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Rishabh Pant is out of India’s ODI squads for the Australia and New Zealand tours, meanwhile, making way for Dinesh Karthik

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Dec-20181:41

‘Important for Dhoni to play more international matches’ – Dasgupta

MS Dhoni is back in India’s T20I squad. He hadn’t found a place in India’s two most recent T20I squads, against West Indies at home and in Australia, but he has returned as one of three wicketkeeper-batsmen for the three-match T20I series in New Zealand in early February.In more spinning of the wicketkeeping carousel, Dinesh Karthik is back in the ODI squads for Australia and New Zealand, replacing Rishabh Pant. Pant played three of the five ODIs against West Indies, as a specialist batsman, and scored 17 and 24.Pant is currently playing the Test series in Australia. According to the BCCI’s selection release, he will return home after the Tests to play for India A in a five-match one-day series against England Lions.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Among the middle-order batsmen, Manish Pandey has missed out on both squads. Pandey was on the bench for all five ODIs against West Indies, and didn’t get a chance in the T20I series in Australia. In the T20Is against West Indies, he batted twice, scoring 19 and 4*.Kedar Jadhav, who has been an ODI regular but wasn’t part of the recent T20Is, is back in favour in the shortest format. Hardik Pandya, the seam-bowling allrounder, is back as expected after recovering from the back injury that he sustained during the Asia Cup in September.With Jadhav and Hardik returning to the T20I squad, batsman Shreyas Iyer and the spin-bowling allrounder Washington Sundar have missed out.Jasprit Bumrah has a chat with MS Dhoni•Associated Press

Fast bowler Umesh Yadav finds himself out of both the ODI and T20I squads. The selectors have gone with Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed and Mohammed Shami as the four frontline quicks in the ODI squad, and Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar and Khaleel as a trio for the T20Is.Shami was part of the initial squad for the ODIs against West Indies, but was left out for the last three ODIs when Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah returned after being rested.

Neymar reportedly turned up drunk to some Paris Saint-Germain training sessions and lost Kylian Mbappe's respect during his turbulent spell in France.

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• Neymar turned up 'drunk' to PSG training
• Reportedly argued with team-mates
• 'Lost respect' of Mbappe at French side

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to L'Equipe, the French publication spoke to former PSG players and staff members, who claimed the Brazilian international 'sometimes showed up drunk' to training towards the end of his six-year stint at the Ligue 1 giants. The report alleges Neymar was involved in a training ground bust-up between Lionel Messi, Achraf Hakimi and Sergio Ramos during Christophe Galtier's time as manager; that he lashed out at youth player Ismael Gharbi, and his once good relationship with Mbappe eventually deteriorated.

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• Neymar Instagram/ Getty
  

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  Neymar would leave PSG, after widespread calls from fans for him to move on from the club, for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal on a two-year deal for a fee in the region of €90 million (£77m/$96m); arguably signalling the decline of the former Barcelona star's career. Soon after his move, the 32-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty with Brazil last October and he has not played since.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Neymar, who played just five times for Al-Hilal before getting injured earlier this season, scored 118 goals in 173 matches for PSG, replicating the form he showed for Barca, where he found the net on 105 occasions in 186 appearances.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Neymar, who flew in to see Al-Hilal thrash Al-Ittihad 4-1 in the Saudi Super Cup earlier this week, is continuing his comeback from injury but won't be fit until next season.

Everton are "monitoring" a hugely exciting player ahead of a potential move to Goodison Park, according to a new update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Everton transfer news

The January transfer window is continuing to edge closer all the time, at which point Sean Dyche could have the opportunity to boost his squad options. Much of that may depend on the takeover situation at Goodison, however, with the saga continuing to rumble on, and a "mystery Indian group" now in the mix to buy Everton, following a new update over the weekend.

There is also a chance that Dyche could be content with the options he currently has at his disposal, and while that may be unlikely, their recent form in the Premier League has been promising, with four points picked up from an away clash with West Ham and a home meeting with Brighton.

Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been linked with a January move to Everton, however, as he looks to enjoy regular playing time ahead of Euro 2024 next summer, and someone of his ilk could be ideal for the Blues, giving them more quality and energy in the middle of the park.

Now, a fresh update suggests that the Merseysiders could be eyeing a move for a big young prospect, perhaps focusing more on the long-term than the here and now.

Everton want Anton Matkovic

Taking to X on Sunday, renowned journalist Romano said that Everton are keeping a close eye on Anton Matkovic, with the 17-year-old a big young talent at NK Osijek:

"Interest growing in 17 year old Croatian talent Anton Matkovic. NK Osijek striker, attracting important clubs from Europe – understand Everton are monitoring him. Also RB Salzburg and Sassuolo are interested, no time for decision yet but one to watch for sure."

Matkovic is clearly not a household name yet, but the striker is making waves in his homeland for Osijek, being seen as arguably one of Croatia's brightest young talents at the moment.

In fact, Matkovic's stats are pretty limited at the moment due to a lack of first-team minutes, but he is a two-time capped Croatia Under-17 international, and while he is still awaiting his debut for Osijek, he has appeared for their Under-19s regularly from a very young age.

While Everton fans will no doubt want signings who are ready to come straight in and hit the ground running for Dyche's team, immediately improving their chances of avoiding relegation this season, it is always exciting to see a top teenage talent being linked with the Blues.

1. James Vaughan

16 years, 8 months and 27 days

2. Wayne Rooney

16 years, 8 months and 27 days

3. Michael Ball

16 years, 8 months and 27 days

4. Bert Llewellyn

17 years, 8 months and 17 days

5. Jack Rodwell

17 years, 6 months and 17 days

They have had some outstanding young attackers in the past, from Wayne Rooney to Francis Jeffers, and the hope would be that Matkovic comes in and is eventually added to that list.

The lure of the Premier League could give Everton and advantage in the race to sign the 17-year-old, and there can be no harm in taking a punt on him, should those in charge of transfers at Goodison see something special.

One "handful" West Ham player is said to have now "lost the trust" of manager David Moyes, and it's believed he's "surplus to requirements".

Who will leave West Ham?

The east Londoners face a very real prospect of losing many players over the next year. A host of West Ham squad members are now fast approaching the final months of their London Stadium contracts, including the likes of Tomas Soucek, Pablo Fornals, Ben Johnson, Vladimir Coufal, Michail Antonio, Conor Coventry, Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski and veteran defender Angelo Ogbonna (Transfermarkt).

While Coufal, Antonio and Soucek's deals contain options to extend by a further year, it is believed the latter could actually be sold in January if talks over fresh terms don't reach a positive outcome (Football Insider). The Czech Republic international, who remains a key player for Moyes, could well depart alongside the likes of Fornals, Johnson and Coventry; with the trio's 2024 exits reportedly set in stone already.

The likes of Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma, who are rumoured to be attracting major interest from Saudi clubs in the Middle East, could also depart in January if West Ham opt to entertain such approaches. Fringe members of the Hammers squad, like 2022 summer signing Maxwel Cornet, face uncertain futures at the Premier League club as well.

Maxwel Cornet update

There have been little in the way of reports on the Ivorian, who has played just a solitary minute of top flight action for West Ham this season, Cornet's only start this term has come in the EFL Cup, with a report from club insider Claret & Hugh now giving some clarity on his future.

The former Burnley star, who actually finished 2021/2022 as the Clarets' top Premier League goalscorer, hasn't been able to replicate that form at West Ham since signing last year. C&H, sharing a Cornet transfer update, now claim that the winger has "lost the trust" of Moyes, and as a result, is "surplus to requirements" at Rush Green.

They make this statement at the very bottom of an article concerning links to Turkey international winger Kerem Akturkoglu, where the insider suggests that West Ham could reinforce their left-flank given the uncertainty surrounding Said Benrahma and lack of faith in Cornet.

