Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti has expressed his views on Kylian Mbappe's ongoing lean patch and believes the Frenchman lacks confidence.
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Leeds United have submitted a verbal bid to sign a new attacker this summer, according to a new report.
Leeds eyeing new winger to replace Summerville
The Whites are preparing for their Championship opener this weekend against Portsmouth at Elland Road, but one player who won’t be there is last season’s Player of the Year, Crysencio Summerville.
The Dutch winger has now left for Leeds for West Ham, with Daniel Farke admitting after Leeds’ final pre-season game against Valencia that the club would like to bring in a new wide player but still need to comply with financial fair play rules.
Leeds United's summer sales
New club
Fee (Transfermarkt)
Archie Gray
Tottenham
£34.7m
Crysencio Summerville
West Ham
£25.1m
Glen Kamara
Rennes
£8.4m
Marc Roca
Real Betis
£3.8m
Charlie Cresswell
Toulouse
£3.8m
Diego Llorente
Real Betis
£2.7m
Robin Koch
Eintracht Frankfurt
Free transfer
Jamie Shackleton
Sheffield United
Free transfer
Kristoffer Klaesson
Rakow Czestochowa
Free transfer
Luke Ayling
Middlesbrough
Free transfer
Ian Poveda
Sunderland
Free transfer
Cody Drameh
Hull City
Free transfer
Darko Gyabi
Plymouth Argyle
Loan
Sam Greenwood
Preston North End
Loan
Sonny Perkins
Leyton Oreint
Loan
"Our situation is also quite clear, obviously after selling a winger, an offensive player like Cree everyone knows we'd like to add a player in a similar position, there's no doubt.
"It's not like right now we receive a full player like Archie Gray or Cree Summerville also lots of money and right now we can spend it. At the moment we still have to pay for a few sins in the past and make sure we're in line with all the financial rules and this is also the reason why sometimes a club has to take a decision also to sell a player.
"Obviously when you ask me as a manager you always want to keep your best players and even add a few more top players but we still have the situation that we've done something not in the perfect way in former years and right now have to pay the price.
"In the last season we were pretty disciplined and careful with what we spent. We have to be careful and it's an open secret, it's not like we take all the money from a transfer like Cree and can spend it right now. We have pretty limited resources.”
The top target to replace Summerville currently appears to be Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe, with talks recently held over a deal for the England Under-21 international. Now, it appears as if Leeds and the 49ers Enterprises have gone one step further and have made an offer.
Leeds make verbal bid for Jonathan Rowe
According to Football Insider, Leeds have submitted a verbal bid worth £7m for Rowe, however, that is “nowhere near” Norwich’s valuation. The Canaries have swiftly responded to that proposal from Yorkshire, so it will be interesting to see if Leeds go back in with an improved offer.
Rowe enjoyed a solid campaign at Carrow Road when fully fit, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in 34 Championship appearances.
He was also hailed by Norwich teammate Shane Duffy, who called Rowe a player who can produce “magic” and win games. "Give him a ball like that in that position, and he will do the rest – he's shown that since the start of the season when he picked up the ball on the halfway line and found the top corner. Jonny has got that bit of magic for us. He can win us games, and that's what you need at this level to be successful."
Newcastle United’s injury issues at centre-back over the last couple of months have been well documented, with boss Eddie Howe looking to strengthen the position during the summer transfer window.
Long-term injuries to the likes of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, will see the pair miss up to nine months after suffering ACL injuries, with the Magpies’ defence looking light of bodies.
However, Howe has already started to combat the issue, signing Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer from fellow Premier League side Bournemouth, but it’s critical that the club continue to pursue other options if they are to regain European football next season.
Numerous names such as Ousmane Diomande and Mario Hermoso have both been touted with a move to Tyneside in recent weeks, with no movement on either deal as yet.
The club have also recently been credited with an interest in another talent, but Howe’s side will need to act quickly if they are to secure his services, especially considering his recent performance at the ongoing European Championships in Germany.
Over the last couple of weeks, Newcastle have been reportedly battling Arsenal for the signature of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.
The Englishman played a key role in Oliver Glasner’s transformation of the Eagles during the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, making 25 appearances – and captaining the side for the vast majority of his outings.
His excellent form in the Premier League caught the attention of England boss Gareth Southgate, who decided to call the 23-year-old up to his squad for the Euros – a decision that has been a superb one by the under-fire coach.
