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It looks like Liverpool’s anticipated Premier League title is going to be tinged with a fair share of poignancy.

Last summer, Jurgen Klopp stepped down after almost nine years at the Anfield helm. It hurt, but Liverpool endured and are charging toward glory unforeseen by most all observers at the beginning of the campaign.

Liverpool’s hopeful triumph is turning into a farewell, too. One of the club’s very own is getting ready to try his hand at something new. It’s beginning to look like it’s done and dusted.

Farewell, Trent Alexander-Arnold

The most painful part is that if you really stop and think, you can see the logic. Liverpool’s vice-captain, Trent Alexander-Arnold, is on the brink of agreeing to a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid, and it hurts.

It hurts because this is one of the city’s own, nurtured from a young age to become a mainstay in Merseyside’s most successful team in several generations.

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold are on course to win the Premier League, firm favourites with a 12-point lead and just nine games left to play. He’s already lifted the title before, one of the core pillars of Klopp’s dynasty.

It hurts, but it’s hardly a shock. Alexander-Arnold has been quiet on the contract front for the campaign, and at 26 is entering his ostensible prime, having conquered the full gamut. Real Madrid are not a divisional rival (though they have been the Reds’ European bane in recent years), and they are the world’s most prestigious outfit besides.

The reasoning is clear. Alexander-Arnold wants greatness. We may not agree with his call, but it is his call.

Now, Slot needs Liverpool’s other prominent creative players to step up.

Liverpool's next Trent needs to step up

Liverpool are going to mourn the departure of their boyhood hero, but Alexander-Arnold’s decision will at least be attenuated somewhat by the likely Premier League triumph and the overload of high-class quality to keep Slot’s system purring over the coming years.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Conor Bradley, it’s your time. The 21-year-old right-back has been waiting in the wings for over a year now and has more than enough quality to rise to a regular starting role in the years to come.

Noise regarding Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong is surely going to intensify as Alexander-Arnold’s fate is sealed. Liverpool sources suggest discussions have already been held with the Dutchman’s agents, and he could join Bradley in Slot’s backline in just a few months.

However, FSG can’t and won’t expect a right-back to replicate Alexander-Arnold’s almost preternatural creative powers. Other Liverpool stars are going to need to step up in that regard, Dominik Szoboszlai chief among them.

Szoboszlai, 23, has been among Liverpool’s most improved players this season, really coming into his own since the turn of the calendar year. Liverpool signed the Hungarian from RB Leipzig for a £60m fee in June 2023, an essential part of the crucial midfield rebuild.

His ceaseless work-rate, well-oiled engine and tenacious attitude have won over the Reds fans, with Liverpool content creator Asim Mahmood even hailing him as a “champion performer” who invariably puts in an “absolute monster of a shift.”

He needs more in the output department, though, for sure. Especially now that Trent’s leaving. Across all competitions, the attacking midfielder has scored seven goals and provided six assists across 40 matches, which is a middling return at best.

Ranking among the bottom 36% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for assists and the top 19% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, you can see where the room for improvement lies.

Szoboszlai will need to make more of his technical gifts next season, not just providing more of a threat in the final third but taking Alexander-Arnold’s mantle and supplying the forwards with consistent creative support.

In fairness, there are signs that the £120k-per-week talent has made inroads on the playmaking front since Slot replaced Klopp, creating more big chances in the Premier League this season.

Matches (starts)

33 (25)

27 (22)

Goals

3

5

Assists

2

3

Touches*

57.5

48.9

Shots (on target)*

1.8 (0.5)

2.0 (0.7)

Pass completion

87%

86%

Big chances created

7

9

Ball recoveries*

5.2

4.0

Dribble (success)*

0.7 (47%)

0.7 (59%)

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

1.4

Total duels (won)*

2.9 (41%)

3.1 (45%)

It’s perhaps exciting that the peak of his high-ceilinged potential is yet untapped. Even so, Szoboszlai is one of Liverpool’s most valuable players, with Transfermarkt recording his current price tag at about £68m.

This is even higher than Alexander-Arnold’s value of roughly £63m (Transfermarkt do not consider the player’s contractual situation when making an appraisal).

