All posts by h716a5.icu

The weather had disrupted Rahul’s practice session on Tuesday and could also affect the game on Wednesday

S Sudarshanan20-May-20255:26

Jayawardene backs MI to hit the ground running after break

The IPL 2025 match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) could be hit by rain after the met department issued a yellow alert for Mumbai on Tuesday evening for the next four days.As per the met department, the city is expected to receive thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and heavy rainfall. There was rain forecast for Tuesday, too, but it did not arrive until about 8pm IST. By then MI had completed their practice but KL Rahul’s batting session in the DC nets was cut short. For most of the evening, dark clouds hovered over the Wankhede Stadium before it became windy and was followed by a downpour. The suburbs of the city experienced heavy rainfall and thunderstorm on Tuesday evening too.If the MI-DC contest gets washed out, the teams will split the points. And a lot would hinge on their last league games – against Punjab Kings (PBKS) for both of them. MI’s last game at the Wankhede – against Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 6 – was also affected by rain. There were multiple short stoppages, with MI eventually losing by the DLS method.Related

Remaining IPL 2025 league games to have extra 120 minutes

RCB-SRH moved to Lucknow; IPL playoffs in Mullanpur and Ahmedabad

Tactics board: SKY-Tilak vs DC's spinners, a potential promotion for Stubbs?

The drainage system at the Wankhede Stadium prevents waterlogging on the field. But the outfield is sand-based, because of which it often remain soggy even if there are no puddles. Covers are used only for the pitches and the square at the venue.The BCCI had announced on Tuesday that the remaining league games of this IPL would have an extra 120 minutes added to boost the chances of having a full 40-over game even with rain interruptions.This will be the last IPL 2025 game at the Wankhede Stadium, which is also set to host the T20 Mumbai tournament, Mumbai Cricket Association’s T20 league, from June 4 to 12.

Former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was a divisive figure during his near-25-year tenure as Spurs’ head honcho, but a recent transfer revelation could prove that some of the criticism aimed at him might have been wrong.

Daniel Levy leaves behind mixed Tottenham legacy as new era arrives

Levy, who was once the club’s key figurehead in making crucial decisions, was forced to resign from his post in September when the Lewis family ultimately decided to usher in a brand-new era at N17.

The 63-year-old once operated with a “vice-like” grip on the Lilywhites when it came to the day-to-day running of Tottenham, but that control eventually weakened due to the growing involvement of Joe Lewis’ kids, most notably Vivienne, as Levy’s influence gradually diminished behind-the-scenes (Paul O’Keefe).

Now, CEO Vinai Venkatesham heads a new leadership structure which includes new co-sporting directors Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici, with the duo set to lead Spurs’ recruitment drive following the end of the ‘Levy era’.

Tottenham’s decision to move on from their former chair left senior Premier League executives “stunned”, according to Miguel Delaney, and it is definitely worth looking back on Levy’s reign to pick it apart.

Replacing Sir Alan Sugar and taking his seat on the board in 2001, Levy helped to steadily grow Spurs from a mid-table Premier League side into a club with consistent Champions League appearances and ambitions of competing for major trophies.

One of Levy’s most notable accomplishments was overseeing the development and completion of Tottenham’s state-of-the-art new stadium, which opened in 2019.

The iconic venue not only elevated Spurs’ matchday experience, but also positioned the club as a global brand with one of the most impressive grounds in world football. The move was a massive commercial success, boosting revenue streams and providing the infrastructure for sustained growth.

Real Madrid

£1.2 billion

Man City

£727 million

PSG

£700 million

Man United

£668 million

Bayern Munich

£664 million

FC Barcelona

£659.5 million

Arsenal

£621.5 million

Liverpool

£620 million

Tottenham Hotspur

£533 million

Chelsea

£474 million

via Deloitte Money League

Despite these off-field successes, Levy’s reign was definitely not without controversy.

He frequently faced criticism from fans and pundits alike for what many perceived as a cautious approach to spending in the transfer market. While other top clubs splashed out on marquee signings, Levy’s Tottenham often operated with financial prudence, leading to frustrations about a perceived lack of ambition in assembling a squad capable of winning silverware.

