Pujara, Suryakumar fifties help West extend lead to 241 runs, while Jayant and Arora star with the ball for North
Shashank Kishore06-Jul-2023
Mayank Agarwal scored an impressive 76•PTI
On a day where as many as 15 wickets fell in Alur, West Zone drove themselves into a commanding position by stumps on day two of the Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone.Having been bowled out for 220 – they added just four to their overnight 214 for 8 – West stormed back courtesy Arzan Nagwaswalla. The Gujarat fast bowler picked up 5 for 74, his sixth first-class five-for, to skittle Central for just 128.Rinku Singh, whose omission from India’s T20I squad for West Indies became a raging debate among fans on Wednesday night, top-scored with 48, while Dhruv Jurel, his Uttar Pradesh state mate, scored 46. Both players were among Nagwaswalla’s victims as West pocketed a 92-run lead.West then consolidated their position courtesy a 95-run stand between Cheteshwar Pujara and Suryakumar Yadav, before Central had some respite in the last half hour. Saurabh Kumar, who had earlier in the innings accounted for Priyank Panchal, dismissed Suryakumar after he’d made a robust 58 as he chipped one straight to short extra cover.As he did in the first innings, Pujara battled hard and lent solidity to the innings. He will hope to build on his unbeaten 50 on day three along with Sarfaraz Khan, who will be keen to make amends for his first-innings duck.Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz’s Mumbai team-mate, however, couldn’t impress as he fell for a 26-ball 25 to go along with his 26 in the first innings. Shaw was cleaned up by Yash Thakur*, shouldering arms to one that decked back in sharply.Jayant Yadav picked up three wickets to keep South Zone to 195•PTI
On a see-saw day at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where rain and bad light had the players indoors for much of the afternoon, North Zone kept themselves in the game after their bowling unit combined to skittle South Zone for 195.Vaibhav Arora and Jayant Yadav picked up three wickets apiece as South Zone collapsed on either side of a 110-run stand between top-scorer Mayank Agarwal and Tilak Varma, who on Wednesday celebrated his maiden call-up to India’s T20I squad.Agarwal struck a 115-ball 76 and was the first wicket to fall. Washington Sundar, who managed just 12, fell soon. Varma’s wicket in the next over turned the tide. R Sai Kishore hit 21 to narrow the deficit, before Arora picked up two of the last three wickets to help North Zone secure a three-run lead.South Zone struck twice before Ankit Kalsi and first-innings top scorer Prabhsimran Singh ensured no further damage as North ended on 51 for 2, effectively 54 ahead with two full days remaining.0900GMT The report had erronously stated Shaw getting out to Yash Thakur twice in the match. This has been corrected.
He is believed to have batted without any discomfort but did not keep wickets
Shashank Kishore21-Feb-20246:27
Rishabh Pant on his accident: ‘I felt my time in this world was up’
Rishabh Pant has begun going through a series of match-simulation exercises as he continues his recovery from a life-threatening car accident in December 2022 and targets a return to competitive cricket during IPL 2024.On Tuesday, Pant and Hardik Pandya, who is recovering from an ankle injury, played a 20-over practice game at the KSCA facility in Alur, Karnataka, under the supervision of National Cricket Academy physios and trainers. They are expected to have another round of conditioning and match-simulation drills on Thursday and it’s likely this exercise will continue until early March.ESPNcricinfo understands Pant experienced no discomfort while batting for the entire 20 overs and the team monitoring him is believed to be satisfied with his endurance levels. Pant, however, didn’t keep wicket and has reportedly been advised to resume that aspect of his training in March. If he’s ready in time for the IPL, he is like to play as a specialist batter for Delhi Capitals.On Tuesday, Pant had a posted a video on Instagram in which he’s seen doing some wicketkeeping and mobility drills, which have become part of his lower-body conditioning over the past six weeks. The NCA staff is mindful of not overloading Pant and want to ease him back into the rigours of training in a high-intensity environment.Related
