All posts by h716a5.icu

Celtic Football Club could, if reports are to be believed, be engulfed by a parade of Australians next season with the Hoops linked with a number of players from that nation since Ange Postecoglou arrived.

The 55-year-old enjoyed a productive spell in charge of the Socceroos but rebuilding the Bhoys will be one of his hardest challenges yet.

What’s the word?

With Celtic searching for a new goalkeeper, they’ve been touted with a move for Brighton stopper Mat Ryan, someone who Arsenal are also chasing after his loan spell in London.

The Hoops already have Tom Rogic at their disposal but their Australian contingent could increase with the arrival of Aaron Mooy.

Reports from SBS (via The Sun) suggests that the 30-year-old is likely to be on the radar of Postecoglou this summer.

The outlet sites his Scottish family, as well as the new manager’s arrival at Paradise, as reasons for a potential move.

Scott Brown replacement?

With one bald-headed tough tackler out the door, Celtic could replace their club legend with a player of a very similar ilk in Mooy.

The central midfielder is adept defensively and he’s also eye-catching going forward, proving to be deadly from set-piece scenarios.

During his time with Huddersfield and Brighton in England, the Aussie scored 13 goals and registered a further 13 assists over four different league campaigns.

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With that in mind, he could offer more to Celtic than the departed Scott Brown ever did.

He was a titanic brute in the middle of the park for the Hoops but very rarely offered goals. One thing he did deliver, however, was tackling.

Mooy is also vibrant in that third of the pitch, completing 2.8 tackles an outing during his first Premier League campaign with Huddersfield.

Having played for St Mirren, he’s already got experience of the Scottish game, but crucially he knows what to expect from Postecoglou.

28 of his 42 caps for Australia came under the new Celtic boss, a man he seems to love playing under.

Speaking in 2016, Mooy said: “He’s a very good coach.

“The style that he wants to play is the way I like playing as well. I’m happy to be playing under him. He’s intimidating. But the way he wants to play football, I want to play like that as well. I’m enjoying it.”

With that in mind, the midfield general could receive a new lease of life under Postecoglou if he arrives in Glasgow.

A talented midfield who combines an eye for goal with a ruthless defensive output, he’d be perfect at filling the void after Brown’s exit.

This feels like the ideal transfer for their new manager and Dominic McKay to complete.

AND in other news, McKay must complete Celtic swoop for “blistering” 23 y/o who “terrifies defenders”…

This year’s graduates of the Shell Cricket Academy of the St

Derrick Nicholas10-Aug-2002This year’s graduates of the Shell Cricket Academy of the St. George’s University have heard that consistent success can bring them and the sport greater and better things.Gary Allen, chief operations officer of the Caribbean Media Corporation, informed the graduates that the region was looking for a good dose of success from its cricketers.”It starts, however, with you sharing the vision of success and you understanding that good performance is the first step to success,” Allen told the 28 students at the Academy’s graduation ceremony on Tuesday here.”Only the best competitive structure and the players giving their best is going to be good enough. If you cultivate discipline, pride and perseverance, you will reap success.”Allen added that though the media is often charged with insularity, he believes the competitive atmosphere that exists in the region makes it seem that way.”This region judges its representatives, particularly its cricket representatives, by the highest standards,” he said.”The media, therefore, demands of you no less than the best at all times, but you already know the burden of being under their watchful eye. You must understand that the criticisms are not about you personally, but they are systemic.”Rev. Wes Hall, president of the West Indies Cricket Board, challenged the students to remember the Academy is a wonderful opportunity for them to improve themselves and their cricket.”These three months that you have had at the Academy can be a launching pad for successful careers,” he remarked.”I want you to recognise this. When I was your age, I was playing for West Indies, but I never had any of these privileges that you take for granted.”Kurtis Rudd, brand and communications development manager at Shell, noted the role of sponsors has changed and his company wanted to embrace this with their alliance with the Academy.”Any business involved in sponsorship and fails to embrace its role as partner and not just benefactor is failing to maximise return on its investment,” he said.”It’s no longer about handing over a cheque. You have to become involved with whatever you are sponsoring. This is what Shell, the WICB and the St. George’s University are trying to be – a model of sponsorship.”Students from all six traditional territories of the WICB, along with one each from Bermuda, Canada and the United States participated in the intense three-month programme under the directorship of Dr. Rudi Webster.Guyana’s Narsingh Deonarine was voted the Most Improve Player, Bermuda’s Stephen Outerbridge was named the Most Improved Batsman, Barbados’ Fidel Edwards copped the Most Improved Bowler award.Other awards went to Jamaica’s Brenton Parchment for being the Most Disciplined, as well as St. Vincent & the Grenadines’ Kenroy Peters and Guyana’s Azib Alli Haniff for the Best Work Ethic.

