In the space of twelve months Sadio Mane has been gone from arguably the most important to arguably the most expendable member of Liverpool’s front three. The Anfield outfit didn’t actually win a Premier League fixture without the Senegalese attacker until April last term.

But this time around Mane couldn’t guarantee a starting berth when Philippe Coutinho was at the club, while Mohamed Salah has emerged as Liverpool’s most talismanic influence on the opposite flank and Roberto Firmino’s further established himself as the most integral component of the way Jurgen Klopp’s side function in attack.

After Salah limped off in the first half during Saturday’s Champions League final, it was Mane who managed to up his game. In fact, the African forward scored Liverpool’s only goal of the match, latching onto a Dejan Lovren knockdown to poke home from long range, and hit the woodwork in the 70th minute with an effort that could have changed the entire complexion of the match.

Perhaps that shouldn’t be so surprising, because Mane has all the requisites to make an impact against high quality opponents – something which was a defining feature of his previous spell at Southampton. He knows where the goal is, he’s frighteningly quick and perhaps more importantly, relentlessly energetic. That was highlighted best on Saturday by returns of four dribbles and six tackles.

And yet, that also highlights perhaps the biggest problem with Mane, in regards to Liverpool’s ambitions of becoming regular challengers for the Premier League and Champions League titles. While he remains a fantastic asset to have in big games, he’s still not a driving force in the same way as Salah. He could only do so much in the Egyptian’s absence but had Mane limped off instead on Saturday, Liverpool would have felt far more confident of still matching Real Madrid for attacking verve.

Of course, that’s not to discredit Mane’s performance, and that’s not to ignore the obvious elephant in the room – the two Loris Karius howlers that cost Liverpool the game. But it does highlight the subtle yet important difference between Salah and Mane – while the former is capable of doing it all on his own when needed, the latter just can’t quite do the same and doesn’t inspire the same level of confidence. He can score goals and he can make an impact, but he can’t decide matches single-handed.

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It’s simplistic to suggest Liverpool need two Mohamed Salahs – if it was that easy, every team in the Premier League would sign three or four this summer. But if the Reds wish to return to the Champions League final in the coming years, they need an upgrade on Mane to serve as another key driving force.

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According to the Daily Record, Sunderland are battling to sign Hibernian midfielder John McGinn this summer, but they will have to fight off top-flight teams for his signature.

Valued at £5million by Neil Lennon’s side, the 23-year-old is attracting a lot of interest and Sunderland will have to see off competition from West Ham, Aston Villa, Rangers and Celtic to secure the signing.

McGinn excelled for Hibernian last season, contributing five goals and two assists from central midfield as Hibs finished fourth in the Premiership, making the Europa Leauge qualifying round.

New manager Jack Ross is clearly not frightened to take on the big boys as Sunderland are hoping McGinn can help lift the club out of League One, and it’s clear to see why.

The hot-headed midfielder averaged a goal every 628 minutes last term, a solid return for a 23-year-old playing in the middle of the park.

McGinn finished the season with the joint-most yellow cards in the Premiership, with a total of 15, and although this ill-discipline could be improved, it shows he is prepared to scrap and fight for it, a key skill in the League One scrap.

He is a big game player, having scored two of his goals away at Celtic this season, and with a 42 per cent shot accuracy in the Premiership, he will definitely have some joy if he comes to League One.

The main problem is the transfer fee.

Will Sunderland realistically spend £5million on one very good player when that sort of money could overhaul a big chunk of the squad for many League One teams?

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Only time will tell, but if Sunderland do decide to bring McGinn to the Stadium of Light, they will have a serious prodigy on their hands that could help change their fortunes next season.

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Rangers head into the new Scottish Premiership season with optimism and ambition after the appointment of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in May.

The challenge ahead of the Light Blues is enormous after finishing third in the table for the second successive season in 2017/18, 12 points behind title winners Celtic. Mark Warburton, Pedro Caixinha and Graeme Murty have all failed to find a way to beat Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic in a one off match, never mind across an entire season.

