Tottenham Hotspur are progressing in discussions regarding a move to recruit a key behind the scenes figure who is already operating in the Premier League, according to a fresh report.

Tottenham's season so far

Ange Postecoglou’s side have made a fantastic start to the new top-flight campaign having won eight and drawn two of their opening ten fixtures meaning that they currently find themselves at the top of the table having picked up an impressive 26 points from a possible 30.

Victories	Draws
Manchester United (2-0)	Brentford (2-2)
Bournemouth (2-0)	Arsenal (2-2)
Burnley (5-2)
Sheffield United (2-1)
Liverpool (2-1)
Luton Town (1-0)
Fulham (2-0)
Crystal Palace (2-1)

The Lilywhites and their North London rivals Arsenal are the only two teams in the division to remain unbeaten, so whilst the club’s performances on the pitch have exceeded all expectations, Daniel Levy is still keen to add new members to his hierarchy. The N17 outfit's chairman appears to have set his sights on Aston Villa’s head of recruitment Rob MacKenzie who has been based in the Midlands since 2020, but prior to that, he has gained a vast amount of experience at several other clubs.

Since the start of his career, the 38-year-old has held senior roles at Leicester City, Derby County, OH Leuven and Spurs themselves where his previous position involved recommending scouting targets to the club’s transfer team (Transfermarkt – MacKenzie profile), and he could now be set to return for a second spell.

Spurs enter negotiations with Rob MacKenzie

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are in discussions to appoint MacKenzie, who formerly worked with Johan Lange.

"Tottenham are in advanced talks to lure Aston Villa recruitment chief Rob MacKenzie, sources have told Football Insider. The Premier League leaders are working on a deal to hire MacKenzie for a second time after he spent 18 months at the club from 2015 to 2016.

"Tottenham have set their sights on the Villa head of recruitment after announcing on 9th October that Johan Lange was joining from the Midlands giants as their technical director. Tottenham are keen to reunite Lange with MacKenzie, who has been head of recruitment at Villa since August 2020."

Alongside working as head of recruitment, MacKenzie has also operated as a video analyst at Aston Villa, so he could be a shrewd recruit for Tottenham. Unai Emery’s key figure may aim to help improve the club’s transfer strategy and ensure that their next batch of new arrivals in January are able to make a positive impression in the capital, and there’s a chance he could look to his potentially soon to be old stomping ground to make that happen.

Spurs have previously been linked with moves for the likes of Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz, so should MacKenzie indeed make the switch to North London, who knows, he could try and convince the pair to follow in his footsteps should they want a new challenge in 2024.

After Bangladesh folded for less than 200 for the eighth successive time in Test cricket, their stand-in captain said it was time they changed their batting approach

