Also: Have more than six bowlers taken a wicket in a Test innings before?

Steven Lynch14-Jan-2020In the BBL the other day, Marcus Stoinis received 79 balls to make his 147 – was that a record number of deliveries faced by one batsman in a T20 match? asked Allan Alexander from the United States

Marcus Stoinis’s rampaging unbeaten 147 for Melbourne Stars against Sydney Sixers at the MCG the other night was a new record for the Big Bash, beating D’Arcy Short’s 122 not out for Hobart Hurricanes against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba in January 2018. There have been only 12 higher innings in all T20 cricket, as this list shows.Stoinis faced 79 balls out of a possible 121 (there was one no-ball, which Stoinis smashed for one of his eight sixes). It was the most faced during a BBL innings (previously 70, as this list shows), and equalled the record for any T20 innings – Aaron Finch also faced 79 while making 131 not out for Surrey against Sussex at Hove in July 2018.There were two other major BBL records set during this innings: Stoinis and his opening partner, Hilton Cartwright, put on 207, a competition-best for any wicket, beating the 172 of Rob Quiney and Englishman Luke Wright, also for the first, for the Stars against the Hurricanes in Hobart in January 2012, while the unfortunate Ben Dwarshuis conceded 61 runs from his four overs, surpassing the old mark of 60, which had happened twice.Alzarri Joseph had identical figures in West Indies’ first two ODIs against Ireland. Was this unique? asked Suhaib Siddiqui from India

The West Indian fast bowler Alzarri Joseph took 4 for 32 in the first one-day international against Ireland in Bridgetown last week, and followed that with 4 for 32 in the second match, which was also in Barbados.I was saved a lot of rummaging around by Aslam Siddiqui (no relation as far as I know) on the Ask Steven Facebook page, for which many thanks. He discovered that Joseph’s performances were the best repeat figures in successive ODIs, just shading Steven Finn’s two returns of 4 for 34 for England against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in February 2012.This seems to be a fast-bowling speciality: Brett Lee took 3 for 32 twice running for Australia in South Africa in 1999-2000, while New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson collected 3 for 59 in successive matches in the 2019 World Cup, against South Africa at Edgbaston and against West Indies at Old Trafford.Six England bowlers took a wicket in the second innings at Newlands. Was this a record? asked Tim from England

England actually used seven bowlers in the second innings in Cape Town, and if Joe Root had managed to take a wicket as well it would have equalled the Test record. There have been four instances of seven different bowlers taking a wicket in a Test innings – by England against Australia in Melbourne in 1897-98, South Africa v England in Durban in 1922-23, Australia v South Africa in Johannesburg in 1966-67, and New Zealand v South Africa in Centurion in 2005-06.Six English bowlers took wickets in an innings in Cape Town. The Test record is seven•Gallo Images/Getty ImagesAs it’s also my second name, I was intrigued to note that the England team in the second Test in South Africa contained two players whose first name was Dominic. Has anyone else called Dominic ever played Test cricket? asked John Lynch (also no relation) from Vanuatu

England’s side in the recent Test in Cape Town was the first to contain two Dominics, in the shape of Dom Bess and maiden centurion Dom Sibley. The only other player known as Dominic to have appeared in Tests is Dominic Cork, who won 37 caps between 1995 and 2002.In ODIs there’s Dominic Wesonga (Kenya) and Dom Joyce (Ireland), while in T20Is, Dominic Blampied made his debut for Jersey in May 2019, and the former Hobart Hurricanes player Dom Michael for Samoa in July.Glenn Phillips, who made his Test debut for New Zealand against Australia in Sydney recently, has the middle name Dominic, as does the Bermudian ODI player Josclyn Pitcher.Which Gibraltarian international cricketer scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup? asked Matt Behan from England