It highlights the calibre of player Slot has on his hands at Liverpool, and maybe emphasises why Liverpool will be okay when Alexander-Arnold lays down his vice-captaincy and moves to Madrid.

Once hailed for his “magic” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Szoboszlai has everything he needs to become one of the greatest attacking midfielders in the modern Premier League.

He’s already regarded to be among the most valuable on the continent, and with Alexander-Arnold leaving, he will need to lead the step-up to strengthen Liverpool’s playmaking department.

Better than Isak: The "best CF in the world" wants to sign for Liverpool

Liverpool are planning to make changes to Slot’s frontline this summer.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Mar 24, 2025

Northamptonshire 219 and 372 for 7 (Whiteman 114*, Gay 85*, Procter 63) lead Middlesex 277 (Higgins 64*, Stoneman 51, Keogh 3-52) by 314 runsSam Whiteman and Luke Procter shared Northamptonshire’s highest partnership of the season to give their side hope of forcing a crucial LV= Insurance County Championship win against fellow strugglers Middlesex at Merchant Taylors’ School.Whiteman batted most of the day for his majestic knock of 114 on a pitch that showed signs of flattening out, adding 158 with his captain for the third wicket after Emilio Gay had limped off injured.However, the opener later returned to the middle, scoring a valuable unbeaten 85 that enabled the visitors to set another record by posting 372 for seven, their highest red-ball total of the summer and an overall lead of 314.With an overnight declaration likely and both sides – who occupy the relegation places in Division One – desperate for victory, it sets up an enthralling final day.Northamptonshire resumed their second innings just three runs behind the home side and wiped out that deficit when Gay flicked Ryan Higgins to long leg in the second over of the morning.Minutes later, however, the opener was hobbling off in the direction of the dressing room, having pulled up after completing a single and Procter took his place at the crease.The skipper registered his side’s first boundary of the day, clipping opposite number Toby Roland-Jones neatly to the rope as both he and Whiteman proceeded to take advantage of wayward deliveries on the leg side.Apart from one wild thrash outside off stump by Whiteman against Tom Helm, there were no alarms for either of the pair as they extended their side’s lead to 51 before rain arrived around 12.30pm.With lunch taken early, only 20 minutes were lost and, soon after the resumption it looked as though Helm had fashioned a breakthrough when an apparent leg-glance by Whiteman, on 29, flew into John Simpson’s gloves.But umpire Paul Pollard remained unmoved by Middlesex’s impassioned appeal and the Australian continued to make steady progress as he brought up his half-century, pulling Ethan Bamber to the fence at square leg.The home side rotated their bowlers – including eight overs of Sam Robson’s occasional leg-spin – without success and Whiteman’s edge through the slips off Roland-Jones for four lifted the partnership into three figures.Another downpour later in the over triggered a further delay at 161 for two but, once the players re-emerged, Procter completed a watchful half-century, his second of the campaign, from 135 deliveries.Middlesex took the new ball at the earliest opportunity, reverting to an all-seam approach and they finally claimed the day’s first wicket in the 63rd over when Procter cut uppishly at Helm and Josh de Caires, at deep third, judged the catch perfectly.Gay, who restarted his innings on 24, appeared to be unhampered by his earlier injury and promptly pumped two leg-side fours off Higgins before dancing down the track to slam De Caires for six.Whiteman advanced to his hundred from 220 balls, driving Helm off the back foot for three as Northamptonshire began to accelerate and he eventually lost his off stump to Roland-Jones, attempting to pull.Saif Zaib soon followed, caught at point after miscuing a reverse sweep off De Caires, who also collected the wicket of Tom Taylor before a brisk knock of 48 by Rob Keogh helped Gay to propel the total beyond 350.

Manchester United’s 4-1 triumph over Real Sociedad last night was undoubtedly one of the best of the Ruben Amorim era, booking their place in the quarterfinal against French side Lyon.

Bruno Fernandes captured all the headlines and rightfully so with his hat-trick, with his goals the difference between qualifying or getting knocked out given the 5-2 aggregate scoreline.

Compatriot Diogo Dalot also got himself on the scoresheet, hopefully giving the 25-year-old added confidence in the side after struggling to impress in recent weeks.

