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Cricket’s financial model demands West Indies perform miracles to stay competitive

Andrew Miller11-Jul-2024The great and the good were gathered in the Long Room last Friday, drawn together by the landlords of Lord’s, Marylebone Cricket Club, for the inaugural World Cricket Connects symposium.This day-long talking-shop was the brainchild of MCC’s incoming chairman Mark Nicholas – who happens to be one of the most passionate and engaged cricket fans ever to have been drawn into the sport’s administration. Unfortunately, the club’s subsequent summary of the event might as well have been drafted by the ECB’s former chief executive, Tom Harrison, for all the grimly capitalist realpolitik with which it dripped.If it wasn’t Greg Barclay, ICC’s chairman, being quoted as “highlighting the unsustainable pace of the current cricket calendar”, it was Manoj Badale, Rajasthan Royals’ owner, cautioning that the sport must be “relevant and accessible to the next generation”. Andrew Strauss, former England captain and allround ECB grandee, believes that “growth should be a priority”; Mike Baird of Cricket Australia advocates “learning from other sports’ marketing and grassroots investment strategies”.All of which, and more, was a lot of hard yakkity-yakka to fit into one day’s chat, although that is not to denigrate the effort or the enterprise that went into organising such a gathering in the first place: “All good things start with rhetoric,” as a former ECB executive once told me in relation to cricket’s racism crisis, the point being that gathering in a room to exchange platitudes is probably an improvement on not gathering in a room at all.But in throwing open its opulent doors to the (mostly) men who control the purse-strings, Lord’s couldn’t help but frame itself rather as Davos does each year in inviting a bunch of plutocrats to pontificate on the climate crisis. All the while, the world burns with increasing vigour, as West Indies have spent the past two days proving in their own increasingly forlorn traipses through that same Long Room.MCC members wait for the gates to open on the first morning at Lord’s•Getty ImagesFor this week, we have again witnessed what happens when sport is reduced to mere product. West Indies versus England at Lord’s has been an obligation to economics rather than an essential stirring of the soul, and with the best part of three days’ worth of refunds in prospect, it’s been spectacularly unsuccessful on that front too.If you’re really in the market for “grassroots investment strategies”, then a genuine appeal to the emotions remains an unimpeachable recruitment tool. It also happens to be the very reason why West Indies in the 1980s and 1990s became the most compelling drawcard the sport has ever seen, and if for some reason you still need convincing on that front, Brian Lara has the summer’s most compelling autobiography to plug.That’s not to say that West Indies have lacked the requisite passion in this week’s performance. On the contrary, they fought and they fell with the bat, while their reward for a genuinely spirited bowling display – in which none of England’s five very well-set batters could reach three figures – was merely to hasten Friday morning’s inevitable denouement. If nothing else, the raw joy of Mikyle Louis’ run-out from deep point evoked the same pride and togetherness that recently powered their white-ball squad’s home campaign in the T20 World Cup, not to mention that startling victory in Brisbane back in January.Ah yes… Brisbane. Maybe, just maybe, West Indies can bounce back at Trent Bridge next week, just as they did after their ten-wicket drubbing at Adelaide in January; just as they did at Headingley in 2017, after a similarly sickening loss at Edgbaston. But even if they can, it’ll prove nothing other than the superhuman resilience of the men who make it happen. No team in elite sport should be expected to perform miracles simply to stay competitive.West Indies have lost 16 wickets in 76.3 overs•Getty ImagesFor this pattern of anti-competitiveness has been abundantly clear for years. Only last summer, Ireland rocked up to Lord’s for a contest of even less context, coming as it did only days before their (failed) attempt to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, a campaign upon which their entire financial viability seemed to have been staked.Moreover, the pattern endures, even after the most vivid jolt to the sport’s economic model that could ever have been conceived. Last week, while recalling the circumstances of the 2020 England tour, which took place in bio-secure bubbles in the midst of the Covid outbreak, CWI chief executive Johnny Grave pointed out that the experience had reminded the ECB that “you can’t play against yourselves … you need to have opposition”.Related