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Ricky Ponting, Delhi’s head coach, had spoken earlier this month about “managing Pant” through IPL 2024, if he wasn’t ready to play every single game.”We’ll just keep our fingers crossed and hope that he can be out there and play,” Ponting had said. “Even if it’s not all the games, if we can manage him through 10 of the 14 games or whatever that might be, then whatever games you can get out of him will be a bonus.”Rishabh is very confident that he’s going to be right to play. In what capacity we’re not quite sure yet. But I’ll guarantee if I asked him now he’ll say, ‘I’m playing every game, I’m keeping every game and I’m batting at No.4.’ That’s just what he’s like, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed.”Pant hasn’t played competitive cricket since the accident in December 2022, when he was driving from Delhi to his hometown of Roorkee to meet his family. After being treated initially in Dehradun, Pant was airlifted to Mumbai, where he had knee surgery under the care of BCCI’s specialist consultant.Since last April, Pant has mostly been at the NCA in Bengaluru for his rehab under the guidance of physio S Rajnikanth, who has worked with several India age-group teams and also been part of the DC support staff.Rajnikanth had previously helped Hardik, Jasprit Bumrah and M Vijay recover from serious injuries. Thulasi Ram Yuvaraj, another NCA physio, has also been working with Pant on mobility and speed drills.In an interview aired earlier this month on , Pant had spoken about how he insulated himself from the outside world to focus on his recovery. “I am focusing on recovery cut off from the world,” he said. “It helps me in recovering fast, especially when the injury is so serious. For recovery, you have to do the same thing every day. It’s boring, it’s irritating, it’s frustrating, but you have to do it.”Hardik is believed to be recovering well from the ankle injury he picked up midway through the 2023 ODI World Cup. He had begun training in Baroda last month and checked into the NCA for regular fitness monitoring. He is reportedly on track to lead Mumbai Indians at IPL 2024.Last week, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had said Hardik would be Rohit Sharma’s vice-captain for the 2024 T20 World Cup beginning on June 1 in the USA and the West Indies.
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad says his half-century “may be something for experts to talk about, with my strike rate”, but he is happy to get the job done on “slightly tricky” track
ESPNcricinfo staff08-Apr-2024
Ravindra Jadeja turned the game on its head with three wickets in eight balls•BCCI
Chennai Super Kings got back to winning ways after two away defeats and handed Kolkata Knight Riders their first loss of IPL 2024 by slowing them down with spin on a tacky Chepauk surface. Unlike the last two matches where none of the home spinners accounted for a wicket at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, on Monday, Ravindra Jadeja and Co were the architects of the seven-wicket victory on a typical Chepauk track that remained slow, assisted spinners and made it difficult for batters to score.KKR captain Shreyas Iyer deconstructed the loss, saying his team couldn’t assess the conditions quickly enough as they changed “tremendously” after the first six overs.”I personally feel we fell short in terms of assessing the wicket,” Iyer said after the match. “We were phenomenal in the powerplay but after that, we couldn’t capitalise, we lost consecutive wickets. We weren’t able to assess the conditions as quickly as possible. It completely changed after the powerplay and scoring runs off this wicket wasn’t easy.”Obviously, they know conditions pretty well and they bowled according to their plan. It was a bit tacky, especially even when the hard-hitters came in, it wasn’t easy for them to go [big] right from the first ball. It changed tremendously after the powerplay. We were trying to construct our innings, didn’t go to plan. We take those learnings and move forward.”After leaking 56 runs in the powerplay, CSK pulled things back thanks to Jadeja’s 3 for 18. Add Maheesh Theekshana and Rachin Ravindra into the mix, and the spinners combined to bowl nine overs for just 50 runs and four wickets to restrict KKR to a below-par 137 for 9.”We were in a comfortable place at the beginning, we thought 160-170 would be a great score on this wicket. Even when they played against RCB, the conditions were fairly similar. So that was our plan but when you lose consecutive wickets, it’s