Jose Mourinho blamed his grey hairs on a former Chelsea and Real Madrid star who went on to play for a club which no longer exists.

During the special one’s first spell at Stamford Bridge, during which he won the Premier League twice, Mourinho signed a young nimble midfielder from French club Le Havre, who have produced talents such as Paul Pogba and Dimitri Payet down the years.

That man was Lassana Diarra, who would later go on to play for the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid and PSG, also earning 34 caps for the Franch national team.

Diarra’s list of admirers includes Mourinho, who called him “amazing” during their time at Chelsea, and France manager Didier Deschamps, who brought him back into the national team set-up in 2015.

“He has intelligence, he has everything and in such an important strategical position,” Deschamps told TF1.

“It’s so good to have the choices I have. Lass is a top player, a top-class performer who has experience.”

Despite his talent, Diarra only made 13 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, many of which were out of position at right-back, before he was sold to Arsenal as he sought more playing time.

And Mourinho has since revealed in a chat on John Obi Mikel’s podcast that both Diarra and his agent were a nightmare to deal with.

And leave he did, with one year left on his contract, Diarra left for Arsenal, where again he would make just seven top flight appearances before swapping North London for Portsmouth.

After a successful 12 months at Portsmouth, the midfielder earned his big money move – €20 million – to Real Madrid, where he would win La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup between 2009 and 2012.

Lassana Diarra’s clubs

Year

Le Havre

2004-05

Chelsea

2005-07

Arsenal

2007-08

Portsmouth

2008-09

Real Madrid

2009-12

Anzhi Makhachkala

2012-13

Lokomotiv Moscow

2013-14

Marseille

2015-17

Al Jazira

2017

PSG

2018-19

He later joined a string of high profile players, including the likes of Samuel Eto’o and Roberto Carlos, in signing for Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala. Their quest to dominate Russian football was short-lived however, as the club struggled to maintain the high wages on offer and sold the likes of Diarra shortly after, eventually losing their license to operate as a professional club in Russia in 2022.

ScorecardA career-best five for 29 from Warwickshire leg-spinner Josh Poysden continued Glamorgan’s batting struggles on the opening day of their Specsavers County Championship match at Edgbaston.The Welsh county chose to bat, aiming to at least double their haul of just three batting points collected from the first four games.But they added just one more as, on a slow pitch, they were bowled out for 220 after Poysden, playing his first championship game of the season, dismantled the lower order.Poysden said: “It has been a really frustrating time for me, not being in the team at the start of this year and for most of last year. I didn’t play as much as I wanted to, especially in the championship last year, and with us getting relegated it hurt not to be able to contribute.”But I went away in the winter and worked hard with Stuart MacGill again and then, after I came back, have worked hard with the coaches here at Edgbaston.”Australia Test star Usman Khawaja made just four on his debut and, though David Lloyd, Owen Morgan and Chris Cooke all got decent starts, no-one built the big innings required.The total looks well under par, although Glamorgan fought back well in the last session, removing both Warwickshire openers to leave the home side on 24 for 2 at the close.After Chris Cooke, captaining Glamorgan for the first time, won the toss, young openers Nick Selman and Jack Murphy added 44 in 14 overs. They were parted by Henry Brookes when Murphy was adjudged lbw by Indian umpire Yeshwant Barde, officiating in the first match of his exchange trip.Connor Brown then edged Chris Wright behind and Selman (30, 74 balls, four fours) bat-padded Jeetan Patel to short leg.Khawaja’s uncomfortable, 47-minute stay was ended by a Keith Barker inswinger and Barker should have immediately also dismissed Cooke, who was dropped on nought by Dominic Sibley at second slip. The captain survived to add 57 in 15 overs with Morgan before misreading Poysden’s first ball and falling lbw.Poysden struck again in each of his first two overs after tea when Morgan was lbw and Andrew Salter clipped to short mid-wicket.Lloyd, having batted forcefully to pass 2,000 first-class runs in his 50th match, then departed deeply unimpressed with the decision that he had edged a ball from Patel on to pad before Tim Ambrose reached forward to catch it.Ruaidhri Smith became the fifth lbw casualty when he missed a sweep at Poysden who bowled Lukas Carey first ball to complete his five-for.Glamorgan hit back hard when the home side replied as Carey rattled Will Rhodes’ stumps with the first ball of the innings and Timm Van der Gugten castled Sibley with the 56th.Both sides are depleted in the seam-bowling department with Warwickshire’s Olly Stone and Ryan Sidebottom ruled out by side strains and Glamorgan missing captain Michael Hogan and Marchant de Lange due to hamstring injuries.

