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Hugo Ekitike has revealed he has modelled elements of his game on his former PSG teammates Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe as he looks to forge his own legend after making the switch to Liverpool earlier this year. The Frenchman spent a season on loan in the French capital during Les Parisiens' Galacticos era, before finding his feet in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Ekitike enjoying life in Liverpool

The 23-year-old was speaking to the about his time on Merseyside thus far. Despite spending some time on the bench since the signing of Aleksander Isak, the French striker has been a success for the Reds since completing his £79m switch to the Premier League in the summer. While some of Liverpool's other marquee signings have struggled to convert, the young striker has scored six goals in 15 appearances for his new employers. 

Ekitike has the makings of a complete forward, demonstrating an eye for goal, clever link-up play, the ability to beat a man one-on-one and an understanding of the game that belies his relative inexperience. Perhaps that well-rounded style owes something to his season in-and-around three of the modern game's greatest attackers during his season with PSG. Ekitike initially joined Les Parisiens on loan from Reims in the 2022/23 campaign, where he made 25 league appearances and scored three goals, largely in relief of the vaunted trio of Messi, Mbappe and Neymar. 

He cites Messi's ability to see space, Neymar's fleet of foot and Mbappe's off the ball runs, as elements he has tried to incorporate into his own skillset. 

AdvertisementAFPEkitike takes 'a little' from Neymar, Messi and Mbappe's game

Ekitike said: "I can't face (up to) people and say that I'm going to do the same things as these players on the pitch.

"But if I can take little even without the ball, from their game, I would because I really watched them a lot during my time at Paris Saint-Germain. I'm still watching them. I try to take things from the players I love.

"(I try to copy) Messi's vision. Sometimes I try to see things earlier, before I receive the ball. Neymar, I took some tricks and skills, ball control. I took the runs of Kylian, he could do great runs without the ball. So many things, it is difficult to list. I definitely took stuff from their game.

"I like to watch and try to add to my game to make me more complete."

Mbappe's influence on Ekitike's career has continued since the pair were club teammates. The pair enjoy a close bond, with the Real Madrid star often phoning his younger compatriot to impart advice. The Liverpool striker said that started after Mbappe saw he was upset with his lack of game time in the French capital. 

"He saw me in a bad position at PSG. So he is happy for me that now things are working out. We see each other in the national team and play together. 

"He has been like a big brother to me. He was alwys good to me, always gave me advice. Now we face each other in the Champions League, Liverpool versus Real Madrid, it is good."

Following Liverpool's 1-0 win over Los Blancos, the pair spent 20 minutes together catching up. 

Liverpool star praises Haaland ahead of City clash

The France international has not limited himself to learning at the feet of his teammates. He also name checked Erling Haaland as an influence ahead of Liverpool's marquee showdown with Manchester City on Sunday. The Norwegian goal machine has scored 27 goals in 17 games for club and country this term. Ekitike praised Haaland's ability to influence games without unnecessarily involving himself in the buildup, allowing him to position himself in the final third.  

"He's probably the best striker in the world now for a few years, and definitely someone I'm looking at," said Ekitike. 

"I think if I can add a little bit in my game it would be from his game. He's able to do things without touching the ball much during the game, and it's really impressive. So yes, he's definitely someone I'm looking at."

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Getty Images SportWill Ekitike feature from the start against City?

It has not been completely plain sailing for Ekitike since joining the Reds. He revealed that manager Arne Slot has "p***ed" him off at times, with the Dutchman's high demands making him feel his manager is "a little bit too much" at times. The Premier League winning coach publicly lamented Ekitike's decision to take his shirt off after scoring in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton in September, something the Frenchman has said will "never happen again". 

Dropping in and out of the starting eleven will also be cause for concern for Ekitike, considering his experience with PSG. However, with Aleksander Isak sidelined with a groin injury since leaving Liverpool's 5-1 away win over Frankfurt three weeks ago, he will have a chance to shine in a high profile fixture against Haaland and City on Sunday. 

