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Sherwin Campbell and Philo Wallace have always approached batting with contrasting yet equally efficient methods

Haydn Gill29-May-2016Sherwin Campbell and Philo Wallace have always approached batting with contrasting yet equally efficient methods.And yesterday was no exception.Compact Campbell and walloping Wallace launched a splendid Barbados response to a challenging Bangladesh ‘A’ first innings total on Day 2 of the fifth-round bottom-of-the-table Busta Series clash.At stumps, captain Campbell was five away from his 22nd first-class century, his unbeaten 95 compiled off 210 balls with due care and application.By then, the rampaging Wallace had long departed, his awesome aggression giving Barbados a flying start. He, however, would have been angry with himself when he gifted his wicket for 81 off 100 balls on an afternoon in which Barbados’ batsmen were seldom troubled.Young Kurt Wilkinson joined Campbell for the evening session and finally overcame his habit of succumbing in the 20s or 30s. By the close, he was unbeaten on 52, having reached his half-century with an impressive lofted drive that was preceded by a couple of sweet boundaries.The efforts of the trio in maintaining a decent scoring rate of almost three-and-a half-runs an over carried Barbados within 50 runs of their first points since the opening round. They also put the hosts in a position to build a commanding lead against what appears to be the weakest bowling attack in the competition.The Saturday Kensington Oval crowd would have especially welcomed the contribution of Campbell, who looked a touch above what we had seen from him recently, but he still feels his timing, movement of the feet and confidence could be improved.It’s not as perfect as I would like it, but I am getting there, said the 31-year-old former West Indies vice-captain.Sometimes, maybe the bat is a little heavy, but I am trying to get an innings together, take my time and try not to force it too much.He was also not too perturbed that he did not complete his century yesterday.I would have loved that, but that’s how it goes sometimes. I feel very good and relaxed and I am confident that I will definitely get a hundred tomorrow, he said.Campbell, recalled to the West Indies team for the first time in more than a year on the recent tour of Sharjah where a fractured little finger prematurely ended his participation, knows the importance of a big innings.I am definitely looking towards a West Indies pick, he said. A good innings here and then maybe in the next two games may give me a chance to play against India.He and Wallace put on 135 for the first wicket in fewer than 33 overs and he and Wilkinson spent the next 38 overs adding 109.Wallace might have gone off after a few balls before he settled at the start, but once he was into his stride, the Bangladishis found it difficult to contain him.There were a couple of powerful pulls and drives on the way to his half-century, but he exploded when the 18-year-old fast bowler Tareq Aziz was recalled for a second spell.The first ball was contemptuously lifted over long-on and onto the Garfield Sobers Pavilion. Before the buzz around the ground could subside, the next ball was lifted straight down the ground, prompting some to scamper for cover.The beefy Wallace seemed headed for an 11th first-class hundred before one of the most innocuous balls of the match caused his demise 20 minutes before tea.It was a long-hop from off-spinner Naimur Rahman and Wallace pulled it down the throat of deep mid-wicket to end his third half-century of the season, which included nine fours in two hours’ batting.As usual, Campbell was the quiet partner in his association with Wallace. When Wallace departed, he was 45, and he used the remainder of the day to diligently accumulate his highest score at this level since 2000.One can usually tell when Campbell will score heavily and it was on the cards from the time he opened his account with one of his trademark cuts.During the four-and-half-hours he was firmly entrenched, the ball constantly hit the middle of his broad bat and there was no hint of the scratchy footwork that has troubled him in recent times.Earlier, Barbados enjoyed a fine morning session, spearheaded by left-arm pacer Pedro Collins who grabbed the last four wickets after Bangladesh ‘A’ resumed on 263 for six.Using the second new ball with telling effect, he bowled mainly a fullish length and Bangladesh ‘A’ were unable to score a run in the first 25 minutes. He induced Mushfiqur Raham into gloving a catch to third slip and then troubled the stumps of the next two batsmen.Mosadek Hossain, playing with a huge gap between bat and bad, was bowled off-stump, while Alamgir Khan was undone by a fullish delivery a few balls after he had swung Collins over mid-wicket when only one fielder was positioned on the leg-side.Collins duly wrapped up the innings and finished with five for 56 from 27.2 overs, but it left Ian Bradshaw without a deserved maiden five-wicket haul. His four for 89 represented his fifth such haul this season in which he has taken 28 wickets.

Manchester United moved a step closer toward securing Champions League qualification after edging past an in-form Aston Villa side on Sunday afternoon, with a first-half strike from Bruno Fernandes ultimately proving the difference at Old Trafford.

Just a few days on from the second-half collapse away to Tottenham Hotspur, the Red Devils put in a professional performance this time around to seal all three points and end the visitors impressive, ten-game unbeaten run in the process.

For all United’s dominance on the day – having enjoyed 57% possession and had 14 shots at goal – the top-four hopefuls were still reliant on some defensive heroics to help get over the line, with Victor Lindelof notably producing a “magnificent” goalline clearance in the second half, as per Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

That intervention epitomised what was yet another “excellent” performance from the Sweden international, in the words of Luckhurst, as the 28-year-old has truly stepped up to the mark in the absence of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane in recent weeks.

How did Lindelof play against Villa?

While there have been question marks surrounding the former Benfica man’s long-term future at the Theatre of Dreams in recent months – amid reports that he could be shown the door this summer – the £120k-per-week ace has shown of late that he can be an invaluable asset for manager, Erik ten Hag.

The ‘Ice Man’ was notably something of a hero in the Wembley win over Brighton and Hove Albion just over a week ago, having also showed his class in the victory away to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League prior to that.

On what was his fifth successive start, the experienced centre-back produced “one of his best performances” for the club to date, according to Luckhurst, with one journalist even going as far as to suggest that it was “one of the finest defensive displays for United in recent seasons”.

That was evidenced by the fact that the 58-cap rock was a real composed and dominant presence at the heart of the backline having lost possession on just three occasions from his 72 touches and recorded a 97% pass accuracy rate, while also recording four clearances on the day.

Despite not having been engaged in a physical battle with Ollie Watkins – after winning one of only two total duels – Lindelof still ‘put his body on the line for the cause’, as per GOAL’s Harry Sherlock, having done all he could to help secure a 15th league clean sheet of the season for goalkeeper, David De Gea.

As The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell noted, yesterday’s outing was “another tick” for the centre-back partnership of the Swede and usual left-back, Luke Shaw, with it looking increasingly unlikely that club captain Harry Maguire will be able to force his way into the side in the coming games.

Tottenham Hotspur manager target Vincent Kompany is now 'ready to listen' to Spurs if they make a move, according to reports.

What's the latest on Kompany to Spurs?

The Manchester City legend is one of two exciting, young managers who Spurs firmly have their eyes on. Indeed, Kompany joins former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann on chairman Daniel Levy's shortlist, with both coaches still yet to reach the age of 40.

Reliable reports have also suggested that the north Londoners are after a young, progressive new boss to replace Antonio Conte after he left the club by mutual consent last month. That has ultimately led to their interest in Feyenoord's Arne Slot, who is on the cusp of clinching his first league title at 44 years old.

Kompany, who has just fired Burnley back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, certainly fits into that mould and is currently heavily linked with a move to Spurs.

Members of the press have even urged him to make a move to Tottenham, with a report from The Sun now sharing a very promising update on his potential switch.

According to their information, Levy is personally 'blown away' by Kompany as a manager and Spurs chiefs have received glowing reports on his first full campaign at Turf Moor.

It is explained that the 37-year-old is now Tottenham's preferred choice to succeed Conte, and what's more, he is apparently open to joining them. Indeed, Kompany is now 'ready to listen' to Spurs if they make a move.

This is due to fears that Burnley may not have the financial capabilities to invest in their squad and stay in the top flight.

Should Tottenham move for Kompany?

The biggest issue with Kompany's possible appointment is arguably his lack of experience.

City's former captain, barring this sensational season in Lancashire, has just a spell at Anderlecht to show on his CV and a job the size of Spurs could prove too much so soon.

That being said, we believe he could be one for the future, as Kompany encourages an attack-minded, entertaining style of football which will appeal to some Tottenham supporters judging by the criticisms aimed at Conte during his tenure.

His Burnley team have also dominated England's second tier this season, with the Clarets still on course to break the division's points record.

Called "unbelievable" for his work over 2022/2023, it is unsurprising that Spurs are taking a serious interest, but we think there is a massive decision for Kompany to think about in the near future if an offer comes forward.

When Aston Villa sold Jack Grealish to Manchester City in 2021 for the staggering fee of £100m, it was looked upon as a wonderful piece of business for the club.

Of course, in an ideal world, Dean Smith would have wanted to keep him for longer but having emerged as one of the club’s finest ever talents, it was evident he was going to move on at some stage or another and securing a British record transfer for the midfielder was only ever going to be a massive bonus.

