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أنهى ليفربول في اليوم الأخير من سوق الانتقالات الصيفية، صفقة التعاقد مع المهاجم السويدي الدولي ألكسندر إيزاك والتي تبلغ قيمتها 125 مليون جنيه إسترليني من نيوكاسل يونايتد، حيث وقع على عقد لمدة ست سنوات.

وعلى الرغم من نجاح ليفربول في إنهاء هذه الصفقة إلا أنه قد فشلت محاولات النادي للتعاقد مع مارك جويهي من صفوف كريستال بالاس في اللحظات الأخيرة من سوق الانتقالات، ويعود ذلك لفشل بالاس في تأمين التعزيزات الدفاعية الكافية.

وكان ليفربول قد اتفق مع كريستال بالاس على ضم جويهي مقابل 35 مليون جنيه إسترليني وقد سافر إلى لندن لإجراء الفحص الطبي وكان يستعد لتوقيع عقده الجديد لخمس سنوات.

وقد رفض رئيس كريستال بالاس ستيف باريش الموافقة على رحيل اللاعب بعد أن اختار إيجور جوليو ومانويل أكانجي الانتقال لأندية أخرى مما جعل جلاسنر يصر على ضرورة التعاقد مع مدافعين جدد قبل رحيل جويهي.

أقرأ أيضاً.. يويفا يستعد لتحقيق جديد في واقعة مباراة ليفربول وأتلتيكو مدريد المثيرة للجدل

وتحدث توم فيرنر رئيس نادي ليفربول في تصريحات عن ضم إيزاك وصفقة جويهي ونشرها الصحفي البريطاني “ديفيد أوكوب”: “في حالة نيوكاسل كان على ناديهم إيجاد بديل”.

وأضاف: “لقد ظننا أننا نمتلك عرضًا ماليًا رائعًا لكنه كان مرتبط بعقد لثلاث سنوات، كنا نشعر أننا تعاقدنا مع إيكتيكي ليكون مهاجماً وشعرنا أنه إذا نجح الأمر سيكون رائعاً وإذا لم ينجح سيظهر خيار آخر في النهاية، لم أكن أعرف شيئاً أكثر من وسائل الإعلام”.

وحول مارك جويهي كشف فيرنر: “ظننا أننا سنتعاقد معه من بالاس، بدأ ناديهم بشكل جيد جداً في المفاوضات، ولم يكن رئيسهم مستعد لخسارته مهما حدث”.

وحول تحقيق الانتصارات في ليفربول أتم تصريحاته: “الفوز يتطلب جهدا كبيرا وليس بفضل موهبة لاعب واحد، إيزاك سيكون رائعاً لكنه ليس المهاجم الوحيد في العالم”.

وحول الفارق بين آرني سلوت ويورجن كلوب كشف فيرنر: “أحترم في سلوت أنه يتطور أكثر في الشوط الثاني دون تقليل من كلوب”.

وعن ذكرى ديوجو جوتا رد فيرنر: “العائلة تحظى برعاية مالية جيدة، لقد كان جوتا شخص استثنائي محبوب ليس لأنه كان هداف بل لأنه كان طيب القلب، أجده فضولياً للغاية وعندما أتحدث معه كنا نتحدث كثيراً عن الألعاب وكان لديه فريق رياضات إلكترونية، كانت لديه روح فضولية مميزة جذبت الناس له وكان يتمتع بشعبية كبيرة بين زملائه في غرفة الملابس”.

وختم فيرنر: “لقد تعرض العام الماضي لبعض الإصابات الخطيرة لكنه لم يستسلم وركز على مساعدة النادي وكان يعلم أنه قادر على ترك بصمة إيجابية حتى لو لم يبدأ أساسياً في المباريات، لقد تواصلنا مع أرملته وإعلام عائلته أننا في ليفربول عائلة واحدة ونريد التأكد من حصولهما على رعاية مالية جيدة”.

Manchester City have dominated the Premier League for the best part of a decade, securing six titles in the last ten seasons, including a phenomenal four consecutive titles, from 2020-2024.

