Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany, who is reportedly set to join Aston Villa this summer, could land the dream partner for Tyrone Mings in the next transfer window.

What's the latest on Andreas Christensen to Aston Villa?

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish chief is eyeing up Andreas Christensen from his current club to potentially be one of his first signings whilst working alongside Unai Emery in England.

The report claims that the boss views the signing of the Denmark international, who only arrived in Spain from Chelsea last summer, as one of his best pieces of business with the Catalan giants and wants to repeat that trick with the Villans.

However, it is also stated that the LaLiga outfit are not actively looking to cash in on the central defender and that it would take an extortionate offer to convince them to part ways, which could prove to be a stumbling block on the way to any possible transfer.

How has Andreas Christensen performed this season?

The 27-year-old has been in phenomenal form in the Spanish top-flight for Barcelona this term and could prove to be the dream partner for Mings at the heart of the Villa defence.

In LaLiga this season, the Dane has averaged a terrific Sofascore rating of 7.14 across 18 appearances, which would place him top of the ratings in the Villa squad, and impressed with his ability in and out of possession.

The former Blues defender has completed 94% of his attempted passes in the league this season, making zero errors leading to shots or goals for the opposition, and this shows that the gem is an ultra-reliable player when it comes to building out from the back.

Christensen has also won 62% of his individual duels and has been able to bully forwards by winning the majority of his battles at the back, which indicates that the enforcer is not a liability from a physical perspective.

The £153k-per-week titan, who was once dubbed "underrated" by old Stamford Bridge teammate Cesc Fabregas, would perfectly complement the left-footed Mings and offer balance to the Villa backline as he is right-footed, whilst also providing quality ball-playing ability to make up for the Englishman's lack of ability in that area of his game.

Over the last 365 days, the ex-Bournemouth tank ranks in the bottom 45% of centre-backs in Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes and carries per 90. Christensen, meanwhile, ranks in the top 13% in both statistics and has proven himself to be excellent at progressing the ball out from the back.

Therefore, the former Chelsea centre-back could make up for Mings' lack of progressive play in defence by offering his quality in possession on the right-side of the pairing, which is why he could be a dream partner for the England international.

Journalist Charles Watts has praised Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka after his goal-saving tackle on Joe Willock against Newcastle United.

What's the latest on Arsenal and Granit Xhaka?

With the Gunners still hoping to win the Premier League and the Magpies looking to secure Champions League football next season, it's no surprise that this encounter was full of quality as well as plenty of fight.

Indeed, it was a fiercely contested encounter that could have potentially gone either way but Arsenal's quality told on the day as they picked up all three points.

Goals in each half – first from Martin Odegaard and then an own goal from Fabian Schar – were enough to see Mikel Arteta's men win 2-0.

But the outcome of the match could have been different had Xhaka not made one brilliant tackle to deny former Gunner Willock from netting against his former club.

While speaking about the win on his YouTube channel, Watts handed the £120k-p/w star and 8/10 player rating for his efforts before highlighting the "special" challenge.

He said (08:07): ”Xhaka I gave him eight [out of ten] as well. That block from Granit Xhaka to deny Joe Willock was just something very, very special.

"It just looked a certain equaliser. How he got there in time, I have no idea, but he did. A really good performance from Xhaka, he bang up for it.

“There was lots of times when you thought: 'Oh, is he going to go over the edge here and get himself sent off?' Because it could have happened.

"But it didn't, he kept himself just on the right side of it. And it was a top performance from him.”

How good was Xhaka against Newcastle?

It's safe to say Watts wasn't the only one impressed with Xhaka on the day. For instance, in the player ratings for football.london, Kaya Kanak also handed him an 8/10.

The journalist added: "A superb all-round midfield display from the Swiss international. Two blocks to prevent almost certain Newcastle goals and then some passes in the final third to split the Newcastle defence wide open. Great leadership and fight too when things got feisty."

As per Sofascore, he also showed quality on the ball with 27 completed passes (the fourth highest for Arsenal), one key pass, and 3/4 long balls. And was key definitely too with two tackles, one blocked shot, and four clearances (the most from either side).

All in all, it's safe to say Xhaka earned his paycheck with this superb display.

