All posts by h79snht.top

This summer will be pivotal for Leeds United in their ambitions of maintaining their Premier League status, building on the excellent work conducted this campaign.

Daniel Farke’s side claimed the Championship title in 2024/25, registering a staggering 100 points and finishing above rivals Burnley on goal difference, with both teams returning to the top-flight.

However, the last six teams to achieve such a feat have all suffered immediate returns to the second-tier, with the Whites hoping to buck that trend next season.

If they are to succeed in their quest, additions will be key, needing to hand Farke the tools to strengthen his squad and have the best possible chance of surviving the drop.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, work has already started behind the scenes to identify numerous talents who could improve the squad at Elland Road.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer

All areas of the pitch are set for investment at Leeds this summer, with depth and quality needed if the club are to establish themselves in the top-flight next year.

Lennon Miller, Kasper Dolberg and James McAtee have all been touted with a switch to Yorkshire, but as of yet, no deal has yet been agreed, but that could all change during the off-season.

However, a new name has been mentioned over the last couple of days, with Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes on their radar, according to Alan Nixon.

His report claims that the Whites are considering a move for the 20-year-old talent, who’s valued at £30m after the Saints were relegated back to the Championship.

He also states that the hierarchy sees him as a classy playmaker who could provide added quality to the side, but could face competition from Crystal Palace and Aston Villa for his signature.

Why Fernandes would be a better signing than Doucoure

Over the last few days, Leeds have also been touted as a potential destination for departing Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure, after he confirmed he would be leaving at the end of his contract.

The Malian, who’s spent the last five seasons at Goodison Park, may stay in the Premier League with the Whites, offering an experienced option in what’s likely to be a relegation battle.

At 32, the midfielder has registered just shy of 300 appearances in England’s top-flight, registering 36 goals along the way, having the tools to add to the attacking department.

However, if Farke is targeting options for the number 10 position at Elland Road, there’s no denying that Fernandes would be a better and younger option for the club.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the current league campaign, the Portuguese youngster has massively bettered Doucoure in numerous key areas, showcasing what a superb addition he would be in Yorkshire.

Fernandes, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, may have notched the same number of goals and assists, but has produced a higher shot-on-target rate – handing an added goal threat to the Whites as a result.

His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing more progressive passes and more passes into the final third, subsequently handing Farke an added dimension of creativity.

How Fernandes compares to Doucoure in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Fernandes

Doucoure

Games played

36

32

Goals & assists

5

5

Shot-on-target accuracy

33%

29%

Progressive passes

4.5

2.9

Progressive carries

2.5

1.4

Passes into the final third

3.1

1.5

Take-ons completed

1.6

0.8

Carries into the final third

2.3

0.9

Stats via FBref

The Saints star has also completed more take-ons and made more carries into the penalty area, enabling other attackers around him to bolster their own tallies.

£30m may be a huge sum for a player who’s been relegated from the Premier League, but he’s shown that he has the skill set to thrive if given another opportunity in the top flight.

His tender age allows for a huge room for improvement in the years ahead, potentially becoming a vital cog in any future success at Elland Road should he make the big-money switch this summer.

Related Better signing than Vardy: Leeds make move for "extraordinary" £13m CF

Leeds are looking for a new striker this summer

Posts 3 ByJoe Nuttall May 23, 2025

While signing a new centre forward is top of new sporting director Andrea Berta’s wishlist at Arsenal this summer, the need to strengthen in other areas of the pitch is also strong.

The Gunners have been severely hamstrung – pardon the pun – by injuries this season, notably in their forward line.

Though, there’s also been a huge degree of inconsistency, chiefly at left wing where Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have scored just eight goals each in the Premier League.

So, where will Mikel Arteta and Co turn to in their bid to add an extra dose of spice to their attack?

Arsenal chasing big-money winger

For over a year now, Arsenal have been exploring a move for Spanish winger Nico Williams.

