It would be fair to say that Nuno Espírito Santo has quite the job on his hands at West Ham United.

Prior to his arrival, the Hammers looked like genuine relegation candidates and had lost four of their five opening Premier League games.

Fortunately, the Portuguese coach was the beneficiary of the new manager’s bump against Everton, as his side fought back for a point and looked miles better than they did in previous matches.

Unsurprisingly, it was Jarrod Bowen who scored the all-important goal for the East Londonders, and so long as he’s firing, the club stand a brilliant chance of climbing the table.

With that said, there are several other players in the squad Nuno could help improve, including one who could become as much of a world-beater as Bowen.

Bowen's West Ham rise

Back in January 2020, West Ham opted to spend around £20m on Hull City’s incredibly exciting, but relatively unknown, winger: Bowen.

It was a steady, if unspectacular, start to life in the capital for the Englishman, as in the 13 appearances that season, he scored just a single goal and provided four assists.

Things began to improve, and dramatically so, for the 28-year-old in the following campaign. In just 40 appearances, totalling 2,644 minutes, he managed to score eight goals and provide six assists for the Hammers.

Appearances

245

Starts

220

Minutes

19521′

Goals

77

Assists

52

Goal Involvements per Match

0.52

Minutes per Goal Involvement

151.32′

Points per Game

1.46

However, it was the subsequent two seasons that really saw the former Hull gem cement himself as one of the best attackers in England, as a tally of 31 goal involvements in 21/22 was rewarded with his first England cap that summer, and then his defining moment in a West Ham shirt came a year later.

It was in Prague, in the 90th minute of the Conference League final, when he slotted home the winner, etching his name into the club’s history books and earning them their first European title.

Since then, the game-changing winger has continued to be the club’s most effective attacker, and under Nuno, could be one of the main reasons they start to climb the table this year.

However, with the former Nottingham Forest coach now in the dugout, there is another West Ham ace who could end up reaching a similar level to Bowen.

The West Ham star Nuno could transform into a world-beater

Now, when a new manager arrives at a club, there is a genuine chance that they’ll be able to improve a great deal of the players.

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

Yet, in this instance, there is one player in particular that Nuno could help become a genuine world-beater at West Ham: El Hadji Malick Diouf.

The former Slavia Prague gem only joined the club in the summer, but has already impressed so much that people are now expecting big things of him, with Sky Sports’ Joe Thomlinson going as far as describing him as “one of the finds of the season.”

It’s not hard to see why, as in just six league games, he has already provided three assists, and on another day, he could have picked up two more against Everton due to the number of brilliant crosses he fired into the penalty area.

In fact, it was one of these crosses that eventually led to Bowen’s all-important goal.

The Senegalese international is a machine on the left-hand side and has already been described as “one of the best full-backs in the league” by one analyst.

So, why could Nuno make him even better? Well, there are a few reasons, but the most significant is in how he sets up his teams.

For example, while managing Wolverhampton Wanderers, the São Tomé-born coach would often deploy a back five and use wing-backs to get the ball up the pitch as fast as possible.

Then, while he did end up primarily playing a back four at Forest, the 51-year-old still utilised his full-backs to provide the width in his teams and to get the ball up to his attackers.

So, should he maintain this emphasis on his full-backs getting up the pitch as fast as possible and delivering crosses for his forwards, then Diouf should see his numbers explode, as even under the turgid football of Potter, he was a genuine attack outlet.

Ultimately, it’ll take a long time for the “explosive” full-back, as dubbed by one analyst, to reach the level of Bowen, but from what he has shown thus far, combined with Nuno’s coaching philosophy, he may well get there.

