Former Pakistan batter Zaheer Abbas also part of ten-member committee, appointed for four months
Umar Farooq06-Jul-2023
The PCB’s board comprises ten members nominated by the prime minister•Getty Images
To resolve the ongoing legal disputes in various courts that have caused a hold-up in the PCB election process, the prime minister of Pakistan has approved a new ten-member management committee headed by Zaka Ashraf for a period of four months*.The PCB elections for the next board chairman were due to be held on June 27, but a number of writ petitions filed by former management committee members in various high courts in the country challenging the composition of the governing board led to them being postponed indefinitely.The Balochistan High Court, without hearing the other party, issued a stay order and adjourned the hearing until July 17, causing a major stir in the functioning of PCB. The ministry for inter-provincial coordination (IPC), in its summary to the prime minister who is also the patron-in-chief of the PCB, cited that the numerous litigations which may hinder the smooth functioning of the PCB are due to the “inefficiency” of Ahmed Shehzad Farooq Rana, the incumbent election commissioner of the PCB.Related
High Court issues stay order against PCB chairman elections
PCB writes to government for travel clearance for ODI World Cup
Najam Sethi pulls out of race to be PCB chairman
The ministry wrote that “given the litigations, and in the wake of imminent International Cricket events & major decisions at International Council of Cricket, and to ensure seamless and efficient management at the helm of PCB, proposes the constitution of a new Management Committee for a period of four months as a measure to remove the difficulties arising out of the current scenario… Ministry is of the considered view that Rana may be removed from his position, and Mahmood Iqbal Khakwani, Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan, may be appointed as new Commissioner of PCB”.The PCB’s board comprises ten members: four regional representatives, four representatives from services, and the two members nominated by the prime minister. These members will conduct a vote to determine the next chairman. Historically, it is the prime minister’s appointment to the PCB board of governors who becomes the chairman for a three-year term, and Ashraf, the overwhelming favourite at a time, was all set to become chairman.The legal issues began after Najam Sethi pulled out of the race to become the next PCB chairman. Soon after he made way for Ashraf to take over, several of Sethi’s associates, who were part of his interim set-up, went to court to file writ petitions, thus creating a legal wrangle.Sethi had been heading the interim management committee that had been running the PCB since last December, but its tenure ended on June 20. The committee had a mandate to carry out the election according to the PCB’s 2014 constitution, but the task was never completed.
India seamer impressed in short spell in 2023 season and is set to return for final five games
ESPNcricinfo staff18-Mar-2024
Jaydev Unadkat was in the wickets in his maiden season at Sussex•Getty Images
Jaydev Unadkat, the India left-arm seamer, will return to Sussex for the final five games of their 2024 County Championship campaign.Unadkat played the most recent of his three Tests against West Indies in Trinidad in July last year, whereupon he joined Sussex for the final portion of their first-class season. He featured in three of their final four County Championship games, taking 11 wickets at 24.18 to help Sussex to a third-place finish in Division Two.His best performance came against Leicestershire on his home debut at Hove, where he overcame an ankle injury to return figures of 6 for 94 in the second innings to seal Sussex’s third win of the campaign, by just 15 runs.”It was at Hove last season when we won a last-day thriller against Leicestershire, that gave me a sense of belongingness to county cricket, and to Sussex as my home,” Unadkat said.”When Farby [head coach, Paul Farbrace] offered me a contract this season for the last leg of the championship, I was sure I wanted to come back and hopefully win games with the guys.”While my first county season was good, I can’t wait to be back and push for that promotion this summer which everyone at Hove is rooting for!”Farbrace added: “We are all delighted that Jaydev is returning to The 1st Central County Ground for the final five Championship matches of the coming season.”Jaydev lived up to the expectation that not only would he show his class on the field, but he would also be a fantastic person and be part of what we are all trying to achieve.”Jaydev is a lovely guy who did everything he could to help our players and share his fantastic knowledge.”
