He “will be exploring new opportunities” in the world of cricket and the “business side of it”
ESPNcricinfo staff16-Dec-2024
Ankit Rajpoot finishes with 248 first-class wickets•BCCI
Uttar Pradesh fast bowler Ankit Rajpoot has announced his retirement from Indian cricket.Rajpoot most recently represented UP in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, where he went wicketless across two matches. He made his Ranji Trophy debut in the 2012-2013 season and took 248 wickets in 80 first-class games, at an average of 29.25. He also picked up 71 List A wickets from 50 games at 26.94, and 105 in 87 T20s at 21.55 with an economy rate of 7.75.He represented Chennai Super Kings (2013), Kolkata Knight Riders (2016-17), Kings XI Punjab (2018-19), Rajasthan Royals (2020) in the IPL, picking up 24 wickets in 29 matches at an average of 33.91 with an economy rate of 9.23. He was part of the Lucknow Super Giants squad in 2022 but didn’t get a game.”Today, with immense gratitude & humility, I announce my retirement from Indian Cricket,” he wrote on social media. “My journey from 2009-2024 has been the most wonderful period of my life. I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by the Board of Control for India, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Kanpur Cricket Association, IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings 11, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants.”To all my team-mates, coaches, especially thanks to physio Dr Saif Naqvi, my coach Shashi sir and support staff; it has been an absolute privilege to played with you all, and, I thank you all for helping turn my dream into reality. To all my fans who have supported me through the ups & downs, I will forever cherish the moments I spent with you all and your support has always been a source of motivation for me. I would like to thank my family & friends for their unconditional love and support throughout my career. They have been my backbone and without them, I would not have been able to achieve what I have today.”I am excited to announce that I will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket & the business side of it, where I will also continue to participate in the sport that I love and challenge myself in a new and different environment. I believe that this is the next step in my journey as a Cricketer and I look forward to this new chapter in my life. I wish the best of luck to all the teammates from the various teams I’ve been a part of.”
With just a fortnight to go before the Premier League season begins, the club still hasn’t secured a new striker, and the situation is becoming increasingly complicated.
Alexander Isak, the club’s current star forward, has made it clear he wants out.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsak
After skipping the club’s pre-season tour of Southeast Asia and instead training at former club Real Sociedad’s facilities, doubts around his commitment have intensified.
Though he has since returned to Tyneside, uncertainty lingers.
Liverpool remain interested, and any sale is expected to cost suitors in excess of £150 million. In response, Newcastle have prioritised the signing of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško.
The Slovenian international is viewed as the ideal long-term successor, with the club submitting an €80 million bid over the weekend.
However, the offer fell short of Leipzig’s valuation, and with Manchester United also circling, the player has yet to commit.
According to multiple reports, Newcastle have now issued an ultimatum to Šeško’s camp, requesting a final decision within 24 hours.
Benjamin Sesko
Given the looming deadline and rising frustration behind the scenes, the Magpies are now actively exploring alternatives.
One name under serious consideration offers a proven Premier League pedigree, consistent output, and a track record of durability – all at a potentially lower cost.
Premier League-ready alternative being considered
According to Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope, Ollie Watkins has been identified as one of the names under consideration by the Magpies. PSG’s Goncalo Ramos is also in the mix, should Newcastle be ‘frustrated’ in their move for the likes of Watkins and Šeško.
The 29-year-old striker has emerged as one of English football’s most reliable forwards and is considered by some within the club as a more sensible, Premier League-ready investment than the talented but untested Šeško.
Watkins is coming off a stellar campaign at Aston Villa.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Fresh from helping Unai Emery’s side reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League, the England international hit 16 league goals last season, marking his third consecutive campaign of 15+ Premier League goals.
That kind of consistency is rare, even more so when paired with excellent fitness: Watkins has missed just three league matches through injury since he joined the Midlands club. He would be the perfect signing…
Why Watkins could be better than Sesko
Emery has called him “one of the best strikers in Europe,” and it’s not hard to see why. His blend of pace, intelligent movement, and selfless work rate makes him a natural fit for high-pressing, attack-minded teams like Newcastle.
