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An essential part of any soccer outfit

Soccer socks don't carry the glamour that many other kit pieces do, so you're unlikely to see professional endorsements for these. But, they're vital to ensuring you stay focused on the game at hand, beat the evening chill, and don't let your standards slip.

There are a variety of options out there, including different lengths, some with specific technology, and others give you a classic offering for those who want to keep it simple. We've put together some of the best soccer socks you can get on the market today, depending on what you want out of your game.

Why do you need soccer socks?

Simply put, soccer socks are designed specifically with a single task in mind – to help you deliver on the pitch on matchday. Soccer socks are explicitly designed to enhance and support your body, aiding you in delivering a better all-around game.

Why do some players cut the feet from their socks? 

In the past few years, there has been a trend of some players cutting the feet off of their soccer socks. Even in the biggest leagues in the world, top players are chopping up official kit socks.

There is reason to the madness, though. Often, it is so a pair of extra-grippy socks can be worn on the feet to stop sliding around inside soccer cleats, while some players find wearing a whole pair of soccer socks restrictive because they can feel too tight on their calf muscles.

Recently, top soccer brands have caught on and designed split socks with either calf sleeves or stirrups so players can have grippy socks without taking scissors to their gear. 

Why do some players wear their socks low?

Players like Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Francesco Totti are known for wearing their socks low. This can be to the annoyance of referees and match officials when amateurs try to copy the look.

But some players with particularly muscular calves can find long, tight socks restrictive, and lowering them can help relieve some of that tension. Split socks can also remedy some of that discomfort.

Sometimes, all you need is the basics, and we believe that the adidas Copa Zone is one of the best you can get, despite its deceptive simplicity. In fact, that's part of the appeal – this is a straight-up, top-of-the-table football sock with minimal fuss and plenty of invention.

The lightweight socks are ventilated well with a toe-cooling channel for extra breathability. adidas ClimaLite technology also wicks away moisture to keep your feet nice and dry whilst you're playing. Plus, the compression in the ankle and arch help to improve stability.

Buying a whole soccer outfit can add up, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank on each and every item. These Nike Crew socks come in three packs, so you get more for your money – that too from a renowned brand.

Made with a thick terry sole, the socks will give you extra comfort for foot drills while high-friction yarns in the footbed reduce slippage. An arch band also provides a snug and secure fit.

Remember when we mentioned that many players like to cut their socks to suit their personal needs? These Kipsta F500 stirrups will save you from needing to resort to your own handiwork.

Its bottom band is thin but durable, perfect for weathering the wear and tear of frequent match days without the concern that it will snap under pressure. An anatomic design will shape itself to help provide additional bone coverage against impact.

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There's nothing worse than having your foot slip and slide inside your cleats. But these socks from HUANLAND will ensure that your foot is firmly set on the floor of your cleats for superior ball control and touch.

What's better yet, they're unisex, and you get two pairs, so you always have a backup with you. Antui-slip rubber pads on the bottom of the socks give you a sturdy grip which will help with acceleration and change of direction.

Alastair Cook’s exploratory first outing in a new helmet ended after five balls but that was the worst of the impermanence from Essex

Alan Gardner at Hove18-Apr-2016
ScorecardAlastair Cook trudges off after making 1 from five balls in his first innings with his ECB-approved new helmet•Getty ImagesAlastair Cook’s exploratory first outing in a new helmet ended after five balls but that was the worst of the impermanence from an Essex side doggedly battling to prove their credentials as Division Two promotion challengers at Hove. Cook scored just 1 in his first innings wearing ECB-approved headgear and spent most of the day ensconced in the changing rooms, barring a quick rendezvous with a familiar face in the shape of England’s assistant coach, Paul Farbrace.Cook seems resigned to the fact he will have to get used to a helmet with a fixed grille, with England hopeful that he can make the required adjustments before the start of the Test summer next month. While the ECB has been quietly urging Cook to come into line with new safety regulations, the prospect of England’s captain suffering a dip in form over the issue – he made a century for Essex batting in his old England helmet last week – may cause some disquiet at Lord’s.As well as coming to terms with a narrower window in which to sight the ball, there is also the matter of modified helmets weighing more than the old style. Some have pointed out that picking up a delivery early, and therefore being better able to avoid being hit, is as important as physical protection when it comes to batsman safety.Cook is an old-fashioned batsman in more ways than one – although with 24,000 runs to his name in senior cricket perhaps that is unsurprising – and Michael Atherton, another former England captain and opener, has suggested he should be allowed to make the decision for himself.No opener likes to be out in the third over and Cook concealed his emotions pretty well after falling to his first ball from Steve Magoffin, but it was not hard to imagine a fresh blast of salty sea air accompanying his return to the changing rooms. Still, as Essex’s batting coach, Anthony McGrath, pragmatically put it: “As an opener against the new ball you’re going to get a few low scores.”Cook would surely have preferred not to be facing a bowler as metronomically exacting outside off stump as Magoffin for this unwanted trial. Having survived four deliveries from Ollie Robinson from the Sea End, he was dismissed pushing at one in the channel, a thick edge flying low to second slip. The lid stayed firmly on for the slow walk back, although some wag hollering “Wrong helmet!” from the deckchairs probably did not help his equilibrium. Not since David Beckham was pictured in a sarong has there been so much attention on what an England player is wearing.There was far less focus on Essex’s No. 3, though Tom Westley ought to have caught the eye of Farbrace, huddled on a bench at the Cromwell Road End. Westley looked in good touch, having scored a century in Essex’s opening-round win over Gloucestershire and another in the university match at Fenners, and it was something of a surprise when he mistimed a pull against Danny Briggs and gave a simple catch to midwicket.Nevertheless, Westley’s 86 meant he now has 397 first-class runs this season, the most in the country, and he provided the Essex innings with its ballast. He might have been run out on 31, had Robinson’s throw been more accurate, and an edge flashed over the slips for four from the final ball before lunch but his class was otherwise evident. A high front elbow that bore the menace of a shark fin in shallow waters accompanied one straight drive off Robinson, while on another occasion he dealt with George Garton’s pace with the sort of dismissive pull reminiscent of Cook.Garton, 19 years of age and whippy of left-arm action, was not so easily shrugged off by the rest of Essex’s batsmen. Ravi Bopara gloved behind during his first spell and he returned later in the day to strike Ryan ten Doeschate a blow on the arm that necessitated a short delay for treatment from the physio. He also removed James Foster, who played on while hanging back in his crease, and did enough to suggest that Sussex’s pace reserves are not as thin as some have feared.Briggs, meanwhile, enjoyed the sort of extended workout he switched south-coast allegiances for, a 22-over spell of stately twirling and gentle entreaties to the umpire. Briggs looks like he would be an excellent maître d, upright and dexterous, with a suitably enigmatic smile; it would not be a surprise to hear he applies a squirt of L’Air de Panache – as favoured by Monsieur Gustave in – during intervals.He was, however, twice clubbed down the ground for six from consecutive balls by ten Doeschate, an unceremonious attempt by the Essex captain to rally his side from 219 for 7, with the floodlights shining down and a chill wind whipping in from the sea; the slow bowler’s equivalent of being told the cutlery is dirty and needs to be replaced.

A total of 192 was about par on a batting-friendly Wankhede, and it was set up by a Virat Kohli masterclass. But West Indies’ power hitters bulldozed their way through it to their second World T20 final

The Report by Alagappan Muthu31-Mar-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details2:40