West Ham planning £35m bid for "fascinating" forward who's "similar" to Jarrod Bowen

The board want to back Nuno Espirito Santo.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 2, 2025

Kent Spitfires have handed the Hampshire Hawks their first defeat of the Vitality Blast season, pummelling them by eight wickets at Canterbury.The Hawks had the misfortune to run into a fully armed and operational Zak Crawley: the England man hit 75 off 43 balls, including three sixes and he enjoyed a stand of 110 with Daniel Bell-Drummond, who made 61 from 40.Earlier Joe Weatherley hit an unbeaten 63 as Hampshire recovered from 63 for 4 to post 177 for 7, with Tom Rogers posting Kent’s best figures with 3 for 33, but as soon as Kent took 22 from the 11th over they looked favourites and they coasted home with an over to spare.Hampshire chose to bat but lost James Vince in the second over, caught by Wes Agar off Rogers for 6 after a miscue.Fred Klaassen then got Tom Prest for a four-ball duck, Crawley taking a dolly at midwicket and Toby Albert then pulled Rogers straight to Tawanda Muyeye at square leg for 18.Dewald Brevis hit the first six when he drove Grant Stewart back over his head and he hit two more before holing out to Matt Parkinson and getting caught by Rogers on the long-on boundary for 24.Weatherley and James Fuller shifted the momentum by putting on 49 for the next wicket and although the latter was lbw to Joe Denly at the end of the 13th, Benny Howell kept up the pressure.Kent could have run out either batter in the 16th but somehow got neither and Weatherley pulled Stewart for four to pass fifty, before a couple of late wickets slowed the scoring rate: Agar got Howell for 23 at the end of the 19th, caught on the boundary by Jack Leaning, and Rogers had Chris Wood caught and bowled for nought in the final over.Kent’s reply started relatively slowly and they lost Tawanda Muyeye for 20 in the fifth over, when he skied Wood to Vince. It was 45 for 1 after the powerplay and 75 for 1 at halfway, but at this point Crawley decided to accelerate, hitting Turner for a six into the Nackington Road hedge, then another onto a top floor balcony on the Old Dover Road. He followed that with two fours and creamed Scott Currie through backward point to reach his half-century.Bell-Drummond passed the same milestone with a towering six over cow corner over Wood, but he finally went in the same over, the 15th, to a stunning catch by Bjorn Fortuin, who cover 25 yards before somehow clinging on.The Spitfires still needed 16 from the last two, but Crawley dropped to one knee and swept Currie’s first two balls for six and four, leaving Denly to seal the win with a violent six over cow corner off the final ball of the over.

Things are starting to look a little more positive for West Ham United at the moment.

Granted, they lost their last game and currently sit in the Premier League relegation zone, but the performances under Nuno Espírito Santo have been far better.

Moreover, the club would not have fought back so valiantly for a point against Everton under Graham Potter.

However, there is still plenty the manager needs to do, such as phasing out an international ace in the same way he did James Ward-Prowse.

Why Ward-Prowse's West Ham career is over

It might seem a little over the top to say that a player’s time is up at a club when there are two years left to run on his contract.

Chalkboard

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

However, the unfortunate reality for Ward-Prowse is that, if he wants to play regular football at any point over the next two seasons, he needs to leave West Ham, as it’s clear he won’t be doing that under Nuno.

After all, the Portuguese coach’s first action after taking the job was to leave him out of the squad entirely for the game against Everton and then do the same again for last weekend’s game against Arsenal.

It might sound harsh, and maybe it is a little, but it’s also not much of a surprise, as after joining Nottingham Forest on loan at the start of last season, the manager did the same to him there, so much so that his loan was cut short.

It’s hard to blame the manager too much, either, as while he’s a talented player with an impressive CV, the former Southampton captain has been well below par for the Hammers.

Minutes

90′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

61

Accurate Passes

41/48 (85%)

Crosses (Accurate)

5 (1)

Shots on Target

0

Ground Duels (Won)

6 (1)

Aerial Duels (Won)

3 (0)

Lost Possession

14

Fouls

3

Dribbled Past

2

For example, in Potter’s final game, against Crystal Palace, he somehow managed to lose the ball 14 times, lost eight of nine duels, misplaced four of five crosses and committed three fouls.

At the end of the day, it would be best for all parties if Ward-Prowse left the club in January, which could be said about another West Ham star who has been a big disappointment since joining the club.