Villa’s current financial position may make a sale possible.
With the club needing to stay within Profit and Sustainability guidelines, they’ve already sanctioned the €77m (£64m) sale of Jhon Durán to Saudi Arabia.
Al Nassr'sJhonDurancelebrates with Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo after the match
Emiliano Martínez could be next, and although Watkins isn’t officially on the market, a sizable bid may tempt the club to cash in.
While Šeško represents potential, Watkins offers proven value and immediate impact, a combination Newcastle might need more than ever.
Last season, according to FBref, Watkins registered 24 goal involvements, compared to Šeško’s 18. In terms of non-penalty expected goals, Watkins again comes out on top: 13.2 vs. Šeško’s 8.4.
While Šeško had marginally more shots per 90 (3.10 vs. Watkins’ 2.84), both players posted the same shot-on-target percentage (43.9%), indicating similar efficiency in front of goal.
The Premier League star also outperformed his rival in progressive carries per 90 (1.90 vs. 1.78) and pass completion (72.4% vs. 67.6%).
In terms of durability, there’s no comparison. Watkins’ availability is one of his biggest strengths, having featured in 184 out of a possible 190 Premier League games for Villa.
Newcastle, who have previously suffered from squad depth issues, would benefit massively from a forward who is virtually always ready to play.
Financially, too, Watkins may be the more pragmatic option. Leipzig have little reason to sell on the cheap.
With Šeško under contract until 2029 and attracting bids from multiple Premier League clubs, the final fee could exceed €90m.
Watkins, despite his importance to Villa, would likely cost significantly less, with a £60m fee having been touted.
Then there’s the stylistic question.
Watkins has operated successfully in a high-intensity, pressing system under Emery.
Newcastle United manager EddieHowebefore the match
His defensive work from the front, movement between the lines, and ability to stretch backlines all align well with Eddie Howe’s tactical preferences.
In contrast, Šeško is still refining his hold-up play and has yet to prove himself against elite-level Premier League defences.
While signing Šeško might signal a bold, ambitious move, Watkins represents something even more valuable in the short term: certainty.
Goals and minutes – all backed by hard evidence rather than projection.
If Newcastle want a forward to carry them through a transitional summer and lead them into a critical new campaign, they may already have their man.
Leeds United supporters had the chance to see all of the club’s new signings in action on Saturday as they featured against Manchester United in a pre-season friendly.
The scoreline was far from exciting, as the two teams held each other to a 0-0 draw, but Sean Longstaff, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Lukas Nmecha, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Jaka Bijol all played minutes.
Daniel Farke’s squad is also set to be bolstered by the arrival of defensive midfielder Anton Stach, after the club reportedly agreed a deal worth around £17m to sign the German star from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim on a permanent transfer.
This means that Leeds will have signed two centre-backs, a left-back, two defensive midfielders, and an experienced centre-forward in the summer transfer window.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkebefore the match
As Nmecha arrived on a free transfer, Leeds have yet to spend a transfer fee on a new attacker to come in and bolster their side ahead of the Premier League campaign.
The Championship champions have been linked with plenty of forwards, though, and one obvious link that predictably emerged earlier in the summer was one to Aston Villa attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia.
Why Leeds may want to sign Emiliano Buendia
The Argentina international worked under Farke during his time at Norwich City and it was reported in January that Leeds were eyeing up a loan move with an option to make it permanent in the summer, as they were pushing to secure promotion out of the Championship.
That move did not materialise at the start of the year, though, and Leeds have once again been linked with an interest in signing the attacking midfielder to improve their options in the number ten position.
Buendia is a target that makes sense for Leeds because of their need for a replacement, or at least competition, for Brenden Aaronson, as well as Farke’s pre-existing relationship with the player.
The 28-year-old star scored 24 goals and provided 41 assists in 121 appearances for the German head coach with the Canaries, winning the Championship title in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 campaigns.
