Ange Postecoglou is surprised to see criticism over his 'always win things in second year' comment after derby defeat.
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A number of young players have made a name for themselves in Europe's premier club competition, and the latest batch could be the best yet
The Champions League is back, and with a brand new look. But whether you are in favour of, against or merely struggling to understand the 'Swiss Model', rest assured that plenty will stay the same about Europe's biggest and best club competition; Real Madrid will keep winning from impossible positions, Paris Saint-Germain will embarrass themselves in the knockout rounds, and those nights at Anfield will continue to be spine-tingling.
One other thing the new league format will not take away is the potential for young players to prove themselves on the biggest stage. A number of teenage talents have gone from relative unknowns to household names in the blink of an eye thanks to their Champions League performances in recent years, and the 2024-25 edition should be no different.
So who are the players to look out for over the next nine months? GOAL runs through the NXGN-eligible teenagers (born 2005 or later) who are set to light up the Champions League this time around…
Follow GOAL's official WhatsApp channel!Join nowGetty Images SportAdam Aznou (Bayern Munich)
Though Aznou is yet to make his first-team debut for Bayern, he is regarded as one of the top talents within the Allianz Arena, and is expected to be part of Vincent Kompany's plans as the campaign wears on.
Having joined from Barcelona in 2022, the 18-year-old left-back is being tipped to step into Alphonso Davies boots if the Real Madrid target leaves at the end of his contract next summer. In the meantime, he has already become a senior international after making his Morocco debut in the September international break.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesIsaac Babadi (PSV)
Capable of playing both in central midfield and on the left-hand side of the attack, Babadi made 22 appearances in all competitions for PSV last term, and continues to impress when given the opportunity by Peter Bosz.
Previously linked with Premier League clubs, the 19-year-old signed a new four-year deal towards the end of last season, and some strong showings in the Champions League could spark further interest in his services.
AFPEliesse Ben Seghir (Monaco)
Ben Seghir broke onto the scene in December 2022 when he stepped off the bench to make his Monaco debut against Auxerre and turned the game on its head, scoring twice to secure a 3-2 win. Though injuries have impacted his development since, the attacking midfielder is now established as a starter at Stade Louis II.
A four-time Morocco international, the 19-year-old is light on his feet and a bag of tricks with an eye for the spectacular, and if he can stay fit, this should be Ben Seghir's true breakout campaign.
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Getty ImagesAyyoub Bouaddi (Lille)
Though he will not turn 17 until October, Bouaddi already has 20 first-team appearances to his name at Lille, where he was described as the best academy product since Eden Hazard even before he became the club's youngest-ever player just under a year ago.
A holding midfielder who has also spent time filling in at centre-back, the France youth international figures to be one of the youngest players in this season's Champions League, but also one of the most promising.
The players’ body has warned of administrative ‘dysfunctionality that threatens the existence of the game in our country’
Firdose Moonda19-Aug-2020
South Africa’s players, both men and women, have no indication of when they will return to play•Getty Images
The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has issued a stern warning about the state of the game in the country and warned that its existence is under threat following the departure of the CEO and the president of Cricket South Africa (CSA). SACA has called on Chris Nenzani, who resigned as president over the weekend, to offer an explanation for stepping away three weeks before his tenure ended and for CSA to show leadership in matters relating to the suspended CEO Thabang Moroe and the season ahead.”SACA has engaged directly with players over the past few weeks, and there is a growing realisation amongst players that their careers as professional cricketers are being threatened by the very organization that should be nurturing them,” a SACA statement read.It further asked that CSA work appropriately to resolve the issues of discrimination that have come to light following Lungi Ngidi’s stance on the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, and the resumption of the domestic and international season and Moroe’s disciplinary situation. Most pressingly for SACA, South Africa’s players, both men and women, have no indication of when they will return to play following the Covid-19 hiatus, both as a result of international borders being closed and because no domestic fixtures have been finalised.ALSO READ – Graeme Smith ‘shocked’ after threats on supporting Black Lives Matter movement”CSA must show leadership in dealing with the various crises facing the game; the transformation and discrimination crisis that has come to the fore over the past two months; the resumption of domestic and international cricket under COVID-19; the finalization of the disciplinary matter of the suspended CEO; the forensic investigation; and the forecast deficit which has the potential to financially cripple the game,” the statement read.Franchise teams have returned to training and there is talk of the season starting in November but there is no clarity on whether the franchise T20 tournament, the Mzansi Super League (MSL), will take place or who will lead CSA through the next few months.An Acting CEO, Kugandrie Govender, was named this morning and will hold the post until the Moroe case is finalised. Only then can CSA begin the search for a new CEO. CSA is also operating under an acting president, Beresford Williams, with a new president