A two-member panel will now conduct a review before announcing their verdict within 14 days
Shashank Kishore14-Mar-20233:27
Chopra: If every Test lasts only two-and-a-half days, there is a problem
The BCCI has filed a formal appeal with the ICC over the “poor” rating given to the Indore pitch by match referee Chris Broad, an official of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, which owns Holkar Stadium in Indore, told ESPNcricinfo. A two-member ICC panel will now conduct a review before announcing their verdict within 14 days.The Test, the third of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia, finished well within the first session on the third day after 30 wickets fell in the first two days. Twenty-six of the 31 wickets in the Test went to spinners as Australia completed a nine-wicket win to claw back in the series after losing the first two Tests.In his report, Broad had said that the “pitch was very dry and did not provide a balance between bat and ball, favouring spinners from the start”. He further stated that there was “excessive and uneven bounce throughout the match”.Broad’s rating meant the venue has now accrued three demerit points. This will remain active for a five-year rolling period. If it receives two more demerit points, the venue will be suspended from hosting international cricket for 12 months.In the Indore Test, 26 of the 31 wickets went to spinners•Getty Images
Andy Pycroft, the match referee for the first two Tests, had rated the surfaces used in Nagpur and Delhi as “average”. Those Tests also finished inside three days, India winning both.Match referees have six distinct markings for surfaces: very good, good, average, below average, poor and unfit. Only those rated below average, poor or unfit attract demerit points.Indore was given short notice to host the Test after the BCCI inspection team found the outfield at Dharamsala not yet up to par after it was relaid in the winter. The BCCI announced the shifting of the venue on February 13, about two weeks before the scheduled start of the game on March 1.It is unusual for boards to appeal against pitch ratings, but not unheard-of. In fact, the PCB did it recently – and successfully – for a demerit point given to the surface in Rawalpindi, which hosted the Test against England in December last year. Pycroft, the match referee there too, had rated the pitch “below average”. England won that Test by 74 runs.
Brydon Carse records maiden first-class hundred before Durham take 15 wickets in day
ECB Reporters Network28-Apr-2023
Matt Potts claimed four of the 15 Derbyshire wickets to fall on day two•Getty Images
Brydon Carse gave the England selectors a quiet nudge ahead of the Ashes by scoring his maiden first-class century and taking three wickets to put Durham on the verge of victory in their LV= Insurance County Championship Division Two match against Derbyshire.Carse began the day needing 23 runs to reach his maiden ton and rocketed through the gears to secure his hundred from 113 balls before Durham declared on 452 for 9. The home side then ran through the Derbyshire line-up as Matthew Potts and Ben Raine reduced the visitors to 6 for 4. Luis Reece top-scored with 56, but his team were made to follow-on after being skittled for 165.Potts and Raine made further breakthroughs early on to leave Derbyshire in a world of trouble at 7 for 2 second time around. Durham maintained their patience to edge their way towards their second win of the season, reducing the visitors to 92 for 5 at stumps, still boasting a dominant 195-run lead at Seat Unique Riverside.Carse began the day 77 not out with his team positioned on 410 for 8, and he signalled his intent to get to three figures by dispatching Zak Chappell’s first ball of the day to the fence.Derbyshire skipper Leus du Plooy challenged Carse to penetrate the field, and the allrounder found the gaps to surpass his previous best of 91 made last week against Glamorgan before reaching his maiden ton with a nudge into the leg-side.Carse almost forgot to complete a second run in the midst of celebration, but comfortably made it back to acknowledge his delighted team-mates. He ended the Durham innings by clubbing Ben Aitchison over long-on for a huge six, securing maximum batting points.Durham declared 10 minutes before lunch to leave the Derbyshire openers with an awkward over to see out, but Raine made the breakthrough to remove Billy Godleman. Matters would only get worse for the visitors after the interval.Potts produced a sensational over to clean bowl Haider Ali and Wayne Madsen in the space of four deliveries before Derbyshire’s top order was left in tatters when Raine pinned Brooke Guest lbw for 2. Durham’s new-ball pair struck again as Matthew Lamb and du Plooy continued the Derbyshire procession.It was then the turn of Carse. He delivered a brute of a ball that rose sharply off the deck and Chappell could only fend meekly into the hands of Graham Clark at short-leg. Carse notched a second to remove Aitchison before Reece and Sam Conners offered a semblance of resistance with a final-wicket stand of 68, Reece top-scoring with 56 unbeaten. Matt Parkinson, on loan from Lancashire, claimed his first wicket to end the Derbyshire innings still trailing the hosts by 287.Scott Borthwick enforced the follow-on, and Godleman continued his day to forget as he collected a pair, lasting only two balls before he was pinned lbw by Raine. Potts was equally effective at removing Haider for the second time in the day as Derbyshire’s openers again failed to emerge beyond the second over intact.Madsen survived two dropped chances to put on 44 with Guest, but Carse produced another gem of a delivery to find his outside edge. In need of stability from their skipper, du Plooy gave his wicket away on 14, clipping a tame on drive straight to Potts, while Guest fell just before stumps for 35 to leave the visitors with a mammoth challenge to avoid an innings defeat after losing 15 wickets on day two.
