New Zealand were 112 for 1 in 21 overs when rain arrived

Madushka Balasuriya19-Nov-2024

No Result Persistent rain in Pallekele meant the final ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand was washed out, with Sri Lanka, who had won the first two games, taking the series 2-0. This is Sri Lanka’s fifth ODI series win this year.It was an anti-climactic end to a game that had begun with much promise, courtesy a fresh pitch that was expected to suit the batters as opposed to the more sluggish surfaces served up in the first two games.New Zealand, having won the toss, decided to take first lease of it and proceeded to get off to their best start of the series. The first ten overs saw them ticking along at a touch under six an over, despite not taking many risks. That was primarily down to the fact that nearly 40% of those runs had come off the wayward Dilshan Madushanka, whose two overs went for 23 runs.Related

Whisper it, but Sri Lanka may be turning a corner in ODIs

That was the last of Madushanka with the ball, but some sloppy efforts in the outfield meant it was a day to forget for the left-arm seamer who had just 12 months prior been one of the most sought-after seamers in world cricket following a stellar World Cup in India. That, though, seemed to be a lifetime ago as he struggled to maintain consistent lines and lengths. The first five boundaries of the New Zealand innings came of his bowling.At the other end though, Sri Lanka kept things relatively tight – first through seamer Mohamed Shiraz and then their bevy of spinners. The solitary wicket of the innings had in fact come courtesy Shiraz, playing just his second ODI and his first of the series, though it had also owed much to skipper Charith Asalanka who leapt high to his left at mid-off to hold on to a mistimed drive from Tim Robinson. Shiraz’s five overs went for 23 runs as both Robinson and Will Young were troubled by his late swing – 20 dot balls out of 30 legal deliveries spoke of his control.New Zealand, though, managed a scoring rate nearing six even after the powerplay, comfortably knocking the ball around despite Sri Lanka cutting off the boundary opportunities. Young and Henry Nicholls were largely untroubled, with the pair unbeaten on 56 and 46 respectively, and their partnership at a threatening 88 off 106, before rain brought play to a permanent end after just 21 overs.The abandonment of the game is a missed opportunity for both sides as they sought to test their bench strength. For the visitors, there was a debut for seamer Zakary Foulkes, who had impressed in the T20I leg, while fellow seamer Adam Milne also got his first game on the tour. They had come in for Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy.Sri Lanka, meanwhile, made no less than five changes, with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage and Asitha Fernando all making way. In came batters Nishan Madushka and Nuwanidu Fernando, seamers Madushanka and Shiraz, while there was also a debut for seam-bowling allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe – he bowled just two overs and gave away 14 runs.

Barcelona are set to hold high-level talks with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to resolve the feud over Lamine Yamal's injury. The move follows manager Hansi Flick's public criticism of Spain for playing the teenager while he was carrying an injury, which has now ruled him out of key club fixtures including this week's Champions League clash.

Barca to hold talks with RFEF over Yamal injury issue

Barcelona are moving to de-escalate the club-versus-country row with the RFEF over the handling of Yamal's fitness. According to , Blaugrana sporting director Deco is set to hold talks with the RFEF's technical director, Aitor Karanka, to improve communication protocols after Barca manager Hansi Flick publicly criticised the national team's management of the winger during the recent international break.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'That's not looking after the players': What Flick said about Yamal's Spain duty

The dispute erupted after Yamal, who had joined the Spain camp with a pre-existing groin issue, played significant minutes against both Bulgaria and Turkey. Flick did not hold back in his assessment of the situation, accusing Spain coach Luis de la Fuente of negligence. 

"Lamine already went to the national team in pain. He took painkillers and played with the national team in pain," Flick stated. "He had problems, and played 79 and 73 minutes. That's not looking after the players. The Spanish national team has the best players in the world, but we should be looking after the professionals. Also the young players."

Yamal ruled out of key fixtures with groin injury

The 18-year-old's pre-existing discomfort has since developed into a groin injury, causing direct consequences for his club. Yamal was ruled out of Barcelona's emphatic 6-0 La Liga victory over Valencia on Sunday and Mundo Deportivo says it will take "a miracle" for him to be fit for the Champions League opener against Newcastle after he was unable to train with his team-mates on Monday. The RFEF was reportedly aware of his condition, not least because a national team physiotherapist also works with Yamal at Barcelona.

