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“There’s nothing to it,” Pakistan batter says of speculation he is planning to end international career

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Feb-2025

Fakhar Zaman was injured during Pakistan’s loss to New Zealand•AFP via Getty Images

Fakhar Zaman has dismissed speculation that he is planning to retire from international cricket, and said that he was targeting a return from the injury that cut short his Champions Trophy within the next month.Fakhar, the hero of Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy win with a hundred in the final, strained an oblique muscle chasing a ball in the very first over of Pakistan’s opening game against New Zealand in Karachi. He went off the field immediately, came back later but eventually could only bat at No.4 – instead of his usual opening slot.He struggled visibly with the injury during a 41-ball 24, as Pakistan crashed to a 60-run defeat. Fakhar was distraught in the dressing room after the dismissal and, given the uncertainty surrounding his arrival into the side, and that he turns 35 in April, the fact that it could have been his last game for Pakistan was not lost.But talking to PCB digital, Fakhar confirmed that he was not going anywhere. “I heard about this [retirement rumours] a lot and even my friends messaged me about it, but there’s nothing to it,” he said. “The ODI format is my favourite format. Yes, with my thyroid, there was a thing that I could take more time getting back into it. But I want to play T20s, ODIs, even Tests again. As far as my comeback is concerned, I spoke to the doctor and I can start playing cricket again within the month.”Related

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Aaqib's post mortem: Lack of experience hurt Pakistan

Fakhar had not played international cricket since the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies last June, where Pakistan were eliminated in the group stage too. He last played an ODI at the 2023 ODI World Cup, another event where Pakistan exited before the knockout stages.In the run-up to this tournament, however, he had been left out of Pakistan’s central contracts. And he had also been issued a show-cause notice after a tweet he put out last September criticising the decision to drop Babar Azam from the Test side. Later, when chairman Mohsin Naqvi organised a “connection camp” to get senior players to air their views, Fakhar was among the most outspoken, singling out a senior official for trenchant criticism.That would seem to be in the past for now, with Fakhar committing to a return with Pakistan. “The doctor has advised me that I can start training again in three weeks. So I think I should be back to playing cricket in a month’s time.”Pakistan were knocked out of the Champions Trophy when they lost to India. Fakhar was replaced by Imam-ul-Haq, a move which only enhanced the scrutiny on their top order’s seemingly outdated methods. In both the defeats, the focus was on laborious innings by Babar (64 off 90 balls against New Zealand) and captain Mohammad Rizwan (46 off 77 balls against India), the former stymying momentum in a big chase and the latter leading to a below-par target being set.Pakistan had already lost Saim Ayub to injury before the tournament and the subsequent loss of Fakhar was a double-whammy that coach Aaqib Javed identified as one of the pivotal reasons for their poor showing. Fakhar has a career strike rate of nearly 94 in ODIs and was clear about the way to play in the modern game.”The biggest thing is the situation. If you are chasing 150-200 runs you go in with a different mindset and if you are chasing 350, you have a different mindset,” Aaqib said. “But strike rate does matter, especially these days. And you have to play risky cricket. Cricket has become so fast-scoring, all teams come with that plan. If you take risks, you can score runs, although yes, you can also lose your wicket doing that.”

Club América midfielder Alejandro Zendejas returned to Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. men’s national team squad for the international window earlier this month after being left out of the Nations League Final Four and the Gold Cup. Back on the pitch for friendlies against South Korea and Japan, Zendejas scored for Pochettino's side.

Getty Images Sport'USMNT is a team full of great players'

Zendejas chose to represent the United States over Mexico at the international level, but his path with the USMNT has been anything but simple, despite being one of the biggest stars in Liga MX. Speaking Friday at Las Águilas’ news conference, Zendejas admitted how difficult it will be to earn a spot on Pochettino's World Cup roster.