difficult to carry forward momentum,” Iyer said.CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who led the chase with an unbeaten 67 off 58, felt it was a “slightly tricky” wicket and that the onus was on him to bat through to take the team home after the No. 3 Ajinkya Rahane strained his calf. It was also an important knock for Gaikwad personally, who finally contributed definitively after scores of 15, 46, 1, 26 in the previous four games.”Bit of nostalgia for me,” Gaikwad said of batting with MS Dhoni in the final part of the chase. “My first IPL fifty, Mahi was there with me to finish the match. Pretty much the same situation today. I feel with Jinx [Rahane] slightly injured, it was my role to stay till the end on a wicket which was slightly tricky. I didn’t want to put the youngsters in a pressure situation. Overall, a good game for us.”I would still say it was a 150-160 wicket. Didn’t think it was a six-hitting pitch but definitely 160.”I wouldn’t say mine is a slow start [he was on 9 off 11 at one stage], in T20s there are times you nick off one or two balls, sometimes you need a bit of luck to get going. Today it was perfect I could take some time a bit, maybe something for experts to talk about, with my strike rate, but still good to get a win.”With this win, CSK have six points from five games and occupy fourth spot on the points table, while KKR are second with six points from four games. CSK will be on the road for the next couple of games before returning home for the match against Lucknow Super Giants on April 23. KKR, meanwhile, will head back to Eden Gardens for five home games in a row.
Celtic provided the perfect response to their 3-2 defeat to their rivals before the international break with a 3-0 win over Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday.
The Hoops had allowed their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to be cut down to 13 points by losing to Rangers, but immediately bounced back with a convincing win over the Jam Tarts.
Daizen Maeda took his tally for the season to 30 goals in all competitions for the Bhoys with his two strikes against Hearts, whilst Jota added another goal to his collection since his return to Parkhead in the January transfer window.
Whilst many will focus on the attacking talent that was on display, as Jota and Maeda stole the headlines with their goals, the presence of Callum McGregor in the middle of the park was equally as important.
Why Callum McGregor's performance was important for Celtic
The retired Scotland international missed the 3-2 defeat to Rangers before the break through injury and returned to show the Hoops what they missed with a sublime display in midfield.
Celtic’s captain lined up alongside Reo Hatate and Arne Engels in the midfield three against Hearts on Saturday and stood out as the star performer in that area of the pitch.
Celtic’s starting midfielders
Vs Hearts
Hatate
Engels
McGregor
Pass accuracy
89%
81%
99%
Passes completed
59
34
66
Key passes
1
0
2
Big chances created
0
0
1
Tackles + interceptions
0
1
2
Dribbled past
1x
0x
0x
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, McGregor outperformed his positional peers in the match with his exceptional use of the ball and his reliability defensively.
This illustrates why his display was so important for Brendan Rodgers against Hearts because it highlights the quality he brings in and out of possession.
The left-footed star provides a metronomic presence at the base of the midfield for Celtic with his ability to complete passes efficiently under pressure, completing 94% of his passes overall in the division this season.
McGregor, who completes 73 passes per game on average, can control games for the Hoops by dictating the tempo of matches with his passing quality, whilst also frustrating opposition teams because of his press resistance on the ball, forcing them to drop back deeper.
This is part of the reason why Celtic struggled without their captain when they faced Rangers at Parkhead before the break, as Engels is not best suited to that role as the number six.
Why Arne Engels struggled against Rangers
The former Augsburg star started at the base of the midfield, with Luke McCowan and Hatate in the number eight positions, and struggled against the Gers.
Engels is usually tasked with playing as one of the more advanced midfielders, looking to score and create goals, but had to step up in a deeper role against Rangers because of his captain’s injury.
