Kylian Mbappe has joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in an exclusive Clasico club after finding the target again for Real Madrid in a crunch clash with arch-rivals Barcelona. The World Cup-winning France international has made a habit of doing that since becoming another ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2024 – with the exploits of all-time greats being emulated.
Mbappe the Galactico: Acquired for big games
The Blancos snapped up Mbappe with the hope of seeing him deliver in games that matter most. Fixtures do not come much bigger than meetings with Barcelona, as said contests attract interest from every corner of the globe.
Figures such as Mbappe are expected to illuminate proceedings, and he has been doing his best for Madrid since being added to their star-studded ranks. He was handed the No.9 shirt last season that Portuguese GOAT Ronaldo wore immediately after making his own move to Spain from Manchester United.
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Mbappe's record in El Clasico: Goals & defeats
Mbappe failed to find the target in his first meeting with Barca, which ended in a humbling 4-0 defeat. Another setback was suffered in the Spanish Super Cup, when going down 5-2, but the Frenchman did contribute to the Blancos’ cause on that occasion. He was on target again in a 3-2 Copa del Rey defeat to Barca in April.
Mbappe was then the star of the show for Real as they travelled to Catalunya on May 11, but another painful loss was suffered. Barcelona prevailed 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller, but struggled to keep Mbappe in check as he registered a hat-trick.
Fast forward to the present and Mbappe opened the scoring in another Clasico clash at the Bernabeu. He did so in style, finishing emphatically with a shot across the goalkeeper after being played through by Jude Bellingham.
Having scored in four successive Clasico matches, Mbappe finds himself joining an exclusive club. The only other members are Ballon d’Or-winning icons of Real Madrid and Barcelona’s glittering past.
Mbappe is the third player to score in four consecutive El Clasico games across all competitions in the 21st century (six goals), after Ronaldinho Gaucho between 2004 and 2006 (four matches, five goals) and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2012 (six matches, seven goals).
Trophy target: Mbappe chasing down major honours
Mbappe has endured plenty of pain at the hands of Barcelona, but will be hoping to enjoy a reversal in fortune across the 2025-26 campaign. He plundered 44 goals across his debut campaign in Madrid and is well on course to match or better that return this term. He already has a Champions League hat-trick to his name, against Kairat Almaty, and is looking to guide Real towards domestic and European honours – posting numbers that CR7 would have been proud of in the process.
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Bellingham takes Clasico record from Vinicius Jr
He will hope to see the likes of Bellingham provide plenty more assistance, with the England international looking to rediscover his best form on the back of summer shoulder surgery. The 22-year-old was also on target in Real’s latest clash with Barca, becoming the youngest player in the 21st century to score and assist in a Clasico for the Blancos – breaking a record that Vinicius Junior previously held after achieving the same feat in a Copa del Rey fixture in April 2023.
Despite losing eight out of nine games chasing, including one off a Super Over in Delhi, Rajasthan Royals (RR) continued to chase and ended up with the exact target that they scored to tie their last match in Delhi. The RR fans might feel jittery, but this was an excellent bowling performance to keep Chennai Super Kings (CSK) down to what looks like a below-par total on a true batting surface.While it took some reverse swing in the back half to restrict CSK, the first half featured some innocuous wickets to simple good-length bowling. There was no swing or seam or changes of pace that resulted in these wickets. Yudhvir Singh, brought in to replace Fazalhaq Farooqi, struck three times: he got Devon Conway, Urvil Patel and Ravindra Jadeja.Around these falling wickets, though, CSK’s two young finds of the season, Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis, scored breezy 40s. Mhatre got 43 off 20 balls, and Brevis 42 from 25. Between these two existed a confused mess, which also involved R Ashwin and Jadeja batting together.When RR withheld Wanindu Hasaranga for MS Dhoni, it gave Akash Madhwal an opportunity to reverse the ball, which started the real slowdown for CSK: they had maintained a run rate of 10 an over pretty much throughout despite the falling wickets. Madhwal got one to tail away, which ended in the wicket of Brevis. After that, Hasaranga did his job of tying down Dhoni, going for just 27 runs in his four overs despite two sixes by Shivam Dube.Madhwal completely shut CSK down in the end, bowling all his four overs in the back half, for just 29 runs. He nailed at least eight yorkers to go with low full tosses and ones that fell just short of being yorkers. When they are reversing, even these balls are difficult to hit. Dube hit one low full toss straight down the throat of long-on. Conspicuous by absence were innovative shots to upset the length. When Dhoni did try one, he found short fine leg to be dismissed for 16 off 17 balls. Madhwal ended with figures of 4-0-29-3 as just 17 runs came off the last three overs.
