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Arne Slot’s Anfield is peopled with a variety of top-class talent, but Liverpool have still struggled to click into gear this season.

In truth, this was always going to be a testing year for the Reds after the events of the summer, and the squad deserve a measure of leeway.

But the football will just keep coming, and Liverpool know that they cannot allow their wretched Premier League form to rage on, having lost five of their past six matches in the division.

Regardless, Liverpool can be optimistic for the future. The likes of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak may not have found form yet following record-breaking summer moves, but these are two of the most talented players in England, and their success at the club is a matter of when, not if.

No such misfortune for Hugo Ekitike, though, who has been thriving since completing a £69m move to the club from Eintracht Frankfurt in July.

The numbers behind Hugo Ekitike's start at Liverpool

Looking even deeper into the Merseysiders’ squad, though, we can see that Liverpool are raising a school of youngsters with so much potential, and despite the bump in the road this year, there’s one who has the capacity to end up outstripping Ekitike at number nine.

Some felt Liverpool’s hijack of Newcastle United’s move for the France forward was needless as they pushed ahead to land Isak’s signature this summer, but Ekitike has responded emphatically on the pitch.

So mobile and creative, Ekitike offers far more than just goals. Data from FBref tells of his protean quality, ranking among the top 8% of Premier League strikers this term for shot-creating actions and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.

Across all competitions, he has scored more than any other Redman this term, and this, having joined a loose-wired tactical machine from overseas.

Liverpool’s Frontline in 2025/26

Player

Apps

Goals + Assists

Hugo Ekitike

16

6 + 1

Mohamed Salah

15

5 + 3

Cody Gakpo

16

4 + 3

Federico Chiesa

12

2 + 3

Alexander Isak

8

1 + 1

Florian Wirtz

16

0 + 3

Rio Ngumoha

6

1 + 0

Data via Transfermarkt

The 23-year-old’s ability to chop and change his attacking outlook is one of his biggest strengths. He is tactically malleable, and this will serve him well over the coming years.

He’s been the cream of the attacking crop this season, for sure, and looks set for a propitious future on Merseyside. That said, he will continue to tussle with Isak for minutes, and the Sweden striker is bound to hit his world-class stride at some stage.

Moreover, Liverpool are developing an academy star who has the potential to go all the way.

The Liverpool teen who could surpass Ekitike

When ‘Klopp’s Kids’ helped steer Liverpool’s iconic manager to silverware in his final season, fans thought the club had unearthed a treasure trove of up-and-coming talent.

Most of those stars have since moved on, but Liverpool’s academy system has continued to evolve and several stars are showing themselves to have real potential.

Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha are the biggest names, but Keyrol Figueroa is on the road toward making himself known, for sure. The 19-year-old striker has scored seven goals from nine league outings in Rob Page’s development side this season, meaning he is currently the club’s top scorer across all levels, ahead of Ekitike.

In October, Slot named Figueroa among his substitutes in the Carabao Cup at Anfield. Liverpool were thrashed 3-0 by Crystal Palace, but this stood as a testament to the regard the teenager, son of former Premier League star Maynor Figueroa, is held in.

A powerful runner, strong in the duel and tenacious across all phases of play, Figueroa is on the cusp of breaking onto the major stage, and while he will find opportunities hard to come by in a Reds side chock-full with attacking talent, Slot is clearly a fan.

It’s probably worth noting that Liverpool U21s have not been at their best this year. After nine matches, Page’s outfit are 21st in the 29-team league.

They have only won three games, but in each of these fixtures, Figueroa has scored. He has started only five of nine outings this season. It’s clear to see why Page has said he has the making of a “lethal, ruthless number nine”.

This is a remarkable, clinical run for the prospect, and if he manages to prove that he has unlocked a sustainable attacking quality, there’s every chance he could be knocking on Slot’s door sooner than many would have anticipated, frankly.

There has been a clear emphasis over the past several years at Liverpool on keeping a clear pathway open, running from the academy set-up to the senior squad.

Figueroa deserves a shot, especially since all the shots he is taking right now are finding the back of the net. Of course, we have seen already this season the benefits that can be found from giving hungry youngsters a chance (looking at you, Ngumoha).

Given Liverpool’s struggles at the highest level over the past several months, Figueroa’s inclusion in the months ahead might not be a bad thing, should he continue to score at such a clinical rate.

He might not be on Ekitike’s level at the moment, but his physicality and natural-born eye for goal suggest he could become a real star on Merseyside, perhaps even going on to eclipse the Frenchman down the line.

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A mixed start – and recent injury – for Benjamin Sesko may have put a dampener on things, although it’s hard not to be impressed by Manchester United’s summer recruitment, with it finally looking as if the Red Devils have invested wisely in the transfer market.

It is also worth pondering just how Ruben Amorim’s side might have looked if things had panned out differently at the start of the window, with United notably chasing Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, after wrapping up a £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha.