Research into youth health will benefit from an Otago Cricket fund-raising initiative to be launched next week

30-Sep-2002Research into youth health will benefit from an Otago Cricket fund-raising initiative to be launched next week.In a mail drop to 12,000 business houses in Otago and Southland, Otago Cricket will offer membership of the Volts Club, the name a play on the State Otago Volts team.Club members will contribute by way of a ‘tax’ on the anticipated success of the Volts in this summer’s State Shield one-day competition, the payments comprising $1 for every 10 runs scored, $2 for each wicket secured and $10 ‘penalties’ for centuries and four-wicket bags.The membership fee is capped at $350 with a guaranteed $50 from each going to the Otago and Southland division of the Cancer Society for research and the promotion of physical activity among the young. The remainder will be invested in Otago Cricket’s talent identification, coaching and junior development programmes which cost more than $200,000 a year to run.Otago Cricket’s events and fund raising manager Steve Davie said the sport was particularly pleased to assist with the on-going research of the Cancer Society, especially in the youth area.”Many of our players and administrators are aware of the society’s terrific work and the effects of cancer, especially on young folk,” Davie said.”We are in a position to enlist the support of the business community of Otago and Southland and I’m sure those people will be as enthusiastic about helping as we are in promoting the concept.”It is estimated about 40% of cancers can be avoided by adopting healthy lifestyle choices and the Cancer Society is particularly keen to offer the right choices to young people to reduce the risk of problems in later life.The society’s Otago branch health promotion coordinator, Wyn Barbezat, said evidence of increased cancer risk from inactivity and being overweight was well established.”As well as the established Sunsmart and Smokefree programmes the Cancer Society is very keen to join others in the promotion of physical activity and good nutrition,” Mrs Barbezat said.”More needs to be learned about making the right choices to lessen risks later on.”We are grateful to have the support of Otago Cricket and its commitment to supporting us in our endeavours to reduce the impact of cancer in our community.”As well as assisting local cancer research and the development of junior cricket Volts Club members would also receive tickets to the New Zealand v India One-Day International in Queenstown in January, seasons’ passes to domestic games and the chance to win a $1500 travel voucher.Otago Cricket had also enlisted the assistance of the Otago Chamber of Commerce and the Dunedin Casino in ensuring its mail drop covered as much of the North Otago, Otago and Southland business community as possible.

Rafa Benitez’s potential appointment as the new manager of Everton is unlikely to go down too well with supporters.

Flashback 14 years ago to 2007 and you may remember a jibe the Spaniard made towards the Toffees.

Speaking about the blue side of Merseyside, Benitez called them a “small club”. The 61-year-old has since apologised for that comment but his allegiances to Liverpool hold up an extra barrier.

He famously won the Champions League with the Reds after that historic comeback in Istanbul and Everton supporters haven’t forgotten just how much torment he caused them.

Fans have voiced their concerns about hiring Benitez but ultimately, the decision will lie with Farhad Moshiri and Bill Kenwright.

One positive of his arrival at Goodison Park could be his contacts book. The former Chelsea boss has worked at some of the most illustrious clubs in world football and has worked alongside some of the best players we’ve seen in the last two decades.

With that in mind, the lure of Benitez could be similar to the one Ancelotti had during his time in Merseyside.

Football FanCast exclusively revealed last month that Everton were in the hunt for a right winger amid claims from other outlets that Gareth Bale was a target.

Bale spent last term on loan at Tottenham where he scored 16 goals but is set to return to Real Madrid.

His future in the Spanish capital is still uncertain but Ancelotti was an admirer and was keen on bringing him to Goodison. As it happens, Benitez also adores the Welshman.

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They worked together during Benitez’s short stint at the Bernabeu in 2015 and the Spaniard was a huge helping hand for Bale.

The 94-cap international commented: “I felt isolated out on the wing and I wasn’t able to do what I wanted to do and give my best for the club.”

