He does not believe the India attack will be able to replicate the short-pitched approach of Neil Wagner last summer

Daniel Brettig24-Nov-20202:12

Smith: Stepped away from my natural game during the IPL

No matter how many “controllables” Cricket Australia have tried to control in the lead-up to a Covid-affected summer, how many biosecurity protocols, meetings with government or compromises with broadcasters, there will always be imponderables of sport that dictate how the season plays out.To the evident delight of Australia’s cricketers and coaches returned from the IPL and currently quarantining in Sydney ahead of the ODI, T20I and Test series against India, perhaps the most important of them all clicked into place over the weekend: hold the front page, because Steven Smith has figured out how to hold his bat again.That he has been able to return to the simplicity of long training sessions in between quiet hotel contemplations already looks to have been a blessing. Away from the relative cacophony of the IPL in the UAE, where he was captain of an unsuccessful Rajasthan Royals campaign, Smith has been able to find the clarity of mind and body he needs to hit a million-odd balls and, in his words, “find my hands”.”I was pretty disappointed actually with my batting throughout the IPL,” Smith said. “I never really got into a good rhythm, but I think the last few days actually I’ve found something. People close to me that know me well, I’ve found my hands the last few days, which I’m extremely excited about.ALSO READ: David Warner says Australia ‘trying not to engage’ in verbal volleys”It’s taken me probably about three and half or fourth months to do it, but found them now, which is pleasing and I actually look forward to going back to the nets again this afternoon to have another hit and just reinforce it and get started again in a few days’ time. Theoretically it is a simple thing, but it’s just getting that feel and the look of the bat behind my toe the right way and the way my hands come up on the bat.”It’s hard to explain but it just hasn’t quite been right until probably two days ago, I found a little something and everything just clicked in. I had a big smile on my face after training the other day, because I walked past [Australia’s senior assistant and also Rajasthan head coach] Andrew McDonald I think it was and said ‘I found ’em again’, I was really excited.”All the way through his career, including Newlands and after, Smith has always retained an almost childlike love of batting and at the same time a sense of mystery to it: Smith knows how good he is but there are times when even he doesn’t know exactly how to find his best, other than to face countless throwdowns and hope that the old rhythm comes back. He is known for a recurring nightmare where he is timed out because he can’t find his bat, and has often spoken about the need to find his hands and all else that flows from that.Steven Smith glances fine•Getty Images

The weeks prior to the 2017-18 Ashes series were another such time. “The first Shield game or two I remember I was struggling with it…I remember I found it in the game against Western Australia at Hurstville Oval, something sort of clicked halfway through that innings I reckon, and then I was good to go,” Smith said.”It’s taken me a lot longer than usual, I don’t know why, whether it was a big [break], I pretty much didn’t bat for about four months during the start of Covid-19, maybe a bit longer, but I’m glad I’ve been able to find something the last few days.”The training time in Sydney has been valuable too for Smith to reflect on how his IPL approach will need to be massaged into something more rounded for the ODI and T20I series that prelude the Tests. “I think for me in white-ball cricket, it’s about playing my game in the way that I do it,” he said. “I think in IPL I got a bit caught up with trying to be a bit too powerful and that’s not quite my game I don’t think.”You know there are those players around the world who can hit sixes at will. I’m probably not one of those. For me it’s about hitting proper cricket shots and hitting the gaps and manipulating the field as much as I can. I probably went away from that a bit throughout the IPL. I know that’s the best way that I play. So keeping my thoughts clear and hitting the ball in my areas where I want to hit them. I still think there’s a need for a player like that in the short form of the game that’s for sure.Smith’s excitement inevitably features at least some element of making up for the summer he lost in 2018-19, when he could do nothing more than watch as the Australian batting order was unable to compile the sorts of tallies required to pressure India often enough. Certainly the Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney Tests look as though they could easily have come to different conclusions with the addition of Smith’s presence at No. 4 for the hosts.”I don’t know if it makes me hungrier. I’m always pretty hungry to go out there and perform well,” Smith said. “I guess it was tough having to watch from the sidelines, particularly with the team not doing as well as they would have liked. And losing that series was difficult to watch knowing that I felt like I could go out and have an impact if I was playing. That was hard but certainly looking forward to this series. Two of the top teams going at it, two quality pace line-ups, two quality batting line-ups, and I think it makes for an interesting and exciting summer.”

