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West Ham United are showing an interest in signing a new attacker after sealing a deal for Luis Guilherme.

West Ham sign Luis Guilherme

The Hammers and sporting director Tim Steidten have got their man in Luis Guilherme, with the Brazilian becoming the first new addition of the Julen Lopetegui era.

West Ham will pay Palmeiras a €23m fee plus €7m in add-ons and have included a 20% sell-on clause for the 18-year-old, who could be the first of many through the door at the London Stadium.

After Guilherme, the Irons appear to be turning their attention to more attacking reinforcements. Reports in recent days have claimed that West Ham have made an approach to sign Celta Vigo forward Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Norway international has a €50m release clause but Celta Vigo want around €30m (£25.3m) for his services.

West Ham in contact to sign Serie A defender for Lopetegui

He’s been called a “complete” player as Lopetegui looks to strengthen his squad.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 11, 2024

Another new name has now emerged on the West Ham radar in the media, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano sharing the update.

West Ham interested in Matias Soule

According to Romano, the Irons appear to be keen on signing Juventus winger Matias Soule, who could leave the Serie A giants over the coming months.

There have also been recent claims that Juventus value the player up to £30m with interest from Premier League rivals Aston Villa, Newcastle United and newly promoted Southampton.

Soule is primarily a right-winger who can also turn out as an attacking midfielder or second striker. Aged just 21, the Argentine is already valued at a career-high €25m by Transfermarkt after a fine season out on loan with Frosinone.

He scored 11 Serie A goals and provided three assists in 36 league appearances, catching the eye of analyst Ben Mattison during the 2023/24 campaign, hailing Soule as a “really entertaining player”.

“Soule is just generally a really entertaining player to watch. He plays with flair and a level of confidence that’s so engaging. The Argentine has an inevitability about him – he always is looking to make something happen & when he has the ball in certain areas, he will.”

Mattison also labelled Soule’s intelligence, vision, spatial awareness, take-on and creativity as his strengths, detailing his speed and weak-foot use as areas for development. A move to London for Soule could be one to keep an eye on, and who knows, we could see the left-footed winger link up with Guilherme in a new-look attack under Lopetegui.

Stuart Broad has admitted his frustrations that England are yet to bowl Pakistan out, but thinks there is enough time left in the second Test to complete a win.Pakistan added 97 runs for the loss of four wickets on a second day truncated by rain and bad light interruptions, with Mohammad Rizwan’s battling half-century taking them past the 200 mark and towards a competitive total despite treacherous batting conditions.And Broad said that if England had been less profligate in the field and more “ruthless” as a bowling attack, they could have wrapped things up by now, rather than having a final wicket to take tomorrow.ALSO READ: Umpire Kettleborough spoken to by anti-corruption officials over smartwatch“I feel like if we’d taken a couple more chances and been a bit more ruthless with the ball, we could have bowled Pakistan out a bit cheaper,” Broad told the BBC. “We’ve controlled the rate really nicely, we just need to make sure we get this wicket early tomorrow to make sure we don’t undo a lot of the hard work we’ve done.”We’re actually a little bit disappointed that we haven’t bowled Pakistan out already – we’ve created enough chances, and the ball has certainly done enough, but we haven’t managed to hold onto those chances or strike when we needed to as a bowling attack.”But Broad maintained that England are still in “a decent position”, based on recent history at the Ageas Bowl which suggests that runs are easier to score in the second and third innings of a match rather than the first.”It has been frustrating for us – it feels like we’ve been in the field for a long time,” he said. “But after losing the toss and getting Pakistan 200-odd for 9, we’re in a decent position. When we get the next wicket, it’s important we focus, and try to go past Pakistan’s score to put ourselves in a winning position.”[The ball] has done a little bit too much. We’ve beaten the bat a lot more than catch the edge, and a couple of the edges have gone down as well. It’ll be important for us to get first-innings runs, because the pitch has a bit of dryness to it, so it will continue to seam off that dryness and potentially spin later in the game.”We need to get this wicket as soon as possible, and we need the weather to improve. It’s probably a result pitch – there’s enough time left in the game for a result, but for that result to go our way, we’ll have to get big first-innings runs tomorrow.”England were frustrated on the second afternoon by Rizwan’s 29-run stand for the ninth wicket with Mohammad Abbas, in which they seemed unsure whether to spread the field with Rizwan on strike or attempt to get him out. Broad admitted he was uncertain how best to approach that situation, with a set batsman shepherding a tailender, and said it would be vital to “really make use” of the balls they bowl to No. 11 Naseem Shah tomorrow.”If you keep the field in with a batsman on 60 and with a licence, then you can leak 30 or 40 runs really quickly; if you put everyone out, it’s very unlikely that a batsman on 60 will just chip it to a fielder on the boundary,” Broad said. “It’s a really tough tactical decision.”It’s a tricky one, but there was enough in that pitch to feel you’d want to keep two or three slips. You just need to really make use of your two or three balls at the No. 10 and 11, and make those count.”

