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Forward Federico Chiesa insists if he did not relish the challenge of competition posed by Liverpool’s multi-talented squad he would have already left for an easier life.

The Italy international enjoyed his best game since arriving as last summer’s sole signing with a man-of-the-match performance in Tuesday night’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win at home to Championship side Southampton.

He provided assists for British record signing Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, the pair alone costing a combined £200million in a window of significant transfer business which appeared to further restrict Chiesa’s opportunities.

With £100m signing Florian Wirtz also arriving, plus the emergence of 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, the future looked bleak and the former Juventus man was linked with a swift return to Serie A.

But Chiesa – who on the day of his signing 13 months ago was captured playing You’ll Never Walk Alone as his private jet flew over Anfield – was not prepared to give up so easily.

“I play for a top club. This is maybe one of the top three in the world. It’s Liverpool – of course they are going to buy top players; of course the competition is high. If I don’t want competition, I go to another team.

“But I want the competition, I want to play here. Competition helps you to become a better player.”

Already this season Chiesa, on £150,000-a-week, has featured for 137 minutes and has one goal. In the previous campaign it took him until the FA Cup third round in January to pass that mark as he struggled for match fitness, managing just 465 minutes in 14 appearances.

“I do feel much better in terms of physical ability and I think I have played more this year than last year combined. I’m happy and I have to continue on this path,” added the 27-year-old, who scored the important late third goal in the 4-2 Premier League win over Bournemouth on the opening day.

“It was really difficult but I don’t think I was at the level the coach wanted me to play. I understood his choices. This year, it is different. I feel better physically and mentally. The coach has seen this and given me more opportunities.

“I’m glad that I have made some contributions in the Premier League. That is what Liverpool want from every player who plays for them. It is what the coach wants.

“If you play for Liverpool, you have to be able to make a difference. I’m very happy for the moment and I have to keep working hard to get more chances in the future.”

Weekly wages: Liverpool FC 2025/26 highest-paid players

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ByCharlie Smith Sep 4, 2025

Despite appearances, Chiesa has become something of a cult hero on the Kop with their song about him hugely popular, even if it has created a fevered online debate in relation to the language it uses towards Juventus, considering the Heysel disaster history the two clubs share.

“Since last year I have been feeling I needed to give them something back. These first few appearances this year, I have given them something but I want to keep on doing it,” he said.

“I like the chant, there is nothing wrong with it, but I have to give them more. The support is just amazing.”

Chiesa has even taken being left out of the Champions League squad in order to fulfil UEFA’s quota on overseas players in his stride.

“Of course I was sorry that I am not part of the Champions League squad, as to play in it is every player’s dream. I just said to the coach ‘OK, no problem’. I will keep working hard and I will get my chances in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League. I am a professional player, I play for Liverpool and to do that is amazing.”

Duo stage 123-run partnership in response to Kyle Verreynne’s 128 not out for Notts

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay12-Apr-2025A third-wicket stand of 123 through the afternoon, after Nottinghamshire had ended on 347 in the first 30 minutes, proved the platform for what looks a clear, if hardly decisive, Essex advantage at the midway stage of their Rothesay County Championship Division One match at Trent Bridge.Jordan Cox, cruelly denied a Test debut when fracturing his thumb in the nets on England’s tour of New Zealand last November, continued to a sweetly timed 82 after partner Paul Walter had gone for a more muscular 76. This in answer to Kyle Verreynne’s eventual unbeaten 128 for the home side.Though the first ball of the final session saw Cox feather a legside delivery to the keeper only one more wicket fell before the close of a second day whose last six overs were bowled with a new ball under floodlights as April’s blue skies finally gave way to cloud.With 117 already posted this season against Surrey, the 24-year old Cox has now passed fifty 21 times in his young career for Kent and Essex, notably continuing to eight centuries, a conversion rate that left Notts relieved to see him fall short. His one misjudgement earlier was the scampered single that took him to 80 yet barely beat a throw at the non-striker’s stumps.Walter, who made 95 in his one other innings this campaign, had taken the teenage Farhan Ahmed’s off-spin for a six and a four with mighty blows to mid-wicket when he attempted another, next ball, but sliced to slip as it turned out of the left-hander’s rough. By tea, 40 minutes later, Essex were 205 for 3 only for Cox to fall on resumption.Making it two wickets in his eight-over evening spell, Lyndon James then also removed Michael Pepper who cut a short ball to backward point for 26 to bring in Noah Thain. To his credit, the 20-year old, who endured a testing day when bowling on Friday, gamely resisted 75 balls for 21 overnight in support of Matt Critchley who will resume on 50.There is still little in this pitch for bowlers but it may possibly become more uneven. Seamers from the Stuart Broad End have already made the odd ball jump from a length and some have kept a little low. For their part, batters frequently prodded and tapped the surface.Essex, still lacking opener Dean Elgar on paternity leave for newborn twins, had initially made an uncertain start to their innings in the morning when Charles Allison, in only his second Championship innings, aimed an ambitious on-drive at Fergus O’Neill and went lbw for 11.Brett Hutton, the fourth seamer, then opened with a superb yorker first ball which whipped out Tom Westley lbw for 5. Lunch soon following at 54 for 2.At the day’s start, Essex had required eight overs to claim the home side’s two remaining wickets as Notts missed a third batting point by three runs in finishing on 347. Verreyyne, though dropped at slip off Simon Cook when 33 on Friday, could again not be dislodged.His undefeated century took his tally in five innings for Notts so far to 376 – this for only once out. And in between his three Notts games last September and this one seven months later he had also made Test hundreds for South Africa against three different countries.At least Cook, who had Ahmed dabbing a short, wide one to a juggling third slip for 31 and then bowled Pennington for 1, returned 4 for 44, figures that finally did him some measure of justice.