However, there’s again a genuine belief that they can challenge for the major honours in Scotland once again, with fans desperate to at least push the Hoops closer at the top of the table.

Having already made six summer signings already, including the arrival of two defenders this week in Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson, Gerrard is wasting no time in addressing the squad’s deficits.

Now Rangers fans have a much clearer picture of the immediate challenge ahead, following confirmation of their first six Scottish Premiership fixtures…

5th August – Aberdeen (A)

11th August – St. Mirren (H)

25th August – Motherwell (A)

1st September – Celtic (A)

15th September – Dundee (H)

22nd September – St. Johnstone (H)

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Verdict

Gerrard will need to start his Rangers spell strongly to win over those uncertain of the Anfield icon’s credentials but an away trip to Aberdeen – who finished above the Glasgow outfit last season – certainly won’t be an easy opener. Alongside that, Gerrard will experience his first Old Firm derby just four games into the new top flight season and will be at a significant disadvantage for it, having to take his Rangers side to Celtic Park.

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If Rangers come out of that with two decent results though, confidence will surely grow. Motherwell, Dundee and St. Johnstone all finished in the bottom half last season while St. Mirren gained promotion from the second tier, so Gerrard should find some more luck in those fixtures. Overall then, it’s a tricky start for the former England skipper but one that is certainly navigable.

More to follow…

The transfer market can throw up some surprise rumours, and at this stage of the window, top Premier League clubs are linked with numerous names.

Liverpool have recruited one player so far in the form of Fabinho from Monaco, while Naby Keita has arrived after agreeing a switch from RB Leipzig last year.

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Plenty of media reports have suggested that the Reds are hunting for a new goalkeeper and midfielder.

On Friday, Calciomercato reported that the Reds are eyeing a move for Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255574″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Four World Cup myths debunked”]

The 27-year-old, who has been at Napoli for his entire career so far, is believed to be admired by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

The speculation has come out of the blue, and there has been no indication from the player that he has any interest in moving on this summer.

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In addition, the Merseyside outfit would have to pay a hefty figure considering that Insigne’s contract does not expire until 2022.

After the rumour emerged, Liverpool fans took to Twitter, and most believe that there is no foundation to these rumours.

Tottenham fans have been reacting to a report that claimed three of their top six rivals want to sign Heung-min Son, and let’s just say they’re not buying it.

According to Sport1, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are all eyeing a summer swoop for Tottenham’s Son.

Affectionately known by fans in North London as “Sonny”, the South Korean put his name in the history books on Wednesday, breaking away to score the second goal in his country’s 2-0 win to send Germany home from the World Cup.

Fans have been concerned about the possibility of the 25 year-old having to leave the club to fulfil two years of mandatory military service, but they seem slightly less worried about these exit links.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255896″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Tottenham’s opening fixtures for the 201819 Premier League season”]

The report claims all three rival clubs are sniffing around a potential €70m (just over £60m) deal for the versatile winger, who grabbed 12 goals and six assists in the Premier League last season.

Tottenham are of course on the brink of something really special as they prepare to move into their new stadium, so selling one of their best and most loved players to a rival is probably not on the agenda.

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Fans clearly don’t think so either, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

