Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow with the news that Alisson is expected to be ruled out until the November international break through injury. The Brazilian was forced off early in the second half of Liverpool's 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray on Tuesday night after suffering a hamstring problem at RAMS Park, with Giorgi Mamardashvili in line to deputise.
AFPAlisson's injury a blow for Liverpool
The 33-year-old suffered the injury early in the second half of Liverpool's Champions League defeat to Galatasaray on Tuesday night. After running back to save a Victor Osimhen effort, Alisson immediately signalled to the bench that he couldn't carry on.
Giorgi Mamardashvili came on to replace Alisson and is expected to keep his spot between the Reds sticks for the foreseeable future. The Georgian recently made his first appearance for Liverpool in last week's 2-1 EFL Cup win over Southampton.
AdvertisementWhat games will Alisson miss?
While an official announcement is yet to be made by Liverpool boss Arne Slot on the severity of the hamstring injury, Alisson was sent for a scan on Thursday to determine the full prognosis of the problem. However, it's expected that Alisson will miss key meetings with Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Slot didn't give too much away in his post-match press conference on Tuesday, though he did confirm that Alisson would miss Saturday's game against Chelsea, saying: "If one of our players is on the floor nine times out of 10 I fear the worst and with the worst I mean he cannot continue and that is what happened with Alisson. He will not be able to play Saturday that is 99.9 per cent (certain), although I think it is 100 per cent."
AFPMamardashvili ready to step up
Mamardashvili is now expected to make his Premier League debut at Chelsea on Saturday having made his first start of the season last week before he replaced Alisson in the 56th minute in Istanbul in the Champions League.
While he had little to do against Galatasaray, Mamardashvili has been key for the Georgia national team, keeping a clean sheet in their recent 3-0 win over Bulgaria to boost his nation's World Cup chances.
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Goalkeeper injury a blow for Brazil
Alisson's hamstring injury isn't just a blow for his club, but country too. While Brazil have already secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup, albeit in disappointing fashion as they faltered in qualifying, they take on South Korea and Japan in the October international break.
As such, Alisson wasn't called up by head coach Carlo Ancelotti, with Ederson, Bento and Hugo Souza the Italian's goalkeeper options for the looming international friendlies.
Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz and Liverpool controlled the noise from the summer transfer window on Merseyside, but David Moyes’ Everton have quietly assembled a team more capable of competing on higher ground than in recent years.
Whether the Toffees will make it a successful one is, of course, anyone’s guess, but the signs certainly suggest that improvements have been made under Moyes’ wing.
But then, what to define as success? Everton sit sixth in the Premier League after four games, two wins tallied and three games unbeaten. The Farhad Moshiri era fizzled out rather quickly, and staving off the threat of relegation was the aim.
But now, Everton want more, and understandably so. There have been some good signings in recent years, but maybe this current crop feel a little different.
Everton's best signings of recent years
Everton’s men’s side bid farewell to Goodison Park at the end of the 2024/25 season, but the change afoot was to be more than just the scenery.
A host of first-teamers left at the end of their contracts, and many needed to be shipped out if Everton wished to segue into a new, finer form.
Abdoulaye Doucoure was among those to leave at the end of their contracts, but the Malian midfielder’s departure was a more poignant one than most. 32 years old, he was still an industrious and effective part of the team, but he was also the highest earner on the books, taking home £130k per week.
His departure was necessary, especially with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Charly Alcaraz added to the central midfield ranks, the latter permanently.
The three years after Doucoure’s £20m move from Watford to Everton in 2020 were sparse in regard to jackpot signings, although Dwight McNeil has been a fantastic player when fit, and Amadou Onana did well before being turned for a healthy profit when sold to Aston Villa for £50m in July 2024.
It was one year ago, though, that Everton signed Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille for £15m. The Senegalese winger is among the most electric to play in England, and he has been described as being capable of “magic” moments by Sky Sports commentator Seb Hutchinson.
His ten-goal return in 2024/25 was eclipsed by no Toffees member, and he was the cream of the crop.
Perhaps he’s not anymore. At no disrespect to the fleet-footed winger, Jack Grealish has arrived at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and looks eager to step up as the club’s talisman this term.
