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When Liverpool renewed Virgil van Dijk’s contract, they did more than just tie their star defender down to a new two-year deal.

Van Dijk is more than a world-class centre-back; he’s more, even, than a peerless skipper. The Netherlands icon has transcended his post as one of Liverpool’s star players, immortalising his name in Liverpool lore, right up there alongside Alan Hansen.

Yes, yes, he turns 34 next month. And, well, yes, Liverpool will need to be more careful in managing their captain’s minutes as he reaches the autumn days of his illustrious Premier League career.

But Van Dijk leads by example, and that’s on and off the field. He’s more than a defender; he’s a leader and rousing force. Tune in to Liverpool on the television, and you’ll hear the 6 foot 4 star baying at his teammates before heading out of the tunnel, switching them into gear.

Let’s enjoy him while we can, because FSG’s transfer chief, Richard Hughes, is already hard at work trying to secure a long-term heir.

Liverpool's efforts to sign the next Van Dijk

Dean Huijsen was written in the stars to succeed Van Dijk at Anfield. After a stunning breakout campaign at Bournemouth last year, the 20-year-old became one of the most sought-after young players in Europe, hailed for his incredible potential.

Van Dijk left Southampton to sign for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, and Huijsen could have followed a similar path, each proving a cut above. Moreover, Huijsen, while a Spanish international, was born and reared in Amsterdam to Dutch parents before relocating to Spain when he was five.

It felt like the perfect move for the player, moving to Liverpool, emulating one of the greatest defenders of his generation – and technically a countryman at that.

Well, Real Madrid clearly turned a blind eye to such a poetic story, for they brushed Premier League competition aside to activate the prodigy’s £50m release clause and bring him home.

Arne Slot still needs a new central defender, and while Huijsen is a one-of-a-kind talent, there might just be an alternative option waiting across the continent, having been of a vested interest to Liverpool in the past.

Liverpool enter race for new centre-back

Huijsen’s off the cards, yada yada, but he’s not the only talented centre-back looking to take the next step in his career.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Liverpool are interested in Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio, 23, once again, having been routinely linked with the dynamic defender across the past couple of years.

The left-footed defender has a €60m (£50m) release clause in his contract, but suitors are optimistic that they can engineer a more agreeable figure.

However, with Manchester United and Newcastle United thought to be interested too, FSG will need to up the ante if they wish to find a fitting long-term Van Dijk heir.

What Goncalo Inacio would bring to Liverpool

Inacio has yet to compete away from his Portuguese homeland, but he hasn’t exactly done that badly in Portugal, appearing 213 times for Sporting after graduating from their academy.

Journalist Antonio Mango has drawn attention to Inacio’s “insane” range of passing, and that’s corroborated by the data, for Inacio has completed an average of 89% of his passes across his senior career, as recorded by WhoScored.

Moreover, Inacio’s aerial ability suggests he could offer a similar level of ability in that regard as Huijsen, whose rangy frame and composure, leading to expert timing, is something that would have seen him exceed expectations when stepping into Van Dijk’s boots at Liverpool.

His modern-tailored style is exactly what Liverpool are looking for, and he’s a left-sided centre-back besides. To add further substance to the argument, this is a player who has been tracked by Liverpool for a number of years, and he’s only got better and better.

Having been an influential member of a two-time Liga Portugal-winning backline in recent years, Inacio has fostered the perfect mentality for a place in Liverpool’s first team, and he’s also blessed with a technical level that most other central defenders across Europe can only dream of.

Most, but not all. Huijsen can certainly throw down with the Portuguese ace on that front, and when racking up the respective players’ skills against each other, you can see that both offer similar qualities.

Huijsen is a strong defender, but his range of passing and creativity, his ability to play through the lines, are the facets which define him as a future superstar.

Inacio perhaps outperforms him in that regard, and if placed in Slot’s high-flying Liverpool system, you can only imagine the progress he could make, following the likes of Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch in making remarkable progress under the Dutchman’s wing.

Further to the point, Inacio made only one defensive error across his 28 top-flight appearances last term, whereas Huijsen made four playing for Bournemouth in the Premier League, albeit playing at what is considered a higher level, in more intense and rigorous conditions.

He’s not perfect, but the Portugal international has the making of an elite-level defender, and he could prove the dream Huijsen alternative if signed this summer, learning from Van Dijk over the next couple of years before breaking away from the Reds legend’s shadow and becoming a sensation in his own right down the line.

The dream XI Liverpool could build: Wirtz signs & "the next Mbappe" arrives

Liverpool are making sweeping changes in the transfer market as Slot prepares to defend his PL title.

3

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 3, 2025

Leeds United fans will be praying Daniel Farke can be the manager in the Elland Road dug-out to consolidate the Whites as a Premier League regular again, but they won’t be holding their breath.

After all, there was even talk this off-season that the German could reportedly be relieved of his duties, with his worrying track record in the top division – as seen in his one relegation with former side Norwich City – meaning he could be in too deep on his return again.