“It’s not an easy team because it’s full of great players who play in Europe, and I have to compete with them," he said. "I take advantage of the chances I get. Tere aren’t many, and thanks to the work I show here, I was able to have a good week with the national team.”

@soyalexorellana

🦅🦅🦅 Alejandro Zendejas habló sobre sus chances de ser incluido en la lista final del USMNT para la Copa del Mundo del próximo año. Lo logrará el jugador del América? @GOAL USA #AlejandroZendejas #ClubAmerica #USMNT #WorldCup #ligamx

♬ sonido original – Alex Orellana

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAiming for a spot on World Cup roster

The midfielder is enjoying a brilliant run of form. He's an undisputed starter under André Jardine and recently earned a recall from Pochettino. It remains to be seen whether Zendejas will become a regular in the Argentine coach’s upcoming October and November FIFA windows.

“The moment I’m living is thanks to the confidence my coaches and teammates give me because I’m out on the field with them. I’m happy to continue this streak, and of course, there are many things I can improve,” he said.

Getty Images SportIt hasn’t been easy for Zendejas

It took Zendejas 12 matches to score his first goal with the USMNT. Although he’s not a natural striker, he’s a constant presence on the wings and a creator. His quality is undeniable, but he knows he has to fight for his spot alongside players such as Christian Pulisic, Diego Luna, Tim Weah, and Yunus Musah.

With Las Águilas, he has recorded two goals and one assist in the Apertura 2025.

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Getty Images SportWhat next for América?

Club América is coming off a 2-1 loss to Chivas in the Clásico de México, in which Zendejas scored. On Saturday, they will look to get back on track when they visit Monterrey, featuring Sergio Ramos, Sergio Canales and Anthony Martial, in Matchday 9 of the Liga MX.

The Queensland quick wasn’t expected to be in the Perth Test squad but could be needed during the series

Alex Malcolm07-Nov-2024

Michael Neser pulled up in his 13th over•Getty Images

Australia’s Test bowling depth has taken a blow with back-up seamer Michael Neser ruled out of the remainder of the Australia A game at the MCG with a hamstring injury after claiming four wickets on the opening day to rip through India A’s top order.Neser was bowling his 13th over, having already taken 4 for 27 with some stunning swing and seam bowling in the morning session, when he pulled up sharply following his second delivery of the over. He immediately began limping off the ground in a clear sign that he knew exactly what the issue was.A Cricket Australia spokesperson confirmed shortly after that Neser had injured his left hamstring and would not bowl again in the game. He will go for scans to assess the extent of the damage.Related

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It is understood Neser had experienced some soreness in the same left hamstring after the last Sheffield Shield game he played on October 23 when he bowled 48.5 overs for Queensland against South Australia. That soreness saw him ruled out of the domestic One-Day Cup game against South Australia two days later.He returned to training without any issues after a short break and was fine in the lead-up to this game. But the fast bowlers have had issues with the outfield at the MCG this season as it has been top dressed with sand following the Australian Football League season.Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc suffered cramps in both the Shield and ODI games he has played here over the past two weeks and complained about how heavy the outfield was to run on. Australia and New South Wales team-mate Sean Abbott also noted how heavy his legs felt after the Shield game.Neser had also come into the summer off an injury in the winter. He suffered a calf injury while playing in England and was on bowling restrictions in the pre-season right up until the first Shield game of the summer in Perth.He was unlikely to be in Australia’s Test squad for the first Test in Perth against India with Scott Boland set to be the sole back-up quick in what is expected to be a 13-man group. But there was an expectation that Neser could be needed at some point during the series. There is a nine-day break between the first two Tests but Australia are wary that there is only a three-day gap between the second and third Test in Adelaide and Brisbane. There is a seven-day break between the third and fourth Test and then another three-day break between the fourth and fifth Test.Abbott and Nathan McAndrew would be among the contenders if Australia needed another fast bowler for a Test match beyond Boland.There is some positive news from Western Australia with Jhye Richardson getting through a WA Second XI game last week and bowling 25 overs in the match for the first time in 12 months. He might be able to make a Shield return before the BBL break but it would be a big ask for him to be ready for a Test match given his long build back off a raft of injury issues.Lance Morris has also not played a red-ball game this season coming off stress fractures in the winter and a quad strain. But he is in line to play an ODI on Sunday when Australia’s big three are rested. He was also a chance to play a Shield game before the BBL provided he could build his loads up adequately.

