Here’s how things look on the run-scorers’ and wicket-takers’ tables after Saturday’s double-header in IPL 2025
ESPNcricinfo staff13-Apr-20251:36
‘Not long before Sudharsan is an India regular’
Orange Cap leaderboard
The top three on the run-scorers’ table after Friday are the top three on the run-scorers’ table after Saturday, but it’s not quite the same. Nicholas Pooran, still the No. 1, has gone past the 300-run mark after his latest hit: 61 in 34 balls against GT. He is at 349 runs now.Yesterday’s No. 2, B Sai Sudharsan, remains today’s No. 2, but breached the 300-run mark even before Pooran with his 37-ball 56. So, for a while on Saturday afternoon, we had a new No. 1 as Sai Sudharsan went past Pooran before Pooran snatched the cap back. Sai Sudharsan is at 329 runs, just 20 behind Pooran.Mitchell Marsh, unfortunately, didn’t get a go against GT since his daughter is unwell, but remains in third spot with 265 runs.What’s happening beyond the top three is equally engrossing. Six other batters are now over the 200 mark: Shreyas Iyer (250 runs), Jos Buttler (218), Travis Head (214), Shubman Gill (208), Ajinkya Rahane (204) and Aiden Markram (202). And Abhishek Sharma, after his 55-ball 141 against PBKS, is suddenly at 192 runs.Purple Cap leaderboardShardul Thakur added two wickets to his kitty on Saturday, and that has brought him right back into the top three, at No. 2, with 11 wickets, just one behind the leader, Noor Ahmad.Where Thakur made the most of his opportunity, Mohammed Siraj and R Sai Kishore couldn’t, going wicketless against LSG and staying on 10 wickets, the same as Hardik Pandya, Prasidh Krishna and Khaleel Ahmed.Highest batting strike ratesBest bowling economy ratesMost sixesBest bowling figures in a match
ESPNcricinfo staff30-Aug-2016They declared soon after Tim Southee dismissed Vernon Philander for 14, setting New Zealand a stiff target of 400•Associated PressDale Steyn did not take any time to strike. He bowled Tom Latham on the first ball of the innings and had Martin Guptill for a golden duck too, caught in the slips•AFPFrom 3 for 2, New Zealand stumbled to 5 for 3 and then 7 for 4 as Ross Taylor also fell for a duck, to Steyn, and Philander got the big wicket of Kane Williamson for 5•AFPThey went to lunch at 18 for 4 before Henry Nicholls and BJ Watling eased the nerves for a while. The pair resisted for over 26 overs and almost saw New Zealand through till tea…•Associated Press…before Dane Piedt trapped Watling lbw with sharp turn. Watling asked for a review but it was not overturned and he had to walk back for 32•Associated PressNicholls batted on to bring up his second Test fifty and engineer some late resistance with Doug Bracewell’s support•Getty ImagesBut Philander broke the partnership, and Kagiso Rabada went on to dismiss Southee and Neil Wagner•Getty ImagesNew Zealand were eventually bowled out for 195, with Steyn taking the winning wicket to complete his five-for and seal the 204-run win•Associated PressWith the win, South Africa clinched the two-match series 1-0 and moved up to No. 5 in the Test rankings•Getty Images
Australia will be hoping that Mitchell Marsh grows from an emerging allrounder into a top-quality allrounder by the end of the Sri Lanka tour
Daniel Brettig in Kandy22-Jul-2016Australia have so far invested 15 Test matches in Mitchell Marsh, the fledgling allrounder. Over that time he has shown glimpses of a match winner, broken up by rather more passages that have shown a 24-year-old cricketer still learning his game and those of others around him. In Sri Lanka, there is hope that the investment may be about to mature.Moulding an allround cricketer of high class can take a long time, and history is dotted with examples of exactly how much. After 15 Tests, Steve Waugh averaged 29.68 with the bat and 35.38 with the ball. At the same juncture, Andrew Flintoff’s averages were 20.08 and 40.31. Marsh, at 23.00 and 34.52, sits somewhere in between. Perhaps the source of most discontent is that his highest Test innings, a very fine 87 against Pakistan, dates back to his second Test in 2014. His bowling appears to have progressed more thoroughly than his batting.