Veteran seamer targets 2021-22 Ashes as he says team-mate is becoming England’s greatest

Andrew Miller22-Jul-2020Ben Stokes has already surpassed the feats of Andrew Flintoff, and is well on his way to overtaking Sir Ian Botham as England’s greatest allrounder, according to James Anderson, who has reiterated his desire to carry on playing alongside his team-mate at least until the next Ashes tour of Australia in 2021-22.However, speaking in the build-up to the third Test at Emirates Old Trafford – a match for which he hopes to be recalled after being rested for last week’s 113-run win – Anderson warned that the issue of workload was every bit as applicable to Stokes as to the rest of England’s ever-rotating seam attack, after an extraordinarily wholehearted display.Not content with a total of 254 runs across two of the most vastly contrasting innings ever compiled in a single Test match, Stokes also chipped in with three wickets, including a vital last-day breakthrough that set England up for a series-squaring win. And, at one stage in the victory push – with attacking fields leaving no men in front of the bat – he sprinted full-tilt to the long-off boundary to intercept a straight drive off his own bowling.”Ben was very stiff yesterday after doing pretty much everything over the five days of that Test match,” said Anderson. “He was chasing balls off his own bowling, he batted for most of our two innings, and he got wickets as well. It can take its toll so we’ve got to look after him and make sure we can keep getting the best out of them for as long as possible.”Anderson is perhaps uniquely placed to pass judgment on Stokes’ status among England allrounders. He played alongside Flintoff in 25 Tests in his formative years in the England set-up, between 2003 and 2009, during which time Flintoff transformed into the world-beating cricketer who dominated the 2005 Ashes. Then in Antigua in 2015, Anderson overhauled Botham’s longstanding figure of 383 to become England’s leading Test wicket-taker, and has since added more than 200 scalps to reach his current tally of 587.Stokes’ sheer weight of numbers don’t yet match up to those of Botham, who also amassed 5200 runs in his 102-Test career. And yet, in 45 Tests since the start of 2016, Stokes’ averages rise to 43.60 with the bat and 28.00 with the ball – reminiscent of Flintoff’s three-year zenith between 2003 and 2006, when he averaged 41.30 and 27.78 in 38 Tests. Since the start of the 2019 Ashes, Stokes has averaged 59.38 with the bat alone.James Anderson appeals for the wicket of Roston Chase•Getty Images”He’s certainly the best allrounder I’ve ever played with,” Anderson said, “and he’s becoming the best allrounder that England’s ever had. There’s no reason why he can’t go on to become even better. With the bat he’s averaging in the 40s, with the ball he’s below 30, and he’s taking spectacular catches. It’s just incredible that we’ve got him on our team and he’s great to watch.”Stokes’ display in Manchester enabled him to overhaul West Indies’ captain Jason Holder as the No.1 allrounder in the ICC’s player rankings, and he has risen to No.3 in the batting rankings too – with only Australia’s Steve Smith and India’s Virat Kohli sitting above him at present. After the match, England’s captain, Joe Root, dubbed him “Mr Incredible” in tribute to a performance that evoked his game-changing displays with ball and bat at Headingley last summer.”It’s hard to say how good he is because it’s hard to find the words,” added Anderson. “Joe said the other day we were in the presence of greatness and he’s spot on. He gets into any team as a batsman, while his bowling gets better and better each time he goes out there. It’s just amazing to have that talent in our team, and to be able to watch it first-hand as well was amazing.”ESPNcricinfo LtdWhile Anderson is anticipating a recall on his home ground at Old Trafford – a stadium that now bears his name as one of its two ends – there are no guarantees that he will be reunited with his long-term sidekick, Stuart Broad – a player alongside whom he has claimed 471 wickets in 116 Tests, and who expressed his own disgruntlement at being omitted from the opening match of the series.Anderson turns 38 at the end of the month and Broad is already 34, so with a pack of fit and eager fast bowlers queuing up for opportunities after cricket’s lengthy lockdown suspension, he acknowledged that opportunities for regular starting berths may be harder to come by now than at any previous stage of their respective careers.ALSO READ: Botham, Flintoff, Stokes – who is England’s greatest allrounder?”I’d love to think that we’ve got plenty more games together in the future,” Anderson said. “Our record together speaks for itself. Obviously, there will be moments in the future where we’re not bowling together, which is happening in the series already and in the last two years. But I’d like to think that, if we’re in a situation where we’re both fit and England are picking their strongest bowling attack, we both be in that.”You always want to be in that best team,” he added. “That’s all I’ve ever tried to do and it’s the same with Stuart. But we’ve got six or seven world-class bowlers in this group, so we’re making sure that everyone’s in the right place, and the right frame of mind to go out and bowl their best for England if called upon.”Although he has played in just four of England’s last 14 Tests, Anderson’s stature as a swing and seam bowler is undiminished. At Cape Town in January, he became the oldest English quick to take an overseas five-wicket haul since Freddie Brown in 1951, and though he will be approaching 40 by the time England next head down under in 2021-22, his desire to make up for missing last summer’s Ashes has encouraged him to take a more phlegmatic attitude to the team’s rotation policy.”I think I can deal with it a bit better now than I did a few years ago,” he said. “Looking at the bigger picture, I want to be around when we go to Australia for the next Ashes, so to be able to do that, I’ve certainly got to do things slightly differently.”It might mean missing the odd game here or there to make sure that I’m in the best possible situation,” he added. “I want to keep bowling and keep my form, but I also want to look after my body as much as I can as well. I’m a bit more open to it now than I was, say, two or three years ago.”

