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Phil Parkinson says Wrexham are working on their “budget” for the summer transfer window, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney expected to spend.

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Red Dragons preparing for League OneHave enjoyed back-to-back promotionsCan only work with a 22-man squadWHAT HAPPENED?

Hollywood co-owners in North Wales have worked hard to make the funds available that allow the Red Dragons to be fiercely competitive. With shrewd additions made to the playing staff at SToK Racecourse, back-to-back promotions have been taken in.

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Further recruitment is now required, ahead of a step up into League One, while decisions need to be made on nine expiring contracts. Wrexham will be restricted to a 22-man squad again in the third tier, making it imperative that Parkinson, Reynolds and McElhenney get big calls right.

WHAT PARKINSON SAID

Parkinson has told of that process, with talks well under way with executive director Humphrey Ker when it comes to transfer plans: “There’s a lot going on as you can imagine. But we’re focused on this weekend first and then we take stock of the situation and move into the summer with a clear plan of what we need to do. Humphrey’s been over here as well and I’ve had a good chat with him this week and obviously budgets are still being finalised for us to go forward. But we’ve got a clear understanding of what we need to be competitive next year. There’s a situation of having a limit of numbers and we’ve already got a lot of players signed up to contracts. So it’s about sitting down, like we’ve done this week, having chats and making the decisions which we feel are fair but that will benefit the club going forward in what is going to be an exciting season.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Wrexham will have the likes of Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee at their disposal in 2024-25, but they are being linked with a number of potential targets – including current on-loan goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who will hit free agency when his contract at Arsenal expires, and prolific Notts County striker Macaulay Langstaff.

Jadon Sancho has become a record-breaker in German football, but the Manchester United outcast considers that achievement to be “bittersweet”.

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• Winger slipped out of favour at Old Trafford
• Returned to the Bundesliga in January
• Highest-scoring Englishman in German top-flight

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England international winger finds himself back at Borussia Dortmund after falling out of favour under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. A loan agreement was put in place during the winter transfer window, allowing the 24-year-old to rediscover a spark with Bundesliga giants.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sancho has looked lively back in Dortmund and was among the goals as they suffered a 4-1 defeat to RB Leipzing in their last outing. Edin Terzic’s side took the lead in that contest, but endured a dramatic collapse to walk away with nothing.

• WHAT SANCHO SAID

  The final outcome left Sancho with little to celebrate, but he has become the highest-scoring Englishman in Bundesliga history – with his strike against Leipzig taking him to 40 across two spells in the German top-flight. He has said of hitting that mark: “A result to reflect on… thank you for the travelling fans who came to support us today! A bittersweet moment also for breaking the English record goal scorer in the Bundesliga surpassing the legend Tony Woodcock!”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Sancho may not hold a place in the history books for long, as international team-mate Harry Kane is chasing him down. The former Tottenham striker has only been with Bayern Munich for a season, but he already has 35 Bundesliga goals to his name and will make history at some point if he remains at the Allianz Arena.

Any decision on Lionel Messi’s involvement at the 2026 World Cup is likely to be made on a “game by game” basis, claims Argentina coach Roberto Ayala.

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• Claimed global crown in Qatar
• Has hinted at playing on
• Will be left to make final decision

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner helped his country to claim a global crown at Qatar 2022, with his medal collection being completed in the process. There is now no questioning his standing alongside the likes of Pele and Diego Maradona on any list of all-time greats.

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  Questions have, however, been asked of whether Messi will help to defend that title, as he approaches his 37th birthday. The man himself initially ruled out another outing at FIFA’s flagship event, but has since backtracked on those comments to suggest that he has more major tournaments left in him.

• WHAT AYALA SAID ABOUT MESSI

  The Argentina camp will be putting no pressure on their talismanic captain, with Ayala – who works alongside head coach Lionel Scaloni – telling when asked a familiar World Cup question: “I imagine it game by game. Then we'll see what happens in the Cup, how he is. In the end, the decision will come down exclusively to him, how he wants to continue. He enjoys it a lot, he's enjoying it a lot every time he comes.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Ayala added on Messi’s mentality, which allows him to turn a deaf ear to any doubters: “In 2019 I met a very mature Messi. He shows himself as he is, he makes things easy. He wants to win at anything. He likes to compete and challenge. You are not going to be loved by everyone. I have seen an attitude in all this time that I cannot say is not good, on the contrary. He knows how to handle everything very well.”

