O Botafogo atropelou o César Vallejo sem dó na noite da última quinta-feira com uma goleada por 4 a 0 no Nilton Santos. Depois de um empate amargo na estreia da Sul-Americana diante do Magallanes no Chile, os jogadores alvinegros não mediram esforços dentro de campo e conquistaram sua primeira vitória na competição.
A atuação da equipe alvinegra foi incontestável. A única fez que Lucas Perri fez uma defesa ao longa da partida foi na finalização de Mena no segundo tempo. Fora isso, os atletas botafoguenses dominaram as ações do jogo e poderiam ter vencido por até mais gols de diferença.
+Veja os 25 reforços mais caros da janela que fechou nesta quinta
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– Talvez tenha sido a melhor atuação. Jogamos contra o São Paulo de uma forma diferente. Já tínhamos dado uma amostra de segurança. Mostramos grande vontade de chegar ao ataque. Nos últimos quatro jogos, fizemos 13 gols. O trabalho dos jogadores tem sido ótimo. Mesmo quando as coisas não estão acontecendo, os jogadores tentam dar seu melhor. Parabéns para equipe e para torcida – declarou Luís Castro na entrevista coletiva pós-jogo.
O Botafogo vem se mostrando um time cada vez mais equilibrado dentro de campo. Lucas Perri está cada vez mais seguro, Adryelson e Víctor Cuesta estão se entrosando novamente, Eduardo está sendo protagonista e Tiquinho Soares tendo atuações decisivas. Quando um sistema coletivo funciona, as atuações individuais aparecem. E isso tem sido visto nas últimas partidas.
Depois de um começo de temporada instável e repleto de críticas, Luís Castro conseguiu encontrar um período de paz. O Botafogo está há nove jogos sem perder e venceu pela quarta vez consecutiva, algo que não havia conseguido ainda nesta temporada. O clube agora busca manter esta regularidade para continuar vivo nas disputas da Sul-Americana, Copa do Brasil e Brasileirão.
Called up are the uncapped Kamran Ghulam, Haseebullah and spinner Mehran Mumtaz, as well as seasoned spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali
Danyal Rasool13-Oct-2024Pakistan have made big changes to the squad for the second and third Tests against England. In addition to Babar Azam – whose omission ESPNcricinfo reported on Sunday – Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are also out. A PCB statement said it had “taken into account the current form and fitness of key players” before leaving out the three players for the remaining two Tests.The decision to leave out arguably Pakistan’s three highest-profile players is little short of stunning. Pakistan’s chastening innings defeat after the first Test – following which captain Shan Masood criticised the bowling performance – was expected to result in several changes, though Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie called for continuity and asked players to be backed. However, the newly formed selection committee, announced on Friday, has gone the other way.
