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Glasgow Rangers have made their eighth signing of the summer as winger Vaclav Cerny joins the Ibrox side on a season-long loan deal.

Arriving from Bundesliga side VFL Wolfsburg, it is clear the Czech international – who represented his nation at Euro 2024 – has the skills required to shine in Scotland.

Philippe Clement was full of praise for the player upon his arrival, saying: “I am delighted to welcome Václav to the squad, he is an exciting player, with valuable experience in European football.”

Hopefully, this is a signing which is the catalyst for more players to join the Light Blues ahead of their first league match against Hearts next week.

Clement will be aiming for a couple of more experienced bodies to join the club, but he is still keen on signing youngsters with extraordinarily high ceilings.

Could the South American market be looked at once again? It looks like the experienced manager has targeted a signing from the continent…

Rangers eye move for Colombian talent

According to reports, Rangers are keen on signing right-back Edier Ocampo in the next few weeks.

The 20-year-old could be close to leaving Colombian outfit Athletico Nacional after coach Pablo Repetto left him out of the previous match against Millonarios due to the interest expressed in the young defender.

Indeed, Rangers, Hellas Verona and French side Toulouse have tabled offers for him, according to the report, while interest in the MLS comes from the Vancouver Whitecaps, indicating that Clement has some competition to fend off.

The Belgian is eyeing up signings from all over the pitch and, with the future of James Tavernier in doubt, could Ocampo be an ideal replacement for the captain should he make the move from South America to Scotland this summer?

Latest on James Tavernier’s Ibrox future

While there have been several new arrivals this summer, Clement is now at a stage where he needs to move a few first-team players on. Not only to create space in the squad, but to also raise vital funds for one or two marquee signings.

There is still plenty of time to go until the summer transfer window closes, yet the return of the new season is fast approaching, with players who clearly aren’t good enough looking like they could start the league opener against Hearts.

Tavernier is one member of the senior leadership team who could be about to end their stay at Ibrox, as several clubs are keen on signing him.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24

58

24

12

2022/23

55

18

10

2021/22

58

18

17

2020/21

46

19

16

2019/20

46

3

15

2018/19

57

17

20

2017/18

46

9

9

2016/17

44

2

7

2015/16

50

15

23

Former Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst – who is now in charge of Besiktas – wants to reunite with the Englishman. Fellow Turkish side Trabzonspor are also interested, having made an offer last week to secure his services.

His future still remains uncertain, yet this is surely the ideal chance for the club to cash in on the player, who has two years left on his current contract.

Since joining Rangers back in the summer of 2015, Tavernier has played 460 competitive games for the club, scoring a quite remarkable 125 goals. Add in a further 129 assists during his spell in Glasgow, and it becomes evident that the club may never have a right-back who can replicate these kinds of numbers again.

The last few seasons, despite the goal involvements, have seen the likes of Tavernier and Connor Goldson fail to inspire the team to more domestic honours, stumbling when it really matters.

Ocampo might not be the finished product, but Clement’s new strategy is clearly signing youngsters with significant potential in order to secure a major profit for them in the future.

Could the Colombian gem send the captain packing? Only time will tell.

Edier Ocampo’s career statistics

Despite not turning 21 until October, the starlet has already made 58 senior appearances for Athletico Nacional. Add to that another 21 games for the Colombia U20 side, and it is clear he is ready for a fresh challenge.

While primarily a right-back, Ocampo can also operate in a more advanced role as a right-winger, which means, regardless of where he plays, Clement can expect the player to get forward and contribute towards the attack.

In 21 club matches during 2024, the 20-year-old – who has "seriously high potential", as noted above – scored three goals and chipped in with an assist in the Colombian top flight, showcasing his attacking qualities.

During the opening Apertura section of the league, Ocampo ranked second among his teammates for goals and assists (four), while also ranking second for big chances created (two), third for key passes per game (1.4), first for successful dribbles per game (1.3) and fifth for shots on target per game (0.7), yet more evidence of his growing attacking qualities.

The more he plays, the better Ocampo will get. With a move to Europe looking like it could be the most likely option, Clement will need to act swiftly to bring this deal over the line.

