انتقد أحد الصحفيين الأداء الذي ظهر به ريال مدريد أمام إلتشي، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

وكان ريال مدريد قد تعثر أمام إلتشي وتعادل بنتيجة 2/2 في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”.

وشن سيرو لوبيز، هجومًا قويًا على لاعبي ريال مدريد بعد الأداء الباهت الذي ظهروا به خلال المباريات الأخيرة وخاصةً بعد فوز الكلاسيكو.

اقرأ أيضًا | عرض استثنائي من ليفربول لضم قائد ريال مدريد

وقال لوبيز، ونقلت تصريحاته صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”: “هذا هو معنى الاحتراف، في العام الماضي لم تترشحوا لأني سمحت لكم بذلك وهذا العام مع تشابي ألونسو، أنتم أيضًا لن تترشحوا لأنه يُطالبكم بالكثير، حسنًا هذا يكفي، أنتم جميعًا تعتقدون أنكم بيليه”.

وأكمل: “فالفيردي يعتقد أنه بيليه لأن كروس اختاره وريثًا له وعليه أن يلعب أينما يشاء، فينيسيوس كذلك فهو بيليه أيضًا، بيلينجهام بالنسبة لوالده هو بيليه أيضًا”.

وتابع: “إذا أراد ريال مدريد أن يطمح إلى أن يكون من عظماء أوروبا، فعليه أن يفعل ذلك مع مدربين يحملون أفكارًا مثل ألونسو وهي أفكار تتطابق مع أفكار فليك أو جوارديولا أو أرتيتا، هذه مشكلة اللاعبين الذين لا يريدون الركض والضغط، لا يهم من هو المدرب”.

Australia have won their last nine ODI series, but New Zealand have shown in the past that form and records don’t mean much at the world stage

Vishal Dikshit30-Sep-20252:21

‘Tough to make a case against Australia winning the lot’

Big pictureIf recent form is anything to go by, Australia have been bossing ODIs like, well, the world champions, whereas New Zealand, ranked fourth in ODIs, have a forgettable streak coming into this World Cup. Australia have won their last nine ODI series, last going down in the ODI leg of the 2023 Ashes in England, brushing teams aside both at home and away. They have been touring India almost every year in recent times, their top players have been getting used to the conditions in the WPL for the last three years, and they even played a three-match series in north India as a warm-up for this World Cup, which they won 2-1.Related

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New Zealand have no such records or achievements to show for. Jogging their memory back to the 2022 World Cup will only bring back disappointing recollections as they finished sixth out of eight teams in a home World Cup, they were rolled over for 128 by Australia for a 141-run thrashing in Wellington, and they haven’t played an ODI in six months.But they had shown last year that form and records are not much to go by. New Zealand entered the T20 World Cup with 10 consecutive losses in the format but went on to lift their maiden T20 World Cup with a stellar all-round show in alien conditions in the UAE. And they have a big chunk of players from that campaign to turn things around this time: captain Sophie Devine, former captain Suzie Bates, leader of the pace attack Lea Tahuhu, ace allrounder Amelia Kerr, among others.These two teams will clash it out at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, which is known for its flat tracks and will host its maiden women’s international on Wednesday.Form guideAustralia WLWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
New Zealand WWLLLIn the spotlight: Alyssa Healy and Sophie DevineThe last time Alyssa Healy turned out in a World Cup, she finished the 2022 edition by smashing back-to-back centuries in the semis and final to help Australia lift their record seventh title. Things are a lot different this time; it’s her maiden ODI World Cup as captain, after Meg Lanning’s departure, and she has just returned to action after a long injury layoff of a stress fracture in the foot. She got in the groove of international cricket with modest scores of 1, 30 and 9 in the recent bilaterals in India, but would want to use the big stage to get some runs going on a flat pitch. She averages 31.40 against New Zealand with a strike rate of 89.97 against New Zealand much lower than her overall ODI strike rate of 97.90, and New Zealand would want to keeps those numbers down on Wednesday too.This is going to be Sophie Devine’s farewell ODI series, only available for T20Is after this. Having led her side to T20 World Cup glory less than 12 months ago, she wants to end her ODI career with a double and her all-round skills could play a major role, starting Wednesday. She comes into the tournament after a rich run of form in the Hundred and bucket loads of experience of Indian conditions, having first toured the country back in 2007 when she was just 17.2:19