Chelsea are now ready to trigger the £44m release clause to sign an “unstoppable” striker, who has been in fantastic form so far this season.

Blues stepping up striker pursuit despite Delap scoring first goal

The Blues upgraded their forward line considerably during the summer, bringing in Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, and the latter is now finally off the mark in front of goal, having scored the third in the comprehensive 3-0 victory against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Pedro has been more prolific, chipping in with four goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, and the Brazilian has also displayed his versatility by featuring at both centre-forward and in attacking midfield.

With the former Brighton man able to play in a slightly deeper role, there may be room in the squad to bring in another, more natural centre-forward in the January transfer window, and the Blues are now stepping up their pursuit of a Bundesliga star.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea are now ready to trigger the €50m (£44m) release clause in Serhou Guirassy’s Borussia Dortmund contract, having identified the striker as a priority target.

Manchester United are also in the race for Guirassy, who is open to a move to the Premier League, with Dortmund powerless to prevent a departure if one of the interested English clubs stumps up the requisite £44m.

The Guinean forward is enticed by the projects on offer at both Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge, and his performances so far this season suggest he would be able to hit the ground running in the Premier League.

"Unstoppable" Guirassy tearing it up in the Bundesliga

Lauded as “unstoppable” by scout Antonio Mango, the 29-year-old has already amassed 13 goal contributions across all competitions this season, particularly catching the eye for Dortmund in the Champions League.

Serhou Guirassy’s key statistics 2025-26

Appearances

Goal contributions

Bundesliga

11

6

Champions League

5

6

DFB-Pokal

2

1

The France-born striker has averaged 0.61 non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 86th percentile compared to other forwards, while he is also impressive in the air, placing in the 82nd percentile for aerials won, having averaged 3.48 per 90.

As such, the Dortmund star clearly has the talent to succeed in the Premier League, but there may be some concerns about his age, given that BlueCo are known for wanting to sign younger players, and he is set to turn 30 in March.

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That said, with a potential title race on the cards, Guirassy could be a real difference-maker, and £44m would be a reasonable fee, given the level of his performances so far this season.

Enzo Fernandez is staking a claim to be Lionel Messi’s successor with the Argentina national team. The Chelsea midfielder is not looking to become the Albiceleste’s next iconic No.10, but admits that he would welcome the opportunity to inherit captaincy duties from his iconic countryman. That position will soon be up for grabs, with Messi building towards what would be his last World Cup.

Messi's Argentina record: International caps and goals

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to confirm that he will form part of Argentina’s global title defence in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer – having already taken in a final international outing on home soil – but the expectation is that he will.

Messi will skipper his country at another major tournament, having previously led them to two Copa America crowns and World Cup glory at Qatar 2022. He has earned 196 caps and scored 115 goals.

AdvertisementGettyNext skipper: Who will take the armband from Messi?

The day will come when Messi walks away, with somebody else needing to step up and lead by example in his absence. Fernandez, who has filled the armband at Chelsea on occasions, believes that he is ready to take on that responsibility.

The combative 24-year-old told of his personal ambition: “On a personal level, of course, I dream of captaining Argentina, but that decision doesn’t come down to me. It’s up to the coaching staff. Of course, I dream of being the Argentina captain.

“I don’t know when it might be. Time will tell, and it’s up to the coaching staff to make the decision. It’s certainly one of my dreams, and I’d be honoured to wear the captain’s armband.”

Back-to-back: Argentina ready for World Cup title defence

Fernandez starred alongside Messi as Argentina savoured World Cup glory in 2022, with best young player of the tournament honours coming his way at 20 years of age. He is ready to go back-to-back in the World Cup-winning stakes.

The Chelsea midfielder added: “We’ll try to defend it and win it again, which is what this national team must do. The Argentine people are so passionate and we always want more. Our mentality is that we deserve to defend our World Cup crown and have a great tournament, which means winning it.”

A second World Cup success would help to cement Messi’s legacy as the greatest of all-time, with Fernandez and Co aware that they are witnessing the end of a truly remarkable career. They are determined to deliver one more wild celebration.