Mohamed Salah has reportedly made a big call on his Liverpool future, with Saudi Arabia-based former team-mate Sadio Mane influencing that decision.

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• Egyptian into final year of contract
• Hoping to earn fresh terms at Anfield
• No desire to head for the Middle East

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Egyptian superstar is into the final year of his contract at Anfield and hinted during a recent interview with that the 2024-25 campaign could be his last on Merseyside. He said: “Honestly, I had a good summer. I had a long time to stay with myself, try to think positive because as you know it's my last year at the club. I just want to enjoy it, I don't want to think about it but I feel free to play football, we will see next year.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Salah, who penned his last contract extension in the summer of 2022, has also said “I don’t want to think about the future”, with the 32-year-old focused on the present. According to the , that means moving closer to Ian Rush (346 goals) on the Reds’ all-time scoring chart – as he sits fifth on that list with 214 efforts to his name – while also climbing into the top five of the Premier League list.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Interest has been shown from the Saudi Pro League, but Salah and his family are settled in England. The 32-year-old is prepared to shun lucrative offers from the Middle East if fresh terms can be thrashed out at Anfield – with his current deal worth £350,000-a-week.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Salah has also seen ex-colleague Mane struggle since leaving Liverpool – with the Senegalese now working alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. A source has told the Echo: “Salah doesn't want to be like Sadio in Saudi Arabia. Even if it means more money.” His priority for now is to prolong what is set to become an eight-year association with Premier League heavyweights.

Tottenham have been told they have a teenager who will become one of the world's best players in his position, and he hasn't even made his debut yet.