Pep Guardiola has been urged to leave Manchester City and seek a new challenge by one of his most trusted confidants. The Catalan coach has enjoyed remarkable success since moving to England in 2016, lifting 18 major honours during the greatest period in City’s history, and is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2027.

Guardiola and City have dominated English football

After achieving incredible success in both Spain and Germany with Barcelona and Bayern Munich respectively, Guardiola and City have dominated English football since joining forces nine years ago. Under the 54-year-old’s stewardship, City have won six Premier League titles – including an unprecedented four in a row – as well as two FA Cups and four League Cups. City also lifted their first Champions League crown as part of only the second treble-winning season in English football history in 2022-23.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPlanchart believes time has come for a new challenge

And after presiding over what has been the golden spell in City’s history, Guardiola has now been told he should look for new mountains to climb. In an interview with Spanish publication Carles Planchart – who worked alongside Guardiola at Barcelona, Bayern and City as a performance analyst – believes the time has come for his close friend to seek a fresh challenge.

Planchart said: “It’s a personal decision he’ll (Guardiola) have to make. I think a project should last five or six years, no more. But not for him, for everyone. Afterwards, you have to regenerate. As a friend, I would tell him to look for a new project because he still has a long way to go.”

Pep wants to manage a national team at a World Cup

What a new project would look like for Guardiola remains to be seen. The manager has previously expressed his desire to manage a national team at a World Cup before he calls time on his illustrious coaching career, saying in February 2024: "I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that.”

When pressed if he had a preferred national team in mind, Guardiola added: "I don't know who would want me! To work for a national team they have to want you, just like a club."

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Getty Images SportEmotional Barcelona return ruled out

Guardiola has categorically ruled out completing an emotional return to Barcelona, however. Having built one of the greatest club sides in football history during his first stint as Blaugrana boss between 2008 and 2012, he insists he has no intention of managing the Spanish giants again. 

In an interview with in July, Guardiola said: “It's over. It's over forever. It was very beautiful, but it's over now.”

And when pressed on a potential presidential post at Camp Nou, Guardiola added: “No! I'm no good at this.”

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was replaced by Kevin Danso in Spurs’ starting line-up after suffering an injury during the warm-up ahead of the Premier League clash with Aston Villa, which the Villans won 2-1. Romero missed a huge chunk of last season due to injury and it’s another major headache for Spurs boss Thomas Frank, who is already without a number of senior players on the long-term injured list.

Getty Images SportPre-match blow for Romero

Spurs came into the home clash with Villa knowing victory would take them into second spot in the Premier league, but there was bad news before a ball had been kicked after it emerged that the Spurs captain had suffered an injury during the pre-match warm-up. Tottenham were forced into making a change, and Austria international Danso was a late call-up. Spurs took an early lead through Rodrigo Bentancur, but Morgan Rogers fired a stunning equaliser and Emi Buendia sealed the points for the Villans. 

AdvertisementAFPInjuries mount up for Frank

Tottenham's injuries continue to pile up and have impacted key players across all positions. The midfield has suffered significantly, with playmaker James Maddison rupturing his ACL during pre-season, sidelining him for the majority of the campaign, and he is joined by Dejan Kulusevski and Yves Bissouma, who have also spent extended periods out with knee and ankle injuries, respectively. The defence has been particularly hard hit in recent times, with the first-choice central defensive pairing of Romero and Micky van de Ven both missing a large portion of last season, while Radu Dragusin also suffered a long-term ACL injury, but is expected back soon. And striker Dominic Solanke is recovering following ankle surgery earlier this month.

