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The 36-year-old pulls the cord on his Big Bash League career, with his manager citing the tournament’s new extended format as the primary reason

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jul-2018Mitchell Johnson will never again appear on an Australian ground as a player after calling time on his Big Bash League career. His manager revealed the extended nature of the upcoming BBL season’s schedule was the primary reason behind the decision.The tournament’s new format features 14 games in a home-and-away league system, which his manager Sam Halvorsen says “is just too much for someone who turns 37 at the end of the summer.” Johnson led the Perth Scorchers bowling attack for the past two seasons.There was, however, no statement on Johnson’s availability for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League although he had recently signed up for the T10 League in UAE, slated for December.Johnson played 19 games for the Scorchers, taking 20 wickets at an average of 22.75 and economy rate of 6.14. His last game for the Scorchers was their semi-final loss to Hobart Hurricanes earlier this year. In BBL 2016-17, Johnson’s three-wicket haul (4-2-3-3) in the semi-final against Melbourne Stars and figures of 1 for 13 in the final against the Sydney Sixers secured Scorchers’ third championship title. He had finished the season as Scorchers’ highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets from nine and an economy rate of 5.91.Earlier this year, Johnson had pulled out of his commitments with Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League. He retired from international and first-class cricket in November 2015, with a career haul of 590 international wickets and 465 first-class scalps.

Rilee Rossouw blitz in vain as Somerset fold cheaply in run-chase

ECB Reporters Network01-Jun-2022Sussex 216 for 7 (Philippe 70) beat Somerset 169 (Rossouw 74, McCoy 5-33, Mills 4-32) by 47 runs
Rilee Rossouw’s blistering 74 from just 29 balls failed to save Somerset from their first Vitality Blast defeat of the season as Sussex Sharks enjoyed a 47-run success at Taunton.The visitors posted 216 for seven after losing the toss, Josh Philippe leading the way with 70 off 43 deliveries, Ravi Bopara making 48 and Harrison Ward blitzing 23 off five balls at the end.It didn’t look like proving enough as Rossouw took his tally of runs in four Blast innings for Somerset to 248, at an average of 82.6, with his most devastating display to date.The South African left-hander blasted five sixes and eight fours. But he lacked any meaningful support and a dramatic late collapse to 169 all out saw Obed McCoy finish with five for 33 and Tymal Mills four for 32 to help Sussex claim their second win in four games.An almost white pitch looked full of runs. But Somerset went into the game full of confidence and Tom Lammonby initially maintained their momentum by bowling a maiden to Philippe.Luke Wright began by hitting his first two balls from Josh Davey for four and six, but perished in the same over, was caught at cover off a wide one.Philippe and Tom Alsop then produced a battery of sixes to take the total to 62 by the end of the six-over powerplay before Alsop fell for 30 to the left-arm spin of Roelof van der Merwe.Bopara used his experience to score quickly without taking risks as he and the increasingly effective Philippe added 85 in 9.3 overs.The Aussie went to a 35-ball fifty in the 14th over, while Bopara survived a caught-and-bowled chance to de Lange before falling to Davey in the next over.After launching Ben Green for successive sixes, Philippe chanced his arm once too often and was caught backward point.Delroy Rawlins and George Garton cleared the ropes to boost the Sharks’ total, but both fell and the visitors were still eight short of 200 when de Lange began the final over.Having dismissed McCoy lbw with a full toss, the powerful seamer proved no match for 22-year-old Ward, who survived a run out opportunity to wicketkeeper Tom Banton taking a scampered bye before transforming the Sussex total.He smashed de Lange for 6,6,4,6 off the final four balls of the innings to give the Sharks a spring in their step when they came back out to field.Will Smeed fell cheaply to McCoy, skying a catch to deep square in the second over after Garton had conceded only a single from the first.But Rossouw was soon into his stride, taking ten off his first three balls from McCoy and following up with two sixes and a four off the fourth over, sent down by Mills.Banton’s early run of low scores in the Blast continued when he was caught and bowled by McCoy attempting a scoop shot.But Rossouw’s assault was relentless as he charged to a 17-ball half-century with a pulled six off Steve Finn, helping Somerset to 64 for two at the end of the powerplay.Three more crunching boundaries followed in the next over from leg-spinner Archie Lenham. By the end of the eighth Rossouw had scored 73 of Somerset’s 90 runs.When he was out to a top-edged sweep off Rawlins, the home side’s run-rate dropped and Tom Abell’s departure for 23 in the 13th over left them requiring 97 off 46 balls.Somerset never recovered. Bopara conceded only five off the 15th over and a series of increasingly desperate shots saw McCoy and Mills run riot in the closing overs as the last six wickets fell for 17 runs.

Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham has been hilariously tricked into signing a '10-year deal' with Burnley, along with his brother Jobe.

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• Jude spends Christmas in England with family
• Went to Ewood Park to support his brother Jobe
• Was tricked by a fan to 'sign' for Burnley

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The cheeky moment was orchestrated by Alfie, a young supporter, who presented the two players with a makeshift 'contract' committing them to a 10-year tenure at the Clarets. The boy’s father shared the amusing encounter on social media platform X.

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• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Posting proudly, he wrote: “My lad Alfie has just signed Jobe & @BellinghamJude up for @BurnleyOfficial on a 10-year contract @realmadriden @SunderlandAFC sorry lads!”

  The handwritten 'contract' humorously stated: “We, Jobe and Jude, agree to sign for Burnley for 10 years.”

  Adding to the lightheartedness, Burnley FC Chairman Alan Pace reacted to the social media post with enthusiasm. He tweeted: “Welcome to the recruitment team, Alfie,” acknowledging the playful 'deal' brokered by the young fan.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bellingham, currently one of the most celebrated players in European football, is fresh off helping Real Madrid end 2024 on a high note. The 21-year-old midfielder played a crucial role in a 4-2 victory against Sevilla, solidifying Real Madrid’s dominance in La Liga as they head into the festive break. However, with Spanish football pausing for the holiday season, Jude took advantage of the downtime to visit England and support his brother Jobe against Blackburn at Ewood Park, who is making waves in the Championship with Sunderland.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JUDE & JOBE?

  While Jude is set for a brief hiatus before Real Madrid resumes action in January 2025 with a match against Valencia, Jobe still has one more game to play in 2024. Sunderland will face Stoke City on December 29, providing the younger Bellingham with another opportunity to showcase his burgeoning talent.

A look at the intensity of competition in the IPL across seasons

Shiva Jayaraman30-Apr-2013Halfway into IPL 2013, we have had a fair share of close matches, but how does this season compare, in terms of the quality of contests between teams (closeness of games), and in terms of competition for top spots, to the earlier ones? The following analysis attempts to answer these questions. All the seasons are evaluated at the halfway stage of the league matches.Stats indicate this season has had the highest number of close finishes (wins with less than 6 balls to spare or margin less than 9). As many as 14 of the 36 matches have been nail-biting affairs. Two of these matches ended in a tie and were settled in the Super Over. Before this, there have only been two ties in the previous five seasons of the IPL. The number of matches that finished close this year has doubled from the inaugural IPL season. Notwithstanding the fact that the number of games played in the inaugural season was less, there is a significant jump in percentage of close finishes – from 25 to 39.

In 2013, there have been ten low-scoring matches (target of 130 or less) – most for any season – and seven high-scoring ones (target of 180 or more) – the least for any season, barring the one played in South Africa in 2009 (which had four). Of the low-scoring matches in the current season, three ended in a tight finish. And these do not include the tie between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore, which just evaded a ‘low-score’ classification: the target set in that match was 131. Compare this to the previous five seasons – there were only two such low-scoring thrillers, in all, in the first half of the league stages. High-scoring thrillers, though, have happened more frequently in the previous years – 13 in the past five seasons put together. In this season, however, there have been only two high-scoring close finishes in 36 matches.

