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Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Santiago Gimenez looks to be all but over after journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed he rejected the Reds’ latest proposal.

It was reported that the club’s representatives travelled to the Netherlands to try and convince the Mexican to move to the Premier League, but to no avail with the club needing to target other options.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side made three separate offers for the 23-year-old, emerging as the club’s top target after Eddie Nketiah’s move also collapsed.

However, the latest bid, which totalled €33m (£28m) including add-ons, evidently wasn’t enough, with the Reds having two days to find an alternative option.

They could move for one player, with the club making progress in an attempt to sign the centre-forward.

Nottingham Forest in talks to sign £20m talent

According to The Telegraph, Nottingham Forest are in talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s talisman Omar Marmoush before Friday’s transfer deadline.

The Egyptian forward, who could be available for £20m, registered 12 goals and six assists in his 29 Bundesliga matches last season – providing the added goal threat to the Reds’ attack.

The 25-year-old can also play as a winger or even an attacking midfielder, offering versatility across the frontline which Nuno has been craving this summer.

After missing out on Gimenez, it’s undoubtedly going to be a disappointment for the club, but Marmoush would offer an excellent alternative, potentially being the Reds’ own version of a top European talent.

Why Marmoush could be Forest’s own Gyokeres

Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as one of the leading strikers in European football after his stellar campaign in Portugal during the 2023/24 campaign.

The Swedish international registered 39 goal contributions in his 33 Liga Portugal appearances last term, helping the club win the division under Ruben Amorim.

Gyokeres, who previously played for Coventry City, currently has a €100m (£86m) release clause in his contract in Portugal, undoubtedly ruling Forest out of any possible move amid their hunt for a new talisman.

However, their move for Marmoush could allow them to sign a similar talent to the goal machine, with FBref ranking the pair as similar players based on their respective figures from last season.

The “superb” Egyptian, as dubbed by journalist Bence Bocsak, may have registered half the amount of goals and assists but averaged more progressive passes and the same pass accuracy – demonstrating his ability to retain possession.

Games played

29

33

Goals + assists

18

39

Progressive passes

2.4

1.6

Pass accuracy

71%

71%

Shots on target

1.2

1.6

Shots taken

3

3.4

Aerials won

48%

49%

He also only managed slightly fewer shots and shots on target than the Swede, potentially able to replicate Gyokeres’ numbers with service from the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White behind him.

With the clock ticking for the Reds to get a deal done for a new centre-forward, they will have to act quickly if they are to secure any new additions to help catapult the club further away from the relegation zone.

Marmoush would be an excellent addition, with his talents in possession and in front of goal hugely improving the options currently at Nuno’s disposal.

The £20m fee would allow for a cheaper alternative to Gimenez, but as showcased with his figures, could still have just as much of an impact, with the 25-year-old having the ability to thrive in England’s top-flight.

Sights set: Nottingham Forest targeting the dream £30m Gimenez alternative

The Reds are running out of time in their hunt for a new striker.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 28, 2024

Leeds United appear set for a busy end to the summer transfer window as they only have a few days left to complete the rest of their business.

The Whites have brought in Joe Rodon, Joe Rothwell, Largie Ramazani, Alex Cairns, and Jayden Bogle to improve Daniel Farke's options across the pitch so far.

Meanwhile, Charlie Cresswell, Archie Gray, Glen Kamara, Crysencio Summerville, and Georginio Rutter have all left Elland Road on permanent deals.

With the deadline coming up on Friday, Leeds are still eyeing new signings and reportedly have their eye on a potential addition from the Premier League.

Leeds eyeing Premier League defender

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the 49ers are considering a late swoop to sign English full-back Max Aarons from Bournemouth this week.

The report claims that the former England U21 international is one of the full-backs on the club's radar as they look to strengthen in that area of the park before the deadline.

It states that Aarons went as far as to have a medical at Thorp Arch last summer, ahead of a proposed move from Norwich City, before he ended up signing for Bournemouth in the Premier League.

They are now hoping that it will be second time lucky in their pursuit of the defender, who did not make the bench for the Cherries in their Premier League draw with Newcastle on Sunday.

If Leeds can tempt Bournemouth into cashing in on the versatile full-back in the coming days then it would be a dream signing for Farke, who was an influential figure for Aarons at the start of his career.

Why Max Aarons would be a dream for Daniel Farke

Firstly, the 24-year-old ace is a versatile defender who can play at right-back, left-back, or further forward on the right flank, which means that he can cover several positions for the German coach.