I’m painfully aware of the answer to this one, as I once bowled at the man concerned in a club game. I can’t remember exactly what happened, but I don’t think I got him out! It was Tim Buzaglo, whose FA Cup hat-trick came for non-league Woking, in the third round in 1990-91, when they upset West Bromwich Albion, who were in the Second Division (the English Football League’s second tier) at the time. Although Woking were playing away and trailing 1-0 at half-time, Buzaglo’s hat-trick inspired them to a 4-2 victory. Woking lost 1-0 to Everton in the next round.Buzaglo – and several members of his family – played club cricket for Byfleet, in Surrey. And he took part in five separate ICC Trophy competitions for Gibraltar, where his father was born, between 1982 and 2001, scoring 98 against Singapore in Nairobi in 1993-94.Use our
feedback form or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Rohit Sharma is the most prolific batsman in bilateral ODI series deciders

Shiva Jayaraman19-Jan-20208 – Centuries by Rohit Sharma in just 40 innings against Australia. Sachin Tendulkar is the only batsman to have hit more: nine in 70 innings. Virat Kohli too has eight centuries against Australia, in 38 innings. Overall, apart from Sharma, Tendulkar and Kohli are the only batmsen to hit eight or more hundreds against any opposition in this format. Kohli has hit nine hundreds against West Indies and eight against Sri Lanka, Tendulkar hit eight against Sri Lanka.Click here for a list of most ODI hundreds against any opposition.ESPNcricinfo Ltd29 – Centuries by Sharma in ODIs. His 119 in this match took him past Sanath Jayasuriya to No. 4 in the list of batsman with most ODI hundreds. Ricky Ponting with 30 centuries is immediately ahead of him. Tendulkar (49) and Kohli (43) are the top-two batsmen in this list. Sharma has hit 19 of his 29 hundreds since the beginning of 2017 in just 70 innings – a conversion rate of 3.7 innings per hundred, which is better than any other batsman with five or more hundreds during this period. He had ten centuries from 147 innings in ODIs before 2017.707 – Runs scored by Sharma in deciders of bilateral ODI series – the most by any batsman in the format. The 137 in this match was Sharma’s third century in bilateral series deciders. The double-hundred Sharma hit against Australia in 2013 at the same venue had also come in the final match with the series tied 2-2. Sharma averages 58.9 from 12 innings in bilateral series deciders. He passed AB de Villiers – 630 runs at an average of 63 – as the most prolific batsman in such matches.Rohit Sharma hit the 29th century of his ODI career moving past Sanath Jayasuirya.•ESPNcricinfo Ltd100 – Number of fifty-plus scores by Kohli in ODIs. He is only the fifth batsman to hit as many. Tendulkar leads this list with 145 fifty-plus scores. Kumar Sangakkara, Ponting and Jacques Kallis are the other batsmen ahead of Kohli.11 – Century stands between Sharma and Kohli in ODI chases – the second-highest by any pair in the format. Sourav Ganguly and Tendulkar lead this list with 17 century stands in 91 innings together. Sharma and Kohli passed the Australia duo of Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden, who had ten century stands in 52 innings.ESPNcricinfo Ltd4878 – Partnership runs between Sharma and Kohli in ODIs – the second-highest by any India pair. They beat the pair of Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan – 4847 – during this innings. Tendulkar and Ganguly lead this list with 8227 runs for India in 176 innings together.ESPNcricinfo Ltd0 – Captains quicker than Kohli to 5000 ODI runs. The India captain has taken just 89 innings to achieve this milestone. Before Kohli, MS Dhoni was the quickest, achieving it in 127 innings. Ponting (131 innings) completes the top three of an elite list of just eight captains who have 5000-plus runs in ODIs.5-6 – India’s win-loss record in bilateral ODI series involving three or more matches against Australia. Three of those wins, including this one, have come in the last four series under Kohli’s captaincy. Australia dominated the bilateral contests between the two teams before that with a 5-2 scoreline.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been scouting a personal transfer target of his, with the tactician asking Stamford Bridge chiefs to replace two players.