Zafar Gohar reaches 300 first-class wickets but Gloucestershire battling to save game

ECB Reporters Network18-Sep-2024Zafar Gohar claimed his 300th first class wicket in taking 6 for 76 as Gloucestershire bowled out Sussex for 311 on the second day of this County Championship match at Bristol.But the left-arm spinner’s efforts could not prevent Sussex, the Division Two leaders, taking a commanding first innings lead of 202, Jack Carson top scoring with 71 and sharing a seventh-wicket stand of 112 with skipper John Simpson, who made 61.By the close, Gloucestershire had posted 140 for 3 in their second innings and still trailed by 62. Chris Dent was unbeaten on 61, having battled away for 157 balls, while Miles Hammond hit 41.The day began with Sussex 149 for 4 and already 40 runs ahead. With the pitch expected to offer increasing turn, Gloucestershire opened with Gohar from the Pavilion End and he struck his first blow with the total on 161, bowling James Coles for 46 attempting a reverse-sweep.With 19 more runs added, another Sussex player perished to an injudicious shot as Henry Crocombe went to hit Gohar back over his head and skyed a catch to mid-on. Simpson also went on the attack early, striking the Pakistani spinner over long-on for six before settling down to build a potentially winning lead with Carson.Neither looked in much bother. A Carson clip of his toes for four off Tom Price moved the score to 250 shortly after the second new ball had been taken and in the same over the Sussex allrounder reached a 76-ball fifty, with nine boundaries.At lunch, the scoreboard read 259 for 6, Sussex having added 110 runs during the morning to lead by 150. Carson was unbeaten on 56 and Simpson 34 not out.The afternoon session saw Simpson produce an exquisite cover drive for four off Price before a quick single took him to a half-century off 96 deliveries, with five fours and a six. He and Carson had extended their side’s lead to 183 when the latter dragged a wide ball from Gohar onto his stumps, having increased his boundary count to 13.Eight more runs secured a second batting point. But it proved a disappointing maiden first-class innings for debutant Bertie Foreman, who had made just 2 when bowled through the gate by a turning delivery from Gohar.With the confidence of four wickets to his credit, Gohar then had Simpson caught behind pushing forward and pinned last man Jaydev Unadkat lbw to notch his 300th first-class victim in a career stretching back 11 years. But Sussex could feel well satisfied with a lead of over 200 on a dry surface starting to fulfil pre-match predictions.Zafar Gohar took his 300th first-class wicket•Getty ImagesGloucestershire openers Dent and Joe Phillips knocked 43 off the deficit with few alarms, Dent striking Carson over long-off for six. But the offspinner had turned his first delivery of the innings sharply as a warning.It was Unadkat who broke the partnership with his fifth wicket of the match, trapping Phillips on the crease and dismissing him leg before for 21. By tea, Gloucestershire were 53 for 1 from 18 overs, with Dent unbeaten on 22, and looking set to make a fight of it.Those hopes suffered a blow early in the final session when Ollie Price, on 11, fell to a reflex slip catch by Tom Haines, who stuck out a left hand to hold the sharpest of chances after the Gloucestershire man had advanced down the pitch to aim an attacking blow off Carson.At 59 for 2, the hosts still trailed by 143 runs. Under clear late afternoon skies, Dent and Hammond set about putting their team back in the game.Dent, who only recently returned to Gloucestershire’s red ball team after a lengthy absence battling anxiety, gave a reminder of the form that has brought more than 11,000 first-class runs, moving to a 126-ball half-century, with seven fours and a six.Hammond looked equally comfortable and had faced 75 balls, hitting 4 fours, when tempted by a ball from Carson tossed up outside off stump and edging an attempted drive through to wicketkeeper Simpson. The stand of 79 with Dent in 26.1 overs had given Gloucestershire hope.

