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ESPNcricinfo presents the plays of the day from the second day in Port Elizabeth

Firdose Moonda at St George's Park12-Jan-2013Pain of the day
Again, New Zealand’s bowlers began the day with a bit of oomph, this timethe painful kind. Doug Bracewell was the protagonist again but he wasaiming lower down than yesterday, when he pinged Graeme Smith on the head.His fifth ball of the morning had some extra bounce and nipped back intoFaf du Plessis to hit him on what the ball-by-ball commentary on thesepages described as his “special place.”The agony was immediately evident. Du Plessis crouched down in pain whileBracewell reacted with more toughness than he did with Smith and did noteven offer an apology. A smile crept over Brendon McCullum’s face and onlyafter du Plessis did not return to his feet for a few moments longer thanexpected did Martin Guptill decide to enquire about his health. In thedressing room, Dean Elgar and Jacques Rudolph winced at the replay whileHashim Amla, who was hit by Chris Martin in the same place last March couldonly sympathise from the other side.Contrast of the day
In completely the opposite fashion to the first over of the day, the firstover after lunch was owned by du Plessis. He played five patient oversbefore the break but came out with no more time to wait. He gave JeetanPatel the charge as soon as he was given the strike and launched the ballover long-on to bring up his second Test century and first at home with aflourish. Always one to enjoy the attention, du Plessis saluted the crowdas the band burst into song.Message of the day
When du Plessis was dismissed and the south-easter began blowing a little bit more energetically, South Africa’s declaration seemed imminent. Robin Peterson came out and went down swinging, leaving Elgar on 73. Dale Steyn joined him and after two overs of scratching around, the 12th man came out with a bat that was never handed over and a message. It seemed to say that Elgar would have until tea to get to his century even though he was only on 83 at the time. Elgar responded with a six off the first ball of the over that followed but only managed to add two more singles before the break and was allowed to resume batting after that in the quest for his maiden hundred.Drop of the day
Jacques Kallis very rarely puts down catches and it’s even more scarce thathe puts down such simple ones. Martin Guptill’s horrible series continuedwhen he pushed at Dale Steyn’s fourth ball, with feet rooted to the ground,and got an edge. Kallis only had to collect the ball at knee height and gothands to it but then let it slip out. Steyn only turned and walked away with nothing to say to the most experienced player on the field, Kallispursed his lips in irritation and stood unmoved for a few seconds tocontemplate his mistake. It cost nothing though as Guptill nicked off twoovers later without adding a run.Ball of the day
South Africa’s attack showed no mercy and Rory Kleinveldt took his role asVernon Philander’s replacement seriously. He got swing and seam movementand coaxed the ball into spitting its way through. His nastiest was thedelivery that claimed Dean Brownlie, an unplayable one that straightenedafter pitching off a shortish length. Brownlie tried to jump out of the waybut gloved it to AB de Villiers who took a good catch to deepen NewZealand’s woes.

Every baseball fan has been there.

In the third inning of Milwaukee's tilt against the Los Angeles Dodgers at American Family Field, Brewers manager Pat Murphy thought a ball was heading out for a home run. It fell just a few feet short.

Appearing on the national TNT broadcast, Murphy was mic'd up from the Brewers' dugout as third baseman Andruw Monasterio lifted a Clayton Kershaw slider 360 feet onto the left field warning track where it was caught by outfielder Michael Conforto.

"Get out of here. Get up. Get out of here. S—," Murphy said on the TNT broadcast.

Too relatable.

The Brewers did plate three runs Tuesday night, which was enough to earn a 3-1 win over the Dodgers. Rookie sensation Jacob Misiorowski dazzled the Dodgers' star-studded lineup, logging 12 strikeouts and allowing just one run over six innings of work.

“The way to combat [spin] would be to get really far forward or really far back and then using the sweep”

S Sudarshanan15-Dec-2023When you walk out of the DY Patil University campus, which houses the cricket stadium, in the evening onto the main road, there are two serpentine queues of auto rickshaws. The drivers throw two words for you to make a choice: “Nerul [or] Juinagar! Nerul [or] Juinagar!” Those are the nearest railway stations from the university.Not quite in the same tone but “footwork” and “intent” were the oft-repeated words in Nat Sciver-Brunt’s press conference on Friday.England were dismissed for 136 in reply to India’s 428 in the women’s Test match as offspinner Deepti Sharma picked up a five-for. They now trail by 478 after India finished the day at 186 for 6, not enforcing the follow-on.England knew what to expect in Indian conditions. But the practice pitches on the two days leading up to the Test were not turners. In fact, both captains felt the pitches were skiddy with Heather Knight in particular finding “spin easier to face [but] things will change”. On the first day, India amassed 410 for 7 at a run rate of 4.36.Related