Plenty of confidence in head coach

Romero was named club captain before the start of the season, following the departure of Son Heung-min. And he revealed just how much he's enjoying the changes made under new boss Frank, while also reaffirming his commitment to the club. He said: "I always want the best for the club. Sometimes, things have been said that aren't true as well, but always everything I said is because I want there to be a structure of a club that can be at the top level, part of the big clubs. That's why I was sometimes so angry before, but today I see a very, very organised club with a clear idea and a coach who is organising things and everyone is seeing that in a short space of time we are with him and that’s it. Absolutely everyone inside is looking in the same direction and that is the important thing. I see a fantastic group, a coach, who leaves us with a clear idea. The group is very happy and we have to go game by game but I believe we can achieve great things. We hope and we are going to fight to lift another trophy."

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Getty Images SportRomero fully committed to Spurs

Rumours swirled all summer that the World Cup winner wanted to leave with Atletico Madrid his preferred destination. But he told reporters ahead of the Champions League clash with Villarreal last month: "I never said I wanted to leave the club. Nothing came from me in that effect. It is important what the manager and president say. I am very happy here, it is like a family. I like the manager. I like the way we work, the way we train. Always things can improve but I think everyone here at all levels are taking the right steps to improve. I am very happy here."

Romero will be needed back in a rush for Spurs, whose schedule is packed in the coming weeks as they face Everton in the league and Newcastle in the League Cup before attention to turns to a London derby clash with Chelsea on November 1.

Rohit and Bairstow took MI to the second-highest total in any IPL playoff game, and ensured that GT’s target always remained just out of reach

Karthik Krishnaswamy30-May-20252:18

Where did GT err in their bowling plans?

Strip away everything else, and you can more often than not reduce T20 contests to a simple count-off: who hit more sixes? Mumbai Indians (MI) hit 17 in the IPL 2025 Eliminator, and Gujarat Titans (GT) hit eight.Rohit Sharma top-scored for MI with 81 off 50 balls; B Sai Sudharsan top-scored for GT with 80 off 49. The difference lay in MI’s hitting depth. Five of their batters cleared the boundary at least three times each.Related

'He's a vaccine for any illness' – Aaron, Moody in awe of Bumrah

Calm Ashwani fills the gaps in MI's Bumrah-centric bowling plans

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Stats – MI's record total and Rohit's day of milestones

'Today was that day for me' – Rohit and MI ride their luck to Qualifier 2

This hitting depth took MI to the second-highest total in any IPL playoff game, and ensured that GT’s target always remained just out of reach, even though their chase, advantaged by dew, was alive almost until the end.And there was one other difference between MI and GT, a difference MI can call on against every other team in the tournament: Jasprit Bumrah. His raw figures were impressive enough – 1 for 27 in four overs – and he also produced the moment of the match, a pinpoint leg-stump yorker to bowl Washington Sundar between his legs, and end an 84-run fourth-wicket stand with Sai Sudharsan.Bumrah followed up with an 18th over that went for just nine runs – despite containing a six – and that left GT with 36 to get off the last 12 balls. It became 24 off six after Trent Boult’s 19th over, and while it was possible – especially with Rahul Tewatia and M Shahrukh Khan at the crease – it’s an equation that usually favours the bowling team.1:29

Two lives for Rohit ‘unlocked the freedom’

Rohit rides his luck, Bairstow returns with a bangMI’s total was built on the back of a blazing start from their new opening pair. Jonny Bairstow, replacing Ryan Rickelton who has left for international duty, smashed a 22-ball 47 on his debut for his third IPL team. Rohit, meanwhile, made his fourth fifty and highest score of the season.MI chose to bat a day after Punjab Kings (PBKS), sent in, had been bowled out for 101 at the same venue the day before. This was a different pitch, however, with even bounce and none of the seam movement of Qualifier 1.Even so, GT could have had MI in trouble early, only for Gerald Coetzee and Kusal Mendis – the latter making his IPL debut – to put Rohit down on 3 and 12. Within minutes, GT were firmly on the back foot, with Bairstow tonking Prasidh Krishna for 26 runs – though two of his boundaries came off the edge – in the fourth over.Bairstow fell in the eighth over, but MI kept punching. Rohit’s use of the sweep against GT’s spinners was particularly noteworthy, bringing him 27 runs – the most he’s scored with variants of the sweep against spin in any IPL innings for which shot data is available – off just six balls.He slowed down after reaching his half-century, only scoring 31 off his last 22 balls. Here was another parallel with Sai Sudharsan’s innings: he scored 28 off his last 21. And just like Sai Sudharsan and Washington, Rohit and Bairstow put on 84 off 44 balls.1:38

