Tag Futebol

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.

Expand Collapse

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.

Related Arsenal sold Hale End "colossus" for £2m, now he's playing just like Gabriel

Arsenal have struggled to brew defensive talents at Hale End down the years.

Posts ByMatt Dawson Nov 10, 2025

West Ham desperately need to strengthen the squad in January, and a new report has now shared the state of their transfer budget heading into winter.

The Hammers’ season has quickly become one to forget, with the club enduring a torrid run of form under both Graham Potter and new manager Nuno Espírito Santo.

As the campaign slowly heads towards the halfway mark, West Ham have managed just a single league victory and are firmly entrenched in the Premier League’s relegation battle.

The statistics paint a grim picture. West Ham have conceded more goals than any other side in the division, shipping 20 goals in their opening nine games.

Defensive frailties have been obvious, with the team also suffering from a chronic vulnerability at set pieces, conceding nine goals as a direct result from dead balls — again more than any other Premier League side (BBC).

West Ham

9

Nottingham Forest

7

Liverpool

6

Leeds

6

via Opta

Nuno’s men are leaking goals at a rate of more than two per game, and their goal difference ranks as one of the worst in the league.

Offensively, things have not been much better. West Ham have struggled for creativity and cutting edge, finding the back of the net just seven times in the league, and those attacking struggles have only amplified pressure on their embattled backline.

The mood around the London Stadium has really soured, and Nuno’s frustrations are clear as day.

GiveMeSport reports that the manager has demanded urgent action in the winter window, specifically calling for three major signings: a central defender, a midfielder, and a forward.

This is backed up by major news broadcaster Sky Sports as well, who state that West Ham do indeed want a new recruit in all three of those areas as they look to save their season.

West Ham given transfer budget update ahead of January

After they forked out £131 million in the summer transfer window, registering a net spend of around £76 million when factoring in Mohammed Kudus’ sale to Spurs, the question remains: how much money will the Hammers even have to spend?

Well, according to transfer insider Dean Jones, it isn’t good news.

Speaking to TEAMtalk, the reporter claims that West Ham will have a “restricted budget” to play with in January, dealing a blow to Nuno’s hopes of significantly bolstering the squad.

While money may not be available for a lavish spree, the loan market presents a fruitful opportunity for West Ham.

According to recent reports, West Ham have already worked on a potential loan for Ivan Toney, with the England outcast potentially tempted by the prospect of a Premier League return ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

Meanwhile, it is also believed that West Ham are speaking to Real Madrid about the possibility of a temporary deal for Endrick, but they’ll have to move quickly and convince the player.

Lyon have now made an official approach for Endrick, according to Fabrizio Romano, so time could be running out there.

That being said, Endrick isn’t the only Brazilian who could be available to Nuno’s side at the turn of the year.

West Ham offered two Brazil strikers with 35 goals between them this year

Lionel Messi has hinted that he will form part of Argentina’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, with the all-time great expecting that event to be “extraordinary”. Questions have been asked of whether Messi, who will turn 39 next summer, will grace another international tournament. He is, however, excited about what the United States, Canada and Mexico have to offer.

Messi's international record: Caps & goals for Argentina

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi helped his country to global glory at Qatar 2022. He completed his medal collection there, with the most prestigious of trophies being hoisted aloft in the Middle East.

Ever since that triumph, speculation has raged regarding how much longer the South American GOAT will make himself available to Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi has reached 195 international caps, scoring 114 goals along the way.

He is considered to have taken in a final competitive outing on home soil, but is expected to remain in contention for selection through to next summer. That will allow him to lead the Albisceleste into a World Cup title defence as captain of his nation.

AdvertisementGettyWorld Cup hint? Messi excited about 2026 finals

Messi has been playing cards close to his chest when it comes to potential involvement at that tournament, but he has now spoken of his excitement at seeing the World Cup head to America – where he is currently plying his club trade for MLS side Inter Miami.

Speaking at the American Business Forum in Florida, Messi said: “I have very high expectations that the World Cup is going to be something extraordinary. There are going to be some great matches. Teams from all over the world are coming, and some of them are very big.”