Chelsea set to spend again this summer transfer window

Ahead of their participation in the Club World Cup, a competition which could land Chelsea a huge financial windfall of £100 million if they win it, reports have suggested that the west Londoners will be active in the early summer transfer window.

Chelsea "already" preparing bid to sign Liverpool "superstar" for Maresca

The west Londoners are expected to sign players before the Club World Cup.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 1, 2025

Chelsea will have an early opportunity from June 1st to June 10th to make signings ahead of their CWC campaign, with BlueCo already doing some work on potential incomings for the competition.

Tottenham (home)

April 3rd

Brentford (away)

April 6th

Ipswich Town (home)

April 13th

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Ipswich Town star Liam Delap is a key transfer target for Chelsea, and journalist Simon Phillips has already claimed that a large amount of groundwork has been done for the Englishman’s signature.

Phillips also recently reported that Chelsea are expected to “go big” on three positions this summer – a new goalkeeper, centre-back and striker.

Amid concerns surrounding both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, who have both attracted criticism in their own right, Chelsea are being heavily linked with a move for Liverpool second-choice Caoimhin Kelleher.

Chelsea are even rumoured to already be preparing a £40 million bid for Kelleher, but he is by no means their only potential target in-between the sticks. Kepa Arrizabalaga could return to west London after his loan at Bournemouth, though he appears out of Maresca’s plans, while the in-form Djordje Petrovic has hinted that he could remain at Strasbourg next season.

Mike Penders will be joining Chelsea this summer from Genk, but the 19-year-old could well be one for the future rather than a direct upgrade for the first team.

All the aforementioned factors have made signing a new keeper one of Maresca’s top priorities, with Torino ace Vanja Milinkovic-Savic now on his radar as well.

Enzo Maresca personally scouting Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic

That is according to Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, who write that Maresca has been following Milinkovic-Savic all season.

The Italian specifically watches Torino matches due to the 28-year-old’s outstanding performances this campaign, with Chelsea’s manager on the lookout for new keepers as he looks to replace Sanchez and Jorgensen.

The £110,000-per-week duo have apparently failed to convince Maresca, leading to the head coach requesting a new signing for that area of the squad. A potential swoop for Milinkovic-Savic is made all the more tempting by his £17 million release clause, which would make him a very astute option financially.

Chelsea would have no issue paying this fee, according to Tuttosport, but it is worth noting that Maresca faces stiff competition from Premier League and CWC rivals Man City if they wish to win the race.

“I think Milinkovic-Savic is an underrated goalkeeper and I told him that too,” Torino boss Paolo Vanoli told DAZN in February.

“Some of our work this season has been letting him realise his genuine potential. He is a goalkeeper who gives you many options too.”

Over the last week, Liverpool have been strongly touted with a summer move to land Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, but would have to pay a fortune to secure his signature.

It’s been reported that the Reds are willing to pay £115m for his services, but the Magpies are demanding a staggering £150m to part ways with their star man.

Their interest in the Swedish international is hardly a surprise given his goalscoring record in 2024/25, notching 20 Premier League goals – sitting third in the top-scoring charts behind Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland.

However, the fee would make the 25-year-old the Reds’ most expensive player in their history, potentially pushing them closer to sustained success under Arne Slot.

It may be too much to fork out on one player this summer, potentially delving into the market to pursue other targets, with one other talent emerging on their shortlist.

Liverpool targeting move for £70m talent

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are targeting a summer move for West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen in an attempt to strengthen their forward line.

The 28-year-old has registered eight goals and five assists in his 27 league appearances this campaign, sitting as the Hammers’ top scorer during 2024/25.

It’s not the first time the Reds have been interested in landing the former Hull City star, after previously registering interest in his services in the transfer market over the past few years.

However, the recent report states that Bowen would be open to a move to Anfield this summer, with the prospect of winning trophies possibly taking his career to the next level.

