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It was the late show once again for Liverpool as a 95th-minute Mohamed Salah penalty sunk a defiant Burnley side to earn the Reds all three points on Sunday as the champions continued their 100 percent start to the new Premier League season with a fourth late winner in as many games.

The hosts had, in truth, earnt a share of the spoils as Liverpool rarely threatened, Salah the chief culprit as the visitors had just four shots on target. But a clear handball by a heart-broken Hannibal Mejbri deep in stoppage time spared the Reds' blushes as Salah made no mistake from the spot.

With new £125million ($169m) signing Alexander Isak not in the squad, the Reds looked toothless in attack for the vast majority of the afternoon in a worrying display by Arne Slot's side. Just minutes from becoming the third goalless draw of this Premier League weekend alone, this game had all the makings of one where neither side ever truly looked like scoring.

Martin Dubravka and his defence put themselves on the line and blocked countless attempts on goal but, ultimately, Liverpool found a way to win in the most dramatic of circumstances after Lesley Ugochukwu had been sent off late on.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Turf Moor…

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Alisson (6/10):

Burnley did not have a shot on target, so it was a quiet afternoon for the Brazil shot-stopper.

Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10):

Starting out at right-back, Szoboszlai then moved into midfield for the second period. Has shown his versatility in recent weeks and impressed again, contributing to the attack with his dangerous crossing and shooting ability.

Ibrahima Konate (6/10):

Did his job to ensure Burnley's threat was minimised on the counter-attack, though that ultimately proved a rare occurrence.

Virgil van Dijk (6/10):

Showed Foster who's boss when the Burnley striker attempted to dribble past him in the first half. Looked in control at the back as the home side rarely threatened.

Milos Kerkez (3/10):

Looked a liability in arguably his most challenging display in a Liverpool shirt so far. Received a booking for diving and committed a needless foul on the counter before Slot hooked him after just 37 minutes.

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Ryan Gravenberch (6/10):

A steady performance in midfield, though the Reds will have hoped to create more across the pitch and the Dutchman could have contributed more.

Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):

Looked composed in possession while failing to influence the game as much as he would've liked. Injured by an Ugochukwu tackle in the first half, the Argentina international was withdrawn at the break.

Florian Wirtz (6/10):

Without making the key contribution he still craves, Wirtz did appear more influential as he looked to get on the ball and make things happen. Also forced Dubravka into a rare save.

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Mohamed Salah (5/10):

Was far from his best but stood up when it mattered to fire home from the spot in stoppage time. While his wayward crossing and general lack of threat will be concerning, Salah and Liverpool will be glad to move on with the three points.

Hugo Ekitike (6/10):

Showed some good touches on the ball but rarely threatened in front of goal and was withdrawn after 71 minutes.

Cody Gakpo (5/10):

Not the best performance by the Dutchman, who attempted to affect the game from the left before going through the middle alongside Salah for the final stages as Liverpool went all-out attack.

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Andy Robertson (6/10):

Looked significantly better than Kerkez when he came on. Could even have scored within a minute of his introduction after a brave run forward.

Conor Bradley (6/10):

Another bright display off the bench after coming on at half-time. Both substitute full-backs may well be knocking on Slot's door in the week.

Federico Chiesa (5/10):

Replaced Ekitike and headed just wide seconds after his introduction. Evidently a player trusted more by the manager in the new season.

Jeremie Frimpong (7/10):

Won the last-gasp penalty with a cross from the right after also forcing Dubravka into a save just prior. An impactful cameo off the bench.

Rio Ngumoha (N/A):

Only played a few minutes but his threat was still evident. Played the ball with pace into Frimpong to force the save.

Arne Slot (7/10):

Made the right decision to take off Kerkez in the first half. Most of his substitutions paid off, but the Reds manager will know that performances must improve in the coming weeks.

