An in-depth look at India’s batting troubles in England

Bharath Seervi12-Aug-20181 – This was the first time that India have lost a Test match by an innings under Virat Kohli. It was in England again that they were last beaten by an innings – The Oval in 2014 – although never in the past 44 years have they fared so poorly at Lord’s. Meanwhile, for England, it was their first innings victory at Lord’s since the 2010 Test against Pakistan.1023 – Balls bowled in this Test, making it the third-shortest among all completed matches in England over the last 100 years. It is the second-shortest Test at Lord’s, and the shortest since 1888.494 – Balls faced by India in this Test. Only four times have they faced fewer than that while losing all 20 wickets.ESPNcricinfo Ltd4.77 – Ratio of India’s bowling average to their batting average in this Test, which puts it among their ten worst defeats in history. They conceded runs at 56.57 per wicket while scoring just 11.85 per wicket. The last time they had a poorer was in 2011-12, during the SCG Test.33 – The highest score for India in this Test, by R Ashwin in the second innings. There have been only three Tests where the top score was lower.1952 – The last time an England bowler returned better match figures than James Anderson’s 9 for 43 in a home Test against India. That was Fred Trueman when he took 9 for 40 at Old Trafford in 1952. India lasted only 349 deliveries in that Test. Anderson also became the highest wicket-taker (99) in India-England Tests going past Bhagwath Chandrasekhar’s tally of 95.153.50 – India’s average total in England over their last four Tests. They have passed 200 only once and have been bowled out five times in under 50 overs. Since 2014, India’s average runs per wicket of 23.17 in England is the worst among all visiting teams.ESPNcricinfo Ltd6 – India openers to bag a pair in Tests. M Vijay was the unfortunate batsman in this Test, following on from his partner Shikhar Dhawan, who scored nothing in the Mohali Test against South Africa in 2015. Vijay is also the sixth opener to get two ducks in a Lord’s Test and first since Saleem Elahi in 2001. Kuldeep Yadav also bagged a pair in this Test, which makes it the fourth instance of two India players not opening their accounts.1996 – The last time India’s top-three batsmen combined for fewer runs in a Test. Vijay, KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara made 36 at Lord’s. Vikram Rathour, WV Raman and Sourav Ganguly made 26 runs in Durban.9.83 – The combined average of India’s No. 1, 2 and 3 on this tour – their worst in any series of two or more Tests, eclipsing the 13.91 set on a tour of New Zealand in 2002-03. In 12 innings between them at Edgbaston and Lord’s, India’s top three have added just 118 runs with highest score of 26. On the recent South Africa tour, they averaged just above 15, whereas in the two series against Sri Lanka at home and away last year, they managed averages of 75.16 and 54.66 respectively.

Worst average for India’s top-three batsmen in a Test series (2+ matches)

Series Average Highest score 50+ scores Series resultIndia in England, 2018 9.83 26 0 -India in New Zealand, 2002-03 13.91 76 1 LostSouth Africa in India, 1999-00 14.16 37 0 LostIndia in South Africa, 2017-18 15.50 50 1 LostIndia in South Africa, 1992-93 17.52 62 1 Lost

The best, the worst and everything in between from the past ten days of the IPL’s tenth season