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AFPWhat next as Barca and RFEF look to improve relations?

While both parties are now keen to consider the public controversy "settled," the focus has shifted to preventing future conflicts. The upcoming talks between Deco and Karanka are aimed at establishing clearer and more robust communication channels for managing players who report for international duty with minor ailments. The goal is to create a more collaborative approach to protect player welfare and avoid similar feuds, especially with a prodigious young talent like Yamal at the centre of the issue.

West Indies have called up Obed McCoy for their remaining two T20Is against England. McCoy replaces Matthew Forde in the squad after Forde suffered a thigh strain in training ahead of the third T20I of five.Forde was initially included as cover for the suspended Alzarri Joseph, playing the second match of the series, in Barbados. He was replaced in the XI by Joseph in St Lucia, as West Indies conceded the series after going 3-0 down.McCoy was not available for the start of the T20I series after sustaining an injury during the CPL. He last played for West Indies during their home series against South Africa in August.England secured their first series win in the Caribbean in any format since 2019 with victory at the Daren Sammy Stadium on Thursday, with the remaining two games set to be played at the same ground over the weekend.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após uma vitória e um empate na Copa Sul-Americana, o Santos realizará o seu terceiro jogo pela Copa Sul-Americana. O adversário da vez será o Newell’s Old Boys, da Argentina. O confronto acontecerá na noite desta terça-feira (2), no estádio Marcelo Bielsa, a partir das 21h30 (de Brasília).

+ Guia Santos: veja a análise dos adversários, onde assistir e tudo sobre o Peixe na Sul-Americana

Baseado nesta partida, o LANCE!preparou um material para você conhecer algumas particularidades do desafiante do Peixe. Confira!

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+Joia de 15 anos estreia pelo Barcelona: lembre jogadores que começaram cedo no profissional

BREVE HISTÓRIA

O clube começa dentro de um colégio, na Argentina, fundado pelo inglês Isaac Newell. Anos após a criação da instituição de ensino, em 1903, Claudio Newell, filho do fundador, decide montar um time de futebol com alunos e ex-alunos. Para marcar o acontecimento, aproveita e registra o clube com o sobrenome da família. Desse jeito, inicia a jornada do “Clube Atlético Newell’s Old Boys” (ou Meninos do Newell na tradução direta).

Apesar de não ter grandes conquistas internacionais, o time detém uma fama eterna por ser o primeiro clube da carreira de Lionel Messi.

ATUAL MOMENTO

Na disputa da Sul-Americana, o clube argentino registra um bom começo. Triunfou sobre o Audax Italiano, fora de casa, por 1 a 0, na primeira rodada. No segundo jogo, venceu com autoridade, por 3 a 0, o Blooming. Por conta dos resultados, o time é líder do Grupo E.

O desempenho no Campeonato Argentino não é o mesmo. Ainda na primeira fase do torneio, o clube está na 12ª colocação, uma posição mediana na tabela que possui 28 equipes. Nos últimos cinco jogos da competição, o time venceu uma vez, empatou em duas ocasiões e perdeu em outras duas oportunidades.

HISTÓRICO

Santos e Newell’s Old Boys se enfrentaram quatro vezes na história. Em 4 jogos disputados, o Peixe venceu três vezes e o duelo terminou empatado em uma ocasião. Contudo, vale ressaltar que os clubes não se encaram há anos. A última vez que jogaram uma partida juntos foi em 1977.

Tottenham seemingly have the chance to sign a “huge talent” as agents make contact to discuss his availability, as per a new report, and he was once “very close” to making the move to north London.

Tottenham advancing move for £24m defender after 'emerging' as favourites

Spurs have been told what it would take to get a deal done.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 23, 2025

Spurs have a few key items on their transfer checklist which are yet to be ticked off.

The Lilywhites have signed Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel on permanent deals, later adding both Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus to their list of summer signings, and they remain in pursuit of Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White despite their threat of legal action.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Finalising a deal for the latter is currently Tottenham’s main priority, according to Fabrizio Romano, who also told GiveMeSport’s Market Madness podcast that they’re confident of eventually sealing Gibbs-White’s signature.

“Tottenham remain confident about their chances of signing the player. But, obviously, now this is a legal topic. They need to have discussions directly with Nottingham Forest to find the solution,” said Romano.

“Of course, it changes the timing of the deal. Tottenham’s perfect plan was probably to sign Kudus and Gibbs-White in 24 or 48 hours. It is now going to take a bit longer, but they remain intent on signing the player.”

According to Alasdair Gold, Spurs also want a new number six to come in, and hold an interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha. However, any deal would hinge on selling one of their current engine room men, most likely Yves Bissouma.

Links to Brentford striker Yoane Wissa haven’t gone away, either, with some credible media sources suggesting that the Congo international is open to reuniting with Thomas Frank at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium amid interest from Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.

That being said, Newcastle appear to be the most advanced right now, and have already seen bids rejected for Wissa as they push to sign him for Eddie Howe.

If Spurs are beaten to the punch by Newcastle for Wissa, an intriguing chance to sign PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani has emerged, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Tottenham offered chance to sign PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani

The Ligue 1 and European champions are demanding around £43 million for Kolo Muani, a price tag which Juventus are refusing to meet amid extensive talks to re-sign the forward, after his productive loan spell in Turin.

Now, Bailey has told TBR Football that agents have contacted Tottenham over Kolo Muani’s potential availability, coming after he was once on the verge of a move to north London in January.

“Kolo Muani’s move to Juventus has stalled,” said Bailey.

“They want him back, but they want a loan with an option. PSG are not keen, and they believe there are other clubs willing to take him on better terms.

“Kolo Muani has enjoyed life in Turin, but we are told that he remains keen on England – he was very close to joining Tottenham in January.

“Spurs are one of those contacted again, but so have the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle, both of whom are obviously in the market for new forwards. He is suddenly a name who is possibly back on the market, and he is intriguing to these Premier League clubs. He is still seen as a huge talent.”

The France international netted 23 goals and registered 17 assists in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt, during his best-ever season to date in 2022/2023, so it is clear as day that Kolo Muani does have it in his locker.

He also played a key role in helping his country reach the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. Kolo Muani is no stranger to the big occasion, and his versatility could also be a very useful asset to Frank as Spurs look to compete on multiple fronts next term.

Arsenal are a club that have been blessed with an abundance of genuinely world-class players over the years.

In the current side, you have the likes of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, and then go back to the last Premier League-winning side, and it’s impossible to look past the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pirès.

However, there is another superstar from the club’s past that many view as the most technically gifted player to wear the red and white: Dennis Bergkamp.

So, fans should be excited about reports linking the club with a player who could become Mikel Arteta’s own version of the Non-Flying Dutchman.

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Buy Premium Now Arsenal target their new Bergkamp

It’s been a good summer for Arsenal so far this year, as while they suffered two defeats in pre-season, they won their other three games and have been unusually busy in the market.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

New Sporting Director Andrea Berta has made six additions to the first team, with goalscoring phenomenon Viktor Gyokeres and midfield maestro Martin Zubimendi the marquee signings.

However, while that would have been more than enough business for the Gunners in summers past, it now looks like they’re trying to make at least one more addition to the team, someone who could be the new Bergkamp.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Ben Jacobs, who has claimed that Arsenal are still very much interested in Eberechi Eze.

Moreover, Jacobs has revealed that while the Crystal Palace ace is open to a move to Tottenham Hotspur, he’s been in talks with Arteta and would “welcome an Arsenal bid.”

It’s not entirely clear how much the £100k-per-week star would cost, as reports from earlier this month claimed that his £68m release clause is set to expire on Friday.

It could therefore be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Eze’s incredible ability, he’d be more than worth it, especially as he could be the club’s new Bergkamp.

Why Eze could be Arsenal's new Bergkamp

So it’s worth pointing out that we aren’t necessarily saying Eze is as good a player as Bergkamp was during his pomp, but he could be, and on top of that, there are some similarities between their transfers, or potential in the Palace ace’s case.