Batting and bowling averages of allrounders after 15 Tests
Garry Sobers – 31.47 and 44.00
Andrew Flintoff – 20.08 and 40.31
Steve Waugh – 29.68 and 35.38
Jacques Kallis – 26.47 and 41.84
Kapil Dev – 38.47 and 37.71
Ian Botham – 36.15 and 19.10
Imran Khan – 20.95 and 32.95
Richard Hadlee – 20.60 and 33.01
Chris Cairns – 20.75 and 33.48
On the recent West Indies ODI tour, Marsh was given a more central role at times by his captain Steven Smith, and rewarded that faith. Promoted in the batting order against the West Indies, he responded with a cool-headed 79 not out opposite Smith to steer Australia into the tournament final. When the decider arrived, it was Marsh’s impactful 3 for 32 that wrecked the hosts’ chances of a successful chase. Those memories remain at the forefront of his mind.”The biggest thing for me is confidence and going out there and playing my natural game,” Marsh said in Kandy. “I took a lot of confidence out of the West Indies tour because the conditions were quite similar to what we’re going to face here, it was hot and the wickets were quite slow and turned a little bit. I took a lot out of that.”There will be added responsibility for Marsh in Sri Lanka should the selectors opt for the kind of configuration suited to the dry and turning wickets they expect. A place at No. 6 in in the batting order will be allied to a commission as third seamer, with the need to bowl tightly while also looking for wickets. In his first two Tests in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Marsh struggled to ask questions of the Pakistani batsmen but has since added pace, reverse swing and cross-seam variations to his armoury.”That’s probably the only thing that will change,” Marsh said of the potential for longer stints at the bowling crease behind the likely new-ball pairing of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. “Maybe bowling longer spells earlier in the innings, trying to work the ball and create some pressure for when the spinners come on and do their business.”The more Test-match cricket you play, you get a lot of flat wickets where the ball doesn’t generally do a lot, so you’ve got to work out ways to get the ball doing something. That’s something I’ve worked on over the last 18 months to be able to get wickets for the team. Hopefully I’ll be able to work on reverse swing over here and get a few wickets for us.”As a batting collective, the Australians are devoting their preparatory energy to the idea of spending long periods of time in the middle, showing patience and not allowing Sri Lanka’s spinners or pacers to goad them into errors against in and out fields. For Marsh, this is the area where he has the most improvement to make. Since that double of 87 (161 minutes, 116 balls) and 47 (164, 130) in Abu Dhabi, he has never again soaked up 100 balls, or minutes for that matter, in a Test innings.”We weren’t sure we were going to get much spin out of them in that game, but it was nice a few of us got to face a few overs against spin and it was nice to start against spin, because it’s probably going to be something I’ll come up against in the Test matches,” Marsh said of Australia’s tour game, where he made 25 from 38 balls. “Probably the biggest thing here is if it’s turning just make sure you have a game plan and stick to it from ball one no matter what. All about being as sharp as you can.”I’ve done a lot of work in the nets over the last six months playing spin and trying to improve that, so hopefully it’ll come out in the Test matches. We’ve spoken about how if it is turning its going to be hard work no doubt about that, but it’s about having a game plan and really sticking to that, and having the confidence to go out there and play your game.”At times, Marsh’s batting has shown a certain stiffness welcomed by spin bowlers, as he pushes out hard at the ball while also struggling to find a way to rotate the strike. He fared better at these skills in the Caribbean, and has also worked on developing a sweep shot as a way of fighting back against disciplined slow bowling in helpful conditions.”I’ve worked really hard on my sweep shot over the last few months so hopefully in these matches I’ll be able to get it out,” Marsh said. “Especially if it’s turning, I think it’s a great weapon to have, if the ball’s turning too much and missing the stumps it’s a great weapon to have to try to mess up the bowler’s lengths and do something different. And also get off strike, which is the most important thing. Hopefully I’ll be out there long enough to play it.”For 15 Test matches, Australia have looked upon Marsh as an emerging allrounder. By the end of this tour, the tourists’ hope is that the “emerging” prefix can be discarded.
Everton are reportedly closing in on a "total agreement" to sign an attacking star who has been hailed as incredible for his exploits in England in the past, according to a fresh claim.
Everton transfer news
Sean Dyche's men will be hoping for a much improved season next time around, ensuring that there is no risk of being relegated from the Premier League. New signings will be needed for that to happen even without the points deductions, and various players are being backed to move to the club currently.