Graham Potter’s side have previously placed a £70m price tag on his head, with a move for the England international potentially a better deal than any transfer for Isak.

Why Bowen would be a better signing than Isak for Liverpool

Whilst there’s no denying the quality of Isak and that he would improve the centre-forward department, other areas may be in need of investment this summer.

Contracts remain up in the air with just a couple of months left on the deals of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Salah, with none of the stars yet to put pen to paper over a new deal.

The latter is arguably the most important, especially when considering how crucial he’s been to the success endured under Slot during the Dutchman’s first year at Anfield.

The Egyptian international has registered 54 combined goals and assists in his 45 appearances across all competitions, helping the side sit top of the league table.

However, the 32-year-old is currently set to leave at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract, with no new deal agreed between the club and the forward.

Should he depart this summer, a new winger has to be the priority over a striker, with Bowen undoubtedly a more important signing than Isak should Salah depart on a free transfer.

When comparing the West Ham star’s stats with the Egyptian’s from 2024/25, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – showcasing how much of a superb signing he would be.

Bowen, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Ian Wright, may have been massively outscored by Salah, but has managed to achieve the same shot-on-target accuracy rate – highlighting his impressive nature in the final third.

Games played

27

31

Goals & assists

13

44

Shot-on-target accuracy

42%

42%

Pass accuracy

71%

71%

Crosses completed

3.5

1.9

Take-ons completed

1.6

1.6

Aerials won

0.3

0.3

He’s also managed to complete the same number of take-ons per 90, whilst also completing more crosses, potentially improving other players’ tallies around him – just as the 32-year-old has done on Merseyside this season.

Whilst keeping hold of Salah would undoubtedly be the preference for the supporters, Bowen has demonstrated that he has the tools to soften the blow should he depart in the coming months.

He may cost a pretty penny to prise him away from the London Stadium, but it would be a worthwhile deal, allowing Slot to kickstart the rebuild should it be needed during the off-season.

Their own KDB: Liverpool now expected to hold talks with "special" £87m ace

The Reds could get one over on Manchester City.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 8, 2025

Rangers and new prospective owners the 49ers Enterprises have their eyes on a versatile young target from Germany, according to a new report.

Rangers and 49ers planning for summer incomings

The Gers have been impressing since the departure of Philippe Clement and the arrival of interim boss Barry Ferguson.

The lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership may well be too big of a gap to close down, but Rangers are still in the Europa League and recently got the better of Celtic at Parkhead for the first time in five years while also producing a come from behind win at Dundee last time out.

As a result, Ferguson is being linked with keeping the Rangers job on a permanent basis, and according to older brother Derek, is keen on remaining at Ibrox.

“This is a different kettle of fish now. I took him to Rangers as a boy. The club is ingrained in him. There’s only one conclusion: He wants the job but will need to win games”, said Ferguson on his younger brother.

Prospective new owners the 49ers are likely to have a big say in who gets the role, and they also have exciting plans in the transfer market.

The 49ers may back Rangers with a £20-25million budget this summer, once a takeover is completed, and some of that cash could be used on making Vaclav Cerny’s loan a permanent transfer.

Rangers have the option to buy Cerny for just £5.5m until the end of May, and the 49ers are aware of the conditions of a full-time deal.

Elsewhere, there have been plenty of Ibrox exit rumours doing the rounds, including Nicolas Raskin attracting the interest of Aston Villa and Leeds United, whereas Everton are still keen on landing forward and Glasgow derby hero Hamza Igamane.

It promises to be a busy few months off the pitch at Rangers, and now, a new target has come onto the radar.

Rangers eye move for new versatile German player Niehoff

According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Rangers are eyeing up Holstein Kiel’s Niklas Niehoff. It is claimed that the Gers have been monitoring Niehoff during his loan spell at Osnabruck alongside interest from Serie A side Udinese and Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin.

