Ruben Amorim held a family gathering at Manchester United's training complex just 24 hours after their latest humiliating defeat. The Red Devils were beaten by Brentford at the weekend, ratcheting up the pressure on Amorim, whose side now sit 14th in the Premier League table.

Amorim's latest defeat picked apart

United have endured a terrible start to the season, and have struggled ever since Amorim stepped into the Old Trafford dugout. The Portuguese has not overseen two consecutive wins throughout his time at the club and they are currently languishing 14th in the Premier League table, with three defeats from just six games. They have only won twice, beating 10-man Chelsea and newly-promoted Burnley. As a result, pressure is ratcheting up on Amorim, with the club lurching from one disaster to another; ' Jamie Carragher has already claimed that the former Sporting CP boss has been a "disaster" in Manchester.

In a brutal swipe, the Liverpool legend said: "I think he's still in a job because the powers-at-be have made so many mistakes that they almost don't want to admit right now they have made another. This has been a disaster for Amorim and United. The quicker they make a decision on the manager we are only waiting for the inevitable. This has to end as quickly as possible.

"I think every other Premier League manager would think 'I could to a better job' – the only positive is they haven't gone all out for his system. Any competent football manager could get United to the European places or certainly fighting for them. It couldn't have gone any worse. What he did at Sporting was really special, but it will be better for everyone to just shake hands and move on."

Advertisement(C)Getty Images'Business as usual'

Per the , United are keen to send the message that it is business as usual. Amorim and his staff got together with the squad and their families. The club hold the gathering a few times a season and had it scheduled before the clash with Brentford. They were not minded to change the date, and as a result, the players had an opportunity to blow off some steam. The club remain confident that Amorim can turn their season around, despite their dismal league form and the fact they were dumped out of the League Cup by Grimsby Town. Nevertheless, their encounter with Sunderland this weekend could prove decisive especially as it is their final game before the international break. 

Man Utd's potential replacements for Amorim

The club are insistent they are not currently drawing up a shortlist of potential replacements but the report does make it clear that research is being done in case they do have to make a change. However, they are also acutely aware of the cost involved in replacing Amorim – it will take a figure of around £12 million if they remove the manager before November. Sir Jim Ratcliffe does have close ties with Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, and he would be available without the complication of a potential compensation package, as he is unattached. Nevertheless, it is unclear if the remainder of the board would back a move for a manager who has not taken charge of a club side since 2006, when he was in charge of Middlesbrough. 

United have also been linked with former Barcelona boss Xavi, who is said to be willing to take the job "immediately" if he is approached by the club. He has not managed in the Premier League before, of course, but he has experience managing at the highest level, taking charge of his former club Barcelona for three years, winning La Liga in 2022-23.

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AFPWhere do Man Utd go next?

Amorim desperately needs a win against Sunderland ahead of the international break, although the fixture list does not get any kinder thereafter; as soon as they return to Premier League action, they will face Liverpool at Anfield before welcoming Brighton to Old Trafford. United will hope to go into the break without the sword of Damocles hanging over Amorim's head but, unfortunately for him, that appears very unlikely. 

Everton are now reportedly willing to trigger the £26m release clause in an “incredibly solid” player’s contract when the January transfer window opens.

Everton look to build on impressive start

The Blues are back in Premier League action this weekend after the September international break, with Aston Villa making the trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

After the disappointment of losing at Leeds United in the opening game of the season, Everton have responded impressively with two wins in the league, with new signing Jack Grealish catching the eye with his performances, and David Moyes continuing to thrive in his second stint as manager.

Villa will pose a greater threat to the Blues than Brighton and Wolves did, however, with Unai Emery’s side among the teams with genuine European aspirations, despite not yet impressing in 2025/26, failing to win any of their opening three matches.

Another win for Everton on Saturday, against strong opposition, would further suggest that an exciting campaign is on the cards for them, and now a player has been linked with a move to the club in January.