Secondly, Farke handed Aarons his senior debut and the young gem went on to play 141 times for him at Norwich. Christoph Zimmermann (182) is the only player to feature more for the manager in his career to date.

In that time, the Leeds target won the Championship twice and was named in the PFA Team of the Year both times, in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 campaigns.

Appearances

41

45

Goals

2

2

Assists

6

2

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.7

1.6

Duel success rate

58%

53%

As you can see in the table above, Aarons produced quality at the top end of the pitch and held his own in physical duels in both of those seasons.

The 24-year-old star, who was once described as "outstanding" by Farke, made 20 appearances in the Premier League for the Cherries last term and won 60% of his ground duels, which suggests that his defensive strength is still prominent in his game.

He could provide great competition for Bogle, who has given away one penalty in three games for the club so far, whilst also offering back-up to Junior Firpo on the other side, which is another reason why Aarons would be a dream addition for Farke – who already knows and trusts the Cherries defender.

Farke could forget about Rutter in Leeds swoop for "magnificent" wizard

The Whites have been linked with an interest in the attacking midfielder this month.

ByDan Emery Aug 23, 2024

Didier Drogba is one of the modern-day icons of Chelsea football club, scoring 147 times in his 344 appearances for the Blues.

The Ivorian joined the club from Marseille back in 2004, as an unknown quantity, but departed Stamford Bridge as one of the Premier League’s best-ever strikers.

He enjoyed many memorable moments at the club, but undoubtedly, his best was in the Champions League triumph back in 2012, where he scored the crucial goal before slotting home the winning goal in the shootout.

However, the club have struggled to find a similar out-and-out centre forward since his departure back in 2015, with new boss Enzo Maresca the next manager to be tasked with the job of finding a new talisman.

Endless players have been linked with a move to the club this summer, but one stands out with Todd Boehly potentially needing to invest big money once more ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Chelsea could sign £100m talent this summer

During the off-season, Chelsea have been linked with a move to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, but the Magpies are desperately wanting to keep hold of their star man.

The interest is hardly a surprise given his record of 21 Premier League goals in 27 outings, but any deal would set Maresca’s side back at least £100m this summer.

His goals have massively helped the Magpies in recent seasons, helping them secure Champions League football for the first time in 20 years, giving Eddie Howe’s side the added goal threat they’ve been craving.

The Blues now found themselves in the same situation, needing a proven goalcscorer to take them back to where they once were, with Isak’s ability to find the back of the net undoubtedly improving the forward line.

Although it would cost a huge sum to prise him away from Newcastle, it would be a worthwhile investment, especially when considering his stats from 2023/24 alongside Chelsea’s current centre-forward.

How Isak compares to Chelsea’s current centre-forwards

Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson joined the Blues in a deal worth up to £30m last summer, scoring 14 goals in his debut Premier League campaign at Stamford Bridge.

It was certainly an impressive first season for the former Villarreal ace, but he was unable to match Isak in multiple key aspects for a centre-forward.

The “world-class” Swede, as described by one scout and Eddie Howe, contributed with more goal contributions and also a higher shot-on-target accuracy than the Chelsea forward.

How Isak & Jackson compare per 90 in the PL (2023/24)
Statistics	Isak	Jackson
Games played	30	35
Goals + assists	23	19
Progressive carries	2.7	2.3
Shot on target percentage	50%	48%
Take-on percentage	57%	51%
Shots taken	2.9	2.6
Stats via FBref

Isak also completed more take-ons and averaged more shots per 90, giving him more frequent opportunities in the final third – helping him register his higher goal tally in 2023/24.

The Newcastle man is a very similar style of player to Drogba, with his ability to create a goal out of nothing with his brilliant ball-striking ability and close control to ghost past defenders.

As previously mentioned, the lack of a focal point at Stamford Bridge has been evident in recent times, with no one able to fill the boots of fan-favourite Drogba.

However, in a game where goalscorers are worth their weight in gold, a player of Drogba’s quality won’t come cheaply in today’s market – with the Blues needing to spend big on a new striker.

Isak is the perfect player to finally fill the void, with his ability in front of goal potentially handing Maresca the opportunity to catapult the club back towards the top end of the division, which is why they must spend £100m to land their new 'world-class' centre-forward.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has shed light on the "worst mistake" he could have made during his career as a coach.

