Leeds United have made a strong start to the campaign and look to now be taking things up a notch as the memory of Victor Orta fades into the abyss at Elland Road, according to reports.
What's the latest news involving Leeds United?
Speaking to LUTV, Leeds United defender Sam Byram has taken encouragement from his side's 3-0 victory over Watford last weekend and has indicated that the Whites are starting to build some consistency heading into their upcoming fixtures.
Byram stated: "We know we have quality all over the pitch; we created a lot of chances at the first half, so we knew it was just a matter of time. There was a few times when we pressed really well and won the ball back you could feel the whole stadium roar and it lifts you on the pitch.
"I think we did well to nullify their attacking players as they have some quality in the attacking areas, but overall, I thought it was a well-deserved win. I said before the game if we could win against Watford it would have been a very good week, we’re building momentum now and hopefully we can keep going that way."
In some bad news, The Sun report that Crystal Palace are keen on Leeds United youngster Archie Gray, who has become an important cog on Daniel Farke's engine room since the start of this term. The report claims that Leeds may be forced to cash in on Gray if they don't win promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking and Crystal Palace are looking to get a head start on other potential suitors to land the England Under-19 international.
Pundit Carlton Palmer has indicated to Football League World that Gray should look to stay at Leeds for the time being, as he said in an interview with the outlet: "It’s always important for a young player to be getting minutes, and he’s getting that and playing at Leeds United at such a tender age. He’s unlikely to move to a Premier League club and play every week, so it’d be best to stay where you are."
Who are Leeds United looking to bring in off the field?
Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross has issued an update detailing some exciting off-field developments at Elland Road that will be enacted by the 49ers, stating on social media platform X: "Three weeks on from summer window, Leeds have launched hiring process for multiple transfer roles, including head of recruitment. Would work with Farke and Steinsson. Scouts wanted across Europe and UK in further restructure following Orta's tenure."
In an attached report from Leeds Live, further insight reveals that Leeds United want scouts privy to potential additions across France, Scandinavia, Germany, Holland, Belgium and across Britain. Technical scouts will also be deployed to try and maximise the Whites' recruitment potential relating to data and uncovering players suited to playing in Farke's system.
Leeds United sit sixth in the league table and have not lost in their last six Sky Bet Championship fixtures, as they now seem to be putting the building blocks in place off the pitch to breed sustainable success.
Until a stand of 69 either side of tea the possibility of a hectic run-chase kept the crowd involved in a match where all outcomes, including a Somerset victory, were possible
Paul Edwards at Old Trafford07-May-2018 ScorecardOn a Bank Holiday afternoon made for hammock-ease and somnolence Lancashire and Somerset concocted cricket worthy of everyone’s close attention at Emirates Old Trafford. That the game would end in a draw only became apparent in the evening session when Somerset’s eighth-wicket pair, Jack Leach and Tim Groenewald, extended their side’s lead beyond 175 with the overs slipping gently away.Leach was eventually bowled for a career-best 66 when he played inside the line to Matt Parkinson but apart from giving the legspinner his fifth wicket of the innings, that wicket was little more than the prelude to stalemate. The outcome became even more probable in retrospect, as it were, when it was discovered that Marcus Trescothick would have batted with a broken foot had he been required to do so.All the same, until Leach and Groenewald’s 69-run stand either side of tea the visitors’ regular loss of wickets and the possibility of a hectic run-chase kept the crowd involved in a match where all outcomes, including a Somerset victory, were possible. Lancashire’s main honours were taken by that cheery scamp of a legspinner Parkinson, who took 5 for 101 and often extracted plenty of turn and bounce from this fourth-day Old Trafford wicket. Already an England Lion, Parkinson ended the game with career-best match figures of 8 for 181. He should be grateful he was offered four warm days in Manchester and close to ideal conditions in which to wheel away for 56.2 overs.Watching Parkinson bowl to the bespectacled Leach, who looked as if he might have been more at home in Deansgate’s John Rylands Library, put one in mind of Staff matches at schools when optimistic fifth formers are put in their place by merciless masters. In fact, there are only five years or so between the pair and when Leach lifted Parkinson for a straight six the realities of professional cricket dispelled such airy notions.But for at least two sessions there was nothing at all fanciful about Lancashire’s chances of victory. Four wickets fell in the morning session and two more in the first three overs after lunch. When Tom Abell was leg before to Parkinson, his side were 145 for 6 and Lancashire were probably a few good balls from their first victory of the season. By contrast, the morning began poorly for Somerset and did not get better until Leach joined Craig Overton in a 52-run seventh-wicket stand early in the second session.Lancashire had made their first breakthrough with the eighth ball of the morning when two profoundly undistinguished pieces of cricket were followed by a brief moment of competence. Parkinson bowled a dirty great waist-high full-toss which Matt Renshaw tried to smear away towards Altrincham. Sadly for the honour of the Southern Cross, however, he merely skied the ball towards mid-on where Tom Bailey first made to run away from the thing before entering new co-ordinates in his CatchNav and taking a good two-handed pouch. A couple of overs later James Anderson took his only wicket of the game when he snared George Bartlett leg before on the back foot for 6, and when Steve Davies gave a bat and pad catch to Steven Croft off Parkinson, the bowler’s pumping fists reinforced the significance of the wicket.Next over the fists were clenched again when James Hildreth was leg before on the front dog and by early afternoon Lancashire supporters were wondering if they were about to celebrate a triumph. They did not do so because Jack Leach is made of tough stuff. In a county not short of love, he is a favoured son and the five points he helped Somerset gain this afternoon may yet count for something glorious in September.