Ten years and six tours is how long South Africa have waited for a Test win in the subcontinent, which is something none of their current squad have experienced until now. Only five members of the playing XI in Mirpur have featured in a Test match in the subcontinent before and though eight of the 15-man squad have toured Asia, no one was part of the South African team that last enjoyed success on the continent, in Galle in 2014.The long period between victories was marred by massive losses and breaking the drought is what stand-in captain Aiden Markram hopes could be the start of something new. “It’s special. We’re a pretty young, slightly inexperienced group, so to come to the subcontinent and get a win is great for us and the environment,” Markam said at the post-match press conference. “This win does a lot for us and gives us a taste of what playing cricket in the subcontinent is like, and it excites us for the challenges that we possibly face here.”It also may spark some memories of a time, not that long ago, when South Africa were superior in the subcontinent. Between 2007 and 2014, they played 15 Tests in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and the UAE and lost only three, racking up series wins over everyone except India, against whom they drew twice. In the same period, Australia won just one out of 15 Tests in the subcontinent and England won three out of 16. Apart from India and Sri Lanka, South Africa were, by far, the most successful team in Asia over that period of time.Related

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That ended in 2015, when South Africa were outspun 3-0 in India in a series which started a significant slide. After their win in Galle in 2014, South Africa played 14 more Tests in the subcontinent before this one, and lost ten. Six of those defeats were in India but they were also blanked 2-0 by Sri Lanka in 2018 and Pakistan in 2021.All those occasions were marked by how poorly South Africa played against all kinds of spin, from the left-arm spin of Noman Ali, Ravindra Jadeja and Rangana Herath to the offspin of R Ashwin and the legspin of Yasir Shah. In Bangladesh too, spin proved the biggest threat as South Africa lost five of their top six to Taijul Islam in the first innings and at 108 for 6, looked like only gaining a marginal advantage. It was thanks to Kyle Verreynne and his second Test hundred that South Africa took a healthy, and ultimately match-winning lead.Verryenne called the innings the “best” of his Test career, because it came in “the toughest conditions I have played under.” He cited the heat and humidity as one of the challenges and facing “long periods of spin bowling,” as the other.Of the 144 balls delivered to Verreynne, 115 were from spinners, which amounts to 80%. The work Verreynne has done on the sweep shot was evident as ESPNcricnfo’s ball-by-ball data recorded that he scored almost half his runs, 49, with sweeps – conventional, reverse and slog – and maintained a strong scoring rate too.Kyle Verreynne is all smiles after getting to his second Test century•AFP/Getty Images

Overall, Verreynne struck at 79.16, and against Taijul, he was particularly aggressive with 49 runs off 53 balls.”Kyle sweeps really well, swept for a lot of his innings and he ended up doing well,” Markram said. “So it’s nice to see the guys backing those sorts of strengths. He’s a good player of spin and for him to score a hundred in his first Test match in the subcontinent is a really special feat.”While Verreynne traveled with the South African squad to Pakistan in 2021, he only made his debut later that year in West Indies. He competed with Heinrich Klaasen for the role of South Africa’s first-choice wicket-keeper but Klaasen’s Test retirement in January has meant Verreynne has the opportunity to make the spot his own. “He’s had a bit of backing now from the management, and he just looks really comfortable now in the environment,” Markram said.Having Verreynne’s spot fairly secure ramps up competition with reserve keeper Ryan Rickelton, who has gone six Tests with a top score of 42. If regular captain Temba Bavuma recovers from an elbow niggle in time to play the second Test, one of Rickelton or Matthew Breetzke will have to make way and both could end up sitting out if South Africa opt for a fifth frontline bowler.They went into the Mirpur game with a four-man attack and there were times in Bangladesh’s second innings when it seemed lacking. Still, they’ll be heartened by the way their champion quick Kagiso Rabada, who combined well with Wiaan Mulder in the first innings and then took a six-for in the second, registered his best figures in the subcontinent.Rabada’s wicket-taking ability is second to none, literally, as was documented when he became the only bowler to take 300 Test wickets in under 12,000 deliveries, and doing it in the subcontinent only makes him stand out more. On a surface with good bounce, Rabada’s hard lengths made him difficult to get away and dangerous and Markram hailed him as a “superstar.”Having Rabada fresh and firing also vindicates CSA’s decision to rest him between August and now, and leave him out of white-ball series in the UAE, and it shows how the two national coaches are working together. Test coach Shukri Conrad and white-ball coach Rob Walter jointly plan selections so that each of them has the best players available when it matters most.For the next two-and-a-half months Test cricket is the focus and Rabada, and to an extent Markram, who was released from the UAE early, have been allowed to focus on that.South Africa, despite limited Test matches in the calendar, remain in the running for the World Test Championship final but they cannot afford many (or any) slip-ups. They have five matches left to play – one next week in Chattogram, and four at home. They must win at least four to give themselves a chance to make the final in this cycle and this victory has shown them they can do that.It has also given them confidence ahead of their return to the subcontinent next year to begin the next cycle with two Tests against each of Pakistan and India, where even tougher challenges await.”The biggest thing we take from it is the belief and the confidence that we actually can do well here as a team,” Markam said. “I believe that’s where a lot of the game is played, from a confidence and belief and a mental side of things. It will help the team a lot as far as moving forward and seeing if we can put back-to-back performances together goes.”

Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins and Abhishek Sharma were the first three capped players set to be retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad

Nagraj Gollapudi30-Oct-20243:26

Four big questions from SRH’s retentions

Travis Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy are set to be retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad as their final two capped retained players ahead of the 2025 IPL auction. ESPNcricinfo has learned Head is likely to be be retained for INR 14 crore while Reddy is set to get INR 6 crore.With these two signings, SRH will have completed their quota of five capped retained players before the auction, securing the core group that led them to the IPL 2024 final, and will lose INR 75 crore from their purse of INR 120 crore. ESPNcricinfo reported earlier SRH were set to retain Heinrich Klaasen (INR 23 crore), Pat Cummins (INR 18 crore) and Abhishek Sharma (14 crore). They can now use a right-to-match card to buy back only one of their uncapped players at the auction.October 31 is also the deadline by which the ten franchises have to submit their list of retained players to the IPL. The IPL franchises have been allowed to retain up to six players ahead of the mega auction before the 2025 season, of which a maximum of five can be capped internationals and two can be uncapped. While the IPL has set minimum deductions from the auction purse for each player retained – INR 18 crore for the first player, INR 14 crore for the second, INR 11 crore for the third, INR 18 crore for the fourth, and INR 14 crore for the fifth – the franchises are free to pay more than those amounts to their retained players.Cummins will continue to captain SRH after he, along with the coaching staff led by Daniel Vettori, led them to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.If Klaasen’s price tag, which is INR 5 crore more than the IPL’s slab of INR 18 crore for the first retained player, was a surprise, the amount agreed with Head is likely to raise further eyebrows.Head had his breakthrough season in the IPL with SRH in 2024, smashing 567 runs at a strike rate of 191.55 at the top of the order. In 2024, he also became only the second T20 batter to score 1000-plus runs at a strike rate of more than 175 and average of more than 40 in a year.Related

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While Head did not have an impact in the IPL final against Kolkata Knight Riders, he has a proven record of performing on big occasions – he scored a hundred against India in both the World Test Championship final in and the ODI World Cup final in 2023. His 137 in the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad played a key role in SRH buying him for INR 6.8 crore ($819,000 approximately then) at the IPL 2024 auction. And though his price tag has more than doubled, it is likely that he may have fetched a higher bid had he entered the auction.Reddy, 21, has also had a huge increase in his value from the INR 20 lakh SRH paid for him in 2023. He was the Emerging Player of the Year in IPL 2024, for scoring 303 runs at a strike rate of 143 and taking three wickets with his seam bowling. He was then picked for India’s T20I series in Zimbabwe but missed the tour because of injury. Reddy eventually made his international debut during the home T20Is against Bangladesh earlier in October. He was part of the reserves for the ongoing Test series against New Zealand and will travel to Australia as part of the India A squad to play two four-day games from October 31 as well as the India squad for the Border Gavaskar Trophy starting November 22.