Srinath Sripath25-Apr-2017No T20 for old-school men?
Time to think again, say Kane Williamson and Hashim Amla. Two batsmen whose technical correctness and textbook perfection invoke more than a tinge of nostalgia, set the IPL alight last week, proving once again that there is a place for finesse and elegance in the game’s shortest format. After seeing Williamson’s match-winning 89 and Amla’s masterclass against Lasith Malinga, their captains have been served a reminder not to drop them again anytime soon.Pacemen turn on the heat
Another set of cricketers who have not had too much limelight in the IPL – fast bowlers – took centre stage once again. After Andrew Tye’s knuckleballs did the (hat-)trick in Rajkot, swing, pace and bounce troubled batsmen across venues last week. Bhuvneshwar Kumar turned the game around against Kings XI Punjab with his accuracy and nip, Mitchell McClenaghan dismantled Delhi’s brittle top order and Nathan Coulter-Nile got rid of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in a dream spell on a rainy Kolkata night.T20’s trailblazer scales another peak
Chris Gayle is arguably T20 cricket’s foremost superstar, and among the few greats the format has seen in its short history. Last week, en route to his 38-ball 77, his first significant performance this season, Gayle crossed 10,000 runs in his 285th T20 innings. Some of the numbers he has racked up, such as his 18 hundreds (11 more than anyone else), prove why there is broad daylight between him and the rest of the pack.Rishabh Pant has found the going tough in the last two games•BCCIThe Super Kings roar again
Times certainly have changed for Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni since their halcyon years donning the yellow jersey in the IPL. Both of them have been through shaky periods of late, in their own, different ways. Raina has lost out on his BCCI contract, while Dhoni has faced public criticism from Harsh Goenka, brother of his side’s owner, Sanjiv. Raina and Dhoni made a statement of their own with match-winning knocks for their sides, reminding everyone why they are so feted as T20 stars. Harsh Goenka was reduced to tweeting praise of the former India captain, while Raina’s destructive knocks have been one of his side’s few shining lights so far.A golden duck and a Bombay duck
Rishabh Pant’s knock in Delhi’s opening game, in the aftermath of his father’s death, was one of the major storylines of the first week. Since then, his form with the bat has been patchy at best. Things have gone downhill since his quickfire 16-ball 38 against Kolkata Knight Riders at home. In Daredevils’ last two away games, Pant has failed to get off the mark, first with a slog sweep down long-on’s throat in Hyderabad, then fishing outside off stump to a Jasprit Bumrah jaffa in Mumbai. In the week when India are set to announce their squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, these are twin setbacks he could have done without.Sachin Tendulkar celebrated his 44th birthday in front of a doting Wankhede crowd•BCCIThe s#&t question
Legspinners have dismissed Glenn Maxwell 11 times in the IPL, of which Amit Mishra accounts for four dismissals. So, after Mishra picked him up once again during Kings XI’s defeat to Delhi, it was not entirely surprising that there was a question in the post-match press conference about his fragility against spin. “That’s a shocking question”, Maxwell retorted, citing his recent six-hitting form against spin, when another reporter pressed him on his apparent knack of getting out to leg-spinners on April 15 for the past three years. This time Maxwell lost it, sliding down the political correctness scale, calling it a “s&#t question”.Tendulkar pierces the gaps… on his birthday cake
It is IPL 10, and also the tenth time Sachin Tendulkar celebrated his birthday during the course of the tournament. Matthew Hayden, who is part of the commentary team, baked him a cricket field-themed cake with a bat and ball as the icing, and interviewed Tendulkar by the Mumbai Indians dugout. Tendulkar, though, refused to cause damage to a cricket bat out of respect, even on a cake. He then cut through the green cricket field portion, quipping about “finding the gaps on the field”.Brendon McCullum’s hat was the difference between an acrobatic catch and an avoidable embarrassment•BCCIThe hat trick that wasn’t
Wearing a floppy hat for a floodlit cricket match is akin to wearing sunglasses in your bedroom. While there is no need for it, it is harmless
most of the time. Not for Brendon McCullum, though, as his acrobatic effort by the boundary to get rid of Chris Gayle, was undone by the brim of his hat grazing the skirtings. It only made him wear the hat more: he turned up to open the batting in the next match without a helmet.Lancashire v Durham, round two
Jos Buttler had smashed Ben Stokes for two sixes when Mumbai Indians met Rising Pune Supergiant earlier this season. This time, though, a night after his father Ged threw him a surprise by landing in India, Stokes foxed his England team-mate with a slower one. Buttler ended up scooping one gently into long-on’s hands, and Stokes was so pumped he went on to bowl a maiden over. Ben Stokes, King in the North, first of his name.Commentary gem of the week
This was long before Royal Challengers had sunk to the IPL’s lowest total. “It’s just a mobile number at the moment,” Ravi Shastri said about the scorecard, while the collapse was on. RCB’s ten batsmen were dismissed for what ended up reading 7018982020. It was a unique occurrence in IPL history, and it strangely came on the same day they had put up the highest T20 score, four years before.

