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Ciente de que está atrasado na busca por reforços para iniciar a temporada de 2024, a diretoria do Corinthians tem intensificado a investida por alguns jogadores nos últimos dias atravessando as negociações de adversários que estão em contatos por esses atletas. Desses nomes mais recentes estão: o volante Caio Alexandre e os atacantes Luiz Henrique e Rafael Borré.

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Caio está no Fortaleza e foi um dos grandes alvos do Palmeiras no início da janela de transferências, mas após recuo do clube alviverde agora é o grande sonho do Bahia, que tem recebido forte aporte do Grupo City, proprietário da SAF do Tricolor de Aço. Já Luiz Henrique é pivô de uma disputa entre Flamengo e Fluminense, mas tem o Timão cada vez mais forte para dar o “chapéu” na dupla carioca. E Borré, que já foi desejo de Atlético-MG e Palmeiras, atualmente está próximo do Internacional, mas os corintianos tentam impedir que isso aconteça e que o destino do colombiano seja o Parque São Jorge. 

LUIZ HENRIQUE

Do trio, é o mais próximo do Corinthians, que fez uma oferta para adquirir o jogador por empréstimo até o fim deste ano. O Timão pagaria 2 milhões de euros (R$ 10,7 milhões) e o contrato teria o valor de 12 milhões de euros (R$ 64,5 milhões) fixados caso haja interesse de compra. A quantia, no entanto, ainda é menor do que os 18 milhões de euros (R$ 96,7 milhões) que o Real Bétis, da Espanha, pede para vender o atacante. 

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A proposta do Flamengo é parecida, mas as condições de pagamento apresentadas pela direção corintiana agradam mais os espanhóis. De toda forma, a ideia é não emprestar o atleta neste primeiro momento. Corintianos e flamenguistas tentam convencer os europeus de aceitarem o formato com o empréstimo com pagamento de taxa inicialmente.

A negociação com o Fluminense, clube que revelou Luiz Henrique, é dada como encerrada, já que o clube das Laranjeiras teve a sua oferta recusada pelo Bétis e não deve dar continuidade. O Tricolor propôs pagar 1 milhão de euros (R$ 5,3 milhões) pelo empréstimo com preço fixado para compra em 7,5 milhões de euros (R$ 40,3 milhões). 

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RAFAEL SANTOS BORRÉ

O Corinthians fez contato com o estafe do jogador através de um intermediário diferente do que tem costurado o negócio com o Inter pela contratação do atacante, que atua no futebol alemão – pertence ao Eintracht Frankfurt, mas atuou pelo Werder Bremen na última temporada.

Após informações colhidas, o Timão acenou que pretende oferecer um valor superior aos 5 milhões de euros (R$ 26,8 milhões) propostos pelo Colorado para a aquisição do colombiano. A proposta formal, no entanto, ainda não foi enviada aos corintianos, que estão bastante atrasados nas tratativas em relação aos gaúchos. 

+ Veja como ficou a tabela do Brasileirão após a última rodada

CAIO ALEXANDRE

É o negócio considerado mais difícil no momento, já que o Timão não deve chegar ao valor apresentado pelo Bahia, por meio do Grupo City, proprietário da SAF do clube baiano. A equipe nordestina oferece 4,5 milhões de euros (R$ 24,1 milhões) para o Fortaleza, que não tem interesse em vender o jogador, mas não está fechado para escutar interessados e, caso seja considerado vantajoso, firmar um acordo.

A ideia corintiana é convencer o jogador, através do seu estafe. A proposta financeira preparada para Caio é considerada melhor do que a do Bahia e também do Palmeiras, que buscou a contratação do jogador no início da janela de transferências. Outro trunfo do Corinthians é o projeto esportivo, já que a ideia é ter o volante como peça-chave na reconstrução corintiana no primeiro ano do clube gerido pelo presidente Augusto Melo.

