The Committee of Administrators (CoA) has reminded the BCCI’s office bearers that it remains firmly in charge of the board’s administration and management. In a fresh directive issued on Thursday, it said the office bearers will function “subject to the supervision and control” of the CoA.Effectively the CoA has dismissed the office bearers’ decision to not heed to its directives after they were told they could not take any independent decisions.Over the past couple of weeks the BCCI office bearers – Amitabh Choudhary (acting secretary), Anirudh Chaudhry (treasurer) and CK Khanna (acting president) – have met the CoA on a few occasions, including on Wednesday, to the discuss the extent of their powers. The office bearers have insisted they are governed by the BCCI constitution, which allows them total control of the board.The office bearers have also called a special general body meeting (SGM) of the board on April 9 in Delhi to discuss the fallout of the various Supreme Court orders concerning the implementation of the Lodha Committee recommendations.The CoA is aware of the attempt by the office bearers to create a parallel power structure. To avoid any confusion, the CoA sent the directive to the office bearers and state associations on Thursday, which it said “supersedes” all its previous notices. “The existing office bearers and the CEO shall be bound to act in accordance with the directions of the Committee of Administrators and shall aid, assist and cooperate with the Committee of Administrators,” the COA said in a three-page directive.In another step that curtails their freedom, the office bearers as well as the various BCCI committees have been asked to inform the board’s chief executive officer Rahul Johri of any decisions they take and any meetings they call. Johri will then relay the information to the CoA. “All communications between the office bearers and any employees/retainers/consultants of the BCCI shall be copied to the CEO. The CEO shall keep the Committee of Administrators fully apprised of the actions being taken by the existing office bearers and may, for that purpose, call for any information/documents from any person that he considers necessary.”Going forward, the agenda of any board meeting would need to be sent to Johri as well. The person who chairs the meeting will also need to send the outcomes of the meeting to Johri on the same day it takes place.

The hosts shocked Pakistan with a record chase in the first ODI and are on the brink of a series win – something they haven’t managed against Pakistan since 1991

The Preview by Danyal Rasool08-Apr-2017Match factsApril 9, 2017
Start time 09:30 local (13:30 GMT)
1:06