It might be time for India to put the old consolidation template to rest and go big during the middle phase in ODIs

Nagraj Gollapudi at The Oval10-Jun-20172:58

Tait: Openers not an issue for India

The Oval danced to various drum beats on Thursday. Rhythms of , , accompanied and, at times, did with the thudding Scottish drums.Amidst such revelry, the cricket flowed gently. One man who created his own drumbeat was Shikhar Dhawan, the best batsman in the tournament’s last edition in England. In this edition, Dhawan has been India’s best batsman in terms of runs.Having got starts in the two warm-ups and a watchful 68 against Pakistan, Dhawan had adapted quickly to English conditions. Against Pakistan, Dhawan played a suicidal stroke against a full toss to be caught in the deep. In that match, it was Dhawan’s opening partner Rohit Sharma who had taken the lead role, before falling nine short of a hundred. Against Sri Lanka, Dhawan did not let any casualness creep in and took advantage of easy batting conditions to get his tenth ODI century after Rohit had fallen.During their four-year partnership, which started in the 2013 edition of the Champions Trophy, the Dhawan-Rohit combination has cobbled together ten century partnerships, seven of which have come outside India. Three of them have come since July 2015 when the ICC introduced new playing conditions allowing only four fielders in the outfield. Since the last World Cup, they have the best average for openers overseas – 55.61.Due to the stability they provide at the top, India have managed to have a blast in the final ten overs, setting up competitive totals. Each time India have scored big (at least 300) since July 2015, they have managed to do it without losing too many wickets. But does the old template of consolidating till the slog overs prove beneficial for India?Since the start of 2016, India have lost three matches failing to defend 300-plus targets. That is the joint-highest number of defeats along with England, who have played more ODIs during this period. However, England have won ten matches having posted 300-plus totals compared to only two by India.Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have set many a platform, but is there benefit for India in more risk-taking?•IDI/Getty ImagesOn an average, India have scored 4.96 runs per over overseas in the first Powerplay (1-10 overs, compared to England’s 5.06), 5.28 in the middle phase (10-40 overs; England 5.59) and then dashing to the finish at 8.40 in the final ten overs (England 8.55).The success of the Dhawan-Rohit combination certainly allows Virat Kohli and the middle order the liberty to settle in. But there is also the danger that it can provide a false sense of security, something that could rob the team of runs in the end. This has already happened twice in the two matches this tournament.Against Pakistan, when Dhawan departed, India were 136 after 24.3 overs. By the end of the 35th, India had suddenly slowed down, scoring just 38 runs in ten overs. Rain interruptions did play a role in the batsmen’s mindset, but Kohli would go on to admit India were defensive.Four days later, against Sri Lanka, the openers once put on 138 before Rohit fell in the 25th over. Although Dhawan and MS Dhoni ensured India did not fall apart after a middle-order collapse, India’s run rate had gone down significantly.In the 30-40 overs phase this tournament, India’s run rate has been a sullen five runs per over, which is fifth among the seven teams – Pakistan are yet to reach the 40-over mark. That is significantly lesser than the 6.03 (while batting first) average that India have scored during this phase since July 2015 (second behind England).India have an additional option in KL Rahul, an aggressive batsman, for a more positive approach up front•AFPAgainst Pakistan, Rohit slowed down as he saw the three-figure milestone on the horizon. He took 26 balls to move past 80 after reaching 70. Dhawan’s strike rate actually improved as he neared the century against Sri Lanka – he took 21 deliveries to move from 80 to 100. It is just not the Indian openers. Most batsmen usually hit the brakes as they approach the 90s. Taking too long during that phase affects the team eventually.All three of Dhawan, Rohit and Kohli bat with similar mindsets: they like to settle in first before they start pulling the trigger. But is it time for India to re-calibrate while batting first? Can the top order start taking more risks, with one of the three taking a more aggressive route? India even have an additional option in KL Rahul, an aggressive batsman, for such an approach.Depending on how good the batting conditions are, there could also be be scope at times to send in one of the three power-hitters – Yuvraj Singh, Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni – to play the pinch-hitter role with 20 overs to go. India have a capable lower middle-order, who can be ruthless in the final 10 overs, a phase where India have the best run rate.Are India willing to take the risk in the long run? Kohli is cautious. “It’s a thin line,” he said on Saturday. “If you’re trying to get 20 extra and you lose the set batsmen in that period of time, you end up getting 20 less. So you never know what is enough when you’re batting first. All you have to do is try to defend the total they put on the board.”For now Kohli wants to follow the tried and tested method. “Every team is taking their time initially in getting in. I think the middle overs are something that teams are looking to target. We are doing something different, which is capitalising on the last few overs better than anyone. Yes, if you end up doing both those phases as well, then [you] probably end up getting a few more runs and then you also are good as a team.”As the influence of T20 cricket deepens, the middle overs certainly is a phase where the top teams are looking to stamp their authority. India are in a good position to move away from the old-school template and become the reformists.