Mohammad Isam in Sylhet06-Nov-2018

Imrul Kayes was bowled around his legs•Getty Images

Bangladesh care about Test cricket but at the rate they are going this year, they might as well shut up shop – this was their stand-in captain Mahmudullah’s blunt assessment after their 151-run defeat to Zimbabwe in Sylhet. It was a notable change of tack from someone who had fervently defended the team after a similar meltdown last February, but it is a worrying message from the top of Bangladesh cricket.”We do care about Test cricket,” Mahmudullah said. “Our bowlers have done well. But the batsmen aren’t doing the job. We are in good rhythm in ODIs but the same can’t be said about Tests. We haven’t scored runs in last five or six innings. This is a matter of great concern for us. If we continue to bat like this, I don’t think we will be in a good situation. We must fight back properly, otherwise [there’s] no point of playing Test cricket like this.”For the eighth Test innings in succession, Bangladesh were bowled out for a sub-200 total. Their 169 in the second innings against Zimbabwe was, in fact, their biggest total since February.Mahmudullah said the batting had lacked discipline, even on a flat pitch where only the odd ball turned more than expected. He explained that the team’s proclivity towards shot-making had become a major concern.”I think we play too many shots,” he said. “We may also be doing it out of an emotional reaction. But we must restrict this, be choosier. We have to see how we are playing certain bowlers.”Crucially, we are not creating small partnerships. From top to bottom all of us failed. Only if we can make up these things, you can see a different Bangladesh.”There also seemed to be some confusion about Mushfiqur Rahim’s exact batting position. He batted at No 6 in both innings but since the West Indies tour, it has seemed that, given his form, he could be better off batting at No 4.”I think there has to be discussions with the team management and Mushfiq about where he wants to bat,” Mahmudullah said. “Team management takes the call for batting positions. Mushfiq at No 6 means we have more depth in our batting. He has big innings at No 5 and 6.”Today I suddenly decided to bat at No 4. It was mainly because Sikandar Raza was bowling at two left-handers.”Mahmudullah’s form is a worry too. He has only scored 58 runs in his last eight Test innings, and the manner and timing of his dismissal today, trying to play a full-blooded sweep 20 minutes before lunch, was an indication that he hasn’t yet gotten over his 2016-17 batting dip in Tests.But Mahmudullah is the only one of many problems in the Bangladesh batting line-up. And it isn’t a one-off match they must worry about. They need to overturn a trend that has gone back for at least the last 14 months.

Atletico Madrid edged out Borussia Dortmund courtesy of Rodrigo De Paul and Samuel Lino's first-half strikes.

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Advantage Atletico after first legDe Paul and Lino on target for hostsHaller pulled one back for DortmundGettyTELL ME MORE

Atletico Madrid headed into the clash with an incredible home record, having never lost a Champions League knockout clash under Diego Simeone's tutelage in front of their fans. Out of the 16 matches they had played, the Spanish side had won 10 and drew six times.

Simeone's side looked like a well-oiled machine right from the word go as they dominated proceedings for the majority of the clash. Their intense pressing in the Dortmund half helped them to take an early lead when Rodrigo De Paul capitalised on Gregor Kobel's blunder. The goalkeeper played a short pass to Ian Maatsen who flicked the ball in the path of the Argentine midfielder who then opened the scoring with a simple finish.

Another defensive blunder from the visitors saw Antoine Griezmann win the ball and quickly lob it towards Samuel Lino who doubled the hosts' lead in the 32nd minute.

After a dismal first-half showing, Dortmund looked much more determined in the second and finally picked up a consolation goal when Sebastien Haller found the back of the net from a deflected pass. They could have completed a remarkable comeback in the dying minutes of the match when Julian Brandt headed the ball towards the goal from Ryerson's cross but it rattled the crossbar and went out.

AdvertisementGOAL/GettyTHE MVP

The entire Atletico team functioned in an organised manner throughout the game to pick the narrow win over Dortmund but it was De Paul who set the tone of the match with the early strike.

THE BIG LOSER

Dortmund defenders have to take the blame for the away defeat as they looked shaky throughout the match and were at fault for both the Atletico strikes. Edin Terzic has work to do in organising his backline ahead of facing the Spanish side at home next week.

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Simeone's side will next face Girona in La Liga on Saturday while Dortmund will take on Borussia Monchengladbach on the same day in Bundesliga.

This was supposed to be a tough game for Manchester United. Without Rasmus Hojlund, without Erik ten Hag in the dugout and an Everton side highly motivated after being deducted ten points, it was a recipe for disaster.

However, such an eventuality was averted, largely thanks to Alejandro Garnacho's remarkable goal in the opening minutes of the clash.

Diogo Dalot picked up the ball near the right-hand byline before fizzing a delivery deep into the penalty area. Garnacho had to backpedal a few steps before unleashing a dazzling overhead kick that soared past Jordan Pickford.

Think of Wayne Rooney's Manchester derby overhead kick; it was better than that. Think of Gareth Bale's Champions League final acrobatics; it was better than that too. The setting may not have been as meteoric on this occasion but it was one of the most spectacular goals in Premier League history.