This suggests that Farke knows how to get the best out of the right-footed magician, who thrived as both a scorer and a creator of goals for Norwich in his three seasons there, and that is why this could be a signing that makes a lot of sense this summer.
Appearances
41
0
34
Games missed through injury
0
69
0
Goals
5
0
5
Big chances created
8
0
2
Assists
3
0
0
As you can see in the table above, though, it would be a risky signing because he has not been at his best at the top end of the pitch in the last three seasons, missing the entire of the 2023/24 campaign with an ACL injury.
Instead of taking a risk with Buendia, who may not be able to recapture the form he displayed at Norwich, Leeds may look elsewhere, amid reported interest in another former Canary.
Leeds pushing to sign Brazilian attacker
According to Turkish outlet Fotospor, Leeds United are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Galatasaray central midfielder Gabriel Sara this summer.
The report claims that the Championship champions and fellow Premier League side Aston Villa are ‘constantly’ pushing to sign the Brazilian talent to bolster their respective midfields.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It adds, though, that Galatasaray are not actively looking to cash in on the left-footed star, and that it will take an ‘incredible’ offer to tempt them into selling Sara, who they claim has won over the supporters with his performances on the pitch.
No price tag is mentioned in this latest report but Fotomac claimed earlier this summer that it would take a fee of around £26m to sign the former Norwich man, amid interest from Manchester United.
AZ Alkmaar's Sven Mijnans in action with Galatasaray'sGabrielSara
It is now down to Leeds to put the money on the table to convince Galatasaray to sell Sara and to beat Aston Villa and Manchester United to his signature, as the £26m-rated star has the potential to be Farke’s new Buendia.
Why Sara could be Farke's new Buendia
Poetically, Farke could find his next Buendia by signing the player Norwich eventually signed to replace the Argentine star as their chief creator.
The Canaries sold him to Aston Villa in 2021 and did not directly replace him until they signed the creative Brazilian from São Paulo the following summer.
As you can see in the graphic above, Sara racked up a staggering haul of 13 goals and 12 assists from midfield in the 2023/24 campaign for Norwich, which was the first time any player hit double figures for both goals and assists since Buendia produced 15 goals and 16 assists in the 2020/21 season.
Like the Argentine whiz, the Galatasaray star is an attacking midfielder who has the quality on the ball to make a big impact in the final third, as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
Sara, who analyst Ben Mattinson claimed has a “magical left foot”, joined the Turkish giants off the back of his incredible season in the Championship with Norwich, and enjoyed a strong debut year in the Super Lig.
Appearances
30
Goals
2
Big chances created
12
xA
7.62
Key passes per game
2.3
Assists
8
Pass accuracy
83%
As you can see in the table above, the £26m-rated star did not provide goals on a regular basis, but his creativity was on full display yet again, creating 12 ‘big chances’ for his teammates.
His form for both Norwich and Galatasaray suggest that Sara has the potential to be a huge creative threat for Leeds in the Premier League, with his ability to consistently unlock the opposition’s defence to create high-quality opportunities for the forwards ahead of him.
This is why he could be Farke’s new Buendia, who registered 41 assists for the German at Norwich, and why the club should continue to push for a deal for him this summer.
It is now down to the club to thrash out a deal to bring the left-footed creator to Elland Road this summer, as he could be an exciting addition to the squad.
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If there is one thing Arsenal need to add to their squad ahead of next season, it’s goals.
Despite coming second in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s side scored 17 goals fewer than champions Liverpool and three fewer than third-placed Manchester City.
Fortunately, the club appear keen to address the problem this summer, as over the last few weeks, and particularly the last seven days, the Gunners have been linked with a host of incredible attacking talents.
Arsenal manager MikelArteta
One of those who has been heavily touted for a move to the Emirates for some time now is Benjamin Sesko, and while he would be a great addition to the team, another, potentially better signing has now been linked with the North Londoners.