The England striker – fresh off scoring 12 times at Portman Road in the Premier League – was an attractive target due to his £30m release clause, although despite lengthy negotiations, he ultimately opted for Chelsea and Champions League football instead.

There is a sense that perhaps United have had the last laugh with regard to the ex-Manchester City man, with Delap yet to score for the Blues this season, although frustration might still linger over the failure to prise Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

Ahead of ultimately forking out for Sesko, there were suggestions that the Old Trafford side were leading the race for the Ghanaian, amid the prospect of a potential £70m switch.

Frustratingly, the 25-year-old stayed put on the south coast, and is now flourishing again under Andoni Iraola, sparking hope that a renewed approach from Amorim and co could be in store in the New Year.

Latest on Antoine Semenyo's future

There was a sense over the summer that Amorim and co could put together a completely new-look, Premier League-proven forward line, with Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo potentially set to be joined by Semenyo as the attacking spearhead.

Sesko, ultimately, was recruited instead, although with the Slovenian scoring just twice since his arrival from RB Leipzig, a further forward still appears a necessity, hence potentially turning to Semenyo again in 2026.

The former Bristol City man – who can operate all across the frontline, as well as at wing-back – remains a worthy option amid what has been a stunning season so far in 2025/26, having registered nine goals and assists in just 11 league games.

Arguably the “best winger in the country”, in the view of pundit Chris Waddle, Semenyo is again likely to turn heads in January, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealing on Monday that there will be a release clause to activate in the player’s contract in that winter window.

Previously valued at £70m, the in-demand speedster will now cost ‘just’ £65m in January for a specific time period, with that figure then set to reduce again next summer.

As per the report, both United and Tottenham Hotspur are named as the clubs who ‘coveted’ him in the most recent window, although the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool are now also in the equation.

As already suggested, Semenyo’s red-hot form has certainly warranted such admiring glances, although back at Old Trafford, Amorim already has a similar figure to shout about.

Man Utd's own version of Semenyo

It has been remarkable to witness Semenyo’s rise under Iraola in recent times, having previously scored just 21 times in 125 games during his stint at Ashton Gate, as well as enduring a goalless seven-game spell at Sunderland in League One.

In 90 games working with the Basque boss, however, the £65m man has already chalked up 40 goals and assists, as per Transfermarkt, with his devastating brilliance best seen on the opening weekend against Liverpool, having run almost the full length of Anfield before lashing home in that 4-2 defeat.

He does look unstoppable right now, although the same can be said of the aforementioned Mbeumo, with Amorim and INEOS perhaps thanking their lucky stars that the Cameroonian decided to join them over the summer, after initially missing out on Delap.

Protracted negotiations with Brentford did ensure it was something of a waiting game to see if the 26-year-old would actually make the switch from west London, although since arriving in the door, the clinical left-footer has hardly put a foot wrong.

Indeed, since netting his first goal for the club away at Grimsby Town, Mbeumo has gone on to score five times in just 11 Premier League games – just one shy of Semenyo’s record – while also chipping in with a solitary assist thus far.

Fresh off the back of a standout 20-goal season with the Bees, the one-time Troyes starlet has already cemented himself as arguably United’s “best player”, in the words of Wayne Rooney, amid his rampant start to 2025/26.

Like Semenyo, the £71m man can operate on either flank or in a false nine role, having even interchanged nicely with Amad at wing-back of late, with the pair striking up a fruitful partnership down that right-hand side.

Games (starts)

11 (11)

11(11)

Goals

6

5

Big chances missed

5

3

Goal conversion

26%

19%

Assists

3

1

Big chances created

0

3

Key passes*

1.0

1.7

Pass accuracy*

77%

80%

Successful dribbles*

1.9

0.8

That likeness to the Bournemouth talisman in a positional sense is also backed up by their likeness in a statistical and stylistic sense, with the pair deemed to be similar players among those in their position in Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref.

Two of the most in-form forwards in the Premier League right now, you would be splitting hairs to decide who is the better player between Semenyo and Mbeumo, with the two men so decisive for their respective sides.

In an ideal world, they might even be lining up together at some stage in 2026, although even if Semenyo doesn’t end up in Manchester, at least United have Mbeumo to hang their hat on these days.

