Buttler and Shahrukh made 36 each, before Rashid and Tewatia exploded at the finish
ESPNcricinfo staff09-Apr-2025
Sai Sudharsan scored 82 off 53 balls•IPL
B Sai Sudharsan scored yet another half-century, this time 82 off 53 balls, and helped Gujarat Titans (GT) post a healthy 217 for 6 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Ahmedabad. Speaking to the broadcaster at the innings break, he said it was a good total, given there had not been much dew until then.Earlier, after RR sent GT in, Jofra Archer once again gave his side an early breakthrough. In RR’s previous game, he had bowled Punjab Kings’ Priyansh Arya first ball. Tonight, he pegged back Shubman Gill’s off stump with the first ball of his second over.But Sai Sudharsan carried on with his sublime form. He ramped, scooped, drove and cut, and steered his side to 50 in 5.1 overs. At the end of the powerplay, he was batting on 39 off 22. Only Wriddhiman Saha (54 vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2023) has scored more runs for GT in an innings in that phase.Jos Buttler, who was welcomed to the crease with a nasty bouncer from Archer, also joined in after a slow start. He was on 12 off 13 at one point but hit four fours in his next six balls to move to 31 off 19.Maheesh Theekshana ended the 80-run second-wicket stand, off 47 balls, by trapping Buttler lbw. But M Shahrukh Khan smashed 36 off 20 to keep GT going.Sudharsan was dropped on 81 by Shubham Dubey off Archer but he could add only one more to his score. But Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan ensured GT ransacked 30 from the last two overs.
Abbott, Johnson, Dwarshuis, Sangha, Connolly and Fraser-McGurk, who have been added to the ODI squad in Sri Lanka, are in the mix for the final Champions Trophy squad
ESPNcricinfo staff06-Feb-2025
Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have both been nursing injuries•AFP
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have both been officially ruled out of the Champions Trophy. The two of them “are managing some ongoing injuries and haven’t come up in time for the Champions Trophy,” selection chair George Bailey said on Thursday.Australia have until February 12 to finalise their Champions Trophy squad, and they will have to make at least four changes to the initial 15-man squad they had named on January 13. Apart from Cummins and Hazlewood, they are also without Mitchell Marsh, who is grappling with a back injury and was ruled out of the tournament on January 31, and Marcus Stoinis, who announced on Thursday that he would be retiring from ODI cricket, removing himself from the Champions Trophy squad as a result after being selected in the original 15.February 12 is also the day when Australia play the first of two ODIs against Sri Lanka in Colombo. They have added three quicks, Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson and Ben Dwarshuis for those two games as well as legspinner Tanveer Sangha, spin-bowling allrounder Cooper Connolly and batter Jake Fraser-McGurk.Related
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It’s possible that two of the three quick bowlers could get into the Champions Trophy squad while Fraser-McGurk appears to be the like-for-like replacement for Marsh given he has not been bowling much recently in ODI cricket and was locked in to bat at No. 3. Connolly could be the replacement for Stoinis but there is now only one seam-bowling allrounder, Aaron Hardie, left in the current squad. Test allrounder Beau Webster has not been included among the additions to the Sri Lanka ODI squad.”While disappointing, it does present a great opportunity for other players to perform for Australia in a world event,” Bailey said.Cricket Australia said Cummins and Hazlewood would begin an “extended period of rehabilitation”. They are missing the ongoing Test series in Sri Lanka too. Both have IPL contracts with Cummins set to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) again while Hazlewood is returning to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Whether they can play any part in the IPL ahead of the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June remains to be seen.Australia are likely to pick between Steven Smith and Travis Head to lead Australia in the two Sri Lanka ODIs and then the Champions Trophy.Prior to Thursday’s confirmation, Australia coach Andrew McDonald told SEN radio on Wednesday that Cummins was “heavily unlikely” to make the Champions Trophy which meant Australia would need a new captain with the ODI vice-captain Marsh also unavailable.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
“Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two that we’ve been having conversations with while we’ve been building out that Champions Trophy team along with Pat back home,” McDonald said.”They’ll be the two that we look at for that leadership post. They’re the two obvious ones. Steve has done a great job here in the [first] Test match. He’s done some good work in one-day international cricket across the journey as well. So it’s between those two.”Cummins skipped the Sri Lanka Tests to be at home for the birth of his second child, but he has also been nursing the ankle issue that had flared up after a heavy workload in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Hazlewood is understood to be dealing with a hip issue after recovering from the side and calf injuries that made him miss three of the five Tests against India and the Test tour of Sri Lanka.The selectors might also have a challenge cobbling an XI together for the first ODI against Sri Lanka given that, apart from the missing players, there is only one travel day scheduled between the fifth day of the second Test and the first ODI, with ODI squad members Head, Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc all playing the Test match that is currently on in Galle. Starc would seem very unlikely to play in those two ODIs.