‘Need to be even stronger on Sunday’ – Ashley Nurse

Big PictureWest Indies will barely have recovered from the high of a record-breaking win in the first ODI against Pakistan when they go at it again in the second game on Sunday. It had looked every inch the average game you would expect against a depleted West Indies side before lesser-known Jason Mohammed dismantled Pakistan’s fabled fast-bowling attack, sealing a chase of 309 with an over to spare. As a result, they prepare for the second game in the knowledge that they have the opportunity to wrap up a long-awaited series win against a top side.Pakistan’s shock at losing the first ODI was written large across each of their faces, none more so than captain Sarfraz Ahmed, who seemed to run out of ideas and composure in equal measure as Mohammed began his brutal onslaught in the last ten overs. His leadership will be tested right away, as he faces the responsibility of lifting his team after a morale-sapping defeat.There was much scrutiny on the pace of Pakistan’s innings during the middle overs, especially the sluggish way Mohammad Hafeez went about his innings, even though he did make up for it in the closing overs. However, Mickey Arthur also made plain his disappointment at the bowlers not being able to execute their plans at the back end. While there may be plenty of soul-searching for the visitors to do, they don’t have much time to do it.Form guide
West Indies WLLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan LLLLW
In the spotlightChadwick Walton was chosen ahead of Kraigg Brathwaite because West Indies coach Stuart Law felt he could take better advantage of the first Powerplay. But Walton’s ODI strike rate of 52.17 and average of 4.80 suggest Law’s faith stems from what he may have seen in practice or domestic cricket. While six ODIs isn’t a large sample size, those numbers are desperately disappointing by any standards, especially for an opener. As such, he may already be feeling the pressure to justify his coach’s faith, particularly if he is to make a case for inclusion in the upcoming Tests, a format where his average reads an even more forlorn 3.25 in four innings.Chadwick Walton is yet to deliver on the expectation of quick runs in the Powerplay for West Indies•AFPNo one splits opinion in Pakistan quite like Wahab Riaz, a true specimen of raw Pakistani fast bowling in all his bouncer-bowling, reverse-swinging, toe-crushing glory. But the other side of the left-armer is becoming impossible to ignore too. He has days – too many to be mentioned in the same breath as true fast bowling greats – when he is wildly inaccurate, struggles to keep his foot the right side of the crease or away from the danger zone down the middle of the pitch. With the criticism growing all the time, Wahab’s career may be at a crossroads and the upcoming months, starting with Sunday, could shape the mercurial cricketer’s future.Team newsThe result on Friday papered over what was a largely insipid performance from West Indies with both bat and ball for much of the contest, but the feel-good factor the win generated might tempt them to stick with the same eleven.West Indies XI (possible): 1 Evin Lewis, 2 Chadwick Walton (wk), 3 Kieran Powell, 4 Shai Hope, 5 Jason Mohammad, 6 Jonathan Carter, 7 Jason Holder (capt), 8 Ashley Nurse, 9 Devendra Bishoo, 10 Alzarri Joseph, 11 Shannon GabrielPakistan have more pressing selection quandaries than the hosts. Hafeez top-scored, but didn’t seem to convince many, even if his contribution with the ball should see him retain his place. Mohammad Amir and Wahab were both poor at the death, and Junaid Khan could get his chance at the expense of one of them.Pakistan XI (possible): 1 Ahmed Shehzad, 2 Kamran Akmal, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Mohammad Hafeez, 5 Shoaib Malik, 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (capt, wk), 7 Imad Wasim, 8 Shadab Khan, 9 Mohammad Amir, 10 Hasan Ali, 11 Junaid KhanPitch and conditionsThe newly-laid surface at the Providence Stadium played much better than its predecessor had established a reputation for. A mockery was made of the wisdom that a low-scoring series was expected, as the ground record for an ODI innings was broken twice in four hours. Going purely off the first game, fans can expect another run-fest. Some cloud cover is expected, but rain is unlikely.Stats and trivia West Indies have not won an ODI series since August 2014, when they beat Bangladesh 3-0 at home. The last time they beat Pakistan in a bilateral ODI series was back in 1991, when Richie Richardson captained them to a 2-0 win against Imran Khan’s Pakistan In his last seven innings in 50-overs cricket, Jason Mohammed has failed to go past fifty only twiceQuotes”The team morale is really good. The boys believe in sticking together and being a family. We have to come back even stronger on Sunday. We can’t rest on the victory. The important thing is to close out the series.”

Brighton & Hove Albion are lining up a move for Galatasaray fullback Sacha Boey, a move that could lead to limited further playing time for seemingly forgotten right-back Tariq Lamptey at the Amex Stadium.

Brighton transfer news – Sacha Boey

The Seagulls are set to take on Arsenal in the battle for the Frenchman's signature, according to Milliyet (via Sport Witness).

Nevzat Dindar, a Turkish journalist, states that Brighton have the advantage over their Premier League rivals in the race for the Galatasaray ace.

“Sacha Boey is going to England. €14m is not true, it’s expected to be at least €20m. Galatasaray are demanding for €22m [£20m]. Brighton made a higher offer than Arsenal. At the moment, an offer of around €18m has been received. Galatasaray will buy a good right-back to replace Boey if he leaves," he claimed.

Sacha Boey could be bad news for Tariq Lamptey

The Frenchman had a break season in Turkey and helped Galatasaray win the Turkish Super Lig for the first time since 2019, finishing top ahead over fierce rivals Fenerbache by eight points.

The full-back’s performances have earned him a call-up to the French U21 squad for the UEFA U21 European Championships this summer in Romania and Georgia, and no decision on his future will be made until he returns from the competition, according to The Sun.

Either way, this interest surely spells trouble for Lamptey, given his lack of minutes under Roberto De Zerbi last season.

Following his move to Brighton in 2019 and his subsequent breakthrough at the Amex Stadium, Lamptey was considered one of the highest-rated young defenders in England.

Back in 2020, Gary Neville backed Lamptey to make the England squad, preaching that the English national team had a welcome conundrum of who to pick at right back.