Since the takeover by the Saudi PIF back in 2021, Newcastle United have conducted excellent business in the transfer market that has seen the club transform from relegation candidates to European hopefuls.

Eddie Howe, the man at the helm for the Magpies, has done an excellent job in creating a settled side with all the investment, with the vast majority of the signings making a huge impact at St James’ Park.

Alexander Isak has undoubtedly been the best addition out of the bunch, scoring 35 times in his 67 appearances for the club since his £63m move to Tyneside from Real Sociedad.

Anthony Gordon has also excelled since his big-money move to St James’ Park, with his figure of 21 goal contributions catching the eye of Chelsea in particular who have registered interest in the winger already this summer.

However, the club are lacking that third option in the frontline to really push the Magpies back towards the Champions League places, but their hunt may be coming to an end, with the club identifying one player who could fill the void.

Newcastle battling PL rivals to sign £42m youngster

According to German outlet Sport Bild, Newcastle are interested in signing Mainz right-winger Brajan Gruda who could be available for €50m (£42m) this summer.

Fellow Premier League side Aston Villa are also said to be interested in signing the 20-year-old, with Bundesliga outfits RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich also in the race to secure his signature.

The interest in the youngster is hardly a surprise, given his record of four goals and three assists in his 19 league starts last season, but the report states he wants to move to a side where he can guarantee regular first-team minutes.

Miguel Almiron has been the club’s most senior right-hand option in recent years, but with his future up in the air, the Magpies could sign Gruda who has the ability to solve the club’s issues.

Why Gruda would be the perfect player alongside Gordon

With Gruda being predominantly a right-sided attacker, he would be brought in to play alongside the wanted Gordon and replace the Paraguayan who could be set for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia if reports are to be believed.

His addition would undoubtedly improve the forward line, providing an upgrade on Almiron whilst potentially able to form a deadly partnership with fellow winger Gordon.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Gruda – who is said to possess a "monstrous" left foot by analyst Ben Mattinson – dominated Almiron in numerous key areas. That included goals and assists despite featuring in five fewer matches than the 30-year-old.

The “superb” talent as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has also dominated with his progressive carries, completing 22 more than the current Magpies attacker – a tally that would create more frequent opportunities for Isak and Gordon should he arrive on Tyneside.

Games

33

28

Goals & assists

4

7

Percentage of shots on target

29%

40%

Take-ons completed

44%

47%

Progressive carries

78

100

Goals & assists per 90

0.2

0.4

Gruda has also completed 3% more of the take-ons he attempted last campaign, providing more of an end product – contributing double the number of goals and assists per 90.

He may be a costly addition to Howe’s side, but he’s demonstrated key qualities that could improve his Newcastle side despite his tender age.

With the German only breaking through into professional football over the past couple of years, he’s still finding his feet, but the sky is the limit for the talented youngster with Newcastle potentially able to sign a long-term replacement for the right-wing position.

Newcastle must consider selling Howe favourite who's worth more than Minteh

The club are still looking to offload players despite the passing of the PSR deadline.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 3, 2024

In the first fortnight of the transfer window being open, Arsenal seemed to be doing very little to no business, but over the last week or so, the North Londoners have sprung into life.

The Premier League runners-up kicked things off by signing 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard last week before confirming the permanent signing of David Raya on Thursday.

Since then, attention has firmly swung to the future of Bologna and Italy star Riccardo Calafiori, with recent reports suggesting that his transfer is mere days away from completion.

However, based on recent reports, Edu Gaspar and Co aren't quite done there. The latest name touted for a move following Calafiori's is a player who's been compared to Nico Williams and could be the perfect Reiss Nelson replacement.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal are interested in and have been 'closely monitoring' LOSC Lille's star winger, Edon Zhegrova.

The report claims that there have not been any formal talks between the two clubs, and while his contract is set to run until 2026, the player wants to leave in 2024.

The report does not reveal how much the French side wants for the dynamic attacker, but Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claimed that his price was between €17m and €20m in January this year, which converts to between £14m and £17m.

Overall, it looks like a relatively straightforward and affordable transfer to get over the line, and with Nelson's exit looking increasingly likely this summer, one the Gunners should not pass up on – the comparisons to Williams are just a bonus.

