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Fast bowler calls Kwena Maphaka an “extremely exciting talent”

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Aug-2025Kagiso Rabada is reminded of his own youth when he looks out at the South Africa dressing room right now as they prepare to take on Australia over the course of three T20Is and three ODIs starting Sunday.The two teams last played against each other in the World Test Championship final, where South Africa’s more experienced players stood tall. Now with the T20 World Cup in 2026 and a home ODI World Cup in 2027, their focus has shifted into blooding younger talent so that come those big games they have a reference point for what to do when the pressure is on.”You were talking earlier about when I came here for the first time, that kind of reminds me of the space that they’re in,” Rabada, who is now past 10 years in international cricket, said on Thursday. “I’m sure they just want to do their best. They’ve got no fear. When you’re young, you’ve got no fear at all. And yeah, I mean, I’m excited to see how they’re going to go in their careers.”Related

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South Africa’s white-ball squad in Darwin includes players like Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who was the top-scorer in the SA20 earlier this year, Dewald Brevis, who was marked for higher honours since he burst on the scene at the Under-19 World Cup in 2022 and Kwena Maphaka, whose left-arm seam earned him an IPL contract at 17 and a national cap at 18.While calling his team’s younger batch “explosive and fearless,” captain Aiden Markram said: “You know how it is to be 19-20 again and there’s not many worries in the world at that age and it reflects in when they train and how you see them operate. So, very exciting…each country has their own youngsters coming through and we got a handful of them this tour and it’s an exciting and great opportunity for us to see what they’re about and allow them to entertain people.”Rabada has not played any cricket since his starring role in the WTC final in June, when he picked up nine wickets in the match. He recovered from those exertions with a holiday in Greece and is back feeling “fully fit” and excited to pass on his knowledge to the newcomers. He called Maphaka an “extremely exciting talent”.South Africa have high hopes for 19-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka•AFP/Getty Images”Because of the fact that he’s a bowler as well, you know, kind of makes it more, from my point of view, that I’m obliged to almost take him under extra care,” Rabada said. “But I think he’s going to learn, you know, from his own experiences as well and from his own journey. And we’re just there to be a sounding board, you know, not necessarily get involved into their careers too much, but be sounding boards.”Still only 19, Maphaka has been fast-tracked into the South African set-up. He has already played two Tests, two ODIs and eight T20Is, picking up 18 wickets in the process. The squad as a whole is getting used to new leadership with Shukri Conrad handed the reins in white-ball cricket as well. Rabada was intrigued by some of the coach’s “left-field” strategies as they work towards the global tournaments that are around the corner.”You’re looking at growing this team within the next year and a half. That’s the bigger goal looking into 2027 [ODI World Cup], but certainly a short-term goal leading into the 2026 [T20] World Cup, looking at guys like David [Miller, currently playing in the Hundred in England], who are going to be back, Marco [Jansen, injured], who are going to be back. That gives a bit more of solidification in terms of the team and in mainly experience.”But yeah, these games [against Australia] would be just to get a feel for one another as team-mates, how we’re going to go about it. And really, it’s just a work in process, there’s no fear of winning or losing. Although we play to win 100%, it is the main thing, but it’s a process and it’s a process of evaluation.”

Two wickets each for Hasaranga and Theekshana restricted Zimbabwe to 146, before SL blazed to the target