Deepti's 5 for 7 gives India complete control on 19-wicket day

England run into Deep(ti) trouble

But England were tied down by India, who opted for a pace-spin combination to start with. And in the ten overs since Deepti’s introduction in the 26th, England lost 7 for 28.Sciver-Brunt, who made 59 off 70 balls, put England’s collapse down to the in-between lengths Deepti bowled. “Making the batters not sure whether to come forward or back,” she said when asked about why Deepti was so hard to deal with. “When you play spin well, [it is about] making good decisions going forward or back and not getting caught in the crease. She bowled lengths that were difficult to read, and she also attacked the stumps.”England’s batting line-up collapsed against Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana•BCCIDanni Wyatt did not press fully forward and got an inside edge onto her pad that lobbed to short leg. Sophie Ecclestone went back to a delivery she should have been forward to – a fullish-length ball spinning in a bit. Lauren Bell played for turn and ended up being bowled on the outside edge.”There was inconsistent spin, and you were not sure what to set up for as a batter,” Sciver-Brunt said. “Covering both sides of the bat was the main challenge. It is obviously a Test-match wicket that was going to deteriorate at some point. Some good bowling and obviously not brilliant footwork. The bowlers are creating indecision in the way we go about things. The inconsistency of the pitch as well [played its part].”England’s frailties against spin came to the fore in their 2-1 T20I series defeat at home against Sri Lanka in September. They lost 18 out of 24 wickets to spin in those three matches, which prompted head coach Jon Lewis to bring a select group of batters to Mumbai for a spin-training camp. It was keeping in mind not just the India tour but the bigger picture – the T20 World Cup next year in Bangladesh and the ODI World Cup in 2025 in India.It would be unfair to expect positive results immediately but Sciver-Brunt offered a template for the rest of hear team-mates to follow. She was constantly on the attack, which is not to suggest she didn’t trust her defence. Against spinners, she scored 27 off 26 balls and hit six off her ten fours but faced 17 dots, too. Of those 27 runs, she scored 18 on the leg side and laid a blueprint that she hoped the other batters could follow in the second innings.”I would speak in the change room a little bit about the surface,” she said, “and about the intent to score and the areas. The bounce from the seamers is not very high and so looking to score down the ground as much as we can will be important. The pitch deteriorated a little bit and some not-so-good footwork in the end.”When you come to India to play, you are expecting a slightly slower surface that takes turn, and face experienced spinners. The way to combat that would be to get really far forward or really far back and then using my sweep the best I can. That’s the plan.”We know when India get on a roll with the wickets, they can create a noise around that. Just try to ride that pressure and wave as a batter is the method that I will be using. Ideally, you don’t want to lose wickets in clusters.”For England’s batting train to get back on track, there is no choice but to follow the Sciver-Brunt advice of showing more intent and being assured in their footwork.

Luka Modric admits he took "a step down" by joining AC Milan after his spell at Real Madrid came to an end, but the midfielder insists he made the "right" decision by accepting the Serie A side's offer. Still going strong at 40 years old, the midfielder is aware his longevity has been "incredible" as he explained why he abandoned his plan to retire in Madrid.

Modric still a key component at 40

Modric bailed on his initial plan to end his playing career at Madrid by joining Milan in the summer. Having since turned 40, the midfielder has thoroughly impressed in Serie A, earning immense praise from his team-mates and many former heroes of the Italian game. The six-time Champions League winner has one goal and two assists to his name for the Rossoneri so far, immediately taking on an integral role as Massimiliano Allegri's side target the Serie A title. His performances have already sparked rumours of another transfer, but the ex-Tottenham star has opened up on his attraction to the San Siro club and his joy at wearing the red and black shirt.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportVeteran midfielder explains AC Milan move

As per the Croatian, it was Milan's reputation that prompted him to sign a one-year deal at the club. He explained to : "After Real, I've always said it, wherever you go it's a step down. There is no doubt about this and all players can confirm it. But I think I arrived at a club that is very close to Real Madrid in terms of reputation and history: for me it is the most ideal situation that could have happened to me. Especially because I love Milan and as a child I grew up with Italian football. Milan was the club I adored the most. When Milan's option presented itself, it was the right one for me."

Speaking on his experience in the city and at the club, he claimed, "The city is wonderful. People welcomed me phenomenally, both inside and outside the club. The teammates, the coach, the fans, everything is really high-level. You can see that Milan is a great historic club, one of the biggest in the world. You can feel it at every step, so I'm really happy and I'm enjoying all of this."

Modric admits leaving Madrid was difficult

Modric won 28 trophies during his 13-year tenure at the Spanish capital, and that includes six Champions League titles and four La Liga accolades. However, departing from the club was tough for him, as he mentioned: "Honestly, it wasn't easy, because I spent 13 years, almost half of my life, practically in a club, in a city. It was one of the best times of my life. I arrived in Madrid perhaps relatively late, at 27, but at the right time. I was ready for that step. The four years in England helped me a lot. And everything I experienced and achieved in Madrid afterwards seems unreal to me.

"Apart from the trophies and victories, staying 13 years in such a club… I arrived at 27 and I stayed almost until 40 and it is something incredible! Because you know what kind of club Madrid is, you know that they don't tolerate mediocrity, and to stay at that level, in a club like that, for so many years, with all the successes I've experienced there, it's something incredible. In my previous way of thinking, I believed that I would be satisfied if I ended my career at 35. But my professional curriculum has long since exceeded that limit, and I do not hide my gratitude: I am still, thank God, at that level and it is something incredible!"

He added: "I've always said it and it wasn't platitudes, flattering the fans or the club – my big wish was to retire in Madrid. But simply, everything has a beginning and an end."

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Getty Images SportWhen will Modric play again?

Sitting second on the Serie A table, Modric's Milan will take on Lazio on Saturday at San Siro with the aim of leapfrogging Roma into first place, temporarily at least. Modric, who enjoyed a full 90 minutes in the Rossoneri's 1-0 win over arch-rivals Inter, is expected to start once again this weekend. 

Manchester United are continuing to build under Ruben Amorim, and they will look to move in the right direction over the coming weeks, even if the Portuguese boss has shared a little bit of frustration over one matter at Old Trafford.

Roy Keane drops verdict on Ruben Amorim's Man Utd future

Undoubtedly, the future of Amorim has been the main talking point at Manchester United this season, a topic that has gained attention after Sir Jim Ratcliffe made it clear he will have three years to build a legacy at Old Trafford.

In years gone by, the Red Devils have changed managers, but it hasn’t necessarily brought long-term success or stability to the club in their Premier League finishes. For some, it would be only fair for the Portuguese boss to get an extended crack of the whip to craft his system.

Nevertheless, Roy Keane has cast doubt on whether three years will be afforded to Amorim, claiming in the build-up before Manchester United’s win at Liverpool that results will ultimately determine his fate.

He said on Sky Sports: “I’m not so sure about that. It’s all well and good getting the backing off the board, but results have to improve. You hope, of course, any manager is given time. Whether he will get three years to play with depends how they do over the next few months. They have picked up a little bit – with the new attacking players they look more of a goal threat.”

While Manchester United continue to invest in young talent for the future, the here and now is what is important and the stars that are in the building are the ones in control of building consistency on the pitch.

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Despite this, Amorim has let out a little bit of frustration regarding one of his players’ recent exploits, even if his comments come in good faith.

Ruben Amorim opens up on Bruno Fernandes' penalty duties

In comments relayed by GOAL before the win at Liverpool, Amorim expressed frustration at Bruno Fernandes missing penalties for Manchester United against Fulham and Brentford, though confirmed he will remain on duties regardless.

Ultimately, £300,000 per week earner Fernandes has been a big game player for Manchester United over the years and never shirks responsibility, setting up Harry Maguire’s winner at Anfield, and unfortunate events will happen from time to time, given that he is their go-to man.

Nevertheless, nobody will argue that his contribution at Old Trafford isn’t absolutely pivotal to the cause, which is why Amorim retains full trust in his captain to deliver when called upon.

