After picking up 1 for 13, he smashed 21 not out off six balls to seal the game

Madushka Balasuriya08-Mar-2021Fabian Allen shone with both bat and ball, affecting the game at the start and finish, as the West Indies secured a hard-fought three-wicket win against Sri Lanka in the deciding third T20I in Antigua and clinched the series 2-1.After registering figures of 1 for 13 from his four overs – three of which had come in a powerplay period that saw Sri Lanka score 27 runs for the loss of three wickets – Allen applied the finishing touches with the bat to seal the game for West Indies.His unbeaten six-ball 21, inclusive of three sixes off Akila Dananjaya in the 19th over, came when Sri Lanka sniffed a chance, created once again by their bevvy of spinners.Chasing a modest 132, the home side looked to have got off to the ideal start, registering 53 for 1 in the powerplay. But the Sri Lanka spinners once again proved a handful and pegged West Indies back.Wanindu Hasaranga was once again the main threat and dismissed Evin Lewis and Lendl Simmons to finish with figures of 2 for 13. Lakshan Sandakan (3 for 29) and Dushmantha Chameera (2 for 23) also reaped the benefits of the pressure created by Hasaranga but with a target that low, the West Indies batsman knew they just needed one bowler they could target, and they found that in Dananjaya.After his redemption in the second T20I following his mauling at the hands of Kieron Pollard in the opening game, Dananjaya struggled with his control this time around as he went wicketless in his four overs and gave away 53 runs.Earlier, an unbeaten stand of 85 – Sri Lanka’s highest in T20Is for the fifth wicket – between Dinesh Chandimal and Ashen Bandara had dragged the visitors to a respectable, if not quite competitive, 131 for 4.After the spin of Allen and Kevin Sinclair had limited Sri Lanka inside the powerplay, the West Indian seamers took over. On a surface that was even slower than those in the first two games, the hosts almost exclusively dealt in slower deliveries, forcing the Sri Lanka batsmen to grind out for runs.It was only because of some late hitting from Bandara that ensured the visitors scored as much as they did, but despite the best efforts of their spinners, it was always unlikely to be enough – especially with the number of match-winners the West Indies have in their ranks.West Indies out-gamble Sri Lanka
In the last game, Sri Lanka had bowled out their main bowlers by the 16th over, but it paid off in spades as by that point the game was as good as won, with all of the West Indies big-hitters back in the pavilion.Dinesh Chandimal’s half-century went in vain•AFPThis time around West Indies were a little more calculated in their approach; first they brought in an extra batsman in Rovman Powell in place of Fidel Edwards, then, aided by virtue of having a modest target to chase, they bided their time, playing out dot balls when necessary, safe in the knowledge that a few big hits were enough the turn the game in their favour.And so it panned out, with no less than six West Indies batsman hitting at least a six in their innings – a stark contrast from the two sixes hit by Sri Lanka, both by Bandara.For Sri Lanka, by the time the 19th over rolled around, they were left with having to either throw the ball to part-timer Danushka Gunathilaka, who despite conceding only 11 from his three overs could not be relied on at the death, or Thisara Perera, who was woeful in that last game, or Dananjaya, who can be effective but was off his game. In the end, they went with Dananaya – though it’s unlikely any of the other choices would have been any more effective.Chandimal and Bandara adapt to the pitch
While Sri Lanka’s top order failed to come to terms with a sluggish pitch, thankfully for them Dinesh Chandimal and Bandara were around to bring some sense back into proceedings.But aside from the odd boundary, neither batsman looked particularly fluent. As such it very much a case of getting runs however possible, especially with the West Indies bowlers taking the pace off the ball at every opportunity. The fact that Chandimal’s most productive shot was the flick, with 22 runs coming off it, speaks volumes.Their unbroken partnership of 85 from 63 deliveries took on even more importance, considering when it began Sri Lanka were teetering at 46 for 4 midway through the tenth over.Hasaranga’s reputation keeps growing
Sri Lanka’s spinners usually burst on to the scene, either with an aura of mystery radiating off them, or an unusual action in tow – or in the case of Rangana Herath, they remain hidden away in the shadow of an all-time great before a late-career renaissance. But rarely does a player improve on the job as much as Hasaranga has.Yes, he has picked up wickets in nearly every T20I game he has played, but the degree of improvement his game has seen in the past year cannot be understated. The main upgrade has been the control with which he now bowls his googly, which has accounted for a large portion of his recent wickets. In this game, it was the googly once again that brought him early success, trapping the dangerous Evin Lewis lbw.Hasaranga also showcased his adaptability, called into bowl inside the powerplay after Dananjaya failed to have the same impact as he had in the previous game. As is now almost expected, he delivered immediately. After a chance of his first ball – a low full toss to Simmons – was dropped by Danushka Gunathilaka at long-on, he dismissed Lewis three balls later. In his next over, he was the recipient of a brain-fade from Simmons, who found himself stranded down the wicket as Dickwella completed an easy stumping. But Sri Lanka simply didn’t have enough runs in the bank.

