Newcastle United are being frustrated by a lack of synergy that is hampering Eddie Howe’s side. There’s no bite in the Magpies’ attack and little inspiration in the build-up anyway.

New heights have been reached in the Premier League across recent years, but the Champions League qualification of 2022/23 looks a long distance away, even if a squad of talented parts has been fashioned.

It’s clear that moves need to be made in the transfer market, but, moreover, Howe must ensure that the remaining bits of flotsam are shipped off.

The St. James' Park deadweight

Newcastle haven’t quite stagnated but it’s patent that without investment, those at the top of the English ladder will not be surpassed.

For example, the Magpies reportedly have a vested interest in Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, who is dangerous centrally and out wide but will perhaps need to offload Miguel Almiron, as they are allegedly prepared to do, to facilitate such an ambitious winter venture.

Premier League: Top Scorers 2024/25

Rank

Player

Club

Goals

1.

Erling Haaland

Man City

12

2.

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

11

3.

Chris Wood

Nott’m Forest

9

4.

Yoane Wissa

Brentford

8

4=

Bryan Mbeumo

Brentford

8

4=

Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea

8

4=

Cole Palmer

Chelsea

8

Stats via Premier League

Kieran Trippier, aged 34, is also available for transfer this January, with the right-back’s reduced role not matching up with his hefty £120k-per-week contract.

There are further fringe players who need selling, but Isaac Hayden should be right at the top of that list, for he is out on the margins with little chance of returning to first-team action.

Howe must surely sell Isaac Hayden

Last season, Hayden sat in the shadows for Newcastle before moving to Queens Park Rangers in the Championship in January 2024 in a short-term loan deal, starting 12 matches.

While the English midfielder featured prominently throughout the opening terms of his Toon career, his influence quickly petered out and he has since been a non-entity, with pundit Noel Whelan saying in 2022 that Hayden, Dwight Gayle and Ciaran Clark had “served their purpose” at St. James’ Park.

His impact has indeed been negligible since PIF arrived at the club, and lifted the Magpies back up.

Indeed, though former boss Rafa Benitez once noted that he was a prospect with “fantastic potential” following his £2.5m transfer from Arsenal way back when, it’s hard to argue that he’s been anything other than a flop over the past four years.

Still the 29-year-old remains. It’s questionable that he was rewarded with a new six-year contract in 2020 despite spinning away from the spotlight, having actually only started four Premier League matches since that point.

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He’s not the highest earner in Newcastle’s squad by half, but Hayden still takes home a neat wage at £50k per week, and PIF must ensure that this sizeable weekly drainage is plugged by his sale next summer.

Further to the point, he’s taking up valuable space in Howe’s broader squad that could perhaps be provided to a younger, more robust midfielder, capable of playing a significant part in the years to come.

Hayden is in the penultimate year of his contract, and thus could still fetch a small figure in 2025. Howe needs to get it done. Causality determines that a chain of events could be set in motion, and perhaps a significant upgrade could alight on Tyneside thereafter.

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Three quicks and two spinners in prospect, but stiff challenge could await debutant at No.7

