Manchester Originals 140 for 3 (Buttler 70, Ravindra 47*) beat Northern Superchargers 139 for 8 (Patel 42, Aspinwall 3-17) by seven wicketsWith the return of Sir James Anderson to the Manchester Originals’ line-up, there was an extra frisson at Headingley for the local derby as the Northern Superchargers looked to record eight wins from eight for the women and men at their northern fortress. Alas for Harry Brook’s side, although they will still be in the Eliminator at the Kia Oval on Saturday, it was not to be.Starting on the same points total as the Trent Rockets but with a significant deficit in net run rate, the Superchargers were looking for a big win to give themselves a decent chance of finishing second in the group stages.The Originals won the toss and chose to field, with Anderson bowling the first ten, and rapidly picking up his first and second wickets in The Hundred, accompanied by a broad grin. He then had Brook dropped in the deep before seeing England’s white-ball captain try his falling-over scoop, the ball merely dribbling a few feet from the bat, Brook ending up on his bottom and Anderson in stitches.Brook (20 off 20) was then caught off Scott Currie and Zak Crawley (17 off 17) holed out, and at 73 for 5 off 67 balls, the Originals were in the box seat.Enter the 40-year-old Samit Patel, three years younger than Anderson perhaps, but still very much a senior citizen in professional cricketing terms. When he was dismissed off the penultimate delivery, he had pummelled four fours and three sixes in his 19-ball 42 and, along with David Miller (30 off 22), given the Superchargers something to defend despite Tom Aspinwall’s impressive 3 for 17.The Superchargers’ opening pair of Jacob Duffy and Matthew Potts were tidy, Phil Salt (9 off 13) and Ben McKinney (6 off 8) struggling to break free but once they had gone, Jos Buttler and Rachin Ravindra (47* off 23) showed just why they are rated two of the best white-ball batters in the world, a thrilling partnership of 99 off 48 ensuring the Originals finished the competition on a high and consigning the Superchargers to a third-place group finish, barring a catastrophic defeat by the Rockets to the Phoenix tomorrow at Trent Bridge.Buttler was imperious, smiting seven fours and five sixes in his 37-ball 70 before being bowled by Adil Rashid, at which point only 10 were needed off 21 balls. Rashid conceded 39 from his 20, the most he has ever leaked in The Hundred, and successive boundaries from Ravindra sealed the deal with seven wickets and 16 balls to spare.Meerkat Match Hero Jos Buttler said: “The surface was a bit tricky, a bit slow. I thought we bowled exceptionally well apart from three or four balls and that allowed us to chase it down. We showed our best cricket in this last game when we were already out of the tournament, which is frustrating.”Overall, over the course of the tournament, we left a lot out there. In a couple of games, we failed to get over the line and we are where we deserve to be in the end. Tonight we showed what we are truly capable of as a team.”

Vote for the best individual Border-Gavaskar Trophy performance by an Indian in Australia since 2000

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Oct-2024Update: This poll has ended. VVS Laxman’s performance goes into the quarter-finals. Check the other polls here.ESPNcricinfo LtdVVS Laxman’s maiden Test ton was the first of many special innings against Australia•AFP via Getty Images

VVS Laxman – 167 in Sydney, 2000

Australia win by an innings and 141 runs, and won the series 3-0After heavy defeats in Adelaide and Melbourne, India were running on fumes by the time the final Test began at the SCG. VVS Laxman wasn’t meant to open in Australia but the lack of viable options meant he had to perform a role he didn’t particularly enjoy.Up until Sydney, Sachin Tendulkar was the only Indian batter to have shown fight on the tour, but after India capitulated once again in the first innings, Laxman let rip. A blow to the helmet from Glenn McGrath was the trigger that made him play like he had nothing to lose.A maiden Test hundred off just 114 balls, full of gloriously languid drives and flicks that rivalled the watching Mark Waugh’s repertoire, grew into an innings of 167 with 27 boundaries. As he walked off the field to applause from the Australians on the field and in the stands, it was just the start of Laxman’s very, very special love affair with Australia.By Shashank KishoreWatch the highlights of these performances on the Star Sports network at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm IST, from October 25 onwards.Ajinkya Rahane led India’s turnaround from the front in Melbourne•Darrian Traynor/Cricket Australia/Getty Images

