Wolvaardt’s century off just 52 balls, the fastest for South Africa, helped them to their highest score in the format
ESPNcricinfo staff05-Dec-2025
Laura Wolvaardt scored her second T20I hundred at Newlands against Ireland•Cricket South Africa
Laura Wolvaardt’s 56-ball 115 and an all-round show from Sune Luus helped South Africa beat Ireland in the first women’s T20I by 105 runs, their joint third-biggest win by runs, at Newlands.Batting at No. 3, Wolvaardt scored a 52-ball century, the fastest for South Africa and the joint sixth-quickest in T20Is, and was involved in a 176-run second-wicket partnership with Luus as the hosts posted their highest T20I total of 220 for 2. Having opened the batting, Luus also took the new ball and struck twice in the first over to dismiss Amy Hunter and allrounder Orla Prendergast. That effectively derailed Ireland early from what would have been an unlikely chase..Luus and Wolvaardt got together after South Africa opted to bat and lost Faye Tunnicliffe in the second over. They started steadily before stepping on the pedal in the last two overs of the powerplay, taking 32 including a 20-run over from Lara McBride. Wolvaardt was the aggressor and she romped past fifty in just 24 balls, beating Lizelle Lee’s mark of 26 balls for the fastest T20I half-century for South Africa.Aided by plenty of misfields from Ireland, South Africa raced past 100 in the tenth over, thanks to another 20-run over, this time from Louise Little in which Wolvaardt went 6, 4, 4, 4. South Africa’s best second-wicket stand ended when Luus, on her career-best 81, tried an ungainly reverse hit against seamer Ava Canning, Ireland’s best bowler on the day, and was bowled.That brought Dane van Niekerk, playing her first international since September 2021, to the middle. She saw Wolvaardt complete her second T20I hundred before unleashing an array of strokes to finish 21 not out of just eight balls, a strike rate of 262.50.Only captain Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul offered a semblance of resistance for the tourists with a 42-run partnership off 39 balls. Once both of them fell in the space of 22 balls, Ireland folded quickly, losing nine wickets to spin. Luus returned as the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 22 while both left-arm spinners Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon took two apiece.
da bet esporte： IShowSpeed is one of the biggest online superstars, boasting over 40 million YouTube subscribers, while also having more than 36 million Instagram followers.
da doce： Speed’s real name is Darren Watkins Jr, and he was born Cincinnati, Ohio in January 2005. Best known for his energetic content, visiting numerous countries and athletic challenges, Speed has admitted that he wants to represent the United States of America at the 2028 Olympic Games.
He showcased his pace and shocked many after challenging Noah Lyles to a race towards the end of 2024, and Speed has admitted previously he has run a 100m time of 10.5 seconds.
But how does that rank against some of the best footballers in the world such as Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and his idol Cristiano Ronaldo?
Well, AI tool ChatGPT has estimated the 100m times of some of the quickest players past and present, and it looks as if the internet star has the beating of many.
AI predicts 100m race between footballers and IShowSpeed
Predicted time
Alphonso Davies
10.3 seconds
Gareth Bale (prime)
10.3 seconds
Adama Traore (prime)
10.4 seconds
IShowSpeed
10.5 seconds
Cristiano Ronaldo (prime)
10.6 seconds
Kylian Mbappe
10.6 seconds
Erling Haaland
10.8 seconds
Theo Hernandez
10.8 seconds
Theo Hernandez 10.8 seconds
Noted for his ‘excellent recovery speed’ by ChatGPT, Theo Hernandez is regarded as one of the quickest defenders around and is a must use for any player on EA FC 25.
The Frenchman once reportedly hit 35.7km per hour in the Champions League, but over 100m has been predicted to finish in 10.8 seconds, meaning Speed is quicker.
Erling Haaland 10.8 seconds
A machine and clinical finisher, Erling Haaland doesn’t seem real at times, using his pace and power to bully some of the best defenders around.
