Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente expressed his frustration after his two goals were not enough in the 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League. He admitted that Atletico must tighten up defensively, stressing that their poor defending ultimately cost them the game after Virgil van Dijk netted a last-gasp winner for Arne Slot's team in at Anfield.
Liverpool win despite Atletico’s fight
Liverpool stormed into a 2-0 lead inside the first 10 minutes through Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. With the hosts seemingly in control, Atletico fought back, led by Marcos Llorente, whose goals in first-half stoppage time and the 81st minute brought the game level at 2-2. However, just as it looked like Atletico had done enough, Van Dijk broke free from his marker to score from a set piece, securing all three points for Liverpool at Anfield.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportLlorente’s analysis of the defeat
Llorente expressed his frustration about the match, saying: "It's a shame because we didn't stop believing, we tried until the end. They're a great team, here at home too. We lost our marker from a corner and they scored a great goal.
"We can't come out the way we did, with two goals in six minutes. The game is going to be very difficult, but we've shown that if we're together, with clear ideas, we can fight any team. We proved that today. It didn't count for anything, so let's be ready for the next one."
Llorente stressed Liverpool's first two goals were the most important to look at, adding of the winning goal: "Van Dijk is a great finisher, he's very strong and can pass."
Simeone's sending off at the end
The match ended on an ugly note as Atletico manager Diego Simeone was sent off following an altercation with Liverpool fans. After the game, Simeone admitted his reaction was not justified but insisted he had been on the receiving end of insults throughout the match.
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Getty Images SportLlorente and Atletico’s challenges up ahead
Llorente will hope that Atletico and Simeone will be able to work on their defending and get a positive result when they take on Mallorca in La Liga on Sunday.
Brisbane Heat captain Jess Jonassen did her best to keep the chase alive after rain but there was too much to do
Alex Malcolm01-Dec-2024
Hayley Matthews was at the centre of the action throughout the final•Cricket Australia/Getty Images
An all-round masterclass from Hayley Matthews helped Melbourne Renegades break their WBBL title-drought in a nail-biting rain-affected final against Brisbane Heat at the MCG.Matthews made 69 off 61, took 2 for 24 with the ball and claimed a critical catch to continue her extraordinary record in T20 finals and guide the struggling franchise claim their first championship just a season after finishing last. Heat’s finals heartbreak continued after losing last year’s decider by three runs at Adelaide Oval.A sloppy fielding effort saw Heat concede 141 for 9 when they could have reduced Renegades to 76 for 5 after 12 overs. A top-order collapse either side of a rain delay then saw them needing 61 from 30 with five wickets in hand. Jess Jonassen nearly pulled off the impossible, smashing 44 not out from 28 balls but Heat still fell short. Five of Renegades’ six bowlers chipped in with wickets while Wareham was the most economical, conceding just 12 runs from two overs.Renegades rocked by early rustAfter qualifying for the final, Renegades had to wait eight days between matches and the rust showed early. Courtney Webb slapped a pull shot straight to midwicket and Sophie Molineux sliced a cut shot to backward point. Deandra Dottin was run out in dozy circumstances, without facing a ball, to sum up Renegades’ sleepy start. Dottin was jogging through for a single to deep midwicket when she got her bat stuck in the turf on the popping crease as she slid it to make her ground and her foot did not touch down before Georgia Redmayne broke the stumps. It left Renegades 23 for 3 in the fifth over and in real danger of capitulating despite Heat’s bowling not looking overly threatening on a pretty good surface.Cool-headed Hayley holds firmMatthews remained unflustered. She was not striking the ball cleanly, struggling to 6 off 15 at one point. But two boundaries in the sixth over off the legspin of Grace Parsons helped her find some rhythm. Wareham was an important foil in a steadying 41-run stand. Wareham struck three boundaries in her run-a-ball 21 before holing out to long-on off Parsons. The legspinner should have had another straight away when Stalenberg skied her to deep midwicket, but Charli Knott dropped the chance diving forward. It proved a key moment.Instead of being 76 for 5 after 12 overs, Renegades took the power surge after just four-down. Matthews stepped up, thumping Shikha Pandey for three boundaries in the over. Jonassen then opted for spin in six of the last seven overs, with the exception of one from Lucy Hamilton. It worked to some degree, as Renegades scored just 50 from 42 balls, but it was odd to see Nicola Hancock bowl just one over in the final after being Heat’s star in last year’s decider with 3 for 23. Heat did take a wicket in each of the last five overs. Hamilton was the pick of the bowlers with 1 for 19 from her four including the dangerous Nicole Faltum. But Matthews was able to club three boundaries in the last three overs, all from the offspin of Knott.Jess Jonassen did her best to keep Brisbane Heat in the chase•Getty Images