Rangers star who Ferguson loves "surely" now "on his way" out of Ibrox

A Rangers star Barry Ferguson said “has been a joy to work with” looks to be on his way out…

ByBarney Lane Mar 31, 2025

Holstein Kiel could end up selling Niehoff amid interest all across Europe, with offers potentially arriving in the coming weeks. The 20-year-old, should he move to Scotland with Rangers, would provide an extremely versatile option to whoever is in charge at Ibrox.

Right-winger

55

Centre-forward

17

Right midfield

12

Left-winger

11

Right-back

4

Left midfield

3

Attacking midfield

2

As can be seen, Niehoff, a Germany youth international, has already played in a variety of positions ranging from right-back to centre-forward.

Transfermarkt state that his main position is a right midfielder, and with his market value increasing to a career-high €400,000 last month, Rangers could be on to a future star with a move for Niehoff.

Fulham are still outside contenders for European qualification with Marco Silva leading them to an impressive season overall, but certain clubs may be looking to poach their outstanding players as a result.

Fulham face Liverpool in crucial Premier League clash

It’s been a bad week for the west Londoners, having crashed out of the FA Cup following a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage and followed that up with defeat to Arsenal.

Related Fulham now make contact to sign £8m ace who may replace Timothy Castagne

Fulham are among the teams interested in signing a new defender.

Posts ByBrett Worthington Mar 26, 2025

Now, an equally tough test awaits Silva in the form of Premier League title favourites Liverpool, who are looking to cement their status as champions of England. Fulham could make a real statement by thwarting Liverpool and gaining much-needed points in the race for Europe, with Silva about to lead his side into a season-defining next few matches.

After Arne Slot’s side visit the English capital, Fulham take on fellow European contenders Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, with a west London derby then on the horizon against Chelsea.

Fulham’s next five Premier League games in race for Europe

Date

Liverpool (home)

April 6th

Bournemouth (away)

April 14th

Chelsea (home)

April 20th

Southampton (away)

April 26th

Aston Villa (away)

May 3rd

Fulham have one eye on next season already, making summer transfer plans and targeting a move for Celtic defender Alistair Johnston, among others (David Ornstein), but for now, it is strictly business on the field.

Silva will need all of his crop fit and firing, as the Whites eye their first European campaign since 2011/2012 – when they qualified for the Europa League via England’s Fair Play berth.

Fulham fans have fond memories of their 2009/2010 season in the Europa, when Roy Hodgson guided them to an unprecedented place in the final against eventual winners Atlético Madrid.

It still isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that they could replicate those heroics next season, but they’ll need to keep hold of their key men. Silva is attracting interest from Tottenham as a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou, and winger Andreas Pereira is a wanted man in Brazil.

Flamengo plotting unique offer for Fulham star Andreas Pereira

The former Man United gem boasts two goals and seven assists from 31 appearances in all competitions this term, but Pereira’s contract expires next year, leading to clubs from his homeland taking a real interest in poaching him.

Palmeiras are rumoured to have already made an offer, while Flamengo are believed to be plotting a unique bid for Pereira, according to journalist Bruno Lemos.

“About Andreas Pereira. Flamengo is moving forward to have Andreas Pereira for the FIFA Super World Cup,” said Lemos on X.

“After a successful conversation with the midfielder’s agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, the red-black board of directors may use an important asset to open negotiations with Fulham: 20% of the rights to striker Rodrigo Muniz, sold to the English club in 2021, and may include the percentage it still holds of the athlete to offset a possible request from the British.

“Recently, Palmeiras offered 20 million euros for the player, but Fla does not intend to reach that amount, counting on Andreas’ desire to return to Ninho do Urubu and the ability of his agent to facilitate the transfer, in addition to the contribution of 15 million dollars for participating in the World Cup and 16 million pounds from the sale of Argentine Alcaraz to Everton, also from England, part of which will be used to qualify the squad and obtain reinforcements, including a player to serve as an alternative to Uruguayan Arrascaeta, who has again presented physical problems.”