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Mar-2022

Mohammad Wasim Jr could be in line for a surprise Test debut•AFP/Getty Images

Pakistan are seriously considering giving a Test debut to Mohammad Wasim Jr at Rawalpindi, potentially as part of a five-man bowling attack.The home side’s preparations for the first Test of the historic series against Australia – the tourists’ first in the country since 1998-99 – have been hit badly by the enforced withdrawals of Faheem Ashraf and Hasan Ali through injury.The pair were central to Pakistan’s Test side last year, Hasan as a frontline pacer (who was third-highest Test wicket-taker of the year) and Faheem as the allrounder Pakistan have needed for years.Their absence, along with that of Haris Rauf, who tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday, means Pakistan have been forced to call up Iftikhar Ahmed and Wasim Jr to the squad, as well as Naseem Shah who was in the reserves.And now, just over a day out from the Test, the suggestion in the Pakistan camp seems to be that they might play three fast bowlers – Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem and Wasim Jr – as well as both Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan as the spinners.The problem for Pakistan is that Faheem’s absence in particular upsets their Test balance, depriving them of a genuine two-in-one player. At No.7 he has often stalled collapses or built on middle-order work – only seven times in 19 innings has he failed to make at least 20 – while as a fifth bowler he has provided respite to the leaders of Pakistan’s attack, keeping a tight rein on run-rates and picking up crucial wickets: in 13 out of 23 innings, he has picked up at least one wicket and his overall economy is 2.9.Iftikhar’s initial call-up suggested Pakistan might lean on his off-spin as a part-time option, while bolstering the batting with him at No.7 – he has a first-class average of 40.34.However, the nature of the Rawalpindi pitch is probably playing into the three-quicks option. Though it has tended to favour seam bowling, the pitch for this Test, until Wednesday at least, looked fairly dry with little grass. Nathan Lyon likened it to the kind of UAE surface on which Australia have played four Tests against Pakistan in recent years – runs over the initial period, before some spin and reverse comes into play.That – as well as Australia’s susceptibility to spin in the subcontinent – explains why Pakistan want to play both Nauman and Sajid. The trade-off then is whether they choose to beef up their batting – with Iftikhar – or their pace attack. At the moment they appear to be leaning towards the latter.Related

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Whatever the conditions Wasim Jr’s inexperience in longer-format cricket represents somewhat of a risk. He has only played seven first-class matches to date, though his performances in those Quaid-e-Azam trophy games have been promising. It also means that all three fast bowlers are genuinely quick, which, given what the surface looks like, might be important.And yet, though Wasim Jr is a promising hitter in T20 cricket, batting at No. 7 in a Test – where he will likely play if he debuts – against one of the world’s best bowling attacks will be an examination unlike any he has faced.In the absence of Abid Ali, Pakistan will already be trying a new opening combination, with either Shan Masood or Imam-ul-Haq partnering Abdullah Shafique, who himself has only played two Tests. That puts a burden on a middle order made up of an ageing Azhar Ali, Babar Azam without a Test century in two years and 18 innings (averaging 38), and the engine room of Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan.

It was a poor start to the campaign for Manchester United under former boss, Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman having recently left his post at Old Trafford.

Before his sacking, the 13-time Premier League champions won just four games all season, which included a 7-0 thrashing of League One side Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy steadied the ship, and Ruben Amorim has now begun his tenure in the role full-time.

The Portuguese manager will inherit a squad shaped by his predecessor, with the Dutchman spending a rumoured £617m on his squad, many of which have a link back to the Netherlands.

Ten Hag’s best and worst Man United signings

It is fair to say that Ten Hag had a habit of bringing in his former players, or at least players with a link to the Dutch league. Of the 21 signings he made, six of them played under him at Ajax, or in Sofyan Amrabat’s case, Utrecht.

One of those additions, who proved to be a disaster, was the most expensive man United’s former manager signed at Old Trafford. Antony cost the Red Devils £81.3m from the Amsterdam side but has scored just 12 goals and has five assists to his name in 87 games for the club.

Antony is not the only Ten Hag signing who has struggled at Old Trafford. Injuries have ravaged Mason Mount’s time at the club so far, and the likes of Casemiro have also come under fire for his performances in Red, with the Brazilian described as looking like he was “in Soccer Aid” by pundit Jamie Redknapp.

There were some investments for the future made by the Dutchman. He signed promising striker Rasmus Hojlund. He has 18 goals in 55 games for the club so far but has struggled for his best form this season.

One of his biggest success stories has been Noussair Mazraoui. The Moroccan defender cost United just £12.8m with a potential £4.2m in add-ons. Red Devils fan Alex Turk explained the English club have “plucked out a bargain defender” in their new number three.

Mazraoui signed for the club at the same time as another former Ajax player, Matthijs de Ligt, who has gone on to prove his doubters wrong.

De Ligt’s Man United career

Since leaving Ajax in 2019 for Juventus, the perception surrounding De Ligt has been one of disappointment. Injuries have affected him, and he certainly played his best football under Ten Hag in Amsterdam, part of a hugely successful team where he was captain as a teenager.