O intuito do clube alvinegro é anunciar entre 10 e 12 reforços neste início de ano. Até o momento, somente três foram anunciados: o lateral Diego Palácios, o volante Raniele e o meia Rodrigo Garro. O lateral-esquerdo Hugo já treina nas dependências da equipe, mas ainda não foi oficializado. O zagueiro Gustavo Henrique deve assinar contrato nos próximos dias.

O Timão também tem acordo firmado com o zagueiro Felix Torres, do Santos Laguna, mas vê a negociação se transformar em novela por conta da ausência de liberação do clube mexicano, que faz jogo duro e tenta melar as tratativas.

خاض فريق مانشستر سيتي، بقيادة المدرب بيب جوارديولا، مباراته في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا موسم 2025/26، مساء يوم الثلاثاء، وذلك ضد نظيره فريق باير ليفركوزن.

واستضاف ملعب “الاتحاد” مباراة فريقي مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي وباير ليفركوزن الألماني، في الجولة الخامسة من مرحلة الدوري من دوري أبطال أوروبا، حيث تعرض أصحاب الأرض للهزيمة بهدفين دون رد.

وكاد مانشستر سيتي أن يسجل هدفًا في الدقيقة الخامسة من عمر الشوط الأول، بعد تنفيذ ركلة ركنية من جانب تيجاني ريندرز، حيث وصلت الكرة إلى منطقة الجزاء وبعد تمريرات، سددها ناثان آكي ولكنها مرت بجوار القائم.

وتصدى دفاع مانشستر سيتي لفرصة محققة من باير ليفركوزن، في الدقيقة 11 من عمر الشوط الأول، حيث نجح ريان آيت نوري في تشتيت هجمة خطيرة، وتحولت إلى ركلة ركنية للضيوف.

وتمكن باير ليفركوزن من تسجيل هدف أول في شباك خصمه مانشستر سيتي، في الدقيقة 24 من عمر الشوط الأول، عن طريق أليكس جريمالدو، بعد هجمة لصالح باير ليفركوزن انتهت بعدة تمريرات، لتصل الكرة إلى جريمالدو الذي سددها من داخل المنطقة، وهز شباك جيمس ترافورد.

وازدادت معاناة مانشستر سيتي بعدما سجل باير ليفركوزن الهدف الثاني، في الدقيقة 54، بعد رأسية رائعة من لاعب الفريق الألماني، باتريك شيك.

وقرر المدرب بيب جوارديولا استبدال المصري عمر مرموش، في الدقيقة 65 ودفع بزميله النجم إيرلينج هالاند، في محاولة لتنشيط الهجوم، خاصة أن المصري لم يتمكن من ترك بصمته في اللقاء.

بتلك النتيجة، تجمد رصيد مانشستر سيتي عند 10 نقاط في المركز السادس بشكل مؤقت لحين خوض باقي مباريات الجولة نفسها، بينما ارتفع رصيد باير ليفركوزن إلى 8 نقاط في المركز الثالث عشر.

Tim David’s blitz in vain for St Lucia Kings, who went down by 27 runs

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Sep-2025

Captain Rovman Powell led the way, smashing an unbeaten 41 off 17 balls, as Barbados Royals secured their first win in CPL 2025. Despite that, Royals remained at the bottom of the points table and David Wiese’s St Lucia Kings remained at the top along with Nicholas Pooran’s Trinbago Knight Riders. Currently, only net run-rate separates Kings and TKR.After they were asked to bat first, Royals didn’t start well. They lost Quinton de Kock to left-arm fingerspinner Khary Pierre in the third over and by the end of the powerplay, they had managed only 39 for 1. Tabraiz Shamsi, the left-arm wristspinner from South Africa, then stifled Royals even further by taking out Brandon King (42), Kadeem Alleyne (39) and Sherfane Rutherford (16) in his four overs which cost Kings only 26 runs.When Powell joined Chris Green, Royals were 120 for 5 in the 16th over. Powell then teed off, lining up Alzarri Joseph for two sixes and a four in the 19th over. In the final over of the innings, bowled by rookie Delano Potgieter, Powell and Green combined to take three fours and a six.Green wasn’t done just yet. He struck with the new ball, dismissing Johnson Charles and Roston Chase. Wicketkeeper-opener Tim Seifert raced to 24 off 13 before he was bowled by Jomel Warrican. Tim David, one of the most dangerous finishers in the world, then threatened to take the game away from Royals until Daniel Sams interneved and cut his innings short on 44 off 28 balls.David’s dismissal left Kings at 94 for 6 in 12 overs, needing 98 off 48 balls. Cameos from Wiese and Joseph got Kings closer, but Royals finally wrapped up their first victory this season and kept their hopes of making the playoffs alive.

Tottenham Hotspur have endured an impressive start to life under Thomas Frank over the last couple of months, as seen by the club’s current sixth-place standing in the Premier League.

The Dane took the reins from Ange Postecoglou during the summer and has made an immediate impact in changing the Lilywhites’ fortunes within the final third of the pitch.

His side have already found the back of the net on 17 occasions in the first ten outings of the campaign, with such a tally being the fourth best of any team in the division at present.

The goals have been massively spread out across the first-team squad, with nine players already getting themselves on the scoresheet in England’s top-flight in 2025/26.

Centre-back Micky van de Ven and centre-forward Richarlison are currently sitting at the top of the goalscoring charts on three goals, but the latter has failed to score in any of his last five league outings.

Whilst Frank’s men have impressed during the early stages of the current campaign, their tallies within the final third will no doubt have been massively boosted if they had one player at their disposal.

Bukayo Saka’s record against Spurs & how he compares to other PL wingers

Winger Bukayo Saka has been a player Spurs supporters have no doubt envied over the last few years, with the attacker often providing the goods for bitter North London rivals, Arsenal.

The England international has netted a combined 100 goals and assists in the Premier League throughout his professional career, numerous of which have come against the Lilywhites.

Many of his efforts have directly affected the Spurs faithful, even coming up with goods in the North London Derby and securing countless victories for Mikel Arteta’s side.

After his breakthrough in 2020, the Arsenal star has featured against Spurs on ten separate occasions, subsequently being on the winning side in 60% of the outings.

Saka has also found the back of the net five times against the Lilywhites, with his last strike in such a fixture coming in September 2024, subsequently securing a 1-0 triumph for the Gunners.

In 2025/26, the 24-year-old has only netted twice in the Premier League, but his underlying stats highlight the top-level quality the winger possesses within the final third.

He’s completed 2.4 successful take-ons per 90 to date, a tally that has placed the Englishman in the top 10% of all players in England’s top-flight at present.

Saka has also achieved an average of 31.4 touches in the final third and 3.1 carries into the final third per 90, with both figures ranking him in the top 5% in the Premier League for 2025/26.

Such numbers further reaffirm the 24-year-old’s talent within attacking areas, with Frank no doubt wishing he had his own version of the winger within his own first-team ranks.

The Spurs star who’s similar to Saka & better than Johnson

Brennan Johnson was seen as a huge investment for Spurs in the summer of 2023, after the hierarchy forked out a staggering £47.5m for the attacker’s signature from Nottingham Forest.

Eyebrows were raised at the time, given the nature of the transfer fee, but a couple of years on from his switch to North London, he’s been unable to match the expectations that were placed upon him.

The Welsh international may have scored 18 times in all competitions last campaign, but his performances left a lot to be desired – even being subject to abuse from supporters on social media.

Johnson was responsible for one of the club’s biggest moments in recent history, as he netted the winner against Manchester United in the Europa League final back in May 2025.

Frank’s arrival could have handed the 24-year-old a new lease of life, especially after the Dane previously tried to land his services during his time as Brentford manager.

However, despite netting two goals in each of the first two league games of the season, he’s since dropped down the pecking order, often being unreliable when called upon by the manager.

Such a situation was apparent in the recent clash with FC Copenhagen in the Champions League, where Johnson found the back of the net, but was also sent off after a reckless challenge.

His drop down the pecking order has no doubt been as a result of the summer addition of Mohammed Kudus, with the Ghanaian joining the Lilywhites in a £55m transfer during the off-season.

The 25-year-old has cemented his place on the right-hand side in the starting eleven, already registering one goal and four assists in the Premier League to date.

Kudus, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, netted his first goal against Leeds United, with such a performance seeing the attacker attempt six take-ons – leading to Ben Mattinson claiming he’s “very similar to Saka”.

Given the levels he’s produced in recent weeks, Frank has certainly made the right call in opting to utilise Kudus over Johnson, with the Ghanaian massively outperforming the Welshman this campaign.

Alongside the better tally of combined goals and assists at present, he’s also achieved more progressive passes and carries per 90 – offering Frank’s men a more all-round presence with the ball at his feet.

His chance creation is further highlighted in his higher tally of passes completed and key passes registered per 90 – numbers which have seen him notch the joint-highest assist tally of any player in the division.

Other areas, such as more take-ons and crosses completed, further highlighted his ability to cause carnage to the opposition – similarly to how Saka has for Arsenal in recent years.

After Kudus’ immediate impact in North London, there’s no reason why he can’t be the club’s own version of the Englishman – especially after Mattinson’s praise and comparisons.

Should the winger continue on his current trajectory under Frank at Spurs, he certainly could play a huge part in any future success and help the club reach the next level domestically and continentally.

Not Kolo-Muani: Spurs have signed a "hidden gem" who can end Solanke's stay

Tottenham Hotspur have a teenage striker who could put an end to Dominic Solanke’s career at the club.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 6, 2025

Chelsea picked up their second Premier League win in a row after a 3-0 home thrashing against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Blues put in a clinical second-half display to pick up another three points and propel them up to second in the top flight.

The first 45 minutes went by without anything of note happening, although it was a half dominated by Enzo Maresca’s side. It took them just six minutes of the second half for them to break the deadlock.

Malo Gusto scored his first goal for the club, heading home a cross after finding himself unmarked in the penalty box.

14 minutes after the Frenchman’s goal, Chelsea found the back of the net again. This time, it was Joao Pedro who scored, firing home a loose ball from 12 yards out. It was brilliant play from substitute Estevao just seconds after coming on, who took the ball on the outside and sent a low cross into the box.

Chelsea made it 3-0 with 17 minutes to go. It was former Wolves attacker Pedro Neto who scored, coming back to haunt his former club. He finished off an incisive counter-attack to secure the points for his side.

It was a strong performance from the Blues, with a couple of players really standing out.

Chelsea’s best players vs. Wolves

One of the standout players in Blue was summer signing Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine set up two of the three goals at Stamford Bridge, and has now scored or assisted three goals in his last two games across all competitions.

His work for both assists was impressive. For Gusto’s goal, Garnacho stood a cross up to the back post, making it easy for him to head home.

He perfectly executed the counter-attack for the Blues’ second goal, putting an inch-perfect cross on a plate for Neto to score.

The other man who stood out for Maresca’s side was Garnacho’s fellow Argentine international, Enzo Fernandez. He controlled the midfield once again, just as he did in the Blues’ last Premier League game away to Tottenham Hotspur.

It was, in many ways, effortless from the Chelsea midfielder, who took the captain’s armband with Reece James on the bench. He created two chances, completed 97% of his passes and completed four out of four long balls.

As well as the likes of Garnacho and Fernandez played against Wolves, there was one Chelsea star who didn’t look at his best.

The Chelsea player who struggled vs. Wolves

This was certainly a game that you would have expected Chelsea to win. The Old Gold are in dire straits at the moment, currently without a manager and with just two points to their name in the Premier League.

However, one player who could not capitalise on that poor form was striker Liam Delap. The former Ipswich Town star was starting his first top-flight game since the 30th of August, but looked far from his best.

It was a game that Delap simply couldn’t get into. He played just over an hour before being replaced by Estavao.

In that time, the 22-year-old managed just 15 touches, fewer than goalkeeper Robert Sanchez (30), completed six from seven attempted passes, and had two shots.

Touches

16

Passes completed

6/7

Ground duels won

2/3

Touches in Wolves box

2

Shots

2

Expected goals

0.12xG

Dom Smith of The Standard, noted how lacklustre Delap’s performance was against Wolves. He gave him a 5/10 for his efforts, explaining that he ‘struggled with the physicality’ of the Old Gold backline.

It will be interesting to see if Maresca keeps faith in Delap or decides to rotate him out of the side after the international break. The Blues have options up front, with Marc Guiu and Joao Pedro capable of leading the line, and Neto operating there late in the game.

It may well take the Englishman a few games to get back up to speed. After such a long lay-off with injury, perhaps there was too much expectation for him to hit the ground running.

However, against what is a Wolves team in disarray, this felt like a good opportunity to make a nuisance of himself and even bag a goal.

Chalkboard

Maresca has some alternative options if he does decide to switch things up at centre-forward. Delap certainly left a lot to be desired with his showing against the Old Gold.

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Chelsea have a new Danny Drinkwater on their books.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 7, 2025

She was hit by a Knight drive in her follow-through and was helped off in a wheelchair

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Sep-2025Allrounder Arundhati Reddy suffered a knee injury in India’s warm-up match against England at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground on Thursday, five days ahead of the opening match of Women’s World Cup 2025. The extent of her injury is not yet known.She was struck on her left knee by a drive from Heather Knight, who was back in action for the first time since her hamstring injury in May. It came quickly at Reddy and hit her before she could react to take a return catch. It took time for her to get up, with the physio and reserve players helping her. She couldn’t keep her left foot down and eventually left the field in a wheelchair.Only two balls before, into her fifth over, Reddy had trapped opener Amy Jones lbw for 39 off 46 balls. During the chase of 341, Reddy did not come out to bat. Eventually, India were out for 187.

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Jamie Vardy made headlines as he stepped onto the pitch for Cremonese wearing “Becky” on the back of his No.10 shirt, a heartfelt tribute to his wife as part of the ‘A Red to Violence’ campaign. The gesture formed part of a league-wide initiative marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and instantly captured attention across Italy and beyond.

Vardy wears Becky's name on his back

Vardy wore his wife Rebekah’s name on the back of his Cremonese shirt during the club’s Serie A match against Roma, taking part in the league-wide ‘A Red to Violence’ initiative. Instead of featuring their own names, players were encouraged to display the names of women close to them, aligning with efforts to raise awareness around domestic abuse. Vardy chose to honour his wife of nine years, joining teammates and several other Serie A sides in the touching campaign.

The initiative saw Cremonese join clubs including Lazio, Parma, Udinese and Lecce in marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Players opted for the names of partners, daughters, mothers, grandmothers or friends as symbols of support and solidarity. Vardy’s shirt stood out, with “Becky” sitting above his trademark No.10 as he lined up at the Stadio Giovanni Zini.

The 38-year-old striker has made a decent start to life in Italy after leaving Leicester, and the gesture highlighted his commitment to participating fully in club and league initiatives. His involvement also underscored the personal significance of the moment, given his long-standing relationship with Rebekah and the family they have built together.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe 'A Red to Violence' intiative

The ‘A Red to Violence’ initiative represents a growing movement within Italian football to use matchdays as a platform for social awareness campaigns. Serie A’s decision to coordinate club participation magnified the message, encouraging both players and fans to reflect on violence against women and the importance of support networks. Vardy's involvement, as one of the league’s most high-profile foreign stars, helped broaden international visibility for the campaign.

For Vardy personally, the decision to honour Rebekah resonated because of the couple’s long-standing relationship and their blended family. The moment underscored his grounded character and the strong family values that have followed him throughout his career from non-league football to Premier League triumphs. His choice added an emotional dimension to a symbolic gesture already rich in meaning.

Jamie and Rebekah Vardy's relationship

Vardy and Rebekah have been together since 2014 and married two years later in Cheshire, building a family that includes six children across their previous and shared relationships. The couple recently relocated to Italy after Vardy ended his historic Leicester spell in May, marking a new chapter in both their lives. Their move to Cremonese has brought fresh challenges, but also a continuation of the tight-knit family life they have cultivated for over a decade.

The striker’s arrival in Italy came after an extraordinary Leicester career, where he won the Premier League, FA Cup and Golden Ball award, breaking multiple goalscoring records along the way. His time at the King Power also included memorable Champions League nights, a Premier League Player of the Season title and selection for England at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.

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Getty Images SportVardy helping Cremonese navigate through Serie A

Cremonese will hope Vardy can continue blending emotional leadership with on-field impact as they navigate the challenges of Serie A survival. His early influence, both as a goalscorer and a figure of seniority, positions him as a key part of the squad’s development in the coming months. Maintaining his form and fitness will be central to the club’s ambitions as they look to build stability in Italy’s top tier.

For Vardy personally, his start in Italy suggests he still has plenty to contribute despite nearing the twilight of his career. A strong first season at Cremonese could extend his stay, particularly as he continues adapting to Italian football and life off the pitch.

There is something different about Arsenal this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side have got close to Premier League glory but fallen short in the last three campaigns, and yet they seem more determined than ever.

The North Londoners sit atop the table, four points clear of Manchester City, and while they dropped points away to Sunderland, they put in a decent performance.

Moreover, while a lacklustre squad has seen the team falter in the past, Arteta’s side is full of incredible talents, including one prospect who could eventually become one of the best players in the world, surpassing the likes of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.

Rice & Saka's performances vs Sunderland

Even though Arsenal dropped points against Sunderland and weren’t at their best in the first half, their second-half display, at least from an attacking perspective, was one of their best all season.

Chalkboard

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

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Likewise, it was also one of Saka’s best displays of the season so far, as from the start of the second 45 up until Leandro Trossard scored the side’s second goal, the Hale End superstar was a constant threat.

If he wasn’t getting past the Black Cats’ defence with some silky close control, he was playing quick one-twos or, on occasion, switching the play to help create space.

Moreover, it was his brilliantly driven effort from his right that opened the scoring for the North Londoners and gave them a foothold in the game.

Like his captain for the day, it was a game of two halves for Rice.

The former West Ham United captain was poor in the first half and should have done better for Dan Ballard’s opener, but improved significantly in the second half.

For example, he provided the assist for Saka after winning the ball off Enzo Le Fee, and then for the rest of the game, he seemed to be everywhere.

Rice’s game vs Sunderland

Minutes

97′

Expected Assists

0.20

Assists

2

Key Passes

1

Accurate Passes

61/65

Shots

3

Touches

91

Interceptions

1

Clearances

4

Recoveries

3

Ground Duels (Won)

4 (3)

Aerial Duels (Won)

1 (1)

All Stats via Sofascore

Despite his poor first half, the Englishman still ended the game having made four clearances, three recoveries and one interception while also winning four of five duels.

In all, Rice and Saka showed why they are two of Arsenal’s best players in the second half on Saturday, but even so, both could well be surpassed by one of the club’s most exciting talents, who looks destined to become one of the best in the world.

The Arsenal star destined to be the best in the world

While Arsenal have more than a few talented youngsters in the squad, there is one who seems to have the most potential of all: Max Dowman.

The Hale Ender is still just 15 years old, but has been a player of interest for over a year now, with talk of the club trying to include him in senior squads last season.

That might sound absurd, but at the start of last season, respected talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as the “most exciting prospect” he had seen “since Lamine Yamal.”

Then, this time last year, Hale End expert Will Balsam called him “the biggest talent in England.”

Unless they were watching his performances for the youth sides, fans had to take those in the know at face value; that was until pre-season.

The Chelmsford-born star in the making was finally given a taste of first-team action on the club’s summer tour and against Newcastle United, in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson, instantly began “humiliating Premier League players.”

He did the same thing to Leeds United on his Premier League debut and then became the youngest player to start a game for the club in their 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup.

Not satisfied with just breaking a club record, Arteta then made the Hale End monster the youngest player in Champions League history when he came off the bench against Slavia Prague last week.

Now, the youngster is yet to score a senior goal for the North Londoners, but every time he’s made an appearance, he has passed the eye test with flying colours.

Unlike some of the senior players, he seems to relish taking on defenders and has a level of close control that is unrivaled in the squad.

Ultimately, it’s still early in his career, but as things stand, it does look like Dowman could, in the words of one analyst, become one of “the best in world” and surpass Saka and Rice in the process.

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Posts ByMatt Dawson Nov 10, 2025

In an interview with Time Magazine published at the end of July, Erling Haaland claimed that Norway would only have a 0.5 percent chance of winning the 2026 World Cup. He added: “If we would qualify for the World Cup, it would be like another big nation winning it. It would be the biggest party ever. Scenes in Oslo would be incredible.” That party is now underway, with Norway having booked their spot at the tournament for the first time in 28 years after thumping 4-1 wins over Estonia and Italy during the November international break.

The latter of those victories, recorded at a packed-out San Siro, was particularly impressive. Italy deservedly led at the interval through a clever finish from Francesco Pio Esposito, but Norway exploded into life in the second half and put on an attacking football clinic to blow the hosts away, with Antonio Nusa and Jorgen Strand Larsen scoring either side of a Haaland brace.

It must be noted that Italy are no longer the force of old, but steady improvements have been made under new boss Gennaro Gattuso, and five members of their Euro 2020-winning squad –  Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nicolo Barella, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni and Manuel Locatelli – started the match. Norway are just the second team to ever beat Italy in a competitive away game by three goals or more; Sweden were the last to achieve that feat way back in 1983.

They also exacted revenge over Italy for their round of 16 defeat at the 1998 World Cup finals. Statement results don't come much bigger, and you'd have to imagine that Haaland is now revising his expectations for next summer. 

The Manchester City talisman is leading a golden generation of talent that should fear no one. All the evidence from a stunning qualification campaign points to one undeniable truth: Norway are serious dark horses for World Cup glory, and not just because they can call upon the best striker in the business…

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  Proper firepower

  Haaland's presence is main factor, though. Norway won all eight of their games in Group I, scoring 37 goals, and Haaland bagged 16 of them, equalling Robert Lewandowski's single qualifying campaign record. 

  The irrepressible City terminator has already notched 32 goals for club and country this season, and his double against Italy brought him up to 55 in just 48 appearances at international level, 22 more than any other Norway player in history. Haaland has found the net in nine consecutive games for his country, and in eight of his last nine Premier League outings for City. Norwegian journalist Lars Sivertsen has described Haaland as the nation's "greatest ever player", ahead of icons like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, John Arne Riise, and Tore Andre Flo, which feels totally justified.

  Amazingly, at the age of 25, Haaland has not even entered his prime yet. No other team at the World Cup will boast such a deadly weapon: a quick, strong, deceptively skilful and frighteningly ruthless centre-forward who doesn't seem to feel pressure.

  But he will also benefit from a stellar supporting cast. Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sorloth has been the perfect foil for Haaland as an imposing target man, while Wolves marksman Strand Larsen has emerged as the ideal impact substitute. As Italy learned to their peril, Norway have enough firepower to go toe-to-toe with any opponent.

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  Odegaard to return

  Remarkably, Norway managed to seal their spot at the World Cup without their prized playmaker and captain, Martin Odegaard. The Arsenal midfielder missed his country's final three qualifiers due to a knee injury, and Solbakken has confirmed he is still "some distance" from a return to the pitch.

  But time is on Odegaard's side, and Norway need him to unlock their full potential. In tighter games, he is the one who can sprinkle the magic required to open things up, as he did when setting up three goals in Norway's 4-2 win away in Israel in March.

  Odegaard produced seven assists overall, more than any other player in European qualifying. Like Haaland, he is a world-class operator built for the big stage. The 26-year-old also demonstrated his commitment and leadership credentials by flying out for the latest Norway camp and joining their celebrations instead of focusing only on his recovery at Arsenal's training base.

  "He was there before, during and after," Solbakken said after the win over Estonia. "There is always an aura with Martin." Norway team-mate Morten Thorsby added: "Martin is our captain. He gives us security and strength. We wanted him with us. Even though he couldn’t help us on the pitch, he did off the pitch."

  Odegaard leads by example in everything he does, and Norway fans will be praying that the former Real Madrid starlet returns to full fitness sooner rather than later, because he is the key to a deep World Cup run.

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  Exciting young guns

  With an average age of just 25.8 years, Norway possess one of the most exciting young squads in the international game. Haaland and Odegaard have shared most of the plaudits in recent years, but there is every chance that, by the time the World Cup kicks off, the spotlight will extend to fit in two hugely talented up-and-comers: Nusa and Oscar Bobb.

  Nusa, who has been catching the eye in the Bundesliga with his exploits on the left wing for RB Leipzig, has racked up 16 goal involvements in 20 games for Norway since making his debut in 2023. There is still scope for the 20-year-old to improve his decision-making, but he gives defenders nightmares with his explosive turn of pace and magnetic footwork, which have also been vital to Norway's emergence as an effective counter-attacking side.

  On the opposite flank, Bobb has not been quite as influential, but he offers something different. The Manchester City ace does most of his best work when coming inside, and is happier to link the play rather than be a difference-maker in the final third. Bobb, 22, is more of a technician than Nusa; he excels at finding space between the lines and picking out incisive passes. 

  Nusa gives Norway an X-factor, while Bobb has the footballing IQ to help draw opponents out of position. They could be an effective combination in North America, while former Nordsjælland wonderkid Andreas Schjelderup is another option in advanced areas. Struggles for form at Benfica and off-field controversy have halted the 21-year-old's career trajectory over the last year or so, but he is also a gifted footballer who is versatile enough to play on the wing or as an attacking midfielder.

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  Brilliant Berge

  Norway's rise can at least partly be attributed to the vast Premier League experience in their dressing room. In addition to Haaland, Odegaard, Strand Larsen and Bobb, Solbakken has also utilised the qualities of Sander Berge (Fulham), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford) and David Moller Wolfe (Wolves) to take Norway to the next level.

  With so many players used to the intensity of life in Europe's most demanding league, Solbakken has genuine strength in depth. There is an unsung hero in that group who deserves far more credit, though.

  Berge was arguably Norway's most consistent performer in qualifying. The Fulham midfielder's ability to break up play initially gave them the platform for success, and after Odegaard was ruled out, he also became the man to drive the team forward.

  "He's taken a huge step forward at Fulham. We've been able to tailor-make a role for him in the national team that really suits his strengths," Solbakken has told .

  Berge has been Norway's chief disruptor and architect in the No.8 slot, setting the tone for the rest of the squad with his work rate. When Berge is playing alongside Odegaard and Bodo/Glimt's Patrick Berg, Norway have the perfect blend of physicality and creativity in the middle of the park. The former Sheffield United and Burnley star is now living up to the promise he showed in his younger years, and Norway are a much braver side in attack and defence because of him.