When it comes to the best academies in world football, Chelsea’s Cobham ranks right near the very top.

The Blues have developed an army of incredible players over the years, and not just attackers either, as they’ve helped create some top-quality defenders like John Terry, Reece James, Fikayo Tomori and Trevoh Chalobah.

Unfortunately, as the club is prone to selling youngsters, they have also missed out on some of the gems they’ve produced, with Marc Guehi being one of the most notable when it comes to defenders.

Yet, there is another international that Chelsea were was perhaps too happy to move on, someone who looks set to be a future England star alongside Guehi.

Guehi's rise to England international

Guehi spent most of his childhood and teenage years in Chelsea’s academy system, and while he did make two competitive appearances for the club, his first real taste of senior football came when he joined Swansea City on loan in January 2020.

The Abidjan-born ace would rejoin the Swans for the entirety of the 20/21 campaign, and by the time he left South Wales, he had made 59 appearances for the club.

Unfortunately, first-team football was once again an unlikely prospect upon his return to Stamford Bridge, so instead of going out on another loan, the Englishman opted to move south of the river and join Crystal Palace permanently.

As we all know, that was an excellent decision for his own development, as since then he’s made 161 appearances for the Eagles, 135 of which have been in the Premier League, and even captained them to FA Cup glory.

Moreover, his performances at Selhurst Park were enough to catch Gareth Southgate’s eye, and he won his first senior England cap in March 2022.

Since then, the 25-year-old has become a key part of the Three Lions setup, winning another 24 caps and being one of the nation’s most impressive players in Euro 2024.

This international break has been another positive one for the defensive titan as he helped to keep two clean sheets and even scored his first England goal away to Serbia last night while providing the assist for Ezri Konsa’s strike.

Minutes

93′

Goals

1

Assists

1

Clearances

3

Interceptions

1

Tackles

1

Ground Duels (Won)

1 (1)

Lost Possession

1

Touches

83

Accurate Passes

72/74 (97%)

Key Passes

3

Long Balls (Accurate)

3 (2)

Big Chances Created

1

Shots on Target

1

More than that, though, he really showed why he’s one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the game by completing 72 of 74 passes, taking 83 touches, playing three key passes, losing the ball just twice and creating one big chance.

In all, it would be fair to say Chelsea got it wrong selling Guehi, and unfortunately, it looks like they may have made a similar mistake with another player.

The future England great sold by Chelsea

Given the nature of how Chelsea approach the transfer market, they are always going to let one or two potential stars slip through their fingers, and that might be the case with Lewis Hall.

Where Are They Now

Like Guehi, the Slough-born defender came up through Cobham, playing for the club’s U18s, U21s and UEFA Youth League sides and even making 12 appearances for the first-team.

However, despite having just signed a seven-year contract, the boyhood Newcastle United fan moved to the Magpies on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy for £35m in August 2023.

He endured a slow start to life at St James’ Park, but he was finally given a starting berth last season, and before injuring his ankle, he looked elite.

For example, in just 27 league appearances, totalling 2193 minutes, he was able to amass five assists, which might not sound like an outrageous amount, but given his age, it’s an impressive early indication.

Moreover, he put up some seriously impressive underlying numbers.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 5% of full-backs in the league last season for progressive passing distance and shots blocked, the top 8% for dribblers challenged, the top 10% for long passes completed, the top 12% for crosses and more, all per 90.

In other words, his numbers painted the picture of a progressive full-back who is comfortable in attacking scenarios but is also no slouch when it comes to the defensive side of the game.

It’s likely this brilliant combination that saw him called up to England duty and win his first two senior caps under Lee Carsley last November.

It’s also likely why respected analyst Ben Mattinson predicted that in the long term, it’ll be a “battle” between him and Myles Lewis-Skelly for England’s starting left-back role under Tuchel.

Ultimately, Chelsea have got plenty right in the transfer market, but just as selling Guehi was a mistake, it looks like selling Hall will be considered the same, especially if he continues to play so well “at the highest level,” per Mattinson.

Enzo Maresca dealt another Chelsea injury blow as club release statement

The Blues are set to be without a few key players.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 10, 2025

It would be an understatement to say that West Ham United have not had the start to the season they’d have been hoping for.