This tight control over Tottenham’s pursestrings seemed at odds with the club’s on-field aspirations, sparking debates about whether Levy prioritized financial growth over footballing success.

However, was this strictly true?

Tottenham's £337m problem which vindicates Daniel Levy after revelation

As highlighted by GiveMeSport, some of the numbers contradict the narrative.

Right now, Tottenham carry £851 million in financial debt, and owe around £337 million in deferred transfer payments — which is actually the highest combined figure in England.

This £337 million revelation sheds new light on Levy’s reputation for strict spending, potentially suggesting the long-held perception may be somewhat misleading.

For years, Levy had been criticized for being overly cautious in the market, with critics accusing him of reluctance to back managers with big-money signings. However, the reality appears more complex, as Tottenham’s financial commitments tell a different story.

The club’s substantial transfer debt reflects a significant level of investment spread across multiple seasons, balancing the need to strengthen the squad with the off-field pressures of managing one of the Premier League’s most ambitious projects.

That being said, while Levy did start to splash out more on new recruits during the latter years of his tenure, it is clear to see why he did gain a reputation for frugality.

In 2018, much to the bewilderment of Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham became the first Premier League club to make no summer signings since 2003 – when the current transfer window format was introduced – and this definitely didn’t help to elevate Levy’s standing.

In January 2019, Spurs also became the first Premier League side to go two consecutive windows without bringing in any recruits, with Pochettino somehow guiding them to a Champions League final that year regardless.

Rohit says the team had their hearts in their mouths when the catch was being checked by the third umpire

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Jun-20256:59

Rohit Sharma relives India’s T20 World Cup victory

Suryakumar Yadav’s catch to dismiss David Miller in the last over was “the moment” of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, India’s captain in the tournament Rohit Sharma said. He also admitted to feeling the nerves when India lost three early wickets and heaped praise on Virat Kohli’s knock that helped them win the title.South Africa needed 16 runs off the last over in their chase of 177, with Miller on strike. Hardik Pandya had the ball, and he started off with a wide full toss that Miller launched down the ground. Suryakumar ran to his left from long-off and grabbed the ball, before lobbing it up as momentum took him over the boundary rope, and then got back inside to complete the catch.”Even after [the catch], the umpires sent it up to the third umpire and it was being checked whether Surya caught the ball or not, and everyone’s hearts were in their mouths,” Rohit told JioHotstar in a video to celebrate the one-year anniversary of India lifting the trophy.”I thought it had gone [for a six]. Because I was at [long-on], I was standing opposite Surya. I was already thinking ’10 needed off five balls’, but then I saw that it’s coming to Surya.”It would have taken a blinder to take that catch. It would have taken a lot of effort to take that catch. Because when it was in the air, it looked like it’ll cross the rope easily. But the way the wind was blowing, that pulled the ball a little bit into the ground I think.”I was standing with Surya when they were checking the catch and I told him ‘You only tell me [if it was a catch or not], I don’t want to look [at the big screen]’,” Rohit said.”‘No, no I caught it.’ But then I saw him on the side telling someone ‘Maybe, I don’t know. But I caught it’. And then they showed the zoom camera, and when the ball or feet touch the boundary rope, it moves, but nothing happened. So we were a little happy. But unless it comes on the board, you never know what the third umpire is thinking,” Rohit said, recalling the catch.Eye-conic – How Suryakumar Yadav caught David Miller out•Getty ImagesSouth Africa only managed eight runs off that 20th over, as India sealed their second T20 World Cup trophy with a seven-run victory.India won the toss in the final, and got off to a good start with the bat. Three boundaries from Kohli in the first over, and then two from Rohit in the second saw them race to 23 off the first eight deliveries.But things took a turn when Keshav Maharaj dismissed Rohit and Rishabh Pant in the second over, and Kagiso Rabada removed Suryakumar to leave India three down in the powerplay.”When we lost those three wickets up front, there were obviously a lot of nerves in the dressing room,” Rohit said. “I was panicking. I was not comfortable. I was thinking that we let them into the game.”But of course, in the back of my mind there was always a thought that our lower middle order had not batted so much in the tournament but whenever they had the opportunity, they made an impact.”Axar Patel, batting at No. 5, joined Kohli at the crease and the two added 72 runs off 54 balls to revive India’s innings, before Kohli and Shivam Dube added another 57 off 33 to help India finish on 176.”Not many people are talking about [Axar’s] knock, but that knock was a gamechanger. To get 47 off 31 in that time was very, very crucial.Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli hug it out after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup•AFP/Getty Images”And then we needed one guy to stick around and Virat did that job perfectly. Batted throughout the entire innings, which was good. Because then Shivam, Axar, Hardik — they can come in and play their role.”Kohli had endured a difficult tournament until the final, with just 75 runs from seven innings. But he more than doubled that tally in the final, anchoring India with 76 off 59 — an innings that earned him the Player of the Match.”If you get three boundaries in the first over itself, then obviously you’ve started off well and that is what every cricketer wants. It relieves you a little bit,” Rohit said.”You know, the experience of playing for India for so long, being there, it really helps. You can control your emotions, you can control your thoughts and be in the moment. And I am sure he was thinking the same – ‘today is the day I need to be focused and not worry about what has happened in the past’. And he played a great knock.”