تعرف على موعد والقنوات الناقلة لمباراة عمان وقرجيكستان في كأس آسيا والمعلقين.

يصطدم منتخب عمان الأول لكرة القدم، بنظيرة قرجيستان في ختام منافسات دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس آسيا 2023.

المباراة من المقرر إقامتها ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة والأخيرة لحساب المجموعة السادسة ببطولة كأس آسيا بقطر، على ملعب استاد عبدالله بن خليفة بنادي الدحيل.

من يواجه العراق في دور الـ16 من كأس آسيا بعد تصدره للمجموعة؟

وتضم المجموعة السادسة منتخبات السعودية وتايلاند وعمان وقرجيكستان.

وتشهد تلك المجموعة حسم منتخب السعودية لبطاقة صعوده إلى دور الـ16، فيما يأتي في مركز الوصافة منتخب تايلاند برصيد 4 نقاط.

ويحتل منتخب عمان المركز الثالث بنقطة واحدة بعد أن تعادل أمام تايلاند في الجولة الثانية، ويأتي قرجيكستان متذيلًا بلا نقاط. موعد مباراة عمان وقرجيكستان في كأس آسيا

ومن المقرر أن تنطلق مباراة عمان وقرجيكستان في تمام الساعة الخامسة مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسادسة بتوقيت السعودية، والسابعة بتوقيت عمان. القناة الناقلة لمباراة عمان وقرجيكستان اليوم

وتذاع مباراة عمان وقرجيكستان اليوم عبر فضائية SSC EXTRA 1 HD و Alkass EXTRA TWO HD و beIN ASIAN CUP 2 و SSC EXTRA 1 HDو Al-Rabiaa Iraq و Abu Dhabi Sports Asia 2. معلقو مباراة عمان وقرجيكستان في كأس آسيا

سمير اليعقوبي على Alkass EXTRA TWO HD وأحمد البلوشي عبر beIN ASIAN CUP 2 وراشد الدوسري على SSC EXTRA 1 HD وسالم السالمي عبر Al-Rabiaa Iraq وعبد الله المعمري عبر Abu Dhabi Sports Asia 2.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Liverpool scouts were keeping a close eye on Lens midfielder Seko Fofana on Saturday ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Fofana to Liverpool?

The Ivory Coast international first arrived in Ligue 1 back in 2020, and since making 109 appearances to date, has become such an integral member of Franck Haise’s first-team that he is now their club captain.

Despite the 28-year-old’s contract not expiring for another two years, he’s also his squad’s second overall best-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 7.06, and this standout form has caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

Back in November 2022, Fabrizio Romano revealed via CaughtOffside that the French outfit’s skipper changed agents in the hope of securing a move away this year, where at the time he’d already been heavily linked with the Reds and Arsenal.

Now, according to 90min, Liverpool, the Gunners, Manchester United, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Wolves and West Ham all “sent scouts” to Lens’ 2-1 victory over Marseille on Saturday, with the Merseyside chiefs “keeping a close eye” on the performance of Fofana.

FSG and Klopp have reportedly held a “long-standing interest” in their target and he is a player on the “lengthy list” of central candidates that they have been monitoring. Alongside the midfielder, Kevin Danso, a centre-back, also “attracted particular interest” throughout the 90 minutes.

Would Fofana be the right fit for Liverpool?

Fofana is naturally a central midfielder but is much stronger in the attacking aspect of his game having been lauded Lens’ “creative spark” by journalist Josh Bunting, and with the leadership qualities that he’d also add to the squad, he would be an excellent addition at Liverpool.

The 6 foot 1 star, who currently pockets £30k-per-week, has posted 30 goal contributions (19 goals and 11 assists) in 109 Lens appearances, but even if he’s not always on the scoresheet, he’s constantly looking to make the magic happen in the final third.

The Paris native ranks in the 97th percentile for total shots and the 96th percentile for number of attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area compared with other midfielders, as per FBRef, so is always a real threat in and around the box at the top end of the pitch.

Finally, Fofana is a versatile operator having played in an impressive six different positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the midfield and even once at centre-forward, and the fact that he's previously endured spells with Manchester City's U21s and later Fulham means that he's no stranger to English football, so he could be the perfect profile of midfielder for Klopp.