A round-up from the eighth round of the Logan Cup

Cricinfo staff07-Dec-2009Southern Rocks clung on for a draw against top-of-the-table Mashonaland Eagles in a rain-inflicted match at Masvingo Sports Club.After rain had washed out the opening days play, visiting captain Elton Chigumbura won the toss and chose to field. At 154-5 it looked a good decision but the Southern Rocks lower order rallied with 47 from Thomas Odoyo and a maiden first-class fifty from 20-year-old Tendai Chitongo. Chitongo hit eight fours and two sixes in a patiently compiled 66 before he was out to the left-arm spin of Ray Price. Price finished with 3 for 57 from 20.1 overs but Trevor Garwe was the pick of the Mashonaland bowlers, taking 4 for 59.When their turn came to bat Mashonaland wasted no time racking up an imposing score. Opener Tafadzwa Mufambisi made 58 before Gregory Lamb and Forster Mutizwa weighed in with hundreds to pile the pressure on the home side. Mitizwa (113) was the more aggressive of the two, hitting 12 boundaries and a six, while Lamb (106), who has played county cricket with Hampshire, hit seven boundaries in his 183-ball stay. Chigumbura (84) and Regis Chakabva (53) rammed home the advantage as the Eagles took a 191-run lead.With under a day to survive Southern Rocks should have been comfortable and but by the end of their 15th over had lost four wickets for 47, including captain Steve Tikilo, bowled by Douglas Hondo for 2. A patient stand between Craig Ervine and Erick Chauluka used up a crucial 13 overs but when they fell in quick succession, followed by two more wickets soon after, it looked as though Mashonaland had secured the game. Yet the ninth-wicket partnership of wicketkeeper Alester Maregwede (21 not out) and Tendai Chisoro (2 not out) resolutely defended, blocking out 81 deliveries, to ensure Southern Rocks a share of the spoils.Rain was the deciding factor between Mountaineers and Matabeleland Tuskers at Mutare Sports Club. Matabeleland Tuskers were asked to bat on a damp first morning and stumbled to 89 for 4 before Gavin Ewig and Keith Dabengwa fought back to take them to 138 without any further loss by the close of day one.Ewig moved on to a rapid 58 from 53 balls on day two, before he became the second of three run-outs in the innings claimed by Shingirai Masakadza. From 143 for 4 Matabeleland crashed to 195 all out in the space of 22.5 overs as Timycen Maruma took 4 for 30 with his offspin.Mountaineers’ reply spanned two rain-interrupted days, with solid contributions from the entire top six ensuring that they had the better of the match. Tatenda Taibu compiled a patient 58 and captain Hamilton Masakadza a bright 79 from 105 balls but it was Maruma who lit up the final day, with 59 from just 36 balls, in an innings that included three sixes and five fours. He was matched almost stroke-for-stroke by Stuart Matsikenyeri, who struck six fours in his 36-ball 49, before he was trapped in front by Keegan Meth.The draw kept Mountaineers second, behind the Eagles, at the top of the table while the Tuskers remain second from the bottom.

Teams	Mat	Won	Lost	Tied	Draw	Aban	Pts
Mashonaland Eagles	7	4	0	0	3	0	104
Mountaineers	7	2	2	0	3	0	76
Mid West Rhinos	6	2	1	0	3	0	70
Matabeleland Tuskers	6	1	3	0	2	0	52
Southern Rocks	6	0	3	0	3	0	43

On the same day that Ricky Ponting’s follow-on decision paid off at the Gabba, Queensland were also forced to follow on after a disappointing first innings at the MCG

Cricinfo staff28-Nov-2009
ScorecardClint McKay picked up 3 for 60 for Victoria•Getty Images

On the same day that Ricky Ponting’s follow-on decision paid off at the Gabba, Queensland were also forced to follow on after a disappointing first innings at the MCG. Nathan Reardon’s 58 was the only contribution of note in the Bulls’ 195 and at stumps they were still 173 in arrears.Melbourne’s rainy weather cut the day short and Queensland had reached 0 for 10 in their second innings with Nick Kruger on 9 and Wade Townsend on 1. They had already conceded first-innings points, although they were one batsman down as Ryan Broad could not take his place having fractured his thumb while fielding on the first day and is expected to miss three weeks.Clint McKay was the star for Victoria with 3 for 60 but it was the home team’s fielding that really hurt the Bulls. A direct hit from the substitute fielder Michael Beer ended Nick Kruger’s innings on 30 and Chris Simspon was also caught short thanks to a relay effort from Bryce McGain to Andrew McDonald.Victoria’s first-innings points have given them outright first place on the Sheffield Shield table and they will be keen to extend their lead with victory over the next two days. However, Melbourne’s weather is likely to affect their efforts with more rain expected on Sunday and Monday.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has said had requested Younis Khan to make himself available for the one-day series in Australia in January

