'Absolutely rapid' Wood pushes for first Test selection after injury scare

The fast bowler hit his stride in the Perth nets three days from the start of the Ashes

Vithushan Ehantharajah18-Nov-20257:21

Can Ollie Pope reward England’s faith?

Mark Wood’s chances of playing the first Test against Australia took a positive step forward on Tuesday with a 40-minute spell in the nets at Perth’s Optus Stadium, where the Ashes begins on Friday.Returning from a hamstring scare during the warm-up match against England Lions last week, Wood, left leg heavily strapped, watched on initially as England returned to training after a couple of days off. However, he was soon into meaningful work with the ball, with Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum taking a closer look at their prized asset from the standing umpire’s point-of-view.Related

England's Ashes squad have pace in abundance, but do they have the miles?

Scans clear Mark Wood of hamstring injury

Will this Ashes be the making of Bazball 2.0?

“He was absolutely rapid today, I can tell you that firsthand,” said Jamie Smith, who was one of the batters facing Wood. “He’s definitely one to avoid on the list. He’s near enough full tilt so it’s good signs for us.”England are expected to opt for an all-pace attack on a pitch regarded as one of the fastest in the world. They had their first look at the surface, which was watered yesterday, ahead of training.Wood is a key component of their plan, not just as the quickest in the touring party – and, perhaps, the circuit – but also as the only specialist bowler with previous Ashes tour experience. Wood was the standout quick during the 2021-22 series, taking 17 wickets at 26.64, with a number of batters he troubled still part of the current Australia side.Mark Wood steams in at training•Getty Images

Much will depend on how Wood pulls up on Wednesday, and whether he can get through another session later in the day. He has not played competitive cricket since February, spending the last nine months recovering from left knee surgery, having suffered a stress fracture of the right elbow in September 2024.Selecting Wood remains a risk, albeit one that will be cushioned among four other quicks, including Stokes, and with Jofra Archer able to provide further support on the express pace front. It is also a risk England are more than willing to take.The management were not overly worried when Wood left the field against the Lions with a tight hamstring after two four-over spells. The soft outfield at Lilac Hills contributed to that discomfort in what was Wood’s first bowl since England’s penultimate Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan, on February 26. And given the investment in Wood, which includes a three-year central contract with this Ashes in mind, there is a sense now is the time to cash in.Josh Tongue, the likely beneficiary if Wood is deemed unfit for selection, reiterated that sentiment: “It feels like if he’s good to go and the management feels he’s good to go, I don’t see why not.”

"Really great coach" in pole position to be named permanent Southampton manager

Southampton have found their feet again in the Championship and could now be drawing closer to securing a permanent replacement for Will Still.

Southampton look to enter hunt for promotion

Despite a rocky start to the campaign that saw Still relieved of his duties on the South Coast, Southampton have since bounced back under Tonda Eckert and have recorded four straight victories in the second-tier, placing them narrowly outside the playoff slots.

Ultimately, the 32-year-old is only in caretaker charge at the moment. Still, Taylor Harwood-Bellis is enjoying working under his tutelage and praised his attention to detail after Saints’ consecutive victories over Charlton Athletic and Leicester City.

He said via BBC Sport: “I think he (Eckert) has given us everything. The meetings are so detailed with what he wants. There is detail in there that you wouldn’t even think about when you’re on the pitch. That’s a big thing about Tonda, he wants to help you. Against Charlton, the goals we scored were walked through the day before.

“We knew there would be space on the break if we sat off a little bit deeper [against Leicester] and that happened. Obviously there are going to be bumps in the road, we know that. It’s not only going to be plain sailing, but it’s down to us to keep the level now.”

Several names have been mentioned in connection with the post, including former boss Russell Martin, who is available after an ill-fated spell with Rangers.

Either way, the search for a new boss is now seemingly coming to an end, and Southampton supporters may soon know the identity of the head coach tasked with leading the club forward at St Mary’s.

Southampton could appoint Tonda Eckert permanently

According to Football Insider, Eckert is in pole position to be appointed as Southampton’s permanent manager following his successful caretaker stint on the South Coast, and there is now a growing clamour from fans to see the 32-year-old remain on a full-time basis.

Now the clear favourite after guiding Saints to four league wins on the trot, the German is the leading candidate to land the role, even if several other managers have been identified as a long-term successor to Still.

