Manchester United star Harry Maguire has confirmed that he will be sidelined for "a few weeks" after picking up an injury against Aston Villa.
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Maguire out for weeksWent off at half-time against Aston VillaMan Utd on a five-game winless runFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The England international started alongside Jonny Evans in United's crunch Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday, however, his time on the pitch was cut short. Maguire had to be helped off the pitch at half-time and did not return for the second 45 minutes.
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The 31-year-old has confirmed on social media that he is facing a lengthy spell out due to the injury. The news comes as a huge blow for a struggling Red Devils side who already have new signing Leny Yoro on the treatment table.
WHAT HARRY MAGUIRE SAID
Maguire took to Instagram to share an update on his present condition as he wrote in his story: "Frustrated to pick up an injury at the weekend, will be a few weeks on the sideline for me but I'll come back stronger."
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?
On Tuesday, the INEOS group and the United top brass conducted an emergency meeting to discuss the club's series of poor performances and the future of manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. United's next game will be after the international break against Brentford on October 19.
Newcastle United are looking at alternatives to Crystal Palace's Michael Olise as they consider selling a £60,000-a-week fan favourite to make room for a new arrival, according to reports.
Newcastle transfer rumours
Newcastle were plagued with injury issues in the 2023/24 season, and this was very much reflected in their form across the campaign. The Magpies were eventually able to put together a string of positive results to secure a 7th-place finish in the Premier League, but Manchester United's FA Cup win means that there will be no European in the North East next term.
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In turn, Eddie Howe and co. are no doubt eager to strengthen this summer as they battle it out to once again finish inside the Premier League's top four. Newcastle's summer plans are already in full swing, with the club having already signed out-of-contract Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, who is understood to have penned a five-year deal with the club.
In terms of further potential incomings at St James' Park, former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi is believed to be of interest, Ferran Torres has been linked with a move to St James' Park, with Barcelona potentially willing to move him on, and Juventus' Samuel Iling-Junior has also been backed to join the Magpies before the 2024/25 season gets underway.
Former Arsenal player Matteo Guendouzi
Newcastle eye Michael Olise alternative to replace £60k-p/w star
Another star who has been linked with a move to St James' Park of late is Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, with recent reports claiming Newcastle, Chelsea and Bayern Munich had all made contact with the Eagles regarding a move for the Englishman.
However, given Newcastle have no European football in 2024/25 and both Bayern and the Blues are more established top European sides, the Magpies may face a tough battle when it comes to persuading the player, who has a reported £60m release clause, to join them.
In turn, it is not too surprising to see alternative transfer targets emerging for Newcastle. Give Me Sport report that the Magpies know Olise may be too "ambitious" of a target, but definitely want to sign a right-winger this summer, so are looking at Juventus and Italy star Federico Chiesa instead.
Chiesa has already earned high praise from England, including from Manchester United and Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand, who previously labelled the winger as "fantastic".
"He’s just a fantastic footballer," he said. "The intensity with which he plays with, we saw in the Euros he was the main goal threat for the Italians who went on to win the tournament."
The report adds that Chiesa could be available for half the price of Olise, which would put his transfer fee at about £30m.
This is perhaps seen as a low sum for a player of his quality, but his contract is set to expire in 2025, which means the Turin-based out may need to sell this summer or risk losing him for free. To help fund a move for the Italian, the Magpies are said to be willing to part ways with Miguel Almiron, who is currently earning £60,000-a-week on a deal that runs until 2026.
