All posts by h716a5.icu

KL Rahul feels scoring runs won’t be easy on the final day

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jun-2025KL Rahul has compared the Headingley surface to a subcontinent pitch, saying run-scoring will not be easy on the final day of the first Test.India, led by Rahul’s memorable 137 and Rishabh Pant’s second century of the Test, set England a target of 371. England reached 21 for 0 at stumps, still needing 350 for a win, and Rahul expected a “very interesting” final day.”I think the first two days, being as hot as it was, the pitch has taken a bit of beating,” Rahul said in an interview with at the close of day four. “The crack seems like it’s opening up. There’s a bit of rough there, and the wicket is really dry. Mostly, it’s like a subcontinent wicket on day five.Related

Rahul rides his overdue luck to set India up with statement century

Tongue mops up again to highlight lower-order disparity

Stats – Rishabh Pant breaks records with twin tons at Headingley

Pant, Rahul centuries set England 371 to win at Headingley

“[The] day five wicket won’t be as easy, but knowing how England play and their style of cricket, they’re going to come hard and try and score boundaries and try and score runs as quickly as possible. We need to keep that in the back of our heads and try and bowl as straight as we can. Try and be patient and really not give them those boundaries, make them earn their runs. It should be a very interesting day.”The match was evenly poised when play began on day four, with India two down and leading by 96 runs. They lost their captain Shubman Gill early in conditions ripe for swing bowling, but Rahul and Pant dug in. India managed only 28 runs in the first hour of play but lost just that one wicket, despite the ball moving around.”It was very different this morning,” Rahul said. “It almost felt like it was the first time we were actually in English conditions. The ball was seeming around, it was overcast. There was a bit happening from the wicket.”The first couple of days when we batted, there wasn’t much. There was a bit of swing in the air, but nothing off the pitch. But this morning it was a really good spell. I just felt like I needed to play tighter and make sure that we don’t lose too many wickets and make sure that I kill the first session. I was trying to play as straight as possible. At least defend as straight as possible.”KL Rahul recorded his third century in England•Getty ImagesRahul also said that playing the second unofficial Test for India A against England Lions helped him acclimatise to the conditions in England better and got him into that “tempo of playing Test cricket again”.”[I felt if] I get some time to spend in the middle, it would be really good just to bat against the Dukes ball, just get used to the cold conditions and windy conditions and just spend some time leaving a few balls and just getting that tempo again of playing Test cricket,” Rahul said. “That really helped me come here early and adjust to the conditions. Just get that tempo right and feel comfortable wearing the whites again and getting used to seeing the red ball coming at me.”That really helped me in terms of prep, and obviously, I’ve been here before, I’ve played a few Test series here. So I knew what to expect, but again, every series is different. This time the bowlers are different, the conditions are different, so it was just about switching on and trying to do the simple things right and yeah, coming here early really helped me.”Rahul praised Pant, with whom he forged a 195-run stand for the fourth wicket.”When Rishabh walks in, you just let him be,” Rahul said. “He knows what’s best for the team and for him and how he can do that. Obviously, everyone’s different. Rishabh’s a very different player. He does the job for the team, so you just let him be and make sure that he’s doing the simple things right. We’ve had a few partnerships before as well, so we enjoy batting together.”

Real Madrid Femenino are celebrating after securing a first ever win over rivals Barcelona in a thrilling Clasico on Sunday.

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Visitors win 3-1 at Montjuic Barca hit back and have another goal disallowed Caroline Weir bags late winnerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona suffered a first ever defeat to Real Madrid on Sunday in a thrilling game at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The visitors went ahead just before half-time through Alba Redondo but were pegged back in the second half when Caroline Graham Hansen equalised. Jana Fernandez then saw a goal controversially disallowed before Caroline Weir struck twice late on to secure an historic victory for the visitors.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The victory for Real Madrid marked their first ever over their great rivals after being unsuccessful in their previous 18 fixtures. Not only does it mark a first victory, but also a first point gained against Barcelona with the Blaugrana winning every single Clasico to date. It is quite the turnaround for Madrid who, just two months ago, were thrashed 5-0 in the Supercopa de Espana by the same opposition. Weir's late winner will live long in the memory of the Madrid fans and may suggest a potential turning of the tides in Spanish football.