If Tavernier does leave, it opens up space for the youngster to develop further at Rangers at right-back, while even pushing forward to a more attacking position should the opportunity arise.

This will depend on Clement managing to secure a deal to send the captain packing in the next week or so, however.

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ByRoss Kilvington Jul 25, 2024

If Ocampo is available for a decent fee, then this is a move which the club should be doing everything they can to get over the line.

He is young, ready to play senior football and clearly has a limitless ceiling when it comes to future potential. With Cerny arriving through the doors at Ibrox, more should be ready to follow suit in the coming weeks, that’s for sure.

Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is supposedly “officially dating” Instagram model Estelle Behnke following his split from Iris Law.

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Reds defender spent fived months with LawHas taken in romantic break with BehnkeCouple said to be "smitten" with one anotherFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The England international jetted off to the Caribbean island of Barbados with Law – the daughter of film star Jude – shortly after the Three Lions’ agonising Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. They were said to have first connected over social media, with a brief relationship lasting five months.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALTHE GOSSIP

They parted ways in September, with a source telling that there is “no bad blood” between the pair but “being a WAG was never really going to be her bag”. Alexander-Arnold is now said to have linked up with 23-year-old model Behnke.

DID YOU KNOW?

He started liking her jet-setting Instagram posts on October 17, with the pair having taking in a romantic break at the exclusive £6,000-a-night Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds since then. They have also been spotted dining at celebrity haunt Cibo in Hale, Cheshire.

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WHAT A SOURCE SAID

’s source added on Alexander-Arnold’s new romance: “It’s very early days but they are officially dating — they seem really into each other. Trent hasn’t been single long and is enjoying spending time with Estelle. They’re just really enjoying each other’s company and seem quite smitten.”

Hoping to continue what has so far been a summer full of arrivals, Aston Villa have reportedly joined the race to sign an £8m defender who was relegated from the Premier League last season.

Aston Villa transfer news

Whilst the departure of Douglas Luiz and the pending exit of Moussa Diaby that looks set to follow deal Unai Emery an undoubted blow, Aston Villa have more than provided the Spaniard with enough arrivals to cover for such losses.

With just over a month to go until the window slams shut, the Villans have welcomed a total of eight fresh faces, using their new-found Champions League status to its full advantage.

Their most recent arrival is arguably their most impressive so far, with Amadou Onana coming in to replace Luiz in a big-money move. The Belgian revealed why he chose to swap Everton for Villa, telling the official website after completing his move to the Midlands: “It was a bit of everything. There’s a healthy atmosphere here to grow as a player and as a man.

“The team played very attractive football last season with loads of goals and will now be playing in the Champions League. I’ll be playing in the Champions League again and that’s very exciting. We also have a manager that’s one of the best in the business and I think he can take my game to the next level.”

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Even after welcoming their eighth signing of the summer, however, those at Villa Park may not be done. According to Foot Mercato, Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign Lorenz Assignon in a deal worth €10m (£8m) this summer. The Stade Rennais right-back spent the second half of last season on loan at Burnley, where he suffered relegation, but could now get the chance to earn Premier League redemption with Villa positioning themselves to do a deal.

£8m Assignon can compete with Cash

On one side of their backline, Villa have Ian Maatsen, Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno to call on in what is incredibly healthy depth which they could replicate on the opposite flank by signing Assignon.

As things stand, with plenty to play for next season, Emery has just Matty Cash to call on when it comes to natural right-backs, making the arrival of competition crucial before the end of next month.

League stats P90 23/24 (via FBref)

Lorenz Assigon

Matty Cash

Progressive Passes

3.41

3.70

Key Passes

1.33

0.55

Tackles Won

1.16

1.30

Ball Recoveries

5.38

4.62

A player who was particularly impressive off the ball when recovering possession last season, whilst maintaining an eye for a pass when at the heart of the action, Assignon's emergence could certainly give Cash a lot to think about in the coming season. For just a reported £8m too, those in the Midlands may well be getting themselves a bargain for the 23-year-old who could feel has unfinished business in the Premier League.