The West Ham star who should be on borrowed time

While you could make the case for other West Ham players, such as Konstantinos Mavropanos, receiving the Ward-Prowse treatment, the international in question is Niclas Füllkrug.

There was quite a bit of hope when the German joined the club last summer, as he was coming off a season in which he scored 15 goals and provided ten assists in 43 appearances for Borussia Dortmund.

Moreover, he had just played in the Euros for Germany, so while nobody expected Erling Haaland numbers, they did expect a reliable if unspectacular striker.

Unfortunately, the Hammers got the latter without the former, and as things stand today, it’s hard to see where his next goal comes from.

For example, in 27 games for the East Londoners, totalling 1262 minutes, the 32-year-old has scored just three goals and provided two assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 5.4 games, or every 252.4 minutes.

Appearances

20

7

Minutes

877′

385′

Goals

3

0

Assists

2

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.25

0.00

Minutes per Goal Involvement

175.4′

N/A

Worse still, all five of his goal involvements for the club came last season, with him drawing a blank in all eight appearances this season.

With numbers like this, and performances like the one he put in against Everton, in which he lost the ball nine times, lost 50% of his ground duels and ten of his 14 aerial duels, it’s easy to understand why Gabby Agbonlahor said he’s “not a good enough player” to represent the Irons.

Therefore, Nuno should take him out of the team entirely now and either play the slightly less poor Callum Wilson, or be bold and go with Callum Marshall or Josh Landers.

Ultimately, Füllkrug clearly isn’t good enough to play in the Premier League, so he should be sold as soon as possible during the winter window.

West Ham ace who's "pure joy to watch" could become Nuno's new Gibbs-White

The international star could be the secret to helping Nuno get more out of West Ham this season.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 10, 2025

Newly promoted Leeds United continued their excellent form, avoiding defeat for the second time in as many games in the Premier League. They backed up last week’s 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers with a 2-2 draw against high-flying Bournemouth.

It was a disappointing start for the Whites, who went a goal down in the 26th minute thanks to Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanian winger scored a fantastic low free kick to give the away side the lead at Elland Road.

Leeds, however, responded perfectly. Firstly, Joe Rodon found the back of the net, heading home a cross from Sean Longstaff 11 minutes after conceding. The Newcastle United academy star got himself on the scoresheet the other side of half-time. He met a loose ball on the half-volley and fired it home just inside the penalty area, to put Leeds ahead.

Just when it seemed like Daniel Farke’s side would hold on for all three points, 19-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi equalised for the Cherries in stoppage time. He also scored a sweetly-struck volley, getting on the end of a flick on in the penalty box after his side won a deep free kick.

Being so close to victory and ending up with just one point no doubt stung Leeds, but it was still a strong performance with some good showings. Longstaff was a real standout.

Why Sean Longstaff was the star man against Bournemouth

There was, in many ways, a lot of pressure on Longtsaff’s shoulders. He moved to Elland Road from St James’ Park with plenty of Premier League experience, and Saturday afternoon’s performance in front of the Leeds faithful feels like a real statement showing.

It was a fantastic performance from the midfielder. Partnered with Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach, he had the chance to get forwards and look to affect the game in advanced areas. With his goal and assist, it is fair to say he did just that. His strike, a fantastic volley, was one of great skill and technique.

What really stood out about the 27-year-old’s performance at Elland Road was the sheer number of chances he created. Longstaff played seven key passes and created one big chance. Off the ball, he was superb, winning 10 from 13 duels.

The Yorkshire Post journalist Leon Wobschall was full of praise for the new Leeds man. He gave Longstaff a 9/10 for his efforts, describing his afternoon’s work as a “stellar all-round midfield performance.”

However, Longstaff was not the only standout player, with another of Daniel Farke’s players performing particularly well.

The Leeds star who is completely undroppable

It was so close to being the perfect day for Leeds. The Whites were ruthless in attack, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin a good focal point, and also defended resiliently. One of those defensive players made a huge impression.