Further goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial sealed a routine 3-0 win, one that will give this United side a huge degree of confidence that their attacking play, and indeed their overall play will improve.

Man United's best player against Everton

Gary Neville perhaps rightfully awarded Garnacho with the Man of the Match award for his dumbfounding goal that opened the scoring at Goodison Park.

However, it was a young individual one year the Argentine's junior who truly stood out in Merseyside on Sunday evening.

Granted his first-ever start in the Premier League by Ten Hag, Kobbie Mainoo, just 18 years of age, dazzled against Everton this weekend.

The teenager has only just returned from injury and was awaiting his first senior minutes since appearing as a late substitute against Leicester back in February.

Fans had been crying out for him to start and he didn't disappoint.

Mainoo's game vs Everton in numbers

This was a high-class performance from Mainoo where he demonstrated class and maturity beyond his years.

United have struggled in midfield this term to find the right balance. The usually ever-reliable and consistent Casemiro has been off the pace and summer signing Sofyan Amrabat has taken a while to settle into his new surroundings, notably handed a shocking 2/10 seasonal rating by MEN's Samuel Luckhurst for his exploits since arriving.

Mainoo's game vs Everton

Minutes played

72

Pass success

34/41 (83%)

Touches

57

Dribble success

2/3 (67%)

Accurate long balls

2/4

Tackles won

100%

Interceptions

2

Recoveries

3

Duels won

5

Stats via Fotmob.

Therefore, it couldn't really get much worse with Mainoo stepping into the holding midfield role.

It was a classy performance in which the tone was set throughout the first 45 minutes. Darting back to make a goal-saving clearance on the line, it summed up his ability to cover immense ground and cover his teammates.

Throughout the teen's time on the pitch, the youngster barely missed a beat, notably winning 100% of his tackles and completing six defensive actions. That was made up by winning 60% of his ground duels and 67% of his aerial duels. Fine work indeed.

Furthermore, Mainoo made three ball recoveries and played six passes into the final third. This was a delightful all-round showing at Goodison that would only have been topped had he found the net.

Perhaps the finest praise came from the aforementioned Luckhurst. Writing in his post-match ratings for the Manchester Evening News, the journalist awarded him with an 8/10, saying: "Composed and confident from the off and his willingness to drop back into his own third to get the ball was needed when he cleared off the line. Man of the match."

Very quickly the academy graduate has thrust himself into starting contention. Indeed, it would take a fool to drop him after this fine display.

Looking to avoid a third successive Premier League defeat, Tottenham Hotspur are set for an intriguing encounter with fellow top-four hopefuls Aston Villa this afternoon, the two sides currently split by just a point in the top-flight table.

Having looked possible contenders to challenge for the title just a few weeks ago, Spurs have been pegged back of late to somewhat derail those lofty ambitions, albeit with manager Ange Postecoglou having been dealt a dismal hand after losing a host of first-team stars to injury and suspension.

Among the most concerning absences for the north Londoners is that of James Maddison, with the £40m addition having arguably been the "signing of the summer" – according to TNT Sports' Joe Cole – after a stunning start to life at N17.

James Maddison's season by numbers

Plucked from Leicester City back in July following the Foxes' slide into the Championship, the England international has helped to ease the loss of former lynchpin Harry Kane after taking on an almost talismanic role in the early months of the campaign.

Having inherited the number ten shirt from his Three Lions colleague, Maddison has relished the responsibility of being the main man, scoring three goals and registering five assists in the league thus far in 2023/24 from his playmaking berth.

Acting as the main source of creativity in Postecoglou's side, the 26-year-old has already created 31 chances in the Premier League this season, with that record only bettered by Bruno Fernandes (32) and Kieran Trippier (33) across the entire division.

Trying to replace such a talent is no mean feat then, with Spurs set to be without their star man for the remainder of 2023, after Maddison pulled up in the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea prior to the international break.