The 27-year-old has been a disappointing signing for Moyes, despite some praise as a "handful" by pundits in the media. One former Arsenal striker even once said his pace and directness could be a real asset.

Long shots

Aerial duels

Tackling

“West Ham are struggling to get in behind teams and score goals. Cornet is quick and direct. He could help them get behind," said Sky pundit Kevin Campbell to Football Insider last year.

“[Said] Benrahma is a dribbler whereas Cornet is a runner. He gets in behind and stretches teams. I think that is essential for West Ham at the moment. Cornet will not be starting this weekend but he is a handful off the bench. I’m sure David Moyes will be keen to get him involved as soon as possible.”

Liverpool have enjoyed a stellar resurgence this season compared to their stagnation during the 2022/23 campaign and this is down to Jurgen Klopp’s diligence in the transfer market.

With the German identifying that his midfield area needed baldy rejigged, out went the likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita during the summer, and he utilised his skills to improve his squad.

Young talent such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have all arrived at Anfield, and they have each made an impressive impact so far, with the trio registering nine goal contributions – four goals and five assists – between them so far this season.

This new midfield trio has helped the Reds win seven of their first ten Premier League matches as they currently occupy fourth place in the table, while the club have also won all three of their Europa League matches so far this season.

Could this be another season where Klopp wins more silverware for the club? It is looking promising so far and with the January transfer window fast approaching, there could be another one or two additions to the squad.

Liverpool transfer news

While Klopp strengthened his midfield during the summer, the signing of Japanese international Wataro Endo was the most surprising out of them all, arriving from Stuttgart for a fee of around £16.2m.

The manager was keen on either signing Moises Caicedo or Romeo Lavia in order to replace the defensive duties of Fabinho, who departed during the summer, yet in the end, Endo was the player who ended up at Anfield.

It is clear that the 30-year-old is not a long-term solution to the defensive midfield role and this could lead Liverpool back into the transfer market in the coming months to finally land a more permanent option in that position.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Merseyside club are now showing interest in Royal Antwerp teenage sensation Arthur Vermeeren and the good news for Klopp is he could be signed for just €25m (£21.7m) and this could represent an excellent piece of transfer business.

Of course, it isn’t just the Reds who are chasing the youngster, as Barcelona have also been touted with making a potential move for the Belgian, while Manchester United are keeping tabs on him too and if he continues his excellent form, it won't be long before he moves on from Antwerp.

With Mac Allister operating in a more defensive role this season, the signing of Vermeeren could allow him to push into a more advanced role and the supporters could see his true talents.

Signing Arthur Vermeeren could unshackle Alexis Mac Allister

The Argentinian World Cup winner cost Liverpool just an initial £35m a few months ago and considering his form for Brighton and Hove Albion across the previous few years, it could turn out to be a wise investment.

For the Seagulls last term, he split his duties between defensive, central and attacking midfield and demonstrated his penchant for bursting forward often by scoring 12 times, while grabbing three assists and this is the type of form Klopp would love to see.

Due to Fabinho leaving and Thiago out injured, the World Cup winner has had to revert to dropping slightly deeper during his first few months at Liverpool and while the Argentine can still function fairly well, he clearly prefers a more advanced role.

Alexis Mac Allister's statistics in the PL

2022/23

2023/24

Goals

10

0

Assists

2

1

Accurate passes per game

44.9

55

Big chances created

4

1

Key passes per game

1.3

0.7

Stats via Sofascore

When compared to positional peers over the previous 12 months, the 24-year-old currently ranks in the top 3% for total shots per 90 (2.29) while also ranking in the top 13% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.41) and the top 14% for shot-creating actions per 90 (3.5), clearly highlighting how effective his attacking metrics are.

Across 12 matches in all competitions this term, he has managed to register just one assist and by signing Vermeeren to slot into a more defensive-minded position, Mac Allister could thrive by being deployed in a more advanced role under Klopp.

Arthur Vermeeren’s statistics at Royal Antwerp

The 18-year-old made his senior debut for the Belgian side last season and subsequently went on to make 34 appearances in all competitions as he helped the club win the league title and the Belgian Cup during his maiden season.