MatériaMais Notícias

da stake casino： Logo depois de o Flamengo compartilhar um vídeo de Paulo Sousa dando um recado à torcida, o próprio clube divulgou mais palavras do português, recém-oficializado como técnico pelas próximas duas temporadas, e houve a confirmação de que o planejamento para 2022 já iniciou nos bastidores, além do treinador avisar que valoriza a “cultura de vitória”.

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da bet nacional： – Já começamos a fazer algumas coisas (quanto a planejamento). Há várias documentações, e, juntamente com o meu estafe, já começamos a programar e a planejar situações de treino para podermos, o quanto antes, enquadrar, de forma transversal, para podermos fazer o melhor trabalho com quem já está no Flamengo – disse Paulo Sousa, em entrevista ainda na Europa.

E, conforme esperado, o Fla já inicioua reformulação em seu departamento de futebol. O primeiro impacto atingiuWagner Miranda, preparador de goleiros da comissão técnica fixa, que já foi avisado de sua demissão – cuja primeira passagem ocorreu em 2005.Paulo Grilo, que chega junto a Paulo Sousa, será o substituto na função (veja todos os novos membros da comissão aqui).

A respeito do elenco, Sousa destacou que todos os jogadores serão essenciais, sobretudo pela longa e apertada temporada:

– Todos (jogadores do elenco chamam a atenção). Todos os jogadores serão muito importantes, a temporada é longa, são muitos jogos. Claro que há muitos jogadores que se destacaram nos últimos anos, vão se destacar essa temporada, mas todos eles serão muito necessários, e o compromisso de todos é o que vai nos levar aos melhores objetivos, que são os objetivos do Flamengo, sempre. Criar emoção em todos os nossos torcedores com vitórias constantes. A cultura da vitória é muito importante.

Com “ótimas expectativas”, Paulo Sousa também salientou o que o fez trocar a seleção polonesa, com quem tinha vínculo até maio deste ano e pediu dispensa após pagar multa rescisória de quase R$ 2 milhões, pelo Flamengo:

– A grandeza do clube, as minhas próprias expectativas de ganhar junto a um clube que tenha ambições constantes.

Paulo Sousa, de 51 anos, assinou com o Flamengo até dezembro de 2023.

Messi will be able to add another trophy to his cabinet, becoming the inaugural recipient of the award.

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Article continues below

Messi to receive MARCA awardArgentine nominated for 2024 MLS MVPLed Miami to MLS Supporters' ShieldGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi was named the 2024 MARCA America award recipient, being handed the accolade for his soccer legacy and is the first-ever winner of the award.

Over his storied career, the Argentine has won eight Ballon d'Or awards, three FIFA Best Men's Player awards, four UEFA Champions League titles, two Copa Americas, a FIFA World Cup, and numerous individual trophies.

Now, competing in MLS with Inter Miami, he has continued to grow and establish himself as one of the most important and influential athletes in the country.

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For nearly 100 years, MARCA has been Spain's leading sports outlet for national and international sports.