Stats
Engels vs Rangers
McGregor per game (24/25 Premiership
Pass accuracy
88%
94%
Touches
76
89.1
Passes
51
73.2
Ground duel success rate
20%
59%
Possession lost
14x
7.2x
Tackles + interceptions
0
1.7
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Belgium international failed to live up to the standards that the skipper has set for that position in or out of possession, losing the ball far too frequently and offering little protection to the back four.
The 21-year-old starlet should not be expected to be as effective in that role, though, because he is an attack-minded player who has a future as a number eight for Celtic, rather than as a deep-lying conductor of play.
Engels has racked up ten goals and 12 assists in all competitions for the Scottish giants this term, which shows that he has excelled at his natural game – scoring and creating goals.
The former Bundesliga whiz is not the long-term successor to McGregor, because that is not his natural game, and that is why he struggled in the game against Rangers before the break.
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Rodgers, though, may have already unearthed his next version of the Celtic captain by bringing 19-year-old academy starlet Jude Bonnar into the first-team group.
Why Jude Bonnar could be the next Callum McGregor
The teenage dynamo has been in the matchday squad on five occasions in all competitions since the start of February, and got ten minutes off the bench in a 5-1 win over Aberdeen in the Premiership.
That ten-minute cameo, in which the Scotland U21 international completed all four of his attempted passes, was his first-team debut for the Hoops and the manager spoke to his suitability for the team after the match.
Rodgers told the Daily Record: “He’s got a good profile and fits how we want to play. So that is a nice little taster for him.”
This suggests that the Northern Irish boss sees potential in Bonnar and believes that the teenage talent has the technical skills and know-how to suit the way that his team lines up, with a number six and two eights in a midfield three.
Brendan Rodgers
The B team star, whose ability was described as “unbelievable” by former coach Alan McGrillen, spoke to Celtic TV after the game and admitted that he looks up to McGregor as a role model, because of how he acts on and off the pitch every day.
Bonnar has already shown a tiny glimpse of his metronomic qualities, completing 100% of his passes in his cameo against Aberdeen, and Rodgers could look to help him develop and refine that ability to mould him into the new version of McGregor in the future.
The Scottish youngster has also shown the potential to offer a goal threat, as the captain has with eight goals in 28 league matches this term, with a return of ten goals in 46 B team games.
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This is only the start of the road for Bonnar, though, and there is plenty more time left for him to progress as a player and forge his own way in the game, hopefully at Celtic.
The very early signs, however, are that the potential is there for him to develop into McGregor 2.0 for Rodgers as a composed and controlling midfield star who can also provide a goal threat.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly been a busy man just days into his tenure as Edu Gaspar’s replacement, and it is now believed the Italian has Mikel Arteta’s side as favourites to sign a Brazil international.
Andrea Berta's first priority as new Arsenal director
While a lot of rumours are centering around Berta’s transfer activity, his reliably reported number one priority right now is tying star winger Bukayo Saka down with fresh terms.
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The £195,000-per-week forward’s current deal expires in 2027, and Saka displayed his importance to Arsenal almost immediately after returning from a hamstring injury which sidelined him since December last year.
Arsenal’s next five Premier League games
Date
Everton (away)
April 5th
Brentford (home)
April 12th
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)
TBD
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Saka scored on his immediate return in a 2-1 Arsenal win over Fulham earlier this week, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that the agreement of a new contract for him is “top” of Berta’s to-do list at the Emirates Stadium.
“I wanted to start with the top priority, which is absolutely Bukayo Saka,” said Romano on the Here We Go podcast.
“Bukayo Saka is out of contract in summer 2027, so it’s not something urgent, it’s not a worrying situation for Arsenal. But in general, Arsenal want to give a new contract to Bukayo Saka.
“So some contacts have already started. Now Bukayo and his agents will have the opportunity to meet with Andrea Berta to understand the strategy from the new director, and that’s always something important. You can start the conversation already months ago, of course, but then you need to speak to the new director to understand the view, to understand the project, and this is what’s going to happen with Bukayo Saka.”