The last time Leeds United were promoted to the Premier League, they had a summer transfer window to remember, landing numerous players who went on to star at Elland Road.

Additions such as Raphinha, Rodrigo and Robin Koch all moved to the club that summer, all playing a crucial role in their ability to take the top-flight by storm under Marcelo Bielsa.

Daniel Farke has the chance to replicate such success this window, looking to add depth and quality to the squad after their title-winning campaign in the Championship throughout 2024/25.

The hierarchy have already wasted no time in making new signings, as Lukas Nmecha has already arrived at Elland Road, with a deal for Jaka Bijol set to be announced after completing his medical.

There’s no denying that further reinforcements are needed to hand the Whites the best chance of making the step-up and being competitive in England’s top flight.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions

Over the last couple of days, striker Vladyslav Vanat has emerged as a potential option for Leeds, offering a clinical outlet for the side after netting 17 goals for Dynamo Kyiv this season.

He’s not the only player on their radar this window, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz being a surprise option for Farke, with a loan to buy offer mooted ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, moves have been made elsewhere, which has seen Wolves star Hugo Bueno become a key target on their radar, according to Spanish outlet Marca via Sport Witness.

The report claims that he’s set to return from his loan spell at Feyenoord this summer, with the West Midlands outfit evaluating what to do with the Spaniard after the Whites’ interest.

It also states that Farke’s side will face competition from the Dutch side who want to sign him permanently, handing the club and the player a huge decision to make in the coming weeks.

Why Leeds’ latest target would be the perfect Firpo replacement

Junior Firpo has set the Championship alight this campaign, playing a vital role at both ends of the pitch in the club’s success and ability to claim promotion.

The Dominican international featured in 32 league matches this season, registering 14 combined goals and assists, a simply staggering tally for a left-back.

However, winning the time with the Whites appears to be his final contribution for the club, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the month.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that he had agreed a three-year deal with Spanish side Real Betis, looking certain to return to his former side after a six-year absence.

The supporters shouldn’t worry about his pending departure, with Bueno offering a superb option for Farke, outperforming the Dominican in numerous key areas.

The Spaniard, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Wolves’ sporting director Matt Hobbs, has managed more progressive carries and key passes per 90, highlighting the threat he possesses with the ball at his feet.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered more crosses, handing the talents ahead of him with the chance to improve their own tallies in the final third.

How Bueno compares to Firpo in the 2024/25 campaign
Statistics (per 90)	Bueno	Firpo
Games played	20	32
Goals & assists	3	14
Progressive carries	4.6	2.2
Pass accuracy	86%	80%
Key passes made	1.7	1.66
Take-on success	52%	38%
Crosses completed	3.7	2.1
Tackles won	1.2	1.1
Blocks made	0.9	0.8
Stats via FBref

Defensively, he’s also starred, making more tackles per 90, alongside more blocks made – offering an added defensive presence to Farke’s side in the Premier League.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Bueno would set the hierarchy back this window, but given the interest from elsewhere, it’s crucial they work quickly to avoid missing out.

Losing Firpo would be a bitter blow given his form this season, but it’s clear that the Wolves star has more talent and huge potential to improve given his tender age.