Sydney Thunder have signed New Zealand quick Adam Milne to bolster their pace attack ahead of the BBL.Thunder coach Shane Bond has worked closely with the injury-plagued Milne and was delighted to add him to an attack already featuring Daniel Sams, Chris Tremain, Brendan Doggett, and Ben Cutting.Milne has been released from his Central Districts contract with the blessing of the organisation in order to play for the Thunder and they will look to replace Milne in the coming weeks.”Adam is fast, he can swing the ball at 140-plus kph. He’s a good fielder and is handy with the bat,” Bond said. “When you’ve been to a World Cup, and some of the world’s top competitions, you’re a serious player and a hardened pro.”The fact a player of Adam’s quality is available for the entire tournament is a real bonus for us. On a personal level, I’m really looking forward to working with him again.”Central Districts CEO Pete de Wet said. “Naturally we are disappointed to lose Adam. He is a quality player, and a valued member of our squad.”Adam felt the opportunity to play in the Big Bash was too good to pass up and when he approached us to consider his request, he did so knowing that he would have to give up his CD Cricket contract to do so.This is not something that Adam took lightly.”Milne has not played a professional match since August 2019 when he suffered a stress fracture in his ankle in the T20 Blast for Kent. That fracture required two separate surgical procedures, the second coming in January 2020, and kept him out of the entire 2019-20 New Zealand domestic season.He has not played for New Zealand since November 2018 after debuting as an 18-year-old. He is yet to play any domestic cricket for Central Districts in the Plunket Shield this season due to a hamstring niggle.But Milne said he was excited about the opportunity to play in the BBL and is grateful to Central Districts for clearing him to play in Australia.”CD is a great club, with great people,” Milne said. “I’m glad the guys understand this is an opportunity that I felt was too good to turn down.”It’s a very exciting opportunity to play in the Big Bash League, one of the world’s pinnacle T20 competitions.James Vince brought up his half-century off 36 balls•Getty Images

“You see Australia’s passion for cricket reflected in the BBL. Things like the big crowds and the derbies in Sydney and Melbourne make it quite attractive for an overseas player to take part in a competition like that.””I have so much appreciation for ‘Bondy’ and the work he did with me at the start of my career,” he added. “When I first met him, I was 17/18…and I worked with him for the Black Caps for several years.”He has a wealth of knowledge about the game and is a great person to work with. He thinks deeply about cricket and is genuinely a good bloke, which helps.”Meanwhile, England batsman James Vince has re-signed with the Sydney Sixers. Vince was an integral part of the Sixers’ title last season and re-joins fellow Englishman Tom Curran.Sydney Thunder squad Callum Ferguson, Jonathan Cook, Ben Cutting, Oliver Davies, Brendan Doggett, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Alex Hales, Usman Khawaja, Adam Milne, Nathan McAndrew, Arjun Nair, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, Chris TremainSydney Sixers squad Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Dan Christian, Tom Curran, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Moises Henriques (c), Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Nathan Lyon, Ben Manenti, Stephen O’Keefe, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Jordan Silk, James Vince

كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير، حقيقة حل مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك، وذلك بعد صدور بيان قوي من النيابة العامة توضح خلاله وجود شبهة فساد مالي تتعلق بموضوع سحب أرض النادي في مدينة السادس من أكتوبر.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الإثنين: “لن يحدث حل لمجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك برئاسة حسين لبيب، وذلك بعد بيان النيابة العامة”.

وتابع: “في كل الأحوال لن يحدث حل لمجلس الإدارة، سيكون هناك تجميد له إذا حدثت إدانة ونتمنى ألا يحدث ذلك”.

طالع أيضًا | شوبير: “أنا محروق على الزمالك أكثر من جماهيره”.. ولا تقارن نفسك بـ الأهلي

وأوضح: “في حالة التجميد، يتم تعيين لجنة مؤقتة لإدارة النادي مثلما حدث مع النادي الإسماعيلي، وذلك لحين اتضاح الرؤية، وبعد ذلك يصدر القرار النهائي”.