Mark Goldbridge has been reacting to a Manchester United transfer update involving Napoli defender Kim Min-jae.

What’s Goldbridge had to say about the transfer update on Kim?

The Red Devils appear to be making plans ahead of the summer window, despite the ongoing takeover saga. Erik ten Hag previously gave the green light to sales for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, with Kim seemingly a potential defensive addition over the coming months and the club's top defensive target.

Reports in recent days have claimed that United have now tabled a contract offer to the Napoli defender, having met with the player's representatives a few weeks ago.

Goldbridge took to Twitter to react to the latest Old Trafford rumour and appeared to be happy. He stated that the South Korea international would be a “perfect signing” to compete with Raphael Varane, saying that he has been on about Kim for a while.

“Really want to believe the rumours. Been on about him for ages. Perfect signing to compete with Varane.”

Bid ready to go…

It looks as if Old Trafford officials are serious about bringing Kim to the Premier League this summer, with the club having a bid ready and waiting to go for July 1 when the player’s release clause in the region of £43m-£52m kicks in.

You can see why United would want to bring a player like Kim to the club following his displays this season. Labelled as an "extraordinary defender" by teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the 26-year-old has played a key part in Napoli’s Serie A title-winning campaign.

As per WhoScored, Kim has been the club’s top-rated defender with an average match rating of 7.10/10 – a higher score than any United defender. The Napoli star has averaged more clearances than any of his teammates – while also making a whopping 80 passes per game with a 90.8% completion rate.

Therefore, you can see why Goldbridge would want someone like Kim to arrive in Manchester ahead of Ten Hag’s second season in charge, and it looks as if the club are working hard behind the scenes to make a deal possible.

South Africa’s shortage of fixtures against Zimbabwe stems from the absence of an enforceable FTP, rather than a reluctance to play so-called smaller teams, according to Tony Irish, CEO of the South African Cricketers’ Association

Firdose Moonda13-Jun-2016South Africa’s shortage of fixtures against neighbours Zimbabwe is mainly due to the absence of an enforceable Future Tours Programme (FTP), rather than a reluctance to play so-called smaller teams, according to Tony Irish, CEO of the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA).Irish was responding to a claim made by Makhaya Ntini, former South Africa fast bowler and current interim Zimbabwe coach, who told the that South Africa were “not keen on visiting here and don’t want much to do with Zimbabwe”. Irish explained the issue was not about preference as much as it was about trying to draw up an international calendar.”The real problem is with the international cricket structure as a whole. At the time of the “Big Three” takeover at ICC, the FTP was de-regulated and the smaller countries lost the benefit of being part of a framework in which all countries were obliged to play all others home and away every four years,” Irish told ESPNcricinfo. “The FTP was replaced with ad hoc bilateral agreements with no touring guarantees for the small countries. The schedule is now so packed with these ad hoc agreements that it’s difficult to schedule additional tours with a genuine [South Africa] team just to help out another country.”Since 2014, when India, England and Australia led a restructure of the ICC, South Africa have enjoyed more fixtures against bigger nations – including two four-Test series against India and England respectively – but fewer against smaller ones. In that time, they have toured Zimbabwe only once; in August 2014, South Africa played a one-off Test and competed in a triangular ODI series which also included Australia.Ntini claimed South Africa had not wanted to make the trip and had “nearly pulled out” of the triangular but Irish said he was unaware of any threat not to tour. “I wasn’t aware of any suggestion that South Africa wouldn’t visit Zimbabwe in 2014,” Irish said.South Africa have included Zimbabwe in the season-opening Africa T20 Cup, which is in its second year. Zimbabwe do not have a team in any of South Africa’s other domestic competitions, unlike Namibia, who feature in the semi-professional provincial tournaments which are played in three-day and one-day formats. South Africa have scheduled an A team tour to Zimbabwe later this year but there are no senior men’s tours on the calendar.Zimbabwe had a quiet 2015, in which they hosted no Tests and had only India and New Zealand visit for limited-overs matches. That is set to improve this year, with India currently touring for three ODIs and three T20Is, New Zealand due to play two Tests in July-August and Sri Lanka set to visit on their way to South Africa at the end of the year. They are in the process of revamping their structures with a slimmed administrative office, a new selection panel headlined by the return of Tatenda Taibu and a new-look coaching staff, comprised of South Africans, with Ntini at the helm for now and Lance Klusener as batting coach.While Klusener did not have his contract renewed with Dolphins, Ntini has not coached in South Africa at all and attempts to open an academy in his home town have been stalled by lack of funding. He was appointed Zimbabwe’s bowling coach ahead of the World T20 in March and has taken over the main job in the aftermath of Dav Whatmore’s sacking.Ntini said he believed the faith Zimbabwe showed in him demonstrated an “ability here to identify leadership potential”, and he hit out at the South African system for not providing him with opportunities to give back to the game. “It works differently in South Africa where you roast in the system and find that other coaches leapfrog you,” Ntini said. “There are talented coaches in South Africa who need to get their international dues.”

