Category Uncategorized

Du Plessis has 154 IPL appearances and has won two titles with Chennai Super Kings

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Nov-2025

Former South Africa batter Faf du Plessis has opted not to put his name in the IPL 2026 auction, choosing instead to play the Pakistan Super League (PSL).”After 14 seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year. It’s a big decision, and one that comes with a lot of gratitude when I look back,” du Plessis wrote in a statement on his social media handles.”This league has been a massive part of my journey. I’ve been lucky to play with world-class teammates, for amazing franchises, and in front of fans whose passion is like nothing else. India has given me friendships, lessons, and memories that have shaped me as a cricketer and as a person.”Related

RR trade Samson to CSK for Jadeja and Curran

Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk on Delhi Capitals' release list

IPL 2026: How the squads stack up ahead of the auction

Du Plessis, who has 154 IPL appearances, did not rule out a return to the competition in the future.”Fourteen years is a long time, and I’m proud of what this chapter has meant to me. India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn’t goodbye – you’ll see me again,” he said.”This year, I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and will be playing in the upcoming PSL season,” du Plessis said. “It’s an exciting step for me – a chance to experience something new, to grow as a player, and to embrace a league filled with incredible talent and energy. A new country. A new environment. A new challenge. I’m looking forward to the Pakistan hospitality.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd

In IPL 2025, du Plessis made 202 runs from nine games for Delhi Capitals, and even captained the team in two games when their regular captain Axar Patel was injured. However, he was released by the franchise ahead of the auction.Overall, du Plessis is the fourth-highest run-scorer among overseas players in the IPL. Apart from DC, he has played for Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rising Pune Supergiants, winning the title twice with CSK.Du Plessis has played in the PSL before, making six appearances between 2019 and 2021 for Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators.While the IPL season will be played between March and May, it overlaps with the PSL, which is scheduled between April and May.

Manchester City closed the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League to just two points after they beat Sunderland 3-0 at The Etihad on Saturday.

A screamer from Ruben Dias set the Cityzens on their way before Rayan Cherki provided a genius rabona assist for Phil Foden to seal all three points with the third goal.

Despite a run of five wins in their last six matches in the Premier League, there is always room for improvement at Manchester City for Pep Guardiola, which means that they could be active in the upcoming January transfer window.

Man City scouting Bundesliga star

One thing that the Cityzens do not have in abundance is players with real speed who can run off the last line, but they are now looking at a star who could provide that.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester City are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a potential swoop to sign RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande in the January transfer window.

The report claims that the Premier League side have sent scouts to watch the Ivorian talent in action in the Bundesliga this season, ahead of a possible move for him next month or next summer.

It adds, though, that Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool have also been watching the 19-year-old starlet, which suggests that there could be plenty of competition for his signature.

CaughtOffside reveals that insiders believe that his value could rise as high as £87m amid interest from a host of top European clubs, whilst his contract does not expire until 2030.

Why Man City should sign Yan Diomande

The Cityzens should push to win the race for the teenage whiz’s signature because he could be Guardiola’s new Sterling, as a rapid right-footed right winger who can provide a real threat in behind.

In Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Rayan Cherki, City have a collection of right-sided attackers who are at their best dropping into play to take the ball with their back to goal or on the half-turn, but they do not have a natural right winger who wants to run in behind.

U23 scout Antonio Mango described Diomande, meanwhile, as a “crazy speedster” who has become a “weapon” in the final third by adding goals and assists to go along with his electric pace.

The Ivorian star scored a hat-trick against Frankfurt in a 6-0 win for Leipzig at the weekend, taking his tally for the season to seven goals in 15 appearances for the German side.

Diomande has scored six goals from 3.03 xG and registered two assists from two ‘big chances’ created, per Sofascore, in the Bundesliga for his club, whilst he has also completed 2.8 dribbles per game, which speaks to how direct and purposeful his play is.

