The straight-talking Australian has replaced Nuno Espirito Santo in the City Ground dugout, but he must change his ways to survive

After a brief stay of execution, the axe has come down on Nuno Espirito Santo at Nottingham Forest just three games into the new season. The Portuguese has paid the ultimate price for a behind-the-scenes feud with recently-appointed global head of football, Edu, speaking candidly about his frustrations in the transfer window and the deterioration of his relationship with notoriously ruthless club owner, Angelos Marinakis.

Bizarrely, the decision to sack Nuno was confirmed shortly after midnight on Tuesday. Thirteen hours later, his replacement was already in situ; after brief links with a clutch of Premier League managers and the out-of-work Jose Mourinho, former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is Forest's new head coach.

It is a divisive appointment that is certain to ruffle some feathers after the Australian led Spurs to both a Europa League crown a dismal 17th-place Premier League finish in a bewildering 2024-25 campaign that was plagued by injuries. The 60-year-old is seemingly charged with delivering more silverware at the City Ground, but he must learn from past mistakes to be a long-term success.

Getty Images SportTactical antithesis

One of the most glaringly obvious issues with this appointment is that Postecoglou is a tactical misfit for a club whose success under Nuno in 2024-25 was built upon defensive solidity, a willingness to bide their time and control games without the ball, and relying on swift transitions and deadly counter-attacking.

Meanwhile, 'Ange-ball' – as it came to be known at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – is a possession-based system that is dependent on hassling opponents with high pressing, inverted full-backs creating overloads in midfield and the defence holding a very high line, with an uncompromising emphasis on all-out attack.

The Australian was often called out for being far too gung-ho and increasingly self-destructive in his approach during his time at Spurs, with his side found out on multiple occasions from the midway point of 2023-24 after a strong start where they seemed to have caught many of their rivals cold.

That gradual deterioration culminated in a humiliating 17th-placed finish in the league last season courtesy of some incredibly haphazard defensive displays, as Tottenham set the ignominious record for the most defeats without being relegated in a 38-game Premier League campaign (22). Notably, there were two losses to Forest among them, as the Midlands club secured one-goal victories home and away.

Something, then, has got to give as Postecoglou takes the reins at the City Ground. You could argue that he will have the players at his disposal to implement his ideas once again, with Morgan Gibbs-White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Elliot Anderson and more probably well suited to his system, but Nuno has already drawn up a blueprint that really works – his successor will be taking a huge risk if he decides to rip it up and start again.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFitness woes

A crippling injury crisis provided the backdrop to Tottenham's nightmarish 2024-25 league season, and Postecoglou regularly attributed blame to their lengthy list of absentees as his side struggled to compete domestically. However, many of the coach's detractors pointed to his demanding methods as the root cause of the raft of muscular issues, and there will be concerns of a repeat on the banks of the Trent.

As reported by in January in the depths of the crisis, when Spurs had no fewer than 11 names unavailable, there was "no time for respite" in the 60-year-old's high-intensity training sessions, with the same vigour expected on the training ground as it is on the pitch on matchday with the aim of overpowering and outrunning the opposition. Indeed, injuries are supposedly even deemed par for the course as players adapt to the Australian's modus operandi.

Notably, the north Londoners' head of medicine and sport science, Geoff Scott, left his role at the end of 2023-24 after a 20-year association with the club, purportedly after a fallout with Postecoglou over his handling of the first team's workload and the recovery of those who are injured. Key stars were often rushed back or even played through the pain barrier throughout his tenure.

Nuno had already questioned Forest's readiness and depth on the eve of the new season as they prepared to fight on four fronts rather than three, after qualifying for Europe for the first time in 30 years and being promoted to the Europa League at Crystal Palace's expense, insisting his squad was "very, very far from where we should be". Although further additions have since been made, the lack of quality alternatives was a big problem at Tottenham, and the incoming boss can't afford to run his best players into the ground again.

AFPRisk of revolt

The new head coach could well find himself at the centre of a hostile situation at the City Ground, where a new manager wasn't needed and his predecessor was hugely popular having guided the club back into Europe for the first time in three decades. For many, Postecoglou wouldn't have been the first or even second choice to replace Nuno, either.

When it became clear that the Portuguese's position had become untenable amid the souring of his relationship with owner Marinakis and global head of football Edu, the likes of Mourinho, Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Mauricio Pochettino were linked with the role – all of whom would arguably be more appealing to the Garibaldi faithful, albeit the latter four are currently in work and therefore would be difficult extract.