Since 1997, they have held the MARCA Legends Awards, with previous notable winners being Michael Jordan, Pele, Diego Armando Maradona, Tom Brady, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Alonso, Pau Gasol, and Rafa Nadal. The aim of the award is to recognize individuals who have helped shape sports worldwide.

With U.S. expansion in 2024, MARCA has now introduced the American award, taking all of Major League Soccer, UFC, boxing, the NFL, MLB, and the NBA into account for it.

DID YOU KNOW?

Across his illustrious career, Messi has won 56 individual footballing awards and 46-total team awards, amounting to an impressive 102 total.

Thursday's award will be presented to him by Juan Ignacio Gallardo, director of MARCA, alongside Jorge Mas, one of the owners of Inter Miami.

أعلنت رابطة البريميرليج عن الفائز بجائزة رجل مباراة مانشستر سيتي ونيوكاسل في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

والتقى مانشستر سيتي ونيوكاسل اليوم السبت، ضمن مباريات الجولة الخامسة والعشرين للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتمكن مانشستر سيتي من تحقيق الفوز بأربعة أهداف دون مقابل أمام نيوكاسل، ليرفع رصيده للنقطة 44 في المركز الرابع بترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي.

وتوج المصري عمر مرموش لاعب مانشستر سيتي، بجائزة رجل المباراة أمام فولهام، بعد أدائه الرائع في المواجهة.

اقرأ أيضًا | تقييم عمر مرموش بعد تألقه في مباراة مانشستر سيتي ونيوكاسل

مرموش قاد فريقه للفوز، حيث سجل ثلاثة أهداف لصالح مانشستر سيتي في الدقائق 19، 24، و33.

وحصل مرموش على أعلى نسبة تصويت (82.5%) ليحصد الجائزة، وأتى ألكسندر إيزاك لاعب نيوكاسل في المركز الثاني بالتصويت بنسبة (11.8%).

وتعد تلك المرة الأولى التي يحصل فيها مرموش على جائزة رجل المباراة في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وهي المشاركة الثالثة له مع السيتي في البريميرليج منذ انتقاله للفريق في يناير.

George Bartlett compiles fluent century before rain, time confirm stalemate

ECB Reporters Network06-Jun-2021Somerset opened up a ten-point lead at the top of Group Two when their LV=Insurance County Championship game with Hampshire at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton, ended in a draw.Set an unlikely 459 to win from a minimum of 75 overs, the visitors closed a final day curtailed by afternoon rain on 88 for 2, with Tom Alsop unbeaten on 23 and Sam Northeast 19 not out.Earlier, George Bartlett had completed a fluent hundred, including 11 fours and two sixes, and Tom Banton contributed an unbeaten 51 as Somerset extended their second-innings score from an overnight 323 for 6 to 409 for 7 before declaring.The home side took 15 points from the game to overtake arch-rivals Gloucestershire at the top of the group, while Hampshire claimed 14 and lie close in third place.Clearly feeling a draw would be a more than satisfactory outcome in their position, Somerset batted on for 75 minutes at the start of the day.Bartlett and Banton began cautiously, scoring only 14 runs between them in the first half hour before both cutting loose. Banton moved to a 54-ball half-century with a six over mid-wicket off Ian Holland, the second time he had cleared the ropes.Bartlett, unbeaten on 74 overnight, accelerated towards an assured century and reached it off 160 deliveries. When he skied a catch off the first ball of the following over, it signalled the declaration.Ian Holland and Cameron Steel began Hampshire’s second innings positively. But their hopes of batting through the remainder for the morning session were scuppered when Steel fell lbw for 14, playing across a delivery from Lewis Gregory.Lewis Gregory celebrates after taking the wicket of Cameron Steel•Harry Trump/Getty Images

Lunch was taken at that point with the scoreboard reading 30 for 1. That became 39 for 2 when Holland, already dropped by Tom Abell at third slip off Josh Davey, was bowled pushing forward to Gregory.Northeast survived a tougher chance to Abell off the unlucky Davey, having made only four. But from then on Northeast and Alsop batted solidly, overcoming a pacey spell from the River End by Marchant de Lange, including several bouncers.The pair had added 49 when what started as light rain shortly before 3.20pm quickly developed into a downpour. Umpires Steve O’Shaugnessy and Peter Hartley ruled that play could restart at 5.05pm after an inspection.But by then the 41.4 overs originally remaining in the game had been reduced to 19.4 and the captains decided to shake hands on a draw without further play.

