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Explosive batter riding a new wave into his Ashes debut

Vithushan Ehantharajah14-Jun-2023Of the players arriving into this Ashes riding the crest of England’s nu-wave, Harry Brook is probably at its very peak. Which explains the confidence he has in stating the faster Australia bowl, the quicker they will get sent to the boundary.”Obviously they might have a little bit of extra pace, but if they bowl quicker it tends to go to the boundary quicker,” he said, when asked about the arsenal of the visiting quicks. They will be the best and sharpest he has faced so far. And he doesn’t seem all that bothered by them at all.All to a man speak of belief and a love of being where they are and doing what they are doing. But few wear it as proudly as Brook. The 24-year-old has tangible proof of just how highly he is regarded in the England set-up.That the return of 2022’s Bazball totem Jonny Bairstow meant losing Ben Foakes, a reliable performer and certainly a superior wicketkeeper, was a testament to how the Yorkshire wunderkind has made the position his own. Seven caps in, 818 runs, four centuries, averaging 81.80 and striking at 99.03 – in a free-wheeling group, he is non-negotiable.Related

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“There was a lot of talk of me opening the batting – thank god I’m not doing that,” laughed Brook, perhaps remembering a 10-game stint for Yorkshire across 2018 and 2019 in which he averaged 14.94 at the top of the order.”I was never asked. It gives me a lot of confidence knowing that I’m going to be batting five and they back me batting there.”To have established himself so early and in such fashion – after picking up a T20 World Cup winners’ medal, he then toured Pakistan and New Zealand, scoring more runs in nine innings than any in Test history – speaks to a high base level of self-regard dovetailing with undoubted ability. The drive to get to this level has been evident throughout, and the enthusiasm to replicate the exploits of the England stars of 2005 – a fond series for him, albeit on DVD years after given he was six at the time – is clear. Some of his mates will be on hand in the Hollies, and will no doubt toast Brook’s Ashes debut repeatedly throughout the day.This Test, however, is the first with a sense of responsibility around Brook, even if the McCullum-Stokes ethos is geared towards quashing anything that promotes caution. That he feels part of it all is in some way an acceptance of those expectations.”It’s a dream come true to be involved in my first Ashes,” said Brook. “Growing up I was watching some of these players who are still playing, against the best in the world and the best Australians. I’m looking forward to it.”I feel like I’m more part of the team now. Obviously as a deputy you don’t quite feel like you’re meant to be there if you know what I mean. So to have been contributing and gain a few match-winning performances this winter has meant the world and I feel a big part of the team now.”Harry Brook launches a drive down the ground•Getty Images

That Bairstow is behind him offers him license to go even harder, if that is possible. And with Moeen Ali behind the keeper-batter, Brook is excited by the prospect of seeing how a blockbuster lower-middle-order can perform out in the middle.”It’s a long batting line-up, that’s for sure. There’s a lot of T20 experience in there and lads batting with the tail tend to go harder and hit as many runs in a short period of time. To have them boys batting at seven and eight is ridiculous really.”That Brook has never faced Australia – the match at last year’s World Cup was rained off – puts a little bit extra on this. There is no doubt he will be the subject of a lot of their attention. The numbers – what he’s posted and his age – have put a target on his back, and he will not be lost for people to talk to when batting as the visitors look to disrupt his flow.There is no doubt the man will be willing to go toe-to-toe and give a bit back. He is certainly aiming to carry on his domineering ways out in the middle, even against the best attack in the world right now. And especially against one of the modern era’s premiere off-spinners in Nathan Lyon.”If I get a good ball I’m going to try and survive against that good ball, and if he bowls me a bad ball I’ll try and hit it for four or six. So it’s not necessarily I’m going to come after him and try and hit every ball for six. I’m going to respect the bowler and whatever he bowls and if it is a bad ball I’ll try and hit it for six.”

Royals have given up a 200-plus total just once, while Sunrisers have set and reset IPL records all season

Alagappan Muthu01-May-20243:21

Do Sunrisers need to change their chasing approach?

