Player of the season so far? You could have a lively debate. Manchester City's David Silva would be a front-runner along with Arsenal's Robin van Persie. You probably could throw half of Roberto Mancini's first XI into the mix, plus perhaps Phil Jones, Wayne Rooney, Luis Suarez and Luka Modric.
But signing of the season? It should be unanimous. Amid a summer of major spending in the Premier League, Liverpool's Kenny Dalglish snapped up the Welsh forward Craig Bellamy on a free transfer from City.
Bellamy comes with hefty wages, but in contrast to the fees that have been shelled out for players this year, he represents a bargain.
To put his value into context, compare him to Liverpool's priciest asset, the £35 million (Dh199m) striker Andy Carroll.
This may be unfair to Carroll. He was vastly overpriced, his transfer fee the result of last-minute manoeuvring in the January transfer window.
First, compare the two in a striker's currency - goals.
Bellamy has two goals in five starts in all competitions this season, Carroll has three in 10. The expensive forward has the inferior strike rate. In fact, Carroll's five Liverpool goals have cost £7m each, so far.
Add to that the number of goals Bellamy has assisted (three) compared to Carroll (zero) and his worth is clear. But more important is what the two players bring to the team: Bellamy, versatility; Carroll, a conundrum for his manager.
Bellamy's assets are pace and close control. It means he can play anywhere across the pitch - as part of a front two, behind a central striker, wide in a 4-3-3 or as a midfielder.
Modern football is all about adaptable tactics. The 4-5-1 formation is a particular favourite for managers at the moment, especially away from home, as it can easily become a progressive 4-3-3 when a team is on the attack. Dalglish likes to play it and Bellamy fits the mould.
With Carroll, Dalglish has yet to find a way to fit him into a successful side. Carroll's assets are neither pace nor control. He is about as near to the prototypical "English centre-forward" as can be imagined: dominant in the air, a rocket of a shot, most lethal inside the box. Unfortunately, Liverpool look better with Luis Suarez as the focus of the attack, supported by the likes of Dirk Kuyt, Bellamy and Stewart Downing. Carroll's lack of flexibility is his downfall in this Liverpool team.
He has spent most of his time recently on the bench and Dalglish should be applauded for having the conviction to bench his club's record signing in place of a man who cost virtually nothing.
twoods@thenational.ae
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Drivers’ championship standings after Singapore:
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes - 263
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari - 235
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes - 212
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull - 162
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari - 138
6. Sergio Perez, Force India - 68
How the UAE gratuity payment is calculated now
Employees leaving an organisation are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity after completing at least one year of service.
The tenure is calculated on the number of days worked and does not include lengthy leave periods, such as a sabbatical. If you have worked for a company between one and five years, you are paid 21 days of pay based on your final basic salary. After five years, however, you are entitled to 30 days of pay. The total lump sum you receive is based on the duration of your employment.
1. For those who have worked between one and five years, on a basic salary of Dh10,000 (calculation based on 30 days):
a. Dh10,000 ÷ 30 = Dh333.33. Your daily wage is Dh333.33
b. Dh333.33 x 21 = Dh7,000. So 21 days salary equates to Dh7,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service. Multiply this figure for every year of service up to five years.
2. For those who have worked more than five years
c. 333.33 x 30 = Dh10,000. So 30 days’ salary is Dh10,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service.
Note: The maximum figure cannot exceed two years total salary figure.
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Company profile
Company name: Dharma
Date started: 2018
Founders: Charaf El Mansouri, Nisma Benani, Leah Howe
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: TravelTech
Funding stage: Pre-series A
Investors: Convivialite Ventures, BY Partners, Shorooq Partners, L& Ventures, Flat6Labs
Miss Granny
Director: Joyce Bernal
Starring: Sarah Geronimo, James Reid, Xian Lim, Nova Villa
3/5
(Tagalog with Eng/Ar subtitles)
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BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5