Category Uncategorized

Ashwin said Pant’s reversal and the dialogue around it might make the bowler feel “small”

PTI28-May-2025R Ashwin was not impressed with Rishabh Pant’s decision to withdraw Digvesh Rathi’s appeal for running out Jitesh Sharma at the non-striker’s end during Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) final league game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).”Digvesh Rathi is not my relative. He is not my friend. I don’t know who he is. But I am saying… You will scar a bowler so much that it will really affect him,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “But because nobody really cares about a bowler, so in front of crores of people, should we withdraw his appeal and insult him?”The incident occurred in the 17th over of RCB’s chase when Rathi took off the bails after observing that Jitesh had left the crease at the non-striker’s end.The replays showed that the batter was outside his crease, but the TV umpire deemed that Rathi had completed his delivery stride before effecting the run-out. While it all unfolded, Pant withdrew the appeal and received a hug from Jitesh. RCB went on to win the game by six wickets.Related

Blog: Jitesh 85* off 33 takes RCB into Qualifer 1

Jitesh 85* trumps Pant 118* as RCB make Qualifier 1

Jitesh survives Rathi's run-out appeal at non-striker's end

Ashwin, who has been a vocal supporter of running out batters at the non-striker’s end, said Pant should have backed his bowler.”Let me dive into the technicalities of this incident. Is Jitesh Sharma justified in being out if he stepped out of the crease before he (Rathi) got into the delivery stride? Yes, he is justified in being given out and the bowler is also well-justified,” Ashwin said. “Digvesh Rathi landed at the front foot and Jitesh Sharma was inside the crease. So, in all technical possibilities, this is not out. And what happened? After hitting the stump, (umpire) Michael Gough asked Digvesh Rathi. He didn’t ask him, ‘are you sure?” He asked him whether he was appealing.”He (Rathi) said, ‘yes, I am appealing’. So, he (Gough) went to the third umpire and the third umpire took the right decision. He said, ‘he has crossed his delivery stride, the batsman is inside the crease, I have a decision, not out’.”Now, till now, everything is fine. Bowler has hit, appealed, not out. It’s just another day in the office. But what happened? After this, during the match, (the) commentators said, ‘Rishabh Pant has withdrawn the appeal. What an amazing act of sportsmanship!'”Come on, . Let’s grow out of this. I am asking one question. Think about it, Digvesh Rathi is your son. Whoever is watching this video, he is your son, and Digvesh Rathi’s captain has criticised his decision in front of crores of people. It’s actually gone over the board because, look, a captain’s job is actually to back a player. Alright? A captain’s job is to not make a bowler feel small.”Ashwin suggested that Rathi was made to feel small and that he might never effect a run-out at the bowler’s end again.”We don’t know if he [Pant] already spoke to them [LSG camp] or not,” Ashwin said. “But let’s stop this vilification of that youngster in front of crores and crores of people. Do we do that to anybody else? Why does a bowler look small? It is actually a humiliation.”What happens is [that] a bowler feels so small that he will never do it and people will say in the comment section that he should not do it. Why? Why shouldn’t he do it?”

Watching on as they stuttered in the second half to a 2-2 draw against Real Betis, Stan Collymore heaped praise on one Nottingham Forest star who enjoyed an excellent game.

Antony denies Nottingham Forest late on

It looked set to be another evening to forget in the early days of Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest tenure when Cedric Bakambu thumped home an acute finish after just 15 minutes. But Forest soon rallied and Igor Jesus soon made his mark.

The Brazilian, who came into the side ahead of Chris Wood, found himself on the end of a free-flowing move that Postecoglou will hope to see become a staple of his tenure. And after levelling things up just three minutes after Bakambu’s opener, the forward was at it again. This time, he headed home on the end of Douglas Luiz’s corner as the two compatriots combined.

It then seemed as though Jesus was destined to get his hat-trick. Chance after chance came his way. The summer signing was at the centre of most things good up until the final finish.

In a game on the European stage, those chances simply must find the back of the net. Otherwise, just as Forest did, teams pay a hefty price. This time, in similar fashion to Swansea City’s recent comeback in the Carabao Cup, it was Antony who took full advantage to equalise for Betis late on.

Unmarked at the back post, the former Manchester United winger had the simple task of tapping home. Once again, Postecoglou’s new side failed to get over the line.