Keeping Semenyo and his fellow attacker quiet from open play was never going to be easy. However, Leeds right-back Jayden Bogle dealt with the Cherries’ creative players in impressive fashion and should now be considered completely undroppable.

The defender was up and down the right flank, creating one chance. But it was defensively that he really stood out. Bogle won five out of six tackles and seven out of nine ground duels, locking down that right-hand side.

Touches

46

Pass accuracy

79%

Ground duels won

7/9

Tackles won

5/6

Clearances

3

Interceptions

2

Key passes

1

Wobschall was certainly left impressed with the 25-year-old’s day at the office. He gave him a 7/10 for the work he put in, and said Bogle “should have been happy with his afternoon”, given how well he defended.

After a performance like that, it is hard to see how Farke drops Bogle from the starting lineup. He certainly made a significant impact in their point against a strong Bournemouth side, and has surely made himself undroppable.

It was an encouraging performance from Bogle. To keep an attacker as deadly as Semenyo quite like he did is no mean feat. He has surely made that right-back spot his own after a showing as strong as that.

Leeds struck gold on "indispensable" star who's now worth more than Stach

This Leeds star was one of Farke’s best signings

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 25, 2025

يشهد اليوم الاثنين 3-11-2025 زخمًا كرويًا كبيرًا على مستوى البطولات المحلية والقارية والدولية، إذ تُقام مجموعة من المواجهات المرتقبة التي ينتظرها عشاق كرة القدم حول العالم، يتصدرها لقاء الهلال السعودي أمام الغرافة القطري في دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة، إلى جانب عدد من المباريات المثيرة في كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا.

وتتجه الأنظار إلى الملاعب الآسيوية هذا المساء، حيث يسعى الهلال لمواصلة نتائجه الإيجابية وتأكيد زعامته القارية عندما يواجه الغرافة القطري في مواجهة عربية خالصة، ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة من البطولة القارية التي تشهد أيضًا ظهورًا قويًا لفريقي الدحيل وشباب الأهلي.

أما في القارة الأوروبية، فتتواصل منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بمواجهة وحيدة تجمع بين سندرلاند وإيفرتون، في لقاء يسعى فيه الفريقان لتحسين ترتيبهما في منتصف الجدول، بينما تشتعل المنافسة في الدوري الإيطالي بمباراتين قويتين، أبرزها مواجهة لاتسيو وكالياري.

وعلى الصعيد الدولي، تنطلق اليوم مجموعة جديدة من مباريات كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا، والتي تشهد حضورًا عربيًا بارزًا بمشاركة قطر والإمارات وتونس والمغرب، في مواجهات مهمة أمام منتخبات قوية مثل إيطاليا واليابان وفيجي. مواعيد مباريات اليوم الإثنين 3-11-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات الدوري الإنجليزي اليوم

سندرلاند ضد إيفرتون، الساعة 10:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11:00 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورت HD 1”.

طالع أيضًا | إكسبريس: تصرف محمد صلاح بعد مباراة ليفربول وأستون فيلا يفسّر موقفه من الانتقادات مواعيد مباريات كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا اليوم

جنوب ٱفريقيا ضد بوليفيا، الساعة 2:30 ظهرًا بتوقيت مصر، 3:30 عصرًا بتوقيت السعودية، عبر قناة “بي إن سبورت إكسترا 2”.

كوستاريكا ضد الإمارات، الساعة 2:30 ظهرًا بتوقيت مصر، 3:30 عصرًا بتوقيت السعودية، عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس المفتوحة”.

السنغال ضد كرواتيا، الساعة 3:00 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر، 4:00 عصرًا بتوقيت السعودية، عبر قناة “بي إن سبورت إكسترا 3”.

اليابان ضد المغرب، الساعة 3:30 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر، 4:30 عصرًا بتوقيت السعودية، عبر قناة “بي إن سبورت إكسترا 1”.

الأرجنتين ضد بلجيكا، الساعة 4:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 5:45 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، عبر قناة “بي إن سبورت إكسترا 2”.

كاليدونيا الجديدة ضد البرتغال، الساعة 5:15 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 6:15 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، عبر قناة “بي إن سبورت إكسترا 3”.

قطر ضد إيطاليا، الساعة 5:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 6:45 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس المفتوحة”.

تونس ضد فيجي، الساعة 5:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 6:45 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، عبر قناة “بي إن سبورت إكسترا 1”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الإيطالي اليوم

ساسولو ضد جنوى، الساعة 7:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 8:30 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، عبر تطبيق Starz Play.

لاتسيو ضد كالياري، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 10:45 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، عبر تطبيق Starz Play. مواعيد مباريات دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة اليوم

ناساف كارشي ضد الوحدة، الساعة 3:45 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر، 4:45 عصرًا بتوقيت السعودية، عبر قناة “بي إن سبورت HD 1”.

الدحيل ضد شباب الأهلي، الساعة 6:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، عبر قناة “بي إن سبورت HD 1”.

تراكتور ضد الشرطة، الساعة 6:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 7:00 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، عبر قناة “بي إن سبورت HD 2”.

الغرافة ضد الهلال، الساعة 8:15 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 9:15 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، عبر قناة “بي إن سبورت HD 1”.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــــا

Lionel Messi hasn’t ruled out playing for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, set to take place across North America. The Inter Miami star said he will decide next year based on how his body feels, though he admitted that competing at age 39 would be a challenge. After previously downplaying the chances of returning, his words reignited hope.

• AFP
  

  Messi gives Argentina fans a reason to dream

  After previously hinting that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would likely be his last, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner left the door open to one final appearance on soccer’s biggest stage.

  Messi last week signed a three-year extension to keep him at Inter Miami through 2028. He said he’ll evaluate his physical condition next year before deciding whether to play in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

  "Well, the truth is that yes, it's something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup," Messi told NBC Nightly News’ Tom Llamas. "And I would like to be there. To feel well and to be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there. I am going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter Miami and see if I can really be 100 percent."

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'Defending it would be spectacular'

  The Argentine legend turns 39 next June and admitted age will be a decisive factor.

  "I'm really eager because it's the World Cup," he said. "We're coming off winning the last World Cup, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it's always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions. So hopefully God will allow me to do it once again."

  His words undoubtedly reignited faith among millions of supporters who dream of seeing him lead Argentina once again.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  "Every player dreams of becoming world champion"

  Messi has played professionally since 2004, debuting with Barcelona at just 17 years old. After 17 seasons and four Champions League titles with the Catalan club, he joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before moving to Inter Miami in 2023, where he has helped transform Major League Soccer’s profile.

  Messi reflected on life in South Florida, saying, “Miami lets us enjoy life, stay calm, and allows my kids to be themselves."

  International success had long eluded Messi until Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar, where he led his nation to its first title since 1986.

  “It was the dream of my life,” Messi said. “It was the only thing missing at a professional level because I had achieved everything with Barcelona. Every player dreams of becoming world champion.”

  Since his debut in 2005, Messi has earned 195 caps and scored 114 goals for Argentina – both national records.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  What comes next?

  Inter Miami will visit Nashville SC on Saturday looking to seal their spot in the next round of the MLS playoffs, after earning a 3-1 win in the first game of the best-of-three series.

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Veiga disputará os jogos diante de Venezuela e Uruguai, e pode encarar Joaquin Piquerez, seu amigo e parceiro de Verdão desde 2021. Inclusive os dois podem se enfrentar em um palco muito conhecido e histórico para os palmeirenses, que é o Estádio Centenário, em Montevidéu, palco onde o Verdão faturou o tricampeonato da Libertadores.

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Raphael Veiga já havia sido lembrado por Diniz para a rodada de estreia do Brasil nas Eliminatórias, mas o meia acabou ganhando apenas três minutos em campo nos duelos diante de Bolívia e Peru.

Having missed the 2023 WTC final, the Australia fast bowler is expected to keep Boland out of the XI in the upcoming title bout against SA

Andrew McGlashan07-Jun-2025Josh Hazlewood feels he is bowling as well as at any time in his career as he sets his sights on returning to Australia’s line-up for the World Test Championship final against South Africa.Hazlewood has not featured in the Test side since picking up a calf injury against India in Brisbane, which followed a side strain earlier in the series, and is hoping to fill one of the few gaps on his CV at Lord’s having missed out on the 2023 WTC final against India when he was recovering from injury.Hazlewood was a late arrival in the UK (along with Josh Inglis) having completed an outstanding IPL campaign for champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) where he claimed 22 wickets. On Saturday he sent down around five overs at moderate intensity during Australia’s optional training session in Beckenham as he eased back into bowling after the journey from India and was set for a more thorough workout on Sunday at Lord’s where he will operate at close to full pace.Barring any setbacks Hazlewood is expected to keep Scott Boland out of the XI for the final. In his last 13 Tests, Hazlewood has taken 57 wickets at 19.68 since returning to the side during the 2023 Ashes following a period where injuries had limited him to four outings in two years.”I was obviously quite close last time [in 2023],” Hazlewood said. “I just had more of an interrupted IPL leading into that, and then had a few little issues going on, so wasn’t quite up to scratch, but I feel in much better place this time around.”And I think in any format, my numbers over the last two years have been pretty good, so have got a lot to fall back on in terms of skill wise. I still feel like I’m bowling probably the best over my career and it’s just a matter of the body holding up, which it has been in the last few months.”Related

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How the Australians have prepared for the WTC final

Boland: 'I just want to make their decision as hard as possible'

Although Hazlewood was able to play 10 consecutive Tests from mid-2023 to late 2024, considerable time has gone in behind the scenes trying to find whether there is a common theme to his various injuries in recent years with a particular focus on the strains of back-to-back days of bowling in condensed Test series.”I think the intensity is probably a big one for me to tick that box,” he said. “We’re definitely adapting training to sort of get those back-to-back days in, get a big day, followed by another bowling session the day after and things like that, just to try and try and get our head around it and put ourselves in the best possible position we can be.”Hazlewood was confident that he would have enough preparation time leading into the final, saying that the later-than-expected finish to the IPL had not impacted how many full bowling sessions he would be able to have with the red ball.”I ticked over some good overs just before the final in Ahmedabad, in different weather than this,” he said on a cool, overcast day where beanies were never far away. “It was quite a tough session. And then every time you play a game in the IPL, you’re probably going to get almost seven or eight overs in if you really want to…in and around with warm-ups. I had a number of times where I bowled back-to-back days, again at high intensity, with the game being one of those.”Josh Hazlewood was central to Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning their first IPL title•PTI One key adjustment Hazlewood will be looking to make in England is ensuring he targets a fuller length that is often needed and brings the stumps into play more.”In the IPL games, I was probably hitting around that seven-to nine-meters in the powerplay, and not really threatening the stumps as much as you want to in Test cricket, in particular here in England,” he said. “So, it’ll just be about pushing that length and touch fuller and still getting that zip through the keeper.”Perhaps unsurprisingly, Hazlewood is a huge advocate for the role of the allrounder in Australia’s line-up which since 2020-21 has been spread across Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh and recently Beau Webster. Green won’t be available to bowl until the Ashes later this and head coach Andrew McDonald previously left the door ajar for not needing Webster’s overs in the final, but Hazlewood was of no doubt the benefit the additional resource brings.”I think it’s huge,” he said. “I remember back to when we didn’t have one…and it was brutal. It was tough work. I feel like you’re just continually bowling, like you’re almost following the next guy at the other end and then you’re switching ends and then Gazza [Nathan Lyon] is from one end and we all rotate.”So to have that bowler, [and] even to be honest, Travis [Head] and Marnus [Labuschagne], it only has to be a couple overs here and there just to give you that extra break to then be fresher, whether it be the second new ball or the next day or later on in the series. It just sort of snowballs if you don’t have that allrounder and you’re just continually bowling.”

Liverpool slumped to another damaging, dismal defeat as Arne Slot’s side were dumped out of the Carabao Cup, beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace while finishing the match with 10 players on a dire night at Anfield. Slot made sweeping changes to the team which was defeated by Brentford, with one eye on the clash with Aston Villa this weekend, but the fringe players and academy hopefuls were thoroughly outclassed by Oliver Glasner's side.

The loss heaps pressure on struggling Dutch boss Slot, who has watched his team lose six of their last seven matches, with their only win coming in the Champions League away at Eintracht Frankfurt.  

The Reds were the better of the two sides in the early exchanges, with Federico Chiesa, recalled to the starting line-up, squandering two gilt-edged opportunities. But Palace grew into the game and thoroughly deserved to take the lead in the 40th minute. 

The Eagles put together a neat interchange of passes on the edge of the Liverpool box, and though the ball fell to Joe Gomez, he scuffed his clearance to Ismaila Sarr, who in turn fired confidently past debutant Freddie Woodman. Palace doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time as they cut through the hosts’ porous defence and Gomez was at fault again as Sarr swept the ball home to send the small pocket of travelling fans delirious. 

The Anfield faithful were stunned into near silence for the majority of the match and Glasner could even afford to remove Sarr, who was on a hat-trick, as the hosts laboured to create chances in the second half. 

The diabolical night for Liverpool was made even worse after Amara Nallo was shown a straight red for a pull on Yeremie Pino, who was through on goal. And it was Pino who slalomed into the box to thrash the ball home into the far corner to complete the rout. With minutes left the heavens opened, the torrential rain providing the perfect backdrop to Liverpool’s performance – a complete washout.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield…

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Freddie Woodman (4/10):

Had to wait until the 30th minute to make a stop, a decent drive from Hughes which he gathered comfortably, but there was nothing he could do about Sarr's opener. Was left woefully exposed for the second and similarly the third. 

Calvin Ramsay (5/10):

Started his first senior game in three years after returning from injury, but endured a difficult evening.

Joe Gomez (3/10):

The experienced defender featured in an unfamiliar centre-back pairing, but flapped at the ball when he should have cleared for Palace's opener, and went AWOL for the second, chasing Nketiah around the box, instead of standing firm in front of Sarr. Ended the match wearing the captain's armband. 

Andrew Robertson (5/10):

Deployed out of position at centre-back, but was unable to stem the tide in a makeshift back-line. Was clearly frustrated at his side's performance and was booked for a crude lunge in the 54th minute. Subbed off in the 67th minute.

Milos Kerkez (4/10):
The left-back was the only player to retain his starting place from the previous Premier League defeat, but it was another innocuous performance and his starting position for the clash with Villa must be in serious doubt. 

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Trey Nyoni (4/10):

The academy prospect was handed a senior start in midfield as part of the significant line-up rotation, was asked to do a lot of the running, but failed to make a hugely positive impact. 

Wataru Endo (5/10):

Started in midfield to provide a solid base, but spent the entire match chasing the ball to very little effect. Was most effective when attempting to break play up, but will be keen to forget this one as quickly as possible.

Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):

Was included to provided much-needed experience in a youthful midfield line-up, but looked lost for the vast majority of his 67 minutes on the pitch, and was taken off without having made a significant contribution.

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Kieran Morrison (5/10):

The 18-year-old academy forward made his senior debut, lining up on the right side of the attack. Showed plenty of willing running, but not to blame for Liverpool's toothless display and was subbed off in the 67th minute. 

Federico Chiesa (4/10):

The Italian forward led the attack, and squandered a brilliant opportunity to open the scoring in the 23rd minute when he fired over from the edge of the box. Will be disappointed with his efforts and seemed anxious, snapping at chances. 

Rio Ngumoha (5/10):

The 17-year-old winger showcased his skills on the left side of the attack and did brilliantly to set-up a chance for Chiesa in the 28th minute. Was one of the few players who can claim to have put in a decent shift. Threat diminished in the second half, taken off with four minutes remaining.

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Kaide Gordon (4/10):

Would have been pleased to come on, but didn't make a telling pass. 

Amara Nallo (2/10):

His second red card for Liverpool in two senior appearances, sent off just 12 minutes after coming on for a desperate last-man challenge.

Wellity Lucky (4/10):

Mixed emotions making his debut on such a poor night for Liverpool. 

Trent Kone-Doherty (N/A):

Only appeared with four minutes remaining, not long enough to make an impact. 

Arne Slot (3/10):

Another woeful night for the beleaguered Reds boss. He'll point to the 10 changes he made with the massive match coming up against Aston Villa, but his side are devoid of confidence and another damaging defeat just makes the situation worse.

Two-time Champions League winners FC Porto may not be the force they once were, but they still have a number of quality players on their books.

The Dragons have an annual payroll of €30,910,000 for the 2025/26 season, with the average player earning just over €1.1m per season. Every FC Porto player in the first-team squad has been ranked in order from highest to lowest in terms of wages for the season, with the help of Capology.

Disclaimer – only the club and the players themselves truly know their wages, so take each of these figures as you will.

Here's a detailed look at FC Porto's top 10 earners…

10

Alan Varela

€24,038 per week

Alan Varela signed a new deal with FC Porto in 2025, seeing his salary increase by €10,000 per week.

The Argentine midfielder has gone from strength to strength in Portugal and is now under contract until 2030.

9

Nehuen Perez

€24,038 per week

Centre-back Nehuen Perez made the move to FC Porto from Udinese in 2024.

The Argentina international was only on loan at the Estadio do Dragao, but he made a move permanent in 2025.

8

Diogo Costa

€27,692 per week

Academy graduate Diogo Costa made his senior debut for FC Porto in 2019 and hasn’t looked back.

The Portugal international has gone on to be first-choice for club and country in recent years and has even been linked with a big-money move away, so eventually, FC Porto could cash in on one of the best goalkeepers in the game today.

7

Samu Omorodion

€31,346 per week

It looked as if Samu Omorodion would be joining Chelsea from Atletico Madrid in 2024, but after a deal broke down, FC Porto came in and secured the forward’s services.

The youngster made an instant impact in Portugal, scoring 11 goals in his first 10 appearances in all competitions.

6

Alberto Costa

€36,923 per week

Portuguese full-back Alberto Costa returned to his native country in 2025 after a brief spell in Italy with Juventus.

The former Vitoria S.C right-back cost Porto €15m and signed a five-year contract.

5

Gabri Veiga

€38,462 per week

Gabri Veiga was handed the number 10 shirt after signing for Porto from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in 2025.

Like Costa, Veiga also cost €15m and signed a deal until 2030 and can play as an attacking midfielder or out wide.

4

Pepe

€40,385 per week

Not to be mistaken with the iconic centre-back who also played for FC Porto, Brazilian winger Pepe is one of three players on €48,077 per week.

After joining from Gremio in 2021, Pepe is under contract until 2027.

3

Jan Bednarek

€40,385 per week

After eight years as a Southampton player, Jan Bednarek swapped St Mary’s for FC Porto in 2025 in a deal worth €7.5m.

The centre-back signed a four-year deal and is set to earn €10m in wages during that time.

2

Luuk de Jong

€40,385 per week

Experienced striker Luuk de Jong was announced as a shock signing during one of FC Porto’s pre-season fixtures at the Estadio do Dragao.

He didn’t cost Porto a penny, allowing them to give De Jong a €2.5m per year deal.

1

Jakub Kiwior

€66,731 per week

Top of the list as FC Porto’s hughest paid player for 2025/26 is defender Jakub Kiwior, who is on loan from Arsenal for the season.

The Poland international found game time hard to come by at the Emirates and there is thought to be an obligation for a deal to become permanent in 2026.