Anfield has finally been stroked by rays of sunlight after a tumultuous season that has left Liverpool adrift of top four and facing a return to the Europa League after six consecutive seasons in the Champions League under Jurgen Klopp's leadership.

After so much woe that has left Liverpool without a trophy – barring the Community Shield – the illustrious Premier League outfit face being left by the wayside despite crafting a vibrant late purple patch that has clinched six successive victories in the top flight.

Despite this, the fifth-placed side remain four points behind Manchester United in fourt and high-flying Newcastle United in third ahead of the Reds' trip to Leicester City.

Optimism has been found among the academy ranks this season, however, with Stefan Bajcetic one of the notable success stories this term after dazzling among the rubble with his performances; the likes of Ben Doak and Bobby Clark are also pushing for a role in Klopp's plans next year.

Another starlet who could forge a prosperous career on Merseyside is talented centre-back Jarell Quansah, who recently penned a new deal with the club.

Who is Jarell Quansah?

The 20-year-old defender has been described as "impressive" by reporter Ben Bocsak following the recent contractual announcement and his call-up to the U20 World Cup with England.

Having made 78 appearances for Liverpool's respective youth sides, scoring six goals and supplying four assists, Quansah earned a loan transfer to Bristol Rovers this winter, where he made 16 displays as the club finished 17th in League One.

His first taste of senior action, Quansah caught the eye and completed 78% of his passes, made an average of 4.3 clearances and succeeded with 100% of his attempted dribbles, as per Sofascore, exhibiting the early signs of a promising and dynamic centre-back.

The 6 foot 3 gem's exploits were so admirable that Rovers manager Joey Barton was left waxing lyrical about the defender's potential, stating that "the sky's the limit" for the burgeoning star.

He could even be the heir to Joe Gomez's position in Liverpool's setup; signed from Charlton for just £3.5m in 2015, the 25-year-old has gone on to forge 172 appearances, registering six assists, and has been part of an illustrious period of the Reds' history in winning the Premier League and Champions League among other major honours.

The £85k-per-week titan ranks among the top 2% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes and the top 8% for progressive carries, with the latter metric something Quansah can look to emulate given his early success in driving forward with his dribbles.

The sky is indeed the limit for this exciting prospect, and the faith entrusted in him by Klopp and co is evidenced by his recent new contract; given opportunities next term, he could flourish and find a home among the senior crop at Anfield.

انتهت مباراة الجزائر وموريتانيا المثيرة في كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023 بفوز المرابطين بهدف دون رد.

وأقيمت مباراة الجزائر وموريتانيا، على أرضية استاد السلام، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الثالثة لحساب المجموعة الرابعة ببطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا.

وسجل هدف اللقاء الوحيد اللاعب الموريتاني محمد دلاهي في الدقيقة 37 من عمر اللقاء.

ترتيب مجموعة السنغال والكاميرون في كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023 بعد نهاية الجولة الثالثة

بتلك النتيجة يحصد منتخب موريتانيا الـ3 نقاط الأولى له في تاريخ مشاركاته بكأس أمم إفريقيا وهي الثالثة تواليًا بعد نسختي 2019 و2021.

