Category Uncategorized

Newcastle United have bid farewell to striker Callum Wilson, who departs the Magpies after five years on Tyneside.

The centre-forward struggled with injury throughout his spell with the club, scoring 49 goals across 130 appearances.

However, with a Carabao Cup winner’s medal around his neck, he will leave Tyneside with fond memories of the club.

The positive news concerning his departure means that it does leave room for Eddie Howe to bring in another striker this summer, especially with European football on the horizon.

James Trafford and Anthony Elanga look set to move to St James’ Park in the coming days. Will another new attacker follow after them?

Newcastle in advanced talks for English striker

Howe was keen on bringing Joao Pedro to Newcastle, but Chelsea’s offer of £60m was beyond what the Magpies were willing to spend.

Despite Champions League football to look forward to next term, Howe is going to have to be diligent in the transfer market and hunt for alternatives.

Well, according to reports, the Toon are now currently in advanced talks to sign former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin following his departure from the Toffees.

The Englishman has been admired for a while now by Howe, but he will have to fend off interest from Manchester United to secure his man.

Transfer Focus

Even though he has scored only 11 goals since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, could he return to form at Newcastle, however?

Especially with someone like Elanga creating plenty of chances for him.

Why Calvert-Lewin could be a good signing for Newcastle

Last season, Elanga notched up 12 assists for Nottingham Forest in all competitions. Furthermore, he created nine big chances and averaged 1.3 key passes per game in the top flight.

If that wasn’t enough, the Swede ranked in the top 6% for assists and in the top 3% for crosses when compared to his positional peers in the Premier League.

Thus, should Calvert-Lewin make the move to Newcastle, he would surely shine alongside a player like Elanga.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2024/25

26

3

2

2023/24

38

8

3

2022/23

18

2

1

2021/22

18

5

2

2020/21

39

21

5

2019/20

41

15

1

2018/19

38

8

3

2017/18

44

8

5

2016/17

20

5

2

While the previous few years have been tough, the 28-year-old did score 13 league goals in 2019/20 and 16 the season after, proving that when he is fit, the striker is among one of the best in the country.

It was around this time that the player received plenty of praise from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who said:

“Calvert-Lewin, I really expected him to make big steps in the next few years and he did. He has everything you need in a top striker: size, mobility, speed, desire, technically really, really good, in the air, finishing with his head, both feet.”

Signing the former Sheffield United starlet on a free transfer could turn into a shrewd piece of business for Howe. But only if he remains fit and healthy.

Adding both Elanga and Calvert-Lewin will certainly give Newcastle more depth in their attacking department and it could well be that the Forest winger is the chance generation machine that the latter needs to revive his career.

Still only 28, the former Everton striker could shine in the northeast.

Their new Gordon: Newcastle "close" to signing "electric" big-money star

As Eddie Howe looks to bolster his attacking options, Newcastle are “negotiating” to sign an “electric” winger who will be sensational Gordon repeat.

ByBen Gray Jul 7, 2025

Liverpool are renowned for their savvy operating in the transfer market, having spent wisely across the past decade to reap illustrious rewards.

While the Reds are preparing to fork out a bank-breaking deal for 22-year-old Florian Wirtz, understood to be worth at least £116m, the playmaker is regarded as one of the most influential rising talents in the world, having already conquered his German homeland.

The Bayer Leverkusen star hasn’t finalised his move to Anfield yet, but there’s no question he will be playing in a Liverpool shirt next season, according to Fabrizio Romano.

However, Liverpool don’t always spend record-smashing fees on talented forwards. Indeed, Cody Gakpo has proved himself a worthy Premier League winner, going from strength to strength after his smart £35m signing in January 2023.

With Bayern Munich ceding defeat in the race for Wirtz, they have turned their attention to alternative targets – including Gakpo.

Surely, Liverpool can’t let their 25-year-old star leave.

Cody Gakpo's Liverpool future

Gakpo still has three years on his Liverpool contract, and after kicking on in Arne Slot’s system last term, will be confident that he can hit another level over the coming year.

Bayern seem to share the sentiment, but after receiving information that Liverpool have set an asking price of €100m (£84m), will likely shelve their curiosity.

This is good. Liverpool should not entertain the notion of selling their Dutch forward after his “monster” campaign, as has been said by journalist Declan Carr.

24/25

49

18

7

23/24

53

16

7

22/23

26

7

3

On the surface level, Gakpo hasn’t really made significant gains in regard to his output, but there’s no question he’s sharper, slicker and more effective in his nailed-down berth on the left wing.

Gakpo has the minerals to play well at centre-forward, but Liverpool are gearing up to sign a similar profile better suited to number nine.

Slot knows what he likes in a forward, and if he can sign a Gakpo-esque star with more of a centre-forward’s flair, the Merseysiders would move a confident step closer toward defending their crown.

Liverpool still in race for new forward

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are still in the running for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, though Chelsea have also retained their interest as Manchester United enter the race.

The sticking point? Frankfurt want €100m (£85m) for their striker, and their director, Markus Krösche, has actually declared, “If the price isn’t right, then he will stay with us.”