Fernandez said: “Winning the World Cup is in the past now, and we are focused on what lies ahead. We know it could be Messi’s last World Cup, so we’ll aim to defend our crown from Qatar as a team. We’ll do our best to retain it.”

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GettyWill Messi play for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup?

Messi has told of representing Argentina next summer, with the evergreen 38-year-old concerned that he may not be in the best possible shape while plying his club trade in MLS for Inter Miami: “I don't want to be a burden, so to speak. I want to feel physically fit, to be sure I can help and contribute to the team. Our season is different from the European one. We'll have a pre-season in between, with few matches leading up to the World Cup, and we'll see how things go day by day to see if I really feel physically fit enough to be where I'd like to be and be able to participate.

“But obviously, I'm aware that it's a World Cup, and it's special, and that the World Cup is the biggest competition there is. So, I'm excited, but I'm taking it one day at a time.”

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has left the door open for Messi to play on for as long as he wants, with the iconic No.10 never going to be forced into international retirement. He has shown with Inter Miami in 2025, having helped them to a historic MLS Cup final appearance, that he has lost none of his match-altering magic.

Liverpool scouts have just been spotted keeping an eye on a defensive star in the Champions League, according to recent reports, as they set their sights on a transfer battle against Arsenal.

The Reds’ defensive frailties were on show once again against Manchester City at the Etihad, and they’re fortunate that it’s Virgil van Dijk’s disallowed goal which has stolen the headlines. For the umpteenth time this season, the champions came undone all too easily as Pep Guardiola eased to a 3-0 victory in his 1000th game as a manager.

Arne Slot, whilst reflecting on the defeat, took the time to have his say on Van Dijk’s disallowed header – telling reporters that he believes Andy Robertson was not interfering with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s view.

PGMOL chief refereeing officer Howard Webb has since issued a response to Liverpool’s complaints, saying that it was “not unreasonable” to rule Van Dijk’s effort out on Sunday afternoon.

Alas, as the argument continues, Liverpool remain in a difficult position and as low as eighth in the Premier League. No one saw it coming from a side who comfortably strode towards the title last season, but Slot must now find a permanent solution.

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Whether that means returning to the transfer market is the big question, especially in search of defensive reinforcements.

Liverpool and Arsenal scouts watching Wilfried Singo

As reported by Turkish outlet Sabah, Liverpool scouts were spotted watching Singo in Galatasaray’s dominant 3-0 win against Ajax in the Champions League last week.

The Gunners also had officials present to check on the right-back’s progress as they seek support for Jurrien Timber, with Ben White’s injury issues making him an unreliable deputy for the Dutchman.

And the Ivorian played his part as his side kept a clean sheet and made it three wins from four Champions League games, in a run of form that includes a win against Liverpool.

The Reds felt Singo’s quality in full as he kept Cody Gakpo quiet down their left-hand side and Galatasaray held on to secure a famous 1-0 victory at the end of September.

Singo enjoyed an excellent game against the Reds, losing possession just once, making four recoveries and winning over half of his aerial duels. Gakpo, meanwhile, was limited to just three touches in the Galatasaray box and made just one pass into the final third.

The 24-year-old has been on the rise for a few years now and interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool should come as little surprise. Described as “intelligent” by former AS Monaco teammate Thilo Kehrer, Singo could be destined for the Premier League in 2026 in what would be the biggest move of his career so far.

Liverpool's "generational" Doku regen is destined to take the #11 from Salah

WA keeper-batter is hoping to translate her stunning Australia A form into a big WBBL season

Tristan Lavalette04-Oct-2024A naturally aggressive batter and technician behind the stumps, Maddy Darke has for some time been touted as a potential successor to Australia captain Alyssa Healy.The symbolism was evident five years ago when Darke, only 18 at the time, made her WBBL debut for Sydney Sixers and received her cap from Healy, who she had modelled her attacking batting and glove work on.But it’s been a tough journey living up to those expectations and she moved to Western Australia in 2021 to ignite her career. Darke’s WA coaches have worked hard on building up her confidence and belief that she absolutely belongs at the professional level.Having shown glimpses over the years, Darke, 23, might be putting it all together after scoring eye-catching centuries recently for Australia A in the multi-format series against India A in Queensland.In tough batting conditions against the red ball on the Gold Coast, Darke lifted Australia out of trouble at 94 for 5 in their second innings of the four-day fixture with an unbeaten 105 off 197 balls from No.6.She took heed from the messaging from her WA batting coach Wes Robinson, a concise communicator, who implores her to “keep it really simple and let your technique do the talking”.