How Zhegrova compares to Nelson and Williams

Now, before we look at how Zhegrova compares to Nelson, let's look at this comparison to Athletic Bilbao's Williams.

The comparison itself stems from FBref, which looks at players in every position across Europe's top five leagues and then creates a list of the ten most similar players for each player in those competitions based on their positions, and they have concluded that the Spaniard is the second most similar winger to the Kosovan.

This can be seen best in some of their underlying numbers, as they rank closely for non-penalty expected goals and assists, actual non-penalty goals, progressive passes received, key passes, crosses, shot-creating actions and successful take-ons, all per 90.

Zhegrova & Williams

Stats per 90

Zhegrova

Williams

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.49

0.46

Non-Penalty Goals

0.24

0.20

Progressive Passes Received

12.70

12.00

Key Passes

1.81

1.87

Crosses

6.85

6.10

Shot-Creating Actions

4.84

4.81

Successful Take-Ons

3.54

3.43

All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 League Season

So, with his similarities to the Bilbao ace quite clear, how does he stack up to the player he may replace at the Emirates?

Well, from a pure output perspective, it's not a competition as last season, the Lille sensation, whom content creator Zach Lowy described as "magnificent", racked up 12 goals and ten assists in 47 first-team appearances, equating to a goal involvement every 2.13 games on average.

In contrast, the Hale End graduate has only scored 19 goals and provided 17 assists in all 150 senior appearances he has made across his career.

Now, he has obviously been limited for game time in recent seasons, but that is just another sign that Arteta does not trust him enough and another reason he should be moved on.

Related Arteta hit gold on Arsenal star who's worth more than Calafiori & Zubimendi

He’s been an excellent addition for the Gunners since his arrival.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 5, 2024

Ultimately, Nelson has shown glimpses of his ability as a player, but he's never been able to put together a campaign like Zhegrova did last season. Therefore, for the money being mentioned, signing the Kosovan star seems like a fantastic idea.

Chelsea continue to hunt for a lethal goalscorer in the transfer market, to challenge Nicolas Jackson coming off the back of a good first season for the Blues.

In his first season, the Senegal international scored 14 Premier League goals, provided five assists, and played 2,813 minutes. Bettering the numbers of Chelsea all-time great Didier Drogba in his first season at the club.

Jhon Duran from Aston Villa seems to have been the most concrete name in recent weeks, but many names are appearing as Chelsea do their due diligence to acquire competition for Jackson.

Chelsea transfer news

According to reports from The Athletic's David Ornstein, Chelsea have now held talks with the representatives of Lille striker Jonathan David.

There has been no approach to Lille so far, according to the reports. However, the two clubs have "good relations" and Chelsea are exploring the possibility of a summer move for the 24-year-old Canadian.

This signing could provide somewhat of a more known quantity, compared to others names such as Duran and Samuel Omorodion, who have been linked in recent weeks.

How David compares to Jhon Duran

On the surface level, David is the clear option for a striking reinforcement, scoring 26 goals for Lille last campaign, providing four assists and playing 47 games in all competitions. Not only does this prove his tendency to score goals, but also his availability.

Compare this to Duran who, despite making 37 appearances in all competitions, played 2500 fewer minutes than David. The Colombian managed eight goals in those minutes, five of which came in the Premier League.

David has also got a track record of scoring goals behind him, managing 26 in the 2022/23 season, 19 in the 2021/22 season, and 13 in his first season at Lille in the 2020/21 season. Therefore, it would make sense as to why Chelsea are interested, as they look to bolster the squad with a natural goalscorer up top.

Much like Jackson, the Canadian can drop in and link up play. Making 2.7 progressive passes per 90, 1.61 progressive carries per 90, and supplying 1.81 passes into the final third per 90, showing his ability to drop in deep, as well as affecting the game in the box.

Compare this to Duran, who is a riskier move due to sample size, not being an established goalscorer like David, and possibly even costing more money.

However, what the 20-year-old Aston Villa forward does offer is a physical profile that Chelsea lack. Standing at 6 foot 1, Duran has a powerful build which allows him to often get his own way against defenders, winning duels, not prevailing with 3.79 aerials per 90.

When you compare Duran's 3.79 aerials per 90, with the 0.72 of David, and the 1.13 of Jackson, it is clear to see a profile like the Colombian would provide something Chelsea currently don't have in the squad.