Paul Pogba has opened up on his future amid talks that he would sign for Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco.

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Pogba opened up on his futureLinked with a move to MonacoPogba has never played in Ligue 1 Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

reported on Sunday that Pogba is set to join Ligue 1 side Monaco on a free transfer after agreeing a two-year deal with the French club. The report added that the former Manchester United star has "made significant financial sacrifices" to seal the deal as he prepares to return to football for the first time since his contract with Juventus was terminated in 2024.

AdvertisementWHAT POGBA SAID

Amid speculations over his move to Monaco, the World Cup-winning French midfielder has opened up on his next move. Speaking to Sergio Aguero's podcast, , Pogba said: "I haven't signed anything, but there's interest. We'll see."

The 32-year-old also revealed his admiration for Argentine giants Boca Juniors and hinted at a possible move to the club, as he added: "In life, you never know. I loved the people who went to see Boca's match (at the Club World Cup), it's crazy because I went to Marseille, which is hot, Naples is hot, but Boca… I've never seen that in my life."

Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

A transfer to Monaco means Pogba will be able to play Champions League football next season, as the club finished in third place in Ligue 1 in the 2024-25 campaign and qualified for next season's competition. The player has not played for almost two years, after being sidelined due to a doping ban, but has shown how he's been training hard in recent months to revive his football career.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR POGBA?

It now remains to be seen if Pogba will actually put pen to paper on a Monaco contract. He has won a World Cup with the French national team in the past and played for top European sides like Manchester United and Juventus, but he has never plied his trade in his homeland.

Manchester United are believed to be in contact with a club’s director of recruitment over the signing of an “outstanding” goalkeeper this summer, according to a new report.

Man Utd produce historic comeback

Ruben Amorim’s side may have had a season to forget, but their 5-4 win over Lyon on Thursday evening was one of the most dramatic nights Old Trafford has ever witnessed.

Having led 2-0 and seemingly heading into the semi-finals of the Europa League with ease, United suddenly found themselves drawing 2-2 after 90 minutes, before then trailing 4-2 in extra-time against ten men.

Remarkably, the Red Devils scored three times in the remaining minutes, with Bruno Fernandes scoring a penalty, Kobbie Mainoo brilliantly curling home and Harry Maguire heading in a memorable last-gasp winner.

It was a remarkable evening that has kept United’s season alive, and given the nature of their victory over Lyon, there will be some who feel that their name is on the trophy. Regardless of what happens this season, though, lots of new signings are a must, including in goal to replace Andre Onana, and one intriguing transfer target in that position has now emerged.

Man Utd make contact for Kaua Santos

According to Sport Bild, Manchester United have held talks with Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche over the signing of Kaua Santos this summer. The German outfit want £51m for his services and would rather keep hold of him.

It is claimed that Red Devils director of recruitment Christopher Vivell spoke with him during Frankfurt’s Europa League quarter-final first leg tie against Tottenham last week, as they look to entice the 22-year-old to Old Trafford.

Santos could be a strong addition for United ahead of next season, having enjoyed an impressive campaign for Frankfurt in Europe, standing out as a key man at a young age, especially for a ‘keeper. The Brazilian has started five matches in the Europa League this term, prior to being eliminated by Spurs on Thursday night, and the Red Devils may see him as having a higher long-term ceiling than Onana.

Santos has been hailed as an “outstanding” player by Bayern Munich and Germany legend Thomas Muller, while analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as among the “most promising” young ‘keepers in Europe.

While Onana has had good moments in a United shirt, he is an error-prone player who doesn’t seem to bring calm to the defence, and if Amorim wants to take his team to another level, an upgrade is required.