Amid their attempts to make Saka commit, the next priority for Berta will be Arsenal’s summer transfer window.
According to some reports, Berta is considering the signing of an alternative to Saka on the right-hand side, as part of a potential seven-signing summer spree where they could spend around £300 million (GiveMeSport).
Arsenal have also been repeatedly linked with a move for Wolves star Matheus Cunha, a player who could deputise for Saka on the right given his excellent versatility.
Arsenal in "pole position" to sign Wolves star Matheus Cunha
The Brazil international has starred on the right-wing, left-wing, in centre-attacking midfield, as a second-striker and at centre-forward for Wolves this season, with Cunha enjoying the season of his life.
Wolverhampton Wanderers'MatheusCunhain action with AFC Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier and Lewis Cook
He’s bagged 15 goals and four assists in 29 appearances this term, and Premier League sides are taking interest given the £62.5 million release clause inserted into his new contract.
According to CaughtOffside, Berta has Arsenal in “pole position” to sign Cunha as things stand, and the director’s connections with him through their time together at Atlético Madrid are tipped to play a key role in convincing the 25-year-old.
In a further boost for Arteta, the outlet reports that Wolves will sell Cunha for even less than his release clause in a potential cut-price deal – so this move is looking more and more like a no-brainer given the player’s outstanding form throughout 2024/2025.
With no defeats from their last five Championship games, Leeds United are definitely in pole position when it comes to being crowned champions of the notoriously punishing division.
At one stage, it looked as if Daniel Farke’s Whites had fluffed their lines once more in the promotion race with defeats and draws aplenty seeping into their game, but two victories on the trot has now seen them thankfully push away from third-placed Sheffield United to the summit of the league.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkeapplauds fans
Still, not every win that is being collected is the most easy-on-the-eye spectacle to watch, leading to rumours beginning to emerge that the table-toppers are looking at bringing in some new strikers.
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As per a fresh report by TEAMtalk, the Whites are prioritising a number of signings ahead of potentially voyaging up to the Premier League, with the striker department one area that will likely be boosted by fresh personnel.
The report states that Leeds are especially taken aback by current West Ham United loanee Evan Ferguson, even with the Irishman’s notable struggles under Graham Potter to date.
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After all, the 20-year-old attacker has shone in the past with parent employers Brighton and Hove Albion, meaning there is a potential there for him to light up Elland Road.
Moreover, the report further elaborates that Leeds are monitoring the 6 foot forward’s situation ahead of his return to the Seagulls, with contact already being made over a deal happening in the near future.
Winning the services of a readymade Premier League striker could signal the end for Joel Piroe as Farke’s main marksman, with the Dutchman putting in one too many ineffective performances for the promotion-chasers as of late.
Why Ferguson would be a Piroe upgrade
The former Swansea City man is yet to taste any action in the top-flight across his career, but if his continued wastefulness in front of goal in the second tier is anything to go by, he would struggle to adjust to the sharp step-up in quality.
Whilst he does boast a healthy 15-goal return in the Championship this season, Piroe has also been guilty of squandering 12 big chances across his 42 league outings and counting, with three of those coming about when Leeds just narrowly beat Preston North End 2-1 last time out.
Whereas, Ferguson – at the peak of his powers for Brighton – has proven himself to be a cool and deadly finisher under pressure by notching up an impressive 17 strikes from 80 Seagulls appearances, which included a devastating hat-trick coming his way against Newcastle United way back in 2023.
The worry would be that the 20-year-old has significantly gone off the boil on loan at the Hammers – with a worrying zero strikes hitting the back of the net from six West Ham contests – but Farke will view the previously potent attacker as an upgrade on Piroe regardless, based on what has come before.