Everton willing to trigger £26m release clause for full-back

According to a report from Spain, Everton have decided to trigger Espanyol right-back Omar El Hilali’s £26m release clause in the next transfer window. The clause has now increased to £26m after El Hilali made his debut for Morocco during the international break.

The Blues tried to sign the 22-year-old in the summer window, but failed to get a deal over the line, however, it looks as though he is still a priority target, with The Friedkin Group not messing around when it comes to transfers of late.

El Hilali is a young player with a huge amount of promise, but also someone who could come straight in as a starter for Everton, providing great competition for Jake O’Brien at right-back from the off.

The Morocco international has racked up a total of 90 appearances for Espanyol, and 44 in La Liga, also registering seven assists in that time and showing that he can shine in one of Europe’s toughest leagues.

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El Hilali has also been lauded by scout Jacek Kulig, who described him as “incredibly solid” during last season, helping his side finish 14th in La Liga.

Still only 22, Everton would be bringing in a long-term acquisition in El Hilali – one who should only improve as a player as the years pass, and he would be a different option to O’Brien, arguably adding more natural attacking quality than the Irishman, who is still a centre-back by trade.

He takes over from Monty Desai and has been appointed for a period of two years

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Mar-2025

Former Australian batter Stuart Law has been appointed Nepal men’s head coach for the next two years. He replaces Monty Desai, whose two-year tenure ended in February this year.Law has plenty of coaching experience, including a recent stint with the USA men’s team. He has previously been the head coach for Bangladesh and West Indies, and Sri Lanka and Afghanistan on an interim basis in the past.He has also coached Bangladesh Under-19s. He had led Bangladesh to their first Asia Cup final in 2012. He also had a number of roles in Australia, including batting coach to the national team, a job with CA’s Centre of Excellence, and coaching the Under-19 team. He has also played for Australia in 54 ODIs and one Test.Related

Cricket Association of Nepal decides not to renew coach Monty Desai's contract

Stuart Law let go as USA head coach

He was let go of his USA role in October 2024. His tenure had lasted just over seven months despite the team beating Bangladesh in a T20I series and then advancing into the Super-Eights stage of the T20 World Cup for the first time in their history.Under Desai, Nepal had recently whitewashed USA 3-0 in T20Is a few months after their second appearance in the T20 World Cup, in June 2024 in the USA, where they were winless from three games. At the start of 2024, Nepal had also blanked Canada 3-0 in an ODI series at home. Before the ODI World Cup in 2023, Nepal also made their ODI Asia Cup debut but returned home without winning a match.Nepal will play Scotland and Netherlands in Scotland a tri-series in June as part of World Cup League 2 fixtures, which will be Law’s first assignment. Nepal are currently in the second-last position in the men’s World Cup League 2 table.

If you could encapsulate Tottenham Hotspur in one week it would be the period of days that have just played out. It’s classic Spurs, it really is.

On Wednesday, everything looked smooth sailing as far as a deal to sign Eberechi Eze was concerned. This was a spectcular signing, a Premier League proven talent capable of taking Thomas Frank’s side to the next level.

Alas, Arsenal swooped in and stole the boyhood Gooner away from their rivals. Eze is now a full-time Gunner, it’s time to forget about that saga.

And boy did Spurs forget about it on Saturday afternoon. The Etihad has been a happy hunting ground for the Lilywhites in recent years and they went to Manchester City this weekend and won again, swatting aside Pep Guardiola’s side 2-0.

It was a complete defensive performance and the inroads Frank has already made in making Spurs more secure at the back is mightily impressive. Yet, they still need new recruits in the market.

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Missing out on Eze is a colossal blow. With Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison out, the latter with an ACL injury, Spurs desperately need to find more creativity.

They have sourced that in the form of Mohammed Kudus who has enjoyed a spritely start to his time in white.

Transfer Focus

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

Yet, more is required and it’s required quickly. The window is eight days away from closing and Daniel Levy needs to find that Eze alternative.

Well, a move for Manchester City star Savinho is still on the cards according to reports in Spain.