It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively. If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan…
— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) October 13, 2024
Aaqib Javed, one of the new selection committee appointees, hinted at the players’ loss of form as a reason for their omission.”We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges,” he said. “They remain some of our finest talents with much more to contribute to Pakistan cricket. We are fully committed to supporting them during this period so they can come back even stronger.”Pakistan’s squad for the second and third Tests•ESPNcricinfo LtdPakistan have called up the uncapped Kamran Ghulam, Haseebullah and spinner Mehran Mumtaz, as well as seasoned spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali to the squad. Pakistan felt the need for extra spin-bowling cover after Abrar Ahmed was taken ill during the first Test and remains in hospital. Veteran keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed has been replaced by Haseebullah.Related
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Having favoured fast-bowling-friendly conditions at the start of the season, the PCB appears to have had a change of heart; the same strip will be used for the second Test in Multan, with Pakistan set to include an extra spinner in the XI.Babar’s loss of form has been well documented, but Shaheen has also appeared a shadow of the bowler he was before his injury in 2023. Since the start of 2023, he has managed 17 wickets in 11 innings at 45.47 per wicket. His pace has dropped significantly, as has his new-ball impact. Fitness concerns have compounded his problems as this is the third consecutive series he has started but will not finish. He was largely ineffective during the first Test, registering figures of 1 for 120 in 26 overs. ESPNcricinfo had earlier reported he was not assured of a place, with selectors ultimately deciding to leave him out.Naseem, too, has struggled to reproduce the sparkling form he showed in Tests since his 2019 debut. Long considered a specialist Test bowler who did not play a white-ball international until three years later, his workload has come under increasing scrutiny. He only returned from his latest long-term injury in April 2024, having needed surgery on his shoulder after an injury picked up at the 2023 Asia Cup. His pace, too, has seen a dip, though he was the only Pakistan bowler to clear 140kph during the first Test. He threatened in patches during the first Test, but ultimately returned figures of 2 for 157 in 31 overs as England declared on 823 for 7.The omission of both seamers leaves Pakistan’s attack short of real reputational star power and limited new-ball pedigree. Pakistan have included an extra spinner, though they have struggled in that department too, with limited spin talent coming through the Quaid-e-Azam trophy. Sajid and Noman’s recalls are perhaps illustrative of that, as Pakistan grapple with finding a way to take 20 wickets, with Masood attributing Pakistan’s failure in the first Test to their limited wicket-taking potency.The second Test begins in Multan on 15 October, with the third in Rawalpindi starting on 24 October.Pakistan squad for second and third Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.
ردت محكمة التحكيم الرياضي على الطلب الذي تقدم به نادي ريال مدريد على البطاقة الحمراء التي تحصل عليها مدافع الفريق، دين هويسن، خلال مباراة ريال سوسيداد يوم السبت الماضي في بطولة الدوري الإسباني.
وتلاقى الفريقان في خضم منافسات الجولة الرابعة من الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، حيث فاز ريال مدريد بهدفين لهدف.
وشهدت المباراة حصول دين هويسن، لاعب ريال مدريد على بطاقة حمراء، عندما عرقل أحد لاعبي ريال سوسيداد، مما أثار استياء النادي الملكي.
وتقدم ريال مدريد باستئناف ضد طرد هويسن أمام لجنة الاستئناف لدى الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم، من أجل إلغاء البطاقة الحمراء، وهو ما قوبل بالرفض، حيث اُتخذ قرارًا بإيقافه لمدة مباراة، بدلًا من مباراتين.
اقرأ أيضًا.. حكم مباراة ريال مدريد وإسبانيول في الدوري الإسباني
ولم يكتفِ ريال مدريد بذلك، بل توجه إلى محكمة التحكيم الرياضي من أجل إلغاء طرد هويسن، ولكن رد الفعل كان سلبيًا بالنسبة لمسؤولي النادي الإسباني، حسبما ذكرت صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية.
وأوضحت أن ريال مدريد رغب في تأجيل تنفيذ عقوبة إيقاف هويسن لأطول فترة ممكنة عن طريق المضي قدمًا في اللجوء إلى كافة السبل المتاحة من أجل إلغاء الطرد، حيث يرى أن العقوبة لم تكن عادلة.
وأشارت إلى أن محكمة التحكيم الرياضي ترى أن ريال مدريد لم يبرر بشكل كاف وجود ضرر لا يمكن إصلاحه، حال غياب هويسن عن مباراة واحدة، وهو ما يجعل قبول طلب النادي غير ممكن.
علق محمد فضل، لاعب الأهلي السابق، على تعادل منتخب مصر مع بوركينا فاسو، سلبيًا، في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة إلى نهائيات كأس العالم 2026.
والتقى منتخب مصر مع بوركينا فاسو، على ملعب الأخير، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الثامنة من مباريات المجموعة الأولى لـ تصفيات كأس العالم.