Moyes has hit the jackpot on Jack Grealish
This summer, Everton handed Grealish a lifeline. The England international was a Three Lion no more, kept from duty for his country across Thomas Tuchel’s first three camps. Sir Gareth Southgate opted against picking the Manchester City man for the 2024 Euros.
In fairness, Grealish had fallen from grace under Pep Guardiola’s wing. Joining the Premier League giants for a British record £110m fee in 2021, Aston Villa’s beloved maverick never quite captured the same effortless flair that defined his time at Villa Park, even if he has decorated his cabinet with a wealth of silverware.
It was time for a change, and Moyes offered him a platform to reinvent himself this summer, signing the 30-year-old on loan in August.
Grealish has been in fine fettle since joining, posting four assists from as many games and winning the Premier League Player of the Month award for August.
Matches (starts)
20 (7)
4 (3)
Goals
1
0
Assists
1
4
Touches*
28.5
48.3
Accurate passes*
18.8 (91%)
24.8 (88%)
Big chances created
2
3
Key passes*
1.2
2.8
Dribbles*
0.7
2.0
Ball recoveries*
1.3
4.5
Tackles*
0.5
1.8
Duels (won)*
2.4 (55%)
6.8 (54%)
While the data pool is shallow at this stage of the season, Grealish is already demonstrating an ability beyond what was seen across his last two years at the Etihad Stadium, more confident and creative.
He’s already shaping into the Merseysiders’ attacking talisman, especially given the profligacy of the centre-forwards, and with that in mind, maybe Grealish could prove to be Everton’s own version of the aforementioned Isak, who joined Liverpool in a British record £125m move on transfer deadline day.
Isak, 25, has established himself as one of the best strikers in the world over his three terms on Tyneside, with pundit Alan Shearer even hailing him as “world-class” last season, scoring against Liverpool at Wembley to win the Carabao Cup, and hurling constant daggers into the net to propel Newcastle back into the Champions League.
There’s no question that he was the attacking leader for the Toon, and he will be for Liverpool too, especially as the 33-year-old Mohamed Salah approaches the autumn of his career in England.
Grealish is not a striker, and he’s never been a particularly reliable goalscorer, but he could be Everton’s new hero in a different way, inspiring and galvanising and making things happen in a way that none of his peers, even Ndiaye, can match.
Both Ndiaye and Grealish are players who stand out as among Everton’s finest signings in many years. It’s not a particularly high bar, but there are many teams across the Premier League and across Europe who would jump at the chance to welcome such stars to their ranks.
Who knows if Everton will turn Grealish’s loan spell into a permanent deal? The opening weeks of the campaign suggest that it should be so. Last term, Theo Walcott remarked that he is a player of “incredible talent”, but that his spark had been “coached out of him”. Moyes is instilling that joy and wonder once more.
The playmaker’s wage demands would need redress: the attacking midfielder cannot take permanent residence in Moyes’ squad without agreeing to a pay cut.
But if some agreement could be engineered, Everton would land themselves one of the most talented players in the Premier League, a player who has already shown himself capable of standing out in a rising team and with a smile on his face too.
Just like Isak over at Anfield, Grealish has the chance to be a superstar in a new setting, and TFG must ensure they get his signature scribbled in permanent ink.