His talent was obvious from the very first match, and he demonstrated his defensive attributes as the youngster ranked second across the squad for tackles per game (2.5), along with ranking fourth for interceptions per game (1.3) and winning 4.2 ground duels per game as he made his mark in the first team.

Vermeeren has used this solid breakthrough term as a base for further improvement and having already played 19 matches for the club this season, scoring once and registering five assists, proving that not only is he capable of performing well defensively, but he can bring some attacking qualities to the table.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig branded him “one of the most complete young midfielders in Europe” just last month after he shone against Shakhtar Donetsk and Eupen and a move to Liverpool would allow him to take the next step in his development while exposing him to a better league.

The in-demand ace doesn’t turn 19 until February and still has a lot to learn, yet his performances have displayed a maturity which is rare among players of his age, as he is able to combine both his attacking and defensive skillset in order to excel in the engine room.

Klopp may certainly see him as a long-term heir to Fabinho, slotting into the heart of the Liverpool midfield where he can play alongside the likes of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai and allow the duo to push forward as often as possible in order to stimulate their creative juices.

For a fee of just £21.7m, the Merseysiders would be mad to not make a concrete offer when the January transfer window rolls around in just a couple of months, and it would give Klopp the final piece of his midfield jigsaw.

If they do manage to sign him, Vermeeren could turn into a truly world-class player within just a few years, there is no doubt about that.

Gabriel Jesus was spotted singing along to Arsenal anthem ‘North London Forever’ ahead of the Gunners’ crunch Champions League clash with Porto.

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Gunners in continental actionEmirates Stadium was rockingBrazilian striker played his partWHAT HAPPENED?

The Brazil international was named among the substitutes for the second leg of a last-16 showdown with Portuguese opposition. Despite not being required from the off, the South American striker was very much in the mood for continental action.

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After taking up his place on the bench, and with Emirates Stadium rocking to the sounds of a tune that has become a major part of pre-match rituals in north London, Jesus could be seen joining supporters in bellowing out a song that is intended to inspire those in the stands and on the pitch.

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GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Jesus did make it onto the field against Porto, with Mikel Arteta introducing him in the 83rd minute. Arsenal held a 1-0 lead at that stage and saw the tie go all the way to penalties following a 1-1 draw on aggregate. Jesus was not required to step up in the shootout, with Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice converting their spot-kicks as David Raya saved two in a 4-2 triumph.

West Ham United could make a January move for a talented young striker, but they will have to do battle for his signature with a rival Premier League club, according to a report.

What's the latest West Ham transfer news?

There is likely to be some concern over the futures of two first-team players heading into the January transfer window, with journalist Ben Jacobs hinting Jarrod Bowen could seek a move to a bigger club to boost his chances of playing for England.

Not only is Bowen's future in doubt, but there could be renewed interest in Lucas Paqueta this winter, with it being reported that Newcastle United are now keen on the attacking midfielder, following serious interest from Manchester City in the summer.

David Moyes was able to strengthen his squad considerably in the previous transfer window, particularly in central midfield, but the manager was unable to get a deal for a striker over the line, despite chasing Paris Saint-Germain's Hugo Ekitike.

PSG wanted Ekitike to move to Eintracht Frankfurt, as a makeweight in a deal for Randal Kolo Muani, but he had no interest in moving to the Bundesliga club, and ultimately ended up remaining at the Parc des Princes.

However, Football Insider have now confirmed the Irons could reignite their interest in the PSG striker in the January transfer window, as he is likely to be "one of the best" options available on the market mid-season.

There may be competition for the Frenchman's signature though, with Crystal Palace also being named as potential suitors, having targeted him themselves during the summer.

The Hammers were involved in talks over a potential deal for the 21-year-old right up until the last day of the transfer window, and he made it clear he wanted to move to the Premier League, rather than making the switch to the Bundesliga and joining Frankfurt.