Horror Heat start compounded by rainGrace Harris held the key in the chase, and the decision to open with Charis Bekker’s left-arm orthodox proved a masterstroke for Renegades. Harris holed out trying to loft over mid-on for a second ball duck. Jemimah Rodrigues miscued Milly Illingworth to cover in the next over as Heat fell to 11 for 2 before a critical rain shower came after 3.2 overs. Rain had been forecast for some point in the afternoon and had been a factor in Heat’s decision to bowl first. But no one was sure how long the shower would last and how it would impact the chase.The rain lasted long enough to knock off eight overs but Heat’s poor start meant Duckworth-Lewis-Stern set them 98 to win off 12 overs with only eight wickets in hand and one power surge over to use. Renegades continued the trial by spin after the rain and Heat were doused. Molineux bagged the key wicket of Redmayne before Matthews added to her finals aura with two wickets in two balls, including Laura Harris for a first ball duck, to leave Heat 37 for 5 needing 61 from 30 balls.Jonassen almost pulls off a miracleHeat’s captain almost did it. Boundaries in each of the next two overs keep them within touching distance of the alarming required rate before she opted to take the surge with 43 needed from 18. Molineux opted to bowl just the second over of pace for the innings and Dottin got clobbered. Two length balls on the pads sailed to midwicket for six and four respectively. Jonassen lofted the next over cover for two more as Renegades fans started to get nervous.But a mistake from Lauren Winfield-Hill off the next delivery proved costly. Jonassen wanted a second run to deep midwicket to retain the strike, Winfield-Hill denied her. The English import miscued the next to Matthews at mid-off to fall for 3 off 5. Hancock then faced a dot and the equation was 30 off 12. Matthews bowled two long hops that were both smashed to the fence but was able to close out the over without any more damage. Molineux returned to bowl the last with Heat needing an unlikely 19. She gave up just 11 including a consolation six off the last ball, sealing Renegades’ first WBBL title.
The mood around Arsenal at the moment could be described as jubilant.
Mikel Arteta’s side have looked impressive out in Singapore and Hong Kong, and on top of that, Andrea Berta has been hard at work securing signings.
As things stand, the most significant is undoubtedly Viktor Gyokeres, who finally completed his £63.5m move from Sporting CP last season, and, with his tally of 54 goals in 52 games last season, could be the missing piece in the Gunners’ attack.
However, with over a month left of the transfer window, there is plenty of time for the club to get some more attacking talent in the side, and while Eberechi Eze has been a name on a lot of fans’ wishlists, the North Londoners might be wise to go for another player entirely.
Arsenal's pursuit of Eze
Arsenal have been credited with an interest in Eze long before this summer, with several reports doing the rounds around this time last year.
Transfer Focus
However, it would be fair to say that the club’s interest in the player they released as a youngster has been far more significant this time around, with some reports going as far as to claim that he’s desperate to join his old side.
It’s not hard to see why the Gunners would be so keen to sign the Crystal Palace superstar, as he was nothing short of magnificent for the Eagles last season.
In 43 games, totalling 3303 minutes, the England international scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists, which means he averaged a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.
Moreover, he spearheaded their FA Cup triumph, scoring in the quarter-final, semi-final and final as he led the South Londoners to their first major trophy ever.
However, while there is plenty to like about the 27-year-old, it is being reported that Palace want whoever signs him to pay his £67.5m release clause and that the first payment has to be a whopping £30m.
So, it might instead be wise for Arsenal to look at another player they’ve been linked with this summer: Xavi Simons.