Ajinkya Rahane – 112 in Melbourne, 2020

India win by 8 wickets to level the series 1-1India would come to wear 36 all out like a badge, but imagine the scene of the immediate aftermath. They had collapsed to their lowest-ever total and let a promising position slip in the first Test of a tour already complicated by Covid-19 restrictions and injuries to key players. Now their captain Virat Kohli was going home too on paternal leave. In his place, India would be led by Ajinkya Rahane, a man under a bit of pressure, having contributed significantly to Kohli’s first-innings run-out, one of the turning points in Adelaide.India turned it around spectacularly at the MCG, and Rahane was a central figure. His captaincy was a key ingredient – he was part of a leadership group that decided India would strengthen their bowling rather than their batting in Kohli’s absence – but his most decisive contribution came with the bat.After India had dismissed Australia for 195 on Boxing Day, Rahane walked in at 61 for 2, which quickly became 64 for 3. His technique was under question after a second-innings duck in Adelaide, but he showed immense trust in his methods while soaking up early pressure, scoring just four off his first 30 balls, before his confidence and rhythm began to shine through. The bowling and the conditions were never less than challenging, but a shot of startling crispness – none crisper than the square-cut off Pat Cummins that brought up his century – would ever so often interrupt long periods of soft-hands defence. With Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja building defiant partnerships with him, Rahane went on to score a series-turning 112 that helped India take a decisive 131-run lead in the first innings of a famous victory.By Karthik Krishnaswamy

Sunderland fans need to soak up their side’s unbelievable story in the Premier League while they still can.

Of course, it would be monumental for the Black Cats to pull off an unexpected top-four finish on their return to the top-flight, but also, it’s potentially a tad unrealistic to expect them to be competing for a spot around the Champions League table all season long.

Fans of the Wearside giants wouldn’t be turning their noses up at safety, after all, having seen their beloved team be in the doldrums all the way down in League One, once upon a time.

But, after a mightily impressive five wins have now been collected from their opening nine league games, expectations have arguably shifted, with a comfortable mid-table finish – come the end of the gruelling 38-game marathon – not the craziest shout.

Regis Le Bris will just have to hope the bubble doesn’t burst anytime soon, as a possibly challenging January transfer window now comes into view.

Latest on Wilson Isidor's future

This is one major drawback to your success story being constantly in the limelight, as other suitors now attempt to poach your best talents from you.

Sunderland will have to stay strong, therefore, during what will be a likely hectic January window, with Football Insider recently revealing that scouts from several top clubs are tracking Le Bris’ main marksman in Wilson Isidor.

This comes after the composed Frenchman fired home his fourth Premier League strike of the season already, away at Chelsea last time out.

All this speculation surrounding Isidor’s future isn’t completely new, though, with reports back in September stating that Aston Villa were looking at the ex-Zenit St Petersburg attacker as another option up top, with a £35m price tag also rumoured.

With Villa struggling at the moment to get a tune out of Ollie Watkins, it isn’t the wildest suggestion to say that they could put their money where their mouth is and go after the Black Cats’ four-goal hero shortly, with Isidor being noted as looking “very comfortable” in the Premier League by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley directly after his side’s fantastic Stamford Bridge away day.

Brian Brobbey

4

0 + 1

Eliezer Mayenda

6

1 + 0

Sunderland aren’t overflowing with striker options if Isidor does depart, with Brian Brobbey – who cost a hefty £17.3m from Ajax this summer – yet to get off the mark for his new employers, away from putting his brute strength to good use against Chelsea to assist Chemsdine Talbi’s late winner.

Moreover, Eliezer Mayenda has somewhat faded into the background after a promising Championship campaign, as Sunderland now potentially prepares to go after this new striker, in a sensational January switch, to ease any Isidor-based worries.

Sunderland plot move for new striker

Even if the 6-foot-1 focal point were to remain put, Sunderland might be looking at adding depth to their centre-forward department, anyway.

Based on reports from Football Insider, the Black Cats could soon be welcoming back a familiar face to the Stadium of Light in the form of Chelsea hotshot Marc Guiu, who experienced an extremely short-lived three-game loan stint on Wearside earlier this campaign.

The £50k-per-week attacker would, unfortunately, be recalled, owing to injury issues depleting Enzo Maresca’s options in the striker spot.

