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A West Ham United ‘source’ has now shared some huge contract news out of Rush Green involving star winger Jarrod Bowen.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing new deals…

Aiming to maintain his team’s status as a Premier League force, Irons manager David Moyes is looking to tie down some of his key players, with the club tipped to table multiple new contract offers.

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Declan Rice has apparently been offered a mega eight-year deal, according to talkSPORT, but there is currently no indication that he will put pen to paper.

Midfielder Tomas Soucek is another man at the London Stadium who has been at the centre of possible fresh terms, but talks have reportedly stalled and there is currently no confirmed update so far.

Now, as per Football Insider’s inside ‘source’, club owners GSB are seemingly eyeing another major in-house agreement.

The Latest: GSB eyeing major in-house agreement…

It is now believed that West Ham are set to offer Bowen a ‘huge’ new deal to fend off interested suitors this summer and are ‘planning to open talks’ with the player ‘within weeks’.

The source explained that Moyes’ star attacker is in line for a bumper pay rise as the Hammers seek to back their manager both in the transfer market and by keeping hold of their most crucial assets.

The Verdict: No-brainer…

Bowen has been nothing short of a revelation in east London over 2021/22, becoming one of their most potent attacking threats and enjoying no shortage of fine moments.

He finished West Ham’s memorable run to the Europa League semi-finals as their joint-top scorer in the competition with three goals, whilst also registering one assist and taking the joint-most shots at goal per 90 (WhoScored)

A pivotal player both domestically and in Europe, the 25-year-old has come on leaps and bounds since the start of this season, and we believe that securing him to a new deal is a no-brainer.

However, much like Rice, it will all depend on whether Bowen actually agrees to put pen to paper.

In other news: Moyes likely to make huge bid for ‘world class’ star after claim that he likes West Ham, find out more here

Everton are eying up a swoop for Mainz centre-back Moussa Niakhate during the summer transfer window as Frank Lampard aims to bolster his defence.

What’s the word?

That’s according to German outlet BILD, who have claimed that the 26-year-old wants to join a Premier League club this summer, with the Toffees and West Ham leading the chase.

With just one year left on his current contract, the centre-back could be available for a partly £8m, small change in today’s world of vastly inflated transfer fees.

Lampard needs Niakhate

There is no doubt that Everton have had a terrible season, and despite a recent resurgence in results which could prove crucial in their relegation fight, it has simply not been good enough for a club of their size and talents.

If Lampard remains in the job ahead of next season, his urgent priority is to sign a defender, and Niakhate fits the bill perfectly.

The £12k-p/w Mainz captain has been has described by manager Bo Svensson as both a “role model” and “clever” following his wonderful campaign which sees Die Nullfünfer currently sit ninth in the Bundesliga table.

Nikhate would be a big upgrade on Yerry Mina and Michael Keane in the Everton backline. He has made more interceptions (72) than the Toffees duo combined (70) and has also atttempted more tackles over the course of the league season (59) compared to Mina (17) and Keane (46).

These figures show how strong he is at the back and illustrate his ability to stabilise the Blues’ defence. His disciplinary record is excellent too, receiving only one caution, whilst Mina and Keane have each had three bookings this term.

freshpress-quiz ]

Everton need a player who is mature enough to marshal their defence, and Niakhate looks like he has all the attributes to succeed in England, while also being a discernible upgrade on the defensive options currently at Lampard’s disposal.

AND in other news, Everton can finally axe “poor” £68k-p/w dud by signing 22 y/o with “huge potential”…

Kusal Perera – originally unsold – forces his way into the list, which also has Hasaranga and Pathirana among other expected names

Madushka Balasuriya21-Jul-20241. Andre Fletcher (Kandy Falcons)This season hasn’t been short of opening talent, with the likes of Dinesh Chandimal, Pathum Nissanka and Alex Hales all making strong cases, but it’s Fletcher’s consistency which has seen him win out. His 321 runs across ten innings have included three fifties and three further scores of 20 or more, all at a healthy strike rate of 158. His 22 sixes meanwhile are comfortably the most by a player this LPL.2. Kusal Perera (Dambulla Sixers)It was quite the surprise when Perera went unsold at the LPL auction, but when Dambulla’s ownership changed post-auction – there is a proviso that such an eventuality allows new owners to bring in new talent – he was among the first names on the wishlist. A duck in his first game proved to be a red herring, as next time out he struck an unbeaten 102 off 52 balls. One thing Perera has shown is that when he gets going it takes a lot to stop him. His strike rate of 169 is the best among the tournament’s top-ten run-scorers.Related

