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A magnificent rearguard hundred from Kevin O’Brien gave Ireland a lead of 139 in their maiden Test and the prospect of giving Pakistan an awkward run chase

The Report by Alan Gardner14-May-2018
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsIreland’s rise from World Cup giant-killers to fully fledged Test nation has featured a band of familiar faces, few more recognisable than that of Kevin O’Brien. From Sabina Park 2007, when he was in the middle to help seal victory over Pakistan, to Bangalore 2011, when his 50-ball hundred (and pink dye job) slayed England, O’Brien has been at the centre of Ireland’s story. Now he is the first Irishman to score a Test hundred.This time the hair was a more natural, russet colour, as O’Brien removed his helmet to soak in the applause at Malahide. Having been made to follow on 180 runs behind, many would have written off Ireland’s chances of taking the game into day five; instead, they will resume their second innings with a lead of 139 and the prospect of giving Pakistan an awkward run chase – at the very least.A thick outside edge through point off Mohammad Amir brought O’Brien to a milestone that held significance far beyond the personal. Amir’s three wickets earlier in the day had put Pakistan into a position from which an innings win seemed entirely possible – even likely – but O’Brien and Stuart Thompson combined for a 114-run rearguard that not only pushed Ireland in front and burnished local pride, but allowed them to sleep on the possibility of another famous upset.It took a ripping delivery from legspinner Shadab Khan to remove Thompson, bowled playing back as the ball lurched from the rough outside off stump, but No. 9 Tyrone Kane then dug in stoically for an hour and a half for 8 off 67 balls to frustrate Pakistan further.Having taken four wickets in brisk fashion during the morning, and then a couple more after lunch, Pakistan’s seamers went flat as the day wore on. Thompson was dropped on 6 off the bowling of Rahat Ali, a low edge to Sarfraz Ahmed’s left, but was largely untroubled in recording a maiden Test half-century that was marked by growing confidence. Rahat was particularly innocuous and Thompson’s thump for four to bring up fifty and the century stand with O’Brien summed up the shift in fortunes.As in the first innings, when he top-scored with 40, O’Brien was an assured presence at the crease, his bat seemingly as wide as St James’s Gate, temperament as reliable as the stout Dublin is most famous for. Rather than booming drives and pulls, he played softly and watchfully, gliding several boundaries through third man or off his pads. A tap through mid-on secured him fifty, another first for Ireland in Tests.The spirit epitomised by Gary Wilson’s first-innings resistance, batting at No. 9 with an injury, and the opening stand second time in between Ed Joyce and William Porterfield coursed through the Irish effort. While Amir bowled through the pain of a knee problem, Shadab found turn and Mohammad Abbas continued his penetrative start to life as a Test cricketer, Pakistan became increasingly anguished.A thick edge through vacant second slip in the penultimate over of the day brought a scream of annoyance from Amir, as a weary O’Brien stared blankly down the pitch. O’Brien came close to playing on and being lbw to Abbas in the next over but there was no succour for Pakistan.Such an outcome seemed unlikely after an eventful morning session, in which Ireland extended their opening stand to 69 before Joyce was run out by a direct hit from Faheem Ashraf at mid-on. In a match that has seen plenty of dodgy running, Joyce was perhaps unlucky to be the only man run out (so far); he ended up fractionally short after calling a tight single, with Ashraf’s throw aiming at one stump doing just enough to dislodge the bails.That gave Pakistan an opening, which they quickly exploited. Andy Balbirnie made an unwanted sort of history when he was hit on the pads and given lbw against Abbas for the second time in the match, becoming the first Ireland batsman to register a Test pair. Keen to avoid a similar fate, Niall O’Brien’s first run came via a risky single that left him on his knees sporting a wry grin and muddy sweater.The elder O’Brien made it into double-figures before being detonated from the crease by Amir, who flattened the stumps with a delivery that reversed in to the left-hander. William Porterfield, who laboured for 120 balls over his 32, was given a torrid time during Amir’s initial seven-over spell and eventually succumbed to a wicked outswinger that Sarfraz held on to.Ireland at that stage were 95 for 4, still 85 from putting Pakistan in for a second time. Paul Stirling was lbw shortly after lunch, Abbas locating his pad fractionally before bat came into play, and when Wilson was caught slip off Amir it was 157 for 6 and the result all but certain. Then Kevin O’Brien’s scriptwriter intervened again.