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Tons to Jimmy Peirson and Jack Wildermuth against top side South Australia have revived Queensland’s hopes of making the Sheffield Shield final
AAP and ESPNCricinfo staff17-Mar-2025Centuries to Jimmy Peirson and Jack Wildermuth have given Queensland a strengthening pulse as they aim to return to Adelaide for the Sheffield Shield final.Looking shot at stumps on day two, Queensland have batted themselves back into the complicated equation that will decide who plays top side South Australia in the final.By reaching 330 inside 100 overs in their first innings on Monday, Queensland picked up vital batting bonus points against SA at Karen Rolton Oval.Assuming their match ends on Tuesday with a tame draw, Queensland will return to play SA in the final at the same venue – provided neither New South Wales somehow beat Tasmania or Western Australia produces a miracle chase against Victoria.Queensland started the last round in second place, but SA’s imposing 614 for 7 declared set the agenda and then the visitors crashed to 110 for 5 by the end of day two.Peirson combined with Michael Neser, who made a vital 68, to stop the rot in Monday’s morning session, putting on 109 for the sixth wicket.Then Wildermuth cut loose, belting 104 from only 90 balls, with 11 fours and three sixes, as he and Peirson racked up 151 in their seventh-wicket stand.Most importantly, Peirson and Wildermuth took the score to 356 after 100 overs to secure 1.56 batting bonus points, which made up for only securing 0.4 bowling bonus points in the first innings.Wildermuth and then Peirson were dismissed after their jobs done. Peirson played an outstanding knock, top-scoring with 128 in 281 balls with nine fours and a six.Queensland were dismissed for 370 and predictably, South Australia batted again given a result is unlikely.Nathan McAndrew, who ripped through Queensland’s top order, Henry Thornton and Lloyd Pope took three wickets apiece.Neser was rested for the remainder of Monday’s play, clearly with an eye to the final, as Queensland nervously monitored scores from the WACA and Bellerive.SA reached 66 for 2 at stumps in their second innings, with Jason Sangha (24) and Nathan McSweeney (eight) looking for pre-final batting practice on the final day.
The biggest story of the transfer window was undoubtedly Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool, but West Ham United had their own saga going on.
For a moment in time, it looked like Lucas Paqueta might have been leaving the club, with Aston Villa reportedly keen to sign him.
However, to the delight of the fans, the Brazilian maestro made it abundantly clear in his celebration against Nottingham Forest that he had no intention of leaving.
The former Lyon ace has been a brilliant player for the Hammers, although they did once come close to signing an upgrade who is now worth more than Isak.
Paqueta's West Ham career
It would be fair to say that since joining the club for around £51m in the summer of 2022, Paqueta hasn’t always had the easiest time of it at West Ham.
However, when you discount the off-pitch issues, it’s impossible to deny that he’s been more than worth the investment the Hammers initially made in him.
For example, despite playing under several different managers and in various systems, the 28-year-old has amassed an impressive tally of 21 goals and 14 assists in 124 games.
That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.54 games, and, crucially, he produced five goal involvements in the club’s historic Conference League winning campaign.
In all, Paqueta remains one of the most talented players in West Ham’s squad, and someone who could make all the difference for them in what could still be a tough season.
Lucas Paqueta in action for West Ham.
Yet, things could have been very different, as just a couple of years ago, the club came close to signing someone who would have been a significant upgrade, someone now worth more than Isak.
The Paqueta upgrade West Ham almost signed
All clubs have their own list of star players they’ve missed out on over the years, and West Ham is obviously no different.
One that got away
The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast’s One That Got Away series.
However, there are some players who are worse to miss out on than others, and that is certainly the case for Cole Palmer.
Yes, according to David Moyes, the Hammers were very “close” to getting the former Manchester City gem before his move to Chelsea, but the deal broke down, in part because Paqueta’s potential move to City fell apart.
It would have been an utterly sensational signing for the East Londoners, for good as the Brazilian is, the Englishman would be an upgrade.
For example, since moving to Stamford Bridge, the “world-class” superstar, as dubbed by Pat Nevin, has scored 43 goals and provided 29 assists in 98 appearances, totalling 7950 minutes.
Appearances
98
124
Minutes
7950′
9340′
Goals
43
21
Assists
29
14
Goal Involvements per Match
0.73
0.28
Minutes per Goal Involvement
110.41′
266.85′
That means he’s averaged a goal involvement every 1.36 games, or every 110.41 minutes, with the West Londoners, which is an outrageous rate of return.
Unsurprisingly, his out-of-this-world ability has seen his valuation skyrocket over the last couple of years, and according to the CIES Football Observatory, he is now worth up to 164m, which is about £142m, or £18m more than Liverpool paid for Isak.
Ultimately, there is no point crying over spilt milk, but we can’t help but think West Ham would be in a better position today had they secured a deal for Palmer two years ago.
