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The portents from their Test and ODI decline suggest the way back might not be quite as straightforward

Danyal Rasool21-Oct-2022Ireland had nearly walked off the field before Odean Smith stopped glaring at Chris Gaffney. Mark Adair’s wide yorker, the last ball of the West Indies innings, had landed well outside the tramline, but the umpire believed Smith had moved across enough to not call it a wide. Smith likely had a point, and looked West Indies’ best batter of the innings.But any amends Smith could make off one delivery would have been miniscule compared to the damage already inflicted through most of the innings. In the first powerplay, West Indies had nudged and nurdled their way to 41- for 2. Against Scotland in the previous game, Ireland had faced some criticism for the bowling options they went with at the death, and a quick West Indian start would have given Andy Balbirnie a headache he didn’t need. Instead, there were 16 dot balls in the first five overs with only five boundaries, and 16 of the 32 they had scored until then came off a wayward Curtis Campher over.Related

• Ponting calls West Indies' early exit a 'disgrace'

• Skerritt blames batters in scathing attack after West Indies' T20 World Cup exit

• Alzarri Joseph raises his game, and pace, to give WI's World Cup hopes a shot in the arm

• Ireland knock out West Indies with commanding victory

• Stirling's World Cup best puts battle-hardened Ireland in uncharted territory

It wasn’t the only thing West Indies have done wrong, but Ireland’s approach during the fielding restrictions threw it into sharp focus. Chasing a middling total, they might have been forgiven for not knowing whether to stick or twist. But even Ireland, who lost 9 of 12 T20Is in the summer, and only stayed alive in the tournament thanks to one sensational partnership on Wednesday, highlighted the value of making the most of the powerplay. Ireland would smash six fours and four sixes in the first six overs. The 64 they flew to by that time had taken West Indies a full nine overs to reach. Ireland maintained the three-over advantage till the end, coasting to victory with 15 balls to spare.Since Carlos Brathwaite launched Ben Stokes four times on Kolkata night, West Indies have lost six of the eight matches they have played in T20 World Cups. And it’s this Hobart hammering that makes you suddenly realise how long ago that was. This West Indies side is a mere shadow of that one, and not merely because six years have lapsed. Over the course of three hours, Ireland systematically ripped away whatever little aura West Indies could still lay claim to, leaving them exposed to the disorganised shambles they now are in.The overcorrection following a haphazard, frenetic batting performance against Zimbabwe might not have helped matters, but it didn’t make the decision-making with the ball any less perplexing. Against Zimbabwe, Nicholas Pooran had held Alzarri Joseph, West Indies’ best bowler, back until the third over. By the time he was introduced, Zimbabwe had flown to 28 without loss. In defence of an even lower total against Ireland, West Indies refused to pay heed to the warning signs, only turning to Joseph after 16 came off the previous over.If the way Joseph was managed was questionable, Holder’s complete non-use in the powerplay felt even more dubious. The former West Indian captain boasts a respectable T20I powerplay record, giving away runs at 7.92 per over while the field is up. Pooran would turn to Smith in the fourth over instead, whose economy rate in the powerplay is 11.18. The first three balls? Four, six, four.West Indies have repeatedly dismissed the suggestion they need more spin options in their attack, even as spin crippled them through the middle overs against each of Scotland, Zimbabwe and Ireland. West Indies instead conspicuously left legspinner Yannic Cariah out despite an impressive warm-up game against Australia, seemingly refusing to consider that if spin troubled them, it could have a similar effect on their opponents. Even after the loss on Friday, head coach Phil Simmons – who previously coached Ireland – brushed aside the idea that leaving Akeal Hosein to operate alone on that front might have been an issue.”Well, they have it and they choose to use it against us,” he said. “Those teams play spin well, so we didn’t think we needed it.”I don’t know [if there are short-term fixes]. We’ve got to go back and look at our structure and how we play the game and make sure that when we come to competitions and when we play in bilateral series we are ready and able to do what’s necessary for each situation of the game.”Over these past three games, West Indies showed repeatedly they weren’t able to do some of the most basic things. Kolkata to Hobart might be a long way, but West Indies seem to have found an unfortunate shortcut to go from zenith to nadir. The portents from their Test and ODI decline suggest the way back might not be quite as straightforward.