It was an all-round effort from the side, with their triumph over the LaLiga outfit putting Amorim one step closer to winning his maiden trophy at Old Trafford – potentially ending the campaign on a positive note after their poor form in the Premier League.

Such a convincing performance will give confidence to the manager but also many of the players who have been unable to perform throughout 2024/25.

Hojlund & Zirkzee’s stats for United against Sociedad

Despite their lack of goals in this campaign, Amorim opted to start with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee as part of the front three, with both managing to produce admirable displays.

The Dane may have failed to find the back of the net once again, but he managed to register the assist for Dalot’s late strike, making himself a nuisance to the opposition and winning four of his six aerial duels.

He also completed 84% of the passes he attempted, creating three chances for his teammates, having a real positive impact within the final third.

As for the Dutchman, he also failed to find the back of the net but managed to register four efforts on goal, offering a constant threat in the final third throughout.

The 23-year-old also completed three dribbles during the win, finding a teammate with 100% of the long balls he attempted, starting to show his quality after his disappointing start to life at Old Trafford.

However, despite the showings of the aforementioned pair, one other player stepped up, potentially being Amorim’s new version of a star who thrived at Sporting CP.

The player who is Amorim’s new Gyokeres

Striker Viktor Gyokeres has been a name constantly touted with a move to United, potentially following Amorim to England after his impressive form in Portugal.

The Swedish international has registered 82 goals in his 90 appearances for Sporting, with many supporters wanting the manager to be reunited with his former talisman.

However, strikers in today’s market cost a fortune, potentially making a deal too expensive this summer, but the fanbase shouldn’t worry, with midfielder Fernandes showcasing that he’s capable of making the jump to being the boss’s new talisman.

The 30-year-old has been a shining light throughout 2024/25, still managing to produce the goods despite their lowly Premier League standing, which sees them sit in the bottom half of the table.

He’s notched 26 combined goals and assists to date, with his three goals only bolstering his already impressive record despite the lack of success endured by the first-team.

Bruno has now notched 10 goals since the manager’s appointment in late November last year – the most of any player – showcasing his talents, making it unthinkable as to where they’d be without him.

Despite his deep-lying role, he registered six efforts on goal, creating four opportunities for his teammates in the process – producing a sensational attacking display.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

3

Shots taken

6

Chances created

4

Aerials won

1/1 (100%)

Recoveries made

9

Tackles won

2

He also won 100% of the aerial duels he entered, whilst making nine recoveries and winning two tackles, demonstrating his importance at both ends.

His goalscoring record is truly phenomenal for a midfielder, consistently producing the goods when needed, with Amorim always able to rely on him to get the side out of trouble.

While a striker is undoubtedly a priority this summer, Fernandes has proved he’s capable of being the star man under the new management side, hoping to play a pivotal role in any future success during his tenure.

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Chennai Super Kings have signed South Africa fast bowler Sisanda Magala as a replacement for the injured Kyle Jamieson.Jamieson, the New Zealand seamer, was signed for INR 1 crore at December’s mini-auction but suffered a recurrence of a lower-back stress fracture shortly before last month’s Test series against England. He is expected to miss several months of cricket, including the upcoming IPL.Magala, 32, was unsold at the auction and has never previously featured in the IPL. He joins Super Kings at his base price of INR 50 lakh.Although he has not played a T20I for South Africa since April 2021, Magala impressed for eventual champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the inaugural edition of the SA20 at the start of this year. He finished the tournament joint-fifth on the wicket charts with 14 scalps at an economy of 8.68.While Magala has a reputation as a death bowler, he was a threat in the powerplay during the SA20, taking half of his wickets within the first six overs. He is also a useful lower-order batter who has hit two half-centuries in his T20 career.Super Kings will play in the opening fixture of IPL 2023 against defending champions Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, but it remains to be seen if Magala will be available at the start of the tournament.As ESPNcricinfo recently reported, South African players involved in their upcoming ODI series against Netherlands will arrive late at the IPL. While the squad is yet to be named, Magala was awarded a central contract earlier this month and is involved in the ongoing series against West Indies, suggesting he is likely to be included for the Netherlands series.

The Champions League knockout rounds often deliver plenty of entertainment, with some truly mammoth ties reaching epic conclusions over the years.