A perhaps obvious replacement would be Giovani Lo Celso, yet the Argentine playmaker has hardly impressed during his time in London to date, scoring just eight goals and contributing only six assists in 88 games in all competitions.

With the 27-year-old also having spent the last 18 months out on loan at Villarreal, it remains to be seen if he is a long-term option for the Lilywhites, hence why looking to the future could be a better course of action with the inclusion of 18-year-old, Jamie Donley.

The reasons why Jamie Donley should start against Villa

It would be a bold call for Postecoglou to unleash the teenager from the first whistle against Unai Emery's side – particularly considering he is yet to make a senior appearance – yet having sparkled in the youth ranks, Donley is now simply 'impossible to ignore', in the words of football.london's Rob Guest.

The Northern Ireland-born, England youth international had dazzled in his creative berth in 2023/24 thus far, already notching up six goals and 11 assists in just 11 games in all competitions.

Games

Goals

Assists

Tottenham U18

40

26

10

Tottenham U21

37

9

14

Tottenham UEFA U19

5

1

2

Stats via Transfermarkt

That stellar record includes a return of four goals and eight assists from only eight Premier League 2 appearances, with it for that reason that Donley has already found himself named on the bench for the first team this season.

It is equally also why podcaster Chris Miller has suggested that the academy sensation is the "closest thing to Maddison" that Tottenham have in the squad at present, putting him perhaps ahead of Lo Celso, and others, in the midfield pecking order.

While also comfortable in a more advanced role or on the flanks, the absence of Maddison should allow Donley the chance to try and cement a place for himself behind Heung-min son, starting with the visit of the Villans.

Postecoglou stated in his pre-match press conference that the "opportunity will come" for the teen if he does impress in training, could today be that 'opportunity'?

Allrounder hints at pulling out of BBL stint with Hobart, in the wake of the ECB rule-change that raises World Cup hopes