The Whites hierarchy have admirably stuck by the promotion-winning expert, though, with a barrage of transfers now needed to give the ex-Canaries boss his best chance at remaining put in the Premier League with his current employers.

Leeds now targeting £10m-rated ace

Whilst the West Yorkshire titans would storm to the Championship title with a club-record 100 points, improvements need to be made all over the pitch to make the gulf in quality feel less stark.

Already, Farke and Co. have been linked with moves for Emiliano Buendia, Tammy Abraham and Kalvin Phillips to significantly bolster their squad, but it’s in the goalkeeper department where the Whites are crying out for their most pressing upgrade.

It has now been widely reported that Illan Meslier will be ditched as Leeds’ first-choice stopper in the big time after one too many error-strewn performances in the second-tier, with the Daily Mail Online following this up with a report that Newcastle United ‘keeper Nick Pope is now on their agenda as they hunt down a new number one.

With a move for Caoimhin Kelleher also falling by the wayside, Pope could be the next best thing for Farke’s men, with the Magpies perhaps now ready to offload their £10m-rated figure amidst interest in Burnley’s James Trafford.

Why signing Pope is a must for Leeds

With Phillips available for around the same £10m price tag, it could end up being a toss-up between Pope and the former fan favourite.

Well, when assessing which transfer is most needed, it’s a no-brainer that Leeds must prioritise picking up the 6-foot-6 ‘keeper over a sentimental Elland Road return for the midfielder.

Transfer Focus

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

Leeds could well look a little light on their feet centrally when making the step-up, with Joe Rothwell returning back to parent side AFC Bournemouth this summer, but the Whites are in dire need of a solid pair of hands in between the sticks over urgently requiring any midfield additions.

After all, away from Meslier nearly costing his team dear last campaign with three errors directly leading to goals, the ex-Lorient stopper has struggled in the intense environment of the Premier League previously.

Games played

107

221

Saves made

377

687

Goals conceded

198

252

Clean sheets

21

73

Wins

32

86

Losses

50

71

The table above highlights the 25-year-old’s struggles in the big time compared to the more comfortable Pope, with Meslier only keeping a meagre 21 clean sheets from 107 top-flight outings next to the Magpies’ number 22 collecting a sturdier 73.

Away from just their clean sheet numbers, Pope has also shown he can cut it at the level over a prolonged time, even as Eddie Howe and Co’s aspirations have changed from being a middle of the road outfit to a Champions League challenger, with a bumper 86 wins sticking out from his 221 Premier League clashes and counting.

Therefore, the “phenomenal” Pope – as he’s been previously praised by ex-Toon goalkeeping great Shay Given – would easily displace Meslier on his arrival to West Yorkshire.

Whereas, it’s not a given that Phillips would be able to shake up things centrally, with faces such as Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev likely getting the immediate nod over the Manchester City flop.

Having already suffered a relegation with the Whites too, it just feels like Leeds would be sleepwalking into another disaster if Meslier were kept in between the sticks.

Whereas, with the 33-year-old coming in as the new number one instead, the confidence levels would be increased that Farke and Co. could put up a stern fight to beat the drop.

A bigger coup than Buendia: Leeds looking to sign "exceptional" £10m star

Leeds United would pull off a bigger coup than landing Emiliano Buendia by signing this exceptional midfielder.

3 ByKelan Sarson Jun 1, 2025

Liverpool boss Arne Slot could oversee some significant squad changes this summer and his side could now have taken a step forward in their hunt to sign a new striker, per reports.

Liverpool could now kick transfer activity into gear

Other Monday mornings pass by with little in the way of incident, but Liverpool fans will have been rocked by confirmation that Trent Alexander-Arnold will join Real Madrid on a free transfer. Fabrizio Romano has delivered the news that will undoubtedly have Reds fans talking for weeks to come, meaning Arne Slot will need to dip into the market for a replacement.

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez could arrive at Anfield to provide competition for Andy Robertson on the left of the backline, though the other side will now likely demand more attention due to Alexander-Arnold’s bitter departure. Barcelona’s Jules Kounde is on the list to replace the Reds’ academy graduate. However, he will cost in the region of £68 million to prize away from the La Liga giants.

Arne Slot is now a Premier League winner and won’t be keen on hanging around as his side look to establish themselves as England’s dominant force over a number of years.

Statement arrivals will be needed to fend off a new challenge from the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal next term, while there may also be transfer battles between the traditional ‘Big Six’ to land talented assets.

Now, Liverpool are said to be positioning themselves for a clinical striker who is commanding the attention of several elite clubs this summer.

Liverpool embark on Benjamin Sesko scouting mission

Per TBR, Liverpool sent scouts to watch RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko in action against Bayern Munich last weekend alongside representatives from Arsenal and Chelsea. The Slovenia international’s entourage are in regular talks with the clubs mentioned and England appears to be the striker’s likeliest destination this summer.