"Postecoglou is about as far removed from the Steve Cooper and Nuno school of football as it is possible to get," GOAL writer and Forest fan Chris Burton says. "Jose Mourinho, for all of the obvious questions that he poses, would have been a better fit for a counter-attacking model that leans heavily on defensive stability. If Postecoglou goes full Ruben Amorim-mode and refuses to change his ways, then he will find out that the tide can turn quickly on Trentside."

It would be difficult to dispel the buoyant mood around the club after an exceptional 2024-25 campaign, but Postecoglou will still have some work to do to get the fans fully onside. Despite his ultimate downfall, that was something he succeeded in doing in north London amid initial scepticism over his appointment, as the ex-Celtic boss fostered an us-against-them mentality.

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Getty Images SportEuropean pedigree

It's pretty clear that Postecoglou has been hired by virtue of his unlikely Europa League triumph last season, as he dragged his beleaguered Tottenham side to a predictably ugly victory over fellow Premier League strugglers Manchester United in Bilbao in May to end an agonising 17-year trophy drought, a success that belied Spurs' embarrassing league position.

In that moment, the Australian had rather bewilderingly maintained his status as a manager who has more or less guaranteed silverware throughout his storied career, even managing to stay true to his word after bullishly claiming that "I always wins things in my second year" in a now-famous post-match interview eight months prior. However, it wasn't enough to save his job.

As Forest prepare to embark on their own Europa League journey following their promotion from the Conference League, it's feasible that Marinakis believes a repeat is possible as he looks to follow Spurs through the backdoor into the promised land of the Champions League. He will believe they have the squad to compete in Europe.

The Forest owner actually presented Postecoglou with an award at a Greek Super League event in July for his achievement, saying at the time (as quoted by : "What he achieved, he did with a team that has not won any titles, it has had a very difficult time in recent years. Wherever he goes, the successes will come."

Gary Lineker has been best known for his presenter roles over the last 25 years, however, in his playing days, he was one of England’s greatest strikers.

At club level, Lineker starred for Leicester City, Everton and Tottenham, while also heading to Barcelona in 1986, the same year he won the Golden Boot at the World Cup for the Three Lions.

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The ex-forward, who almost signed for Manchester United before heading to Spurs in 1989, never received a yellow or red card during his career.

But who does Lineker see as his greatest of all time? He answered that question and, despite honourable mentions for Johan Cruyff and Zinedine Zidane, Lineker named his four-player Mount Rushmore of all-time greats, with no room for Cristiano Ronaldo.

4 Pele Brazil

An attacking icon for more than 20 years from 1956, Pele actually holds the record for most goals scored with 1,279 in 1,363 games.

He won three World Cups with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970, and at club level, spent 18 years with Santos. Pele was the first player on Lineker’s Mount Rushmore, and following his passing in 2022, Lineker said:

“Pele’s hugely significant in not only the development of football, but also in football itself and the enjoyment of football – which is the most important thing. It’s an entertainment business, and he was one of the great entertainers – through his pure skill, talent and ability. He was also a proven goalscorer.

“Pele was an out-and-out goalscorer, and he’s played a huge part in football. The name Pele is just synonymous with football.”

3 Diego Maradona Argentina

Next on Lineker’s Mount Rushmore is someone who broke his and England’s hearts at the 1986 World Cup, Diego Maradona.

His famous Hand of God goal against England on the biggest stage has gone down in history, but he also scored one of the best individual goals in the same game to help Argentina win 2-1.

Maradona took his country to a World Cup triumph that year, and at club level, he starred for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell’s Old Boys.

Following Maradona’s passing, Lineker said: “By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time. After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he’ll finally find some comfort in the hands of God.”

2 Ronaldo Brazil

Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, nicknamed O Fenomeno and R9, also makes Lineker’s list, with the powerful striker winning two World Cups for Brazil.

As Lineker states, Ronaldo missed large parts of his career through injury, but when he was fully fit or close to 100%, he was unstoppable on his day.

1 Lionel Messi Argentina

Rounding off Lineker’s Mount Rushmore is Lionel Messi, who tops the charts as his “favourite player of all time”.

With his ties to Barcelona, the Englishman has been vocal in his thoughts about Messi all throughout the Argentine’s career, calling him “a gift from the footballing Gods”.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, finally lifted the World Cup in 2022, with Lineker calling the magician “the best player of all time”.

Years Messi has won the Ballon d’Or

Club

2009

Barcelona

2010

Barcelona

2011

Barcelona

2012

Barcelona

2015

Barcelona

2019

Barcelona

2021

Barcelona

2023

Inter Miami

Liverpool have met a roadblock in their quest for greatness, and this one might prove insurmountable.

Time was when FSG were perceived as being misers, unwilling to fork out for the big targets that Jurgen Klopp wanted to advance his Anfield project.

