Big picture: Can West Indies deepen England’s white-ball funk?

Plenty has gone on since Jos Buttler led his players off the field at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, following a comprehensive defeat to India in their World Cup semi-final. Matthew Mott vacated his post soon after, leading to Brendon McCullum’s appointment as cross-format supremo and, while Buttler was retained as captain, he has not hit a ball in anger since, due to a persistent calf injury that caused him to miss the Hundred, as well as ODI and T20I series against Australia and then the West Indies one-dayers.There will be added significance, then, to his comeback for five T20Is in the Caribbean. In the last 12 months, Buttler has overseen two doomed World Cup defences – and the window is already narrowing for England to get their white-ball show back on the road in time for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February. (Whether the schedule is helpful in that regard – England have the same split of three ODIs and five T20Is in India as part of their build-up to the tournament – is a moot point.)Buttler’s enthusiasm for England duty should have been sharpened by time spent on the sidelines – as well, perhaps, as his release by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL auction later this month. He joined up with the squad in Barbados earlier this week, with interim head coach Marcus Trescothick describing him as “progressing really nicely” ahead of the T20Is.At the very least, his return will put a stop to the revolving door of captaincy understudies, with three different men (Phil Salt, Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone) in charge for the three engagements against Australia and West Indies. And while England’s squad is otherwise the same as that beaten 2-1 in the ODI leg, there is far greater T20 experience to call on – even from the tyros in the group, such as Jacob Bethell and Dan Mousley.Jos Buttler speaks to the media ahead of his England comeback•Getty Images

West Indies also carry some hurt with them from the T20 World Cup, after failing to make the semi-finals despite strong form going into their home tournament. They have already begun the process of moving on, sweeping the beaten finalists, South Africa, 3-0 in August before going down 2-1 in Sri Lanka last month – albeit Daren Sammy, West Indies’ head coach, called it a “moral victory” for his side. England know all about those.Sammy and Rovman Powell, the captain, have dovetailed to good effect in managing the complex relationships between West Indies’ star players and the global franchise circuit. Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer and Akeal Hossein were all absent from the Sri Lanka tour for personal reasons but have returned to take on England. Having not qualified for the Champions Trophy, West Indies can already start to focus on the next T20 World Cup, set to be played in India and Sri Lanka in early 2026.One player who won’t be involved over the weekend, however, is Alzarri Joseph, with the fast bowler banned for two matches by Cricket West Indies after apologising for storming off the pitch during the deciding ODI in Barbados. Proof that even when you’re winning, things don’t always run smooth.

Form guide

West Indies LLWWW
England WLLWL

In the spotlight: Andre Russell and Jos Buttler

Andre Russell has not pulled on a West Indies shirt since they lost their de facto quarter-final against South Africa in Antigua in June – with many having assumed that, at 36, the T20 World Cup would be his international swansong. Russell has since confirmed a desire to play on until the 2026 edition, though his workload is likely to be carefully managed by Sammy and the West Indies hierarchy. His last international comeback, against England in Barbados less than a year ago, saw him win Player of the Match, and judging by a fiery post in the wake of Trinbago Knight Riders’s CPL exit, the passion for the game remains.England followers will not be looking past Jos Buttler, assuming he is passed fit ahead of the game (and then even if it he isn’t). There has been nothing wrong with Buttler’s T20 form in 2024, albeit he was unable to shape England’s key World Cup encounters with Australia and India – but he had cut an increasingly tetchy figure as captain, particularly in the build-up to their campaign in the Caribbean. McCullum has pinpointed cheering up a “miserable” Buttler as his first job in charge of the white-ball set-up, and an unfettered return – free from injury, ideally at the helm of a winning side – over the next nine days would be a good start.

Team news: Big names back for both sides

The T20 big guns look set to regain their places in West Indies’ XI – although there might be a temptation to include some top-order insurance in the form of Shai Hope or Roston Chase. Romario Shepherd was fit to be included in the squad after being diagnosed with cramp following his tumble in the third ODI.West Indies: (possible) 1 Brandon King, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Nicholas Pooran (wk), 4 Rovman Powell (capt), 5 Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Roston Chase/Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Akeal Hosein, 9 Gudakesh Motie, 10 Matthew Forde, 11 Shamar JosephSalt has been confirmed as wicketkeeper, with Buttler looking to lighten his load on comeback. Mousley could make his T20I debut after scoring a maiden England fifty in the Barbados ODI, while the other two uncapped squad members, John Turner and Jafer Chohan, will hope to join him at some point during the series.England: (possible) 1 Phil Salt (wk), 2 Jos Buttler (capt), 3 Will Jacks, 4 Liam Livingstone, 5 Jacob Bethell, 6 Dan Mousley, 7 Sam Curran, 8 Jamie Overton/Saqib Mahmood, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Jofra Archer, 11 Reece Topley

Pitch and conditions: Something for everyone – possibly including rain

Kensington Oval was the third-highest scoring venue during the World Cup earlier in the year, and one of only two to see a total of 200 – when Australia left England trailing in their Group B encounter. The ODI surface offered a bit for seam bowling first up but became much easier to bat on under lights. The forecast in Bridgetown is for another hot day with a chance of showers.