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India and South Africa have history of knock-out heartbreak, but short turnaround prevents introspection

Sidharth Monga28-Jun-20243:20

Markram: ‘Feel like we can win from any position’

While history looms large over the T20 World Cup 2024 final, neither side thinks it will play much part on the day of the final. This is South Africa’s maiden final in World Cup cricket, while India have lost in the knockouts of all World Cups bar one since 2014.It was said India lost to a mentally tougher side when they came up against Australia in last year’s 50-over final, but India don’t feel that is an advantage they take into the match against South Africa who, going by the trophy cabinet at least, are the team with the least experience of the circumstances they now find themselves.”I mean it’s not that the same players have been playing since 1991,” India’s coach Rahul Dravid said. “Many players have come and gone. I don’t think that really matters. I can’t speak for any of them. I don’t think players go on keeping the baggage of the past and what has happened in the past. Every day is a fresh day.Related

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“Players are very good at moving on from things. I think just as we will move on from Ahmedabad, I’m sure they will not be thinking about history, and it will be a fresh day. Two good teams, two teams I think that everyone will agree are the top two teams in this tournament, two teams that have played the best cricket in this tournament, both South Africa and India.”While Dravid said he couldn’t speak on behalf of South Africa, Aiden Markram didn’t quite echo the sentiment, especially when asked if his team ran the risk of being overwhelmed after crossing a major hurdle.”We were obviously a happy bunch the other night after qualifying for the final, but it’s amazing…” Markram said. “I’m sure all teams do it, but straight after that game in the changing-room, you still reflect and you say, guys, we’ve still got one more step to go. So, it’s not driven by coach or by captain. The whole unit sort of feels that and is driven by that.3:46

Dravid: South Africa will move on from their history like we will from Ahmedabad

“As general, sportsmen are highly competitive people and nobody would want to lose, and especially not lose in a final. So, I think there’s no sense that the guys are satisfied regardless of the result tomorrow. I think there’s still a massive hunger for us to go out and win tomorrow’s game.”It does help both sides that there is hardly any time between matches, and so little time to build the occasion up too much in their minds. Having qualified before India, South Africa had an extra day in hand but it was spent at an airport because of a long delay in flights. The enormity of the final is the last thing on your mind when you are killing time sitting in a corner, whether you’re travelling alone or looking after your family. You are likely more worried about your luggage than history.By the time India checked in at Georgetown Airport to fly to Barbados, the date had either ticked over or was pretty closing to ticking over to the day before the final. The preparation for both the teams has centred on getting their individual plans right and looking after their bodies.”It’s just about all the guys getting into ensuring that physically, mentally, tactically we are ready for the game,” Dravid said. “Those are the things that we can control: that we are fresh, that we have looked after all our niggles if there are any, we have done all our tactical preparation and we are mentally relaxed and excited and looking forward to the game. Those are the things we can control.”Having not played in Barbados before, South Africa did have an optional training session unlike India, but the sentiment is the same. Their preparation is centred on the small things rather than reflecting on the bigger picture.”You get in a competition like this and things move pretty quickly,” Markram said. “You play a game, you get on a plane, you fly, you check in at a new hotel and play your next game of cricket the next day. So, I don’t think there’s too much reflecting that happens. But it’s more the opportunity that we have of being in a final that excites me quite a bit.”

Leeds United have now made contact with the representatives of a “clinical” striker who has 88 Premier League goals to his name, according to a report.

Leeds stepping up pursuit of new striker

Joel Piroe was the top scorer in the Championship in the 2024-25 season, netting 19 goals, while also showcasing his creative talents by picking up seven assists, but there are doubts over whether the Dutchman should be selected to lead the line in the Premier League.

Piroe has no experience in the top flight, having spent the majority of his career in the second tier, and the Whites are now stepping up their pursuit of a new striker, identifying several potential options from across Europe.

Contact has been made over a deal for Hamburg striker Davie Selke, while Daniel Farke’s side are also in the race for AC Milan striker Tammy Abraham, who, of course, has experience in the Premier League from his time with Chelsea.

According to a report from Leeds Live, however, Leeds have now made an approach for a striker with a more recent track record of success in the top flight, namely Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson, having made contact to discuss a deal with the Englishman’s representatives.