The Manchester City superstar wouldn’t have the better of Speed in a 100m race, though, according to Chat GPT, who say despite Haaland being excellent over 60m, he would record a 100m time of 10.8 seconds.
Kylian Mbappe 10.6 seconds
Regarded as one of the fastest forwards on the planet today, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe wouldn’t be quick enough to beat Speed.
The Frenchman has been backed to clock a time of 10.6 seconds over 100m, so it would be close between Mbappe and Speed with the latter running out as the winner.
Cristiano Ronaldo (prime) 10.6 seconds
A race that millions across the world would like to see is Speed vs Cristiano Ronaldo.
ChatGPT states that Ronaldo clocked 96m in 10 seconds during his time at Real Madrid, but even in his prime, Speed could beat his idol by a tenth in a 100m dash.
Adama Traore (prime) 10.4 seconds
When you think of Adama Traore, you immediately think of speed and power. Traore wouldn’t look out of place in a professional 100m race, and he would pip Speed across that distance according to AI.
The former Barcelona youngster has been predicted to record a time of 10.4 seconds, just pipping the internet star.
Gareth Bale (prime) 10.3 seconds
Citing his famous sprint against Barcelona in 2014 Copa del Rey final, Speed wouldn’t have the better of a prime Gareth Bale, according to ChatGPT.
The Welshman was known for his pace during his time at Tottenham and Real Madrid, and reaching a top speed of 36.9km per hour, would finish a 100m race in 10.3 seconds.
Alphonso Davies 10.3 seconds
A player with ‘explosive acceleration’ who is ‘built like a sprinter’, Alphonso Davies would also have the better of Speed, ChatGPT says.
The Canada international actually watched the Champions League final with Speed and a real race between the pair looks set to be on the cards once the Bayern Munich star is back from injury.
انتقد آلان باردو، المدير الفني السابق لنادي نيوكاسل يونايتد، أداء اثنين من لاعبي ليفربول في الوقت الحالي، حيث سخر من مستواهما تحت قيادة المدرب آرني سلوت ذلك الموسم.
ويعاني ليفربول من فترة سيئة مؤخرًا، حيث تعرض للهزيمة في 4 مباريات متتالية في الدوري الإنجليزي أمام كل من كريستال بالاس، تشيلسي، مانشستر يونايتد وبرينتفورد.
وقال آلان باردو، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “ليفربول وورلد” الإنجليزية: “أليسون مصاب، ليفربول يمتلك حارسًا آخر، مامارداشفيلي، الذي لا أقول إنه ضعيف، ولكنه يتمتع بشخصية مختلفة في حراسة المرمى”.
وأضاف: “كيركيز يعاني بشدة بقميص ليفربول، لقد جاء من بورنموث حيث قدم موسمًا رائعًا، خاصة بفضل أدائه الهجومي، لكنه انكشف دفاعيًا وعانى مجددًا”.
اقرأ أيضًا.. وارنوك: الراحل جوتا وراء ما يحدث لـ ليفربول.. وأشعر بالذهول من الحديث المنتشر حول سلوت
وواصل: “لطالما كان برادلي يدخل ويخرج من تشكيل ليفربول، في حين يبدو أن كوناتي وفان دايك وكأنهما دخلا في شجار، لا أعلم، ربما يسرق وجبة فان دايك في ملعب التدريب! يبدو أن هناك نقصًا ما”.
واستكمل: “يعتمد ليفربول على كورتيس جونز وسوبوسلاي، لذلك لم يحصل أليستر على الزخم المناسب، هناك مشكلة هنا، كان جرافنبيرخ أساس الفريق منذ العام الماضي”.