Spurs youngsters who have impressed Postecoglou this season

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is on record stating that the club must keep on improving in terms of academy set up, but there are a few youngsters who have caught the Australian's eye this season.

Tottenham dazzled by £30m forward called the best player in his league

Lilywhites chiefs are “hugely impressed” and looking at his signing.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 6, 2024

Indeed, perhaps the most noteworthy of them is forward Jamie Donley, who Postecoglou has handed four senior appearances to this season. The 19-year-old has a glowing reputation already, and based off his academy performances, the sky appears to be the limit.

Meanwhile, young centre-back Alfie Dorrington is another teenager who has earned praise from the Lilywhites boss at various points over 2023/2024.

“With the young guys like Jamie, he’s been doing really well with the U21s consistently. Jamie and Alfie Dorrington have really stood out and that’s why they’ve been training with us," said Postecoglou on Donley and Dorrington earlier this season.

"I’ve been really pleased with Jamie and Alfie though, they’ve been working well.”

Son Heung-min

7.39

James Maddison

7.31

Pedro Porro

7.15

Cristian Romero

7.07

Manor Solomon

7.05

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King, speaking to Tottenham News in October, has also said that he's heard "good things" about the pair.

“That experience of training with the first team is very important for the young players. It is a great boost when you get called up to work with the first team, it is like an injection of energy and enthusiasm. You were working with the kids and now all of a sudden you are working with the big boys. It was the same in my day if young players got called in to work with the first team it was a great lift for them.

“If they are not up to the pace or up to the quality then they won’t be back for a little bit. However, these two seem to be impressing the manager and fitting in nicely.

“I have heard good things about these two and if they are training with the first team and handling it they must be close to playing for the first team. It is a bonus for the manager to see that he has young players who can step in when other players are injured.”

Alongside Dorrington and Donley, a teenager to watch out for is Lucas Bergvall. The 18-year-old, after his loan at Djurgardens IF, will link up with Spurs in the summer.

Bergvall tipped to become one of the world's best at Spurs

Speaking to Aftonbladet (via Sport Witness), Djurgardens official Peter Kisfaludy has already tipped Bergvall to become one of the world's best midfielders.

“I have had Lucas since November, 2015, when he was nine years old," said Kisfaludy.

"He has always been so extremely talented and I have always had the feeling that he can go as far as he wants and that there is no stopping him. In three, four years, when he is 22-23 years old, he will be one of the world’s best midfielders. He will belong to the top ten in the world among midfielders.”

Waqar played more than a decade and a half of first-class cricket, and also served as a national selector

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Feb-2020Waqar Hasan, the last surviving member of Pakistan’s inaugural Test team, which played India in Delhi in October 1952, has died in Karachi at the age of 87.A middle-order batsman, Waqar’s first outing in Test cricket wasn’t too auspicious, as he scored 8 and 5 in an innings defeat, but he ended the five-Test series as Pakistan’s highest run-maker, with 357 runs at an average of 44.62, including three half-centuries. Waqar went on to play 21 Test matches during the course of a first-class career that spanned more than a decade and a half, from 1948-49 to 1965-66.He finished with 1071 runs in 35 Test innings, an average of 31.50, and hit a century and six half-centuries. His first-class average was 35.64.”Waqar Hassan was an attractive strokemaker, who was ideal in a crisis and and a fine field either at cover or further out,” Christopher Martin-Jenkins wrote of Waqar in .ALSO READ: ‘Pakistan’s first tour of India was my most memorable'”It gives me immense satisfaction to have achieved many firsts for Pakistan: first to score a half-century in each innings of a Test [Bombay, 1952-53], first Test half-century in England [Lord’s, 1954], first Test half-century at home, and first to score two half-centuries in a home Test [Dacca, 1954-55], first century partnership [with Hanif Mohammad, Bombay, 1952-53], first double-century partnership [with Imtiaz Ahmed, Lahore, 1955-56],” Waqar recounted in an interview with in November 2012, by which time he had started splitting his time between Karachi and London.Originally from Lahore, Waqar shifted to Karachi in 1945 after being offered a job with the Public Works Department, and by the early 1960s, he launched a textile machinery business. The reason, as he explained, was financial. “I had lost my regular place in the Test team but my main reason for quitting cricket after the 1959-60 season was financial,” he said. “I opted out at the age of 27 to establish my business. I had seen the likes of Amir Elahi and Wazir Ali living not-so-happy lives in their later years.”He did, however, return to the game for a brief fling as a player. “In 1963-64, after being out of first-class cricket for four years, on the insistence of the officials of the Karachi cricket association, I agreed to captain the team,” he said. “I played only three more first-class tournaments in two years but we achieved remarkable results. We won all the three first-class tournaments – the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy [twice] and the Ayub Trophy.”In the 1963-64 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final, my second-string Karachi Blues defeated the Karachi Whites, who had in their line-up five Test captains of the past and future. I played for fun with no ambition of making a Test comeback.”Waqar also served as a national selector, in spells during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

