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Fans will decide the order of this year’s GOAL50 lists, but our correspondents are also sharing their preferences during the voting period

With voting underway in this year’s GOAL50, fans around the world are having their say on which men’s and women’s players had the best 2021.

Our team of correspondents are also having their say, revealing their GOAL50 preferences this week.

Chelsea correspondent Nizaar Kinsella has compiled his list, which you can see below.

Voting is open on Goal from November 2 until November 16. 

Getty10Bruno Fernandes

It is impossible to doubt the creativity and impact that Bruno Fernandes has had on Manchester United over the last 12 months.

Not only has the Portugal international returned 18 goals and 15 assists in the last calendar year to date, but he has transformed his club as a leader on and off the pitch.

AdvertisementGetty9Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe ended last season as the top scorer in Ligue 1 for the third year running, while he also won the French top-flight's Player of the Year Award.

However, even after failing to win the league, it was the Champions League where the 22-year-old really made a name for himself.

A series of clutch performances in the knockout rounds ultimately ended in disappointment, as Manchester City knocked out PSG, but Mbappe still made a statement.

Getty8Joshua Kimmich

Joshua Kimmich is the heartbeat of Bayern Munich's midfield, but equally performs as one of the best right-backs in the world when moving out to play in defence.

The versatile leader of the German champions has marked himself out as arguably the most consistent performer in the Bundesliga in recent history.

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Getty7Karim Benzema

Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid, Karim Benzema has stepped up to become the club's talisman.

The France international's goals were crucial to Los Blancos' push to win the Champions League and La Liga.

Although they fell short in both, it was through no fault of the 33-year-old, who has continued his good form this season with 11 goals and eight assists in his first 13 games.

Goal takes a look at the best teams who failed to qualify for the tournament in Russia this summer

Getty ImagesNetherlands

Amazingly, the Dutch, finalists in 2010 and bronze medallists in 2014, finished behind France and Sweden in qualifying and did not even make the play-offs.

Beset by ill-fortune, managerial upheaval and a reliance on older, fading stars, the highs of just eight years ago now seem so very far away.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesItaly

Unlike Netherlands, Italy at least finished second in their group, behind one of the favourites to win the World Cup, Spain.

However, a two-legged play-off against Sweden ended in disaster, Jakob Johansson’s deflected first-leg goal sending the Scandinavian nation to Russia, thus ending Gianluigi Buffon’s hopes of making a record-breaking sixth appearance at the finals.

Getty ImagesChile

It seemed harder for Chile to fail to qualify. Blessed with star power in the form of Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal, the current holders of the Copa America finished sixth in the CONMEBOL qualifying league, behind Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia and Peru.

Their failure to take a single point from their two games against Paraguay and Bolivia sealed their fate.

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Getty ImagesBosnia & Herzegovina

The likes of Miralem Pjanic and Edin Dzeko could not inspire Bosnia to the World Cup, as they finished behind Belgium and Greece in qualifying.

An embarrassing 3-2 defeat to Cyprus, in which Bosnia had taken a 2-0 lead, summed up their qualification; a promising prospect, but with potential ultimately unfulfilled.

Sarina Wiegman's side no longer have their destiny in their own hands after a shock defeat in Leuven

England were dealt a fright on Halloween night as Belgium's shock 3-2 win took the Lionesses' chances of progressing to the UEFA Women's Nations League finals, and thus securing Great Britain's place at next year's Olympic football tournament, out of their own hands. The reigning champions will not only need to beat the Netherlands at Wembley in December now, they'll also need other results to go their way.

Belgium took a surprise early lead in Leuven when Laura De Neve's free-kick deceived Mary Earps and England's start to the game was made worse when Alex Greenwood had to be stretchered off after a rather concerning clash of heads with Jassina Bolm.

A smart header from Lucy Bronze and a wonderful finish from the returning Fran Kirby put the Lionesses back on track for all three points only for Tessa Wullaert to level things up again before half time.

Try as they might, Sarina Wiegman's side couldn't put their noses back in front in the second half, with Alessia Russo guilty of missing a couple of big chances in particular, and that lack of cutting edge came back to haunt them when Wullaert gave the Red Flames a famous win from the penalty spot late on.