DID YOU KNOW?

In their previous 18 fixtures, Barcelona had scored 66 goals and conceded just seven. The club, who recently had their lengthy 84-game unbeaten run snuffed out in dramatic fashion by Levante, would have expected to continue their dominance over Madrid and move ten points clear at the top. But, with this unprecedented victory for Los Blancos, Barcelona will have to start looking over their shoulders at their rivals – now just four points off the league leaders.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA AND REAL MADRID?

The victory is the perfect warm up for Real Madrid's trip to London to take on Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final. They go into the game with a 2-0 advantage over the Gunners, who enjoyed their own perfect preparation on Saturday by winning 4-0 against Liverpool. As for Barcelona, they have a 4-1 lead over Wolfsburg going into the second leg and will hope that will be enough of a cushion to avoid any upset and make the semi-finals.

Tournament will run into February and will comprise 33 matches

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Oct-2022There are only 100 days to go for the start of a new franchise T20 league, with Cricket South Africa’s SA20 scheduled to begin on January 10 next year.The league has six teams – MI Cape Town, Durban Super Giants, Johannesburg Super Kings, Paarl Royals, Pretoria Capitals and Sunrisers Eastern Cape, which represents the city of Gqeberha – in the fray. All of them are owned by groups that also own teams in the IPL.Related

Pollard to lead MI Emirates, Rashid put in charge of MI Cape Town

SA20 strikes landmark broadcast deal for Indian market

SA20 auction: Tristan Stubbs the biggest buy

SA20 squads: a look at how they stack up

Temba Bavuma not picked for SA20

Each squad comprises 17 players – with a maximum of seven internationals – and they filled their rosters at the player auction on September 19, where batter Tristan Stubbs was the most expensive player after being bought for approximately US$ 520,000 by the Sunrisers franchise.Johannesburg Super Kings will be led by former Chennai Super Kings stalwart Faf du Plessis, and their assistant coach Albie Morkel – another former CSK player – was bullish about the opening season of the league.”The player auction was a huge success for us as Jo’burg Super Kings and for the league itself,” he said. “There were a lot of quality local and international cricketers picked up and that will certainly produce competitive cricket from the teams …We have already started doing work behind the scenes and can’t wait for the action to start come January 10th.”Robin Peterson, the former South African spinner and MI Cape Town general manager said the league would be extremely valuable for the development of cricket in South Africa.”The SA20 is going to have a massive impact on South African cricket,” he said. “It is going to revolutionise the game in our country and if used correctly and to its full potential, it will be an exciting competition. Being on the ground working at domestic level, there is a certain level of excitement from cricketers that there is a league within our own country. There’s knowing that if they showcase their skills, who knows where it may lead to, be it playing for the Proteas or getting deals around the world.”The SA20 will comprise 33 matches, to be played from January 10 into February. All teams will play each other twice – on a home-and-away basis – during the league followed by two semi-finals and the final.

Mohamed Salah recently said that his prime goal for the 2024/25 campaign is to lift the Premier League trophy for a second time with Liverpool, and that success in the top flight comes before the Champions League.

This speaks of the drive behind Liverpool’s talisman, who is surely angered by several years of whisker-thin misses against the Manchester City juggernaut.

To be sure, the Egypt sensation would take the prized continental title gladly, but given that Arne Slot’s Reds are six points clear of second-placed Arsenal and with a game in hand, there are no excuses. Liverpool have to get the job done.

Salah isn’t the first elite-class forward to dazzle Anfield’s crowd during the 21st century, with the likes of Robbie Fowler (toward the end of his distinguished Reds career) and Fernando Torres providing incredible success to the number nine spot.

However, Luis Suarez would have to be the pick of the bunch, albeit he’s been trumped by the almighty Salah now, as most Liverpool fans would surely agree.

When Liverpool sold Luis Suarez

The 2013/14 season was a thing of beauty for Liverpool. For the most part. It was like a staggering cinematic experience that failed to stick the landing, the denouement leaving a bitter taste as it fell awkwardly flat.

Preceding the days of Jurgen Klopp, the days of trophy-lifting, seat-raising, awe-inspiring successes, Liverpool tried to claim a maiden Premier League title. They failed, but Suarez produced a season-long performance for the ages, posting 31 goals and 13 assists across just 33 appearances.

