Everything you need to know about Theo Hernandez's salary details playing for AC Milan
Theo Hernandez joined AC Milan in 2019, having previously spent two seasons with La Liga giants Real Madrid, including a loan spell at Real Sociedad during the 2018-19 season.
Since his arrival in Italy, Hernandez has established himself as a key figure in the fullback position and is considered one of the leaders in defence alongside club captain and goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Hernandez played an instrumental role in Milan’s title-winning 2021-22 season, helping the club secure the Scudetto after a wait of over 10 years.
For his contributions to the Rossoneri's success, Hernandez is well compensated by the club and currently ranks as one of the top earners in the squad. But exactly how much does he earn playing for Milan?
GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!
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Theo Hernandez's wages at AC Milan in numbers
Under his current contract with the Serie A club, Hernandez secures a weekly income of £84,801 ($112,042), culminating in an annual salary of £4.4 million ($5.8m).
This positions the French fullback as the fifth highest earner at Milan, equaling USMNT international Christian Pulisic.
Player
Nationality
Weekly wages in GBP
Weekly wages in USD
Annual wages in GBP
Annual wages in USD
Theo Hernandez
French
£84,801
$112,042
£4,409,666
$5,826,022
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTop earners at AC Milan
Leading the earnings chart in Milan is the phenomenal Portuguese talent, Rafael Leao. Hot on his heels is the dynamic English striker Tammy Abraham, currently on loan from Roma.
In third place, we find the seasoned former Roma star Alessandro Florenzi, with the promising new recruit Youssouf Fofana closely following in fourth. As previously highlighted, both Christian Pulisic and Theo Hernandez share the fifth spot, earning identical wages at the club.
Player
Nationality
Weekly wages in GBP
Weekly wages in USD
Annual wages in GBP
Annual wages in USD
Rafael Leao
Portuguese
£105,960
$139,998
£5,509,933
$7,279,913
Tammy Abraham
English
£95,381
$126,020
£4,959,800
$6,553,057
Alessandro Florenzi
Italian
£91,909
$121,434
£4,779,827
$6,314,558
Youssouf Fofana
French
£91,909
$121,434
£4,779,827
$6,314,558
Christian Pulisic
USA
£84,801
$112,042
£4,409,666
$5,826,022
Top earners in Serie A
While Milan players enjoy lucrative salaries at the San Siro, led by Rafael Leao, they still lag behind the league's top earners. Not a single Milan player makes it to the highest-paid list, whereas rivals Juventus and Inter boast players with significantly higher earnings.
Leading the pack is Juventus' Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic, with Argentines Lautaro Martinez and Paulo Dybala securing the second and third spots.
Italian midfielder Nicolo Barella ranks fourth, and Hakan Calhanoglu completes the top five.
Player
Nationality
Weekly wages in GBP
Weekly wages in USD
Annual wages in GBP
Annual wages in USD
Dusan Vlahovic
Serbian
£321,352
$424,581
£16,710,313
$22,078,237
Lautaro Martinez
Argentine
£275,563
$364,083
£14,329,265
$18,932,316
Paulo Dybala
Argentine
£214,235
$283,054
£11,140,208
$14,718,825
Nicolo Barella
Italian
£199,027
$262,961
£10,349,391
$13,673,970
Hakan Calhanoglu
Turkish
£183,653
$242,649
£9,549,978
$12,617,758
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AFPHighest paid players in the world
Serie A players, despite their high earnings, are not among the top five highest-paid footballers globally.
The top five are all from the Saudi Pro League, with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr earning the most.
Karim Benzema, formerly of Real Madrid, is second, and Riyad Mahrez, now with Al-Ahli, is third.
Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly, both from Senegal, are fourth and fifth, respectively.
It’s been just over a month of seemingly non-stop speculation, rumours, and deals, but we’ve finally reached transfer deadline day, and it appears as if Tottenham Hotspur are looking to do more business.
So far, the Lilywhites have paid £12.5m for Slavia Prague shot-stopper Antonín Kinský and bought in RC Lens centre-back Kevin Danson on a short-term loan with an obligation to buy at £20.9m.
However, while reinforcements between the sticks and at the back were desperately needed, Ange Postecoglou’s side could do with some help up top as well.
Fortunately, recent reports have linked the North Londoners with an exciting winger who could be the ideal replacement for Timo Werner.
Totteham target attacking ace
According to a recent report from the print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness, Tottenham are interested in AC Milan ace Noah Okafor.
Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has claimed that West Ham United are also keen on the Swiss winger and that both Premier League sides have been in contact with the Rossoneri over a potential move.
The story has revealed that while Milan wanted to sell the player on a permanent deal earlier in the window, they’d now be willing to send him out on a short-term loan, which could prove too enticing an offer to pass up on for Spurs.
AC Milan's NoahOkaforcelebrates scoring their second goal
It might not be the game-changing signing fans are after, but the £41k-per-week dynamo could provide the extra attacking impetus that Postecoglou’s side need at the moment and be the perfect replacement for Werner, who continues to underwhelm and could even be on his way to Major League Soccer before the season’s over.
Why Okafor would be a Werner upgrade
While he has had a few notable performances here and there since joining Spurs, it would probably be fair to say that Werner’s time in North London has been a disappointment.
The former Chelsea ace has certainly tried to help the team, but he’s been unable to shift the perception of him being an incredibly profligate and frustrating forward, as evidenced by his lacklustre return of three goals and six assists in 40 appearances, totalling 1842 minutes.
So, with that in mind, it becomes incredibly clear why the club might be looking out for players who could come in and replace the German this month, and in Okafor, they might’ve found someone who can.
While the “electric” talent, as dubbed by respected football analyst Ben Mattinson, hasn’t had the best of times in Milan, he’s still been more effective than the RB Leipzig loanee has been under the ultra-attacking Postecoglou.
For example, in 36 appearances last season, totalling 1005 minutes, the “magnificent” forward, as dubbed by former coach Mauro Lustrinelli, managed to rack up a reasonable haul of six goals and three assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every four games, or every 111.66 minutes.
Appearances
36
Minutes
1005′
Goals
6
Assists
3
Goal Involvements per Match
0.25
Minutes per Goal Involvement
111.66′
Furthermore, in the 22/23 campaign, his final with RB Salzburg, the 24-capped international managed to score ten goals and provide five assists in 32 appearances, totalling 1851 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.13 games, or every 123.4 minutes.
Ultimately, Okafor is unlikely to completely transform Spurs’ attack this season, but he’s shown over the last couple of years that, when given a chance, he can perform, and he’d undoubtedly be an upgrade on Werner.
GNK Dinamo Zagreb's Kevin Theophile-Catherine in action with AC Milan'sNoahOkafor
Therefore, the Lilywhites must do what they can to bring the Swiss ace to N17 today, even if that means signing him on loan.
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Tottenham Hotspur claimed their first Premier League win since December against Brentford.
“We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United,” said Ruben Amorim following their 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
These comments came just a week after the Old Trafford side held out for an hour with ten men to defeat Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on penalties. This looked like it could mark a turning point in the club’s season.
Amorim has plenty of work to do, but the supporters must remember that he has inherited this team, with several players perhaps not fit to perform in his tactical system.
It may take a transfer window or two for the former Sporting CP boss to acquire those who will fit his approach, thus he must be given time to adjust.
The Red Devils have been a laughing stock since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. Embarrassing results on the pitch, controversies off it and a multitude of poor signings have led to a decade-long malaise.
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In light of Amorim’s recent comments, we have taken a look at the worst Man United players since Fergie’s retirement over 11 years ago.
10 Paul Pogba 2016-2022
Paul Pogba at Manchester United.
Paul Pogba looked like he could be the next big thing when making his way through the academy under Fergie’s tenure, making seven appearances during the 2011/12 season.
He left to join Juventus that summer, emerging as one of the finest young midfielders on the continent across his four seasons in Turin. This led Jose Mourinho to splash £89m on bringing the Frenchman back to Old Trafford in 2016.
He won the League Cup and Europa League during his first season back at the club, while the 2018/19 season saw Pogba register 27 goal contributions – 16 goals and 11 assists – for the Red Devils.
The rest of his spell was underwhelming, to say the least. A series of injuries reduced his effectiveness, and in the end, he departed for nothing.
9 Angel Di Maria 2014-2015
Louis van Gaal paid what was a British-record transfer fee of £59.7m to sign Ángel Di María from Real Madrid in 2014, but he would fail to live up to the hype.
The Argentinian lasted just a single campaign in Manchester, making a total of 32 appearances in all competitions, netting just four goals in the process.
In terms of value for money and effectiveness on the pitch, Di Maria has to go down as one of the worst United players since Ferguson retired.