‘NZ might find it tough switching to ODI mode’

Team news: one concern for New ZealandAustralia’s full squad trained on Tuesday evening under the lights after a few injury concerns to Phoebe Litchfield (low-grade quad strain), Annabel Sutherland (hip soreness) and Darcie Brown (back spasms) during the recent bilateral games against India, and Ellyse Perry was down with an illness during the warm-ups. Vice-captain Tahlia McGrath, however, confirmed on Tuesday that everyone in the squad will be available for selection. What mix of spinners and pace bowlers they finalise is the only question that remains, as Sophie Molineux returned to action after a knee surgery, in the warm-up against England, and Australia could think about leaving out one of the legspinners – Alana King or Georgia Wareham – to make place for her.Australia (probable): 1 Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), 2 Phoebe Litchfield, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Beth Mooney, 5 Annabel Sutherland, 6 Ashleigh Gardner, 7 Tahlia McGrath, 8 Sophie Molineux, 9 Kim Garth, 10 Alana King/Georgia Wareham, 11 Megan SchuttNew Zealand have one injury concern and Devine intentionally kept her name under wraps at the press conference on Tuesday. Their line-up is otherwise a great blend of youth and experience and if that mysterious player with a niggle is also fit on Wednesday, they won’t have too many headaches for the final XI. Devine also didn’t rule out uncapped 22-year-old left-arm spinner Flora Devonshire making her ODI in their opener.New Zealand (probable): 1 Suzie Bates, 2 Georgia Plimmer, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Gaze (wk), 8 Eden Carsen, 9 Jess Kerr, 10 Flora Devonshire, 11 Lea Tahuhu2:02

McGrath on playing NZ: ‘We know each other’s game really well’

Pitch and conditionsThe curator at Indore has decided to roll out a flat track for its maiden women’s international, testified by both Devine and McGrath after they saw the pitch. They had no hesitations to call it “an incredibly flat” pitch which has the makings of a “run fest,” as is often the case there in men’s white-ball matches. Indore has been muggy in the lead up to this game, with plenty of clouds spread across and the sun appearing in parts. Temperatures are unlikely to cross 30 degrees Celsius but it could feel a lot worse with the humidity when the match starts, for the fielding team.Stats and trivia Australia have won the last 15 completed ODIs against New Zealand, last losing one in February 2017. New Zealand have won just one ODI series since the start of 2024, and lost four (two home and two away). Suzie Bates, 38, is just 104 runs away from 6000 in ODIs, and will be just the second woman to get there after Mithali Raj (7805). Bates is also joint-second with Smriti Mandhana with the most ODI hundreds, only behind Meg Lanning’s 15. The last time New Zealand beat Australia in an ODI World Cup was in 2009, when Devine batted at No. 10 and Australia’s current coach Shelley Nitschke opened the batting.Quotes”Those stats are there and we’re aware of them, but at World Cups, it doesn’t matter. I think records and previous results go out the window for us.”
“I joke that I’m basically a spinner at times when I can get slower and just bowl some pace off. So I feel as though I can adapt to any wicket and use some of my variations to suit different wickets.”

Former Germany defender Jerome Boateng has started training with Hansi Flick and Barcelona as he aims to to complete practical requirements for his coaching license. The recently-retired player saw a planned internship at former club Bayern Munich cancelled following vocal fan protests regarding his conviction for domestic assault.

Barcelona welcome Boateng for coaching practicals

According to a report from , the retired German defender visited the club's training ground to meet with current Barcelona head coach Flick and striker Robert Lewandowski, both former colleagues from his time in Bavaria. Boateng, who retired from professional football at the age of 37 in September following a final spell with Austrian side LASK, intends to obtain his coaching badges and requires practical training hours to complete the process.

Barcelona officially acknowledged Boateng’s presence via their social media channels, posting a video of his arrival with the message: "Welcome to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, Jerome Boateng!" The Catalan club have opened their doors to the 2014 World Cup winner to allow him to observe training sessions under Flick, whom he worked with successfully during treble-winning campaigns at Bayern and with the Germany national team.

A Report from indicates that Boateng is expected to spend several days using the club's facilities as he navigates the next steps in his post-playing career. 