Stats and trivia

• West Indies beat England 3-2 in both of their previous bilateral T20I series, in 2021-22 and 2023-24.
• England’s last series win over West Indies in either white-ball format came back in 2018-19, when they swept the T20Is 3-0 – although they did also beat the hosts in their World Cup Super Eights fixture in June.
• Salt needs 56 runs to reach 1000 in T20Is; Hetmyer is 67 short of the same mark.

Quotes

“It’s a definite loss for us, he’s the spearhead of our attack and one of our more experienced bowlers. But having said that we have capable replacements, when you look at the bench strength and guys that are in the wings waiting, it’s good also. It’s an opportunity for somebody to step up and be counted.”
“You walk into breakfast and you see the guys that they bring back and there’s some real superstars – Pooran and Russell. They’re a really strong team and they’ve been a strong team for a really long time and have guys who are well suited to the format. It’s a great challenge.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White will undoubtedly go down as one of the strangest moves during the summer transfer window.

The Lilywhites thought they had a deal agreed for the 25-year-old, after triggering the £60m release clause within his contract at the City Ground – well, so they thought anyway.

It emerged that Nuno Espírito Santo’s side claimed the approach for his signature was illegal, subsequently putting a move for the Englishman to North London on hold.

However, the attacking midfielder has since agreed a record-breaking contract to stay with the Reds, taking a release clause out of his deal, something which was spare headed by owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Missing out on such a top-level Premier League star will undoubtedly be a disappointment to Thomas Frank and the rest of the Lilywhites staff, but it appears as though they have already moved on to different targets before the end of the window.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

It’s been reported in recent days that Spurs are preparing a move for Manchester City star James McAtee, who’s free to leave the club this summer with just one year left on his contract.

They could be battling Forest for his signature, after they had a £25m bid rejected, with Pep Guardiola’s side demanding a fee in the region of £40m this summer.

However, a cheaper alternative appears to already have been identified, with the hierarchy interested in making a move for Stuttgart midfielder Enzo Millot, according to Estadio Deportivo.

The report claims the Lilywhites are trying to hijack a move for the 23-year-old, after he had already agreed personal terms over a deal to join Atlético Madrid this summer.

It also states the Frenchman currently has a €20m (£17m) release clause within his deal at the Bundesliga side, potentially seeing the North London side getting themselves a bargain.

Why Spurs’ £17m target is a bigger star than Gibbs-White

Gibbs-White would’ve been a sensational signing for the club, especially after Frank made his intentions to land the England international given his admiration for his talents.

The 25-year-old played a key role in Forest’s success last season, notching 15 combined goals and assists in the top-flight, helping them achieve a European finish for the first time in 30 years.

£60m would’ve been one of the most expensive additions in the club’s history, but such a fee would’ve been excellent business, as seen by the Reds’ reluctance to allow him to depart.

Never before has a situation like this been seen over a transfer, but it’s no surprise when dealing with Mr Marinakis, who’s evidently a tricky person to do business with.

However, whilst many supporters must wish a deal for his signature was completed, it may prove to be a blessing in disguise if they can secure a move for Millot in the coming weeks.

The youngster has showcased in the Bundesliga over recent times that he’s a huge talent, worth way more than his current release clause, with the Lilywhites needing to take full advantage this summer.

He produced countless stats better than those of Gibbs-White last campaign, highlighting why he’d be a bigger talent than the England international ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Millot, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth, managed to register five goal contributions in his eight Champions League outings last season, showcasing his ability to thrive at the top-level.

His underlying stats were just as impressive, notching a higher shot on target accuracy rate, subsequently handing Frank’s side a bigger threat in front of goal.

Games played

29

34

Goals & assists

11

15

Goals & assists (per 90)

0.54

0.48

Shot on target accuracy

40%

34%

Pass accuracy

85%

78%

Passes into final third

4.3

4.1

Passes into opposition box

1.6

1.3

Take-on success

46%

40%

Carries into opposition box

0.8

0.4

The Frenchman’s dominance is further reflected in his higher tallies of passes into the final third, with more of which going into the opposition’s 18-yard box, offering a bigger creative threat to the Lilywhites should he join this summer.

There’s no denying that Gibbs-White would’ve been most supporters’ number one choice this summer, but it’s evident that Millot would be a better addition for Frank’s side.

£17m would be a simply superb price for a player of his quality, arguably being one of the best additions made by any Premier League side if they can get it completed in the coming days.

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Leeds United submitted a near club-record bid to sign a “revelation”, and the 49ers quickly received a response, according to a report.

Leeds stepping up striker pursuit

The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises are still yet to bring in a proven Premier League striker ahead of the new campaign, and given that failing to do so could have a major impact on their survival chances next season, they have now stepped up their pursuit.

