Tag Futebol

On the verge of his 100th Test, the India batter looks back at his top innings and talks about the qualities that have made him the player he is

Interview by Nagraj Gollapudi14-Feb-2023A dozen Indian players have played over 100 Tests each. This select group is expected to be updated this week, when Cheteshwar Pujara plays the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. A one-format player, Pujara, who made his Test debut 13 years ago, has kept himself relevant despite regular scrutiny over the way he plays his game. By being honest to his beliefs, sticking religiously to his routines and staying disciplined, he has built a career that ranks among the finest of this era. In a chat with ESPNcricnfo, conducted before the start of the Australia Test series, Pujara opens up on his journey and where he is headed.Is it going to be just another Test or is your 100th Test special? Do you feel proud?
It is like when you are scoring runs – when you reach 50 or when you reach 100, there’s a special feeling. But again, when you score a hundred, you enjoy that moment but you still carry on. There is a satisfaction after reaching a milestone, but there is always a job to do.Yes, it will be my 100th Test match, but you still have a job to do for the team and you focus on that a bit more. It is similar to batting: when you reach the hundred, you start again. Sometimes you want to score a double-hundred. Here it is not like that – you can’t reach 200 Test matches. But you move on to the next target.Related

Cheteshwar Pujara, a throwback and a one-off

Stats – Why Pujara's contribution is much more than just the runs he scores

R Ashwin on Pujara: 'Mirugam will never lose an argument; his game is an extension of that'

'I worried that T20 would affect my Test technique, but I'm over that now'

Cheteshwar Pujara: 'You can punch me as long as you can. Then I'll punch back'