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Santos is admittedly still a goalkeeper learning his trade, but his performances this season suggest that he would be an exciting signing who should only grow as a player.

Manchester City could face a fight to hold on to one of their key players this summer, with Real Madrid circling as they look to replace the retired Toni Kroos, according to a new report.

Man City in driving seat for Champions League place

After a dismal start to the season, City have shown signs of a resurgence in recent months. While still some way off the standards that delivered recent domestic dominance, Pep Guardiola’s side are now unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches. This improved form, coupled with others’ struggles, has put Champions League qualification firmly in their own hands.

Ahead of the clash with Aston Villa on Tuesday, City midfielder Ilkay Gündogan spoke about the club’s “responsibility” to secure a Champions League spot.

“Our team is made and built to be more than this, it’s built to be a contender for the title every single year,” said the German star. “For various reasons, we haven’t been at our best for a long period of the season. We are where we are right now, and we need to accept the situation.”

He added: “There are minimum targets that have to be achieved at this club, and that’s definitely qualifying for the Champions League next season. We have to do it – it’s our responsibility.”

Man City have found their own Declan Rice in "outstanding" homegrown star

Pep Guardiola might well have his own Declan Rice at Manchester City with this terrific talent.

1 ByKelan Sarson Apr 21, 2025 Real Madrid chase Rodri in summer blow for City

If City secure Champions League football for next season, they may have to enter the competition without one of their most influential players – Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

The 28-year-old has been a pivotal figure for City since his £63m arrival from Atlético Madrid in 2019 and was awarded football’s biggest individual prize last year for his outstanding performances during the club’s treble-winning campaign.

However, he’s missed much of this season due to injury – an absence that has coincided with a noticeable dip in City’s form.

According to Cadena SER, via Sports Mole, Rodri’s fitness concerns haven’t discouraged Real Madrid from identifying him as their ideal long-term successor to Toni Kroos, who retired at the end of last season. Madrid have struggled to fill the void left by the German maestro, and Cadena SER reports that Los Blancos see Rodri as the “perfect” replacement and “urgently” pursuing a new controller in the centre of the park.

Rodri has earned widespread acclaim for his dominance in midfield, particularly after his Ballon d’Or win, which drew praise from several footballing stars.

“Rodri is the perfect midfielder and there’s no one that plays his position better than he does—there are so many clubs in Europe looking for a world-class holding midfielder, but in the end there’s only him!” Gündogan wrote on social media.

Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal added: “Receiving this award and having your work recognized is something incredible. Rodri is a fantastic player and an amazing person.”

Manchester United and INEOS are now preparing an offer worth £40 million to sign a “brilliant” defensive addition this summer, according to a recent report.

Amorim hails United display at Bournemouth ahead of massive semi-final

The Red Devils played another relatively meaningless Premier League game on Sunday afternoon, and it looked as though they were going to be on the end of another defeat. However, a 90+6 minute equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund secured a point for United against 10-man AFC Bournemouth.

Amorim must surely drop 4/10 Man Utd dud who lost the ball every 4 touches

Manchester United managed to salvage a point away at AFC Bournemouth courtesy of Rasmus Hojlund.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 27, 2025

It was a game that came right before United’s very important trip to Spain on Thursday, where they will play Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final first leg. The game against the Cherries was not important in the sense of nothing being on it for United, but Ruben Amorim felt his side deserved the point and did have chances to win the game.

“I think we deserved it. In the first half, we suffered with their high-intensity press, but we created chances. We had quite similar chances near the box with a lot of shots,” Amorim told BBC Match of the Day.

“I think we deserved at least one point if you look at the game. If you look at our last games, it is always like this – we do something to help the opponent get an advantage. Then it is really hard to score goals, but the players did really well to get at least one point.

“We have the ability to push our opponents. There are small things I think we can do better. We need to understand these moments better, but if you look at the 20 minutes [after Evanilson’s red card], we had situations to score, which is really important.”

Man Utd preparing £40m bid for Inter star Denzel Dumfries

The Red Devils winning the Europa League would not only see them play in Europe’s biggest competition, but it could help them when it comes to their transfers this summer and getting players Amorim wants. According to Inter Live, Man United are now keen on signing Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan this summer.