AdvertisementBayern internship cancelled after supporter backlash

Prior to arriving in Catalonia, Boateng had attempted to begin a similar coaching internship at Bayern Munich’s Sabener Strasse base. However, the proposed return of the long-serving defender was met with fierce opposition from the club's supporters' groups due to his legal history.

During recent matches, Bayern fans displayed banners in the stands unequivocally condemning the club's decision to offer him a platform. One banner displayed by ultras read: “Draw the line against misogynistic violence”, while another stated: “No place for villains in our club — no more space for Boateng,” alongside explicit chants telling the former defender to leave. Consequently, Bayern management made the decision to halt the internship programme for their former player in response to the hostile reaction.

The protests and controversy stem from Boateng’s prolonged legal issues regarding domestic violence. In July 2024, a Munich court issued a final ruling in a long-running case concerning assault against his ex-partner and mother of his twin daughters, Sherin Senler.

Boateng was found guilty of intentional simple bodily harm following an incident during a vacation in the Caribbean in 2018. According to the complaint, the player was accused of insulting, punching, and biting Senler, causing facial injuries. While Boateng admitted to a heated argument occurring, he denied assaulting her. The final verdict imposed a suspended fine of €200,000, a formal warning, and a mandatory donation to charity. This followed earlier trials in 2021 and 2022 which had initially seen significantly higher fines handed down before appeals and procedural errors led to the reopened trial and final reduced sentence.

Further allegations and the Kasia Lenhardt tragedy

Boateng has faced further intense scrutiny regarding his relationship with another ex-girlfriend, model Kasia Lenhardt, who committed suicide in 2021. Following her death, allegations of abuse during their relationship emerged.

German outlet reported that Lenhardt possessed voice messages in which she claimed Boateng had almost broken her left thumb, alongside photos of bruises on her arms she alleged were caused by him throwing glasses in a hotel room. A Berlin lawyer confirmed to the newspaper that Lenhardt intended to file a formal assault complaint shortly before her death. Munich prosecutors reopened an investigation into alleged bodily harm related to this relationship after her suicide, but the case was definitively closed in March 2025 due to insufficient evidence, partly because the primary witness had died.

The controversy surrounding the former Germany international intensified further in March 2024 when obtained a document containing an email allegedly sent by Boateng's own mother, Martina, to a lawyer in 2021 following Lenhardt's death.

In the document, she reportedly confirmed allegations of domestic violence against her son, stating: "For years, my son has psychologically and physically abused women; now Kasia Lenhardt has committed suicide, and he continues to refuse to face the consequences of his actions."

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(C)Getty ImagesWhat next for Barcelona and Boateng?

Boateng is expected to remain at Barcelona's training facilities for the coming days as he completes the practical components required for his coaching qualifications. The club's decision to facilitate this has already drawn criticism and is likely to face continued scrutiny. Meanwhile, Flick’s first team continue their preparations for their return to La Liga action against Athletic Club on Saturday, looking to maintain their lead at the top of the table.

Manchester City and Australia star Mary Fowler has revealed she and another team-mate were the victims of a vile racist prank after their final game for Montpellier. The incident, which occurred in 2020, came after other departing players had received flowers. Fowler, one of only a few players of colour on the squad, called the act "hard to laugh off" and questioned whether it was "just a simple error".

• Racism accusations at Montpellier

  In her recently released autobiography , Man City and Matildas star Fowler revealed she was subjected to racism and differential treatment during her time in France. In her book she recounts how she and another team-mate, Ashleigh Weerden, were handed bananas instead of the flowers that other players received at a farewell presentation. For Fowler, the incident was not a simple mistake, but one of several instances that led her to question if she was being singled out. In her book, Fowler describes how moments like being disciplined for driving home with Weerden made it difficult to believe the discriminatory treatment was unintentional. 

  The struggle was compounded by a club physiotherapist's disbelief of a serious chest pain complaint, and contributed to Fowler experiencing depression, self-harm, and considering leaving professional soccer. This public disclosure follows a period of increasing attention on racism in women's football, with other players also speaking out about their experiences.