Takeaways from the ongoing Vincy T10 Premier League

Deivarayan Muthu23-May-2020Sanitising stations
The players were not allowed to use saliva to shine the ball, as recommended by the ICC, and maintained social distancing at various points. They all entered the field separately and later exited in similar fashion. Both the on-field umpires and even the wicketkeepers were seen wearing masks as a precautionary measure. During the innings break, the ground staff was also seen wearing masks while evening up the patches near the bowlers’ landing area. And as listed in the ICC’s do’s and don’ts, the players refrained from handing their caps and other personal items to the umpires.The ICC had also recommended that players use hand sanitisers to disinfect the ball. Accordingly, the The VPL has set up sanitising stations off the field and monitors the temperature of those going on it.

No spectators in the stands, masks for all players and officials, hand washing stations on and off the field, hand sanitizers, physical distancing rules, temperature checks and more are all in place here at the Vincy Premiere League pic.twitter.com/CGTvRUyN9z

— VINCY PREMIER LEAGUE (VPL T10 ) (@VPLT10) May 23, 2020

Bye-bye hi-fives, hello leg-shakesDespite cricket not being a contact sport, the ICC had recommended that celebrations going forward should not involve any physical contact. Little surprise then that the fall of a wicket in the VPL has been greeted by shaking of legs and punching of ground. It sounds quite odd, doesn’t it? After all, cricket in this region has produced some eye-catching celebrations.Speaking of strange new normals, on the second day of the league, Dark View Explorers’ Denson Hoyte hurt himself in the outfield and landed awkwardly while chasing the ball, but his team-mates made a conscious effort to still maintain social distancing. The medical staff didn’t enter the field either, with Hoyte eventually managing to hobble off the field.No spectators
In an ideal world, Sunil Ambris, a local boy who rose to become a West Indies international, would have been greeted with cheers from the stands. However, in the post Covid-19 world, he came into the attack on the first day amid pin-drop silence. The advice to play behind closed doors was given by the National Covid-19 taskforce.”The St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association would have preferred an option of a limited number of spectators, maybe 300 or 500 max in the stadium; however, the experts expressed some initial concerns,” president Kishore Shallow, who is also the vice-president at CWI (Cricket West Indies) told the VPL website. “They [sic] advised that we attempt to regularise the management of players before we consider having spectators.”On the second day, however, the commentators said that the VPL organisers are exploring the possibility of having a handful of spectators next week. Reports indicate there have been 18 cases of coronavirus in St Vincent and Grenadines, with 14 having recovered.The first ODI between Australia and New Zealand in March earlier this year was the first high-profile match to be played at a closed stadium. However, in the past, Pakistan have played in front of empty stands in the UAE.Catering to the Indian audience
It was Dream11, an India-based sports technology company, that had approached Shallow to put the league together. So, the first of the triple-header kicked off as early as 8.30am local time to attract fantasy-league players from India. All the VPL games will be streamed on the Fancode app.

This weekend's series between the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees contains one irresistible narrative.

On one side of the Yankee Stadium diamond: Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, the National League leader in bWAR. On the other side: Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge, the American League leader in the same category.

It didn't take long for the two players to lock horns. With New York leading 3–0 in the top of the fourth inning, Crow-Armstrong launched a deep fly to right field that looked like a surefire short-porch home run. Nope—Judge timed his jump just right and snared the ball in front of a giant F.W. Webb Company banner.

The catch prevented what would've been Crow-Armstrong's 26th home run—a number 16 higher than his modest 2024 total of 10.

He may be the breakout star of the year, but make no mistake—the Big Apple is the domain of Judge, on both the offensive and defensive end.

Have Liverpool rediscovered how to win football games?

There’s no question that this has been an incredibly difficult start to the season for Arne Slot and his Premier League-winning Liverpool squad, but while the defeats have come in droves in recent months, Saturday’s confident win over Brighton & Hove Albion has rubber-stamped the mini-revival.

The Reds have returned to the top six, with the noise surrounding Mohamed Salah’s recent troubles being silenced for a while, the Egyptian replacing the injured Joe Gomez in the first half and putting in a strong display, whipping in the corner for Hugo Ekitike’s second-half strike.

Ekitike now has four goals from his past two Premier League matches, and he is becoming quite the player for the Merseyside club.

Ekitike's performance vs Brighton

After Ekitike joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in an initial £69m deal this summer, he found his big move somewhat overshadowed by the Alexander Isak saga that swallowed the transfer discourse.

But it’s the Frenchman, 23, who has better established themselves, with his latest brace taking his tally to ten goals and an assist across 23 appearances in all competitions, and he’s rediscovered his Midas touch in the Premier League.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to argue against Ekitike taking precedence over Isak, England’s record signing at £125m, the Les Bleus star so much sharper, so much more fluent.