For example, the East Londoners aren’t taking part in the League Cup this week after losing to the equally terrible Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.

It’s somehow been even worse in the Premier League, with the Irons losing to Sunderland, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace in their first five games.

In short, things need to change, and it now looks like the club are going after a manager who’d be a massive upgrade on Graham Potter.

West Ham target Potter upgrade

The last few weeks have seen West Ham be linked with a host of potential Potter replacements, with one of the more prominent ones being Slaven Bilic.

Manager Focus

The former Hammers boss left the club in 2017, and has since managed Al-Ittihad, West Bromwich Albion, Beijing Guoan, Watford and Al-Fateh.

In other words, he’s not done much to suggest he’d bring in a new era at the club.

Al-Fateh

07/23

08/24

Watford

09/22

03/23

Beijing Guoan

01/21

01/22

West Brom

07/19

12/20

Al-Ittihad

10/18

02/19

Likewise, while he’s doing a reasonable enough job with Coventry City, the links to Frank Lampard aren’t going to excite fans.

Fortunately, there is another coach on the club’s radar, someone who’d be a massive upgrade on Potter.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Claret and Hugh, which claims West Ham are very interested in Nuno Espírito Santo.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Portuguese manager is now one of three names on a shortlist for the role.

It remains unclear whether West Ham will be able to secure their man, but they should certainly keep trying, as he’d be a colossal upgrade on Potter.

How Nuno compares to Potter

The good news is that there are several reasons why we think Nuno would be a significant upgrade on Potter.

The most important of all, and the one that encompasses many of the others, is his track record.

More specifically, his track record in English football and the Premier League.

For example, although he had a fairly dire stint in charge of Tottenham Hotspur, the Portuguese coach has more than proven himself capable of managing at the top level with both Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

He took over the former when they were still in the Championship, led them to promotion in his first campaign and then, within a few years, had them playing Europa League football.

Likewise, when he took over at Forest, it was viewed as something of an impossible job, but he led them from relegation candidates to European football in a season and a half.

On the other hand, while Potter did a pretty good job with Brighton & Hove Albion, he proceeded to fail with Chelsea, and it would be hard to find someone who’d claim he isn’t failing at the London Stadium today.

Finally, you only need to compare their records in the top-flight to see who is the better manager.

The “outstanding” Portuguese coach, as dubbed by commentator Adam Summerton, has taken charge of 184 games in the Premier League, of which his teams have won 72, lost 67, drawn 45 and averaged 1.42 points per game.

Games

184

164

Wins

72

47

Draws

45

55

Losses

67

62

Points per Game

1.42

1.20

In contrast, the Englishman has taken charge of 164 games in the competition, of which 47 have been wins, 55 draws, and 62 losses, which comes out to a points per game average of just 1.20.

Ultimately, West Ham need a new manager, and Nuno looks like the best man for the job.

Manager "close to agreeing" West Ham contract after Sullivan and Brady talks

He’s being lined up if Graham Potter is sacked.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 23, 2025

كشف الجهاز الطبي للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك عن حجم الإصابة التي تعرض لها أحمد شريف لاعب الأبيض خلال مباراة ديكيداها الصومالي اليوم في بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

وفاز الزمالك على ديكيداها الصومالي بهدف دون رد على استاد السلام، في إياب دور الـ32 لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية ليتأهل إلى دور المجموعات بعدما سبق وفاز في لقاء الذهاب بسداسية دون رد.

طالع.. سيف الجزيري: أريد تحقيق إنجاز تاريخي مع الزمالك

وأكد الجهاز الطبي أن أحمد شريف تعرض لإصابة في العضلة الضامة، وسيخضع لفحص طبي غدٍ السبت، للوقوف على حجم الإصابة.

وفي سياق متصل أوضح الجهاز الطبي أن أحمد ربيع لاعب وسط الزمالك يعاني من إجهاد عضلي خفيف وتم الاتفاق مع الجهاز الفني على إراحته من مباراة اليوم أمام بطل الصومال.

Rajasthan Royals won the toss and chose to bowl against Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2025 fixture in Jaipur. Coming into this game from the high of their 14-year-old opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi scoring a match-winning century, they had to deal with a significant setback. Sandeep Sharma, one of their key players, has been sidelined with injury (broken finger), much like their regular captain Sanju Samson (abdominal strain) leaving the team under-strength at an important time.RR need to win all of their games to stay in playoff contention. Riyan Parag, who is standing in as captain, confirmed another change as well with Wanindu Hasaranga (niggle) out for Kumar Kartikeya. He preferred to chase because he expected some dew later in the night.Hardik Pandya felt the same way. He will be leading MI at a ground where they haven’t won since 2012 but they are on a hot streak, they kind they often get on during the business end of the IPL. Should they turn five wins in a row to six on Thursday, they will go top of the table. Pandya also confirmed an unchanged XI.MI batting-first XI: 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Ryan Rickelton (wk), 3 Will Jacks, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Hardik Pandya (capt), 7 Naman Dhir, 8 Corbin Bosch, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Jasprit BumrahMI’s Impact Player options: Karn Sharma, Raj Bawa, Reece Topley, Robin Minz, Satyanarayana RajuRR bowling-first XI: 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 3 Nitish Rana, 4 Riyan Parag (capt), 5 Dhruv Jurel, 6 Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Jofra Archer, 8 Maheesh Theekshana, 9 Kumar Kartikeya, 10 Akash Madhwal, 11 Fazalhaq FarooqiRR’s Impact Player options: Shubham Dubey, Tushar Deshpande, Kunal Singh Rathore, Yudhvir Singh, Kwena Mphaka

Thomas Muller continued his sensational start to life in MLS with a dramatic 97th-minute winner to defeat Orlando City. His incredible goal contribution keeps the Vancouver Whitecaps top of the Western Conference and puts them in pole position for the top seed heading into Decision Day, with his manager hailing his 'magical' impact on the title contenders.

• Muller's dramatic late intervention secures vital win

  Muller scored a sensational winner in the seventh minute of stoppage time to give Whitecaps a 2-1 victory over Orlando City, sending his side to the top of the Western Conference standings. With the match seemingly heading for a draw, the German legend controlled the ball on the edge of the box before unleashing a low, deflected strike past goalkeeper Pedro Gallese to snatch all three points. The goal came moments after a controversial incident where a Sebastian Berhalter shot appeared to cross the line, but with no Goal Line Technology in MLS, play continued, setting the stage for Muller's heroics. Vancouver had fallen behind to a 24th-minute Dagur Thorhallsson strike before MLS Next Pro call-up Nelson Pierre netted his first goal for the club to equalise in the 81st minute.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Sorensen hails Muller's 'magic' and seamless integration

  Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen lauded the impact of his star signing, attributing the late winner to a special quality. 

  “He struck it well, and maybe it’s just a little bit of magic,” Sorensen said post-match. “We're in magic land, so it was a little bit from the magic kingdom.” 

  The coach also praised how quickly Muller has become a pivotal figure, not just for his goals but for his overall contribution to the team's system. “What he’s shown since he’s come here, with the way he presents himself, with the quality he adds to the team, with how much he’s involved in what chances we create… in the build up and also in the pressing, I think he’s been even more than we could even have hoped for when he came.

  “He has had a very fast, very strong impression, and it will also add to his teammates, because they also have a strong belief that we can do something like this.”

• Raumdeuter's remarkable MLS impact by the numbers

  Since arriving from Bayern Munich in August, Muller has had a transformative effect on the Whitecaps. The 97th-minute goal was his seventh in just eight MLS appearances, to go along with four assists. His 11 goal contributions have been central to Vancouver's 11-match unbeaten run across all competitions (7W,4D) and have drawn comparisons to Didier Drogba's explosive start with Montreal in 2012. The winning goal against Orlando was assisted by club captain Ryan Gauld, who is working his way back to full fitness after a long-term injury, hinting at a formidable partnership developing between the two.

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• What the result means for MLS title race

  The victory propels the Whitecaps into first place in the Western Conference on 63 points with one match remaining. They are now in a strong position to secure the number one seed for the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. However, the race for pole position is not over. LAFC can reach a maximum of 65 points with their two remaining matches, while second-placed San Diego FC can equal Vancouver's current tally of 63 if they win their final fixture. 