Jarrad Branthwaite is not ruling out a summer transfer, with the Everton defender aware of rumours linking him with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

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Centre-half starring for ToffeesLinked with big-money moveDomestic & international ambitionWHAT HAPPENED?

The 21-year-old centre-half has seen his stock soar during a breakthrough season at Goodison Park. He has been called into the senior England squad and is expected to be the subject of big-money bids in the next recruitment window.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT BRANTHWAITE SAID

It has been suggested that Everton will demand £80 million-plus ($101m) from any deal, with Branthwaite responding to that speculation by saying: “You have just got to block it all out. I think if you focus on the outside stuff, you get distracted from what you need to do on the pitch. For me now, until the end of the season, I am just focused on winning games for Everton.”

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Branthwaite added on his international ambition, having failed to make it off the bench for England when they took in friendly dates with Brazil and Belgium: “I think it was a good experience for me to be there, disappointed I didn’t get on, but it is one of those things. For me, now, it is just concentrating on myself, playing at a good standard, which got me into that team, and hopefully by the summer I can get into the squad. The experience of playing with those high-quality players every day and learning from them… like I said, I was disappointed not to get on the pitch, but it is one of those things.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BRANTHWAITE?

It could be a big summer for Branthwaite, as he takes aim at a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024. He may be on the move away from Merseyside, as European heavyweights look to buy into his potential, but the plan is to ensure that Everton retain their Premier League status before any thought is given to taking on a new challenge at club level.

One club's £100 million player is prepared to push for an exit after Arsenal talks to sign him.

Arsenal targeting host of players for 2024

The north Londoners could look to January for reinforcements despite spending over £200 million in the summer. Arsenal's unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign suggests that they're certain title contenders once again, but there are still a few weak spots in Mikel Arteta's squad.

They're seriously lacking a proven goalscorer, and an injury to Gabriel Jesus has only highlighted the need for more striking options. Eddie Nketiah's hat-trick against Sheffield United last weekend aside, reports suggest that Arsenal know signing a forward could be crucial. Indeed, Arteta is reportedly keen on Pedro Neto from Wolves as an alternative to star winger Bukayo Saka as well, while there are reports that a possible Arsenal exit for Thomas Partey could prompt interest in a new midfielder.

Perhaps the most regularly mentioned name, though, is Brentford star Ivan Toney. The 27-year-old, who is currently serving a ban for alleged gambling breaches, will be eligible to return on January 17. This has apparently enticed the interest of a few top sides, including Arsenal and Chelsea, who are both said to be keen on a new number nine.

Ivan Toney "ready" to leave after Arsenal "talks"

An update by 90min has shed some light on Arsenal and their current transfer saga with Brentford's star man. According to their information, Toney is prepared to leave after Arsenal talks to sign him.

Aerial duels

Direct free-kicks

Through balls

Finishing

The Englishman's representatives have held negotiations with Arteta's side already, alongside Chelsea, with Toney now "ready" to push for the exit door as he chases a way out of his current club. The forward, who scored 20 league goals last season, apparently wants to join an elite side and is prepared to try and convince Brentford into selling.

Another report by Sky Sports claimed Toney will cost £100 million for interested clubs in January, a sky-high figure. The former Peterborough star has showcased his quality on more than one occasion, though, with Football Transfers even likening Toney to Antoine Griezmann.

Frank admits Toney could leave

Earlier this year, Bees boss Thomas Frank confirmed Toney could go for the "right price".

"I think every club in the world are a selling club except five or six clubs. We are a selling club, if the right price is there," Frank said.

"I think if it's the right time for the player to go, from my perspective that’s not my decision that would be Phil [Giles, director of football] or Matthew [Benham, Brentford's owner] in the end, then I think if they have developed well with us, been on the journey, and now they're proven good enough to go to the top clubs, then I think it's the right thing, if it's the right price.

"I understand why there are a lot of rumours out there about [Toney]. For me he's one of the best strikers, as a striker No.9, I don't see many out there who is better in the world than him, of course you have [Harry] Kane, [Robert] Lewandowski, [Erling] Haaland and these types, but not many."