There is always time for drama, excitement and comebacks galore across any two-legged tie, and when the continent’s finest get involved, it is often the sport at its very best.

Indeed, while the final is usually a dull affair, the knockout rounds are where all the fun is. With that in mind, we look back on 16 all-time classic knockout ties.

16

Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Malaga

2012/13 quarter-final

Malaga have only ever qualified for the Champions League once, where they enjoyed a shock run to the quarter-finals in 2012/13, but were ultimately bested by Borussia Dortmund.

It was close, though. The Spanish side held Dortmund to a goalless draw in the first leg before taking a 2-1 lead in the second with just minutes to go. In stoppage time, however, Dortmund scored twice through Marco Reus and Felipe Santana to book their spots in the semi-finals in dramatic fashion.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Spaniards, especially as Santana had looked to be offside for the eventual winner.

15

Manchester United 5-6 Real Madrid

2002/03 quarter-final

Ronaldo was the star as Real Madrid dumped Manchester United out in the quarter-finals in 2002/03. Madrid installed a commanding lead following a 3-1 victory in the first leg through goals from Luis Figo and a Raul brace.

Despite United edging a seven-goal thriller at Old Trafford, Ronaldo’s memorable hat-trick secured a 6-5 win on aggregate.

Ronaldo’s second goal, which saw him expertly control a long pass and then volley past United ‘keeper Fabien Barthez in one fluid motion, became one of the most iconic in Champions League history.

14

Manchester City 4-4 Tottenham Hotspur

2018/19 quarter-Final

The first leg of the 2018/19 quarter-final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City was a narrow affair, with the Lilywhites running out as 1-0 winners in the first European game at their new stadium. The second leg, however, was a goal-fest.

City led 3-2 after just 21 minutes, before Sergio Aguero’s goal put City ahead on aggregate on the hour mark. But Fernando Llorente’s controversial goal – which saw the Spaniard bundle the ball into the net with his hip (though some may say his arm) – sent Spurs through on away goals.

In stoppage time, Raheem Sterling thought he had won it, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. An absolute modern classic.

13

Chelsea 6-5 Napoli

2011/12 round of 16

The 2011/12 last-16 tie between Chelsea and Napoli was a true tale of two ties.

Napoli dominated the first leg in Italy, winning 3-1 thanks to goals from Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi. With the Blues on course for an early exit and dismissing manager Andre Villas-Boas between the two legs, they produced a dramatic turnaround at Stamford Bridge.

After goals from Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard levelled ​​​​​​the tie in regular time, Branislav Ivanovic scored the winner in extra-time to send Roberto Di Matteo’s side to the quarter-finals. We all know what happened next.

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By
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12

Bayern Munich 4-4 Man United

2009/10 quarter-final

Away goals proved decisive as Bayern Munich knocked out Manchester United in the 2009/10 quarter-finals, progressing despite a 4-4 aggregate scoreline.

Bayern snatched a first-leg victory with a late Ivica Olic winner, though were up against it as United took control at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils led 3-0 in the second leg after goals from Darron Gibson and Nani. However, Olic struck before half-time, and Arjen Robben’s stunning volley in the 74th minute secured Bayern’s passage on away goals. The Bavarians went on to lose the final against Inter in Madrid.

11

Milan 5-0 Inter

2004/05 quarter-final

Not a comeback thriller, but a drama-filled derby – Milan took the bragging rights in emphatic fashion during their 2004/05 Derby della Madonnina quarter-final against Inter.

Milan won the first leg 2-0, with Jaap Stam and Andriy Shevchenko on the scoresheet. In the return fixture, they extended their advantage with Shevchenko adding another goal before the match was abandoned in the 72nd minute due to crowd trouble, as Inter fans threw flares onto the pitch – one of which struck Milan goalkeeper Dida.

UEFA handed Milan an automatic 3-0 win on the night, making it 5-0 on aggregate.

The chaos also spawned one of the most iconic images as rivals Marco Materazzi and Rui Costa took a moment to admire the flames.

10

Roma 4-4 Barcelona

2017/18 quarter-finals

After losing 4-1 to Barcelona in the first leg of the 2017/18 quarter-finals, Roma’s chances of progressing to the last four seemed slim.

However, in front of their home fans in the second leg, they stunned the football world by winning 3-0, overturning the deficit to progress on away goals.

Edin Džeko opened the scoring in just six minutes, before Daniele De Rossi and Kostas Manolas sealed the comeback. His header was later immortalised by some iconic Peter Drury commentary.

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By
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9

Chelsea 7-5 Liverpool

2008/09 quarter-finals

Chelsea and Liverpool have seen out some classic matches over the years, but none have been quite as good as their meeting in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2008/09.

Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, Liverpool came flying out of the blocks in the return fixture at Stamford Bridge, scoring two in the first half to level the scores on aggregate.

Chelsea then scored three goals to make it 6-3, seemingly sealing the tie, but Liverpool responded with two goals in quick succession to set up a tense finish. As Liverpool pushed for an away-goals triumph, Frank Lampard scored Chelsea’s fourth, ending the Reds’ hopes of a dramatic comeback.

8

Deportivo 5-4 Milan

2003/04 quarter-finals

Milan were the heavy favourites heading into their quarter-final tie with Deportivo La Coruña in 2003/04, and things went according to the script in the first leg, with the Italians winning 4-1 at the San Siro thanks to goals from Kaka, Andriy Shevchenko and Andrea Pirlo.

However, in the second leg back in Spain, Deportivo did the unthinkable, thrashing Milan 4-0 at the Riazor. Fran’s 76th-minute strike proved to be the crucial goal that sent them into their first, and still only, Champions League semi-final.

7

Chelsea 5-4 Barcelona

2004/05 round of 16

Chelsea’s 5-4 aggregate win over Barcelona in the last-16 in 2004/05 had it all: a comeback on home soil, one of the Champions League’s greatest-ever goals, and peak Jose Mourinho dramatics.

After a 2-1 first-leg loss at Camp Nou, Chelsea stormed into a 3-0 lead in 19 minutes at Stamford Bridge, but Ronaldinho’s magical toe-poke made it 3-2, meaning the Catalans were headed for the quarter-finals.

John Terry, however, had other ideas, heading in a late winner to seal a dramatic win for the Blues, which Mourinho celebrated in a pile-on with his team while Ronaldinho and Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard were having a scuffle with security.

Very few Englishmen decide to make the move abroad, but why exactly is that the case?

England's national team at the 2018 World Cup stood out for one glaring reason: they were the only squad without a single overseas player.

Contrast this with tournament winners France, boasting players from five different countries, or runners-up Croatia, with talent spread across eleven leagues. Even minnows Iceland had a squad playing in a staggering fourteen different countries.

This has since changed slightly, with stars such as Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane currently plying their trade abroad, but it's still a rarity to see an England international make the move abroad.

This begs the question: in an era of globalised football, why are English players so reluctant to venture abroad? It's a complex issue, with reasons ranging from financial dominance to historical precedent and even a touch of linguistic laziness.

Getty ImagesMoney Talks: Premier League riches keep stars at home

Let's face it: money is a major motivator. The Premier League reigns supreme as the highest-paying league in the world. In 2019, total annual expenditure on player and staff salaries reached a staggering £2.9 billion. This dwarfs the wages offered in La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, or the Bundesliga. While giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Juventus, and Bayern Munich can compete at the very top, the financial disparity becomes truly stark when comparing the Premier League's mid-table and lower-ranked teams.

Consider this: Crystal Palace, a team consistently finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League, boasts a wage bill exceeding that of for example Atalanta and Udinese combined. That's a Premier League team with a bigger wage bill than two reasonable Serie A teams combined.

The Championship, too, is a financial powerhouse. The best-paid players in England's second tier earn a reported £80,000 per week, and over 150 players rake in an annual salary of almost £800,000. No other second division globally even comes close. With such vast sums of money swirling around at all levels of the English game, it's easy to see why players from around the world flock to England and why English players have little incentive to leave. Why would you actively choose to reduce your income?