The forward added: “He [Benitez] listened to me, and gave me more responsibility which was what I wanted. I had a good relationship with him. He speaks very good English which helps me. I was able to speak to him a lot. We had things in common from working in England. I just enjoyed working with him.”

The idea of the duo working together, therefore, is a mouth-watering one for Everton supporters. Signing him could also help to rectify that jibe he made all those years ago.

Bale is one of the best talents in Europe, netting 105 strikes for Madrid and winning four Champions League trophies along the way.

He is also the holder of one of the best goals we’ve seen in a European final, leaping high to score a jaw-dropping overhead kick against Benitez’s beloved Liverpool in 2018.

Funnily enough, he’s a player the Everton managerial target has plenty of affection for. Speaking in 2016, Benitez said: “I never had a moment’s problem with Gareth. He was a very solid professional who listened.”

The veteran continued: “But what I see in him most is improvement. There are areas of his game that he continues to work on. He can get better. Obviously, he’s a very good player now. But in a couple of years if he carries on, I don’t see any reason why he could not be regarded as the best.”

Bale has endured a turbulent and toxic time in Madrid but scored nine goals and registered ten assists in just 15 outings under the coach in question.

The Wales international proved last term that he can still perform to a high level and despite a missed penalty at Euro 2020, has been in inspired form again.

He registered two assists in the nation’s 2-0 win over Turkey on Wednesday. A player of the highest order, Benitez would surely win over the Everton fans by signing him.

AND in other news, Huge twist emerges in Everton manager hunt, it’s not good news for Benitez…

Noel Whelan is enthused by the prospect of Leeds United acquiring young Celtic defender Leo Hjelde [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Leeds United get ready for the 2021/22 campaign

Bringing in ready-made first-team talent will be key for Leeds to kick on and look even further up the Premier League table this term, but unearthing starlets with considerable potential may also be high up on Marcelo Bielsa’s priority list.

One prodigy who has been reported as a Whites target has been Norwegian Under-18 international Hjelde, who is in talks about a move to Bielsa’s side – he was previously labelled as ‘the next (Virgil) van Dijk’ by former coach John Hughes [Football Insider].

At 17-years-old, he has already been predisposed to first-team football on loan at Scottish Premiership side Ross County in 2020/21 [Transfermarkt].

The Latest: Whelan waxes lyrical over Hjelde’s potential capture

Inspiring Whelan to have his input, the BBC Radio Leeds pundit waxed lyrical over Hjelde’s potential arrival in Yorkshire in an interview with Football Insider, stating:

“When someone is coming out and saying he’s the next Van Dijk, wow, people will take notice.

“The fact that he’s already played first team football at such a young age is a testament to his ability.

“The scouts aren’t just looking abroad at £30million players. In this day and age, you can find some real rough diamonds.”

The Verdict: Hjelde would be an excellent Leeds signing

Pointing to the modern methodologies of recruiting talented youngsters, Whelan makes some credible arguments regarding talent spotting at elite clubs.

In terms of long-term progress, Hjelde could develop into an established Premier League player should an alleged move to Elland Road materialise, even if it takes a while before we see him make a real impact.

Within his temporary stint in the Highlands, the former Rosenborg man made 12 appearances [Transfermarkt], netting a crucial solitary goal for the Staggies in a crunch relegation fixture against Kilmarnock [BBC].

His Celtic future hangs in the balance, owing to the fact he only has 12 months left on his deal at Parkhead [Sportslens].

A rising star, Leeds United will be doing all they can to get the deal over the line, whilst they are said to be confident of landing his signature to boot [Sportslens].

In other news, Leeds United have been linked with a surprise swoop for a 17-goal striker.

Manicaland posted their second consecutive victory when they handed Matabeleland their second defeat in a row after beating them by three wickets on the fourth day of their Logan Cup match at Queens Sports Club on Monday