Moody: Bairstow is used to such pressure moments

MI flex their middle-order muscleThe most ominous thing about MI’s innings was the steadily rising frequency of their six-hitting. Even though Bairstow and Suryakumar Yadav – who made his 15th successive 25-plus score in T20s – were out by then, they cleared the rope nine times in the last six overs, with Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir doing their bit before Hardik Pandya finished with three maximums off Coetzee in a 22-run final over.If GT could have done anything differently with the ball, it could have been to use the slower ball more often. Prasidh and Mohammed Siraj dismissed Rohit and Tilak in the 17th and 18th overs with skilful use of this weapon, but GT probably turned to it a little too late, and didn’t use it often enough even then.By the time dew set in during the chase, this option was taken out of MI’s toolkit, leaving them to put their trust in on-pace yorkers and the odd hard-length ball.1:49

Moody: Sudharsan an all-format player for India for 10-plus years

GT rebound quickly from early loss of GillGT lost Shubman Gill early, with Boult striking in typical fashion – angling the ball across the right-hand batter and bending it back to trap him lbw – to pick up his 32nd first-over wicket in the IPL. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is some way behind in second place with 27.Then Bumrah bowled a four-run first over of swing and searing pace, leaving GT 9 for 1 after two. But they quickly found their voice, with Mendis putting a shocker behind the stumps – apart from the early Rohit spill, he also dropped Suryakumar in the 12th over – behind him with a pair of big leg-side sixes off Boult in the third over, and Sai Sudharsan finding the gaps with impressive frequency while rushing past 700 – and then 750 – runs for the season.Mendis was looking ominous on 20 off nine balls when he fell in unfortunate fashion, his back foot slipping backwards when he stepped deep in his crease to pull Mitchell Santner in the seventh over, and trampling the stumps. It portended good things for GT in a way, though, since it was an early sign of dew.The ball certainly came onto the bat beautifully as the Sai Sudharsan-Washington partnership surged. Washington took a little while to get going – he was on 11 off nine initially – but quickly found his boundary-hitting range and began to dominate the stand. When he hit Boult for two sixes and a four in the 13th over, he was on 47 off 22, and GT needed 81 off 42.2:13

Moody: Ridiculous how far ahead of the rest Bumrah is

Bumrah turns the tideIt was at this point that Bumrah re-entered the game. The fourth ball of his third over was a candidate for the ball of IPL 2025, swerving late, homing into the base of leg stump, and Washington’s front leg opening up to try and create space for his bat to access the ball only created a channel for the ball to burst through.It wasn’t over yet, but with Sai Sudharsan falling to Richard Gleeson – another MI debutant – in the 16th over as GT chased a boundary almost every ball, MI’s grip tightened. And with all the dew about, their execution of yorkers – they usually didn’t miss by much even when they did miss – was exemplary.Bumrah and Boult were excellent, and Gleeson bowled three hard-to-hit balls in the 20th to close it out mathematically before trudging off with a hamstring issue, but impact sub Ashwani Kumar was just as good. The left-armer eventually had the responsibility of bowling the last three balls, and finished with 1 for 28 in 3.3 overs.

Eddie Howe said he doesn’t have “a rabbit I can pull out of the hat” when quizzed on Newcastle United’s early-season injury problems.

Newcastle are enduring their perennial teething problems during the first months of the campaign, but there are certainly signs of new life stretching sunward from the squad, who have been rattled and turned during the summer transfer window but are coming off the back of big performances in the Champions League and Premier League as we pause for the October international break.

Nick Woltemade, in particular, is the talk of the town after his fast start to life at number nine. Four goals from seven games and a penalty to behold during Sunday’s win over Nottingham Forest.

There’s work to be done, but the 23-year-old is showing signs of significant potential. And while Alexander Isak has left for Liverpool, this talented frontman could be a dream partner for Anthony Gordon over the coming years.

Gordon's new Isak

Gordon and Isak formed quite the partnership over the past two years at Newcastle. The England winger even described Isak as being “the best in Europe” back in January, with the striker having scored nine in seven in the Premier League.