Madushka Balasuriya25-Nov-2025Pathum Nissanka found a timely return to form as he struck a devastating 98 off 58 deliveries to help Sri Lanka chase down a target of 147 against Zimbabwe in just 16.2 overs, with nine wickets to spare, in what was a must-win game in Rawalpindi. The result gives Sri Lanka their first win on the tour, and snaps a five-match losing streak in T20Is. It now means Sri Lanka go into their final game against Pakistan on Thursday knowing that a win will mean they qualify for the final of the tri-series.Before Nissanka’s blitz, Sri Lanka’s bowlers had done well to restrict Zimbabwe to a sub-par total of 146 for 5. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga ended with identical innings-best figures of 2 for 23, as Zimbabwe struggled to push their innings into high gear.There were starts for Brian Bennett and Sikandar Raza, but both fell at inopportune moments, while a final flourish from Ryan Burl was still not enough to challenge a strong Sri Lanka batting performance. The rest of the Zimbabwe batting once more fell flat. There was also a debut for Pavan Rathnayake, though Nissanka ensured Rathnayake was not required to bat.Nissanka finds formAfter that monumental 107 against India in the Asia Cup, Nissanka’s next five white-ball scores read 29, 24, 24, 0 and 17. Not necessarily terrible form, but for a side that relies heavily on his power-hitting to set the tone, it’s no surprise that Nissanka’s dip in form has coincided with a lean period for Sri Lanka.But here, with Sri Lanka chasing a middling total and needing a win to stay in contention for the final, Nissanka finally got one to stick. Sri Lanka produced their best powerplay of the series – 64 for 1 – with Nissanka accounting for 37 of those runs. Through the middle overs, Sri Lanka struck a further 73 – and Nissanka 51 of those. And only three death-overs deliveries were needed to seal the chase – a wide, a four, and a mammoth six.File photo: Maheesh Theekshana got two wickets in the powerplay•Associated PressFull or short, it didn’t matter, Nissanka dealt with them all just the same. There were sweeps off seamers, flat-batted wallops over extra cover, slaps down the ground, and mega pulls right across the square boundary. Richard Ngarava was singled out in particular, with the tall left-arm seamer being taken for four fours and three sixes.Nissanka struck 11 fours and four sixes in total. Such was Nissanka’s control over proceedings that the final shot of the chase – a front-foot pull for six over backward square leg – had Nissanka looking up at the sky with a wry smile. No, not in celebration, rather disbelief that he had struck six when he intended to hit a four, as the latter would have allowed him to make a run at a second T20I century.Theekshana stakes his claimIn 11 T20Is in 2025, Theekshana has 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.78. It is his most expensive year so far – his overall economy rate stands at 6.97 – while also being his least impactful (in which he has played at least ten matches) since his debut in 2021. It has meant that despite picking up 24 wickets in 2024 at a strike rate of 18.7 – the figure stands at 23.1 for 2025 – Theekshana has found himself the odd man out on more than one occasion.So having been dropped for Sri Lanka’s second game in this tri-series, Theekshana was recalled for this match, and promptly handed the new ball. By the time his three-over powerplay spell had ended, two of Zimbabwe’s top three had been sent back – he beat both edges to rattle the stumps of Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers – as his figures at that stage read 2 for 19. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, ended the powerplay on 44 for 2.Theekshana’s final over arrived at the start of the death-overs period, and in it he gave away just four runs. That was four quality overs in the game’s most difficult period for bowlers on a good batting track. In a year where he hasn’t been at the top of his game, Theekshana seemed to have provided a timely reminder of what he offers when he’s at his best.Sikandar Raza steadied Zimbabwe in the middle overs•PCBRaza, Bennett to the rescue againOf the 581 runs Zimbabwe have struck over the course of four games this series, 273 have come off the bats of Bennett and Raza – that roughly accounts for 46%. It is a worrying dependency as of late, but one that Zimbabwe will be grateful for at present.After Theekshana’s early strikes, it was Bennett who ensured the scoring rate remained above seven runs an over, particularly with Brendan Taylor struggling for fluency at the other end. It meant that despite Taylor’s 14 off 16 balls, their partnership of 36 still came off 28 deliveries.And once Taylor fell, it brought Raza to the crease, and together he added 36 off 30 balls with Bennett – they mixed the odd boundary with intelligent strike rotation. While they were together, Zimbabwe looked on track for at least 160 as the pair navigated the middle overs expertly.Burl’s late show spares blushesBurl has flattered to deceive throughout this series, but against Pakistan last time out, his 67 off 49 deliveries finally realised some of what he had been threatening. Unfortunately for Burl, that knock came in a doomed cause, whereas on Tuesday evening, he revived an innings that had been limping to a close.After Bennett and Raza had both fallen in the space of 13 deliveries courtesy Hasaranga’s double strike, Zimbabwe’s innings was in danger of unraveling. Of the four overs bowled at the death, two went for three and four runs, respectively. But Burl, who had been on 1 off 7 balls when Raza fell midway through the 15th over, ensured the innings retained some momentum by striking 36 runs off his next 19 deliveries.If Tashinga Musekiwa had been able to offer more support than his eventual 6 off 14 balls, Zimbabwe may have reached the 160 they had been eyeing – or perhaps more.