Benjamin Sesko’s record in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

43

Goals

21

Assists

6

Manchester United and Newcastle United may also be worth watching out for in the race for his signature. No final decision has been made on Sesko’s future, though his camp are comfortable with the way things are shaping up.

Labelled as someone with “incredible potential” by Jurgen Klopp, the 21-year-old scored in front of scouts before Bayern Munich were confirmed champions on Sunday due to Bayer Leverkusen dropping points. Showing his clinical nature, Sesko has directed 31 of his 67 shots in the Bundesliga on target alongside completing an impressive 38 dribbles this term.

Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota could be at risk of moving on this summer, and Sesko would definitely be an ideal alternative that could cement his place as number one striker at Anfield for years to come.

During his first few months in charge of Manchester United, boss Ruben Amorim hasn’t been afraid of coming up with out-of-the-box ideas to push the side in the right direction.

His first major call was to unleash Amad Diallo in a wing-back role, seemingly getting the best out of the Ivorian – notching an assist within the first couple of minutes of the clash with Ipswich Town in the manager’s first game at the helm.

Before his injury setback, he notched 11 combined goals and assists under the 40-year-old, with the switch evidently taking his career to the next level at Old Trafford.

He also utilised midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine against Crystal Palace back in February, but such a move wasn’t as successful, with the youngster withdrawn in the 70th minute and unable to get on the scoresheet.

Amorim’s latest switch certainly caught the eye in midweek, nearly having the desired effect, with a future in such a role a possibility given his showing against Nottingham Forest.

Harry Maguire’s stats as a striker against Nottingham Forest

With United a goal down against Nuno Espírito Santo’s men with just two minutes remaining, the manager turned to Harry Maguire to try and get his side out of trouble.

The centre-back caused havoc within the final third after his introduction, registering three efforts on goal despite playing for less than 10 minutes, including stoppage time.

One of his shots was destined to trickle into the back of the net, but Murillo’s goal-line clearance prevented the 32-year-old from getting himself on the scoresheet.

He also managed to win 100% of aerial duels, with his xG of 0.60 higher than that of Rasmus Hojlund’s combined tally from his last nine outings as the Red Devils’s centre-forward.

Had Maguire found the back of the net, it would’ve been a masterstroke from the boss, but his display certainly made him a viable option going forward, with Amorim needing to make a similar bold call with another first-team member.

Amorim could now relocate Man Utd's "monster"

With just a couple of months until the summer transfer window, the boss doesn’t have long until he can make the additions he wants to help the side climb up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

However, the period between now and then will give him the opportunity to trial run numerous players in new positions to try and get a grasp on what’s needed when the window opens.

Noussair Mazraoui is one player who could swap roles in the next few games, with the Moroccan international previously operating in an unfamiliar role this season.

During the previous reign of Erik ten Hag, the Dutchman opted to feature the full-back in a number ten role in the Europa League clash with Fenerbahçe back in October.

Whilst it was seen as a strange move, the 27-year-old, who earns £135k-per-week, managed to produce an admirable display, opening the door to Amorim utilising the defender in a similar role in his 3-4-2-1 system.

Minutes played

90

Touches

64

Passes completed

39/47 (83%)

Shots on target

1

Accurate long balls

3/4 (75%)

Tackles won

2/4 (50%)

Defensive actions

9

Mazraoui, who’s previously been labelled a “monster” by journalist Dylan Penketh, managed to register a total of 64 touches and managed to win 50% of his tackles – having the skillset in both areas to impress.

On the face of it, such a call may seem like an outrageous decision, but given the lack of form from other players in the final third, it may be something which the 40-year-old could implement.

He’s shown he’s not been afraid to make a huge call with players in the past, with Mazraoui operating in a more attacking position, potentially his next role of the dice in the North West.

Best signing since Bruno: Man Utd prepare bid for "frightening" £60m star

Man Utd are already stepping up their summer transfer plans, according to the latest reports

ByRobbie Walls Apr 3, 2025

The Victoria offspinner has returned to India with Australia A and is locked in a battle with Kuhnemann and Rocchiccioli to be Australia’s definitive No. 2 Test spin option behind Lyon

Daya Sagar24-Sep-2025Australia offspinner Todd Murphy is not someone who suffers from delusions of grandeur.The 24-year-old Victorian made a brilliant start to his international career when he took seven wickets on Test debut against India in Nagpur in 2023. Across four matches in his debut series, he picked up 14 wickets at an average of 25.21, and after R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Nathan Lyon, he was the fourth-most-successful bowler of the series. However, in the following two years, Murphy has played only three more Test matches and has lost his Cricket Australia contract.Murphy, who is currently on tour with Australia A in India, understands that as long as Lyon is around, he will get very few opportunities with the national side.Related