Mehluli Sibanda28-Oct-2002Manicaland posted their second consecutive victory when they handed Matabeleland their second defeat in a row after beating them by three wickets on the fourth day of their Logan Cup match at Queens Sports Club on Monday.In a close finish, Manicaland lost seven wickets in their way to scoring 134 in 35 overs, with one over to spare. This was after Matabeleland in their follow-on had taken the lead after scoring 350 in 104.5 overs, with Barney Rogers recording his maiden first-class century.Matabeleland resumed on 152 for three on the last day with Rogers and Hoffman the two men at the crease. Rogers raeched his 50 off 76 balls, smashing ten fours. Their partnership was not to last, for Hoffman departed for 21 when he was dismissed by Gary Brent in the fourth over of the day, caught behind by wicketkeeper Neil Ferreira.Medium-pacer Blessing Mahwire took his first wicket when he dismissed Nkala for 19 with Ferreira taking another catch behind. Matabeleland had hopes of salvaging the game when Gavin Ewing, who put up a brilliant show with the bat in the first innings, joined Rogers. This was the partnership that could carry the day for Matabeleland. The two put up 33 for the sixth wicket before Ewing was trapped leg before wicket by spinner Richard Sims for 23.The home side went for lunch on 268 for six off 71 overs with Rogers on 98 while Wisdom Siziba was on five runs. Rogers reached his century after four hours at the crease, facing 181 deliveries and smashing 19 fours. He failed to add a run to his ton when he was dismissed by Paul Strang, caught at silly point by Stuart Matsikenyeri.Siziba and Piet Rinke shared an eighth-wicket stand of 59 before Siziba was clean bowled by young spinner Tinashe Ruswa for 34 runs. Rinke was to follow suit after offering a return catch to Strang off his own bowling to depart for 25.Matabeleland were finally finished when Jordane Nicolle, who had put up some resistance down the order, was caught at silly mid-on by Matsikenyeri off a Strang delivery for 13 runs. Mpumelelo Mbangwa, who was batting with the aid of a runner owing to a hamstring injury, was left unbeaten with one run to his name.Brent and Strang were the pick of the Manicaland bowlers with three wickets each. Brent gave away 60 runs in his 20-over spell and bowled four maidens, while Strang on the other hand conceded 37 runs from 16.5 overs with four maidens. Ruswa was close behind with two wickets while Mahwire and Sims took one wicket each.Chasing 134 runs to win with 36 overs to make that score, Manicaland saw their record-breaking pair of Neil Ferreira and Sims failing to live up to expectations, putting on 22 runs before Ferreira was caught and bowled by Mluleki Nkala for nine runs.Nkala rattled through the Manicaland top three when he dismissed Sims for 35 and Guy Whittall for 13. The situation got tense with Manicaland losing wickets cheaply and they were on the brink of giving it away.Matabeleland brought on Nkala for the 35th over, and in dramatic fashion, he clean bowled Mahwire with the first ball of the over for three runs.Nkala however failed to remove Gary Brent and Strang, with Strang hitting the last four runs to seal the match. Matabeleland used only three bowlers, Nkala, Ewing and Gavin Rennie, and they all proved effective.Nkala was the pick of the home bowlers with a haul of four wickets from 12 overs, giving away 53 runs and bowling one maiden. Rennie took two wickets from nine overs with one maiden and giving away 19 runs, whileEwing took one wicket.

Lots of Everton fans have been left to react to a transfer update on Gylfi Sigurdsson.

As per football journalist and transfer expert Ekrem Konur, the Goodison Park faithful are ‘looking positively’ at Al Hilal’s bid for the attacking midfield player, but he does not want to leave the Premier League at the moment.

Marcel Brands is now set to hold talks with Rafa Benitez over what to do with Sigurdsson with the bid in mind.

The Iceland international did not have his best season last term, and was often heavily criticised by some Merseyside club supporters for some of his performances.

He managed a mere six goals and a further five assists in 36 matches in total in the top flight (Transfermarkt), which for an attacking midfielder on set pieces, should be better.

At 31, it may well be the right time for the Toffees to cash in on the Iceland star.

Everton fans on Sigurdsson transfer update

These Blues gave their reactions as the transfer update was shared across Twitter:

“Please order him to leave @everton”

Credit: @richythepigeon

“Earn your keep Brands”Credit: @Philatty”This would be a great start to a new era get rid of Mr Pointer. Iwobi, Gomes and Delph out as well. We need a whole new midfield AGAIN!”Credit: @davies_pint2″He just rarely does. Points and pretends to close down opponents. Time up for him I’m afraid. £10m about right!!”Credit: @drussell1710″Talks shouldn’t take long then? Your taxi is booked”Credit: @PaulJeffers4″Get rid ASAP”Credit: @eamonn_bennett2In other news, find out what Calvert-Lewin and Southgate footage has Evertonians talking here!

