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Somerset let offspinning allrounder leave on loan for T20 campaign, but hope to keep him permanently

Matt Roller11-Jul-2019Dom Bess, the offspinning allrounder who played two Tests for England in 2018, has re-joined Yorkshire on loan for bulk of the Vitality Blast.Bess will play the first 10 of Yorkshire’s 14 group stage games in the Blast, before returning to Somerset in time for their four-day game away at Warwickshire on August 18.After first breaking into the Somerset side in 2016, and taking five wicket-hauls in five of his first six Championship games, Bess has found his opportunities at Somerset limited over the past twelve months – by Jack Leach in red-ball cricket, and Roelof van der Merwe and Max Waller in the shorter forms.He joined Yorkshire on loan in May, after struggling for playing time this season, and took seven wickets in his four Championship games for them. He has since found his way back into the Somerset side alongside Leach, taking 11 wickets in his two recent Championship appearances.Coincidentally, the two counties play each other in a crucial Championship game on Saturday, and Bess is likely to be picked for Somerset with Leach on England Lions duty.Bess admitted last winter that he would be open to a loan move in order to gain more white-ball experience, and after playing only twice in Somerset’s victorious Royal London Cup campaign, was deemed surplus to requirements for the Blast. Over the course of his short career, Bess has played more List A games for the Lions than for his county.Yorkshire’s first-team coach Andrew Gale told the that the club would do “everything we can” to secure Bess’ signature on a permanent basis after his initial loan.But Somerset remain hopeful of keeping him, and coach Jason Kerr said he could “not envisage Dom going anywhere in the near future” after their win against Hampshire.The club hope that the situation with their spinners does not begin to mirror that of their wicketkeepers in 2013. Jos Buttler had left his boyhood club back then after becoming increasingly frustrated by a lack of opportunities behind the stumps, with Craig Kieswetter taking the gloves ahead of him in all formats.”I’ve got to look at my personal development and I think it’s a great opportunity for me,” Bess said about the move. “I’m very thankful for Yorkshire for taking a punt on me. I’ve done some good stuff in red-ball [cricket] but recognise that T20 is a completely different game.”I’m always pushing to be a three-dimensional cricketer, to do well with the ball, bat and in the field. I think T20 in particular brings all three of those skills in. For me as a player, I’ve definitely got something to bring and also a point to prove as well.”It’s a great opportunity for me in a different competition and group stage. I’ve come back here, done well for Somerset and I’ve got a year left. I’ve got to see how things go.”A lot of things can happen within a year, as I know. Probably the greatest example I can give is that I got to the top of Mount Everest with the Test stuff and then fell off and then came back again. So I think it will be a very similar answer to last time, I just want to play my 10 games, contribute and push hard and then see what happens.”Yorkshire will hope for an improved showing in the Blast this year, after finishing one win short of the quarter-finals in both of the last two seasons. They have signed Nicholas Pooran, the explosive middle-order hitter who starred for the West Indies during the World Cup, for the first five group games, and hope to have Adil Rashid available if he misses out on Ashes selection.Director of cricket Martyn Moxon admitted that signing Bess was “tough on our back-up spinners” – notably Josh Poysden, the legspinner who signed from Warwickshire last year – but said: “When someone of Dom’s ability becomes available, then if we’re serious about trying to win the competition, we’ve got to look at it”.

The goalless draw between France and the Netherlands on Friday broke an unbelievable Euros streak which has stood since the last tournament.

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France draw 0-0 with NetherlandsBreak 50-game streakHas been in place since Euro 2020WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , the clash at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig was the first goalless fixture since England and Scotland drew 0-0 back in Euro 2020. There had been a goal in 50 straight games since that match.

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A draw was not a disaster for either side, considering they both won their opening fixtures. The two countries will now battle it out to top Group D with France set to face Poland and the Netherlands preparing for Austria.

DID YOU KNOW?

