Naman Dhir is Jitesh Sharma’s deputy, while the squad also includes Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Priyansh Arya, Ramandeep Singh, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Suryansh Shedge, Abishek Porel and others

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Nov-2025Jitesh Sharma has been named captain of the India A squad for the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Rising Stars Asia Cup, earlier the Emerging Teams tournament, to be played in Doha from November 14 to 23. Naman Dhir has been appointed his deputyThe selectors have also included 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the squad, which explains his absence from the four-team Under-19 Challenger Trophy. Over the years, that tournament has been used as a key marker by the junior national selection panel to finalise their squad for next year’s Under-19 World Cup – for which Suryavanshi appears to be a certainty.The 15-member squad, picked by Ajit Agarkar and his senior men’s selection panel, comprises some stellar IPL performers, most notably Punjab Kings and Delhi Premier League (DPL) star Priyansh Arya.ACC Rising Stars tournament schedule

Nov 14 – Oman vs Pak; Ind vs UAE
Nov 15 – Ban vs HK; Afg vs SL
Nov 16 – Oman vs UAE; Ind vs Pak
Nov 17 – HK vs SL; Afg vs Ban
Nov 18 – Pak vs UAE; Ind vs Oman
Nov 19 – Afg vs HK; Ban vs SL
Nov 21 – Semi-finals: A1 vs B2; B1 vs A2
Nov 23 – Final

In his maiden IPL campaign in 2025, Arya struck 475 runs at a strike rate of 179.24 – the third-best in terms of runs for the franchise behind Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh. Last week, Arya was handed a first-class debut by Delhi in the Ranji Trophy.The other key state and IPL performers include Abishek Porel, currently captaining Bengal in Abhimanyu Easwaran’s absence, and Harsh Dubey, who has been a regular feature across various India A squads over the past few months.The fast bowlers include Gurjapneet Singh, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yudhvir Singh and Yash Thakur – all of whom are part of BCCI’s targeted pool of fast bowlers. Ramandeep Singh and Suryansh Shedge are the seam-bowling allrounders.Pakistan A and Oman will kick off the tournament, with the showpiece India A vs Pakistan A match slotted for November 16. The teams are divided into two groups: Group A has Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka, while Group B has India, Oman, Pakistan and UAE.This will be the first cricketing exchange between the men’s teams of India and Pakistan since the senior Asia Cup in September, though the senior women’s teams faced off at the ODI World Cup earlier this month.When the men played the Asia Cup, there were no handshakes or any other form of greetings between the players of the two countries, and it ended with India, the tournament champions, leaving Dubai without the trophy.It emerged that they had decided not to receive the trophy from the ACC chief, Mohsin Naqvi, who also happens to be PCB chairman and the country’s interior minister.India A squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup T20 tournamentPriyansh Arya, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nehal Wadhera, Naman Dhir (vice-capt), Suryansh Shedge, Jitesh Sharma (capt, wk), Ramandeep Singh, Harsh Dubey, Ashutosh Sharma, Yash Thakur, Gurjapneet Singh, Vijay Kumar Vyshak, Yudhvir Singh, Abishek Porel (wk), Suyash Sharma

MatériaMais Notícias

O zagueiro João Madia assinou contrato profissional com o Avaí. Integrante do time sub-20, o jogador, que está no clube há quatro anos, comemorou a ascensão na carreira e a oportunidade de continuar representando o Leão.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansRubão diz que desgaste na relação com Augusto Melo começou após questionamento sobre comissão em patrocínioCorinthians06/05/2024BotafogoJohn Textor, dono do Botafogo é multado, mas escapa de punição pelo STJD por denúncias de manipulaçãoBotafogo06/05/2024Futebol NacionalCBF disponibiliza plataforma para ajudar vítimas das chuvas no Rio Grande do SulFutebol Nacional06/05/2024

– Muito feliz em assinar o contrato profissional com o Avaí. O clube me acolheu desde o primeiro dia e me deu a oportunidade de fazer o que mais amo. Vamos em busca de continuar dando o melhor – afirmou João Madia.

Apesar de fazer parte do sub-20, João Madia ainda tem idade para integrar a equipe sub-17. Ele revelou quais são os planos no Avaí.

– Meus objetivos são ser campeão do Estadual nas categorias de base e logo estar ajudando no profissional. Quero trazer alegria para a torcida com trabalho e dedicação sempre – finalizou.

