Everton haven't enjoyed the most productive transfer windows in the last few years, welcoming several players to forget rather than improving their side. Last time out in the market, however, the Toffees did well to sign the likes of Beto and Jack Harrison for Sean Dyche, who is actively guiding his side away from Premier League relegation troubles and into the comforts of mid-table.
Turning things around at Goodison Park, Dyche will hope to breathe new life into previous transfer flops to give himself added reinforcements before the January window even opens. And that could include one particular player with talks underway to re-negotiate Everton's deal, which would hand the Toffees another option on the pitch.
Everton transfer news
When the January transfer window does open, Everton will hope to be in a position to welcome some crucial additions. The Premier League's financial fair play investigation could yet prevent that, of course, or even hand the Merseyside club a 12-point deduction. If Everton are handed transfer sanctions, then they'll have no choice but to turn to internal options for Dyche. With their top flight status potentially on the line, they can't afford to get things wrong, and the return of Dele Alli could help avoid disastrous consequences this season.
According to The Telegraph, Everton are attempting to get Dele's appearance clause waived by former club Tottenham Hotspur. As things stand, when the midfielder reaches 20 appearances, Everton will have to pay Spurs £10m in a deal that is not currently feasible for those at Goodison Park. Dele is currently on 13 appearances for the club, who may limit his game-time unless the aforementioned fee is waived by Spurs.
The former Besiktas loanee is, of course, currently out injured, but when he returns, Dyche may well attempt to rediscover his best form once more. Dyche said recently: “I must make it clear he is on the grass but still a long way from being fit, he is not training with us he is with the sports science staff.
"He is just really getting back to where he was He was drastically unfortunate when the rehab (went) wrong after an operation, and it is almost more time than the original moment. But the specialists advised to leave it alone and just let it heal naturally. He is in a good place, but he is still quite far away (from playing)."
"Very good" Dele Alli can boost Everton
Premier League, Everton, Everton news, Everton latest news, Everton update, Everton team news, Everton analysis, Everton opinion, EFC news, EFC latest news, EFC update, EFC analysis, EFC opinion, Goodison Park, Toffees, Dele Alli
Football loves a comeback story, and Dele has the chance to provide the sport with one of its best yet. At his best, this has been a player touted as the next Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard. The fact is, if Dyche can get anywhere close to that version of the midfielder back firing, then Everton won't just survive in England's top flight, they'll potentially flourish – Dele's stats at such a young age prove as much.
Player
Premier League Goal Involvements Before Turning 21
Dele Alli
40
Frank Lampard
15
Steven Gerrard
13
David Beckham
12
Jose Mourinho, despite his difficult relationship with the midfielder, has been one of many to praise Dele, saying via BBC Sport: "He could try to score but for Vinicius it was an easy goal. A team player does that, no risk and 2-0. It does not surprise me that he did that. Dele was like the team. A very good first half. In the second half in the first 20 to 25 minutes they closed and tried not to concede more goals."
The summer transfer window marked a poignant moment for those at Tottenham Hotspur, as the curtain came down on Harry Kane's stellar stint at N17 – the England skipper sealing a move to Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich having had just a year to run on his contract in north London.
That high-profile departure had come just under ten years on from Spurs losing another sparkling talisman to a historic, European giant following Gareth Bale's £85m switch to Real Madrid, with chairman Daniel Levy sanctioning that sale on deadline day in 2013.
While it was not long after the Welshman's exit that things began to click under Mauricio Pochettino – as that man Kane emerged onto the scene in 2014/15 – there will be Lilywhites supporters pondering whether 'success' could have been achieved earlier had the now-retired speedster not been allowed to move to the Bernabeu a decade ago.
Could Andre Villas-Boas have remained in the job for a longer stint? Could the north Londoners have begun to challenge the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea at the summit?
Off the back of a 2012/13 season that saw Bale register 40 goals and assists in all competitions, it is easy to contemplate whether the former Southampton could have kicked on even further in English football and helped to end the club's lengthy wait for silverware.
One possible certainty had the Cardiff native stayed put that summer is that Levy is unlikely to have sanctioned a £105m spend on seven new faces in that same window, prior to Bale's exit, with those additions potentially having been signed in the knowledge that the forward was to depart.
With that in mind, here's a look at how Villas-Boas' side could have lined up in 2013/14, had Bale remained in place and the majority of that infamous 'magnificent seven' not been signed…
1 Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
The only player from this starting XI that remains on the books under Ange Postecoglou – albeit as a forgotten figure – Hugo Lloris had been snapped up the year prior to Bale's departure, joining on a £13m deal from Ligue 1 side, Lyon.
While the veteran Frenchman has since been cast aside in the present day after initially outlining his desire for a move earlier this year, on the whole, it has been a stunning, lengthy stay in England for the ex-skipper, having racked up 444 appearances in all competitions.
A World Cup winner at international level, in his pomp the 36-year-old was a truly "exceptional" talent – as hailed by ex-teammate Brad Friedel – with a figure of such quality likely having been deserving of a more trophy-laden spell in the Premier League.
Perhaps, with longer time spent watching Bale work his magic higher up the pitch, that goal could have been realised.
2 Right-back – Kyle Walker
The undisputed first-choice option at right-back prior to his £50m move to Manchester City in 2017, Kyle Walker had truly begun to click into gear during the 2012/13 season, with the former Sheffield United ace having provided five assists in 36 league games under Villas-Boas' watch.
That was an early example of the potent attacking threat that the Englishman can offer down the right flank, with it likely to have been exciting to witness the full-back on one side, with Bale on the other wing for a lengthier period of time – a duo that could wreak havoc on opposition defences.
While perhaps not at his peak in Lilywhite, the 33-year-old has since won trophies galore after blossoming into the "best right-back in the world" at the Etihad, as hailed by City's director of football, Txiki Begiristain, having been part of the club's remarkable treble success last term.
3 Centre-back – Michael Dawson
Michael Dawson
Before the days of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, or even Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, it was Michael Dawson who was holding the fort at the heart of the defence alongside the latter man in 2013, with the former Nottingham Forest ace leading the side as captain at the time.
Having made 27 league outings in 2012/13, Dawson would ultimately go on to make a further 32 appearances in the top flight the following season, prior to joining Hull City in the summer of 2014.
A solid, but unglamorous performer at centre-back, the now-retired titan was perhaps the type of player that Spurs needed to upgrade on at the time, although even if this list were to include the club's infamous seven signings of 2013, eventual flop Vlad Chiriches was the only defensive addition of the lot.
The Belgian colossus would ultimately develop into "one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and in Europe" – in the words of Pochettino – having been a true "warrior" in the backline after signing from Ajax in 2012.
The classy, left-footer had helped to fill the void of former cult hero, Ledley King following the Englishman's retirement that summer, with Levy and co having found a new figure to build their defence around.
