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Young fans recreated Jude Bellingham's iconic celebration at the Golden Boy ceremony, which brought a smile to the Real Madrid superstar's face.

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Bellingham smiled as fans recreated iconic celebrationWon the Golden Boy 2023 awardEnjoying exceptional form at Real MadridWHAT HAPPENED?

The Real Madrid star gave an emotional reaction as a set of young fans recreated his iconic celebration at the Golden Boy ceremony. The 20-year-old bagged the prestigious award on Monday night as reward for his stellar year for club and country. Bellingham's celebration with his arms open wide, has become a familiar scene at the Santiago Bernabeu this season, with the midfielder scoring 15 goals in 17 appearances after his summer move from Borussia Dortmund.

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Even Barcelona forward Joao Felix has emulated the Los Blancos player's celebration, with the Portuguese playmaker opting to copy Bellingham after his goal in a win over Atletico Madrid in La Liga at the weekend. However, Felix later claimed that the celebration was just a spontaneous reaction.

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Getty WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Carlo Ancelotti's side, who are currently at the top of the Liga table and in the middle of a five-match winning streak across all competitions, will next take on Real Betis on Saturday in La Liga. Bellingham and Co will be back in action three days later away at Union Berlin as they wrap up their Champions League group stage campaign.

Leicester City's Harvey Barnes and Leeds United's Jack Harrison would "do good things" at West Ham United, believes journalist Paul Brown.

The Hammers, fresh from winning the Europa Conference League, could target the relegated stars this summer.

West Ham transfer news – Jack Harrison and Harvey Barnes

According to Matt Law of The Telegraph, West Ham are in pole position to sign Leicester City winger Barnes this summer.

The London club will have plenty of money to spend with the reportedly incoming sale of Declan Rice, and will use some of that budget on bringing in Barnes, as per Law.

Meanwhile, according to TalkSport, West Ham are also in the race to secure the services of Leeds United's Harrison this summer, with Aston Villa also interested in the winger.

What did Paul Brown say about West Ham, Jack Harrison and Harvey Barnes?

Speaking to Football FanCast when asked about Harrison and Barnes' potential moves to West Ham this summer, Brown said: "I would like to see West Ham buy another winger. Harrison is one of the guys they’ve looked at, Harvey Barnes is another.

"So, I like that they’re looking at that kind of player. They clearly struggled to score goals at times this season and be creative enough, and I do think either Harrison or Barnes would be an upgrade on what they have and give them something a little bit different. So, yes, I think they’d do well at West Ham."

Are West Ham signing Jack Harrison and Harvey Barnes

Although reports have seemingly cooled when it comes to Harrison and West Ham, Barnes reportedly remains a firm target for the Hammers.

Given the fact that Bowen is still front and centre as one of the main men at the London Stadium, too, it would be a surprise if David Moyes wanted to welcome two more players in a similar position.

With the Europa League to contend with next season, West Ham will need depth. But, perhaps their budget is better spent across the pitch rather than two players of the same ilk in Harrison and Barnes.

As the summer goes on, the deals will only continue to unfold.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal will be handled like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona were in their younger years, says Spain boss Luis de la Fuente.

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• Teenager has enjoyed meteoric rise
• Has made history along the way
• Still has potential to be unlocked

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  At just 16 years of age, Yamal is already an established performer at club level with La Liga giants Barca and a senior international with two caps to his name. The talented teenager has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence, but he is far from being the finished article.

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  Rather than look to rein him in as ever greater demands are lumped onto young shoulders, De la Fuente says Yamal will be given license to flourish and learn at his own pace – with a similar approach having allowed Argentine icons Messi and Maradona to become global superstars.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Spain boss De la Fuente has said of helping Yamal down a career path that could lead to the very top of the game: “He has fantastic potential and conditions. We have to take care of him, he is young. But, do you remember when Messi or Maradona were 16 years old? We should not put limits on these good footballers. We must let them develop all their potential. That's what we're trying to do with this player here and at his club.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Yamal has been a regular under Xavi at Camp Nou this season, as he waits on a first senior goal for the Blaugrana, and is back in the Spain squad – having already made history when opening his account for them – ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers against Scotland and Norway.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:35

‘No foothold for New Zealand after Guptill wicket’