We are playing an important series against Australia. Yes, the second Test will be my 100th, but there will be two more Tests after that which will be very important for us to win to qualify for the WTC final.Matches and series against Australia have been important in your career. It was against them that you made your Test debut in Bangalore in 2010. What do you remember of that day?
Feels like it happened yesterday. There have been many ups and downs, but that is the game I have enjoyed the most. I still remember when I was handed the cap, that feeling, that pressure moment. As a youngster you are anxious, you are nervous. The feeling of playing for the Indian team for the first time is something you can never forget. Even after that, playing your first overseas Test match, the kind of pressure you go through, you figure out that you need to work on your team to be successful in overseas conditions.I have played international cricket for more than a decade now. You learn so many things: you are tested in your character, in your temperament, in your patience, as a person. This game is not just about what you do on the field, it’s also about how you behave off the field, and that also has an impact on what you do on the field because if you are not disciplined enough in Test cricket, you will see the results eventually on the field. That’s why Test cricket is special. Yes, T20 cricket is more popular now but if you speak to any Test cricketer, regardless of how many matches they have played, they will tell you it takes a lot to become a successful Test player.At training: “It is not just concentration on the field – the combination of things you have done beforehand is equally important”•Associated PressYou only play one format, and your desire to excel in it is as strong as ever. What has kept you going?
Firstly, it’s the love for the game. My passion has become my profession. I never dreamt of doing anything else apart from playing cricket. I don’t need any kind of motivation to do well. And it’s not just about international cricket. If you look at my performances in games at whatever level – club, state, county, country – no one can question my commitment. I hate losing.As a recent example, I can talk about the Ranji Trophy game against Andhra where we lost and I scored 91. That was one of the best domestic innings I played, considering the kind of pitch we were playing on. We lost by 130-odd runs [150 runs]. I was the ninth wicket to fall. I felt if I could have done something else… because Dharmendrasinh Jadeja was batting at the other end and Yuvrajsinh Dodhiya was still to come. I still felt that there was a possibility as long as I was there. That’s the kind of attitude I normally have: as long as I am there at the crease, I can still make things possible to win a game for the team.When you are playing for the Indian team, you don’t need that motivation. It comes from within. Every time you walk onto the field, you are always switched on. I don’t think there is any drive required. I want to give my best and try and achieve the best I can.Your ability to concentrate has been a hallmark of your game. Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, your Sussex team-mate last year, said he has never seen anyone with better concentration than you. How do you manage to keep your focus intact at all times?
It is about how you are as a person, how your journey has been. I live a very simple life and that’s the reason I don’t get distracted by too many things. Also, as a person I believe in God and that’s a strength which gives me a lot of positivity when you are going through a tough time. At times there are so many things spoken about you. Sometimes people will talk negatively about you or criticise you, but to stay positive is important. That’s why I feel that when you believe in a superpower, it gives you that strength.Yoga has helped me immensely in the last several years, and I’ve been doing it regularly. That has also helped me improve my concentration.In the beginning: Pujara (centre) with his ecstatic team-mates after winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in his debut Test. Pujara counts his 72 in that match among his top innings•AFPMost importantly, if you forget the things that are around you, you can try and bring down your focus to one particular thing. For me, when I’m batting out there in the middle, I try and keep my mind blank, I try and just focus on what I have to do. And to do that you need to also forget what the bowler will do, because in cricket you have to be in the present, you have to look at the ball and let your instinct follow. For that you need to prepare well, you need to know what you are going to face, utilise your muscle memory. It is not just concentration on the field – the combination of things you have done beforehand is equally important.I’m guessing you don’t spend a lot of time on your phone?
No, I don’t. Apart from talking to friends and family, not much, I do agree. So there is one less distraction. Also, I try and avoid social media. As a sportsperson you need to be active on social media – that’s a different thing. But I don’t try and see what other people, celebrities, are doing. Even when someone is talking about me on social media, whether it is positive or negative, I stay away. Because I know my methods, I know my routine, I know what I have to do to become successful. When you have done that over a period of time, you figure out a way and you stick to that.You have always kept going back to domestic cricket. How big a role has that played in your career?
It has, definitely, without any doubt. If I look back a few years when Covid-19 was around, that was the time I had a little bit of a challenge in finding my rhythm. The reason I would say is, I didn’t play enough domestic cricket to be in touch with the game. I feel that no matter how much time you spend in the nets, playing first-class matches is very important to be successful at the international level, especially in the Test format. You need that preparation, you need that time in the middle to find your rhythm, to find your concentration, even for your feet to move.Would you advise youngsters who play just white-ball cricket for India to also play first-class cricket?
Yes. If you are just playing white-ball cricket and if you aim to play Test cricket, then you should definitely play Ranji Trophy, without any doubt. Otherwise you will eventually get exposed at the international level in red-ball cricket. If you look at examples of whoever has done well in Test cricket, they would have played some red-ball cricket – whether it is Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy or India A, Rest of India. It is slightly different for the bowlers, but for a batsman, it is important to play red-ball cricket.Which are some of your innings you look back on fondly?
Without ranking, among my top innings would be the 72 on Test debut. Then my first hundred in South Africa, 153, in 2013.You may break my body but not my spirit: Pujara grimaces after getting hit on the hand during his 56, made over five and a half hours•Tertius Pickard/Associated PressIn 2010, my first overseas series, I had a tough time. I batted at No. 5 or 6. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel were at their peak. I still remember, I spoke to Rahul [Dravid] that I am finding it difficult because I have always played on Indian pitches where the bounce is low and the pace is slow. And in South Africa I am finding it difficult to get acclimatised and it is like facing a different challenge altogether. He gave some good advice. I worked on it. I ensured that whenever I came to South Africa next, I would do well, I wanted to be successful against those bowlers. That happened in 2013 in Jo’burg.In 2017 against Australia in Bangalore is another innings I will remember. I have said many times that sometimes your fifties are more valuable than some of your hundreds. And that was one of those knocks which decided not just that Test match but the entire Test series. If we had lost that match, the series was on the line, so it was a series-defining knock for me personally and for the team.The 123 in Adelaide in 2018 – first innings of an important series. Again, I had done my homework and it paid off and I was really pleased with that.Last one is the fifty at the Gabba in the 2020-21 series where I got hit so many times on my body and I had to work my way out. I felt it was an important innings from the team’s perspective.You have just turned 35. It is an age when chatter begins about how much longer a player might go on. James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who both only play Tests, have shown that skillsets don’t degrade. As a batter, what do you reckon?
I don’t want to set a target for myself. I want to be in the present. I want to take it one Test match at a time rather than thinking about how long I can play. It’s important to enjoy the game, it’s important to be on top of your game, and whenever you are not able to contribute, or you are not performing to the best of your abilities, you can consider the next step. I have just turned 35. There’s still some time.With his wife, Puja, in the UK in 2017•Cheteshwar PujaraWhen I first got injured [right knee surgery in 2009] I didn’t know how long I would play. I had my left ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] reconstructed, and then the second one in 2011. When I got injured in 2009, I was playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL in a practice game. I actually didn’t have any idea of what the injury was. Before that I had never had a serious injury, so I was in shock. I really didn’t know whether I would be able to carry on playing. So whatever has happened since then has been a bonus. At the time I wasn’t familiar with rehab and surgery – I was sort of traumatised and I didn’t know what to do. I was told I would be out of the game for six months. After I had the second knee injury in 2011, that was when I realised I needed to look after my body, and since then I have been paying a lot of attention to my fitness.It is probably accurate to say that you will play till you believe that you are capable of being the match-winner you have always prided yourself on being. But is it also your goal to ensure you average 50 before you retire?
Well, that is not a goal I would set for myself. That is something I think should happen, because as a cricketer you always want to do well and score as many runs as possible. It is about scoring runs in each and every Test match. And when I score those runs, the average will go up. My aim and goal is definitely to score runs, not to think about the average because that is a by-product.Will your family be at the Test?
Yes, they will definitely be watching. My dad has been my inspiration. He is someone who started coaching me when I was eight years old, so it’s been a long journey for him too, to see me play over that period of time, to have guided me as a coach. I’m very thankful to him and it’s a proud moment for him also to see his son play his 100th Test. And he’s a very emotional person, so for him it will be a very big moment.Also, I will be completing my tenth wedding anniversary soon. It is not just concentration on the field – the combination of things you have done beforehand to achieve that is equally important. My wife also has seen a lot of ups and downs and she has been always with me. When we got engaged, she didn’t have any knowledge about cricket. She has been following the game for about eight or nine years now, so she understands the game, she understands why my routine is the way it is. Sometimes she will tell me that you better make sure that you are completing your gym sessions rather than worrying about anything else. She has managed everything really well, not just on the house front, but there are so many things in a cricketer’s life, including endorsements, so I can be relaxed and focused on my game.