That is why United great Paul Scholes was critical of the £42.7m signing, a deal which included add-ons. The Red Devils academy graduate described the signing of De Ligt as a “massive concern”, amid his arrival in Manchester:

However, in a tough season for the Red Devils, their new Dutch defender has been superb. He has played 15 times for the club, scoring once against Southampton.

The defender has been colossal in the Premier League in 2024/25, as his stats on Sofascore suggest. He has won 1.4 ground duels and 1.5 aerial duels per game, and looks after the ball exceptionally well, with a 92% pass accuracy.

Stat

Number

Starts

8

Touches per game

50.4

Pass accuracy

92%

Clean sheets

2

Tackles and interceptions per game

2.2

Ball recoveries per game

2.3

Duels won per game

2.9

He was a first choice under Ten Hag and Van Nistelrooy, with journalist Liam Canning explaining the defender can “thrive” under Amorim, too, having done “going under the radar” for his form so far. As Canning also stated, the towering defender is “uber reliable”, has a “perfect mentality” and is “strong in duels”, making him a real asset for the former Sporting CP coach.

The new United boss seems set to play his famed back three system, and United’s number four could slot in as the central centre-back as a key component of his side.

Although there were doubts surrounding De Ligt’s move to United, he has clearly taken great strides to disprove such beliefs. He will almost certainly be a key player under Amorim and could help take United forward after a shaky collective start to the season.

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Leeds United have made an approach to sign a striker who could cost just £4 million in January, according to a recent report. The Whites suffered a setback in their promotion bid over the weekend, so the focus will be on getting back to winning ways against Derby County on Saturday.

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January could be considered a key month for the Whites, as it is a chance for Daniel Farke and co. to make one or two changes to the squad in the hope it improves their bid for promotion. It has been reported that Leeds are preparing to make more money available for Farke for when January arrives, as they are laying the “groundwork” for a winter transfer “spree”.

The focus is likely going to be on arrivals, but the Yorkshire side may also have to deal with a possible exit, as defender Max Wober is wanted by former club Red Bull Salzburg. The 26-year-old joined the Championship side in January 2023, but it hasn’t been a great spell at the club, as he suffered relegation in his first six months and then spent last season on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Leeds could be open to a possible sale, as he’s struggling for regular minutes under Farke despite coming back from injury recently.

Leeds make approach to sign £4m striker in January transfer window

According to Sport5, Leeds have made an approach to sign striker Dor Turgeman in January. The 21-year-old currently plays for Maccabi Tel Aviv and has done so for all of his career, as he came through the academy at the club.

Turgeman has been in impressive form for the Israeli side this season, scoring five goals in eight league appearances, and he has also scored four goals in the Europa League in this campaign, including the qualifying stages.

This report states that the Whites are interested in a deal for Turgeman when January arrives, and it could cost them around £4.1 million to get the deal completed. It goes on to add that Leeds have already made an approach to Maccabi Tel Aviv ahead of the January transfer window opening.

Apps

81

Goals

21

Assists

7

The attacker is already known to one Leeds player, as he’s earned seven international caps with Israel and has played alongside Manor Solomon. Leeds have been keeping a close eye on Turgeman all season, and the report claims they see him as an “upgrade” on their current forward options. But they may face difficulty in getting a deal completed, as Maccabi Tel Aviv do not want to sell until the end of the campaign.

The festive period is upon us, but Arne Slot is hardly going to be feeling merry as he prepares for a thick catalogue of fixtures that could define the narrative surrounding Liverpool as they head into the new year.

Admittedly, other teams are in worse positions. Liverpool sit atop the Premier League pile with a four-point advantage over second-placed Chelsea, holding a game in hand too.

Hosting hard-working Fulham in the top flight this afternoon, the Reds will be confident in their ability to get the job done, though Fulham are indeed industrious and capable of leaving higher-profiled opponents unstuck.