Speaking on Sky Sports Monday Night Football, Neville stated:

"The performance levels and the demands that are put on the modern-day full-back are absolutely incredible,' the defender-turned-pundit said. "Not just to defend, but to deliver assists, to deliver goals, match-winning moments.

“You think of the options now that England have at full-back. Reece James, Lamptey, you've got Kyle Walker, (Kieran) Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best players in the world."

Despite the early praise, Lamptey’s career rise has stalled largely due to injury and the full-back was only a fringe player for Brighton this past season.

A recurring and serious hamstring injury has plagued the young right back.

Lamptey missed 16 games through the injury in the 20/21 season and missed a further 17 games later in the season due to his hamstring, per Transfermarkt.

Meanwhile, a knee injury was the plague in this past campaign, an injury that forced the 22-year-old two miss another 17 games at the end of the season, which included an FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United.

Brighton’s interest in the "tireless" Lions machine – as lauded by Turkish journalist Cetin Cem Yilmaz – is bad news for Lamptey and suggests the Seagulls have grown tired of the youngster's inability to stay fit.

Lamptey played just 20 league games for Brighton this season, starting in just 8% of their league games. In comparison, Boey featured in 31 league games for the Turkish champions in 2022/23.

If Brighton do beat Arsenal in the race for the sought-after French gem, it could be a big blow for Lamptey’s future at the club.

Former England goalkeeper David James has questioned why Declan Rice would choose Arsenal over his old side Manchester City this summer.

What did James say about Rice?

The Declan Rice transfer saga has been in full flow for weeks now, with news that Manchester City are ready to enter the race for the midfielder's signature only furthering the discourse.

Arsenal have seen two bids rejected for the 24-year-old already and their attempts to sign Rice have just been made significantly harder as Man City have joined the hunt for the West Ham captain.

The choice will prove to be a difficult one for Rice too, who has a big decision to make ahead of one of the most definitive periods of his career. However, David James sees no difficulty in the decision whatsoever, questioning why the 42-cap England international would choose the Emirates over the Etihad.

"I would rather that he went abroad, not that he's listening, because then he won't be in a team that might want to beat West Ham, and that would be something a lot of West Ham fans wouldn't like," said James.

He continued: "Declan Rice is top drawer and Man City are the best team in Europe, probably going to be the best team in the world in a few months after they win the World Club Championship. If Declan Rice is part of that it's because he deserves to be."

When quizzed on whether he thought Arsenal or Man City would be a better fit, James replied: "Why would he want to play for Arsenal? One team is the European, FA Cup and Premier League champions, the other is neither, or none".

James is likely to haves stoked the social media fire with his words, although they were said behind a broad smirk. Given that James featured a combined 202 times for Manchester City and West Ham, it is unsurprising he feels a move to the Etihad would be more sensible.

Are Man City signing Rice?

Much like the Premier League title race last season, it appears to be Arsenal vs Manchester City in the battle for Rice. Similarly to that title race, it could end with Man City getting their prize in spite of Arsenal leading the race for so long.

While Man City have always kept themselves in the loop in regard to Rice, their interest has accelerated over the past few days, although no official bid has been registered yet.

The midfielder is believed to be open to a move to either club, making his decision based on what Arsenal and City will do in the coming days and weeks to convince him.

Manchester United star Scott McTominay has accused Georgia’s players of “crying like babies” during a Euro 2024 qualification clash with Scotland.

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• Fiery contest saw 32 free-kicks conceded
• Players from both teams involved in scuffles
• Nothing to separate them in dramatic draw

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A fiery contest in Tbilisi delivered 32 fouls and six yellow cards, with unsightly melees breaking out either side of half-time. The game finished in an entertaining 2-2 draw, with McTominay grabbing Scotland’s first leveller of the night, before Lawrence Shankland rescued a point in stoppage-time.