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3. Tim Seifert (Galle Marvels)Galle have proven to be the team to beat this season, and the 29-year-old Seifert’s form has been one of the primary reasons why. While his strike rate of 136.29 is lower than other batters on this list, it’s his ability to see an innings through that has proved so invaluable. Thrice he’s remained unbeaten, despite coming in at No. 3 – two of them were during a chase while the other was a 63-ball 104. Seifert’s reliability has given those around him the freedom to bat without fear.4. Avishka Fernando (Jaffna Kings)Avishka is not only the highest run-scorer this season, he is now the all-time highest run-scorer in the LPL. But while in previous years he’s done the damage at the top of the order, this year he’s been rejigged to a pivotal middle-order role at No. 4 – and taken to it like a duck to water. Striking well above his career strike rate, he’s scored five fifties across ten innings, showing a particular liking to pace. Only his propensity to get dismissed by spinners taking the ball away from him has held him back thus far.5. Kamindu Mendis (Kandy Falcons)Kamindu, who debuted for Sri Lanka in 2018, had been biding his time on the fringes for a while. It was this year, though, that he finally found his way into the national side consistently, and he has now carried that form into the LPL. Comfortable against both pace and spin, and striking at above 150, his middle-order exploits have invariably coincided with Kandy’s better batting performances. Add to this his handy ambidextrous spin, and you have a very unique utility player.ESPNcricinfo Ltd6. Isuru Udana (Galle Marvels)When Galle bumped up Udana’s base price of US$ 30,000 to US$ 100,000, despite being the only franchise to bid for him, the first reaction from many was disbelief. This was a 36 year-old fast bowler who hadn’t turned out for Sri Lanka since 2021. But perhaps they knew something the rest of us didn’t, as Udana rolled back the years. His adept variations have grabbed 14 wickets – many at the death – while with the bat, in four innings he struck two fifties – one, a 72 off 38 that nearly resulted in a miraculous come-from-behind win.7. Wanindu Hasaranga (Kandy Falcons)While not quite the needle-moving all-round masterclass of last season, when he was both the highest run-getter and the highest wicket-taker, Hasaranga has nevertheless impressed. His bowling was challenged this year by the more batter-friendly surfaces in Dambulla and Kandy but he managed to still prove effective, even if nine of his 15 wickets came across four games in the more spin-friendly tracks in Colombo. With the bat he was less consistent, only once – in a back-to-the-wall 65 off 32 – did he manage to scale the heady heights he is capable of.8. Shadab Khan (Colombo Strikers)Shadab had a torrid 2024 leading up to the LPL. In ten T20Is he picked up just one wicket (didn’t bowl thrice) at a dismal economy rate of 10.3, while with the bat his nine innings had brought about just two knocks of any substance. But this season in the LPL, while his batting still hasn’t been at its best, Shadab has been a legspinner reborn, topping the charts for wickets while keeping runs in check. He has taken three four-fors, including a hat-trick – and he might have had another too if not for the most suspect of DRS ball projections. He has utilised his pace, trajectory and variations expertly. Pakistan, you’re welcome.From bowling with the new ball to starring in a Super Over, Maheesh Theekshana’s done it all•SLC9. Maheesh Theekshana (Galle Marvels)Theekshana hasn’t summited the wicket-taking charts, nor has he been the most economical, but of all bowlers to have played as many games as him this season (nine), he’s the only one to have bowled his full allotment of overs. That not only speaks to how essential he has been, but also his versatility – regardless of game state, you can always call on Theekshana. Openers off to a flyer? Throw the ball to Theekshana. Power Blast over? Theekshana’s got one in the bag. Need to defend eight off the final over and then bowl the Super Over that follows? You get the picture.10. Binura Fernando (Colombo Strikers)Binura’s career used to be one of ifs and bu… actually, it was just one big if – if he hadn’t had so many injuries. Now it has become a career of whens. When will he get a consistent run with the national side? When will we all stop sleeping on him? The numbers, after all, speak for themselves: 13 wickets at an economy rate of 6.81 across nine LPL games, bowling primarily in the powerplay and at the death. Despite never really clocking above 130kph, batters regularly struggle to get him away due to his clever variations in length and pace. And if you’re worried about his fitness, he ended the season playing four games across five days. It’s time to wake up to Binura Fernando.11. Matheesha Pathirana (Colombo Strikers)Pathirana is the polar opposite of Binura, all action, all hype, all X-factor. No one is sleeping on him. And season long, he’s been all business. Fifteen wickets at an economy rate of 8.33 is great output – especially for the LPL’s record signing – but the way he has been utilised by Colombo should be the blueprint for any side he’s a part of. On several occasions he has bowled his four overs in one spell, after the 11th over or so. While his yorker is as devastating as ever, he looks to be adding more strings to his death bowling bow. His accuracy is also steadily improving.