England's Euro 2024 campaign has followed a similar pattern to the last tournament so far. That draw against Scotland followed a narrow victory over Croatia, with Gareth Southgate's tactics called into question in the aftermath. They would go on to beat the Czech Republic in their final group game before, of course, going on a run to the final of Euro 2020.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR EURO 2024?

Another round of fixtures will get started on Saturday (June 22) with three games scheduled to take place. Georgia will face Czech Republic, Portugal are against Turkey and Belgium are seeking a first win in the tournament against Romania.

West Ham United chiefs could be tempted into an elite managerial alternative to the heavily-linked Graham Potter as David Moyes' future remains up in the air.

Moyes contract expiring as West Ham delay renewal

The Scotsman is under contract until June, and while talks have been held over extending his stay at the London Stadium, there is a real belief now that recent results are making West Ham think twice.

West Ham opportunity to hire Moyes replacement who was top of Spurs' list

Daniel Levy really wanted him across London.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 14, 2024

Moyes is without a win in 2024 as pressure surrounds his precarious position, with supporters now divided over whether he is the right man to take the club forward despite a very successful last few seasons. West Ham clinched the 2023 Europa Conference League last year, ending their near-40-year wait for a major trophy, but Moyes' dogmatic style isn't exactly winning over a large portion of the fan base.

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7rh

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Technical director Tim Steidten is apparently assessing alternatives to Moyes if the 60-year-old does end up leaving, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano telling GiveMeSport that his future remains an open situation.

“It’s still an open situation with regards to David Moyes staying at West Ham," said Romano.

"Every week, we seem to have ten different reports. One day, they’re saying a new deal is done, and then the next day, some are saying he’s leaving. The reality is that a new deal has been discussed, but the situation is fluid, and there’s still no final decision been made by both Moyes and the West Ham board.”

There have been many different names floated in the press as possible candidates to succeed Moyes, with former Chelsea and Brighton boss Potter regularly mentioned.

West Ham chiefs have shortlisted Potter as a credible managerial option, and this is backed by national outlets like The Telegraph, who state that the 47-year-old is among their lead contenders. That same outlet, though, also states that another free agent in Julen Lopetegui could entice interest from east London.

West Ham could turn to Lopetegui appointment

According to their information, via reliable journalist Matt Law, Lopetegui is a tempting option for West Ham despite his spell at Wolves ending unceremoniously.

A Europa League winner at Sevilla, the 57-year-old is readily available like Potter and has a few big-name admirers. One of them is Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who called the tactician an "exceptional" person following his sacking by Real Madrid.

"I would like to call him in the next days. I'm so disappointed, but I know what football is," said Guardiola on Lopetegui.

"I'm sorry for Julen because he's a friend of mine, he's an exceptional person. We played together at Barcelona, and have an amazing relationship.

"But, it is what it is football. Nobody can escape that. When you have bad results you will not continue in places like Barcelona, Madrid. You win matches in a row, or you won't have the chance to continue."

Uncapped batting allrounder Shehan Jayasuriya and fast bowler Asitha Fernando are also among the squad of 22 that will be trimmed to 15 later on

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Aug-2019Dinesh Chandimal and spinners Akila Dananjaya and Dilruwan Perera are contending for a return to Sri Lanka’s Test squad, after being picked in the 22-man preliminary squad for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. Opening batsman Danushka Gunathilaka and fast bowler Lahiru Kumara also earned recalls with two uncapped players – batting allrounder Shehan Jayasuriya and fast bowler Asitha Fernando – also in the mix. This squad will be trimmed to 15 over the next week.Angelo Mathews, who had missed the Tests against South Africa earlier this year with a hamstring issue, was also picked.Chandimal had been dropped from the South Africa Tests, which Sri Lanka won 2-0, to regain his batting form after his poor run against Australia. He then went on to score 223 runs in five innings at an average of 55.75 in Sri Lanka’s domestic domestic one-day competition, the Premier Limited Over Tournament.Dilruwan, too, had been dropped from the South Africa tour and now returns after a stint with Colts Cricket Club in the domestic circuit, although in T20s and one-dayers. It remains to be seen whether he will make it to the final 15, however. With spinners Lasith Embuldeniya (who has been in outstanding form for the Emerging team over the last few weeks), Akila, Lakshan Sandakan and even the improving offspin of Dhananjaya de Silva to contend with, Dilruwan’s place is by no means secure.Milinda Siriwardana, who last played a Test in December 2016 and had been picked for the South Africa tour, has been left out without getting a chance on the tour.Akila has been picked in the Test squad after he had been suspended from international cricket for an illegal action late last year. Dananjaya remodelled his action earlier this year and then played the ODIs and T20Is in South Africa before being left out of the World Cup squad.Sri Lanka will host New Zealand for two Tests starting August 14 and 22 in Galle and at the P Sara Oval in Colombo, respectively.Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Perera, Oshada Fernando, Danushka Gunathilaka, Shehan Jayasuriya, Chamika Karunaratne, Dilruwan Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Asitha Fernando

Chris Gayle played his slowest ODI innings (minimum 25 innings) in his 31-ball 4, while Evin Lewis’ three sixes gave the home fans something to cheer about

The Report by Sreshth Shah08-Aug-2019Match abandoned After a five-and-a-half-hour period where only 13 overs were bowled, the first ODI between West Indies and India in Providence was called off by the umpires due to a wet outfield.In that period, Chris Gayle played his slowest-ever ODI innings (minimum 25 balls), scoring only four singles in 31 deliveries. At the opposite end, Evin Lewis ensured there was something for the home fans to cheer, blitzing an unbeaten 36-ball 40 that included three shoveled pulls over deep midwicket.The match began 90 minutes after the scheduled start, a delay forced by morning showers. When play started, though, following Virat Kohli’s decision to bowl, the sun was bathing upon a half-filled Providence Stadium, but with rain scheduled towards the afternoon, it was not long before the first interruption happened.With Mohammed Shami, from around the wicket, troubling the sedate Gayle, and Lewis failing to find gaps in the infield, the teams first left the ground after 5.4 overs with West Indies yet to reach double digits. Over an hour later, the players returned, and Lewis made full use of the wet ball, shoveling Bhuvneshwar Kumar for six. In the next over, he creamed 15 runs off left-arm quick Khaleel Ahmed, with a pulled six over midwicket sandwiched between two flicked fours through the on side.The partnership was primarily saved by Lewis’ aggression with Gayle failing to find his timing, and it was eventually Kuldeep Yadav who ended the batsman’s innings in the 11th over.Playing his 299th ODI – equalling West Indies’ record-holder Brian Lara – Gayle needed 11 runs to become the team’s highest-ever ODI run-scorer, but swinging conditions early on meant he was either splicing the ball or missing it completely. While Lewis’ rampage was on, Gayle was unable to break free as he tried to heave Kuldeep’s full-pitched stock delivery over the leg side, only to inside-edge it onto the stumps.Rain returned two overs later, and it was intermittent enough for the umpires to call the game off at 3.12pm local time. Wet patches on the field earlier in the day had delayed the game’s restart, and in anticipation of the ground not being ready by 4pm – the cut-off time for a 20-over-a-side shootout – umpires Nigel Duguid and Adrian Holdstock called off the match. Ironically, a few minutes after that decision, the sun returned, but by then it was too late.The teams now move to Port-of-Spain for the second ODI on August 11.

Liverpool have looked like Premier League title challengers for some time but face a problem in that Manchester City and Arsenal are also relentlessly fighting for domestic gold.

Jurgen Klopp's side have the lead after 24 matches but their rivals are just two points behind – with City holding a game in hand as they look to defend their title.

With a trip to London to face Brentford next up in the division, the Merseysiders know that anything other than three points could be detrimental, but they will have to do it with a host of injuries threatening disruption.

Liverpool team news vs Brentford

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai have both been ruled out of this afternoon's fixture, while Thiago Alcantara is nowhere near a return after re-injuring himself during his cameo against Arsenal a few weeks back.

In brighter news, however, Mohamed Salah has been in full training this week and is in contention, with Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez recovering from illness and Conor Bradley returning from compassionate leave.

Ibrahima Konate is also likely to feature from the outset after missing last weekend's 3-1 victory over Burnley due to suspension, while Wataru Endo may well retain his starting berth at the anchor of the midfield.

Why Wataru Endo must start vs Brentford

Liverpool were far from their best against imperilled Burnley but quality prevailed and victory was secured, and while the frontline caught the eye with their attacking efforts, Endo's return from international duty with Japan cannot be understated.

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89'

Touches

84

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88%

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2

Duels won

9/21

Tackles

4

Source: Sofascore

Handed a 7/10 match rating by the Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle, Endo kept it crisp in the engine room and tidied up nicely for the Anfield side, completing 88% of his passes, winning nine duels and making two key passes for his teammates, as per Sofascore.

He might not have the silkiness of Alexis Mac Allister but the 31-year-old sure knows how to break up play and hold the midfield together, once dubbed a "proper warrior and leader" by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard.

Given that Brentford's Ivan Toney is fit and firing once again, having posted three goals from four matches since his anticipated return from suspension last month, Endo must be on the top of his game, taking control in the centre of the park and inhibiting the England international from receiving service and space in key areas.

It's worth noting that while Toney is a high-class centre-forward, admired by many top outfits, he is not the most accurate with his distribution and has completed just 53% of his passes in the Premier League this season.

While this is largely down to his creativity and unceasing urge to make things happen, the 5 foot 10 Endo can negate his threat by stamping out the opportunities that come his way.

A collective effort will be needed for Klopp's side to win, with Bradley required to pick up from where he left off last month to ensure that Alexander-Arnold's absence is not sorely felt.

The 20-year-old right-back has been in electric form of late and plundered a goal and five assists during a bewildering run of form in January, and he will be important against a Brentford rearguard that will stand resilient and obstinate in its attempt to swat the Reds away.

But Liverpool want that title and one would think that if the likes of Endo and Bradley are on their a-game, strengthening the base and allowing the devastating frontline to wreak havoc, victory will be secured.

Chelsea fans are elated after watching Enzo Fernandez's highlights in Argentina's win over Guatemala.

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Chelsea fans hail Enzo FernandezProvided brilliant moment on international dutyHoping for a better season at Stamford BridgeWHAT HAPPENED?

Fernandez had a stellar outing on Saturday as Argentina came back from behind to thrash Guatemala 4-1. The midfielder played an important role in the team's third that saw him sending a brilliant long ball to Messi before delivering an outstanding lobbed pass towards Lionel Messi, who in turn set up a perfect ball for Lautaro Martinez to score.

AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

As the Argentine performed brilliantly in the international friendly, Chelsea fans across the world started hailing their star player and some of them went on to compare him to Germany legend Toni Kroos.

A handle named Vintage CFC wrote on X: "Look at this sequence from Enzo Fernandez. If this was Kroos you won’t hear the end of it."

Another handle named Gbenga manifested that Enzo would send a similar pass to Chelsea linked Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise next season as they wrote: "Enzo long pass to Olise is what I'm seeing already."

A handle named CFC Factosv4 called Enzo the next generation Kroos as he wrote, "Enzo is literally next gen Toni Kroos ffs. Can’t believe we’ve been robbed last season due to Poch using him in some Dele Alli SS role. Will laugh so much next season."

ModernPlaymaker believes that the Argentine will shine for the Blues in the upcoming season. "Enzo Fernandez will have his best season ever next season mark my words," they wrote.

Similarly a fan named RealtorJubey remained confident about the midfielder's success next season: "Next season we would see the real Enzo Fernandez."

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The 23-year-old did not find much success in his first full season for the West London side as he appeared in 40 matches across all competitions where he scored seven goals and provided three assists. However, he will hope to transform his game in the upcoming season under new manager Enzo Maresca.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ENZO FERNANDEZ?

The former Benfica player will be next seen in action for La Albiceleste on June 21 as they take on Canada in their Copa America 2024 opener.

Palhinha has suggested he has made it clear he wishes to leave Fulham and join Bayern Munich as the German giants seek to sign the midfielder.

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Bayern want to sign PalhinhaDeal collapsed last summerGerman side made new offerWHAT HAPPENED?

The Portuguese midfielder has spent two seasons at Craven Cottage and has long been chased by Bayern. The Bavarian side believe Palhinha is the ideal signing to add a bit of steel to transform their midfield in their quest to wrestle back the Bundesliga title from Bayer Leverkusen. The 28-year-old has made it no secret that he wishes to make the switch too following news of a €45 million (£38m/$48m) bid.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT PALHINHA SAID

Speaking before Portugal's clash with Slovenia in the European Championships round of 16, Palhinha was asked about his future at Fulham. He said simply: "As far as my future is concerned, both clubs know where I want to be in a month."

DID YOU KNOW?

Palhinha was close to securing the move he wants last summer and even completed a medical in Germany, but the clubs could not agree on a fee and the deal collapsed. After the failed transfer, Palhinha signed a new deal in west London but, less than a year later, wants to move on again.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR PALHINHA?

Palhinha's Portugal side take on Slovenia aiming to progress to a quarter-final against either France or Belgium. Should they then win the quarter-final they could meet hosts Germany or Spain in the semi-final.

Development follows a warning from the prime minister’s office of a possible attack on the team

Andrew Fidel Fernando11-Sep-2019Sri Lanka’s forthcoming tour of Pakistan has been thrown into doubt after Sri Lanka’s government is said to have received news of a “possible terrorist threat on the Sri Lanka team”.The team was scheduled to leave for the tour in less than two weeks, but the tour now hinges on a “reassessment of the security situation in Pakistan”. One security assessment – described as “meticulous” by an SLC official – had already been conducted, with the board formerly convinced that the tour was safe. But this new information about a specific threat on the team has sparked fresh fears.”Sri Lanka Cricket today sought the assistance of the Sri Lankan government to conduct a ‘reassessment’ of the security situation in Pakistan ahead of the national team’s planned tour to Pakistan,” a board release said.”The decision was taken following a warning SLC received from the Prime Minister’s office, sent via the Ministry of Telecommunication, Foreign Employment and Sports.”The warning highlights that the Prime Minister’s Office has received reliable information of a possible terrorist threat on the Sri Lankan team, while touring Pakistan.”The new information had been received on Tuesday evening by SLC, who had named their ODI at T20 squads for the tour late in the afternoon. With 10 frontline players already having refused to tour Pakistan, this new perceived threat may create apprehension among even the players who have agreed to travel.Cricket in Pakistan came to a halt in 2009, after the Sri Lanka team was attacked by gunmen on the way to the ground in Lahore.The first match of the tour was set to be played on September 27 in Karachi.

Everton have had many in-comings and outgoings over the last few seasons with both their playing and coaching staff, with some additions becoming flops and others becoming 'cult heroes' among the Everton fan base.

The Toffees haven't had the best of times lately and currently find themselves in 17th place, just one point outside of the relegation zone.

Granted, the fact that Sean Dyche's side have had a ten point deduction thrown their way this season needs to be taken into account. However, it feels as if the Toffees should have done much better than what they have done.

One of the key reasons why they only find themselves just outside of the drop zone is the fact that they are the third-lowest scoring team within England's top flight.

To rub even more salt in the wounds of the Toffees, Neal Maupay, a striker whom they loaned to Brentford at the start of the season, has only been involved in one less goal than that of their main strikers, Beto and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Everton will rue letting their Beto upgrade leave the club

Everton may regret letting one player leave in the summer despite signing Beto.

ByZak Anderton Feb 25, 2024

These figures will undoubtedly be frustrating for Dyche as he was the one who sanctioned the move. In the past, Everton have had some elite-level strikers with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Tim Cahill and even Samuel Eto'o all plying their trade for the club at different points. They notably had immense success away from Goodison but there is another who perhaps isn't so elite now shining elsewhere; Salomon Rondon.

Salomon Rondon's career before joining Everton

After joining the Toffees on a free transfer in the summer of 2021 from Chinese club, Dalian Professional, he was reunited with his former manager for a third time after the pair were both at Newcastle and Dalian Professional at the same time.

There was a lot of anticipation around his signing, as, with his previous two stints in England, the Venezuelan produced some solid numbers.

Whilst with his first English club, West Brom, whom he joined for a fee of £12m, he stayed at the club from 2015/16 until the 2017/18 season.

During his time representing the Baggies, he played a total of 120 games and amassed 38 goal contributions with 20 of those coming as his goals. This return sparked the interest of Newcastle's Benitez who made the Venezuela international his number one target.

He then later joined the Magpies on a season-long loan, which resulted in Dwight Gayle being loaned to West Brom in return.

Speaking on his arrival at Newcastle, Rondon said the following: "It's one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and I knew about the interest of the gaffer, so I'm happy to be here."

Then manager, Benitez, also weighed in on the addition of Rondon to his squad. "I am delighted to sign Salomón," he said.

"When we were looking for options up front, we knew how important experience would be. Salomón has been in the Premier League for a while, and he knows how demanding it is. He, together with Yoshinori Muto, will give us different options and will improve the competition between the strikers, which is always positive for the team."

Despite appearing a total of 33 times for the Magpies and managing to contribute to 19 goals, Newcastle rejected the chance to sign the forward permanently.

That is despite being the first forward since Alan Shearer in 2003 to win Newcastle's 2019 Player of the Year award.

At the time, many thought this was a mistake on Mike Ashley's behalf as, in the same season, Rafa Benitez also left the Tyneside club.

Rondon has since spoken about his Newcastle departure. "It was a beautiful year for me. I loved it because the supporters were behind me all the time," he said via Goal.

"I enjoyed playing with the number  9 shirt, I scored goals and the atmosphere at St James’ Park was amazing. Always, I will remember that season. Was I disappointed to leave? Yes, because I was waiting for something. I was waiting for Rafa."

However, it wasn't long before the pair were reunited in China where Rondon spent just a year.

It was after his stint in China, where he managed a total of 14 goals, that sparked the interest of Everton and Benitez.

Rondon's time at Everton in numbers

You guessed it, the then 31-year-old was brought back to the Premier League thanks to Benitez, who was the manager of Everton at the time.

However, his stint with the Toffees didn't go as swimmingly as his previous campaign in England did for Newcastle.

During the two seasons in which the stocky forward represented the blue of Everton, he only amassed a total of 31 appearances and managed to only be involved in four goals.

This was a major fall from grace for the former Newcastle Player of the Year and was the main reasoning behind why, during his time with Everton, he was branded a flop.

His time with the Toffees was held in that bad a regard that his contract was terminated. This termination was in aid of the Venezuelan seeking more playing minutes after being isolated from the squad by then manager, Frank Lampard.

What happened to Rondon after Everton

Following his termination, Rondon found himself in Argentina, representing River Plate. He had initially signed a two-year deal which would've kept him at the club until December 2025.

However, much like his Everton stint, he left the squad less than 12 months into his contract. Despite being at River for less than a year, he managed to re-find his form somewhat and garnered a total of 35 appearances whilst bagging ten goals.

Indeed, this isn't the greatest of returns, however, it's an awful lot more than what he managed to do with Everton.

Now in the 2023/24 season, the 34-year-old has found himself plying his trade in Mexico's top league for CF Pachuca.

Since his arrival in Mexico, it feels as if he has once again found his goal-scoring form which he showed whilst playing for Newcastle.

In just nine games, he has managed a total of seven goal contributions which is more than that of Calvert-Lewin and Beto individually.

Although Rondon has had quite a roller-coaster of a career, it feels as if he has now found somewhere where he can live out his twilight years.