Aston Villa have seen a host of talent grace the pitch at Villa Park over the years, with some leaving a mark on the club forever for their contributions in claret and blue.

It’s hoped that Unai Emery is in the process of writing his own history into the books at Villa, with the Spaniard continuing to exceed expectations following his arrival as manager in October 2022.

The former Arsenal boss took the Villans from 16th in the Premier League table to 7th, subsequently earning them a place in the UEFA Conference League and marking Villa’s first European involvement since 2010.

With not even a year spent in the Midlands, the trajectory of Emery’s success is looking positive, with the four-time Europa League winner seeming to be capable of achieving significant highs at Villa Park like those before him.

From the dazzling displays provided by Martin O’Neill’s stars in the top-flight, to Dean Smith’s promotion gaining gems of 2019, Villa fans have celebrated their side for their achievements over recent years.

Each manager that has notably succeeded in the Premier League era for the Villans has had some magnificent players to thank for their highs, with Villa Park being home to some quality attacking talent both past and present.

Who are Aston Villa’s top-scorers in the Premier League?

The key for success in any side in world football is an identifiable source for goals, which Villa have seen plenty of over the years since the founding of the Premier League in 1992.

The Villans’ most prolific goalscorer from the early days of the Premier League was Dwight Yorke, who netted 60 goals in 179 league appearances in claret and blue, placing him as the club’s second-highest scorer of the Premier League era.

Aston Villa top-scorers in the Premier League

Rank

Player

Goals

1st

Gabriel Agbonlahor

74

2nd

Dwight Yorke

60

3rd

Dion Dublin

48

=4th

Juan Pablo Angel

44

=4th

Ollie Watkins

44

5th

Christian Benteke

42

All figures via 11v11

Dion Dublin is listed as third in the pack for his contribution of 48 league goals, followed by Juan Pablo Angel who registered 44 goals, and Christian Benteke who netted 42 in the Premier League whilst at Villa Park.

While all the scorers listed are memorable members of the squads on show over the years, one name stands out from the rest, with Villa’s current leading scorer in the Premier League being none other than Gabriel Agbonlahor.

How good was Gabriel Agbonlahor?

A product of Villa’s academy, Agbonlahor lived out his career as a one club man, only leaving his home surroundings to endeavour on loan spells to both Watford and Sheffield Wednesday in the early days of his journey.

Leading the pack with 74 Premier League goals, the striker wrote himself in Villa folklore for his commitment to the club over the years and the contribution he made to the various squads he appeared in.

The legendary forward hit his prime under O’Neill, scoring over 10 goals in three consecutive Premier League seasons between 2007/08 and 2009/10.

In all three of those campaign’s, O’Neill and Agbonlahor guided the Villans to consecutive 6th place finishes, which remain as the club’s highest league placement since 2010 with Emery’s 7th place finishers coming close last term.

Between 2007/08 and 2009/10, the Englishman contributed to 58 goals in the league, scoring 35 and assisting 23 to inspire his teammates to consistently perform in the top-flight.

For his goals, his loyalty, and the electrifying quality he installed to Villa’s attack, the club veteran will forever be remembered at Villa Park, with one star in Emery’s current crop of talent having the potential to replicate the legend’s achievements in Birmingham.

Dubbed the “perfect signing” at the time of his arrival by Agbonlahor, Ollie Watkins’ form in front of goal has been integral to Villa’s growth, and with talks of a new contract circulating, the Englishman could be on the cards to chase the current records.

How many goals has Ollie Watkins scored?

Level in fourth of Villa’s all-time Premier League scorers with Juan Pablo Angel with 44 goals, Watkins is just five goals away from moving into third place ahead of Dublin.

Considering the start that the 27-year-old has made to this season, it looks increasingly possible that Watkins could narrow the gap significantly between himself and Agbonlahor in this campaign alone.

With four goals from seven appearances this term in the league, the Englishman showcased just how dangerous he is in the final third last time out, scoring a hattrick at home against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The three goals against the Seagulls wasn’t the former Brentford talisman’s first match ball of the 2023/24 campaign, as he netted three against Hibernian in the Europa Conference League qualifiers in August.

In total, Watkins has netted 50 goals for the Villans in all competitions following his arrival in 2020, with his highest league tally coming under Emery last term where he found himself on the scoresheet 15 times in 37 appearances.

How much is Ollie Watkins worth?