Decision was taken after a meeting between selection committee and white-ball coach Hesson

Danyal Rasool20-Oct-2025Mohammad Rizwan has been sacked as Pakistan ODI captain, with Shaheen Shah Afridi replacing him. The decision was announced by the PCB shortly after the first day of the ongoing Test match between Pakistan and South Africa in Rawalpindi, a Test both Rizwan, 33, and Afridi, 25, are currently playing.No reason was provided for replacing Rizwan; indeed, the wicketkeeper batter was not even mentioned in the official statement. The decision, according to the PCB, was taken after a meeting in Islamabad between the selection committee and the white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.Rizwan’s removal was all but inevitable when the PCB put out a statement over the weekend, pointedly declining to confirm him as ODI captain ahead of the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour. Instead, it said Hesson had asked PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to convene a meeting with the selection and advisory committee to appoint a new captain.ESPNcricinfo understands the desire to replace Rizwan was not specifically at the behest of the head coach, but enjoyed wider backing at the highest level of the PCB’s decision-making process.Afridi’s last foray into white-ball captaincy was an unhappy one, when he was tapped to lead the T20I team ahead of a series against New Zealand in January 2024. Pakistan ended up losing 4-1 before he was replaced in similar circumstances to Rizwan’s sacking right now, with chairman Naqvi pointedly declining to confirm he would continue in the role. Afridi was replaced by Babar Azam a week later.While Pakistan had different captains for all formats – a situation that will continue – Rizwan was until recently perceived to be the most secure of a group that includes Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha. Since becoming captain of the ODI side last year, Rizwan is four runs short of the highest scorer for Pakistan, averaging just under 42. He led Pakistan to series wins in Australia and South Africa in 2024, though results this year have dipped, most notably with an ignominious first-round exit at a home Champions Trophy.Afridi pulls on the armband in good form in the format; he was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker last year in ODI cricket, and central to their away wins in South Africa and Australia. Since the start of the 2023 World Cup, no fast bowler from a Full Member nation has more wickets than his 45, which have come at more than two wickets a game.Afridi’s first assignment as ODI captain is the white-ball series against South Africa, which comprises three ODIs in Faisalabad next month.

Tottenham are under the belief that a "world-class" and "pacey" striker is ideal for Ange Postecoglou's system, meaning they could open talks to sign him this summer.

Spurs eyeing new marquee forward this summer

Reports in the last few weeks have suggested that the north Londoners are keen on adding a new number nine, despite the fine form of Richarlison, who's scored nine goals in his last 10 league games when fully fit and available.

Tottenham laying groundwork to sign marquee striker with Paratici contacts

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Tottenham are said to be chasing a long-term replacement for club-record goalscorer Harry Kane, with those behind-the-scenes apparently laying the groundwork to sign a marquee centre-forward later this year.

The Lilywhites have coped well without Kane since his multi-million-pound move to Bayern Munich last summer, but those within the club are now rumoured to be plotting a move for his heir.

Son Heung-min

13

Richarlison

10

Dejan Kulusevski

6

Cristian Romero

4

Brennan Johnson

3

Indeed, some interesting names have been mentioned already about who they could target, and one is Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

The Bees star has just returned from a long on-field ban for alleged gambling breaches, scoring four goals in his last eight league games, and he is thought to be attracting interest from a host of top sides ahead of the summer window.

That includes Spurs, as Postecoglou's side are thought to be among the contenders to sign Toney later this year. The England international, as confirmed by his club manager, is also very likely to depart west London this year.

"It is relatively obvious that Ivan Toney will probably be sold this summer," said Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

"It can be 'expensive' to sell your best player, but conversely I also know that this summer he only has one year left on his contract with us. We also know what he is worth. I don't think there are many strikers in the world who are better than him right now."

The 27-year-old will be a hot commodity when the window reopens, it would seem, and GiveMeSport now have an update on his future concerning Spurs.

Tottenham believe Toney is ideal for Postecoglou's system

According to the outlet, Tottenham think Toney is the ideal fit for Postecoglou's system and could open talks for him – if they deem him available for the right price. They apparently have no intention of getting involved in a bidding war with the likes of Arsenal or other suitors and will entertain the possibility of bidding if Brentford are willing to sell at around £60 million or less.

Toney's proven ability as an English top-flight goalscorer is notable, and it's clear that he could add a different dynamic going forward.

"It’s down to him [how far he goes]. He’s got a bit of everything. He’s powerful, he’s pacey and skilful. Year-by-year your football IQ goes up," said former Brentford player Hermann Hreidarsson.

"He’s a world-class player and it’s down to him. He can go wherever he wants."

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed what he thinks is the "most important tool" behind his longevity after plying his trade across Europe and now in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese icon is showing no signs of slowing down, even at 40, as he continues to chase down records with Al-Nassr and on the international stage. He has set himself the mind-boggling target of reaching 1,000 career goals before hanging up his boots, and he is just 51 short of reaching that total.

Still breaking records at 40

Ronaldo's career has been built on microscopic attention to detail, be it his diet, post-match recovery or gym sessions. And this rigorous discipline has helped him maintain his gold standard even at 40. Since joining Al-Nassr, he has scored 105 goals in 118 appearances, clinching back-to-back Golden Boots in the Saudi Pro League. In this campaign, he is again one of the contenders with five strikes already in as many matches.

What’s remarkable is that Ronaldo’s hunger remains insatiable. And to fuel that undying desire for success, Ronaldo revealed his secret formula. In a revealing new video shared by WHOOP on their social media platforms, Ronaldo disclosed that sleep and a regular routine are his 'most important tools'.

“Sleep is the most important tool that I have," he said. "To be consistent with the time that I go to bed and that I wake up. I mean, like example, I go to bed around 11-12 and I wake up around 8.30. It is my routine. It is the most important thing that we have probably in terms of health-span."

AdvertisementTwo targets that are still pushing Ronaldo

Ronaldo has long claimed that his target is to score 1,000 career goals, and people believe he might actually do it. Former Manchester United defender Danny Simpson, who shared a dressing room with Ronaldo during his early days at Old Trafford, insisted the legend’s story is far from over. Speaking to GOAL, Simpson was emphatic that Ronaldo could play well into his mid-40s.

"I don’t think you can write him off," he said. "As long as he is scoring goals, as long as he doesn’t get any injuries, then it wouldn't surprise me because it’s him. I know he wants 1,000 goals. And I think he wants to play with his son."

The Portuguese wants to build an enduring legacy that can withstand the test of time, as Simpson added: "Playing with your son, that’s probably one of the biggest targets that you can go for once you have won everything. Sharing a pitch with your son must be some feeling. You look at those targets. He does set targets and you look at those – 1,000 goals and play with his son – does he do those and think ‘right, I’ve done it all now’? I don’t know where you go after that. He’s just a phenomenal person, player. What he’s done for the game, it’s unbelievable."

Getty/InstagramFollowing in his footsteps

Ronaldo has never hidden his dream of one day sharing the field with his eldest son, Cristianinho. The 14-year-old is already turning heads in Al-Nassr’s youth setup, and according to his father, he’s progressing faster than he did at the same age.

"When I was his age, he is a little bit bigger and stronger," he said. "I was smaller. I think he will be bigger than me. Let’s see if he has the hunger. The hunger is the most difficult."

For a man who has conquered Europe’s toughest leagues, lifted five Champions League trophies, and carried his nation to European and Nations League glory, Ronaldo’s next challenge is deeply personal as he is battling time to continue long enough in the game to share the same dressing room with his son.

"I would like it, I would like it," he had admitted. "It's not something that keeps me up at night, but I would like it. We'll see. It's more in his hands than in mine."

Unfinished business in the Middle East

Ronaldo's spell in Saudi Arabia has produced individual accolades, but team success has remained elusive as he continues to chase domestic and continental glory. Riding on Ronaldo and Joao Felix's strong form, Al-Nassr have had a bright start to their league campaign and will look to build on their early momentum when they face Al-Hazm this Sunday. 

Aston Villa could be set to make a move for another defender this summer, with Unai Emery reportedly pushing to sign an experienced player who is heading towards free agent status.

Villa will need to be clever this summer

Aston Villa may well be flying in the Premier League this season, but they may find this summer significantly more of a challenge. Emery's side currently sit fourth despite a 4-0 hammering at the hands of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

With fifth place likely to be enough to secure Champions League football next season, they appear to be well set to be playing in Europe's premier competition for the first time since 1982, with the Midlands outfit holding a nine-point advantage over Manchester United with just ten games left of the season.

However, it is not all rosy at Villa Park. Last week, the club announced major losses as a result of player transfers. Spending over £90m over the summer, they will come under pressure to stay within financial fair play rules this summer.

"The Club has reported a loss for the year of £119.6m after tax", an official statement read. "This compares with a small profit of £0.3m in the prior year. It is important to note that these figures are in line with the strategic business plan, and we continue to operate within the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules."

There are of course two solutions to this issue. One would be to sell players, with several stars including Douglas Luiz already strongly linked with moves away.