“If I could one day play for Australia, I’d absolutely love the chance. For me, not knowing when that opportunity would arise, it’s just about improving my wicketkeeping and batting while also trying to be a better teammate. Hopefully that takes care of things.”Maddy Darke

She batted superbly with the lower order, running hard between the wickets to frustrate India A. Darke unleashed several attractive strokes through the covers, but it was mostly a gritty innings that proved the difference in Australia’s eventual 45-run victory.”I was really pleased because four-day cricket is a real test of your mental capacity as well as your physical skill-set,” Darke told ESPNcricinfo. “Being able to grind through a few sessions with the tail is something that I’m not really accustomed to.”I’m really, really pleased with how the whole series went and to get as many runs as I did,” she added, having also scored 106 in the second one-dayer.Darke, nicknamed ‘Bondi’ due to her affinity with the famous Sydney beach, has not carried her momentum into the start of the domestic season having scored just 49 runs from three innings to start the Women’s National Cricket League.Self-doubt could once again creep in, but working closely with Robinson and WA coach Becky Grundy has helped her feel more at ease.”She [Grundy] tells me to just trust that my game is more than good enough to do well at any level,” Darke said. “I think that is something that I really try to keep in mind because she wouldn’t be telling me that if she didn’t actually believe in me.”I’m trusting my strengths and recognising when I’m doing things really well to keep trying to do them and not get distracted or caught up in what other players are doing.”To see a bit more evidence of that on the field with runs in the India series, really, really helps build my confidence.”Darke has also been working hard with the gloves as shown in her solid efforts behind the stumps against India A, where she admitted to feeling “exhausted” by the end of the four-day game. While adept at keeping to pace and spin, she’s more comfortable being up to the stumps.”It’s actually been a bit of a focus to make sure I’m not neglecting keeping back and working on being in really good positions to move laterally and dive,” Darke said.Maddy Darke drives through the offside•Getty ImagesShe’s learned “different techniques” from veteran Beth Mooney and England wicketkeeper Amy Jones, her Perth Scorchers teammates, while WA wicketkeeping coach Damon Rowan regularly puts her through the same drills as men’s counterparts Josh Inglis and Baxter Holt.Darke was left almost awestruck the first time she trained alongside Inglis, who has become Australia’s No.1 wicketkeeper in white-ball cricket. “He’s amazing, so quick, so powerful,” she gushed to Rowan at the time.Darke closely studied Inglis’ technique up at the stumps. “He moved so late, but he’s so quick to the ball. I was actually taken aback,” she recalled. “He’s so explosive and powerful. That’s what I want to get to, but I’ll have to chip away at that over the years.”He has played all over the world, so it’s a great opportunity to build my knowledge and learn from him.”It’s been a slow start to the domestic season for Darke and WA, who are winless after their opening three WNCL matches. But if Darke can rediscover her Australia A form, as a potential WBBL breakout looms, then talk of being Healy’s heir apparent will go into overdrive.”I’ve definitely got my eye on that spot whenever it would become available. If I could one day play for Australia, I’d absolutely love the chance,” she said.”For me, not knowing when that opportunity would arise, it’s just about improving my wicketkeeping and batting while also trying to be a better teammate. Hopefully that takes care of things.”

This was a night for three points. Liverpool’s staggering decline this season cannot be understated, and following a succession of disappointing draws against Sunderland and Leeds United, a one-goal win over Inter Milan at the San Siro could bear dividends going forward.

It was a strange contest on the VAR front, with Ibrahima Konate’s first-half header ruled out before Florian Wirtz won a match-winning penalty late on, adjudged to have been pulled to the ground by Alessandro Bastoni. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and converted.

Liverpool have returned to the top eight of the Champions League. Liverpool’s defensive line has been so porous this season, leakier than Old Trafford roofing, but Arne Slot has employed a more compact and pragmatic system in recent fixtures. Back to basics.

However, the Reds’ highly talented forward players are still, as a unit, flattering to deceive, and improvements are needed there.

How Liverpool's forwards played at San Siro

Post-match, Slot detailed Liverpool’s emphasis on shutting up shop in recent weeks. Mixed results on that front, but there has been a concerted plan all the same, and it came to fruition against Serie A champions Inter Milan.

Szoboszlai’s penalty aside, Liverpool amassed 0.56 xG in the second half, as opposed to just 0.12 before the break. Slot’s tactical tweaks were on the money in Italy, but the Premier League champions are still struggling to get a tune out of record signing Alexander Isak, who huffed and puffed but was unable to achieve anything of note in the final third before being withdrawn after the hour mark.

This is a world-class striker, but he needs better creative connections. Curious, then, that he was replaced by Wirtz, who nestled into the ten spot and changed the game, finding pockets of space and placing the Nerazzurri defenders under pressure, creating a chance, winning both of his duels and enjoying neat interplay with Ekitike and Szoboszlai in particular.

Anfield plays host to a crucial Premier League tie against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend, and it’s crucial that the German playmaker starts at the expense of a star who still hasn’t clicked together this season.

Slot must drop 6/10 Liverpool star

So many Liverpool stars have flattered to deceive this season, and Alexis Mac Allister has been one of the most disappointing. The 26-year-old has played at such a high level since joining the Merseysiders from Brighton in 2023, but he’s lacked bite and energy and eloquence in the engine room.

Deployed in a more advanced role against Inter, ostensibly to ease his defensive struggles and build-up problems this season, the £150k-per-week talent did actually prove dependable in stifling the hosts’ threat, but he lacked the completeness that fans have come to expect, unable to effectively service the forwards.

The Liverpool Echo acknowledged Mac Allister’s defensive contribution, handing him a 6/10 match rating, but they also drew attention to the Argentine’s attacking effort, leaving something to be desired on that front.

Alexis Mac Allister vs Inter Milan

Match Stats

#

Minutes played

90′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

46

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

Accurate passes

32/37 (86%)

Chances created

0

Crosses

0/0

Recoveries

2

Tackles won

1/1

Duels won

6/8

Data via Sofascore

There has been a suffocating air of frustration around the South American’s performances this term, and most of that is because Liverpool fans know how good he can be.

But he’s offering little right now, and though he completed his defensive duties with diligence, there was a lack of dynamism and sparkle that will hinder the Anfield side going forward. He didn’t attempt a dribble and neither did he create a chance. Wirtz must play at the weekend.

Ultimately, Liverpool still have many, many creases to iron out, but this was a step in the right direction. However, Liverpool’s emphasis on compactness cannot come at the expense of pre-existing creative problems, and Wirtz must start at the weekend; that much is clear.

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Pakistan players with deals in the BBL have been given approval to join the competition after concerns they would be caught up in the PCB’s refusal to issue No Objection Certificates for overseas tournaments.In late September, the PCB’s chief operating officer Sumair Ahmad Syed sent a notice informing players and agents of the board’s decision to stop players joining T20 leagues. However, on Saturday, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg confirmed the Pakistan players would arrive for the BBL as scheduled.”That came through last week,” Greenberg said. “So they’ll all be playing, they’ve all been cleared to play, which we’re really excited about because we’ve got some great Pakistan players in the BBL, so looking forward to seeing them here this summer.”Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Brisbane Heat), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers), Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades), Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars) and Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder) are those with deals for the tournament that begins on December 14 and runs to January 25.An eagerly anticipated head-to-head are the contests between Babar and Shaheen which will take place on January 5 and 18. The Pakistan players will also come up against R Ashwin when they face Sydney Thunder, while he and Shadab will be in the same squad.Related

• R Ashwin to play entire season of BBL with Sydney Thunder

• PCB suspends player NOCs for overseas T20 leagues

Thunder’s signing of Ashwin was a significant moment for the BBL with the deal becoming season-long after he was not bought at the ILT20 auction. It has prompted talk of whether more Indian players later in their careers will follow Ashwin’s path of retiring to explore overseas opportunities, with Virat Kohli’s name naturally high on the list even though he has given few clues about his future.”Short, medium term I think it is realistic over time,” Greenberg said of whether more Indian players could join the league. “We’re going to keep the dialogue open. I think that Ravichandran Ashwin coming is a really important moment for the BBL and it will highlight the strength of bringing Indian players into the league. What that manifests over time I think is to be seen. Some of that will depend on whether we take private capital into the BBL which is an open conversation for us at the moment.Cricket Australia is currently exploring the potential of private investment in the BBL with Greenberg and chair Mike Baird hopeful of progress being made by the end of the year although there remains some uncertainty of the best path forward among some states.”We should have aspirations to make sure the very best players, both here in Australia and globally, can play in the BBL,” Greenberg said. “That costs money because players have leverage and opportunity to play all over the world. That’s one of the primary drivers [for] why we would consider bringing private capital into the BBL so that we can compete on the global stage. We’re a small domestic market here, but we’re competing globally and to do that we’ve got to be the best version of ourselves.”A critical extension of that is keeping hold of the best Australian players. A report in newspapers earlier this month said that Pat Cummins and Travis Head had turned down A$10 million offers to sign long-term deals with one of the IPL franchises which has teams around the world.Greenberg did not have significant concerns about the current group of senior Australia players walking away but said that it could develop into a major issue for the next generation.”I think it’s a realistic concern for everybody that players have leverage and choice to ply their trade all over the place,” he said. “But I’d say this, though, every player I talk to, priority A is to play for their country…so that’s a really important marker.”But, and there’s a big but here, the next generation is really what I’m focused on. It’s not this current crop that I’m as concerned about as the next generation of players. We’ve got to make sure we find ways for them to stay in Australian cricket, still generate central contracts, still want to play for their country in the same way generations have and this current generation does.”Greenberg was speaking as CA launched a new cricket format at community level for the summer, with the six-a-side Smash Series designed to be played within 60 minutes. The format is viewed as an introductory level to the sport, with six-a-side games, players batting in pairs and the use of different types of softer balls.

Nine Hong Kong batters finished with single-digit scores, going down by 94 runs in the Asia Cup opener

Alagappan Muthu09-Sep-20251:36

Mukund: Dropped catches a concern for Afghanistan

There was a contest between man and nature to see who was hotter and in the end, try as the elements could, they couldn’t match Azmatullah Omarzai’s fire. Even in 41°C heat, he burned brighter, scoring Afghanistan’s fastest T20I fifty and just kept going from there.Omarzai was responsible for one of two blink-and-you’ll-miss-it run-outs, which, coming on the back of a Hong Kong fielding performance that included three dropped catches, was cricket working a little too hard to highlight the gulf between the two sides. Full Member Afghanistan made 188 for 6. It was 94 too many for their Associate nation opposition.Sediqullah’s three livesSediqullah Atal looked a real good player. Stood nice and tall in his set-up, seemed competent playing shots off both front foot and the back foot, and crucially, he was able to cope with the lack of pace in Abu Dhabi. He is only 24, but already showing signs of what players more experienced than him are known for. The bit between the ears. Atal was 26 off 17 with five fours at the end of the powerplay when the other end had contributed only 14 off 19 balls with one six.Hong Kong slowed Atal down with spin but were never able to capitalise on the pressure they created. Yasim Murtaza gave him two lives – dropping him on 4 off 3 in the first over, then on 46 off 38 off his own bowling and finally had to watch Ehsan Khan put down a clanger just after Atal had raised his third T20I fifty. A man who should’ve been dismissed in the first over batted through the innings to score 73 off 52.Azmatullah the game changerAfghanistan were 119 for 4 after 16 overs. Hong Kong’s spinners – Murtaza in particular – provided a challenge that is rarely seen in modern T20 cricket. He pulled pace off the ball, going as low as 70kph at times to deny scoring opportunities. Kinchit Shah, bowling from the other end, got the wickets. The five overs they bowled between the 10th and the 14th yielded two wickets for just 24 runs.As good as that period was for Hong Kong, it also brought Omarzai to the crease and he was so game aware. The fast bowlers returned in the 17th over and it was go time. The next 18 balls yielded 60 runs. Omarzai went 6, 6, 6 and 4 against Ayush Shukla to bring up his half-century off just 20 deliveries. From the simple, clear-the-front-leg slog to the cheeky ramp past the keeper, the Afghanistan allrounder showed impressive range on a difficult batting pitch.2:26

Mukund impressed by Afghanistan’s on-field trial

Hong Kong punishedHong Kong’s mishaps continued with bat in hand as well. They gave up a wicket for no reason – and one run on the board – when Anshuman Rath was ruled caught behind but replays showed several inches of daylight between bat and ball. Zeeshan Ali, the non-striker, had seemingly persuaded Rath from challenging umpire Virender Sharma’s decision. Then they had to watch as Rashid Khan ran out Nizakat Khan for 0 off 0 balls because he took too long to realise there was no run off a Babar Hayat hit to cover.Two overs – and two dropped catches later, apparently Afghanistan were happy to give themselves a handicap – Azmatullah had Kalhan Challu run-out off his own bowling when the batter strayed out of his crease after pushing the ball down the pitch. The Hong Kong captain had high hopes for Challu at the toss, instead his wicket for 4 off 8 was a cruel reminder of the quality of cricket at this level.Hong Kong went joint-second for most wickets (four) lost by a team in the powerplay in the men’s T20 Asia Cup. Only two of their batters got to double-digits. None of them managed to score at a run a ball. Their focus at 63 for 6 had shifted to playing the overs out and they did that to finish on 94 for 9.

The details of the proposal Chelsea are willing to offer for FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen have now been revealed.

Robert Sanchez has received his fair share of criticism this season, with the goalkeeper being brandished an early red card in the 2-1 defeat against Manchester United, but he has since returned to form, keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.

Speaking after the match, Sanchez said: “I feel confident, I am fit and at my best. I have always felt settled because the club always told me I am No. 1.

“But on a personal level and my performance I have to say yes (this is the most settled he has been at Chelsea).”

However, the Blues continue to be linked with new goalkeepers, with it being revealed they were offered the opportunity to sign Barcelona’s Ter Stegen at the end of October, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of the German.

Chelsea willing to submit proposal for Ter Stegen

According to a report from Spain, Chelsea are now willing to offer to pay 75% of the Barca shot-stopper’s salary to secure his signature in the coming days, although the loan move would have to wait until the January transfer window opens.

The La Liga club are willing to sanction a departure this winter, with the 33-year-old potentially set to join the Blues on an initial loan deal, before making a permanent move to Stamford Bridge for a fee of €10m (£9m) in the summer.

The veteran goalkeeper would welcome a move to a new club, given that he is keen to receive more game time ahead of the World Cup next summer, with the lack of opportunities at Barcelona jeopardising his chances of being Germany’s starting goalkeeper.

The 44-time Germany international has fallen down the pecking order at the Camp Nou and is yet to make an appearance this season, so it would be understandable if he decides to move on in January, ahead of what could be his final World Cup.

Having established himself at the top level, the £281k-a-week Barcelona man could also be an upgrade on Sanchez, with journalist Graeme Bailey saying: “Ter Stegen is world-class, and if there is a chance to bolster your ranks with a player of this calibre for the second half of the season, I think he is a fascinating option for a number of sides in January.”

The former Borussia Monchengladbach star is vastly experienced in Europe, having made 85 Champions League appearances, while he also knows what it takes to win major trophies, lifting 19 major honours with Barcelona.

As such, Ter Stegen could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea, who arguably need to bring in older players with experience of winning trophies if they are going to become title contenders.

Chelsea ready to bid for Vinicius Jr alongside Ter Stegen Related Bid ready: What BlueCo think about bringing Vinícius Júnior to Chelsea

The Blues have identified the man they want to become the face of their Stamford Bridge project.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Nov 1, 2025

Left-armer will lead Australia’s pace attack in the opening Ashes Test in the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood

Alex Malcolm19-Nov-2025The last man standing of Australia’s big three, Mitchell Starc, says he may take on a little bit of extra responsibility as the senior man in their new-look pace attack. But he believes Scott Boland’s experience and Brendan Doggett’s form will hold them in good stead in the opening Ashes Test in Perth.Starc, 35, is Australia’s ironman having not missed a Test through injury since he broke his finger on Boxing Day in 2022. He reached his 100th Test and took his 400th Test wicket in Australia’s last Test match in July. He will lead the attack in the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in Perth and remarkably will be the only one of Australia’s quicks to have bowled in a first-class game at Perth Stadium, with Boland and Doggett having only played BBL matches at the venue.Related

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But Starc is confident both men will handle the big occasion at the start of the series. “I think we’re all pretty clear on what our roles are,” he said on Wednesday.”Obviously I’ve got a little bit more experience there. Scotty’s been around for a fair while now, so it’s not like I’m telling him what to do. We’ve got Patty in the sheds with us anyway. So yeah, I may take on a little bit of an experienced role, if you like. But we’ve all been around the traps for a while, so it’s just staying together as a group.”Starc believes Doggett will be able to handle the pressure of an Ashes series as he seems certain to debut as Australia’s third quick in the attack. Starc first met Doggett in 2018 when they toured the UAE together for a series against Pakistan and believes he has come a long way since his first tour with Australia’s Test squad.”Brendan was a lot younger and rawer then,” Starc said. “We knew what he was about, and since then he’s made the change to South Australia. I think he’s come in red-hot. He’s had a good couple of weeks. We as a group know what he’s capable of, and the skills that he presents. And being a little bit older than back in 2018, he’s probably a little bit more comfortable in his own skin and around the group. So really excited if he gets his opportunity this week to see what he can do on a Test arena. Having had him around the group for a while over the years, I think he’s certainly in a great headspace.”Starc and Doggett put on a clinic in the Perth Stadium nets on Wednesday morning under overcast skies after Australia’s training was delayed briefly due to a lightning strike.Brendan Doggett and Mitchell Starc warm up at Australia training•Getty Images

The Perth Stadium nets have been tough work for batters all week and the pair peppered Steven Smith, Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in a hour-long spell. Starc nicked off Smith and looked in superb rhythm having rediscovered something during his recent Sheffield Shield outing after shaking out some rust in the ODI series against India.He admitted he didn’t bowl as well as Cummins did in the nets on Monday. Cummins did not bowl on Wednesday but was at training after missing the optional session on Tuesday. The injured skipper is edging closer to a return in Brisbane having pulled up well from his eight-over spell on Monday.”Probably understand why he doesn’t train much, because when he does, he makes us all look silly,” Starc said. “He was really, really sharp the other day. Sounds like he’s pulling up pretty well. So very positive.”Cummins’ absence with the ball is a major blow but his absence with the bat is arguably harder to cover. Doggett’s first-class average is just 8.57 and he’s never made a half-century although he has a top score of 49. He will likely bat at No. 11 behind Boland with Nathan Lyon elevating to No. 9 and Starc returning to No. 8, a spot he has been trying to avoid for a number of years as his batting has declined quite steeply since his significant early career contributions.”I’ve been trying to get rid of No. 8 for a while, and now I have to go back there,” Starc said. “You all think we fight about getting higher up the order. We all fight to get lower.”We know how important, how beneficial contributions there can be to first innings, second innings, setting up a total, whatever it may be. That’ll play a part. I will keep working on it.”