Achraf Hakimi's side dominated the entire game, putting the overmatched USMNT on their heels from the opening whistle

The U.S. men's U23 national team crashed out of the 2024 Olympics, falling to Morocco 4-0 in the quarterfinals Friday in Paris.

Morocco went up early in the first half from the penalty spot on what was a controversial call, and it set the tone for the match. Two Moroccan players and defender Nathaniel Harriel went to challenge for a ball in the air, and the Philadelphia Union defender's boot made contact with the calf of Soufiane Rahimi, who fell to the ground.

The Al-Ain striker scored the ensuing penalty kick after a brief VAR review to make it 1-0 in the 28th minute.

The U.S. made it to halftime without conceding again, needing a new identity on the pitch for the final 45 if they were to secure a result. They came out of the break with a much higher tempo, but nothing came of it, and Morocco began to dominate.

Minutes after the USMNT's best chance of the game, a close-range effort from Miles Robinson that was hit wide, the Atlas Lions doubled their lead. It was a sensational counter, led by ex-Barcelona star Abde Ezzalzouli and finished by winger Ilias Akhomach in the 63rd minute.

They added a third seven minutes later, with PSG star Achraf Hakimi putting the game away, making it 3-0 after a solo-effort that saw the U.S. defense just watch him dribble by. They then added a fourth in stoppage-time after another penalty was called on Harriel, this time for a handball offense despite the defender's arm being tucked in on his side in a natural position.

The USMNT lacked ambition and aggression much of the game, and seemed to be affected by a predominantly Moroccan crowd.

“To go down in the nature that we did was tough, pretty frustrating,” U.S. defender Walker Zimmerman said. “It’s sad because I think it’s a group that has a lot of belief in each other and a lot of character and I don’t think it showed through and that’s what’s hard is knowing how much everyone did care, had each other’s back.”

Overall, it was a brilliant and unexpected run for the U23 squad at these Olympics, and it could be a spark for the program for years to come. But the U.S. – playing in the Olympics for the first time since 2008 and in the knockouts for the first time in 24 years – were not up to the task in the quarterfinals. And on a day in which they needed to be at their best, they didn't deliver

GOAL rates the USMNT's players from the Parc Des Princes in Paris.

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense

Patrick Schulte (7/10):

Did absolutely nothing wrong, despite the four goals allowed. Made a great attempt on the penalty, had an outstanding first half save, too.

Nathaniel Harriel (5/10):

Sloppy moment on the penalty, but an incredibly harsh call. Not his best day, as he found himself out of position on the second penalty, too.

Walker Zimmerman (6/10):

Rather solid on the back line. Was composed, connected passes and was visibly trying to be a leader. What they needed from the veteran.

Miles Robinson (3/10):

Another poor showing. Sloppy giveaways and wrong positioning on the final two goals.

John Tolkin (7/10):

Was tasked with keeping Hakimi quiet, and he relatively did so. He was left out to hang on the third goal, and made an attempt to stick with him.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Tanner Tessman (6/10):

Was the best midfielder on the day. Tough result after a great tournament.

Jack McGlynn (4/10):

Started in place of Busio, but struggled to replicate his role. Picked up a nonsensical yellow.