GOAL rates England's players from the King Power at Den Dreef…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Mary Earps (5/10):

Appeared to think De Neve's free-kick was going wide, which was a costly misjudgement.

Lucy Bronze (6/10):

Levelled things up with a very clever header. Attacking intent sometimes left England suspect to the counter, however.

Millie Bright (5/10):

Belgium's counter-attacking presence exposed a lack of pace in the centre of defence.

Alex Greenwood (N/A):

Stretchered off with a worrying looking head injury that she sustained with less than 20 minutes on the clock.

Niamh Charles (6/10):

Did some excellent defensive work. Not much luck in an attacking sense, though.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Keira Walsh (6/10):

Sprayed the ball around brilliantly but was caught out of position for the second goal.

Georgia Stanway (5/10):

Gave the ball straight to Vanhaevermaet in an error that led to Belgium's equaliser. Handball offence that gave the Red Flames their match-winning penalty capped off a difficult night.

Fran Kirby (6/10):

Bagged her first goal since returning from the knee injury that ruled her out of the summer's World Cup and what a well-taken strike it was.

GettyAttack

Chloe Kelly (6/10):

Set piece deliveries were fantastic, particularly the one for Bronze's equaliser.

Alessia Russo (5/10):

Some nice passes but failed to put away either of the two really good chances she got.

Lauren Hemp (6/10):

Provided Kirby with a superb assist just before half time.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Jess Carter (5/10):

Brought on early after Greenwood's injury and settled well despite that, but did struggle with Belgium's pace on the counter.

Rachel Daly (5/10):

Replaced Russo with just over 20 minutes to go. Had a decent headed chance saved but otherwise didn't get much of a look at goal.

Ella Toone (5/10):

Came on for Kirby at the same time as Daly but couldn't impact the game.

Sarina Wiegman (5/10):

Decision to bring Kirby in for Ella Toone, her only change to the line-up for Friday's 1-0 win over the same opponent, made a real positive impact. However, substitutes again failed to change things and the decision to keep faith in Russo over Daly will be under the microscope once more after her inability to put away some golden chances.

Michael Hussey, the Chennai Super Kings and former Australia batsman, has said he might have been “a little bit wrong” when he wrote in his autobiography that Gurunath Meiyappan, who was arrested for alleged illegal betting in May, was in charge of Super

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Oct-2013Michael Hussey, the Chennai Super Kings and former Australia batsman, has said he might have been “a little bit wrong” when he wrote in his autobiography that Gurunath Meiyappan, who was arrested for alleged illegal betting in May, was in charge of Super Kings. Hussey also said that he has met with and apologised to N Srinivasan, the BCCI president who is the vice-chairman and managing director of the company that owns Super Kings. Hussey said they met at a team dinner where Srinivasan was present.Speaking on the Cricket Couch podcast on ESPNcricinfo, Hussey said he would not question Srinivasan, who would “know a lot better” about who was running the IPL team. Srinivasan had distanced himself and the franchise from Gurunath – who also happens to be his son-in-law – calling him “an enthusiast”. Gurunath was charged by Mumbai police last month with cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy, including passing on information that compromised the team.”Certainly Guru was around the team a lot. I knew he was talking to Kepler [Wessels, Super Kings’ coach in IPL 2008] and the players, and we saw him at training and at the hotel. I didn’t know what his official title was but he was around the team quite often,” Hussey said. “I probably may have written the wrong thing.”I knew he was a close part of the team, no question about that, and I saw him around the team pretty much every day. [But] I am certainly not going to question the word of Mr Srinivasan. I think he would know a lot better than me about who is running the show. So maybe I got that a little bit wrong.”Srinivasan had stepped aside from the day-to-day administration of the BCCI after Gurunath’s arrest. He was cleared to resume office by the Supreme Court of India only last week, after being re-elected as BCCI chief, unopposed, at the end of September. Gurunath and Super Kings were initially cleared of “wrongdoing” by the BCCI’s probe panel, but the courts have since ruled the panel to be constituted illegally and set up a fresh investigation. Part of the investigation would be to establish Gurunath’s exact role at Super Kings – he was often seen in the team dugout, at the auction table to represent Super Kings, represented himself as the team prinicipal on a verified Twitter account, and his IPL accreditation represented him as an owner.Hussey’s book had said: “Our owner was Indian Cements, headed by Mr Srinivasan. As he was also on the board of the BCCI, he gave control of the team to his son-in-law Mr Gurunath. He ran the team along with Kepler Wessels, who was coach.”Hussey said he has since cleared the air with Srinivasan. “We had a team dinner where Mr Srinivasan came along,” Hussey said. “I spoke to him very briefly about it and apologised if I caused him any grief. He was fine and said, ‘No, don’t worry, it is all fine. There is no issue with all you said. It was all written before all the controversies came out, anyway. You don’t have anything to worry about.'”Hussey said he hoped to be associated with Super Kings in some capacity even after he stops playing. “I certainly hope not [that the comments in his book would affect his relationship with the franchise]. I have a fantastic rapport with everyone at CSK. I get on very well with the coach. I get on very well with the players and have had a lot of success with CSK. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and they are a fantastic franchise. I would love to continue there in whatever capacity in the future.”