The 29-year-old could be tempted by this opportunity to make a return home as he slowly enters the twilight phase of his career, but Fulham’s boss may be keen to avoid this scenario as Silva has described Pereira as a “very important” player.

Leeds United are now eyeing a move for a “world-class” Premier League goalkeeper, who could be brought in as a replacement for Illan Meslier this summer, according to a report.

Meslier mistakes could be costly in promotion race

Meslier has cost Leeds several points in the Championship this season, which could prove to be costly in the promotion race, with Daniel Farke’s side now at serious risk of missing out on the automatic promotion spots.

The goalkeeper’s latest blunder came in the 2-2 draw against Swansea City last weekend, dropping a cross, which resulted in Harry Darling scoring for the visitors, meaning the Whites now sit level on points with third-placed Burnley.

There have already been widespread calls for Farke to replace the Frenchman this season, and the manager may be even more inclined to do so after his latest error, which could hinder his side’s promotion push considerably.

Huge upgrade on Meslier: Leeds big move for "world-class" GK

Leeds United could land a player who could end Illan Meslier’s time at Elland Road.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 1, 2025

A report from TEAMtalk has now revealed there are a number of options on the shortlist to replace the 25-year-old, who is not guaranteed to keep his place as number one next season.

One target is Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who has spent the current campaign on loan at Strasbourg, and his impressive performances in Ligue 1 mean he could be in line to become the Blues’ number one next season.

As such, Enzo Maresca’s side are currently unwilling to talk to potential suitors, but Petrovic remains on Leeds’ shortlist, despite the fact the 25-year-old could well be a part of Chelsea’s plans next season.

Should Meslier fail to prove himself to Farke between now and the end of the season, a move for Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher could also be considered, with the Irishman proving himself as a reliable deputy to Alisson whenever called upon.

"World-class" Petrovic could be Meslier upgrade

With Maresca ultimately opting to make Robert Sanchez his number one, the Serbian has been out on loan at Strasbourg this season, but his performances this season indicate he could deserve a second chance in the Premier League.

The Strasbourg loanee has been singled out for high praise from manager Liam Rosenior, who said: “We have seen huge progress from Petro. He is a world-class goalkeeper. We see it every day and it is still paying off today.”

As per WhoScored, the Serbia international is the best-performing goalkeeper in Ligue 1 this season, having made some fantastic saves for the French side.

Petrovic’s performances indicate he may be in line to replace the much-maligned Sanchez at Stamford Bridge next season, but if Chelsea choose to sanction the £14m goalkeeper’s departure, he could be a real upgrade on Meslier.

This summer looks set to be a massive one for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has even admitted as much.

The Spaniard’s side might still be able to do something truly remarkable in the Champions League, but with Liverpool now 11 points ahead in the Premier League, any chance of domestic glory looks all but gone.

It’s been a bruising campaign for the Gunners in that regard, as endless injuries and underwhelming form have seen them miss out on the chance to take advantage of Manchester City’s incredible collapse.

Fortunately, it appears as if the North Londoners are determined not to let the same thing happen next year by going big in the summer transfer market, and while Nico Williams has long been linked with the club, recent reports have now touted an even better player for a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal transfer news

Even before Arteta commented on the magnitude of the summer ahead, it looked almost certain that Arsenal would be in the market for a new centre-forward, as recent weeks have seen two names constantly linked with the club: Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former will supposedly be available for around the £58m mark and has amassed a tally of 55 goal involvements in 44 games for Sporting CP this season, while the latter could cost up to £67m and has amassed a haul of 25 goal involvements in 39 games for RB Leipzig.

However, it looks like the club don’t just want a new centre-forward, as alongside Williams, there has been another superstar winger recently touted for a move to N5: Rafael Leão.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are keen on signing AC Milan’s Portuguese game-changer.