MatériaMais Notícias

Palmeiras e Cruzeiro se enfrentam nesta segunda-feira (14), às 19h, no Allianz Parque, pela 19ª rodada do Brasileirão. Enquanto o Verdão está em recuperação depois de se livrar de fase ruim, a Raposa quer voltar a vencer para interromper jejum. Os donos da casa devem ter força máxima, enquanto os visitantes sofrem com algumas lesões.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras segue preparação para enfrentar o Cruzeiro no Brasileirão; veja provável timePalmeiras13/08/2023Palmeiras‘Lei do Ex’? Murilo reencontra Cruzeiro pela primeira vez com a camisa do PalmeirasPalmeiras13/08/2023PalmeirasAbel, Rony… Saiba quem será o próximo a completar 200 jogos pelo PalmeirasPalmeiras13/08/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Empolgado pela classificação às quartas de final da Libertadores, o Palmeiras agora foca no Campeonato Brasileiro para tentar se aproximar do Botafogo, que disparou na liderança. Para isso, Abel Ferreira contará com elenco completo e poderá repetir a formação que eliminou o Atlético-MG na quarta-feira (9). Apenas Atuesta, que passou por cirurgia no joelho, será desfalque nesta segunda (14).

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

+Confira aqui dicas, odds e estatísticas desse jogão!

+Veja todas as promoções da Lance! Betting para a 19ª rodada do Brasileirão!

+ Clique aqui e aproveite a odd turbinada da Lance! Betting

Há quatro jogos sem vencer, o Cruzeiro vai para São Paulo com a missão voltar a somar três pontos. No entanto, precisa lidar com alguns desfalques, como Matheus Pereira, que chegou recentemente e sofreu uma lesão no joelho que o deixará fora dos gramados por algum tempo. Ainda assim, Wesley, Bruno Rodrigues e Rafael Cabral retornam e estão à disposição do técnico Pepa.

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+ Palmeiras reencontra o Cruzeiro quase quatro anos depois de ‘rebaixar’ o adversário; relembre o que mudou

Veja todas as informações da partida:

PALMEIRAS X CRUZEIRO

Local:Allianz Parque, em São Paulo (SP)
Data e hora:14/8/2023, às 19h (de Brasília)
Árbitro:Wagner do Nascimento Magalhães (Fifa/RJ)
Assistentes:Thiego Henrique Neto Correa Farinha (RJ) e Luiz Claudio Regazone (RJ)
VAR:Rodolpho Toski Marques (VAR-Fifa/PR)
Onde assistir:Premiere e no tempo real doLance!

PALMEIRAS:Weverton; Mayke, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo e Piquerez; Zé Rafael, Gabriel Menino e Raphael Veiga; Artur, Dudu e Rony.Técnico:Abel Ferreira.

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Desfalques: Atuesta (cirurgia no joelho direito)
Pendurados:Abel Ferreira (técnico), Gustavo Gómez, Weverton, Vanderlan, Zé Rafael, Flaco López, Garcia, Jhon Jhon e Endrick

CRUZEIRO:Rafael Cabral; William, Neris, Luciano Castán e Marlon; Matheus Jussa, Filipe Machado, Lucas Silva e Mateus Vital (Bruno Rodrigues); Wesley e Arthur Gomes. Técnico:Pepa.

Desfalques:Wallisson, Matheus Pereira, Ramiro, Rafael Bilu, Weverton e Wesley Gasolina (lesionados)
Pendurados:Lucas Oliveira, Bruno Rodrigues e Luciano Castán

Tudo sobre

CruzeiroPalmeiras

West Ham United have now made firm contact over a late swoop for an “incredible” defender, with Nayef Aguerd seemingly heading for the exit door.

West Ham eyeing replacements for Marseille-bound Aguerd

Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, there were rumours that Aguerd and Lucas Paqueta wouldn’t be travelling to the City Ground, with both players looking for the exit door on transfer deadline day.

However, Paqueta re-affirmed his commitment to the club after scoring the second goal in the shock 3-0 triumph, with his celebration indicating the Brazilian has no plans to leave anytime soon.

Aguerd, on the other hand, was not involved, with the Moroccan now on the brink of completing a move to Ligue 1 side Marseille.