Having previously suggested that he would not make another appearance at FIFA’s flagship event, Messi said after bidding an emotional farewell to Argentina supporters during a qualification clash with Venezuela in September: “I said it at the time. I don't think I'll play in another World Cup. Due to my age, it's logical that I won't make it, but we're there and I'm excited. I'm taking it day by day, feeling the sensations. And what's clear is that today was the last game here.”

Last dance: Messi urged to join Ronaldo at World Cup

Messi has been urged to take in a last dance with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 finals, with both men entering the latter stages of their record-shattering careers. Cope journalist Tomas Guasch has said: “We were all very calm until Leo Messi appeared, questioning his presence at next year's World Cup. He says it's normal for him not to be there. But if that World Cup had any appeal, it was the final dance between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, in what would be one of the most tremendous and grandiose epics in the history of football and world sport. But Leo casts doubt on that.

“I hope he plays in the World Cup even if he's embalmed. Because there are 48 teams playing, hundreds of players, and only Messi is missing? I think it would be a joke for football, and someone should intervene. You can't leave us alone.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyInter Miami contract: Messi committed through 2028

While international retirement appears to be imminent, Messi has extended his contract at Inter Miami through 2028. He is looking forward to helping the Herons move into a new stadium next year, with Sir David Beckham and Co drawing up ambitious plans for the future.

Messi said of penning a new deal: “The fact of renewing goes hand in hand with how well we are doing, how well the family is doing and being able to continue helping in the growth of the club.”

Messi and his wife Antonela have felt settled in South Florida since moving to the United States in 2023. Inter Miami have savoured Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield triumphs since then, with a crucial playoff decider with Nashville set to be taken in on Saturday as the Herons look to chase down ultimate MLS Cup glory in 2025.

Arsenal’s fourth Premier League win in a row yesterday has seen the Gunners take a huge stride towards finally ending their drought for a league title.

Mikel Arteta’s men secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates – a result that takes his side four points clear at the summit.

It was far from a vintage display for the Spaniard’s outfit, but the manager will be pleased that his side managed to battle through the adversity and claim three more vital points.

The likes of Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres endured quiet afternoons in North London and were unable to add to their tallies in the 2025/26 campaign.

However, one player did manage to step up to the plate and produce the goods and subsequently pop up with the vital contribution yesterday afternoon.

Eberechi Eze’s display against Crystal Palace

Back in the summer transfer window, Arsenal forked out a fee in the region of £67.5m for the signature of Eberechi Eze – in an attempt to bolster their depth and quality in the final third.

Since arriving from Crystal Palace, the England international had only netted one goal, with such an effort coming against League One side Port Vale in the Carabao Cup.

Ahead of the clash, there was a sense of inevitability he would score against his former employers – and that he did, firing home a loose ball just minutes before half-time.

Alongside his first Premier League goal, Eze also impressed with his creativity, subsequently registering seven passes into the final third, which saw him create two chances in the process.

The 27-year-old also won five of the seven duels he entered, whilst also completing 100% of the duels he entered – producing a really impressive all-round showing in North London.

However, despite Eze’s showing, one other Gunner managed to impress in the triumph, with the regular starter now becoming one of the manager’s most important players.

The Arsenal star who’s becoming one of Arteta’s most important players

Gabriel has been one of Arsenal’s star men over the last couple of years, with his performances at both ends having a real impact on the club’s ability to challenge for a title.

The Brazilian’s showing against Palace yesterday was yet another example of his quality, with the centre-back hitting the woodwork and coming perilously close to his third goal of the campaign.

Out of possession, he led the Gunners to a sixth Premier League clean sheet of the campaign, after making six clearances and winning 100% of the ground duels he entered.

However, the 27-year-old isn’t alone in becoming a key man for Arteta, with midfielder Declan Rice producing a phenomenal display against Palace yesterday afternoon.

The Englishman had huge expectations placed upon him after his £105m transfer from West Ham United, but it’s safe to say he’s massively surpassed all of the supporters’ expectations.

He’s started all but one league game this campaign, with his showing against the Eagles one of his most impressive over the last couple of months.

Rice created three chances and made two tackles during the victory, both of which were the highest tallies of any player on the pitch throughout the 90-minute match.

Declan Rice – stats against Palace

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

82

Touches

72

Chances created

3

Tackles won

2

Passes completed

38

Passes into final third

12

Interceptions made

2

Aerials won

100%

Stats via FotMob

Other figures, such as 38 passes completed, with 12 being into the final third, showcase his incredible composure with the ball to dictate the play at the heart of the side.

However, out of possession, the Englishman was just as impressive, as he made two interceptions and won 100% of the aerial duels he entered against Oliver Glasner’s men.

To top off his excellent display, Rice was handed a superb 8/10 match rating by The Express’ Tom Parsons – topping off what was a phenomenal afternoon at the Emirates.

After such a showing, there’s little debate that the Englishman is once again becoming one of the club’s first names on the teamsheet in the hunt for a Premier League title.

If he can continue to perform alongside Gabriel and Eze, there’s no reason why Arteta’s men can’t go all the way and end the generational wait for a top-division title.

Related Fewer touches than Raya: Arteta must drop 5/10 Arsenal dud after Palace

Arsenal strengthened their grip on top spot after an impressive 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Oct 26, 2025

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will have been relieved to have seen Daizen Maeda pop up in stoppage time to claim all three points for the Hoops against Motherwell on Sunday.

The Glasgow giants were 2-1 down heading into the final 25 minutes and needed goals from Benjamin Nygren and Maeda to complete a comeback at Parkhead.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha, as shown in the highlights above, registered his first goal involvement for the club with his assist for the winning goal at the end of the game.

Ranking Celtic's wide players this season

Maeda has to rank at the top of Celtic’s wide players this season because he has produced the most quality in front of goal with two goals and two assists in the Scottish Premiership, per WhoScored.

Celtic’s wingers in the 25/26 Premiership

Player (appearances)

Goals

Assists

Daizen Maeda (7)

2

2

Michel-Ange Balikwisha (4)

0

1

Sebastian Tounekti (3)

0

0

Hyun-jun Yang (3)

0

0

James Forrest (7)

0

0

Stats via WhoScored

As you can see in the table above, the Japan international is the only out-and-out winger who has scored a goal for the Hoops in the league this season. Nygren has played out wide at times, but has predominantly played in a central midfield position.

Sebastian Tounekti may not have a goal or an assist to his name in the Premiership, but he has excited supporters with his direct play out wide, completing 14 dribbles in five matches, per Sofascore.

He needs to add more goals and assists to his game if he wants to overtake Maeda as the best winger at the club, though, particularly when you consider that a winger let go by the Hoops this summer is now outperforming him.

The Celtic loanee who is outperforming Sebastian Tounekti

Rodgers ditched Luis Palma during the summer transfer window by sending him out on loan to Lech Poznan, with an option for the Polish side to make it permanent at the end of the season.

The Honduras international, who spent the second half of last term on loan at Olympiacos, fell out of favour at Parkhead despite a fairly impressive record when selected.

Palma racked up ten goals and ten assists in 48 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, per Transfermarkt, which is a very respectable return for a winger.

Given how Celtic’s wingers have performed at the top end of the pitch this season, Rodgers could currently do with a player like Palma who can provide goals and assists on a regular basis.

The 25-year-old star has already fired in four goals and assisted three goals in 12 appearances for Lech Poznan, per Transfermarkt, whilst Tounekti has one goal and zero assists in ten outings in all competitions for Hammarby and Celtic combined.

This shows that Palma, who was described as a “magic” player by Peter Grant, has outperformed the Tunisia international with more goals and more assists from a left wing position.

Tounekti is exciting to watch and can get supporters off their feet in a way that Palma was unable to because of his impressive dribbling, but he needs to add the goals and assists that the Honduran star has proven that he can offer.

Related Worse than Saracchi: Rodgers must drop Celtic flop who lost the ball 13x

Celtic must drop this Celtic flop who was even worse than Marcelo Saracchi against Motherwell.