Man City’s all-time leading scorers and assisters

Goals

Assists

Sergio Aguero (260)

Kevin De Bruyne (177)

Joe Hayes (146)

David Silva (136)

Eric Brook (145)

Raheem Sterling (86)

Erling Haaland (144)

Bernardo Silva (75)

Colin Bell (149)

Phil Foden (65)

Francis Lee (138)

Sergio Aguero (65)

Raheem Sterling (131)

Riyad Mahrez (59)

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Sterling was also a player who provided quality in the final third to go along with the pace that he used to run in behind opposition defenders.

The fact that the England international and Sergio Aguero are the only two players who feature in the top seven for both goals and assists speaks to how effective he was for Guardiola on the right wing as both a scorer and a creator.

Diomande is a talented young player who has the potential to follow in Sterling’s footsteps, because he has already shown that he can provide quality on a regular basis in the Bundesliga with Leipzig this term, with eight goal contributions so far.

Like Sterling, the 19-year-old winger is a dynamic forward who can go down the line or run in behind on his right foot, but he can also drop deep and come inside onto his weaker foot, having scored four goals with his left foot and two with his right, per Sofascore.

Related Man City make approach for 'frustrated' Arsenal star as three more clubs line up

The Gunners have responded.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini 7 days ago

This is why City should be pushing to get a deal done for the youngster when the January transfer window opens, because Diomande could provide Guardiola with a right-sided option that he has not had since Sterling left the club.

In an instant blow for new manager Vitor Matos, “top clubs” are now reportedly making moves in an attempt to sign Swansea City’s Harlan Perry, who has been the academy’s Player of the Year for four consecutive seasons.

It’s the last thing that Matos needs, with the pressure on to arrive and turn things around in Wales. As things stand, the Jacks sit 20th and only four points above the Championship’s dropzone with the manager’s debut against Derby County up next.

Upon arriving, the former Liverpool coach shared how optimistic he is that Swansea can turn their season around – telling the club’s website: “Swansea, for me, have always had a style. Something that distinguished the club from all the others.

“Somehow we have got a bit far away from what is the DNA of the club. So it will take steps, it will take a bit of time, but I really believe we can take steps in the right direction.

“For that, we will need everyone, the whole club, all the fans and us all to have the same vision. That’s what I want. I see the fans are still behind and pushing the team, we will need them and I see players who want to change the momentum and we need to find the right idea and the right vision to do it.

“That’s the most important thing. It is clear we need to win games and points, but we need to focus on the process and I really believe if we can play to our best then the more chances we will have to win. That’s the direction we need to have.”

It’s a DNA built from the first-team to the academy, but one that Swansea’s best young player may yet miss as contract concerns continue to emerge.

"Top clubs" now moving to sign Harlan Perry

As reported by Rudy Galetti, “top clubs” are now moving to sign Perry from Swansea in what would be a free deal. The 17-year-old has been the academy’s Player of the Year in the last four seasons, but is yet to sign a professional contract – opening the door for a potential exit.

Vitor Matos decides to take Swansea City job as release clause cost revealed

A major boost for the Swans.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 20, 2025

The midfielder turns 18 this week – it’s then that clubs will be able to offer him a long-term contract to deal those in Wales a major blow.

Whilst Matos’ first priority should of course be turning results around, he must also ensure that Swansea keep hold of players with impressive potential like Perry, even if it means selling for a larger profit at a later date.

Instant blow for Matos as "one of Swansea's key players" could now leave

Sibley, Burns add fifties as champions push into dominant position after even first-innings tussle