With the plan confirmed for Darwin Nunez’s summer sale, Liverpool need to sign a striker, and if a deal can be engineered for Ekitike, they might just hit the jackpot.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Liverpool

Ekitike, a product of Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, only scored four goals across 33 matches for PSG’s senior team before making the move to Germany, signing for Frankfurt for a €35m (£30m) fee.

But his present transfer price tells you everything you need to know about his journey over the past year and a half, having finished the 2022/23 campaign (as a loanee) with a strong burst of prolific form before notching 22 goals and 12 assists across the past season.

But how does he compare to Gakpo? And why, more importantly, does that matter? Well, both forwards are rangy and loose-limbed, with a confident, striding gait that owes to their underlying power and confidence on the ball.

Gakpo’s physicality as a 6 foot 4 sensation has seen him rise to become one of the foremost forwards in the Premier League, and it’s an attribute that the 6 foot 3 Ekitike must harness too.

Of course, the underlying data also suggests how Ekitike, growing into his skin as a high-level goalscorer, also boasts a wealth of creative qualities.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 19% for ball recoveries per 90, the latter of which underscores his energy and movement.

With dynamic and fluid players such as Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and Ousmane Dembele, PSG superstar, among Ekitike’s most statistically similar players, as per FBref, the France talent’s likeness to Gakpo is clear, for both players can operate between focal and wide attacking roles.

To be sure, Ekitike is not the finished product and needs to make further steps in his development if he is to justify such a price tag as £85m – or thereabouts.

But he’s immensely skilled, balanced and vibrant in his football. As per Sofascore, he made 12 big chances in the Bundesliga last season, also showing his combative side with an average of 4.2 duels won per match.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has also dubbed him “one of the best strikers out there”, which makes a telling comment on his current level and, indeed, how much better he could yet become.

Moreover, Ekitike has played the lion’s share of his career as a central striker, but across the four matches fielded on the left flank, he has scored one goal and provided two assists for his teammates. Thus, he’s blessed with a positional dynamism that furthers the argument of him being Slot’s new version of Gakpo.

In a mirror image, however, the Frenchman’s prowess lies as the focal frontman, with his qualities at variance with Gakpo’s in the best way, a way that could raise Liverpool’s level and propel them toward more silverware, more success.

Isak upgrade: Liverpool hold talks to sign the "best CF on the market"

Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez gamble hasn’t paid off – now a replacement could be on the cards…

5 ByRobbie Walls Jun 12, 2025

Leeds United have now been hit with a worrying development as a key player is unhappy with the way contract talks are progressing, according to a recent report.

49ers chasing multiple transfer deals for Leeds

As with any team that is promoted to the Premier League, the Whites are expected to be in for a busy summer as they look to form a squad that is capable of doing what other promoted teams haven’t done in recent years, and that is staying in the Premier League. Daniel Farke and co. have managed to put together a very competitive Leeds team, but stepping up another level means the German will want more quality and depth.

He must go before Bamford: Leeds have told £11m flop he will now be sold

Leeds have told this flop that he must leave this summer, and the dud must go before Patrick Bamford.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 9, 2025

The Yorkshire side appear keen to strengthen the spine of their team, as it’s been reported that Leeds are chasing a deal to sign goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, who is seen as a replacement and upgrade on Illan Meslier. As well as looking to sign Fofana, the Whites are also interested in signing his teammate Himad Abdelli, who also plays for French side Angers. Abdelli is an attacking midfielder, and his potential arrival would bolster Farke’s creativity and midfield depth.

The Championship title winners also have targets to strengthen their defence and forward line, with the 49ers lining up a move to sign Dara O’Shea from Ipswich Town.

Meanwhile, Leeds have made contact with striker Rodrigo Muniz over a possible move to Elland Road. The Fulham and Brazil forward is very much a wanted man this summer, and now the Whites have added him to their list of attacking options.

Daniel James contract update

But while the Whites look at bringing in new players, they are also hoping to keep hold of some of their best talents this summer. According to Alan Nixon, relayed by The Leeds Press, Leeds are struggling to reach a contract agreement with winger Daniel James.

That is because the Whites have offered the Welsh international a two-year deal, but James is looking for a longer contract offer, as he feels his performances over the last couple of seasons have earned him the right to a long-term deal.

James, who is one of Leeds’ biggest earners on a weekly wage of £50,000, has been at Elland Road since August 2021, joining from Manchester United. After his season on loan at Fulham, James has taken his game to the next level, scoring 25 goals in the last two Championship seasons combined.

Apps

123

Goals

29

Assists

22

Back in March, James put Farke’s management style as the reason why his form has been so impressive, perhaps showing why he is willing to commit his future to the club but on the right terms.

He told BBC Radio Leeds: “When he first come in, he put his arm around me and said what he wanted from me. We had a good relationship from the start, and it’s one I’ve tried to continue with.

“The way he sets up the team suits me down to the ground, and that’s where I get the benefits from.”

With Real Madrid setting their sights on William Saliba, Arsenal would now reportedly consider selling their star defender for the chance to sign a talented midfielder from the Spaniards in return.