But after this incredible summer of spending, who can argue against the Liverpool owners’ intent now?

Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season at the club, finishing ten points ahead of second-placed Arsenal despite relaxing standards early, with the title wrapped up at the end of April.

But Liverpool’s rivals have also spent this summer, intent on dethroning the Reds. Though Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and the like have strengthened Slot’s first team and then some, there have also been several departures.

The latest of which looks set to be Darwin Nunez, who leaves Merseyside with a thick air of untapped promise.

Why Liverpool are selling Darwin Nunez

In all honesty, it doesn’t seem likely that sporting director Richard Hughes would cash in on Nunez and Luis Diaz, who joined Bayern Munich for £65.5m last week, without pre-established plans for some kind of dynamic attacking successor.

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is that man. The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed that “there’s a very good chance” Isak will leave St. James’ Park this summer, with “his preference being Liverpool.”

Though Liverpool have already signed Ekitike, Isak has proven himself at the highest level, and the Sweden striker could certainly cohabit with Liverpool’s mobile attacking recruit.

The fact of the matter is that Isak’s relationship with Newcastle and Eddie Howe is broken, albeit not irreparable. This is Liverpool’s time to swoop in and sign “the best striker in the Premier League”, as Isak has been named by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.

There are plenty of variables which could disrupt FSG’s marquee move, however, and not least of which is the Magpies’ £150m valuation of their number nine.

Liverpool begin plan for Isak alternative

According to L’Equipe, Liverpool are considering acting on their long-standing interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola this summer, should a move for Isak fall through.

The left-sided Barcola would be seen as a direct Diaz replacement, and is renowned as one of the brightest talents in French football.

PSG do not want to sell the 22-year-old and have valued him at €100m (about £87m), though Liverpool clearly have the funds, having seen a £110m offer for Isak knocked back last week.

Why Liverpool want Bradley Barcola

Two years ago, Barcola left Lyon and signed for PSG in a €50m package including add-ons. Across the 2023/24 campaign, he started slowly, but came alive last term, notching 42 goal contributions across all competitions (including the Club World Cup).

Renowned for his blistering pace and ability to manipulate tight spaces with quick feet and balletic whirls, Barcola would be a credit to the Liverpool project, instrumental across the Ligue 1 side’s earth-shattering quadruple campaign, winning their maiden Champions League title along with all the goods in France.

Given that Barcola ranks so highly against his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues and is considered to be a statistically similar star to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, as per FBref, it does feel like Liverpool could hit the jackpot if they complete a deal.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has even declared the Frenchman to be “one of the best left wingers in Europe”, having risen from prospect to prodigy since leaving Lyon for the Parisians.

Barcola’s one of those players best analysed through the eye test, because picking at his qualities through the data diminishes him. Even so, he chalked up quite the impressive return last season.

Most Goals + Assists from Top 5 League LWs (24/25 – all comps)

Player

Apps

Goals

Assists

G + A

Raphinha

57

34

25

59

Bradley Barcola

58

21

19

40

Vincius Junior

51

20

17

37

Cody Gakpo

49

18

7

25

Luis Diaz

50

17

8

25

All data via Transfermarkt

This blooming level of prolificness suggests Barcola could be the perfect Isak alternative, should Liverpool be forced into ending their interest in the 25-year-old.

Barcola might not be a centre-forward (though his dynamism lends itself to alternative roles across the frontline), but he would certainly arrive at Liverpool with the properties to replace Diaz, who Slot used as a makeshift number nine many times last term.

He’s fleet-footed, but there’s also the notion that he has more of a creative capacity than Diaz, and that could be used to establish him as a leading member of Slot’s Liverpool team.

Ekitike will need plenty of creative support as he attempts to find his feet in the English top flight, but then the France forward, 23, has been praised by football scout Jacek Kulig for his talents, the analyst saying, “he could definitely reach world-class striker levels.”

With this in mind, is it truly crucial that Liverpool complete a deal for Isak this summer? Liverpool, after all, have only Cody Gakpo as a senior option on the left wing now.

Rio Ngumoha is an incredible prospect, but he’s only 16 years old; chucking him into the deep end this season could derail the hype train.

Given that Gakpo is more of a goalscoring wide forward, focused on cutting inside and striking on goal, Barcola would provide Liverpool with the perfect contrasting foil, blending flair against economy of movement.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Barcola is viewed as a “world-class player” by those in the FSG offices after all.

So is Isak, but then, Carragher said on The Overlap that he doesn’t “want Liverpool to spend £150m on Isak”, citing such a fee as Kylian Mbappe-level money.