• Connolly adds India experience to his steep learning curve

• Kuhnemann's resilience lauded as he rises to Australia's No. 2

• Manav Suthar five-for reins in Australia A on opening day

“I think I’m under no illusions of that,” Murphy told ESPNcricinfo prior to the second four-day match in Lucknow. “When you get a guy like Nathan Lyon, who is number one there, then you know that your opportunities are going to be few and far between. So, I think sort of over the last couple of years, it’s just finding enjoyment out of training and trying to get better personally. So, if I do get an opportunity, then hopefully I’m well equipped to take it.”Following his debut series in India, Murphy was taken on the 2023 Ashes tour as Australia’s No. 2 spinner and got the opportunity to play two Tests in Lyon’s absence. He took seven wickets, including a four-wicket haul in the second innings of The Oval Test. But, after that, he had to wait almost one-and-a-half years for the next chance.At the beginning of this year, when Australia toured Sri Lanka, Murphy was once again picked as part of a three-man spin attack with Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann, just as he was in three of the four Tests in India in 2023. But, on a spin-friendly Galle pitch, he managed to take only one wicket across both innings and lost his place for the second Test as Australia experimented with playing spin-bowling allrounder Cooper Connolly to lengthen the batting.

“So it was another challenge to try and adapt to a flatter wicket, find ways to put the batters under pressure and that’s just bouncing in an out of different plans and working with the captain. Sometimes the best way to do that is just shut the scoreboard down and get a different shot out of the batter”Todd Murphy on his return to India with Australia A

Kuhnemann, who had also debuted in India in 2023, took 16 wickets against Sri Lanka with Australia’s selectors preferring to pair the left-arm orthodox with Lyon rather than picking two offspinners in the same XI. Kuhnemann was also given a CA contract and selected in the Australia squad alongside Lyon for this year’s West Indies tour.Murphy knows that even when the 37-year-old Lyon retires, it will not be easy for him to secure a permanent spot in the XI because Australia’s spin depth is as strong as it’s been for some time. Western Australia offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli is partnering Murphy on the current Australia A tour and has outperformed Murphy and Kuhnemann in Sheffield Shield cricket over the past two years. However, Murphy considers it healthy competition.”There are some really good guys underneath Gaz [Lyon],” Murphy said. “Kuhney [Kuhnemann] did super well in Sri Lanka. Rocks [Rocchiccioli] is bowling outstandingly well in Shield cricket. So, there is a good crew of us coming through now. We all are just trying to continually get better underneath Gaz. And when the time comes, when someone gets an opportunity, they’ll be able to take that.”Rocchiccioli has not yet made his international debut, but he took 38 wickets in nine matches of the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield and was the best spinner of the season. Across the last four Shield seasons, he has been the highest wicket-taking spinner with 83 wickets, 56 of which have come on the bouncy WACA pitch.Cooper Connolly and Todd Murphy in conversation•Tanuj/UPCAOn the flat pitch in Lucknow in the first unofficial Test of the tour, Rocchiccioli took three wickets in the only innings while Murphy went wicketless from 35 frugal overs.Rocchiccioli also performed brilliantly in this year’s County season while playing for Warwickshire. He took 16 wickets across seven innings in four matches, including two five-wicket hauls. On the other hand, Murphy, playing for Gloucestershire, took only 11 wickets across six innings in four matches at a costly average of 56.27, without a five-wicket haul. But Murphy took a lot of positives from the four-game stint.”It was a really good opportunity for me to play four games in the UK with a Kookaburra ball,” Murphy said. “There were a lot of runs scored there as well. I think it was a lot of the same stuff, just continuing to learn and being open to learning against different players in different conditions. There’s some really good takeaways from there and I realised the importance of being super consistent as an offspinner and challenging the batters for long periods of time.”Murphy has now completely recovered from a shoulder injury, which caused him frustration and affected his performance at times over the past two years. But he is not one to make excuses and is delighted with the opportunity to return to India to develop his bowling further.Corey Rocchiccioli is one of the Australian spinners who might have leapfrogged Todd Murphy•Tanuj/UPCA”The pitch in the first match was very different from the last tour,” Murphy said. “Instead of spinning, it was more of a flat pitch. This too is a kind of challenge, how do we bowl on flat wickets? The whole purpose of the trip is to come over here and try to keep adapting to these conditions.”So it was another challenge to try and adapt to a flatter wicket, find ways to put the batters under pressure and that’s just bouncing in an out of different plans and working with the captain. Sometimes the best way to do that is just shut the scoreboard down and get a different shot out of the batter.”Following the second unofficial Test, Murphy will return for the start of a new Shield season with Victoria. Ambitions of reclaiming his place as Australia’s first-choice understudy behind Lyon will fade behind his aim to help Victoria claim a Shield title that has narrowly eluded them over the past three seasons.”I think when you start a new Shield season, the first hope is to try and push as hard as you can to try and win the Shield,” Murphy said. “My role amongst the Victorian team is just to try and contribute to win. So that’s sort of what I’m looking to do. We’ve got a really good group of fast bowlers at Victoria, so I will try and play my role in and around that. Hopefully, I will be able to put up some good performance personally to keep myself going. But yeah, just try and play the best team role I can and I know performances will come from that.”