The report has revealed that the Gunners have made the dynamic attacker one of their top priorities for the upcoming window as they seek a ‘star signing’.

However, Milan are understandably reluctant to let their star man leave easily, so the North Londoners would have to pay his mammoth release clause, which reportedly exceeds €100m, or £86m.

It would be an incredibly costly and potentially complicated transfer, but given Leão’s ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Williams.

How Leão compares to Williams

So, if Arsenal can only sign one left-winger this summer, how does Leão stack up against Williams?

Well, when it comes down to their pure output, the Portuguese superstar comes out on top.

For example, in 43 appearances this season, totalling 2997 minutes, the “unstoppable” Milan star, as dubbed by journalist Zach Lowy, has scored ten goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.26 games, or every 157.73 minutes.

Appearances

43

39

Minutes

2997′

2689′

Goals

10

9

Assists

9

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.44

0.41

Minutes per Goal Involvement

157.73′

172′

In contrast, the Athletic Bilbao dynamo has scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 39 appearances, totalling 2752 minutes.

That means the Spaniard is currently averaging a goal involvement every 2.43 games, or every 172 minutes, which isn’t bad but doesn’t stack up to the competition.

Moreover, when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers, it’s another win for the Almada-born monster.

For example, he comes out ahead in practically every relevant metric, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive and key passes, crosses and passes into the penalty area, goal-creating actions, shots and shots on target, passes into the final third and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.60

0.35

Non-Penalty G+As

0.58

0.43

Progressive Passes

3.74

3.17

Progressive Carries

4.95

5.34

Shots

2.57

2.45

Shots on Target

1.04

0.87

Passing Accuracy

75.0%

70.3%

Key Passes

2.48

1.88

Passes into the Final Third

1.58

1.06

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.16

1.35

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.45

0.38

Shot-Creating Actions

4.77

5.05

Goal-Creating Actions

0.63

0.58

Ultimately, signing either Leão or Williams would make Arsenal a far more dangerous proposition next season, but if they have to pick one, Arteta and Co should sign the Milan star, as he’s simply the better player.

Arsenal preparing mega £129m offer to seal their best signing since Rice

The game-breaking star would fire Arsenal to domestic and European glory.

7 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 10, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are casting their eyes on a fresh new manager target, as under-pressure head coach Ange Postecoglou reportedly faces the potential sack this year.

Ange Postecoglou comments on future at Tottenham

Credible media sources are reporting that Postecoglou’s future is in real doubt, with Fabrizio Romano also stating that the 59-year-old is heavily relying on an impressive Europa League campaign to save his job.

Related Contact made: Tottenham targeting "exciting" manager likened to Pochettino

Spurs have reportedly approached his circle.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 2, 2025

Tottenham play Chelsea in their first game after the international break, and before the Lilywhites’ all-important London derby clash, Posfecoglou responded to speculation surrounding his tenuous position at the club.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Chelsea (away)

April 3rd

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

The Australian admitted that there are plenty of outstanding candidates out there to take his place, if chairman Daniel Levy does decide to hand Postecoglou his P45, and he’s taken a seemingly relaxed view on his long-term stay – suggesting other job offers will emerge if Spurs opt to part company with him.

“I know what my responsibilities are. I’m sure if the club decide to go in a different direction, there are some outstanding candidates out there for it,” said Postecoglou on his future at Tottenham.

“And you know what, maybe somebody will think, ‘Ah Ange Postecoglou’s not a bad coach, maybe we’ll take a punt on him’.

“It doesn’t rock my world, it doesn’t consume me. I am here and passionate about what we are doing. I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad and bring success. I am focused on that and that’s what I’ll keep doing.”

This comes amid news that Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is Tottenham’s number one managerial target to potentially succeed Postecoglou (The Athletic), with other candidates like Fulham’s Marco Silva and Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi also under consideration (Fabrizio Romano).