Tottenham Hotspur have added some shrewd signings to Thomas Frank’s fledgling project this summer, Mohammed Kudus adding flair to the widths and Joao Palhinha bringing some steely mettle to the engine room.
However, Heung-min Son has completed a £20m transfer to LAFC in the United States, and James Maddison has ruptured his ACL and will be sidelined for the lion’s share of the season.
FFC Spurs – James Maddison
Spurs have issues in midfield and attack, but Daniel Levy might be convinced to add another signing to his team’s backline, even though Cristian Romero looks set to stay amid interest from Atletico Madrid.
Spurs eyeing Serie A raid
Tottenham have had a lot of success in raiding the Italain top flight for talented up-and-comers in recent years, with the likes of Romero and Destiny Udogie springing to mind.
However, Dejan Kulusevski might be the cream of that crop, having hit his stride last season and made good on praise from football scout Jacek Kulig that he is a “world-class talent”.
Now, Tottenham are ready to repeat their trick by raiding one of the Serie A superpowers for another elite player, with sights set on AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw.
According to Caught Offside, Spurs and Arsenal have joined the race for the German centre-back, with Newcastle United already displaying a vested interest this month.
Thiaw, 24, has been the subject of a new €40m (£34m) offer from Newcastle, and while negotiations are understood to be advancing quickly, the Magpies have failed to sign a litany of targets this summer, and Tottenham could be primed to complete a hijack.
Why Spurs want Malick Thiaw
Having joined Milan from Schalke three years ago, Thiaw has made 85 appearances for his Italian side, bringing a dynamic defensive skill set to the squad.
AC Milan's Malick Thiaw celebrates.
Both crisp and enterprising with his passing, Thiaw ranks among the top 6% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, and the top 14% for progressive passes played per 90, as per FBref.
He’s also been hailed as a “monster in the air” by journalist Martino Puccio, so would bring some substance to the team, ensuring some defensive solidity is found where such went lacking last year.
Given that Micky van de Ven and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate are considered two of his most comparable players, it feels like Frank could hit the jackpot with this one, emulating the deal for Kulusevski and allowing him to grow into one of the Premier League’s superstars.
Tottenham signed Kulusevski from Juventus on an initial loan in January 2022, wrapping a move up 18 months later for a shrewd £25m fee (a similar ballpark to Thiaw now).
Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham Career by Season (all comps)
Season
Apps
Goals
Assists
24/25
50
10
11
23/24
39
8
3
22/23
37
2
8
21/22
19
5
8
Data via Transfermarkt
Last season, the 25-year-old Kulusevski finally struck a balance between his output, with Ange Postecoglou shifting him into a central attacking midfield berth to an emphatic effect.
Not just a potent attacking threat, the Sweden international’s energy and tenacity fed the belief of his teammates, and he was often a shining light throughout a challenging, albeit ultimately rewarding, season.
He averaged 4.1 successful duels and 1.4 tackles per league match, as per Sofascore, and added much to the Ange system when it needed him most.
In Thiaw, Spurs could repeat the trick, signing a rising talent who has more than his position demands of him. It’s one that Tottenham need to get over the line as they head back onto the Champions League stage.
Frank's answer to Palmer: Spurs enter talks to sign "exceptional" £40m gem
Tottenham Hotspur appear to be about to make another huge move in the market to bolster Thomas Frank’s squad.
Manchester United look set to complete their third big-money signing of the summer transfer window, after a deal was agreed with RB Leipzig for striker Benjamin Sesko.
The 22-year-old has been subject to a tug-of-war battle between Ruben Amorim’s side and Newcastle United over the last couple of weeks – leaving the player with a decision to make.
However, the Slovenian international has made the decision to make the move to Old Trafford, after the Red Devils had a £74m bid, including add-ons, accepted earlier this week.
