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Inter head coach Cristian Chivu faces a severe defensive crisis ahead of the pivotal Champions League showdown against Liverpool, as key summer signing Manuel Akanji missed the final training session on Monday, leaving the Nerazzurri dangerously exposed against Arne Slot’s prolific attack.

• Chivu rocked by latest fitness concern

  The atmosphere at the Inter training centre was noticeably tense on Monday morning as the team conducted their final preparations ahead of the monumental Champions League showdown against Liverpool. What should have been a routine session of tactical fine-tuning turned into a source of major anxiety for head coach Chivu, as key defender Akanji was absent from the group.

  The Swiss centre-back, who arrived on loan from Manchester City on deadline day and has since established himself as a pillar of the Nerazzurri backline, did not participate in the final training session before the midweek match. Reports emerging from Appiano Gentile suggest that the defender is suffering from flu-like symptoms, a concern that has cast a shadow over his availability for the upcoming European fixture. For a manager still finding his feet at the elite level like Chivu, losing his most dynamic defender on the eve of facing the English champions poses a huge concern. The club medical staff are reportedly working around the clock, but with the game less than 48 hours away, the odds of the 30-year-old starting are drifting swiftly from possible to unlikely.

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  Inter stretched thin for Liverpool clash

  Akanji's potential absence exposes the fragility of an Inter squad that underwent significant surgery in the summer. When the club sanctioned the loan of Benjamin Pavard to Marseille and brought in the Swiss international as his temporary replacement, the logic was sound: swap one elite defender for another. However, that decision relies heavily on the fitness of the new arrival, and with Akanji now sidelined, the depth chart looks alarmingly thin.

  Chivu is now forced to shuffle a pack that is already light on options. The veteran Stefan de Vrij is the natural replacement in the centre of the back three, but the Dutchman lacks the recovery pace that makes Akanji so effective in a high line. Alternatively, the manager could turn to the towering Yann Aurel Bisseck, a player of immense promise but one who arguably lacks the experience for a high-stakes duel against Premier League opposition. The defensive unit, anchored by Alessandro Bastoni, relies on chemistry and fluid movement; removing a key cog like the former Borussia Dortmund man disrupts the entire mechanism. 

• Akanji absence could be fatal for Inter

  Facing Liverpool is a daunting task at the best of times, but doing so without your quickest centre-back is flirting with disaster. Under Arne Slot, the Reds evolved into a ruthless transition machine, and their attack is specifically designed to exploit gaps in opposition backlines. However, they are set to take to the field without Mohamed Salah amid the breakdown in his relationship with Slot and the Reds' ongoing struggles this season.

  Akanji’s greatest asset is his ability to cover wide channels and manage one-on-one situations, traits that are essential when facing the pace of striker Alexander Isak or the creative wizardry of Florian Wirtz. Without him, Inter risk being exposed to rapid counter-attacks, particularly if they try to impose their possession game. De Vrij or Francesco Acerbi offer positional intelligence, but if they are isolated against the speed of the Liverpool forwards, the result could be catastrophic. The English giants are struggling this season with just one win from their last six matches, but they still have the firepower to punish even the smallest error, having beaten Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt in the competition before their shock 4-1 defeat at home to PSV last time out.

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  What comes next?

  The dilemma facing the Inter boss is classic risk-versus-reward. He could hand a start to Bisseck or De Vrij in the biggest game of the campaign so far, but will be concerned about the structure of his backline for such a big game. A pragmatic approach might see Inter sit deeper to protect their slower defenders, inviting pressure from a Liverpool side that loves to dominate the ball. The final decision will likely be made on the morning of the match, after one last fitness test. Until then, the Nerazzurri camp remains in a state of suspended animation, waiting to see if their defensive leader can pull off a miracle recovery. If not, it will be up to the remaining soldiers to form a shield wall capable of repelling the English invaders.

أعلن الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم “يويفا”، عن اللاعب الفائز بجائزة رجل مباراة ليفربول وآيندهوفن ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستقبل ليفربول خصمه آيندهوفن مساء الأربعاء، على ملعب “آنفيلد” ضمن مباريات الجولة الخامسة لمرحلة الدوري ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وحقق آيندهوفن الفوز على حساب ليفربول بملعب “آنفيلد” معقل الريدز، بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف.