The Whites are said to hold a genuine interest in Wilson, who joined Newcastle from AFC Bournemouth for a fee of £20m, but is now in line to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.

The Newcastle marksman isn’t the only option on the shortlist, however, with Farke’s side exploring a number of different options, as the manager looks to rebuild his squad ahead of their return to the Premier League next season.

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2 ByKelan Sarson Jun 3, 2025 "Clinical" Wilson has solid track record in the Premier League

Prior to Alexander Isak’s arrival at St. James’ Park, the former Bournemouth man was the main man for Newcastle in attack, and he netted 18 Premier League goals during the 2022-23 campaign, during which Isak struggled with injury setbacks.

The Coventry-born striker has 88 top-flight goals to his name and 143 total for club and country, so his vast experience could be of great use to a Leeds side whose primary goal will undoubtedly be avoiding relegation next season.

Such is the 33-year-old’s attacking prowess, he was once lauded as “clinical” by The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, and if he is able to rediscover his previous form, he could be an excellent addition to Farke’s squad this summer.

That said, there will be concerns over the fact that Wilson has struggled with injuries in recent times, being sidelined for 29 games during the 2024-25 campaign, which meant he managed to score just one goal in all competitions across the entire season.

The Premier League is the most popular league in the world and has seen some of the best players of all time since its inception in 1992, but Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard once claimed there is only one Premier League ‘GOAT’.

The right wing spot in a Premier League all time XI is firmly up for debate – Mohamed Salah has cemented himself as one of the greatest players in English football history after winning a second title with Liverpool.

Salah is now in the top ten goalscorers in top flight history and could potentially even surpass Alan Shearer’s record of 260 goals in the division.

Premier League's top 10 goalscorers in pictures

However, many still believe the sheer talent of Cristiano Ronaldo takes the cake. Indeed, Sir Alex Ferguson once claimed the Portugal superstar is “up with the best” players he had coached, while Jose Mourinho even placed him in the same category as Diego Maradona and Pele.

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Indeed, Ronaldo won three league titles in England, one Golden Boot and two Player of the Season awards, and is considered by many to be one of the greatest two players in football history alongside Lionel Messi.

When it comes to crowning the best of the best in England however, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard revealed one man stands above the rest.

Gerrard: Thierry Henry is the Premier League 'GOAT'

Speaking in an interview during his time as Aston Villa manager, Gerrard was fast and firm with his reponse when asked who the greatest of all time is – Arsenal and France forward Thierry Henry.

The former Anfield skipper picked Messi as the greatest in football history and Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe as the next up for the crown, but had no hesitation when pointing to Henry as English football’s best.

Gerrard was no stranger to Henry’s talents, as the Frenchman scored nine times in 18 career appearances against Liverpool, including a brace in a famous 2-0 win at Highbury in the 2005/26 season, in which Gerrard accidentally set up the winner.

France legend Zinedine Zidane called his compatriot “technically the most gifted footballer ever to play the beautiful game”, and his list of accomplishments is extremely impressive.

Monaco

Ligue 1

1996-97

Arsenal

Premier League

2001-02, 2003-04

FA Cup

2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05

Barcelona

La Liga

2008-09, 2009-10

Copa del Rey

2008-09

UEFA Champions League

2008-09

UEFA Super Cup

2009

FIFA Club World Cup

2009

France

FIFA World Cup

1998

UEFA European Championship

2000

Since retiring from playing, Henry has coached at club level with Monaco and at international level as an assistant for Belgium. He also managed the French team at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games, winning the silver medal as France were beaten in the final by Spain.

With new sporting director Andrea Berta now at the helm, Arsenal are all set for a frantic summer transfer window.

The Gunners are likely to finish second in the race for the Premier League title and they have a few reasons to blame. Injuries have ruined them and they have been on the end of some questionable refereeing calls.

However, the biggest problem, notably in 2025, has been their lack of a central striker after season-ending injuries for Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Jesus was on a fine run of form before sustaining an awful ACL injury against Manchester United in the FA Cup while Havertz has been out since sustaining a hamstring problem during the club’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

Mikel Merino has at least found some form, scoring six goals as a striker, but he is not the long-term solution.

As a result, a new shiny centre-forward will be required in the summer.

Who will that be? Well, speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of NewBettingSites.uk, Jeremie Aliadiere had a few possible solutions for Mikel Arteta.

Aliadiere wants Arsenal to sign Premier League striker

Much of the talk in recent months has been regarding the likes of Sporting sensation Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.

Gyokeres has been the most in-form striker in Europe this season, scoring a remarkable haul of 44 goals in 45 games. As for that man Isak, he’s been rampant in England, although hasn’t been quite as prolific as his fellow Swede, netting 24 times in 36 appearances.

Well, if it was down to Aliadiere – one of Arsenal’s Invincibles – he would look at snapping up one of Liverpool’s forwards.

Speaking to FFC, he said: “I’m a big fan of Darwin Nunez. I really like Nunez, I’ve always been a fan of the guy. I love his work ethic, and I still think there’s a good goalscorer in him. He hasn’t had the opportunity and the confidence of his coach and his club to play week-in, week-out for a long period of time. A goalscorer needs to play week-in, week-out to keep scoring goals.”

Nunez has been one of the biggest underperformers at Anfield this term, scoring just seven goals in 42 outings.

The Uruguayan wasn’t the only solution Aliadiere recommended. The player-turned-pundit suggested Arteta and Co could go for a different Premier League striker.

The Frenchman revealed: “I like Ollie Walkins as well, which in terms of finances, will probably be cheaper to buy than Isak, who has had such an unbelievable season. The price to buy them will have gone through the roof. It’s easy to like him and want him, but it’s all about the finance and how much money Arsenal are prepared to pay for players. That’s the type of player I would love to see wearing the No9 for Arsenal, a player that can stretch defences and make runs in behind.”

Watkins was notably linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in January when Arsenal reportedly saw a bid rejected for the Englishman.

Despite Arsenal’s need for a striker, they could also do with a new winger.

The winger Aliadiere wants Arsenal to sign

A number of different wide men have been linked with Arsenal since Berta came to the club.

Indeed, reports suggest that talks have been held with Kingsley Coman’s camp about a possible summer move while Wolves’ Matheus Cunha is allegedly a player Berta is a fan of.

There is strong interest in Anthony Gordon as well, according to reports, but one player tops all of those three in the words of Aliadiere.

Continuing his chat with FFC, the former striker was asked what winger he’d like to see arrive at the Emirates Stadium this summer.

It didn’t require much thought. Nico Williams was the man in question. “I like Nico Williams. He’s a top, top player,” Aliadiere began.

“He will suit Arsenal’s style really well. If I had a free budget, I’d definitely want to go and try to buy him, that’s for sure. Can he perform in the Premier League? You see players that come from abroad, they have a great season for their club abroad and they come to the Premier League and it doesn’t quite work out for them. It doesn’t click and they can’t really adjust to the style of play. That’s why sometimes buying players from abroad is a bit tricky. That’s why Isak, who’s done it in the Premier League with Newcastle, is a safe bet.”

Signing a new striker must be the top priority for Arsenal, but whether or not they have the finances to complete a deal for a second attacker remains to be seen.

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And who is the oldest man to debut for Pakistan in Tests?