Match detailsSunrisers Hyderabad (fifth) vs Rajasthan Royals (first)
Hyderabad, 1930 IST (1400 GMT)Big picture – Best bowling team vs best batting teamRajasthan Royals have given up only one 200-plus total in a season where such totals are being scored every other day. Sunrisers Hyderabad have set and then reset the record for the highest total in IPL history. This contest between the best bowling side of the IPL and the best batting side has been a long time coming.With Trent Boult and his penchant for first over wickets, Royals are one of two teams to average under 30 in the powerplay (the other is Gujarat Titans). They’re also allowing runs at a mere 8 an over. Could they keep that up when they face up to Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen at a ground where six-hitting has been so common there’s been one every two overs? (11.1 per innings in IPL 2024)Related

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Form guideSunrisers Hyderabad LLWWW (last five matches, most recent first)
Rajasthan Royals WWWWLTeam news and impact player strategySunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers might consider bringing back their legspinner Mayank Markande in place of fingerspinner Shahbaz Ahmed. They might use them both given the many right-hand batters in the Royals line-up, but this year, spinners (8.3 balls per six) have been easier to hit out of the park in Hyderabad than the quicks (11.9). Also, Sanju Samson is the best spin six-hitter (39) since IPL 2022. Jos Buttler (31) is fourth on the list. T Natarajan is likely to continue as Impact Player, subbing in and out for a batter, like Anmolpreet Singh.Probable XII: 1 Travis Head, 2 Abhishek Sharma, 3 Aiden Markram, 4 Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 5 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 6 Abdul Samad, 7 Pat Cummins (capt), 8 Mayank Markande/Shahbaz Ahmed, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Jaydev Unadkat, 11 T Natarajan, 12 Anmolpreet SinghRajasthan Royals
The strength that they have in the bowling does come at the cost of batting depth. It only goes down till No. 7, with R Ashwin as the floater in the line-up, lengthening it when needed. Fortunately, their openers alone are capable of playing the whole 20 overs and with Samson and Riyan Parag also in form, they haven’t really needed lower-order support. Yuzvendra Chahal is their usual Impact Sub.Probable XII: 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Jos Buttler, 3 Sanju Samson (capt & wk), 4 Riyan Parag, 5 Dhruv Jurel, 6 Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Rovman Powell, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Trent Boult, 10 Avesh Khan, 11 Sandeep Sharma, 12 Yuzvendra ChahalIn the spotlight – Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shimron HetmyerBhuvneshwar Kumar was in the India squad for the last T20 World Cup. That was when Jasprit Bumrah was unavailable and the team was looking for specialists with the experience of having been there and done that. Now, he’s slipped way down the ladder, and even at his franchise team he’s not having a whole lot of luck. Bhuvneshwar has an economy rate of 10.18 and an average of 67.2. But he might still be crucial for Sunrisers on Thursday because he has a good head-to-head against Buttler: six dismissals in 91 balls for only 104 runs.Shimron Hetmyer has faced only 36 balls all season. That’s actually a sign of things going right for the Royals. Three of his team-mates above him have scored more than 300 runs which means he’s had less of an opportunity to get out there and make an impact. That doesn’t mean he’s been lacking. Hetmyer has 70 runs in those 36 balls with five fours and five sixes. He’s an ace finisher.2:20

SRH vs RR: ‘The most aggressive batting vs best bowling line-up’