اقرأ أيضًا | تقييم محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وآيندهوفن بـ دوري أبطال أوروبا

واختير صهيب دريوش، لاعب آيندهوفن، أفضل لاعب في المباراة، بعد أدائه الرائع أمام ليفربول خلال المواجهة.

وقالت مجموعة المراقبين الفنيين في الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم: “دخل في اللحظة المناسبة، وبذل جهدًا كبيرًا، وسجل هدفين، وضغط بقوة، كان مسيطرًا للغاية طوال فترة تواجده في الملعب، وكان دائمًا جاهزًا لاستلام الكرة”.

Real Betis are in talks with Isco a new bumper contract that could see him remain at the Benito Villamarin until at least 2028. His new deal will also see him become the club's joint highest-earning player, pocketing a salary in line with what Brazilian star Antony is currently taking home. The ex-Real Madrid star is nearing his recovery from an injury.

Betis keen on extending Isco's contract

According to a report from Spanish publication , Real Betis are close to finalising a lucrative contract extension with iconic midfielder Isco, whose current deal with the Andalusian outfit runs until June 30, 2027. The report claims that both sides are hoping to announce the news of the renewal before next weekend's high-voltage Andalusian derby against bitter rivals Sevilla. Betis president Angel Haro is personally overseeing negotiations and is keen to ensure Isco remains committed to the club beyond the length of his ongoing deal, with the only detail left to be agreed upon being the expiry of the proposed new contract.

Isco, for his part, is really happy at Betis and doesn't see himself leaving the club anytime soon. Last week, at a press conference at the release of his documentary 'In Silence', he said: “I don't want to retire without winning a title with Betis. The renewal is still up in the air, it will be easy. Both Betis and I want to extend our journey together. Hopefully, it will be for many more years. I want to play in the new stadium. I hope they reach an agreement soon regarding the construction, otherwise I won't have time to arrive. Playing in the new stadium would be a very important and wonderful challenge."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportNew contract will see Isco match Antony as Betis' highest-paid player

The plan initially was to extend Isco's contract by another until 2028. The new deal would have included a pay rise reward for his performances and overall influence in the 2024-25 season, which would have seen him become the highest-paid player at the club alongside Antony. The Brazilian, signed permanently from United on a five-year deal over the summer, earns €7.8 million gross per season, including bonuses. 

However, he has shown a willingness to commit to Betis beyond 2028. Options on the table include extending the contract to 2028 or 2029, either on a fixed or optional basis, or even structuring a deal that would allow the midfielder to remain at Betis until the end of his career, depending on his performances.

Despite the fact that Isco turned 33 earlier this year, there are reportedly no reservations over his renewal. Betis are extremely delighted with his on-field displays as well as his brave determination to overcome physical setbacks, which have exceeded the club's expectations. His stature as an icon of the club and the fact that he's now the captain add further weight to his case. The most widely supported proposal, as things stand, is an extension through 2028, with the possibility of adding further years based on performance triggers — such as reaching a set number of matches — similar to clauses used for other players.

Isco nearing his return to the pitch

In August, Isco suffered a huge blow after fracturing his fibula, which ruled him out for three months. However, the good news now is that he returned to training earlier this month. Head coach Manuel Pellegrini told reporters that the midfield wizard "will be available for selection after the international break." It remains to be seen whether he regains fitness in time for this weekend's clash against Girona at home.

At the same event, Isco opened up on the fears of a relapse, saying: "The fear doesn't disappear, just because of the history behind it. Today, in my second training session, I took a knock that scared me, but that's all it was. It's about living with that fear, letting it affect you as little as possible, and adapting like with everything else. When you get injured and start from scratch, it's a constant learning process, and this is just another injury."

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Getty Images SportIsco's international future far from over

In June, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente called up Isco for the Nations League finals, marking his return to international future after six long years. With the World Cup set to take place next year, it could be the 33-year-old's last chance to represent La Roja at the highest level. De la Fuente has not closed the doors.

"We have a very good relationship with Isco," the Spain manager told reporters recently. "We spoke at the time. We hope he recovers well. Like many others, he is there, among the players we consider for a call-up when he’s recovered. I wish him a speedy return to football."

