to feel. Early on, I was getting a little bit puffed running on the boundary, but the main thing out of the game was, I just felt like I had a really heavy chest at points, which is quite a weird feeling. But other than that, I’m feeling pretty good.”Absent from Australia’s 12-run win over England and seven-wicket defeat of Pakistan, Gardner admitted she was unhappy with her form in the nets on the eve of the match and it took some words of encouragement from Matthew Mott, Australia’s head coach, to put her in the right frame of mind.”I guess there’s a lot of confidence involved,” she said. “[In] my first training session yesterday, I hit the ball pretty badly and I was pretty frustrated with that preparation going into today. Motty was just telling me, ‘just take the confidence out of what you were doing before you went into that isolation period’. I just tried to do that.”I think the platform that the girls set for me to go out there with was really good. I just had that freedom to play the natural game that I play and take the bowlers on. It was one of those innings that sometimes comes off and sometimes doesn’t.”Perry and McGrath put on a century stand for the fifth wicket, coming together with the tournament favourites 113 for 4. Both scored boundary-laden fifties after New Zealand’s bowlers had kept a lid on Australia’s run rate and toppled their top-three relatively cheaply, with Rachael Haynes’ 30 the best of them. Gardner came in when Perry fell for 68 and proceeded to smash four sixes and four fours.

[In] My first training session yesterday, I hit the ball pretty badly and I was pretty frustrated with that preparation going into today

Then, a steady procession of New Zealand wickets, led by young quick Darcie Brown’s 3 for 22 from seven overs – including two of their big three in Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr for 16 and 1 respectively – ensured the hosts were never in the chase. Amy Satterthwaite then held one end up with a fighting 44 before being Gardner’s first wicket. A second strike from the offspinner sealed victory for Australia, when Lea Tahuhu holed out to deep midwicket.”I don’t think I’ve ever seen Darcie bowl that well,” Gardner said. “I think with the wind behind her, she was probably bowling 5kms quicker as well and it just seemed probably too fast for them at some points.”She’s got that raw pace and sometimes, scares batters into taking their wickets, but I think today, she controlled the ball beautifully. She bowled really nice out-swingers and a couple of times she was unlucky not to take the edge of Suzie’s bat.”New Zealand, meanwhile, were lamenting what bowling coach Jacob Oram described as their first “blip” of the tournament, not counting the surprise loss to West Indies in the opening match by three runs which came down to some spectacular bowling and fielding by Deandra Dottin in the final over.And he was looking for more consistency in the field from New Zealand, who against Australia were at times spectacular and at others, ordinary.”We know that to go far in this tournament or to go far as a team, full stop, we need to field as well and as consistently well as we can. At the moment, we’re just a bit hamstrung by some mistakes which are not like us,” Oram said.”I can only put that down to a little bit of pressure, that is a big stage like the World Cup, and we saw a couple of instances today where balls got away from fielders and went to the boundary for four, which is uncharacteristic, but again, just potentially a by-product of these big stages.”