Barny Read01-Dec-20182:03

‘It’ll be hard to squeeze into this England team!’ – Archer

Jofra Archer has hinted that he may consider pulling out of this winter’s stint with Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL, in the wake of the ECB rule-change that has raised the possibility of him making England’s squad for next year’s 2019 World Cup.Speaking to ESPNcricinfo in the UAE, where he has been taking part in the T10 League, Archer insisted he was taking nothing for granted about his potential fast-tracking into the England set-up, but added that he needs to take time to assess his new priorities.”I’m a bit excited, however that doesn’t guarantee I’ll be selected this year or for anything upcoming as yet,” said Archer. “If it happens, it happens, but I don’t want to think too far down the line. I’ve still got lots of cricket to play even before then so it makes no sense dwelling on that.”Archer, who was born in Barbados and began his England qualification in 2015, had not expected to be available for international selection until 2022 at the earliest. All that has now changed, with the ECB reducing their residency period from seven years to three, even though the requirement to spend 210 days a year in the UK still has the potential to undermine his World Cup prospects.The ECB’s new rules kick in from January 1, 2019, in time for England’s tour of the Caribbean in the new year. However, Archer’s retention by Hobart Hurricanes – the team with which he burst onto the world stage in last year’s BBL – means that he is unlikely to have completed his 210-day quota until mid-March. With his stint with Rajasthan Royals in the IPL also coming up in the spring, he could be short of opportunities to bed into the England set-up before the provisional World Cup squad is submitted on April 23.”It is [exciting to be available for World Cup selection] but on the other side, because I’ve done so well in the Big Bash and the IPL which are coming up, if I’m doing well at them it’s something to argue about coming into the World Cup. As long as I look after my performances they should look after me with selection.”Nevertheless, in a Twitter post soon after the ECB announcement, Archer admitted that he “would love to debut in front of my family,” a reference to the England tour of the West Indies that gets underway in Barbados in January. The only way for him to feature in that squad would be to pull out of his Hobart deal, and spend the winter at home in the UK to complete his 210 days.”I’m not too sure [about skipping the Big Bash],” he said. “I haven’t been to Australia as of yet. I don’t know how the CEO would react. I haven’t asked yet. Obviously everything just happened only two days ago, so there’s still some time to do some thinking and to really see what takes priority.”England’s one-day captain Eoin Morgan – who had previously played down Archer’s hopes of featuring in the World Cup – is also taking part in the T10 League, but despite staying in the same hotel, Archer said that the two have not yet spoken about his situation.”I think [Morgan]’s the captain, I don’t think he’s the one who picks the team,” he said. “It doesn’t make any sense chasing it, as it’s only been two days. There’s still lots of time before the air changes. I’m still not fully qualified as yet, I still have to do my days. If it happens, it happens but I probably won’t try to overthink it too much.”[England] are the No.1 team in the world and even if I am in the squad and not the team I think it would be a great experience to be around all those players.”I just try not to think about it too much. England are doing really well in the Tests and ODIs, they’re doing well in everything and I think it will be hard to squeeze my way into the team.”Nevertheless, in Archer, England may have found the final cog in an already well-balanced bowling attack that is currently only lacking an out-and-out pace option.He is also a more-than-capable batsman and has already has an idea of where he’d like to bat in England’s allrounder-laden line-ups.”In the Tests I’d probably just like to bat just after Sam [Curran]. Either before or after Sam. Both of us are attacking and I think we could really do some damage if we do get together,” he said.”In the ODIs maybe seven or eight as well. I’m not too sure how it will go but I think whenever I do get the chance to bat I can just show what I can do and hopefully with a lot of performances I could squeeze my way up the order a bit.”England’s gain is West Indies’ loss when it comes to Archer, who moved to Sussex after becoming disillusioned with West Indies cricket when he was overlooked for the U19 Cricket World Cup in 2014.And though the ECB’s announcement drew ire from Cricket West Indies chief executive Johnny Grave, who accused England of “poaching” one of the country’s players, Archer suggested that those comments have been made three years too late.”I saw the [Grave] article yesterday. I don’t really have too much to say on it to be honest. I left three years ago so what he’s saying now he should have said probably three years ago,” Archer said.”There weren’t any opportunities [with West Indies] which is why I left. I want to say ‘no hard feelings’ but my dream is to play international cricket and with the possibility of it happening soon I think I made the right decision within myself.”And even if Archer falls short of breaking into the England fold, there is another big personal positive for him, it means he can spend more time with his family in Barbados.”Being qualified means I can spend a bit more time at home. This is three to four years now that I’ve only spent two or three weeks at home the whole year. Sometimes it’s not enough not seeing your family for so long so there’s at least some good things out of qualifying this year,” he said.Jofra Archer interview was courtesy of Cricingif, exclusive digital partners of Sindhis in the T10 League

تمكن لاعبو الزمالك من تحقيق فوز كبير على حساب إنبي بنتيجة 4-2، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن لقاءات الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وأقيمت مباراة الزمالك أمام إنبي اليوم في اللقاء المؤجل من الجولة 22 للمسابقة المحلية وذلك على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي.

طالع | موعد مباراة الزمالك القادمة في الدوري بعد الفوز على إنبي

وبهذه النتيجة تحسن وضع الزمالك في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، ويصل إلى المركز الرابع في الجدول برصيد 52 نقطة، متساويًا مع المصري صاحب المركز الثالث ولكن بفارق الأهداف.

وكان الأهلي قد نجح في تحقيق فوز كبير أمس الأحد على نظيره المقاولون العرب برباعية دون رد، ضمن مؤجلات الجولة الثالثة والعشرين من المسابقة المحلية.

وبهذا الفوز، ينفرد الأهلي بصدارة ترتيب جدول الدوري المصري برصيد 78 نقطة، بينما يأتي المقاولون العرب بالمركز السابع عشر (قبل الأخير)، ولديه 25 نقطة.