While many of FSG’s summer signings have flattered to deceive over the past several months, Ekitike has established himself as one of the most exciting goalscorers in Europe, well worth the pennies paid.

However, another of Liverpool’s summer recruits shone just as brightly against the Seagulls, and he might have even put in his best performance since making the move in June.

Liverpool prospect just put in his best performance

Liverpool have been in a rut this season, and it’s made it difficult for new signings to acclimatise. Florian Wirtz and Isak being two cases in point.

However, Milos Kerkez has arguably suffered the toughest start of the lot, with the Hungarian left-back so far removed from the fluid and fearsome Bournemouth full-back from last season.

Matches (starts)

38 (38)

15 (13)

Goals

2

1

Assists

5

0

Touches*

59.6

49.5

Accurate passes*

28.6 (80%)

26.9 (86%)

Chances created*

1.0

0.7

Dribbles*

0.6

0.3

Recoveries*

4.7

2.5

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

1.8

Clearances*

2.6

2.8

Duels won*

4.0 (54%)

3.9 (60%)

Errors made

4

2

The 21-year-old, who signed after a £40m deal was agreed, has so much more to give, with his bouncy athleticism not best represented as Slot’s tactical vision has struggled to take shape.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher called him a “nervous wreck” earlier in the season, but Kerkez looked more like the 2024/25 PFA Team of the Year inclusion at the Vitality Stadium, with Liverpool World acknowledging his ‘well-utilised aggression’, flawless save for one moment up against the tricky Yankuba Minteh.

It tells much of Kerkez’s combative performance that he won eight duels, energetic as he provided an outlet down the left flank and completing 89% of his passes and creating one chance.

Having endured such a challenging start to life at one of the biggest clubs in Europe, the young and talented Kerkez showed that he has what it takes, and it might even have been his finest showing in a Liverpool shirt.

It’s curious to note that Cody Gakpo was absent on the wing, having earlier this week been ruled out by Slot for the next few weeks. Kerkez’s connection with the inswinging Dutchman has been limited this season, one-dimensional.

Liverpool have taken several confident steps in the right direction, and though there is a long way to go before Slot can say that his system has stabilised and focus can be placed on winning trophies, we are beginning to see the signs that the recruits are worth their price tags, albeit with a few more still to demonstrate sustained improvement.

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New Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy has been thrown in at the deep end ahead of a clash with Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday in his first match.

The Hoops boss has taken over from the vastly-experienced interim Martin O’Neill, who won seven of his eight games in the dugout after coming in to steady the ship after Brendan Rodgers resigned.

Nancy is now tasked with implementing his own ideas and tactics in the coming days, weeks, and months ahead, after his move from Columbus Crew in the MLS.

The formation that Wilfried Nancy could play at Celtic

Many Celtic supporters may already be wondering what formation the new manager will line-up with against Hearts, and for matches in the future, after O’Neill played a 4-2-3-1 and Rodgers played a 4-3-3.

Nancy has only had a couple of days on the training ground, having been announced on Wednesday night, so the game against the Jam Tarts may come too soon for radical changes.

With time on the training pitch, though, the French boss may want to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation, which Transfermarkt notes is his favoured system.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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Per FBref, Nancy played a 3-4-3 or a 3-4-2-1 in 31 of his 43 games in charge of Columbus Crew this year, and played a back three or a back five in 40 of those matches.

This suggests that the Frenchman may line up with three central defenders for the most part with Celtic, which could make Dane Murray the biggest winner of his appointment at Parkhead.

Why Dane Murray could play a key role for Wilfried Nancy

The Scottish youngster’s last start for Celtic came in Rodgers’ final match against Hearts, as he scored a nightmare own goal in a 3-1 defeat.

It was a poor afternoon for Murray and Celtic, as he struggled at the heart of the defence, and he only played 38 minutes across two substitute appearances in O’Neill’s time in interim charge, as the experienced boss favoured Auston Trusty and Liam Scales as a pairing.

With Cameron Carter-Vickers being a long-term absentee with an Achilles injury, though, there could be a place for the academy graduate to come back into the team as part of a back three or back five, if Nancy decides to stick with his trend of using formations with three centre-backs.

Kieran Tierney could be an option to play as a third centre-back, as he has done for Scotland in the past, but then Celtic would have three left-footed defenders across the back, which is not ideal for playing out under pressure.