8 Radamel Falcao 2014-2015
Radamel Falcao
Van Gaal certainly meant business by signing Di Maria and Radamel Falcao in the same window. However, like the former Real Madrid star, the Colombian would also fail to shine at Old Trafford.
A £6m fee was paid to secure the striker on a season-long loan deal, while the club also covered his £265k-per-week wages. Given how impressive he had been since moving to Europe in 2009, it looked like a solid signing.
But Falcao was nowhere near his sparkling best for United, scoring only four goals for the Red Devils. Considering his staggering wages, it was yet another big-money move that failed to work out for Van Gaal.
7 Donny van de Beek 2020-2024
Manchester United'sDonnyvandeBeekapplauds fans after the match
Donny van de Beek joined the Old Trafford side for £34.6m in 2020. Given his stature as one of the finest players to emerge from the famed Ajax youth academy in recent years, it appeared as though Ole Gunnar Solskjær landed the missing piece of the jigsaw.
“Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team and has the personality required to succeed at Manchester United,” said the manager upon his arrival. Unfortunately, it would turn out that this was not the case.
The Dutchman played just 62 times for the club, scoring twice in the process, indicating that United failed to get proper value out of the midfielder. He was allowed to join Girona last summer for £420,600 – quite a drop from the near-£35m they paid to sign him just four years previously.
It was yet another case of money wasted in the transfer market, which has become a habit since 2013.
6 Morgan Schneiderlin 2015-2017
Morgan Schneiderlin was the cornerstone of the Southampton team that secured back-to-back top-eight finishes in the Premier League during 2013/14 and 2014/15.
This led Van Gaal to spend £24m on securing his services, hoping that the Frenchman would add some steel to his midfield options.
He made 39 appearances under the Dutch boss throughout 2015/16, but when Jose Mourinho took over, it was evident that Schneiderlin wasn’t going to be in his plans, playing just eight games under the Portuguese manager.
Whether it was the pressure or the lavish transfer fee, Schneiderlin couldn’t quite fulfil his potential at United, moving on after 18 months to join Everton.
5 Antony 2022-present
Manchester United'sAntonyduring the warm up before the match
Erik ten Hag managed Antony during his time at Ajax, with the Brazilian winger enjoying a stunning 2021/22 campaign for the Dutch club, scoring 12 and registering 10 assists to put some of Europe’s biggest clubs on alert.
It was United who won the race for his signature, although the £82m transfer fee was deemed extravagant, especially as the player wasn’t quite the finished article.
A return of just 8 goals in 44 games for the Red Devils in his first season was poor, to say the least, with every effort costing the club £10m.
It now looks like Amorim is keen to offload the former Ajax starlet, who is no doubt one of the worst players in a United shirt over the previous decade considering the fee paid out to sign him in the first place.
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ByRoss Kilvington Jan 15, 2025 4 Alexis Sanchez 2018-2020
Former Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez.
Alexis Sanchez had enjoyed a productive spell with Arsenal, having joined the Gunners in 2014 from Barcelona. 80 goals and 44 assists in just 166 games was no mean feat, and when United showed an interest in signing him, he had the star power to take them to new levels.
In a swap deal involving Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Sanchez moved north in January 2018, but he would fail to showcase his true talents in Manchester.
The Chilean scored a paltry five goals for United across his 18 months at the club. Considering he was earning £350k per week, he surely ranks among the poorest signings made by the club in the last decade.
3 Jadon Sancho 2021-present
Jadon Sancho in action for Man United in the Premier League.
What is in the water at Old Trafford that turns players who have shone at previous clubs into ones who fail to showcase their true abilities? Is it the managers, or perhaps the fees paid out to sign said players?
Jadon Sancho should have been a hit for the club. The winger had emerged as one of the best attacking talents on the continent during his spell with Borussia Dortmund. 120 goal contributions across 158 appearances for the German club was a staggering return.
His tally at United? 18 goal involvements in 83 matches. This was way below expectations, especially with the club spending £73m on bringing the Englishman to the Premier League.
He is currently on loan at Chelsea, and it remains to be seen whether Amorim will have a place in his squad for the 24-year-old next term.
2 Anthony Martial 2015-2024
Former Manchester United striker Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial burst onto the scene with AS Monaco, scoring 11 Ligue 1 goals as a teenager during the 2014/15 season.
Of course, United began to show interest, and a deal of around £36m to bring him to Old Trafford made him the most expensive teenager of all time.
He scored against Liverpool on his debut, endearing himself to the supporters, but this would be one of his finest moments during his near decade-long association with the club.
90 goals in 317 appearances was a more than respectable return, but given his potential when he joined, Martial never did live up to the hype. He is now playing for AEK Athens in Greece.
1 Casemiro 2022-present
Casemiro played a key role in Real Madrid’s 2021/22 campaign, which saw them win La Liga and the Champions League. However, it was evident he was somewhat on the decline.
When Ten Hag offered £60m plus £10m in add-ons, Carlo Ancelotti was more than happy to take the money and run for the Brazilian midfielder.
The 32-year-old may have made over 100 appearances for the Red Devils since joining in 2022, winning the League Cup and FA Cup, but his lack of pace has seen the club suffer some dismal defeats.
His time as a world-class midfielder is over, yet he is still at the club, taking home around £350k per week, making him the highest earner at United.
As of January 2025, he still has 18 months left on his current contract, but Amorim will surely be looking to move him on sooner rather than later.
Judging by his transfer fee and lack of impact during games for the club, Casemiro is certainly one of the worst pound-for-pound signings United have made since 2013.
Uncapped legspinner Rashmi Silva has been named in Sri Lanka’s 15-member squad for the Commonwealth Games which is scheduled to start later this month. Silva made her ODI debut in the home series against India earlier this month and is uncapped in T20Is, which is the format for the competition to be held in Birmingham.Wicketkeeper-batter Kaushani Nuthyangana, Hansima Karunaratne, left-arm seamer Tharika Sewwandi and Sathya Sandeepani have been left out from the squad that played at home against India.Teenager Vishmi Gunaratne, who made her debut in the CWG Qualifier in January 2022, is also part of the squad. In the second T20I against India in Dambulla, she made her highest score of 45 in the format as she put up an 87-run opening stand with captain Chamari Athapaththu.Batter Harshitha Samarawickrama also finds a place in the squad despite having a quiet series against India, possibly on the back of her performances in the qualifiers where she was Sri Lanka’s second-highest run scorer. The Sri Lankan middle order also features the in-form Nilakshi de Silva, Hasini Perera and Kavisha Dilhari.The experienced duo of Udeshika Prabodhani and Ama Kanchana will lead the seam attack which also features Achini Kulasuriya. The spin department has the duo of Inoka Ranaweera and Oshadi Ranasinghe, both of whom combined to pick 11 wickets in the three T20Is versus India, apart from Silva, Dilhari and Athapaththu.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Only Athapaththu and Prabodhani in the squad have experience of playing T20Is in England while – apart from the duo – Ranasinghe, Samarawickrama, Kanchana and Ranaweera have played ODIs in the country.Sri Lanka are placed in Group B and will take on England (July 30), New Zealand (August 2) and South Africa (August 4) in the tournament that will feature women’s cricket for the first time ever.Squad: Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Malsha Shehani, Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Ama Kanchana, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani, Sugandika Kumari, Rashmi de Silva, Oshadi Ranasinghe Anushka Sanjeewani
It has not been an easy ride for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side so far this season.
The Gunners have pushed Manchester City all the way in the title race over the last few years, but have not tasted any success as of yet. Now, in 2024/25, it seems like things could end up being a whole lot worse for the Red side of North London.
Sitting third in the Premier League, the Gunners sit six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand. It is certainly a frustrating position for Arsenal to be in at Christmas time.
Arsenal's JakubKiwiorand Declan Rice celebrate after the match
With the January transfer window right around the corner, the Gunners could be eyeing some key reinforcements.
Arsenal target LaLiga winger
The man who the Gunners are believed to be targeting is one of the most in-form wingers in Europe, Barcelona star Raphinha. It may seem odd for Barca to sell such a key player under Hansi Flick, but with money issues still troubling the LaLiga giants, they could be left with no choice.
Barcelona star Raphinha.
According to a report from Graeme Bailey, the Gunners ‘enquired about Raphinha in the summer and they remain in contact with intermediaries’. Should there be the chance to strike a deal in the winter instead, they could pounce.
However, they will not be alone in their quest to sign the Brazilian. The report suggests that title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City are also interested in doing a deal, having shown a keenness to sign the winger last summer, too.
The article does not make it explicitly clear how much the winger could cost. However, the Catalan club spent £55m on him from Leeds, and a deal for a sale could be around a similar value. However, Barcelona seem certain they will not sell Raphinha yet.