Talks have recently been held over a deal for former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has 89 career goals to his name, and the Whites now appear to be closing in on the centre-forward, subject to a medical, as revealed by David Ornstein on X.

However, Calvert-Lewin was not the top target for Daniel Farke’s side, with journalist Ben Jacobs stating Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz was at the top of their shortlist.

The ex-Everton man was regarded as a back-up option for Rodrigo Muniz, and a recent update on Leeds’ pursuit of the Fulham striker suggests they made a proposal prior to sealing an agreement for Calvert-Lewin, following on from an intial £32m bid back in June.

According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Whites submitted a new offer of around €40m (£34.5m) for Muniz, which was subsequently knocked back.

Leeds’ record signing is Georginio Rutter, who cost £35.5m, and they were prepared to spend a similar amount on the Fulham centre-forward, but it now appears as though he could be on his way to Atalanta.

Leeds at risk of missing out on Muniz

Taking to X, Fabrizio Romano has since revealed that Atalanta are making progress in their pursuit of the Brazilian, who is keen on joining the Serie A side.

“Atalanta are confident to get Rodrigo Muniz deal done with Fulham as talks are advancing. Muniz, keen on move to Serie A with negotiations underway.”

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As such, Leeds now look set to miss out on a deal, which is likely to be disappointing, as there are plenty of signs the Fulham star could’ve been a better signing than Calvert-Lewin.

Not only is the former Flamengo man much younger than the Englishman at 24-years-old, but he has also outscored him over the past two Premier League campaigns, scoring a combined 17 goals, while Calvert-Lewin has just ten to his name.

Once described as a “revelation” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Muniz has the ability to fire Leeds to safety, so it is a gamble to have pursued the ex-Everton man instead, given his patchy injury record.

Could this game, one that offered some semblance of momentum, be a defining moment for Pochettino and the USMNT?

COLUMBUS, Ohio – If Mauricio Pochettino could have designed the perfect response in his head, this would have been it. A 2-0 win over a good, but admittedly rotated, Japan team on Tuesday night was exactly what the U.S. men's national team required.

Goals from two players, Alejandro Zendejas and Folarin Balogun, seemingly fighting for more? Check. A tactical switch that might just be an answer, both in the short- and long-term? Check. And a strong performance from Christian Pulisic, who finally put the summer drama in the rearview mirror with an important assist? Another big check.

This week, so much talk has centered around the USMNT's trajectory. Pochettino admitted it partly began in March, in losses in the Nation's League that served as a wakeup call. Could this game, one that offered some semblance of momentum, be a shift in the other direction? Could this be the start of a new path, one that looks a lot better than the one the U.S. has been on since the spring?

"This game and life, it's all about sliding doors," USMNT veteran Tim Ream said postgame. "It's about either stepping through them or not. You take moments and experiences on board and you move on. I think for us, it's just a process to go through. It's a process to get to a World Cup. There are moments. There are ups and downs. I've been playing a long time and it's never smooth sailing.

"There are times when things don't go your way and times when you can do no wrong. That's the way the game is. Maybe you look back on it and say 'OK, that was a defining moment' and some may look at this as a defining moment."

That answer will come down the line but, for now, it's, at the very least, a step. It was one that the U.S. needed. It was one Pochettino and Pulisic and plenty of others needed.

"Things happen as they're supposed to happen," said Pulisic, who spoke to reporters for the first time since returning to the USMNT from his controversial summer, which included skipping the Gold Cup. "This is where we are now. It's important for us to take this game and feel good about it. But also look back and see a lot of things we can still improve on."

GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Lower.com Field.

• Getty Images
  

  WINNER: Christian Pulisic

  The South Korea game last weekend, a 2-0 loss, was Pulisic's long-awaited return to the USMNT after a chaotic summer. Tuesday felt like his proper re-emergence. This was Pulisic near his best and, and that makes the USMNT a much different team.

  The stuff from the summer? It may not be totally behind everyone, but it feels backburner. That's what good soccer can do. Good soccer can cure things, remind everyone that, at its core, that this is supposed to be fun.

  "I love this team. It's everything to me," Pulisic said postgame. "I've been here for quite a long time, getting to see some new guys, getting to bond with some old players, even seeing [Cristian] Roldan again, like it's so cool for me.I thought he was great today as well. For me personally, I don't feel like a step was lost. I love being around the team. I had a great time."

  Bygones are bygones? Time will tell, but still, Pulisic needed this performance to drive that message home and, perhaps remind a few people why he's so important for this team. This performance was nearly complete. The only thing missing was a much-deserved goal. Those will come if Pulisic is in this kind of form, and the U.S. will need that more and more down the stretch.

  "It's been a tough go recently," Pulisic said, "and we wanted to walk away with some confidence, with some good feelings going into the next camp and, obviously, leading into a World Cup here."

  For all the mud-slinging between Pulisic and critics, including many former USMNT players, and his back-and-forth with his manager over the Gold Cup and pre-tournament friendlies, he said his relationship with Pochettino and his teammates is healthy.