Seamer Ayanda Hlubi, wicketkeeper Mieke de Ridder and opener Lara Goodall have been left out
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Apr-2025Young wicketkeeper Karabo Meso and spin-bowling allrounders Seshnie Naidu and Miane Smit have earned maiden ODI call-ups for South Africa Women’s tri-series in Sri Lanka that will have India as the third team.Meanwhile, Marizanne Kapp has been rested as she “continues her conditioning block in preparation for the subsequent tours and the World Cup in India”, a CSA release stated.Naidu and Meso featured in this year’s Under-19 T20 World Cup, where South Africa lost to India in the final. They have also represented South Africa in T20Is – Naidu three times and Meso twice. Smit was a travelling reserve at last year’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. That apart, Nondumiso Shangase has also returned to the side for the first time since South Africa’s tour to India in June last year.Seamer Ayanda Hlubi, wicketkeeper Mieke de Ridder and opener Lara Goodall have been left out.”It’s a very good squad,” head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said. “The mixture of youth and experience helps. It’s an opportunity for these girls to show what they can do. Hopefully, whatever we’ve covered at the camp can be applied in Sri Lanka when we take the field.”For me, it’s not an opportunity for Karabo, Miane and Seshnie anymore. It’s an opportunity for us to give them exposure at this level. Going forward and for the bigger picture, it’s important that we expose them as much as possible to international cricket.”This tour is an opportunity for us to check where the team is at. It’s a work in progress. We want to get to a point where when we get to India in September [for the ODI World Cup], we are where we need to be as a team. But from a skill point of view, there’s still a bit of work to do, and that’s what we’re busy with at the moment.”The tri-series will be held between April 27 and May 11, with all matches to be played at the R Premadasa stadium in Colombo.South Africa Women squad for tri-seriesLaura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smitand, Chloe Tryon
Sim, o esporte mais popular do Brasil tem um dia especial no calendário para chamar de seu. No dia 19 de julho é comemorado o Dia Nacional do Futebol, que é um símbolo e uma verdadeira paixão para os torcedores brasileiros.
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No país, ostentamos jogadores e jogadoras que marcaram gerações, como Pelé, Marta, Ronaldo Fenômeno e outros craques. Não importa a sua idade, você com certeza viu o Brasil jogando com algum gênio da bola.
O Dia Nacional do Futebol foi criado em 1976 pela Confederação Brasileira de Desportos (CBD), atual Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF), e o dia 19 foi escolhido em homenagem ao primeiro clube de futebol do país: o Sport Clube Rio Grande. O clube gaúcho foi fundado neste dia, em 1900, e era formado por colonos ingleses.
Em homenagem ao esporte mais querido do Brasil, o Lance! listou dez curiosidades do mundo da bola e ainda as principais promoções e cupons que as grandes marcas ligadas ao esporte estão fazendo. Confira!
1- O futebol chegou ao Brasil em 1894, com o paulista Charles W. Miller (1874-1953), que após uma viagem de estudos na Europa, voltou ao Brasil com a bola e o manual com as regras.
2- Registros indicam que o Colégio Anchieta, de Nova Friburgo, realizava partidas frequentes de futebol, por influência de padres jesuítas.
3- O primeiro campeonato oficial de futebol no Brasil ocorreu em 1902, em São Paulo.
4- A Seleção Brasileira foi criada em 1914, no Rio de Janeiro.
5- Desde a primeira Copa do Mundo, em 1930, o Brasil é o único país que participou de todas as edições, além de ser o único pentacampeão mundial.
6- Pelé foi o jogador mais novo a vencer uma Copa do Mundo, em 1958, com apenas 17 anos.
7- Após uma confusão na Copa do Mundo de 1966, a FIFA implantou os cartões amarelo e vermelho. Antes disso, não existiam cartões, os árbitros usavam apenas o apito, voz e gestos para fazer as marcações.