Posts ByDan Emery Oct 5, 2025

Therefore, at this moment in time, Rodgers may rue not giving the Lech Poznan star more of a chance to establish himself on the wing for the Hoops, because he is now out on loan and outperforming the club’s new £5m winger.

"La France, c'est vous." Translated as 'France, is you', that was what French president Charles de Gaulle told footballer Rachid Mekhloufi in 1968. Mekhloufi had just led his Saint-Etienne side to the double, and the reward was an audience with the most powerful man in the country. For Mekhloufi, this sentence brought things full circle. Now he was both Algerian and French; 10 years earlier, he had – in a sense – been neither.

• Superstar in the making

  At the beginning of 1958, the situation in France's colony of Algeria came to a head. After years of foreign rule, the Front de la Liberation Nationale (FLN) was pushing ever more vehemently for the independence of their country. The French military responded brutally – while at the same time, the French national team eagerly awaited the upcoming World Cup in Sweden. Two players of Algerian descent were entrenched in the squad: Mustapha Zitouni from Monaco and Mekhloufi, the superstar of reigning champions Saint-Etienne.

  Like so many young football talents, Mekhloufi had once crossed the Mediterranean in the hope of a great career in Ligue 1. At the age of 17, he arrived in Saint-Etienne for a trial. "Anyone who knows anything about football can see Rachid's class from his first touch of the ball," coach Jean Snella is said to have remarked afterwards.

  Mekhloufi scored three goals in his first game. From then on, the prolific playmaker became an indispensable part of the up-and-coming team. At the age of 20, he became a France international and led Saint-Etienne to the first championship title in the club's history. But at 21, he threw away his promising career and a place at the World Cup to fight for his country's independence.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Escaping in secret

  The FLN pulled out all the stops: It was no longer just soldiers who were required to fight, but also footballers – at least symbolically. Their idea was to use an Algerian national team in exile to promote independence. FLN co-founder Ahmed Ben Bella knew only too well about the power of football, having once played for Marseille himself.

  In 1958, a total of 33 players of Algerian origin were under contract in Ligue 1. Organiser Mohamed Boumezra approached them on a secret mission with the question: Are you prepared to end your career in France to tour the world with an FLN selection? Many said yes, including the two most famous: Zitouni and Mekhloufi.

  "It was a continuation of the struggle of the Algerians who lived under French colonial rule. It was the most effective way to show that there was a war going on in Algeria. Due to censorship in the French media, the world did not know what was happening in our country. Our action, our departure from France, showed that there was indeed a movement and that war was raging," Mekhloufi recalled decades later in an interview with GOAL, explaining his motivation for joining the FLN team.

  The players' secret departure was planned for April 13 and 14, but there were complications. Mekhloufi, of all people, injured himself in what would likely to be his last game for Saint-Etienne and had to spend a night in hospital. Still in his pyjamas, he was picked up the next day and taken with three colleagues to the French-Swiss border. Instead of asking critical questions, the border police only asked for one thing: autographs.

  However, it didn't take long for suspicions to arise in France. "Nine Algerian footballers missing," read the headline in April 15. Hacene Chabri and Mohamed Maouche, meanwhile, were arrested on departure and were only able to leave France at a much later date. Meanwhile, their team-mates gradually arrives at the meeting point in the Tunisian capital, Tunis, where the provisional Algerian government was based.

• Travelling the world

  Clubs terminated the contracts of the players involved, the French Football Federation banned them and FIFA rejected an application for membership from the FLN team and also threatened potential international opponents with consequences. Despite these complications, Mekhloufi's team played 83 matches in 14 countries over the next four years against clubs, city teams, junior sides and senior national teams, mainly from the Arab and Asian regions as well as the Communist bloc.

  In sporting terms, the high-calibre team was able to take on almost any opponent. They started with victories against their recently independent neighbours Morocco and Tunisia, with the longest trips taking them to Vietnam and China. New players of Algerian origin from France joined the team over time, too.