Part of the side that remarkably reached the Champions League final in 2019, Vertonghen eventually departed for Benfica a year later, with the 36-year-old now plying his trade in his homeland for Anderlecht.
The man who could have linked up with Bale down that left channel, Danny Rose had returned to White Hart Lane in the summer of 2013, having spent the previous campaign on loan at Sunderland in the top-tier.
Having struggled to force his way into the first-team set-up in north London despite his stunning debut goal against rivals Arsenal in 2008, it was in 2013/14 that the one-time Leeds man began to make a strong, consistent impression, registering one goal and four assists in 22 league games.
While the 33-year-old would endure a sour end to his time at the club after being cast aside by Jose Mourinho, he still contributed 38 goals and assists in 219 games across all fronts, ensuring he could have been the perfect attacking foil for Bale.
6 Centre-midfield – Mousa Dembele
Mousa Dembele
Lauded as a "genius" by Pochettino, Mousa Dembele blossomed into a real world-beater following the appointment of the Argentine coach in 2014, with the current Chelsea boss having turned him into a 'special player' – as journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke wrote at the time.
There is perhaps a world, however, in which Pochettino may never have ended up at N17, with the continued presence of Bale potentially set to have kept Villas-Boas in a job for far longer, as the Portuguese tactician was eventually sacked in December 2013 – just months after the Welshman's sale.
In the event of that scenario, would Dembele have become the beloved and influential figure that he developed into under Pochettino's watch?
7 Centre-midfield – Gylfi Sigurdsson
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Options in the middle of midfield were particularly thin on the ground at Spurs in 2013, with that summer having seen the likes of Tom Huddlestone and Scott Parker move onto pastures new, leaving Villas-Boas with little depth in that department.
In the event of Bale staying, the likes of Christian Eriksen (£11.5m) and Etienne Capoue (£9m) may never have ended up in north London, leaving Gylfi Sigurdsson as one of few options for the club to work with in that area of the squad.
The Icelandic playmaker, in reality, spent just two years with the Lilywhites prior to leaving for Swansea City in 2014, while he now plies his trade for Danish side Lyngby, after leaving Everton.
8 Centre-midfield – Paulinho
With Bale's sale recouping around £85m – and with Levy ultimately spending £105m – that difference of around £20m could have been what the typically frugal Levy would have been willing to spend had the wing wizard stayed put, ensuring that at least one of the 'magnificent seven' can feature in this lineup.
As the first signing of that summer on a £17m deal from Corinthians, it makes sense for Paulinho to be the sole inclusion in the side, particularly with the centre of the park one of the areas that desperately needed bolstering at the time.
Quite whether Bale staying could have altered the Brazilian's dour stint is difficult to predict, with the 6 foot enigma ultimately lasting just two seasons before departing for China, with eight goals and six assists under his belt in 64 games.
Unsurprisingly, it was the attacking ranks which saw the most change following the exit of Bale, with the likes of Erik Lamela, Roberto Soldado and Nacer Chadli having all been recruited in order to help pep up the front line.
Lamela, in particular, was meant to be the man to try and fill the shoes of the departing hero, although, in his absence, diminutive speedster Aaron Lennon would likely have remained the leading option in that role, having recorded four goals and eight assists in the league in 2012/13.
Just 18 months later, the 21-cap England international was moved on to Everton after falling by the wayside under the Pochettino regime, with things initially tumbling for the club after Bale's move to Madrid.
10 Centre-forward – Emmanuel Adebayor
Emmanuel Adebayor
The second-most expensive signing of that window was Roberto Soldado on a £26m deal, yet had the Spaniard not made the move from his homeland, the onus would have been placed on Emmanuel Adebayor to lead the line heading into 2013/14.
The former Arsenal and Manchester City man wouldn't have exactly been the most inspiring figurehead in attack, however, as he had scored just five league goals in 2012/13, despite previously recording 28 goal involvements in 33 league games the season prior.
Something of a polarising enigma, Adebayor did eventually go on to outscore Soldado – who was the "flop of the season" according to journalist Sam Tighe – with 11 league goals in 13/14, with the summer signing, by contrast, scoring just six top-flight goals as the goalscoring impact of Bale was not adequately filled.
The United States women's national team will face Germany, Australia and either Zambia or Morocco in the group stages of this year's Olympic Games.
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USWNT will face Germany & Australia at Olympics
Wednesday's draw produced three tough groups
Final opponent for U.S. to be revealed next month
WHAT HAPPENED?
The USWNT was given a very tough group by Wednesday's draw in Paris, which has pitted it against a giant of the game in Germany and Australia, which reached last year's World Cup semi-finals. The identity of its third opponent will be decided at the beginning of April, which Zambia and Morocco vying for that spot in a two-legged play-off.
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OLYMPIC WOMEN'S FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT DRAW
GROUP A: France, Colombia, Canada, New Zealand
GROUP B: United States, Zambia/Morocco, Germany, Australia
GROUP C: Spain, Japan, Nigeria/South Africa, Brazil
Getty
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The U.S. will fancy its chances of progressing through the group, though. It is set to be under the charge of Emma Hayes when the Games get underway in July and has already started the year well, winning the CONCACAF W Gold Cup. Germany, meanwhile, exited the World Cup in the group stages last year and Australia will be without star striker Sam Kerr due to an ACL rupture.
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DID YOU KNOW?
No team has won more medals at the Olympic women's football tournament than the USWNT, which has four golds, one silver and one bronze to its name.
Manchester United are in a race with Everton and several other Premier League clubs to try and add a talented Champiosnhip midfielder to the ranks at Old Trafford, according to reports.
What's the latest news involving Manchester United?
The Red Devils returned to winning ways at the weekend in the Premier League, disposing of Burnley by a score of 1-0 courtesy of a fantastic Bruno Fernandes strike on the stroke of half-time.
Cited by BBC Sport, Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag praised his side's fighting spirit and desire to secure all three points in Lancashire during his post-match press conference, stating: "It was clear, of course, we needed that win. We had a tough run of games against good opponents. It wasn’t necessary to lose those games. Today was a must-win. The team spirit and how they fight together [was impressive]. It was a team attacking with 11 and defending with 11. They supported each other."
He then added: "A lot has been against us, like injuries and decisions. Like tonight, Murphy’s Law, where everything goes against us. You have to fight and find a turning point. It shows the dressing room is together. They fight together."
In the aftermath of Manchester United's victory over the Clarets, England international Marcus Rashford was involved in a car crash near Carrington training complex; though luckily he escaped without injury from the collision, as per The Burnley Express. Taking to social media platform Instagram to reassure the general public, Rashford said: “Three points on the road. I’m alright guys, thanks for the messages."
According to The Daily Mail meanwhile, United midfielder Mason Mount could make his anticipated comeback from injury in the Red Devils' Carabao Cup clash against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.
Who could Manchester United sign?
As per Alan Nixon on Patreon via TEAMtalk, Everton and Manchester United are joined by several other Premier League sides in the hunt to sign Blackburn Rovers midfielder Adam Wharton. Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers all expressed interest in the 19-year-old across the summer, while Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur monitored the youngster earlier this year.
Versatile midfielder Wharton has already racked up nine appearances across all competitions this term, registering one assist in the process, as per Transfermarkt. Labelled a "great player" by Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, Wharton has made his presence known in the engine room this term, winning an average of two challenges and two interceptions per fixture in the Sky Bet Championship, according to WhoScored – more than double the interceptions Casemiro is making this season, to put that into perspective.
The England youth international has also been able to demonstrate his ability to fashion opportunities for his teammates in the English second tier too, with 19 shot-creating actions in 2023/24, as per FBRef. Wharton's value as a homegrown player cannot be understated either, given that he would ease concerns regarding continental squad registration if he were to complete a move to Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, Manchester United look to have a fight on their hands to land the talent amid interest from several Premier League clubs in his services.
They are 1-0 down and will be led by Suranga Lakmal in Dinesh Chandimal’s absence. West Indies, meanwhile, have won their two most recent Tests at the Kensington Oval
The Preview by Andrew Fidel Fernando22-Jun-2018
Big Picture
Forget the controversy for a moment. Forget the charges faced by the Sri Lanka leadership, forget the video clips, and the due process. From a purely cricket perspective, this series deserves a close finish. It hasn’t quite been an epic, but aspects of it have been a wonderful surprise.How many series have two 145kph-plus quicks at the top of the series’ wicket-takers’ list? Shannon Gabriel and Lahiru Kumara have forced one opposition batsman to retire hurt apiece. The cricket has never been more interesting than when either man is hurling deliveries at ribs and throats. On this tour both players may have had breakthrough performances. For years West Indies and Sri Lanka have searched for quick strike bowlers worthy of the title.At different times, both teams have made major gambles. Jason Holder declared at 414 for 8 on a Trinidad track that was not especially helpful to bowlers. In St. Lucia, Sri Lanka made four changes to their XI and might have won had rain and their own refusal to take the field on day three not sapped precious hours from the game. Various batsmen have shone at various points – Shane Dowrich, Kusal Mendis, Kraigg Brathwaite, Dinesh Chandimal, all playing different types of innings, all utterly committed to the team cause.The teams now move to the first-ever day-night Test in the region, played at one of the Caribbean’s most iconic venues. West Indies have not won a day-night Test in two attempts, losing to Pakistan in Dubai and England at Edgbaston. Sri Lanka have won their only day-night Test so far, last year in the UAE. These are small sample sizes, but one phenomenon that has been observed across the nine day-night Tests played so far is that the evening session tends to be especially fruitful for fast bowlers. Given the prominence of quicks so far, that is a tantalising prospect.Sri Lanka will quite likely miss the experience of Rangana Herath in this Test, however. He has been ruled out with a split webbing in his hand, sustained during fielding drills in the approach to this game.
Form guide
Sri Lanka DLWDD (completed matches, most recent first) West Indies DWLLDCWI Media
In the spotlight
Almost every time Shannon Gabriel came to the bowling crease in the second Test, the game seemed to change. Sri Lanka batsmen who had been cruising, suddenly had the ball seeking out the edges and shoulders of their bats. They found themselves struggling to contend with Gabriel’s pace. More than anything, they had to contend with balls leaping menacingly at them, Dhananjaya de Silva copping a painful blow to the wrist in the second innnings. In the end, his 13 for 121 in St. Lucia were the best figures ever in the Caribbean. If Sri Lanka can tear themselves away from other distractions to plan for this Test, it is Gabriel who will come up most in team discussions.The dropping of Kusal Mendis for the tour of India last year now seems like an outstanding call from the national selectors. Since he has returned, he has not only rediscovered limited-overs form, but has scored heavily in Tests as well. With 238 runs and an average of 59.50, he is the leading run-scorer in the series so far, and it was his second-innings 87 around which Sri Lanka built their first commendable batting effort on tour. His average took a bit of a beating in 2017, but it is on a forward march again, currently sitting at 39.00. Many feel he has the talent to be a 45-plus player.
Team news
West Indies may draft 20-year-old quick Keemo Paul into the XI in place of Miguel Cummins, who has gone wicketless in three of the four innings he has bowled in in the series. Apart from that change, they are likely to keep the same side. Holder said everyone was fit for the Test.West Indies (possible): 1 Kraigg Brathwaite, 2 Devon Smith, 3 Kieran Powell, 4 Shai Hope, 5 Roston Chase, 6 Shane Dowrich (wk), 7 Jason Holder (capt), 8 Devendra Bishoo, 9 Keemo Paul, 10 Kemar Roach, 11 Shannon GabrielWith Chandimal out of the Test, it is difficult to predict the exact make-up of the Sri Lanka side. Suranga Lakmal is going to lead the, SLC confirmed on Saturday. Danushka Gunathilaka may replace the misfiring Kusal Perera at the top of the order, but it is possible that Perera merely moves down the order.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Mahela Udawatte, 3 Dhananjaya de Silva, 4 Kusal Mendis, 5 Roshen Silva, 6 Kusal Perera, 7 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 8 Suranga Lakmal (capt.), 9 Akila Dananjaya, 10 Kasun Rajitha, 11 Lahiru Kumara
Pitch and conditions
The weather in Barbados is expected to be cloudy but dry for the majority of the Test. Pitches at the Kensington Oval have recently favoured seam bowlers.
Stats and trivia
Mendis’ scores in the series are 4, 102, 45 and 87. He averages 72.71 across four Tests this year.
Gabriel’s bowling average has also been on an improve since the start of 2017. In that period he has 51 wickets at an average of 23.49. His average before that period was 38.12.
West Indies have won the two most-recent Tests at Kensington Oval, beating Pakistan and England.
Sky Sports made one of the most exciting moves in the transfer window as they brought in Peter Drury to replace Martin Tyler as the voice of their Premier League coverage. The commentator has built a reputation as the top wordsmith in the profession over his 30+ year career, after all.
Of course, the majority of that reputation, at least in recent times, has been built away from England.
After 15 years of making his name at ITV, Drury has primarily provided coverage of the world's biggest games for TV networks in America, working at both CBS Sports and NBC Sports.
Football FanCast has taken a look at Peter Drury's top commentary moments from his fantastic career:
10
Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Man United
11th September 2021, Manchester United 4-1 Newcastle United
Cristiano Ronaldo's reappearance in red at Old Trafford was a massive moment in what now seems like a long, long, long time ago. In reality, it was 2021. Didn't things fall apart quickly?