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsThroughout the Blast season the refrain had gradually become louder: Sussex have the finest bowling attack in T20, certainly in England, perhaps in the world. But Worcestershire survived it, ultimately relished it, the youngest side in the tournament, the county that had never been to Finals Day, emerging victorious by five wickets with nine balls to spare.Worcestershire’s rush to victory came suddenly, perhaps unexpectedly. When Jofra Archer’s full toss accounted for the destructive left-handed hitter, Ross Whiteley, they needed 32 from 19 balls with five wickets left, on a pitch beginning to feel the exhaustion of an 11-hour day. It was not alone in that: this is an intoxicating day in more ways than one.But Ben Cox, one of the finest, most underrated wicketkeeper-batsmen in the country, saw Worcestershire through with an unbeaten 46 from 27 balls, challenging Sussex’s pace attack with innovative flicks and glances. He was helped on his way by a single, stray delivery by Archer – a no-ball beamer which flew for four byes as his attempted scoop turned into a duck for cover, a resulting free hit and a six over square leg to exact full retribution.For Moeen Ali, Worcestershire’s captain, a calming influence on a young side, satisfaction was immense. No recent summer has passed without suggestions he is leaving Worcestershire. He has stayed. And he has returned from a long England summer to guide them to glory.At the end, the team dashed on to celebrate, Moeen walked on, a captain seeking to do the right thing. “I’m not one for running on the field too much,” he said. “You have to win and lose with dignity and respect. You have to respect Sussex’s position. They had obviously lost a tough game. The guys were buzzing and they were allowed to run out but as a captain you have to lead the team in the right way.”

Moeen pays tribute to Rhodes

Moeen Ali paid tribute to Steve Rhodes, Worcestershire’s former coach, who left the county after 33 years after an internal dispute.
“It’s been a tough ten years. I want to give a special mention to Bumpy Rhodes who put this team together and unfortunately is not here to see it, but I’m sure he will be very proud that all these guys he brought through in the Academy are doing well and we are just reaping the rewards.
“To lead a great bunch of guys with no ego is very special. To get through the quarter-final broke a mental block for us. We are a young side and I’m sure we can get better.”

“He’s just a human being, same as the rest of us,” said Worcestershire’s head coach, Kevin Sharp, in the build-up the Vitality Blast Finals Day when asked how it was that Moeen integrated himself so successfully into the Worcestershire side when he returned from England.But Worcestershire must have yearned for something superhuman as Moeen organised their pursuit of Sussex’s 157 for 6. It was the sort of score that an army of data statisticians might have chosen to make the chase exactly 50-50, but Worcestershire had to contend with a T20 bowling attack which has had admiration thrust upon itNo England cricketer feels as embedded into his county side as Moeen. He will even play relegation matches for Worcestershire in the next fortnight. He reached 41 from 27, rocking back to haul the left-arm spin of Danny Briggs over midwicket, majestically driving legspinner Will Beer over extra, and finding a valuable ally in his opening partner, Joe Clarke, who made 33 from 27 in an opening stand of 61 in 6.5.Worcestershire were still reasonably comfortable at 80 for 2 at midway. Then a ball later Brett D’Oliveira was stumped, pushing forward at the left-arm spin of Briggs and the pressure again clamped down.When Moeen fell to a tumbling catch in the deep at long-off by Phil Salt off Beer, they still needed 68 from 47 with six wickets left, the job far from done. He was so caught up in the game that he almost wandered into Sussex’s dugout by mistake.Worcestershire can also celebrate one of the great nought-fors in Blast finals. Pat Brown’s unrewarded four-over spell cost only 15 runs, but his exceptional economy rate compressed Sussex’s innings every time he had the ball in his hand. Such is his trickery, honorary membership of the Magic Circle should await.Brown is slight figure for a fast bowler, barely 20, and looking as if you would want to know what time he would be back when he went out for his birthday celebration.But he is a master of deception already. His stock ball is his knuckle ball, but as a variation he bowls a decent offcutter and can also up his pace above 80mph. The Blast is drawing quality from England’s young cricketers and those who disparage it are not observing closely or kindly enough.He began the final with 31 wickets, four freshly gathered in Worcestershire’s semi-final defeat of Lancashire: only Danny Briggs, who took 31 for Hampshire in 2010, and Alfonso Thomas, 33 for Somerset in the same season, could rival that. Sussex saw him off, but when it came to formulating an attacking response they found him unfathomable.Luke Wright found himself nodding down the pitch in recognition of Brown’s quality. The highest score on T20 Finals Day – 92 in the semi-final victory against Somerset – and a judicious 33 from 25 in the final: for Wright it was a good day, the highest combined runs total ever achieved. But it was not just a judicious innings but slightly careworn.It took some strong blows down the ground – two fours and a six – off Ed Barnard to take Sussex to 78 for 2 by midway, but he was that second wicket, one ball before the end of the 10th over, when Moeen bowled him on the charge.At the end of the Powerplay, Sussex were only 43 for 1, Salt falling wastefully. Salt’s strokeplay can be as disdainful as any young player in the country, as two sixes quickly testified, but he was distraught at his carelessness when he jogged an easy single to backward point, had both feet beyond the crease, but had both in the air when D’Oliveira’s pinpoint throw broke the stumps.Moeen took wickets at vital times. Delray Rawlins, who had begun with consecutive sixes in D’Oliveira’s sole over of leg spin, smoothed over long-on and square leg in turn, holed out to Moeen off a leading edge at long-off, his balance all asunder; David Wiese chopped on to be bowled.Laurie Evans has held Sussex’s innings together all season, and his 52 from 44 balls followed a familiar pattern, but Sussex’s innings died away as it had in the semi-final. It was workable score but only such a fine attack, on a surface about to withstand its sixth innings of the day, could have had confidence that they could defend it. Cox ensured otherwise.