يذكر، أن النيابة العامة المصرية، أصدرت بيانًا رسميًا، أمس الأحد، لتوضيح كافة التفاصيل المتعلقة بسحب أرض نادي الزمالك في مدينة السادس من أكتوبر، وقررت تشكيل لجنة من خبراء إدارة الكسب غير المشروع والأموال العامة، لفحص تفاصيل الأزمة، وسيتم إعلان النتائج، وكما أوضحت في بيانها أنه توجد شبهة إهدار للمال العام.

England’s tour of South Africa looks set to be given the go-ahead after an agreement was reached allowing the squad to train during their quarantine period.ESPNcricinfo understands the South Africa government has agreed to waiver the normal requirements for visitors from counties deemed ‘high risk’ in terms of Covid-19 infection. A formal confirmation of the tour is expected imminently.As a result, the ECB are expected to charter a flight to Cape Town which will arrive on November 17, ahead of the first international match about 10 days later. The squad will stay at the Vineyard Hotel and train, initially at least, at the Western Province Cricket Club ground where they will play inter-squad warm-up games. South Africa will later join them at the same hotel.Had the South Africa government refused to allow a dispensation, the touring party would have been obliged to quarantine in their hotel rooms for at least a week at the start of the tour. It seems the ECB would have declined to tour under these circumstances.The squad will still be obliged to quarantine, but they will be allowed to train and use certain parts of the hotel during that period.The sides will play three ODIs and three T20Is on the tour. All the matches, to be split between Newlands (in Cape Town) and Boland Park (in Paarl) will be played behind closed doors.ALSO READ: ‘Priority’ to host England in India despite Covid – GangulyIt will be the first action for South Africa men’s national team since they returned home from India in March, when the pandemic hit. In that time, they have had series in Sri Lanka and West Indies postponed and have been unable to host India for three T20Is. While the cost of hosting a large England touring party consisting of more than 40 people will be significant, the tour could prove vital for a board desperate for income.Addressing the tour prospects during a Chance to Shine charity event, Eoin Morgan, England’s captain, acknowledged the importance of keeping international cricket afloat during this period of uncertainty, and said he was looking forward to the challenge even though it will be coming hot on the heels of his stint in the IPL.”There is a huge responsibility not just to get to your home country’s fixtures underway, but a huge responsibility to facilitate other countries around the world,” Morgan said. “We will do what we can to try and get cricket back on, because it means a huge amount for people in lockdown in their own countries, and also for Cricket South Africa financially.”I know the worry we had about potentially not bowling a ball all summer and the detrimental impact that would have,” he added, “probably to grassroots cricket more than any other part of the game. If the tour goes ahead, we’d love to come down, as the series we played last time was incredible.”England won the T20I leg of their white-ball tour of South Africa in February last year, having drawn the ODIs 1-1, and Quinton de Kock, South Africa’s captain, was also relishing the prospect of a return series.”If the boys do come over I’m sure it’ll be a good series once again,” he said during the Chance to Shine event. “The world saw the last series, even though we lost, we still played unbelievable cricket, so did England. We are hoping it will go on, but with the pandemic, who knows?”Meanwhile, talks are continuing about a short tour to Pakistan in mid-January. While the ECB are clearly keen to make the tour happen, there is an acceptance the squad might be something of a B or even C team. With England already committed to a two-Test series in Sri Lanka at the same time, and some players committed to T20 franchise cricket – the ECB will not insist anyone takes part on the tour – the series could prove an opportunity for fringe players.As things stand, the BCCI remain insistent their tour against England will be staged in India. While the BCCI recently signed an MoU creating closer ties with the Emirates Cricket Board, they are currently resisting suggestions that England’s tour will be staged in the UAE. Instead, they are looking at options which include hosting all the Tests in Mumbai and cutting the number of matches scheduled.Whether this is a viable plan or an attempt to shift public expectation ahead of the next IPL season, which is scheduled to get underway in March, remains unclear. At this stage, it seems that, when the schedule for England’s tour is published, it may well feature venues in India. But, with that MoU acting as a safety net, it remains probable the games will be played in the UAE.