Michael Di Venuto, (1538 First Class runs in 2002) will once again take up an overseas playing slot at the County

Derbyshire CC Media Release30-Oct-2002Following a much improved 2002 season, most of Derbyshire’s most promising cricketers have pledged their immediate future to the Club;Michael Di Venuto, (1538 First Class runs in 2002) will once again take up an overseas playing slot at the County.Steven Selwood (524 One Day runs) has signed a two year full time playing contract, after completing his University studies this year. Tom Lungley has also signed a two year contract as he looks to build upon considerable all round promise. Luke Sutton, capped at the end of the season, has signed an extension of a further year, keeping him at the Club until at least the end of season 2004. Neil Gunter and Rawait Khan have signed new 1 year contracts.Discussions are in progress with Lian Wharton and Karl Krikken, (both of whom have been offered new 1 year contracts), and with Chris Bassano (newly capped) and Andrew Gait who have been offered extensions to existing contracts that expire at the end of 2003. All other retained staff have been kept on existing contracts.Disappointingly, the Club has also been informed, in line with ECB Regulations, that Essex CCC wish to negotiate with Mohammad Ali, who has not yet committed his future to Derbyshire, despite the fact that he was offered a two year contract some time ago. The resultant situation may or may not influence the choice of second overseas player, although presently negotiations have progressed well with a senior batting all-rounder."The overall picture is extremely positive, with the nucleus of the squad pretty much confirmed in place, and we will also be investigating a number of possibilities to strengthen the playing potential at the Club. In addition, the position left vacant by Colin Wells’ departure is being discussed at present, along with the type of role that is required of any new appointee," said Chief Executive, John Smedley.

© CricInfo “Great minds think alike,” said one wag

Anand Vasu13-Nov-2002
© CricInfo”Great minds think alike,” said one wag. “Then how do fools differ?” came the snappy reply. At the Madhavrao Scindia stadium in Rajkot, while Bernard Shaw’s 11 flannelled (albeit in full-colour flannels) fools slugged it out in the middle, more genuine representatives of the legion of fools aimed a water bottle straight at Vasbert Drakes’ knee.The quarry was hit, while yet another identified flying object reportedly narrowly missed substitute fielder Ryan Hinds on the ropes. With India on 200 for one from 27.1 overs, comfortably chasing 301 for victory, the game was abandoned, and India declared winners by the Duckworth/Lewis method.For the third time in as many matches, spectators had overstepped the mark and actually become a part of the action in the most inexcusable manner. “It goes without saying that the BCCI completely condemns this kind of behaviour from crowds. The security of players and officials has always been a prime concern to us,” Honorary Secretary of the BCCI SK Nair told from the Board office in Mumbai.Nair spelt out the various measures the Board has taken to ensure that a reprise of the unfortunate Rajkot events does not affect forthcoming matches. “We’ve instructed staging authorities to work closely with the local police to ensure that spectators entering the ground are frisked properly,” he explained. “They will not be allowed to bring in any objects that can be potentially used as missiles.” This of course means that law-abiding, devoted fans will not be able to tote in their sandwiches and fruit, and that enthusiasts will be forced to leave autograph-books and pens at home. A sorry state of affairs, maybe, but the authorities’ response can be summed up in one word: “Tough.”In an attempt to take action against only those who cause trouble, the BCCI has resorted to upping the ante. “Closed-circuit cameras are going to be installed at strategic points so that we can find out exactly who the culprits are and take immediate action,” said an agitated Nair. “Police have been told to immediately take disruptive elements into custody.”The Board has even gone to the extent of bringing the government into the affair. “We’ve been in touch with the Government of Gujarat to impress upon them the serious nature of the problem. We will leave no stone unturned,” he added.Which is all well and good, and really, a degree in crime-busting is hardly needed to devise these basic methods. But will they be enough? Or does the heart of the problem really lie elsewhere?Niranjan Shah, who held Nair’s post at the BCCI till recently and has been involved in cricket administration at Rajkot for years, has a slightly different – and no less relevant – take on the matter. “If you look at it, the incident in Rajkot was a very minor one. In both Jamshedpur and Nagpur the incidents were more widespread and threatening. It was just the accumulation of the old incidents that caused the problem,” said Shah, speaking to from his Rajkot residence.Minor incident? A player was hit!”If someone was injured or something, I can understand that a team would walk off at the first instance of something like this happening,” Shah explained. “But no system can be foolproof. Whatever we try, a few people will always create trouble. We removed about 2,000 spectators from the premises. Most senior officials from the police force were there and went and spoke to the West Indians. But immediately after they (the policemen) came off the field, the West Indies changed their mind and took the harsh step of refusing to return to the field,” explained Shah.Looking forward, Shah added, “If teams walk off for minor incidents, it will set a very dangerous precedent. Teams also have to be practical about these things.” An alternate vein of logic that can hardly be ignored in these times, when cricket matches are big business.It is a dangerous lane to walk down, but one that Shah has been forced to tread as one of the key people responsible for organising cricket at Rajkot. “What is the administration to do in that case? How will they answer to the sponsors? Or to the 50,000 spectators gathered at the ground?” he asked.”If you think about it, why is it that the West Indians came back onto the field at Jamshedpur? In Rajkot they knew that they had lost the game, so they simply walked away,” Shah suggested. Given the overwhelming volume of arguments presented for the opposing school of thought, Shah’s ideas are ones that must be considered, if only for a balanced view at the dilemma.In Mumbai-based newspaper , former West Indian great Michael Holding wrote, “I am sorry, but I truly believe that if an example had been set at the first instance in Jamshedpur, it would not have recurred. To make matters worse, this game has been awarded to India. No doubt more than likely they would have gone on and won, but who suffers for the crowd disturbance?”How exactly does awarding the match to India, by the very legitimate rules and regulations already in place, make matters worse? Holding explains, tongue firmly in cheek, “Very shortly, spectators will be seen going into one-day venues with computers with the Duckworth/Lewis formula in hand and constantly keeping in touch with the proceedings. Whenever their team is in front via that method, they will just throw a few missiles, get the game called off and their team ends up the winner.”On the other hand, if one does not follow the already established systems – in this case the Duckworth/Lewis method – what can be done? Many have been quick to suggest – subtly and otherwise – that the authorities should award the match to the touring side, thereby suitably shaming spectators and setting an example. But apart from being cruel to the players of the home side, who have little or no control over idiots in a crowd, this method would only serve make a potentially incendiary situation positively diabolical.Imagine, moreover, a group of touring spectators – say a large, boisterous group, as touring spectators often can be. Would Holding’s solution not give them the perfect opportunity to nudge their own side on when conditions are gruelling, the play tough and the outlook bleak?But the cricket world has just heard the beginning of this issue, one can be sure of that. To look at the silver lining where none seems present, the crowd trouble in three consecutive games has at least forced the International Cricket Council to take this seriously. As flustered Board secretary Nair said, with a twist of unintended irony, “Of one thing you can be sure; the authorities are not going to be silent spectators in this matter.”