Newcastle United's Yankuba Minteh has been linked with Everton plenty of times of late, with the Magpies seemingly willing to offload the 19-year-old who spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Feyenoord, although Lyon are thought to be trying to hijack the deal.
Yankuba Minteh scores for Feyenoord
Marseille ace Iliman Ndiaye has also emerged as an eye-catching option for the Blues between now and the end of the summer transfer window, with the seven-cap Senegal international seen as someone who could supply more firepower and general goal threat.
With Jarrad Branthwaite potentially leaving Everton this summer, a top-quality replacement will be needed to be lined up, and Manchester United's Victor Lindelof has been backed to move there, possibly heading in the opposite direction to the England international.
Everton close to "total agreement" with "unplayable" ace
According to a new update from Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness], Everton are close to having a "total agreement" in place for Marseille attacker Ndiaye, ahead of a summer move to Goodison Park.
A new offer has now been tabled for the winger, having been unsuccessful first time around, and it looks increasingly as though the Blues could make him their latest addition in the near future.
Marseille midfielder Iliman Ndiaye.
Ndiaye is a hugely talented player, and at 24 years of age there is still plenty to come from him, and he is exactly the type of footballer who fans could warm to at Goodison Park. Under Dyche, the Blues arguably haven't been the most attack-minded team around, only scoring 40 goals in their 38 Premier League matches last time around, and the Senegalese star could provide the Merseysiders with some unpredictability and magic in wide areas.
The £32,000-a-week Ndiaye enjoyed a good spell at Sheffield United earlier in his career, registering 36 goal contributions (22 goals and 14 assists) in 88 appearances for the Blades, leading to Billy Sharp to hail his then colleague, even if he is unpredictable at times: “Iliman, he’s a breath of fresh air.
"He’s one person individually who has got consistency. His consistency has been key cos I think last season he was probably a little bit flaky. One week he was unplayable, then the next not quite at it, but this season his performances have been eights and nines out of ten."
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The Toffees are at the front of the pack for this Premier League star.
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While this does point towards Ndiaye potentially being frustrating on occasions, his overall ability outweighs that issue, and his game should only mature with age, meaning Everton could enjoy his peak years.
Erik ten Hag bizarrely refused to count Manchester United's 3-0 loss to Tottenham as a refereeing error took centre stage at Old Trafford.
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United have had a troubled start to the campaign
Went down 3-0 to Spurs at Old Trafford
Ten Hag ignores defeat due to rescinded red card
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Ten Hag dismissed the loss against Tottenham, attributing it to refereeing decisions rather than the team's performance, as his side continues to grapple with inconsistent form and setbacks. The Dutch tactician asserted that the decision to send off Bruno Fernandes, which was later reversed, fundamentally skewed the game’s course, leaving United disadvantaged early on and unable to respond effectively.
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The clash with Tottenham began poorly for United, with Spurs taking the lead just three minutes in through Brennan Johnson’s goal. The situation worsened when Fernandes was shown a controversial red card for a tackle on James Maddison, leaving United down to 10 players for much of the match. Ange Postecoglou's men capitalised on United’s weakened defence, with Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke adding two more goals to complete the 3-0 victory.
WHAT TEN HAG SAID
Speaking to reporters, Ten Hag said: "I deny and ignore the game against Spurs because we were down to 10 at 1-0. That is not a fair assessment to the team to take this into consideration, because we didn't have the chance to bounce back."
United’s difficulties extend to European competitions as well. After the draw against Porto and Fenerbahce, the team have now gone a full year without securing a victory in continental tournaments, compounding the pressure on Ten Hag.
Nevertheless, the manager emphasised: "You see this team is resilient. The team is determined. Brentford, two tough away games in Europe – this team has character and shows fighting spirit and determination to win games."
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DID YOU KNOW?
United's record this season speaks of a broader struggle. The team has suffered three league defeats so far, with heavy losses to Tottenham, Liverpool and Brighton and their slender 2-1 win over Brentford remains their only victory in the last seven games across all competitions.
Gary Lineker came up with a shock recommendation for Manchester United's potential next manager as the club look to replace Erik ten Hag.
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Lineker recommends Carsley
Red Devils in talks with Amorim
United next face Leicester City
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Devils parted ways with the Dutch coach on Monday, a day after the club suffered yet another disappointing defeat against West Ham. It was the team's fourth loss in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, and they dropped to 14th. After Ten Hag's departure, his assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge of the club as an interim coach while the search gets underway for a new permanent boss.