Consequently, the Hammers will have to bring in a replacement today, and they have now made a late swoop to sign Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell, according to a report from The Sun.

The report states West Ham have now made firm inquiries over a deal for Cresswell, who is now more likely to join than Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis, given that the Saints are set to hold out for over £20m for the Englishman.

The Toulouse centre-back, on the other hand, is valued at £13m plus bonuses, and the Irons may choose to cough up that amount for his services before the transfer window closes at 7pm this evening.

£42m West Ham star just showed why he's their next Rice & Paqueta

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By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 31, 2025

"Incredible" Cresswell could be ideal Aguerd replacement

Lauded as “incredible” by scout Jacek Kulig, the 23-year old has performed remarkably well for Toulouse over the past year, most importantly impressing from a defensive point of view, while also proving himself as a real threat at the opposite end of the pitch.

The Englishman has outperformed Aguerd across all of those metrics, with the Morocco international averaging 1.21 blocks per 90, 4.66 clearances, 2.87 aerials won and failing to score a single goal.

As such, the Preston-born defender could be a real upgrade on the 29-year-old in the heart of the West Ham defence, and a £13m transfer fee seems reasonable, given the level of his recent performances.

The only concern over signing Cresswell will be the fact he failed to make the cut at Leeds United, making just 14 senior appearances for the club, but the centre-back has clearly grown as a player since then, having made 31 outings for Toulouse in Ligue 1 last term.

Watching Marcus Rashford score an emphatic brace for Barcelona in the Champions League would have been a bitter pill to swallow for many Manchester United fans.

On the one hand, the England international is a cherished, homegrown part of the club, still a member of the club, in fact, and only out on loan with La Blaugrana. On the other hand, his permanent departure at the end of the campaign feels rather likely.

The 27-year-old’s relationship with Ruben Amorim quickly disintegrated last season, and then he was shipped out to Premier League rivals Aston Villa for a short-term stint.

Having sold Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea too, the Red Devils perhaps have something of a shortage of widemen, even having completed impressive summer deals for Prem-proven duo Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

INEOS probably needed to ship out more stragglers than they did this summer, but they were faced with a huge task. And, in fairness, Mbeumo may well have the goalscoring ability to replace Rashford at the Theatre of Dreams.

Why Man United signed Bryan Mbeumo

Arsenal, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur. Just a few clubs who wanted to sign Brentford’s attacking talisman this summer. All failed, with Man United winning the race despite offering nothing on the European front.

One of the greatest clubs in England, if not the, United are still a dormant superpower and such signings are needed to bring them back to the fore.

Both Cunha and Mbeumo have entered the fray at a tumultuous period, but it is their quality which will help United steer through, having both been so potent in the Premier League last season.

Matches (starts)

33 (29)

38 (38)

Goals

15

20

Assists

6

7

Shots (on target)*

3.3 (1.3)

2.2 (1.1)

Big chances missed

2

9

Pass completion

79%

74%

Big chances created

13

17

Key passes*

1.8

1.8

Dribbles*

1.8

1.4

Ball recoveries*

3.8

4.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

1.7

Duels won*

5.5

4.7

However, Man United didn’t get it all right during the summer window, and they still need to get rid of several stars who have run past their sell-by dates.

The player of significance here has been at Old Trafford for quite some time, but just as Mbeumo’s £150k-per-week salary reflects the new, streamlined wage structure INEOS are trying to implement, so too does this undeservedly matching pay packet underline the failings of the past decade.

INEOS must sell high-earning Man United flop

One of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s principal priorities upon assuming co-ownership at Manchester United was to rewrite the financial books and stop the rot that had led to incremental losses across an extended period.

The 33-year-old Casemiro, taking home £350k per week, is probably the most obvious member of the first team who needs to move on sooner rather than later, but the man in question here is Luke Shaw, whose £150k-per-week wage sits level with Mbeumo’s.

Had Shaw enjoyed a more fortuitous career on the fitness front, this likely wouldn’t be a conversation. When United signed the left-back from Southampton for £27m in 2014, making him the most expensive teenager of all time, it was widely recognised that the post-Fergie era would still see the development of some of the country’s finest prospects.