Shohei Ohtani has played two seasons in Los Angeles with the Dodgers, and he already has two World Series rings to show for it. These past two seasons are the only two years the three-time MVP has competed in the postseason in general, too. That’s a pretty impressive run.

The Dodgers’ three-peat chances have already become a talking point heading into the 2025 season. While it would mark the fifth time in MLB history for a team to at least win three World Series in a row, it would be the Dodgers’ first time achieving that feat. And, Ohtani’s already imagining what that celebration would be like.

During the Dodgers’ World Series championship parade on Monday, the L.A. superstar was asked if it would be difficult for him to not win the World Series next season as that’s all he’s ever known with the Dodgers.

“I’m already thinking about the third time we’re doing to do this,” Ohtani simply replied.

We’ll see if the Dodgers can deliver on this dream next season.

Los Angeles overcame a tough World Series vs. the Blue Jays to win the title. Game 7 appeared to be in Toronto’s reach until the Dodgers tied up the contest in the top of the ninth. The game went to 11 innings, but Los Angeles came out on top thanks to Will Smith’s homer that inning. Then, Mookie Betts delivered a game-winning double play at the bottom of the inning to seal the deal.

Chelsea’s transfer strategy over the last few seasons has seen them sign plenty of hugely talented players.

The likes of Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Estevao and Marc Cucurella, for example, are some of the most exciting in the Premier League.

However, the Blues have also signed more than their fair share of flops, some of whom still need to be moved on as soon as possible.

This includes an international centre-back who was once compared to John Terry.

The worst centre-backs signed under Todd Boehly

While Chelsea have made at least one poor signing in practically every position since Todd Boehly and Co took charge, they seem to have had particular bad luck at centre-back.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

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For example, ranking as one of the worst signings the club have made over the last few years is Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

The Blues paid Napoli around £33m for the then-highly rated and vastly experienced defender in 2022, and to their credit, it seemed like a good signing at the time.

After all, the monster centre-back was long seen as one of the best in his position in Europe, but it quickly became apparent that the West Londoners had picked him up a few years too late.

He was slow on and off the ball, prone to mistakes, and simply looked out of place in the Premier League, and was sold to Saudi Pro-League side Al-Hilal after just one year.

Another defender who has failed to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge, or even get close to them, is Benoit Badiashile.

The former AS Monaco gem joined the Blues in January 2023 for a fee of around £35m, and at the time, fans thought the club had just secured one of the best up-and-coming defenders in French football.

After all, he made his debut for the Ligue 1 side at just 17 years old, and by the time Chelsea came knocking, he had already amassed an impressive tally of 135 appearances for them.

Standing 6 foot 4 inches tall and described as the “complete centre-back” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his speed, power and ability on the ball, it seemed like he would be a hit.

Unfortunately, while he wasn’t as bad as Koulibaly, he has still made far too many mistakes and was limited to just 16 starts across all competitions last season.

There might be a way back for the Frenchman now he’s fit again, but the same cannot be said for one of his teammates, who was once compared to the iconic John Terry.

The Chelsea player compared to John Terry

One of the members of Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad,’ Maresca and Co. need to get rid of Axel Disasi as soon as possible, for his benefit as much as the club’s.

It’s hard to imagine it now, but when the 27-year-old centre-back first joined the Blues, in the summer of 2023, there was a fair deal of excitement from fans and pundits alike.

After all, here was a French international who had made a brief appearance in the World Cup final the winter before and someone who was one of the most exciting defenders in Ligue 1.