How both teams deal with the conditions on Monday will be pivotal in a game that could be key to deciding how Group B finishes

Firdose Moonda06-Oct-2024Lack of pace is expected to be the biggest challenge facing both England and South Africa in their key Group B clash in Sharjah on Monday. Both teams are one from one so far and the game could be key to deciding how the pool finishes but, on the evidence of the opening week in Sharjah, it could be heavy going.In four matches played at the venue, no team has crossed 120 and the average first innings score is 111.50. Run-scoring has been made particularly difficult by the slowness of the surface and the size of the outfield. With square boundaries of 63 and 57 metres on Saturday (which will vary slightly on Monday, depending on which pitch is being played on), finding the boundary has proven tough too and the numbers prove it. So far, in four matches, there have been 56 fours and five sixes hit in Sharjah across four matches, compared to 79 in Dubai so far.Sri Lanka have played both their matches in Sharjah, failed to cross 100 on both occasions and without being overly critical of the surface their captain Chamari Athapaththu explained her concerns. “I feel our batters need some good pace and bounce. Then, they perform really well. Because they don’t have big muscle power, they time the ball and in these conditions, it’s a bit hard to do that,” Athapaththu said after Sri Lanka’s second loss on Saturday. “The outfield is too slow and this is a big ground, so too hard to score sixes and boundaries.”Related

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Athapaththu pointed out that it wasn’t plain-sailing for their opposition either, especially Australia, who hit 10 fours in their chase of 94 but no sixes. “Even Australia, I saw them struggle. They have good power-hitters, but even they struggled because of the bounce,” Athapaththu said. “It’s a low-bounce track, so it’s hard to clear the rope. We have to rotate the strike, that is the most important thing. [About] 120-130 is a good score on these tracks.”But running between the wickets has also been difficult, with the heat making it difficult for players to keep their intensity up, but they’ve tried. Sharjah has seen 87 twos, in contrast to Dubai’s 69, and that comes with some risk. There have been four run-outs in Sharjah and two in Dubai. England already know run-scoring is going to be a slog.The other thing both England and South Africa will want to think about is how many seamers to include in their XI. England have already shown their hand by playing all four frontline spinners in the squad in their opener against Bangladesh and using them to their full capacity. They each bowled their full quota of four overs and that meant they only had one seamer in operation in Nat Sciver-Brunt.South Africa could learn from that, especially as they already have two seam-bowling allrounders who could be picked as batters. Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk bat at No. 3 and 6 or 7 respectively and will provide the pace options so they may consider sacrificing the accuracy of Ayabonga Khaka for an extra spin in legspinner Seshnie Naidu.Or maybe not, if they listen to Australia’s Megan Schutt, whose haul of 3 for 12 against Sri Lanka was the most economical among seam bowlers at the venue so far. “There was actually a little bit more bounce and carry in my first over than what I thought there was going to be, so that was a nice surprise to have a slip in there early. But taking the pace off, I think we always knew it was going to be effective over here. And as the game progressed, it did get lower and slower,” Schutt said. “It’ll be really interesting to see the spinners take hold a little bit more, but I think pace still has a big important role to play, and being able to move the ball early is still what I’m going to try and do, and it’s just about adapting to conditions if that doesn’t happen.”