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Aniket Verma, 23, is all of three T20s old. On Sunday, he showed why Sunrisers Hyderabad have so much faith in him. While his team collapsed for the second time in two games in IPL 2025, with their hard-hitting approach not coming off, Aniket’s incredible 41-ball 74 lifted them to 163 after Mitchell Starc’s three-wicket burst in the powerplay derailed them.Aniket hit five fours and six sixes in his innings, twinning with Heinrich Klaasen during the course of a 77-run stand off just 40 balls, after SRH were in tatters at 37 for 4 in the fifth over.After Abhishek Sharma was run out in the first over, guilty of strolling through for a single he was late to respond to, Starc had Ishan Kishan slash to deep third, local boy Nitish Reddy heave an off-cutter to mid-on, and Travis Head ramp a short ball to KL Rahul, who had the gloves in his first game for Delhi Capitals, his new franchise.Head’s wicket was timely; he began with two back-to-back fours off Starc – driving imperiously through the line first and then drilling him down the ground. Starc responded by targeting his rib cage from around the stumps. Eventually, Starc, who was given a third straight over, had his man.Aniket began with dollops of luck. In the fourth over, he survived a run-out chance when Tristan Stubbs missed a direct hit at the striker’s end with the batter having given up. In the sixth, Aniket’s leading edge off Axar Patel was put down by Abishek Porel running back from extra cover.Aniket took full toll and hit Axar for back-to-back sixes in his second over to get going. At the other end, Klaasen’s clarity and picking of lengths led to more runs bleeding. He first whipped Starc for six, and when the bowler corrected his length, he slapped it through the off side for a boundary.Klaasen looked set when he was deceived by Mohit Sharma’s change of pace and length as he sliced a catch to Vipraj Nigam, who took it sensationally after circling back from point to leave SRH 114 for 5 in 10.5 overs. The slide from there on was quick as Kuldeep Yadav got among the wickets and finished with 3 for 22.After Pat Cummins was been dismissed, Aniket threatened a jailbreak as he tore into Axar for a sequence of 4, 6, 6 before he was out courtesy of Jake Fraser-McGurk’s athleticism at deep midwicket. If that was a stunner, Axar throwing himself full stretch to his left to intercept a rocket hit off Harshal Patel at mid-off matched that as SRH were bundled out inside 20 overs with Starc finishing with five wickets.
There is no hiding away from the fact that Glasgow Rangers have had a horrendous start to the 2025/26 campaign, domestically and in Europe, under Russell Martin.
The Light Blues swooped to appoint the former Scotland international, who had been out of work since being sacked by Southampton last season, but he has failed to win the supporters over yet.
It has been the worst start for the club in the Scottish Premiership in 47 years, with four draws and one loss in five games, after the 2-0 loss to Hearts on Saturday.
Lawrence Shankland, who was a reported target for Rangers last year, scored both of the goals for the Jam Tarts, as the Light Blues failed to offer a threat of their own at the other end of the pitch.
The Ibrox giants made 14 additions to their first-team squad during the summer transfer window, which means that there does need to be a degree of patience with some individuals as they get up to speed in a difficult environment, created by the team’s performances.
Rangers have seen it plenty of times in recent years when a player has a slow start to life at Ibrox before exploding into life. Malik Tillman is one notable example of that.
Rangers hit the jackpot with Malik Tillman
The Light Blues swooped to sign the USA international from German giants Bayern Munich on a season-long loan in the summer of 2022 to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.
At the time of the announcement, Giovanni van Bronckhorst said: “He is an exciting young talent who will further add to our attacking options and myself and the coaching staff are looking forward to working with him.”
The Dutch head coach made it clear that he was a ‘young talent’ whom the coaching staff would work with, which is why it was not a surprise when he had a fairly slow start to life at Ibrox.
Tillman managed two goals and one assist in his first 12 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues, as he struggled for consistency early on in his Glasgow career, per Sofascore.
However, the German-born star went on to end the campaign with 12 goals and five assists in 43 outings for the Scottish giants, which shows that he improved his output at the top end of the pitch as the season went on.