They haven’t quite managed to replace him yet, however, there are a few youngsters coming through the youth ranks which could push into the Villa first team and stake a claim over the coming years.

One such player is Rory Wilson, who has been scoring for fun since joining from Glasgow Rangers last summer for just £350k.

Who is Rory Wilson?

The striker completed a move south of the border during the summer having netted 49 goals for the Gers and Scotland youth groups in what was a wonderful season for the 17-year-old.

The teenage prodigy has been described as being “obsessed with becoming the best” by Scotland coach James Grady and his relentless nature in front of goal could take him all the way to the Villa first team in the next couple of years.

Wilson hasn’t let the move to England faze him in the slightest, already making his mark in the U18 and U21 sides this term.

Four goals in the younger age category is impressive enough, but to make the step-up to the Premier League 2 and FA Youth Cup – scoring four and three goals in the respective competitions – takes some talent, and he could find himself on Unai Emery’s mind sooner rather than later.

Grealish also starred for the U21s during his formative years at the club, scoring five goals and grabbing six assists and Wilson has already usurped these totals having been at Villa for less than a year.

The striker also has experience at national level for Scotland, playing for the U17 team on 16 occasions and netting an impressive 15 goals, including a hat0trick against Switzerland just last month.

He doesn’t appear to be resting on his laurels either, having made his U21 debut, aged just 16, in September last year with his future looking extraordinarily bright.

Who knows, in time he could well end up being sold for millions just like Grealish in 2021. Indeed, his current goal-scoring spree dictates that he is arguably the biggest talent since the boyhood hero departed the Midlands. Exciting times.

Sky Sports presenter Joe Thomlinson has slammed David Moyes for the way he’s failing to get the best out of West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca.

The Lowdown: West Ham continue to struggle

The Hammers have been brought crashing back down to earth this season after back-to-back European finishes as they’re now engulfed in a relegation scrap.

West Ham currently sit above the relegation zone by goal difference with just 12 games left to play, with clashes against five of the current top six still to come, which will almost certainly have alarm bells ringing in and around the fanbase.

What will have left the West Ham faithful very annoyed is that when they were chasing three points on Sunday, Moyes opted against throwing on £35.5m striker Scamacca, despite the Hammers being desperate for a goal.

The Latest: Moyes unable to get the best out of Scamacca

It’s now the second big-money striker that has seemingly flopped under Moyes after Sebastien Haller – albeit brought to the club by Manuel Pellegrini – failed to impress at the London Stadium, which is something Thomlinson alluded to on the Football Daily YouTube channel.

He said: “When you add the context of £180m spent in the summer and big names arriving at the club ie Scamacca and Paqueta, it becomes problematic when Scamacca is an unused sub in a 1-1 draw [against] Villa where you need points because you’re in a relegation battle and Maxwel Cornet comes on up front ahead of you.

“I know Cornet was also a summer arrival, but I just think his usage of Scamacca is becoming extremely troublesome, and his quotes after the game here, saying ‘his physical data has got to be much better than it is’.

“That’s fine, but I remember a similar narrative developing with Seb Haller when he was there – that he didn’t do the runs into the channels that he wanted and we’ve seen what Seb Haller has been able to achieve subsequently to leaving West Ham and what he managed to at Ajax and [his] goalscoring rate.

“Just 11 starts in the Premier League for the Italian. That’s pretty underwhelming given that he was £35m, the big name coming in.

“Three goals. It’s just very, very underwhelming.”

The Verdict: Scamacca is yet to justify big price tag

It has certainly been a disastrous debut season in England for Scamacca, who tore up Serie A last campaign with 16 goals to his name, with his performances seeing West Ham fork out a huge amount of money for his services.

However, he just hasn’t been able to step up to the level of the Premier League, or perhaps Moyes hasn’t been able to get a tune out of the big Italian, as he can’t put up the physical data and numbers required.

If that’s the reason for Scamacca’s lack of form and starts in the Premier League, Moyes and the West Ham scouting team need to be looking at themselves if they didn’t see this potential flaw in Scamacca’s game displaying itself prior to paying so much money for him last summer.

Leeds United top scorer Rodrigo Moreno is hoping to be back in action prior to the international break.

The Lowdown: Top scorer

Rodrigo has been Leeds’ main man in front of goal this season and is the club’s top scorer with 12 goals – eight more than any other player.