كشف الإيطالي كارلو أنشيلوتي، المدير الفني لمنتخب البرازيل الأول لكرة القدم، موقف ضم نيمار، نجم سانتوس الحالي إلى قائمة السيلساو المشاركة في كأس العالم 2026 بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وكندا والمكسيك.

وواجه البرازيل نظيره تشيلي وبوليفيا في تصفيات أمريكا الجنوبية المؤهلة لبطولة كأس العالم 2026 بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وكندا والمكسيك، واستطاع منتخب السامبا بقيادة أنشيلوتي أن يفوز على الأول بثلاثية نظيفة فيما خسر من الأخير بهدف نظيف.

وعن استدعاء نيمار إلى منتخب البرازيل، قال أنشيلوتي في تصريحات لشبكة ESPN: “تحدثت معه، جاء إلى الفندق قبل مباراة باراجواي وناقشنا الأمر، كل شيء واضح والفكرة لا تزال كما هي”.

اقرأ أيضًا | فينيسيوس جونيور يثير التفاؤل في ريال مدريد بعد استبعاده من قائمة البرازيل

وعن المركز الذي سيشركه فيه أوضح: “سأشركه كصانع ألعاب أو مهاجم، عليه أن يلعب في مركز الوسط ولا يستطيع اللعب على الجناح لأن كرة القدم الحديثة تتطلب مهاجمين أقوياء بدنيًا، يمكنه اللعب كصانع ألعاب دون أي مشكلة”.

وأكمل: “لن نشاهد نيمار يلعب، فالجميع يعرف موهبته، في كرة القدم الحديثة وللاستفادة من موهبته، يجب أن يتمتع اللاعب بلياقة بدنية جيدة، إذا كان في أفضل حالاته فلن يواجه أي مشكلة في الانضمام للمنتخب الوطني”.

وعن احتمالية تجديد عقده مع البرازيل أتم أنشيلوتي: “أعتقد أنه كان القرار الصائب آنذاك توقيع عقد لمدة عام واحد، لا مشكلة لدي إذا أراد الاتحاد البرازيلي لكرة القدم الاستمرار، أنا سعيد جدًا هنا، وعائلتي سعيدة أيضًا، سيكون من الرائع البقاء حتى عام 2030”.

Arsenal are extremely busy behind-the-scenes as they look to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s squad with proven quality, and it is believed yet another player has been given permission to join them by his club.

New sporting director Andrea Berta’s arrival has motivated plenty of excitement and anticipation among supporters for this summer window, with the Italian known to spin many plates at a time in pursuit of his preferred transfer targets.

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Berta’s track record at former club Atlético Madrid also makes him stand out as a proven replacement for ex-director Edu Gaspar, and the 53-year-old has already made a solid start to his tenure at the Emirates with a couple of completed deals.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

After months of talks, Berta has put the finishing touches on Arsenal’s move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with the Gunners set to pay £56 million for him. This is slightly above his release clause, but the fee will be paid in installments, with Zubimendi recently finalising his move to N5.

Arsenal also triggered Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £5 million release clause to make him Berta’s second summer arrival after Zubimendi (Fabrizio Romano), securing a solid and experienced back-up option for David Raya.

Brentford captain Christian Norgaard was linked earlier this week, as claims started to emerge that Arsenal were considering a shock move for the 31-year-old to replace Thomas Partey, and that deal has seriously intensified in the last 24 hours.

Following accelerated talks with Brentford, they’ve now agreed a deal worth an initial £10 million, plus an additional £5 million in potential add-ons (BBC), and the Denmark international is set to become Berta’s third signing of the window.

Christian Norgaard permitted for Arsenal medical after deal agreed

As per trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Norgaard has now been “authorized” to undergo his medical at Arsenal after a deal was agreed for the Scandinavian, so barring any physical complications, the midfielder will be Arsenal’s “next” completed deal.

With Partey set to leave as a free agent after June 30, Norgaard comes in as a like-for-like stand-in for the Ghanaian, and one who boasts similar attributes as a Premier League proven defensive midfield anchor.

Berta has moved swiftly to ensure that Arteta won’t be left short in the midfield department, and Norgaard has long been praised as a player who “goes under the radar” with his consistent performances.

“Norgaard is a better player than a lot of people give him credit for,” said former top-level scout Mick Brown to Football Insider recently.

“So interest from clubs like Arsenal might come as a shock, but he would be a good option for them. He’s a very consistent performer who goes under the radar a lot of the time, and that’s what these clubs are looking for, a solid, consistent player.”

Everton are all set for a summer of change now their move from Goodison Park has been completed and could now make a surge to land one of the Premier League’s most recognisable names.

Everton and the challenges that await them this summer

Without stating the obvious too much, there is still a lot of work for David Moyes and the Friedkin Group to do before the Toffees can safely say they have the strength in depth required to compete next term.

Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Ashley Young have departed, alongside several loanees, offering an indication of where incomings may surface.

At the same time, questions exist over other out-of-contract stars, such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Seamus Coleman.

In recent times, Everton losing out on Liam Delap to Chelsea has also hit the headlines. Nevertheless, the other end of the field may require the most attention to ensure the Toffees maintain their strong foundations next campaign.

Central defender Michael Keane is another star due to leave on a free transfer who hasn’t yet confirmed his future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Why may his renewal become important? Simply put, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is attracting a lot of interest from elsewhere, including former suitors Manchester United.

The England international is the jewel in the Toffees’ crown and it remains to be seen whether he will stick around. Seeking a contingency plan, Moyes could turn to Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah as an unexpected solution for a fee in the region of £29 million.

While that may come as a surprise to Everton supporters, they may be even more intrigued by the latest name to crop up on their shortlist as a target to strengthen their backline.

Everton eye shock move for Man City star John Stones

According to The Mirror, Everton are eyeing a shock move for Manchester City defender John Stones and he would need to take a pay cut from his £250,000 per week wages to sign for his former club.

The England international has one year left on his deal, and it is said that the Citizens wouldn’t stand in the way of his departure or be difficult to negotiate with due to his need for regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

John Stones at Everton – could a shock return be on the cards?

Years spent at Everton

3

Appearances

95

Goals

1

Assists

N/A

Joined Man City in 2016 for an initial £47.5 million

Dubbed “sensational” by Jamie Carragher, Stones has struggled with injuries this term and made just 20 appearances across all competitions, registering three goals and two assists.

Having turned 31 years of age, his time at the Etihad Stadium could now be over, and his openness to a move back to the blue half of Merseyside may prove to be a catalyst in the Toffees’ pursuit of a new defender.

Of course, Everton fans will know all too well that Stones is a force to be reckoned with after watching him claim six wins against his former side over the years. Now, he could be in the Blues’ corner the next time they face Pep Guardiola’s men.

Chelsea are prepared to open talks over re-signing a former “leader”, who one source describes as the perfect player for Enzo Maresca’s dressing room.

Enzo Maresca makes "very important" Conference League claim

The west Londoners take a commanding 4-1 lead into their Conference League semi-final second leg against Djurgardens tonight, and all signs point towards Chelsea easing past Jani Honkavaara’s side as they look to confirm a spot in the final on May 28.

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Maresca has a golden chance to win his first piece of silverware as Chelsea manager during his debut season in charge, and a lot of expectation is riding on him, as they’ve been backed as solid favourites to lift the trophy since the beginning of 2024/2025.

Chelsea’s final four Premier League fixtures

Date

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

While Chelsea have much grander ambitions in the long-term, being knocked out of the Conference League at this stage would arguably be a disaster, and Maresca says winning the competition is “very important” for many reasons.

“Very important, very important for sure, 100 per cent,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s Conference League ambitions.

“For different reasons but the main reason is because we want this club winning trophies. In this moment we are in the Conference so we have to try to win the trophy in the competition that we are.

“So yeah, it’s important personally, but for me, it’s much more important for the club, for the fans. We said many times that it’s the only trophy that Chelsea didn’t win in the past and Chelsea can become the first club in Europe to win all the European competitions so it’s also good for the club.”