” We don’t want to leave it for the last game. We want to make sure we win all our games and guarantee that spot in the semi-final.”South Africa’s Tazmin Brits

Either way, as Heather Knight said in the post-match presentations, after England’s victory over Bangladesh, play as a whole may be a bit of a slog. “It is not going to be beautiful or sexy in these conditions,” as Knight put it.South Africa may argue that a lot of their cricket in the lead-up to this tournament has not been sexy. After reaching last year’s final, they only won one out of seven series in the lead-up to this World Cup and that one was on a last-minute trip to Pakistan before this tournament. Contrastingly, England have been all about attractive cricket, with victories in five of their seven series between the end of the last World Cup and the start of this one. But as South Africa scarred them at Newlands last February, they know they have to be wary – especially after the way South Africa opened this tournament with a ten-wicket win over West Indies. “South Africa had a convincing game. They are competitive and bring fire and passion,” Knight said.Being a team that comes from the country often called the best never to have won a World Cup, South Africa, for their part, just want to keep being convincing. “We’ve got a big game against England and as everyone knows, that’s always a tough one,” Tazmin Brits said. “But we don’t want to leave it for the last game. We want to make sure we win all our games and guarantee that spot in the semi-final.”

Former Real Madrid and Spain centre-back Sergio Ramos has departed Mexican side Monterrey following their final game of the season. Monterrey fell to a 3-2 defeat to Toluca in the semi-finals of the Liga MX playoffs, and Ramos has confirmed that he has played his final game for the club. However, the legendary defender has no plans to call time on his playing career.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'This is my last game' says Ramos

  Ramos moved to the Mexican side earlier this year following his departure from La Liga side Sevilla. The 39-year-old returned to the Spanish outfit in 2023 after his PSG exit but at the weekend confirmed that Monterrey's 3-2 loss to Toluca would mark his final appearance for the club.

  "I made it very clear last week. Obviously, yes – this is my last game," Ramos said following the weekend's defeat. Reflecting on the semi-final loss, the experienced defender stated that "losing a semi-final always hurts, especially when you fall just short of a final."

  "There’s a lot to assess. We practically gave away the first half. We lacked intensity, rhythm, personality, and control of the ball. You can lose – football works that way – but if you lose, it should be by playing like we did in the second half, not the first, which we gifted to them."

  Ramos leaves the club having made 32 competitive appearances in 2025, scoring seven goals and receiving one red card, and is determined to play in Europe once again.

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• Ramos keen to continue playing

  And as a free agent, Ramos is free to choose where to play next outside of the traditional winter and summer transfer windows. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that the World Cup winning centre-back has a number of proposals as he assesses his options.

  "Sergio Ramos leaves Monterrey as he confirms he’s played his last game in Mexico," Romano posted on his official X account. "Ramos wants to continue playing football, no plans to retire and set to assess proposals. Free agent from now on."

  AC Milan have since emerged as a potential destination for Ramos with Italian publication Calcimercato reporting that former Spain star is offering his services to the Italian giants. Ramos is keen to reunite with former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric, who left Los Blancos for the San Siro earlier this year.

  Modric has made an impressive start to life in Milan as the Rossoneri look to secure the Scudetto in Max Allegri's first game back at the AC Milan helm.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Ramos a surviving member of Spain's 2010 World Cup winning squad

  Ramos is one of four members of Spain's 2010 World Cup winning squad still playing. Winger Pedro is on the books at Serie A side Lazio, while centre-back Raul Albiol plies his trade for Pisa. Juan Mata, meanwhile, moved to A-League side Melbourne Victory earlier this year after a brief stint with Western Sydney Warriors.

  Ramos is not looking to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who both called time on their career recently. The ex-Barcelona pair both played the full 90 for Inter Miami, who claimed a 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2025 MLS Cup final over the weekend.

  Lionel Messi was instrumental in the victory, providing two assists as Alba and Busquets both ended their respective playing spells on a high.

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• What trophies has Ramos won?

  Ramos has enjoyed a distinguished career for both club and country, which saw him win La Liga five times, the Champions League four times and the Copa Del Rey twice with Real Madrid. In addition, he claimed two Ligue 1 winners' medal during his two-year spell with PSG.

  For country, meanwhile, Ramos was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2008 and Euro 2012, and was a key member of the side that won the World Cup in South Africa in 2010. Andres Iniesta scored a extra-time winner 15 years' ago as La Roja got the better of the Netherlands.

  And Spain are looking to win football's showpiece in North America next summer and were drawn against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H in Friday's World Cup draw.

Crystal Palace are now battling Arsenal for the signature of a new forward, who is regarded as “the best” player in his league.