Arsenal target attacking superstar
With the Gunners clearly lacking something in attacking areas compared to their competitors, it’s not been much of a surprise to see the club being linked with several brilliant goalscoring players in recent weeks, like Eberechi Eze and the aforementioned Sesko.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former has a release clause worth around £68m in his current deal, and while that’s no small fee, it feels about right for a 27-year-old Premier League-proven England international, who scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 games this season.
The latter could end up costing the North Londoners around £70m this summer, and like the Crystal Palace star, he enjoyed a strong campaign this season, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig.
However, while the Slovenian international would be a good signing for Arteta and Co, another, even more exciting player has now been linked with the club: Morgan Rogers.
Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal remain interested in the Aston Villa star and are currently ‘exploring’ a deal for him.
A potential price for the England international is not mentioned in the story, but according to stories from late last week, he could be available for around £70m this summer.
It might be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line for Arsenal, but Rogers has shown he’d be worth the effort, and we even think he’d be a more exciting signing than Sesko.
Why Rogers would be a better signing than Sesko
The first reason why Rogers could end up being a better signing for Arsenal than Sesko is that, although he’s also just 22 years old, he has already proven himself in the Premier League.
Morgan Rogers
If the Gunners were fighting for a top-four finish, or even heading into their first title race, then perhaps signing a young and relatively unproven striker wouldn’t be such a concern.
However, that’s not the situation they find themselves in; instead, they need someone who can help them win something as soon as possible, which might not be possible if the Leipzig star needs half a year to settle in.
Moreover, while the Slovenian poacher could help solve Arteta’s centre-forward problem, that’s all he could help with.
In contrast, the “superb” Villa star, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, is more than comfortable playing off either wing and in attacking midfield, which could provide the manager with so many tactical options.
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers in action with Brighton & Hove Albion'sIgorJulio
Finally, when we take a look under the hood at the pair’s underlying numbers from this past season, it becomes even clearer that the former Manchester City youth product is the far more complete player.
For example, the 22-year-old “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, comes out on top in purely offensive metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists and key passes, as well as some defensive ones, including tackles won and blocks, all per 90.
Rogers vs Sesko
Statistics
Rogers
Sesko
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.42
0.40
Progressive Passes
3.55
1.74
Progressive Passes Received
5.43
5.34
Progressive Carries
3.29
1.78
Expected Assists
0.15
0.06
Key Passes
1.47
0.72
Passes into the Final Third
2.11
0.95
Passes into the Penalty Area
1.62
0.34
Shot-Creating Actions
3.04
1.93
Goal-Creating Actions
0.46
0.34
Tackles Won
0.64
0.11
Blocks
0.75
0.57
Interceptions
0.17
0.19
Carries into the Final Third
1.97
1.10
Carries into the Penalty Area
0.95
0.53
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
This demonstrates that, across the board, the Englishman could and almost certainly would contribute far more to the Gunners next season.
Therefore, while Arsenal should be looking to sign both Rogers and Sesko this summer, the former would undoubtedly be the better buy.
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Ben Allison claims three wickets as Pepper, Cox aid 167-run chase
ECB Reporters Network20-Jun-2024Essex 170 for 2 (Elgar 60*, Pepper 44, Cox 41*) beat Hampshire 166 for 7 (Weatherley 48, Fuller 39*, Allison 3-39) by eight wickets Dean Elgar showed off all his variations with his third fifty of the Vitality Blast to give Essex a comfortable fourth victory of the competition.South African Elgar never looked fussed in chasing 167, as his 60 not out made in conjunction with the swashbuckling of Adam Rossington’s quick-fire 18, Michael Pepper’s swaggering 44 off 24 and Jordan Cox’s slow-burning unbeaten 41.Hampshire had been dragged a middling score by a late James Fuller flurry of 39 off 16, after Joe Weatherley had stoically struck 48, but as was the case in last year’s rain-affected semi-final, it wasn’t enough.After losing James Vince and Ben McDermott within three balls of each other in identical swings to deep square, the Hawks seemed to tempo their innings towards a 160 total having been stuck in.Weatherley and T20 debutant Fletcha Middleton ticked the runs along but never appeared in too much rush during a 47-run alliance.One reason for Hampshire’s tardiness either side of the powerplay was the dead-eye accurate spell from Simon Harmer – who on his 100th T20 appearance for Essex didn’t concede a boundary in his four overs.The regular wicket-taking came from others though, with Paul Walter strangling Middleton down the legside to end that partnership, and Matt Critchley stopping Toby Albert and Benny Howell from getting going.Weatherley only scored four boundaries in his 48 but never looked bogged down. He was only denied a half-century when a straight drive smashed the non-striker’s stumps and he was lbw to Ben Allison next ball – Allison ended up with three for 44.At 117 for six with 20 balls to go, it looked like Hampshire had undercooked their scoring – but Fuller entered to blast some crucial death over runs.He played the biggest hand in the final three overs going for 14, 13 and 17 runs – with five six included and the total now looking closer to par.Hampshire had an all-pace attack – with Liam Dawson ill and missing a Hawks T20 after 43 straight appearances – and learned the lesson of the faster you bowl, the further it goes.Adam Rossington started to prove that theory by pumping Michael Neser for six, six, four before the Australian took the pace off and found Rossington chipping to mid-off.Elgar had already swatted Chris Wood straight back over his head for six and took the quick run-scoring lead with his elegant risk-free hitting.His fifty off 34 balls relied more on the meaty middle of his bat than extravagant or inventive shots, with Pepper more than matching his rate.Pepper strode past 250 runs in this season’s Blast – surviving a drop on three – before his 80-run stand, off 47 balls, with Elgar was ended when he swished to long on.Cox showed no interest in the six-hitting of his predecessors to make sure no collapse was forthcoming to put on an unbroken 59 with the ever-nonplussed Elgar.He did open up with the winning post in sight with a couple of sixes off John Turner, as victory was secured with 20 balls to spare – with Cox classically driving to the boundary for an eight-wicket win.
Crystal Palace now hold strong interest in signing a £30m defender, who’s also a target for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, according to a report.
Palace looking to strengthen with Europe on the horizon
Not only did Palace win the first major piece of silverware in their history courtesy of the 1-0 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, but they also secured qualification for the 2025-26 Europa League, which could be quite the adventure for supporters.
This week, however, it was revealed the Eagles may not get to play in the competition, given their multi-club ownership model, although John Textor is willing to sell his shares in the club on the cheap to allow them to compete.
A meeting has been held to discuss the south Londoners’ involvement, but UEFA are yet to make a decision, meaning it is still very much up in the air whether Oliver Glasner’s side will be allowed to play in the prestigious competition.
Oliver Glasner lifts FA CUp.
It is thought that a decision will be made in around a week, which means the hierarchy must continue planning for the summer transfer window in the meantime, and they have now set their sights on a Bayern Munich target.
Indeed, according to a report from L’Equipe (via Get French Football News), Crystal Palace now hold strong interest in signing Burnley defender Maxime Esteve, having identified him as a priority target for the summer.
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However, there could be competition for Esteve’s signature, with Everton stepping up their interest in recent days, while the Bundesliga champions are also thought to be keen, although not to the same degree as Palace.
Having played a key role in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League, the Clarets should be in a strong position to command a good fee for the centre-back, and previous reports have suggested they could hold out for around £30m.
"Phenomenon" Esteve could be ideal Guehi replacement
This summer will be the Eagles’ last chance to cash-in on their captain, with his contract set to expire next June, meaning Glasner could be faced with the momentous task of finding a replacement for the Englishman.
Of course, no Palace fan will want to see Guehi leave, but there are indications the Frenchman could be an ideal replacement, given the role he played in Burnley’s promotion last season, featuring in all 46 Championship games as his side shipped just 16 goals.
The 23-year-old is also at a good age to be a long-term success at Selhurst Park, and he has been praised by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described the defender as a “true athletic phenomenon with some really good ball skills.”
Should they be allowed to compete in Europe, Crystal Palace will be in a good position to attract some top players this summer, and there are plenty of signs Esteve is in that category.
West Bromwich Albion have reportedly made contact with the representatives of a soon-to-be free agent ahead of a potential move to The Hawthorns.
West Brom seek new manager ahead of summer transfer window
The Baggies endured a frustrating 2024/25 campaign, which went downhill following Carlos Corberan’s departure just before Christmas. Corberan left West Brom for Valencia and in the second half of the season, the Baggies would only win seven more Championship games, falling out of the playoffs and finishing 9th.
Tony Mowbray was appointed and sacked in 2025, with the club saying in their statement: “The club would like to place on record its thanks to Tony and Mark for their efforts – but has made the decision to part company following a series of poor results. Tony and Mark will forever be welcome at The Hawthorns and their contributions to the club winning the 2007-08 Championship title will never be forgotten.”
West Bromwich Albion managerTonyMowbraybefore the match
With the Baggies looking for a new permanent boss, a number of managers have been linked with the vacant role, including Tottenham Hotspur assistant Ryan Mason and Stockport County boss Dave Challinor.
Former Bournemouth and Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has also been mentioned as a potential target, and whoever comes in will be looking to make their mark in the transfer market.
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However, despite not having a permanent boss in place for the upcoming season, West Brom chiefs are already looking at new signings and have made contact over a move to sign Tottenham Hotspur youngster Jamie Donley on loan. The Northern Ireland international isn’t the only player the Baggies want, though, following a new transfer update.
West Brom make contact to sign Gora Diouf on free transfer
According to a report from Africa Foot, West Brom have made an approach to the entourage of FC Sion defender Gora Diouf.
Out of contract at the end of June and set to leave on a free transfer, Diouf is also being eyed up by Turkish clubs Trabzonspor and Samsunspor, who have also been in contact.
The 21-year-old is primarily a centre-back but can also play as a left-back if required and has been with the Swiss side since 2022.
Interestingly, Diouf is represented by well-known agency Wasserman who look after Baggies stars Tom Fellows and Mikey Johnston, something which could help West Brom in any potential transfer.
Gora Diouf’s stats for FC Sion
Games
37
Goals
2
Yellow cards
7
Red cards
1
Minutes played
2,547
A deal for Diouf looks like it could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks, and who knows, he could rival the likes of Torbjørn Heggem and Kyle Bartley, with Semi Ajayi out of contract in a matter of weeks as things stand.
The summer transfer window is only a couple of months away from officially opening up for business and Chelsea have already begun work on bolstering their squad.
It was recently reported that the Blues have made contact with Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen’s representatives ahead of a summer deal for the Spain international.
Chelsea are one of a number of teams interested in signing the 20-year-old enforcer, who reportedly has a release clause worth £50m in his current contract at the Vitality Stadium.
The London giants, however, are now reportedly preparing a bid for another centre-back who would be even better than Huijsen at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea plot bid for Premier League defender
According to the Mirror, Chelsea are prepared to bid for Crystal Palace central defender Marc Guehi in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Blues want to sign the England international and are ‘ready’ to offer £50m and Trevoh Chalobah in exchange for the Eagles colossus.
It reveals that Palace would be willing to take Chalobah, who they had on loan in the first half of the season, as part of a deal for Guehi and that they value their star defender at £70m, making £50m and the current Chelsea centre-back a tempting offer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
If a deal can be ironed out for the English ace, Enzo Maresca could have an even better signing than Huijsen on his hands in that area of the pitch.
Why Marc Guehi would be an even better signing than Dean Huijsen
Guehi is a Chelsea academy graduate who already knows the club and has come up through the ranks, with players like Reece James, and that could help him to settle in quicker than the Bournemouth ace.
He is also a homegrown talent who would help towards the quota of English academy stars needed for Premier League and European competitions.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehiin action
The 24-year-old star’s performances in the Premier League in comparison to Huijsen’s this season also suggest that he could be an even better signing in the immediate future.
Guehi’s out-and-out defending as a centre-back in the top-flight is impressive and could make him an excellent addition to the Chelsea squad, as a proven defender at that level.
Appearances
29
25
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.7
3.0
Ball recoveries per game
4.4
3.5
Duels won per game
5.2
4.0
Duel success rate
62%
57%
Error led to goal
0
1
As you can see in the table above, the Palace skipper has outperformed Huijsen in a host of key defensive metrics, without making as many big errors.
This suggests that the former Blues academy graduate could be more effective at preventing opposition teams from creating chances against the team, by making more recoveries and clearances, whilst also winning a higher percentage of his individual duels.
When you couple this with the fact that Guehi, once dubbed “incredible” by reporter Stuart James, could hit the ground running by returning to the club he has already played for, Maresca could be better off signing the Eagles star instead of splashing £50m on the Spanish titan.
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Therefore, this £50m-plus-Chalobah deal for the English titan could be a terrific piece of business by the Blues if they can get a deal over the line in the upcoming summer transfer window.
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Asalanka: 'If you perform in the LPL, you should get a chance in the national team'
India seal series after Sri Lanka suffer slide of 7 for 31
This, essentially, is what it’s been like to watch Sri Lanka innings over the past two nights. Between Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kusal Perera, they’ve propelled Sri Lanka to scorelines such as 77 for 1 after 9 overs, or 140 for 1 after 14. Both are positions from which many teams will push for scores of more than 200.But we know what happens here. The nosedive in the first match was truly spectacular, nine wickets falling for 30 runs. The second was almost worse, because with the first one so fresh in the mind, this felt like digging up a fresh wound. In Sunday’s match, Sri Lanka lost seven wickets for 31, having fought their way to 130 for 2 after 15 overs.Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka put on a 54-run stand for the second wicket, but Sri Lanka couldn’t finish strong•AFP/Getty ImagesPartly the problem is that Charith Asalanka, one of their more consistent batters, has failed twice at No. 5. While Asalanka may be excused (he’s getting used to leadership and all, let’s throw him a bone), but a lack of firepower from Nos. 6, 7, and 8 is a long-standing problem for Sri Lanka’s men in T20Is. Since 2019, they’ve collectively struck at 122.96 in those positions. This is ninth-worst among the top-ten ranked T20I nations.For the last several years, Sri Lanka have looked to Dasun Shanaka to produce those rapid, late runs, but given he strikes at 119 at No. 6 (after 48 innings), and 110 at No. 7, we may be getting to the end of his tenure in the T20I side. Wanindu Hasaranga – who makes it into the XI on the strength of his bowling alone – isn’t much better. When batting at Nos. 6. 7 or 8, he strikes at 128.21.It’s not as if Sri Lanka lack firepower entirely – they have so many riches at the top of the order that Avishka Fernando has not made the XI yet this series. Avishka had actually been the third-highest run-scorer in the just-concluded LPL 2024, striking at 162.60.But all their big-hitting batters want to bat in the top five. Which makes sense in a team that loses more often than it wins against quality opposition. Batters want the leeway to have slow starts to their innings, before catching up later in team environments where places are consistently under strain. You’d rather hit a 55 off 40 than a 16 not out off 9 – the player who produced the latter likely viewed as more expendable than the player who hit the fifty, by most selectors.
“It’s the experienced players who have to play lower down the order, but at the same time you’ve got to give them a bit of security to play there for a while even if they are unsuccessful for a bit. We have given that security in the past, too.”Batting coach Thilina Kandamby on Sri Lanka’s middle order woes
Sri Lanka’s batting coach Thilina Kandamby said he was aware of this problem.”I was also a middle order batter, and I know what the pressure is like in those positions,” he said. “I had also wanted to go up the order. But because there were batters already in the top order, I couldn’t bat there.”I agree that it’s the experienced players who have to play lower down the order, but at the same time you’ve got to give them a bit of security to play there for a while even if they are unsuccessful for a bit. We have given that security in the past, too. We have to create a plan to maybe push the more experienced players into those positions, even in the LPL.”Sri Lanka have some options now. They could ask Avishka to replace Shanaka at No. 6. They could perhaps have Dinesh Chandimal (who is in the squad after a great LPL at the top of the innings), try his hand one last time down the order.But there are no great finishers even in Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket right now. Hasaranga’s batting at the international level has not been sufficiently consistent either.The move may be to shove some top order batters down the order, and hope their big-hitting against the newer ball translates. Because with this current middle order, it feels like every time Sri Lanka do manage to get off the ground, which is rare enough in itself, they are still doomed to come plummeting down before they get anywhere good.
Australia, England, Pakistan and India have the talent to make the semi-finals, but as West Indies and Sri Lanka have shown, unpredictability is always a factor
Ian Chappell23-Oct-2022T20 cricket is predicated on close finishes and stirring games. However, the brutal losses for West Indies and Sri Lanka, with the miserable failure of the former to reach the second round, are a reminder that T20 also produces upsets.There’s the likelihood of more surprises as the major section of the T20 World Cup gets underway. The unpredictable and dire weather that Australia has recently been experiencing also has to be a factor.Related
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Australia are the defending T20 World Cup champions and they, along with India, England and Pakistan, are the most likely candidates to reach the semi-finals. However, it’s worth remembering the tendency for upsets to happen in T20, and to consider the longer boundaries and bouncy Australian pitches.A successful team needs to exploit not only the extra bounce but encourage opponents to hit to the longer boundaries. In looking for a likely winner, concentrate on balanced pace attacks that contain wicket-taking spinners in a team that compiles viable totals.Australia, who are defending their crown at home, have the ingredients for success in their own country. Their batting is long and explosive and the bowling covers all bases. Nevertheless, Aaron Finch’s unreliable form as a player and how well they field will affect Australia’s progress. If those performances are acceptable then a place in the final is well within Australia’s grasp.In Group 2, the clash between India and Pakistan is not only a mouth-watering duel, it could also determine who South Africa may challenge for a semi-final place. India have a huge battle on the bouncy Perth pitch against South Africa and that is South Africa’s best chance to unsettle one of the favourites in that group. Pakistan are fortunate to play South Africa at the more spin-friendly SCG. The result of those matches could decide the balance of power in that division.While India have a strong playing group, their players also benefit from performing in a highly competitive IPL tournament. Their practice matches in Australia will have given India the opportunity to acclimate to local conditions.The loss of Jasprit Bumrah is unfortunate but his replacement, Mohammed Shami, is a good bowler. If Shami receives a reasonable share of T20 luck then Bumrah’s loss won’t be too heavily felt.
A successful team needs to exploit not only the extra bounce but encourage opponents to hit to the longer boundaries. Balanced pace attacks that contain wicket-taking spinners will be key
India’s batting fortunes are more evenly shared and the brilliant form of Suryakumar Yadav relieves them from having to rely too heavily on Virat Kohli. The success or otherwise of their spinners, and whether Hardik Pandya can clear the longer boundaries, will play an important role for India.Pakistan don’t possess many superstar names, but they have a solid squad. Their progress will depend heavily on the opening partnership of Babar Azam and the aggressive Mohammad Rizwan. They also need opening bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi to be fully fit and performing well. If Afridi is in top form, Pakistan have the bowling combination to fully test India. Their progress will come down to Pakistan’s batting consistency, fielding, and their cohesion, which can often be suspect.Despite some major injury woes, England have chosen sensibly by including a number of successful BBL players. No matter what sort of disturbance Alex Hales causes, picking him was a practical choice, considering his previous success in Australia. Fielding and the ability to cope with Australian conditions will be important, but England have the talent to sneak past New Zealand in their group and qualify for the semi-finals.The T20 formula suggests South Africa could be a surprise outfit, but their batting and previous World Cup history are dire. If Quinton de Kock has an outstanding tournament and carries the batting then South Africa’s excellent bowling will give them a chance.And therein lies one of the frailties of T20 cricket: in a short game, one individual can have an unnatural effect on the overall result. That helps make choosing a winner difficult but talent says an Australia vs India final is likely. Nevertheless, beware of the tournament-altering upset.