• Ticket prices back in spotlight as England seal series in front of empty seats

• England close in on innings win as West Indies misfire again

• Grave: Covid tour showed Big Three need strong opponents

• Lord's splendour can't hide the great Test divide

• Atkinson upstages Anderson with seven-for as England dominate

And yet, that’s not really the takeaway from two unnervingly dislocated days at Lord’s. From the pensioning-off of James Anderson, to Ben Stokes’ revealingly long-range focus on Australia, to a batting display – in bright sunshine, on a flat and unforgiving surface, and broadly stripped back of any Bazball fripperies – that smacked of a dress rehearsal for a first innings in Adelaide, England have gone through the motions of this match with diligent professionalism but with tangible dispassion.For if this is the look and feel of Bazball 2:0 – the “refinement” of which Brendon McCullum spoke after India, then caveat emptor for the rest of the summer. Speaking before the Test, Stokes was audibly exasperated when it was put to him that England’s failure to get over the line in their last three Test series might put a new emphasis on winning at all costs, but nothing about the way they’ve gone about this contest would debunk that notion.As Stokes himself put it, however, criticism along such lines is “a bit uncalled for”. The team’s evangelistic tendencies, lest we forget, came as a reaction to the very same atrophy that has rendered this contest, and too many like it, so unappealing. But they came across as too preachy, and they failed to seal too many positions of dominance along the way – including, in incredible scenes at Wellington last year, the second Test against New Zealand: a team that McCullum appeared to suggest, during MCC’s meet-and-greet last week, might not make the cut if Test cricket was pared back to just six teams. But whatever, boo to fun: back to the bottom line we must go!Does any of this matter to the men who call the shots, or is Lord’s just a happy backdrop for gatherings of the rich and famous? Among them in the Mound Stand today, as it happens, was Jacob Rees-Mogg, the recently ex-MP who is presumably familiar with hollowed-out husks of once-proud institutions. As with last week’s Long Room event, the glut of popped corks that littered the outfield by the close of play told a story of greater contentment than the state of play should warrant.

On an evening when it really mattered, the 19-year old soaked in the pressure and won it for his team – this time, with the bat

Danyal Rasool08-Sep-20223:21

Is Naseem Shah now second to only Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan?

It’s the 18th over of Pakistan’s first game at the Asia Cup, and Naseem Shah already looks done. He’s bowling to Ravindra Jadeja as India close in on a scrappy win. He’s been thrown the ball because Pakistan need wickets, but his 19-year old legs can barely support his body weight. He slumps to the floor almost every delivery, that expressive face contorting in agony. Oppressively muggy Dubai evenings and bowling at 145kph, evidently, do not go together.He’s helped to his feet, is basically hopping on one leg as he starts his run-up and then, like the flick of a mental switch, he canters in, gathering pace as he approaches the bowling crease once more. There’s no let-up in pace, and yet, the moment the ball leaves his hand, his body remembers what it’s being put through, and the pain overcomes him once more. He goes down again. Then gets up and again. And he does it over and over, showcasing a level of mental resolve that belies his teenage years.

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The occasion is finally here – Pakistan against Afghanistan. A city so full of migrants from both countries each of them has learned to call it their second home of sorts. Significant Indian interest in the game too, lending it an extra edge – a Pakistan win would put the giants of this continent out of the tournament.Related

• Naseem Shah's latest arrival feels like the real thing

• Pakistan have problems, and they begin at the top

• Tactics Board: Tackling Hasaranga, Sri Lanka's in-form openers and the toss impact

• Sri Lanka and Pakistan in dress rehearsal for final

• PCB to write to ICC to 'lodge a protest' over crowd trouble in Sharjah

Like it or not – and very few do – India, Pakistan and Afghanistan have seen their fates inextricably linked together in the world of geopolitics. That, for one surreal evening in Sharjah, it also holds true as far as cricket goes is an unusual case of sport imitating life. The narrative is delicious enough to be used as a cliché; of sport bringing people together, or, less pleasantly, chest-thumping jingoism depending on how the game goes. Thankfully, at this Asia Cup, there has been almost none of the latter.The hype around the game, though, seems misplaced at half-time. Pakistan keep Afghanistan’s batters in check, the 129 they manage the third-lowest first-innings score all tournament. Naseem allows just 19 runs in his four overs, the most economical bowler among his team-mates.

