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Trinity Rodman was injured during the Washington Spirit's CONCACAF W Champions Cup group stage win over Monterrey Wednesday night and had to be removed from the game. The USWNT star couldn't put any weight on her right leg as she departed. Rodman was in distress after attempting a tackle, and left the field on crutches at half time.

• A tense moment

  Rodman took an awkward step onto her right leg while attempting to challenge an opponent shortly before half time. She was able to walk off the pitch with support, but was in tears on the bench. She limped off the pitch on crutches a bag of ice on her knee at the break. 

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  Injury problems of late

  The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Rodman, who has struggled with a litany of back problems of late. She missed nearly 4 months of action after the back injury, and was just starting to rediscover her best. The gold medal-winning forward has tallied seven goal contributions in an injury-shortened campaign. She was named to the 2024 NWSL best XI.

• 'Had to play without her for more than a year'

  Emma Hayes will likely be concerned. The USWNT coach called Rodman into her squad for the first time since April, as they face Portugal and New Zealand over the next two weeks.

  The former Chelsea boss backed her star winger to make an impact in her return, dubbing her "one of the best players in the world" in a news conference Wednesday afternoon after the roster announcement. She was expected to feature as the USWNT gear up for 2027 World Cup qualification. 

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  No immediate update

  The Spirit didn't offer any news on Rodman's injury immediately after the game. Rodman is expected to undergo scans on Thursday. It was an otherwise successful evening for Washington, who are currently second in the NWSL standings. They  strolled to a 4-0 win over Monterrey, and are currently top of Group B after four matches.

Russell Martin remains Rangers manager, but for how much longer will this be the case?

The current events at Ibrox are historic, but not in a good way, with Martin still yet to win a league match in five attempts, following last weekend’s embarrassing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hearts, making this the club’s worst start to a campaign since 1978.

Before the Gers are next in Premiership action, they’ll host Hibernian in a League Cup quarter-final on Saturday and then commence their Europa League campaign with a visit from Genk the following Thursday.

However, defeat at the hands of Hibs this weekend would surely signal the end for under-fire Martin, so should 49ers Enterprises already be making an ambitious move for an “outstanding” manager, one who would get the best out of Rangers’ best players?

Bojan Miovski's difficult start at Rangers

Bojan Miovski has only made two appearances in a Rangers jersey so far, but it is already clear that the team are not playing to his strengths.

The North Macedonian striker joined the club in late August from Girona for a fee that could rise to £4.2m.

He endured a pretty miserable spell in Catalonia, but was on fire when he was last seen in Scotland, scoring 44 times in 98 appearances for Aberdeen, four of which came against Rangers.

Against Heart of Midlothian last weekend, Miovski did miss one big chance, but touched the ball only 21 times, 12 Rangers players accumulated more, clearly not involved in general play enough.

He has previously proven that if you give him chances he will score goals, so could a change in manager transform the 26-year-old and help him rediscover his best form?

Rangers' dream Russell Martin upgrade

Matt Smith of Give Me Sport asserts that Rangers should replace Martin with Nuno Espírito Santo, which would certainly be a statement appointment should it come to pass.

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Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

The 51-year-old was controversially sacked as Nottingham Forest manager earlier this month, following a public falling out with owner Evangelos Marinakis, who chose to appoint Ange Postecoglou as his successor.

Well, the early signs are that this wasn’t the wisest move, with Postecoglou losing his first two matches in charge, battered 3-0 at Arsenal, before Wednesday night’s complete collapse in the EFL Cup, 2-0 up at Swansea only to lose 3-2, conceding twice in injury time.

Commentator Adam Summerton praises the “outstanding job” Nuno did at Forest, with writer Henry Winter praising his “counterattacking style” that was so effective, able to make a team both compact and threatening in attack, something Rangers are neither right now.

When Nuno arrived at the City Ground in December 2023, Forest were in genuine danger of relegation, also hit with a four-point deduction, but he guided them to safety, before last season’s shock seventh-place finish saw them qualify for Europe for the first time in 30 years.

Overall, this was his seventh managerial role, boasting an impressive CV, as the table below documents.

Among Nuno’s achievements, he has won the EFL Championship and Saudi Pro League titles, also leading Rio Ave to both domestic cup finals in 2014, as well as achieving back-to-back top seven finishes in the Premier League with Wolves, the club doing so for the first time since 1961.

He didn’t do quite so well in charge of Valencia, Porto and Spurs, but is a master at getting his team to punch above their weight, as was very much the case at Nottingham Forest last season.

So why would Nuno be the right man to get the best out of Miovski?

Well, using his Nottingham Forest side as the blueprint, their primary attacking threat came from wingers Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi driving the ball forward at pace, something Rangers’ summer signings Oliver Antman and Djeidi Gassama have already proven themselves capable of replicating, as this goal against Viktoria Plzeň during Champions League qualifying demonstrates.

This style helped Chris Wood enjoy a late-career renaissance that surely no one could’ve foreseen.

Last season, the New Zealander scored 20 Premier League goals, only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Braut Håland managed more, beating his previous best-ever top-flight tally of 14, doing so as a 33-year-old.

Thus, if Nuno was able to implement his counter-attacking style, this could revitalise the attacking options Rangers have, and set them up for another deep run in the Europa League.

Having previously managed massive clubs in Portugal, Spain, Saudi Arabia and England, he would represent quite the coup, but most did expect the 49ers to target a big name when they arrived in the summer, so he would certainly galvanise the bereft and furious Rangers support.

45 y/o Mourinho alternative is serious option to replace Martin at Rangers

Time is running out for Martin to save his job…

By
Tom Cunningham

Sep 17, 2025

The Premier League is reportedly set to vote on proposals that could see a “salary cap” of sorts introduced at the top end of English football. An “anchoring” plan has been drawn up, which would limit spending for elite clubs, with shareholders expected to address that issue in November. Several teams, including Manchester rivals United and City, are said to oppose the concept.

• Who is in favour of anchoring and which teams oppose it?

  reports on how arch-rivals from Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium have expressed concerns regarding the introduction of regulations that would restrict Premier League clubs to spending five times what they generate from prize money and broadcast revenue on wages and transfers.

  Said proposals were first revealed in March 2024, with a poll taken at the time. It is claimed 16 voted in favour, with City, United and Aston Villa opposing the plan while Chelsea abstained. Concerns are said to have been raised regarding the negative impact that such rules would have on the Premier League’s ability to retain its status as “the strongest domestic competition in Europe”.

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  Point deductions: Penalties that would be introduced

  Teams on the continent are already governed by UEFA’s “squad cost ratio” rules, which aim to reduce spending to 70 per cent of revenue. The Premier League’s proposal would set that bar at 85 per cent, with the anchoring plan running alongside.

  Clubs in England already operate under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) which allow clubs to post losses of £105 million ($141m) across a three-year timespan. A meeting in November will reportedly address the issues of “squad cost ratio rules, anchoring and sustainability rules linked to football’s new independent regulator”.

  An insider has told The Times: “If we bring in these anchoring rules, it could dramatically affect the Premier League’s ability to attract the world’s best players. How can that be in the best interest of English football?”

  It is suggested that if the anchoring rules were to be introduced, then some teams would immediately be in breach of them – given estimated spending figures. It is reported that sanctions would include “a minimum six-point deduction plus a point for every £6.5million of overspend”.

• Would anchoring rules make the Premier League less competitive?

  The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) is said to be considering legal action if anchoring is introduced, due to the impact said regulations would have on player wages. The Premier League already finds itself caught up in several legal battles.

  Those voting in favour of the reforms have been warned that they risk seriously undermining the competitiveness of English top-flight football. Another source told The Times: “Many clubs don’t have a particularly strong view on this issue because they don’t think it will affect them given their current spending levels. It feels like we are actually sleepwalking into this.”

  The clubs in question are said to believe that the rules will actually make the Premier League more competitive, as they help to level the playing field somewhat, ensuring that the division remains attractive to broadcasters in multibillion-pound deals.

  Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is among those to disagree, as the Red Devils draw up plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium that will help to push their revenue figures ever higher. He has said: “The last thing you want is for the top clubs in the Premier League not to be able to compete with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, PSG – that’s absurd. And if it does, it then ceases to be the finest league in the world.”

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  PSR punishments and protracted FFP saga

  Everton and Nottingham Forest are among the clubs to have been stung with PSR punishments, having faced point deductions, while Manchester City remain locked in a 115-charge Financial Fair Play case.

  A final ruling in that long-running saga is said to be close, with an independent hearing having concluded late in 2024, but City could drag it out even further if appeals are lodged against any punishments. Various sanctions – ranging from point deductions, transfer embargoes and even expulsion from the top tier of English football – have been mooted over the course of the last two-and-a-half years.

Everton were pegged back by Jarrod Bowen’s second-half goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, leaving David Moyes’ side three games without a win, but there was much to like about this Monday night effort in the Premier League.

However, there’s a sense that the Toffees might be somewhat one-dimensional in their approach play right now, funnelling the ball out to Jack Grealish, who wasn’t at his best against the Hammers but remained the brightest spark.

Problems persist regarding number nine. Beto toiled once again, missing a good opportunity to score in the first half, and Thierno Barry lacked composure and positional intelligence across his second-half cameo.

However, there were bright sparks for Moyes and his team as they drew this match against West Ham United.

Everton's best performers vs West Ham

James Tarkowski hasn’t quite looked himself so far this season, and all of an Everton persuasion will be eager to see Jarrad Branthwaite complete his long-awaited return from injury and settle back into the backline.

However, the decision to extend Michael Keane’s contract before the summer was rubber-stamped after his thumping header after 18 minutes, rising and directing into the net with such emphatic power.

Grealish we have mentioned, but his alternative wideman, Iliman Ndiaye, was also bright, winning four duels and creating two chances, as per Sofascore. However, the Senegalese’s sharpness when it matters could do with some work.

Off the bench, Tyler Dibling also looked bright. The teenager stepped in for Ndiaye and put in a promising late-stage display, leading The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland to comment that he “would like to see much more” of the fleet-footed talent.

However, there’s another man who often goes under the radar who deserves a bit of credit. Indeed, James Garner put in an impressive, workmanlike performance in the middle of the park, showcasing his technical skill besides with the delivery for Keane’s thumping header.

Might Moyes have unearthed the next Leighton Baines?

Everton's new Leighton Baines

Garner has been at Everton for a while now, joining from Manchester United for £15m in 2022. He has played 92 times for the Merseysiders and has made a positive impression since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche at the start of the year.

As Sofascore reveal, Garner took 82 touches, more than any other player on the field, completed 88% of his passes, won three of four ground duels and found the target with four long balls across the evening. The Liverpool Echo handed him a 7/10 match rating for his labours.

Given that he has already played three times as a stand-in left-back this season, the 24-year-old could grow into Moyes’ next Baines, should he continue to go from strength to strength.

Now Everton’s assistant manager, Baines was one of the most talented left-backs in the Premier League during his long stint at Goodison Park, hailed by Kevin Phillips for having “a wand of a left foot”.

Baines made creativity an art form for defenders before it was cool. He boasted such accuracy on the ball and was intelligent with his passes. Furthermore, Baines was very much a set-piece specialist.

While Garner isn’t a defender, his versatility lends itself to the berth, and there’s no denying he has an eye for a pass that doesn’t differ all that much from Baines’ back in his heyday.

Moreover, he has a power in his ball-striking which nearly came up trumps. His ferocious strike late on bore testament to that.

It’s worth pointing out that Garner’s contract expires next summer, and with work still needed across a range of positions, it feels vital that the industrious Englishman’s terms are renewed.

Moyes has previously acknowledged the scale of Everton’s rebuild and that it would take more than just the one transfer window to bring it all together.

Recent results have underscored that, for sure, but with players like Garner doing the hard yards, Moyes will be sure to retain the essence of his long-standing philosophy while imbuing his team with new modern touches. Garner embodies both.

He's now world-class: Everton sold bigger talent than Ndiaye for just £22m

Everton messed up getting rid of this former star who is now worth £30m more.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 28, 2025

Teenage wonderkid JJ Gabriel has been promoted to first-team training at Manchester United, with Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim eager to take a look at the exciting 15-year-old. The hottest of prospects, who has been dubbed 'Kid Messi', is being tipped to enjoy a bright future. United do, however, have a fight on their hands when it comes to retaining his services.

• Exit fear: Can Man Utd retain the services of Gabriel?

  There remains the threat of Gabriel being prised out of United’s clutches at some point before a professional contract can be signed. The Red Devils are, however, doing everything they can to convince the highly-rated playmaker that he is in the best possible place for his future development.

  A rival academy scout recently told the : "United is a big club, a huge club, and it fits JJ’s profile and JJ fits United’s profile, he’s something they haven’t got at all. But United have to be careful they don’t get things wrong with him. They know they are in a fight to keep him."

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  Ronaldo advice: CR7 used as an example for 'Kid Messi'

  Gabriel was invited to attend United’s opening Premier League game of the 2025-26 campaign at Old Trafford, alongside his family. He was given tickets to the directors’ box, allowing him to cast an eye over the Red Devils’ senior stars as they lined up against Arsenal.

  While forming part of the Red Devils’ youth system, Gabriel was recently introduced to head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese was already aware of the talented teenager and how much hype he is generating.

  Amorim is said to have spoken to Gabriel about his efforts to become a senior star, with Cristiano Ronaldo – a former team-mate of United’s current boss – being used as an example of how hard work is integral to any success. 'Kid Messi' is considered to already boast the mindset of a professional footballer, with no stone being left unturned in his bid to unlock full potential.

• Big break: Amorim welcomes Gabriel into Man Utd first-team fold

  That ongoing quest has been offered another boost, with Gabriel revealing on Instagram that he has been working with United’s first-team squad. According to BBC Sport, he took part in a full 11 versus 11 practice match at the Red Devils’ Carrington training base.

  There is no word on how he fared in the company of Bruno Fernandes and Co, but the expectation is that he will have held his own. Gabriel has already been likened to Portuguese GOAT Ronaldo and Brazilian superstar Neymar.

  A source has told the : "He’s going to end up like Ronaldo. Just goals, goals, goals.” Alfie Brooks, owner of Ole Futsal and Gabriel’s specialist one-to-one coach, added: “He was very raw but he was very competitive. When he first started training, those were the standout attributes.

  "I’ve coached nearly 1,000 academy players over my time – four of them in Josh Nichols (Arsenal), Josh Acheampong (Chelsea), Sydie Peck (Sheffield United) and Tyrique George (Chelsea) have made their senior debuts – and JJ is the best I’ve ever seen. He could go into a Premier League changing room right now and technically he would be better than all of them. It wouldn’t even be close."

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• History maker: Man Utd & Premier League records that Gabriel can break

  Speculation is already rife regarding a potential senior debut for Gabriel that could break all kinds of records. As things stand, Angel Gomes (16 years, 263 days), Shola Shoretire (17 years, 19 days) and Chido Obi (17 years, 79 days) are the youngest players to make a Premier League appearance for United.

  Gabriel could rewrite the history books at Old Trafford, and in the English top-flight as a whole. He only turned 15 on October 6, meaning that time is on his side when it comes to bettering the efforts of Arsenal starlets Ethan Nwaneri (15 years, 181 days) and Max Dowman (15 years, 235 days) – who are the youngest players to grace a Premier League fixture.

  United will not want to rush Gabriel, but competitive game time would help to convince him to stay put and offer supporters a glimpse of what the future will look like as the inconsistent Red Devils work through another rebuilding project.

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Chelsea have received plenty of stick over the last few years for their transfer policy.

While some of that criticism is certainly justified – every team gets things wrong – much of it isn’t.

While they aren’t the finished article, Enzo Maresca now has a squad full to bursting with exciting young talents, and he’s only going to get his hands more ahead of next season.

Chelsea have already secured the services of several brilliant prospects set to join the side at the end of the season, including one who has been compared to Erling Haaland of all people, and no, it’s not Joao Pedro or Liam Delap.

Players set to join Chelsea in the summer

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other exciting gems set to join Chelsea next summer, like Brazilian left-back Denner.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Blues agreed to sign the young Corinthians gem in March of this year, but due to him not turning 18 until next February, he has had to stay in his homeland.

Described as a “marauding LB with so much quality in the final third” by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be used as backup for Marc Cucurella or sent back out on loan – either way, it’s an exciting addition.

Moving up the pitch to the attack, and to a youngster who looks set to be a star for years to come, Geovany Quenda.

The West Londoners agreed a deal to sign the 18-year-old the same month they signed Denner, but while the Brazilian is thought to have cost around £11m, the Sporting CP prospect could end up costing as much as £40m.

The frankly absurd price tag – for someone his age – is a reflection of just how highly-rated the dynamic winger is, with Mattinson describing him as “relentless” and “highly unpredictable.”

Despite still being so young, the Bissau-born gem has already made 64 senior appearances for the Lisbon outfit, in which he’s scored four goals and provided 12 assists.

However, while these two players will likely need time to adapt next year, there is another attacking addition that will be arriving in the summer, someone a few years older, someone who has been compared to Haaland.

The Chelsea player compared to Haaland

For a young striker to be compared to the otherworldly goal machine that is Haaland, they’ve got to be something quite special.

Fortunately for Chelsea, Emanuel Emegha, who is set to join the squad in the summer, looks to be quite the special forward.

The comparison to the Norwegian powerhouse comes from FBref, which examines all forwards across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League, and the Europa League.

In this instance, it has been concluded that the Manchester City striker is the fourth most similar forward to the Dutchman.

You can gain a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached by examining some of the underlying numbers in which the pair ranked closely.

These metrics include key attacking statistics like non-penalty goals plus assists, goals per shot, key passes, passes into the final third, carries into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

Now, while they share some key statistical similarities with one another, nobody is going to claim that the Strasbourg player will be as prolific for the Blues as the Norwegian is for City.

However, that’s not to see he’s a slouch in front of goal either.

For example, in 29 appearances last season, the “simply phenomenal” gem, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored 14 goals and provided three assists, and then this season, he’s put the ball in the back of the net four times and provided two assists in just six games.

Ultimately, while it remains to be seen how he fares in the Premier League, Chelsea look set to secure a brilliant goalscorer in Emegha.

Chelsea have signed "a future rival to Lamine Yamal" and it's not Estevao

The incredible young talent is about to sign for Chelsea and could rival both Yamal and Estevao in the future.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 3, 2025

Carlo Ancelotti has conquered everything club football has to offer but his biggest dream now lies on the world stage. As Brazil’s head coach, the Italian tactician is chasing the one title missing from his glittering resume, the FIFA World Cup. With the 2026 tournament looming, Ancelotti’s mission is as emotional as it is historic, to end Brazil’s 24-year drought and perhaps, face his homeland, Italy, in the final.

• Carlo Ancelotti wants to win the World Cup with Brazil

  When Ancelotti left Real Madrid after guiding them to yet another Champions League crown in 2024, few could have predicted his next destination. Yet, for the man who has lifted 29 major trophies across Europe, the allure of leading the world’s most successful footballing nation proved irresistible.

  “Managing the Brazilian national team – the most successful in history – was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse,” Ancelotti said when asked earlier why he chose to take up the role of Selcao's head coach. “I knew about the passion here, but living it is different. When Brazil play, the country stops."

  Appointed in mid-2024, Ancelotti’s arrival marked a new era for the Selecao. By June 2025, he had guided Brazil to World Cup qualification, sealing the spot with a narrow 1-0 win over Paraguay thanks to Vinicius Jr.’s strike. His record of two wins, one draw, and one loss in his first four games reflected a pragmatic approach built on defensive solidity and tactical discipline, qualities Brazil had been missing in recent years.

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  Ancelotti's Brazil is finally taking shape

  Ancelotti’s Brazil is not about flamboyance alone; it’s about control. Known for his calm leadership and man-management, he has tried to mould a side that balances flair with efficiency. “We want to win, and we’re not hiding it,” he declared. “The dream is for Brazil to win their sixth World Cup. There are great expectations, but also great enthusiasm. The fact that we haven't won in 24 years is a burden. Let's hope it doesn't become 28!,” Ancelotti said in an interview with Dribbling on Rai Due.

  His selections have sparked debate. Neymar’s absence due to long-term injury, along with the temporary exclusions of Vinicius and Rodrygo, raised eyebrows. But Ancelotti was clear: fitness, form, and balance come before fame. “It’s important to know every player personally,” he explained after calling up several fresh faces like Caio Henrique and Kaio Jorge during 2025 qualifiers.

• Critics, challenges, and the pressure of being the Brazil coach

  Yet, not everyone is convinced. Former Brazil goalkeeper and manager Emerson Leao criticised Ancelotti’s appointment, calling it “a sad reflection” of the state of Brazilian coaching. “I’m disappointed that a foreigner had to come because our own coaches haven’t delivered,” Leao told CNN. “Managing Brazil is much harder than managing Real Madrid – here, an entire nation judges you.”

  He questioned Ancelotti’s familiarity with domestic talent and communication style, warning that “his work will be very difficult.” The criticism underscores the immense scrutiny that comes with the Brazil job – where every lineup choice becomes a national debate and every result, a referendum.

  Ancelotti, however, remains unfazed. Having succeeded under the most intense club pressures, he knows how to shield his players. “I focus on preparation, unity, and belief,” he said in a press-conference. “The World Cup will be competitive, but our goal is clear.”

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  A dream final and a shot at immortality

  For all his trophies with league titles in Italy, England, France, Germany, and Spain, plus a record five Champions Leagues, Ancelotti’s heart still beats for the game’s most poetic moments. And his dream is deeply personal.

  “I would like a final between Brazil and Italy,” he admitted in an interview. “It would be beautiful for me on an emotional level.”

  The image of Ancelotti leading Brazil and perhaps against his homeland in the 2026 World Cup final is the stuff of cinematic drama. For Brazil, it’s a chance to end 24 years of frustration; for Ancelotti, a chance to achieve what no foreign manager ever has, winning the World Cup with the Selecao.

  “I’ve won everything else. But the dream is to make Brazil world champions again,” he said during an interview with FIFA.

Liverpool made some eye-catching signings during the summer window and could now be set to enact a surprise double deal involving Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni.

After a frustrating period of matches, Arne Slot led his side to only their second win in their last eight fixtures against Aston Villa last weekend, offering something to build on ahead of the festive period.

Mohamed Salah’s 250th Premier League goal came as a landmark milestone, and his teammates stepped up after a dip in form, leaving them seven points off Arsenal in the Premier League title race as they gun for more silverware.

Admittedly, the visitors still produced moments of panic within the Liverpool backline. By no means were the Reds perfect last weekend, but three points are the only thing that matters after a dismal run of results that have caused them to drift from top spot.

Club legend Steven Gerrard spoke out in defence of Slot amid recent criticism involving the Dutchman, telling TNT Sports that ‘keyboard warriors’ won’t detract from the fine job he has done at Anfield.

He said: “It’s a great win; he deserves a lot of credit for that. But they come thick and fast, in two days’ time, the pressure will build again as he’ll be expected to beat Real Madrid.

“Compared to when we played there are a lot more people with microphones and cameras in front of their face, there are a lot more keyboard warriors and a lot of unnecessary noise. But it is football in the modern age, you have to take the rough with the smooth, that is life.”

Reds supporters will be fully behind their manager after the return he produced last term, and he could now be set to conclude a couple of lucrative deals to vastly improve his side.

Liverpool willing to bid for Eduardo Camavinga and Alessandro Bastoni

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are plotting an ambitious double swoop for Eduardo Camavinga and Alessandro Bastoni that could cost within the region of £122 million to complete.

Real Madrid won’t make it easy for Camavinga to leave the building, albeit the Reds’ desire to acquire him is there and they hope that their project could be enough to entice him to England.

In the case of Bastoni, he is viewed as a natural successor to Virgil Van Dijk, something that supporters could get on board with due to his left-sided nature, tenacity and willingness to contribute in all thirds.

The Italy star has registered a goal and three assists in 12 matches this season. On the other hand, Camavinga has notched a solitary strike in nine appearances, featuring either as a central midfielder, in a holding role, and even on the right flank.

Liverpool could earn £132 million to fund Camavinga and Bastoni deals

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha is also named as a target, though his situation is not as advanced. Either way, expect some notable future transfer dealings at Anfield.

Athletic Club star Nico Williams scored a magnificent goal to hand his side a slender win over Real Oviedo in La Liga. The goal has brought Williams back into the limelight, ending a long goal drought that resulted in him being questioned in the wake of the failed summer transfer to reigning Spanish champions Barcelona.

• Athletic get the better of Oviedo

  After three successive losses to Getafe, Real Sociedad, and Newcastle United across La Liga and the Champions League, Athletic are back on track with a 1-0 win over Oviedo on Sunday. It was their young, dynamic winger Williams who salvaged the solitary goal of the fixture, adding his second of the campaign to lead his team's triumph. 

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• Williams ends goal drought

  The last time Williams scored or assisted for Athletic was in their first La Liga game of the season – a 3-2 win against Sevilla. The 22-year-old missed a handful of matches due to a groin injury, failed to find the net since his return until he sparked into life against Oviedo. Williams was sharp as he went past three defenders and powered his shot into the goal, rattling the crossbar and the net in the process. 

• Williams was once a Barcelona target

  Not for one transfer window, but Williams was a top target for Barcelona across two summers. Before this season kicked off, he was almost set to travel to Catalonia after agreeing on personal terms and a six-year contract with Barca, a club that he has admired for a long time. However, Athletic were continuously hesitant to let go of their most promising young talent. Such was the rivalry that there were moments when administrators aimed to block the move. Ultimately, the move came to a surprising halt as Barcelona refused to grant a demand from his agent and the Spain international ended up signing a 10-year contract with the Basque side.

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  What comes next for Williams?

  Williams has found his foot just at the right time. After Athletic return from the international break, their first game will be against Barca. It will be the first time the two sides meet since Williams snubbed the Catalans and agreed to the Basque club's terms. The game will be played on November 22.

An MLB umpire unintentionally made the highlight reels during Game 4 of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres on Wednesday night at Petco Park.

With the Dodgers up 5–0 and looking to add to their lead, Los Angeles star Shohei Ohtani worked a walk in the top of the fourth inning, then advanced to second on a Mookie Betts flyout. The next batter, Teoscar Hernandez, grounded an 0–2 pitch down the third base line for what surely seemed like extra bases—and an easy trot home for the speedy Ohtani.

Only, the ball was stopped in its tracks when it collided with third base umpire Mark Ripperger, who was unable to get out of the way in time after it deflected off Padres third baseman Manny Machado’s glove. Machado was then able to make a play on the ball and promptly threw out Ohtani as he was attempting to score.

What a play by Ripperger! In all seriousness, this was just a case of the umpire being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even still, Ohtani was visibly upset with Ripperger from the Dodgers dugout.

Fortunately for the Dodgers, the bizarre play seems like it won't have any adverse effect on the final result of Game 4, as the club is still in the driver's seat with an 8–0 lead.