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• Getty Images
  

  Fowler: 'Hard to see it as a simple error'

  Fowler said: "When we got inside the changing room, some of our team-mates questioned why we hadn't received any flowers. A few of the girls laughed about it and then one of the other players came over and handed my friend and me some bananas, saying, 'here have these'. Was it an accident? Was it the only thing in the dressing room she could give us? Did she mean well by it? I’ve tried to justify it in many different ways … But when I add in the many other times at the club when we were left feeling a similar way, it was hard to see it as merely a simple error."

  Fowler didn’t question the actions at the time, but only because she felt unable to, adding: "Instead, we just sat there holding those bananas."

• Injury blow and contract extension

  Fowler has been hugely impressive at Manchester City since joining in 2022. Signed as one of the game's most promising talents, she has made 86 appearances for the club and posted 21 goals and 22 assists. She enjoyed her standout campaign last season, achieving double-digit goals and assists and earning a spot in the PFA WSL Team of the Year. Her season ended prematurely due to an ACL injury in April, but she has signed a contract extension until 2027 while recovering.

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• AFP
  

  Bright future for Fowler

  On signing a her new contract at City, Fowler said: "It's really exciting. City has felt like home for me for quite a while now so to continue this journey with them, I'm really proud to do that. Enjoying my football is a big part of me playing well and City has created an environment where I can flourish. I love working with the girls who are here."

  Man City Director of Football Therese Sjogran added: "Mary’s a really important figure for us on and off the pitch, so we’re delighted she’s agreed to extend her stay at the Club. She’s a tremendous talent, but the way she’s improved each year since joining City speaks volumes of her attitude and hard work off the pitch. We’re excited to see what the future holds for this team, and Mary will be a huge part of that once she’s back to her best after injury."

Fast bowler declares injury-free summer to be a “tick” after helping England seal record consolation win

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Sep-2025

Jofra Archer declared his performance in third ODI against South Africa at the Utilita Bowl as “one of those times you don’t want to put the ball down”, after routing his opponents with four powerplay wickets en route to England recording the largest margin of victory ever in a 50-over international match.Archer’s superb figures of 4 for 18 in nine overs weren’t enough to salvage the series for England, after their contrasting defeats in the first two matches at Headingley and Lord’s. However, in reducing South Africa to 18 for 5 in the space of his first 4.5 overs, he set up a thumping 342-run win that bettered England’s previous largest victory in the format by exactly 100 runs.With Brydon Carse claiming two wickets in his own opening spell, and with Temba Bavuma absent with a calf strain, South Africa were reeling at 24 for 6 in the ten-over powerplay, before Adil Rashid’s three wickets sealed the victory in 20.5 overs – the same figure that South Africa themselves had needed to complete their series-opening run-chase at Headingley last week.”I told Carse, when we were bowling, let’s just do it so nobody else has to bowl,” Archer said afterwards. “Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out that way, but we definitely did try. They were either going to get them or they were going to get bowled out trying to get them, and everyone’s figures are pretty good today. It’s good to win a game by that margin.”For Archer, the performance continued a hugely uplifting summer in which he has re-established his credentials across formats, including with his recall to the England Test team during the series against India in July.Related

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He admitted, after being named Player of the Match, that he had not expected to feature in his third match in a row, in light of the previous regime’s caution about his workload after numerous injuries. However, he acknowledged it “meant a lot” to be able to put in another strong performance for his team.”To be injury-free is always a plus,” he said. “This summer is a tick for me.”Archer’s first wicket came with the second ball of his spell, as Aiden Markram flashed outside off to nick off for a duck. But thereafter, he was nigh on unplayable, bowling back-to-back wicket maidens as Ryan Rickelton also edged to the keeper, before Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs were both dismissed by extra bounce.”There are some spells that you bowl like you hardly bowl a bad ball,” he said. “You can bowl good balls that go for boundaries. But when every single ball that you’ve released, you’re happy where it landed, today was one of those days.”Archer did, however, claim he had felt in even better rhythm in the series opener in Leeds, where his superbly economical figures of 5-1-8-0 were overshadowed by the brutal treatment meted out to Sonny Baker (7-0-76-0) on debut at the other end.”I felt I bowled better at Headingley, but obviously I didn’t get the wickets to show,” he said. “But for the first four or five overs, well, actually the first 10 of the powerplay today, it was overcast. The ball was hard, the pitch was nipping. I don’t know if a red ball would have done the same thing, but that’s probably one of the times you don’t want to put the ball down. I tried my best not to put it down today either.”Asked how it felt to be a part of such an emphatic victory, Archer admitted he had not known the specifics of the victory, mouthing “wow” when told that 342 runs was a world-record margin.”To be honest, I didn’t really look at the scoreboard much,” he said. “I actually don’t know what they finished on, we were so focused on just trying to get off. But it was exciting. There was an ‘ooh’ or an ‘aah’ every single over.”