Now, however, new reports suggest that a loan move for the Spaniard to return to Le Bris’ ranks might well be on the cards, as a spectacular return is plotted.

It will be interesting to see if the Blues do allow for Guiu to return to the North, considering the former Barcelona youngster has come back to Stamford Bridge and made quite the impression, with Maresca stating that the much-talked-about 19-year-old is “absolutely” in his first team plans, after bagging a Chelsea goal in the Champions League versus Ajax.

It could even be boldly argued that Guiu is a bigger talent than his Villa-linked counterpart, as the Spain U21 international now attempts to potentially set the Premier League alight, if a return to the Black Cats is signed off on.

How Guiu compares to Isidor

Initially, this might seem like a slightly naive take, considering Isidor is being tipped to move away from the Stadium of Light for £35m, after collecting four Premier League goals.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

In stark contrast, Guiu is yet to fire home a single Premier League strike situated in West London.

But, Isidor is very much prone to a no-show here and there in attack, too, with a mammoth 20 big chances missed last season in the Championship.

Consequently, his insane tally of four strikes, despite averaging just 12.8 touches of the ball per Premier League clash, is very unlikely to be sustainable in the long run.

Whereas, all of Guiu’s numbers to date in the senior game point in the direction that he could become even more lethal if given extended runs in a first-team setting, with the 19-year-old already being branded a “nightmare” for defenders to deal with by talent scout Jacek Kulig, irrespective of him only lining up for 30 senior games across his fledgling career.

The Granollers-born starlet has also been able to find the back of the net in some very intimidating environments, with the Blues’ number 38 already managing to score in the Champions League for both Barca and Chelsea, even if he still cuts a wide-eyed presence.

Chelsea

20

7 + 0

Barca Atletic

17

6 + 4

Barca Youth League

8

2 + 0

Barcelona

7

2 + 0

Sunderland

3

1 + 0

The table above only reinforces Guiu’s “exceptional” goalscoring ability – as he was once also lauded by former youth coach Albert Capellas – with Guiu even managing to fire home one solitary effort for Sunderland earlier in the season, before he saw his spell come to a sharp close.

Nine goals on the books of both Chelsea and Barca at a senior level will also encourage the Black Cats even more as they prepare to go back in for their ex-loanee, with a confidence that he could step up and be Sunderland’s main man if needed, having never looked fazed by any of the hurdles that have disrupted his journey so far.

There is also so much room for Guiu to grow and learn, with Le Bris perhaps the perfect manager to get more out of the exciting Spaniard in the short term, having garnered a “meticulous” reputation as a head coach, as noted by one of his ex-players in Matteo Guendouzi.

Moreover, the former Lorient boss also played a pivotal role in Jobe Bellingham exploding into life more on Wearside and eventually joining Borussia Dortmund, with Guiu perhaps dreaming of a similar rise, which is kick-started by working under Le Bris again.

On the contrary, Isidor could well have peaked already as an effective poacher in the Premier League, as Sunderland now works out the best possible contingency plan if their much-loved number 18 does leave imminently, with everything pointing to Guiu rejoining the ranks being a smart next move.

Forget Xhaka: £9.5m “colossus” is Sunderland’s best signing under Le Bris

Sunderland could now have found their best signing since Regis Le Bris joined the building in this £9.5m warrior.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 28, 2025

تواصل مسؤولو اتحاد الكرة، برئاسة هاني أبو ريدة، مع أوسكار رويز، رئيس لجنة الحكام، وتم الحديث معه عما أدلى به الحكمان محمود البنا وسامي هلهل بعدما هاجما أوسكار عقب إعلان اعتزالهما.

وأعلن البنا وهلهل اعتزالهما التحكيم، عبر حساباتهما على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي اعتراضًا على طريقة إدارة منظومة التحكيم.

وتقدم البنا باستغاثة لفخامة الرئيس عبد الفتاح السيسي رئيس جمهورية مصر العربية، موضحًا أنه اختار مخاطبته بعدما ضاقت السبل أمام أبناء منظومة التحكيم في ظل تجاهل المسؤولين لمطالبهم، واستحضار قيادات أجنبية لرئاسة لجان الحكام دون تحقيق تطوير حقيقي.