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Alternatively, they could look to strengthen their current squad on a shoestring budget, and to that end they appear to be making good progress.

Emery driving free agent move

Emery has already looked to La Liga once to bolster his backline, bringing in Pau Torres from former club Villarreal last summer. Now, he looks set to return to the Spanish top flight to make a move for Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso, according to reports.

The Spaniard is out of contract with the Rojablanco this summer, and is the subject of plenty of interest from across Europe. According to Sport Witness though, it is the Villans that lead the race for his signature should he depart the Spanish capital.

They claim that Villa sit in "pole position", largely because Emery personally "moved well in advance" to land the 28-year-old on a free transfer this summer, despite recent interest from clubs across Europe including Spanish giants Barcelona and Italian duo Juventus and AC Milan.

Villa's current defensive options

Player

Contract expires

Pau Torres

2028

Tyrone Mings

2026

Clement Lenglet

2024 (loan)

Diego Carlos

2026

Ezri Konsa

2028

Calum Chambers

2025

Kourtney Hause

2025

There is a twist though, as Atletico have "reopened talks" to keep the defender at the Wanda Metropolitano beyond this summer. Should they prove successful, all of Villa's hard work will come to nothing. However, should he opt to move on, he could well end up with Emery at Villa Park, while the move could hurt rivals Nottingham Forest with Atletico tipped to replace him with Forest centre-back Murillo.

After fielding a group of teenagers in their Champions League clash against Ajax earlier this week, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is now seemingly set to hand a 15-year-old youth player his senior debut. Resting most of their first-team stars in the European clash, Maresca banked on the youth and they did not disappoint the coach as the Blues registered a thumping 5-1 win over the Dutch giants.

The new kid on the block

Per The Sun, 15-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli is being considered for his Stamford Bridge debut by manager Maresca. The wonderkid is widely considered as the best player in the world in his age category and has already attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe. So high is the hype around Nicoll-Jazuli that he is being tipped to become the next Jude Bellingham because of the striking similarities between the Real Madrid star and the youngster's playing style.

The report adds that Chelsea head coach Maresca is known to be an admirer of the youngster and the Italian recently invited the player to train with the first team ahead of their Champions League fixture against Ajax. Nicoll-Jazuli does not turn 16 until January but Maresca is already planning to hand him his senior debut in the near future. The midfielder has already represented England at the U-17 level, although he is just 15 at the moment.  

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'He will be the next big thing'

Hyping the young Blue, a source told : "You have to keep an eye on Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, he will be the next big thing to come out of Cobham and plays like Jude Bellingham. You only have to see him play once to realise he’s a different kind of talent. The manager is so impressed with him that he plans to hand him his first-team debut soon."

Chelsea youth created Champions League history

The Blues, like many other Premier League clubs, are amid a hectic fixture crunch which prompted Maresca to rest a host of first team stars and field a bunch of young players to take on Ajax in the Champions League this week. The youngsters repaid the faith shown by their manager as the English giants marched to a thumping 5-1 over the Eredivisie side. In the process, Chelsea also scripted a Champions League record as they became the first team ever in the competition to have three different teenagers – Marc Guiu (19), Estevao Willian (18), and Tyrique George (19) – on the scoresheet in the same match. 

The head coach also handed a European debut to Reggie Walsh, who, at just 17, became the youngest player in Chelsea’s Champions League history and the second youngest Englishman to ever play in the competition after Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere. Overall, ten Chelsea players aged 21 or younger featured in the match, a staggering testament to the club’s youth-driven strategy.

After the game, Maresca had heaped praise on his young guns, as he said: "It's the strategy of the club. We have so many young players. I think already last season we were the youngest squad in the history of the Premier League, so this season we continue in the same way. I work with them every day, I know what they can do. I know also that we're going to have moments where we struggle a little bit more, for sure. But I think the good thing about them is that they want to learn, they want to improve and I think it's good."

Getty Images SportNicoll-Jazuli better than Arsenal's Dowman?

Arsenal recently proved that age is just a number as Mikel Arteta handed their wonderkid Max Dowman his senior debut against Leeds United in the Premier League before he turned 16. The Sun report further adds that the Blues consider Nicoll-Jazuli even more talented than Dowman. The youngster's passing is crisp, his vision is outstanding and his eye for the goal makes him a complete package. The teenager recently became the youngest Chelsea player to start in a UEFA Youth League match.

Maresca's men will be back in action on Saturday as they host Sunderland in a crucial Premier League fixture.