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Liverpool's British record signing Alexander Isak has been warned he must fight for his place after former World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf insisted Hugo Ekitike is the only striker who deserves to start under Arne Slot right now. The Frenchman believes Isak's fitness and form issues mean the £125 million star cannot be guaranteed the starting role ahead of his in-form team-mate.

• Liverpool's £200m striker competition problems

  Liverpool's £204m ($268m) investment in two new strikers has sparked a fierce internal battle for the club's No.9 role this season. Ekitike has hit the ground running since his summer arrival, scoring consistently and immediately earning a starting spot under Slot. Meanwhile, Isak – signed late in the window after a dispute with Newcastle – has struggled to reach full sharpness and adapt to the team's style.

  Liverpool signed both forwards expecting them to elevate the attack together, but the contrast in their early-season form has shifted expectations. Slot has relied heavily on Ekitike's work rate, clinical finishing and ability to link up play, while Isak, who missed key pre-season preparation, continues to chase match fitness.

  Financial pressure adds a further complication, with Isak arriving for a British-record fee and expected to be a leading star from day one, especially given his existing Premier League record. Some believe starting him regardless of form is inevitable due to the investment involved, while others argue performances must be rewarded. With Liverpool looking to defend their Premier League crown, every selection decision is being closely scrutinised, especially in the centre-forward role.

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  Liverpool's frontline struggling to click

  Isak's arrival was seen as a blockbuster statement signing following Liverpool's Premier League win, confirming the Reds' intent to elevate their squad to Champions League-winning standard. However, his fitness setbacks and delayed integration mean he has not yet shown the ruthless scoring ability he displayed at Newcastle. Slot has defended him publicly, insisting he was bought for long-term success rather than immediate output.

  Ekitike, meanwhile, has exceeded expectations after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt with far less fanfare than Isak. His strong pre-season allowed him to adapt instantly to Slot's pressing demands, making him the most reliable focal point in the early part of the campaign. His emergence has taken some by surprise and highlighted just how quickly squad hierarchies can change in elite teams.

  Mohamed Salah's form is fluctuating and Cody Gakpo is also fighting for consistency. The arrival of Florian Wirtz has added another creative weapon but increased tactical congestion in forward areas. Slot's task is now less about finding one solution and more about shaping a fluid unit with multiple high-profile players competing for minutes.

• Leboeuf: Ekitike should start ahead of Isak

  Leboeuf believes that performance should outweigh price tags and reputations when Slot selects his starting XI. Speaking to OLBG, he stated: "It's going to be tricky because right now the only one who should play is Hugo Ekitike. Hugo should play every game because Alexander Isak didn't train for a while, was fighting against Newcastle in order to come to Liverpool, but right now Isak is not the Isak we have known from years playing for Newcastle."

  The former Chelsea defender argued that Ekitike has earned his place and should remain the first-choice option regardless of Liverpool's enormous investment. "But he put a lot of pressure on Hugo. Hugo started very well, scoring every game in the team which is a shadow of itself. But right now, Hugo is doing great and Arne Slot should only play him. And it doesn't matter if the other guy costs £130 or 150m. If he's not ready enough, you should play Hugo."

  Leboeuf added that flexibility exists if Slot wants to accommodate both players in the lineup, while warning it presents a major squad-management challenge. "There is a possibility for Hugo also to play on the left side. It's also possible for Isak to do so. [Slot] has the choice of a king as we say in France."

  Leboeuf went on to talk about Salah's form hurting Liverpool's title defence: "We have to talk about Mohamed Salah as well, he is not the Salah we have seen. So you have Salah, Cody Gakpo, Ekitike and Isak. But what do you do with Florian Wirtz? So it's complicated but they've decided to go there. Personally, when I saw Ekitike starting with Liverpool, I said they don't need Isak.

  "I thought they should've given up and said no on the signing [of Isak] because it's going to create more problems than bring results. Arne Slot needs to make choices and you have to make sure that the dressing room is okay with that and they live together in a good way with a good vibe – he will have to be psychologically very good."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Salah's AFCON trip could offer opportuity to Slot

  Liverpool's upcoming fixtures will force Slot to make decisive calls on which striker leads the title defence. If Ekitike continues scoring, dropping him becomes almost impossible – even to give the club's most expensive signing rhythm and confidence. However, Isak's long-term role remains crucial to Liverpool's future planning, and the club will expect him to establish himself sooner rather than later.

  With Salah heading off next month with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations, Slot may be handed a unique opportunity to try out a new system, without dropping arguably the best Liverpool player of the modern era. There have been conversations about Liverpool potentially shifting to a 4-4-2 system with Isak and Ekitike playing upfront, if performances do not improve. However, Slot is said to be worried about the potential hit to the midfield's stability if he shifts to the system.

Cristiano Ronaldo claims to not be overly fussed about winning the World Cup, with his GOAT status already secure, but former Premier League rival Clinton Morrison has exclusively told GOAL that the Portuguese is lying and will want to match Lionel Messi. CR7 will get another shot at savouring glory in 2026, as part of his ongoing efforts to reach 1,000 career goals.

Will Ronaldo match Messi with World Cup win?

As captain of his country, Ronaldo has enjoyed a European Championship triumph and two UEFA Nations League wins. He has also collected major honours at club level with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr.

The evergreen 40-year-old has, however, failed to capture the most prestigious of trophies. Ronaldo insists that he does not need to emulate Messi on that front in order to cement his legacy – with his fellow all-time great having landed that prize with Argentina in 2022.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALRonaldo World Cup claim: Doesn't need win to cement legacy

While Ronaldo is playing down his claims to World Cup immortality, ex-Crystal Palace and Birmingham City striker Morrison believes success in that competition will be weighing on the mind of a man who has achieved just about everything else.

Ahead of Portugal’s trip to Dublin on Thursday, former Republic of Ireland international Morrison – speaking in association with , the home of new casino sites – told GOAL when asked about Ronaldo’s bold World Cup claim: “He will be fussed, Ronaldo will be fussed! Ronaldo wants to win everything. That is why he is one of the GOATs with Messi and why they are always battling each other and we have the debate about who is the best. Ronaldo wants to be the best and Messi wants to be the best. They are two players that we will probably never see again in this era that have been fantastic.

“Everyone wants to win the World Cup. Every individual growing up, you want to win the World Cup – that’s what you dream of when watching it on the TV growing up. He will want to win the World Cup.

“Maybe it was a tongue-in-cheek answer. Cristiano Ronaldo is a fantastic player and it would probably complete everything that he has done in the game if he did go on to win the World Cup. It will be difficult for Portugal because there are a lot of top teams, but he has a great chance because they have a lot of top players. Obviously Ronaldo wants to win that. Whether he wins it or doesn't win it, he will still go down as one of the best players ever to play the game.”

Goal target: Ronaldo closing in on 1,000 career strikes

Ronaldo has made 225 appearances for Portugal, finding the target on 143 occasions. He is fast closing in 1,000 total goals for club and country – with remarkable individual standards being maintained at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr – and Morrison admits we are unlikely to see such numbers again.

The former frontman said of those mind-boggling individual figures: “We are never going to see it again, it’s ridiculous! The numbers and the amount of goals that he has scored are insane! I can’t believe it. You look at it and say ‘1,000 goals’. It’s ridiculous. It’s hard to score 50 goals, let alone 1,000 goals!

“Huge credit must go to him for the hard work that he puts in off the pitch as well as on the pitch. He keeps himself in great condition. To still be going now at his age and keep yourself in great shape, it’s testament to him. That’s why he’s one of the GOATs and will go down as one of the best ever.

“If you are a youngster and wanting to be a professional footballer, you have to look up to someone like Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s been there, seen it, done it. One of the best I have ever played against – I managed to play against him when he was at Man United and he was awesome. Awesome condition and was a winner. You can see that he was always going to be a born winner.”

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GettyRetirement date: Will Ronaldo play on beyond the age of 42?

Ronaldo has committed to a new two-year contract with Al-Nassr that will take him through to the summer of 2027. He has conceded that retirement is not too far off, but no date has been set for when he will hang up his record-shattering boots and plenty are tipping the legendary forward to play on beyond the age of 42.

Arne Slot saw much-changed Liverpool fell to a sixth loss in seven matches as Ismaila Sarr’s clinical brace helped Crystal Palace reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Oliver Glasner’s Eagles got the better of the Reds for the third time this season as they followed their Community Shield shoot-out triumph and last month’s Premier League victory at Selhurst Park with an Anfield win.

Sarr’s first-half brace and a late Yeremy Pino strike secured FA Cup holders Palace a 3-0 fourth round victory as increasingly scrutinised Liverpool boss Slot’s bold decision to make 10 changes backfired in front of a full house.

Related Liverpool scouts lining up Bahoya deal to form new partnership with Ekitike

He’s impressed the Reds

Posts ByTom Cunningham Oct 29, 2025

Slot’s men had started Wednesday’s tie brightly, only for familiar foe Sarr to score twice at the end of the opening period to make it seven goals in nine matches against Liverpool.

Palace continued to cruise through the second half. The tie was over by the time teenage Reds substitute Amara Nallo was sent off in the 79th minute, with Pino adding extra gloss late on.

Defenders & goalkeeper

Freddie Woodman – 5

Even Freddie Woodman will be surprised to have received the call from Liverpool in the summer, but here he is and there he was in the starting line-up against Crystal Palace. To his credit, the Englishman was fairly flawless and could do nothing to prevent Sarr’s first-half brace or Pino’s late effort.

Calvin Ramsay – 6

Calvin Ramsay (yes, Calvin Ramsay) was perhaps the most surprising name on the teamsheet in a much-changed Liverpool side. The Reds have had their right-back problems as of late, so why not turn to the forgotten man?

Finally back at Anfield following disappointing loan spells and injury troubles, the Scotsman was one of the brightest sparks for the home side, particularly in the first half. He also gets bonus points for a stunning crossfield pass that Liverpool fans became used to down the right-hand side for several years. Welcome back, Calvin.

Joe Gomez – 3

It was a difficult evening for Joe Gomez, whose loose touch handed Sarr his first before his poor positioning allowed the Palace man a second in the space of four first-half minutes.

It was a frustrating watch for those at Anfield, who saw Gomez get off to a solid, leading start before mistakes crept into his game. Given the recent struggles of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, the last thing Liverpool needed was a poor performance from their other senior centre-back.

Andy Robertson – 4

In an unfamiliar centre-back role, it became clear that Andy Robertson was not in his favoured position from early on. Whilst he deserves credit for slotting in under the circumstances, there’s no denying that he struggled alongside Gomez. In many ways, it was fitting that the Reds played a fullback at centre-back against Marc Guehi as their regret became exposed.

That said, Robertson will be wondering what he has to do to take back his left-back spot as Liverpool’s disastrous defensive form continues.

Milos Kerkez – 4

Speaking of Liverpool left-backs, it was another frustrating evening for Milos Kerkez. He has continued to look rushed in possession and rash when defending. Although he wasn’t tested as much as previous weeks, the Hungary international was wasteful at times and that far from helped the blunt nature of Liverpool’s frontline.

Midfielders

Wataru Endo – 4

When Wataru Endo entered the Anfield turf last season, it often signalled game over for any opposition side. The Japanese international simply closed up for the evening and secured three points time and time again. This season, however, he has struggled to make the same impact.

Suddenly, there’s no hiding his weakness in possession which was shielded by work rate and robustness in the last campaign. Once again, he was loose against Palace and far from helped his side’s attempts to take control.

Trey Nyoni – 4

It was a night of learning for Trey Nyoni. Such a highly-rated player at Liverpool, the young midfielder felt the tempo of Premier League opposition in full and often found his passes misplaced.

Those at Anfield witness his unique composure in the middle of the park in pre-season, but he found out the hard way that time isn’t always a given at senior level.

Alas, it must be said that the senior members of the squad could have done a fair bit more to help the 18-year-old on a night to forget.

Alexis Mac Allister – 3

Alexis Mac Allister was undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s most important players last season’s title win. Alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, he formed an excellent midfield. Like much of Slot’s side as of late, however, he’s lost his way in the current campaign.

Still recovering from a knee injury in the summer, the Argentine once again looked a shadow of his best self against Crystal Palace. His form, or lack of it, hands Slot the worrying dilemma of just how to fix his current problems in the middle of the park.

Forwards

Kieran Morrison – 5

Thrust into the side at 18 years old, Kieran Morrison started well before gradually beginning to struggle against senior opposition. It’s not the first-team debut that he would have been dreaming of, but it is a moment in his career that he should cherish at Anfield nonetheless.

Had he at least enjoyed better service, things may have been different.

Rio Ngumoha – 6

Liverpool’s biggest bright spark, Rio Ngumoha very nearly curled a sensational effort into the top right in the first-half and certainly handed the likes of Jaydee Canvot a tough start to the evening. At 17 years old, his ability to take players on remains extraordinary and may just earn him a fair few more chances in the coming months.

Whilst Liverpool’s attack is full of big-money signings, Ngumoha’s glimpses of quality have sparked questions about his own game time despite his tender age,

Federico Chiesa – 6

It looked for a moment as though Federico Chiesa would hand Liverpool the lead in the early stages, only for his effort to end high and wide. That was that for the Italian’s chances, in truth, who struggled despite once again putting in the hard yards.

Even in defeat, his work rate should have put Slot on notice. As the Reds’ attack continues to struggle to click, Chiesa may yet provide a solution alongside the rest of his senior teammates.

Substitutes: Wellity Lucky (5), Amara Nallo (sent off, 2), Kaide Gordon (6), Trent Kone-Doherty (4)

After an impressive start in the Premier League, Sunderland now reportedly face the threat of losing one of their star players amid fresh interest from rivals Aston Villa.

Le Bris: Sunderland have to be "adaptable" against Forest

Without a defeat in three Premier League games, Sunderland sit as high as seventh and now have the opportunity to extend Ange Postecoglou’s winless start at Nottingham Forest. Victory could even take the Black Cats to as high as second in the Premier League if a number of results go their way, but Regis Le Bris is well aware that Forest will not be a simple game despite recent form.

After last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, in which summer signing Reinildo received a red card, there’s certainly plenty to think about for the Sunderland boss.

As far as promoted sides are concerned, it’s worth noting that those in Wearside as well as Leeds United and Burnley have enjoyed a refreshingly solid start as they look to become the first sides in six to secure safety in their first season back in the top flight.

A number of players have particularly stood out at the Stadium of Light so far this season, with new signings such as Nordi Mukiele already settling in well. Meanwhile, those who were already at the club have also made the step up with unexpected ease. But what that has done is hand Sunderland a potential transfer dilemma.

Aston Villa interested in signing Wilson Isidor

As reported by Football Insider, Aston Villa now want to sign Wilson Isidor after the Sunderland forward impressed against them last weekend. The forward equalised in clinical fashion to make it three goals in three Premier League games at the Stadium of Light.

It’s the type of form that was always likely to attract suitors, but also the type that has seen Sunderland slap a £35m price-tag on their talented forward. If Villa want to steal in and sign the Black Cats star, it simply won’t come cheap.

Villa’s interest in a clincial forward like Isidor should come as no surprise. Unai Emery’s side have scored just one goal all season, which came against Sunderland last time out, and Ollie Watkins only extended his goal drought by missing a penalty in the Europa League this week.

Sunderland star Habib Diarra injury return date, how many games he'll miss

A blow for the Black Cats…

By
Tom Cunningham

Sep 23, 2025

The Midlands club are crying out for more firepower and it could come at the expense of Sunderland, who would be feeling the full effect of the Premier League’s ruthless streak.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has denied reports of a disciplinary issue with Lamine Yamal, saying that claims he wanted to drop the teenager from the starting XI are false. It had been reported that the German wanted to punish the winger ahead of the Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, but sporting director Deco intervened.

• Flick vs Yamal?

  According to a report from , Flick intended to punish the 18-year-old for a lack of punctuality by dropping him from the starting line-up, a decision that was ultimately overruled following Deco’s mediation. 

  The alleged flashpoint occurred when Yamal arrived late for a team meeting prior to the crucial European fixture. Flick, a coach known for his strict adherence to discipline, reportedly informed the winger that he would not be starting the match as a consequence. This approach is consistent with Flick's management style, having previously sidelined players such as Jules Kounde, Raphinha, and Inaki Pena for similar infractions.

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  Barca boss addresses rumours of feud with teen star

  Flick was asked about the reports at a press conference on Friday and quickly denied any such incident took place, insisting Yamal had no such punctuality issues.

  “I'd like to know where this comes from; this is garbage," he said. "I'm especially grateful that this club, and Deco in particular, believes in our work. They would never ask us to do this. It's not true; I have nothing to hide. It's garbage, and if anyone says it, they're lying."

  Asked if he has concerns about Yamal's private life, he said: "For me, what counts is that when he's here, he puts in the effort and commitment. And that's what he does. He had a few days off after working hard, and I don't interfere in his private life."

• Barcelona's wider concerns over Yamal's off-field focus

  The report that Flick denies is not the first to suggest a growing unease at Barcelona regarding Yamal's conduct. While acknowledging the player is often the first to arrive at the training ground, there is a belief that his behaviour in recent months has been a cause for concern.

  One source was quoted as saying: “There is some concern about Lamine’s day-to-day life. It’s not alarming, but we don’t like some of the things that have been happening with the player in recent months. We don’t like the way he’s been living and the life he’s been leading.” The club's hierarchy is now said to be monitoring the situation closely, hoping the young star does not deviate from the path to success that has been laid out for him. The lack of punishment for Yamal, when contrasted with the sanctions handed to his teammates, has also reportedly caused some friction within the squad.

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• Reports of rift denied amid claims of 'political motives'

  Before he addressed the speculation publicly, reported that sources close to both Flick and Yamal had strongly denied any serious conflict. While Yamal's tardiness is not disputed, these insiders insist the situation was blown out of proportion.

  Furthermore, the counter-report claims that Flick's position was never in jeopardy and that his authority remains intact, with one source quoted as insisting the German would have resigned had he been overruled by Deco. There is a growing suspicion within the club that such rumours are being spread with ulterior motives, possibly for "political or electoral purposes" aimed at destabilising the current board and management.

Both of them say they would have preferred Nitish Rana, who scored 51 off 28 in regular time, as one of the Super Over batters

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Apr-20251:16

Pujara surprised by RR’s Super Over line-up

Did Rajasthan Royals (RR) get their choice of batters wrong in the Super Over against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Delhi?After Mitchell Starc tied the game for DC in regular time, RR sent in Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag – a left-right combination – for the Super Over, with Yashasvi Jaiswal as the third batter. Starc once again took the ball for DC and conceded only 11, with Parag and Jaiswal run out on the fourth and fifth deliveries, respectively. KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs needed just four balls to chase it down against Sandeep Sharma.Could RR have sent in Nitish Rana, who scored 51 off 28 in the regular time? Cheteshwar Pujara and Ian Bishop think so.Related

DC win an IPL classic in Delhi after Super Over drama

Axar hopes to have du Plessis back for DC's next game

Reverse in fast forward – Starc's three overs of yorker mayhem

“I think Nitish should have been there in those three,” Pujara said on ESPNcricinfo TimeOut. “But I don’t know whether he should have started. I would want Jaiswal to start because of the way he bats against Mitchell Starc – his record [against Starc] has been phenomenal across formats [26 runs from 15 balls without a dismissal in T20s and 133 from 203 with three dismissals in Tests].”I know it was the Super Over and Starc was just trying to execute his yorkers, but there’s a psychological advantage. If Yashasvi had faced a few balls, then Starc would have been under some pressure.”Bishop, Pujara’s co-panellist on the show, agreed. “I like Jaiswal at the top there, but I am biased towards Nitish Rana as well,” he said. “I would not mind Rana’s silky skill to come in there, not necessarily raw power.”DC captain Axar Patel was surprised to see Hetmyer come out too. “Hetmyer wasn’t able to connect in the match either,” Axar said after the game. “So I felt Jaiswal and Riyan would come out. But it worked out well for us, whoever they sent out.”2:32

Are RR overdoing the left-right combination?

When Rana himself was asked about it, he defended the team management’s decision.”The team management, the captain, and senior players decide it and I think it was a correct decision,” he said at the post-match press conference. “Had Hetmyer hit two sixes, this question would not have been there. Hetmyer is our finisher and he has delivered for us in the past.”I think we were one big shot short. We were targeting 15 runs in the Super Over because we know if you have 15 runs and you get one wicket, there’s a chance because then the batting team is under pressure. I think credit goes to Starc. We saw this type of death bowling in the IPL after a long time.”With the ball, RR preferred Sandeep over Jofra Archer, who famously bowled the Super Over in the 2019 ODI World Cup final.”Sandy has bowled such overs for us previously,” Rana said, “and I think he was most likely the best bowler we had for this situation.”

In almost 25 years as Tottenham Hotspur chairman, to say that Daniel Levy wasn’t known for his deep pockets would be an understatement. Unlike those around them, Spurs were often criticised for putting profit at the centre of their ambitions rather than silverware throughout his tenure.

Meanwhile, when Spurs did spend big, it didn’t always go to plan. They unlocked financial freedom after selling Gareth Bale in 2012, as Real Madrid secured the Welshman for a staggering £85m fee. But what came next was transfer flop after transfer flop. It could even be argued that they only managed to replace Bale eight years later when they signed the man himself on loan from Real Madrid.

The fact is, from Roberto Soldado to Vincent Janssen as well as many in between, Levy rarely spent well in North London. So much so, that we’ve now ranked the worst signings that he made during his time at Tottenham.

10 Clinton N'Jie (£12m)

Whilst Clinton N’Jie is far from the most expensive player on his list, he is one of the most disappointing. The 22-year-old arrived as a player full of potential in 2015, with Mauricio Pochettino at the peak of his powers. He was billed as a player destined for big things and seemed as though Spurs landed the ultimate transfer coup as a result.

In what turned into quite the trend, however, Levy guessed wrong. N’Jie went on to make just 14 appearances for the Lillywhites before leaving for Marseille just two years on from arriving. Failing to score and assisting just one goal in those 14 appearances, it’s fair to say that the winger never lived up to the hype.

9 Yves Bissouma (£30m)

A more recent inclusion, Yves Bissouma, is the topic of much frustration in North London. The talent is quite clearly there. At his best, he is exactly the midfielder that Tottenham hoped to sign for just £30m in 2022. But ability isn’t the issue.

There were many questions about Bissouma’s discipline when Ange Postecoglou suspended the midfielder from club duties last season, forcing the former Brighton man to earn back his redemption and those concerns have only increased under Thomas Frank.

A fresh start provided Bissouma with a clean slate that he has already mudded with disciplinary issues. Frank told reporters after leaving him out of his Super Cup squad to face Paris Saint-Germain: “Bissouma isn’t here because of disciplinary reasons. He has been late several times, the latest one too many.”

8 Bryan Gil (£22m)

There was a brief moment when Bryan Gil was Tottenham’s longest-serving player in the summer and that just about sums up Levy’s transfer struggles in North London. The Spaniard spent four years at the club despite spending much of that time out on loan and never making his mark under several managers.

Like N’Jie years prior, Gil was signed as a player for the future and has since become a transfer flop. That said, at 24 years old, it could be argued that the Spaniard never truly received a fair chance in North London and he could yet thrive at Girona. From a transfer flop at Spurs, it would only compile the Lillywhites’ misery if Gil went on to become the world-beater that they thought they signed four years ago.

7 David Bentley (£15m)

Some went as far as to suggest that David Bentley could be the next David Beckham and that’s all the convincing that Levy needed. He and Spurs swooped in to welcome the Blackburn Rovers star in a deal worth £15m in 2008. At the time, that was no small price, either. Big things, as a result, were expected.

Appearances

62

Goals

5

Assists

11

After five years at the club and just 62 appearances, Bentley retired at Tottenham. From Beckham comparisons, the midfielder became one of the most disappointing transfer flops of the Levy era.

6 Davinson Sanchez (£37m)

When thinking about Davinson Sanchez, it’s hard not to remember the time when İlkay Gündoğan left him flailing to score for Manchester City. That in itself summed up his struggles at Tottenham. It wasn’t all bad, of course, but for a £37m player, many expected more.

The central defender thrived at Ajax and showed initial potential in North London, before ultimately failing to replicate the success of Jan Vertonghen or Toby Alderweireld.

Failing to replace star players has been an ongoing trend at Spurs too. They failed to replace Bale many moons ago, failed to replace Vertonghen and Alderweireld, and are yet to really replace the quality of Harry Kane. In a new era without Levy, that must change.

5 Paulinho (£17m)

Paulinho is one of the most memorable Tottenham flops. Mostly because he somehow found his way to Barcelona years later. In North London, things simply didn’t click for the Brazilian, who arrived for as much as £17m in 2013. One of the incomings that Tottenham welcomed with the Bale money, the midfielder was part of arguably the worst transfer window in Levy’s tenure.

In a two-year spell at White Hart Lane, Paulinho made 67 appearances, scored 10 goals and assisted another seven. As impressive as 16 goal involvements may look from midfield, however, those numbers simply papered over the cracks for a player who simply wasn’t good enough in the Premier League.

4 Giovani Lo Celso (£55m)

What was Levy thinking here? Giovanni Lo Celso, to his credit, remains a talented player. Alas, what he is not is a player worth £55m. Once again, those in North London were attempting to finally replace a key player – this time Christian Eriksen – and once again, they failed to do so. In 108 appearances, Lo Celso was involved in just 18 goals.

As Xavi Simons could be about to prove, a player worth around £55m simply must do better. But what makes Levy’s deal to sign Lo Celso so much worse is that he then sold the Argentine back to Real Betis in 2024 for less than £10m.

In the space of five years, the Tottenham chief handed the Spanish club £55m for their best player, watched him struggle, and then handed him back for a bargain price.

3 Vincent Janssen (£15m)

When AZ Alkmaar sold Vincent Janssen to Tottenham in 2016, it was the advice of ‘Moneyball’ baseball expert Bill Beane which saw the Dutchman’s price tag rise to as much as £15m. Unlike Beane’s baseball stars, though, Janssen was not the genius signing that many expected. He was the total opposite.

In 46 appearances, the striker managed just six goals and four assists. He remains one of the worst strikers in Spurs’ Premier League history and his presence only enhances the reputation of Harry Kane, who bailed Levy out after his transfer mistake.

2 Roberto Soldado (£26m)

If Tottenham fans thought Janssen was bad, then it may be best to avoid their verdict on Roberto Soldado. Signed for around £26m, using a large chunk of the Bale money as a result, the forward never quite got going in a Spurs shirt. More than anyone, he summed up Levy’s failure to spend well when handed the chance.

By the time that their big-money striker had departed, he had just 16 goals and 11 assists to his name. From the brilliance of Bale, Spurs endured attacking flop after attacking flop until one of their own stepped in to end the most frustrating trend.

1 Tanguy Ndombele (£54m)

If covering distance wasn’t a much-needed asset for any central midfielder, then Tanguy Ndombele may well have gone down as one of the best players to have signed during Levy’s reign. On a technical level, he was outstanding. He was almost a throwback to Moussa Dembele with just how press resistant he was. Physically, meanwhile, he could hold almost anyone off when he was in the mood.

Alas, that mood rarely appeared and José Mourinho’s criticism was never going to help. Some Spurs fans may persist that under a different manager, Ndombele could have thrived. Mourinho was the man in charge, however, and for all his clear talent, the midfielder remains the biggest flop of the Levy era.

After Head hit a blazing fifty before lunch, the Khawaja-Smith pair stamped its authority on the day’s fortunes

Tristan Lavalette29-Jan-2025Stand-in captain Steven Smith scored his 10,000th Test run before completing the momentous occasion with a majestic century, while Usman Khawaja reached his 16th ton as Australia were rewarded for an aggressive approach against a spin-heavy Sri Lanka attack on a slow Galle surface.Australia finished the opening day of the series in a dominant position at 330 for 2 with rain ending play after 81.1 overs. Khawaja and Smith have combined for an unbroken third-wicket 195-run partnership to capitalise on the batting-friendly conditions in the perfect start for an Australian side striving for a first series victory in Sri Lanka since 2011.Having averaged 66 in 38 previous Tests as captain, Smith has clearly enjoyed taking the leadership reins with Pat Cummins on paternity leave. He was in sublime form after lunch and reached his half-century in 57 balls before showing patience in the final session as Sri Lanka talisman Prabath Jayasuriya resorted to a defensive leg stump line.As gloomy skies threatened, Smith regained his momentum to notch his 35th Test century. He raised his baggygreen in a reserved celebration with Smith having peeled off three tons in his last seven Test innings.Smith had started the match perched on 9999 runs after agonisingly falling short of the landmark in the fifth Test against India on his SCG home ground.Steven Smith got his third Test ton in Sri Lanka, becoming the most prolific to do so among Australia batters•Ishara S Kodikara/AFP via Getty ImagesBut Smith reached the milestone on his first delivery just before lunch with a flick to mid-on to join Ricky Ponting, Allan Border and Steve Waugh as the only Australians to achieve the milestone. He earned a strong ovation from his teammates and the jovial Australia fans in the terraces as he celebrated with a modest wave of the bat.He almost fell moments later when he offered a return catch to Jayasuriya, who spilt a chance low down to his right. But Smith was almost flawless after that as he donned his baggygreen cap and batted with authority. Much like openers Khawaja and Travis Head in the first session, Smith was quick on his feet and targeted the trio of spinners down the ground.Not having to face tormentor Jasprit Bumrah, Khawaja cut a relaxed figure and played with good intent to end a long drought having gone without a century since the opening Ashes Test in mid-2023.Related

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After a lean series against India, pressure had built on 38-year-old Khawaja but he repaid the faith by perfectly complementing the aggressiveness of Smith and Head, who justified his promotion up the order with 57 off 40 balls.Khawaja unfurled the reverse sweep to good effect and reached his century off 135 balls, celebrating by pumping his fists and taking off his helmet before waving his bat.Usman Khawaja ended his longest streak without a century with a first-day hundred in Galle•Robert Cianflone/Getty ImagesIt has been a torrid start to the two-Test series for Sri Lanka, who were particularly sloppy in the field and tardy with their reviews. They were left to rue numerous chances to dismiss Khawaja, including two dropped catches off the bowling of an increasingly flustered Jayasuriya, who destroyed Australia at the venue with a 12-wicket haul in his Test debut in 2022.Khawaja was also lucky on 74 when he edged Jayasuriya through to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, but Sri Lanka did not review the not out decision.Apart from a menacing spell before lunch by legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who turned the ball square having been a surprising inclusion, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were rattled and unable to rein in Australia’s scoring run until restorting to defensive tactics in the backend of the day’s play.But the damage had been done after Australia piled on 261 runs at a rate of 4.35 in the opening two sessions.Head set the tone after Smith had no hesitation to bat when the coin fell in his favour amid stifling humidity and a grassless surface. In a somewhat contentious move, Head moved up from No. 5 at the expense of 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who had made an eye-catching start to his Test career against India.The decision also allowed Josh Inglis, the Western Australia wicketkeeper and a noted player of spin, to make his Test debut at five as a specialist batter. But he’s not been needed so far.Having previously struggled as a middle-order batter in Sri Lanka, Head had success as an opener in India on the 2023 tour and he replicated that in a 92-run partnership with Khawaja. Head’s swift strike rate suggests belligerent batting straight out of the recently concluded Big Bash League, but he played smartly and mostly in orthodox fashion.Head raced to 23 off 13 and showed no mercy, but he did receive some luck on the last ball of quick Asitha Fernando’s opening three-over spell when he was rapped on the pads. Fernando had appealed vigorously, but Sri Lanka opted against reviewing although replays suggested the not out decision would have been overturned.Head reached his half-century off 35 balls, but fell shortly after when he tried to hit Jayasuriya over long-on but mis-hit to Dinesh Chandimal on the rope.The game turned – literally – with Vandersay producing sharp legspin from the get go. He ripped a Shane Warne-esque legbreak to beat Marnus Labuschagne all ends up on his first delivery, while Nishan Peiris had a huge lbw shout on the batter turned down with DRS upholding the decision.Labuschagne on 20 poked Vandersay to first slip as Sri Lanka ended the first session in better spirits. But their mood quickly soured on resumption when Smith smashed Jayasuriya straight down the ground for six and he scored with ease until Sri Lanka changed their tactics.Jayasuriya bowled four consecutive maidens either side of tea, aiming at a leg stump line as a patient Smith continually padded the ball away.The negative lines did lead to umpire Chris Gaffaney giving the Sri Lankans a talking to before the game received a much needed spark as Smith pounced on weary bowling to move into seventh spot on the list of most Test century makers.Sri Lanka took the second new ball but seven balls later rain intervened in a relief for the beleaguered home side.Australia selected a spin-heavy attack with offspinner Todd Murphy and left-armer Matthew Kuhnemann to complement frontliner Nathan Lyon.Mitchell Starc was the sole paceman named with allrounder Beau Webster capable of bowling seam and spin. Scott Boland unluckily was dropped after taking 10 wickets against India in the SCG Test.

Glasgow Rangers have one foot in the play-off round of Champions League qualifiers after they hammered Viktoria Plzen 3-0 at Ibrox on Tuesday night.

Djeidi Gassama continued his electric start to life in Glasgow with two goals on the night, making it four goals in four matches after an impressive opening three outings against Panathinaikos and Motherwell.

Minutes

15

34

83

Shots

1

1

2

Goals

1

1

0

Key passes

0

0

1

Dribbles completed

2/2

0/1

2/3

Cyriel Dessers also scored from the penalty spot and assisted the opening goal for the former Sheffield Wednesday man against the Czechia outfit.

There was also an Ibrox debut given by Russell Martin. Oliver Antman is still unpacking his boxes after a switch from Go Ahead Eagles, yet was able to put in an impressive performance.

Oliver Antman's impressive debut for Rangers

The Finland international did not need any time to settle into life at Ibrox, as he was thrown into the starting XI and heavily contributed to two of the three goals.

It was his driving run, coming inside from the right, that resulted in him being tripped up inside the box, forcing the referee to award the penalty that Dessers scored from.

Antman also delivered a peach of a cross from the right flank to tee up Gassama for his second goal of the night, whipping an inch-perfect ball onto his head.

Whilst the Finnish forward may share the same name as an Avenger, it is another Rangers star who has emerged as their own superhero – Nasser Djiga.

Why Nasser Djiga is the new Rangers superhero

The Burkina Faso international was even better than Gassama and Antman on the night, as he put in a virtually fautless display at the heart of the defence, whilst the two wingers still lost possession and fluffed attacks to go along with their impressive contributions.

Playing Martin’s style of football is not easy. Rangers need players who are mobile enough to recover situations when the team commit turnovers in their own half, as well as players who are confident and composed enough to make passes under pressure.

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Djiga showed that he is the perfect central defender for the way that the manager wants to play, as he was a colossus defensively and immaculate in possession.

His best contribution in the match came when the Gers were 1-0 up. Matej Vydra had the ball with time and space to pull the trigger around the penalty spot, but the Wolves loanee seemed to come out of nowhere to make a sprawling, goal-saving, block.

There was also moment in the 60th minute when John Souttar played a careless pass that put his side in danger, but Djiga used his pace to recover the ball in behind and retained possession with a clever first-time pass to Max Aarons.

He had countless moments like that throughout the game, including one to cover for an out of position James Tavernier in the closing seconds, to prevent the away side from creating anything of note, making numerous blocks and recoveries to keep Jack Butland quiet.

His faultless defensive performance was even more impressive than Gassama and Antman’s exploits on the wing because of how difficult it it to play the way Martin wants to play, which is why it was such a brilliant showing from the defender.

Rangers could unlock Gassama's full potential in move for "offensive" star

Glasgow Rangers could unlock Djeidi Gassama’s full potential in a move for this star.

ByDan Emery Aug 5, 2025

Djiga may not be Antman, but the 22-year-old titan could be the Man of Steel for Rangers.

Co-owner Ryan Reynolds could only watch on as Wrexham lost again, succumbing to their third loss of the season as Queens Park Rangers beat them 3-1 on Saturday. Phil Parkinson was critical of his side despite pointing out a few positives. Indeed, the head coach lamented the team's disorganization in defense and believes the backline can do much better.

Wrexham's third loss in opening five Championship games

Wrexham's woeful start to life in the Championship continued with another setback, as Reynolds watched from the stands while QPR secured a 3-1 win at the Racecourse Ground. Parkinson, who might be feeling considerable pressure after three losses in five games, explained why his team have only managed to earn four points in the league so far.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWrexham are Championship's biggest summer spenders but fighting relegation

The Red Dragons came to the Championship on the back of three successive, record-breaking promotions. To say that their rise in English football has been meteoric would be an understatement. Over the summer, Reynolds' team splashed £33 million (€38m/$44m), recruiting as many as 13 players. However, after five games, Wrexham are languishing in 21st position on the Championship table, one spot and two points above the relegation zone. Adapting to the second tier was never going to be a cakewalk, but things are looking more arduous than expected, considering they were the biggest spenders in the Championship.

Parkinson emphasises Wrexham's own mistakes

Speaking to reporters after the loss, Parkinson said: "We've changed the squad around completely. There was always going to be a period at the start where it doesn't go completely as you'd want it. We've got to work this week on the training pitch to put on a performance like we showed at Millwall two weeks ago [when Wrexham won 2-0].

"The previous home games, we looked like we can create chances and score. But the goals we conceded – on one hand, you'll say they were clinical but when we analyse them all, we'll know we could have done better.

"I thought we started the game well and then we had a scrappy period with some mistakes on the ball. The goal really typified that period. We had to clear our lines quicker and be braver in the key moments to keep the ball out of the net. The third goal was just a real killer for us, it knocked the stuffing out of us."

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The Welsh outfit will be desperate to turn the tables amid an injury crisis, as they prepare to take on Norwich City in their upcoming Championship clash on Saturday, September 20.