  "We were professional players fighting a political battle. We were rebels," Mekhloufi told GOAL. "Contact with heads of state, revolutionaries, citizens and journalists opened my eyes. Before that, I was an idiot! I played football with my friends. We laughed, chased girls and went to the cinema. That was it."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Triumphant return

  Meanwhile, Mekhloufi's former France team-mates chased the title in vain at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden as they were eliminated in the semi-finals. But what might have been possible with the two lost stars?

  "I've always said that this team was wonderful and played beautiful football. Yes, we could have become world champions. Of course, it's all hypothetical, but this team was very strong – both in terms of football and politics," Mekhloufi told GOAL. And indeed, there was no resentment towards the rebels; Raymond Kopa of Real Madrid, top scorer Just Fontaine and the rest of the France team even sent their rebellious friends a postcard from Sweden.

  From the outset, there was understanding in France for the Algerians' behaviour, and gradually, more and more members of the public rejected the bloody war. In 1962, Algeria finally gained independence through the Evian ceasefire agreement. The FLN selection became the official national team – and many players returned to their previous clubs in France.

  Mekhloufi's Saint-Etienne had meanwhile been relegated to Ligue 2. However, with their 25-year-old superstar back in the line up, they managed to bounce straight back up before winning the championship title the following season and later two more, culminating in the double in 1968.

  Upon his retirement, Mekhloufi returned to Algeria, where he remained a key figure within football, serving as both national team coach and president of the football federation. He was assistant coach by the time Algeria made their first World Cup appearance in 1982, where they famously beat Germany, only to become the victims of the 'Disgrace of Gijon' as Germany and Austria played out a mutually beneficial game that knocked their African rivals out.

  Mekhloufi died in the autumn of 2024 at the age of 88, but he will forever remain a face of the independence movement.

There was a lot made of what Celtic did and did not do in the final days of the summer transfer window, which officially slammed shut last Monday.

The Hoops were unable to sign a new centre-forward to bolster the squad, despite allowing Adam Idah to sign for Swansea for £7m, on deadline day.

This meant that the Scottish Premiership champions had to swoop for Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer the following day, after Sevilla terminated his contract early.

Whilst supporters will want to focus on who came in, and who did not, there also needs to be an appreciation of the players who moved on from the club, including Nicolas Kuhn.

Celtic’s model revolves around bringing in and developing young players to sell them on for a profit, but they then need to find replacements for those players to ensure that the team does not suffer as a result.

Matt O’Riley left the Scottish giants to sign for Brighton & Hove Albion last year and his move away from Glasgow left a gaping hole in the middle of the park.

Why Matt O'Riley's exit was a big blow for Celtic

The left-footed star took his game to the next level under Brendan Rodgers in the 2023/24 campaign after Ange Postecoglou moved down south to join Tottenham Hotspur.

O’Riley, who now plays for Marseille, only scored seven goals in 54 appearances in the Premiership for the Australian head coach, but did deliver 15 assists in that time.

This shows that he was a creative midfielder who did not offer a significant threat as a goalscorer from the middle of the park prior to Rodgers’ return to Parkhead in the summer of 2023.

O’Riley stepped up his game in the final third in the 2023/24 campaign, though, with a return of 18 goals in the Premiership to lead the Hoops to the title.

23/24 Premiership

Matt O’Riley

Squad rank

Sofascore rating

7.91

1st

Goals

18

1st

Assists

13

1st

Big chances created

14

1st

Key passes per game

2.5

1st

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Denmark international was a pivotal part of Rodgers’ team because he was the main threat in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

This is why his move to Brighton last summer was a big blow because the Scottish giants lost a star who could deliver goals and assists at an exceptional rate.

O’Riley’s ability to score goals, in particular, was important for Celtic because it took some of the pressure off the forward players, which is exactly what the team need right now with their issues in the centre-forward department.

Kelechi Iheanacho only scored four goals in all competitions last season, per Sofascore, whilst Hyun-jun Yang and James Forrest have combined for six league goals since the start of last term.