William Saliba remains fully committed to the Arsenal cause for now, having signed a new long-term contract, but he has admitted that any interest shown from Real Madrid will always be “tempting”. That admission will concern some in north London, with there no guarantees that the highly-rated France international defender will see out his fresh terms at Emirates Stadium.

New contract: When Saliba's deal at Arsenal expires

Saliba has become a talismanic presence for the Gunners, with a formidable partnership being struck up with Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of their backline. A collection of assured performances over a prolonged period of time have been rewarded with a new deal through to the summer of 2030.

Arsenal hope that agreement will fend off any unwelcome interest from afar, with exit talk being brought to a close for now. Saliba is happy in his current surroundings, but is aware that speculation will forever rage when it comes to potential future challenges.

AdvertisementGettyTransfer talk: Why Saliba is ignoring interest from Real Madrid

There were plenty of rumours to be found regarding admiring glances from Spain prior to an extension being thrashed out at the Emirates, with La Liga giants Real Madrid considered to hold Saliba in the highest regard. However, no official offer from Santiago Bernabeu was ever tabled.

Saliba admits to having his head turned slightly, though, with it impossible to ignore Los Blancos and their collection of Galacticos. The 24-year-old told when asked about the links with Real: “Of course, it’s always tempting when a club like that tries to lure you, but for me, [my desire] was to stay at Arsenal. First, win trophies, before thinking about anything else.”

Trophy quest: Saliba targets silverware with Arsenal

Saliba has spoken on a regular basis of his desire to collect major honours with Arsenal. He has two Community Shield wins to his name, but is still waiting on the most prestigious of accolades.

He said after penning fresh terms with the Gunners and ignoring any transfer gossip: “To be honest, I was not really focused on the clubs from the outside, I was just focused on here. I knew that I wanted to stay here for more years, so I was not really focused on the other clubs. So I’m happy to be here and I signed a new deal, so full focus on my club.

“I didn’t win anything here except the Community Shield. I’ve done nothing for this club to think about leaving. I want to stay here and win a lot of trophies. I love this club. I cannot leave this club without giving them (the fans) something back. My first choice was to stay here and win everything first.

“We have a good team, we play well, we are good. We only miss trophies. The team and I will give everything to win this title. Of course, the people won’t remember you if you win nothing. So, at the end, it's trophies, trophies, trophies.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPPremier League title bid & World Cup: Challenges for Saliba

A move to Madrid would allow Saliba to reunite with Kylian Mbappe, a man who he represents France alongside and once worked with in the academy ranks at AS Bondy. When asked if they could become club colleagues again in 2026, Saliba told Le10 Sport: “No, no, the Bondy connection is with the French national team, for now.”

France are close to wrapping up qualification for next summer’s World Cup, with Saliba and Mbappe expected to help make Les Bleus fiercely competitive at that event – having claimed a global crown in 2018 and suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the 2022 final.