Real Madrid eyeing Saliba move

After a disappointing season which could yet end without a trophy, it could be all change in the Real Madrid technical area this summer. Recent reports have indicated that Carlo Ancelotti is in negotiations to become the new manager of the Brazilian national team, which would likely see Xabi Alonso make his way to the Bernabeu ahead of the next campaign.

With Alonso possibly arriving, the Spaniards could yet be in for a busy summer transfer window too. Already, they’re in negotiations with Trent Alexander-Arnold over a free move upon the expiry of his current Liverpool contract at the end of the season and have now also reportedly set their sights on Saliba.

Recent reports in Spain have suggested that the Frenchman is on Alonso’s list of targets should he step into the Madrid technical area in the coming months. Following another season without a Premier League title and with Arsenal’s Champions League fate hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen whether Saliba will be able to turn down the lure of the Bernabeu.

Arsenal want to sign a "beast" Gyokeres alternative who's outscoring Isak

Arsenal could sign an amazing Viktor Gyokeres alternative this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 2, 2025

If that does prove to be the case, then there’s no doubt that his departure will be a major blow. At the same time, however, it looks as though the Gunners will at least aim to get something in return.

Arsenal now considering Saliba sale on one condition

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal would now consider selling Saliba to Real Madrid if they got Aurelien Tchouameni in return. Mikel Arteta is reportedly a big fan of the Frenchman and may yet have the perfect chance to welcome him to North London.

What his arrival would also do is replace Thomas Partey, who is currently on course to leave Arsenal as a free agent upon the expiry of his current contract this summer.

Filling that gap in the middle of the park should be among the Gunners’ top priorities, especially if they are to finally claim Premier League glory next season. And there’s no doubt that Tchouameni should be a top candidate to do exactly that.

Minutes

2,364

2,437

Progressive Passes

149

165

Interceptions

42

32

Ball Recoveries

124

120

Dubbed “strong” by Ancelotti earlier this season, Tchouemeni has matched and even outperformed Partey in a number of areas this season. At the sacrifice of Saliba, Arsenal could land an instant upgrade in midfield.

Whether it is worth losing one of the best centre-backs in European football to boost their midfield is a question that those at The Emirates must ponder, however.

The United head coach speaks about the importance of being flexible, their numbers-driven approach and more

Danyal Rasool09-Mar-2024Islamabad United had one idea, and licked the bottom of the glass with it before any other side had the chance to sit down for a drink. It comprised a strong, young local core combined with an overseas top order that filled in the power-hitting gaps that existed in Pakistan at the time. They used data analytics to tease out the best match-ups against each opposition, creating an internal flexibility that meant they adapted to live in-match situations more effectively than any other side.They batted deep, fostered a culture where there were no recriminations for erring on the side of belligerence. They would occasionally crash and burn, but for the most part, sizzled, and at that bubbling best, there wasn’t a PSL side in the land that could live with them. In Pakistan, where the stale, conservative ideas that dominated had seen them being dumped out of the 2016 T20 World Cup, such ideas were little short of revolutionary.Mike Hesson, then coach of New Zealand, watched from afar, but he had his eye on this side. “I’ve got a bit of a link to Islamabad United back to when Dean Jones was coach,” he tells ESPNcricinfo, sitting in the lobby of the Pearl Continental Hotel in Lahore. “I worked with Deano a lot at Star [Sports] when he was setting up the franchise from an original perspective. So I remember having coffee dates with Deano and talking through strategy, getting up to the initial drafts around Islamabad and looking at players like Shadab [Khan] and Faheem [Ashraf]. So I had a bit of inside knowledge into Islamabad and how they operated, and into Deano with his little red book.”Related

• PSL 2023-24: Babar, Imad and Naseem headline star-studded team of the tournament

• PSL weekly round-up: Sultans supremacy, mystery spinners galore

• Gladiators' Usman Tariq reported for a suspect action

• Qalandars owner slams PCB for 'pathetic' handling of Rauf

Hesson was highly regarded at the time, but it wasn’t until this year that the chance to be more involved with the PSL sprung about. A four-year stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL ended, and the New Zealander was on the market once again. United’s owner Ali Naqvi had a very short shortlist for head coach, and his name was at the top of it.”When Ali rung up, I was certainly very interested in talking further,” Hesson says. “They were talking to other people, so I just displayed my interest, and a week or so later we had another chat and then we agreed terms. And both of us were pretty happy to get stuck into it because it was a pretty quick turnaround.”United had swept to the title in two of the first three seasons, winning the battle of ideas so comprehensively every franchise serious about winning had little choice but to fall in line behind that. United had given the PSL the DNA for success, but DNA is great at printing out copies of itself to survive, and soon enough, mini-Uniteds proliferated across the league.