Left-arm wristspinner Zahir Khan slots in alongside Rashid Khan, Amir Hamza and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the 15-man squad

ESPNcricinfo staff29-May-20181:44

‘Mujeeb takes pressure off me’ – Rashid Khan

Afghanistan have picked four spinners – fingerspinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Amir Hamza and wristspinners Rashid Khan and Zahir Khan – in their 16-man squad for their inaugural Test, against India in Bengaluru from June 14.While Mujeeb and Rashid are coming off successful IPL stints with Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively, left-arm wristspinner Zahir is returning from a finger injury that ruled him out from an IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals. The 19-year old was part of the Afghanistan squad that reached the semi-final of the Under-19 World Cup in January-February this year.Left-arm offspinner Hamza, meanwhile, was the leading wicket-taker in the domestic first-class competition.Though Zahir has not played ODIs or T20Is yet for Afghanistan, he was the team’s leading wicket-taker during their title campaign in the 2015-17 Intercontinental Cup, the ICC’s first-class competition for Associates, taking 31 wickets in six matches. Fast bowler Wafadar was the only uncapped member of the Test squad. Afghanistan will miss the services of experienced fast bowler Dawlat Zadran because of a knee injury.The second-most capped player Asghar Stanikzai will lead both the Test and the T20I squad that will play Bangladesh in three games in Dehradun from June 3. They will have experience in allrounder Mohammad Nabi, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmat Shah and Hashmathullah Shahidi for the Tests.Peter Della PennaMeanwhile, Afghanistan opted for a more youthful squad for the three T20Is against Bangladesh in Dehradun, with only five of the Test players retained for the series.Under-19 batsman Darwish Rasooli earned a maiden national call-up on the back of strong performances at the World Cup, while Najib Tarakai was recalled after 15 months following strong domestic performances.Afghanistan’s preliminary squad has just concluded a set of practice matches in Greater Noida, following which the final squad was named by chief selector and former captain Nawroz Mangal.Test Squad: Asghar Stanikzai (capt), Javed Ahmadi, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Nasir Jamal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afsar Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Amir Hamza, Sayed Shirzad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Wafadar, Zahir KhanSquad for Bangladesh T20Is: Asghar Stanikzai (capt), Najeeb Tarakai, Usman Ghani, Mohammad Shahzad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shenwari, Shafiqullah, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Shapoor Zadran, Aftab Alam

Tottenham Hotspur "will" consider winter window approaches for one "fantastic" player after a situation "change" at Spurs.

How have Spurs started this season?

Ange Postecoglou has guided his new team to second in the Premier League standings after an absolutely exceptional start to the 2023/2024 season. Spurs are enjoying a brand new lease of life under the Australian, despite some early doubt surrounding the former Celtic coach. Postecoglou's lack of experience in major European divisions made his appointment an arguable risk, but so far, he's proving all of his doubters very wrong.

A completely new-look Spurs side, compared to that of Antonio Conte's last term, remain unbeaten over their opening seven league matches. The north Londoners have even scored just as many goals as league champions Man City, winning five games in all and seriously exciting supporters with a fresh brand of attack-minded football. Tottenham next take on Luton Town this Saturday, prior to another international break, and the odds heavily favour a routine win for Postecoglou's imperious Lilywhites.