The first point is that, should this move happen, the 27-year-old Englishman would be joining the Gunners at a similar stage in his career to the Dutchman, who was 26 when he moved to Highbury from Inter Milan in 1995.

Moreover, as his move helped to usher in a period of incredible success for the North Londoners, it also feels like the Eagles star has the ability and could be that missing piece that finally brings success to Arteta’s project.

However, away from the similar circumstances around the moves, the other key similarity between the two players is their immense technical abilities.

For example, when he was at his best, the Amsterdam-born maestro was a joy to watch, someone who wouldn’t just score a goal or provide an assist, but do something so utterly brilliant with the ball at his feet that would often leave fans speechless.

The most famous example of this would undoubtedly be his goal against Newcastle United, but there are so many other instances during his time in England when he’d make the improbable seem blasé.

Now, while we are yet to see the former QPR gem score a goal quite as spectacular as that one at St James’ Park, he remains one of the most entertaining players to watch in England today and has a catalogue of strikes most could only dream of.

Appearances

36

43

Minutes

2285′

3303′

Goals

11

14

Assists

6

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

134.41′

132.12′

Moreover, on top of scoring wonder goals, the “superstar” attacker, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is just as proficient at setting them up or completing the crucial action that leads to one of his teammates setting up a goal.

Finally, after goals and assists, the most exciting thing a player can do is beat an opposition defender with the ball at their feet, and that’s something the Greenwich-born “magician,” as dubbed by Micah Richards, can do with ease.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers for successful take-ons in the Premier League last season.

Ultimately, even if it’s a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Eze this month, as he could turn into Arteta’s Bergkamp.

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Better signing than Zubimendi: Arsenal plot late move for £78m "monster"

The international superstar would be a game-changer for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta…

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 11, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are now closing in on the signing of a “powerful” player this summer after a breakthrough this week.

Martin already under pressure at Rangers

The Gers have made a hugely disappointing start to the Scottish Premiership season, drawing their opening two matches and already slipping four points behind rivals Celtic. It has been a baptism of fire for new manager Russell Martin, who is already showing signs of feeling the pressure at Rangers, admitting that there will be no “quick fix” under him.

“We are at a point now at this club where something needed to change.”The ownership has changed, there’s a new coaching staff, there’s new players, there’s hopefully a new way of behaving in the training ground – properly, every single day, regarding standards and what’s expected at this football club. So it’s not a quick fix and this is not me coming out and making excuses.

“I think we change the manager from year to year and nothing really changes. So now it’s about really changing the culture and the feel of the club day in and day out. That will end up in a good outcome. Good process, good people, will always end up in a good outcome. But maybe not so quickly as everyone wants.”

For things to change for the better at Rangers, more signings are needed this summer, and on the plus side, it looks like one piece of business is now on the cusp of being done.

Rangers closing in on signing of "powerful" ace

According to Chris Jack on Monday morning, Rangers are now “close” to completing the signing of Real Betis centre-back Nobel Mendy, with a fee of around £2m agreed after a breakthrough in negotiations and the player set to sign a long-term contract.

Mendy has been a key target for a while now, and the fact that they have beaten Vallecano to his signature has to be considered a coup. The 20-year-old has the potential to be such an influential long-term signing for Rangers, with scout Kai Watson describing him as a “powerful” player, as well as possessing other key attributes.

The fact that Mendy’s versatility allows him to shine at right-back and left-back is an added bonus for Martin, who will hope that the Senegalese is a big player for him for years to come.

Rangers target now "for sale" with "sky high" record-setting valuation

The Gers need reinforcements after a stumble out the gates…

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Callum Kemp

Aug 10, 2025

No clean sheets to start the Scottish Premiership campaign hasn’t been ideal, but Mendy will hopefully come in and sure things up.

Wrexham roared back into Championship form as Josh Windass marked his comeback with a blistering brace in a 3-2 victory over a limp Norwich City. The win eased the heat on Phil Parkinson, whose rocky start to life in the second tier had sparked murmurs of discontent. Norwich, however, remain in meltdown. Four home games, four defeats, the Canaries are spiraling.