طالع | بيان رسمي من اتحاد الكرة بعد شكوى البنا وهلهل واعتزال التحكيم

وقال أوسكار رويز إن الثنائي غاضب بسبب الاستبعاد من القائمة الدولية، حيث قرر أن يهبط بمعدل أعمار الحكام في القائمة الدولية، وأن هذا الأمر اتفق عليه مع هاني أبو ريدة شخصيًا عندما تولى أوسكار المسؤولية.

وتابع أوسكار، أنه يقدر الحكام أصحاب الخبرات؛ ولكنه يستهدف إعداد جيل جديد من الحكام المصريين، بحسب ما علمه بطولات.

وكشف أوسكار، أن سفره إلى الخارج لأن لديه ارتباطات مع فيفا بصفته محاضر دولي هناك، وأن هذا الأمر أيضًا يعلمه مسؤولو اتحاد الكرة عند التعاقد معه، وتم التأكيد له بأن مسألة السفر لن تتسبب في أزمة بينه وبين الاتحاد.

وأكد مسؤولو اتحاد الكرة لأوسكار دعم الاتحاد الكامل له في تجربته الحالية مع التحكيم المصري.

The New York Yankees haven't made a big splash ahead of Thursday's MLB trade deadline just yet. Though they've made a few minor moves in the past few days, it seems as if the Yankees' front office has been working the phones with little coming to fruition.

According to a report from MLB insider Jon Heyman, New York has been fielding calls from teams interested in acquiring standout outfield prospect Spencer Jones, but they have rebuffed any attempt by declaring they'd only be willing to move Jones, along with other pieces, for Pirates ace Paul Skenes.

Heyman indicated that teams had been dangling good players in front of the Yankees in hopes of working out a deal for Jones, but the team has been consistent in that it won't trade him for anyone other than Skenes, who is not going to be traded by Pittsburgh.

It makes sense why the front office is so hellbent on keeping Jones. Since his promotion to Triple A, Jones has hit 13 home runs in just 21 games, and he has 29 home runs in 70 games in total this year. A former first-round pick, Jones has tremendous upside, and it seems the Yankees are determined to keep him in the organization at virtually any cost.

New York still has some other attractive prospects who could potentially fetch a big name at the trade deadline, including starting pitcher Cam Schlittler, but it appears Brian Cashman & Co. aren't even entertaining the idea of letting Jones go.

MatériaMais Notícias

O duelo entre Palmeiras e Novorizontino pela semifinal do Paulistão reserva um encontro pra lá de inusitado e especial. Já de contrato assinado até 2028 com o Verdão, quis o destino que o meia Rômulo disputasse um dos maiores jogos de sua curta carreira diante do clube que será a sua casa para os próximos anos.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasComo o Palmeiras pode utilizar o período sem jogos da Data Fifa?Palmeiras18/03/2024PalmeirasCinco recordes que o Palmeiras alcançou ao bater a Ponte Preta no PaulistãoPalmeiras18/03/2024PalmeirasSegunda no Palmeiras tem sorteio da Libertadores e teste em gramado do Allianz ParquePalmeiras18/03/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Mas a dúvida do torcedor é: será que o Rômulo vai poder enfrentar o Palmeiras mesmo já de contrato assinado com o Verdão? A resposta é, sim!

No contrato não há nenhuma cláusula que impeça a participação do camisa 10, que inclusive já enfrentou o Palmeiras nesta temporada, no jogo de estreia do Novorizontino no campeonato, quando a partida terminou empatada por 1 a 1.

Rômulo deve ser titular do time de Eduardo Baptista e o ex-técnico do Verdão não pensa em poupá-lo da partida por conta do vínculo que o atleta já criou com o Verdão.

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Um dos destaques da bela campanha do Tigre no Paulistão 2024, Rômulo chegou ao seu terceiro gol na competição ao marcar o importante tento que levou a partida diante do São Paulo para os pênaltis.

Quinta contratação do Palmeiras para esta temporada, Rômulo deve se apresentar ao Verdão assim que a trajetória do Novorizontino neste Paulista acabar, e quis o destino que o Verdão possa ser o responsável por ele chegar mais cedo na Academia de Futebol.

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Tudo sobre

Campeonato PaulistaPalmeirasPaulistão 2024

Kade Anderson's beginning to his MLB career was a bit more unusual than most draft prospects, largely because he didn't know where the city he was drafted to was located.