Everton are a club desperate to claw their way out of the financial black hole they find themselves in, with Farhad Moshiri clearly suggesting he is not up for the fight, as he seeks to palm the mess off to 777 Partners.
"I firmly believe they are the best partners to take our great Club forward with all the benefits of their multi-club investment model," wrote the Iranian businessman upon agreeing a deal to sell his shares, as a veiled attempt to justify his Goodison Park departure.
It has been a depressing reign for the 68-year-old, who initially promised the world as he freely injected money for transfers, managers and a new stadium, all of which piled up.
However, the Toffees have since been reduced to acting shrewdly in the market, seeking cheaper deals with a view to selling their most valuable assets for as much as possible merely to stay alive.
Everton manager SeanDyche
Director of Football Kevin Thelwell would even praise his and Sean Dyche's work in a tough market:
"The strict financial parameters we had to work around meant we needed to be considered, diligent and patient in our trading, making acquisitions that included the free transfer and loan market, while also selling players if we felt it made good business sense to do so."
Should they survive for another year, the claims of the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man will certainly be justified. However, failure to do so could prove devastating for the long-term future and security of such a famous footballing institution.
Why are Everton in such a financial mess?
With Moshiri having been keen to funnel much of his own funds into the club over his seven-year reign, in which it has since been revealed that Alisher Usmanov played a huge role too, recent developments have since seen that backing stop.
As such, journalist Andy Hunter simply wrote:
"Everton’s debt and cashflow problems have increased considerably since the owner, Farhad Moshiri, stopped propping up the club, with a recent loan from 777 Partners taking the total of outstanding loans above £350m. Interest on loans from Rights and Media Funding, MSP Sports Capital and 777 Partners is understood to be costing Everton more than £30m per year."
Funding an ever-growing stadium alongside paying for transfers and wages was not aided by COVID, which set the club back significantly once again. Just last year saw the club actually attribute at least £170m of their losses during that period to the pandemic.
Despite that, mounting pressure from relegation rivals among others has seen FFP tighten its grip on the Toffees, as the Premier League seek to ratify every move Dyche makes to ensure they remain compliant.
As such, even as early as under Rafa Benitez they had to cut costs, best showcased through the Spaniard's first summer in charge.
2022/23
17
Sean Dyche
2021/22
16
Frank Lampard
2020/21
10
Carlo Ancelotti
2019/20
12
Carlo Ancelotti
2018/19
8
Marco Silva
Whilst an unpopular appointment before he even got his tenure underway, spending such a nominal amount only showcased their issues to the wider fanbase, with Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray their two big acquisitions, signed for a combined fee of less than £2m.
Whilst the former was struck down with injury and subsequently departed, the latter remained a key figure despite his inconsistency and has since departed for a vast amount of huge profit. The Jamaica international marks the perfect transfer for the financially floundering outfit, who will seek to secure a few more of his ilk for a cut price before selling on for a significant fee.
How much did Everton pay for Demarai Gray?
Whilst that aforementioned summer might not have been a hugely transformative one given the few they signed and the fees offered, few could have predicted how impressive Gray and Townsend would prove to be in the early part of that 2021/22 term.
This notion was made even more special given they spent just £1.7m for the former, and the latter joined on a free transfer.
A tally of five goals and four assists in the league marked a fine return for someone brought in for so little, and the subsequent fee they would receive in the summer just gone made this a dream deal for the floundering Toffees.
After all, his return to prominence had been lauded by journalist Scott Saunders, who wrote:
"Demarai Gray is absolutely electric, fair play".
What is Demarai Gray worth now?
Whilst the 27-year-old might have seen his value skyrocket since moving to Goodison Park, it was Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq who sought to push for his signature, arguably underpaying given the €20m (£17.3m) figure Transfermarkt have placed upon his head.
In the end Steven Gerrard secured his services for just £10m, marking a 488% profit from the initial £1.7m spent on him.
With the financial boost a move to the Saudi Pro League will offer was one hard to turn down, although the manner of his exit was questionable. Taking to Instagram, he would write:
"Everton fans have always been great with me,’ he wrote. ‘But it’s so difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person."
"Demarai made it clear he thought he was getting a move (away from Everton), and he told us a move was done, which was interesting to hear from a player. We reminded him of the truth of the fact that no moves are done without this club's say so. That's the truth of it."
Such frustrations likely harmed the potential price tag they could have gained, given journalist Alan Myers had revealed earlier in the window: "Four clubs in for Demarai Gray, including Al Hilal with what has been described as a ‘good offer’ looks likely he will leave the club this summer".
How much did Demarai Gray earn?
Having only spent two short years on Merseyside, his impact was decidedly large as they battled the drop in both of those seasons.
He would score important goals against Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion in that debut campaign, and the term following his proficiency from 12 yards proved imperative. He held his nerve against relegation rivals Nottingham Forest to earn a point, whilst his scorcher against Manchester City was the pick of the bunch.
As such, as if to emphasise the frugality of the deal, his £25k-per-week salary marked an equally impressive move to match the tiny fee.
