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RCB’s faith in his abilities brought him into the XI, and he made sure to make the most of it

Saurabh Somani15-Apr-20213:58

Bishop: Kohli deserves praise for bringing Shahbaz on

This time last year, Shahbaz Ahmed was sitting at home in Mewat, Haryana, and wondering when his next opportunity to play would come. India was in lockdown due to Covid-19 and there was uncertainty about whether the IPL would happen. For Ahmed, the timing couldn’t have been worse. The original IPL 2020 schedule had the tournament starting a fortnight after the Ranji Trophy 2019-20, which would have meant Ahmed came into the tournament riding the crest of a form wave.Batting at No.7 for Bengal, Ahmed had made 509 runs at 36.35, most of them scored in back-to-the-wall situations that turned certain defeat into victory. He had also taken 35 wickets at an average of 16.80 in a remarkable effort for his first full season of playing. The batting and bowling were ticking over nicely, and he was primed for a debut IPL season with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. But then the world turned upside down in ways no one would have imagined.Related

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Even then, sitting at home and looking at an uncertain future as most of India’s domestic cricketers had to, Ahmed was focussed on the bright side. “I think positive. Whatever will happen, will happen for the good,” he had told .”You do get in the mind that it is my first season, I was performing well, if it had taken place as scheduled it would have been great, I would have carried the momentum from the domestic season and if the IPL had also gone well, I might have got further opportunities through that,” he had said. “But in this situation also, I am thinking positive. Whatever cricket happens in the future, if I do well, I’ll still get chances.”Ahmed’s words turned out to be of the crystal-ball gazing kind, or perhaps he them come true with the force of his belief in self. And a year later against the Sunrisers Hyderabad – a team that had called him for trials before IPL 2020 which he couldn’t attend on account of having a Ranji game in two days – it all came together beautifully.Thrown the ball late into the game, Ahmed came on to bowl only in the 15th over. His first over was a tight one, the second was game-changing, with the wickets of Jonny Bairstow, Manish Pandey and Abdul Samad. The Sunrisers had begun that over smelling victory in a chase of 150. They ended it cooked to a crisp. Ahmed wouldn’t bowl another over but his returns of 3 for 7 in two made the primary difference between victory and defeat for the Royal Challengers. The player of the match may have gone to Glenn Maxwell, but ESPNcricinfo’s Smart Stats put Ahmed as the best performer of the game.Shahbaz Ahmed celebrates a wicket with Virat Kohli•BCCIHe had been given the ball late, with Virat Kohli juggling his bowlers around. The pitch was showing some grip, but a marauding David Warner was still at the crease. As soon as the left-handed Warner was out and with two right-handers in the middle, Kohli brought on Ahmed and Yuzvendra Chahal, both bowlers who would turn the ball away from the men at the crease. Both of them kept things tight in two overs, and as the asking rate crept up ever so quietly, Ahmed found himself in the crossfires of a moment that could swing the game either his way, or take it completely away from his side if a couple of hits connected.Three times the batsmen tried to get that hit away that would make the rest of the chase easier, and all three times Ahmed kept the ball just enough away from a natural hitting arc, making for ugly, mis-timed swipes that were all caught inside the circle.That Ahmed had made it to the XI spoke of the team’s faith in his abilities. The Royal Challengers already had plenty of bowling options so with Devdutt Padikkal returning, the thought of keeping Rajat Patidar in – whom Kohli had called “very exciting” and who is a more pedigreed batsman – might have been a real one. But Ahmed not only kept his place, he was promoted to No.3 too, faith being shown in his batting skills to be the bridge in the top order that would allow the Royal Challengers to have Maxwell and AB de Villiers at four and five.Fun fact: Ahmed had never batted at No.3 across his first-class, List A and T20 career before this game. In 58 games across formats, the highest he batted at was No.5, and just six times. His highest score in a T20 game at No.5 was 13. Another indication of the Royal Challengers’ faith in him was his batting promotion. While he didn’t get a big score, he did his job during his brief stay, with 14 off 10 balls, including a shovelled six off namesake Shahbaz Nadeem, and showing intent to score throughout his stay.Back when he still didn’t know when he would get to practice again or be near a cricket ground, he had said “whatever cricket happens in the future, if I do well, I’ll still get chances.” With this performance, Ahmed has just created his own chances.

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

Baseball has been offering a vexing question to small-market clubs for decades.

In a sport with the wealth gap widening by the year due to local TV deals among other franchise-specific financial streams, how do teams on a tight budget consistently compete?