“For some players, [data] helps them and it gives them information that they want to get. There are others for whom it just clouds their judgment. It’s a matter of understanding the player rather than giving everybody the same information.”Mike Hesson

Hesson has not necessarily been sought because the franchise is in crisis, but there is no doubt its heyday of imperious dominance has long passed. Every side bar one has won the title since United’s last win in 2018, and this is the only team not to have reached any of the last five finals.”Oh, I just think competition [explains the results of recent seasons]” Hesson says matter-of-factly. “Any competition as it evolves, you’ve got to move with the times as well. The competition is tight and you can’t take anything for granted. And I think that’s what a good league is about.”Multan Sultans, who unashamedly took their data-driven blueprint from United, have surpassed them to become the most consistent winning machine in the league, their win-loss ratio of 1.43 is the eighth best among teams in top T20 leagues (min 50 matches). By contrast, United’s plan of going hard – and if that doesn’t work, going harder – suddenly appears to lack the brash ingenuity the franchise oozed in its early years. Their win-loss ratio since their last title epitomises the hit-and-miss nature supporters have come to associate with them – 32 wins and 32 losses.Hesson doesn’t have a complete overhaul on his mind, but a coach of his stature doesn’t come into any side and let things drift. “I think United have, through my discussions with Ali [Naqvi, the owner], clearly recognised that we need to adapt a little bit. A lot of the things that Islamabad have been doing have been great, but we still need to tweak a few areas as well. And that’s part of my job, to come in and identify what’s worked really well and the areas that haven’t how can we just tweak those slightly. It’s about being a little bit smarter to give us more ways of winning games rather than just one.Islamabad United last won the trophy in 2018•AFP”Our slogan is , isn’t it”, he says, turning to the media manager to ensure he’s got the pronunciation right. “To me that means playing smart, and that’s one of my philosophies. It’s all very well if conditions suit to be able to play that way that you referred to [attacking from first ball to last]. And we’ve got a lot of players who can play expansive cricket and if conditions suit, absolutely we want to play that way.”But there are some times you need to modify that slightly. And it might not mean be cautious in the powerplay because we might actually be in a pretty good position in the powerplay [to attack], and it might not even be in the middle overs. All it is, is being able to adapt your skills to those conditions. And that’s about problem solving.”The almost stubborn rigidity to one gameplan has cost United at crucial times over the years. Earlier this season, they needed 21 runs in 13 balls against Peshawar Zalmi with seven wickets in hand, before a slew of ill-judged shots saw them lose five wickets in seven balls, and the match by eight runs. In a famous Eliminator in 2022 against Lahore Qalandars, they lost their heads in a chase that boiled down to 10 runs off as many balls, with tailenders refusing singles and playing low-percentage swings as the Qalandars stole a six-run win.Islamabad United like to go hard, and failing that, go harder•PCBUnited have almost made a virtue of insisting data plays a significant role in the way they set up for games. Captain Shadab Khan is a huge believer, having bought wholesale into the strategy ever since being appointed captain in 2019, and, especially in his early years, mentioned it at almost every opportunity. Hesson, who calls Shadab “a very fine captain” and isn’t bashful of highlighting the crucial role of the edge attention to data can give a T20 side, says there is more to data than just knowing numbers.”I always want context to be surrounded by data,” he says. “Data is no good unless it’s got some context around it. You need to have some cricket nous to be able to interpret what data is important and what is just data. Also, who in your group can benefit from getting some of the information? We’re lucky we’ve got Cricviz with us with us who have a really good understanding of not just the data, but what actually makes a difference to a game. We’ve also got a coaching staff that can identify that and then probably share it with those that can understand it, and interpret it so it makes them better. That’s the whole idea of using data is to try and make a side more efficient.”From a scouting perspective as a bowler, you’ve got to be aware of what your strengths are first. And then if there are some clear deficiencies in your position, you can exploit that by doing things that you do well. No one’s providing data to try and say you have to bowl a delivery or do something you’re not capable of doing.”But while Hesson’s deconstruction of the value of such numbers can essentially be described as well-researched analysis, the word itself – perhaps like Bazball – is in danger of being lost to the culture wars in Pakistan. Qalandars, who have often been described as an “anti-data” side, and at times even proudly embraced that sobriquet, were something of a laughing stock in the first four years of the PSL, when United scooped up title after title.In the last four years, though, they made three finals, without necessarily leaning into the numerically academic side of T20 cricket; there is no reference to data when the Qalandars players and staff talk about their consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023. With Shadab’s enthusiastic buy-in to the concept, contrasted with several players’ dismissal, if not outright hostility, of it, the numbers themselves have become an emotive talking point within the PSL.”I think some players are far more interested in data than others,” Hesson concedes. But I don’t think it’s resistance [from others]. For some players, it helps them and it gives them information that they want to get. There are others for whom it just clouds their judgment. It’s a matter of understanding the player rather than giving everybody the same information.Islamabad United enjoyed significant early successes•Pakistan Super League”When we have those discussions and we share that data with players, we have to have it in a way where it actually applies to these guys. Otherwise, we won’t share it. It’s our job to understand it and see what’s usable. And if there’s something that’s just a little bit grey and not really definitive, then it’s not worth sharing. Knowing that someone scoops, or that someone can reverse lap, knowing when someone’s under pressure they come down the wicket straight, is important information to have. So when we know that we share it.”Hesson is also eager to break United’s historic dependence on needing to bowl first to win games. No other side’s results in the PSL have as deep a correlation between success and chasing totals – United have 14 wins and 24 losses when batting first, as opposed to 33 wins and 16 defeats when hunting down a target. As you’d expect for a numbers-oriented side, they are perfectly aware of this; just four times in 45 matches have they won a toss and opted to bat first. So far this season, though, their record is more balanced: two wins and two losses when batting first, and exactly the same chasing.”This year is quite different than the last few years” Hesson, who followed the PSL even when he wasn’t involved, says. “In previous years, United have been stacked from a batting perspective and probably haven’t had the depth of bowling. Here, we’ve almost defended scores around 140. So from a bowling point of view, it’s been exceptional. From the batting point of view, we’ve had one middle phase and one finishing phase with the bat where we were quite poor, and those are probably the difference in very close games. You do either one of those phases half well, and you potentially win by 10 or 15. We know those things are within our control. So I think we a far better balanced side in terms of bat and ball than potentially we’ve had in the past.”But Hesson is just settling in, enjoying the PSL and is optimistic of the changes he can effect at United. He revealed he was surprised by the pitches, especially in Lahore and Multan, which were slower than they have at times been in the past. That, theoretically, isn’t what suits United’s game best, but for this franchise under Hesson, it’s a good early test of their flexibility.”It’s actually good in terms of challenging you from a skill perspective rather than just being flat. I’ve actually enjoyed that challenge, and the closeness of the competition so far. We’ve got a depth in the squad so it doesn’t really affect that. Our squad can cater for all different surfaces. I think when you do your research, in the last couple of years, the scoring rates have been incredibly high. Night games, there’s been a lot of dew. There hasn’t been a huge amount of dew other than the first game we played, and that evens the game out which I like. You don’t want games to be decided by the toss. It’s just whether we are able to play some smart cricket when we need to.”As the game evolves and as the ball softens and conditions change, it’s about being able to just instinctively know to shift gears in terms of how you operate, what your high-percentage options are and what aren’t. What is the par score now rather than what did it start at? It’s that problem solving and problem solving as a batter is so crucial. And that’s the skill we are trying to develop at Islamabad United, and. we’ve got a lot of highly experienced, highly talented players who over the next little while will show that they’re good problem solvers.”Jones’ revolution was a trailblazing success. Now it’s time to see whether Hesson’s evolution can follow in its wake.

