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Marks out of 10 for Sri Lanka’s players following a 2-0 defeat on their Test tour of New Zealand

Andrew Fidel Fernando22-Dec-20158Dushmantha Chameera (12 wickets at 24)In Hamilton, Chameera blasted New Zealand out with the short ball. Are Sri Lanka bowlers even allowed to do that? In just his third and fourth Tests, touching 146 kph at times, Chameera was easily the best of Sri Lanka’s bowlers, and bowled perhaps the ball of the series, to Ross Taylor in that first innings at Hamilton. He looks a little fragile, though. Whippet-thin at 23, perhaps Sri Lanka Cricket can set up a body-weight exchange programme with some other Sri Lanka quicks.7Dinesh Chandimal (192 runs at 48, 5 dismissals)Irrepressibly peppy behind the stumps and in front of them, Chandimal made Sri Lanka’s first innings spark in Hamilton, and gave it substance in Dunedin. He seems lucky at times, because he mishits so many balls at the beginning of his innings, but maybe he is just an excellent judge of risk. When he hits out, he makes sure to give himself room for error. Is probably the best wicketkeeper of the few glovemen in contention for national places, but the team will want him to focus on his batting at no. 4.6Milinda Siriwardana (158 runs at 38)One of Sri Lanka’s finds of the year, Siriwardana sparkled with the bat, if only too briefly. He plays a lovely cover drive, always seems confident, and has the seeming adaptability to succeed on most kinds of surfaces. He hasn’t quite cemented his place in the team, but he is close. His fielding has also been an asset, though his bowling was not required on these pitches.Dimuth Karunaratne (152 runs at 38)Promised plenty with his 84 in the first innings of the series, but was out cheaply twice to the short ball in Hamilton. He had the worst of the batting conditions however, so an average of 38 is serviceable. Caught well in the slips and at least gave the team a start in the remainder of his innings, even if he didn’t carry on to something substantial.5Kusal Mendis (131 runs at 32.50)Had some good fortune in both Tests, having had at least three clear-cut chances in total. He was part of two fifty-plus opening stands – something of a rarity for Sri Lanka this year – and played some dazzling leg-side shots that gave a glimpse of his talent. He is clearly a long-term prospect for Sri Lanka, but is very raw at present. The selectors might do well to get him playing as much A team cricket as possible whenever the international schedule allows.Angelo Mathews (106 runs at 26.5, 1 wicket at 61)His 77 helped Sri Lanka near 300 in the first innings at Hamilton, but the relative paucity of his other scores makes this an underwhelming tour, by Mathews’ standards. He created the occasional chance with the ball, though he may have over-bowled himself sometimes. Sri Lanka’s fields also probably veered too far towards conservatism, particularly when they were defending a small score in the second Test.Nuwan Pradeep (6 wicket at 41)Didn’t exactly create pressure by bowling tight, but did send down some terrific balls nonetheless. Sri Lanka would have expected a little more from him in Hamilton, where the deck suited his style of bowling. Still, he has managed to stay fit for five consecutive Tests, which, for a Sri Lanka seamer, is deserving of some sort of statue or commemorative plaque.Kithuruwan Vithanage batted too loosely and kept getting himself out•AFP4Rangana Herath (4 wickets at 57.75)The surface at Dunedin gave him the freak wicket of Martin Guptill, but nothing else. By the time the ball started turning in Hamilton, Sri Lanka had already lost the Test. Was attacked in that second innings in Dunedin, but maintained a good economy rate elsewhere. Also batted bravely when Sri Lanka were attempting to draw the first Test.Suranga Lakmal (4 wickets at 44.25)Sri Lanka needed control from Lakmal, but they didn’t quite get enough of it. He was mediocre in the first innings in Dunedin, where the visiting quicks had first use of a green pitch, and only sporadically threatening thereafter. Eighteen months ago he was looked at as the leader of the seam attack, but, plagued by injury since, he hasn’t quite live up to that promise.3Kithuruwan Vithanage (69 runs at 17.25)As ever, Vithanage played some fine strokes, then batted too loosely to get himself out. The selectors keep trying him in Tests, but given his track record, it may be better for him to establish himself in the shorter formats first.2Udara Jayasundera (30 runs at 7.5)A poor first foray into Tests on paper, but given his record, he probably deserves a longer trial at the top level. Jayasundera had started to play some shots in the first innings at Hamilton before he ran himself out. He was even unluckier to be wrongly given out by the third umpire in the second innings.