This is something the Milwaukee Brewers attempt to answer every year.  

It turns out the best answer might prove to be almost 2,000 miles away in the Dominican Republic.

Arsenal star Eberechi Eze has revealed that Marcus Rashford was the one player who stood out most to him during his first England training session. Speaking exclusively with Adebayo Akinfenwa on the latest episode of the Beast Mode On Podcast, Eze praised the way the versatile forward strikes and runs with the ball and explained how Thomas Tuchel has England set up to "achieve something incredible" at the World Cup.

Getty Images SportEze wowed by Man Utd loanee Rashford

In the latest edition of GOAL's Beast Mode On podcast, Eze opened up on his journey to becoming an Arsenal and England star with former team-mate Adebayo Akinfenwa. Having lavished praise on former Chelsea star Eden Hazard as the player who impressed Eze most as a youngster, the former Crystal Palace man also spoke highly of Rashford as the one who stood out the most in his first training session with the national team.

The 27-year-old is now a regular in the England setup, having made his debut in 2023. Eze replaced Rashford midway through the second half in England's 2-0 World Cup qualification over Serbia last week, and wrapped up the victory for the Three Lions with a fine first-time strike at Wembley.

Rather than England captain Harry Kane or Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka, it's Rashford who caught Eze's eye when he first linked up with the national team. The 28-year-old left Manchester United for Spanish giants Barcelona on loan over the summer, and has shone in Spain, providing six assists and two goals as the Blaugrana look to defend their La Liga crown.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'He's an incredible, incredible player'

Speaking exclusively on GOAL's Beast Mode On podcast with Akinfenwa, Eze said: "I’d say in my first session [it was] was Rashy [Marcus Rashford].

"So I've known him, or known of him, because he's played in a similar age group across the country, when you go to tournaments, you see him and stuff like that. And so I've always known he's a good player, but for that first camp, I remember going away like, ‘OK, this guy's on some other stuff’.

"The way he’s striking the ball, the way he's running with the ball, how he operates… He's an incredible, incredible player. I enjoy watching him play."

Getty Images SportEze enjoying working under Tuchel

Eze has become a mainstay in the England setup and the Arsenal star is expected to make the World Cup squad for football's showpiece next summer. Thomas Tuchel oversaw a 100% qualification record as the Three Lions booked their 2026 flight with ease and many feel England have a great chance of lifting the World Cup for the first time since 1966 in North America.

When asked what it's like to work under Tuchel, Eze replied: "It’s fun working with him because he’s got good energy. He’s a positive character, always giving a good feeling to players around the camp.

"You feel very comfortable, you feel very relaxed. It helps you to be yourself on the pitch as well. Very clear in what he wants from players… specific positions and how he wants to play.

"I feel like we’ve got a good idea idea, a good foundation, a good base to achieve something incredible. That structure that he’s put in place is key to that, for sure."

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تعرض أحد لاعبي فريق برشلونة للإصابة والتي تمثل ضربة قوية للنادي الكتالوني والمدرب هانز فليك، حسبما ذكرت تقارير صحفية وأكده الفريق في بيان رسمي.

وذكرت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، يوم السبت، أن لاعب فريق برشلونة الرديف، تشافي إسبارت، تعرض لإصابة في فترة التوقف الدولي الحالي.

وأوضحت أن إسبارت يعاني من مشكلة على مستوى ركبته اليمنى، ولم يُعرف بعد ما إذا كان الرباط قد تأثر أم لا، ويرغب الجهاز الطبي في توخي الحذر قبل إصدار تشخيص نهائي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. برشلونة ينافس ثنائي الدوري الإنجليزي على صفقة إيونج

وبعد عدة ساعات، أصدر نادي برشلونة الرديف بيانًا رسميًا لتوضيح إصابة إسبارت، والتي كانت في الرباط الجانبي الداخلي لركبته اليمنى، وتُقدر مدة غيابه 8/10 أسابيع.

وأكد النادي أن إصابة إسبارت جاءت خلال تواجده في معسكر منتخب إسبانيا تحت 19 عامًا في الفترة الحالية.

وأشارت “سبورت إلى أن الظهير الأيمن كان يمثل لاعبًا موثوقًا به تحت قيادة المدرب هانز فليك، حتى أنه ضمه إلى تشكيلة الفريق الأول في المباريات الأخيرة، رغم أنه لم يلعب دقيقة واحدة.