Technical consultant during the World Cup says the team needs to find a way to score 300-plus consistently in ODIs

Mohammad Isam14-Nov-20233:00

Shanto: ‘Know how to score 260, need to make a habit of getting 300-350’

Bangladesh’s batters were easily satisfied with their first milestone – a half-century – during the 2023 ODI World Cup and that contributed significantly to their eighth-place finish in the league stage, according to S Sriram, their technical consultant during the tournament.With no hundreds from any of their batters apart from Mahmudullah, Bangladesh won only two of their nine matches – against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka – and just about secured qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Sriram said the team needed to find a way to score 330-plus to remain competitive in ODI cricket.”Our inability to get meaningful hundreds is what hurt the team the most,” Sriram told ESPNcricinfo. “The top-four batters not getting even one hundred is the most disappointing part of the team. The teams that qualified, they have guys who are scoring double-hundreds. I think you win 50-over games in India when someone gets 130-140, and then if you have enough power around that guy, we can put up scores of 330-340. That’s where the game is in India, especially where the wickets are so good. It is slightly different than what we see in Bangladesh. I think that’s where we missed out a little bit.”Related

• Shanto to lead Bangladesh in home Tests against New Zealand

• Confused, chaotic, controversial: picking through Bangladesh's World Cup

• Bangladesh could have done without batting shuffle – Shanto

The ODI World Cup was Sriram’s second stint with the national team, and as a former India cricketer with knowledge of the conditions as player and coach, the expectation from the board was for him to provide information that would enhance Bangladesh’s performance. While Sriram stressed on the importance of a big top-order hundred, Bangladesh and Netherlands were the only teams without a hundred from their top-three batters during the World Cup.The new opener Tanzid Hasan , Sriram said, showed a lack of hunger even when he had the bowling under control, like during his 51 against India in Pune.

“Shanto is someone who wants to get better every day as a batter, person and team man. He wants his team to win. These two are his greatest qualities”Sriram on Najmul Hossain Shanto

“[Tanzid] had everything going for him in that fifty against India. The bowlers were under his control. The wicket was so good. Kuldeep Yadav was only one over away from being taken off the bowling attack. Somebody else would have come [to bowl]. Bangladesh were 97 (93) for no loss, so if he had converted that fifty into a hundred, you wouldn’t even ask me this question. That’s where he let himself down big time. That’s where the mentality has to change. They are satisfied with an international fifty.”Sriram said Tanzid could learn from Najmul Hossain Shanto, who had a stellar 12 months leading into the World Cup across formats. He converted four of his 13 50-plus scores into centuries and cemented his place as the No. 3. Sriram also said New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra was the World Cup’s best example of a young batter fulfilling his potential.”I think Shanto has raised the bar for younger players, by converting his fifties to hundreds in the last six to eight months. If Tanzid doesn’t get satisfied whenever he gets a fifty, and puts the foot on the pedal, he can get hundreds. I think he has huge potential.”My genuine concern is with these players getting satisfied with fifties. You have to push their boundaries and get big scores. That’s where world cricket is going nowadays. All the youngsters coming through are being able to convert fifties to hundreds. Rachin Ravindra is a great example. Take a cue and lead from these players, and be hungry for bigger scores.”Mahmudullah’s 111 against South Africa was Bangladesh’s only hundred in the World Cup•ICC/Getty ImagesThe most visible of Bangladesh’s problems during the World Cup, however, was their constant shuffling of the batting order. The prime focus was to utilise Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s good form, often at the cost of stability in the line-up. Mehidy batted at five different positions – from No. 3 to No. 8 – in nine World Cup innings.”It has been discussed a lot, and a lot of people have spoken about it,” Sriram said. “I don’t know the conversations that happened before the World Cup, whether they wanted stability or the team wanted to play the match-up game. My understanding was, how can we make best use of Miraz as an allrounder. He sometimes doesn’t have the power to hit sixes from No. 8. But he has a good temperament, he can build partnerships, he is busy, he can rotate strike, he can soak in the pressure. If we can make use of that, wouldn’t that give us more firepower at the back end?”We know how [Towhid] Hridoy can bat in T20s and the way Mahmudullah got the experience. It was mainly the conversation to lengthen the batting and give us a little more firepower at the back end. Miraz is a touch player. He has qualities as a batter. I think the main thing was, can we maximise his potential? That was the thinking, as far as I am concerned.”Among those who got displaced was Shanto, Bangladesh’s most in-form batter coming into the World Cup. He ended the tournament with just two half-centuries in nine innings and reached double-figures just three times.”Shanto is someone who wants to get better every day as a batter, person and team-man,” Sriram said. “He wants his team to win. I think he was unlucky couple of times. Getting run out for 45 in the last game would have hurt him. He could have got a hundred against Sri Lanka. So little things like that would hurt him a lot more. Getting out early is part of the game. He got out caught down the leg side twice. There were a few unlucky dismissals in between. His biggest learning would be to get a big score whenever he gets a start.Litton Das averaged only 31 at the World Cup•Associated Press”There is not even a question [that he won’t bounce back]. You have seen his form in the last two games. His 90 against Sri Lanka was an amazing innings. Even the 45 against Australia showed the ability to carry on the run rate, which was excellent. His run out was unnecessary and unfortunate.”Another batter who didn’t live up to his potential was Litton Das. Often described as the most elegant batter in the team, Litton got out to soft dismissals often in the tournament, and the BCB is reportedly worried about his lack of focus.”He [Litton] is frustrated with himself more than anyone else,” Sriram said. “He knows his potential. He plays world-class shots but to not be able to do it for longer period of time, frustrates him a little bit. He is also frustrated by the ways he gets out.”Our last conversation was that he said, ‘Coach, I know what you are thinking. Don’t even talk about it. I will figure this out and come back strongly’. Some players go through this. They take longer to unlock their potential. I think it is good that he is thinking that he has the potential but he is letting himself and the team down.”Going forward, Sriram said Bangladesh needed to work out a way of scoring 300-plus consistently in ODIs. “I don’t think they have much other choice,” he said. “That’s the minimum score you need to start winning games. You have to find ways to get 300-350 runs. Once you know you can get 85-100 runs in the last ten overs on a consistent basis, it will make batting in the first 40 overs a little bit easier.”There are a lot of ways to do it. One way is to keep wickets in hand and bat deep. Another way is to keep going hard right through. Bangladesh should figure out what works for them, and give people the right roles. I think getting hundreds from the top four is non-negotiable.”

The Rajasthan Royals opener has put a premium on boundaries in his three centuries this IPL, but there’s more to his box-office knocks

Nagraj Gollapudi22-Apr-20223:43

Did Delhi Capitals get their plans all wrong against Buttler?

It is scary to think what Jos Buttler can do this IPL. Only because of what he has already done this season (which is just on the verge of reaching the halfway stage). Most runs, most hundreds, highest individual score, most fours, most sixes… Many feats, one name: Jos Buttler.At the moment, Buttler is scoring centuries wilfully and making batting look ridiculously easy. He already has three centuries in seven matches this season. The record for most centuries in IPL history is held by Chris Gayle, who had six in 141 innings. The next best haul belongs to Virat Kohli, who has five in 206 innings. Buttler, who is joint-third on the list, has four centuries in just 71 IPL innings. David Warner and Shane Watson, who also have four tons each, got there in 155 and 141 innings, respectively. Don’t bother betting on Buttler leaving Gayle in the wake as you won’t win much.Related

• No-ball incident: Pant fined 100% of match fee; Amre handed one-match ban

• No-ball fracas: Frustrated Pant says 'third umpire should have interfered'

• Another Buttler century, Prasidh three-for clinch run-fest against Capitals

Interestingly, though, Buttler is using the same modus operandi that Gayle deployed to leave the opposition think tanks numb and their bowlers dumbfounded. Of his 491 runs this IPL, Buttler has got 356 just in boundaries. And that is the ethos of Buttler’s T20 batting: hack runs relentlessly in fours and sixes without bothering about breaking a sweat running twos and threes. Preserve, and not waste energy has been Buttler’s success mantra, which has helped the Rajasthan Royals opener smack some of the biggest boundaries even in the death overs.His match-winning 65-ball 116 against Delhi Capitals on Friday was no different. Having put Royals to bat, Capitals captain Rishabh Pant said his bowlers would get good purchase bowling first on the green-tinged Wankhede pitch. He felt if Capitals could restrict Royals to 150-160, that would put his side in the driver’s seat.ESPNcricinfo LtdAfter five overs, Royals were 29 for 0, so timely accelaration was going to be key to Royals’ chances of putting up a formidable total. And Buttler seemed the perfect fit for the job. After all, a slow start has become his default approach to setting up his base. Or so has been a consistent feature across all the three centuries he has hit this season. Against Mumbai Indians, his hundred saw him crawl to 12 off the first 15 deliveries. Against Kolkata Knight Riders, he made 103, scoring his first 17 runs in 15 balls. On Friday, while he got two boundaries in the first over of Royals’ innings, neither was in control. After 14 balls, Buttler was on just 11.In all three centuries this season, Buttler’s dot-ball percentage was one of the highest. In fact, against Mumbai he had 28 dots in 68 balls. That is 41.20% – the highest in a century in the IPL. Against Knight Riders, it was 34.40% (24/65) and against Capitals it was 36.90% (21/61). In comparison, the dot-ball percentage in Kohli’s five centuries ranged between 17% and 30%. Gayle, though, had similar numbers to that of Buttler with an average of 34%. The median dot-ball percentage for Buttler stands at 35.70% while Gayle’s was 34.20% and Kohli’s 20.70%.Against Mumbai, Buttler had ransacked 26 runs in a single over off Basil Thampi in the powerplay which was one of the turning points in the game. On Friday, in the final over of the powerplay, bowled by Khaleel Ahmed, Buttler stepped deep into the crease and unleashed a powerful hoick over deep midwicket for a six. Next one the ball flew over mid-off and was racing to the boundary except it ended being a double after David Warner plunged forward to stop the ball crossing the rope. Next ball, though, Buttler once again picked another length ball and sent it over deep midwicket. With a grimace, Pant, shaking his head, looked at Khaleel.Pant wouldn’t let go of that cringed look on his face during Buttler’s stay, which went as deep as the 19th over. No Capitals bowler was able to put an iota of doubt into Buttler’s mind, not even Kuldeep Yadav, who was the second-highest wicket-taker before the match. Kuldeep also had a favourable match-up against Buttler: in all T20s he had given away just 36 runs off 25 deliveries while getting the Royals batter twice. On Friday, Buttler hit the left-arm wristspinner for 31 runs off 12 balls, including two fours and three sixes, when coming into this game, Kuldeep had