As such, there is seemingly a good chance the youngster will be interested in a move to the London Stadium this winter, at which point he will be ready to quit PSG, having mutually agreed an exit is the best possible route forward.

Will West Ham sign a striker?

Gianluca Scamacca was sold to Atalanta in the summer, and West Ham did not bring in a replacement for the Italian, leaving Moyes with Michail Antonio as his main choice to lead the line.

Antonio has started the season fairly well, scoring two goals in five Premier League games, and he has been a fantastic servant to the club over the years, but he is 33-years-old and it is about time the Hammers brought in a younger option.

Lauded as an "absolute talent" by scout and football writer Antonio Mango, Ekitike could be the perfect long-term replacement for the Jamaican, having impressed in France, registering ten goals and four assists in 24 Ligue 1 games for Reims in the 2021-22 campaign.

Although the starlet has been unable to kick on since moving to PSG, it is obviously very tricky to dislodge Kylian Mbappe in the starting XI, and a move to the London Stadium could give him the perfect opportunity to reignite his career.

Everton are finally back in Premier League action again today, and will feel quietly confident of securing a result against a high-flying Arsenal side…

Who should start for Everton vs Arsenal?

Although the Gunners come into this fixture in fine form whilst the Toffees do not, the Goodison Park factor is one that cannot be denied as Mikel Arteta once again returns to the place where his playing career in England exploded.

The Spaniard will be seeking to maintain his unbeaten league start, but despite facing a side that has yet to record a win, it is not the cut-and-dry result that it may seem on paper. After all, the Merseyside outfit have won four of their last five home games against the north London side.

What will also buoy Sean Dyche is the return of many absentees, with the international break coming at the perfect time to allow them to reset today in front of a rampant home crowd, as the likes of Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison near full fitness – albeit with the latter man having been ruled out for the visit of the Gunners.

The former in particular is someone who simply has to start if the former Burnley manager is to secure a result, with his wand of a left foot poised to terrorise Arsenal.

How good is Dwight McNeil?

The Toffees' poor start to the season is largely down to their profligacy in front of goal, as despite dominating three of their four league games, they have just one point to show for it. That is whilst creating 3.3 big chances per game and raining down 14.8 shots per game, via Sofascore.

So, being without last campaign's top scorer was always bound to put a dent in that proficiency, as the 23-year-old's seven goals and three assists made him integral in their survival push.

His creativity in particular will likely be key in feeding Beto, or another of his size, with his deep corner in this same fixture last term meeting James Tarkowski as they combined to secure a 1-0 win. Before that many assumed Arteta's men would roll over the hosts, who were welcoming Dyche in his first game in charge. However, he and his fellow former Clarets had other ideas.

Throughout the season McNeil would also maintain a 7.06 average rating in the league too, having created 11 big chances despite only registering three assists. This is easy to imagine when the £20m maverick averaged 1.4 key passes per game too, via Sofascore.

He is one of few within their squad truly capable of pulling something out of nothing, and against a well-oiled machine like Arsenal, they will have to rely on that.

Journalist Joe Thomas lauded another piece of "magic" from Everton's number seven back in 2022, which Goodison Park will hope to play witness to that again. Dyche has certainly been vocal in his praise for McNeil in the past: "Fantastic, he’s a real talent. I’ve said it for weeks now, and a long time ago when he first came into the side.

“He’s a really good player, he’s improving, his calmness at the end – I’m saying get it in the corner – but he cuts in, and his calmness to cross it into a dangerous area, and then gets his reward. Before then, his calmness to dribble out of trouble – he’s a really good player, really good, and he can only mature.”

Although the odds are completely against them, this will suit the hosts down to the ground. A moody Merseyside will expect fireworks, cheering on every big tackle and every towering header. The chance of the latter happening is certainly increased exponentially with McNeil in the team, which will hopefully be to create a winner.

Everton are still eyeing attacking reinforcements before the deadline and it looks as though a Premier League player could come in tonight, according to a new update.

Are Everton making more signings?