كما تمكن فريق بيراميدز من الفوز على زد بنتيجة 2-1، في اللقاء الذي أقيم على أرضية استاد الدفاع الجوي، بالجولة 29 المؤجلة من عمر المسابقة المحلية.

ويحتل بيراميدز وصافة جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 73 نقطة، بينما يأتي فريق زد بالمركز السابع وفي رصيده 47 نقطة. ترتيب الدوري المصري بعد فوز الزمالك على إنبي

1- الأهلي – 78 نقطة – 30 مباراة.

2- بيراميدز – 73 نقطة – 32 مباراة.

3- المصري – 52 نقطة – 32 مباراة.

4- الزمالك – 52 نقطة – 31 مباراة.

5- مودرن سبورت – 50 نقطة – 32 مباراة.

6- سموحة – 48 نقطة – 31 مباراة.

7- زد- 47 نقطة – 30 مباراة.

8- سيراميكا كليوباترا – 45 نقطة – 32 مباراة.

9- إنبي – 43 نقطة – 32 مباراة.

10- الاتحاد السكندري – 40 نقطة – 32 مباراة.

11- طلائع الجيش – 39 نقطة – 32 مباراة.

12- البنك الأهلي – 34 نقطة – 32 مباراة.

13-  الجونة – 33 نقطة – 32 مباراة.

14- الإسماعيلي – 32 نقطة – 32 مباراة.

15- فاركو – 31 نقطة – 32 مباراة.

16- بلدية المحلة – 27 نقطة – 32 مباراة.

17- المقاولون العرب – 25 نقطة – 32 مباراة.

18- الداخلية – 19 نقطة – 32 مباراة.

يمكنكم متابعة ترتيب جدول الدوري المصري محدث باستمرار من هنا.

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is in the market for additions come the New Year and reportedly has a talented youngster in his sights at the City Ground, according to a report.

Steve Cooper's Forest future in doubt

Forest were embroiled in a dramatic affair against Brighton & Hove Albion at the City Ground that ended in an unfortunate 3-2 defeat, as goals from Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White weren't enough to prevent losing out as Evan Ferguson's smart finish and a double from Joao Pedro sealed all three points for the visitors.

In the aftermath of the affair, The Daily Mail ran a story that claims Welsh boss Cooper is now under pressure from the Tricky Trees' ambitious hierarchy, with owner Evangelos Marinakis said to be growing frustrated with his side's recent form. Despite Nottingham Forest's defeat at the weekend, Cooper looks to have retained decent support from his club's fanbase; however, the outlet state that he will need to find a way to beat Everton this weekend at the City Ground to give himself further security.

On the face of it, sacking Cooper would be judged by many as a harsh call, given that he kept the Reds in the top flight in his debut Premier League campaign and currently has them sitting 14th in the division with 13 points from 13 fixtures.

Nevertheless, the English game resembles a revolving door concerning managers losing their positions every few months as owners look to get one step ahead in their ambitions to reach the top, which seemingly no coach is immune from in the cold light of day.

Nottingham Forest's recent Premier League results

Opponent & result

Venue

Nottingham Forest 2-3 Brighton & Hove Albion

City Ground

West Ham United 3-2 Nottingham Forest

London Stadium

Nottingham Forest 2-0 Aston Villa

City Ground

Liverpool 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Anfield

Nottingham Forest 2-2 Luton Town

City Ground

Casting an eye to January, Nottingham Forest are believed to be eyeing up an economically advantageous deal for a bright young star. However, they will face interest from other clubs in his services.

Nottingham Forest want Rocco Vata

According to The Daily Record, Nottingham Forest are keen on Celtic prospect Rocco Vata, after they had an offer turned down in the summer transfer window.

Italian sides Frosinone and Torino are also showing interest in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, who is out of contract in 2024 and could be available for a development fee of just £350,000 as his future north of the border continues to remain unresolved.