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United have been strongly linked with a move for Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim while several other names have also cropped up in media reports. Now Gary Lineker has come up with a strange recommendation as he named current England interim coach Lee Carsley as the next Red Devils boss. Carsley took charge of the Three Lions after Gareth Southgate's exit and will remain in charge of the team for their upcoming UEFA Nations League clashes in November. In January, he'll formally hand over the reins to Thomas Tuchel.
WHAT GARY LINEKER SAID
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the BBC Match of the Day host said: "I'm going to throw in a name here. I think it would be very interesting, he's certainly a brilliant coach. A certain Lee Carsley – who they probably won't think about. He's a really imaginative coach, he plays attacking football. From what I heard from England players, they thought he was really good. Really interesting and thoughtful on the game."
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WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?
Amid the search for a new head coach, the club will play their first match under Van Nistelrooy's tutelage this Wednesday as they take on Leicester City in a League Cup fourth round clash.
It goes without saying that if West Bromwich Albion have any chance of getting Mikey Johnston back this summer on a permanent deal, they will go all out guns blazing in a bid to win his coveted signature.
The £6m-rated man took the Championship by storm for just half a season when joining from Glasgow giants Celtic in January, making the Baggies a terrifying prospect to contain for many second-tier defences, whilst other attackers in the side struggled to be as tricky donning a West Brom strip.
It arguably shone a light on how many underperformers there are up top for Carlos Corberan's men, who had been content with putting in largely sub-par performances before Johnston's eye-opening arrival, with Grady Diangana very much a guilty culprit in this regard.
Once purchased for a bumper £18m after being let go of by West Ham United, the Congolese attacker was the bright spark the Baggies were longing for once upon a time, before fading away into the background as of late, compared to exploits of the Bhoys loanee.
Diangana's situation at West Brom
Once described as being an attacker who can make "defenders dizzy" by football journalist Dean Jones, Diangana, unfortunately, in the here and how is a forward player for the Baggies who blows hot and cold far too often.
The 26-year-old struggling to grab the bull by the horns in the Championship play-offs would have irritated those with West Brom connections watching on, especially in the second leg of the semi-finals away at Southampton, where the out-of-sorts forward would only amass 27 touches of the ball.
Grady Diangana West Brom
He ended up being hauled off in the second half by Corberan as the West Midlands outfit bowed out of the knockout format as 3-1 losers, as the likes of the ex-Hammers man – alongside fellow goal-shy attacking teammate Brandon Thomas-Asante – failed to ever spark into life.
This could trigger West Brom into offloading their inconsistent attacker soon, who is attracting interest from his former club no less according to a report by Africa Foot last month, alongside further interest coming from Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers in England.
Once stunning supporters at the Hawthorns with regular sublime strikes like the one above, Diangana's goal contributions last season sitting at 15 from 38 games felt somewhat underwhelming, especially when you consider only six of those came in 2024.
Johnston, on the other hand, was rather marvellous.
Johnston's time at West Brom
Entering the building at West Brom at the turn of the year and becoming an instant fan's favourite with electric attacking displays, the winger amassed nine goal contributions of his own from just 20 games.
Johnston's numbers for West Brom
Metric * = per 90 mins
Stat
Games played
20
Goals scored
7
Assists
2
Scoring frequency
168 mins
Shots*
1.3
Big chances created
4
Successful dribbles*
2.2
Stats by Sofascore
Setting the league alight by scoring every 168 minutes for his new loan side in the regular season as a full-throttle forward player, Diangana exiting this summer could free up space on the wage bill for the Baggies to go back in for Johnston, alongside adding more to the transfer kitty, to try win back the Republic of Ireland international for his hefty £6m price-tag.
Constantly a thorn in the side of the defences that had to be alert to his tricky feet in the second tier, West Brom supporters everywhere would be in dreamland if Johnston was to return, even if that did result in Diangana exiting.
Described by Corberan himself as being "special" last season, the 25-year-old could be an even more petrifying prospect for Championship defences next campaign when unleashed over a full 46-game schedule, as opposed to just experiencing the latter half of the season.
Diangana vs Johnston – head-to-head stats over the last year
Stat – per 90 mins
Diangana
Johnston
Progressive passes
4.44
3.34
Progressive carries
3.22
5.13
Successful take-ons
2.18
3.03
Touches in attacking penalty area
3.03
3.03
Progressive passes received
5.51
7.07
Stats by FBRef
Looking at their head-to-head numbers as progressive players trying to drive the Baggies forward, as per FBRef, Johnston just about edges his Congolese counterpart, alongside amassing stronger numbers in terms of both their outputs recently, over Diangana who looked bereft of confidence in the play-off clash at St. Mary's.
The West Brom number 11's high wage will also be another sticking point as to why Corberan and Co might not be completely against the idea of parting ways, with the 5 foot 11 attacking midfielder banking £20.3k-per-week last season for his employers, as per Capology.
West Brom winger Grady Diangana.
West Brom's wage bill in 2023/24
Away from Johnston's price-tag potentially denting the Baggies bank account, with West Brom chairman Shilen Patel stating that the club will have to be "resourceful" this summer, his wage is significantly lower than that of Diangana's.
The current Celtic man earns just £10k-per-week in contrast, with the ex-West Ham attacker earning double Johnston's salary as a result.
At this moment in time, Diangana's pay-packet actually puts him quite near the top of the highest earners at the Hawthorns, with many scratching their heads at the likes of Daryl Dike earning £32k-per-week meaning he is the club's top earner, despite regularly being in the treatment room.
Allowing many of those who had been on healthy salary to leave this summer already, with Adam Reach's exit revealed recently on the club's retained list after the experienced figure had been pocketing an extortionate £40k-per-week last campaign, there could be an argument that Diangana might well follow suit out of the door.
West Brom winger Grady Diangana.
It would be a dour note to end on for the 26-year-old, who was beloved when first joining as a dynamic maverick who got supporters out of their seats frequently, but if West Brom can gain a similar style player with Johnston re-joining, the shock of a long-standing servant leaving won't be as hard to take.
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Chelsea star Cole Palmer has seen two qualities picked out that make him better than England team-mates Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.
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Swapped Etihad Stadium for Stamford Bridge
Enjoyed stunning debut campaign in London
Face competition for places with Three Lions
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WHAT HAPPENED?
At 22 years of age, Palmer has seen his stock soar over the course of the last 18 months. After taking the decision to leave Manchester City for Stamford Bridge for £40 million ($52m) in the summer of 2023, the talented playmaker has enjoyed a meteoric rise.
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Palmer plundered 25 goals across his debut campaign for Chelsea, earning him a place in England’s squad for Euro 2024 – where he scored in the final defeat to Spain. He has a further six efforts to his name this season – including a record-setting four-goal first-half haul against Brighton – and is considered by some to be a hotter prospect than former City colleague Foden and Real Madrid superstar Bellingham.
WHAT NEVIN SAID
Ex-Chelsea winger Pat Nevin has told of that standing: “If you’ve watched football for a long time, you can just tell when a player has that special something. The first time I watched Cole Palmer, he was seeing things that other players weren’t. Every time other top players, like Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, got the ball, they were looking up and pinging it straight to Palmer. You don’t do that to average players, you do it to seriously good players.
“To some degree it’s a shame for England that they’ve got Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish all in a similar position. However, I think Palmer has vision and skill levels that just set him apart from those players. I’m slightly hesitant to say that because I love Foden as a player, but Palmer has everything. If you wanted to buy an English player, I don’t know that there’s anyone you’d pick ahead of Cole Palmer.”
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DID YOU KNOW?
Palmer fills a No.10 role for Chelsea, while being pushed wide by club and country at times, but Nevin sees him as a playmaker cut from the same cloth as a Belgian legend that has also graced the books in Manchester and west London. The Scot added: “When Cole Palmer first broke through at Manchester City he came on as a sub and after just three or four touches I said, ‘I think I’ve seen the new Kevin De Bruyne’, which shocked a lot of people.
“In terms of comparing him to former Chelsea players, I think De Bruyne comes closest. He’s not a winger, he’s more of a wide attacker or a number 10. People throw in names like Eden Hazard and Frank Lampard but he’s not like either of those two, he’s just Cole Palmer. When you think about players in their first season at a club, not many have been better than him. Especially when you consider the fact that Chelsea only paid £40 million for him; it’s the best piece of business they’ve done by a country mile.”
Enzo Maresca has been tasked with the job of returning Chelsea to the top of the Premier League following his appointment from Leicester City earlier this month.