AdvertisementAFPHistorical baggage: A lack of overseas aspiration

Beyond the financial lure, there's a historical element. While Brazilians dream of playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona, and Norwegians aspire to Premier League glory thanks to the trail blazed by legends like Ole Gunnar Solskjær, English players typically grow up dreaming of playing for Liverpool or Manchester United. There isn't the same ingrained connection to or motivation to pursue a career abroad.

Real Madrid and Barcelona, however, remain exceptions. Their global stature and immense resources have attracted the likes of Laurie Cunningham, Steve McManaman, Jonathan Woodgate, Michael Owen, David Beckham and Gareth Bale. Beckham, in particular, has played in leagues across the world and his move to Real Madrid sparked the interest of many budding English footballers.

Language barriers and a lack of adaptability

A significant hurdle is the lack of adaptability and poor language skills of many English players. The UK's education system and a sense of national arrogance contribute to a reluctance to learn other languages. The United Kingdom and North Korea are likely the two most monolingual societies on earth.

While English is widely spoken, the major footballing nations don't predominantly speak it. English players often flock to the USA or Australia, where the language barrier is absent, but these leagues don't offer the same level of competition as Europe's top divisions.

Language is crucial for communication and integration, and for footballers where communication is key, it's even more important. Players who do venture abroad often struggle with homesickness, fail to adapt, and return home relatively quickly. Michael Owen spoke of his difficulties adapting to life in Madrid, which is not something that all the money in the world can solve.

Even Gareth Bale, a major success at Real Madrid, faced criticism for his Spanish skills and perceived disinterest in embracing the local culture. These experiences, whether fair or not, create a perception that deters others from taking the plunge.

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Getty Images SportBrexit and beyond: A changing landscape?

English players are typically expensive, have a reputation for struggling to settle, and are often perceived as lacking the technical and tactical skills required for leagues like La Liga or Serie A. Brexit has further complicated matters, making it more difficult for less established players to move to Europe.

However, the tide may be turning. The most recent England squad featured three players based outside the UK: Kieran Trippier, Jude Bellingham, and Jadon Sancho. Sancho's move to Borussia Dortmund, in particular, has been a resounding success, demonstrating that young players can thrive abroad. His success is an example to any other aspiring footballer.

Other young talents like Reiss Nelson, Rhys Oxford, and Ademola Lookman have also gained experience in Europe. Senior players like Ashley Young and Aaron Ramsey have enjoyed success in Italy. This relative success is changing perceptions of British players and making them a more attractive target for European clubs.

Ultimately, moving to a new club, city, and country is challenging, even with a solid grasp of the language. When you factor in earning less money, a lack of language skills, and the upheaval of uprooting a family, it's understandable why many English players are hesitant to play abroad. However, as other nations and a handful of English players have demonstrated, that experience can be invaluable for personal development and for the national team's prospects.

There is less than a week to go until the transfer window slams shut, and so far, Arsenal have signed no one.

Mikel Arteta’s side are still just about in the Premier League title race and going strong in the Champions League, but with significant injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, attacking reinforcements are a necessity.

Now, there has been a constant stream of links to top strikers such as Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, but so far the only player who looks likely to sign on the dotted line before February 3rd is Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Nypan.

However, just because nobody has joined the club this month doesn’t mean the recruitment team have been doing nothing, as a couple of weeks ago it was revealed by Sami Mokbel that Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi looks set to join the club in the summer, although even at £51m, he’ll be worth millions less than one of his new teammates.

Why Arsenal want Martin Zubinmendi

Now, it would be fair to say that, on the surface, midfield reinforcements don’t look like a pressing matter at the moment.

However, when you take into account the fact that the contracts for both Thomas Partey and Jorginho are set to expire in the summer, things start to look very different.

So, with the need for more bodies in the middle of the park clear, why have the club supposedly identified and committed to spending so much on Zubimendi of all players?

Well, one of the key benefits to signing the Spanish international is that he appears to be more than capable of playing as a traditional number six as well as an eight, thus giving Arteta more flexibility when setting up his teams, and as we now know, he loves players who can play more than one role.

However, versatility is not the only skill the San Sabastian-born maestro possesses, as he showed in the European Championships final last summer that he’s more than capable of controlling a game against some of the best attackers in the world when he had to come on for the injured Rodri at half-time.