Saliba will hope to head to that event as a Premier League title winner, with Arsenal setting the early pace in English football. Mikel Arteta’s side have opened up a six-point lead on the chasing pack, as they look to secure domestic dominance for the first time since the fabled ‘Invincibles’ of 2003-04 – with a Champions League clash with Slavia Praha and a trip to Sunderland set to carry them into the next international break.

Chelsea are reportedly making some transfer plans ahead of the January window to reinforce some pretty weak areas of the squad, with BlueCo now offered a pretty golden opportunity to do so.

Chelsea fragile at the back after key injuries

Before the Blues’ 2-1 win over Premier League champions Liverpool just prior to the international break, Enzo Maresca was left desperately short of defensive options.

Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill were all unavailable for the clash, but Chelsea somehow still managed to seal a dramatic win despite their major lack of choices.

Youngster Josh Acheampong was given the nod at the heart of their defence for that game, and again away to Nottingham Forest, with Tosin, Fofana and Chalobah since becoming available once again.

However, the same cannot be said for Benoit Badiashile or Colwill, with the pair sidelined through long-term injuries, especially the latter, who won’t return until 2026.

Cole Palmer

Groin

December

Benoit Badiashile

Muscle

December

Dario Essugo

Thigh

Early 2026

Liam Delap

Hamstring

October 29

Levi Colwill

ACL

Spring 2026

Malo Gusto

Suspended

October 29

Maresca publicly stated that he wanted a new centre-back in the summer transfer window, only for BlueCo not to grant his wish, and this has threatened to have dire consequences.

However, it is believed by some media sources that Chelsea are now prioritising another defender in January as one of their key objectives, in a bid to rectify their summer mistake.

Some reports even suggest they’ve held talks with Marc Guehi’s camp ahead of a potential winter move (Simon Phillips), while others state that Chelsea have been offered Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.

If the club do decide to make a mid-season addition or two, all signs point towards it being a centre-back, or potentially a goalkeeper.

Amid ongoing concerns surrounding Robert Sanchez’s pedigree as a ‘title-winning’ shot-stopper, Chelsea have attempted to bring in a world-class option this year, most notably AC Milan’s Mike Maignan.

Chelsea tried and failed to sign Maignan last summer, but it is an opportunity that is expected to open up again soon with the France international’s contract expiring in 2026.

The 30-year-old would be a fantastic choice as Chelsea reportedly prepare to approach Maignan over a pre-contract in January, but according to journalist Graeme Bailey and TBR Football, they could have a much more immediate alternative.

Chelsea offered Marc-André ter Stegen on Barcelona loan deal

Bailey reports that Chelsea are one of the sides to be contacted by representatives about Marc-André ter Stegen and the Barcelona captain’s availability.

The 33-year-old, who boasts a Champions League winners medal and six La Liga titles from his time at the Camp Nou, is currently out with a back injury but could make his long-awaited return in December — just before the window reopens.

Much has been made about Chelsea’s very young squad and the lack of experience in it, so a deal for ter Stegen would certainly help to balance this issue by bringing proven top-level know-how to the dressing room.

The German would also provide very good competition for Sanchez, or even replace the ex-Brighton man entirely, and Barça are willing to green-light an initial loan before negotiating a permanent exit in the summer.

The prospect of ter Stegen coming to London is a very intriguing one, but there are a few key hurdles to consider.

For one, he earns around £280,000-per-week, so Chelsea would need to agree a favourable split of his salary with Barca before green-lighting this move.

Ter Stegen’s injury history lately isn’t exactly encouraging either, with the keeper playing just nine times for Hansi Flick since the start of 2024/2025.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi picked a wicket as India had England five wickets down and trailing by 310 runs

ECB Reporters Network13-Jul-2025Rocky Flintoff fell seven runs short of a century as England Under-19 fought back on day two of their Under-19 test with India at Beckenham.England were 230 for five at stumps in reply to India’s 540 all, out, trailing by 310.Flintoff was lbw to Deepesh Devendran for 93 just five minutes from the close of play and their captain Hamza Shaikh made 84. Henil Patel had India’s best bowling figures with 2 for 51.Earlier RS Ambrish hit 70 as India were dismissed for 540, with right-arm quick Alex Green claiming 3 for 74, and left-arm spinner Ralphie Albert three for 95.India were 450 for seven overnight and Ambrish reached 50 when he edged James Minto for four through the slips. He had added 20 more when he feathered Green behind.Green should have had a second wicket in the over, but Anmoljeet Singh was dropped by Archie Vaughan at second slip, the fifth drop of the innings. Anmoljeet then survived being hit on both feet and got another life when both batters ended up at the keeper’s end and England were too slow to react.Albert eventually had Henil caught on the boundary by Jaydn Denly, but only after he’d hit him for successive sixes on his way to 38 and Albert then wrapped up the innings by bowling Devendran with the final ball before lunch.Right-arm medium pacer Henil struck in the first over of England’s reply when he had Vaughan lbw for two. Denly was then dropped by Mohamed Enaan after square cutting Devendran when he was on 22, but Henil conjured a beauty that pitched on leg and hit the top of his off stump, bowling him for 27Flintoff was on 25 when he pulled Devendran straight to Kumar, who dropped a chest-high catch and he cashed in after tea when he thick-edged Enaan for four to pass 50.Shaikh then hit Anmoljeet for six over long off, but a partnership worth 154 was broken when 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi had Shaikh caught at mid-off.Ben Mayes was subsequently lbw to Vilhaan Malhotra for 11, but Thomas Rew got a life when India skipper Ayush Mhatre missed a difficult chance to catch him at slip off Anmoljeet when he was on three. The bowler had better luck in the penultimate over, when with a ton there for the taking, he trapped Flintoff lbw.

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has defended Florian Wirtz following his underwhelming start to life at Liverpool after signing for the Reds in a deal worth £116 million. Wirtz came in for fresh criticism following Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, but Nagelsmann feels the team's strikers could help out by finishing some of the chances the German star creates.

Wirtz continues to struggle

Wirtz failed to shine again on Sunday as Liverpool slumped to a seventh defeat in their last 10 games in all competitions. Liverpool's big-money buy has failed to manage a single goal or assist in the Premier League side since arriving at Anfield in the summer and has only show a few glimmers of the talent that persuaded the Reds to invest so heavily in his services. His performances have already drawn plenty of criticism, with former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger even claiming his arrival has "destroyed" Liverpool's midfield.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportNagelsmann takes aim at Liverpool

Nagelsmann has been quick to defend Wirtz and feels he simply needs time to prove himself. He told reporters: "Liverpool could also help him out by scoring some of the chances he creates. They somehow don't like to shoot the ball in. To be honest, the overall situation doesn't make it easy for Flo either. The whole club isn't as stable this year as it was last year. It's much harder to slip into the team now. If you look at the game against [Manchester] City, they were actually the worse team over the 90 minutes. So it's also difficult for Flo to make a big impact. Ultimately, the overall situation is such that he just needs a little more time, which is normal; you see that with other players who move to the Premier League too.

"We all know what he's capable of, and it's perfectly normal for a player of his age to go through a bit of a dip in form. We can't expect him to perform at the same level for three years straight. Instead, we all need to support him a little bit so that he can clear his head here, and then maybe Liverpool could also help him out by scoring some of the chances he creates. That would be one idea, because he does not create few chances, it's just that… they somehow don't like to shoot the ball in, that's also part of the truth."

Wirtz branded a 'little boy' after City loss

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville didn't hold back in his criticism of Wirtz after watching Liverpool comfortably beaten by City. He told : "Wirtz is a problem. Let's just call it as it is. It's an issue. He's £100m+, and to be fair, I said a few weeks ago [Milos] Kerkez looked like a little boy out there. Today, I thought Wirtz looked like a little boy. That can't be the case.

"We've been tiptoeing around him for a few months, around the fact that he's young, he's coming to a new country, but he's £100m+, you're going to have to stand up soon. He's obviously got something, he's a really good player, he's technically fantastic, but he's been mauled out there today by Matheus Nunes and by others. He's been chucked around the pitch, and didn't deliver on the quality side of things as well, so his performance was a real worry."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportCan Wirtz regain form with Germany?