India went into the tea break at 304 for 6, having gained a healthy lead of 281

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Aug-2025

Sealed with a kiss! Yashasvi Jaiswal scored his sixth Test ton•Getty Images

Tea Yashasvi Jaiswal struck his sixth Test century to ensure that England will need to break a long-standing record at The Oval to seal a 3-1 series win. Jaiswal cut a threadbare seam attack into oblivion during his 118 as India built a substantial lead, leaving England facing the challenge of becoming the first team in the venue’s history to chase a fourth-innings target in excess of 275.In the absence of Chris Woakes, England were left to rotate a three-man seam attack – with no frontline spinner – throughout an extended second session, with the exception of three overs of Joe Root’s offspin. They were much more threatening than they had been on Saturday morning, but India continued to rattle along at more than four runs per over as Jaiswal made hay.Gus Atkinson struck with the first ball after lunch, trapping Shubman Gill on the knee roll, and made life difficult for Karun Nair throughout his innings of 17. Nair was struck on the glove first ball, was dropped by Harry Brook at second slip – a tough chance, with Zak Crawley diving across him – and eventually caught behind as Atkinson found some extra bounce from a length.But Jaiswal pressed on, reaching his hundred – his fourth against England, and his second of this series – with a scampered single through backward point. It was a fitting way to bring it up: 72 of his first 100 runs came behind square on the off side, and he rode his luck as he cut, dabbed, steered and slashed England’s quicks past, through or over the slip cordon.He was given yet another life when Ben Duckett missed a tough chance at leg gully, but Jamie Overton held onto one at deep third to send him on his way for 118. England thought they had Ravindra Jadeja lbw when Josh Tongue hit him on the boot, but he reviewed successfully and steered them to the tea break along with Dhruv Jurel.

New Zealand smashed the highest score of the tri-series and any hope of Zimbabwe earning a consolation win as they laid down a marker ahead of Saturday’s final against South Africa.After choosing to bat first – despite captains in this tri-series usually bowling – a second-wicket stand of 108 between Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra set New Zealand up well. Both went on to score half-centuries before a Michael Bracewell cameo of 26 of 16 balls pushed New Zealand to 190. They bowled Zimbabwe out in 19 overs, as only three Zimbabwean batters got into double figures.As dominant as New Zealand were, Zimbabwe will be particularly unhappy with their lapses in the field. They put down three catches – Tim Robinson on 0, Seifert on 13 and Bracewell on four – and bowled seven wides and a no-ball in a messy display which left them needing to complete their second-highest successful chase to win.Any chance of that happening was blown away when Zimbabwe were reduced to 44 for 5 in the eighth over. Ish Sodhi took three of those wickets, bowling in the powerplay, and proved too much to handle for Zimbabwe’s top-order. A sixth-wicket stand of 51 between Tony Munyonga and Tashinga Musekiwa leant the innings some respectability Sodhi’s career-best 4 for 12 scripted a simple win for New Zealand. With 150 T20I wickets, he also climbed to third on the all-time wicket-takers’ list in the format.Zimbabwe will be spectators on Saturday and have no more fixtures scheduled before they host the Africa Region T20 World Cup Qualifiers in September.Ngarava among the wickets again Richard Ngarava has been Zimbabwe’s most successful bowler of the series and almost struck with his second ball when Robinson chased a delivery that angled away and got a thick outside edge. Ryan Burl at wide slip could not hold on. There was not too much damage done from that miss as Ngarava had Robinson caught at deep third off the second ball of his next over. Ngarava was brought back at the death and though he was hit for three successive by Seifert, he eventually foxed him with a slower ball that he feathered through to Clive Madande. Two balls later Bevon Jacobs tried to hit a short, wide ball out of the ground but was done for pace and sliced it to backward point.Ngarava’s change-ups worked again when he had Mitchell Santner caught behind off a slower ball in an over that lasted 10 balls. His next challenge is to enhance his wicket-taking skills with a bit more discipline in order to truly lead Zimbabwe’s attack.Ish Sodhi (150*) moved past Shakib Al Hasan (149) to take the No. 3 spot on the T20I wicket-takers’ list•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Seifert sees another opportunity to cash inDon’t drop Seifert. He was put down on 0 by South Africa in the previous match and went on to score 66* in a clinical run-chase. In this match, he was on 13 and had already hit two fours when Munyonga, at deep backward square, put him down off Tino Maposa and Seifert didn’t need a second invitation.Two overs later, he smacked Dion Myers into the leg side for his third four and the runs kept coming. Wellington Masakadza was sent through extra cover, Myers through the slip area and Sikandar Raza past short fine. Seifert brought up his 12th T20I fifty off 33 balls and went on to score his first six when he deposited Raza over long-on. He was especially good in a wide ‘v’ down the ground with 50 of his runs coming between extra cover and mid-wicket before he eventually fell to Ngarava for 75.Myers might be an opening option In search of a solid start, Zimbabwe asked Myers to open the batting, ahead of Wessly Madhevere, for the first time in his T20I career and he was off to a flier. He drove and cut Matt Henry for back to back boundaries to give Zimbabwe a blazing start and then showed off his pull shot to end the first over on 14 without loss. Myers was less in control against Zakary Foulkes, who he inside-edged over the keeper but showed intent against legspinner Sodhi, albeit without success.He walked across his stumps off the second ball he faced from Sodhi and tried to flick him fine but gave himself too much room and was bowled. A score of 22 from 18 balls is not much to write home about but given how poorly Zimbabwe have batted through this series, it could be an option worth exploring in future.Henry gets Raza and Zimbabwe unravel Zimbabwe were 28 for 3 after five overs thanks largely to a Sodhi double-strike and New Zealand clearly in control despite Henry’s expensive opening. He switched ends to complete the powerplay, started with a wide and then went short to Sikandar Raza, who met with him aggression. Raza swiped Henry to the leg side three times, and the third was well enough to get four before Henry adjusted his length and caught Raza in the crease. Raza was given out lbw and indicated he was not happy with the decision which left Zimbabwe 37 for 4 and in danger of their lowest score against New Zealand which sits at 84.They got to 130 but were never in the hunt to chase down the target and have serious questions about their batting depth.

