Bangladesh head coach not worried about lack of context around the Test; Trott excited as Afghanistan get back to red-ball cricket after two years

Mohammad Isam13-Jun-2023Even if the one-off Test is not part of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and even if Bangladesh and Afghanistan haven’t played Test cricket in a long time, representing your country and winning Tests remains the primary “motivation” and “ambition,” according to the head coaches of the two teams, Chandika Hathurusinghe and Jonathan Trott. The two sides square off in a one-off Test starting Wednesday in Dhaka with questions around the match’s importance given it is being held during Bangladesh’s monsoon season.However, Hathurusinghe and Trott believe players across the two sides are looking forward to some red-ball cricket.”You are playing for your country, aren’t you?” Hathurusinghe said ahead of the Test. “Forget about the Test Championship; that came four years ago. Before that, playing Tests for your country was the dream, when you are nine or 11 years old.Related

Ebadot kickstarts Bangladesh's fast bowling romance

Bangladesh, Afghanistan meet amid rains as solitary Test struggles for significance

Rashid Khan rested for Afghanistan's one-off Test against Bangladesh

Finger injury rules Shakib out of third ODI, could also miss Afghanistan Test

“If there’s a problem [playing a Test for your country], then he is in the wrong place. Winning for your country is enough for myself and the players. It is the motivational factor.”Trott was of a similar opinion. “I think there’s an ambition to play Test matches, being a Test nation. But I think it is also important that every Test match we go into, we try to win as well,” he said.The lack of Test matches has been an issue for both teams. Bangladesh have played only one Test this year, while Afghanistan’s last was more than two years ago. The monsoon, the school exams in Bangladesh, and the lack of context because it’s a one-off series, could all affect the viewership of this Test.Both sides are also missing key personnel in their line-up. While Afghanistan have rested Rashid Khan, their best bowler, to prioritise his “long-term fitness”, Bangladesh are without Shakib Al Hasan whose finger injury put him out of action last month. Tamim Iqbal was also ruled out of the game on the eve of the match with lower back pain.

“All Test cricketers will tell you they like playing Test cricket. They will say it is their favourite format because of the challenge and the test it creates between the two sides.”Jonathan Trott

For Hathurusinghe, though, just representing the country in a Test match should be motivation enough for the players.”Playing for the Tigers is an honour. I think we don’t look beyond that,” he remarked. “Overall, if you ask my opinion, Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game no matter how the other formats are going to be in the future. Your skills as a cricketer are tested in Test cricket, as a bowler, batter and fielder. Your mental skills and resilience is tested. There’s no better format for any cricketer if you really want to be proud of representing your country.”Trott, who took over as Afghanistan’s head coach last year, will oversee his first Test with them. He said his players, who become more famous playing T20s around the world, have ambitions to play Tests too.Rashid Khan has been rested for the one-off Test against Bangladesh•Abu Dhabi Cricket”We haven’t played for a while, Bangladesh have played quite a lot of Tests recently,” Trott said. “I think it is always good to develop the players’ mindset of being ambitious and playing Tests, along with all the other formats. Being competitive in red-ball cricket just as much in white-ball cricket.””I think [Afghanistan players are] just as ambitious as Bangladesh were when they started playing Tests. You see Bangladesh now going on to beat other teams at home. I think it’s important to have that ambition. I think it is what drives the game. All Test cricketers will tell you they like playing Test cricket. They will say it is their favourite format, because of the challenge and test it creates between the two sides. Also individual as well. It is something that I am looking forward to seeing tomorrow.”A bigger concern for the Afghanistan coach will be to replace Rashid. Trott kept his cards close to his chest, but the make-up of the side suggests that a few newcomers are likely to make their debuts, including 19-year-old legspinner Izharulhaq Naveed who impressed in last season’s Big Bash League.”It is very difficult to replace a guy like Rashid,” Trott said. “He has vast experience in playing all around the world in different competitions and different variations of the game. He has played Test cricket. So yes, that’s obviously missed.”But I think him having time off, obviously there’s a lot of cricket coming up. Asia Cup and World Cup is coming up. I certainly see this time off for him now to get his back sorted out, with a view to the future, in the competitions in a few months’ time.”Afghanistan players have a chat with coach Jonathan Trott at training•Munir Uz Zaman/AFP/Getty ImagesHe underlined that Afghanistan have a confident unit that could give Bangladesh a run for their money. “I think any team playing at home will have a bit of an advantage. I think certainly a team that has played more Tests by a long stretch will also have a bit of advantage. It doesn’t mean tomorrow they will play better than us. We prepared really well. I feel the players have trained exceptionally well. They are excited to play a Test in Bangladesh,” he said.”Whatever has happened in the past, whoever is favourite or the conditions, it is all about what happens tomorrow and who does it the best. It is my job to make sure everyone is ready for the Test starting tomorrow”.Meanwhile, the hosts are keen to develop a playing style rather than just focusing on the result of this game. “We discussed before the Ireland series that we want to play a certain brand of cricket regardless of the result,” Hathurusinghe said. “Our aim is to get the result but we want to understand how our skillset lasts five days in different conditions, challenging ourselves in certain ways.”We might do different things tactically if we have to earn points in the WTC. This game is giving us the opportunity to play on a sporting wicket. Regardless of playing the Championship or not, we will find the way best suited for us to play at home. We have to keep an eye on how we want to play away from home.”

da premier bet： There’s no denying that Manchester United’s forward line hasn’t lived up to expectations this season, massively restricting Ruben Amorim from reaching the next level with the current side.

da leao： The club have only registered 28 goals in the 24 Premier League outings to date, with only four sides registering fewer, three of which currently sit in the relegation zone.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee set the hierarchy back over £100m, but have only scored five of those goals combined, highlighting the lack of threat at the top end of the pitch.