Palace looking to sign new attacker amid Mateta uncertainty

With Jean-Philippe Mateta yet to sign a new contract to extend his stay at Selhurst Park beyond 2027, his future as a Palace player is up in the air, and the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Liverpool have been named as potential suitors.

It would, of course, be a real blow to lose Mateta, given that the striker is the Eagles’ top scorer this season, amassing 11 goal contributions across all competitions.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s record in 2025-26

Goals

Assists

Premier League

7

0

Conference League

0

2

Conference League qualifiers

1

0

Community Shield

1

0

The South Londoners are determined to keep hold of the Frenchman, and there is still plenty of time to agree a new deal, but with his future still not secured, a new attacker has been identified as a target ahead of the January transfer window.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Crystal Palace are now rivalling Arsenal for the signature of HNK Rijeka attacking midfielder Toni Fruk, alongside Benfica, Atletico Madrid and a number of other top European clubs.

Rijeka president, Damir Miskovic, has set an asking price of around £13m, with Fruk’s new agency, Niagara Sports, recently holding talks in London, although it is unclear whether Palace were involved in any negotiations.

The Eagles have scouted the 24-year-old on a number of occasions, such is their level of interest, and there is a belief he would be a perfect fit for Oliver Glasner’s style of play.

Fruk named as "the best player" in Croatia

Agent Andy Bara recently described the Croatian as “the best player” in the HNL, and it is clear to see why, given that he has amassed ten goals and two assists in all competitions this season, outscoring Mateta.

At the end of November, the Rijeka star put in a particularly impressive performance against Hajduk Split in the HNL, scoring a hat-trick within just over half-an-hour, while also grabbing one assist, which earned him a SofaScore match rating of 10.

On that day, the five-time Croatia international featured at left-wing, but he is very versatile, having also featured in attacking midfield and at centre-forward regularly throughout his career to date.

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Fruk is clearly ready to take the next step in his career by moving to one of Europe’s major leagues, and it would be a real coup if Palace were able to get a deal done, given the interest from some top clubs.

Daniel Farke’s future at Elland Road has come into question after Leeds United slipped into the relegation zone following a run of four straight defeats in the Premier League.

The Guardian now reports that the German head coach is expected, by senior figures inside the club, to lose his job if they lose to Chelsea and Liverpool in their matches this week.

It has been reported elsewhere that former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil is in the frame to replace Farke, having been out of a job since he was sacked by the Old Gold last season.

Why Leeds should avoid Gary O'Neil

At face value, the English tactician would seem to be a shrewd appointment for the West Yorkshire outfit, given that he kept Bournemouth and Wolves in the Premier League in his first seasons with both clubs.

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However, the underlying numbers behind those two campaigns and his second season with Wolves suggest that that may have had more to do with the quality of the players at his disposal, rather than outstanding coaching.

Points

39 (15th)

46 (14th)

xPTS

34 (20th)

41 (17th)

xG

39.6 (18th)

47.6 (17th)

xGA

65.9 (18th)

68.9 (15th)

As you can see in the table above, both of his teams picked up more points than their performances deserved, as both Wolves and Bournemouth delivered relegation-battling numbers.

Those dismal performance numbers finally caught up with O’Neil in his second season with the Old Gold, as he lost 11 of the first 16 matches before being sacked, per Transfermarkt.

This is why Leeds should avoid a move for the ex-Wolves boss, because his Premier League career so far does not suggest that he would be the man to improve their performances, and that is why they should pursue Carlos Corberan instead.

Why Leeds should hire Carlos Corberan

If the Spanish head coach, who is a reported target for the club, is available and willing to come to Elland Road, the Whites should sack Farke and ignore O’Neil to bring him back to Thorp Arch.

Corberan, who was described as a “student of Marcelo Bielsa” by scout Ben Mattinson, worked for Leeds at U21 level and as a first-team coach for Bielsa before he made his first step into senior management with Huddersfield Town.

After play-off finishes in the Championship with Huddersfield and West Brom, the Spanish tactician was appointed by Valencia last season, and only lost five of his 21 LaLiga games in charge of the club, per Transfermarkt, to earn a 12th-placed finish.

Whilst O’Neil’s Premier League teams largely benefitted from an overperformance against their performance data, Corberan has been unfortunate with Valencia in LaLiga this term.

Per FotMob, the Spanish side are 15th in the league on 14 points from 14 games. However, they rank 12th in the division for xPTs (17) and have underperformed their xG, of 14.8, and conceded more than their xGA of 20.8.

Matches managed

62

35

Wins

9

12

Draws

10

12

Losses

43

11

Points

37

48

Points per game

0.60

1.37

This shows that Corberan’s coaching has been better than Valencia’s results suggest, as his players have not made the most of the situations that the system and tactics have created for them, whilst the opposite was true of O’Neil’s time with Wolves and Bournemouth.

The 42-year-old tactician has shown that he can manage in one of the top leagues in Europe, having previously shown his class in the Championship, and that should also appeal to Leeds if they are looking for a replacement for Farke in the coming days.

Farke, as shown in the earlier table, has a dismal Premier League record in his career, which is why appointing a manager like Corberan, who has been a safe pair of hands for Valencia and has a pre-existing relationship with the club, could be a great move.

Leeds star who was a "massive signing" is becoming the new Kristensen

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The likes of Corberan and O’Neil will now surely be watching on from afar with keen interest as Leeds take on Chelsea and Liverpool this week in the Premier League.

The 19-year-old Trinidad & Tobago quick could make his Test debut despite having played just one first-class match

Sruthi Ravindranath09-Jun-2021Jayden Seales has played just one first-class match, but the 19-year-old quick has impressed the West Indies selectors enough to be drafted into the 13-man shortlist for the first Test against South Africa. It’s already “a dream come true” for Seales, and he is hoping for more.”Firstly, it’s a dream come true being in the set-up. Being in the final 13 obviously was a goal of mine,” he said in a press interaction. “Just a matter of me now hoping that I get to play the first Test match and do my best for the team.”The Trinidad & Tobago bowler made his first-class debut last December, turning out for West Indies A in New Zealand, where he picked up one wicket.Related

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More recently, he took 4 for 40 playing for Team Hamilton in a four-day intra-squad game against Team Blackwood. He had also picked three wickets in the first innings during an intra-squad tour match ahead of the series against Sri Lanka in March.In all, he has played only ten games at the senior level across formats.”I didn’t play much first-class cricket but I think being in the set-up and training with the team from New Zealand to now I think I’ve put in a lot of hard work and my body is ready,” he said. “Now I’ve to go out there and perform for the team.”As far as chief selector Roger Harper is concerned, the lack of experience at the senior level should not be a hindrance for Seales.”I saw a young bowler perform in games where Test players and the best of our best of our regional first-class players were playing and he performed exceedingly well,” Harper said. “Better than a number of players who have been playing first-class cricket for a number of years. The thing is the match wasn’t classified as first-class match but those were played by the best of our first-class players.”I would like to think that if he can perform well in those games against those players, he has the potential to transfer that onto the Test scene.”Seales had attracted attention at the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa last year, taking ten wickets in six matches with an average of 18.30 and an economy rate of 3.89. That helped him secure a CPL deal with the Trinbago Knight Riders for the 2020 season, and he picked up eight wickets in six matches then. He has been retained by the franchise for the new season, and while he isn’t looking for idols he is learning from watching his team-mates closely.”Honestly, I never really try to adapt from any other bowlers,” he said. “It just came naturally. I’ve been told I have an action similar to [Kagiso] Rabada. In terms of internationals, I look at old West Indian bowlers and now in the set-up I look at Jason [Holder], Roachy [Kemar Roach] and Shannon [Gabriel] closely. I try to hear as much from them, learn as much from them and take it under my game.”With Gabriel missing out on selection because of an injury, Seales is happy to take his cues from Roach. “There has been no conversation whether I would take the new ball,” he said. “For me, if selected, if given a new ball, follow Roachy. If Roachy is bowling good areas it’s just my job to do the same and try and get the early wicket for the team.”