Pep Guardiola can certainly be credited with bringing through some exciting young talent from Manchester City’s academy. The Spaniard has certainly relied a lot on academy graduates, with the Citizens’ youth sides producing some of the best up-and-coming players in world football.

Of course, it was Guardiola who gave Cole Palmer his first forays into professional football, although the England international left for Chelsea back in 2023. The best homegrown star Guardiola brought through at the Etihad Stadium is Phil Foden, who has made 327 appearances for his boyhood club.

In more recent times, Nico O’Reilly has broken into the first-team squad.

Why Pep Guardiola loves O’Reilly at Man City

There is a lot to like about 20-year-old Mancunian star Nico O’Reilly. He has shone during his short City career so far, and was even rewarded with a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, although he didn’t play a game.

So far, the youngster has made 30 appearances at first-team level for his boyhood club. He’s even chipped in with five goals and three assists in that time.

In 2025/26, O’Reilly has started the last four Premier League games.

The youngster has left a big impression on Guardiola, with the Spanish manager explaining he is “helping us a lot” in the senior side, before confirming he is “taking his opportunity” to impress for City.

It is easy to understand what the long-term City boss is talking about when he says those things. O’Reilly is like a Swiss army knife, able to operate in multiple positions.

A number 10 by trade, he’s played as a left-back more often than not for City, as well as in midfield and even as a centre-forward.

The versatility O’Reilly brings to the table is important in Guardiola’s squad. In many ways, his emergence has seen him leapfrog a similar profile of player in the pecking order.

The Man City star now on borrowed time

Guardiola himself summed it up perfectly, explaining that O’Reilly has grabbed his chance with both hands.

It is easy to consider him a nigh-on indispensable member of the group nowadays, with his England call-up cementing that.

However, O’Reilly’s role in the first team has meant that Rico Lewis’ opportunities have diminished this season. The 20-year-old full-back is also a graduate of City’s academy, and has played a lot of games since he broke into the side back in 2022/23.

In fact, the Bury-born star has reached exactly 100 games for his boyhood club, bringing up the milestone against Burnley last month.

