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Glasgow Rangers must find a way to get back on top in Scottish football after they missed out on the Premiership title for the fourth season running.

The Light Blues will finish second once again in the top-flight and held the champions to a 1-1 draw at Ibrox in the last Old Firm clash of the campaign on Sunday.

Cyriel Dessers, as you can see in the clip above, scored the only goal of the game for the Light Blues, but it was not a perfect performance by the Nigeria international.

Cyriel Dessers' performance against Celtic

The experienced centre-forward did incredibly well for his goal with a good run and touch to take Mohammed Diomande’s pass in and then showed strength to hold off Liam Scales before burying his finish past Viljami Sinisalo.

Unfortunately, though, Dessers did not show that strength for much of the game, as he lost all four of his ground duels and lost four of his five aerial battles.

The former Cremonese striker also completed just 53% (7/13) of his attempted passes in the match, which means that the forward struggled out of possession and with the ball at his feet outside of his goal.

Chalkboard

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

One player who was worse than the goalscorer, though, was attacking midfielder Nedim Bajrami, who should be ruthlessly ditched by the 49ers this summer.

Why Nedim Bajrami should be sold

The Albania international, who joined the club from Sassuolo last summer, was selected to start as part of the attacking set-up against the Hoops and was even worse than Dessers.

Barry Ferguson’s number nine, at least, scored the only goal of the game for the Light Blues to make up for the rest of his disappointing display. Whereas, Bajrami made little to no impact at the top end of the pitch in his time on the field.

As you can see in the table above, the Albanian forward did not create any chances or take any shots as Sinisalo’s goal, but did show some good fight to win all three of his duels.

This shows that he was even worse than Dessers because the Nigeria international made a telling contribution in front of goal and created one chance for the team, whilst the ex-Serie B ace offered nothing in that respect.

Ultimately, Bajrami is an attacking player who should be in the team to make things happen in the final third, and he has not done that consistently enough this season.

The 26-year-old flop has scored three goals and provided one assist in 38 appearances in the Premiership and the Europa League combined this term, including just two goals in 27 league matches for the club.

It is now down to the incoming owners and the new manager to ruthlessly move Bajrami on in the summer transfer window, after what has been an underwhelming debut season at Ibrox, because he has not proven that the quality is there for him to be a key player moving forward.

Their own Arne Engels: Rangers could land a "really exciting" signing

As Rangers look to strengthen this summer, could they make a loan move for a player who is being compared to Celtic’s Arne Engels?

By
Ben Gray

May 4, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have seemingly been offered the chance to sign a noteworthy Chelsea player this summer, and he could prove a very useful addition for Ange Postecoglou or his potential replacement next season.

Tottenham transfer plans amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

Spurs are on course for their worst ever Premier League season, resulting in uncertainty surrounding Postecoglou’s long-term future, and reports suggest the former Celtic boss could be shown his P45 regardless of their campaign in Europe (The Telegraph).

Tottenham: Levy now plotting surprise bid for "underrated" West Ham player

It would be a real head-turner.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 30, 2025

A succession of managerial candidates have been tipped to potentially succeed Postecoglou, but as technical director Johan Lange and Daniel Levy assess Spurs’ options in that regard, they must also begin preparations for the summer transfer window.

Tottenham are reportedly in the market for a forward, and have even been linked with a surprise move for West Ham star Jarrod Bowen this week.

Levy is apparently willing to bid around £51 million to sign Bowen for Spurs, even if this may not be anywhere near enough, but the England international isn’t their only rival player to be mentioned as a possible incoming in the last few days.

Christopher Nkunku holds talks to join Tottenham via agents

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to The Boot Room, £195,000-per-week Chelsea winger Christopher Nkunku is actively looking to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Frenchman, who’s actually scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, verbally agreed terms over a move to Bayern Munich in January (Florian Plettenberg), and looks set to be one of the many men sold or loaned out by Enzo Maresca’s side when the window reopens.