Fast bowler kept in cotton wool until third Test at Headingley after limited build-up
Matt Roller27-Jun-2023
Josh Tongue holds the ball aloft for his five-for on Test debut•Getty Images
Ben Stokes has revealed that England “wanted to play Mark Wood” in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, starting on Wednesday, but doubts over his durability meant they were forced to select Josh Tongue for his second cap instead.Tongue is the only change from the side that lost by two wickets in the first Test at Edgbaston last week, replacing Moeen Ali as England field an all-seam attack on a pitch that retained a healthy covering of live grass the day before the game.Stokes said that Moeen’s spinning finger, which he cut on his return to first-class cricket last week following 21 months away, had “recovered really well” but a combination of conditions at Lord’s and concerns that he might re-open the wound led to the selection of a fourth seamer.Related
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Cummins and Australia will stay true to their approach
Wood was England’s leading wicket-taker on the 2021-22 tour to Australia and remains their fastest available bowler, but has not played a red-ball game since England’s tour to Pakistan in December and has not played a competitive fixture since his most recent IPL appearance on April 15. Fitness-permitting, England will unleash him in the third Test at Headingley next week.”We wanted to play Mark Wood,” Stokes said. “We felt that he could definitely start the game but with conversations, we felt the extra week with build-up and getting his loads up would give him a better chance and an opportunity to play a full part from Leeds onwards.”And we brought Tonguey into the team as a like-for-like with Woody. We turned up here at Lord’s and saw there was quite a lot of grass on the wicket, a bit of green. Traditionally, Lord’s has offered more for the seamers and with how Mo’s finger was last week… we just thought we would get more out of our fourth bowler being Josh Tongue this week.”Stuart Broad and Mark Wood kick a football around•PA Images/Getty
Stokes said that Wood had spoken candidly to him after bowling in training on Monday. “Me and Mark are great friends,” he said. “We go back a long way. I spoke to him how I’d want him to operate in this game and he was very honest with me.”He wasn’t sure if he’d be able to give what he’s known for throughout this Test match. So the decision was made to allow him to keep building his body up to give himself the best opportunity to go out, from Leeds onwards, to play a full part.”Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, would not be drawn into speculation about Wood’s fitness, but noted that Josh Hazlewood – whose appearance at Edgbaston had been his first Test in five months – had similarly benefited from sympathetic handling within the Australia set-up.”Over the last six months, everything was to give [Hazlewood] the best chance as possible to be right for this series,” Cummins said. “It’s really rare to have a full squad that’s fit and we are in a really lucky position. Some of that is probably luck, but a lot of that is also the incredible support team who you only really hear about when things go wrong, but they’ve been fantastic to get everyone fit.”Tongue, the 25-year-old Worcestershire seamer, is a surprise inclusion despite the success he enjoyed on this same ground on debut against Ireland earlier this month. He claimed second-innings figures of 5 for 66 to set up a ten-wicket win, and provided a point of difference to England’s attack on a slow pitch that proved difficult for creating wicket-taking opportunities.He has been picked ahead of Chris Woakes, who has a remarkable record at Lord’s but appears to have slipped some way down England’s pecking order, as well as Matthew Potts, who has been released to play for Durham in the County Championship.Stokes suggested that Tongue would continue to be used as an enforcer in an attack that also features James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson. “Broady, Jimmy and Robbo will tell you it’s always nice having someone who can bowl at 90mph doing it,” Stokes said. “Just having that versatility as a bowler this week is going to be very useful.”The only thing that’s different is the occasion for him. He’s had his first Test match, his debut game, which he’s had huge success from. Coming in and being able to use him in a fourth seamer role is something that I’m very much looking forward to him being able to do and I think he’s really looking forward to the challenge as well.”Stokes said Root’s bowling has “gone from strength to strength”.•PA Photos/Getty Images