وشدد: “محمد صلاح لا يؤدي العمل الذي كان يفعله في العام الماضي، جاكبو ليس مدافعًا بالفطرة، هناك العديد من نقاط الضعف عندما يكون التحليل من الناحية الدفاعية، بينما يبحث سلوت عن الاستقرار خاصة في الخلف والوسط”.
da aposte e ganhe： Depois de um acesso e um título estadual, o técnico Léo Condé está de saída do Ceará. A queda para a Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro acabou pesando na decisão de não renovar com o treinador, que tinha vínculo somente até este ano.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCearáCeará amarga rebaixamento e descumpre duas metas no anoCeará08/12/2025CearáPresidente do Ceará explica rebaixamento: ‘Faltou equilíbrio’Ceará09/12/2025CearáAnálise: irregularidade causa um cruel rebaixamento para o CearáCeará10/12/2025
da esport bet： ➡️ Tudo sobre o Vovô agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Ceará
Condé chegou ao Ceará em junho de 2024, tendo contrato até o fim daquela temporada. O Alvinegro estava na Série B e buscava o acesso à elite do futebol nacional, o que se concretizou na última rodada do campeonato.
Em 2025, o treinador foi campeão estadual com o Vovô diante do rival Fortaleza. Após as quedas na terceira fase da Copa do Brasil e na semifinal da Copa do Nordeste, restava ao clube a disputa do Campeonato Brasileiro.
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➡️ Análise: irregularidade causa um cruel rebaixamento para o Ceará
Em uma campanha marcada pela irregularidade, o Ceará não conseguiu se afastar efetivamente do Z4. Com a derrota para o Palmeiras e os demais resultados, o time foi rebaixado. A rodada final foi, portanto, a úica do clube na zona de rebaixamento.
A passagem de Léo Condé no Alvinegro durou 83 jogos. Foram 37 vitórias, 17 empates e 29 derrotas, com 103 gols marcados e 78 sofridos.
➡️ Ceará amarga rebaixamento e descumpre duas metas no ano
Ceará descumpre duas metas de 2025
Com o rebaixamento, o Ceará descumpriu a última meta esportiva que restava para a temporada 2025. Anteriormente, os objetivos foram alcançados em duas das outras três.
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Nas metas, anunciadas no fim do ano passado, a previsão era de título no Campeonato Cearense. Tal fato se concretizou, visto que a equipe superou o rival Fortaleza na decisão e ficou com o bicampeonato.
da marjack bet： If Mikel Arteta could pick any striker in world football to bring to Arsenal this summer then it’s likely Alexander Isak would be at the top of their list.
da supremo： The Gunners looked at adding the impressive Swede to their ranks before he actually signed for Newcastle, but were reportedly put off by his asking price.
How foolish they were. Isak has become a genuine phenomenon in the following years, notably scoring as many as 27 goals in 42 games throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
In comparison, Arsenal struggled in front of goal. No player scored double figures in the league and their leading bagsman was Kai Havertz on 15.
Sadly, Isak now looks to be off the table. Liverpool are also dreaming of a move but with a reported £150m asking price and the Toon having secured Champions League football, signing the forward is now a pipe dream.
Arsenal's Isak alternatives
Much of the chatter so far this summer has revolved around two men; Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.
Sesko has been of interest for quite some time now but the asking price of both players, as it did with Isak a few years ago, is proving problematic.
Sesko is now thought to have an asking price of between £68m to £85m. That’s according to Sky Germany who still insist that Arsenal have a ‘positive’ feeling a deal can be done.
So, how about Gyokeres? Well, according to reports from Portuguese outlet, Record, Arsenal have put a £55m offer on the table. That isn’t deemed enough by his club, Sporting CP.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As a result, the report notes that Andrea Berta and Co are set to turn their attention to another striker. That man is Ollie Watkins.
Indeed, it’s speculated that the Gunners have put their efforts to sign Gyokeres on hold and will begin drawing up plans to sign Watkins instead.
It’s stated that talks have already been held with the Aston Villa forward’s representatives.
Arsenal tried to do a deal for Watkins back in January but with Jhon Duran heading to Saudi, a move felt impossible with all bids rejected.
Why Watkins could become Arsenal's very own Isak
Isak hasn’t just been one of the most impressive centre-forwards in the Premier League, but he’s also now one of the best in Europe, notably even heralded as “the best striker in the world” by analyst Raj Chohan.