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If there’s such a thing as the opposite of a city, that’s what Lower Dir – where Naseem hails from – must be to Dubai or Sharjah. It’s chilly, mountainous, small-time and tribal as opposed to the desert metropolis that is the UAE. It was perhaps understandable the father tried to talk his son out of pursuing a professional cricket career in his early teen years, but telling Naseem not to do something is perhaps the fastest shortcut to making him do it. Even when it comes to a long shot. The boy was willing to take that chance, and the pain of almost certain failure was just the price he might have to pay.The route to the Pakistan national set-up sometimes feels less a pathway and more a maze, but the generational nature of Naseem’s raw pace and brimming potential was blindingly obvious. You didn’t need a pathway to discover him, only a set of eyes. And so, from the day he made his first-class debut, the national side had eyes for him. He picked up a five-for in just his second first-class match. He had not yet turned 16.But the road from there to here in the UAE wasn’t a straight line. There were doubts, setbacks, moments of exaltation, and, of course, a lot of tribulation. There was the loss of his mother on the eve of his debut, when the 16-year old Naseem was on the other side of the world in Australia. Things like this shouldn’t happen, a child far from home playing professional sport in the hour of his greatest grief, but Naseem does it anyway. It isn’t just physical pain barriers he plays through.Naseem Shah is joined by his team-mates in celebrating an epic win•AFP/Getty ImagesNot that there aren’t physical pain barriers to contend with, mind. There was a multiple stress fracture of his back that saw him in the hospital more frequently than on the field. Talk of wrist positions and run-ups quietly – ominously – gave way to chatter about PET scans and period of recuperation. There were issues with his shoulder as recently as this year, so any sense of his presence at the Asia Cup being an inevitability would be misguided.But as twilight gives way to the night, Sharjah, no stranger to cricketing drama, is adamant not to let this occasion become a footnote in history. This game might still be viewed by some as a proxy between India and Pakistan (and haven’t Afghanistan tired of hearing that before?), but Afghanistan have fought for their place in cricket’s biggest continental cup, and they will not let anyone else tell their story. Fazalhaq Farooqi (3-31), Mujeeb Ur Rehman (4-0-12-0), Fareed Ahmed (3-31), Rashid Khan (2-25) and Mohammad Nabi (3-0-22-0) take the attack on, landing blow after blow until a punch-drunk Pakistan just about sink to their knees. Asif Ali, ostensibly their last hope and the second-last wicket, is dispatched – first with a short ball, and then a bit of a sledge and a shove. He doesn’t like it – Pakistan don’t like it, but Afghanistan don’t feel they owe Pakistan any pleasantries.Finally, the boy from Lower Dir comes in. The last obstacle to a famous Afghan win. They’ve come agonisingly close each of the last two times against Pakistan, but this feels different. For Naseem might be a boy wizard with ball in hand, but wielding the blade, he’s a regular old Muggle.Farooqi steams in. An hour earlier, he had dismissed Babar Azam, probably the best batter in the world, for a golden duck. Mohammad Nawaz, Pakistan’s hero against India, and Khushdil Shah, slayer of Hong Kong, had proved no match either. So why would Naseem, with zero career T20I runs and just 63 in all T20 cricket, prove any match?Eleven needed off the last over. Farooqi strides in and misses the yorker. Naseem has a swing, and it connects, heading straight for a pocket of Afghan fans behind the sight screen who find their celebration give way to nervous anxiety. But one is no judge of success, and Naseem must do it all over again.It’s another full toss, and Naseem has another swing. This one isn’t as clean, and for the briefest fraction in time, the ball hovers in the air within reach of long-off, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan’s fates hanging on the path it takes on its descent. But Naseem’s thrown his arms at it, and if those arms can support a 19-year old bowling at 145kph, then there’s strength enough. The ball still teases long-off, but by the time the man puts in a despairing dive, Afghanistan’s fate is sealed.Naseem drops his bat, and, by the look on his face, his guard. Incredulous, he sprints towards the onrushing Pakistan players and staff. With the ball, there might be no end to what he backs himself to do, but with bat in hand, he is subconsciously giving himself the ultimate compliment: even he’s surprised by what he’s done.As the mood in the crowd turns sour and ugly, Afghanistan sink to their knees, their eyes shimmering as they take in the bitterest of defeats. This wasn’t meant to happen, but Naseem has done it anyway.

Their death-overs economy of 16 is the worst among the eight sides. Here’s a look at the options they have to address this issue

Deivarayan Muthu02-Oct-20202:59

How do Kings XI solve their death-bowling woes?