Pakistan batsman marks CPL debut with match-winning 47* off 27 balls for Tallawahs

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando19-Aug-2020
Against a Tallawahs batting line-up boasting Glenn Phillips, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Asif Ali and Carlos Brathwaite, St Lucia Zouks’ 158 for 7 was never going to be enough. Roston Chase did his best to drag Zouks towards credibility, providing substance to the innings with his 52 off 42 – his maiden T20 half-century. But the batsmen who should have played more explosive innings around him were unable to raise the tempo for long enough – the next highest score on the Zouks’ batting card being Najibullah Zadran’s 25 off 21.Zouks did make a good start with the ball, dismissing Chadwick Walton and Nicholas Kirton inside the powerplay, but soon Phillips got his big-hitting game humming, before Powell and Asif also produced aggressive innings. From the end of the powerplay onwards, there were no serious wobbles in the Tallawahs innings – they cruised home with seven balls remaining.Zouks falter at the death
Although Zouks were never motoring through the course of their innings, they did seem to be in a reasonable position at 144 for 5 after 17.2 overs. The remainder of the innings, however, went horribly. Not only did they lose their set batsman Chase, they also failed to hit a boundary from that point on. In the last 22 balls, they managed only 14 runs, and a total that seemed to be headed towards 175 fell well short.Tallawahs’ spinners keep it tight
Offspinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowled two of his overs during the Powerplay and two at the death. Legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane bowled his four overs in one spell, through the middle of the innings. Together, they prevented Zouks from ever hitting a high gear, delivering their variations cleverly and accurately. Lamicchane was the more economical of the two, giving away 23 runs from his four overs, while taking the wicket of Najibullah Zadran. Mujeeb had the tougher job of course, and his figures were even more impressive – he dismissed Chase as well as Mohammad Nabi, and conceded only 25. Between these two young spinners, Tallawahs may feel they have the best slow-bowling combo in the league.Asif Ali shows his wares
Although Asif is new to the Tallawahs, he has been lighting up T20 tournaments around the world, and his first outing for his new team emphasised his value. His 47 not out off 27 was better even than Phillips’ innings at the top of the order. He announced himself with a slog-swept six off Rakheem Cornwall to make his first runs for the Tallawahs, before settling into a clinical innings, taking full toll of Zouks’ bowling mistakes to clobber five fours and a further six. The leg side was his more productive half of the field, but it was through extra cover that he struck the winning runs.

West Indies cricket are “blessed” to have Phil Simmons as coach, according to Cricket West Indies (CWI) president, Ricky Skerritt.In an unstinting demonstration of support, Skerritt made it clear that Simmons’ role as head coach remains “not in any way threatened” despite demands from one CWI board member, Conde Riley, for him to be sacked.”I want to assure West Indies cricket fans that Phil Simmons still has the full backing of CWI, no matter what has been said,” Skerritt said. “When all is said and done, Phil’s job is not in any way threatened by that letter.”Riley, also the president of the Barbados Cricket Association, suggested Simmons had “endangered the lives” of the entire West Indies touring party by temporarily leaving the bio-secure ‘bubble’ in Manchester to attend a family funeral.”There was no question of me not going to the funeral,” Simmons said. “It is a very, very hard time for us. My wife, my daughters and my son needed that support. This has not been an easy time for my family. My wife was very close to her father and his passing has hurt us. All the guys [in the West Indies touring party] have been very close to me. It won’t disrupt us. It will just make us a little stronger going into the Test series.”Family is a huge thing for me. It’s the same thing we’re trying to build here and everyone is supporting everyone. If someone wants to try and use that against me, all well and good. If that is to break up the camp and change our focus, that hasn’t worked. I had to do what is right for my family, just as I will do what is right for CWI for the rest of the series.”As Skerritt made clear, Simmons had permission to attend the funeral and his departure and re-entry were managed by the medical teams from CWI and the ECB. He has subsequently remained in isolation at the team hotel – he has watched the on-going warm-up match from his hotel-room balcony – and been tested twice for Covid-19. Both tests have been negative.ALSO READ: Phil Simmons faces sacking call after attending family funeral“He went through a very vigorous recruitment process nine months ago and was the best man we could have found for the job,” said Skerritt. “He’s still the best man. I’m confident the people of the Caribbean have already thrown their support behind Phil and will continue to do so.”Phil is the right man at the right time. We’re so blessed to have Phil back with us and to have Jimmy Adams as his boss. I don’t think I need to worry at all with those two guys leading the cricket.”It is a well-established policy for CWI players and officials while on tour to be given permission for compassionate leave as and when needed. The matter of coach Simmons’ exiting and returning to Old Trafford should never have controversial in any way.”While Skerritt admitted his request for Riley to withdraw the letter had, at this stage, fallen on deaf ears, he offered an olive branch of reconciliation towards the Barbadian.”My only response was to ask him to withdraw the letter,” Skerritt said. “It was an unnecessary and hasty burst of emotion. I’m stunned that the letter reached the public.”But Conde is a tremendous custodian of the game of cricket in Barbados. He gets my respect and I probably tolerate stuff like this more than I would with others. I think quietly at the right time we’ll make up. The problem is there are very strong influences around him and outside of the board who try to bring distrust and throw cold water on cricket-first activities we’ve been moving forward with.””Cricket administrators have to understand that our role is to provide the best possible environment for cricket and to give the best support and resources to our cricketers and management team,” Skerritt continued. “Giving them a sense of controversy and possible distrust and confusion is one of the worst gifts you can give.”