Stats that matter A measure of the way Samson has matured is how he is pacing his innings. Earlier it seemed like he would get in a rut and then play a big shot to get out of it and it wouldn’t work. For example, in IPL 2022, he was dismissed nine times between overs 7 to 10. In IPL 2024, he is yet to be dismissed in this period while scoring at a strike rate of 139. A part of this might be the improvement in his play against spin. In IPL 2022, 36% of the balls he faced against them became dots. In IPL 2024, that figure is down at 19%. Chahal has a great record against SRH with 28 wickets in 19 innings and an average of 18.9, his second lowest for an IPL side behind funnily enough his current team. It is therefore crucial that SRH find a way to unleash Heinrich Klaasen upon him. Their T20 head-to-head reads 93 runs, 41 balls and three dismissals. Head and Abhishek have been an excellent combo for Sunrisers, one a pace-hitter, the other a spin-hitter. Their complementing each other might come in handy in this contest as well because Head has good T20 history with Boult (36 runs in 17 balls) and Abhishek doesn’t (11 runs in 18 balls with one dismissal) The investment both franchises have made in their youth is paying off. Royals have developed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Parag into IPL stars. Both batters are striking at over 154, with Parag already scoring more runs this year than he had in the previous two combined. SRH invested INR 6.5 crore to acquire Abhishek in the 2022 auction and he’s grown into a high-impact top-order player, hitting more sixes than fours this season.Pitch and conditionsThe average first innings total in Hyderabad in IPL 2024 is 216. Tells you all you need to know.Quotes”We’re very proud of the players who’ve made it. They’ve worked really hard. It’s been tough for all the players who were there and thereabouts and until the final announcement was made, I can understand how their minds would have been but I think a lot of credit should also be given to those players. They tried their best to shut out all of that and try and play the IPL and that’s worked for them and also the way they’ve played and the way they’ve adapted has worked for them so I think its a great lesson for all of us that when you settle down into something and you commit to tit, the results are more often than not positive.”

A “lethal” £77m striker has now said yes to joining Arsenal in the summer, with new sporting director Andrea Berta playing a key role in convincing him about the move, according to a report.

Gunners stepping up striker pursuit after Berta appointment

One of Berta’s main tasks in the upcoming window will be to sign a top striker, with the Gunners currently severely lacking options in that area of the pitch, and a number of Europe’s most well-known forwards have been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium.

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is believed to be Mikel Arteta’s dream signing, and there have been suggestions the Swedish striker would be keen on a move to north London this summer, although it could be very difficult to prise him away from the Magpies.

As such, Arteta may be forced to move on to other targets, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is another name on the shortlist, with the Slovenia international also interested in making a move to the Emirates Stadium.

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However, according to a report from Portugal (via Sport Witness), a move for a different striker is now looking increasingly likely, with Berta playing a key role in convincing Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres to move to Arsenal this summer.

Gyokeres is the preferred option at striker, and Berta has chosen to pursue a deal for the Sweden international instead of Sesko and Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha.

With the 26-year-old giving the move the green light, the Gunners must now negotiate an agreement with Sporting, and the Portuguese club could look to hold out for a fee of around €80m – €90m (£68m – £77m).

FootballTransfers have also dropped an update on developments, stating the forward’s agents will be in attendance for the Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday night, with a move seemingly becoming increasingly likely.

"Lethal" Gyokeres could be final piece of Arsenal jigsaw

After yesterday’s 1-1 draw against Everton, the Premier League title race is almost certainly over, and one thing that has been missing all season is a reliable goalscorer, with the Gunners’ top scorer, Kai Havertz, netting just nine league goals.

If Gyokeres’ performances in Portugal are anything to go by, he could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Arteta, having amassed 43 goals and 11 assists in 43 outings in all competitions, which is a phenomenal record by any measure.

The former Coventry City man has been lauded as “lethal” by some members of the media in the past, and his goalscoring record indicates he could make an instant impact for Arsenal in the Premier League.

Isak may be Arteta’s dream target, but a deal for Gyokeres seems like more of a realistic possibility, and he has proven he could be a fantastic alternative option.

Chelsea managed to beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, starting their last push for UEFA Champions League football in the right way. Enzo Fernández scored the only goal of the game, heading it home after a lovely ball was whipped in by Cole Palmer.

Enzo Maresca’s men face Brentford on Sunday, just three days after their clash with Tottenham, where another three points will be key. Their victory against Spurs took the Blues back to fourth in the Premier League, sitting one point ahead of Manchester City in fifth and two points ahead of Newcastle in sixth.

Chelsea’s final eight Premier League fixtures

Date

Fixture

06/04/2025

Brentford (A)

13/04/2025

Ipswich (H)

20/04/2025

Fulham (A)

26/04/2025

Everton (H)

04/05/2025

Liverpool (H)

10/05/2025

Newcastle (A)

18/05/2025

Manchester United (H)

25/05/2025

Nottingham Forest (A)

With fifth place believed to be enough for Champions League football this season, Chelsea’s primary focus will be on gaining as many points in their final eight games as possible, in order to qualify.