طالع| ميدو مدافعا عن حسام حسن: “كفاية عقدة الخواجة”.. وهذا أفضل ما فعله التوأم
وقال محمد فضل في تصريحات لبرنامج ملعب أون على قناة أون سبورت: “كابتن حسام حسن كان مهاجم أيقوني وخطير، ومصطفى محمد مهاجم قوي، خاصة في الفترة الأخيرة مع فريقه نانت، حيث سجل هدفًا وفاز فريقه في الدوري الفرنسي”.
وتابع: “بعض اللاعبين يخطئون، والمدير الفني يغضب، لكن من المهم أن يفهم اللاعب (لازم تطبطب عليه)، خاصة أن مصطفى محمد لاعب مميز، ويواجهه ويقول له: (أنت أخطأت، أنا غاضب منك، وأنا هعمل كذا، وينهي الزعل)، لأن هذا في مصلحة منتخب مصر”.
واختتم: “مصطفى محمد لعب 8 أو 9 دقائق، صنع ثلاث فرص كان من الممكن ان تتحول إلى ثلاث أهداف، ولا يحتاج تقييما لكن عندما شارك تشعر وأنه غير سعيد، طبعا شرف لأي لاعب يلعب لمنتخب مصر، لكن على كابتن حسام التعامل معه كابنه”.
The tour includes three T20s, three one-day games and a four-day match on the Gold Coast
ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jul-2024Australia A will take on India A in a multi-format series in Queensland during August with the home side featuring Tahlia McGrath, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt and Tayla Vlaeminck across the limited-overs matches.The tour involves three T20s in Brisbane, three 50-over games in Mackay and a four-day match on the Gold Coast.McGrath, Australia’s vice-captain, will captain the T20 and 50-over squads while Queensland allrounder Charli Knott will lead the four-day side. All three squads feature leading domestic players who will look to push their claims for higher honours.The four-day game will give players from both countries a rare chance to play long-form cricket.”I’m really looking forward to being a part of this series and for the challenge that India A will pose,” McGrath said. “It presents those of us not playing in the Hundred with the chance to prepare for a huge summer against a strong opposition.”Shawn Flegler, the national selector, said: “This series will allow us to take a closer look at some of the players who have impressed at domestic level while giving the nationally contracted players the chance to fine tune their preparations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.”Australia will return to action with a three-match T20I series against New Zealand in mid-September before heading to Bangladesh for the T20 World Cup. That begins another hectic season with the WBBL set to start shortly after the World Cup followed by an ODI series against India, a short tour of New Zealand in December then the multi-format Ashes in January.Australia A T20 squadMaddy Darke, Sophie Day, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Charli Knott, Katie Mack, Tahlia McGrath (capt), Grace Parsons, Megan Schutt, Courtney Sippel, Tayla Vlaeminck, Tahlia WilsonAustralia A one-day squadMaitlan Brown (2nd & 3rd matches only), Maddy Darke, Sophie Day, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Charli Knott, Katie Mack, Tahlia McGrath (capt), Grace Parsons, Megan Schutt (1st match only), Courtney Sippel, Tayla Vlaeminck, Tahlia WilsonAustralia four-day squadMaitlan Brown, Maddy Darke, Sophie Day, Emma de Broughe, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Charli Knott, Katie Mack, Lilly Mills, Grace Parsons, Kate Peterson, Courtney Sippel, Georgia VollAustralia A vs India A women’s series7 August: 1st T20, Allan Border Field 9 August: 2nd T20, Allan Border Field 11 August: 3rd T20, Allan Border Field 14 August: 1st 50-over match, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay 16 August: 2nd 50-over match, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay 18 August: 3rd 50-over match, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay 22-25 August: Four-day match, Gold Coast District Cricket Club
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) will let its members vote on the club’s growing involvement in the Hundred at a special general meeting in September. MCC plans to accept the ECB’s proposed gift of 51% of the shares in London Spirit and intends to retain its position as majority shareholder, but has asked members for their approval.The ECB publicly confirmed last week its intention to attract private investment in the Hundred’s eight teams and the appointments of the Raine Group and Deloitte as advisors. Under a proposed model, the eight Hundred ‘hosts’ – seven counties plus MCC – will be given majority stakes in their respective teams, with the ECB selling the remaining 49% to interested parties.Guy Lavender, MCC’s chief executive, wrote to the club’s members on Thursday outlining the committee’s support. “Subject to the satisfactory conclusion of negotiations between the various parties, we are firmly of the view that MCC should accept ECB’s offer of the 51% equity share in the London Spirit franchise and participate fully in a tournament which will grow the men’s and women’s game,” Lavender wrote.While some hosts may sell part or all of their stake, Lavender said the committee’s “initial thinking” is that MCC should retain its 51%. “We wish to retain control of the franchise and believe the tournament will grow over time,” he wrote. “Pragmatically, we will need to keep that position under review both through the initial sales phase and in the future.”Related
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But MCC has made clear that, despite the club’s support for the ECB’s proposals, it will not move forward without member approval. It will continue to consult with members over the coming weeks and will hold an SGM on the week starting September 9, at which members will vote on the club’s acceptance of a 51% equity share in London Spirit. The results will be announced the following week.MCC will “retain the right of veto” on any bidder to become the minority shareholder in London Spirit. “This decision is not about accepting the highest bidder,” Lavender wrote. “It is about finding the right partner who has the skills and expertise to help us grow the franchise, whilst also recognising and understanding the history, values and uniqueness of MCC.”Lavender said MCC are “unclear” whether it is practical for members to vote on the identity of a potential partnership, but suggested that the prospect of them voting to reject a proposed investment partner could be “hugely damaging” to the ECB and the counties’ plans to generate revenues to support English cricket as a collective.London Spirit is expected to be the most valuable Hundred franchise due to its association with Lord’s. “Those MCC members are sitting on a bit of a goldmine,” Andrew Umbers, the co-founder of Oakwell Sports Advisory told the podcast. “With the scarcity premium of the two London teams, jeez, it’s [worth] a lot. I’m sure Reliance and the Ambani family are going to be really interested in one of the big two in London.”The seven other Hundred-hosting counties are evaluating their own positions on the competition’s future. They are: Surrey (Oval Invincibles), Hampshire (Southern Brave), Glamorgan (Welsh Fire), Warwickshire (Birmingham Phoenix), Nottinghamshire (Trent Rockets), Lancashire (Manchester Originals) and Yorkshire (Northern Superchargers).Hampshire is a private club rather than member-owned but the other six counties have not publicly committed to giving members a direct vote on the Hundred’s privatisation and it remains to be seen if MCC’s decision has set a precedent. At Surrey, for example, members are represented on the general committee which in turn advises the club’s board on their stance.”This shows that the MCC recognises the significance of the decision not just for the club but the game as a whole, and was sincere in its recent promise to listen to and respect members’ views,” Alan Higham, the coordinator of the County Cricket Members Group, told ESPNcricinfo. “We expect all well-run boards of member-owned counties to want their members’ approval before agreeing to such seismic changes.”
Manchester City might win the FA Cup next week, but it won’t be a consolation for the dismal season they have endured in the Premier League and Champions League.
Knocked out of the latter by Real Madrid in February, City’s title challenge was effectively over by the turn of the year.
Pep Guardiola made key signings in January, although he will be keen on adding a few more players to his squad in the summer.
Could he be set to raid the Bundesliga once again?
Man City's search for a striker
As reported earlier this week by German news outlet Bild, City have now joined the race for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké this summer.
They signed Omar Marmoush in January from the same club and it appears as though they are looking to raid them once more.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool and Arsenal have been heavily linked with the Frenchman of late, but Guardiola looks ready to make his move.
Due to the clubs chasing him, Frankfurt have placed a price tag of €100m (£85m) on his head, which might deter a few potential bids.
City have made their fair share of signings from the German top flight over the years, but it was their capture of Edin Dzeko which set the club up for their first Premier League title.
Hugo Ekitike could be City’s next Edin Dzeko
Dzeko joined City midway through the 2010/11 campaign – following his own prolific stint in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg – and enjoyed a solid first few months, scoring six times for the club.
The 2011/12 season saw the Etihad side claim their first ever Premier League crown and Dzeko netted 19 times in all competitions under Roberto Mancini.
A pure out-and-out striker, the Bosnian ended his spell at the club by scoring 72 goals across 198 matches, a more than respectable outlay. That followed the 85 goals he had scored in just 142 games during his time in Germany.
A potential German import like Dzeko, Ekitike certainly has his own qualities in front of goal. That much is known. For Frankfurt this season, he has found the back of the net on 15 occasions in the Bundesliga.
Furthermore, he has also created 12 big chances and succeeds with 1.6 dribbles per game, indicating that he offers more than just a clinical nature in front of goal.
Hugo Ekitike’s stats for Frankfurt this season
Metric
Bundesliga
Europa League
Goals
15
4
Assists
7
3
Big chances created
12
6
Shots per game
3.5
2.2
Total duels won per game
4.2
4.3
Via Sofascore
During the formative years of his career, many expected him to go on to achieve big things, with sections of the media believing he “could be the next Mbappe” after he was linked with a move to Newcastle in 2022.
The youngster might not have hit the highs of the current Real Madrid sensation, but optimism is there that his career has been revived at Frankfurt following a disappointing spell with PSG.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
Compared to his peers in the Bundesliga, Ekitike ranks in the top 9% for total shots (3.82), assists (0.29), shot-creating actions (3.52) and successful take-ons (1.9) per 90 over the previous 365 days.
Not merely content with being a pure striker, the Frenchman offers plenty in the final third. While £85m might put City off, if they can bring this price down, a move could be on the cards.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
While Guardiola does already boast a Sergio Aguero-esque talisman in Erling Haaland, Ekitike could represent the perfect understudy – just as Dzeko was all those years ago.
Instant Marmoush upgrade: Man City targeting "world class" £85m star
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta will personally try to convince Mikel Arteta to green-light a move for one PSG star, who he tried and failed to sign during his 12-year stay at Atletico Madrid.
Andrea Berta kick-starting Arsenal transfer plans for this summer
One of Berta’s first acts, following his confirmed appointment in late March, was to reach out to the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to The Guardian’s Ed Aarons, and he’s shown little sign of slowing down since then.
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The Gunners are emerging as favourites.
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The Italian’s reputation as an astute operator in the transfer market has excited plenty of on-lookers ahead of his debut window at Arsenal, and it is believed the 53-year-old could spearhead a £300 million spend on as many as seven major signings (GiveMeSport).
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Berta is also pushing to sign Sporting Cp striker Viktor Gyokeres, in a bid to end Arsenal’s long wait for a prolific centre-forward who can guarantee 25-plus goals-per-season for Arteta.
Arsenal are also in the market for wide players and potentially an alternative to star forward Bukayo Saka, with the England international’s spells out through injury at points this season giving Arteta a major headache.
Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sané is still a target for Arsenal in that regard, as the ex-Man City star is yet to pen fresh terms at the Allianz Arena, and his contract is due to expire this summer as things stand.
Sane switched agents at the last minute during negotiations over a new deal at Bayern, as confirmed by club president Herbert Hainer, which has now thrown a spanner in the works.
However, if the Germany international does end up officially putting pen to paper, Arsenal will need to move on to other targets.
Andrea Berta wants Lee Kang-in at Arsenal
According to a report from The Sun and journalist Simon Barlow, versatile £119,000-per-week PSG forward Lee Kang-in is attracting attention from Arsenal, and Berta specifically.
As per their information, Berta will push Arteta to approve an Arsenal swoop for Lee, coming after the 53-year-old attempted to sign him for Atletico during his time with the La Liga side.
Lee Kang-in for Paris Saint-Germain
Berta was apparently the driving force behind Atletico’s pursuit of the South Korea international when he was at Mallorca, only for him to choose a move to the Parc des Princes instead.
Lee has featured in a variety of attacking roles under Luis Enrique this term, predominantly on the right-wing, but also on the left, as an attacking midfielder, a centre-forward and even back in defence. This could be highly attractive from Arteta’s perspective, as he’s known to seriously value versatility in any new player.
PSG are also eager to sell the 24-year-old, as per this report, so a deal could be completed in quick fashion.
Over the last couple of years, Tottenham Hotspur have shifted their attention towards recruiting younger talents to provide quality down the line in North London.
Whilst such a decision has often been unpopular with the supporters, it is the right path to take to finally catapult the club towards Premier League glory in the coming years.
The lack of experience within the side could be partly to blame for their lowly league standing in 2024/25, leading to questions being asked around Ange Postecoglou’s future at the club.
However, the injury crisis has given numerous players the opportunity to thrive within the first-team squad, showcasing to the manager and supporters what they are capable of.
Two players in particular have excelled beyond all imagination in recent months, undoubtedly cementing their place within the senior setup beyond the end of the ongoing campaign.
Bergvall & Moore’s stats for Spurs in 2024/25
Midfielder Lucas Bergvall joined Spurs last summer from Swedish outfit Djurgarden, with many not knowing what to expect from the teenager – but it’s safe to say he’s impressed more than any supporter could’ve imagined.
The now 19-year-old has racked up 42 appearances across all competitions, registering four goal contributions along the way, with his only goal coming against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.
His rise is evident by the supporters’ decision to boo manager Postecoglou after substituting the youngster in the second half of their defeat against London rivals Chelsea earlier this month.
As for attacker Mikey Moore, he’s endured a stop-start season with his own injury issues, restricting him to just 16 appearances throughout the ongoing season.
However, in his outings, he’s still managed to make a positive impact, registering his first professional goal in the Europa League triumph over Elsborg back in January.
With the pair being just 19 and 17 respectively, they both have bags of time on their side to develop further, subsequently being joined in North London by a star who could be a bigger wonderkid than the duo.
The Spurs star who could be a bigger wonderkid than Bergvall & Moore
As a result of their investment in the next generation, there is a plethora of youth stars who could make the step-up to Ange’s side throughout 2025/26.
South Korean winger Min-Hyeok Yang is just one of the youngsters brought into the club over the last couple of years, moving to North London from Gangwon FC.
The teenager is currently spending the season on loan at Championship side Queens Park Rangers, notching two goals and one assist in his 12 league outings.
However, centre-back Luca Vuskovic is a player with huge potential to explode onto the scene upon his arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.
The 18-year-old agreed to move to Spurs back in September 2023 for a reported £12m from Hajduk Split before two loan spells at Radomiak Radom and Westerlo.
Tottenham Hotspur manager AngePostecogloubefore the match
He’s currently spending 2024/25 on loan from Split at the latter, starring in Belgium despite his tender age, but not just defensively, with his tally of goals truly sensational.
Vuskovic, who’s been labelled a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has notched seven goals in the Belgian Pro League – sitting as the club’s second-highest goalscorer.
The Lilywhites have been starved of success within the defensive third this campaign, with the young Croatian able to provide that next season, based upon the figures he’s achieved of late.
He’s won 65% of the tackles he’s entered, whilst also winning 4.1 aerial duels per 90, offering the presence in the air that Ange’s side have desperately lacked in recent months.
Luca Vuskovic’s stats on loan Westerlo in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
30
Goals & assists
8
Pass accuracy
85%
Dribble success
68%
Tackles won
65%
Aerials won
4.1
Recoveries made
5.7
Interceptions made
1
Stats via FotMob
Vuskovic’s success doesn’t stop there, making 5.7 recoveries per 90, whilst also making one interception per game, having the tools to slot straight into the club’s backline in 2025/26.