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  Georgia did their best to grind out a positive result, but United midfielder McTominay believes that some of their antics were a “disgrace”. He feels that the hosts were attempting to influence the referee with behaviour that should not be seen on an international football field.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  McTominay told afterwards: “Every game at this level is big, and obviously they have got some really, really good footballers but tonight I thought the way they were acting was a disgrace in terms of provoking the referee as well. Anyway, that's football and that's sometimes the way it goes. We have to keep our heads but it's difficult. There's some disappointed people in the dressing room but I feel like it's something we can build on after coming back twice. They should do something about people pretending that they're injured when they're not. It's a difficult one to call but rolling around, crying like babies all afternoon is not football. For us we just wanted to get on with the game and play and do our best. Whereas the other side was provoking the referee a lot.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Scotland have already booked their tickets to next summer’s European Championship in Germany, but they want to finish their qualification campaign in style and have one more outing against Norway to take in on Sunday.

England Lions captain Keaton Jennings began to put a lean run behind him with 87 in Bristol

ECB Reporters Network22-Apr-2017
ScorecardKeaton Jennings got his season together in Bristol•Getty Images

Keaton Jennings gave the England selectors a timely nudge as Durham enjoyed the upper hand against Gloucestershire on the second day of the Specsavers County Championship Division Two match at Bristol.Although he missed out on a second successive hundred, the left-handed opener top-scored with 87 as Durham, replying to the home side’s first-innings 303, reached the close on 270-4.Gloucestershire’s bowlers staged a mini-revival in the final session, but the visitors trail by 33 runs and, with ? wickets in hand, are still handily-placed to forge a meaningful lead lead and apply pressure on the third day.In need of reassurance in the wake of heavy defeat at the hands of Nottinghamshire, Durham’s top-order batting restored lost pride against a Gloucestershire attack that lacked penetration on an essentially true pitch.Eager to further press his international credentials after registering a hundred on debut for England against India in the fourth Test in Mumbai in December, Jennings took centre stage, sharing in a progressive opening stand of 114 in 32.3 overs with Stephen Cook.South Africa opener Cook appeared supremely secure in raising 50 from 80 balls and a hundred appeared to be his for the taking when he inexplicably lost concentration and, pursuing a delivery outside off stump from Chris Liddle, edged to Cameron Bancroft at first slip.Demonstrating sound temperament and technique, Jennings carried on regardless, ruthlessly exploiting Greame van Buuren’s slow left arm spin and punishing anything short or wide from seam bowlers who lacked consistency.Intent upon earning a place in the England squad for this summer’s Test series against South Africa, the 24-year-old has improved his defensive game, and it came as a surprise when he succumbed 13 runs short of what would have been his second hundred of the season.Last year’s top run-scorer in Championship cricket and the Cricket Writers Club’s player of 2016 was undone by a Liddle delivery that left him and was held by wicketkeeper and former Durham team-mate Phil Mustard via the finest of thin edges. He may have missed out on three figures, but his early-season form will surely not go unnoticed at Lord’s.Losing their momentum thereafter, Durham slipped from the giddy heights of 183-1 to 214-4, Graham Clark and Cameron Steel falling to Craig Miles in quick succession as the home side fought back after tea.Charged with the task of repairing the damage, experienced campaigners Paul Collingwood (28 not out) and Michael Richardson (25 not out) displayed a clear understanding of what was required in staging a restorative unbroken partnership of 57 for the fifth wicket as Gloucestershire’s bowlers sought atonement for their earlier shortcomings by applying belated pressure. Watchful in the extreme, these two safely negotiated 24 overs, eight of them against the new ball, to reach stumps without further mishap.Finally afforded an opportunity after a blank first season on the county staff, former Sussex paceman Liddle adhered to the tenets of line and length without luck, proving the most consistent of Gloucestershire’s front-line bowlers.Durham’s seamers made good use of the new ball to mop up the last three wickets for 38 runs in 15.2 overs after Gloucestershire had resumed their first innings on 265-7.Jack Taylor and David Payne added 36 for the eighth wicket, but once the former edged Rushworth to second slip three runs short of a half century, the innings unraveled rapidly.No sooner had Gloucestershire banked a third batting bonus point, than fellow England bowlers Mark Wood and Graham Onions took care of business, removing Payne and last man Liddle in quick succession

Folarin Balogun impressed himself when netting a stunning goal for the USMNT against Ghana, with the Monaco striker highlighting his “spin move”.

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United States claimed comprehensive winNetted four goals before half-timeMonaco striker had opponents chasing shadowsWHAT HAPPENED?