Maresca will continue to make the tactical tweaks he deems necessary in order to give his side the advantage in games, and this usually stems from his fullback usage.

Tino Livramento's rise after leaving Chelsea

One fullback Chelsea used to have on their books, who is currently smashing it for Newcastle, is Tino Livramento. The English defender was sold by the Blues back in 2021, joining Southampton for a fee of around £5m. Just two years later, Livramento completed a £40m move to Newcastle, where he is now truly showing his class.

Since joining the Magpies, Livramento has made 71 appearances, scoring once, providing one assist and totalling 4,542 minutes played. The 22-year-old has shown versatility to start on both the right and left sides when needed, putting in an exceptional display against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final, playing on his wrong side as a left-back.

Livramento has shown he can be a versatile tool for his managers, playing both sides as a fullback, having the ability to overlap and underlap, tuck inside as a third centre-back when needed and even carry the team forward through central zones.

This is something Maresca wants from his full-backs and something we are starting to see more and more with one man in particular.

Chelsea's answer to Livramento

Alongside captain Reece James, Chelsea have Malo Gusto, who was signed in the 2023 January transfer window, joining from Lyon for around £26.3m and earning around £45k per week.

Since arriving at the club, Gusto has made 67 appearances for the Blues, providing 11 assists and totalling 4,331 minutes played.

Malo Gusto vs Tino Livramento comparison

Stats (per 90 mins)

Gusto

Livramento

Goals + Assists

0.10

0.00

Progressive Carries

2.36

2.22

Progressive Passes

5.33

4.80

Pass Completion %

86.6%

84.6%

Key Passes

0.88

0.67

Crosses into Pen Area

0.22

0.22

Shot-Creating Actions

2.53

1.24

Tackles

2.25

1.87

Interceptions

1.02

0.79

Ball Recoveries

5.55

6.36

Stats taken from FBref

When comparing the underlying metrics of both Gusto and Livramento, you can see how both compare, both offering good progressive qualities from fullback areas, both putting up good defensive numbers and both having the ability/athleticism to counter-press effectively, helping to aid the teams’ ball recoveries.

Former England defender, Micah Richards, praised Gusto, labelling him an “outstanding” fullback, specifically pointing out his energy and 1v1 defending. The Frenchman has had to learn some new roles this season under Maresca, which has taken its toll on the 21-year-old’s form.

Whilst Gusto has struggled so far this season, we have seen him play multiple roles under Maresca, overlapping to provide width as both a right back and left back, inverting into midfield from both sides and even playing in the pockets on both sides.

This is the versatility Maresca wants in his fullbacks, allowing for plenty of tactical changes when necessary. And so, while it might sting to see Livramento shining elsewhere, the Blues no doubt have their own sparkling full-back in Gusto.

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Newcastle United are expected to table an offer for an exciting attacking player this summer, with a £39m bid from another club having already been rejected.

Newcastle preparing for Man Utd clash

The Magpies are back in Premier League action this weekend after their comfortable 3-0 win away to Leicester City on Monday, hosting Manchester United at St James’ Park.

For Newcastle, it is another important game in their quest to qualify for next season’s Champions League, and with their opponents having one eye on the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash with Lyon next week, Eddie Howe’s side will be the favourites to prevail.

Jason Tindall is excepted to take charge of the Magpies, with Howe unwell and spending the weekend in hospital.

There are injury problems going into the Man Utd game, which is far from ideal, with a late call set to be made on Anthony Gordon and his chances of starting. However, Alexander Isak is “expected to be fit”, as reported by Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

Newcastle set to make offer for £39m ace

According to an update from Vamos Mi Sevilla FC (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are set to make an offer for Sevilla winger Dodi Lukebakio, seeing him as a strong summer target.

The likes of Juventus and Napoli are also credited with interest in the 27-year-old, while Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr saw a €45m (£39m) approach turned down by the player in January.

Newcastle’s chances of signing Lukebakio have seemingly been improved by Sevilla’s apparent stance, with reports claiming that the La Liga side are keen to boost their finances and that a high fee could be accepted.

Lukebakio could be an astute purchase by Newcastle in the summer transfer window, with the Belgian becoming an influential performer for Sevilla.

