The washout means Wednesday’s match between England and Afghanistan is a knockout, with the loser certain of exiting the competition

Firdose Moonda25-Feb-2025

– Match abandoned due to rainThe much-anticipated Champions Trophy match between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi was washed out without even a toss, forget a ball being bowled, after persistent drizzle. The match was called off at 5.10pm local time, three hours and ten minutes after the scheduled start of play at 2pm and two hours and 22 minutes before the cut-off time for a 20-overs-a-side game, 7.32pm local time. This was due to be the teams’ first meeting at a Champions Trophy.The result means that if Australia and South Africa win their final group matches, against Afghanistan and England respectively, they will progress to the semi-finals. Wednesday’s match between Afghanistan and England is a knockout, with the loser certain of exiting the competition. The winner will have to beat their next opposition to make it through to the final four. As a result, one of the matches between Australia and Afghanistan on Friday and South Africa and England on Saturday could be a virtual quarter-final. Both Afghanistan and England have to win both their matches to qualify for the semi-finals.With no XIs named for this encounter, South Africa kept their cards close to their chest on Heinrich Klaasen’s availability. He missed their opening match against Afghanistan with an elbow injury and now has three more days to recover before the game against England on Saturday.This was due to be the first meeting between Australia and South Africa since the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final, which Australia won, and means that they continue to have the advantage over South Africa in ICC events. In nine matches, Australia have won four, South Africa three, there was a tie at the 1999 World Cup and now, their first washout.

Manchester United have started the 2025/26 campaign off with a wobble, and Ruben Amorim has it all to do if he is to turn things around and lead the club back into the ascendancy after so many years languishing well south of expectations.

A stuttering start to the Premier League term devolved into something of a graver concern on Wednesday evening, with League Two side Grimsby Town knocking United out of the Carabao Cup in a penalty shootout, having scored two goals apiece across the 90.

The biggest concern, undoubtedly, is that the Red Devils have been here before. Travel back to the end of the 2012/13 campaign and observe Sir Alex Ferguson’s last hurrah. There you will find Man United’s 20th league title, and there has not been another since.

United pride themselves on their deep-rooted connection with the youth scene, but it’s been a testing time in that regard too. Marcus Rashford now plies his trade for Barcelona, and Kobbie Mainoo’s struggles have come to something of a head, for the 20-year-old wants to detach himself from Amorim’s plans.

Kobbie Mainoo's Man Utd future

Man United have rejected a loan request from academy product Mainoo, with Amorim wishing to keep the prospect in his first-team squad despite limiting him to a peripheral role since replacing Erik ten Hag.

The all-action midfielder has played 73 times for United’s senior side over the past couple of years, reaching apotheosis when scoring in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, sealing silverware for Ten Hag in his second season.

Amorim appears to want Mainoo to remain in Manchester, but the young star has sat as an unused substitute for both of the club’s opening Premier League fixtures, and negotiations around an extension on his current contract, into its penultimate year, have stalled.

While retaining the services of such a young player is crucial and a core tenet of what it means to be Manchester United, Mainoos’ stance is understandable.

And if the Reds manage to pull off a deal they currently have in the pipeline, letting Mainoo leave, even just for a time, would be far more acceptable.

Man Utd lining up last-minute deal

According to Football Insider, Manchester United are plotting a last-minute move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, though they face stiff competition from Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Valued at around £100m by Eagles chairman Steve Parish, Wharton’s signature will not be an easy one to wrestle over to Old Trafford this summer, but that hardly means that INEOS and Jason Wilcox won’t give it their best shot, especially when considering the uncertainty around Mainoo’s future.

Though there are certain concerns that United don’t have the finances to complete such a deal, they had a vested interest in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba before the door was closed on the Cameroonian’s exit, and he has been priced in the same financial ballpark.

Why Man Utd want Adam Wharton

Amorim’s system at Man United has seen the skipper, Bruno Fernandes, forced into a deeper berth than we have become accustomed to over the years.

The Portuguese’s technical quality and playmaking ability align with the way in which Amorim envisages United playing, but this has come at a great cost for Mainoo, who is very much on the fringes of the action.

Wharton’s arrival would only be to his countryman’s personal detriment, but there’s no question that the Palace man is one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe, and that Amorim would hit the jackpot by securing his services.