Arsenal could sign Simons instead
Yes, he might not be as familiar to Premier League fans, but the player Arsenal could turn to in place of Eze this summer is Simons.
RB Leipzig'sXaviSimonsreacts after the match
Now, the RB Leipzig ace is currently close to joining Chelsea, if reports are to be believed, but hijacking a transfer is nothing new in football, and given where the Gunners are in their project, we see no reason why they couldn’t get their man, especially since they were previously quite heavily linked with him.
Moreover, with reports claiming that the upper valuation of the Dutchman is around £56m, he’d also represent a potentially cheaper option for the North Londoners.
With that said, why would the former PSV Eindhoven ace make a great alternative, or even a better signing than the Englishman?
Well, firstly, his output in the league last season, which is every player’s bread and butter, was even better, as in just 25 appearances, totalling 2763 minutes, the dynamic “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored ten goals and provided seven assists.
Xavi Simons celebrates
That comes out to an outrageously impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.47 games, or one every 86.28 minutes.
In contrast, the Eagles ace managed to score eight goals and provide eight assists in 34 Premier League appearances, totalling 2603 minutes, which comes out to a still good but comparatively less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.12 games, or every 162.68 minutes.
Simons vs Eze in 24/25
Players
Simons
Eze
Appearances
25
34
Minutes
2763′
2603′
Goals
10
8
Assists
7
8
Goal Involvements per Match
0.68
0.47
Minutes per Goal Involvement
86.28′
162.68′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Away from their output, then, and another advantage the Amsterdam-born phenom has over the former QPR star is that he’s even more versatile.
For example, while he’s incredible in attacking midfield, so much so, in fact, that one analyst has dubbed him “one of the best 10s in the world,” he can also play on the left, like Eze, but also off the right and even at times up top, which is a level of flexability that would give Arteta so many tactical options.
Finally, and this is an important factor, the former Paris Saint-Germain prospect is five years younger than the Greenwich-born international, and based on research carried out by The Athletic, is still four years off his peak, whereas the former Hale Ender is technically one year past his.
Ultimately, both Eze and Simons are incredible players, but from his performances in the league to his positional versatility and age, there are several reasons the latter would be a better signing for Arsenal than the former.
Arsenal eye "fascinating" Eze alternative with £22.5m release clause
Yet to grab the headlines this summer, West Ham United are now reportedly in talks to sign two defenders, including a La Liga star who has previously attracted the interest of Aston Villa.
West Ham reject Kudus offer
Whilst rumours continue to arrive regarding potential incomings at the London Stadium, speculation has not died down regarding the future of Mohammed Kudus. The talented winger has found himself at the centre of interest from both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in recent days, potentially handing West Ham an uphill battle to keep hold of their star.
Losing Kudus even after he endured a frustrating second season at the club would undoubtedly provide Graham Potter with a major blow.
The West Ham boss was full of praise for the winger throughout the first few months of his tenure, telling reporters: “I think Mo has had probably a season that, from his perspective, would be a little bit disappointing, not because of his lack of effort or anything like that, but sometimes these things happen.
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“Speaking personally, he’s been great with us in terms of how he’s worked every day, fantastic. He has built his fitness up, built his condition up to the point where he can sustain things a lot better now.”
Given that they’ve reportedly rejected a £50m offer from London rivals Tottenham, it seems as though the Hammers will only sell Kudus at a premium price this summer, if at all.
West Ham's Mohammed Kudus
Whether Spurs return with a better offer is the question that still needs answering. Of course, losing their star man at all will be a frustrating blow, but losing him to a direct rival would only add salt to their wounds.
With that money, however, West Ham could finally focus on incomings and potentially a double deal to hand Potter an impressive defensive boost.
West Ham in talks to sign Mingueza and Diouf
As reported by Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, West Ham are now in talks to sign both Oscar Mingueza and El Hadji Malick Diouf from Celta Vigo and Slavia Prague, respectively. Both players are reportedly open to a summer switch to the London Stadium and, as talks continue, could help the Hammers kickstart their transfer business.
Mingueza, who operates as a right-back, would be an ideal replacement for the departed Vladimir Coufal whilst offering strong competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Diouf, meanwhile, could take hold of the starting left-back spot following Aaron Cresswell and possibly Emerson Palmieri’s departures at the end of the season.
Dubbed “underrated” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Mingueza would be a particularly impressive signing for West Ham, who would be stealing in ahead of Aston Villa to welcome a talented defender.
Arsenal are ready to splash the cash in a serious show of ambition this summer, with Mikel Arteta and co desperate to end the club’s long wait for a Premier League title, which has spanned over 20 years.
Arsenal convinced they can seal "huge signing" after "showdown talks"
The Gunners are growing in optimism.
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Sporting director Andrea Berta has already sealed deals for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, with the latter two unofficial but confirmed by multiple reliable media sources.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£5m
Arsenal will pay around £56 million for Zubimendi, with all documents regarding the Spaniard’s transfer signed and finalised, while Norgaard has apparently undergone the first part of his medical in N5.
Berta has shown a tendency to spin many plates at once when it comes to transfer targets, with Arsenal also believed to be after two new wide players. Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Chelsea forward Noni Madueke have all been linked this week, but signing a right and left-winger could depend on whether Berta sells one of Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli.
In any case, Arsenal have been working on deals for Eze and another star for the left-hand side (Fabrizio Romano), all while actively seeking their desired new striker – which could be one of Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Arsenal are advancing talks for Sesko and Gyokeres, before deciding which one would best suit the club’s needs both in a financial sense and on the field.
However, one player who’s likelier to arrive before any of the aforementioned attackers is Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera.
Arsenal enter "decisive" phase of talks for Cristhian Mosquera
As per CaughtOffside, Arsenal have entered their “decisive” phase of talks for Mosquera, who’s already agreed personal terms over a move to the Emirates.
The versatile centre-back could come as a like-for-like replacement for Takehiro Tomiyasu, who mutually shook hands on a contract termination this week following his Arsenal injury hell.
Real Betis' Vitor Roque in action with Valencia'sCristhianMosquera
Arteta’s side have seen a £12 million offer rejected for Mosquera, but are planning to go back in with a new bid which could be as high as £26 million, including bonuses and add-ons.
The Spaniard is said to be very keen on joining Arsenal and even snubbed a new contract proposal from Valencia, with Berta said to be edging closer to a full agreement.
The move could be sealed pretty soon, and barring any unexpected twists, Mosquera appears poised to become Arsenal’s fourth signing of the window.
Footall Talent Scout Jacek Kulig describes him as an “elite” young player, with Mosquera playing more minutes than any other player under 21 in Europe’s top five leagues last season.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan June 7, Providence, 7:30pm local
Big picture: NZ face a tricky start
Since 2015, no team has been more successful in making it to the knockout stages of a World Cup than New Zealand. They’ve made the semi-finals in each of the six white-ball events since – including three finals – and yet, the trophy cabinet is empty. But if they don’t hit the ground running right away in a group that also includes co-hosts West Indies, their current campaign could very well end early.They take the field for the first time on Friday and a challenge awaits them straightaway. Guyana has been the most spinner-friendly venue of T20 World Cup 2024 and Afghanistan are arguably the strongest spin-bowling outfit in the world. When you take into account New Zealand’s less-than-ideal prep with no official warm-up games played, one wonders if they will turn up undercooked against a unit that has Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi and potentially Noor Ahmad.However, one of the reasons why New Zealand did not play a warm-up was because many of them were at the IPL, and those franchise regulars like Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner and Trent Boult could make a difference. They are also boosted by the return of Finn Allen and Devon Conway from injury, and their various right-left batting options gives them various batting strategies.New Zealand have a few spin weapons of their own too. The West Indies is Santner’s favourite place to bowl in, where he averages 16.83 with an economy of 5.50 in T20s. Across the last two T20 World Cups, no bowler has had a higher average release point (2.27m) than Santner. This uniqueness and his ability to vary his release speed and angle will keep all teams on their toes this World Cup.The left-arm spin of Ravindra and the offspin of Phillips gives them flexibility, allowing them to field a strong side without Ish Sodhi in the XI. Factor in the swing of Boult, the pace of Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson, and a string of other seam options, and New Zealand are still very much a threat. For Afghanistan’s batting, that remains the biggest challenge on Friday. They’ll look at the settled opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to put up a strong platform in pursuit of a second win in two games.