Tonda Eckert in charge of Southampton

Will Still in charge of Southampton

Matches: 4

Matches: 16

Wins: 4

Wins: 4

Draws: 0

Draws: 6

Losses: 0

Losses: 6

Momentum is critical when it comes to influencing public opinion, and it appears that may have seeped into Sport Republic’s way of thinking as they look to map out a path to earning promotion after a rocky few months.

Labelled a “really great coach” by Caspar Jander, Eckert clearly retains the backing of his group and appears to have the trust of figures both inside and outside of the club to lead Saints into positive new beginnings following an acrimonious start to the season for all involved.

Not Mainoo: Amorim can replace Casemiro with "Pogba-esque" star at Man Utd

Casemiro wasn’t just on the brink at Manchester United, he looked to have gone over the cliff.

Who can forget that night at Selhurst Park in May 2024, with the Brazilian – albeit deployed in an unorthodox centre-back role – looking all at sea as Crystal Palace ran riot to romp to a 4-0 victory.

Jamie Carragher’s infamous “leave the football before the football leaves you” quotes appeared to hint that the end was nigh for the ageing midfielder, a fact only heightened amid the former Real Madrid man’s dismal start to the following campaign, having been hooked at the break following a disastrous 3-0 loss at home to Liverpool in September.

The arrival of Ruben Amorim, and the shift to a midfield pairing, looked like the final nail in the coffin for his Old Trafford career, with all eyes on the January window and a potential Saudi exit.

Fast forward almost 12 months, however, and the 33-year-old – as he was back in his debut campaign in Manchester – is the glue in this side again, with Saturday’s 2-2 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur outlining the stark drop off that occurs when the five-time Champions League winner is withdrawn.

Manuel Ugarte seemingly can’t cut it, while Kobbie Mainoo is being groomed as Bruno Fernandes’ successor, ensuring a long-term replacement for Casemiro still needs to be found.

Man Utd's record with & without Casemiro this season

It is telling – and rather frustrating – that even in a season of largely just one game a week for the Red Devils, Casemiro still appears unable to complete a full 90 minutes, having been substituted off in seven of his nine Premier League starts this term.

Indeed, the solitary 90 minutes that he has played came recently against Nottingham Forest, in which the £350k-per-week star opened the scoring, with the veteran destroyer far too often withdrawn in the closing stages.

Against Brighton, for instance, United were coasting at 3-0 when the one-time Porto man was replaced on the 70-minute mark, before the Seagulls swiftly staged a stirring comeback in his absence.

A similar scenario occurred last time out, with the away side’s 1-0 lead in north London quickly flipped on its head after Ugarte slotted in alongside Fernandes instead, rubber-stamping Casemiro’s status as arguably one of the most important players in Amorim’s lineup.

That importance is emphasised most notably by the fact of the 20 goals the Old Trafford side have conceded in all competitions this season – including the grim night at Grimsby – 15 of those came when the Brazil skipper wasn’t on the pitch.

Ugarte, a ball-winner and workman-like midfielder by trade, looked to be the perfect successor to his fellow South American upon arrival in Manchester, although now well into his second season, the 24-year-old remains a polarising figure, with Amorim reportedly telling the Uruguayan he no longer recognised the player he had previously coached at Sporting CP.

Hope remains that the aforementioned Mainoo could still thrive alongside Fernandes, rather than act as his deputy, although whether the young Englishman has the defensive nous remains to be seen, with United crumbling when the changes were made in that 4-2 thriller against Brighton.

Casemiro vs European midfielders

Stat

Rank

Non-penalty goals

Top 10%

Total shots

Top 15%

Assists

Top 34%

Pass completion

Top 29%

Progressive passes

Bottom 29%

Progressive carries

Top 35%

Successful take-ons

Bottom 1%

Touches (att pen)

Top 15%

Tackles

Top 1%

Interceptions

Bottom 47%

Aerials won

Top 5%

Clearances

Top 10%

Stats via FBref

With options limited beyond that in the midfield department, Amorim might have to get creative to find a perfect replacement for Casemiro moving forward.

Man Utd's wildcard Casemiro replacement

Ugarte – unused in the Europa League final – looks destined for an exit before too long. Mainoo, meanwhile, is facing his own uncertainty, having yet to start a Premier League game in 2025/26.

Neither has taken their chance when introduced off the bench, ensuring Amorim could look elsewhere to fill that midfield void, with a potential solution already in-house in the form of ex-Arsenal starlet, Ayden Heaven.

Still just 19, the England youth star has quietly impressed since his arrival from the capital back in January on a £1m deal, with only a cruel injury sustained against Leicester City cutting short his early progress in the first-team ranks.