Both strikers clearly offer assets to this Chelsea squad. It will eventually come down to the decision of adding a different profile in Duran, or a proven goal-scoring option in the "fantastic" as dubbed by Micah Richards, David.

Chelsea are now on the verge of signing their answer to Olise

Chelsea are making early moves in the transfer window.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 23, 2024

Wasim Khan, the PCB chief executive, has admitted he is undecided about his future in the position beyond his initial term.While there is more than a year to run on Wasim’s original three-year contract – it is due to expire in February 2022 – and talks have begun on a new deal, he has asked for time before committing.PCB chairman Ehsan Mani is understood to have suggested another three-year deal, but Wasim has said he is considering all term options. He will provide an answer in February 2021.Taking on the role at a turbulent time, Wasim has enjoyed some success in improving Pakistan’s status as a venue that is safe and welcoming for touring teams.On his watch, this year’s PSL has been played at home in its entirety for the first time, while Test cricket has also returned to the country. His personal relationship with key figures at other boards is understood to have been instrumental in this progress, with South Africa due to tour in January 2021 and Australia and England due to follow in 2022.Hopes also remain high of a short T20 tour by England to Karachi in January 2021, with a couple of first-class counties – Warwickshire and Leicestershire – exploring the possibility of pre-season tours to the country in the coming years. Zimbabwe are currently in Pakistan playing six limited-overs games.ALSO READ: Azhar Ali set to lose Pakistan Test captaincyBut there has also been controversy. There have, for example, been radical changes to the domestic structure – changes foisted upon the administration by the Prime Minister and board patron, Imran Khan – which has reduced the number of teams and resulted in the unemployment of a considerable number of players and coaches.The cull has proven unpopular with players who have, in many cases, seen reductions in their earnings. Recently, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali met with the Prime Minister to ask for a change, a request that was summarily dismissed.That, as well as a few other board decisions – coupled with a transitionary period in terms of results off the field – has led to some very vocal criticism, focused on Wasim. Plenty of it has revolved around him being an “outsider” with no knowledge of Pakistan culture, as well as his salary.Wasim was born in the UK – he became the first UK-born Muslim of Pakistan origin to play county cricket – to a father who had been born in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.While Wasim describes himself as “relaxed” about such criticism from a personal perspective, he is sensitive to the impact it has had on his family. In particular, he was concerned by the derogatory comments about him that his children have had to hear, partly as a result of which his family have moved back to the their home in Birmingham.”It’s been an eye-opening experience,” Wasim told ESPNcricinfo. “The encouraging thing is that the overwhelming majority of people have been very supportive and understand what we are trying to achieve and that there had to be change.”But there has been a vocal minority that have made life more difficult than it needed to be. Clearly, I have to make a decision that is right for Pakistan cricket but also my family. But it does feel as if we’ve made great progress and I would like to see the job through.”With a year remaining on my contract, the chairman has spoken with me and begun a discussion offering me an extension up to three years. I haven’t decided yet about anything. This is a big decision, I don’t have a straight answer to this. I have to think through and have to speak to my family about it.”I am thoroughly enjoying my job and have achieved a lot,” he added. “There is a five-year strategic plan and Mani saab wants me to execute it. There is a lot of work we have started that needs to be executed. We are about to start working on our 2023 FTP cycle and that will be a major task going forward. We are also going to bid for ICC events so there is an exciting time ahead and I want to consider an extension, but I am not sure about how many years.”The situation is complicated by uncertainty over the future of Mani. The PCB chairman’s tenure is due to end in September 2021 and though he could be appointed for another term, it isn’t certain that he wants to, although he has not confirmed this.There’s been talk of Wasim Akram, who remains close to Imran Khan, as one potential option – Akram is a member of the board’s cricket committee but is also generally busy with a number of broadcast and commercial commitments. With chief executive and chairman required to work together closely, the identify of Mani’s replacement – if one is required – may colour Wasim Khan’s decision.

