He made his mark on debut in the 1958-59 Ashes before his career was cut short
ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jul-2025Former Australia fast bowler Gordon Rorke, who played four Tests, has passed away aged 87.A tall pace bowler, considered one of the fastest in Australia at the time, Rorke’s Test appearances all came in 1959 – two against England in the Ashes followed by two away against India late in the year where he was struck by illness when he contracted hepatitis.He claimed five wickets in the match on debut in Adelaide as Australia won by ten wickets and regained the Ashes.However, his career was dogged by controversy over his delivery where he dragged his back foot so that he could deliver the ball with his front foot several feet over the bowling crease. Rorke’s ability to do this led to a review of the no-ball laws.”I was frightened that he might tread on my toes,” Colin Cowdrey, who made 84 in Adelaide, said.The lingering effects of illness from his India tour meant that his career ended aged 25. Overall in first-class cricket for New South Wales, he claimed 88 wickets at 24.60.”Cricket NSW extends its deepest condolences to Gordon’s family and friends at this difficult time while celebrating his contribution to our game,” the state said.
Tottenham boosted their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League with a commanding 4-0 win at home to Copenhagen, despite playing much of the second half one man light. Goal-scorer Brennan Johnson was sent off with Spurs already two to the good, but Thomas Frank's side showed fantastic character to score twice more as they put in arguably their best performance of his tenure so far.
Tottenham pulled ahead just before the 20-minute mark. Copenhagen clumsily gave the ball away in the Spurs half, allowing Rodrigo Bentancur to win possession back and hand the reins over to Xavi Simons, who quickly saw Johnson darting in behind the high defensive line and fed him down the right-hand channel. Goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski came a long way out of his box to challenge Johnson and missed, with the Welshman cooly rolling the ball in from a tight angle.
Spurs ought to have doubled their lead before the break when a lovely, flowing team move saw Simons square the final pass for Randal Kolo Muani, who somehow fumbled the chance to score his first goal for his new club by firing wide from close range.
Shortly after the restart, the hosts found that second goal. Pedro Porro's long ball over the top was chased all the way by Kolo Muani, who blocked Kotarski's clearance and retrieved the high clearance with an immaculate first touch before selflessly passing to Wilson Odobert to finish.
But the game threatened to turn when Johnson was shown a red card on 57 minutes. The winger caught Marcos Lopez on his heel with his studs, and after consulting with VAR, the referee gave him his marching orders.
However, that only seemed to galvanise Tottenham, who scored their third of the evening soon after. Joao Palhinha nicked the ball back on the edge of the Spurs penalty area, and Micky van de Ven proceeded to sprint almost the entire length of the pitch before firing beyond a helpless Kotarski. Seconds later, it was four as another quick breakaway saw Odobert slip in centre-back Cristian Romero, who managed to reverse the ball back for Palhinha to smash in at the back stick.
Richarlison rattled the underside of the crossbar with a powerful header from a Porro cross before Spurs were awarded a penalty when Dane Scarlett was tripped by Junnosuke Suzuki. Brazil's No.9 stepped up and, would you believe it, hit the exact same spot on the bar again. However, that mattered little in the grand scheme of things as Tottenham ran out convincing winners.
GOAL rates Spurs' players from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Guglielmo Vicario (6/10):
Once roundly criticised for his inability to catch a cross, the Italian goalkeeper guarded his six-yard box superbly to hoover up Copenhagen crosses. Only really tested by way of shot-stopping from distance.
Pedro Porro (7/10):
Gave the ball away a couple of times in his own half early doors but was much better defensively here than he has been all season. Came up with the daring long ball which led to Odobert's goal.
Cristian Romero (7/10):
Swept up for Van de Ven whenever the Dutchman went marauding into midfield in a role-reversal of their usual tasks. Found himself playing up front for a brief few seconds before teeing up Palhinha for Spurs' fourth goal. Subbed for Danso.
Micky van de Ven (8/10):
Wow. Came into the game with a point to prove after walking off without clapping the fans against Chelsea on Saturday, left as the name on everyone's lips for the right reasons. Hardly troubled at the back and then ran Copenhagen ragged with one hell of a sprint right through their entire team to score Spurs' third.
Destiny Udogie (7/10):
Spurs have missed natural width down the left despite the emergence of Spence as an outstanding one-v-one defender. Combined well with Odobert throughout. Taken off for the England full-back eventually.