Benjamin Sesko
He joins Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo at the Theatre of Dreams this window, taking the club’s spending during the off-season to a staggering £207.5m.
The board have certainly backed the manager in his quest for success at the club, potentially doing so once again on another key target before the market slams shut on September 1st.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Fiorentina centre-back Pietro Comuzzo has emerged as a potential defensive reinforcement for United this summer, after scouting the Italian in recent months.
It’s reported that the Serie A side are currently demanding a fee in the region of £35m to sell the 20-year-old, who also has admirers from fellow Premier League sides Sunderland and Bournemouth.
However, he’s not the player who’s currently in their sights, with Brighton star Carlos Baleba another talent they’re considering, according to Fabrizio Romano.
He claimed in his latest update with GIVEMESPORT, the journalist claimed that the Red Devils have held talks with the player’s intermediaries over a potential move to the club.
The Italian also stated that the player himself would be keen on a deal to join Amorim’s side, but it would be a tricky deal to complete, given his current £100m asking price.
Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Cunha
As previously mentioned, Cunha is just one of the players to complete a huge move to join United this summer, costing a whopping £62.5m from divisional rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Matheus Cunha
The Brazilian will provide the added quality the club have greatly lacked in attacking areas, that’s if he can replicate his form from the previous campaign, which saw him net 15 league goals.
He’s likely to operate in the number ten position alongside Mbeumo and in behind Sesko, with the trio a real force to be reckoned with ahead of the 2025/26 season.
However, if Cunha is to reach his full potential under Amorim’s guidance, he will need support from players behind him to help him in his quest throughout his time at the club.
Baleba, who’s primarily a ball-winning midfielder, has also showcased his talents in possession for the Seagulls in recent seasons, arguably being the missing piece in the Red Devils’ puzzle.
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba
The Cameroonian, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, won 2.7 tackles per 90 last season – enabling him to break up the play before playing into forward areas.
He registered 4.1 progressive passes per 90, 3.7 of which were into the final third, tallies which could provide Cunha with the tools he needs to create carnage in front of goal.
Carlos Baleba’s stats for Brighton in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
34
Goals & assists
4
Pass accuracy
87%
Progressive passes
4.1
Tackles made
2.7
Interceptions made
1.6
Blocks made
1.6
Aerials won
1.4
Passes into the final third
3.7
Stats via FBref
His superb ability with the ball at his feet is further showcased by his 87% pass completion rate in 2024/25, which has seen him break the lines and contribute to his aforementioned tallies in forward areas.
The Brighton star also ranked in the top 20% of all central defensive midfielders in England’s top-flight for successful take-ons – further affirming his ability to get the ball into the opposition’s territory at any given opportunity.
Should Baleba manage to replicate his figures from his recent year at the AMEX, he could make a huge difference in the Red Devils’ quest for success at both ends of the pitch.
His ability to link up with Cunha would certainly improve the club’s situation in the final third, allowing one of the other big-money additions to prove his worth throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
He's like Bellingham: Man Utd make £60m "genius" the top target after Sesko
Manchester United’s heavy spending looks set to continue after agreeing a deal for Benjamin Sesko.
Arsenal have now received a “formal” bid for one player as Mikel Arteta’s side look to balance their books, with sporting director Andrea Berta and the Gunners recruitment team making their stance crystal clear.
£25m sensation greenlights Arsenal transfer with Eze after "early" talks
He wants to join Mikel Arteta’s side alongside the England international.
ByEmilio Galantini Aug 5, 2025
The Gunners maintain their serious interest in Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, according to reliable reports, but Arteta and co are equally keen to seal some outgoings before the deadline on September 1.
Arsenal have already spent well over £200 million on new signings this summer, with just £9 million raised through sales thus far.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£208m
Nuno Tavares completed a permanent move to Lazio earlier this window and Marquinhos swapped north London for Cruzeiro indefinitely, but there is still plenty of work to be done in terms of exits.
Luckily for Berta, Fulham stand to offer Arsenal the chance to offload both Reiss Nelson and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Marco Silva’s side, according to Ben Jacobs and GiveMeSport, are in advanced talks for Nelson, with an approach also made for Zinchenko – who Arsenal value at around £15 million.
Some uncertainty also surrounds the future of Jakub Kiwior.
The Poland international is behind William Saliba and Gabriel in Arteta’s pecking order, but when the latter was out through injury for an extensive period last term, Kiwior really impressed in the Brazilian’s absence.
Ipswich Town'sGeorgeHirstin action with Arsenal's Jakub Kiwior
However, while he has his uses for Arteta, Fabrizio Romano confirmed earlier this week that it is by no means certain that Kiwior will choose to stay.
Arsenal stance on Jakub Kiwior as FC Porto submit bid
According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, FC Porto have made a concrete offer for Kiwior, with the Primeira Liga side looking to sign him on loan with an obligation to buy for around £23 million.
Berta’s side responded to this approach, and it was a polite no.
Their stance, as per his Foot Mercato piece, is this: Arsenal will consider a permanent sale for a larger fee, but would rather keep him for another year.
Kiwior showcasing his real talent in place of the injured Gabriel towards the end of 2024/2025 is undoubtedly playing a key role in their decision-making here. The 25-year-old is a solid back-up option, and all Premier League title-winning sides must have strength in depth to carry on performing at the highest level.
Dubbed a “sensational talent” by members of the media, if Kiwior were to leave, it would surely accelerate a potential move for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, who has emerged as a top target for Berta in recent days.
تعرض فريق باريس سان جيرمان لثلاث ضربات موجعة، وذلك خلال مباراته الجارية حاليًا ضد نظيره فريق لانس، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الفرنسي لكرة القدم.
ويستضيف ملعب “حديقة الأمراء” مباراة فريقي باريس سان جيرمان ولانس، في الجولة الرابعة من الدوري الفرنسي.
وتشير النتيجة في الوقت الحالي إلى تقدم باريس سان جيرمان بهدفين دون رد، ولكن تعكر صفو كتيبة لويس إنريكي بعد الإصابة التي تعرض لها اللاعب خفيتشا كفاراتسخيليا.
وعانى كفاراتسخيليا من إصابة على مستوى ربلة الساق أجبرته على الخروج من أرض الملعب، في الدقيقة 30 من عمر الشوط الأول، حيث توجه مباشرة إلى غرفة الملابس.
وتمثل تلك الإصابة ضربة قوية للمدرب لويس إنريكي الذي يعاني من فقدان الثنائي عثمان ديمبلي وديزيري دوي بعد إصابتهما في فترة التوقف الدولي مع منتخب فرنسا.
كما عانى كانج إن لي من إصابة حيث طالب باستبداله مع بداية الشوط الثاني، ولم يتوقف الأمر عند هذا الحد، بل عانى لوكاس بيرالدو من إصابة هو الآخر في الدقيقة 71، ليضطر إلى المغادرة متألمًا على نقالة طبية.
ويواجه باريس سان جيرمان خصمه أتالانتا في الجولة الأولى من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، يوم الأربعاء المقبل.
A video doing the rounds on social media shows Rauf confronting a group of people
ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jun-2024
Haris Rauf got to the 100-wicket mark in T20Is during the course of the T20 World Cup•ICC/Getty Images
Haris Rauf, the Pakistan quick bowler, has responded to a video of a confrontation between him and some unidentified men, which has done the rounds on social media, saying he was open to “feedback from the public” but that he will “respond accordingly” if the feedback turned to abuse and his family was targeted.The video in question shows Rauf, with his wife, talking to a few people, and Rauf, not long after, rushing across a hedge towards the group, even as one of the men tries to stop him. There is some pushing and shoving, and some raised voices, before Rauf is taken back across the hedge to where his wife is. The finger-pointing and shouting isn’t quite over when the video ends.In a social-media post, Rauf wrote: “As public figures, we are open to receiving all kinds of feedback from the public. They are entitled to support or criticize us. Nevertheless, when it comes to my parent and my family, I will not hesitate to respond accordingly. It is important to show respect towards people and their families, irrespective of their professions.”