Higgins was the latest to cash in on a docile surface that has seen just eight wickets across 286 overs
ECB Reporters Network07-Apr-2024
Higgins remains unbeaten on 127 heading into the final day•Getty Images
Middlesex 460 for 5 (Higgins 127*, Stoneman 97, Carlson 2-89) trail Glamorgan 620 for 3 dec by 160 runsRyan Higgins struck the eighth first-class hundred of his career to steer Middlesex towards the safety of a draw on day three of their high-scoring encounter with Glamorgan at Lord’s.The all-rounder, in his second spell with the Seaxes, made the most of a benign Lord’s pitch to plunder an unbeaten 127 and enable the hosts, faced with the scoreboard pressure of Glamorgan’s steepling first innings score of 620 for 3, to move to the verge of avoiding the follow-on with their impressive reply of 460 for 5.He was ably assisted by wicketkeeper Jack Davies who made 60, the pair sharing a fifth-wicket stand of 153 having come together with their side still almost 350 runs in arrears. Their efforts came after Mark Stoneman fell three shy of a century.The home side’s total marked the first time they had registered 400-plus in a first-class match at Lord’s since mustering 485 against Sussex in July 2022.Glamorgan’s bowlers stuck manfully to the task throughout the day, on a track offering them nothing and with a Kookaburra ball which quickly went soft, Kiran Carlson becoming the first bowler in the match to take more than one wicket, returning 2 for 89.Docile surface or not, Middlesex began the day 138 for 1, a daunting 482 runs in arrears and they might have lost Stoneman in the first over had a shy at the stumps from an unnecessarily risky single resulted in a direct hit.Thereafter, he and the other overnight batter Max Holden were unperturbed, the latter moving smoothly to 50. However, with his hundred beckoning Stoneman mistimed a drive and found only the hands of cover, ending a stand of 120.As so often with large partnerships when one player falls the other quickly follows and while Stoneman’s departure could be put down to batter error, Holden fell to a well-executed plan, turning a ball off his hip into the hands of a judiciously placed Colin Ingram at leg-slip.At 202 for 3, there would still have been jitters for a Middlesex side who managed only five batting points in the whole of their 2023 campaign which ended in relegation.However, as so often in that campaign it was a case of Higgins being the man to step up, he and debutant Leus De Plooy seeing them through to lunch without further loss.Glamorgan took the new ball on the resumption and their hopes rose again when De Plooy’s innings was cut short on 37 by one from Mir Hamza which did just enough to beat the bat and trap him in front.If the Welsh county sensed a door opening, Higgins and Davies joined forces to slam it shut. Higgins drove and cut with authority, mixing aggression with controlled defence to pass 50 for the 27th time in his career and he was within sight of three figures by tea.Davies, given the nod to fill the shoes of wicketkeeping legend John Simpson – now at Sussex – over teammates Robbie White and Joe Cracknell, provided staunch support and reached his second first-class 50 early in the evening session.Higgins had a bigger milestone in mind racing through the nineties with an exquisite straight drive before punching one to the short boundary at mid-wicket to score his second hundred in Middlesex colours and his first at the Home of Cricket.Davies would fall six short of a new career-best when Carlson picked him up lbw but by then the hosts were within 45 of the follow-on mark.Higgins though remains and with only 11 needed to avoid being asked to bat again the honours seem destined to be shared ahead of day four.
During his first few months in charge of Manchester United, boss Ruben Amorim hasn’t been afraid of coming up with out-of-the-box ideas to push the side in the right direction.
His first major call was to unleash Amad Diallo in a wing-back role, seemingly getting the best out of the Ivorian – notching an assist within the first couple of minutes of the clash with Ipswich Town in the manager’s first game at the helm.
Before his injury setback, he notched 11 combined goals and assists under the 40-year-old, with the switch evidently taking his career to the next level at Old Trafford.
He also utilised midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine against Crystal Palace back in February, but such a move wasn’t as successful, with the youngster withdrawn in the 70th minute and unable to get on the scoresheet.
Amorim’s latest switch certainly caught the eye in midweek, nearly having the desired effect, with a future in such a role a possibility given his showing against Nottingham Forest.
Harry Maguire’s stats as a striker against Nottingham Forest
With United a goal down against Nuno Espírito Santo’s men with just two minutes remaining, the manager turned to Harry Maguire to try and get his side out of trouble.
The centre-back caused havoc within the final third after his introduction, registering three efforts on goal despite playing for less than 10 minutes, including stoppage time.