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Diego Simeone has fuelled speculation about his long-term future after openly admitting he can “imagine coaching Inter one day." The Atletico Madrid boss, now in his 14th season, made the confession ahead of a crucial Champions League meeting with the Nerazzurri – a moment that has reignited old ties and sparked fresh questions about what comes after his successful era in Spain.

Simeone stirs future talk before high-stakes Inter clash

The build-up to Atletico's Champions League showdown with Inter was already intense but Simeone turned it into global headline material. Speaking on the eve of the match at the Metropolitano, the Argentine coach revisited his emotional bond with the Nerazzurri, where he spent two seasons as a player between 1997 and 1999.

His comments arrive during a turbulent European campaign for Atletico, marked by strong wins against Eintracht Frankfurt and Union Saint-Gilloise but also damaging defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal. With qualification still uncertain, the club’s margin for error is slim, making the Nerazzurri's visit a defining moment in their season.

And yet, instead of cooling the atmosphere, Simeone chose to heat it up, hinting at what could be his next chapter. That set the stage for his most eye-catching admission of the night.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSimeone admits he imagines coaching Inter

Before addressing tactical matters, Simeone was asked directly about rumours linking him to Inter. The 55-year-old didn’t hide behind diplomacy and gave one of the clearest answers of his managerial career.

Introducing his remarks with calm assurance, Simeone acknowledged both his past at the club and his long-term ambition. “It doesn’t depend on just me, but in my coaching career I can imagine myself managing Inter one day. I think it will happen one day,” he said.

The statement echoed a sentiment he has carried privately for years, but rarely expressed aloud. In Madrid, it landed like a bombshell; in Milan, it was heard like a promise.

Praise for Inter and deeper implications for Atletico

The Argentine didn’t stop at expressing affection he went on to shower praise on Inter’s current squad and project. He highlighted how strongly the San Siro side have developed, stressing their consistency, structure and attacking clarity. “They play very well, they have personality and they have a clear idea of how to attack. The squad is incredible. Against Milan they were proactive. They didn't finish, but they could have won. They deserved it. We have to take the game to a place where we know we can beat them.”

He then underlined their recent pedigree in Europe, placing them at the top of the continent’s contenders, adding: “In the Champions League, the numbers speak for themselves. They've played two finals. They're one of the favorites to win and demonstrate their strength, as they have done so far.”

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AFPLong contract at Atletico, but a future with Inter remains open

On paper, there is no immediate drama. Simeone is tied to Atletico until 2027, and Inter are thriving under their current manager. No short-term change is expected. But sentiment matters and Simeone has now publicly outlined what could be his next step after closing his long chapter with the Rojiblancos. 

The Spanish side have spent big on transfers in recent years and those above Simeone believe it is time to deliver trophies, having failed to do so since 2021, with the club's president saying in the summer that they are aiming to win the Champions League. Failure to beat Real Madrid and Barcelona to another domestic title, at least, could see pressure build on the Argentine as the season wears on.

For the time being, though, he remains the undisputed leader of Atletico’s most successful era. He has coached the club for nearly 15 consecutive years, delivering league titles, Champions League finals, and a modern identity built on emotional intensity and structure. Yet after this press conference, one thing feels clearer than ever: whenever the Inter bench becomes available, Simeone already sees himself there.

Aitana Bonmati's season seems to be all but over after she underwent surgery on her fractured fibula, as Barcelona confirmed a lengthy recovery timeframe for the three-time Ballon d'Or winner. She landed awkwardly in Spain’s final training session before the second leg of the Nations League final. Medical tests carried out shortly after the injury confirmed the grim diagnosis, ending any possibility of her featuring in Tuesday’s decisive match against Germany in Madrid.

• Barcelona confirm surgery and an extended layoff

  Bonmati returned to Barcelona on Monday and underwent surgery on Tuesday morning at the Hospital de Barcelona. In a statement, the Catalan club said the procedure, led by Dr Antoni Dalmau with the supervision of the club’s medical team, had been a success. 

  It read: "First-team player Aitana Bonmatí has undergone successful surgery for the transverse fracture of her left fibula. This surgery was performed by Dr. Antoni Dalmau at the Hospital de Barcelona, under the supervision of the Club's Medical Services. The expected recovery time will be around five months."

  The lengthy timeline rules her out of Barcelona’s crowded December schedule and throws her availability for key Champions League fixtures into doubt, including the quarter-finals set for late March.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Spain’s title defence hit hard as Germany smell opportunity

  Spain will attempt to defend the Nations League crown they won in 2024 without their most influential performer in the middle of the park. Bonmati had started Friday’s first leg in Germany, a hard-fought 0-0 draw in which both sides cancelled each other out for long periods. Her absence leaves a significant creative and tactical void, particularly against a Germany side with fresh memories of suffering at her hands last summer. 