Between them, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen broke records, Mumbai Indians’ hearts, and T20 batting rules

Vishal Dikshit28-Mar-20241:43

Moody: Head set the tone, and Sunrisers just didn’t look back

If, before Wednesday, you were asked which team would break Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s record total of 263 for 5 from IPL 2013, who would you have picked?Not a team that has traditionally been known as a bowling powerhouse, surely?And yet, it’s Sunrisers Hyderabad. And the great bowling team of the past has not only broken the record by a distance, they have topped 200 in back-to-back matches in IPL 2024.Related

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And even if you had guessed Sunrisers, it would have been because of the presence of Henrich Klaasen, given his T20 strike rate of 193 since the start of 2023. He did top-score in Sunrisers’ 277 with a scorching 80 off 34, but it was the belligerence of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma that “set the tone” – in Klaasen’s words – for a magical night in Hyderabad.Sunrisers were seemingly under pressure coming into this season – they had finished IPL 2023 at the bottom of the table with just four wins from 14 games; they have a new leader with no T20 captaincy experience; they hosted Mumbai Indians knowing that home teams had won all the previous matches this season. When Sunrisers arrived in Hyderabad, they knew they had won just one out of seven home games last season.Sometimes, that sort of pressure can free you up, and when it’s so early in the tournament, you can also free your arms more easily, especially on the flattest of pitches. It helps if the team management gives you a “clear message” to “go out and express yourself”.Head may not need such messages, but it must have done wonders for 23-year-old Abhishek, who had seen Head cart the ball around in the first four overs to race to 32 off 12. When IPL debutant Kwena Maphaka offered pace, Head sent him for a 22-run over. When Abhishek joined him in the fifth over, and Hardik Pandya tried different lengths and pace, Head smashed the Mumbai Indians captain for three fours in a row. And when Jasprit Bumrah was not going to get a second over in the powerplay, Head and Abhishek went all guns blazing.By the end of the powerplay, Head had registered Sunrisers’ fastest IPL fifty off just 18 balls. Head is one of Abhishek’s favourite batters, and the infectious energy was passed on when Abhishek smashed his second ball for a six. Abhishek revealed after the game that Head had told him that if he felt like going after the ball, even if it’s the first ball, “just go for it”. And he did!2:42

