He's more creative than Trent: Liverpool make £87m "superstar" a top target

At some point this week, Liverpool could be crowned champions of the Premier League, should Arsenal lose at home against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening or Anfield claim three points against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Of course, neither juncture could turn the Reds toward the title, but there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Redmen’s romp toward the finish line has turned into a procession.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot

The Premier League is lauded by many as the toughest, most competitive and most prevalently entertaining division in the world, and while some would claim that the top flight has lulled this term, Liverpool have capitalised emphatically to defy pre-season predictions and move Arne Slot within touching distance of the crown in his first year.

It’s quite the feat, especially since he entered an outfit dealing with three contractual conundrums which have itched at Liverpool’s campaign all year long.

Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have penned extensions, but there’s been radio silence from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

However, noise from the media suggests that his move to Real Madrid on a free transfer is a matter of when, not if.

What Liverpool will miss when Alexander-Arnold leaves

Alexander-Arnold scored the winner against Leicester City at the weekend, and his celebration felt like a farewell of sorts, hanging his shirt on the corner flag.

While the most optimistic Liverpool supporters are holding onto hope that the 26-year-old will pen a new deal with his boyhood club, Fabrizio Romano and the rest have confirmed that Trent’s camp and Los Blancos are working toward an agreement on a summer move.

He will be missed. Not only is the emotional connection strong, but Alexander-Arnold is one of the most distinctive players in the game.

The unique advantage that the right-back offers, sparking attacking play with such frightening consistency from an unconventional ball-playing position, has helped Liverpool maintain their place as the Premier League’s most creative team for the past five seasons.

Most Big Chances Created in the Premier League (past 5 years)

Season

1st-place Team(s)

Stat

*24/25

Liverpool

97

23/24

Liverpool

102

22/23

Liverpool & Man City

103

21/22

Liverpool

97

20/21

Liverpool

82

Data via Premier League

Conor Bradley may well get the nod as Slot’s first choice at right-back next season, but Liverpool are going to need to replace Alexander-Arnold’s ball-playing genius somehow.

Liverpool lining up potential Trent replacement

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Liverpool could make a move for two full-backs, namely Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen and Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina.

Yet, could Slot replace Trent’s creativity from a different area of the pitch instead?

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Well, according to Spanish sources, Liverpool are ready to compete with Manchester United for the signing of Xavi Simons this summer, with the RB Leipzig magician now said to be a ‘top target’ for the Reds.

A transfer fee might prove a sticking point, though, with the Germans looking to bank around €100m (£87m) for the 21-year-old this summer, just one year after buying him from Paris Saint-Germain for a €50m (£43m) fee.

However, if sporting director Richard Hughes can move discussions into a more agreeable zone, this could be a stunning capture for Liverpool.

What Xavi Simons would bring to Liverpool

Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting Simons could take Alexander-Arnold’s berth at full-back. However, the little Dutchman is one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in the business, and he’s still got plenty of development left to complete.

However, the Netherlands international does have a similar sort of ball-playing strength that could be utilised and unleashed to preserve Liverpool’s slick offensive play, maybe even unlocking a new dimension.

Xavi Simons – Bundesliga Stats 24/25

Stats (* per game)

#

Matches (starts)

21 (21)

Goals

9

Assists

5

Pass completion

84%

Big chances created

10

Key passes*

2.2

Dribbles*

1.3

Ball recoveries*

5.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

Duels won*

4.4

Data via Sofascore

He’s a complete midfielder, capable of shifting into flanking positions too. Simons’ 2.2 key pass average this term actually stands taller than Alexander-Arnold’s 1.9 average, further evidence that he has what it takes to thrive at Anfield.

But to emphasise it more clearly, the Dutchman ranks among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 19% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for progressive passes and the top 7% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

There’s a reason Simons is shaping up to be such a hot commodity with his talent for picking at the seams of opposition defences, something Liverpool could make good use of, especially if Alexander-Arnold leaves.

Simons’ playmaking superiority over the Liverpool man may in part be down to positional placement but it doesn’t detract from his being a high-level “game-changer” with his passing and flair, as has been said by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

It’s exactly the kind of quality that Liverpool will need. Trent has scored 23 goals and racked up 90 assists across his 350 career appearances as a Liverpool player, described as a “genius” by reporter Neil Jones.

Simons may still be young, but his 41 goal involvements across 72 Leipzig games, partnered with the underlying creative metrics that speak in his favour, do suggest that Slot could make good use of his countryman’s qualities, transferring Liverpool’s playmaking hub to a more central area.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot

It’s possible that Liverpool have accelerated their plans to sign Simons due to the growing sense that Alexander-Arnold is going to leave the club this summer. Maybe, tacitly, those in FSG’s head offices already know the outcome.

