Being dropped after his speedy ascendance turned out to be just the opportunity he needed to prove himself, as he made a stunning 125* in Darwin

Firdose Moonda12-Aug-2025

Dewald Brevis set a new South Africa record in a thrilling display•Getty Images

There’s no secret to Dewald Brevis’ big-hitting except perhaps a divine one if you believe the man himself, after his record-breaking antics in the second T20I against Australia in Darwin.Brevis scored 125*, which is the highest by a South African in T20Is and he became the youngest South African centurion in the format. He also put on one of the best examples of clean stroke-play down the ground. Brevis hit more than half his runs in the “V”, including six of his eight sixes, in what his captain Aiden Markram told the post-match broadcast was a “freakish display” of talent that Brevis himself can’t really explain.”That’s just my natural way of hitting,” he said at the press conference afterwards. “I’ve hit thousands of balls and I just want to go out there, enjoy it and have fun and just watch it and then if it’s there, it happens. I don’t try to do it, I’m just trying to be myself and have fun and watch the ball and then it happens.”Related

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But that was only after he made a commitment to himself a little more than eight months ago. “I believe God blessed me with a talent to play like that, to play aggressively. Last year, on 28 December, I made that commitment. I got a few people, they know who they are, who I trust and the main thing was just to be the original Dewald and to be on that side of it and every ball, wherever it is, to watch it and to hit it.”The words “be myself,” and “original Dewald,” are the most notable because when Brevis first made his name it was actually by a nickname: Baby AB. He earned that moniker around the same time as he finished as the leading run-scorer in the 2022 under-19 World Cup and embraced it. AB de Villiers, after whom Brevis was named, is still a role model to him but walking around as his successor weighed heavily on Brevis. Only five runs came from his first T20Is, in 2023, and he was sent back to the domestic set-up to grow his game and, as it turns out, his own name.Since then Brevis has torn up record books at home and is also the holder of the country’s highest score in domestic T20s: 162. Last summer, he was a key figure in MICT’s run to the SA20 title and also the second-highest run-scorer in both the first-class and List A competitions. Being dropped turned out to be just the opportunity he needed to prove himself.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

“I’ve always believed that this is where I need to be and where I will be, so I never had any doubt or anything,” he said. “It’s all about cricket, how things work out. It is a roller coaster, you have your ups, you have your downs but I have never ever doubted myself.”But did he wish it could have happened as quickly as everyone thought it would? “I would have loved to be here earlier but that’s all a part of your journey and that’s what makes you stronger. That’s why I’m here now,” he said. “It’s a reason for how I’m playing now. I had to make all those mistakes that all of the senior players actually warned me I would make. They told me to watch out for this, do this, do that and then I basically did exactly the opposite, so it’s important to go through that and to be able to be here now.”Some of those mistakes included buying into the hype of a label he didn’t ask for; others were going too hard too early and the most recent of them was not knowing whose record he broke as the holder South Africa’s highest individual score in T20Is. “It’s Jacques Kallis,” he said confidently, before being told it is actually Faf du Plessis.”So I got it wrong,” he laughed. “I didn’t know, but it’s obviously a privilege and an honour and there’s not a lot of words, I’m just extremely grateful and excited for what lies ahead.”And already he has promised it will be plenty as he hinted this innings was just a taster of what’s to come. “This is just the start, if I could say it like that,” he said. “I just want to keep working hard, do the same things and the next match is the next match. So this 100, I can enjoy it now, think a bit about it, watch it maybe, but then when the next match comes, it’s completely a new match and anything can happen.”

Sri Lanka have history on their side, having won their last five T20Is against Pakistan going back to October 2019

Andrew Fidel Fernando22-Sep-20252:03

Chopra: SL could bring in an extra seamer in Abu Dhabi

Big PictureLet’s cool things down a little. Two high-profile, highly-charged matches have happened. Some hands have not found the company of other hands at times around cricket matches where hands and other hands are supposed to find the company of hands.We are not naming names, or specifying political indiscretions. But at least on Tuesday, there should be some peace. Perhaps even some love.Pakistan vs Sri Lanka tends to be borderline sappy.Related