Getty Images SportWrexham get the job done

Parkinson rang the changes after last weekend’s 3-1 loss to QPR. Out went Conor Coady, James McClean, Matty James and Ryan Hardie. In came debutants Dominic Hyam and Issa Kabore, Ben Sheaf for his first full start, and the returning Windass, thrust back into the XI and given the captain’s armband for good measure. The tactical tweak was obvious. Lewis O’Brien and Windass pushed high, buzzing around Kieffer Moore as Parkinson looked to overwhelm Norwich with energy and width. From the first whistle, Wrexham’s intent was there.

Norwich were toothless for much of the half, but when their moment came in the 39th minute, they punished Wrexham ruthlessly. David Jurasek slid a neat ball through for Jack Stacey, who darted clear and coolly tucked past Arthur Okonkwo. Against the run of play, the hosts led 1-0.

Whatever Parkinson said at the interval could have peeled paint off the walls. Wrexham came out after the restart like a team possessed, and Norwich had no answers. Barely two minutes in, Windass was on the scoresheet. A sweeping diagonal ball released Kabore, whose low cross found the skipper lurking. One swing of the boot and it was 1-1. Minutes later, Windass almost turned provider, sliding O’Brien through, only for Vladan Kovacevic to save smartly.

By the 54th minute, Wrexham had flipped the game on its head. Ben Sheaf worked the ball out wide to Kabore, whose delivery was precise. Ryan Longman pounced, firing into the net to make it 2-1. Norwich were reeling, their defence all over the shop, and Wrexham smelt blood. Just before the hour, the killer blow arrived. Tylor Cleworth’s cross evaded everyone in the middle, but not Windass. The captain shaped, curled, and delivered a beauty into the far corner to make it 3-1. In a devastating 15-minute spell, the Red Dragons had torched the Canaries. Although the hosts pulled one back deep inside stoppage time, it was too little too late to salvage a point at home for Norwich.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMVP: Windass' brilliant brace

Back from injury and wearing the armband, Windass was sensational. His brace, plus a hand in every key attacking moment, made him the undisputed MVP. After frustration on the sidelines, the forward looked reborn, driving Wrexham forward with pace and precision. 

The big losers: Norwich's dismal backline

If Windass was the hero, Norwich’s three centre-backs were the villains. Josh Cordoba, Harry Darling and Jakov Medic were statuesque as Windass ghosted through for his opener. The lack of awareness, the failure to track runs, and the absence of bite left them hopelessly exposed. Liam Manning's men looked brittle, nervous, and rudderless every time the ball came into their box.

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Where next for Wrexham?

With league pressure eased, attention now shifts to cup duty. Wrexham welcome Reading to the Racecourse Ground on Tuesday night for an EFL Cup third-round tie. Victory there could spark genuine momentum heading into the next Championship fixtures.

Derby County are believed to be battling Championship rivals Swansea City for the loan signing of a “special” Premier League player this summer.

Eustace positive despite Derby defeat

It hasn’t exactly been an ideal start to the season for the Rams, who have lost their opening couple of Championship matches, losing 3-1 away to Stoke City and suffering a 5-3 hammering at home to Coventry City.

Despite this, Derby manager John Eustace found positives to Saturday’s loss against the Sky Blues, seeing enough to feel optimistic about moving forward.

“I was very happy with the attitude of the boys today. The way we stuck together when we went a goal down a couple of times, and then the character we showed to get back into the game when we went 3-2 up, was pleasing. The most disappointing thing for me is that at the moment, we’ve got a bit of a soft underbelly, and we need to get through the difficult moments.

“I appreciate that we’re probably not as up to speed as where we want to be at the moment through different scenarios. Even so, you have to defend the box better than we have been in the last couple of games.”

Derby will know that improvements are needed on the pitch, in order to avoid a relegation battle this season, and they have now been linked with a player that Rams supporters know well.

Derby in the mix to sign "special" winger

According to The Athletic, Derby are pursuing a move for Liverpool youngster Kaide Gordon this summer, with Swansea also eyeing a move for the 20-year-old. The Reds are also “considering loan approaches” for the winger, who started his career with the Rams before completing a move to Anfield in 2021.

