مانشستر يونايتد يدخل سباق التوقيع مع هدف ريال مدريد في الميركاتو الصيفي

دخل نادي مانشستر يونايتد في سباق التوقيع مع أحد أهداف فريق ريال مدريد في فترة الانتقالات الصيفية القادمة.

ومن المقرر أن يستمر إريك تين هاج مدرباً لـ مانشستر يونايتد في الموسم الجديد، بعدما زعمت تقارير إخبارية حول رحيله بعد الفوز بكأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي الأسبوع الماضي.

اقرأ ايضاً.. أنشيلوتي لـ لاعب ريال مدريد: ابق معنا ولا تكن مجنونًا

وأشارت صحيفة ماركا الإسبانية إلى أن مانشستر يونايتد انضم إلى سباق التعاقد مع مدافع ليل الفرنسي، ليني يورو، وقدم عرضاً كبيراً جداً من أجل اللاعب بقيمة 60 مليون يورو.

وتابعت الصحيفة الإسبانية أن ريال مدريد يريد أيضاً التوقيع مع المدافع الفرنسي، لكن مسئولي النادي أخبروا اللاعب ووكيله أن عليهما الانتظار ومقاومة العروض إذا أرادوا القدوم إلى الملكي.

ويريد ريال مدريد من اللاعب الصبر حتى يرى الوقت المناسب لبدء المفاوضات معه وحسم انتقاله إلى سانتياجو برنابيو.

وساهم ليني يورو في صعود فريقه ليل الفرنسي إلى منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا العام المقبل، بعد أن احتل فريقه المركز الرابع في ترتيب الدوري الفرنسي.

وشارك المدافع الفرنسي هذا العام في 44 مباراة مع ليل في جميع المسابقات، بواقع 3660 دقيقة مع الفريق الفرنسي، مسجلاً 3 أهداف طوال الموسم.

West Ham: Moyes Could Repeat Payet Success In £34m Deadline Day Raid

West Ham United are in for a dramatic deadline day, as David Moyes revises his options ahead of the close of the transfer window tonight.

The Irons have recruited well so far this summer following the £105m sale of Declan Rice, however another target has emerged in the bid to bolster the side further.

Who could West Ham sign on deadline day?

After the audacious capture of Mohammed Kudus from Ajax, Moyes significantly strengthened his attack, however it looks as though the east Londoners are poaching another forward.

As reported by the Daily Mail, West Ham are considering a move for Paris Saint Germain starlet Hugo Ekitike, who is said to be valued by the Parisians at €40m (£34m).

Moyes was asked specifically about the Frenchman when quizzed by the media ahead of deadline day, in which he responded: “You wouldn't get me commenting on a player from another club.”

How good is Hugo Ekitike?

Having been tipped to become a “star” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Ekitike is one of the most noticeable young forwards in Ligue 1.

Prior to his move to PSG, the 21-year-old gem netted 10 league goals for Stade Reims, as well as registering four assists in an impressive individual campaign in the French top-flight, in a season that marked his breakthrough.

Considering the talent and lucrative ambitions of PSG, it was always going to be difficult for the youngster to make a statement in the capital due to there being little guarantee of his game time.

Putting this aside, the striker needed little time to show his worth, contributing to seven goals in 25 appearances for the Parisians, scoring three and assisting four in only 12 league starts and an average of 46 minutes per game, via Sofascore.

Paris St Germain'sHugoEkitikebefore the match

For West Ham, hiring talent from the French league has proven to be a strong move in the past, take last summer's swoop for Lucas Paqueta from Olympique Lyonnais.

On a whole other level to the Brazilian – in terms of successful moves from France – is Dimitri Payet, who almost single-handedly fired the Hammers to a seventh-place finish in his debut campaign.

The Frenchman netted nine goals and registered 12 assists in his first season in east London, asserting himself as Slaven Bilic’s star man and West Ham’s saviour on many occasions.

During his time in the capital, the midfielder was dubbed a “special player” by his teammate at the time Winston Reid, and ultimately showed just how vital a strong signing can be in the window.

In exploring a deal for Ekitike, who has been lauded as a "complete" and "clinical finisher" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Moyes could repeat history in handing the Hammers another star from Ligue 1.

Like Payet before his move, all the signs are there for the youngster to become an important part of the scenery at West Ham, with the Frenchman showing his lively spark through his 1.4 shots per game last term.

In the season prior to his transfer to the Irons, Payet averaged two shots per game for Marseille, communicating the similarities to their impact and importance in attack.

At only 21 years of age, Moyes could hand Ekitike a starring role at the London Stadium, in the hope that the Frenchman could thrive and follow suit in being another hit signing from France’s top-tier.

Rishabh Pant hits form to help rescue Delhi

Just as the smog has relented and the air quality in Delhi has come down to being just “very poor” from “severe” levels, flights landing and taking off from the domestic terminal of the Delhi airport had a new threat. In the adjoining Airforce Sports Complex in Palam, Rishabh Pant was announcing return to form with big sixes. Aircrafts fly so low here that it seemed he could have hit them had he gone a little bigger.Pant joined Nitish Rana – whose big-hitting capabilities were seen with Mumbai Indians – at 55 for 3 but his 110-ball 99 and Rana’s unbeaten hundred took Delhi to 260 for 4 on a weather-hit day. Only 62 overs were possible, but the two left-hand batsmen deflated a buoyant Maharashtra side that had taken out Gautam Gambhir in the fifth over and the other opener Anuj Rawat in the 10th. Unmukt Chand, himself struggling to recreate the form that made him a star at the Under-19 level, was dropped.There could be a lesson for Chand in the way Pant has taken in stride the lean period. Not long ago Pant was seen as the man putting incredible pressure on MS Dhoni to retain his place in India’s T20 internationals side. He had rattled off a 326-ball 308 in the last Ranji Trophy, then two hundreds at better than a run a ball in the same first-class match, followed by a 43-ball 97 in the IPL for a faltering Delhi Daredevils, but that was all in the last season.Pant got the reward through selection in two T20 internationals for India. In the first one, he didn’t get a chance to do much, and in the second he managed to go barely a run a ball in a high-scoring defeat for India. He still would have got a longer run for India had he done well in the A tour of South Africa, according to the selectors. He didn’t grab that chance either, is out of the India squads now, and has spent more than a year without a century in any senior representative cricket.The 99 in a tough situation will bring Pant back into the conversation. He was asked if he felt relief that he was back among the runs. “There was no pressure, so why will I feel relieved?” Pant shot back. “This is cricket. You have good days, you have bad days. You can’t afford to put yourself under too much pressure and risk ruining your future games too. There will be days when you will score runs, there will be days when you won’t. This is a part of a cricketer’s life.”It is remarkable to have managed to attain that kind of equanimity this early in a career, but Pant said the seniors have helped him in this regard. “You get to learn from seniors,” he said. “Whatever time I spent in the Indian team, I learnt. Here, too, there is Gauti [Gambhir, who has first-hand experience of insecurities as a young cricketer] and Ishant [Ishant Sharma, who is now the Delhi captain]. There is no minimum age to learn these things. The sooner you learn, the sooner you will grow as a cricketer.”A good example of similar effort reaping “good” and “bad” days is how Pant was dropped in the 30s. It is luck he might have earned. In this lean period, he has been out backing up when a straight drive kissed the bowler’s hand and strangled down the leg side on more than one occasion. That is why, Pant said, he has not looked to change his game. “The game that has got you runs, if you stick to it, you give yourself the best chance to keep scoring runs,” he said. “Rather than running after changes, stay positive and back your game. I used to feel bad that I was not actually putting the runs on the board, but there was no special pattern to my dismissals, which might make me change my game.”