Chalkboard

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

Expand Collapse

This is why there may be more of an emphasis on the midfielders needing to step up and score goals for Rodgers this season, and they may have their next Matt O’Riley already brewing at Parkhead.

The Celtic star who could be the new Matt O'Riley

Celtic broke their transfer record to sign Arne Engels from Augsburg for a fee of £11m last summer to ‘replace’ O’Riley, and he did not have a bad first season in Glasgow by any means.

The Belgium international delivered ten goals and 13 assists in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, which is a very respectable return for a central midfielder, but there was a lack of goals from open play.

Celtic’s goal threat from midfield

24/25 Premiership

Starts

Non-penalty goals

Arne Engels

21

2

Reo Hatate

24

9

Callum McGregor

29

8

Luke McCowan

12

5

Paulo Bernardo

11

2

Stats via WhoScored

As you can see in the table above, Engels ranked joint-bottom alongside Paulo Bernardo for non-penalty goals in the Celtic midfield last season in the Premiership.

This is why it is Benjamin Nygren who could be the next O’Riley in the making at Parkhead, not Engels, because the summer signing has the potential to deliver a huge goal threat from midfield for the Hoops.

The Sweden international arrived in Glasgow from Nordsjaelland after an impressive haul of 16 goals and four assists in 32 appearances in all competitions for the Danish outfit last season, per Transfermarkt.

Whilst Nygren is more versatile than O’Riley, having played the bulk of his minutes on the right flank, he did score four of those 16 goals in his six appearances as either an attacking or central midfield player.

Since making the move to Parkhead, the Swedish star has mainly played in a central midfield role in the 4-3-3 set-up, and showcased his knack for goals from a central position with his strike against Aberdeen.

The left-footed star has scored three goals in four Premiership matches to date, per Sofascore, and only one of his 19 goals for Nordsjaelland and Celtic since the start of last season came from the penalty spot.

His Sweden teammate Alexander Isak, now of Liverpool, described him as a “fearless” star who plays with “confidence”, which has already been clear to see during his short time with the Hoops.

Nygren takes risks with the ball, losing the ball 19 times per game, He wants to progress his team up the pitch. He wants to take shots and create chances, averaging three key passes per game in the Premiership, per Sofascore.

His impact from a central midfield and a right wing position has been impressive, and his form in Denmark suggests that it is sustainable as well.

Related Brown 2.0: Celtic have their next number 8 in the making & it's not Nygren

Celtic may have their next Scott Brown in the making and it is not Benjamin Nygren.

Posts ByDan Emery Sep 6, 2025

Therefore, the 24-year-old star may be the next O’Riley for Rodgers as a central midfield star who has the potential to go and score 15 to 20 goals in the Premiership this season if he can remain consistent with his performances.

Manchester United’s need for added attacking reinforcements this summer was evident after only managing to find the net on 44 occasions in the Premier League last season.

Anthony, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford have all departed the Red Devils, freeing up funds for Ruben Amorim to make the additions he wanted this summer.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are two signings who have joined the club, with the latter already opening his account after netting against Burnley last Saturday.

Whilst the duo may have cost the hierarchy around £130m, they do have the Premier League experience needed to help the club avoid a bottom-half finish – just like they did in the 2024/25 campaign.

However, other additions have been made within the final third throughout the off-season, leading to Amorim and the board taking a gamble on one young European talisman.

Benjamin Sesko’s move to join United this summer

A new striker was a huge priority for United this summer, with Benjamin Sesko the man chosen to lead the line for the Red Devils in 2025/26 and beyond.

The hierarchy forked out a deal totalling £73.7m, including add-ons – a figure that is a huge gamble on a player who’s only featured in Europe’s top-five leagues for two seasons.

The Slovenian has only made one start for United to date – coming in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby Town – but has been named as a substitute in all three league outings.

As a result of his limited action, the 22-year-old is yet to open his account for the club, but judgement will need to be held on his addition, given his lack of action in recent weeks.

Hopefully, Sesko will get the chance to showcase his talents after the current international break, but he could’ve been aided at the club had the hierarchy kept hold of one talent.

