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New Zealand played eight of 11 series at home since May 2017, and ensured they took full advantage of it

S Rajesh06-Jan-20211:53

How New Zealand became No. 1 in Tests

A dominant home record is a significant factor behind New Zealand reaching the top of the ICC Test rankings. Their overall win-loss ratio of 3.2 is easily the best from May 2017, which is the period taken for the rankings – the next-best is India’s 1.9 – but at home they have been impregnable, winning 13 out of 16 Tests, and losing none. India are the only other similarly dominant team at home, with a 9-0 record in 11 Tests.ESPNcricinfo LtdNew Zealand are only seventh in terms of number of Tests played since May 2017 – their 24 Tests during this period is slightly more than half of England’s 45, but they have made almost every series count. The one debacle was in Australia, when they lost 3-0. In their remaining 21 Tests, they won 16 and lost just two. In the period from May 2017 to April 2019, when the results get 50% value in the ICC rankings, New Zealand had an 8-1 win-loss record; since May 2019, their record is 8-4.While New Zealand have undoubtedly been a formidable team with bat and ball, it is also true that they have had a favourable calendar over these 44 months: eight of their 11 series have been at home, and they have won each of those. England and West Indies have lost two series each in New Zealand during this period, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan have all been beaten once each.ESPNcricinfo LtdAll those wins have helped rack up the points, but there have also been three crucial wins overseas which have made a difference between New Zealand actually taking the top place, and them hovering just a point or two behind the leaders. In UAE in 2018-19, they stole a 2-1 series win against Pakistan – including an incredible four-run win in Abu Dhabi – while in Sri Lanka they managed to level the series after losing the first Test.Despite those three wins, though, New Zealand are only fourth in terms of win-loss ratios in away Tests (including neutral venues). India are on top on that parameter with a 10-10 record in away Tests, followed by Sri Lanka and England. New Zealand have played only eight out of 24 Tests overseas, and haven’t played a series in England or India during this period. (To compare, India’s ongoing series in Australia is their seventh overseas series in this period.)ESPNcricinfo LtdWith an average of 64.48, Kane Williamson is on top of the charts among batsmen who have scored 1000-plus runs during this period. He pips Steven Smith and Virat Kohli, who both also average over 60 during this period. It hasn’t been a one-man show, though, for New Zealand have two other batsmen in the top 10: Henry Nicholls, who averages 51.50, and Tom Latham, who has averaged 47.63 at a time when openers have generally struggled. Add the contributions of Ross Taylor, BJ Watling and Colin de Grandhomme, and New Zealand have six batsmen with 900-plus runs averaging more than 38.ESPNcricinfo LtdBowling has always been New Zealand’s strong suit, especially in home conditions, and the presence of Kyle Jamieson in their last six Tests has added even more teeth to an already powerful bowling attack. Jamieson’s 36 wickets have come at an astonishing average of 13.27, while Neil Wagner and Tim Southee have 85-plus wickets at sub-23 averages. Trent Boult has been slightly off-colour recently, but his average of 26.47 is pretty good too.ESPNcricinfo LtdThanks to these key contributors with bat and ball, the difference between New Zealand’s batting and bowling averages during this period is 12.1. It isn’t the highest, though, because India have been even more dominant in their home victories. That won’t matter to New Zealand, though; where they will want to be ahead of India (or Australia) is on the World Test Championship table, on which they are currently third. If they manage to make it to Lord’s later this year for the final, that will cap off a fantastic four years for Williamson and his team.

Punjab Kings created a new record by defending 111 against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025

Varun Shetty16-Apr-20252:07

Rayudu: ‘Chahal bowled to get a wicket, not to defend’