Indeed, over the last two seasons, he’s been right up there as far as goal scorers are concerned, bagging 44 in 64 matches. The only two players to better that record? Erling Haaland and Mo Salah.
Premier League top scorers since 2023/24
Player
Games
Goals
1. Erling Haaland
62
49
2. Mo Salah
70
47
3. Alexander Isak
64
44
4. Cole Plamer
71
37
5. Ollie Watkins
75
35
6. Chris Wood
67
34
7. Yoanne Wissa
69
31
8. Jean-Philippe Mateta
72
30
Data via StatsMuse.
As we can see, the aforementioned Watkins is also right up there. Now said to boast an asking price of £40m, he could be around £100m cheaper than Isak which is rather incredible considering there isn’t much to separate the two players in the last two years. Indeed, only a few years ago, one prominent analyst on social media suggested that he was “a €100m player” if he could score goals regularly in the Premier League.
While he may not be as prolific as he was in 2023/24, if we add assists to the mix as well, the Villa star – who won the Premier League’s Playmaker Award in 2023/24 for creating the most goals – is a better all-around package.
In the last two seasons, Isak has registered just eight assists but Watkins has as many as 21. Compared to the Premier League’s best in that time, only Salah has more.
Top assist makers in the Premier League since 2023/24
Player
Assist tally
Games
1. Mo Salah
28
70
2. Ollie Watkins
21
75
3. Anthony Elanga
20
74
4. Bukayo Saka
19
60
5. Cole Palmer
19
71
6. Jacob Murphy
19
56
7. Son Heung-min
19
65
8. Bruno Fernandes
18
71
Data via StatsMuse.
So, there is a clear difference in their chance creation, but as far as their other attributes go, they’re very alike.
Crucially, not only are they both Premier League proven, something that neither Sesko or Gyokeres can shout about, they share similar traits such as the ability to play on the shoulder of the last man and run in behind.
In Havertz and Mikel Merino, Arteta has two players who lead the line with their back to goal. They don’t have the pace of Watkins or Isak to run beyond the defence. It’s an attribute they have sorely missed in the last few seasons.
They’re also rather proficient carriers of the ball. Over the last two seasons, Newcastle’s star man has registered 2.71 progressive carries per 90 minutes, actually beating Watkins’ efforts of 1.81 per 90.
They combine that with raw pace, too. During Euro 2024, Watkins was clocked at a top speed of 32.4 km/h while Isak has previously been clocked at 33.6 km/h. In comparison, Merino was the third-slowest player in the Premier League at one point during 2024/25, hitting a top speed of just 29.7 km/h.
How Arsenal's striker targets compare in 2024/25.
So, it’s evident Arsenal need someone who’s a bit more mobile. Isak would guarantee this but with the Swede off the table, Watkins is surely the next best thing as far as proven players in the English top-flight go.
He’s a competent ball carrier, he’s got pace and he’s more efficient in front of goal than the aforementioned Sesko. He’s also far better at creating chances. Over the last two seasons, the England international has amassed 56 goal contributions while Sesko has only managed 34.
If Arsenal want a win-now solution, Watkins is the man.
He's more proven than Gyokeres: Arsenal in talks to sign £63m "monster"
Arsenal could sign a proven elite striker instead of Viktor Gyokeres.
كشفت صحيفة سبورت الإسبانية، عن رغبة نادي مانشستر يونايتد في التعاقد مع لاعب نادي برشلونة السابق، وذلك خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي العام المقبل.
مانشستر يونايتد دعم صفوفه بشكل جيد خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الأخير، لكن النادي الإنجليزي يريد ضم لاعبين جدد بحثًا عن العودة للمنافسة على كافة الألقاب خلال السنوات المقبلة.
ومن بين المراكز التي يتطلع مانشستر يونايتد إلى تدعيمها هو مركز المهاجم الصريح، وذلك رغم ضم بينجامين سيسكو من لايبزيج خلال صيف العام الحالي مقابل أكثر من 80 مليون يورو.