Anderson was the third player taken off the board in this year's draft, getting selected by the Mariners. The LSU product was the first lefty and the second pitcher taken in the draft, and is heralded as one of the most exciting prospects in his class.

After growing up in Louisiana and playing his college ball for the Tigers, Anderson is already experiencing a bit of culture shock with the move out to the Pacific Northwest. In fact, the 21-year-old admitted to reporters that he wasn't even aware of where Seattle was when the Mariners drafted him.

"I knew, kind of, a little bit of where it was, but had to really make sure. It's really shocked me how nice it is here. Super excited to get to learn the area… excited to just venture. I got to go to the fish market and do all of the cool Seattle things and learn what Seattle's all about," said Anderson.

While the weather in Seattle has been beautiful this summer, hopefully Anderson doesn't become disillusioned about the volume of rain that's to come. Still, he seems to have been thoroughly enjoying his time in the Pacific Northwest and seemed plenty eager to learn about his new surroundings.

Anderson was dominant at LSU, recording a 3.18 ERA with 180 strikeouts and 35 walks in 119 innings. Now, he becomes the latest arm in a Mariners organization that already boasts a grade-A pitching staff.

Big picture: A twist to the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka tale

Bangladesh cricket fans had to put on hold their antagonistic feelings towards Sri Lanka for a couple of days – they needed Sri Lanka to beat Afghanistan to stay alive in the Asia Cup, after all. That’s how it panned out, leaving Bangladesh fans thrilled. Social media in Bangladesh has been buzzing with self-deprecating memes, all with photos of the Sri Lankan flag or Bangladeshis wearing the Sri Lanka jersey.The rivalry that has developed over the last seven years has often been full of cringe-worthy elements, but it’s also true that the players have been able to move up an extra gear whenever they’ve been in contest with each other. So there is a lot of interest in Saturday’s match, the first of the Super Four stage.Related

• Pathum Nissanka is raising his bar one notch at a time

• With goals reset, Kusal Mendis finally finds his niche

• Nasum Ahmed's bouncebackability on show again

Charith Asalanka’s side has been the more dominant in the Asia Cup. They won all three of their group games, including against Bangladesh. Curiously, Hong Kong pushed them harder than Bangladesh or Afghanistan could.Importantly for them, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis commandeered the 170-run chase against Afghanistan relieving the pressure that’s been on Pathum Nissanka. The opener has been in good form and has been crying out for support. Sri Lanka were finally able to give that to him and will take confidence from that going into the pointy end of this tournament.2:18

Maharoof: Nissanka among the best all-format openers

Bangladesh have an opportunity for course correction. Some of it is already underway, with Parvez Hossain Emon losing his place in the team. Saif Hassan, who took his spot, has looked competent but Sri Lanka will be a major test for the comeback man. Bangladesh suffered back-to-back wicket maidens to start the game when the teams last met. The balance of their bowling is another puzzle they must solve. Their fifth-bowler combination (Saif and Shamim Hossain) didn’t work in the previous game.This promises to be a closer contest than the earlier game. The stakes are higher, with the first set of points crucial. Asalanka and Litton Das will also be leading two sets of players eager to one-up each other after a brief bit of peace.

Form guide

Bangladesh WLWWW
Sri Lanka WWWWLMustafizur Rahman has been effective, but not always frugal•Associated Press

In the spotlight: Mustafizur Rahman and Kusal Mendis

Mustafizur Rahman took three wickets to help Bangladesh against Afghanistan, but the left-arm quick has been quite expensive in the Asia Cup. Especially in the group match against Sri Lanka, Mustafizur bowled his most expensive spell of the year (3-0-35-1). Bangladesh will hope the left-arm quick returns to his stingy best. Mustafizur will have the added motivation of completing 150 wickets in T20Is – he is four short of the milestone – and also overtaking Shakib Al Hasan, who has 149.Kusal Mendis carried Sri Lanka to their six-wicket win against Afghanistan with a sparkling, unbeaten 74. Mendis is also very good against Bangladesh. He is already Sri Lanka’s second-highest run-getter with four centuries across formats against them. He is undoubtedly the key wicket in the Super Four opener.2:27