The high number of close encounters though does not translate to a similar competitiveness on the points table. The top-four teams have won as many as 22 of the 36 league matches (61%). Teams in the top four have won 5.5 matches on an average, compared to only 2.8 matches by the bottom-placed teams. This season ranks second-last in terms of the percentage wins by the bottom-placed teams, which suggests that they have a lot of catching up to do to qualify at the end of the league stage. The year that was most fiercely contested on the points table at the halfway stage was 2011. The top-four teams had only 17 wins (49%). Four of the ten teams that played in that season were jostling with each other with four wins at the halfway stage.

The inaugural season, as indicated by its last place in the table above, was not the worst (68% wins by the top-four teams) once we take in to account the close matches played between the top four and the rest. Of the 19 wins by the top four in 2008, five were close affairs against the bottom-placed teams. The 2010 season fares the worst in this regard; not only did the top four win 64% of the matches, but also won these comfortably. Only two of the 18 wins were close affairs between the top four and rest of the teams.The current season, as is evident from its position in the above table, has not been the best in terms of the competition for the top-four spot. However, out of the 22 wins by the top four, six were close affairs against the bottom-placed teams – results that could have gone either way – which suggests that this season has been a lot closer than the points table reflects.

It's funny how quickly the mood changes in football, isn't it? Heading into Arsenal's lunchtime kick-off with Brighton on Saturday, home fans at the Emirates Stadium were buoyed by a perfect start to the season and the new signing of Raheem Sterling.

The Gunners know they have tough fixtures coming up but they can take on anyone with their strong crop of players. Ah, now there's always a catch, isn't there?

Declan Rice's peculiar sending-off turned the tide of the game as the Seagulls valiantly fought to earn a 1-1 draw on the road. His red card means he'll miss one of the most important matches of the season away at Spurs after the international break.

What makes this matter worse is the lack of replacements. Mikel Arteta will have to lean on Jorginho with Mikel Merino cruelly picking up a shoulder injury in his very first training session with the club. It's safe to say that Arsenal haven't had the best of luck over the last 72 hours or so.

All that being said, it wasn't just Rice and the officials they had to curse after dropping points to Brighton. They also have Joao Pedro to blame.

Joao Pedro's performance in numbers vs Arsenal

A matter of weeks ago reports emerged that suggested Edu and Arteta had been in discussions over a move for Pedro before Friday night's 11pm deadline. Well, they may well be cursing their luck that they didn't pursue a move.

The Brazilian continued his bright start to the season in north London on Saturday, putting in a particularly energetic performance against the Gunners.

Pedro was crowned the game's player of the match, an award he largely won thanks to his well-taken goal in the second half.

However, he wasn't just vibrant in the penalty box as he danced and jinked his way past a plethora of Arsenal players during his 90 minutes on the field.

It was a moment in the first half that will stick out for Fabian Hurzeler, as the 22-year-old body-feinted his way past Bukayo Saka, leaving him to huff and sigh in his wake.

Then, there was that controversial moment. We have to talk about it. While Rice was sent off for allegedly delaying the restart and kicking the ball away, no punishment followed for an incident where Pedro did the same, perhaps in a worse fashion. As the aforementioned Saka said post-game, some consistency would be nice.

That decision is unlikely to blow over anytime soon but Arsenal must lick their wounds and come back firing after the break for international fixtures. They will hope to do so with Gabriel Jesus back at their disposal.

Arsenal's answer to Joao Pedro

During pre-season, there was a spring in the step of Jesus again. Last season was a difficult one for the Brazilian who scored just four Premier League goals and spent 85 days on the treatment table.

Even when fit, the £45m signing rarely started with Kai Havertz's mesmerising form as a central striker pushing him to the top of the pecking order.

However, as Arsenal geared up for the new campaign, Jesus was fit. At long last. Arteta praised his striker, "you can see in his eyes that there’s a spark there," he said, hailing the attacker for returning back in "top condition."

Sadly, it didn't take long for the former Manchester City man to get injured again. Jesus had played just five minutes of their opening match of the season before he was subsequently ruled out of the encounter with Aston Villa. The manager cited that "he felt something in his groin."

Once up to speed again, the boss will have an opportunity to unleash his very own version of Pedro, the player who terrorised Arsenal this weekend.

Indeed, according to FBRef's catalogue of data, the Brighton sensation is the third-most similar striker in Europe's top five leagues to Jesus over the last year of action. The aforementioned piece of skill to advance beyond Saka shows the similarities in a nutshell. The way they move, the way they manipulate the ball are very alike. There is a reason analyst Ben Mattinson once hailed him as the "heir to Gabriel Jesus".

A threat on either foot, Pedro is a captivating talent and is sure to get the better of many a Premier League defence throughout the rest of the campaign.

Arsenal are one of the first teams to feel his powers this season and a look at the numbers demonstrates why he's being talked about so much right now.

So, while Pedro would appear to be the more progressive of the two, driving from deep, it doesn't mean that Jesus doesn't thrive in those areas either.

The two Brazilians attempt a similar number of take-ons and boast similar numbers for expected assists and key passes per 90, illuminating their skillset as not just goalscorers but providers of opportunities too. It's that attribute which made Jesus such a "monster" – as he was described by journalist Mark Douglas – throughout his first campaign in north London.

Since then, it's been a tale of woe for Arsenal's number 9, but there's still time to bounce back.

Less touches than Raya: Arsenal must look to bench 5/10 star after Brighton

Arsenal dropped their first points of the season on Saturday lunchtime.

By
Matt Dawson

Aug 31, 2024

Sri Lanka hit back with Babar’s wicket late in the day but Pakistan need just 120 runs to win

Andrew Fidel Fernando19-Jul-2022For so much of the afternoon and the evening sessions, it seemed as if Pakistan were marching non-plussed towards their monumental target. Abdullah Shafique had hit as flawless a hundred as you could hope for on a fourth-day Galle surface. Babar Azam had been solid in partnership with him, and the stand was nearing a hundred.Best of all for Pakistan, Sri Lanka’s bowlers seemed to be getting very little out of a surface that should be a spin-bowling fantasy strip by now. But suddenly, around 75 overs through the innings, the pitch came to life. Shafique and Babar had only played and missed at the occasional delivery since tea, confidently padding plenty away, leaving the ones outside off alone, and getting enough bat to the rest that even half-chances were sparse.In the last 10 overs of the day though, Pakistan’s batters were suddenly under huge pressure. Though they had batted to get themselves within striking distance and put themselves ahead in the chase, the 120 to get at stumps seemed a distance off even with seven wickets in hand.They had batted exceedingly well to even give themselves a chance, however. Shafique led the effort and was unbeaten on 112 by stumps, frequently using his feet to create the single options, using the depth of the crease when the bowlers pitched slightly short, while using all the defensive manoeuvres against spin – padding away balls that pitched outside leg, letting the ones that weren’t threatening the stumps go. All up, he’d hit only 26 runs in boundaries – mostly legside fours and a six into the sightscreen. This was an innings built on patience and supreme confidence in his defence.Abdullah Shafique embraces Babar Azam after reaching his century•AFP/Getty Images

He’d set the platform with Imam-ul-Haq, as the openers took Pakistan to 87 for no loss. That partnership was not without its early jitters, however. Shafique could have been out lbw to Prabath Jayasuriya in the third over, but the review showed the ball failed to hit enough of leg stump to overturn the not-out decision. Imam then given out against Kasun Rajitha, but reviewed successfully – the ball projected to have been passing over the stumps. Not long after that, Imam sent a difficult catch over the infield as well, and a diving Dinesh Chandimal could not hold on, sprinting back from cover.That this stand was broken was more down to nifty wicketkeeping and batter error, than sustained pressure from the bowlers. Batting on 35, Imam raised his back foot after leaving a Ramesh Mendis delivery. In the fraction of a second Imam’s boot was in the air, Niroshan Dickwella whipped off a bail. The third umpire’s decision was several minutes and many replays in the making, but there was one angle, from side on, showing the boot to be clearly in the air. Azhar Ali then batted 32 balls but was caught at slip off Jayasuriya’s bowling.Where Shafique was measured through the course of his innings, Babar imposed himself on the opposition early in his knock. He announced his arrival with a whip through mid-on for four, then crashed a six and a four off over midwicket in one Jayasuriya over, to get Pakistan moving again after the loss of the second wicket. He too, though, soon settled into a pattern of accumulation, favouring the legside for his bigger shots. He had a desperate lbw review burned on him shortly before tea. He and Shafique seemed intent on doing it as risk-free as possible – 31 of Babar’s 55 came from singles, and there was a solitary two.Dimuth Karunaratne often likes to make batters face as many balls as possible at Galle, putting fielders on the boundary even early in their innings. The rationale here is that eventually, there will be a delivery that gets the batter out. Shafique and Babar defied this for 237 balls, during which they made 101 runs. Babar was eventually bowled trying to pad away Jayasuriya, who was coming over the wicket to pitch into the rough. He survived plenty that spun sharply from the dark spots, but late in the day, in the middle of that period in which the pitch suddenly started to spit, he didn’t quite get his front foot far enough to leg. Jayasuriya pitched it beyond the reach of his stride and turned it back into leg stump.Early in the day, Chandimal added eight to Sri Lanka’s overnight score, but missed out on a century when Naseem Shah burst through Prabath Jayasuriya’s defences.The match is now set for a tantalising final three hours. Pakistan are close. Sri Lanka have a new ball in hand, which tends to spit and spin more than the older ones. Shafique’s wicket seems like the vital one.

Michael Carberry delivered the big hundred of which Shane Warne said he was capable – and then credited Warne with rescuing his county career

Daniel Brettig06-Nov-2013Shane Warne’s recognition of a young Michael Carberry’s talents at Hampshire was the making of him as a first-class batsman. Now Warne’s endorsement at the start of the Ashes tour seems to have helped blow the winds of cricketing fortune in Carberry’s direction as he emerges as the apparent answer to the dual England batting problems of the last series against Australia.Amid countless quotable lines about Ricky Ponting, Alastair Cook and George Bailey, among others, Warne had posited the view that Carberry stood a far better chance of ensuring solid openings for England’s batting on the tour than the younger right-hander Joe Root. While Warne’s emotive use of “crucifying” to outline the risk of keeping Root at the top grabbed most of the initial attention, his supportive words about Carberry seem to have mirrored the thinking of the team director Andy Flower.Retained to open alongside Cook in Hobart while Root was shuffled down to No. 5, Carberry set about his task grandly, and by the close of play had all but guaranteed his Brisbane berth by batting all day in the company of his captain. This allows Root to avoid the perils of the new ball and also bolster a middle order that stumbled at times in the earlier Ashes meeting.Carberry credits Warne with giving him the early impetus to find himself as a county batsman after frustrating stints at Kent and Surrey. “Shane Warne is basically the reason why I got a chance to play Test cricket,” he said. “I was a young guy who was a little bit lost in county cricket, didn’t really get an opportunity. I came to Hampshire and from day one he made me feel very much at home. He gave me the backing I think any young player needs and allowed me to play a brand of cricket I wanted to play.”He was very influential in me doing what I’ve done and getting the chance to play for England a few years on. The times I’ve caught up with him, he has always had very kind things to say about my game, I still keep in contact with him, even though he might be overseas. He’s always been a great friend to me.”That friendship helped Carberry through a career not lacking in difficulty, most notably when a blood clot on the lung ruled him out of the game for an extended period in 2010, soon after he had made his Test debut alongside Cook in Bangladesh. The ailment not only kept Carberry out of contention for the 2010-11 Ashes tour but threatened his entire career. He emerged from it stronger, wiser and with a balanced outlook.”It’s been well documented that I have had some tough times off the field, but by the grace of God I’m here to enjoy what I’m doing now,” he said. “When things like that happen it gives you perspective on your cricket, maybe to relax more and try to enjoy the game for what it is, rather than as young players perhaps putting pressure on yourself to try and get where you want to get to. If you do the processes right you’ll get there.”I came here with pretty much a blank canvas. I try to be flexible, to do whatever job is put in front of me for the team. If it’s to be opening great, if it’s to bat down the order even better. Nothing much was explained to me, I was just told ‘Carbs you’re going in with Cooky’ and that was good enough for me. I set my mind as any opener does to see off the new ball, which was going to be the biggest threat on that wicket, and then try to bat through the day.”Aiding Carberry this day was an indifferent display by Australia A’s bowlers, who tended to drop too short especially with the new ball. The wicketkeeper Tim Paine admitted as much after play, pointing out that a better attack might have been able to test Carberry more fully in the gully region, where he offered numerous edges as it was.”We thought we were probably half a sniff around that gully region if we bowled the right length to him,” Paine said. “We just couldn’t get one to go to hand today, but he’s obviously a class player. He is opening the batting for England and they’re a very good side. If he does play in the Ashes he’ll be hard to get out, but there is an area there definitely: if you stack up your gully region I think at some point you’ll get a chance.”

Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly facing Antonee Robinson transfer frustration, with Fulham’s stance on the USMNT star being revealed.

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• Left-back starring for Cottagers
• Under contract until 2028
• Not expected to be sold in January

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international has seen moves to Anfield or Old Trafford speculated on as he continues to catch the eye at Craven Cottage. Robinson is a proven Premier League performer with an impressive number of assists to his name – including seven this season.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Liverpool and United are said to be keen on acquiring Robinson’s ability to impact proceedings at both ends of the field as they endeavour to find upgrades in their respective left-back berths. They may, however, have to look elsewhere in the January window.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  That is because, according to , Fulham have no intention of sanctioning a sale midway through the 2024-25 campaign. They will reportedly “rebuff any approaches for their star defender” as Robinson is considered to be “integral” to European qualification ambitions.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Fulham are under no pressure to sell as they have 27-year-old Robinson, who moved to west London from Wigan in 2020, tied to a contract through to 2028. With those terms taken into account, any deal for ‘Jedi’ involving any of his many suitors will not come cheap.

Wayne Rooney is being tipped for a sensational return to Manchester United as a specialist coach, following his sacking as Plymouth manager.

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• Ex-England captain is out of work again
• May fancy a break from management
• Knowledge would be useful at Old Trafford

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  After just 25 games at the helm, ex-England captain Rooney was relieved of his duties at Home Park on New Year’s Eve – with the mutual termination of his contract meaning that no compensation will be have to be paid. Having previously lasted just 83 days in charge of Birmingham, it remains to be seen whether another managerial post will be sought.

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• WHAT WES BROWN SAID

  Ex-United defender Wes Brown believes his former team-mate will step back into the dugout, telling : "I thought in some of the close games I saw that Plymouth were unlucky but this is a results business and they couldn’t find enough wins. The owners have decided to go in a new direction but Wayne is the sort of guy to keep his head up and wait to see if another opportunity arises. He’ll be ready to take a new challenge again in no time but of course he’ll be really disappointed as he was so determined to do well there.

  "It’s not quite gone to plan but we will have to wait and see, that’s football. Wayne is a good guy and it’s nice to see that they came to an agreement there. It definitely helps Plymouth going forward and he would’ve known that. He wanted to do well but it didn’t work out but he is a good human and would hate to put them under any strain in that sense."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  If Rooney does not fancy being a number one again in the coaching department, then there are other avenues for him to explore. Brown believes his vast experience could be put to good use at Old Trafford, adding: "If Wayne wanted to spend time as a striking coach he would be absolutely brilliant at it, he was one of the best goalscorers we’ve ever seen and was a top playmaker as well. If he wanted to do that he would be very good on movement and things like that, he was one of the best to do it.

  "Could he help Rasmus Hojlund at United? I think all young strikers would love to listen to Wayne and his knowledge. When I was a young player I remember getting a few tips from Laurent Blanc and the little things like that can really help. If Wayne was on hand to give out some advice I’m sure everyone would be willing to listen."

• WHAT NEXT FOR WAYNE ROONEY?

  Rooney may be willing to listen to offers from United as he will be returning to his family home in Cheshire from a forgettable stint in Devon. His son, Kai, is also on the Red Devils’ books as he continues to catch the eye in a fabled academy system.

Eddie Howe and Newcastle United have had a relatively quiet summer so far, given the investment the club have had in previous seasons. The Magpies have brought five players into the club, although one of those was John Ruddy on a free transfer and the other was Lewis Hall, who made his 2023/24 loan deal from Chelsea a permanent move.

Indeed, with just a few days left of the transfer window, the Magpies seem likely to pursue new signings, with their chase for Marc Guehi ongoing. However, if they fail to sign the Crystal Palace man, they could turn to another option.

Newcastle target Bundesliga defender

The player in question here is Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba. According to a report from The Athletic, ‘dialogue was initiated’ between the Magpies and the 25-year-old’s representatives over a potential transfer.

His name, along with Chelsea’s French defender Axel Disasi ‘have been floated as potential alternatives’ to Guehi, who could now stay at Selhurst Park beyond this summer. Tapsoba is valued at £29.8m by Football Transfers.

Why Tapsoba would be a good signing

Last season, the Burkina Faso international was crucial to Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, as they won’t on an unbeaten domestic run, winning the DFB Pokal and the Bundesliga title. He played 46 games in all competitions, although he did miss a short period of time due to national team commitments for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Should the Magpies get a deal for the Burkinabe centre-back over the line this summer, he could prove to be the dream partner for Dutchman Sven Botman. Frustratingly, the former Lille defender has been sidelined with an aggravation of an anterior cruciate ligament injury that he picked up in March, and will not be back until October.

However, the 24-year-old has been a key player for Howe throughout his time at the club, despite his injury issues. He featured 36 times in the Premier League during his debut season in 2022/23 and played 17 top-flight games last term, missing two spells thanks to his injury problems.

Together, Taposoba and Botman could certainly become a top-class centre-back duo. They are both an ideal age profile, at just 25 and will be around for many years to come. Not only that, the Leverkusen centre-back is right-footed, with Newcastle’s number four preferring his left foot, the ideal balance for two centre-backs.

Indeed, their FBref stats also suggest the two defenders would definitely make a complimentary pairing. It is important to note that, for this comparison, Taposoba’s stats from 2023/24 have been used, whilst stats from Botman’s 2022/23 season have been under consideration.

The pair averaged a high amount of ball recoveries per 90 minutes, with the Burkinabe defender completing 7.54 and Newcastle’s Dutch defender slightly less, with 5.24. Indeed, the Leverkusen man also ranked highly for combined tackles and interceptions, with 2.5 compared to Botman’s 2.07.

On the ball, Tapsoba is simply mesmerising. The 25-year-old averages 7.07 progressive passes and 2.11 progressive passes per game. In contrast, Newcastle’s number four averaged 2.51 progressive passes and just 0.23 progressive carries, although carrying out from the back is not something Howe instructs his centre-backs to do.

Tapsoba is a “complete and dominant” centre-back, as football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, and that is certainly reflected in the stats.

Should Newcastle get this deal over the line – instead of targeting Guehi – he could be the dream partner for Botman in the present and future.

Newcastle line up late move for £40m Wilson upgrade

Eddie Howe faces a busy few days ahead

By
Ross Kilvington

Aug 27, 2024