111PBKS vs KKR, Mullanpur, 2025
Punjab Kings (PBKS) went from failing to defend 245 one game to defending 111 the next. Chasing 112, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were 7 for 2, then 72 for 3, and then 95 all out. Chahal was clattered for 16 in his last over by Russell, who kept KKR in the game for a little longer, but the legspinner ended with 4 for 28, which proved pivotal. Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh chipped in at the end to close the job. The ball turned and gripped but not enough to explain how a team chasing 112 went from cruise control to losing six wickets in 5.2 overs.116/9CSK vs KXIP, Durban, 2009
This was back when 116 in T20 cricket could still be competitive, especially if Muthiah Muralidaran was on your side. Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) batting spluttered on a slow pitch, but Kings XI Punjab’s (KXIP) chase was less of a reply and more of a slow surrender. R Ashwin and Suresh Raina bowled eight overs for 30 between them, taking four wickets. Muralidaran went for eight in his four and also took two wickets. KXIP never looked in a hurry.Siddarth Kaul’s three-for helped Sunrisers Hyderabad defend 118•BCCI118SRH vs MI, Mumbai, 2018
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) came into this match missing Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Billy Stanlake, got bowled out in 18.4 overs and then produced one of the sharpest defensive bowling displays seen in the IPL. Rashid Khan bowled 16 dots in his four overs, taking 2 for 11. Siddarth Kaul hit hard lengths during his three-for and dismissed Mumbai Indians’ (MI) last hope in Hardik Pandya, whose 3 off 19 was a painful crawl. Basil Thampi closed it all out after dismissing the set Suryakumar Yadav in the 16th over. MI lasted a ball more than SRH but made only 87.119/8KXIP vs MI, Durban, 2009
KXIP’s three-pronged pace attack bowled canny spells to rock MI’s chase, and despite a composed half-century from JP Duminy, KXIP hung on to complete a nerve-wracking three-run victory. MI hardly set a wrong foot forward from the time they lost the toss, striking early through spin and keeping their hands on the jugular through Lasith Malinga’s late strikes, but they failed to chase 120. Earlier, Sangakkara had kept the KXIP innings alive with an unbeaten 45 and it proved to be decisive.119/8SRH vs PW, Pune, 2013
Pune Warriors (PW) needed 19 off 19 balls. They had six wickets in hand. And then Amit Mishra happened. He took a hat-trick and ended with figures of 4 for 19, after making an important 30 off 24 earlier when SRH themselves were 44 for 6. PW batted only 13 off those last 19 balls to lose their remaining six wickets. Mishra walked off with a shrug. It was the third hat-trick of his IPL career.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has opened up on his future at Anfield after meeting with the club's owners. The Reds are currently on a dreadful run of form and were beaten yet again on Wednesday night in the Champions League by PSV. Slot's side have now lost nine of their last 12 matches in all competitions, piling pressure on the Dutchman in his second season in charge.

• Liverpool crisis grows after PSV thrashing

  Liverpool's form has collapsed this season, culminating in the Champions League humiliation by PSV, a defeat which marked the club's worst run in over 70 years. The Reds' diabolical form includes being dumped out of the League Cup at home by Crystal Palace and consecutive 3-0 Premier League defeats by Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, followed by the humbling by the Dutch outfit. Fans and pundits alike are questioning the team's lack of fight and individual errors, and the failure of high-profile summer signing to integrate successfully into the team. But Slot has spoken with the Anfield hierarchy and fully believes his job is safe for now.

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• AFP
  

  Slot vows to fight on

  Slot faced the press on Thursday ahead of Liverpool's next game against West Ham in the Premier League and was grilled on his future. The Dutchman admitted he has spoken with the owners at Liverpool and vowed to fight on. He told reporters: "We've had the same conversations that we've had since I got here. We fight on. We try to improve, but the conversations have been the same as they have been for the last one and a half years." 

  And when pressed on what he can change to arrest the dreadful run of results, Slot added: "That's not so easy to say. It's normal to reflect on a game with decisions you have made. Maybe you do it a little bit more if you lose. In the end, it's about doing what this club is about. Keep fighting no matter how difficult it is I would be nice if we rewards ourselves in he moments we play well. People are focused on he parts we don't play well but there are large parts where we do play well."

• AFP
  

  Carragher: 'That’s a sackable offence'

  Anfield legend Jamie Carragher was caught on camera deep in conversation from the TV studio during the match, discussing Slot’s decision to continue picking Ibrahima Konate, who was at fault for the third PSV goal. 

  Carragher said: "Honest to god, I've had enough of them. That Konate, I mean, that's a sackable offence for the manager for f******g keep picking him. He should be sacked for that." 