A fifth-wicket partnership of 97 between James Hildreth and Corey Anderson set the foundations for Somerset as they beat Glamorgan by 30 runs

ECB Reporters Network20-Jul-2018
ScorecardA fifth-wicket partnership of 97 between James Hildreth and Corey Anderson set the foundations for Somerset as they beat Glamorgan by 30 runs in the Vitality Blast clash at Sophia Gardens, and moved above them in the table.Chasing 191 to win, it took just six balls for Glamorgan to lose their first wicket, as legspinner Max Waller trapped Aneurin Donald leg before for 1. White-ball skipper Colin Ingram and Australian overseas Usman Khawaja steadied the ship from 7 for 1 with a series of boundaries in the Powerplay, but Ingram skied to mid-off from Craig Overton to leave the Welsh side 52 for 2 in the fifth over, bringing debutant Australian right-hander Joe Burns to the crease.A series of Khawaja boundaries guided Glamorgan to 66 for 2, the left-hander glancing Somerset captain Lewis Gregory for two fours at the end of the Powerplay. Burns soon went, though, advancing down the track having been deceived by the left-arm spin off Roelof van der Merve, as Steven Davies claimed the stumping.Bowler turned fielder to dismiss Khawaja, who drove off Johann Myburgh as Glamorgan, having lost their fourth wicket on 86, faced the daunting task of chasing down a further 107 runs from the halfway point.A fifth wicket soon fell, as Chris Cooke was caught at long-on by van der Merwe off Waller for 4. Myburgh dropped Carlson at backward point off Jamie Overton, before the batsman pulled a huge six over Craig Overton’s head. His luck ran out, though, when he was caught on the cover boundary by Gregory for 33 to leave Glamorgan in some trouble at 118 for 6.When Graham Wagg was caught at long-off by Tom Abell off van der Merwe in the 17th over, Glamorgan’s hopes of victory were all but over. Craig Meschede, however, launched the biggest six of the night into the grandstand off Jamie Overton in the eighteenth over, before he was run out by keeper Davies for 10. Andrew Salter was caught by van der Merwe off Craig Overton for 8 and the end was in sight.It was Glamorgan, though, who had made the best of the early stages after a delayed start to the match, claiming three Somerset wickets for 45 in the powerplay having put the visitors in. Carlson took two leg-side catches in the deep in successive overs, removing Davies off Michael Hogan in the fifth, and Myburgh off Timm van der Gugten in the sixth, an over which also saw Peter Trego caught behind by Cooke.Abell then hooked behind to Cooke off van der Gugten, the keeper tracking back to claim the catch, leaving the visitors in some trouble at 59 for 4. Hildreth and Anderson came together in the ninth over, looking to get Somerset back on track, and the middle-order pair added 97 in 8.1 overs. Anderson struck sixes off successive Salter overs after the pair had brought up the fifty partnership in the 13th over.Anderson struck a third six, off Meschede, from the final ball of the 15th over. But Glamorgan soon had the big breakthrough, when Anderson holed out at mid-on to Carlson off Hogan for 59, having struck six fours and four sixes.The runs flowed once more, however, as Hildreth reached his half-century from 31 balls before Gregory was dropped on 8 at deep square-leg by Burns as the visitors ended on 190 for 5.