The Brazilian has been the subject of interest from the north Londoners for a few weeks now but it’s touch and go to know whether City will sanction a sale.

In a bid to do so, Spurs are now prepared to put a club-record £73m on the table to bring the Citizen to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Previously, they had only been willing to put a fraction below £50m forward, but amid the Eze blow, Levy and Co know they must act.

Savinho: Tottenham's answer to Lamine Yamal

Signing someone of Savinho’s quality in the remaining week of the window is a must for Spurs if they are to realise their lofty ambitions this term. They have started with consecutive wins and look good value, having not conceded yet.

Still, extra firepower is required and they’d surely find that in the form of the Man City star. While he’s not so prolific as far as goalscoring is concerned just yet, only bagging three times in 2024/25, he’s one of the best creators in English football, registering 13 assists in all competitions.

Amid those injuries to Kulusevski and Maddison, he could be just the creative hub that Frank is seeking.

Comparisons to Ballon d’Or contender, Lamine Yamal, will also raise excitement levels. Speaking after a dazzling display from the Brazilian last term, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson said: “His decision making is unbelievable. He remins me a bit like Yamal. They can dribble, they dribble at the right time, they pass at the right time. He’s going to be a superstar.”

While taking anything Merson says must be done so with a pinch of salt, there is logic here. Indeed, according to data-led website, FBref, Yamal was the most similar winger in European football to Savinho last term, based on statistics.

Of course, Yamal is a generational talent, but it’s of great intrigue to see where they are most comparable.

Goals

0.05

0.28

Assists

0.41

0.41

Key passes

2.35

2.02

Progressive passes

3.42

5.05

Shot-creating actions

5.66

5.93

Progressive carries

6.99

5.71

Carries into final 3rd

2.30

3.03

From a goalscoring perspective, plenty of wingers in European football are streets ahead of Savinho but we can see here that he’s one of the most creative around.

Over the league season, he registered the same number of assists per 90 minutes as the great Yamal while he also made more key passes.

The Spanish wonderkid was far ahead for progressive passes but in other aspects, notably progressive carrying and shot-creating actions, there isn’t a great deal to seperate the duo.

Based on a number of things, the 21-year-old is still incredibly raw but as Merson said, he looks as though he’s on his way to becoming a superstar. He’s not going to reach Yamal’s overall quality but having someone with those traits in your squad will help a great deal.

Spurs do need more goals but creativity is also on their shopping list. They’d get that and then some if they signed City’s Brazilian star.

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Forget Eze: Spurs preparing move for "unstoppable" star who's like Rodrygo

Tottenham Hotspur have moved on to other targets after missing out on Eberechi Eze’s signature.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 23, 2025

سُئل دين هويسن لاعب فريق ريال مدريد الإسباني، عن إمكانية لحاقه بالكلاسيكو أمام برشلونة في منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لموسم 2025-2026.

ويخوض ريال مدريد مباراة غدًا الأربعاء أمام يوفنتوس الإيطالي، في إطار مواجهات مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ثم يستعد ريال مدريد بقيادة مدربه تشابي ألونسو لملاقاة برشلونة في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” يوم الأحد القادم الموافق 26 من شهر أكتوبر الجاري.

ويعاني الفريقان من إصابات وغيابات قبل الكلاسيكو المرتقب، ومن بين تلك الغيابات مدافع ريال مدريد، دين هويسن.

اقرأ أيضًا | مهاجم ريال مدريد يستعد للرحيل في يناير

وسُئل هويسن عن حالته البدنية ومدى توافره لمباراة برشلونة، رغم أنه لم يكن بشأن ذلك، وعندما سُئل عن مشاركته في الكلاسيكو من قِبل برنامج “إل شيرينجيتو” أجاب: “سنرى”.

وعند سؤاله عن الرسالة التي تلقاها من الجهاز الطبي والتدريبي للنادي بشأن حالته، أجاب هويسن: “قالوا إن كل شيء يسير على ما يرام”.