There are still positives to take, however. Jesus enjoyed a goalscoring European debut and one other star man enjoyed yet another excellent game.

Collymore praises "class" Anderson

Whilst Forest failed to hold on to secure victory, that didn’t stop Collymore from sending praise the way of Elliot Anderson. The former City Ground ace took to X to describe the England international as “class” in what was a particularly impressive first-half display.

Related Nottingham Forest now plotting statement signing of £30m Barca & Atletico target

The Tricky Trees are looking to sign a forward, who is also being targeted by two La Liga giants.

Posts ByDominic Lund Sep 24, 2025

Collymore said: “Anderson having an A class game for Forest. Driving forward, keeps ball under pressure, allows Sangare and Luiz to hover around half way and pop the ball around, letting him make quality runs.”

It’s not the first time that the midfield star has been at the centre of praise as of late and it’s unlikely to be the last. At 22 years old, he remains one to watch even as Forest find their feet under Postecoglou.

West Ham United have made an offer for an “outstanding” midfielder, who is now keen on a move to a new Premier League club.

West Ham's midfield criticised amid slow start

There was some respite before the international break, with West Ham picking up a 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest at The City Ground, but the 3-0 defeat at home against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday underlined the fact that many problems still remain.

One of the Hammers’ main issues is their midfield, as pointed out by journalist and fan writer James Jones, who said: “It has been painfully clear that Potter’s side lacks pace, creativity and physicality in the middle of the park. A combination of James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez does not equal a top quality midfield at this level.”

Related West Ham can forget Lampard & Potter by hiring "incredible" UCL finalist

The promising manager could be just the person to improve things at West Ham.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 12, 2025

Soucek, in particular, struggled in the thrashing at home against Tottenham, being shown a straight red card early in the second half, which arguably emphasised the importance of Graham Potter bringing in a new central midfielder during the January transfer window.

According to a report from Africa Foot, there could be an opportunity to do exactly that, with it being revealed West Ham have made an offer for Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma, who has now expressed his desire to remain in the Premier League.

Having suffered a knee injury, Bissouma has been ruled out until October and is set to remain in north London until the January transfer window, and there is no shortage of interest in the midfielder’s signature, with the likes of Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Chelsea also making proposals.

Spurs are open to cashing-in on the central midfielder, who has previously been valued at £14m, but the north Londoners would prefer to sell him to a foreign club, with Chicago Fire, Galatasaray Spor Kulübü, Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe and Lyon keen.

"Outstanding" Bissouma could be upgrade on Soucek defensively

There is no denying that Soucek has had a difficult start to the campaign, being dismissed against Spurs last time out, while also recording a 6.1 SofaScore match rating against Chelsea, the second-lowest figure of any outfield player.

As such, it could be worth bringing in an upgrade on the Czechia international, and there are signs the Tottenham ace could be exactly that, at least from a defensive point of view, given his ball-winning and passing abilities.

Average per 90 (past year)

Tomas Soucek

Yves Bissouma

Tackles

1.55

3.19

Interceptions

0.76

1.41

Pass completion %

74.5%

88.1%

The Mali international is also vastly experienced at Premier League level, having been lauded as “outstanding” by Statman Dave during his time with Brighton & Hove Albion.

There may be some concerns over the signing of Bissouma, having fallen out of favour under Thomas Frank, but he clearly has the talent to be a success at the London Stadium if his attitude is right.

كشفت تقارير صحفية موقف لاعب فريق برشلونة، داني أولمو، من خوض مباراة الكلاسيكو ضد خصمه ريال مدريد، في بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم في وقت لاحق من شهر أكتوبر الحالي.

ويستضيف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة الكلاسيكو بين فريقي ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، يوم 26 أكتوبر، في الجولة العاشرة.

وأعلن منتخب إسبانيا، في بيان رسمي اليوم، مغادرة داني أولمو المعسكر الدولي نتيجة تعرضه لإصابة (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وذكرت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية أن داني أولمو سيسافر إلى العاصمة الكتالونية، برشلونة، اليوم حيث من المقرر أن يخضع لمزيد من الفحوص الطبية يوم الإثنين قبل إصدار بيان رسمي من النادي بشأن الشخيص ومدة الغياب.