In the summer of his arrival, the forward had an expected transfer value (xTV) of €23.7m (£20.5m), a figure that has increased to €41.2m (£35.7m) to where it sits today, telling of the potential future profit the Villans could make from the striker, via Football Transfers.

During this summer, the Englishman was linked to a sensational £60m move to Bayern Munich by The Sun, suggesting that the price that Villa value their star man at is far beyond his estimated market value.

What’s exciting for the Villans is that rumours have surfaced to suggest that Watkins could commit his future to Villa Park, with talkSPORT revealing that the forward is ready to pen an improved deal.

Could Ollie Watkins leave a bigger legacy than Agbonlahor at Villa?

Previously lauded as “unstoppable” by Premier League veteran and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, Agbonlahor will in some ways hope that Watkins can be stopped in order to protect his record at Villa.

While the Torquay-born ace is still 30 league goals and 36 goals in all competitions behind Agbonlahor with reference to his scoring record at Villa Park, a new contract could place the 27-year-old in good stead to rewrite history.

What could potentially place Watkins in Villa folklore is far beyond his ability to clinch new records, but the trajectory of where his goals could take Emery’s side.

European success could grant the Englishman a place in the club’s record books, with Villa’s history already rich with success at the highest level, peaking with their Champions League win in 1982.

You’d have to go back to that historic night to capture the last time that the Midlands side last had their hands on European silverware, however considering Emery’s managerial record in Europe, and Villa’s start to the campaign, this term could be a great opportunity to change expectations.

One thing that Agbonlahor was unable to do at Villa was to deliver silverware, which Watkins could have the ability to do in the near future when considering the development the Villans have shown over the past year.

Not many will ever overtake the legacy that the Birmingham-born veteran created for himself at his boyhood club, however Emery’s £75k-per-week talisman has all the tools to come close to the success that the former striker enjoyed at Villa Park.

Banned Australian batsmen to make appearances in Northern Territory’s Strike League in July; David Warner commits to playing two matches, Cameron Bancroft to entire season

ESPNcricinfo staff29-May-2018Banned Australian batsmen David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will commence their returns to cricket after their part in the Newlands ball tampering scandal with appearances at the Northern Territory limited-overs Strike League in July.Both players had been approached by Cricket NT to take part in the tournament, which takes in both T20 and one-day fixtures. Warner has committed to playing in two matches, while Bancroft will take part in the entire tournament. It is also looking increasingly likely that Warner will join former Australia captain Steven Smith in Canada’s Global T20 tournament in Toronto early in July.Warner, who has already spent time participating in community cricket projects in the territory, said that the earlier visit was the catalyst for his participation. “I’m really looking forward to playing in the Strike League in July,” he said. “I heard so much about the competition while I was in Darwin earlier this month that I’m keen to be part of it.”The inclusions of Warner and Bancroft are a publicity win for the competition, which in recent years has become a popular destination for Australian domestic players to get some off-season playing time without venturing overseas. “Their presence and experience will be invaluable for our local players, and it’s a big endorsement for the fantastic work being done by the staff at NT Cricket to make Darwin the winter destination of choice for Australian cricket,” NT Cricket chief executive Joel Morrison said.”The Strike League is a fantastic competition with a mix of local, interstate and overseas players participating, and is a great showcase of the excellent facilities and talent we have in the North.”Warner and Bancroft had previously committed to turning out for their local club sides during the Australian summer, Warner for Randwick Petersham and Bancroft for Willetton, after West Australian clubs voted to allow him an exception from WACA rules, which state that any player banned from playing first-class cricket may not play at club level.Similarly to his arrangement with Cricket NT, Warner appears to be keeping his options open to play overseas T20 tournaments while serving out his ban, having only committed to playing a few games in Sydney grade cricket.”We’re delighted to have him,” the club president Mike Whitney said earlier this month. “He’s one of the best players Australia has had since World War Two. He’s been speaking to one of our club officials and he has committed to the first three or four rounds of the season. Why it is only three or four rounds at this stage, I don’t know.”

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino could be set to re-enter the market in January for an exciting young talent to bolster his squad, according to recent reports.

International break news…

TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has given an update on whether Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling will be called up to Gareth Southgate's latest England squad on social media platform X, stating: "Bukayo Saka set to report for #ENG duty today despite Mikel Arteta telling talkSPORT yesterday he is not fit to play. Will be assessed by the FA's own medical team. Understand Raheem Sterling is not expecting to be called up as a replacement if and when Saka withdraws."