set to be elected at the AGM on September 5. Nenzani has undertaken to engage with the media after that but SACA CEO Andrew Breetzke would like answers from him immediately.”Mr Nenzani owes all stakeholders an immediate explanation as to why he has stood down a mere three weeks before the CSA AGM, after he had refused to do so over the previous eight-month period despite calls to do so from key stakeholders within the game,” Breetzke said. “Together with the sudden resignation of Dr Jacques Faul as acting-CEO, one can only deduce that the Board of Directors has yet again reached a level of dysfunctionality that threatens the existence of the game in our country.”SACA has consistently led calls for Nenzani and Williams to step down, following last year’s administrative meltdown and again pointed to the board as being responsible for the troubles in the game. SACA continue to point at CSA’s inability to resolve its myriad problems as being due to lack of corporate governance and warned the game may face “total collapse” if issues are not dealt with.”CSA is embroiled in destructive politics at Board and Management level. It is evident that cricket is unable to self-correct,” Omphile Ramela, SACA’s president said. ” Many of the administrative challenges confronting the game are as a result of administrators failing to adhere to principles of corporate governance. Before we see the total collapse of the game of cricket there needs to be a leadership intervention at Board and Management level that is able to stabilise and transform both the game and the business of cricket.”
White-ball visit whets appetite for next year’s Ashes as fast bowler seeks to cement T20 role
Andrew Miller02-Sep-2020After a tough summer behind closed doors, Mark Wood believes the arrival of Australia for three T20Is and three ODIs is just the challenge that the England team needs to get its juices flowing, as they gear up to take on their “biggest rivals”.Wood is one of three World Cup finalists, alongside Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer, to be included in England’s T20I squad for the first time this summer, following their involvement in the Test series against West Indies and Pakistan.And though he has endured a frustrating time on the fringes of selection, missing each of England’s last five Tests, Wood believes he’s ready to put down some markers on Australia’s batsmen, much as Mitchell Johnson famously did at a similar stage of the English summer in 2013, ahead of his soaring performances in that winter’s 5-0 whitewash.”That example, everyone still talks about how rapid he was in the one-day series and then you carry that over to the Test matches,” Wood said. “Obviously it’s a very different format, it’s a very different game but if you can start the ball rolling with a couple of players here, I’m sure they’ll be thinking about that no matter what the format.”Wood himself cited Stuart Broad’s success against David Warner last summer, whom he dismissed in seven innings out of ten in an Ashes series in which he mustered 95 runs at 9.50. Warner will be one of the batsmen back in the firing line in the coming days, although to judge by the intensity of Australia’s intra-squad practices, he and his team-mates don’t intend to dwell on that display.”When we turned up [at the Ageas Bowl] yesterday they were smashing the ball everywhere,” Wood said. “I don’t know if they were just doing it deliberately to try and scare us, but I’ll be out to try and stop that as much as I can and stop Australia winning.”Asked if the prospect of an Australia series whetted his appetite, regardless of format, Wood replied: “Without a doubt. It’s always good when you play for England, don’t get us wrong, but it is an extra incentive when you play Australia, when you play the biggest rivals.”They are desperate to beat you, you’re desperate to beat them. And it doesn’t matter if it’s the Ashes, white-ball, T20. Doesn’t matter what it is, we’ll be desperate to beat them.”Full credit to them for coming over here in uncertain times but they’ll not be just here to make up the numbers, they’ll be doing everything they can.”ALSO READ: Wood turns to wobble-seam to avoid being labelled overseas Test specialistDespite his status as a 50-over World Cup winner, Wood’s role in the T20s isn’t entirely nailed on, however, especially given a somewhat lacklustre display in South Africa in February, when he was taken at nearly 12 an over while picking up four wickets in England’s 2-1 series win.”I didn’t bowl very well in South Africa, if I’m honest,” he said. “I got smacked to every part of South Africa and the ball landed in every part of that country. I’ve got to do a lot of improvement if I want to get into that team because I didn’t do myself justice there.”I actually didn’t prepare well if I’m honest,” he added. “I went home for a week [after the Test series] and didn’t do very much, I just wanted to refresh with the family, I hadn’t seen my son in a few months and when we landed back out there we had one training day and then it was play, travel, play, travel, play.”My skills were not quite on it. I’m under a little bit of pressure here to prove that I deserve to be in the side because we’ve got a lot of depth and a lot of good bowlers. If I get the chance I’ll be trying to prove that I’ve got the skills.”In terms of his specific role, Wood recognises that a bit of subtlety will be key, whether he’s handed the new ball or asked to bowl first-change behind Jofra Archer, who is back in England’s white-ball squads for the first time since the World Cup.”I’ll still be trying to bowl as fast as I can at times,” Wood said. “You’ve got to be adaptable with slower balls and you’ve got to watch the batters a little bit more and be a little bit more on it because you’re not having three slips and a gully.”When I first started 50-over cricket, I opened the bowling for England then when Jofra played the World Cup with Woakesy opening the bowling, I went to first change and I enjoyed that role. It’s never easy bowling in Twenty20, whether you’re up front or you’re in the middle. They’re coming at you 24/7.”