Bailey writes that, while a move to Europe is more likely, Nkunku’s camp have reached out for talks with Tottenham recently, as the ex-RB Leipzig sensation’s representatives attempt to offer him to a host of clubs.

“I am told that a move to Europe is the most likely option – but his people are touching base with clubs in England,” said Bailey.

“Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham have all been spoken to in the past few months. Chelsea want to recoup as much of their plus £50m outlay, but that looks difficult at this juncture.

“I am told the player is very happy in London, and so would a move to a Arsenal or Tottenham appeal? I believe it would but as it stands those options are not advanced – but Arsenal and Spurs both have an historic interest in the player. Both want a wide forward, so you could see the fit.

“There is interest back in Germany – Bayern Munich like him, a new deal for Leroy Sane doesn’t rule out them making a move but it is not pressing. Former club RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen also admire him.”

The versatile 27-year-old has displayed real quality on occasion since his switch to London, and was a revelation in the Bundesliga. However, this could prove to be a costly operation, especially for a price around £50 million, not to mention his lofty salary.

With Spurs in for a ‘sell to buy’ summer, as per The Telegraph, these factors may well deter Levy.

Everton have scouted a 6 foot 5 defender during this season, and they are now potentially interested in a deal that would cost them a relatively small fee, according to a recent report.

Moyes looking to strengthen Everton’s defence this summer

It is potentially a very exciting summer for the Toffees this year, as they end their long stay at Goodison Park and move into their new ground, where they hope it is the start of a new era for the football club.

Everton pushing to sign £12m ace who has told agent to get the deal done

Everton have turned their attentions to an attacking target who is keen on the move to the Premier League.

By
Brett Worthington

Apr 24, 2025

David Moyes’ arrival has really turned things around for Everton, and he will now be hoping he can be backed in the transfer window, bringing in players he thinks are perfect for what he wants to achieve next season and beyond.

One area of the team that Moyes appears keen to address is at the heart of his defence, as the Merseyside club continue to be linked with several centre-backs. Indeed, the Toffees have been linked with a shock move for Jarell Quansah from arch-rivals Liverpool. Quansah looks set to leave Liverpool, and Everton are the latest team to join the race to win his signature.

It then emerged on Wednesday that Everton are also looking at signing David Hancko from Feyenoord but face serious competition from teams such as Juventus, who have agreed personal terms with the defender, as well as Bayer Leverkusen and Atlético Madrid. Hancko would be a costly purchase for the Premier League side, as Feyenoord are looking to get £34 million for their player.

Everton now scouting Ghana international Jerome Opoku

Given the hefty price on Hancko, the Toffees are keeping their options open, and they may have a cheap alternative in mind. According to TEAMtalk, Everton have been scouting defender Jerome Opoku this season, and he could be available on the cheap.

The report states that Opoku has been watched while playing for Turkish outfit Basaksehir in this campaign. It is reported that the centre-back, who can also play as a left-back, is keen on a move back to the Premier League after coming through the academy at Fulham.

Opoku could be a player available for a low transfer fee with his contract ending in Turkey in the summer of 2027, and that may have a part to play. The 26-year-old stands at 6 feet 5 inches, meaning he would fit into what Moyes likes as a, tall, aggressive player who is commanding in both boxes.

Michael Keane looks set to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires, and talk of Jarrad Branthwaite leaving is still not going away, so Moyes will want to make sure he has options. Should Opoku, who was born in England but represents Ghana at the international level, move to the Premier League, he will have played in England, Denmark, Portugal, and Turkey during his short career so far, experience which would hopefully help him adjust quickly in new surroundings.

Over the last week, Liverpool have been strongly touted with a summer move to land Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, but would have to pay a fortune to secure his signature.

It’s been reported that the Reds are willing to pay £115m for his services, but the Magpies are demanding a staggering £150m to part ways with their star man.

Their interest in the Swedish international is hardly a surprise given his goalscoring record in 2024/25, notching 20 Premier League goals – sitting third in the top-scoring charts behind Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland.