Harry Maguire
One of his shots was destined to trickle into the back of the net, but Murillo’s goal-line clearance prevented the 32-year-old from getting himself on the scoresheet.
He also managed to win 100% of aerial duels, with his xG of 0.60 higher than that of Rasmus Hojlund’s combined tally from his last nine outings as the Red Devils’s centre-forward.
Had Maguire found the back of the net, it would’ve been a masterstroke from the boss, but his display certainly made him a viable option going forward, with Amorim needing to make a similar bold call with another first-team member.
Amorim could now relocate Man Utd's "monster"
With just a couple of months until the summer transfer window, the boss doesn’t have long until he can make the additions he wants to help the side climb up the Premier League table in 2025/26.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimreacts
However, the period between now and then will give him the opportunity to trial run numerous players in new positions to try and get a grasp on what’s needed when the window opens.
Noussair Mazraoui is one player who could swap roles in the next few games, with the Moroccan international previously operating in an unfamiliar role this season.
During the previous reign of Erik ten Hag, the Dutchman opted to feature the full-back in a number ten role in the Europa League clash with Fenerbahçe back in October.
Whilst it was seen as a strange move, the 27-year-old, who earns £135k-per-week, managed to produce an admirable display, opening the door to Amorim utilising the defender in a similar role in his 3-4-2-1 system.
Noussair Mazraoui’s stats against Fenerbahçe at CAM
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
90
Touches
64
Passes completed
39/47 (83%)
Shots on target
1
Accurate long balls
3/4 (75%)
Tackles won
2/4 (50%)
Defensive actions
9
Stats via FotMob
Mazraoui, who’s previously been labelled a “monster” by journalist Dylan Penketh, managed to register a total of 64 touches and managed to win 50% of his tackles – having the skillset in both areas to impress.
On the face of it, such a call may seem like an outrageous decision, but given the lack of form from other players in the final third, it may be something which the 40-year-old could implement.
He’s shown he’s not been afraid to make a huge call with players in the past, with Mazraoui operating in a more attacking position, potentially his next role of the dice in the North West.
Best signing since Bruno: Man Utd prepare bid for "frightening" £60m star
Man Utd are already stepping up their summer transfer plans, according to the latest reports
Goalkeeper Rob Green joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer of 2016, linking up with the Whites during the latter years of his professional career.
The now-retired 45-year-old featured in every single Championship outing during his only season as a player at Elland Road – catching the eye with his performances between the sticks.
He kept 15 clean sheets, the joint-third highest of any player in the division, but was unable to propel the side into the play-offs as they finished in seventh place.
Green would depart at the end of the 2016/17 season, with the club struggling to replace the former international after his departure – leading to their current goalkeeping situation.
However, this summer, boss Daniel Farke has the opportunity to end the goalkeeping situation, already targeting a move for one player when the window opens in a couple of months.
Leeds targeting move for PL goalkeeper
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are plotting a summer move for Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who’s currently spending the season on loan at French side Strasbourg.
The 25-year-old cost the Blues £14m back in the summer of 2023, but has failed to break into the first-team given the added investment from the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.
The report claims that the Premier League outfit won’t consider any moves for the Serbian until the summer, giving boss Enzo Maresca a chance to evaluate the goalkeeping situation.
However, the Whites remain on red alert over a potential move in the summer, but it’s unclear whether any deal would be on a temporary or permanent basis.
Given Petrovic’s form in Europe this campaign, he would be a stellar addition to Farke’s side, certainly providing an upgrade on one player plying his trade in Yorkshire.
Why Petrovic would be an upgrade on Meslier for Leeds
Illan Meslier has been Farke’s first choice for Leeds between the sticks this season, a decision that may come back to bite the club come the end of the season.
The Frenchman has dropped numerous clangers throughout 2024/25, producing two errors in the most recent outing against Swansea City – with the side dropping two points as a result.
He’s also been accountable for various mistakes against the likes of Sunderland, Portsmouth and Hull City, with all of his failures taking multiple points away from their tally.
Promotion is undoubtedly still the aim for the Whites, but it’s safe to say that they would already have one foot in the Premier League if it wasn’t for the 25-year-old’s blunders.