South Africa’s one-day side started in New Zealand as the No. 1 and they will end it there after an oscillating series went their way at a ground that now holds some good memories. There were a few jitters with the bat – there were bound to be, weren’t there? – but after a commanding performance in the field, which sucked the life out of New Zealand’s batting order, a target of 150 gave them breathing space.From the moment that the hero of Hamilton, Martin Guptill, was defeated by Kagiso Rabada there was never any let-up from South Africa with the ball. Rabada was high-class on a surface offering more carry than any other in the series. Imran Tahir, who New Zealand have played well this series, then reeled off the most economical 10-over figures by a South Africa spinner – and the best by any spinner in an ODI in his country – as the innings almost came to a standstill.Andile Phehlukwayo missed the Hamilton match with a minor groin injury and had a significant impact on his return with the wickets of Dean Brownlie and Ross Taylor. South Africa’s ground-fielding also conjured two wickets, including the major scalp of Kane Williamson, as New Zealand’s batting slumped for the second time in the series.But they did not let their unbeaten one-day home record, dating back to South Africa’s visit in 2014, go easily and for a moment mid-chase, another Eden Park classic was not complete fantasy. Jeetan Patel had snaffled two – and had an lbw against Faf du Plessis overturned by DRS – and when AB de Villiers was bounced out by James Neesham – not a dismissal you would have put your house on – South Africa were 88 for 4. But du Plessis, who reached fifty with the winning boundary, and David Miller, ensured against any further drama.It was a superb set-up from Rabada, a sharp bouncer which ensured Guptill had to be wary of planting forward, then a yorker which he tried to advance to but only got in a horrid position with his stumps exposed. As ugly as Hamilton was breathtaking.Williamson and Brownlie weathered the rest of the opening ten overs but a horror few minutes sent the innings into a spiral. It’s a period Brownlie will want to forget. Firstly he decided to chance de Villiers’ fielding at midwicket which left Williamson stranded when the South Africa captain dived and flicked in the blink of an eye. Williamson’s bat got caught in the turf short of the crease, but he would have been short regardless.Three balls later, Brownlie play round a full delivery from Phehlukwayo and almost walked before the finger was raised. Tahir’s first four overs cost just four; eventually overs 10-20 brought 31 for 4. As in Wellington, Phehlukwayo was key to that, bowling wicket-to-wicket at brisk pace, and was rewarded again when Taylor fell across a straight one.Luke Ronchi’s stay was never convincing and he gloved a short ball as he tried to sway out of the line. Neesham, yesterday recalled to the Test squad, had looked as comfortable as any of the top order but for the second time in the series was removed by a short ball from Rabada, although it needed the DRS to confirm the top-edge.The build-up to Mitchell Santner’s demise highlighted South Africa’s suffocating ground fielding. Three consecutive shots from Santner were intercepted sharply in the infield, then the fourth went to JP Duminy at backward point who slid and threw from the ground, hitting directly with Santner nowhere.Tahir, who did not concede anything other than singles, gained his reward against the lower order. In three of the five matches, New Zealand had played him as well as anyone of late – “respect” had been the word used by both sides – but they became almost strokeless this time. The pressure of the occasion, the pitch, or just a good day for him? Only they will know.Such was the swift end to New Zealand’s innings that South Africa batted before the interval. Patel again saw off Quinton de Kock – that change of tactic had worked a treat – and scoring wasn’t easy after the break. Hashim Amla completed a fifty-less series when he drove to cover as did Duminy – the latter far more of a concern – when he drove softly at Patel. Duminy had again been used ahead of de Villiers, but he has regressed during this series.De Villiers has been far and away South Africa’s best batsman and he was eager to finish things himself. He took a six apiece of Patel and Santner but was then surprised by the nip and angled of Neesham’s bouncer, which followed him and took the glove to the keeper. As a single moment it was a superb spectacle, but not enough to open the game for New Zealand.Du Plessis ticked over and for the first time in the series Miller played the type of forceful shots he has become known for. The target hurried into view. The sun had only just set. This time not on South Africa.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked to a midfield talent ahead of the summer transfer window in a player with Premier League experience.

Julen Lopetegui will have a number of obstacles to overcome in the break, however, the Spaniard could ease the woes surrounding the expected departure of Ruben Neves in a rumoured loan deal.