  "We have good conversations," Pulisic said. "Honestly, what you guys experience and what the media sees is not exactly what we experienced. Things are good. We spoke, we had a normal camp. Everything is good between us and good between the team. There's probably not as much drama as you guys think."

  That drama dominated headlines and podcasts and social posts all summer. Pulisic insisted the focus now is entirely on the team, and its ultimate mission – the pathway to the 2026 World Cup.

  "It's been good," he said. "Obviously, the national team can be tough because you don't spend your day-to-day together. I think in the camps we've come in and gotten to know each other. We're starting to really learn each other, learn the team and how we can both help each other as best we can to go forward and try and win."

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• Getty Images
  

  LOSER: Pochettino's critics

  Before concluding his post-match news conference after the win against Japan, Pochettino issued an apology. He was sorry for cursing in Monday's prematch media availability.

  He was responding Mondy to numerous critics, including a number of former USMNT players-turned-pundits, saying, "People sometimes create debate and talk with no sense. You cannot compare because this national team and this country is qualified for the World Cup, so the important thing is to apply common sense. If people want to talk bullsh*t, we can talk bull sh*t. We feel the responsibility to provide for the group of players that we think can be important for the future of this country in a World Cup."

  Pochettino said his wife was upset at his language, but stressed that the point remains: criticize him all you want for his tactics, decisions and planning. All he asks is that the critics stick to that.

  On Tuesday, there was little to criticize. Tactically, Pochettino was spot on, nailing the switch to the three-centerback system. It seems certain to be the one going forward, particularly after this performance. As the game wore on, he nailed the substitutions, too, injecting the right sort of life to not just keep the foot on the pedal, but get minutes for several players who had earned it.

  "It's about the process," he said. "It's about the players. I really believe in what we are doing and how they respect us and how we respect them. We are capable of building this relationship, for sure. We are going to have the best players and players that maybe aren't here today will have the possibility to come. We are very open people, but it's time for the process – and the process is going to work, for sure. I don't have any doubts."

  Was it perfect? No. There were still decisions to nitpick and a number of areas in which the USMNT can improve. The critics will likely get more ammo over the coming months, even if Pochettino does keep his promise to tone down his tinkering and experimentation beginning in the October camp.

  Before leaving his news conference Tuesday night, Pochettino had one last message: "Guys, I'm looking forward to October."

  It's easy to see why after what seemed a statement win.

• Getty Images
  

  WINNER: Alejandro Zendejas

  To his credit, Alex Zendejas has been patient. He didn't ruffle any feathers when he was left out of multiple squads despite a good run of form with Club America. Then, when given his chance on Tuesday, he made the most of it, scoring in the 30th minute to stake the USMNT to a 1-0 lead. What else could you ask for?

  The goal was Zendejas' second with the USMNT, but it's no doubt much bigger than the first. As he fights for a potential World Cup role, Zendejas was able to impact the game, getting on the ball plenty even before his decisive volley in the first half.

  "Thankfully it landed on my left foot since I'm a lefty, " Zendejas said of his goal. "It happened so fast. I knew he was going to do a one-on-one play on the wing, so it was the right timing. Right place, right time."

  Zendejas is one of the few in this player pool that regularly has to be "the guy" for his club team. The No. 10 shirt he's inherited with Club America carries weight and, so far, he's handled it all very well. The confidence that comes from that will have to translate to the USMNT if he's to make a push for a World Cup role.

  On Tuesday, he showed that that might just happen.

  "We are so pleased," Pochettino said. "Now, with this type of performance, he's in the race for the roster of the World Cup."

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  LOSER: Japan

  Pochettino spoke earlier this week about having a plan, and altering that plan as a team already bound for the World Cup. Japan entered this international break with a similar scenario. Having already qualified, there was room for experimenting.

  And experiment Hajime Moriyasu did. The manager made mass changes, benching many of his regular stars for a look at several young options. Japan started and entirely different XI from the one that settled for a scoreless draw with Mexico over the weekend.

  "As a national team coach, I always play to get a win, and that will not change in any game we play," Moriyasu said. "I was confident that my young players, my inexperienced players, could keep the same standards as the experienced ones. That's why I chose to play a younger team than usual because we are aiming to win at the World Cup, so I can't just rely on players who have played for the national team.

  "I need my young players to step up and get experience to heighten the standard. We cannot just rely on 11 players. I think we need two, maybe three teams that can play at the same level. I will continue to aim to do that."

  A lesson, then, for Moriyasu and some of those young players as they continue their own preparation for the World Cup.

After leaving David Moyes unimpressed during pre-season, Everton have now reportedly told one player to find a new club before the end of the transfer window.

Everton still seeking reinforcements

Even with Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry already signed and delivered, Everton are still in the market for attacking additions. The Friedkin Group will know how important it is to add goals to Moyes’ Everton side after they were outscored by every team outside the relegation zone in the Premier League last season.