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Ancelotti admits his "worst mistake"Wanted a pay rise at Madrid in 2014Was sacked in 2015 before returning in 2021Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed one of the main reasons why he was sacked from Real Madrid during his first stint at the club in 2015. Ancelotti led Madrid to La Decima, their 10th Champions League victory, in 2014, before being shown the exit door one year later after failing to win major silverware.

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Ancelotti started his coaching career with Italian side Reggiana in 1995 and has won as many as 30 titles during his illustrious career as manager, with 14 of those 30 titles coming during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, famously helping Los Blancos to 'La Decima' in his debut season in 2013-14, before adding two more Champions Leagues and as many league titles since returning to the dugout in 2021.

Despite how positive the former Milan manager's stints at Madrid have been, there have been moments when things have not gone as planned and he has now revealed one of his greatest errors throughout his coaching career.

WHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID

“It’s impossible to make only good decisions over thirty years,” Ancelotti explained to France Football.

“For example, I made a mistake here in Madrid after my first year. I was very close to extending my contract, and the club wanted to keep me, but I pushed too hard to increase my salary, and they backed off. It was a mistake, the worst I could have made, but it allowed me to learn.”

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR ANCELOTTI?

Real Madrid haven't had the best of starts to this campaign, losing two of their first four games in the Champions League group stage. They also find themselves six points adrift of Barcelona at the top of the LaLiga table, albeit with a game in hand.

Ancelotti will be determined to use Madrid's recent 4-0 win over Osasuna as a springboard to turn the season around, starting first with a visit to Leganes on November 24, just after the international break. That game provides the former PSG manager to cut Barca's lead in the league to three points.

West Ham United have begun contact to sign a Premier League star for Julen Lopetegui, according to Fabrizio Romano.

West Ham transfer plans after Guilherme

The Hammers have already been active in the summer transfer window, securing the services of Luis Guilherme, who officially arrived from Palmeiras last week.

The Brazilian is unlikely to be the only signing of the summer ahead of Lopetegui’s first season at the London Stadium, with more attacking names linked with moves to the Irons.

For example, a bid has reportedly been made for Colombian Jhon Arias, and an approach to Celta Vigo attacker Jorgen Strand Larsen, whereas there have also been rumours about Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling and links to Juventus’ Matias Soule.

West Ham leading race to sign £30m player compared to Angel Di Maria

There have been talks in London.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 18, 2024

Additions at the back are also wanted by Lopetegui, Tim Steidten and co, with contact being made for left-back Ryan Sessegnon after his departure from Tottenham. Now, a player who Lopetegui knows well is firmly in West Ham’s sights.

West Ham in Max Kilman contact

According to transfer expert Romano, the Hammers are showing a concrete interest in Kilman, with Lopetegui a big fan from his time at Molineux. It won’t be an easy deal to complete, says Romano, although contacts have started.

Reports elsewhere have stated that Wolves will want around £45m for the centre-back’s services.

The 27-year-old, described as a “big” player for Wolves by The Times' Charlotte Duncker, has been a regular for the Old Gold in recent years, making 151 appearances for the club, 24 of which came under Lopetegui.

Ironically, Kilman, who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months, was full of praise for Lopetegui following Wolves’ 1-0 win over West Ham at the beginning of 2023.

"We've put our heads down and worked really hard in training. And it has paid off today [against West Ham]. We're defending better and we're more solid – this is the real Wolves. We're just delighted to get the win and go from there. We've bonded a lot over the break and have gelled together, and you can see that on the pitch.

"Every game in the Premier League is so tough, and West Ham are a great side, so to get the clean sheet means everyone is delighted."

Fast forward to the 204/25 season, and Kilman and Lopetegui could be working together at the London Stadium, making this one to watch over the coming months.

Brisbane Heat coach admits it will be hard telling a player they are being pulled from the game

Alex Malcolm16-Nov-2020Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann believes the new X-Factor substitution rule introduced for this season’s BBL will give teams more flexibility and should be more successful than the Supersub rule that was used briefly in ODIs.The BBL announced three new rules for BBL10. The changes involve new Powerplay regulations, the ability to sub in a player at a specific stage of the game, and a point on offer for being ahead of the opposition at the halfway mark of the chase.The X-factor substitution differs from the previous Supersub, which was used in 2005-2006 in ODI cricket. Under the Supersub rule, a 12th player was named prior to the toss and could be substituted at any point in the game.Darren Lehmann returned to coach Brisbane Heat this season•Getty Images