Given that Barcola would be affordable for a much cheaper, though still hefty, figure, Liverpool might want to push ahead with a deal for the PSG man, whose signature might just prove the more fruitful of the two.

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It is fair to say that it has been a frustrating summer for Tottenham Hotspur and new head coach Thomas Frank since the transfer window opened for business.

In terms of first-team additions, Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United is the only new player to arrive in the building, along with permanent deals for last season’s players Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel.

The Lilywhites did think that they were on course to seal a deal to sign Nottingham Forest star and England international Morgan Gibbs-White to bolster their options in the middle of the park.

However, the Tricky Trees prepared legal action after what they deemed to be an unlawful approach from Spurs, and they have now agreed a new contract with the player.

Along with missing out on Gibbs-White, Tottenham may also lose captain Heung-min Son this summer amid interest from MLS outfit LAFC, who are willing to pay £15m for the attacker.

A decision will reportedly be made on his future after the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, but the Europa League champions are open to cashing in on him.

Why it could be the right time for Spurs to sell Heung-min Son

Son turns 34 next month and is reportedly the highest-paid player at the club on a wage of £190k-per-week, which means that the club would save a lot of money if they were able to move on from him this summer.

Due to his age, there has been a natural regression in his performances on the pitch for the Lilywhites. His return of 11 goals in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign was his lowest goal tally since his first year in England in the 2015/16 season.

24/25

46

11

23/24

36

17

22/23

47

14

21/22

44

24

20/21

49

21

19/20

41

18

18/19

48

20

17/18

53

18

16/17

47

21

15/16

36

7

As you can see in the table above, Son has consistently delivered in front of goal for the majority of his career in England, but his powers are waning and now may be the right time to move on from him.

The South Korea international may not be able to get back to scoring 20 or more goals a season at the age of 34, given his decline last season, which is why the club should consider accepting the £15m offer from LAFC this summer.

Whilst it would be sad to see Son move on from Tottenham after ten years of service, his exit would create room for new heroes to emerge, and one of those new heroes could be a controversial figure.

Spurs eyeing swoop for Arsenal forward

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham Hotspur are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a potential move to sign £45m Arsenal centre-forward Gabriel Jesus.

The report claims that Inter, Milan, Newcastle United, Barcelona, and Spurs are all keeping tabs on his situation at The Emirates, with a view to a possible swoop for his signature.

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It adds, though, that a move in the January transfer window may be more realistic for the Brazil international, because he is currently sidelined with an ACL injury and is not expected back until around October.

This would be a controversial move because Spurs have only ever signed two players from Arsenal at first-team level in their history, William Gallas on a free transfer in 2010, and Laurie Brown all the way back in 1964.

However, Jesus has the potential to be an exciting addition to the squad if Frank can get him fit and firing, as he could be a dream replacement for Heung-min Son.

Why Spurs should sign Gabriel Jesus

If it gets to January and the Brazilian forward is fit and available to step in and play immediately, it is a deal that could be worth exploring for the Lilywhites because of the quality that he can provide on the pitch.

Like Son, Jesus is a versatile right-footed attacking player who is comfortable playing through the middle as a centre-forward or as a winger on the left flank, which means that he could slot in and play in the two main roles that the South Korean star currently plays.

There will, of course, be concerns over the fact that he currently plays for the club’s biggest rivals, Arsenal, but if the player is willing to make the move then it should be welcomed, as he is a Premier League-proven attacker who can make a big impact when fit.

Jesus has scored 76 goals and provided 45 assists in 229 matches for Manchester City and Arsenal combined in his Premier League career to date, which shows that the forward can offer quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

24/25

6

3

0

23/24

17

4

5

22/23

24

11

6

21/22

21

8

8

20/21

22

9

4

19/20

21

14

7

18/19

8

7

3

17/18

19

13

3

16/17

8

7

4

As you can see in the table above, the 28-year-old attacker has delivered 76 goals in 146 starts in his Premier League career, just shy of one every other start on average.

This shows that Jesus, who was once hailed as “exceptional” by Pep Guardiola, is a consistent and clinical goalscorer when fit and available, which is why signing him could be a worthwhile gamble for Spurs this summer or in January.

The Brazilian attacker could be Frank’s new Heung-min Son as another versatile attacking option who has the potential to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis when at his best.

At the age of 28, he is also almost six years younger than the South Korea international, which means that Spurs could get more out of him in the long-term if they decide to cash in on their captain in order to fund a controversial move for the Arsenal man.

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There may be a fair bit of opposition to this, due to the Arsenal part of it, but purely based on Jesus and his quality as a player, it could be a good move for Spurs as Frank’s next version of Son.

Manchester United have now made an official approach to sign an “unbelievable” Premier League player, who could join alongside Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, according to a report.