The Bilbao star dazzled at the European Championships last summer, famously scoring a goal in the final against England.

However, after no club signed him last year, interest hasn’t dampened in the young forward. He reportedly dreams of a move to Barcelona but their finances are still extremely tight. As a result, English clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea have both been interested.

If the Gunners have room for a pricier addition, perhaps AC Milan’s Rafael Leao could be their man.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

Arsenal have been linked with a move in the past but their interest is now ramping up ahead of the summer, with Football Insider reporting that they are now ‘working on signing’ the Portuguese sensation.

One problem could be the player’s release clause which currently stands at an almighty £145m according to claims in Italy.

How Rafael Leao compares to Nico Williams

While Williams is quite clearly one of the most exciting young wingers in the game right now, there is an argument to suggest that his output needs improving.

This feels like a player simply ready to explode in a better side but the fact remains that he has only scored five times in LaLiga this term and 11 in all competitions.

If Arsenal are looking to add more goals to their side then perhaps Leao, despite a heftier price tag, would be a more exciting candidate here.

Described as a “superstar” by scout Jacek Kulig, he may have only scored one more than Williams in 2024/25, but he’s got a history for finding the net with consistent regularity, now reaching double figures in each of the last four campaigns. On that evidence, it’s no surprise to see that data analyst Ben Mattinson noted that he is “clinical off both feet.”

Leao vs Williams since 2023/24

Stat (per 90 mins)

Leao

Williams

Goals

0.32

0.22

Assists

0.32

0.34

Shot on target %

39%

35%

Key passes

2.18

1.85

Progressive passes

3.91

2.89

Shot-creating actions

4.62

4.96

Succesful take-ons

2.53

3.21

Take-on success %

48%

40%

Progressive carries

5.27

5.52

Stats via FBRef (league only).

When diving deeper into the numbers, the play style of each winger becomes clearer. They are both ‘carry-first’ attackers, driving at players and committing their full-back. This is what Arsenal need more of in the final third so that’s one box ticked.

Williams registers more take-ons but it’s actually Leao who appears to be more effective in one-on-one situations, registering a higher success rate.

Crucially, while the Milan sensation is a goalscorer, he’s also creative and in this Arsenal team he could take his assist numbers to the next level considering he actually ranks higher than Williams for key passes over the last two seasons.

Ultimately, Berta will have to be wise with how he spends the Kroenke’s cash this summer and thus, Leao may not be possible. However, if they are able to sign a striker and still raise additional funds, the 25-year-old should be the man they go for on the flanks.

Related Arsenal could see £59m bid accepted for "monster" upgrade on Sesko

Arsenal have been handed the chance to sign an upgrade on Benjamin Sesko.

Posts ByMatt Dawson May 18, 2025

While it could still end in an incredible crescendo of Champions League glory, it wouldn’t be amiss to describe this season as something of a disappointment for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side were terrible in both the FA Cup and League Cup, and are now at risk of losing their grasp on second place in the Premier League.

Moreover, while the team has underwhelmed as a collective, there have been several players who’ve simply not reached the standards set in the last couple of years, such as Martin Odegaard.

So, with this in mind, it’s not all that surprising to read recent reports linking the club to someone who could be an upgrade on the Gunners captain.

Arsenal transfer news

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other midfield stars linked with Arsenal in recent months, such as Frenkie de Jong and Kevin De Bruyne.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

The former has been enjoying a stellar campaign with Barcelona and remains on track for a historic treble-winning season with the Catalan club, so while he’d be an exceptional addition to the club, we imagine he’d cost a king’s ransom, even with reports coming out about his contract talks stalling.

In contrast, we now know Kevin de Bruyne will be leaving Manchester City in the summer, so if Arteta can work his magic, he might just be able to convince the mercurial Belgian to join his former title rivals, and with 14 goal involvements in 36 games this season, he’d still be a useful player to have in the squad.

