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Manchester United are now targeting Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, who could be brought in alongside Andre Onana, according to reports from the Netherlands.

Which goalkeeper are Man United signing?

Man United goalkeeper David de Gea officially became a free agent on Friday following the expiration of his contract, and it is now looking increasingly likely that the Spaniard will not return to Old Trafford for the upcoming campaign.

As such, Erik ten Hag is tasked with bringing in a suitable replacement, and Onana is at the top of the list, as the manager retains a good relationship with the Inter shot-stopper from their time working together at Ajax.

The Cameroonian is viewed as a huge upgrade on De Gea due to his distribution and reading of the game, however, he will not come cheap, as it is believed it will take offers in excess of £50m for Inter to consider a sale this summer.

Not only is Onana emerging as a key target, but Dutch outlet 1908 reports the Red Devils hold a concrete interest in signing Bijllow, who could arrive at Old Trafford in addition to the Inter 'keeper (via Sport Witness).

The report explains that United are looking to replace De Gea, though Feyenoord are apparently not interested in allowing the £6k-per-week goalkeeper to leave and are pushing for him to sign a new contract.

Voetbal International reports the player himself would love to make the switch to Old Trafford, but at the moment, it appears as though Feyenoord will stand in his way.

Who is Justin Bijlow?

The Rotterdam-born goalkeeper has played for Feyenoord throughout his entire career, and he has impressed enough to be called up for The Netherlands on several occasions, amassing a total of eight caps for his national side.

Hailed as "brilliant" by members of the media, the 25-year-old has recorded a very impressive average clean sheet percentage over the past year, placing in the 92nd percentile compared to his positional peers playing at a similar level.

Given his international experience and impressive performances at club level, it is unclear whether the Dutchman would be happy playing second fiddle to Onana, who would surely be first-choice if he costs over £50m.

If he is willing to accept a more limited role, Bijlow could be a fantastic addition to Ten Hag's squad, who could even be capable of pushing for a starting spot.

In a game where bat dominated ball almost right from the start, both teams will probably look back at the last six overs of the Indian innings as the phase which turned out to be the most critical

On the Ball with S Rajesh06-Feb-2006In a game where bat dominated ball almost right from the start, both teams will probably look back at the last six overs of the Indian innings as the phase which turned out to be the most critical. After 44, India were cruising along at 300 for 4 – a run-rate of 6.82. In the next six overs, that rate fell drastically to 4.67, as Pakistan nailed six wickets, starting with the crucial scalp of Sachin Tendulkar in the 45th over. No over fetched more than seven, and a total which appeared headed towards the 340-plus mark finished up only on 328.Even that total was a huge one, but Pakistan’s batting, led by Salman Butt, ensured that the Indians were on the back foot very quickly. The most impressive aspect of his batting was the manner in which he scored runs almost equally off all the Indian bowlers – the bowler who finished up with the best economy rate against him was Zaheer Khan, and even he went for 15 from 18 balls.

Zaheer Khan 18 15 5.00 Irfan Pathan 42 37 5.29 Ajit Agarkar 14 13 5.57 Murali Kartik 18 18 6.00 S Sreesanth 15 18 7.20The performance which would have most pleased the Indian fans was Sachin Tendulkar’s hundred. Plenty had been written about him after his failure in the Tests, but he answered the critics in the manner he knows best – with runs off the bat. Tendulkar didn’t start as fluently as he normally does – against the fast bowlers (Naved-ul-Hasan, Asif, Gul and Razzaq) he only scored 41 off 66 balls. Against the slow bowlers, though, Tendulkar was in his elements, milking 59 from 47. With the confidence back, he could well be more aggressive against the fast bowlers through the rest of the series.

Despite landing in New Zealand before some 50-over team-mates, Stokes won’t feature in the remaining T20s and is unlikely for the opening ODI too. The England coach wants to ensure the allrounder is back “up to speed” first

Adam Collins14-Feb-2018It is not quite Brisbane in November on the opening day of an Ashes series, but Ben Stokes’ antipodean tour is finally likely to kick off. He will, however, have to wait his turn with the second ODI against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui shaping as his earliest return.That’s the message from Trevor Bayliss, speaking after his allrounder received the green light to travel south after fronting court to plead not guilty on Tuesday. Despite landing in the country a couple of days before his 50-over colleagues, Stokes won’t return to the side for their remaining T20s and it is highly improbable he’ll be in the XI for the opening ODI.”He hasn’t played for a while so it is not as if we can bring him straight back for these T20s,” Bayliss said in Wellington, the morning after England’s latest short-form defeat.England’s opening ODI is in Hamilton on February 25, but Bayliss will be waiting until he has seen evidence with his own eyes that Stokes is ready. “I’d have to say it’s unlikely,” he said of Stokes’ participation in that particular ODI. “It’s just up and in the air. We’ll have to wait and see how he is travelling, with the practice. We have got to get him up to speed and hopefully during this one-day series we can get him back into the team.”Before Christmas, Stokes – who has not played for England since September – participated in six white-ball fixtures in the domestic New Zealand competition, but that is not going to make much difference on this visit. Bayliss instead will make a “judgement call” on the 26-year-old’s outdoor net form; he has been restricted to indoor training only over the last six weeks.”It’ll just be something we have to keep an eye on as the practice days go,” he said. “In the past, he’s been out with injuries and coming back sooner than we think. That’s the type of character he is and it doesn’t take him long at all to get back up to speed.”The reality is that Stokes is never surplus to requirements, even after the ODI side thrashed Australia in Australia 4-1 in January. “One of the biggest things we’ve missed over the summer has been the combinations we’ve been able to play,” Bayliss said. “Especially in the one-dayers and T20s. We’ve been able to have six bowlers [before], which gives the captain plenty of different options. We’ve been down to just the five bowlers.”Of course, the frustration remains that the incident has so dominated this tour. Bayliss freely admits he was “sick of it from the first day” nearly five months ago. But the latest legal development – especially that Stokes will be initially available for Test duty in March – means that plans could be getting back on track for the England management.”He’s looking forward to getting back doing what he does best and I’m looking forward to catching up with him,” Bayliss said. As far as the playing group is concerned, the coach says Stokes will be welcomed back warmly. “Don’t forget he wasn’t the only one who was out that night. There were a few others. They all can’t wait for him to come back. He’s a very popular member of the squad, one of the leaders of the squad and there won’t be any problems whatsoever.”As for Stokes’ state of mind in the lead up to his more substantial days in court, Bayliss believes this series is the best possible distraction. “There have been players in the past who’ve had off-field issues and been able to put that aside and concentrate on cricket,” he said of the “relief” Stokes will experience in playing again. “I’ve got a feeling he will be one of the guys who can put it aside and perform.”

Mauricio Pochettino's side came from behind to record a 4-1 win at Turf Moor for their second successive victory on the road

It wasn't a pretty showing from Chelsea against Burnley on Saturday, but a dominant second hal showed what Mauricio Pochettino's squad is capable of. Winger Raheem Sterling stole the show, forcing an own-goal to open the scoring for Chelsea, scoring his own and then delivering a blistering assist late in the match.

Burnley opened the scoring just 15 minutes in through 18-year-old winger Wilson Odobert, and the young Frenchman caused havoc all match, with Marc Cucurella likely to have nightmares about their 1v1 duels. With the opening goal in their hands, it looked as though the match was Burnley's to lose, but Sterling's forced own-goal just before the halftime whistle gave the Blues a lifeline, and sparked the comeback.

Cole Palmer doubled Chelsea's lead from the spot six minutes into the second-half, and Sterling added a third in the 61st minute. The England international, who again missed out on the Three Lions squad for their upcoming matches with Australia and Italy, didn't stop there, though, as the 28-year-old delivered a brilliant assist for Nicolas Jackson with 15 minutes to spare. The result marked three-straight victories for Chelsea, and they might – just might – be back to their winning ways,

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Turf Moor..

Goalkeeper & Defence

Robert Sanchez (6/10):

Made a few crucial saves, but struggled commanding his box and defense throughout the first-half.

Levi Colwill (6/10):

Playing in a left-back role, Colwill has adapted well but didn't bring much to the attack Saturday.

Thiago Silva (7/10):

A dominant showing centrally, closed of any threat in the air in their box.

Axel Disasi (7/10):

Was a brick wall for the Blues, didn't allow much through.

Marc Cucurella (4/10):

Committed a defensive error for Burnley's opening goal and followed it with a wicked lash out on the leg of Wilson Odobert, earning a yellow card.

AdvertisementMidfield

Moises Caicedo (6/10):

Struggled a bit with his positioning early, but overall adapted well and closed down passing lanes.

Enzo Fernandez (8/10):

A brilliant midfield performance, Fernandez orchestrated the match from the middle of the pitch.

Conor Gallagher (7/10):

Assisted Sterling's goal and helped launch the forward momentum over the final 45 minutes.

Attack

Cole Palmer (7/10):

Scored the penalty to give the Blues the go-ahead goal in the 51st minute, and linked up well over the final 45 minutes.

Armando Broja (5/10):

Struggled to find any footing in the match, removed at half-time.

Raheem Sterling (8/10):

Scored the third goal of the match, caused chaos in the box throughout and forced the own-goal to open the scoring for Chelsea.

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Subs & Manager

Nicolas Jackson (7/10):

Scored the fourth goal of the match, and looked to take advantage of his cameo off the bench after serving a one-match suspension.

Mykhailo Mudryk (N/A):

Subbed on with less than 10 minutes to spare, but quality minutes for the winger who left Wednesday's match early due to injury.

Mauricio Pochettino (7/10):

Frankly, it was an awful first 45 minutes from the Blues boss as they were outclassed in almost every sense. However, whatever he said at the half-time break, it worked as we may have seen the best version of his Chelsea yet.

Hollywood superstar Timothee Chalamet has used Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal to help promote his new film ‘Marty Supreme’, with the teenage forward living proof that you should always 'dream big'. Chalamet has shared an iconic image of teen sensation Yamal alongside Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi to help hammer home his point that anything is possible.

Heir to Messi: Yamal following in illustrious footsteps

Yamal famously starred in an advertising campaign with Barcelona legend Messi when just a baby. That picture has resurfaced on countless occasions since, with it remarkable to think that that new arrival to the world is now following in the most illustrious of footsteps.

Having made his own way through the fabled La Masia academy system, making his senior debut at just 15 years of age, Yamal is now considered to be a suitable heir to Messi’s crown as the king of world football.

AdvertisementSuperstar status: Yamal is now a global icon

Yamal’s exploits have, just like Messi, attracted interest from across the globe. His level of celebrity already transcends his chosen profession, with the youngster much more than a football player. He boasts support in every corner of the planet.

That includes Hollywood, with famous faces in the United States fully aware of who Yamal is and what he is capable of. His story is an intriguing one and helps to showcase what can be achieved through a mixture of ability and hard work.

Yamal helps Chalamet to promote new movie

Chalamet – the star of blockbuster movies such as ‘Wonka’ and ‘Dune’, who is dating Kim Kardashian’s sister Kylie Jenner – is among those to have been taken in by Yamal’s remarkable rise to prominence.

He is, as an A-list actor, somebody that appreciates an inspirational true story. He is proving as much after returning to the big screen in ‘Marty Supreme’ – a tale loosely inspired by American table tennis player Marty Reisman and his pursuit of fame in 1950s New York.

Chalamet is driving interest in that production, which hits cinemas on December 25, with a global promotional tour. He has drafted in assistance from Barcelona talisman Yamal, with the 18-year-old seen sporting the viral ‘Marty Supreme’ jacket.

Chalamet has shared an image of Yamal in that merchandise alongside a “DREAM BIG” message. He has also made a point of including the aforementioned photo of Yamal with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi in an Instagram carousel.

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social gfx/ Getty ImagesThe story of Yamal baby picture with Messi

The picture in question was taken back in 2007 as part of a photoshoot for UNICEF. Joan Monfort, a Barcelona-based freelance photographer for the Associated Press, took the snap – which took on a life of its own after being shared on social media by Yamal’s father Mounir Nasraoui alongside the tagline: “The beginning of two legends.”

Monfort has since said of capturing an iconic moment: “UNICEF did a raffle in the neighbourhood of Roca Fonda in Mataro where Lamine's family lived. They signed up for the raffle to have their picture taken at the Camp Nou with a Barca player. And they won the raffle.

“He [Messi] didn't even know how to hold him at first. Messi is a pretty introverted guy, he's shy. He was coming out of the locker room and suddenly he finds himself in another locker room with a plastic tub full of water and a baby in it. It was complicated.

“It’s very exciting to be associated with something that has caused such a sensation. It’s been really surprising, all this. We take so many photos, so many images. Some of them will remain.

“For Lamine to grow up to be a footballer, and to have this photo, I’m just really happy it happened. It’s especially nice in today’s football, when so much is to do with money and power.”

Yamal has sought to distance himself from the Messi comparisons that he continues to generate, with there a desire on his part to forge a unique legacy of his own. He is already a La Liga and European Championship title winner with Barcelona and Spain, with the expectation being that he will continue to “dream big” in the not too distant future when landing a first Ballon d’Or.

The Monterrey striker can't stop scoring and is already proving his doubters wrong after making the big move in the winter

As the ball floated through the night sky at the Estadio BBVA, there was no way anyone in the Atletico San Luis defense sensed any danger. How could they? A long and hopeful cross from the left was too far away from goal to cause any harm, surely.

Enter Brandon Vazquez. Just weeks into his Monterrey career, the 25-year-old must have been the only one in the stadium who knew he was about to create a signature moment, one that would announce to Liga MX that he had truly arrived.

To be fair, his headed golazo, a legitimate masterpiece, wasn't the first time he'd found the back of the net since making the move from MLS to Monterrey. It was his second, and a third soon followed. Just weeks into his time in Mexico, Vazquez already seems like a player who could very well make a difference at the very top of Liga MX. And, with an early-season clash with fellow title hopefuls Club America on the horizon, Vazquez has a big chance to prove that he can be the guy for Monterrey and, perhaps, the U.S. men's national team.

Getty ImagesA controversial move

The reaction to Vazquez's move was far from universal acclaim. In fact, many in the American soccer scene immediately blasted the decision as an unnecessary step.

After never fully breaking through at Atlanta United, Vazquez found his feet in Cincinnati, even if it wasn't immediate. After scoring six goals combined in his first two seasons in front of the Bailey, Vazquez netted a combined 36 in 2022 and 2023 to assert himself as one of MLS' best strikers.

Ever since that 2022 MLS breakout, Vazquez looked like a player destined for a big transfer. A move to Borussia Monchengladbach never came to fruition, and they weren't the only suitors. Reports indicated that Cincinnati wasn't in a rush to sell to anyone as they chased glory in MLS.

They fell short. A Supporters' Shield-winning campaign ended prematurely with a loss in the Eastern Conference finals. After that, it felt like a matter of time for Vazquez.

Monterrey, ultimately, won out, and Vazquez was criticized for it. The move was seen by many as a sidestep, with MLS seemingly closing the gap on Liga MX in recent years. In a tight USMNT striker race, Vazquez didn't make the big leap to a European team

Instead, he joined a Mexican giant, and, in the first few weeks of the season, he's proven to be exactly what they needed.

AdvertisementA goalscoring start

It didn't take long, did it? We're just three games into the Liga MX season and Vazquez already looks like a legitimate force.

His first appearance for the Liga MX giants came in a 2-0 win over Santo Laguna on January 21. It was a 69th-minute substitute appearance, a first taste for a player that had much more to offer.

In his first start, he needed just 41 minutes to get a goal, giving Monterrey the lead against Queretaro. The goal was a fantastic header, although it was nowhere near as audacious as the one that would come in his second start. More on that later, though.

Against Queretaro, Vazquez showed how physically dominant he can be. The cross in from Jorge Rodriguez was pinpoint and the finish from Vazquez was perfect. Stationed just outside of the six-yard box, he needed just a simple flick of his neck to place the ball into the back of the net and give his side the lead.

Seemingly content to ease in the club's new signing, Monterrey boss Fernando Ortiz took Vazquez out early in the second half. They ultimately would squander the advantage the new striker gave them, conceding in an eventual 1-1 draw.

Vaquez would make sure that wouldn't happen in his second start as he proved that his initial goal was far from a fluke.

Heading home a golazo

It's about as good of a headed goal as you'll see. Power, precision, distance… it was the perfect combination of just about everything.

Vazquez's opening goal against Atletico San Luis was his real 'Welcome to Liga MX' moment. It was the goal that solidified him as a dangerman. Monterrey will hope it's the real start of something special, as will Vazquez, who surely brought his goalscoring ability south of the border after his big move.

It wasn't his only goal that night. No, there was a second. This one came with his feet, proving that Vazquez is much more than a target man.

With the score level at 1-1, Rayados pounced on a turnover, quickly working the ball to Vazquez. The American striker picked a corner and struck, once again placing the ball where no goalkeeper could reach.

It was his third goal in two starts, and a vital one at that as Monterrey made it three wins and a draw from four games thanks to the 3-1 triumph.

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Getty ImagesA huge match ahead

For those that don't follow Liga MX, there is a universally recognized Big Four. Monterrey are not one of them. They do get to face one on Saturday, though, in a match that gives them a huge early-season chance to prove that they belong right up there with the title contenders.

On Saturday, Vazquez and Monterrey will face Club America. Entering that match, Monterrey are top of the table, as one of four teams on 10 points. The winner of Saturday's match will feel pretty good about themselves at this early stage of the Liga MX season.

Make no mistake, though: Monterrey are no plucky underdog. This is a team that finished second in last season's Apertura before ending the Clausura phase in first. The club has won the CONCACAF Champions Cup five times and has lifted a Liga MX trophy three times since 2009.

For much of the past decade or two, Monterrey have been among the very best CONCACAF has to offer. The club is still searching for a bit more domestic success against the teams seen as Mexico's elite. And that pursuit continues on Saturday, with Vazquez expected to play a big part in the marquee match of the Mexican season so far.

Glasgow Rangers have agreed on a fee with Feyenoord for striker and long-term target Danilo, Sky Sports report.

Are Rangers signing Danilo?

A number of new players have been signed by Michael Beale ahead of his first full season in charge of the club, and it looks as if Danilo could be the next through the door.

Jack Butland, Leon Balogun, Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling have all made the move to Glasgow on free transfers.

Meanwhile, money has been spent on attackers Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers, whereas Brighton forward Abdallah Sima has arrived on a season-long loan.

Despite three new additions in the final third the club have lost three attackers from last season in Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent and Antonio Colak, with Rangers receiving money for the latter after he signed for Parma.

Danilo has been a key target in Glasgow, with Beale personally thought to be an admirer of the forward. An opening offer was turned down by the Eredivisie side, who have been wanting more than £5m for the striker, and it looks as if they will get their wish after a new bid was submitted, with all parties involved on course to get what they want.

Sky Sports shared an update out of Ibrox regarding their pursuit of Danilo on Tuesday. They stated that there has been a breakthrough, with an agreement reached between the two clubs which could be worth a total of £6m.

“Some breaking news from Rangers. They’ve had a deal worth £6m accepted by Feyenoord for striker Danilo. The 24-year-old scored 12 times last season and has been the subject of several offers.

“The initial fee being £5.2m before potential add-ons. Personal terms not expected to be a problem, the Brazilian is keen on a move to Ibrox.”

Further reports have claimed that the forward is poised to travel to Scotland early next week to finalise a transfer by undergoing a medical and signing the relative paperwork, with a five-year deal on the cards.

Who is Danilo?

Danilo actually the same agency as Rangers players Connor Goldson, Fashion Sakala, John Lundstram and Rabbi Matondo, so now a fee has been agreed, you’d like to think a move will go smoothly.

The 24-year-old appears to be at the peak of his powers with a career-high €6.5m Transfermarkt valuation and joined Feyenoord on a free transfer last year. Since then, the forward has found the back of the net on 14 occasions in 48 appearances, helping the club to the Dutch top-flight title in the process.

Prior to his stint with his current employers, Danilo was on the books with Ajax and enjoyed a productive loan spell with FC Twente, scoring 17 Eredivisie goals in 33 appearances during the 2020/21 season.

In total, Danilo has scored 87 goals in 175 appearances at youth and senior level, but with a first taste of senior football outside the Netherlands on the cards, it will be interesting to see if he can find the back of the net regularly in Scotland.

Newcastle United dispatched Arsenal 1-0 at St James' Park on Saturday evening and now attention turns back to the Champions League.

The Magpies face a trip to Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday night to take on Borussia Dortmund and seek revenge after losing 1-0 against them at the end of October.

Eddie Howe is currently dealing with an overflowing injury table as key stars, such as; Alexander Isak, Sven Botman and Harvey Barnes all remain sidelined, meaning he could name a similar lineup to the one that recorded victory over the Gunners.

Considering the Toon are fighting for a place in the Champions League knockout stages, the Englishman can ill-afford to rest his key players with only one change expected to be made. Here's the predicted lineup for their clash with Dortmund.

1 GK – Nick Pope

Only Manchester City have conceded fewer xG in the Premier League than Newcastle United's 10.32, as per Understat, and Nick Pope has played a pivotal role in that statistic, making crucial saves and showcasing his presence in between the sticks.

2 RB – Tino Livramento

Livramento replaced the injured Dan Burn at half-time against Arsenal and the "phenomenal" full-back, as described by journalist Thomas Hammond, impressed with his all-action display against the Gunners. With Burn now sidelined, the 21-year-old can now have an extended run in the team, starting against Dortmund on Tuesday. This would be his first Champions League start too; timely.

3 CB: Jamal Lascelles

Sven Botman's injury opened up the opportunity for Jamal Lascelles to showcase his defensive attributes in the heart of the Toon defence and he's done so in fine fashion, captaining the side to clean sheets in victories over Burnley, Crystal Palace and Arsenal. The 29-year-old will continue marshalling Howe's backline against Dortmund.

4 CB: Fabian Schar

Having conjured up a wonder strike against PSG in the Champions League, Fabian Schar has been the man for the big occasion this term. He will start alongside Lascelles once more versus Dortmund where he has the unenviable task of dealing with the pacey and direct Donyell Malen, should he start down that side.

5 LB: Kieran Trippier

With Burn sidelined, Howe could shuffle Trippier across to left back, a position he's played on numerous occasions for England, to accommodate Livramento into the starting eleven. The Englishman, who has posted seven assists this term, is crucial to their attacking output, utilising his wand of a right foot from set pieces.

6 CM: Joelinton

The "monster" – as dubbed by journalist Aaron Stokes for his rapid rise to stardom in a Newcastle shirt – Joelinton's explosive ball-carrying and industry will be crucial to them winning the midfield battle on Tuesday.

7 CM: Bruno Guimaraes

Whilst Joe Willock is knocking on the door for a starting spot, Bruno Guimaraes has firmly closed it on the Englishman. The 25-year-old is the lynchpin of Howe's midfield, with his strength and aggression vital to his side regaining possession. He is one of several Newcastle players who are undroppable at the moment.

8 CM: Sean Longstaff

An immovable object at the heart of Newcastle's midfield this term, Sean Longstaff's tough-tackling and energetic midfield performances have earned him a spot in the midfield alongside Joelinton and Guimaraes.

9 RW: Miguel Almiron

The fleet-footed winger is vital to Newcastle launching their explosive counter-attacks and enjoys cutting in on his peach of a left foot. Having already scored against PSG this term, he will pose a huge threat to Remy Bensebaini, who is likely to start at left-back for the hosts.

10 LW: Anthony Gordon

Although he is yet to register a goal or an assist in the Champions League, Anthony Gordon has been in scintillating form on the left flank for the Toon, frightening the life out of defenders with his pace and trickery while posting four goals and two assists in the top flight, including the winner against Arsenal last time out.

After months of rehabilitation following a stress fracture, the quick claimed his maiden Test wicket at SuperSport Park and asked questions of a world-class batting line-up

Firdose Moonda in Centurion14-Jan-2018From the highest of highs almost a year ago, when he made his T20I debut before his 21st birthday to the lowest of lows, when a stress fracture forced him to be withdrawn from the South Africa A tour of England during the English summer, Lungi Ngidi has finally been able to have his happily ever after at his home ground this weekend.”That [the injury] was one of the biggest challenges I have had in my career, going from such a high to such a low in such a short space of time,” Ngidi said. “It was tough for me because I thought I was doing all the right things but the results just weren’t going my way. I got a lot of time to reflect and get to know myself as a person, and I got through it. I am a lot stronger than I thought I was. It helped me with a lot of confidence going forward.”Instead of spending the months between July and September auditioning for a place alongside Kagiso Rabada, Ngidi was on the physiotherapist’s bed, in conversation with Titans’ coach Mark Boucher and at university picking up extra modules in his Labour Law degree. He committed to his fitness and to getting stronger so he could be faster, when he would eventually make his return.”The whole off-season I was in the gym. I had to lose a lot of weight. That was tough,” Ngidi said. “One of the main things was diet and changing my lifestyle. That was also pretty difficult, but it’s helped me in the long run. And our coach [Boucher] as well – we had to have a few hard chats behind closed doors. Some honest chats as well. But they have helped me in the long run.”The end result is that Ngidi is eight kilograms lighter, more muscular, and trusts his action. He has picked up a few yards of pace and was considered ready to make his Test debut after playing only one first-class game this season. Ngidi took nine wickets at the Wanderers earlier in the summer. He had never been seen by captain Faf du Plessis before Friday but was picked on the evidence of one practice session in which Ngidi impressed Ottis Gibson and du Plessis.It’s easy to see why Ngidi caught their eye. He is quick – and bowled upwards of 150kph – while asking constant questions of world-class line-up. Ngidi’s basic principle was to “stick to my lengths,” and “keep it as basic as possible.” Even though the wicket was not a “typical Centurion pitch,” which usually has a “lot more bounce,” Ngidi hit the wicket hard and challenged Virat Kohli to the max.Ngidi revealed his plan was similar to Vernon Philander’s at Newlands, and he was aiming for the pads. He had an lbw decision reviewed against Kohli and a faint edge denied him his first Test wicket. “In my first spell I hit the pad a few times, so I thought that was a vulnerable area for him,” Ngidi said. “He kept shifting across and getting more into my bowling line, so I thought maybe shoot one into the stumps. I nearly got him. I thought I had him. I thought he had hit the ground. When I saw that edge, I kind of dropped a bit, but I knew I had to get back on the ball.”The maiden Test wicket eventually came when he had Parthiv Patel caught behind. Ngidi put that down to Philander’s advice of bringing the ball into the batsman. “I actually had goosebumps. I was talking to Vernon in terms of gameplans on how to get that wicket. Listening to someone with so much knowledge, and it planning out exactly the way he was telling me, it made me really happy and believe that I can perform at this level.”And that is a height Ngidi has now scaled.

Megan Rapinoe says those who celebrated her career-ending Achilles injury have a "special place in hell".

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Rapinoe's career ended with Achilles injuryBrought down glittering spell in footballSlams those who laughed at her injuryGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The 38-year-old suffered the injury early in the NWSL Championship game between her OL Reign team and Gotham FC last November – with the latter running out victors. Now, the former USWNT international has hit out at those who laughed at her misfortune.

AdvertisementUSA Today Sports WHAT MEGAN RAPINOE SAID

"It is sad, like I wish that didn't happen. I'm just thinking about my teammates coming over, of course it's sad. … it's kinda just life," she said on the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast.

"We want these perfect stories and I'm a controversial figure, and having people celebrate it – but then also be so disingenuous about it, that that part is kinda funny too. I'm like, wow you guys are in a special place in hell that you're celebrating this."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Rapinoe played more than 200 times for her country, won the World Cup twice in 2015 and 2019 for the United States of America, was the leading figure in the USWNT's equal pay complaint for many years, and an LGBTQ+ icon. Not many can claim to have such a legacy.

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WHAT NEXT?

Following her retirement from football, after a long and glittering career, Rapinoe said she will continue "banging the drum for a thousand years" when it comes to promoting the women's game. She also said she would like to play some role at her former team, OL Reign, but doesn't want to be a coach or "locked in one job". It remains to be seen what will happen next.