وأوضحت أنه حسب مصادر في برشلونة، فإن مشاركة أولمو في الكلاسيكو ضد ريال مدريد موضع شك، رغم أن النادي لم يستبعد مشاركته بشكل قاطع بعد.

وسيخوض برشلونة مباراتين قبل الكلاسيكو، حيث سيلتقي مع جيرونا في الدوري الإسباني، ثم أولمبياكوس في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وأشارت إلى إنه باستثناء مفأجاة كبيرة، من المستبعد مشاركة أولمو في المباراتين المذكورتين، وفي حال إذا تأكد معاناته من تمزق عضلي، فإنه سيغيب عن الملاعب نحو 3 أسابيع على الأقل، مهما كانت درجة التمزق بسيطة، مما يعني غيابه عن صدام ريال مدريد.

MatériaMais Notícias

A ânsia por comprovar que o setor ofensivo do Fluminense tem variedade move Lelê e John Kennedy na Copa Libertadores. A dupla de ataque vai a campo nesta quinta-feira (25), às 19h, diante do The Strongest, no Hernando Siles, com uma chance de ouro: é a primeira vez nesta edição na qual são lançados no início da partida.

RelacionadasFluminenseFluminense encara ‘escrita’ de brasileiros contra The Strongest em jogos na altitude pela LibertadoresFluminense24/05/2023FluminenseTorcida do Fluminense adquire mais de 36 mil ingressos para partida contra Sporting CristalFluminense23/05/2023ListasVeja a situação de cada clube brasileiro na Fase de Grupos da LibertadoresListas23/05/2023

Para o confronto em La Paz, o técnico Fernando Diniz recorreu a um rodízio. Com motivações diferentes, os atacantes tentam se sobressair em um duelo no qual os tricolores precisarão de fôlego.

+ 10% OFF nos mantos internacionais a partir de R$299,90 com o cupom: LANCEFUT

+ Veja a tabela da Copa Libertadores!

Lelê chegou às Laranjeiras credenciado por seu bom desempenho pelo Volta Redonda no Campeonato Carioca. Vindo inicialmente como uma alternativa ao artilheiro Germán Cano, o jogador de 25 anos tem se mostrado que é uma boa opção também em outra área.

Além de surgir como um finalizador, o atleta em alguns momentos tem mostrado empenho para atuar pelas pontas. Aos poucos, Lelê tem mostrado condições de deslanchar em campo e marcou um gol em dez jogos. Porém, ainda mostra condições de lapidar seu poderio ofensivo.

John Kennedy, por sua vez, conhece bem o desafio de vestir a camisa tricolor. De volta após o empréstimo à Ferroviária, o atacante, aos poucos, foi recebendo oportunidades com Diniz. Aliando habilidade na troca de passes com velocidade, o jogador de 21 anos voltou a se firmar como um bom desafogo.

Na goleada por 5 a 1 sobre o River Plate, John Kennedy participou da jogada que culminou em um dos gols de Arias. Seu ímpeto tem sido crucial para a equipe manter o fôlego em partidas nesta temporada.

Ao atuarem juntos, Lelê e John Kennedy também vêm mostrando bom entrosamento em campo ao serem acionado em partidas. Em busca de uma sintonia forte, a dupla vai a campo em La Paz para garantir que o Tricolor das Laranjeiras saia do Hernando Siles com um resultado positivo.

It is fair to say that there was a fair bit of excitement among supporters when Glasgow Rangers finally confirmed the signing of Djeidi Gassama on a permanent deal earlier this month.

The Light Blues swooped to sign him from Sheffield Wednesday to bolster Russell Martin’s options at the top end of the pitch, and he was an exciting addition off the back of his form last term.

Gassama scored seven goals and created three ‘big chances’ in the Championship for Sheffield Wednesday, despite them not being in contention to gain promotion from the division.

He ranked within the top 14% of his positional peers in the league for goals (seven) and in the top 23% for chances created (38), which shows that he excelled as both a scorer and a creator of goals from the left wing.

These statistics show why fans were so excited to see him in action for the first time when Panathinaikos arrived at Ibrox for the first leg of the second round Champions League qualifier on Tuesday night.

How Djeidi Gassama could be a success for Rangers this season

The 21-year-old forward came on for the last 15 minutes of the win over the Greek side and immediately showed that supporters were right to be excited by the prospect of seeing him play in the flesh.

Gassama made an almost instant impact by cutting in from the left flank to fire a brilliant shot past Dragowski to put Rangers 2-0 up on the night.

That particular was not his only impressive contribution off the bench, though, as the winger also played a beautiful pass with the outside of his foot to send Nicolas Raskin through in the left channel, but the Belgian midfielder was unable to create a chance out of it.

Minutes played

15

Shots

1

Goals

1

Dribbles completed

2/2

Possession lost

3x

Pass accuracy

80%

Duel success rate

100%

As you can see in the table above, Gassama completed two dribbles, won all of his duels, and scored with his only shot in just 15 minutes of football off the bench for the Light Blues on Tuesday.

He could be a huge success for the Scottish giants this season as a direct and skillful left winger who can cut inside onto his favoured right foot to deliver goals, and hopefully assists, on a regular basis.

Gassama is currently valued at £1.7m by Transfermarkt and the Light Blues reportedly agreed a fee in the region of £2.2m to sign him from Sheffield Wednesday, which shows that he is not a mega-money signing.

However, at the age of 21, the French starlet could develop into a mega-money player for Rangers if he can start to produce quality in the final third on a regular basis.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Although he did not feature against Panathinaikos, Jefte could play a key role in Gassama’s development as a potential left-back option to play behind him on the left flank.

Rangers have hit the jackpot with the talented young Brazilian defender, who has had one season at Ibrox so far, and he could be a future star for the club alongside Gassama.

Rangers have hit the jackpot with Jefte

Jefte signed for the Scottish giants from Fluminense on a permanent deal in the summer of 2024, and Transfermarkt valued the youngster at a price of just £693k at the time of the move.

Then 20 years old, the full-back came over to Scotland in a team with high expectations and had a fairly inconsistent first season at the club, which should be expected given the circumstances, with his age and lack of experience in the country.

Writer Kai Watson described the left-footed ace as a “polarising figure” among the fanbase, and that may be because of his inconsistency on the pitch, as some fans may not want to be as patient with players as others.

However, Rangers do have a very exciting talent on their hands, despite Max Aarons being picked ahead of him on Tuesday, as his performances were good enough to attract interest from Premier League giants, and now world champions, Chelsea in January.

As you can see in the post from journalist Chris Jack above, Chelsea went as far as to make contact with the player’s agents at the start of this year to discuss a possible move, which illustrates how impressive his form for Rangers had been up to that point.

Jefte made 52 appearances in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, which was vital learning for the 21-year-old talent, and he will now be hoping to kick on this season.

xA

3.27

Top 20%

Assists

4

Top 20%

Cross accuracy

28%

Top 23%

Tackles won

42

Top 9%

Interceptions

45

Top 12%

Recoveries

131

Top 14%

Duels won

183

Top 12%

As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian whiz ranked highly in a host of key defensive and offensive metrics in the Scottish Premiership, particularly when it came to making tackles and interceptions.

His form for Rangers led to his Transfermarkt value soaring up to £3.4m at the time of writing, which means that his valuation has jumped up by a whopping 391% and is now above Gassama’s £1.7m valuation.

This suggests that the Light Blues have hit the jackpot with the young defender because they picked him up at a fairly low value, of under £1m, last summer, and he has already soared in value to become a multi-million pound asset for the club.

At the age of 21, and with clubs like Chelsea eyeing him up, Jefte may only get better from here if Martin can work with him on the training pitch to improve and develop in the months and years to come.

Outshone by Curtis: Martin must axe "non-existent" Rangers dud after UCL

This Rangers flop just showed exactly why the club must replace him in the summer transfer window.

ByDan Emery Jul 23, 2025

Therefore, Rangers supporters have very good reason to be excited about the future of the club’s left flank moving forward, as Jefte and Gassama are both incredibly promising 21-year-old talents who could be stars at Ibrox.

Arne Slot would have been delighted when he led Liverpool to the Premier League title last season in spite of FSG’s reluctance to wield their purse after Jurgen Klopp packed up and left.

Who can say the Dutch coach needs a wide range of signings? He bagged gold without any real investment last year. Now, though, the tactical mastermind is being handsomely rewarded.

A range of impactful signings have already been made, with Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz strengthening the frontline. Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have refreshed the full-back ranks. Giorgi Mamardashvili joins Alisson Becker between the sticks.

Liverpool's next transfer target

Attacking additions usually draw the biggest acclaim. But Liverpool also need a centre-back, and this became clear after the vested interest in Dean Huijsen was made known.

But Huijsen has signed for Real Madrid in a £50m deal, joining Trent Alexander-Arnold. Thus, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has turned his attention to Marc Guehi, though the Crystal Palace defender is also on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar, with the Londoners currently weighing up an official bid.

If Liverpool don’t sign the Three Lions star, it seems they have identified Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato as the man to complete Slot’s backline, with transfer insider Ben Jacobs confirming the teenager is on the shortlist.

Hato is also in Chelsea’s sights, and it is the Blues who lead the race at this stage. However, Liverpool could steal ahead should they mount a concerted effort, with a shrewd £40m price tag floating about.

Why Liverpool should sign Jorrel Hato

With Ibrahima Konate’s future uncertain, Real Madrid lurking and the Frenchman just one year away from free agency, it feels like bringing in a centre-back is a matter of urgency this summer.

Especially as Jarell Quansah left for Bayer Leverkusen in a £35m package last month.

Hato might only be 19, but he’s already emerged as one of Ajax’s leading players, playing 111 senior matches for the Dutch giants and earning six caps for the Netherlands national team.

His fast-track rise to stardom – Hato has been hailed as “one of the best young talents in football” by U23 scout Antonio Mango – and versatility suggest he could be Liverpool’s next version of Cody Gakpo, who also joined the Anfield side directly from the Dutch Eredivisie.

Left-back

88

4

8

Centre-back

70

3

3

Central midfield

1

–

–

Left midfield

1

–

–

Gakpo, 25, signed for Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven for £35m in January 2023, and he has since become one of the staples of a trophy-winning Reds side, with pundit Peter Crouch even claiming he had “gone up a level” in Slot’s system last season.

Last season, he scored 18 goals and supplied seven assists for the Premier League champions, maturing in a fixed role coming off the attacking left flank.

Hato could emulate his countryman, with his dynamic positional qualities sure to see Slot shuffle him about before he grows into his skin in England and establishes himself as one of the Premier League’s leading centre-halves.

The defensive phenom might not have played in his natural central role all that much throughout the 2024/25 season, but he still finished ranked among the top 1% of positional peers for pass completion and the top 12% for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref, thus illustrating his properties that are well suited for the position.

Though Hato is an unrefined gem, he is a jewel all the same. And Slot has demonstrated across the past 12 months his capacity to lift his countrymen – Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch – up and up into the upper sphere of European stars.

With Hato, he can repeat the trick, coaxing the player into a starring role over the next few years.

Scouts sent: Liverpool eyeing move to sign new 6 foot 3 Guehi alternative

He’s caught the eye of the Reds’ scouts.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 23, 2025

In what would be their signing of the summer so far, Everton have reportedly launched an opening offer to welcome a midfield star ahead of Premier League rivals.

Latest on Everton's potential incomings

After already signing Thierno Barry and Mark Travers whilst also welcoming Carlos Alcaraz on a permanent deal following a successful loan spell, Everton have now reportedly turned towards fresh targets. The Friedkin Group, clearly out to make a statement in their first summer at the helm, have also reportedly set their sights on the likes of Samuel Lino from Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey.

Ramsey would particularly be one to watch if he arrived at The Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of next season, but it remains to be seen whether Everton can win the race for his signature. Despite his clear talent, the midfielder is likely to be an affordable option amid Aston Villa’s PSR problems – allowing the Toffees to come swooping in.

Minutes

1,623

1,594

Goals

1

0

Key Passes

21

13

Ball Recoveries

83

73

Going forward, Ramsey would be a particular upgrade on James Garner in the middle of David Moyes’ side. At just 24 years old too, the Aston Villa man is about to enter his prime years, making now the best time to move in for his signature.

That said, it’s not just Ramsey that the Toffees have set their sights on. Midfield seems to be the area of focus currently and names such as Tomas Soucek has also been mentioned as a result.

Everton leading race to sign "interesting" Atletico star who's now free to leave

He’s on the move this summer.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 17, 2025

Reports have even gone as far as to suggest that Everton are set to submit an imminent £12m bid to sign the West Ham United star and hand Moyes a reunion with the midfielder.

The same, meanwhile, can be said about another transfer target, with Everton now reportedly launching their opening offer for his signature.

Everton launch first Douglas Luiz offer

According to TeamTalk, Everton have launched an opening offer to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus in a loan-to-buy deal. The Brazilian is reportedly open to a return to the Premier League just one year on from his decision to swap Aston Villa for Turin. And as Juventus look to show him the door, it’s the Toffees who are primed to take full advantage.

The midfielder would be an impressive coup, given his Premier League experience and reports that former club Aston Villa are interested in a swift reunion this summer.

Juventus are reportedly hoping for a package worth €35m (£30m) for Luiz this summer, but it remains to be seen whether Everton’s opening offer has reached that price.

Even after struggling in Serie A though, there’s no doubt that the Brazilian would be worth splashing out on. Aston Villa sporting director, Monchi, has been one of many to share praise for Luiz in recent years – telling reporters last season: “He’s playing less than we all expected, but we’re talking about a strong player.”

Quinton de Kock attributed his match-winning 65 off 38 balls against England to his Caribbean Premier League experience, which informed his attacking intent in the powerplay.De Kock has only played seven CPL games, all of them for Barbados Royals in the 2022 season. But three of those came at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia, including two day games and one under lights.Related

• New beginnings promise new endings for un-South Africa

• South Africa hold nerve against England to continue unbeaten march

• Buttler: De Kock innings 'the difference' in narrow South Africa win

• St Lucia elements see teams throw caution to the wind

It gave him enough evidence to believe that a par score would be significantly lower in South Africa’s game against England – which started at 10.30am local time – than in the previous four T20 World Cup fixtures at the venue, which were 8.30pm starts. He also quickly realised that the powerplay would be the best time to bat, and so it proved.De Kock scored 49 runs off 20 balls in the powerplay, including sixes off Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer (twice) and Sam Curran, and believed that his fast start had made a “massive” impact. “I’ve played a lot of day T20 cricket in the West Indies and generally that is the most important time to score runs,” he said.South Africa’s total of 163 for 6 looked under-par in the context of the four games in St Lucia across the previous six nights, where Australia and England both chased totals of 181 and Sri Lanka and West Indies successfully defended scores in excess of 200. But de Kock said that when he walked out to bat, he was clear that they would only need a slightly lower total.”I don’t know if the rest of the guys knew, but I had a fair sense: I’ve played here quite a bit in the Caribbean league and it’s the same thing: the wicket looks beautiful. At night, it plays most different but in the day, 160-170 are winning scores here in the day. Generally, it goes like that in the Caribbean: I think the lights and maybe a bit of dew at night help the ball skid on a bit better.”The easier time to score runs is in the powerplay. When the ball’s old and as the wicket deteriorates, it gets harder.” Asked if that phase proved match-winning – as Jos Buttler believed – de Kock said: “There were other moments, but obviously that’s probably one of our better powerplays in this whole World Cup – so it could be.”Quinton de Kock raced away in the powerplay•ICC/Getty Images

He also used the stiff cross-breeze to his advantage, with the wind helping to carry the ball over the boundary when he hit back-to-back sixes off Archer. “Wind’s definitely a big factor, especially opening the batting when you’ve only got two guys out,” de Kock said. “You’ve got to use that wind as much as you can: don’t fight it, just try and use it.”None of England’s XI on Friday have played a CPL game in St Lucia but they have significant experience in the Caribbean due to regular away series against West Indies. They also have significant local knowledge in their dressing room, with Kieron Pollard – the most capped T20 player in the format’s history – involved as an assistant coach at this World Cup.Yet Buttler suggested they were surprised by how the pitch played on Friday, compared to how it had under lights two days previously. “It looked a similar wicket,” he said. “This has been, so far in the tournament, the best batting pitch… I think the wicket was probably a little bit slower than everyone expected. 160 was about a par score. We bowled really well in the back 10-15 overs to restrict them.”South Africa adjusted more quickly to conditions with the ball, limiting England to 41 for 1 the powerplay compared to their own score of 63 for 0. Jonny Bairstow was caught at point off Keshav Maharaj for 17 off 20 in the seventh over, while Buttler himself fell in Maharaj’s next over for 16 off 20 while slog-sweeping to deep midwicket.”I felt like the powerplay was the difference in the game, and the way Quinny could bat at the rate that none of us could bat at… I think the way Quinny played at the top really put us under a lot of pressure,” Buttler said. “[He] played some great shots and we weren’t able to match that.”

It’s all change at Tottenham Hotspur at the moment.

Despite leading the club to their third European title in the Europa League last month and ending their almost two-decade trophy drought, Ange Postecoglou was officially given the boot on Friday afternoon.

While this is undoubtedly a divisive decision among the fanbase, it’s not hard to see why it was made, as the Australian oversaw just 11 wins out of a possible 38 in the Premier League this term.

Interestingly, while no announcement has been made just yet, it is looking increasingly likely that the man to replace Ange will be Brentford boss Thomas Frank, and that could be very good news indeed for a certain youngster in the squad.

Spurs' winners and losers under Frank

Before getting to the player in question, let’s take a look at some of the potential winners and losers at Spurs under a possible Frank tenure, starting with those who might not be so lucky, like Brennan Johnson.

Now, it might sound mad to suggest that the club’s top scorer this season could be in trouble next year, but if Frank is able to convince the board to sign Bryan Mbeumo, as reports suggest he’s trying to, then there is every chance the Welshman’s game time would dramatically decrease.

Likewise, it could be the end of the road for Yves Bissouma, becuase as well as he played in the club’s Europa League run, he’s shown himself to be a liability in the league time and time again.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

You only need to look at games like Fulham away, when he was hooked at halftime and given a 3/10 match rating by Alasdair Gold, or at home against Chelsea when he lost his head and gave away a needless penalty.

However, it’s most certainly not all doom and gloom, as there are more than a few players we think could flourish under the Danish manager, such as Lucas Bergvall.

The 19-year-old was incredible for much of this season and even won the club’s Player of the Year award.

So, when he recovers from his injury, it’s not inconceivable to imagine him taking yet more steps forward under Frank.

Likewise, while Dominic Solanke wasn’t exactly prolific, he’s been one of the club’s hardest-working attackers this season and an integral part of the frontline.

Therefore, under a manager who helped turn Brentford into a lean, mean goalscoring machine, we could see him turn the former Bournemouth man into a seriously dangerous striker.

There is another Spurs ace who could become something really quite special under the incoming boss, someone he wanted to sign in West London.

The Spurs gem Frank could transform

If you were following Tottenham’s transfer dealings last summer, then you’ll have probably worked out that the player in question is none other than Archie Gray.

Before making his way to North London, the former Leeds United gem looked destined to join Brentford, with reports in late June claiming that the player had agreed personal terms with the Bees and was set to have a medical.

However, the Lilywhites swooped in and picked up the incredibly talented youngster for around £30m just a few days later.

While he missed out on him last summer, we can only imagine that Frank is just as excited, if not more, about the teenager’s potential now and the chance to finally work with him.

There are a few reasons why we think the Dane could help turn the 19-year-old ace into the “future £100m” superstar that data analyst Ben Mattinson claimed he could be.

The first is that after spending this season being moved around here, there, and everywhere, there is a real chance for the Durham-born midfielder to actually play in, well, midfield.

Moreover, while he didn’t spend a whole lot of time there in 24/25, he was still able to produce some fairly impressive underlying numbers for someone so young.

Shots on Target %

100.0%

Top 1%

Shots Blocked

0.73

Top 4%

Clearances

2.81

Top 5%

Passes Completed (Medium)

28.09

Top 7%

Pass Completion % (Medium)

92.8%

Top 10%

Progressive Passing Distance

285.69

Top 13%

Dead-ball Passes

4.86

Top 13%

Carries

45.28

Top 13%

For example, according to FBref, he sits in the 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for percentage of shots on target, the top 4% for shots blocked, the top 5% for clearances, the top 7% for medium passes completed, the top 13% for progressive passing distance, carries and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it’ll take some time for the “sensational” prospect, as dubbed by one analyst, to reach his full potential, we have no doubt that Frank will be a brilliant manager for Gray to do it under.

He's another Bergvall: Spurs enter race to sign "extraordinary" wonderkid

The promising youngster could be a star at Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 7, 2025