This season, he has scored 11 goals in 30 starts in La Liga, showing that he can provide reliable end product in his right-sided role as Newcastle look to find a replacement for Miguel Almiron, as well as an upgrade on Jacob Murphy.

While Murphy has enjoyed an impressive campaign for the Magpies, not least through registering 16 goal contributions in the Premier League, he is now 30 years of age and may not hit this level again moving forward.

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In Lukebakio, Newcastle have a strong option to bring in and provide competition for the Englishman, with the Sevilla ace a 25-cap Belgium international, which is no mean feat.

Barring an unanticipated change of heart, Liverpool will cash in on their club-record signing, Darwin Nunez, this summer.

The ruefulness attached to Nunez’s three-year stay on Merseyside is a palpable thing. He arrived with such a weight of expectation. Such potential.

Jurgen Klopp watched the Uruguayan put two past Liverpool during the 2021/22 Champions League knockout stage and evidently liked what he saw, leading the chase to claim this dynamic attacking force for a figure which could rise to £85m.

Tall order, that, but one that Klopp and Julian Ward (Liverpool’s former sporting director) and the rest of them were convinced marked good business for one of Europe’s most explosive young strikers, who had marked 64 goal involvements across 85 appearances.

We need not dig too deep into Nunez’s Liverpool career, but the litany of missed chances, ineffective performances and frustrating moments stretches far and wide. Arne Slot is not impressed and is expected to line up with a new number nine this summer.

Liverpool chasing new centre-forward

With Nunez set to be sold, Liverpool will need to invest in a new striker to spearhead Slot’s second season and challenge for the biggest trophies once again.

Alexander Isak is the dream.

Top sources such as The Athletic have confirmed FSG are desperate to sign Newcastle United’s star man. And while a deal would be anything but easy, there would be few statements of intent to send more shockwaves through the division and beyond.

Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, to whom Isak is “the best striker in the Premier League,” has expressed doubts that he will wind up at Anfield due to the costs involved in agreeing a deal, but there’s no doubting he’s the gold standard and if the Magpies stumble in their race to qualify for the Champions League, Liverpool will be there to be sure.

Mohamed Salah is (of course) the one player in the Premier League to have outscored the Sweden international this term. ‘Only Salah has more’ is quite the familiar phrase at this point.

Premier League 24/25 – Top Scorers

#

Player

Apps

Goals

1.

Mohamed Salah

32

27

2.

Erling Haaland

28

21

2=

Alexander Isak

29

21

4.

Chris Wood

30

18

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

32

16

Stats via Premier League

Success in renewing Salah’s contract will go a long way toward streamlining the summer plans. To put it another way, FSG need not worry themselves with finding a suitable replacement to play off the right flank just yet.

However, that’s not to say they wouldn’t pounce on a talented star if the right opportunity arrived. Bagging a focal goalscorer like Isak will be the priority from an attacking standpoint and rightly so, but one of Europe’s most gifted up-and-comers may be available for an eye-catching fee.

Liverpool leading race for top talent

According to The Daily Mail, Liverpool are alongside Manchester United at the front of the race for Rayan Cherki, who recently exited the Europa League against the Red Devils but did so with a stunning performance.

Lyon’s talented playmaker has been a revelation this season and is also attracting attention from Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, all intrigued by the 21-year-old’s £25m price tag.

Though questions have been raised about Cherki’s attitude, his sky-high potential cannot be questioned. Given that Liverpool have retained Salah’s services, this could be the perfect signing to add depth and quality to Slot’s attacking ranks.

What Rayan Cherki would bring to Liverpool

Cherki performs with the affectation of a man who wants to impress. The thing is, he does it very well. Hailed as a “genius” by journalist Julien Laurens, the Lyon star is one of the most awe-inspiring playmakers around right now.

Principally playing off the right flank, Cherki is often found in a more central berth too, maximising his fierce attacking gamut as he carves defences open, sparks joy for his forwards.

Across all competitions this year, he’s scored 12 goals and supplied 18 assists for his Ligue 1 club, with his blend of skills even leading The Athletic’s Alex Barker to claim he could be a “future Ballon d’Or winner.”

The Frenchman truly is one of the most effective around. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 2% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90.

