South Africa’s dominance in Centurion, Rohit vs Rabada, and more
Sampath Bandarupalli28-Dec-2023163 First-innings lead conceded by India in Centurion. It was the fourth-lowest lead they conceded when they suffered an innings defeat. It was also the first time in 40 years that India lost a Test by an innings despite falling less than 200 runs behind after the first innings.The last such instance was against West Indies at Eden Gardens in 1983, where they were bowled out for 90 after conceding a 136-run lead in the first innings.1 Innings wins for South Africa since their readmission in 1992 with a first-innings lead of less than 163. They had defeated England by an innings and 12 runs at Lord’s in 2022 despite a lead of only 161 runs.7.66 South Africa’s win-loss ratio in Test cricket at SuperSport Park in Centurion. It is the joint-highest for any team at a venue where they played 20 or more Tests. Pakistan also have a 7.66 win-loss ratio at Karachi’s National Stadium.South Africa have won 23 of the 29 matches they have played at SuperSport Park, a win percentage of 79.31, the highest for any team at a venue in Test cricket.ESPNcricinfo Ltd2 Innings wins for South Africa at home against India, both in Centurion. The first one came in 2010, when they won by an innings and 25 runs.1263 Balls bowled in the Centurion Test, making it the shortest completed Test between South Africa and India. The previous shortest was the Ranchi Test in 2019, lasting 1325 balls.34.1 Overs India’s second innings lasted, their joint-shortest all-out innings in South Africa. In 1996 as well, they were bowled in 34.1 overs in Dubran, for 66.Their second-innings total of 131 is their third-lowest in South Africa, after 66 and 100 they posted in that 1996 Durban Test.51 Test wickets for Kagiso Rabada against India. He became the fifth South Africa bowler to take 50 or more Test wickets against India.12.8 Rohit Sharma’s batting average in South Africa. It is the second-lowest for any player with at least ten innings in top six in the country. Mohammad Hafeez averaged 11.83 in 12 innings he batted in South Africa. Rohit’s average against Rabada in South Africa is 6.2, with five dismissals in six innings.
During his 49-ball 92 against Punjab Kings, Dhawan repeatedly walked towards the off side to work the ball behind square leg
Hemant Brar19-Apr-20213:05
Ian Bishop: ‘Shikhar Dhawan just looks like a man on top of his game’
Fifteenth over of the chase. Jhye Richardson is bowling around the wicket to Shikhar Dhawan. It’s a slow, dipping full toss but way outside off. Dhawan could have easily hit it through the off side. Instead, he moves across, goes down on one knee and taps it towards square leg. Riley Meredith throws himself to his left to keep it to one.It was a shot that won’t make it to the highlights package but it highlighted Dhawan’s new approach to batting. An approach where he is not scared of trying out new things to add another dimension to his game.Once a mainstay for India in limited-overs cricket, Dhawan is no longer guaranteed a place in the T20I XI. One of the reasons behind that is in the last few years, the format has moved at a pace Dhawan couldn’t keep up with. Since the start of 2019, 25 openers from Full Member nations have played ten or more T20I innings. Only Fakhar Zaman (110.00) has a worse strike rate than Dhawan’s 114.24.With the T20 World Cup scheduled to be played in India later this year, Dhawan is leaving no stone unturned to claim his spot back. In the last two years at the IPL, he has improved his strike rate significantly, however, his 49-ball 92 against the Punjab Kings on Sunday exhibited a different aspect of his game.Until not so long ago, a typical Dhawan innings would be brimming with cover drives. If he played a cover drive early in his innings, the probability of him scoring big went up. While that may still be true, Dhawan showed he is not afraid of exploring other scoring zones.Shikhar Dhawan repeatedly walked towards the off side in order to work the ball behind square leg•BCCI/IPLDuring his Player-of-the-Match performance, which helped the Delhi Capitals chase down 196, Dhawan repeatedly walked towards the off side in order to work the ball behind square leg. He also deployed a much-improved slog shot, targeting the midwicket area in particular. As a result, 53 out of his 92 runs came in the arc from midwicket to fine leg. In comparison, the whole off side yielded only 32 runs.In all, Dhawan scored 13 fours and two sixes. Out of those, eight fours and a six came in the aforementioned region.After the match, Dhawan said he has been focusing on improving his leg-side game. “I worked on those shots in the nets, like going towards the off stump and using the pace of the bowler,” Dhawan told Star Sports at the post-match presentation.He further expanded on his approach in a chat with R Ashwin on . “Once I know the bowlers are bowling yorkers or wide yorkers and they have set up a field [for that], it’s hard to find a boundary on the off side. So I try to use the pace and I enjoy doing that, playing those cheeky shots.”My slog shot has improved a lot. It was there earlier as well but now I play it more freely. I am not afraid of changes, I keep on trying things. But I make sure I give them a good shot in the nets first and then bring it out in a game.”While such cheeky shots look great when they come off, they also carry an inherent risk element. In fact, Dhawan lost his wicket while trying a similar shot. In an attempt to hit Richardson towards fine leg, he ended up shuffling so much outside off that once he failed to connect, the ball hit the off and middle stumps.Related
How have India's T20 World Cup hopefuls done so far in the IPL?
Dhawan 92 trumps Agarwal, Rahul fifties
Gavaskar: India should 'persist' with Rohit-Kohli opening formula
Who will be Rohit's opening partner, and more questions for India
Dhawan, though, is aware of the risk-reward equation. “I am not scared of getting out. Today, I got out but these are the shots where I can score runs as well, so I back myself.”I have been playing for so many years now that I feel more relaxed. Relaxed but at the same time I am attentive so that I don’t take things for granted.”At the moment, with 186 runs from three innings, at an average of 62 and a strike rate of 163, Dhawan is the leading run-scorer in IPL 2021. But he also knows that all his runs have come in the batting-friendly conditions at the Wankhede Stadium. In fact, both his half-centuries have come while chasing, when the dew makes batting a lot easier.The Capitals will play their next two games in Chennai, where the batters haven’t been able to score that freely so far. Dhawan, however, is up for the challenge.”It [the Wankhede pitch] has got a true bounce and the ball comes at a nice pace,” he said. “Because of the dew also it gets much easier for the team batting second. For my batting style, I enjoy using the pace of the ball, and against a spinner, if it’s not turning, I can play my slog sweeps, but I have to be a bit mindful of when I am going to play in Chennai.”I have been seeing on TV that the wicket is turning and is a bit slow. I am already preparing for it and looking forward to playing against them and grabbing the opportunity.”Dhawan knows he won’t get a better opportunity than the IPL to win back his place in India’s T20I XI.
England winger Bukayo Saka knows he has to bring his club form to the international stage – and his manager Thomas Tuchel agrees.
The 24-year-old, whose early season was curtailed by injury, returned to Tuchel’s side for the 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley and marked the occasion with a stunning goal.
That saw him become the top-scoring Arsenal player in an England shirt with 13, though Tuchel quipped it should be 30, not 13.
Saka has been one of the stars of the Premier League for the Gunners over the last few seasons, recently completing 100 goal contributions, but knows he has to do more in an England shirt.
“I have missed a lot of England games, especially under Thomas and I haven’t scored for a while either, so to come back and put the ball in the back of the net is a special feeling,” he said after he found the top corner with a brilliant effort.
“The way I perform for Arsenal I want to take it into England and perform better in games and be more effective. That is always my plan.
“Last camp I was really gutted I had to miss it, so coming back into the team today is a really nice feeling and to get that opportunity to put the shirt on again and score is an amazing feeling.”
Tuchel challenges Saka to score more for England
Tuchel has challenged the winger to bring more to his side, insisting he has all the conditions to perform.
Tuchel said: “How many goals did he score for England? Thirteen? One three? It has to be more, it’s not enough.
“He needs to keep on going. I thought it was 30, at least, and then I would have said it’s not enough, because I am never satisfied.
“He is such a threat for Arsenal in the most difficult league in the world, so why would he not be at international level?
“We have the position for him, he has the attitude, the stamina, the talent, everything to be a top player at international level, and that’s what he has to show.
“We can just encourage him to be influential, like he was today. Next game, he needs to try to repeat it.”
Mousa Dembélé is a star who exceeded all expectations during his time as a Tottenham Hotspur player, with the Belgian one of the most underrated players in their history.
He would go on to rack up a total of 249 appearances during his seven-year spell at the club, often catching the eye with his physicality and dazzling feet.
Despite his massive frame, you wouldn’t expect a player to easily get past the opposition, but Dembélé used to glide past his men in North London – with many of his former players singing his praises.
However, since his departure in 2019, the first-team have lacked the dominant and ball-playing option at the heart of the side, but that could be about to change in January.
With the window now on the horizon, Thomas Frank is starting to draw up a list of players who could improve the options at his disposal in the middle of the park.
Spurs’ hunt for a new midfielder in the January window
Over the last couple of days, Spurs have been one of the Premier League clubs linked with a potential winter deal to land Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.
Manchester United were massively touted with a deal to land the Cameroonian international in the summer, but were massively put off by his £100m valuation.
The same could be said for Frank’s side in January, with the Lilywhites wanting to land the 21-year-old, but are unwilling to fork out the current asking price for his signature.
However, he’s not the only midfielder in their sights at present, with Atlético Madrid talent Conor Gallagher once again appearing on their radar ahead of the upcoming window.
According to one Spanish outlet, the Englishman is available for a fee in the region of €60m (£52m) next month, with Fabio Paratici wanting to fork out such a fee for his services.
It also states that the player himself could be keen on a move back to the Premier League, but Diego Simeone’s side will only sanction a move if the asking price is met.
How Gallagher compares to Dembele
Spurs have often formed numerous rivalries in the Premier League over the years, with Chelsea just one of the sides in which they have had many fierce contests with.
Frank Lampard was a player who regularly starred against the Lilywhites, often leaving the fanbase wishing they had their own version of the English midfielder.
He featured against the club on 41 separate occasions, winning 22 of which and only losing eight times – often providing the difference in the London derby.
The now-retired star scored ten times within the aforementioned meetings, the third-best record against any time in his professional career – further showcasing his impact against Spurs.
Mixing a player of Lampard and Dembélé’s quality is always going to be a difficult ask, but it’s one that Gallagher has managed to do during recent months in Madrid.
He’s been a dominant player for Simeone’s men in LaLiga, with his underlying stats from the 2025/26 campaign showcasing his incredible ability at both ends of the pitch.
Gallagher has won 2.5 tackles and made 1.6 interceptions per 90 this season, with such numbers showcasing his dominant ball-winning presence that Dembélé possessed.
Conor Gallagher – LaLiga stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
15
Goals & assists
1
Pass accuracy
88%
Shots taken
1.4
Progressive carries
2.7
Progressive passes
3.9
Tackles made
2.5
Interceptions made
1.6
Carries into opposition box
0.9
Stats via FBref
He’s also made 0.9 carries into the opposition box as part of his 2.7 progressive carries per 90, another component of his game that the Belgian demonstrated in North London.
However, his ability in possession has also caught the eye, with England U21 manager Lee Carsley previously stating that the midfielder is just “like Lampard”.
Gallagher has completed 88% of the passes he’s attempted to date, with 3.9 of which per 90 going into the final third – something which Lampard became known for with the Blues.
His crashing nature also handed the Spurs fans numerous moments of anguish, something which the Atletico star has demonstrated with his tally of one goal and 1.4 shots per 90.
£52m may appear to be a huge investment in the former Blues star, but his all-round stats in Spain’s top-flight this season showcase his elite-level output at both ends.
Should he merge the levels achieved by Dembélé and Lampard in the Premier League, it would be a stellar signing and one that can take Frank’s side to the next level.
Saved by Romero: Frank must bin Spurs flop who had fewer touches than Vicario
Tottenham Hotspur were fortunate to walk away with a point against Newcastle United last night.
A Brazil international says his friends and family members are now urging him to join Arsenal, describing the Gunners as the ‘perfect’ club.
Arsenal prepare for Chelsea after statement Bayern Munich win
Arsenal’s commanding 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday night has set the stage perfectly for Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League clash with second-placed Chelsea this weekend.
Mikel Arteta’s side maintained their perfect Champions League record with a dominant second-half performance that overwhelmed the previously unbeaten German champions.
Jurrien Timber’s header from Bukayo Saka’s corner opened the scoring before teenage sensation Lennart Karl equalized with a composed volley to end Arsenal’s clean sheet streak in the competition.
However, the second period belonged entirely to the hosts. Substitute Noni Madueke, after returning from two months out with a knee injury, broke the deadlock with his first Arsenal goal before Gabriel Martinelli capitalized on Manuel Neuer’s catastrophic error to seal all three points.
The result sends Arsenal three points clear at the top of the Champions League table and represents their first victory over Bayern in a decade, ending a winless run against the Bavarians dating all the way back to October 2015.
Martin Odegaard’s late comeback appearance off the bench provided even more encouragement ahead of the weekend’s crucial encounter at Stamford Bridge.
The captain’s return offers Arteta additional midfield creativity just when Arsenal need it most, facing a Chelsea side riding high after their own impressive European victory over Barcelona.
Sunday’s clash represents a genuine title race test. Arsenal arrive in excellent form, having thrashed Tottenham 4-1 in the North London derby before dispatching Bayern, and they’re currently on a phenomenal 16-game unbeaten streak.
Arsenal’s unbeaten run in all competitions since defeat to Liverpool
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Man City
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Burnley 0-2 Arsenal
Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal
Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham
Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
Chelsea, meanwhile, sit just six points behind the league leaders following their Champions League demolition job.
Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal star will miss Chelsea clash through injury
The Spaniard is gearing up for one of their biggest games of the season.
By
Emilio Galantini
Nov 28, 2025
Away from the pitch, sporting director Andrea Berta continues to weigh up how best to strengthen Arteta’s squad for the long-term.Reports suggest that Arsenal have already held ‘initial’ talks over Elche sensation Rodrigo Mendoza, amid his comparisons to Pedri, but someone else has now opened the door for a potential N5 move.
Luiz Henrique makes Arsenal transfer admission
That man is Zenit St. Petersburg winger Luiz Henrique.
The Brazilian, who boasts 11 caps for his country, joined the Russian Premier League side back in January following a brief stint in his homeland at Botafogo.
Before that, he was at Real Betis in La Liga after coming through the ranks at Fluminense, and he’s been discussing his next career moves in an interview with Globo Esporte.
Speaking to the outlet, as translated by Arsenal News, Henrique claims that his close circle have told him to join Arsenal, expressing how he is a “huge fan” of that idea.
The 23-year-old, who’s bagged one goal and three assists in 14 league appearances this season, is in Carlo Ancelotti’s thinking for the 2026 World Cup.
He was included in the Brazil squad for recent friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, making appearances off the bench, and Henrique’s versatility to play almost anywhere in attack would appeal to Arteta.
However, as yet, there’s been no links to the forward from an Arsenal perspective, at least not this year.
That being said, Henrique has clearly invited the north Londoners to make a move, so the door is wide open.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. likes his new torpedo-shaped bat quite a bit. He's hit three home runs in two games with the unusual-looking bat, which has more mass below the barrel to help hitters who tend to make contact closer to the label than the true barrel.
The New York Yankees hit a franchise-record nine home runs in a single game Saturday, where Chisholm contributed one long ball. Anthony Volpe homered Saturday with a new custom-made bat, too. Chisholm followed it up with two more homers on Sunday and spoke to his newly infamous "torpedo" bat postgame.
"I love my bat," he said to reporters after the Yankees' 12–3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday via YES Network. "I think you can tell it's working pretty well for me. It doesn't feel like a different bat, it just helps you in a little way—I guess."
Chisholm said he started to use the new bat the last week and a half of spring and he has used it ever since.
"It still felt like my bat," he continued. "It feels good. Hit the ball off the barrel, feel comfortable in the box. … I don't know the science of it, I just play baseball."
He said he doesn't feel that the ball comes off the bat differently or changes the exit velocity, but that it gives a "feeling like you have more to work with." Even if that's not the case, Chisholm says the new twig provides some extra confidence, too.
Since the "torpedo" bat took the baseball world by storm during the home-run party in the Bronx on Saturday, plenty of questions have surfaced. Most importantly, the MLB said that the Yankees' new bats are legal. With the success that Chisholm and some teammates are seeing in the Bronx, the biggest question is when other teams begin to play copycat.
Costa Rica’s World Cup hopes have taken a severe hit. A 1–0 loss to Haiti has left Miguel Herrera’s side on the brink in the CONCACAF qualifiers, with their direct path now hanging by a thread. Pressure around Herrera grew louder after the match as Los Ticos have a difficult path to next year's tournament.
AFP
Costa Rica drop to third in Group C
Herrera’s team entered the match with a chance to seize control of the group, especially after Nicaragua stunned Honduras earlier in the day. Instead, slipped to third place, and their fate now depends on a combination of unlikely results.
Haiti struck the decisive blow just before halftime. Josué Casimir slipped a pass into the box for Ruben Providence, whose low cross found Frantzdy Pierrot for the opener. Keylor Navas immediately expressed his frustration, shouting toward a back line that reacted far too slowly. Despite pushing forward in the second half, Costa Rica never found the equalizer.
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AFP
Los Ticos must beat Honduras
The math is now unforgiving for Herrera. Costa Rica must defeat Honduras in San José next week and hope Haiti fail to beat Nicaragua. Anything less than a victory eliminates them entirely from direct qualification and could even shut the door on the playoff route.
AFP
Herrera faces growing pressure
Pressure around Herrera grew louder after the match, including a tense exchange during his arrival to the postgame press conference. Asked whether he still believed he should lead the team for the decisive match, he didn’t hesitate. “It’s not my decision. If we don’t qualify, then we’ll have to consider what comes next. I’m committed to this project.”
Herrera took full responsibility for the team’s poor return – one win, one loss, and three draws in the final round – but emphasized that decisions about his future lie with federation president Osael Maroto.
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AFP
Navas and Costa Rica now need a miracle
Costa Rica will now carry their fading World Cup hopes into a must-win showdown against Honduras – the group leader, but one that also arrives under significant pressure after a 2–0 defeat on the road to Nicaragua.
Scott McTominay has urged Napoli boss Antonio Conte to pursue reported interest in Kobbie Mainoo next month. McTominay is one of a number of former Manchester United outcasts currently shining in Naples, with Rasmus Hojlund and Romelu Lukaku also impressing for the defending Serie A champions. The Scottish midfielder has been instrumental for the Italian side since joining last summer.
Getty Images SportMcTominay has thrived since leaving United
The 28-year-old was named Serie A MVP for his instrumental role in Napoli's title triumph under Conte last season. McTominay has taken to Italian football like a duck to water and he's not the only former Manchester United star that has caught the eye for Conte's side.
Lukaku, who spent two years with United, was also key for the Partenopei last season, scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists as Napoli pipped Inter to the Scudetto. The Belgian is yet to play for Napoli this season, though this has presented Hojlund with the chance to shine in Italy after the Dane returned to Serie A on a season-long loan.
And McTominay believes that Napoli should pursue a move for Kobbie Mainoo in the New Year as Conte's side challenge for the title once more. Mainoo has struggled for game time this season, registering just 138 minutes of league action, while his only start came in the EFL Cup defeat to Grimsby back in August.
Advertisement'He would fit straight in'
Mainoo, who missed United's 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Saturday due to injury, had hoped to secure a summer move away from Old Trafford as he looked to garner regular minutes in a World Cup year. The youngster hasn't featured for England since coming on as a substitute against Ireland in the UEFA Nations League last September, however United's failure to bring in a midfielder, despite links with a move for Carlos Baleba, saw the club turn down the 20-year-old's request to leave earlier in the year.
United are expected to bring in a new midfielder in January, with Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson among those on the club's radar, and a new body in the middle of the park would likely see Mainoo depart. And according to SunSport, a source close to McTominay has told Conte to sign Mainoo in the New Year.
"Scott has been to see Conte and told him to get Kobbie. He’s told him all about his strengths and what an outstanding player he is. He knows all about him from his time at United and thinks he would be a great addition to the squad, whether it’s on loan or a permanent deal.
"Kobbie has been brought up the right way at United having been in the academy since he was a little boy. He would fit straight in and give Napoli a boost."
AFPDe Bruyne injury may force Napoli's hand
Napoli signed one central midfielder from the Premier League over the summer as Kevin De Bruyne made the move to Italy after his departure from Manchester City. The experienced Belgian has made an immediate impact for Conte's team but is unlikely to play again this year.
That's because De Bruyne suffered a thigh injury after scoring a penalty in Napoli's 3-1 win over title rivals Inter last month. The 34-year-old has scored four league goals for Napoli following his arrival over the summer.
De Bruyne's injury is likely to force Napoli into the market in January, with Mainoo already an established target for the Serie A giants.
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Napoli gunning for top spot
Napoli will hope to reclaim top spot in Serie A on Sunday afternoon as they take on Bologna at the Renato Dall'Ara. Conte's side dropped to second in Italy's top tier as AC Milan threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 draw with Parma on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Roma host Udinese and Inter welcome Lazio to San Siro on Sunday in an incredibly tight Serie A title race. Indeed, just one point separates the top four ahead of the final international break of the year.
Everton’s 2025/26 season has begun with a mixture of promise and frustration.
The Toffees opened the Premier League campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat at Leeds, a match played in a raucous Elland Road atmosphere.
They bounced back impressively at home, securing a 2-0 victory against Brighton to restore confidence among fans.
A thrilling 3-2 win at Molineux demonstrated their attacking potential, while a 0-0 draw at home to Aston Villa highlighted some inconsistency.
Most recently, Everton fell 2-1 to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby, underscoring the challenges of competing at the top level. David Moyes’ side currently sit 10th in the league and face struggling West Ham at Goodison Park in their next fixture on Monday.
The Toffees’ attacking setup, led by Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Iliman Ndiaye, has shown flashes of creativity and menace, but the lack of a top striker has limited their output.
Everton’s recent 2-0 exit from the Carabao Cup to Wolves adds to the sense of disappointment.
Moyes may now be looking for solutions within his squad to spark a more effective attacking threat.
Beto's struggles since joining Everton
Beto, the towering 27-year-old striker, has become a focal point for debate among Everton fans.
The Portuguese forward joined the club from Udinese in 2023 for £25m, bringing with him a strong Serie A record and international experience.
Standing at 1.94m, Beto has made 60 Premier League appearances for Everton, scoring 11 goals, per Transfermarkt.
Last season, he found the net eight times in 20 appearances, showing glimpses of his potential. Despite these credentials, Beto has struggled to establish himself as the man to lead Everton’s frontline.
He has scored just once in the current campaign and has struggled to impose himself in key moments.
Statistically, his contributions show limitations compared to some of his peers. Last season, Beto averaged 0.88 progressive carries per 90, 0.94 progressive passes per 90, and 1.35 shots on target per 90, per FBref.
His progressive passing distance of 16.6 per 90 and shot-creating actions at 1.52 per 90 indicate a forward with a more limited impact on a team shifting towards a more possession-based approach.
These metrics reflect a player capable of contributing in certain areas but not providing the dynamic presence Everton require in modern attacking football.
With Moyes increasingly looking to implement a more possession-oriented, technically fluid approach, Beto may not be the ideal fit for leading the line.
Why Everton should unleash Thierno Barry
Enter Thierno Barry.
The French U21 international signed from Villareal this summer for £27.6m, and offers a contrasting profile to Beto.
The 6ft 5in striker scored 11 goals from an xG of 12.41 last season and registered four assists, per Sofascore, showcasing his ability to dominate the penalty area while contributing to team play.
Described as a “serious No.9 prospect” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Barry’s style has drawn comparisons to Dušan Vlahović and Ollie Watkins, blending physical presence with technical awareness.
Barry excels in aerial duels, ranking in the 87th percentile with 3.84 aerials won per 90, winning nearly two-thirds of the aerial contests in the penalty area, per FBref.
His ability to carry the ball forward is also notable, ranking in the 74th percentile for progressive carries per 90 (1.70), while completing 62% of his take-ons.
He can stretch defensive lines and create space for teammates, a trait Moyes will likely value in Everton’s evolving system.
Despite needing time to adapt to the Premier League, Barry has already made five appearances this season, logging 142 minutes.
Matches Played
5
Starts
1
Minutes
144
Progressive Carries
2
Progressive Passes
2
Compared to Beto, Barry’s 2024/25 stats indicate a player with greater overall influence: 20 goal involvements versus Beto’s 8, 1.71 progressive carries per 90 versus 0.88, 1.05 progressive passes per 90 versus 0.94, and higher involvement in shot-creating actions (1.78 per 90 compared to 1.52).
His progressive passing distance per 90 (21.2) also surpasses Beto’s 16.6, aligning with Moyes’ desire for a striker comfortable in possession-based play. Barry offers Everton the chance to implement a forward capable of linking play, finishing opportunities, and contributing to a more dynamic attacking structure.
As Moyes looks ahead to upcoming league fixtures, including the home clash with West Ham, deploying Barry over Beto, who should be ruthlessly dropped, could be the catalyst Everton need to maximise their offensive potential.
The Frenchman’s combination of physicality, technical skill, and aerial dominance marks him as the player to build around in attack, particularly in a team seeking to flourish in the Premier League.
The mood around Chelsea at the moment is far more optimistic than it was even a week ago.
Enzo Maresca’s side have managed to pull themselves out of the dip that saw them lose two Premier League games on the bounce with that dramatic win over Liverpool on Saturday.
Moreover, the fact that the 18-year-old Estevao scored the winner only helps to fuel the sense that the future is bright for the Blues.
In fact, while it will take them some time to reach their peak, Maresca has several genuinely exciting youngsters in his current squad, and a number coming up from Cobham, including one who could be as special as Estevao.
Chelsea's promising youngsters
Chelsea has a squad bursting with young talent, so in this instance, ‘youngsters’ will refer to teenagers, of whom the Blues also have several in the first-team squad, including Tyrique George.
The Cobham graduate has endured an interesting season so far this year, as while he is a winger, Maresca has played him up top in a few games, and he’s had mixed results there.
For example, he struggled to make much of an impact at all against Benfica, but scored and assisted in the game against Lincoln City, which saved his side from real embarrassment.
Interestingly, the Englishman has been starting ahead of an actual centre-forward, Marc Guiu.
It’s hard to judge the Spaniard on this season alone, as his 119 minutes of action have been split between the Blues and Sunderland, where he was on loan before Liam Delap’s injury, with just 16 minutes coming under Maresca.
With that said, the 19-year-old scored a goal for the Black Cats and found the back of the net six times in seven Conference League games last season, so there is undoubtedly a lot of potential there.
Moving into the backline now, and while he is still inexperienced and therefore hard to judge, Josh Acheampong did a fine job against Liverpool on Saturday. His combination of on-the-ball ability and defensive nous could see him become a star for the West Londoners.
However, the other young defender, Jorrel Hato, feels like even more of a sure thing, as despite being 19 years old, he has an incredible amount of experience.
Before joining Maresca’s side, the young Dutchman had made 111 appearances for Ajax and even wore the captain’s armband on occasion.
Hato’s senior record
Appearances
111
Starts
102
Minutes
9121′
Goals
4
Assists
9
Goal Involvements per Match
0.11
Minutes per Goal Involvement
701.61′
Points per Game
1.86
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Last but not least, Estevao is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown when it comes to the Blues’ crop of young talents.
For example, before he even arrived on these shores in the summer, he had racked up a brilliant tally of 27 goals and 15 assists in 83 appearances for Palmeiras.
Moreover, while the goal against the Reds has grabbed the headlines, and understandably so, the 18-year-old has also looked incredible in other games, like against West Ham United, when his sensational close control allowed him to provide an assist for Joao Pedro.
In all, Chelsea have an abundance of absurdly talented youngsters in their current squad, and there is now someone in the academy who could join them and become a homegrown Estevao.
Chelsea's homegrown Estevao
As seems to be the case every year now, Chelsea have several exciting talents making waves at Cobham, such as Jesse Derry and Harrison Murray-Campbell.
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However, when it comes to a Cobham gem who could become something of a homegrown Estevao for the Blues, only one youngster sticks out: Shumaria Mheuka.
The 17-year-old centre-forward has been an exciting prospect for some time now, but has really stepped it up a level this season, and doesn’t look too far off getting another chance in the first team, like he did at points in the Conference League last year.
For example, in just nine appearances for youth teams this year, totalling 793 minutes, he has scored ten goals and provided one assist.
In other words, the Birmingham-born output machine has been averaging 1.22 goal involvements per game, or one every 72.09 minutes in youth football this season.
Mheuka’s youth record in 25/26
Appearances
9
Minutes
793′
Goals
10
Assists
1
Goal Involvements per Match
1.22
Minutes per Goal Involvement
72.09′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
On top of that, he’s also been thriving on the international stage. In 16 appearances for England’s U19s, totalling 970 minutes, the teenage sensation has scored eight goals and provided three assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.45 games, or every 88.18 minutes.
With numbers like these at such a young age, it’s easy to see why talent scout Jacek Kulig has already boldly proclaimed the Cobham gem as “the future of Chelsea and English football.”
Ultimately, while it might be a little while longer until he’s given a real run in the first team, it looks like Chelsea could have their own homegrown Estevao-level talent in Mheuka.
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