The X-Factor rule features more flexibility but with a few strings attached. At the 10-over mark of the first innings, each team will have the chance to substitute one of their starting XI with either the 12th or 13th player who was on the nominated team sheet. However, the player being replaced can’t yet have batted in the match or can’t have bowled more than over.”I think this one [will be more] successful because it is an immediate impact on the game and it can allow you to bring the games closer together I would think,” Lehmann said.”That’s just me and my personal opinion. Instead of getting bowled out for 110-120, you should with the extra batter be able to make a decent score, 140 or 150, if you’re in trouble. The same with the bowling, you get an extra bowling option if you’ve made a lot of runs. In essence, I think it will make the games closer.”Fifteen years ago, I think we just ended up using an allrounder who could do a bit of both. I think it gives you a bit more flexibility.”Lehmann also added that teams could adjust if the pitch conditions fooled them by bringing in an extra spinner or paceman depending on the surface.He said the toughest challenge will be telling the player he’s been subbed out, something he admitted he would have hated as a player.”Pre-heart attack I would have blown up, post-heart attack I would be pretty relaxed,” Lehmann said. “It’s going to be tough on the player. For me, I would have found that quite frustrating because you’re expecting to play in front of a big crowd, hopefully, and you’d want to showcase your skills.”So that’s going to be really hard on the player. That’s the hardest one, being subbed out. So we’ll have to work through that.”The Power Surge is not dissimilar to the old five-over mid-innings Powerplay rule in ODI cricket. Teams can use a two-over Powerplay with just two-men outside the circle in the final 10 overs of the innings, with the initial Powerplay reduced to four overs. Lehmann was not concerned that the rule would go the same way as it did in ODI cricket, with teams just waiting as late as possible to use it.”I think you’ll leave it late if you can, but you won’t leave it until [overs] 19 and 20,” Lehmann said. “I think you’ll take it at around the 15-16 [over mark].”But again, I’m just not sure how that plays out. You might need to get ahead of the rate to get back into the game, so you might need to take it at 11.”

At the beginning of last season, Tottenham Hotspur were electric, with James Maddison’s quality being a huge part of their early success.

Unfortunately, his performances weren’t able to remain quite at that level, hence why Spurs are now looking to sign Eberechi Eze.

Luckily, the duo do have the capability to play alongside each other due to Eze’s ability to feature off the left-hand side.

So, who else could Spurs sign? Well, there's one target who would be pretty perfect for the aforementioned duo.

Spurs’ search for a centre forward

According to a report from Football Insider, Tottenham have "strong interest" in signing Ivan Toney from Brentford.

Ange Postecoglou is keen to secure his side a new centre forward, having played Heung-min Son in the role last season.

The England international currently has just a year left on his contract, which means the Bees may be forced into dropping their £50m-60m asking price.

Despite interest from West Ham United and Manchester United, it’s Spurs that are ‘particularly big admirers.’

Why Toney would be perfect for Eze and Maddison

It’s fair to say that the last 12 months have been rather difficult for Toney, mainly due to missing the majority of the 2023/24 campaign through a suspension for betting offences.

On his return, the Bees striker quickly reminded the Premier League why he’s a fantastic player, scoring on his return against Nottingham Forest.

The 28-year-old started a further 15 games, scoring four goals in total and providing two assists, which isn’t a terrible return considering he was playing for a struggling Brentford side.

An inclusion in the England squad for the European Championship will give him a huge boost ahead of next season, but it was his quality during the 2022/23 campaign that really showed his class.

Last season, other than Heung-min Son, Spurs lacked a reliable source of goals, a Harry Kane-esque player whose name popped up on the scoresheet more often than not.

Goals

0.61

0.25

xG

0.57

0.37

Shots

2.65

3.17

Progressive passes

2.41

2.48

Touches (Mid 3rd)

16.13

17.44

Aerials won

3.32

3.35

This is exactly what Toney would provide, as the absolute “monster," as dubbed by Brentford boss Thomas Frank, is a huge threat due to his physicality and confidence, with his goal record speaking for itself.

The number 17 is a player who can successfully thrive in different systems and situations, whether it be dropping deep to get on the ball and progress it or operating on the shoulder of the defender, as shown by the number of touches displayed in the table above.

Given that Toney is comfortable receiving the ball to his feet, he’d bring the likes of Eze and Maddison into the game far more, particularly in central areas where a quick one-two can unlock a defence.

On top of that, because of the former Newcastle United striker’s insane aerial ability – ranking in the top 9% of strikers in the Premier League throughout 2022/23 for aerial wins – he would provide a completely different approach in the final third than the likes of Son or Richarlison.

Eze and Maddison are the definition of creators, as shown by the fact they both average two key passes per game, and having a constant target to hit in the box would increase their creativity significantly, especially against a team that sits in a low block.

Overall, Toney has all the attributes to succeed at an elite club, and Spurs may just provide him with the perfect environment to become unstoppable, especially with the potential service he'd be on the end of.

What Spurs' starting lineup could look like after £201m spending spree

Spurs will want to give Postecoglou everything he needs to build a successful side this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 9, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Um dos reforços do Botafogo para a temporada foi o atacante Diego Gonçalves, ex-Mirassol. O jogador foi oficializado no dia 11 de junho e, desde então, já disputou 14 partidas com a camisa do Alvinegro Carioca.Os primeiros jogos, contudo, foram inconsistentes e levantaram dúvidas da torcida. Por outro lado, agora, o camisa 11 já mostra que começou a se firmar no ataque do time de General Severiano.

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Até aqui, o atacante tem apenas três gols marcados com a camisa do Botafogo. Entretanto, dois deles foram marcados nos últimos quatro jogos, período em que Enderson Moreira assumiu, e o time apresentou um salto de qualidadee de postura dentro de campo. Além disso, ele participou da jogada do gol contra creditado a Kevin na vitória alvinegra sobre a Ponte Preta no último domingo

Ainda vale desatacar que os números mostram que Diego Gonçalves tem um papel importante, também, na defesa. Segundo o site “FootStats”, o atacante já tem 13 desarmes pelo Botafogo na Série B do Brasileirão – esta é a quinta melhor marca do time na competição.

Uma consolidação de Diego Gonçalves se faz ainda mais importante depois da lesão de Ronald, titular absoluto até então. O atacante se machucou na derrota por 2 a 1 para o CRB, na décima rodada da Série B, e ainda não teve condições de voltar a campo.

O camisa 31, inclusive, precisou passar por uma cirurgia para uma reconstrução ligamentar no tornozelo direito. Em nota divulgada na última segunda-feira, o clube informou que a cirurgia foi um sucesso, e que o atleta ficará de fora de 8 a 12 semanas.

Marco Antônio o substitui pelo lado direito e, apesar de ser consistente, não tem as mesas características. Warley seria uma opção, porém é mais utilizado na lateral-direita e Ênio perdeu espaço. Assim, Diego Gonçalves surge com a responsabilidade de esticar os lados do campo e trazer velocidade para o ataque alvinegro.

Em busca de manter uma boa regularidade dentro de campo, Diego Gonçalves volta a campo com o Botafogo na próxima quinta-feira, quando o time enfrenta o Operário,Estádio Germano Krüger, às 21h30, em partida válida pela 17ª rodada da Série B do Brasileirão.

أكد حارس مرمى فريق باتشوكا، كارلوس مورينو، حرصهم على تحقيق الفوز على الأهلي المصري، في مباراتهما المرتقبة مساء الغد في كأس إنتركونتيننتال.

ويلتقي الأهلي المصري مع باتشوكا المكسيكي، في نصف نهائي بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال، نسخة 2024.

وتأهل الأهلي إلى تلك المباراة بعد فوزه على العين الإماراتي بثلاثة أهداف دون رد، وهي نفس النتيجة التي حققها باتشوكا ضد بوتافوجو البرازيلي.

وشدد كارلوس مورينو، حسب تصريحاته التي نشرتها شبكة “enfoquenoticias” الإسبانية، على أن خوض المباريات في مثل تلك الأجواء يُعد سببًا لتحقيق الفوز وإسعاد الجماهير المكسيكية.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مدرب باتشوكا يعدد مميزات الأهلي ويؤكد: لن نبحث عن الأعذار

وقال: “ندخل المباراة ونحن مليئون بالحماس والشجاعة، ونسعى دائمًا لتحقيق الفوز مهما كان اسم الخصم الذي يلعب أمامنا”.

وأشاد بحارس الأهلي المصري المخضرم محمد الشناوي، مشيرًا إلى أنه حارس جيد للغاية ويتمتع بقدرات فنية عالمية.

الجدير بالذكر أن الفائز من مباراة الأهلي وباتشوكا يلتقي مع ريال مدريد في نهائي البطولة، يوم الأربعاء المقبل.