The former Real Madrid boss faces the uphill challenge of improving his side while balancing the club’s finances following the emergence of FFP issues.

Seeking quality with lower price tags is essential this summer, with the latest link being easy on the club’s wallet.

What’s the latest on Fabio Carvalho to Wolves?

As reported by transfer expert Ben Jacobs for CaughtOffside, Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho is admired by a number of clubs including Wolves.

The report states that Liverpool have no interest in selling the midfielder, however, could see the 20-year-old depart on a loan deal.

The £32k-per-week ace could be a strong talent for Lopetegui to borrow in a beneficial move for both parties, with the Portuguese itching for game time.

What could Fabio Carvalho bring to Wolves?

Playing predominantly as an attacking midfielder in the heart of the pitch, the former Fulham gem worked his way through the Londoners’ academy before signing for Liverpool last summer.

Having made just 13 appearances and four starts this campaign, the “magic” attacker – as dubbed by pundit Jack Collins – could bring a new lease of life to Wolves’ attack.

Neves was Molineux’s top provider in attack this campaign, highlighted by his six goals and a single assist.

However, despite being the shining light in a lacklustre season, the Portuguese midfielder’s numbers are far from mindblowing and amid the pending disappointment of his departure, Lopetegui could replace and upgrade the squad’s creative outlet by capturing Carvalho.

In his final campaign at Fulham, the youngster had 18 goal contributions, scoring ten himself and assisting eight – as per WhoScored – in a year that solidified his status as an academy graduate turned first-team player.

Wolves are lacking inspiration, being the Premier League’s lowest-scorers and are expected to lose a host of attacking talent this summer, so a reshuffle is essential at Molineux this summer.

Carvalho could provide a streak of danger to the clubs’ attack, as highlighted through his numbers over the past year, in a period that has seen the youngster starved of game time.

As per FBref, the attacker averages 0.39 non-penalty goals per 90, ranking him in the top 1% of his position in Europe’s top five leagues, based on his minutes played.

The youngster also excels in being progressive in midfield, as highlighted through his 2.73 progressive carries per 90.

Despite not playing as much football, which can be detrimental to a player’s development, Carvalho has continued to showcase a high level of his quality, particularly in comparison to Neves.

The Wolves captain averages 0.09 non-penalty goals per 90, as well as flagging when carrying the ball making an average of 0.83 of progressive carries per 90 – as per FBref.

A reshuffle in personnel and formation could allow the youngster to blossom and enjoy his football again under the watchful eye of Lopetegui, but only time will tell if Jurgen Klopp will allow the 20-year-old to depart.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag holds a "serious interest" in signing Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount this summer, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Will Mason Mount leave Chelsea?

Despite reports at the end of April indicating that Mount would be willing to commit to a new long-term deal at Chelsea, there has seemingly been no progress in that regard, and he could well be on the move this summer, with a number of teams interested.

Football Insider report that Man United are now confident they will win the race for the England international, despite interest from Liverpool, who are said to be keen on agreeing a deal, while Arsenal have also been named as potential suitors.

There is still a chance the 24-year-old remains at Stamford Bridge, as new manager Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear he wants him to stay, however with the Red Devils said to be "pushing", it remains to be seen whether he is willing to extend his stay.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Crook has now claimed that Ten Hag has been a fan of the £80k-per-week Chelsea star for quite some time, which could potentially open the door for a summer move to Old Trafford.

The talkSPORT reporter said: "I think ten Hag has serious interest. I think he's been an admirer of Mount since he played in the Netherlands at Vitesse and the midfield is an area that still needs some surgery."

Should Man United sign Mason Mount?

There may be some understandable concern about Man United making a move for the Englishman, as his 2022-23 campaign was not his best by any stretch, registering just three goals and two assists in 24 Premier League appearances.

That is a considerable drop-off from the previous season, during which he recorded a remarkable 11 goals and ten assists in the top flight, reaching double figures for goals for the first time in his career.

However, the Cobham academy graduate offers a lot more than just attacking contributions, as he has also played a critical goal for Chelsea defensively over the course of the past year, averaging 1.98 tackles per 90, in the 88th percentile compared to his positional peers.

Hailed as a "superstar" by Rob Guest, Mount could be an excellent addition to Ten Hag's squad if he is able to reignite his previous form, and Man United should undoubtedly come forward with an offer this summer.