Rilee Rossouw has been called up to the South African Test squad, as a replacement batsman after Quinton de Kock was ruled out of the series with an ankle ligament tear.

Firdose Moonda21-Dec-2014Rilee Rossouw has been called up to the South Africa Test squad as a replacement batsman after Quinton de Kock was ruled out of the series with an ankle ligament tear.Rossouw, 25, has not played any cricket since December 12 and is nursing a finger injury, which indicates Temba Bavuma, the Lions No. 3, could make his debut in Port Elizabeth.Rossouw, who has played nine ODIs and three T20s for South Africa, did not play in the recently completed first-class fixture for the Knights against the Titans and was ruled out of their next match, starting on December 27 as well. On Monday, Knights’ coach Sarel Cilliers said: “Rilee is still struggling with that finger of his, so under the medical committee’s advice we’re not going to play him in the two Sunfoil Series games so that he can try and get ready for the West Indies T20 series.”Despite that, Rossouw has been called up to the national squad, following for both remaining Tests against West Indies following seasons of bubbling under the surface. Rossouw boasts a first-class average of 44.83 and was eighth on last season’s first-class competition run-scorers’ list. He has only played one first-class game this summer but enjoyed a successful late winter tour of Australia, where he scored a double-century for South Africa A in an unofficial Test against Australia A.He shared in a stand of 343 with Bavuma, who scored 162 in the game and will likely play ahead of Rossouw if South Africa opt for a batsman to play in de Kock’s place. Their other option would be to go into the game with only six specialist batsmen and play their full complement of bowlers which includes four frontline seamers and a spinner. Robin Peterson, the only slower-bowler in the squad, missed out in the first Test at Centurion as South Africa opted to go all-pace but on what is expected to be a slower track at St George’s Park, they may turn to him.What is more certain is that AB de Villiers will be asked to keep wicket for the rest of the Test series, even though he carries a chronic back problem. With no other gloveman in the squad, South Africa have no choice but to task de Villiers’ with the job, although they may relieve him of the duties for the limited-overs’ matches, especially as the World Cup draws nearer.With de Villiers’ fitness in mind, South Africa may make use of Morne van Wyk in the T20s and ODIs against West Indies, especially because the vastly experienced gloveman can also open the batting as de Kock did. Van Wyk is currently the one-day cup’s second-highest run-scorer with 353 runs from five innings, including two centuries. He was part of the 2011 World Cup squad and led the Dolphins at the Champions League T20, so he also has big tournament experience, should he be needed at the World Cup, if de Kock does not recover in time.If de Villiers can cope with the keeping duties in the shorter formats, then South Africa will only need a replacement opener for de Kock. Richard Levi would be the frontrunner for the spot after a strong showing in the domestic 20-over competition where he was the leading run-scorer. Henry Davids, who was second, could also be considered, along with third-placed Reeza Hendricks. Alternatively, South Africa may look at the one-day cup statistics where Andrew Puttick tops the charts.