Barry and Grealish represent a solid start, but it could be argued that the Toffees still need one more arrival. Just who that arrival is remains the big question, however. If recent rumours are anything to go by, then those at the Hill Dickinson are certainly still in the mood for reinforcements.

According to recent reports, Everton have submitted an opening offer worth around £37m to sign Artem Dovbyk from AS Roma, who are also owned by Friedkin.

Whether the American owners can help push the deal through remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that the Roma forward would hand Moyes a deadly strike partner for Barry this season.

League stats 24/25

Dovbyk

Barry

Minutes

2,418

2,559

Goals

12

16

Assists

2

4

Expected Goals

11.9

12.5

Two players who outperformed their expected goals and reached double figures, Everton would be adding 28 league goals to their side if they combined Barry and Dobyk this season.

Of course, however, any deal would need to advance in routine fashion to get over the line at this stage with around two weeks remaining until the transfer window slams shut.

Meanwhile, it’s not just incomings that Everton are focusing on. As one striker arrives, another has reportedly been told to find a new club.

Everton tell Beto to find a new club

According to Football Insider, Everton have now told Beto to find a new club with Moyes unhappy about his attitude during pre-season and seemingly at the end of his tether. The towering forward has only been at the club for a year and, to his credit, showed signs of finding his best form under Moyes before pre-season reportedly undid all of his good work.

In a ruthless decision by Friedkin and Moyes, Beto could go from the centre of praise to an Everton outcast if reports are anything to go by. And given the earlier interest of Leeds United this summer, the Yorkshire club could now be ones to watch as the door opens to sign the Portuguese striker.

Just how Beto and Moyes’ relationship has reached this point will be the big talking point if the forward does depart. It was only back in May that the Everton boss told reporters: “He’s a great boy, I’ve got to say.

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“He practises like you wouldn’t believe to try and get better. Which, when you’ve got that, you know then that you’ve got something which is… at least he’s trying to get better. He’s incredibly humble. He’s very honest with himself, which gives a manager a great chance to try and improve. I have to say, he’s done great.”

Unsurprisingly, given their immense success, Chelsea have been blessed with some utterly sensational players over the last two decades.

The likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba all cemented themselves as club and Premier League legends in the 2000s and early 2010s.

Then, after them, came another crop of world-class title-winners, with perhaps two of the most entertaining being Cesc Fàbregas and Eden Hazard.

Both players were absolute magicians with a football, and so fans should be excited about reports linking Chelsea to someone who has shades of both in his game.

Chelsea target international with shades of Cesc & Hazard

It’s been a brilliant summer for Chelsea so far this year, as on top of their successes on the pitch, the Blues have been efficient and intelligent with their transfers off of it.

Transfer Focus

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

BlueCo have sold incredibly well so far, and brought in players who should be able to make a real difference for Enzo Maresca this season, like Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato.

However, with the window still open for another two weeks, the West Londoners appear intent on making at least one more addition to the team and are targeting a player who reminds us a little of Fabregas and Hazard.

At least that is according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has confirmed that Chelsea are still incredibly keen on Xavi Simons.

The Italian journalist has revealed that the Blues are still in talks and “working on the deal with Leipzig,” but have yet to reach an agreement with the German outfit.

Romano doesn’t mention how much the Dutchman is likely to cost the West Londoners, but stories from earlier this summer claim that the Bundesliga side want around £61m for him.

So, while it could still be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, Simons has proven he’d be worth the effort for Chelsea, especially as there are shades of Fabregas and Hazard in his game.

How Simons compares to Fabregas and Hazard

At their peak, both Fabregas and Hazard were near enough unplayable at times for Chelsea, and so even though fans should not expect Simons to be at that level from the word go, we don’t see a reason why he couldn’t get there, especially as there are some evident similarities between his game and theirs.

Starting with the Spaniard, the most apparent element of his game that we see in the Dutchman is his vision.

At times, the former Arsenal star was a conductor from the middle of the park, seeing passes before anyone else and playing balls in behind that opposition defences could do little about other than watch on.

This is something the former PSV Eindhoven gem can do as well, as, according to FBref, he sat in the top 1% of midfielders in the Bundesliga last season for through balls, the top 2% for passes into the penalty area and the top 5% for shot-creating actions stemming from live passes, all per 90.

In other words, the 22-year-old magician was incredible at passing the ball into dangerous areas for his teammates to exploit, which helps to support one analyst’s bold claim that he’s “one of the best 10s in the world.”

However, the Amsterdam-born dynamo is not just a creator, as he’s just as much of a goal threat, which is one of the traits he shares with Hazard, who left the Blues with a strong record of 110 goals in 352 games.

For example, despite playing just 33 games for Leipzig last season, Simons managed to score 11 goals to go along with his eight assists, which works out to a goal every three games – not a million miles off the Belgian’s rate of return for the Pensioners.

Appearances

33

Minutes

2763′

Goals

11

Assists

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.57

Minutes per Goal Involvement

145.42′

Moreover, while the La Masia graduate can play in the middle of the park, he’s also more than comfortable playing out on the left, where he can really demonstrate another trait he shares with the former Real Madrid ace: his close control.