8- Desde a criação do prêmio The Best FIFA, em 1991, cincos astros brasileiros foram nomeados os melhores jogadores da temporada: Romário (1994), Ronaldo (1996, 1997 e 2002), Rivaldo (1999), Ronaldinho (2004 e 2005) e Kaká (2007).
9- No futebol feminino, a maior vencedora é a brasileira Marta, também com seis troféus de melhor do mundo, recebendo o prêmio nas edições de 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 e 2018. Um verdadeiro marco na história do futebol feminino mundial!
10- Pela primeira vez, em 2023, a Copa do Mundo Feminina terá 32 equipes. A primeira edição, em 1991, teve apenas 12 seleções competidoras.
+ Quanto custa a camisa do Brasil na Copa do Mundo Feminina?
Promoções especiais no Dia Nacional do Futebol
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While they might not have the trophies to show for it, West Ham United have been blessed with a number of brilliant players over the last decade or so.
In the current team, you have Jarrod Bowen, who’d likely get a game for every club in the Premier League, and then you go back a little further, and you get to stars like Declan Rice and Dimitri Payet.
However, when it comes to a player loved by the Irons faithful but criminally underrated by outside fans, it’s hard to look past Manuel Lanzini.
Manuel-Lanzini-in-action-for-West-Ham
The Argentine midfielder made 226 appearances for the East Londoners, produced 58 goal involvements – including that one against Tottenham Hotspur – and then left as a firm fan favourite to join River Plate two years ago.
So it’s undoubtedly great news that West Ham now remain keen on signing an up-and-coming talent who could end up becoming their new Lanzini.
West Ham target their new Lanzini
So far, it would be fair to describe West Ham’s summer business as simply okay.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The signing of Kyle Walker-Peters on a free looks like a clever bit of business and Mads Hermansen and El Hadji Malick Diouf could well improve Graham Potter’s starting lineup.
However, even for free, Callum Wilson is an underwhelming addition, as he was only able to score a single goal for Newcastle United last season.
Newcastle United'sCallumWilsonsalutes their fans after the match
Fortunately, the Hammers aren’t done in the market just yet, as it now looks like they’re doing what they can to sign an exciting midfielder who could be their new Lanzini.
At least that’s according to a recent report from Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, who has revealed that West Ham remain interested in Mateus Fernandes.
More than that, McAdam claims that even though Southampton rejected their opening offer of £30m for the Portuguese star, “talks are continuing.”
However, it could end up being a particularly expensive transfer to get over the line, as the Saints are now asking for “closer to £50m” for the 21-year-old.
Nevertheless, Fernandes’ ability and sky-high potential make this a deal worth pursuing, especially as he could be West Ham’s new Lanzini.
Why Fernandes could be West Ham's new Lanzini
When he was at his best at West Ham, Lanzini was a technically proficient maestro who, from the middle of the park, was capable of creating and scoring chances as well as helping to control the pace of the game.
After all, you don’t amass as many appearances for a Premier League side as he did if you aren’t a seriously talented player.
So it’s exciting that, in Fernandes, Potter could be getting his hands on a player capable of fulfilling that same role.
Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon in action with Southampton'sMateusFernandes
Now, the Portuguese gem may have ultimately succumbed to relegation with Southampton last season, but it was most certainly not his fault.
On top of passing the eye-test with his silky ability on the ball and his “perfectly weighted through balls,” as analyst Ben Mattinson described them, he put up some simply sensational underlying numbers.
Fernandes’ scout report
Statistics
Per 90
Percentile
% of Aerials Won
62.5%
Top 2%
Tackles (Def 3rd)
1.39
Top 3%
Tackles
2.75
Top 5%
Ball Recoveries
5.54
Top 5%
Interceptions
0.87
Top 7%
Touches (Mid 3rd)
26.82
Top 9%
GCA (Defensive Action)
0.03
Top 10%
Passes Completed (Long)
3.40
Top 11%
Passes Attempted (Long)
6.06
Top 11%
Dribblers Tackled
1.02
Top 11%
Pass Completion % (Medium)
85.9%
Top 14%
Passes into Final Third
3.03
Top 14%
Shots Blocked
0.25
Top 14%
Total Passing Distance
569.45
Top 15%
Blocks
1.33
Top 15%
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 PL Season
For example, FBref ranked him in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for percentage of aerial duels won, the top 5% for tackles and ball recoveries, the top 11% for long passes attempted and completed and the top 14% for passes into the final third, all per 90.