He’s subsequently started the first two outings, starring in both, with last night’s display his best to date, which could see his £50m valuation skyrocket.
Although it’s been a disappointing start to the competition for England, a couple of players have stood out, demonstrating their quality despite the below-par performances produced by the majority of the squad.
Guehi is one who has been consistently dominant at the back, preventing Southgate’s side from embarrassing results against Serbia and Denmark.
His display alongside John Stones at the back last night was by far his best at the tournament so far, with the Palace star going from strength to strength on the international stage, receiving an 8/10 match rating from the Evening Standard's Dan Kilpatrick.
In his 90-minute display, Guehi managed to complete 47 passes at a completion rate of 90%, whilst also producing an excellent display out of possession in a game where England failed to impress once more.
|
Guehi's stats against Denmark for Euro 2024 |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes played |
90 |
|
Passes completed |
47/52 (90%) |
|
Clearances |
3 |
|
Interceptions |
2 |
|
Tackles |
1 |
|
Duels won |
4/7 (57%) |
|
Stats via SofaScore |
|
He made three clearances, two interceptions, winning a singular tackle but also winning 57% of the duels he contested, leading journalist Matt Law to describe the defender as “outstanding”.
It was a magnificent display from Guehi, with Newcastle desperately needing to push on in their attempts to sign the 23-year-old if they are to mount another European push next season.
They could land one of England's leading players – so far – at the Euros and put a statement out to the rest of the contenders for the top four next season by bringing him to St. James' Park.
With attacking reinforcements clearly a high priority for Manchester United this summer, it appears that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dan Ashworth are currently discussing new attacking options for the Red Devils.
Zirkzee just the start of United's attacking rebuild
The big news out of Old Trafford this week has been the seemingly imminent arrival of Bologna talisman Joshua Zirkzee. Erik ten Hag's men have long been the favourites to land the Netherlands striker with a recent update from Fabrizio Romano suggesting that all personal terms have now been agreed and Zirkzee has informed his current side of his intention to move to Manchester.
£120,000-per-week player set to leave Tottenham as Man United chase him
Erik ten Hag is among his summer suitors.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 4, 2024
United's quest for attacking talent does not stop with Zirkzee however as the club are currently linked with deals for a number of highly-rated forward players.
Jaden Philogene has been a surprise name that has done the rounds in recent days, but the Red Devils look set to lose out to Ipswich Town for the signature of the English winger. Bologna and Switzerland’s versatile attacker Dan Ndoye is also said to be a target for United with the Swiss press claiming that the 23-year-old's current side are asking for a fee in the region of £21million to secure his services.
With Ratcliffe and Co still targeting forward players, it appears that the club have been having internal discussions over a new striker to support the incoming Zirkzee.
Premier League duo in United's sights
As first reported by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell, Manchester United have discussed both Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin internally as they look to further reinforce their striking options. Whilst talks have not progressed beyond these initial discussions, it is interesting to see a striker still high on the club's list of priorities.
Whilst it is unlikely that Toney would want to come to Old Trafford and be the third-choice option behind Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, Calvert-Lewin could be enticed with a fresh start in Manchester.
Across his time in the Premier League, Calvert-Lewin has scored 54 goals in 213 appearances, however has struggled for consistency in recent seasons. The 27-year-old managed just 7 goals in the league last season, suggesting that it may be time for him to leave Goodison Park this summer.
Despite his recent issues, when Calvert-Lewin is on form he is among one of the most dangerous strikers in the league. Speaking after the 27-year-old scored twice in a 3-1 win over Chelsea back in 2019, the Premier League's all-time top goalscorer Alan Shearer was quick to praise the striker: “I was hugely impressed with [Calvert-Lewin] today because he absolutely battered the two centre-halves, Zouma and Christensen,
“He didn’t give them a moment’s peace. When you’re a forward, if you can’t win the header then make sure the defender doesn’t win it either. He did it all afternoon."
Whether he arrives as a back-up option or a temporary leading man, United could do a lot worse than an established top flight striker like Calvert-Lewin.
The career of Fabio Paim, who Cristiano Ronaldo said was better than him, has taken a shocking turn as the Portuguese makes his adult film debut.
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Nearly every Nottingham Forest fan will know the troubles the club have had filling the left-back position in recent years.
From Brazilian international Renan Lodi to fan favourites such as Yuri Ribiero and disaster signings like Dan Harding, the club have had it all when it comes to that role.
Fast-forward to 2024, the Reds have Harry Toffolo and Ola Aina as their only senior options, with the latter featuring out of position due to Neco Williams‘ excellent form at City Ground.
The Welshman won three consecutive Player of the Month awards during the 2023/24 season, which saw Nigerian, Aina having to play on the left-hand side of Nuno Espírito Santo’s defence, but not looking out of place in the process.
However, with the summer transfer window just weeks away Forest may be tempted to strengthen their squad once more, whilst being mindful of their current PSR situation.
A left-back may be high up on Nuno’s shopping list this summer, with his side already being linked with one talent who would undoubtedly improve defensively and in transition.
Nottingham Forest should reignite interest in talented full-back
In recent weeks, French outlet L’Equipe confirmed that Forest were rivalling Ligue 1 side Lille for the signature of left-back Bradley Locko.
The 22-year-old, who plies his trade for Stade Brestois, enjoyed an excellent 2023/24 campaign featuring 33 times in the league and starting 97% of their outings that season.
Locko managed to contribute with three assists in Ligue 1, subsequently being included in The Athletic’s Team of the Season – alongside teammate Pierre Lees-Melou.
However, the Reds aren’t alone in their pursuit of the £17m-rated Frenchman, with fellow Premier League sides Manchester United and Chelsea also credited with an interest in the talented full-back.
Whilst it’s unclear whether Nuno’s side are still actively trying to sign Locko, they must ramp up the efforts for the Brest left-back, with the youngster having the ability to allow one Forest player to rapidly progress on Trentside.
Why Locko could take Callum Hudson-Odoi to the next level
As demonstrated this season, winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has found his feet once again in the Premier League following his £3m transfer from Chelsea.
The 23-year-old moved to the City Ground last summer in a bid to reignite his career after a stop-start spell at Stamford Bridge because of various injuries and lack of form.
The Reds’ number 14 featured 29 times in the league during 2023/24, scoring eight goals, making him the club’s second top goalscorer behind striker Chris Wood.
Despite Hudson-Odoi’s excellent form, the signing of Locko this window would allow the forward to reach the next level and potentially increase his attacking output.
The Frenchman has excelled defensively in France this season winning three tackles per 90, whilst also achieving a tally of 1.2 interceptions per game.
However, he’s just as impressive with the ball at his feet, with Locko able to quickly transition and create opportunities for attackers in transition – a real key feature of Nuno’s system at Forest.
Games
33
Pass accuracy
83%
Progressive passes
4
Progressive carries
2.6
Successful take-ons
1.7
Tackles
3
Interceptions
1.2
The “monster” 22-year-old, as described by one scout, boasts an 83% pass completion rate, averaging four progressive passes but also averaging 1.7 successful take-ons in the process, demonstrating his ability to drive forward with the ball.
Given the current PSR situation on Trentside, the Reds will have to conduct shrewd business if they are to improve their squad during the off-season.
However, Locko has demonstrated excellent abilities that would undoubtedly bolster the left-back position and improve Hudson-Odoi’s chances of creating opportunities in the attacking third tenfold.
Nottingham Forest targeting Sangare upgrade who "every coach would like"
The Reds are targeting reinforcements despite another potential PSR breach.
ByEthan Lamb Jun 6, 2024
أشاد مشعل عبد الله، نجم الكرة القطرية السابق، بجماهير الأهلي، قبل مواجهة باتشوكا المكسيكي، بعد قليل، في مباراة كأس التحدي، ضمن نصف نهائي كأس إنتر كونتيننتال.
وقال مشعل عبد الله عبر قناة “الكأس”: “جماهير الأهلي هي جماهير نادي القرن في إفريقيا، والأهلي ينافس ريال مدريد في عدد البطولات العالمية”.
طالع.. كولر: باتشوكا يستطيع التغلب على ضغط المباريات.. ونتمنى مساعدة الجماهير وتابع: “الأهلي اليوم يلعب على أرضه وبين جماهيره، وكأنه يخوض المباراة في استاد القاهرة”.
واختتم: “المباراة لن تكون سهلة على الأهلي، فباتشوكا يُعد من أكثر الفرق مشاركة في كأس العالم للأندية، وهو فريق محترم وقدم أداءً جيدًا أمام بوتافوجو البرازيلي الذي يمتلك تاريخًا عريقًا”.