Bringing a right-footed centre-back like Murray into the fold could be ideal for Nancy, and he would have more protection than he did in a back four under Rodgers, as there would be two senior defenders alongside him, in Trusty and Scales.

25/26 Premiership

Dane Murray

Appearances

3

Starts

2

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.0

Clearances

15

Dribbled past

0x

Ground duel success rate

64%

Aerial duel success rate

80%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old colossus has shown some positive signs, despite his own goal against Hearts, in his three league appearances, dominating opposition attackers in physical duels.

Back in August, Rodgers claimed that Murray’s “ceiling is so high” and that he will really grow in the next 12 to 18 months. Whilst it may not happen as he envisaged, as another manager is in the dugout, that could play out with Nancy’s preferred system.

The Scottish prospect has been the only centre-back on the bench in recent games, with Carter-Vickers out, and that suggests that he would be the most logical inclusion for the new manager as part of a back three.

Given that a change in shape from a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 to a 3-4-2-1 or a 3-4-3 would essentially mean that a new centre-back position emerges, it seems like Murray has the most to gain and could be the biggest winner from this appointment for the Hoops.

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However, it is then down to the academy graduate to take his chance when it comes and prove that he has what it takes to be a regular starter for Celtic, and that his game against Hearts was a blip rather than a sign of things to come.

Leeds United are in a difficult position heading into the weekend as they are in the bottom three and heading to play Manchester City at The Etihad this afternoon.

The Whites have lost their last three matches in the Premier League, losing to Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa, and now face a run of games against City, Chelsea, and Liverpool.

On top of the daunting fixture list, Daniel Farke also has several new injury issues to contend with before they kick off against Pep Guardiola’s side today.

The latest Leeds injury news

Anton Stach will not be in the squad because he has been unable to train this week through concussion protocols, after the German midfielder was taken off in the first against Aston Villa last weekend with a head injury.

The £17.4m summer signing from Hoffenheim will resume training on Sunday before coming into contention for the Chelsea match, and Ao Tanaka could start in his place this afternoon.

Reserve defender Sebastiaan Bornauw, who joined from Wolfsburg in the summer, is going to be a late call on whether or not he can make the bench today, per Farke.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Unfortunately, the German head coach also revealed that central midfielder Sean Longstaff suffered a calf injury and is due to be out of action for between four and six weeks, in a major blow for the Whites.

The summer signing from Newcastle has started ten of his 12 Premier League appearances for the club, creating six ‘big chances’, per Sofascore, and Farke will need to find a way to replace him this afternoon and for the weeks to come.

Instead of bringing Ilia Gruev, who is more of a deep-lying number six, into the side, Farke should unleash Brenden Aaronson in a new role to ease the Longstaff injury blow.

The new role that Brenden Aaronson should play in

Earlier this month, Farke said that the USA international “polarises and can be annoying” and then added that he “works his socks off, gives everything, relentless and leaves his heart on the pitch” in defence of the attacking midfielder.

Because of that work rate, it would be interesting to see how he would fare in Longstaff’s position as one of the two number eights ahead of Ethan Ampadu.

Aaronson, of course, was the main number ten for Farke in his 4-2-3-1 system last season before being moved to the right wing in the current 4-3-3 shape, which means that he is used to playing centrally under the German boss.

The 25-year-old star, who has scored one goal in the Premier League this season, has the creative qualities to soften the blow of losing Longstaff, who has created the most ‘big chances’ in the team, albeit as the main set-piece taker.

As you can see in the table above, Aaronson has been one of the most creative players in the team in the top-flight this season, without being one of the most wasteful in possession.

This, along with Farke’s comments on his work rate, suggests that the American midfielder could be the ideal player to fill in for Longstaff in the next few weeks, because the Whites would still have a hard-working and creative player in that role.

On top of that, moving Aaronson away from the right wing position would allow the manager to unleash Dan James on the right, and his pace in behind could be particularly useful in these next three games against superior opposition who will be expected to dominate the ball.

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Therefore, playing the USA international in this new role could be an excellent way to respond to Longstaff’s injury, which is why Farke should consider it this afternoon.

Justin Verlander is headed to The Bay for his 20th season in MLB, having agreed to a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants. He's yet to make his final decision regarding what jersey number he'll wear, though it seems his usual No. 35 is still on the table despite a franchise great having worn it throughout much of their career.

Verlander told reporters that Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey reached out to the team's former longtime shortstop Brandon Crawford regarding the availability of the No. 35 uniform, per Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports. Crawford gave Verlander his blessing to wear the digits, should he so desire, though he's ultimately yet to decide whether he intends to wear the number or not.