Three Scotland players – Dylan Budge, Alasdair Evans and Mark Watt – have also been included in the MCC squad for the triple-header at Lord’s on July 29
ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jun-2018Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene will lead the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), who will take on Nepal and Netherlands in a triangular T20 triple-header at Lord’s on July 29.Three Scotland players – batsman Dylan Budge, right-arm quick Alasdair Evans and left-arm spinner Mark Watt – who were all part of the country’s historic ODI win against England at Edinburgh on June 10 – and represented the MCC in two T20 matches against the Aboriginal XI earlier that week, have also been named in the MCC squad.Jayawardene, who appears twice on the Honours Board in the visitors’ dressing room at Lord’s for his centuries against England in 2002 and 2006, became an Honorary Life Member of the MCC in 2015. In 2017, he was signed by Lancashire as a non-overseas recruit for the T20 Blast, where he previously played for Sussex and Somerset.The triangular T20 tournament will mark Netherlands’ second visit to the venue in six years; the side last played there in the ECB’s 40-over competition, in 2012. The country’s most famous outing at Lord’s, however, came in the opening match of the 2009 World Twenty20, when they stunned hosts England by snaring a four-wicket victory.For Nepal, this will be a much-awaited return to Lord’s after their debut at the ground, in 2016, when they had defeated the MCC by 41 runs in a 50-over contest arranged to mark the 200-year relationship between Britain and Nepal.The remainder of the MCC squad will be announced in the coming weeks.
Leeds United are a side that finally seems to have earned some stability in the Championship, after a rocky start that saw Daniel Farke scamper to figure out his favoured system.
Having seemingly settled on the spine with which a successful campaign will hopefully be enjoyed, the Whites have since risen up to fifth, although are part of the playoff-seeking group that has been left behind by leaders Leicester City and the chasing Ipswich Town.
With a long season ahead, there will be plenty of opportunity to shorten that gap, with an instant Premier League return likely high on the former Norwich City boss' agenda.
He would outline his intentions when offering a recent detailed reply, after a reporter questioned his preference to start Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter in opposing roles: "But believe me when it comes down to strikers I know my business. I know my business. I know what I have to do and also when it comes down to win this league. I know my business, so let's not speak about this topic anymore."
Jaidon Anthony
It feels like the club is finally healing after years of mismanagement, with a true leader at the helm once again set to usher in a period of prosperity. Whilst it was likely not solely down to his departure, it does feel like Kalvin Phillips' exit marked the beginning of the end for the Whites' time in the top flight.
Why did Kalvin Phillips leave Leeds?
Having emerged through the academy, the 27-year-old midfielder was an instant fan favourite around Elland Road, as a combative yet classy presence in the engine room.
He had starred in the Championship, even earning an England call-up following their promotion, before then translating his outstanding attributes into the Premier League.
Such form was always bound to draw interest, but it felt like his affiliation with the club, alongside his injury woes, might ensure he stuck around in Yorkshire a little longer.
In the end, the allure of Manchester City proved too much, and he would depart for a mouth-watering £45m fee; a huge figure considering the enforcer had started just 18 league games the year prior due to various ailments.
Since moving to the Etihad, opportunities have hardly been more forthcoming.
Upon making the ill-fated move, Phillips would seek to justify his departure by noting: "It’s one of the main reasons I wanted to come to City, to improve my game in loads of different ways. It’s hard for me to say right now how I’m going to play a role in the team because it’s very difficult to come into a team of eighteen superstars."
Leeds' Kalvin Phillips
Jesse Marsch would even suggest that the Leeds-born star "misses being here" after he had returned to Elland Road to watch a game in December 2022.
Given how good he was, and how far he has since fallen, that should come as no surprise.
How good was Kalvin Phillips?
It would be hard to argue against the 2020/21 campaign being Phillips' finest to date, given just how exceptional and important he became not just for club but for country as well.
Having first starred in the Premier League, with his 7.21 average match rating indicative of an outstanding performer, he would translate his form onto the world stage as a mainstay for Gareth Southgate's England as they reached the Euro 2020 final, losing to Italy.
Average Rating
7.28
Appearances
37
Goal Contributions
4
Key Passes per game
1.8
Tackles per game
2.6
Duels Won per game
6.4
His league form was upheld by a number of starring statistics, as his 85% pass accuracy and 1.2 key passes per game outlined his economical incision, whilst his 1.6 interceptions and 2.6 tackles showcased his defensive steel, via Sofasore.
Former Three Lions boss Fabio Capello would then rush to praise the man dubbed 'the Yorkshire Pirlo', suggesting that whilst the nickname was wide of the mark, he did boast some truly outstanding qualities: "Phillips is not like Pirlo and he will never be. He is a much faster and more aggressive player, of good quality but he is not Andrea's heir. He reflects a lot the tactical qualities of Marcelo Bielsa.
"At Leeds with Bielsa, Phillips has really grown a lot and today he is the best modern midfielder I have seen on the pitch – but no one should compare him to Pirlo."
It is a testament to such consistently impressive showings that talkSPORT pundit Perry Groves would suggest he was worth an astronomical fee: "Kalvin Phillips fits Liverpool perfectly. The energy they play with, the closing down, his athleticism, his passing range. What would he cost? £100million."
Andrew Hughes, the former Leeds midfielder and current coach, would seek to explain how Phillips' rise came about and offer his own valuation: "The only way to get someone who can cover and do the same job perfectly is to spend £50 million, at least. That’s what a player like him costs. Rather than talking about how other players match up, you just have to accept he’s very special."