Bukayo Saka comes into the European Championships this summer off the back of a campaign where he enjoyed a career-best season in attack.
The Arsenal star may not have received an individual award like England colleague Phil Foden but he was still a revelation. He ended 2023/24 with 20 goals, ensuring he was the Gunners' top scorer and he also supplied 14 assists.
The trouble is that he's the only real option on the right-hand side of Mikel Arteta's attack.
Gabriel Jesus has popped on the right at various stages this season while Gabriel Martinelli started the final day win over Everton on the right with Saka injured.
However, there lies the issue. The 22-year-old barely missed a minute this term and he could do with some more rest throughout the campaign. It should be a priority for Arsenal to sign some competition this summer.
Arsenal's summer transfer plans
Fortunately, it would appear as though the Gunners are interested in bolstering their wide options this summer.
Crystal Palace star Michael Olise has been touted with a move and due to the fact Arsenal qualified for the Champions League, they're reportedly leading the race for his signature.
Another option could be Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams. That's according to Football Transfers who reported over the weekend that Arsenal have joined the race to sign the winger, but they will face competition from Chelsea, PSG and Barcelona.
The 21-year-old is said to possess a £43m release clause with the report stating that Edu and Co are ready to trigger that in the forthcoming weeks.
How Nico Williams compares to Bukayo Saka
Throughout William's career to date, he has primarily popped up on the right-hand side of the attack.
The youngster has featured on that flank 73 times in his career, scoring 17 goals and supplying 18 assists.
As a result, he would seem well-placed to rival Saka for a place in Arteta's starting lineup. The Spaniard also loves a versatile face and in Williams, he'd certainly be getting that.
Throughout 2023/24, the Spain international actually featured largely as a left winger. It was a spell-binding campaign with the Arsenal target scoring eight goals and supplying a whopping 17 assists in all competitions.
So, on that evidence, the Bilbao sensation is more about creating for his teammates than finding the net himself. That's certainly not a bad trait to have.
So, what else does the £43m man possess in his armoury? Well, according to analyst Ben Mattinson he "would be the quickest player at the club if he joined", citing that "speed is his best asset along with his two-footed ability."
Arsenal are undoubtedly in need of adding more pace to their attack. When Martinelli is off-colour or isn't playing then the Gunners can struggle to counter as efficiently as others.
Williams would certainly help in this regard. So, what do the numbers say?
Goals
0.20
0.49
Assists
0.44
0.28
Progressive carries
5.66
4.78
Progressive passes
2.63
3.89
Key passes
1.87
2.81
Crosses
0.88
0.37
Shot-creating actions
4.82
5.80
Goal-creating actions
0.96
0.65
Successful take-ons
3.43
1.51
Carries into final 3rd
3.07
2.10
Carries into penalty box
2.47
2.22
Well, while Saka is evidently a bigger goal threat, it would appear as though Williams is far more dangerous when it comes to taking on a marker and beating them.
The sheer number of carries and take-ons are immense. We know how good Arsenal's number 7 is in this regard so for a positional peer to trump him is rather impressive.
As Mattinson further stated, Williams is "good enough to displace Saka" and on statistical evidence, he's not wrong.
Arsenal enquire about signing £75m star who's "very similar to Saka"
The incredible talent could be a transformational addition to Arsenal.
ByJack Salveson Holmes May 13, 2024
The summer transfer window officially opened for business on Friday and Aston Villa have plenty of time left to strengthen their squad before it slams shut.
They could start the window with an exit, though, as Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that negotiations are at the final stages to sell central midfielder Douglas Luiz to Juventus, albeit with Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling Junior coming the other way as part of the move.