  During the 2025 European Championship semi-finals, Germany held Spain to a stalemate deep into extra time before Bonmatí finally broke through, outwitting Ann-Katrin Berger to send La Roja to the final. That wound remains raw for the Germans, who now see an unexpected opening with Bonmati forced out of Tuesday’s second leg at the Metropolitano Stadium. Spain, for their part, are desperate to avoid finishing the year empty-handed after losing the Euro 2025 final to England on penalties. Another title slipping away would cast a bleak shadow over a squad that has prided itself on being the dominant force in the women’s game in recent years.

• Barcelona’s injury woes deepen ahead of critical fixtures

  Bonmati's midfield partner, Patri Guijarro, is also sidelined with a stress fracture in her right foot, leaving manager Jonatan Giraldez suddenly without his two most experienced central players. League fixtures against Tenerife and Levante, Champions League clashes with Benfica and Paris FC, and a Copa de la Reina tie against Alaves are set to arrive thick and fast in December. In fact, all five games come before Liga F breaks for winter, meaning the squad must play on without two of their most trusted leaders.

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  Blow to Champions League aspirations

  Bonmati got injured as Barcelona were building momentum in this season’s Champions League group stage. With three wins and a draw from their opening four matches, they sit in a commanding position and are well placed to reach the knockout rounds. They only dropped points on English soil during a contentious 1-1 draw away to Chelsea. The memory of the 2024-25 Champions League final defeat to Arsenal continues to linger at the club. In that match, despite long stretches of dominance, Barcelona were undone by Stina Blackstenius’s late strike, handing the Gunners their second European crown nearly two decades after their first. 

  For now, the focus shifts entirely to Bonmatí’s recovery. The next five months will require patience, resilience and careful management. Both Spain and Barcelona know they cannot replace what Bonmati brings, and they can only hope she returns in time to influence matches at the business end of the season, especially when European silverware could be up for grabs. 

Prenelan Subrayen is, in every sense, a marathon man. How else does one describe a cricketer whose spirit refuses to be dimmed, even after the repeated heartbreak of being reported for a suspect action? Each time he has been forced to rebuild, he has returned with more fire, more resolve, more love for his craft than before.At 32, Subrayen’s career is just two Tests old. Earlier this month in Pakistan, he played the first Test in Lahore, and made way when Keshav Maharaj returned from injury for the second Test in Rawalpindi. Then, last week, he learned of his non-selection for the India tour.Related

• Temba Bavuma named in South Africa A squad for India tour

• Bavuma to return as South Africa captain for India Tests

• 'He told me you'll play' – Sai Sudharsan on Gambhir's 'impeccable' support

• Kotian leads India A's fightback after Hermann brothers hit fifties

But in his first outing since that disappointment, Subrayen reminded everyone of his qualities. On Friday in Bengaluru, he wheeled away tirelessly, bowling 22 overs unchanged to rip through the heart of India A’s batting order and restore South Africa A’s advantage by stumps on Day 2 of the first unofficial Test. From 90 for no loss, India slumped to 234 all out as Subrayen picked up 5 for 61. Having pocketed a 75-run first-innings lead, South Africa A ended the day 30 for no loss.Subrayen’s five scalps included some noted names. He deceived Ayush Mhatre in flight as he advanced, forcing him to chip to midwicket for 65, the highest score of the India A innings. Devdutt Padikkal mistimed a lofted hit to mid-off as he stepped out, and Rajat Patidar was bowled through the gate attempting to drive against the turn.Subrayen employed as many as four catchers around the bat at most times. Tanush Kotian, who has bailed Mumbai out of tough situations time and again, was out jabbing to one of them, short leg, and Khaleel Ahmed mistimed a slog to long-on to give Subrayen his 13th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.While Subrayen did the bulk of the damage, others had moments to remember too. Okuhle Cele is likely replay his ball to dismiss Rishabh Pant over and over.Midway through the second session, when Pant walked out to bat for the first time since returning from his broken foot, there was a sense of anticipation around the ground among the handful present. He charged down the pitch first ball, and swung hell for leather, only to connect with thin air.Cele then bowled short at Pant, attempting to target his ribcage, not wanting to give him any room to drive or slash. And on 17, the tactic found its reward, Pant jabbing to Zubayr Hamza in the slips while attempting to fend one away.The only India A batter to make an impression with the bat was young Mhatre. He fearlessly drove on the up, played a few delightful straight drives, and took on spin from get-go. All of this brought him a 46-ball half-century. He was eventually out for 65, his knock containing 10 fours.B Sai Sudharsan, his opening partner, was edgy for much of his 94-ball stay. Early on, an attempt to pinch a single to mid-off nearly had him run out on 2; he was saved by a full-stretch dive at the non-striker’s end. Sudharsan alternated between denying himself outside off and poking at deliveries that left him. Eventually, Tshepo Moreki worked him over with an away-going delivery that he nicked behind for 32.This was when Subrayen stepped up and began his marathon spell, which has now put South Africa A firmly in the driver’s seat with two full days remaining.