With plans already being drawn up for a new centre-forward, it might be worthwhile to sign such a player to sit in behind, jockeying with Dominik Szoboszlai for a regular starting berth and enhancing the overall fluency of the Anfield side.

Xavi Simons celebrates

In any case, it might be good for Slot to steer the creative heartbeat toward the middle of the park, with Simons, who has been described as a “superstar” in the making by analyst Ben Mattinson, capable of anchoring Liverpool’s inventiveness behind the frontline, reorienting toward a more conventional well of supplementation.

Truth is, though, it’s far simpler: the Dutchman is a brilliant young player, one who could do really well in Slot’s Liverpool team.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold isn’t the only Liverpool star potentially on the move this summer.

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Sai Sudharsan: 'I'm more confident now, and that helps me express myself and play my shots'

The Tamil Nadu batter talks about his first India tour, in South Africa, his time at Surrey, and playing with his role model, Washington Sundar

Deivarayan Muthu and Alagappan Muthu15-Dec-2023B Sai Sudharsan’s stellar run across formats in the past two years culminated in a maiden India call-up for the upcoming ODI series in South Africa. He has already won the County Championship, Deodhar Trophy, Irani Cup and the Tamil Nadu Premier League this year, and was a runner-up in the IPL. After helping Tamil Nadu into the 50-over Vijay Hazare knockouts and before flying to South Africa, the 22-year-old batter spoke about his strong form, improvement against express pace, and takeaways from his stint at Surrey.What was the reaction to your maiden India call-up?
I was on the [Tamil Nadu] physio’s table in Mumbai when I came to know about both the India and India A call-up for the South Africa tour. I was delighted. Firstly, I called my parents and told them [the selectors] have named me in the India squad for the ODIs. A few days before, I was asked about my passport details, so I had a hint that I might be in the India A squad. I called my brother, who is in Australia, and shared the news with him. He didn’t show the excitement too much in his face, but it was a very special feeling for him. He helped me a lot in my cricket, and I miss him a lot.You have been scoring consistently across formats in the past two years. Did you expect this India call-up?
I didn’t really expect it. First of all, I was with the Tamil Nadu team at the Vijay Hazare Trophy. I was focused on that preparation and planning, but I’m really happy for it.You’re arguably the best player of spin in the Tamil Nadu team. R Ashwin has spoken about your strengths against spin. But how did you level up against pace?
I still feel I need to work on more areas as a batter. I’ve been exposed to some conditions and to some speeds. I feel my experience and exposure have helped me to evolve against fast bowling. Three years ago, I didn’t face a lot of pace bowling in the nets. When I started playing the Syed Mushtaq Ali [Trophy] and the IPL, I got the exposure to play against a lot of fast bowlers who bowl at express speeds. I started to face a lot of side-arm during training. I got used to it and it helped me evolve as a batter. When I’m in Chennai, the side-arm throwers get it up to high speeds. When they’re bowling side-arm, it actually appears a lot quicker than what is on the field, so I feel that has helped me to adapt when I’m not with Tamil Nadu or Gujarat Titans.

You’ve already been to the UK as part of Chennai Super Kings’ grassroots programme in the past. What was your most recent experience in county cricket as a senior cricketer with Surrey like?
Last time, I was with some friends and familiar faces in the UK with Junior Super Kings. This time I travelled alone, and Alec Stewart sir [former England wicketkeeper and current director of cricket at Surrey] helped ease me into the side. He introduced me to every Surrey player and suggested apps that could make life easier for me there. I’m grateful to him for making it comfortable for me. Getting exposure to the cricketing culture and conditions there was very useful for me.The conditions were largely bowling-friendly and that whole month was full of learnings. I feel the three games I played for Surrey in county cricket will help me going forward in my career.What did you learn?
It was about adapting to the conditions – how your game plan should be and how you have to approach the game. Technically, I didn’t change my game too much. It was about being disciplined with your batting approach. County cricket is all about discipline – how the bowlers operate and their practice sessions. In the third match [against Hampshire], I got game time and that gave me a lot of confidence going forward.Related