Ferguson’s PL numbers at Brighton (22/23 + 23/24)
Stat
22/23
23/24
Games played
19
27
Games started
10
15
Goals scored
6
6
Assists
2
0
Big chances missed
5
4
Stats by Sofascore
From just 25 combined starts across the campaigns above, Ferguson would fire home a lethal 12 goals, with just nine big chances given up across those two seasons also.
Around this time, the much-talked-about Irishman was even being heralded as a potential £100m sensation, with BBC pundit Danny Murphy also weighing in on the conversation surrounding Ferguson by labelling him a “superstar” in the recent past.
Of course, it would now be ludicrous to suggest the Brighton number 28 is worth anywhere near that crazy sum.
But, with Piroe only managing to find the back of the net once from his last ten encounters for Farke’s men, Ferguson would be seen as a big upgrade, particularly if Premier League football is clinched.
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Manchester United have now made an approach to sign a “creative genius”, but there will be competition for his signature from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, according to a report.
Man Utd keen to bolster attacking options
In truth, there are many areas of the Man United squad in urgent need of strengthening, but they have looked particularly poor going forward this season, with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund bagging just seven Premier League goals between them.
As such, United are set to bolster their attacking options this summer, having recently held talks over a deal for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, while they have also offered a five-year contract to Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha.
With Ruben Amorim perhaps looking to ease the burden on Bruno Fernandes, there have also been suggestions the Red Devils could bring in a new attacking midfielder this summer, with Manchester City’s James McAtee emerging as a surprise potential target.
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McAtee is not the only young playmaker on the shortlist, however, with a report from Argentina revealing Man United have now made an offer of some description for River Plate maestro Franco Mastantuono (via Sport Witness).
It is unclear whether United have submitted a genuine bid or a verbal offer, but it appears as though they have made a move of some kind, despite the fact River Plate are determined to keep hold of Mastantuono for the rest of 2025 at the bare minimum.
FrancoMastantuonoduring the match
However, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on the 17-year-old, and the Argentine side could be powerless to prevent his departure if any of the interested parties are willing to stump up his €45m (£38m) release clause, which is in place until December 2026.
"Creative genius" Mastantuono could be future star
River Plate defeated bitter rivals Boca Juniors in the Superclasico at the weekend, and the teenager played a major role in the victory, most notably scoring a stunning free-kick to give his side the lead in the first half.
Ben Mattinson has dubbed the starlet as a “creative genius” in the past, and the freelance scout was left particularly impressed by his performance against Boca Juniors, singling the Argentine out for high praise.
The youngster already has a great deal of first-team experience with River Plate, picking up seven goals and five assists in 55 appearances, and there is every sign he could go on to be a star in Europe very soon.
However, Man United may find it difficult to compete for Mastantuono’s signature, given the interest from Real Madrid and PSG, particularly if they do not manage to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
And just like that, Tottenham Hotspur’s worst season in a generation is just one game away from becoming their most memorable.
Last night, Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to the Arctic Circle to play the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt, and while they were still favourites, all the ingredients for an upset were there.
However, as they have in so many of their European games this season, the North Londoners rose to the occasion and ran out comfortable winners in the end.
While practically the entire team did themselves and the manager proud last night, two players, including Pedro Porro, really stood out.
Porro's performance vs Bodo/Glimt
While Porro has come in for plenty of criticism for his defensive failings this season, much of which has been justified, the Spanish full-back has massively stepped up both legs of this semi-final.
He was instrumental in the home win, providing a perfect pass for James Maddison to score the side’s second goal, and he was arguably even better last night.
Not only was he pretty solid in defence, but he was a complete menace in attack, testing the keeper with a brilliant free-kick in the first half and then getting his just rewards with a cross-come-shot that sailed into the top corner in the second 45.
It was practically the complete performance from the former Sporting CP star, which explains the 9/10 match rating Alasdair Gold gave him at full-time.
It might sound hyperbolic, but we can assure you it’s not, as exemplified by his statistics from the game.