22/23 SPFL
Tillman
Percentile rank vs AMs
xG
6.35
Top 9%
xG on target
6.59
Top 8%
Goals
10
Top 6%
xA
4.60
Top 15%
Assists
4
Top 33%
Chances created
46
Top 9%
Successful dribbles
43
Top 9%
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, Tillman ended up being one of the most impressive attacking midfielders in the Premiership in the 2022/23 campaign, as he ranked highly as a scorer, a creator, and as a dribbler.
This shows that the Gers hit the jackpot with the USMNT talent because they were willing to be patient with him as a loan player, which is something to keep in mind when judging the current squad.
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Whilst you may jump to Thelo Aasgaard as a direct comparison to Tillman, given that he is also an attacking midfielder and has failed to deliver a goal or an assist in his first three outings in the Premiership.
However, Martin is brewing the club’s next version of Tillman at Ibrox in a different underperforming Light Blues attacking signing – Mikey Moore.
Why Mikey Moore is the next Malik Tillman for Rangers
Unlike Aasgaard, Moore is similar to the former Rangers star in the sense that he is also a loan player from a big European club, Tottenham Hotspur instead of Bayern Munich, and is a young and inexperienced player.
Whereas Aasgaard is 23 and played 163 first-team matches for Wigan, as well as 17 for Luton Town, before his permanent move to Ibrox during the summer transfer window.
Moore arrived in Glasgow this summer with just three league starts in first-team football under his belt during his time with Spurs, as this is his first loan move away from the Europa League champions.
This is why it should not be a surprise to anyone that the 18-year-old talent has had a slow start at Rangers, despite his claim that he would like to be one of the best players in the world.
Moore has delivered no goals and one assist in five appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues so far this season, per Transfermarkt, assisting Nedim Bajrami for the opener in the 4-2 win over Alloa Athletic in the League Cup.
All of the teenage talent’s appearances for the Light Blues so far this season have come on the left wing, per Transfermarkt, but his career statistics suggest that he should be used more centrally.
Mikey Moore’s career (U18, U21, and first-team)
Position (appearances)
Goals
Assists
Left wing (18)
4
6
Attacking midfield (8)
6
4
Centre-forward (7)
11
4
Right wing (6)
1
0
Left midfield (3)
0
1
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Moore has scored 17 goals and delivered eight assists in 15 outings as an attacking midfielder or striker, compared to five goals and seven assists in 27 games as a winger, on the right and left combined.
These statistics suggest that the English whiz, who was described as “fearless” by teammate James Maddison, would be far more effective for the Gers if Martin utilised him as an attacking midfielder or perhaps as a second striker behind Bojan Miovski or Youssef Chermiti.
Moore has looked a little lost on the left wing in the Premiership, completing 17% of his attempted dribbles this season per Sofascore, and playing him centrally could help to simplify his game and allow him to concentrate on making an impact in the box, rather than trying to beat three or four players with the ball.
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Therefore, there needs to be a degree of patience with Moore whilst he finds his feet at Ibrox and Martin finds out how best to utilise his talent within the team, because his statistics in central positions suggest that he has the potential to explode in the same way that Tillman did.
Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer strategy this summer has been nothing short of chaotic, and yet strangely ambitious.
For a club that finished 17th in the Premier League last season but secured Champions League football thanks to their Europa League triumph over Manchester United, the need to strengthen has never been more urgent.
Their early business included the £60m acquisition of Mohamed Kudus from West Ham, an exciting attacking player who provides versatility across the forward line.
But departures and missed opportunities have left significant gaps.
Fan favourite Son Heung-min departed for LAFC after a decade of service in North London, while the club’s most creative midfielder, James Maddison, suffered a devastating ACL injury in pre-season against Newcastle.
Their attempts to fill the void have, so far, been met with frustration.
The latest on Spurs' hunt to find a Maddison replacement
A £60m pursuit of Eberechi Eze collapsed when Arsenal hijacked the deal. A move for Morgan Gibbs-White ran into legal complications.
A €70m (£65m) package for Como star Nico Paz was swiftly rebuffed, with the Argentine making clear his intentions to return to Real Madrid in the near future.