Crawford, who retired after the 2024 season, spent 13 of his 14 years in MLB in San Francisco. He was a three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner and a two-time World Series champion. He wore the No. 35 throughout his time with the Giants, and also wore it during his one-year stint with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Verlander has also worn No. 35 throughout his career with the Detroit Tigers, New York Mets and Houston Astros. Whether he intends to continue wearing it in San Francisco remains to be seen, though Crawford classily gave the veteran right-hander his blessing to do so.

Louis Smith, a pace bowler from Tasmania, was plucked out of club cricket in a similar manner to Zanden Jeh

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jul-2025

Sri Lanka A allrounder Sonal Dinusha posted an unbeaten century as Australia A bowled out the tourists for 272 on day one of their four-day match in Darwin as the visitors plucked another debutant from nowhere.Louis Smith, a 19-year-old seamer from Tasmania where he plays for the same club as Australia A coach Tim Paine, had been playing in Darwin and acting as a net bowler for the home side. He was called up for a hasty debut having never played a full state game after Jack Nisbet suffered an injury.He removed Vishad Randika to claim a maiden first-class wicket with Josh Philippe taking a superb diving catch in front of first slip.”I was pretty pumped,” Smith told . “He dived straight in front of first slip so it was a bit heart in mouth for a moment, but it was super exciting, I was just so happy when it stuck.”After losing the toss, Sri Lanka A were in trouble at 89 for 5 at Marrara Stadium on Sunday before Dinusha steadied the ship. The 24-year-old left-hander hit 10 fours and a six on his way to 105 not out from 148 balls before he ran out of partners.Dinusha had help from Vishad Randika (27) and Isitha Wijesundara (33), while No. 3 Nuwanidu Fernando (34) also made a start.Louis Smith (left) and Zanden Jeh made their first-class debuts for Australia A•Cricket Australia

Jake Weatherald and Campbell Kellaway are set to open for Australia A when they start their reply on day two.Right-arm quicks Liam Scott and Henry Thornton each took two wickets for Australia A, as did Nathan McSweeney with his offspin.Smith, Mitchell Perry, Zanden Jeh and Kellaway also chipped in with one wicket apiece as the hosts spread the load.Jeh, a 21-year-old form Brisbane who has never played top-level state cricket, took 1 for 59 from 11 overs on his first-class debut, as Australia’s search for another left-arm spinners continues having made his one-day debut last week.”I was a bit nervous, to be honest,” Jeh said. “I felt I started all right. I probably lost my way a little through the middle there, and when you do that against quality batsmen they’ll put you away.”If that’s the case, it is what it is, but I felt like I came back towards the end there and finished up the day not too bad.”Jeh had Pavan Rathnayake caught at midwicket off a low full toss.

MatériaMais Notícias

Há um mês se recuperando da cirurgia no joelho, Dudu demonstrou seu apoio para o Palmeiras antes da decisão contra o Boca Júniors, pela Copa Libertadores. O meia-atacante passou recentemente por um procedimento para a reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior e também correção do menisco, lesionados na partida contra o Vasco, pela 21ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.

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A partida dessa quinta-feira (5) será válida pela semifinal da Copa Libertadores. O time vem de um empate sem gols, do jogo de ida, e terá que decidir seu futuro na competição no Allianz Parque. Dudu declarou que queria estar presente, mas destacou a confiança no elenco e em seus companheiros de equipe. Afirmando estar na torcida, disse que o Palmeiras mostrou várias vezes que ‘foi capaz’.

– Obviamente, queria estar dentro de campo, lutando ao lado de meus companheiros, mas, infelizmente, não posso. Só que eu confio, demais, nesse grupo. Nosso elenco é muito forte e, por diversas vezes, já provou do que é capaz. Hoje, será uma noite especial e tenho certeza de que o Allianz Parque estará lotado e a nossa torcida nos empurrará do primeiro ao último minuto. Juntos, conseguiremos fazer um bom jogo. Ainda não sei, mas farei um esforço tremendo para ir ao jogo e me juntar à torcida para empurrar o nosso Verdão – disse.

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+ Veja tabela da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

+ Palmeiras x Boca Juniors: onde assistir ao vivo, escalações e horário do jogo pela Libertadores

Neste período de recuperação, Dudu tem apresentado uma boa evolução. Com o corpo respondendo de forma positiva, a tendência é que volte – em breve -, a apoiar os pés no chãos. O atleta afirmou que a palavra-chave é ‘paciência’, mas que ‘sente que está cada vez melhor’.

