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Ever since the WTC final, the fast bowler has gone from strength to strength under a management that has emboldened him to unleash his skills as he sees fit

Firdose Moonda22-Aug-20252:16

Ngidi: Always a test of character against Australia

When cricketers are encouraged to express themselves, we usually know what that looks like for batters: play your shots, innovate, entertain. But how do bowlers interpret that instruction?”It’s pretty much about giving you the freedom to bowl what you want to bowl,” Lungi Ngidi said, after claiming his second ODI five-for during South Africa’s 84-run win in the second ODI against Australia in Mackay. “We’ve been playing international cricket for a couple of years now, so we kind of know what we’re good at and what we need to do. Set your field and bowl what you want to bowl according to whatever you see in front of you. Play the conditions in front of you and don’t be scared to try things.”Like offering one of the opposition’s most dangerous batters a little bit of width, in the belief he would nick off. Or dropping your pace down to just over 100kph because you’d seen the efficacy of the slower ball in the first innings.Related

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Ngidi did both those things as he bowled South Africa to a series-winning victory, and he did them because he had the confidence to make bold decisions about how he wanted to go about his business.His strategy against Marnus Labuschagne was informed by what Ngidi saw in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, when Labuschagne was dismissed in both innings driving loosely at Marco Jansen. Ngidi, of course, is not the same type of bowler as Jansen, but he believed he could exact similar results.Marnus Labuschagne fell into Lungi Ngidi’s deliberately laid trap•Getty Images”We do our video analysis and we’ve seen, even from the Test Championship, outside off with the ball shaping away seems to be effective. He leaves very well, but you need to score runs at some point in ODI cricket so you’re probably going to feel outside off,” Ngidi explained. “I just tried to keep it simple and just plug away at that length and that line and it seemed to come off. It went according to plan.”Pace-off is Ngidi’s speciality but he used it more after getting confirmation that it worked during South Africa’s innings, in which Nathan Ellis was the stand-out seamer. Ellis started with a 110kph back-of-the-hand slower ball and delivered at least two an over among his pace-on, short-ball change-ups, which got him both his wickets. Ngidi was taking notes.”The beautiful thing about bowling second is I get to sit there and watch what works. And I saw Ellis’ plan and he was pretty successful with that,” he said. “It just gives you an idea of what’s going to work later on in the innings. Also Watching [Xavier] Bartlett up front, it seemed to be swinging or nipping around so it pretty much gives you a blueprint of how to go about things.”Both Ngidi and Nandre Burger found movement early on and made the initial breakthroughs but it was Ngidi’s second spell that earned him his first Player-of-the-Match award, in any format, in nearly three years. He ripped through Australia’s lower order and took four wickets for eight runs in 14 balls. The first was a signature Ngidi delivery, a slower offbreak that Aaron Hardie chipped back to him. But it was Ngidi’s quick reaction to get across and take the catch low to the ground that showed how committed he was to the contest against an opposition he loves playing against.’The beautiful thing about bowling second is I get to sit there and watch what works’•Getty ImagesHis career-best, of 6 for 58, also came against Australia and he has taken more wickets against them in ODIs – 26 at an average of 16.96 – than any other opposition (and he has only played against them once more than he has England, India or Sri Lanka) and it’s fair to say they bring out the best in him.”It’s always a battle against Australia. It’s always competitive,” he said. “It’s a test of character because we were put under pressure from the T20s, and we had the opportunity to win a series tonight so just mentally stepping up and finishing it off. It’s just a great rivalry that’s always been there. And it’s going to continue for many, many years.”Ngidi emphasised “staying strong mentally” both to the broadcasters and at his press conference, and it may apply to more than just the ongoing series. His career to date is perhaps best described as stop-start, with injuries and indifferent form often interrupting a good run. The last time he played all matches in a multi-format tour was in 2018, when he played in four of South Africa’s four games in Australia.Currently, Ngidi is on a five-match streak in Australia, and he also played in four of South Africa’s five T20Is last month in Zimbabwe and made a Test comeback the month before that at the WTC final at Lord’s. It was in that game, where his selection raised eyebrows because he had not played a Test in 10 months, that Ngidi showed the value of being backed by the coaching staff and being given freedom by them.Ngidi picked up the second five-wicket haul of his ODI career•AFP/Getty ImagesCoach Shukri Conrad picked Ngidi even after dropping him from the 2024 tour to Bangladesh and, after a rusty start, Ngidi delivered a match-changing second-innings performance when he took 3 for 38. Conrad has since picked Ngidi across all formats, and the returns have only been getting better. Ngidi iced the cake when he became the first South Africa seamer since Kagiso Rabada in July 2015 to take an ODI five-for away from home.Because they came up in the same Under-19 group and are at similar ages, the two are often spoken about in parallel terms, Rabada’s stardust usually leaving Ngidi in the shadows. That was the case in this game too. Ngidi told the broadcasters that when he knew Rabada would be unavailable for this series because of injury, he would “have big shoes to fill.”It’s easy to assume that means he needs to take on Rabada’s role but that only applies to seniority and experience, not style of bowling. While Rabada’s game is based on pace and accuracy, Ngidi’s is on variation and movement and he had the perfect stage to show that in Mackay. That he performed to expectation and beyond is an example of South Africa’s new way, which is as much about staying true to their identity as it is about getting the results they want.”The most important thing is how we played. Are we playing our brand of cricket? Are we playing the way we want to play? When we lose and we’re not playing our way or with the freedom that the coach has given us, then it’s a problem. But when we execute and we play the way we want to play, that’s the beautiful thing,” Ngidi said. “We have lots of white-ball cricket to come. So this is good momentum to kick us off for the rest of the season.”