We can see this by once again looking at FBref, as they ranked him in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Bundesliga last season for carries into the final third and the top 8% for fouls drawn, both per 90.

These numbers help to show that he’s not only elite at dragging the ball up the pitch and into dangerous areas, but that opposition defenders struggle to get it off him without committing a foul.

Ultimately, while it might take him some time to reach the levels of Fabregas or Hazard, Simons looks to be on his way, and therefore, Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign him as soon as possible.

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Following the undeniable bombshell that Alexander Isak has asked to leave the club, Newcastle United and PIF have reportedly set their sights on a talented replacement.

When news emerged that he was suffering from a thigh injury and he would, therefore, not travel to take part in Newcastle’s Asia tour, it became clear that trouble may be afoot. And soon enough, reports came to the fore that Isak has, indeed, asked to leave St James’ Park this summer amid interest from Saudi Arabia and Liverpool.

It would have been Newcastle’s biggest fear heading into this summer, but that fear would have only increased by their own transfer failure. The last thing that Eddie Howe needs after watching the Magpies miss out on Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo is for Isak to depart, but that may be the reality that he is forced to live with next season.

There is still one positive in this saga for Newcastle, though. As frustrating as losing Isak would be, his exit would instantly solve any remaining PSR problems for the foreseeable future and allow PIF to flex their financial muscles in full.

According to The Athletic, the final package to sign Isak could cost as much as £250m, with Newcastle demanding a transfer fee worth as much as £150m before agent fees and wages are taken into account.

With a chunk of that money, the Magpies could welcome an instant replacement and then finally splash the cash to improve other areas in Howe’s squad.

PIF set sights on Lois Openda

Turning towards an Isak replacement before anything, those at St James’ Park are now reportedly ‘targeting’ a Bundesliga talent. According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, PIF have now set their sights on signing Lois Openda for Newcastle this summer as they look to find the heir to Isak’s Tyneside throne.

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The RB Leipzig forward, now at the peak of his powers at 25 years old, is not the out-and-out goalscorer that Isak is, but he is a better creator and could provide Howe with a better all-rounder than the Swede.

After impressing in the 2023/24 campaign, Openda picked up where he left off last season and ended the campaign with 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions. Described as a “fantastic young striker” by scout Jacek Kulig whilst in Germany, the Belgian could now get the chance to make the biggest move of his career so far.

European giants AC Milan have now reportedly made their move for a “quality” Liverpool player, with the individual in question not part of Arne Slot’s plans.

Liverpool head off to Asia without certain players

The Reds are continuing their preparations for the defence of their Premier League title, with the start of the new season now less than a month away, and the champions opening their account with a home clash against Bournemouth on August 15th.

Liverpool have now flown off to Asia for two pre-season friendlies over the next eight days, taking on AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday and then Yokohama FM in Japan on July 30th.

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While the usual suspects are all involved for the Reds, from Mohamed Salah to new signing Florian Wirtz – Hugo Ekitike will head to Asia once his move to Anfield is officially completed – some players haven’t made the cut.

One such figure is Federico Chiesa, with the 27-year-old enduring a tough first season at Liverpool and now not being a part of Slot’s plans moving forward with a move away expected. For that reason, a key update has now emerged regarding his future.

AC Milan in contact with Liverpool forward Chiesa

According to a fresh claim from Caught Offside, AC Milan have now initiated “indirect contact” with Liverpool attacker Chiesa over a summer move to the club.

It is noted that “the financial dimension could pose challenges”, though, while former club Juventus are also mentioned as potential suitors for the £13m-rated Italian. Atletico Madrid and Atalanta are said to be in the mix, too, and “his omission from the club’s Asia tour squad makes it increasingly clear” that an exit is expected.

Losing Chiesa would be a shame, considering what a popular figure he has been among the fanbase, mainly because of his strong team ethic and beaming smile, even when he isn’t featuring much.

It does appear as though Slot doesn’t consider him part of his plans moving forward, though, despite former Reds Under-23s manager Barry Lewtas heaping praise on him last year, in terms of the impact he made alongside young players.

“Obviously you can see from the quality of his career so far, this is why he’s at one of the best clubs in the world. His professionalism and his quality were really good. It obviously just gives our boys a little bit of a chance to play against someone of that quality [and] it’s a really good learning opportunity for them.”

Keeping Chiesa would be no bad thing, in terms of squad depth, but the brutal reality is that he didn’t do enough to impress Slot in his first year at Liverpool, so omitting him from the pre-season tour and looking to move him on does make sense as the Reds look to cash in.

MatériaMais Notícias

Rogério Ceni deixou o cargo de treinador do São Paulo na última quarta-feira (19). A saída foi anunciada pelo Tricolor, após uma reunião entre membros da diretoria e o ex-goleiro tricolor. Ceni chegou ao clube em outubro de 2021, no mesmo dia que a demissão de Hernán Crespo foi anunciada.