Labelled "exciting" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Vata has been in brilliant form for Celtic B throughout the course of this campaign, notching ten goals in 13 appearances across all competitions (Vata statistics – Transfermarkt).

The 18-year-old has also featured four times for Celtic's senior side as his stock continues to rise. Despite this, an exit from the Hoops could be on the cards for Vata and he is unlikely to be short of suitors as his situation at Parkhead becomes more and more perilous.

Awoniyi replacement found in Nottingham Forest's dream starting XI after Jan

Cooper needs to find a replacement for injured top scorer Taiwo Awoniyi in January…

ByTom Griffin Nov 26, 2023

Leeds United continued their excellent form in the Championship with an incredible win away at runaway second-tier leaders Leicester City on Friday night, Georginio Rutter the difference maker as his poacher-like instincts ensured the Whites left the King Power Stadium with all three points.

Inflicting the Foxes to only their second defeat of the season to date, Daniel Farke’s men will now hope that Ipswich Town start to falter in order to make up some ground on the Tractor Boys in that coveted second automatic promotion spot.

The likes of Joel Piroe, Crysencio Summerville and Ethan Ampadu continue to impress the Elland Road masses, but it’s young Archie Gray – great nephew of Leeds icon Eddie Gray – that is standing out in the first team ranks at only 17 years of age.

The teen prodigy could well be Leeds’ next Stuart Dallas in the making, versatile in being able to play both centrally and at full-back and hopefully as reliable and as key as the 32-year-old has been to all major successes experienced by the Whites in recent years when called upon.

Dallas’ numbers for Leeds

Dallas was an integral part of the Marcelo Bielsa machine when the eccentric Argentine head coach galvanised Leeds to break out of their Championship mediocrity back to the promised land of the top flight, the Northern Irishman was excellent for the most part under Bielsa’s esteemed tenure.

Swapping between playing as a full-back, a winger or as a central midfielder, Leeds’ number 15 very rarely made a glaring error with his full-throttle performances winning him plaudits.

He would score five goals and assist a further three in the memorable 2019/20 promotion campaign up to the Premier League, netting on the final day versus Charlton in a 4-0 win with the champagne flowing at full-time.

Gray will hope he can follow in the footsteps of Dallas, the wide-eyed youngster already making an impact for the Whites’ first team this campaign despite still learning the ropes at senior level.

Gray’s numbers this season

Labelled as having “something very special” for such a young footballer by Leeds United journalist Phil Hay after starring in pre-season, Gray has shone in the cut and thrust of the Championship this campaign to reinforce this glowing praise.

Performing at a level way above anyone’s wildest predictions at 17, Gray has been a constant in Farke’s first-team plans – transitioning to full-back recently after starting the season centrally, with shades of Dallas’ game apparent in the teenager’s displays.

Archie Gray's season in numbers
Games Played	14 (12 starts)
Key Passes	0.6 per game
Pass Accuracy	80%
Interceptions	0.7 per game
Tackles Won	2.2 per game
Ball Recoveries	5.1 per game
Successful Dribbles	0.7 per game
Stats via Sofascore.

Playing the full 90 minutes versus Leicester at right-back, Leeds’ number 22 excelled on the big occasion. Gray would win four of his five ground duels at the King Power per Sofascore, whilst remaining fearless on the ball throughout with 19 of his 23 passes on the night accurate.

He was equally as daring versus QPR at the start of October, successful with both dribbles attempted as his side went on to narrowly overcome the visitors from West London 1-0. That all-round nature that Dallas possesses is clearly also brewing inside the teenager.

Clocking up 16 first-team appearances this campaign, mostly as a midfielder, Gray is steadily becoming part of the furniture with Leeds with fans and coaches alike hoping that he goes on to have a sustained and successful career at Elland Road.

Flexible in where he’s selected by Farke, the 17-year-old is demonstrating a remarkable maturity far beyond his years – unfazed by the bright lights and media attention, his football doing the talking. The German head coach will hope he can continue to rely on his teenage starlet to perform, the world Gray’s oyster at this moment in time.