Isak is undoubtedly an elite goalscorer, having notched 27 in all competitions last year. His pace and potency and intelligence worked wonderfully with Gordon’s own rip-roaring style, with the duo each dominating the headlines across the past two Toon terms.

For Gordon, this is a striker who might even surpass his connection with Isak – and what a duo that was. The 24-year-old even remarked after Sunday’s victory, “My style suits playing with that style of striker because I can run off them.”

Woltemade’s rise coincides with Yoane Wissa’s injury-ruined start to life on Tyneside, and now, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento face extended spells on the sidelines themselves.

There’s a blow to Newcastle’s flanks and transitional play. Still, Howe’s system has many times overcome obstacles of similar shapes and sizes, and the manager has crafted a new partnership to ease any defensive issues.

They might even be the best since Isak and Gordon were at their best.

Newcastle's new Isak & Gordon

The beauty of Howe’s Newcastle tactics is the stability of it, the way it roots players down and allows them to grow into top talents capable of challenging at the higher end of the Premier League and compete for silverware.

And that’s not restrictive to any one position or personality. Flashy forwards like Isak and Gordon can achieve big things, but so can those at the other side of the field.

Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw bear testament to that.

While the full-back injuries have pulled Dan Burn back into his wide berth, this flowering connection between two terrific centre-backs has led captain Bruno Guimaraes to hail them as “the future of this club”.

Since joining in 2022, Botman has been widely regarded as Newcastle’s most talented centre-half, but he’s been blighted by injuries.

Burn and Fabian Schar formed a strong alliance at the rear last season, but the £35m signing of Thiaw from AC Milan speaks of evolution. Hailed as a “monster in the air” by journalist Martino Puccio, the German is also confident and high-quality when on the ball, and athletic besides.

Across the past three top-flight fixtures, Botman and Thiaw have kept two clean sheets, only foiled during that exasperating defeat by Arsenal at St. James’ Park.

Indeed, Botman has now completed three successive 90s in the Premier League, a feat he achieved not once last season. As his fitness improves and his partnership with Thiaw develops, Newcastle fans truly might be in for a return to sustained iron-clad protection but with a technical flair added in.

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Journalist Mark Douglas has noted that Thiaw is “a Rolls-Royce driving one of the best defences in the Premier League.” It is understood that the summer acquisition was the culmination of two years of scouting.

Newcastle, time and time again, have their wits about them in the transfer market. They know when to pounce on an earmarked target, and Howe knows how to develop them.

Newcastle have a few fitness problems at this early-season stage. But they are adapting, and they are evolving. Woltemade is he new attacking poster boy, but in Botman and Thiaw, there is a budding partnership fit to rival Isak and Gordon as the finest Tyneside has seen in modern years.

Not Woltemade: Newcastle star is "one of the signings of the summer"

Nick Woltemade may not be Newcastle’s best signing of the summer.

ByWill Miller Oct 7, 2025

There’s something indescribable about the connection a football club forges with a youngster who successfully works their way from the academy scene to superstardom.

Here goes anyway. Tottenham Hotspur are among the chief purveyors of youth prospects finding a route up to the top level. The Spurs academy is a cornerstone of the club’s philosophy, and Harry Kane stands as a testament to that.

Plying their trade away from N17 are Noni Madueke and Troy Parrott, both rising stars who once earned their stripes under the senior stage in north London.

But the emphasis in recent years has been clear, and Tottenham have a number of rising talents cutting their teeth elsewhere on loan deals.

Luka Vuskovic is evidence of that, the 18-year-old having signed for the Premier League side in 2023 for a reported £13m fee, spending the last two years continuing his development in his Croatian homeland before arriving and heading straight back out to Hamburg in Germany for the current campaign.

Vuskovic may well be the most exciting prospect the Lilywhites have, but he’s not the only one playing elsewhere. Tottenham’s loan strategy is clear.

Spurs loan round-up

In September, Vuskovic earned his maiden cap for Croatia’s men’s team. Four games into his Bundesliga career with Hamburger SV, the teenager has shattered expectations, winning nine duels and recovering five balls on average per game (Sofascore).

A menace in the air and showing age-belying strength, Vuskovic is Tottenham’s future in defence, and the strong partnership of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero will help him to no end down the line, easing his integration into the Premier League arena.

At the other end of the field, Mikey Moore is a talent of a similar standing, hailed by Fabrizio Romano as being a “superstar” in the making. However, he has struggled out with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership since the summer, but the sinking ship at Ibrox makes for hostile conditions indeed.

These two are considered Tottenham’s brightest youth prospects.