It's officially June and the Colorado Rockies are still seeking their 10th win of the 2025 MLB season.

The Rockies were swept for the 10th time this season on Sunday, this time by the New York Mets, which is tied for the most times a team has been swept through its first 20 series in league history. They're now sitting at a woeful 9-50 on the campaign, having made even more unwanted history in the process.

Colorado suffered its 50th loss of the season in its 59th game of the year. Only two teams in MLB history have reached 50 losses faster, the 1876 Cincinnati Red Stockings and the 1884 Kansas City Union, according to ESPN. It's been 141 years, almost one and a half centuries, since a team has been off to as dismal of a start as the 2025 Rockies.

The Rockies have lost eight straight games and haven't won since defeating the New York Yankees, 3–2, on May 23. The team is 1-13 in its last 14 games and haven't scored more than five runs in a game since May 17.

Colorado's next chance to reach double digits in the win column will come Monday, June 2, as they'll begin a three-game series on the road against the Miami Marlins.

The Boston Red Sox shook up the organization on Sunday by stunningly trading Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants just three years into his 10-year, $313.5 million deal.

The decision to trade Devers ultimately seems to have stemmed from his unwillingness to put the team first when it came to his defensive position. He was initially displeased about having to move to DH after the team acquired Alex Bregman to play third base, and was resistant to the idea of playing first base in the wake of Triston Casas's season-ending injury.

That didn't sit well with management and ownership, who ultimately pulled the plug on Devers's time in Boston.

Red Sox legend David Ortiz addressed Devers's departure during an interview with baseball content creator Yancen Pujols.

Ortiz offered his honest assessment of the situation, saying, "Players need to take this as an example. Nobody is indispensable. … You need to be smart and you need to understand the situation. Your worst enemy is your ego," Ortiz said, translated from Spanish.

Ortiz suggested that Devers wasn't willing to step forward as a leader and help his team by covering first base due to his ego, and that the trade is living proof that no player, regardless of their contract status or how long they've been in an organization, is out of reach of being traded, especially one who is quarreling with ownership.

Devers played nine seasons for the Red Sox and made three All-Star teams. This year, he has a .905 OPS with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs in his first 73 games.

Liverpool and Arsenal are now both reportedly eyeing the chance to sign a Paris Saint-Germain attacker in 2026.

Salah's rant compiles Liverpool misery

Ao Tanaka’s late equaliser was the last thing that Liverpool needed. The Reds only had themselves to blame after going from comfortable 2-0 leaders to level at 2-2 then throwing their 3-2 lead away at the death. In 99 minutes of action, the Premier League champions had their problems laid bare for all to see.

For a third-consecutive game, meanwhile, Mohamed Salah watched on from the bench. And for the second time in those three games, the Egyptian didn’t even get on the pitch. When Liverpool needed a goal, last year’s Golden Boot winner and top playmaker was forced to watch on and to say he wasn’t happy would be an understatement.

The Anfield icon went rogue at full-time, unleashing an explosive rant about Arne Slot’s recent decisions, saying: “After what I have done for the club it really hurts. You can imagine, really.

Liverpool join race to sign "aggressive" gem who's been compared to Szoboszlai

The Reds could deal Newcastle another blow

ByTom Cunningham Dec 6, 2025

“After going from home to the club and you don’t know if you are starting. I know the club too well, I have been here many years. Tomorrow [Jamie] Carragher is going to go for me again and again and that’s fine.

“I have been at this club, scoring more than anyone in this generation since I came to the Premier League, I don’t think anyone has scored more goals and made more assists than me. In the whole Premier League. If I am somewhere else, everybody would go to the media and defend the players. I am the only one in this situation.”