Even India’s spinners were outbowled by their South African counterparts

Hemant Brar21-Jan-20221:36

Pant: India didn’t get enugh wickets in middle overs

Jasprit Bumrah is a world-class bowler – both in Test cricket and in the limited-overs versions. But in the last couple of years, he has lacked the potency with the new ball in ODIs. Since the 2019 World Cup, he has picked up just one powerplay wicket in 43 overs across 11 innings.Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t fared much better: in the same period, he has three powerplay wickets from 41 overs.That has resulted in India being by far the worst bowling side in the first ten overs. Since the last World Cup, their bowlers have picked up only ten powerplay wickets in 23 ODIs. They have also given away 5.74 runs an over – the most by any team – and their bowling average of 132.10 is more than double that of the next worst (Zimbabwe’s 63.45). In comparison, India’s opponents in those games picked up 24 wickets in 22 innings at an average of 53.00 and an economy rate of 5.78.Stand-in captain KL Rahul was asked before the South Africa series if that concern was addressed in team meetings. “We have talked about this and we have some ideas, some plans, and we want to try those in the coming series,” he said. “That will give us an indication about whether we’re doing things right, and if our strategies or tactics are right.”Clearly, whatever India tried didn’t work as their new-ball woes haunted them again during the second ODI in Paarl. Chasing 288, South Africa cruised to 66 for no loss in the first ten overs. On a surface that was supposed to make batting difficult in the second innings, they registered their highest successful chase since 2017.Apart from the sub-par returns with the new ball, what has hurt India in this series is the lack of a third wicket-taking fast bowler in the playing XI.In the absence of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, they are forced to play both Venkatesh Iyer and Shardul Thakur, leaving no place for someone like Mohammed Siraj. But they are caught between a rock and a hard place. They need someone from the top six to chip in with a few overs if a regular bowler goes for too many or, worse, breaks down. And the importance of Thakur’s batting was highlighted today, as without him, India would have struggled to cross 275.2:41

Manjrekar: Time for India to go back to Kuldeep Yadav

But what was baffling was the Indian spinners being outbowled by their South African counterparts on a pitch that resembled one from back home. The last time India visited South Africa, in 2017-18, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal had wreaked havoc. They topped the bowling charts, picking up 33 wickets at a combined average of 15.09 to help India win the six-match ODI series 5-1.This time, with Kuldeep out of form and favour, and Chahal not at his best, India struggled to take wickets in the middle overs too. R Ashwin, playing his first ODI series since June 2017, wasn’t very effective either.In the first ODI, Chahal and Ashwin had combined figures of 1 for 106 from 20 overs, while Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi and Aiden Markram had 4 for 124 from 26 overs. On Friday, the Chahal-Ashwin combo went for 1 for 115 from their 20 overs, while Maharaj, Shamsi and Markram picked up 4 for 143 from 26.In the first match, Ashwin started by flighting the ball but soon switched to a flatter trajectory, which neither stopped runs nor fetched wickets. Chahal bowled a few good deliveries but also erred in line from time to time. The South African batters, especially Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma, cashed in on it, using sweep as their main weapon.Today, Ashwin was introduced into the attack as soon as the fourth over after Quinton de Kock took Bhuvneshwar apart. He started in the same manner, tossing the ball up and even bowling a maiden to Janneman Malan. In his third over, he produced a stumping chance but Rishabh Pant fluffed it. To rub it in, de Kock, the man reprieved, hit the next ball for a six and went on to score 78 off 66 balls, setting the platform for a series-clinching victory.Chahal bowled a little better, picking up 1 for 47, but it wasn’t good enough.”I think they [the South African spinners] were a little more consistent in their lines and lengths,” Pant said after the match. “Yes, our spin unit could have done a little better but you have to see we are playing one-dayers after a long time, we are just getting used to the momentum of the 50-over cricket. So there are lots of factors we can talk about. Hopefully, we can correct all these mistakes in the coming matches.”

Tottenham Hotspur return to action at the end of this week with a clash against Aston Villa at home in the Premier League after the international break.

The Lilywhites are currently third in the table, with one loss in seven matches, and Thomas Frank will be hoping that his team continues to thrive in the top-flight.

He may, however, look for more from certain players in the coming weeks. Xavi Simons, for example, is yet to score a goal since his move from RB Leipzig in the summer.

The Netherlands international, as shown in the graphic below, hit double figures for goals in the 2024/25 campaign for the German outfit before his move to England.

These statistics suggest that there is more to come from the attacking midfielder, who played in a central midfield role against Leeds United last time out, as a goalscoring threat.

Frank needs the Dutchman to step up with more goals and assists this season because the Danish tactician will be without James Maddison for some time yet.

Why James Maddison's injury is a big blow for Spurs

The England international suffered an ACL injury in pre-season and is set to be out for the majority of this season. He recently revealed that his target is to return before the end of the campaign.

This means that the former Leicester and Norwich star will not be available for selection to Frank until near the end of the season at the earliest, which is a big blow because of the quality that he can provide at Premier League level.

Maddison, who has 107 goals and assists in his top-flight career (Transfermarkt), ended the 2024/25 league campaign with a return of nine goals and seven assists in 21 starts for Spurs.

The English attacking midfielder proved that he is worthy of wearing the number ten shirt for Tottenham with his performances in the Premier League, with a consistent stream of goals and assists at the top end of the pitch.

24/25 Premier League	James Maddison per 90	Percentile rank vs AMs
xG	0.29	Top 4%
Goals	0.45	Top 3%
Shots on target	0.84	Top 7%
xA	0.29	Top 4%
Chances created	2.03	Top 10%
Assists	0.35	Top 4%
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Maddison ranked as one of the most effective attacking midfielders in the Premier League last season when it came to scoring and creating goals per 90.

The likes of Rafa van der Vaart, Harry Kane, Robbie Keane, Teddy Sheringham, and Glenn Hoddle all donned the number ten shirt before the Spurs star inherited it from Kane in the summer of 2023.

Maddison’s impact at the top end of the pitch, with goals and assists, shows that he is worthy of being a number ten for the club, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to get back to his best after an ACL injury.

If the England international does not get back to his best in an attacking midfield role for Spurs, that number ten shirt could be up for grabs in the not-too-distant future.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Whilst some may look to Xavi Simons as a potential successor to Maddison’s number ten shirt, there is an exciting young star in the academy system who could steal the number ten from the vice-captain.

Luca Williams-Barnett made his first-team debut for Tottenham off the bench against Doncaster in the League Cup earlier this season, and could have a bright future in North London.

Why Luca Williams-Barnett can steal the number ten shirt for Spurs

Per Transfermarkt, the 17-year-old starlet has worn the number ten shirt for Spurs at U18, U19, and U21 level so far, which shows that he is a fan of the number.

This suggests that his dream would be to wear the number ten shirt for Tottenham at first-team level in the future, but he currently has Maddison in his way and will need to emerge as a star for Frank’s team to have a shot at claiming it.

Williams-Barnett’s form for the club’s academy so far this season suggests that he is well on his way to breaking into the senior side, which would then put him into contention to steal that shirt number.

The teenage talent, who was hailed as “special” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has scored eight goals and provided five assists in ten appearances in all competitions this season, per Transfermarkt, which includes a three-minute appearance for the first-team.

Williams-Barnett, typically deployed as an attacking midfielder, has delivered consistent performances at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and a creator of goals in his number ten role.

Luca Williams-Barnett	24/25	25/26
Appearances	23	10
Minutes	1857	719
Goals	20	8
Minutes per goal	93	90
Assists	12	5
Minutes per assist	155	144
Minutes per goal contribution	58	55
Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the 17-year-old starlet’s form since the start of last season has been breathtaking, with a goal or an assist every hour or so on average.

Not only is Williams-Barnett an output machine who can score and create goals at an exceptional rate, but the Spurs sensation also “scores bangers”, per analyst Ben Mattinson on X.