Leeds United are looking like they will have a huge fight on their hands to avoid relegation this season. Their first campaign back in the Premier League is not going to plan, with Daniel Farke’s side just one point clear of the drop zone at the moment.

The underlying numbers do not make for good reading if you are a Leeds fan, either. The West Yorkshire outfit have massively underachieved according to their expected points, which is 15.49xPTS, over four more than they actually have.

In attack, they’ve only scored ten goals, although Farke has continued to pick a similar front three across the season. That means Brenden Aaronson has kept his place in the side.

Aaronson’s disappointing form this season

As an attacking unit, Farke’s Leeds side have certainly left a lot to be desired. The Whites’ lack of form in front of goal has been an issue, as has the fact that they are struggling to create a substantial number of chances.

Aaronson is certainly someone who has underperformed. The USA international only has one goal and one assist this season, but has been one of Farke’s most trusted lieutenants.

He’s played all 11 games in the top flight this season, and has started all of the last eight.

In terms of output for the 54-cap American international, he’s only managed one goal and one assist so far this term.

Perhaps that is because he is playing on the right wing despite being a number ten by trade, but Leeds fans must surely be expecting better numbers.

As far back as last season, there have been question marks surrounding Aaronson’s ability.

Former Leeds defender Jon Newsome said, “I don’t think he’s at the level in my honest opinion,” implying the Whites could do better in that area of the pitch.

They might have the perfect Aaronson replacement already at the club, in a player who is thriving out on loan.

The on-loan Leeds star who could break into the first team

Perhaps Leeds can make better use of their talent in and around the first team squad, if not this season, then in years to come. Farke has shown trust in up-and-coming youngsters in the past, with Archie Gray a prime example a few seasons ago.

Another player who could fit that bill next season, when he returns to the club, is on-loan star Joe Gelhardt. The 23-year-old attacker is excelling in the Championship for Leeds’ Yorkshire rivals Hull City this term.

The versatile attacker, who can play on the right, as a number ten or at centre-forward, has seven goals and two assists in the second tier for the Tigers this season.

His form in recent weeks has been particularly impressive, with Gelhardt racking up seven goal involvements in just six games.

The Liverpool-born forward has certainly received lots of praise for his excellent form in a Hull shirt this season. Their boss, Sergej Jakirovic, described him as a “special” footballer and said that “he can reach the Premier League” one day.

It is easy to see how he could end Aaronson’s Leeds career next season, if he is given the chance to shine in a Leeds shirt. His underlying numbers this term are superior to the American’s. For example, he averages 0.8 goals and assists per 90 minutes compared to just 0.4 for Aaronson.

Gelhardt vs Aaronson – 25/26 stats

Stat (per 90)

Gelhardt

Aaronson

Goals and assists

0.8

0.4

Chances created

1.1

1.4

Take-ons completed

1.7

1.2

Ground duel success rate

54.55%

52.08%

Ball recoveries

5

4.6

Stats from Squawka

Gelhardt – previously lauded as a “human wrecking ball” by Marcelo Bielsa – has never really been given a consistent chance at first-team level for the Whites. He’s only played 57 games across five seasons, with ten goals and assists in that time.

However, his performances this season will surely make Farke sit up and take notice.

Aaronson simply has not cut it in the Premier League, and with a talent like Gelhardt on their books, perhaps it is time Leeds give the 23-year-old a chance to shine next season.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Nov 11, 2025

One former Atlanta Brave is over Ronald Acuna Jr.

Earlier this week, Acuna called out Braves manager Brian Snitker for his handling of an incident where outfielder Jarred Kelenic didn't hustle on a ball hit to the outfield. Kelenic presumed the ball was leaving the park for a home run, but was thrown out at second base when it stayed in play as he rushed in an attempt to salvage a double.