CSA has set no timeline for Dale Steyn’s return to the national team after the fast bowler suffered another delay in his recovery from a shoulder injury

Firdose Moonda16-May-2017Cricket South Africa has set no timeline for Dale Steyn’s return to the national team after the fast bowler suffered another delay in his recovery from a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery in November.Steyn was to play two four-day matches for South Africa A in England as preparation for the Test series, but he revealed on Saturday that he was not going because he has not been able to bowl at all. He said he would target a county deal late in the English summer and try and be available for the home series against Bangladesh in September-October.CSA, though, decided not to create any further expectation on Steyn’s comeback.”Dale’s surgery was a resounding success and the bone has healed,” Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager who is also a doctor, said at the team’s departure for England on Tuesday. “The challenge is to get the shoulder stabilised and strengthened, and that’s why there is a bit of delay with getting him on the park again.”What the medical committee has decided is that we are not going to set an artificial deadline or timeline as to when he is going to be playing. We will wait for when he is ready. We are hopeful he will be ready some time during the home series.”South Africa’s 2017-18 home summer includes ten Tests – two against Bangladesh, four against India pending confirmation, and four against Australia – as well as their new franchise T20 tournament, which will provide plenty of opportunities for Steyn.Although he is available for all formats, Steyn is likely to be more inclined to play Tests as soon as possible, especially as he is five wickets away from overtaking Shaun Pollock as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker. Steyn played only eight Tests since the start of 2015 and broke down in three of them.

Good luck to the boys as they leave for the U.K. today.
I'll definitely be watching and backing you guys all the way.#ProteaFire

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) May 16, 2017

The only other injury concern for South Africa at the moment is Faf du Plessis, whose shoulder will be assessed when the team arrives in the UK “There is a plan in place to have him ready for the first ODI but we are not sure of the warm-up games yet,” Moosajee said.Du Plessis is one of at least seven players who are likely to play all formats on the tour of England, along with Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Morne Morkel. The 12-week trip is longer than any they have taken, and Moosajee said the management would seek out “creative and flexible” ways to give them down time.”Twelve weeks is unprecedented – we haven’t been on a tour that long,” Moosajee said. “Guys might come home for a week in between if time and space permits.”Du Plessis, South Africa’s Test captain, is the most likely to leave the tour at some stage. His wife, Imari, is 32 weeks pregnant with their first child, and du Plessis indicated he would like to return home for the birth. “I would like to be there for the birth of my first child so hopefully the timing works well,” he said.South Africa’s ODI captain AB de Villiers and his wife Danielle are expecting their second child but his participation in the Champions Trophy should not be affected because the baby is due later. South Africa have made a decision not to allow families to be with the players during the Champions Trophy.”It’s a really good move not to have family members for this tournament,” de Villiers said. “It’s a short tournament, only five games in total if we get to the final, so we are going to be focused on that.”

Chad Bowes’ fourth first-class hundred, sandwiched between five-wicket hauls from Andrew Ellis and Logan van Beek, gave Canterbury their fourth outright win out of eight games