However, the fee would make the 25-year-old the Reds’ most expensive player in their history, potentially pushing them closer to sustained success under Arne Slot.

It may be too much to fork out on one player this summer, potentially delving into the market to pursue other targets, with one other talent emerging on their shortlist.

Liverpool targeting move for £70m talent

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are targeting a summer move for West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen in an attempt to strengthen their forward line.

The 28-year-old has registered eight goals and five assists in his 27 league appearances this campaign, sitting as the Hammers’ top scorer during 2024/25.

It’s not the first time the Reds have been interested in landing the former Hull City star, after previously registering interest in his services in the transfer market over the past few years.

However, the recent report states that Bowen would be open to a move to Anfield this summer, with the prospect of winning trophies possibly taking his career to the next level.

Graham Potter’s side have previously placed a £70m price tag on his head, with a move for the England international potentially a better deal than any transfer for Isak.

Why Bowen would be a better signing than Isak for Liverpool

Whilst there’s no denying the quality of Isak and that he would improve the centre-forward department, other areas may be in need of investment this summer.

Contracts remain up in the air with just a couple of months left on the deals of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Salah, with none of the stars yet to put pen to paper over a new deal.

The latter is arguably the most important, especially when considering how crucial he’s been to the success endured under Slot during the Dutchman’s first year at Anfield.

The Egyptian international has registered 54 combined goals and assists in his 45 appearances across all competitions, helping the side sit top of the league table.

However, the 32-year-old is currently set to leave at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract, with no new deal agreed between the club and the forward.

Should he depart this summer, a new winger has to be the priority over a striker, with Bowen undoubtedly a more important signing than Isak should Salah depart on a free transfer.

When comparing the West Ham star’s stats with the Egyptian’s from 2024/25, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – showcasing how much of a superb signing he would be.

Bowen, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Ian Wright, may have been massively outscored by Salah, but has managed to achieve the same shot-on-target accuracy rate – highlighting his impressive nature in the final third.

He’s also managed to complete the same number of take-ons per 90, whilst also completing more crosses, potentially improving other players’ tallies around him – just as the 32-year-old has done on Merseyside this season.

Whilst keeping hold of Salah would undoubtedly be the preference for the supporters, Bowen has demonstrated that he has the tools to soften the blow should he depart in the coming months.

He may cost a pretty penny to prise him away from the London Stadium, but it would be a worthwhile deal, allowing Slot to kickstart the rebuild should it be needed during the off-season.

Their own KDB: Liverpool now expected to hold talks with "special" £87m ace

The Reds could get one over on Manchester City.

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 8, 2025

Highly rated Anderlecht midfielder Nathan de Cat has been urged to steer clear of a Premier League move despite rising interest from Tottenham, Aston Villa and Brighton. With Europe’s elite monitoring the 17-year-old, analyst Marc Degryse believes the starlet must develop in Germany before taking the leap to England, warning that an early step to the Premier League could stunt his long-term rise.

• De Cat invites interest from Tottenham and others

  De Cat’s breakout season at Anderlecht has sparked significant interest from Premier League sides, particularly Tottenham, who are reportedly pushing hard to sign the 17-year-old in January. The midfielder has become a key figure domestically, impressing with his maturity, defensive intelligence and control of possession, which has led to speculation that a major move could arrive sooner than expected. Despite this attention, close observers in Belgium insist the timing and destination of his next step will be crucial to his long-term development.

  At present, Anderlecht are believed to be open to a transfer if a substantial offer arrives, even though their official stance remains that he is tied to the club until 2027. Interest is not limited to England, as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are also monitoring De Cat and could rival Premier League clubs for his signature.

  The January window is expected to prompt formal negotiations, particularly as Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange is pushing aggressively to strengthen Thomas Frank’s squad. However, those close to Belgian football warn that the Premier League poses a major risk for a teenager still adjusting to senior-level rhythms and responsibilities.