He’s bagged five goals and assisted ten for the Citizens so far, including a strike in the FA Cup semi-final last season against Nottingham Forest.

Described as a “serious talent” by football statistician Statman Dave, Lewis can operate all over the pitch, just like O’Reilly. He has predominantly played at right-back, but has also featured on the opposite side and all across the midfield.

The ability to play as a right-back and tuck inside as a midfielder when his side has the ball has led Guardiola to describe Lewis as City’s “little Philipp Lahm.” However, since O’Reilly has broken through, he has seen his game time reduced, likely due to the similarity of the players.

When looking at a statistical comparison from last season in the Premier League, it is easy to see why Guardiola might favour O’Reilly.

The Mancunian star does outperform Lewis in several key metrics, although the latter did play more forward passes, with 11.9 compared to 11.

Perhaps Lewis is on borrowed time at City. He has been leapfrogged in the pecking order by a player the same age and a vastly similar profile. It will be tough for him to nail down a spot if things continue the same way.

Last summer, he was a transfer target for a number of Premier League clubs, with Nottingham Forest believed to have made a bid.

If his lack of game time continues this way, maybe he will explore a move away from his boyhood club.

Worth more than Isak & Wirtz: Man City struck gold on "generational" star

Erling Haaland isn’t alone in his world-class status at Manchester City.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 12, 2025

Former England star Karen Carney was joined by three Lionesses legends as she survived another week on Strictly Come Dancing. The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder is taking part in the 23rd season of the British dance contest, which started last month. Carney is also accompanied by former Chelsea and Middlesbrough striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

• Carney survives another week on Strictly Come Dancing

  Carney, who played for clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea and Birmingham City in England and represented the Lionesses for 14 years in 144 international matches, is part of the 23rd season of the UK primtime entertainment show contest Strictly Come Dancing. The competition kicked off last month and so far four rounds have taken place. Carney has accumulated 108 points so far and has been successfully voted through each by the public, avoiding the dread dance-off and potential elimination each time.Her quickstep this past weekend scored 27 out of 40 from the four judges.

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  Carney joined by Lionesses legends

  On Sunday, after the fourth round of the competition, Carney was joined by former Lionesses team-mates, Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze and Rachel Yankey, who came to support the 38-year-old. Carney shared an image with all of the England icons on Instagram and wrote in the caption: "Loved having so many of my football family with me last night. Just knowing my teammates were there was such a massive comfort to me and meant a lot knowing I had their support and encouragement."

• Carney created history in week 1

  In the first live show of the 2025 edition of the popular dancing programme, Carney banished an 18-year curse when she finishing top of the Strictly leaderboard. The former midfielder put an end to stereotypes surrounding footballers and their ability to perform on the dancefloor with a fantastic performance which received widespread praise. The 38-year-old performed with her professional dancing partner Carlos Gu performed to Blondie's classic hit 'One Way or Another' and so good was her performance, the duo earned a score of 31 from the judges and finished at the top of table for the evening.

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  Which former footballers have participated on Strictly?

  Before Carney, several footballers have tried and failed to reach the top of the leaderboard over the years, including her former Lionesses teammate Alex Scott. Other footballers who have appeared in the Strictly ballroom include ex-goalkeepers Peter Schmeichel, Peter Shilton and David James, as well as John Barnes, Robbie Savage and Tony Adams. This year, ex-Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank is also competing and and finished third on the leaderboard in the first week. The latest contestant to get eliminated from the competition last week was former England Rugby star Chris Robshaw.

كسر جوردي ميستري، نائب رئيس برشلونة السابق خلال عهد جوسيب ماريا بارتوميو، صمته بخصوص رحيل ليونيل ميسي عن النادي الكتالوني.

ورحل ميسي بالدموع في تلك الفترة بعد انتهاء عقده وفشل برشلونة بقيادة، خوان لابورتا، بتمديد عقده وانتقل إلى باريس سان جيرمان لمدة عامين قبل الانضمام إلى إنتر ميامي.

كان رحيل ميسي صادمًا للجميع خاصة في ظل وجود لابورتا الذي وعد باستمرار الأرجنتيني في برنامجه الانتخابي ولذلك فاز بمنصب الرئيس في انتخابات مارس 2021.

وقال جوردي ميستري، في تصريحات عبر “موندو ديبورتيفو”: “مهما فعلنا من أجل ميسي فسيكون ذلك قليلًا جدًا، ما قدمه لنا مثير للإعجاب، ليس فقط على المستوى الرياضي بل أيضًا على المستوى المالي، كانت الجولات مع ليو ميسي شيئًا، والجولات بدونه شيئًا آخر، صحيح أنه كان يتقاضى راتبًا جيدًا جدًا لكنه استحقه كما أنه ساهم في ثراء النادي ماليًا”.

وأكمل: “كان هناك لاعبون انضموا إلى برشلونة لأنهم أرادوا اللعب مع ميسي ونجوم عالميون أرادوا المجيء لأن ليو كان هناك، أعلم من مصادر خارجية أن ليو ميسي وعائلته غاضبون جدًا من لابورتا، غاضبون للغاية”.

اقرأ أيضًا | جاهزية ثنائي برشلونة وإصابة جديدة صادمة قبل كلاسيكو ريال مدريد

واستطرد: “لا أعرف ما يدور في أذهانهم، لكنني أعتقد أن أي شيء نفعله من أجل ميسي سيكون قليلًا جدًا، سأفعل شيئًا تاريخيًا له، أنا لا أقول حتى تمثالًا لكنني لا أعرف، منصة ليو ميسي على سبيل المثال، دع اسم ليو ميسي ينتقل من جيل إلى جيل”.

وعن رحيل نيمار: “أشعر بالأسف الشديد لأن نيمار لم يُوفق لأنه كان لاعبًا استثنائيًا، نظريًا كان يجب أن يكون ضمن خططنا بمثابة ليو، أراد ليو عودته وقال لي أريد نيمار، وأنا أفهم ذلك لأنه كان لاعبًا فريدًا في المواجهات الفردية”.

وأضاف: “لو كان على ليو القيام بكل شيء لكان الأمر طبيعيًا ولكن لو فعل ليو ونيمار ذلك لتغيرت الكثير من الأمور”.

وعندما سُئل عن تصريحاته آنذاك بأن نيمار سيبقى في برشلونة: “في ذلك الوقت لم يكن حتى اللاعبون على علم برحيله، تحدثت إلى لاعب مهم جدًا في الفريق وأخبرني أنهم كانوا حاضرين في حفل زفاف ليو ميسي على الطاولة مع نيمار وأنه لم يُخبر زملاءه برحيله، لذلك قلت إنني متأكد بنسبة 200% من استمراره”.

Liverpool just always has something up their sleeve in the dying moments of games to get over the line.

Newcastle United fell victim to the Reds’ never-say-die attitude last month when Arne Slot’s side snatched a 3-2 victory at the death. Now, Burnley have succumbed to the reigning Premier League champions’ unwavering spirit at Turf Moor as well, as a late Mohamed Salah penalty handed Liverpool another dramatic three points.

Salah’s last-gasp spot-kick definitely papered over some noticeable cracks during a 1-0 win, but Slot and Co wouldn’t care one bit right after the match, with Liverpool still sitting pretty at the top of the division as the only side with a 100% record intact.

Still, the manner of the win being so nervy against a newly promoted side will have concerned Slot, with Florian Wirtz’s first-team spot now potentially up for grabs, after the flashy midfielder struggled to get going once more in his new surroundings.

Wirtz's struggles at Liverpool

Indeed, off the back of failing to pick up a goal and an assist again, Wirtz still remains without a goal involvement donning his new Liverpool colours.

The once effortless demeanour of Wirtz lining up for Leverkusen is now gone, with the £116m price-tag above his head doing him no favours, either, when it comes to widespread scrutiny.

He isn’t helping himself, though, with his lacklustre display against Burnley making many question why he cost so much money to bring in.

Staggeringly, from his 87 minutes on the pitch, the below-par German would fail to register a single on-target effort at the Clarets’ net, fail to produce a single successful dribble, and also give the ball away in a lackadaisical manner 21 times.

On another day, his Dutch manager might well have hooked him off sooner, with Slot having no qualms about bringing off another underperformer so early into the tense contest, who was arguably just as poor as Wirtz when looking back at the 1-0 win.

Liverpool's 4/10 star is facing the bench

Thankfully, while the likes of Wirtz did fade in and out of the clash, Slot always knows he can rely on Salah to get his high-flying team out of a spot of bother.

The former Feyenoord boss must have known his team were going to be up against it when assessing Milos Kerkez’s disastrous first-half offering, which led to the 46-year-old amazingly bringing off the former AFC Bournemouth defender with just 38 minutes on the clock.

Away from facing some defensive difficulties in Lancashire, Kerkez was mainly pulled so early on due to his controversial dive, with the new Reds number six rightly booked for trying to deceive the referee.

Slot said afterwards that he was worried that Kerkez could then get sent off, leading to the dependable Andrew Robertson coming on in his place, with a solid shift put in by the Scotsman further troubling the Hungarian’s starting position.

Minutes played

38

52

Goals scored

0

0

Assists

0

0

Touches

34

65

Accurate passes

22/23 (96%)

45/52 (87%)

Key passes

1

5

Total duels won

0/2

2/3

Looking at the table above, minus Kerkez bettering Robertson’s pass accuracy, his more experienced counterpart might well get the nod to start Liverpool’s first Champions League clash of the campaign against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, with Slot well aware he can’t have any rash performers jeopardising the Reds at Anfield on such a big occasion.

Worryingly, Kerkez would fail to win a single duel across his 38 minutes on the pitch, with Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Doyle handing him a low 4/10 rating, having stated that the ex-Cherries full-back looked both “uncomfortable” at the back, but also lacking a threat in the forward areas.

Most importantly, despite these notable off-performances, Liverpool still managed to collect another early-season victory.

But, Atletico Madrid up next will be a far tougher challenge than Parker and Co, as Slot now deliberates whether to axe both Kerkez and Wirtz for European football’s return to Merseyside.

The new Rooney: Liverpool already sold Salah's heir in "world-class" talent

Liverpool have so much attacking quality but might come to regret selling this star.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 13, 2025

Leeds United are in the market for reinforcements at the top end of the field and now know how much they will need to pay for a talented forward who can operate across the front three, according to reports.

Leeds United look for further additions after Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Adding some Premier League pedigree to their forward line, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is now a Leeds player after completing a free transfer to Elland Road upon the expiration of his contract at Everton.

Speaking after his arrival, Daniel Farke has claimed bringing in the England international is a risk worth taking as he stocks up on forwards capable of handling the pressure of top-flight football.

He said in his most recent press conference: “Let’s be open about it. It’s always a bit risky to sign players who’ve had difficult years with a few injuries. There are always question marks and doubts.

“But the second part of the truth is that if he had his prime season last season he wouldn’t be on the market for us. He wouldn’t be a free agent and affordable for a newly promoted side, so you have to think about the balance of risk and reward.”

Seeking creativity as well as goalscoring prowess, Leeds have been linked with both Gustavo Hamer and Bilal El Khannouss, though it remains to be seen if either player pitches up at Elland Road.

Bad news for Byram: Leeds closing in on deal to sign "adventurous" star

Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign a star, and it is bad news for Sam Byram.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 16, 2025

Everton striker Beto is also on the Whites’ radar and a bid is expected to be submitted for the Guinea-Bissau international. However, that may now be on the backburner if recent reports are anything to go by.

Leeds United close in on Noah Okafor deal

Reports have claimed Leeds will need to pay between £13 million and £17 million for AC Milan star Noah Okafor, and Fabrizio Romano reports on Monday that a deal is now close after the Whites submitted a formal offer around that figure.

Capable of featuring through the middle of on the left-hand side of attack, the Switzerland international has netted 50 career goals in total for club and country. He has featured once this term off the bench for the Rossoneri against Bari in the Coppa Italia.

Labelled “incredibly prolific” by Jacek Kulig back in 2023, Okafor has been on Leeds’ radar across the window and may be someone Farke also feels is worth the gamble in his quest for offensive prowess.

Admittedly, he is at a career crossroads, but the chance of being able to play Premier League football at Leeds may be too good to turn down after a difficult period on Italian soil that also included a loan spell at Napoli.