The 22-year-old recorded his third international effort through six appearances for the United States when finding the target in their latest friendly date. Gregg Berhalter’s side eased to a 4-0 victory over African opposition in that contest.

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The U.S. registered all of their goals before half-time, with Gio Reyna bagging a brace while Christian Pulisic also got in on the act when converting from the penalty spot. Balogun grabbed their third of the game, with the highly-rated frontman boarding the showboat before hitting the back of the net.

DID YOU KNOW?

Balogun collected a pass from the right flank 12 yards from goal, but had a defender closing him down. In the blink of an eye, the Monaco star spun on the spot – confusing his marker and leaving the Ghana goalkeeper on the deck – before hammering into the top corner with his left foot.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Balogun was understandably delighted with his “spin move”, as he made a point of showcasing his quick thinking on social media, and will be hoping that there are many more efforts to come for club and country – with Monaco set to be back in action on Sunday at home to Metz.

Newcastle United may have moved their attention to defence in regards to their next transfer business, with Spazio Napoli, via Sport Witness, reporting that the Toon are now keeping close tabs on Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

How many games has Giovanni Di Lorenzo played for Napoli?

The right-back has spent the last four seasons with current club Napoli, and has long been an important player for the side. Even when he first linked up with the Serie A outfit from former club Empoli, he was thrown straight in and given 33 appearances in that very first campaign.

He has since managed to rack up 139 league outings for the now champions of Italy during his time there, and with ten goals and seventeen assists along the way, he has proven to be an asset going forward for the club too.

Having spent the entirety of his career in Italy though, it appears a potential change may be on the cards. That's because according to a report from Spazio Napoli, via Sport Witness, the right-back is now on the radar of Newcastle United.

The Premier League side are keeping a close eye on the player now, with the 29-year-old seemingly now on their transfer wishlist. It adds that this interest in Di Lorenzo has only materialised over the "last few hours".

It means that no bid has yet been made and no official approach has come forth but Napoli are "worried" by the interest due to the financial might the Magpies now possess.

How much is Giovanni Di Lorenzo worth?

It's unclear how much a potential deal for Di Lorenzo may cost Newcastle. However, Transfermarkt suggest that his value is around the 25 million Euros mark (or £21.5m). It means that a deal wouldn't break the bank for the Toon if it was that amount, especially considering their new ownership, but it would still represent a profit on the player for Napoli.

He could be worth that amount too when you consider how well he has played for Napoli. Football journalist Josh Bunting has previously stated that a goal from Napoli was helped by a "perfect" ball from Di Lorenzo and has also called the player "excellent" too.

The Napoli man has warranted these superlatives then and it means that his signing could represent good business for Newcastle. They already have Kieran Trippier on that right flank but he would provide a good battle for that spot and sufficient depth as they embark into four competitions next term.

The official broadcaster of the Champions Trophy, Star, has written to the ICC outlining its concerns regarding the uncertainty over India’s participation in the tournament

Nagraj Gollapudi04-May-2017The official broadcaster of the Champions Trophy, Star, has written to the ICC outlining its concerns regarding the uncertainty over India’s participation in the tournament and the consequences that could have on advertising revenue.In the letter to ICC chief executive David Richardson, Star said it needed clarity so that it could reassure advertisers who had paid money to buy space during the Champions Trophy, but were now worried that India would pull out.It is understood that Star asked the ICC to make a public statement to clear the air and state how it was trying to resolve the situation. Though the tone of the letter was not alarming, the ICC top brass is making sure Star’s concerns were dealt with. It is understood Richardson called up ICC chairman Shashank Manohar, who said he would speak to the broadcaster himself.In 2014, Star had won broadcast rights for 18 ICC tournaments between 2015 and 2023 in a deal understood to be worth in excess of $2 billion. The eight-year contract included two World Cups in 2019 and 2023, two Champions Trophies in 2017 and 2021, and two World T20s in 2016 and 2020.The uncertainty over India’s participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy stems from the BCCI missing the April 25 deadline to send its squad to the ICC. The BCCI said at the time that the delay was due to “operational” reasons, but the issue is also linked to the board’s unhappiness over events at the ICC Board meetings in April.At the ICC Board meetings, the BCCI was outvoted overwhelmingly by other ICC members and the new constitution, governance changes and financial model was approved. The BCCI’s biggest grouse was with the financial model, because according to the new one it stood to receive a significantly smaller share of ICC revenue. Since then there has been talk of the BCCI using the Champions Trophy as a bargaining chip to get a greater share of the financial pie.However, a day after Star sent the letter to the ICC, the committee of administrators appointed by the Supreme Court of India to supervise the BCCI sent an email to the board’s acting secretary asking it to convene a selection meeting immediately to pick the squad for the Champions Trophy.The BCCI is expected to take a final decision at a special general meeting (SGM) in Delhi on May 7. A part of the board, including its acting president CK Khanna, acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary and treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry, was in favour of revoking the Members Participation Agreement (MPA) signed with the ICC.If the BCCI does revoke the MPA, then India will not be able to play any ICC tournaments until 2023, when the cycle of rights held by Star end.The CoA, however, made it clear to the BCCI that the vote at the SGM needed to be unanimous, and if any decisions that were not in the “interests of Indian cricket” were taken, it would ask the Supreme Court to intervene.