However, the Spaniard has been out of action in recent weeks after suffering an ankle injury against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup. The 31-year-old has had surgery following bone and ligament damage, but it looks as if he is making good progress at Thorp Arch.

The Latest: Positive update

LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross shared a story in the last 48 hours after talking to Rodrigo regarding his injury.

The star striker said he is ‘feeling much, much better’ and is targeting a return before the international break after first being told he would more than likely need to wait until after the break before reaching full fitness.

The Verdict: Big boost

Rodrigo, hailed as a ‘class above’ by Pat Nevin, has really stepped up to the plate this season, so knowing that he could return quicker than expected will come as a big boost for new head coach Javi Gracia.

The Whites have struggled for goals without Rodrigo, with Wilfried Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville and Luis Sinisterra all scoring four goals each.

Patrick Bamford has netted three times and record signing Georginio Rutter is yet to get off the mark, so Rodrigo’s return will be welcomed by all at Elland Road. He has been the club’s second-best performer this season, as per WhoScored, so hopefully, he will pick up where he left off in front of goal in the final games of the campaign.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is facing the difficult task of replacing Bruno Guimaraes for the next three Premier League matches due to his suspension.

The Brazil international was shown a straight red card in the Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Southampton and will now be out of action for the next three games before being back available for the final at Wembley against Manchester United.

Bruno has been a standout performer for the Magpies throughout the season so far, averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.14 in the top-flight, which places him fifth in the squad and first for central midfielders.

The 25-year-old has chipped in with three goals and three assists from the middle of the park, and no other player in that position has managed more than two goals or two assists in the Premier League for Howe.

Joe Willock (6.86) and Sean Longstaff (6.74) have been solid performers in midfield but have not been performing near the incredible level of Bruno has since he arrived in England midway through the 2021/22 campaign.

Newcastle could find an alternative to the Brazilian talent by going into the transfer market at the end of the season, although that does not help them in the short-term, and one of their January targets could be the man for the job.

On deadline day, it was reported that the club were considering a deal to sign Sander Berge from Championship side Sheffield United, but the 24-year-old ended up remaining at Bramall Lane.

Howe must reignite Newcastle’s interest in the Norwegian midfielder heading into the summer, as he could be a dream Bruno alternative if he can make the step up to the Premier League.

In the Championship this season, the 32-cap Norway international has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.98 across 19 appearances and chipped in with four goals and three assists, whilst creating five ‘big chances’ for his team-mates.

The 24-year-old, who is also averaging 1.7 tackles and interceptions per match, has showcased his quality as a box-to-box midfielder, and his performances have led to team-mate Chris Basham dubbing him a “Rolls Royce”, which shows how highly his peers rate him. 

At the age of 24, Berge still has plenty of time left to develop and make the jump up to the Premier League to replicate, or even improve upon, the displays that he is putting in this season.

The midfielder, who played 29 top-flight matches for the Blades in his first two years in England, is a player who could make an immediate impact at St James’ Park whilst also holding the potential to grow and increase his value in the coming years.

Therefore, Berge could be a fantastic prospective signing for Newcastle as an alternative goalscoring and creative midfield option to Bruno and a gem in his own right, and Howe must pursue a summer deal for the Norwegian talent.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have enjoyed an excellent January transfer window so far, bringing in players such as Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha, with Joao Gomes soon set to join them, whilst allowing Goncalo Guedes to leave on loan following an underwhelming first half of the season, scoring just twice in 18 games.

Julen Lopetegui might be keen on another one or two last-minute deals, especially with the Old Gold requiring at least one defender, and this could prompt the Spaniard into action yet again.

The right-back area has been a particular problem this season, with Nelson Semedo underperforming on a regular basis, and this may be a position that the manager looks to strengthen before the transfer deadline tomorrow night.

Wolves have been linked with Tottenham Hotspur right-back Djed Spence this month according to The Mirror (08/01, page 77; via Molineux News), and they may have a glimmer of hope when it comes to potentially securing a move for the young defender.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT regarding the 22-year-old, Dean Jones claimed that the Spurs ace simply has to secure a loan move away from north London before the deadline.

The transfer insider said: “I know that there are three or four other clubs that are interested in that. Djed Spence, almost certainly, has to move.”

Wolves could certainly bolster their squad by sealing a loan move for Spence, who would surely gain substantially more game-time with Lopetegui than he has done under Antonio Conte this term.

The 22-year-old has played a grand total of four matches in the Premier League this season (all as a late substitute), failing to climb the pecking order at Spurs, and the £25k-per-week gem needs a move to prevent his career from stagnating.