Cited by The Evening Standard, who have given a recent Chelsea injury roundup, Reece James and Benoit Badiashile could return to first-team action upon the conclusion of the international break following both players spending extensive time on the sidelines this term due to various concerns.

Cole Palmer and Mykhailo Mudryk are also expected to be available for selection for the trip to Arsenal in the Premier League on October 22nd despite their own struggles with minor knocks.

Chelsea summer signing Lesley Oguchukwu meanwhile has revealed how he has found his time at Stamford Bridge so far, and indicated that he has quickly settled into west London, stating to the club's official website: "It’s been really good. Everyone has been kind with me. I joined the squad in the U.S and from there we did pre-season. I am very happy to be part of this team. I’m close with the French players – and there are a lot in the squad! It’s helped a lot. When I speak with Malo or Axel, I can be natural [on the pitch]. If the ball goes right, I can say, ‘Axel, droit!’ So that has helped. I speak with everyone, though. There is a good mood here."

Palmeiras midfielder Luis Guilherme is believed to be a Chelsea transfer target in SW6 and reports claim that the Blues have had a bid in the region of €35 million turned down for the 17-year-old midfielder.

Chelsea summer signings

Axel Disasi (Monaco)

£38.5m

Nicolas Jackson (Villarreal)

£30.1m

Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)

£52m

Kendry Paez (Independiente del Valle)

£17.27m (joins 2025/26)

Robert Sanchez (Brighton)

£25m

Moises Caicedo (Brighton)

£115m

Lesley Ugochukwu (Rennes)

£23.5m

Angelo Gabriel (Santos)

Undisclosed

Alex Matos (Norwich)

Undisclosed

Diego Moreira (Benfica)

Undisclosed

Ishe Samuels-Smith (Everton)

Undisclosed

Dujuan Richards (Phoenix All Stars Academy)

Undisclosed

Romeo Lavia (Southampton)

£58m

Deivid Washington (Santos)

£17.1m

Djordje Petrovic (New England Revolution)

£14m

Cole Palmer (Manchester City)

£42.5m

All fees courtesy of Sky Sports

Chelsea transfer update – Xavi Simons

According to a report from Spain, the Blues are now monitoring RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons closely ahead of his return from his loan spell in Germany to parent club Paris Saint-Germain next summer.

Nevertheless, competition to sign the Netherlands international is fierce, with Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Bayern Munich also keen to offer the 20-year-old a new challenge amid indications that PSG would be open to selling Simons for the right price.

Former Barcelona youth player Simons has started the 2023/24 campaign in fine fettle for RB Leipzig, registering three goals and four assists from 11 appearances across all competitions (Simons' statistics – Transfermarkt)

Dubbed a "great player" by Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman, Simons has also managed to average around two shots per game, 1.3 key passes and 1.3 successful dribbles per match in the Bundesliga this term (WhoScored – Leipzig stats).

Chelsea already have a lot of creativity present within their squad, but you can never get enough end product in attacking areas, and Simons would provide just that.

Mathews shows form and fitness to make 92 for hosts; Steyn undergoes proper workout on humid day

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando07-Jul-2018AFPLeft-arm wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi made a strong claim to a place in the South Africa’s XI for the first Test by taking 5 for 45 in the first day of the warm-up encounter against the Sri Lanka Board XI at P Sara Oval in Colombo. For the hosts, Angelo Mathews batted himself into form, making 92. Danushka Gunathilaka also hit a half century, but Dhananjaya de Silva and Roshen Silva – the two other batsmen in the main Sri Lanka squad, were less successful, collecting 28 and 0 respectively.Sri Lanka Board XI’s batsmen had been cruising on a surface unsuited for fast bowling, before Shamsi began to strike midway through the second session. Having been 2 for 151, the Board XI was eventually dismissed for 287, Nos. 5 to 11 collecting three ducks and two single-figure scores between them.Save for one Lungi Ngidi wicket, and one run out, the remaining Board XI wickets fell to spin – uncapped legspinner Shaun von Berg taking 2 for 82. Left-arm orthodox spinner Keshav Maharaj did not bowl, with South Africa perhaps unwilling to give the Sri Lanka batsmen in this side a sighter of one of their key bowlers.The visitors will be encouraged, though, that even without the services of their main spinner, Shamsi was still capable of running through a strong Board XI middle order. His first wicket, that of Test incumbent Roshen Silva, was a beauty. The tossed up delivery drew him forward, only to dip to beat his shot and rattle the stumps. Two overs later, he slid a delivery into the pads of Minod Bhanuka, who was attempting a sweep. Through that period of play, the Board XI lost four wickets for 22 runs.Though largely unsuccessful on an unfriendly pitch, South Africa’s main seamers had long workouts on a humid day. Of mild concern may be the form and fitness of Dale Steyn, who gave away 52 runs across his 12 overs. He did, however, fire in effective bouncers, even hitting Kaushal Silva on the head on one occasion. Kagiso Rabada and Ngidi nevertheless appeared more threatening in their early spells – Ngidi raising a close caught-behind appeal early in Mathews’ innings.Gunathilaka’s 53 off 66 balls may just be enough to have him considered for the vacant opening position. He had hit nine fours in his innings, before holing out to mid-on attempting another one, off von Berg. Kaushal Silva is not in the Test squad, but did his best to suggest that he should not be totally jettisoned from Sri Lanka’s future plans, making a steady 76 off 119 balls, before a mix-up with Mathews saw both batsmen almost end up at the same end. Silva, having called the run, only for his partner not to respond, could not return to his crease before the return throw came in from mid-on.Dhananjaya de Silva looked excellent against both seam and spin early in his innings, and will perhaps kick himself for the mistake that cost him his wicket. Having just whipped von Berg for four through mid wicket, he ran at the bowler expecting a full delivery. He did not get to the pitch of the ball though, and bunted it tamely to short cover.South Africa faced four overs before stumps and lost the wicket of Aiden Markram, who was bowled by Lahiru Gamage.

USMNT star Tyler Adams got some vital minutes on his way to injury recovery, with Bournemouth youth team boss Adam Connell hailing him a "lovely lad".

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Adams has barely featured since summer signingBut got minutes in with development squadBournemouth youth team boss lauded him as "lovely lad"Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Adams signed for the Cherries for £23 million ($29m) in the summer following Leeds' relegation from the Premier League. But the United States midfielder has made just one appearance all season amid continued issues with his hamstring. However, Adams made significant steps in his recovery last week, playing 60 minutes for Bournemouth's development squad in a 5-0 win over Colchester United in the Professional Development League. After seeing him get his first minutes in over five months, manager Connell was full of nothing but praise for the American.

AdvertisementWHAT CONNELL SAID

The Cherries youth team boss told (via ): “Tyler is a lovely lad. Just from seeing him around the building every day, he’s very humble and very hard-working. Obviously he was probably our marquee signing last summer, so it was great to have him train with us and you could just tell straightaway he wanted to train well, get back and play some competitive football. It was great for our players to play with such a talent and such a big player, captain of the US national team as well. So it was great experience, especially for Lewis Brown playing next to him in midfield. Tyler came through it and looked fine, made some good passes and intercepted well. Hopefully it was a good day for him. It seemed that way and hopefully he can get back out there for our first team soon.”

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Adams' only appearance this term came in a Carabao Cup fixture against Stoke back in September, with those 20 minutes on the field putting an end to a six-month spell on the sidelines. However, he aggravated his hamstring issue in that clash and required surgery which saw him laid off for another five months. Adams did make a return to the bench against Sheffield United on Saturday, and with an hour under his belt for the development squad, a return to action cannot be too far away.

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WHAT NEXT FOR ADAMS?

That return is likely to be staggered, even despite those minutes last week, with Adams probably set for another spot on the bench in Bournemouth's next match. Andoni Iraola's side host Luton on Wednesday night in the Premier League, before they take a break from club football for international fixtures.

On his last tour of the country in 2014, he only made 134 runs in ten Test innings at an average of 13.40

Nagraj Gollapudi at Edgbaston31-Jul-2018134 runs, 10 Test innings, average 13.40.Tell those numbers to a genuine cricket fan and they will let you know they are from Virat Kohli’s only Test series in England, in 2014.To be known as one of the best in Test cricket, it is important that a batsman succeeds in England. That is the general view held by the privileged lot that have succeeded at the highest level. It is fair to say that Kohli is yet to prove himself as a Test batsman in England.But Kohli does not think so. Back in England four years after that 2014 tour, Kohli is now India’s Test captain. He is No. 2 on the ICC Test rankings. And he remains unfussed about what happened four years ago. On the eve of the first Test, he was asked whether he found it amusing or irritating when people felt he still had a point to prove in England as a batsman, and Kohli said he felt neither. “I don’t know. Back in the day when I did not know better these things used to bother me because I used to read a lot.”According to Kohli, he has long since stopped getting swayed by outside emotions, and he does not consume anything written or said in the media. Doing that, Kohli said, allowed him to have a clear mind and helped retain his focus on his batting. “If I waste my energy on all these things I am compromising on my mindset already because when I walk out to bat I have the bat in hand, not people on the outside who write and predict things. I need to be in the most convincing and the most clear mental space I can be. That happens when I am just focused on what I need to do.”Soon, Kohli will finish a decade in international cricket, which wasn’t something he had envisioned when he started out. “I did not think 10 years ago, very soon I am going to complete 10 years, sitting here in my career. So I have no complaints whatsoever. And I am not in a frame of mind to prove myself in any country. I just want to perform for the team. Obviously, I want to score runs for the team. And I am going to take Indian cricket forward.”This will be the third five-Test series Kohli and India have played since 2014. All three have been against England. In 2014, England won 3-1. India then routed England 4-0 in the 2016-17 home series. So are India, the No.1 Test team, the favourites or the underdogs this time? Kohli refused to get distracted by any such billing. “It doesn’t matter. Whether you are a favourite or an underdog you still have to go out there and do well. If you are underdog, it is not a given the pressure will only be on the opposition. Or if you are favourites, it is not certain that the underdog will come out and just be fearless the whole time. I think it is the balance that is required.”Whether you want to act as an underdog or favourite it is in your own head. You need professionalism more than feeling like an underdog or starting as a favourite. That is something we want to do as a team: we want to be consistent and professional.”

The centre-back has shown immense potential since breaking into Xavi's line-up, but is better off being rested for two meaningless friendlies

Pau Cubarsi has been turning heads at Barcelona. Xavi has admitted that the defender's passing range is among the best he has ever seen. Ronald Araujo, meanwhile, compared him to Gerard Pique, while fellow teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal dubbed him one of the best in the world.

To an extent, all three were correct in their summations. The centre-back has burst onto the scene for Barca over the past six weeks, looking every bit the La Masia graduate who can shepherd the Blaugrana backline that the club has craved for years.

This is undoubtedly reason for excitement. Xavi's side have endured a miserable season, full of injuries, poor results, and the ultimate collapse of what seemed to be a promising title defence that has led to the manager's decision to walk away at the end of it. The club has been looking for positives to cling onto, and Cubarsi's emergence – along with that of Yamal – is certainly one.

But, like so many youth products to rise through the Barca academy system, those good vibes could yet be squashed. And once again, the Spanish national team are to blame.

Manager Luis de la Fuente has called-up Cubarsi for Spain's friendlies against Colombia and Brazil, offering a starry-eyed 17-year-old the opportunity to represent his country. But for Barca, who have seen so many of their top talents either drained or injured in part due to the rigours of international football, Cubarsi is better off at home.

The teenager was never going to turn down a national team call-up, but Spain should know better than to throw another immensely-talented youngster into the fire before he has settled in at a senior level.

Getty ImagesRapid rise

Perhaps because of his position on the pitch, Cubarsi hadn't been spoken about in the same glowing terms as some other recent La Masia graduates, such as Gavi, Yamal and Alejandro Balde. Still, Cubarsi captained youth teams at numerous levels, and in 2022, became the third-youngest Barcelona player to make an appearance in the UEFA Youth League.

Xavi rewarded him shortly after, calling the centre-back up to first-team training in 2023. Prior to this season, though, Cubarsi figured to be a player-in-waiting for Barca's reserve side. He started the season with Barca Athletic, making nine appearances for the team which plays in the Spanish third division before coming anywhere near the senior team.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesBreakthrough

On January 18, Barcelona were carved apart by a Spanish third-division side – albeit briefly. Unionistas de Salamanca, whose stadium seats a mere 6,000 fans, made Barca panic in the first half of their Copa del Rey tie. They led 1-0 after 30 minutes, as a sweeping move made an experienced Blaugrana unit fall apart in conceding.

At half-time, Xavi turned to his bench to amend things. Cubarsi was his first call, the centre-back brought into the fray to shore things up for a Barca defence that looked like it could collapse at any second. In 45 minutes, he won every tackle he made, touched the ball 65 times, and completed 93 percent of his passes. If there were supposed to be any nerves associated with being a 16-year-old entrusted with turning around a game that was in danger of slipping away, then they weren't to be found here.