A more creative distributor and perhaps a more wily defensive asset in the middle of the park, Wharton ranks among the top 8% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, and the top 5% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

In this way, he could be the perfect piece to replace Fernandes in this deeper berth, whose playmaking ability knows no bounds. Hailed as an “absolute magician” by journalist Liam Canning, it’s clear that someone with a similar maestro-like hold on the ball-playing game needs to step in.

1.

Bruno Fernandes

91

2.

Mohamed Salah

88

3.

Cole Palmer

86

4.

Enzo Fernandez

75

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

70

Moreover, Wharton is more of a natural middle-placed player, echoing the defensive work of Mainoo while proving himself able to progress the ball forward, by passing and carrying it forward himself, when the need arises.

He’s been described as a “generational talent” by journalist Matthew Stanger, and proved that he can get stuck in with the best of them after leaving Blackburn Rovers in the Championship and moving to Selhurst Park in January 2024, averaging three tackles per match across that Premier League season and winning 57% of his ground duels.

Therefore, Man United would land themselves a midfield fulcrum embodying exciting attributes from these two competing players, one best fit for the central berth in Amorim’s system, one catered toward the style of football that could lift United back into the ascendancy.

Mainoo might be a terrific, homegrown talent, but if United were to succeed in their bid to sign Wharton before the imminent closure of the transfer market, any frustration or sadness around his departure or regression down the ranks would be tempered by the acknowledgement that the project would be headed in the right direction.

In any case, INEOS’ willingness to rival Europe’s biggest hitters for this rising talent makes a firm comment on their desire to return to the forefront after many years away.

He's like Klopp: INEOS want "incredible" boss to replace Amorim at Man Utd

Manchester United could be set to part ways with Ruben Amorim and appoint their own Jurgen Klopp.

3 ByEthan Lamb Aug 29, 2025

Newcastle United’s summer has been anything but straightforward.

With the new Premier League campaign just days away, the club are still scrambling to resolve the situation at the top of the pitch.

Star striker Alexander Isak has made it clear he has no intention of reintegrating into the squad, regardless of whether he is sold before the close of the transfer window.

The Swede’s stance follows a drawn-out saga sparked by interest from Liverpool.

The Magpies have made it clear a deal will only happen if they secure a replacement, but time is ticking.

Newcastle’s pursuit of Benjamin Šeško ended in disappointment when the Slovenian opted to join Manchester United, and while Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is also on their radar, he is far from a guaranteed arrival.

Howe’s side are keen to kick on after reinforcing other areas of the squad this summer.

Powerhouse striker on Newcastle's Radar

Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale have all arrived, while a £40m deal for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is also close.

But for all these moves, one priority towers above the rest: finding a forward capable of leading the line immediately.

That need has now led Newcastle towards a different profile of striker – one whose power, aggression, and direct approach offers a striking contrast to Isak’s elegance and technical artistry.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Newcastle are expected to submit a bid for FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa, a forward described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “a true monster in the making.”

Porto are understandably reluctant to lose their talisman, particularly so late in the window, but are braced for offers after the 21-year-old’s outstanding season in Portugal.

Since joining from Atlético Madrid last summer in a deal worth around £15 million, Samu has netted 27 goals in 45 games, including 19 in the league and six in the Europa League.

Standing at 1.93m, he blends physicality with pace, making him a constant threat in attack.

Porto are holding firm with a £70m valuation, buoyed by the fact Atlético Madrid hold a 50% sell-on clause, making any sale difficult.

Samu is said to be open to a Premier League move, drawn by the league’s competitiveness and profile, but happy to stay at Porto if no deal materialises.

For Newcastle, though, his mix of power, directness, and ruthless finishing could be exactly what is needed to replace Isak and keep their attacking structure intact.

A contrasting style to Isak

Newcastle’s interest comes with good reason.

According to FBref, Samu ranks in the 75th percentile for non-penalty xG per 90 (0.43), the 86th percentile for total shots (3.10), and a remarkable 96th percentile for pass completion (77.8%).

His 5.45 touches in the opposition penalty area per game reflect a striker who lives on the shoulders of defenders, while his high work rate – ranking in the 73rd percentile for interceptions – shows his willingness to press from the front.

While both Isak and Samu are prolific centre-forwards, their playing styles differ significantly.

Isak combines close control and quick footwork to manoeuvre through tight spaces.

He excels in link-up play, often dropping deep to bring teammates into the attack, and shows exceptional composure when finishing with either foot.

His intelligent positioning and subtle movement make him difficult to mark, opening channels for runs in behind from the likes of Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon.