However, knowing the North Londoners might want to make sure they keep the team young and hungry, which could explain the recent links to Brahim Diaz.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have identified the Moroccan international as a ‘top priority’ ahead of the summer and that Arteta really wants the club to sign the player he worked with at Manchester City.

The story claims that Real Madrid are willing to let the player leave for a convincing offer, while stories from earlier this year suggest that they’d be after a fee in the region of €60m, which is about £51m.

It would be a costly deal to get over the line, but one worth pursuing, as he could be a perfect upgrade on Odegaard.

How Diaz compares to Odegaard

So, if Arsenal get their man this summer, and he comes in to play more of a midfield role, he’d be in direct competition with Odegaard for that creative number ten role.

With that said, who comes out on top when we compare them?

From a pure output perspective, it is the “incredible” Real ace, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola, who emerges victorious, but only when we look at the minutes-to-goal involvement ratios.

For example, in 49 appearances, totalling 2058 minutes, the Moroccan international has scored six goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.76 games, or far more consequently, every 158.30 minutes.

In contrast, the Norwegian maestro has scored five goals and provided 11 assists in 41 appearances, totalling 3162 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.56 games, but more importantly, every 197.62 minutes.

What about when we take a look under the hood and at their underlying numbers, then? Is it another minor victory for the Champions League winner?

Well, it’s actually a relatively comfortable one for the 25-year-old, as he comes out ahead in most relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Diaz vs Odegaard

Statistic

Diaz

Odegaard

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.57

0.37

Non-Penalty G+As

0.42

0.34

Progressive Passes

4.62

10.1

Progressive Passes Received

6.99

6.08

Progressive Carries

2.66

3.46

Shots

1.89

1.82

Shots on Target

1.05

0.55

Passing Accuracy

86.7%

82.9%

Key Passes

1.40

2.41

Shot-Creating Actions

3.57

4.86

Goal-Creating Actions

0.84

0.59

Tackles Won

1.26

0.46

Interceptions

0.28

0.17

Blocks

1.12

0.21

Successful Take-Ons

1.54

0.97

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

Ultimately, while Odegaard remains a talented player, Diaz has outperformed him in just about every metric this season, and if Arsenal can sign him in the summer, they should.

Related Same agent as Saka: Arsenal lead race to sign £51m upgrade on Nico Williams

The sensational youngster could flourish at Arsenal.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 6, 2025

Everton are now open to a shock move for an “unbelievable” star, having set out to make one or two statement signings in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

New era on the horizon for the Toffees

The Premier League season is now approaching its climax, and the Toffees have just one game remaining at Goodison Park, ahead of making the move to Bramley-Moore Dock prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

The long-anticipated move to a new stadium marks the start of an exciting new era for the Blues, with David Moyes no doubt hoping to compete for major honours on a long-term basis, but the manager may need to overhaul his squad in order to make that dream a reality.

Moyes’ side hold a strong interest in Ipswich Town forward Omari Hutchinson, who could be available for £30m this summer, while there is also a desire to strengthen in midfield and defence, with Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer and Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck of interest.

Related Everton in advanced talks for "complete" star who is similar to Kyle Walker

The Blues are progressing in discussions…

Posts 1 BySean Markus Clifford May 5, 2025

According to a report from The Boot Room, Everton are keen to make one or two statement signings ahead of their move to Bramley-Moore Dock, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey going on to say a shock move for Manchester City’s John Stones could be a possibility.

Bailey said: “Stones has interest from the Saudi Pro League, but in England there are clubs who would be willing to take him including West Ham and his former club Everton to name but two.

“The issue is with his injury record, less than 10 starts in the last two seasons, it would be a risk for anyone. If he does indeed hit the open market, I believe that Everton would be open to the prospect.”

Stones could be "unbelievable" signing for Toffees

As pointed out by Bailey, Stones’ injury record should be a major concern, given that the Englishman has featured just 11 times in the Premier League this season, having suffered a number of setbacks which have kept him on the treatment table.

