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The Rashid Effect was always on show, the 'biggest achievement' just took its time coming

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

A big blip in the wristspin magician’s career was corrected on Sunday night, and the world seems a fairer place for it

Sidharth Monga30-May-20224:14

Rashid Khan: ‘My objective is to build pressure’

It is one of the anomalies of T20 cricket that until Sunday, Rashid Khan, one of the handful of all-time greats of the format, had not been part of a winning XI in a big T20 tournament final.He had won the Desert Challenge in the UAE and the Shpageeza Cricket League at home in 2017, but these are not tournaments where you encounter the best players of the world.There is no obvious correlation: it is not like teams exhaust their purse on him [although they should] and end up with lesser teams, nor does he suffer from stage fright on the big night. For some reason, it hadn’t happened.Related

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It’s one of those things, which he corrected with the IPL 2022 final.Rashid was glad he finally ticked it off. “It’s the biggest achievement of your career as a player to be part of a winning IPL team,” Rashid told Star Sports after the match. “For this competition, you have to be well prepared and be prepared for all areas. Then only you will be able to win a big competition like this.”A win here needs a lot of hard work, a lot of practice, a lot of good energy, and I think we as a team did really well. It is one of the biggest achievements in my cricket career.”Now to an anomaly that can be explained unlike this one. Rashid has been playing all around the world in all T20 tournaments but has never ended as the clear highest wicket-taker. Twice he has been the joint-highest wicket-taker, but usually you don’t see him among the top wicket-takers.It was the reason one of the Sunrisers Hyderabad coaches, Brian Lara, gave for not retaining him prior to the latest season. “I have a great respect for Rashid Khan but I believe we have the right combination,” Lara told Star Sports. “Rashid Khan was someone who opposition teams decided to defend against, he was not much of a wicket-taker.”

In eight overs in the two playoff matches [against Royals], Rashid conceded only one boundary, that too thanks to a misfield. More incredibly, there were zero boundary attempts against him. Twenty per cent of an innings is too long a cease fire, but Rashid left Royals no choice.

That’s because teams prefer to sit in when Rashid bowls. And Rashid, like someone who truly gets T20, doesn’t go chasing individual glory. He keeps creating wickets for his team-mates.Traditional stats will put Rashid at No. 8 this year, a good eight wickets behind the leader, but his economy rate of 6.6 gets even better on ESPNcricinfo’s Smart Stats. Only two bowlers – Sunil Narine and Mohsin Khan – have a better Smart Economy than Rashid this IPL. Narine, like Rashid, is another true T20 great who doesn’t go chasing wickets because he knows his bowling creates wickets for others. On total bowling impact in our Smart Stats, Rashid sits at No. 5.There is no bigger example of his impact than the two playoffs Gujarat Titans played against Rajasthan Royals where the opposition basically wrote off his four overs. In Qualifier 1, it was quite a sight to see the best batter of the tournament, with only three wickets down and time running out, choosing to just play out the 16th over, bowled by Rashid. Jos Buttler knew he just could not take any risks.In eight overs in the two playoff matches, Rashid conceded only one boundary, that too thanks to a misfield. More incredibly, there were zero boundary attempts against him. Twenty per cent of an innings is too long a cease fire, but Rashid left Royals no choice.ESPNcricinfo LtdFor, like Narine, Rashid has all the ingredients. There is hardly a batter who can claim to pick Rashid because he can bowl legbreaks with the wrong’un release. And if you are not picking a bowler out of the hand, you need one of the two: either a half-volley or the ability to step out. Just like Narine, Rashid’s mastery of length is immaculate, and his pace makes sure you can’t step out to him. You can still guess and try to go after him, but that will give him wickets. And Royals – with R Ashwin batting at No. 7 and at times higher – were in no position to give him wickets. It was in his four overs that Royals lost both the matches.Rashid did have to make a mid-season adjustment, though, after the left-handed opener from Sunrisers, Abhishek Sharma, got stuck into him. On that day, Rashid made up for it with a match-winning 31 of 11 with the bat, but for the rest of the season, he made sure nobody got the better of his bowling.”That was something I had in mind that I should bring my length back a little bit,” Rashid told Star Sports during the final. “That is because of the wickets in Mumbai and here as well. Because of the red soil, I had to adjust myself because the length I bowl elsewhere was not helping because the ball was coming on nicely and there wasn’t enough turn for me in the wickets. So, I pulled it back a little bit, and that’s why I got better economy, and that helped the team in the middle.”It’s not like that adjustment would have impressed Sunrisers much because he didn’t suddenly become a “wicket-taker”. But Sunrisers’ loss was always going to be another team’s gain. There was a big tussle for Rashid at the 2022 auction, to the extent that Titans’ coach Ashish Nehra arrived at a unique arrangement to pay both his first draft picks, Hardik Pandya and Rashid, equally. Now Rashid has an IPL title, and the world seems a fairer place.

Indian and Pakistani players go about their business, game faces on, blinkers in place

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

There is a clear lack of camaraderie between the boys from the two teams ahead of the first semi-final

Sreshth Shah in Potchefstroom03-Feb-2020Potchefstroom’s Sports Village. It was Australia’s base when they won the 2003 World Cup. That’s where the Spain football team was based when they won the 2010 World Cup. It’s the residence of choice for elite South African athletes who wish to train away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The facilities are state-of-the-art and the buffets are calorie-counted. It’s also where India and Pakistan are camped at the moment, ahead of their Under-19 World Cup semi-final.The two teams met in the 2018 semi-final as well, in New Zealand, where Pakistan’s players didn’t miss a single chance to spend time with Rahul Dravid, India’s then coach, and pick his brains. This time, though, feels different. While “it’s just another game” and “we don’t focus on the opponent” ring out from every corner, it does seem like the two sets of players are on edge.Take Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s left-hand opener. When asked where he thinks the game will be decided, the usually chatty Jaiswal says, “I don’t want to tell you that.”For Haider Ali, the Pakistan opening batsman who Ian Bishop has called “the next Babar Azam”, a simple question about what’s been most attractive about India’s playing style so far draws a similarly guarded response: “I’ll tell you after the game. How can I tell you right now?”A senior team support staffer, sensing the stress, asks Haider to answer the question if he can. “India’s top order,” he says in his second take.The mood is completely different where the two other semi-finalists, staying at the same hotel, are concerned. The Bangladesh players are to be seen by the swimming pool, waving to the New Zealand boys who are passing by. At the table-tennis room, one group of Bangladesh boys wait patiently for the New Zealanders to finish their game before they get a go.The India and Pakistan teams have no time for such frivolity.

Results are one thing, rivalries are another, but there are few sights in world cricket that warm the cockles of the heart more than Indian and Pakistan players smiling together, talking to each other in a mix of Hindi and Urdu, shutting out all the noise outside