Hailed as a “legend” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Uruguay icon gave his all and established himself as one of the best players across the continent, but he didn’t want to give it another shot after Man City stole ahead and won the league. His energy was expended.

Barcelona sauntered in and paid £75m for Liverpool’s world-class number nine and he went on to cement himself as one of the best forwards of his generation, winning four La Liga titles and the Champions League with La Blaugrana before moving to Atletico Madrid and claiming the Spanish top-flight trophy once more.

1.

Philippe Coutinho

£142m

2.

Luis Suarez

£75m

3.

Fernando Torres

£50m

4.

Raheem Sterling

£49m

5.

Fabinho

£40m

Barcelona have been partial to Liverpool’s attacking talent, since taking Phil Coutinho into their brood for a record fee, albeit to a wholly different effect. Now, they seek a member of Slot’s frontline, and no, it’s not Salah.

Barcelona eyeing Liverpool forward

As per Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona have retained their long-lasting interest in Luis Diaz and could seek to engineer a transfer this year.

Diaz reportedly earns £55k-per-week at Anfield and has been a topic of discussion for renewal in recent months after Barca’s interest in the summer. However, this has been overshadowed by the outfit’s rumbling contractual concerns.

The Colombia international’s father has previously revealed that it is his son’s dream to play at Camp Nou, so Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes will need to pull all the stops to stave off any mounting interest and keep him on Merseyside over the coming years.

Losing Luis Diaz would be a disaster

Described as a “livewire” by journalist Peter Hall, Diaz ebbed and flowed within Klopp’s system last year but has been in inspired showing this year, already tallying together 12 goals and three assists from 24 matches, 17 starts.

Barcelona cannot be allowed to sign a man who has hit his stride this term, with his role in Slot’s attacking line so important that it might even be a bigger loss than that of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who – like Salah – is out of contract this summer and is being courted by Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold is one of the best playmakers in the world, with pundit Jamie Carragher claiming that “it’s like having Kevin De Bruyne playing at right-back” – such is his quality.

But Diaz’s shock departure this year might strike a blow that Liverpool would be unable to recover from, especially with the forward market looking decidedly thin at the top end right now. It just wouldn’t make sense.

Diaz’s quality within Slot’s system has perhaps been understated this term. With Diogo Jota spending time in the infirmary and Darwin Nunez still unable to find his shooting boots, the Colombian’s dynamism and renewed clinical edge in front of goal have been invaluable to the success across multiple cylinders.

As per FBref, he actually ranks among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League this season for goals scored, the top 5% for pass completion and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90, emphasising his balanced – and deadly – threat.

Slot’s decision to shape him into a makeshift striker bears testament to the coach’s tactical expertise and Diaz’s remarkable ability to adapt and inflict damage through his many-faceted skill set.

Harking back to Trent, Liverpool would lose a significant chunk of their auxiliary creative firepower, but with Diaz out of the picture, big problems would arise, the frontline would be knocked out of kilter and Salah would be forced to carry a burden too heavy even for his deific shoulders.

Left winger

16

5

3

Centre-forward

5

6

0

Right winger

1

1

0

It’s a bold thing to suggest, but losing Diaz might actually be a bigger blow than losing Alexander-Arnold, whose influence is unmatched among Premier League full-backs but, in Conor Bradley, Liverpool have an able deputy already.

The protean and dynamic qualities that the 27-year-old puts on the table speak volumes; would Liverpool actually be able to sign a fitting replacement? An upgrade?

Barcelona aren’t exactly swimming in cash, but FSG will be wary of the growing interest in Diaz’s signature as he continues to go from strength to strength under new management.

One thing’s for certain: he can’t be allowed to leave and probably needs to tie down to a new deal as a matter of priority. After Alexander-Arnold and Salah’s deals are dealt with, naturally.

Transfer Focus

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

Barcelona seem to have a deep love for Liverpool’s attacking talents, but Diaz must be convinced that Merseyside is the place for him, and that he need not walk the same path as his South American peer, Suarez, and head to La Liga.