Djordje Mihailovic (4/10):

Never found his footing. Couldn't connect passes or find space. Removed in second half.

Getty ImagesAttack

Griffin Yow (5/10):

He had all the momentum coming into the match, but nothing came of it. A poor showing. Was in Hakimi's back pocket all day.

Paxten Aaronson (6/10):

Tried to make things happen, was creative on the ball, but was just outclassed.

Kevin Paredes (7/10):

The best attacker for the USMNT on the day. Had shooting opportunities, tried to take on defenders 1v1, was just let down by those around him. Should hold his head high.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Taylor Booth (6/10):

Subbed on to make something happen, but game was gone by that time.

Benja Cremaschi (N/A):

Subbed on late.

Joshua Atencio (N/A:

Joined the group late off the bench.

Duncan McGuire (6/10):

Brought on for attacking momentum, but too little too late.

Caleb Wiley (N/A):

Replaced Tolkin late.

Marko Mitrovic (4/10):

So much felt wrong. The U.S. didn't press, they welcomed pressure, they didn't link in the middle – the list goes on. They were overwhelmed by their opposition, and Mitrovic failed to make the necessary changes in time. The stage was too big for all involved.

Whatever was in the water during Arsenal's trip to Dubai, we want some. No seriously, give it to us now.

The Gunners have been undoubtedly the best team in the country since the mini-winter break, perhaps even the best team in Europe. Their result against Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday will perhaps dictate that argument more efficiently.

However, until then, Mikel Arteta's men can bask in their quite ridiculous run of domestic form. They haven't dropped a single point in the Premier League throughout 2024 and even if their late 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday was trickier than they've become accustomed to of late, it showed steel.

Prior to their victory over the Bees courtesy of a late Kai Havertz header, the north Londoners had scored 31 goals in six unrelenting games of football. They were bagging goals galore until fellow London side Brentford visited the Emirates this weekend.

Though, despite their troubles this time around, they still moved to the top of the table, at least until Liverpool face Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

It's a match that could have been oh-so different, however. With David Raya ineligible to face his parent club in stepped Aaron Ramsdale. Towards the end of a first half in which Arsenal had dominated, Declan Rice heading home the opener, the stand-in stopper then made a catastrophic error.

The 'keeper gave himself too much time on the ball and was closed down by Yoane Wissa in a hurry who was able to find the net in chaotic circumstances.

Yet, once the night was all said and done Ramsdale would be forgiven, largely thanks to super Havertz.

Kai Havertz's run of form in 2024

The German has been nothing short of sensational since the break. Afforded roles as both a false 9 and as the left-side 8 in Arteta's system, plaudits have followed in their droves.

Havertz has now scored four goals in his last four league matches and during that time has also registered two assists. It's safe to say that with Gabriel Jesus injured on the sidelines he has taken his chance with aplomb. £65m down the drain, eh? Perhaps not.

The 24-year-old is very quickly turning criticism into plaudits, swiftly silencing those who doubted him in the early stages of the season.

It took until the return fixture Brentford in November for the former Chelsea star to find the net from open play in Arsenal colours but this calendar year he has been utterly superb. Linking up play, making himself a nuisance for the opposition and crucially, scoring goals.

His eight in the top flight this term has already equalled his best tally in English football to date, a ringing endorsement of the success behind this transfer. That said? Was he lucky to remain on the pitch on Saturday? Quite possibly.

Havertz was booked for an elbow and then in the second period a penalty wasn't given after the German went down in the penalty area. Replays showed there was minimal contact, if any at all, prompting suggestions that he should have been shown a second yellow for simulation. Alas, he was not and upstepped the club's no.29 to power a headed winner home with just minutes left on the clock.

Despite that late strike, the ex-Leverkusen star wasn't the best performer in red and white.

Ben White's performance in numbers vs Brentford

We all know that Arsenal's right-back loves a bit of fun in the sun but since that Dubai trip, the defender has looked a man revitalised.

It's no secret that for large parts of this campaign the £50m signing has been struggling with his fitness but after a bit of rest he now looks a man possessed.

The full-back has been firmly back to his best, dropping a "10/10 every game" in the words of Gunners content creator @ltarsenal.

It's hard to dismiss that assessment, particularly in the last week. White scored a rasping drive to seal a 6-0 win for Arteta's side against Sheffield United last Monday and on Saturday evening popped up with two assists.

The first was a tantalising dinked cross that was just begging Rice to head home. Then, when his team needed it most, White popped up again. This time there was more pace on the cross and it was perfect for a lanky forward such as Havertz to head past Mark Flekken in the Brentford sticks.

His overriding numbers from the game were a delight. Not just a thorn in the Bees' defence, supplying three key passes, Arsenal's no.4 completed 89% of his passes and completed 100% of his tackles. To further substantiate his influence on proceedings, White had 84 touches of the ball, more than any player from either side in the capital.

This was a remarkably composed performance but it's become a regularity in the last few months. In the last five games, White's pass success rate has only dipped below 88% on one occasion with a season-high 97% against West Ham.

The three key passes the England international provided versus Frank's side were also the most he's registered in a single match all season; fine work indeed.

With Gareth Southgate set to name his team for the next England camp very shortly, White's name certainly deserves to be on it. It's just a shame he'll likely be overlooked.

ESPNcricinfo’s live updates and analysis on the Pune Test

Sidharth Monga10-Oct-2019

Some interesting detail has surfaced on goings-on behind-the-scenes at West Ham, with manager David Moyes not the only one facing scrutiny.

Manager reports emerge as pressure piles on Moyes

The Hammers head coach was already under growing pressure before their 6-0 home defeat to Arsenal last weekend, but the historic loss has now put Moyes in a far more precarious position.

Moyes dealt contract worry as West Ham consider "perfect" trophy-laden boss

He’s won nine pieces of silverware.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 8, 2024

West Ham are yet to win a game in 2024, and with Moyes' contract expiring at the end of this season as things stand, it is believed that their turbulent recent form has put new deal talks on hold for the time being (Jason Burt).

Reports suggest that West Ham are exploring managerial alternatives to Moyes, in case the London Stadium hierarchy opt against extending the Scotsman's stay after what has been a memorable few years.

The east Londoners have qualified for Europe in all three of their last three full seasons under Moyes, and the 60-year-old also guided them to their first major trophy since the 1980s with an historic Conference League triumph in Prague.

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However, their league form has also left a lot to be desired in parts, with West Ham narrowly avoiding a drop to The Championship last season amid some complaints over Moyes' dogged style of play.

“Let’s be fair, over the last three years it’s been the best time West Ham have ever had," said Moyes after West Ham's defeat to Arsenal.

Sixth and seventh in the league, semi-final of the Europa League, a final of a European cup competition and I still think this club has grown. Undoubtedly, we’ve had a terrible day today and I understand them [the fans] leaving but sometimes at football clubs you are going to have bad days. Today we had a bad day and I certainly won’t forget the good ones.

“The disappointing thing for me is I don’t think since I’ve come back to the club … I don’t think my team has defended in that way. Ever. We were weak, we didn’t do our jobs well enough. We didn’t fight to contain it harder and make sure that we didn’t concede and we could have conceded other goals as well."

Moyes certainly wasn't helped by West Ham's lacklustre January transfer window, either, as the club failed to replace both Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals who departed West Ham in dramatic fashion on deadline day.

The Irons have been criticised for their failure to bring in a new forward, and according to journalist Graeme Bailey, co-chairman David Sullivan isn't exactly pleased with technical director Tim Steidten as a result.

Sullivan annoyed with Steidten after January failures at West Ham

Writing for HITC, Bailey claims Sullivan is growing "increasingly frustrated" with Steidten, as well as Moyes, with the German seeing more than "half a dozen deals" set up only to fall through.

Indeed, West Ham missed out on agreements for Ismaila Sarr, Stephen Bergwijn, Marcos Leonardo, Ibrahim Osman, Jota, Hugo Ekitike and Armando Broja, according to this report, which has apparently been down to ongoing issues between Moyes and Steidten.

Their only signing of the window came in the form of Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips on loan, and he hasn't exactly got off to the best start.