Tottenham Hotspur have displayed some classic shirts over the years, of which many became timeless, sought-after retros collected by football fanatics.
Football FanCast has decided to rank the top 10 best Spurs kits during the Premier League era. Here are our selections…
Rank
Kit
Manufacturer
1
94/95 Away
Umbro
2
99-01 Home
Adidas
3
91-94 Third
Umbro
4
91-95 Away
Umbro
5
95-97 Third
Pony
6
16/17 Home
Under Armour
7
04/05 Away
Kappa
8
02-04 Home
Kappa
9
01/02 Away
Adidas
10
07/08 Anniversary
Puma
10 2007/08 Anniversary Puma
A unique but fabulous ‘split-shirt’ kicks this list off at 10. The white and baby-blue colour combination made by Puma celebrated Tottenham’s 125th anniversary.
Modelled by former striker Darren Bent in the image above, the kit sports a small collar, adding a distinctive quirk. It was actually only worn once during a thrilling encounter against Aston Villa at White Hart Lane in 2007.
The game finished 4-4 after Spurs overturned a three-goal deficit, thanks to goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Pascal Chimbonda, Robbie Keane and Younes Kaboul.
A fitting game for a memorable shirt.
9 2001/02 Away Adidas
A pale blue Adidas classic joins the list in ninth. The aesthetic sponsor, the v-neck collar and the retro feel of three stripes on the sleeves all make for a timeless beauty of a kit.
It was worn during Glenn Hoddle’s first full season in the dugout following his spell as Southampton boss. Hoddle led his side to a League Cup final that year, before suffering a heartbreaking defeat at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium against Blackburn Rovers.
8 2002-04 Home Kappa
The first home kit of the list. Tottenham were battling relegation during the 2003/04 campaign, but managed to avoid the drop, ultimately finishing 14th in what was a disappointing season.
Not only that, but they had to watch their bitter rivals Arsenal win the league title unbeaten that year.
It was a period to forget for Spurs fans, but certainly not the kit. The traditional colour combination of white and navy made for a clean look. Manufactured by Kappa, the strip exhibited holiday-makers Thomson on the front, whilst the coloured crew-neck collar broke up the all-white shirt pleasantly.
7 2004/05 Away Kappa
Another Kappa-made kit enters the rankings. After a troubling season prior, Martin Jol guided Spurs to a top-half finish after taking over from Jacques Santini in November 2004.
The solid navy-toned away strip, paired with white shorts, created a classy look. Michael Carrick (pictured above) embodied the smart shirt, personifying a cool, assured and elegant midfielder.
6 2016/17 Home Under Armour
This home jersey was worn during Spurs’ final season at White Hart Lane before moving to their new stadium which lies a five-minute walk away.
Under Armour did a fantastic job on this strip, coordinating the white and navy so seamlessly, yet keeping a minimalistic feel. The shades of gold throughout added a touch of class and mirrored the success on the pitch that year for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Tottenham remained unbeaten at home in the league and achieved their highest finish of the Premier League era, placing second on 86 points, and also finishing above Arsenal for the first time since 1995.
5 1995-97 Third Pony
Certainly not for everybody, but there’s something about a yellow kit. Spurs finished a respectable 8th and 10th in this collared shirt under the stewardship of manager Gerry Francis.
The shield-like crest is a marvellous detail. It’s starting to become rather rare on modern football shirts, which is a real shame.
Its only let-down is the predominant Hewlett Packard sponsor, which feels a little in-your-face, for lack of a better phrase. But the manufacturers of the shirt Pony did a splendid job, with the collar a particular highlight.
4 1991-95 Away Umbro
Following on with the yellow theme, this kit notches just above the previous number due to its iconic and familiar sponsor, Holsten.
Pictured above, Teddy Sheringham models the gorgeous jersey made by Umbro and strikes a left-footed shot past the Lazio goalkeeper in the 1993 Makita tournament.
Spurs sported yellow for nearly all of the ’90s, either as an away or third shirt.
3 1991-94 Third Umbro
This eye-catching blue strip places third on the podium. Modelled by England international Darren Anderton above, the Umbro-made jersey displays a subtle outline on the upper chest spelling ‘Spurs’, which adds an unusual, but quirky detail to the collared classic.
The thin lines running down the shirt, coupled with the faint patterns in between, make this third kit a fun collectable for football fanatics.
2 1999-2001 Home Adidas
Another Holsten-sponsored kit enters the rankings. What is it about Spurs and Holsten? This home jersey has everything.
Adidas created a timeless classic that even today, could be worn as a casual fashionable top. The iconic three stripes running down the sleeves and shorts, paired with the bold, but aesthetically pleasing sponsor, make this one of Spurs’ best shirts of all time.
In this strip, George Graham’s side beat Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool at White Hart Lane during the 1999/00 campaign, finishing the season in 10th.
1 1994/95 Away Umbro
At number one is this navy and purple number worn by Jürgen Klinsmann in the image above. Made by Umbro, the stunning strip has become a trendy modern-day jersey, shelved at major outlets such as JD Sports.
Those available at the aforementioned retailer will be replicas, because you’ll be doing well if you’re lucky enough to own the authentic version. It’s become a very limited item.
A big well-done to Umbro and once again the shirt sponsor Holsten, which has featured predominantly on our list.
A framework has also been drawn up to manage athletes who contract Covid-19 when sport resumes
Daniel Brettig01-May-20201:42
Tait: Legalised tampering might be chance for cricket to move forward
Shining the ball with saliva or sweat will be restricted in Australia under a framework released by the federal government about the staged return of both professional and recreational sport amid the coronavirus pandemic.The guidelines, drawn up by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in conjunction with medical experts, sporting bodies and federal and state governments, outline a staged return to play at all levels, hastened by the desires of the winter football codes in particular to return in time to salvage some of their seasons. Cricket Australia’s chief medical officer John Orchard was involved in the preparation of the framework.They will have international implications, and follow the revelation on ESPNcricinfo last week that cricket administrators were actively considering the possibility of allowing the ball to be polished with artificial substances to reduce the risks associated with using saliva on the ball and then passing it around the field of play.ALSO READ: Cricket to consider legalised ball-tampering in wake of coronavirusUnder the AIS framework, restrictions on sport are currently outlined as being at “Level A” restricting all training except that of the individual kind. But there will soon be a move to “Level B”, potentially little more than a week from now, which will allow the following: “Nets — batters facing bowlers. Limit bowlers per net. Fielding sessions — unrestricted. No warm up drills involving unnecessary person-person contact. No shining cricket ball with sweat/saliva during training.”The third and final “Level C”, to be permitted later in the year, is outlined as: “Full training and competition. No ball shining with sweat/saliva in training.”These step by step returns will run alongside government decisions about when and how. The NRL is set to be the first sport to return to action, having flagged a May 28 return date for the competition, which will be reduced to 20 rounds. The AFL is currently debating some of the logistical issues around its own return.Intriguingly, cricket as a non-contact sport may actually be permitted to return before the winter codes, leaving the northern states open to play. The Australian team’s next scheduled matches in Australia were slated to be as part of a limited-overs series against Zimbabwe in August.”Sport makes an important contribution to the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of Australians,” the framework report states. “The economic contribution of sport is equivalent to 2-3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on communities globally, leading to significant restrictions on all sectors of society, including sport. Resumption of sport can significantly contribute to the re-establishment of normality in Australian society.How would you shine the cricket ball in the time of Covid-19?•Getty Images
“The principles outlined in this document apply equally to high performance/professional level, community competitive and individual passive (non-contact) sport. The AIS Framework is a timely tool for ‘how’ reintroduction of sport activity will occur in a cautious and methodical manner, to optimise athlete and community safety. Decisions regarding the timing of resumption of sporting activity (the ‘when’) must be made in close consultation with Federal, State/Territory and Local Public Health Authorities. The priority at all times must be to preserve public health, minimising the risk of community transmission.”Standards for a return to elite sport are also a part of the report, which dictates how athletes contracting Covid-19 may be dealt with, and precautions that will continue to need to be taken even after full competitive sport is permitted to resume.”The resumption of sport and recreation activities will be a complex process. A careful stepwise process needs to be implemented to ensure the safety of athletes and other personnel and the wider community,” the report states. “Preparation for resumption includes education of the athletes and other personnel, assessment of the sport environment and agreement on training scheduling to accommodate social distancing.”The approach to training should focus on ‘get in, train, get out’, minimising unnecessary contact in change rooms, bathrooms and communal areas. Prior to resumption, sporting organisations should have agreed protocols in place for management of illness in athletes and other personnel. Special consideration should be made for para-athletes and others with medical conditions as they may be more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. Clubs and individuals should apply a graded return to mitigate injury risk, understanding that sudden increase in training load will predispose to injury.”Individuals should not return to sport if in the last 14 days they have been unwell or had contact with a known or suspected case of COVID-19. Any individual with respiratory symptoms (even if mild) should be considered a potential case and must immediately self-isolate, have COVID-19 excluded and be medically cleared by a doctor to return to the training environment.”Athletes returning to sport after COVID-19 infection require special consideration prior to resumption of high intensity physical activity.”Australia and New Zealand have been two of the world’s least-affected countries in the coronavirus pandemic. After being one of the first nations exposed to the virus, border closures, social distancing measures and business and large scale gathering shutdowns have helped to bring the virus to a standstill relative to events in the UK, United States and India.The full report can be found here.
‘I am talking more about off-field stuff than on-field performance,’ he said looking ahead to the one-off ODI in Pakistan next month
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Mar-2020Improving Bangladesh’s team culture will be of top priority for newly appointed Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal. The 30-year old has called for greater discipline and collective effort after taking over from Mashrafe Mortaza, whose five-year stint ended earlier this month.The BCB’s top brass had convinced Iqbal to succeed Mortaza as captain although the cloud of Shakib Al Hasan’s comeback hangs over his new job. Shakib is BCB’s preferred long-term captain across formats, despite being suspended till the end of October this year.”I want to take small steps to improve ourselves,” Iqbal said. “How we can improve our training, how much better can we play as a team, how can I contribute to someone else’s process, and vice-versa. This is my starting point. We will take it one step at a time. Without focusing much about the long process of everything, we should break it down into small steps. On the field, a lot of things remain out of control but the team culture is within our control. How we think off the field, how professional we are.”I want to improve on our team culture, so that with time, you can see results in that aspect. We get more disciplined and work harder, minimise our mistakes. When I think how I will take this team forward, the first thing that comes to mind is that we have to fix all our off the-field issues. I think we are one of the most disciplined teams in world cricket, but we can get better. If I can get to work there and we start seeing it reflected in the field, we are good.”ALSO READ: Life in the time of Mashrafe Mortaza, by Tamim Iqbal and MahmudullahBangladesh’s next assignment is a one-off ODI in Karachi on April 1, but that is in doubt, like all other international fixtures, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.Iqbal, though, said that a win over Pakistan in Karachi will boost the confidence of the current group. “When we beat Pakistan under Mashrafe Mortaza in 2015, we started to believe as a group that we can beat bigger teams,” he said. The current squad, which has a lot of young players, needs to win against a big team as soon as possible, to bring back that belief.Mashrafe Mortaza played a key role in reviving the careers of Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah•AFP via Getty Images”This is a different team than 2015. There are a few key players missing. Form is also different. We have at least four or five new players. We are the type of team that needs five or six people performing to beat good teams, so we need that one big win to break the ice. They need the confidence.”Iqbal also spoke of his challenge to bring the best out of each player. He reserved special praise for Liton Das, who forged a strong partnership with Iqbal at the top and amassed 311 runs of his own in the recently concluded three-match ODI series at home against Zimbabwe.”There is a difference between how Liton thinks now to how he thought six months ago,” Iqbal said. “You can see the reflection in the field. I think the young players are positive towards their cricket. They want to do well. But everyone needs improvement in those areas, including myself.”We are all professional cricketers. You have to treat each individual differently. There are different ways to treat Mushfiq (Mushfiqur Rahim) and Riyad (Mahmudullah) , for example, to get the best out of them. I am talking more about off-field stuff than on-field performance. The sooner, as a team, we can come back into the right track, better for us.”Mortaza ended his ODI captaincy tenure with 50 wins and while it would be difficult for Iqbal to emulate his predecessor’s success, the new captain said that his “close relationship” with Mortaza will hold him in good stead.”I am not an experienced captain. You have to give me time for anything,” Iqbal said. I don’t know what my performance is going to be in six months’ time. Our fans have to be a little patient. I will do for the best interest in the team. You also have to remember that it will be very hard to reach the level of the previous captain. We have achieved a lot under him, but you have to give me some time to reach his level.”I am lucky that I have a close relationship with him. I saw him from close quarters, and we have played a lot together. I know how he thinks and I can take as much as I can. But, those are very difficult shoes to fill straightaway. I hope that I will take the positives from him. If I face trouble, he will be the first person that I will call to take advice.”