Tour likely to start with three ODIs and three T20Is in Brisbane and Adelaide respectively
Nagraj Gollapudi06-Oct-2020The four-Test series between Australia and India later this year is set to start with a day-night Test in Adelaide. The long tour (more than two months) is likely to begin with the white-ball games – three ODIs in Brisbane followed by three T20Is in Adelaide – and then the first Test, subject to final nods from the local state governments in Australia.The pink-ball Test, which will be India’s maiden day-night Test overseas (and only their second overall), is scheduled to be held at Adelaide Oval between December 17 and 21. Melbourne will remain the venue for the traditional Boxing Day Test (December 26-30) followed by Tests in Sydney (January 7-11) and Brisbane (January 15-19).The Indian contingent is expected to travel directly from the UAE to Brisbane immediately after the completion of the IPL on November 10. It is understood that Cricket Australia has pencilled in the November 25-30 period for the ODIs and December 4-8 for the T20Is. The Indians are then set to play a pink-ball warm-up match in Adelaide before the first Test. The warm-up is likely to be an intra-squad game keeping in mind the public health guidelines in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic.Although both Cricket Australia and BCCI have internally agreed on the itinerary, they have not made it public because they are waiting for the formal nods from the state governments in Australia. One of the specific things Cricket Australia is looking for is the permission from the Queensland government, which is yet to approve international arrival and quarantine of the Indian and Australian players from the IPL in Brisbane.Currently, anyone coming in to Queensland from overseas or even outside the state has to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. With the tour scheduled to start around November 25, the two teams would want to train during the quarantine period, but that can only be done with permission from the Queensland government.Previously, governments in Western Australia and South Australia were reluctant to waive off the quarantine period for the two teams in order for them to start training immediately after landing in the country, and that forced Cricket Australia to shuffle the venues around.
Zaman got Khyber Pakhtunkhwa off to a flying start with 67 off 40 before Malik’s blistering half-century took them to a formidable total
Umar Farooq18-Oct-2020Khyber Pakhtunkhwa edged out Southern Punjab by ten runs in the final to lift the National T20 Cup. Put in to bat first, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s openers – Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan – put up a 76-run partnership, with Zaman’s 40-ball 67 leading the way. When Rizwan fell, Mohammad Hafeez (38 off 26) took over and helped set up an ideal platform for the death overs, where Shoaib Malik rolled back the years and the smashed the fastest fifty of his T20 career, off just 20 balls, to take the side past 200.In the end, it might have been a scoreline that read slightly harshly on Aamer Yamin, Zahid Mahmood, and Mohammad Imran, who took a wicket each and created plenty of chances, but sloppiness in the field cost Southern Punjab. Shan Masood’s side put down no fewer than five catches – three benefitted Mohammad Hafeez alone. It was generosity they could ill-afford to extend to a side as good as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and if they were to win the title, they’d have to chase 207.They didn’t get off to the best start, with Shaheen Afridi getting rid of Shan Masood early. It wasn’t the only damage the tournament’s leading wicket-taker inflicted; he removed Sohaib Maqsood off the next delivery to deal a huge blow to Southern Punjab’s chances. Zeeshan Ashraf’s 16 off 19 came to an end when he offered a regulation catch to extra cover off Wahab Riaz, who snared him off his second ball of the evening. With Southern Punjab 34 for 3 in 5.2 overs, Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah were left with what seemed like an insurmountable task.Both shared a fighting stand to keep the case alive and put up 74 for the fourth wicket before Usman Shinwari removed Shah. A remarkable diving catch on the boundary by Malik sent Talat back. He had smashed a spirited 33-ball 63, but it wasn’t enough, with Southern Punjab needing a further 76 from 34 balls when he departed. That was never a realistic prospect, with the asking rate always just out of reach, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wrapped up a deserved win with relative ease by the end.
England came into the European Championships in Germany this summer full of hope.
They were and likely still are among the favourites, full of ambition as they bid to end nearly 60 years of hurt. Yes, it really has been that long since Bobby Moore raised the famous Jules Rimet trophy at the old Wembley Stadium.
Under Gareth Southgate, England have got closer to ending their trophy drought. The former defender has taken them to the World Cup semi-finals and the final of the Euros. Alas, they have always come unstuck.
The familiar point among those two defeats? England took the lead early on and surrendered their advantage.
In Russia 2018, Kieran Trippier crashed home a delightful free-kick in the opening half. Within minutes of the final of Euro 2020 kicking off, Luke Shaw arrived at the back post to fire home.
The Three Lions lost both games. Therefore, the performances of Southgate’s team at Euro 2024 should come as no surprise.
They may well have won their opening game against Serbia but it wasn’t half done with some suffering.
Jude Bellingham scored a bullet header after 13 minutes but they barely fashioned a chance after that. Versus Denmark, a game they would draw 1-1, it was Harry Kane who found the net in the opening quarter.
After that moment, just as they did against Serbia, against Croatia in 2018, against Italy in 2021, they failed to press with enough adequacy, they failed to find their teammates with passes and frustratingly dropped deeper and deeper. To put it simply, you’re not going to win a major tournament doing that. The proof is already there.
It doesn’t take a genius to work out why this is so painful for England supporters. Look at the quality of player the manager has at his disposal.
You’ve got Champions League winner Jude Bellingham, you have Premier League winner and Player of the Season Phil Foden in there. You’ve got a £105m midfielder in Declan Rice and you’ve also got that man Kane, the scorer of 44 goals for Bayern Munich in his debut season in Germany.
So, how do you solve the problem?
How Southgate could solve the Kane conundrum
After finding the net against Denmark on Thursday evening, the England skipper took his tally of goals for his country to 64. A fabulous achievement, right? Of course it is, no player in England’s history has scored as many as he when donning the national team’s colours.
So, is all of the criticism surrounding our main man necessary? Firstly, let’s let Gary Lineker summarise things nicely.
Speaking in the aftermath of a performance against the Danes, the BBC presenter said: “In all honesty, I think Harry Kane needs to do a lot better. I think his movement was minimal, he didn’t look to go behind and he doesn’t often, but even when he comes short, he’s just drifting short very lethargically, he’s plodding short and that’s not going to help.”
True enough, but the key point is that Southgate isn’t doing enough to help him. The tactics aren’t built around him and as a result, the team are suffering.
For those familiar with Premier League football, you will know that Kane isn’t just a goal scorer. He’s been a hell of a good player when it comes to finding the net but his qualities aren’t limited to just bashing the ball past a helpless goalkeeper.
Throughout his final few years at Tottenham, he’d drop deeper as he learnt to become a creative figurehead as well. The very fact that he won the Playmaker award in 2020/21 for registering the most assists in the division says it all.
Harry Kane scores for Tottenham.
At Bayern, although he’s scored a bucketload of goals that trend has continued. Indeed. during his first year in Munich the 30-year-old registered 12 assists. For context, among forwards in Germany's top flight this term, he ranked inside the top 14% for assists per 90. That's what Kane does, so why is there a fuss about him dropping deep for England?
Well, the problem stems from the other players at their disposal. Kane wants to play in the pockets, Bellingham wants to operate in that area, as does Foden. So, someone has to be sacrificed.
The Madrid star isn't going to be sacrificed but judging by how the Man City man has played in the opening two games, he could be.
Let's take a look at one of Kane's displays this season. The setting is the Emirates Stadium, of course it is, as Bayern draw 2-2 with Arsenal in the Champions League.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane
The former Tottenham sensation did score that night, albeit from the penalty spot, but he put on a passing clinic by dropping deep.
Surrounded by two of the most willing runners in the game, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane, they were an immense threat on the counterattack. In truth, Arsenal's defence looked more troubled that night than they did all season.
Kane was a menace, playing constant balls in behind for his two German teammates who were relentless with their running. That evening Kane played four progressive passes.
Why is that important? Well, because it's what Kane is good at and he's not had an opportunity to bring that into play at this year's Euros.
Let's look at things a little more closely, shall we?
Bundesliga
3.2
Champions League
3.7
Euro 2024
1.0
As you can see, the difference in England's opening two matches this summer is considerable. Their main centre-forward is not being used to his strengths. Considering he is the captain, their key man, this is extraordinary.
So, what should the boss do? Well, if that game against the Gunners proved anything, it's that the striker thrives when he has runners in behind to play these progressive passes.
Why Foden must be sacrificed by England
Bukayo Saka has been one of very few players that has shown he's willing to do this so the problem lies more so on the left. Foden, however good he was for City last term, should be sacrificed.
Without a natural left-back too, it's meant that England are essentially only using 70% of the pitch. There is no one on the left-hand side for Kane to play into.
As such it may well be a wise idea to play Anthony Gordon in that role. An electric and direct threat for Newcastle last season, he has the energy and the want to stretch the play and hug the touchline.
To substantiate that point, in 2023/24, the Toon winger was incredibly willing to get at his man, making 4.30 progressive carries per 90. He will get you up the field and quickly. Foden, on the other hand, only managed 2.93 progressive carries.
So, there we have it. It's worth a go surely? Having Gordon and Saka down the sides makes the central areas less crowded, meaning that Kane can drop deep. Knowing that he has two widemen running in behind, he can finally use that immaculate passing range to cause more havoc for the opposition's defence.
Come on Gareth, it makes perfect sense.
England 1-1 Denmark: Player ratings as Southgate's men labour to a draw
England were lacklustre as they picked up a point against Denmark.
The AC Milan star is attacking defenses on two continents, with the win over Panama serving as the latest reminder of how good he is
AUSTIN, Texas – One major talking point of the U.S. men's national team's victory over Panama Saturday night was tactical tweaks. Rightfully so. Mauricio Pochettino is the man in charge now and the new U.S. manager made his presence and ideas known.
For all of its intricacies and tactical debates, though, sometimes soccer is really simple. For the USMNT, winning games often comes down to one bold strategy: give the ball to Christian Pulisic and watch him make magic.
He made more of it in the 2-0 win. His assist to Yunus Musah was a connection made in Milan, as Pulisic assisted his club teammate's first USMNT goal. The smile on Musah's face was a mile wide. The one on Pulisic's might have been even bigger.
That's the kind of mood Pulisic brings right now. When you're playing at this level, things tend to go your way and, when that's happening for Pulisic, the USMNT is an entirely different team. Pochettino will know that as well as anyone: for this team to succeed, he's certainly going to need his star to… well, be a star.
Pulisic proved, once again, he's that. He'll try again on Tuesday against Mexico. And, based on what we've seen over the last month, it's worth wishingluck.
GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Q2 Stadium..
ImagnWINNER: Mauricio Pochettino
No doubt who the star of the show was on Saturday night. Yes, the players on the field deserve credit, but we know who all eyes were on. It wasn't the players in Red, White and Blue, but rather the man dressed in black on the sidelines.
This was Pochettino's day and, while it wasn't a perfect debut, it was a pretty damn good one. With a win now on his USMNT resume, Pochettino is off and running, and this USMNT is surely running with him.
He didn't make widespread changes, as he promised leading up to the game, but you saw differences. The USMNT pressed aggressively in a new system, one that threw Musah out wide while playing with a back three. Christian Pulisic and Brenden Aaronson, meanwhile, tucked in a bit, at least more so than under the previous regime.
By and large, Pochettino didn't throw away what the USMNT had been doing. Instead, he altered it slightly. That resulted in a performance that seemed like a clear step forward and one that left room for optimism as he gets more time with this group.
AdvertisementGettyLOSER: Weston McKennie
Pochettino made it clear after the match: don't read too much into Weston McKennie's absence from the lineup Saturday night.
"We're going to protect him," Pochettino said. "He arrived with some not-big problems but some uncomfortable situations. If we believe that he is 100 percent without risk, he could be starting, but I think we didn't want to take a risk."
It's unfortunate, though, because McKennie is one of the players that could be the right fit under Pochettino. He's a do-everything midfielder who, especially over the last month, has proven that he has the mentality and determination to fight through adversity. That's exactly what Pochettino has to be looking for, right?
Perhaps we'll see McKennie in Mexico after a few days rest but, at least on Saturday, it was unfortunate that the world couldn't get a look at what he could look like under the new coach.
ImagnWINNER: Christian Pulisic
Everything Pulisic touches turns to gold right now. That's what happens when you're in this kind of form.
Leading up to the game, Pochettino described Pulisic as one of the world's best attacking players, and he continues to prove it, doesn't he? He didn't get a goal of his own on Saturday, but he was the catalyst behind Musah's opener.
"I barely even saw Yunus, to be honest," he admitted. "I just kind of put it in a dangerous area and it was perfect. He showed up right on time."
That's the kind of luck you have on your side when you're playing this well. Pulisic has now scored or assisted in seven of his last eight games for club and country. He's been great in the past, but this is the best version of him we've seen.
That's good news for the USMNT and good news for Pulisic, who continues to destroy all in his path.
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GettyLOSER: Josh Sargent
As a striker, you often only get one chance to score. Josh Sargent got his. Unfortunately for him, it didn't go where he intended.
Outside of that, Sargent was largely good. Getting the start with the injured Folarin Balogun not in camp, he was integral in connecting the play and his ability to both drop back and press high really set a tone for the USMNT.
This wasn't a bad game from Sargent, and you really could argue that he did raise his stock. But that one chance? He'll want that one back, for sure.
What'll make it hurt more is that the guy who replaced him, Ricardo Pepi, buried his chance, further raising the stakes in a crowded striker race.
The board also introduced a minimum age restriction for international cricket which will apply across all cricket
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Nov-2020The ICC has confirmed the World Test Championship (WTC) points system will be amended, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, to decide the finalists on the basis of the percentage of points earned from those they contested for. The ICC Board approved the recommendation by its cricket committee, headed by Anil Kumble, which said that a team’s points earned will be calculated as a percentage of the points that were up for grabs, and the new standings will be decided accordingly, as had been reported by ESPNcricinfo last week.The decision was taken at the ICC’s last quarterly meeting of the year which began on Monday this week.World Test Championship points table as of November 2020•ESPNcricinfo LtdBefore the recommendations were approved, India led the table with 360 points followed by Australia on 296. Under the new system, India’s percentage points will now be 75% – 360 out of the 480 points they played for in four series – placing them second behind Australia, who will have 82.2%, calculated as 296 out of the 360 points they played for across three series.An ICC release stated that even though current regulations say that matches not completed shall be treated as draws with points split, the cricket committee decided to determine the final WTC standings from matches that would be completed before the final scheduled to be played next June in England.”Both the Cricket Committee and Chief Executives Committee supported the approach of ranking teams based on completed matches and points earned as this reflects their performance and doesn’t disadvantage teams that have been unable to compete all of their matches through no fault of their own,” ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney said in a release. “We explored a whole range of options, but our Members felt strongly that we should proceed as planned with the first ever World Test Championship Final in June next year.”The new system does not drastically change the standings although a team like New Zealand, who retain their fourth spot behind Australia, Indian and England, might see it as a better opportunity to finish in the top two. If they earn the maximum 240 points from their two home series against West Indies and Pakistan in the coming months, they’ll finish with 70% points (420 out of 600). That would make them compete with England and India who take on each other in a five-match series early next year, and India also play four Tests in Australia in December-January. England, meanwhile, are trying to reschedule their postponed series against Sri Lanka.ICC introduces minimum age restrictionsThe ICC Board also introduced a minimum age restriction of 15 years for international cricket “to improve safeguarding of players”. The restriction will apply across all cricket including ICC events, bilateral cricket and Under-19 matches. “To play in any form of men’s, women’s or Under-19 international cricket players must now be a minimum age of 15,” the release said.”In case of exceptional circumstances, a Member Board could apply to the ICC to allow a player under the age of 15 to play for them. This could include where the player’s playing experience and mental development and wellbeing demonstrates that they would be capable of coping with the demands of international cricket.”Introduction of Excluded Persons Policy in Anti-Corruption CodeThe ICC Board also introduced an Excluded Persons Policy as part of the Anti-Corruption Code “with immediate effect”. The ICC release said it enables the ICC ACU to exclude corruptors who are “non-participants” to the Code to prevent people who attempt to corrupt the sport. The release further said it will also make it an offence for “participants” to the code to associate with excluded non-participants.”This is a significant addition to the ICC Anti-Corruption Code and enables the sport to impose an exclusion order on known corruptors preventing them from any involvement in cricket activities including playing, administration, financing, attendance or any kind of involvement in a league, team or franchise,” Sawhney said.”It will allow our ACU to better disrupt the activities of non-participant corruptors which currently the ICC have little, if any, control over. This is crucial if we are to continue to protect the integrity of our sport.”
Chelsea-bound Estevao Willian is proving to be a true wonderkid, with ‘Messinho’ breaking a record in Brazil that was previously held by Neymar.
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Will move to Stamford Bridge in 2025Already a senior international at 17Following in the footsteps of superstarsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Premier League giants from Stamford Bridge have an agreement in place that will see teenage sensation Estevao move to west London in July 2025 – shortly after his 18th birthday. The transfer could be worth as much as £56 million ($73m).
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There is plenty of excitement around Messinho, with two senior caps being earned with his country at the age of 17. He is following in the footsteps of former Palmeiras team-mate Endrick – who is already in Europe with La Liga giants Real Madrid.
DID YOU KNOW?
His stock continues to rise in South America, with the efforts of legendary countryman Neymar being bettered in Brazil’s Serie A. Estevao has reached 17 goal contributions in the 2024 campaign – with that return making him the most productive U17 player in a single season in the 21st century. Neymar previously posted a combination of 16 goals and assists while on the books at Santos in 2009.
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Neymar has gone on to become a La Liga, Champions League and Ligue 1 title winner with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain – making history along the way as the most expensive player in world football – and is also Brazil’s all-time leading goal-scorer. Chelsea will be hoping to see Estevao tread a similar path, although he will face fierce competition for wide attacking berths in the Blues’ squad.
To say Todd Boehly’s first few years as owner of Chelsea Football Club have been eventful would be putting it lightly.
Now with their fourth manager at the helm, the Champions League winning Thomas Tuchel became Graham Potter who then became Mauricio Pochettino and then along came Enzo Maresca.
The managerial situation embodies several seasons of Doctor Who. A constant spate of regenerations engulf Stamford Bridge and who knows how long Maresca will stick around.
No match action is yet to take place – that’s where the Italian will really be judged – but off the field, it does appear as though the Blues have their ducks in a row.
They have sealed a deal for Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian, are on the verge of landing Omari Kellyman and are pondering over a striker. On that front, Jonathan David seems to be the catch of the day, with talks having been held with the Canadian’s forward representatives.
Canadian striker Jonathan David
Yet, we all know with Chelsea now that given their remarkable levels of spending, PSR regulations have to be adhered to. So, selling a few players could do the trick.
Financial Fair Play: What is PSR?
What are the rules and regulations?
ByStephan Georgiou Apr 16, 2024 Who is leaving Chelsea this summer
Brazilian great Thiago Silva has already departed the club on a free transfer while rumours relentlessly swirl around suggesting Kepa Arrizabalaga could be departing again.
Ian Maatsen will swiftly exit west London too, heading in the direction of the Midlands where the Champions League finalist will join Aston Villa.
There is also the future of Conor Gallagher to address. The England international would represent pure profit from an FFP perspective and has been linked with big-money moves to the aforementioned Villa and Tottenham. Now at Euro 2024, that won’t be resolved anytime soon.
Slapped with a £50m asking price, that would go some way to strengthening Chelsea’s financial position but he’s not the meatiest of players when it comes to their expected transfer value.
Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher for Chelsea
Chelsea’s £100m player in waiting
Levi Colwill. Made in Cobham, developed at Brighton and now shining back in London.
The England international enjoyed a breakout campaign with the Seagulls in 2022/23 and even if last season was injury disrupted he has shown why he possesses the tools to become an elite defender.
Capable of playing in central defence and at left back, the 21-year-old’s versatility is one of the most attractive aspects of his game. That modern forward-thinking approach is also rather helpful.
Indeed, over the last year, the young defender ranks among the best 4% of centre-backs in Europe’s premier divisions for aerials won per 90 minutes. A cracking header of the ball, Colwill is also adept in possession.
Only 5% of defenders in Europe’s big five leagues can say they boast a better pass completion over a medium distance. Only 7%, meanwhile, play more through balls out from the centre of the back line.
Also possessing immense leadership skills, there is a future captain to be had in there, an attribute that according to some reports makes him untouchable in the transfer market.
Bayern Munich have allegedly been interested but Chelsea, unsurprisingly, are not interested in a sale.
Levi Colwill
But let’s say they were enticed to get rid should a big offer come in. Just how much would it take for them to say ‘yeah go on then’?
Well, according to The Athletic, they now value Colwill him at a whopping £100m.
If any club paid that it would make him the most expensive defender of all time after, yep you guessed it, Manchester United’s Harry Maguire.
10. Achraf Hakimi
£60.9m
9. Marc Cucurella
£63m
8. Ruben Dias
£65m
7. Lucas Hernandez
£68m
7 = Matthijs de Ligt
£68m
5 = Wesley Fofana
£75m
5 = Virgil van Dijk
£75m
3. Matthijs de Ligt
£77.1m
2. Josko Gvardiol
£77.6m
1. Harry Maguire
£80m
Such a move would also eclipse the remarkable fee they got up front for Eden Hazard when he joined Real Madrid.
The Belgian is now retired and in fact, recently made an appearance at the Bridge duringSoccer Aid.
Yet, in his pomp, he was one of the finest foreign imports we’ve seen in the Premier League.
Hazard scored 110 goals and registered 85 assists in 352 outings for Chelsea, cementing himself as a legend in the process.
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2012/13
62
13
21
2013/14
49
17
8
2014/15
52
19
12
2015/16
43
6
7
2016/17
43
17
7
2017/18
52
17
13
2018/19
52
21
17
Such a run of form, which also saw him win two Europa Leagues, an FA Cup and twin Premier League medals, meant Madrid came calling, paying a fee of £88.3m initially before a colossal sum of adds-on were included.
So, if Chelsea did move Colwill on in the near future it could well be a record departure for the club. Their fans will be praying that another Hazard situation doesn’t repeat itself, particularly with some of the continent’s elite sniffing around the promising defender.
Chelsea pushing to sign exciting Olise alternative who's a "pace demon"
Casualty list to be felt at the Wanderers and beyond with several players doubtful for England series
Andrew Fidel Fernando01-Jan-2021Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara and Dinesh Chandimal are all almost certain to miss Sri Lanka’s second Test against South Africa, due to injury. Dhananjaya de Silva had already been confirmed to be out of contention.The even worse news for Sri Lanka is that of all these players, only Chandimal and Lakmal seem likely to be fit in time to return to the XI for the first Test against England, which begins on January 14.Chandimal, and fast bowlers Rajitha and Kumara all picked up groin injuries while playing the first match, after de Silva strained a tendon in his left thigh on the first day. Lakmal had tweaked a hamstring in the approach to the first Test and did not play that game. He still hasn’t recovered.”What the doctor says is that when you’re tired, the first area that feels the strain is the groin,” team manager Ashantha de Mel told ESPNcricinfo. “I’ve never been on a tour with so many injuries. We’ve not played a Test match since February, so that must have had an effect.”ALSO READ: Sri Lanka ‘could have dominated’ but for injuries – KarunaratneLakmal’s absence will be a particularly substantial blow. Not only had he been Sri Lanka’s best seam bowler on the team’s two previous tours of South Africa, he’s also by far the most experienced quick in the squad. Without him, Sri Lanka’s seam attack will likely comprise Dushmantha Chameera and Vishwa Fernando, who have played fewer than 10 Tests each, and Asitha Fernando, who will be on debut.”Suranga did a fitness test earlier today and failed it,” de Mel said on Friday. “We’ll have to start upping his workloads and build him up, otherwise he could get injured again.”Sri Lanka have taken 21 players on tour, for exactly this kind of contingency (players can’t just be called up from Sri Lanka because they would need to quarantine before entering the bio-secure playing bubble).From among the batsmen who didn’t play the first Test, Lahiru Thirimanne is likely to come into the XI, as well as Minod Bhanuka, who will be on debut. Neither Thirimanne or Bhanuka are known for their bowling, however, so the loss of de Silva – who was arguably their most fluent batsman at Centurion – will still not quite be covered.The second Test starts on Sunday. South Africa won the first game by an innings and 45 runs.