Ross Taylor conceded that New Zealand would have take note of Pakistan’s steadfast approach and attempt to match them for discipline after a testing first day in the demanding conditions of Abu Dhabi

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Nov-2014Ross Taylor conceded that New Zealand would have to take note of Pakistan’s steadfast approach and attempt to match them for discipline after a testing first day in the demanding conditions of Abu Dhabi. Pakistan openers Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad put on 178 for the first wicket, which turned out to be the only one New Zealand managed to take all day.”We expected it to be pretty flat but it was a lot lower and slower than even we were expecting,” Taylor said. “The boys toiled hard, had a few half opportunities but didn’t take them but we’ve got to give credit to Hafeez and Shehzad, they batted very well… Another long day tomorrow, I guess, if we can pick up a few wickets with the new ball we can hopefully put them under some pressure.”Pakistan batted very well and put us on the back foot with the discipline they showed. Our bowlers showed discipline but the Pakistanis showed even more discipline to be able to bat and not look in any danger. When we did bowl well for periods of time, they just soaked it up and asked us to keep going for longer.”Coming on the back of their comprehensive 2-0 defeat of Australia, Pakistan’s good form continued after winning the toss and choosing to bat. New Zealand managed to keep on top of the run rate but saw several chances go to ground – a missed stumping of Shehzad when he was on 16 was particularly costly, as he went on to finish the day unbeaten on 126.Offspinner Mark Craig was the unlucky bowler on that occasion and while he and legspinner Ish Sodhi got through 40 overs between them, they could not force a breakthrough. In all, New Zealand used seven different bowlers, including the captain, Brendon McCullum, bringing himself on, but Corey Anderson was the only one to have any success when he took a return catch off Hafeez.”We had a plan and stuck to that for as long as possible but they batted very well and negated a few of the tactics we came up with,” Taylor said. “I was very impressed with the way Ish bowled, he probably deserved a lot more than what he got. Mark Craig once again toiled hard but didn’t get the rewards he would have liked.”Taylor was already envisaging an “old-school Test match” and said New Zealand would aim to inflict a similarly long spell in the field on Pakistan when their turn came to bat. “We know that we have to bat well in our first innings, if we can do that then it puts us in a decent position in asking Pakistan to bat again and see what happens after that,” he said. “It is only day one, still a long way to go in this Test match but the boys are still laughing in the change-room and I think that’s a good sign.”As a batting unit we need to learn from the way the Pakistanis went about it today. It’s going to be a long old Test, an old-school Test match where we need to bat long periods of time. Pakistan won this day but tomorrow’s another day.”

A day after choking from a winning position against Australia A, India A’s batsmen responded with a savaging of the South Africa A attack that helped the team register its first win in the tri-series

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Aug-2013
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsFile photo: India A openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma put on 140•Associated PressA day after choking from a winning position against Australia A, India A’s batsmen responded with a savaging of the South Africa A attack in Pretoria, helping the team register its first win in the tri-series. South Africa were set a difficult chase of 310 in a match reduced to 38 overs by the rain and they were behind the Duckworth-Lewis target when the rains came a second time in the 35th over of the innings.After India were put in to bat, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma added another big partnership to their nascent yet burgeoning success as an opening pair, and Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu stepped up the charge even further, as 141 runs came in the last 13 overs after a slight wobble in the middle.Dhawan blazed away at the start, hitting four successive fours off Beuran Hendricks in the second over of the match. By the time Rohit got off the mark off his fifth delivery, Dhawan had already zoomed to 30, cover-driving and cutting powerfully. Rohit picked up pace after a slow start to make a run-a-ball 65. Dhawan’s 85 came off 67 balls, and India A had reached 140 inside 20 overs, when he fell to the offspin of South Africa A captain Justin Ontong, who also dismissed Rohit soon after.Cheteshwar Pujara could not get going on this trip to southern Africa yet again, and suddenly, India A were 168 for 3. Raina and Rayudu ensured there was no letting up on the scoring rate though, putting on 89 in just under 10 overs. Raina’s 60 took only 34 balls, while Rayudu was not too far behind, making 57 off 38.Even as the duo fell towards the end, Dinesh Karthik made sure India A would not stall as they had at the death against Australia A. He hit the fast bowler Kyle Abbott for successive sixes in the last over as India A cleared the 300-mark comfortably.The two previous matches in Pretoria has been high-scoring ones and South Africa A’s openers also set about the chase positively. Rilee Rossouw made his intentions clear when he smashed a four and a six off Mohammed Shami in the third over of the innings, helping the team to rack up 58 in the first eight overs. Pujara introduced spin at both ends from the ninth over and it was Parvez Rasool who made an immediate impact, picking up both the openers in his second over.The wickets put South Africa A’s charge on hold as Dean Elgar and Vaughn van Jaarsveld spent a few quite overs. The required rate shot above 10 an over in the 20th over, but Elgar and van Jaarsveld kept the hopes for a late push towards victory with a century stand. More than 100 were required off the last eight when van Jaarsveld finally decided to make a dash for the target, smashing Shami for two fours and a six. But he fell to Shahbaz Nadeem in the very next over.South Africa A lost two more wickets in the next two overs, and when the rains came to end the match, they were well behind the D/L target.Ontong rued the advent of rain, but admitted his bowlers lacked some discipline early on. “We had four more overs and needed around 50 runs. Anything is possible and on this wicket I believed we were still in with a good chance,” he said. “I think we had a bad start with the bowling, too many loose balls upfront got them off to a flyer and put us on the back foot,” he continued. “To chase 300 runs in 38 overs was always going to be a tough ask but Deano (Elgar) and Vaughn (van Jaarsveld) played very nicely. In the end it wasn’t enough.”

Zimbabwe named two uncapped players for the Tests and brought back Craig Ervine and Tinashe Panyangara for both Tests and ODIs in their upcoming tour of Bangladesh

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Oct-2014Zimbabwe squad changes for Bangladesh

TESTS
In: Craig Ervine, Brian Chari, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Shingi Masakadza, Wellington Masakadza, Natsai M’shangwe
Out: Cuthbert Musoko, Donald Tiripano, Mark Vermeulen, Sean Williams
ODIs
In: Craig Ervine, Regis Chakabva, Tinashe Panyangara
Out: Luke Jongwe, Shingi Masakadza, Tino Mawoyo, Cuthbert Musoko, Donald Tiripano, Sean Williams

Zimbabwe have brought back Craig Ervine and Tinashe Panyangara for the upcoming Tests and ODIs in Bangladesh and have named two uncapped players – Brian Chari and Wellington Masakadza – in the Test squad.While Panyangara was expelled for indiscipline in August, Ervine, who last played a Test in March 2013, had made himself available earlier this month for the Bangladesh tour, 18 months after he had refused a winter contract in April 2013.Chari, a top-order batsman, and Masakadza recently toured Bangladesh as part of the Zimbabwe A squad. Chari was the leading run-scorer in the two unofficial Tests with 174 runs at an average of 43.50, and Masakadza, a left-arm spinner, impressed the selectors with 12 wickets, including figures of 6 for 63, at an average of 16. Wellington Masakadza will join his brothers Hamilton and Shingi Masakadza in the Test squad and if the three brothers do play a Test together, it will be only the fourth such instance in Tests.Richmond Mutumbami had injured his arm during the tri-series against Australia and South Africa but has recovered to make both squads.Allrounders Tafadzwa Kamungozi and Natsai M’shangwe, who have played ODIs but are yet to make their Test debuts, were named in both squads. Shingi Masakadza also made a comeback to the Test squad, having last played a Test in September 2013, against Pakistan.Chari, Shingi and Wellington Masakadza will return to Zimbabwe after the Tests and will be replaced for the ODIs by three players out of Neville Madziva, Timycen Maruma, Solomon Mire, Peter Moor, Tawanda Mupariwa and Brian Vitori.Two prominent players who had played the only Test against South Africa – Sean Williams and Mark Vermeulen – were missing from both squads.Zimbabwe will play three Tests starting October 25, followed by five ODIs in November and December.Test squad Brendan Taylor (capt), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingi Masakadza, Wellington Masakadza, Natsai M’shangwe, Richmond Mutumbami, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusi Sibanda, Malcolm WallerODI Squad Elton Chigumbura, Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Natsai M’shangwe, Richmond Mutumbami, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusi Sibanda, Malcolm Waller, three out of Neville Madziva, Timycen Maruma, Solomon Mire, Peter Moor, Tawanda Mupariwa and Brian Vitori