Spurs have even looked at Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, but his £100m price tag puts him out of reach.
All of this has forced Tottenham to look elsewhere.
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Their search has now led them towards a player long admired in England, one who has already proved himself in the Premier League, but whose reputation has recently been clouded by off-field controversy.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, Spurs are now weighing up a move for Lucas Paquetá, the Brazilian playmaker currently at West Ham United.
Aston Villa are also monitoring his situation, but Tottenham’s need for a creative spark is arguably more urgent. Different reports suggest he could go for around £40m.
Paquetá has endured a turbulent year, but his quality has never been in question.
Former teammate Declan Rice once described him as “mind-boggling”, while he’s also been described as “one of the best 10s in the world” by one data analyst, a reminder of the immense technical ability he brings.
The central midfielder’s form dipped after he became the subject of a betting breach investigation in August 2023.
He continued to play, scoring West Ham’s only goal in their recent 5-1 defeat to Chelsea, but his confidence and consistency were visibly affected by the allegations.
Now that he has been cleared of all charges in 2025, the expectation is that he can finally put the matter behind him and re-establish himself at the top level.
Assessing Paquetá vs Maddison
For Spurs, the appeal is clear. With Maddison sidelined for the season, there is no natural replacement in the squad capable of offering the same vision and incisive passing.
Paquetá, with his flair and ability to turn games in an instant, represents a player in a similar mould.
He may not have matched Maddison’s output in recent seasons, but the tools are there – and in the right environment, he could thrive.
Tottenham Hotspur'sJamesMaddisonreacts
Paquetá’s numbers at West Ham illustrate both his strengths and his limitations.
At 27, he is approaching the prime of his career. He has 55 caps for Brazil and joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022, making 33 Premier League appearances last season with four goals.
The raw statistics do not scream world-class productivity, but they do reveal a midfielder with a valuable mix of creativity and defensive work.
Matches
19
7
Wins
11
0
Goals Scored Per Match
1.8
0.7
Goals Conceded Per Match
1.5
2.4
Points Per Match
1.9
0.4
According to FBref, he ranks in the 74th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 (2.89), the 79th percentile for progressive passes (6.16 per 90), and the 84th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area (2.18 per 90).
These metrics underline his ability to link play between midfield and attack, progressing the ball into dangerous areas.
Lucas Paqueta looks dejected for West Ham
His defensive contributions are also notable, with 2.51 tackles per 90 (75th percentile) and an impressive 1.91 aerial duels won per 90 (89th percentile), making him more than just a luxury player.
When compared directly to Maddison, however, there are contrasts. The England international has been one of Spurs’ key players since arriving from Leicester in 2023, with 16 goals and 21 assists in 75 games.
Regrettably, his injury record is a concern. He missed 13 games in 2023/24 and 11 last season – but his impact when fit is undeniable.
Statistically, Maddison outperforms Paquetá in almost every attacking metric: 4.73 shot-creating actions per 90 (to Paquetá’s 3.10), 8.16 progressive passes per 90 (Paquetá’s 5.87), and 0.85 shots on target per 90 (Paquetá’s 0.11).
Even his pass completion rate (81.3%) edges the Brazilian’s 77.3%.
This raises a key question: would Spurs be settling for a downgrade? On paper, Paquetá does not replicate Maddison’s efficiency in front of goal or his ability to sustain attacks through consistent ball progression.
West Ham's Lucas Paqueta against Liverpool.
Yet the Brazilian brings different qualities – a more physical presence, stronger defensive contributions, and the versatility to operate across midfield roles. In that regard, he is a big upgrade.
His 227.8 progressive passing distance per 90 minutes is only slightly behind Maddison’s 250.1, suggesting he can still drive the ball forward effectively.
What truly matters is context. At West Ham, Paquetá has often been tasked with working within a rigid system where creativity can be stifled.
In a more attacking, possession-based setup at Tottenham, his ability to combine with Kudus and Richarlison could unlock a new level of performance.
For Spurs, the decision is not about finding a perfect Maddison clone. It is about ensuring they are not left without a creative heartbeat in midfield for an entire season.
Paquetá may be inconsistent, but he remains capable of brilliance.
If Thomas Frank can provide the structure and confidence that he lacked at West Ham, Tottenham could have a player who, like Maddison, is able to decide games single-handedly.
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Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has been forced to clarify comments made about Northern Ireland's style of play. While apologising for any offence caused, Nagelsmann has issued a stark warning to his team about the dangers of their "tough" opponents heading into a crucial World Cup qualifier, with both teams level on points at the top of their group.
Nagelsmann apologises for 'long ball' description
Nagelsmann has issued an apology to Northern Ireland after his description of their style of play caused a stir ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifying match in Belfast. Speaking to the media as quoted by Sport1, Nagelsmann clarified that his comments about their direct approach were not meant to be disrespectful. The controversy arose from his analysis of the clash in September, a 3-1 win for Germany, where he described Northern Ireland as a team that plays "a lot of long balls." Addressing the reaction, Nagelsmann stated, "If anyone took it that way, I'm sorry."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportGermany boss warns of 'tough' Belfast test
Despite the controversy, Nagelsmann has warned his squad they face a significant challenge at Windsor Park on Tuesday night. "I expect a tough opponent. We have to give it our all," the Germany coach said. He stressed the importance of defensive solidity against Northern Ireland's "special" style of play, which forces opponents to "fight for the second ball, sometimes the third and fourth."
Nagelsmann noted their ability to generate pressure, as seen in their recent 4-0 victory over Luxembourg, and emphasised the need for his side to be clinical. "You have to defend very well, you have to mark man-to-man to avoid crosses and set pieces," he added, confirming his team had specifically prepared for their opponents' dangerous set-piece routines.
Crucial Group A qualifier awaits
The clash at Windsor Park is pivotal in World Cup Qualifying Group A, with Germany, Northern Ireland, and Slovakia all level on six points after three matches. Germany currently sit top of the group on goal difference following their dominant victory over Luxembourg on Saturday. Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland side are also in good form, having secured an impressive 2-0 win against Slovakia on the same day. The result of Tuesday's match will be critical in determining which nation takes control of the group heading into the next round of fixtures.
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Getty ImagesWhat next for Germany?
Germany travel to Belfast for the qualifier on Tuesday, October 14. Nagelsmann has demanded full focus from his players, urging them to secure a vital win and not "try to die a beautiful death." A victory would see Germany create a three-point gap at the top of the group and put them in a commanding position to secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Since Kevin De Bruyne left Manchester City at the end of last season, there has been one question going around: who will be the man to step up and replace him? Now, that may seem like an impossible task, given the Belgian’s impact at the Etihad Stadium.
In 422 games for the club, the Belgian scored 108 goals and assisted an incredible 177, per Transfemarkt. The 2019/20 season saw him assist 20 goals in the Premier League. That was actually a rare campaign where City failed to win the top flight. De Bruyne lifted six titles during his 10 seasons, and the Champions League once.
So, replacing De Bruyne was never going to be easy, but a couple of City players have stepped up this season.
The Man City player stepping up in De Bruyne’s absence
It always felt like, when City’s former number 17 eventually departed East Manchester, Phil Foden would be the man to step up and replace him. The boyhood City star is enjoying a season of rejuvenation after a tough campaign back in 2024/25.
The 25-year-old, who was born in Stockport, has flown out of the traps this term. In five games, he’s already scored twice and assisted another two, operating as a number 10. One of those goals came in the Manchester derby against cross-city rivals Manchester United.
It is not just the Citizens academy graduate who has stepped up to full De Bruyne’s boots this season. New summer signing Tijani Reijnders has already grabbed three assists and found the back of the net, in seven appearances.
Premier League legend Alan Shearer said the Dutch midfielder is an “absolute nightmare” to face, explaining that it is “difficult to keep up” with him in full flow, carrying the ball. He has certainly made a good impression at the start of his City career.
As well as Foden and Reijnders have played, there is another creative attacker once on City’s books who could have had a huge impact.