Form guide
New Zealand LWWLL (last five completed T20Is, most recent first) Afghanistan WWWLW
In the spotlight – Williamson, Conway and Farooqi
Kane Williamson and Devon Conway are two of New Zealand’s top-three batters with next-to-zero game time recently. Conway missed the IPL with a finger injury that needed surgery while Williamson got only two games for Gujarat Titans. Neither have played a T20I game since January, but their experience is irreplaceable, especially if conditions are once again tricky for batting. Conway is proficient in scoring against all kinds of spin, however, Williamson could get bogged down by those who turn their stock ball away him, striking at only 106 since the T20 World Cup 2022.1:37
McClenaghan floored by Afghanistan bowling attack
Fazalhaq Farooqi showed against Uganda in Afghanistan’s first game that it’s not all about spinners in their team. In Providence, where this game will be played as well, he found significant deviation off the pitch and swung the ball nearly 2.5 degrees in the powerplay, more than twice that of the other bowlers. His 5 for 9 against Uganda was the fourth-best bowling figures in T20 World Cups, and Afghanistan will look for breakthroughs from him early so that the spinners could apply the squeeze sooner.Related
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Team news: NZ assessing combinations
There are no injury concerns on either side. Afghanistan are likely to field the same XI while New Zealand will be considering their spin vs seam balance. Their resources are plenty: even if they keep out Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee and Sodhi, they still have eight bowling and eight batting options.New Zealand (probable): 1 Devon Conway, 2 Finn Allen (wk), 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Mark Chapman/Rachin Ravindra, 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 James Neesham, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Trent Boult, 10 Matt Henry, 11 Lockie FergusonAfghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Najibullah Zadran, 4 Mohammad Nabi, 5 Gulbadin Naib, 6 Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Rashid Khan, 8 Karim Janat, 9 Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman, 10 Naveen-ul-Haq, 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Pitch and conditions: Spin and rain on the radar
The pitch in Guyana has been sluggish, making chasing the preferred way to go. Since 2022, teams chasing have won 19 of the 27 games and two of the three games in this World Cup. The average first-innings winning score is around 184, however, chances of a shortened game are high with some rain forecast through the evening in Providence.
Stats that matter
Spinners have an economy of 5.28 in Guyana at this World Cup and have taken 17 wickets, averaging 17.82 apiece. No other venue has seen more than seven wickets to spinners.
Boult has only three T20I wickets in 13 innings across 26 powerplay overs since 2022, averaging a surprising 67.33 in the phase.
In matches between Full Members since the last T20 World Cup, Afghanistan’s spinners have the best average (19.45) and economy (6.72).
Quotes
“I think we saw in the 50-over World Cup we’re able to compete with any side in the world. And that’s our philosophy here. So, every game that we play, we expect to put ourselves in a winning position. Or fight to win every single game. So tomorrow that’s no different.” “We’ve been predominantly training in the day and there are some large differences between day and night in terms of conditions. But from the couple of matches that have been played, it looks like a reasonable wicket, a good wicket, a fair wicket at the same time. Bit there for the bowlers but equally decent for the batters.”
Everton have now made an offer to sign a “highly talented” defender, whose club are now willing to cash-in this summer, according to a report.
Toffees eyeing defenders with Keane departure imminent
Michael Keane’s time on Merseyside is coming to an end, with the 32-year-old set to leave Goodison Park upon the expiration of his contract this summer, meaning David Moyes will be tasked with bringing in a new centre-back.
There is no shortage of options for the Toffees, who have wasted no time identiying potential replacements for the English defender, with Nantes’ Nathan Zeze the latest player to join the list of targets.
Player
Current club
Potential cost
Nathan Zeze
Nantes
£17m+
Yann Bisseck
Inter Milan
£47m
John Stones
Manchester City
Unknown
Victor Lindelof
Manchester United
Free
The need to bring in a new centre-back could also be exacerbated by Jarrad Branthwaite’s potential departure, with Chelsea now keen on taking the Englishman to Stamford Bridge.
One defender who will not be leaving the Blues this summer is Seamus Coleman, with the Irishman’s contract recently being extended by one year, but there have been suggestions that a new right-back could arrive at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Coventry City’s Milan van Ewijk emerged as a potential option for Moyes’ side earlier this week, and a report from Turkey (via Sport Witness) has revealed that Everton have also made an offer for Galatasaray right-back Elias Jelert.
Galatasaray are looking to cash-in on Jelert this summer, amid interest from a range of different clubs, with some unnamed Spanish sides coming forward with proposals of their own.
A deal is likely to be relatively inexpensive, with the Turkish side looking to recoup the €9m (£8m) they spent on the right-back, but a loan deal also remains a possibility, given their eagerness to get him off the books.
Jelert struggling in Turkey despite being "highly talented"
It is clear that Everton need to start thinking about long-term replacements for Coleman, given that the captain is now 36-years-old, and there are some signs the Galatasaray defender could be a suitable option.
The Dane was lauded as “highly talented” by analyst Jacek Kulig during his time with FC Copenhagen, during which time the 21-year-old racked up a great deal of first-team experience at a young age, making 97 appearances for the club.
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However, it would be fair to say the move to Galatasaray hasn’t worked out for the youngster, who has made just a handful of starts for the Turkish champions this season, which suggests he isn’t at the level to make the step-up to the Premier League.
As such, despite the fact Jelert could be available on the cheap, it would be a risk to bring in the Denmark international this summer, and it may be wise for Everton to sign a player who is proven in a major European league.
Manchester United are now willing to make a £172m offer for a “spectacular” Real Madrid star, with Ruben Amorim looking to revolutionise his squad in the summer, according to a report.
Man Utd in need of new attackers
Amorim is unlikely to be too disappointed by the 0-0 draw against rivals Manchester City at the weekend, with the manager suggesting he has seen signs of progress in recent performances, a notion Roy Keane vehemently disagrees with.
However, the Red Devils once again looked toothless going forward in the 0-0 draw against City, which has been a problem all too often this season, with Rasmus Hojlund once again failing to deliver in front of goal.
Joshua Zirkzee’s debut campaign at Old Trafford has hardly been a success either, with the Dutchman netting just six goals in all competitions, underlining the need for Amorim to bolster his attacking options in the summer.
A new striker is of particular interest to United, with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap recently being identified as their top target for the summer, and there have now been suggestions they could make an audacious move for a world-renowned winger.
Real Madrid'sViniciusJunior during training
According to a report from Spain, Man United are now willing to make a €200m (£172m) offer for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, with Amorim looking to revolutionise his squad in the summer.
United believe Vinicius could lead Amorim’s project, given the level of the Brazilian’s performances for Real Madrid, narrowly missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or to Man City star Rodri.
The Red Devils will push to sign the winger if they win the Europa League, which will grant them qualification for the Champions League next season, potentially making Old Trafford a more attractive destination.
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ByCharlie Smith Apr 7, 2025 "Spectacular" Vinicius Jr would be statement signing
In truth, the idea of the Real Madrid star moving to Old Trafford this summer seems very far-fetched, but he would, of course, be a fantastic signing, should the Red Devils somehow be able to tempt the Spanish side into a sale.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up has continued to perform at an extremely high level this season, picking up 11 goals and seven assists in La Liga, while he places very highly on some key attacking metrics over the past year, when compared to other forwards.
Statistic
Average per 90
Assists
0.25 (91st percentile)
Shot-creating actions
4.76 (98th percentile)
Progressive carries
6.91 (99th percentile)
Successful take-ons
3.04 (99th percentile)
The 24-year-old, who has been lauded as a “spectacular footballer” by journalist Tom Allnutt, would be a real statement signing for United, but there is seemingly very little chance of the deal happening.
Madrid would find it very difficult to replace the Brazil international, which could make them hesitant to cash in, while the Red Devils’ financial difficulties, which were outlined by Sir Jim Ratcliffe last month, may make it difficult to formulate a tempting offer.
Meanwhile, Kwena Maphaka set a new record for youngest South Africa Test debutant
Shubh Agarwal05-Jan-20252 – South Africa are the only side to enforce the follow-on twice in this World Test Championship (WTC) cycle – once against Bangladesh in Chattogram and now against Pakistan in Cape Town. Sri Lanka are the only other team to enforce the follow-on in this cycle when they bowled out New Zealand for 88 after declaring at 602 for 5 in Galle. For Pakistan, it was the first time following on since the Southampton Test in 2020.Related
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Saim Ayub to travel to London for ankle fracture treatment
205 – The 205-run stand between Shan Masood and Babar Azam is the highest opening stand while following on. The duo surpassed Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie’s opening stand of 204 runs against England at Lord’s in 2008 when South Africa batted for over two days to save the Test. This is also Pakistan’s highest opening stand in South Africa and only their second 100-plus stand for the first wicket. Coincidentally, three of their last four 100-plus stands overall have extended to more than 200 runs.1 – Masood became the first Pakistan captain to score a Test hundred in South Africa. Previously, Salim Malik, leading Pakistan in the only Test in Johannesburg in 1995, was out for 99. Inzamam-ul-Haq was left stranded on 92 while batting at number eight in Gqeberha in 2007.421 – South Africa’s first-innings lead of 421 is the sixth highest for them in a Test and their highest against Pakistan. After batting first in a Test, it is their third-highest overall. For Pakistan, it is the sixth occasion of conceding a lead in excess of 400 after the completion of the first innings – three times while batting first and three times when bowling first. It is also the fifth-biggest first-innings lead in South Africa in the 21st century.18 years 272 days – Kwena Maphaka became the youngest debutant for South Africa the moment he stepped on the field. On Day 3, picking up Babar’s wicket, he also became the youngest to take a wicket for South Africa in Test cricket.3 – With a fifty in the second innings of the Centurion Test and twin fifties here, this is the first time in Babar’s career that he has amassed three consecutive fifties without turning any one of them into a hundred. The number three doesn’t leave Babar here. He was out caught down the leg-side in the first innings, the third such occasion since 2022, the joint-most for a Pakistani batter alongside Saud Shakeel.
Williamson has gone past Ross Taylor to become the all-time highest run-getter for New Zealand in Test cricket
Sampath Bandarupalli27-Feb-20237787 – Runs scored by Kane Williamson in Test cricket. He is now the leading run-getter for New Zealand in Tests, surpassing Ross Taylor’s 7683. Williamson overhauled Taylor’s tally in 20 fewer matches and 35 fewer innings.53.33 – Williamson’s average in Test cricket is by far the highest for a New Zealand player (minimum 20 appearances). The next best is Martin Crowe at 45.36.ESPNcricinfo Ltd26 – Test centuries for Williamson, the only New Zealand batter with 20-plus centuries. The next best is Taylor with 19. Williamson has five double centuries to his name in Test cricket, the most by a New Zealander. His nine 150-plus scores and 59 fifty-plus scores in the format are also the highest for New Zealand.3930 – Test runs for Williamson at home – the most by a New Zealand player. He surpassed Taylor’s 3905 runs during his century against England in Wellington. Williamson has played 43 Tests in New Zealand, with 32 fifty-plus scores, including 14 centuries, both being the highest.63.38 – Williamson’s batting average in home Tests, the highest for any New Zealand batter with a minimum of 1000 runs. It is also the fifth-highest average for any player with a minimum of 3000 runs at home.16.06 – Percentage of New Zealand’s runs scored by Williamson in the 91 Tests he has played. This is the highest percentage of team runs for a New Zealand batter to have played 50-plus Tests.9 – Williamson has scored at least one century against all the nine Test teams he has played – Australia (2), Bangladesh (3), England (4), India (2), Pakistan (5), South Africa (3), Sri Lanka (3), West Indies (3) and Zimbabwe (1). He is the only New Zealand player to score hundreds against nine nations in Test cricket and one of the 13 players overall.2 – Number of players with at least 20 Test appearances for a country with the most runs, fifty-plus scores, centuries, double-centuries and the highest average for their country in Test cricket, including Williamson for New Zealand. Like Williamson, Kumar Sangakkara tops all those lists for Sri Lanka in Test cricket.