Snitker said he didn't make a comment to Kelenic about the play, and Acuna jumped on X and said, "If it were me, they would take me out of the game."

On Tuesday, broadcaster and former Atlanta outfielder Jeff Francoeur joined on Sports Radio 680 The Fan and discussed the situation.

Francoeur defended Snitker and Kelenic, claiming it was the first time he hadn't run in a situation like that, while Acuna had been warned about running balls out repeatedly. Then he waded into some deeper waters by claiming the Braves didn't actually need their superstar outfielder.

"We won a World Series without Ronald, we went to the playoffs with(out) Ronald, you don't have to have him," Francoeur said.

While it's true that no player is bigger than the team, Acuna's presence makes the Braves a contender. When they won that World Series in 2021, they had Freddie Freeman, Dansby Swanson, Jorge Soler, Adam Duvall, Charlie Morton, Max Fried, and others to make up for his absence. While the roster is still excellent, it's not loaded like it was that season.

Acuna is currently recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. The four-time All-Star and 2023 National League MVP is still a month away from returning to the Braves.

Los Angeles Angels shortstop Nicky Lopez was standing in the batter's box after taking a ball against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday when he was suddenly hit in the head by his own bat.

How could something like that happen? Well, Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera went to throw the ball back to the pitcher but instead he threw it right into Lopez's bat, which then struck him in the head so hard that his helmet popped off.

This was easily one of the weirdest moments of the young 2025 season and it took a slo-mo replay for us to figure out what in the world happened during what is normally such a basic move in a baseball game.

Making matters worse for Lopez was that he struck out swinging a few pitches later.

Double ouch.

Liverpool ended a run of three successive defeats in all competitions by claiming all three points against West Ham United at the London Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday.

Arne Slot’s team had lost 3-0 to Nottingham Forest and 3-0 to Manchester City in their last two outings in the top-flight, which is why it was so important for them to bounce back with a win against the Hammers.

Alexander Isak scored his first league goal for the Reds after his £125m move from Newcastle United in the summer, as part of an attack that looked very different after some impressive tweaks from the head coach.

The key tactical tweaks Liverpool made against West Ham

Instead of playing Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back, Slot opted to go with a natural defender in Joe Gomez in the back four and it was a tactical decision that paid off big time.

The former England international was not dribbled past a single time in the 90 minutes on the pitch, per Sofascore, and provided an assist for the second goal with an excellent cross after Szoboszlai, who was able to play further up the field, did well to lay the ball off to him.

Slot also played Florian Wirtz in the number ten role, after he was left on the bench against PSV, and the Germany international completed 93% of his attempted passes in a controlling and metronomic display in the middle of the park.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

The Liverpool boss also made the bold call to drop Mohamed Salah from the starting line-up to play Szoboszlai out wide on the right, days after Alan Pardew suggested that the Egypt international has looked “lost”.

In Salah’s absence, though, Reds forward Cody Gakpo showed that he is the manager’s most clutch player this season with an impressive display.

Liverpool's most clutch player

In March of last year, the £40m signing from PSV was criticised by former Liverpool defender and pundit Jamie Carragher, who claimed that the Dutchman “plays like the game is in slow motion”.

Believe it or not, that’s not the first time the former centre-back has criticised the Dutchman.

Indeed, just after he signed, Carragher wrote that he was ‘baffled watching Gakpo’s early performances,” further stating that ‘Gakpo is not a typical Klopp signing, lacking lightning pace and the capacity to lead a high press.’

There is a languid demeanour to the way that Gakpo plays for Liverpool on the wing, but that is not an inherently bad thing because it is not down to a genuine lack of effort, as shown by his output this season.

The Netherlands international added a goal and an assist to his tally in the 2-0 win over West Ham, setting up Isak for the opener before burying a finish late on to seal the win.

With Salah out, Gakpo once again showed that he is the most clutch player in the squad in the Premier League this season, because he has been the most productive player in front of goal.

Last season, Salah was the player Liverpool looked to when they needed a goal, as he ended the campaign with a staggering 29 goals and 18 assists, per WhoScored.

As you can see in the table above, it is Gakpo who has been the go-to man for Slot in the top-flight so far this term, leading the way in pretty much every significant attacking metric.

These statistics show how clutch the Dutchman has been for the Reds this season, because he has been their main star for both goals and creativity at the top end of the pitch, which was on full display with a goal and an assist on Sunday.