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It is rare for an uncapped Indian player to play as an overseas pro in county cricket. Did you feel a bit of extra pressure?
I was naturally able to settle into the environment. They [Surrey’s team management] didn’t make me feel the pressure as an overseas professional. As a team, there was pressure because we wanted to win the title. The last few games were important ones too. They gave me enough freedom to perform for the team.Actually, the others did the bulk of the hard work in the first part of the season. I came in for the last three games and was fortunate to be part of such a team. Yes, I won the Championship, and I was very happy because it’s not normal for someone to just get into a county team and win a title. It was special, but I had to immediately fly to Rajkot to play the Irani Cup. It was a different experience altogether, though I didn’t get much sleep. I was also happy to contribute to Rest of India’s win.Did you chat to Vikram Solanki, Gujarat Titans’ director of cricket, at Surrey too?
Yes, actually Vikram sir was one of the main reasons for my county stint. He first approached me, asking whether I was interested. I was 100% interested and it was a great opportunity for me. I met him for a few days at Surrey and spent time with him.You seem to have have added power to your shots, especially the slog sweep.
I haven’t worked specifically on my power game. I feel it’s just natural progression. I feel I’m now more confident, which allows me to express myself and play my shots.Sai Sudharsan batted at No. 4 and scored 73 for Surrey in their County Championship game against Hampshire•Steve Paston/PA Photos/Getty ImagesYou also got runs on tough pitches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. How has that prepared you for the South Africa tour?
The pitches in Mumbai during the Vijay Hazare Trophy were challenging. They were fast-bowler friendly, and there was some spin too. The conditions were difficult, but I was focused on contributing to the team. I couldn’t contribute much in a few games, but in a few others, I was able to see off the powerplay and give the team starts and help them cross the bridge. Playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy was a good experience for me. Once I go to South Africa, it’s about assessing the conditions and adapting to them quickly.In a Tamil Nadu side that’s filled with spin options, it’s hard to get a spell with the ball. How have you been working on your second skill – legspin?
I’ve been bowling in the Tamil Nadu and TNPL nets. It’s always good to have a second skill. Actually, I’ve done a lot of bowling in my childhood, especially during school matches. Whenever I get time away from batting, I hope to develop my legspin and I’ve been bowling in the nets (). Hopefully, I get better as a bowler as well.How has working with your mother, a professional trainer, transformed your career?
I worked a lot on my fitness with my mother during the Covid lockdown. You tend to play one tournament after another, so it’s hard to get downtime these days. You don’t get a proper opportunity to train like that and improve your fitness. I feel I utilised that time well, training with my mother. During the first few days, [I wasn’t too serious about it], but I worked harder thereafter. Because of the work I put in behind the scenes with my mother and father [Bharadwaj, an athlete who has represented India at the South Asian Games], I’ve been able to play and perform consistently, even three-four years down the line. I still feel I’m able to sustain it, especially my fitness levels, because of the hard yards I put in during those days.You grew up admiring Washington Sundar. You could well be playing alongside him for India in South Africa. How excited are you at that prospect?
When I first looked at the squad list for South Africa, I was happy to see my name along with Washy’s. He was my role model growing up because he made an immediate impact in the IPL and then made it to international cricket as a young player. He’s been doing a great job for the country, and I had a similar ambition to play for India at a young age. As young kids, we always dream of playing for the country, so it was a very happy feeling. Washy is also coming with me, so I think this will resonate with him. I’ll connect with him again and chat about this feeling in South Africa.

Roston Chase is uniquely different from West Indies' other allrounders

A crisis man, a tidy bowler and a compact batter – Chase ticks all the boxes for WI