Nash heads north to Notts

Chris Nash has signed for Nottinghamshire after begin released from his contract by Sussex last week. The 34-year-old has agreed a three-year deal to play at Trent Bridge.Nash’s departure at Sussex was followed by that of the head coach, Mark Davis, after a difficult season in which the south-coast county failed to achieve promotion. Nash will be playing in Division One next year, however, with Notts bouncing back after relegation in 2016. The club also won the Royal London Cup and NatWest Blast.The veteran batsman, who can also bowl useful offspin, will be reunited with former Sussex coach Peter Moores, who took over at Notts a year ago. Nash’s arrival will help offset the loss of Michael Lumb, who retired through injury midway through the season.”Once Notts came in after I’d had my request for release granted by Sussex – with my former coach Peter Moores here, at such a great ground and with what the club achieved last season – it was an easy decision for me,” Nash said.”It’s great to get the chance to work again with Peter, who gave me my first contract at Sussex, and I’m really looking forward to the next three years. To look out over Trent Bridge and realise that it’s going to be my home ground is pretty special.”It’s going to be amazing to be part of helping the club defend their two white ball trophies in front of big crowds. The Outlaws were sensational last season in white-ball cricket and I’m looking forward to joining in with that.”Nash had a stop-start campaign in 2017, averaging 27.52 and scoring just a single Championship hundred after moving down to bat in the middle order. His tally of 578 first-class runs was his worst since 2006 but he is vastly experienced and passed 1000 runs four times between 2009 and 2016, usually as an opener.He was also Sussex’s leading run-scorer in the Blast last season but, having been overlooked for the captaincy, asked to leave – a request which was granted as Rob Andrew, the chief executive, decided rebuilding was in order at Hove.Nottinghamshire have also been active in recruiting. They missed out on England opener Keaton Jennings, who opted to join Lancashire, but did sign Paul Coughlin, another highly rated Durham prospect. With the retirement of captain Chris Read, Moores was pleased to bring in another senior player in Nash.Moores said: “You don’t expect a player to suddenly become available who’s such a good fit for us. It’s really exciting to have Chris join us, and I know he’s excited to come here too.”We were in the market for a senior batsman and he plays across all three formats with a good record in four-day cricket, as well as in T20 and 50-over cricket. Chris also adds some significant experience to the squad. Trent Bridge is a great place for him to showcase his skills and I think he will enjoy it.”

Spurs: £13m-rated "weapon" could be surprise name to fill Kane void

While there will be those of a Tottenham Hotspur persuasion still hoping that club-record scorer, Harry Kane will be a part of Ange Postecoglou's side beyond the September deadline, it is looking increasingly likely that the England skipper will be on his way as a matter of when and not if.

Amid reports that chairman Daniel Levy could be forced to cash in on the long-serving striker rather than allow him to leave for nothing next summer, it would appear that the only question now is where the 30-year-old ends up, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United still circling.

If the 6 foot 2 marksman is to depart over the coming weeks then Postecoglou will need to find a new attacking figurehead who can ease the goalscoring burden on Heung-min Son, with there perhaps other members of the current squad who could step up to the plate.

Last year's £60m summer signing, Richarlison did only recently net a hat-trick in the 5-1 thrashing of Lion City Sailors, although it is yet to be seen if the mercurial Brazilian can replicate that form in the Premier League, having scored just a solitary top-flight goal last season.

Tottenham striker Richarlison.

Rather than attempting to rely on the 26-year-old, a possible surprise package may have presented itself in the form of former Fulham loanee, Manor Solomon, with the recent free transfer arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk having made a strong early impression on pre-season.

How good is Manor Solomon?

Described as "really exciting" by Postecoglou, the 24-year-old has also been the recipient of notable praise from journalist Paul Brown, with the respected insider telling Football FanCast that the Israeli international can be something of a "weapon" for the north Londoners next season.

Asked whether the 5 foot 7 ace is a bargain signing, Brown stated: "Yeah, I think he's a really good little player. He, in limited minutes, did really good things for Fulham and scored a lot of goals off the bench for them. I think in a similar role at spurs, he could be quite dynamic.

"I think they do need someone like him who takes up good positions, has that kind of movement. He's quite deceptive with his movement, and just has a knack for goal.

"I think bringing him on against tired defenders at the end at the end of the game would be a good weapon for the new manager to have, so I can see why they did that one."

How has Manor Solomon performed in pre-season?

That glowing praise is a sign of the potential gem that Postecoglou has on his hands, with Solomon having shown glimpses last season while at Craven Cottage that he can offer a real goal threat in his new home at N17.

Manor Solomon

While Richarlison failed to catch fire for the Lilywhites, the Israeli sensation scored four Premier League goals in 2022/23 despite missing the first half of the season through injury, with that impact also coming despite being limited to just four starts in the competition.

Barring another injury setback, the £13m-rated speedster looks likely to have a bigger role to play this time around if his pre-season form is anything to go by, having been hailed as a 'constant threat' on the right flank by football.london's Alasdair Gold following the recent win over Lion City – who also awarded him an 8/10 match rating.

The diminutive, wing wizard had also shone on the opposite side against rivals West Ham United last week, with the Evening Standard's Simon Collings writing that he was 'just about Tottenham’s best player during the first half and looked very lively cutting inside.'

While it remains to be seen which wing the one-time Maccabi Tel Aviv menace will line up on moving forward, such versatility is evidence of just what a 'weapon' he is, hence the excitement over his potential influence in 2023/24.

Although it may be Richarlison who is likely to be the direct, positional replacement for Kane through the middle, Solomon is already showing signs that he can lead the charge from the flanks.