Slot has made a masterful introduction to life on Merseyside, taking Jurgen Klopp’s team and working on its mechanics to create something astounding.

The injuries have been mounting, however, and the Dutch coach will need to be careful when naming his team after fielding a strong line-up for the 1-0 win at Girona in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

Liverpool team news

Liverpool’s only summer signing, Federico Chiesa, has only made three appearances since his £15m move from Juventus in the summer due to injury, but he’s been back in training – as has Diogo Jota – and could make Saturday’s matchday squad.

Unfortunately, Liverpool’s defence is still hampered by the continued absences of Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas and Conor Bradley, though all will be hopeful of reappearing before the month’s end.

Alisson Becker will be looking to reprise his role after making his anticipated comeback in the Champions League in midweek, keeping a clean sheet against lively Girona in a busy performance.

At the other end of the pitch, Darwin Nunez toiled once again, and perhaps he should be dropped for the visit of the Londoners.

Why Slot must drop Darwin Nunez

Nunez is such a polarising figure, agonisingly wasteful but tenacious as they come and with a personable charm that arrests you even after an ineffective effort at number nine.

But with just three goals and two assists across 19 matches under Slot’s wing, the Uruguay international, 25, needs to up his game or face an uncertain future at Liverpool.

He led the line on Tuesday but was unable to offer little of note, missing a few chances and fading. The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle’s 5/10 match rating reflected this, and he was withdrawn after 70 minutes.

With Jota having returned to first-team training this week, it might be that the Portuguese moves straight back into the starting line-up, with his clinical edge sure to cause a threadbare Fulham backline a weight of problems.

Diogo Jota could feast on Fulham's defence

Jota has missed the past 12 matches in all competitions for Liverpool with a muscular injury. The £140k-per-week ace is back now, and though starting him from the outset might feel like something of a risk – indeed, Slot may opt against it – if he is green-lit, it could be a difference-making decision for the title-chasing Redmen.

As per FBref, Jota ranked among the top 1% of positional peers in the Premier League last season for goals scored (0.79) per 90, making a firm comment on the level of goalscorer that Liverpool have at the front of the ship.

With Mohamed Salah having already chalked up 12 assists from 22 appearances this season – as well as scoring 16 goals – Liverpool will only improve with him in the mix, always clinical and able to pounce on the brilliance of his Egyptian teammate.

24/25

10 (9)

4

2

23/24

32 (19)

15

4

22/23

28 (15)

7

8

21/22

55 (39)

21

6

20/21

30 (19)

13

1

As you can see, he’s not always going to be fully fit, but when he is, the dynamic striker will invariably bring goals and assists to Liverpool’s team.

He’s almost Nunez’s inverse, in several ways, for he’s not the flashiest, nor is Jota endowed with the pace and athleticism that his Uruguayan peer possesses, but instead, there’s an express focus to his playing style that has made him one of the Premier League’s deadliest marksmen since he joined the Anfield side from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a £41m fee in 2020.

That’s not to say that he’s a statue. In fact, Jota is actually very clever with his movements and hungry to turn over possession, hailed as a “pressing monster” by assistant coach Pep Lijnders.

Against Fulham, such incisiveness could be crucial, especially since the hosts must make sure that they take full advantage of Marco Silva’s selection woes.

In his pre-match conference, the Portuguese manager confirmed that Joachim Andersen has not yet completed his rehabilitation, which is good news for the Merseysiders given that the £30m summer signing has won 59% of his duels and averaged 5.3 clearances per game, as per Sofascore.

Moreover, Calvin Bassey, the Cottagers’ other usual centre-half, is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards, and the “monster”, as journalist Josh Bunting has called him, having played every minute of the Premier League season so far.

Fulham picked up a point against Arsenal last weekend and have lost only one of their past nine matches in the division, speaking highly of their togetherness and tactical understanding within Silva’s carefully constructed squad.

Liverpool will need to be on their a-game, must not be lulled into a false sense of security.

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Likewise, they must be ferocious in attack and pounce on any openings that present themselves to Slot’s men. Jota’s something of a master at taking what comes his way, and that is exactly why, fitness providing, he must start over Nunez for this one.

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MatériaMais Notícias

A chegada do técnico Vítor Pereira ao Corinthians gerou grandes expectativas sobre o futuro do clube. E a goleada por 5 a 0 diante da Ponte Prera, no útlimo sábado (12) aumentou a confiança do torcedor corintiano quando a elevação de patamar do clube.

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Para uma das referências técnicos da equipe alvinegra, e um dos principais atletas do Timão, o meia Renato Augusto, acredita que o grande desafio corintiano será encontrar o patamar ideal no menor intervalo de tempo possível.

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-Esse é o grande desafio, você correr contra o tempo e chegar ao nível máximo o mais rápido o possível, mas quando você veste essa camisa não tem tempo, tem que chegar e resolver – afirmou o camisa 8 em entrevista coletiva concedida nesta quarta-feira (16).

Segundo o jogador, há um processo de entendimento dos atletas quanto as ideias do técnico Vítor Pereira, que na sua terceira semana de trabalho no clube alvinegro tem utilizado até mesmo de recursos extracampo para encaixar as suas ideologias com o elenco corintiano.

-Temos jogadores de altíssimo nível que estão entendendo o que ele (Vítor Pereira) quer até na base da conversa, vídeo, e isso ajuda bastante. Estamos criando um elenco forte, até porque precisaremos para o resto da temporada. Só o tempo vai dizer quando estará 100%. A ideia é evoluir e crescer para brigar por títulos, que é o que faz crescer. O Corinthians vive disso – relatou Renato Augusto.

A principal expectativa da Fiel Torcida é que o Timão chegue a mais alta prateleria dos clubes brasileiros, onde atualmente estão Atlético-MG, Flamengo e Palmeiras, por conta das conquistas recentes e desempenho em campo.

-A nossa ideia é chegar o mais próximo possível dos três que estão em cima, que estão juntos há mais tempo. Estamos em processo que não sabemos até onde vamos. Treinador novo. Estamos em uma crescente, mas não para onde conseguiremos ir. Espero chegar do nível deles (Atlético-MG, Flamengo e Palmeiras) ou até maior – disse o meia corintiano.

E o primeiro desafio do Corinthians comandado por Vítor Pereira contra o ‘trio a ser batido no futebol brasileiro’ será nesta quinta-feira (17), às 20h30, quando enfrenta o Palmeiras, no Allianz Parque, em jogo atrasado da sexta rodada do Paulistão, remarcado para essa data porque a equipe alviverde estava em Abu Dhabi, nos Emirados Árabes, disputando o Mundial de Clubes – tendo sido vice-campeão, ao perder para os ingleses do Chelsea na final.

“My role is out there for everyone to see – pick up wickets; and that is the role of every fast bowler”

Ashish Pant15-Apr-2022After playing just two IPL matches in over two years, and almost going unsold in the mega auction this year, Umesh Yadav feels he doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone except himself – that he has “the ability, the capability, to keep improving myself”. He has show this ability so far at IPL 2022, where he has been quick, moved the ball around, and picked up wickets, especially early on.Related

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“I don’t think I need to prove anything to anyone, but yes, I need to prove to myself that I still have the ability, the capability, to keep improving myself,” Umesh told ESPNcricinfo. “I am just trying to support my team and my country with my cricket in whatever years I am left with.”Umesh, 34, didn’t have an easy time following the auction, where he went unsold in the first two rounds of bidding, before being picked in the accelerated auction round by Kolkata Knight Riders for his base price of INR 2 crore (US$ 266,000 approx.). It was a homecoming of sorts for Umesh at Knight Riders. He had played 47 matches for the franchise before this season – the most for him for a single team – and was also part of the team that lifted the trophy in 2014.”When you are unsold in the auction two to three times, you don’t know what is going to happen,” Umesh said. “When the first round of the auction took place, most fast bowlers of my group were sold, I was the only one unsold. At that time you feel that maybe you might not get a chance this time.