To those who have seen the youngster from close quarters – like his sister and his childhood coach – his success at the Gabba was inevitable

Deivarayan Muthu17-Jan-2021Pat Cummins, the No.1-ranked Test bowler in the world, pings Test debutant Washington Sundar on his left shoulder. Washington doesn’t flinch at all. Cool as.Two balls later, Cummins bangs another short ball and pings Washington on his hip. Washington doesn’t flinch again. Cool as.Washington has seen – and overcome – more painful body blows. When he was about seven years old, he was struck flush on the helmet by a wild full-toss at the nets and suffered a deep cut that needed four stitches. Despite doctors and his family insisting on rest and recovery, Washington turned up for an inter-school game a couple of days later and batted lower down the order to score a match-winning thirty-something.Washington was a prodigy in the Tamil Nadu cricketing circles. His dad M Sundar, a former Tamil Nadu prospect, began training him with a tennis ball when he was in kindergarten. Sundar would later train Washington and his elder sister Shailaja at the Chepauk ‘B’ nets, with their cousin Avaikarasan also joining them.Related

Sundar, Thakur heroics ensure Australia don't end too far ahead

Frustrated Australia lose their edge at critical moment

Stand-ins Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar stand out, add twist to fairy tale

Reactions – 'Steel running through India's veins!'

Ashwin to Thakur: Talk us though your 'Richards-type drives'

Washington played Under-16 cricket for the state when he was in sixth grade and by the time he was 13, he was playing first-division league cricket in Chennai facing boys twice his age. To put things in perspective: when Washington broke into the robust first-division Chennal league, S Sriram was still an active player there. Sriram is now with the Australia side as their spin-bowling coach.Oh and Washington was primarily an opening batsman back in the day. He wasn’t quite the opening bowler who would pin down batsmen in T20 cricket. He was more known for his organised technique, sound judgement outside off, and ability to handle pace. Washington re-emerged during his fifty on Test debut against arguably the best Test-bowling attack in the world right now.Washington Sundar was in kindergarten when his father began training him to play cricket•Getty Images”Playing against or with (older boys) like Sriram, Venugopal Rao and his brother Gnaneswara Rao in first-division cricket at such a young age was a learning curve for Washi and it shaped his career,” Shailaja tells ESPNcricinfo. “Having also played many fast bowlers at the MRF pace foundation, he has that game-sense to adapt to speed. Not many can adapt to it easily and that too on your debut as a youngster in Australia against a top-class attack. It’s a big thing.”Shailaja, a top-order batter herself, was particularly thrilled to see that “old Washi” on show at the Gabba.”If you ask me or others who have seen Washi grow up, he was an opener,” Shailaja says. “I’m more a fan of his batting than bowling. The Washi I saw today was more the Washi I know. When he was so young, his drives were so clean and graceful. All the others could see his batting talent today.”

****

Around the time of his birthday on January 4, Sundar had a strong gut feeling about Washington making his Test debut in Australia. As it turned out, Washington replaced the injured R Ashwin in the series decider, following up his three-wicket haul with 62 off 144 balls.Once the Sundars came to know about Washington’s debut on the eve of the game, there was cause for more celebrations during the Pongal (harvest) festivities.Washington Sundar’s sister Shailaja says he is more batsman than bowler•AFP via Getty Images”My dad had a strong feeling that Washi will debut in Australia,” Shailaja recalls. “We woke up at 3.30am because we wanted to see Washi get his cap. (Very) special! Mom (Prema) did her special puja and to see him get (Steven) Smith was pleasing. Our dad has faced a lot of struggles to get here and whenever we saw Washi growing up, we always thought he will be a Test cricketer. The world is now witnessing it.”

****

Washington had no business playing this Test. He was originally picked as a net bowler for the Test leg of the tour to tune up the batsmen against Nathan Lyon. But, here he was pulling off a no-look slog-swept six against Lyon. Cool as.Washington’s job isn’t done yet and M Senthilnathan, who had identified Washington’s talent as a 13-year old at MRF, reckons that he could play a bigger role with the ball with his stump-to-stump lines if the Gabba pitch breaks up on Monday.”If the wicket is a little rough and if it assists the spinners, Washington Sundar will be difficult to bat against,” Senthilnathan says. “He will be somewhat like Jadeja; Jadeja is very difficult to bat against in a turning track. Washington won’t also give you time and will be exactly on the stumps. Imagine if on a turning track you don’t get bad balls or don’t get time to step out, how will you score runs?”

Tarik Skubal becoming an MLB All-Star was a foregone conclusion. The Detroit Tigers ace and one of the best pitchers in baseball has dominated on the hill this season for a team with a 13.5 game lead in their division and the best record in baseball (57–34).

The lefthander officially earned his All-Star bid Sunday when each league's pitchers and reserve position players were announced, joining the starters who were announced earlier this week. Was Skubal happy with his second All-Star appearance? Sure. But he may have been more disappointed for his teammates who didn't hear their names called.

"To be honest, I’m a little disappointed with only the four guys we got," Skubal said Sunday via 's Cody Stavenhagen. "I think there’s a lot more deserving guys on our team. We got the best record in the American League. I would like to think we’d be more represented there."