The manager sang Cubarsi's praises at full-time. "He's very well prepared," Xavi said in his post-game news conference. "He doesn't seem 16 when you speak with him. He is a focused and responsible kid. I don't think he lost a single ball, either.

Since then, Cubarsi has made 12 further first-team appearances, becoming a regular alongside Araujo, and has now received a call-up to the national side.

Getty ImagesShowered in praise

Praise for Cubarsi's performances has poured in from all over the footballing world; that is how it works for those who don the Blaugrana. Comparisons to legends of the game haven't been hard to find, either.

"Technically, [Pique] always offered a solution," began Araujo when asked about his new defensive partner. "He reminds me a little bit of Pau Cubarsi, because he has something of him, he’s very smart. The truth is that he has unbelievable talent at just 17 years old."

Former Bayern Munich and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, meanwhile, has suggested that Cubarsi could be better than both Pique and Carles Puyol, telling after the teenager's Man-of-the-Match-worthy display against Napoli in the Champions League: "He played ridiculously good, that is a star now, a star of the future. He’s obviously completely different from Puyol, Pique was brilliant, but I think his long-range passing is better than any of those. By far."

But perhaps the most flattering adulation came in the gossip columns, when Spanish publication reported that Pep Guardiola is monitoring the teenager, and hopes to bring him into the Manchester City setup.

Cubarsi, for his part, has tried to ease the hype. "I will just keep working to make sure things keep going well,” he said. But the excitement, both from within Catalunya and beyond, simply cannot be controlled.

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Getty ImagesSpain's wonderkid woes

The expectations placed on teenagers in recent times has, however, been an area of tension in Spain. A concerning pattern has emerged of the national team calling-up inexperienced youngsters to the senior squad as soon as they start playing first-team football at club level, only for them to burn out and begin to suffer from injury problems before they've even entered their early-20s.

Spain, of course, are not unique in this respect. Most national sides want to fast-track their best talents into the senior team. There is no shame in wanting to win. But, whether it be by bad luck or poor judgement, La Roja have have played a role in a handful of young careers that are at risk of being ruined by fitness woes, with Barca trio Ansu Fati, Gavi, and Pedri having all either sustained major injuries or seen their young legs battered while playing for their country.

Part of the blame can be laid at former coach Luis Enrique's door, but it is a pattern that has continued under De la Fuente. Gavi had only started three games for Barcelona when he was first called-up as a 17-year-old in October 2021. Yamal, meanwhile, had only made five appearances when he was handed his international debut as a 16-year-old in September 2023.

Pedri had the opposite problem, and was 42 appearances into his first season at Barca as an 18-year-old when Luis Enrique decided he was going to make him the fulcrum of his Euro 2020 team – before allowing him, inexplicably, to represent the country at the Olympics just weeks after that tournament had ended. Unsurprisingly, his hamstrings have never been the same.

Fati was also rushed into international action despite injury concerns – bringing about workload issues that undoubtedly contributed to his chronic knee injuries.

Bitterly disappointed to be relegated from the Premier League, Leeds United's initial transition back to Championship life was bumpy.

Off-field drama saw a number of first-team players depart, a new manager in Daniel Farke had to come in and pick up the pieces and there's now an increased expectation on Leeds to do well – with those who possibly want an immediate return to the top-flight and not to be submerged in second tier football for too long.

Going without a win in their first three matches had the alarm bells ringing momentarily.

But, ever since winning 4-3 at Ipswich, Farke has managed to turn the mess around at Leeds and catapult them up to third in the table at the time of writing.

Their last performance saw Leeds pull off an impressive comeback win at Carrow Road, Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville leading by example with two late strikes to spearhead a 3-2 victory.

New personnel added into the building have stood out, Joel Piroe and Ethan Ampadu adding considerable strength to the Whites – Piroe leading the way as Leeds' top scorer, five goals from nine matches played for the Whites whilst Ampadu ensures Leeds has a competent holding midfielder.

Yet, even in spite of it all clicking at Elland Road now, Leeds could well reignite their interest in Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley as a transfer target to add in another exciting player to help with the promotion push.

Are Leeds interested in Matt O'Riley?

Branded as a "wonderful footballer" by current manager Brendan Rodgers, the two-time Celtic head coach will be hoping and praying that he can keep hold of his 22-year-old attacking midfielder for the foreseeable future.