After their training session, Rohail Nazir, the Pakistan captain, and left-arm spinner Arish Ali Khan were lounging near the pool, telling this correspondent about their day-trip to Sun City. They were cracking jokes about their other team-mates, being the teenaged boys they are. Laughter rang out, fist-bumps were exchanged, but in a matter of a second, things changed.In the distance were the Indian trio of Shubhang Hegde, Siddhesh Veer and Ravi Bishnoi, carrying their laundry baskets from the lobby to their rooms. Nazir and Arish stopped talking, waiting for them to pass, before resuming the conversation. But the flow of the chat never really got back, and we went our separate paths soon.Nazir had revealed that, earlier in the day, he had tried to chat with some of the India boys at breakfast. While he was sandwiched between two India boys in the queue for the food, he said he had looked and smiled at some of them. But, according to him, he received nothing in return. Is it fair to read too much into this? Perhaps not, but it had affected Nazir for sure.Later, as the sun began to set, at the north end of the swimming pool stood a few Indian players talking to each other, on the south end were the Pakistan players. In between, the great divide.Closer to dinner time, the Pakistan players congregated near the reception – which is very tiny, by the way – to head out to honour an invitation from a local resident, while members of the Indian team sat in the sofas. Both sets stared intently at the TV screen that was showing the Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City game. One Pakistan player asked another, [which teams are these)? It was, maybe, simpler to stare at the TV screen than to allow your eyes to wander around the lobby.It’s a well-established fact that the Indians prefer to tread on the side of caution while choosing their words, especially during a world event. No other side is under as much of the spotlight as they are, after all. They were stoic most of the way, resembling men on a mission, focusing on the goal of defending their World Cup crown. For them, the Pakistan game is simply a stepping stone towards the ultimate objective, and that was evident in the way went about their day, blinkers on, not letting anything distract them.Such non-interactions will keep taking place till the teams walk out for Tuesday’s toss, but one hopes that goes away once the contest ends. Results are one thing, rivalries are another, but there are few sights in world cricket that warm the cockles of the heart more than Indian and Pakistan players smiling together, talking to each other in a mix of Hindi and Urdu, shutting out all the noise outside.There’s one final session of training remaining for both teams, but more crucially, there’s one final night to spend within close quarters. Whether all of these are tactics or nerves – from both sides – is difficult to say, but it’s clear that neither team is ready to remove their game-face masks. As semi-final time comes closer, the pot continues to simmer.

VÍDEO: Gols e melhores momentos da vitória do Botafogo sobre o Bragantino pela Libertadores

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo conquistou uma grande vitória sobre o Red Bull Bragantino pelo jogo de ida da terceira fase da Libertadores, nesta quarta-feira (6), no estádio Nilton Santos. Júnior Santos foi o grande protagonista da partida com dois golaços, enquanto Juninho Capixaba descontou para a equipe paulista.

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Garrett Crochet Reveals Why He Opted Out of Pitching in 2025 MLB All-Star Game

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet will not pitch in the 2025 All-Star Game next week, MLB announced on Friday. He will be replaced with Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize on the American League roster.

Ahead of the Red Sox's matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays from Fenway Park on Friday, the pitcher explained why:

"For me, it’s just looking at my past four years," Crochet said, via of MassLive's Chris Cotillo. "In 2022, I threw zero innings. In ‘23, I threw 13. Last year, I threw 146. And this year I’m on pace for 200. From my standpoint, it makes no sense to make that 201 to throw in a game that doesn’t determine my team’s fate throughout the season.

"It’s a huge honor to be [selected]," he continued. "I threw last year—with it being my first one. If I were to go next year, I would probably throw. But just with the way my continued growth is, and my workload ceiling, I’d rather not add to it."

Crochet also mentioned that Boston's current spot in the AL playoff hunt impacted his decision to forgo the All-Star Game.

Through 19 starts and 120.1 innings pitched this season, Crochet is 9-4 with a 2.39 ERA while leading MLB in strikeouts with 151. His next scheduled start is on Saturday afternoon against the Rays.

'Felt across the country' – Melbourne teenager dies after cricket training accident

by csb10.top Uncategorized

A 17-year-old club cricketer in Melbourne has died after being struck on the neck by a ball at training on Tuesday.Ben Austin was taken to hospital in critical condition after the incident at Ferntree Gully in Melbourne’s outer east where he had been facing balls in the nets, thrown by a sidearm, or ‘wanger’, ahead of a T20 match. He was wearing a helmet but it did not include a stem guard.He was placed on life support at Monash Children’s Hospital but died on Thursday morningIn a statement Jace Austin, Ben’s father, said: “We are utterly devastated by the passing of our beautiful Ben, who died earlier on Thursday morning.”For Tracey and I, Ben was an adored son, deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach and a shining light in the lives of our family and friends.”This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something he did for so many summers – going down to the nets with mates to play cricket. He loved cricket and it was one of the joys of his life.”We would also like to support his team-mate who was bowling in the nets – this accident has impacted two young men and our thoughts are with he and his family as well.”Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria are providing assistance to the family and those impacted by the tragedy.”The tragic circumstances of Ben and Ferntree Gully are…going to be felt across the country,” CA chair Mike Baird told reporters in Melbourne. “Cricket is a sport that brings people together, communities together. It’s also one that feels very deeply an incident such as we’ve seen.”[It’s] hard to put words on it. What we want to say is that we are doing everything we can to support the family, the club, and all those impacted by this tragic news. Clearly, there are things that we have to learn from this, but right now, we are concerned about the family and trying to support them in every way.”Nick Cummins, the Cricket Victoria chief executive, said: “We’re absolutely devastated on behalf of the family, on behalf of the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, and more broadly, the Victorian cricket community.”We are doing everything we can to support not just the family of young Ben, but also those at the club, and Ben played for a number of clubs, to ensure that they have the counselling and the support, not just today, but well into the future, as this is something that will stay with our community for some time.”

Cummins, who compared the accident to the one involving Phil Hughes nearly 11 years ago, added that it was too early to discuss any changes to regulations or safety measures, such as making stem guards mandatory across all levels of the game.”I think the temptation in moments like this is to move to solution mode,” he said. “At the moment, our focus is around providing support and counselling for those people who experienced the trauma. There will be an appropriate time to review that and answer those questions.”Flowers, cards, lollies, a drink bottle and a cricket bat have been laid in tribute of the teenager at the club in the hours after his death. The bat was inscribed with several messages including “rest easy Benny” and “forever 14 not out”.In a statement, Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said: “We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family – Jace, Tracey, Cooper and Zach, his extended family, his friends and to all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought.”Ben was remembered as a star cricketer, a strong leader and an outstanding young man. In March, he received an award recognising a player who demonstrates dedication and the right attitude to the game. He celebrated his birthday earlier in October.”I know how heavily this news will land across our community and we will provide any and all support we can to our clubs and cricket family,” Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association president Arnie Walters said.The family thanked those who provided immediate first aid, the emergency services and the support over the last two days.”We would like to thank the cricket community including Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, Mulgrave Cricket Club and Eildon Park Cricket Club for their support since Tuesday evening and to the dozens of people who visited Ben in hospital,” Jace Austin said.”Finally, we would also like thank all the first responders at the scene and the staff at Monash Children’s Hospital who worked so hard to help Ben. We will cherish Ben forever.”We would ask that our family’s privacy is respected as we come to terms with our loss.”There are discussions taking place about a tribute to Ben when Australia face India at the MCG on Friday night.

'He shouldn't go!' – Cesc Fabregas wants Como star to snub Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal star told it would be 'illogical' to play in tournament

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Como winger Assane Diao is in line to be called up to the Senegal national team for the Africa Cup of Nations, but Cesc Fabregas wants him to stay at the Serie A side for the time being. The 20-year-old has been limited to just four appearances in the Italian top-flight this season, sparking the coach to claim his involvement at AFCON is "illogical".

  • Injury problems at the root of Fabregas' decision

    Diao moved to Italy in January after spending a season and a half at La Liga side Real Betis and quickly established himself as a crucial member of Fabregas' squad, securing eight goals and an assist in 15 Serie A appearances last season. In April, however, he suffered a broken foot and missed out on their last five Serie A fixtures of the campaign as well as the initial stages of the 2025-26 season. Diao made a comeback in late October, where he played 45 minutes against Parma. The Senegalese winger was slowly reintegrating him back into the lineup, but was called up to the Senegal team this month. Despite having an adductor issue, he participated in two training sessions for the African side, only to get further injured and return to Italy.

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    Fabregas finds Diao's national team call-up illogical

    The 20-year-old has a hamstring injury, which will keep him out for a few games. Although Fabregas has mentioned his probable return date, he does not want the winger to return to the Senegal camp, with his major concern being the player's fitness ahead of the competition's December 21 kick off.  

    "I don't want to send him to the African Cup of Nations? For me it's illogical," he said. "He's been out for seven months, he's played three games, now he's going to the national team, he'll get injured and be out again. Then maybe he'll go back to Senegal. In the player's mind, you have to do things right. For me, it doesn't make sense. They won't care, but we want what's best for the player. He shouldn't go. He went to training camp with Senegal with a minor adductor problem and did two training sessions. Then he got injured and came back here. We'll try to get him back with Inter, but it's more likely that we'll have him back with Roma."

  • Fabregas wants to face Torino with 'great attention'

    Como sit eighth in the Serie A table after 11 games, having lost just one match so far. They are up against a Torino side sitting four points and places below them on Monday, and a win would see them leapfrog Juventus into sixth.

    "You always have to approach every match at your best. If you think it's going to be difficult mentally, then it definitely will be," Fabregas said as his side prepare to take on a side on a six-game unbeaten run. "We have to win it with our own game, with what we have to offer. But we need to be more ambitious and get more points than we currently have. We had lots of chances to make it 2-0 against Cremonese, the penalty in Naples, and three or four chances to score in Cagliari. We need to manage it better, without losing our defensive stability. Torino are a team that play 5-3-2, with experienced defenders. [Kristjan] Asllani scored and comes from Inter, he's a great player. You know [Cesare] Casadei, he comes from Chelsea. Che Adams is an international player, [Cyril] Ngonge is a difference-maker for his team, he won the league with Napoli and I really like him. They are a well-organised team, and [Marco] Baroni is a great manager. The atmosphere, the stadium and the fans are also strong. We must go there with great enthusiasm, even if after the international break we must approach the match with great caution."

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    What comes next for Como?

    Como will have three crucial fixtures after the Torino game, which might also shape their objectives for the rest of the campaign. On November 28, they'll welcome Sassuolo, and will later travel to the San Siro to face Inter on December 6. Post that, they'll meet Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma in yet another away game on December 15. 

‘Growing in confidence’ – USMNT icon Landon Donovan sees evolving identity under Mauricio Pochettino after 2-1 win over Paraguay

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Landon Donovan offered a positive assessment of the United States men’s national team following its 2-1 win over Paraguay during the November 2025 friendlies, noting signs that the squad is beginning to form a clearer identity as it continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil. He commended the team’s continued progress under the current coaching staff, led by Mauricio Pochettino.

Getty Images SportGrowing cohesion and style

Donovan highlighted how each match has shown increased confidence and tactical clarity, noting that despite frequent lineup rotation, players are embracing clearly defined roles that contribute to a more recognizable on-field identity.

“Another excellent performance by the men’s national team,” Donovan said on social media. “Seems like the team is getting better and better, growing in confidence. The roles are clear, even though the players are changing a decent amount, but the roles are clear, and you’re starting to see a clear identity."

AdvertisementPochettino’s imprint taking shape

Donovan also highlighted how the squad’s mentality has evolved under Pochettino. He noted that with questions of attitude and commitment no longer overshadowing performances, the team is now showcasing a clearer tactical identity that reflects Pochettino’s style.

“Now that the fight piece, the pride to play for your national team is no longer a conversation, you’re actually starting to see this team play in a more distinct way that is very Pochettino,” Donovan explained.

Getty Images SportDonovan praises Reyna’s resurgence

Donovan pointed to Giovanni Reyna’s performance as a major positive, noting the midfielder’s first goal and assist for the national team since March 2024. He said Reyna’s 70-plus minutes – highlighted by sharper decision-making and increased confidence – reflect the level the team needs from him.

“That’s the Gio we need, that’s the Gio we want, and why he is so valuable to this team. So hopefully this is a stepping stone for Gio, hopefully he can do it again on Tuesday," Donovan said. 

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next for the USMNT after the win

The USMNT will now face Uruguay in their final game of the 2025 international window on Nov. 18. 

Chelsea tipped to move for "dominant" Germany defender who's "exactly" what Maresca needs

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Chelsea have been tipped to move for a “dominant” Germany international defender who is “exactly” what Enzo Maresca needs, coming amid the Blues’ major shortage of centre-back options.

Enzo Maresca demands centre-back signing for Chelsea

Before their 2-1 win over Premier League champions Liverpool, it was reported that Maresca is unhappy with Chelsea’s current squad, as he believes the west Londoners are still light in key areas (Simon Phillips).

The most obvious area of Maresca’s team that’s in desperate need of reinforcement is centre-half, and this was on full display against Liverpool on Saturday, after Chelsea elected not to invest a portion of their £285 million summer spend into a natural central defender in the summer.

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

With Trevoh Chalobah (suspended), Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill all unavailable for the game, Maresca was forced to start a pairing of youngster Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile, with the latter only just returning from injury himself.

Chelsea’s boss publicly requested a centre-back signing before summer deadline day on September 1, but it is believed that BlueCo are in agreement with their manager that one should be a “priority” for January instead (Pete O’Rourke).

Chelsea chairman ToddBoehlyand co-sporting director Paul Winstanley in the stands before the match

They’re already making plans in that regard, having reached out to Marc Guehi’s camp last week over a potential cut-price January move with the England international’s contract expiring at the end of 2025/2026.

Chelsea tipped to move for Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck

Now, ex-Premier League chief scout Mick Brown, who remains well-connected in the beautiful game, has “heard” that Chelsea are looking at Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck as a potential option.

Nico Schlotterbeck for Borussia Dortmund.

The Germany international’s deal runs out in just under two years, meaning he could be available for a potentially doable fee in the winter window, and this is something that Chelsea are actively considering.

The 25-year-old, who captains Dortmund regularly, also has a questionable injury record — so BlueCo need to tread carefully here.

Schlotterbeck missed a large portion of this calendar year with a meniscus tear, which stretched into Dortmund’s Club World Cup campaign and early this season after he was sidelined near the end of 2024/2025.

The towering defender may not be a reliable ever-present depending on his fitness issues, but could be a very reliable back-up option as Maresca continues not to select ‘bomb squad’ member Axel Disasi.

Leeds have an "international-calibre" revelation who is blowing people away at Thorp Arch

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Leeds United have made a positive beginning to the Premier League campaign and one of their players has been making a huge impact behind the scenes at Thorp Arch.

Leeds winger Daniel James ruled out due to injury

Unfortunately, Daniel Farke has confirmed that Leeds United winger Daniel James has been ruled out due to injury and is expected to be out for four to six weeks, leaving the Whites searching for an alternative out wide.

He said: “Daniel James will be out for a few weeks, he’s rolled his ankle sadly in training. The doctors say he’s likely out four to six weeks so realistically we expect him back just after the November international break. If he would be back before it would be a bonus and a surprise. It’s not great news.”

Joel Piroe may well come back into Farke’s thinking following his exploits last season. Either way, the German coach has shown he can compete with the Premier League elite on a tactical level this term, and he will be keen to build on a draw against Newcastle United that could’ve easily yielded three points.

Wilfried Gnonto and Harry Gray are also on the sidelines until after the international break, compounding Leeds United’s bad luck with absentees since returning to the top-flight.

As it stands, a return of eight points from their opening six league games has bred optimism that a positive season could be on the cards. That may well be the case, though Farke’s ability to make adjustments could determine how many results his side pick up across their coming run of fixtures.

While injuries continue to complicate matters, one of the Whites’ summer signings has been given credit for the impact he has made since arriving at Elland Road.

Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin's telling impact

Speaking to TBR, Graeme Bailey has talked up Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s impact at Leeds United behind the scenes, claiming his teammates have been impressed with how his arrival has raised standards alongside his general contribution on the field thus far.

He said: “Leeds are really happy with how he’s settling in. When you bring in good-quality players, they rub off on each other, and that benefits the rest of the team. Okafor and Calvert-Lewin, coming up from the Championship, are a massive step up in quality for Leeds.

Internal excitement amongst Leeds chiefs as new contract sealed behind the scenes

He has been touted to be Leeds’ “breakout player” of the season.

By
Callum Kemp

Oct 3, 2025

“They’re both international-calibre players, and their presence raises standards across the squad. Jack Harrison still has a role to play for Leeds. Calvert-Lewin may not be scoring as much as fans would like, but unless someone is hitting 40 goals a season, most forwards will face that criticism.

“Overall, they’re very happy with what they’ve seen so far. These players are influencing each other and the team positively, and they’ve been pretty impressive.”

One goal from five appearances for Calvert-Lewin probably doesn’t tell the full story. His enthusiasm, work rate and desire to lead the line efficiently has been an asset to Farke and has helped the Whites to pick up points over the last few weeks.

The England international looks somewhat revitalised after his spell at Everton came to and end, and supporters will hope he can start scoring regularly to offer the impact his general play deserves to yield.

"Sealed and signed" – Man Utd agree $1m deal and personal terms with 17 y/o

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

Manchester United is a club currently surrounded by question marks. Almost a year of poor performances in the Premier League under Ruben Amorim has led to speculation about his job security and Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’s capability to turn the club around.

Amorim is yet to record back-to-back wins in the Premier League, and with fixtures like Liverpool and Tottenham coming up, it seems unlikely that he will win two in a row before the next international break.

While their managerial recruitment is in question, the new minority owners’ on-field recruitment has been a source of praise. In the senior team, players like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have added a spark to United’s attack that hasn’t been seen in recent years, and youngsters like Sekou Kone and of course the more experienced Amad Diallo give fans hope for the future.

Despite the transfer window not being open for several months, United are looking to continue their impressive recent recruitment and have already agreed a deal to bring in their next young talent.

United agree deal for Orozco

Earlier in the week, it was revealed that Manchester United were putting in early plans to bring in “very technical” 17-year-old Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco. On Thursday morning, Fabrizio Romano revealed that contracts have been “sealed and signed”, and he concluded his X post with his “here we go” confirmation.

“Manchester United have now sealed and signed deal to bring in 17 year old Colombian talent Cristian Orozco,” the journalist said. “$1m transfer fee from Fortaleza in deal valid from summer 2026. MUFC lawyers approved all the contracts, deal coordinated by lead scout Antonaccio. Here we go.”

The Colombian League runs on a different schedule to the Premier League, played from January to December. This means that Orozco will leave halfway through their 2026 campaign to join United ahead of the Premier League’s 2026/27 season.

The defensive midfielder has impressed in both his club and National Youth setups. His first Colombia under-17 appearance came in January, and he has represented the side on nine occasions since then. This move is still a gamble for United as the youngster still hasn’t made his senior debut for Fortaleza, but their willingness to take the risk with Orozco is down to their faith in a United figure whose recent recruitment has been impressive.

INEOS putting faith in South America scouts

In his post, Romano specifically highlighted United lead scout​​ Giuseppe Antonaccio as a crucial player in the deal. Antonaccio has been at the club since 2016 and focuses on scouting the South American market.

And his importance in recruiting young talent seems to be increasing. Along with the Orozco deal, he was also cited as being an important figure in bringing in United’s newest left back, Diego Leon. Leon has already made an impression at United and was kept with the first team despite initial plans to loan him out.

United have a history of being linked with talented youngsters from South America, but they have missed some major opportunities in recent years. The most notable of these was Moises Caicedo, who they reportedly could have signed for £5 million. Caicedo was eventually signed by Brighton and later moved to Chelsea for a then British transfer record of £115 million.

While it’s unlikely that Orozco, Leon or any other young talent they look to sign will surpass the £100 million mark, they could still provide some major benefits for the club. If they develop well, they could turn into important first-team players, and if we don’t hit the standards that United want, then their cheap price will make it easy for the club to sell them on for a profit at a time when they desperately need cash.

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