وعندما سُئل مجددًا عما إذا كان سيلعب ضد برشلونة يوم الأحد، رد بتحفظ: “حسنًا، أعتقد أنني أعرف ذلك مُسبقًا، لكن دعونا نترك الأمر ليُفاجئ الجميع”.

ويتصدر ريال مدريد ترتيب الدوري الإسباني بفارق نقطتين عن برشلونة حامل لقب النسخة الماضية لليجا.

Debutant Vignesh Puthur picked up three wickets for MI, but CSK closed out a comfortable win in the end

Sidharth Monga23-Mar-20251:36

Chawla: Noor was ‘spot on’ with his lengths

Chennai Super King’s bowling acquisitions during the off-season paid immediate dividends as their four new bowlers took nine wickets between them to restrict Mumbai Indians to 155 for 9, a total that they chased down with ease but not without a hiccup against debutant left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur, who is yet to represent his state side in senior cricket.However, it was the other left-arm wristspinner, younger than Puthur but a veteran by experience, who made the telling impact. Noor Ahmad registered his best IPL figures and the best figures for a CSK spinner against MI, 4 for 18, to capitalise on the inroads made by Khaleel Ahmed, whose CSK debut was not too shabby either: wickets of the openers and analysis of 4-0-29-3.CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad made the chase look like a walk in the park with 53 off 26, bringing the requirement down to a run a ball in the ninth over, but this is when they started losing wickets to Puthur, struggling to impart power into his slow wristspin. Three of them holed out in the deep, but Rachin Ravindra anchored the chase with 65 not out off 45 to see them home.Related

Ravindra: 'An honour to open for CSK knowing the history of it'

No T20 experience? No problem for MI's Vignesh Puthur

Noor Ahmad's wristspin is art in fast forward

Khaleel rocks MI earlyKhaleel is a dichotomous IPL bowler. He is worse than the average fast bowler during afternoon games, and better than the average fast bowler in night games. The only explanation for it is that there is a small window for movement with the new ball under lights, and he is a different beast when the ball moves. It showed in how he denied the openers a big hit with the little bit of movement that was available. The eventual dismissals looked soft – Rohit Sharma caught at forward square leg and Ryan Rickleton bowled off an inside edge – but they were the results of the pressure created by Khaleel himself.To make it better for CSK, their returning homeboy R Ashwin took a wicket in his first over. There is not much mystery to the Ashwin who has returned to CSK after more than a decade, but his length was immaculate, making it a risk every time the batters wanted to attack him. He ended up with figures of 4-0-31-1, the wicket being that of Will Jacks inside the powerplay.1:45

‘He’s still got it’ – Hayden lauds Dhoni’s reflexes behind the stumps

Noor undoes Tilak and SuryakumarDown at 36 for 3 in 4.4 overs, MI needed something special from their two best batters, stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. The latter hit right back by taking two fours off Ashwin and then hitting two sixes off Ravindra Jadeja, against whom Suryakumar doesn’t enjoy a good match-up.Noor then applied the handbrake with some elan. He was so difficult to pick that even MS Dhoni was beaten by a mile when he turned one past Varma’s outside edge. That seed of doubt cast, he went back to what he does more often, turn the ball the other way at high speed. Suryakumar was beaten on the outside edge and stumped in a flash by Dhoni.Debutant Robin Minz couldn’t get going and tried a desperate shot only to be caught at long-off. Tilak was beaten both in the air and off the pitch: caught on the crease, he had no time to adjust to the ball that turned back in and trapped him lbw. Noor came back at the death to bowl Naman Dhir around his legs.Nathan Ellis took care of one of the former CSK players, Mitchell Santner, but the other, Deepak Chahar gave MI something to bowl at with a cameo of 28 off 15.Ruturaj Gaikwad celebrates his half-century•AFP/Getty ImagesGaikwad, No. 3, runs away with the chaseCSK made a surprise move of promoting Rahul Tripathi ahead of Gaikwad, but it didn’t last long as Chahar carried on from where he had left off with the bat, taking a wicket in his first over with a well-directed short ball.Gaikwad, though, batted like a dream, taking down Trent Boult and both former colleagues, Chahar and Santner. S Raju, who is supposed to be a good death bowler, made an indifferent start with the new ball, and CSK raced away to 62 for 1 in the powerplay. The field spread, but Gaikwad kept going, hitting Jacks for a beautiful inside-out six against the turn, suggesting an easy pitch to bat on.Puthur halts CSKWith just 82 needed off the last 13 overs, CSK would have wanted to register a big net-run-rate bonus, which is perhaps why they kept trying to hit Puthur’s slow left-arm wristspin for sixes. More than anything it was his slow pace and the slight slowness of the pitch that kept resulting in catches on the fence. Still, Gaikwad, Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda is not a bad debut haul at all.By now, it was almost like the home crowd was willing MI to take wickets so that they could get a glimpse of Dhoni with the bat. When Jacks bowled Sam Curran for 4 off 9, it drew a big cheer but the sight of Jadeja quelled the excitement.Ravindra sees CSK homeThe steepest the task got was 31 off the last four overs, but this is when MI gave CSK some pace to work with, and Jadeja immediately hit Boult for a four. Ravindra was the only batter to hit boundaries off Puthur: three sixes, all thanks to momentum generated by his use of feet to charge at the bowler. A run-out in the 19th over gave the Chepauk crowd what they wanted, they even got a six to seal the game, but off the bat of Ravindra as Dhoni stayed unbeaten on 0 off two.

Premier League chief Richard Masters dropped a huge hint over the future of the 3pm blackout. The rule has been in place for the last 60 years and the Football Association has consistently policed the blackout as it is viewed as essential to protect attendances in the Football League. However, in recent years, there have been several rumours of a push to abolish the system.

• ' 3pm Black out' rule in place for over half a century

  The '3pm blackout' is the rule that no Premier League, Football League or FA Cup matches be broadcast on live television on Saturday between 2:45pm and 5:15pm. Games may be played on that day and at that time, but they are forbidden to be televised. The rule is in place since the 1960s, when Burnley chairman Bob Lord successfully convinced fellow Football League chairmen that televised matches on Saturday afternoons would negatively impact the attendance of lower league games. While there has been a significant growth in football on TV, the Premier League continue to follow the rule.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Masters drops huge hint over future of 3pm blackou

  Speaking at The Summit, Premier League CEO Richard Masters said: "Our current domestic broadcast arrangement means that we are now essentially licensed to our limit. There are no more games outside of 3pm that aren't being broadcast. We are committed to it for the foreseeable future. It's not a decision that we alone make. It's done in conjunction with other football bodies, the FA and the FA. But we're committed to it for the foreseeable future."

• Can the 3pm blackout be changed

  While there have been several rumours in recent years of a push to abolish the rule, it cannot be altered without the backing of the FA, the Premier League and the English Football League.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  PSR could be scrapped

  Masters also confirmed that the Premier League are set to vote next month on scrapping the divisive Profit and Sustainability Rules and bringing in a new system that will be more aligned with the UEFA financial regulations.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após cinco clássicos disputados em 2023, Fluminense e Flamengo voltam a campo pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, neste domingo, às 16h (de Brasília). O duelo vem se mostrando equilibrado com duas vitórias para cada lado e um empate na temporada atual.

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O Lance! relembra como o confronto entre as duas equipes vem sendo uma caixinha de surpresas para os torcedores, uma vez que a imprevisibilidade vem tomando conta do duelo, independentemente da fase dos times. Como em um carrossel com altos e baixos, o Tricolor das Laranjeiras e o Rubro-Negro visam o triunfo no Brasileirão.

CARROSSEL DO FLA-FLU EM 2023

No início do ano, o Flamengo começou a temporada com grandes expectativas, uma vez que vinha dos títulos da Copa do Brasil e Libertadores no fim de 2022. Após liderar o Campeonato Carioca por grande parte da competição, o Fluminense conquistou uma vitória em um momento considerado improvável na 11ª rodada da fase de pontos corridos e conquistou a Taça Guanabara.

+ Fluminense pode igualar número de vitórias do Flamengo no Brasileirão desde 1971

Na decisão do torneio, os dois maiores vencedores estaduais voltaram a se encontrar após o Rubro-Negro ter decepcionado seus torcedores com inúmeros vice-campeonatos, mas venceu o Tricolor das Laranjeiras no jogo de ida por 2 a 0. Mas ainda assim, a equipe de Fernando Diniz deu a volta por cima, driblou as probabilidades e impôs uma goleada imponente por 4 a 1 e venceu o Campeonato Carioca.

Depois, foi a vez do Flamengo dar o troco, em competição considerada mais importante que o Estadual: a Copa do Brasil. O sorteio do mata-mata nacional colocou as equipes frente a frente logo nas oitavas de final, em momento bem diferentes daquele que chegaram na decisão do Campeonato Carioca. Dessa vez, o Tricolor era considerado favorito à avançar, mas, assim como o Rubro-Negro no início, teve a expectativa quebrada.

+ Sampaoli estuda possibilidades para driblar desfalques e armar Flamengo ‘potente’ contra o Fluminense

Já com Jorge Sampaoli, o Flamengo soube controlar a ida, que terminou em empate sem gols, e foi dominante no jogo de volta. O argentino deu o famoso “nó” no Fluminense de Fernando Diniz e, com gols de Arrascaeta e Gabigol, referências técnicas do elenco, venceu por 2 a 0 e garantiu vaga nas quartas de final. Vale destacar que, neste meio de semana, o Rubro-Negro derrotou o Athletico Paranaense e se classificou para a semifinal da Copa do Brasil.

COMO CHEGAM FLUMINENSE E FLAMENGO

Longe de viver sua melhor fase na temporada, o Fluminense também deixou seu pior momento para trás e busca se estabilizar no Brasileirão. Nos últimos seis jogos do Campeonato Brasileiro, o Tricolor conquistou três vitórias, teve dois empates e uma derrota dura e embaraçosa contra o São Paulo.

Apesar disso, a equipe de Fernando Diniz conquistou a liderança do Grupo D da Libertadores no fim do mês passado e há duas semanas vem tendo semanas cheias de treinamentos para recuperar atletas, entrosar os novos reforços e recuperar o melhor futebol do time, que resultou em uma boa vitória sobre o Internacional, no último fim de semana.

+ Quem é melhor: Fluminense ou Flamengo? Veja votação jogador por jogador feita pela equipe do LANCE!

O Rubro-Negro, por sua vez, vive grande momento em 2023. Desde a chegada de Sampaoli, a equipe ganhou uma identidade própria e, já com a ajuda dos reforços que chegaram, como Allan e Luiz Araújo, é candidato a todos os títulos na temporada. O Flamengo venceu 13 dos últimos 15 jogos, com apenas uma derrota, para o Bragantino, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro.

O clima de clássico, especialmente diante do Fluminense, é algo que motiva bastante os jogadores do Flamengo. As equipes têm se enfrentado regularmente em grandes estágios e, dessa vez, a partida vale a manutenção na vice-liderança do Brasileirão. Vale destacar, contudo, que o Rubro-Negro não vai contar com três titulares, Fabrício Bruno, Ayrton Lucas e Erick Pulgar, por conta de suspensão.

O clássico Fla-Flu acontecerá no Maracanã, e os ingressos já estão praticamente esgotados, ou seja, é promessa de casa cheia para aquele que promete ser um grande jogo. No momento, o Flamengo tem 26 pontos no Campeonato Brasileiro e é segundo colocado, enquanto o Fluminense é o quarto, com dois a menos, caracterizando um “confronto direto”.

Liverpool entered the 2024/25 season with a reputation to uphold.

Arne Slot’s debut campaign in charge could hardly have gone better, with the Reds claiming the Premier League title.

Yet this summer has brought significant change at Anfield, with a reshaped attack, a record-breaking midfield signing, and the arrival of a long-pursued striker.