The Kings XI Punjab Punjab have played four matches so far in IPL 2020, with just one win to show for. In their Super-Over defeat to the Delhi Capitals in their opener, Chris Jordan leaked 30 runs in the last over of the first innings in regulation time. In their defeat to the Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, Sheldon Cottrell went for 30 in the 18th over as Rahul Tewatia pulled off a jailbreak for the ages.In their most recent defeat to the Mumbai Indians on Thursday, it appeared like the Kings XI didn’t even have a death-bowling plan. Seam-bowing allrounder James Neesham gave away 40 off the 16th and 18th over of the innings while offspinner K Gowtham, who was left to bowl the 20th over against Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya, conceded 25.These are still early days in the season, but their death-overs economy of 16, the worst among the eight sides, is a worry for the Kings XI. Here’s a rundown of the options available for the Kings XI to address this issue.Replace Neesham with Chris Jordan or Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Sure, Chris Jordan repeatedly missed his lengths against the Capitals, but he is the only bona fide death bowler in the Kings XI side. It’s for his death bowling the Kings XI bought him for INR 1 crore in the 2019 auction. The yorker is probably the most difficult delivery to execute: you overpitch, it comes out as a full-toss. You underpitch, it becomes a half-volley. Other factors like dew and shorter boundaries could thwart your best-laid plans as well. Jordan brings with him that ability to nail yorkers. According to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, since the 2016 T20 World Cup, he has hit the blockhole 77 times, giving away 56 runs and taking eight wickets. Only Dwayne Bravo and Jasprit Bumrah have bowled more yorkers than Jordan in this period in T20 cricket. And only Bumrah (nine) has captured more wickets with the yorker than him in this period.Jordan is also an excellent fielder – off his own bowling, in the infield, and even in the outfield. Plus, he can also hit big lower down the order. If the Kings XI are to recall Jordan, then they might have to leave out Neesham, who can be effective with his back-of-a-length legcutters in the middle overs but has travelled in the slog overs this IPL as well as in the recent CPL.Kings XI’s bowlers have struggled during the final overs•ESPNcricinfo LtdJordan also has the experience of having delivered at the death in the subcontinent although it was more than four years ago, in the T20 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Delhi. He darted swerving yorkers and conceded just 12 runs in two overs at the death while also dismissing Ross Taylor. More recently in November 2019, he defended 17 in the Super Over with his variations to take England to victory against the same opponents. Seventeen runs would be easy to defend on most other grounds, but it’s not that easy at Eden Park.The Kings XI could also consider replacing Neesham with Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The Afghanistan spinner, who can turn the ball both ways, was the second-highest wicket-taker in CPL 2020 and is second on the ICC T20I rankings. He bowled in the powerplay for the Jamaica Tallawahs in the CPL but can bowl in the middle overs and also do the job at the death.In all, Mujeeb has bowled 36 overs at the death in T20 cricket, claiming 21 wickets at an economy of 8.11. However, that economy at the death in the IPL shoots up to 12.42 but the sample size is smaller (seven overs).Picking Mujeeb over or Neesham could leave Kings XI thin on the batting front. Or are they bold enough to punt on Mujeeb’s X-factor and back their openers, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, and Sarfaraz Khan to carry the batting? If they need more power in the middle order to accommodate Mujeeb, Deepak Hooda or Mandeep Singh could be given a go instead of Karun Nair, whose batting is more suited to anchoring an innings at the top than finishing it.Bring in Ishan Porel or Arshdeep Singh
The uncapped Ishan Porel and Arshdeep Singh are left-field choices for the Kings XI. If they want to pick Mujeeb over Neesham and add an extra seamer to the attack at the expense of Gowtham or M Ashwin, Porel or Singh could be brought in.Porel, who was part of the Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2018, has now increased his pace to 140kph. The right-arm quick opened the attack for India A in the one-dayers in New Zealand but is unproven in T20 cricket. Will Kings XI make the tough choice of asking him to bowl at the death on IPL debut?Singh isn’t as quick as Porel but offers left-arm variety. Do Kings XI really need another left-arm seamer when they already have Cottrell in the XI? Moreover, Singh hasn’t played top-flight T20 cricket since IPL 2019.Take a punt on Hardus Viljoen
Another left-field overseas option is South African quick Hardus Viljoen who is a T20 – and T10 – globetrotter. On his day, Viljoen can execute his yorkers and also has a slower dipper that has been mastered by the likes of Bravo and Lasith Malinga. In the Abu Dhabi T10 league in 2018-19, Viljoen had topped the wickets charts with 18 strikes at an economy of 7.77.

James Wood put on a show during his first round performance at the 2025 Home Run Derby.

The Washington Nationals star crushed 16 home runs in the first round to open up the competition. One of those homers flew outside of Truist Park in Atlanta—yes, you read that right—to go a whopping 486 feet.

Woods's blast went further than any homer has gone during the 2025 season so far. Mike Trout currently holds that lead with a 484-foot home run he hit earlier this season.

