Marcus Thuram is transforming from an assist man to a leading goal-scorer at Inter

Marcus Thuram is transforming from an assist man to a leading goal-scorer at Inter
It was Thuram’s eighth goal in 10 matches across all competitions and his first in Europe this season to go with his seven in eight Serie A appearances. (AFP)
Updated 3 min 13 sec ago
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Marcus Thuram is transforming from an assist man to a leading goal-scorer at Inter

Marcus Thuram is transforming from an assist man to a leading goal-scorer at Inter
  • It was Thuram’s eighth goal in 10 matches across all competitions and his first in Europe this season to go with his seven in eight Serie A appearances

ROME: Last season, Marcus Thuram was Serie A’s top assist man. This season, he’s in the running for the top goalscorer honor.
It’s been quite a transformation for the France international during his second year in the Italian league.
Thuram’s impact in front of the goal has been felt beyond Italy, too.
In the Champions League on Wednesday, he came off the bench to score the late winner in Inter’s 1-0 victory at Young Boys.
It was Thuram’s eighth goal in 10 matches across all competitions and his first in Europe this season to go with his seven in eight Serie A appearances.
In Serie A, only Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui has scored more — with eight.
“Goals are always important, even more so if they help the team to win,” Thuram said.
Only a couple of months into an extremely long club season that will conclude with the Club World Cup in June-July for Inter, Thuram is already more than halfway to his scoring mark of last season — which he finished with 15 goals and 14 assists across all competitions.
Thuram led Serie A with 13 assists last season but has yet to set up a goal this season — partly because strike partner Lautaro Martinez has had a slow start after leading Argentina to the Copa America trophy a couple of months after he and Thuram powered Inter to the Serie A title.
His new goal-scoring form could also be a boost for France, with which Thuram has only two goals in 27 appearances.
Family derby for Marcus, Khephren and Lilian Thuram
Up next, though, it’s “Italy’s derby” where Inter hosts rival Juventus on Sunday in a match that is also a family derby for the Thurams. Younger brother Khephren is in his first season at Juventus, where dad Lilian once starred as a defender.
Both brothers are expected to start at the San Siro.
“My dad will support the Bianconeri,” Marcus said. “Anyhow, it will still be wonderful for us all, and I won’t be angry with him.”
Inter has won five straight games
After a slower-than-expected start to its title defense, Inter has rediscovered its form with five straight wins across all competitions following a derby loss to AC Milan a month ago that served as a wake-up call.
“You don’t get five victories if the team isn’t in good shape,” coach Simone Inzaghi said. “We’re working hard. In the Champions League we have seven points after three matches and we haven’t conceded a goal.”
Juventus, meanwhile, is still struggling to find consistency under new coach Thiago Motta. The Bianconeri lost at Stuttgart 1-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Balotelli could be close to Serie A return
Struggling Genoa is considering signing Mario Balotelli, who is out of contract since leaving Turkish club Adana Demirsport after last season.
The 34-year-old Balotelli hasn’t played in Serie A for more than four years — since he was with hometown club Brescia in 2019-20. He last played in Italy for Monza in Serie B in 2020-21.


Marcus Thuram is transforming from an assist man to a leading goal-scorer at Inter

Marcus Thuram is transforming from an assist man to a leading goal-scorer at Inter
Updated 16 sec ago
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Marcus Thuram is transforming from an assist man to a leading goal-scorer at Inter