Shashank Kishore21-Feb-2022Roston Chase wasn’t meant to play any of the T20Is and was only picked as a back-up allrounder. He not only ended the T20I series as the highest wicket-taker across both teams, and all but sealed his spot as a bowling all-rounder, who can offer batting flexibility when the team needs it.Early wickets lost, consolidation the need of the hour? Dial Chase. Wickets needed with the ball to win back some control? Dial Chase. Besides, Chase is also an excellent fielder inside the ring. He bowled his full quota of overs in each game; his six wickets in three games came at an economy of just 5.16.Jason Holder’s bruise on his chest prior to the series opener handed him an opportunity. In a modest 157 chase, India were cruising at 57 without loss when he was brought on. He bowled his four overs at a stretch mostly with a wet ball.He used the crease to vary his lines, and then his tall frame to bowl it into the pitch and extract bounce. By not allowing batters to get underneath the flight on a two-paced surface, he kept India honest. The rewards for these were the wickets of Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan. He finished the first T20I with figures of 4-0-14-2.In the second T20I, West Indies won a crucial toss and elected to bowl because of heavy dew. This time, Chase wasn’t a last-minute inclusion, but a first XI player in place of Fabian Allen, who was meant to start. Chase’s terrific effort in the series opener had swayed the team management into playing him again.This time, he had better conditions to show off his wares. India began to get off the blocks quickly, with Rohit and Virat Kohli playing in a refreshingly attacking manner. Kohli batted with freedom and positivity, hitting six boundaries off his first 15 deliveries. When Chase came on to bowl in the eighth over, Kohli had raced to 29 off 18, Rohit was on 18 off 16. The signs were ominous, and he delivered yet again.Chase’s tall frame helps him operate with different trajectories compared to Allen or Akeal Hosein, the other two spin bowling allrounders. And he used every bit of it to his advantage. Four balls into his spell, he dismissed Rohit for the second time in the series, by having him slice a lofted hit to cover.Chase can land the ball on the same spot – much like Washington Sundar does for India – and he mixes this with subtle changes in grip. The one that got Rohit held its line instead of spinning in because he bowled it with a scrambled seam. Rohit, who was looking to muscle it over cover ended up slicing it to the fielder at the edge of the ring. Off his next over, he enticed Suryakumar Yadav to drive, only to get the ball to dip and spin as he gobbled up a forceful push.Chase ensured India didn’t hit a single boundary between the end of the powerplay and the start of the 13th over. After a pulsating beginning, Kohli had managed just 10 runs off his next 15 balls during Chase’s spell, with two big wickets having fallen. Once again, his subtle mastery was at play, allowing Pollard a degree of control over proceedings. Four overs of mayhem at the end – where the fast bowlers repeatedly lost their lengths and bowled into the slot – allowed Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer to feast on the bowling to set up a target of 187, which the visitors fell short of.On Sunday, Chase was once again at the forefront for West Indies. Not allowing India’s fearless band to break away initially. They wanted to bat with freedom and made four changes with the series in the bag. In came Chase again, keeping them honest and in the process. Kishan’s frustration stemmed from his inability to step out to Chase.The lengths he bowled didn’t allow him to go back and pull either, because it was the “in-between” length Chase often goes back to as a default setting. Eventually, he’d have Kishan bowled trying to pull a delivery that held on to the surface and had him play early. Once again, he bowled out with West Indies having a degree of control, with Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav having to rebuild the innings. Allen, the man who was set to play ahead of him when the series started, bowled just one wicketless over. How the tide had turned. If not for some poor death bowling, West Indies may have found themselves chasing 20 fewer than the 185 they were set.While his bowling has come up leaps and bounds, Chase the batter struggled for any sort of rhythm. In the first game, he pottered his way around before falling lbw to a Ravi Bishnoi googly. In the third, he came in much later, after the cream of the batting had all been dismissed in pursuit of a big target. For someone who is seen as an accumulator, who can shift up and down the order based on conditions, these were disappointing series with the bat.In a line-up full of explosive power, Chase is often seen as the calm amid the storm. His presence gives West Indies a degree of comfort with the bat at the best of times. He is an excellent player of spin because of the assuredness in his footwork. His role is mainly to knock the ball around after the power plays, pick up occasional boundaries and allow the power-hitters to come into their own.This has been the DNA of his T20 game ever since he made a serious pitch as a T20 player in 2020, when he was named as a replacement player in the CPL by St Lucia Kings. In the following season, he repaid the faith by being the season’s MVP, which got him a maiden T20 World Cup call-up. While his bowling continues to be on the rise, Chase will hope his batting returns in India were an aberration. If he can offer West Indies a bit more flexibility, his presence, amid a succession of bowling allrounders in Allen, Hosein, Odean Smith, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd will help build a bouquet of options T20 teams around the world yearn for.

Pakistan drop Hasan Nawaz from SL ODIs and T20I tri-series

No replacement was nominated for him for the ODIs, while Fakhar Zaman is called up to the T20I squad

Danyal Rasool09-Nov-2025Pakistan have dropped batter Hasan Nawaz from their upcoming ODI and T20I series later this month. He has been sent instead to participate in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. No replacement was nominated for him for the ODIs, while Fakhar Zaman is called up to the T20I squad in his stead.Nawaz, who initially rose to prominence when he scored a match-winning T20I hundred against New Zealand at Eden Park in March in his third T20I, was initially marked out as a shining talent. Consequentially, he was allowed an extended run in the side despite numerous failures including five ducks in his first ten games.However, his ability for big hitting, especially during the middle and late stages of T20 innings, was deemed extremely valuable, and his ceiling was considered higher than just about every other player. That reputation was burnished further thanks to a dazzling PSL campaign where he took Quetta Gladiators to the final, finishing as the third highest run-scorer at a strike rate over 162.But over the past two months, he has begun to be viewed as more dispensable. He was dropped from the later stages of Pakistan’s run to the Asia Cup final this year for Hussain Talat, a batter with a much lower explosive profile. He has only played four ODIs – three against the West Indies in August, and averages over 56.Even so, the manner of his dismissal in the first game, when he charged George Linde on a spinning track and ended up stumped, signalled a particular lack of match awareness, and he was not picked for the remaining games. Similarly, his T20I run over the past few months has become a problem for Pakistan. In his last eight matches, he has reached double figures just once, averaging under 7.Pakistan play three ODIs against Sri Lanka from November 11 before commencing a T20I tri-series that also involves Zimbabwe from November 17. It will be the first multi-team T20I tournament ever held in Pakistan.Pakistan squadsODIs: Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali AghaT20I tri-series: Salman Ali Agha (capt), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq

Boland's MCG heroics more relevant than 2023 Ashes blip

England took on Boland two years ago on home soil and could look to take a similar approach this year

AAP12-Oct-20257:05

Advantage England if Cummins misses first Ashes Test?

Australia coach Andrew McDonald has warned England that Scott Boland will be a different prospect at home, and any belief they have figured the Victorian out is based on a false economy.Boland’s role for this summer’s Ashes is now appearing increasingly important, with concerns over how many Tests Pat Cummins will be able to play throughout the series.The 36-year-old Boland debuted against England four years ago on Boxing Day, with his 6 for 7 in the second innings catapulting him into cult-hero status.Related

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The one blip in Boland’s Test career remains the 2023 Ashes, where England went after him and messed with his lengths at Edgbaston and Headingley.Boland’s career average of 16.53 also remains the best of any bowler in the past 100 years, while his economy-rate of 2.75 makes him the most miserly of any regular seamer since his debut.But he took just two wickets at an average of 115.5 in the 2023 Ashes, as England’s batters walked at Boland and took him for 4.91 runs an over in his two Tests.That alone prompted former England captain Michael Atherton to state this week Cummins’s back injury was a massive boost for the tourists given they had no fear for Boland. Not that Australia’s coach is buying into the suggestion.”Scotty was challenged with some lack of bounce in the benign conditions in England,” McDonald said. “I think conditions sort of conspired a little bit against him. I know there’s been some press around that England have worked Scott Boland out.  But when he comes back into the Australian conditions, he gets bounce, hits the deck, he’s a handful.Will it be a big Ashes for Scott Boland?•Getty Images

“And as we saw last year against India, I think Rohit Sharma rated him the best of that series. That’s a huge compliment from an opposing captain.”McDonald pointed to two overs Boland sent down under heavy cloud at Edgbaston during the 2023 Ashes as proof the situation may have been conditions-dependent.”We did get the overheads there for that short snippet at the end of day three,” McDonald said. “And when he bowled a few overs under the cloudy skies, he looked like he was going to get a wicket every ball.”So we’re confident and comfortable that Baz can get the job done in Australia, which he’s done over a long period of time. And bounce will be his friend.”McDonald also insisted there was enough depth in Australia’s pace-bowling stocks to cover if injuries struck. He has not had to call upon a frontline quick other than Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood or Boland since December 2022.Cummins will have a clearer picture later this week on whether he is a chance to play in the first Test, with the captain needing at least four-and-a-half weeks of bowling in the lead up.Tight turnarounds between the final three Tests could also cause workload-management headaches, particularly if the third Test in Adelaide was to go the distance.”It’d be nice if we sat back at the end of the summer and said there were only four fast bowlers used,” McDonald said.  “But we’ve got some good options in [Brendan] Doggett, [Sean] Abbott, [Michael] Neser.  Jhye Richardson is potentially coming back around that midpoint of the series.”So I feel like we’ve got some good options if we do get stretched, which is one of the great things of domestic cricket.”

Harmanpreet rues India's 6 for 36 collapse against Australia

India went from 294 for 4 in the 43rd over to 330 all out, a total that proved inadequate

Vishal Dikshit12-Oct-20253:54

Review: Healy’s 142 was Australia’s bedrock

India’s famed top five finally came to the party at the Women’s World Cup 2025 to put on a staggering total of 330 but such was their lower-order collapse, the flatness of the pitch, and the might of the Australians that India fell “30 to 40 runs” short.It was the first time any team had scored over 300 while batting first against Australia but India believe they could have got much more after they were placed at 294 for 4 in 42.5 overs. As it happened, they lost the next six wickets for 36 runs to be bowled out with seven balls to spare. After their openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal scored half-centuries, India’s middle-order batters got off to starts but they and the lower order couldn’t cash in on the promise.”The way we started we thought if we could have added more 30-40 runs on the board, we missed runs in the last six-seven overs,” captain Harmanpreet Kaur said at the presentation. “We kept losing wickets and that really cost us because today’s pitch was totally different. We knew it was a good batting wicket, but those last six overs where we were not able to capitalise really cost us.Related

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“Today the first 40 overs were really good and in the last 10 we were not executing well. In matches these things are going to happen, we are not going to be 100% all the time but it’s very important how you come back.”Head coach Amol Muzumdar concurred with his captain that India had to finish better to get over the line. He pointed to the defeat to South Africa, where they couldn’t defend 251 despite being in a strong position, to highlight that the team have issues with the ball as well.Both Harmanpreet Kaur and Amol Muzumdar felt India did not finish well with the ball•Getty Images”Look, in my opinion, the finish is very important in a cricket game,” Muzumdar said at the press conference. “I always say, even in this dressing room, that yes, we need a good start, but we need a better finish. So, if you see the finish that we had in the South Africa game, as far as bowling is concerned in the last five overs, we ended up losing that game. And, even today, basically, if we would have got another 20 runs, maybe things would have been different. But, at the same time, it’s been a gradual progress for us. And there are a lot of learnings. I keep talking about positives and learnings. One of the things to learn is to finish well.”India have struggled to defend competitive totals in their last two games, losing both with seven and six balls remaining. They have played these games with only five bowlers in batting-friendly conditions. Their next match against England is in Indore, which tends to offer plenty of runs as well. Will India look to bolster their attack?”Obviously, after this game, we will have a look at it,” Muzumdar said. “I am sure the team management will have a proper discussion about this and then we will take a right call as we approach the next game. I am sure about that.”

“We’ll sit and discuss [about five bowlers] because this combination has given us a lot of success in the past,” she said. “Two bad games are not going to make a big difference for us. Going forward there are a lot of things we need to sort it out and hopefully we’ll come up with the best approach.”Harmanpreet Kaur on India’s five-bowler approach

Harmanpreet, however, did not sound too keen to change India’s combination which has five frontline batters, a wicketkeeper-batter, three allrounders and two frontline bowlers.”We’ll sit and discuss [about five bowlers] because this combination has given us a lot of success in the past,” she said. “Two bad games are not going to make a big difference for us. Going forward there are a lot of things we need to sort it out and hopefully we’ll come up with the best approach.”One of the other issues for India, compared to teams that have been doing better, is their consumption of dot balls. It was a much larger issue in their first three games of the World Cup before they addressed it against Australia where five of their top seven had strike rates in excess of 100.”Well, to be honest, after the previous game, we had an elongated discussion about how we are going to approach the batting innings,” Muzumdar said. “That was one of the things that was discussed about the dot-ball percentage. So far, in the last year-and-a-half, we have been playing very aggressive cricket. I thought today was a good display. Yes, the dot-ball percentage has come down. But, we will have a closer look at it, I don’t know what the percentage is (48% against Australia), but we would like to get it down.”

Angry Ginge names Man Utd legend he "would love" to join him on I'm A Celebrity

Angry Ginge has named a Manchester United legend as the one person he “would love” to join him in the I’m A Celebrity jungle if he could choose anyone.

The Twitch streamer has now touched down in Australia, having been confirmed as part of the line-up for the latest series of I’m A Celeb, which is due to start this Sunday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

The 23-year-old is not the only Mancunian taking part either, with his close friend, Aitch, also being revealed as one of the new contestants on Monday evening.

Having a friend in the camp will no doubt make it easier to settle into life in the jungle, but Angry Ginge, whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle, has now revealed he wishes a Man United legend was also heading down under this winter.

Angry Ginge "would love" Wayne Rooney to join him on I'm A Celeb

Speaking about the type of contestant he plans to be in a recent interview with ITV, Burtwistle said: “I will try to be the motivator in camp and make sure everyone is chatty and happy. I’m not argumentative either.

“And if I could pick anyone, I would love it if Wayne Rooney was in camp with me. We would have a laugh.”

The 40-year-old making an appearance may not be completely out of the question, having recently revealed he would be open to one day being a part of the ITV show, saying: “Would I? I think I would, at the right time.

“I’d struggle with some of the trials, though. You know the worst one, you know where they walk into a room…and there’s like a big ostrich looking at you. I didn’t [know he was scared of ostriches] but I’m just picturing them being there.”

The former Man United star also knows Angry Ginge well, having bizarrely joined his Pro Clubs team ‘Girth N Turf’ on EA Sports FC 24.

However, should he one day jet out to Australia, Rooney will have big shoes to fill, given that his wife Coleen finished as runner-up in the 2024 edition, behind only McFly singer Danny Jones.

With Angry Ginge, who has 1.4m Twitch followers, due to take part, this year’s I’m A Celeb is shaping up nicely regardless, but maybe 2026 will be the year we finally see Wazza taking part in a Bushtucker Trial…

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Champions League club make approach to sign Leeds’ Illan Meslier in cheap January deal

A Champions League club have made an approach for Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier, with the Frenchman’s time at Elland Road likely to come to an end sooner rather than later.

The Whites have done well back in the Premier League so far this season, steering clear of the relegation zone and more than holding their own.

New signings have settled in well and last season’s Championship players have largely handled the step up to the top flight impressively, but one figure who hasn’t featured at all is Meslier.

The 25-year-old was once a highly-rated young goalkeeper of whom big things were expected, with some even predicting that he would be Hugo Lloris’ long-term replacement for France, but he has become an error-prone figure at Elland Road, leading to him being dropped last season.

It feels like a case of when Meslier departs Leeds rather than if, with Daniel Farke making it clear he isn’t an important figure, and it now looks as though his exit may not be too far away.

Champions League club make approach for Leeds ace Meslier

According to an update from Voetbal Krant [via Sport Witness], Club Brugge have made an approach for Leeds ‘keeper Meslier, as well as rivals Anderlecht.

They are hoping to strike a deal in the January transfer window, even though it is “not an easy proposition”, but his time with the Whites is still thought to be “coming to an end”.

It feels right for all parties for Meslier’s time at Leeds to reach its conclusion, with his current situation not helping anyone, in terms of having an out-of-favour player not featuring at all at the club.

The £30,000-a-week stopper will surely want to be starting games regularly at this point in his career, and that won’t happen with the Whites, with Farke brutally honest about his shortcomings last season.

“It’s fair to say he had a poor game against Hull and his mistake for the second goal was decisive. There were a few games where he could have and should have done better. There were perhaps one or two strikes where you would expect a player of his calibre could save it when he is on the top of his game. I spoke with Illan about this and although he has had many clean sheets and many good saves he could show this with more consistency. It’s important to be honest and open.”

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At 25 years of age, time is still on Meslier’s side, and he is a naturally gifted goalkeeper, but once the errors started creeping in at a more regular rate at Leeds, it became clear that he had no future at the club.

Leeds man was once the 'best in the league', now Farke needs to sell him

Not just Elanga: Ross Wilson must instantly upgrade on £40m Newcastle star

Could it be understandable that Newcastle United have lost some of their fluency and sharpness after a summer of such steep upheaval?

Understandable, sure, but it’s Eddie Howe’s job to find a solution and restore United to a level of competency that will see them challenge for silverware and qualify for European competition once again.

Eight matches into the Premier League season, the Magpies languish in 14th place, though it’s early days yet, and we need only flick back to the previous season of this gripping Toon show to note that Newcastle found form across the wintry months and set themselves up for their trophy-winning success.

While losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool was a bitter pill to swallow, Nick Woltemade has started his Tyneside career in fine fettle indeed, bagging five goals across his first eight matches in all competitions.

The German striker stands beneath a high ceiling, but not all of his attacking peers have caught the eye thus far, with Anthony Elanga yet to hit his stride following his big-money arrival this summer.

Elanga's start to life at Newcastle

Newcastle have work to do this season, and Elanga is a representation of that. Having joined St. James’ Park from Nottingham Forest for £55m this summer, the 23-year-old arrived with a weight of expectation.

The Manchester United academy graduate made a name for himself at the City Ground, merging his blistering pace with a natural ease on the ball and creativity.

He has yet to register a goal contribution for Newcastle, but Elanga ranks among the top 11% of positional peers across Europe for assists per 90, as per FBref, which emphasises the calibre of player yet untapped under Howe’s wing.

Matches (starts)

38 (31)

8 (4)

Goals

6

0

Assists

11

0

Touches*

32.0

24.4

Shots (on target)*

1.2 (0.6)

0.4 (0.1)

Pass completion

78%

77%

Key passes*

1.3

0.6

Dribbles*

0.7

0.3

Recoveries*

2.3

0.9

Tackles + interceptions*

0.7

0.3

Duels won*

3.0

1.9

The data pool is shallow, no doubt about that. And there is plenty of time for the Sweden international to click into gear and start performing at the top of his game this term, but there’s no question that improvements are needed.

Howe has been admirable in his defence of the summer recruit, but he will tacitly harbour frustrations over his start to life in Newcastle, and will be working tirelessly toward unlocking latent qualities that have not yet surfaced.