It really felt like an enormous moment for Manchester United when they re-signed the superstar from Juventus. Here was an all-time great returning to the club where he truly took off in an effort to sign off on one of the most incredible club careers the sport has ever seen.
With the Portugal star's time in Turin fizzling out, an extraordinary return to the place he made his name became reality when he made a second United debut against Newcastle United in September 2021.
And in true Ronaldo style, he grabbed all the headlines, not only through his mere appearance, but through a match-defining double that spurred the Red Devils to victory.
Drury attempted to capture the feelings as Ronaldo made that return, doing so in his usual poetic style:
"18 years since that trembling teenager of touch and tease first tip-toed onto this storied stage. Now in his immaculate maturity, CR7 re-United.
"Guess who's there? Close your eyes and he never went away! Cristiano Ronaldo has stolen back the show!
"The Theatre lives its Dream! Its fantasy hero retreads the boards! A phenomenon! Hello again, Stretford End: here I am!"
You can catch his introduction here.
Ronaldo's second spell at United, in statistics:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
55
27
5
9
Vincent Kompany's bolt from the blue
6th May 2019, Manchester City 1-0 Leicester City
In a titanic tussle for the title back in 2019, Manchester City knew only perfection would stop Liverpool claiming a first league title in nearly 30 years.
The Citizens, reigning champions at the time after amassing triple figures in terms of points, eventually went within touching distance of repeating that feat 12 months later, with their 98-point haul pipping the Reds to the post.
Therefore, every point mattered. And in early May, a stubborn Leicester City side were proving difficult to break down, with City requiring a victory to ensure they went into the final day in control of their destiny.
City skipper Vincent Kompany – not exactly famed for his long-range shooting – took efforts into his own hands by unleashing a rasping 25-yard strike that ultimately led to Pep Guardiola’s side sealing a domestic treble.
And in typical fashion, Drury was on hand to narrate the dramatic moment a nervy Etihad Stadium was sent into raptures by the Belgian’s wondergoal:
“Kompany… had a look, had a hit… ohhh! Captain fantastic! A wild celebration for a goal from his wildest dreams!
“A fantasy goal for City’s fantasy footballer! A goal fit for a champion of all time!
“He merely gives thanks. Around him, tens of thousands in blue give thanks for Manchester City’s man of men!”
Kompany's honours:
Trophy
Year
Belgian Pro League
2004, 2006
FA Cup
2011, 2019
Premier League
2012, 2014, 2018, 2019
Community Shield
2013, 2019
League Cup
2014, 2016, 2018, 2019
8
Thierry Henry stuns the Bernabeu
21st February 2006, Real Madrid 0-1 Arsenal
Thierry Henry
We're going all the way back to 2006 for this one as Arsenal attempted to ascend to the top of European football for the first time. They'd come awfully close, too, falling in the final to Barcelona after a heartbreaking defeat in Paris.
Indeed, Arsenal would go on to dispatch fellow European heavyweights Juventus and a talented Villarreal outfit on their way to a first-ever Champions League final.
However, the highlight of their run was surely the Gunners' victory over a star-studded Real Madrid in the first knockout round.
The Gunners would take the tie 1-0 on aggregate, with the crucial goal coming in Madrid courtesy of Thierry Henry.
A tense goalless draw at Highbury followed in what was Real Madrid’s one and only visit to the famous old ground, with Jens Lehmann’s heroics key to maintaining the north Londoners’ slender advantage.
And looking back to that decisive moment in the first leg, it was a stunning display of brilliance from Henry as he showed strength and poise to tie Real's defence in knots. Drury delivered worthy commentary to sum it all up:
“Here's Henry getting clear, it's Thierry Henry… he's scored! He's scored for Arsenal in the Bernabeu! No more, no less than they merit! Arsenal have been the thrusting force of this tie! Thierry Henry, the Gunner Galactico, it is Real Madrid nil, Arsenal one!”
Perfect.
Thierry Henry's Arsenal career in statistics:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Trophies
377
228
103
7
7
Sergio Agüero's title-winner
13th May 2012, Manchester City 3-2 Queens Park Rangers
The final day of the 2011/12 season saw the Citizens in need of a victory against relegation-threatened QPR to secure their first-ever Premier League title.
Though, the script was ripped into shreds when Jamie Mackie put the visitors 2-1 up in the second half, sinking Roberto Mancini's side to second, behind bitter rivals Manchester United.
Edin Dzeko levelled in the 92nd minute and provided the hosts with a lifeline but still a mountain to climb as the pulsating encounter edged closer to the full-time whistle.
But, of course, Sergio Agüero stepped up in the fifth minute of stoppage, lashing home the title-winner to send the Etihad Stadium into bedlem.
Read more: 10 most famous Manchester City players in history
Martin Tyler's commentary of the moment perhaps stole much of Drury's limelight, but nonetheless, the football poet produced a memorable sequence.
“Drama of the ultimate type! Tears of distress turn to tears of unbridled joy! It just does not get better than this. It will never get better than this in blue.
“The blue moon has risen. Just like a dream in their hearts. Where does football go from here?”
Agüero's 2011/12 season, in numbers:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Trophies
48
30
12
1
6
Scott McTominay's derby-day goal
8th March 2020, Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
Manchester United welcomed their noisy neighbours Manchester City, who were the reigning Premier League champions having amassed a remarkable 99 points the season prior.
Though, at the time the Citizens were some way off the summit of the table, as Liverpool raced away 25 points clear in the lead. Even still, City were 15 points ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjær's side, so heading into the derby, they were certainly the favoured outfit.
But in the 30th minute, Ederson allowed Anthony Martial's shot to squirm underneath his hands, putting the hosts ahead before Scott McTominay netted a 40-yard wondergoal in stoppage time to make sure of the three points.
Here's how Drury painted the picture:
"A red-Letter day, Scott McTominay, Ederson stay to hide, it's Solskjær's day to look to paradise and say ‘I've done a double over the neighbours.’"
McTominay's United career so far, in numbers:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Trophies
218
22
5
1
5
Liverpool utopia
5th March 2023, Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United
The Reds did indeed defeat their bitter rivals 7-0, that did happen, it wasn't a dream. Perhaps even more remarkably, they only led 1-0 at half-time.
United's second-half capitulation saw Liverpool relentlessly punish error after error, netting six times, with Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah all scoring a brace.
Roberto Firmino added the seventh with two minutes of normal time remaining before Drury perfectly captured the unprecedented scenes:
“A story at Anfield of restored faith. Of restored verve. Restored appetite. That is Liverpool as you remember them and that is Manchester United as they’d rather forget.”
Five of Liverpool's biggest Premier League wins over Manchester United:
Scoreline
Date
Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
16th March 2014
Manchester United 1-4 Liverpool
14th March 2009
Liverpool 4-0 Manchester United
19th April 2022
Manchester United 0-5 Liverpool
24th October 2021
Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United
5th March 2023
4
Saka's poise
9th October 2022, Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool
Bukayo Saka's 76th-minute penalty settled the pulsating affair, as the Gunners defeated Liverpool 3-2 and regained their spot at the top of the league table.
