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Liverpool have been hit by more problems after suffering yet another defeat, going down 4-1 to PSV at Anfield in the Champions League. The loss continues a dreadful run of form for Arne Slot's side and will raise more questions about the Dutchman's position at the club. Slot also lost one of his new signings to injury on another difficult night for the Reds.

• Another Liverpool horror show

  PSV took home all three points from Anfield to hand Liverpool a ninth defeat from their last 12 matches in all competitions. Their Premier League form has been dreadful but they had been faring better in Europe until Wednesday's loss to the Eredivisie side. Goals from Ivan Perisic, Guus Til and a Couhaib Driouech brace made it another wretched night for the Merseysiders which has dropped the team into 13th place in the Champions League standings. The result also piles more pressure on Slot, with fans now wondering how the manager can turn around his team's dismal form.

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  Ekitike injury hands Slot yet another problem

  Slot also lost summer signing Hugo Ekitike to injury during the match. The France international, who has scored six times for his new club so far this season in all competitions, was forced off just after the hour mark in a worrying development for Slot and was replaced by Alexander Isak, who had started the game on the bench. Slot revealed before kick-off why he'd left Isak out of his XI, telling TNT Sports: "Alex, I think in the last four weeks, he played 30 minutes. Then he played with us for 70 minutes in a game that wasn't so intense, I would say, because we dominated ball possession so much. But I think I could see that it wasn't easy for him to manage himself through those 70 minutes. So then, if you have another number nine also, who is very good, then it makes sense to play the other one, and that's Hugo [Ekitike] tonight."

  The Sweden striker has endured a poor start to his career at Anfield following his big-money move from Newcastle United and once again failed to find the back of the net against PSV. Isak has now failed to score in nine Premier League and Champions League outings, with his only goal for the Merseysiders coming against Southampton in the League Cup.

• Slot reacts to PSV defeat

  Slot spoke to TNT Sports after the match and admits it's a tough result to take. He said: "I want to be positive about the players after we went 1-0 down. We came back into the game and had enough chances to go 2-1 up and at half-time I don't think anyone would have expected us to lose 4-1. After conceding to make it 2-1, we had chances to make it 2-2, and then we conceded another goal. It's hard to take. The only way to go is go through now. We have to face what we're in and fight really hard."

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• Liverpool legend blasts defence

  Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has shared his thoughts on the team's current struggles and feel the backline is a problem. He said on TNT Sports: "They’re conceding too many goals, they’re wide open in transition, look very vulnerable and unstable as soon as the ball turns over. Anfield tells the story, the seats were empty with 10 minutes to go, as soon as the third went in the game was over. PSV were excellent, by the way, and totally deserved the victory. Liverpool’s problems become deeper, the pressure intensifies even more and there needs to be a lot of soul searching tonight, for sure. They need to stop the bleeding, they’re conceding too many chances They look wide open.

  "The personnel’s not right in the back four. It’s going to be like deja vu for Arne Slot tonight because he’s going to watch it back and go: 'Yeah we had periods of control, we looked okay at times'. But individual mistakes again, wide open on transition, wide open for counter-attacks and conceding too many goals."

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois da oficialização da partida entre Nova Iguaçu e Vasco, no Maracanã, o consórcio publicou uma nota criticando o Cruz-Maltino. Para os administradores do estádio, o clube de São Januário buscou a vitimização.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco

– Vale repudiar o comportamento do Vasco SAF que, tirando proveito da mencionada indefinição momentânea, buscou uma vez mais o caminho da vitimização em um caso em que sequer é o mandante da partida – diz um trecho da nota.

A liberação do Maracanã ocorreu depois de uma longa discusão. O final feliz se deu após representantes do Vasco, Nova Iguaçu e da Federação de Futebol do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Ferj) comparecerem ao estádio e se reunirem com o consórcio.

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A bola rola para Nova Iguaçu e Vasco no domingo às 16h. A Laranja da Baixada tem a vantagem do empate. Com isso, o Cruz-Maltino precisa vencer para se avançar à final.

CONFIRA A NOTA DO CONSÓRCIO MARACANÃ:
“O Consórcio Maracanã aceitou o pedido do Nova Iguaçu para a realização da semifinal do Campeonato Carioca no Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho.

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A despeito de algumas especulações em sentido contrário, neste caso não houve recusa do Consórcio em nenhum momento, mas sim indefinições por parte dos envolvidos.

A decisão, como sempre, foi pautada em critérios técnicos, considerando a época do ano e o tempo disponível para a recuperação do gramado.

Por fim, vale repudiar o comportamento do Vasco SAF que, tirando proveito da mencionada indefinição momentânea, buscou uma vez mais o caminho da vitimização em um caso em que sequer é o mandante da partida – tudo isso para atacar o Consórcio de forma injustificada, na tentativa de angariar o apoio da opinião pública e manter a fantasiosa narrativa de que estaria sendo prejudicado.

A gestão do Maracanã é feita de forma séria, técnica e transparente, e esse comportamento lamentável do Vasco SAF visa tão somente criar fatos inverídicos para tumultuar o processo licitatório”.