Porro’s game vs Bodo/Glimt
Minutes
95′
Expected Goals
0.11
Goals
1
Expected Assists
0.12
Clearances
3
Interceptions
1
Dribbled Past
0
Ground Duels (Won)
3 (2)
Fouls
0
Key Passes
2
Shots on Target
2
Dribbles (Successful)
1(1)
All Stats via Sofascore
In 95 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goals plus assists figure of 0.23, made three clearances, won two of three ground duels, made one interception, wasn’t dribbled past, played two key passes, took two shots on target, was successful in 100% of his dribbles, won one foul and didn’t give any away himself.
Overall, it was a superb display from Porro, but there was another starter who might just have pipped him.
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Spurs' best player vs Bodo/Glimt
Now, there are certainly a few players you could pick from for this title, like Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven or even Rodrigo Bentancur.
However, for our money, the player who really stood up and stood out last night was Cristian Romero.
The Argentine international has not had a great season, with constant injuries and the odd mistake defining it thus far, but just like he was in the first leg, he was sensational for Postecoglou last night.
It goes without saying that the World Cup winner is undoubtedly built for big games, and from the first to the last minute, he was incredible in the Arctic Circle.
On top of being a wall at the back and cheering every block or tackle like it was a title-winning goal, he also managed to provide the assist for Solanke’s opener, which all but ended the tie then and there.
Unsurprisingly, Gold was just as impressed, awarding the centre-back a 9/10 match rating at full-time, while Spurs fan and content creator Ben Bowman simply described him as “unreal.”
Such appraisals are more than backed up by his statistics as well, as in 95 minutes of action, he made five clearances, blocked one shot, wasn’t dribbled past even once, made one interception, won three of four ground duels, lost the ball only once, completed 96% of his passes, played one key pass, was accurate in 100% of his long balls and created one big chance.
Romero’s game vs Bodo/Glimt
Minutes
95′
Clearances
5
Shots Blocked
1
Dribbled Past
0
Interceptions
1
Ground Duels (Won)
4 (3)
Lost Possession
1
Passing Accuracy
26/27 (96%)
Key Passes
1
Long Balls (Accurate)
2 (2)
Big Chances Created
1
All Stats via Sofascore
Ultimately, the entire team played well last night, but Porro and particularly Romero were even better, so much so that the latter may now be the club’s best player.
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Enzo Maresca could soon welcome a “sensational” player.
1 ByEmilio Galantini May 13, 2025
They’re currently level on points with Aston Villa and sit fifth by the skin of their teeth on goal difference, and things could look very different by the conclusion of the next Premier League matchweek.
Race for Champions League qualification with 2 games remaining
Points
2. Arsenal
68
3. Newcastle United
66
4. Man City
65
5. Chelsea
63
6. Aston Villa
63
7. Nottingham Forest
62
Chelsea simply cannot afford any slip-ups in their final two matches against Man United and European spot rivals Nottingham Forest, especially considering Stamford Bridge officials are aiming to be ambitious when the summer window reopens for business.
They will be competing in the Club World Cup as well, a tournament which could yield a seismic financial windfall of around £97 million if they win it, so Chelsea are understandably taking it seriously.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, sharing another significant update on the club’s transfer plans, Chelsea ideally want to sign two of their top targets before the CWC commences, and they’ll have a brief window from June 1 to June 10 to do so.
Phillips also reports that Chelsea have “big plans” in the works, and one of their aims is to bring in an “elite” senior player.
Chelsea would love to sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo
As per the reliable journalist, writing via his Substack, £202,000-per-week Real Madrid star Rodrygo is one man in this bracket who they seriously admire.
Albeit unlikely, Chelsea “would love” to sign Rodrygo, and he is among the men who they’d be willing to break their wage structure for, depending on if they seal their spot in the Champions League for next season.
“Chelsea would love to sign any of the above three [Harry Kane, Alexander Isak or Rodrygo], and are looking at potential opportunities around players like this,” wrote Phillips.