A bedding-in period is understandable, and it’s worth remembering. Elanga could quite easily be scapegoated for the club’s current struggles, but there’s another, more senior member of Howe’s team whose displays this term have left much to be desired.

New technical director Ross Wilson will be keeping a close eye on the winger, in any case, with a preliminary list of wide forwards no doubt considered ahead of the next year of transfer markets.

And, unlike Elanga, time might be running out for this mainstay.

Newcastle must upgrade on Howe favourite

Newcastle have had a strong spine throughout the span of Howe’s tenure, but that has started to flake away this year. Isak has gone, and now, Joelinton may well have entered the final stretch of his career in England’s north east.

A lack of creativity has been the bane of Newcastle’s season so far, and while more is expected from Elanga, Joelinton has struggled to perform in his central midfield berth, and the time may be approaching for the Brazilian to close the door on this journey, with United blogger Thomas Hammond even suggesting it’s the “start of the end” for the 29-year-old, who has been “honking” for some time.

Newcastle World branded Joelinton with a 4/10 match rating after the defeat on the south coast against Brighton, hooked at half-time after a weak display, with Sofascore recording that he failed to create a chance or even attempt a dribble, also ceding possession and allowing Georginio Rutter through on goal.

He might be one of Newcastle’s most recognisable stars, a staple of the Howe era, but all good things come to an end, and there’s a sense that an upgrade could be struck in the centre of the park.

1

Bruno Guimaraes

164

2

Fabian Schar

160

3

Dan Burn

159

4

Jacob Murphy

145

5

Joelinton

139

As Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali’s central partnership continues to blossom, so does Joelinton’s importance under the St. James’ Park lights diminish.

His six Premier League starts this year have left much to be desired, and there’s no question that a more overtly creative midfielder could be a welcome addition in the coming months, nestling into the frontal point of the engine room, buttressed and supplied by the elegant deeper midfielders.

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali

With Jacob Ramsey returning to full fitness, it would not be a huge surprise to see the 6 foot 3 powerhouse start from the bench on more than a few occasions across the coming months. FBref show that he ranks only among the top 48% of midfielders for shot-creating actions and the top 67% for progressive passes per 90.

Joelinton’s incredible resurgence in the Premier League will see him remembered as a hero for many years to come at Newcastle. The Carabao Cup champion and Champions League competitor has embodied the spirit of Howe’s reign.

But Newcastle are evolving, and his usage may well have dried up as we enter this new era. Elanga has time to turn things around, but Joelinton’s best days likely lie behind him.

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1 ByKelan Sarson Oct 21, 2025

Eduardo Barros expõe bronca com arbitragem após derrota do Fluminense: 'O VAR não pode deixar de analisar com critério'

MatériaMais Notícias

O auxiliar técnico do Fluminense, Eduardo Barros, voltou suas direções para a conduta da arbitragem em entrevista coletiva após a derrota da equipe para o Vasco, por 4 a 2, na noite deste sábado (16). Barros, que substituiu o suspenso Fernando Diniz, direcionou suas atenções para o lance do primeiro gol cruz-maltino.

A reclamação tricolor com Raphael Claus (Fifa/SP) foi centralizada em uma falta não marcada de Paulinho sobre Germán Cano.

– Minha análise do resultado tem que incluir, infelizmente, mais um erro do VAR contra nossa equipe. Um lance capital no primeiro tempo numa saída de jogo nossa, uma falta difícil para a arbitragem no campo, dada a velocidade do lance. Mas com todos os recursos que nós temos à disposição para qualificar o jogo, o VAR não pode deixar de analisar com critério. Há tanto uma carga nas costas do Cano, mas principalmente um pisão no pé esquerdo, que é um lance faltoso. É por isso que ele sai na sequência rolando de dor- declarou.

O argentino ficou com marcas de chuteira em seu tornozelo em virtude do lance. O auxiliar avaliou o desempenho do Tricolor das Laranjeiras na partida.

– Tivemos alguns melhores momentos no decorrer da partida. Tinha passado o ímpeto inicial do Vasco, após conseguir seu primeiro gol. Quando a gente volta, faz o gol, empurra o Vasco para trás, leva crer que vamos manter. Em um lance de bola parada, sofremos outro gol. Buscamos, estamos melhores, só que sofremos o outro gol – disse.

Em relação ao Cruzeiro, o auxiliar afirmou.

– Depois da partida contra o Cruzeiro, teremos uma semana cheia para treinar. Por isso, no Maracanã, devemos lançar o que temos de melhor.

O Fluminense encara o Cruzeiro na quarta-feira, dia 20, no Maracanã.

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