FSG must cash in on Liverpool flop who's earning more than Gakpo & Diaz

This Liverpool star’s days could well be numbered…

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 3, 2025

Teams set to play an uneven number of Shield matches with finalists to be decided on an average points per game

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Feb-2022Cricket Australia has confirmed the Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup domestic competitions will recommence on February 9 despite Western Australia’s hard border currently preventing teams travelling in and out without 14 days quarantine.The majority of the BBL-winning Perth Scorchers squad still remain in Melbourne seven days on from winning the title after the WA government’s border stance has prevented them from re-entering the state, although a small number have returned to begin 14 days home quarantine early due to student exemptions.The majority of the players and staff will travel on Saturday February 5 and begin two weeks isolation. Australia coach Justin Langer has also been stuck on the east coast for three weeks since the Hobart Test concluded without returning home to Perth and is also due to fly home on Saturday.There is no timeframe placed on when WA’s border will open but Western Australia’s Shield and Marsh Cup teams, who sit top of the table of both competitions, are scheduled to play a one-day game in Melbourne on March 8 with the final due to be played in the same city on March 11. They are also scheduled to play a Shield match against New South Wales in Sydney starting on March 15 before returning to Perth to host a four-day match against Victoria on March 23. But with the current border rules it remains to be seen how that match will be played.There will be two rounds of Shield matches in February but WA will not participate in any of those four matches. Queensland host New South Wales at the Gabba on February 9 while South Australia host Victoria at Adelaide Oval. All of the potential Australia Test players that are not involved in the concurrent T20I series against Sri Lanka are likely to play in those matches, meaning the likes of Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Michael Neser, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon, Marcus Harris, Scott Boland and Alex Carey could all play at least one match before heading to Pakistan later in the month.WA’s inability to participate in games in February and the Covid issues faced by New South Wales and Victoria prior to the BBL means that teams are set to play an uneven number of Shield games. Queensland are scheduled to play a total of nine matches, Tasmania and South Australia eight, while New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia will play seven under the revised fixture. The Shield finalists will be decided based on average points per game.”Following a fairly challenging BBL period, the medical advice we received recommended a short break post BBL, along with a break somewhere within the remaining fixtures to allow participants a breather from the recommended playing protocols,” Peter Roach, Cricket Australia’s head of cricket operations, said. “Whilst Cricket Australia want to maximise the number of matches played in pivotal domestic competitions, the health and wellbeing of participants is a priority.”All six states are set to play six Marsh Cup matches each with the top two teams on the points table set to meet in the final which is locked in for the Junction Oval in Melbourne.The WNCL will be played between February 22 and March 25 with fixtures due to be confirmed next week.Marsh Sheffield Shield fixtures
Feb 9-12: South Australia v Victoria, Adelaide Oval
Feb 9-12: Queensland v New South Wales, Gabba
Feb 18-21: Victoria v Queensland, CitiPower Centre
Feb 18-21: New South Wales v Tasmania, SCG
Mar 2-5: Queensland v South Australia, Gabba
Mar 15-18: New South Wales v Western Australia, Bankstown Oval
Mar 15-18: Victoria v Tasmania, Junction Oval
Mar 23-26: Western Australia v Victoria, WACA Ground
Mar 23-26: South Australia v New South Wales, Karen Rolton Oval
Mar 23-26: Tasmania v Queensland, Bellerive Oval
Mar 31-Apr 4: Final – TBC v TBC, TBCMarsh One-Day Cup Fixtures
Feb 14: Queensland v New South Wales, Gabba (D/N)
Feb 15: South Australia v Victoria, Karen Rolton Oval
Feb 23: Victoria v Queensland, Junction Oval
Feb 23: New South Wales v Tasmania, North Sydney Oval (D/N)
Feb 25: New South Wales v Tasmania, North Sydney Oval (D/N)
Mar 6: Tasmania v Victoria, Bellerive Oval
Mar 8: Victoria v Western Australia, Junction Oval
Mar 8: New South Wales v South Australia, TBC
Mar 11: Final – TBC v TBC, Junction Oval

Liverpool had only dropped points in two Premier League fixtures in an incredible start to life under Arne Slot, but St. James’ Park is a temperamental beast and propelled Newcastle United back into the ascendency.

Perhaps not. Newcastle haven’t been good enough recently, with chequered results inhibiting Eddie Howe’s side. But this was a performance befitting such a talented squad, blessed with high-class parts that have showcased their talents on the biggest stage.