The Italian comes in to replace Mauricio Pochettino who was relieved of his duties despite leading the Blues to automatic qualification for the Europa League ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Maresca arrives at Stamford Bridge with a talented young squad following huge investment from owner Todd Boehly who has splashed over £1bn on new transfers since his takeover of the club back in 2022.
However, despite the huge influx of incomings, the new Chelsea boss will undoubtedly want to bolster the squad, looking to make more new additions following the arrival of Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham upon the conclusion of his current deal at Craven Cottage.
As a result, numerous players currently playing their trade at the club will have to make way to allow for more investment, with a plethora of players being linked with an exit.
One player in particular has been subject to huge interest, potentially ending his longstanding affiliation with the Blues this summer.
Chelsea could sell £20m star this summer
Chelsea forward Armando Broja has recently been linked with a big-money move away from Stamford Bridge in the hopes of reigniting his once-promising career at the club.
Armando Broja celebrating a goal for Chelsea.
The Albanian striker suffered an ACL injury in a friendly against Aston Villa during the break for the World Cup in 2022, looking a shadow of his former self upon his return to action.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at fellow Premier League side Fulham, failing to score a single goal and only featuring eight times in a disappointing move for the 22-year-old.
However, despite his dismal spell under Marco Silva, he’s been subject to £20m interest from the likes of Wolves, Crystal Palace and Everton – with all three battling to win the race for his signature ahead of next season.
Broja is currently representing his nation at Euro 2024, and after his display against current holders Italy on Saturday night, the club should look to cash in on him as soon as possible.
Armando Broja’s stats against Italy
Undoubtedly, Albania were underdogs going into the clash against the Italians this weekend, but Broja failed to have any real impact on the game, subsequently being replaced with just under 15 minutes remaining.
The 22-year-old forward failed to register a single shot during the entirety of the encounter, only managing 22 touches – an average of one touch every three and a half minutes.
He also only completed six passes, giving possession away six times and committing two fouls, picking up a yellow card for his troubles during the 2-1 defeat.
Armando Broja's stats against Italy (Euro 2024)
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
77'
Shots
0
Passes completed
6
Touches
22
Possession lost
6
Fouls committed
2
Dribbles completed
1/2 (50%)
Stats via Sofascore
Broja only managed to complete 50% of his attempted dribbles in Dortmund, with his display unable to catapult Albania to a shock victory despite taking the lead in the first minute of the game.
Saturday's display was further evidence of his huge decline since his horrific injury, with Broja unable to match his previous from before his extended spell on the sidelines which saw him score nine times on loan at Southampton during the 2021/22 season.
The club and player desperately need to part ways, with Chelsea receiving a hefty sum to reinvest in their battle to return to Premier League glory, with the striker presented with a fresh start to reignite his career away from Stamford Bridge.
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Manchester United have reportedly earmarked Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag if the Dutchman is sacked.
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Amorim on shortlist alongside Tuchel & Lampard
Sporting manager praised by Bruno Fernandes
Ten Hag could face sack if results don't improve
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Man Utd chiefs have placed Amorim on their list of potential successors to Ten Hag, according to . The Portuguese boss has impressed with Sporting in recent seasons and was this week described by Fernandes as a manager who "plays the best football" and "could do it in England".
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Ten Hag has come under intense pressure after a poor start to the season, which sees United sit 14th in the Premier League after just two wins in their opening seven games. The Dutch boss has seemingly clung onto his job after talks were held over his future this week but another poor run of form could see United manager relieved of his duties.
WHAT FERNANDES SAID
"Since Mister Amorim arrived at Sporting, they have been one of the teams to play the best football," Fernandes said while on international duty with Portugal. "They have been consistent, the signings have been right and they are in a very good moment. It’s a very well prepared team.
“In relation to Amorim, he shows that he is prepared at this moment. Coaching Sporting and winning championships is not easy, Sporting went 20 years without winning championships and Amorim arrived and has already won two, this shows that the work has been done well. If he could manage to do the same in England, Spain or anywhere else, you will never know until you get there, but I’m sure their qualities are there for everyone to see.”
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WHAT NEXT FOR FERNANDES AND MAN UTD?
Fernandes will feature for Portugal in their Nations League games this week before returning to action with United next Saturday as they host Brentford. Like Ten Hag, Fernandes has also come under pressure, with the United skipper having yet to score this season and admitting he needs to improve.