Justin Kluivert became just the second player ever to score in each of the big five European leagues after netting for Bournemouth on Saturday.

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Kluivert scored against Sheffield UnitedSet a unique scoring record with BournemouthPowered the Cherries to a 3-1 winWHAT HAPPENED?

After joining Bournemouth in the summer, Kluivert became the first Dutch player to play in each of the top five European leagues. Now, the 24-year-old became just the second player, after Stevan Jovetic, to have scored at least once in each of the top five domestic leagues in Europe in the 21st century after getting on the scoresheet against Sheffield United.

Just before the half-time whistle, Kluivert doubled Bournemouth's lead after dispossessing Wes Foderingham outside the box. After the keeper was pickpocketed, the forward passed the ball into an empty net to silence the home crowd.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite being just 24, Kluivert has been a journeyman. After starting his professional career with Ajax, he moved to AS Roma in Serie A in 2018. After two seasons in the Italian capital, he was sent out on loan at RB Leipzig, Nice, and Valencia in the next three campaigns. After joining the Cherries in the summer, he scored his first Premier League goal, and second across all competitions, which helped him achieve the unique feat in European football.

DID YOU KNOW?

Florin Raducioiu was the first player in history to find the net in Germany, England, Spain, Italy and France but he did that in the 20th century. In 2021, Jovetic became the second player to match the feat after he scored for Hertha Berlin against Cologne, and the first to do it in this century.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR KLUIVERT?

Kluivert played a crucial role in Bournemouth's 3-1 win over Sheffield along with Marcus Tavernier who scored the other two. It was a much-needed three points for Andoni Iraola's troops which propelled them to the 16th position in the league table. They are set to host Aston Villa in their next match on December 3 in the Premier League.

This year’s IPL auction takes on increased significance for county cricket and Northamptonshire are the latest club to confirm they will have a vested interest on February 12

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jan-2014This year’s IPL auction takes on increased significance for English cricket and Northamptonshire are the latest county to confirm they will have a vested interest on February 12.The ECB has opened up a bigger window for their centrally contracted players and many counties have also relaxed their stance on IPL participation, despite the prospect of losing players for nearly half of the County Championship season.Northamptonshire have given their full blessing to Azharullah, Steven Crook and their overseas player Jackson Bird to seek IPL deals but losing all three would seriously hamper their chances of retaining a place in Division One of the County Championship for 2015.Crook was a key member of the Northants’ squad that won promotion last season. He took 43 wickets at 26.48 and also averaged 40.16 with the bat. Azharullah did not break into the Championship side until halfway through the campaign but added 25 wickets at 28.68. He also starred with the ball as Northants claimed a fairytale Friends Life t20 triumph, finishing the competition as top wicket-taker with 27 scalps.Losing Bird, who Northants signed for ten Championship and seven T20 games, would rob them of a bowler who has played three Tests for Australia. An IPL clause was included in his contract.But the county can breathe easy over David Willey, the very promising allrounder, who was also the subject of strong interest from several IPL franchises. He has withdrawn from the auction to focus on his fitness ahead of the new county season having suffered with a lower-back injury while in Australia with the England Performance Programme.”We as a club recognise the opportunities offered by the IPL,” the Northamptonshire chief executive, David Smith, said. “We will not stand in the way of the players wanting to take part in the competition, due to the development and financial benefits on offer.”Head coach, David Ripley, added: “The IPL is firmly established in the international cricket calendar and we fully understand the desire for players to be a part of it. We wish the lads well if selected, and if they are, it will give opportunities for others to start the season well for us.”