This home run sparked a lot of good reactions from Woods's fellow MLB stars. His Derby opponent Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins had a spot-on reaction when the camera panned to him. His jaw was dropped, similarly to how a lot of MLB fans at home looked when Wood crushed that ball.

Although Woods's homer was extremely impressive, it's not the farthest hit home run in Derby history by any means. That record is held by Juan Soto, who hit a 520-foot homer in 2021. There's been quite a few 500-plus foot home runs recorded in Derby history.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl will be relishing his first opportunity to bring in his own players when the January transfer window opens for business next month.

The German manager joined after the summer window closed and has only been able to work with the squad that was put together by previous managers and sporting directors.

With five wins and two draws in seven matches in the Scottish Premiership so far, it is exciting to think about what Rohl could achieve with signings that he has a chance to have a say in.

Rangers pushing to sign Premiership star

After a host of signings from England in the summer, the Light Blues are reportedly looking closer to home to bolster the manager’s options in midfield.

Transfer Focus

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

According to FootballTransfers, Glasgow Rangers are ‘pushing’ to reach an agreement to sign Kilmarnock central midfielder David Watson in the January transfer window.

The Scotland U21 international’s contract with Killie is due to expire at the end of the season, and the Gers are looking to take advantage of that situation to make him the first signing of the Rohl era.

It adds that Kilmarnock are open to a sale in January, to avoid losing him for nothing in the summer, but it remains to be seen how much they will demand for his services.

FootballTransfers reveals that the 20-year-old starlet has been identified as the club’s top target for the January window, but they will face competition from Lazio and Celtic, which means that this will not be an easy deal for Rangers to get over the line in the coming weeks.

Why Rangers should sign David Watson

With Mohamed Diomande heading off to the African Cup of Nations later this month, Watson could arrive at Ibrox at the start of January as an upgrade on the Ivorian talent.

Rangers will, of course, be without Diomande until the end of his country’s run in the tournament, which could provide a new signing like the Kilmarnock star to come in and take his place in the team before he returns.

Based on their respective performances in the Scottish Premiership this season, Watson would be likely to step into the side and offer more than the left-footed star has for Rangers so far.

Described by Scottish scout and analyst Kai Watson as a “box-crashing, goalscoring midfielder that works hard on both ends”, the Kilmarnock star has scored three goals and created two ‘big chances’ for Kilmarnock in the Premiership, per Sofascore, whilst Diomande has only scored one goal and created one ‘big chance’ for his team in that time.

This suggests that Watson, on current form, could offer more of a threat at the top end of the pitch for the Light Blues if he arrives in January to take a place in Rohl’s midfield, as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the middle of the park.

Appearances

12

16

Goals

1

3

Big chances created

1

2

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.9

3.1

Duels won per game

2.9

5.7

Ground duel success rate

45%

50%

Aerial duel success rate

31%

41%

As you can see in the table above, the Scottish talent has also provided more quality than Diomande out of possession in the league this season, winning a higher percentage of his duels on the ground and in the air, whilst making more defensive interceptions per game.

Analyst John Walker claimed that Watson had “blown up the league” last year, and the same is true this season with his impressive performances in the middle of the park as a 20-year-old star.

The Killie central midfielder has significantly outperformed Diomande, who was the subject of a £6.5m bid from Besiktas in the summer, and has shown that he can deliver consistent displays in the division.

Watson, who scored four goals in 23 league starts in the 2024/25 campaign, is a proven Premiership performer who could arrive at Ibrox to hit the ground running in January, which is exactly what they need when signing a player midway through the season.

Rangers dud was as "rotten" as Miovski, now he's Rohl's most improved player

This Glasgow Rangers flop who looked as bad as Bojan Miovski is now Danny Rohl’s most improved performer.

ByDan Emery Dec 8, 2025

With Diomande set to jet away to the African Cup of Nations, signing the Scottish star to come in as an upgrade on him at the start of the January transfer window could be a shrewd move by the club and a dream first signing for Rohl.

Tottenham Hotspur’s attack in 2025/26 has fallen way below the standards Thomas Frank will have expected, with the Dane previously working with numerous elite-level talents.

During his time as Brentford manager, he oversaw the likes of Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo, with both players managing to register 20+ goal seasons in the Premier League.

At present, the Lilywhites don’t have a player capable of achieving such feats, with Richarlison the current top scorer on five goals from his first 12 appearances.

Investment is no doubt needed during the upcoming transfer windows to provide the manager with the ammunition he will need to take the club to the next level.

With January rapidly approaching on the horizon, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting multiple players who will improve the situation within the final third.

Spurs’ hunt for added attacking signings this January

Over the last couple of weeks, Spurs have been named as just one of the Premier League sides interested in a move to land Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

They aren’t alone in their pursuit of the Ghanaian international, with Arsenal and Liverpool just two other clubs interested in a deal for the 25-year-old this winter.

According to TEAMtalk, the Lilywhites are willing to meet the attacker’s current £65m release clause, but it’s unclear if the player himself would be open to a move to North London.

However, he’s not the only attacker currently being lined up by the Spurs hierarchy, with Porto centre-forward Samu Aghehowa another talent the board are closely monitoring.

The Spaniard has already scored 11 times in his 18 appearances across all competitions, subsequently showcasing the impressive goalscoring nature he possesses in the final third.

The same news outlet has also confirmed that the Lilywhites are also willing to fork out a reported £80m for the 21-year-old’s signature, which could see the hierarchy splash £145m on the pair.

Why Spurs’ £102k targets would be Frank’s answer to Son & Kane

Over the last few seasons, the Spurs faithful have been massively blessed with numerous attacking talents, but none more so than Heung-min Son and Harry Kane.

The pair featured together for just shy of a decade in North London, with the duo breaking numerous long-standing records during their time alongside one another.

As a result of their success alongside each other in the Premier League, they combined between one another for a staggering 47 goals in England’s top-flight.

Such a tally is higher than any other partnership in the division’s 33-year history, highlighting the success they achieved when featuring together at the Lilywhites.

However, none of the players remain on the books in North London, with Son moving to LAFC in the recent summer window, whilst Kane joined Bayern Munich a little over two years ago.

Frank will no doubt be wishing he could rely upon such stars in the present day, but he could be about to get his own version, if the hierarchy complete deals for Semenyo and Samu this January.

The former of the duo would likely occupy the left-wing position, but did possess a huge attacking threat, as seen by his tally of nine combined goals and assists in the Premier League this season.

His underlying stats further showcase his talents in attacking areas this campaign, with the Ghanaian completing 1.9 dribbles and creating an average of 1.4 chances per 90.

Out of possession, the Cherries star has been just as impressive, subsequently making 5.3 recoveries and winning possession 0.9 times per 90 in the final third – with both ranking him in the top 15% of attackers in the league.

Antoine Semenyo – PL stats (25/26)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	11
Goals & assists	9
Take-ons completed	1.9
Chances created	1.4
Progressive passes	3.6
Passes into opposition box	1.6
Shots on target	1.3
Recoveries made	5.3
Stats via FBref

However, he could form a deadly partnership with Samu in the years to come, with the Spaniard potentially being the beneficiary of Semenyo’s quality in North London.

During his spell in Portugal with Porto, the 21-year-old has already demonstrated his clinical nature, as seen by his remarkable tally of 36 goals in his first 60 outings for the club.

This campaign alone, he’s posted a 64% shot on target accuracy rate, whilst achieving a 0.86 goal per 90 record – ranking him in the top

8% of all strikers in Europe to date.

His tally of 5.9 touches in the opposition box per 90 showcases his picker instincts, which could see him getting on the end of Semenyo’s mazy runs in North London.

The duo, who earn a combined £102k, would cost a reported £145m this January, but such a figure would be superb business for two players of their quality.

Since Kane and Son’s respective departures, the club have been lacking quality in forward areas, with various moves for Semenyo and Samu finally handing Frank the talent he’s craved since taking the reins.

Frank must drop Bentancur to unleash Spurs star who's just "like Modric"

Tottenham Hotspur face PSG looking to claim revenge for the UEFA Super Cup final.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 26, 2025

Luis Robert Jr. is being painfully honest about his status with the Chicago White Sox.

On Wednesday, the veteran outfielder was asked if he expected to still be with the team on Opening Day and said, "Honestly, no."

That's about as blunt as you can get.

"I know there were a lot of rumors around there. I didn't think I would be here," Robert said, per Chris Emma of 670 The Score. "But I'm glad that I'm here. … This was the organization that gave me the chance to make my dream come true."

Robert had a down season in 2024 as the White Sox turned in one of the worst seasons in MLB history. In 100 games, he slashed .224/.278/.379 with 14 home runs and 35 RBIs. He missed a considerable chunk of time due to a hip flexor strain and never seemed to get right before the campaign ended.

He's still one of the top targets on the trade market but the White Sox have yet to move him.

أخطر الاتحاد الأفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف” مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك بتعيين طاقم تحكيم رواندي لمباراة الفارس الأبيض أمام كايزر تشيفز الجنوب إفريقي، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية لدور المجموعات ببطولة كأس الكونفدرالية.

ويستضيف استاد “بيتر موكابا” بمدينة بولوكواني مواجهة الزمالك وكايزر تشيفز يوم السبت الموافق 29 نوفمبر الجاري، في تمام الساعة الثالثة عصرًا، حيث يسعى الفريق الأبيض لتعزيز موقعه على رأس المجموعة الرابعة التي تضم أيضًا أندية المصري وزيسكو يونايتد الزامبي.

وكان الزمالك قد بدأ تحضيراته لملاقاة زيسكو في الجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات، والتي ستقام على استاد القاهرة الدولي يوم الأحد 23 نوفمبر في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساءً.

طالع أيضًا.. طلعت يوسف: وضع الزمالك لا يسمح بالمنافسة على الدوري.. واستمرار عبد الرؤوف قرار صحيح حكم مباراة الزمالك وكايزر تشيفز في كأس الكونفدرالية

ويتكون طاقم التحكيم من صامويل أويكوندا حكمًا للساحة، ويعاونه ديودوني موتوييمانا وديدييه أيشيموي كمساعدين، فيما يتولى روريسا باتينس فيديل مهمة الحكم الرابع، كما اختار “كاف” سينون فيليب جورج من سيشل مراقبًا عامًا للمباراة.

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A palavra “família” esteve muito em evidência após a estreia de Lúcio Flávio na empreitada de comandar oBotafogo na reta final do Campeonato Brasileiro. No decorrer da vitória por 2 a 0 sobre o Fluminense, domingo (8), no Maracanã, a busca por trazer de volta a identificação do Alvinegro depois do período conturbado que culminou na demissão de Bruno Lage ficou nítida em campo.

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A ansiedade por trazer de volta o Glorioso que a torcida se acostumou a conhecer passou pela escalação. Di Plácido voltou a ser titular, enquanto Tchê Tchê se juntou a Marlon Freitas e Eduardo. Na frente, Júnior Santos ganhou a disputa para formar a linha de frente com Victor Sá e Tiquinho Soares.

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Antes de a bola rolar, os botafoguenses presentes no Maracanã ratificaram o apoio, aos gritos de “ah, é Lúcio Flávio!”. E, assim que a bola rolou, não demorou muito para as características do treinador começarem a entrar em cena.

Munido de um papel, o ex-jogador anotava suas impressões sobre a postura botafoguense. Olhava para o campo e gesticulava para os atletas.

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-No futebol, a gente precisa fazer com que os jogadores entendam que todos são importantes. Quando a gente fala em relação à família é porque muitas vezes passa mais tempo com as pessoas que trabalha e precisa fazer com que o ambiente seja mais leve. A gente precisa fazer com que eles entendam que um depende do outro – afirmou em entrevista coletiva.

Lúcio Flávio e Carli: ‘entrosamento’ perfeito (Foto: Vitor Silva / Botafogo)

Outra pecularidade também foi tomando conta. Alçado ao posto de auxiliar após um pedido do elenco, Joel Carli saía do banco de reservas e conversava com o treinador interino. Trocavam ideias e o ex-zagueiro voltava para o banco de reservas.

Meticuloso, o técnico ia acompanhando as investidas de um Alvinegro que ia se impondo na etapa inicial. A equipe dominava as ações, pressionando a saída de bola adversária e, ao partir para o ataque, abusava da velocidade. Desta vez, Eduardo ficava mais próximo do ataque, conseguindo ser mais participativo.

Até que o lançamento de Tchê Tchê encontrou Júnior Santos livre para marcar na saída de Fábio. Lúcio Flávio celebrou num tom de alento, mas sem deixar de se preocupar com o que via em campo.

Minutos depois, Júnior Santos abriu caminho e Tiquinho Soares rompeu livre até ampliar o marcador. Lúcio Flávio ergueu as mãos para o céu e, logo depois, encontrou o abraço do goleiro Lucas Perri.

Em meio à espera sobre a checagem de um possível impedimento no gol, aconteceu uma situação curiosa: rapidamente, o treinador pegou uma prancheta e orientou jogadores que estavam próximos ao banco de reservas. Enquanto isso, Joel Carli, na área técnica, passava orientações.

-Carli esteve até alguns meses aqui do lado deles, conhece muito bem o vestiário. Sabe muito bem fazer a abordagem ali com os jogadores, levantar o astral de cada um para, quando forem designados, consigam jogar o melhor deles – garantiu o treinador.