been hit for just four fours across six T20 innings by Buttler.And it wasn’t Kuldeep alone who bore the brunt of Buttler’s blitzkrieg. As late as the 19th over, Mustafizur Rahman attempted a yorker which turned into a low full toss, and Buttler swept it by dissecting the deep-square leg and the long leg region. Next ball, with the delivery angled wide outside off stump, Buttler moved deep into the crease, used a top-handle grip and wedged the ball over long-off while treating it like a golf club.The mechanics of Buttler’s batting is pretty simple: once he has got his eye in, he uses the crease smartly, uses the angles wisely and puts to use those powerful, rubbery wrists to send the ball wherever he wants. In the power-hitting hall of fame, Buttler occupies a singular place: the throne.As far as IPL 2022 is concerned, it is just about mid-season and Buttler is nine short of 500 runs. Can he score 1000 runs this season – a feat never achieved in any edition before? Can he overtake Gayle on the list of most IPL hundreds, soon?It is scary to think what Buttler can do.

Set pieces in the Premier League are back in fashion, with teams looking to exploit corners, free kicks and long throw ins once again after a period of tiki-taka football inspired by Pep Guardiola.

Now, plenty of the 20 top-flight clubs have set-piece coaches, with title contenders Arsenal arguably the best in the world at dead-ball situations, led by Nicolas Jover.

If used correctly, teams can cause havoc from corners, throw-ins and free kicks, leaving no stone unturned. Here you can find a live ranking of every Premier League club in the 2025/2026 season, with every goal scored from set-pieces updated weekly.

20

Man City

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 0

Surprisingly, Man City are rock bottom of the set-piece goal table and are yet to register from a corner, free-kick or throw in.

Pep Guardiola’s side were awarded their first penalty of the season against Liverpool, however, Erling Haaland failed to convert. That hasn’t stopped the striker leading the way in the goalscoring charts, though.

19

Wolves

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 2

Rock bottom of the league table, Wolves don’t fare much better in the set-piece table, registering two goals from dead-ball situations.

Vitor Pereira lost his job after 10 games without a win, with those at Molineux facing a huge task to remain in the Premier League in 2026.

18

Liverpool

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 2

Defending champions Liverpool haven’t been at their best so far this season, and are also struggling at set-pieces, netting just twice from dead-ball situations.

Excluding penalties, the Reds only scored five times from corners, free-kicks and throw-ins last season, showing a side of the game Arne Slot’s side could do with improving.

17

Fulham

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 2

Now an established Premier League team, Fulham, under Marco Silva, have the likes of Rodrigo Muniz and Raul Jimenez in attack looking to get on the end of any set piece.

The Cottagers have also benefited more from own goals than any other side in the top flight so far with three.

16

Aston Villa

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 2

Aston Villa netted 14 times from set pieces in 2024/25, however, Unai Emery’s side have only registered two goals from dead-ball scenarios so far this season.

On the up after a poor start, Villa will be looking to increase their set-piece tally while also balancing Europa League football at Villa Park.

15

Nottingham Forest

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 3

Nottingham Forest, who netted 12 times from corners, free-kicks and throw-ins in 2024/25 under Nuno Espirito Santo, are on three set-piece goals.

After sacking Nuno and his replacement Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche is the man in charge at the City Ground, so Forest’s set-piece record could quickly improve.

14

Burnley

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 3

Burnley have so far scored six Premier League goals, three of which have come from dead-ball situations.

The Clarets under Scott Parker, could rely heavily on set pieces if they are to avoid the drop back to the Championship.

13

West Ham

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 4

Struggling at the bottom of both tables are West Ham. The Hammers were among first to make a managerial change, with Nuno replacing Graham Potter at the London Stadium.

He’s improved on the Irons’ poor record from set pieces with four goals, which has helped them record some crucial wins.