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• Will Slot make changes

  Slot had been urged to drop some of his misfiring stars amid Liverpool's run of form and was also asked if he would be making changes to his team for the game against the Hammers. He replied: "Everyone trains with us every single day, and they can prove themselves in that moment. It's always a balance. There was a period where I lost, and I made a few changes and people complained that I made too many changes. Of course, I consider but I can not tell you the end decision of what I've considered for Sunday."

Chelsea are actively trying to convince one Arsenal star to join them next year following discussions with his representatives, according to a report this week.

Chelsea enjoy triumphant 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League

While the January window is fast approaching, Enzo Maresca’s side are currently riding high off a statement 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Chelsea dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, pressing Barcelona aggressively and preventing the Spanish champions from establishing any rhythm in possession.

The Blues’ high-octane approach paid dividends when Jules Kounde’s unfortunate own goal broke the deadlock after 27 minutes, deflecting Pedro Neto’s effort beyond his own goalkeeper.

Barcelona’s evening unraveled further when captain Ronald Araujo received his marching orders just before halftime, collecting a second yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Marc Cucurella. The dismissal effectively ended any realistic hopes of a Catalan comeback and allowed Chelsea to dictate throughout thcond period.

Chelsea open talks with star who's "very keen" to join amid Barcelona triumph

Enzo Maresca’s side are in dreamland right now.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 26, 2025

The standout moment arrived ten minutes after the restart when teenage sensation Estevao produced a moment of individual magic. The 18-year-old Brazilian embarked on a mazy dribble from out wide, leaving Pau Cubarsi trailing before cutting inside and firing a thunderous strike into the top corner.

The goal showcased his immense potential on the biggest stage and marked his third consecutive Champions League scoring performance, with Estevao making all the headlines for outshining Barca’s own sensation Lamine Yamal.

Substitute Liam Delap wrapped up the victory with 17 minutes remaining, capitalizing on Enzo Fernández’s clever pass to slot home calmly. The goal initially appeared offside, but VAR intervened to overturn the decision.

Cucurella earned widespread praise for his defensive masterclass against Yamal, with the left-back’s discipline and tactical awareness proving instrumental in keeping the visitors’ attack quiet.

Chelsea’s stupendous display comes as the perfect warm-up for their pivotal Premier League clash this weekend against league leaders Arsenal, a match which will define their credentials as genuine title contenders.

Off the field, BlueCo are apparently eyeing one of Mikel Arteta’s young stars.

Chelsea actively tempting Myles Lewis-Skelly into joining them

That is according to journalist Simon Phillips, who reports that Chelsea have held talks with the representatives of Hale End academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The England rising star was recently told by Thomas Tuchel that he’d have to play more to stand any chance of getting into the Three Lions squad for next year’s World Cup, with Riccardo Calafiori’s form severely limiting his minutes this season.

That being said, neither the teenager nor Arsenal want to part ways any time soon.

However, this hasn’t stopped Maresca’s side from testing the water, and it is believed that Chelsea are making a ‘bold’ attempt to convince Lewis-Skelly that Stamford Bridge is the place for him.

This comes as Chelsea make future contingency plans for when Cucurella leaves, even if that doesn’t appear to be in the immediate future.

The Spain international eventually wants to return to play in La Liga before he reaches his twilight years, with Lewis-Skelly viewed as an ideal long-term successor.

The South Africa batter hopes to rejoin his county team-mates for Finals Day next Saturday between two T20Is

Matt Roller05-Sep-2025South Africa batter Matthew Breetzke has revealed that he prepared for his record-breaking ODI innings against England at Lord’s on Thursday by watching Northamptonshire’s dramatic win over Surrey in the T20 Blast quarter-finals on his iPad, and he hopes to rejoin his county team-mates for Finals Day next Saturday.On his return from a hamstring niggle, Breetzke top-scored with 85 in South Africa’s five-run win, a victory which clinched their first ODI series win in England since May 1998 – six months before he was born. He became the first man to reach 50 in each of his first five ODI innings and averages 92.60 in the format after previous scores of 150, 83, 57 and 88.”It’s a bit worrying: it can only go downhill for me,” Breetzke said, laughing, after South Africa’s win. “It’s been a special start, to be honest. I’ve played on some really good wickets, and I just hope and pray that it’ll continue to go the way it’s gone… To be honest, I was bleak not to get to a hundred, because it would’ve been cool to be on the [honours] board.”Related