ScorecardAzharullah made significant inroads into Glamorgan’s top order•Getty Images

Northamptonshire ended the second day in Swansea with the advantage after Rory Kleinveldt clubbed 91 before reducing Glamorgan to 139 for 5.At one stage they lost 3 for 1 in five deliveries and will hope Nick Selman, who closed unbeaten on a career-best 79, can continue the impressive form he’s showed in the last three games, and also receive support from the middle and lower order. Azharullah was the most successful of the Northants attack finishing with 3 for 34.Earlier, Northants had continued their recovery from 38 for 4 to post 321 with their stand-in captain Kleinveldt leading the way with a furious attack on the Glamorgan bowlers.He scored 91 from 88 balls, with four fours and seven sixes – four struck in the space of six balls. Kleinveldt shared a partnership of 130 in only 24 overs with Saif Zaib – playing in only his second Championship game – before the captain departed attempting to hit his eighth six.Zaib was undefeated on a career-best 65, which complemented an earlier partnership of 97 between David Murphy and Laurie Evans for the fifth wicket. Murphy made 45, and Evans, in his first innings for Northants since joining as a loan player this week, a patient innings of 74 before edging David Lloyd to the wicketkeeper.The young and inexperienced Glamorgan attack stuck to their task, despite the seven bowlers used having not taken 100 first-class wickets between them.Selman and Mark Wallace gave Glamorgan a positive start, adding 52 at four an over, before Wallace was bowled in Azharullah’s third over. Will Bragg scored a single from the last ball of the over, but was leg before to the first ball of Ben Sanderson’s next over before Jacques Rudolph was caught behind two balls later.Selman was untroubled at the other end, reaching his third successive fifty from 67 balls with seven fours, but Glamorgan soon lost two more wickets when Aneurin Donald and Lloyd were both caught in the slip cordon, driving at Azharullah’s outswing.Both teams have suffered casualties, with Rory Smith unable to bowl for Glamorgan again in the game, while Northants had two players off the field for the final half hour, with the team’s strength and conditioning coach making a rare appearance as a sub fielder.

Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad, who had been left out of the side’s training camp on disciplinary grounds at the start of May, was omitted from 22-man preliminary squad for the England tour in July-August as well. ESPNcricinfo understands that Shehzad was left out on disciplinary grounds again, despite being the leading run-getter in the 50-over Pakistan Cup with 372 runs at an average of 74.40, including a century and three fifties.The selectors picked the probables mainly from the ongoing boot camp at the Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad. After that camp, the selected players will report for a skills camp between May 20 and June 5.Mohammad Hafeez, who had missed the training camp because of a knee injury, and legspinner Yasir Shah who was undergoing rehabilitation for a knee injury of his own, found places in the list of probables.Hafeez underwent a medical test on Wednesday, which will determine his availability for the four-match Test series. Sami Aslam, Shan Masood and Khurram Manzoor were the other openers to be picked. Yasir, meanwhile, is expected to be fit in a week.The selection committee, headed by Inzamam-ul-Haq, called up two uncapped Karachi batsmen – Asif Zakir and Akbar-ur-Rehman. Asif had scored 791 runs in 10 first-class matches in 2015-16 at an average of 56.50, while Akbar-ur-Rehman made 761 runs in 10 first-class games at 58.53.Left-handed batsman Fawad Alam, who was picked in the squad for the England series in the UAE in 2015-16, was left out despite topping the fitness tests – he was joint top with Mohammad Rizwan and Masood. Instead, batsman Iftikhar Ahmed, who could bowl offspin, has been picked. Iftikhar, who is uncapped in Tests, had made his ODI debut against England last year.Inzamam said that Alam’s name was discussed, but Iftikhar got the nod because of his all-round ability. “We did consider him [Alam] for the selection, but we have a packed middle order with Younis Khan, Misbah, Asad Shafiq, and we have an option of Iftikhar Ahmed who can bowl offspin from which we can have an edge against left-hand batsmen.”Sarfaraz Ahmed, whose fitness has been a major talking point, also made the cut despite a poor showing in the fitness tests, with Rizwan as a back-up option. Zulfiqar Babar was the second specialist spinner in the squad, and Wahab Riaz, who is playing county cricket for Essex, was also named. Given Wahab is already in England, he will miss the skills camp but join the squad directly in England should he make the final squad. Mohammad Amir, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan, Sohail Khan, Junaid Khan and Ehsan Adil are the other seam-bowling options.Inzamam admitted that Pakistan were struggling to find genuine allrounders. “Since Abdul Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood, we haven’t found a real allrounder who can come and can maintain the balance of the team. But still we can make an XI without an allrounder,” he said.The list of 22 players will be trimmed to 16 next month.The selectors also named the final squad for the A team’s tour of England for the tri-series also involving the hosts and Sri Lanka A. Opener Sharjeel Khan, seam-bowling allrounder Bilawal Bhatti, and left-arm spinning allrounder Mohammad Nawaz made the cut. The players chosen for the A squad will also attend the skills camp with the Test probables.Batsman Haris Sohail and left-arm spinner Imad Wasim were left out of both squads because of injuries.Pakistan’s probables for the England tour
Openers: Mohammad Hafeez (subject to fitness), Sami Aslam, Shan Masood, Khurram Manzoor
Middle-order batsmen: Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah ul Haq, Asad Shafiq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Zakir, Akbar-ur-Rehman
Seamers: Mohammad Amir, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan, Sohail Khan, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Wahab Riaz
Spinners: Yasir Shah (subject to fitness), Zulfiqar Babar
Wicketkeepers: Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan
Pakistan A players for the tri-series
Openers: Sharjeel Khan, Farukh Zaman, Jahid Ali
Middle-order batsmen: Saud Shakil, Babar Azam, Umer Siddique, Abdur Rehman Muzammil
Allrounders: Mohammad Nawaz
Seamers: Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Azeez Ullah, Bilawal Bhatti
Spinners: Mohammad Asghar, Shadab Khan