Rohit Sharma believes that the 3-0 whitewash of West Indies has completely prepared the Indian white-ball side for their tour of Australia which begins in nine days.After Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant scored match-winning half-centuries on Sunday, India’s stand-in captain told reporters that they were “high on confidence” to take on the Australian challenge that kicks off with a three-game T20I series.”It was important from the team’s perspective for the players to get some runs ahead of the important Australia tour,” Rohit said. “Shikhar was batting well in the ODI series. He was not able to get big scores. He was getting 30s and 40s, but I am glad that he could play a match-winning knock today and get some form under his belt before the crucial tour. Rishabh was also hungry to go out and get some runs. It was the perfect situation today.”When you win a series like this, you are high on confidence and it is all about taking that confidence there. Australia will be a different ball-game, and I completely understand that. But I think the things we have been doing as a team, we have to keep repeating the same thing we have been doing.”India will, once again, be without MS Dhoni for the T20Is in Australia but Rohit backed Dinesh Karthik, the wicketkeeper during the West Indies T20Is, to keep coming good. In any case, they aren’t short of options behind the stumps with Pant and KL Rahul both part of the squad.”MS [Dhoni] not being in a team is a miss for any team,” Rohit said. “But I have played with Dinesh in Mumbai Indians when I was captain. We understand each other really well. His thought behind the stumps is important, like any other wicketkeeper.”Dinesh’s input has been important – on how the pitch is doing and the angle where the fielders are. Small little things like that. Dinesh has been helpful. He is also the skipper of one of the IPL franchises [Kolkata Knight Riders], and that really helps.”The West Indies series also gave India an opportunity to test Krunal Pandya in international cricket. Already a vital cog in the IPL for Mumbai Indians, the 27-year old allrounder played a match-winning innings on debut, and was also tidy with the ball, giving away only 78 runs in 72 balls across three games.”Krunal is a street-smart cricketer,” Rohit said. “He is never afraid of going and bowling to any batsman whether the batsman is set, whether it is a left-hander who is set. We have seen that when he played the IPL.Rohit Sharma guides the ball towards the leg side•Associated Press

“I am quite impressed with how he approached these three internationals. He has got a great ability to play for India for a long period of time, only because he can also bat. You have seen how he finished the first game. He came and played shots which were not expected from a debutant, but he is fearless, just like his brother.”At the end of the day, you need characters in the team like Krunal and Hardik who are not afraid of expressing themselves. I don’t like to mention one or two players. All the players have different characters and, at different point of time, they have raised their hands and taken responsibility.”The greatest positive from the series, according to Rohit, was India’s fielding, and he led the way himself, with three sharp catches in the second T20I. “There was going to be a question mark on our fielding after a long home season that we have played. We ticked a lot of boxes but I am especially happy how we fielded. Batting and bowling, there will be mistakes and good performances but I was particularly happy with our fielding.”Rohit, however, brushed aside his own personal ambitions for a place in India’s XI for the Australia Tests, opting to play down the hype around his return to the Test squad after being axed midway through the South Africa series in January this year.”I am not thinking about the Test match. I am someone who doesn’t think too far ahead. All I am thinking is going back, taking few days off, and take the flight to Australia,” he said. “If I try and stay in present, it works for me.”Test matches are something I was looking forward [to] for a long time. It will be a nice to go out there and play a Test match for India. As a batsman, I don’t think about my past performances. Every game is a new game. Every time I go out there in the middle, I keep things simple. This game is simple if you keep it simple. If you overthink, it can get complicated. So it is important to stay in [the] present. It is important to start well in Australia and then, take it from there.”India play their first T20I at the Gabba on November 21, after which the series moves on to Melbourne and Sydney. Then comes a four-Test series before the tour finally winds down with three ODIs starting January 12.