What is Kalvin Phillips doing now?
It is fair to say that since moving to Manchester, things have not worked out well for the former Leeds United favourite.
Opportunities have been scarce, and as such it seems his interest has naturally waned too. Guardiola would even offer a scathing criticism of the midfielder back in 2022, suggesting: "He's not injured. He arrived overweight. I don't know [why]. He didn't arrive in the condition to do training sessions and to play."
As such, the £150k-per-week dud would manage just two league starts last campaign across his 12 appearances, and seems set to endure a similarly quiet year yet again, having yet to start in the league after eight games, only three of which he has seen time on the pitch.
Featuring too infrequently was always bound to see his value drop, but few could have predicted it would be as harsh as CIES Football Observatory suggests, who offer a miserable €10m (£9m) valuation for the 28-cap workhorse.
This has even led to rumours regarding his future at the Etihad, with the coming January window set to be an important one in the future of the star.
Whilst Farke will likely want to look ahead towards a brighter future that does not include the romantic return of old faces, Phillips' career does mark a cautionary tale for those expecting greener pastures once they leave Elland Road. For many, it is only downhill from there.
India’s T20I captain is set to make her maiden appearance in the Kia Super league after missing 2017 with injury
Annesha Ghosh26-Jun-2018A year after missing out on playing for Surrey Stars due to injuries sustained during the World Cup, India T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur is set to play for Lancashire Thunder in the 2018 edition of the Kia Super League.While the announcement is yet to be made public, ESPNcricinfo understands Harmanpreet has signed a contract with Lancashire and is set is depart for the UK around July 15. This will make her the second Indian to feature in the KSL this season, alongside her deputy in the T20I side, Smriti Mandhana, who has been brought in by defending champions Western Storm.Harmanpreet will have her Sydney Thunder captain and former Australia vice-captain Alex Blackwell as coach at Lancashire. Blackwell is set to embark on her maiden coaching assignment at the tournament, having announced a surprise retirement from international cricket in February.Harmanpreet’s recruitment for a first KSL stint is testament to her established stature as one of the most popular and marketable exponents of power-hitting in the women’s game. Following her 171 not-out in the 2017 World Cup semi-final against Australia, she earned an extension to her contract with the Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League for another two seasons, having finished as Thunder’s Player of the Tournament in her debut stint in 2016 on the back of formidable all-round exploits.After her lukewarm second season at the WBBL, Harmanpreet finished as India’s third-highest run-getter in the ODI series in South Africa, and led the team to a 3-1 victory in the subsequent T20I series. Thereafter, however, she had a lean patch during the home season that followed where India lost to Australia 3-0 in ODIs, failed to make the final of a T20I tri-series featuring Australia and England, and laboured to a 2-1 ODI series victory against England in April.Harmanpreet, 29, marked her return to form in the Asia Cup, in Kuala Lumpur, earlier this month where she bagged the Player-of-the-Tournament award for her 156 runs in four innings at an average of 52. Her highest score since the World Cup came during the final of the tournament, where she compiled a gritty, unbeaten 56 and took 2 for 19 as six-time champions India lost to Bangladesh in a final-ball thriller. Upon the team’s return to the country, Harmanpreet was conferred with the BCCI’s Best-International-Cricketer-of-the-Year (Women) Award for the 2016-17 season.In May, she captained the IPL Supernovas to victory in the first-ever Women’s T20 Challenge exhibition match, at the Wankhede stadium, where Mandhana’s Trailblazers lost off the last ball of the game.Lancashire, who finished at the bottom of the table in the six-team KSL last year after losing all of their five games, are scheduled to kick off their campaign this season against Loughborough Lightning on July 22 at Southport.While both Harmanpreet and Mandhana will be away in UK, the other regulars of the India women’s team will assemble at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore for a training camp around July 25 as part of the team’s preparations ahead of the tour of Sri Lanka in September. With the World T20 slated for November in the Caribbean, India could also potentially play a T20I series against West Indies in preparation for the tournament they are yet to win.
The Portuguese icon has contributed to a nightmarish period for the Saudi giants, which culminated in their AFC Champions League exit
A sharp downturn in form has plummeted Al-Nassr into full-blown crisis mode; a dismal two-week period since the start of March has seen their faint title hopes snuffed out, and their Asian Champions League (ACL) dreams unceremoniously ended at the quarter-final stage.
As you might expect, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been the protagonist – but this time he has been unable to act the hero. In fact, he has contributed in no small part to his side's downfall over the course of a torrid fortnight, courtesy of obscene gestures and staggering, uncharacteristic misses.
Al-Nassr's chances of success this season now hang in the balance, and head coach Luis Castro suddenly finds his job on the line with potentially just one more game to save himself. There is huge expectation on Ronaldo's shoulders to get his side out of the predicament they find themselves in, but in many ways this is a mess of his own making.
GettyNightmarish 2024
The year 2024 has not been kind to Al-Nassr so far, with the Riyadh side winning just two of their four league games since the end of the winter break in mid-February. After victories over Al-Fateh and Al-Shabab, their form dipped alarmingly, with Ronaldo-less Al-Nassr first being held at home by bottom club Al-Hazm, before a dire 3-1 home reverse to lowly Al-Raed – all-but extinguishing their slim hopes of catching rampant league leaders Al-Hilal.