Steve Davies’ first Championship hundred for a year carried Surrey’s fight until Yorkshire hit back strongly with a late flurry of wickets at Headingley

ECB Reporters Network08-May-2016
ScorecardStephen Davies is congratulated on a hard-won century•Getty Images

Steven Davies kept his cool in the sun to complete a solid century that held Surrey together on the first day of the Specsavers County Championship match against title-holders Yorkshire at Headingley.It was the 21st first class century of Davies’ career and his first in the Championship for almost exactly a year. He was eventually out for a defiant 117 off 163 balls with 20 fours and Surrey were bowled out for 330 after winning the toss. Yorkshire were left with two overs in which to bat and they closed on 15 without loss.”I have not got the wicketkeeping gloves at the moment, so it is all about scoring big runs,” Davies said. “There are a few spots there in the England side and I just need to keep knocking at the door. I just wanted to concentrate on my batting for a while and I didn’t want the gloves but I feel motivated and energised again and would like to wear them but so far the club have not gone down that route.”For much of the time, Surrey appeared to have the upper hand but Yorkshire rallied late in the day, six wickets falling in 20 overs and four of them to the second new ball.Many in the 1,803 crowd were not in their seats by the starting time, a half-marathon in Leeds causing roads leading up to the ground to be closed off from early morning until lunchtime.But those who did make it saw a first hour of fluctuating fortunes with 40 runs scored, two wickets going down and three catches being dropped.When Rory Burns nicked David Willey into Jonathan Bairstow’s gloves with the score on 14, Arun Harinath had already survived a sharp chance to Gary Ballance at fourth slip and he enjoyed two further lives, Jack Brooks failing to hold on at long leg and Adam Lyth putting one down at second slip.The latter escape came off the third ball of Liam Plunkett’s spell but his next delivery was miscued by Harinath and popped to Ballance at cover.Surrey were 38 for two but Kumar Sangakkara and Davies soon rattled along with the Sri Lankan in his most majestic form and finding the boundary with a succession of drives through the cover point region.Sangakkara was 45 and Davies 21 at lunch which arrived with Surrey on 96 for two but the third wicket pair continued to blossom in the afternoon as each batsman reached his half-century, Sangakkara off 78 balls with nine fours and Davies from 94 deliveries with eight boundaries.Yorkshire were beginning to wonder where a wicket would come from but after skipper Andrew Gale had temporarily left the field for treatment after diving on to the rope, two went down in consecutive overs.Sangakkara had looked invincible until he tried to guide Plunkett over the slips and was well caught by Alex Lees for 73 off 101 balls with 13 boundaries to take his runs tally for Surrey to 470 in seven knocks.Then Jason Roy departed to his fourth ball from Brooks, superbly held low down to his left at third slip by Joe Root. Roy hung around for a while, possibly feeling he had played the ball into the ground, and he responded gently to the jeers of the crowd as he left the field.At 161 for four, Surrey could have slipped further if Davies had not calmly held things together by following up his 122 stand with Sangakkara with another century partnership with Ben Foakes.Runs came steadily and without too much difficulty, Davies on-driving Root to complete a handsome century off 137 balls with 18 fours and at tea Surrey were well placed on 230 for four.But just as two wickets had gone down unexpectedly earlier on, the same was to happen again in consecutive overs from Steve Patterson as Davies drove gently to Root at short cover to end his 103 stand with Foakes who was caught by Lees at first slip for 45.Again, Yorkshire had the chance to make further inroads with Surrey on 273 for six but James Burke and Tom Curran kept the initiative with the visitors until Burke and Gareth Batty fell lbw at 309 to leave Willey on a hat-trick, the first ball of his next over being safely pushed out to gully by Ravi Rampaul.Yorkshire were hitting back in some style and Brooks comprehensively bowled Curran at 321 to bring the Champions maximum bowling points. The innings was wrapped up when Rampaul top-edged a high catch to Bairstow of Brooks who finished with three wickets, as did Willey.

Liverpool are interested in a swoop for Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who has been struggling to find his feet in the German Bundesliga.

What's the latest on Gravenberch to Liverpool?

According to The Athletic's James Pearce, the Dutch maestro is "under consideration" by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp and technical director Julian Ward, with a bid possibly forthcoming this summer.

The precocious midfielder joined Bayern in the summer for €24m (£20m) from Ajax, but has failed to make the impact desired thus far, subsequently linked with a move to Merseyside in January, though the player rebuffed the advances from Premier League suitors.

Valued at £44m by CIES Football Observatory, it is unlikely that the ace would be available for anything even close to cheaper than that fee, but with Liverpool interested in signing Jude Bellingham, who is rated at €125m (£110m), Gravenberch could be a shrewd alternative.

Should Liverpool sign Gravenberch?

Hailed as "one of the biggest talents in Europe" by Bavarian sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, Gravenberch made a resounding start to life in Europe, attracting attention from a plethora of top outfits before making the move to Munich.

With Ajax, the 20-year-old scored 12 goals and supplied 13 assists from 103 appearances in the maiden phase of his career, flourishing as indeed one of the best teenage talents on the globe.

His spell at Bayern has certainly been less fruitful thus far, having scored just one goal and assist apiece and starting only four times across all competitions, but given the imperious nature of Julian Nagelsmann's outfit and Gravenberch's tender age, this is hardly a detriment to his impressive skill set.

The prowess of the Netherlands' "greatest talent" – as dubbed by former Ajax forward Wim Kieft – is evidenced through statistics provided by FBref, with the £156k-per-week phenom ranking among the top 11% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for total shots and the top 9% for progressive passes received, illustrating a transitional nature that would be a coveted asset at Anfield right now.

Frankly, Liverpool have been lacklustre and lifeless for large parts of the season, out of every cup competition and languishing six points off Tottenham Hotspur who occupy fourth spot.

And with the ever-reliable David Ornstein recently revealing that the Reds' prospects of clinching their top target, Bellingham, hang by a thread after concerns over the price involved and affluence of rival suitors, Klopp might be wise to make contingency plans.

The £27k-per-week ​​​​​​​"superstar" – as lauded by Rio Ferdinand – ranks himself among the top 11% of midfielders for shot-creating actions and progressive passes received per 90, also ranking among the top 1% for successful take-ons and the top 6% for progressive passes, and Bayern's prodigy seems to mirror the skill set; perhaps not quite refined, Klopp could mould the gem to his clay nonetheless.

Proclaimed to be a future "world-beater" by De Telegraaf journalist Marcel van der Kraan, Gravenberch holds the acumen and wields the tools to be a superlative midfield force over the coming years, and with minutes hard to come by at the Allianz Arena, Klopp must instigate a swoop and replenish Liverpool's midfield.