Crystal Palace could now make January move for £71m Gabriel & Saliba "hybrid"

Crystal Palace could make a January move for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, with the Portuguese club’s stance on sanctioning a departure recently being revealed.

The interest in the Sporting star comes amid major doubt over Marc Guehi’s future, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United among the main suitors within the Premier League, while interest is also building from across Europe.

Losing Guehi would undoubtedly be a major blow, with the captain continuing to impress over the past few weeks, having kept clean sheets in three of his last four matches in all competitions.

However, with the 25-year-old’s contract set to expire next summer, it is looking extremely unlikely the Eagles will be able to keep hold of him, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of a potential replacement.

Crystal Palace could make January move for Ousmane Diomande

According to a report from Record (via Sport Witness), Crystal Palace could make a renewed approach to sign Diomande in the January transfer window, having initially set €55m (£49m) aside to bring in the Sporting CP defender during the summer.

However, it could be difficult to get a deal over the line, with the Portuguese club eager to keep hold of the centre-back, given their aspirations of winning the Liga Portugal title, meaning Palace may have to trigger his €80m (£71m) release clause.

With the 21-year-old also being described as one of the ‘most coveted’ players in Sporting’s squad, Oliver Glasner’s side may face competition in the race for his signature, but it would be a major statement of intent if they were able to lure him to Selhurst Park.

Indeed, the youngster could have a big future ahead, given the praise he has received from scout Ben Mattinson, who dubbed the Sporting star as a “hybrid” between Arsenal defenders Gabriel and William Saliba, while also adding “he could become a monster in no time”.

Despite his age, the starlet has already built up a wealth of first-team experience, making 109 appearances for the Portuguese side, including 11 in the Champions League, which suggests he may now be ready to test himself in the Premier League.

Signing Diomande would undoubtedly soften the blow of losing Guehi, but the potential transfer fee of £71m could be an issue, given that Crystal Palace paid just £27m for their record signing, Christian Benteke.

Crystal Palace also targeting Ezri Konsa to replace Marc Guehi Crystal Palace identify Ezri Konsa as new target amid Marc Guehi uncertainty

The Eagles have joined the race for Konsa, with Guehi poised to leave on a free transfer next summer.

1 ByDominic Lund Oct 31, 2025

Sean Williams released from Zimbabwe squad for T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier

Clive Madande has replaced the batter, who was released for personal reasons

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-2025

Sean Williams has been released from Zimbabwe’s squad for personal reasons•ICC via Getty Images

Sean Williams has been released from the Zimbabwe squad that is currently playing the Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Final. The 39-year-old batter was released for personal reasons and Zimbabwe called up Clive Madande as his replacement.Related

Williams in rehab for drug addiction, will not be considered for Zimbabwe selection

Sean Williams has been around the block and then some (but he's not stopping now)

Zimbabwe, who are hosting the tournament, played their opening match on Friday, beating Uganda by five wickets. Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans took three wickets each and Brian Bennett scored a 44-ball 72 in their chase of 153, which they completed with 15 balls remaining. Williams did not feature in the match.Eight teams – Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe – are taking part in the tournament, from which the top two teams will qualify for the T20 World Cup that will be played in India and Sri Lanka in February-March 2026.Zimbabwe squad for T20 World Cup Africa Region FinalSikandar Raza (capt), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa, Tony Munyonga, Dion Myers, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor.

Bracewell replaces Phillips for NZ's first Test against Zimbabwe

Michael Bracewell has been named replacement for the injured Glenn Phillips for New Zealand’s first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.Bracewell, initially unavailable for the series due to his commitments with The Hundred, was already in Zimbabwe as part of New Zealand’s T20I squad for the tri-series. With his schedule allowing him to feature in the opening Test, head coach Rob Walter said the decision to include him was a straightforward one.Phillips had been ruled out of the Tests due to a groin injury. He had suffered the injury while playing for Washington Freedom in the Major League Cricket (MLC) final on July 13.”Glenn’s injury provided a gap in the Test squad and Michael is the closest like-for-like replacement,” Walter said. “His experience and skillset will be a great asset and allows us to keep the same balance of the team.”Bracewell will return to the UK to link up with Southern Brave after the first Test. A decision on a replacement for the second Test will be made in due course, according to an NZC release.The two-match series begins in Bulawayo later this week, marking New Zealand’s first Test tour of Zimbabwe since 2016.