كما يتأهل منتخب موريتانيا لدور الـ16 للمرة الأولى في تاريخه، ويحقق الانتصار الأول على الجزائر بعد 8 مواجهات لم يتذوق خلالهم طعم الفوز على محاربي الصحراء.

ويصعد منتخب موريتانيا بـ 3 نقاط فقط ضمن أفضل 4 منتخبات أصحاب المركز الثالث.

وفي الوقت ذاته يودع منتخب الجزائر بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا بعد أن حصد نقطتين فقط بتعادلين أمام أنجولا وبوركينا فاسو. هدف مباراة الجزائر وموريتانيا

وإليكم أحداث اللقاء

حكم اللقاء يطلق صافرة بداية المباراة. بداية مباراة الجزائر وموريتانيا

د3.. سقوط لاعب الجزائر نوري مصابًا بعد التحام ونزول الطاقم الطبي لعلاجه.

د6.. انطلاقة من الجهة اليمنى الجزائرية عن طريق آدم واناس والتشتيت الموريتاني ينقذ الموقف.

د8.. واناس ينتزع الآهات بتسديدة من أقصى الجهة اليمنى من كرة ثابتة يبعدها الحارس الموريتاني.

د10.. مرور 10 دقائق من الضغط الجزائري وصمود الدفاع الموريتاني.

د14.. فرصة خطيرة تضيع من منتخب موريتانيا بعد إرسال عرضية من الجهة اليمنى يفشل عطال في إبعادها وتمر من بين قدميه قبل أن يواصل الضغط على المسدد لترتطم الكرة بقدمه ومن ثم يشهر الحكم المساعد راية التسلل على لاعب متداخل.

د18.. أدم وناس يطلق تسديدة متقنة من أقصى الجهة اليمنى والحارس الموريتاني نياس يبعد لركنية. فرصة الجزائر الأولى أمام موريتانيا

د25.. حسام عوار يهدر أخطر فرص اللقاء للجزائر بعد تدرج أكثر من رائع بالكرة عن طريق وناس وبوداوي ليتلقى عرضية يسددها من لمسة واحدة ولكنها تمر بجوار القائم. فرصة الجزائر الضائعة

مرور نصف ساعة والجزائر تواصل البحث ومنتخب موريتانيا متماسك.

جووووووووووووووووووووووووووووووووووووووووول.. هدف أول لموريتانيا بأقدام المدافع دلاهي بتسديدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء، مستغلًا ارتباك دفاع محاربي الصحراء في ركلة ركنية بالدقيقة 37. هدف موريتانيا الأول أمام الجزائر

د43.. بوداوي يسدد من خارج منطقة الجزاءعلى مرمى موريتانيا بعد اختراق ناجح لوناس ومن ثم تمرير للوراء ولكن الكرة تمر بجوار القائم.

د46.. ركنية جزائرية تثير ارتباك في دفاع موريتانيا وابعاد يطالب على أثره لاعبي الجزائر بركلة جزاء بسبب لمسة يد.

بطاقة صفراء مزدوجة للاعبا الجزائر وموريتانيا عمورة ولابا بعد اشتباك بينهما في الدقيقة 49.

نهاية الشوط الأول.

تغيير أول للجزائر بنزول رياض محرز وخروج عوار

بداية الشوط الثاني

د46.. بونجاح يسبق الجميع من أجل عرضية من الجهة اليسرى ويسدد بصعوبة ولكنها تعلو العارضة. فرصة بونجاح الضائعة

د47.. ماندريا ينقذ مرمى الجزائر من هدف لموريتانيا برأسية بعد ركنية من الجهة اليسرى.

د53.. بطاقة صفراء للاعب موريتانيا كويتا.

د55.. كويتا يتلاعب بالدفاع الجزائري في مرتدة ناجحة ولكن تسديدته في السماء. فرصة كويتا الضائعة أمام الجزائر

د58.. موريتانيا تواصل التفوق الهجومي في الدقائق الماضية ومرواغة نجم الفريق تيام تنتهي بخطأ من على حدود منطقة الجزاء.

د59.. بابكر نياسي حارس موريتانيا ينفذ أفضل تصدي في اللقاء بعد أن ارتقى لرأسية بوداوي وأبعدها ببراعة.

تغييرين للجزائر بنزول نبيل بن طالب ويوسف بلايلي بدلًا من وناس وبوداوي في الدقيقة 61.

د65.. فرصة خطيرة تضيع من الجزائر بعد إرسال طولية بينية خرج نياسي من مرماه ليبعدها، ففعل بشكل خاطئ لتصل الكرة إلى بونجاح الذي مرر إلى بلايلي ليحاول التسديد في المرمى ولكن الدفاع يبعد من على خط المرمى.

تغيير لموريتانيا بخرود محمد دولاهي ونزول الحسن حبيب في الدقيقة 66.

تغيير جديد للجزائر بنزول اسلام سليماني بدلًا من عمورة.

د69.. فرصة جديدة تضيع من الجزائر بأقدام ماندي الذي استقبل عرضية من كرة ثابتة، ليستلم ويسدد من منطقة الست ياردات ولكن الحارس يتصدى ببراعة. انقاذ حارس موريتانيا الرائع أمام الجزائر

تغيير لموريتانيا بنزول فوفانا بدلًا من سليمان آن في الدقيقة 70.

بطاقة صفراء لـ إسلام سليماني في الدقيقة 67 للاعتراض على حكم اللقاء.

تغيير جزائري بنزول فان كيفين قيطون وخروج يوسف عطال في الدقيقة 80.

3 تغييرات لموريتانيا بنزول باكاري كمارا وابو بكر كمارا وإبنو با بدلصا من كويتا وتياك وعمار في الدقيقة 82.

د82.. مرتدة سريعة لموريتانيا تنتهي بتسديدة للبديل كمارا يتصدى لها حارس الجزائر ببراعة.

د85.. العارضة تنقذ الجزائر من الهدف الثاني بعد استقبال با عرضية متقنة سددها من لمسة واحدة في المرمى الخالي لترتطم بالعارضة.

د86.. زروقي يرتكب خطأ جسيم في الدفاع الجزائري واستخلاص موريتاني ولكن التمريرة تخرج إلى ركنية.

حكم الفار يوقف اللعب من أجل مراجعة الفار في مدى أحقية حصول الجزائر على ركلة جزاء بسبب التحام هوائي في الدقيقة 91. هل حرم الحكم الجزائر من ركلة جزاء

Tony Adams, Petr Cech and Rio Ferdinand have been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.

The likes of Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have all been previously inducted since it was unveiled in 2021.

Earlier this year, legendary managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were announced as this year’s first inductees, with the latest trio topping a 15-man shortlist consisting of the competition's best players to join them in the elite group.

What is the Premier League Hall of Fame?

The Premier League Hall of Fame is a collection of the competition's greatest-ever players. Nominees are selected by the Premier League and members of the Premier League Awards Panel based on their contribution and record of success since the league's inception in 1992.

How did the vote work?

This year’s inductees were decided by the general public, with fans able to vote for who they would like to see become Hall of Famers.

Voting commenced on Monday 10th April, with the three players joining Ferguson and Wenger as part of 2023’s intake.

Who is already in the Premier League Hall of Fame?

Since inducting its first members in 2021, there are now 21 former players and managers in the Premier League Hall of Fame.

2021's inductees were: Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.

2022's inductees were: Patrick Vieira, Wayne Rooney, Ian Wright, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, Didier Drogba, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero.

This year saw Ferguson and Wenger become the first managers to enter the Hall of Fame, with Arsenal skipper Adams, Chelsea legend Cech and Man United's defensive stalwart Ferdinand winning a recent public vote.

Who has been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame? Tony Adams

Former Arsenal captain Adams – a two-time winner of the Premier League (alongside the Gunners’ Division One success in 1989) – has his place in the competition’s folklore assured. His spectacular finish against Everton in 1998 – 25 years to the day of his induction – put the icing on the cake as Arsenal stormed to their first top-flight title of the Premier League era.

A stalwart of the Gunners’ backline in a spell spanning three decades, Adams’ haul of 255 appearances since the league’s inception in 1992 makes him one of English football’s most decorated players.

The one-club man joins former teammates Henry, Vieira, Wright and Bergkamp in the Hall of Fame.

Petr Cech

Shot-stopper Cech joined Chelsea in the summer of 2004 from Rennes as one of the first signings under Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

Part of the record-breaking backline that conceded just 15 goals in an incredible debut season – sealing Chelsea’s first league title for 50 years in the process – it was perhaps inevitable he would go on to become a Premier League great.

Indeed, after over a decade in west London, where he earned four top-flight crowns, he further enhanced his status as a true great of the game when he broke the Premier League’s all-time clean sheets record, surpassing David James with his 170th shutout while playing for Arsenal in December 2015.

Ending on a grand total of 202 – 33 more than James’ tally – there is little doubt Cech is more than worthy of a place amongst the league’s elite.

Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand’s £30m move from Leeds to Manchester United in 2002 saw his Premier League career truly take off. The ex-West Ham defender won six titles at Old Trafford, including in his debut season.

His partnership with teammate – and fellow Hall of Fame nominee – Nemanja Vidic has been labelled as one of the greatest in the division’s history, with the Red Devils’ record run of three consecutive titles a clear reason why.

He ended his career back in London at QPR, where he was unable to save them from relegation, though he did make his 500th appearance during his spell at Loftus Road.

As part of the latest inductees, he becomes the seventh United player in the Hall of Fame, alongside his former boss, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Who were the other Premier League Hall of Fame nominees in 2023? Sol Campbell

Campbell sent shockwaves through north London in the summer of 2001 when he made the controversial switch from Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal – but it was in the red part of the capital where he enjoyed the bulk of his success.

Winning two Premier League titles and FA Cups within his first three seasons at Highbury, the Gunners ‘Invincible’ was a mainstay in their historic 2003/04 campaign under Wenger with 35 appearances while powering Arsenal to an unprecedented triumph.

A spell with Portsmouth followed before a brief return to Arsenal in 2010 and a short stint at Newcastle United, where he surpassed 500 appearances in the top flight.

Michael Carrick

Starting out at West Ham United, midfielder Carrick took his career to new heights after moving to Spurs and earning himself a switch to Manchester United, where he won no fewer than five Premier League titles.

Being part of a star-studded United side may have left his contributions to go under the radar, but with the likes of ex-teammate Scholes already part of the Hall of Fame, perhaps it is time the current Middlesbrough boss got the recognition his stellar career deserves.

Nearly 10 years have slipped by while Alastair Cook has been a permanent fixture at the top of England’s order in home Tests. In his temporary absence at Lord’s because of a bruised knee, England had an unnerving vision of the future

The Report by David Hopps11-Jun-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details4:34

WATCH – Highlights of the third day’s play

Nearly 10 years have slipped by while Alastair Cook has been a permanent fixture at the top of England’s order in home Tests. His absence at Lord’s was only temporary, the result of a hospital scan on a bruised knee, but in that time England had an unnerving vision of the future as Sri Lanka made them sweat in the final Investec Test.Four down by the close of the third day, England still held a healthy lead of 237, with six wickets – Cook included – and remain overwhelming favourites to win but shorn of his presence for the first time on these shores since Marcus Trescothick and Andrew Strauss opened against Pakistan at The Oval in 2006, their shortcomings were stripped bare.There was another failure for Nick Compton, moved up from No. 3 to fill an emergency opener’s role, that will surely end the second phase of his Test career, his footwork again leaden as Shaminda Eranga brought one down the slope to have him caught at the wicket. There was a first-ball duck, too, for James Vince, who has failed to secure a maiden Test half-century in this series, and who naively left a delivery from Nuwan Pradeep which skipped back down the hill to hit his off stump. So far he has been a player of style rather than substance.”No thoughts of retirement for a while yet” will be England’s exhortation to Cook, a CBE freshly to his name in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. With Pakistan lying in wait later this summer, there will be relief that the x-ray – the result of a blow from Kusal Perera while fielding at silly point – revealed nothing sinister.Pradeep’s zestful display brought him three wickets in all, a shooter accounting for Joe Root, who risked ricking his back on his return to the pavilion as he turned round frequently to watch his demise on the big screen, and a hack across the line by Jonny Bairstow that was a throwback to earlier times. Alex Hales, 41 not out, stood firm but Pradeep would have removed him as well, on 19, if Dimuth Karunaratne had clung to a low chance to his left at second slip and again on 39, shortly before the close, when he glanced Pradeep down the leg side only for Dinesh Chandimal to grass the chance.A Lord’s Test Saturday had swung loyally towards England in the morning, as a place of such ingrained traditions must presumably feel obliged to do when they are Trooping the Colour a few miles down the road for the Queen’s 90th birthday.Sri Lanka’s visions at start of play of conceding more than 400 in the first innings and then winning the Test, as they did at The Oval in their Muttiah Muralitharan-inspired 1998 victory, would have been encouraged by reaching the close on the second day 162 runs to the good and Karunaratne the only casualty.But by lunch, they were obliterated: six down and still trailing by 198, Kusal Mendis, Kaushal Silva and Angelo Mathews all dispatched in the first 7.3 overs as England’s pace attack regained the initiative.Chris Woakes had been the most insistent of England’s attack on the previous evening and that was enough for him to start the day alongside Stuart Broad. There was enough in the air to encourage the bowlers that it would be a more even contest and they pounded a good length – a fuller length than on the previous day – from the outset.Woakes’ first ball of the previous day had brought about the Bairstow howler – and more critical examination of his wicketkeeping role. This time Woakes enjoyed immediate success, winning an lbw as he rammed a delivery down the slope into Mendis’ pads.Silva failed to add to his overnight 79, his edge to Bairstow in Broad’s third over of the morning extending a remarkable record in which he has been caught at the wicket in all nine of his Test innings in England. Repetition around off stump has rarely been more obviously rewarded.England’s energy also extended to Bairstow. When Mathews thick-edged Broad to third man, Hales and Root, giving chase, were shocked to find a red-headed retriever tearing past them and diving full-length in wicketkeeping pads to save the boundary. Such chases are part of Bairstow’s make-up and his pleasure in mildly embarrassing two of his team-mates was evident.Mathews’ pugnacity was needed to restore Sri Lanka’s ambition, but he was defeated by extra bounce from Woakes, going wide on the crease, and Root, quite close at second slip, held a good catch. It was a delivery that encapsulated Woakes’ improvement, a bowler of good habits and decent action now capable of something a little more unsettling.Chandimal was equally uncertain, beginning with an inside-edged four against Woakes and almost scooped up at second slip by Root when Anderson made an unaccustomed late arrival into the attack.It was not long before Chandimal fell, too, lbw to a fullish delivery from Steven Finn and unsuccessfully reviewing in the hope that the ball might have faded down the slope past leg stump. Finn also looked more eager than on the previous day and the wicket of Lahiru Thirimanne completed a satisfying England morning, a poor uppish-drive which gave Root another catch.Root, England’s stand-in captain, endured a merry stand of 71 in 17 overs, against old ball and new, by Sri Lanka’s seventh-wicket pair of Perera and Rangana Herath. Perera, back in the Sri Lanka side after overturning drugs allegations, produced some typically emphatic blows and Herath offered good support, chancing his arm and indulging in some puffed-out cheeks fist-pumping with his partner with an air of mild relief.Root’s star fast bowlers were also having a wild mustang moment. Root wisely resisted a headstron g appeal from Broad to review a refused lbw appeal against Herath, and then was spoken to by the umpires regarding Anderson, who indulged in some behind-the-hands muttering at slip (always a sign of trouble afoot).Around the time Cook collected his diagnosis, Sri Lanka’s lower order crumbled. Broad caused Herath to chop on, Perera was caught behind off a bottom edge, attempting to pull, Suranga Lakmal edged Anderson low to second slip, and Woakes, who had followed his highest Test score with a stand-out bowling display, took his third wicket when Eranga edged the first ball of his spell to Vince at third slip.When Anderson dismissed Perera the Anderson-Broad new-ball combination became the most prolific opening partnership in history, overhauling the 493 collected by Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis and ahead of other notables on the list: Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie, and Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock.Those wickets have come at five-runs more per wicket – roughly 26 to 21 – but they are all in the book, Anderson and Broad both stand in the top three in the ICC Test bowling rankings and how England will miss them when they are gone. Of Cook, the same was evidently true.