Though Mohamed Salah continued his indomitable start to the campaign, United overwhelmed the visitors for large portions of the fiercely contested clash. The Toon were immense; Tyneside responded, thunderous and crackling with life and noise and energy.

Newcastle are tenth in the Premier League standings and could fall lower still before the weekend – with teams still to play on Thursday evening. But Howe’s side proved that they can throw down the with the best of them.

Alexander Isak certainly proved himself the best centre-forward on the field, outclassing and outpunching Darwin Nunez and the some.

Alexander Isak's performance vs Liverpool

Some strike. There’s no denying that some segments of the Newcastle fanbase were growing concerned after Isak’s slow start to the season, for he had been on Arsenal’s radar in the summer and might have harboured distractions.

How the doubts have been released through this brilliant purple patch, with Liverpool now added to the collection of high-stakes matches that the Swede has succeeded in etching his name onto the board.

His name lit up as it does so often at this stadium, but he’s bagged few more striking, more emphatic, than the rifled shot that beat Caoimhin Kelleher with ease, pressing into the net from afar.

Minutes played

90′

90′

Goals

0

1

Assists

0

1

Touches

25

48

Shots (on target)

3 (0)

2 (1)

Big chances missed

2

0

Accurate passes

8/12 (67%)

19/25 (76%)

Key passes

0

5

Dribbles (completed)

2 (0)

9 (5)

Total duels (won)

13 (5)

16 (6)

It’s, erm, difficult to see how anyone could stake a claim for Nunez, the more expensive man, being the triumphant performer on Wednesday evening. Isak is leaps and bounds above his divisional rival, whose energy and tenacity make for box-office viewing, but bring infrequent results.

Isak, conversely, is an elite marksman, sniping at the opponent’s net and breaching it. That’s five goals in six matches for the 25-year-old, who proved to everyone that he was the star striker on the St. James’ Park pitch.

He wasn’t the only one to have shown Liverpool what’s up. Anthony Gordon was visibly elated when he made it 2-1 after the break, and for good reason too.

Anthony Gordon reminds Liverpool of his quality

It could have been very different. This summer, Newcastle were throttled by Premier League profit and sustainability rules and the ramifications of a non ‘big six’ side showing ambition. It wasn’t the dream window, but the Magpies chiefs deserve some credit for keeping hold of their prized assets, Gordon among them.

Newcastle’s 2023/24 Player of the Season hasn’t been at his best across the past several months, but he rose to the occasion against Liverpool, scoring against the Reds at St. James’ Park for the second season running and doing so with a performance to match that of Isak.

His dribbling is something to be admired, but so too is the combativeness that makes Gordon much more than simply a ball-carrying winger.

As per Sofascore, he completed three key passes and three dribbles apiece, but the 23-year-old also won nine duels in an excellent showing that advertised his multi-faceted style.

The Chronicle Live awarded him with an 8/10 match rating, even acknowledging that his lively showing could have bred more goals. But alas.

The England international’s initiative and roundedness make for a distinctive weapon, and he’s now being statistically likened to one of Europe’s superlative wingers.

Newcastle's £100m star in the making

That’s three goals and an assist across 13 Premier League matches for Gordon this season. Not the heftiest return, to be sure, but the dynamo is also averaging 2.2 key passes, 1.2 dribbles and 5.4 successful duels per game, the latter of which he is winning a respectable 54% of total battles.

Potency might have taken a step down, but Gordon is still leaving a trail of underlying data in his wake that bespeaks his elite-level faculties, and when looking at his FBref statistical breakdown, this becomes even clearer.

According to the stats-led site, he and Napoli superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia share some striking similarities, with both creative, crisp and technically proficient.

Hailed as a “phenomenon” by Italian football pundit Mina Rzouki, Kvaratskhelia, one of Europe’s most exciting wingers, is also 23 years old, and though he’s posted five goals and three assists across 13 Serie A matches for his Scudetto-chasing side this year, he’s also averaged only 1.1 dribbles, 1.7 key passes and 3.8 duels per game.

A wanted man, the Georgian has been on Arsenal and Liverpool’s radar this year and is valued at a whopping £100m. Given that Gordon is technically outperforming the Napoli man this season, it’s feasible that he might too reach such a high-priced figure, having already garnered plenty of intrigue this summer.