The Champions League had provided a welcome distraction, but their journey was brought to an abrupt end by Emirati club Al Ain on Monday at the quarter-final stage, with Al-Nassr missing three penalties in an agonising shootout defeat having done the hard work by battling back from 3-0 down on aggregate in normal time.
Despite everything he has done for the club in his brief time in the Middle East, there is one man who must take accountability for his club's struggles.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesUnnecessary suspension
While Ronaldo has kept up his ridiculous goal-scoring rate in 2024, it has been a dreadful couple of weeks for the Portuguese superstar. Al-Nassr's fortunes began to change in late February, when the vastly experienced forward needlessly responded to chants of Lionel Messi's name from opposition supporters during the victory over Al-Shabab, crudely motioning towards his groin after his goal from the penalty spot was greeted by the taunts.
The obscene gesture saw the 39-year-old fall foul of the Saudi authorities, despite his insistence that his actions would have been perfectly acceptable in Europe, and he was handed a one-match ban following an investigation. "I will always respect the cultures of all countries, as I have respected to this day, but not always what people see is reality," he later said. "It is obvious that I will not do it again in this country, but in Europe, it is very normal. Sometimes the passion and excitement of the game leads us to make some mistakes."
Shorn of their star player, Al-Nassr slipped to a mightily disappointing home draw with basement boys Al-Hazm, with Sadio Mane's 94th-minute penalty not enough to secure victory as the visitors snatched a point in the ninth minute of added time. It is not unfair to presume that things could have been wholly different for the hosts with an in-form Ronaldo on the pitch.
GettyBad to worse for CR7
Ronaldo returned for the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Al Ain, but he drew a rare blank as he was kept quiet by an effective defence in a 1-0 defeat on the road. He followed that up with a profligate display in the damaging league loss to struggling Al-Raed, as the woodwork denied him on two occasions.
The veteran superstar was back on the scoresheet in the Al Ain second leg, scoring a last-ditch penalty in extra-time to force a shootout – but he could have been the hero with an even more telling contribution earlier in the game. With the scores 2-2 on the night and Al Ain still leading on aggregate, Ronaldo somehow conspired to miss from just three yards out after the goalkeeper spilled the ball into his path.
Although team-mate Alex Telles saved his blushes to force extra-time, before Ronaldo somewhat made amends to take the game to a shootout by putting Al-Nassr back ahead on the night after Al Ain had equalised in the additional 30 minutes, he could have helped his team to secure a remarkable victory in normal time had his usual predatory instincts not deserted him.
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Getty ImagesSeason dangling by a thread
A forgettable fortnight has left Al-Nassr's season hanging in the balance; they now find themselves 12 points adrift of runaway leaders Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, with the defeat to Al Ain – who themselves are second in the UAE Pro League – ending their dreams of continental success in 2023-24.
There is the sense that Al-Nassr could be left with little to play for, with a torrid period leaving the two most prestigious trophies on offer well out of reach. Now it is a matter of ensuring the season does not peter out, and senior figures like Ronaldo will be central to ensuring that doesn't happen.
The Riyadh side are nailed on to reach the Champions League again, as the top-three in the Pro League qualifying automatically for the competition, and they are still in contention for two pieces of domestic silverware in the form of the the King Cup and Super Cup. They are hardly favourites for the latter, however, with old foes Al-Hilal their opponents in the semi-finals.
Despite being one of the best players in the Premier League this season, the Luton star is facing an uphill battle to return to the international fold
There has always been a special aura about Ross Barkley, right from the moment he was handed his full senior debut at Everton as a fresh-faced 17-year-old. On that occasion in August 2011, QPR left Goodison Park with a 1-0 victory, but Barkley grabbed the headlines as the standout performer on the pitch after being trusted to start ahead of Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini.
Comparisons with Toffees cult hero Wayne Rooney inevitably followed, while former England and Arsenal defender Martin Keown predicted he would go on to become "one of the best players we'll ever see in this country". For a while, Barkley looked on track to live up to that billing, as he became a vital cog at Everton and a regular for the Three Lions, notably playing in all three group games at the 2014 World Cup.
Four years later, he secured a £15 million ($19m) transfer to Chelsea, which should have been the ideal place for him to reach the next level. Alas, it didn't work out, and he left the club as a free agent in 2022 with just 100 appearances in all competitions to his name.
It appeared that Barkley would never fulfil his potential, especially after an underwhelming spell at Nice last season, but Luton Town offered him a fresh start after gaining promotion to the Premier League, and the gamble has paid off. The Hatters have real hope of staving off immediate relegation with 10 games of the campaign to go, and much of the credit must go to Barkley, who has sparked talk of an England recall with his dazzling performances.
Unfortunately, his path is likely to be blocked by a certain former Liverpool midfielder who is way past his best. That's right, Jordan Henderson remains one of the first names on Gareth Southgate's list, and England fans could be in for another summer of pain as a result, with Barkley's heroics at Kenilworth Road destined to go unrewarded.
GettyAdapting to a new role
Barkley only made nine Ligue 1 starts for Nice, who are owned by Manchester United's new minority shareholders INEOS, and unsurprisingly, was not offered the chance to extend his contract at the Allianz Riviera. It wasn't a completely wasted year for Barkley, though, as he told earlier this month: "I learned a lot off the ball. In France, they work hard on the defensive side of the game, really aggressive pressing."