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• AFP
  

  Dutch analyst advises De Cat to avoid PL move

  Degryse advised strongly against a Premier League switch, insisting the youngster must take a more gradual pathway into elite football. “If I were De Cat, I’d go to Germany first before moving to the Premier League,” he told Voetbal Primeur. “You shouldn’t immediately want to go to Manchester City; first, go to a major league, be a real pillar there for a few seasons, and if you then want to take the step to the real top at 22 or 23, you’ll be much better protected.”

  Degryse stressed that the Bundesliga provides a safer, more development-driven environment for young midfielders than the tactical and physical intensity of the Premier League. “First, go to a major league, be a real pillar there for a few seasons,” he reiterated when discussing how Germany has historically shaped elite talent.

  He also highlighted that admiration from clubs like Tottenham or Aston Villa should not alter the midfielder’s priorities. “You’ll be much better protected,” he argued, pointing to the structural differences between leagues and the unique growing pains facing young players entering English football too early.

• De Cat's rise with Anderlecht raises interest

  De Cat’s rise has been one of Belgium’s most compelling storylines, with analysts calling him a blend of Leander Dendoncker’s defensive awareness and Youri Tielemans’ technical polish. Frank Boeckx has gone as far as suggesting “there’s even more Tielemans in him than is currently coming out,” highlighting his potential to evolve into a complete deep-lying playmaker.

  Beyond Belgium, De Cat’s profile has grown substantially due to links with elite European clubs, each offering different developmental pathways. Tottenham view him as a long-term investment, Brighton see him as a potential successor to their successful midfield production line and Aston Villa continue searching for young talent to future-proof their squad.

  With Anderlecht reportedly valuing him around €25–30 million (£22-26m), his potential sale could become one of the biggest in the club’s history. Scouts across Europe already regard him as one of the continent’s next great midfield organisers, possessing a calmness and reading of the game that belies his youth.

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  Tottenham likely to make move in January

  The January transfer window will determine whether Anderlecht play hardball or entertain offers that meet their valuation, particularly as Tottenham and Aston Villa prepare formal approaches. De Cat will need to weigh the benefits of immediate Premier League exposure against the developmental structure offered by Germany’s top clubs, whose track record with nurturing young midfielders is far stronger. With his advisors and Anderlecht aligned on protecting his long-term progression, the next move may define not just the trajectory of his career but his ability to fulfil his immense potential.

As the Dodgers put a sudden end to Game 6 of the World Series in Rogers Centre, beating the Jays 3–1 on Friday night, the first question on everyone's mind: Who is pitching tomorrow?

For Toronto, we've known for some time that Max Scherzer would be the starter. As Joel Sherman reported Friday night Shohei Ohtani will start. The Dodgers made the decision official Saturday afternoon.

There were at least two options to consider. Tyler Glasnow was due up in the rotation, but Ohtani was the leading option, especially after Friday night.

Glasnow came in for the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6. Ordinarily, that would tilt the scales of decision entirely to Ohtani, but he only threw three pitches.

For what it’s worth, Glasnow did tell reporters after the game that he’ll be available to pitch in Game 7.

Immediately after the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked about his thoughts on Ohtani pitching in Game 7.

"Right now there's no wrong answer. [Ohtani is] certainly going to be a part of the pitching plan. With Shohei, it could be two innings, but it could be four innings. I'm not sure where we're going to slot him. We're going to have to talk to him first and see where he feels most comfortable."

Another consideration for Roberts and the Dodgers was that if Ohtani enters in relief and comes out of the game, Los Angeles will lose its designated hitter position. Using him as a starter is the only way to get the Dodgers DH flexibility while working him into the pitching plan.

Scherzer vs. Ohtani in Game 7. Get your popcorn ready.

Manchester City are now reportedly ready to hijack Manchester United’s move to sign a Premier League star worth as much as £100m in 2026.