Samu, on the other hand, is a more direct, physically dominant striker.

He thrives on aggression, often backing into defenders to hold up play before spinning into space.

His aerial presence is matched by a powerful burst of acceleration, making him ideal for counter-attacking situations.

Unlike Isak’s more measured style, Samu looks to unsettle defences through constant pressure, using his frame to win duels and his pace to exploit gaps.

In statistical terms, Samu’s higher volume of shots and penalty-box touches suggest a striker who is more frequently the direct end point of attacks, whereas Isak’s strengths lie in creating space for others as well as for himself.

The potential shift from one profile to the other would require tactical adjustments.

Newcastle may become more direct in transition, with a greater emphasis on exploiting Samu’s physicality rather than the intricate build-up play often used to accommodate Isak’s style.

For Eddie Howe, that change could also provide a fresh dimension.

Newcastle’s transfer strategy this summer has already been shaped by necessity.

Missing out on Šeško and facing stiff competition for other targets has narrowed their options, but Samu’s profile stands out.

If Newcastle can push a deal over the line, they won’t just have a like-for-like replacement for Isak, they’ll have a completely different type of threat, one capable of bullying defenders, dominating aerially, and finishing with the same efficiency that has made him one of Europe’s most coveted young strikers.

Whether that change will ultimately strengthen the Magpies’ attack or force an adjustment period remains to be seen – but in the short term, it could be the bold, aggressive step they need to keep their season on track.

Their new Gordon: Big-money star "wants to join" Newcastle before Saturday

Newcastle United push ahead with £40m transfer that could weaken direct rivals.

ByWill Miller Aug 13, 2025

Chelsea star Malo Gusto delivered a brutal verdict on their Carabao Cup win against Lincoln and admitted that Enzo Maresca's side were "bullied" by the minnows. The Blues found themselves on the wrong end of a League One masterclass in the opening 45 minutes, trailing 1-0 and struggling to force a single shot on target at the LNER Stadium.

• Maresca furious at the break

  Maresca was visibly irate at half-time, and for good reason. The Imps had peppered Chelsea’s box with relentless crosses, set-pieces, and long throw-ins, with the Premier League side unable to assert themselves at any point. Gusto backed up his manager’s anger, praising the response from the squad after the break.

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• AFP
  

  Quickfire Chelsea comeback

  The Blues turned the game on its head almost immediately after the restart. Two rapid-fire strikes, Tyrique George followed by Facundo Buonanotte, slammed the door on Lincoln’s hopes and highlighted the gulf in quality once Chelsea finally found their rhythm.

• Gusto slammed first half display

  "Of course, in the first-half we played like kids," said Gusto. "They bullied us in every part of the pitch. It was really bad for us. The second-half was important to come back with more desire, more confidence. It is important for the team to keep building these kinds of things to become better. We knew they were going to play like this. It was their qualities, so they played with that. We were aware before of that. It was the game. The game was about duels, fighting. That is why we tried to do more in the second-half to show our desire to win, and that is what we did."

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• Carabao Cup progress secured

  Chelsea’s hard-fought win sends them into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, with the draw set to follow Arsenal’s tie at Port Vale later this evening. Despite the shaky start, Gusto is determined to use the match as a lesson in resilience for the team moving forward. 

  "We are on the way to win this trophy," Gusto continued. "We want to win it, for sure. We know that last season was good for us in terms of trophies, but we want more for this season. Of course, we are going to do our best. Today was important to win, to get back in a good way, and in this competition to try our best and to go as far as possible."

كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير كواليس حديثه مع كريم الدبيس، ظهير أيسر فريق سيراميكا كليوباترا، بشأن تفاصيل الإصابة التي تعرض لها خلال مواجهة حرس الحدود بالدوري، والتي انتهت بفوز فريقه بثلاثية دون رد.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الأربعاء: “الحقيقة أنني تحدثت أمس مع كريم الدبيس بعدما شاهدت إصابته في المباراة، وشعرت بقلق شديد، فتواصلت معه فورًا، وأخبرني بأنّ التشخيص المبدئي يشير إلى إصابته بتمزق في العضلة الضامة”.

وتابع: “كريم الدبيس أوضح لي لاحقًا أن الإصابة في العضلة الخلفية وليست في الركبة، وأكد أنه حمد الله كثيرًا لأن شكل الإصابة في التلفاز كان مقلقًا للغاية”.