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Between Marsh’s brutality and Pooran’s flamboyance, LSG have found a batting axis that’s not just working, but redefining their chances this year

Sreshth Shah08-Apr-20252:04

Jaffer: Not many areas where Pooran is vulnerable

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) seem to have figured out their top three in IPL 2025 better than most teams. By putting faith in experienced and overseas batters, particularly Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran, they have ensured their explosive players get maximum time in the middle. And on a hot Tuesday evening at Eden Gardens, it was on show – not for the first time this season – as Marsh slammed 81 and Pooran hammered 87 with 13 sixes and 13 fours between them, off just 84 balls. The two innings ensured LSG had enough to win a game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) where 472 runs were scored.The two have not only climbed the Orange Cap table to take first and second positions at this stage, but have transformed LSG’s top order into one of the most potent of the season. What makes this more remarkable is Marsh walking out to open, a role he’s rarely played. Before this season, he had opened just four times in all T20s and only twice in the IPL.But as his opening partner Aiden Markram said post-match, “Some opening pairs just happen by chance.” It also says a lot about how highly head coach Justin Langer – a fellow Western Australian – rates Marsh’s batting.Related

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The transformation has taken the tournament by storm. In all IPLs before this season, Marsh had only three fifties to his name, but with bowling off the table owing to injury, he has been able to focus solely on his batting, and he has looked liberated – four fifties in five games this season must mean something. That’s the kind of form that only three others – Virat Kohli, David Warner and Chris Gayle – have matched at the start of an IPL season.On Tuesday, Marsh made his second-highest IPL score in a continuation of that run. He pulled anything back-of-a-length, drove anything full, and even stepped out to slap Sunil Narine’s wide delivery over the covers – a shift from his previously modest returns against slower bowlers. At one point, Marsh was crawling on 13 off 14 balls. But he recovered well.”I’ve never been more motivated to score runs,” he joked after the innings, referring to his role as LSG’s Impact Player. But there was a serious side to his reflection, too. “Being 14 off 14 felt like panic stations. But on a quick outfield like this, there’s always time to catch up. I’m just preparing well, trying to enjoy my cricket.”And he is. The smile has been there all season. He is delivering quotable quotes one after the other, too. At 33, Marsh is playing with the freedom of someone who’s got nothing to prove and everything to enjoy. The quicks don’t faze him – not when you’ve grown up in Perth – and his chemistry with Pooran at No. 3 has clicked.ESPNcricinfo LtdAfter Marsh, there is Pooran. A destroyer of spin, Pooran has now hit over 200 T20 sixes since the start of 2024 – comfortably more than anyone else. He is also topping the Orange Cap race, and Tuesday’s 87 was his highest IPL score. Narine, who has often troubled him, was twice launched over the short boundary as Pooran made a statement.His spot at No. 3 always made sense. Originally slotted at No. 4 or No. 5, Pooran has batted at one-drop regularly since the start of the 2023 CPL, MLC, the Hundred and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Yet, at the beginning of the season, LSG faced a dilemma: that spot was between Pooran and his captain Rishabh Pant. “It’s a position of freedom,” Pant had said after LSG’s first win, revealing how he gave up that spot for his overseas superstar.On Tuesday, Pooran wasn’t just clearing boundaries, he was manipulating the bowlers too. With one side of the square significantly longer than the other, KKR’s bowlers tried forcing him to hit towards the bigger boundary. It was a sound idea. But the combination of a good batting surface and the bowlers missing their lengths slightly made it simple for Pooran. He could anticipate the angle and line, set up for it, and unleash. In the end, LSG scored 133 runs to the longer side – 41 more than to the shorter side – largely thanks to Pooran’s muscle and method.1:15

No bowling responsibility frees up Marsh

“I practice a lot. Everything you see in the game is because I practice it,” Pooran said after being named the Player of the Match. “You understand what’s coming – full and wide balls, slower short ones. Spinners bowling straight or wide. And you work on it.”But he wasn’t taking the credit alone. “Not just today, but throughout the tournament, Mitch and Aiden have been brilliant,” he said. “They’re reading the conditions, dropping their egos, playing the team game. That’s what sets us up.”What is my role at No. 3? To get a start, carry on, and capitalise on my match-ups. I’ve been doing it the last two or three years, and I’m doing it consistently now.”Between Marsh’s brutality and Pooran’s flamboyance, LSG have found a batting axis that’s not just working, but redefining their chances this year. The season has only just begun, but if these two keep batting like this, LSG won’t just be chasing the playoffs, they’ll be storming into them.

The rule will first be applied at the Duleep Trophy in the event of major injuries to players mid-match

Shashank Kishore16-Aug-20252:14

Should injury substitutions be allowed in Test cricket?

The BCCI has introduced a “serious injury replacement substitute” rule for in domestic cricket to prevent injured players from risking themselves further in the match. This applies to games that take place over multiple days and will come into effect from the Duleep Trophy, which opens the 2025-26 season on August 28. It will be active in the Ranji trophy as well, India’s premier first-class cricket competition.This replacement can be any non-playing member of the squad, should be like-for-like, and will need an approval from the match referee after teams are able to medically produce a report that underlines the seriousness of the injury of the concerned player. The injury has to have happened during the game and needs to be external (like taking a blow resulting in a deep cut or fracture) rather than internal (like a hamstring strain).This addition was debated within the BCCI circles in the aftermath of Rishabh Pant batting with a broken foot against England in Manchester, and has been swiftly incorporated into the playing regulations.The regulation states, “under all circumstances, the serious injury replacement player shall be from nominated substitutes at the time of toss.”Only in the case where the wicketkeeper is seriously injured and needs a replacement then the match referee may allow a wicketkeeper from a player outside the nominated substitutes if there is no wicketkeeper in the nominated substitutes.”Both the player being replaced and the replaced player shall be considered to have played in the match for records and statistical purposes.At present, international cricket only allows substitutions in the event of a player suffering concussion or contracting the Covid-19 virus.During India’s tour of England earlier this year, Pant (foot) and Chris Woakes (shoulder) suffered dislocations, which left their respective teams in a 10 vs 11 battle. Both players braved further injury to come out and help their team’s cause, which added to the debate about whether there needs to be place in the rules for substitutions in case of serious injury.India coach Gautam Gambhir was for it. England captain Ben Stokes was less so, arguing that the system could be gamed.The ICC, in reviewing its own playing conditions earlier this year, was open to the idea of its member nations trialling injury substitutes in domestic cricket.BCCI adopts ICC’s ball change rule

The BCCI has also adopted ICC’s new rule change in ODIs that phased out two balls in the format after 34 overs. The rule will be in effect from the Vijay Hazare Trophy, BCCI’s 50-over competition for senior men.”Each fielding team shall have two new balls for its innings to be used in alternate overs, i.e. one from each end for overs 1 to 34,” the new guideline states.”At the end of over 34, the fielding team will choose one of the two balls from the innings to be used for all the remaining overs of the innings. The other ball will be added to the stock of replacement balls for the innings.”

Arsenal have been almost faultless this season, but on Sunday, their unbeaten run finally came to an end.

Mikel Arteta’s side once again came unstuck at the hands of Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and now sit just two points clear of Manchester City atop the Premier League table.

It wasn’t a dreadful showing from the league leaders, but it was a disappointing and potentially worrying one.

Moreover, it was another game in which a particular player flattered to deceive, a player who could end up being Arteta’s worst signing since Fabio Vieira.

What went wrong for Fabio Vieira at Arsenal

Arsenal fans largely remember the summer of 2022 as the window when Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko arrived from Manchester City and helped the team on their first title charge in a generation.

However, that summer also saw the club sign Vieira from Porto for around £34m, and while it was a surprise move, it was an exciting one.

After all, the Portuguese midfielder had just come off a campaign in which he produced 23 goal involvements in 39 games.

Unfortunately, aside from the odd moment of brilliance, the Santa Maria da Feira-born talent failed to make much of a mark during his first season in North London, racking up a tally of just two goals and six assists in 33 first-team appearances.

Things would only get worse the following season, as a combination of injuries, poor form and suspensions limited him to just 16 appearances, in which he scored one goal and provided four assists.

With two disappointing campaigns under his belt in as many years, the 25-year-old was sent back to Porto on loan for 24/25, where he did improve, but only marginally and ended the season with a tally of 11 goal involvements in 42 games.

The Portuguese giants did not want to bring their player back on a permanent deal this year, and so, with few other options, the Gunners agreed to send him on another loan, this time to Hamburg, with an option to buy.

Season

22/23

23/24

Appearances

33

16

Goals

2

1

Assists

6

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.24

0.25

In all, it’s clear that Vieira is a talented player, but it’s equally clear he is not, and never was, good enough to play for Arsenal.

Worryingly, the same might eventually be said about another of Arteta’s signings, someone who could go down as his worst since the Portuguese midfielder lest he improve, and quickly.

Arsenal star in danger of becoming Arteta's worst signing since Vieira

Overall, it would be fair to say that Arsenal’s summer business this year was a success.

Chalkboard

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

The likes of Eberchi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke, for example, have all looked good to great so far.

However, there is one signing who has divided opinion more than any other, and is in danger of being labelled a flop if he doesn’t improve: Viktor Gyokeres.

Now, before the pitchforks and torches come out, there is every chance the Swedish international will prove his doubters wrong and become the goalscoring monster Arsenal need him to be.

Unfortunately, there have been few signs of that happening so far this season.

For example, in 17 appearances so far, the former Sporting “powerhouse” forward, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored just six goals, which is not terrible, but it’s not enough for someone who wants to lead the line for a title-winning side.

Minutes

50′

Shots

0

Expected Assists

0.03

Key Passes

0

Touches

11

Lost Possession

6

Passes

4

Crosses (Accurate)

1 (0)

Moreover, the game against Villa on Saturday was another one in which he failed to stamp his authority on things.

The 27-year-old came on at half-time, but in his 50 minutes of action, he took just 11 touches, lost the ball six times, completed four passes, failed to take a single shot or create a single big chance.

It was a worrying display, and one that could easily see the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus leapfrog him in the pecking order when they are both fully fit.

Ultimately, while there is time for him to make his mark on this team, Gyokeres has underdelivered for Arsenal so far this year and is in real danger of becoming Arteta’s worst permanent signing since Vieira.

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Gill says a “couple of boundaries here and there” could have tilted the result in India’s favour

Nagraj Gollapudi14-Jul-2025

Mohammed Siraj was inconsolable after he was the last man dismissed in the final session•Getty Images

India could have had a fair chance of winning the Lord’s Test if they had forced England into taking the second new ball – Shubman Gill said that they were “optimistic” of executing the plan until Mohammed Siraj played on in one of the most dramatic finishes in Test cricket.England were 5.1 overs away from taking the second new ball when Siraj couldn’t stop the ball from spinning back to knock off his bail after he had defended an offbreak from Shoaib Bashir. It ended a 23-run last-wicket partnership after Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah had added 35 in 22 overs. The partnerships frustrated Ben Stokes and his men, who were challenged by a soft Dukes ball, a lifeless pitch, and a Lord’s crowd populated by mostly Indian fans.”When Bumrah and Jaddu were batting, every five-six runs that we were scoring, we could see there was pressure coming on them [England],” Gill said in the press conference after the game. “And that’s all it was: a small partnership of 30-40 runs could make such a huge difference. We were quite optimistic when Siraj [and Jadeja] were batting, that if we just go up to the second new ball and if we have just 12-15 [left to score] with the second new ball, you never know, you know. A couple of boundaries here and there and you never know, and you are right back on the top.”Related

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Instead, Gill and his men wandered around Lord’s minutes after the defeat wondering what could have been. Proud match-winners like Bumrah, who had taken a five-for in the first innings, and Rishabh Pant, who ran himself out calling for a tight single just before lunch on the third day when on 74, stood with bowed heads.In the afternoon session on the final day, after stoutly and patiently dealing with everything that Stokes and Co. threw at him, Bumrah finally succumbed to the mounting pressure, skying an easy catch off a short delivery from the England captain. Midway into the third over of his second spell on Monday, Stokes, after a long chat with Joe Root, adopted the short-ball plan against Bumrah. The slips and gully fielders were dispersed to the ropes with a leg-side-heavy (6-3 ) field. Bumrah almost attempted a hook off the first ball of this plan, which flew high over his head, and then shadow practised a ramp, which left Jadeja shaking his head at the other end.Thereafter, though, Bumrah ignored such distractions, playing with soft hands, leaving what was not to be touched. Stokes would eventually bang 15 short or short-of-length deliveries in that spell, but Bumrah was not in control for just five deliveries.But Bumrah ran out of patience and attempted a pull against a short ball pitched outside off stump to sky an easy catch. Stokes looked like a man in a trance. England were ecstatic. Bumrah took one step at a time as if he was walking on crushed glass back to the dressing room.3:47

Gill: Pant’s run-out was the turning point in the Test

But Siraj, who walked in to loud boos from England fans, showed courage and heart to ally with Jadeja to resume India’s quest for an unlikely win. He endured a painful blow to his left arm while trying to get out of the way against a short and fast Jofra Archer delivery. India were 23 adrift of the target at this point. A message was sent to the batters, which Gill talked about after the match: “When he got hit by Archer, if Jaddu can play the whole over instead of leaving two balls every over. We thought the better chances for us if he [Siraj] plays the offspinner.”In the next over, Siraj stepped back to tap Bashir, but couldn’t believe what happened next. He stood stunned even as Bashir set off on a victory run chased by his team-mates. At the other end, Jadeja looked up in agony. Siraj went down on his haunches, head down, which he would raise when Harry Brook walked up to. Siraj was numb, angry.Asked if he had spoken with Siraj afterwards, Gill smiled, suggesting it was not the right moment.Gill, though, doffed his hat to Jadeja, who scored his fourth fifty of the series. Upon reaching the milestone, he didn’t unleash his usual wielding-the-sword celebration, knowing he still had a job to do.1:58

Manjrekar: India will regret the last half hour of day four

“He is one of the most valuable players for India,” Gill said. “The experience that he brings in, the skillset he brings with his bowling, batting and fielding makes him someone that is very rare and hard to find. The kind of composure he showed today was just tremendous to watch. Our lower order and tail have not been contributing that much in the previous two Tests but the character and courage that they showed was tremendous.”According to Gill, the most significant turning point for India was the Pant run out on Saturday. That run out, opener KL Rahul had admitted, was his mistake because he had told Pant a couple of overs prior to lunch, when he was on 97, that he wanted to get his century out of the way before the break. On the first ball of the last over before lunch, delivered by Bashir, Rahul failed to latch on to a loose ball and only took a single to move to 99. Two balls later, Pant called for a tight single with the sole aim of getting his partner back on strike, but instead was left sprawling on the turf after being beaten by a direct hit from Stokes.Gill said that fourth-wicket stand, which had accounted for 141 runs, could have been extended and helped India take a crucial lead. Instead, India finished level with England’s 387 in the first innings.”The most important moment for us was the Rishabh run out,” Gill said. “It was an error of judgment rather than [Rahul] thinking I need to get my 100 now. He might have had a word [with Pant] about getting the century prior to lunch because when a batsman is on 99, he feels some pressure. But I don’t agree the run out was caused due to the personal milestone. Rishabh called for the run and the danger end was for KL , but it was an error of judgment, which can happen by any batsman.1:56

Manjrekar: India could have been a little more attacking

“At one point, we felt that we could take a 50-100-run lead. We were aware that batting on day five would not be that easy, so the lead we get in the first innings would have been better for us.”By the end Saturday, the third day, the match had become a one-innings shootout and Gill said that the pressure was always going to be on the team batting last. It played out exactly that way as India’s batters failing twice, first in the last hour on Sunday and then the first hour on Monday, which left them at 82 for 7. Central to the downfall was Stokes, who bowled a marathon spell of 14 overs.Gill acknowledged that Stokes had elevated Lord’s to a theatre again, pushing his body and mind to the limit.”You have to give credit where it’s due,” Gill said. “The spell that he bowled, 11 [14] overs on the trot, never easy. The kind of efforts that him and his team put in, it was truly commendable to see. You give out your everything, and there are going to be moments where it is going to be heat and a lot of emotions involved, but at the end of the day, after a Test match like this, there’s always admiration from both sides. They also gave their everything, we also tried our best, but they were the better team today.”

Though a top-tenner for the best part of the last decade, Rohit has never been the top-ranked batter in the 50-over format before

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Oct-2025

Rohit Sharma has become the No. 1-ranked ODI batter following his innings of 73 and 121 not out in the second and third games in the series in Australia, which India lost 2-1.The two knocks took Rohit up from third spot to the top for the first time in his career after being in the top ten for large periods over the past decade. The century, in particular, boosted Rohit’s points and took him past Ibrahim Zadran and Shubman Gill.Rohit wasn’t the only India cricketer to gain after the three-ODI series in Australia, with Axar Patel rewarded for a strong all-round performance. He took a wicket in each of the three ODIs and chipped in with scores of 31 and 44 in the first and second games. That took him up six places on the bowlers’ table to No. 31, and up four spots to No. 8 on the allrounders’ table.Full rankings tables

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Within the respective top tens, Mitchell Santner moved up three rungs to fourth place following the first two ODIs against England, and Josh Hazlewood moved up two spots to eighth among the bowlers.Elsewhere, following the shared two-Test series between Pakistan and South Africa, Keshav Maharaj gained nine places to a career-high rating, and the 13th place, on the bowlers’ list. While Maharaj picked up nine wickets in the only Test he played, his team-mate Simon Harmer had 13 wickets from the two Tests and moved up 26 spots to No. 45.For South Africa, Aiden Markram (up two spots to 15th) and Tony de Zorzi (up seven places to joint 47th) also gained on the Test batters’ table.

2025 is the year of Cal Raleigh.

The Mariners catcher has been on an absolute tear this season, launching 38 home runs before the All-Star break and in doing so nearly eclipsing Barry Bonds' first-half home run record of 39. Raleigh then got to participate in the Home Run Derby, with his dad Todd pitching and his brother Todd Jr. catching.

Raleigh, commonly known among MLB fans as "Big Dumper" due to his sizable hindquarters, took home the Home Run Derby trophy, and soon after landed himself an absolutely perfect endorsement deal.

On Wednesday, Honey Bucket, a provider of portable toilets headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, announced that they'd reached an agreement on a new partnership with Raleigh.

"This exciting collaboration brings together two names that stand for grit, reliability, and performance under pressure. Whether it’s behind the plate or behind the scenes at construction sites, community events, and stadiums, both Raleigh and Honey Bucket share one mission: deliver when it counts," the brand said in its release about the partnership.

"Honey Bucket is the name behind the cleanest, most dependable restrooms in the game. As someone who understands the value of showing up prepared every single day, I’m proud to team up with a company that does the same," Raleigh said.

After his historic first half of the season, Raleigh will hope to stay locked in at the plate as he looks to break the record for most home runs hit by a catcher in a single season, while also helping to guide the Mariners to the postseason for the first time since 2022.

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O zagueiro Léo Ortiz, que se recupera de lesão no tornozelo direito, conversou com a “Flamengo TV” nesta terça-feira (9), no Catar. Com expectativa de jogar o duelo com o Cruz Azul pela Copa Intercontinental, já nesta quarta, o defensor detalhou a evolução física nos últimos dias.

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— Estou bem, cada vez melhor. Esses treinos nas últimas semanas, antes da final da Libertadores e do Mundial, estão sendo muito importantes. É uma lesão muito chata, das maiores que tive. Você volta, mas sente incômodos nos treinos e jogos. Mas o importante é a maneira que você lida com isso: esses treinos mais fortes com o grupo estão me deixando mais confiante para voltar. A cada dia, me sinto melhor. Estou com saudades de estar em campo — contou.

➡️Tudo sobre o Mengão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Flamengo

O camisa 3 rubro-negro se machucou em outubro e jogou no sacrifício contra o Racing, a partida de volta da semifinal da Libertadores. Depois, não atuou mais, focado em retornar para a decisão diante do Palmeiras. No dia do confronto, porém, conversou com Filipe Luís e disse que entenderia se não fosse titular por não estar nas melhores condições físicas. O técnico, então, optou por Danilo, que marcou o gol do título. Ao canal do clube, Léo contou bastidores dessa decisão.

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— Eu acho que, se já tivesse vivenciado uma final da Libertadores, teria sido mais fácil. Foi minha primeira oportunidade de vivenciar isso e foi difícil tomar essa decisão de falar isso. Mas era momento de pensar exclusivamente no grupo, no Flamengo, e tirar essa vaidade de disputar a primeira final. Eu poderia jogar, realizar meu sonho, e atrapalhar (o time) por esse problema. Deixei o Filipe Luís tomar a decisão dele, o Danilo jogou e ajudou a coroar tudo que construí na competição, os gols que fiz, os momentos que ajudei. O mais importante era coroar isso — relatou.

➡️ Filipe Luís mostra otimismo sobre presença de Pedro no Mundial: ‘É o nosso atacante’

O defensor do Flamengo passou os 90 minutos e acréscimos da final da Libertadores no banco de reservas. Mas a verdade é que estava doido para entrar em campo, nem que por uns minutos.

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— Acredito que vou ter outra oportunidade (de jogar uma final de Libertadores), batalharei muito para isso. A conversa com o Filipe foi muito boa, coloquei nas mãos dele. Se optasse por mim, iria fazer o possível para sentir o mínimo de dor. Mas que ele escolhesse quem estivesse melhor, que era o Danilo, e ele nos deu esse título com um grande gol. No final, queria uns cinco minutinhos para ajudar a defender (risos). Quando o Léo (Pereira) caiu na comemoração, pensei que era minha hora (risos). Estamos todos marcados na história, independentemente de quantos minutos e jogos jogamos — falou.

➡️Filipe Luís nega favoritismo do Flamengo e compara Cruz Azul com equipes brasileiras

Agora, a expectativa de Léo Ortiz é voltar a jogar na Copa Intercontinental. O primeiro desafio acontece nesta quarta-feira (10), às 14h (de Brasília), no Estádio Ahmad bin Ali. E o time parece ter sido muito bem preparado por Filipe Luís, conforme detalhou o zagueiro:

— Primeiro, vem o Cruz Azul, que jogou recentemente, chegou mais perto do jogo, pode sentir o fuso horário. Mas não serve de nada se não fizermos por merecer em campo, é o que estamos buscando nos treinos, o Filipe Luís colocando a maneira como vão nos marcar e como devemos marcá-los. É a primeira de três finais. Não tem repescagem. É ganhar para alcançar o objetivo de ser campeão mundial.

Outras respostas de Léo Ortiz, zagueiro do Flamengo

Situação física dos jogadores do Flamengo na Copa Intercontinental

— Não é o auge físico, como no Mundial de Clubes, pela quantidade de jogos. Mas, pelos jogadores que temos, revezamos bem o grupo e chegamos em boa condição, com confiança. Em uma semana, disputamos duas finais e vencemos as duas. Mas a confiança não basta, temos que ir lá e vencer o adversário. As pessoas nos colocam como favoritos, mas isso não basta. É um novo jogo, o título da Libertadores não dá vaga na final do Mundial.

Bastidores da decisão de jogar “no sacrifício” contra o Racing

— Fiquei pensando com amigos e família: e se optasse por esperar e não jogasse contra o Racing? O Danilo poderia ter dado conta do recado, mas o destino poderia não ser esse. Então, o dever foi cumprido. Fiz o que tinha que fazer pela equipe no jogo contra o Racing, e o Danilo completou o serviço na final de maneira gloriosa, com o gol do título.

Idolatria e sonho do Mundial de Clubes

— A gente já está marcado, isso não tem como tirar. Conseguimos o tetracampeonato, o ênea do Brasileiro. Esse patamar de Zico, Andrade, Adílio, Leandro… São poucos que vão chegar lá, talvez Bruno (Henrique) e Arrasca. Mas podemos ter outro campeão mundial, a gente tem essa oportunidade de falarem: os campeões mundiais de 1981 e 2025. Seria especial, marcaria demais a carreira de todos nós. A gente espera que possa conquistar essa marca especial para o clube e nossas vidas.

Parceria com os zagueiros Léo Pereira e Danilo

— É uma parceria muito boa, sabemos o nível um do outro, o quanto cada um foi importante. No início da temporada, o Danilo ficou fora por lesão e jogamos 14 jogos seguidos, eu e Léo Pereira. Agora, no final, aconteceu comigo e eles deram conta do recado. Está sendo uma parceria muito boa, a gente sabe a necessidade de ter jogadores de alto nível na mesma posição. A gente quer jogar todos os jogos, mas aqui é quase impossível, jogão toda quarta e domingo. Criamos essa parceria, que está sendo muito benéfica para o Flamengo. Eu nem conversei muito com o Danilo no dia (da final da Libertadores), conversei com o Filipe e logo teve a preleção. Depois, cada um foi comemorar, comemoramos juntos. São decisões da equipe, todos estávamos preparados para jogar. É a mentalidade que temos e o Filipe passa. A gente nunca sabe o que pode acontecer de um dia para o outro.

Carreira de Filipe Luís como treinador

— Era o sonho dele treinar o Flamengo e treinar os melhores, sempre diz isso. Eu acho que ele se realiza todos os dias, a motivação dele é treinar o clube do coração, o Flamengo, e ter os melhores do Brasil à disposição. A gente procura ajudar da forma que pode, mas é um cara que estuda muito, trabalha muito, um viciado nisso. É um prazer trabalhar com ele, ver essa construção. Não parece, mas são dois anos como treinador, um ano e meio no profissional. Ver essa construção como treinador, esse começo absurdo, mostra o que ele pode se tornar para o mundo. Espero que por muitos anos no Flamengo, com muitos títulos. Muito legal ver o amadurecimento dele como treinador e líder.

Influência do pai, Ortiz, ex-jogador de futsal

— Logo pequeno, quando comecei a jogar, eu era pivô (futsal), como meu pai. Depois, quando comecei a entender e gostar, por marcar muito meu pai em casa, em pelada, comecei a tomar gosto por isso. Comecei a conversar com ele e, quando passei a jogar futsal competitivo, virei fixo. Fui para o campo como volante e permaneci assim até o Sub-20, quando fui para a zaga, para jogar de frente e não correr tanto. De zagueiro, consigo impactar mais no jogo. E meu pai sempre foi muito tranquilo comigo, com relação a essa pressão de ser filho de jogador. Sempre priorizou o estudo, a escola. E, a partir daí, poderia escolher o que quisesse. Mas, independentemente do que escolhesse, queria que fizesse com 100% da dedicação e foco. Foi isso que me passou. Nunca foi uma obrigação ser jogador de futebol. Hoje, ele desfruta muito, é muito realizado, mas nunca foi um sonho dele. Foi um sonho meu, que trabalhei muito para alcançar.

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Copa IntercontinentalFlamengoLéo Ortiz

Liverpool are now ready to accelerate talks to sign a key defensive addition, who could put an end to Ibrahima Konate’s struggles.

Romano shares update on Slot's Liverpool future

It’s been a disastrous season for Liverpool so far. The defending champions have seen their crown go from gold to paper in a matter of 12 Premier League games. Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Anfield against Nottingham Forest turned a blip into a crisis and questions are now being asked of Arne Slot.

The Dutchman, for the first time in his Liverpool career, is under pressure to turn his side’s form around. According to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, however, the Reds are not searching for another manager just yet, even if everyone involved at the club is well aware that the current results cannot go on.

The news will come as a relief for Slot, who clearly has plenty of credit left in the bank after winning the Premier League title in his first season at the club.

There is still no denying that the Red must turn a corner sooner rather than later, though. They currently sit 12th and are on course for one of the worst title defences in Premier League history.

Having spent big in the summer, breaking their transfer record twice, those at Anfield could turn towards the January window to make further, much-needed additions.

Names such as Marc Guehi have continued to steal the headlines on that front, but reports are now claiming that Liverpool are ready to accelerate their talks to sign Goncalo Inacio.

Liverpool ready to accelerate Inacio talks

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are ready to accelerate their move to sign Inacio from Sporting CP in 2026. The impressive central defender has a release clause worth €80m (£70m) in Portugal, but that looks unlikely to be enough to fend off the interest of those at Anfield.

Xabi Alonso makes decision about Liverpool role if he is sacked by Real Madrid

The Spaniard is also under pressure in Spain.

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By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 26, 2025

By signing Inacio, Liverpool would also have the chance to rub salt in the wounds of Ruben Amorim. The Manchester United boss was a big fan of the centre-back at Sporting, telling reporters: “Gonçalo is perfect for the way we play. He can defend aggressively, step up to win the ball, and then start an attack with one pass. His ability to do both phases so well is rare.

“I’ve said it before—Gonçalo has everything to play at the highest level. His technique, his vision, his bravery. He’s brilliant, and he’s still improving every day.”

It’s also worth noting how impressive Inacio has been compared to Konate this season. If the Frenchman does leave as a free agent next summer, then Inacio would provide Liverpool with the perfect upgrade.

Liverpool launch move to sign "perfect" right-back ahead of Arsenal