12

Everton

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 4

Everton, under David Moyes, appear to be settling in to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium and will be looking to avoid another relegation battle.

Iliman Ndiaye scored the first penalty at Everton’s new stadium in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, and the Toffees have scored three more from corners, free-kicks or throw-ins.

11

Newcastle

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 4

With Champions League football back on offer at St James’ Park, Newcastle have struggled by their recent standards in the Premier League.

The Magpies have managed to score three goals from corners, free-kicks and throw-ins, with the other among from the spot, so they are on track to surpass their 24/25 tally of nine excluding penalties.

Heat’s finals hopes in danger while Thunder win back-to-back games after beginning with three losses

AAP21-Nov-2025Sydney Thunder’s huge total of 200 for 6 has secured their second consecutive win in the WBBL and put the winless Brisbane Heat’s finals hopes in grave danger.Thunder opener Tahlia Wilson secured her second consecutive player-of-the-match award to inspire a 41-run. Wilson’s 79 off just 51 deliveries was the foundation for the 200-run total after being asked to bat by the hosts at Allan Border Field on Friday.The Heat were never in the hunt, despite a swashbuckling innings by South Africa international Nadine de Klerk (43 off 27 deliveries), and were bowled out for 159 in 19.1 overs.Wilson’s knock was just four runs short of her best-ever total of 83 and followed on from her unbeaten 55 against Perth Scorchers two days earlier.The 26-year-old drove the ball straight down the ground and through the off-side with precision and played an array of flicks through the leg-side, striking eight boundaries and clearing the rope twice.Wilson said opening the innings suited the way she wanted to play after taking her game to a new level.”I think being back at the top of the order has been a good thing for me,” Wilson told AAP. “I can go out there early, time the ball and get full value. I have expanded my game this year and I’m glad it is paying off.”In pre-season, I worked on trying to hit down the ground a lot more. A lot of girls know I do like to hit it square, but adding that gives me that option to go straight down the ground, particularly in the power play.”The Heat were without key batters Grace Harris (calf) and India’s World Cup star Jemimah Rodrigues, who had to return to India for a personal commitment.After 10 overs, the Thunder were 99 for 1, with the only joy for the Heat coming when their captain Jess Jonassen trapped her former Heat teammate Georgia Voll (21) in front attempting a reverse sweep.Thunder captain Phoebe Litchfield played an assortment of ramps and lofted off drives in her entertaining 31 off 19 balls, which included six boundaries.It was an attempted ramp that brought Litchfield’s downfall with Nicola Hancock rattling the stumps.Former Heat master blaster Laura Harris had no joy against her old team, holing out for her second golden duck in a row.The Heat’s WBBL campaign is on the rocks with no wins in four matches. Last year’s finalists will need to win five of their remaining six games to have a chance of figuring in this year’s finals series. The Thunder have found form with back-to-back wins after starting the season with three losses.

Taijul Islam equalled Shakib Al Hasan’s record for the most Test wickets for Bangladesh on a day when a 5.5 magnitude earthquake caused severe tremors in parts of Bangladesh. Play was stopped for three minutes as the players gathered around the pitch, seeing their team-mates empty the dressing rooms.When play resumed shortly afterwards, Taijul reached 246 wickets during his four-wicket haul in Ireland’s first innings, in which they were bowled out for 265 runs. The hosts did not enforce the follow-on and reached 156 for 1 at stumps, leading Ireland by a mammoth 367 runs. Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque were unbeaten on 69 and 19, respectively.Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman added 119 runs for the opening wicket in Bangladesh’s second innings. This was only the second time that the Bangladesh openers had added two century stands in a Test series, the last coming in England in 2010.Related

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Legspinner Gavin Hoey broke the partnership when he trapped Mahmudul lbw for 60. He struck six boundaries in his 91-ball knock, although Mahmudul did survive a couple of chances.When the third day began, Ireland were trying to recover from their overnight precarious position of 98 for 5, with Bangladesh having amassed 476 in the first innings. Lorcan Tucker top-scored for the visitors with an unbeaten 75, as he put on two sizable partnerships – 81 runs for the sixth wicket with debutant Stephen Doheny and 74 for the eighth wicket with Jordan Neill.Both batters looked comfortable in the first hour-and-a-half of the morning session, racking up consistent boundaries. Taijul broke the partnership with a beauty when he removed Doheny for 46 with a classic left-arm spinner’s delivery that beat the right-hander on the front foot. Just one ball later, Taijul cleaned up Andy McBrine with a delivery that spun into the left-hander’s offstump, from over the wicket.Despite the two blows, Tucker and Neill dug in. Neill, playing his second Test, struck nine fours in his 49. He, however, fell trying too many things against Ebadat Hossain, getting caught in the covers. The Irish tail caved quickly when Khaled Ahmed had Hoey caught behind for four, before Taijul had Matthew Humphreys caught at point, trying a reverse sweep.