As Saka stepped up to take the spot kick, much of the focus was centralised around his miss in the EURO 2020 final shootout against Italy and whether he could bury those demons, here.
Drury built up the occasion fabulously, commending his bravery and the Gunners golden boy proceeded to confidently stroke the ball home before wheeling away in elation.
Here's how Dury narrated the pressure penalty:
"Now this is one brave boy. Bukayo Saka. Because this is one pressure penalty. He has experienced pressure from the spot like few others.
"He has suffered for that pressure, but now the Emirates braces itself for perhaps a pivotal kick of the football.
“These are broad shoulders. This is courage. A sporting moment in time. Bukayo Saka. Such poise! Such noise!”
Saka's 2022/23 season, in numbers:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
48
15
11
3
Wayne Rooney's moment of magic
12th February 2011, Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City
Wayne Rooney produced some incredible moments throughout his glittering career, but one does manage to stand out amongst them all.
He may have announced himself with his long-range rocket against Arsenal as an Everton teenager back in 2002, while his thunderbolt volley against Newcastle nearly three years later still lives long in the memory.
His later career had some fine strikes, too – a superb strike from just inside the West Ham United half showed his undying class, while he repeated the trick of sorts against the Hammers by drilling in a superb 59-yarder during his second Everton spell.
However, that bicycle kick during the Manchester derby in February 2011 is an all-time Premier League moment – even if he quite clearly shinned it.
Read more: Ranking the 10 best goals not to win the Puskas Award
It was an extraordinary hit late on in a clash that secured a massive result in the title race – one that United would go on to win.
With Nani’s opener cancelled out by Edin Dzeko’s deflected effort, it was up to Rooney to settle things, and his goal for the ages ensured United maintained their four-point lead at the top with 12 games to play.
And as special as the strike was, Drury's commentary for the strike was nearly as good, too, as he tried to capture the magnitude:
"Rooney! Oh, wonderful! What a goal! And what a time, in what a place! What a player! Wayne Rooney, out of this world! 2-1 United!"
Wayne Rooney's career statistics:
Team
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Trophies
England
120
53
21
0
Manchester United
559
253
145
17
Everton
117
28
8
0
D.C. United
52
25
14
0
Derby County
35
7
3
0
2
History for South Africa
11th June 2010, South Africa 1-1 Mexico
The 2010 World Cup might primarily be remembered for a very dull brand of football played to the sound of bored bees, but the opener delivered a truly historic moment.
South Africa, after all, were the first African nation to ever host the tournament as they kicked it off against Mexico in June 2010.
They have not featured on the global stage since their home World Cup, but there were certainly moments to savour.
Alongside the weight of being the continent’s first World Cup hosts, they also beat an albeit out-of-sorts France as the former world champions completely crumbled, even finishing below their unfancied opponents in the group.
Bafana Bafana were also unfortunate to exit the tournament by virtue of goal difference.
Nevertheless, they will always have one of the tournament’s most iconic strikes to their name, and despite not holding on for victory on opening night, their opener was undoubtedly one of the goals of the finals.
You can't really overstate how enormous that was for the continent, let alone the country. So when Siphiwe Tshabalala put the hosts ahead with the tournament’s first goal, emotion completely took over the game.
Drury did his best to capture that on commentary, with a call that summed up just how special the moment was. He even later proclaimed the match to be his favourite of his career:
"It's Tshabalala… Goal Bafana Bafana! Goal for South Africa! Goal for all Africa! Jambulila, rejoice! Bafana Bafana have popped the first cork of their day of days!"
2010 World Cup Group A table:
#
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Points
1
Uruguay
3
2
1
0
4
0
4
7
2
Mexico
3
1
1
1
3
2
1
4
3
South Africa
3
1
1
1
3
5
-2
4
4
France
3
0
1
2
1
4
-3
1
1
The Greek God in Rome
10th April 2018, Roma 3-0 Barcelona
No matter what your opinion is of Drury's commentary, there's no question that his call of Kostas Manolas' goal against Barcelona in 2018 was a turning point in the commentator's career.
His description of one of the Champions League's most incredible moments of recent years catapulted him into the minds of football fans across the world.
Of course, the conditions were perfect. Barcelona had beaten Roma 3-1 in Catalonia and looked certain to progress. The Italians had other ideas, however, and produced a sensational comeback to win 3-0 at home.
Edin Dzeko opened the scoring early on at the Stadio Olimpico, before a Daniele De Rossi penalty just before the hour mark had Roma threatening to complete an improbable comeback, as an away-goals victory was suddenly within their grasp.
And Greek centre-back Manolas struck from a corner with around 10 minutes remaining to send his side through to the semi-finals at Lionel Messi and co.’s expense.
Drury practically stole the limelight for himself, however, such was his description of the events:
"Roma have risen from their ruins! Manolas, the Greek God in Rome! The unthinkable unfolds before our eyes!
"This was not meant to happen, this could not happen – this is happening!"
The commentary went viral and Drury has been in demand ever since.
Twelve years into his international career, South Africa’s wicketkeeper is still the epitome of fighting spirit and reliability under pressure
Jon Cardinelli15-Sep-2009His critics believe he is finished, but does Mark Boucher care? He has dragged South Africa back from the brink on countless occasions, and yet several hacks prefer to focus on his batting average. He is the most accomplished wicketkeeper in Test history, but there are still people calling for a change.Perhaps Boucher should care, but he doesn’t. Perhaps he should feel the need to prove the naysayers wrong, but if he did, he would forego the very quality that makes him special. Boucher is the pressure man, the player for the big occasion. He won’t average 50 or hit seven hundreds in a calendar year, but he’ll win you games. He’ll come across as arrogant in the post-match interview, the lemon-sucking expression accompanied by a curt response to a stupid question. But again, if he repressed this attitude, he’d lose all his clout.”I first worked with Mark when I was coaching at the Warriors,” recalls South Africa coach Mickey Arthur. “He captained the side and I always had faith in his cricketing brain. He was also the kind of leader who was never afraid to have his say, and as a player he was a true fighter.”Mark’s a tiger, and if I went to battle, there’s no one I’d rather have beside me. He’s fiercely loyal and will never turn down a challenge. He’s an invaluable member of our team.”The stats may not reflect Boucher’s value when he strolls to the crease, but Arthur admits there are other stat bars that tell a more accurate story, highlighting his game-winning ability.Boucher’s wicketkeeping virtues have never been in doubt. He has 475 scalps in Test cricket and 406 in ODIs – record figures that are set to rise as long as he’s fit and favoured. But it’s not just his work behind the stumps that has won him acclaim. His batting contributions played a significant part in his winning the South African Cricketer of the Year Award in 1998, 2000 and 2006. He was also named as one of ‘s five Cricketers of the Year in 2009.So what does he think about the criticism and the recent calls to step aside? The rise of AB de Villiers has prompted a fierce debate. De Villiers seems set to become one of the batting greats and has the ability to keep wicket. The ingrates reason that, closing in on 33, Boucher needs to make way for the future. But is comparing the two really comparing apples and apples?”I know it sounds like I’m trying to protect my position, but I just don’t think AB should play keeper,” Boucher says. “He’s too special a batter, and to put pressure on him from a keeping perspective is going to hamper his batting average.”Most players’ batting averages take a dip when they are asked to keep. Kumar Sangakkara wasn’t doing well when he was keeping, and I see his average has gone up since he stopped. AB needs to be averaging around 55 at Test level, but he’s not going to do that if he has to worry about keeping too.”Boucher’s viewpoint is shared by Arthur. There’s no plan to replace Boucher with de Villiers, and there’s no long-term plan to groom de Villiers as a successor when Boucher eventually calls it a day. “You can’t compare AB and Mark because their roles in the team are vastly different,” affirms Arthur. “Mark’s our best keeper, while AB is in the team as a top-order batsman.
“Mark’s a tiger, and if I went to battle there’s no one I’d rather have beside me. He’s fiercely loyal and will never turn down a challenge. He’s an invaluable member of our team”Mickey Arthur
“In an emergency, we would look to AB to keep wicket, but we don’t view him as a successor to Mark. Ultimately AB will bat at No. 4 in both versions of the game. We really want AB to become the best batsman on the planet. It would be unfair to burden him with the keeping responsibilities, as that could cause him to average 10 less than he should. When you have a player of that talent, you don’t want to hamper his ability to score.”We have identified two potential successors in the Dolphins’ Darren Smit and the Titans’ Heino Kuhn. Both are good keepers and have the ability to chip in with the bat.”Boucher averages less than 30 in both forms of the game, but when he does get going you have to wonder how good he would have been had he given keeping a miss. He has scored five Test centuries and 29 fifties, and his value in the ODI arena is well documented: he has 26 fifties and a sparkling 147 not out to his name. But since his 1997 debut, where he replaced Dave Richardson, it has always been about keeping first. Batting has been important, but only in the team context.”Mark is first and foremost a wicketkeeper,” says Arthur. “I think he has averaged less than he would have had he not worn the gloves, but that’s his role. That’s not to say we’ve ever doubted his ability. I can’t speak highly enough about what he has done for South African cricket.”In the Test set-up we usually go with six specialist batters, four specialist bowlers and our best wicketkeeper. From a batting perspective, Mark’s role is to marshal the tail.”In the one-day game Mark has become one of the best finishers in the world. At the end of an innings he can be devastating, whether he’s helping us set a formidable target or getting us past the opposition score. He’s capable of the big shots, but his experience is so crucial during those knocks. When he’s out in the middle, it helps other guys like Albie Morkel.”Boucher admits his personal goals are not that of a normal batter. When he walks down from the dressing room and onto the field, he’s thinking about how he can help South Africa. “I never look at averages and stats because they don’t really tell a story. Don’t get me wrong, I love scoring hundreds, but there are other things you look to achieve when you perform my kind of role.”I like to bat aggressively and take the bowling on, but I’m a team man. I’ll do what the team requires. My average may be a bit lower because of my responsibilities in the team context, but I’m a wicketkeeper-batsman, not a specialist batsman. My goals are not the same as those of an all-out batter.”I will never rest on my laurels and I will never voluntarily give my position away”•AFP”There are some knocks I’ll never forget, and those are the ones scored under pressure. In one of my first visits to India, we were in a difficult position and I came in and scored 27 not out to help win the game. That was like a century to me because of the conditions and context of the match.”That Test innings I played at Edgbaston last year was also very special. The series was on the line and although I didn’t score much [45 not out], I helped us towards that winning total.”If you are going to measure Boucher’s worth, you may as well do it in kilopascals. He has the ability to hit a cricket ball into the stands, but what sets him apart is how calm he is under pressure. “Everyone remembers guys like AB, Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs for that 438 victory [in 2006], but Mark was the guy who got us home,” says Arthur. “The ODI win in Sydney this year was thanks to his batting performance, an important innings that allowed us to go to a defining 2-1 lead in the series. Mark’s a player capable of hundreds, but he’s also capable of playing those momentum-swinging knocks that sometimes prove [to be] the difference.”Fighting spirit is something that’s become synonymous with South African cricket. Jonty Rhodes, Allan Donald and Gary Kirsten are just three players who were renowned for it when Boucher first arrived on the scene, and Boucher credits them for contributing to his mental development. But deep steel, according to him, is something you cannot acquire. You either have it or you don’t.”I’ve played squash since I was very young and I think it has shaped my mentality as a cricketer. Squash is the type of game where you’re always fighting for the upper hand, and if you are down, you need to fight hard to come back. You need that fighting spirit to be a good squash player. You need to be a fighter if you’re going to deal with that pressure and rise above it. That’s what makes you a hardened sportsman, and I believe that’s what gave me the base to perform under big pressure in cricket.”Some people claim to enjoy the pressure. Some people ask me if I enjoy the pressure. Truth be told, I don’t think anybody enjoys it. It’s more about understanding it and understanding how to beat it. Some people will go into their shells when they’re under pressure, while others respond with an aggressive approach.”Richardson was 38 when he retired from international cricket, and while Boucher isn’t sure about matching that feat, he’s determined to soldier on for as long as he’s able. “I will never rest on my laurels and I will never voluntarily give my position away,” he says. “That may be the wrong thing to say, but I’m very competitive and I have plenty more years in me. I only think about my goals two years at a time. I definitely have another World Cup in me and I’ll decide where to after that.”My body’s still in good shape and I’ve never told anyone that I’m looking to retire. After the World Cup, I’ll be 35, but if I’ve still got a lot to give, why can’t I carry on for another few years?”