Tudo sobre

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Tasmanian in line to become Usman Khawaja’s seventh opening partner in last two years

Alex Malcolm17-Nov-2025

Jake Weatherald and Usman Khawaja batted alongside each other in adjoining nets at Perth Stadium on Monday.There are similarities in their stances but that is about where the similarities end, both as players and as people. However, they have struck up a rapport already, at least publicly via the media, as two unique individuals willing to have some fun with each other.Weatherald went first, stating on the Grade Cricketer podcast that he wasn’t sure if Khawaja knew his name despite playing against him for 10 years. The clip went viral on Instagram. Khawaja struck back with a comment on the post, “Who this?”Related

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Weatherald, on his first day in an Australian dressing room, continued the fun.”He still calls me Jack, so we’ll get there eventually,” Weatherald told reporters on Monday. “Hopefully, if I get a game, he can find Jake there somewhere.”Jokes aside, Khawaja could be forgiven for not remembering names given Weatherald is potentially going to be his seventh Test opening partner in the last two years.That Weatherald still doesn’t know if he playing four days out from the first ball is an indicator of how unsettled Australia’s opening pair has been.In Weatherald’s favour is that he is the most experienced opener of the six since David Warner retired, at least in first-class cricket. Every one of his 145 first-class innings have come opening the batting. He has more first-class innings and more centuries, 13, than Khawaja does in the position, albeit nine of Khawaja’s 11 have come in Test cricket where he has turned into one of Australia’s best ever.Despite all that experience, though, a debut in an Ashes Test in Perth is a different beast. Even for a 31-year-old who has experienced some serious challenges in life, Weatherald went through what every new kid at school does on his first day.There was a moment before he spoke to reporters, where he leaned on the fence and stared up at the gargantuan Perth Stadium stands and imagined what it would look like on Friday when all 60,000 seats are occupied.”I’ve played a little bit of Big Bash cricket here, but at the same time, to represent your country in a place like this, it’s such a cool stadium,” Weatherald said. “To look out and see what it looked like, obviously with everyone full and obviously walking out to bat, I was sort of imagining what it’d be like to go out there.”He was wearing his brand-new Australia whites, with his initials, JW, embossed on them and number 66 on the back. The same number worn by his potential opponent this week, Joe Root. It could very well be a nod to Chuck Berry and “Route 66″, given Weatherald’s passion for rock-and-roll guitarists.There was, however, a number missing on his shirt. Eleven of Australia’s 13 squad members in Perth on Monday that had assembled for various media commitments also had their Test numbers embossed.Weatherald and Brendan Doggett did not. They may well do by the end of the week. But it was a subtle reminder that this school is different.He might have played BBL cricket at Perth Stadium before, with a match-winning half-century for Adelaide Strikers to win an elimination final against Perth Scorchers in his last outing at the venue. He also has a century at a full Adelaide Oval in a BBL final. But Test cricket is another level and Weatherald is aware that replicating what has made him the best Sheffield Shield opener of the past 12 months under Ashes pressure will be a huge challenge.”It’s certainly going to be a difficult thing,” Weatherald said. “That’s a part of being an international cricketer, I guess, the fact there’s lot more to it. But at the same time, I think that’s going to be the true test for myself, to go out there and just try and operate the same way. And if I walk out there and nick off first ball then I walk out the innings after and try to repeat the same thing again, in terms of my process.”Trusting his process is what has got Weatherald to the brink of a Test debut. He did not change a thing in his first net session with the team. While Khawaja, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and most others opted to face a majority of throw downs from the coaches on spicy surfaces, Weatherald stayed true to what he has been doing for Tasmania, facing the best bowlers he can in the nets to replicate match conditions as best he can.He took on a brutal spell from Pat Cummins, facing a lion’s share of his eight overs. Beau Webster found nip and awkward bounce at a slightly less venomous, but no less nickable pace. Nathan Lyon found spin and bounce as well. Weatherald took it all on. It looked incredibly hard work. But he endured with the same positive mindset he has shown for Tasmania in recent times.”He’s been a revelation for us at the top of the order,” Webster said of his Tasmanian team-mate.”We were sort of crying out a little bit for someone who can take the game away early in the innings, and he does that. We saw even a couple of knocks this year to go with his exceptional year last year, where he puts the pressure back on the bowlers. And he does it quickly. He bats how you want to as an opening of batter in Australia right now. He punishes the bad ball, and he’s really selective when the ball’s around the stumps. So he’s been excellent for us.”

Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw at Elche delivered drama on the pitch and controversy off it, with a late equaliser following Vinicius Junior’s collision with goalkeeper Inaki Pena sparking fierce criticism from Elche coach Eder Sarabia. The result extends Madrid’s winless run to three matches and exposes deeper issues in Xabi Alonso’s side.

Real Madrid's chaotic rescue amid controversial equaliser

Madrid arrived at the Martinez Valero expecting to steady themselves but Elche had other plans for them. Alonso’s team controlled long periods of possession, pushing Elche back into their defensive third, but much of Madrid’s circulation remained predictable, with few penetrative runs or combinations to break the compact defensive lines in front of them.

Elche, meanwhile, were sharp and direct, exploiting Madrid’s disorganisation whenever the first line of pressure was bypassed. It was from one such moment that Aleix Febas opened the scoring early in the second half, punishing loose marking on the edge of the box. Although Dean Huijsen equalised during a scramble from a set-piece, Elche struck back almost immediately through Alvaro Rodriguez, once again exposing gaps in Madrid’s defensive structure.

The real turning point came in the final minutes. At 2-1 down, Madrid pushed everything forward and created sustained pressure, culminating in a chaotic sequence inside the box. Vinicius collided heavily with Inaki Pena as both attempted to reach a loose ball. The goalkeeper fell to the ground clutching his face, but play continued, and Jude Bellingham finished the rebound to make it 2-2. The decision to let the advantage stand and allow the play to continue became the central talking point of the night.

Elche coach Eder Sarabia made his displeasure clear moments after the final whistle, suggesting that the refereeing had directly influenced the result.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportElche coach furious over late-goal refereeing decisions

Replays showed Vinicius' knee colliding with Pena’s face in the aerial contest, leaving the goalkeeper visibly dazed. Elche players protested immediately, insisting the challenge prevented Pena from contesting the rebound. VAR upheld the referee’s decision, allowing the goal to stand, and the frustration in the home dugout boiled over.

Coach Sarabia did not hold back in his post-match interview, making his stance unmistakably clear.

"No, I'm not happy, not at all. I already told the players I was gutted, and when I saw the decisive calls, I'm even more so. The foul before the second goal (for Madrid) wasn't a foul at all. What's more, it was a counter-attack that could have made it 3-1. And then Vinicius doesn't touch the ball, it hits Peña in the face. Peña didn't see the play. Vinicius hits him in the face, that's why his face is like that. It's a clear foul," Sarabia said.

"It makes me angry to have to waste time on these things. When you play against Real Madrid, you do so many things, you take the lead twice, and then you feel that there were factors that influenced the final result, it makes you angry."

Despite the controversy, the result keeps Los Blancos narrowly top of La Liga, but their lead has shrunk to a single point over Barcelona.

Madrid’s winless run and Alonso’s growing challenge

The draw adds to a sequence that now reads, defeat to Liverpool, stalemate against Rayo Vallecano, and another frustrating evening at Elche. Three games, no wins, and increasingly similar patterns. Madrid dominate possession, but the control lacks punch; their defensive transitions remain fragile; and their attacking ideas often become repetitive when opponents close central lanes.

At Anfield, Liverpool’s intense pressing exposed Madrid’s difficulties in chaotic, high-tempo away fixtures. Against Rayo, Madrid spent 90 minutes circulating the ball without breaking down the low block. And at Elche, the team’s mental lapses, slow reactions, and vulnerability to direct attacks were punished twice.

Alonso has spoken calmly about the situation, insisting the team remains on the right path while acknowledging the moments where standards have dipped. He has repeatedly stressed the need for sharper execution, greater discipline in rest-defence, and a broader contribution of goals beyond the usual trio of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham.

The tactical adjustments he is working toward include more controlled build-up shapes to prevent counters, better spacing to sustain pressure, and increased involvement from midfield runners. He has also urged improved focus in aerial duels and set-piece situations, both of which have cost Madrid valuable points.

Although the narrative outside the club hints at a wobble, Madrid see this period as a necessary test rather than a crisis.

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Getty Images SportOlympiacos and Girona up next for Madrid

The schedule offers little room for respite. Olympiacos await in Europe, then comes Girona on November 30. Both matches carry weight not only for Madrid’s season but also for their confidence.

Alonso has made it clear that the next steps require more urgency, more collective responsibility, and a return to the early-season standards that once made Madrid look untouchable. The team currently sits top of the league with 32 points followed by Barca 31, Villarreal 29, and Atletico Madrid 28.  

Tottenham Hotspur’s attack in 2025/26 has fallen way below the standards Thomas Frank will have expected, with the Dane previously working with numerous elite-level talents.

During his time as Brentford manager, he oversaw the likes of Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo, with both players managing to register 20+ goal seasons in the Premier League.

At present, the Lilywhites don’t have a player capable of achieving such feats, with Richarlison the current top scorer on five goals from his first 12 appearances.

Investment is no doubt needed during the upcoming transfer windows to provide the manager with the ammunition he will need to take the club to the next level.

With January rapidly approaching on the horizon, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting multiple players who will improve the situation within the final third.

Spurs’ hunt for added attacking signings this January

Over the last couple of weeks, Spurs have been named as just one of the Premier League sides interested in a move to land Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

They aren’t alone in their pursuit of the Ghanaian international, with Arsenal and Liverpool just two other clubs interested in a deal for the 25-year-old this winter.

According to TEAMtalk, the Lilywhites are willing to meet the attacker’s current £65m release clause, but it’s unclear if the player himself would be open to a move to North London.

However, he’s not the only attacker currently being lined up by the Spurs hierarchy, with Porto centre-forward Samu Aghehowa another talent the board are closely monitoring.

The Spaniard has already scored 11 times in his 18 appearances across all competitions, subsequently showcasing the impressive goalscoring nature he possesses in the final third.

The same news outlet has also confirmed that the Lilywhites are also willing to fork out a reported £80m for the 21-year-old’s signature, which could see the hierarchy splash £145m on the pair.

Why Spurs’ £102k targets would be Frank’s answer to Son & Kane

Over the last few seasons, the Spurs faithful have been massively blessed with numerous attacking talents, but none more so than Heung-min Son and Harry Kane.

The pair featured together for just shy of a decade in North London, with the duo breaking numerous long-standing records during their time alongside one another.

As a result of their success alongside each other in the Premier League, they combined between one another for a staggering 47 goals in England’s top-flight.

Such a tally is higher than any other partnership in the division’s 33-year history, highlighting the success they achieved when featuring together at the Lilywhites.

However, none of the players remain on the books in North London, with Son moving to LAFC in the recent summer window, whilst Kane joined Bayern Munich a little over two years ago.

Frank will no doubt be wishing he could rely upon such stars in the present day, but he could be about to get his own version, if the hierarchy complete deals for Semenyo and Samu this January.

The former of the duo would likely occupy the left-wing position, but did possess a huge attacking threat, as seen by his tally of nine combined goals and assists in the Premier League this season.

His underlying stats further showcase his talents in attacking areas this campaign, with the Ghanaian completing 1.9 dribbles and creating an average of 1.4 chances per 90.

Out of possession, the Cherries star has been just as impressive, subsequently making 5.3 recoveries and winning possession 0.9 times per 90 in the final third – with both ranking him in the top 15% of attackers in the league.

Games played

11

Goals & assists

9

Take-ons completed

1.9

Chances created

1.4

Progressive passes

3.6

Passes into opposition box

1.6

Shots on target

1.3

Recoveries made

5.3

However, he could form a deadly partnership with Samu in the years to come, with the Spaniard potentially being the beneficiary of Semenyo’s quality in North London.

During his spell in Portugal with Porto, the 21-year-old has already demonstrated his clinical nature, as seen by his remarkable tally of 36 goals in his first 60 outings for the club.

This campaign alone, he’s posted a 64% shot on target accuracy rate, whilst achieving a 0.86 goal per 90 record – ranking him in the top

8% of all strikers in Europe to date.

His tally of 5.9 touches in the opposition box per 90 showcases his picker instincts, which could see him getting on the end of Semenyo’s mazy runs in North London.

The duo, who earn a combined £102k, would cost a reported £145m this January, but such a figure would be superb business for two players of their quality.

Since Kane and Son’s respective departures, the club have been lacking quality in forward areas, with various moves for Semenyo and Samu finally handing Frank the talent he’s craved since taking the reins.

Frank must drop Bentancur to unleash Spurs star who's just "like Modric"

Tottenham Hotspur face PSG looking to claim revenge for the UEFA Super Cup final.

1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 26, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters will already be fearing the worst regarding their side’s bottom-of-the-table position in the Premier League.

Only a sorry two points have been accumulated so far this season, with the Old Gold hierarchy ultimately left with no choice but to sack Vitor Pereira, after Wolves slipped to their disastrous eighth loss of the campaign already away at Fulham on Saturday.

Now, the hunt is on to appoint a miracle worker in the West Midlands, who can turn around this awful start, with a whole host of names being tipped to take on the vacancy.

The latest on Wolves' hunt for a new manager

The only certainty at the moment is that Gary O’Neil will not be re-entering the Molineux dug-out.

Indeed, rumours had begun to circulate that O’Neil was the favourite to take over from Pereira and return in dramatic circumstances. But, the ex-AFC Bournemouth head coach has since withdrawn himself from the race, after holding advanced talks.

Moreover, Michael Carrick is also on Wolves’ radar, with the former Middlesbrough manager still looking for work after being let go by Boro.

With three caretaker matches in charge of Manchester United also under his belt, he could potentially relish the chance of being a saviour for Wolves in the top division.

Carrick’s replacement at the Riverside Stadium in Rob Edwards is also high up the alleged priority list, having previously lined up for Wolves as a player, before earning his managerial stripes at Luton Town and beyond.

Yet, the most out-there name being linked to the Wolves vacancy right now could be viewed as Erik ten Hag, with reports from ESPN indicating that the Dutchman is ‘interested’ in holding talks with the Molineux outfit over the vacant job.

It’s stated that Ten Hag would like to return to the Premier League after his torrid spell at Manchester United, having had his already tattered managerial reputation put through the wringer again when axed three games into his Bayer Leverkusen stint this season.

Still, even with his back-to-back failures hanging over him, ten Hag has been a success in his career elsewhere, as Wolves potentially prepare to welcome a new Nuno Espirito Santo-style figure to Molineux.

How Ten Hag can be Wolves' new Nuno Santo

Despite his sketchy recent track record, the ex-Ajax manager would also be seen as an upgrade on O’Neil walking through the door.

Indeed, despite being the butt of many a Red Devils joke by the time of his dismissal, the 55-year-old guided United to 44 top-flight wins from his 85 games in charge. O’Neil has only 25 league wins next to his name on the contrary.

With other high-profile managers also struggling to get a tune out of the Premier League giants, since he left the Theatre of Dreams, it’s clear the problems run far deeper in Manchester than just who occupies the stressful dug-out.

Nuno has also been up against it in the top division since exiting Wolves, with spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest not exactly going to plan. But, having overseen 73 wins in charge of the Old Gold in the top-flight, he is still heralded as one of the finest bosses they have possessed in the elite division in recent memory.

Despite his wobbles, Ten Hag will hope he will be seen as a similarly ambitious appointment, like when Nuno entered the Wolves dug-out in the Championship after successful stints in La Liga and Liga Portugal, when taking in his glittering managerial numbers above.

The unemployed boss collected three Eredivisie titles as manager of Ajax, with a Champions League semi-final run also being spearheaded by the Dutchman, who has been noted as being a “world-class” operator by his former United midfielder in Fred.

An FA Cup success also came his way during his hot-and-cold reign in Manchester, as the 55-year-old attempts to become a much-loved name at Molineux by steering Wolves away from certain relegation.

If he pulls that unbelievable feat off, he will definitely be seen as the second coming of Nuno – with Ten Hag also regularly setting his teams up in the Portuguese’s preferred 4-2-3-1 make-up – as another bold coup of an appointment potentially goes down a treat.

After all, landing Ten Hag would surely be seen as a more exciting development than retreading old ground with O’Neil.

Wolves want Rob Edwards after Gary O'Neil snub, timeline of appointment revealed

Is the former Luton Town boss the right man for the job?

ByHenry Jackson Nov 4, 2025

These players, and some others, will be looking to impress at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, especially with the IPL auction and T20 World Cup coming up

Shashank Kishore25-Nov-2025Prithvi ShawAfter losing his spot in the Mumbai team and going unsold in IPL 2025 following concerns over form, fitness and discipline, Shaw has rebooted his career in Maharashtra. The move has given him a fresh start, and he has responded with an impressive return to red-ball cricket – 470 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 92.33 in the Ranji Trophy. With the white-ball leg of the season beginning, Shaw is also in contention to lead Maharashtra once Ruturaj Gaikwad links up with the India ODI squad for the South Africa series. A natural powerplay aggressor, Shaw will be eyeing big runs and hoping to make a strong statement to IPL teams about what he could bring to the table in 2026.Riyan Parag is among the candidates who could captain Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026•BCCIRiyan ParagParag stepped in as Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain during Sanju Samson’s injury-enforced absence in IPL 2025, but his own form failed to reach the heights of the previous season. With Samson now moving to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Parag has a chance to reassert himself, both as a performer and as a leader, when he turns out for Assam. He hasn’t been close to an India call-up for nearly a year after a shoulder injury. His form in the recent India A series against South Africa A too was lukewarm, making this an important stretch to rebuild momentum. There’s also the Royals’ long-term captaincy to stake a claim for, with the franchise having backed him heavily since 2018.Venkatesh Iyer was released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2026 auction•Associated PressVenkatesh IyerA headline-grabbing INR 23.75 crore signing, Iyer was at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025 with major expectations around him, only to be released a year on after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Appointed vice-captain, he managed just 142 runs in seven innings with a single half-century and wasn’t used with the ball, largely because of the Impact-Player rule. With that restriction not applicable at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Iyer now has a chance to reset. He’ll likely return to the top of the order for Madhya Pradesh and take on key overs for them as they look to go one better than last year’s runners-up finish. For Iyer, this is a crucial window to remind IPL teams why he commanded such a high price just a year ago.Akash Deep is still a work in progress in T20 cricket•BCCIAkash DeepPicked for INR 8.25 crore by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of IPL 2025, Akash Deep endured a frustrating season. Family reasons forced him to be a non-starter when the season began. Then, when he returned, he picked up a niggle. And by the time he started, he seemed woefully undercooked, and went at 12.8 an over across the six games he played for three measly wickets. For someone who has climbed the ranks quickly, Akash Deep is still far from being an established IPL, or T20, player, having started with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as a net bowler and then playing a handful of games across 2023-24. But Indian fast bowlers often command top billing at IPL auctions because of the flexibility they offer with regards to team balance. Which is why a good Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy could make Akash Deep an in-demand quick when the auction comes around.Ravi Bishnoi could be in demand during the IPL 2026 auction•BCCIRavi BishnoiPicked as an uncapped player for INR 4 crore by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2022, Bishnoi has seen his stocks plummet sharply over the past year. The return of Varun Chakravarthy and the rise of Washington Sundar, who lends depth as an allrounder, has meant Bishnoi has slipped in the pecking order as far as the national team goes. His IPL fortunes have nosedived too; in the last two seasons, he’s managed all of 19 wickets across 25 matches. Having been released, he’ll hope to put in performances of note for Gujarat to once again be back in the reckoning not just among IPL teams but also the national team.Umran Malik is back to bowling at full tilt•KKR Knight ClubUmran MalikHe burst on to the scene at IPL 2022 hitting 156.9kph on the speed gun for Sunrisers Hyderabad, but the journey since has been anything but smooth. Malik’s fitness, form and attitude have all been under the scanner, forcing him to spend more time on the sidelines and in rehab than on the cricket pitch. He missed the entire 2024-25 domestic season and the IPL that followed with bouts of injury (hip and hamstring) and illness, but has since returned and has been bowling full-tilt and has even taken part in training camps under Abhishek Nayar. Importantly, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where Nayar is now head coach, have retained Malik for the upcoming season. After playing just one Ranji game in the first leg, Malik now has a chance to show IPL teams why he’ll be an asset.

The current WTC finalists have been part of some fierce battles since 2000. Here’s a list

Omkar Mankame09-Jun-20252nd Test, Cape Town, 2002This was Shane Warne’s 100th Test, and he made sure to make it his own. His 63 in the first innings helped Australia gain a sizeable lead in a thrilling partnership with Adam Gilchrist. He then picked up a six-wicket haul in South Africa’s second innings, but Australia were still left chasing a massive 331 after the hosts racked up 473.Justin Langer (58) and Matthew Hayden (96) laid the platform, but it was Ricky Ponting, who closed out a memorable win with a sublime hundred. With Warne at at the other end, Ponting brought up his century and the win with a six off Paul Adams.Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz saw Australia home in Johannesburg in 2006•Getty Images3rd Test, Johannesburg, 2006After dominant wins in Cape Town and Durban, Australia were pushed hard in the third Test. Brett Lee’s counterattacking 64 off 68 balls at No. 9, following Michael Hussey’s 72, lifted the visitors to 270 after South Africa had posted 303 in their first innings.Chasing 292, Hussey’s 89 and Damien Martyn’s 101 set up the chase, but Australia wobbled after Hussey’s dismissal, collapsing from 198 for 2 to 275 for 8. Michael Kasprowicz joined Lee with 17 still needed. The pair exorcised the ghosts of 2005, as Lee stayed unbeaten on 24 and Kasprowicz finished seven not out.AB de Villiers scored an unbeaten 106 to seal South Africa’s chase of 414•PA Photos1st Test, Perth, 2008Australia were in transition ahead of the 2008-09 home summer. It took a lower-order rescue act to lift them to 375, before Mitchell Johnson’s career-best 8 for 61 restricted South Africa to 281. With a lead of nearly 100, Australia extended it to 413 – seemingly more than enough.Enter Graeme Smith, who lost opening partner Neil McKenzie early, but then took the total to 172 in collaboration with Hashim Amla before both fell in quick succession. Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers took them to 303 before Kallis fell with the target still over 100 away. But de Villiers, who remained not out on 106, finished the job with JP Duminy.The champagne flows after South Africa’s series win•PA Photos2nd Test, Melbourne, 2008Smith hailed this result as a shift in the power balance of world cricket, becoming the first South African captain to win a Test series in Australia. In reply to Australia’s 394 at the MCG, South Africa stumbled to 184 for 7 before Duminy’s career-best 166, aided by a gritty 76 from Dale Steyn, earned them a 65-run lead. Steyn, who had taken 5 for 87 and then contributed with the bat, followed up with 5 for 67 to crush Australia’s hopes of squaring the series. South Africa chased down 183 to end two decades of Australian dominance at home.Michael Clarke raises his bat after reaching his first hundred on his home ground•PA Photos3rd Test, Sydney, 2009Australia pulled off a last-gasp win in Sydney, despite a valiant effort from the injured Smith. Batting at No. 11 with a broken left hand and sore right elbow, Smith survived 29 minutes with Makhaya Ntini in a bid to save the match, before Johnson ended the fight with five minutes left. Facing a whitewash, Australia had posted 445, driven by Michael Clarke’s 138, and gained a 118-run lead thanks to Peter Siddle’s 5 for 59. A strong second-innings show allowed Ponting to declare generously, setting South Africa 376 in nearly four sessions.The scoreboard tells the tale of Australia’s misery at Newlands in 2011•Getty Images1st Test, Cape Town, 2011Clarke’s unbeaten century took Australia to 214 for 8 by stumps on day one, and the Test was done by day three, with South Africa chasing down 155 to seal a commanding eight-wicket win. But the match was defined by a chaotic second day, where 23 wickets fell across four innings. Clarke guided the tail on the second morning to post 284, before Shane Watson and Ryan Harris ripped through South Africa, who lost nine for 47, to be bowled out for 96. But Philander, Steyn and Morkel hit back, skittling Australia for 47 – their lowest total in over a century. Smith and Amla calmly saw the day out at 81 for 1, setting up the 236-chase.Pat Cummins took 6 for 79 on debut•AFP2nd Test, Johannesburg, 2011Australia came into this Test on the back of their lowest total in 109 years. On a seaming Johannesburg pitch, they secured a 30-run lead after South Africa’s 266. Debutant Pat Cummins then gave Australia hope with a six-wicket haul, setting up a target of 310. At 19 for 2, Ponting and Usman Khawaja steadied the chase, but Morne Morkel and Steyn struck back, reducing Australia to six down with 95 still needed. The equation narrowed down to 12 with two wickets in hand. Cummins held his nerve, hitting two boundaries to seal a tense win.Faf du Plessis (left) batted over a day to save the 2012-13 Adelaide Test•Getty Images2nd Test, Adelaide, 2012For nearly four days, only one result seemed likely. Australia piled up 550 at a brisk 5.12 runs per over, powered by Clarke’s 230 off 257 balls and Hussey’s 103 off 137. They took a 162-run lead and set South Africa a daunting target of 430. On the final day, South Africa were 77 for 4 with debutant Faf du Plessis sharing the crease with de Villiers. The childhood friends battled through 408 balls in a tense blockathon. After de Villiers fell, Kallis and du Plessis added 99 runs in 235 balls, and South Africa held on for a draw with two wickets to spare.Ryan Harris wheels away in celebration after sealing the series for Australia•Getty Images3rd Test, Cape Town, 2014With the series level at 1-1, Australia arrived in Cape Town and posted 494 for 7, powered by Clarke’s unbeaten 161 and David Warner’s 135. Johnson, at his fiery best, took four wickets to restrict South Africa to 287. Warner’s second Test century set a daunting target of 511 – more realistically, survival for nearly five sessions. South Africa battled through 134 overs with two wickets in hand, but Ryan Harris struck in the final hour to remove Steyn and Morkel, preserving Australia’s unbeaten Test series record in South Africa since readmission. It was South Africa’s first defeat since becoming No. 1 in Test cricket.Travis Head’s innings proved to be the difference•Cricket Australia via Getty Images1st Test, Brisbane, 2022The Test lasted just two days and six sessions, but was packed with action, wickets, and a few runs. Brisbane served up a pitch so green it almost blended with the outfield. Australia’s bowlers were sharp and accurate, especially late in the first and throughout the second innings. South Africa’s totals of 152 and 99, with Kyle Verreynne’s 64 and Khaya Zondo’s unbeaten 36 as the top scores, fell well short. For Australia, Travis Head’s counter-attacking 92 off 96 balls proved decisive, helping build a 66-run lead. In a match where only two players passed 40 and 34 wickets tumbled in two days, his innings was the difference.

There is little to suggest that Liverpool are close to turning a corner and sustaining a respectable level of performance any time soon. What is most concerning is that the Reds and their boss, Arne Slot, have shown little sign of finding a solution to any of the many problems plaguing their campaign.

Liverpool’s Premier League title defence lies in tatters. There is a grudging acceptance across the red streets of Merseyside that Arsenal’s grip on top position is out of reach. Certainly, the gulf in quality between the two sides this season suggests that Liverpool will have to settle for a lesser prize on the league front.

Liverpool have been outclassed in successive top-flight fixtures, and change is surely needed now. Indeed, Liverpool languish in 11th place in the Premier League, having scored 18 goals and conceded 20.

Defensively, it’s been a mess, and the noise concerning Ibrahima Konate is only intensifying after the thrashing dealt by Nottingham Forest brought the French defender’s season to its lowest ebb.

Why Konate is becoming a huge problem for Liverpool

Konate, 26, was immense throughout the 2024/25 campaign, a powerful partner for Virgil van Dijk. He, of course, won the Premier League title, settling as a regular starter in Didier Deschamps’ France squad too.

Now, Konate is only offering the vestiges of that former level. What is most frustrating is that he has proven his quality before, but the loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold beside him as exposed Konate’s issues in establishing confident build-up patterns.

But these two versions of Konate are so staggeringly opposed that it is hard to accept this is the same player. Errors and baffling decision-making have been central parts of the £70k-per-week talent’s season, and you can’t help but question whether he is somewhat distracted by outside noise.

Konate is playing out the final year of his contract at Anfield, and though FSG have offered him an extension, there has yet to be a breakthrough as speculation regarding Real Madrid’s interest continues to linger.

The season-ending injury suffered by Giovanni Leoni in his first game for the club after signing from Parma for £27m this summer was a cruel blow. A detrimental blow. The 18-year-old’s absence has been keenly felt, not least because a move for Marc Guehi fell through on deadline day.

With Slot insinuating that Liverpool’s focus this winter might be on areas further upfield (heavy speculation centres on Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo), it might be that the Reds opt to make do at the back.

If this is to be the case, Slot must surely hand one of the club’s most talented young defenders a chance to shine.

Liverpool's academy Konate solution

Slot has shown a willingness to give youth a chance since taking over at Liverpool before the start of last season. Amara Nallo, for example, has been handed a few opportunities at senior level, albeit with those outings on the major stage leaving the up-and-comer beleaguered after red cards in both matches.

However, Nallo isn’t the only teenage centre-back who is playing himself toward senior contention, with 19-year-old Wellity Lucky inching toward a breakthrough after commanding displays for Rob Page’s development side.

The Spain-born defender moved to England aged 11 before joining Liverpool’s academy scene, and he has gone from strength to strength in the years since joining, having now made 60 appearances for the club’s respective youth levels.

Earlier this season, the “highly-rated” defender, as he was described by Reds reporter Ben Bocsak, made his professional debut off the bench as Slot’s side were beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace at Anfield in the Carabao Cup.

In the process, he was rewarded after being “outstanding this season” in the Premier League 2, as has been said by youth correspondent Jack Lusby.

A commanding and dominant defender with a promising ability to read and then snuff out opposition attacks, Lucky has shown that he can take his power and potential and transfer that over to contests against senior opponents. In the Football League Trophy this term, Lucky has impressed against the bustle of outfits like Crewe Alexandra and Chesterfield for the U21s.

Front-footed and fast, you could even say that he offers shades of a player like Konate, which could make adding him to the mix an attractive prospect from a stylistic standpoint.

It might not have been against top-level opponents, but for Lucky to have won 83% of his duels across the two fixtures bespeaks his incisiveness in defensive phases. Moreover, his cameo against Palace last month saw him complete all 22 of his attempted passes while making a recovery too. Small factors, but promising nonetheless.

Slot continues to show a reluctance to give Joe Gomez a run of chances, and if Konate continues to flatter to deceive, it’s surely only a matter of time before things change there.

Could that open up an opportunity for a youngster such as Lucky? After all, he has earned Slot’s approval already this year, and Nallo’s struggles under the boss’s wing suggest that Lucky could be set for a promotion sooner rather than later.

To throw Lucky into the deep end would hardly be a propitious move, but if Slot can ease him into life among the big boys, this could add an exciting and fresh dimension to a defence crying out for support.

Read between the lines and you could surmise that Liverpool will prioritise a wide forward this summer. In this, the need for academy support at the rear is significant, and Lucky could be the shrewd solution to thread the connection between the club and the fanbase back together.

Forget Isak: Another Liverpool flop is quickly becoming the new Nunez

Alexander Isak has had a wretched first few months at Liverpool.

By
Matt Dawson

Nov 23, 2025

Chema Andres has opened up about his early days in Real Madrid's youth squad under Xabi Alonso revealing the “spectacular” training sessions under the Spaniard and as he revealed he scored the first-ever goal of the Liverpool legend’s coaching career.

The youngster who scored Alonso’s first goal as a coach

Andres' journey has taken him from Madrid’s youth fields to the centre of Stuttgart’s midfield, but one of his most defining memories goes back to 2018. At just 13, he entered the Madrid academy and soon met, Alonso, who would leave a lasting mark on him.

Chema recalls that season vividly. Alonso, then beginning his coaching career in Madrid's youth academy, was still transitioning from iconic midfielder to manager. In the very first match of his managerial career, the first goal scored under Alonso’s leadership came from a young Andres. 

“He was my first coach at Real Madrid. We arrived together in the Under-14 A team, and I scored the first goal in the first match on a rebound, which is a bit of a funny story,” he said in an interview with .

But it wasn’t the goal that stayed with him the most, it was the training. 

"When training sessions finished, he would stay behind practicing passes to the goalkeepers or long balls that went straight to their feet; it was spectacular," he added. "He would have us practice with him, but of course, there was no comparison between his passes and ours."

AdvertisementgettyAndres' smooth landing and rapid rise at Stuttgart

Seven years later, Andres is no longer a youth hopeful but has since become a Bundesliga starter. After making his senior debut for Madrid in early 2025, he moved to Stuttgart this summer, seeking consistent top-flight minutes. Few expected the adaptation to be so seamless, including Andres himself.

Asked about why he chose to join Stuttgart, the 20-year-old said: "It's a team that invests heavily in young talent. They aren't afraid to put young players in the spotlight in high-level matches. They instilled confidence in me a long time ago and presented a project that was interesting to me."

In his first months, he delivered commanding performances, earning trust from manager Sebastian Hoeness and the sporting director. His physical presence, tactical maturity, and passing range made him an immediate fit.

Yet the off-field transition was tougher. “I recently saw [Alejandro] Grimaldo say it was an impossible language. I totally agree. Learning German is the hardest thing I'm doing. Luckily, I speak English well and communicate easily. But I want to keep learning and see if I can get by in German in a few months," Andres laughs.

"I'm very happy. Nobody imagined the adaptation would be so smooth, not even me. It's been a very good four months, and I hope the next four will be at least as good."

Looking back at Madrid and the U-21 dream

Despite his move abroad, Los Blancos remains in Chema’s story. His move to Germany wasn’t driven by frustration, he clarifies, though limited minutes at the Club World Cup nudged him toward a decision.

"I don't think it was the deciding factor, but it did tip the scales. I had considered it beforehand, but I waited until after the World Cup so as not to get ahead of myself," Andres says.

His development has been shaped by mentors: Raul and Alvaro Arbeloa in the Madrid academy, Lucas Vazquez and Thibaut Courtois when he trained with the first team, and his grandfather, who attended almost every match while Chema was growing up. “The poor man still hasn't been able to come see me in Germany, but he will. He's a key person in my life; without him, I wouldn't be here," he added.

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Getty Images SportThe next steps for Andres

This season, Andres has emerged as one of Stuttgart’s most promising players. His combination of height, physicality, clean distribution and reading of the game has strengthened Stuttgart’s midfield significantly. The 20-year-old has scored a goal and registered an assist in 12 games for the club across the competitions.

His contract includes Madrid’s buy-back clauses, a clear sign that the Spanish giants still believe in his ceiling. Stuttgart, meanwhile, see him as a long-term anchor in midfield.

Looking ahead, Chema keeps his objectives simple which is to earn more minutes in Stuttgart, remain a regular with Spain’s Under 21s, and finish the year better than he started it. When asked about the senior national team, he laughs it off saying: “Forget it, that’s not on my mind right now."