DC needed Rahul to anchor their innings and take apart CSK’s best bowler, and he did both with aplomb

Deivarayan Muthu05-Apr-20252:08

Jaffer: Rahul’s takedown of Noor was the key for DC

At 11am on Saturday, four-and-a-half hours before of the start of Delhi Capitals’ (DC) game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk, the team management learned that Faf du Plessis might not be fit to take the field. DC coach Hemang Badani then asked KL Rahul, who had batted at No. 4 on his franchise debut last Friday, if he could slide up the order and take up du Plessis’ spot.”Happy, coach. I’m happy to go up the order,” was Rahul’s immediate response, according to Badani.Rahul is used to moving up and down the order across formats. He’s a shape-shifting object that is capable of turning himself into whatever the team needs. On a tricky, red-soil surface in Chennai, they needed Rahul to first anchor the innings and then dismantle the opposition’s best bowler. Rahul aced both roles during his 77 off 51 balls – and then even kept wicket in Chennai’s inhospitable heat – to carry DC to their third successive win.Related

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He had started slowly. He was on 29 off 23 balls at the halfway mark of DC’s innings. But he had sussed out the conditions intelligently and understood that the pitch was offering extra bounce, of the tennis-ball variety. So, he refrained from hitting over the top. He also needed some time to ease himself in.”Yeah, it’s more the mental [adjustment] and just the process of just getting in and just getting used to walking at a particular stage,” Rahul said after the match. “There are a few routines that I do, and I’d like to get used to doing the same thing and then your body gets used to doing that.”But since I’ve been going up and down the order, I just feel like a little unsettled when I walk in and the first few balls it takes me a few minutes to just get used to it. That’s been the most challenging part for me. Once I get through those initial nerves, and just getting used to being in the middle – or whatever is my routines if I can get settled with that – then it’s just bat and ball again.”Against Noor Ahmad, the left-arm wristspinner who is the highest wicket-taker this season so far, Rahul had a plan, and he committed to it. It’s hard to pick which way a left-arm wristspinner is turning the ball, especially at the high speeds Noor bowls at, but Rahul was ready to pounce on any error in length. When Noor pushed one full enough for the sweep, Rahul slog-swept him away over midwicket for six.KL Rahul slog sweeps Noor Ahmad for a six•BCCILeaving the crease against Noor is fraught with immense risk, so Rahul took the less risky option of sweeping the wristspinner because whichever way the ball turns, the arc of the bat covers for it as long as you pick the length.Expecting Rahul to sweep him once again, Noor then hid a wrong’un away from Rahul’s reach in his third over. Rahul, who had originally shaped for the sweep, picked the length, which wasn’t full enough for the shot, and ended up flat-batting it on one knee over Noor’s head. It forced Noor to change his length again, and Rahul nailed the sweep again. His plan to take Noor down was a sweeping success: 20 off nine balls at a strike rate of 222.22. Noor had looked unstoppable until Saturday, when Rahul stopped him from bowling his full quota of overs.”I think what we have spoken as a side is not to settle or not to let any bowler settle,” Badani said at his post-match press conference. “Now, a certain batter will have their own game plan. And as you mentioned, Rahul was clear enough that he was not going to let Noor settle down. Because he felt that Noor was a crucial bowler for CSK. And he wanted to make sure that once you put the opposition’s best bowler down, it becomes difficult for the opposition to keep coming back after that and I thought he did that well.”Rahul then went about lining up the weakest link in CSK’s attack on the day, reverse-scooping left-arm seamer Mukesh Choudhary for four between the keeper and short third. Even before the ball had passed Khaleel Ahmed at short third, the bowler had his hands on his head. Rahul ran out of gas in the end overs – he managed just nine off his last ten balls – but he had already done enough to push DC to an above-par total.1:36

Jaffer: ‘Things are falling in place for Delhi Capitals’

In the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Rahul was unable to make a decision under pressure. He wasn’t sure if he should attack Mitchell Starc when he came back for the death, or if he could play him out and find runs elsewhere. Rahul took no half-measures against Noor, though, on Saturday. He took no half-measures against Mitchell Santner either in the Champions Trophy final last month.DC were initially looking to have Rahul open the batting for them but after Harry Brook pulled out of the tournament, they decided to slot him in at No. 4. In his first game for DC at that position, he hit Mohammed Shami, no less, for two fours and a six off his first three (legal) balls in a cameo. In his next match against CSK, he seamlessly moved up to the top and played a starring role for them on a challenging Chepauk track.”He is somebody who has been around long enough to understand the need of the hour,” Badani said of Rahul. “He has opened for India. He has opened in Test cricket recently for India. He has batted at No. 4 or 5 in the Champions Trophy, and he is somebody who can play spin well, who can play pace well.”Wake up in the morning, become a shape-shifting object, and win the Player-of-the-Match award in the evening. It’s just another day in the life of KL Rahul.