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Mar-2017Impressive bowling returns from medium-pacers Andrew Ellis and Logan van Beek topped and tailed Canterbury’s 119-run victory against Otago with an innings and a day to spare, as Chad Bowes struck a 137 to help Canterbury retain their position at the top of the Plunket Shield points table.In what was Canterbury’s fourth win in eight matches, Ellis’ 6 for 35 skittled Otago for 140 in 71 overs in the first innings, after opener Brad Wilson, the captain, top-scored with 70, while only three other batsmen managed to get into double figures.Canterbury’s reply was headlined by Bowes’ 147-ball 137, that saw him share an opening partnership of 95 runs with Jack Boyle (25), before he forged two more partnerships in excess of 65 runs with Peter Fulton (30) and Ken McClure (73) for the second and third wicket, respectively.Substantial contributions from the lower order – including Todd Astle (41) and Cam Fletcher (34) – took Canterbury to 395 for six in 110 overs on the third day, helping their side earn four bonus points for batting and eventually declare at 432 for 9.With a 292-run deficit to contend with, the only resistance offered by Otago in the second innings was a 72-run stand for the fourth wicket between Michael Rippon (41) and wicketkeeper Derek de Boorder, who top-scored with a 123-ball 50. Van Beek starred in the final innings with returns of 5 for 43, his third first-class five-wicket haul and second in consecutive seasons at Hagley Oval, to roll Otago for 173 in 60.1 overs.The victory gave Canterbury 20 points, the maximum available in a match – 12 for an outright win, 4 bonus points each for batting and bowling. They remain the team with the highest outright wins heading into the final two rounds.

Arsenal are among a large contingent of sides to have shown an interest in Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Oscar Gloukh, according to reports.

Who are Arsenal signing this summer?

The north Londoners have been making serious moves this summer, having finally agreed a deal to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice for £105 million (£100 million + £5m million in add-ons).

An agreement on price was actually reached last week, but much of the talks since then have centered around payment structure. However, it is now believed a compromise has been settled there, with Arsenal agreeing to pay the initial £100 million over a 24-month period.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, who dazzled in the Eredivisie last season, could also be closing in on a move to north London with reports suggesting talks are at a very advanced stage for the Dutchman and he's keen on the transfer.

If all goes to plan, the aforementioned duo will follow Germany international Kai Havertz through the door, with Arsenal recently confirming his £65 million move from Chelsea.

"Kai is a player of top quality," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

"He has great versatility and is an intelligent player. He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play.

“We welcome Kai and his family to Arsenal Football Club and we are all excited to start working with him when we start pre-season training soon.”

The Gunners could end up spending over £250m this window, according to some reports, but they have no intention of stopping after sealing their top target in Rice.

A new report by The Guardian and journalist Ed Aarons details a new target for Arsenal, as they join the race to sign highly-rated attacker Gloukh.

The Israel Under-21 international performances for club and country have alerted some of Europe's top sides, including Barcelona, and there is a large domestic following from the British Isles.

Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham are all targeting the 19-year-old, who is believed to prefer a move to either England or Spain.

Who is Oscar Gloukh?

Earning an array of caps for Israel at senior level also, Gloukh has been attracting more attention lately with some of his outings at this summer's U21 European Championship.

Former Israel international Gil Vermouth recently professed his admiration for the teenage star, calling him a "special" player with lots of potential.

"I would have told him not to leave Maccabi Tel Aviv," he said last year.

"Do another season and then leave. Now, I would recommend he leave.

"If a club signs him and invests in him and takes him on as a project, then there is a chance of success. Gloukh is something special. He needs to examine his options, sit down with his parents and coaches, and decide."

Former Spurs defender Alan Hutton has also called Gloukh a "really talented" football player, with all the indications suggesting he could be one of Europe's most promising young teenage talents.

Manchester United supporters' group The 1958 have slammed INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's plans to construct a new 100,000-seater stadium.

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The 1958 issue scathing statementStadium said to resemble a circus tentRatcliffe under further fireFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

United unveiled plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium on Tuesday, but some fans immediately reacted with immense disappointment. The stadium appears to resemble a circus tent, with three spires that are said to be inspired by the Red Devils' trident that adorns United's badge.

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Now, fan group The 1958 have absolutely slammed Ratcliffe and INEOS' plans, insisting that the design is "soulless" and "corporate", and betrays the club's industrial heritage, while resembling a "circus". As per the plans, Old Trafford is set to be demolished.