The video appears to have been shot somewhere in the USA – Pakistan’s last group-stage match at the T20 World Cup was played in Lauderhill, against Ireland, which they won but that wasn’t enough for them to progress to the Super Eight stage of the tournament.Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, responded* to the development with a tweet on Tuesday evening, saying, “Strongly condemn the appalling incident involving Haris Rauf. Such actions against our players are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Those who are involved must immediately apologise to Haris Rauf, failing which we will pursue legal action against the individual responsible.”Related
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Rauf is a centrally contracted Pakistan cricketer. His contract, in fact, was reinstated under curious circumstances earlier this year after it had been ripped up. On February 15 this year, the PCB terminated Rauf’s contract because he had made himself unavailable for Pakistan’s Test series against Australia late last year. But on March 24, Rauf had his contract back, with Naqvi calling the episode “a misunderstanding”.At the T20 World Cup, Rauf was among Pakistan’s better performers with the ball, picking up seven wickets in four bowling innings at an economy rate of 6.73. Pakistan, however, lost to USA (in a Super Over) and to India, and failed to make the top two from their group despite closing out their campaign with wins over Canada and Ireland.
This summer presents a new era at Tottenham Hotspur, after Thomas Frank was appointed as their new boss after agreeing a £10m compensation package with Brentford.
The Dane takes the reins from Ange Postecoglou after the Aussie was handed his marching orders by owner Daniel Levy despite ending their 17-year wait for a trophy in the Europa League final.
It presents a fresh opportunity for the club to take the next step in their ambitions of mounting a charge for the Premier League title, with Frank the next man to try his luck in North London.
However, if he is to be a success in the role, he will need new additions this summer to help him in his quest, with quality and depth needed in key areas of the pitch.
Numerous players have already emerged on their radar in recent weeks, but additions can only be made if Levy hands Frank the funds needed to change their fortunes on the pitch.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Bryan Mbeumo is a player who’s been firmly on their radar since the Dane’s appointment, potentially having a reunion with his former boss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.
However, if they’re going to complete a deal for the 25-year-old attacker, they will have to fork out a pretty penny for his signature, with the Bees demanding £70m to part ways with him this window.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates scoring their first goal
The hierarchy already appear to be making moves elsewhere, with work being done to secure a deal for Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.
The report states that Spurs have sent scouts to watch the Colombian international at the Club World Cup, starring in his first game against Porto – completing more dribbles than any player on the pitch.
It also claims that the 25-year-old has a £85m release clause within his current contract, with the hierarchy confident he can transfer his skillset across to England and emulate one player’s success.
How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free
Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025 Why Rios could become Frank’s own version of Dembele
Not many supporters would’ve envisaged the impact Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembélé would have at Tottenham after his £15m switch from Fulham back in 2012.
Former Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele.
However, such a deal would be one of the best deals in the club’s history, going on to make 250 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring on ten occasions – but it was his talent in other areas that caught the eye.
He became a monster in and out of possession, often effortlessly gliding past the opposition, and being a commanding presence that was virtually impossible to dispossess.
Dembélé also thrived out of possession, handing the club a perfect box-to-box option, with numerous former players labelling him as the best player they’ve ever featured alongside.
However, after his subsequent departure to join Guangzhou City back in January 2019, the side has often lacked that presence, something which Rios could offer Frank in North London next season.
When comparing his stats from this season to those of Dembélé at Spurs, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – highlighting why he could be the man to fill the void.
Rios, who’s been labelled “one of the best midfielders” by one Brazilian analyst, has registered more goals and assists, along with more passes into the opposition box per 90, showcasing the threat he poses when driving with the ball.
Games played
24
28
Goals & assists
7
0
Passes into opposition box
1.9
0.2
Tackles won
1.9
1.2
% of tackles won
46%
24%
Take-ons completed
3.8
3.8
Fouls won
1.8
1.3
Aerials won
56%
39%
Described as a “ball-carrying machine” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, he also matched Dembélé for take-ons completed, whilst drawing more fouls, offering a constant nuisance to opposition players, something which Frank’s side need in the middle of the mark.
The Colombian’s talents don’t end there, winning more aerials and tackles per 90, handing the side a defensive presence that has often been missing in North London, with Rios the perfect option for the Lilywhites.
Whilst he has an £85m release clause in his current deal, it’s likely the 25-year-old will be available for a significantly lower fee, with Spurs needing to pursue a move for his signature.
If he can get anywhere near the levels produced by the Belgian at the club, he would be another sensational addition and one that could fire the club up the table in 2025/26.
Frank's new Wissa: Spurs make approach for "one of the most prolific" CFs
Tottenham Hotspur could be about to make a move for a star who could complete their potent attack.