The Red Devils’ shortage of goals has been so bad that the boss decided to start midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in a false nine role in the defeat against Crystal Palace – with the 40-year-old crying out for investment this summer.

However, one player has been a shining light in attacking areas over the last couple of months, with it being hard to imagine where the side would be if it wasn’t for his vital contributions.

Amad Diallo’s stats for United in 2024/25

Winger Amad Diallo joined United way back in January 2021, costing a whopping £37m from Serie A side Atalanta – certainly being one for the future.

Fast-forward four years, the Ivorian has established himself as a regular starter under Amorim after previous boss Erik ten Hag mainly utilised the 22-year-old as an impact player.

He’s started 15 games since the former Sporting CP boss took the reins back in November, nearly more than double the tally he registered during the first few months of 2024/25 under the Dutchman.

He’s subsequently registered nine goals and seven assists across all competitions, with his tally of 16 the second most in the first-team squad, only trailing captain Bruno Fernandes.

However, despite his impressive form at Old Trafford, Amad is still valued less than one other youngster who’s made huge strides in his development over the last couple of years.

The United player who’s worth 2x more than Amad

Back in October 2020, United forked out £100k to sign Atlético Madrid youngster Alejandro Garnacho, with the Argentine youngster originally linking up with the academy side the North West.

He starred massively for the U18 side, registering 20 goals in 35 appearances, even helping them claim the FA Youth Cup on home soil against Nottingham Forest in 2022/23.

That season would also be his breakthrough into the first team, making 34 appearances across all competitions that year, registering five goals and four assists – a superb tally for a teenager making his first steps into the professional game.

The now 20-year-old has already amassed over 120 appearances for the Red Devils, starring off the left-hand side, producing countless impressive finishes and cementing his place as a regular starter under Amorim.

However, it’s not been without struggle, subsequently having to adapt his game given the 40-year-old likes to operate with a 3-4-2-1 system that features two 10s rather than wingers.

Despite the switch, Garnacho, who’s previously been dubbed a “monster” by one analyst, has still registered 14 combined goals and assists in his 37 appearances, with his market value spiking as a result of his impressive form in the final third.

He was valued at £55m by the club in January amid interest from Chelsea and Napoli, with the subsequent figure higher than the market value of Amad, who’s only valued at just £20.8m by Transfermarkt, despite his recent run in the side.

How Garnacho compares to Amad in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Garnacho

Amad

Games played

23

22

Goals & assists

4

12

Shot-on-target accuracy

37%

32%

Pass accuracy

79%

83%

Progressive carries

5.3

5.2

Dribbles completed

26%

50%

Shots on target

1.3

0.7

Stats via FBref

Both players have impressed in what has been a disappointing campaign for the club all-round, with Amorim potentially having one eye on next season as he looks to make the changes he wants.

However, Garnacho and Amad will remain vital components of the attacking department, needing to build around the pair in the final third, with the youngsters having the potential to star at Old Trafford for the next decade given their tender ages.

Related Solskjaer thought Man Utd had the "next Carrick", but they sold him for £9m

Manchester United may live to regret offloading a player who could be the next version of a fan-favourite.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Feb 12, 2025

David de Gea has enjoyed a brilliant season in the Serie A, with the ex-Man Utd goalkeeper making his feelings on his Fiorentina future clear.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• De Gea enjoying life in Serie A
• Running out of contract at Fiorentina this summer
• Confirms his plans for future in Florence

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  De Gea started in Fiorentina's 2-1 loss to Real Betis in the Conference League semi-final first leg on Thursday. Following the game, the veteran Spanish goalkeeper was asked about his future in Italy, and De Gea was quick to make his feelings clear regarding his potential continuation with the Viola.

Advertisement

• WHAT DAVID DE GEA SAID

  When asked about his future at the club by (h/t Football Italia), De Gea said: "I take it day by day. I’m very happy in Florence and I’m having a lot of fun in Italian football. I hope to get the best with my group.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After departing Manchester United in 2023, De Gea took a year-long break from football before signing a one-year deal with Fiorentina in the summer of 2024. The 34-year-old has impressed in his debut Serie A campaign, prompting reports that the club plans to offer him a new one-year contract with a significant pay rise. However, no formal agreement has been reached yet.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR DAVID DE GEA?

  The Spaniard will next be seen in action on Sunday, May 4, when Fiorentina travel to the capital to take on an in-form Roma. Raffaele Palladino's men are currently in eighth position on the table, just three points behind the top four.

The BBL season has been shortened but there will still be a squeeze on many of the leading names

Alex Malcolm01-Sep-2023

Adelaide StrikersCurrent list: Wes Agar, James Bazley, Cameron Boyce, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Travis Head, Henry Hunt, Thomas Kelly, Chris Lynn, Ben Manenti, D’Arcy Short, Matt Short, Henry ThorntonLast playing XI: Matt Short, Travis Head (capt), Alex Carey (wk), Adam Hose, Colin de Grandhomme, Ryan Gibson, Harry Nielsen, Cameron Boyce, Wes Agar, Harry Conway, Peter SiddleLast season’s overseas/retention options: Rashid Khan, Colin de Grandhomme, Adam HoseDraft picks: 2, 10, 23, and 26What might they want?
Strikers are almost certain to take long-time favourite Rashid Khan with pick 2 to the point where they inquired with other clubs about a possible pick trade, knowing they would use the retention on him. Beyond that, there are some clear needs for Strikers. Quality top and middle-order batting is their main target given Travis Head and Alex Carey are set to be unavailable for almost the whole season. A middle-order player who can bowl seam up would be ideal although given they will get overs out of both Matt Short and D’Arcy Short it is not critical.Their domestic attack is reasonably well-balanced and has been set up to try and withstand Rashid not being available for the back end of the tournament due to his SA20 commitments. He looks set to only be available for the first seven games. But they will want more availability in their other picks and then to find a replacement for Rashid post-draft. Adam Hose and Colin de Grandhomme are both available again and showed glimpses at times last year, but they ultimately did not provide the run-scoring output needed to help Strikers reach finals. There may be others in the gold, silver or bronze band with full availability who could be of value.Brisbane HeatCurrent list: Usman Khawaja, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Brown, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Will Prestwidge, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell SwepsonLast playing XI: Josh Brown, Sam Heazlett, Nathan McSweeney, Jimmy Peirson (capt), Sam Hain, Max Bryant, James Bazley, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Matthew KuhnemannLast season’s overseas/retention options: Sam Hain, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Ross Whiteley, Tom BantonDraft picks: 7, 15, 18, and 31What might they want?
Like Strikers, last year’s finalists have a very clear need for top and middle-order batters given they have a very strong home-grown attack that took them all the way to the final. They are set to be without Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne all season due to Test duty. At pick 7 they may need to use the retention options available to them if they want Sam Billings or Colin Munro. But both are only available for six to nine games which may not suit Heat. They would prefer longer availability in a platinum pick and the only player to fit that criteria who is not a retention player is Tom Kohler-Cadmore.Tom Banton is a non-platinum option who can be retained after playing for them previously but he is headed to the SA20 which reduces his availability to just six to nine games. They will likely target two batters with a preference for those who can handle the bounce and pace of the Gabba. Further down in the third or fourth round they may look for a power-hitting allrounder. They had Ross Whiteley last year and he is available for the whole season plus finals. They have lost local James Bazley to Strikers. An allrounder would deepen the batting and give them the option of playing their two local spinners.Harry Brook could still get interest despite his other commitments•Getty Images

Hobart HurricanesCurrent list: Iain Carlisle, Tim David, Paddy Dooley, Nathan Ellis, Peter Hatzoglou, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Mac WrightLast playing XI: Caleb Jewell, Zak Crawley, Mac Wright, Ben McDermott, Tim David, Matthew Wade (capt/wk), Faheem Ashraf, Joel Paris, Nathan Ellis, Wil Parker, Riley Meredith Last season’s overseas/retention options: Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Zak Crawley, Jimmy Neesham, Asif Ali, Sandeep LamichhaneDraft picks: 3, 11, 22, and 27What might they want?
One high-quality middle-order bat and a pace bowling allrounder are the two desires for Hurricanes to complement the local talent they have. Harry Brook and Will Jacks have both played for Hurricanes previously but do not qualify as retention options. However, either would make the batting look incredibly destructive but they are both only available for six to nine games with two England tours bookending the BBL and both look set to be part of at least one or both. Hurricanes’ need for an allrounder could see them test out Sydney Sixers’ mettle given Tom Curran and Chris Jordan could be available at pick 3. Sixers can’t retain both so Hurricanes could pinch one of them, but they too are only available for six to nine games.In the later rounds, Netherlands allrounder Bas de Leede might be a smokey given he impressed Hurricanes head of strategy Ricky Ponting in last year’s World Cup but he also has limited availability. Shadab Khan, who is a retention option, would also fit nicely but he is also only available for six to nine matches. There is less of a need for an overseas spinner this year for Hurricanes after they signed two local spinners, Paddy Dooley and Peter Hatzoglou. There should still be other good all-round or batting options available with Hurricanes’ second pick at No.11. Hurricanes look set to sign three overseas as they currently only have 12 on their local list so they could add some fast-bowling depth in the late rounds depending on how their first two picks go.Melbourne RenegadesCurrent list: Nic Maddinson, Aaron Finch, Jake Fraser-McGurk, MacKenzie Harvey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Jon Wells, Will Sutherland, Adam ZampaLast playing XI Shaun Marsh, Martin Guptill, Sam Harper (wk), Aaron Finch (capt), Matt Critchley, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Tom Rogers, Corey Rocchiccioli, David Moody, Fawad AhmedLast season’s overseas/retention options: Matt Critchley, Martin Guptill, Akeal Hosein, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad NabiDraft picks: 4, 12, 21, and 28What might they want?
Aside from some youth to balance out one of the oldest lists in BBL history, Renegades are definitely shopping for a world-class batter who could possibly keep as well. At pick 4, Quinton de Kock looks incredibly enticing if he hasn’t already been taken. South Africa does have a T20I and ODI series against India at home in mid-December but de Kock’s national commitments for bilateral series remain fluid. If he were not to play in those games, Renegades could get eight BBL games out of him before the SA20 given how the fixtures fall for Renegades which might be a better result than other platinum picks in his availability bracket. But picking him would be a gamble. Coach David Saker’s England ties could see any of the star England batters targeted but they may have as little or less availability than de Kock early in the tournament due to a white-ball tour of the Caribbean. Jacks could be one of those, particularly with his offspin ability, but again availability will be a question.The signing of Adam Zampa means a spinner is not as crucial as previous years for them but a spin bowling allrounder and or a second spinner would also be a good fit. Mohammad Nabi is available to be retained and Renegades could still hold their retention pick until later in the draft. There should be some other options as not many teams have that specific need given the general nature of the BBL pitches. Renegades play on unique surfaces at Docklands and Geelong where a second or third spin option can be very valuable.Short-term impact? Haris Rauf has strong links with Melbourne Stars•Getty Images

Melbourne Stars
Current list: Scott Boland, Joe Burns, Hilton Cartwright, Brody Couch, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell, Joel Paris, Tom Rogers, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Beau WebsterLast playing XI Joe Clarke (wk), Tom Rogers, Campbell Kellaway, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, Nick Larkin, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Luke Wood, Liam Hatcher, Adam Zampa (capt)Last season’s overseas/retention options: Trent Boult (not in the draft), Joe Clarke, Luke Wood, Haris RaufDraft picks: 1, 9, 24, and 25What might they want?
Stars almost have too many needs to make a really clear-cut decision with pick 1. They would want the best player available in the draft but they do not have a spinner currently on their list after Zampa’s departure and they have often played two international spinners at the MCG. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Shadab might not be retained by other clubs and could be worth pick 1 but both have only nominated for six to nine games. Equally, there are likely to be some good spinners available in later rounds. New Stars recruit Sam Harper nominated his former Melbourne Renegades team-mate Akeal Hosein as a great option for the MCG but he too is only available for up to nine games.They would also love a world-class fast bowler and/or an opener to complement the powerful middle order. Haris Rauf and Joe Clarke are both retention options, but it is doubtful Stars would use the first pick on either player. Rauf’s availability would be a worry even though he is a Stars favourite and a proven performer. A powerful left-hander like de Kock could well be something Stars look at, but they don’t need him to keep necessarily with the addition of Harper.Perth ScorchersCurrent list: Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kelly, Mitch Marsh, Hamish McKenzie, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Sam WhitemanLast playing XI Stephen Eskinazi, Cameron Bancroft, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (wk), Ashton Turner (capt), Nick Hobson, Cooper Connolly, Andrew Tye, Matthew Kelly, David Payne, Jason BehrendorffLast season’s overseas/retention options: Stephen Eskinazi, Faf du Plessis, David Payne, Adam Lyth, Tymal Mills, Laurie EvansDraft picks: 8, 16, 17, and 32What might they want?
The hat-trick-seeking defending champions will likely stick to their winning game plan and pass in the platinum round as they did last year which probably rules out the retention of Faf du Plessis. They may only need two overseas to complement their all-conquering local list and will pick for specific needs and full availability although they did pick three in the end last year. Another powerful, smart middle-order player might be a target in the gold or silver band. Laurie Evans was very popular in Perth and important for Scorchers in their 2021-22 title. Even after missing last year, he can be retained. He is available for all home and away games but not finals due to the ILT20. If they don’t take Evans they will want a batter who can handle the extra pace and bounce of Perth Stadium. Stephen Eskinazi and Adam Lyth are both fully available for the season and finals and are also retention pick options.Scorchers have historically recruited an overseas fast bowler despite their strong local contingent, in order to help manage workloads in a tournament of tight turnarounds and heavy travel. Tymal Mills is a retention option but he is now in the platinum band after they got him in the bronze band last year with pick 30, even though he didn’t play in the end. Mills is the only platinum pick to make himself fully available for the whole season plus finals but at the same time, he still has ambitions of playing for England on the Caribbean T20I tour in December. Scorchers would love someone with extra pace to cover Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris if either have injury issues or international duties. But David Payne was very good last year and is fully available.James Vince will likely be on Sydney Sixers’ radar again•Getty Images

Sydney SixersCurrent list: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Steve O’Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan SilkLast playing XI Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe (wk), Daniel Hughes, Moises Henriques (capt), Jordan Silk, Hayden Kerr, Dan Christian, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Steve O’Keefe, Izharulhaq NaveedLast season’s overseas/retention options: James Vince, Izharulhaq Naveed, Naveen-ul-Haq, Chris Jordan, Tom Curran, Carlos BrathwaiteDraft picks: 6, 14, 19, and 30What might they want?
Sixers face a tricky dilemma with their retention pick given three players who have been Sixers’ favourites in James Vince, Jordan and Tom Curran are all platinum picks and the two bowling allrounders could well be sought after by Hurricanes. Sixers don’t necessarily need another bowling allrounder. Even though Dan Christian has retired, Sean Abbott’s development as a batter in the last 12 months means he could move higher in the order. They probably need a top-order batter like Vince more than Curran or Jordan given Steve Smith will likely not be available at all this summer due to Test duty. Vince is also available for all 10 home and away games, unlike the two allrounders.They may target another fast bowler with some extra pace or unique skill to complement their locals. Izharulhaq Naveed bowled very well for them last season and is fully available again, including for finals. Carlos Brathwaite has also nominated for the draft having missed the last two seasons of the BBL. He played a key role in Sixers’ last title in 2020-21 as a power surge bowling specialist and could be someone who they could trust again with a later pick but he is only available for six to nine games.Sydney ThunderCurrent list: Cameron Bancroft, Ollie Davies, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David WarnerLast playing XI Matthew Gilkes (wk), David Warner, Jason Sangha, Ollie Davies, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Ben Cutting, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Gurinder Sandhu, Usman QadirLast season’s overseas/retention options: Rilee Rossouw, Alex Hales, Usman Qadir, Fazalhaq FarooqiDraft picks: 5, 13, 20, and 29What might they want?
It will be a shock if Alex Hales isn’t Thunder’s first choice or isn’t retained by them if he is picked by Stars, Renegades or Hurricanes ahead of pick 5. He has full availability up until finals when he heads to the ILT20 and has no international commitments. He is the perfect fit for Thunder given David Warner might not be available until late in the tournament if he gets the Test match farewell he is hoping for.Thunder could add a second batter as their domestic all-round and bowling stocks look quite strong and well-balanced, particularly with Tanveer Sangha back fully fit. Liam Hatcher has been added as a pace bowler in place of Brendan Doggett. But another high-class or experienced overseas quick would also be a useful addition for Thunder. Someone with added pace or an ability to swing the new ball in the powerplay in the Sydney summer humidity would probably be preferable.

Birmingham Bears have signed West Indies left-armer Dominic Drakes on a short-term contract until the end of the Vitality Blast.Drakes, whose father Vasbert played for Warwickshire in the 2000s, will replace Hasan Ali as one of Bears’ two overseas players, with the Pakistan seamer departing for international duty this weekend.Drakes, 25, has been capped 12 times in white-ball internationals and enjoyed had a spell in county cricket with Yorkshire last summer.”We’re really pleased to welcome Dominic to the squad. Dominic loves the big stage and is comfortable taking the ball in the powerplay and high-pressure moments,” Warwickshire’s Performance director, Gavin Larsen, said.”As a left-armer, Dominic will add something different to our pace attack and we can’t wait to see how he fares before the quarter-final.”Birmingham are top of the North Group with two games to play and assured of a spot in the Blast quarter-finals.”I can’t wait to link up with the squad ahead of what’s an exciting time for the club,” Drakes said. “The team have shown to be one of the strongest in the competition and I’m looking forward to adding to their initial success in the closing stages.”I love playing in big crowds and having the opportunity to play in a quarterfinal, plus the chance to go one step further to Finals Day is exciting.”

Manchester United are in dire need of improving their poor form this season having now slumped to 15th in the Premier League, and although relegation seems unlikely, they are set for a record-low finish in the Premier League.

United’s most recent game saw them make their final trip to Goodison Park to face Everton. The Toffees were the better side for much of the 90 minutes, but United managed to claw back a 2-0 deficit to draw, thanks to an inspirational performance from Bruno Fernandes.

It was not just United’s captain who stood out, with new signing Patrick Dorgu also impressing.

Dorgu's time at United so far

The Red Devils made Dorgu the first major signing of the Ruben Amorim era at the back end of the January Transfer window. They signed him from Serie A strugglers Lecce, for £25m up front and a further £4.1m in add-ons.

So far, the wing-back is just three games into his United career. His debut came in the FA Cup against Leicester City, where he featured for the first half. He has also played two games in the Premier League, getting 90 minutes under his belt against Tottenham Hotspur and, most recently, Everton.

The Denmark international was certainly one of the better United players against the Toffees. The Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst was impressed by his performance, giving him a 7/10. He explained that Dorgu ‘has not been ground down by the pressure of playing for United’ so far.

Goals and assists will surely follow soon, too. Before his move to Old Trafford, the young wing-back scored three times and grabbed one assist for Lecce this season, showing his threat in front of goal.

In fact, that is as many goal involvements as a former United full-back, who perhaps Amorim wished he could call upon if he was still in his prime.

Former Man United star is now on par with Dorgu

There are plenty of former Red Devils stars performing well since leaving the club. One of the best recent examples of this is Antony, who has five goal involvements in six games since his loan move to Real Betis.

Well, another player who is doing well after leaving United is Ashley Young. Make no mistake about it, the former club captain was exceptional during his time wearing the famous red shirt, and only left in 2020 on a free transfer to Inter Milan, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge of the club.

The former England international made more appearances for United than he did any other club over his career.

He played 261 games, scoring 19 goals and grabbing 32 assists. Perhaps his best game came against Arsenal in the famous 8-2 win in 2011, where he scored two and assisted three.

The further he got into his United career, Young’s role in the side changed. He went from dynamic and tricky winger to marauding full-back, capable of playing either side. His versatility became key for the managers he had at Old Trafford.

Left midfield

74

12

10

Right-back

56

2

4

Left-back

55

1

7

Left-wing

29

3

9

Right midfield

20

0

1

Right-wing

6

0

0

Second striker

3

0

0

Central midfielder

2

0

0

Centre-back

1

0

0

Now plying his trade for Everton, Young also has four goal involvements this season, just as Dorgu does for Lecce. However, the former England international has one goal and three assists for the Toffees, playing as a flying full-back. At 39 years of age, the former United number 18 is still going strong.

It does make you consider how much Amorim would have appreciated Young this season if he was still at Old Trafford. Given the versatility of the former United skipper, the ability he has to whip in a deadly cross, and the fact he is still contributing to goals, he could have been an ideal wing-back.

Better than Dorgu: Man Utd must regret selling "monster" star for just £5m

Manchester United once sold a defender who is even better than Patrick Dorgu.

4 ByDan Emery Feb 24, 2025

Newcastle United were beaten at Anfield as Eddie Howe’s side had to make do without star striker Alexander Isak, absent with a slight groin issue.

Liverpool’s victory means Newcastle have now been defeated in four of their past six Premier League fixtures. Frankly, they were second best throughout the evening, with Isak’s absence underscored by the failure to test Alisson even once.

There’s still plenty to play for this season, success possible through three competitions, but Howe will know his team need to be much better when they meet Liverpool at Wembley next month.

How Newcastle were beaten at Anfield

When Luis Diaz played the onrushing Dominik Szoboszlai in after 11 minutes, Nick Pope needed to make the save and settle the nerves for the travelling Toon.

Fabian Schar should have done better in snuffing out the cross but United’s goalkeeper will be frustrated after failing to get a hand to Szoboszlai’s somewhat tame strike.

This painful sequence underscored the crux of Newcastle’s current issues: in five of their past six Premier League matches, Newcastle have conceded the first goal, having scored first against Fulham at St. James’ Park but gone on to lose that one.

Isak’s absence was sorely felt, but Newcastle have a talented frontline beyond that of the Sweden striker, and Anthony Gordon will be disappointed that he failed to showcase his talent at Anfield, having looked a bit lost without his free-scoring pal.

Anthony Gordon looked lost without Isak

Newcastle’s Player of the Year for 2023/24, Gordon is a wonderful and dynamic forward, but he struggled on this return to Merseyside.

Fielded as a makeshift number ten to support Callum Wilson up front, he was well marshalled by Virgil van Dijk and co. Gordon might have fared better in a more conventional wide role, which was instead assumed by Joe Willock, who also flattered to deceive.

Minutes played

90′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

44

Shots (on target)

1 (0)

Accurate passes

18/22 (82%)

Key passes

0

Possession lost

17x

Dribbles

1/4

Tackles

3

Duels won

5/13

The Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder did praise Gordon for being a ‘willing runner’ at Anfield, though rebuked his lack of a clinical touch in the same breath, giving him a 5/10 match rating that illustrated a disappointing evening.

Having mustered just the one shot – blocked – and failed to find the sprightly Wilson with a single key pass, Gordon struggled for fluency against Liverpool’s redoubtable backline, though it would be remiss to question his commitment, making three tackles and winning five duels.

He did try to make things happen, but having ceded possession 17 times without making a meaningful creative contribution, it’s clear Gordon missed Isak’s world-class striking presence.

Ultimately, one to forget for Newcastle, who now need to rally ahead of the weekend’s FA Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion and a make-or-break run of fixtures in the Premier League and, indeed, a Carabao Cup final against none other than Liverpool.

Might revenge be on the cards?

Newcastle must rue selling world-class star who will be better than Gordon

Newcastle were forced to sell off two of their most prized assets in June to avoid a PSR breach, and one in particular is starring on the South Coast.

2 ByBen Gray Feb 24, 2025

With just a couple of days left in the window, any Chelsea fans will be glad to see the back of the transfer market given the huge number of players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

The most prominent rumours have come in the attacking third, with boss Enzo Maresca evidently targeting reinforcements to his frontline to improve on their current Premier League standing.

However, despite the influx of potential options targeting this month, no deal is yet to be completed, potentially following in the same manner as the summer, in failing to secure a new centre-forward.

Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen, who were both targets during Maresca’s first window, have once again emerged as potential signings but the club are running out of time to secure moves for either player.

As a result, another former target has remerged on the radar, as the Blues look to finally land the top-quality talisman they have been searching for.

Chelsea eyeing late move for £84m talent

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are targeting a late move for Porto striker Samu Omorodion after his stellar form for the Portuguese giants.

The Spaniard was a real target for the Blues in the summer, rumoured to be included in a swap deal involving Conor Gallagher moving to Atlético Madrid as a result – but the move fell through, with the striker joining Porto instead.

The 20-year-old has since taken his career to the next level, scoring 18 times in just 25 appearances across all competitions, leading to more speculation of a move to West London.

Bailey’s report claims that Omorodion has a €100m (£84m) release clause in his current deal, but that he could be available for a cheaper sum should any side negotiate a deal for his services this month.

After missing out on his signature once, Maresca can’t afford to do so once again, with the Italian desperately needing to prioritise a move for the youngster over one other transfer target.

How Omorodion compares to Mathys Tel

Mathys Tel has been a player who has constantly been linked with a move to the Bridge in recent weeks, potentially receiving a boost in their pursuit over the last couple of days.

The Frenchman has been absent in each of the last three games for Bayern Munich, with boss Vincent Kompany leaving the 19-year-old on the bench in each of the outings.

It’s since been confirmed that he wants a move away from the Bundesliga giants before the closure of the transfer window, with Chelsea one of the main sides in the running for his signature.

Given his tender age, he could fit into the hierarchy’s philosophy of investing in youth for the long-term, but for the immediate future, they need to be plotting a move for Omorodion over Tel.

When comparing the pair on FBref, the Porto star has massively outperformed the Frenchman in 2024/25, highlighting what an important addition he would be to Maresca’s outfit.

Omorodion, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered way more combined goals and assists, whilst also achieving a higher shot on target rate, subsequently highlighting his clinical nature in the final third.

He’s also won more aerial duels per 90, whilst also creating more chances per 90 for his teammates, offering that all-round focal point that the Blues have greatly missed in recent months.

Given the stats produced by the pair this season, it’s glaringly obvious who the better option would be in the closing stages of the month, with the Spaniard producing the goods to try and take the club back to their glory days.

An immediate option is needed to lead the side back towards the Champions League come the end of the season, with Tel arguably one for the future, but Omorodion could offer that ready-made talisman whilst also having the potential to improve given the fact he’s only 20.

Their next Hazard: Chelsea plotting late move for "dangerous" £30m star

Chelsea could make a statement signing that could see them sign a new version of Eden Hazard.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jan 29, 2025

Sub-par target of 143 proves ample as Craig Overton, Henry and Green set up Essex showdown

Andrew Miller15-Jul-2023Somerset 142 for 7 (Abbott 4-23) beat Surrey 118 (Henry 3-19, Overton 3-24, Green 3-25) by 24 runsCraig Overton, Matt Henry and Ben Green claimed three wickets apiece in a stunning defence of a sub-par target of 143, as Somerset overcame Surrey by 24 runs to book their place in the Vitality Blast final, where they will face the 2019 champions, Essex, with the chance to cap a record-breaking campaign with their first T20 title since 2005.At the halfway mark of the contest, it seemed Surrey already had one foot in the final, after a masterful display from their own seam attack, led by Sean Abbott’s stand-out figures of 4 for 23. The build-up to their campaign had been overshadowed by the absence of Sunil Narine, who opted to stay in the USA for the maiden season of Major League Cricket, but Surrey didn’t require a single over of spin. Their extraordinary wealth of allrounders seemed to have turned up the ideal combination for the blustery conditions, but as it transpired, they had simply inspired their opponents to raise their own game in response.Desperation does the trick for SomersetAfter finishing as runners-up and semi-finalists in consecutive Finals Days, Tom Abell had conceded Somerset were “desperate” to go one better this year. And while that was a choice of words that might have implied weakness, it was also an apt description of their hungry, clawing response to a sub-par batting display.In the course of Somerset’s innings, Jamie Overton didn’t even get a bowl against his old county, given how stacked with pace options his new team clearly is. But the onus on hitting the pitch hard and forcing Surrey into errors was right up his alley of his Taunton-based twin brother. With his fourth ball of the chase, Craig Overton found enough jag off the seam from his favourite back-of-a-length to smash Laurie Evans stumps for a second-ball duck, and spark his side with renewed belief.Matt Henry’s hardly averse to hard lengths either. His second over did for the key scalp of Jason Roy, who looked aghast skywards as an attempted flick to leg got pick on him and spiralled out to a sprawlingv Sean Dickson, running in from deep square. And with the going good for the quicks, Lewis Gregory gambled on a third powerplay over for Overton, and was quickly vindicated as Will Jacks holed out to deep midwicket.At 24 for 3, Somerset had stolen the ascendancy for the first time in the match, albeit at the cost of five overs from their strike bowlers.Green and Sodhi becalm the middle orderGregory, however, still had a significant trump card up his sleeve. Green, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, entered the attack for the eighth over of the innings, and struck with his first ball as Sam Curran scuffed a tame drive to Henry at mid-on (38 for 4). He left for 5 from 10 balls, perhaps ruing his failure to assert himself against the legspin of Ish Sodhi, whose previous over – the first sighting of spin in this contest – had gone for just five runs.With the wind now swirling and making strikes down the ground from the City End particularly fraught with peril, Green’s naggingly awkward cutters were the ideal impediment for a team in a hurry. Jamie Smith didn’t get the memo, with an ill-conceived club down the ground that held in the breeze and was dying on Craig Overton as he swooped in from long-on.Jamie Overton, next man in, got away with a similar drill that scudded over the head of long-off for a second-ball four, and though he found a more convincing route to the rope in Sodhi’s next over, one ball later he too was gone, and in the most galling fashion possible … another long-levered club down the ground, but straighter this time and straight into the hands of his brother at long-on (68 for 6).Short-side bluesSurrey’s unparalleled depth means that no cause is lost until the tenth wicket has been toppled, and as the England pairing of Tom Curran and Chris Jordan combined with 75 needed from 48 balls, it was clear that Somerset’s graft was not done yet. Three sixes in as many overs kept that rate very much under control, with both men recognising that the short leg-side boundary from the City End was the place to take on the quicks.But then, after depositing the return Overton in that very direction, Jordan succumbed to the same stroke three balls later, getting underneath his pull on this occasion for Will Smeed to cling on at square leg. And one over later, with a touch of desperation setting in, Curran decided to chance his arm on the long side instead, and wiped Henry into the hands of deep midwicket. He departed for 22 for 15, with his team in the soup at 103 for 8.Three balls later, Green had his third – and his 30th of the tournament – after another reviewed nick off Cam Steel, and nine balls later, Somerset were home and hosed, as Abbott became just the latest – but arguably most blameless – victim of some superb outfielding, as Smeed clung onto another flat smash into the leg side.Top-order power failureSomerset’s record-breaking run in the group stages had been built on the form of their bombastic top three. Smeed, Tom Banton and Tom Kohler-Cadmore came into Finals Day with more than 400 runs apiece, each at strike-rates in excess of 150. And though it hardly seemed like it at the time, their application of the usual template for the first four overs of match would prove to be the difference between the teams.It wasn’t that Smeed and Banton came hurtling out of the blocks in their opening stand of 38 (the same score at which Surrey would lose their fourth wicket), but with four fours and a six between them – the latter swatted off the eyebrows over fine leg by Smeed – the pair had emerged with a clear determination to get busy. That trait would be noticeably absent by the back-end of the innings, with not a single boundary coming from the final 20 balls as Jordan and Tom Curran nailed their death lengths.That Smeed six, however, had been a harbinger of the hardships to come. Gus Atkinson’s extra pace had all but decapitated his quarry in the process, and when Abbott entered the attack with similar licence to slip the handbrake, he took just two balls to make the breakthrough. More pace and bounce outside off drew a flat-footed drive from Smeed, and after a review, a thin nick through to the keeper was confirmed.Banton carried on attacking, dispatching Atkinson for a second six with an excellently played ramp over fine leg. But one ball later, he too was gone – once again via a review as Atkinson followed him down the leg side with that pitch-battering length and found another graze of willow to the keeper. Kohler-Cadmore by this stage had got off the mark with a genuine edge through deep third off Abbott, but he wouldn’t add to his boundary count before Abbott got his revenge, via a steepling catch to point. Somerset’s big three were gone before the end of the tenth over and the innings never quite regained its poise. In the end, it never needed to.

Manchester United are now eyeing a move for an “elite” striker who has an £83m release clause, with recruitment chiefs identifying alternative targets to Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen, according to a report.

United's search for a striker

With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee flattering to deceive this season, Man United have set their sights on signing a new striker this summer, and several highly-rated options have been linked with moves to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have now made contact to offer Osimhen a big salary, with the Nigerian forward poised to leave Napoli in the summer, while they have also been chasing Gyokeres, who Ruben Amorim knows very well from their time together at Sporting CP.

Reports from Spain have suggested United have already struck an agreement to sign Gyokeres in the summer, although with no other sources corroborating the news, it is probably wise to be very skeptical about such a deal.

Man Utd progressing in talks to sign £33m ace who wants Old Trafford move

The summer transfer window is still a few months away from opening but United are looking to wrap up a deal fairly quickly.

1 ByBrett Worthington Feb 17, 2025

According to a report from GiveMeSport, Man United are now identifying alternative targets to the Sporting star, and they are contemplating a move for FC Porto’s Samu Omorodion, who has also impressed in the Liga Portugal this season.

Amid fears they could miss out on their top targets, perhaps owing to their very poor league position, United have picked out Omorodion as an alternative option, with scouts watching him in action earlier this month.

The Porto star nearly completed a £34.4m move to Chelsea last month, but the Blues were unable to strike an agreement on personal terms, opening the door for a potential move to Old Trafford in the summer.

However, INEOS are at risk of having to shell out a considerably higher fee, as the 20-year-old has a release clause of over £83m.

Omorodion impressing in debut Liga Portugal season

While Gyokeres has been getting the majority of the headlines, the Spaniard has also been on the scoresheet regularly in the Liga Portugal this season, with 13 goals and three assists to his name in 18 outings.

Freelance scout Ben Mattinson believes a big move could be on the cards for the youngster soon, in light of his impressive performances this season, branding parts of his game as “elite”.

Gyokeres has proven himself over a more sustained period, while the Sweden international also has six goals in eight Champions League games this season.

However, given United’s current league position, they may find it difficult to compete for the Sporting forward this summer, and Omorodion’s goal record suggests he could be a suitable alternative option.