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Midfield
Rodrigo Bentancur (7/10):
One of several players eviscerated by Jamie Carragher on Monday Night Football this week, but responded excellently with a top performance at the base of midfield, winning possession back and moving it on at pace.
Pape Matar Sarr (7/10):
The engine behind Tottenham's direct performance. Always looked to play the ball forward and bring attackers into play as soon as possible.
Xavi Simons (8/10):
His best performance in a Spurs shirt since moving from RB Leipzig at the end of the summer window. His clever thinking set Johnson racing away for the opener, while Kolo Muani denied the Dutchman two other assists in the first half. Sacrificed for Palhinha after the hosts were reduced to 10 men.
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Attack
Brennan Johnson (7/10):
From hero to zero, from an objective sense. Put Spurs ahead with a well-taken finish from a narrow angle, only for his night to end early after VAR recommended a red-card review for a high, if weak, foul on Lopez. Fortunately, this only spurred Tottenham on to demolish their visitors.
Randal Kolo Muani (7/10):
Missed a couple of sitters but was always in the right place at the right time and grabbed an assist for countryman Odobert. The fans showed their appreciation for his efforts with a standing ovation when coming off for Richarlison.
Wilson Odobert (8/10):
No single player has made the left wing spot their own at Spurs so far this season, but the young Frenchman strengthened his credentials with a goal while showing a growing understanding with the likes of Udogie, Simons and Kolo Muani. Subbed for Scarlett late on.
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Subs & Manager
Joao Palhinha (7/10):
Brought on to shore up the midfield after Johnson's red card, ended up on the scoresheet. Now up to four goals in his Spurs career already. Technically got the assist for Van de Ven too.
Richarlison (5/10):
Replaced Kolo Muani. Hit the bar with a header and then a penalty.
Djed Spence (6/10):
Came on for Udogie.
Kevin Danso (6/10):
On for Romero.
Dane Scarlett (7/10):
Afforded some extremely rare first-team minutes in place of Odobert. Won the penalty which Richarlison missed.
Thomas Frank (9/10):
After the calamity of the Chelsea loss, Frank desperately needed a result and performance like this to improve his popularity among Tottenham fans. His selections and substitutions were spot on.
Tottenham Hotspur swooped to appoint Thomas Frank as their new head coach ahead of the summer transfer window after they opted to remove Ange Postecoglou from his post.
The Australian manager won the Europa League at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, beating Manchester United in the final, but that was not enough for him to save his job.
Daniel Levy, who has since moved on from his role as chairman, parted ways with Postecoglou and snapped Frank up from Brentford, where he had won promotion to the Premier League and established the Bees in the division.
Four wins, two draws, and one defeat in the first seven matches of the top-flight campaign suggest that Spurs made a good decision when they changed managers this summer.
In his unveiling, the club’s official website noted that one of the reasons why Frank landed the job was that he has a proven track record in developing players.
Tottenham will now be hoping that he can work wonders with the plethora of talented young players at his disposal in North London, as he did with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Kevin Schade, and Yoane Wissa at Brentford.
Ranking Tottenham's most valuable U21 players
Whilst Frank could develop players of any age, the powers that be at Spurs may hope that he can develop the U21 players at the club to help them grow in value.
Tottenham have a rich history of developing and selling players. Gareth Bale and Luka Modric, both sold to Real Madrid, are notable examples, whilst Harry Kane came through the youth ranks before moving on to Bayern Munich in 2023 as the club’s all-time record goalscorer.
The Lilywhites may not have their next Kane in the making at the club at the moment, but they do have several impressive young stars who could have bright futures under an outstanding coach like Frank.
Spurs have four players aged 21 or under in their squad who are currently valued at £17m or more by Transfermarkt, which shows that several impressive young talents are waiting to explode in North London.
Tottenham’s most valuable U21 players
Player
Age
Market value
Lucas Bergvall
19
£33m
Archie Gray
19
£33m
Mathys Tel
20
£30m
Wilson Odobert
20
£17m
Kota Takai
21
£2m
Dane Scarlett
21
£2m
Valuations via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Lucas Bergvall is the joint-most valuable U21 player in the squad, and he has emerged as an early favourite under Frank.