Com o gol confirmado, enfim Lúcio Flávio recebeu uma sucessão de abraços.

Após um primeiro tempo exemplar, os alvinegros optaram por uma cautela. E, nesse momento, entrou em cena outro fator que estava em falta nas partidas mais recentes: a força defensiva.

À exceção de uma conclusão de John Kennedy que parou na trave e uma batida de Léo Fernández que exigiu Lucas Perri, o Botafogo não chegou a ser ameaçado com tanto rigor.

Adryelson e Victor Cuesta mantiveram sua sintonia fina. Nas laterais, Di Plácido mostrava-se bastante participativo ao subir ao ataque, e tanto o argentino quanto Marçal continham os avanços de Keno e Arias.

Perante o calor do jogo, Lúcio Flávio foi indicando quais eram suas variações para manter o jogo sob controle alvinegro. Um dos jogadores sacados foi Júnior Santos, destaque da equipe na partida.

-Quando ele saiu, agradeceu por transmitir a confiança e dar a ele essa oportunidade. Falei que ele tinha muito a ajudar o Botafogo. É um jogador que tem muito potencial, uma característica peculiar de muito arranque e muito querido pelo grupo – declarou o treinador.

As trocas fizeram o Alvinegro mostrar seu brio, garantindo a vitória. Ao fim da partida, o “novo” treinador foi acolhido pelo grupo e reverenciado pela torcida que tanto o acolheu como jogador: “ah, é Lúcio Flávio!”.

Com a visão de quem se acostumou a vivenciar o elenco do Botafogo, Lúcio Flávio soube fazer com que o elenco se sentisse de novo como uma família.

-O Lúcio (Flávio) tem uma ideia do nosso time muito parecida com a do Luís Castro, com a do (Cláudio) Caçapa quando estava aqui com a gente. Acho que ele tentou resgatar isso. Acho que o Lúcio tentou resgatar isso – afirmou Lucas Perri na zona mista do Maracanã.

O meio-campista Tchê Tchê também demonsrou felicidade com o novo treinador.

-Ele estava aqui com a gente. Um personagem importante tanto com a camisa, quanto na comissão técnica. Ficamos felizes por ele. Abraçamos ele desde que foi passado para nós que seria nosso comandante. A gente é uma família muito unida, muito humilde. Tem os protagonistas, mas cada um vai se equivalendo da força para o outro. Isso é que é o mais importante – afirmou.

O Botafogo volta a campo na quarta-feira, dia 18, contra o América-MG, no Independência. A Data Fifa dará mais tempo para os laços de família se estreitarem.

After Mohamed Salah finished fourth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has revealed why he thinks France Football looked past the Egyptian’s incredible year.

2025 Ballon d'Or rankings cause controversy

As ever, the Ballon d’Or rankings caused plenty of debate. There wasn’t a place in the top 10 for either Virgil van Dijk or Harry Kane, whilst many have even disputed eventual winner, Ousmane Dembele. Truth be told, the award has lost some of its value ever since Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo vacated their throne.

The most controversial placing was Salah’s. The Egyptian, who broke records as Liverpool sealed the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season at the club, finished fourth and below Vitinha, Lamine Yamal and Dembele. Whilst there’s an argument to be had that he shouldn’t have won the award, it feels harsh that he missed out on a place in the top three altogether.

Games

52

53

Goals

34

35

Assists

23

16

If the award is based on individual performance, then it’s hard to find a more worthy winner than Liverpool’s star. He was involved in more goals than Dembele, Yamal and, of course, midfield star Vitinha, but failed to finish above all three.

It comes just one year on from missing out on a nomination entirely in 2024, as France Football continue to look beyond Anfield’s Egyptian King. At 33 years old, it seems unlikely that Salah will have a better opportunity to win the award than in 2025, either.

Many have had their say as to why the winger missed out on the award, including Liverpool legend Carragher, who recently put Salah’s snub down to one particular reason.

Carragher reveals why Ballon d'Or snubbed Salah

Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher revealed why he believes Salah missed out on the Ballon d’Or to Dembele. The former central defender looked back on Liverpool’s meeting with Paris Saint-Germain and claimed that the French side’s victory made all the difference.

There will be many who disagree with that verdict, but previous years have highlighted just how important the Champions League is in deciding these awards.

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The Reds could yet get their man…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 25, 2025

With that, Salah’s snub arguably came down to two games against the European champions last season rather than the sensational campaign that he otherwise enjoyed.