That comment from Mattinson is backed up by the two goals from the attacking midfielder in the video above, as it shows that he is an effective finisher from range.

However, it is now down to Williams-Barnett to prove that he can score and create goals at an impressive rate for the senior team, as he has done at U18, U19, and U21 level so far.

18-year-old Spurs gem is a "superstar" with more talent than Vuskovic

Tottenham Hotspur have a whole host of exciting youngsters to watch out for.

By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 13, 2025

If Frank provides the England U18 international with a chance to play regular minutes for the first-team, the impressive attacking midfielder may just steal Maddison’s number ten shirt in the future.

It is not controversial to say that Tottenham Hotspur have struggled in the Premier League this season, though, adopting a glass-half-full mentality, it could also be suggested that Thomas Frank’s project, in its infancy, has the potential to be a success.

However, we need to see a more synergised frontline and a sharper overall build-up strategy. Spurs have struggled for stable home form and fluency in their creativity this season, and that has formed the crux of their struggles.

Many players have flattered to deceive, but Johnson’s poor performances have perhaps gone somewhat under the radar as Frank continues to hand the Wales international a second-string role.

Brennan Johnson's struggles at Spurs

In keeping with the wider narrative at Tottenham, Johnson has ebbed and flowed since joining the club from Nottingham Forest for around £47.5m in 2023. However, he will be desperate for an uptick in form after a tough start to the Frank era, peripheral after scoring 17 goals across all competitions last year.

Johnson may have an eye for goal, but Frank clearly doesn’t fancy him as a regular starting option for the Lilywhites at the moment, with the Welshman only starting three of the past 11 fixtures in the Premier League.

Despite scoring in both of Tottenham’s opening league outings, he has offered very little in regard to ball-carrying and creative metrics, clinical when afforded space in the danger area but offering very little else for an outfit desperate for more dynamism.

See below for how Johnson’s data from the top-flight terms matches up against the form of Mohamed Kudus, and you’ll get a sense of why Frank is loath to give him a starting berth.

Matches (starts)

13 (13)

13 (6)

Goals

2

2

Assists

5

0

Touches*

52.4

17.8

Shots (on target)*

1.5 (0.5)

0.4 (0.2)

Accurate passes*

20.9 (87%)

6.7 (70%)

Chances created*

1.6

0.4

Succ. dribbles*

3.1

0.2

Ball recoveries*

5.1

0.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.9

1.1

Duels won*

6.5

1.8

This isn’t good enough. Johnson has the physicality and electric nature to provide much more. After all, he has been hailed by content creator HLTCO in the past for his “frightening” pace and directness down the flank, right or left.

But time is surely running out for him to nail down a regular starting berth. He’s unlikely to displace Kudus, and while most Lilywhites have left something to be desired this season, there’s a lot of quality there.

And there’s more still to come, with an out-on-loan star sure to be eyeing a place above Johnson in the north London pecking order next season.

The Spurs star who could replace Johnson

Analyst Ben Mattinson has described Mikey Moore as a prospect with “superstar potential”, having taken his first steps in Tottenham’s first team last season, scoring his first senior goal in the Europa League and racking up two assists besides across 19 matches in all competitions.

Moore is currently sidelined with a muscular injury, approaching one month since last playing in the Scottish Premiership, and though he struggled to impose himself throughout the early weeks of the campaign, Rangers’ abject form made it difficult for the youngster to hit the ground running.

His natural potency in the final third and underlying athleticism suggest that he might be the perfect Johnson heir, especially since he is comfortable playing across both flanks.

Spurs writer James Harris has even said that he could “bring back the old Aaron Lennon” to north London, so dangerous and dynamic when running with the ball.

Lennon racked up 364 appearances as a right winger for Tottenham, and pace and potency were staples of his game. Like Moore, he was an incredibly direct winger; though he offered far more from a creative standpoint than, say, Johnson, there’s a sense that Moore might share the retired England star’s protean threat.

Though it hasn’t been plain sailing for Moore in the highlands this season, it’s probably fair to say that the experience has toughened him up some, and that could prove instrumental in nailing down a starting spot down the line at Tottenham.

Already, he is showing that he has more in his locker than Johnson, a wider and more threatening array of skills.

Expect big things from this kid in the future, even if that comes at Johnson’s expense, it will help elevate Frank’s project.

The new Son: Spurs prepared to pay £65m to sign "world-class" talent

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to fork out a hefty sum to land a new attacker for Thomas Frank.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl was unable to make it five wins out of five in the Scottish Premiership when his team faced Falkirk at Ibrox on Sunday.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss had won his first four league games in charge of the Light Blues, beating Livingston 2-1 in the last Premiership outing before the weekend’s 0-0 draw with Falkirk.

It was a drab performance that had a goalless draw written all over it and that is, unfortunately, what it turned out to be, as Rohl’s side were unable to find the breakthrough.

Huge question marks remain over many of the players brought in by former sporting director Kevin Thelwell, including Thelo Aasgaard after he struggled again on Sunday.

Why Rohl must drop Thelo Aasgaard

The summer signing from Luton Town is a talented player. His stunning goal against Dundee United and his return of five goals in five games for Norway proves that.