Vinicius Junior was slammed for his goal celebration by Predrag Mijatovic and has been warned that Real Madrid fans are "upset" with his behaviour.

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• Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 2-0
• Vinicius opened the scoring for the visitors
• Silenced the crowd after converting from the spot

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazilian forward found the net from 12 yards to break the deadlock at Real Arena on Saturday after a cagey first hour when chances came at a premium. The home support was trying to get under the skin of Vinicius from the early stages of the match, as whistles echoed around the stadium whenever the Brazilian had possession.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Vinicius, too, on a few occasions looked back at the gallery and gave a wry smile – acknowledging the stick from the crowd. But when he finally beat Alex Remiro from the spot, the forward ran towards the corner flag with a "shoosh" gesture in an attempt to silence the fans.

• WHAT MIJATOVIC SAID

  Mijatovic was not pleased with Vinicius' goal celebration and in an interview with , said: "He’s throwing stones at his own roof. He’s throwing stones, especially knowing everything that’s going on around him. He should take this step, calm down a little. We were very happy with the goal, but then we were very disappointed with the celebration. Why does he need this? He’s doing himself a lot of harm. I speak to many Real Madrid fans who love him, but we’re all upset with his behaviour."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR VINICUS?

  It remains to be seen if Vinicius pays heed to Mijatovic's advice and mends his ways when he next takes the pitch in a hostile away stadium. However, his next match is at Santiago Bernabeu against Stuttgart in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Liverpool were thrown an unlikely lifeline on Sunday after one of the most chastening, depressing days of Jurgen Klopp's tenure, with their inexplicable Premier League loss to Crystal Palace at home followed by title rivals Arsenal's late fall against Aston Villa in north London.

Whether Arsenal's Emirates defeat serves only as a reprieve for a Liverpool side that has suffered back-to-back Anfield losses at a crucial stage of the season, having overcome so much and weathered the fiercest of storms, will become clearer in the weeks to come. Ultimately, Manchester City now have the lead in the closing stage, which is ominous, and customary.

Liverpool travel to Italy to meet Atalanta in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie next. The Reds have been the clear-cut competition favourites from the off; they trail 3-0 after an error-strewn mess of a performance last Thursday.

Following, three away fixtures in the top-flight in seven days: Fulham, Everton and West Ham United will all present tough tests against an out-of-sorts, sapped side, and a falter in any one game might prove fatal in the fight for a fitting finale to Klopp's reign.

All told, a thrilling season of illustrious promise hangs by a fragile thread, and Klopp will now need to conjure up a sizeable portion of the magic that has worked such wonders over the past nine years.

But not for the first time, he is faced with something of a quandary in defence.

Liverpool's recent defensive performances

There has always been a sense that Liverpool have been flourishing above expectations – perhaps even above their level – this season, with the unwavering, brilliant belief and desire causing so many turnarounds.