– Sei que essa é uma recuperação lenta e tenho que ter muita paciência, mas tudo vem dando certo. No começo, é difícil, doloroso e o fato de não poder colocar o pé no chão complica um pouco a rotina. Mesmo assim, sigo direitinho todas as orientações que os médicos do clube têm me passado. Cada dia que passa, sinto que estou melhor e que o meu corpo está respondendo super bem – explicou.

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Um dos maiores ídolos da história do Palmeiras, Dudu soma 443 jogos e 11 títulos pelo clube: Campeonato Brasileiro (2016, 2018 e 2022); Campeonato Paulista (2020, 2022 e 2023); Conmebol Libertadores (2020 e 2021); Copa do Brasil (2015); Recopa Sul-Americana (2022) e Supercopa do Brasil (2023). Com 88 gols marcados e 102 assistências, é o maior artilheiro do Século XXI e principal garçom do atual elenco.

Chelsea are reportedly in talks with Malo Gusto over a lucrative new contract that would see the divisive defender extend his stay at Stamford Bridge. Since he arrived from Lyon in 2023, Gusto has split opinion among supporters with his performances for the Blues. There has been speculation he could leave the club, but Chelsea are now expected to offer a new deal.

• Blues ready to reward Gusto’s rise with big new contract

  According to , the Chelsea hierarchy are moving quickly to secure Gusto's long-term future, with talks already progressing over a contract extension and salary upgrade that will reflect his growing influence in Enzo Maresca's plans. He spent much of his debut season in James’ shadow, often drafted in only when the England international was consigned to the treatment room. With time, he has blossomed to become a dependable presence in defence and in his second full campaign, he is enjoying plenty of game time. The young Frenchman has already made 10 appearances in all competitions this season, which highlights his continued importance to Maresca. Within the squad, Gusto has also found comfort in the club’s French-speaking contingent, including Benoît Badiashile and Wesley Fofana, helping him settle quickly into life in London.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Chelsea move swiftly to lock in their man

  The Blues’ ownership has made it a pattern to extend young stars well before their contracts near expiry. It is a strategy designed to secure the club’s long-term core and ward off external interest. Gusto’s current deal already runs until 2030, but the new agreement could push that even further, possibly by one or two additional years. It mirrors Chelsea’s recent moves with Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, both of whom were handed improved deals last year despite having long-term contracts in place. Similarly, Moises Caicedo is also said to be in line for a wage boost. 

  While James remains club captain and an icon at Stamford Bridge, Gusto’s emergence has eased the pressure on the Englishman, allowing Chelsea to rotate effectively without losing quality. The Frenchman’s maturity beyond his years has also impressed Maresca, who is said to be particularly fond of Gusto’s professionalism. However, Gusto is not intimidated by the presence of James and instead shares a healthy relationship with his senior colleague. 

  "Yeah, it’s important to learn from the top players," he told Stadium Astro. "We try to help the team as much as possible. When I’m on the pitch, when he’s on the pitch, when sometimes we’re both on the pitch, we try to help the team, and he’s a top guy. We talk a lot, between each other to give some advice and stuff sometimes. But yeah, I think we are both top players and I think top players have to play and show their best and that’s what we try to do."

• Juventus are lurking, but Chelsea won’t budge

  News of Chelsea’s contract talks couldn’t have come at a better time. Juventus have reportedly been preparing a €50 million (£44m) offer for Gusto, identifying him as a prime transfer target for the summer of 2026. The Serie A giants are actively reshaping their backline and view Gusto as a ready-made solution at right-back. But Chelsea’s latest move looks set to slam the door on any potential pursuit. Sources close to Stamford Bridge suggest the club have no intention of entertaining offers for the France international, who has now become central to Maresca’s plans. Gusto himself is believed to be happy in London and eager to continue his development under the Italian coach.

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  Chelsea’s new identity involves building a young, fearless core

  Gusto’s renewal would be another piece of Chelsea’s long-term vision. They want to construct a young, hungry, and loyal squad capable of dominating the Premier League for years to come. Alongside Palmer, Caicedo, and Enzo Fernandez, Gusto represents the club’s commitment to nurturing players whose full potential is yet to be harnessed. The Blues may have had their share of misfires in the transfer market, but they seem happy with Gusto's trajectory and see him as part of their future. They edged out Wolves in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening and will return to action on Saturday in a blockbuster fixture against Tottenham in the Premier League.