However, if the 30-year-old is able to put his injury problems behind him, there is every sign he could take Moyes’ defence to the next level, having gone on to achieve great success since joining City from the Toffees for £47.5m back in 2016.

The former Everton man has lifted silverware 17 times during his time with Pep Guardiola’s side, with teammate Jack Grealish lauding him as “unbelievable” after their FA Cup final triumph against Manchester United in 2023.

It would be a gamble to make a move for Stones, in light of his concerning injury record, but it could be a risk worth taking, depending on how much City demand for the £250k-a-week defender, given his top-level experience.

Arsenal have now opened talks over a move for an “amazing” wonderkid, and they are looking to finalise a summer deal, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on new defender

Strengthening the attack may be the first port of call for Mikel Arteta this summer, given the widespread demands to sign a new striker, but there are signs the manager may also be keen to bolster his options at the opposite end of the pitch.

A new centre-back is of particular interest, and there has recently been a positive update in the pursuit of AFC Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, with the 20-year-old believed to be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium after holding talks.

Huijsen is not the only Premier League defender of interest to the Gunners, however, as they are said to be among the main suitors for Nottingham Forest star Murillo, although there is set to be competition for the Brazilian’s signature from Real Madrid.

Related Arteta's next Havertz: Arsenal make enquiry to sign £52m "monster"

Arsenal could be about to land a new fprward to end their issues in the final third.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Apr 27, 2025

Murillo and Huijsen have established themselves in the Premier League this season, so the interest is understandable, but there are also signs the north Londoners could take a chance on an up-and-coming La Liga talent.

According to a report from Football Transfers, Arsenal have now opened talks to sign Valencia wonderkid Yarek Gasiorowski, having expressed a willingness to step up their transfer pursuit, with a view to finalising a summer deal.

Valencia may be willing to cash-in on Gasiorowski this summer, should they receive an acceptable offer, given that his contract is set to expire in 2027, but it is unclear what sort of fee they would be looking to receive.

The Gunners have a long-standing interest in the 20-year-old, with journalist Eduardo Hagn previously revealing they have followed him “for years”, but have been unable to sign him due to Brexit restrictions.

"Amazing" Gasiorowski could have big future ahead

The young Spaniard has fallen down the pecking order since the beginning of the campaign, remaining on the bench for the last ten La Liga matches, but there are signs he could have a big future ahead.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has been particularly complimentary about the centre-back, lauding him as “amazing”, while he also ranks extremely highly on some key defensive metrics over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

1.94 (83rd percentile)

Interceptions

2.07 (99th percentile)

Blocks

1.75 (91st percentile)

The only thing that may be a concern is the fact the youngster hasn’t managed to force himself into the Valencia team recently, which suggests he may not yet be at the level to play for Arsenal.

As such, Arteta should make sure to bring in a centre-back who would be able to slot straight into the starting XI, such as Huijsen or Murillo, but Gasiorowski could be brought in alongside them.

Arsenal have now asked Real Madrid about signing a highly-rated forward and his teammate, amid Los Blancos’ serious interest in star defender William Saliba, with a potential part-exchange deal mooted this week.

Arsenal cruise into Champions League semi-finals after triumph over Real Madrid

Mikel Arteta made history this week with a stunning 5-1 Champions League aggregate victory over Real Madrid, cruising into the semi-finals after putting the final nail in Carlo Ancelotti’s coffin on Tuesday night.

Related Not just Rice: Arsenal's 8/10 star showed why he'd walk into Madrid's XI

Arsenal secured a place in the Champions League semi-final after a 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Apr 17, 2025

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli cemented a 2-1 win for Arsenal at the Bernabeu during their return leg, and it was an impressive performance from the Gunners, who largely kept Real quiet on home turf.

Now, Arsenal take on Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain in the semis, and there is every chance they can go on to win the competition. Clinching their first ever European Cup would be quite an end to 2024/2025, with Arteta hopeful that his side can go from challengers to victors.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

“It’s certainly another massive step,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s chances of winning the Champions League.