It would also end the campaign on a high, even if Chelsea’s race for Champions League qualification is taking centre stage right now.

The club’s ambitions to compete in Europe’s most prestigious competition will also have a knock-on effect when it comes to summer transfers, and it is believed the signing of a new centre-back is a top priority for Chelsea ahead of next term.

Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi are among Chelsea’s rumoured central defensive targets, but according to Football Transfers, they now have their eyes on a possible reunion with Antonio Rudiger.

Chelsea ready to open talks over bringing back Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger

According to their information, the Blues have made contact with their ex-defender’s camp “in recent days” to be informed on his future at the Bernabeu – as they lay some groundwork over a potential deal.

The Germany international, while generally satisfied with life at Real, has apparently become “increasingly difficult” to deal with, and one source describes his situation as “tense” amid clashes with those in his inner circle.

The reasons for Rudiger’s dissatisfaction are kept vague, but this has apparently alerted Chelsea. Indeed, as well as reaching out to the £238,000-per-week defender’s representatives, it is believed Chelsea are “ready to negotiate” re-signing Rudiger if they get the green-light from him or Real.

The 32-year-old, despite some drama behind-closed-doors, has been described by an FT source as “exactly what the dressing room needs”. Rudiger’s experience could also be vital for Maresca’s very young squad, and he’s already a proven Premier League defender.

“He’s a leader, a warrior, exactly what this Chelsea dressing room needs,” said the source.

“There’s no fear about his personality. If anything, that fire is what we’re missing.”

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is now driving a move for an “exciting” £67m forward, who has been advised to move to Old Trafford by Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports.

Man Utd keen to bolster attacking options

The stalemate in the Manchester derby will only have underlined the need for Man United to bolster their attacking options in the summer transfer window, and they are now stepping up their pursuit of a new striker.

One striker who Amorim knows very well is Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, and a £64m bid has reportedly been lodged for the Sweden international, who is also attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha is the latest forward to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils making contact over a deal for the Brazilian, while they are also keen to bolster their options in wide areas.

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There have been recent reports United could even make an audacious £172m move for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, should they qualify for next season’s Champions League via a Europa League triumph.

However, a move for Vinicius does not seem particularly likely, and a report from GiveMeSport has revealed that Sporting CP’s Trincao, who could be more of a realistic target, is now being pursued by Man Utd.

Amorim is driving the move for his former winger, who is also able to play through the middle, which could make him a solid alternative option to Cunha, should the Red Devils miss out on the Wolves star.

The Portuguese forward has a release clause of £67m included in his contract, which means he will not come cheap, but he is deemed more likely to move to Old Trafford than teammate Gyokeres.

Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot have recommended the move to their compatriot, although it remains to be seen whether his head is turned by his international teammates.

"Exciting" Trincao performing well in Portugal

The 25-year-old didn’t set the world alight during his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring just three goals for the Old Gold, but his impressive performances in Portugal over the past few seasons indicate he deserves a second chance in the Premier League.

This term, the former Wolves man has amassed eight goals and 12 assists in 28 Liga Portugal games, in what is on course to be his most prolific season to date.

The Portugal international also impressed for his country during their recent UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark, bagging a brace as his side prevailed 5-2 after extra-time.

Lauded as a “really exciting player” by former Wolves technical director Scott Sellars, Trincao has proven he could be a top signing for Man United, but Cunha should remain their primary target, given that the Brazil international is proven in the Premier League.

Football goalkeepers arguably have one of the most important roles on the pitch and can go down as the hero or the villain in one moment.

The role of a goalkeeper has evolved over time, and now, being a world-class shot-stopper isn’t enough. Having a ‘keeper with ability on the ball is just as crucial for the top sides, which starts with their No. 1.

There have been some great ‘keepers throughout history, with Man City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma regarded as the current best in the world.

Here is a look at 20 of the greatest goalkeepers in footballing history, factoring in their longevity, consistency at the highest level, while also highlighting team and personal accolades.

Rank

Name

Country

1

Lev Yashin

Soviet Union

2

Gianluigi Buffon

Italy

3

Manuel Neuer

Germany

4

Iker Casillas

Spain

5

Peter Schmeichel

Denmark

6

Oliver Kahn

Germany

7

Gordon Banks

England

8

Petr Cech

Czech Republic

9

Edwin van der Sar

Netherlands

10

Dino Zoff

Italy

11

Sepp Maier

West Germany

12

Pat Jennings

Northern Ireland

13

Peter Shilton

England

14

Frantisek Planicka

Czechoslovakia

15

Andoni Zubizarreta

Spain

16

Dida

Brazil

17

Alisson Becker

Brazil

18

Amadeo Carrizo

Argentina

19

David Seaman

England

20

Thibaut Courtois

Belgium

20 Thibaut Courtois

If club trophies are what you’re after when looking for a goalkeeper, then Thibaut Courtois’s cabinet is full from his time in Spain and England.

A regular for Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Real Madrid since 2011, Courtois, who stands at 6ft 7, also has more than 100 caps for Belgium.

He has multiple Champions League, La Liga and Premier League crowns to his name and has been a dependable shot-stopper on the biggest stage.

19 David Seaman

Known best for his time as Arsenal’s number one, David Seaman made over 500 appearances for the Gunners and was hailed by Arsene Wenger during his time at Highbury.

Also England’s first choice for 11 years, Seaman was a consistent performer and made some world-class saves. He will be remembered for his iconic FA Cup save against Sheffield United and, unfortunately, being lobbed by Ronaldinho at the 2002 World Cup.

18 Amadeo Carrizo

One of the first goalkeepers to make the decision to wear gloves was Argentine legend Amadeo Carrizo, who played until the age of 44.

A River Plate icon was one of the first shot-stoppers to venture out of the area and play as a sweeper keeper, something which would catch on in time. Carrizo was recognised a year after his death in 2021 by being named in IFFHS Argentina All Times Dream Team.

17 Alisson Becker

One of the best modern day goalkeepers in recent times has been Alisson Becker, who helped transform Liverpool back into Premier League and Champions League winners.

The second most expensive ‘keeper of all time at £67m, Alisson has proven to be worth every penny for the Reds, with his commanding presence and incredible shot-saving ability seeing him become a regular for Brazil.

16 Dida

Arguably the greatest Brazilian goalkeeper, Dida was a star in an iconic AC Milan team in the 2000s and won 93 caps for his country.

Named FIFPro Goalkeeper of the Year in 2005 and IFFHS Best Brazilian Goalkeeper of the 21st Century, Dida won two Champions League titles.

15 Andoni Zubizarreta

Before Iker Casillas became Spain’s most recognised goalkeeper, they had Andoni Zubizarreta, who played more than 1,000 games during his career.

A club career with Athletic Club, Barcelona and Valencia, Zubizarreta won back-to-back La Liga titles with Athletic Club in the 1980s and four in a row in the 1990s with Barcelona, starring in Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’.

14 Frantisek Planicka

One of the first ‘keepers who made themselves a superstar was Frantisek Planicka, who captained Czechoslovakia at the World Cup in 1934 and 1938, making the final in the former.

Interestingly, Planicka never picked up a card in his career and was a vital member for club and country, winning eight titles with Slavia Prague.

13 Peter Shilton

Making his debut just before England’s 1966 World Cup triumph, Peter Shilton remains England’s most capped player of all time with 125 appearances for the Three Lions.

In his prime, Shilton was one of the best, and his 31-year career, starred in Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest side that won back-to-back European Cups.

Diego Maradona scored the famous ‘Hand of God’ goal against Shilton, and the goalkeeper was named in the World XI on six separate occasions.

12 Pat Jennings

Loved by supporters of both Tottenham and Arsenal, Pat Jennings spent there majority of his club career in north London while also enjoying a 22-year international stint with Northern Ireland.

Winning the FA Cup with Spurs and the Gunners, Jennings made more than 1,000 top level appearances and was even nominated for the Ballon d’Or on three occasions across 13 years.