But Shaw’s has been a rocky road, and it may well be coming to an end, having been deployed by Amorim as the left prong of a three-part central defence, starting all four of United’s Premier League matches so far.

According to Sofascore, he has only won 44% of his ground duels, which hardly speaks of the defensive security the outfit needs to rise once again.

Moreover, given that Shaw’s incessant fitness issues have permitted more than 20 starting berths in any given top-flight season just twice across the span of his career, it’s hardly surprising that noise of a potential departure to welcome a new, hungry talent on a more affordable wage is rising.

Indeed, reports from the summer suggested that INEOS were open to the stalwart’s departure, with clubs from the Saudi Pro League interested, but nothing came to fruition. Still, it suggests that he could be shipped on for a modest fee next year, especially if he maintains a degree of fitness.

Content creator Dev Bajwa put it in no uncertain terms: “Luke Shaw should not have been playing at this football club for the past two seasons.”

He might be right. Aged 30, the England international has spent the lion’s share of his professional career in Manchester, playing 202 games for the club in total and notably winning silverware such as the Europa League and the League Cup (injuries prevented him from earning a medal when Erik ten Hag’s United won the FA Cup in 2024).

Shaw might have big ambitions, but sadly, he isn’t at the level required for a club who might demand a place challenging for the Premier League title, but presently face a battle to secure a place in any level of European competition next term.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of the Manchester derby last weekend, pundit Gary Neville conceded that his countryman was “nowhere near it”, and the question now lingers as to whether he is fit for purpose in Amorim’s three-man backline.

Having entered the penultimate year of his deal at the club, it seems unlikely that technical director Jason Wilcox would renew terms for a struggling star who has been around for an age but hardly produces the consistency of performance to warrant a salary in line with a new superstar such as Mbeumo.

Shaw can hold his head high, especially due to all the fitness troubles he has been plagued by, but it’s time for the Three Lions star to move on.

It's not Hojlund: Man Utd let "incredible" Sesko upgrade go for just £16m

Manchester United may now be regretting letting go of one former star who’s better than Benjamin Sesko.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 18, 2025

Rescuing visitors from 82 for 4, Clark shares stands of 124 with Ollie Robinson and an unbroken 124 with George Drissell

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay02-May-2025

Graham Clark celebrated his fifth Rothesay County Championship century with a pristine innings to put Durham in charge against Hampshire.Clark led Durham’s run surge, having been 82 for 4, with partnerships of 124 with Ollie Robinson, who scored 76, and 124 unbroken with George Drissell – who reached the close on 58 not out.Clark – who hadn’t reached three figures since 2023 – ended the day unbeaten on 110, with Durham following up their victory over Worcestershire by totting up 330 for 5 under the sun at Utilita Bowl.Hampshire’s Kyle Abbott was the star of the morning session, as his three wickets put Hampshire on top, after Durham had chosen to bat first on a wicket previously used in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup women’s competition under perfect blue skies.Emilio Gay – who returned from injury – had played with intent but his heavy hands cost him as he pushed away from his body and edged to second slip after a 16-ball 19.Will Rhodes was more circumspect in his 22 but fell for Abbott’s midwicket trap, as the South African bowled into the left-hander’s ribs to produce a pull to the prowling Felix Organ.Alex Lees had been the equal to Abbott in his first spell, but a change of ends and coming wider of the crease saw the bowler win the battle. The new angle exploited a gap between bat and pad to find a route into his stumps.The 80 for 3 at lunch became 82 for 4 12 balls afterwards as Colin Ackermann swished at Brad Wheal and was caught behind.But a mixture of a softening ball, even hotter weather, and two batters who made their task look like child’s play evened up the afternoon session.Neither Robinson nor Clark ever seemed to actively attack the bowler, merely waiting for opportunities to keep a constant flow of runs.Having scored almost 900 runs last season – at an average of 48 – Robinson’s only contribution over 20 so far this season had been the unbeaten 22 which got his side over the line against Worcestershire last week.Four of his six dismissals had been as a result of either edging or falsely playing outside his off stump, but here he was tight, disciplined and decisive in the corridor of uncertainty.That extra patience against pace was rewarded once he faced Liam Dawson – taking the newly awarded Wisden Cricketer of the Year for three boundaries in a row as he closed in on his half-century in 66 deliveries.Clark – who was also not out in the chase at Visit Worcestershire New Road – was the more watchful of the pair, but wary, having got a start in each of his innings of 46, 62, 33, 16 and 20* but not progressing to three figures.The only time he truly let loose was against Sonny Baker. The quick honoured a bouncer ploy and was taken for a quartet of fours in succession. Otherwise, he was humble in his 81-ball fifty.Robinson misstepped when his swing across the line to Dawson saw him bowled, to end a 124-run stand, while Drissell survived an early drop. But from there, Drissell stepped into Robinson’s mould to build on Durham’s growing advantage.Drissell came out after tea with a pep in his shot-making – as he tried to make the most of the older ball before the 80-over mark. His towering six back over Dawson’s head was the most sweetly timed shot of the day.He made his maiden County Championship half-century in 100 balls, and the second new ball caused no issues for him and Robinson.Clark then took centre-stage as he brought up his first ton in Division One, in 188 balls to underscore an impressive fightback from Durham.

Celtic are in action in the quarter-finals of the League Cup this weekend as they prepare to take on Partick Thistle to battle it out for a place in the semi-finals of the competition.

The Hoops thrashed Falkirk 4-1 in the last 16 of the League Cup earlier this season, thanks to goals from Daizen Maeda, Alistair Johnston, and Dane Murray, along with a Liam Henderson own goal.

This clash with Partick Thistle will provide Brendan Rodgers with a chance to rotate his side, which could see Arne Engels handed a rare chance to impress.

Why Celtic should be worried about Arne Engels

After selling Adam Idah to Swansea City for a deal worth up to £7m, £1.5m less than they paid Norwich City for him last year, the Hoops should be worried that Engels is the next big-money signing to ultimately flop at Parkhead.

The Belgium international, who signed for a club-record fee of £11m from Augsburg last year, has only started two of the club’s five matches in the Scottish Premiership this season, and was an unused substitute against Kilmarnock last time out.

Engels has failed to score a goal and provided one assist in seven appearances in all competitions this season, after a return of ten goals and 13 assists in the 2024/25 campaign, per Transfermarkt.

The 22-year-old midfielder has found himself out of the side and potentially clinging onto his career at Parkhead, and it is because of the summer signing of Benjamin Nygren.

Why Benjamin Nygren could end Arne Engels' career at Celtic

The Sweden international, who sometimes played as a striker before his move to Celtic, was compared to legendary centre-forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic when he was 16.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

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Nygren is Swedish and also has a lanky build, which is why it is not a surprising comparison, but he has established himself as a central midfielder at Parkhead, rather than as a centre-forward like Ibrahimovic.

Despite mainly playing as a right winger for Nordsjaelland in the 2024/25 campaign, per Transfermarkt, the £1m (£1.3m) signing has locked in a spot alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate in central midfield, which was the slot that Engels filled last term.

25/26 Premiership

Benjamin Nygren

Appearances

5

Starts

5

Goals

3

Key passes per game

3.2

Big chances created

2

Assists

1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Nygren has scored three goals and created 3.2 chances per game across five outings in the Premiership so far this season for the Hoops.

Engels, however, only scored two non-penalty goals and created 1.7 chances per game across 34 appearances in the top-flight for the Hoops last term, per Sofascore.

These statistics suggest that Celtic have improved their midfield by signing Nygren for £1.3m to replace Engels in the XI because of the quality that he has already provided as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

This is bad news for the Belgium international because it will now be difficult for him to break back into the starting line-up unless he is able to improve on his performances from last season and on Nygren’s this term.

If he cannot oust the Sweden international from the midfield before the January transfer window or next summer, there could be a decision to be made on his future, as there was with Idah when it was clear that Rodgers did not fancy him as the first-choice number nine moving forward.

Related Worth more than Tounekti: Celtic are brewing the new Reo Hatate at Parkhead

Celtic have a brilliant midfield star who could be the club’s next Reo Hatate in the middle of the park.

Posts ByDan Emery Sep 16, 2025

Therefore, Nygren, once compared to a legendary striker, may be the player who ends Engels’ career at Parkhead if he continues to impress in midfield for the Scottish giants.