“Final warning” issued after members of squad breach quarantine protocols

Umar Farooq26-Nov-2020Six members of Pakistan’s touring contingent in New Zealand have tested positive for Covid-19. According to an NZC release, four are new cases, while two of the positive results have been deemed “historical”.It is unclear whether the six who tested positive are players or other members of Pakistan’s touring party.The results are from tests conducted upon Pakistan’s arrival in New Zealand on November 24. Each member of the squad will have to undergo a minimum of four tests while in managed isolation.The six who tested positive have been moved to a different floor of the managed isolation facility in Christchurch where Pakistan are currently based. The team will not be able to train until investigations are completed, and their 14-day quarantine period has been reset, meaning it begins afresh.NZC also revealed that some members of the Pakistan contingent had “contravened protocols” on day one of their managed isolation. “We will be having discussions with the tourists to assist them in understanding the requirements,” the release said.A New Zealand Ministry of Health release said these breaches of protocol had been caught on CCTV, and that the team has been issued a “final warning.”It is understood that another breach can get the player involved deported, and put the entire tour in jeopardy.ALSO READ – Fakhar Zaman ruled out of New Zealand tourESPNcricinfo has also learned that assistant coach Shahid Aslam hasn’t joined the rest of the team in Christchurch. He is undergoing his 14-day quarantine in Auckland – Pakistan’s first port of entry into New Zealand – after declaring a sore throat in his travelling form. He has cleared a Covid-19 test and will join the rest of the team when his quarantine ends.According to New Zealand Covid regulations, the tourists need to be isolated in separate rooms, not permitted to mix with each other for the fortnight to be spent in quarantine. They will be tested on the third and twelfth days of isolation. Once they return negative tests, they will not need to form a bio-secure bubble within the country, given the near-total absence of community transmission of Covid-19 in New Zealand.New Zealand earlier issued a warning to the touring West Indies party for breaching quarantine regulations during isolation. They were found to be socialising in the hallways, which Covid regulations do not allow.All members of the Pakistan contingent who flew out of Lahore had returned negative results from four separate tests. Opening batsman Fakhar Zaman had been left out of the tour as a precautionary measure after showing possible symptoms of Covid-19.Pakistan are due to play three T20Is on December 18, 20 and 22 in Auckland, Hamilton and Napier respectively, before playing two Tests in Mount Maunganui (December 26-30) and Christchurch (January 3-7).

تقدم منتخب الأردن بالهدف الأول أمام السعودية، في المباراة الجارية بينهما الآن، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العرب 2025 المقامة بقطر.

ويتواجه منتخبا الأردن والسعودية، في إطار منافسات دور نصف النهائي من بطولة كأس العرب، على ملعب استاد البيت بالعاصمة الدوحة.

وسجل هدف الأردن الأول، اللاعب نزار الرشدان في الدقيقة 66 من عمر اللقاء، برأسية متقنة من داخل منطقة الجزاء، لتصبح النتيجة 1-0 للنشامي. هدف الأردن الأول أمام السعودية في كأس العرب

طالع | موعد مباراة المغرب القادمة في نهائي كأس العرب 2025

ومن المقرر أن الفائز من مواجهة الأردن والسعودية، سيواجه منتخب المغرب، في المباراة النهائية من بطولة كأس العرب يوم الخميس المقبل.

يذكر أن منتخب الأردن تأهل إلى نصف نهائي بطولة كأس العرب عقب الفوز على العراق بهدف دون رد، في منافسات دور ربع النهائي.

Well, that was all rather stressful, wasn't it? England started their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win over Serbia but the overall performance wasn't too complete.

The Three Lions started in brilliant fashion, Jude Bellingham crashing home a Bukayo Saka cross. It just had to be him.

It looked a fluid XI selected by Gareth Southgate but England quickly fell into their shell and were starved of the ball in the second half.

They lost control and to their credit, Serbia were far better in the second period. Still, the Serb's couldn't fashion too many chances of note and Southgate's side were able to see the game out.

Three points is all that matters at this stage, though, and hopefully they'll take some key learnings from how the second half played out in Gelsenkirchen.

So, how did the players rate during the competition's opener?

Jordan Pickford – 6

Didn’t have a lot to do with regards to making saves besides a superb stop to deny Dusan Vlahovic late on. Will need to be better on the ball throughout the rest of the tournament; some rather hit-and-hope long balls at times.

Kyle Walker – 6

Didn’t have much to do defensively and failed to offer much of an out ball on the right as Serbia pegged England back. Did have one rampage forward in the first half but fired wide.

John Stones – 6

A steady display from the central defender. Vital that England keep him fit.

Marc Guehi – 7

An excellent tournament debut from the Crystal Palace centre half. In the first half he completed 100% of his passes and won 100% of his defensive duels.