It doesn’t get much more damning than that for Liverpool, who could now have a decision to make. Do they back Salah or do they back Slot? That’s the question and if the manager wins the war then they must find a replacement for one of their best-ever players.

Liverpool battling Arsenal in Barcola race

According to Le10 Sport in France, as relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool are now a very active contender to sign Bradley Barcola alongside Arsenal, as the PSG winger continues to deliberate over signing a new deal in Ligue 1.

As things stand, his deal doesn’t run out until 2028 but PSG have been attempting to secure new terms to avoid any potential exit in the coming years. Barcola, however, is still hesitating to put pen to paper on a new contract – potentially leaving the door ajar for Liverpool.

Minutes

760

1,118

Goals

5

4

Assists

0

2

Key Passes

18

27

If Liverpool’s search for a Salah replacement has just become more urgent then Barcola should be on their list of candidates. The Frenchman has outscored the Egyptian in less minutes so far this season and is destined to get even better at just 23 years old.

Described as “one of the best wingers in Europe” by European football expert Zach Lowy, Barcola’s contract situation is one to watch, especially if Liverpool come calling next year.

"Annoying" Liverpool star showed why FSG have to sign Semenyo

After the saga surrounding Alexander Isak during the summer transfer window, it was crucial that Newcastle United navigated their way past the situation.

The Swedish international netted 23 Premier League goals last campaign, helping the Magpies secure Champions League football, but that wasn’t enough to keep the striker happy on Tyneside.

Eddie Howe was left with no choice but to cash in on the 26-year-old’s services during the summer transfer window, subsequently taking in an English record £125m for his services.

However, it no doubt left a huge hole that needed filling within the final third, leading to over £100m being splashed on numerous players to soften the blow of his departure.

Despite the recent spending spree, the hierarchy appear to be targeting numerous attacking reinforcements to take the club to the next level in the months ahead.

Newcastle’s hunt for new attacking signings in January

Over the last couple of days, Newcastle have been just one side credited with an interest in landing Stuttgart star Bilal El Khannouss ahead of the January window.

The Moroccan international joined the German side on loan from Leicester City in the summer window, already making an immediate impact – as seen by his tally of five goals and assists in 10 outings.

However, Howe’s men could strike a permanent deal with his current employers this winter, which could result in a £25m switch to St James’ Park for the attacking midfielder.

He’s not the only player currently on their radar, with Brentford striker Igor Thiago another player currently being considered ahead of the upcoming window.

According to TEAMtalk, the Magpies are just one Premier League club monitoring the Brazilian, after his tremendous start to 2025/26, which has seen him score 11 times to date.

However, the report also states that Keith Andrews’ side are unwilling to sanction a move, but may be forced to consider a move if a huge offer is made for his signature.

Why Newcastle’s latest target could be bad news for Woltemade

In an attempt to soften the blow of Isak’s summer departure from Newcastle, the board backed Howe by spending a reported £69m on the signature of striker Nick Woltemade.

The German’s transfer fee certainly raised eyebrows across the division, but a couple of months on and the deal now appears to be an excellent piece of business by the board.

He’s already featured in 11 Premier League matches to date, scoring on five separate occasions, whilst also managing to lay on one assist for his teammates.

The 23-year-old’s latest effort came in the 4-1 demolition of Everton, with Woltemade producing an outrageous lob over Jordan Pickford to cement all three points for the Magpies.

However, despite his excellent start to life in the North East, he could struggle for consistent minutes if Thiago arrives, with the Brazilian man in tremendous form in recent weeks.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats, the Brazilian has managed to outperform Woltemade in key areas, showcasing why it could be bad news for the German.

Thiago, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by boss Andrews, has scored almost double the number of goals netted by the Magpies star – showcasing his clinical edge in front of goal.

Games played

14

12

Goals & assists

11

6

Shot on target accuracy

50%

30%

Shots on target per 90

1.1

0.5

Passes into final third

0.9

0.6

Take-on success

56%

38%

Aerials won

2.9

1.5

Aerial success rate

43%

34%

He’s also registered more shots on target per 90, whilst achieving a better accuracy rate with the chances he’s been presented with – arguably making him a more consistent option in the final third.

However, he’s also demonstrated a more all-round skill-set than the German star, as seen by his higher take-on success rate and higher tally of passes into the final third per 90.

The Brazilian’s dominance over Woltemade is further reflected in his aerial presence, which no doubt makes him a better focal point than the number 27.

It’s unclear how much the Bees would demand to part ways with their talisman, but it’s clear he’s currently a leading talent in the Premier League this season.

Such a move could be harsh on Woltemade, but the added competition in the months ahead could allow the youngster to find the next level in his career as a result.

Eddie Howe has already found a bigger talent than Anderson at Newcastle

Howe’s Newcastle side are showing green shoots after a difficult start to the season.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 5, 2025

Chelsea have become known for splashing the cash in the transfer market over recent years, even breaking the British transfer record on numerous occasions.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández both joined in deals worth over £100m, showcasing the hierarchy’s ambitions of taking the club back to Premier League glory in the years ahead.

Over the summer of 2025, the Blues spent up to £420m on new additions, including add-ons, with Enzo Maresca once again being backed to lead the club up the table.

Numerous of the recent arrivals have hit the ground running in West London, as seen with striker Joao Pedro, who has already netted four goals and laid on three assists this season.

However, the same can’t be said for another player in the first-team squad, with his start to life in the capital being nothing short of a disaster, given his constant setbacks.

Liam Delap’s disastrous start to life at Chelsea

During the summer window, Chelsea secured the £30m signing of striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town after triggering his relegation release clause in his contract.

The 22-year-old was seen as an exciting addition for the Blues, but his move has failed to take off in recent months, with injuries often plaguing his progress under Maresca.

He suffered a hamstring injury against Fulham back in August that would rule him out of action for two months, before suffering yet another issue just seven games into his return.

Delap was forced off with a shoulder injury against Bournemouth a couple of weeks ago, which is set to rule the Englishman out until the new year at the earliest.

However, despite his fitness issues, the £30m man has often struggled to deliver the goods when fit, as seen by his measly tally of just one goal in his first 11 appearances for the Blues.

His only goal came in the Champions League, but his struggles in the Premier League are there for all to see, with the talisman only posting five shots on target to date.

The Chelsea star who’s already a huge upgrade on Delap

As previously mentioned, fellow striker Pedro has already managed to outperform Delap in the Premier League, with the Brazilian a more effective option to date.

The £55m paid for the 24-year-old already appears to be excellent business, with the former Brighton & Hove Albion star having the platform to reach world-class status under Marcesa’s guidance.

However, the Blues’ recent recruitment has seen them target young talents that can gain experience elsewhere before making the jump into being a first-team regular in West London.

Estevao is a prime example of such a situation, with the teenager staying at homeland club Palmeiras for a period of time before his move to Chelsea to allow him to gain needed senior first-team minutes.

Such a situation has once unfolded in front of the supporters’ very eyes, with striker Emanuel Emgeha one of the latest players to agree to join Maresca’s men.

Back in September, it was confirmed that the Dutch striker would be joining the Blues in the summer of 2026 from sister club Strasbourg on a seven-year contract.

Whilst he may be an unknown name to many, the 22-year-old is an unbelievably talented star who could inject serious quality into the centre-forward department.

When comparing his stats to those of Delap from the ongoing campaign, the soon-to-be Chelsea star has massively dominated the Englishman in numerous key areas.

Emegha, who’s been dubbed one of the “best strikers in Europe” by his assistant boss, has also struggled with injuries this season, but it hasn’t restricted him from thriving in the final third, as seen by his incredible tally of six combined goals and assists in just seven appearances.

How Emegha & Delap compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)	Emegha	Delap
Games played	7	8
Goals & assists	6	0
Shots on target	1.4	1.2
Pass accuracy	81%	64%
Passes into final third	0.4	0.2
Take-on success	1.4	0.7
Aerials won	80%	40%
Stats via FBref

Such a tally is way in excess of what Delap has been able to offer, with the Blues’ number nine unable to post a single goal or assist in more outings than the Dutchman.

Away from his goalscoring record, the Strasbourg talent has also achieved more shots on target per 90 – further showcasing his talents within the final third.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, with more of his efforts being made into the final third – arguably making him a more creative outlet.

Emgeha’s dominance is also reflected in his higher tally of take-ons completed and better aerial success rate – numbers which make him the perfect all-round option for Maresca.

Many fans will have hoped that Delap would have more of an impact in 2025/26, but it’s safe to say the move has failed to live up to the expectations it generated.

However, the arrival of Emegha next summer could finally end the hunt for a new talisman, with the youngster having all the tools to star at Stamford Bridge for many years.

Chelsea's next star: BlueCo have signed a talent who's like Estevao & Caicedo

The hugely exciting wonderkid has been compared to two of Chelsea’s best players.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

3 days ago