It's fair to say that the Blues have made a grim start to the season, with three defeats in a row coming in their opening trio of Premier League matches. Home 1-0 losses to Fulham and Wolves were sandwiched by a woeful 4-0 defeat away to Aston Villa, with another relegation battle potentially looking on the cards if things to don't improve significantly.

Wednesday's 2-1 win away to Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup second round certainly wasn't the most sparkling performance and result, but it should have acted as a boost to Sean Dyche and his players, especially for new signing Beto, who scored on his debut for Everton.

While the Portuguese giant has come in as an exciting attacking signing at Goodison Park, along with Arnaut Danjuma, one more attacking player could be perfect before the summer transfer window reaches its conclusion on Friday night, in order to bolster squad depth.

A fresh update has now emerged, in that respect, with Everton looking to bring in a Premier League player who has become something of a forgotten man of late.

Are Everton signing Maxwel Cornet?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook claimed that the Blues could look to seal the signing of West Ham winger Maxwel Cornet before deadline day ends:

"Che Adams, I think has turned them down, hence the fact that Beto came in. Obviously, Maxwel Cornet played really well under Sean Dyche at Burnley so that one makes a lot of sense.

"But I think there’s a sort of domino effect on that one in that, once Fulham sell Joao Palhinha, that will give them funds to bring in Alex Iwobi from Everton, which will then free up a spot for Maxwel Cornet and so it goes on. But, I could see that happening."

Cornet's spell at West Ham has admittedly been a disappointing one, with no goals coming his way in 22 appearances for the Hammers to date. He may have registered five assists, but there is still no denying that his time at the London Stadium has been underwhelming.

That being said, the Frenchman is still an attacking player with bags of talent, being hailed as "dangerous" by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, and the fact that Dyche worked with him at Burnley suggests that he knows the player inside out and has confidence that he can be a success at Goodison moving forward.

At 26, Cornet is still young enough to enjoy a positive next chapter in his career, overcoming his slump at West Ham to become a popular figure on Merseyside, being capable of beating a man with pace and quick feet out wide, and providing end product.

While that hasn't been the case with the Hammers, 51 goals in 252 matches for Lyon was a good return, and six in 30 caps for the Ivory Coast at international level is also a steady tally. Lots may need to happen for the move to go through, but it could be a savvy piece of business.

كشف أشرف صبحي وزير الشباب والرياضة عن تدخله في كافة تفاصيل الاحتفالات بمباراة الأهلي والترجي في نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا، معتذرًا عن أجواء نهائي الكونفدرالية.

فيديو | الأهلي يتوج بطلًا لـ دوري أبطال إفريقيا للمرة الـ12 بفوز مثير على الترجي

وقال صبحي في تصريحات تلفزيونية بفضائية “أون تايم سبورتس”: “التنظيم كان على أعلى مستوى اليوم، ونعتذر عما حدث في نهائي الكونفدرالية”.

وأضاف: “نعتذر عن الاحتفالات والتسليم في مباراة نهائي الكونفدرالية بين الزمالك ونهضة بركان، هذه مسؤولية الاتحاد الإفريقي وما بين إدارة الأندية”.

وتابع: “الجماهير حينها دخلوا بشكل منسق جدًا، ولكن عملية الاحتفالات والتسليم ليست في أيدينا”.

وواصل: “ولكن هذه المرة تدخلنا في كل التفاصيل، لم نترك خطوة، ودعمنا كاف بشكل كبير جدًا مع إدارة النادي الأهلي، ولم نترك تفصيلة إلا وكنا نسير خلفها”.

وائل جمعة: لاعب الأهلي عمل “نقلة” للفريق.. وإشادة خاصة بـ الزمالك

وتابع: “مبروك لمصر، ادعو الجماهير المصرية كلها تدعم منتخب مصر أمام بوركينا فاسو هذا ليس منتخبًا قليلاً”.

وتطرق للحديث عن السوبر الإفريقي: “هذا شيء جيد وديربي كما هو معتاد، المهم كوزير الرياضة شكل المنتج المصري والرياضة المصرية”.