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Both these teams also have some pride to resurrect. The reasons for Pakistan’s self-esteem doldrums are obvious. If Sri Lanka was Pakistan’s roommate in a sitcom right now, they’d be telling Pakistan to get their act together with an arm around their shoulders with insults dressed winkingly as compliments. Pakistan might point out that Sri Lanka aren’t doing so hot themselves, having lost to Bangladesh in the first Super Four match. Sri Lanka might respond by asking Pakistan to count the number of Asia Cup trophies on their cabinet. (Because this preview is written by a Sri Lankan, Sri Lankans get last word in all arguments.)Sri Lanka and Pakistan have not tested themselves against each other in T20Is for a while. The last time they played was in 2022, when in the 2010s they used to almost ritualistically have full tours every year.On the surface, they seem evenly matched, however. Pakistan have batting firepower issues. Sri Lanka have batting firepower issues. Pakistan are ranked seventh. Sri Lanka are ranked eighth. Both teams are attempting revivals. Sri Lanka believe theirs has really started. A win against Pakistan will help affirm it.Form guideSri Lanka: LWWWLPakistan: LWLWWIn the spotlightHaris Rauf has only played two T20Is against Sri Lanka, but has five wickets, and an economy rate of 6.85 against them. He was also Pakistan’s best quick in the last match against India, taking 2 for 26. Sri Lanka tend to back themselves against left-arm seam, with so many left-handers in the top order. But in the last match, they did lose three wickets to Mustafizur Rahman.Nuwan Thushara has become known for his outswing at the top of the innings, which has yielded him valuable powerplay wickets. In the last match however, Bangladesh’s Saif Hassan countered Thushara by running down the track and bludgeoning him straight. Thushara is a reasonably experienced bowler now. Can he bounce back?Pitch and conditionsAbu Dhabi tends to be one of the higher-scoring venues in the UAE. Although slower bowlers can sometimes prosper there. Sri Lanka won both matches here in the group stage.Team newsAlthough licking their wounds after the loss to India, Pakistan may keep the same XI.Pakiistan (possible): 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Saim Ayub, 4 Hussain Talat, 5 Mohammad Nawaz, 6 Salman Agha (capt.), 7 Faheem Ashraf, 8 Mohammad Haris, 9 Shaheen Afridi, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar AhmedSri Lanka are seriously considering adding a bowler. Maheesh Theekshana may come back into the XI.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kamil Mishara, 4 Kusal Perera, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt.), 6 Kamindu Mendis, 7 Dasun Shanaka, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Maheesh Theekshana, 11 Nuwan ThusharaSri Lanka have won both their matches in Abu Dhabi so far•Getty Images

Stats and trivia

• Sri Lanka have won all five most-recent T20Is against Pakistan, a streak going back to October 2019.
• In the UAE, however, Pakistan have won four T20Is against Sri Lanka, out of seven encounters.
• Openers Pathum Nissanka and Sahibzada Farhan are the tournament’s No. 2 and No. 3 runscorers so far, behind india opener Abhishek Sharma. Sri Lanka’s other opener, Kusal Mendis, is fifth on that list.Quotes“We tend to have four ‘proper bowlers’ and then Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, and me, have to make up the other overs. But this is T20, and even our best bowlers sometimes go for 40 or 45. If we had another bowler, it would help. But we’re still deciding how to go forward.”Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka doesn’t have a fixed plan just yet

ACA added that “suspension will continue till the final outcome of the investigation, and/or any further decision of the association”

PTI12-Dec-2025The Assam Cricket Association (ACA), on Friday, suspended four players – Amit Sinha, Ishan Ahmed, Aman Tripathi and Abhishek Thakuri – following their alleged involvement in corrupt practices during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025.The ACA has also lodged an FIR at the state police’s crime branch against the four players, who have represented Assam at various stages.They are being accused of influencing and attempting to instigate some of the Assam players who took part in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.”After the allegations came to light, the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ASCU) of the BCCI conducted an enquiry. The ACA has also initiated criminal proceedings. Prima facie, there appears to be their involvement in serious misconduct, affecting the integrity of the sport,” Sanatan Das, the ACA secretary, said.Assam’s SMAT league matches were held in Lucknow from November 26 to December 8, and the team did not progress to the ongoing Super League stage.”They have been suspended to curtail any scope of further deterioration of the situation,” Das said. “ADuring the suspension period, these players are barred from taking part in any state-level tournaments or matches conducted by the ACA, its district units or affiliated clubs.Participating in any cricket-related activity, including officiating as match referee, coach, umpire etc., are also banned while under suspension.Das said all district associations have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order, and to inform clubs and academies under their jurisdiction of the ACA’s decision.