A powerful, athletic presence, the 6 foot 2 teenager has thus far been deployed in a left-sided centre-back role under Amorim, albeit with his hopes of game time having been hampered this term by the form of Luke Shaw in that starting berth.

With Lisandro Martinez also nearing a return from injury, Heaven could then be nudged into third choice, with a player of his talent and potential arguably far too good to simply be pushed into the periphery.

That is why shifting the Hale End graduate back into midfield could be the answer, with the rangy left-footer having largely featured as a number six or number eight in the Gunners youth ranks in the past.

In the view of respected analyst Ben Mattinson – now a scout for Serie A side Como – the Islington-born sensation “is a midfielder, not a centre-back”, highlighting “his ability to receive the ball under pressure”.

So calm and composed during his early United outings thus far, Heaven has that ability to drive forward from deep with the ball at his feet with ease, with comparisons to a certain Paul Pogba having previously been made by his grassroots football coach Terry Bobie:

The type of player who can dominate a midfield, like Pogba, it would certainly be worth giving Heaven a chance to shine in a more advanced role, having largely passed every test so far in a United shirt.

Indeed, his solitary Europa League start against Real Sociedad saw him win 100% of his duels, while not being dribbled past once, as per Sofascore, producing a performance that simply belied his youth.

With the physical prowess that United appear to be in need of in the absence of Casemiro, the £1m man might just be a bargain solution to Amorim’s longstanding midfield problem.

Man Utd teen who was "beating Yamal" could now replace Amad during AFCON

Man Utd will lose Amad, Mbeumo and Mazraoui just before Christmas due to their AFCON commitments.

1

By
Joe Nuttall

Nov 12, 2025

Yankees Release Statement Banning Fans Who Interfered With Mookie Betts in Game 4

The New York Yankees fans who interfered with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during Game 4 of the World Series have officially been banned from Yankee Stadium.

On Wednesday, the Yankees issued a statement announcing the two fans, identified as Austin Capobianco and John Peter, will not be allowed to attend Game 5 despite having tickets.

The incident came as Betts jumped at the wall in foul territory to catch a popup hit by Gleyber Torres. Capobianco grabbed Betts's glove and pried the ball out with both hands. Peter also grabbed Betts. The All-Star outfielder was furious and Torres was immediately ruled out by right-field umpire Mark Carlson.

The Yankees' statement reads, in part:

"Last night two fans were ejected form Yankee Stadium for egregious and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts. The safety and security of players, fans and Stadium staff is the foundational element of every even held at Yankee Stadium, and it cannot be compromised.

"Tonight marks the final home game of (the) year, and we want every ounce of our fans' passion on display. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, however the exuberance of supporting one's team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.

"The Yankees and Major League Baseball maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior displayed last night. These fans will not be permitted to attend tonight's game in any capacity."

Capobianco is a season ticket holder and was planning to attend Game 5. He and Peter now will not be allowed to attend. There is no word if they are banned for future games after the World Series.

Sixy Hetmyer, all-round Motie seal Guyana Amazon Warriors' final spot

Shimron Hetmyer went 6, 6, 6, 6, 2, 6 off Fabian Allen to pump life into Guyana Amazon Warriors’ (GAW) chase of 126 against Hobart Hurricanes (HH), as Amazon Warriors warmed up for the GSL final by beating Hurricanes by four wickets. From 43 for 3 after nine overs in pursuit of 126, Amazon Warriors won with more than three overs to spare as Hetmyer crashed 39 off just ten balls – including another six, off Usama Mir.But the win was set up by Gudakesh Motie’s economical spell of 3 for 9, and Moeen Ali’s twin strikes in the second over of the Hurricanes innings, after they elected to bat first. Moeen got Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Jake Doran within three deliveries to reduce Hurricanes to 14 for 2.Dwaine Pretorius then bowled Ben McDermott for 21 off nine balls to make it 28 for 3 in the third over, which had begun with McDermott smashing Pretorius for three boundaries in a row. Despite the three early wickets, though, Hobart didn’t take a step back. Nikhil Chaudhary and Macalister Wright added 29 runs in the second half of the powerplay, including three fours and a six.But Amazon Warriors introduced Motie in the seventh over, and there was a turnaround. Motie had Chaudhary stumped first ball for 21, and trapped Wright in front for 16 off his fourth ball. What was 65 for 3 became 77 for 6 when Imran Tahir cleaned Odean Smith up. Mohammad Nabi and Allen staged another brief recovery with a 35-run stand, but Tahir and Motie cleaned the tail up to bowl Hurricanes out for 125.In reply, Amazon Warriors had their share of worries as well. They were 29 for 2 after seven overs, as Nabi, Billy Stanlake, Chaudhary and Usama Mir kept a lid on the scoring. Stanlake had bowled Johnson Charles for 8 in the first over while Nabi got Rahmanullah Gurbaz lbw for 7 in the fourth.Moeen, who had walked in at No. 4, was struggling to get going, with only eight runs coming off his first 17 deliveries. But he ended the eighth over by swinging Nabi for a six. Next over, Mir got Evin Lewis for 7, and with GAW three down and stuck at 43 in nine overs, it looked like HH would give tough competition despite a small total to defend.But Hetmyer’s six-laden cameo provided a dramatic twist. Although Stanlake had Sherfane Rutherford caught for 3 after Hetmyer fell to Mir, Motie’s 19 off 13 balls and Moeen’s patient 30* from 36 deliveries took Amazon Warriors home.

Tottenham now expected to submit £25m+ offer for "special" Brazilian forward

Tottenham Hotspur are now expected to submit an opening offer for a “special” forward, having sent scouts to watch him in action over the weekend.

Spurs looking to sign new forward after disappointing draw

Thomas Frank has made a solid start to life as Tottenham boss, but there have been a couple of worrying results, having lost 1-0 at home to AFC Bournemouth at the end of August, and they came close to suffering another loss on Saturday afternoon.

Heading into the game, Wolverhampton Wanderers were the only side yet to pick up a point in the Premier League, but they very nearly took all three against Spurs, with a late Joao Palhinha goal salvaging a draw for the hosts.

It was a game devoid of many real chances, with Frank’s side recording an xG of just 0.91, which is arguably a worrying sign in a match against a struggling side, and the Lilywhites have now entered the mark to sign a new forward.

That is according to a report from Brazil (via Sport Witness), which states Tottenham are expected to make an opening bid in the region of £25.7m for Vasco da Gama forward Rayan, having sent scouts to watch him in action at the weekend.

Zenit St Petersburg are also keen on the 19-year-old, and the Russian side have already submitted an offer of their own, so Spurs may need to move swiftly to ensure they win the race for his signature.

The teenager is described as a 1v1 winger, who is capable of playing on both wings, which suggests he could be a viable alternative for Savinho, who is now set to extend his Manchester City contract until 2031.

Thomas Frank hails 2 more Tottenham stars alongside Palhinha after Wolves draw

The Spurs boss called it “huge”.

By
Charlie Smith

Sep 28, 2025

"Special" Rayan could be future star

Lauded as “special” by Vasco da Gama manager Fernando Diniz, the starlet has already established himself as an important player for the Brazilian side, making 83 appearances in all competitions, during which time he’s picked up 15 goals and two assists.

Diniz isn’t the youngster’s only admirer either, with scout Ben Mattinson praising the Brazilian for his finishing ability a little over a year ago.

After missing out on Savinho, Tottenham were unable to bring in another out-and-out winger during the summer transfer window, so it would make sense to explore a move for an alternative option this January.

It would be a risk to sign Rayan, given that he is unproven outside Brazil, but the Rio de Janeiro-born forward clearly has a lot of potential, and a fee in the region of £25m could end up being a bargain in the long run.

Palmeiras se torna o clube com mais vitórias na história do Brasileirão

MatériaMais Notícias

A vitória do Palmeiras por 2 a 0 sobre o Cuiabá neste último sábado (19) teve um gostinho mais do que especial. O triunfo do time de Abel Ferreira sobre a equipe de Deyverson fez com que o Verdão alcançasse o topo da lista de clubes com o maior número de vitórias na história do Brasileirão.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasRichard Ríos comemora golaço marcado na vitória do Palmeiras contra o Cuiabá: ‘Fui honrado’Palmeiras19/08/2023PalmeirasOLHAR DO PORCO: Vitória maiúscula e sem sustos do Palmeiras em CuiabáPalmeiras19/08/2023PalmeirasVÍDEO: Gols e melhores momentos de Cuiabá x PalmeirasPalmeiras19/08/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Maior campeão nacional, com 11 títulos brasileiros, o Verdão chegou na sua vitória de número 697, igualando o São Paulo. 