Ange Postecoglou and his team can make their fans forget about their diabolically poor domestic season by continuing their impressive European run and winning the Europa League Final.
However, with Manchester United having a stellar track record on the continent this season as well, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll get their hand on the trophy come full-time.
To give his team a better chance of coming away victorious, Postecoglou will have to make a number of changes to the starting lineup that lost away to Aston Villa on Friday night, like dropping Mikey Moore.
Why Moore should be dropped
The first thing to say is that while we think Moore should be taken out of the team, that doesn’t mean we don’t think he’ll have a large part to play for the club in the coming seasons.
After all, his youth record of 21 goals and 15 assists in 34 appearances across the various levels is nothing short of spectacular, and according to respected analyst Ben Mattinson, he’s a “future superstar” in the making.
However, he is still just 17 years old, and while he has looked reasonably impressive for the senior team here and there, he’s not had a significant enough impact – three goal involvements in 21 games – to warrant a start in the club’s biggest game since the Champions League Final.
Minutes
87′
Expected Goals
0.00
Goals
0
Expected Assists
0.00
Assists
0
Accurate passes
7/9 (78%)
Key passes
0
Crosses (accurate)
1 (0)
Shots on target
0
Ground duels (won)
9 (4)
Possession lost
7
Dribbled past
2
Dribble attempts (successful)
3 (0)
Moreover, his inexperience showed somewhat at Villa Park, as he struggled to assert himself on the game and eventually came off the pitch in the 87th minute, having made just seven passes and failing in 100% of his dribbles.
Moreover, with Brennan Johnson still the team’s top scorer in all competitions this term, with 17 in 49 games, it should go without saying that he should be starting on the right ahead of everyone else.
The other Spurs star who should be dropped
Given the underwhelming nature of the game, there are a few other players you could bring up who should probably be taken out of the team for the final, like Archie Gray, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies and more.
Yet, in this instance, we are talking about another starter in the attack: Mathys Tel.
The young Frenchman might well be one of the more exciting players in the Lilywhites’ squad, with some at the club reportedly labelling him a “generational talent” before he arrived in February, but against the Villans, he didn’t do enough to convince us he should keep his place in the team for tonight’s monumental clash.
Minutes
96′
Expected Goals
0.00
Goals
0
Expected Assists
0.15
Assists
0
Accurate passes
12/14 (86%)
Key passes
1
Crosses (accurate)
1 (0)
Shots on target
0
Big chances created
1
Dribble attempts (successful)
5 (1)
Duels (won)
14 (4)
Possession lost
11
Fouls
4
For example, despite leading the line for 96 minutes, he failed to take a single shot on target, registered just 0.15 expected assists, failed in 80% of his attempted dribbles, completed only 12 passes, failed in 100% of his crosses, missed one big chance, lost ten of 14 duels, lost the ball 11 times and committed four fouls.
Add to that the fact that he’s scored just three goals and provided one assist in 19 appearances for the club this season, and it’s almost impossible to make a convincing argument about why he should lead the line against the Red Devils.
Moreover, Dominic Solanke, the man who should come in to replace him, has been far more effective in front of goal this season, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 43 appearances.
Ultimately, Tel could still be a useful asset for Spurs in tonight’s final, but to get the most out of him, Postecoglou would be better off starting him on the bench and then bringing him on later into the match as things get stretched so that he can exploit the opening spaces with his pace.
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Glasgow Rangers’ foray deep into the Europa League this season is vital not only in restoring pride after a dismal domestic season but also in boosting the club’s finances ahead of next term.
Of course, the prize money in Europe’s second-tier club competition is nowhere near as lavish compared to the Champions League, and this is something that the Ibrox side must strive for next term.
Ally McCoist speaking to Barry Ferguson for TNT Sports.
Indeed, reaching the quarter-finals in the Europa League has seen the Gers win £2.1m, which is added to the £3.6m they claimed after reaching the group stages.
In comparison, those in the Champions League have netted £10.8m for reaching the same stage, with a win in the group stages being valued at £1.8m, proving how much of a gulf there is between the two competitions.
Having not qualified for the Champions League proper since the 2023/23 season – finishing bottom of the group without a win – it is clear that the Light Blues need to reach this stage again to bolster their coffers.
If not, at least selling a player or two for a sizeable fee will help make up the shortfall hopefully. Since 2022, only three players have departed the Gers for a solid profit; Nathan Patterson, Joe Aribo, and Calvin Bassey.
The latter became the club’s record sale when he moved to Ajax from Glasgow, but just how much did they receive for the defender?
How much Rangers sold Calvin Bassey for
After making just 15 appearances during his maiden season at the club, nobody at Ibrox thought that a year later he would be joining one of Europe’s most iconic clubs for a record fee.
Originally looked at as a potential long-term heir to Borna Barisic at left-back, Bassey was called upon to slot into the heart of the defence alongside Connor Goldson due to an injury crisis.
Calvin Bassey
This turned out to be one of the best things to happen to the Nigerian international defender. He went on to play a total of 50 games for the Gers that term, winning the Scottish Cup and helping them reach the Europa League final during the 2021/22 season.
He won 64% of his ground duels per game throughout the heroic run to Seville that season, while also being dribbled past on just 0.2 occasions each game for the Light Blues.
His form attracted the interest of Ajax, who wanted to bring Bassey to the Netherlands ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Eventually, they got their man, signing him for a fee of just under £23m, including an initial fee of £19.6m, which is still a club-record sale for the Glasgow side.
Player
Transfer fee
Calvin Bassey
£19.6m
Nathan Patterson
£11.5m
Alan Hutton
£9m
Giovanni Van Bronckhorst
£8.5m
Jean-Alain Boumsong
£8m
This allowed Giovanni Van Bronckhorst to strengthen his squad by using the funds, although the club failed to win a trophy that term.
Bassey has since gone from strength to strength since departing Ibrox, however.
Calvin Bassey is now starring in the Premier League
While his spell at Ajax didn’t quite go to plan, Bassey moved to Fulham in the Premier League back in 2023 and has impressed during his two seasons with the Cottagers.
He has already featured 31 times under Marco Silva this term, scoring twice in the process, and has been a key member of the squad that looks set to seal a top-half finish in the Premier League.
Still only 25, if he continues to perform like he has done this season, a move to a better club could crop back up sooner rather than later, as he has been a regular for the Cottagers in their push into the top half of the table.
His sale was the biggest in Rangers history. Could the emergence of one player this season see the Gers replicate this masterclass? Nicolas Raskin could command a massive fee if he moves on from Ibrox in the upcoming summer transfer window.
What is Nico Raskin’s transfer value
TEAMtalk reported last month that English sides Aston Villa and Leeds United are showing some interest in the Belgian midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window.
He has been a mainstay in the starting XI since coming back into the squad just weeks into the new season after injury had hampered his pre-season. Since then, he has scored against Celtic, captained the Gers and even made his full international debut for Belgium.
Hardly a bad few months and TEAMtalk suggest that Rangers will be seeking a fee of around £20m should they even consider selling him this summer.
If they do, it will be a massive profit on the £1.3m transfer fee they shelled out in January 2023, that’s for sure, and would follow in Bassey’s footsteps as another gem signed on the cheap before being sold for roughly £20m.
The question is, will he want to leave so soon? Or is another season at Ibrox perhaps the best for his development as a player?
Why Nico Raskin is worth £20m
This valuation is best attested by his performances in the Europa League for Rangers this term. Not only does the Belgian average 3.5 tackles per game, but he also recovers 7.5 balls, wins 6.4 total duels, and averages 1.1 key passes each match in Europe.
When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Raskin even ranks in the top 1% for tackles (4.02), the top 11% for interceptions (1.55), and in the top 13% for aerials won (1.75) per 90 across the previous 365 days.
These statistics clearly prove why there are a few English clubs showing interest in him and it won’t be long before he moves on from Rangers.
Kris Boyd dubbed the former Standard Liege starlet as “unbelievable” following the 1-1 draw between Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur back in December, and he has improved massively since then.
He, alongside the likes of Hamza Igamane, Mohamed Diomande, and Jefte, could all be players who eventually rake in significant profits for the Light Blues in the next few years.
Nicolas Raskin
Celtic have shown how effective a player trading model can be, selling Jota, Matt O’Riley and Kieran Tierney for massive fees in the previous few years.
Raskin might just be the catalyst for the Ibrox side, especially if he does leave during the summer transfer window. if so, then expect a fee close to, if not higher, than the one Bassey was sold for.
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