The summer business was headline-grabbing.

Florian Wirtz joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m, briefly becoming the most expensive player in British football history before that record was broken weeks later by Alexander Isak’s £125m switch from Newcastle.

The squad was further bolstered by Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Geovani Leoni and Hugo Ekitike, while mainstays Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez departed.

Results at the start of the season have been strong – a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, a 3-2 victory at Newcastle, and a 1-0 triumph against Arsenal before the international break.

But behind the scenes, Slot still has questions to answer.

Wirtz's struggles at the start of the season

Signed from Leverkusen after interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Wirtz was expected to light up Anfield.

Instead, the playmaker has endured a difficult start, raising the possibility of tactical adjustments.

Starting all three league matches, he has yet to register a goal or an assist.

While he grew into the second half against Arsenal, critics have noted that his influence does not match the price tag.

This issue has also extended to international duty.

After Germany’s 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in World Cup qualifying, manager Julian Nagelsmann publicly questioned his players’ commitment.

Wirtz responded days later with a direct free-kick goal against Northern Ireland, showing flashes of quality that hint at his long-term potential.

But Liverpool fans are still waiting for that same spark in red.

His numbers underline the paradox. According to FBref, Wirtz ranked highly for creativity and progression last season: 5.02 progressive carries, 6.74 progressive passes, and 5.66 shot-creating actions per 90.

Yet those underlying metrics have not yet translated into output, leaving Slot with a conundrum.

Liverpool's Wirtz solution

This is where Dominik Szoboszlai enters the conversation.

Lauded by journalist Bence Bocsák as “Gerrard-esque,” the Hungarian has quietly been one of Liverpool’s most effective performers this term.

After being criticised by Slot for his part in Bournemouth’s opening goal on the first day, he responded emphatically.

A stunning 30-yard free-kick secured victory against Arsenal, while his stint at right-back in the raucous win at St James’ Park highlighted his versatility.

Szoboszlai has typically been deployed in defensive midfield or even wide to cover injuries, including Jeremie Frimpong’s absence.

But it could be argued that his natural home is in attacking midfield, the very role Wirtz is occupying.

With Alexis Mac Allister struggling for fitness, a space has opened up – and Szoboszlai has the credentials to fill it.

Statistically, Szoboszlai compares favourably in some key areas.

Matches Played

31

36

Goals

10

6

Assists

12

6

Progressive Carries

131

72

Progressive Passes

176

131

His pass completion rate of 84.3% dwarfs Wirtz’s 78.3%, while his pressing intensity and stamina have been widely praised.

He averages 4.73 progressive passes and 4.30 shot-creating actions per 90 – slightly behind Wirtz, but with greater efficiency.

His ability to contribute defensively adds another dimension to Slot’s midfield puzzle.

Wirtz still leads the way for goal involvements last season (22 to Szoboszlai’s 12), and his 198.1 progressive passing distance per 90 shows his ability to advance play.

But Szoboszlai’s adaptability may give him the edge in the short term, particularly in high-intensity fixtures where control and work rate are paramount.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The tactical question, then, is whether Liverpool persist with Wirtz to allow him to adapt, or whether Slot pivots towards a proven performer in Szoboszlai.

With Isak now leading the line and Mohamed Salah and Ekitike offering themselves from wide, creativity from midfield is vital.

Wirtz will almost certainly prove his value at Anfield over the long haul, but Szoboszlai offers a compelling case right now.

His pressing, ball progression, and leadership have been crucial to Liverpool’s perfect start, while his ability to step into Wirtz’s role could provide the spark needed in the months ahead.

As Slot weighs his options, Liverpool supporters may soon see the Hungarian restored to his preferred role – and if he continues to play as he has, the £116m signing could find himself fighting for minutes sooner than expected.

Liverpool have a prodigy who has the potential to hit Wirtz's price tag

Liverpool have enough quality to sustain a lengthy period of illustrious success.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 7, 2025

Centuries 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.