But the never-say-die attitude is not a suitable foundation for title-winning success, and after Eberechi Eze slashed into the net following Tyrick Mitchell after just 14 minutes on Sunday afternoon, the hosts' leaky bulwark finally capitulated on Premier League soil.

Admittedly, the incredible wastefulness in front of goal proved to be the glaring issue of the demise, but as Andy Robertson conceded post-match: "Obviously all of us in front of goal aren’t exactly in a hot streak and we’re not keeping clean sheets, so the results are never going to be in our favour."

Chance after chance after chance after chance after chance. That might seem repetitive but that is emblematic of Liverpool's woes in front of goal, marred by profligacy that has now unravelled the hopes of winning the two biggest honours of the campaign.

But be that as it may, Liverpool's defensive struggles have been the true crux of the collapse. Across 32 Premier League fixtures this season, Liverpool have conceded the opening goal 21 times. Attacks win games, defences win titles – a well-known footballing proverb, apt in Klopp's side's circumstances.

Liverpool have kept one clean sheet across 11 Premier League fixtures, and while Virgil van Dijk has been largely imperious this season, he is not infallible and has been let down by Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah in recent weeks.

The latter can hardly be blamed after one mistake, detrimental as it may have been, against Manchester United over one week ago, having emerged from the academy at the start of the season, fuelled by a successful loan spell in League One with Bristol Rovers last year, to combat the season-ending injury to Joel Matip in December and start 22 games in all competitions.

But Konate, who was questionably rested at Old Trafford, has endured two torrid games against Atalanta and the Eagles, making mistakes in both and lacking the poise and powerful command that has been so important for his club in recent months.

The Athletic's James Pearce has lamented his "dreadful" recent work, while The Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle branded him with a 4/10 match rating in Europe and the same again against Oliver Glasner's jubilant team on Sunday, who won their first away match since November at Anfield.

The time has come; Klopp has to make a change. And Joe Gomez might now be ready to slot back into a fresh role in central defence.

Why Liverpool must move Joe Gomez to centre-back

Gomez is as dynamic as they come and has played myriad roles for Liverpool this season, regularly featuring on both sides of the backline and even deployed in defensive midfield on a couple of no-other-option occasions.

The £85k-per-week man hasn't played much in central defence this season – just five times from 45 outings – but Gomez is hardly averse to sitting alongside Van Dijk in a championship-winning central defence, and Klopp might now be inclined to make the adjustment.

Joe Gomez: Premier League Stats 19/20
Stat	#
Matches played	28
Matches started	22
Clean sheets	12
Pass completion	88%
Tackles per game	0.8
Interceptions per game	1.4
Clearances per game	2.1
Duels won per game	4.0 (56%)
Stats via Sofascore

In 2019/20, the year Liverpool conquered the modern Premier League for the first and only time, Gomez played the lion's share of his football in the middle of the rearguard, alongside Van Dijk, and he was remarked as looking like "a young Virgil van Dijk" by Reds icon Sami Hyypia for his displays that season.

His crispness and alacrity to put in a shift in any position have made him indispensable this year, and while he's had his detractors over recent years, he has been described as "absolutely priceless" due to this tactical flexibility by pundit Steve McManaman.

As per FBref, the recently-recalled England international ranks among the top 9% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 18% for progressive passes and the top 4% for aerial duels won per 90.

At 6 foot 2 he's indeed capable of playing the part in the centre once again, with a staggering aerial duel success rate of 73% in the Premier League this season to evidence this, as per Sofascore.

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With Trent Alexander-Arnold returning from injury, Gomez's skill set is not required at right-back with the same urgency; moreover, Robertson's commitment and drive at left-back has been one of the few bright sparks over the past several matches.

Whether Klopp will make such a drastic change in this crucial late phase remains to be seen, but Konate and Quansah have seen fragilities brutally exposed of late.

What's there to lose? The Premier League title? Unfortunately, Manchester City are now in the driving seat, and if Liverpool are to expunge this recent malaise, thinking outside the box might just be the order of the day.