Manchester United went to Swansea this afternoon knowing that a win would take them to within two points of league leaders and bitter rivals Manchester City.

And they looked nailed on to do just that when Juan Mata popped up at the back post to convert Luke Shaw’s cross in the second half.

But Swansea refused to lie down and a stunning five minute spell just after the hour mark saw Andre Ayew head in the leveller and then Bafetimbi Gomis poked in under goalkeeper Romero to put the hosts ahead.

United huffed and puffed as they search for an equaliser, throwing on Fellaini late on to help cause problems in front of the Swansea goal, but Garry Monk’s side stood firm and defended exceptionally well to secure a third consecutive victory over Man United in the Premier League.

The result will hurt United after their unbeaten start to the season was halted, while they also conceded their first goals of the new campaign.

It proved there is still a long way to go before United get anywhere near to being credible title contenders under Louis Van Gaal, so here’s what we learned from the game today…

Rooney is finished…

Rooney’s hat-trick against Club Brugge in the Champions League earlier this week had many of us believing he’d finally returned to his old, prolific self.

But another awful display in front of goal this afternoon meant he’s now gone 10 Premier League games without a goal for United and is ultimately preventing Van Gaal’s side from pushing on.

It’s clear United need a world class striker to come in before Tuesday evening’s transfer window deadline, otherwise the prospect of having a misfiring Rooney and a make-shift striker in Fellaini as options up front until January at least could seriously damage their title/top four ambitions.

They need to keep De Gea

Sergio Romero had initially looked like a shrewd replacement for David De Gea, who’s place in the side hinges on a potential move to Real Madrid before Tuesday deadline.

Van Gaal claims De Gea hasn’t been in the side all season because he feels he isn’t focused enough, mostly due to the fact he wants to go home to Spain and sign for Real.

However, today proved that they need to do everything they can to keep him at Old Trafford. Romero had kept three consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League before today, but today he conceded two goals that many fans will believe wouldn’t have gone in had they had a truly world class keeper like De Gea between the sticks.

If they don’t keep him at the club then they’ve two days to bring in proper replacement…

Blind isn’t up to it…

…as a defender, that is.

Louis Van Gaal’s decision to deploy Blind as a centre-half is another one that looked to be justified after going the first three games without conceding this season.

But today the Dutch international came up against his first real test against a physical Bafetimbi Gomis and he struggled big time.

Ed Woodward really, really needs to go out and buy a world class centre back in the next 48 hours, otherwise it could be very long few months before the window opens again in January.

As Manchester collided and City took on United, you could have been forgiven for expecting a glamorous, high scoring, end to end game.

Alas, that is not we got, as the two titans of English football played out a stalemate in front of a packed out Old Trafford, as the blue side of the city returned to the top of the Premier League.

With so many attacking players, bought for huge money, on display – it was perhaps odd that neither side could force a way through.

Jesse Lingard and Chris Smalling came close late on for the hosts, though the crossbar and Joe Hart kept them at bay respectively.

£49m man Raheem Sterling was excellent in last outing against Bournemouth, but failed to replicate his heroic form and was hooked less than minutes after half-time for Jesus Navas.

Red Devils captain Wayne Rooney continued to struggle, and Juan Mata was largely ineffective.

Here are THREE other things we learned in a defensive masterclass.

OTAMENDI ISN’T COMPLETELY RUBBISH

The Argentine arrived this summer for around £33m, but had so far been unable to prove just why the Etihad outfit shelled out such a stellar fee for him. Until now.

Reportedly a Manchester United target over the summer, the 27-year old looked pure class next to returning captain Vincent Kompany as they kept the slightly better Red Devils at bay.

A physically imposing, fiery defender, he looks right at home and in good Kompany next to Vincent….

KEVIN DE BRUYNE IS NOT INVINCBLE

The Belgian ace has been a revelation since his £55m from Wolfsburg this summer, scoring five goals and registering four assists.

However, Marcos Rojo kept him at bay all afternoon. The former Chelsea man was unable to pop up in the pockets that are so hard to mark, and Rojo figured out a way of playing against him.

Whether he was drifting out wide or cutting inside, the Belgian was easily dealt with.

WE KNOW LITERALLY NOTHING ABOUT ANTHONY MARTIAL

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial is a completely unknown quantity. After capturing the hearts and imaginations of so many fans for his goal scoring exploits, the 19-year old has been placed out wide.

He keeps surprising us. The ball through to Lingard in order to tee him up for his chance was unbelievable. The Frenchman is showing new sides to his game week in, week out.

Everton are back to their normal selves again it seems after a pretty disappointing campaign last year. Without the distraction of the Europa League and flourishing young stars throughout the spine of the team, the Toffees once again are proving sweet.

John Stones, Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku have all improved on their already pretty high standards and the returning Gerard Deulofeu is showing what made him a Barcelona player in the first place at last.

It’s no surprise to see that quartet all linked with moves away, but as the club showed in the summer during the John Stones saga, they aren’t likely to sell their players without a fight. What’s more important as we approach the winter market is adding to what they’ve already got.

With Chelsea in disarray and the footballing world unsure just how likely Leicester are to keep up their good form, there is potentially a place up for grabs in the race for Champions League football this season. Arch rivals Liverpool and a resurgent Tottenham Hotspur seem to be the favourites to land the much coveted space, but there’s no ruling Everton out with the form they’ve been in this year.

With some additions this January, there’s no reason why they can’t launch a serious assault on the top four this season.

With that in mind, here are FIVE bold January transfer Everton can make to boost their Champions League hopes..

DENIS CHERYSHEV – Real Madrid

The Russian wide man has been linked with a move away from the Spanish capital in recent times, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal. As Euro 2016 approaches, the 26-year-old is keen to get some first-team football under his belt in order to prepare for next summer’s showpiece.

Lining the ex-Villarreal loan star up on the opposing flank to Deulofeu, either side of Ross Barkley is a potentially mouth-watering prospect. The future of Kevin Mirallas is uncertain at the moment as the Belgian has been linked with AC Milan so there is potentially some wiggle room in wide areas.

Securing the Madridista, even on a six month loan deal, would boost the attacking ranks at Goodison Park and give a speedy, direct option in contrast to the more technical Deulofeu on the right.

JACK BUTLAND – Stoke City

Jack Butland has been mightily impressive between the sticks for Stoke this season, emerging as a genuine contender for Joe Hart’s previously undisputed role as Number 1 for England. The former Birmingham man has as a result been linked with Merseyside duo Liverpool and Everton.

An ambitious move, but Toffees custodian Tim Howard has come under fire this season for some shaky performances and Butland could presumably play for another 15 years.

Reportedly a £17m target, Roberto Martinez could boast a spine of Butland-Stones-Barkley-Lukaku at Goodison Park, a fearsome quintet.

It would not be an easy move to pull off, but an excellent long term option.

ANDRIY YARMOLENKO – DYNAMO KIEV

We’ve heard a lot about this man in recent months, with a host of Premier League clubs thought to be keen on landing the Ukrainian international. Despite recently signing a new deal in the Ukrainian capital, manager Sergei Rebrov recently admitted he is powerless from letting the 26-year-old star leave.

A versatile forward, Yarmolenko would add another layer of quality to the frontline to supplement the electric Lukaku. Arouna Kone has been reliable when called upon but the thought of the Dynamo Kiev star lining up on Merseyside is without doubt an improvement.

KEISUKE HONDA – AC MILAN

AC Milan’s Keisuke Honda is in and out of the Rossoneri team at the moment, and reportedly unhappy with his role at the San Siro. The attacking midfielder is understood to be on Everton’s radar this January, and what a signing he would be.

Able to play across the frontline, the Japanese international is an expert deadball specialist and able to dribble past defenders as if they weren’t there. The 29-year-old has an outstanding pedigree in European competition and his arrival would no doubt add quality to attacking positions.

His versatility could prove valuable into the winter months and towards the business end of the season.

INAKI WILLIAMS – ATHLETIC BILBAO

Inaki Williams has emerged as one of Spain’s most exciting talents this year. His early form was added to with an astounding volley for the Basque club against Espanyol, alerting Premier League clubs to his situation.

Should Everton follow up their reported interest in the Spanish under-21 international, it would be quiet the statement of intent. Though his buyout clause is understood to be in the region of €20m, a hefty sum of money for a 21-year-old, Williams has the potential to go on to great things in the game.

Now the £28m for Lukaku is reaping the rewards, Williams might just be a gamble worth taking if Everton want to sustain their attempts to break into the top four for the first time in a decade.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has blasted his players following their dismal performance in a 3-0 loss to Watford on Sunday, according to reports from the Express.

The Reds started the game with a disastrous howler from back-up goalkeeper Adam Bogdan, with Hornets defender Nathan Ake capitalizing on the error to give his side an early lead in the third minute.

And Klopp’s men couldn’t find an answer as they tried to break down Quique Sanchez Flores’ in-form side, and fell down further behind after a brace from Odion Ighalo.

The German was shocked by the result, and slammed his squad for losing their minds and ultimately showcasing a lacklustre display.

He said: “We lost our mind after the first goal, we lost our compact formation, we didn’t play easy, as we should have done. It was really bad.

“We made bigger mistakes than the referee. But the goalkeeper had both hands on the ball, so it’s a foul. That’s what happened. But mistakes, fouls, whatever, can happen. The reaction has to be better.

“Hopefully it’s the most disappointing moment in my whole Liverpool FC life so far.

“We don’t feel good, of course, because we came here to do something really different. There was a big space between what we wanted to do and what happen and that’s what we have to fill before the next game against Leicester [on Boxing Day].

“We have to accept the result, we have to keep on working and play better football.

“After the wins we have had, everybody thought, ‘wow’. But that was one part of the thing. Now we saw completely the other side. Maybe the truth is somewhere in the middle.

“I know how strong this team can be. It’s my job to help them so they can show it much more often than we have.”

Watford’s win has now pushed the newly-promoted club just one point away from a Champions League place on 28 points, while Liverpool are now dangling in mid-table at ninth with 24.

The Reds have another tough task in their next fixture, with league leaders Leicester City travelling to Anfield this coming weekend.

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Liverpool youngster Tiago Ilori has claimed that he’s working hard to make sure he’s ready to step in should Jurgen Klopp need him for Wednesday’s game against Arsenal.

The 22-year-old Portuguese centre-back was re-called from his loan spell at Aston Villa by the Merseysiders last week and made his official debut for the club after just one full training session against Exeter in the 2-2 FA Cup draw in Devon.

Jurgen Klopp was somewhat forced into fielding a team of youth and fringe players given his side’s injury woes, with his centre-back ranks having suffered the most.

Kolo Toure, Mamadou Sakho, Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel were all unavailable on Friday night, and although the former is likely be back for the crunch Arsenal game, Ilori may find himself thrust in if Sakho cannot regain fitness.

And speaking to the Liverpool Echo about the possibility of lining up alongside the veteran Ivorian, the former Sporting Lisbon man claimed that he’s doing all he can to be ready to play if needed:

“Obviously, there are some defenders out injured at the moment but I don’t know what the manager will decide, we’ll have to see what happens now,

“I just try to work hard every day. I’ll keep doing my best so that when the opportunities come along I can perform.”

Despite having signed for Liverpool way back in 2013, the Exeter game was Ilori’s competitive debut for the club, and he revealed that it was a proud moment for him:

“I’d waited a long time for that and I loved it,

“It was a dream come true. Hopefully there will be more minutes to come for me in a Liverpool shirt.

“I’m pleased to be back. This is where I feel most comfortable. This is my parent club. I love being here.”

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The recent draw with Tottenham may have left Arsenal having to do it the hard way if they are to win the league, but at least it showed they have some character and a modicum of fight left in them. Ultimately it is two points dropped, but equalising with 10 men surely saved Arsenal fans from going into complete meltdown.

The annual collapse, usually around February, is too much of a coincidence for mental frailty not to be a factor with the Gunners though. If Alexis Sanchez can spot it, calling out his team-mates recently, remarking “sometimes we lack this hunger to believe that we can be champions”, then why not the others and the manager? He’s been there less than two seasons and it’s already apparent to him.

The desire to fight back from a goal and a man down at White Hart Lane will be scant consolation to the fans following defeats to Man Utd and Swansea, but at least the ‘bottle’ they are so often accused of lacking was evident, to a degree, and just about keeps them in the race for the title.

As much of a factor as their supposed lack of character though, in my eyes, is the appalling injury record at the Emirates. As regularly as their ‘faltering February’ comes about, so does the list of crocks on Arsenal’s books every season. One can only speculate as to why they suffer significantly more injuries (and often set-backs to those injuries) on a regular basis than the majority of other Premier League sides, but medium to long-term injuries to key players come around with such alarming regularity that this too must be seen as a strong factor in their yearly struggles.

And one particular injury this time around can be seen as a major factor in the slide… that of Santi Cazorla. Injured against Norwich at the end of November, the diminutive Spaniard’s role in this Arsenal side is often under-stated and many of Wenger’s troubles can be accounted for by his absence in midfield, particularly this campaign.

Indeed, this season had seen Cazorla shifted in to a more central, deep-lying position which had worked wonders for the side in the early weeks and months of the Premier League campaign. Playing alongside Francis Coquelin as part of the ‘two’ in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the former Malaga and Villarreal man had discovered a new role as a deep-lying playmaker and was excelling at the position.

With Sanchez now preferred on the left wing, Cazorla’s shift inside was brought about part by accident and part by necessity, but it certainly had an influence on Arsenal’s good start to the season. Having played predominantly on the left during his Arsenal career, Cazorla was effectively running games from his newly adopted position in the middle of the park.

His range of passing, vision and creativity lent themselves well to the role, setting up attacks from further back than either Mesut Ozil or Sanchez would normally operate. His positioning in and around the centre-circle gave Arsenal a creative force where they have often lacked one, at least when Jack Wilshere is injured – which is most of the time, to be fair.

Able to release others with swift accurate passing, as well as get forward himself, Cazorla had the insurance of Coquelin next to him that allowed him to express his full range of passing, movement and creativity. Aaron Ramsey has come in to that position since the Spaniard’s injury, but does not have quite the same skill set as his team-mate, his effectiveness in the same position not up to the standard displayed by Cazorla, despite being a more natural fit.

With mixed reports on Cazorla’s return from injury, some suggesting he has suffered a setback and will miss the remainder of the season, whilst the player himself has rubbished these and stated he will be back on April 1st. You’d be a fool for thinking an injured player will come back smoothly from injury for Arsenal, but should he return to action soon it could help rescue their league campaign and title challenge. Just don’t hold your breath.

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With Leicester City’s place in next season’s Champions League confirmed and the Foxes being one game away from the Premier League title, it’s common knowledge that Claudio Ranieri will need to improve his squad if his side even have a chance in Europe.

Although the Italian’s squad have acquitted themselves brilliantly this term, with the added games and travelling European football brings, it’s hard to see King Power Stadium boss being able to rely on the same core of 14 players he has largely used for the current campaign in 2016/17.

But who should the Foxes be chasing – and who could even bring them Champions League glory?

Well, here are FIVE summer deals we at FFC Towers think would be wise…

Tonny Vilhena

This Feyenoord winger has been on the radar of many top teams for a number of years now, and the 21-year-old winger has been hotly linked with the Premier League for some time. Whilst he’s not had the strongest season this year, he’s still contributed five goals and four assists in 22 outings.

But does the signing of Demarai Gray mean Ranieri already has an option in this department for the future? Southampton have also been strongly linked with the winger so it could be a battle to get him.

N’Golo Kante

Whilst he’s already on Leicester’s books, tying down the French midfielder on a longer-term deal would be like a new signing in itself. He’s been absolutely superb for the Foxes this season and has already been linked with moves to a host of truly elite sides, but with Leicester’s place in the Champions League confirmed, is there a need for the midfielder to move on after just one good season?

Ashley Williams

The centre-back has flirted with a move up from Swansea for a number of seasons now, but it still seems no team are willing to take a gamble on the Welsh international. Whilst Robert Huth and Wes Morgan have been excellent for Leicester City this season, this could be Ashley Williams’ chance to grab Champions League football. He’s in his prime and may only have a handful of years left at the top, so Leicester could do with moving quickly if they want to secure his services.

Martin Odegaard

Slightly controversial this one, but this Real Madrid gem could be a real diamond in the rough. The Norwegian wonderkid has struggled since his high-profile move from home-town club Stromsgodset and still hasn’t broken into the Real Madrid first team. Although he’s impressed for Castilla, Real’s ‘B’ side it is thought that Odegaard could be growing frustrated with his lack of opportunities in Zinedine Zidane’s first team. And with the Foxes able to offer Champions League football, could this slightly different option be one Ranieri should consider?

Antonio Valencia

The Manchester United winger has struggled to truly cement his place in the first team this year, but his wealth of Premier League experience could be a huge asset to Leicester City next year. He can play on the wing or at right-back and on his day, he’s as good as any Premier League winger. That gives the Foxes ample opportunity to use him in a number of roles, while he knows the Champions League well. Is he a solid option Ranieri should be considering? Perhaps.