In fact, just a few years before his move to Stamford Bridge, talent scout Jacek Kulig compared him to Virgil van Dijk and described him as “a true hidden gem” who was “born to play in England.”

The Gonesse-born titan’s time in West London couldn’t have got off to a better start, either, as on his debut, he scored a header to earn his side a point against Liverpool.

Unfortunately, over the following months, he would begin to struggle with the quality of the league, but then-boss Mauricio Pochettino kept him in the team, and away to Manchester City in February, he got his rewards.

The former AS Monaco ace was sensational against the champions, and according to Jamie Carragher, his “John Terry performance” was the reason the Blues left the Etihad with a point.

Disasi’s Chelsea record

Appearances

61

Minutes

4974

Starts

56

Goals

5

Assists

2

Points per Game

1.89

All Stats via Transfermarkt

That is just about the highest praise a Chelsea defender can get, and unfortunately, he has not performed anywhere close to that level since.

The following season saw him stay at Stamford Bridge for the first half, but he was sent on loan to Aston Villa for the second half, where he made ten appearances and failed to stamp his authority on the backline.

Things have gotten even worse this year, as, at the time of writing, the only appearance he has made was for the club’s U21S against Reading’s U21S last week.

Unfortunately, it is clear that Maresca has no intention of even including Disasi in his squad this season, so considering he’s earning £80k-per-week, and for his own sake, Chelsea should look to sell him as soon as possible.

Related Chelsea teenager who's "truly ridiculous" looks like a right-footed Palmer

The incredible talent could become Chelsea and Enzo Maresca’s next Cole Palmer.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 13, 2025

Seifert’s 125 is also the second-highest score ever in the CPL, while Kings’ chase was the fifth-highest ever in the competition

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Aug-2025

A stunning century from Tim Seifert helped St Lucia Kings pull off the fifth-highest chase in Caribbean Premier League (CPL) history with utter ease as they marched to the top of the table with a six-wicket win over Antigua and Barbuda Falcons at Gros Islet.Seifert levelled with Andre Russell for the CPL’s fastest century as his 53-ball 125 not out saw Kings overturn their 205-run in 17.5 overs as Falcons slumped to their second consecutive defeat, despite a 26-ball 61 from Shakib Al Hasan.Seifert started the chase in style, flat-batting the first legal delivery of the innings for a six over long-off. Imad Wasim conceded another six, to Johnson Charles, as Kings made their intent clear in the first over.Charles then welcomed Jayden Seales into the attack with a six before Seifert went 6, 4, 4 against the West Indies quick.There was some reprieve for Falcons when Salman Irshad had Charles gloving behind off an attempted scoop but Seifert showed no signs of slowing down.He swept Shakib for a six over square leg before skying a chance that fell safe between three fielders converging, much to Shakib’s angst.Akeem Auguste hit Irshad for three consecutive fours before Seales took 24 off Shakib, with two sixes and three fours. The 92 runs Kings plundered in the powerplay were the most in the season, and it was the third-best powerplay in CPL history.Tim Seifert plays a shot during his opening blitz•Getty Images

Usama Mir saw Seifert hit him for a four and a six in his first over, right after the powerplay, but hit back in his next over when he beat Auguste in flight to have him stumped.Seifert and Roston Chase kept the scoreboard ticking before Irshad took a blinder at short leg off Odean Smith to cut Chase’s innings short.However, in the next over Seifert hit back-to-back sixes off Mir to move to 99 and completed his century with a single off the next ball.Tim David went 6, 4, 6 off Smith before Seales had him caught at deep midwicket in a wicket maiden amid the chaos.Seifert, who had scooped Irshad in the over before for four, picked up another boundary off Seales’ third over before sealing the win with a mighty six off the final ball.Seifert finished unbeaten on 125, posting the highest score of the season, going past his compatriot Colin Munro, who is the only other centurion this year. This was also the second-highest score ever in the CPL.Openers Amir Jangoo and Jewel Andrew took Falcons to 51 for no loss at the end of the powerplay, but Tabraiz Shamsi’s introduction shifted the momentum briefly. He had Andrew skying one off his first ball before drawing a thick edge from Karima Gore and Roston Chase took a good catch at slip to send the in-form batter back for a first-ball duck.Shakib Al Hasan powered Falcons’ innings•CPL

Shakib prevented the hat-trick by sweeping a loosener fine on the leg side before an edge off a reverse-sweep brought him four more next ball.An 18-ball streak followed without a boundary, but that was ended when Shakib hit back-to-back sixes off Chase to end the tenth over – a slog sweep over midwicket was followed by a wallop down the ground.Shakib hammered David Wiese for 25 runs, with three consecutive fours followed by two back-to-back sixes, the second of which saw him bring up a 20-ball half-century.Jangoo lofted Shamsi over long-off the next over before sweeping him fine on the leg side. Shakib’s shot of the day was when he pummeled Alzarri Joseph inside out for a one-handed six.But an offcutter from Delano Potgieter drew a leading edge from Shakib and one over later, Jangoo miscued a reverse-sweep off Shamsi to David at short third to depart for a 43-ball 56.Smith failed to fire in the death, ambling to 11 off 15, but Fabian Allen provided the punch at the death with a 17-ball 38, taking Falcons past 200.

كشف محمد سلامة عضو مجلس إدارة الاتحاد السكندري، عن تفاصيل أزمة انسحاب فريق كرة السلة من مباراة النهائي لـ بطولة الدوري المصري أمام الأهلي.

وقال محمد سلامة في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة اون سبورت: “فريق الاتحاد روح، (أخدتهم أعشيهم)، والقصة بدأت اليوم بمباراة المرتبط، حدثت مناوشات بعد المباراة وعلمت إن لاعب عندنا أخطأ، وسيتم إيقافه من قبل الاتحاد قبل أي شيء لأننا ناد رياضي أخلاقي واجتماعي”.

وأكمل: “(أي أحد هيغلط هيتقطع رقبته)، وأنا بعلن إيقاف اللاعب وسيتعرض لأشد العقوبات قبل قرار اتحاد اللعبة”.

وواصل: “حدثت مناوشات بين الجماهير، وكان يوجد صعوبة في إخراج الجمهورين في وقت واحد، انتظرنا فترة طويلة جدًا هل جمهور الأهلي يخرج أولًا أم جمهور الاتحاد، الأمور أخذت وقتا طويلا”.

وأشار: “تكلمنا مع محمد الغزاوي عضو مجلس الأهلي، وقلنا يجب أن يتم تأجيل المباراة إلى الغد، ولا توجد ارتباطات دولية، وهذا الرأي لاقى استحسانا”.

طالع | الاتحاد السكندري يهاجم حكم مباراة الجونة في بيان رسمي: ما حدث يضر بالمصداقية والعدالة

وأوضح: “لكن اللاعبين قالوا لي إن اللاعبين تناولوا وجبة الغداء الساعة 2 والساعة وصلت لـ 10 ولم تبدأ المباراة، وبهذه الأجواء المباراة ستلعب الساعة 12”.

وأضاف: “نحن في النهاية نتحدث من أجل سلامة اللاعبين ولا نريد أن نخسرهم، والكلام كان مُرحب به، مجلس إدارة الاتحاد دخل غرفة مغلقة لمناقشة القرار، وبعد أن ذهبنا فوجئنا أن لاعبي الأهلي نزلوا الملعب ويسخنوا”.

وبسؤاله هل ترى أن هذا المشهد يليق بسمعة اللعبة؟، أجاب: “مع احترامي .. ألا تستطيع تأمين مباراة فيها 600 فرد، وتحدثني عن سمعة الرياضة المصرية ولا يوجد تأمين لـ 600 فرد”.

يبدو أن هناك تحركات من قبل بعض الأندية المصرية لمحاولة خطف لاعب أو آخر ممن ينتهون عقودهم مع الزمالك بالمجان دون دخول في أي مفاوضات مع القلعة البيضاء.

وفي مقدمة هؤلاء يأتي أحمد حمدي لاعب الزمالك، الذي أصبح ملف رحيله مفتوحًا داخل الأبيض منذ فترة دون تقدم واضح في مفاوضات التجديد.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ترتيب مجموعة الزمالك في كأس الرابطة بعد التعادل مع كهرباء الإسماعيلية وفوز زد على سموحة

وعلم بطولات أن البنك الأهلي دخل في مفاوضات خلال الأيام الماضية مع اللاعب، سعياً لضمه في بداية الموسم المقبل، مستغلًا اقتراب نهاية عقده مع القلعة البيضاء.

وينتهي عقد أحمد حمدي في يونيو القادم، دون وجود أي نية لدى الزمالك لتجديده، وهناك محاولات لبيعه في يناير المقبل قبل 6 أشهر للاستفادة بأي مقابل مادي.

ولم يمنح اللاعب إدارة البنك الأهلي أي رد نهائي بشأن العرض، في ظل دراسة خيار آخر للموسم المقبل.

وتشير المعلومات إلى وجود عرض آخر من بيراميدز، الذي يسعى لضم أحمد حمدي بالمجان فور فتح باب القيد الصيفي، وهو ما جذب اهتمام اللاعب بشكل أكبر.

وأوضح المصدر أن الاتجاه الأقرب داخل دائرة اللاعب هو الانتقال إلى بيراميدز، في ظل المقابل المالي الأفضل والظروف التي ستجعله ينافس بشكل أفضل على البطولة مقارنة بنادي البنك الأهلي.

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Amazonas e Paysandu se enfrentam neste sábado (18), pela sexta rodada da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. A bola vai rolar a partir das 17h30 (de Brasília), na Arena da Amazônia, Manaus (AM), com transmissão do Band, Canal GOAT, Premiere.

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🗓️ Data e horário: sábado, 18 de maio de 2024, às 17h30 (de Brasília);
📍 Local: Arena da Amazônia, Manaus (AM);
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🟨 Árbitro: Luiz Flavio de Oliveira (SP);
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Matheus Nogueira; Edílson, Wanderson, Quintana e Bryan Borges; Leandro Vilela, João Vieira e Biel; Edinho, Jean Dias (Esli Garcia) e Nicolas (Ruan Ribeiro).

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Futebol NacionalSérie B

Tottenham Hotspur’s start to life under Thomas Frank has been topsy-turvy to say the least, with the fanbase no doubt feeling mixed emotions during the opening months of his tenure.

The Dane has led the Lilywhites to incredible heights away from home in the Premier League, currently remaining as the only side yet to lose on their travels in 2025/26.

However, their form in North London has been a huge cause for concern, with their record of one win, two draws and three losses from their six games the second worst in England’s top-flight.

Frank’s men haven’t won on home soil since the 3-0 opening day triumph over Burnley, subsequently going 87 days without a home victory – a simply unacceptable statistic.

However, with January rapidly appearing on the horizon, it will no doubt present a fresh opportunity for the 52-year-old to further bolster the squad to end such a dismal record.

Spurs’ hunt for new attacking talent in the January window

Over the last couple of days, Spurs have been credited with an interest in landing numerous top-level attackers to help improve Frank’s options within the final third of the pitch.

The Lilywhites have been named as just one Premier League team in the race to sign Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, with the Japanese winger set for a winter exit from the LaLiga outfit.

A fee in the region of £52m has been mooted for the 25-year-old’s signature this winter, which has led to the player himself speaking of his desire to move to the Premier League.

However, he’s not the only player from Spain’s top-flight currently in their sights, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo another top-level talent the hierarchy are preparing a move for.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Lilywhites are set to make an €80m (£70m) offer for the 24-year-old in January, after the Brazilian fell down Xabi Alonso’s pecking order.

The report also states that the player himself is extremely keen on a move to the Premier League, which could led to a potential club-record deal for Frank’s men.

Why Spurs’ £70m target would be an upgrade on Kudus

Only a couple of months ago, Spurs did splash the cash on a new forward, subsequently spending a fee in the region of £55m on the signature of Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghanaian completed such a deal from rivals West Ham United, but the 25-year-old has already made himself a fan-favourite with the Lilywhites faithful in North London.

He’s featured ten times in England’s top-flight to date, already racking up one goal and four assists – with such a tally the highest tally of any player in the first-team squad.

Kudus’ only goal came in the triumph over Leeds United back in October, but he will have to wait to make a further impact after missing Saturday’s draw with Manchester United through injury.

His tally of 34 dribbles is the highest of any player in the Premier League, further highlighting the immediate impact he’s had since his big-money transfer this summer.

However, his minutes could prove to be limited from January onwards, especially if the hierarchy manage to complete a deal for Madrid star Rodrygo.

The £70m would be a huge statement of intent from the board, but it would also allow them to recruit an elite-level talent – as seen by his tally of 23 combined goals and assists in 2024/25.

When comparing his stats to those of Kudus from the ongoing campaign, the Brazilian has massively outperformed the Ghanaian in key areas – showcasing how much of an excellent addition he would be in January.

Rodrygo, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by Ben Mattinson, has achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, subsequently showcasing his increased goal threat over Kudus.

Games played

10

10

Minutes played

261

875

Progressive carries

7.6

3.3

Progressive passes

4.1

2.2

Shot on target accuracy

50%

35%

Pass accuracy

83%

72%

Key passes

1.7

1.4

Passes into final third

3.8

1.3

Carries into final third

3.8

1.5

He’s also completed more progressive passes and carries per 90, highlighting his ability to get the ball into dangerous areas for those around him in attacking areas.

Other numbers, such as more key passes and more passes into the final third completed, also demonstrate his creativity, which could help bolster Frank’s side’s impressive figures in 2025/26.

There’s no doubt £70m would be a mammoth price tag, but it would be a deal that would help the manager’s quest to transform their current dismal record on home soil.

At just 24, Rodrygo has bags of time to improve further and potentially help the Lilywhites reach the next level after their Europa League triumph at the end of last season.

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ByAngus Sinclair Nov 11, 2025

Despite strong spells from Warrican and Mujeeb, fielding lapses cost Royals in a tight finish

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Aug-2025Karima Gore continued his superb form in CPL 2025, scoring his second consecutive half-century to guide Antigua and Barbuda Falcons to a commanding six-wicket victory over Barbados Royals on Saturday. Chasing 152, Falcons rode on Gore’s unbeaten 64 to claim their first points of the tournament in front of a home crowd.After a disappointing loss against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in their season opener – despite Gore’s 61 – Falcons bounced back with a disciplined all-round performance. Winning the toss and opting to field, the Falcons bowlers kept Royals in check for most of the innings. Quinton de Kock provided a brisk start with a fluent 57, and captain Rovman Powell added a late flourish with a powerful unbeaten 51 off just 24 balls to take Royals to 151 for 6. Jayden Seales was the pick of the bowlers for Falcons, returning 2 for 15 in an economical spell.In response, Falcons lost a couple of early wickets, but Gore held the innings together. Batting at No. 3, he anchored the chase, rotating strike effectively and finding the boundary when needed. He scored 39 off his first 41 balls, and by the end of the 16th over, Falcons still needed 45 off 24. Gore then accelerated, smashing 19 runs off his next six deliveries – including two consecutive sixes off Eathan Bosch in the 18th over – to ease the pressure. Eventually, it came down to six off the final over, and Gore sealed the chase with two balls to spare.Royals will be left ruing their missed opportunities in the field. Several dropped catches and missed run-out chances allowed Falcons and Gore to flourish. The fielding lapses not only released pressure but also gave Gore at least two reprieves, which he capitalised on to steer the game in Falcons’ favour.Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican and offspinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman conceded just 43 runs from their eight overs combined and picked up a wicket each, but it wasn’t enough to contain Falcons.