“I am not the only bowler who gets hit in the death overs, there are plenty of other bowlers too”Umesh Yadav

“And then one of your older teams picks you, a team with whom your experience has been good, a team that gave you the first feel and enjoyment of the IPL because you have won the cup with them, then definitely the feeling is great. You feel something good will happen because the same team has recalled you. I have been on very good terms with KKR, so I was sure I will get a chance.”Umesh has been on the money from the get-go this season. He started off with two wickets each in his first two games of IPL 2022 before returning 4 for 23 against Punjab Kings, for which he won the Player -of-the-Match award. He briefly held the Purple Cap too, and is still one of the top wicket-takers in the tournament. And, before Friday’s game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, his economy rate was 6.60.”My role is out there for everyone to see – pick up wickets, and that is the role of every fast bowler,” Umesh said. “I am trying my best, whether I come on during the powerplay or whenever, to pick up wickets and that is what I am doing. There is no pressure on me, whatever my team and captain expects from me, I am giving it my all. I am happy with them and so are they with me. Everything is very clear.”Umesh Yadav picked up at least a wicket in each of Knight Riders’ first five games•BCCIWhile Umesh has been excellent in the powerplay, with six wickets in five matches before Friday and an economy rate of 5.46, he hasn’t been as impressive at the death. In the only game where he was required to bowl in the end, Umesh was hammered for 28 runs in two overs, by Delhi Capitals.Historically, too, Umesh hasn’t been at his best at the death, as his economy rate of 10.79 suggests.”A lot of people say this but it goes both ways. I am not the only bowler who gets hit in the death overs, there are plenty of other bowlers too,” Umesh said. “You pick up any bowler, no matter how good he is, there is not a single bowler who has not been hit in the slog overs. When you are continuously bowling, you get used to it. But when you don’t do that for a couple of years and then suddenly start bowling at the death again, then definitely you don’t have that much of an idea.”When you are consistently bowling at the death, you know where your bowling stands. You are not a machine that someone can set and presume the yorkers will land immediately. I might have given a lot of runs in the death overs but I am not alone for sure. I am not sure why but somehow I get scrutinised. Maybe it is because I am a senior bowler.”

Chelsea got back to winning ways following the November international break, beating Leicester City 2-1 at the King Power Stadium. It was a happy return to the East Midlands for Enzo Maresca, who helped the Foxes to promotion from the Championship last season.

The Blues took the lead just 15 minutes into the game after some early domination. It was a brilliant piece of play from Nicolas Jackson to give his side the lead, and he took his finish superbly, given he was swamped by Foxes defenders.

The home side rarely got a sniff and were continuously under pressure from Chelsea. Cole Palmer almost doubled his side’s lead, but his shot was blocked on the line by teammate Noni Madueke as he tried to evade the shot from his England teammate.

The Blues did get their second goal through Enzo Fernandez in the 75th minute. That turned out to be a crucial strike, with Leicester earning a late penalty, which Jordan Ayew converted. The Foxes could not find an equaliser meaning Chelsea held on and will return to London with all three points.

There were some standout players for the Blues in the East Midlands, but Jackson and Fernandez were arguably the best of the bunch.

Fernandez’s and Jackson’s stats vs. Leicester

After a tough start to the season, Fernandez seemed at his very best against Steve Cooper’s side. His goal was one a striker would be proud of. He got on the end of a rebound after a save from Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, who pushed away a Jackson header. The World Cup winner simply nodded home into an empty net.

It was a classic performance in the middle of the park outside of his goal from Fernandez. As per Sofascore, he created three chances and managed to get his assist for Jackson, and also won seven from nine ground duels.

As for Chelsea’s striker, he continued his good form and found the back of the net once again. The Blues number 15 took his goal expertly, latching onto a Fernandez pass and somehow keeping hold of the ball, going past the Foxes defence. His finish was well-taken, poking it past the Leicester goalkeeper with the outside of his foot to take the lead.

His performance earned him an impressive 8/10 rating from GOAL journalist Gill Clark. The football writer was full of praise for the Senegal striker, describing him as the Blues’ ‘star man’ in the clash at the King Power Stadium.