Balletic when gliding forward and incisive when making that perfect pass, Cherki would be a dream for a forward such as Isak. Though in this dreamy hypothetical, Salah’s matchless numbers would work a treat for Isak at number nine, Cherki is more relentless, more focused in his creative duties.

Isak might be a first-class goalscorer but he’s so much more than just that. Not only does he cover every blade of grass across the final third, but the 25-year-old also ranks among the top 9% of positional peers in the Premier League for successful take-ons made per 90.

He likes to run, and he does it with the surety of a world-class force. The Premier League requires a superstar to be made of many parts to succeed, after all.

Two uber-dynamic incomings such as these would go a long way toward apportioning Liverpool’s quality next season and allowing them to challenge across multiple fronts, something that lack of such strength in depth precluded this year.

But no matter. Liverpool are set to win the Premier League. Bringing Cherki and Isak into the fold would simply serve to consolidate this position of power under Slot’s wing and slingshot Anfield into a commanding lead once again next year.

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Manchester United have endured a season to forget in 2024/25, losing yet another Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday afternoon.

Ruben Amorim has been unable to transform the side over the last couple of months, with the summer window absolutely pivotal if he is to be a success at Old Trafford.

With survival secured for the next campaign, all focus now will undoubtedly be on the Europa League, with such a competition their only chance of ending the season with a trophy.

Should they go all the way in Europe, it would secure Champions League football for the club, undoubtedly saving what has been a truly dismal year for the Red Devils.

Despite the defeat on Sunday afternoon, numerous players managed to impress, looking to build up their form ahead of the European clash in just over a week’s time.

Man Utd’s star performers against Wolves

Noussair Mazraoui has been one of the club’s best additions in recent years, looking to be a bargain after his £12.8m move from Bayern Munich in the summer.

The Moroccan featured for the entirety of the defeat, winning 10 duels, whilst also completing 92% of the passes he attempted – showcasing his talents with and without the ball.

He wasn’t alone in impressing, with youngster Harry Amass taking advantage of another start that was handed his way in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

The 18-year-old operated in a left wing-back role, winning two tackles and making three clearances, whilst completing 100% of the dribbles he attempted, looking a threat at both ends of the pitch.

However, despite the showings of the pair, one other United star managed to impress, with the manager simply unable to drop him from the side after such a display.

The United star who now looks undroppable after Wolves

With just a handful of games to go in the Premier League, Amorim has the perfect opportunity to experiment with his side to work out what he wants to do this summer.

There’s no denying that additions and sales need to be made to the squad if they are to return to their former glory, with a repeat of the ongoing campaign nothing short of unacceptable.

It remains to be seen who could be sold or brought in, but the hierarchy need to trust the 40-year-old’s judgement if he is to succeed in the role at Old Trafford.

However, centre-back Tyler Fredricson was handed his first senior start in the clash with Wolves yesterday, taking his opportunity in the first-team with both hands.

The 20-year-old was part of a back three alongside Mazraoui and Victor Lindelof, arguably outshining the pair with his own showing in the North West.

Fredricson featured for all 90 minutes, completing 93% of the passes he attempted, whilst completing 100% of his dribbles, showcasing his impressive showing in possession – leading to Statman Dave labelling him “outstanding”.

However, out of possession, the youngster was also just as impressive, winning 12 duels and making four tackles – not looking out of place whatsoever despite his tender age.

Tyler Fredricson’s stats for United against Wolves

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

90

Touches

82

Passes completed

64/69 (93%)

Duels won

12

Tackles won

4

Fouls won

2

Dribbles completed

1/1 (100%)

Stats via SofaScore

As a result of his showing, the centre-back was handed an 8/10 match rating by The Express’ Alex Turk, further indicating what a sensational showing he produced on his debut.

After such a display, Amorim simply can’t drop the 20-year-old from his starting eleven, potentially saving the club millions of pounds in the summer transfer market.

He evidently has huge potential, needing vital minutes under the manager’s guidance next season to continue his excellent development, having the ability to be a key player throughout 2025/26.

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Posts BySean Markus Clifford Apr 19, 2025

Despite the new owners not being situated at Ibrox just yet, Rangers’ summer rebuild starts now.