WHAT THE 1958 SAID

A statement from The 1958 reads: "Instead of embodying the gritty, historic essence of Old Trafford…the design resembles a generic, soulless corporate structure, more akin to a modern entertainment venue than a football cathedral.

"Its circus-like aesthetic disregards the club’s working-class origins and the identity of a fanbase that spans generations. Rather than honoring the past and strengthening the bond with the local community, it prioritises spectacle over substance.

"Football, dignity and traditions need to be upheld and from what we can see they aren’t. It should be a cathedral for fans to go and worship our team and not a circus like tourist attraction."

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On the pitch, United play Real Sociedad on Thursday in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 clash. The tie is finely poised at 1-1.

The 21-year-old was one of three Blues to make half-centuries as NSW went to stumps at 4 for 235 on day three against South Australia, holding a lead of 252

AAP25-Mar-2022First-class debutant Blake Nikitaras has impressed for NSW as they look to end their Sheffield Shield campaign with a win over South Australia on Saturday.The match has become a dead rubber with Western Australia and Victoria now locked in for next week’s Shield final in Perth, but NSW can still take plenty of positives from the match in Adelaide.The Blues went to stumps on day three at Karen Rolton Oval at 4 for 235, holding a lead of 252 after three batsmen made half-centuries.The day was highlighted by Nikitaras, with the 21-year-old making 56 to go with the 44 he posted in his first innings, looking brilliant throughout and belting two huge sixes.He looked set to push for triple figures until a disastrous mix-up with Matthew Gilkes that saw both stranded mid-pitch, with a direct hit from Brendan Doggett running him out.Fresh from 142 in the first innings, skipper Jason Sangha remained in imperious touch and brought up another half-century, eventually caught off Nathan McSweeney for 62.And Gilkes was also in fine form, making his fifth first-class fifty before he fell when McSweeney trapped him lbw for 54. Lachie Hearne could yet be a fourth Blue to raise the bat, 31 not out at stumps. McSweeney (2-71)  was the pick of the SA bowlers.South Australia declared 17 runs behind NSW at 9 for 277 late in Friday’s morning session after NSW dismissed captain Henry Hunt (109) and Harry Nielsen (63) early with tail-ender Liam Scott whacking 30. Chris Tremain (3-51) and Trent Copeland (3-58) were NSW’s best bowlers.

After injury-plagued career, fast bowler’s chance to be involved over-rides any fear of failure

Aadam Patel24-Jan-20221:15

How injury setbacks help Topley perform for England

For Reece Topley, an exceptional return to T20 international cricket demonstrated exactly why England gave the tall left-armer a debut in 2015, aged just 21, and exactly why Eoin Morgan sees Topley as a crucial asset to England’s hopes – not just for this series against West Indies, but also at the T20 World Cup later this year.That he has only represented England 20 times since his debut speaks of a career filled with undoubted talent, yet one that has been damaged by career-threatening injuries. In 2018, Topley was phoned and told that he’d be a part of the England ODI squad against India that summer, only to be told the same day that he would need back surgery.His terrific new-ball spell at Kensington Oval on Sunday evening set England up to level the series in a thriller in Barbados and marked the completion of a remarkable comeback into the England T20 side, almost six years since he last played the shortest format of the game at international level.It was enough to indicate that maybe, there is a new phase ahead for Topley and England. For a man whose journey has required incredible patience, through continuous injuries and a period of depression and falling out of love with the game, Topley insisted that his career trajectory perhaps enabled him to see the game in a different light and not get too carried away with the highs and the lows of sport.”I’ve probably had it slightly differently than other people that play international cricket, in terms of the journey that I’ve had,” Topley said. “I think my perspective is quite unique and last night, I just embraced all the emotion after the game, and all the messages that came through.”Speaking the morning after the second T20I, he added: “I embraced it all, but then I’m very good at parking it. This morning, it’s a new day and it’s all about recovering and focusing on the third T20 [on Wednesday]. I don’t really get too caught up in it. I’m lucky to be playing and I really enjoyed it at the end of the day. Almost having this second opportunity just makes me value it all a lot more.”Related