Man Utd stepping up Baleba pursuit

Despite shelling out £74m to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig last week, Man United still remain active in the transfer market, and they have now set their sights on Brighton’s Baleba to bolster their midfield options.

Taking to X, Fabrizio Romano has recently revealed the 21-year-old would be eager to make a move to Old Trafford, meaning contract terms could be a formality, although it could still be tricky to get a deal over the line.

Ruben Amorim’s side have focused on bringing in new signings with Premier League experience this summer, having already added Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to their ranks, and they are now looking to sign a defender from one of their top-flight rivals.

That is according to a report from Football Transfers, which states Man United have now made an official approach to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, in order to assess whether he would be willing to make a move to Old Trafford.

United are eager to finalise a deal for the defender, who has now entered the final year of his Palace contract, but there could be competition for his signature, with rivals Liverpool also named as potential suitors.

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Given that Guehi is in the last year of his deal, there have been suggestions that a deal could be possible for around £40m, with Steve Parish reluctant to lose him on a free next summer.

Guehi could be "unbelievable" addition to Amorim's backline

It could be difficult for Man United to compete for the Englishman’s signature, with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool also in the race, while Chelsea are also well-known to be admirers of their former player.

It may also not be viewed as a priority to sign a new centre-back after Baleba, given that goalkeeper is arguably a bigger problem area, with Andre Onana subjected to widespread criticism last season.

However, the Palace captain could undoubtedly compete for a starting spot with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, and there are signs he could be an upgrade on the former, having outperformed the Dutchman across some key metrics over the past year.

Statistic per 90

Marc Guehi

Matthijs de Ligt

Blocks

1.62

1.16

Tackles

1.79

1.23

Clearances

4.8

3.88

Lauded as “unbelievable” by England teammate Anthony Gordon, Guehi is well-placed to be a success at Old Trafford, but signing a new midfielder should remain the priority, given that Casemiro is now arguably past his best.

Western Australia, the three-time reigning champions, haven’t lost a game this season so far

AAP16-Nov-2024Stumps Lower-order resistance helped Victoria claim a 206-run first-innings lead in their Sheffield Shield clash with three-time reigning champions Western Australia.After being skittled for 167, WA appeared to be containing Victoria at the Junction Oval when the hosts were 207 for 6 on Saturday. But No. 9 Xavier Crone hit an unbeaten 62 from 65 balls, smashing three sixes to help Victoria reach 373.Fellow lower-order batters Fergus O’Neill (44) and Sam Elliott (26) also chipped in to make WA’s bowlers toil in hot conditions for most of the day.Opening bowlers Joel Paris (3 for 44) and Cameron Gannon (3 for 59) as well as spinner Corey Rocchiccioli (3 for 115) took all but one of WA’s wickets.WA had to bat for the last hour before stumps on Saturday, reaching 33 for 1 with Sam Fanning and Jayden Goodwin at the crease. Opener Cameron Bancroft, who has endured an unfortunate form slump after dominating the Shield for the past two seasons, struggled again. After recently being overlooked for a call-up to the Test team for the first time since the 2019 Ashes, Bancroft fell to O’Neill for 11. In the first innings on Friday, Bancroft could only manage 12, also losing his wicket to O’Neill.Victoria have set themselves up nicely to become the first team to beat WA in the Shield this season. WA are aiming to claim a fourth straight title, and were undefeated after three matches before they headed to Melbourne.

Will he, won’t he? That is the question dominating those of a Liverpool persuasion, with it likely to prove an anxious few weeks amid the wait to see if Alexander Isak will make the jump to Anfield this summer.

Rival supporters are raising their eyebrows at such interest in the Newcastle United man, not least considering the £256m that has been spent so far, albeit with prior claims indicating that Arne Slot’s side could fork out for him and still be in the clear, considering how well the club has been run.

Having waited patiently amid a muted 2024 summer window, the Reds have sprung into action this time around, lasering in on Isak to solve their centre-forward woes, with the hapless Darwin Nunez seemingly heading for the exit.

The Uruguayan scored just seven times in all competitions last season, having been given the cold shoulder by Slot, while stand-in false nine Luiz Diaz has since secured his own departure, after joining Bayern Munich on a £65.5m deal.

That latter move has also heightened the need for competition for Cody Gakpo on the left flank, with recent reports indicating that the Merseysiders may well be looking toward a Premier League solution to bolster their attacking ranks.

Liverpool enter race for another Premier League addition

Isak remains priority number one right now, with reports suggesting that Liverpool are ready to lodge a bid of around £130m, following the bombshell news last week that the Swede had informed Newcastle of his desire to leave.