How Raphinha compares to Bukayo Saka
Whether or not a deal to bring the winger in is achievable for Arsenal, there is no doubt that the 28-year-old would greatly enhance the quality of their side. He has been fantastic in 2024/24 so far for Barca, scoring 17 goals and grabbing ten assists in 23 games across competitions.
FC Barcelona'sRaphinha
The winger is absolutely flying in that famous Barca shirt this season. Incredibly, across Europe’s big five leagues, there are only four players with more goals and assists than him, according to FBref. Namely, they are teammate Robert Lewandowski with 18, Omar Marmoush and Harry Kane who both have 20 and Mohamed Salah who has 22.
One thing is for sure, Raphinha would be an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli, at least based on their stats from this season. It has been a really disappointing season for the Brazilian so far, with just four goals and three assists in 22 games in all competitions.
He is averaging 0.31 goals and assists per game this term, compared to an impressive 1.17 for his international teammate. It could certainly be viewed as a big upgrade.
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Although Martinelli is struggling for form, the same cannot be said for Bukayo Saka. Arsenal’s number seven has scored nine goals and has 12 assists in 22 games across competitions, and has received some big praise recently. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, talking to BBC Sport’s Football Focus, said “the evolution of his game is outstanding”.
Interestingly, there can be a statistical comparison made between Raphinha and Saka via FBref. Both left-footed wide players, the pair have impressive creative passing stats this term. Per 90 minutes, the Brazil star averages 3.53 key passes, with the Arsenal winger averaging 3.04 key passes.
Key passes
3.53
3.04
Passes into penalty area
1.86
2.03
Progressive passes
4.68
3.91
Progressive carries
3.33
5.07
Goals and assists
1.09
1.09
Not only would the Gunners be getting another player who can create chances, but someone who can fashion goalscoring opportunities from all sorts of scenarios. The Barca star averages 5.89 shot-creating actions and 0.96 goal-creating actions. That is slightly less than Saka, who averages 6.43 shot-creating actions and 1.52 goal-creating actions.
Signing Raphinha seems like a no-brainer if the deal is possible for Arsenal. He was once described as “one of the best players in the world” by former manager Xavi, and he certainly has the numbers to back that up. The Brazilian could be the man to come in and help drive the Gunners back up the table.
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South Africa will be without Marizanne Kapp, Lizelle Lee, Mignon du Preez, Sinalo Jafta and Masabata Klaas during their white-ball tour of Ireland next month.Kapp, Lee and Jafta are all recovering from illnesses, Klaas is out with a shoulder injury, and du Preez, who retired from ODIs but remains available in the shortest format, has been left out of the squad scheduled play three T20Is and three ODIs in Dublin. Regular captain Dane van Niekerk is also not in the touring party as she continues to recover from the ankle injury that ruled her out of the World Cup.That means van Niekerk’s participation in the England tour that follows, which includes a one-off Test, three ODIs, three T20Is and the Commonwealth Games, is in doubt. The final squad for those matches will be announced in the first week of June, which gives van Niekerk little over a week to make the cut. She returned to training earlier this month and is currently still on an individual program, and not training with the rest of the group. The South African squad that travels to Ireland will remain in the UK, with any personnel changes for the England series and Commonwealth Games to travel in or out as needed.For the Ireland matches, Sune Luus will lead a group that includes one new cap, batting allrounder Delmi Tucker, who has recently played for the South African Emerging side against Zimbabwe and Thailand. Tucker also had a successful domestic season for Western Province, where she scored 409 runs white ball cricket and took 15 wickets with her right-arm off-spin. “Delmi Tucker has been rewarded off the back of a very successful domestic season and has really made positive strides with significant contributions, and we are looking forward to seeing her transition into the international arena,” Clinton du Preez, South Africa’s selection convener, said.The rest of the squad includes the familiar faces of Shabnim Ismail, Laura Wolvaardt, Chloe Tryon and Ayabonga Khaka as well as all three reserves who traveled to the World Cup – Raisibe Ntozakhe, Nadine de Klerk and Andrie Steyn. Anneke Bosch, who missed the World Cup with a fractured thumb, also returns.While the T20Is are part of South Africa’s preparation for the Commonwealth Games and next year’s T20 World Cup, the ODIs are part of the 2022 to 2025 Women’s Championship, which will determine qualification for the 2025 World Cup.”When we are looking at the T20Is, there is a bigger picture when it comes to that. It is a new beginning for us this year, building up towards the T20 World Cup and the Commonwealth Games,” Hilton Moreeng, South Africa’s coach, said. “The senior players know what is at stake. The ODIs are the ICC Women’s Championship qualifications for the next 50-over World Cup, so there is a lot at stake in the sense that we are also looking to grow our base.”Squad: Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Trisha Chetty, Nadine de Klerk, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus (capt), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Tumi Sekhukhune, Andrie Steyn, Chloe Tryon, Delmi Tucker, Laura Wolvaardt
Allrounder Amelia Kerr and batter Will Young were on Wednesday named ODI Players of the Year in the women’s and men’s categories respectively at the 2022 New Zealand Cricket awards. On Thursday, fast bowler Tim Southee earned his maiden Sir Richard Hadlee medal while Penny Kinsella earned the Bert Sutcliffe Medal for outstanding services to cricket. Top-order batter Devon Conway was named as the Test player of the year.While Kerr scored 171 runs and picked six wickets in six matches in 2021, she put up superb performances in the recently-concluded Women’s World Cup where she scored 201 runs and took nine wickets in seven games.Young, who got to play just three ODIs in the season, made his mark by scoring two centuries in the home series against Netherlands for which he won the Player-of-the-Series award.”It feels great,” Young said. “It’s obviously a bit strange to have only played three one-dayers this season and then to win an award like this, but you’ve got to take the opportunities as they come. It was awesome that the Netherlands could come here to finish off this New Zealand home summer and I’m absolutely stoked to have won this award and wrapped up the season.”Conway’s award for best Test player was his second of the season. He won the Redpath Cup for batting excellence in the first-class arena. making an an impression in his very first outing in Tests, scoring a double-century at Lord’s, and finishing the season with 767 runs at 63.91 average.
Honour roll
Hadlee Medal: Tim Southee Sutcliffe Medal: Penny Kinsella Test Player of the Year: Devon Conway T20 Players of the Year: Sophie Devine, Trent Boult ODI Player of the Year: Amelia Kerr, Will Young Super Smash Players of the Year: Amelia Kerr, Michael Bracewell Domestic Players of the Year: Nensi Patel, Tom Bruce, Robbie O’Donnell Redpath Cup for first-class batting: Devon Conway The Ruth Martin Cup for women’s domestic batting: Suzie Bates The Winsor Cup for first-class bowling: Tim Southee The Phyl Blackler Cup for women’s domestic bowling: Eden Carson New Zealand Umpire of the Year: Chris Gaffaney
Southee’s Hadlee Medal, too, was not his only prize during the three-day event. He also picked up the Winsor Cup for first-class bowling, taking 22 Test wickets in five matches in 2021, including 6 for 43 against England at Lord’s, and 5 for 69 against India in Kanpur.”Like most cricketers growing up I knew all about the exploits of Sir Richard and it’s certainly pretty humbling to win his award this year,” Southee said. “While the accolades are nice, I think it really just reflects the way we have worked together as a group and played our cricket for a long period of time.””You’re a very deserving winner,” Hadlee told Southee. “We go back 14 years to when I was part of the selection panel who first picked you and to watch you develop over the years into the fine-tuned bowler you are now has been quite remarkable. You seem to be in total control of your game and bowling as well as you ever have. You’ve got a simple technique which is easy to repeat, and your skill sets have gone to another level.”Opening batter Suzie Bates’ consistency in the women’s Super Smash and the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield for Otago earned her the Ruth Martin Cup for batting excellence. Bates was the highest scorer in the Super Smash where she scored 504 runs in 12 matches at an average of 56 and strike rate of 115. She finished the Shield with 218 runs in six matches at 43.60 average.”For me it was just simplifying it,” Bates said. “I went back to what I’m good at which is hitting straight and not trying to add things to my game. Mentally trusting that what I had was good enough, just standing still and reacting – and that’s the key for anyone really. I was able to do that for periods of time and have some success and hopefully for the rest of my career I can remember that.”Bates’ Otago team-mate Eden Carson bagged the Phyl Blackler Cup for bowling excellence after she impressed in both competitions, with 17 wickets in 12 Super Smash matches and 18 wickets in the Shield including 5 for 17 in the final.Sophie Devine has been named NZ T20I player of the year for the second year in a row•Getty Images
Trent Boult and Sophie Devine were named the T20I Players of the Year in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.Boult picked up 23 wickets in 15 matches last year, including 13 wickets in seven games at the 2021 T20 World Cup in October-November. This is Devine’s second consecutive NZC T20I award, after finishing 2021 with 114 runs and six wickets in seven matches.”T20 is a format I really enjoy, and one I’m constantly trying to adapt my game to in order to become a better bowler,” Boult said. “It means a lot. It’s something very special to win this award and I feel really grateful to receive it.”The Wellington pair of Kerr and Michael Bracewell have been named Super Smash Players of the Year in the women’s and men’s categories respectively, while Ross Taylor’s match-winning wicket in his last Test in Christchurch was voted as the fan moment of the summer.Allrounder Kerr had a superb run in the T20 format too, contributing to Wellington’s title win with 346 runs and 17 wickets in 11 matches, while captain Bracewell’s 478 runs in ten games – including an unbeaten 141 off 65 balls – earned him a call-up to New Zealand men’s white-ball side for the recently-concluded series against Netherlands.”For me, the focus is on just trying to enjoy my cricket,” Kerr said. “I’d worked hard throughout that last winter so it was pleasing to go out there and perform in the season. I absolutely love playing for the Blaze, and to complete an unbeaten season was really special. I’ve also got to thank the people around me who have supported me this season.”Auckland left-arm spinner Fran Jonas and Otago batter Jacob Cumming were named the Young Players of the Year.
Wayne Rooney has been told that his management hiatus will "do him a world of good" after his "hectic" spells at Plymouth Argyle & Birmingham City.
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Rooney suffered bitterly at Plymouth & BirminghamHas taken a break from management after disastrous spellsRemains busy with punditry workFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The 39-year-old was dismissed from his role at Plymouth earlier this season after just 25 games. His time at Birmingham was even shorter, lasting only 83 days before the club’s hierarchy opted to relieve him of his duties.
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Rooney took on a punditry role during Euro 2024, analysing matches for television audiences. Now, after quitting Plymouth, he expanded his media presence, joining Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage, where he recently made his debut during Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid in the play-offs.
WHAT PHIL BARDSLEY SAID
Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley believes that stepping away from the managerial hot seat – at least for now – is exactly what Rooney needs.
Speaking in an interview with BoyleSports, who offer Premier League odds, Bardsley said: "I was chatting to Wayne last week and obviously he has had a hectic time in recent years when it comes to retiring, managing Derby, D.C. United, Birmingham and then Plymouth. It didn’t work out how he would’ve imagined, but working non-stop does take its toll on you as does being away from home for so long.
"There is a lot that goes into management that people might not see, I think right now is a good chance for him to have some time with his family and away from management and coaching, I think it will do him a world of good. He’s enjoying time with the kids and Coleen is up to her own thing, he is in great spirits and is back in the gym by the looks of things."
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ROONEY?
Although Rooney is not managing a club at the moment, he will soon be seen on the touchline once again at Old Trafford – this time for a charitable cause. On June 15, the football icon is set to co-manage England in Soccer Aid 2025, an annual charity match. Interestingly, Rooney will be sharing managerial duties with boxing legend Tyson Fury, a partnership that is bound to grab attention.
One of just two Premier League sides still looking for their first win of the season, Wolverhampton Wanderers have been handed a major boost ahead of their crucial clash against relegation rivals Southampton this weekend.
Wolves injury news
Those at Molineux are desperate for a result and very nearly managed to get exactly that when they squared off against Crystal Palace last time out, only for Marc Guehi’s equaliser to earn Crystal Palace a point in a dramatic 2-2. Under more pressure than ever, it may well be make or break for Gary O’Neil against Southampton in what is a must-win game.
Lose and Wolves could find themselves four points adrift of safety in a run of 11 games without a single victory. Win, meanwhile, and Wolves could even find themselves out of the relegation zone entirely.
The alarm bells will certainly be ringing around the Midlands, but O’Neil has at least been boosted by one potential return ahead of the visit of the Saints later this afternoon.
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As confirmed by O’Neil, Hwang Hee-chan is now back fit and in contention to face Southampton after missing the last three Premier League games for Wolves. The former Bournemouth manager told reporters: “Johnstone is fine. He’s trained all week. Hwang trained today and looked sharp. He’s back fit and we’ll pick the right time for him to be involved.”
One of Wolves’ key men, Hwang’s return to action could spark a return of form for not just the forward but also the rest of his teammates. These are the games that they should be winning to ease any relegation concerns and the return of their star striker should play a large part in that. With the pressure on, Hwang must be handed the chance to spearhead a Wolves turnaround.
"Sharp" Hwang is crucial to Wolves' survival
Whilst he has struggled to show his most clinical form in the current campaign, failing to score once in eight appearances, Hwang is still the man that Wolves should rely on. Get the South Korean back to his best and they’ll have not one, but three high level forwards ready to spearhead their fight to survival thanks to the addition and form of Jorgen Strand-Larsen alongside the brilliant Matheus Cunha.
Given their defensive frailties too – conceding more goals than any other side in the Premier League so far this season – Wolves would be wise to fall back on their frontline to simply outscore the likes of Southampton and carry them out of trouble once and for all.
Described as “sharp” by O’Neil, Hwang may finally be on his way back to the form that saw him score become the reliable talisman behind Wolves’ top-half finish last season. Earning a reported £70,000-a-week, Wolves need one of their highest-earners to step up when he’s needed most, starting this weekend.
In a vital relegation six-pointer against Southampton, Wolves and especially O’Neil cannot afford yet another week without a Premier League victory.
Liverpool’s start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign has been superb. With Jurgen Klopp’s departure after close to a decade in charge at Anfield, the Reds would surely have been forgiven if they had gotten off to a slow start under Arne Slot. However, they are currently flying high in the top flight.
They are currently one point behind top-of-the-table Manchester City, with 22 points to their name so far. The Merseysiders have suffered one defeat, a shock loss at Anfield against Nottingham Forest, and have drawn just one game, too. That was a crucial point away from home against Arsenal.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
There have been several players in strong form under Slot so far, with Luis Diaz one of Liverpool’s standout players.
Diaz’s stats in the 2024/25 season
It has been a fast start to winger Diaz’s career under the tutelage of Slot. The Colombian forward, already has seven goal involvements in the Premier League, with five goals and two assists in just nine games.
Luis Diaz for Liverpool
On two occasions, the Reds number seven has scored twice in a game. One of those games was against Manchester United. That day, Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 victory, with Mohamed Salah also getting himself on the scoresheet.
Although the Reds winger scored another two goals just two games after his Old Trafford double, against Bournemouth, he has been devoid of goal involvement. The 27-year-old has gone four Premier League games without finding the back of the net, although he did get an assist at the Emirates Stadium last weekend.
With that being said, Liverpool’s number seven scored in midweek, grabbing one of three goals against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup. The Reds got through to the quarter-finals with a 3-2 victory on the South Coast.
After a fast start to the season, Diaz would surely have hoped to maintain such impressive form. After playing 90 minutes at the Amex Stadium, Slot may well choose not to select him in the Reds’ next outing against the same opponents, at Anfield this time around. Instead, Dutch international Cody Gakpo could get the nod.
Why Gakpo could start vs. Brighton
Unlike his fellow left winger Diaz, 25-year-old attacker Gakpo has not had the best start to the 2024/25 campaign in the Premier League. Although he has played nine times in the top flight, the former PSV Eindhoven winger has yet to find the back of the net and has just one assist.
However, the winger was superb against the Seagulls in midweek. He scored twice to take his Carabao Cup tally for this season up to four goals, having bagged two against West Ham United in the previous round.
The Liverpool winger received a glowing review from This is Anfield journalist Mark Delgado for his performance. He gave Gakpo a 9/10 rating, explaining that he put up a “strong enough showing” against on the South Coast to earn himself another start on the left-wing this weekend.
Liverpool player Cody Gakpo
Aside from his pair of goals against Fabian Hurzeler’s team, the 25-year-old had brilliant stats courtesy of Sofascore. He had 46 touches and created two chances, completing two dribbles and even winning an impressive three duels.
Gakpo stats vs. Brighton
Touches
46
Passes completed
22/30
Pass accuracy
77%
Ground duels won
3
Dribbles completed
2
Chances created
2
Goals
2
Big chances created
1
Stats from Sofascore
Slot may well decide to give Gakpo, who was once described as “unstoppable” by football statistician Statman Dave, the start ahead of Diaz this weekend.
Not only might he factor in his fellow Dutchman’s impressive performance against the same opposition, but given Diaz’s tough run of form, may well decide to drop him to the bench, with Mo Salah taking up his position on the right – with Gakpo taking Diaz’s usual spot on the left in the Premier League.
Competition for places at Anfield is exciting, and this is a perfect demonstration of two talented players gunning for one spot. It certainly leaves Slot with a selection headache ahead of another big fixture on Saturday.
Slot must drop Szoboszlai and unleash Liverpool's "outstanding" talent
Liverpool travel to Arsenal this evening looking to win yet another Premier League outing.