As good as both Fernandez and Jackson were, there was a Chelsea player who performed at a similar level and impressed against the Foxes. That man is Benoit Badiashile.

Badiashile’s stats vs. Leicester

It was a commanding performance from the French defender against Leicester, who showed his fantastic on-the-ball abilities and worked hard without the ball, ensuring his side earned all three points.

The former AS Monaco centre-back did not look fazed once, and whilst the Foxes were reserved and did not attack very much, Badiashile still did a good job when called upon defensively.

His stats from the game show just how well he performed. The France international had a whopping 113 touches, while enjoying an 89% pass accuracy rate after he completed 90 from 101 attempted passes. He also won three duels.

Stat

Number

Touches

113

Passes completed

90/101

Pass accuracy

89%

Long balls completed

5/8

Interceptions

4

Clearances

2

Blocks

1

Like Jackson, the Blues defender received an impressive 8/10 rating from Clark for his performances. The journalist praised the 23-year-old, explaining he was ‘great in possession’ and looked completely ‘untroubled at the back’.

It was certainly a fantastic afternoon’s work from Badiashile. He will be hoping to cement his place in the Premier League side, after making just his second top-flight appearance of the season. With plenty of games coming up for the Blues, the Frenchman will surely be hoping to get more of a look in after a strong start.

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Nagraj Gollapudi22-Mar-2022

Suryakumar Yadav was retained by Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2022•BCCI

Suryakumar Yadav is set to miss to Mumbai Indians’ opening match of the IPL, which will be against Delhi Capitals on March 27. ESPNcricinfo has learned that the 31-year-old, who picked up a hairline fracture on his thumb on February 22 in the final match of the T20 series against West Indies, is yet to be released by the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, where he has been in rehab for the past few weeks.”Surya is at NCA at the moment. He is recovering well. He’ll be here soon. I can’t give his availability right now, whether he will be available for the first game or not. But, yeah, we are trying to get him here as soon as possible once we have the clearance from NCA,” Mumbai’s captain Rohit Sharma said.Suryakumar’s absence is a significant loss for Mumbai, who have no other specialist Indian international in their batting order apart from captain Rohit Sharma and the biggest buy of the February auction Ishan Kishan.Since he was bought in 2019, Suryakumar has played a pivotal role as a top-order batter for Mumbai. While the five-time champions failed to make the knockouts last season, Suryakumar continued to flourish. He was their second-leading run-scorer with a tally of 317 at a strike rate of 143.43 and an average of 22. With his ability to float around the batting order, and, importantly accelerate from the time he arrives to the crease, Suryakumar has become a key batter for both Mumbai and India.It is likely that Mumbai will be forced to consider the pair of cousins – Ramandeep Singh and Anmolpreet Singh – to replace Suryakumar while he is unavailable. Uncapped Hyderabad batter Tilak Varma is favourite to play at No. 3.

Footage from Barcelona’s Camp Nou construction site shows that stadium renovation plans remain way behind schedule.

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Had hoped to be ready for 125th anniversaryCapacity behind raised to 105,000Still hoping to be in before end of the yearFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Twitter @FCBarcelonaWHAT HAPPENED?

The Catalan giants have invested £1.25 billion ($1.6bn) on giving their famous home a serious facelift. The initial plan was to have the upgraded venue ready for Barcelona’s 125th anniversary celebrations in November 2024.

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That deadline passed with no word on when Camp Nou will be in a fit enough state to welcome supporters through its doors once more. The ambitious project is seeing the capacity at Catalunya’s most iconic sporting theatre raised from 99,354 to 105,000.

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Footage from YouTuber, BarcaStory, shows that no fans will be entering Camp Nou any time soon. There is still a lot of work to be done, with thousands of seats yet to be fitted. A recent report from Relevo claims that the stadium’s roof will not be installed until the summer of 2026.

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Barcelona could move back in before then, with a speculative return date of October 2025 being put in place, with La Liga title hopefuls currently playing their home games at the 54,000-capacity Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.