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Desde então, foram 107 jogos, com50 vitórias, 28 empates e 29 derrotas. O último jogo comandado por Ceni foi a vitória contra o Puerto Cabello, por 2 a 0, válida pela segunda rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Sul-Americana.

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Esta foi a segunda passagem de Ceni como treinador do Tricolor. A primeira tinha acontecido em 2017, mas o comandante deixou o cargo após 37 jogos. Entretanto, mais uma vez, deixa o CT da Barra Funda sem nenhum título – diferente da era tão vitoriosa e de idolatria que teve como jogador.

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A passagem do ex-goleiro como técnico foi marcada pelos ‘vices’. Mesmo que tenha enfatizado que sua maior meta era ser campeão, não conseguiu concretizar. Em 2022, chegou até a final do Campeonato Paulista, contra o Palmeiras, mas foi derrotado. Inclusive, este foi visto como um dos grandes vexames da temporada passada. Isso porque o Tricolor estava com uma vantagem por 3 a 1 no jogo de ida, e a equipe de Abel Ferreira virou o resultado após uma goleada por 4 a 0.

Na Copa Sul-Americana, no mesmo ano, viajou até Córdoba, na Argentina, para enfrentar o Independiente Del Valle. Mais uma vez, perdeu a chance de garantir o título – mesmo com o Tricolor sendo visto como um dos grandes favoritos.

No Brasileirão, não ficou próximo da taça, mas próximo da classificação para a Copa Libertadores. Porém, por uma posição não conseguiu. Na Copa do Brasil, encerrou sua participação na semifinal, após ser derrotado pelo Flamengo.

Neste ano, a situação complicou um pouco mais. Com a expectativa de, pela terceira edição seguida, chegar até a final do Campeonato Paulista, o sonho foi frustrado de forma precoce ainda nas quartas de final, após uma derrota contra o Água Santa – que mais tarde se tornou finalista, contra o Palmeiras. E foi a partir daí que a situação começou a esquentar.

A pressão existia, mas a ideia é que Ceni conseguisse ajustar as rédeas do clube durante a intertemporada, antes de retornar para os próximos compromissos que aguardavam. Porém, mesmo com a estreia vitoriosa na Copa Sul-Americana, contra o Tigre, emplacou uma sequência não tão boa na Copa do Brasil – no empate sem gols contra o Ituano em casa -, e no Brasileiro – com a derrota pelo Botafogo por 2 a 1.

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Problemas com elenco?

Mas não foram somente os resultados que marcaram a trajetória de Rogério Ceni pelo São Paulo. Alguns problemas internos também surgiram neste caminho – que envolveram até mesmo discussão com alguns jogadores.

No final da temporada 2022, Patrick – atualmente no Atlético-MG -, teria se incomodado com certas atitudes do ex-técnico. Mais especificamente, na penúltima rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.Mesmo enquanto o São Paulo ainda vencia por 1 a 0, Patrick foi substituído na volta do segundo tempo, dando lugar a Giuliano Galoppo. Na etapa final, em menos de quinze minutos, o Tricolor sofreu três gols, marcados por Germán Cano.

O incômodo do ex-atleta do Tricolor teria sido motivado pelas substituições frequentes que estava enfrentando. A discussão aconteceu no vestiário, após o término da partida. Mesmo com a saída do meia, os dois sempre enfatizaram que era um assunto que tinha sido resolvido.

Recentemente, algo parecido aconteceu com Marcos Paulo. A discussão aconteceu no último mês, após a eliminação da equipe no Campeonato Paulista contra o Água Santa, quando jogador fez uma postagem suspeita nas redes sociais.

Marcos Paulo compartilhou uma foto em seu Instagram com a letra de uma música que dizia uma frase emblemática sobre ‘hipocrisia e simpatia serem uma junção venenosa’. Até então, parecia só mais uma postagem normal, mas o que chamou atenção foram algumas curtidas do jogador em comentários de torcedores. Estes comentários criticando justamente Rogério Ceni.

O restante do elenco teria se incomodado com a reação de Rogério Ceni com o caso, o que começou a esquentar a discussão. Após o último jogo do treinador com a equipe, contra o Puerto Cabello, Ceni trouxe este assunto à tona, e mais uma vez, afirmou que estava tudo resolvido.

Mesmo assim, tirando estas exceções, o elenco sempre pareceu se dar bem com o ex-técnico. Inclusive, nas redes sociais, nomes como Calleri, Nestor, Moreira, se manifestaram pouco tempo após o anúncio da sua saída, se despedindo e agradecendo ao trabalho prestado.

Durante quase um ano e oito meses, 23 jogadores chegaram ao Tricolor sob o comando de Rogério Ceni. Agora, ao que tudo indica, os próximos passos do clube devem seguir o mesmo caminho de 2017. Isso porque o principal nome no radar é o mesmo que sucedeu Ceni na primeira passagem: Dorival Júnior.

In a chase of 184, Rizwan was on 36 off 44 at one point. He finished with 74 off 62 but couldn’t prevent the 11-run loss

Danyal Rasool10-Dec-2024Having not played for South Africa for three years, George Linde made up for lost time on one electric Kingsmead evening with a stunning all-round performance. A 24-ball 48 with the bat and 4-21 with the ball battered a valiant Pakistan, who went down by 11 runs. The umpire even thought he had a hat-trick in the penultimate over before a review denied him that glory but not his undisputed Player-of-the-Match award. Mohammad Rizwan, who faced the first ball, was there in the final over as his team went down fighting, a late attack from the captain not quite enough to undo the damage of a sluggish first half of an innings where he managed just 36 in his first 44 deliveries, even if he did finish with 74 off 62.South Africa came into the first T20I in Durban with a decidedly second-string side, but it doesn’t matter when David Miller is in the form he found today. A majestic 40-ball 82 ran through the first innings like a dagger for Pakistan, who believed they had made early progress when Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed removed Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke early. But Miller ensured the runs kept flowing, and Pakistan’s spinners couldn’t have the impact they hoped for on a true, flat Durban pitch Heinrich Klaasen had little hesitation in opting to bat first on.Saim Ayub gave Pakistan a flying start despite the loss of Babar Azam for a duck early on, but South Africa reined them in through the middle overs. Rizwan struggled to get going and Pakistan’s inexperienced middle order couldn’t keep the asking rate in check from the other end. It allowed South Africa to get tidy overs in through the middle while picking up regular wickets, and all of a sudden Pakistan were running out of batters and overs.An errant 17th over from the otherwise impressive 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka allowed Pakistan 24 runs, and they suddenly found themselves back in the game. Rizwan was flying by then, smashing two sixes off Maphaka and three fours off Ottneil Baartman, and Pakistan had suddenly dragged themselves back in, needing 19 off the final over. But Maphaka, who returned for the 20th over, had Rizwan top-edging a slower ball, and the game was over as a contest. Pakistan had paid for their generosity with the ball at the death, and tardiness with the bat early on. South Africa were clinical enough to take full advantage.David Miller was brutal once he got going•AFP/Getty ImagesThe Killer Miller ShowDavid Miller has made a reputation for being a middle- and late-overs bludgeoner. But after Shaheen and Abrar struck early, Miller came in at No. 4 in an inexperienced side. And for the next hour or so, he demonstrated how his timing and technique were every bit equal to his power. Taking advantage of beginning his innings in the powerplay, he whipped Shaheen off the pads to get going, before punching him through the covers for another boundary.The quality of his timing was on full display against Sufiyan Muqeem just after the powerplay. The left-arm wristspinner tried to stay out of his arc by bowling wide of off and spinning it away, but Miller’s extension of the arms and strength at the end of his range lay waste to that tactic. He creamed him over the extra-cover boundary, where the fielder could only watch it sail over his head. Muqeem tried it once more two balls later, only to have the same treatment meted out to him with – if it was possible – even less effort.Miller had just got started, and was brutal against spin, slapping Abrar for three straight sixes in the tenth over. He cut across the innings like a scythe for Pakistan; between the time he came on and when Shaheen finally had him hole out, he added 82 of South Africa’s 125.Linde punishes Rizwan’s gambleTactics are invariably judged by outcomes rather than thought processes, and Linde ensured Rizwan’s aggressive death-overs gambit cost Pakistan heavily. After Miller fell and Pakistan followed up with two more quick blows to reduce South Africa to 141 for 8, the Pakistan captain saw an opportunity to bowl South Africa out. Shaheen, Abbas Afridi and Haris Rauf were bowled out by the 19th over; Pakistan had perhaps hoped South Africa’s innings would be wrapped up by then.Mohammad Rizwan’s gamble did not work out•AFP/Getty ImagesBut that didn’t happen, with Linde managing the strike and Maphaka’s odd boundary taking the pressure off them. It left Muqeem to bowl the final over, and when Linde refused a single off the first ball, his intentions were obvious. Muqeem missed his length on almost every one of the last five deliveries; three went for sixes before Linde finally miscued the last ball to cow corner. But South Africa had surged to 183, and Pakistan’s hopes of cleaning them out below par were dead and buried.Rizbar now, Rizbar forever?The obituary of the Mohammad Rizwan-Babar Azam opening has been written far too many times to attempt another one. It seemed Pakistan’s days of opening with their two trusty anchors were finally done, but in a steep chase, it was those two who walked out while Saim Ayub sat in the dugout. Both looked rusty and well off the pace required. Babar could have fallen to Maphaka first ball, and ultimately did off the fourth without scoring.Ayub came in and demonstrated why he is so potent in the first six, his full repertoire of power, panache and audacity on display as he blitzed through the remaining powerplay, striking seven boundaries in his first 13 balls to race to 31. He is less effective when the field spreads out, and holed out to sweeper cover off the second ball he faced post-powerplay. He had got Pakistan off to a flyer, though, and left one wondering how much he could have added had he been around from the very start. At the death, it became apparent how every run would have mattered.