The report states that United are not just showing an interest but are willing to make a £40 million offer to sign Dumfries, along with a £60 million bid to sign Yann Bisseck in what would be a mega deal. It goes on to add that Giuseppe Marotta, who is chairman of Inter, is not against offers coming in for Dumfries, and he is preparing to evaluate everything. However, United are not alone in their pursuit of the defender, as Arsenal have stepped up their efforts to bring him to London.

The 29-year-old, who renewed his contract at Inter until the summer of 2028 earlier this season, has been a key player this season. Dumfries has played a total of 39 matches in all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering three assists.

The Dutch international had missed the last few weeks of football with a hamstring injury but returned to play 27 minutes against AS Roma on Sunday afternoon. United’s interest in Dumfries is particularly intriguing given he rates very similarly to Patrick Dorgu according to FBRef’s statistical profiling, perhaps making him the ideal fit on the other flank.

Dumfries

Dorgu

Apps

26

29

Starts

19

28

Goals

6

3

Assists

2

1

Progressive carries

46

93

Progressive passes

47

74

Progressive runs

159

169

Tackles (Won)

25 (18)

68 (44)

Interceptions

6

21

Blocks

25

32

Unlike Dorgu however, Dumfries is a player who has been performing at the top level for a long time now, and back in 2022 BBC pundit Micah Richards labelled the defender “brilliant” for his World Cup performance against the United States.

“Denzel Dumfries. What a player he is. I just thought his whole game was brilliant. It was his timing of his runs… He didn’t sort of mix it up too much, but when he did, it was the right moments. Down this right-hand side, he was just breathless.”

The transfer window is just around the corner, and as Mikel Arteta told the press just last month, it’s set to be a massive one for Arsenal.

The Gunners failed to get over the line in any competition this year, and while injuries have played their part, one of the team’s most significant problems, which most agree on, is their lack of a truly clinical striker.

So, it’s not been surprising then, that in recent weeks, the North Londoners have been heavily linked with several top-class number nines, perhaps none more than Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who could be available for around £70m.

However, the club seem intent on revolutionising the entire attacking unit, and reports have now touted another superstar for a move to the Emirates, a star who’d be a dream teammate for the Swede.

Arsenal's attacking transfer targets

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other attacking talents who’ve been linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Daizen Maeda and Jamie Gittens.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has been enjoying a simply spectacular campaign north of the border with Celtic, in which he’s scored 33 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 games and best of all, he could be available for just £25m.

Gittens, on the other hand, could cost up to £51m, but as he’s still just 20 years old and has managed to rack up a stellar haul of 12 goals and five assists in 46 games for Borussia Dortmund this season, he looks like he’d be worth it.

However, to really get the most out of Gyokeres and take the club’s whole attack to another level, the Gunners will need to sign a true superstar, someone like Rodrygo.

Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are one of a few Premier League sides keen on the Real Madrid star.

Alongside the North Londoners, the report has revealed that Liverpool and Manchester City have contacted the player’s representatives and remain in contact today.

In terms of how much the winger might cost Arsenal, a report from earlier this week claimed that he could be available for around €100m, which is about £85m.

It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s immense ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be ideal for Gyokeres.

Why Rodrygo would be a dream for Gyokeres

So, to keep things simple, there is one primary reason why Rodrygo would be a dream teammate for Gyokeres, which all others stem from his output.

For the Swedish goal machine to make the most of his incredible finishing ability, he’s going to want to have someone as effective as Saka to the left of him, and that could be the Brazilian.

For example, in 50 appearances this term, the “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has scored 13 goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games.

Appearances

50

48

53

Minutes

3290′

3313′

3262′

Goals

13

9

10

Assists

10

6

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.46

0.31

0.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

143.04′

220.86′

181.22′

In comparison, Leandro Trossard has produced 18 goal involvements in 53 appearances, and Gabriel Martinelli has produced 15 in 48, which comes out to an average of one every 2.94 and 3.2 games, respectively.

Moreover, besides having far better raw output than the North Londoners’ current left-wing options, the 24-year-old has some seriously impressive underlying numbers to his name.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for carries into the final third, the top 2% for pass completion and passes blocked, the top 4% for progressive carrying distance, the top 9% for shot-creating actions from take-ons and more, all per 90.