طالع أيضًا | “مش بنلعب في الشارع”.. شوبير يرد على تصريحات رئيس قطاع ناشئين بيراميدز بسبب أزمة لقاء الأهلي

وواصل: “سألته إن كان قد تعرض لاحتكاك قوي أو (طرقعة) في الركبة، فأجاب بالنفي وقال الحمد لله لم يحدث شيء من ذلك، وسيجري أشعة لتحديد حجم الإصابة بدقة”.

وأضاف: “اللاعب أكد أن الإصابة بعيدة تمامًا عن الركبة، لكنها إصابة في العضلة الخلفية، وهي من الإصابات الثقيلة التي تحتاج لفترة علاج تتراوح بين شهرين إلى ثلاثة أشهر، ومع ذلك، فهناك جانب إيجابي، إذ يتزامن غيابه مع فترة التوقف بسبب بطولتي العرب وإفريقيا”.

واختتم: “للأسف حظه لم يكن جيدًا، فاللاعب كان قد انضم مؤخرًا إلى المنتخب وقدم أداءً مميزًا، لكنه مؤمن بأن ما حدث قَدَر من الله، ويحمده على أن الإصابة لم تكن أخطر من ذلك، أتمنى له الشفاء العاجل، وسيغيب عن المباريات لفترة ليست قصيرة، تبدأ من لقاء كهرباء الإسماعيلية المقبل بإذن الله”.

Paris Saint-Germain will attempt to prevent the injured Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from joining the Georgia national team after he was called up for their World Cup qualifiers. The French champions, already frustrated after Ousmane Dembele's recent injury on international duty, will attempt to prevent their star winger from travelling.

• PSG show concern for Kvaratskhelia

  PSG are heading towards another club-versus-country dispute after the injured Kvaratskhelia was named in Georgia's squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers. According to a report from Spanish outlet , the French champions will attempt to prevent their star forward from joining his national team as he recovers from a thigh injury.

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• Kvaratskhelia called up despite thigh injury

  Georgia coach Willy Sagnol included Kvaratskhelia in his squad for crucial matches, starting with a fixture against Spain on October 11. However, the winger is currently sidelined after picking up a thigh injury in last Saturday's Ligue 1 match against Auxerre. The problem forced him to miss the midweek Champions League clash with Barcelona, and he has also been ruled out of Sunday's trip to Lille. Medical reports suggest a recovery period of at least 10 days, making his availability for international duty highly unlikely.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Dembele dispute fuels PSG's frustration

  PSG's firm stance is influenced by a recent negative experience during the September international break. The club alerted the French Football Federation (FFF) that Dembele was not fully fit, but the player was used by Didier Deschamps and subsequently suffered a thigh injury. That incident created a dispute between the club and the FFF and has made PSG particularly cautious about releasing players who are carrying injuries.

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• PSG's stance on Georgia's 'crucial' qualifiers

  While Georgia are keen to have their most important player available for what they consider vital qualifying games, PSG's medical staff are focused solely on his recovery. The Parisian club is expected to make contact with their Georgian counterparts to insist that Kvaratskhelia remains in the French capital to complete his rehabilitation. According to reports, the club's staff are not considering "any scenario other than him completing his recovery in Paris."

Tottenham are in the market for three new signings before the imminent transfer deadline on September 1, with Thomas Frank eyeing a new centre-back, winger, and, perhaps most importantly, a new number 10.

Spurs were a thorn in Man City’s side last weekend as the Lilywhites once again established themselves as Pep Guardiola’s bogey team, coming away from Eastlands with an impressive 2-0 win.

However, off the field, City are reluctant to sell Savinho – a player who Frank personally wants – to the north Londoners and are making it very difficult.

Tottenham opened negotiations for Savinho over a fortnight ago, and since then, chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly seen a £42 million offer rejected whilst City take a public stance that he’s not for sale.

That being said, Levy is apparently refusing to give up on signing the 21-year-old, and Spurs are ready to bid over £60 million to tempt the Sky Blues into selling in the next few days.

Unfortunately for Frank, as it is this late in the window, a deal for Savinho is also dependent on Guardiola bringing in an elite replacement – so Levy is counting on a dramatic last-gasp transfer domino to land the Brazilian.

Alternatively, Spurs do have other options to bolster their wide area, and one of them is wantaway Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

The Nigerian, who won last 2024’s African Player of the Year award, scored a stunning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in last year’s Europa League final to end their unprecedented 23/24 unbeaten run.

Lookman also bagged a brilliant 20 goals in all competitions last season, but he’s publicly admitted to lodging a transfer request as the versatile attacker looks to seal a move elsewhere.

Tottenham offered Ademola Lookman as Savinho alternative

According to reliable football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold, Tottenham are among the sides who’ve been offered Lookman, and he could be a great alternative to Savinho.

As well as being able to play in the latter’s position out wide, the 27-year-old can operate as a second striker, centre-forward and even as a playmaker when required – so this could be attractive to Frank.

His proven goal return and £43 million valuation are obvious temptations too, and Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a move to the Premier League is a real possibility for the player.

He was unwell and did not play KKR’s previous game against RR

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Mar-2025

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) allrounder Sunil Narine is “100% fit” for their next match in IPL 2025 against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. He had missed KKR’s previous match, against Rajasthan Royals, because he was unwell and resumed training on Saturday evening after the team arrived in Mumbai from Guwahati.Narine trained with the rest of the squad on Sunday as well, starting with a football game before bowling in the nets along with spinner Varun Chakravarthy.”Sunil is 100% fit. He has definitely recovered well and he’s been practising since yesterday,” KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit said on Sunday. “Today he is practising as well so he is absolutely fine at the moment.”ESPNcricinfo learned Narine was ill on the morning of KKR’s previous game, which they won against RR, and was replaced by Moeen Ali as a spinner who also opened the innings.Narine, it is understood, needed medical attention at the time but he returned to the team hotel in the evening and was a part of their celebrations.”I’ve been practising well, and I just try to be ready all the time,” Moeen said after the match about his unexpected season debut. “I got told this morning that Sunny [Narine] was not well and to just be ready whenever. Obviously, hard to replace Sunny but I felt like I did a nice job of it.”You’re just waiting for your turn and when the chance comes, you try and take it as much as you can. But on some wickets like today, I probably used my experience as much as I could to actually keep it simple, keep the stumps in play, keep the line to the left-handers in particular quite straight and just try and spin the ball.”Moeen did well with the ball, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana to finish with 2 for 23 from his four overs. He struggled with the bat though, scoring 5 in 12 balls.Narine, an integral part of KKR since his first season in 2012, was one of their better performers in the opening-night loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), at home in Kolkata. He scored 44 off 26 balls after an initial struggle to get going and then took 1 for 27 as KKR went down by seven wickets.

Chelsea are now willing to pay nearly £87m to ensure they win the race for an “unbelievable” attacker in 2026, having identified him as a major target.

Blues willing to spend big on "unbelievable" attacker

With Cole Palmer recently spending time on the sidelines due to a groin injury, Joao Pedro has moved into a slightly deeper role, playing in-behind striker Liam Delap, but the Englishman has also now been ruled out for an extended period.

Enzo Maresca has confirmed Delap is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, saying: “Hopefully it’s not long, but this kind of case can be six, eight weeks.”

Subsequently, the Blues have now bolstered their attacking options even further by bringing in Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion until the end of the season.

However, given the nature of the deal, which does not include an option or obligation to buy, Buonanotte is unlikely to be a long-term solution in attacking midfield, and the west Londoners are now prepared to spend big to win the race for a Premier League star.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea are now willing to pay almost €100m (£87m) for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, with a new approach for the attacking midfielder being planned for 2026.

Rogers was identified as a target during the summer transfer window, but they were unable to prise him away from Villa, who have set an asking price of £100m to deter potential suitors, with Tottenham Hotspur also thought to be keen.

Related Boehly ditched Chelsea's own Alexander Isak in "unbelievable" talent

The talented international could have an excellent season away from Chelsea.

Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 6, 2025

Several elite clubs are in the race for the 23-year-old, with the west Londoners identifying him as a major target off the back of an impressive 2024-25 campaign, but the Villans are hoping to retain their prized asset, suggesting negotiations could be tricky.

"Unbelievable" Rogers would provide Maresca with great depth

Buonanotte could be considered a strange signing, given that the 20-year-old has only joined on loan, but it may actually be a savvy move, given that there are few players in the world capable of displacing Palmer in the starting XI.

Consequently, it makes sense to have a younger back-up option, who may be more content with receiving limited game time, but that is unlikely to be the case for Rogers, who has established himself as a Premier League star at Villa.