Gordon returning to Derby for the rest of the season could go down well, even though he hasn’t necessarily hit the huge heights many predicted, with Jurgen Klopp heaping praise on him during their time working together.

“He is a special kid, everyone knows that. He is really calm, great finisher. But he can improve he needs to get more involved in the game.”

Gordon will know that he has no real future at Liverpool, so a year away will surely appeal to him, allowing him to kick on his career and not grow stagnant.

He has now reached a point where he needs to find an extra gear, looking to add to a tally of only one Championship goal in 16 appearances, but the talent is there for him to be an excellent addition for Derby for a year. Eustace may even feel that a permanent signing could be on the cards next summer, should he impress enough.

While they didn’t exactly kick off their Premier League campaign in style, Chelsea got back on track with their thumping win away to West Ham United on Friday night.

The fans will be expecting Enzo Maresca’s side to do even better than last season this year, and rightly so, as the board have more than done their part over the last few months by significantly strengthening the side.

The likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato and more all look like great buys, and with a week to go until the window slams shut, the West Londoners seem intent on bringing in more talent.

One of the players who now seems almost sure to join the club is Alejandro Garnacho, although if reports are to be believed, the Blues could be set to sign another international ace who’d keep him out of the team.

Chelsea target Garnacho upgrade

Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho has been a longstanding one, with reports touting him for a move to the club back in the winter window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Things have significantly progressed this summer, though, with the Manchester United ace reportedly rejecting other clubs to join the Blues, so long as a deal can be worked out between the two sides.

The Madrid-born gem would undoubtedly add dynamism and more of a goal threat to Maresca’s squad, but it now looks like the West Londoners are closing in on another attacker, someone who’d surely keep him out of the team.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, which has reaffirmed Chelsea’s interest in Xavi Simons.

More than that, though, the report has claimed that, on top of already having an agreement with the player, the player will try to secure his move to the Bridge before deadline day.

In other words, the West Londoners are trying to bring the RB Leipzig star to Stamford Bridge this week, and while no price is mentioned in the story, reports from earlier this summer claim that an offer of £61m should be enough to seal the deal.

That is certainly a lot of money to spend on one player, but given Simons’ ability and potential, he’d be worth it, even if he’d keep Garnacho out of the team.

Why Simons would keep Garnacho out of the team

Unfortunately for Garnacho, while he is a versatile player who can thrive in attacking midfield and off the left, so can Simons.

In fact, the Flying Dutchman has shown himself to be even more versatile than the Argentine, as on top of playing in the middle and off the left, he has spent time off the right and up top.

In other words, the United ace would almost certainly be in competition for game time with the Leipzig star, and based on the last season or so, we’d pick the latter every time.

For example, when it comes down to their raw output, there is just no competition.

In his 33 appearances for the German outfit last year, totalling 2763 minutes, the unreal “game-changer,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored 11 goals and provided eight assists.

That means he was able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes.

In contrast, the 21-year-old Red Devils ace scored 11 goals and provided ten assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3568 minutes, last term.

That comes out to a notably worse average of a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or every 169.90 minutes.

The comparison is just as, if not more, one-sided when we take a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.67

0.33

Progressive Passes

5.86

2.30

Progressive Carries

3.56

5.78

Key Passes

2.13

1.52

Passes into the Final Third

3.31

0.90

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.51

1.02

Shot-Creating Actions

4.52

3.40

Goal-Creating Actions

0.50

0.25

Tackles Won

0.88

0.74

Blocks

0.79

0.78

Clearances

0.79

0.45

Successful Take-Ons

1.38

1.07

Here, the former Paris Saint-Germain gem comes out comfortably ahead in most relevant metrics, such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, from their output to their underlying numbers, there is nothing that suggests Garnacho is even on the same level as Simons.

Therefore, as they play in the same positions on the pitch, it seems almost certain that the latter will keep the former out of the Chelsea team this season.

He's their next Palmer: Chelsea ace has held talks over leaving the Bridge

Chelsea really are having a summer clearout as this rising star looks set to be the next to leave.

1 ByKelan Sarson Aug 25, 2025