Man City make Semenyo a top target

It’s not just their local rivals that Man City are looking to frustrate. The Citizens are also reportedly interested in signing Antoine Semenyo and have made the Bournemouth star a top target. In what would deal Liverpool an untimely blow, City could land one of the most in-form wingers that the Premier League has to offer.

It’s clear that Semenyo likes the idea of linking up with Erling Haaland, too, after saying: “Haaland is number one. You see it on TV, scoring all these goals and thinking, surely he’s not like this in person… That man is tall, my goodness. Tall, strong, fast, can finish.

“He’s got everything you need as a striker. I remember Man City just bopping, and I’m thinking, okay this is normal that they bop it. Ruben Dias wraps the ball to him, the ball’s like this high, I’m thinking ‘how’s he going to deal with this?’ just takes it on his chest like this – I am thinking: Haaland, the man.”

It’s also easy to see why City have set their sights on another direct winger. Aside from the improved Jeremy Doku, Pep Guardiola’s wide men have struggled to leave their mark, with Savinho receiving his fair share of criticism from those at the Etihad in recent weeks.

The Brazilian was part of a much-changed Man City side against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, but to say that he failed to make his opportunity count would be an understatement.

Alas, it’s not just wide men that Guardiola wants. The Spaniard and Man City have now reportedly turned their focus towards midfield star Elliot Anderson, who is represented by the same agency as Omar Marmoush.

Man City ready to hijack Man Utd's Anderson move

As reported by the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Man City are now ready to hijack Man Utd’s move for Anderson. The Citizens have made the Nottingham Forest star a top target and could splash out as much as £100m to secure his signature in 2026.

Man City now considering move for £65m forward who Pep called "extraordinary"

City have identified a forward as a priority target ahead of the January transfer window.

By
Dominic Lund

Nov 27, 2025

The England star is quickly becoming one of the most wanted players in the Premier League and that should come as no surprise.

England boss Thomas Tuchel has quickly made the Forest star one of his main men and has showered him with praise a number of times, telling reporters: “He is an elite player with the right attitude and a lot of talent. He is fulfilling his role in the best way possible so we are very happy with him.”

Man City now frontrunners to sign "world-class" £80m star, Pep's a big fan

Manchester City are now frontrunners in the race to sign a “world-class” £80m star, who Pep Guardiola has called “extraordinary”.

Man City eyeing new forward after Bayer Leverkusen defeat

Guardiola rung the changes on Tuesday evening, making 10 alterations to the side that lost 2-1 at Newcastle United at the weekend, and Bayer Leverkusen made them pay, emerging as 2-0 winners at the Etihad Stadium.

City did manage to create some chances, with Nathan Ake, Savinho and second-half substitute Erling Haaland all squandering big opportunities, but they weren’t clinical enough on the night, and the German side emerged as surprise winners.

Pep would’ve been hoping that his attackers would step up in the absence of Haaland, with Omar Marmoush being given the nod ahead of the Norwegian at centre-forward, but it was a subpar performance from the Egyptian, who received a 6.2 SofaScore match rating, the lowest of any player.

The defeat arguably underlined the need for the Blues to bring in another forward to support Haaland in the January transfer window, and there has now been a positive update on their interest in Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.

According to a report from Football Insider, Man City are now frontrunners in the race to sign Vinicius, alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea, with the forward’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu in doubt, following a fallout with manager Xabi Alonso.

Talks over a contract extension have stalled, meaning the Brazilian could be set to depart the Spanish club, and City would have the financial muscle to get a deal over the line, with his current employers looking to receive £80m.

Should Madrid decide to cash-in this summer, with the 25-year-old’s current deal set to expire in 2027, a number of Saudi Pro League clubs would also join the Blues in the race, so there could be stiff competition for his signature.

"World-class" Vinicius could elevate Man City's forward line

With the likes of Savinho, Marmoush and Oscar Bobb failing to deliver against Leverkusen, Pep may be keen to bring in a forward who is already proven at the top level, and he is known to be a keen admirer of the Real Madrid star.