Kieran Trippier – 5

A difficult night for the Newcastle man playing out of position. Didn’t do anything wrong as such but England were heavily restricted on the left-hand side with a lack of flying full-back like Luke Shaw.

Declan Rice – 7

England came under a serious amount of pressure in the second half but Declan Rice was always there to sweep up and make some vital interventions.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6

A rather indifferent game from Trent as Southgate continued his experiment of playing the Liverpool star in midfield. Some excellent passes as usual but failed to give his team much control in the second half. Hooked for Conor Gallagher in the second 45.

Jude Bellingham – 8 (MOTM)

The pick of the England bunch. Scored a stonking header on 13 minutes and easily looked a class above. Drove his team forward and tried to make plenty happen.

Bukayo Saka – 7

Unplayable in the first half, delivering the assist for the winning goal. Slowed down significantly in the second half when the Three Lions were starved of possession.

Phil Foden – 5

Not a great first outing for the Premier League’s Player of the Season at this year’s tournament. A few nice touches but ultimately didn’t give Southgate enough in the final third.

Harry Kane – 4

Starved of service but this was a pretty dismal display from England’s captain. Managed just two touches in the first half and only had one chance of note, a strong header that was pushed onto the bar.

Subs:

Conor Gallagher – 6

Gave England more energy in the middle of the park but didn’t have a huge amount to do.

Jarrod Bowen & Kobbie Mainoo – N/A

Not enough time to really make an impact in proceedings. Good to see both make their tournament debuts.

England: Every European Championship campaign

Football FanCast has taken a look back at England’s past Euro campaigns.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 13, 2024

GOAL US writers debate the most exciting MLS postseason matchups and catch their breath after Decision Day

Decision Day has been a boost for MLS since its inception nearly nine years ago, but it might have reached its peak this year. The league has its stars and Apple TV to thank for that.

Consider all that was in play on Saturday. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami provided highlight reel moments to secure MLS's all-time regular season points record. Christian Benteke and D.C. United crashed out of the playoff picture in dramatic fashion. And LAFC and LA Galaxy fought for the No. 1 seed in the West until the dying seconds of the regular season.

All of these dramatic moments were expertly highlighted by Apple TV's 360 show, which kept the tension on full display at breakneck speed. All of the Decision Day chaos was perfectly captured.

With the MLS regular season over and the playoffs kicking off Tuesday, GOAL US writers take a look back at Decision Day, hand out regular season awards and debate the best opening-round playoff matches in this special MLS edition of … The Rondo.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowImagnWas this the best Decision Day ever?

Alex Labidou: A resounding YES. There are certainly some deadline days that come close, but experiencing it on TV in one place as all the action unfolded was incredible.

Just when it appeared as if the Eastern Conference was going to be the highlight of Saturday, the West decided to take it one step further – bringing the season to a dramatic end in its final seconds. From Messi's elation to the devasting blow to Benteke after an MVP-caliber season, this wasn't just MLS's best Decision Day, it might have an argument for the best regular season day period. It was that good.

Tom Hindle: If it’s not, then it’s certainly close. It seemed as this season was winding down relatively quietly, but there was certainly drama to be found. Shouts, in particular, for the back-and-forth with the two Los Angeles teams. Love me some late footballing heartbreak – especially when I am a neutral in the situation.

Jacob Schneider: Cannot recall a recent Decision Day in which a regular season conference title teetered back-and-forth in stoppage-time like Saturday. Apple TV showing LAFC fans sad after the Galaxy penalty to suddenly rejoicing, tossing their beers in the air and celebrating after Houston's late go-ahead strike was brilliant.

In terms of it being the best, though, not so sure. There was not a lot on the line in terms of qualification for the playoffs beyond the wildcard game in the East, so it brings us full circle to the looming question: How does MLS make the regular season more , and exciting?

AdvertisementUSA Today ImagesWho is the MLS MVP?

Labidou: This was a tough one, but Messi should win it. Yes, he played just 56 percent of available MLS matches, but he was arguably the greatest player the league has ever seen during that span with 20 goals and 16 assists. And his absence was caused by injury, which can't really be held against him. This wasn't David Beckham or Thierry Henry deciding to miss MLS matches to "better test" themselves in other leagues, Messi was forced out or would have likely played otherwise.