Newcastle United are believed to be chasing Juventus winger Federico Chiesa after qualifying for the Champions League and now boasting an allure to rival any on the European stage.

What's the latest on Federico Chiesa to Newcastle?

That's according to Italian newspaper Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), revealing that Aston Villa have now joined the race for the Italy international, who has spent the 22/23 campaign reintegrating into competitive action following a long-term injury.

The report continues to state that the interest of Magpies' sporting director Dan Ashworth for the winger dates prior to that of AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali, who is expected to join the ranks at St. James's Park on a €70m (£60m) deal, as per Fabrizio Romano.

While a variety of valuations have entered circulation for the touted star, the Old Lady are believed to have transfer-listed the 25-year-old for €60m (£51m) after financial difficulties resulting in a detrimental ten-point deduction have left the Serie A side scrambling to recuperate what they can.

How good is Federico Chiesa?

Before suffering a horrendous ACL injury in January 2022, Chiesa was riding the crest of a wave and had been instrumental in his nation's triumph in the European Championships the previous summer, earning an average Sofascore rating of 7.05 after scoring two goals, completing 80% of his passes and averaging 2.4 shots per match.

An "exciting" footballer, as per Dean Jones, he has also scored 18 goals and supplied 14 assists across the season-and-a-half before the bitter setback, and while the 41-cap gem has impressed in the closing weeks of the recently-concluded term – registering four direct contributions from his final five league matches – he will be desperate to rekindle his former free-flowing form.

And he could do just that on Tyneside, slotting into a thriving outfit that can offer the Champions League football that has been taken from chastened Juve, and perhaps offer a clean slate from which he can return to prominence on the right flank of Eddie Howe's system.

A veritable "wizard", as the £153k-per-week ace has been called by Liverpool insider DaveOCKOP, Chiesa could be Howe's answer to Bukayo Saka, with the Arsenal prodigy's performances over the duration of the 22/23 Premier League season a defining factor behind Arsenal's – ultimately unsuccessful, albeit impressive – title challenge against Manchester City.

Saka, who has been dubbed "the best right winger in the world" by GOAL correspondent Charles Watts, scored 14 goals and laid off 11 assists in the Premier League last season, having also scored seven goals for England since last summer.

The discussed pair are listed as comparable players via FBref. Chiesa ranks among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 15% for progressive carries, the top 16% for successful take-ons and the top 13% for tackles per 90.

Saka, comparatively, ranks among the top 21% for goals, the top 23% for assists, the top 10% for progressive carries, the top 5% for touches in the attacking box and the top 28% for tackles per 90.

It paints the picture that while both are supremely creative and expert ball carriers, they aren't afraid of the dirty work either, tracking back to help out their defensive colleagues.

With Chiesa still not back at the peak of his powers, it's a daunting prospect for opposition to imagine just how "potent" – as stated by Rio Ferdinand – he could yet become, and at Newcastle, he could rise to the fore and rival any positional peer on English shores with the calibre of his performances.