Steven Lynch28-Oct-2025The Afghanistan seamer Ziaur Rahman took 7 for 97 in the first innings of his Test debut. Where does this stand overall for debut performances? asked Len Harrison from England
Ziaur Rahman’s figures of 7 for 97 against Zimbabwe in Harare last week are the best on debut for Afghanistan, beating Amir Hamza’s 5 for 74 against West Indies in Lucknow in 2019. Nijat Masood took 5 for 79 on his debut, against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2023.Ziaur, whose only previous international was a T20I against Ireland more than six years previously, was the 24th man to take seven or more wickets in an innings on Test debut (there have been 26 instances, as Bob Massie and Narendra Hirwani took two lots of eight in their first match). The best figures of all by a player in his first Test are 8 for 43, by Albert Trott for Australia against England in Adelaide in 1895. There have also been three instances in women’s Tests.All seven of Ziaur’s victims were bowled or lbw: he’s the first to take seven wickets in an innings on Test debut without any help from a fielder. The Pakistan pair of Mohammad Nazir (7 for 99 against New Zealand in Karachi in 1969) and Mohammad Zahid (7 for 66 against New Zealand in Rawalpindi late in 1996) both had six, plus one to a catch by a fielder. The only previous players to take an unassisted five-for on Test debut were the old England pair of Douglas Carr (5 for 146 in his only Test, against Australia at The Oval in 1909) and Wally Hammond (5 for 36 against South Africa in Johannesburg in 1927), and Pakistan’s Shahid Nazir, with 5 for 53 against Zimbabwe in Sheikhupura in 1996.When did Zimbabwe last win a Test by an innings? asked Tinashe Ndlovu from Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s big win over Afghanistan in Harare last week was their 15th win in all Tests – they have played 129 now – but only the third by an innings. The first of those was by an innings and 64 runs over Pakistan in Harare in 1995, and they also beat Bangladesh by an innings and 32 in Bulawayo in 2001.Last week’s win was Zimbabwe’s second in six months, but their first at home for more than 12 years, since they beat Pakistan by 24 runs in Harare in 2013.Asif Afridi is the third-oldest player to debut for Pakistan in men’s Tests•AFP/Getty ImagesWhat was the most overs bowled by spinners in an ODI before West Indies used them for all 50 against Bangladesh recently? asked Jason Jandu from England
You’re right that the West Indian spinners bowled all 50 overs in last week’s ODI against Bangladesh in Mirpur: Akeal Hosein (who only arrived in Dhaka a few hours earlier), Roston Chase, Khary Pierre, Gudakesh Motie and Alick Athanaze all delivered their full allocation of ten overs. It worked – just – as West Indies won in a Super Over after a tie.Before this there had been three ODI innings which contained 44 overs from spinners, all of them by Sri Lanka: against West Indies in Port-of-Spain in 1996, New Zealand in Colombo in 1998, and Australia in Dambulla in 2004.Two Indians scored centuries in their Women’s World Cup match against New Zealand last week. Has this happened before in a World Cup match? asked Milind Ekanth from India
India’s openers Pratika Rawal (122) and Smriti Mandhana (109) both scored centuries in an imposing total of 340 for 3 against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai last week. This was the ninth occasion a Women’s World Cup innings had contained two centuries. Mandhana was also involved in the previous instance, against West Indies in Hamilton (New Zealand) in 2022, when she scored 123 and Harmanpreet Kaur 109.Asif Afridi made his Test debut last week aged 38. Is he the oldest to win a first cap for Pakistan? asked Akhtar Nasir from Pakistan
Slow left-armer Asif Afridi was born on Christmas Day in 1986, so was around 38 years ten months old when he made his Test debut last week against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.Two players made their debuts for Pakistan when older, both in the 1950s. Offspinner Miran Bakhsh was 47 years 284 days old when he played against India in Lahore in 1955, and legspinner Amir Elahi was 45 days past his 44th birthday against India in Delhi in October 1952. That was Pakistan’s inaugural Test match: Elahi had previously played one Test for India, aged 39 in 1947-48.The next oldest debutant for Pakistan was seamer Tabish Khan, who was 36 years 146 days old when he won his only cap, against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2021. For the list of the oldest debutants from all countries, click here.Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team helped with some of the above answers.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions