For all the concerns surrounding Newcastle United’s lack of cutting edge this season, their defence has remained reassuringly reliable.

Eddie Howe’s side may still be searching for rhythm in attack, but defensively they’ve been among the Premier League’s most resolute outfits.

They’ve kept six clean sheets already this campaign and boast the second-lowest expected goals conceded (4.9) in the division, behind only Arsenal.

That solidity has been essential in keeping Newcastle within touching distance of the top four, particularly given their Champions League commitments.

Malick Thiaw, signed from AC Milan, has seamlessly filled the void left by Fabian Schär’s injury, forging a composed, ball-playing partnership with Sven Botman at the heart of defence.

Calm on the ball and dominant in duels, the German has been one of Newcastle’s most consistent performers so far.

Yet, just as things were settling, Howe has been hit with significant defensive injuries.

Both Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall – the club’s two starting full-backs – have suffered setbacks that will sideline them for an extended period.

Their absence leaves Newcastle light in wide defensive areas, forcing a reshuffle that may test the depth of the squad during a congested autumn fixture list.

For a side competing on multiple fronts, rotation is vital.

But with natural full-backs out and makeshift options stepping in, the coming weeks will reveal whether Newcastle’s defensive solidity can withstand the strain.

Hall and Burn's success at Newcastle

Few players symbolise Newcastle’s progress under Howe more than Hall.

Still only 19, the left-back has made the position his own since arriving from Chelsea, blending energy with composure in possession.

His overlapping runs and delivery from wide areas have been key to Newcastle’s attacking transitions, while defensively, his pace allows the team to hold a high line.

However, Hall’s hamstring injury – which Howe has confirmed “won’t be short-term” – is a major blow.

It leaves Newcastle without their first-choice full-back during a period when they face high-pressing, counter-attacking sides both domestically and in Europe.

In his absence, Dan Burn has been tasked with filling the void.

The 6 foot 7 defender has long been a fan favourite for his commitment and leadership, but left-back is far from his natural role.

Burn’s experience and aerial dominance make him a solid stopgap, yet his lack of recovery pace can be exposed, particularly when facing quick, direct wingers.

One-on-one duels and balls played in behind remain areas of weakness.

Howe’s tactical adjustments have tried to compensate, with Botman often covering wider to protect Burn.

But upcoming fixtures present new challenges.

Newcastle’s next league outing sees them travel to Brighton, where Yankuba Minteh’s speed and trickery could test Burn’s positional awareness.

Stronger sides than Nottingham Forest – who rarely exploited the left channel in Newcastle’s last league match – will certainly target this imbalance.

There’s also the question of whether Newcastle could turn to the free-agent market for temporary cover.

While Howe is reluctant to disrupt squad chemistry, the defensive injuries are stretching his options thin.

With both full-backs unavailable and Champions League fixtures piling up, the pressure is mounting for a new solution – perhaps one that already exists within the club’s own ranks.

Newcastle's academy left-back solution

Enter Leo Shahar, the 18-year-old full-back who many within Newcastle’s academy believe is ready to make the leap.

A natural right-back who is also comfortable on the left, Shahar joined from Wolves last year after a decade in their youth system, where he was regarded as one of the most technically gifted defenders of his age group.

Since arriving at St James’ Park, he has quietly impressed at youth level.

Shahar has already made four Premier League 2 appearances this season and featured twice in the UEFA Youth League, scoring once.

Premier League 2

4 appearances

299 minutes

UEFA Youth League

2 appearances

180 minutes

His consistency and versatility have earned him a growing reputation, and his development was rewarded when he made his first-team debut in pre-season against Atlético Madrid.

Internationally, Shahar’s rise has been just as rapid.

Having represented England across multiple youth levels, he made his under-19 debut in September, capping off a year of steady progress.

Youth coach Thomas Hammond has described him as a “promising talent,” words that suggest he may soon be trusted with senior minutes.

Tactically, Shahar fits the modern mould Howe demands from his full-backs: quick, comfortable in tight spaces, and adept at playing out from the back.

His natural balance on either side of the pitch could be invaluable as injuries continue to bite.

And unlike Burn, he offers the pace and agility to handle one-on-one duels – an attribute that Newcastle have missed in Hall’s absence.

With Newcastle set for a gruelling run that includes Champions League clashes and key Premier League fixtures, Howe may have little choice but to dip into his academy talent.

It’s a risk, but one with potential reward. Giving Shahar his chance now could accelerate his development while easing the load on an injury-hit squad.

Newcastle’s long-term vision under Howe has always been about building sustainably – blending elite signings with homegrown talent capable of stepping up when needed.

Leo Shahar might just be the next example of that philosophy in action.

Anderson 2.0: Newcastle have "next young English superstar" on their hands

Newcastle sold homegrown talent Elliot Anderson for PSR reasons – now he’s starring for England

ByWill Miller Oct 10, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Vasco da Gama foi fundado como um clube de remo em 1898, por um grupo de 63 rapazes remadores, imigrantes portugueses. A reunião aconteceu no bairro da saúde. o nome escolhido foi Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama, em homenagem aos 400 anos a viagem do almirante à Índia.

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+Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Gigante da Colina com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

INÍCIO NO FUTEBOL E OS PRIMEIROS TÍTULOS

Em novembro de 1915, o clube de futebol Lusitânia uniu forças com o Vasco, assim dando origem ao departamento de futebol do Cruz-Maltino, no início houve uma oposição de alguns remadores. O Gigante da Colina estreou no dia 03 de maio de 1916, na terceira divisão. Assim se iniciaria uma grande história.

Para ser jogador do Vasco, bastava saber jogar futebol, o clube ignorava o racismo da época e incorporava em seu plantel, jogadores de qualquer origem étnica. em 1922, o clube conquistou seu primeiro título ao vencer a Série B da Primeira Divisão. Com a vitória, o time Cruz-Maltino teve acesso garantido à primeira divisão da Liga Metropolitana de Desportos Terrestres. A campanha vascaína foi impecável com 11 vitórias, 2 empates e uma derrota, sagrando-se Campeão carioca de 1923, no seu ano de estreia. Era a primeira vez que um time da periferia, incomodava os times elitistas da época.

O PRIMEIRO TÍTULO BRASILEIRO

A maior conquista do Vasco até então veio na década de 70, no Campeonato Brasileiro de 1974, com Roberto Dinamite se consagrando como o artilheiro e o Gigante da Colina sendo o primeiro clube carioca a conquistar o Brasil.

O BICAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO 15 ANOS DEPOIS

No dia 16 de dezembro de 1989, o time da Cruz de Malta escreveria mais um belo capítulo em sua linda história. Na presença de mais de 71 mil pessoas, Vasco e São Paulo se enfrentaram pelo título do Campeonato Brasileiro, no Morumbi. Após uma vitória por 1 a o na capital paulista, comemorou a conquista do bicampeonato ainda naquela tarde ensolarada em São Paulo.

COPA LIBERTADORES DE 1998

Sob o comando do técnico Antônio Lopes, o Vasco conquistou o título da Copa Libertadores de 1998 com uma grande campanha e um elenco recheado de craques. Na decisão, a equipe carioca venceu o Barcelona de Guayaquil-EQU por 2 a 1 no segundo jogo da decisão, após ter vencido a ida por 2 a 0. Luizão foi o principal artilheiro do Gigante da Colina na campanha da conquista continental. Na ocasião, o jogador balançou a rede em sete oportunidades. Seguido por Donizete, que marcou seis gols.

A VOLTA POR CIMA NA COPA DO BRASIL DE 2011

Após a sua queda para a segunda divisão em 2009, o Vasco da Gama voltou mais forte em 2010, se manteve na elite e montou um timaço para a temporada 2011. O dia 8 de junho de 2011 é inesquecível para os torcedores do Gigante da Colina. o clube não vencia um título nacional desde o João Havelange de 2000, o grito estava entalado na garganta do torcedor e foi solto após um jogo memorável diante do Coritiba, em pleno Couto Pereira, que terminou com a derrota para o coxa por 3 a 2. O gol salvador de Eder Luis, no primeiro jogo em São Januário, garantiu o troféu.

VEJA ABAIXO A LISTA DOS PRINCIPAIS TÍTULOS DO VASCO:

INTERNACIONAIS:

1 Copa Libertadores da América (1998)
1 Copa Mercosul (2000)
1 Campeonato Sul-Americano de Campeões (1948)

NACIONAIS:

4 Campeonatos Brasileiros (1974, 1989, 1997 e 2000)
1 Copa do Brasil (2011)
1 Campeonato Brasileiro – Série B (2009)

INTERESTADUAIS:

3 Torneios Rio-São Paulo (1958, 1966 e 1999)
1 Torneio João Havelange (1993)
1 Taça dos Campeões Rio-São Paulo (1936)

ESTADUAIS:

24 Campeonatos Cariocas (1923, 1924, 1929, 1934, 1936, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1956, 1958, 1970, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998, 2003, 2015 e 2016)
2 Copas Rio Estadual (1992 e 1993)
1 Campeonato Carioca – Série A 2 (1922)
1 Taça Guanabara Independente (1965)
4 Torneios Municipal (1944, 1945, 1946 e 1947)
2 Torneios Relâmpago (1944 e 1946)
10 Torneios Início (1926, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1942, 1944, 1945, 1948 e 1958)
12 Taças Guanabara (1976, 1977, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2016 e 2019)
11 Taças Rio (1984, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2017 e 2021)

*Estagiário sob supervisão de Vinicius Perazzini

Everton has long been synonymous with the development of English talent, cultivating players through one of the Premier League’s most respected academy systems.

From the legendary emergence of Wayne Rooney to modern stars like Anthony Gordon, the club has consistently provided a pathway for young players to break into the first team and make an impact on both domestic and international stages.

The club’s focus is clear: technical development, tactical intelligence, and professional growth are embedded from academy to senior squad.

Competitive youth fixtures, exposure to domestic cups give emerging players confidence and experience under pressure.

This structured approach ensures that English graduates are not only technically proficient but also resilient and tactically aware – qualities essential in modern football.

Under David Moyes, Everton’s strategy of integrating homegrown talent continues, blending experienced professionals with promising English players.

This season, Jack Grealish has become the symbol of the club’s revival, while another young talent represents the future of English defensive prospects at Goodison Park.

Why Grealish deserves a World Cup place for England

Grealish, 30, has been central to Everton’s resurgence under Moyes.

Arriving from Manchester City, Grealish has gradually regained the form that once made him a household name in England – staking his claim to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans heading into 2026, despite being overlooked recently.

In the 2025/26 season, he has already contributed a goal and four assists in seven Premier League appearances, playing 557 minutes – almost matching his totals from last season when he played only 721 minutes due to injury.

Known for his creativity and ability to dictate the tempo, Grealish ranks in the 6th percentile for progressive carries per 90 (6.27), 4.39 progressive passes per 90, and maintains an 84.1% pass completion rate.

His shot-creating actions per 90 sit at 4.55, while he completes nearly two successful take-ons per game.

These metrics underline his influence in Everton’s attacking transitions, providing both flair and functional output.

His 93rd-minute goal against Crystal Palace to end their 19-match unbeaten run highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, again boosting his claim to be in Tuchel’s next squad, or next summer’s roster at the very least.

Despite past injuries limiting his minutes, Grealish’s resurgence under Moyes shows that he remains a key creative fulcrum, bridging experience and leadership for Everton’s younger English talents.

However, while all eyes focus on Grealish’s headline performances, his role may impact other English players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who thrive in similar carrying and passing areas but lack the freedom to shoot.

Everton’s system will need to balance flair and structure, ensuring Grealish’s influence does not inadvertently limit opportunities for other homegrown talents.

Why Branthwaite is the next big English talent at Everton

While Grealish is providing immediate returns, Jarrad Branthwaite represents the long-term promise of Everton’s English talent pipeline.

Born in 2002, the 6 foot 5 left-footed centre-back joined Everton from Carlisle United in January 2020 after nine league appearances.

Branthwaite has since made over 75 appearances for the senior side, featuring prominently during loan spells at Blackburn Rovers (ten appearances in 2021) and PSV Eindhoven (27 league games in 2022/23), where he scored twice, featured in European competitions, and won the KNVB Cup.

His leadership qualities and composure on the ball are complemented by defensive steel, ranking in the top 9% for clearances among Premier League defenders per 90.

Matches Played

30

Minutes

2,511

Blocks

31

Tackles

36

Challenges

20

Internationally, Branthwaite has progressed steadily through England’s youth setup, earning eight U21 caps and winning the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship before making his senior debut in June 2024 in a 3–0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Despite missing the start of the 2025/26 season due to a hamstring injury, his market value of £42m – as per Transfermarkt – and long-term contract until 2030 underscore Everton’s commitment to securing homegrown English talent.

Branthwaite – described as a “physical beast” by analyst Ben Mattinson – embodies the club’s vision: combining technical skill, tactical awareness, and maturity beyond his years.

As Everton continue to develop a squad capable of competing in the top half of the Premier League, the centre-back is expected to play a pivotal role once fully fit, complementing experienced players like Grealish and ensuring Everton’s tradition of nurturing English talent endures.

Everton’s commitment to developing English talent remains clear, blending the immediate impact of established stars like Grealish with the long-term promise of Branthwaite.

While Grealish’s resurgence provides creativity, energy, and leadership, Branthwaite represents the next generation of homegrown players ready to step into key roles.

Under Moyes, Everton continues to balance development and performance, giving both established and emerging English talents the platform to succeed.

Everton's "revelation" could become the biggest loser from Grealish's rise

Jack Grealish’s form at Everton could nudge another star out of Moyes’ best team

ByWill Miller Oct 16, 2025

Newcastle United are still searching for form, over a month into the 2025/26 campaign, but it’s hardly as if there is anything to worry about for Eddie Howe and co.

After all, the Magpies have only conceded in one of their five Premier League games, a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool at St. James’ Park that was as infuriating as it was compelling.

Attacking fluency will return, and no mistake. Nick Woltemade is integrating after his big-money move from Stuttgart, the record-fee striker replacing Alexander Isak after the rebellious forward forced his way out and over to Anfield.

In the end, the Toon completed a quietly impressive transfer window, signing players of different shapes and sizes to bolster the pre-existing ranks.

However, Newcastle are still guided through by their leading light, the skipper, Bruno Guimaraes.

He’s been ever-present right through Howe’s tenure.

Bruno Guimaraes' Newcastle form

Guimaraes was one of the first to join this nascent Newcastle project, signing from French side Lyon for £40m and never looking back.

Almost four years later, the 27-year-old remains one of the nuclei at Newcastle, one of the first names on the teamsheet. Isak might have been considered in the same breath, but Isak has gone, whereas Bruno has not, despite fierce summer interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

He’s started four Premier League fixtures so far this season, absent against Bournemouth after that European clash with Barcelona, covering so much ground and working tirelessly both to protect the defence and progress his team’s attacking play.

Against the backdrop of Isak’s absence, Guimaraes put in a captain’s performance against the Premier League champions, and he spoke of his deep-seated love for the Magpies post-game.

However, it would also be fair to say that the Brazilian is lacking his usual fluency in attack at the moment, yet to create a big chance across his five matches in the Premier League.

We all know Bruno will hit his stride, but he hasn’t been Howe’s standout performer so far this season.

Newcastle's best player so far this season

It would be an outrage to award this figurative title to anyone north of the backline at Newcastle, whose three-goal haul in the Premier League this term betters only that of lowly Aston Villa, one strike to their name.

Defensively, though, United have been redoubtable, and Dan Burn stakes a claim for being the standout performer, indeed boasting four clean sheets across five league outings and having been one of the chief organisers in defence, ensuring everyone is where they should be and that they understand their duties, just so.

​​​​​

Like Guimaraes, Burn was one of the first to sign for Newcastle after the PIF takeover, leaving Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2022 to join his boyhood club after so many years, having plyed his boyish trade at Newcastle until being released when he was 11.

Now, he’s shaped into a mainstay for one of the most exciting projects in world football, and, aged 33, he is showing little sign of slowing down.

Fabian Schar

5

159

Bruno Guimaraes

5

159

Dan Burn

5

154

Jacob Murphy

5

142

Joelinton

5

134

Guimaraes and Fabian Schar, who was already part of the toon squad, are the only players to have eclipsed his 154 appearances in black and white under Howe’s wing, and there’s a good reason that Big Dan Burn has played with such regularity, for in many ways he epitomises Howe and his tactics: gritty and tenacious, balanced against a technical undercurrent which has led to silverware and European escapades.

It was Burn who rose highest before the break at Wembley in March, striking first to set Newcastle on their way in the Carabao Cup final. He has been written into club folklore, and there he will remain.

There will come a point when Sven Botman will expect to return to the starting line-up without fail, playing from the first whistle each and every week.

But we can’t ignore the industrious and composed presence Burn projects in front of Pope’s goal, with Sofascore recording that he has averaged a whopping 6.4 successful duels and 6.2 clearances per game, yet to make an error.

The 6 foot 6 defender made his England debut earlier in 2025, called up by the Three Lions hierarchy for the first time when he was 32 years old. Truly, development is not linear in football.

And that emphatic form of 2024/25 has indeed lifted over the disruptive summer transfer window, Burn travelling a smooth through line which has seen him retain his defensive solidity and his unflappable manner besides. Nick Pope boasts four clean sheets already this year, and he ranks only 11th in the division for saves made thus far (ten).

His leadership skills and organisation on the left side of the central defence eliminate and concerns over his lanky frame and limited passing range and mobility. Howe, after all, hailed the veteran as “an incredible signing” who has exceeded expectations.

The defensive giant may not match Botman’s athleticism or technical command, but he has been an essential part of this wonderful patch in Newcastle’s modern history – a period which may well be remembered as the foundation of a new age on Tyneside.

Last year, Burn got the ball rolling at Wembley, putting paid to a woeful Liverpool side and sparking the victory that led to gold.

It was a career-defining moment from the boy from Blyth, but he’s not done yet, this boyhood Toon, and he’s ready to write another chapter into an incredible journey.

Newcastle’s “explosive” star once looked like Shearer, now he needs to go

Newcastle star’s struggles mirror team’s attacking woes in Bournemouth draw.

ByWill Miller Sep 22, 2025

Australia captain Pat Cummins says “trend of the game is the runs are coming down” ahead of likely three-day finish

Nagraj Gollapudi12-Jun-20252:43

Can South Africa chase down 200-plus?

South Africa will approach their fourth-innings chase in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s with “belief” and are “very confident” of their ability to reach whatever target Australia set for them, David Bedingham said at the end of the second day.The run-chase already looks like it will be a challenging one – Australia are 218 ahead with two wickets left in their second innings.For the second successive day at Lord’s, 14 wickets fell with fast bowlers again dominating play on a seamer-friendly pitch. Pat Cummins followed Kagiso Rabada in etching his name on the honours board, while also entering the 300-wickets club after his 6 for 28 blew South Africa away.Related

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Cummins eighth Australia bowler to reach 300-wicket milestone in Tests

Bedingham, who was the leading scorer for South Africa with a stoic 45 from 111 deliveries, doffed his hat to Cummins, but said that Temba Bavuma’s men were ready to grab the opportunity they have. “It’s just an amazing chance and we are all very, very excited about the opportunity to win,” Bedingham said. “Could go either way, but us as a team we are very, very excited and there’s a lot of belief in the dressing room.”South Africa’s seamers utilised the overcast conditions mid-afternoon to hurt Australia, who were reeling at 73 for 7 before Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc brought them back into the game. Bedingham said the bowlers’ performance certainly would act as a catalyst in pursuit of the victory. “It’s an amazing day. When they started batting in the third innings, we would’ve definitely taken 220 for 8. So we are very confident, there’s a massive belief in this team.”Cummins said Australia would have been happier with a few more wickets “in the shed”, but he pointed out that batting remained difficult. “The trend of the game is the runs are coming down. It’s still pretty difficult out there, so it’s set up pretty well for a day-three finish, you’d imagine, tomorrow, but we are going to have to bowl well still in the fourth innings.”1:26

Bedingham: ‘Way I picked up the ball came across dodgy’

Several among Australia’s top order are bound to be disappointed for failing for the second time in successive days, though Cummins did not want to focus on that. Instead, he said the Australia had would be difficult to chase down.”When I walked out, anything over 200, so good to get over that,” he said. “But you just want to get as many runs as you can. So, happy we’ve got 200, hopefully we get another 20 or 30 in the morning. That’d be good. That’d give us a few more options to bowl a few more aggressive fields.”The procession of wickets, and collapses across all three innings, might be seen to tarnish a marquee final. Cummins, though, felt the Lord’s pitch had offered a good balance between bat and ball. “I think it’s pretty close to 50-50. It’s a pretty good Test match. That’s the beauty you get [where] all Test matches look a little bit different, but whenever there’s a pretty good balance between bat and ball, it’s always a pretty good match. This game, some guys have got themselves in and looked pretty comfortable out there and obviously a lot of other guys haven’t, so it’s been a pretty good balance.”2:38

Cummins: Reaching 300 wickets a sign of durability and resilience

As to why batting has been difficult, Cummins said it was due to the discipline of both fast-bowling attacks. “It’s a mixture of the wicket still doing a little bit. It feels like just when it’s not doing anything one ball will suddenly seam quite drastically. But both teams bowled really well, really disciplined, haven’t bowled too many half-volleys. Both teams are kind of just hanging in that good length area, pretty tight line.”Bedingham agreed with Cummins but was optimistic about batting getter easier on the third day. “When you have six quality seamers on a tricky pitch it obviously makes batting tough. The way the game’s going, the wicket’s slowed down a bit, so the nicks won’t carry,” he said. “So in the fourth innings they’ll maybe come a bit straighter and that will probably be the danger on that type of wicket, but hopefully we can get those runs.”Knowing the target, Bedingham agreed, would help South Africa to continue batting with intent, something they showed a bit more on the second day compared to the timidity on display late on Wednesday afternoon. “The main thing is just to 100% commit if you are defending or attacking. As soon as you get caught in two minds against these [bowling] attacks, you get found wanting.”June 13 could become a historic day for South African cricket if Bavuma’s team can defeat Australia to win the title and claim a first ICC title since the 1998 Knockout Trophy. In the past, they have succumbed to nerves on the big occasions, the latest instance coming in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.

Celtic full-back Colby Donovan is the current poster boy for the pathway from the B team to the first-team at Parkhead with his emergence this season.

Injuries to Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston convinced Brendan Rodgers to bring the 19-year-old right-back into the senior squad to fill in for several matches.

The Scotland U21 international started against Kilmarnock, Partick Thistle, Red Star Belgrade, and Braga before being left out of the matchday squad for the 3-2 win over Motherwell last time out.

Whilst he may not have been too pleased with dropping out of the squad last weekend in the Scottish Premiership, Donovan was delighted after he made his full European debut against Red Star Belgrade.

His appearances across all competitions in the 2025/26 campaign do show that Rodgers is prepared to bring through young players if they are ready and there is a space in the team to play them.

One position that the head coach could look to fill by utilising the B team is the number six position, as he starts to look to life beyond captain Callum McGregor.

Why Celtic may need to replace Callum McGregor

At the age of 32, the former Scotland international is not yet at the retirement stage or the point where Celtic have to worry about him becoming unplayable.

However, there have been some concerning performances at the start of this season that suggest that the veteran central midfielder’s influence on the team may be waning.

The left-footed star has never been the most powerful or intense player out of possession, due to his relaxed and composed nature in the number six position, but that has worked to his detriment this season.

Callum McGregor (Premiership)

24/25

25/26

Appearances

35

7

Goals

8

0

Assists

3

0

Ground duel success rate

54%

46%

Fouls committed

0.4

1.6

Fouls won

0.6

0.4

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, McGregor’s physical output is down in comparison to the 2024/25 campaign in the Premiership, losing the majority of his ground duels and committing four times as many fouls per match on average.

This suggests that the captain has been a little off the pace in the league this term, as opposition players have been sharper than him to win duels and force him into committing fouls on them, whilst he has not provided as much of a threat in front of goal at the other end of the pitch.

The Scottish midfielder has also lost 64% of his duels in the first two outings in the Europa League, per Sofascore, losing 62% of his ground duels and 100% of his aerial battles.

With this in mind, Rodgers may start to think about what life will look like once McGregor is not a guaranteed starter, whilst also considering adding competition for his place.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

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One option could be to look to the academy to find a long-term replacement for the captain, as well as competition for his position in the short-term.

19-year-old Jude Bonnar, who is on loan at Ayr United, may be a player supporters would earmark as a McGregor successor from the youth team, but he has played on the wing and as an attack-minded midfielder, which may not suit the number six role.

The Celtic youngster who could replace Callum McGregor

Samuel Isiguzo, unlike Bonnar, has experience playing as a defender and as a central midfielder, per Transfermarkt, which may put him in a better place to develop into a holding midfielder or the Hoops.The 18-year-old star is typically deployed in a central midfield position, where McGregor plays, and has caught the eye in the early stages of the 2025/26 campaign.

Isiguzo, who can play in defence, as a wide midfielder, or as a central midfielder, has scored five goals and provided one assist in 16 appearances in all competitions for the academy this term, per Transfermarkt.

The teenage talent, who scored four goals in 13 outings in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, has shown that he has a knack for scoring goals from a midfield position, as McGregor did last season with his eight-goal haul in the Premiership.

Isiguzo, who was praised for his “dangerous” play by journalist Josh McCafferty, could also be the heir to McGregor’s position in the team because of his leadership skills.

The 18-year-old starlet has captained the B team in 13 of his 16 appearances this season, which shows that he is a respected leader at youth level who can lead by example and rally the troops, as the current first-team captain does.

Of course, there is a difference between captaining a youth team in front of a small crowd, if any crowd at all, and captaining Celtic on European nights with thousands of fans in attendance, but it does show that Isiguzo has the leadership potential.

With Bonnar out on loan and potentially suiting a number eight role more, the Scottish youngster could be the player to look to give McGregor some competition for his place this season.

Rodgers’ use of U21 talent for Celtic

Premiership (U21 players only)

23/24

24/25

Academy graduates used

2

3

Academy graduate appearances

5

4

Academy graduate starts

0

0

Academy graduate minutes

90

25

Stats via WhoScored

As you can see in the table above, Rodgers has not given loads of opportunities to young players in recent seasons, but Donovan’s emergence in recent weeks shows that the manager is not completely against bringing through academy talent.

Therefore, Isiguzo could be an interesting player to watch out for in the coming months if the Hoops end up in a position where they feel that McGregor needs a rest, as the B team star could step in as a natural replacement.

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Posts ByDan Emery Oct 7, 2025

استهل منتخب مصر تحت 17 عامًا، مشواره في بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين، بالفوز على هايتي، بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم الثلاثاء.

والتقى منتخب مصر مع هايتي، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الأولى من مباريات المجموعة الخامسة لبطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا.

ويشارك منتخب مصر في بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا المقامة في دولة قطر، خلال الفترة من 3 إلى 27 نوفمبر 2025.

طالع.. فيديو | منتخب مصر يسحق هايتي برباعية في افتتاح مشواره بكأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

ويتواجد منتخب مصر، في المجموعة الخامسة من بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين مع منتخبات إنجلترا وفنزويلا وهايتي.

واستكملت مباريات الجولة لنفس المجموعة، بمباراة إنجلترا وفنزويلا، اليوم أيضًا، حقق منتخب فنزويلا الفوز على إنجلترا بنتيجة 3-0.

وبذلك بعد نهاية الجولة الأولي للمجموعة الخامسة، يتصدر منتخب مصر الترتيب برصيد 3 نقاط، يأتي في المركز الثاني منتخب فنزويلا بنفس عدد النقاط، يحتل المركزين الثالث والرابع، منتخبا إنجلترا وهايتي على الترتيب بدون نقاط. ترتيب مجموعة مصر في كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

1- مصر، 3 نقاط.

2- فنزويلا، 3 نقاط.

3- إنجلترا، بدون نقاط.

4- هايتي، بدون نقاط.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has instructed his players to adapt to dealing with "long balls" as the Reds aim to end their dismal run of form in the 2025-26 campaign. The reigning champions have lost their last three Premier League games against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Manchester United, as they have dropped to third position in the league table.

• Liverpool look to end Premier League slump after Eintracht win

  Liverpool started their title defence campaign as they won seven matches in a row across all competitions, including five in the Premier League. However, their form suddenly took a dip by the end of September. The Reds went on to lose three back-to-back Premier League matches, including their latest loss 2-1 defeat to rivals Manchester United at Anfield, a feat the Red Devils achieved after nine years.  In between, they had also lost to Galatasaray in the Champions League.