One area the Citizens have struggled in this season, however, is in the defensive department, conceding 40 goals already this term in their 29 games played, which is the same number of goals conceded as rivals Manchester United, who sit 13th in the league.

Rodri being out injured has played a huge factor in this, losing their protection in front of the defensive line, but the decline of Kyle Walker mixed with injuries to the likes of John Stones and Nathan Ake has left City light at the back at points this campaign.

Meanwhile, last season’s runners-up – Arsenal – have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this season, after also conceding the fewest in the league last term, showing their defensive quality over the past few years.

Arsenal's centre-back pairing

The Gunners had the best defensive record in the Premier League in the 2023/24 campaign, conceding just 29 goals in their 38 games played, averaging 8.5 shots conceded per game (2nd in the division) and finishing as the league runners-up.

So far this season, Arsenal have conceded 24 times in 29 games, again making them the most resolute defensive side in the league.

Much of this comes down to their rock-solid base in defence, with William Saliba and Gabriel, the French international making 27 appearances in the league this season, whilst the Brazilian international has also made 27 appearances in the league.

Comparing the two defenders’ underlying metrics this term, you can see how well they balance each other out, Gabriel offering more aerial prowess and box-defending traits to make blocks, whilst Saliba has a better recovery pace to make tackles and be progressive via carrying.

Manchester City spent a good deal of money in the January transfer window, and Pep could now have his very own answer to the Saliba and Gabriel partnership, with his new £63.4m duo.

Manchester City's own Gabriel & Saliba

In the January 2025 transfer window, Manchester City spent £33.8m on Lens starlet, Abdukodir Khusanov, whilst also paying around £29.6m for Palmeiras defender, Vitor Reis.

The former being 21 years old and the latter being 19 years old, gives City a new defensive foundation that could last a decade.

Much like Gabriel and Saliba too, Reis and Khusanov have traits to balance each other out, with Khusanov being more aggressive, having much more recovery speed and therefore being more involved in duels.

Indeed, the ex-Lens man has won 64% of his aerial duels in the Premier League so far, while averaging 4.5 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore.

Whereas, Reis provides more aerial ability and calmness on the ball, aiding Manchester City in their possession-based approach, with the South American starlet ranking in the top 15% of his peers for pass completion, across the last 365 days, as per FBref.

Khusanov has been given a quicker platform into Guardiola’s side, already making eight appearances for the club and scoring one goal. His blistering speed and tenacity to engage in duels has earned the 21-year-old high praise from Julien Laurens, labelling the young defender as “outstanding”.

Reis has only made two appearances for the first team since his arrival, but due to the teenager coming from the Brazilian League, Guardiola is likely looking to integrate Reis in a slower, more methodical manner, with the view of forming his very own Gabriel and Saliba in the years to come.

Their best signing since Haaland: Man City eyeing up "flawless" £100m star

Man City are looking to overhaul their midfield

By
Joe Nuttall

Mar 19, 2025

We at are proceeding as planned like the 2022 MLB season will begin more or less on time. I’ve attached the top 200 starters and 100 relievers by SIscore and included my stat projections for each player. This should help fantasy manager get a feel for each player's value for the 2022 draft season.

2022 Fantasy Baseball Rankings

Pitchers by SIscore

Updated: April 5, 2022
DOWNLOAD: EXCEL | VIEW AS WEB PAGE

MORE: Hitters by Position (Updated 4/5)

Top 200 starting pitchers

Manchester City have endured somewhat of a disappointing campaign in 2024/25, with any hopes of retaining their Premier League title out of the window with just eight games remaining.

Pep Guardiola’s side only remain in the FA Cup, but will face an in-form Nottingham Forest side, who have recently beaten them, to have any chance of ending the season on a high.

A rebuild is desperately needed at the Etihad this summer, with groundwork being done in January after the arrivals of Abdukodir Khusanov, Victor Reis, Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez.

However, if it is to continue this summer, the Spaniard will have to brutally part ways with numerous fan-favourites who have helped the club achieve the heights they have in recent years.

One of which could be set for a switch in the coming months, potentially cashing in at the right time and ending his eight-year stint in the Citizens’ first-team.