Marcus Thuram is transforming from an assist man to a leading goal-scorer at Inter
  • It was Thuram’s eighth goal in 10 matches across all competitions and his first in Europe this season to go with his seven in eight Serie A appearances
ROME: Last season, Marcus Thuram was Serie A’s top assist man. This season, he’s in the running for the top goalscorer honor.
It’s been quite a transformation for the France international during his second year in the Italian league.
Thuram’s impact in front of the goal has been felt beyond Italy, too.
In the Champions League on Wednesday, he came off the bench to score the late winner in Inter’s 1-0 victory at Young Boys.
It was Thuram’s eighth goal in 10 matches across all competitions and his first in Europe this season to go with his seven in eight Serie A appearances.
In Serie A, only Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui has scored more — with eight.
“Goals are always important, even more so if they help the team to win,” Thuram said.
Only a couple of months into an extremely long club season that will conclude with the Club World Cup in June-July for Inter, Thuram is already more than halfway to his scoring mark of last season — which he finished with 15 goals and 14 assists across all competitions.
Thuram led Serie A with 13 assists last season but has yet to set up a goal this season — partly because strike partner Lautaro Martinez has had a slow start after leading Argentina to the Copa America trophy a couple of months after he and Thuram powered Inter to the Serie A title.
His new goal-scoring form could also be a boost for France, with which Thuram has only two goals in 27 appearances.
Family derby for Marcus, Khephren and Lilian Thuram
Up next, though, it’s “Italy’s derby” where Inter hosts rival Juventus on Sunday in a match that is also a family derby for the Thurams. Younger brother Khephren is in his first season at Juventus, where dad Lilian once starred as a defender.
Both brothers are expected to start at the San Siro.
“My dad will support the Bianconeri,” Marcus said. “Anyhow, it will still be wonderful for us all, and I won’t be angry with him.”
Inter has won five straight games
After a slower-than-expected start to its title defense, Inter has rediscovered its form with five straight wins across all competitions following a derby loss to AC Milan a month ago that served as a wake-up call.
“You don’t get five victories if the team isn’t in good shape,” coach Simone Inzaghi said. “We’re working hard. In the Champions League we have seven points after three matches and we haven’t conceded a goal.”
Juventus, meanwhile, is still struggling to find consistency under new coach Thiago Motta. The Bianconeri lost at Stuttgart 1-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Balotelli could be close to Serie A return
Struggling Genoa is considering signing Mario Balotelli, who is out of contract since leaving Turkish club Adana Demirsport after last season.
The 34-year-old Balotelli hasn’t played in Serie A for more than four years — since he was with hometown club Brescia in 2019-20. He last played in Italy for Monza in Serie B in 2020-21.

An elite club of triple centurions

An elite club of triple centurions
Updated 2 min 47 sec ago
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An elite club of triple centurions

An elite club of triple centurions
  • The most recent of 32 players to achieve that landmark was England’s Harry Brook against Pakistan in Multan on Oct. 10

For an individual to score 300 runs or more in a single innings must be regarded as the pinnacle of batting achievement. This feat of supreme technical skill, concentration and physical endurance has been achieved 32 times in Test cricket by 28 men. The most recent was Harry Brook for England against Pakistan in Multan on Oct. 10 this year.

Brook shared a partnership of 454 runs with Joe Root, one of the finest batters of his generation, now the fifth highest scoring player in Test match history. Root reached 262, the closest he has come to the magical figure.

Once a player reaches the pinnacle, is that an end in itself or are expectations heightened for future performances?

Scoring 300 is not a reliable predictor of future success — ask Brook and Root. In the second Test in Multan they scored 23 and 52, respectively. Although it was the same pitch, its condition was deteriorating, allowing Pakistan’s spinners to exert control. The result levelled the series and brought England back to ground.

The circumstances under which triple hundreds have been scored vary, as do the consequences for those who managed to do so. The distribution of the 32 scores over time is very uneven. Until 1990, it was a reasonable quiz question to ask — name the 10 players who have scored a triple hundred in Tests. All but three were either English or Australian.

The exceptions were Hanif Mohammad of Pakistan, and West Indians Garfield Sobers and Laurence Rowe. Not only was Rowe the only player to have scored a triple hundred in the 1970s, but he was also the only one to do so between 1966 and 1990. Sadly, his career was cut short by an eye condition and injury.

Prior to Sobers and Mohammad in 1958, all previous triple hundreds were scored in the 1930s. The first was in April 1930 by Andrew Sandham of England, aged 39, against the West Indies. This was Sandham’s final Test match and was also a “timeless” Test. On the eighth day, bad weather prevented any play and a draw was agreed. Three months later, Donald Bradman scored 334 against England at Leeds, only to be outscored by England’s Wally Hammond with 336 in 1934. All were eclipsed by Len Hutton’s undefeated 364 against Australia in 1938.

These players were the cream of their generation and it is no surprise that their abilities were expressed in terms of triple hundreds. Some fortune is often needed along the way. Hutton survived a fumbled stumping opportunity and was facing a below-strength fast bowling attack. Hammond gave three chances against a New Zealand bowling attack that was new to Test cricket.

There is no mention of dropped chances in Hanif’s innings of 970 minutes, the longest in Test cricket, an astonishing feat of endurance. He succeeded in saving the first Test match for Pakistan against the West Indies in 1958. In the third Test of the same series, Sobers, aged 21, was facing criticism for failing to realize his potential. Three key Pakistani bowlers suffered injuries and Sobers took full advantage on a benign pitch. It is typical of the man that his first hundred in Test cricket should be a triple.