The Sweden international has started four of his six appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist, which shows that the manager has taken a liking to him.
Spurs will be hoping that Bergvall benefits from this exposure to regular starts in the top-flight to emerge as a star for Frank in the middle of the park.
Archie Gray is currently valued at £33m, the same as the Swedish starlet, but he has only made two appearances and started once in the Premier League so far this season.
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Whilst Bergvall is seemingly Frank’s favourite U21 player at the club at the moment, the England U21 international has the potential to develop into a Bukayo Saka-esque talent for Tottenham if he gets more game time in his favoured position.
How Archie Gray can become Tottenham's Bukayo Saka
At the start of Saka’s Arsenal career, Mikel Arteta played the English star at left-back 21 times, in central midfield five times, and at left midfield 29 times, per Transfermarkt.
This shows that the left-footed youngster had to play in several roles before nailing down a regular spot in his favoured position on the right flank, where he has scored 47 goals and provided 40 assists in 137 starts.
Gray has suffered through his versatility throughout his senior career to date. 30 of his 49 starts for Leeds came at right-back. 34 of his appearances for Spurs have come at right-back, centre-back, or left-back. Meanwhile, he has started just 13 matches as a central midfielder, his favoured role, in that time, per Transfermarkt.
13 starts as a central midfielder, the position he grew up playing at academy level, in more than two years as a first-team player for Leeds and Spurs shows that he has not had many opportunities to develop in his long-term position.
Gray finally had the chance to play in central midfield for England’s U21s against Moldova last week and caught the eye with an impressive and well-rounded display in the middle of the park.
Vs Moldova U21s
Archie Gray
Minutes
90
Pass accuracy
94%
Long pass accuracy
100% (3/3)
Dribble success rate
100% (3/3)
Ball recoveries
5
Ground duels won
3/4
Aerial duels won
1/1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the 19-year-old star put in a sublime performance in and out of possession, as he was effective as a passer and a dribbler, whilst also being almost perfect defensively.
This shows that he has the potential to deliver quality displays as a midfielder, despite playing so many other positions ahead of his best one at senior level to date.
Gray, who U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed was “born to play football”, could realise his potential at Tottenham if Frank plays him in his best role for an extended run of matches.
Analyst Ben Mattinson once claimed that the England U21 international is a “future £100m CM”, and it is not a crazy prediction when you consider that he is currently valued at £33m, having barely played in his natural position.
Gray has 30 matches of Premier League experience under his belt and has won the Europa League with Spurs, but the next step is for him to nail down a regular spot in the XI in the middle of the park.
Frank could, then, unearth his own Saka-type player as the former Leeds starlet could follow in the Arsenal superstar’s footsteps by transitioning from playing out of position at full-back to being a star in his natural position.
18-year-old Spurs gem is a "superstar" with more talent than Vuskovic
Tottenham Hotspur have a whole host of exciting youngsters to watch out for.
Already thinking about 2026 targets, Newcastle United have reportedly set their sights on signing a Premier League rival who Eddie Howe is a huge fan of.
Newcastle handed early Barcelona boost
Ahead of Thursday’s clash against Barcelona, Newcastle have already been handed a major boost when it comes to team news. After missing their game against Valencia at the weekend, Lamine Yamal has been ruled out of Barcelona’s trip to St James’ Park and will not travel with Hansi Flick’s squad.
The 18-year-old, who is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world, would have been playing in England for the first time, but will now have to wait for his chance to send the same statement that he’s been sending ever since stepping foot on the biggest stage.
That said, Howe recently admitted that as much as Yamal’s absence could provide Newcastle with a boost this Thursday, he relishes playing the best players and best teams.
The Newcastle boss told reporters: “Whenever I get asked these types of questions my answer’s always the same – you want to play the best teams, you want to play against the best players, and you want to challenge yourselves as much as you can.
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“But in saying that, we also want to win. We’ll take whoever they play. We know they’ve got world-class players in every position, so it’s irrelevant to a degree who is out there.”
It’s the first time in over 22 years that Barcelona will square off against Newcastle and a lot has changed in that time, both on and off the pitch. Away from the action, the Magpies are arguably in a position to compete against the Spanish giants financially and they could prove that by signing a Premier League rival in 2026.