Tottenham: Spurs Suddenly Open Talks For "Amazing" Star

Tottenham Hotspur have "just started" talks with Eintracht Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani and a deal "could happen" this summer, according to reports.

Who will Spurs sign?

Ange Postecoglou, buoyed by the arrivals of three major signings this summer, is also having to contend with widespread rumours of Kane's potential departure.

Spurs are currently enjoying a tour of the Far East in their pre-season preparations for 2023/2024, but Kane's links with Bayern Munich are proving to be a major distraction.

“Fair to say I am not relaxed about it," said Postecoglou to the media recently.

“It’s not something you go: ‘Ah, well, you know if it does or doesn’t happen!’ I mean it’s a very important part of this football club, not just the team, but the football club.

“So, you’ve got to deal with it, and I think, for everyone concerned, we don’t want to be doing it for too long. I don’t think that is good for anyone. I don’t think it is good for Harry, I don’t think it is good for the club, because as laser focused as we want to be, you end up sort of repeating yourself along the way.

“But the flip side of that is I don’t want to put a deadline on it, because that adds even more pressure. You want these things to happen for the right reasons. The reality of it is he’s still a contracted player at our football club, so that’s the way I see him."

Kane has just 12 months remaining on his current Spurs deal, a fact not lost on Postecoglou or the biggest sides in European football. Bayern are seriously pursuing Kane as they aim to add a star striker to their ranks for next campaign.

There have been reports of the 29-year-old being unwilling to pen an extension, and as such, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy may need to seriously contemplate selling his prized asset.

Randal Kolo Muani

Tottenham have been linked with a host of star strikers to succeed Kane, perhaps most notably Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Flamengo star Pedro.

Now, France international Kolo Muani has entered the frame too, and Spurs have even commenced talks with the player. That is according to transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who claims a "deal could happen".

It's added that Eintracht forward would be keen to make the move to N17, and Tottenham's interest is said to be "huge".

"EXCL. Randal Kolo Muani to be the priority target striker for Harry Kane's replacement at Tottenham," said Tavolieri on Twitter.

"Interest's huge and talks on player's side has just started. I understand this deal could happen as ENIC Group gave green light to Daniel Levy for a sale of Harry Kane.

"It's an 80M€ deal. Eintracht Frankfurt have already discusses with clubs before. Not yet from Spurs. The French striker's keen to the move. Wait & See."

How good is Randal Kolo Muani?

The 24-year-old, who can play in a variety of positions further forward, bagged a brilliant 15 goals and 11 assists in 32 Bundesliga appearances last season.

His form has been met with praise from a variety of outside sources, but those closest to him are in no doubt over his sheer quality.

"He's amazing," former Eintracht and Bayern boss Felix Magath told French newspaper L'Équipe (via Bundesliga).

"He's not only a strong dribbler, but he's very clinical in the final third. I love his mentality; he's always thinking about the team. That's obvious when you look at how many assists he's got this season."

Man United "contemplate" decision they don’t want to make

Donny Van de Beek looks set to leave Manchester United this summer, with clubs from six countries interested according to Dean Jones.

How long has Donny Van de Beek been at Manchester United?

The Dutchman looks set to call time on his three-year spell in Manchester this window.

The former Ajax man joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2020 for a fee reported to potentially rise to £39m, and has made 60 appearances across the three seasons, scoring two goals and providing two assists.

Many expected that following the arrival of Van de Beek's former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag to the 'Theatre of Dreams' that the Dutch international would finally be able to truly find his feet at United and showcase to everyone why he commanded such a large transfer fee, however, that never materialised.

The midfielder's time at the club has failed to reach the heights that many expected, with him struggling to establish himself under three separate managers. The 26-year-old has also failed to jump ahead of Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes during his time at Old Trafford, and injury problems have derailed any real chances to build up form, with the player having missed 52 games for the Red Devils, including 38 last campaign after a devastating knee injury ended his campaign in January.

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek.

Van de Beek also had a disappointing loan spell during the second half of the 2021/22 season at Merseyside club Everton, where injuries once again hampered his time at the club, limiting him to just seven appearances for the Toffees.

Reports have suggested that the 26-year-old will be leaving United this summer, with a number of clubs interested. Speaking on the Football Terrace's Done Deal show, journalist Jones stated that the Red Devils might have to accept a loan move for the Dutch international.

"Van de Beek is eventually gonna get a route out the club, but they don’t even know which country it’s gonna be yet. He’s got interest in like five or six different countries but none of them want to front money for Van De Beek so are they going to have to contemplate a loan? They possibly will, yeah. I mean it’s absolutely not what they wanted but Van de Beek might have to end up going on loan.”

What club will Van de Beek join?

A number of clubs have been linked with the former Ajax man ahead of a potential move this summer.

A number of top sides in Italy are reportedly interested in Van de Beek, with Inter Milan, AS Roma and AC Milan being named as potential landing grounds. However, the midfielder isn't the first-choice target for any of these sides, which could prevent a transfer should the player want to make his move early in this window.

There are also Premier League sides interested, with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace all monitoring the attacking midfielders' situation. Palace previously failed in a bid to sign the Dutchman on loan in January 2021 when he opted for Everton instead. Ultimately, however, the best move for Van de Beek might be to leave the Premier League, as he has really struggled to adapt to the demands of the division.

Soccer Football – Premier League – Brentford v Manchester United – Brentford Community Stadium, London, Britain – August 13, 2022 Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek looks dejected after the match Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contac

A move back to the Netherlands may be the best idea for a player looking to get his career back on track. Both current champions Feyenoord and former club Ajax have explored the possibility of bringing the player to their respective clubs according to a report from 90min. The player enjoyed a very fruitful spell at Ajax before his move to United, making 175 appearances and recording 75 foal contributions, including some memorable goals in Ajax's historic 2018/19 Champions League campaign.

Whatever the midfielder's next move is, hopefully, it is the right one to reignite what was once such a promising career

Chelsea beating Man United in race to sign "monster" player

Chelsea remain the 'most likely' destination for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo to end up this summer, according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Moises Caicedo?

Chelsea were reported to have joined the race just under a week ago, and things look to have picked up since then.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has given an update on the state of play surrounding Caicedo and Chelsea, stating on Twitter: "Understand Chelsea will continue talks with Brighton for Moisés Caicedo next week. Clubs will be in direct contact as negotiations are ongoing. Chelsea hope to find a solution soon as personal terms are not an issue, Moisés already said yes to Chelsea. Talks on."

Rudy Galetti, who is also a journalist, has issued a further development in the Blues' quest to land the £60k-a-week ace on Twitter, stating: "Moises Caicedo, the talks between Chelsea and Brighton are entering in the final stage. Understand the 2 clubs agreed the fixed amount of the transfer (~£75m) and now they are discussing the add-ons. Moises is keen to join CFC and he’s pushing for the move."

The Athletic have alternatively provided information that suggests Brighton could demand a colossal £100 million fee to part ways with the Ecuador international this off-season.

The Seagulls are believed to have benchmarked the price bracket that West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is being quoted at amid interest from Arsenal and think that Caicedo is every bit as good, if not better, than the England international.

Football Insider detail that Chelsea are 'increasingly confident of securing an agreement' to bring Caicedo to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jacobs believes that somewhere around the £80 million mark would be a more realistic fee structure for Caicedo than the reported £100 million demand from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Jacobs said: "Of course, you'd expect Brighton to try and get the best possible deal. But I understand that Caicedo will be a lot closer to £80m than £100m and Chelsea, not Manchester United, remains the most likely destination at this point."

Would Moises Caicedo be a good signing for Chelsea?

It's hard to argue otherwise when you take his meteoric rise at the Amex Stadium into account, which has paved the way for high-profile interest from the likes of Chelsea to become apparent this window.

Last season, Caicedo, who has been hailed as a "monster", made 43 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion in all competitions, registering one goal and one assist, as per Transfermarkt.

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Caicedo also managed an average of 2.7 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per match in the Premier League across 2022/23, making his presence known at the heart of the Seagulls' engine room, according to WhoScored.

Driving his side forward from midfield, the Ecuadorian enforcer successfully completed 88 shot-creating actions in the English top flight and showed his desire to help offensive moves, as per FBRef.

Mauricio Pochettino looks to be hard at work as he looks to secure his preferred targets and Caicedo may well be the next in line to pitch up in SW6.

Aston Villa Eyeing Move For £62k-p/w Star Who "Oozes Class"

Aston Villa are serious contenders after making an enquiry to sign Villarreal midfielder Dani Parejo this summer, according to reports.

Is Dani Parejo leaving Villarreal?

Since joining from Valencia back in 2020, Parejo has been a regular feature of Quique Setien’s first-team, starting 37 out of the 38 La Liga games last season, but despite this, he’s facing an uncertain future and could be on the move during this window.