Match Day – India’s lack of boundaries the difference

A man who was caught off a no-ball twice beat a man who should have been run-out twice off a single free-hit. That was how comical – and spectacular – this World T20 semi-final was. And the ultimate gag was that Virat Kohli’s 89 not out off 47 balls was nothing short of a batting clinic, but Lendl Simmons 82 not out off 51 balls led a West Indian demolition job that left India’s chances of winning another title at home in the rubble.A target of 193 would not have frightened Darren Sammy. He had been talking up Chris Gayle all through the World T20, but seven balls into the chase, he might have felt nervous. His kingpin was clean bowled by Jasprit Bumrah and Marlon Samuels, who won this very trophy with one of the finest displays of T20 batsmanship, went away without a peep. West Indies were 19 for 2, already the required rate had hit double-digits and the men they had in the middle were Johnson Charles, who accumulates dot balls like his partner Simmons, who had arrived in India only two days ago, had accumulated air miles.Two of the most unheralded batsmen in this power-packed line-up hit one boundary an over from the second until the 14th – which Kohli himself bowled and got rid of Charles with a juicy long-hop. That over, bowled by a part-timer, was the least expensive of the chase, stamping this game as laugh-out-loud madness. And through it all West Indies “just believed,” as Sammy said after the game. Even when they needed 109 runs off only 60 balls.India were wavering. Not least because they seemed completely incapable of getting Simmons out. R Ashwin had him caught at short third man in the seventh over, but had also overstepped. In the 15th, Hardik Pandya had him caught at extra cover but his front foot had strayed as well. The ensuing free-hit was smashed over the midwicket boundary and West Indies went into the final five overs needing only 55 to win.Now the mathletes would work out that is still an asking rate of 10 an over, but the West Indian batsmen are uber jocks. Their mis-hits go for boundaries, and some of Andre Russell’s indeed did. So when he did hit them off the middle, the bowlers had no chance. It was an innings – and a setting – that suited him to a T, much like his Mr T hairstyle. Russell’s first six came off the fourth ball he faced – and when the ball was soaring into the night sky, it seemed like it would clear the entire stadium – and his final one sealed the match with two balls to spare.India did have a chance though, even amid the carnage. The 18th over began with Bumrah bowling three superb slower balls to earn a hat-trick of dots. West Indies now needed 32 off 14 and Simmons knew he had to make up the difference. The next ball was length and it was launched over the leg side. Ravindra Jadeja tracked it from deep midwicket, and it appeared he had pulled off a blinder on the edge of the wide long-on boundary. Only he was too close to the rope. Although he had tossed the ball to – who else – Kohli in a desperate attempt at a relay catch, the tip of Jadeja’s boot had touched the advertising skirting when he first made contact with the ball. Sammy likened his team to David in the pre-match press conference, but their success tonight was right from Goliath’s playbook.There were a few questions to answer for India – mostly about those no-balls, and how the rest of the batsmen had not contributed enough, and also about how Ashwin bowled only two overs in each of the two knockout matches. But eventually, it was logical that the most powerful batting line-up won on a featherbed of a track, with dew also coming into play. Kohli, though, had been defying every kind of logic on a cricket field – the law of averages and strike-rates to name two. The 82 not out against Australia to get to the semi-final was a masterclass. The 89 not out at Wankhede was transcendent, partly because when he came in, he looked incredibly suspect.Quite apart from how he plays proper cricketing shots and still thrives in the hit-and-giggle format, even the mistakes he makes are barely believable. He could have been run-out off a free-hit delivery.Simply sample this: he was not out for a second knockout match in a row – that means he averaged 136.50 in the World T20. He hit only one six, and yet his strike rate was 189.36. Kohli came to the Wankhede with more runs than the rest of the Indian top-five combined, and he finished so too.India play Twenty20 cricket like they play the other formats too. They aren’t hell-bent on boundaries and it was apparent tonight – they got 92 runs through fours and sixes and 96 of them simply by running between the wickets. No one exhibits that style of play better than Kohli. He and Ajinkya Rahane – who came in for Shikhar Dhawan – ran more twos than they played dot balls during their second-wicket partnership of 66 runs. It had only five fours, and only one came of Rahane’s bat.Kohli dominated the next partnership too – with MS Dhoni – and not through brutal hitting. He placed the wide yorkers past point. The whiplash his wrists can generate took length balls from outside off and put them in the square-leg boundary. Before doing so once in the 14th over, Kohli was whispering to himself, “come on, come on, come on.” The same words he had yelled after securing his first four – off an outside edge to deep third man. Kohli was clearly switched on, and went into hyper drive in the slog overs. He struck 45 off 16 balls. Among them was a picture perfect cover drive that he struck after coming down the track and when it beat Russell running to his left from long-off, he indulged in a smirk. That was essentially Kohli in a shot. Playing proper cricket shots and picking the gap to maximise their effect.But West Indies simply outgunned him in the end and were now only one step away from their “mission” to be world champions once again.

For all the outcry, the ICC annual conference remained wedded to a 10-team World Cup looks set to go ahead in England – and the ECB’s unyielding attitude has caused resentment from Ireland and Scotland in particular

Tim Wigmore01-Jul-2015For the 95 Associate and Affiliate members of the ICC, the most significant part of the recent annual conference was what was not announced. There was no formal discussion of the format of the next two World Cups, effectively confirming that the 2019 and 2023 tournaments will be three days longer than the 2015 edition but reduced to ten teams.”The only information that I’ve had from the ‘Big Three’ was that it was extremely difficult to unpick the TV rights and to change things,” Ross McCollom, chairman of Cricket Ireland, said in reference to the takeover by India, England and Australia. The ICC’s broadcasting deal with Star Sports, agreed last October, guaranteed India nine games in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.Scotland captain Preston Mommsen has made clear his disgust at the attitude of England who, as hosts of the 2019 tournament and a prime mover in restructuring the governing body, were critical to the ICC’s decision-making.Giles Clarke, the ECB president, is known to be a strong supporter of the move; a senior ICC source recently described him as “hell bent” on a 10-team World Cup. The ECB chose not to explain its stance.”There is anger at what I’m reading about the ECB and their input into this ICC meeting,” Mommsen said. “That’s going to make me and my Associate colleagues very angry that they’ve taken such a selfish and narrow-minded approach to the entire decision-making process. It’s very short-sighted and not good for the growth of the global game.”He added that the proximity of leading Associates to England made the possibility that none would qualify for the 2019 World Cup “a serious missed opportunity”.”I don’t think they have any right to call it a World Cup,” Mommsen said. “It’s completely regressive when you compare it to other global sports. It’s beyond belief that this is actually happening in 2015.”The idea and dream of playing in a World Cup is what inspired me to try and play for Scotland. I’m sure it was the carrot for many current and past Scottish players to play the game.”Mommsen fears that the reduction in teams for the World Cup will “significantly impact upon the younger generation. It’s going to be even more of a challenge now for Cricket Scotland to keep growing the sport.”

“A young lad now may well choose a different sport. All the other sports are expanding their World Cups and we don’t see why we should be shrinking ours”