“Where we finished last year and the way we’re doing it this year, the teams with their eyes on us and the competition, it’s incredible. Big credit to [Madrid}, it was my first time as a coach in that dugout, and today I realised after three minutes in this stadium, anything is possible. They are specialists of creating such chaos and belief, and it’s very difficult to understand what is really going on in the game and have certain certainty about how we controlled it. I think they showed a lot of maturity.”

Off the field, business could be conducted between both sides this summer, as Real hold a strong interest in Saliba and have done for months.

The France international is an integral part of Arteta’s backline and arguably one of world football’s best central defenders, so new sporting director Andrea Berta and the Arsenal manager are highly unlikely to give him up without a serious fight.

Arsenal ask Real Madrid about signing Endrick in Saliba talks

According to reports out of Spain, Arsenal have floated the idea of a player-exchange if Real Madrid do want Saliba, otherwise they’d have to fork out a minimum of £86 million.

Indeed, it is believed Arsenal have asked Real Madrid about signing Endrick, not to mention Arda Güler, in exchange for Saliba’s services. However, as things stand, their president Florentino Perez is unwilling to part company with either player.

Endrick, who could end up costing Perez around £62 million in add-ons and other clauses after his 2022 transfer from Palmeiras, has struggled for game time under Ancelotti this season – bagging seven goals in 31 appearances but mainly as a substitute.

Despite signing for Real nearly three years ago, this is the “special” 18-year-old’s first full season at the Bernabeu, having made the transfer when he came of age last summer.

Chelsea took another big step towards Champions League qualification last night, with Enzo Fernández’s second-half strike securing all three points over Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Maresca’s men now occupy a place in the Premier League’s top four with just eight games to go, looking to end the league season on a high alongside a potential Europa Conference League title.

Whilst it wasn’t a vintage game, a triumph over your London rivals is always a good result, with points on the board being the crucial factor at this stage of the campaign.

The Blues welcomed back numerous key players during the victory, undoubtedly boosting their credentials of returning to the biggest competition in European football.

One of which managed to impress in West London last night, finally looking back to somewhat near his best after a tricky few weeks compared to his usual high standards.

Chelsea’s star performers against Tottenham

Midfielder Moises Caicedo enjoyed another superb display at the heart of the Chelsea side, with his British-record £115m fee now looking to be a bargain.

The 23-year-old featured for the entirety of the contest, winning four tackles and nine duels – with both of his subsequent figures the highest of any player on the pitch.

Attacker Cole Palmer was recalled to the starting eleven after missing the clash with Arsenal before the international break – finally ending his unheard-of drought within the final third.

The England international had gone eight games without a goal and an assist before setting up Fernandez, who landed the match’s winning goal in the 50th minute.

However, despite the performances of the aforementioned duo, one player is undoubtedly becoming the club’s most important player, with any hopes of landing Champions League qualification falling onto his shoulders.

The Chelsea player who’s becoming their most important player

There’s no denying that over the last couple of years, Palmer has constantly been the player to deliver the goods for Chelsea, often getting the side out of various tricky scenarios.

However, his recent drought is evidence that other players need to come forward to help Maresca achieve his ambitions of leading the club back to where they belong.

Argentine midfielder Fernandez has done exactly that over the last couple of months, notching 14 goal contributions since the start of November – undoubtedly the best run of his Blues career.

Questions were raised about his talents after the hierarchy forked out £106.8m for his signature in January 2023, but his showing last night was further evidence that he was worth the big money fee.

The 24-year-old took the armband with Reece James on the bench, with his performance just that of a captain, managing to complete 91% of the passes he attempted.

Enzo Fernández’s stats for Chelsea against Tottenham

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

89

Touches

61

Passes completed

41/45 (91%)

Goals scored

1

Tackles won

1/1 (100%)

Interceptions made

1

Recoveries made

4

Stats via SofaScore

Fernandez also registered 61 touches and made nine passes into the final third – looking to have a positive impact on proceedings at any given opportunity.

Defensively, the former Benfica star was just as impressive, winning 100% of the tackles he entered, whilst making one interception and four recoveries, helping the side register another clean sheet.

His goal was the cherry on the cake of a phenomenal outing, with The Express’ Alex Turk handing him a 7/10 match rating to reinforce his positive display in West London.

He’s certainly stepped up his game under Maresca in the last couple of months, with the Italian now reaping the rewards of the faith he showed in the midfielder during his tricky start to the campaign.

Such showings could prove vital between now and the end of the season, with Fernandez potentially playing a crucial role in any success the club endures between now and the end of May.

Related Maresca's own Drogba: Chelsea plot summer move for "phenomenal" CF

Chelsea could land a player this summer who could be their next Didier Drogba.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Apr 3, 2025

Allrounder admits he could miss depending on the make-up of Australia’s top six but is hopeful he can play a part in the Ashes if selected

Alex Malcolm28-Oct-2025

Beau Webster took a wicket on return•Getty Images

Allrounder Beau Webster agreed that he could be squeezed out of Australia’s XI for the first Ashes Test depending on the make-up of the batting line-up, but he feels that he can contribute in the series if given the opportunity.Webster’s role in the Australia side has been a topic of discussion despite being one of the most reliable performers over the past seven Test matches. Webster had played as the sole allrounder in the XI across all of those matches since replacing Mitchell Marsh in January.But Cameron Green’s return to bowling, after playing as a batter only at No. 3 in the last four Tests, as well as Marnus Labuschagne’s return to form and questions around the need to pick another specialist opener, have created uncertainty about the make-up of the top six for Perth.Related

Weatherald falls for 0, Webster claims a wicket on return

Marsh has a route to the Ashes; Khawaja backs Renshaw

What does Pat Cummins' absence mean for Australia?

Australia's top order: What are the selectors' options?

George Bailey, the chair of selectors, guaranteed Webster would be in the squad for the first Test, saying “everyone can relax.” But there is a way Webster could be squeezed out of the XI if the selectors opted to reinstate Labuschagne at No. 3, either retain Sam Konstas or pick another opener in his place to partner Usman Khawaja, and move Green back to No.6, given he is expected to be fit to bowl again despite a slight setback in his workload progression.Webster had missed the first two Sheffield Shield games of the summer due to an ankle injury, which only added to the speculation. Speaking after day one of his return for Tasmania against Victoria at Junction Oval, where he took 1 for 26 with the ball from 12 overs, Webster hoped that “I’ll be thereabouts”.”We’ve obviously got a potential hole around the top of the order there, and see who fills that,” Webster said. “If they see me as a pure middle-order [batter], then I’m probably going to get squeezed out. That is what it is. I hope I’m still in the conversation, certainly as a batter only, and if not, if it’s just the makeup of the team I’ll plug the way back in first-class cricket. There’s a there’s a lot of Test cricket coming up in the next two years. I hope I’ll be thereabouts.”Webster, 31, has done very little wrong in his first seven Tests. He has four half-centuries from 12 innings, averaging 34.63, which does not do him justice given the difficulty of the surfaces he has played on. He also has eight wickets at 23.25 with the ball, striking at 45.1, and has taken 12 catches in the field, where he has been a huge asset, especially in the slips cordon.Beau Webster has done little wrong since his Test debut•AFP/Getty Images