But, as has been reported by the Scotsman, Leeds had concrete interest in the former MK Dons man this summer and fielded a bid for him which was then rejected by the Scottish superpower.

Leeds may not be deterred by this rejection of O'Riley however, the dynamic midfielder could well be integral to the Whites if he joined in further adding quality up top and helping them to become dominant at this level.

How good is Matt O'Riley?

O'Riley has been electric for Celtic ever since he made the switch from MK Dons to the Glasgow giants, with the talented gem making the Scottish Premiership his very own playground to show off his immense qualities.

He has a stunning six goals from twelve matches this season so far for Celtic – outscoring Leeds' main man Joel Piroe by one goal from the centre of the park.

In Celtic's 2-1 away win at Motherwell recently, O'Riley accumulated a fantastic 8.8 score overall from the ninety minutes on Sofascore. The 22-year-old completed seven key passes, on top of scoring in the 97th minute to help Brendan Rodgers' men clinch a last-gasp victory.

For a player who doesn't necessarily feature in a conventional attacking sense for Celtic, his shooting statistics stand out as a midfielder unafraid to contribute in that regard and help out the attackers.

He's registered an average of 1.73 shots on target per 90 minutes for the SPL frontrunners this campaign per FBRef, an option that could give Leeds even more firepower up top if he was signed by Daniel Farke.

O'Riley could even slot into an attacking midfield role currently occupied by Joel Piroe, enabling Farke to rejig his formation and start the former Swansea striker up top alongside a revitalised figure in Georgino Rutter.

O'Riley should be targeted by Leeds as he could be a remarkable talent in the second tier of English football, and the club must now go back in for the £8m-rated (via FootballTransfers) whiz.

Birmingham Bears fell to a 16-run defeat against the Derbyshire Falcons in a low-scoring Vitality Blast game at Derby

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Aug-2018
ScorecardIan Bell wrote his name in the record books but finished on the losing side as Birmingham Bears fell to a 16-run defeat against the Derbyshire Falcons in a low-scoring Vitality Blast game at DerbyBell passed Jonathan Trott’s total of 1,911 runs to become the Bears highest run-scorer in T20 cricket but his 65 from 51 balls on a sluggish pitch was not enough as the visitors came up short chasing 144.Grant Elliott claimed 3 for 16 as the Falcons managed only 143 for 9 with Calum MacLeod top scoring with 39 but Wahab Riaz took 3 for 27 as superb bowling limited the Bears to 127 for 9.Billy Godleman got the Falcons off to a flier by pulling consecutive balls from Ollie Stone for two fours and a six and he swung Chris Woakes for another six as 18 came from the England seamer’s second over.The game was in danger of running away from the Bears but Aaron Thomason made the breakthrough when Godleman chopped on in the fifth over and Anuj Dal was run out first ball when he failed to beat Woakes throw from mid on.Wayne Madsen lifted Jeetan Patel over midwicket for six but the experienced spinner and Elliott applied a stranglehold that restricted the Falcons to 21 from five overs.The pressure accounted for Madsen who top edged a pull at Elliott and MacLeod’s attempts to break free only ended in the hands of Thomason at long on.Stone returned to have Matt Critchley caught at mid on to reduce the Falcons to 96 for 5 and Elliott struck again when Alex Hughes skied a drive to long on.The Bears had turned the match round to the extent that only 37 had come from eight overs and after Riaz and Hardus Viljoen fell trying to clear the field, Wilson gave his bowlers something to defend by hitting Thomason for a six and a four in the final over.The slow pitch had confounded several batsmen and Ed Pollock and Adam Hose became the latest victims as top edges off Riaz and Ravi Rampaul left the Bears reeling on 4 for 2.Bell lifted Riaz over third man for six before two runs off Rampaul took him past Trott’s milestone but the Bears were finding it just as difficult to get the ball away and when Sam Hain was caught behind down the leg side off Viljoen in the eighth over, the contest was in the balance.It shifted towards the Falcons in the ninth over when Colin de Grandhomme miscued a pull at Hughes and 49 for 4 at the halfway stage of the Bears innings reflected the quality of the bowling.Elliott sliced Viljoen to third man but Bell drove Hughes for six on his way to a 40 ball 50 and two fours from Riaz left the Bears needing 45 from five overs.But after a tight Rampaul over, Bell dragged Hughes to wide long on and after Viljoen conceded just one run from the 18th over, Riaz settled it with two wickets.