“Obviously all three will be seen as unrealistic and the reality is that they are very unrealistic, because we don’t want to pay over our wage structure for any players.
“However, if Chelsea get Champions League football then wage structures (with incentives) will go up at the club and players will be earning more on bonuses. This could make the overall wage package on offer a bit more appealing to players.
“We have also had it confirmed that Chelsea are prepared to break their wage structure for the right player, and the three mentioned above would fall into that category. I’m not saying we will sign any of them by the way, just that Chelsea are looking to bring ‘elite’ players I guess as well as youngsters.”
The Brazilian has starred for Real with 13 goals and 10 assists in 50 appearances this season, all while featuring as a striker, left-winger and right-winger under Carlo Ancelotti.
There is little denying he’d be an immediate upgrade to Chelsea’s wide options and further forward, but this attempted move would be a big reach to say the least, given his importance to Real and suggestions he could cost up to £131 million.
Tottenham Hotspur could strike a summer reunion with one of their former players, and one who Mauricio Pochettino rated “very highly”, according to an update this week.
Spurs await season-defining Europa League final in Bilbao
Ange Postecoglou will soon face a blockbuster 90 minutes in Bilbao, which has the power to define his potential final season in charge of the Lilywhites.
Tottenham star clear he wants to join club as they hatch £84m transfer plan
Spurs face losing him to a big club.
3 ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2025
Spurs play fellow Premier League strugglers Man United in the Europa League final on May 21, with the club’s first piece of major silverware in 17 years and qualification for next season’s Champions League all on the line.
Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League
Average match rating
Son Heung-min
7.05
Pedro Porro
6.98
James Maddison
6.98
Dominic Solanke
6.88
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
After Tottenham broke their record for most Premier League losses in a single season last weekend, Postecoglou could save face by clinching a precious trophy for Spurs, amid reports that the 59-year-old is likely to leave once the campaign has concluded (David Ornstein).
Unfortunately, following news of Dejan Kulusevski’s knee surgery, Postecoglou will be without a trio of his star midfielders, with the Swede joining both James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall on the injury list.
Injury absences have been a thorn in Tottenham’s side throughout 2024/2025, and they’ve seriously exposed the lack of depth in Postecoglou’s squad whilst emphasising the need for chairman Daniel Levy to acquire fresh faces.
Spurs will need to be clever when the summer window reopens, though, as they’re apparently likely to adopt a ‘sell to buy’ policy amid their lack of funds (The Telegraph).
Tottenham make contact with Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters
The free-agent market could be a fruitful pool of talent for the club, with ex-Spurs defender Kyle Walker-Peters currently set to leave Southampton on a Bosman once his contract expires on June 30.
A host of English sides are showing interest in Walker-Peters, who has arguably been one of the better performers in an otherwise dismal Saints side this term. According to journalist Graeme Bailey, in an interview with Leeds United News, Postecoglou’s side are among them.
Bailey states that Tottenham have held talks with Walker-Peters’ camp, but the competition for his signature will be rife.
“I’m told no decision just yet,” said Bailey on the Englishman’s future.
Southampton'sKyleWalker-Petersapplauds their fans after the match
“Leeds have had contact, but as we know they’re one of many clubs to be in touch with him. West Ham, Spurs, Everton, there’s loads. And some foreign clubs are lurking too. Can Leeds get him? Of course. But from what I can make out it’s going to be tough.”
While Spurs eventually let the right-back, described as a “beautiful” footballer by ex-Saints boss Russell Martin, depart in 2020 for around £12 million, Pochettino did shower Walker-Peters with praise during his time in the English capital.
“For me, he’s one of the best options,” said the Argentine about Walker-Peters in 2018.
“Like always, who deserves it more is going to play — you know me. I’m so happy with his performance. I’m so happy and so proud of how he managed the pressure. I’m very pleased and I talk very highly of him.”