“I’ve played squash since I was very young and I think it has shaped my mentality as a cricketer. You need that fighting spirit to be a good squash player”Mark Boucher
Boucher had a limited opportunity when South Africa toured Australia back in 1997, but was awarded a full-time position when they travelled to England in 1998. For over a decade South Africa came close to beating England in England, while the same period witnessed a string of failures Down Under. There was a breakthrough in 2008, with South Africa following up a Test series win in England with an unprecedented triumph in Australia. Boucher was at the heart of both victories, and as a seasoned campaigner drew the most satisfaction from the results.”We’d come close before in England, but because Australia are our arch-rivals and so much is made of beating the best on their own track, the win against the Aussies meant the most. The Proteas have been referred to as a team that choke in big contests, so it was satisfying to prove to the world, and to the Aussies, who initially tagged us as chokers, that we can rise above the pressure.”Boucher has achieved more than most and is by no means finished. However, he’s not so arrogant as to believe he’ll play forever. A couple of goals remain before he eventually passes the baton. South Africa need to become the undisputed kings of Test cricket, and they need to atone for their past World Cup sins by capturing the crown in 2011.”The past two years have witnessed a turning point in South African cricket,” he says, as if the recent success is an appetiser for things to come. “In any winning team, the key to success is consistency over an extended period.”Look at the Springbok team that won the 2007 Rugby World Cup. They were together for four years before they won in France. It’s not only about building a family, but also about being dynamic and ensuring things continue to develop. That’s why Mickey’s done extremely well to bring people like Jeremy Snape and Duncan Fletcher into the mix. There’s no danger of stagnating.”I’m very excited to be a part of something so special. We’ve achieved so much over the past two years, but we haven’t fully reached our potential. We can get a lot better and as long as the leadership core remains intact, we will continue to achieve our goals in years to come.”
Mark Stoneman’s England Test opportunities might have resulted in disappointment but when will England’s selectors take a serious look at Rory Burns?
George Dobell09-Jun-2018 ScorecardThe streaker is not – thankfully – a common sight in Championship cricket. It’s not just that the atmosphere of the game hardly warrantsit – it’s a bit like crowd surfing in a library – but, with the schedule pushing matches to the margins of the season, it’s not very warm, either. And the cold is neither comfortable or flattering.So it was hard to imagine why anyone would strip off and run around the Ageas Bowl pitch in light drizzle towards the end of the first dayof this match. Insanity was one theory. Stolen trousers another. Or could it be Rory Burns in a desperate attempt to be noticed?The answer to that we should make very clear – we live in litigious times, you know – is a resounding no. But if Burns were driven to such measures it might, to a point, be understandable. After all, he keeps churning out runs. But it doesn’t seem to make any difference.But Burns is becoming, for the best of reasons, hard to ignore. After finishing the 2017 season as the third-highest run-scorer in DivisionOne, he is now the second-highest run scorer in the division this season.Here, against an attack boasting 623 Test wickets (Sean Ervine, who hardly bowls these days, is not included in that tally), he made hissecond century of the campaign. Only Hashim Amla has scored more runs in Division One this year, no England-qualified batsman has morecenturies and nobody in either division has faced more deliveries.At a time when it appears just about every opening batsman with a pulse and bladder control has been considered by England, it is puzzling that Burns – with a career average of 42.51 in first-class cricket – has not had as much as a Lions call. Indeed, to talk to those who know him at Surrey, it seems he has not had as much as a phone call from the selectors or England management.That will surely be rectified soon. The Lions play India A at New Road from July 16 and it would be bizarre if Burns does not win an opportunity to impress. While England may feel they have settled upon an opening pair for the India series, it remains possible that Burnscould slot in at No. 3, thereby allowing Joe Root to revert to what appears to be his favoured No. 4 position. He may be just the thing anEngland side crying out for stability requires.One of the arguments against Burns is that he scores his runs – or many of them, at least – on relatively flat tracks at The Oval. And there is some truth in that. But developing a game on those surfaces also builds confidence and technique. So, unlike some openers, who have adapted to testing conditions in the county game by attempting to smash their way to runs as fast as possible in the hope they can score a few before an unplayable delivery arrives, Burns has the confidence to build an innings. He leaves well, he drives sweetly – some of hiscover drives in this innings were a thing of beauty – and he is good off his legs.He is not especially pleasing on the eye – not in his stance, anyway, crouching with his bottom stuck out far behind him and his head turning at the last moment as if the square-leg fielder has just said something appalling about his mother – but this should not put off the selectors. Alastair Cook’s batting is hardly pretty, after all, and he has done rather well.And there is no ignoring runs against this attack. With Dale Steyn (419 Test wickets) keen to prove his fitness ahead of a potential return to Test cricket bowling, forming a formidable opening pair alongside Fidel Edwards (165 Test wickets) with Kyle Abbott (39 Test wickets) and the vastly underrated Gareth Berg in support, this innings cannot, in any way, be dismissed as soft. While it is true this sluggish surface meant he was hardly tested by the short ball in this innings, there was lateral movement and he coped with it admirably.”It’s an outstanding attack,” Surrey coach Michael Di Venuto said afterwards. “There aren’t too many better in Championship cricket.”That was a terrific innings from a fantastic player. Hopefully he gets recognition and higher honours soon. He just scores runs and that’s the name of the game for a batsman.”Surrey were grateful for Burns’ resistance. They were two down after the first over after Mark Stoneman was caught in the slips and ScottBorthwick attempted a sharp single only to be run-out by Brad Taylor’s direct hit from cover.Stoneman’s poor luck continues. After a horrid second-innings dismissal at Lord’s – the ball keeping low – ended his Test career fornow, here he was victim of a fine piece of bowling. With Edwards – the pick of the bowlers – generally moving the ball back into the left-hander, Stoneman was obliged to play the delivery just outside off stump. But this time it was angled across him and caught the edgeon its way.With Mason Crane – who has worryingly experienced a recurrence of pain in his back – and Liam Dawson – finger – injured, Hampshire wereobliged to give an opportunity to the off-spin of Taylor. And, while he ended Ryan Patel’s promising stay – the batsman simply missed onehe had attempted to turn into the leg side – Ben Foakes, in particular, took a bit of a shine to him. At one stage he was plundered for three boundaries in an over.Foakes endured some nervous moments at the start of his innings. Edwards beat him a couple of times outside off stump and Burns mayhave survived an edge in between the keeper and first slip off Abbott when he had 74, but generally the pair were sound and resourceful inadding an unbroken 133 for the fourth-wicket.Edwards, who will shortly depart to represent Winnipeg Hawks in the Canada Cricket League – a somewhat surprising turn of events – was the pick of the bowlers. Steyn, being the class act he is, was tidy and, in his first couple of spells, occasionally dangerous. But, playinghis first first-class came since the first week of January, he is still feeling his way back to full pace and was not helped by a pitchon which, once the hardness of the new ball has gone, is slow. He later announced himself happy to simply be out on the pitch. There’smore to come from him.There’s more to come from Burns, too. Not only will Surrey be keen for him to add substantially to his overnight score, but it seems hisopportunity – at Lions level, at least – must be imminent. His is a hot streak that cannot be ignored.
da jogodeouro： Tottenham Hotspur’s activity in the transfer market over the last few days has been frantic to say the least, with huge moves being made by new boss Thomas Frank.
da dobrowin： Mohammed Kudus appears to be the first major signing of the Dane’s tenure in charge, after a £55m deal was agreed between the Lilywhites and West Ham United.
The Ghanaian could prove to be an excellent addition for the club, with the 24-year-old scoring 19 times during his two years with the Hammers after joining from Ajax.
West Ham's Mohammed Kudus
It certainly would be the start of what’s going to be a huge window for the club, especially if they are to rise up the Premier League table throughout 2025/26 after their dismal finish last year.
However, numerous other players still remain on their radar between now and the end of the window, but it remains to be seen how many more deals will be completed.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has been labelled as a potential option for Spurs this summer, potentially following Frank in moving across the capital to join the Lilywhites.
A £50m price tag has been mooted for the 28-year-old, who registered 19 league goals for the Bees during the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
However, another player in England’s top flight has emerged on their radar, with Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White a key target, according to The Athletic.
They claim that direct talks have been held between the two clubs, with a deal now being given the famous “here we go” by Fabrizio Romano who has suggested that it is a “massive” move for the club.
Whilst no deal has yet been formally completed, journalist Ben Jacobs has stated that the player has “agreed” to the move and will head to north London for around £60m, a bargain for Frank’s side.
The player is set to undergo a medical on Friday, according to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph.
Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Kudus & Wissa
Whilst a deal for Kudus is pretty much in the final stages, it’s evident that the board are serious about completing moves for numerous players ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Daniel Levy evidently wants to back Frank in his quest for success, looking to build on the Europa League triumph they achieved at the end of last season.
Kudus and Wissa would add further quality to the frontline without a doubt, with the pair registering a combined total of 24 league goals throughout 2024/25.
Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitereacts after the match
However, despite their pending arrivals, a move for Gibbs-White would undoubtedly be a better option, with the England international one of the most sought-after talents in the division after being on Manchester City’s radar earlier this summer.
When comparing his stats to those of the aforementioned duo, he’s massively outperformed the pair in numerous key areas, handing Frank the attacking quality he has craved this window.
How MGW compares to Kudus & Wissa in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Gibbs-White
Kudus
Wissa
Games played
34
32
35
Goals & assists
15
8
23
Progressive passes
5.3
2.7
2.1
Passes into final third
4.2
1.6
1.3
Shot-creating actions
3.7
3.6
2.1
Take-on success
50%
44%
30%
Aerials won
1.3
0.3
0.9
Key passes
1.3
1
0.8
Stats via FBref
Gibbs-White, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Jamie Martin, has registered more progressive passes per 90, along with more key passes completed – having the creativity ability to allow those ahead of him to thrive in front of goals.
He’s also registered more shot-creating actions despite his deep-lying role, whilst completing a higher percentage of his take-ons, subsequently able to create chances for himself or his teammates.
The 25-year-old has further showcased his dominance with his higher figure of aerials won per 90, with his skillset handing Frank a superb all-round option within the final third.
£60m for a player of his talent in today’s market would be an excellent piece of business by the hierarchy, offering the side yet another incredible talent within the final third.
Morgan Gibbs-White for Nottingham Forest.
There’s no denying that Kudus or Wissa would also be impressive signings, but given the stats produced and his current international status, Gibbs-White would blow the pair out of the water, potentially playing a huge role in any future success under Frank.
A better signing than Eze: Spurs set to make bid for "magical" £20m star
Tottenham Hotspur appear to have ended their pursuit of Eberechi Eze with a move for another talented star.
Sri Lanka will hope his form and class doesn’t taper off, like it did for some of the promising young batters in the last 10 years
Andrew Fidel Fernando28-Jan-2025To start with, the whole idea just feels off. A sober stock-take on the career of Kamindu Mendis at the beginning of only his second serious Test year? Yah, who asked for this?So much more fun to be stuck in that Kamindu Mendis fever dream. An average of 74 after 17 Test innings? Uff! Five hundreds out of nine 50-plus scores? Yes please. All 1110 of his runs from No. 5 or lower? That’s the stuff. And have you seen how this brother flicks even the fastest Test bowlers through the air over square leg? Right off his toes, sometimes all the way for six.But there are potentially universes where worse things happen. In one of the more cursed timelines, there might exist a pre-series column focusing on Kamindu, in which there is significant bringing back to reality, a ruining of the vibe, a killing of the buzz.Related
Australia, Sri Lanka and a touch of the dramatic
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Uncapped Dinusha and Udara in SL squad for Australia Tests
Such a column might point out that Kamindu had his first less-than-stellar series in South Africa, where he averaged an unusually human 26.50 across four innings. He got some excellent deliveries from South Africa’s quicks, but there did also seem to be a tiny weakness to the shorter ball in the channel, angling across him from the right-arm seamers.There could also be warnings. Kamindu is not the first Sri Lankan batter to emerge in the last 10 years from whom greatness was expected. Many of those expectations haven’t quite panned out, with several batters unable to consolidate careers after starting well, and others plataeuing earlier than expected. There is the not wanting to thrust the mantle of greatness on him too early, but also the hard facts of middle-order runs needing to be scored if Sri Lanka are to improve, and Kamindu being pretty well-placed to score them.Or perhaps that column would draw attention to the greatest buzzkill subject of all – the Test schedule. Tests, the only format in which Kamindu has truly excelled at international level, are in short supply for Sri Lanka this year. Following this two-match series against Australia, there is a two-Test series against Bangladesh mid-year, and then nothing on the books until the middle of 2026, when Sri Lanka travel to the West Indies. Sri Lanka’s next World Test Championship cycle features exactly 12 Tests – the minimum required.(In the second Test of this Australia series, Dimuth Karunaratne is set to play his 100th Test. It may ultimately not matter how consistently Kamindu scores big runs, it seems unlikely he can play 100 Tests if Sri Lanka average only six matches a year.)Such a column might conclude that although Kamindu has had the best possible start to his Test career, the year ahead may be the definitive one for him. For starters, anyone who has had a year like Kamindu’s 2024 will now have had their technique pored over by opposition analysts and coaches. Bowlers will come with theories on how to get him out. Too often in the last 10 years, opposition bowlers have been right about young Sri Lanka batters.Beyond this, another exam. With Sri Lanka’s Test schedule likely to dwindle, there is also now the heat to become a more productive limited-overs player. Kamindu’s domestic T20 career in particular suggests that he has the range and skill to become a success in white-ball cricket, but he is yet to crack the shorter formats in international cricket.It is not often that a batter who has scored more than a thousand Test runs in the previous calendar year has this many hurdles still to overcome. But cricket’s sands are shifting, and these are the breaks.On Kamindu’s side is his obvious talent for expanding his game. But also, the fact that the next challenge is one he should relish – playing two Tests in his home town, in the format he has already made a name for himself in. He also averages 123.33 in Galle, after three Tests there.But Australia’s tall fast bowlers will have watched the footage from South Africa, and will try him where they think he is weak. And this next step is where many Sri Lanka batters have stumbled.Or so at least that column would say.