To be honest, though, most Magpies fans likely wouldn’t make a switch between the two. Gordon’s blood flows black and white, and he proved once more against Liverpool that he’s one of the finest up-and-coming wingers out there.

Newcastle now considering £66m move to sign Lloyd Kelly upgrade in January

It would be a massive signing that could help Howe’s side get back on track.

1 ByBen Browning Dec 3, 2024

The Hollywood icon delivered a show-stopping performance before the CONCACAF Nations League finals

Smith performed hits including 'Men in Black'The actor's appearance added extra excitementMexico went on to win the tournament for the first timeGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

Will Smith, the multi-talented actor and musician, took center stage at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Sunday ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League finals. The actor, best known for his role on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, delivered a high-energy performance, including his classic hits to warm up more than 68,000 fans in attendance.

The show took place before the CONCACAF Nations League final between Mexico and Panama.

AdvertisementWATCH THE VIDEOTHE BIGGER PICTURE

In the CONCACAF Nations League final, Mexico beat Panama 2-1 in a thrilling match. Raúl Jiménez scored both goals for Mexico, including a stoppage-time penalty, to secure their first Nations League title.

The victory marked a successful return for coach Javier Aguirre and ends the United States' three-year reign as champions. In the third place match, Canada beat Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT squad 2-1, with Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi cancelling out Patrick Agyemang's goal.

Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

Following their first Nations League win, Mexico will be preparing for the Gold Cup 2025, which will take place from June 14 to July 6.

After a generally miserable September, October has certainly begun with a bang for Chelsea.

Following three Premier League matches without a win, including successive defeats, the Blues bounced back in some style on Saturday, defeating champions Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Moisés Caicedo broke the deadlock early with an absolute rocket, only for Liverpool to equalise just after the hour mark, at which point most onlookers, including Gary Neville on commentary for Sky Sports, expected the visitors to go on and claim victory.

Well, that certainly wasn’t the case because, after Enzo Fernández had seen a header thwack the post, Marc Cucurella’s low cross was turned home by Estêvão Willian at the back post, sparking wild celebrations in the Matthew Harding Stand and beyond.

While match-winner Estêvão will get many of the headlines, one of Chelsea’s most experienced players put in an under-the-radar exceptional display.

Moisés Caicedo's importance to Chelsea

As noted on Liverpool’s official website, yes really, the Reds agreed a £110m deal with Brighton to sign Caicedo back in August 2023, only for the Ecuadorian to join Chelsea instead, underlining what the Merseysiders missed out on by scoring this stunning strike to open the scoring.

Even parking the goal to one side, Caicedo put in an outstanding display, controlling midfield alongside Fernández, the pair underlining why Chelsea were willing to spend over £220m to recruit the duo.

Speaking on Sky Sports after full-time, Jamie Redknapp labelled Caicedo “one of the best in the world”, adding that he is “incredible” out of possession, concluding that he “hasn’t got a weakness” and could be the man who brings the glory days back to Stamford Bridge.

Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over the club three years ago, fair to say plenty of money has been spent, but few players have proved their worth quite like the Ecuadorian.

However, one of Chelsea’s homegrown Cobham academy graduates also came to the fore, suggesting that he may be Enzo Maresca’s most undroppable player.

Chelsea defender stars against Liverpool

Despite famously having the biggest squad in football, Enzo Maresca was down to the bare bones in terms of centre-backs by the end of Saturday’s famous win.

Chalkboard

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

Firstly, Trevoh Chalobah’s red card against Brighton meant he was suspended, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill all missed out due to injury.

Then, during the game, both members of the starting defensive pairing, namely Benoît Badiashile and Josh Acheampong, were forced off due to injuries so, by the time of the winning goal, Jorrel Hato was alongside Reece James at the heart of defence.

The club captain began the evening in his usual position at right-back, Maresca experimenting with Malo Gusto in midfield, but wherever the England international was deployed, he put in an outstanding display, as the table below documents.

Tackles

5

1st

Defensive actions

10

1st

Blocks

1

1st

Interceptions

2

2nd

Key passes

2

4th

Accurate passes

50

2nd

Duels contested

10

3rd

Duels won

8

1st

Aerial duels won

2

1st

Touches

83

1st

SofaScore rating

7.2

5th

As the table documents, James was absolutely key to Chelsea’s victory.

He ranked first for tackles, defensive actions, blocks, duels won, aerial duels won and touches, also completing the second-most passes of any player on the pitch, behind only Virgil van Dijk, while Cucurella was the only man bedecked in blue to register more key passes.

This underlines not only his defensive acumen, but also his quality on the ball.

Following Chelsea’s Conference League victory over København at Parken in March, speaking on TNT Sport, Joe Cole asserted that James is as good as any right-back in the world, while believing he may be best utilised in midfield, something Maresca has done plenty of times since his arrival just over a year ago.

Either way, at full-back or in the middle, James emphasised that he needs to be on the pitch as much as possible, while acknowledging that his minutes have to be carefully managed, given his treacherous injury history.

So, while every transfer window is dominated by Chelsea spending hundreds of millions on new signings, the captain, who has been with the club since the age of six, continues to be a key figure.

"Good news" – Maresca left thrilled after "important" Chelsea star returns from injury

The Italian says he’s vital.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 4, 2025

Hansi Flick admits his Barcelona team are lacking in the confidence required to challenge for all titles this season, but remains convinced “everything will be fine” as key players – Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Joan Garcia, and Raphinha – are nearing returns from various injuries. With nine games coming up in the next four weeks, the revival of his squad could not come at a better time.

Flick receives trophy as he stresses on confidence for favourable results

Flick stepped into the spotlight once again as he received the Miguel Munoz Trophy, awarded by MARCA’s journalists to the best coach of last season’s La Liga campaign. 

“It’s a great honour to receive this award, but it also shows that it’s not just for me, it’s for the team. Both the players and the coaching staff did a fantastic job last season, and that’s why we won this trophy,” Flick said at the ceremony on Thursday.

Despite the accolades following a successful debut season in Spain, Flick faces a new reality this campaign. Barca’s form has fluctuated, and the team have struggled to sustain momentum, particularly in the final month of the previous campaign. After a frustrating first half against Celta Vigo in their latest outing, Flick admitted that they are not playing with its natural authority.

"Perhaps right now we lack the confidence we should normally have and need. But now some players are coming back, and that will help us a lot. We have a fantastic squad, and if we play at the high level we did in Vigo, everything will be fine," asserted Flick.

However, the German manager struck an optimistic tone, insisting that the return of key players will restore stability. With nine matches looming in just four weeks before the international break including coming midweek's clash against Chelsea, he believes that a more complete squad will allow the Catalan giants to rediscover their rhythm and approach every match with renewed conviction.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesBarca receive Pedri boost ahead of Champions League clash

If there is one player whose presence transforms Barcelona’s tempo and tactical balance, it is Pedri. His injury during the El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid had destabilised Barcelona's entire structure. A torn distal biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh removed their primary source of control and continuity in midfield, leaving Flick with a team that struggled to connect phases, progress the ball efficiently, or dictate rhythm.

Initially ruled out for six weeks, Pedri was expected to miss the most crucial Champions League fixtures and Spain’s international window. Yet his rehabilitation has progressed far better than anticipated. Thanks to an exceptional response to treatment, Barcelona’s medical staff have accelerated his reintegration, and he is now expected to be available for the high-stakes clash against Chelsea on November 25. He will not be risked against Athletic Club, but the message is clear: Pedri is returning at the moment Barcelona need him most.

Meanwhile, after pulling out of the Spain squad after receiving treatment on a recurring injury, fellow La Masia graduate Yamal could play a role against the Basque club this weekend, but the club's focus is on having him fit for the European encounter in midweek.

Garcia and Raphinha nearing return

Another major boost is the return of Garcia, who had quietly become one of Barcelona’s most reliable performers before tearing his medial meniscus in late September. His form early in the campaign brought rare stability to a defence that often struggled for consistency. With the international break providing breathing room, he has now completed full rehabilitation and is expected to start this weekend.

Meanwhile, Raphinha continues to progress through the final phase of his recovery. Training individually throughout the break, the Brazilian winger has focused on regaining strength, explosiveness, and match fitness. His return to full training is scheduled for immediately after the break, putting him on track to rejoin Flick’s rotational plans at a time when Barcelona desperately need depth in attack.