In addition to Skubal, the Tigers have three All-Stars—Gleyber Torres, Riley Greene and Javier Báez—who all got in as starters. Four is a big number with a finite amount of spots, but Skubal's comments may have been sparked because he was the only Tiger to become an All-Star Sunday when the pitching staffs and reserve position players were announced. Spencer Torkelson and Zach McKinstry both have decent cases to get in as reserves, while Detroit's No. 2 starter Casey Mize has nine wins with his own argument to join Skubal on the AL All-Star staff.

The National League-leading Los Angeles Dodgers got five players in—three position players and two pitchers. The Seattle Mariners (48–42) tied Detroit with four All-Stars. More Tigers could make their way into the Midsummer Classic as replacement players if they are needed and chosen by the league, but their ace thinks that shouldn't need to be the case considering their incredible season so far.

Aston Villa are now prepared to make a £52m offer for a “baller” in the January transfer window, with Unai Emery personally keen.

Villa make major statement in dramatic Arsenal victory

Villa sent out a message to the rest of the Premier League by picking up a dramatic late victory against league leaders Arsenal on Saturday afternoon, with Emiliano Buendia firing home in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 win.

In the wake of the result, which leaves Emery’s side just three points behind the Gunners, Mikel Arteta has admitted the Villans are genuine Premier League title contenders.

When asked whether the Villa Park outfit can challenge, Arteta said: “They are. When you look at where they are, the way they play, they have beaten some big teams, especially at home. Everybody is going to have to play everybody, so at the moment they are where they are and we are there as well.”

That said, it is still early days, given that we aren’t even at the half-way stage of the season just yet, and Emery is eager to bring in some new reinforcements, who could boost his side’s title push, during the January transfer window.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states the Aston Villa manager is now personally keen on signing Athletic Club star Mikel Jauregizar next month, but a deal could be on the expensive side.

Villa are prepared to offer up to €60m (£52m) to secure Jauregizar’s signature, with the Spanish club reluctant to sanction a departure unless they receive an ‘irresistible’ bid.

Emery believes the central midfielder would be an ideal fit in his system, and the Villans are now determined to get a deal done, so much so that they may even be willing to make an even higher bid.

"Baller" Jauregizar impressing in the Champions League

If Villa are going to make a genuine push to win the Premier League title, they may need to bring in some new players with experience at the highest level, and the 22-year-old has been impressing in the Champions League this season, chipping in with two assists in five matches.

Hailed as an “underrated baller” by scout Ben Mattinson, the maestro is also strong at winning back possession, averaging 2.87 tackles per 90 over the past year, placing him in the 89th percentile, when compared to other midfielders.

Aston Villa now want to tempt Chelsea summer signing with surprise January move

It would be a head turner.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 5, 2025

Jauregizar is clearly a very well-rounded midfielder, capable of making an impact at both ends of the pitch, and Aston Villa could strengthen their title chances by getting a deal done in January.

Mike Trout literally couldn't wait to get back in the Los Angeles Angels lineup.

Trout, who missed 26 games due to a bone bruise in his left knee, was officially activated off the injured list on Friday before the club's game against the Cleveland Guardians. But it seems that a Friday return was a bit sooner than the Angels had internally forecasted for the three-time American League MVP.

The original plan was for Trout to return on Monday against the Boston Red Sox, Angels manager Ron Washington told Jeff Fletcher of the .

Trout, who hasn't played since April 30, ran the bases on Tuesday and Wednesday and took some swings against live pitching on Wednesday. According to Washington, the Angels were planning to have Trout ramp it up on the bases while also taking some reps in the outfield.

But an "antsy" Trout told Fletcher that he essentially forced the issue.

"I think I came out of it the other day good," Trout said. "Wasn’t too sore or anything. I’m gonna go out there and have some good at-bats. Just itching to get out there—I was getting antsy. I knew I was close."

The compromise?

Trout will serve as the designated hitter for "a little bit", as he told Angels reporter Erica Weston. He plans to "get to some outfield stuff in the coming days."

Plus, Washington wants Trout to exercise caution on the basepaths, per the .

A little bit of caution could go a long way regardless, given Trout's recent injury woes. He last played 100-plus games in 2022.

"Bone bruises are tricky," Trout told the paper. "I know I’m gonna be sore, but I can deal with it."

Trout is batting .179 with nine home runs, 18 RBI and 14 runs scored in 29 games played this season.

Karim Adeyemi has issued a public apology after it was revealed last week that the Borussia Dortmund attacker was found to be possessing illegal weapons. The news surfaced during the international break, which caused Adeyemi to miss the 6-0 thrashing of Slovakia in their final World Cup qualifying game. Taking to social media, Adeyemi expressed regret over his mistake.

• Adeyemi sanctioned with the illegal possession of weapons

  Germany's preparations for their World Cup qualifier against Slovakia were marred by controversy after revealed that Adeyemi had been charged with possession of illegal weapons. Per the report, both the German football federation (DFB) and Borussia Dortmund were caught unawares after learning about the conviction via media leaks, with the former Red Bull Salzburg prodigy preferring to be tight-lipped about the controversy before the disclosure.

  Adeyemi was found to be in possession of two illegal weapons – a knuckleduster and a stun gun – which are strictly forbidden under German law without an official permit. Prosecutors charged the speedy winger with a staggering €450,000 fine. The public prosecutor’s office reported that a penalty order imposing "60 daily fines of €7,500" became legally binding on October 30. The case was adjudicated by the district court in Wetter.

  “BVB always takes criminal allegations seriously and uses them as an opportunity to discuss them with its employees while respecting confidentiality obligations,” Borussia Dortmund stated in their official release following the breaking of the news. 

  Adeyemi, however, was fortunate to come away with a financial penalty. Under German weapons legislation, his actions could have carried a prison sentence of up to three years – or as many as 10 if brass knuckles were involved. In this case, however, the sanction was limited to a fine, calculated on the basis of his income. As a result, he received an entry in the central register but did not incur a formal criminal record.

Advertisement

• Imago Images / Noah Wedel
  

  Adeyemi issues public apology on social media

  Taking to Instagram stories, the 23-year-old speedster admitted to making a "huge" mistake by possessing weapons without an official permit. 

  "You have probably seen the headlines about me in the last few days. It is not easy for me to talk about this," he said. "At the beginning of 2024, out of carelessness and without really thinking about what I was doing, I ordered a so-called ‘mystery box’ on the internet. It contained items that are not permitted under weapons legislation. Many months later, the package was delivered and ended up unopened at the police station.

  "Nevertheless, it was a huge mistake. One that I am very sorry about, that cost me dearly and that I deeply regret. I know that I am in the public eye and have a role model function. I did not live up to that. That is precisely why it hurts me all the more that I acted so recklessly. I have learned more from this than I can put into words. And I promise you that I will avoid such mistakes in the future. Thank you to everyone who still trusts and supports me."

• Dortmund chief comes to Adeyemi's defence

  Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken addressed the matter and defended Adeyemi. "We naturally took the matter very seriously and have since been able to speak with Karim Adeyemi at length and clearly about his behavior," Ricken told . "He deeply regrets his mistake. However, it must also be taken into account that he had to pay a hefty fine, no one was harmed, and the player continues to be considered to have no criminal record.

  "Karim Adeyemi has firmly promised us that he will not make such a mistake again. We trust him to keep his word."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Adeyemi's national team future will not be affected

  Speaking to , German football federation (DFB) sporting director Rudi Voller acknowledged that Adeyemi committed a mistake, but also admitted that sometimes, some issues are blown out of proportion.

  “Yes, of course we didn't know [about Adeyemi illegally possessing weapons]. The day after the game in Luxembourg, Lars Ricken called me and told me," he revealed. "He didn't know everything either. Then Julian [Nagelsmann] and I grabbed Karim. We wanted to hear his side of the story. He then tried to explain it to us, more or less.

  “We still have the feeling that the lad is developing exceptionally well in the national team. We also live a bit in a time of outrage culture here in Germany… Everyone is always quick to complain, not that I want to sugarcoat it. It's naive or stupid, no matter what you call it.”

  Adeyemi might have missed both the World Cup qualifiers during the recent international break, but he is a player with an X-factor, and Nagelsmann recognises as much. After making his debut in 2021, he didn't feature in a single game for Die Mannschaft in 2022, 2023, or 2024, before returning to the setup earlier this year. 

Rafael Louzan, the head of the Spanish football federation (RFEF), addressed Lamine Yamal's recent call-up to the national team amid the Barcelona superstar's fitness concerns. The RFEF chief swiftly dismissed any rumours of a rift between Spain boss Luis de la Fuente and Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, asserting that "there was no tension."

Yamal makes Spain squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers

Yamal has played the full 90 minutes in three of Barcelona's last four games despite feeling some "discomfort" after being diagnosed with pubalgia – a chronic groin injury stemming from a tear in the surrounding soft tissue. The 2025 Ballon d'Or runner-up started in the 2-1 loss against rivals Real Madrid last month, followed by another 88 minutes against Elche. In the past week, he lasted the entire game during the midweek Champions League clash against Club Brugge and the 4-2 away win at Celta Vigo at the weekend.

Citing his recent return to the Barcelona lineup as a regular, Spain boss De La Fuente defended his decision to call up Yamal for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey. 

"I think the answer is obvious. I watched his last game, and I believe he’s in perfect condition," De la Fuente stated at a press conference. "His coach said he was ready to play. He's getting back to being the player he always has been, and we celebrate that. He will stay with us as long as we consider it appropriate.

"Watching the game the other day, Lamine is fit to play. We have two very important games and we need to field our best players. We have two hugely important matches to qualify for the World Cup, the stakes are massive and we want the best players with us."

AdvertisementGetty/GOALExplained: The feud between Flick and De la Fuente

During the September international break, Yamal suffered a knock while on duty with the Spanish national team. The injury to the teenage sensation infuriated Barca manager Flick, who didn't mince his words while lashing out at De la Fuente and the RFEF for "failing to take care" of the players.

"Lamine Yamal will not be available. He went with the national team in pain and did not train," Flick said at the time. "They gave him painkillers to play. They had at least a three-goal lead in every match, and he played 73 minutes and 79, and between matches he couldn't train. That is not taking care of the player. I am very sad about this."

De la Fuente engaged in a war of words, with the RFEF also hitting back at Barcelona for reportedly not providing any communication regarding Yamal's fragile condition at the time. "Do you think that today, in my homeland, and enjoying this moment, I'd remember what Hansi Flick said? Well, no, I'm not interested," De La Fuente told reporters in September.

In October, Flick gave this feud another twist as defended his comments by adding: "I want to protect my player, support him, this is what it is. A lot of things happened. This is, for me, done. I have no bad things about this situation. I know it from the other side. It's not easy for me. It's not easy for [De la Fuente]. I must protect my player; this is the reason I made it a little louder than normally I want to do it. I don't regret this. Now, the important thing is managing this together. The players, the clubs and the Spanish Federation [RFEF]. We have to manage it together."

Spanish FA chief clears the air surrounding feud

Speaking to , Louzan, the president of the RFEF, clarified that the federation, along with the national team, is constantly communicating with the respective clubs. 

"We have acted in a coordinated manner and will always do so because the feelings of the club come first, and in the national team, we must take great care of the players," said Louzan. "They can rest assured that there will be no controversy in this regard.

"We do it with Lamine, of course, and with each of the players on the national team. The players, in the end, belong to the clubs and we have to have perfect coordination, as exists between the Spanish Football Federation and each club manager.

"Luis de la Fuente has a very good relationship with everyone. And in that sense, the Barcelona coach wants his players in perfect condition, and all of that was just minor disagreements that wouldn't escalate because, from our point of view, there was no tension."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWhen do Spain play?

La Roja will take on Georgia on Saturday in Tbilisi, before hosting Turkey at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville next Tuesday. De la Fuente's side are currently on top of their World Cup qualifying group and have already sealed their qualification for next year's showpiece event. In four games, they have scored 15 goals and are yet to concede one.

Manchester United’s business in the transfer market in the summer of 2025 will potentially be remembered as one of their best windows in recent history.

Ruben Amorim has spent around £200m on new additions within his front three, with such additions already making an immediate impact at Old Trafford.

Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko were the three signings made by the hierarchy, with the latter being the most expensive at a staggering £74m including add-ons.

The trio have already had a say in nine of their 15 Premier League goals in 2025/26 to date, as Mbeumo sits top of the Red Devils’ goalscoring charts with his total of four goals in nine outings.

Such form has led to serious doubt being cast over the futures of numerous players already within Amorim’s ranks, which could lead to numerous exits during the upcoming January window.

Players who look set to leave Man Utd in January

Over the last couple of days, rumours have been swirling over the future of multiple players, with midfielder Manuel Ugarte just one United player who could be edging closer to the exit door.

The Uruguayan international joined in a £50m transfer from PSG last summer, which led to huge expectations being placed on his shoulders to end their hunt for a new ball-winning option.

However, the 24-year-old has fallen down Amorim’s pecking order, only starting two league outings in 2025/26, leading to rumours over a winter move to join Turkish outfit Galatasaray.

He’s not the only player who appears to be moving closer to the exit door, with forward Joshua Zirkzee another Red Devil who has struggled to nail his starting role down this season.

According to CaughtOffside, the Dutchman is now “increasingly likely” to depart Old Trafford after featuring for just 82 minutes this season – only a year on from his £36m transfer to join the club.

The report states that the 24-year-old will allow the former Bologna talisman to depart in the coming months, but will be looking to recruit the majority of their investment back.

It also confirms that the player himself wants to depart to gain valuable first-team minutes to help improve his standing in the national setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

However, such a decision could come with a risk, especially given the examples that have unfolded in front of Amorim’s eyes over the last couple of months.

The United star who could become this season’s Rashford

Before Amorim’s arrival at United, attacker Marcus Rashford was seen as a key member of the first-team squad, arguably being one of the most threatening options within the final third.

The England international has racked up 138 goals for the Red Devils during his nine years in the first-team, but it rapidly became apparent the 40-year-old wasn’t keen on the academy graduate.

Despite starting and scoring in the manager’s first game at Ipswich Town, the 27-year-old was excluded from first-team training – subsequently joining Aston Villa on loan for the second half of 2024/25.

Rashford registered four goals and five assists in his 17 appearances before linking up with Spanish giants Barcelona during the recent window – once again producing the goods away from Old Trafford.

He’s already notched 10 combined goals and assists in his 13 appearances, with such a decision arguably one of Amorim’s worst during his near 12-month tenure with the Red Devils.

However, he could be about to make another huge mistake in sanctioning Zirkzee’s exit, especially if the Dutchman can replicate such form before his move to England.

The 24-year-old scored 12 times and registered six assists in his 37 appearances prior to his switch to Old Trafford – even managing to impress in glimpses last campaign.

Zirkzee scored twice in Amorim’s second game in charge of the club back in December 2024, with his contributions in the clash with Everton just one example of the talent he possesses in the final third.

Other outings against Lyon and Real Sociedad in the Europa League showcased his ability to provide the goods in key moments – subsequently helping the Red Devils reach yet another European final.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

72%

Shots taken

1.8

Chances created

0.8

Dribble success

38%

Aerials won

29%

Times dispossessed

2.8

Whilst it still remains unclear what the attacker’s best position is, even describing himself as a 9.5, he still managed to rank highly in numerous areas during the club’s dismal 2024/25 season.

Zirkzee ranked in the 82nd percentile for possession regained in the final third, whilst also completing the most passes per 90 of any forward in the first-team ranks.

Such numbers showcase his tireless effort out of possession, before firing the killer pass to a teammate – subsequently allowing him to pick up two assists across all competitions.

There’s no doubt his tally of five goals in 49 appearances was way below the expectations of the supporters, but Zirkzee desperately needs to be cut some slack by the manager.

Such a year was his first in England’s top-flight, but it’s evident that the manager has made up his mind with the forward, as seen by his tally of 82 league minutes in 2025/26.

Allowing him to leave could once again come back to bite them, potentially following the same route as Rashford and thriving in Europe after departing the Red Devils.

Watch out Bruno: Man Utd's "best player this season" is a "future captain"

Manchester United’s “best player this season” could be the future captain of the club over Bruno Fernandes.

ByDan Emery Oct 28, 2025

The hindsight patrol are now in full force with regard to Manchester United, with every departing star now looking like a ‘world-beater’ away from Old Trafford.

Every goal, every assist, every Man of the Match award is held up as a reason to mock the Red Devils, ignoring the fact that almost all of those who were sent packing had been given ample time to impress back at Old Trafford.

Take Rasmus Hojlund, for instance, a player of undoubted potential, yet one who scored just 26 times in 95 games for United in all competitions, a grim record for any striker worth their salt.

His current exploits for both Napoli and Denmark may suggest that Ruben Amorim and co were wrong to show him the exit door this summer, although the 22-year-old had ended 2024/25 with just four Premier League goals to his name.

With Omar Berrada seemingly keen to implement a two-season rule – giving new signings just two campaigns to make an impact – Hojlund was rightly shown the door this summer, with not even his recent hot streak able to change that.

Why Man Utd were right to offload Hojlund

In a dismal decade at Old Trafford, there have been few ‘wow’ moments, but Hojlund’s debut cameo may rank among them.

Somewhat forgettable now, although the sight of the £64m man terrorising the Arsenal backline in September 2023 was something to behold, having run William Saliba and Gabriel ragged in that second half.

Close to earning a penalty for his side, having also played his part in Alejandro Garnacho’s eventually disallowed ‘winner’, the new man was electric.

The sight of Casemiro grabbing him by the jersey – akin to Hojlund grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck – echoed the sentiment.

His subsequent Champions League form was also captivating, namely his brace against Galatasaray, tearing away from inside his own half before dinking the ball over the onrushing ‘keeper for his second of the night. A ‘star’ was born.

Frustratingly for all concerned, such form could not be maintained, with his December to February run in the Premier League – in which he scored in six successive games – the notable high point of his two-year stint in Manchester.

With just ten goals in all competitions last term, despite having been the only senior striking option at one stage, Hojlund had left United with no choice but to seek a centre-forward upgrade.

Having taken until Boxing Day himself to get off the mark in the league in 2023/24, the Dane has since seen Benjamin Sesko score twice in just his first seven Premier League outings, with the Slovenian superstar already beginning to find his feet.

Four goals for Napoli, alongside four goals for his country, have marked a fine start to 2025/26 for Hojlund, yet barring something drastic, the ex-Atalanta won’t be returning to the Theatre of Dreams, with the Scudetto winners holding a £38m obligation to buy as part of their loan swoop.

For all his potential, such a move simply hasn’t worked out, left now looking to be a player whose best work will come in Serie A, or at international level – sound familiar?

Man Utd have already sold another Hojlund

Two years was enough for the die to be cast on young Hojlund, with concerns mounting over the lack of faith his teammates had in him, while his errant hold-up play was also a pertinent issue, considering he won just 25% of his duels last term, as per Sofascore.

Two years was also what was afforded to a figure of the past in Romelu Lukaku, with the Belgian signed from Everton on a £75m deal in 2017, only to depart for Inter for a similar fee just two seasons later.

Of course, unlike his new Napoli teammate, Lukaku had proven himself in the Premier League before signing for United, scoring 104 goals in all competitions for West Brom and the Toffees combined, having initially been on the books at Chelsea.

While on reflection, his United record of 42 goals in 96 games looks favourable, particularly in contrast to Hojlund, Lukaku just never seemed like the right fit at Old Trafford, criticised for his “woeful and costly finishing” in 2018/19 by journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

Like his fellow left-footer, the Belgian at his best appeared to relish the chance to burst in behind a defence, having not exactly been adept at linking the play or acting as a target man.

A preoccupation with trying to improve on those latter traits led to criticism that the striker had bulked up too much, with his professionalism called into question by the likes of Gary Neville.

Swiftly cast aside by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to Serie A, Lukaku’s 2019 exit to San Siro sparked an immediate change of fortunes, having scored 64 goals across the next two seasons in all competitions for the Nerazzurri.

Premier League

62

14

Champions League

6

5

Europa League

15

6

FA Cup

8

1

League Cup

4

0

Community Shield

0

0

Total

95

26

Premier League

66

28

Champions League

17

7

Europa League

n/a

n/a

FA Cup

9

6

League Cup

3

0

UEFA Super Cup

1

1

Total

96

42

A title winner in 2020/21, he was rewarded with a seismic £97.5m return to Chelsea and to Premier League football that summer, albeit with things soon turning sour as he scored just eight league goals in that second spell.

Like Hojlund – who joined United after scoring ten times in his solitary season in Bergamo – Lukaku simply looks much more at home in Italian football, notably scoring 21 goals in just 47 games on loan at Roma, alongside contributing 25 goals and assists in his first 38 games in Naples.

While considered something of a “flat-track bully” on English shores, the 32-year-old is regarded as “one of the best strikers in the world” in Italy, as noted by Luca Toni, emphasising just how he has flourished since leaving United.

Hojlund looks set to follow in his footsteps, almost quite literally, considering he was snapped up by Conte’s side this summer to cover for the injured Lukaku, emphasising how he is viewed as an able deputy to the experienced marksman.

That likeness between the pair can also be seen in the fact that Lukaku is deemed to be the most statistically similar striker to Hojlund in Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref, while the latter man is also beginning to emulate his new club colleague by shining at international level.

Lukaku, remarkably, has scored 89 goals in 124 caps for Belgium, and while Hojlund has a way to go to reach such heights, his four-goal haul across his last three World Cup qualifying games has ensured that his record now sits at 12 in 30 for Denmark.

As he is proving, and likely will continue to go on to prove, Hojlund is an elite striker. That said, much like few of a United persuasion have regretted Lukaku’s exit in recent times, there should be an acceptance that Old Trafford was just not the right environment for him to succeed.

Like Lukaku, he looks like being a machine in Italy and on the international stage – but, despite his early promise, he certainly wasn’t one for United.

Man Utd have homegrown Wharton in 18-year-old who's lighting up Carrington

Manchester United remain heavily linked with a move for Adam Wharton, although they could have a perfect alternative far closer to home…

1 ByRobbie Walls Oct 14, 2025

Manchester United have been known to splash the cash over the last couple of years, spending over £800m on new additions for the side since the summer of 2022.

Erik ten Hag was responsible for the vast majority of such spending, having five windows to make the additions he thought would transform the club’s fortunes.

The likes of Casemiro, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund were all brought in under the Dutchman’s guidance, with the latter two departing the Red Devils in the closing stages of the recent window.

However, current boss Ruben Amorim has also spent in the region of £200m alone this window, securing the signatures of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

Such funds are way higher than any supporter would’ve expected, but it may have been an even bigger shopping spree had they completed a deal for Carlos Baleba.

Man Utd’s hunt for Baleba this summer

In an attempt to bolster the midfield department, United targeted various options in the Premier League, with Adam Wharton just one name on their shortlist.

However, Brighton star Baleba was undoubtedly the biggest target, with Amorim’s side making an approach for the Cameroonian international’s signature ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

While at one stage the player himself seemed keen on a switch to Old Trafford, a move failed to materialise as the Seagulls were reluctant to offload the 21-year-old talent.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side stated that they wanted a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with Baleba, but such a figure was out of the Red Devils’ budget after their previous dealings in the window.

It remains unclear whether the hierarchy will return for his services in 2026, but it’s clear that the board have been targeting added reinforcements in the middle of the park.

However, despite their attempts in the market, United already have a hugely talented player in their ranks – with his recent rise now seeing his value soar over recent months.

The United talent who’s worth more than Baleba

Over the last couple of years, United have shifted their focus to recruiting younger talent to try and decrease the age of the current first-team squad.

The side for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign currently has an average age of 25.6, with the age range in the side having players placed between 17 and 39.

Casemiro is currently one of the midfield options currently at Amorim’s disposal, but the Brazilian, who is now 33, is entering the final years of his career and desperately needs to be moved on in the near future.

Youngster Kobbie Mainoo is another player who is available to Amorim in that department, but despite his success on the field in recent times, he’s fallen down the manager’s pecking order.

After his dream 2023/24 campaign, which saw an FA Cup final goal and a late strike against rivals Liverpool, many supporters would’ve expected the 20-year-old to be a first-team regular by now.

The 20-year-old, who’s been labelled “generational” by teammate Hojlund, only made 25 league appearances last season, 19 of which were from a starting role, with the likes of Casemiro often being selected ahead of the academy graduate.

His only start in 2025/26 so far came in the Carabao Cup defeat against Grimsby Town – leading to the player himself asking for a loan spell away from his boyhood side.

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

25

Pass accuracy

87%

Tackles won

1.6

Interceptions made

1.1

Blocks made

0.9

Take-on success

46%

Carries into 18-yard box

0.6

Recoveries made

4.8

Tackle success rate

60%

However, such a request was immediately dismissed, resulting in the player needing to fight for a place within the first-team squad – until January at the earliest.

Despite his recent lack of action, Mainoo has seen a swift upturn in his market value, with FootballTransfers now valuing the Englishman at a staggering £57.8m.

Such a figure is now higher than the value of Baleba, who’s now valued at just £49.1m by the same site despite his recent valuation by the club in the summer window.

Given the aforementioned price tags, it’s clear that Mainoo is still a young talent with huge potential, with Amorim desperately needing to hand him consistent minutes in the months ahead.

He’s already showcased he’s capable of thriving at Old Trafford, but he needs the manager’s backing to do so, which could potentially put a permanent end to their hunt for Baleba.

Man Utd may regret selling £73m CF who's scoring more than Sesko & Mbeumo

Manchester United may have made a mistake in offloading one top-level talisman.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 9, 2025