The City boss lauded the Brazil international as “extraordinary” last year, while he has also received high praise from Jurgen Klopp, who described the winger as “world-class” and a Real Madrid “legend”.

The former Flamengo man has been one of Madrid’s most important players for several years now, and he remained potent in front of goal right across the 2024-25 campaign, weighing in with 41 goal contributions in all competitions.

Same agent as Stones: Man City ready to snap up £80m Champions League "superstar"

There has been a new update on the Blues’ pursuit of a new defender.

By
Dominic Lund

Nov 27, 2025

As such, should Vinicius Jr become available, Man City should undoubtedly make a move, and £80m would be reasonable fee for a forward who is still young, and regarded as one of the best wingers in the world.

England’s incumbent has been given the backing of his captain for now, but he knows he needs to produce

Vithushan Ehantharajah19-Jun-2025Ollie Pope’s journey as an England cricketer began against India in 2018. Seven years on, as he prepares to lock horns with them once more, we might finally be about to find out what he’s about.There’s an important differentiation. Because after 56 Tests, all we know of Pope is what he does. A bit of everything, really. Some bits he’s done before, others he has not. He’s become English cricket’s own handyman. And a damn good one.That debut at Lord’s came at No.4, despite having made his case at No.6 for Surrey. The selectors saw a 20-year-old wunderkind and sought to let him loose. His first walk out to the middle in England creams was also the first time he had gone into bat in the first 20 overs of an innings.He is by no means a full-time wicketkeeper, yet he donned the gloves in Pakistan in 2022 and New Zealand in 2024 to help the team out of issues of illness and injury. He has deputised for Ben Stokes as captain on four occasions and won three.His recent active, altruistic service has included three years (and counting?) at No.3, smoothing over a problem position by being the responsible one when, deep down, he’d much rather hang with the rest of the dashers in the middle order. And it is this reason that even external talk of jeopardy around Pope’s position, ultimately triggered by the internal temptation to throw the latest wunderkind, Jacob Bethell, into the mix, had Stokes on the front foot a day out from Headingley’s series opener.”It would be remarkable to choose someone else if their last knock was a one-seventy (171),” Stokes said, thrusting Pope’s last knock against Zimbabwe like a shiv, in response to a question on whether there was a decision to be made at first drop. “And that’s pretty much all I need to say on that.”Ollie Pope received his Test cap from Alec Stewart at Lord’s in 2018•Getty ImagesStokes’ admiration for Pope developed before his tenure as captain. He has always rated him, and took him under his wing during the 2021-22 Ashes when Pope was in a rough patch of form. Stokes even negotiated with then-captain Joe Root to fix Pope at No.5 for the third Test of that Australia tour, with Stokes volunteering to move up to four. He went as far as telling Pope the plan had been agreed, only for the management to drop Pope for the next two Tests.Pope was also the first Bazball “project player” – the first raw talent hot-housed in the greenhouse of good times. As newly appointed managing director Rob Key explained in May 2022, Pope’s placement at No.3 came in a bid to “unlock him”. You could argue they’ve done that – an average of 28.66 across 40 innings leading into that summer has been followed by 39.80 (and seven centuries) in the next 58 knocks.Pope’s specific No.3 average is 43.06, though this figure includes the 205 he made against Ireland in 2023, as well as the recent Zimbabwe 171. Without those knocks, his average slips to 36.62, which puts us back in the zone of yearning for a little more, as do his averages of 24.60 and 15.70 against India and Australia respectively. And so the allure of Bethell’s remarkable talent and unblemished (almost empty) record comes back into the frame.There’s an argument to say Stokes and Brendon McCullum have played it safe behind closed doors. For all Stokes’ bolshiness in his press conference, picking Bethell would sit neatly alongside the various calls over the last six months – the selections of Shoaib Bashir and Jamie Smith at the expense of Jack Leach, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes. Even McCullum left last year’s New Zealand tour admitting a serious decision needed to be made after Bethell’s impressive showing. Well, the decision has been made and, surprisingly, it is a safe one.Perhaps that reflects the life cycle of this team. An initial period of wild, enthralling adolescence, followed by the familiar lurch into conservatism with age. A group of one-time free-spirited vibe mongers are now, on the eve of a five-match series against India that leads into a winter Ashes, considering things like “consequences”.Related