Regardless of what division they find themselves in next season, reinforcements are desperately needed, with Petrovic providing the perfect upgrade on Meslier.
The Chelsea loanee, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior, has managed to make more saves per 90, whilst also having a higher xG prevented – showcasing his shot-stopping ability.
He’s also managed to achieve a higher pass completion rate this campaign, more than capable of building attacks from the back should Farke demand that from the ‘keeper.
How Petrovic compares to Meslier in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Petrovic
Meslier
Games played
24
39
Goals conceded
29
27
Saves made
3.6
1.6
Shots on target faced
4.8
2.3
Pass accuracy
81%
79%
xG prevented
0.3
-2.7
Stats via FBref
Whilst it remains unclear how likely a move for Petrovic will be this summer, it’s evident that he would provide the quality between the sticks the side has been devoid of this campaign.
Regardless of whether a deal is completed for the 25-year-old, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy back Farke in the market, handing him the funds to finally replace Meslier.
If the club were to achieve promotion in the next few weeks, his mistakes would be even more costly in the top-flight, with his errors undoubtedly pushing the Whites closer to an immediate return – especially considering the unforgiving nature of the Premier League.
The next Ben White: Leeds set to make bid for new "superstar" this summer
Leeds United are wasting no time in improving the squad ahead of the summer window.
With INEOS planning a summer rebuild, Manchester United are reportedly open to allowing a big-money transfer flop to depart this summer as Serie A giants Juventus set their sights on a bargain deal.
Man Utd's need for an attacking overhaul
Whilst Ruben Amorim’s backline has far from been secure throughout the opening period of his reign, his biggest problem arguably lies in attack. The Red Devils have lacked a clear presence for some time and have often been left to rely on Bruno Fernandes to light the spark of a dying flame at Old Trafford.
To put the struggles of Manchester United’s frontline into true context, as impressive as Joshua Zirkzee’s headed effort against Lyon was in midweek, it was just the seventh goal that the summer arrival has managed in all competitions this season.
Amorim will be well aware of the troubles that his frontline have faced in recent months, but that didn’t stop the Manchester United manager from heaping praise on both Zirkzee and Ramus Hojlund in midweek, telling reporters: “Sometimes the most important player in the game is the guys that come on during the game. So he did his job quite well.
“But again, Rasmus, especially during the first half, he did a lot of runs and pushed the team forward, in one moment that we were struggling to find the right moment to press the opponent. So he did his job. And then Josh did a great goal and also did a great job when he was inside of the pitch.”
Bye-bye Onana: Man Utd seriously interested in "incredible" English 'keeper
Onana had another evening to forget against Lyon.
ByTom Cunningham Apr 11, 2025
However, that praise may not be enough to prevent the changes that INEOS want to make this summer, as the exit door reportedly swings open for one particular player.
Man Utd open to selling Hojlund at discounted price
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Manchester United are now open to selling Hojlund at a £20m discount rather than recouping the £72m they paid to secure his signature in 2023.
As a result, Italian giants Juventus have been tentatively named as interested in a fresh swoop to sign the Dane over the coming months, in what could turn into a bargain should Hojlund realise his best form.
However, the strength of their rumoured interest is currently unknown as there has been no contact between the clubs, while Napoli have been credited with an interest in Hojlund in the past.
Manchester United's Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee (not pictured) are substituted on to replace RasmusHojlundand Manuel Ugarte
Priced at a reported €60m (£52m), Hojlund desperately needs a fresh start away from Manchester United and a summer switch to Juventus would offer exactly that. Given that he earns a reported £85,000 a week at Old Trafford, it should come as no surprise that INEOS are keen to show the door to what has been a major transfer flop.
Rasmus Hojlund at Man Utd
Stats (via Transfermarkt)
Appearances
85
Goals
24
Assists
6
Given their financial concerns, cashing in on the likes of Hojlund may well be a must for Manchester United this summer in what looks set to be an easier decision with every passing week.
Aston Villa sporting director Monchi has held talks over a move for a £10m+ player this week, according to a new update.
Villa transfer rumours heat up as Emery pushes for Champions League football
Unai Emery and his Villa side still have so much to play for between now and the end of the season as they look to qualify for the Champions League once again.
They put in an incredible second-leg display against Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals earlier this month, winning 3-2 at Villa Park, however, they were knocked out 5-4 on aggregate. Villa also have the chance to win silverware in the FA Cup, with a semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley this weekend.
Romano: Aston Villa star club are "happy" with could leave for right offer
He’s future at Villa Park isn’t guaranteed.
ByBarney Lane Apr 22, 2025
It promises to be a dramatic end to the campaign, and talking about Villa’s plans to get into Europe once more, Emery spoke after Villa’s Champions League exit.
“It is now most important to get Europe again. The most important competition is the Champions League. The challenge we have for the last six matches is to try and get Europe and the Champions League.The players showed their capacity to compete at this level. Hopefully we can come back quickly to play in the Champions League. This is our objective and to play in the FA Cup as well for a trophy.”
Should Villa qualify for the Champions League, it could help Monchi when it comes to summer signings. One of those heavily linked with a move to Midlands has been Rosenborg star Sverre Nypan. There have been claims that Villa have made an offer to sign Nypan in a deal that could be worth up to £12.5m, with Fabrizio Romano adding that the Villans are looking to win the race for the in-demand teenager.
Now, a new update has emerged on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Nypan.
Monchi holds new Aston Villa talks to sign Nypan
According to reports in Norway, relayed by Sport Witness, Monchi was spotted in Norway watching Nypan in a 2-0 win for Rosenborg over Valerenga.
Aston Villa's president of football operations, Monchi.
Monchi and scout Alberto Benito held talks with Nypan’s father before the match to discuss terms of a transfer, however, the Villa chief refused to comment when quizzed by newspaper Nettavisen at the hotel where he was staying.
Further developments are expected in the coming days or weeks when it comes to Villa’s move for Nypan, and by the looks of things, Villa could be getting a future star who is being likened to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.
Nypan’s stats for Rosenborg
Games
63
Goals
14
Assists
11
Norwegian football expert Jesper Mathisen said last year: “Sverre Nypan is extremely exciting. I get a bit of the same feeling as when I saw Martin Odegaard break through as a boy.”
Arsenal are reportedly nearing a potential agreement for one marquee transfer target this summer, with all parties on the same page when it comes to personal terms.
Arsenal urged to sign forward and replace Kai Havertz
Eyes are already cast on new sporting director Andrea Berta as the highly-rated chief gears up for his debut transfer window at N5.
£42m Chelsea target now privately imagining a transfer to Arsenal instead
The Gunners are emerging as favourites.
ByEmilio Galantini May 6, 2025
Mikel Arteta and the Gunners lost out on the Premier League title to Liverpool by some distance this season, and a few critics have blamed their failed challenge on Arsenal’s lack of a potent centre-forward.
Arsenal’s final Premier League games
Date
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
Gabriel Jesus enjoyed a real purple patch of form before his season-ending ACL injury, and Kai Havertz has put in some excellent displays in a makeshift striker role. However, neither man is seen as a guaranteed 20-plus goals-per-season style of forward for the long-term, with pundit Ally McCoist claiming Arteta is crying out for a prolific number nine up top.
“I think it’s a crying shame, actually,” McCoist said to talkSPORT earlier this year.
“The amount of games I’ve been at, particularly at the Emirates, and I see that ball flashing across the six-yard box. I think Havertz is an excellent footballer, I really do. But I think Havertz would score the same amount of goals whether he plays centre forward, number ten or comes off the side.
“I think he’ll get 10 goals, whereas a centre forward playing in that position gets you 20, 25 (goals).”
The signing of a striker is one of Arsenal’s top priorities for the summer, according to various reports, and a succession of high-profile names have already been linked with moves to the Emirates.
One of them is Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, who is widely expected to depart the Primeira Liga after yet another exceptional campaign. The Sweden international has scored 52 goals across 49 appearances in all competitions this term, and regardless of what league you play in, numbers like that are guaranteed to turn many heads.
Arsenal "edging closer to finalising" deal for Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres is a top target for Arsenal heading into the summer, with some reports claiming Berta is personally driving a move for the ex-Coventry City star (GiveMeSport).
Now, Football Transfers claim good progress is being made on a potential swoop, and Arsenal have scheduled fresh talks with Sporting, which will take place after the Portuguese Cup final later this month.
What’s more, it is believed Arsenal are “edging closer to finalising an agreement” for Gyokeres, with the Gunners and his camp “already aligned” on personal terms and the contract package he would receive in north London.
However, they’re yet to reach any agreement with Sporting themselves, prompting the imminent negotiations in late May. Rui Borges’ side are expected to demand a large chunk of Gyokeres’ transfer fee up front, though, or even the full amount.
The 26-year-old’s contract includes an £85 million release clause, and Portuguese news outlet A Bola recently reported that the presence of Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Bayern Munich and English rivals in the race for Gyokeres’ means Sporting could demand close to that figure.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
Arsenal may have to make Gyokeres one of their most expensive ever signings as a result, but he could well be worth the investment.
“I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: he brings a lot to the team, and his teammates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games,” said Borges about Gyokeres.
“The collective effort also plays a role, as no one can succeed alone. Viktor is a game-changer, and he will continue to be, whether with us or elsewhere. His quality is undeniable; it is phenomenal.”
Brighton & Hove Albion have now submitted an opening offer for one of “Europe’s best talents”, according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein.
Seagulls pursuing striker amid Pedro uncertainty
Joao Pedro has once again been among Brighton’s best players this season, having picked up ten goals and six assists in the Premier League, but the Brazilian’s performance levels mean he is now attracting the attention of some of England’s top clubs.
Chelsea and Newcastle United have most recently been named as potential suitors for Pedro, with Magpies legend Alan Shearer praising the striker earlier this season, and there is a feeling that an offer of £51m could be enough to get a deal over the line.
Joao Pedro celebrates for Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Seagulls are well-known for their model of buying talented youngsters, before selling them on for a major profit after developing at the American Express Stadium, and it looks as though Pedro’s potential replacement could fit that mould.
Everton and Brighton now "ready to make their move" to sign £17m midfielder
He would be a long-term addition in the middle of the park.
ByHenry Jackson May 16, 2025
Ornstein recently took to X to state that Brighton are pursuing a deal for Olympiacos striker Charalampos Kostoulas, who is regarded as one of “Europe’s best talents”, and they have now submitted an opening bid of £30m plus Abdallah Sima.
The bid is expected to be rejected by the Greek club, who clearly feel they can command a higher fee, given Kostoulas’ potential, but it remains to be seen whether Fabian Hurzeler’s side are willing to increase their offer.
"Powerful" Kostoulas could be Pedro heir
£30m is already a sizeable offer for the Olympiacos striker, given that he is just 17-years-old and unproven in a major league, but there are some signs that he could be a suitable heir for Pedro, having already started to make a name for himself at first-team level.
The Greek forward has seven goals to his name for the senior side, while also receiving high praise from football scout Ben Mattinson, who said: “He’s had a similar position journey as Morgan Rogers due to him being a very powerful ball carrying striker/winger with good link up play… leading to him becoming a #10.”
Much like Pedro, Mattinson indicates that Kostoulas specializes in setting up chances for his teammates, which could make him the perfect heir for the 23-year-old this summer, at which point Mattinson believes one of Hurzeler’s attackers may have to leave.
Of course, Brighton will be hoping to retain Pedro beyond the summer, as he has once again underlined his importance to the side this season, but should they be unable to retain the Brazil international, Kostoulas’ style of play indicates he could be an ideal replacement.
Tottenham Hotspur’s dismal Premier League campaign continued on Sunday when they were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace in front of their own supporters.
A double from England international Eberechi Eze, who scored either side of half-time, wrapped up the three points for the away side, who could have had even more.
Ange Postecoglou did, however, make a host of changes to his starting line-up, possibly to rest players ahead of the Europa League final later this month, but not many of those coming in advanced their claims for more minutes.
There were plenty of players who failed to step up and are now in danger of losing their place in the team, or of not getting another chance to impress in the coming weeks.
On the flip side, however, one player who has improved his chances of breaking into the starting line-up moving forward is goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, after his impressive display against the Eagles.
Why Antonin Kinsky has created a problem for next season
The Czechia youth international was brought into the side to give the number one, Guglielmo Vicario, a rest ahead of the Europa League final.
Signed from Sparta Prague in January, the shot-stopper already knows that he will not be in the team that faces Manchester United because he was not included in the squad for the Europa League for the knockout stages.
However, his performance against Crystal Palace showed that he has the quality to create a problem for Postecoglou next season, because he is good enough to challenge for the number one position in the Premier League.
Kinsky made eight saves and prevented 1.32 xG in the defeat to Palace, which shows that he prevented an absolute drubbing by the Eagles, and the youngster may feel like he did enough to at least make the manager think about him moving forward.
Vs Crystal Palace
Antonin Kinsky
Sofascore rating
8.9
Touches
50
Pass accuracy
68%
Saves
8
Goals prevented
1.32
Run-outs completed
1/1
High claims
2
Error led to shot or goal
0
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old star kept the scoreline down with a string of important saves, whilst also coming out to deal with balls in behind and crosses into the box, without making any errors.
Whereas, Vicario has made two errors that have led to shots and one error that has led to a goal in his last five appearances in all competitions, which shows that he has not been a reliable presence between the sticks of late.
This suggests that Kinsky has done enough to at least create doubt in Postecoglou’s mind for that position, as he could turn out to be a more reliable goalkeeper than the Italian heading into next season, which means that he could seriously challenge for the number one role.
On the flip side of that, Rodrigo Bentancur, who took even fewer touches (17) than Kinsky, was hooked at half-time in the defeat to Palace, and he should be ruthlessly ditched from the team by the Australian head coach.
Why Rodrigo Bentancur should be dropped
The former Juventus star was named in the starting XI after being left as an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with West Ham United in the last Premier League game, although he did feature from the start away at Bodo/Glimt.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Bentancur, however, failed to strengthen his case for a starting berth against Manchester United in the Europa League final as he put in a dismal first-half display that might put some doubt in the manager’s mind when it comes to selecting that vital line-up.
Vs Crystal Palace
Rodrigo Bentancur
Minutes
45
Touches
17
Pass accuracy
71%
Shots
0
Key passes
0
Tackles + interceptions
0
Duels won
1/4
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Uruguay international lost 75% of his duels and only completed 71% of his passes, which shows that he was loose in his use of the ball and struggled to keep up with the pace and physicality of the game out of possession.
Postecoglou opted to withdraw him from the match at the break, replaced by Yves Bissouma, and it is hard to argue with that decision when you look at what Bentancur did, or did not, offer in the opening 45.
The former Serie A star should, now, be ruthlessly ditched by Postecoglou for the trip to Aston Villa next time out in the Premier League, which will be the last match before the Europa League final.
That would then provide Bissouma with an opportunity to prove to the manager that he deserves to be in the starting XI for the final ahead of Bentancur.
The Mali international completed 87% of his passes and won three of his seven duels in the second half against Palace, which shows that he offered more in and out of possession than his teammate did in the opening 45.
Bissouma has greater athleticism in comparison to Bentancur and has the mobility to cover more ground and win more duels in the final against United, which is why Postecoglou should be concerned by the Uruguayan losing 75% of his duels against Palace.
As you can see in the clip against Brentford above, the former Brighton ace can start attacks with his ability to make recovery runs to win possession back for his side.
24/25 Premier League
Yves Bissouma
Rodrigo Bentancur
Appearances
26
24
Tackles per game
1.8
1.6
Dribbled past per game
0.6x
0.8x
Ground duels won per game
2.8
2.3
Ground duel success rate
51%
42%
Stats via Sofascore
As shown in the statistics above, Bissouma is better than Bentancur when it comes to being dominant in duels on the deck, as the ex-Juventus man has lost the majority of his ground duels in the Premier League.
It has also been an issue in the Europa League because Bentancur has been dribbled past 1.3 times per game on average, compared to Bissouma’s 0.3 times per match. This suggests that opposition midfielders find it harder to get by the Mali international, due to his strength in duels.
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Therefore, Postecoglou should drop the Uruguay international from the team for the clash with Villa to provide his midfield teammate with a chance to impress ahead of the final.