Until Salah is able to get back to his best in the Premier League, which will hopefully happen in the coming weeks, Gakpo should be considered the most clutch player in the squad for his output so far.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 30, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur face PSG in the Champions League tonight, looking to inflict revenge on the French outfit after the UEFA Super Cup final back in August.

The Lilywhites boasted a two-goal lead in such a clash but ultimately conceded twice late on, resulting in a penalty shootout – with Luis Enrique’s side coming out victorious.

However, tonight’s meeting at the Parc des Princes presents Thomas Frank with the chance to make amends and help bolster their standing in the league table.

His men are unbeaten in their four outings in Europe to date, previously avoiding defeat against a Ligue 1 outfit, having drawn 0-0 against Monaco back in October.

However, if the Lilywhites are to claim all three points and defeat the reigning champions, the manager will desperately need to make changes after Sunday’s defeat to local rivals Arsenal.

Why Frank needs to revert to a 4-3-3 against PSG

In the clash with the Gunners on Sunday afternoon, Frank decided to swap to a 5-4-1 system, a decision that massively restricted their ability to create chances in the final third.

He started Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha together at the base of the midfield, but the pair were far too defensively minded and unable to progress the ball into dangerous areas.

The pair could only complete one pass into the final third during the clash at the Emirates, with the manager needing to drop the Uruguayan international and revert to his usual system.

Throughout the campaign, the Dane has most commonly utilised a 4-3-3 system, with Palhinha operating at the base with two box-to-box options ahead of the loanee.

Apart from Bentancur, the manager has numerous other high-profile youngsters in his ranks, with many deserving of the opportunity to star at the heart of the side again.

Alongside the former Juventus star, Kevin Danso should be sacrificed to allow two of the aforementioned youngsters to have the chance to impress once again.

The Spurs star who should start against PSG

Archie Gray has previously been utilised in midfield by Frank over recent times, with the Spurs star having huge expectations after his £40m move from Leeds United last summer.

He’s only made six appearances across all competitions, even being named on the bench against Arsenal, but unfortunately for him, there are two other impressive options ahead of him in the pecking order.

Pape Sarr has been a key first-team member in North London this season, as seen by his tally of 11 appearances out of a possible 12, but Frank made the decision to start him on the bench last weekend.

He came on with just 24 minutes remaining in the contest, subsequently registering 100% of the passes he attempted – even managing to have an impact despite the embarrassing defeat.

As a result, the Dane must start him ahead of Palhinha in Paris this evening, but he must also introduce Lucas Bergvall to the side to complete the three-man midfield.

The Swedish youngster joined the Lilywhites for just £8m last summer, with many supporters expecting the teenager to link up with the club’s academy system at first.

However, the injury-hit campaign in 2024/25 allowed the 19-year-old to stake his claim for a regular starting role – already racking up a total of 60 senior appearances for the club.

He’s been out with a concussion over the last few weeks, with Bergvall only making one appearance in November after being replaced after just seven minutes of the meeting with Chelsea.

The Swede was an unused substitute against the Gunners last weekend, but this evening should be the game in which the manager recalls him to his starting eleven.

Bergvall has already impressed in the Premier League this campaign, with his underlying stats showcasing he’s able to produce the goods on the big occasions.

The teenager, who’s been dubbed just “like Modric” by The Athletic’s JJ Bull, has completed 2.1 successful dribbles to date – with such a figure ranking him in the top 4% of all players in the division.

Games played

9

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

83%

Dribble success

75%

Tackles won

2.8

Duels won

6.8

Recoveries made

3.8

Shots taken

1.2

He’s also made 2.8 tackles and won 6.8 duels per 90, with both of the aforementioned tallies ranking him within the top 25% of all other midfielders in England’s top-flight.

Such numbers highlight why he’s the perfect box-to-box option, with Frank needing to utilise him alongside Sarr if the club are to be victorious later on tonight.

It’s evident that the 5-4-1 system failed to catch the eye against Arsenal on Sunday, which should see the Dane match up with Enrique’s men in the Champions League this evening.

A trio of Palhinha, Sarr and Bergvall is the best option at the manager’s disposal, with such a partnership potentially allowing the side to get back to winning ways.

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