Jhulan Goswami: 'As a bowling unit, we need to take up more responsibility'

“We have discussed a lot of things, hopefully, we sort it out and we come back strongly”

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Jun-20214:02

Jhulan Goswami – ‘When someone’s making a comeback in international cricket, its not about their technical abilities it’s about how they handle the pressure

Jhulan Goswami believes that India “need to take up more responsibility” as a bowling unit if they are to save the three-match ODI series against England after going 1-0 down in Bristol on Sunday.Having posted a below-par 201 for 8 after being put in, India suffered an eight-wicket defeat with England chasing the target down with more than 15 overs to spare. While England’s four-pronged pace attack played a crucial part in keeping the visitors in check, Goswami was the only quick to pick up a wicket from the Indian bowling department.Goswami said the rustiness of other seamers – Shikha Pandey and Pooja Vatsrakar – was the primary reason for their disappointing outing despite conditions assisting the quicks. But she has “full confidence” that both players will bounce back given “a little bit of time.”Related

Ramesh Powar wants to widen India Women's fast-bowling pool ahead of 2022 World Cup

Shikha Pandey: 'If the batters can't get us runs, we bowlers need to fight hard and back them'

Karim calls for 'strong foundation' to speed up growth of women's cricket

Raj bemoans lack of strike rotation after India slip to heavy defeat

England thrash India by eight wickets with all-round display

Pandey was playing an ODI after nearly 18 months and has now gone wicketless in her 20 overs bowled across two matches (one-off Test and an ODI) in England. Allrounder Vastrakar is also on a comeback trail after having last played an ODI in April 2018 before the first match in Bristol. She returned figures of 0 for 23 on Sunday.”Both of our medium pacers – Shikha Pandey, Pooja Vastrakar – and we have another two pacers in the side, all of them are good cricketers,” Goswami said on Tuesday, the eve of the second ODI.Jhulan Goswami was the only Indian quick to pick up a wicket in the first ODI against England•Getty Images”At this moment, Shikha is coming back from a break, she was not there in our last series. Pooja is playing after a long time. They need a little bit of time, and they will do well. They have already proved that they are quality bowlers, they have single-handedly won matches for India.”When you are making a comeback in international cricket after a long lay-off, it’s not about your technical abilities. There will be pressure. It’s about how you handle it. I am very confident of our bowling line-up.”India opted for three seamers and two spinners in the first ODI, but they may already be rethinking that. Goswami, though, feels the team “needs to come back strongly as a bowling unit” irrespective of the combination, and not look at individual performances to win the upcoming matches in England.”Whatever the score is on the board, we need to come back as a unit. It’s not about individuals,” Goswami, who has 234 wickets in 187 ODIs, said. “We still lack on that front (firing as a unit). We have discussed a lot of things, hopefully, we sort it out and we come back strongly. You have to believe in these bowlers, they are your best bowlers, they have the ability. They have done well in the past, they are coming back after a long haul. We will come back strongly.”And as a bowling unit, we need to take up more responsibility and perform on the field. As a team, we need to perform well to win the upcoming matches.”India’s inability to post a competitive total and minimise their dot-ball percentage also hurt the team immensely after they were handed a thrashing in Bristol. While Raj’s 72 off 108 balls was crucial to get them past 200, very few of the line-up have shown the ability to ramp up the scoring rate.

“Whatever the score is on the board, we need to come back as a unit. It’s not about individuals.”Jhulan Goswami

Goswami believes that it is just a matter of time before the batters, especially the middle order, get into their groove.”It was just the first match for Shafali (Verma). You are expecting so much from her because that’s the impact she has had,” Goswami said. “Coming back to Nos. 3, 4 and 5, Punam Raut has plenty of experience. Mithali has been playing for many years and has been very consistent. She batted very well in the series against South Africa and also scored fifty in the first match against England now. We know what Harman (Harmanpreet Kaur) is capable of. They just need one good knock. If we get some runs from the top order, we will be in a better position.”

Pole position: Newcastle now ready to make £18.5m offer to sign "big star"

Newcastle United are believed to be in pole position to complete the signing of a "breathless" Serie A star in 2025, according to a new transfer rumour.

Newcastle transfer news

While the summer transfer window is now closed, the Magpies are still being linked with moves for players in the future, as they look to continue growing as a team under Eddie Howe.

Manchester United winger Antony has emerged as a potentially divisive target for the Premier League club, with the Red Devils thought to be willing to sell him for £40m, which would be a huge loss on him after they paid Ajax £80m+ for his services. The Brazilian's lack of end product would make him a risky addition, however, with only 16 goal contributions (11 goals and five assists) coming his way in 83 appearances.

Rumours of a move for Adrien Rabiot are also still not going away, with the 29-year-old one of the most sought-after free agents on the market after leaving Juventus at the end of last season. The Magpies are thought to be battling United for his signature – both clubs are preparing offers for him – while Galatasaray are seemingly now out of the race.

With Kieran Trippier now an ageing figure whose best days are behind him, and Tino Livramento a young player still learning his trade, it looks as though Newcastle are targeting a new right-back.

Newcastle in pole position for "breathless" player

According to InterLive [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are leading the race to sign Inter Milan ace Denzel Dumfries, as they eye a move for him in 2025. The Magpies are = ready to send a proposal worth £18.5m, with a move in the January transfer window their preference. The Dutchman is in the final year of his current deal and doesn't seem close to agreeing an extension with the Serie A giants, allowing suitors to swoop in with bids in the winter window.

Dumfries has now proven himself as a top-level player for many years, providing so much attacking thrust from right-back and making 134 appearances for Inter, as well as winning 59 caps for the Netherlands, for which Rafael van der Vaart called him "our big star".

Meanwhile, Micah Richards heaped praise on the Dutchman for his influence during the 2022 World Cup: "Denzel Dumfries. What a player he is. I just thought his whole game was brilliant. It was his timing of his runs. He didn’t sort of mix it up too much but when he did it was the right moments. Down this right-hand side he was just breathless."

The fact that Dumfries is nearly out of contract means that Newcastle would be able to get him on the cheap, with £18.5m a bargain in the modern game, particularly for such an experienced and highly-rated player.

Newcastle could regret selling £1.8m ace who outscored Gordon in 23/24

He’s gone on to have a successful career away from St James’ Park.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 8, 2024

If they could strike a deal for the 28-year-old in January it would be ideal, potentially allowing Trippier to depart at the same time, but arriving at St James' Park next summer would also be a positive outcome.

Club president says Liverpool tried & failed to sign his star before Chiesa

Whilst they did manage to get deals over the loan to sign Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili, Liverpool were also reportedly in talks to sign another winger before their deal collapsed.

Liverpool transfer news

Aside from two late additions, Liverpool endured a quiet first transfer window under Arne Slot with their biggest moment the Martin Zubimendi saga. For a moment, it looked as though the Spaniard was on his way to provide the Reds with the solution at the base of their midfield once and for all, only to stay put at Real Sociedad.

Martin Zubimendi

Those at Anfield then decided that it was Zubimemdi or no one in midfield, opting instead to solve future problems with the addition of an Alisson replacement in Mamardashvili and a right-winger to compete or perhaps replace Mohamed Salah next summer in Chiesa.

After putting pen to paper at the club, Chiesa revealed his delight, telling Liverpool's official website: “I’m so happy to be a Liverpool player. When Richard Hughes called me and he said, ‘Do you want to join Liverpool?’ – and the coach called me – I said yes immediately because I know the history of this club, I know what it represents to the fans. So, I’m so happy and I can’t wait to get started.”

Liverpool must regret selling a star with more PL goals than Salah in 23/24

He’s starred away from Anfield over the last few years.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 5, 2024

As it turns out, however, there was another attacking option before they turned to the Italian. According to Pumas president Luis Raul Gonzalez Perez, as relayed by LFC Transfer Room, Liverpool were in talks to sign Cesar Huertas before the deal fell through. The Reds reportedly planned to loan the winger to Sunderland, only for the Black Cats to fail in their side of the negotiations.

Having been in such advanced talks to sign the 23-year-old that they were already planning his loan move, Huertas may well be one to watch when the January transfer window swings open in the new year.

Liverpool don't need Huertas after Chiesa

Whilst at 23 years old, Huertas would be someone for years to come, Liverpool's best depth comes on the left-hand side, which the addition of Chiesa only added to given his versatility. Alongside Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Chiesa, the chances of Huertas breaking into Slot's side were slim to none.

The saving grace could have been the fact that Huertas can play on the right-hand side amid doubts over Salah's long-term future. As a player who managed 12 goals and nine assists in the last campaign, the Mexican may well be one of few players in good stead to step in and complete the near-impossible task of replacing the Egyptian.

Now, that task looks likely to go the way of Chiesa, especially if Salah does depart at the end of his current contract next summer as will be the case if nothing changes in the coming months.

Woakes reaches career-high third spot among ODI bowlers

David Willey and Tom Curran also move up after impressive returns against Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jul-2021Chris Woakes has achieved a career-high third spot among ODI bowlers after picking up six wickets in two games against Sri Lanka last week. Woakes, who won the match award for his 4 for 18 in the opening game, jumped four positions to slot in behind Trent Boult and Mehidy Hasan. Woakes’ previous best in the bowlers’ rankings was the No. 4 spot, which he reached in September 2020.Woakes also jumped one place to No. 3 among allrounders – he overtook Ben Stokes, and is now only behind Shakib Al Hasan and Mohammad Nabi.Related

Mithali back as No. 1 ODI batter, for the eighth time

De Kock returns to top ten after big runs against West Indies

England quicks David Willey and Tom Curran also moved up. Willey went up 13 places to the 37th spot and Curran jumped 20 places to the 68th position after the 2-0 (the third match was washed out) series win. Willey was named the player of the series for his nine wickets from three games, while Curran had four strikes in two outings.Among batters, Joe Root moved up two places to the 13th position and Eoin Morgan from 26th to 25th. For Sri Lanka, Dhananjaya de Silva gained ten slots to reach the 74th rank.In the T20I rankings, Quinton de Kock advanced nine places to No. 13 after scoring 255 runs against West Indies, and Aiden Markram broke into the top 20 at the 19th place, and George Linde moved up 30 places to 43rd.For West Indies, Evin Lewis moved up from tenth to ninth among batters and Dwayne Bravo jumped from No. 95 to No. 44 among bowlers after his tally of ten wickets in the series.

Revealed: Rodrygo rejected 'very attractive' Man City transfer offer in summer window despite 'personal problems' at Real Madrid

Rodrygo had reportedly rejected a "very attractive" Manchester City transfer offer in the summer window despite "personal problems" at Real Madrid.

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Rodrygo in fine form at Real MadridWas key in Real's La Liga & UCL triumphsMan City wanted to sign him in the summerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

During the 2023-24 season, Rodrygo played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's success, contributing 18 goals and nine assists which were instrumental in helping the team secure the La Liga and Champions League titles. With injuries plaguing teammates like Vinicius Junior early in the season and Jude Bellingham struggling for form toward the end, Rodrygo stepped up to fill critical gaps in the squad. His versatility, including his ability to play as a centre forward despite it not being his preferred position, was vital for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. However, despite his contributions, Rodrygo often found himself overshadowed by the star power of his team-mates. The spotlight remained firmly on Vinicius and Bellingham, leaving the former Santos player longing for greater recognition from fans.

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According to , Rodrygo's lack of public acclaim, combined with 'personal problems', led to periods of frustration. The offer from City was highly appealing, but Rodrygo’s desire to succeed with Los Blancos ultimately guided his decision to stay at Santiago Bernabeu. The club, for its part, was equally determined to keep him, viewing him as a vital part of their long-term plans.

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite the turbulence, Rodrygo began the current season determined to prove his value again. After overcoming his muscle troubles, the Brazilian delivered standout performances in the Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca and also found the net in a year-ending clash with Sevilla, reinforcing his position as a key player for the team. Carlo Ancelotti’s trust in the young forward has further bolstered his confidence, allowing him to regain form at a pivotal moment.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR RODRYGO?

As Real Madrid enter 2025 with a La Liga clash against Valencia on January 3 followed by a Copa del Rey clash against Dep Minera three days later, Rodrygo’s resurgence couldn’t come at a better time. The forward will also look to shine again at the Spanish Super Cup in the second week of January with another opportunity to grab silverware.

Buoyant Ireland eye history against South Africa

Quinton de Kock expected to return for final ODI

Firdose Moonda15-Jul-2021Big PictureIreland are one win away from their biggest ODI achievement on home soil. Victory over South Africa in the third ODI will be the first time they take a series off a team ranked in the top eight, the first time they beat a top eight team in successive matches, and their first series win in their last six, since beating Zimbabwe in July 2019.It would also put them in third place on the World Cup Super League table, behind England and Bangladesh. Though Ireland will have played more games than anyone besides England, sitting in that spot will revive their hopes of automatic qualification for 2023.On the other side, South Africa can only go up into 10th spot, ahead of their next scheduled opponents, Netherlands and will know that if they don’t take all available points from this next game, qualification could become tricky. The World Cup Super League promised us context, and context it has delivered.To their credit, the touring party have not used the situation back home as an excuse for their performance on Tuesday – at present South Africa is gripped by violent unrest, particularly in the provinces of Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng, where several players in the current squad are based, and have friends and family. Still, they will have to try and put thoughts of these weighty matters aside when they take the field because this is a match of great consequence.Form guideIreland WLWLLSouth Africa LLWLWIn the spotlightHarry Tector played what his captain called the “innings of the day”, in the second ODI when he notched up a career-best 79* off 68 balls to lead Ireland’s acceleration. Tector has now scored two fifties in his last three ODI innings and is building steadily on a career that began with a duck against England in Southampton last year. He is a clean hitter with a solid temperament and seems to relish the big occasion. He was hit on the chin when he ducked into an Anrich Nortje delivery on Tuesday, and that spurred him on to finish strongly. He is just 21 years old and Ireland will see in him a long-term prospect for the future.South Africa’s death bowling has been under scrutiny throughout the series in West Indies and is back in the spotlight again. The three quicks, Kagiso Rabada and/or (depending on who is in the team) Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo, tend to do most of the bowling in the last period and have struggled to find the right lengths. Yorkers are absent, full tosses abound and although there is some evidence of variation in pace, it is not as effective as South Africa may intend. Phehlukwayo, in particular, is a concern. He was once seen as South Africa’s best option at the end of innings, but his last two overs in the previous match cost 26.Team newsIreland will wait on the fitness of William Porterfield, who missed the second match with a finger injury. If he is unable to play, Andy Balbirnie, who scored a century opening the batting in the previous game, will likely continue in that role. Curtis Campher, if he plays, will be as a specialist batter only as he makes his comeback from ankle surgery but may still bat below George Dockrell, also playing as a batter, though he bowled seven overs in the last match.Ireland: (possible) 1 Paul Stirling, 2 Andy Balbirnie (capt), 3 Andy McBrine, 4 Harry Tector, 5 George Dockrell, 6 Mark Adair, 7 Curtis Campher, 8 Lorcan Tucker (wk), 9 Simi Singh, 10 Josh Little, 11 Craig YoungQuinton de Kock was rested for the first two matches but is expected to return for the series finale. South Africa are also expected to make changes to their attack with Lizaad Williams, who was their top performer against Pakistan earlier in the year, likely to come into the team in place of either the second spinner, Keshav Maharaj, or one of the quicks.South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Janneman Malan, 3 Temba Bavuma (capt), 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 Kyle Verreynne, 6 David Miller, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Kagiso Rabada, 9 Anrich Nortje, 10 Lizaad Williams, 11 Tabraiz ShamsiPitch and conditionsAs has been the case in the previous two matches, seam movement is expected early but run-scoring should become easier as the day goes on. With small boundaries, a total around the 300-mark would be considered par. It’s set to be a balmy day in Dublin, with temperatures in the early 20 degrees, high humidity and only a small chance of rain.Stats and trivia
Ireland have only won two ODI series against Full Members: 3-0 against Zimbabwe in July 2019 and 2-1 against Afghanistan in December 2017. Quinton de Kock is 28 runs away from 10,000 international runs as a wicket-keeper.Quotes”He has got reason to be irritated. It’s something we spoke about in the West Indies. It was a case of game plans going wrong, guys trying too many things at the back end. It’s a quick turnaround and we need to fix it.”

Dyche wants "phenomenal" £60,000-a-week ace to replace Pickford at Everton

Everton manager Sean Dyche wants a “phenomenal” international player to replace Jordan Pickford at Goodison Park, according to a new report.

Pickford struggling at Everton

The Blues suffered yet more heartbreak on Saturday evening, once again blowing a 2-0 lead, this time away to Aston Villa in the Premier League. For a while, it looked as though Dyche’s men had overcome their awful start to the season, but they ended up succumbing to another 3-2 loss, with Jhon Duran scoring the winning goal at Villa Park.

This is about as low a period as Everton fans can remember, with so little to shout about at the moment, and there are individuals who are really struggling for form, one of whom is Pickford.

The England international was horribly at fault for one of Tottenham’s goals in their 4-0 defeat in north London last month, being robbed by Son Heung-min, and his general performances have been nowhere near as good as they were last season when he often bailed the Blues out and produced some influential displays.

Pickford has now conceded 13 goals in just four matches in the league in 2024/25, and while that certainly isn’t solely down to him, he is not playing at the level he has shown he is capable of reaching in the past.

"Phenomenal" ace wanted by Dyche at Everton

According to an update from reliable journalist Alan Nixon [via NUFC Feed], Everton manager Dyche is keen on bringing Nick Pope to the club as a replacement for the under-pressure Pickford.

The Blues boss is thought to be unimpressed with his current goalkeeper’s form and would like to see the Newcastle and England stopper come in instead.

Nick Pope

This is an intriguing transfer claim, considering what a high-profile figure Pickford is at Everton, becoming firmly England’s No.1 during his time at the club. He has been poor so far this season, though, averaging just a 5.97 rating from WhoScored across the four league games.

Opinion may be split as to whether the £60,000-a-week Pope is an upgrade on him or not, but he has proven himself a top-level ‘keeper in a Newcastle shirt, playing his part in them qualifying for the Champions League in 2022/23. Shay Given has waxed lyrical over him in the past, too, saying:

“He’s been absolutely brilliant. At the weekend at Selhurst Park, [after making his save to deny Mateta] the reaction, he just got up and thought ‘this is what I do every week – I’ve got this lads, no pressure’. Everyone respects him, he’s a phenomenal goalkeeper. He’s got about everything – he’s brilliant at dealing with crosses and you’ve seen his saves, foot saves and blocks one-on-one.”

Premier League

196

219

68

League Two

44

21

28

Championship

33

44

7

EFL Cup

17

15

6

National League

14

16

6

FA Cup

8

13

4

Champions League

5

5

1

League Two playoffs

2

1

1

Europa League qualifying

1

0

1

Pope is now hugely experienced, making 196 appearances in the Premier League and winning 10 caps for England, and if Dyche prefers him to Pickford, he could be trusted.

Hansi Flick admits he's not happy about Dani Olmo and Pau Victor registration saga as Barcelona receive €28m to match La Liga regulations

Hansi Flick admits that he is "not happy" with the ongoing Dani Olmo registration saga at Barcelona.

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Olmo and Victor saga ongoingLa Liga rejected registrationBarca have received €28m (£23m)Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

La Liga have rejected Barcelona's attempts to register Olmo ahead of the January transfer window. In a positive development, the club have received €28 million (£23m/$29m) from their sale of VIP seats at Camp Nou. They are now awaiting approval of the 1:1 rule which would allow them to operate in the transfer market, although it has been reported that it would not allow them to register Olmo, nor Pau Victor.

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The Spaniard arrived from RB Leipzig for £51m in the summer and failure to register the pair could see them leave the club or be sidelined for the rest of the season. Flick has explained his displeasure at the situation as he attempts to guide the club towards the top of the table; they currently sit five points behind leaders Real Madrid.

WHAT FLICK SAID

Flick told reporters: "It's normal. To be honest, I wasn't happy with the situation either. The players aren't happy either, but we have to accept that we are professionals. I'm optimistic, but we have to wait for the decision."

Asked if he had discussed the issue with president Joan Laporta, he added: "When I speak with the president it's private and will remain private."

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Barcelona play fourth-tier Barbastro in the Copa del Rey this weekend. Olmo and Victor will both be absent.

Mahmudullah: 'Mustafizur finished the innings brilliantly'

With 19 runs to defend in the last over, the left-arm quick sealed victory for Bangladesh

Mohammad Isam03-Sep-2021A different pitch in Dhaka finally allowed a good contest. It was firmer, which meant more bounce and spin and skid, but once the ball got older, life for the batter got easier. Bangladesh, who were bowling second, had to contend with dew as well, and under such circumstances, they did very well to defend a total of 141 and take a 2-0 lead in the T20I series against New Zealand.In a twist from the established narrative, it was the fast bowlers who won it for the hosts. Mustafizur Rahman held his nerve in the last over, despite his being up against a skillful and set Tom Latham. New Zealand needed 37 off 18, and eventually six off one, and it proved beyond them.Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mahmudullah said: “It was certainly a better wicket than the previous match. There was a bit of spin and uneven bounce when we batted. It was getting better under lights so the bowlers did very well to defend 141 on this wicket.”Having been adjudged Player of the Match, for his 32-ball unbeaten 37, Mahmudullah added that Bangladesh must get better acquainted with these high-pressure situations at the end of T20 matches, where they may need to score at breakneck speeds or defend with tigerish ferocity.”You have to face these challenges in T20 cricket,” he said. “You may have to get 20 or 24 runs in the last two overs. At the other end, bowlers have to defend tight totals in the last one or two overs. I thought Mustafiz finished the innings brilliantly, which helped us win the game.”The home captain also believed that the turning point of the game came right at the start, when Mohammad Naim and Liton Das put on 59 runs in the first 9.3 overs. Despite losing a cluster of wickets later, that opening stand was the foundation that helped them reach the highest T20I total in Dhaka this year.”I think batting against the new ball is slightly more difficult in this wicket. The hard seam produces a lot more bounce. If you noticed during the Australia series, their openers didn’t provide good starts. We had a good opening stand.”What Naim and Liton did today, was pleasant to see. It was really crucial how they found the gaps to score runs. They did exactly what we needed in the powerplay. There were a few more partnerships in the later overs. I thought 141 was a good total on this wicket.”

Newcastle wanted to sign £50m ace who’s been better than Gordon & Isak since

It bears testament to Eddie Howe’s tactical nous and management skills that Newcastle United have made headway throughout the first few chapters of the 2024/25 campaign without ever really rising from second gear.

The next few months will serve as a proper yardstick of where Newcastle’s direction is headed this term, however, but one thing’s for certain, Howe might come to rue the failure to bolster up front this summer.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe

William Osula was signed from Sheffield United in a £15m package, but the 21-year-old striker lacks polish and fluency and falls under the bracket of ‘work in progress’.

Newcastle's attack in 2024/25

Newcastle needed to strengthen their frontline with some meat, but didn’t. That said, he avoided the loss of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, with both hotly pursued after the 2023/24 campaign.

Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak

Isak is one of the Premier League’s best strikers, praised as “world-class” and a “nightmare” by well-known pundit Harry Redknapp. It’s a measure of his ability that the Swede scored 21 goals from just 30 Premier League matches last season, missing just 21 big chances too.

Gordon was crowned the Magpies’ Player of the Season after a resounding campaign, and though he was linked with a return to Liverpool, who he played for as a youth, it looks like the dynamic winger is going to sign a new contract at St. James’ Park.

Neither have started the current campaign on the firmest footing, it must be said. Isak’s old injury issues have crept back in and he is sidelined for this weekend’s game against Everton after missing the past two. He has scored one goal across six games this term.

Gordon hasn’t been brilliant either, bagging from close range against Bournemouth and converting a penalty in last week’s impressive draw against Manchester City, but not hitting full stride just yet.

Anthony Gordon scores for Newcastle

It would have been nice to have landed Michael Olise on the right flank this summer, with the France international the missing piece of Howe’s attacking puzzle.

Newcastle fumbled the bag with Michael Olise

Olise is tearing it up with Bayern Munich, having left the Premier League with a storming end to the 2023/24 season, wreaking havoc at Crystal Palace.

He was a coveted prospect alright. Chelsea and Manchester United wanted to snap him up but he felt his talents would sparkle in the Bundesliga, and so he transferred to Bayern in a deal worth £50m, which comes across as something of a bargain for one so talented, so jaw-dropping in their performances.

Chelsea had been joined by Newcastle in contacting Palace chairman Steve Parish to ask about signing the dynamo, with it believed, as per Sky Sports, that Newcastle would have accelerated their interest if Miguel Almiron was sold – but, of course, he wasn’t.

One that got away

The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast's One That Got Away series.

With eight goals and three assists across his first eight appearances for the German giants, Olise, aged 22, is proving himself to be one of the finest talents in Europe, though rubber-stamping would be a better term to use, given he was clearly of the first standard while plying his art on English shores.

Goals scored

0.64

0.31

Assists

0.42

0.31

Shots taken

3.95

2.49

Shot-creating actions

5.79

4.45

Pass completion

75%

76%

Progressive passes

5.51

3.15

Progressive carries

4.80

4.30

Successful take-ons

2.82

1.68

Ball recoveries

4.79

3.89

Tackles

1.34

1.71

Interceptions

0.78

0.22

It’s not just his displays this term that point toward his level stretching above that of Isak and Gordon, impressive though they are, for Olise outplayed Gordon, Newcastle’s 2023/24 MVP, quite handsomely.

He was regarded as “one of the Premier League’s best players” last season by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and Newcastle must wish things had turned out differently.

Forget Gordon & Isak: Howe must unleash surprise Newcastle ace instead

Eddie Howe must make a few changes to his starting XI against AFC Wimbledon

ByRoss Kilvington Oct 1, 2024

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