The Villans are reportedly keen on a deal to sign £35m-rated full-back Ian Maatsen, who spent the second half of this season on loan with Borussia Dortmund, and are leading the race to land Denzel Dumfries from Inter.
They are now seemingly eyeing up a swoop to land a new centre-forward to bolster their firepower, with a free agent number nine on their radar.
Aston Villa's interest in promotion-winning star
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa sporting director Monchi is lining up a deal to sign out-of-contract star Kelechi Iheanacho this summer.
The Nigeria international is currently set to become a free agent at the start of next month, once his contract with Leicester City expires, and that could open the door for the Villans to snap him up for nothing.
Football Insider reports that Monchi had already flown out to hold a meeting with the player's representatives in May over a potential transfer to the club later in the summer.
It states that the club are keen to add another marksman to Unai Emery's playing squad as Jhon Duran is said to be in advanced talks over a switch to Premier League rivals Chelsea.
However, it does remain to be seen how many other teams are prepared to put a contract on the table for Iheanacho and whether or not the player is keen on a move to Villa Park.
Why Iheanacho could be a good signing for Aston Villa
If Monchi can get a deal over the line for the former Manchester City, Villa would be bringing in a proven Premier League forward who could be a fantastic alternative to Ollie Watkins next season.
He did, however, just spend the 2023/24 campaign in the Championship with the Foxes and racked up five goals and one assist in just ten starts as his team won the division and promotion to the top-flight.
xG
9.05
3.63
6.13
Goals
12
5
5
xA
3.53
2.71
3.71
Assists
2
5
5
As you can see in the table above, his last three years in the Premier League for Leicester, before their relegation in 2023, proved that he can provide quality in the final third at the top level. Iheanacho, who was once described as a "scary" finisher by ESPN's Colin Udoh, scored 22 goals from an xG of 18.81 across those three years, which speaks to his efficient finishing ability.
Aston Villa now in daily contact with "incredible" £35m target
He was recently called up for Euro 2024.
ByTom Cunningham Jun 16, 2024
The left-footed dynamo only started 39 games in that time and that suggests that he would be the perfect back-up to Watkins as the Nigerian star has proven his quality as a second-choice number nine who does not need to start regularly.
On Friday, Spanish outlet Diario AS revealed that Liverpool had set their asking price for Barcelona-linked Luis Diaz at a hefty €75m (£68m). Rumours that the Colombian is headed for Catalonia persist, with little sign of slowing down.
Diaz was one of Liverpool's most dependable performers throughout the 2023/24 campaign but with Jurgen Klopp now gone and the 27-year-old only scoring 13 goals from 51 matches, turning down an offer that matches the above-mentioned figure might feel difficult for FSG and its footballing CEO Michael Edwards.
Mohamed Salah, on the alternate wing, looks set to star for Arne Slot's Liverpool next term, entering the final year of his £350k-per-week contract but remaining one of Europe's first-class forwards, scoring 25 goals and adding 14 assists as the Reds finished third in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup.
But Salah is nearly 32 years old and, regardless of what happens in the short term, is not going to be around forever.
Liverpool are in the market for a wide forward and while the situation on the left remains uncertain, Edwards and Co are seeking Salah's successor and might just have identified the perfect option.
Liverpool lining up Salah successor
As per The Telegraph, Newcastle United are scrambling to cross the line in relation to PSR and as such could turn to Yankuba Minteh as one of the most profitable assets at Eddie Howe's disposal.
The 19-year-old is a talented winger and enjoyed a successful breakout season on loan at Feyenoord but the Magpies' struggle is Liverpool's gain, with the report suggesting that Slot's side could take advantage and bolster their wide options by signing the Gambia international.
Newcastle do not want to sell but if an interested party were to lodge an offer of £40m, they may well have to consider accepting.
Yankuba Minteh's season in numbers
Signed from Danish side Odense Boldklub in July 2023 for about £6m, Minteh was swiftly sent away from St. James' Park to the Netherlands, tasked with fostering and honing his talent on loan with Eredivisie champions Feyenoord.
Odense's chief executive Steffen Nielsen hailed the wide forward's "magic" ability with the ball and that was certainly showcased throughout his time in Rotterdam, with Minteh plundering ten goals and six assists from 27 matches in the Dutch top flight as well as scoring against Celtic in the Champions League.
Principally a right winger, Liverpool will no doubt appreciate his goalscoring ability but the player's underlying numbers are certain to be the reason behind the data-driven Edwards' interest.
Combative, creative and lively, the 5 foot 11 starlet averaged one key pass, 2.2 dribbles, 1.7 tackles and 5.0 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore, also creating nine big chances.
Yankuba Minteh: 23/24 Eredivisie Stats
Metric
Per 90
Percentile
Non-penalty goals
0.62
Top 3%
Shots total
3.46
Top 7%
Assists
0.31
Top 13%
Shot-creating actions
5.81
Top 3%
Progressive carries
7.85
Top 2%
Successful take-ons
3.65
Top 2%
Touches (Att pen)
9.89
Top 1%
Tackles
2.84
Top 4%
Stats via FBref (vs positional peers)
One of the foremost in the division for goals per game, rate of assisting, and positive, forward action when carrying the ball himself, Minteh appears destined for the top of the European game if his prodigious beginning is anything to go by.
And given that he's already being compared to a Liverpool legend in Sadio Mane, surely it would be worth Slot pushing to get the deal over the line, having led him throughout the recently concluded campaign.
Why Liverpool should sign Yankuba Minteh
First, let's address the obvious point. Minteh has spent a year in the Netherlands sharpening his tools and, crucially, he's done so under Slot's guidance.
If reports are on the mark and Liverpool do have an interest in the teenage talent, there's little question that Slot has played a key part in pushing for his signature, having recognised the qualities that played a key role in finishing second in the league and winning the KNVB Cup, albeit getting sent off in the final.
One scout has noted that once it all clicks for Minteh, "he can reach Sadio Mane level", such is the quality of his gliding gait and the budding deadliness of his shooting.
Minteh, certainly, has the makings of a breezy finisher, demonstrating as much this season. He missed ten big chances in the Eredivisie but also converted ten strikes. Darwin Nunez, for comparison, scored 11 Premier League goals this season and missed 27 big chances.
Minteh's clinical edge definitely has something about the Senegalese sensation, who missed 13 big chances during his final Premier League term, scoring 16 goals. Moreover, Mane completed 2.3 dribbles and won 6.9 duels on average, underscoring his all-encompassing value that has sadly not been replicated to the max by Diaz.
Consistency will be key but Newcastle's talent has proven himself across the year, scoring three goals from four league outings in September before closing the campaign with seven goals and four assists across 11 appearances.
Whether Liverpool decide to give the young star a chance remains to be seen, with other targets being considered, but since Salah is set to stay for at least one more year, why not provide him with a prodigious understudy who could use the forthcoming year to assimilate some of the Egyptian's trademark qualities.
Then, unleashing his skill set as Liverpool's star man on the right flank of Slot's frontline.
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ByAngus Sinclair Jun 7, 2024
Liverpool are interested in signing a "dazzling" attacking star in the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Graeme Bailey.
Liverpool transfer news
The Reds are about to experience a summer of huge change, with Jurgen Klopp departing as manager after nine seasons and being replaced by Feyenoord boss Arne Slot. Michael Edwards is back at the club as CEO of Football, while Richard Hughes will make the move from Bournemouth as sporting director.
Klopp will leave his successor with a hugely talented squad – one that was still in contention to win the quadruple heading into the latter part of the season, but that's not to say that some new signings aren't needed, in order to be even more of a force next season.
Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo is seen as an ambitious option for Liverpool this summer, with the Brazilian potentially seeing his minutes limited by the expected arrival of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain. He is seen as an upgrade on Luis Diaz, who has been linked with a switch to Barcelona.
In terms of a less high-profile addition, Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has emerged as a target for the Reds, being looked at as an ideal deputy to Alisson if Caoimhin Kelleher moves on to pastures new.
Liverpool want "dazzling" attacking ace
Speaking to Rousing the Kop, Bailey said that Liverpool are huge fans of Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams, but the Barca target is eyeing huge wages.
"The won’t pay him what he’s looking for at the moment. He’d be Liverpool’s highest paid player, as he would if he went to any club in England. He’s been asking for £250,000 per week plus appearance money. The English clubs who like him, and they all like him a lot, they think he’s a terrific player, but it seems as if he’s edging towards Barcelona. So, I think that’s what they’re putting it down to really.
"Will the situation change? Possibly. But at this moment in time it doesn’t look as if he’s pushing to come to England which is part of the reason for his demands. Liverpool very much like him, he’s a top winger, top performer. Liverpool were one of the ones who have done their homework on him."
The £170,000-a-week Williams could be a brilliant signing by Liverpool, considering the impact he has already made during his time at Bilbao, despite still only being 21 years of age. He has made 120 appearances for his current side, registering 42 goal contributions (19 goals and 23 assists) in that time, as well as winning 14 caps for Spain.
