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This week, we dive into the long, occasionally polarising, and always entertaining career of Sourav Ganguly

Sreshth Shah01-Jun-2020 What We’re Watching, a deep dive into the long, occasionally polarising, and always entertaining career of Sourav Ganguly.Two beginnings
Ganguly was six months short of his 20th birthday when he made his international debut at the Gabba in 1992. He was immediately thrown into the deep end, facing Malcolm Marshall with India on a dicey 35 for 4. He failed to make any contact off his first ball, a wicked awayswinger, and 12 balls later he was out, lbw to Anderson Cummins. His reaction to the umpire’s decision gave us our first glimpse of a man who always felt he was right, even when he might not have been. This was Ganguly’s only opportunity on a four-month tour of Australia, and he wouldn’t play another game for India for the next four years.Then came Lord’s. You know all about it, but you still want to watch it all over again, beginning with a cover drive off Peter Martin that ushered in an era of Ganguly dominating the off side. He peppers that part of the field gloriously through this innings, particularly off the back foot either side of point, and it’s apt that a cover drive brings up his debut hundred, welcomed by a full balcony of applauding team-mates.Unstoppable in Toronto
Within a year, Ganguly was a well established member of India’s team, proving particularly effective in ODIs. His value came to the fore in a five-match series against Pakistan in Toronto in 1997, with bat and ball: he scored more runs than anyone else on either side, as India romped to a 4-1 win, and more wickets than anyone else too, on green pitches that made his gentle medium pace a potent force. There were four back-to-back Man-of-the-Match awards, and you can find the highlights of his performances here and here.The years of plenty
The turn of the millennium was Ganguly’s peak as a batsman, particularly in ODIs; in that format, in 1999 and 2000, he scored 3346 runs at 50.69, including 11 hundreds – half his career total. Some of those hundreds were the most memorable knocks of his career.In Taunton, during the 1999 World Cup, he tore into Sri Lanka during a then world-record stand of 318 with Rahul Dravid, and at one stage seemed destined to break Saeed Anwar’s ODI record score of 194, but he was eventually out for 183 off the penultimate ball of India’s innings. The shots in this video are breathtaking, and there’s even a rare glimpse of a young Mahela Jayawardene bowling his dibbly-dobblies.Later that year, Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar broke the Ganguly-Dravid partnership record, against New Zealand in Hyderabad, but Ganguly roared back into the limelight in the very next match, smashing 153 in Gwalior. Feast your eyes on some old-timey ODI cricket in whites, and have a look at how Ganguly dominates this scorecard.The 1999-2000 tour of Australia was an unhappy one for India, but runs continued to flow for Ganguly during the ODI tri-series, where he scored two hundreds, 100 against Australia at the MCG, and 141 against Pakistan in Adelaide. It was this sort of authoritative run-getting, against some of the best attacks in the world, that led the BCCI to appoint Ganguly India’s captain after Tendulkar stepped down soon after this tour.Captaincy only seemed to lift Ganguly’s batting initially, and he produced one of his finest ODI performances towards the end of 2000, in the semi-final of the ICC Knockout in Nairobi, against South Africa. These highlights capture all the trademarks of a big Ganguly hundred: the poise, the crisp timing, the gleeful feasting on an unfortunate left-arm spinner (sorry, Nicky Boje)…Sourav Ganguly: lordly through the off side, a touch awkward through the on•Getty ImagesIconic captaincy moments
Captaincy turned Ganguly into a fascinatingly combative on-field personality. He was often involved in feisty exchanges with opposition players – Russel Arnold, Andrew Symonds, Mohammad Yousuf and countless others – and his send-offs (Paul Collingwood is at the receiving end here) made for a prototype that Virat Kohli has since built on. And, of course, there was the shirt-waving on the Lord’s balcony.Earlier that day, though, Ganguly had played an innings filled with just as much in-yer-face aggression, clattering 60 off 43 balls to perfectly set up India’s mammoth chase.The batting returns declined as Ganguly’s captaincy tenure wore on, but when he did fire, it was usually inspirational, as in that Lord’s final, or at the Gabba in the first Test of the 2003-04 tour of Australia, when his 144 set the tone for an enthralling series that eventually ended 1-1.A triumphant comeback, a fitting goodbye
Stripped of the captaincy, and then left out entirely, Ganguly could very well have faded away. But it was a measure of the man’s character that he didn’t just come back, but came back stronger. So assured was his batting during the Test tour of South Africa in 2006-07 that Tendulkar even told him it was the best he’d seen Ganguly bat. There was a gritty first-day half-century in Johannesburg, which helped set up a rare overseas win, and a quickfire 66 in Cape Town, which featured some brilliant strokeplay after Dale Steyn dealt him an early blow to the helmet.Against Pakistan a year later, Ganguly made his first Test hundred at his home ground, and this short clip will tell you all you need to know about what Ganguly meant to Kolkata and what Kolkata meant to him. Later that same series, he cracked 239 in Bengaluru, counterattacking expertly after joining forces with Yuvraj Singh at 61 for 4.Ganguly announced that he would retire after the 2008-09 home Tests against Australia, and enjoyed a memorable farewell series: a century in the second Test, an 85 in his penultimate innings, and a first-ball duck in his final innings. There was a guard of honour from his team-mates, and finally, for old times’ sake, MS Dhoni stepped aside to let Ganguly lead the side as India closed in on a series win. For Dada fans, it was a moment for goosebumps and tears in equal measure.More What We’re Watching

Two-fors from Heather Graham and Linsey Smith restricted Perth to 137, which Hurricanes chased down with eight wickets to spare

AAP13-Dec-2025Hobart Hurricanes won their maiden WBBL title with a comprehensive win over Perth Scorchers, thanks to an unbeaten 77 off 44 balls by Lizelle Lee.Hurricanes, who topped the table at the end of the regular season, grassed half a dozen chances in the field but were still able to restrict their opposition to 137 for 5.Lee then turned on the fireworks in the chase as her side reeled off the target with eight wickets in hand and 30 balls to spare on Saturday night in front of a delighted home crowd. Hurricanes’ first trophy in the 11th edition of the WBBL came after their male counterparts broke through to win the BBL crown last season.Lee whacked three consecutive boundaries in the opening over, which included a drop that was parried across the rope. In scenes reminiscent of Mitchell Owen’s stunning hundred for Hurricanes in the January BBL decider, Lee turned up the heat and finished with 10 fours and four sixes.Lee’s knock was the highest score in a WBBL final and her best score of the season. She shared a 77-run partnership with Nat Sciver-Brunt (35 to 27) to iron out the majority of the chase.Scorchers legspinner Alana King, who was in good form heading into the contest, copped some punishment and went for 0 for 25 off two overs.Earlier, Scorchers won the bat flip and opted to bat but struggled to get their innings going, despite Hurricanes missing chances in the field. In-form opener Beth Mooney (33 from 26) was dropped three times in the powerplay before being bowled by Heather Graham in the 11th over. Graham (2-26) also picked up the big scalp of Scorchers’ skipper Sophie Devine.New Zealand international Devine, who was dropped on 27, was circumspect early but came to life with two sixes, before getting stumped in the 17th over. Hobart’s English spinner Linsey Smith bowled just two overs but finished with a valuable 2 for 8.Hurricanes had earned a direct passage to the final after ending the season atop the table, while Scorchers, who were gunning for their second title, won two finals games to qualify. On the big day, Scorchers came up short while Hurricanes cruised home.

There was a pause in play while Pakistan sought clarification from the umpires

Andrew Fidel Fernando05-Oct-2025

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana chats with the fourth umpire after Muneeba Ali’s run-out•Associated Press

Confusion over whether opening batter Muneeba Ali was actually deemed run-out caused a brief stoppage in the fourth over of Pakistan’s chase against India in their World Cup match in Colombo, with Pakistan querying the decision on the edge of the boundary while the dismissed batter Muneeba remained on the edge of the field of play.The sequence of events that led to the confusion was unusual. First, Muneeba had not been attempting a run – she had been batting out of her crease (presumably to counter swing) as India appealed for an lbw off the bowling of Kranti Goud. As that appeal went up, Muneeba had promptly grounded her bat behind the crease before the throw from Deepti Sharma came in from the slip cordon. However, she had very briefly raised her bat off the ground again without having grounded any other part of the body behind the line, and it was in the moments her bat was slightly raised that Deepti’s throw hit the stumps and dislodged the bails.ICC Playing Condition 30.1.2 does allow for a batter to lose contact with the ground beyond the crease and not be given out, but that exception is only granted to a batter who is “running or diving towards her ground”. Muneeba was merely stepping back into the crease, and there was no momentum that would have necessitated her bat leaving the crease.The playing condition states: “However, a batter shall not be considered to be out of her ground if, in running or diving towards her ground and beyond, and having grounded some part of her person or bat beyond the popping crease, there is subsequent loss of contact between the ground and any part of her person or bat, or between the bat and person.”Related

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The confusion was partially caused by conflicting third-umpire decisions being flashed on the big screen. Muneeba was initially given “not out” on the screen and even the India players had returned to their places. But that decision was soon changed to “out”, prompting celebrations from the India players and a puzzled expression from Muneeba, who animatedly sought clarification from the on-field umpires.It is possible third umpire Kerrin Klaaste had first given Muneeba not out before having seen the footage beyond Muneeba’s initial grounding of the bat. It is likely that after seeing the full set of replays – where Muneeba raised her bat again – Klaaste changed her decision.Once the on-field umpires confirmed she was out, Muneeba began to leave the field, but a flurry of activity near the Pakistan dugout gave her pause. She seemed to be getting instructions from her team-mates to remain on the field while they queried the decision again, this time from fourth-umpire Kim Cotton, who was at her station in between the two team dugouts. Muneeba was seen to be in further discussion with her team-mates – captain Fatima Sana in particular – as next batter Sidra Amin stood on the edge of the boundary without entering the playing area.Eventually, Sana appeared to signal to Muneeba that she may leave the field, likely having received further clarification surrounding the dismissal. Amin entered the field and went on to take strike. The incident caused a stoppage that went for several minutes longer than a regular run-out would take.Muneeba would also have been given out lbw off that delivery had India reviewed the on-field umpire’s not out decision. Her dismissal left Pakistan 6 for 1 in four overs in their chase of 248.

England have not savoured World Cup glory since 1966, but Wes Brown has exclusively told GOAL – ahead of the group stage draw for the 2026 event – that “nobody will want to play” the Three Lions when chasing down a global crown. Thomas Tuchel’s side will head to the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer sat among the favourites to go all the way.

Faultless Three Lions: England qualified in style

They made serene progress through qualification, with maximum points being taken from eight fixtures. England scored 22 goals across those outings, while conceding none. A winning formula has clearly been found, with the promise of more to come.

Tuchel has made it clear that he will not be bowing to pressure when it comes to big selection calls, with the former Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain boss prepared to make unpopular decisions if required.

He has enough talent at his disposal to suggest that whoever earns seats on the plane, they will be there or thereabouts when the most prestigious of prizes is handed out. The Three Lions have made back-to-back European Championship finals – coming unstuck against Italy and Spain – while reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

AdvertisementFear factor: England should have rivals running scared

Sir Gareth Southgate oversaw an era of near misses, with thenhot seat now being filled by no-nonsense German tactician Tuchel. He has won Ligue 1, the Champions League and Club World Cup as a coach.

With the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Marcus Rashford raring to go, there is every reason to believe that Tuchel can be the man to bring 60 years of hurt to a close.

Quizzed on whether England should fear nobody, ex-Three Lions defender Brown – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “I think we are one of the teams to fear. The only thing I would say is, we have been so close now that it’s like, we know we can but we just get to that end bit… Regardless of how we get there, we know we can. People say ‘look who we played’ or ‘these are much better’, but that’s not the point because we still got there, getting the wins in.

“You look at the quality of the squad, it doesn’t matter about age now, these are established players that have no fear. They know what they need to do, they know what the set-up is. We know we can do it because we have been there before, we have nearly done it, it’s just that extra step. Regardless of the manager changing, I still feel like there is that bond in the squad which is excellent. You can see a nice buzz going around.

“The variation of different personnel is up there. You might need somebody to come on and change something in a certain way. Have we got that? I think we have. Take all that away, I think the experience they have as a group, the majority of them, they will understand that they can do it. It just takes that little bit more when we get to that next stage, when you get to the point where ‘this is it’. Can we? A lot of the players have done that, experienced it, and now you have got to believe and stay together and try to get it done. It’s going to be hard again – look at all the teams and the quality in there – but believe me, nobody will want to play England.”

Getty Images

Underdogs tag: Tuchel tries to calm expectations

Tuchel has been doing his best to calm expectations, saying of England’s current standing: “We will arrive as underdogs in the World Cup because we haven't won it for decades, and we will play against teams who have repeatedly won it during that time, so we need to arrive as a team otherwise we have no chance.

“If you've never won Wimbledon, you may be one of the favourites but you are not the favourite. You can go and if you come close, OK, you are within the pool, but you are not the favourite. It is just how it is. There is Brazil, there is Argentina, Spain, France and they just did it recently. It doesn't mean we have no chance and we know very well.”

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Getty ImagesWorld Cup draw: When & where does it take place?

England, along with their fellow World Cup hopefuls, will discover who they are set to face in the group stage when the draw for that part of the competition is made on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.

The Australian model goes significantly further than the version implemented by the BCCI since the ICC allowed domestic competitions to trial injury subs

Alex Malcolm29-Sep-2025

Cricket Australia will trial an injury replacement rule in the first five rounds of this season’s Sheffield Shield competition, and allow the opposition to make a corresponding substitution, with a view to passing on the findings to the ICC as discussions continue about the introduction of injury substitutes in Test cricket.CA has communicated with the six state teams in recent weeks, outlining the details of the rule which will be implemented across the first half of the season, which starts on Saturday. It will differ significantly from the “serious injury replacement substitute” rule the BCCI has brought into India’s domestic first-class competition recently.The Australian version has been designed with the aim of covering all injuries, preventing fit fast bowlers from being overloaded for the remainder of the match if they lose a fast-bowling mate early in the game, and to maintain competitive balance within matches while trying to avoid any manipulation.Related

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Currently, teams can make unlimited concussion substitutions across all four days of a Shield game – and that will remain unchanged – but under the trial there will be an additional like-for-like injury replacement available to both teams up until stumps on day two.Teams will be allowed to replace any player with another player of the same skill set (for example, a fast bowler for a fast bowler, a batter for a batter, a spinner for a spinner) as a result of any injury or illness that has occurred from any point after the toss. Teams will need to make a request to the match referee, who will determine the legitimacy of the injury and approve the replacement.This differs from the BCCI rule, which dictates the injury has to have happened during the game and needs to be external (like taking a blow resulting in a deep cut or fracture) rather than internal (like a hamstring strain).The issue was in the spotlight during the recent England-India Test series where both sides had players suffer significant external injuries: Rishabh Pant with a fractured foot at Old Trafford and Chris Woakes with a dislocated shoulder at The Oval.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

An interesting element to what CA is introducing is the ability for the opposition to match a substitution. If a team uses the injury replacement rule, the opposition will be allowed to bring in a “tactical substitute” in response by the close of day two. But that substitute must be the same type of player as was injured in the opposition.For example, in the round one clash this week between Western Australia and New South Wales at the WACA ground, if a WA fast bowler was injured and was replaced by another WA fast bowler, NSW could make a tactical substitution but could only swap out a fast bowler for a fast bowler. They could not make a tactical substitution like swapping a batter for a batter because of form in the first innings.The match referee can also put restrictions on the involvement of both replacement players. A batter may be instructed that they cannot bowl if they are replacing a batter who does not regularly bowl. The replacement players also automatically inherit any warnings that have been imposed on the replaced player, such as for running on the pitch.Another key element is that in the case of the player who is ruled out through injury or illness, they will undergo a mandatory 12-day non-playing period that starts from the second day of the match that they were subbed out of.This means that if a player were to be replaced for injury in the first two days of round one, their non-playing period would start from October 5, meaning they would not be eligible to play in the One-Day Cup matches on October 9 or the second Shield round, which begins on October 15.There is a slight wrinkle for the states to manage in that teams will only initially be permitted to travel with 12 players, as has been the norm in Australian domestic cricket for many years, with the exception being Western Australia or teams travelling to Western Australia due to the length of that flight and the difficulty in getting other reserve players there on short notice. WA, when they travel interstate, and teams who travel to WA, are permitted to have a squad of 13.Teams who are playing away from home on the east coast will be able to fly an injury replacement in at short notice if needed on the first two days of a game if the 12th man is not a like for like. The states have been encouraged to carry a spare fast bowler as the 12th player on most occasions as the majority of replacements will be to fast bowlers based off the injury data CA has used to help form this new rule. CA wanted to avoid teams carrying large squads unnecessarily.The ICC has agreed that all matches during the trial period will retain first-class status. During the first five rounds, CA will be sourcing feedback from the states on the success of the trial and it is leaving open the possibility of continuing it further into round six and or round seven. CA will also look at potential alterations to the trial from round seven onwards or cancelling it altogether.

The Arizona Diamondbacks missed out on the postseason despite winning 89 games in 2024. With their fate out of their hands, the D-Backs found themselves on the outside of the playoffs looking in after the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves split their doubleheader on Monday, resulting in both NL East teams reaching the postseason.

Speaking candidly during an appearance on Arizona Sports radio's Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick took responsibility for one of the team's failed offseason signings.

When discussing the acquisition of starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery, Kendrick admitted that he was responsible for the signing, going as far as to call it a "horrible decision."

"Let me say it the best way I can say it. If anyone wants to blame anyone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, you're talking to the guy that should be blamed. Because, I brought it to their attention. I pushed for it, they agreed to it. It wasn't in our game plan," said Kendrick.

"Looking back, in hindsight, a horrible decision to invest that money in a guy who performed as poorly as he did. It's our biggest mistake this season from a talent standpoint, and I'm the perpetrator of that," he added.

Montgomery, formerly a client of Scott Boras, signed with Arizona after spring training on a one-year, $25 million deal, which includes an option in 2025. He endured the worst campaign of his career, logging a 6.23 ERA across 25 appearances and eventually getting demoted into a bullpen role.

It certainly wasn't the production the Diamondbacks anticipated when bringing him on board. Rather than shift the blame elsewhere, Kendrick took ownership of what was ultimately a catastrophic acquisition for the franchise.

India coach says ‘my heart goes to the families, the people who’ve lost their loved ones’ in Bengaluru

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jun-20251:15

Gambhir: We should never have roadshows

India coach Gautam Gambhir has said there is no need to have celebratory roadshows in the future, after a stampede caused the death of 11 fans and injured many more in Bengaluru during the functions held on Wednesday to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning their maiden IPL title.”I was never a believer that we need to have roadshows. When I was playing, I had the same statement to make, even after winning 2007 [T20 World Cup], that we should not have road shows,” Gambhir said in Mumbai ahead of India’s departure for the Test tour of England. “I think lives of the people are far more important. I will continue to say that, even in future, I think we can be a little bit aware of not holding these kind of roadshows, and can probably have it in a closed door, or something like this, in a stadium.Related

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“It is very tragic what happened yesterday, and my heart goes to the families, the people who’ve lost their loved ones, and I hope in future, nothing like this can happen, because I think we all are responsible, and we all are responsible citizens, and we should take care of all this.”And if we are not ready to hold a roadshow, we shouldn’t have done that. As simple as it can get. I know fans do get excited, everyone gets excited, the fan bases get excited, but nothing can compare to what has happened yesterday.”Even when I used to play, I didn’t believe in roadshows. I don’t believe in them today and I won’t believe in them in the future as well. Winning is important. Celebration is important. But more important than that is the life of any person. So, if we are not prepared or if we can’t handle the crowd in that way, then we might as well not have these roadshows.”Earlier on Thursday, RCB issued a statement announcing “financial support of INR 10 lakh to each of the eleven families of the deceased” and setting up of an RCB Cares fund in aid of the “fans injured in this tragic incident.” The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also said it would give INR 5 lakh to each of the families of the people who died in the stampede around the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

After getting off to a solid start back in the Premier League, Sunderland have already reportedly launched a contract offer to sign a January transfer target.

Le Bris drops Sunderland injury update ahead of Wolves

Hoping to get back to winning ways after suffering defeat against Manchester United before the international break, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has dropped a fresh injury update.

His side will play host to Wolverhampton Wanderers in a crucial relegation six-pointer and one that could take the Black Cats as high as fourth if results go their way.

Providing updates on the injury front in the build-up to this weekend’s clash, Le Bris revealed “positive” news on both Noah Sadiki and Omar Alderete, telling reporters: “For Noah, we checked him yesterday and he seems okay. We will see after the training sessions today and tomorrow if he is available, but we are positive.

“For Omar, after such a long flight, we will see. We had a quick chat with him yesterday and it was positive, but we will have to wait and see. The others have returned all okay.”

The impressive manager also took the time to praise Wolves, who are after their first league win of the season at their eighth attempt. Defeat at the Stadium of Light could already leave the Midlands club four points adrift of safety.

For the Black Cats, the game represents another opportunity to push on in the Premier League and potentially send a statement to one of their top 2026 transfer targets.

Sunderland offer to Jhon Lucumi on the table

As reported by Corriere di Bologna and relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland have tabled a contract offer to Jhon Lucumi worth around €3m (£2.6m) a season. A bid worth €30m (£26m) to Bologna is still on the table in an attempt to secure their central defender when January arrives.

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Lucumi’s agent is reportedly pushing the Bologna star to complete a move to the Premier League and Sunderland, but it remains to be seen whether the Serie A club remain as stubborn as they were in the summer.

Described as “ridiculously impressive” and “composed” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Lucumi could finally be on his way to Wearside when the new year arrives.

Manchester United have now reportedly received an early response in the battle to sign a Premier League rival for Ruben Amorim in 2026.

Amorim: "It's more excitement than fear" at Man Utd

There’s still plenty of work for Amorim to do at Man United. The Red Devils invested well in the summer, but were brought back down to earth in the opening weeks of the season.

Carabao Cup defeat against Grimsby Town followed by a 3-0 thrashing in the Manchester derby even led to uncomfortable questions about the manager’s future, but he’s claimed that there is an “excitement” within United this season.

Just how long that excitement lasts is the big question. What is clear is that INEOS will back their man away from the pitch. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co. spent around £200m in the summer transfer window and recent reports suggest that more spending is on the way.

The likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Adam Wharton have both been linked with moves to Old Trafford in recent weeks and there’s no doubt that they’d make significant impacts under Amorim.

Vlahovic is far from a bad option, either. The Juventus striker is fighting for his place in Turin and arguably winning what was once a losing battle, scoring four goals in his first five games this season.

Wharton is particularly one to watch, however. The Crystal Palace star is the latest Eagle to rise at Selhurst Park and interest from the very top always seemed inevitable. If United are looking to upgrade on Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte then he is their man alongside another England international.

Man Utd receive early response in race for Anderson

According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Nottingham Forest have issued a hands-off warning to Man United about Elliot Anderson. The Midlands club are keen to keep hold of the impressive Englishman, with both Liverpool and the Red Devils plotting 2026 moves to secure his signature.

Bailey told TBR: “Anderson has been top class for Forest, and they are aware of the interest is emerging. But I am told that Forest have no intention of entertaining any interest in him, and with Ange Postecoglou arriving – they want him to be a cornerstone to his team going forward.”

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The 22-year-old has been a standout at the City Ground all season and that was no different in midweek when Forest travelled to face Real Betis. Anderson was at the centre of everything positive that Ange Postecoglou’s side did and has done no harm to his hopes of securing a World Cup place next summer in recent weeks.

Dubbed “phenomenal” by England teammate and Chelsea star Reece James in the September international break, Anderson is the type of player that Man United should do everything to sign next summer.

It has been just over a year since Douglas Luiz left Aston Villa to join Juventus. The move, unfortunately, did not work out for the Brazilian midfielder. He only played 27 times for the Old Lady, featuring for just 877 minutes across his time in Turin.

12 months on, and he is back in the Premier League, once again playing in the Midlands. Only, he is at Villa’s East Midlands rivals, Nottingham Forest, on a loan deal. Luiz is yet to make his debut for the club, but that could change under their new manager, Ange Postecoglou.

The Villans never really signed a replacement for the Brazilian. In fact, his replacement was in-house, with Boubacar Kamara stepping up.

Kamara’s 2024/25 season

French midfielder Kamara did play plenty of times with Luiz. The former Olympique Marseille player, who moved to Villa Park on a free transfer, lined up for the Villans 50 times alongside the Brazilian, according to Transfermarkt.

Yet, last season, in light of Luiz’s departure to Turin, saw the Frenchman feature as a key man for Unai Emery in the middle of the park. He did struggle with injury, but when fit, tended to play 90 minutes for his side.

In total, the 25-year-old, who signed a new deal at Villa Park over the summer, played 42 games for Emery’s side. That included his first, and to date, only Premier League goal, coming against Tottenham Hotspur right at the end of the campaign.

It was certainly an impressive campaign for Kamara, who was described as “a very important player” by his manager, Emery, last December.

Certainly, he did not make Luiz’s absence very felt, due to his stellar efforts.

What might sting Villa fans, however, is that they had a player as good as Kamara, who was viewed as an even better option than Luiz.

Aston Villa have offloaded the next Kamara

There is no doubt that, in their current squad, Villa have some good options in midfield. Youri Tielemans was another key player last season, and Amadou Onana provides a real presence in the centre of the park. Of course, they have Kamara, too.

Yet, how good would it have been if the Villans had also kept Enzo Barrenechea in and around the group? Although the young Argentine midfielder joined the club last summer, he has recently been sent out on his second loan spell, to Benfica. There is an obligation to buy him at the end of the move for a fee of around £13m.

Last term, the 24-year-old spent the season at Spanish giants Valencia. He played 32 times for the La Liga outfit, more often than not sitting in front of the defence as a number six.

Barrenechea chipped in with two assists and a goal, too.

As the video above shows, he is a dream profile. The now-Benfica player can break up play in the midfield, before pinging defence-splitting passes over or through the opposition lines.

In fact, football analyst Ben Mattinson rates him so highly that he said he has a “higher ceiling” than Luiz in that number six role.

The numbers from last season and the start of 2025/26 on FBref highlight the fact that he is similar statistically to Kamara. For example, Barrenechea averaged 5.29 progressive passes and 3.31 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes last season.

In comparison, Kamara played an average of 4.88 progressive passes and made 3.6 tackles and interceptions each game.

Barrenechea va Kamara

Stat (pr 90)

Barrenechea

Kamara

Key passes

0.59

0.54

Progressive passes

5.29

4.88

Progressive carries

0.77

0.99

Tackles and interceptions

3.31

3.6

Ball recoveries

4.89

4.58

Stats from FBref

All things considered, it is strange that Villa were willing to let Barrenechea go so easily.

His first loan to Valencia showed that he has the talent to compete at the highest level, and given Luiz’s departure, he could have been the dream option in Emery’s squad.

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Looking back on this move, Villa fans might always rue the fact they let the second coming of Kamara slip through the net so easily.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Sep 10, 2025