Nas últimas dez edições do Brasileirão, o Palmeiras também é o clube que mais pontua: 632 pontos desde 2014 contra 626 do Flamengo e 591 do Atlético-MG. 

Atual campeão brasileiro, o Verdão tem números incríveis na maior competição de futebol do nosso país, como colecionar apenas quatro derrotas nos últimos 43 jogos que fez pela competição.

continua após a publicidade

Como visitante o Palmeiras tem uma marca ainda mais impressionante, com apenas três derrotas nos últimos 32 jogos de Brasileirão.

+ Raphael Veiga é o único convocado do Palmeiras para Seleção Brasileira em primeira lista da era Diniz

O próximo compromisso do Palmeiras no Brasileiro será diante do Vasco, no próximo domingo (27), no Allianz Parque.

‘I went through the same’ – Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca shows solidarity with Liverpool following Diogo Jota tragedy and opens up on personal anguish after death of team-mate 18 years ago

The Blues boss has spoken of his admiration for Liverpool players and fans for their reaction to the shock events which took the life of Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car crash in Portugal this summer. Maresca revealed details of the disaster which saw his Sevilla team-mate Antonio Puerta die following a heart attack.

Maresca reaches out to Liverpool

Chelsea boss Maresca has shared intimate details of the tragedy he experienced while playing for Sevilla and expressed the sympathy he felt for Liverpool players and supporters and the family of Jota, who died in a road accident this summer. Maresca's team-mate Antonio Puerta collapsed on the pitch and subsequently died following a heart attack after complications from a hereditary condition in 2007. Chelsea face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportJota tragedy which rocked Liverpool

Jota, the Liverpool forward and Portugal international, tragically died in a car crash alongside his brother in July. The accident occurred in the Spanish province of Zamora as they were traveling to Santander to catch a ferry back to the UK. Jota had recently undergone minor lung surgery and was advised by doctors not to fly. The Spanish Civil Guard reported that the car, a Lamborghini, left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle and then caught fire, both Jota and Silva died at the scene. Jota was 28 years old at the time, having married his childhood sweetheart and mother of his three children, Rute Cardoso, just 11 days prior.

Tragedy struck Maresca at Sevilla

Puerta’s death at the age of 22 shocked the football world in August 2007. Puerta collapsed on the field during a LaLiga match against Getafe and, after receiving initial treatment and walking off the pitch, he collapsed again in the dressing room and was rushed to hospital. Despite efforts to save him, Puerta died three days later on August 28th and the cause of death was attributed to multiple organ failure and irreversible brain damage resulting from prolonged cardiac arrests caused by an incurable, hereditary heart condition known as arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. His death prompted calls for mandatory cardiac screenings in professional sports worldwide. Puerta was a product of Sevilla's youth academy and is best-remembered for scoring the winning goal against Schalke 04 in the 2006 UEFA Cup semi-final, paving the way for Sevilla's first-ever European final.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPMaresca shares support for Liverpool

Speaking ahead of the clash between Chelsea and Liverpool, Maresca said: "I don't think it's better to play them now just because they've dropped points. It's always a tough game. The way they're doing this season is fantastic, especially after the Jota tragedy. I went through exactly the same when I was a player 20 years ago, it's not easy for the players, it's not easy for the club or the manager. When you arrive at the training ground and see every day that place empty. You have to be very strong. This is the reason why for me they're doing better than good because they are trying to deal with a problem that is not easy."

New Tielemans: Aston Villa due to submit bid for "relentless" £34m star

Aston Villa have had a fairly quiet summer transfer window, signing just one prominent first-team player, Evann Guessand from Nice, who cost around £30m.

They have sold a few players, too, with Jacob Ramsey being the notable exit. The boyhood Villa star moved up north to join Newcastle United.

They were recently on the cusp of losing another midfielder, one of Unai Emery’s key men in the centre of the park. Belgian star Youri Tielemans had interest from Saudi side Al-Ittihad, according to reports, but turned down the offer to remain at Villa Park.

Youri Tielemans

With the transfer window set to slam shut on Monday, Villa could now turn their attention to incomings, as they look to strengthen Emery’s squad.

Aston Villa's transfer plans in the final days

It will be interesting to see what business the Villans do as the end of the transfer window approaches.

Emery’s side seem to want a new midfielder, with Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United one player who they’re showing interest in signing.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

They are said to have joined the race to sign another midfielder with Premier League experience, too.

That’s according to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, who suggest that the West Midlands side are said to be interested in signing Atletico Madrid and England midfielder Conor Gallagher.

They are thought to have ‘money in the bag’ this summer, and could well send an offer to Diego Simeone’s side ‘in the coming hours’.

However, they will face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, with the Hammers also showing interest. As for the price, Gallagher could be available for around £34m this summer.

Why Gallagher would be a good signing

Gallagher is a player who has reams of Premier League experience and would have no trouble slotting into the midfield at Villa Park, in that sense.

He has impressed in the Spanish capital for Simone’s side, where his “relentless” nature, as Statman Dave put it, has served him well.

Sevilla's Juanlu Sanchez in action against Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher.

Last term, the 25-year-old, who was born in Epsom, played 50 times for the La Liga giants, mainly operating as a number eight, but also playing as a left midfielder.

He bagged four goals, including one against rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League, and assisted six.

But it is that English top-flight experience which might make him such an appealing option for Emery and Villa.

Gallagher has played 136 times in the Premier League for Chelsea, Palace and West Brom, having loan spells at the latter two. He has 31 goal involvements to his name.

It could well be the case that, if Villa do sign Gallagher this summer, he could become Emery’s new Tielemans.

Of course, it seems like the Belgian will remain at Villa Park this summer, which is key for the club given his importance in Claret and Blue.

Last season, the former Anderlecht star played 50 times, with 36 of those coming in the Premier League and 12 in the Champions League.

He chipped in with five goals and ten assists, often operating as a deep-lying playmaker sitting in front of the back four, but also playing further forward.

Indeed, there are comparisons which can be made between the two players. Gallagher is also a versatile option in midfield, as he showed for Chelsea. The Cobham graduate featured as a number six, a number eight and in attacking midfield for his boyhood club.

There are also similar underlying statistics when looking at numbers from 2022/23, when Tielemans was at Leicester City and Gallagher was plying his trade at Stamford Bridge.

The England international’s impressive passing range was on show, given that he averaged 5.83 progressive passes per 90 minutes, compared to Tielemans’ tally of 6.96 each game.

Gallagher vs Tielemans – 22/23 PL

Stat (per 90)

Gallagher

Tielemans

Progressive passes

5.83

6.96

Key passes

1.17

1.15

Progressive carries

2.22

1.35

Tackles and interceptions

3.83

3.62

Ball recoveries

5.17

7.5

Stats from FBref

Emery would surely love to have another version of Tielemans in midfield. Gallagher offers ball progression and threat in the opposition box, as well as tenacity off the ball. Between them, the duo could be a deadly midfield pivot.

A fee of £52m is a huge investment at this stage of the window, but might be a smart move for Villa if they are looking to improve their midfield options.

The next Duran: Aston Villa "very keen" to sign "unstoppable" £35m star

Unai Emery could be about to finally replace Jhon Duran at Aston Villa by securing a last-gasp deal…

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 28, 2025

فان باستن: سلوت يحتاج إلى تعليم لاعب ليفربول شيئًا ما

يرى النجم الهولندي، ماركو فان باستن، أن المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، آرني سلوت، عليه أن يتحدث مع أحد لاعبي النادي الإنجليزي من أجل تحسين دوره في ملعب “الأنفيلد”.

ويعاني ليفربول مؤخرًا من سوء النتائج حيث خسر في 3 مباريات متتالية في مختلف المسابقات، بواقع مباراتين في الدوري الإنجليزي ضد كريستال بالاس وتشيلسي، ولقاء في دوري أبطال أوروبا أمام جالطة سراي.

ويرى فان باستن أن لاعب فريق ليفربول، فيرجيل فان دايك، لا يؤدي دوره جيدًا كقائد لحامل لقب الدوري الإنجليزي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بول باركر قبل مباراة ليفربول: محمد صلاح سيستفيد من كسل لاعب مانشستر يونايتد

وقال فان باستن، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “rousingthekop” الإنجليزية: “أعتقد أن فان دايك يحتاج إلى أن يكون قائدًا، عليه أن يكون قدوة حسنة وأن يكون القوة الدافعة”.

وأضاف: “أفتقد ذلك فيه، أجد عقليته هادئة، إنه لاعب رائع وربما أفضل مدافع لدينا في العالم، يجيد التعامل مع الكرة برأسه، كما أنه سريع وطويل القامة، ويتمتع برؤية شاملة”.

وواصل: “لكنه ليس القائد الذي يقود الفريق للأمام، وهذا سيفيد الفريق بالفعل، أتمنى أن يُعلمه آرني سلوت شيئًا ما”.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus