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India’s failure to capitalise on their chances sent them tumbling to a 2-0 series defeat against South Africa, according to their stand-in captain Rishabh Pant.”They [South Africa] definitely played better cricket, but at the same time, in cricket you can’t take anything for granted,” Pant said at the post-match presentation. “You can play at home or away, but at the same time, cricket demands that determination and that extra.”There are moments in the game where you need to capitalise [on] it as a team, as a batting unit. But as a team, we didn’t capitalise on those enough for a longer period of time, and that cost us the whole series.”In the second Test in Guwahati, where Pant took over captaincy from the injured Shubman Gill, India let South Africa get away and post 489 after they had the visitors at 246 for 6 at one point.South Africa went on to bat India out of the Test, setting them an improbable 549. On the final day, India’s batters had their chances – both B Sai Sudharsan and nightwatcher Kuldeep Yadav were reprieved – but they eventually folded for 140, suffering a 408-run loss, theirbiggest ever in Test cricket.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

This was India’s second series defeat in their previous three home series. Last year, they suffered an unprecedented 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand, which ended a proud run of 17 straight home-series wins over a 12-year period. Pant called on India to stick together and find a way past this rut.”Definitely it’s a little disappointing, but as a team we need to get better,” Pant said. “And you’ve got to give credit to the opposition that they played better cricket than us,” Pant said. “Because, in series like this, which has already been tough, if we dwell too much… you’ve got to take the learning and stick as a team.”

Luka Modric admits he took "a step down" by joining AC Milan after his spell at Real Madrid came to an end, but the midfielder insists he made the "right" decision by accepting the Serie A side's offer. Still going strong at 40 years old, the midfielder is aware his longevity has been "incredible" as he explained why he abandoned his plan to retire in Madrid.

Modric still a key component at 40

Modric bailed on his initial plan to end his playing career at Madrid by joining Milan in the summer. Having since turned 40, the midfielder has thoroughly impressed in Serie A, earning immense praise from his team-mates and many former heroes of the Italian game. The six-time Champions League winner has one goal and two assists to his name for the Rossoneri so far, immediately taking on an integral role as Massimiliano Allegri's side target the Serie A title. His performances have already sparked rumours of another transfer, but the ex-Tottenham star has opened up on his attraction to the San Siro club and his joy at wearing the red and black shirt.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportVeteran midfielder explains AC Milan move

As per the Croatian, it was Milan's reputation that prompted him to sign a one-year deal at the club. He explained to : "After Real, I've always said it, wherever you go it's a step down. There is no doubt about this and all players can confirm it. But I think I arrived at a club that is very close to Real Madrid in terms of reputation and history: for me it is the most ideal situation that could have happened to me. Especially because I love Milan and as a child I grew up with Italian football. Milan was the club I adored the most. When Milan's option presented itself, it was the right one for me."

Speaking on his experience in the city and at the club, he claimed, "The city is wonderful. People welcomed me phenomenally, both inside and outside the club. The teammates, the coach, the fans, everything is really high-level. You can see that Milan is a great historic club, one of the biggest in the world. You can feel it at every step, so I'm really happy and I'm enjoying all of this."

Modric admits leaving Madrid was difficult

Modric won 28 trophies during his 13-year tenure at the Spanish capital, and that includes six Champions League titles and four La Liga accolades. However, departing from the club was tough for him, as he mentioned: "Honestly, it wasn't easy, because I spent 13 years, almost half of my life, practically in a club, in a city. It was one of the best times of my life. I arrived in Madrid perhaps relatively late, at 27, but at the right time. I was ready for that step. The four years in England helped me a lot. And everything I experienced and achieved in Madrid afterwards seems unreal to me.

"Apart from the trophies and victories, staying 13 years in such a club… I arrived at 27 and I stayed almost until 40 and it is something incredible! Because you know what kind of club Madrid is, you know that they don't tolerate mediocrity, and to stay at that level, in a club like that, for so many years, with all the successes I've experienced there, it's something incredible. In my previous way of thinking, I believed that I would be satisfied if I ended my career at 35. But my professional curriculum has long since exceeded that limit, and I do not hide my gratitude: I am still, thank God, at that level and it is something incredible!"

He added: "I've always said it and it wasn't platitudes, flattering the fans or the club – my big wish was to retire in Madrid. But simply, everything has a beginning and an end."

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Getty Images SportWhen will Modric play again?

Sitting second on the Serie A table, Modric's Milan will take on Lazio on Saturday at San Siro with the aim of leapfrogging Roma into first place, temporarily at least. Modric, who enjoyed a full 90 minutes in the Rossoneri's 1-0 win over arch-rivals Inter, is expected to start once again this weekend. 

MatériaMais Notícias

De volta ao Brasil após um ano e meio na Europa, o atacante Lázaro, contratado pelo Palmeiras para reforçar o time em 2024, disse que não vê o retorno ao país como um retrocesso.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol NacionalAbel toma decisão sobre situação de Breno Lopes, atacante do Palmeiras na mira do VascoFutebol Nacional09/02/2024PalmeirasEndrick faz mistério sobre contratação de Mauricio, do Internacional, pelo PalmeirasPalmeiras09/02/2024PalmeirasMelhor do jogo, Zé Rafael se enfurece com substituição em vitória do Palmeiras sobre o ItuanoPalmeiras08/02/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Levado ao Almería em 2022 como uma das principais revelações do Flamengo, Lázaro não teve muitas chances na equipe espanhola, mas acredita que amadureceu como jogador enquanto esteve na Europa.

– Desde novo tive o sonho de jogar na Europa, graças a Deus realizei esse sonho. Poderia ter sido melhor em questão de oportunidades, mas peguei três trocas de treinadores. Não vejo como problema, e sim amadurecimento da minha parte. Na hora que surgiu o Palmeiras, quando se trata de um gigante, não tinha como recusar. Para mim não é um passo para trás, quero ajudar o Palmeiras para que seja um ano maravilhoso – explicou o atacante durante coletiva de apresentação na Academia de Futebol.

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A versatilidade do atleta de 21 anos foi um dos motivos para a diretoria do Verdão contratá-lo. O jovem jogador destacou que pode atuar em qualquer posição no ataque, mas afirmou sua preferência pelo lado esquerdo.

– Gosto mais da ponta esquerda porque alí corta para o meio e tem a opção de chutar, mais clareza para criar jogadas. Jogando na direita, esquerda, meia ou centroavante eu consigo me adaptar. Tenho inteligência e qualidade para isso, agora é trabalhar e entender o que o Abel tem para passar – comentou.

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➡️ Veja os grupos e datas dos confrontos no Paulistão

VEJA OUTRAS RESPOSTAS DE LÁZARO

BASTIDORES ACERTO COM O PALMEIRAS

Não tive conversa com o Abel por telefone, mas o Anderson me passou bastante confiança antes de ser acertado. Depois que eu soube da proposta, fiquei bastante feliz, não ficava com brilho nos olhos faz tempo. Foi um momento de felicidade, estava todo bobo dentro de casa.

AJUDA DE JORGE JESUS E PAULO SOUSA NO FLAMENGO

O Jorge Jesus me subiu ao profissional, sou muito grato a ele. Paulo também, foi bastante importante para mim, me deu apoio e confiança para mostrar meu futebol. Quando tive a primeira conversa com ele, foi uma mudança mental diferente.

PAIXÃO NO FUTEBOL

O que mais me fascina é fazer gols. Desde pequeno sou obcecado, se der para fazer gol todo jogo, quero fazer (risos). Ajudando, dando ou não assistência, marcando, dando carrinho, vou estar fazendo. Estou feliz pelo projeto do Palmeiras e ansioso para as coisas darem certo

Tudo sobre

Palmeiras

Imam-Ul-Haq century impresses but Liam Dawson emerges on top with List A career highlight of 142

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay31-Aug-2025

Hampshire are through to next month’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup final after a rain-affected semi-final win over Yorkshire at Scarborough, the visitors defending a revised 41-over target of 254 following Liam Dawson’s stunning List A best 142 off 116 balls.Hampshire, winners of this competition in 2018, will face Worcestershire at Trent Bridge on September 20 after the Rapids beat Somerset at home and the visitors won here by 18 runs on Duckworth Lewis Stern.In reply to Hampshire’s 304 for 6, which saw England Test all-rounder Dawson brilliantly recover his side from 78 for 4 inside 20 overs, Pakistani opener Imam-Ul-Haq impressed for 105.And Yorkshire were well placed at 171 for 3 in the 31st over chasing a revised 254-target in 41 overs following rain.But they lost two wickets in a Scott Currie over, including Imam run out, and Hampshire squeezed impressively, with the hosts 235 for 8.Currie, who struck twice with his seam, had earlier contributed his own List A best 61 not out off 40 balls. Dawson’s left-arm spin also accounted for two wickets, and Yorkshire have now lost 19 of their last 22 List A finals.Yorkshire started well, Matt Milnes dominating as Hampshire slipped having been inserted.Seamer Milnes, having claimed a career-best 7 for 38 in last Sunday’s group-stage win over Sussex at Hove, claimed the first three here, including forcing visiting captain Nick Gubbins to play on with his third ball in the day’s second over.He then removed Fletcha Middleton and Ali Orr before George Hill’s seam also forced Ben Brown to play on.Dawson came in at 53 for 3 in the 12th over and offered a sharp return catch to Ben Cliff on six, clearly a key moment.The 35-year-old was the glue which held the innings together before exploding late on.He shared 89 for the fifth wicket with 17-year-old Ben Mayes, whose 37 helped to turn the tide, before sixth-wicket partner Currie pressed the accelerator.Shortly after Dawson reached his fourth List A century off 103 balls, Currie’s maiden List A fifty came in 35 as Hampshire pushed on from 180 for 5 after 40 overs.Dawson finished with seven sixes and hit strongly down the ground and over cover and long-on, while both he and Currie improvised as they shared 136 inside the last 13 overs of the innings – 75 runs coming off the last five overs.Kyle Abbott and Brad Wheal then bowled very tidily with the new ball, restricting Adam Lyth and Imam to 43 for 0 in the 13th over when the rain arrived.A half-hour delay through to 4.25pm was followed by Lyth edging the second ball back behind off Eddie Jack.Imam, leaving for national commitments after this game, then calmly advanced the hosts to 98 for 1 after 20 overs with a 52-ball fifty.Strong off his legs, the left-hander then united with Will Luxton to share 99.Luxton pulled a couple of sixes, including one the first ball back after the second half-hour rain break. But he chopped on to Jack with the second, falling for 30.James Wharton holed out to Currie shortly afterwards before Imam reached his fourth ton of this season’s campaign off 96 balls.But Wharton and Imam fell, alongside Fin Bean, as Yorkshire lost a defining three wickets for 10 inside two overs to slip to 171 for 5 in the 32nd, still needing 83.Imam was run out by a combination of Jack from midwicket and bowler Currie after Bean pulled and non-striker Imam slipped.Yorkshire then lost Hill and Harry Duke in successive balls to Wheal and Dawson and, seven wickets down, needed 47 off 4.5 overs.From there, they subsided, with Dawson striking again.

Arsenal scored four in just 14 minutes as Mikel Arteta’s side put Atlético Madrid to the sword, extending their 100 per cent record in the Champions League, with summer signing Viktor Gyokeres also ending his goal drought.

Viktor Gyokeres bags Arsenal brace in 4-0 win over Atlético Madrid

Diego Simeone’s Atlético set up shop right from the get-go and were determined to make life very difficult for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Bar a few promising flashes of play, with both sides hitting the crossbar, Atlético thwarted Arteta’s men in the first half. The Gunners largely struggled to create a clear-cut opening, but past 57 minutes, the floodgates opened for Arsenal.

Gabriel Magalhaes headed home the first of Arsenal’s quartet in a scintillating second period. His compatriot, Gabriel Martinelli, thanks to some great work from Myles Lewis-Skelly, then added a second with 64 minutes gone before Gyokeres landed a quickfire double in the 67th and 70th minutes to leave Simeone’s side shell-shocked.

Atlético had scored seven goals in their opening two Champions League matches but rarely looked like threatening Arsenal’s back line as Arteta’s men recorded a third clean sheet in as many games in Europe and a fourth in a row in all competitions.

Eberechi Eze could’ve got himself on the scoresheet too, having watched a strike loop off David Hancko’s ankle and over goalkeeper Jan Oblak, before the summer signing was denied a first Champions League goal by the bar.

The headlines will belong to Gyokeres, who ended his seven-game run without a goal in all competitions thanks to some expert poaching inside the area.

The Swede, who’s been criticised for his lack of goal involvement lately, breathed a huge sigh of relief after bundling home his first from close range, before feeding off Gabriel’s headed assist to score a second.

The ex-Sporting CP star can now kick on and put his dry spell behind him, but he has serious competition for the crown of Arsenal’s best player against Atlético.

Paul Merson praises "outstanding" Bukayo Saka in Arsenal win

Alongside Gyokeres, £195,000-per-week winger Bukayo Saka also made his mark — particularly in the first 45.

The England international linked well with Jurrien Timber down Arsenal’s right-hand side and proved a constant menace for David Hancko, Koke and Nico Gonzalez to deal with.

While Saka wasn’t rewarded with a goal or assist to show for his efforts, the 24-year-old, who’s held talks over a new deal at N5, was lavished with praise for his attacking display by club legend Paul Merson.

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid – most shots

Total

Bukayo Saka

5

Gabriel Magalhaes

3

Viktor Gyokeres

3

Julian Alvarez

3

Eberechi Eze

2

via WhoScored

Merson was overseeing the Arsenal clash on Sky Sports News, providing commentary on each of the goals, and he was thrilled with a delightful piece of interplay which threatened to expose Atlético in the first-half.

Saka was at the heart of it, with Merson calling Saka “outstanding” and “by far the best player on the pitch”, adding that the Hale End sensation had Koke “on toast” [20:28].

As per usual, Saka played his part massively, and Arteta will be thrilled that the player’s hamstring injury woes are well and truly behind him.

The forward also captained Arsenal on a night to remember for the north Londoners, who reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, only to be knocked out by eventual winners PSG.

Watching Arsenal sweep aside their European opposition thus far, it’s very fair to suggest they could reach that stage again, or even go one further.

Arsenal join PSG and last season’s beaten finalists Inter Milan on nine points from the nine available, with Arteta seriously on course for the knockout rounds.

There was a time not long ago when seeing a Newcastle United player in an England shirt felt like a rarity.

Yet on Tuesday night, as Anthony Gordon completed 90 minutes against Wales, fans on Tyneside had reason to smile.

For a club once seen as an outsider to international recognition, Newcastle’s growing representation in the England setup marks a remarkable transformation.

Now, barring injuries, almost half a dozen Newcastle players could find themselves in the national fold.

Dan Burn appears to have established himself as England’s third-choice centre-back behind Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi, while the likes of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are widely expected to receive future call-ups once they recover from their respective injuries.

Yet for all the current excitement, there’s one player Newcastle fans are forced to admire from afar.

A midfielder who came through their academy, left reluctantly, and is now flourishing in the England squad.

Anderson’s successes with England

Elliot Anderson’s story is one that continues to sting for many Newcastle supporters.

The 22-year-old, born in the Northeast and developed through the club’s academy, was sold to Nottingham Forest last summer as part of Newcastle’s desperate effort to stay within the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.

The deal, which saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos move the other way, was described at the time as purely financial – neither the player nor the club wanted to part ways.

Since moving to Forest, Anderson has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most complete young midfielders.

Last season, he made 37 league appearances, scoring two goals and registering six assists.

His mix of energy and tactical awareness quickly made him one of Thomas Tuchel’s most reliable players.

His rise has continued on the international stage.

After switching allegiances from Scotland to England, Anderson has earned three senior caps, picking up two man-of-the-match awards in his first two games.

In England’s recent 1–0 win over Wales, he played 69 minutes before being replaced by Jordan Henderson, completing 77 passes (an impressive 96% accuracy) from 92 touches.

He also produced two key passes, won four of six ground duels, and made one interception.

Tuchel’s use of Anderson as Rice’s midfield partner for Declan Rice has proven to be a masterstroke.

The former Newcastle man’s ability to retain possession, play progressively, and read danger makes him an ideal modern central midfielder.

He thrives in tight spaces, dictates rhythm, and has a sharpness that’s elevated both Forest and England’s midfield balance.

For Newcastle, it’s hard not to imagine how Anderson might have looked alongside Bruno Guimarães or Sandro Tonali at St James’ Park.

But while they lost a gem in the short term, the club might just have the next one already developing in their ranks.

The England player of the future at Newcastle

At just 19 years old, Lewis Miley is being tipped as Newcastle’s next homegrown star.

Standing at 1.89m with a market value already approaching £20m, as per Transfermarkt, the central midfielder combines intelligence, technique, and maturity well beyond his years.

Last season, Miley made 14 Premier League appearances, scoring once, and has now featured 49 times across all competitions for Newcastle, including in the Champions League.

His calmness in possession and range of passing have drawn comparisons to some of England’s finest midfielders. BBC Sport’s Pat Nevin has gone as far as to describe him as “the next young English superstar.”

Despite his age, Miley already plays with the control of a seasoned professional.

He averages 48 completed passes per 90 minutes with an 88% pass accuracy, ranking among the best in his age group.

His defensive contribution is equally strong – 4.00 tackles per 90 and 1.43 blocks per 90 show a midfielder unafraid to do the dirty work.

Statistically, he even matches up well against Anderson.

While Anderson edges him in attacking metrics – 4.72 progressive passes, 1.72 progressive carries, and 2.87 shot-creating actions per 90 – Miley’s efficiency and composure are exceptional for a teenager.

His higher passing accuracy and greater defensive output underline why Eddie Howe sees him as central to Newcastle’s long-term plans.

There have been signs of growing pains this season, as he’s occasionally struggled to influence matches from deep.

Yet Howe and senior teammates like Joelinton have been quick to defend him, pointing to the experience he’s gaining as invaluable for his development.

A summer loan to Crystal Palace or Ipswich was considered but ultimately rejected.

Miley’s ability to combine tidy passing with defensive resilience makes him the archetype of the modern English midfielder.

Like Anderson, he’s comfortable playing between the lines, but he offers more control and balance in possession – something England’s midfield may need in the years to come.

For Howe, the lesson is clear: when you nurture talent properly, the next generation might already be waiting in your own backyard.

Not Gordon: Newcastle's "world-class" star will be PIF's next £100m sale

Newcastle have developed organically several elite-level Premier League players.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 10, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras pode ter um reforço para o elenco nesta reta final de temporada. Trata-se de Atuesta, meio-campista colombiano que sofreu uma lesão no joelho e precisou passar por cirurgia ainda no início do ano. Seis meses depois do ocorrido, ele inicia seu retorno gradativo às atividades de campo para poder retornar o mais breve possível em 2023.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Atuesta se lesionou no dia 26 de fevereiro, quando os atletas que não atuaram na vitória do Verdão sobre a Ferroviária, pelo Paulistão, permaneceram no gramado do Allianz Parque para um treinamento. Dois dias depois, o jogador passou por exames que constataram a lesão no ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho direito.

+ Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades

Na quinta-feira (7), o clube informou que Atuesta segue um cronograma na parte interna do centro de excelência, além de fazer atividades no campo. de forma separada do elenco. Tudo isso tem sido monitorado pelo Núcleo de Saúde e Performance. Ou seja, o colombiano está em fase de recondicionamento físico, o que o aproxima do retorno aos gramados.

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+ Palmeiras fica longe de Roberto Pereyra, que já tem destino definido

O Alviverde, porém, não dá prazos para essa volta, que deve ocorrer ainda este ano. Normalmente, esse tipo de lesão leva de seis a oito meses de recuperação, sendo que a reta final desse processo tem como objetivo o fortalecimento muscular e a readaptação ao ritmo competitivo.

Contratado pelo Verdão no fim de 2021, por 3,7 milhões de dólares (R$ 20,7 mi, na cotação da época), por 70% dos direitos econômicos, o camisa 20 nunca foi titular, mas nesta temporada vinha ganhando chances no decorrer das partidas. Foram seis jogos disputados em 2023, sendo quatro saindo do banco de reservas.

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+ Joia se aproxima do retorno aos gramados, e Palmeiras segue treinamentos na Data Fifa

Atuesta conta com a admiração da comissão técnica de Abel Ferreira, não apenas por ter sido um reforço aprovado por ela, mas também por poder fazer mais de duas funções no meio-campo, setor carente do elenco. Com contrato até 31 de dezembro de 2026, ele é peça que faz parte dos planos não apenas para esta reta final de 2023, mas também para 2024, último ano de vínculo com o treinador português.

Tudo sobre

Palmeiras

MatériaMais Notícias

Lanterna do Campeonato Brasileiro, o Vasco tenta se movimentar no mercado em busca de reforços. Um dos jogadores que o clube negocia é o colombiano Jorge Carrascal, meia-atacante de 25 anos de idade. Revelado pelo Millonarios, da Colômbia, e com passagens pelo Sevilha, da Espanha, Karpaty, da Ucrânia, e River Plate, da Argentina, o atleta defende atualmente o CSKA, da Rússia.

Apesar de ter sido titular em apenas 16 dos 30 jogos do Campeonato Russo – saiu do banco em outras dez rodadas -, Carrascal terminou a temporada como o maior driblador da competição, com 62 fintas certas, segundo dados do site de estatística Sofascore. Número bem superior, por exemplo, ao dos brasileiros Malcom, Wendel e Claudinho, que realizaram 43, 33 e 31 dribles, respectivamente.

Por outro lado, Carrascal teve a segunda pior média de perdas de posse de bola do campeonato, com 21,4 a cada 90 minutos em campo. Com uma média de 1,88 desarme sofrido por jogo completo, foi o 22º na estatística. Confira mais números do colombiano na última temporada:

CARRASCAL NO CAMPEONATO RUSSO 22-23
– Dados Sofascore e OGol | Média por 90 minutos

26 jogos
16 como titular
1526 minutos em campo
6 gols
1 assistência
3,65 dribles certos em média (1º da Liga)
2,0 passes decisivos em média (25º da Liga)
1,06 finalização certa em média (30º da Liga)
10,1% de taxa de conversão em gol (104º da Liga)
21,4 perdas de posse de bola em média (2ª da Liga)
1,88 desarme sofrido em média (22º da Liga)
0,53 interceptação feita em média (176º da Liga)
1,65 desarme feito em média (85º da Liga)

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Karachi also confirmed Kane Williamson would be partially unavailable during this campaign

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Apr-2025Litton Das has been ruled out of the PSL after he sustained a blow to the thumb during training. Karachi Kings announced the Bangladesh wicketkeeper, who was drafted in the Silver Category this year, will be replaced by Australian wicketkeeper Ben McDermott.”Unfortunately, I couldn’t be part of this tournament, even though I was really looking forward to it,” Litton said in a statement on Karachi Kings’ website. “Life can be unpredictable – just my bad luck.”McDermott has never played in the PSL before but does have recent T20 form coming into the league. He was a member of the Hobart Hurricanes side that won its first BBL title earlier this year, getting his runs at a strike rate just under 145 in the tournament, including a cameo in the final.Related

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Can Karachi end playoffs jinx, and will spin issues cost Lahore?

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Meanwhile, Karachi also confirmed Kane Williamson would be partially unavailable during this campaign. Williamson is expected to join the Kings after the Karachi leg of the tournament ends on April 21, meaning he will miss the first five of his side’s games this tournament. He will be replaced for that period by Saad Baig, currently captain of Pakistan’s U19 side.Peshawar Zalmi also bolstered their ranks in the lead-up to their first game. Fast bowler Ihsanullah, who was ruled out for an extended period of time with a career-threating elbow injury which the PCB acknowledged was mishandled, makes his return to the league for the first time since 2023. He has been signed by Peshawar Zalmi, who play their first game against Quetta Gladiators on Saturday.

Once again, McKennie is off to a rollercoaster start to the club season, but could that shift perceptions in a World Cup cycle?

Daylight Saving Time begins in March and ends in November. Somewhere in between, like clockwork, Weston McKennie is written off. You can't quite put a date on it but, year in and year out, it happens.

This year is no different. Reports are swirling that McKennie, once again, is falling out of Juventus' plans. Recent revelations, meanwhile, offered some insight as to why the midfielder may still have work to do on the road to the 2026 World Cup. Not surprising or unusual, mind you In fact, McKennie is the subject of these questions every fall.

And yet, every fall, McKennie plays his way out of it. Can he do it again?

Minutes have been thin so far at Juventus. His USMNT run, meanwhile, has been on hold since March's disastrous CONCACAF Nations League defeat. Just months out from a World Cup, McKennie seems to be on decent footing from a USMNT perspective, but things can change quickly if the midfielder doesn't play regular games in Turin.

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has stressed that prior achievements won't keep anyone in the team. If McKennie wants a roster spot, he has to earn it right now. So how does he do it?

By doing something that feels all too familiar: proving himself once again.

Getty ImagesJuventus situation

Stop us if you've heard this one before: McKennie isn't playing much at Juventus early in this season.

Despite serving as captain of the club at points, McKennie has had a curious start to the Serie A season. He started on the bench against both Parma and Genoa, playing just one minute late in each of the club's two Serie A games. 

Then, after starting in meaningful matches against both Inter and Borussia Dortmund, he returned to the bench against Hellas Verona.Normally, that wouldn't be anything too concerning. Early season games are notoriously chaotic as players find fitness and coaches fine-tune what tactics will look like.

Reports out of Italy, though, suggest that McKennie isn't quite in Igor Tudor's plans. He does not remain a key player in midfield, where Kephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli are preferred. Additionally, the club has another oft-criticized midfielder, Teun Koopmeiners, also pushing for minutes.

McKennie, to his credit, has also played in that right-wingback role, where he previously competed with Tim Weah, but that spot now seemingly belongs to Joao Mario, who is making it his own early in the season. We've seen this before. This won't be the first time McKennie will have to earn his spot.

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Last year, McKennie revealed what he walked back into when he arrived at Juventus for 2024-25 preseason. His parking spot was gone. So, too, was his locker. The message was clear: we don't want you anymore. This wasn't the first time Juventus had said exactly that, having previously loaned him to Leeds United in the middle of the 2022-23 season.

We know what happened next. McKennie, once again, became a key player for Juve, putting together the best season of his career. He scored five goals in all competitions, tied for a career high, with three of those goals coming in the Champions League. By the end of the season, he'd established himself as a mainstay and an occasional captain.

So what can McKennie learn from his past that could alter his Juventus future? Keep his head down and be patient. It's worked for him in the past, as his willingness to play all over the field ultimately won him the trust of several coaches. This one, Tudor, seemingly doesn't trust him fully yet. That can change with one or two good performances.

There is one difference this time, though. Per Tuttosport, McKennie has decided to see out the remainder of his contract with Juventus, having not signed an extension that seemed so likely just a few months ago. According to reports, Juventus' new leadership cancelled that extension, leading to a scenario in which McKennie's days at Juve could actually be numbered.

That won't impact his immediate future, so long as Juventus believes he gives them the best chance at winning. For a club such as Juve, desperate to return to the top of Italian soccer, winning trumps all. If McKennie can add to that, he'll play. If not, he won't. Simple as.

That decision, ultimately, has an impact on the USMNT as the World Cup roster comes into focus.

GettyUSMNT doubts?

It's been some time since we've seen McKennie in a USMNT shirt. Six months, in fact. He missed the Gold Cup due to Club World Cup commitments and was then left off of the September roster entirely. Mauricio Pochettino said it was because he knows what he has in McKennie. What does that mean going forward?

It's widely expected that McKennie will return to the USMNT this fall. He's too good not to. There are, however, questions, about his specific role, particularly in this new three-back system that only features two midfield spots. Tyler Adams is likely one of those, but is McKennie the other?

“Look, we know that Weston McKennie is not a perfect player,” former USMNT star Alexi Lalas said on his State of Union podcast. “We know that. I'm sure from a coaching perspective, Weston McKennie can be challenging, shall we say. But he's a gamer and he plays multiple positions and has consistently shown that he is valuable because of the fact that he is going to be there again, rarely hurt. So I'm going to knock on wood that that continues to happen."

The "challenging" part that Lalas referred to recently came to light. A report from FOX Sports revealed that McKennie came into pre-Copa America camp unfit and, despite the desires of his teammates, started all three games anyway. It's not the first time McKennie's dedication or professionalism have been a topi and, while he may or may not have seen it first hand, Pochettino is surely aware of it.

McKennie, then, is one of many players fighting for a spot at the World Cup.

"No one has a place for sure," Pochettino said. "That is my message, everyone needs to fight."

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GettyLooking ahead

The USMNT's October roster is set to be unveiled next week. It remains to be seen if McKennie is on it. Even before that, though, Juve face a crucial stretch of matches that will show who they really are this season. 

Up first is this weekend, as they take on Atalanta in Serie A. Then comes a Champions League visit to Villarreal for the Old Lady's second match of the competition, having drawn Borussia Dortmund in an eight-goal thriller in their first. 

Then, just before the international break, Juve host Milan in a clash of two of Italy's biggest and best clubs. All three matches will be massive tests. All three will be opportunities, too, for McKennie – should he see the field.

Those matches, too, could offer some insight into Tudor's thoughts on the midfielder. Perhaps he has been saving him for the big occasions, which would explain McKennie's starts against Dortmund and Inter. Perhaps he is now finding his fitness after a unique Club World Cup-hit summer. If that's the case, we'll find out soon enough.

This is seemingly a crucial stretch for McKennie, for club and country. Once again, he's a player with a point to prove and, if history is anything to go by, he certainly has the ability and mentality to do so. Will he? That's up to him.