Mommsen even suggested that “taking that to a higher body is something that I have no doubt will be looked at by the top Associate nations”. In 2011, there was talk of Associate nations challenging the original plans to make the 2015 World Cup ten teams in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, although this time there is at least the prospect of a qualifying tournament for the last two spots.His frustration is exacerbated by the performance of the Associates in the 2015 World Cup, and the support Martin Crowe, Kumar Sangakkara, Sachin Tendulkar and many others gave to their presence.”It’s probably the best tournament that Associates have had,” Mommsen said. “The ICC could actually take a lot of credit for all their hard work but instead of embracing that instead that they’ve decided to take away all the hard work.”It would be good to know the facts of why this decision has been made. Clearly money is a huge factor but that can’t be the only factor,” Mommsen said, arguing that the ICC could make far more money in the long run by displaying a more inclusive attitude. “The deal is short sighted in terms of markets that could be tapped into in the longer term. If you gave other countries the chance to a) take part and b) try and take part that opens the door.”While less withering than Mommsen, Willie Donald, the acting chief executive of Cricket Scotland, was also exasperated by the news. “If England haven’t supported wider access to the World Cup then that is unfortunate,” he said. “We share the disappointment of the other associates.”Donald suggested that there was a “bipolar situation” in the ICC, contrasting the genuine efforts made to expand cricket with “the decision to corner the market”.Niall O’Brien, who has played in all three World Cups in Ireland’s history, said that “we wouldn’t be where we are now” if Ireland hadn’t participated in the 2007 World Cup, which was a 16-team tournament. “If that’s not as possible for a young lad now they may well choose a different sport.””All the other sports are expanding their World Cups and we don’t see why we should be shrinking ours,” he said. “It’s gut-wrenching. It’s just a bit sad that potentially Ireland have played in their last World Cup.”O’Brien added that it was “very strange” that the 2019 World Cup qualifier will be in Bangladesh, while the 2023 World Cup qualifier has been awarded to Zimbabwe. “The ICC obviously don’t want a Full Member to miss out on the tournament,” he said. The previous World Cup qualifier was in New Zealand, replicating the conditions in the main tournament.But McCollom suggested that Ireland had not yet completely given up hope that the decision to contract the World Cup might be reversed.”It’s not like they’ve never changed decisions before so we’ll always live in hope that they might see the light and change their minds,” he said. “The quote that they’re trying to use is a bigger, better global game but reducing the size of the World Cup doesn’t back up what they’re saying.”While Ireland have led the opposition to previous ICC decisions, they have been comparatively less vociferous in opposing the steps taken to reduce the World Cup, reflecting their hope that the new ODI 12-team structure will lead to more fixtures.McCollom conceded that it had been “extremely frustrating” trying to secure games against Test nations but added, “there is traction happening”. It is understood that Ireland hope to host both Sri Lanka and Pakistan for two-match ODI series in 2016; they are also likely to play a triangular series with Afghanistan in Zimbabwe this October, with the same three teams playing in a tri-series in Ireland next year.Tim Anderson, the ICC’s well-respected head of global development, last week asserted that Associate cricket was “in a much better place now than say it was six or 12 months ago” despite the World Cup decision.However, it is far from clear that Associates themselves agree. “I’m not even sure we’re in an equal place – we’re in a new place and a different place,” Donald said.Tim Cutler, the chief executive of Hong Kong, was also not convinced. “With the World T20 now out to four years and the reduction in World Cup teams I would have to say the assertion that there are now more opportunities for Associates and Affiliates isn’t entirely accurate,” he said. “It’s quite a bitter pill to swallow.”Cutler also argued for cricket to strongly consider making a push for Olympic status, something staunchly opposed by England and India. “Perhaps a sixes tournament in the Olympics could be the shop window opportunity for us to showcase our great sport without compromising media deals,” he said. “Even the cynics cannot deny that the potential of national investment in new markets like China is appealing.”Based on the example of rugby sevens, the Chinese Cricket Association would expect to receive $20 million a year from the Chinese government if cricket was included in the Olympics. They currently receive only $30,000 a year from the ICC.

Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati had to be replaced in the first half of Brighton's clash with Nottingham Forest after picking up an injury.

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Fati lasts just 21 minutes at City GroundReplaced by Joao PedriJoins lengthy list of injured players at BrightonWHAT HAPPENED?

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi named Ansu Fati in his starting line-up against Nottingham Forest but saw the loanee forced off after just 21 minutes of the game at the City Ground. Fati picked up an injury and signalled to the bench that he could not continue. Joao Pedro came on to replace the 21-year-old attacker.

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The news is a worrying development for Fati as he has been plagued by injury after breaking onto the scene with Barcelona as a 16-year-old back in 2019. A serious knee problem forced Fati to go under the knife and onto the sidelines for the long term and was followed by a succession of muscle problems that saw his career stall. Fati opted to move to Brighton on loan in the summer in a bid to gain regular game time and will be praying his latest setback is not serious.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Fati's replacement Pedro went on to score against Forest along with Evan Ferguson to put Brighton in front after conceding an early goal to Anthony Elanga. The goals mean that Brighton are the first side to both score and concede in 17 consecutive top-flight games since Manchester United in 1959-60 (also 17 in a row).

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BRIGHTON?

De Zerbi will be sweating on Fati's fitness and that of Tariq Lamptey who was also forced off with an injury. The Brighton boss is in the midst of an injury crisis with Danny Welbeck, Pervis Estupinan, Solly March, Karou Mitoma, James Milner and Julio Enciso also sidelined currently.

Paul Coughlin’s superb spell saw Durham move back to the top of the table with their fifth win from seven games in the LV= County Championship while Somerset slipped to the foot of the table.

ECB/PA09-Jun-2015
ScorecardPaul Coughlin took four wickets as Durham claimed an easy win•Getty ImagesPaul Coughlin’s career-best performance saw Durham move back to the top of the table with their fifth win from seven games in the LV= County Championship while Somerset slipped to the foot of the table.Coughlin finished with figures of 10-6-10-4, following his important second-innings half-century, and wicketkeeper Michael Richardson held five catches as Somerset succumbed for 158 to lose by 120 runs, slipping to a defeat that looked most unlikely on the second afternoon.Durham’s surge has come even though they have failed to gain a batting point for the last four matches.”I’m surprised we are top because we know there are areas we need to improve,” Paul Collingwood said, reflecting on a fourth consecutive game without a batting point. “I would like to start games a lot better but when we are in trouble it seems to bring out the fighting spirit in this team. They show incredible belief and pride in playing for Durham.””It was an amazing performance for a young guy,” Collingwood said of Coughlin. “His runs were invaluable and he set it up for John Hastings to take the game away from them when their bowlers were tired.”Hastings’ 79 from 68 balls on the second day changed the game and Somerset skipper Marcus Trescothick admitted: “It slipped away from us in that session. We have done well in the last two weeks and we were ahead of the game here.”The potential is there but we have to sustain it. You know it’s always going to be tricky here and to score 279 to win was a tough ask. We showed some good resolve and stuck in, but the damage was done yesterday.”As Somerset consider their wicketkeeping options following Craig Kieswetter’s enforced retirement and a five-ball duck for Alex Barrow, who has struggled badly all season and was relegated to No. 9 in the order, they might cast envious glances at Durham. Richardson, who recently took over the gloves from the axed Phil Mustard, held five catches, including a brilliant leg-side take to send back Johann Myburgh for a duck.That came immediately after Graham Onions had Tom Abell lbw for 2 and it would have been 10 for 3 had Collingwood held on to a chance at first slip before James Hildreth had scored. Hildreth and Trescothick gave Somerset hope with a stand of 53 before the pitch’s variable bounce accounted for both. Hildreth was bowled by Coughlin’s third ball, which kept very low, then a leg stump ball from Chris Rushworth leapt at Trescothick and lobbed off the shoulder of the bat to gully.Tom Cooper was the first to go after lunch, although he clearly didn’t agree with the caught behind decision that gave Graham Onions his third wicket. Jim Allenby and Peter Trego did not look in too much difficulty in putting on 26, but then Allenby tried to hook a John Hastings bouncer and edged to Richardson.After Trego played himself in quietly there was a shift in momentum in the 40th over as Onions’ 13th of the innings cost 17 runs, including a no-ball. Hastings had conceded only 14 in 12, but the next over produced 12 runs as Trego and Lewis Gregory began to go for their shots.But the pair were stymied by a double change, as the stand of 41 ended when Coughlin moved one sharply away from Gregory to give Richardson his fourth catch. Alex Barrow survived only five balls before shuffling into a ball from Chris Rushworth which had him lbw for nought. Trego then fell for 35 in identical fashion to Gregory and it was all over when Tim Groenewald drove Coughlin to deep mid-off.

A new report claims that Chelsea owner Todd Boehly attempted to hire Arne Slot as manager before striking a deal with Mauricio Pochettino.

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Boehly made contact with Feyenoord boss SlotEventually appointed PochettinoChelsea struggling currently under the ArgentineWHAT HAPPENED?

Per AD, Slot held talks with Chelsea in the summer before deciding to remain at Feyenoord. He had also spoken to Tottenham before they appointed Ange Postecoglou, but the report states that Todd Boehly actually picked the Dutchman up in a private jet for talks but could not convince him to leave the Eredivisie.

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Chelsea's appointment of Pochettino has yet to pan out on the pitch. The Blues are currently 10th in the Premier League table, having won five, lost five, and drawn four of their 14 games. They are 10 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa and 14 behind leaders Arsenal. As a result, AD claim that Boehly could return to Slot as a contender if they do sack Pochettino this season.

DID YOU KNOW?

Slot's Feyenoord are currently second in the Eredivisie, having won the title last season. He also guided the club to the final of the Europa Conference League in 2021/22, although they lost to Jose Mourinho's Roma.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ARNE SLOT?

He will continue his work in Rotterdam, attempting to take the club back to the top of the Dutch league table. However, the club are currently 10 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven.

Goal looks at the players who have created the most chances in the top five European leagues this season

20Lucas Perez | 77 chances created

Lucas Perez is still technically an Arsenal player, but has enjoyed an impressive season out on loan at Deportivo La Coruna as he waits to learn more about his long-term future after Arsene Wenger's departure from the Emirates Stadium.

AdvertisementGetty Images19Alexis Sanchez | 77 chances created

Sanchez has had his critics this season due to his reduced goal contribution at both Arsenal and Manchester United, but he has created 77 chances this season,

The Chilean also missed nine games in the Premier League, leaving him with one of the best chances created per minute ratios in the entirety of Europe.

Getty Images18Xherdan Shaqiri | 77 chances created

To make this list at a relegated club is some achievement. Shaqiri created 77 chances for Stoke but they couldn’t avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Shaqiri is unlikely to be short of suitors this summer amid expectations he will be sold following Stoke's drop into the Championship.

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Getty17 Aleksandar Kolarov | 78 chances created

The Serbian has been back to his best this season at Roma, assisting eight goals from left-back and creating 78 chances.

Paul Collingwood hit his 20th first-class century for Durham to help them take control on the second day of the County Championship match with Somerset at Taunton

Press Association13-Apr-2015
ScorecardPaul Collingwood’s outstanding match continued with a hundred to build a handy lead•Getty ImagesPaul Collingwood hit his 20th first-class century for Durham to help them take control on the second day of the County Championship match with Somerset at Taunton.The captain followed up his five wickets on the first day by hitting an unbeaten 109 in a total of 380, which saw Scott Borthwick contribute 94 and Michael Richardson 59 as their side grabbed a first innings lead of 81.Lewis Gregory was the most successful Somerset bowler with 5 for 99 from 21 overs. By the close the hosts had crumbled to 54 for 4 in their second innings and still trailed by 27.”It was a great day for us. Scott Borthwick set it up and I’m just delighted to be in such good form so early in the season,” Collingwood said. When they get things right Chris Rushworth and Graham Onions are among the best opening bowlers in the country. But we know Taunton is a ground where runs can come quickly and we still have a lot of work to do.”Durham began the day on 98 for 2 in reply to 299. Borthwick was on 52 and Richardson soon followed him to a half-century off 61 balls, with six fours. The pair had taken the score to 157 when Richardson dabbed at a wide ball from Gregory and edged to wicketkeeper Alex Barrow.Borthwick had faced 110 balls, hitting 17 fours and looking largely untroubled, by the time he fell lbw, trying to work a good length ball from Jamie Overton through the leg side with the total on 190.Lunch was taken at 224 for 4 with Calum MacLeod unbeaten on 39. He helped Collingwood add 48 before playing across the line to Tim Groenewald and falling for 44.It was 280 for 6 when Phil Mustard was caught behind for 22 defending a ball from Peter Trego. A crucial moment followed when Barrow spilled a chance offered by Collingwood, on 46, off Gregory.Collingwood quickly went on to an 88-ball half-century and by tea Durham were 347 for 6. Paul Coughlin and John Hastings fell to Gregory and Groenewald respectively soon after the interval, forcing Collingwood to attack with the tail.Approaching his 39th birthday, the former England captain showed he still has plenty to offer, bringing up his century by advancing down the pitch and pulling Gregory for his 11th four. There were also two sixes in a hugely valuable knock, ended by the fall of the last two wickets at the other end.Somerset were left with 20 overs to face in the day and lost captain Marcus Trescothick cheaply for the second time in the match as he was bowled by Chris Rushworth with the first ball of the fourth over.Rushworth quickly followed up by pinning first innings centurion Johann Myburgh lbw for 9, while Graham Onions had Tom Cooper caught behind for 5 to make it 18 for 3. James Hildreth was well caught by the diving Borthwick in the slips, driving at Rushworth, for 8 with his team still 55 behind.

Kolkata Knight Riders took their winning streak to 14, the joint second-highest in Twenty20 history, and made it to their first Champions League T20 final

The Report by Sidharth Monga02-Oct-2014
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Kuldeep Yadav and other KKR spinners restricted Hurricanes to 140•BCCIKolkata Knight Riders took their winning streak to 14, the joint second-highest in Twenty20 history, and made it to their first Champions League T20 final after the spinners reduced Hobart Hurricanes to 140 for 6. Having lost captain Tim Paine to a stomach bug, Hurricanes had to contend with 16 overs of spin, including the opening spell of Yusuf Pathan. They couldn’t break free of their chokehold, reaching 140 thanks only to Shoaib Malik’s late surge. Knight Riders, however, made a bit of heavy weather of the chase, with Jacques Kallis and Yusuf getting stuck in the end, bringing the equation up to 21 off 13 before finishing it off with five balls to spare.Knight Riders stuck to their winning formula after the stand-in Hurricanes captain Xavier Doherty chose to bat on what looked like a flat hard pitch. By the time Yusuf sent down the first over, it was obvious it was a pitch slower than expected. Andre Russell provided the first breakthrough by latching on to a tough leading edge off his own bowling, with Dom Michael being undone by the slowness of the surface. In the next over, Hurricanes’ batsman of the tournament, Aiden Blizzard got a rough decision, given lbw off a thick inside edge.From then on it was going to be a catch-up game for Hurricanes. Knight Riders made sure they didn’t take too many liberties by bringing on their two attacking spinners, Sunil Narine and Kuldeep Yadav, one after the other. As a result, Hurricanes had to be watchful, crawling to 54 for 3 in 10 overs, their lowest 10-over score of the tournament. Ben Dunk did majority of the scoring in the first half, but Kuldeep accounted for him.It was down to Malik, their best player of the spin, to provide them some sort of fighting total. Malik obliged, taking 21 runs off the 19th over, bowled by Kuldeep, but the support from the other side was hard to come by. Take out 105 from 75 balls scored between Malik and Dunk, you have precious nothing from the rest of the team.However, the rest of the team was spirited in defence of the small target. The fast bowlers, Ben Hilfenhaus and Doug Bollinger, got stuck into Gautam Gambhir and had him early. An adventurous shot off Doherty accounted for Robin Uthappa, and Knight Riders were 44 for 2 off 44 legal deliveries. Kallis then provided the solidness, and Manish Pandey gave them the impetus by peppering his favourite wide long-on area. Hurricanes didn’t help their own case with three missed run-outs, and Pandey’s wicket off a no-ball.The free hit went for four, followed by another, bringing the equation down to 49 off 42. When Pandey holed out to long-on in the 16th over, he left Knight Riders just 34 off 28. The next 15 balls were mostly yorkers, conceded just 13, drew some frustrated shots from Yusuf and Kallis, and the game was in the balance with 21 required off 13. Ben Laughlin then failed to execute his yorker with the last ball of the 18th over, and Yusuf crashed it through extra cover.Doherty was now left with a big decision. He and Bollinger had an over each left, and he went against the conventional wisdom to bowl the 19th himself. Kallis stepped out first ball, and crashed him for a six first up. That was game done for all practical purposes, but Hilfenhaus provided the finishing touch by parrying off the first ball of the 20th over for a six after having misjudged a catch.