This sudden cluster of positive developments stands in stark contrast to the turbulence of the season’s early months, during which Flick had to navigate long-term absences for Pedri, Gavi, Garcia, Raphinha, Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.Now, for the first time, Flick sees continuity on the horizon.

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Getty ImagesWhat Flick expects next

Barcelona enter a crucial stretch, but Flick finally has reasons to believe the worst is behind them. The returns of Pedri and Garcia, combined with Raphinha’s promising progress, offer the structural stability Barcelona have lacked since August. Flick knows that reintroducing these players will not only raise the quality of the squad but also restore the confidence and clarity that have been missing in recent performances.

Flick insists that Barcelona’s fate will be determined by how they approach this period. While he acknowledges the challenges ahead, he believes that if his squad performs at the level they reached in Vigo, “everything will be fine.”

Barca will face Atheltic Club on Saturday before flying to London for the Champions League clash against Chelsea on November 25. But, their competitive runs just don't end there as they will also face Real Betis, Atletico Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt in their campaign going ahead. 

Stats highlights from the second day’s play between South Africa and England in Durban, where Stuart Broad troubled the hosts

Shiva Jayaraman27-Dec-20150 Number of South Africa bowlers to take at least 50 Test wickets against four different teams before Dale Steyn, who took his 50th against England’s on Sunday. Steyn already has 50-plus wickets against Australia, India and New Zealand. This was also the sixth time he took four or more wickets in an innings in his last eight Tests against England, in which he has taken 41 wickets at an average of 25.31.25.2 Wicket-less overs Stuart Broad had bowled in South Africa coming into this tour. In his previous Test in this country, in Cape Town, he had taken one wicket conceding 133 runs. His three wickets in this innings so far have come at just 5.33 runs apiece and five of the ten overs he bowled were maidens. Broad’s 54 wickets in 2015 so far are the second-highest among bowlers this year.2 Fifty-plus scores by South Africa openers in 2015 including Dean Elgar’s unbeaten 67 in this innings. These are the fewest fifty-plus scores by openers of any team in Tests this year. South Africa’s openers have scored 533 runs at 26.65. Only West Indies openers, with 771 runs at 20.28 have averaged lower this year. Elgar’s 67* is also the highest score by a South African opener this year.3/23 Morne Morkel’s bowling figures in his seven-over spell with the second new ball. In the first three overs of this spell he had taken three wickets for just seven runs including the wickets of Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes off consecutive deliveries, to finish with 4 for 76. He hasn’t taken a five-wicket haul in his last 24 Tests and his 70 wickets since his last five-for, which was in Adelaide in 2012-13, are the most any bowler has taken without a five-for since then.236 Deliveries faced by Nick Compton in his innings of 85 – the third-highest any England batsman has faced in his first innings in Tests in South Africa (since balls-faced information is available). Graeme Hick had faced 277 balls in Centurion in 1995-96 which are the highest. Mike Atherton’s 260-ball effort in the same innings is second on this list. Compton’s 236 deliveries are also the second-highest faced by an England No. 3 in Tests in South Africa.19.06 Runs per dismissal for Hashim Amla at Kingsmead – the fourth-worst for a batsman with at least 15 innings (for No. 1 to 7 batsmen) at any venue. Including his 7 in this innings, Amla has scored 286 runs in 15 innings at this venue. Rod Marsh has the worst such record at any venue: his 16 innings for batting positions 1 to 7 the SCG produced just 246 runs at 16.40.8 Number of times AB de Villiers has been dismissed by Broad in Tests; no other bowler has dismissed him more often. De Villiers averages just 18.37 per dismissal against him. In this innings, De Villiers managed just two scoring shots off Broad from 20 deliveries.10 Wickets that fell in the day’s play keeping with the trend at Kingsmead: the previous five Tests at this venue had seen a total of 60 wickets fall on the second day. England scored 124 runs losing six wickets and the hosts lost four wickets while making 137 runs, taking the day’s average to 26.1 per wicket. In comparison, the first day of this Test had seen only four wickets fall in 65.1 overs at an average of 44.75 runs per wicket.3 Instances before England’s innings when teams asked to bat have made a first-innings total of 300 or more at Kingsmead. The last such instance and the highest a team has made on such occasions came in 2002, when the hosts made 368 against Pakistan in 2002-03.