It’s not just the youngsters. 26-year-old winger Manor Solomon has a goal and assist across three La Liga appearances with Villarreal, on loan in Spain until the end of the term.

But it’s the younger generation who primarily fill the out-on-loan spots in Spurs’ squad, with midfielder Alfie Devine having made a promising start in England’s second tier with Preston North End, two goals and an assist under the belt.

His versatility and technical ability suggest he could yet work his way into Tottenham’s plans, having, of course, scored aged 16 in the FA Cup when entering against non-league Marine as a substitute.

Not all are enjoying the same fortunes. Jamie Donley, 20, is considered a fine playmaking talent, but he has been on the fringes at Stoke City this season, yet to start in the Championship. Last year, he notched 19 goal contributions on loan with Leyton Orient.

Also at Stoke is Ashley Phillips, a young and talented centre-half who might be something of a forgotten man at Tottenham, but has the potential, just like Vuskovic, to seal a place before Frank’s vision in the coming years.

The Spurs star who could rival Vuskovic

In 2023, Tottenham signed Phillips from Blackburn Rovers for about £3m. A large payment for an 18-year-old, but he was a long-time target and had featured 15 times for the seniors before his big move.

Phillips, still only 20, started 35 matches in the Championship for Stoke last season, winning 60% of his ground duels and making 5.9 clearances per game, data courtesy of Sofascore. He has only started twice so far this season, albeit with both outings coming in Stoke’s recent league matches, two draws.

Vuskovic might be the talk of the town, but Phillips has what it takes to succeed under Frank’s wing, having garnered a wealth of experience in the Championship and playing for a Potters side whose seasonal objective is to achieve promotion, fifth after nine matches.

His is a profile which practically begs to be placed at the highest level, and his skillset is, in theory, perfect for Frank’s tactical system. Tony Mowbray, who managed Phillips at Blackburn, recognised the defender’s potential from the start.

Mowbray said: “He’s an amazing footballer and he is going to be a mega footballer I’m pretty sure, but he’s a very young boy. He’s a 6’3, 6’4 magnificent cut of a guy, fast as lightning, composed with the ball, aggressive.”

These are all the attributes required in a modern defender looking to succeed at the highest level. If Phillips can continue to make headway over the coming months, he may well be linking back up in Tottenham at the same time as Vuskovic, rivalling his junior for a starting berth.

For all his strengths, Vuskovic is hardly in fallible, having won only 47% of his ground battles in Germany so far this season. A strength of Phillips’, this is something which could sway the odds when both jockey for a starring role.

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It was three years ago that Spurs insider Jon Wenham hailed Phillips as a “monster” of a young player, drawing attention to his physique and mental fortitude, clear from the get-go.

The road to superstardom in the Premier League is long and winding. Phillips and those close to him clearly have their wits about them and recognise the advantage in playing the long game.

Kane played out a series of short-term stints away before finding his footing in north London, after his teenage years. Vuskovic is sharpening his own defensive skills.

Phillips walks the same path. Keep an eye on this ‘monstrous’ centre-back; he might just play a significant role in the Frank project down the line.

Spurs star who "gives absolutely zero" is now on borrowed time under Frank

Tottenham’s attacking play has found wanting across the opening months of the season.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 14, 2025

Sean Dyche had to pull out of a community event which had named him as their guest of honour following his appointment as Nottingham Forest manager. The 54-year-old was scheduled to make a special appearance in his home town of Kettering but was forced to cancel after making an emotional return to the City Ground following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking.

Dyche is Forest's third manager of the season after Ange and Nuno sackings

It has been a busy couple of days for Dyche since succeeding Postecoglou in the Forest dugout on Tuesday. The former Everton and Burnley boss took over the reins after his Australian counterpart was dismissed following a 3-0 defeat against Chelsea which ensured they failed to win any of their eight games under his stewardship. Former Tottenham head coach Postecoglou was Forest’s second manager of the season after Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked just three games into the campaign.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEx-Everton and Burnley boss made perfect start with Porto victory in midweek

But despite having just a few days to work with his new players, Dyche led Forest to an impressive 2-0 victory over Portuguese giants Porto in the Europa League on Thursday evening. Goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus handed the club their first victory since the opening weekend of the Premier League season, when they defeated Brentford 3-1 on home soil.

New Forest manager was forced to pull out of local event following appointment

And while Dyche, a Forest academy graduate, has quickly felt the love from supporters following Thursday’s victory, he has been forced to disappoint one or two fans in his home town since taking the job. In a report from the Dyche was pencilled in to appear at the opening ceremony for the Poppies Community Centre in Kettering – where he was born – but texted to say he would no longer be able to make it.

However, in an interview with Paula Conde-Sharpe – from the community group – insisted there was no hard feelings, saying she had hoped Dyche was appointed as Forest’s new manager.

"He really selfishly got the Nottingham job, so he's not available,” joked Ms Conde-Sharpe.

"He's a great Kettering lad. He never forgets his roots. He's done so much for Kettering Football Club, he never charges the club for appearances."

Detailing how the centre was ready to open after local volunteers spent 16 years transforming the old Maplefields school, Ms Conde-Sharpe added: "It's been a long, long time to get this over the line. The school was very sad, tired – there were even trees growing inside, it had been neglected for so long.”

Ms Conde-Sharpe is not worried about Dyche’s absence ahead Sunday's opening, saying ”plenty of exciting guests are coming", including former Kettering Town midfielder Brett Solkhon.

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Dyche also had to cancel a commitment with a credit card company

Speaking before his side’s clash with Porto, Dyche confirmed he also had to cancel a commitment with credit card company Aqua Credit in order to attend his maiden press conference as Forest manager.

“Well, the briefing I was meant to be doing today was actually for Aqua Credit because I did an online advert for them," said Dyche. "That was planned for today. Needless to say I had to cancel that!

“No, it’s true. I had to let them know that I wouldn’t be available for that, so I’m pleased to say that I am available to be Nottingham Forest football manager and be here today.”

Thakur, Deshpande and Kotian struck but India A did not hold on to all chances

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jun-2025It was a day dominated by the hosts as England Lions wrapped up the India A tail and then reached 192 or 3 at stumps. Emilio Gay top scored with 71 while Tom Haines continued his good form with another fifty. Jordan Cox remained unbeaten on 31. Bad light forced an early end to the day’s play, with Lions having cut down the deficit to 156 runs.For India A, the bowlers were good in patches, but failed to be consistent. Anshul Kamboj picked up 1 for 38, while Tushar Deshpande and Tanush Kotian also managed a wicket each.The day started with Josh Tongue removing the overnight batters Kotian and Kamboj early. Khaleel Ahmed and Deshpande added 18 off 23 for the tenth wicket to take India A to 348.In reply, Haines, the centurion from the first unofficial Test, looked the most compact in conditions where the ball swung around for both Khaleel and Kamboj.Related

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It was the around-the-wicket angle that worked for Kamboj, who got a lot more false shots drawn and beat the bat a number of times; at one point four in a row against Haines. He had a regulation catch put down at backward point but kept at it and two balls later had Ben McKinney caught behind. Kamboj bowled a long spell of six overs and easily looked the best bowler for the visitors.Shardul Thakur bowled an eventful first over after lunch, which had two no-balls and a dropped chance. Haines pushed back a fuller-length delivery towards Thakur, who failed to latch onto a relatively tough chance. Thakur also bowled four no-balls in his first five overs.Gay found a flourishing four against Khaleel before Haines struck another solid one off Thakur. Gay was struck on the side of his head by a sharp bumper from Khaleel and had a concussion check.Haines reached fifty with a streaky four past the slips, but it was an untroubled knock otherwise. Both batters were brisk as Lions added 65 runs in 11 overs after the lunch break.Deshpande had Haines caught behind before tea with a fuller-length ball outside off stump that moved ever so late and took the outside edge. Gay largely looked fluent, and only seemed a bit troubled with the around the wicket angle from Kamboj and Thakur. He brought up his 16th first-class fifty off 88 balls with an on drive. Cox kept him company as Lions reached 146 for 2 at tea.Kotian broke the 69-run stand between Gay and Cox by trapping the former in front of the stumps. Captain James Rew faced five deliveries before players went off for bad light. They did not return with stumps being called after a 13-over final session.

Emma Hayes' side had a bumpy start to the October camp, but finished off in style by overpowering New Zealand 6-0

Various members of the U.S. women's national team said it this week: it seemed like forever since they last saw one another. Nearly four months, to be exact. A lot had changed since that last friendly against Canada on July 2, and, in truth, the USWNT's October camp reflected the fact this team hadn't been together.

It began in frustrating fashion with a 2-1 loss to Portugal, one that served as a wake-up call for this team. Portugal played hard and pressed well, earning their first victory over the USWNT in 11 all-time matches – and handing Emma Hayes' side their third loss of 2025.

The response? A big win a few days later, albeit an imperfect one with a 2-1 scoreline. There was nothing imperfect about their final game of the camp, though, as the U.S. blew past an overmatched New Zealand side, 6-0.

Something of a mixed bag, then, by USWNT standards. There were players who clearly stepped up and made their cases. There will be others who will be looking back at the first Portugal game with some second thoughts. With World Cup qualifying closing in, Hayes continues to sort out her player pool, and the results during this camp will certainly play a part in that pursuit.

Who stood out? Whose stock rose, and whose fell? GOAL takes a look.

Getty ImagesStock up: Rose Lavelle

She's a World Cup and Olympic champion. Everyone knew who Rose Lavelle was before this camp, of course, but with her performances, Lavelle made sure they'd remember who she was after it, too.

This was peak Lavelle. She scored in twice, netting 33 seconds into the opener before dazzling with a first-time finish from outside the box finish in the closer. In between, she impacted games in the way she has for her entire USWNT career, creatively running the show in a variety of ways.

It was throwback, in a way, from the 30-year-old midfielder, but also a reminder that there's still plenty left to give, too.

“Lavelle is one of the best players I’ve ever coached,” Hayes said on Wednesday. “I mean, that goal – not many players score that.”

Even among these younger, rising stars who fighting to replicate what she did at the 2019 World Cup, Lavelle remains a standout. Creatively, there are with her talent, and this camp was a visceral reminder of that – even as the world focuses on the next generation of USWNT stars.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesStock up: Lily Yohannes

Speaking of that next generation, it's getting harder to label Lily Yohannes as "next" instead of "right now." Even at 18, Yohannes doesn't just look like a USWNT player; she looks like a USWNT starter, and it might be time to acknowledge that fact.

The midfielder has seemingly taken another leap since making the move to join OL Lyonnes, and she's running games in ways that 18-years-olds shouldn't be able to. There are times, even on this international level, in which Yohannes looks like an adult among children, which is remarkable when you consider that she's still a teenager. 

She just makes everything look so easy, from long passes to receiving the ball in tight spaces. That level of technicality isn't supposed to be easy. To the contrary, it should take years to develop and refine. And just as amazing, Yohannes is still learning. 

"She plays beyond her years," Hayes said. "She has no fear to get on the ball with pressure, solve pressure, she can switch balls out, she can thread balls in behind."

There will, inevitably, be dips in form. That's natural at her age and should be expected. The thing is that, even in those valleys, she might just be better than just about everyone else. It's why, by the time World Cup qualifying rolls around, it'll likely be impossible to keep her out of the starting XI.

Getty ImagesStock down: Lindsey Heaps

This isn't a reflection on Lindsey Heaps' game. She had a fantastic assist against New Zealand and, in general, continues to be a valuable leader in midfield, one that does a little bit of everything for a team that certainly needs that, given their inexperience.

But with Yohannes' ascension, the midfield has become crowded. With Lavelle balling out and Sam Coffey providing much-needed energy in a deeper role, could it be the captain that, at some point, makes way?

Fortunately, no one has to make that decision any time soon, and Hayes will be fine with putting it off. The U.S., in truth, doesn't need a set lineup until the World Cup kicks off in two years. And having multiple world-class midfielders available is a blessing.

Heaps is still in that category, and it cannot be understated just how important she has been in Yohannes' rise as her club and international teammate. It has to be said, though, that Heaps might just be building up her replacement, even if that is a few years down the line. Of course, that's what she'll hope for, anyway, as she looks to continue setting the tone as this team's midfield leader.

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Getty ImagesStock up: Olivia Moultrie

Expectations were always a bit heavy on Olivia Moultrie. When you're the game's youngest professional, that happens. Everyone knew Moultrie would get to a certain level, but the question was always centered around how long it would take.

Maybe it's now? Six years after turning professional, Moultrie is now a still just 20 years old. She's still, very much, an evolving player. She has developed into a goalscorer, though, one who could play her way into the mix over the next year.

“I think she's having an outstanding season,” Hayes said. “I think she's a goal threat. I played her off of the right but coming inside. I knew there would be second spaces inside the box. I think she exploited them well.”

Her goals will help. She's been scoring in bunches, both for the Portland Thorns and the USWNT, with her two goals in the win over Portugal really showcasing her game. Both finishes were wildly composed, placed shots, ones that showed maturity and poise beyond her years.

It's the type of thing you expect from a player with multiple NWSL seasons under her belt, but it's not the thing you expect from a 20-year-old. Midfield spots are going to be difficult to seize. But Moultrie, who has been in and out of the team, made her case to be involved going forward.