The Spaniard will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the coming weeks will present his side with their final big opportunity to cash in should they not want to lose him for free, and should he depart, he won’t be short of potential suitors being their second top-performing defensive player in 2022/23.

Unai Emery will already be very familiar with the 34-year-old having managed him for 145 matches during his time in his homeland, and it sounds like he’s eyeing a reunion with his former star by wanting to bring him to the Premier League.

Are Aston Villa signing Parejo?

According to El Periodico Mediterraneo (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa have “tested the ground” for Parejo and are firmly “in the picture” to sign him ahead of the new campaign.

Spanish reports previously claimed that Emery has personally requested to sign the midfielder, though Villarreal are believed to have offered him a new three-year deal which they are “hopeful” he will accept, so this will be a situation to closely watch over the summer.

Villarreal midfielder Dani Parejo.

Coud Parejo be a good addition for Emery?

Parejo is naturally a central midfielder but he’s much stronger in the attacking aspect of his game. He has been hailed a player who “oozes class” by journalist Josh Bunting, so if he was to sign on the dotted line, he would be a fantastic recruit to add a bit of composure and guile in the middle third.

The AC Talent client, who pockets £62k-per-week, posted seven goal contributions (four assists and three goals) in 37 La Liga appearances last season and recorded 144 crosses along with 113 shot-creating actions, which was higher than any of his fellow teammates, via FBRef.

Finally, Parejo is a versatile operator having been deployed in five various positions over the pitch, including everywhere across the centre of the park, which will no doubt be yet another attribute that the boss admires, and with him holding an existing connection to his target, there’s a strong chance that an agreement could be reached.

Thunder gain momentum with Hurricanes rout

After four losses to begin the competition, Sydney Thunder have found their rhythm, confidence and form, their latest result a win over the Hobart Hurricanes that helped them stay alive in the tournament

The Report by Daniel Brettig08-Jan-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsThe Hobart Hurricanes batsmen, save George Bailey, failed to help themselves at a raucous Bellerive Oval•Cricket Australia

Before this tournament, the Sydney Thunder general manager Nick Cummins indicated that the defending champions needed to attack BBL06 as though they were the bottom team.Having started with four consecutive defeats, they had no choice but to follow this dictum. Two wins later, the Thunder will have a few other sides looking over their shoulders.This was a comfortable victory over the Hobart Hurricanes at a raucous Bellerive Oval, made all the more significant for the identities of the principal contributors: Fawad Ahmed, Carlos Brathwaite, James Vince and Shane Watson.Containing interestsLegspin is an inherently attacking art, devised to fool batsmen and harvest wickets for the price of a few boundaries. However, the truncated nature of T20 means economy can be as valuable as incisiveness, as Fawad amply showed on the same ground where he prospered for Victoria in the 2015 Sheffield Shield final.Conceding just 19 from four overs, Fawad sapped much of any potential momentum from the Hurricanes’ innings, following up from the early wickets procured by Clint McKay and Pat Cummins in the first two overs of the innings. His accuracy also meant a rare expensive outing for Chris Green was not overly damaging, and kept George Bailey from spreading his wings too far in the most spinal innings from among Hobart’s batsmen.Carlos Brathwaite contributed to Sydney Thunder’s win with two wickets on debut•Getty Images

Taking chargeWatson is the only man left from the powerful Khawaja-Kallis-Hussey-Watson quartet that drove the Thunder so far towards a maiden BBL title last summer. Early in this tournament he was absent through injury, much as the Thunder themselves were unable to offer the sort of presence expected.But a superb return catch to account for Kevin Pietersen in the narrow home win over Melbourne Stars marked Watson’s first major contribution to the campaign, and here he followed up with an innings to not only secure victory but also add to the Thunder’s problematic net run-rate. In the space of 31 balls he struck five sixes, a haul not quite in Chris Lynn territory but still two more than the Hurricanes managed in their entire innings.New dogs, old tricksHaving lost Eoin Morgan and Andre Russell to England and injury respectively, the Thunder needed swift returns for their investments in their replacements James Vince and Brathwaite; both came to the party in welcome ways.Brathwaite’s fast medium lacks Russell’s potential for the explosive, but he made up for the pace differential with canny slower balls to deceive first Dan Christian and then Jon Wells. Vince then put together a smart introductory innings, helping to pile up 58 without loss from the opening Powerplay and effectively muting the Hurricanes and their decidedly partisan crowd. The Thunder are still in with a chance, and Brathwaite and Vince did plenty to keep them there.

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