Aston Villa could land a massive upgrade on Anwar El Ghazi in the form of Burnley’s exciting winger, Dwight McNeil.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Dean Smith’s side remain interested in signing the England U21 international this summer, and the Villa boss will know all about the danger that McNeil can cause.

He was incredible against Aston Villa

In Burnley’s 3-2 Premier League win over Villa back in January, the 21-year-old scored one and made one as the Clarets came from behind twice to win at home and silence Smith’s side.

As per Sofascore, he finished with a match rating of 8.0, which was by far the highest of any player on the pitch, and when you look at some of the key underlying numbers, it’s easy to see why.

He provided the joint-high amount of key passes for his side, delivered the most accurate crosses of any player on the day, and also came up with two shots on goal, including the one to make it 2-2.

That directness and exciting potential is something that has his teammate at Burnley, Ashley Westwood, raving about him.

He said: “He’s really mature. I think the world of him, he’s a special talent. It’s been good to see him grow up because when he first came training with us he was really quiet.

“He’s already racked up more than 50 games in the Premier League now, which at his age is phenomenal. He’s producing as well so if he keeps doing that and we all keep doing what we’re doing then there will be teams circulating.”

And, when you compare his stats to that of El Ghazi, it really is night and day.

While the Dutchman averaged more shots than McNeil, in every other department, the Burnley man betters him considerably.

As per Whosored, he averaged more key passes, dribbles and crosses per game in the Premier League, while also boasting a far better passing accuracy and being fouled more times per match too.

And, a lot of El Ghazi’s success for Villa came in just two streaks rather than any real consistency, with runs of five goals in five games in December, and then four in seven to close out the season.

Not only did he virtually take down Villa on his own, but McNeil showed on the day and over the course of the entire Premier League season, that he really would be a major upgrade on El Ghazi.

Meanwhile, Matt Maher has dropped a major Aston Villa transfer update…