Newcastle eyeing Kobbie Mainoo move
According to talkSPORT, Newcastle are now eyeing a move to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United in 2026. The midfielder has found himself in a frustrating position at Old Trafford after being denied the chance to leave on loan in the summer. Instead, forced to compete for a place in a World Cup year, he’s been left to watch on from Ruben Amorim’s bench in controversial fashion.
Just how long a player of Mainoo’s talent will settle for his current position is the big question. Howe is reportedly a huge admirer of the midfielder and Newcastle could test United’s resolve if they continue to leave their academy graduate out in the cold.
Manchester United's KobbieMainooin action with Leicester City's Boubakary Soumare
It wasn’t so long ago that Mainoo was scoring the winning goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup final and arguably in better form than anyone else in a Man United shirt. Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes even went as far as to describe the 20-year-old as “special” while he was labelled as a future “£100m-plus footballer” by United writer Alex Turk.
It remains unclear why Amorim has not handed him the chances that Erik ten Hag did, but Mainoo shouldn’t wait around to find out. Represented by the same agent as Nick Pope, the young star should jump at the chance if Newcastle come calling.
No Sunil Narine, no problem for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). KKR’s new recruit Moeen Ali, who took the unwell Narine’s place, dovetailed beautifully with old face Varun Chakravarthy on a dry, sluggish Guwahati surface to limit Rajasthan Royals (RR) to 151 for 9. The two spinners were so good – they claimed combined figures of 8-0-40-4 – that KKR didn’t even need Andre Russell with the ball.Then another new recruit, Quinton de Kock, came good at the top, and KKR didn’t need Russell with the bat either. De Kock’s unbeaten 97 off 61 balls got KKR on the points table and handed RR their second successive defeat this season.
Parag’s unhappy homecoming
Sanju Samson fell for 13 off 11 balls when he stepped out a bit too early and yorked himself against Vaibhav Arora, but Guwahati’s very own Riyan Parag, who was captaining RR, brought the crowd alive when he crashed the third ball he faced, from Harshit Rana, for a one-handed six. His next six, a lofted checked-drive off Arora over his head in the last over of the powerplay, was even better.Parag even launched Varun for a six over midwicket when the mystery spinner erred too short. However, Varun remedied his length two balls later, having Parag sky a catch to de Kock, the keeper, with a 113kph dart that veered away from the batter.Parag also did his bit in the field later in the evening, coming away with 4-0-25-0 and running Moeen out, but his homecoming wasn’t a happy one.1:20
What went wrong for Theekshana and Hasaranga?
Varun, Moeen mess with RR’s plans
Moeen might not even played had Narine been available. After having received his maiden KKR cap from team mentor Dwayne Bravo, Moeen struck in his second over when he had an advancing Yashasvi Jaiswal holing out to long-on for 29 off 24 balls. It was only Jaiswal’s second dismissal against spin in the IPL since 2023 across 197 balls while scoring 289 runs.RR tried to use Wanindu Hasaranga the way they had R Ashwin in the past. They promoted Hasaranga up to No. 5 as a pinch-blocker or pinch-hitter, but the experiment didn’t work. He faced just one ball from Moeen, the offspinner, and ended up miscuing Varun to mid-off for a run-a-ball 4.The slide triggered by the spinners – RR went from 67 for 1 to 82 for 5 – messed with the hosts’ plans. Shubham Dubey, who wasn’t originally in RR’s bat-first XI, had to be brought in at No. 7, which denied them the option of bringing in a frontline bowler in the form of Kumar Kartikeya or Akash Madhwal during the chase.Varun and Moeen conceded just a six and a four between them. In contrast, RR’s spinners, including part-timers Parag and Nitish Rana, leaked 11 boundaries between them.That RR crossed 150 was down to late blows from Dhruv Jurel, who top-scored for them with 33 off 28 balls, and Jofra Archer.1:08
Rayudu: De Kock’s ‘batsmanship’ made the difference
De Kock finishes the job for KKR
Moeen was going nowhere with the bat in the chase. He was on five off 11 balls, having been discomfited by Archer’s high pace and bounce. Then, when he tried to steal a double off Parag, he had a mix-up with de Kock and was run out for five off 12.This might have been a match-losing innings on another day, but on this one, Moeen’s own effort with the ball and de Kock’s big hits at the other end meant KKR could offset it. The dew that set in later in the evening made KKR’s job that much easier.De Kock had attacked the hard, new ball, claiming 34 of the 40 runs KKR scored in the powerplay. After bashing Archer for a brace of boundaries in the third over, he went after Maheesh Theekshana and Parag.When Hasaranga, who was picked in place of Fazalhaq Farooqi, removed Ajinkya Rahane for 18 off 15 balls, RR might have felt that they had an opening. But de Kock and 20-year-old Angkrish Raghuvanshi slammed the doors shut on them with an unbroken 83-run partnership off 44 balls.De Kock brought up his half-century off 36 balls when he hoicked Hasaranga for six over wide long-on. He then celebrated the landmark with a six of Parag in the following over. De Kock might have off a century had KKR had more runs to chase.RR’s 151 for 9, the lowest total this season, stuck out like a sore thumb amid the big hitting from various other teams in this IPL.