However, the English-born flop has failed to provide any kind of positive consistency to the pitch with his performances for the Scottish giants this season, which is why he has been so disappointing to watch.

Aasgaard did not register a single shot on target and only created one chance for his team in 68 minutes against Falkirk, per Sofascore, which really sums up his season, as the attacking midfielder has scored one goal and provided one assist in 21 appearances.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

That is why Rohl should drop the Norwegian talent from the starting line-up for a run of matches to provide someone else with an opportunity, whilst giving the ex-Luton star a chance to recharge and come back stronger.

At the age of 23, Aasgaard is a young player who may just need more time to adapt to the expectations at Ibrox. However, that same patience may not be afforded to Bojan Miovski, who looks like an even bigger problem for the manager.

Why Miovski is a bigger problem than Aasgaard for Rangers

The Macedonia international felt like a sensible signing for Rangers when they bought him for Girona, as he had proven himself in the Premiership, even scoring against the Gers, during his time with Aberdeen.

Unfortunately, though, he has not hit the ground running at Ibrox this season, with one goal in ten games in the Premiership so far this season for the Light Blues, per Sofascore.

His only goal came against Falkirk in Russell Martin’s last game in charge, but he was unable to repeat that feat in the reverse fixture on Sunday, as the left-footed flop struggled badly throughout the match.

Minutes

68

90

Shots

3

2

Key passes

1

0

Duels won

5/10

3/11

Dribbles completed

2/3

0/0

Fouls won

2

1

As you can see in the table above, Miovski was even worse than Aasgaard, who has scored as many goals as the striker in the league this term, at the weekend, as he offered less at the top end of the pitch and lost 73% of his duels.

The Norway international, meanwhile, carries a bit of a physical presence and can hold his own against Premiership defenders, as shown by his 50% duel success rate against Falkirk.

Miovski, who was described as “dreadful” by reporter Mark McDougall, has lost 63% of his duels overall in the Premiership this season, which shows that he has been a flop in and out of possession in the league so far for Rangers.

At 26, the Macedonia international should have come in to hit the ground running in what should be the prime years of his career, especially with his prior experience in Scotland, but the opposite has happened.

Rangers have a talent who could be sold for more than Igamane & Aribo

Rangers have an “unbelievable” talent who may go on to be sold for more than the likes of Hamza Igamane and Joe Aribo.

ByDan Emery Nov 26, 2025

That is why Miovksi is an even bigger problem for Rohl and Rangers than Aasgaard is because his performances are even more alarming, whilst he does not have the same mitigation or time ahead of himself to improve that the Norwegian talent does.

عبر روبن دياز مدافع مانشستر سيتي، عن استيائه، رغم فوز الفريق أمام ليدز بثلاث أهداف لهدفين، على ملعب الاتحاد، في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويدين مانشستر سيتي بالفضل لنجمه فيل فودين، الذي سجل هدفاً قاتلاً في الوقت بدل الضائع، ليحصد الفريق المضيف 3 نقاط.

وقال روبن دياز في تصريحات نشرتها “بي بي سي” البريطانية: “الأخطاء التي حدثت أمام ليدز يونايتد لا يمكن أن تحدث”.

وأضاف: “لم نقدم أداء جيدًا بما يكفي، لسنا راضين عن بداية الشوط الثاني بالتحديد، ربما بعد مرور 10 أو 15 دقيقة، تأقلمنا أخيراً، وبدأنا نلعب براحة أكبر لكن بحلول ذلك الوقت، أعتقد أن النتيجة كانت 2-1”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. جوارديولا: لاعب مانشستر سيتي عاد لقمة مستواه.. ومباريات الدوري الإنجليزي لا تنتهي بعد الهدف الثالث

وواصل: “في نهاية المطاف أشعر أننا بحاجة لترك هذه المباراة بنظرة إيجابية، لأن الأخطاء واردة وهي جزء من كرة القدم، من الواضح أننا نتحدى كل شيء في كل موسم نلعبه، وهذا النوع من الأخطاء قد يكلفنا غاليًا”.

وأتم: “لكن مع ذلك، واجهنا الموقف وواصلنا القتال، أتيحت فرصة لفودين وفرصة أخرى لعمر مرموش قبلها بوقت قليل، أنا فخور بالطريقة التي واصل بها الفريق القتال، حتى ريان شرقي، بالطريقة التي دخل بها وكان يرغب في المساعدة وإنهاء المباراة، أقدر جهود جميع اللاعبين”.

وشدد روبن دياز: “مباراة تلو الأخرى، كلما حاولنا الانحراف تسبب ذلك في مشاكل، لذا علينا أن نلعب مباراة تلو الأخرى، هذه هي الرسالة، يجب أن يكون هذا هو جوهرنا، الشيء الوحيد الذي يشغل بالنا، لا شيء غير ذلك”.

وختم عن لقاءات فولهام وسندرلاند القادمة: “أعتقد أنكم لا تستمعون لي، فزنا على ليدز وكان ذلك رائعاً والآن نريد الفوز أمام فولهام”.