11 Sepp Maier

The early 1970s was dominated by Bayern Munich and West Germany, with Sepp Maier the top goalkeeper during that era.

Maier, named German Footballer of the Year on three occasions, helped Bayern to three straight European Cups between 1974 and 1976 while also winning Euro 1972 and the 1974 World Cup.

Top reflexes and quick for a ‘keeper, Maier had a crazy personality alongside his ability over an 18-year career.

Leeds United are looking like they will have a huge fight on their hands to avoid relegation this season. Their first campaign back in the Premier League is not going to plan, with Daniel Farke’s side just one point clear of the drop zone at the moment.

The underlying numbers do not make for good reading if you are a Leeds fan, either. The West Yorkshire outfit have massively underachieved according to their expected points, which is 15.49xPTS, over four more than they actually have.

In attack, they’ve only scored ten goals, although Farke has continued to pick a similar front three across the season. That means Brenden Aaronson has kept his place in the side.

Aaronson’s disappointing form this season

As an attacking unit, Farke’s Leeds side have certainly left a lot to be desired. The Whites’ lack of form in front of goal has been an issue, as has the fact that they are struggling to create a substantial number of chances.

Aaronson is certainly someone who has underperformed. The USA international only has one goal and one assist this season, but has been one of Farke’s most trusted lieutenants.

He’s played all 11 games in the top flight this season, and has started all of the last eight.

In terms of output for the 54-cap American international, he’s only managed one goal and one assist so far this term.

Perhaps that is because he is playing on the right wing despite being a number ten by trade, but Leeds fans must surely be expecting better numbers.

As far back as last season, there have been question marks surrounding Aaronson’s ability.

Former Leeds defender Jon Newsome said, “I don’t think he’s at the level in my honest opinion,” implying the Whites could do better in that area of the pitch.

They might have the perfect Aaronson replacement already at the club, in a player who is thriving out on loan.

The on-loan Leeds star who could break into the first team

Perhaps Leeds can make better use of their talent in and around the first team squad, if not this season, then in years to come. Farke has shown trust in up-and-coming youngsters in the past, with Archie Gray a prime example a few seasons ago.

Another player who could fit that bill next season, when he returns to the club, is on-loan star Joe Gelhardt. The 23-year-old attacker is excelling in the Championship for Leeds’ Yorkshire rivals Hull City this term.

The versatile attacker, who can play on the right, as a number ten or at centre-forward, has seven goals and two assists in the second tier for the Tigers this season.

His form in recent weeks has been particularly impressive, with Gelhardt racking up seven goal involvements in just six games.

The Liverpool-born forward has certainly received lots of praise for his excellent form in a Hull shirt this season. Their boss, Sergej Jakirovic, described him as a “special” footballer and said that “he can reach the Premier League” one day.

It is easy to see how he could end Aaronson’s Leeds career next season, if he is given the chance to shine in a Leeds shirt. His underlying numbers this term are superior to the American’s. For example, he averages 0.8 goals and assists per 90 minutes compared to just 0.4 for Aaronson.

Gelhardt vs Aaronson – 25/26 stats
Stat (per 90)	Gelhardt	Aaronson
Goals and assists	0.8	0.4
Chances created	1.1	1.4
Take-ons completed	1.7	1.2
Ground duel success rate	54.55%	52.08%
Ball recoveries	5	4.6
Stats from Squawka

Gelhardt – previously lauded as a “human wrecking ball” by Marcelo Bielsa – has never really been given a consistent chance at first-team level for the Whites. He’s only played 57 games across five seasons, with ten goals and assists in that time.

However, his performances this season will surely make Farke sit up and take notice.

Aaronson simply has not cut it in the Premier League, and with a talent like Gelhardt on their books, perhaps it is time Leeds give the 23-year-old a chance to shine next season.

Worse than Perri: Leeds dud is one of their worst signings in PL history

Leeds United have dropped some transfer clangers when looking back at their summer business.

By
Kelan Sarson

Nov 11, 2025