Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo in the summer transfer window, but a swoop was believed to be contingent on one of Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard leaving the Emirates Stadium.

Selling one of the pair would have freed up both funds and space in Mikel Arteta’s squad for the Brazilian, but instead, Arsenal agreed a new contract with Trossard, including a bumper pay rise, but no extension.

Arsenal also didn’t end up selling Martinelli, despite reports that his or Trossard’s departure could have led to a potential Rodrygo deal (Ben Jacobs), but it is worth noting that both players have just under 24 months on their contracts.

While Andrea Berta and co have the option to extend the former’s stay by another year, Martinelli has struggled to replicate his best form on a consistent enough basis lately, whilst failing to match his stellar 2022/2023 season, when he finished the campaign with 15 Premier League goals.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

£5m

Martin Zubimendi

£60m

Christian Norgaard

£15m

Noni Madueke

£52m

Cristhian Mosquera

£13m

Viktor Gyokeres

£55m

Eberechi Eze

£67.5m

Piero Hincapie

Loan

Uncertainty has surrounded the Brazilian’s future for the better part of a year, and Arsenal did seriously consider bringing in Rodrygo alongside the likes of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke before September 1.

Arsenal held talks over signing Rodrygo as far back as May, and reports continued to link Arteta’s side long into the window before it became apparent that a move wasn’t going to happen.

Since then, Rodrygo has been in and out of Xabi Alonso’s starting eleven for Real. He was given the nod for their 3-0 win away to Real Oviedo in late August, but managed just 18 minutes off the bench against Mallorca and was an unused substitute in their opening La Liga game of the season.

A lack of guaranteed game time could force the 24-year-old to consider his options, and according to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are very much still in the frame.

Andrea Berta's "reassessed" Gabriel Martinelli stance at Arsenal amid "key" Rodrygo claim

As per their information, Arsenal wanted around £60 million to sell Martinelli in the summer, but interested suitors were only prepared to bid as high as £40 million.

However, AC Milan are believed to be targeting the winger and could move in January, as the Rossoneri see him as an ideal replacement for Rafael Leao.

Berta has “reassessed” Martinelli’s place in the Arsenal squad and a winter departure cannot be ruled out. The 24-year-old could also still come as a “key” sacrifice to make room for Rodrygo, who they are still interested in.

It is worth noting, though, that Rodrygo currently commands a price tag of around £85 million and would demand a salary of £165,000-per-week, so it may even take more than just Martinelli leaving to raise funds for such a marquee signing — especially after a summer of lavish spending already.

نفى أشرف نصار ريس نادي البنك الأهلي، ما تردد حول وجود مفاوضات من النادي الأهلي لضم عمرو الجزار مدافع الفريق خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية المقبلة. 

وكانت قد ترددت بعض الأنباء التي أشارت إلى وجود مفاوضات من النادي الأهلي لضم عمرو الجزار مدافع فريق البنك الأهلي، لتدعيم صفوف الأحمر خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية المقبلة. 

طالع.. البنك الأهلي يهزم الجونة بثلاثية في الدوري المصري

وقال نصار في تصريحات لبرنامج “لعبة والتانية” على راديو “ميجا إف إم”: “الأهلي لم يتفاوض معنا لضم عمرو الجزار واللاعب لن يرحل عن الفريق، نحن متمسكون به، وكل ما تردد عن وجود مفاوضات من الأهلي غير صحيح”.

وأضاف: “طارق مصطفى المدير الفني السابق لفريق البنك الأهلي من أكثر المدربين المحترمين وما قاله أحمد ياسر عنه بشأن تقاضيه أموالاً وعمولات للدفع بلاعبين معينين، غير صحيح جملة وتفصيلا”.

وأردف: “طارق مصطفى حقق نجاحات مع فريق البنك الأهلي، وقاد الفريق للوصول إلى المربع الذهبي، وهو من الشخصيات المحترمة التي تشرفنا بتواجده معنا”.

The Orange Cap table

Nicholas Pooran of LSG had a chance to regain the No. 1 spot from Gujarat Titans’ (GT) B Sai Sudharsan on Tuesday, but could make only nine runs. He remains at No. 2 and is one of three LSG batters in the top six.With his fourth fifty in nine innings this season, Markram has been steadily climbing up the run-getters’ ladder. The gap between him at No. 6 and his fellow opener Marsh at No. 4 is only 18 runs. Pooran, at No. 2, is 33 runs ahead of Marsh while Jos Buttler of GT is at No. 3Suryakumar Yadav, at No. 5, remains as the second-highest Indian run-getter with 333 runs. Rahul is only ten runs behind him while Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is one run behind Rahul’s tally at No. 8.1:51

Pujara: Mukesh got reverse swing, executed yorkers

The Purple Cap table

There was not much movement among the highest wicket-takers after Tuesday’s encounter, with GT’s Prasidh Krishna (16 wickets) maintaining a healthy four-wicket lead over the bowlers at second place. With Kuldeep and Thakur finishing with no wickets, they remain tied at No. 2 with 12 wickets with GT spinner R Sai Kishore, CSK spinner Noor Ahmad, RCB fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and GT quick Mohammed Siraj.Mukesh Kumar, with his four-wicket haul on Tuesday in DC’s win, is now tied at 16th place on the Purple Cap list, although only three wickets separate him and the bowlers sharing second position.Mitchell Starc, his fellow DC pacer, claimed 1 for 25 on Tuesday to move to 11 wickets, and stands at tied eighth on the table. He is just one wicket behind the six bowlers sharing second place, while he is five wickets off the leader Prasidh.Highest batting strike ratesBest bowling economy ratesMost sixesBest bowling figures in a match

DC have a 2-0 record against GT in Ahmedabad, and this time, it will be a tussle for the top spot

Hemant Brar18-Apr-20252:58

How has Gill upped his intent in IPL 2025?

Big picture: GT defy expectations yet againGujarat Titans (GT) are the prime example of why first impressions could be misleading. Before IPL 2022, their inaugural season, no one gave them a chance. GT not only went on to win the title but also came within one ball of defending it the following year.They had a miserable 2024 but the original script seems to be repeating in IPL 2025. Before the start of the season, their top three looked all too similar, almost playing the role of anchors, while their middle order was virtually non-existent. But GT have again defied expectations and come out as one of the stronger teams in the tournament.Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler have ensured their middle order doesn’t get exposed too soon. At the same time, all three have improved their strike rates from last season. GT’s stronger suit, again, is their bowling, led by Mohammed Siraj in the powerplay, and Prasidh Krishna in the middle overs, while R Sai Kishore has made up for Rashid Khan’s below-par returns.Related

Titans hopeful of Rabada's return and Rashid's return to form

Axar Patel: 'I am not following a template' as captain

Mohit Sharma interview: 'I feel it is important to have pressure'

GT pick Shanaka as replacement for injured Phillips

On Saturday afternoon, though, they are up against a well-rounded Delhi Capitals (DC) – a team that has a 2-0 record against them in Ahmedabad. One of those games was played on a red-soil pitch, the other on a black-soil one. Unlike many other teams, GT seem to have a say in the pitch preparation at home. Given both teams have strong pace and spin attacks, it would be interesting to see what type of pitch GT dish out.With five wins from six games, DC are currently at the top of the points table. A win on Saturday will mean they remain in pole position. If GT win, they will be guaranteed the top spot, too.Form guideGujarat Titans LWWWW
Delhi Capitals WLWWWNew loyaltiesIt was at GT that Mohit Sharma’s career got a second wind. During IPL 2023, he emerged as their go-to death bowler and finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. This season, he is with DC.Team news and likely XIIsThe pitch will decide who out of Washington Sundar and Kulwant Khejroliya plays. Dasun Shanaka has joined the GT squad as a replacement for Glenn Phillips, but he may not be available for this game. There has been no update on Kagiso Rabada’s return either.Gujarat Titans (probable): 1 Shubman Gill (capt), 2 B Sai Sudharsan, 3 Jos Buttler (wk), 4 Sherfane Rutherford, 5 Shahrukh Khan, 6 Washington Sundar, 7 Rahul Tewatia, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Arshad Khan, 10 R Sai Kishore, 11 Mohammed Siraj, 12 Prasidh Krishna3:59

Ganga: ‘Matured’ Rutherford is a six-hitter

If Faf du Plessis is fit for DC, he could replace Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has scored only 55 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 105.76. Kuldeep Yadav had hurt his shoulder against Rajasthan Royals (RR), but Axar Patel hinted it was nothing major.Delhi Capitals (probable): 1 Faf du Plessis/Jake Fraser-McGurk, 2 Abishek Porel, 3 Karun Nair, 4 KL Rahul (wk), 5 Tristan Stubbs, 6 Axar Patel (capt), 7 Ashutosh Sharma, 8 Vipraj Nigam, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Mohit Sharma, 12 Mukesh KumarThe big question: A spin-offRashid, Sai Kishore and Washington on one side. Kuldeep, Axar and Vipraj Nigam on the other. Who will come out on top?In the spotlight: Sherfane Rutherford and Tristan StubbsHis struggle against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) notwithstanding, Sherfane Rutherford has provided plenty of solidity to GT’s middle order. Building on the platform set by the top three, he has scored 158 runs in six innings at an average of 39.50 and a strike rate of 166.31. This is way better than his overall T20 numbers: average 23.48, strike rate 136.06. With Phillips out of the tournament, Rutherford’s form becomes even more important for GT.Tristan Stubbs is showing why he was one of the four players retained by DC ahead of the mega auction. With 152 runs in six innings, he is their third-highest run-getter this season. But Stubbs’ genius lies in the details. He has a strike rate of 211.53 in the death overs, while his overall dot-ball percentage of 17.20 is the best in the league (min. 50 balls faced).Key stats: Rahul vs Rashid Last season, Gill’s strike rate in the powerplay was 131.08. This time it’s 151.19. Buttler has a strike rate of 177.41 against Mitchell Starc, while getting out only once in seven innings. KL Rahul has struggled against Rashid. He has a strike rate of just 96.96 against him, while being dismissed three times in nine innings. Siraj has picked up seven wickets in the powerplay, the joint-most in the tournament alongside Khaleel Ahmed of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Among those who have bowled at least ten overs in IPL 2025, Kuldeep has the best economy rate (6.04).Pitch and conditions: Piping hotThe red-soil pitch offers good pace and bounce. The black-soil pitch is slow and helps spinners. It needs to be seen what GT choose. It’s a day game, and the forecast is of “excessive heat”, with the temperature during the match expected to be around 38°C.

Tottenham have joined the list of teams keen on signing Brentford attacker Kevin Schade, with the Bees’ former boss lining up a potential switch. Frank signed Schade from Freiburg in 2023 and now wants to reunite with the Germany international.

• Rapid rise from Bundesliga to Premier League

  Schade's rise has been an impressive one. He began his career in the youth ranks at Energie Cottbus and then Freiburg, making his Bundesliga debut in August 2021. Schade then moved to Brentford in January 2023, initially on loan before making the move permanent for a club-record fee reportedly around £22 million ($29.3m), in a deal which runs until 2028. He has faced injury setbacks during his time at Brentford, including a significant abdomen injury in September 2023 which sidelined him for several months. Despite this, he has shown promising form, particularly last season where he scored 11 goals. He also earned his first call-up to the senior German national team in March 2023. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Why the clamour for the young German?

  Schade has been hugely impressive since arriving in west London, demonstrating impressive talent and potential in attacking areas. His blistering pace is a significant strength, allowing him to exploit spaces behind defences and stretch opposing teams. Schade's athleticism is further highlighted by his strength in the air, making him a valuable target man and contributing to Brentford's set-piece threat. He recorded a top speed of 22.6mph while playing for Freiburg, marking him as one of the fastest players in Bundesliga history. Schade's growing goal contributions reflect his development. Beyond his attacking contributions, Schade is known for his relentless work rate and defensive intensity, a valuable attribute for Brentford's high-pressing style of play.

• High praise from Frank

  Speaking after Schade scored a brace against Manchester United last season, Frank said: "He’s grown a lot this season. Scoring 10 goals – not many players have scored 10 goals in the Premier League in their career – and he’ll most likely become even better next year. That’s the plan. With his pace going in behind, his threat in the box on headers – two fantastic headers (against United), the first one is an incredible header, the second one is just top class – but also if we go longer he’s one that can win a flick-on and, with set pieces in both boxes, he’s working hard."

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• AFP
  

  Spending spree for Spurs?

  Tottenham Hotspur have received a £100 million cash injection from their billionaire owners, the Lewis family, in what the club is calling a “statement of intent” – and could pave the way for Schade’s switch across London. In a powerful club statement released on Thursday, Tottenham confirmed the fresh equity boost was designed to “strengthen the club’s financial position” and “equip the leadership team with resources for long-term sporting success.” It read: "We are pleased to announce that our majority shareholder, the Lewis family trust, has, through ENIC Sports & Development Holdings Ltd (“ENIC”), injected £100 million of new capital into the Club. "This equity injection will further strengthen the Club’s financial position and equip the Club’s leadership team with additional resources to continue the focus on driving long-term sporting success. This additional capital is part of the Lewis family’s ongoing commitment to the Club and its future."

  Peter Charrington, Non-Executive Chairman, Tottenham added: "As I stated a few weeks ago, our focus is on stability and empowering the management team to deliver on the Club’s ambitions. I know the Lewis family are also ambitious for the future. Today’s capital commitment reflects that ambition and I would like to thank them for their ongoing support. We will continue to do all we can to ensure that Vinai Ventakesham and his team are supported in the best way possible to take this Club forward."

  Spurs face Aston Villa after the international break, before taking on Monaco in the Champions League. Brentford, by comparison, play West Ham prior to a clash with champions Liverpool.

Glasgow Rangers head into the first international break of the season after drawing all four of their first four matches in the Scottish Premiership.

It has not been an ideal start for the Ibrox giants or Russell Martin, who will have to wait until the middle of September, at least, before grabbing his first win in charge of the club.

There were some positives for the Gers in their 0-0 draw with Celtic, including the debut of Bojan Miovski as discussed in the clip above and a clean sheet, but there were also some worrying performances.

Thelo Aasgaard was selected to play in the number ten role for the Gers behind the Macedonia international, and failed to impress in an attacking sense.

Thelo Aasgaard's performance in numbers

The Norway international, who signed from Luton Town on a permanent deal this summer, was unable to offer a threat at the top end of the pitch, as he ended the game with zero shots on target and zero key passes, per Sofascore.

Aasgaard was also unreliable in possession, completing just 57% of his attempted passes, and Martin may not have been happy with how sloppy he was on the ball.

The former Wigan Athletic star was, however, a physical outlet for Rangers. He won nine duels, including eight of his 12 on the ground, and won two tackles without being dribbled past a single time.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Aasgaard put himself about and was up for the scrap defensively, which helped Rangers to avoid losing too many 50/50s, and was far from the worst performer for the Gers.

Martin's possible tactical mistake for Rangers against Celtic

One player who was even worse than Aasgaard against Celtic was left-sided attacker Mikey Moore, who was unable to cause Anthony Ralston many problems.

Ahead of the match, Ralston appeared to be the weak link in the Hoops defence due to the injury to first-choice Alistair Johnston. Despite that, Martin opted to move Djeidi Gassama over to the right flank to accommodate Moore on the left.

Gassama has scored four goals and provided one assist in nine appearances as a left winger for Rangers this season, which is why it seemed like he would be the most obvious option to take the game to Ralston and expose him on that side.

Minutes

72

Pass accuracy

44%

Shots on target

0

Key passes

0

Dribbles completed

1/3

Crosses completed

0/1

Duels won

4/9

As you can see in the table above, Moore did not take the game to the Scotland international and put in a disappointing all-round performance on the left flank, failing with 66.6% of his dribbles and completing just 44% of his passes.

That tactical decision also put Gassama out on the right, on his right foot, and meant that he struggled to take Kieran Tierney on down the outside in tight spaces, leaving Rangers too one-dimensional going forward.

In the end, the poor decisions in the wide areas heavily contributed to the team’s failure to create a single ‘big chance’ in the game, which left Miovski starved of service.

This is why Martin’s call to put Moore, who had an underwhelming afternoon, in on the left ahead of the usually electric Gassama was one that cost Rangers the win, as they were unable to take advantage of Johnston’s injury at right-back.

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2 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 30, 2025

Whilst it is not a guarantee that Gassama would have won the game for Rangers, his statistics as a left-winger suggest that there was a good chance that he would have made a big impact and could have sealed all three points with a moment of magic.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras viveu um dia sem muitas novidades, ainda vivendo a ressaca de mais um fracasso na busca por reforços. Tanto é que uma das notícias deste sábado (29) é a entrega da lista de inscritos para a Libertadores, mas sem adição de novos jogadores. Enquanto isso, um grupo de conselheiros cobrou transparência de Leila Pereira em relação ao patrocínio. Por fim, a tendência é que Abel Ferreira utilize força máxima diante do América-MG, neste domingo (30), pelo Brasileirão. Confira as notícias!

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+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

FORÇA MÁXIMA NO BRASILEIRÃO

Mesmo com a proximidade do duelo com o Atlético-MG, pelas oitavas da Libertadores, Abel Ferreira deve escalar o Palmeiras com força máxima para enfrentar o América-MG, no Independência, neste domingo (30), pelo Brasileirão. A única ausência mesmo deve ficar por conta de Dudu, que se recupera de dores na panturrilha direita. (Clique e leia a matéria completa)

LISTA DA LIBERTADORES SEM REFORÇOS

O Palmeiras entregou neste sábado (29) a lista de inscritos para as oitavas de final da Libertadores. O clube enviou os nomes para a Conmebol dentro do prazo estabelecido pela entidade, que é de 72 horas antes do início da fase (1º de agosto). Mesmo sem os esperados reforços, o Verdão precisou fazer mudanças nos 50 jogadores que foram inicialmente registrados para a fase de grupos da competição. (Clique e leia a matéria completa)

continua após a publicidade

GRUPO DE CONSELHEIROS COBRA LEILA

Na quinta-feira (27), 27 conselheiros do Verdão protocolaram um documento exigindo maior transparência aos contratos da Crefisa em virtude do conflito de interesses estabelecido no clube que possui presidente e patrocinadora na mesma pessoa, além de cobrar para que o processo de escolha ou de renovação do patrocínio seja conduzido de maneira democrática e com maior participação do Conselho. (Clique e leia a matéria completa)

Somerset indebted to Rew for slim resistance as tough fourth-innings challenge beckons

Alan Gardner12-Apr-2025

Tom Haines made his first hundred of the season•Getty Images

You have to go back to September 2015 for the last time Sussex won a game in Division One of the County Championship – or May of the same summer for victory at Hove. And while it would be premature to say that decade-long wait is about to come to an end, they could hardly want for a more advantageous position after two days of this encounter with Somerset.Only two members of the 2015 squad are still involved at Sussex: Ollie Robinson, currently with a foot injury, and Fynn Hudson-Prentice, in his second spell at the club after being released (Tymal Mills, now in his benefit year, is another survivor but no longer involved in red-ball). As many as four are still playing for other counties – bonus point if you can name them* – which tells you something about Sussex’s tribulations in the intervening period.Under Paul Farbrace, they have finally hit upon the right blend of youth and experience. On the back of winning the Division Two title, Farbrace eschewed talk of survival and declared that Sussex were aiming for top four as a minimum. After acquitting themselves well in their opening-round trip to Edgbaston, they have lived up to such ambitions by dictating terms against Somerset.A handy 93-run lead on first innings was secured in large part thanks to the efforts of Sean Hunt, a strapping 23-year-old left-armer, in the side for Robinson, who claimed his maiden five-wicket haul. That provided the stage for Tom Haines, Sussex’s homegrown England Lions opener, to record his 13th career hundred – and his first in the Championship’s top tier.Haines was briefly catapulted into the captaincy during the upheaval that accompanied the departure of Ben Brown (you can have that one) in 2021, a season in which he scored 1000 first-class runs, but under Farbrace has been allowed to concentrate on his own game. This was a chanceless innings as he and Daniel Hughes put on a breezy opening partnership of 184 – his third century stand with Hughes since the Australian signed last year – to leave Somerset looking for snookers in their bid to avoid defeat.Haines went to three figures with his 12th four, to go with a brace of sixes, as he skipped out to smite Jack Leach’s left-arm spin through long-on. He and Sussex’s other Horsham Tom, No. 3 Clark, added an unbroken fifty stand to stretch the lead towards 350 with six sessions left in the game.Having been blunted for exactly 200 overs in Worcestershire’s second innings during their draw at Taunton, Somerset looked more than a little listless here, with the honourable exception of James Rew, whose busy, unbeaten 80 from 83 balls prevented the day from being a complete rout. Leach was the one bowler to enjoy success, Hughes edging an attempted cut behind as a century beckoned; their only consolation may be an easing pitch, lacking the moisture of day one, which could push Sussex towards a more cautious declaration.After Hudson-Prentice had provided the spark in a raucous conclusion to the first day, Sussex drove home the advantage during Saturday’s morning session – that despite a partnership of 110 for the eighth wicket between Rew and Lewis Gregory, which staved off the threat, however unlikely, of Somerset being made to follow on.Hunt sharpened their concern with two early wickets. Tom Lammonby was defeated by extra bounce and seam movement as he inside-edged through to the diving John Simpson, Sussex’s keeper-captain then clinging on at the second attempt to remove Kasey Aldridge as Hunt jagged one across the right-hander from over the wicket. That left Somerset in sickly mood at 79 for 7, with 21-year-old Rew shouldering much of the burden during a doughty, unbeaten knock.Rew was the support act last week, his 152 against Worcestershire outshone by Tom Banton’s triple-hundred. He looked in dapper form, pulling and driving with assurance as he glided along at close to a run a ball, his one moment of genuine concern coming when a half-formed jab at Jayden Seales flew over the slip cordon for a boundary that brought up the century stand.It took Hunt just four balls to separate the pair on his return to the attack, though Gregory will not reflect on the shot with any satisfaction as he chipped tamely to mid-on. At 6ft 5in and with the ability to swing the ball from a high action, it is not hard to see why Sussex signed Hunt out of Surrey’s academy in 2021, though it has taken him time to hone those raw attributes. Leaner and meaner – and not just because of the rogue moustache that is currently popular in the Sussex dressing-room – he wasted no time in docking the Somerset tail, Simpson taking his tally of catches in the innings to five.* Ben Brown, Luke Wells, Chris Jordan, Harry Finch

Although Celtic couldn’t find a way past Red Star Belgrade, Joe Hart had plenty of praise for one star who he believes has become “underrated” under Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers: Belgrade draw a "good point" for Celtic

It was another frustrating night for Celtic in Europe as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Red Star Belgrade, but Rodgers chose to remain optimistic in his post-match reaction. The manager called for “realism” before claiming that the result gave his side a “good point” as they look to build on the result in the rest of their Europa League campaign.

Whether those at Celtic Park agree with that verdict is another question. The Bhoys were initially on course to seal all three points when Kelechi Iheanacho found his second goal in three games for the club, only for Marko Arnautovic to level things up just 10 minutes later.

The Bhoys will now turn their attention back towards the Scottish Premiership, where they’ll be looking to take their unbeaten start to six games and potentially push away from Hearts, who have matched them for every stride so far this season.

"Very, very good" – Rodgers hails "outstanding" Celtic star in Europa League

The Hoops drew 1-1 in Serbia.

ByCharlie Smith Sep 25, 2025

It’s also worth noting that it wasn’t all bad for Celtic in Belgrade. Hart reserved particular praise for a player that he believes has now become “underrated” at the club.

Joe Hart praises "underrated" Scales

Taking to X whilst on commentary duty during Celtic’s draw against Belgrade, Hart heaped praise on the “underrated” Liam Scales, who started at the centre of the Bhoys’ backline for the ninth time this season.

Dubbing the defender “safe and secure”, it’s hard to argue with Hart’s verdict. Scales enjoyed yet another impressive display against Belgrade – completing 10 clearances, three recoveries and winning five of his six aerial duels. Once again, he was simply dominant.

Whilst others have come under fire at Celtic Park so far this season, Scales has quietly enjoyed a solid start to the campaign. As far as Rodgers is concerned too, long may it continue.

If the Celtic boss can get his frontline firing on all cylinders, then he should see his side get back to their very best. The defensive foundation is arguably already in place.

Scales, alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers, the experienced Kieran Tierney and exciting prospect Colby Donovan, has completed his end of the bargain on plenty of occasions so far this season.

After finally making his first Liverpool appearance against Atletico Madrid, Alexander Isak will have his sights set on the Merseyside derby against Everton and Arne Slot has already dropped a hint about his potential role.

Isak makes Liverpool debut

It was never going to be a game that saw Isak steal the show in the same way that he so often did for Newcastle United. He’s not quite there yet, as he works his way back to sharpness. But the Swede certainly showed plenty of glimpses.

What particularly stood out is how Florian Wirtz also burst into life for the first time in Liverpool colours when combining with his fellow summer arrival. That partnership, if it continues to click, will be one to watch.

Although it’s difficult to criticise a side that have won four from four in the Premier League, Liverpool looked far more balanced against Atletico Madrid before complacency forced them into winning late on once again.

Isak, Mohamed Salah, Wirtz and Cody Gakpo formed a formidable frontline, whilst Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch proved that they’ll be a tough midfield partnership to break up for the rest of Slot’s options in that department.

Jeremie Frimpong’s influence should also be noted. The addition of a natural, overlapping full-back – which Szoboszlai did not provide – allowed Salah the space that he has been craving to cut inside and return to his most influential form.

Related Not Salah or Van Dijk: Liverpool star is now "one of the best in the world"

Liverpool left it late once more to collect a Champions League victory at Anfield over Atletico Madrid.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Sep 18, 2025

Finally complete now that Isak is up and running, the depth of quality that this current Liverpool side have at their disposal should be frightening for any Premier League rival. But after making his debut against Atletico Madrid, will Isak start against Everton in the Merseyside derby this weekend?

Liverpool vs Everton: Slot drops early Isak hint

Speaking about the Swede’s potential role against Everton, Slot told reporters that, whilst Isak surprised him, fans shouldn’t get their hopes too high for another start in a matter of days. Instead, Anfield may be forced to welcome their new star striker from the bench on Saturday afternoon.

Of course, such is the depth of talent in Liverpool’s squad, it will likely be Hugo Ekitike who starts against Everton. The Frenchman has scored two Premier League goals in four games and has looked more than capable of pushing Isak all the way for a starting place this season.