Another tactician who’s impressed lately, now finding his way onto Spurs’ radar, is Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

The Austrian recently booked an FA Cup semi-final spot with Palace after a big 3-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage, with the Eagles set for a trip to Wembley as they seek to make history and win their first ever major trophy.

The south Londoners have enjoyed an excellent run of form in the league as well, ending the season strongly, but Glasner stands to lose a host of key players this summer.

Marc Guehi is attracting serious summer interest as he enters the final 12 months of his contract, among others, so Glasner could well be tempted to jump ship if a suitable offer arrives.

Tottenham eyeing Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner

According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Tottenham are admirers of Glasner amid their hunt for a potential new manager, but they’re not alone as RB Leipzig have their eyes on the 50-year-old as an heir to Marco Rose.

Their head of Global Soccer, ex-Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, is also said to “strongly” like Glasner as an option. Palace, meanwhile, know what they must do to fend off interest in their growingly popular head coach.

Glasner wants assurances that they will try and push on to become European regulars, and is seeking clarity about star midfielder Adam Wharton’s future, as he’d like to keep the England international for another 12 months at least.

While Palace are hopeful of tying the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss down with a new deal, they’re also making contingency plans in the event he departs Selhurst Park this summer.

Called an “underrated” manager by sections of the media, Glasner was interestingly considered by Spurs as Antonio Conte’s successor, before Levy eventually decided to appoint Postecoglou.

Having already reportedly sealed their deal to sign Antonio Cordero from Malaga, Newcastle United and PIF are now reportedly taking their first steps in the race to sign another young star.

Newcastle plan for future as Cordero set to sign

Getting their summer transfer window started as early as possible, the Magpies have now reportedly completed their deal to sign Cordero from Malaga, beating both Barcelona and Real Madrid to his signature in a major coup.

The 18-year-old will arrive fresh from an impressive campaign for Malaga in Spain’s second division, in which he has scored five goals and assisted another six. Whether such a campaign makes him ready for the Premier League remains to be seen, however, especially since he’ll be competing for a place with the in-form Jacob Murphy next season.

Related Newcastle making checks in race to sign "incredible" Trafford alternative

He’s a wanted man…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Apr 15, 2025

Instead, the teenager may first be forced to battle his way through the academy setup before earning an opportunity in Eddie Howe’s senior side. That said, patience will of course be a virtue given how young Cordero still is.

His arrival may just be the start too. After PSR concerns left them without a number of reinforcements, PIF could finally be ready to spend again this summer amid links to the likes of Liam Delap and Marseille’s Luis Henrique.

Both players would be impressive arrivals, with Delap’s recent Premier League exploits at a struggling Ipswich Town particularly making him one to watch in the coming months. Meanwhile, Cordero may not be the only young player that Newcastle welcome this summer after what PIF have just done.

PIF send Newcastle scouts to watch Asharaf Tapsoba

According to The Boot Room, PIF sent Newcastle scouts to watch Asharaf Tapsoba at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations alongside several other talents and are joined by the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to secure the forward’s signature. The Burkina Faso striker has certainly taken hold of his opportunity to impress too, scoring the most goals in the tournament so far with seven.

U17 AFCON top scorers

Goals

Country

Asharaf Tapsoba

7

Burkina Faso

Alynho Haidara

6

Ivory Coast

Ziyad Baha

4

Morocco

Ndjicoura Bomba

3

Mali

Ilies Belmokhtar

3

Morocco

Still just 15 years old, Tapsoba is undoubtedly one for the future and by joining Newcastle, he’d have the chance to learn from one of the best strikers that world football has to offer in the form of Alexander Isak.

With growing interest in his signature, the teenager already has a vital decision to make at such an early stage of his career. Just as Cordero did, those at St James’ Park will be hoping that Tapsoba ignores interest from elsewhere and joins up with the Magpies for years to come.