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay09-Sep-2025Ollie Pope’s quickfire 56 not out underlined a dramatic second day turnabout in fortunes with Surrey taking charge of their vital Rothesay County Championship match against Warwickshire at the Kia Oval.Dom Sibley also made an unbeaten 64 as Surrey cruised to 181 for 1 in their second innings, helping Pope add an unbroken 89 after initially featuring in a 92-run opening partnership with Rory Burns, who scored 54 before being bowled through the gate by Ethan Bamber.The efforts of Surrey’s top three, indeed, had wrenched a previously hard-fought contest Surrey’s way on a clearly easing pitch for batting, with Pope’s runs taking him just 78 balls while Sibley’s 160-ball knock anchored the innings perfectly.Both Pope and Burns made their second fifties of the match and by stumps Surrey had moved ominously into an overall lead of 179 after earlier in the day bowling out Warwickshire for 248 to keep themselves in the game.Gus Atkinson led a first session fightback with the ball with 3 for 53 as Warwickshire failed to capitalise fully on an overnight 132 for 4 in reply to Surrey’s first-innings 246, although Tom Lawes’ 4 for 42 earned him the best figures following his stellar three-wicket burst late on day one.New Zealand Test batter Will Young top-scored for Warwickshire with 72, while Ed Barnard also reached a half-century and last man Nathan Gilchrist hit an unbeaten 25 to earn the visitors a slender two-run halfway lead.Will Young frustrated the Surrey attack•Getty ImagesYoung and Barnard, who had put on 85 in defiant style towards the end of day one, added just four more runs to their overnight partnership before Atkinson had Barnard caught at the wicket for 50 with a magnificent delivery, lifting and leaving the bat from just short of a length on the line of off stump, that the Warwickshire allrounder did well to touch.Atkinson, bowling with pace and control, was a difficult prospect although Young did slightly top-edge a pulled six wide of long leg before pulling more confidently through midwicket for four to reach an excellent half-century.At 174, though, Dan Mousley’s 44-ball 19 ended with an edge to second slip off Jordan Clark and Atkinson, recalled for a second spell before lunch, responded by removing Michael Booth with his first ball back.Booth, on 10, pushed at a sharp, rising delivery and Pope held on to his second catch of the morning at second slip before Atkinson, in his next over, also had Bamber comfortably caught at midwicket for 2 by Lawrence as he flapped an attempted pull.That left Warwickshire 204 for 8 and, in the fifth over after lunch, it became 216 for 9 when Young’s superb innings was finally brought to an end by a quite brilliant catch by Surrey keeper Ben Foakes.Diving low to his right, Foakes somehow managed to get his right glove underneath a dipping edge off Dan Worrall and it was no surprise that Young, having batted for four and a half hours and faced 166 balls, took several disbelieving backward glances at replays on the big screen as he left the field.An assault by Gilchrist on Clark, taking four fours in an over via an outside edge, an inside edge and then two perfectly-struck drives either side of cover, took Warwickshire into the lead but – two runs short of a first batting bonus point – Lawes fired a low full toss through Olly Hannon-Dalby’s effort to flick it away to have him leg-before for 7.

Mohammed Shami has been named in the East Zone squad for the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy.Ishan Kishan, who scored two half-centuries in two innings for Nottinghamshire in the ongoing County Championship Division One, was named captain of the 15-member squad, which also included Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar and Riyan Parag. Abhimanyu Easwaran, part of India’s Test squad in England, was named vice-captain.Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who struck the fastest century in youth ODIs on India Under-19’s tour of England last month, was among the six standbys.Related

• Kuldeep, Khaleel in Jurel-led Central Zone squad for Duleep Trophy

• Shubman Gill to lead North Zone in Duleep Trophy

• Tilak Varma to lead South Zone

• Iyer, Sarfaraz in West Zone squad for Duleep Trophy; Thakur to lead

Shami, 34, was last in action in IPL 2025, where he picked up six wickets in nine matches for his new team Sunrisers Hyderabad. His last first-class game was for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy in November 2024. That was his only red-ball outing since his last Test match for India – the World Test Championship final in June 2023.There was no place in the East Zone squad for Sudip Chatterjee, Bengal’s leading run-getter in last season’s Ranji Trophy, while Sudip Kumar Gharami, their second highest run-getter, was part of the standbys.Virat Singh and Sharandeep Singh, Jharkhand’s top-two run-scorers in the previous Ranji Trophy, were part of the squad, as well as left-arm spinner Manishi, who took 22 wickets in seven matches.The six-team Duleep Trophy is returning to the zonal format, with squads picked by the zonal selectors, and the tournament will kickstart the 2025-26 domestic season. Last season, the tournament had four teams – India A, B, C and D – that were picked by the national selectors. East Zone will play the domestic season’s opening game against North Zone from August 28 at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

East Zone squad

Ishan Kishan (capt), Abhimanyu Easwaran (vc), Sandeep Patnaik, Virat Singh, Denish Das, Sridam Paul, Sharandeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Riyan Parag, Utkarsh Singh, Manishi, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Shami

The glitter went against a serious Mushfiqur’s pre-match routine, and was something his team-mate Mominul had never seen before

Mohammad Isam19-Nov-2025The air around the Shere Bangla National Stadium was, for once, sweet.Expectations of great gestures, a bit of ceremony, and a good day of cricket – as opposed to the usual cocktail of vitriol, disappointment and trolling – hung in every corner of this storied venue on Wednesday morning. Mushfiqur Rahim, the stadium’s most frequent visitor, was about to make history for Bangladesh.By the time the crisp morning gave away to a bright afternoon, and a cool evening descended on Dhaka, Mushfiqur was on his way to another landmark. Eventually, though, after remaining stuck on 99*, he left a bit of overnight anticipation for another sweet morning.Related

Mushfiqur: 'I want to give back for as long as I'm playing for Bangladesh'

Mushfiqur 99* headlines Bangladesh's strong start

Tamim: Mushfiqur's 100th Test 'should be celebrated'

From youngest at Lord's to 100 Tests: Mushfiqur's legacy

The BCB felicitated Mushfiqur in a ceremony that lasted just ten minutes, but one that was done tastefully. His first captain Habibul Bashar gave him a brand new cap, while team-mates from his debut Test stood behind them wearing black and grey T-shirts. Mushfiqur’s family was in tow. He made a short speech after current captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. It was all over in a flash.Bangladesh cricket, enduring high winds accompanied by howls and squeals in the last couple of years, sorely needed a moment like this. Mushfiqur, the most loyal of servants of the game, made sure cricket remained on everyone’s lips for more than a day.Mushfiqur remains unbeaten on 99 despite his best efforts to reach the milestone before stumps. Ireland, however, slowed down the play significantly in the last half an hour to ensure they bowled 90 overs, and not one more, by 4.30pm local time.After the day’s play, though, Mushfiqur’s long-time teammate Mominul Haque said he is not worried about a nervous Mushfiqur in the hotel tonight.”He is not like you think he is. We actually joke with him a bit more these days” – Mominul Haque on Mushfiqur Rahim•AFP”We thought that he would do it today, but I think it didn’t happen because [Ireland] took their time,” Mominul said. “I am not too worried because we are talking about someone who has made hundreds and double-hundreds in the past. There is no panic, since he isn’t panicked. If it was someone else, I would have been slightly concerned, but not him. He will complete the century tomorrow.”Pressed if the team would be wary of speaking to Mushfiqur in the team hotel this evening, Mominul said those days are long gone. “He is not like you think he is,” he said. “We actually joke with him a bit more these days.”Still, Mushfiqur is the serious type. As his current and former team-mates and coaches said this week, his disciplined lifestyle is a cornerstone of his two decades in international cricket. It is what has made him, and got him to a hundred Tests.So when large banners hung over the walls at the stadium in Mirpur, one of them directly opposite the dressing room – or when the felicitation programme took place with his family around – it went very much against Mushfiqur’s pre-match routine.Bangladesh losing three wickets before lunch meant it was his turn to bat much earlier than he must have anticipated. If there’s anyone in this team with strong muscle memory for a crisis, it is Mushfiqur. Mominul, who was at the other end when Mushfiqur walked out to bat, saw the Mushfiqur he has known for the last 12 years.

“He was quiet calm when he was returning to the dressing room at the end of the day. He is the same person as he was before he played his 100th Test”Mominul Haque on Mushfiqur Rahim finishing the day on 99*

“When he arrived at the crease, he was calm and quiet going about his business,” Mominul said. “He was batting according to the situation. He was batting in a calm and controlled manner.”They set defensive fields from an early stage. They were allowing singles, so we were batting accordingly. We know that Ireland was playing with our patience, so we decided to be patient. We wanted to play for a long time, as it was the requirement here to get a good score. The outfield was slow, too, so it played a part in our approach.”When the century didn’t happen in the last over of the day, Mominul said that he didn’t notice anything different in Mushfiqur’s demeanour. “He was quiet calm when he was returning to the dressing room at the end of the day. He is the same person as he was before he played his 100th Test,” he said.Mominul, though, enjoyed watching Mushfiqur’s reception at the start of the day, even as it could usher in a new era of the BCB appreciating a player’s milestone.”Honestly, we haven’t seen this type of environment [where a player’s family was invited] before,” he said. “It even seemed like it was someone’s retirement; but then we realised that it was a celebration of a hundred Tests.”I mean, it looked like how other countries treat their player retirements. Honestly, it felt great seeing [Mushfiqur’s reception]. I realise now that the young generation will be inspired to play 100 Tests if this is how we maintain the culture. As for me, I am only thinking about what happens in this match.”The first day of the Mirpur Test, therefore, will not only be marked as the day Mushfiqur played his 100th Test. It was also a day when cricket got a bit more priority at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, as opposed to the usual focus on more hostile topics. Maybe, for the first time in many, many years, the stadium will get a half decent crowd on Thursday morning when play resumes on day two of the Test.

Marsh fell for 4 as WA slumped to 98 for 4 on a day when only 30 overs were bowled due to rain

AAP06-Dec-2025

Mitchell Marsh’s Test audition has failed, dismissed cheaply for the second time in Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria at the MCG.In his first red-ball game since being dropped by Australia following last year’s Boxing Day Test, Marsh made just 4 in WA’s second innings on Saturday after managing 9 on day one.Related

Gannon takes five but Macdonald, Short and Perry put Victoria on top

Stobo's stunning spell helps NSW seize control at SCG

He lasted just six balls as he fell to Victorian seamer Sam Elliott, who is enjoying one of the best games of his first-class career.Marsh, who last played a Shield match in October 2024, had been touted as a potential shock factor at the top of Australia’s order in this summer’s Ashes.But another Test call-up seems unlikely with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald making a promising start to their opening combination for Australia.Marsh had to wait more than half a day on Saturday to get an opportunity to bat, with no play possible until midway through the second session due to rain in Melbourne.With WA starting day three on 5 for 1, Marsh was quickly in the game after nightwatchman Corey Rocchiccioli was trapped lbw by Elliott.The visitors crumbled to 17 for 3 when Marsh exited, before captain Sam Whitemanand fellow veteran Hilton Cartwright rallied.The pair got WA to 75 for 4, a lead of 14, when bad light stopped play midway through the final session. But play was able to resume again, with WA getting to 98 for 4 at stumps and Whiteman unbeaten on 56.With the weather likely to be fine on Sunday, Victoria will still fancy their chances of running through WA and securing an outright win.

Sometimes a win is just that, but other times it feels far more consequential, as was the case for Chelsea on Tuesday night.

Enzo Maresca’s side were handed the challenging task of hosting Spanish champions Barcelona in the Champions League and blew them away.

The Blues emerged 3-0 winners, but so dominant was the display that they could have probably scored another three on a different night.

It also felt like a statement performance from the young Estêvão, so fans should be delighted that the club have already signed another prospect who could be just like him.

Estêvão's statement performance vs Barcelona

As he started Saturday’s Premier League game against Burnley on the bench, there were question marks over whether Estêvão would be given the nod in what should have been such a challenging game.

Fortunately, Maresca opted to hand the youngster his third Champions League start on the bounce, and it was in part thanks to him that the match was so one-sided.

The former Palmeiras gem was a constant threat for the Blues, darting out wide and into the middle with ease, making life particularly nightmarish for Alejandro Balde.

Moreover, it was the 18-year-old who scored the club’s all-important second goal to take the game well and truly away from Hansi Flick’s ten-man side.

It was a sensational effort as well, one that saw him get the better of two defenders with quick footwork before burying the ball into the roof of the net.

However, the “ridiculous talent,” as dubbed by one content creator, did more than just score a goal.

In his 83 minutes of action, he produced an expected assists figure of 0.35, played three key passes, created one big chance, was accurate in 100% of his long passes, took 47 touches, completed two dribbles, and recovered the ball four times.

Minutes

83′

Expected Goals

0.13

Goals

1

Expected Assists

0.35

Big Chances Created

1

Key Passes

3

Long Balls

1/1

Shots

2

Touches

47

Recoveries

4

In all, it was the sort of performance that felt like a statement, as if Estevao was announcing his presence on the world stage and as someone who will be considered among the best in years to come.

So, fans should be delighted that Chelsea have already signed another youngster who could become the next Estêvão.

Chelsea's next Estêvão

It’s no secret that Chelsea have been spending big on some of the most exciting young talents from around the world in recent years.

Chalkboard

The likes of Deinner Ordonez, Kendry Páez and Dastan Sätpaev, for example, could all develop into serious players for the Blues over the next decade or so.

However, arguably the most exciting of the lot, and the one who feels like he could start emulating Estêvão the quickest, is Geovany Quenda.

The West Londoners signed the 18-year-old for an eye-watering sum of £44m in March of this year, and so to say that there are high expectations for him would be an understatement.

Fortunately, the Portuguese gem, whom respected talent scout Jacek Kulig describes as “one of the most exciting teenagers in World football,” already looks on his way to meeting them.

For example, so far this season, he has scored four goals and provided seven assists in 19 first-team appearances, totalling just 1078 minutes.

Moreover, the incredible talent also amassed 11 goal involvements for the senior side last season, and, as journalist Bobby Vincent points out, is on his way to “emulating CR7” at the Lisbon side.

Appearances

19

Starts

10

Minutes

1078′

Goals

4

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.57

Minutes per Goal Involvement

98′

Points per Game

2.32

In fact, he actually took Ronaldo’s record of being the youngest player to score in the country’s top flight when he opened his account last year.

Finally, despite being just 18, the game-changing winger has already won 12 caps for Portugal’s U21 side, during which he’s scored five goals and provided five assists.

Ultimately, it’s still early in his career, but Quenda looks like another world-class talent and, in the words of one Chelsea content creator, it’s easy to imagine him having an impact “just like Estêvão” next season.

As good as Estevao: £60m star is on his way to becoming "a Chelsea legend"

Estevao was the star of the show as Chelsea beat Barcelona in the Champions League.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 26, 2025

Varun Chakravarthy also made the cut as India picked three spinners for their Asia Cup opener

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Sep-20252:34

Bangar: Samson deserves a slot in the top three

India won their first toss in 16 attempts across formats, and chose to bowl first in their Asia Cup opener against UAE. Suryakumar Yadav, the India captain, felt there was a chance of dew later in the match on a humid evening in Dubai.Muhammad Waseem, the UAE captain, said he would have preferred to bowl first too, and expected a bit of early help for the seamers.India sprang a few surprises with their selection. They retained Sanju Samson as wicketkeeper, despite the return of Shubman Gill to the top of the order displacing him into a middle-order role more familiar to Jitesh Sharma. They also picked both their wristspinners in Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.This left the issue of whether they would prioritise depth in their batting or their seam attack. They went with the former, picking the allrounder Shivam Dube rather than a second frontline quick in Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana. Jasprit Bumrah starts as the only specialist quick, with Hardik Pandya expected to partner him with the new ball.Related

Gill and Abhishek begin new chapter in old bromance

UAE made one change to the XI that played their last match, the four-wicket loss to Afghanistan in the recent home tri-series, bringing in the offspin-bowling allrounder Dhruv Parashar for the legspinner Muhammad FarooqIndia: 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Sanju Samson (wk), 6 Shivam Dube, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Varun Chakravarthy, 11 Jasprit BumrahUAE: 1 Muhammad Zohaib, 2 Muhammad Waseem (capt), 3 Asif Khan, 4 Alishan Sharafu, 5 Rahul Chopra (wk), 6 Dhruv Parashar, 7 Harshit Kaushik, 8 Haider Ali, 9 Muhammad Rohid, 10 Junaid Siddique, 11 Simranjeet Singh

It wasn’t easy, but Chelsea managed to get over the line against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night.

Enzo Maresca’s side managed to get themselves ahead of the Old Gold just five minutes into the game, and looked completely out of sight by half-time.

However, the West Londoners found themselves in a real scrap halfway through the second 45, and were it not for a wonder goal from Jamie Gittens, they might not still be in the League Cup.

However, while there were a few players who let themselves down in the second period, the biggest disappointment for the Blues was Liam Delap, and if he’s not careful, the Englishman could see himself replaced next season.

Delap's diabolical night

After spending the last two months out with a hamstring injury, Delap finally made his return to first-team action against Wolves.

Chalkboard

The former Ipswich Town star came on for Estevao in the 61st minute, and it would be fair to say he more than made his mark, just not in the way he would have wanted.

In the 79th minute, he received a yellow card for pushing a Wolves player and arguing with the referee, which at the time was a foolish thing to do.

However, just seven minutes later, the Englishman did something even stupider and elbowed Emmanuel Agbadou in the head, which unsurprisingly saw him receive a second yellow and get sent off.

It was a true horror show from the striker, as he wasn’t even able to have a single shot before being sent off.

Speaking after the match, Maresca didn’t hold back, describing the incident as “embarrassing” and “very stupid.”

Such a response might sound harsh, but given the state of the game and the nature of the cards, it is hard to disagree with the Italian.

Delap will surely be desperate to make amends when he returns, although he might have to do more than that, as come next season, Maresca will have another forward in the squad who could be a significant upgrade on the Englishman.

Chelsea's future Delap upgrade

With Nicolas Jackson at Bayern Munich and Joao Pedro playing better behind a striker, there aren’t too many options for replacing Delap this season.

However, that will not be the case next year, as Strasbourg star Emanuel Emegha will be making his way to Chelsea in the summer.

The Dutchman might not be a particularly well-known name in England at the moment, but he’s been playing well in France for a couple of years now and looks like he could make a real impact at Stamford Bridge.

For example, in his first season with the Ligue 1 outfit, the 22-year-old managed to rack up a tally of nine goals and two assists in 31 appearances, totalling 2226 minutes.

However, last season he did even better, ending the campaign with an impressive haul of 14 goals and three assists in 29 appearances, totalling just 2408 minutes.

In comparison, Delap managed to score 12 goals and provide two assists in 40 appearances, totalling 2670 minutes, for the Tractor Boys.

Unfortunately, the “simply phenomenal” centre-forward, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is currently injured. However, before his injury, he looked set for his best season to date, scoring four goals and providing two assists in just six appearances, totalling 384 minutes.

Appearances

66

Starts

56

Minutes

5018′

Goals

27

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

Minutes per Goal Involvement

147.58′

Ultimately, not only does Emegha have a better record than Delap, but he has also never received a red card; therefore, he could be a real upgrade for Chelsea next year.

Not Estevao: Chelsea star looks like Palmer 2.0 after Wolves "masterclass"

The exciting ace made all the difference for Maresca and Chelsea vs Wolves.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 30, 2025