ويحتاج مانشستر يونايتد إلى عمق في مركز المهاجم الصريح مع عدم ظهور جوشوا زيركيزي بالشكل المطلوب منذ انضمامه إلى النادي الإنجليزي.
وذكرت الصحيفة، أن مانشستر يونايتد يتطلع وبقوة إلى التعاقد مع فيتور روكي، مهاجم نادي برشلونة السابق، وبالميراس الحالي.
اقرأ أيضًا .. نجم برشلونة مدافعًا عن يامال: محترف رائع وما يقدمه في عمره أمرًا مذهلًا
وأضافت الصحيفة، أن إدارة مانشستر يونايتد تتابع روكي عن كثب خلال الفترة الأخيرة وتجهز عرضًا بقيمة 50 مليون يورو لضم المهاجم الشاب خلال صيف العام المقبل.
وأوضحت الصحيفة، أن برشلونة في الجهة المقابلة قد يستفيد من بيع روكي إلى مانشستر يونايتد، حيث لا يزال الفريق الكتالوني يملك 20% من حقوق اللاعب، ما يعني أن البلوجرانا قد يحصل على 10 ملايين يورو حال وقع روكي مع النادي الإنجليزي.
روكي كان قد وقع مع برشلونة خلال عام 2024، وذلك قادمًا من صفوف أتلتيكو باراناينسي مقابل 30 مليون يورو، لكن اللاعب لم يستطيع إثبات نفسه مع البلوجرانا.
ثم ذهب روكي في إعارة لمدة عامين مع ريال بيتيس، قبل أن يوقع معه بالميراس بشكل نهائي خلال صيف العام الحالي مقابل 25 مليون يورو.
وتألق روكي مع بالميراس خلال هذا الموسم، حيث سجل اللاعب 17 هدفًا وقدم خمس تمريرات حاسمة خلال 50 مشاركة مع النادي البرازيلي في كافة المسابقات.
Connolly had played just four first class games and was wicketless from his 96 deliveries before his Test debut in Galle
Tristan Lavalette06-Feb-20250:40
Connolly: ‘I like to be aggressive while I’m playing red-ball cricket as well’
From the moment his clutch batting memorably lifted Perth Scorchers to the BBL title almost exactly two years ago, Cooper Connolly quickly became a fan favourite and there was plenty of intrigue over the potential of this promising left-arm spinning allrounder.But even his legion of admirers out west could not have foreshadowed his rise to Test cricket would be so swift. After just four first-class matches, the 21-year-old Connolly became Australia’s 471st men’s cricketer after he replaced offspinner Todd Murphy in Australia’s XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He became Australia’s fourth debutant in as many Tests.With his emotional parents standing nearby, Connolly, 21, was presented with his baggy green cap by former Test batter and fellow Western Australian Simon Katich.Related
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His selection for this Test had been murmured in recent days with expectations that the surface used for this match would be notably dry and especially favourable to spin.Connolly’s selection has raised some eyebrows given he is wicketless from 96 deliveries in his first-class career so far. But all three of his Shield matches have been at the pace-friendly WACA ground, while he bowled only six overs against India A in Mackay in early November which was his last first-class match.Albeit a different format, but Connolly did take six wickets in the recent BBL season – where he was named player of the tournament after scoring the most runs in the league stage – highlighted by a strong performance against Sydney Thunder in favourable spinning conditions at the Showgrounds.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
If the surface for the second Test does spin sharply, Connolly could prove dangerous and provides another left-arm spinning option alongside Matthew Kuhnemann, who had so much success in the series opener.”From what I’ve seen in the nets he bowls some really good balls,” stand-in captain Steven Smith said on Wednesday. “He was pretty consistent when he was bowling in Dubai and in the nets here.”That’s kind of all you’ve got to do in these conditions, just try and bowl as many good balls in a good area and let the conditions take over.”Connolly’s inclusion also underlines bolder selections from Australia’s hierarchy who have shown a willingness to experiment ever since picking 19-year-old Sam Konstas for the Boxing Day Test against India.Cooper Connolly receives his debut cap from Simon Katich•Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
With Australia’s spot in the World Test Championship final secured, Connolly edged veteran Glenn Maxwell for a spot on the Sri Lanka tour having made his T20I and ODI debuts in the backend of last year. Undoubtedly, selectors have an eye towards the future – Australia’s next tour of India is just two years away – but they will insist his selection in the second Test is a decision based on specific conditions.At this stage of his fledgling career, Connolly is certainly a much stronger batter and adds significant depth to Australia’s order at No. 8. He has already scored three half-centuries from his six first-class innings, starting with 90 off 115 balls on debut at No. 7 in last year’s Shield final between WA and Tasmania.It was an elegant knock on a tricky WACA surface that instantly drew comparisons to former WA great Shaun Marsh. But given his all-round skills and X-factor ability, with an uncanny knack of hitting the most mesmerising shots, Connolly has been likened to Maxwell and Travis Head.”It’s pretty cool to be honest. You dream of it as a kid watching them smack it around,” he told ESPNcricinfo last December about the comparisons to Maxwell and Head. “I feel proud of myself… it’s a dream to put on a baggy green.”
تحدث الألماني توني كروس، لاعب ريال مدريد السابق، عن الأزمة التي نشبت بين فينيسيوس جونيور ومدربه تشابي ألونسو خلال مباراة برشلونة في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني.
واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة الكلاسيكو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”، يوم الأحد الماضي.
وتمكن ريال مدريد من حسم نتيجة المباراة بثنائية مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.
وفي الدقيقة 72، قرر تشابي ألونسو خروج فينيسيوس جونيور ونزول مواطنه رودريجو، ولكن ذلك القرار لم يعجب الأول.
وأبدى فينيسيوس جونيور غضبه واستياءه من قرار تشابي ألونسو، حيث انفعل بطريقة عصبية على ذلك الإجراء، وظل يردد كلمات وهو في حالة انفعال شديد خلال خروجه.
وقال كروس، في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “سبورت”: “عندما تقدم أداءً استثنائيًا وخاصةً في مباراة كهذه، لا تشعر بالسعادة، لن يعجبني أبدًا استبدالي ولكن لأكون منصفًا لن أذهب مباشرةً إلى غرفة الملابس بعد استبدالي”.
اقرأ أيضًا | دوجاري: فينيسيوس لا يتوقف عن البكاء.. وبيريز سيبيعه
وأضاف: “يمكنك دائمًا الحكم من الخارج لكنني أود أن أذكر أنه في الواقع، لا أحد باستثناء من حضروا المباراة أمام 80 ألف متفرج والنتيجة 2-1، يدركون أنك لا تريد أي شيء سوى الرحيل”.
وأردف: “لا أحد ممن يحكمون على المباراة في النهاية يستطيع تخيل هذا الشعور أو في كثير من الأحيان، معظم من يحكمون عليها ببساطة لا يستطيعون وضع أنفسهم في مكانهم”.
واستطرد: “عندما تنظر إلى الأمر بهدوء وبعيدًا عن العواطف، قد تقول حسنًا، يمكنني كبت غضبي لفترة أطول، أفهم ذلك، لكن كما ترون من الصور، لا يبدو الوضع مثاليًا”.
وأتم: “مع ذلك أود الإشارة إلى أن التواجد في مثل هذه المباراة يُمثل حالة عاطفية استثنائية، لقد مررت بهذه التجربة مرات عديدة، لذلك ليس عليك دائمًا أن تأخذ كل شيء على محمل الجد، المدربون لا يفعلون ذلك عادةً وخاصةً أولئك الذين كانوا لاعبين سابقين”.
da bwin： Chelsea transfer chiefs appear set to be thwarted by European champions PSG in their pursuit of a top target, with Enzo Maresca dealt his first summer blow as he looks to reshape the squad in his image.
"Huge fan" – Maresca really wants Chelsea to sign £68m Real Madrid target
The Italian views him as a top transfer priority.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025
da casino： Despite possessing a squad rich with youthful quality, their 3-1 Club World Cup defeat to Brazilian side Flamengo indicates there is still plenty of work to be done on the squad, with Maresca also looking to transform Chelsea into genuine title challengers.
The Italian, speaking in a press conference after Chelsea’s damaging loss – which now makes their next game against ES Tunis an absolute must-win – admitted that he’s currently experimenting with his system and tactics in preparation for 2025/2026.
Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season
Average match rating
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
“Unfortunately, we conceded two goals in a very short period, a very short moment — and then the red card,” Maresca said.
“Then it’s very complicated to come back into the game. We tried, but congratulations to them. I think we tried to do something different during the game, also for next season, but congratulations to them. Now we have one more game, and we are going to try to win the next one.”
Off the field, one of many items on Chelsea’s to-do list when it comes to summer recruitment is the addition of a new central defender – which has long been rumoured as a priority.
Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Wesley Fofana face uncertain futures, according to some reports, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande among the names on Chelsea’s centre-back shortlist this summer.
However, Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi won’t be moving to west London.
Chelsea target Illia Zabarnyi agrees to join PSG
Zabarnyi was called the Premier League’s most “underrated” defender recently by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, and Chelsea recently knocked on the Ukraine international’s door in their pursuit of another option for the heart of Maresca’s defence.
“He is probably the most underrated player,” said Redknapp.
“I also spoke with Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko, and he mentioned that Illia has everything it takes to reach the next level. Everyone is talking about Dean Huijsen. Yes, he is a fantastic young player, but Zabarnyi plays very aggressively in defense as well. I was genuinely impressed by him. He shows remarkable calmness on the pitch.”
Bournemouth are demanding around £51 million to let the 22-year-old leave, but according to journalist Graeme Bailey, Zabarnyi has agreed terms to join PSG despite Chelsea’s attempts to sign him.
“He really is only focused on PSG,” Bailey told TBR Football.
“I am told that he has agreed personal terms in principle, but there is still some way to go in terms between Bournemouth and PSG. Bournemouth are not too happy with how this is going, but they know the player wants the move and has made that clear.
“When a team like PSG comes calling, even when there is no release clause – it is tough. I can confirm even in the last few weeks since it emerged about PSG, that Chelsea and Newcastle again asked the question, but were also told that he only wants PSG.”
Noman’s hat-trick bundled out West Indies for 163, before Warrican’s four restricted Pakistan to 154
Danyal Rasool25-Jan-2025
Noman Ali became the first Pakistan spinner to take a hat-trick in Tests•PCB
Head coach Aaqib Javed promised that Pakistan could prepare a spin-friendly wicket anywhere in the country, and the first day of the second Test against West Indies in Multan demonstrated he had kept his promise. Spin ran riot once more, as 20 wickets fell and both sides wrapped up within nine runs of each other. A hat-trick from Noman Ali, the first by a Pakistani spinner in Tests, saw Pakistan tear through the visitors in the morning session.West Indies were reduced to 54 for 8 at one stage, before a remarkable recovery from the last three batters dragged them to the relative safety of 163. It became clear that two of them could play the spin game when West Indies got the ball in hand. Kemar Roach ripped through Pakistan’s top order, while Jomel Warrican and Gudakesh Motie split seven wickets between them. Only Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel offered resistance as Pakistan folded for 154.West Indies got their wish in the morning when they won the toss, allowing them to bat first. But they took little time running into trouble when Mikyle Louis poked behind to Rizwan, and got Pakistan up and running in the second over. Debutant Amir Jangoo was struck plumb in front by Sajid Khan five balls later, and Pakistan were on their way.Related
Noman Ali paying no heed to pitch criticism as second Test becomes 'a one-innings match'
Stats – Noman Ali first Pakistan spinner to take a hat-trick in Tests
Shan Masood defends spin-it-to-win-it strategy
Aaqib Javed says Pakistan's spinning pitches are here to stay
Kraigg Brathwaite and Kavem Hodge put together a brief partnership that saw off fast bowler Kashif Ali, and initially held off the spinners. But once that stand was punctured, bloodletting followed. West Indies lost five wickets in the next 13 balls that reduced them from 32 for 2 to 38 for 7.Three balls at the start of the 12th over from Noman got him his hat-trick with a mixture of deliveries. Justin Greaves’ edge came as a result of a touch of extra bounce, while Tevin Imlach missed a sweep to a straight one. With just about everyone crowding around the bat for the hat-trick ball, Noman pushed it in at pace and found a bit of turn off the pitch. It was much too good for Kevin Sinclair’s tentative prod, and Noman had his hat-trick.However, what transpired in the final hour before lunch showed that while the wicket was highly conducive to spin, it wasn’t necessarily unplayable. West Indies’ bottom three had made history last Test when they became the three highest scorers in an innings for the first time ever, and they repeated the feat in this game. Motie, Roach and Warrican produced a canny mix of resolute temperament and entertaining flair to somewhat steer West Indies out of troubled waters.Jomel Warrican got 4 for 43•AFP/Getty Images
Roach and Motie put on 41 for the ninth wicket before a missed sweep from the former gave Noman his fifth wicket. But Motie and Warrican linked up for another substantial contribution. It was a mix of good-cop, bad-cop as Motie shut the spinners out while Warrican gave them whacks from the other end. Lunch was extended as the final stand went on, and against all odds, went past 137 to get West Indies to their highest score of the series.A whack down the ground from Warrican brought up the 50-partnership before Motie brought up his own half-century. It was only at the stroke of lunch that Motie missed a slog sweep off Noman that rattled his off stump, and a session that began with total Pakistan dominance ended on a rather more neutral tenor.West Indies had, in Roach, a fast bowler they trusted even on this surface, and in the first hour, he showed why. Getting the new ball to nip both ways in the air and off the seam, he drew Mohammad Hurraira forward before rapping him on the front pad with one that seamed in, to draw first blood. It was the first of three wickets inside 14 balls.Babar Azam was beaten by the lack of bounce from Motie as he tried to slice off the back foot and missed a cut that saw the ball crash into off stump. The stumps were disturbed once more when Shan Masood played all around another Roach delivery that came back into him, and 163 suddenly seemed a long way off.Jomel Warrican and Gudakesh Motie added 68 runs for the final wicket•PCB
Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam dug in, playing survival cricket in a passage of play that spelled danger for Pakistan. They drew the sting out of the game over the next half an hour, halting West Indies’ momentum and taking the pressure off themselves as the partnership inched up and got Pakistan to 50.After Ghulam’s forward defensive shot to Motie hit him high on the bat and Alick Athanaze took a sharp catch, Shakeel and Rizwan took over. They looked more assured than any batter from either side all day: Shakeel absorbed pressure while Rizwan transferred it back on to the opposition. Providing the clearest template of how to bat in trying circumstances, Rizwan’s use of the feet, manipulation of the fields, and the sweep shot got the runs ticking along, bearing down on West Indies’ first-innings score.But a bit of brilliance in the field, and then with the ball, saw West Indies wrest control back. When Shakeel looked to jab Warrican through midwicket, his mistimed shot interested Roach at long-on. The veteran seamer dived forward at full extension to take a catch that injured him in the process. The wind in his sails, Warrican removed Rizwan soon after with a beauty, as one spun prodigiously to leave Rizwan high and dry halfway down the crease, giving Imlach all the time in the world to whip the bails off.West Indies had none of Pakistan’s problems when it came to running through the lower order. Pakistan went on to lose their last six wickets for 35 runs, the 20th of the day coming courtesy of a mix-up between Sajid and Kashif that resulted in a run-out. It was a gift to the bowlers on a day they had no need for such generosity.