Two other players have achieved that feat. One was Australia’s Bobby Simpson against England in 1964. Remarkably, Simpson, who had been playing Test cricket for seven years, often as an opener, had failed to score a century in that time. His triple century was also the first scored by the captain of a Test team. India’s Karun Nair was the other player to turn a first hundred into a triple. Blessed with outstanding talent, he made his debut for India against England in November 2016. In the next Test, he scored 303 from 381 deliveries faced. He played only four more Tests, his last innings against Australia in March 2017, when he scored five, after which he was sidelined. His triple hundred was no predictor of future success.

Brian Lara is the only player to have scored 400 in a Test match. This was in 2004 against England in Antigua. England led 3-0 in the four-match series and Lara’s captaincy was under threat. England’s bowling attack was weakened by injury and illness during the match and he took advantage, batting 13 hours and facing 582 deliveries. The feat was not universally applauded. Some called it a selfish act, not in the interests of his team. As it was, England were able to save the match, batting long into its second innings.

This innings by Lara was in very different circumstances to the one 10 years earlier when he scored 375 against England, also in Antigua. Although he batted for a similar length of time, he faced fewer deliveries (358). There had been an expectation for some time that Lara was the player who could surpass Sobers’ record. In the series, West Indies led 2-1 and a benign pitch provided Lara with the opportunity. When he overtook Sobers’ score of 365 the crowd erupted, flooding the field, along with assorted camera crews.

Lara’s record stood for almost 10 years, broken in October 2003 by Australia’s Matthew Hayden, who bullied a weak Zimbabwean attack and scored an unbeaten 380. Perhaps this rankled, making Lara determined to reclaim the record when the chance came six months later. In the same year, Lara also made the highest ever first-class score, an unbeaten 501 for Warwickshire against Durham.

If there are any common themes amongst the triple centurions, it is that there was sufficient time in the game for the feat to be achieved — all but two were scored in a first innings. They took advantage of the opportunity by dint of a mix of skill, good fortune, benign pitches, weakened bowling attacks and extreme physical effort. A number of players have fallen short, the saddest being Martin Crowe of New Zealand. In 1991, he edged to the wicketkeeper on 299. How that must have haunted him.


Liverpool stay perfect in Champions League and Raphinha scores hat trick for Barcelona

Liverpool stay perfect in Champions League and Raphinha scores hat trick for Barcelona
Updated 2 min 57 sec ago
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Liverpool stay perfect in Champions League and Raphinha scores hat trick for Barcelona

Liverpool stay perfect in Champions League and Raphinha scores hat trick for Barcelona
  • After three rounds in the revamped tournament, Liverpool and Aston Villa have a two-point lead over seven clubs including Man City and another Premier League team, Arsenal
  • It was Barcelona’s first win over Bayern since the 2015 Champions League semifinals
  • After beating Real Madrid 1-0 in the previous round, Lille won 3-1 at Atletico, who were unbeaten in their last 11 home matches

LONDON: It was a great night for English clubs, and for Barcelona captain Raphinha.

Premier League leader Liverpool moved level on points with Aston Villa at the top of the Champions League standings Wednesday by extending their perfect record to three wins, and Manchester City set a new record for the most consecutive games undefeated in the history of the competition.

Liverpool edged Leipzig 1-0 with a goal from Darwin Nunez. City routed Sparta Prague 5-0 with Erling Haaland scoring twice.

Raphinha scored a hat trick as Barcelona finally beat Bayern Munich to end a series of six consecutive wins for the German team in their head-to-head meetings that included a humiliating 8-2 loss for Barca in the quarterfinals in 2020.

This time, Barcelona came out on top of an entertaining contest with a 4-1 statement win.

After three rounds in the revamped tournament, Liverpool and Aston Villa have a two-point lead over seven clubs including Man City and another Premier League team, Arsenal. The four English teams in the competition have conceded just one goal combined so far.

Raphinha on a roll

In Barcelona, the hosts opened the scoring within a minute as Raphinha was found by Fermin Lopez’s through ball, then rounded Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with ease.

Bayern leveled the score with Harry Kane’s volley, but Barcelona responded with one goal from former Bayern great Robert Lewandowski and two more from Raphinha, who was later substituted to a standing ovation.

It was Barcelona’s first win over Bayern since the 2015 Champions League semifinals. Barcelona came into the game without having scored in their four games against Bayern since an 8-2 loss in 2020. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was Bayern’s coach in that game.

“It could have been a Champions League final. Winning like this, in front of our fans, is the best,” Raphinha said. “What we are doing on the pitch answers what Barça can do in this Champions League.”

Liverpool stay perfect

Arne Slot has guided Liverpool to first place in the Premier League early in his tenure as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement and now has the team on a maximum nine points in the Champions League.