Rapid Fire: An absolute nightmare for bowlers

After an 81-run powerplay, Sunrisers’ new record in the phase, Hardik fed the two left-hand batters legspin in the form of Piyush Chawla, and that meant only one thing – the ball sailing beyond the leg-side boundary, which is where Abhishek’s three sixes in that over landed. Sunrisers had crossed 100 in just seven overs. They were not just rewriting record books, they were smashing them to pieces.This batting duo was making the most of not just a flat track but also on a bowling attack that had an IPL debutant, one playing his second IPL game, one spinner turning the ball into them, and the best T20 bowler not bowling to them.Logic suggests that Bumrah should have bowled after Head fell to Gerald Coetzee in the 15-run eighth over, but Hardik persisted with himself and the 17-year-old IPL debutant Maphaka. Abhishek was in his groove by now, and when he clobbered a slower ball into the sight screen, he had broken Head’s record of the fastest fifty for Sunrisers – off 18 balls, set barely 20 minutes earlier – by getting there in 16 balls.”The message was simple for all the batters in the meeting we had before this match, that everyone just go and express yourself. That’s a very positive message,” Abhishek said at the press conference after the game. “If you get it from your captain and coach, I think that’s really supportive for all the batters.”The run rate was almost kissing 15 at the halfway mark and there was still no Bumrah, who, it appeared, was being saved for Klaasen. But when Klaasen came out at the start of the 12th over, there was still no Bumrah. Instead, Hardik brought on a bowler playing just his second IPL game: left-arm spinner Shams Mulani. Possibly because there were two right-hand batters in then, Klaasen and Aiden Markram. But this was despite Klaasen’s phenomenal record against spin in the IPL. Klaasen doesn’t need an invitation from spinners to hit sixes, and he launched Mulani down the ground for the first of his seven sixes off the second ball he faced.By the time Bumrah got the ball again, Sunrisers had soared to 173 in just 12 overs. The match was gone by then because even if Bumrah bowled three maidens after that – which might be beyond even his magical powers – Sunrisers would target the other 30 balls to still get to a daunting total. Hypothesis aside, Head and Abhishek had set the stage so beautifully and brutally for the rest that Klaasen’s seven sixes for his 34-ball 80 seemed routine rather than jaw-dropping.3:16

Moody baffled by Mumbai’s use of Bumrah

It has to be said that for a long time, Mumbai Indians were seriously in the chase of 278. Seventy-six runs in the powerplay, 100 off 45 balls, and sixes flying off the bat like in a highlights package.At 165 for 3 after 12 overs, when their run rate was 13.75 and the asking rate 14.12, it looked not just possible but achievable for Mumbai Indians. But that’s when Pat Cummins proved that despite the lack of T20 captaincy pedigree, he had the smarts – the World Test Championship title and the ODI World Cup trophy are evidence of that.Unlike Hardik, Cummins brought on his key bowlers when it mattered. He summoned his most experienced quick – Bhuvneshwar Kumar – before the death overs for a third over that went for just five runs. And when Cummins himself dismissed the dangerous Tilak Varma with a slow bouncer in a three-run over, he turned to Jaydev Unadkat for his knowhow of bowling mainly slower balls on a pitch where lack of pace was tough to score off. Unadkat’s five-run over continued a streak of 16 boundary-less balls and the asking rate had shot to 22 as Mumbai needed 88 off 24 balls.”Credit to SRH, they bowled pretty well there at the end, taking the pace off on a slowing pitch,” Tim David said at the press conference. “It can be pretty hard to hit to the big side so that’s credit to them.”The bowling was expected to do it, but with this new, improved, swashbuckling batting, Sunrisers have sent a message no opposition wants to show two blue ticks for.

In the lead-up to the Subway Series, his first appearance at Yankee Stadium since leaving the New York Yankees for the New York Mets, Juan Soto anticipated that the scene would be "50,000 against one."

As hard as it is to believe, that may have been an understatement.

Over the course of the three-game series—and especially throughout Friday's series-opener—Soto faced a deluge of boos and profane chants from Yankees fans, who even literally turned their backs to the Mets slugger as he jogged out to take his position in right field at one point.

But Mets manager Carlos Mendoza doesn't believe Soto was fazed by the angry mob of Yankees fans.

"I don't think so," Mendoza said. "I said it before the game—he embraced it. He knew what was coming and he didn't change. Even though today was pretty much the only game where we didn't see results. The past couple of games, he was on-base half of the at-bats… You just got to give credit to their pitching staff. Especially a guy like [Max] Fried today.

"But overall, I thought he handled it well. This loud maybe was new but he's an elite player. Only elite players are the ones that are getting booed everywhere they go. I'm pretty sure Boston—I don't think it's going to be as loud as they were here, but he'll hear it."

Soto went 1-for-10 with four walks, a pair of runs scored and one hit across the three games against the Yankees. The Yankees pitching staff appeared to approach Soto cautiously on Friday night, then a bit more aggressively in Sunday's series-finale, in which Soto struck out twice. Soto also chipped in a pair of stolen bases, though he did draw criticism for his apparent lack of hustle on a ground ball to second baseman DJ LeMahieu in the top of the eighth inning.

Thus far in 2025, Soto has posted a .246/.379/.443 slash line with eight home runs, 20 RBI and 33 runs scored. The next time the Mets and Yankees play—on Fourth of July weekend—Soto will be received much more warmly, as the games will be played at Citi Field.

Erling Haaland and Pep Guardiola were involved in a tense exchange after Manchester City's dramatic 3-2 win over Leeds United. Phil Foden scored right at the start and the end of the game to secure City all three points but Haaland had an off day for the hosts. And at the full-time whistle, his manager appeared to be trying to console the dejected striker at the Etihad.

Man City hold on for 'wild' win

City looked to be cruising to a comfortable victory on Saturday when Foden gave the home side a first-minute lead before Josko Gvardiol doubled their advantage. Second-half goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha set up a dramatic finale, before Foden grabbed the winner in stoppage-time. After the contest, the England international admitted he had not been in many games like that, with the 25-year-old also stressing they are not out of this Premier League title race.

"It's up there as one of the wildest games. We had full control in the first half. They changed their system in the second half and we couldn't get going," he said. "It was a frustrating half. But when there was a short break the manager got us together and we adapted to their formation. We had a few half chances and finally I've found a bit of space and found the bottom of the net. There are still things we can improve. We're delighted with the result. The title race is never straightforward. There's always ups and downs and periods where you can't seem to get going and we've had that. The belief and togetherness came through at the end. Hopefully that's the case today that we can kick on from here. But you never know what to expect. I was so hungry today to play and prove to myself I could still score goals. I missed a few chances against Newcastle and wanted to put it right."

AdvertisementHaaland consoled by Guardiola

While City got the crucial three points, this was the third game in a row where Haaland hasn't scored for the club, albeit he is still the league's top scorer (14) by far. As fans filtered out of the stadium, the Norwegian international cut a frustrated figure, prompting Guardiola to try and console him. 

Guardiola backs Haaland

The former Borussia Dortmund man is still waiting for his 100th City goal. However, Guardiola knows it will not be long before he reaches that milestone.

"He will do it. He will do it in the next game," Guardiola said with a smile. "Just we talk about rest. He has a huge body. Minutes, minutes, in that moment you’re fresh. Rest [is] not just the legs [pointing to his head]. It's not like Phil [Foden] or Jeremy [Doku], they can rest. Erling is a big man. We need him so much."

The former Bayern Munich manager admitted this game was a "struggle" for his side, but gave credit to Leeds for how they improved in the second half. He also heaped praise on Foden for his brace, with the playmaker returning to something near his best form.

"After Daniel [Farke] changed shape, long balls to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha running behind, it was always a struggle. That emotion is part of the football. We had the chances and at the end finally we found our goal," he added. "It's not the first time we saw that. A thousand, thousand, million times he’s [Foden] done it. The quality, shooting, strong. Like his goal against West Ham to win the Premier League. Phil has to be around the box. Shoot or pass. His finishing is so quick. Phil is doing a really good season."

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Haaland's Man City?

City, who are up to second in the Premier League, will hope they can build on this victory when they travel to Fulham on Tuesday night. Guardiola's side were beaten by Newcastle United last weekend and then fell to a shock defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, so this Leeds win comes at the right time. Incidentally, not many would be surprised if Haaland ends this mini dry spell next time out.

New South Wales collapsed from 123 for 2 in the chase with Benji Floros taking four wickets and Labuschagne a pair

AAP03-Nov-2025Marnus Labuschagne made it five centuries in eight innings for Queensland to start the summer, after helping them to a 96-run One-Day Cup win over New South Wales.Labuschagne hit 101 from 111 balls at Sydney’s Cricket Central on Monday, leading Queensland to 287 for 9 before NSW were all out for 191 in reply.All but certain to return to Australia’s Test team for the Ashes this month, Labuschagne will enter the series as the form batter in the country. Axed from Australia’s side midway through the year, Labuschagne is back playing with the same intent that made him the world’s best batter as recently as 2023.The 31-year-old is clipping the ball off his toes again with precision, driving well, and on Monday swept legspinner Tanveer Sangha for three fours. He also hit Sangha over long-off for a big six, on a day when the spinner was otherwise NSW’s best with 3 for 64 having been released for Australia’s T20I squad for the match.Labuschagne’s near-chanceless century marked his third this season in the one-day format, where he is currently outside of Australia’s first-choice XI.He has also hit two centuries in the Sheffield Shield for Queensland, with all of the hundreds coming batting at No. 3. But it is expected he will be asked to open in the first Test against England in Perth, in a move that will allow allrounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster to both fit in the team.In reply, NSW were never really in the chase on Monday, but Sam Konstas did hit a measured 47 before being caught behind when he gloved a hook shot off Benji Floros.Floros had Jack Edwards caught behind next ball in similar fashion, before finishing with 4 for 22 in his best outing for Queensland.Labuschagne also claimed two wickets with his medium pace, with Chris Green skying an attempted pull shot, before Sangha fell lbw.

It’s been an incredible week to be an Arsenal fan.

On Sunday, Mikel Arteta’s side demolished Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

And then, if that wasn’t enough, the Gunners brushed aside the excellent Bayern Munich to go top of the Champions League table.

There were sensational performances across the pitch for Arsenal, including from someone who is becoming something of a hybrid between Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka.

Eze & Saka's performances vs Bayern

While the likes of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are getting most of the praise following Wednesday night, and rightly so, Saka also put in a performance to be proud of.

Now, it’s true that he didn’t get on the scoresheet himself, but he did provide the assist for the opening goal and was a constant threat throughout his time on the pitch.

At certain points, he had to deal with three Bayern players on his own, but still managed to create two big chances, complete three of four crosses, take one shot on target and recover the ball twice.

It’s clear that the Hale End superstar is still not quite at his very best, but even without a goal to his name, he’s impacting games in a big way.

Likewise, Eze didn’t score a fourth goal in two games, but once again showed why he is one of the best number tens around against the German giants.

It was just before the visitors scored that he helped create a chance with some tidy footwork, only for him to just overhit the pass into Saka.

Then in the second half, every time he had the ball at his feet, he was looking to do something positive.

It was this mindset that saw him play an excellent ball over the top for Gabriel Martinelli to knock around Manuel Neuer and secure all three points.

Overall, Saka and Eze weren’t necessarily the best players on the pitch against Bayern, but they put in strong performances, and now it looks like Arsenal have a player who is becoming a hybrid of both.

Arsenal's Saka & Eze hybrid

With Saka undoubtedly being Arsenal’s most important player and Eze proving to be one of their best signings from the summer, a player would have to be pretty special to be described as a hybrid of the two.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Fortunately, despite certain sections of the fanbase clearly thinking otherwise in the summer, Noni Madueke has proven himself to be just that.

Now, nobody is saying the former Chelsea ace is as good as his compatriots, but he certainly shares some similarities with them.

For example, like the former Palace star, he is someone who can make something happen from nothing.

Granted, that hasn’t necessarily translated into a goal or assist this season, but he is such a direct attacker that, with the ball at his feet, he can make opposition defenders panic.

Moreover, like the 27-year-old, given his ability to make something of nothing, Arteta seems to have given him more freedom to try things on the ball.

Arsenal writer Adam Keys perhaps put it best when, after his goal against Bayern, he described the 23-year-old as an “agent of chaos,” which is just the sort of player the North Londoners have been missing in recent years.

Expected Assists

0.26

0.27

Progressive Passes Received

12.9

12.4

Key Passes

2.29

2.21

Live Passes

32.9

33.5

Tackles Won

0.57

0.58

Successful Take-On %

42.1%

40.5%

Carries

26.9

29.5

Now, when it comes to Saka, the similarities come down to their left-footedness, their close control, and the fact that FBref ranked the Hale Ender as the sixth-most similar attacking midfielder or winger to Madueke in Europe’s top five leagues.

The best way to understand how they came to this conclusion is to look at the underlying metrics they rank closely in, metrics like expected assists, key passes, tackles won, successful take-on percentage and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while his signing was not universally celebrated across the fanbase, Madueke has proven himself to be a more than useful player for Arsenal, and the fact that he shares so many traits with Saka and Eze can only be a good thing.

As good as Rice: Arsenal star has proven he's one of the best "in the world"

The outrageous Arsenal star was as good as Declan Rice in the Champions League victory over Bayern Munich.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 27, 2025

The 2025 MLB season is only a few games old, but it has not been kind to slugging Boston Red Sox DH Rafael Devers.

Devers is coming off a strangely controversial spring training in which he seemed to publicly go back and forth with manager Alex Cora about whether or not he'd play third base. Ahead of Opening Day Cora declared officially that Devers would be the team's full-time designated hitter going forward. Whether it's the change or the weird vibes surrounding it, Devers has struggled mightily to adjust. To a historic degree, as a matter of fact.

In the first three games of the Red Sox's season, Devers has had 12 at-bats. He has recorded zero hits in those at-bats. Worse, he's struck out 10 times. And with his 10th strikeout on Saturday in Boston's loss to the Texas Rangers, Devers became the first player in MLB history to strike out 10 times in the first three games of the year, per ESPN.

Baseball players go through slumps all the time. This isn't to say the Red Sox should start ringing alarm bells. But as far as slumps go, this one is . Devers can't even get wood on the ball right now, a shocking sight given he had 28 home runs and knocked in 83 RBI in 2024.

Not exactly what the Red Sox are looking for from their $300 milion hitter, that's for sure.

England opted not to risk Jofra Archer given the conditions once the game was shortened

Vithushan Ehantharajah10-Sep-2025Harry Brook will not read too much into “a bit of a shambles of a night” in Cardiff as England lost a truncated first T20I against South Africa.Just 12.5 overs were possible at Sophia Gardens as persistent showers delayed the start by more than two hours. Play eventually began at 8:50pm for a nine-over match. Having won the toss and elected to bowl, Brook watched on as a powerful South Africa batting card smashed 97 for 5 from 7.5 overs before rain curtailed their innings. That downpour subsequently gave England an adjusted chase of 69 in five overs, of which they fell 15 short.Related

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Past, present and future of English spin unite

South Africa beat England and the rain to leave Cardiff 1-0 up

England opted to remove Jofra Archer from their XI announced on Tuesday on safety grounds, after ruling conditions were too risky for their prized fast bowler. Luke Wood was the late replacement, earning his eighth T20I cap, and was the pick of the home attack with 2 for 22.”It was a bit of a shambles really, wasn’t it?” said Brook, whose 0 from four deliveries was his first duck in T20Is. “You can’t take much from that. There was so much going on. They got nine overs, we got five overs. You can’t take much from it.”It was a long, long day. I don’t think we need to make any excuses up. We probably didn’t execute as well as we should have done with bat and ball. It’s bloody hard when you only bat for five overs.”Brook stopped short of saying the match should not have gone ahead: “That’s not for me to decide, that’s for the umpires or the match referee. We just try to do what we can on the field.”However, the decision to park Archer was an admission of the risk involved, particularly given the amount of time and money invested to get the 30-year-old back playing all international formats this summer ahead of the winter’s Ashes. Brook even cited Adam Hose’s horrific ankle injury sustained during The Hundred as a worse-case scenario had Archer played.”It would have been stupid to play him with the amount of cricket we’ve got coming up,” said Brook. “If he’d have gone out in the boundary and done what Adam Hose did in The Hundred and broken his leg or whatever, that would have been a shambles.”As soon as we knew that the game was shortened, we didn’t think it was quite necessary for Jof to play. Obviously, the outfield was sodden and he’s got a lot of cricket to play in the next few months with a big series coming up. So, yeah, we, we decided to not play him.”