He said it was nice to hear Bailey guarantee his spot in the Perth squad, but he had not been given the same guarantee about being in the XI.”That depends who you ask,” Webster said. “I’d obviously love to be in the XI. I think I’ve got a lot to contribute there, and especially this Ashes series, I feel like I’m playing the best cricket of my life at the moment. So I certainly want to be there. Sometimes it’s the make-up of the team and the balance and the overs and who bats where. It feels like this series has probably got more questions over that than any before.”Webster admitted he felt some rust on return for Tasmania. He took the new ball to front end his overs having come into the game on a 16-over limit from Cricket Australia’s [CA] medical staff. He used 12 of those on day one in four spells. He picked up the wicket of former Test opener Marcus Harris with a delivery that pitched back of a length outside leg and nipped sharply across the left-hander to scratch the outside edge. Webster later took a sharp catch at slip but dropped one he would normally take.”If I could sum my day up today, a few no-balls and a drop catch at first slip, it probably felt like I was five or 10% off what I usually am,” Webster said. “I mean, that comes when you have probably three weeks of not playing. I felt like I was probably just slightly off it. But to get out there today and bowling 12 overs and get some more time in the slips is always beneficial.”Webster said the time off was helpful to freshen up mentally and also to do some strength work in the gym, having played nearly a full winter with Australia and Warwickshire in the county championship.”I think there’s some benefits, no doubt,” Webster said. “I think looking back, I did play a lot of cricket in England, and that’s by choice. I play my best cricket when I’m constantly playing. To have a three-week gap there, it was nice to get back in the gym and do some running and probably freshen the body up physically, ready to go for a big summer.”

Everyone seems to have a different opinion on international breaks. Any Scotland-supporting Glasgow Rangers fans may be loving them at this moment in time, after Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

However, some supporters may not like the break from club football or may not be happy with watching their country play, for whatever reason that may be.

Another reason as to why someone, and possibly Danny Rohl, may not enjoy international breaks is that it means that Rangers stars can pick up injuries without playing for their club.

For example, the German head coach will currently be sweating over the availability of central defender John Souttar, after he was forced out of the starting line-up against Denmark during the warm-up.

The Scotland international picked up an unknown injury before kick-off, after initially being named in the starting line-up, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be available this weekend.

On the same night, Derek Cornelius was forced off after just 30 minutes for Canada in their clash with Venezuela, with what is suspected to be a thigh injury, which makes him a doubt for the clash with Livingston at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership.

Ranking Rangers centre-backs this season

Losing both Souttar and Cornelius would be a blow for Rohl ahead of Saturday’s match because they were the starting centre-back pairing in the 3-0 win over Dundee at Dens Park last time out.

The Canadian centre-back, who is on loan from Marseille, missing the match would be a significant blow because he has been in impressive form for the Gers this season, particularly since Rohl came through the door.

Cornelius has started all three of the new manager’s league matches and won 21 of his 32 duels, per Sofascore, in those matches, helping Rangers to keep two clean sheets and concede just one goal.

The Marseille loanee, with those dominant displays, has been the top-performing centre-back at the club this season, whilst Souttar has started all 11 of the club’s league matches, under Russell Martin, Stevie Smith, and Rohl, per Sofascore.

Ranking Rangers’ best centre-backs this season

Rank

Player

1

Derek Cornelius

2

John Souttar

3

James Tavernier

4

Emmanuel Fernandez

5

Nasser Djiga

6

Clinton Nsiala

As you can see in the table above, we have placed James Tavernier in third place because he has filled in at centre-back, most recently against Kilmarnock and Roma, and done a reliable job.

Emmanuel Fernandez has started two matches for Rangers since his move from Peterborough. He scored in his start against Alloa Athletic and won 12 of his 15 duels, per Sofascore, in his only Premiership start against St Mirren, which makes it hard to put him too high or too low, as he has impressed in limited game time.

Nasser Djiga, meanwhile, ranks below him in fifth because the Wolves loanee has played 17 times for Rangers this season and was recently described as “rotten” by Heart & Hand content creator David Edgar.

The Burkina Faso international has made several costly errors, including a red card against Dundee in August and an inexplicable mistake, letting his man race clear through on goal, against Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off tie.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse

Finally, Clinton Nsiala has to rank sixth out of the six first-team centre-back options, including Tavernier, simply because he has not played a single minute of football for the Gers this season.