The latest win in Europe came at Leipzig, one of the clubs that Klopp will be overseeing in his new role as head of global soccer at Red Bull.

Nunez tapped in the only goal in the 27th minute from Mohamed Salah’s header back toward goal and could have earned a penalty in the 38th when he appeared to be tripped by Willi Orban.

“If we had left this place with a draw, I would have really felt we had lost something,” Slot told TNT Sports. “For the 70 previous minutes — except, maybe, for the first 10 — we dominated.”

Leipzig is the only team from the big 5 leagues to lose their three opening matches.

City improve United record

Manchester City’s new record won’t please the red half of the English city.

By beating Sparta Prague, the English champions set the record for consecutive games undefeated in the history of the competition — even stretching back before 1992 into the European Cup era. City are now on 26 matches unbeaten. Alex Ferguson’s Man United team from 2007-09 managed to stay unbeaten for 25 matches.

Phil Foden put the hosts ahead with less than three minutes gone. Haaland then scored an amazing goal off the back of his heel. John Stones made it 3-0, Haaland grabbed his second and Matheus Nunes added more luster to the emphatic win.

Lille upset Atletico

After beating Real Madrid 1-0 in the previous round, Lille won 3-1 at Atletico, who were unbeaten in their last 11 home matches in the Champions League.

The French side had just three shots on target, including a penalty kick.

Julian Alvarez put the hosts in front with an early opener before Edon Zhegrova curled in an equalizer close to the hour mark. Jonathan David then scored from the spot in the 74th minute and completed a brace in the 89th minute.

“We may not have played a great, great game, but we played the game we needed to tonight,” Lille midfielder Benjamin Andre said.

Brest frustrates Leverkusen

A superb goal from Pierre Lees-Melou helped minnows Brest to a 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen as both teams remained unbeaten.

The French team played with verve throughout the second half but was unable to find the second goal.

Playing in Europe’s top competition for the first time, the newcomers faced their toughest test yet against the German champions, who had also won their first two matches in the revamped tournament.

Florian Wirtz’s low shot gave Leverkusen the lead in the 24th minute. It was his seventh goal in all competitions this season. Lees-Melou, who recently returned from a broken leg, leveled with a right-footed volley from outside the box. It was his first goal since March.

Other matches

Elsewhere, Celtic struggled but frustrated Atalanta with a 0-0 draw. Mario Pasalic hits the woodwork for the Italian team.

Looking for a third consecutive win, Benfica lost 3-1 to Feyenoord, while substitute Marcus Thuram scored in stoppage time to help Inter Milan scrape a 1-0 win at Young Boys.


Putin says Middle East ‘on brink of full-scale war’

Putin says Middle East ‘on brink of full-scale war’
Updated 6 min 28 sec ago
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Putin says Middle East ‘on brink of full-scale war’

Putin says Middle East ‘on brink of full-scale war’

KAZAN: Russian President Vladimir Putin told a BRICS summit on Thursday that the Middle East was on the verge of full-scale war.
“The military action that started a year ago in Gaza has now spread to Lebanon. Other countries in the region are also affected,” Putin told a meeting in Kazan attended by several world leaders.
“The level of confrontation between Israel and Iran has sharply risen. This is all reminiscent of a chain reaction and puts the whole Middle East on the verge of full-scale war,” Putin said.
Violence in the Middle East will not end until the creation of an independent Palestinian state, Putin said at the summit, attended by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
“The key demand for restoring peace and stability on Palestinian territories is carrying out the two-state formula approved by the UN Security Council and General Assembly,” the Russian president said.
He added that this would be “correcting the historical injustice toward the Palestinian people.”
“Until this question is resolved, it will not be possible to break the vicious circle of violence.”


Recipes for Success: UNOX Arabia’s corporate chef Elie Ghrayeb talks patience, preparation and positivity

Recipes for Success: UNOX Arabia’s corporate chef Elie Ghrayeb talks patience, preparation and positivity
Updated 1 min 39 sec ago
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Recipes for Success: UNOX Arabia’s corporate chef Elie Ghrayeb talks patience, preparation and positivity

Recipes for Success: UNOX Arabia’s corporate chef Elie Ghrayeb talks patience, preparation and positivity

DUBAI: Aged just 28, Elie Ghrayeb has already made a name for himself in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning food and beverage industry.  

Ghrayeb is currently corporate chef at UNOX Arabia, the regional branch of the Italian oven manufacturer, and combines a wealth of culinary experience with a background in management.  