  The English champions, though, have now finally ended their losing streak with a thumping 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. Following the morale-boosting victory, Slot has now urged his players to try and learn to defend against "long balls" and end their misery in the league.   

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  Slot points out difference between this season the last

  Speaking to reporters, the Dutchman said: "The main difference between this season and last season is the playing styles we face. I've looked when we had a few days off at how many long balls we already had to defend – 178 in seven games and then United came and we had to defend 59 long balls. That's different from the first half of last season. The way to unlock it is a moment of magic, which we had in the first half of last season a lot with Mo [Salah], or a set-piece, which we had at Frankfurt as well, because that again was a low block. But two set-pieces unlocked the game for us. 

  "So, this is what I try to explain to them [the players] and what I try to explain to the media. What I try to do after the game, it was actually more of a compliment for the other manager that he found the right answer to our playing style."

  He added: "But at a certain moment, it's so clear, everybody does this. And even now I've heard that when we played Frankfurt, there were talks between their staff and Glasner and he explained to them their way of playing, which is normal that these things happen."

• 'We have to adjust'

  Slot added: "We have to adjust, and that's what we've tried to do. That's also what I've told the players, and I can say this here as well. The last two times we faced a 5-4-1 against Palace and against United, we've created more chances than we did every single time we faced a 5-4-1 last season, with a low block. And the reason for that is that we've tried to adjust a few things in our playing style as well, and against Frankfurt we again faced a 5-4-1, where I adjusted maybe even more.

  "But that's not to say that was the reason that we created so much, because we created already a lot against United and against Palace as well. So, yeah, we have to find answers to that, and we're not the first team that this happens. City experienced this for so many years. They are very, very good at playing in these tight spaces, and this is something we need to do even better than we already do."    

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  Slot had bizareely branded Man Utd a 'long-ball team'

  Slot understandably frustrated after the loss at home against a struggling United side but instead of accepting his team's flaws, the Dutch coach bizarrely labelled the Red Devils as a 'long-ball team'. In a chat with BBC Match of the Day after the game at Anfield, Slot had said: "It is always difficult to play against a team that defends in a low block and mainly plays the long ball. It makes it even more difficult when you go one down after one minute when one of our players are on the floor. If you would have told me before the game that against the low block, against so many long balls, that we would have created as many chances as we did I would have not expected us to lose. But that is what we did. We had enough chances to score more than one goal, but on the other hand, again conceding two and one of the two was the set piece."

  The champions will be back in action in the Premier League on Saturday as they take on Brentford away from home.   

For Sam Konstas, the biggest challenge in his early taste of Test cricket wasn’t the batting – it was managing the emotion of playing in front of a huge crowd at the MCG last December. At just 19, he is learning to steady his breath, trust his game, and find calm in the chaos of the international stage.”It was my first few Test matches, and the emotions probably got to me with the crowd,” Konstas told reporters in Barbados, reflecting on his debut series against India which started with his 60 off 65 balls at the MCG. “But having a bit of time off to reflect and strengthen my game has helped.”Konstas is a confirmed starter for Australia’s first Test against West Indies in Bridgetown, beginning June 25, with selectors announcing he and Josh Inglis will return to the side. Marnus Labuschagne was dropped while Steven Smith was ruled out with a dislocated finger.Related

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• Labuschagne dropped, Smith ruled out of first WI Test

This will be his third Test cap after not playing in Sri Lanka, where Travis Head opened in a tactical switch, and narrowly missing out on the XI for the World Test Championship final when Labuschagne was promoted. With a week to prepare for the Barbados Test after landing in the Caribbean, Konstas spoke about his personal diary, which he started at school, becoming a key tool to revisit the basics.”The diary’s been important,” Konstas, who has Test cap No. 468 tattooed on his forearm, said. “Just reflecting on games, going back to my checkpoints, especially when you’re overseas. It helps me get grounded again.”He also credited much of his early learning to the senior players in the Australian squad. “I’m just trying to control my breath and have a good relationship with my batting partner to talk about things and how to go through, especially heated moments, when the game changes,” he said.”I always try to get advice from Uzi [Usman Khawaja], Marnus, Smith, just seeing how they go about things. I’m lucky to be around them, especially at 19. Playing for your country, travelling the world, it really is a dream come true.””For me, I just hope to grab an opportunity because it’s such a strong side. I’m very grateful for that.”It is expected that Konstas, who is favoured to open although the batting order has yet to be confirmed, will have all three Tests against West Indies to try and bed himself into the side ahead of the Ashes later this year after a period where Australia have had a revolving door of openers since David Warner’s retirement.After the first Test in Bridgetown, the series will move to Grenada for the second Test from July 3 and then to Jamaica for the third Test from July 12.

Nottingham Forest are now into their fourth season of Premier League football after qualifiying for the Europa League during the 2024/25 campaign.

The Reds do fork out an eye-catching amount when it comes to salaries, though. In fact, their annual payroll stands at £93,210,000 with an average yearly wage for a first team player standing at just under £3m. Here’s Nottingham Forest’s best-paid players from the 2025/26 season. All earnings are based on reports via Capology.

Disclaimer – only the club and the players themselves truly know their wages, so take each of these figures as you will.

Rank	Player	Gross pay per week	Gross pay per year
1	Douglas Luiz	£135,000	£7,020,000
2	Oleksandr Zinchenko	£120,000	£6,240,000
3	Morgan Gibbs-White	£110,000	£5,720,000
4	Nikola Milenkovic	£105,000	£5,460,000
=5	Chris Wood	£90,000	£4,680,000
=5	Callum Hudson-Odoi	£90,000	£4,608,000
7	Dan Ndoye	£85,000	£4,420,000
=8	Ibrahim Sangare	£75,000	£3,900,000
=8	Murillo	£75,000	£3,900,000
10	Dilane Bakwa	£70,000	£3,640,000
11	Neco Williams	£65,000	£3,380,000
=12	Arnaud Kalimuendo	£60,000	£3,120,000
=12	Ola Aina	£60,000	£3,120,000
14	Omari Hutchinson	£55,000	£2,860,000
=15	Ryan Yates	£50,000	£2,600,000
=15	Taiwo Awoniyi	£50,000	£2,600,000
=15	Igor Jesus	£50,000	£2,600,000
18	Nicolo Savona	£45,000	£2,340,000
=19	Willy Boly	£40,000	£2,080,000
=19	Elliot Anderson	£40,000	£2,080,000
=19	John Victor	£40,000	£2,080,000
=19	Matz Sels	£40,000	£2,080,000
=19	James McAtee	£40,000	£2,080,000
=24	Nicolas Dominguez	£35,000	£1,820,000
=24	Cuiabano	£35,000	£1,820,000
=24	Jair Cunha	£35,000	£1,820,000
=24	Morato	£35,000	£1,820,000
28	Angus Gunn	£30,000	£1,560,000
29	Omar Richards	£15,000	£780,000
30	Zach Abbott	£12,500	£650,000
31	Tyler Bindon	£5,000	£260,000

Here's a detailed look at Nottingham Forest's top 10 earners…

10

Dilane Bakwa

£70,000 per week

One of many to sign for Nottingham Forest in 2025, Dilane Bakwa arrived at the City Ground after impressing in France with Strasbourg.

The winger signed a five-year deal with the Reds on deadline day, earning £3.64m a season.

9

Murillo

£75,000 per week

Murillo has proven to be an excellent signing for Nottingham Forest after joining back in 2023.

A number of European giants were circling for the Brazilian defender, however, he signed a new improved five-year deal to stay with Forest in 2025.

8

Ibrahim Sangare

£75,000 per week

Ibrahim Sangare was Forest’s record signing when he joined from PSV Eindhoven in 2023, signing a five-year deal worth £75,000 per week.

The Ivory Coast international only made 17 Premier League appearances in his first full campaign and 13 in his second season, though.

7

Dan Ndoye

£85,000 per week

Dan Ndoye signed for Nottingham Forest from Serie A side Bologna after the Reds qualified for the Europa League.

Costing around £34m, the Switzerland international signed a five-year deal and is in line to recieve a total of £22.1m in wages during his time at the club.

6

Callum Hudson-Odoi

£90,000 per week

Winger Callum Hudson-Odoi also picks up an eye-catching £90,000 per week, with Forest landing the attacker from Chelsea for an initial £3m in 2023.

That has proven to be a shrewd signing so far, with the Englishman chipping in with numerous goals and assists with his direct play.

5

Chris Wood

£90,000 per week

Chris Wood initially joined on loan from Newcastle United in 2023, with that move becoming permanent months later after Forest remained in the Premier League.

The New Zealand international has used all of his experience to become first choice and is now the club’s all-time record scorer in the Premier League.

4

Nikola Milenkovic

£105,000 per week

2024 signing Nikola Milenkovic swapped Fiorentina for Forest and was a regular during his first season at the City Ground alongside Murillo.

The Serbia international is under contract until 2029.

3

Morgan Gibbs-White

£110,000 per week

Arguably one of Nottingham Forest’s most important players, Morgan Gibbs-White has gone from strength to strength after swapping Wolves for Forest following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.

He nearly signed for Tottenham in 2025, however, at the last minute, signed a new improved contract at the City Ground on £110,000 per week.

2

Oleksandr Zinchenko

£120,000 per week

Oleksandr Zinchenko signed for Forest late in the 2025 summer transfer window after the club submitted a deal sheet just before the deadline.

The Ukraine international is on a season-long loan from Arsenal, with Forest paying him over £6m in wages for the year.

1

Douglas Luiz

£135,000 per week

Another loanee at the City Ground and Nottingham Forest’s top earner is midfielder Douglas Luiz, who will pick up more than £7m in wages from the Reds.

The Brazilian made the move back to the Premier League from Juventus, and there is an obligation to make a move permanent if conditions are met.