Watch out Cucurella: Chelsea in pole position to sign “exceptional” £53m star

It feels like Chelsea’s momentum is starting to build this season.

Enzo Maresca’s side had a few poor results earlier in the campaign, but have just come off a week that saw them demolish Barcelona in the Champions League.

Then, a few days later, they held Premier League leaders Arsenal to a 1-1 draw, despite being a man down for over half the game.

One of Chelsea’s best players in this uptick in form has been Marc Cucurella, but if reports are to be believed, he could soon have some extra competition for his place in the team.

Chelsea target Cucurella rival

With the winter transfer window now so close, Chelsea have unsurprisingly been linked with a huge number of players.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, the West Londoners have been one of several sides linked with an audacious move for Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız, and if that wasn’t exciting enough, Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga has also been touted for a £70m move to Stamford Bridge.

However, while these two players would most certainly improve Maresca’s squad, if not his starting lineup, they cannot really be described as competition for Cucurella, unlike Castello Lukeba.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of a number of teams interested in the French defender.

Alongside the Blues, the report claims Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United are all keen on the 22-year-old, but the good news is that it is the West Londoners who are leading the race at the moment.

Interestingly, while he has a release clause worth up to €90m in his contract, which is about £79m, the report has revealed that RB Leipzig may be willing to let him leave for around €60m, which is just £53m.

It could still be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but with how talented Lukeba is, one Chelsea should fight for, especially as he could provide more competition for Cucurella.

How Lukeba compares to Cucurella

Now, the first thing to say is that it feels incredibly unlikely that any defender would come into this Chelsea side in January and immediately displace Cucurella.

After all, the Spaniard is one of the first names on the team sheet at the moment.

However, all great teams need serious competition in all areas of the pitch, and by signing Lukeba, Maresca would be ensuring that he has that at left-back and extra cover at centre-back.

Yes, the Frenchman has spent most of his career playing in the centre of a defence, but he has got some experience out on the left, and players like Jorrel Hato, Jurrien Timber and even Riccardo Calafiori all prove that centre-backs can transition to become more of a full-back.

Moreover, respected analyst-turned-Como scout Ben Mattinson has even described the 22-year-old as a “perfect LB/LCB hybrid for the modern game.”

Mattinon goes on to describe the Frenchman as “defensively exceptional,” pointing out his “outstanding timing of last man tackles” as one of the reasons why.

However, he’s not just a lockdown defender, as u23 scout Antonio Mango has described him as someone who “excels on the ball” and has “that line breaking ability” so many managers want from their full-backs and centre-backs.

With all that said, his most significant advantage over Cucurella, and the reason he could seriously challenge him for game time, is his defensive solidity, and the numbers back that up.

According to FBref, the Leipzig star outperforms the Blues ace in most defensive metrics, including ball recoveries, aerial duels won, blocks, interceptions and clearances.

Blocks

1.91

1.42

Interceptions

1.45

1.00

Clearances

5.82

3.33

Aerial Duels Won

1.18

1.00

Ball Recoveries

5.73

3.83

Ultimately, Cucurella’s place in Chelsea’s starting lineup is guaranteed at the moment, but were Maresca to get his hands on Lukeba, he could have some serious competition.

Chelsea are brewing a "monstrous" star at Cobham who's their next James

The incredible Cobham prospect could become Chelsea’s next Reece James.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 3, 2025

Rowe replaces injured Devonshire in New Zealand's World Cup squad

Devonshire suffered a laceration on her bowling hand in training

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Oct-2025New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Flora Devonshire has been ruled out of the ODI World Cup with an injury to her bowling hand. Seamer Hannah Rowe has been approved as Devonshire’s replacement.Devonshire, 22, was set to feature in her maiden ODI World Cup campaign but suffered a laceration on her left hand during a training session. Her injury will need two to three weeks to heal.”We’re all feeling for Flora,” head coach Ben Sawyer said. “She worked hard to earn her spot in this squad and it’s a real shame her tournament is ending early.”Rowe has played 60 ODIs so far and will now feature in her third ODI World Cup. She will not be available for New Zealand’s game against South Africa on October 6 and will join the following day.”We’re pleased to be able to call up a senior player in Hannah Rowe,” Sawyer said. “Hannah’s obviously not a like-for-like replacement for Flora, but she offers an all-round skillset and has experience in sub-continent conditions.”New Zealand lost the opening game of their campaign to Australia by 89 runs. After facing South Africa on October 6 in Indore, New Zealand fly to Guwahati to face Bangladesh on October 10.

A dream for Eze: Arsenal enter race to sign "one of the best STs in Europe"

Arsenal are flying at the moment.

Mikel Arteta’s thumping 4-1 win in the North London Derby on Sunday has seen them go six points clear of second-place Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table and seven points clear of Manchester City.

It was an incredible team performance from the North Londoners, but even so, Eberechi Eze stood out, scoring the first hat-trick in the competition since Alan Sunderland in 1978.

The former Crystal Palace star has been an excellent signing for Arsenal, and now the club are being linked with someone who’d be a dream teammate for him.

Arsenal target dream teammate for Eze

Arsenal may have spent big in the summer, but perhaps due to them being in a great position domestically and in Europe, they are already being linked with some huge players ahead of the winter window.

Transfer Focus

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

Juventus’ sensationally talented Kenan Yıldız, for example, has been touted for an £88m move to the Emirates, as has the £120m Elliot Anderson.

However, the North Londoners are also looking at another goalscoring centre-forward, someone who’d be a dream signing for Eze.

At least, that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Arsenal are one of several teams interested in Samu Aghehowa.

In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the Gunners are among the sides leading the race for his signature, even if Tottenham Hotspur are just marginally ahead.

However, on top of the competition, one of the hurdles the Premier League leaders will have to overcome to secure the Spaniard’s signature is the fact that it could take around €90m – £79m – to convince Porto to let him go.

Even so, given Samu’s ability, potential and goal record, this is a deal Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he could be a dream signing for Eze.

Why Samu would be a dream signing for Eze

Now, while it is most certainly simplistic, it is also true that the primary reason Samu would be a dream signing for Eze, and by extension Arsenal, is the fact that he’s an output machine.

After all, whether he’s playing on the wing or in the ten, the former Crystal Palace star will want whoever is playing down the middle to be someone who can reliably score goals and even provide assists for him at times.

Fortunately, that sounds a lot like the Spaniard.

For example, in 44 appearances across all competitions last season, totalling 3,370 minutes, the 21-year-old racked up an impressive tally of 27 goals and three assists.

That comes out to a staggering average of a goal involvement every 1.46 games, or every 112.33 minutes.

Appearances

44

16

Minutes

3,370′

809′

Goals

27

6

Assists

3

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.68

0.43

Minutes per Goal Involvement

112.33′

115.57′

He’s showing no signs of that being a hot streak either, as so far this season, the monstrous forward has chalked up six goals and one assist in 16 appearances, totalling 809 minutes.

In other words, he is currently averaging a goal involvement every 2.28 games, or more crucially, every 115.57 minutes.

On top of being a forward who’d be able to reliably finish the chances created for him, the former Atletico Madrid gem is also a battering ram of a player.

Standing at 6 foot 4, the four-capped international, whom journalist Zach Lowy described as “one of the best STs in Europe,” is not someone who’d struggle with the physical nature of the Premier League.

If anything, he’d thrive in it and be able to use his impressive stature to bully opposition defenders and create opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Finally, despite being such an imposing figure, he has demonstrated an impressive level of agility and movement through a few seriously impressive strikes.

Ultimately, while the fee is high, Samu is a goalscoring machine who would not only improve Arteta’s squad but also potentially help Eze’s goal and assist tallies explode.

Therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to sign him in January, before another side, like Spurs, gets to him first.

Forget Eze: Arsenal's "cult hero" is becoming Arteta's new Odegaard instead

The incredible Arsenal ace has been in fine form this season and is starting to become Arteta’s new Odegaard.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 25, 2025

Amorim slammed £120,000-p/w Man Utd star in front of teammates at Carrington

Ruben Amorim had some strong words for a £120,000-a-week Manchester United star in front of the rest of the squad at their Carrington training ground, it has been revealed.

Amorim says Man Utd “have a lot to do” after Tottenham draw

The Red Devils boss bemoaned United’s inability to kill off Tottenham and insisted they still have “lots of problems” after a dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw.

Matthijs de Ligt struck deep into stoppage time to rescue a point for United, who faced a first loss since a difficult September following Spurs goals from Mathys Tel and Richarlison.

“We have a lot of problems. We are just in the beginning. I know that sometimes the results show to people that we are improving. We are improving but we have a lot to do,” Amorim reflected candidly.

“You can divide the game into the final 10 minutes and also when we have to take out Harry Maguire, then suffer two goals and then losing Ben. To overcome everything and manage to score is a good thing.

“If you look at the rest of the game, I think we were comfortable in the game but we should do better. Be more aggressive, feeling the environment in the stadium that the three points were there, the space was there and I think we felt too comfortable during the game.

“We need to expect that in one play anything can happen and change the mood of the stadium. Today was that. I think we control well the game, but we need to do better because the game was there to take.”

It was the first time United faced Spurs since the Europa League final, and it has now been revealed that Amorim was fuming with one of his players after the defeat in Bilbao.

Man Utd slammed Ugarte in front of teammates during Carrington meeting

The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell wrote an in-depth story on Amorim’s first year in charge at Old Trafford.

He revealed that Amorim wasn’t happy with Manuel Ugarte following the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham and let him know in front of his Man Utd teammates during a Carrington meeting.

Amorim felt that Ugarte ‘had let his work rate slide from their time together at Sporting’ adding that the midfielder ‘had gotten comfortable and said he did not recognise him as the same player from their first stint together’.

Whitwell added that ‘criticising a former player in front of his team-mates certainly caused a ripple of reaction among those in the squad’ and ‘showed them that Amorim was hard, but broadly fair, when it came to assessing application’.

Ugarte’s Man Utd stats

Total

Games

55

Goals

2

Assists

6

Yellow cards

15

Red cards

0

Minutes played

3,239

The Uruguay international, on £120,000-a-week in Manchester, is yet to be fully trusted by Amorim during the 2025/26 season, considering that he’s started just two Premier League games so far.

Playing under 350 minutes in all competitions, Ugarte has been preferred to Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in central midfield, so by the looks of things, he still has plenty of work to do to get back in Amorim’s good books.

Casemiro's stance on new contract as Man Utd make U-turn and contact his agent

Convocado por Dorival, Ayrton Lucas deixa o Fla-Flu lesionado

MatériaMais Notícias

O lateral-esquerdo Ayrton Lucas, do Flamengo, deixou o gramado do Maracanã lesionado. O atleta, convocado por Dorival Júnior para a Seleção Brasileira, reclamou de um incômodo no joelho direito e foi substituído por Matias Viña.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoÀs vésperas de Flamengo e Fluminense, jornalistas analisam Tite e Diniz e definem o melhorFora de Campo09/03/2024DicasFluminense x Flamengo: odds, estatísticas e informações para apostar na semifinal do CariocaDicas09/03/2024NotíciasCarioca: como foram os últimos jogos entre Fluminense e Flamengo?Notícias09/03/2024

Os médicos do Flamengo irão avaliar a situação de Ayrton Lucas, que já começou o tratamento no banco de reservas.

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Estatísticas de Fluminense e Flamengo

O clássico Fla-Flu já aconteceu em 379 oportunidades e, apesar dos números equilibrados, o Flamengo leva uma certa vantagem sobre o Fluminense. O Rubro-Negro venceu, até aqui, 138 vezes, empatou 122 e perdeu 119 jogos para o Tricolor. Na última vez que os rivais se enfrentaram, no Estadual deste ano, o Fla venceu por 2 a 0.

O Fla terminou a primeira fase na liderança do Carioca, com 27 pontos, sendo oito vitórias, três empates e nenhuma derrota, enquanto o Flu foi o quarto colocado na tabela de classificação, com 21 pontos, sendo seis vitórias, três empates e duas derrotas.

continua após a publicidade

Além disso, enquanto o Flamengo balançou as redes 23 vezes e sofreu apenas um gol, o Fluminense marcou 17 e teve sua rede vazada 11 vezes.

Tudo sobre

FlamengoFluminenseSeleção Brasileira

Wareham's all-round show helps Renegades sink Sixers

By winning their last regular-season game Renegades also improved to fourth, while Sixers are third

AAP05-Dec-2025Melbourne Renegades duo Georgia Wareham and Courtney Webb have produced a match-winning partnership to sink Sydney Sixers and keep the defending WBBL champions in finals contention.The win had significant ramifications ahead of next week’s finals, ending Sixers’ three-game winning streak and meaning Hobart Hurricanes will finish top of the ladder.That means Hurricanes will host the final on Saturday week. Adelaide will host Hurricanes tonight at Karen Rolton Oval, with Strikers needing an upset win to stay in the top-four hunt.By winning their last regular-season game Renegades also improved to fourth, while Sixers are third. But Renegades must sweat on other results to find out whether they play in the finals.Chasing 131 for victory, Wareham (49 not out) and Webb (33 not out) took Renegades to 134 for 4 from 16.2 overs on Friday in Melbourne.The pair put on a whirlwind unbroken 85-run stand, rescuing Renegades from a wobbly 49 for 4 in the tenth over.Wareham, who earlier took three wickets, finished with a furious flourish, cracking five fours and two sixes from her 29 deliveries. And Webb also found the boundary four times as Renegades (five wins, five losses) climbed from sixth to fourth on the table.Sixers (five wins, three losses) remain third after failing to capitalise on an Ellyse Perryspecial with the bat.Perry top-scored with 65 from 47 balls but Sixers struggled to 130 for 9. The allrounder dominated Sixers’ innings, hitting nine fours and a six, despite frequently losing partners.Only one other team-mate – Ash Gardner (16) – reached double figures amid some excellent legspin bowling from Wareham (3 for 21 from four overs).Alyssa Healy made a six-ball duck and the middle order failed to fire around Perry, who was dismissed in the 18th over when caught at long-on from the bowling of Alice Capsey (2 for 27).Ellyse Perry put on a one-woman show with the bat for Sixers•Getty ImagesRenegades hit early trouble in their chase when Maitlan Brown snared two wickets in the second over.Opener Davina Perrin (28 from 27) and Capsey (10 from 15) briefly steadied before both fell in a three-over patch, leaving Renegades in serious strife four down.But Wareham and Webb launched a power-packed counter-punch with Brown (2 for 45) the only multiple wicket-taker for Sixers.All three games over the weekend will affect the top-four finishing order. The Melbourne Stars are second and on Saturday cannot afford a slip-up when they host the Sydney Thunder, who are out of finals contention.The late Saturday game will feature fifth-placed Perth Scorchers at home against bottom side Heat, while Sixers host Adelaide Strikers on Sunday in a massive end to the regular season.Only three points separates Stars from the sixth-placed Strikers.Tuesday’s knockout final will feature the third-placed team at home against fourth.The winner of that game travels to the second-placed team on Thursday for the challenger final and that will decide who faces Hurricanes for the title.

Rangers have already signed a "massive" star who's their new Bassey

Glasgow Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell has been questioned by some supporters for the work that was done during the summer transfer, with signings and the appointment of Russell Martin.

It is hard to describe the former Southampton manager’s tenure at Ibrox as anything other than disastrous after he won five matches in all competitions before being sacked last month.

The ex-Rangers centre-back did not have much joy in the dugout during his second stint at the club, as a manager rather than as a player, with 24 goals conceded in 17 matches.

On top of the clearly poor decision to bring Martin to Ibrox, Thelwell’s signings during the summer transfer window have come under some scrutiny, after the new owners provided him with plenty of money to spend.

The appointment of Martin and the work done in the summer window led to a start of one win in the first eight matches of the Scottish Premiership season for the Light Blues, which has put them on the back foot in the title race.

Danny Rohl has come in and won all four of his Premiership games in charge, to his credit, but there are still several summer signings who are yet to prove their worth.

Picking out the worst summer signings for Rangers

It would be hard to look past the most expensive signing of the summer when talking about the worst signings, as Youssef Chermiti was signed for £8m from Everton. That is the most money Rangers have paid for a player since they paid £12m to sign Tore Andre Flo in 2000.

Since that mega-money move to Ibrox, the Portugal U21 international has scored one goal in 13 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues this season, and that goal came via some rather questionable goalkeeping, as shown in the clip below.

Chermiti is not the only centre-forward signing who has struggled this season, though, as Rangers signed Bojan Miovski for a fee of up to £4.2m and he has delivered two goals in 16 outings in all competitions, per Sofascore.

Further back on the pitch, central midfielder Joe Rothwell has been a disappointment since his permanent move from Bournemouth. The 30-year-old talent was brought in to offer experience and quality in the middle of the park, but he has failed to make a positive impact.

Tackles

7

Bottom 27%

Interceptions

8

Top 29%

Duels won

16

Bottom 26%

Duel success rate

47%

Bottom 39%

Aerial duels won

4

Bottom 25%

Possession won in the final third

1

Bottom 19%

Ball recoveries

22

Bottom 36%

As you can see in the table above, the English flop ranks poorly among his positional peers in the Premiership in a host of key defensive metrics, whilst playing as a number six for the Light Blues.

Thelo Aasgaard, who was signed from Luton Town, is another summer signing who has failed to deliver, with one goal and one assist in 19 appearances in all competitions, per Sofascore, which shows that the attacking midfielder has been ineffective at the top end of the pitch.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Whilst there are understandable question marks over all of the summer signings mentioned so far, there is a player signed by Thelwell who impressed against Livingston, and may be on his way to becoming the new Calvin Bassey at Ibrox.

After signing from Leicester in 2020, the Nigeria international only played eight Premiership games in his first season. In the 2021/22 campaign, the versatile defender featured in just three of the first nine league games under Steven Gerrard, per Transfermarkt.

The left-footed star then became a regular in the side when Giovanni van Bronckhorst took over in October and went on to play 50 games in all competitions before sealing a £19.6m move to Ajax in the summer of 2021.

Now, central defender Emmanuel Fernandez could follow a similar path to success at Ibrox after he produced an impressive display against Livingston on Saturday.

Why Emmanuel Fernandez may be the next Calvin Bassey for Rangers

As was the case with Bassey under Gerrard, the summer signing from Peterborough rarely got an opportunity to showcase what he could do on the pitch during Martin’s time at the club.

Per Transfermarkt, Fernandez featured in one of Martin’s seven league matches in charge of the Light Blues and was an unused substitute in all six of the Champions League qualifiers.

The 24-year-old centre-back only started in a 1-1 draw with St Mirren in the Premiership and a 4-2 win over Alloa Athletic in the League Cup, scoring his first goal for the club in the latter appearance.

Fernandez finally got his first start in the league of the Rohl era against Livingston on Saturday and did not disappoint. On top of scoring the opening goal in the match, making it two goals in three starts for the club, he won eight of his 13 duels and was not dribbled past a single time, per Sofascore.

After the win over Livingston, one Rangers podcaster described him as a “massive” player who “makes a difference” at both ends of the pitch because of his imposing physique.

Tackles made

0.99

Bottom 26%

Duels won

10.44

Top 1%

Duel success rate

72.4%

Top 5%

Aerial duels won

6.96

Top 1%

Aerial duel success rate

87.5%

Top 1%

Interceptions

2.49

Top 5%

Shots blocked

0.99

Top 31%

As you can see in the table above, Fernandez is one of the most dominant and impressive central defenders in the Premiership if you compare his two starts in the league to his positional peers on a per 90 basis.

These statistics suggest that the English defender deserves more chances to start and showcase his quality, which he may well get with John Souttar and Derek Cornelius both missing through injury at the moment.

If he continues to start and produce the level of performance that he has in his first two outings in the division, Fernandez could go on to be a defensive monster for Rohl and anchor the team for the foreseeable future.

Like Bassey, Rangers may look back in the future and wonder why he did not play more regularly earlier in the season, because the towering star looks like he has been a hidden gem at Ibrox.

Fewer touches than Butland: Rohl must bin "missing" Rangers flop after Livi

Rangers did claim another league win over Livingston on Saturday, but one player went “missing” at Ibrox, registering fewer touches than Jack Butland.

ByBen Gray Nov 23, 2025

Game
Register
Service
Bonus