Abhinav lauds Bangladesh’s spin-choke tactic

Team news: Wellalage available to play

Bangladesh could bring in either of the allrounders Mahedi Hasan and Mohammad Saifuddin to fill their fifth-bowler gap.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Litton Das (capt, wk), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Shamim Hossain, 6 Nurul Hasan, 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Nasum Ahmed, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur RahmanDunith Wellalage, who flew back home following the death of his father, is set to rejoin the Sri Lankan team on the morning of the match and is available for selection.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kamil Mishara, 4 Kusal Perera, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt), 6 Kamindu Mendis, 7 Dasun Shanaka, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Dunith Wellalage, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Nuwan Thushara

Pitch and conditions: Struggle for runs in Dubai

Batters have only gone at a strike rate of 109.26 in Dubai at this Asia Cup. Abu Dhabi, for comparison, has been slightly better – 119.50. The slow nature of Dubai’s pitches have certainly helped the spinners. The weather forecast is for a typical hot evening.

Stats and trivia: Litton on top

• With 513 runs, Litton is currently this year’s top run-getter in T20Is among Full Member sides.
• Thushara’s 4 for 18 against Afghanistan is Sri Lanka’s best figures in the Asia Cup’s T20I version.
• Jaker has shown in the last 12 months that he has a few tricks up his sleeve but in this series, his 53 runs have required 48 balls and include only three fours.

Breaking into Didier Deschamps' France squad is one of the toughest tasks in international football, but Tottenham’s Wilson Odobert is rapidly forcing his way into the conversation. After battling through injuries, thriving under Thomas Frank, and emerging as a decisive presence for Spurs and France’s U21s, the 20-year-old winger is now reportedly on Deschamps' radar and the timing may finally be on his side.

Deschamps planning to call-up Spurs winger Wilson Odobert

A place in France’s senior squad is notoriously difficult to secure. Deschamps has always strive to have a balanced squad merging the team with new talent while maintaining loyalty to trusted figures like Randal Kolo Muani, Adrien Rabiot, and Lucas Hernandez, players he has selected consistently despite their patchy club form.

With Les Bleus already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, the competition only intensifies. According to L'Equipe, several players outside the current set-up believe they can force a late surge, but very few catch Deschamps’ attention. One who has is 20-year-old Odobert, now seen as an emerging contender thanks to his strong start to the season at Tottenham and sharp progression with France’s U21s.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportOdobert's Spurs breakthrough: From injury setback to key performer

Odobert’s debut season at Tottenham was turbulent but promising. After joining from Burnley in August 2024, a severe hamstring injury sidelined him for months, restricting him to 21 appearances. Still, he produced standout moments, most notably his Europa League brace against AZ, a decisive performance that helped Spurs overturn a deficit and eventually win the trophy in Bilbao.

This season marks a turning point. Injury-free and gaining rhythm, he has accumulated 679 minutes, scoring and assisting in recent matches. Coach Frank has stabilised Spurs' left wing by placing trust in Odobert, praising him for “stepping up” and delivering in key moments.

Odobert has embraced the tactical shifts under Frank, calling the system “top-notch” and highlighting the importance of patience and hard work. His mindset reflects maturity:

“If you look closely at our performances, we’ve been close even in the home losses. It’s about patience, hard work, and letting time take its course.”

The youngster recently earned the player of the match award for his performance against Manchester United helping the team clinch a 2-2 draw. Odobert’s ability to take on defenders, create opportunities, and remain effective under pressure showcased why he has become such a clutch player for manager Frank this season.

Why Deschamps is looking into Odobert's profile

Deschamps’ interest in Odobert aligns with both timing and profile. France’s attacking department is increasingly competitive, with recent call-ups Maghnes Akliouche and Rayan Cherki showing how quickly the hierarchy can shift. Yet Odobert offers something distinct herald by his direct wing play, verticality, and calmness in high-pressure moments, traits Deschamps values.

His 15 U21 appearances with five goals show consistent development, and his Premier League adaptation displays resilience after adversity. Deschamps has always appreciated players who overcome setbacks, evolve, and stay mentally strong. Odobert fits that mould perfectly.

With France seeking renewed attacking depth ahead of the World Cup, Odobert’s rising form gives Deschamps a compelling reason to hand him his first senior call-up, potentially opening the door to World Cup 2026 if he continues his ascent.