TNT Sports pundit and Man United legend Rio Ferdinand has suggested that he's completely changed his mind on one transformed Arsenal player.

Latest Arsenal news

It was a night to forget for the Gunners on Tuesday with Ligue 1 side RC Lens overcoming them Mikel Arteta's side on matchday two of the Champions League group stage. Goals from Adrien Thomassson and last summer's in-demand striker Elye Wahi cancelled out an early opener from Gabriel Jesus; bringing the north Londoners right back down to Earth after their 4-0 thrashing of Bournemouth last weekend.

The Premier League title hopefuls arguably failed to seize proper control of the match and allowed Lens to fight their way back into the contest, with Arteta praising the home side but also criticising Arsenal's poor finishing on a night to take lessons from.

"They are a really good side, exceptional opponent," said Arteta.

"We took the lead and then in one action they managed to score. We had a big chance straight after the break. In many occasions we attacked the space – but it was [decided] in the boxes. We missed some big chances and didn't defend well enough for their goals. Mistakes happen in football and they will continue to be there somehow but the difference was made in both boxes. You have to put the ball in the back of the net and defend well. It was a big night for us. We weren't able to take the result we wanted but we were able to learn."

It's now back to the drawing board for Arsenal and Arteta, who must bounce back quickly this weekend as they gear up for a highly-anticipated clash against title rivals Man City on Sunday.

Arsenal's star players

While Tuesday evening was one to forget for supporters, they're still in good stead domestically – remaining unbeaten over their opening seven top flight matches despite, at times, not playing at their imperious attacking best. Arsenal's latest league win over Bournemouth, though, showcased some of the club's undoubted attacking flair as goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, summer signing Kai Havertz and Ben White capped off a 4-0 hammering.

There is clearly potential for Arsenal to go and challenge yet again for the domestic crown this season after spending north of £200 million on fresh faces in the summer transfer window. TNT Sport's Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel this week, reserved special praise for one man who has seemingly transformed thus far.

Odegaard, who has scored three goals and bagged an assist over seven league matches, has "got bigger" in an Arsenal jersey after being handed the captain's armband, according to Ferdinand.

“I love him. I like the way he plays. He’s an artist the way he plays off the left foot as well. Left footers always just look a bit different,” he explained.

“There’s pressure in that as well, being the captain. That’s why I questioned Odegaard. Has he got the personality? Will he be able to deal with all of the pressure that comes with being the captain of a big club like Arsenal? So young as well. But you have to say, since the armband went on him, I think he’s got bigger.”

MatériaMais Notícias

A poucos minutos de embarcar para Porto Alegre, o Flamengo divulgou a lista de relacionados para o duelo diante do Internacional, a ser realizado neste domingo e válido pela 18ª rodada – e liderança – do Brasileiro. Há três retornos confirmados: João Lucas, Gustavo Henrique e Pedro Rocha, recuperados de suas respectivas lesões. Por outro lado, Diego Ribas é ausência.

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De acordo com informações do clube, Diego “sentiu dores na parte anterior da coxa direita e já iniciou tratamento no CT”. Assim, o camisa 10 se junta a Rodrigo Caio, Diego Alves, Arrascaeta e Gabigol no departamento médico.

Por falar em Diego Alves, Arrascaeta e Gabigol, o trio já treina no gramado do Ninho do Urubu, mas ainda com limitações, complementos físicos específicos e, por ora, segue sem previsão para voltar à disposição de Domènec Torrent.