After such a successful spell ahead of his move to North London, it would be a huge mistake not to utilise him in the first team next year, saving the hierarchy millions in the process.
The prospect of the Croatian starring alongside Bergvall and Moore in the side over the next decade is certainly a scary one, with the club certainly setting themselves up for long-term success.
Their best LW since Son: Spurs plotting £70m move for "world-class" star
Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making moves ahead of the summer transfer window.
Liverpool are reportedly ready to seek inspiration from a familiar face if Premier League title-winning manager Arne Slot is relieved of his coaching duties at Anfield. With the Reds struggling for consistency in the 2025-26 campaign, and Mohamed Salah cutting a frustrated figure, Steven Gerrard is seeing a stunning return to Merseyside speculated on.
Klopp also being linked with Anfield return
Jurgen Klopp has already seen an emotional retracing of steps to Liverpool mooted, with the German having stepped down as Reds boss in the summer of 2024. He saw his successor, Dutch tactician Slot, deliver title glory during a memorable debut campaign.
The wheels have fallen off since then, though, with the Liverpool bandwagon not rolling as freely as it once was. A bright start to the current season saw a number of late goals recorded, with those efforts papering over some alarming cracks.
AdvertisementGetty/GOALPoints dropped & Salah strop: Why Slot is under pressure
The Reds have suffered six defeats through 15 top-flight fixtures this season, while also enduring humbling reversals in Champions League competition against Galatasaray and PSV. Two more points were dropped from a commanding position last time out during a dramatic 3-3 draw at Leeds.
After that contest, Egyptian superstar Salah – who has been named on the bench for Liverpool’s last three games and saw no minutes at Elland Road – came out and aimed a stunning blast at a club that he has represented with distinction across eight glittering years.
Salah has accused the Reds of throwing him under the bus during a difficult season, while admitting that his working relationship with Slot has broken down. Transfer talk is now raging again around the 250-goal icon who only signed a new two-year contract back in April.
Return of a legend: Gerrard considered as interim boss
All was happy in the Liverpool camp back then, but Slot and hisunderperforming players are now facing some uncomfortable questions. The man calling the shots has maintained that he boasts the full support of his board.
Slot has said when asked if he boasts backing there: “Yeah but not in the sense that they tell me every single minute ‘we support you’, ‘we support you’, ‘we support you’.” We talk a lot. If we are winning, last season, and if we are losing. And then they are helpful to me, to the team.
“So yeah, we do have those conversations, but they don’t call me in every single minute of the day to tell me that they still trust me. We do have the normal conversations and in those conversations I feel the trust.”
It remains to be seen whether the Liverpool hierarchy continue to support Slot or start to consider a change in the dugout. According to , some thought has been given to another fresh start.
It is claimed that “Steven Gerrard is under consideration to step in on an interim basis if Arne Slot is sacked”. If such a move were to happen, then a stunning homecoming would be taken in by the legendary former Reds captain.
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GettyGerrard career: Anfield icon & mixed managerial record
Merseyside native Gerrard took in 710 appearances for Liverpool in his playing days, scoring 186 goals while lifting Champions League and FA Cup honours. He is considered to be a GOAT by many at Anfield.
The 45-year-old would be available to step in if required by the Reds to take their reins on an interim basis through to the end of the 2025-26 season. That is because his own managerial career is currently on hold.
He started out in style when leading Rangers to Scottish Premiership title glory in 2020-21, but has since found the going tough at Premier League side Aston Villa and in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ettifaq.
Gerrard’s spell in the Middle East came to a close in January. He has returned to punditry duty since then, while turning down the chance to head back to Ibrox. Any opportunity to return to his roots would be much tougher to snub, with Liverpool still mulling over whether an SOS call needs to be sounded.