While the likes of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are now thriving among Postecoglou's main starters, despite being outcasts under Conte, but the same cannot be said for a few others.

Will Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg leave Tottenham?

The player to have suffered most since Postecoglou's arrival at Tottenham has, arguably, been Denmark international star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The former Southampton star was a lynchpin of Conte's midfield last term, scoring four goals and assisting five others in 35 league appearances.

However, Hojbjerg has been a victim of Postecoglou's new system at Spurs this season, with there being no room for his influence as Tottenham's manager looks to prefer the dual midfield pivot of Bissouma and Sarr. The 28-year-old can feel hard done by this, as Hojbjerg was one of the club's most consistent performers last season and has been since his arrival in 2020.

Nevertheless, his "radical change" in situation means Tottenham "will" make Hojbjerg available for transfer in the January window. Juventus are named as major suitors for the midfielder, who have made contact already. This has spiked interest from Hojbjerg and his agents, with Juve believing he can be a real difference-maker. That is according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

The "fantastic" player could well be a hot commodity when the window reopens, and it is little surprise given Hojbjerg's quality and reliability in the centre of midfield. Indeed, the Dane was once called an "invaluable" cog in Tottenham's system.

"He’s proven already this season what an important player he has become under Conte, " said Noel Whelan to Football Insider in 2022.

"He has become more consistent, and he’s a permanent fixture on the teamsheet straight away. I can understand why Real Madrid want him, because he’s playing like one of the best midfield players – not just in the Premier League, but in Europe.

“I think they’ve got to try and do what they can to keep him, and I didn’t think I’d be saying that after some of his performances when he first signed. What he’s doing right now is invaluable for that front three at Spurs.”

Newcastle United return to Premier League action this afternoon as they travel away from St. James' Park to take on newly-promoted Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Eddie Howe's side come into this match off the back of a 0-0 draw with AC Milan away from home in their first Champions League game of the 2023/24 campaign.

What's the latest Newcastle team news?

The Magpies head coach has confirmed that central midfielder Joe Willock remains unavailable for selection and will not return before the October international break.

Brazil international Joelinton is also not in contention to feature against the Blades today but Howe has hinted that the ex-Hoffenheim star could be back over the next few weeks before players head off to represent their respective nations.

There are no new injury concerns to deal with and the English boss could rotate his squad to avoid fatigue and further knocks this afternoon.

Will Callum Wilson start against Sheffield United?

One player the manager must unleash against Paul Heckinbottom's side is England international Callum Wilson, who could terrorise the opposition alongside Alexander Isak in attack.

The former Bournemouth marksman scored the only goal of the game, from the penalty spot, against Brentford last week but was named on the bench for the draw in Milan in midweek.

Wilson has only started once in the Premier League this season and has racked up three goals across his five appearances in total in the division.

This comes after the 31-year-old ace, whose mindset was hailed as "incredible" by Howe, produced 18 goals and five assists in 21 top-flight starts and 31 outings in total throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

He has, therefore, scored 21 goals and provided five assists in 22 Premier League starts since the beginning of last season, which is an average of one goal contribution every 0.85 starts and shows that he can provide quality in front of goal on a regular basis.

Isak, who has the versatility to play out on the left flank to accommodate Wilson, has struck twice in four league starts this term and managed ten goals and one assist in 17 starts in his debut campaign in English football.

This means that the Sweden international has produced a goal or an assist every 1.62 Premier League starts on average since his move to the club from Real Sociedad in 2022. Whilst it is not as impressive as Wilson's return, it is better than one every other game and shows that he is able to regularly chip in with match-changing contributions.

In fact, the pair have been on the pitch together in 13 matches and assisted each other for four goals in that time, which shows that they can thrive and help each other to score.