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Moeen expects Mahmood to 'learn from' off-night at death

Pooran hails Windies hitting depth after thrilling near-miss

On his first appearance in a T20I since playing for England at the 2016 T20 World Cup, Topley was the pick of the pace bowlers, trapping Brandon King for a duck with a full inswinger, before pulling off a spectacular run-out off his own bowling to remove Shai Hope after a devastating yorker. Ironically, replays showed that had England reviewed, Topley would have had one more in the wickets column.He was denied another scalp when Nicholas Pooran was dropped by Liam Dawson but figures of 1 for 18 in his four overs – including 1 for 10 from three overs in the powerplay – summed up a thoroughly impressive and winning return to the England side.Topley insisted that those experiences throughout those years ravaged by injury helped him to deal with difficult match scenarios, as it allowed him to see things from a different perspective.”Even when I’ve been injured so much, you’d almost bite someone’s hand off to play in a T20 and bowl four overs for 40-something,” he said. “It’s almost like, at least I’m out there. So then those bad days it’s like, it won’t be the last bad day I have. It’s not like I haven’t got this competitive instinct, it’s just that I’m very realistic about things now, and very level-headed.”I think that has boded well for me since coming back and playing, because those pressure scenarios, I just embrace them. I almost feel like it’s normal to be nervous and it’s exciting because it’s a game on the line for your country. Who wouldn’t be nervous? It’s almost like it’s normal, and I accept it. So, I think that’s the perspective that I’m pretty lucky to have stumbled upon really.”Topley pulled off an athletic run-out of Shai Hope•Getty ImagesTopley was a late addition to the England squad at the recent T20 World Cup as a replacement for the injured Tymal Mills and despite not playing in the UAE, he believed that the experience of being back within the T20 setup was invaluable.”I’ve been around the squads so that made it pretty easy for me to fit back into things,” Topley said. “I’ve been around the guys and training pretty well, so it was just more of the same, taking it out into the middle and a credit to everyone for helping with such a seamless transition. The white-ball squads are pretty similar in ODIs and T20s so being around that for the last few years has definitely helped.”After the World Cup, Topley joined the Melbourne Renegades – a team and a city close to his heart – after spending two summers in Melbourne during his prolonged rehabilitation from injury. It was where he rediscovered his love for the game.Making his debut at the Big Bash was a decision also made with the intention of getting himself back within England’s first-choice squad ahead of next winter’s World Cup in Australia. Topley impressed taking nine wickets in seven matches, including 3 for 27 in the local derby against the Melbourne Stars.On the pace-friendly wickets down under, England will certainly need quality options and given their recent problems with death bowling in the format, his display in Barbados stood out from the rest. While Chris Jordan went for 23 runs in the 18th and Saqib Mahmood went for 28 runs in the last, Topley followed up his wicket-taking new-ball spell with a penultimate over that was executed brilliantly, going for just eight.”As a bowler, my currency is wickets,” Topley said. “If you ask me I’d say that I can take wickets at any stage and in any format at the end of the day. It’s what I get up in the morning for – to try and get batsmen out essentially. It’s why I fell in love with cricket.”If Topley can carry on doing what he loves and closing games at the death, then there is every chance that he will be an integral part of England’s ambitions of holding both the 50-over and the 20-over World Cups simultaneously, when they head to Australia in October.

Anderson Talisca seemingly fired shots at Cristiano Ronaldo as he claimed fans are "afraid to say where the mistake is" at Al-Nassr.

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Al-Nassr form has been patchyRonaldo failed to score in loss to Al-ArobahTalisca took aim at the club on social mediaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Talisca had been a key figure at Al-Nassr since joining in 2021 but was unceremoniously shown the door when the club decided to make room for Jhon Duran, securing the Colombian forward from Aston Villa for a record-breaking £64 million in January – the highest transfer fee ever spent in the Saudi Pro League. The new recruit made a strong impact, netting four goals in his first three matches. But his early form has not been enough to prevent Al-Nassr from slipping in the title race, as the team suffered two losses in their last three league outings.