• Rules of three: how England have dealt with a most thorny batting position

• Pant relishes 'senior' tag but also focuses on 'individual' game

• Gill says India will go all out to take 20 wickets: 'You could maybe see four proper bowlers'

• Pope confirmed as England's No. 3 for first Test against India

• India begin Gill era with an eye on England's weakened bowling

Ironically, Pope’s life under Baz and Ben has almost entirely been about dealing with the consequences of his various roles, or at least minimizing the fallout that they caused. When Stokes took the job and spoke of wanting to be flanked by 10 selfless cricketers, Pope stood tallest. It is no coincidence Stokes chose him as his deputy.And look where that got him? Under-appreciated and under pressure. Had he not put team balance first and assumed the gloves in New Zealand, Bethell would not have got the opportunity to strum 260 compelling runs. This conversation would not be happening, and Pope could be looking ahead to the 10 legacy-defining Test matches to come. Now, even this first one feels tetchy.Of course, Pope still has a say here. He might not have had it in him to say, “you know what Jacob, settle down, I’m at 3” six months ago. But here and now, as the man in possession, he can make a statement.Does he have it in him? Maybe, you know. It is clear Pope’s patience for the discussion around his position has, naturally, diminished. He appreciates this is the lot of an international sports star, but there is a growing annoyance – and it’s spilling into anger – at the lack of respect given to his name and what he has done for this team.Rather than ignore it, he could do with harnessing some of that negative energy. One of England’s most selfless cricketers needs to be a lot more selfish, and seek the “I’m him” glory that came with that incredible 196 in Hyderabad.Even the babiest of baby faces need a heel-turn once in a while. Now is the time for his. With his Test future still in the balance, he should remember there’s a “me” in team, and an “I” in Ollie Pope.

Martin Guptill has joined the West Indies camp to provide specialist support for the two T20Is at Eden Park

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Nov-2025Tim Seifert has been ruled out of New Zealand’s upcoming home T20I series against West Indies with a broken finger. Mitchell Hay has been called in to the squad as Seifert’s replacement and joined the team on Monday night.Seifert retired hurt after being hit on the finger while batting for Northern Districts in Monday’s Ford Trophy match against Wellington Firebirds, and a subsequent X-ray revealed a fracture to the right index finger.”We’re all feeling for Tim,” Rob Walter, New Zealand’s head coach, said in a statement. “He’s a key member of this T20 unit given his power at the top of the order and his role as keeper, so he’ll be missed over the next five matches.

NZ vs WI, T20I series

Nov 5 – 1st T20I, Auckland
Nov 6 – 2nd T20I, Auckland
Nov 9 – 3rd T20I, Nelson
Nov 11 – 4th T20I, Nelson
Nov 13 – 5th T20I, Dunedin

“He showed in the recent T20 series’ that he’s building up to top form, so it’s disappointing that that has been halted as we continue to prepare for a pinnacle event.”We’re hoping Tim’s recovery will be quick and he’ll be back on the park as soon as possible.”A wicketkeeper-batter like Seifert, Hay is not as experienced as the man he has replaced but has featured in 11 T20Is since making his debut against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in November last year and holds the world record for the most dismissals (six) in an innings in the format.”Mitch has shown in his international opportunities so far that he’s a top-quality wicketkeeper batter and is more than capable of contributing at this level,” Walter said. “We’re lucky to be able call on another player of his ability which shows the level of depth we currently have in the T20 format.”<!–#cricinfo_insert
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A familiar face in different colours at Eden Park