Cricinfo staff24-Dec-2009Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf
has said he had requested Younis Khan
to make himself available for the one-day series in Australia in January, after the Tests. Younis, the regular captain, backed out of the three-Test series in New Zealand because he wanted a break from international cricket but didn’t figure in the squad for the three Tests in Australia, starting on December 26 in Melbourne.”Yes, I did call up Younis because we have always been good friends and we have played a lot of cricket together,” Yousuf told . “I would definitely like to see Younis back in the team as soon as possible because he is a very experienced batsman and the team is missing him.”We always got along well together and that is why I called him up to enquire about his plans. I am happy that he was very positive about resuming playing international cricket again.”Younis returned to domestic cricket by featuring in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final
in which his team, Habib Bank, was routed by Karachi Blues by 141 runs inside three days. However, Younis failed to convince the selectors about his batting form as he made just 7 and 4.Iqbal Qasim, the selection chairman, however made it clear that Younis will not be considered for the Tests but was optimistic of his chances of making the one-day squad, provided he impresses in the one-day Pentangular Cup.”He can definitely make the one-day squad,” Qasim said. “We have no doubt about his class and fitness but we need to give him some time to get over his poor form and start scoring runs again.”Looking ahead to the series, Yousuf was bullish about Pakistan’s chances and backed the middle order to find some form.”The fact that we played a close Test series in New Zealand is good for us and I am sure our experienced batsmen like Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq will strike their best form soon,” Yousuf said. “They just one need one long innings to get back their confidence. I know my boys can handle such pressure. We are looking forward to some close matches in Australia.”

Half-centuries from William Porterfield, Gary Wilson and Niall O’Brien helped Ireland shade a fluctuating opening day against Afghanistan, despite a flurry of wickets for legspinner Samiullah Shenwari

Cricinfo staff21-Jan-2010Half-centuries from William Porterfield, Gary Wilson and Niall O’Brien helped Ireland shade a fluctuating opening day against Afghanistan, despite a flurry of wickets for legspinner Samiullah Shenwari.With Ireland still looking for their first victory in the tournament, things looked good for them as Porterfield won the toss, elected to bat and started brightly with Wilson. The opening partnership put on 120 in 28.3 overs before Wilson was defeated by the offspin of Mohammad Nabi for 53.A solid 50-run stand for the second wicket took Ireland to 170 for one and appeared to set them up for a big total. But Afghanistan fought back strongly by first removing Porterfield, to Hameed Hasan, and then claiming three more wickets to reduce Ireland to 231 for five.Alex Cusack, Andre Botha and Kevin O’Brien fell in quick succession, with Shenwari claiming all three, including Botha for a seven-ball duck. With Afghanistan chipping their way into a strong position, experienced wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien combined with Andrew White to put their side back on top.
The pair shared a stand of 87, before Karim Sadiq struck eight overs from the close to remove O’Brien for 66. Another wicket followed three overs later as Hasan claimed his second scalp of the day, having White caught for 43.Before the match both captains spoke highly of each other’s teams and after an intriguing opening salvo, the respect will only have grown.

A round-up of the action from round eight of the 2009-10 New Zealand Cricket one-day competition

Cricinfo staff07-Feb-2010Half-centuries from Shaun Haig and Craig Cumming backed up a clinical bowling performance and helped Otago cruise to a comfortable eight-wicket win against Wellington at Basin Reserve. The result left Otago in fifth position on the points table while Wellington were sixth.The victory was set up by Otago’s bowlers, who dismissed Wellington for 169 as early as the 44th over. The openers added 32 before the steady fall of wickets began and Wellington were reduced to 116 for 5 at one stage. A 50-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Chris Nevin (48) and Harry Boam (23) seemed to have steadied the innings but another collapse began with Boam’s departure. Wellington eventually lost their last five wickets for only three runs. Anthony Bullick picked up 3 for 35 for Otago, while Yasir Arafat and Nathan McCullum took two each.Otago’s openers, Aaron Redmond and Haig, gave the chase a steady start, adding 50 before Mark Gillespie struck in consecutive overs. Hair and Cumming, however, combined to add 117 runs for the third wicket and were unbeaten when the winning runs were scored in the 36th over. Haig finished on 93, his best List A score, while Cumming made 52 off 65 balls.