Finally, despite his age, the Osasco-born dynamo has seen it all and won it all at club level, with two Champions League titles, three La Liga titles and a handful of other cups to his name, so while some of Arteta’s other options might struggle to step up on the biggest stages, it’ll just be another game to the Real star.

Ultimately, thanks to his brilliant output, impressive underlying numbers and the immense amount of experience he has at his age, Rodrygo would be a dream teammate for Gyokeres and Arsenal should do what they can to sign him.

Kai Havertz upgrade: Arsenal send scouts for "unpredictable" goal machine

The free-scoring forward could be just what Arsenal need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 9, 2025

With the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, GOAL looks at the state of the central defenders vying for spots next summer

For most of this World Cup cycle – and going back to the 2022 cycle, in truth – centerback has been a question mark for the U.S. men's national team. For years, the program has waited for a new generation to rise. That process has finally started, at least at the very top of the roster.

Chris Richards is the USMNT's top centerback. If that was in doubt, it isn't after the Gold Cup. After winning the FA Cup with Crystal Palace, Richards grew ito a leader this summer, shedding his "Centerback of the Future" label to become the "Centerback of the Here and Now." That is a huge win for Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT, who have a leader at the back that has shown he can compete at the highest levels.

The thing about this position, though, is that you need at least two of them. Richards is a building block, but he needs a partner next to him to create the foundation upon which the USMNT is created. There are contenders, both inexperienced and veteran, and the push to be CB2 is one that will go down to the wire. And it's vital to find the answer, as Pochettino looks to construct the spine of his team for a World Cup.

Post-Gold Cup, GOAL is looking at the state of the USMNT, analyzing the positional battles that will ultimately define next summer's team. Next up: centerbacks.

• Getty Images
  

  The Starters: Chris Richards, Tim Ream

  One of these is written in Sharpie, other in pencil.

  Richards is the former, the player who has locked down a spot. There are few in the USMNT pool safer than Richards at the moment, and none of them are his fellow centerbacks. At the Gold Cup, in particular, he raised his game to a new level and established a leadership role. The question is no longer if Richards is the starter – it's if he's the captain of this team.

  Tim Ream, meanwhile, was his partner all summer long, proving for the millionth time that age is just a number. The age will catch up to him eventually but so far, it hasn't – and Pochettino doesn't seem to think it will before the World Cup kicks off. If Pochettino was ultimately concerned about preparing a new centerback, he surely would have done so this summer. Instead, he rolled with Ream, indicating that he sees the Charlotte FC defender as Richards' most likely partner.

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  The Backups: Mark McKenzie, Walker Zimmerman

  Mark McKenzie is one of the more interesting players in the pool. Many expected he'd be partnering Richards this summer, if only just to see what he would look like with an extended runout. It didn't happen. After a tough game against Switzerland, he was largely unused, as Pochettino preferred Ream throughout the Gold Cup.

  McKenzie has had hiccups with the USMNT, of course, but he's also never quite had a true chance to prove himself. The fact that it didn't come this summer will certainly be disappointing, even if he seems to be the clear No. 3 centerback.

  As for Walker Zimmerman, he's something of a specialist, one who fits well within a 26-player roster. He's a great locker room guy and a great leader, one who has the respect of the younger generation due to his time with many of them at the Olympics.

  Additionally, he's embraced his role as a potential "closer." Much like a relief pitcher in baseball, Zimmerman has proven to be a player who can help see a game out, something that is even more important in tournament play. Because of that, and his performances in MLS, he seems to have a place.

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  In The Mix: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Miles Robinson

  Miles Robinson was the only one of this trio in USMNT camp this summer, but don't write off the Celtic duo just yet. Both Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty play at a high level with the Scottish giants, including games in the Champions League.

  Just as importantly, they play together, which means they have natural chemistry and a natural baseline to compare them. Their chemistry won't make much of a difference this cycle, given Richards' ascendency into that top spot. Because of that, both will now be among those vying to partner him while collectively pushing things with Celtic.

  As for Robinson, his goal is to continue to deliver for FC Cincinnati. He's an MLS All-Star this season and a perennial best XI contender. Still, his ceiling seem to be somewhat limited, spending his prime in MLS.

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  For The Future: Noahkai Banks, Josh Wynder, Jalen Neal

  There are some good, young centerbacks on the horizon, even if we haven't seen them much with the USMNT. Noahkai Banks has played for the U.S. up to the U20 level and, even after a small breakthrough with Augsburg in the Bundesliga this season, seems committed to the program.

  Despite the dual-national panic around him, Banks, just 18, is still a very raw prospect, one looking to continue blossoming for club and, at some point soon, country.

  Josh Wynder, meanwhile, looks close to a breakthrough at Benfica as he inches closer to the first team. Few clubs in the world are better at developing talent than the Portuguese side, who invested in Wynder early after he emerged at Louisville City in the USL. He's been at Benfica for two years but is still just 20, a virtual toddler in centerback years.

  As for Jalen Neal, he does have USMNT caps under his belt, having appeared six times in 2023. He hasn't featured since, though, and was traded to CF Montreal this offseason, allowing him to lock down a starting role with his new club.

The transfer window is really heating up at Rangers.

On Wednesday, the Light Blues signed not one but two new players, with Joe Rothwell and Emmanuel Fernandez both arriving, the latter for a reported fee of £3.5m.

So, with the start of Champions League qualifying now less than three weeks away, Russell Martin’s mass overhaul of the squad he has inherited continues, with more new signings seemingly set to follow soon.

Rangers looking to bolster their back line

This Rangers squad requires a lot of surgery this summer, and this is no more so the case than in defence.

Transfer Focus

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

Leon Balogun has departed, joining Aris Limassol on a free transfer, while Robin Pröpper appears set to return to FC Twente too.

Meanwhile, Max Aarons has arrived on loan from Bournemouth, with Fernandez now signing too, but Martin is certainly still seeking to improve his defensive options.

Well, as reported by Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports News, Rangers are “in talks” with Wolverhampton Wanderers as they aim to sign Nasser Djiga on a season-long loan.

This would be a straight loan, with no option or obligation to buy, for the Burkina Faso international, who only joined Wolves from Crvena zvezda for a reported fee of £10m as recently as February.

The 22 year old made just six appearances in old gold following his arrival, his sole Premier League start coming at Crystal Palace in May, when Vítor Pereira made wholesale changes, with David Irvine of the Glasgow Times noting that Wolves are keen on this loan move to Ibrox so that he can ‘gain experience’ of British football.

Thus, could Djiga be a transformational addition for Rangers?

How Nasser Djiga will improve Rangers

The young defender is certainly highly-rated, described by Serbian Football Scout as a “duel monster” who reads the game well, but is also capable of a “last-ditch tackle” when required.

Nasser Djiga

Meantime, writer Kai Watson believes he is the “ideal” centre-back for Martin’s possession-oriented style, labelling him a “strong passer” who possesses a “good understanding” of defensive play.

Before moving to Wolves, he caught the eye representing Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League, helping them dump out Bodø/Glimt in the play-off round, before also enjoying league phase victories over Stuttgart and Young Boys, so let’s take a look at his statistics.

Minutes

720

1st

Completed passes

322

1st

Progressive passes

33

4th

Pass completion %

89.4%

3rd

Tackles

10

5th

% of dribblers tackled

100%

1st

Interceptions

4

5th

Blocks

7

4th

Clearances

27

2nd

Ball recoveries

28

4th

Touches

433

3rd

As the table outlines, Djiga ranks very highly in the Champions League for all statistics included, when compared to his former teammates, doing so at a very high level, considering Crvena zvezda came up against Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Benfica, PSV, Monaco and others during the league phase.

The centre-back’s defensive metrics are universally impressive but, more notably, so are his in-possession statistics, which will make him the perfect fit for a Martin team.

So, why will he be a more impactful signing than Aarons?

Well, in short, it’s due to what Rangers really need.

Aarons has presumably joined Rangers to play regularly, having seen just 338 minutes of action last season at Bournemouth and then Valencia, which raises serious question marks over current right-back and captain James Tavernier’s future.

Meantime, the Light Blues are desperate for central defensive reinforcements, with John Souttar and new arrival Fernandez currently the only options available to face Panathinaikos in a pivotal Champions League qualifier in just 19 days’ time.

So, while Djiga is clearly a high-potential player, he is also one that Rangers desperately require, making him a welcome and much-needed addition for Martin.

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