وأفادت أن هانز فليك والطاقم الفني يقدران اللاعب بالنظر إلى طريقته قراءته للمباريات والحيوية التي يضفيها، ولكن تلك الإصابة تمثل انتكاسة خطيرة لتطوره، حيث كان من المتوقع أن يحصل على وقت للعب في الفترة المقبلة.

وكان هدف فليك أن يكون إسبارت بديلًا ممتازًا لـ جول كوندي، الذي لعب دقائق كثيرة ذلك الموسم، ويحتاج إلى راحة، ولكن إصابته ستجبر برشلونة على إعادة النظر في خططه ويضعه في مأزق جديد في فترة معقدة بالفعل.

And so Tottenham Hotspur are not there yet. This much we can tell.

Residual problems from the dysfunction of the Ange Postecoglou era were always going to creep into the new campaign, but there’s an undeniable air of frustration as Aston Villa grew into the game on Sunday afternoon and left Spurs’ ground with all the spoils, having fallen behind early in the first half thanks to Rodrigo Bentancur’s strike.

Tottenham have enjoyed a steady start to Thomas Frank’s tenure, but one win from four in the Premier League of late has emphasised the scale of the task.

Creatively, Tottenham weren’t at their sharpest on Sunday, and this played into Villa’s hands as the hosts retreated, pulled deeper as they sought to group and defend their advantage.

They succumbed to the pressure, and questions were asked post-game of Xavi Simons, whose duty as playmaker-in-chief was left unfulfilled against Unai Emery’s side.

Xavi Simons still leaving something to be desired

At the base of midfield, Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur did a fine job of protecting the Tottenham backline, winning between them 19 duels on the afternoon, as per Sofascore.

But Villa finished the match having won 53% of the duels, speaking of issues from other areas of the field.

And there’s no denying Simons struggled. Signed from RB Leipzig for £51m this summer, the diminutive creator has yet to get going in the Premier League, with Villa’s assured build-up and robustness in the challenge reducing Simons to an inconsequential display.

The 22-year-old has arrived in a new environment and is hardly getting the best service at this early stage of his Tottenham career, but neither is he covering himself in glory with impactful performances. Both things can be true.

Minutes played

79′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

36

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

Accurate passes

20/24 (83%)

Chances created

1

Dribbles

0/1

Recoveries

3

Tackles won

2/4

Duels won

5/14

Frank discussed after the defeat his side’s issues in creating chances, and despite retaining the majority of possession – as is typically the case when Tottenham play at home – there was little of impetus and authority from the talented number ten, and though he dropped deep to contribute more, there has hardly been enough on show throughout these opening months.

In fact, football.london branded the Dutchman with a 5/10 match rating, writing about his work rate and willingness to get stuck in but also acknowledging his lack of attacking flair and impact.

There is anticipation and expectation, however, that Simons will grow into his skin and thrive in the Premier League. However, he’s not the only summer signing who’s struggling to bring it all together so far, with Randal Kolo Muani still to announce himself.

Randal Kolo Muani may be wasted money

From an attacking standpoint, centre-forward remains a problem for Tottenham Hotspur. It’s an age-old problem, for the scale of Harry Kane’s brilliance means that his departure only two years ago very much feels a lifetime ago.

Quite simply, Spurs are not creating anywhere near enough chances, and though they sit sixth in the standings, two points behind second-placed Manchester City, more offensive influence and cohesion is required if Spurs are to finish strongly in the Premier League and challenge for silverware once again.

(1) Crystal Palace

12

17.1

(2) Man United

11

14.9

(3) Man City

17

14.4

(4) Arsenal

15

13.6

(5) Liverpool

14

13.6

(14) Tottenham

14

8.3

Kolo Muani certainly has the talent and goalscoring ability to contribute toward that goal, but injuries have limited him to a bit-part role so far.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward arrived in north London on a one-year loan deal on transfer deadline day, arriving with a weight of expectation after reviving his career on loan with Juventus last year, scoring ten goals and providing three assists across 22 matches for the Italians, demonstrating sharp and athletic movements and ranking among the top 7% of Serie A forwards for goals scored per 90, as per FBref.

Once hailed as a “superstar” by German legend Lothar Matthaus, the 26-year-old has what it takes to be a star at Tottenham, but injuries have limited him to just two outings so far this season, and though he only featured briefly against Aston Villa, he did indeed leave much to be desired.

Football.london saw it fit to brand Kolo Muani with a 5/10 match rating in spite of his brief cameo, and that’s because he missed a sitter late on, fluffing his lines during a goalmouth scramble with only moments left on the clock.