“…at CSK you can’t complain, it’s one franchise where they’ve been preparing pitches according to their strengths,” Pujara said
ESPNcricinfo staff29-Mar-20252:54
How did CSK lose a home game by such a big margin?
Cheteshwar Pujara, former Chennai Super Kings player, is “quite surprised” at Stephen Fleming’s remark that they’ve been offered “no home advantage” at Chepauk. That said, Pujara felt Friday’s surface for the game between CSK and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) offered more help for spinners in the second innings, while the ball “skidded on a bit more” in the first half while CSK bowled.”It is [surprising] because at CSK you can’t complain, it’s one franchise where they’ve been preparing pitches according to their strengths,” Pujara said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut after RCB handed CSK their biggest home defeat, by 50 runs, to make it two wins in two. “You should [use home advantage]; if he’s saying that [there is no home advantage] they don’t have a say, then I’m quite surprised.”If you speak about MI, CSK, KKR – I don’t think that’s the case [them not getting pitches they ask for]. Any other franchise, I can still understand. Those [three] franchises make sure they get what they want. Their strength has been when they play at home.”Related
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One of the big talking points in CSK’s chase was their tactic of batting Sam Curran ahead of Shivam Dube, and R Ashwin ahead of MS Dhoni, who came in at No. 9 with the chase seemingly dead, with CSK needing 98 off 28. Dhoni finished with 30 off 16, thanks mainly to the 16 runs (two sixes and a four) he hit off Krunal Pandya in the final over with CSK needing 67.”There is a lot of concern [in the batting line-up outside of Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad] because their middle order will have to click at some point,” Pujara said. “They will have to start scoring runs quickly. They rely heavily on their middle order.”Yes, their top order is their strength, but when they don’t perform well that’s the time the middle order has to step up, it doesn’t look like they’re completely ready for it. It looks like they’ll need better surfaces to get back into form and when they start playing at home again, they’ll be able to perform well.”Pujara felt more than the loss, it was CSK’s manner of defeat that was hurtful. “There’s a lot to learn for CSK,” he said. “I’ve been part of the franchise. If you’re a CSK fan, you’d really be disappointed today. You tend to lose, but the way they lost this game will put a lot of dents in the dressing room.”‘Conway for Curran and Dube batting higher’Nick Knight, the former England opener, felt CSK have tried to fix something that wasn’t broken by separating a “tried-and-tested” opening pair in Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway. Gaikwad has batted at No. 3 in the first two matches, with Rahul Tripathi opening with Rachin Ravindra. In both games so far, Gaikwad has come out to bat in the second over.2:12
Fleming: We haven’t been able to read the Chepauk pitches
“In my top order, I’d have Devon Conway. I’m surprised he’s not playing,” Knight said. “I’d play both of them [Conway and Rachin]. I’m going to leave Sam Curran out. I just feel that Gaikwad and Conway at the top is tried and tested. I’m not saying it’s right by any means, but when you look at it – Conway has a terrific record.”Rachin can bat at No. 3, more than capable. And you work down from there. The only thing about that is Dhoni may have to bat at No. 7, which he’s sometimes reluctant to do, sometimes wants to bat lower than that. He’s made 30 of 16, effected a brilliant stumping, I’d encourage them to get him to No. 7.”The other aspect to CSK’s batting Knight felt needed an immediate rethink was Dube’s role. On Friday, Dube came in at No. 6, below Curran and made 19 off 15. Dube has shown a propensity to takedown spin – he strikes at 169.71 against this variety since IPL 2023. This facet was one of their X factors during CSK’s run to the title in 2023.”Why was Dube not batting higher? I was stunned when he came out ahead of Curran,” Knight said. “They were so far behind the game at that point, they needed something to get them impetus, energy in their run chase and Dube was just held back. I saw him smash the England attack a couple of month ago [in a T20I series], coming in as a replacement player.”If that guy can’t do that in this tournament, I must be seeing things slightly different. For me, Dube could be the man to take this opportunity and boss the middle overs, and boss the middle section of that innings and take his game forward and take the team forward. If you go Conway, Gaikwad, Ravindra, Hooda, Dube, Jadeja, Dhoni – that’s a decent line-up.”