However, if Souttar and Cornelius are both unavailable for selection against Livingston on Saturday because of the injuries that they picked up on international duty, it could finally be time to unleash the left-footed star.

Why Rangers should finally unleash Clinton Nsiala

The former AC Milan centre-back was seemingly not in Russell Martin’s plans at Ibrox, as he did not feature in a single matchday squad, but Rohl has the chance to change that this weekend.

As aforementioned, Djiga has not had the best of starts to life at Ibrox, hence why Edgar dubbed him “rotten”, and his mistakes for the Gers suggest that another player should be given an opportunity to shine.

If Souttar and Cornelius are both unavailable, Fernandez could come in to replace the former as the right-sided centre-back, after his dominant display last time out in the Premiership against St Mirren earlier this season.

That would leave Rohl in need of replacing Cornelius against Livingston and Nsiala could be the ideal player to step in for the Canada international, as he is the only other left-footed senior centre-back option in the squad.

The 21-year-old centre-back played 11 times in the Premiership under Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson in the 2024/25 campaign, and rarely let the Light Blues down with his performances.

Clinton Nsiala’s Premiership appearances for Rangers

Opposition

Result

Dundee

1-1 draw

St Johnstone

3-1 win

Aberdeen

3-0 win

Dundee United

3-1 win

Ross County

4-0 win

Hearts

3-1 win

St Mirren

2-0 loss

Kilmarnock

4-2 win

Celtic

3-2 win

Aberdeen

2-2 draw

St Mirren

2-2 draw

Per Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the Scottish giants only lost one of those 11 matches in the division, which shows that he was far from a disaster in the senior team.

In fact, former teammate Ross McCausland admitted that he and some of the other players in the squad had described him as “a left-footed Van Dijk” when watching his performances on the pitch for the first-team.

Nsiala, though, has not been given a chance to build on that respectable start to his senior career with the Light Blues, as he has not played a single minute this season.

That is why Rohl should finally unleash the left-footed defender against Livingston if Cornelius is unavailable for selection, as he is a left-footed defender who has proven that he can perform in the Premiership.

Related Thelwell let Rangers star go for £0, now he'd walk into the XI over Aasgaard

This former Rangers star who was released by Kevin Thelwell would walk into the current team over Thelo Aasgaard.

Posts ByDan Emery Nov 18, 2025

The 21-year-old, given these new injury blows and Djiga’s disappointing form, deserves an opportunity to show that he can play a role for Rohl moving forward, starting with the game on Saturday.

MatériaMais Notícias

Fluminense e São Paulo se enfrentam nesta segunda-feira (13), pela sexta rodada do Brasileirão, em partida que será marcada por ações em favor das vítimas das enchentes que afetaram o estado do Rio Grande do Sul.

continua após a publicidade

As melhores e mais variadas ofertas para o Brasileirão estão no Lance! Betting! Abra já a sua conta!

Em parceria com a Superbet, patrocinadora máster de ambas os clubes, os times entrarão em campo com a frase “Super Ajuda” no lugar da marca da casa de apostas. Após o confronto, a equipe carioca promoverá um leilão com os fardamentos utilizadas no duelo e destinará a renda para instituições de caridade.

Durante a partida, a patrocinadora vai doar as placas de publicidade à beira do gramado para divulgar ONG’s que arrecadam doações ao estado. Além disso, serão doadas mil cestas básicas e R$ 100 mil para a ONG “Ação da Cidadania”.

continua após a publicidade

Em momentos distintos na temporada, Fluminense e São Paulo se enfrentam pelo Brasileirão. Com apenas cinco pontos conquistados, a equipe comandada por Fernando Diniz se encontra na zona de rebaixamento da competição.

O clube paulista, por sua vez, segue invicto sob comando de Zubeldía e busca sua quarta vitória seguida na temporada. A bola rola a partir das 20h (de Brasília), no Morumbis.

continua após a publicidade

Tudo sobre

FluminenseFutebol NacionalSão Paulo