That experience has helped Barkley adapt to a new deep-lying role at Luton. The 30-year-old has embraced extra responsibility in defence, and the Hatters also rely on him to build their attacks, with his progressive passing ensuring that they carry a threat on the break against any opponent.
During his time at Chelsea, an apparent lack of confidence led to Barkley taking the easy option on the ball, but with Luton he looks like a player reborn, and drives forward at every opportunity. Despite his new status as a holding midfielder, Barkley has also managed to chip in with nine goal contributions for Rob Edwards' side this season, linking up with Elijah Adebayo and Carlton Morris to great effect.
"I got moved further forward into more attacking positions because my decision-making when I was younger wasn't as good as it is now. That comes with experience," he said when quizzed on his revival at Kenilworth Road. "I believe the lower midfield role for me, it's perfect for me now. I have a better understanding of the game. I can take risks, create assists and defensively I'm much more disciplined now."
AdvertisementGetty'I back myself for England'
Barkley's resurgence has been one of the feel-good stories of the 2023-24 campaign, and even if Luton end up falling short in their bid to beat the drop, there will be plenty of other Premier League clubs now considering a swoop for his services. He looks fitter than ever before, too, having played more league minutes this season than in any of the past seven, and the very best years of his career may still be ahead of him.
The prospect of adding to his haul of 33 England caps is a big motivational factor for Barkley, with his last appearance under Southgate coming back in 2019. "I'm not going to lie, it's in the back of my mind, but I know there's a lot of competition for places in the England squad," he added to . "I do back myself. I believe I can add something to the squad."
To say there is a "lot of competition" in midfield in Southgate's ranks right now is an understatement. England have more quality in the centre of the pitch than any other nation in the world, with Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden among those vying for starting spots.
The likes of James Maddison, Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher and Kalvin Phillips will also be at the forefront of Southgate's thinking, but Barkley can offer England something different. He's playing with real purpose at Luton and making a decisive impact at both ends of the pitch, in spite of the Hatters' limitations as a collective.
Being a big fish in a small pond seems to suit Barkley, but it would be fascinating to see him working alongside world-class operators again. If he were able to replicate his form at Luton for England, he'd be a real weapon for Southgate, and perhaps the ideal man to provide Harry Kane with the service he needs to cause maximum damage in the final third.
GettySouthgate's favourite
The problem is, Southgate has always had his favourites, and despite a turbulent campaign that has seen his reputation suffer irreparable damage, Henderson is still one of them. No one would be surprised if the Ajax midfielder starts alongside Rice and Bellingham in England's opening group game against Serbia on June 24.
Barkley could put himself ahead of everyone else, but dislodging Henderson will be practically impossible, because Southgate is such a risk-averse manager. He won't sacrifice defensive discipline for more penetration in attack, with Henderson having long been his go-to man for keeping things neat and tidy in the middle of the pitch.
Abandoning his morals and chasing riches in Saudi Arabia after leaving Liverpool last summer didn't have a negative impact on Henderson's England status, either. The 33-year-old was booed by fans during the Three Lions' clash with Australia in October, on a night when he filled in for Kane as captain, but Southgate leapt to his defence after the game.
"I really don’t understand it," said Southgate. "His commitment and what he has delivered for England is exceptional. His role in the group on and off the pitch is phenomenally important – he’s the one that has taken the likes of Jude Bellingham under his wing since he came into the squad. He’s a brilliant role model for all of the group in his professionalism and his approach."
That stance ensures that Henderson will be on the plane to the Euros, regardless of whether or not he finishes the season strongly at Ajax, who he joined in January after realising that he'd made a mistake signing up for a two-year deal with Al-Ettifaq in the Middle East. He's one of Southgate's untouchables, as evidenced by his presence in the Three Lions' latest squad for March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, and it won't bother him that he's standing in the way of Barkley and the other midfielders who have far more to offer in terms of genuine quality.
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Getty ImagesHenderson no longer a role model
Henderson will turn 34 the day after England kick-off their European Championship campaign, and he's played like a man whose body is starting to betray him this season. There were signs of rust in his final year at Liverpool, which is why Jurgen Klopp was happy to facilitate his departure, and his six-month spell at Al-Ettifaq was nothing short of a disaster.
Despite reuniting with Reds legend Steven Gerrard, Henderson never settled in Saudi Arabia, and failed to record a single goal or assist in his final eight appearances for Al-Ettifaq, none of which ended in victory. Henderson was able to manufacture an escape in the January transfer window, terminating his contract by mutual consent before signing for Eredivisie giants Ajax, but his fortunes haven't improved much in the Netherlands.
Ajax have won only one of the six league games Henderson has played so far, sliding to fifth in the table, and the veteran midfielder has been regularly criticised for his lack of influence. Southgate attended his debut against PSV, though, and later admitted “it’s easier to assess somebody playing in a European league", much to Henderson's delight.
"It was good for him to come and watch to see that he's keeping an eye on me," he said to the Dutch media last week. "It's always a privilege for me to play for my country and I want to do that for as long as possible. I've got to focus on my job here and if I'm doing that well and performing well then that gives me the best possible opportunity to get in the England squad. I feel I can help the squad and the team going forward in the next camp and hopefully in the summer."
There has been no evidence over the past eight months to suggest Henderson is right. Putting aside the decline in his footballing ability, he's also lost his standing as a role model for younger players and a champion for the LGBT+ community after the Saudi saga, and will likely be the target of jeers from supporters again when he puts the England shirt back on.
Advice from one India legend to another, in the wake of a masterful performance at Edgbaston that ultimately fell short
Andrew Miller07-Aug-2018Virat Kohli has been urged by Sachin Tendulkar to keep his focus and let his “heart guide the way”, after his brilliant batting display in last week’s first Test fell short of delivering an Indian victory at Edgbaston.In a match in which no other Indian player reached a half-century, Kohli made a brilliant 149 in the first innings, before leading his team’s push towards their victory target of 194 with a further 51 in the second.However, his dismissal on the fourth and final morning proved to be the defining moment of the match, and in the wake of India’s 31-run defeat, Kohli came under fire in the media – most notably from the former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, for failing to recognise that his lesser team-mates needed more practice than he did.Nevertheless, Kohli’s efforts at Edgbaston lifted him above Steve Smith to the top of the ICC Test batting rankings. It was the first time in his career that he had attained the No. 1 ranking, and the first time that any Indian batsman had achieved the feat since Tendulkar himself in 2011.”I would say, just continue, he’s doing a fantastic job so just continue,” Tendulkar told ESPNcricinfo. “Don’t worry about what’s happening around you, keep your focus on what you want to achieve, and let your heart guide the way.”Along the way there will be plenty of things said and done, but eventually, if you are passionate about what you want in life, then the results will invariably follow.”Speaking at the launch of the Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy in North London, Tendulkar acknowledged that – in spite of the disappointment of the final result – Kohli deserved to be immensely proud of his personal achievement at Edgbaston, in particular the manner in which he atoned for his disappointing maiden tour of England in 2014 with a century at the first opportunity.However, he also warned that there could be no resting on any laurels for Kohli, now that he has scored that maiden Test hundred in England, one of the clear goals of his career.”I can tell you from my own experience, however many runs you score they are never enough,” Tendulkar said. “You want more runs, and that is the case with Virat. However many runs he scores, it will never be enough for him.”The downfall starts when you are satisfied. It’s nice to be happy, but never be satisfied when you are a batsman. Bowlers can only get ten wickets, but batters can go on and on, so don’t be satisfied, just be happy.”The circumstances of Kohli’s maiden century in England were far removed from those of Tendulkar’s, way back in 1990, when as a 17-year-old, he scored his first Test hundred against any opponent to save the second Test at Old Trafford and win the Man-of-the-Match award.”Until then I hadn’t attended a press conference, so everyone in the dressing room was saying they are going to grill you!” he recalled. “I was most scared, but it wasn’t that bad, everyone was very friendly. But there was one question, ‘will you open the bottle of champagne?’, and I was only 17, so I said no way, I’m not going to do that now!”There will be no-one quite as young as Tendulkar was back then when England and India reconvene at Lord’s this week for the second Test. However, with the 20-year-old Sam Curran producing a matchwinning allround performance at Edgbaston, and Surrey’s Ollie Pope in line for his Test debut at the same age this week, the question of when to blood young players is once again a hot topic.Tendulkar, however, is unequivocal. “If somebody is good enough, they should play for their country, it’s as simple as that,” he said. “Age shouldn’t be a criteria.”When I played my first game [against Pakistan in 1989-90], I was only 16, and in a way it helped,” he added. “I didn’t know what it was like to face Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Abdul Qadir, possibly the best bowling attack in the world.”You are fearless, you only see one side of the coin. With experience and maturity you start to see the other side of the coin as well, and you learn to balance things out.”That is the age when you only go out and give your best, and that is what I would ask both these guys to go out and do. Enjoy the game because there will be tough moments, but that is what you practice for, that is what you live for.”
Manchester United and Manchester City have played out some of the most memorable games in Premier League history when they have met in the fiercely contested Manchester derby.
Their clashes over the years have seen some truly memorable occasions which have produced some horror tackles, fights and red cards.
Roy Keane's challenge on Alfie Haaland back in 2001 is a prime example of the fierce nature of this fixture, with the Manchester City ace, father of Erling Haaland, never setting foot on a pitch again following the challenge from the Irishman.
Given the ferocious nature of this fixture, it is hard to imagine any player crossing the city divide and representing both sides, however, there are many examples of this and we at Football FanCast have taken a look into the history books to see which players have done just that.
Carlos Tevez
Arguably the first player people will think of when it comes to the conversation of players who have represented both teams is the Argentine striker, Carlos Tevez.
The forward was brought to the Premier League in 2006 by West Ham United and made the move to Manchester in 2007 in what was a two-year loan deal to the Red Devils.
Tevez was able to rack up 99 appearances for United over those two seasons and provided Sir Alex Ferguson's side a steady return of 34 goals and 14 assists across all competitions.
However, the end of his loan spell at Old Trafford left the Argentine with a big decision to make on his future and his answer was one which sent shockwaves throughout the Premier League.
Indeed, Tevez did not return to West Ham for long as the striker made the move to the Etihad Stadium in a deal believed to be worth in the region of £25m.
His return to Manchester was welcomed with a public advertisement in the city centre which showed the Argentine's image in a Ciy strip and the slogan 'Welcome to Manchester'.
It was a move which did not disappoint, as he returned a seriously impressive 73 goals and 35 assists which helped his side on to win the Premier League in 2012.