Leeds United were given a reality check on Saturday when they were hammered 5-0 by Arsenal at The Emirates in their first away game of the Premier League season.
The Whites beat Everton 1-0 at Elland Road on the opening day of the season, lifting the mood instantly, but were brought crashing back down to earth against the Gunners.
During the Sky Sports commentary of the clash with Arsenal, Gary Neville noted that the starting front three for Leeds needed everything to be “perfect” for them to make an impact, due to their lack of physicality.
That front three included Dan James, Joel Piroe, and Wilfried Gnonto, who were all key players in the Championship title-winning campaign last term. The Premier League is a different beast to the Championship, as Neville explained, and Daniel Farke needs more physicality in his frontline.
Leeds will be well aware that they will not be able to be in control in matches as much as they were in the second tier, which means that they will have to do a lot more scrapping and fighting to earn points at this level.
That is why the 2024/25 Championship top goalscorer, Piroe, may eventually find himself watching on from the sidelines more often than not.
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To his credit, Farke has tried to remain fairly faithful to the players who got the club to the Premier League in the first two matches, starting the Dutch striker in both games ahead of Lukas Nmecha.
Unfortunately, however, Piroe’s lack of physicality has already been very apparent. The striker has lost ten of his 11 duels in the top-flight so far, per Sofascore, which shows that oppostion centre-backs have found it far too easy to get the better of him in physical battles.
This is not a new concern over the former Swansea City marksman, though, as the left-footed centre-forward struggled with the physicality of the Championship at times in the 2024/25 campaign as well.
Dribble success rate
31.8%
Bottom 27%
Successful dribbles
0.41
Bottom 35%
Fouls won
0.44
Bottom 9%
Duels won
2.24
Bottom 3%
Duel success rate
26.9%
Bottom 10%
Aerial duels won
0.90
Bottom 12%
Aerial duel success rate
21.4%
Bottom 17%
As you can see in the table above, Piroe ranked very poorly among his positional peers in a host of physically-based metrics, which is why his start to the Premier League season has not been a surprise.
Leeds were a dominant team that did not need to scrap for second balls and constantly engage in duels in the Championship, which allowed the striker to simply focus on tucking away chances, which he did very well.
Piroe scored 19 goals for Leeds last season, per Sofascore, but his lack of physicality may prevent him from making a similar impact in the Premier League.
Leeds make contact to sign LaLiga star
That is why a fresh report linking the Championship champions with interest in a physical forward should come as very bad news to the current Whites striker.
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According to AS, as relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds United are one of a number of clubs to have made an approach to Getafe over a potential deal to sign Christantus Uche this summer.
The report claims that the Whites have made contact with the Spanish side to register their interest in the versatile attacker, but they have not formalised their interest with an offer as of yet.
It adds that Sunderland, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Burnley have also made contact with Getafe in pursuit of a possible deal for the Nigeria international.
AS also reveals that Getafe are preparing to cash in on Uche to improve the club’s finances and have currently set an asking price of around £17m, but it remains to be seen whether or not any of the four mentioned clubs are prepared to pay that much for him.
Why this is bad news for Joel Piroe
As aforementioned, Piroe’s lack of physicality appears to be an issue for him, and the team, in the Premier League, and it could cost him his place in the starting XI.
The club’s reported interest in signing Uche is, perhaps, a sign that Farke recognises the need for more physicality at the top end of the pitch, because the Getafe star is an incredibly physical attacker.
In fact, the Nigerian star has played 31 times as a central or defensive midfielder in his career, per Transfermarkt, and U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed that he could be developed into a “midfield monster”.
Whilst, due to his experience and potential to play in that role, Farke could utilise Uche in the middle of the park, the 22-year-old played as a striker for Jose Bordalas against Celta Vigo on the opening day of the LaLiga season.
Uche scored and grabbed an assist in a 2-0 win for Getafe away at Celta Vigo, and the clip above shows how the attacker used his mobility and strength to find the back of the net.
Appearances
33
1
xG
3.73
1.01
Goals
4
1
Big chances created
7
1
Assists
6
1
Duels won per game
6.8
9.0
Aerial duel success rate
42%
75%
As you can see in the table above, the £17m-rated forward also showcased his physicality in LaLiga last season, winning 6.8 duels per game on average, compared to Piroe’s 2.24 in the Championship.
Whilst, perhaps because of his outings in midfield as well as up front, Uche is not a prolific goalscorer who is likely to go and score 15 or 20 goals in the Premier League, the Getafe star could be the physical outlet that Leeds are currently lacking.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkecelebrates after the match
Having a ‘monster’ like Uche to hold the ball up, win flick-ons, and compete with Premier League centre-backs in duels could help the Whites in tight games where they will not be in complete control of the ball.
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Not just Gruev: Farke must drop 4/10 Leeds star who lost 100% duels
Daniel Farke should ruthlessly drop this Leeds flop as well as Ilia Gruev for the next Premier League game.
ByDan Emery Aug 24, 2025
This is why the club’s interest in the forward is bad news for Piroe, because the 22-year-old star is the profile of player who could send the Dutchman down to the bench.
The Premier League has launched a new initiative to support fans affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.
Premier League launches new initiativeSupporting fans affected by suicide or suicidal thoughtsEnglish teams join new matchday pilot schemeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
On Wednesday, the Premier League and suicide prevention charity Samaritans launched the 'Together Against Suicide’ project – something that has been backed by all 20 clubs in the English top flight. The initiative launches on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) and has been developed by the Premier League in collaboration with broadcaster Roman Kemp and Tottenham Hotspur CEO Vinai Venkatesham. The Premier League is funding 11 clubs to provide bespoke support for fans at home matchdays across the 2025-26 season.
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Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: "Sadly, suicide is an issue that affects people of all ages from all backgrounds. We believe football can play a vital role in reducing the stigma around it and connecting fans who are experiencing suicidal thoughts with the support they need. By working with clubs and partners to develop ‘Together Against Suicide’, we want fans to understand that they do not have to deal with their problems alone. There are many ways for people to have the conversations that can have a positive impact on their mental wellbeing, whether this is by utilising the matchday services that are being launched by clubs this weekend, speaking to family and friends or by contacting Samaritans or other experts in this area for confidential advice. This is about using the power of football to help save lives and we urge fans to look after themselves and those they care about."
Tottenham Hotspur CEO Vinai Venkatesham added: "Together Against Suicide is a significant step in recognising the role that football can play in raising awareness of mental health issues and supporting people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. I’d like to thank the Premier League and all 20 clubs for their support in shaping this initiative, and in particular Roman Kemp who came up with the idea that we see launching today. Sadly, suicide affects more people than many of us realise and this initiative sees the Premier League and clubs coming together to support fans – whether through safe spaces at stadiums or helping them access expert advice wherever they are. We want fans to understand that one conversation can make all the difference, and that they can turn to their clubs for support when they need it most."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Recent data shows that someone in the United Kingdom takes their own life every 90 minutes, and one in four people have had suicidal thoughts. This new Premier League pilot project begins on Saturday, September 13, and will see clubs providing tailored environments to offer fans the opportunity to talk in safe, non-judgemental settings, as well as directing them to trusted support organisations. The clubs involved so far are: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Tottenham, West Ham, Wolves, and Southampton.
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The Premier League has also created an online hub which includes information on signs and symptoms for people to look for if they are concerned about how they or someone else is feeling. For more information, click here.
TV personality Kemp added, “As football fans, we are always there for our clubs. This initiative was created with the intention of flipping it on its head so clubs can be there for fans when they need it the most. As someone who has felt the impact of suicide and talked about experiencing suicidal thoughts myself, I know that the sense of community football brings can be used to help those in need and help save lives. I’m so proud to work on an initiative that puts compassion and connection at the heart of football and on something I really believe will make a difference to the fans that need it. A huge thank you to Vinai Venkatesham, who’s been working tirelessly to get this going, and to the Premier League for making this happen and getting the backing of all 20 Premier League clubs.”
Following the undeniable bombshell that Alexander Isak has asked to leave the club, Newcastle United and PIF have reportedly set their sights on a talented replacement.
When news emerged that he was suffering from a thigh injury and he would, therefore, not travel to take part in Newcastle’s Asia tour, it became clear that trouble may be afoot. And soon enough, reports came to the fore that Isak has, indeed, asked to leave St James’ Park this summer amid interest from Saudi Arabia and Liverpool.
It would have been Newcastle’s biggest fear heading into this summer, but that fear would have only increased by their own transfer failure. The last thing that Eddie Howe needs after watching the Magpies miss out on Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo is for Isak to depart, but that may be the reality that he is forced to live with next season.
There is still one positive in this saga for Newcastle, though. As frustrating as losing Isak would be, his exit would instantly solve any remaining PSR problems for the foreseeable future and allow PIF to flex their financial muscles in full.
According to The Athletic, the final package to sign Isak could cost as much as £250m, with Newcastle demanding a transfer fee worth as much as £150m before agent fees and wages are taken into account.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
With a chunk of that money, the Magpies could welcome an instant replacement and then finally splash the cash to improve other areas in Howe’s squad.
PIF set sights on Lois Openda
Turning towards an Isak replacement before anything, those at St James’ Park are now reportedly ‘targeting’ a Bundesliga talent. According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, PIF have now set their sights on signing Lois Openda for Newcastle this summer as they look to find the heir to Isak’s Tyneside throne.
Newcastle join Premier League race to sign "strong" ex-Man City defender
The Magpies are battling to sign another new target.
ByTom Cunningham Jul 25, 2025
The RB Leipzig forward, now at the peak of his powers at 25 years old, is not the out-and-out goalscorer that Isak is, but he is a better creator and could provide Howe with a better all-rounder than the Swede.
After impressing in the 2023/24 campaign, Openda picked up where he left off last season and ended the campaign with 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions. Described as a “fantastic young striker” by scout Jacek Kulig whilst in Germany, the Belgian could now get the chance to make the biggest move of his career so far.
A collective effort by their bowlers limited Lyca Kovai Kings, in their third straight final, to 129 for 7
ESPNcricinfo staff05-Aug-2024A 46-ball 52 from R Ashwin at No. 3 following a collective bowling effort helped Dindigul Dragons to their maiden Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) title. It was Ashwin’s third successive fifty in TNPL 2024.Lyca Kovai Kings, in their third straight final, were restricted to 129 for 7 – thanks to two-wicket hauls from Sandeep Warrier, Varun Chakravarthy and P Vignesh each – with Dragons overhauling it with six wickets and ten balls to spare at Chepauk. Ashwin also contributed with four stingy overs for just 13 runs.After being inserted, Kings raced away to 48 for 1 in five overs. But Varun struck twice in two balls in the final over of the powerplay to get rid of S Sujay (22 off 12) and U Mukilesh. B Sai Sudharsan, who scored an unbeaten 123 in the Qualifier 1, soon cut a short and wide one straight to backward point to leave Kings in tatters at 51 for 4.R Ashwin struck his third successive half-century in the TNPL•TNPLAtheeq Ur Rahman and Ram Arvindh then stitched a 36-run stand in 28 balls. But once that partnership was broken by Suboth Bhati, Kings run-rate took a hit. M Shahrukh Khan, Kings’ captain, also had an off day and that culminated in an abject finish to the innings.The start to Dragons’ 130-run chase was a bit frantic, with both the openers being dismissed in 15 balls. But Ashwin and B Indrajith (32 off 35) brought a sense of calmness. Ashwin hit one four and three sixes in his stay. They added a run-a-ball 65 for the third wicket to all but seal the chase. One that was completed swiftly in the end, thanks to Sarath Kumar’s 15-ball 27 with two fours and as many sixes.While Ashwin was named Player of the Match for his innings, Shahrukh took the series honours for his all-round efforts: 225 runs at a strike rate of 182.92 – easily the best among the top run-scorers in TNPL 2024 – and 13 wickets, second to only M Poiyamozhi’s 16.