Real Madrid plot summer move for Manchester City star

According to Spanish outlet DefensaCentral, Real Madrid are keen on a summer move for City midfielder Bernardo Silva – a move that could kickstart any rebuild in Manchester.

The Portuguese international has been a regular in Guardiola’s side since his transfer from Monaco back in the summer of 2017, often being a dependable figure in their success.

However, with Bernardo turning 31 this summer and his deal expiring in 2026, it could provide the right time to part ways and allow for fresh blood at the Etihad.

The report states that the LaLiga giants are huge admirers of Silva and keen to make a move this window, but won’t pay over the odds given his age and contract scenario.

Whilst on the face of things, offloading a player who’s made 40 appearances this season may seem like a big call, the time has ultimately come for the next generation to stake their claim in the first-team.

Why City should look to sell Bernardo to Real Madrid this summer

There’s no denying that Silva has been a modern-day icon for City, racking up just shy of 400 appearances, and winning a total of 14 major trophies during his stint at the club.

However, despite his huge tally of outings this season, the midfielder, who’s valued at £46m by Football Transfers, has ultimately failed to match his usual high standards, with Guardiola needing to inject more energy into the heart of the side.

This summer could prove the last chance for the hierarchy to gain any money back on their investment, risking losing the “world-class” star, as labelled by Statman Dave, for nothing next January – with other clubs able to agree a pre-contract for his signature.

Games played

33

26

Goals & assists

15

6

Pass accuracy

90%

87%

Chances created

2.3

1.8

Dribble success

65%

52%

Duel success rate

50%

47%

Touches per 90

81

68

Gonzalez has already shown glimpses early on in his City career that he’s capable of being a key member for years to come, with a plethora of other young talent waiting in the wings.

Nico O’Reilly has demonstrated in recent weeks that he’s capable of stepping up to the plate, staking his claim for a regular starting role after notching two assists against Bournemouth – helping the club reach the next stage of the FA Cup.

Whilst the 20-year-old operated at left-back against the Cherries, he’s primarily a central midfielder, with Silva’s potential departure opening the door for him to thrive in his natural position.

As for James McAtee, he’s also waiting to get a consistent run in Guardiola’s side, only being restricted to substitute appearances within the Premier League this season.

However, the 22-year-old has still managed to notch two goals to date, showcasing he has the talent to become a regular should the Portuguese international depart in the coming months.

Whilst losing Silva would be a huge call, it’s one that is needed if the side are to return to the top of the English top division, needing new blood to take the side back to where they belong.

Investment from the hierarchy could help soften the blow, but it’s important that the manager hands the likes of O’Reilly and McAtee the opportunity to fulfil their potential at their boyhood outfit.

Pep may have just unearthed his new Raheem Sterling at Man City

Manchester City swatted a generally hopeless Leicester team aside 2-0 on Wednesday, but did Pep Guardiola find his new Raheem Sterling?

ByBen Gray Apr 3, 2025

The former USMNT star has pointed to the lack of quality coaches as the main reason why the U.S. struggles to develop world-class players

Gomez identifies coaching quality as the fundamental issue in U.S. player developmentAmerican soccer infrastructure and facilities exceed many countries producing elite talentCultural development gaps from early stages prevent technical and tactical growthGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

Former USMNT striker and current ESPN analyst Herculez Gomez addressed the persistent question of why the United States fails to produce world-class football players. Despite billions invested in facilities, youth academies, and professional infrastructure, Gomez argued that the coaching methodology at youth levels remains insufficient. He specifically highlighted that while the U.S. has built impressive stadiums and training facilities, the quality of coaching instruction at formative ages is preventing young players from maximizing their potential.

“You look at the U.S., you don’t have great coaches,” Gomez said on . “So you could have all the resources, all the material in the world you need but if you don’t have the methodology to mold these players, you’re not going to have a player like Lamine Yamal who at 15 is debuting at Barca, 16 playing his first Euros, 17 is probably the front-runner for the Ballon d’Or.

He added, “You’re not going to have that because here at 15, you’re maybe getting approached to go to Europe. At 16, you can finally be in Europe; that’s when you can legally be there. At 16, 17, you’re stepping out into the first team [like Pulisic] and that’s the most accelerated examples I can go with. You don’t have that [in the U.S.], so it goes back to coaching, that’s why you don’t have and never had a world-class player, or probably are going to lack for world-class players because you don’t develop them."

AdvertisementWHAT HERCULEZ GOMEZ SAID

Gomez further touched on the fact that part of the reason is also cultural because a lot of world-class talent starts young and is mostly started by their family because football is part of their lives. He admits that that isn’t the case in America and it needs to change for the U.S. to produce a world-class star.

“That’s not per se what happens here. So if it’s not cultural and you don’t have the methodology, your behind in that resource which is the greatest resource of all, who gives a sh*t what the stadium looks like? Or the grass is like, or what kind of gear you have, or what kind of sensors they put on your chest that measures how much you run?! But that’s what I’m saying, you don’t have that [culture and methodology] and if you don’t have that, it’s very, very difficult to be put with the rest of the world.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The United States has made significant strides in football over the past two decades, with MLS academies, youth development programs, and improved professional pathways. However, Gomez's critique points to a deeper issue that resources alone cannot fix: the cultural understanding of the game that informs coaching philosophy. South American and European countries have produced generation after generation of elite players through consistent teaching methodologies that emphasize technical skill and tactical awareness from the earliest ages.

Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

The U.S. Soccer Federation has recently expanded its coaching education programs and invested in bringing international expertise to influence American coaching methods. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, there will likely be increased scrutiny on these efforts to improve coaching quality at youth levels.

MatériaMais Notícias

da 888： Em meio ao início da temporada, o Botafogo recebeu sondagens por um jogador importante de seu elenco. Trata-se de Jeffinho, que despertou interesse depelo menos um da Inglaterra e outro da Alemanha. O atacante encerrou o último ano como titular da equipe comandada pelo português Luís Castro. A informação foi divulgada pelo portal ‘ge’.

+ Veja as novidades do Botafogo no mercado da bola

No entanto, John Textor, dono da SAF alvinegra, pretende emprestar o atacante ao Lyon, equipe que adquiriu recentemente, para não correr o risco de perder definitivamente o atleta para outro clube. O bilionário quer que o jogador continue a se desenvolver no futebol em um clube daEagle Holding, empresa do norte-americano. O interesse da equipe francesa foi divulgado pelo periódico”L’Équipe”.

RelacionadasBotafogoBotafogo divulga lista de relacionados para o clássico contra o FluminenseBotafogo28/01/2023BotafogoPiazon reconhece incômodo por cobranças da torcida do Botafogo e projeta clássico contra o FluminenseBotafogo27/01/2023BotafogoLuís Castro opta pela rodagem do elenco, e Botafogo tem dois tempos distintos na vitória sobre o MadureiraBotafogo26/01/2023

da fezbet： No momento, o Glorioso não recebeu uma oferta formal, porém a sondagem contou com os valores pedidos por um desses clubes. A diretoria alvinegra aguarda a proposta oficial para definir os próximos passos. As conversas para um possível empréstimo ao clube francês ainda não foram debatidas com o estafe do atleta, de 23 anos.
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Cabe salientar que a janela do futebol europeu fecha no dia 31 de janeiro, na próxima terça-feira. Com isso, a negociação precisa ser agilizada caso o atleta realmente deixe o Botafogo rumo ao futebol do Velho Continente.

+ Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Carioca

Segundo o portal francês, o Lyon busca alternativas para o lado esquerdo de ataque. O meio-campista Romain Faivre está acertando seu empréstimo ao Lorient e o atacante Toko Ekambi foi para o Rennes, também emprestado.

Contratado junto ao Resende para atuar no time B, Jeffinho deu conta do recado e chamou atenção de Luís Castro ao ser testado no time principal em virtude de desfalques. Dessa forma, tornou-se titular absoluto do time em 2022 e foi uma das grandes revelações do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Com a camisa do Glorioso, disputou 26 partidas, marcou dois gols e deu três assistências e ajudou a equipe a garantir uma vaga na Copa Sul-Americana. No fim do ano passado, participou do ‘Jogo das Estrelas’, organizado por Zico, e sofreu uma lesão. Ainda não conseguiu se recuperar para fazer sua estreia em 2023.

da dobrowin： A recent comment from Eddie Howe made in a meeting with Yasir Al-Rumayyan has now made the Newcastle United chairman and board ready to spend big this summer, according to a new report.

Newcastle chasing new centre-back and forwards

da blaze casino： The Magpies are firmly in the fight to finish in the top four this season, and returning to Europe’s biggest club competition could mean Newcastle have more money to spend and a better ability to attract top players in the transfer market this summer.

Newcastle’s next five fixtures

Brighton (FA Cup)

Home

West Ham

Away

Liverpool (League Cup)

n/a

Brentford

Home

Leicester City

Away

Despite still having a lot to play for this season, plans have already started for the summer, with Howe keen on adding in numerous positions to his squad. One position they want to strengthen is defence, and they have been linked with a move for former Chelsea man Kalidou Koulibaly – PIF are said to be considering using their Saudi Arabia links to their advantage.

As well as a defender, the Magpies are also looking at adding to their forward line. It was reported last week that Newcastle have joined the race to sign Tammy Abraham from Roma. The striker is currently on loan at AC Milan but has failed to earn a regular starting role. As a result, he could soon be leaving Italy, and the Magpies are among the Premier League teams interested in a possible deal.

Related PIF now considering Newcastle move to sign "strong" £553k-p/w star for Howe

He could make a return to European football…

Posts 1 ByTom Cunningham Feb 23, 2025

But Abraham is not the only forward that is on their radar, as according to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are considering a move to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta. Paul Mitchell has sent officials to keep a close eye on the player, with the Italian side open to doing business for around £54 million. However, the Magpies face competition to secure Lookman’s signature, as Manchester United are also interested in a deal.

Howe pushes Newcastle board to green-light spending

The Magpies may not need to choose between Abraham or Lookman, as according to The Chronicle, Howe and Newcastle have been given the go-ahead by PIF to spend big in the summer transfer window.

The report states that Howe spoke to Al-Rumayyan, Mitchell, and CEO Darren Eales this week to discuss plans for the summer. Howe raised concerns about the current Newcastle squad, stating it had gone “stale”, and that has led to a green light to spend money this summer.

It is unclear how much Howe will be given to spend, but some observations have been made that he could get between £80-100 million, though that number would presumably rise with any sales.

The Magpies have players such as Matt Targett, Jamaal Lascelles and Callum Wilson coming to the end of their contracts, meaning they will need to be replaced first of all, and Miguel Almirón’s exit leaves the right-hand side of attack short, with Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz thought to be a target there.

With the centre-back, right-wing and striker positions all in need of additional youth, depth and quality, Howe being given the permission to spend big this summer – with the possibilty of elite European football to offer as well – will lead to an exciting window for Magpies fans.

Southern Brave overwhelmed after fifties from Allen, Vince and Conway lead them to 196 for 1

Alan Gardner26-Aug-2023Manchester Originals ransacked their way to the highest successful run-chase in the men’s Hundred on a night of boundary-fuelled belligerence at the Kia Oval, sweeping past a seemingly intimidating target set by Southern Brave with seven wickets and four balls to spare. Jos Buttler was at his imperious best, striking 82 off 46, and although he wasn’t there at the end, victory was sealed in fitting style as Jamie Overton crashed Chris Jordan high over long-off.Brave looked to have shrugged off the disadvantage of losing the toss and being inserted, following a delay for mopping-up after rain washed out the women’s eliminator, becoming the first side to record three individual half-centuries in a 100-ball innings. Finn Allen set the initial tempo with 69 off 38, before James Vince added a 24-ball fifty during the closing stages; Devon Conway was neat and tidy in between times to anchor the innings with an unbeaten 51 off 38.But as Originals set about their chase in ruthless fashion, it immediately called into question whether Brave had spent their batting resources wisely. Phil Salt’s first three balls all went to the boundary – albeit two of them were thick edges between slip and gully – as he hammered five fours and two sixes from 14 powerplay deliveries, Originals posting 61 without loss.The scoring rate only went up with the fielding restrictions off. Buttler, whose one miscue came from his second ball when he just cleared cover running back, hammered Craig Overton for his first six down the ground before Salt drilled two more brutal hits in a set costing 21. Salt fell to his next ball to depart for an incendiary 47 off 17, Vince roaring in celebration after scooping a low catch in the covers as Mitchell Santner’s introduction paid off – but Buttler kept the pressure on by hitting Santner into the crowd before new batter Max Holden carved and scooped George Garton for sixes from his fourth and seventh balls.Originals had raced to 100 from 41 balls, equalling their own record from the 2022 edition, and they were 115 for 1 at halfway. The carnage continued for Brave’s seamers as Jordan was struck for 17 in the next set, Buttler bringing up a 26-ball half-century, and the Originals captain took back-to-back boundaries off Tymal Mills before the competition’s leading wicket-taker ended Holden’s cameo with a slower delivery.Buttler’s calculated assault continued as he crashed Rehan Ahmed for two more sixes during a run of ten consecutive balls from the teenaged legspinner, at the end of which Originals needed 26 from 20. The requirement was down to 17 when Buttler finally top-edged one into the night sky to be held by the scrambling Rehan and Laurie Evans’ emphatic blow into the crowd off Mills kept Originals on course.Buttler, England’s white-ball captain, has been a vocal backer of the tournament in recent days and extended his lead at the top of the run-scoring charts. This has been his first full season of involvement and he will now lead Originals out at Lord’s against Oval Invincibles on Sunday, looking to go one better than the side did in his absence last year.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Following the abandonment of the early game, and with the threat of more rain interrupting proceedings in south London, Buttler had no hesitation asking Brave to set a target. He admitted afterwards to being a “bit disappointed” with his side’s effort with the ball – which included conceding 20 extras – but added: “Once we got that momentum it was hard to stop us.”There was swing and seam movement for the Originals new-ball pair of Richard Gleeson and Josh Little, but although the Brave openers only managed four scoring shots in the first 15 balls, they still had 24 on the board through a combination of leg byes and wides – which had increased to 37 without loss after the powerplay.Allen’s first boundary came off a thick edge over slip, and he then needed assessing by the physio after playing a rolling ramp shot straight into the grille of his helmet. He launched Little for a sweetly struck six over deep midwicket, while Conway got going by chipping his fourth ball over cover for four, but there were few other examples of timing during a scratchy start.After back-to-back boundaries in the eighth set, Allen then took Calvin Harrison for four and six, followed by another straight smash over the ropes off Zaman Khan to bring up a 31-ball half-century and put Brave on the front foot at the halfway stage of their innings on 84 for none. Harrison was again targeted in the 12th, as both Allen and Conway cleared the ropes in a set that cost 20. But two balls after hammering Paul Walter over long-on for his fifth six, bringing up a record opening stand for the competition, Allen was finally removed attempting to reverse-scoop and feathering a catch behind.That was to be Originals’ only breakthrough with the ball, but they nevertheless managed to keep on top of the scoring. Vince also made a slow start, eking out six runs from his first ten balls, but a flicked six off Zaman seemed to bring him to life. Off his next 12 balls, Brave’s captain smoked 40 runs, with Originals paying the price for missing the cut-off and only being allowed four men out for the final 11 deliveries.Conway had batted throughout the innings without ever dominating, reaching a 37-ball fifty during the final set, as Brave notched the highest Hundred total at The Oval – only for Buttler’s men in black to produce an extra-terrestrial response.

You might think West Indies are no match for India in their upcoming Test series, but that might not be the case at all

Alagappan Muthu09-Jul-2023West Indies may be back-sliding in limited-overs cricket, but their Test-match game is still on point. Especially at home. Since the last time India came for a visit in August 2019, West Indies have played five series and lost only one of them.They have been pushed to the limit, such as in the one-wicket win over Pakistan, and have pushed others to their limit, like against Bangladesh when they made 408 in the first innings and needed just 13 more to complete victory.India’s tour is likely to be defined by how well West Indies’ bowlers are able to hold India’s batters in check and with that in mind, here are five of their best – bowlers, batters, allrounders – who will be keen to step up and lift the gloom that has fallen over this once-great empire.Related

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WI recall Cornwall, Warrican for first India Test; McKenzie called-up

Brathwaite on India Tests: 'It will all come down to execution'

Kemar RoachHe just turned 35. And yet, over a quarter of the wickets he has ever taken at home have come over these past four years: 47 out of 180 at an average of 21.3 and strike rate of 45.4. There’s fine wine and then there’s the leader of this West Indies bowling attack. Roach’s ability to still find ways to be useful despite injuries taking his pace away is an inspiration to fast bowlers worldwide, and his bit – going wide of the crease to get the outside edge – never gets old.Jason HolderThe old-ball specialist. Everybody else gets a go when there’s better chance of taking wickets. But once that’s done and there’s no more help on offer, it’s time to bring in big Jase because he can maintain a line and length and keep the runs down. Holder has clocked 282.5 overs for West Indies in home Tests since September 2019, second only to Roach, and 252 of them have been as a change bowler. Even though he is at his most threatening when he gets movement off the pitch, and that typically happens when that red cherry is still nice and shiny. The only other people who make a living by getting put in such unpleasant situations so often are mothers, teachers and magician’s assistants.Kraigg Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood: one old-school, the other quick-scoring•Getty ImagesAlzarri JosephSince the world is yet to catch up with the science in and human male footwear only lifts a person some two inches off the ground, when this guy goes for the bouncer, you better be wary. Joseph is the enforcer of this bowling attack. Since September 2019, he has bowled 1500 balls in home Tests, and almost half of them (739) of them have been short of a good length or just plain short. They’ve secured 14 of his 28 wickets in this period, and also enable the other strength he has: when he goes fuller, he gets movement off the pitch, and once he has softened his opponent up, the chances of getting an outside edge increase.Jermaine BlackwoodBack in 2016, he was averaging 40-plus while striking at 60-plus. It was as if his penchant for driving on the up did not come with any consequences. And then it did. His high-risk method led to some low-value shots, and he was left out of the team. “Being dropped helped me to go back and work on my game and my mental space,” he said in 2020 before adding he had found a new way forward. “To bat as long as possible.” Virat Kohli helped him out there apparently. “He just said, ‘What will you do when you score a century? How many deliveries did you face?’ I said I faced 212 balls. He said, ‘That’s it, once you can bat some balls, you’re going to score runs’. So I took a big thing from that.” Blackwood still scores pretty quickly – a career strike rate of nearly 55 – but it’s just one of his strengths now as opposed to being his only strength.Kraigg BrathwaiteHe is West Indies’ batting. He is the reason they work in Test cricket. Without his runs, without the time he spends in the middle, allowing others to do their thing, without his stubbornness, there is nothing. Brathwaite is quirky. He gets squared up. A lot. He gets beaten. A lot. He would sooner bite the cricket ball than drive it on the up. His best shot is the most unobtrusive one in the entire game. The flick. And yet, this hard-nosed, old-school opener stands on the shoulders of giants. He is No. 4 on the list of West Indians to have faced the most balls in Test cricket, well above Sir Viv Richards and Gordon Greenidge and Chris Gayle. That batting crease out there, that’s his home.

But for Virat Kohli’s relentless run accumulation, Rohit’s numbers would be unmatched. Even so, he has managed some staggering feats over the years

Gaurav Sundararaman30-Oct-2018If it was Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar in Tests, it is Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODIs. The common strand is that the former was overshadowed by the latter. Since the time Rohit was pushed up to open the batting in ODIs in 2013, he has been a different player. If not for Kohli, Rohit could have staked his claim to being the best batsman in the ODI format. His consistency and ability to rack up the big scores put him well ahead of other openers. Over the years, his Test performances haven’t mirrored his ODI exploits, but his recent form in the 50-over format has been so impressive that it has won him yet another opportunity to prove his credentials in Test cricket. A more detailed look at his ODI numbers show just how extraordinary Rohit has been over the last five years.Ishita Mazumder/ESPNcricinfo Ltd Inflection PointAt the end of his 100th ODI, Rohit had scored 2480 runs, averaging 31.79, and had scored two centuries. In comparison, Tendulkar had 3146 runs at an average of 36.58, with four centuries.