He then further stoked the fires when holding a distasteful banner aimed at former boss Ferguson following City's dramatic title triumph during the club's trophy parade.
Peter Schmeichel
Peter Schmeichel Manchester United.
The Danish goalkeeper has gone down as one of the greatest in the Premier League era, and his initial stint in the English top flight was spent at Old Trafford with United.
Schmeichel spent eight years with the Red Devils where he was able to get his hands on a number of honours including five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup and the Champions League in 1999.
United's best-ever season came in 1999 when the Red Devils were able to complete the treble in Barcelona with that stunning victory in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, and Schmeichel played a huge role in that campaign.
However, after 398 appearances for United, Schmeichel left the club for Sporting CP before returning to the Premier League with Aston Villa and then Manchester City.
But his time on the blue side of Manchester was short-lived, with the Dane tallying just 31 appearances for City before calling it a day on his career in 2003.
Owen Hargreaves
Owen Hargreaves signs for Manchester United.
Sticking with players from the not-so-distant past, midfielder Owen Hargreaves represented both Manchester sides – although his time at City may have been forgotten by some.
The Canada-born midfielder made the switch from Bayern Munich to Old Trafford in 2007 where he was able to tally up just 39 appearances in what was an injury-riddled period of his career.
However, whilst playing in the red half of the city, Hargreaves was able to get his hands on three Premier League titles and the Champions League.
But 39 appearances in all competitions over four years did not prove enough for United to extend his stay, and instead, Hargreaves left on a free for their city rivals in 2011.
The midfielder's spell at the Etihad was barely memorable for any at the club with Hargreaves playing just four times in their first-ever Premier League-winning campaign.
Much like Schmeichel, Hargreaves would retire after his single season with City.
Brian Kidd
Now, it is time to take a dive into the history books and look at the career of Brian Kidd. The forward came through the ranks at Manchester United where he spent his youth in the club's system.
In 1967, Sir Matt Busby awarded Kidd with his debut for the Red Devils in a league game against Everton at the age of just 18 – albeit a 3-1 draw.
Kidd was a part of the United side which got their hands on the 1967/68 Champions League title before leaving in 1974 for English powerhouses, Arsenal.
However, Kidd's spell in the capital only lasted two years before he made his return to Manchester, but this time it was for the blue side of the city.
Kidd would go on to play 128 times for the Citizens and rack up over 50 goals for the club; including three goals against his former side in their Manchester Derby clashes.
Following the end of Kidd's career, he would make his return to both United and City in a variety of coaching roles where he has been involved in the Premier League duo winning a whopping nine Premier League titles.
Jadon Sancho
This may prove to be a controversial inclusion in this list, however, Jadon Sancho has represented both Manchester clubs.
The winger's career began at City where he was on the books with the current European champions through their youth development system.
However, the controversy in his inclusion may come from the fact he did not actually play for City's first team, as he departed City for Borussia Dortmund back in 2017 as he sought first-team opportunities.
His time in Germany lasted four years before he made his return to the city. This time he would make his move to the red side of Manchester.
Having joined following a dazzling spell with the Bundesliga side, Sancho's time at United has proven nothing short of a disaster. The £73m signing's future at Old Trafford already looks in serious doubt ahead of January following his public falling out with Erik ten Hag.
Andy Cole
One of the great Premier League strikers, Andy Cole, joined the Red Devils back in 1995 from Newcastle United where he would go on to continue his dazzling form up front for United.
Indeed, over his 275 appearances for United across all competitions, Cole scored a staggering 121 goals and provided 45 assists under Sir Alex Ferguson.
His time at Old Trafford was a huge success and he will be remembered for his role in the Red Devils lifting five Premier League titles, one Champions League and two FA Cups.
After leaving United in 2002 for Blackburn Rovers, Cole would eventually find himself returning to Manchester in 2006 to play for City.
Although this move happened towards the back end of Cole's career, the Englishman still provided an impressive return of 10 goals and five assists across his 23 appearances in all competitions.
Terry Cooke
Returning our attention back to the not-so-distant past, midfielder Terry Cooke began his career at Old Trafford where he was able to rack up just seven appearances across all competitions.
His time at Old Trafford clearly was not meant to be with the midfielder spending a lot of his time away from United on various loans.
One of those loans was to City, where he would play 37 times for the Sky Blues across all competitions – scoring eight goals.
However, his career was hindered by injury issues with the back end of playing days spent moving from club to club.
Other players
Post World War II, there have been a total of 14 players to represent both sides of Manchester, however, not all have played huge roles for the two clubs during their stints.
And there have been some big names to don the shirts of the Manchester duo, with the likes of Peter Beardsley an English footballing icon who has represented the two clubs.
Alongside the former Newcastle United hero, there has been Peter Barnes who played a combined 67 times for the two clubs where he was able to get his hands on the 1976 League Cup with City.
There have also been the links of Wyn Davies, John Gidman, Andrei Kanchelskis, Sam McIlroy and Mark Robins all to enjoy spells with the two powerhouses.
However, the gap between the high-flying City and the struggling United currently feels fairly significant, so it is hard to imagine Pep Guardiola would be keen to bring in any of the current crop from Old Trafford.
On the other hand, with City fresh off their treble-winning campaign, it would be understandable if the Red Devils would welcome a number of Guardiola's men over to the red half of the city after what has been a turbulent start to the 2023/24 campaign.