Indeed, the attacking midfielder has received plenty of plaudits for his performances in a Villa shirt, with agent Hesham Bilal-Hafiz singling him out for particular praise.

Given that the England international is capable of playing on both wings, scoring 21 goals in 85 appearances on the left, he could also push for a starting spot out wide, meaning he would provide Maresca with great depth in attack.

Everton have raced out of the blocks firing on all cylinders so far this season.

Sometimes, change is unwelcome, but it appears that many of the new signings that arrived through the door this summer have been worthwhile investments, with the Toffees picking up two victories from a possible three in the Premier League so far.

Jack Grealish is hogging the limelight in this regard, and rightly so, as David Moyes beams from ear to ear about the attacking talent he now has at his disposal, alongside the assist king.

Why Grealish is king of Everton's new-look attack

There’s no danger that the former Aston Villa man could be hurt on the international break, with the 29-year-old far removed from Thomas Tuchel’s England plans at this moment in time.

Never say never about him donning Three Lions white again, however, if his early, scintillating form for the Toffees is anything to go by, with a stunning four assists seeing him lead the early assist charts in the Premier League.

Such has been the Englishman’s form that he’s in line to be crowned one of the division’s best players in the league over the first three gameweeks of the campaign.

It would not be a surprise if Grealish got in on the goalscoring act with a few strikes of his own, too, with Iliman Ndiaye leading the way for Moyes and Co in terms of goals, away from the number 18’s creative prowess stealing headlines.

Following on from his heroics at Goodison Park last season – where he netted nine strikes in league action – Ndiaye has taken to Everton’s new home at the Hill Dickinson Stadium like a duck to water, having actually picked up the individual accolade of scoring the first-ever goal by a Toffees player at their fresh and modern home.

He also helped secure Everton’s second victory of the season when bagging at Molineux, with the £17m spent on the ex-Sheffield United winger’s services last year continuing to reap its rewards.

Despite that, Grealish undenidably feels like their best player at the moment, but remarkably, there is another standout figure in Moyes’ camp worth even more than both Ndiaye and the Toffees loanee, who will surely be another player the Scotsman can rely on to keep up Everton’s red-hot start.

Worth more than Grealish & Ndiaye: Everton have struck gold

There will be some worries on Moyes’ end regarding the leaky nature of his defence across these promising victories.

Indeed, two goals were shipped away at Wolves last time out in league action despite their lowly early league position, with the centre-back partnership of Michael Keane and James Tarkowski perhaps a little too weathered to ride out a full season together.

This is where Jarrad Branthwaite will come to the rescue when he’s back to full fitness, having unfortunately had to sit out the start of this season so far, owing to injury concerns.

Reports suggest he should be back by the end of September, and it will be a welcome return to the first-team fold for Moyes, with the Cumbrian titan starring last campaign under the ex-West Ham United manager’s guidance when relegation worries still loomed large on Merseyside.

Games played

30

Goals scored

0

Assists

1

Touches*

51.9

Accurate passes*

32.7 (83%)

Ball recoveries*

3.1

Clearances*

6.3

Total duels won*

3.9

Clean sheets

8

Just two games back into Moyes’ second reign at the club, Branthwaite was heroically putting his body on the line during a 1-0 win away at Brighton and Hove Albion, winning a valiant four duels on the day, typical of his commanding duels won average for the entire campaign.

Hailed as “magnificent” by Alan Shearer when first making waves on Merseyside, it is incredible how quickly the 6-foot-5 warrior has become the first name on the teamsheet when fit, having originally only cost the Toffees a measly £1m to win from his local side Carlisle.

Now, off the back of being consistently imperious across 75 Premier League clashes and counting, his transfer worth has skyrocketed to a mighty £43m, according to Transfermarkt. Amazingly, Grealish is only worth around £24m as per the same source, while Ndiaye comes in at an even lower valuation of £19m.

While Moyes will undoubtedly be pleased with his side’s electric start, he will pray that this is a sign that they can compete near the top of the league all season long, rather than it being a flash-in-the-pan moment.

With Branthwaite back in the team shortly, more staunch defensive performances should be on display, with even more wins to then hopefully write home about.

He’s Everton’s best defender and a European charge could well be on the way once he returns.

Imagine him & Grealish: Everton may have Baines 2.0 in 19-year-old starlet

Everton’s next Leighton Baines could be a perfect partner to Jack Grealish down the left flank

ByWill Miller Sep 6, 2025