The wide man has also been hailed as a "dazzling" player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and he is seen as one of the fastest players in the world, having featured in a report focusing on the quickest footballers at the 2022 World Cup.
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Williams could even be looked at as a long-term replacement for the likes of Diaz and Mohamed Salah, with the Spain international capable of thriving on either flank, even if a left-sided attacking role has been his position of choice this season.
Erik ten Hag has insisted that Manchester United can defend "very well", despite their wild 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League.
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England Test captain hits 64 then takes two wickets in dominant performance
ECB Reporters Network30-Aug-2020
Joe Root last played a T20 for Yorkshire in August 2018•Getty Images
Joe Root’s commanding 64 off 40 balls followed by two wickets with his offbreaks helped Yorkshire end their Vitality Blast hoodoo against Derbyshire with a thumping 99-run win at Emerald Headingley.England’s Test captain hit two leg-side sixes and seven fours as the Vikings posted 220 for 5 before easily defending it to end a run of six straight North Group defeats against the Falcons.Derbyshire, last season’s semi-finalists, had done the double over the White Rose county in each of the last three summers, but they rarely looked like extending their dominance as they crumbled to 19 for 4 in the fifth over of their reply and later finished on 121 for 9.ALSO READ: Root ‘realistic’ about 2021 T20 WC chancesNew ball quick Matthew Fisher’s 3 for 21 from four overs were the pick of the Yorkshire figures.Root, who also claimed two for seven from two overs, and Adam Lyth underpinned Yorkshire’s eighth score of 220 or more in T20 history.The second-wicket pair shared 84 inside nine overs to advance from 32 for one in the third after Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who fell for 16, had won the toss and elected to bat.Lyth, 61 off 36 balls, and Root hit five sixes between them, all leg-side, before Will Fraine matched that total on his own in a blistering 44 not out off 16 balls at the death. Fraine hit his sixes on both sides of an excellent Headingley pitch.Luis Reece took two wickets in the penultimate over with full tosses. But, largely, the Falcons bowlers – there were seven used to Yorkshire’s eight in the second half of the game – struggling for line and length proved to their detriment.Lyth made the early running for the hosts before Root serenely caught him up and posted his fifth career T20 fifty for Yorkshire, four of which have come in his last six innings dating back to 2015. Root struck the ball crisply, with the odd reverse-sweep and late cut to third man thrown in for good measure.He offered a sharp chance to Derby skipper Billy Godleman at cover on 43 off Matt Critchley’s legspin, though looked in little trouble besides in a clash between two sides who had their opening North Group fixture rained off on Thursday evening.Both Lyth and Root eventually fell caught at deep midwicket sweeping at debutant legspinner Mattie McKiernan. When Root departed early in the 16th over, Yorkshire were 160 for 3, with Fraine then taking on the lead role as he set about an early career best score.The former Nottinghamshire man took advantage of some loose bowling and smeared the the lion’s share of 22 off Fynn Hudson-Prentice in the last over of the innings.Derby were then in the mire early in their chase – 19 for four in the fifth over – two wickets apiece for new ball quick Matthew Fisher and Root’s offspin.Key men Reece, Wayne Madsen, Godleman and Leus du Plooy all departed without impacting the chase, with Root getting Godleman lbw and du Plooy caught at cover in the fifth over – his second. From there, it was game over.Legspinner Josh Poysden strengthened that theory by also striking twice – in his first appearance since last July having suffered and recovered from a fractured skull – as the score slipped to 70 for 6 after 13 overs.Critchley’s measured 26 was nothing more than a consolatory effort, and it was ended by Harry Brook’s medium pacers. Fisher and George Hill claimed further wickets.”The platform was set so well from Adam Lyth and Joe Root, and the pitch was really good,” said Fraine. “It came off for me today. I had a good game plan, and luckily they missed their yorkers and I managed to get a few away.”Rooty’s a joke – he’s a ridiculous cricketer. He was exceptional today. He was hitting balls halfway up the stumps off the back foot for four, and it was just like: ‘How can you do that?'”I would for sure have him in that [England T20] squad. I think he’s such an underrated T20 player. He has a bag of tricks with his bowling: offies, leggies, he can do anything with the ball. He’s very handy there, he’s handy in the field, and he showed today his calmness with the bat. You don’t need to bottom-hand slog it. He was hitting the ball as hard as anyone and looked so good doing it.”