Ghrayeb began his career as an apprentice at Beirut’s Printania Restaurant, where he developed his passion for cooking. Working closely with experienced chefs, he refined his skills and transitioned into management roles, which led him to Saudi Arabia in 2022.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Elie Ghrayeb (@elieghrayeb_)

Now, Ghrayeb travels the Middle East and Africa, showcasing the brand’s ovens, leading demonstrations and participating in exhibitions. 

Here, he shares insights into kitchen challenges, his favorite cuisine and the importance of teamwork.  

What was the most common mistake you made when starting out?  

Rushing things. I often overlooked the importance of proper preparation and organization, which led to mistakes in timing and execution. Over time, I’ve learned that taking the time to set everything up properly beforehand makes a world of difference in the kitchen. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Elie Ghrayeb (@elieghrayeb_)

What’s your top tip for amateur chefs cooking at home? 

Have patience. Cooking is an art that requires time and attention. Focus on mastering basic techniques and flavors before attempting more complex dishes. Enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes — they’re valuable learning opportunities. 

What one ingredient can enhance any dish?  

It’s impossible for me to choose just one, so I’d highlight three essential elements I never cook without: salt, fat and acid. Each plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and elevating a dish. Salt enhances and brings out natural flavors, fat adds richness and texture, and acid provides brightness and balance. Together, they form the foundation of great cooking. 

When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the meal?  

Yes, I do. Common issues I encounter include lack of seasoning, overcooked proteins, and dishes that feel rushed. I also pay close attention to the service and atmosphere, as both can significantly impact the overall experience. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Elie Ghrayeb (@elieghrayeb_)

What’s your favorite cuisine? 

French gastronomy holds special significance for me, as it was the first cuisine I ever worked with. I have a particular fondness for dishes like steak tartare and classic bistro-style comfort food. The meticulous attention to detail and the harmonious balance of flavors in French cooking never cease to inspire me. Each bite evokes cherished memories of my early culinary journey and the passion that ignited my love for the craft. 

What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home?  

A perfectly seared ribeye steak with flavorful sides. It’s my comfort food, and I love the simplicity and satisfaction it brings. The process of seasoning the steak and achieving that beautiful crust, paired with sides like garlic mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables, makes for an incredibly rewarding cooking experience. Each bite captures the essence of indulgence and brings me immense joy. 

What customer behavior most frustrates you?  

I find it particularly frustrating when customers are disrespectful to waitstaff and restaurant personnel. A respectful and courteous atmosphere is essential for creating a positive dining experience for everyone involved. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Elie Ghrayeb (@elieghrayeb_)

What’s your favorite dish to cook?  

A classic steak tartare. It holds special significance for me, as it was the first dish I learned to master. The precision required in its preparation makes it rewarding. 

What’s the most challenging dish for you to get right? 

I don’t view specific dishes as particularly challenging to execute, but I find that preparing cuisine from a completely unfamiliar culture can be difficult. The lack of understanding of the cultural nuances and historical context can pose a unique challenge in achieving authenticity. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Elie Ghrayeb (@elieghrayeb_)

As a leader, are you a disciplinarian? Or are you more laidback?  

I’d say I have a calm and supportive management style. I believe in creating a positive environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and learning from mistakes. Open communication and leading by example are key. 

 

Chef Elie's beef tartare recipe 

 

INGREDIENTS: 

 

For the beef tartare: 

300g beef rump, finely chopped 

20g shallots, finely chopped 

20g cornichons, finely chopped 

15g capers, finely chopped 

5g chives, finely chopped 

40g truffle mayonnaise (recipe below) 

Olive oil, for seasoning 

Salt and pepper, to taste 

 

For the truffle Mayonnaise: 

500g olive oil 

4 egg yolks 

20g truffle, finely chopped 

20g Savora mustard 

A splash of vinegar 

Salt and pepper, to taste 

To serve: 

Japanese egg yolk (one per serving) 

Sliced toasted baguette 

Extra truffle mayonnaise 

Dijon mustard (optional) 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

Prepare the tartare: 
In a bowl, combine the chopped beef, shallots, cornichons, capers, and chives. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, ensuring all the flavors are well-balanced. 

Make the truffle mayonnaise: 
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and mustard together until well combined. Slowly add the olive oil in a thin stream while continuously whisking to emulsify. Once the mayonnaise reaches a thick consistency, stir in the chopped truffle. Add a splash of vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Assemble the dish: 
Shape the beef tartare into a neat mound on the plate. Gently place a Japanese egg yolk on top of the tartare. Serve with sliced toasted baguette on the side, along with a small bowl of the truffle mayonnaise and Dijon mustard (if desired) for extra flavor.