O uruguaio era quem mais estava cercado de expectativas para retornar este domingo, tendo em vista que treinou integralmente com elenco em algumas atividades ao longo da semana, mas não foi possível, pois tem se mostrado com dores no joelho.

> Confira a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

Portanto, também sem poder contar com Bruno Henrique, suspenso, Dome deve escalar a seguinte equipe: Hugo Souza; Isla, Gustavo Henrique, Natan e Filipe Luís; Willian Arão, Gerson, Thiago Maia, Everton Ribeiro e Vitinho; Pedro.

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Liverpool are in pursuit of success once again after a promising summer transfer window has eradicated the worries that arose from a miserable 2022/23 campaign.

Last season, Liverpool languished to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League, with the midfield sapped of vitality and the squad drained of confidence.

However, moves were indeed made this summer and Jurgen Klopp has now set the Reds back on their way, with three wins and a draw kicking off the current campaign with aplomb.

While new signings such as Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have caught the eye since their respective acquisitions, supporters are also buoyed by the budding resurgence of Joe Gomez, who glistened at Anfield last week as fast-rising Aston Villa were dispatched 3-0.

How did Joe Gomez perform vs Aston Villa?

Last Sunday's victory over the Lions confirmed that the Merseyside outfit had rekindled his former verve and now boasts a fluidity to go with it – last term, Klopp's side had just five points at the same stage.

In the opening fixture, Liverpool drew with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but used that encounter as a platform to build from, going on to defeat Bournemouth at Anfield before prevailing at St. James' Park against Newcastle United despite going a goal and man down after 30 minutes, with Virgil van Dijk receiving his marching orders after a botched challenge on the breakaway Alexander Isak.

In the most recent match, against Villa, the first-choice defensive axis was out of action, with Van Dijk suspended and Ibrahima Konate sidelined due to injury. Up stepped Gomez, and his mighty performance reminded the Kop of his pedigree after a tough spell last season.

As per Sofascore, the £85k-per-week centre-half completed 95% of his passes, took 121 touches, won five of his seven duels, made one key pass, succeeded with three of his four long balls and made two interceptions, one tackle and one clearance.

Impressed by his display, Liverpool reporter Keifer MacDonald said: "That was Joe Gomez at his outstanding best this afternoon. Calm and controlling in possession, aggressive and commanding without. His best performance in a long time. He’ll be a huge asset to Liverpool if he can match that level all season."

Neil Jones also hailed the "brilliant" performance, remarking that the 11-cap England international had played his "best game for Liverpool in a long time". Not bad for a player the Reds were reportedly looking to part ways with, as a fee of £40m was touted before the summer window kicked in.

How good is Joe Gomez?

Only several months ago, as Liverpool drew 4-4 with Southampton in a chaotic closing day of the 2023/24 season, the 26-year-old was branded "finished" by podcaster Graeme Kelly for his woeful travails on the day.

That type of criticism became commonplace last season for the defender, who was notably dubbed a "footballing nightmare" by journalist Uri Levy and "woeful" by Liverpool writer Matt Addison. It's safe to say, therefore, that a revival of sorts has played out in the early stages of the new term.

Joel Matip is 32-years-old and within the final year of his contract, and while Gomez has fallen prey to three serious injuries during his time at Anfield, a revitalised showing against Villa could well be the spark for a more successful spell ahead.

Especially considering this is a player who played a starring role in the gleaning of the Champions League and Premier League, among other major honours, the perfect counterweight to Van Dijk as Klopp's dynasty collected steam.

Despite his past woes, Gomez's core qualities have remained, with his ball-playing particularly eye-catching; as per FBref, he ranks among the top 6% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive passes and the top 14% for progressive carries per 90.

Klopp made the decision to focus his transfer firepower solely on the reconstruction of the midfield this summer, and while that decision was met with groans from large swathes of the Anfield side's fanbase, perhaps the faith entrusted in stalwarts such as Gomez and Matip may yet pay off.

Rivals might have licked their lips upon Liverpool's decision not to bolster the backline this summer, but if Gomez can return to his former form, perhaps the Reds will have a secret weapon and new hero as they look to forge a path right back to the top of the game.