Despite rival interest from Saudi Arabia, the 25-year-old appears to have his heart set on making the move to Anfield, with the Magpies said to be lining up RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as his replacement.

Away from solely focusing in on Isak, however, Caught Offside have suggested that the Premier League champions have also entered the race for Crystal Palace playmaker, Eberechi Eze.

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As per the report, while it is Arsenal who lead the race for the England international, they are facing ‘stiff competition’ from the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and now Liverpool, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur also in the mix.

The 27-year-old is being lined up as a potential replacement for the outgoing Diaz, according to the piece, with the player’s £68m release clause likely to be an attractive prospect for any interested suitor.

Why Eze could be another Isak level signing

The beauty of signing a player like Isak is the fact that he has already proven himself in the Premier League, having scored 54 goals in just 86 appearances in the competition, following his arrival in the summer of 2022.

In that same time frame, Nunez – for example – has played 95 times in England’s top-flight, albeit while netting just 25 times, highlighting the significant upgrade that the Newcastle man would represent.

A terror for Premier League defences, Isak has already been described by Virgil van Dijk as “definitely the most in-form striker at the moment in world football”, with that glowing praise coming prior to the striker’s clincher in the Carabao Cup final triumph in March.

Such Wembley heroics are also familiar to that man Eze, with the former Queens Park Rangers starlet having scored the only goal as Palace saw off Manchester City in the FA Cup final just a few months later.

That crucial strike marked the versatile forward’s 14th goal of the campaign in all competitions, having also chipped in with a further 11 assists amid his role in a left-sided number ten berth.

Eze record vs the ‘Big Six’ – all comps
Club	Games	Goals	Assists
Arsenal	7	1	0
Chelsea	9	1	1
Liverpool	7	1	1
Manchester City	9	2	1
Manchester United	11	0	0
Spurs	7	3	1
Total	50	8	4
Stats via Transfermarkt

Like Isak, the fleet-footed “magician” – as hailed by The Telegraph’s Sam Dean – has seemingly reached talismanic status at his current side, with now the perfect time for him to take that next step to a club operating at the summit of the European and English game.

Like Isak too, Eze has also showcased what he can do at Premier League level on a consistent basis, having registered 57 goals and assists in 146 games in the competition to date, 16 of which came in 2024/25.

Of course, there is undoubted excitement over deals for the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, although quite how that trio will fare in English football remains to be seen.

In Eze – the man who scored at Anfield in Palace’s 1-0 win back in April 2024 – there would be no such need for concern or questioning. This is a player who can immediately make an impression on Slot’s starting lineup.

With Isak leading the line, and the Englishman operating off the left flank, the Merseysiders could have a new deadly combination to unleash next season.

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Angus Sinclair

Jul 30, 2025

Since Ben Stokes became Test captain in 2022, he has made a note of addressing his England squad ahead of each series.His first that summer was an array of individual chats which took place St George’s Park, England’s national football centre, where the team had gathered for medical screenings, outlining his vision. Ever since, they have taken the form of speeches to the whole group – usually a refresher on the values and ethos that have been cultivated (and challenged) over the last two years.This time, however, Stokes took a different tack. With the team congregating in Queenstown ahead of Thursday’s series opener against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval, the captain stood up and, in his words, “cleared the air with the lads”.Perhaps for the first time, it was more for him than them. Stokes wanted to relay how unhappy he was with his conduct on the recent Pakistan tour. He had gone into the series still recovering from the hamstring tear that ruled him out of the Sri Lanka series at the end of the home summer. And though he was able to return to action for the second and third Tests in Multan and Rawalpindi after nine weeks out, he was not his best self, as England succumbed to a 2-1 defeat.He let his frustrations get the better of him on the field in Multan after an array of dropped catches and misfields, which he apologised for at the time. Then came a lax display of captaincy in the decisive third Test, compounded by two failures with the bat.Those around Stokes at the time noted something was off, and it soon emerged that his house had been burgled during the second Test, understandably taking his thoughts elsewhere. He wanted to return home to support his family, who were in the house at the time of the break-in, but stayed on in Pakistan at the insistence of his wife, Clare.Even with that mitigating factor, the weeks back home allowed Stokes to reflect that the image and negative energy he had projected was at odds with the leader he wants to be. The drive to regain fitness and his visible exasperations were, in his mind, selfish – counter-productive to the calm dressing-room environment he regards as a key pillar for an England side still working itself out.”It was one of my hardest trips,” said Stokes. “But also one that I’ve hugely benefited from.Related