Cucho Hernandez is a valid second, and a case could have been made for Benteke had D.C. made it. But neither has the case that Messi does.

Hindle: Well, there are a bunch of options. Cucho seems a pretty logical shout, while it’s hard to ignore the Argentine in South Florida. But for the streets – those who really know ball – let’s go with Evander. Not only is the Brazilian smashing records, he’s making it look very cool. He will undoubtedly be held back by the fact that the Timbers aren’t great, but it’d be nice to see the guy win. So why not?

Schneider: People are voting for Messi, which is understandable. His numbers are bafflingly outrageous to the point of it being silly. However, there's some criteria, and three points need to be made in favor of others.

One, Messi only played in 19 games, and accumulated just 1,485 minutes. The other candidates all have at least 2,000 minutes in the MLS this season. And during Messi's three-month midsummer absence, Inter Miami played nine games without him, going 8-1-0. For the latter reason alone, the vote goes to Hernandez of the Columbus Crew.

USA Today ImagesWho was the MLS Coach of the Year?

Labidou: If this question had been asked in August, the choice would have been clear: Colorado Rapids' Chris Armas deserved the award at that stage of the season.

Unfortunately, the Rapids tailspin in September and October means that Inter Miami's Tata Martino should be Coach of the Year. Miami set the points record despite Messi missing 15 matches (and Luis Suarez was also absent for seven matches). Martino consistently plugged and played as needed, elevating young players such as Yannick Bright into bigger roles and getting the best out of Diego Gomez.

Hindle: Wilfried Nancy, Columbus. Next question.

Schneider: It's Martino, if we're strictly looking at the context of just the MLS regular season. Suarez looked asf if he could not run during preseason. He ended the season as an MVP and Golden Boot candidate. He's also turned an MLS Superdraft pick like Bright into a really important part of their midfield. Not to mention, getting the most out of youngsters David Ruiz, Benja Cremaschi, Ian Fray and Gomez. Nancy is centimeters behind him, but securing the Supporters' Shield and besting the Crew on the road in October is why Tata gets it.

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IMGANWho was the MLS Newcomer of the Year?

Labidou: How long can MLS fans reasonably expect Gabriel Pec to stay in North America's top flight? This is probably a hot take, but on a team with Riqui Puig, Marco Reus, and Joseph Paintsil, Pec might have been the Galaxy's best player this season, with 16 goals and 14 assists. Pec's stay in MLS may be just one season, and in that one season he is clearly the Newcomer of the Year.

Hindle: It’s always a tricky award to figure out, because how do you really measure the impact of rookie? Is it someone who over-performs, and plays a big role on a bad team? Or is it a transformative arrival, taking a good team to great? In this case, let’s go with the latter.

This year, there’s no better case than for Pec. The former Vasco de Gamma man made a mockery of the Western Conference this year. In this league you simply have to get DP signings right. The Galaxy nailed it with Pec.

Schneider: Hands down, Pec. What a sensational footballer the Galaxy picked up from Vasco Da Gama. He's someone that may not even make it to the 2025 campaign due to European teams calling. He's far-ahead Newcomer of the Year. Sorry, Suarez.

MatériaMais Notícias

Restando quatro rodadas para o fim da primeira fase do Paulistão sub-20, o São Bento do zagueiro Rodrigo segue lutando para obter a sua classificação. Na 4ª posição do grupo 7 com cinco pontos ganhos, o time de Sorocaba enfrentará o Grêmio Osasco, que possui um ponto a menos, no próximo dia 16. Para Rodrigo, a vitória será fundamental.

– Nossa meta é chegar à próxima fase, portanto, precisamos derrotar nossos adversários nas quatro rodadas que vem a seguir. Não haverá facilidade certamente, eles desejam nos vencer para nos ultrapassar, mas acredito que o nosso time está ciente da importância do jogo e do que necessita fazer para triunfar – afirmou.

No torneio regional classificam-se os três melhores colocados de cada chave e as oito equipes que terminarem em quarto que tiverem melhor campanha. O defensor ainda sonha com uma das três vagas diretas, mas não descarta o G4 do grupo.

– Seria mais seguro terminar até a terceira posição, sem dúvida, mas não podemos ignorar essa outra possibilidade. O mais importante é somarmos o máximo de pontos nessas últimas rodadas – concluiu.