The 25-year-old didn’t put a foot wrong and more than justified manager Luis de la Fuente’s pre-tournament claim that the La Real star is one of the “best central midfielders in the world.”

It wasn’t a one-off either, with respected analyst Ben Mattinson describing the 25-year-old’s “superpower trait” as the fact that he “doesn’t do much wrong” and has “near-perfect decision-making.”

With that said, even at £51m, Zubimendi would not be close to the valuation of one of his potential teammates at Arsenal.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Zubimendi

So, to get straight to the point, the Arsenal star in question is none other than Declan Rice, who became the Gunners’ record signing in the summer of 2023 when he joined the club from West Ham United for a staggering £105m.

Now, even though that is an enormous amount of money for a player, he is actually worth even more today, with FOTMOB now valuing him at a whopping €130m, which is about £109m, or £58m more than Zubimendi is set to cost.

That might sound like an outrageously high price tag, but aside from a few lacklustre games earlier this season, it would be hard to say that the Englishman has not been worth his initial fee and is undeserving of this new valuation.

Appearances

41

39

1

Goals

3

7

0

Assists

4

11

0

For example, since joining the club, the midfield monster, whom journalist Sam Dean described as “a different beast,” has made 81 appearances, played in three positions, scored ten goals and provided 15 assists.

Moreover, on top of hoovering up everything in the midfield, the 26-year-old has become incredibly adept at marauding through the middle of the pitch with the ball at his feet and has become a world-class corner taker to boot.

Finally, while Martin Odegaard remains the club captain, it’s impossible to ignore the leadership role that the 62-capped Englishman has taken on in the team, with Arteta often asking him to relay information from the sidelines and reports emerging that he has taken the exciting Max Dowman under his wing during training.

Ultimately, Arsenal should absolutely be confirming the Zubimendi deal as soon as possible, but he’ll have to reach utterly sensational levels at the Emirates to see his valuation get anywhere close to Rice’s.

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Para a surpresa de zero pessoas, o Palmeiras goleou o Deportivo Táchira e completou a fase de grupos da Libertadores com uma campanha perfeita, com 100% de aproveitamento. A tendência era exatamente essa devido aos adversários de qualidade bastante inferior. No entanto, o time de Abel Ferreira honrou essa superioridade e fez história na competição continental.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasScarpa desconversa sobre renovação com o Palmeiras, e Abel diz: ‘Ele já sabe o que eu penso’Palmeiras25/05/2022VídeoVÍDEO: Assista aos gols da goleada do Palmeiras sobre o Táchira pela LibertadoresVídeo25/05/2022PalmeirasAbel defende identidade do Palmeiras: ‘Ainda que o escudo fosse tapado, todos saberiam que é nosso time’Palmeiras25/05/2022

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Com quatro goleadas e duas vitórias convincentes, o Verdão garantiu a melhor campanha de todos os tempos na fase de grupos da Liberta e ainda marcou o maior número de gols dessa etapa desde o início da disputa do torneio, em 1960. Foram 18 pontos conquistados, 25 tentos anotados, apenas três sofridos e um saldo de 22 gols. Um retrospecto para não deixar dúvidas sobre quem é o bicampeão.

E foi com esse status e respeito ao próprio patamar que atingiu que o Palmeiras não tomou conhecimento de Deportivo Táchira-VEN, Independiente Petrolero-BOL e Emelec-EQU. Diante de adversários desse calibre, não bastava apenas vencer e passar para as oitavas de final, era preciso ser contundente e honrar o trabalho no clube.

-Nós éramos claramente melhores, acredito que foi por isso, na minha opinião foi isso que aconteceu. Nós éramos muito melhores que os nossos adversários – disse Abel Ferreira em entrevista coletiva.

– É fruto e consequência de trabalho duro, de disciplina, de organização, de ambição, de muita gente que trabalha dentro do clube, que vocês não sabem, não veem, nós é que estamos lá é que sabemos. Nós vivemos de títulos, é consequência e nós temos objetivos muito claros, é para isso que trabalhamos diariamente, esses dados são consequência do que nós fazemos, em nenhum jogo disse “temos que bater esse recorde”. A única coisa que eu peço a eles é que cada um que entre em campo dê o melhor de si – completou o treinador palmeirense.

De fato o Palmeiras era muito melhor que seus três adversários, mas também porque o Palmeiras é melhor do que praticamente todos os outros 31 clubes que disputaram a fase de grupos. O favoritismo seria claro em qualquer outro cenário. Na configuração que o sorteio ofereceu, acabou que Deportivo Táchira, Petrolero e Emelec eram realmente muito abaixo da média. Mas não há “culpa” alviverde aí.

A aniquilação do recorde de gols marcados na história da fase de grupos (25) é uma prova de que o deve foi feito com láureas, com o lastro de quem é o bicampeão da Libertadores e de quem vai entrar forte para buscar o tri. Se já havia um favoritismo, ele ficou ainda maior, mesmo com os adversários “fáceis”. A forma com que o Palmeiras tratou os obstáculo mostrou que o patamar é alto.

Com vantagem para decidir os confrontos em casa até a semifinal do torneio, o Palmeiras entra forte no mata-mata e com os pés no chão, sempre levando em conta a seriedade com que tem tratado a competição nesses últimos anos e nessa fase de grupos. O segredo talvez esteja justamente aí, não é a sorte, não é a fraqueza do rival, é a forma que Abel, elenco e clube têm trabalhado esta fase histórica.

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Rovman Powell, Fabian Allen, Dasun Shanaka and Sikandar Raza are among the 14 overseas players signed by Dubai Capitals, the team owned by the GMR Group in the UAE’s International League T20.Dushmantha Chameera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Niroshan Dickwella, Hazratullah Zazai and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are the other big names, while Scotland’s George Munsey and Netherlands’ Fred Klaassen are the two Associate players. Four domestic (UAE) players will be drafted at a later date.Among the current signees, Powell is the only one who is part of Delhi Capitals, the franchise partly owned by the GMR Group in the IPL.”Being a part of T20 cricket’s most extravagant set-up, the Indian Premier League, for 15 years now – we felt that it was the right time to expand our wings on to the global popularity charts of this format of the sport,” Kiran Kumar Grandhi, the managing director of the GMR group and chairman of Dubai Capitals said.”The International League T20, which is scheduled to be launched in the United Arab Emirates in January 2023, is a perfect stepping-stone for GMR Sports towards building the Capitals universe comprising of a galaxy of cricketing stars from all corners of the world. We are looking forward to making a world-class city like Dubai, our home as Dubai Capitals.”Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are the other teams who have announced their overseas roster for the ILT20. The six-team league has been sanctioned by the Emirates Cricket Board and will take place between January 6 and February 12.Dubai Capitals squad so far: Rovman Powell, Dushmantha Chameera, Hazratullah Zazai, Fabian Allen, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sikandar Raza, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dan Lawrence, Blessing Muzarabani, Isuru Udana, George Munsey, Fred Klaassen

Roy Keane questioned Manchester United's philosophy after they drew 0-0 with Manchester City in a drab derby at Old Trafford.

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Man Utd draw 0-0 with Man CityKeane takes aim at performanceClaims 'philosophy' chat is flawedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

United boss Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system has received criticism in some quarters and Keane claimed they need to be more versatile rather than sticking to something that isn't working. Their ex-midfielder also says he doubts that they will challenge towards the top of the Premier League next season.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT KEANE SAID

Keane said on : "The manager is going to stick with it. That's the gamble he's taking. If he's not getting football results we're talking about next year when he will no doubt get an opportunity to get players in the summer, we will be able to judge him better. That's his belief and philosophy and that's fine. But I like the philosophy of winning football matches. I don't remember sitting with the players I played with – and some brilliant managers – when we discussed our philosophy. United tried to play out from the back and got caught a couple of times. I don't like that. I'd like to be proven wrong and United are in the top four or five next season but I don't see it. I saw Forest the other night, I was kicking my cups of tea over. They were never going to score."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

United have won just two of their last eight league games, against seemingly-doomed Ipswich and Leicester. They are seven points off the top half and Amorim claims he he is "in a rush" to improve their fortunes.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?

United are in Europa League quarter-final action this week, heading to Lyon for the first leg on Thursday. They then face Newcastle away before hosting the Ligue 1 side in the second leg the following week.