Rangers are now facing the prospect of losing one of their young talents to the Premier League for nothing in a frustrating blow for Danny Rohl.

Rohl pinpoints "old habits" affecting Rangers

It was like a throwback to the start of the season against Falkirk. Rangers were toothless as they were held to a 0-0 draw in the first time that Rohl has stuttered in the Scottish Premiership. The German, frustrated by the draw, claimed that the Gers fell into “old habits” and lacked “conviction”.

The Rangers manager now has the task of getting back to winning ways as early as Wednesday when his side square off against Dundee United. Another game without three points would only raise concerns that Rangers are slipping back into poor form just when fixtures are coming thick and fast.

With the January transfer window now just a month away from opening too, any sign of poor form would also raise serious questions for Rohl about the quality of his squad.

Following the exit of sporting director Kevin Thelwell, the former Sheffield Wednesday boss is likely to have a larger say on who comes in and who heads for the exit door in January.

What he won’t have a say in, however, is the future of Bailey Rice. The 19-year-old midfielder has reportedly rejected Rangers’ latest contract offer and looks destined to leave the club.

Premier League clubs chasing bargain Rice deal

According to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, Premier League clubs are now racing to sign Rice on a free deal when his current contract expires in the summer.

The midfielder is the youngest-ever player to play for the club in the Scottish Premiership, but looks almost certain to leave in 2026 after rejecting new terms.

Whilst Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion tracked the 19-year-old in the past, it is Sunderland and Aston Villa who are after his signature these days – handing Rice a big decision to make.

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ByDan Emery Dec 2, 2025

For Rangers, meanwhile, it’s another blow and another likely departure from an academy star. There was a time when Rice looked to be the future of their midfield. Now, he’s set to depart before he even reaches the peak of his powers and with zero financial gain for the club.

Former interim boss Barry Ferguson was full of praise for Rice last season, telling reporters that he believes that the midfielder is a “fantastic talent”. Like everyone else watching on in Scotland, however, Ferguson may be forced to see the youngster thrive away from Rangers and in the Premier League.

Danny Rohl sends 13-word warning to Rangers players ahead of transfer window

Manchester United managed to return to winning ways in the Premier League last night, after a dominant 4-1 thrashing of bottom-placed side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Ruben Amorim’s men produced one of their best performances of the campaign to date, to put themselves into sixth place and just a point off the top four.

Hearts will no doubt have been in the mouths of all supporters at the break, after Jean-Ricner Bellegarde ensured the game was level going into the break.

However, three goals in the second half secured a seventh league victory of the 2025/26 campaign for the Red Devils – now extending their run to just one loss in the last nine outings.

One player deserves massive credit for his showing at Molineux on Monday night, with the first-team member massively excelling during the well-deserved triumph.

Bruno Fernandes’ stats against Wolves

Bruno Fernandes has often struggled throughout the ongoing campaign, as Amorim has decided to utilise him in a deeper-lying midfield role rather than the number ten position.

It’s required the Portuguese international to think more defensively, which has no doubt had an effect on his output within the final third in the Premier League.

However, his showing against Rob Edwards’ men was arguably his best of the season to date, with the 31-year-old notching two goals and an assist in the triumph.

Such a tally takes him to 10 combined goals and assists in his first 15 appearances of the season, but it was his underlying figures that highlighted his impressive display.

He featured for the entirety of the contest and registered 55 completed passes, whilst creating five chances for his teammates – with both the highest of any player in the meeting.

Bruno also completed 12 passes into the final third, and only misplaced eight passes in total, further highlighting his incredible performance with the ball at his feet.

However, without the ball, the midfielder was just as impressive, as seen by his tally of 100% tackles won, seven recoveries made and a total of five combined aerials and ground duels won.

The United player who is as undroppable as Bruno

As seen by his tally of 15 starts out of a possible 15 in 2025/26, there’s little denying that Bruno is undroppable and certainly one of Amorim’s most important players.

Numerous other players are starting to force themselves into such a bracket, with Bryan Mbeumo just one player who should be a starter week in and week out.

The Cameroonian international netted once again in the clash in the West Midlands, subsequently taking his league tally to six this campaign – the most of any player in the squad.

He registered four shots on target against the hosts, whilst also completing two dribbles – largely being a menace to the Wolves backline during the victory last night.