Having been Anderson’s bunny on the 2016 tour, the 30-year old is better prepared this time around

Danyal Rasool14-Jul-2020Despite England’s loss to West Indies in Southampton, Pakistan opener Shan Masood remains wary of England’s fast-bowling depth ahead of his side’s three-Test series next month. He thinks James Anderson, in particular, will continue to be a big threat.”Jimmy Anderson is a world-class bowler,” Masood said during a video conference. “By achievements, he’s perhaps the No. 1 fast bowler in the world right now. He carries a threat, of course, and several other England bowlers carry a threat. England’s resource depth is very good. They had few very good bowlers sitting on the bench [during the opening Test], particularly pacers.”Masood has good reason to be respectful of Anderson. The Pakistan opener has struggled against no other bowler quite as much; in the three Tests that Anderson and Masood have both played, the 37-year-old Englishman has dismissed him in all six innings. His last England tour was particularly unhappy, with Masood managing just 71 runs in four innings; Anderson nicked him off in all four innings.But that was long ago. Back then, Masood was something of a journeyman in international cricket, drifting into the side from time to time without ever being able to quite nail down a place. Now, he’s among the first names on the team sheet, and as far as personal career fortunes go, few will have enjoyed as dramatic a turnaround as the 30-year old in the past 18 months.Destined, seemingly, to be a back-up opener on the tour of South Africa in 2018-19, Masood was called up for the Boxing Day Test after a late injury to Haris Sohail. Until then, he had played in just 12 of the 45 Tests Pakistan took part in since his debut, and those 12 came across five different stints. He averaged just 23.54 in that time.That was the Masood that Anderson had tormented over the years. The Masood of today who walks – no, struts – out to open for Pakistan has averaged a smidge under 45 since that Boxing Day Test, and hasn’t missed any of the eight Test Pakistan have played in that period. Masood has put the past very much where it belongs, and it was a point he didn’t shy away from making.”You learn from the past and the mistakes you made then, but you also learn not to become fixated on the past,” he said. “You should also know when to move on. Things have changed from 2016. The mistakes we’ve made before we have to learn from, but we have to react to the needs of today. Nothing is constant, and I want to live in the present.”We have had a fantastic opportunity to prepare. We spent 14 days in Worcester and are going to spend another three weeks in Derby. There’s no need to put myself under extra pressure to say I need to prove this thing or the other. Practice is going well and I understand my game. The outcome isn’t controllable, but I can put in my best effort and keep my attitude positive.”But while coming here early has allowed us to acclimatise, there is no substitute for match time. In that sense, England have an advantage. But the basics don’t change; we have to figure out how to get 20 wickets, and how to score 300-400 runs in an innings. So our primary focus has to be on our preparations. We have a few advantages too, in that we can analyse their performances and work on their weaknesses. These things balance each other out.”He lavished praise on interim batting coach Younis Khan, who has joined the side in England, calling him the greatest Test batsman in Pakistan history, and said everyone, including the bowlers, were eager to learn off him.It shouldn’t, perhaps, be surprising that Younis’ arrival brings back fond personal memories for Masood. Despite a frustrating first few years with the national side where he couldn’t quite nail his place down, one of his cricketing highlights took place while Younis was at the other end. It was 2015, and a series-deciding Test against Sri Lanka, with Pakistan requiring an improbable 377 for victory against the hosts. But having lost two wickets early, Masood would stick around with the current batting coach, striking up a 242-run partnership en route to scoring 125 as Pakistan stormed to a stunning win with seven wickets to spare.”Younis’s stature is inarguable and his arrival makes a huge difference,” Masood said. “He’s Pakistan’s greatest Test batsman and all batsmen in the side are eager to interact with him and draw on his experiences. The way the guys were playing in Worcester, be it in the nets or the scenario matches, he worked with everyone.”He even works hard with our bowlers on their batting because in Test cricket, the runs they provide from the lower order are crucial too. Fifty or 60 runs added there could turn the tide of a Test match. We’re having two sessions a day, morning and evening. There’s been a hugely positive impact and we’re looking forward to learning more from him.”He did caution against slipping into thinking England weren’t quite as strong as was believed before the first Test against West Indies. “We shouldn’t undermine England,” he warned. “This was the same top four that went to South Africa and won a series there. They’re playing at home and they’ll have experience of playing there regardless of whether or not they’ve played international cricket.”But we have our own strengths, too. If you’re talking about our spinners, we have a world-class spinner in Yasir Shah. Alongside him, we have an allrounder and an able backup in Shadab Khan. So we have more than enough resources if the situation comes down to needing a spinner to lead.”