This is the first time that Stokes has gone into a Test as captain without a frontline spinner in his side, with Joe Root – who bowled 22 overs of offspin at Edgbaston, returning match figures of 1 for 58 – his only part-time option.”He’s gone from strength to strength,” Stokes said of Root’s bowling. “The more responsibility I’ve given him with the ball has brought out another side to Joe. It’s great having someone like that who also averages 50 with the bat – that’s always nice.”Stokes also said that he hopes to “play even more of a part with the ball” in the second Test, after bowling 14 overs at Edgbaston. “I’ve recovered really well,” said. “Last week was a huge confidence boost for me. In all the build-up it was in a controlled environment around just training without having to stand in the field or back days up.”His fitness has been in question throughout the summer and he has bowled with heavy strapping on his left knee. “Being able to bowl that longer spell on the last day was another confidence boost for me,” Stokes added. “At the moment, things are looking good and hopefully I can play even more of a part with the ball in this game.”England: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 8 Stuart Broad, 9 Ollie Robinson, 10 Josh Tongue, 11 James Anderson.
Also backs the retired Imad Wasim to make Pakistan comeback ahead of T20 World Cup following his stirring run in the PSL playoffs
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Mar-2024
Shadab Khan had a terrific all-round season for Islamabad•PCB
If Shadab Khan came across as slightly unsure about receiving the Player of the Tournament award after the PSL final on Monday night, he certainly didn’t feel undeserving. Quite the opposite in fact.” (Nothing like that, I deserve it),” he quipped after leading Islamabad United to their third PSL title.It’s difficult to argue. Captain of the title-winning team, joint fifth-highest wicket-taker with 14, ninth-highest run-getter with 305 runs at a strike rate of 142.52 (neck and neck with Babar Azam’s strike rate), eight catches and a couple of run-outs.Related
Imad Wasim the hero as Islamabad scramble to two-wicket win in epic PSL final
PSL 2023-24: Babar, Imad and Naseem headline star-studded team of the tournament
Shadab was instrumental in the thrilling final-ball win over Multan Sultans in Karachi in the PSL final, picking up 3 for 32 including the wicket of his Multan counterpart, Mohammad Rizwan. It made Islamabad the most successful PSL franchise, with a third title, and Shadab’s second after the 2018 win. There was little doubt which triumph was more memorable.”This title is the really big one,” Shadab said. “In 2018, it was only my second season. I had had success very quickly in my career. This one has been a lot of hard work, and built on the belief of a lot of people, including our owners, Rehan ul Haq (the team manager) and the other management. Our belief as a team is such that we never let any doubt in. That is how you recognise a good team, because it doesn’t let in any doubt. So very satisfied that we’ve won.”It wasn’t a straightforward campaign for Islamabad by any means. They stuttered early on with three consecutive losses after a season-opening win. That included an almighty collapse against Peshawar Zalmi when they fell from 181 for 3 to 191 for 9, also losing four wickets in an over.But belief in their ways and methods remained firm and some old hands came good, not least Faheem Ashraf and the player of the final – and the playoffs – Imad Wasim.”The way we started, then lost three consecutive games, our belief remained the same. The matches we lost were close ones, last-over games, or we controlled games and then lost. Cricket doesn’t let you relax,” Shadab said.”From the Karachi [Kings] game, it had become knockout matches for us, and we took it one game at a time. We’ve always had the belief in our group that we have players who can win us games from anywhere.”Imad Wasim was Islamabad’s main man in the PSL playoffs•Pakistan Super League
Imad’s return to form was especially critical, a series of match-winning performances starting from the must-win group game against Multan. After a torrid start to the tournament, Imad won the Player of the Match award in every game in the playoffs, taking wickets and finishing games with the bat.The run has been accompanied by increasing chatter to get him back into Pakistan colours, Imad having retired last November from international cricket, not entirely content. Shadab was unequivocal in his support.”He must have had some issues to take such a big decision [when he announced his retirement],” Shadab said. “It’s his own decision if he wants to take it back. If someone talks to him about it, I think he might return. It is a World Cup season. Our best players, and those in the best form should play. That’s my wish that he plays. What his own thinking is, that’s different.”Indirectly, part of the reason for the clamour for Imad has been Shadab’s own form for Pakistan. After a disappointing Asia Cup and ODI World Cup at the end of last year, he was not picked for Pakistan’s T20I series in New Zealand at the start of the year. As such, his performances and form in this PSL have served as an audition for a return, even if he hasn’t seen it as such.”Whatever team I play for, I want to help them win,” he said. “Even this tournament, I wasn’t playing so that it would get me back in the Pakistan side. My effort was just to improve and do the things I can do. Playing for Pakistan is not in your hands. Your discipline and process is in your hands. Sometimes you’ll perform, sometimes you won’t, sometimes you’ll be in the team, sometimes out of it. But if the process is consistent you will improve. Everybody wants to play for Pakistan and in a World Cup, that is my wish too. But it’s not in my control.”I understand criticism on performances, but when it becomes personal then it is difficult. We are a one-sport nation, so everyone wants the team to win, or players to perform. That pressure is there every day you have to perform.”I believe in the process, if that is good, then results will come. When you don’t do well, you have to accept it. You can’t deny that. If your attitude is 100%, that’s it, you can’t control beyond that. If there is too much focus on results, then that process suffers.”
Allrounder hits counterattacking 90 against former team to put visitors on top
ECB Reporters Network06-Apr-2024
Ben Mike passed 50 to hurt his former county•Getty Images
Ben Mike returned to haunt his former county Yorkshire with a brilliant, counterattacking 90 as Leicestershire’s lower order carried their side to a first-innings 354 on day two at Headingley.This was another weather-shortened day in the Vitality County Championship opener, play only starting at 1.40pm due to a wet outfield – two hours earlier than day one.Yorkshire held sway overnight with the visitors at 164 for 5, and three wickets inside the first 75 minutes strengthened their position. Seamer Matt Milnes claimed two of them on the way to 4 for 73. However, allrounder Mike impressively led the revival from 215 for 8, sharing a record ninth-wicket stand of 119 either side of tea with tailender Tom Scriven, who contributed a valuable 56.Mike then struck twice in his first two overs with the ball as Yorkshire replied with 72 for 2 from 18 overs at close.Mike, who hit four sixes in 113 balls, left Yorkshire in November, one year into a three-year deal. He returned to the Uptonsteel County Ground in search of greater opportunity in this competition.The 25-year-old only played two Championship matches during his season and a bit at Headingley, the latter part of 2022 spent on loan wearing the white rose. In Yorkshire colours, Mike claimed a best of 4 for 40 with the ball in a One-Day Cup match last August but didn’t top 30 with the bat in any competitive fixture.Home supporters will, therefore, have fully expected sod’s law to kick in, and it did as Mike played superbly. He was aggressive but selective with it from No. 9 in the order, arriving at the crease at 177 for 7.He slog-swept and pulled three leg-side sixes en route to a 56-ball fifty, taking on the left-arm spin of Dan Moriarty and the seam of fellow allrounder George Hill. He later pulled Milnes for another as a century came into view.Mike wasn’t without fortune, however. On 38, he miscued Moriarty and offered a tough chance to Jordan Thompson running in from long-on. Another skied miscue shortly afterwards caught the strong wind sweeping across Headingley and took another catch out of the same fielder’s reach as he ran towards midwicket.Mike was ably supported by Scriven, the pair recording Leicestershire’s highest ever ninth-wicket partnership in first-class fixtures, beating a record which stood for 85 years.Yorkshire’s day had started well. Milnes had both Australian overseas batter Peter Handscomb, for 26, and nightwatchman Scott Currie caught behind as the score slipped to 177 for 7 inside the first six overs of play. Both were playing loosely outside off stump.Matthew Fisher cartwheeled Ben Cox’s off stump for 32, leaving the Foxes in danger of not reaching 250. But Mike was followed to a fifty by Scriven, who got there off 71 balls. By that time, the visitors were far, far happier at 327 for 8.Seven more runs had been added when Ben Coad, bowling with the new ball, trapped Scriven lbw, only for Mike to ensure a third batting point for reaching 350.One of Yorkshire’s issues last season was their inability to finish off the tail in matches. If they are to fulfil their Division Two title ambitions in 2024, that needs addressing.The innings was wrapped up when Milnes had Mike caught superbly at deep cover by Fisher, leaving Yorkshire with almost an hour-and-a-half’s batting to do before close.And it wasn’t entirely straightforward as Mike had Fin Bean caught behind with his third ball and captain Shan Masood caught at second slip playing loosely – the latter for a duck – as the score slipped to 47 for 2 in the 13th over.Adam Lyth played fluently for 43 not out, the ex-England opener reaching 12,000 Championship career runs on the way, before bad light stopped play four overs early.
Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways yesterday after a 3-1 victory over Southampton in North London, condemning the Saints to an immediate return back to the Championship.
A double from Brennan Johnson and a late penalty from January addition Mathys Tel secured all three points for Ange Postecoglou’s side, making amends for Thursday’s defeat against Chelsea.
The result moves the Lilywhites ahead of Everton and West Ham United, but still sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table in an all-round season to forget.
The summer remains a huge one for Postecoglou to try and make amends in 2025/26, with funds needed to turn around their dismal run over the last couple of months.
However, numerous players will also need to be moved on, with one player nowhere near the levels he’s previously procured at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
Heung-min Son’s stats against Southampton
Over the years, attacker Heung-min Son has often been the go-to man in terms of contributions in the final third, as seen by his tally of 173 goals and 94 assists in his 450 appearances.
However, the South Korean has struggled to replicate such levels in the last few months, only managing to score two league goals in the first four months of 2025.
Heung-min Son for Tottenham
His showing against the Saints yesterday was yet another disappointing one, featuring for just 57 minutes before being replaced by youngster Wilson Odebert.
The 32-year-old only managed a total of 39 touches, completing just one of his four attempted dribbles, whilst also only managing a single effort on goal.
After such a showing, it’s fair to say he’s no longer one of the first names on the teamsheet, with one other first-team member going from stride to stride with regular minutes over the past few months.
The Spurs star who’s more important than Son
Spurs have invested in young talents over the last couple of years, with their transfer strategy coming into question – especially considering the lowly league standing in 2024/25.
The decision to put funds into youth rather than players into their prime has often been a poor call, but it’s safe to say one player has been an anomaly to that trend.
Midfielder Lucas Bergvall has gone from strength to strength over the last few months, often being a regular in Postecoglou’s side – highlighting his impressive development.
The 19-year-old started the clash with the Saints yesterday, impressing massively during his 80-minute performance before being replaced by Yves Bissouma.
The Swede registered 43 touches during his display, completing 83% of the passes he attempted, being the shining light in the middle of the park despite his tender age.
He also created two chances, completing four passes into the final third, often looking to play forward at any opportunity – impressing at both ends of the pitch.
Lucas Bergvall’s stats for Spurs against Southampton
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
80
Touches
43
Passes completed
24/29 (83%)
Passes into final third
4
Tackles won
1
Interceptions made
2
Recoveries made
6
Stats via SofaScore
Bergvall also won one tackle, two interceptions and six recoveries, highlighting his ability as a box-to-box midfielder – undoubtedly having the potential to star at the heart of the side for many years.
As a result of his showing, he was handed a 7/10 match rating by Football London’s Rob Guest, further demonstrating how impressive he was during the triumph.
Such a showing has undoubtedly cemented his place at the heart of the side, with the position now his to lose despite his tender age – looking to be a phenomenal pickup.
As for Son, he’s entering the back end of his professional career, with age starting to become apparent, with Postecoglou having a huge call to make over his future this summer.
£49.6m wasted: Levy must ruthlessly sell Spurs "horror show" this summer
The disappointing Spurs flop has to go at the end of the season.
Chelsea are already making plans to prepare for the upcoming summer transfer window in an attempt to bolster the squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Blues have been linked with Inter stars Yann Bisseck and Marcus Thuram, whilst Napoli centre-forward Victor Osimhen reportedly wants to sign for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Chelsea have had success in recruiting from the Serie A in the past, with French central defender Marcel Desailly being a prime example – the titan joined from AC Milan in the summer of 1998 and went on to become a stalwart at Stamford Bridge.
He ended his time in England with 222 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, winning the FA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup, before being released in 2004 after six years at the club.
Chelsea could repeat that success and raid AC Milan once again for a defensive star as they reportedly eye up one of their present-day stars.
Chelsea plot move for Milan star
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Chelsea are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The report claims that Aston Villa and the Blues are both plotting moves to sign the France international, as Maresca looks to bolster his options in the goalkeeping position.
It adds that both teams have ‘taken information’ on the shot-stopper ahead of a possible ‘concrete’ move in the summer window, suggesting that they have made contact with either Milan or the player’s representatives to see if a transfer is realistic.
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
There is no mention of how much it would take to take the Italian giants into selling Maignan, but Chelsea must now push to get a deal done for him ahead of next season.
Why Chelsea should sign Mike Maignan
The Blues hit the jackpot when they signed Desailly, who went on to be a regular for many years and racked up over 200 first-team appearances, from Milan and they could do the same again by improving their defence with the French shot-stopper, who has played 154 times for the Serie A side.
Chelsea'sRobertSanchezapplauds fans after the match
Robert Sanchez has been the first choice for much of the current campaign and has done little to suggest that he is the long-term answer for Maresca in that position.
The Spaniard has made three errors that have led to shots, five errors that have led to goals, and given away two penalties in his 25 Premier League appearances this term.
Maignan’s performances in the Serie A for Milan over the past two seasons, meanwhile, suggest that he could come in to provide more stability between the sticks.
23/24 + 24/25
Mike Maignan (Serie A)
Robert Sanchez (Premier League)
Appearances
59
41
Clean sheets
20
10
Error led to shot
2
5
Error led to goal
3
6
Penalties committed
1
2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Sanchez has made more than twice as many errors that have led to shots, twice as many errors that have led to goals, and committed twice as many penalties in 18 fewer appearances since the start of last season.
This suggests that Maignan would improve Chelsea’s defence by not making as many critical errors that lead to goals conceded, hence why his clean sheet rate is also more impressive than the current Blues goalkeeper’s.
AC Milan's MikeMaignanreacts
The French ace, who was described as “world-class” by Serie A reporter Haris Mrkonja, has the potential to be an excellent addition to Maresca’s squad as a replacement for Sanchez, given his form over the past two seasons, and that is why the club must push to land him ahead of Villa.
Chelsea now interested in signing £43m Inter Milan star alongside Thuram
The Blues have identified a new target ahead of the summer transfer window…
ByDominic Lund Apr 6, 2025
Maignan, therefore, also has the potential to be Desailly 2.0 for the club as another defensive titan, albeit in a different position, to come over from Milan to the Premier League to star at Stamford Bridge.
In January, Manchester City made a handful of signings who could become the cornerstones of a team entering a new era under Pep Guardiola next season.
With only the FA Cup winnable this season, it has been one of transition for the Spaniard. He did sign a new deal last November, however, indicating that he is looking ahead to a new challenge starting this summer.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Manchester City's KevinDeBruyne
The likes of Vitor Reis, Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez and Abdukodir Khusanov have all proven over the previous few months that they have the required tools to perform for a club like City.
One player who will be departing the Etihad this summer is Kevin De Bruyne, who will end his ten-year association with City when his contract expires.
Manchester City's KevinDeBruyneshoots at goal
Guardiola has taken the club to new levels since he arrived in Manchester in 2016 after spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
It could also be argued that the main reason he led the team to such heights was having someone like De Bruyne in his squad to begin with.
The numbers behind De Bruyne's staggering Etihad career
Given what the Belgian has achieved with the club since moving to England from Wolfsburg ahead of the 2015/16 season, the playmaker might be one of the most important players in their history.
Think back to Paul Merson’s verdict on the midfielder in 2015, who said: “I like the signing of Fabian Delph, but I think Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne are pathetically overpriced. They have spent £54.5m on De Bruyne – and he’s a player they don’t really need.”
How wrong was he? At the time of writing, De Bruyne has played 415 matches for City, registering 284 goal contributions – 107 goals and 177 assists – in the process. This is a staggering number for the attacking midfielder, meaning he recorded a goal involvement once every 1.46 matches.
During that time, he helped City win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League in 2023. With City getting closer and closer to glory in the latter competition, De Bruyne took matters into his own hands that season, registering eight goal involvements, creating eight big chances and averaging 2.2 key passes per game as they eventually defeated Inter Milan in the final.
He may not have reached this sort of level over the previous two seasons, as injuries have begun to hamper his involvement. Indeed, the midfielder has missed 48 games since August 2023.
Kevin De Bruyne’s Manchester City statistics
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2023/24
26
6
18
2022/23
49
10
31
2021/22
45
19
15
2020/21
40
10
18
2019/20
48
16
22
2018/19
32
6
11
2017/18
52
12
21
2016/17
49
7
20
2015/16
41
16
13
Via Transfermarkt
Regardless, the 33-year-old is up there among the pantheon of City greats for his contribution over the previous decade.
The question now for Guardiola is, who comes in to replace him next season? And will the club have to pay a fortune for the privilege? Considering the recent news, they might just have found a perfect heir to the Belgian maestro.
Manchester City's perfect De Bruyne replacement
According to the Mirror, officials from Bayer Leverkusen made a visit to the Etihad last week in order to enquire about the availability of duo James McAtee and Stefan Ortega.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The German side are keen on landing both players during the summer transfer window. As a result, this may give Guardiola an advantage in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz with it being made known during those meetings that City would like to bring him to England.
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz
He has been valued at around £100m by the club, who would prefer him to leave Germany if a deal was reached to sell him, rather than joining Bayern Munich, who are also keen.
City could use McAtee and Ortega as makeweights regarding any prospective deal and, given his success already on the continent, Wirtz could have the same sort of impact that De Bruyne made.
Wirtz has the same sort of qualities as another City legend – David Silva – and if he manages to make a quick impact upon a move to the Premier League, he has the potential to replicate Silva’s success with the club.
Why Florian Wirtz could be City's next David Silva
If De Bruyne took City to new levels during his career with the club, Silva was arguably the catalyst for their golden era.
The diminutive Spaniard may have taken a few months to properly settle into life in Manchester, but he ended his first season with 19 goal contributions as the club won the FA Cup.
From there on, Silva went from strength to strength. Not only did he have an eye for goal, scoring 77 times for the club, but the midfielder was at his best creating chances for others, as evidenced by his 130 assists in 436 matches for City.
Aided by his small centre of gravity, Silva used this to his advantage, getting into dangerous positions with ease. Wirtz could offer something similar to City should he make the move to England this summer.
Hailed as a “mastermind” by talent scout Jacek Kulig during Leverkusen’s stunning 2023/24 campaign, Wirtz has plenty of qualities that are similar to Silva.
Best in an attacking midfield role, just like the Spaniard, Wirtz has the capability to both score and create in equal measure.
Indeed, since making his Leverkusen debut back during the 2019/20 season, the German international has scored 56 goals and grabbed 63 assists in that time.
His club might not win any silverware this season, but the 21-year-old has still managed to create 15 assists in the Bundesliga, along with averaging 1.9 key passes and succeeding with 2.8 dribbles per game.
The transition from an incredible prospect to a genuine world-class talent is now complete. Like Silva before him, Wirtz can take the next step in his career by moving from the continent to England this summer. Just who knows what he might have achieved at this stage next term.
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Tottenham Hotspur are now in the race for an “unbelievable” England international, but they may need to qualify for the Champions League to compete for his signature, according to former goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
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The 5-1 battering at Anfield on Sunday afternoon was the latest extremely disappointing performance from Tottenham, in a season where there has been no shortage of poor results, but ultimately the loss is of little importance.
Spurs’ season now hinges entirely on their Europa League campaign, and they should be in a very strong position to reach the final in Bilbao, given that they are set to come up against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final.
A Europa League triumph would end the Lilywhites’ long wait for a trophy, while also granting them access to next season’s Champions League, which should place them in a strong position to bring in some top players this summer.
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In a recent interview with Football Insider, Robinson has now provided an update on a player Tottenham could target this summer, although he believes they will only be able to compete for his signature if they win the Europa League.
The former goalkeeper said: “Tottenham are in the race for Marcus Rashford; but without Champions League football, without the Europa League trophy, and Tottenham 17th in the Premier League? Sorry, you’re not in the conversation.”
As Rashford’s relationship with Ruben Amorim has “broken down”, the England international is expected to leave this summer, with a move to Barcelona potentially on the cards, while a permanent switch to Aston Villa remains a possibility.
The 27-year-old is not the only England international Spurs have their eye on, however, with a recent report revealing they are also serious contenders to sign Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.
"Unbelievable" Rashford impressing at Aston Villa
After falling out with Amorim, it was clear the left-winger needed to leave United in January, and he has started to look more like his former self since moving to Villa, picking up four goals and six assists in 17 matches.
Having once been lauded as “unbelievable” by Harry Maguire, it is clear the £300k-per-week forward has bags of talent, but United has been a graveyard for top players in recent years, and it is good to see him reignite his career elsewhere.
Should Tottenham manage to win the Europa League, a move to north London could be attractive to Rashford, but the signs are not good heading into their crucial semi-final against Bodo/Glimt.
Spurs have lost their last three Premier League games on the spin, and even if they manage to reach the final, it will be a very difficult task to beat Athletic Bilbao in their own stadium, or three-time Champions League winners Man United in a European final.
Enzo Maresca is not short of options at centre-back for Chelsea. The Blues boss has several options when everyone is fully fit, not including Axel Disasi, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa. Youngster Josh Acheampong is also an option at centre-back, as is Wesley Fofana, although he is out injured.
Trevoh Chalobah was recalled to the club in January after spending the first half of the season on loan at Crystal Palace, and he has had a big role to play since returning, having started the last six Premier League games.
Levi Colwill – who has started 32 top-flight games in 2024/25 – has also been a key player, with the likes of Benoit Badiashile and Tosin being options, too.
However, the Blues seem like they will bolster their defensive depth in the summer and bring in a new recruit for Maresca.
Chelsea’s defensive target
If there is one defender who is widely wanted across Europe this summer, it is Feyenoord and Slovakia international David Hancko. The 27-year-old came close to leaving the club last summer, but seems destined to depart in 2025.
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According to a report from Dutch news outlet Voetbal International, Chelsea are one of the sides ready to make an offer to sign him this summer. The report suggests the Blues ‘want to work on the arrival of the defender’ before someone else snatches him up.
They will face stiff competition, however, with West Ham United the other Premier League side said to be interested in striking a summer deal.
Feyenoord'sDavidHanckocelebrates scoring their third goal
Outside of England, Atletico Madrid and Al Nassr are also strongly linked. In March, a report from TEAMTalk suggested the defender could leave Feyenoord for a fee in the region of £42m.
Why Hacko would be a good signing
It has been an impressive season for Hancko, in a Feyenoord side who have had a good time of things from a defensive standpoint in the Eredivisie. As per Sofascore, they have conceded the second-fewest number of goals, letting in 33. They have also kept nine clean sheets, bettered by just three sides.
Feyenoord defender David Hancko
Slovak international Hancko has played a big part in that, too. He has played 44 times across all competitions, with 29 of those games coming in the Dutch top flight. He has featured in all of those aforementioned nine clean sheets.
The 27-year-old has also chipped in with goals and assists this term, too. He has scored and assisted four each across all competitions, with one of those goals coming in that famous 3-3 draw away to Manchester City, when his side came from three goals down in the Champions League.
Described as a “freak technician” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, Hancko’s ability on the ball is a standout feature of his game. He can play at both left-back and left centre-back, showing excellent versatility.
In fact, that is like another Chelsea target, Jorrel Hato, who also plays in the Eredivisie for Ajax. According to a recent report from Sky Sports, the West Londoners are ‘seriously considering making a move’ for the 19-year-old.
Ajax Amsterdam's JorrelHatocelebrates after the match
The Ajax academy graduate has been crucial for the Dutch giants this term. He has featured 47 times in that famous shirt, scoring three goals and assisting six. Just like Hancko, he can play at centre-back or at left-back.
Well, the pair can be compared via FBref, to gain a better understanding of their underlying numbers. Their defensive number are very close, with Hancko averaging 2.17 tackles and interceptions and 4.34 ball recoveries each game. Comparatively, Hato averages 2.88 tackles and interceptions and 4.4 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.
Hancko and Hato key stats compared
Stat (per 90)
Hancko
Hato
Passes into final third
7.55
3.88
Progressive passes
7.34
4.38
Progressive carries
2
1.46
Tackles and interceptions
2.17
2.88
Ball recoveries
4.34
4.4
Stats from FBref
Signing Hancko seems like an excellent option for the Blues. He is progressive on the ball, as the stats show, and can play in a couple of positions, which adds to Maresca’s options at the back.
Slovakia'sDavidHanckoin action
£42m is a fairly sizeable amount of money, but he would certainly increase the technical floor of the squad and become another quality option.
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