Wirtz is now with the Germany squad for their final two World Cup qualifiers against against Luxembourg and Slovakia and will hope he can try and regain some kind of form before returning to Liverpool. Germany can secure top spot in Group A, and with it automatic qualification to next year's tournament, with two wins from their final fixtures. Wirtz will then head back to Liverpool with Nottingham Forest first up for Slot's side after the international break.

Some of the most expensive players in European football just so happen to be some of the youngest. The next generation is officially breaking through, scrambling to take football’s crown in the Premier League, La Liga and across Europe.

CIES have ranked the most valuable teenagers in world football, and some of them also feature in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings, with Lamine Yamal next in line to become football royalty. The Barcelona winger finished second behind Ousmane Dembele in the last edition and is highly-tipped to take his crown in 2026.

But he’s not entirely alone in that battle. CIES’ list also includes four Premier League talents, and as English football continues to attract some of the world’s best players, there’s no denying that it could produce its best generation yet.

Lamine Yamal

Barcelona

€349.6m

Estevao Willian

Chelsea

€118.1m

Pau Cubarsi

Barcelona

€112.7m

Franco Mastantuono

Real Madrid

€102.4m

Warren Zaire-Emery

PSG

€92.3m

Ethan Nwaneri

Arsenal

€88.1m

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Arsenal

€84.8m

Geovany Quenda

Sporting CP

€80.2m

Endrick Felipe

Real Madrid

€73.2m

Lucas Bergvall

Tottenham

€68m

10 Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham): €68m

At just 19 years old, Lucas Bergvall is already an important member of Thomas Frank’s squad at Tottenham Hotspur. One of four Premier League players in the top 10, the Swede is valued at as much as €68m. The only way is up for the midfielder and that value, too. Whether that development ends in North London is the big question.

Bergvall has the talent to reach the highest heights in the Premier League – something that has not historically arrived at Spurs. Having already had a taste of trophies when winning the Europa League last season, the teenager will be one to watch in the coming years.

9 Endrick Felipe (Real Madrid): €73.2m

Although Endrick has endured a tough time under Xabi Alonso and is likely to head out on loan in the January transfer window, he remains one of the most impressive teenagers in European football. The Brazilian arrived in Spain for as much as €72m in 2022 and has since maintained that value in the last two years.

Now 19 years old, he simply needs the game time that he won’t be getting any time soon at Real Madrid. Whether that means a move to the Premier League or elsewhere remains to be seen. The likes of West Ham United and Manchester United have already been mentioned as reported suitors in what would be quite the move this winter.

8 Geovany Quenda (Sporting CP): €80.2m

Geovany Quenda’s place on this list comes as no surprise. The impressive winger is already reportedly on his way to Chelsea next summer after the Blues agreed a deal worth a combined £62.4m (€71m) to sign both him and teammate Dario Essugo in advance. Those at Stamford Bridge have made a reputation for sweeping up young players in recent years and Quenda will be next to arrive.

Chelsea should be glad that they got in when they did. According to CIES, the 18-year-old is now valued at as much as €80.2m on his own, let alone with Essugo. Set to combine with the likes of Cole Palmer and others next season, Enzo Maresca will be hoping to see a teenage star realise his potential in full at Stamford Bridge.

7 Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal): €84.2m

An England international and mainstay in the Arsenal squad, it feels absurd that Myles Lewis-Skelly is still just 19 years old. The Gunners’ famous Hale End academy has produced yet another gem and one of the most valued teenagers in European football. Although, it’s difficult to imagine the left-back being anywhere but in North London.

It’s a scary thought that the best is yet to come from Lewis-Skelly, who is already valued at as much as €84.2m by CIES and is set to play a crucial part in Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions.

6 Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal): €88.1m

Speaking of Hale End graduates, Ethan Nwaneri has been valued at a staggering €88.1m by CIES – making him the sixth most-valued teenager in European football.

Like Lewis-Skelly, the 18-year-old’s inclusion is no real surprise. The impressive attacker hasn’t been without his injury issues at times, but if any onlooker wants to discover his talent in full, then it’s worth watching his stunning goal against Manchester City last season.

That fact that Nwaneri burst onto the scene just a few years after Bukayo Saka emerged proves just how stacked Arsenal’s academy is with the next generation of stars.

5 Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG): €92.1m

Breaking into a side as dominant as PSG’s is no easy task, but Warren Zaire-Emery featured in 13 of their 15 Champions League games last season as they secured European glory as part of a historic treble.

At 19 years old, the Frenchman is only likely to play a larger part as the years tick by, taking his place alongside the likes of Joao Neves in Luis Enrique’s midfield.

Meanwhile, if anyone wants to take the midfielder off PSG’s hands, then it could cost them as much as €92.1m. Having graduated from the French side’s academy to become one of their most promising stars, his future looks almost certain to lie at the home of the European champions.

4 Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid): €102.4m

Into three figures, Real Madrid’s Franco Mastuono is worth as much as €102.4m, according to CIES. The talented 18-year-old only arrived at Madrid in the summer in a deal worth around €45m, but is already looking like an excellent signing for the future. Unlike Endrick, he’s been thrown straight into Alonso’s plans and has even earned a number of starts at his new club.

One of the best teenagers that European football has to offer, Real Madrid have undeniably landed another gem at what should prove to be a bargain price in years to come.

3 Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona): €112.7m

The first and only defender on this list, Pau Cubarsi already plays a crucial part in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side. It speaks volumes that the 18-year-old is often selected over the more experienced Ronald Araujo and that’s reflected in CIES’ €112.7m valuation.

Whilst the La Masia academy has produced some great attacking talents over the years, they’ll be relieved to have unearthed such an impressive defensive gem and someone who should be at the heart of their backline for years to come.

2 Estevao Willian (Chelsea): €118.1m

In years to come, many supporters around European football are going to be wondering how exactly Chelsea won the race for Estevao Willian. Whilst the likes of Florian Wirtz and Xavi Simons have struggled to adjust to life in the Premier League, the Blues’ 18-year-old Brazilian has thrived in the face of endless opportunities at Stamford Bridge.

Although those in West London have missed with a number of young signings, they’ve undoubtedly hit the mark by signing Estevao. Their teenager is destined for greatness and is already valued at €118.1m.

1 Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): €349.6m

It was always going to be him, wasn’t it? Yamal isn’t just the most valued teenager in European football, but he’s one of the most valued players in the world. He is next in line for football’s throne. This generation’s answer to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – that’s the level that Barcelona have produced once again.

Even with that pressure on his shoulders, the Spaniard has continued to thrive – becoming the main man at Barcelona in just a couple of years. Still just 18 years old but already outrageously talented, CIES value Yamal at as much as €349.6m – more than double the amount they valued second-place Estevao.

The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series last week, dispatching the New York Yankees in five games to capture the franchise's eighth championship. In an on-field interview following the title-clinching victory, Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly reveled in the Yankees' defensive miscues and suggested Fat Joe being shown on the scoreboard during Game 5 was the turning point.

Nearly a week later Kelly is still talking trash about the Yankees. Calling into his podcast, Kelly continued to rip the Yankees calling them one of the worst teams in the entire MLB postseason despite the fact that they were in the World Series.

"We were saying it every single game," Kelly said. "Just let them throw the ball to the infield, they can't make a play. I mean, you saw. Shohei got an extra base going to third on a sloppy Gleyber play. It's well known. We all knew. I mean, we're the Dodgers. We know every little detail."

"But I mean past that it was a fun series" Kelly continued. " I mean, they almost snagged a couple of wins you know what I mean? But I mean if it was like the NCAA, like basketball, baseball, hockey, or football I mean. Like it was just a mismatch from the get go. Like, we had a playoff re-ranking they might be ranked eighth or ninth best playoff team, you know what I mean? You're putting the Padres ahead of them. You're putting the Phillies ahead of 'em. You're putting the Mets ahead of 'em. You're putting the Braves ahead of 'em and the Braves just got unlucky 'cause they had to play that doubleheader. You're putting… I mean the Guardians played like crap, but the Guardians played better D, better baseball all-around."

This is where you might start to pick up some bias in Kelly's rankings as the Yankees, who had a slightly better regular season record than Cleveland, beat the Guardians in five games in the American League Championship Series.

Kelly then compared the 2024 World Series to the Boston Red Sox win over the Dodgers in 2018 when Boston won in five games.

"It was just a complete mismatch and it was kinda the same feeling from 2018 when we had to go play the Dodgers," Kelly explained. "Like the Red Sox were just the way better team. So all we knew is that we just had to play regular Dodger baseball. We didn't have to play out of our butts. We didn't have to do anything crazy and we're going to win the World Series. It's facts. Like just look at the team, look at the talent. Re-rank the teams and they're ranked eighth and they played against the number one seed."

Kelly pitched in all five games in the 2018 World Series, striking out 10 batters while scattering four hits over six innings while giving up zero runs for Boston. However, it should probably be noted that the Dodgers used 13 pitchers in the '24 World Series and Joe Kelly was not one of them.

Manchester Originals miss chance to close gap on table-toppers as they slump to 16-run loss

ECB Media24-Aug-2025Manchester Originals missed the chance to take a big leap towards qualifying for The Hundred Eliminator next Saturday after falling to a 16-run defeat to lowly Birmingham Phoenix at Emirates Old Trafford and slipping out of the top three.The Originals, who have never progressed beyond the group phase of the women’s competition, looked strong favourites after restricting the visitors to 111 for 3 but Aussie seamer Megan Schutt (3 for 14) spearheaded an inspired performance with the ball after Ellyse Perry’s second successive half-century and a sparky knock from Sterre Kalis had given them something to defend.Both Originals openers were dismissed for ducks, Kathyrn Bryce run out by Emma Lamb and Beth Mooney falling to a superb running catch by Marie Kelly off Schutt, before Em Arlott snared Alice Monaghan to leave the hosts 14 for 3.That became 14 for 4 two balls later when 19-year-old off-spinner Phoebe Brett had Amelia Kerr caught at mid-on by Arlott. Deandra Dottin and Seren Smale steadied the ship somewhat before Hannah Baker snared the former, caught at long-off as she tried to up the ante.Smale dug deep for her 34-ball 29, eventually caught at short fine-leg by Brett to give Schutt her third wicket, and Lauren Filer struck three boundaries in her unbeaten 19, but the Originals were eventually dismissed for 95 from the final ball of their innings.Earlier, Phoenix skipper Perry had chosen to bat after winning the toss but her team were soon in trouble, Georgia Voll falling for a four-ball duck after picking out Monaghan at deep square-leg off Mahika Gaur.The Originals’ high-class bowling attack was relentless, the visitors crawling to 15 in 24 balls when Lamb offered a simple chance to Dottin off Sophie Ecclestone before Amy Jones succumbed to Dottin to leave the score 17 for 3.Perry (55 not out from 48) and Kalis mounted a rescue operation, the Aussie legend reaching her half-century by dispatching Bryce for six over mid-wicket and Kalis unbeaten on 43 from 39 when the innings concluded on 111 for 3.It didn’t look like being enough against an Originals side which had won their three previous matches but Phoenix prevailed to move up to seventh in the table and push their opponents down to fourth, behind London Spirit on net run rate.The Originals now face a crucial final group match against Northern Superchargers on Tuesday, with the Spirit visiting Oval Invincibles tomorrow.Kalis, the Meerkat Match Hero, said: “It was obviously a tough start; the pitch was doing quite a bit. When I got in, it was a tough situation because we’d lost some early wickets. But Perry and I rebuilt, and I thought it was a good score on that pitch. It was definitely the kind of surface where, once you got in, it became a bit easier to score.”In the end, it was a brilliant win. We had to play really good cricket to defend a low-ish total, and we knew early wickets were going to be key and we got them. Obviously it’s been a bit of a tough campaign for us but what we can do now is play our best cricket and today, we showed what kind of team we are. It was a brilliant effort.”