These numbers paint the picture of a team player who can be relied upon to do the hard yards and defensive work, while still possessing the passing and technical ability to get the ball into dangerous areas – sound familiar?
Moreover, despite playing for a team that came dangerously close to taking Derby County’s most unwanted of records last season, the “exceptional” midfielder, as dubbed by Mattinson, was still able to score three goals and provide six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
Ultimately, while it might take some time, Fernandes appears to have the drive, determination, and technical skill to become Potter’s own Lanzini, and therefore, West Ham should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.
Potter's answer to Baleba: West Ham in talks to sign midfield monster
The up-and-coming talent could develop into a superstar under Potter’s tutelage at West Ham United…
Following the Community Shield, there was a clear dichotomy between Liverpool’s new attacking signings, two superstars in the making, and the old guard: Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
How strange that Arne Slot’s most trusted lieutenants were the ones to flatter to deceive at Wembley, with all-powerful captain Van Dijk culpable for both of Crystal Palace’s goals and Salah, coming off the back of perhaps the greatest individual season in Premier League history, anonymous throughout.
Both signed bumper contract extensions toward the end of last season, ending months of speculation, but they are each headed toward their mid-30s, and there are some within the Reds fanbase and many more peering through an outside lens who will view this as the changing of the guard on Merseyside.
But then, could it be that the noise around these two poor performances comes with a reactionary tone? They are two of the finest players in the world, after all.
Mohamed Salah for Liverpool
But the fact remains, Liverpool’s indomitable heroes are not going to be around forever, but given the remarkable nature of FSG’s summer spending, neither do they have to shoulder such heavy burdens over the next two years.
Liverpool's crucial summer transfer window
With Trent Alexander-Arnold having left in June for Real Madrid, Liverpool needed a new creative force to lead Slot’s team. Florian Wirtz is that man, having signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a £100m fee, which may grow to a British-record £116m.
The attacking midfielder showed flashes of peerless quality against Palace at Wembley, claiming an early assist when playing in fellow newbie Hugo Ekitike, whose debut finish was spectacular.
Last month, Ekitike joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79m, £69m up front and £10m achievable through add-ons.
Meeting this new Red Sea of firepower was Marc Guehi, who may yet join Slot’s side this summer. Liverpool are desperately short of options in defence, and the acceptance that the 34-year-old Van Dijk might not be quite as sturdy as he once was only reinforces the argument that such a player is needed.
Marc Guehi lifts the Community Shield with Crystal Palace
Palace chairman Steve Parish confirmed that Guehi could leave this summer, else he will depart for free next summer.
While adding a centre-back feels the most pressing concern, it’s not actually top of sporting director Richard Hughes’ agenda. There’s another Premier League superstar pushing for a move to Merseyside; you know who.
Liverpool hold talks for marquee signing
According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Liverpool resumed talks with Newcastle United for Alexander Isak on Monday, with the sale of Darwin Nunez to Al Hilal allowing FSG to place their emphasis on signing the Sweden striker.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Isak, 25, has sought to force a move to Liverpool this summer, opting against travelling with the Magpies for their pre-season tour and remaining ostracised from Eddie Howe’s squad thereafter.
Liverpool have already seen a £110m offer knocked back at the start of August, and must be growing in confidence that they can get the deal done, especially with Newcastle edging toward deals for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Yoane Wissa of Brentford.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsak
Why Liverpool want Alexander Isak
With Ekitike so slick and cultured in his attacking berth on Sunday, some might feel a move for Isak would be superfluous. Liverpool have signed one of the best young strikers in the business, and he’s got the potential to lead the Anfield line for many years to come.
But who says the respective strikers can’t cohabit within Slot’s squad?
Ekitike and Isak
Salah might still be Liverpool’s attacking linchpin, but the Egyptian King needs to recover his finest form. Not only did Salah fail to impress during the Community Shield, but he has carried his torpor from the end of last season into the new one. Indeed, the 33-year-old has scored three goals and registered one assist across his past 15 matches for the club in all competitions.
It’s hardly something to panic about. Salah might not boast the same snappy speed or nimble athleticism as he once did, but he’s one of the most intelligent and resourceful forwards of his generation, and he scored 34 goals and supplied 23 assists across 52 matches in all competitions last season.
And by signing Isak, who is so accomplished within the English game, Liverpool might succeed in maintaining Salah’s output, especially from a creative vantage point.
As per Sofascore, the £400k-per-week right winger averaged 2.4 key passes per Premier League match last season, creating 27 big chances in total (the most in the division). Sadly, Nunez never hit the kind of prolific fluency to capitalise on the riches Salah’s playmaking provided him.
The £120k-per-week Isak, 25, hasn’t yet reached the same godlike goalscoring levels, but his improvements have come incrementally over his three years on Tyneside, and he scored against Liverpool to lift the Carabao Cup last term with Newcastle, the most important of his 27 strikes across the campaign.
24/25 – 42 (41)
27
6
23/24 – 40 (36)
25
2
22/23 – 27 (18)
10
3
But there’s no denying he’s one of the most devastating strikers in Europe, with Fabrizio Romano hailing him as a “machine” in front of goal.
Given that Isak is also an impressively mobile striker, thus retaining some of the movement and tenacity that Nunez brought to the table (he was hardly all bad, was he?), the fact that Salah has lost a yard of pace is negated; or if not negated, at least that blow is tempered.
There might be concerns that Liverpool’s push for Isak could come to Ekitike’s detriment, but the Reds currently boast just the one centre-forward, and he’s yet to taste Premier League action.
The pairing could thrive, and what’s more, their arrivals could ease the burden that Salah carried throughout the 2024/25 campaign and could actually see the old dog go from strength to strength this year.
New Fabinho: Liverpool join race to sign "one of the best CMs in the PL"
Liverpool could spend big money on signing their new Fabinho.
Emil Krafth has revealed the reaction at Newcastle to Alexander Isak's Liverpool transfer, with talk of a dressing room divide being rubbished.
Swedish striker forced record-breaking move
Former colleagues on Tyneside wish him well
No divide in Howe's camp at St James' Park
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Sweden international Isak spent much of the summer window being linked with a record-breaking move to Anfield. That deal was finally completed on deadline day, with the prolific striker becoming the most expensive player in British football.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Questions have been asked of how he set about completing that switch, with Isak going on strike at one stage as he stayed away from pre-season training. That led to reports of some Magpies players taking issue with their team-mate. Anthony Gordon, Sven Botman and Anthony Elanga did, however, pass on well wishes after a £125 million ($169m) move went through.
WHAT KRAFTH SAID
Krafth insists the Newcastle camp remains “very chill”, telling when asked about supposed divisions in Eddie Howe’s squad: “There were many who wanted to see Alex stay, but you understand how football works. I wish him all the best in the future. For me, Alex is not just a footballer, but a close friend too.
“The media wrote that the locker room would be divided. That is certainly not true. Football players understand football players, and we can only wish him the best of luck. As Anthony [Elanga] said, it has been very chill. No one has said or done anything. It is just taken out of thin air.
“You understand his and the club's situation. Of course, they would have wanted to keep him, he is an incredibly good football player.”
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DID YOU KNOW?
Isak claimed that “promises were broken” by Newcastle as he pushed for an exit, with Krafth adding on the unfortunate saga that his international colleague found himself caught up in: “We were in contact often and spoke on the phone. We also met. It's clear that there were tough times for him but he's also strong mentally. It's clear that it was hard for him, but he got through it.
“In some ways it's nice that this merry-go-round is over so that he can focus on his own and the club can focus and move forward. It's not easy that way. But you have to try not to read too much into it. You understand both sides.
“The fans' frustration and that you want to keep your best player. And you understand Alex, that he might want to take the next step.”
It’s been another characteristically busy summer for Chelsea this year.
As well as making it to the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup – the only English side to do so – the Blues have been wheeling and dealing in the transfer market.
The latest star to be announced by the club was striker Joao Pedro, who took the now well-trodden path to Stamford Bridge from Brighton & Hove Albion for around £60m.
Chelsea manager EnzoMaresca
However, the West Londoners are far from done there, as a deal has reportedly now been reached to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, and on top of that, a talent who could be the next Cole Palmer has also been linked.
Chelsea target young talents
The ethos at Chelsea over the last few years has been to buy young, up-and-coming talents, which is something they are continuing to do this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
For example, Gittens, whose final price tag appears to be around £55m, is still just 20 years old, and based on his tally of 12 goals and five assists in 49 games last season, looks set for a bright future.
Likewise, Liam Delap, who joined the club from Ipswich Town for just £30m prior to the CWC last month, is still just 22, and already has a goal and an assist to his name in four appearances for the Blues.
And now, there is another promising gem that is on the club’s radar: Tyler Dibling.
Yes, according to a recent report from Football Transfers, Chelsea are incredibly interested in the Southampton prospect.
In fact, the report goes a step further, claiming that West Londoners have already begun talks with the youngster’s camp and are considering making an offer for him.
However, they aren’t the only ones interested in the 19-year-old, as Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Man Utd, Aston Villa, and RB Leipzig are all keeping an eye on him.
Southampton's TylerDiblingcelebrates scoring their third goal with Mateus Fernandes
Moreover, the Saints reportedly value their exciting talent at a minimum of £55m.
In all, it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Dibling’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be their next Palmer.
Why Dibling could be Palmer 2.0
So, the first thing to say is that we know this is a massive statement, but to be clear, we are not saying that Dibling is like Palmer at the moment, as he is not, and it’s not even close.
However, there are some clear similarities between them and their potential moves, should the Southampton gem move to Chelsea.
For example, he’d be another young, reasonably sought-after English talent moving to Stamford Bridge to test himself with regular football at a massive club.
Moreover, while the Exeter-born dynamo is primarily a right-winger, he has spent plenty of time playing in attacking midfield and has actually played in a multitude of positions.
Similarly, the Blues talismanic attacker tends to play in attacking midfield, but has spent plenty of time off the right, as well as in a number of areas on the pitch.
Tyler Dibling in action for Southampton in the Premier League.
Finally, while he wasn’t able to have quite the same impact as Palmer did last season, in part because he’s younger and was playing in a terrible team, the teenager has the same determination to make things happen.
For example, FBref placed him in the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for successful take-ons per 90, and in 38 games across all competitions, he scored four goals and provided three assists.
Appearances
38
Minutes
2215′
Goals
4
Assists
3
Goal Involvements per Match
0.18
Minutes per Goal Involvement
316.42′
It’s not just us either, as Dion Dublin argued that “he plays his game like Cole Palmer” last season, in part due to the way he “rolls players and takes the ball well.”
Ultimately, he’s clearly not yet at the level of Palmer, but Dibling looks like he could reach that level in the future, and therefore, Chelsea should do what they can to sign him.
More exciting than Delap: Chelsea set to submit £34m bid to sign CWC star
The incredible talent could be a future superstar for Chelsea.
The India captain stressed on keeping a calm team environment and trusting his experienced players to perform their roles in the semi-final
ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jun-20246:19
Rohit: ‘I don’t think we need to change from what we did in 2022’
India’s captain Rohit Sharma stressed on the importance of keeping the team environment normal and clarity of thought as they prepare to take on England in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Providence, Guyana on June 27.”See, we want to treat this game as another game that we have played in this tournament,” he said on the eve of the match. “We don’t want to think about what lies ahead and what is the context of the game and all of that. Everyone knows in the back of their mind it’s a semi-final. But you don’t want to keep talking about it again and again and again. And not to think about what has happened in the past.”The fixture is a re-match of the semi-final at the T20 World Cup 2022, where India suffered a ten-wicket defeat against England in Adelaide.Related
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“I think we are, all of us, the entire group is in a good frame of mind. We are playing well as a team, enjoying each other’s company, enjoying each other’s success at times as well. Yes, we’ve been put under pressure in certain games during this tournament as well, but I thought we responded pretty well. And that is probably because we’re not thinking too far ahead.”We want to think about how well we can play and what we can do as a team for us to achieve the result that we are looking for. Sometimes if you think too much, you then will not be able to make the decisions that you want to make on the field. So, I think it’s important that we stay clear in our mind what we want to do. We have had enough conversations with the players, what is expected out of each one of us. So, it’s time now to just rely on the individual instinct and then take the game forward.”Both India and England will be playing in Providence for the first time this T20 World Cup – it’s a 10.30am start – and assessing conditions quickly will be crucial.”I know it sounds very boring for me to talk about conditions, conditions, because that does matter a lot,” Rohit said. “Because in New York, we saw what the winning score was. So, we want to be a smart cricket team. We don’t want to just talk in one language, which is to just go and swing the bat.”I think it is important for us to understand what conditions are in front of us and what we have to do. And I have spoken about experience in this group, and we rely on that experience from each player to go out and make that decision, whether it is playing the reverse sweep, whether it is bowling a yorker, whether it is bowling a bouncer. We rely on those individuals to make that decision.”1:58
Defeat to England in 2022 semi-final was a ‘wake-up call’ for India – Manjrekar
When asked about India adopting an aggressive batting approach during this T20 World Cup, Rohit picked out their Super Eight contest against Bangladesh as the “perfect game”. In that match, India scored 196 for 5 with only one batter – Hardik Pandya – making more than 40 and the team won by 50 runs.”Yes, it’s important to play without fear,” Rohit said. “Of course. And we have created this environment in the team for the past few years … This format is like that now. Individual scores and individual brilliance don’t matter that much. If someone does it, it’s good, but you shouldn’t focus on it that I have to score 70 runs, 90, or 100 runs. I think the game that we played against Bangladesh was the perfect game. Why I say that is because only one guy scored 50 runs. Rest of the team scored 20 – 30, 20 – 30, and still we reached 198 [196]. Which is a very good score.”That is because the role that we have given each player – he did his role in his phase. That’s why we reached that score. I think this is what our team needs – if we play eight batsmen, they will play their roles and we will get the score we want.”I see the same with bowling – it’s not any one person’s day – they might not get a chance to bowl four overs. He will get a chance to bowl one or two overs. I keep talking to the players about this. I want one or two overs from you. I want those two tight overs. You are creating pressure here so that the other bowler can come and take the wicket from the other end.”So, these small things, we keep talking about these things in the team. I think the message in the team is very clear. Our focus is not on the individual score, it is on the role, how you will play the role.”
Aston Villa are now in a three-way race to sign an “incredible” midfielder who is ready to leave his current club this summer, according to a report.
Villa stepping up midfielder pursuit
As we approach the summer transfer window, Villa seem to be particularly keen on adding a midfielder to their ranks, having submitted an offer for Rosenborg’s Sverre Nypan last week, and Fabrizio Romano has recently dropped a further update.
A deal for Nypan appears to be edging closer, but given that the Norwegian is just 18-years-old, Unai Emery may be keen on bringing in a central midfielder with a little more experience at the top level, and contact has been made over FC Barcelona’s Marc Casado.
Back in October, it was revealed that Emery had personally requested the signing of Athletic Club’s Oihan Sancet, with the manager being left “captivated” by the midfielder’s performances, which indicates the Spaniard is a big fan.
Now, there has been a new update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Sancet, with a report from Spain revealing they are now in a three-way race for the 24-year-old, alongside Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.
The Villans are said to be closely monitoring the Spanish midfielder’s development, and their presence in the Champions League should give them a good chance of winning the race for his signature.
The Pamplona-born maestro is ready to leave Athletic Club this summer, but a deal will not be cheap, with the La Liga side set to hold out for his release clause of €80m (£69m).
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He’s been in stellar form this season.
1 ByBarney Lane Apr 14, 2025 "Incredible" Sancet could be fantastic signing for Villa
The attacking midfielder has previously been lauded as “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and he has been one of his side’s top performers in La Liga this season, having averaged a 6.97 match rating.
The Spain international has been particularly impressive in front of goal, having scored 16 goals in all competitions, including 15 in 23 La Liga games, which is a phenomenal record for a midfielder.
As a result, the Athletic star ranks in the top 2% for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, while also ranking very highly on some other key metrics for midfielders.
Statistic
Average per 90
Non-penalty goals
0.64 (98th percentile)
Pass completion %
82.3% (86th percentile)
Progressive passes
5.78 (86th percentile)
Sancet could be a fantastic signing for Aston Villa this summer, and they should be well-placed to compete for his signature, should they manage to qualify for the Champions League once again.