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AFPOdobert's time to shine for Les Blues

If Deschamps decides to include him, the timing could not be better for Odobert. He is fit, trusted by Frank, consistently performing, and mentally ready. A senior call-up now offers him exposure to elite international rhythm and a chance to impress before squad decisions tighten.

Tt is a strategic investment for Les Blues to include a winger who brings freshness, work ethic, and versatility. For Odobert, it is the opportunity he has been preparing for, to translate Premier League progress into international impact and position himself as a long-term attacking option for Les Bleus. If his upward trajectory continues, Odobert could become one of the surprise breakthrough names in Deschamps’ next squad.

Everton have enjoyed a solid start to the campaign. Negativity has wended its way in over recent weeks – and understandably so – but few expect the 14th-place Premier League side to slump into the drop zone and remain there.

Of course, neither are David Moyes’ team firing on all cylinders, and after a hard-fought draw at high-flying Sunderland on Monday evening, the issues relating to goals and strikers remained at the forefront.

Perhaps more concerning was the way the Toffees tapered off after the interval, almost knocked out of kilter by Granit Xhaka’s deflected howitzer moments into the second half; the Black Cats were on the hunt for much of the affair thereafter.

Moyes needs to fix these problems and ensure Everton push for an elusive place in the top half. But, in order to do this, he must find solutions to the current problems.

How Moyes can solve Everton's problems

Not to be unduly pragmatic, but the data suggests Everton are headed for a mid-table Premier League finish, settled somewhere on the bottom half of the ladder.

How to dissect the glaring conundrum on Moyes’ desk? Between them, Beto and Thierno Barry have scored one goal in the league this season, and the slew of missed chances are piling up.

Barry will be desperate to break his duck after moving to the Hill Dickinson from Villarreal for a £27m fee in July. A smart deal for a promising attacking talent wrapped up nice and early.

Things need to improve in the final third, with Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish keeping things afloat.

However, Moyes’ job would be a whole lot more unstable were the defenders not playing their part. James Tarkowski has not looked his sharpest so far this term, though Jordan Pickford is as important as ever. An issue down the defensive flanks is as noisy a talking point as the one at number nine.

With Jarrad Branthwaite yet to make his seasonal bow as he recovers from a hamstring injury, the Blues’ secure defence could have crumbled over the past few months, but there’s been an unlikely hero who is keeping Everton away from the maw of the relegation zone.

The Everton flop saving Moyes' skin

Toward the end of the 2024/25 campaign, it looked nailed on that Michael Keane would close the door on his Everton career, drawing to a close a career on Merseyside with many ups and downs.

Keane, 32, penned a new deal at the start of the summer, and that’s a move which has proved incredibly shrewd, for he has started all ten Premier League fixtures so far as Branthwaite recovers.

Once said to have “failed a succession of managers” at Goodison Park by writer Jim Keoghan, Keane looks as sharp and cultured as he ever has, really making a positive impression as the protective tissue in front of Pickford’s goal. Against Sunderland, for example, Liverpool World handed him a 9/10 match rating for his defensive contribution.

Looking at how Keane has fared alongside Tarkowski, you might argue he has been the superior man. Certainly, he has been less error-strewn in his efforts than the vice-captain.

The significance of Keane’s fine form in the rearguard cannot be understated. Branthwaite is indeed sidelined and may yet be uncleared for several months.

Imagine a world in which the Friedkin Group had opted against renewing Keane’s deal, content with the options at hand. It would have been disastrous and to the detriment of Moyes’ first full season back in charge.

Just look at the England international’s display at the Stadium of Light. His fearlessness to make one near-the-line clearance showcased his determination and spirit, and he has been a credit to Moyes’ team this year.

Issues persist at right-back, and while he’s imperfect in the role, Jake O’Brien has proved largely effective in an unnatural berth. Recalling him to central defence alongside Tarkowski might have had an adverse effect on the squad’s fluency, not least because of the lack of options in the position.

Would it be too much to claim Keane has been the signing of the summer for the Toffees? Perhaps not, considering the circumstances. His steely displays in front of Pickford’s goal might even be keeping Moyes in a job as he looks to find a successful formula to stave off any worries of yet another relegation-threatened campaign.

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By
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Nov 5, 2025