However, the backline has been a cause for concern over the last couple of weeks, especially with the absence of centre-back Matthijs de Ligt in the last two matches.

As a result, youngster Ayden Heaven has been thrown in at the deep end, but he’s managed to impress – with his showing at Molineux certainly one to remember.

It was just his second start of the season, but the 19-year-old appeared unfazed and produced numerous impressive figures that could make him undroppable within the manager’s current side.

The teenager registered 36 passes during his minutes on the pitch, subsequently achieving a completion rate of 100% – the highest of any player who started the match.

Ayden Heaven – stats against Wolves
Statistics	Tally
Minutes played	69
Touches	49
Passes completed	36
Pass accuracy	100%
Blocks made	1
Clearances made	7
Duels won	100%
Fouls won	2
Stats via FotMob

He also made seven clearances, three of which were with his head, whilst making three recoveries, which enabled him to be in the right place at the right time when called upon.

Heaven’s dominance at the heart of the three-man defence was further highlighted by his impressive tally of six combined duels won – also at a success rate of 100%.

It’s no mean feat for such a young defender to start in the middle of a Premier League defence, but Heaven has made it look routine over the last couple of weeks.

Given his tender age, expectations will no doubt need to be managed by Amorim, but it is certainly hard not to get excited by the youngster after his showing at Molineux.

He’s certainly done enough to cement his place in the starting eleven for the run-up to Christmas, potentially being a huge asset for the club in their hunt for Premier League glory in the years ahead.

Bad news for Mainoo: INEOS make £70m "passing machine" Man Utd’s no.1 target

Man United’s need for a new centre-midfielder is as pressing as ever.

By
Angus Sinclair

4 days ago

Manchester United had a busy summer reshaping their attack to help cater to Ruben Amorim’s infamous 3-4-2-1 system. There were two major outgoings in forward areas, with two academy graduates departing.

Alejandro Garnacho moved on a permanent deal to Chelsea, and Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona on loan with an option to buy.

Of course, the Red Devils needed to sign replacements, with two big-money signings moving to Old Trafford. One of those was Bryan Mbeumo, who has hit the ground running since his move from Brentford.

Matheus Cunha has also shone after his summer transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, United appear not to be done there, with another attacking target lined up.

Latest on Man Utd's search for a forward

You cannot knock the signings of Mbeumo and Cunha, who have both performed well since moving to Old Trafford. Cameroon star Mbeumo has been particularly impressive, with seven goals and assists in just 12 games for the Red Devils.

Well, INEOS could now look to add to that firepower up front with a move for Borussia Dortmund and Germany forward Karim Adeyemi.

Sky Sports Germany are reporting that the 13-time Premier League champions are ‘in talks’ with his agent, Jorge Mendes, over a potential move for the attacker.

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23-year-old Adeyemi will be out of contract in June 2027, and at this stage, it is unclear whether he will extend his stay at the Signal Iduna Park.

This could give United, and other top European clubs, a chance to pounce.

A price is not confirmed should a move materialise, but there is a rumoured release clause of £70.5m in his potential new deal, a fee Dortmund could demand.

Why Man Utd could be targeting Garnacho 2.0

The 2025/26 campaign has been impressive from Adeyemi, who is performing well and putting up a good goals and assists output. Yet, he’s been an important player for Dortmund, showing great versatility by operating on both flanks and as a number nine.

This term, the 11-cap Germany international has found the back of the net three times and assisted three goals, in 14 appearances so far. On top of that, Seb Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic’s German football correspondent, says he thinks this is the “best football of his career.”

Perhaps this impressive form is a continuation of his 2024/25 campaign, by far his most productive in that famous Yellow shirt so far. In 41 appearances, he scored 12 goals and assisted 11, including a famous Champions League hat-trick against Celtic.

If United were to bring Adeyemi to the club, he could be the second coming of Garnacho, with the pair noted as statistically similar players among those in their position in Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref.

The Argentine is showing his former club what they’re missing out on by selling him this summer. For Chelsea, Garnacho already has two goals and two assists in ten games.

It may be a sale that will always leave Red Devils fans wondering what could have been. Their former number 17 showed flashes of brilliance for the club, but struggled when Amorim took over.

He managed ten goals and assists under the tutelage of the Portuguese manager, including this stunning strike against Brentford.

It is easy to see how the players are similar. The pair are quick, direct wingers who utilise their pace well, looking to drive at defenders. On top of that, their underlying numbers from this season are similar.

For example, Adeyemi – described as a “pace monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson – averages 1.43 key passes per 90 minutes, compared to Garnacho’s 1.58 key passes each game.

Adeyemi & Garnacho key stats compared
Stat (per 90)	Adeyemi	Garnacho
Goals and assists	0.54	0.79
Key passes	1.43	1.58
Shot-creating actions	4.47	3.15
Take-ons completed	2.32	1.32
Ball recoveries	2.86	2.89
Stats from FBref

Both attackers are versatile forwards who could play as a number 10 or even at wing-back under Amorim. They offer similar creativity in the final third and possess blistering pace, which can hurt defenders.

There is no doubt that £70.5m is a large fee for the German. Yet, Adeyemi could enhance the quality of United’s attack and be the second coming of one of their most exciting academy graduates in recent years.

INEOS have already signed a "machine" who could end Sesko's Man Utd stay

Manchester United already have an elite-level prospect who could steal Benjamin Sesko’s starting role.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 18, 2025

Middlesex fell 42 short as Hampshire progress to face Yorkshire in the semi-finals

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 28-Aug-2025Ali Orr’s second century of the tournament guided Hampshire into the Metro Bank One Day Cup semi-finals as they saw off Middlesex in their play-off at Radlett.The left-hander struck 108, batting through most of the innings to underpin Hampshire’s recovery from 95 for 5 as they set their opponents a target of 230 with paceman Henry Brookes taking four for 53.Liam Dawson then stifled Middlesex’s reply with his spell of 4 for 33, supported by fellow left-arm spinner Andrew Neal (1 for 30) as the Seaxes were bowled out for 187 in 45.3 overs.Sam Robson top-scored with 48 and Toby Roland-Jones’ late unbeaten cameo of 39 prolonged the contest, but it was not enough to deny Hampshire a semi-final date on Sunday, when they will face Yorkshire at Scarborough.Middlesex made three changes to the side that had clinched a tense win at Lancashire to secure their knockout place, including returns for Roland-Jones and Ryan Higgins who both sent down tidy opening spells.Despite that, Orr and Nick Gubbins built a steady partnership of 45 until Brookes struck with his second delivery, tempting the Hampshire captain into a mistimed pull that sailed straight to midwicket.Fletcha Middleton was next to depart, caught behind nudging at a Brookes outswinger and the seamer soon grabbed his – and Middlesex’s – third wicket when Ben Brown was pinned leg before.Orr batted fluently, timing his shots on both sides of the wicket and steering Brookes to the point boundary to pass 50 for the second time in as many innings, but Middlesex continued to make inroads.Dawson, drafted in for his first appearance of the tournament, fell lbw to Sebastian Morgan, while Zafar Gohar’s miserly stint of one for 29 brought him the wicket of Ben Mayes, caught miscuing a reverse sweep.However, James Fuller’s spirited 42 provided the perfect foil for Orr, with the pair adding 96 from 18 overs before Higgins had the all-rounder caught in the deep.Having advanced to three figures in style by hooking Brookes for six, Orr eventually holed out to long on off Higgins, his departure effectively ending Hampshire’s hopes of clambering above 250.Middlesex rejigged their batting order, promoting Nathan Fernandes to open in the wake of his match-winning 92 at Old Trafford and the left-hander continued in similar vein with two sweetly-struck straight drives to the rope off Kyle Abbott.Although Josh de Caires fell to Fuller’s diving catch around the corner, the batting side still looked reasonably comfortable at 66 for 1 before they were decisively pegged back by the Hampshire spinners.Fernandes’ innings of 42 came to an end when he was pinned leg before by Neal and Dawson then removed Ben Geddes in the same manner before having Higgins taken low at slip.Along with seamer Eddie Jack, the spin duo smothered their opponents’ scoring rate in the middle overs and it fell to Robson to dig in, take advantage of rare stray deliveries and attempt to take the game deep.Joe Cracknell launched a brief counter-attack, clubbing a six and two fours from one Fuller over to reach 22 from as many balls, but the bowler took his revenge by dismissing both Cracknell and Gohar in the space of three deliveries.Brown’s neat stumping to remove Robson brought Hampshire a third wicket with the score unchanged and that appeared to signal the end of Middlesex’s challenge, but Roland-Jones went on the offensive, battering Abbott for a trio of off-side boundaries.He added 45 for the ninth wicket with Morgan, but Hampshire were not be denied and Dawson sealed victory by bowling last man Brookes in the 46th over.

Last year, Arne Slot won the sprawling Liverpool fanbase over with his incredible success in replacing the irreplaceable Jurgen Klopp and establishing a clear and compelling identity.

But last season’s Premier League title triumph is a far cry from this current Liverpool crop, who have been battered away from title-defending contention after a run of six losses and just one win across eight league fixtures.

So much has gone awry, but Slot’s failure to get a tune out of £125m summer signing Alexander Isak has got to be among the biggest worries.

Isak's start to life at Liverpool

Isak, 26, left Newcastle as one of the most devastating forwards in world football, instrumental in the rise of Eddie Howe’s Tyneside team over the past three years.

But there’s no question that he’s struggled to adapt so far this season, having only scored twice so far and routinely drifting on the edge of matches. After Liverpool’s recent draw to Sunderland, Slot admitted that providing the 26-year-old was among his priorities to fix.

But, for now, his impact has been nominal, failing to bring the completeness and sharpness that his predecessor, Darwin Nunez, failed over three years to sustain with consistency.

Reporter David Lynch actually claimed last month that “Isak is currently offering less than Nunez did during his final year at Anfield”, and the few games he has played since have offered little encouragement that such a bold claim is without legs.

However, this is a time for cool heads, as far as the Swedish striker’s future on Merseyside is concerned.

Isak is one of the best strikers in the world, and he will surely come good at the Anfield spearhead.

Liverpool's new version of Darwin Nunez

Liverpool have enjoyed Cody Gakpo’s services for almost three years now, purchasing PSV Eindhoven’s talisman for a fee rising to £45m in late December 2022.

The left-sided forward is well regarded as one of the most prolific wingers in European football, but his overall performances do leave something to be desired. In fact, his samey efforts down the wing have irked some Liverpool fans across the campaign, and it is for this reason that he, and not Isak, is becoming the club’s new version of Nunez.

Liverpool have been too predictable this season, and the sight of Gakpo claiming the ball on the left flank and proceeding to cut inside has become a too-regular occurrence, something opponents are clearly cottoning onto.

The Netherlands international does offer something, but he isn’t dynamic enough, and the absence of Luis Diaz’s electric threat is accentuated by his sustained starting role on the left wing.

Looking at the data could leave a few fans feeling rather incredulous. Gakpo is statistically among the most creative players in the Premier League this season, and his return of four goals and three assists from 12 top-flight starts is pretty good for an outfit so far out of sorts.

Premier League 25/26 – Most Chances Created

Player

Chances Created

Per Game

Bruno Fernandes

40

2.9

Jeremy Doku

31

3.3

Mohamed Salah

28

2.3

Yankuba Minteh

27

2.0

Cody Gakpo

26

2.2

Data via FotMob

But he has also fallen into the trap of predictability, and many are questioning why someone like Federico Chiesa is not getting a chance to show what he can do in his stead (reminder: Chiesa has not started in the Premier League or Champions League for Liverpool this year).

Nunez left Anfield a popular figure, but it was clear that Liverpool needed to level up at number nine after three terms of inconsistency from the Uruguayan.

Gakpo isn’t inconsistent, per se, but he is undoubtedly frustrating in his inswinging repetition, and this is why he is becoming a picked-on figure in the same vein as Nunez before him.

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Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair 7 days ago

The England captain insisted it was not a “skill issue” that caused the meltdown in Perth as the tourists plot their fightback

Vithushan Ehantharajah29-Nov-20252:51

Ehantharajah: This defeat will hurt for England

One of the few success stories from Jon Ronson’s , a book that delves into the worryingly compelling world of online humiliation and real-world consequences, comes from Max Moseley.The ex-Formula One boss’, ermmm, extra-curricular peccadilloes were plastered all over the papers in 2008. And yet, not only did he manage to survive those stories – even retaining his position as FIA president – he emerged more popular than before simply because he refused to be shamed by them. Even considering the economic and social factors that allowed Moseley to emerge unscathed from such scandal, the underlying reason why, Ronson posits, was through owning the facts of his now public sexual proclivities.Related

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England have not disgraced themselves to that degree on this Ashes tour. Entire universes separate a two-day defeat in the opening Test match and, say, a lifelong penchant for questionable dress-up and sadomasochism. But to go by the coverage here in Australia – and some back home – Bazball has bared its arse to the world.And so, on Saturday, not governed by shame but duty, Ben Stokes took the initiative. England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick had been pencilled in to address the media at the start of a training session at Allan Border Field, some 8km north of The Gabba, where England will be situated from Sunday. Stokes, however, decided the first official engagement since last Saturday, in the immediate aftermath of Australia’s eight-wicket win, should come from him.It was an opportunity for clarity amid what he perceives to be a sea of conjecture and unfair criticism. He disagreed with the notion his team were arrogant and gave context to their no-show for the Prime Minister’s XI fixture in Canberra. At the forefront, however, came home truths around a key position squandered – 105 in front after lunch on day two, with nine second-innings in hand, that eventuated in one of England’s most embarrassing Ashes defeats.Ben Stokes gets back into training ahead of the second Test•Getty Images”We had our foot on the throat of Australia at that time,” said Stokes, ruefully. “And I guess a good one [thought] is…you’ve never got enough when it comes to the bat and you’ve never got enough on the board when you’re trying to bowl a team out.”That’s a mentality thing. If you can think of it more like that, that will send guys out there with that real clear mind – not only about how we want to operate but where the game currently is sat. You’ve never won til you’ve won, and last week was a great example of that.”We were in such a commanding and controlling position in that Test, particularly after the first innings – being [effectively] 105 for 1, getting a lead and making them chase down 200 [205] there was still a lot of belief that we were going to do this. That doesn’t mean we don’t look back on important moments and know we could have been better, and in how we executed that.”You can all agree with me, it’s not a skill issue or a quality issue that we have with regard to that moment in that game happening. We’re all really, really good players. We’ve all shown that at different moments throughout our careers. It’s just having an understanding of where that was at that moment in time. Being 100 for 1 in the third innings was an unbelievably strong position to be in.”The introspection in the days since has come both as a team and individuals. Stokes revealed he has been wondering what he could have done differently in the field, particularly in the early stages of Head’s remarkable 123 from 83 deliveries. Stokes, shellshocked in the immediate aftermath, has since found faults in his own captaincy. He was perhaps guilty of sifting through plans too quickly, not letting them settle. Spamming the bumper ploy when England’s success had come through nailing a length. Not bowling Joe Root early enough to change the pace as Head – a leftie – began swinging for the fences.There will be much interest in England’s approach with the bat in Brisbane•Gareth Copley/Getty Images”We’ve used that time to reflect on all those kinds of things, not only from a team point of view but me as a captain – the job I have to do out there. The next time we’re potentially in a situation like that, I’ll be in a better place to handle something that happens so quickly.”I know there were areas in that fourth innings where I could have been a lot better as captain. I am the person who makes decisions about how we go out there and operate, and I am the one who gives the plans to the bowlers. On reflection of myself, I wasn’t as clear as I normally am in those moments.”That’s something I have thought about, what I can do better as a captain and a leader. Making sure wherever the game is, whatever the momentum is swinging or not, the key thing for me is to be completely crystal clear with my bowlers.”

That’s why it was such a strange feeling at the end of that game because it happened very, very quickly. We lost a game we were in control of and we all know thatBen Stokes

Clear messages, full hearts, can’t lose – therein lies the actual essence of what Stokes and Brendon McCullum have tried to instill since they joined forces in 2022. Stripping away the add-ons of Test cricket has always come with the ultimate goal of being better at Test cricket. And even in defeat, all Stokes and McCullum ask is whether you can be satisfied in having committed to your role in your own way.Self-flaggelation is discouraged – the final two sessions at Perth Stadium underlines cricket does a good enough job at promoting self-hatred – but honesty remains a vital tool. And it was instructive that Stokes decided to reiterate the blueprint here and now, when it is under its most intense scrutiny.”We keep it very simple, which is always looking to put the opposition under pressure, but then also understanding the moment we need to absorb the pressure that is being piled on to us from the opposition,” he said. “We know that we are very, very good at the first bit and we all know there are areas that we can be better doing the second bit. That is the key of it. We do that and understand that. We don’t take anything for granted around anything.Ben Stokes said England have taken time to reflect on what went wrong in the first Test•Getty Images”We’re not going ‘oh, well’, because we don’t do that. We don’t shrug it off and think ‘next time hopefully it will happen’. We are professional sportsmen, we pride ourselves on how we go about things and we pride ourselves on the results of the games we’re playing in.”We all know that we definitely could be better in those moments and I think it showed in that third innings. That doesn’t take away how well we played for the vast majority of that game, although it was quick. That’s why it was such a strange feeling at the end of that game because it happened very, very quickly. We lost a game we were in control of and we all know that.”It is likely the majority of the XI will get the chance to show they have learned from last week’s mistakes. Mark Wood is expected to miss out, but the 10 remaining could be rolled out again, each with their own shot of redemption.The second Test, ultimately, represents a do-over. The chance to shape the narrative, even if the odds are skewed very much in Australia’s favour given their dominant record in day-night cricket.Harnessing that energy and channeling it into squaring the series will not be easy. Even with the time that has passed since the opening defeat, there are still five days to go. Five more days of talking, five more days of wondering. England will be gagging for the pink-ball Test to begin.

Cole Palmer has missed recent national team call-ups due to a persistent groin injury and a fractured toe, hampering his involvement in England's 2026 World Cup planning. And there's more bad news for the Chelsea star as his absence from the official 2026 England calendar has caused some media speculation, with some fans worrying it is a "major hint" he could miss the World Cup.

Palmer overlooked by Three Lions 

The 2026 England calendar will be a popular stocking filler for many excited young football fans this Christmas, but they certainly won’t feature on anyone’s present list in the Palmer household. The players included features the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, and there’s even a space for Jack Grealish. But The Blues’ star forward and the man who scored the Three Lions’ sole goal in the Euro 2024 final against Spain doesn't make the cut. 

The England store website says: "Celebrate the England National Team every day of the year with this 2026 Calendar. Featuring vibrant imagery and key dates, it’s the perfect way to keep track of important events while showing your support."

However, sources from the FA have suggested that players were largely selected for the calendar based on appearances during the 2024/25 season for production deadlines, a campaign during which Palmer struggled with injury issues and limited playing time under manager Thomas Tuchel.

AdvertisementAFPIntrigue over Palmer's latest injury 

Palmer has had to sit out a number of matches recently with a variety of injuries, but the most recent injury to his toe has caused real intrigue, particularly regarding how it occurred. And team-mate Marc Cucurella has hinted it may have happened while playing popular football computer game FIFA. 

He told reporters on Monday: "To be fair, I don't believe it. It is true that these things can sometimes happen. I have had this a couple of times but I'm stronger than them, so I don't feel anything. It's a big upset for us because he's getting closer to playing with us, to train with us, and then now he needs to rest. But this is part of life, a part of footballers' lives, we have personal lives, and we have these kinds of problems, so hopefully he can recover fast." 

When asked what he was doing, Cucurella replied: "I don't know. He's running because I think he lost a FIFA game or something like this, I think!"

Injury-prone Palmer on track to face Gunners

It has been a rollercoaster week for Palmer and the injury updates which have come from Blues boss Enzo Maresca. Midweek, Palmer was still recovering in a protective boot, by Friday he was in contention for the crunch London derby clash with Arsenal. 

Ahead of the game with Barcelona, Maresca said: "Yes, Cole is wearing a (protective) boot. We don’t know when he will be back but for sure it will be soon. He’s already on the pitch, he’s already touching the ball, and the feeling (for him) is good. At the moment, we are only looking at tomorrow’s game. It’s a Champions League game against Barcelona, that is our focus, and then we will look ahead to Arsenal. I don’t think he will be available for these two games, but he is doing well." 

But during his Friday press conference, he confirmed Palmer is ready to face the Gunners. Speaking to reporters, he said: "He is available for both (to start and to play). (His return will elevate the squad) A lot. As you said, he's probably our best player. We are happy he is back. We need to give him time to make sure he's 100 per cent fit. He has done fantastically in the past, and there is no doubt he will do fantastically in the future."

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Getty Images SportAll eyes on Stamford Bridge

League leaders Arsenal visit Chelsea on Sunday with both teams in excellent form and the midfield clash featuring Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo will be key. A win for the Blues will move them to three points behind their north London rivals, but their recent record against Arteta’s side is poor, having won just one of the last 11 Premier League encounters.

Nuno Espírito Santo is still waiting for his first win as West Ham manager since taking over from Graham Potter last month, and the January window could represent a lifeline amid their torrid state of affairs.

West Ham fall to another defeat with January looking vital

Last Friday, it was Leeds United’s turn to inflict yet another damaging defeat on West Ham.

Early goals from Brenden Aaronson and former Tottenham defender Joe Rodon piled more misery on Nuno, with a late consolation from summer signing Mateus Fernandes coming as too little, too late for the Portuguese’s side.

Nuno is still tinkering with his West Ham team as he looks to discover the best formula to steer them away from this season’s relegation dogfight.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

After raising eyebrows with his rather questionable team to play Brentford last Monday, Nuno opted to play Lucas Paqueta as a false nine yet again at Elland Road, with Andy Iriving and Tomas Soucek chosen to start in midfield, similar to their defeat a few days prior.

Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman were also called upon once more to play as the starting centre-back pair, but just like their defeat against Brentford, they had no joy as Leeds gave West Ham a mountain to climb early doors.

Nuno apparently doesn’t fancy Callum Wilson or James Ward-Prowse, with the latter excluded from all of his matchday squads so far and a January exit appearing likely for the Englishman.

It is becoming abundantly clear that West Ham may not have a good-enough squad to compete at this level, so reports have begun flooding in that chairman David Sullivan and co are planning to be active when the transfer window reopens.

In a bid to save their season, it is believed that Nuno has urged both Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady to sign a new defender, midfielder and forward in January, with Sky Sports also reporting funds will be available for West Ham to spend.

Niclas Fullkrug’s injury problems have been a thorn in West Ham’s side since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund last year, and the need for a reliable goalscorer is evident given Nuno’s reported stance on Wilson.

Callum Marshall is another option to lead the line, but so far, Nuno is still reluctant to hand the Northern Ireland international a chance to prove himself as he reaches for makeshift options like Paqueta.

Taking this into account, West Ham are in the market for a new number nine this winter, and Real Madrid starlet Endrick is believed to be a key target.

The Brazil international, thanks to a combination of fitness issues and competition for places, has struggled to establish himself as a Real regular, despite firing them to a Copa del Rey final last season before Los Blancos eventually lost out to Barcelona.

Endrick was a target for West Ham last January on loan, and their long-term interest has remained.

According to some reports, West Ham have already held talks with Real about signing Endrick on a temporary deal ahead of January, and the Hammers are also fond of his teammate, Gonzalo Garcia.

Endrick preparing to leave Real Madrid after alleged West Ham talks

Now, as per reports from Spain, Endrick is “preparing to leave” Real amid these alleged West Ham talks, but it is no guarantee that the teenager chooses a switch to east London amid a growing clamor for his services.

Endrick, who is still widely regarded as one of Brazil’s brightest upcoming talents, could also make a move to Brentford.

Keith Andrews’ side are named as a “clear” candidate for his signature, while La Liga sides like Real Sociedad and Sevilla are also keen on snapping up the ex-Palmeiras sensation who cost Real £53 million to sign back in 2022.

While West Ham are firmly in the mix, they’ll need to move quickly ahead of what looks likely to be a scramble for Endrick when the January window opens.

However, going by Carlo Ancelotti’s past praise of the striker, it could definitely be worth the effort.