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With Al-Nassr now nine points adrift of league leaders Al-Ittihad, tensions have been running high among supporters. Following the team’s 2-1 loss to Al-Orobah on Friday, a fan page on X (formerly Twitter) criticised Duran, questioning whether he was the right fit for the squad.

WHAT TALISCA SAID

Talisca, who now plays for Fenerbahce in Turkey, swiftly jumped to the Colombian’s defence, responding: "He is a great player and will do a lot for this club. The problem is that you always want to find someone to blame for the defeats, but you don’t see where the real mistake lies. Stop acting like this all the time. You know where the mistake is, you're just afraid to say it, lol.”

In a follow-up post, Talisca added: “And on top of that, you want to do to Duran what they did to me, to benefit others.”

His cryptic remarks quickly fuelled speculation among fans, with many interpreting them as a subtle jab at Ronaldo.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has been the focal point of Al-Nassr’s attack, but his form has dipped in recent matches. The Portuguese star failed to find the net in the team’s Saudi Pro League loss to Al-Orobah and was rested in the recent AFC Champions League clash against Esteghlal, a match that ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw. With Al-Nassr struggling for consistency, questions are being raised about whether the team’s over-reliance on Ronaldo is hindering their overall performance.

Talisca’s remarks seem to suggest that rather than blaming new signings like Duran, fans should be looking elsewhere for the true cause of Al-Nassr’s struggles. Though he did not explicitly mention Ronaldo, the timing of his comments combined with the Portuguese forward’s recent goal drought – has led many to draw their own conclusions.

Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake took over Chelsea, the Blues have signed a pile of wingers in an attempt to freshen up their wide options in attack. Chelsea fans have been blessed in the past with Eden Hazard, Willian, Pedro, Arjen Robben and Joe Cole, all players that could swing the game in their favour with a moment of magic.

Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho have all been signed in the past two seasons, for a combined €221.20m (£184.4m), according to Transfermarkt, which will rise to over £200m when Sancho’s loan becomes a permanent next summer, for around £20m.

Name

Fee (£)

Raheem Sterling

£46.8m

Mykhailo Mudryk

£58.3m

Noni Madueke

£29.1m

Pedro Neto

£50m

Jadon Sancho

Loan

Angelo

£12.5m

Diego Moreira

£0

But perhaps the best of the bunch is Pedro Neto, who signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer and has started brightly at Stamford Bridge.

Pedro Neto's record at Chelsea

Neto has already made 15 appearances since joining the Blues this summer, scoring three goals, providing three assists, and totalling 817 minutes played for the club so far.

The 24-year-old Portugal international has played on both the left and right wing for Enzo Maresca already this season and suits the Italian’s system extremely well, who likes to get his wingers 1v1 in high and wide areas, as a key focus for chance creation.

Neto’s ability as a two-way winger, to cut inside and let fly (as we saw against Arsenal last weekend), dink a clever inswinging cross into the box, but also that ability to beat his man for pace and go to the byline, makes the former Wolves man a nightmare for defenders.

But Chelsea seem to be in the market for a new striker and could be entering the race for a “monster” as dubbed by Ben Mattinson, who could really take Neto to the next level, and allow him to unlock his best skillsets.

Chelsea's search for a striker

According to reports from Spain, Chelsea look like the latest name to enter the race for Sporting CP striker, Viktor Gyokeres. Reports from the Daily Star state Gyokeres has a release clause of around €100m (£83m), but offers could be accepted for close to €80m (£67m).

Other big clubs reportedly interested include Manchester United and Arsenal. The Red Devils could prove to be an appealing project for the Sweden international, with his Sporting boss, Ruben Amorim, making the move to United recently.

Gyokeres has made 68 appearances since joining Sporting from Coventry in 2023, scoring 66 goals, providing 19 assists, and totalling 5,695 minutes played. If Chelsea are able to snatch the 26-year-old talisman, it could make for a great pairing with Neto, allowing both players to thrive.

Neto & Gyokeres combination

The prolific Sporting striker stands at 6 foot 1, has a stocky build, and uses his body well to win duels and protect the ball in the box. This level of box dominance is something the Chelsea squad lack, meaning the likes of Neto are unable to use their crossing qualities as often as they may like.

Chelsea’s current striking options are Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, both of whom offer some excellent traits, but not the box occupancy and aerial dominance that Chelsea need in the squad, in order to get the best from Neto.

Jackson has made 12 appearances this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 901 minutes played. Nkunku has made 17 appearances in all competitions, scoring ten goals already, providing one assist, and totalling 688 minutes played.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Neto

Gyokeres

Jackson

Goals

0.29

1.34

0.63

Assists

0.19

0.27

0.31

Progressive Carries

5.64

4.39

1.98

Progressive Passes

1.28

1.69

1.56

Shots Total

2.04

4.22

2.60

Key Passes

2.56

2.03

1.25

Crosses into Pen Area

1.28

0.00

0.00

Passes into Pen Area

1.54

1.01

0.21

Pen Area Touches

4.10

9.46

4.79

Aerial Duels Won

0.51

0.74

0.52

Aerial Duels Won %

28.6%

44.0%

23.8%

You can instantly see the creative numbers Neto brings to the table, making 1.28 crosses into the penalty area per 90, 1.54 passes into the penalty area, and 2.56 key passes per 90. This mixed with the box occupancy of Gyokeres (shown by his whopping 9.46 penalty area touches per 90) would get the best of both players.

Jackson, in comparison, has only managed 4.79 penalty area touches per 90 this season, and has only won 23.8% of his aerial duels per 90 so far this season, showing the need for a more powerful striker alongside him in the squad. Whilst the 23-year-old Senegal international offers a lot for the Blues, Gyokeres would bring a more powerful body type needed upfront.

One man who could suffer from a knock-on effect of this deal would be Madueke, who has started the season in relatively good form under his new boss.

How Madueke could be affected by Gyokeres signing

Madueke could find himself sidelined if Chelsea acquire a box-dominant striker, as Neto could be moved over to the right wing in order to unleash the full utility of his creative toolkit.

The 22-year-old English winger has made 13 appearances so far this season for Maresca’s side, scoring five goals in his 890 minutes played. He has been an important part of the Italians’ system, being a direct 1v1 winger, who looks to beat his man, but also works hard defensively and uses that athleticism to get up and down the pitch.

As good as Madueke has been, one thing he is often criticised for, is his final ball, and the quality of his crosses when he creates opportunities to put the ball in the box, having averaged just 0.21 crosses into the penalty area per 90, across the last 365 days.

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By putting Neto on the right instead, it would allow the Portuguese winger the ability to go both ways, cutting inside on his stronger left foot to put inswingers and clever passes into the box, and keep defenders guessing by beating them for speed down the outside.

That would certainly be a recipe for success with Gyokeres involved, even if it means handing Madueke a reduced role.

104 touches: 8/10 Chelsea ace was just as good as Madueke for his country

Chelsea stars shine on international break, one ace putting in an 8/10 performance

ByConnor Holden Nov 15, 2024

Newcastle United have got some fault lines running through their squad, but Eddie Howe has crafted something special and recent results have showcased that fact wonderfully, with Chelsea and Arsenal both defeated of late across two competitions.

Now, the climb. Newcastle’s hard-fought victory over the Gunners in the Premier League last weekend came down to willpower and sharp tactical understanding, perfect assimilation and implementation of Howe’s philosophy.

But the Magpies are still 11th in the standings, having failed to win any of their previous five top-flight contests before that one. There is much work to be done if Newcastle – backed by the Saudi PIF – are to cement their place at the front of the pack over the coming years.

Plans are being drawn up regarding where to improve, with one addition being looked at who could be perfect for Alexander Isak.

Alexander Isak is finding his feet

Isak is scoring once again, coming up trumps and leaving the Toon faithful cavorting after crucial goals against two of London’s finest outfits. He was always going to find his feet, and now Howe’s side can kick on and make headway in the Premier League.

Newcastle signed Real Sociedad’s talented striker in a deal worth £63m, a club record, in 2022, but he suffered an injury-hit debut year that provided him with only 17 starts in the top flight, albeit posting a respectable ten-goal haul.

Last term, however, Isak came alive. Featuring 40 times across all competitions, he scored 25 goals and put in performances that led pundit Harry Redknapp to declare last year: “I’m not sure if there’s a better player in the country right now.”

There was some noise around the 25-year-old’s future at St. James’ Park across the summer months, but he is still plying his trade under Howe’s wing and there are tentative hopes that he will pen a new contract.

Goals in recent matches have spoken once more of the player’s irreplaceable quality in black and white, with his slow start to the campaign swiftly shaped into something bearing a respectable return of four goals and an assist across ten matches in all competitions.

Moreover, he’s hardly just a target man. As per FBref, Isak ranks among the top 18% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 8% for progressive carries and the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90. Such metrics emphasise his dynamic and athletic style of play.

Signing a player like Jarrod Bowen really would complete Newcastle’s frontline, not only balancing the left flank, where Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes reside, with a player of high-class quality but finally completing the fluency that could see Isak reach monstrous new heights.

Bowen can be that signing.

Newcastle transfer news

As per TEAMtalk, Newcastle remain hot on the trail of the West Ham United captain, having been keeping tabs on the 27-year-old for a while.

The report suggests that the Magpies could make a blockbuster move and are ‘considering a bid’ for the former Hull City man.

West Ham are toiling under Julen Lopetegui and Bowen has not yet hit his stride, though the winger is proven in the Premier League and was the focal point of David Moyes’ illustrious tenure in east London.

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Getting this one over the line won’t be easy. West Ham value Bowen at £100m – as per previous reports from the summer – and given that he signed a long-term contract last year, it is likely that it will take a ‘huge bid’ from PIF and co for the Hammers to even entertain a sale.

That would ensure it would likely prove a record move for those at St James’, surpassing the £63m that was spent on that man Isak back in 2022.

Bowen really would be the perfect signing for Newcastle in 2025, not least because he might blend with the club’s number nine, and restore Newcastle’s attack to its maximum level.

Imagine Jarrod Bowen & Isak

Miguel Almiron has played for Newcastle for a long time, and Jacob Murphy is certainly an underrated option within Howe’s squad, but neither carries that potent threat that the Hammers skipper would bring to the table.

Bowen’s West Ham career is a thing to behold. The east Londoners signed Hull City’s prized forward in January 2020 for a fee totalling £22m, and he has since gone on to score 64 goals and supply 41 assists across 214 appearances, instrumental in winning the Conference League and thriving across multiple continental campaigns.

Last year, despite Moyes’ system malfunctioning,

1.

Jarrod Bowen

44

20

2.

Mohammed Kudus

45

14

3.

Tomas Soucek

52

10

4.

Lucas Paqueta

53

8

5.

Michail Antonio

32

7

6.

James Ward-Prowse

51

7

His dual-wielded positional value has even seen him be gushed over by opponents, with Brentford manager Thomas Frank describing the England star as “unplayable” after he thumped a hat-trick past the Bees in the Premier League last year.

Could it be that Bowen would bring to Newcastle the kind of goalscoring quality that would unburden Isak with the weight of his responsibility? The Sweden international is a brilliant player, but Gordon aside, there is a distinct lack of prolificness.

Barnes is a terrific goalscorer, but he too is best on the left flank. Bowen, a right winger, would obviously earn regular match action for Howe’s side and has the requisite experience in Europe to actually make all the difference across the coming years.

Who knows, he might even convince Isak to stay on, for a frontline consisting of Gordon, Isak and he would surely hold the properties required to have a significant impact on the narrative at the top of the table and across cup competitions, year in, year out.

With a sharp playmaking edge too, creating 16 big chances in the Premier League since the start of last season, Bowen really could be the perfect partner for a machine-like centre-forward in Isak.

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