Man City fumbled their own Florian Wirtz
In their search for a De Bruyne replacement this summer, Pep Guardiola’s side were reportedly in talks to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. Of course, he ended up joining Liverpool, but there was a clear intent to sign a creative attacking player.
Well, if the Citizens had managed to keep hold of Michael Olise, they might not have needed to worry about the De Buryne successor, nor signing Wirtz. It is little known that the France star, who placed 30th in the Ballon d’Or, spent a brief time in City’s academy as a teenager.
What a coup that would have been for City if they’d been able to retain Olise in their academy and bring him through as one of their own. It is no secret just how good the Frenchman is now, having cemented a place in the national team after excelling for Bayern Munich.
After his big move from Crystal Palace to Munich last summer, the London-born winger has shone. He’s played 62 games across all competitions for the German outfit, scoring 24 times and assisting 26.
He certainly could have been their own version of Wirtz. He outshone him in several key metrics last season in the Bundesliga. For example, Olise averaged 1.1 goal involvements and created 3.4 chances per 90 minutes, compared to Wirtz’s 0.9 goal involvements and 2.2 chances created each game.
Olise & Wirtz key stats 24/25 Bundesliga compared
Stat (per 90)
Olise
Wirtz
Goals and assists
1.1
0.9
Chances created
3.4
2.2
Crosses completed
1.4
0.6
Take-on success rate
54.14%
50.93%
Duels won
7.1
6.2
Stats from Squawka
Just looking at the creative numbers there, it is easy to see how Olise could have been City’s own Wirtz. As he was called by Rising Stars XI over on X, the Frenchman is a “nightmare” for defenders, and a chance creation machine like the new Liverpool star.
Looking at the bigger picture, City might wish they’d kept hold of Olise all those years ago, because of how important he would have been to helping replace De Bruyne. In one player, they could have had their replacement for the Belgian and their own version of Wirtz.
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He made use of the life he got on 26 to put Bangladesh 112 ahead despite Muzarabani’s three strikes on 44-over day
Mohammad Isam22-Apr-2025
Najmul Hossain Shanto scored a steady fifty to help Bangladesh take lead•AFP/Getty Images
Rain had a major say on the third day’s play of the Sylhet Test. Bangladesh moved to 194 for 4 before play was called off at 5pm local time due to bad light, although play could be extended up to 6pm after rain had washed out the first three hours of the day.The hosts could bat for only 44 overs. They lost three wickets, and added 137 runs. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who went unbeaten on 60, reached his half-century during a rearguard fifth-wicket partnership with Jaker Ali.It was Blessing Muzarabani who rocked Bangladesh within the first hour after play started on the third afternoon. He bowled with a slower run-up but often brought up his pace with the short deliveries. Muzarabani tested Mahmudul Hasan Joy with the short ball a few times, before the Bangladesh opener fended one to first slip. Mahmudul made 33 off 65 balls with six boundaries, stretching his lean run of form. He has now played 17 innings without a half-century, the last one coming in Sylhet in November 2023.Meanwhile, Shanto got the ball rolling with some confident shots, before he edged one off Wessly Madhevere when on 26. For the second time in the game though, wicketkeeper Nyasha Mayavo dropped a sitter.Blessing Muzarabani picked up two of the three wickets on the third day•AFP/Getty Images
The third-wicket stand between Shanto and Mominul Haque kept Bangladesh stable, but once again, it was the short ball that rocked Bangladesh. Victor Nyauchi got one to rear up at Mominul, who had little room to move out of the way once he had committed to it. Thankfully for Zimbabwe, though, Mayavo held on to the chance.Shanto and Mominul had added 65 for the third wicket. Mominul made 47 off 86 balls to go with his half-century in the first innings.Captain Craig Ervine then brought back Muzarabani to bowl at Mushfiqur Rahim closer to the tea interval. He bowled nine dot balls in a row to Mushfiqur before finding the outside edge with the tenth delivery. Ervine completed the catch at first slip as Bangladesh were reduced to 155 for 4 at tea.Shanto reached his fifty shortly afterwards with a rousing cover drive off Wellington Masakadza. His fifth-wicket partnership with Jaker is increasingly looking like Bangladesh’s last resort to stay competitive in the game.