Therefore, the quality is there for Isak and the £46k-per-week ace to be a terrific duo at the top end of the pitch and they could terrorise Sheffield United this afternoon with their sublime goalscoring talents in the final third.

Both players are capable of being lethal in front of goal at Premier League level and Howe must unleash the pair of them against the Blades to see how much damage they can inflict at Bramall Lane today.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na coluna de vídeo desta sexta-feira, o editor e colunista Carlos Alberto Vieira analisa o comportamento dos times da Série A do Brasileiro-2020 às portas do fim do primeiro turno. Internacional, Flamengo e Atlético-MG são os favoritos? São Paulo e Palmeiras podem entrar neste grupo? E o Fluminense, que vem sendo uma sensação nestas rodadas finais? Vasco e Botafogo podem sair do grupo de risco? Não percam a Coluna de Vídeo que está muito quente!

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Carlos Alberto Vieira é editor e colunista do LANCE! desde 2000 e titular da Coluna de Vídeo às segundas, quartas e sextas.

Aston Villa have a bright star on their hands who is being touted as a potential superstar in his homeland following his excellent start to 2023/24, according to reports.

What's the latest news involving Aston Villa?

The Villans got over the disappointment of their 3-2 defeat to Legia Warsaw in Europa League action last week by achieving a commendable 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with Ollie Watkins proving to be the difference between the sides.

As per BBC Sport, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery took delight in his side being able to keep Chelsea out in SW6, stating in the aftermath of the encounter: "The clean sheet was very important because we conceded a lot of goals away. It was important to win through a clean sheet. We needed to find a way where we were stronger than we were against Newcastle and Liverpool. Today was tough but we competed very well."

Villa's official account on social media platform X have shown that new signing Nicolo Zaniolo is taking to life at Villa like a duck to water meanwhile, as their post accompanied by a video regarding the Italy international read: "Nicolo Zaniolo recorded more successful dribbles (4) than any other player during Chelsea vs Villa."

According to TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are considering recalling youngster Louie Barry from his loan at Stockport County in January to secure him a move to play at a higher level. 20-year-old Barry has made a magnificent start to life on loan at Stockport County, registering six goals and two assists from his opening 11 appearances for the Sky Bet League Two outfit in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Next up for Aston Villa is a home clash against Everton in the Carabao Cup third round as Unai Emery looks to bring some silverware to Villa Park this season.

How has Jhon Duran fared this campaign?

As per reports in Colombia via Sport Witness, there is 'overflowing enthusiasm' in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran's homeland that he can form an exciting partnership with Liverpool winger Luis Diaz with the Colombian national side.

Emery views Duran as someone with plenty of room for development that he can take on further at Villa Park and there is a feeling in Colombia that he can come on 'leaps and bounds' under the Spaniard's tutelage.

The 19-year-old has started the new campaign in a promising fashion, registering four goals from eight outings for Aston Villa encompassing all competitions, as per Transfermarkt. Coming of age in the English top-flight, Duran has been in a consistent vein of form and managed to rack up an average match rating so far across the Premier League season of 6.96/10, according to Sofascore.

Journalist Dean Jones has complemented Duran's start to proceedings in a recent conversation with GIVEMESPORT, stating: "I mean, it's great that he's now coming through with some goals and at £18 million, it really could end up as a bargain."

Looking ahead, Aston Villa fans will hope that Duran can continue to be a nuisance for defenders over the next few years at Villa Park and will be keen to see the striker develop further alongside Ollie Watkins.

أعلن المدير الفني لمنتخب البرازيل، دوريفال جونيور، التشكيل الأساسي لمواجهة منتخب باراجواي اليوم في إطار منافسات كوبا أمريكا.

ويلتقي المنتخبان في إطار منافسات الجولة الثانية من دور مجموعات كوبا أمريكا، البطولة التي تستضيفها الولايات المتحدة في الوقت الحالي.

وتعادلت البرازيل في اللقاء الأول أمام كوستاريكا دون أهداف، بينما خسرت باراجواي أمام كولومبيا بهدفين مقابل هدف. تشكيل البرازيل أمام باراجواي في كوبا أمريكا 2024

حراسة المرمى: أليسون بيكر.

خط الدفاع: دانيلو، إيدر ميليتاو، ماركينيوس، آرنا.

خط الوسط: جواو جوميز، جبماريش، لوكاس باكيتا.

خط الهجوم: فينيسيوس جونيور، سافيو، رودريجو. بدلاء البرازيل أمام باراجواي في كوبا أمريكا 2024

ويندل، إندريك فيليبي، بينتو، يان كوتو، جابرييل، لوكاس بيرالدو، دوجلاس لويز، رافينها، أندرياس بيريرا، إيفانيلسون، جابرييل مارتينيلي، رافاييل بيريس، إيدرسون، جليسون بريمر، بيبي.

England will include debutant spinner Dom Bess and Jos Buttler at No. 7, while Pakistan face a decision over their third seamer

The Preview by Andrew McGlashan23-May-20182:58

Should Bairstow drop the gloves?

Big PictureThe teams were jostling for the No. 1 Test ranking. Now they are battling mid-table mediocrity. Alastair Cook and Misbah-ul-Haq were the captains. Now it’s Joe Root and Sarfraz Ahmed. Younis Khan was jumping around the crease (and scoring a double century). Now Pakistan are trying to build a new middle order.It’s been less than two years since England and Pakistan last met for a Test series and much has changed. The latest series, which starts at Lord’s before continuing to Headingley, is a meeting of teams in various states of flux. England are still trying to find solutions to a number of familiar problem areas while Pakistan have lost three of their five series since taking the No. 1 spot shortly after the 2016 contest concluded with their series-levelling victory at The Oval.Pakistan are missing three men who were vital to that 2-2 scoreline – Misbah, Younis and the injured Yasir Shah – and another, Wahab Riaz, who could have added experience if not always direction with the ball. Their batting looks on the callow side and they almost came a cropper against Ireland, with much resting on Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq finding their touch quickly in a short series.With the ball, however, they will, as so often, remain a threat. Quite how much Test cricket Mohammad Amir will play remains to be seen but he bowled beautifully in Ireland and if his team-mates can catch he could run through a line-up. Mohammad Abbas will be a handful if there is any nibble on offer while Shadab Khan has immense promise and also the advantage of being new to England.For England there are subplots aplenty at the beginning of a second season in charge for Root. His own position (in the batting order, not the captaincy) is one talking point – can he settle at No. 3? – which is part of a larger reshuffle of the order. Will the punt on Jos Buttler at No. 7 pay dividends or just muddy the water more? Can Dom Bess take the most of an unexpected chance? Is Mark Stoneman facing his last chance? Can Alastair Cook go again as a Test batsman? Is there life beyond James Anderson and Stuart Broad?That’s a lot of questions. Of late, England’s Test side haven’t provided a whole lot of new answers. This season needs to change that.Form guideEngland DLLDL
Pakistan WLLWLIn the spotlightA quick look at those who have batted at No. 7 for any significant amount of Tests (in this case at least 10 matches) and who haven’t taken the keeping gloves shows one thing: precious few specialist batmen. Yet that is, in effect, what Jos Buttler has been selected as on his return to Test cricket. Almost a wildcard pick. There was a spare slot and this is how Ed Smith and Joe Root think it’s best filled. In a perfect world, Buttler will be able to exploit tired attacks at 350 for 5 and counter-attack thrillingly at 150 for 5. In reality, it’s unlikely to be quite so simple.Two years ago Yasir Shah took 10 wickets in the match as Pakistan secured a famous win which led to celebratory push-ups on the outfield. Currently the only push-ups he’s doing are in the gym as he recovers from a hip injury. The legspin role is now with Shadab Khan who has shown terrific skills in white-ball cricket but is only just starting out in Tests. Yasir’s haul also came later in the year when the pitches were drier, but the recent warm weather in London could bring Shadab firmly into contest. And we all know about England and legspin.Team newsEngland’s one decision is between Chris Woakes and Mark Wood for the final pace-bowling slot. Wood was recalled in Christchurch at the end of March and provides extra pace. Woakes provides more with the bat. There will be a debut for 20-year-old offspinner Dom Bess.England 1 Alastair Cook, 2 Mark Stoneman, 3 Joe Root (capt), 4 Dawid Malan, 5 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 6 Ben Stokes, 7 Jos Buttler, 8 Mark Wood/Chris Woakes, 9 Dom Bess, 10 Stuart Broad, 11 James AndersonPakistan also have just a single spot to decide on: whether Rahat Ali retains his place after a wicketless outing against Ireland or he’s replaced by the skiddy pace – and extra batting ability – of Hasan Ali. Judging by nets on Wednesday, Hasan was favourite to play. Babar Azam took a blow on the finger on Tuesday but was expected to be okay.Pakistan 1 Azhar Ali, 2 Imam-ul-Haq, 3 Haris Sohail, 4 Asad Shafiq, 5 Babar Azam, 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), 7 Shadab Khan, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Mohammad Amir, 10 Rahat Ali/Hasan Ali, 11 Mohammad AbbasPitch and conditionsThe pitch had a distinct tinge of green the day before the Test, but a fair amount of that grass was likely to be removed before play starts. Last year, the surface for the South Africa Test took considerable turn although that was in July. In September there was plenty of help for the quicks when West Indies visited. The forecast for this match is for a warm few days with the chance of showers – some thundery – at various stages but also plenty of dry weather.Stats and Trivia Cook will equal Allan Border’s record of 153 consecutive Test appearances. The only match Cook has missed since his debut was what would have been his third Test, in Mumbai, when he was struck down by illness. If Rahat Ali is dropped, Pakistan will have just four survivors (Azhar, Shafiq, Sarfraz and Amir) from the side that won at Lord’s in 2016Quotes”Jos at seven can be an exciting and integral part of our batting unit, to take the game to the opposition from a position of strength and make it even stronger. The way he approaches his white-ball cricket, I think a lot of that can cross over.”
“Yes, the senior players in the team have to show responsibility. Amir and I have played here before so has Azhar and Shafiq, so we are seniors and the rest of seven players will play here for the first time. We have to lead from the front, we have more responsibility to give a good platform so that new players take from there”
Sarfraz Ahmed

MatériaMais Notícias

O meia Everton Ribeiro reconheceu que a Seleção Brasileira teve dificuldades para encontrar alternativas de se impor sobre a Venezuela no triunfo por 1 a 0, nesta sexta-feira, no Morumbi. Em entrevista à Rede Globo na saída do gramado, o camisa 10 fez sua análise sobre os percalços da equipe de Tite.

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> Confira a tabela das Eliminatórias

– Um time muito fechado, né? A gente sabia que a proposta deles era de contra-ataque. Abusamos às vezes das tentativas por dentro e exploramos menos as laterais. Quando encontramos o passe bem feito na linha de fundo, funcionou. O mais importante é vencer e continuar ali na frente – declarou.

O meia do Flamengo destacou a alegria de usar a camisa 10 da Seleção pela primeira vez. Mas fez uma ressalva.

– Muita felicidade. Infelizmente o Ney acabou machucando e eu tive essa grande oportunidade, a honra de vestir a camisa 10. Sonho de criança realizado. Hoje pude aproveitar e desfrutar. Vitória, consegui participar da jogada do gol. Vai ficar marcado, que venha o próximo jogo. disse.

O Brasil volta a campo nesta terça-feira, para enfrentar o Uruguai no Estádio Centenário, pela quarta rodada das Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo.