Kuldeep Yadav could feel the pressure of bowling to MS Dhoni on Wednesday evening. Despite being a spinner, Kuldeep was picked by Gautam Gambhir to bowl the 18th over of Rising Pune Supergiant’s innings with Dhoni and Steven Smith in a partnership of 35 runs from 21 balls. One batsman had regained his touch of smashing sixes in the end overs and the other has not gone out of form since landing in India for the Test series.”If you are a spinner there’s always pressure on you,” Kuldeep said after the match. “As a spinner, I believe that you can put the opposition under pressure by picking wickets. Like in the last over I took two wickets and they were under pressure. Bowling the 18th over is always tough; the captain needs to believe in you for that.”Kuldeep’s first ball to Dhoni in the match, in the 16th over, had been pulled for a flat six over midwicket. In the 18th over, Kuldeep deceived Dhoni with a googly. Dhoni stepped out to get to the pitch of the ball, but it turned away, beat his bat and was stumped.”Bowling to Dhoni is always challenging and I could feel the pressure,” Kuldeep recalled. “But I wasn’t scared that he would hit me for a six or a four. I flighted the ball and I was focused on getting him out.”Three balls later, Kuldeep had Manoj Tiwary on strike, Rising Pune’s best batsman this season in terms of strike rate (with at least five innings). Kuldeep had conceded only three runs in four balls until then in the over and he had Tiwary stumped even though the batsman did not step out to hit him. Kuldeep bowled another googly, Tiwary leaned forward to tuck the ball to the leg side with the spin but the ball went the other way and Tiwary’s back foot was outside the crease.Kuldeep, however, said the conventional legspinner was still his stock delivery as he used the wrong’un and the flipper mainly to get wickets.”It (googly) is only a variation and you can use it in T20s to confuse a batsman when he is attacking,” he said. “But I really believe in my chinaman bowling rather than the wrong’un and flipper. I back my stock ball more and I’m mainly a chinaman bowler; the wrong’un is a variation you use to pick wickets or stop the runs. But my main delivery is chinaman delivery. Obviously, the wrong’un gets you wickets and the batsmen keep wondering if the ball will come in or go out, they find it difficult to pick, especially the overseas batsmen. So if you dismiss Indian batsmen like that, it’s a big boost for confidence.”Kuldeep has so far gone wicketless in just one match this IPL and has collected eight wickets, joint with team-mates Nathan Coulter-Nile and Umesh Yadav, who have had the advantage of a pacer-friendly relaid pitch at Eden Gardens.Kuldeep has had an impressive run since the beginning of the domestic season. He was the highest wicket-taker and the leading run-scorer for Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy; he topped the wicket-takers charts in the Duleep Trophy too, with 17 wickets in three matches, and he shone on his Test debut with 4 for 68 against Australia in Dharamsala.”If you play the entire season and you’re highest run-getter or the highest wicket-taker, it becomes easier to play on the next level because of the momentum you are carrying,” Kuldeep said. “If you aren’t playing domestic cricket you might lack in some places. I’ve played Duleep Trophy, one-dayers, T20s, India A, so this season has been really helpful for me which is why I have a lot of confidence.”Knight Riders will play their next match against Delhi Daredevils on Friday.

Gotham FC standout Imani Dorsey explains why she stepped back during the 2023 campaign, highlighting a mental health battle.

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Dorsey explains 2023 campaign absence from Gotham FCSays it was due to mental health battleNWSL CBA allowed her to be successful during absenceWHAT HAPPENED?

The 2018 NWSL Rookie of the Year – and one-time USWNT capped player – watched Gotham FC lift the 2023 NWSL championship trophy from the bench last weekend, just as she did all campaign. However, it was her choice, with the support of the club, staff and her teammates.

Dorsey shared via Instagram that during 2023 she stepped back from the game this past Spring due to a mental health battle. Her absence was also supported by the NWSL's collective bargaining agreement that was ratified in 2022; the agreement provides players with up to six months of paid leave to support their mental health.

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The 2022 NWSL CBA was ground-breaking for the league and the respective players who compete in it. For someone like Dorsey, who was in need of mental health support, she was able to rely on both the league and her team over the course of the campaign.

Over the course of the year, her social media post highlights different things she was able to do as a result of her break, describing it as 'unforgettable memories' and as a result of her choice, she walks away a 'CHAMPION.'

WHAT DORSEY SAID:

Her Instagram post reads in full: "My year looked a little different than my teammates. Back in April with the help of my family I made the really hard decision to step back from soccer to focus on my mental health. While I didn’t know where this journey would take me, the time I got to spend with friends and family, exploring aspects of myself I typically had little time or capacity to enjoy, helped me better understand who I am, what I love and what makes me, me – without soccer.

"When I took a step back in April I didn’t know if I would return, but I am grateful to say my time away helped me rediscover what I love about this sport – competing, being active, and being a part of a team – and am now so excited to continue playing. As grateful as I have always been to play as a pro, it often felt like a burden rather than the privilege and opportunity it most definitely is. I may not have known where I would be come November initially, but I am so happy to see where I have ended up – and how far I have come. I am so grateful to our CBA and all the work put in by players and our PA to advocate for mental health.

"Thank you to Gotham for supporting me every step of the way and welcoming me back with open arms. And thank you to my family, friends, and everyone who has shown me love and support this year – it is really hard to be vulnerable and with your help I was able to take care of myself in a way I didn’t know I needed.

"To everyone who is struggling, who doesn’t see an end in sight and doesn’t know what to do – know that it is ok to put yourself first. Lean on the people around you and confide in those you trust. Without my family and my faith, I don’t know where I’d be right now. It is really hard to do, but sometimes it’s ok and it’s the right choice to take a step back. It gave me the perspective and energy and confidence I needed. I would never trade this journey or my decision.

"Because of it, I walk away from this year a CHAMPION, incredibly proud of who I have become along the way, all the unforgettable memories I have made, and excited for what my future holds."

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WHAT NEXT FOR DORSEY AND GOTHAM?

The 27-year-old will now look to prepare for the 2024 campaign with the Bats, where she will hopefully make a return to the pitch. Coming off of their first-ever NWSL Championship, Gotham has high hopes for 2024 and now, they have the biggest offseason the in the history of their organization.

An Argentina supporter was arrested on suspicion of racism during the World Cup qualifying match against Brazil at the Maracana on Tuesday.

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• Brazil-Argentina marred by violence
• One fan arrested on suspicion of racism
• Police clashed with fans before match

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The woman, named by as Maria Belem Mateucci, is accused of making a racist comment towards an employee of a company that provides services to the Maracana Stadium. She is one of 17 supporters who were detained in the stadium's Special Criminal Court (Jecrim) in a contentious affair that turned violent.

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  Police reacted violently as clashes erupted in the stands before kick-off in the headline clash, starting during the national anthems. The chaos in the stands sparked angry reactions from the players, with Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez even attempting to take a police officer's baton and the teams eventually heading off the field. After the game, Lionel Messi complained about police "repressing people with batons".

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The teams soon came back out of the dressing rooms and the game was allowed to be played, with Argentina going on to win 1-0 and preserve their lead at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying group. Brazil, meanwhile, are eight points behind them in sixth place.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA AND BRAZIL?

  Argentina and Brazil's qualifying campaigns are now on hold until next September. Before then, the two teams will start preparing for the 2024 Copa America, which takes place in the United States in June and July. The draw for the group stage will be held in December.

West Ham United have “enquired” about a deal to sign Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

Is Callum Hudson-Odoi leaving Chelsea?

The Blues academy graduate was sent out on a season-long loan to Bayer Leverkusen last term in the hope of finding him some regular game time, but having only started seven games out of 34 in the Bundesliga, the left-sided winger had an underwhelming spell on the road.

With the Premier League starlet’s contract at his parent club expiring at the end of the next campaign, Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to hold crunch talks with the 22-year-old this week regarding his future in SW6, and should he depart, he seemingly won’t be short of potential suitors.

Back in August 2022, 90min credited the Irons with an interest in signing England’s former international before he made the temporary move to Germany, and despite a deal failing to materialise at the time, David Moyes is looking to take a second bite of the cherry.

Are West Ham signing Hudson-Odoi?

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Jacobs name-checked West Ham as potential suitors for Hudson-Odoi but admitted that the Chelsea attacker is yet to make a full decision as to where his next destination will be. He said:

“As has been reported, a move to Saudi Arabia is certainly an option for Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer. But nothing has been decided just yet. Hudson-Odoi is assessing his future and may prefer to stay in Europe. Despite a relatively underwhelming loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season, there is no shortage of interest in the 22-year-old.

“Keep an eye on Brentford and Fulham. Crystal Palace and West Ham have also enquired. Newcastle are a historic suitor, but not currently considering a move. There is also some initial interest from Atalanta.”

Should Moyes take a chance on Hudson-Odoi?

West Ham will know that Hudson-Odoi wasn’t handed as many minutes as he would have hoped at Bayer Leverkusen hence why he only recorded one goal and assist during his time there, but he still has the potential to pose a threat in the final third.

Last season, the Adidas-sponsored gem, who pockets £120k-per-week, ranked in the 87th percentile for progressive carries so loves to take on his marker and push his team up the pitch, but he also recorded 3.86 shot-creating actions per league game which was the third-highest total throughout Xabi Alonso’s squad, via FBRef.

Chelsea’s “monster of a talent”, as dubbed by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, would further add excellent versatility to the manager’s ranks with his ability to operate all across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, so with the game time that he’d receive in E20, it’s well worth bringing him to the London Stadium.

England Women laid down a marker ahead of this month’s World Cup as they beat West Indies by six wickets in a warm-up encounter in Loughborough

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jun-2017

England Women laid down a marker ahead of this month’s World Cup as they beat West Indies by six wickets in a warm-up encounter in Loughborough.West Indies opted to bat first and were dismissed for 150 in the final over of their innings, captain Stafanie Taylor top-scoring with 59.Nat Sciver (10-0-39-4) shared the bowling honours with offspinner Danielle Hazell who took 3 for 21 from her 10 overs.In reply, England reached their target in the 36th over but, with World Cup preparations at the forefront of both teams’ minds, the decision was taken for England to bat the duration of their 50 overs.Sciver made an enterprising 85, and Tammy Beaumont also passed fifty, before Katherine Brunt opened her shoulders with the game won to make a quickfire 49. England reached 281 for 7 from their 50 overs.

James Faulkner, Shaun Marsh, Steve O’Keefe and Peter Siddle have all been jettisoned from Cricket Australia’s proposed list of centrally contracted players

Daniel Brettig24-Apr-2017James Faulkner, Shaun Marsh, Peter Siddle and Steve O’Keefe have all been jettisoned from Cricket Australia’s proposed list of centrally contracted players for the 2017-18 season, amid pay negotiations that show few signs of a swift resolution.The Australian board named 33 male and female players on the list on Monday, and offered contracts for the first time to the left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, the tall fast bowler Billy Stanlake and the batting allrounder Hilton Cartwright, who made his Test debut at the SCG in January. The young batsmen Matthew Renshaw and Peter Handscomb, who impressed on the tour of India, have also been offered their first full contracts, having earned incremental deals over the 2016-17 season.Cricket Australia’s contract offers for 2017-18

Male cricketers: Ashton Agar, Jackson Bird, Hilton Cartwright, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, James Pattinson, Matthew Renshaw, Steven Smith, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Female cricketers: Kristen Beams, Alex Blackwell, Nicole Bolton, Lauren Cheatle, Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Meg Lanning, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington

Apart from Faulkner, O’Keefe, Siddle and Marsh, the wicketkeeper Peter Nevill and batsmen Joe Burns and George Bailey were also not on the list this season. Faulkner, incidentally, was left out of the team for the Champions Trophy, his first omission from an Australia squad for an ICC event since 2012. All the above players are now cast as domestic cricketers who, according to CA’s pay offer to the players, do not contribute to the game’s financial returns. The chief executive of the Australian Cricketers Association, Alistair Nicholson, emphasised that much still needed to be done before the current MOU expires at the end of June.”It is important to remember that the in the absence of an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) agreement beyond 30 June, all the terms and conditions that underpin any contract have not been finalised,” he said. “The ACA has expressed a commitment to working with CA to reach a new agreement before the end of June, but in reality we are still a long way apart on a number of issues.”The uncertainty created for a number of key stakeholders is not ideal as we know that alongside the players, it is their families, state associations, corporate partners and broadcasters all wanting to understand what lies ahead for the game.”The absence of a Revenue Sharing Model in CA’s proposal is the number one element that drives a wedge between the players and the administrators at this point in time. The Revenue Share Model has underpinned a very successful period in Australian cricket for the past 20 years, and we consider it vital that all playing groups are afforded the opportunity to be partners in the game going forward.”Trevor Hohns, chairman of Australia’s selection panel, said players had been picked on their potential to play for Australia in all three formats over the next 12 months, with assignments like the Ashes in the home summer and an away Test series in South Africa in March next year.”We have selected 20 players for this year’s contract list with a focus on players who we believe could play a part in an exciting 12 months of cricket, which includes the Ashes and an important away Test Series against South Africa,” Hohns said. “Consideration has also been given to some players who we believe could potentially play in all three formats for Australia.”Cartwright, the second-highest run-getter in the 2016-17 Sheffield Shield, Renshaw and Peter Handscomb all made their Test debuts over the home summer as Australia sought to revamp their side following a stunning defeat against South Africa in Hobart, where they were dismissed for totals of 85 and 161.Agar, who has not played a Test since his debut in the Ashes in 2013, last played an international for Australia in March last year but was one of the four spinners the team picked for the India tour. He has effectively taken the place of O’Keefe, recently fined and suspended for offensive behaviour at the New South Wales end of season awards night following a strong performance on the India tour.Stanlake, meanwhile, was given a debut in the limited-overs matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka and Hohns said the selectors wanted to monitor his progress, similar to what they had done with Pat Cummins, who has held a national contract continuously since 2011 despite a raft of injuries that have only recently shown signs of abating.”Hilton has thoroughly earned his spot in the list this year,” Hohns said. “He was the second-highest runs scorer in the Sheffield Shield last season and, when given his opportunity with the Test side last summer, he impressed. He is an exciting prospect for Australian cricket and we look forward to seeing him perform for Australia in the coming 12 months, if given his opportunity.”Ashton is a talented young player who we consider offers a fantastic package with his batting, bowling and fielding, and someone who is capable of playing all forms of the game.”Billy has picked up the last spot on the contract list for the coming season. We see him as a player of immense talent and a great option for Australia in the future. We want to be able to monitor his progress in the coming 12 months, not dissimilar to what we have done with Pat Cummins in the past.”Among the women’s cricketers, the 19-year-old legspinner Amanda-Jade Wellington was offered a contract for the first time, while Rachael Haynes was given a contract for the first time in four years. Wellington impressed over the summer, snaffling 17 wickets in eight limited-overs appearances, while Haynes recently made a comeback to the ODI side after three years.

Aston Villa could be "able to activate a deal" to land Ferran Torres this summer if they wait for "the back end of the transfer window", claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

Aston Villa transfer news – What's the latest on Ferran Torres to Aston Villa?

What Unai Emery has achieved at Villa is nothing short of remarkable. Taking the side from a potential relegation scrap to a scrap for European places, he has completely turned the club around, and it looks as if some major players in Europe could be on their way to Villa Park over the summer.

So far, the West Midlands side have already welcomed Belgian international Youri Tielemans through the door from the recently relegated Leicester City, a player that only last year was heavily linked to Arsenal.

However, the player touted with a move to the Claret and Blue that might just excite the most fans is Barcelona and full Spanish international Torres.

The Daily Mail have reported that due to the Catalan club's dire financial situation, the 23-year-old could join the Villains on a season-long loan with an option to buy for just £21.5m.

What has transfer insider Dean Jones said about Ferran Torres to Aston Villa?

Jones was clear that the player himself has been very upfront about his desire to remain at Barcelona, which could make it harder for Villa to get a deal done. However, he points out that a deal could be made easier if he isn't given much playing time come August.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "I think the Ferran Torres one could still become interesting. He obviously doesn't want to leave Barcelona, and it seems like he's made that pretty clear. But the deeper we get into this transfer window, the more I wonder if he might actually end up leaving.

"I mean, if we get to a situation whereby the season in Spain begins in August, and he's not in the picture, and you get him towards the back end of the transfer window. I wonder if that's when Villa might be able to activate a deal like that."

Would Ferran Torres be a good signing for Aston Villa?

Torres, who has been hailed as "world-class", would be a brilliant signing for this new-look Aston Villa side and be a true signal of intent that they are here to stay among the big boys of English football.

It would also be the perfect way for the Foios-born dynamo to reignite his career following a tough few years in Catalonia. The former City gem hasn't been bad for the La Liga champions, he just hasn't been able to start as frequently as he may have hoped would be the case back in 2021.

According to WhoScored, he only started 14 La Liga matches last season, coming off the bench 19 times, averaging an overall rating of 6.48 across all his league appearances.

His underlying numbers are still impressive, with FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, placing him in the top 12% for touches in the opposition's penalty area, the top 15% for non-penalty goals and non-penalty expected goals, all per 90.

He has impressed for the national side as well, with former Spain manager Luis Enrique saying: "He is one of the players whose crosses are the best in LaLiga."

If Villa can get this deal over the line, they might be fighting for more than just Conference League football next year.

Sikandar Raza’s adventurous 97 not out helped Zimbabwe recover from 59 for 5 on the third day at Khettarama

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando in Colombo16-Jul-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details Sikandar Raza stalled Sri Lanka’s charge with a selection of cross-batted strokes•AFP

All through the tour, Sri Lanka have had Zimbabwe cornered, and games have threatened to follow a familiar, one-sided form. Yet all through the tour, Zimbabwe have found ways of resisting, of stubbornly holding out, and eventually fighting back.Day three at Khettarama saw perhaps their most impressive turnaround yet. Having eked out a 10-run first-innings lead in the morning, Zimbabwe found themselves 23 for 4, then 59 for 5. But for the remainder of the day, the middle order would rally around an adventurous Sikandar Raza, and turn the match in dramatic fashion. Having played definitive hands in Zimbabwe’s ODI series, Raza stood on the verge of a vital maiden Test ton, finishing the day on 97 off 158 balls. Peter Moor struck 40 and joined him for a sixth-wicket stand of 86. Malcolm Waller did even better, cracking 57 off 76 deliveries in an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership worth 107.All this means that Zimbabwe now control the Test, and may even have put themselves in a position to pull off the unexpected result of the year. Overturning Sri Lanka in ODIs was surprising enough, but in Tests, the hosts may not have dreamed they would be challenged by the lowest ranked team – one they have consistently thrashed over the past two decades. But with Zimbabwe’s lead at 262 their target is already a challenging one. If the score grows by another 100 runs, could become a near-impossible pursuit.Unusually, Sri Lanka have caught well in this Test, but the bowling has been consistently menace-free. Of the 16 Zimbabwe wickets to have fallen, Rangana Herath has claimed nine. For the second half of day three, he seemed the only bowler capable of beating the Zimbabwe batsmen, and had he not run riot in the first session, Sri Lanka’s position would have been even bleaker. Dilruwan Perera was not miserly enough for a bowler who isn’t taking wickets, Lahiru Kumara’s lines have been too wayward, and Suranga Lakmal has been modest in unhelpful conditions. Sri Lanka are also missing the bowling of Asela Gunaratne, whose tweaked hamstring had substantially hampered his running between the wickets, and now has kept him off the field in the second innings.The first 10 balls of Raza’s innings defined his approach. First ball, he had picked a single to fine leg. After three further singles off the next five balls, he punched a ball out to the cover sweeper and took two. Though his team was threatening to be all out for 120, Raza took seven off the first 10 balls, and batted as if they were 300 for 5. He favoured the lap sweep and the drive off the spinners, and rarely failed to find gaps when he was looking for them.Rangana Herath claimed three wickets in four overs before lunch•AFP

Perhaps the only real chance in his innings came when he was 31, when he attempted to reverse sweep Herath, but only ended up top-edging the ball. Slip fielder Dimuth Karunaratne – who had already taken two excellent catches in the innings – might have been in a position to make a third take, had he not begun moving squarer in anticipation of where he felt the ball may travel. As it happened, the ball bisected the keeper and slip before skimming away to the third man fence. Raza would hit two more fours in that over to make it Herath’s most expensive of the innings. Outside that over, Raza only struck four fours and a six.Waller was more openly aggressive – but only by a little bit – as he hit eight fours, and repeatedly put bowlers under pressure by scoring singles and twos freely as well. His fourth Test fifty had come off just 54 deliveries, before the final overs of the day prompted a slowdown from both batsmen. Beyond Waller, Zimbabwe also have Graeme Cremer and Donald Tiripano, both of whom have first-class centuries to their names.Before Raza came to the crease, Herath had knocked out Zimbabwe’s top three in his first four overs, before Perera also took a wicket. By lunch, Sri Lanka had had them by the collar, at 23 for 4. Taking the new ball, Herath needed an over to settle, but the first delivery of his second over was of a higher quality than Regis Chakabva had the ability to handle. Breaking more sharply than any of his deliveries in the first over, the ball missed Chakabva’s defensive shot, and hit the top of the off stump. That over would go on to be a wicket-maiden, which Herath’s next would be as well. This time, having beaten Tarisai Musakanda’s inside edge with a slider, Herath tossed the ball up slightly wider, tempted Musakanda into an expansive drive, and then had him caught sharply by Karunaratne at slip.Herath’s next dismissal – in his following over – was perhaps the most controversial wicket of the wicket-filled session. Attempting a big sweep, Hamilton Masakadza was struck in front. There was no doubt the ball would go on to hit the stumps, but perhaps feeling it brushed his glove on the way, Masakadza reviewed the out decision, and there was not enough evidence to overturn the on-field call.All this followed a milestone for Cremer who became the first Zimbabwe captain to take a five-wicket haul. He had taken two of the last three Sri Lanka wickets in the morning, and had helped eke out a 10-run first innings lead. Cremer now will have plenty to defend as Zimbabwe set their sights on a rare victory against a top-eight team.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham sported some unreleased adidas Predators in his team's Champions League match against Napoli on Wednesday.

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• Bellingham wore unreleased adidas boots
• Comes days after Alexander-Arnold did so
• Midfielder went on to score against Napoli

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bellingham took to the field wearing some new adidas Predator boots that resemble the type Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane used to wear. The boots have not been released and they seem to be working their magic as the England international scored to give his team a 2-1 lead in the first half of the clash.

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  Bellingham is not the first top name to wear unreleased adidas boots on the field in recent days. Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold was spotted wearing a pair of next generation adidas Predator boots during his team's 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Saturday. The Madrid midfielder also teased the return of the Predators' famous tongue with his celebration against Cadiz at the weekend.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Bellingham's goal against Napoli is his 15th in all competitions this season. The 20-year-old has scored four times in as many games in the Champions League, adding to the 11 he has netted in 12 appearances in La Liga since making the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

  Bellingham and his Madrid team-mates had already booked their place in the knockout rounds of the Champions League before their meeting with Napoli in midweek. They are in action again on Saturday, facing Granada at home in La Liga.

USMNT star Antonee Robinson nabbed an assist for Fulham is classy fashion Monday.

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Robinson delivers assist for FulhamFifth goal contribution in last four gamesIs in brilliant form currentlyWHAT HAPPENED?

Robinson played a lovely one-two on the left side of the pitch before finding Alex Iwobi in the box with a quick low-driven pass. The Nigeria international then smashed it into the back of the net, with Jedi nabbing his fifth goal contribution in his last four games for club and country. The USMNT defender is playing some of the best soccer of his life at the moment!

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Robinson had a slow start to the season for the Cottagers, but November has seen him flip a switch for the English side. He has two assists for Fulham in his past two matches now, and that's on top of two goals and an assist for the USMNT during the international break. If he can maintain this sort of form for his club on a regular basis, it's a big boost for the USMNT and for the Cottagers.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR FULHAM

They've got a date with Liverpool on Sunday, December 3 as the Cottagers look to see off the Premier League heavyweights. As they continue their climb into the top half of the table, it appears that Robinson will play a crucial role for his squad.