After their bitter rivals were crowned Premiership champions for the 13th time in just 14 seasons on Saturday, those from across the city have plenty of work to do over the summer to bridge that gap.

The 17-point chasm that exists at the top of the table is despite the fact Rangers have won both Old Firm derbies in 2025, 3-0 winners at Ibrox in January and 3-2 victors at Parkhead in March, with the latest Glasgow derby coming up on Sunday.

Off the field, the Light Blues could soon have new owners, Paraag Marathe of 49ers Enterprises seemingly set to complete his 51% takeover imminently, with big summer signings promised, including the potential arrival of a “special” youngster from within the SPFL, finally filling the void vacated by the club’s best striker of the modern-era; Alfredo Morelos.

Alfredo Morelos' Rangers career

Back in 2017, two days before his 21st birthday, Morelos joined Rangers from Veikkausliiga champions HJK Helsinki for a reported fee of £1.5m, and what a bargain this would prove to be.

Nicknamed el Búfalo, the Colombian striker was a key figure as the Light Blues went from a laughingstock to Premiership title winners under Steven Gerrard, as outlined by the table below.

Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers career in numbers

Statistics

Morelos at Rangers

Appearances

269

Goals

124

Assists

57

European goals

29

Goals vs Celtic

3

League titles

1

Scottish Cups

1

Red cards

8

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table suggests, Morelos especially excelled in UEFA competition, breaking Ally McCoist’s all-time club-record for most goals scored in Europe, six of his 29 coming in 2021/22, as the Gers made it all the way to the Europa League Final.

Many supporters would argue the Colombian has never been properly replaced, but could that be about to change?

Rangers' interest in the SPFL's most in-demand striker

According to a report by The Chronicle, Rangers are ‘tracking’ Heart of Midlothian striker James Wilson, with both Celtic and Newcastle United reportedly interested too.

Matthew Lindsay of the Herald describes Wilson as a ‘gifted young striker’, claiming that Hearts fear losing him for an ‘absolute pittance’, valued at around £1m.

So who is he, and why is he in such demand?

Well, let’s take a look at his statistics to help answer this question.

James Wilson’s senior Hearts career

Statistics

Wilson

Age

18

Age of debut

16

Appearances

31

Minutes

1,549

Goals

6

Assists

2

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

Despite only making his debut as recently as January 2024 against The Spartans, Wilson has established himself as a regular in the Hearts first team.

Indeed, he’s already scored in an Edinburgh derby at Easter Road in October before opening his European account at Tynecastle against Petrocub Hîncești in the Conference League a couple of months later.

The teenager was also sent off for a high-tackle on Dundee United’s Luca Stephenson last month, which is a very Morelos thing to do isn’t it?

In a more positive development, back in March, Wilson was handed his senior international debut by Steve Clarke against Greece during a UEFA Nations League tie at Hampden, becoming Scotland’s youngest-ever male player, breaking John Lambie’s record that had stood for a staggering 138 years.

Teammate for club and country Craig Gordon described Wilson as a “great talent” and “pretty special”, believing “he’s going to go really far”, while Hearts left-back James Penrice praised the teenager’s “brilliant season”, adding “I’m very impressed with him”.

So, it’s easy to understand why he is in such high demand.

Thus, if Rangers are able to get their hands on Wilson, could he replicate Morelos’ time at Ibrox?

Like the great Colombian, he’d be arriving as a youngster for not very much money, but potentially making a huge impact by scoring a high number of goals.

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West Ham United are now preparing a substantial offer for a forward who has an incredible 45 goals and assists combined to his name this season, according to a report.

Hammers keen to strengthen in attack

It has been a season to forget for West Ham, with Graham Potter failing to oversee a major improvement in results and performances since replacing Julen Lopetegui in the dugout, so it is little wonder they are looking at making changes this summer.

Michail Antonio is now in the twilight years of his career at 35, while Niclas Fullkrug has bagged just three Premier League goals all season, meaning the Hammers have now set out to sign a new striker.

Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is one of the forwards under consideration, given the Englishman’s attractive release clause of just £30m, although it is unclear how keen he would be on a move to the London Stadium, amid interest from some of the league’s top clubs.