Breetzke stars as South Africa seal series in five-run thriller

Breetzke and Stubbs stamp their middle-order authority as SA build to 2027

Breetzke added 147 for the fourth wicket with Tristan Stubbs, his fellow Grey High School alumnus, and said that he had thrived on the opportunity to bat with him. “I played a lot of cricket with [Stubbs] in my younger days… We have a really good relationship, so hopefully it can keep going the way it’s gone.”Breetzke has scored 863 runs for Northants across the last two T20 Blast seasons – and recently signed a new two-year, all-format contract with them – but missed Wednesday night’s quarter-final at The Oval, and watched from his hotel room as Ravi Bopara’s century inspired them to a shock seven-run victory over South Group winners Surrey.Blast Finals Day falls between the second and third T20Is of South Africa’s series against England next week but as things stand, Breetzke is not part of their squad. As a result, he is hoping to be involved at Edgbaston as one of their two overseas players – a sentiment echoed by Northants captain David Willey.”I’m not 100% sure, but I think I will be [available],” Breetzke said. “I love playing in England: the crowds and the energy they bring, there’s nothing better, I feed off it… I was watching [the quarter-final] in bed on my iPad there, on YouTube. It was nerve-wracking, but I’m really happy for the boys and looking forward to meeting them on Finals Day.”Breetzke said that South Africa would celebrate their series win with “a few drinks” before looking to seal a 3-0 sweep in Southampton on Sunday, and said that their triumph in June’s World Test Championship final had taken their confidence to a new level. “It starts at the top with Shukri Conrad… He’s very clear on what he wants and there’s no grey area.”Breetzke admitted experiencing some fatigue after a busy workload this year, but is conscious of the bigger picture. “It does get to you sometimes,” he said. “But for me, I just look at it like I’m so grateful to be playing a sport for a living. I just try to take every opportunity I get and try to make the most of it. It doesn’t last forever.”

England are expected to be handed a triple injury blow ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is likely to miss out after seeing a blow to his foot leave him on crutches, while Newcastle duo Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope are also poised to be ruled out of Thomas Tuchel’s plans with the Three Lions.

Palace defender Guehi nursing bruised bone

Tuchel named his squad on Friday, with there already fears at that point regarding Guehi’s potential involvement. He figured for Palace the previous day in their Conference League clash with AZ Alkmaar.

The defender suffered bruising to the bone of his foot during that fixture and was unable to line up for the Eagles in their Premier League date with arch-rivals Brighton. With no risks being taken on his fitness, official withdrawal from the England camp is likely to be confirmed shortly.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesMedical tests revealed extend of Guehi's injury

Palace boss Oliver Glasner told reporters when delivering a fitness update on Guehi heading into the meeting with Brighton at Selhurst Park: “He can't even walk at the moment so the last two days he was on crutches. That's why he can't play. I don't know how this develops over the next couple of days. At the moment, it looks like he can't play for England as well.”

BBC Sport claims that Guehi underwent scans on Friday to assess the full extent of his injury. Significant bruising was identified at that stage, much to the 25-year-old’s frustration. He will now be denied the opportunity to add to his collection of 26 senior international caps.

Why Gordon & Pope are set to miss out with England

It appears as though Gordon and Pope will face a similar fate. The former did not travel with the Newcastle squad for their 3-1 defeat at Brentford, while the latter was replaced 77 minutes into that contest after a heavy fall when coming to collect a high ball.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe confirmed that a hip problem would be keeping Gordon out of England duty, while Pope requires a period of rest after suffering concussion. Howe said: “Nick Pope suffered a concussion and that’s why we took him off. As soon as we were made aware of that, he was withdrawn. Initially, I wasn’t told anything in the sense that he was concussed and then a message came that he wasn’t feeling too well and he had to come off. He won’t go with England. It’s 12 days (recovery), I think. Anthony has a minor injury, so he’ll miss England.”

Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Palace keeper Dean Henderson are the other shot-stopping selections at Tuchel’s disposal. It remains to be seen whether cover will be drafted in for Pope, with three options always favourable.

England remain well stocked in the forward department, despite losing Gordon, with Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford able to fill berths on the flanks. Gordon was, however, another option to cover for captain Harry Kane down the middle as Tuchel has only selected one out-and-out central striker, as the likes of Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney have been overlooked.

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Getty ImagesWill Tuchel bring in cover for late withdrawals?

With Guehi absent, former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah – who is now in Germany with Bayern Leverkusen – could move up the pecking order as he waits on his senior bow. Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa and John Stones are the other options to line up at centre-half. Tuchel must again decide whether he wants to make late additions to his ranks.

The Three Lions are in a position where they can experiment, with qualification for the 2026 World Cup having already been secured. They have been faultless through the group stage, picking up maximum points from six games while being yet to concede a goal. They are now looking to maintain momentum.

Serbia will be welcomed to Wembley Stadium on Thursday, before England then travel to Albania three days later to wrap up their campaign. Tuchel has selected three uncapped players, with Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and Manchester City full-back Nico O’Reilly falling into that category alongside Quansah.

Eddie Howe will hope a late 2-1 win picked up over the weekend by his Newcastle United troops spurs his side onto a positive patch of form in the Premier League.

It’s been a bumpy campaign so far for the Toon, with three wins, three draws, and three defeats collected in league action. But, with two home wins on the spin now in the challenging terrain of the top-flight, the time is surely right for the Magpies to make strides up the early league standings, away from their current middle-of-the-road 11th position.

Bruno Guimaraes would be showered with praise come the full-time whistle against Fulham, as his quick thinking to be alert to a spill from Bernd Leno saw him slot home a late rebound to seal a 2-1 win.

But, he isn’t the only star capable of such joyous moments in Howe’s talented camp, with Nick Woltemade sticking out as another noticeable bright spark, even if his new side hasn’t been picking up victories galore since he arrived from Stuttgart.

Why Woltemade is already key for Newcastle

The 6-foot-6 menace didn’t get on the scoresheet against Marco Silva’s visitors, but he was still lively in spurts against the Cottagers.

Indeed, Woltemade would smack the post with an effort that looked to be heading goalbound after just four minutes had been played, with the commanding number 27 also putting his towering frame to good use when shoving off Fulham defenders to play in the likes of Anthony Gordon and others next to him in the attacking positions.

Woltemade was at the heart of Harvey Barnes’ strike mid-week, too, with an audacious flick ending in the ex-Leicester City man confidently firing home this effort in the Champions League.

This is before you even mention that the clinical 23-year-old also has four Premier League goals next to his name already, with the decision to fork out a steep £69m on the ex-Bundesliga goal machine looking to now be a smart one, particularly as Newcastle desperately needed a potent marksman to fill the hole left behind by Alexander Isak.

However, as much as Woltemade has stood out as an influential presence so far, he isn’t the only ace in attack capable of altering games at a moment’s notice, with this other gem at Howe’s disposal also now being lauded for being a game-changing spark.

Howe has unearthed a new "game-changer"

Howe very much had the options on his substitutes bench to thank for the Fulham game being turned on its head in the final moments.

The 47-year-old looked to both Fabian Schar and Sandro Tonali late on as injuries and tired legs crept into his XI, while the ex-AFC Bournemouth boss was also well-equipped to throw on William Osula in place of Woltemade for the final exchanges, knowing that he would terrorise the away side’s fatigued defence with his unbounded energy, with journalist Jordan Cronin even going as far as to state that he was a “game changer” on the day.

Without the Dane’s frightening energy, Newcastle might well have just settled for a share of the points.

Instead, with Osula managing to tally up two shots from his short-lived cameo and two recoveries of the ball to push his fading team up the pitch, a much-needed win was dramatically secured, with the “chaotic” 22-year-old the “perfect” player to mount such a late comeback, according to Newcastle-based writer Thomas Hammond.

Games played

31

Minutes played

693 mins

Goals scored

5

Assists

3

The Denmark U21 international has had to become content with being an impact player for the Toon, with 34 of his 44 Premier League appearances to date on Tyneside coming from off the bench.

Still, it suits the forceful number 18’s game, with Osula even being referred to previously as a “poor man’s Haaland” by his ex-teammate in Curtis Davies, for how dangerous he can be in a flash.

Osula will just want to keep plugging away at St James’ Park, with the attacker who works “tirelessly” for his team’s cause, as Howe put it, very much in the Newcastle good books currently, next to Woltemade.

Newcastle star who's in “form of his life” is as undroppable as Guimaraes

This Newcastle United star has now made himself as undroppable as Bruno Guimaraes after another fine display on Saturday.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 26, 2025

As was the case last season, Liverpool look a cut above their rivals in the Premier League, having stormed into a five-point lead after just five matches.

Arne Slot’s side have been far from perfect this season, but they have a knack for digging deep and finding a decisive goal in the closing stages. It is what champions are made of.

And, of course, it helps that Ryan Gravenberch is playing with such aplomb in the centre of the park. The Dutchman has picked up where he left off last year, and has even been heralded as “the best player in the country” right now by journalist Daniel Storey, having scored and assisted in the Reds’ latest win over Everton.

Gravenberch’s incredible rise to prominence over the past year has extinguished the need for a new number six. Efforts were made to sign Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, but the Spaniard stayed put and has now signed for Arsenal.

Oh well, Liverpool fans won’t care a jot. Gravenberch’s brilliance has also made it unlikely that a bid will be lodged for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who has been on sporting director Richard Hughes’ radar but who has been priced at £100m by the Eagles.

Liverpool might actually have sold a suitable Wharton alternative this summer, and, in fact, the same could be applied across many corners of the field, such was the scale of the exodus in the transfer market.

Liverpool's summer sales

Liverpool broke the spending record in the transfer window this summer, but they also recouped over £200m in player sales, with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez leading the way there.

However, Slot and Hughes also got rid of a host of younger members. Jarell Quansah left for Bayer Leverkusen in a £35m deal, while Harvey Elliott, while still technically a Liverpool player, joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season, with an obligation to buy for £35m.

Elsewhere from the academy, Caoimhin Kelleher left for Brentford in the search for first-team football, and Ben Doak closed the door on his nascent Anfield journey by signing for Bournemouth in a £25m package.

All talented players with high ceilings above them, but there’s something of a forgotten man in there too. Indeed, Tyler Morton left Liverpool and joined Lyon over in France for a £15m fee in August, and it’s one which Hughes might come to regret.

Liverpool may regret selling Tyler Morton

Morton graduated from Liverpool’s academy and completed 14 senior appearances and a string of loans before leaving for Lyon. Regular minutes and a platform to build upon formed the basis of Morton’s decision.

And it was the right one: he’s flying. Likened to Xabi Alonso by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Morton is a smart playmaker with energy and vision to be proud of. The way in which he’s settled into life in France bears testament to that.

Cody Gakpo was also recorded to humorously declare Morton as a similar player to the one-time Reds maestro, so there’s clearly something there.

Alonso was an architect of a midfielder, truly one of a kind. Morton isn’t an elite player, but his skillset shares similarities, and that will serve him well.

Indeed, his is a sharp footballing mind, and Morton was among the first to acknowledge the potential of Slot’s system after Jurgen Klopp ended his iconic tenure at the helm.

“You can see it’s starting to click already,” Morton said after Liverpool defeated Arsenal in pre-season in August 2024. Few – if any – expected the Reds to challenge for the Premier League title at that stage, but Morton saw the genius inherent in his new boss’s tactics, and he was on the money.

This is a further similarity to Alonso, who was among the sharpest midfielders in the business back in his playing days. The Spaniard’s illustrious managerial career serves as further evidence of his brilliance.

Leaving Liverpool was clearly the right move to kickstart his career, but the midfielder may well be frustrated that he wasn’t afforded a greater opportunity to showcase his skills under Slot’s wing; he’s good enough to have impressed, for sure.

Morton’s only four matches into life in France, but he’s certainly showing himself to be a midfielder of real quality, with reporter Andres Onrubia Ramos remarking that he has been “a total success” in France.

Obviously, Morton isn’t on the same level as prime Alonso, but there’s undoubtedly a likeness of style, and that’s something that Liverpool might come to regret parting with if he continues to skyrocket to the top.

Morton’s loan spell with Hull City across the 2023/24 Championship season underlined his natural technical quality. According to data-driven platform FBref, the teenager – at the time – ranked among the top 14% of midfielders for touches, the top 17% for pass completion, the top 11% for through balls and the top 16% for goal-creating actions per 90.

Curiously, Wharton, Blackburn Rovers up-and-comer at the time, was among Morton’s most comparable players, and so now that we can observe the former Liverpool talent’s start to life in Ligue 1, the question is raised as to whether a bumper bid for the Palace man is necessary down the line.

Well, that would be the case if Liverpool had inserted a buyback clause when cashing in on the 22-year-old, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.

While FSG’s decision to sell Morton to Lyon was understandable, given the limited playing time that the English midfielder could have expected after a peripheral 2024/25 season, his performances in France so far have underlined the asset Liverpool have lost.

Should Liverpool end up forking out a significant sum for a player such as Wharton during the coming transfer windows, we can’t help but wonder whether Morton might have saved a pretty penny for the Anfield side as he continues to make gains over the Channel.

Forget Salah & Ekitike: Liverpool star is “the best player in the country"

This Liverpool star is growing into a true superstar of a player.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 22, 2025

تحدث الألماني سامي خضيرة، لاعب ريال مدريد السابق عن تصرف فينيسيوس جونيور وسلوكه لحظة خروجه من مباراة الكلاسيكو أمام برشلونة.

واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة الكلاسيكو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”، يوم الأحد الماضي.

وتمكن ريال مدريد من حسم نتيجة المباراة بثنائية مقابل هدف، والتي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

وفي الدقيقة 72، قرر تشابي ألونسو خروج فينيسيوس جونيور ونزول مواطنه رودريجو، ولكن ذلك القرار لم يعجب الأول.

وأبدى فينيسيوس جونيور غضبه واستيائه من قرار تشابي ألونسو، حيث انفعل بطريقة عصبية على ذلك الإجراء، وظل يردد كلمات وهو في حالة انفعال شديد خلال خروجه.

ولم يتوقف فينيسيوس عند هذا الحد، بل قرر عدم التوجه إلى دكة البدلاء، وخرج إلى النفق المؤدي لغرفة الملابس على الفور، في رد فعل قوي من جانبه ضد تشابي ألونسو، لكنه عاد مرة أخرى إلى الدكة.

اقرأ أيضًا | دوجاري: فينيسيوس لا يتوقف عن البكاء.. وبيريز سيبيعه

وكان فينيسيوس خرج من المباراة خلال استبداله من قبل ألونسو يقول غاضبًا: “أنا أنا يا سيدي!، دائمًا أنا، سأغادر الفريق”، ورد تشابي وهو ينظر في الاتجاه الآخر: “هيا يا فينيسيوس بحق الجحيم!”.

وفي ضوء ذلك، قال خضيرة في تصريحات عبر صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”: “يمكنك أن تغضب من المدرب، لا بأس في ذلك لكن عليك دائمًا أن تعلم أنك جزء من الفريق”.

وأكمل: “تخيل للحظة أننا نلعب مباراة بادل، وأنا من سيحل محلك، وأغضب بشدة، لدرجة أنني سأشعرك بأشياء سيئة فورًا بسبب ما فعلته”.

وأتم: “دخل رودريجو أرض الملعب وانتهينا، يمكنك أن تغضب من المدرب، لكن ليس إلى هذا الحد أو تعبر عن غضبك من خلال لغة الجسد”.

Big picture: Virat Kohli in Delhi

Virat Kohli caused chaos during his last visit to the Arun Jaitley Stadium, turning a routine Ranji Trophy fixture into a three-day celebration. While the fanfare remains, those backing Kohli will also cheer vociferously for a Delhi Capitals (DC) win.Kohli is third on the Orange Cap list, averaging 65.33 – second only to his 2016 run where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made the final. Five of his six half-centuries have come in wins, and since 2022, he’s contributed the second-highest percentage of runs (26.12) in wins, behind Shubman Gill.Kohli comes to the Kotla with happy IPL memories. He has scored 483 runs in ten innings at an average of 69 and a strike rate of 145.5 – his best at any venue where he has played more than five games. RCB – unbeaten in five away games – will be hoping for another special knock and to steer clear of their three-way tie with Gujarat Titans and DC on 12 points.Related

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Kohli’s dominance is only half the story. In KL Rahul, DC have their own formidable force, a player who has completely redefined his T20 approach. Gone is the focus on playing the long game; Rahul now prioritises boundaries and aggression. When these two teams met earlier in the season, Rahul guided DC home with a statement performance at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.Halfway through the season, he is DC’s top scorer with 323 runs at a blistering strike rate of 153.80, heading into the RCB clash on the back of an unbeaten 57 against his former side, Lucknow Super Giants.Rahul’s stellar form has carried DC’s top order in Faf du Plessis’ absence, following a groin injury. The South African has recovered and will be available for this game. With Karun Nair, Abishek Porel, and Axar Patel all in sparkling form, DC have the capability to match RCB’s batting might.2:23

Pujara: Rahul seems to enjoy being in his zone

Outside of Kohli vs Rahul, the match also promises another subplot between two of the most decorated fast bowlers: Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.As far as the playoff chances are concerned, there’s plenty at stake. Both RCB and DC, who revamped their squads at the mega auction, carry with them the promise of going all the way. A win here will strengthen the prospects of a top-two finish.

Form guide

Delhi Capitals WLWLW (last five matches, most recent first)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru WWLWL

Team news and likely XIIs

Du Plessis hasn’t played since April 10, but now that he’s fit he’ll likely slot back in as a fourth overseas player.Delhi Capitals: 1 Abishek Porel, 2 Faf du Plessis, 3 Karun Nair, 4 KL Rahul (wk), 5 Axar Patel (capt), 6 Tristan Stubbs, 7 Ashutosh Sharma, 8 Vipraj Nigam, 9 Michell Starc, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Mukesh Kumar, 12 Dushmantha ChameeraRCB have a settled combination that they’re unlikely to tinker with.Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 1 Virat Kohli, 2 Phil Salt, 3 Devdutt Padikkal, 4 Rajat Patidar (capt), 5 Jitesh Sharma (wk), 6 Romario Shephard, 7 Tim David, 8 Krunal Pandya, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Yash Dayal, 12 Suyash Sharma4:07

Will Kuldeep and Nigam decide the game against RCB?

In the spotlight: Kuldeep Yadav and Krunal Pandya

Kuldeep Yadav has been DC’s ace, pairing control with 12 wickets at an economy of 6.3 – the joint-best with Varun Chakravarthy. He has gone wicketless just once and has played a key role in DC’s strong middle-overs showing, where they concede only 8.4 per over. He has been excellent at home, exemplified by his 2 for 23 against Mumbai Indians in an innings where they posted 205.In his ninth season, Krunal Pandya has equalled his best IPL haul with 12 wickets – all in wins and joint-second-most among spinners. His double-blow, backed by Suyash Sharma’s control, set up the win against Rajasthan Royals three nights ago. Not as feared as the Varuns or Narines, the RCB duo remains crucial with the playoffs in sight.

The big question

Key stats

• Rahul has dominated Hazlewood in the IPL, scoring 76 runs off him at a strike rate of 173, with just one dismissal in five innings.
• Starc has proven expensive in the powerplay – conceding at 11.40. This has contributed to DC struggling overall – their economy of 9.8 is the third-worst in the league.
• RCB have won all games where Kohli has scored a half-century this season. Since 2024, RCB have won nine out of 11 games where he has scored 50 or more.
• Tim David’s strike rate of 212 is second-best behind Heinrich Klaasen among batters who’ve faced at least 30 balls.
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar is just three wickets away from overtaking Piyush Chawla (192) as the IPL’s second-highest wicket-taker.
• Axar Patel’s strike rate of 202 against spin is the second highest among batters who have faced at least 50 balls this season. Nicholas Pooran tops the list by striking at 268.

Pitch and conditions

Both games at Kotla have been high scoring, but spinners like Kuldeep and Vipraj Nigam, who’ve tossed the ball up and turned it, have earned wickets. Spin has claimed 13 wickets, conceding 9.1 runs per over, compared to 10.2 by pacers. With dew likely, the team batting first will need a big total. With both sides evenly matched, predicting the par-score is not easy.

Quotes

“Last year, it was really flat and nice, and didn’t really bounce that much. This year, it’s a little bit more inconsistent, a bit harder to get used to, and might take some more time for batters to get into their innings.”
“He’s entitled to [celebrate]. He played a good knock. Good on him. We’ve had no discussions at all.”