The former United star who would’ve got Sesko firing

As previously mentioned, Cunha and Mbeumo have also been added to the United attacking department – injecting needed goals and assists to the club’s frontline.

The pair combined for 48 combined goal contributions throughout 2024/25, with such a record higher than the Red Devils squad managed as a whole last season.

If they can replicate such numbers, they will make themselves fan-favourites, whilst also providing Sesko with the opportunities he will need to thrive within the final third.

Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system relies upon two attacking midfielders – the positions Cunha and Mbeumo have featured in – but also two wing-backs, who are tasked with having an impact in forward areas.

Patrick Dorgu currently occupies the role down the left-hand side, but former United star Alvaro Carreras is a player whom the hierarchy may regret selling too prematurely.

The 22-year-old spent four years at Old Trafford – but failed to make a single senior appearance – being sent on loan spells at the likes of Preston, Granada and Benfica.

It was the Spaniard’s spell at the latter that catapulted him to stardom, with the Portuguese outfit triggering the £5m option in his contract at the end of his loan spell in 2023/24.

His numbers from last season are nothing short of mind-boggling, registering eight combined goals and assists across all competitions – numbers which could’ve handed Sesko the ammunition he’ll need for success in Manchester.

Carreras, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, also created 1.2 chances per 90 last campaign – completing 23% of the crosses attempted, with the latter aiding the Slovenian’s aerial abilities had the hierarchy kept hold of him.

Alvaro Carreras – stats for Benfica (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

52

Goals & assists

8

Chances created

1.2

Cross accuracy

23%

Pass accuracy

83%

Dribble success

53%

Tackles won

61%

Recoveries made

5.5

Stats via FotMob

However, despite only joining Benfica a year ago, he secured another transfer in the recent window, this time moving to LaLiga giants Real Madrid in a reported £43m transfer.

Such a transfer has just compounded the Red Devils’ misery over recent years, further highlighting how many mistakes they’ve made in the transfer market, whether that be incomings or outgoings.

The prospect of the Spaniard linking up with Sesko in forward areas is something the supporters would’ve loved to see under Amorim – but unfortunately, it’ll always be a case of what could’ve been with their loss, now Madrid’s gain.

Related Man Utd may regret selling perfect Mainoo replacement for just £500k

Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing a young star to depart Old Trafford.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Sep 4, 2025

Paul Mullin has been told that a reunion with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham should not be written off, with there still a chance that he will be offered a shot at redemption. A cult hero from the Red Dragons’ historic run of three successive promotions is currently out on loan at Wigan Athletic, but he remains under contract in North Wales.

• Money well spent by Hollywood co-owners

  Mullin became one of the first marquee signings made by Hollywood stars Reynolds and McElhenney following the completion of their stunning takeover at SToK Racecourse. He would prove to be money well spent.

Advertisement

• GOAL
  

  Wrexham record: How many goals Mullin scored

  The humble frontman hit 110 goals for the Red Dragons through 172 appearances, becoming a three-time Player of the Year. He helped Wrexham to clamber out of the National League and into the Championship, enjoying three all-expenses-paid trips to Las Vegas in the process.

• Loan ranger: Offloaded by Parkinson

  He did, however, slip down the pecking order under Phil Parkinson last season and was eventually allowed to leave for Wigan in the summer of 2025. There are still two years left to run on his contract at Wrexham, which means that a slate there may be wiped clean.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Mullin target: Wrexham return & international debut

  Former Wrexham boss Dean Saunders believes a second chance could be earned at club level, and a first with the Wales national team, telling : “One thing about Paul Mullin is that he is a goal scorer, and he always will be. He knows where the net is, and when he is in form on a scoring streak, I’m not sure there is any forward scarier in the EFL. Wrexham have signed players from higher up and have decided to send him out on loan, which I think is fair enough, as they have Premier League ambitions.

  “One thing Paul needs to do is keep at it. He needs a manager who backs him to score goals and lead the line, which he seems to have found at Wigan. He needs to stay fit and bang in goals to show Wrexham what they are missing. I actually think Wales could still use him in an international squad. It’s hard to find natural goal scorers, and that’s exactly what Paul is. Wales could use some of his firepower.