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With Mohammed Kudus’ future in doubt, there may also be a need to bring in a new winger this summer, and the Irons have now joined the race for a forward who has been at the top of his game this season.

According to a report from Caught Offside, West Ham are now preparing a substantial offer for Celtic star Daizen Maeda, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Fulham, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Leeds United also keen.

In light of Maeda’s impressive performances in the Scottish Premiership, Celtic believe an asking price of £25m is fair, and there is a feeling the forward would be keen on a move to the Premier League, should he receive an attractive offer.

"Beast" Maeda enjoying best season to date

The Japan international has been a key player for Celtic ever since his arrival, but the ongoing campaign has been by far his most prolific, having amassed a remarkable 45 goals and assists in all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Scottish Premiership

33

16

10

Champions League

9

4

1

Scottish Cup

4

7

0

League Cup

3

6

1

Not only that, but the 27-year-old has received praise from writer Sacha Pisani, given his willingness to pitch in defensively for the Hoops.

The Japanese winger’s defensive acumen is also showcased by the fact he ranks in the 98th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, and the 96th percentile for blocks, when compared to other wingers.

Of course, moving to the Premier League would be a step-up for Maeda, but his performances for Celtic indicate he could be a fantastic signing for West Ham this summer.

David Ornstein has shared an update on the prospect of Tottenham Hotspur parting company with manager Ange Postecoglou after their historic Europa League final win in Bilbao, as chairman Daniel Levy is suddenly handed a much tougher decision to make.

Tottenham seal first European trophy since 1984 after win over Man United

Brennan Johnson’s scrappy opener proved decisive on an unforgettable night in Bilbao for Postecoglou, who silenced many critics by fulfilling his bold early-season promise of always winning trophies in his second year.

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Much was made of that statement throughout 2024/2025, but it will now go down as one of the most memorable quotes in recent football history.

By making good on his pledge, the 59-year-old also guided Spurs to their first European trophy since 1984 and first piece of silverware at all since 2008, with the Lilywhites also set to play Champions League football next season.

Tottenham vs Man Utd – best performers on the night

Match Rating

Guglielmo Vicario

7.7

Yves Bissouma

7.6

Cristian Romero

7.4

Bruno Fernandes

7.4

Destiny Udogie

7.2

via WhoScored

Tottenham are set for a huge financial windfall from winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League, which should have a very positive effect on the club’s recruitment drive for top targets, who’ll also be more tempted by their advances, given Spurs’ status.

However, despite Postecoglou ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought, the jury is still out on whether he’ll be at the helm next season.

Reports in the build-up to Wednesday night indicated that Postecoglou could leave Tottenham regardless of their potential Europa League triumph, but the emotion of a season-saving 90 minutes and one of the club’s best nights in recent memory has resulted in this decision being easier said than done.

Tottenham have identified Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, among others, as possible replacements for Postecoglou, and the process of finding a successor to the ex-Celtic boss has reportedly been underway for a while.

David Ornstein shares Ange Postecoglou sack update

Speaking on the Sky Sports Paper Talks show in the aftermath of Spurs’ win over Man United, Ornstein shared an update on the possibility of Tottenham sacking Postecoglou.

The reliable journalist claims they’re still likely to part ways after a dismal domestic campaign, where Spurs broke their record for most Premier League defeats in a single campaign, so there may not be room for any sentimentality.

“The clear direction of travel as far as the Tottenham hierarchy are concerned goes is to make a change this summer, and it will be fascinating to see if they follow through with that,” said Ornstein.

“I think it is most likely they will from an outside perspective, but they have a bit more food for thought now.

“I think if they look at the evidence, and that isn’t just results but performances and injuries, then there is enormous room or improvement. They feel there is a strong squad there. They have invested heavily and it needs more work, they need good fortune with injuries, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there was still a change there.

“And I don’t think it would surprise Ange Postecoglou given some of his comments that have hinted towards a change coming. He seems to be at peace with that. Whatever happens now, his legacy is preserved as a history-maker for Tottenham, but there are important conversations that need to take place, and it would be an about turn if they were to stick with him because the feeling was that they would make a change this summer.”

Should Spurs hand Postecoglou his P45 after their triumph in Spain? Have your say in the comments.