Dubbed a “Rolls-Royce” by Martin Keown for his performances in the Championship with Nottingham Forest last season, the right-back played an integral part in their promotion to the Premier League.

Across 42 appearances for Forest, he registered seven goal contributions during his loan spell while making one key pass per game, creating six big chances and taking 0.6 shots per match, underlining his attacking threat from a right-back role.

Compare this to Semedo’s statistics from last season and it’s clear that Spence could be a much better option for Lopetegui on the right of the Wolves defence. The 29-year-old Portugal full-back managed just one goal contribution in 25 appearances and created only one big chance, averaging 0.7 key passes per match.

Spence could be a cheap option on a loan deal who would do a solid job until the summer, when Lopetegui could comprehensively explore the market and bring in a long-term solution at right-back. With the Spurs player seemingly needing to secure a move, Wolves could swoop in with a late offer and end their transfer window with a bang in the process.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their efforts to bolster their squad during the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has claimed that the Magpies are “set to tempt Everton’s resolve with enquiry for Anthony Gordon” before the end of the month.

The accompanying article states that the winger is high on the club’s list of targets as they attempt to sign a ‘versatile’ attacking player to replace Chris Wood, who has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the season.

It claims that Gordon has fallen out of favour in recent weeks at Frank Lampard’s side and that Newcastle will now make an enquiry in the hope of snapping him up heading into the second half of the campaign.

Jacob Murphy 2.0

Newcastle could be running the risk of repeating their Jacob Murphy disaster by bringing the Toffees winger to St. James’ Park in the coming days.

The Magpies signed the current Toon forward from Norwich for £12m in the summer of 2017 after the gem had a breakout year at Carrow Road in the 2016/17 campaign.

He produced eight goals and eight assists in 37 Championship appearances for the Canaries and had yet to prove himself in the Premier League, with Newcastle taking a gamble on his potential.

The move has not worked out perfectly for Murphy as he has scored just six times, whilst assisting 10 goals, in 129 matches for the club in all competitions since moving to Tyneside.

Gordon, who was once dubbed “frightening” by non-league manager Luke Garrard, could be the next version of the ex-Yellows star as his worrying form this season follows on from his breakthrough campaign last term.

The England under-21 international caught the eye in the Premier League in 2021/22 with four goals and two assists in 25 starts for Everton – averaging a Sofascore rating of 6.89.

However, the gem’s form has dipped in 2022/23 as the forward has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.74 and chipped in with three goals and zero assists in 16 top-flight outings.

He has gone from creating 1.0 chances to 0.5 per game in the Premier League and these worrying statistics indicate that the attacker is struggling to live up to the standards that he set in 2021/22.

Therefore, Newcastle could repeat the mistake that they made with Murphy by signing Gordon before the winger is able to prove that he can make a big impact at the top end of the pitch on a regular basis.

Liverpool attacker Roberto Firmino has shared an update regarding his injury situation ahead of the Merseyside club’s upcoming Premier League game against Leicester City. 

The Lowdown: Firmino’s injury situation

The Brazilian was ruled out of Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup with a calf injury, and ultimately had to miss their recent 3-1 league win over Aston Villa.

Prior to that, the 31-year-old has scored nine goals and delivered four assists in 21 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season.

With the Reds set to take on the Foxes at Anfield tomorrow, Firmino has taken it upon himself to share an update on his fitness.

The Latest: Firmino’s update

Speaking to talkSPORT (via Liverpool Echo), Firmino had this to say about his fitness situation, revealing he expects to be back to face Brentford on January 2.

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“I’m already healed, thank God. I’ll probably train tomorrow. Then all being well I’ll be ready not for the next game [Leicester] but the one after that [Brentford]. So all great.”

The Verdict: Good news for Liverpool

While it’s unfortunate that Firmino is likely to miss Friday’s clash against the Foxes, seeing him make a return for Liverpool’s next league outing after that against Brentford will surely be a big positive for the team.

With seven goals and three assists under his belt in 13 league appearances this season, the Brazilian also has the second-highest rate of goals per shot (0.21) at Liverpool, as well as the second-highest total of shots on target (20).

His overall league performances have earned Firmino a solid season rating of 7.2/10 from WhoScored, making him the second-highest rated player in Klopp’s ranks.

This shows just how much of an important attacking figure the 31-year-old is for Liverpool and why having him back fit again will be a big boost for the Reds, who will be hoping that they can get past Leicester without him in the team.