  “In the footballing world nowadays, if you score 15 goals a season, you become a £100 million player, and I know Paul doesn’t play in the highest leagues in the world, but I think his talents have been undervalued. I wouldn’t toss him on the scrapheap yet. If Wrexham struggle for goals this season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them recall him and get him back in the mix.”

They might not be partaking in pre-season at the moment, but it would be fair to say that the mood around Chelsea at the moment is a positive one.

While the fans are still basking in Enzo Maresca’s side’s Club World Cup triumph, the board continue to make moves in the transfer window.

The Blues have already welcomed in a host of talented attacking players like Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

Yet, there is still seemingly more work to do, with Jorrel Hato the next player to come through the doors at Stamford Bridge, although if reports are to be believed, the club could risk spoiling some of their good work by making a Jadon Sancho-esque signing.

Chelsea target Sancho repeat

As things stand, it’s looking almost certain that the next player to join Chelsea will be Hato.

Transfer Focus

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

The young Ajax defender is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in world football, with 111 appearances to his name already.

His transfer has already been given the “here we go” treatment by Farbrizio Romano, who has also revealed that the final fee for him is around €40m, which is about £35m.

When it’s finally announced, it’ll be a massively exciting move, but there could be another transfer just on the horizon that doesn’t go down quite as well with fans.

At least that is according to journalist Alex Crook, who confirmed that Chelsea are still incredibly interested in Alejandro Garnacho.

In fact, he has revealed that the Blues are now “pushing for” the Manchester United ace this summer.

In terms of how much the Argentinian could end up costing the West Londoners, plenty of reports from earlier this summer have claimed that an offer of around £40m could be enough to get this deal done.

Garnacho might be a talented player, but this feels like a deal Chelsea do not need to do, especially as it could be another Sancho situation.

Why Garnacho could be another Sancho

Now then, it has to be said that Garnacho is clearly a talented prospect, as, even with United in their current state, a player doesn’t make 58 appearances in a season without having something about them.

However, before moving to Old Trafford, there was even more reason to think Sancho was going to be one of the future stars of English football, as in his final campaign with Borussia Dortmund, he racked up a sensational tally of 16 goals and 20 assists in just 38 games for the German giants.

Flash forward to today, and the former wonderkid has a pretty dire tally of 12 goals and six assists in 83 games for the Red Devils and a slightly better, but still poor, record of five goals and ten assists in 41 games for the Blues from last season.

Moreover, it’s not just that the 25-year-old underperformed on the pitch, but he also caused trouble off of it, getting into a public spat with former boss Erik ten Hag at the start of the 23/24 season, which ultimately saw him frozen out of the team for some time.

We’ve already seen that Garnacho has the same ability to cause trouble off the pitch as well, falling out in a rather spectacular way with Ruben Amorim at the end of last season, so much so that reports came out suggesting the manager told him he’d have to pray another side came in for him.

Now, on the rare occasion, a club might put up with someone who could disrupt the dressing room if they can have a massive impact on the pitch, but for all the talent the “electric” ace has, as dubbed by Statman Dave, he’s not got enough of it to be worth the trouble.

For example, in his 58 appearances last season, the Madrid-born dynamo only scored 11 goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to a rather underwhelming average of a goal involvement every 2.76 games.

Garnacho in 24/25
Appearances	58
Minutes	3568′
Goals	11
Assists	10
Goal Involvements per Match	0.36
Minutes per Goal Involvements	169.90′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

That’s certainly not a bad rate of return, but it’s not a game-changing one either, nor is it one that would make up for the potentially destabilising behaviour that might come with it.

Ultimately, Garnacho is a good player, but that is about as much as we can say at the moment, and therefore, Chelsea should avoid bringing him to Stamford Bridge this summer, as he wouldn’t be worth the fee that could end up being a Sancho repeat.

More exciting than Hato: Chelsea close to agreement for "phenomenal" CF

The talented gem could be a superstar for Chelsea.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 31, 2025