It was an “incredible” miss, as former Premier League goalkeeper Rob Green put it, and one which might have served as a springboard for the France international’s career in London, but it wasn’t to be. Moreover, he lost both of his contested ground duels, and will need to be more convincing in the challenge going forward.

Though there’s plenty of time to right the wrongs and nail down a starting spot at number nine this season, Kolo Muani is pitted against thick competition at the front of the ship, and if Dominic Solanke clicks into gear, he might have a tough task ousting the Englishman.

For now, we must reserve judgement on a player who has suffered an injury-hit start to his Tottenham career, and who has a proven pedigree that suggests he could be the man Frank and Spurs are searching for.

But if he doesn’t take the chances that fall his way, especially with Tottenham lacking creativity and the fitness of two linchpins in James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, then it could be a long and difficult campaign for the Les Bleus star.

The new Dele Alli: Frank must unleash Spurs' £97m-rated "game changer"

Ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s clash with Aston Villa on Sunday, Thomas Frank must start his new “game changer” centrally as he’s the new Dele Alli.

ByBen Gray Oct 19, 2025

The 2025 summer transfer window was a crazy period for Newcastle United. Eddie Howe’s side lost their star player, Alexander Isak, at the 11th hour, and whilst they had already replaced him with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, it took them some time to land their new pair of number nines.

The two strikers were not the only additions the Magpies made in the summer, but they were arguably the most important. With Isak and Callum Wilson leaving, there was certainly a need to add quality depth up front to combat the loss of their former strikers.

Whilst Wissa is yet to play a game due to injury, Woltemade has really hit the ground running.

How Woltemade and Isak’s Newcastle starts compare

There was always going to be lots of pressure on German striker Woltemade. The former Stuttgart star was a target for Bayern Munich too, but Newcastle ended up paying a club-record fee of £69m to secure his services.

However, it has been a fast start to life in the Premier League for the 23-year-old.

He’s only played four Premier League games so far, but has already bagged three goals in that time, including a strike on his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Interestingly, that is the exact same start that Isak had in that famous Black and White shirt. In the same number of Premier League games, the Swede had bagged three goals, which included a strike on his debut.

To build on that even further, they both scored on their debut, a game in which both players came off the bench. They didn’t find the back of the net on their second appearance, but in the two that followed, each of the strikers scored.

There are certainly some interesting parallels between Woltemade and Isak’s first four games as a Newcastle player.

Despite Bayern’s honorary president, Uli Hoeness, suggesting the German “isn’t worth” the money they spent – having also been criticised by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge for their ‘idiotic’ deal – he’s made a fast start to life at St James’ Park.

However, the same cannot be said for another of their summer signings, who hasn’t performed at his best yet.

Newcastle’s summer signing who has struggled

Moving to a club the size of Newcastle is always going to be a challenge, especially after the PIF takeover back in 2021. Yet, Woltemade seems to have dealt with that pressure well, and Magpies fans will be hoping he can continue that form.

One of their summer signings hasn’t quite hit the ground running in the same way. Anthony Elanga, the Magpies’ “mega money” signing, as Statman Dave put it, has certainly not found his best form at St James’ Park yet.

Elanga cost the North Eastern giants £55m this summer, a fee which Jamie O’Hara said was an “inflated valuation” of the Swedish star.

Indeed, in ten games so far for the club, the former Manchester United academy graduate is yet to score or set up a goal. He did pick up the player of the match award in the Champions League, gameweek two.

Yet, the winger certainly has lots to offer his new club, despite the slow start he’s made in that famous Black and White shirt. He was excellent for Forest last season, racking up 17 goals and assists in 38 top-flight games.

That included this sublime solo effort against Man United.

On top of that, his underlying numbers from last term highlight his quality.

For example, Elanga averaged 1.8 chances created and made 3.2 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, showing how good he is both on and off the ball.

Goals and assists

0.7

17

Chances created

1.8

49

Take-ons completed

0.9

25

Fouls won

1.7

47

Ball recoveries

89

3.2

So far, Elanga has not lived up to the huge price tag that Newcastle spent on him, with there perhaps a feeling that the club and PIF might have overpaid, considering his current market value only rests at €42m (£36m), as per Transfermarkt.

Certainly, though, Newcastle fans will be hoping the Swede’s Magpies career can take more of an upward trend and he can start chipping in with goal involvement.

Newcastle's "monster" duo are becoming their best pairing since Gordon & Isak

Newcastle have found a new elite partnership to lead them to success.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 7, 2025