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“I had my hamstring injury, and as soon as I could get going again, I had a focus on a date to get back. I worked incredibly hard for a very, very long period of time. And then when we got out to Pakistan, obviously pushing and pushing and pushing myself to get ready for that first Test, made a late call and then tried to get myself ready for the second Test.”I’ve been pretty honest with myself and pretty honest with Baz and the team as well, that I got so individually focused on myself over a long period of time of trying to get back from injury.”I actually I did physically drain and ruin myself, which definitely had some kind of mental impact on me. I sort of almost worked myself too hard to get back to fitness, and then all of a sudden, I was out in a Test match.”It’s made me realise that me being a captain, me being the leader of this team, I can’t take myself into that sort of area ever again – focusing on myself so much as an individual. And there’s no doubt that my frustration was showing when things weren’t quite going our way.”That definitely has an impact on, not only the players around me, but also the group and the management around you as well. Because everyone’s walking on eggshells around you, because they can sense it. But it wasn’t till I got home that I realised that then, obviously, with the robbery happening, that made more of everything for me out there.”Ben Stokes has a hongi with a Ngāi Tahu member at Hagley Oval•Getty Images

Stokes’ words in Queenstown were understood to be well received, with an encouraging sense that no such apology was necessary, but appreciated nonetheless. So much of Stokes’ captaincy is about looking out for others, whether diverting praise their way or shielding them from criticism.In a year in which England have lost as many Tests as they have won (seven), along with a destabilising injury and home invasion, falling short of those high standards is only human. Nevertheless, the drive for improvement is admirable ahead of what will be a challenging three-match series against the Blackcaps.”It was a realisation for me that, right, okay, if I ever find myself in this situation again, I need to maybe take a step back and think about what’s best for the team,” he added. “Because I feel like when you’re in a position that I’m in, you always need to be focused on that, as opposed to yourself, if that makes sense.”It was nice to get home, relax, chill out … you know, assess Pakistan, individually, which I think should hopefully help the team go forward again. I think it’s another step forward for me as a leader, as well as understanding certain things where I need to be better.”If Stokes is keen to re-ground himself, he could not have picked a better spot. He was, of course, born here in Christchurch before moving to Cumbria at the age of 12.He tends to bristle when his New Zealand roots are brought up, mostly through cynicism that his background is often used to discredit his Englishness. But Stokes remains fiercely proud of his Kiwi roots. That was particularly evident when he and Blackcaps skipper Tom Latham led their sides in the Mihi Whakatau – a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony – on the Hagley Oval outfield.England know not to expect as warm a welcome on the field, having failed to land a series win in four consecutive visits since 2008, but things are a little different for Stokes. Family connections remain strong in the South Island’s largest city, led by his mother, Deborah. And while Stokes’ motivation to drive England forward remains strong, the setting adds a unique emotional layer for England’s captain.”This is a great place to tour for the team, but obviously for myself, it’s more than that,” he said. “It’s a chance to see family, catch up with family who I don’t get to see. You know, pretty much the whole of the Stokes family is in Christchurch. They’re coming down to the Test match this week.”I came out earlier than the team did to surprise my family. Only a couple of them knew. They managed to keep it secret. So this tour, obviously, is more than just cricket for me. I try and enjoy this country as much as I possibly can. It’s a great place to tour, but, yeah, it’s great for me to be able to see people who I don’t get to see that often. And so there’s more to it for me than there is for everyone else here.”

Leeds United have placed a big emphasis on improving the defensive areas of their squad during the summer transfer window ahead of the Premier League opener against Everton.

Daniel Farke has added Lucas Perri, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, and Anton Stach to improve the strength of the team out of possession.

The Whites have also brought in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in the centre-forward position to compete for a starting spot as the number nine, but they have yet to bolster their options out wide since Manor Solomon returned to Tottenham Hotspur.

Leeds closing in on deal for defender

Despite the need for more attacking players before the end of the summer transfer window, the Championship champions are now looking to bring in another defensive option.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to LeedsUnitedNews, the club are closing in on a deal to sign Leicester City’s versatile full-back James Justin on a permanent transfer.

The report claims that the former England international is set to cost a fee of around £6m, with Leeds looking to beat Everton to his signature this summer.

It adds that Justin believes that he can come in and earn a starting spot straight away, either at left-back or right-back, which does not suggest that this is a signing with purely depth in mind.

Why this is bad news for Sam Byram

Sam Byram put pen to paper on a new one-year contract earlier this summer to play a back-up role as a versatile full-back who can play on the right or the left.

Jayden Bogle and Gudmundsson are the first-choice options at right-back and left-back, respectively, and the experienced Englishman is the current back-up in both positions.

This is why the arrival of Justin on a permanent deal from Leicester would be bad news for the Leeds academy graduate, because the Foxes star would, essentially, take his place in the pecking order.

Justin, like Byram, can play at right-back or left-back with ease and will provide strong competition in both positions, possibly being the first-choice replacement for Gudmundsson or Bogle, instead of the former Norwich man.

Appearances

36

36

Goals

2

1

Assists

2

1

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.9

1.5

Duels won per game

5.0

2.3

Ground duel success rate

59%

60%

Aerial duel success rate

55%

50%

As you can see in the table above, Justin offered more to his team defensively and in possession than Byram at league level last season, whilst playing in the Premier League.

These statistics, and the respective leagues that they were produced in, suggest that Leeds would be improving the quality of their options in both full-back positions by splashing £6m on the Foxes star to be a Byram upgrade, in a way.

Justin, who was described as an “adventurous” full-back by pundit Tony Cascarino, is a proven Premier League performer with the experience to hit the ground running at Elland Road, which also means that he will not need much time to adapt to the division.

Therefore, this could be bad news for Byram because he could be instantly dropped down the pecking order to, essentially, third-choice full-back on the right and the left, as the Leicester man can play both sides.

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Whilst it appears to be bad news for Byram and his prospects for the 2025/26 campaign, it does appear to be an upgrade and a good piece of business for Leeds, who look set to sign an experienced, strong, and versatile Premier League-level full-back to bolster their squad.

Clear your calendar for Tuesday and Wednesday nights going forward – the Champions League is back as 36 of Europe's best teams prepare to do battle across the continent over the next nine months. Last season's tournament, complete with the brand-new league phase, turned into an epic, and the 2025-26 edition of the premier club competition on the planet promises to be no different.

Picking a winner ahead of kick-off is nigh on impossible, but one thing we know for sure is that this is the competition where young players can go from being little-known talents to household names in the blink of an eye. Lamine Yamal and Desire Doue lit up the Champions League last term, while the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ayyoub Bouaddi earned rave reviews for some of their European performances.

Now, with the first batch of games set to kick-off on Tuesday, who will be the next youngsters to become Champions League icons in front of our eyes? We've put our NXGN hat on and picked out 10 teenagers born in 2006 or later who we can't wait to see make their competition debuts in the coming weeks…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham)

  Premier League fans may not realise given the maturity that Lucas Bergvall plays with, but the Tottenham midfielder only turned 19 in February, and thus has to be among the most exciting prospects currently plying their trade in the English top-flight. Bergvall opened his Premier League goal account on Saturday against West Ham, but it is the Sweden international's all-round game that has stood out ever since he broke into the Spurs line up early last season.

  Bergvall's game promises to go to the next level under Thomas Frank's tutelage, and he will this season get the chance on the grandest stage possible to show exactly why Barcelona were so upset when they missed on signing him from Djurgardens in early 2024.

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  Mikkel Bro Hansen (Bodo/Glimt)

  The Champions League comes to the Arctic Circle in 2025-26 as another chapter prepares to be written in the Bodo/Glimt fairy tale. After reaching the Europa League semi-finals last term, the Norwegian side are dining at Europe's top table for the first time, and they are doing so with a homegrown teenager within their squad who could be set for even greater things.

  Mikkel Bro Hansen won't turn 17 until January, but he has already netted seven goals in eight appearances for the Bodo first team, including two hat-tricks in the Norwegian Cup. On Friday, he fired home from the penalty spot to become the youngest league goal-scorer in the club's history, with it clear why Barca and Spurs are among the clubs to have been linked with the striker in recent months.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Max Dowman (Arsenal)

  Perhaps the most exciting English talent right now, Max Dowman's long-awaited Arsenal debut eventually arrived in August, and the way he ran rings around Premier League defenders during the Gunners' 5-0 win over Leeds United only added to the suggestion that the Gunners have got a serious talent on their hands.

  Capable of playing in central midfield or out wide, the 15-year-old will become the youngest-ever player to appear in the Champions League if he makes his European debut before the turn of the year, and given his fearless approach to the game, it wouldn't be a shock if Dowman made his first mark on the competition before the campaign is out.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich)

  Given their propensity to hoover up first-team ready players from their Bundesliga rivals and beyond, it's not always easy for Bayern Munich's homegrown youngsters to force their way into the first-team picture at the Allianz Arena. Lennart Karl, however, is hoping to buck that trend after earning the trust of Vincent Kompany.

  The 17-year-old attacker, who can play centrally or out wide, made his senior debut at the Club World Cup and, after an eye-catching pre-season, has now begun to make cameos off the bench for the Bundesliga champions. Regarded as the top talent within Germany right now, Karl should force his way onto the pitch in Europe in the weeks and months to come.