The Los Angeles Dodgers may have a secret weapon when it comes to recruiting the best free agents: Shohei Ohtani's beloved dog Decoy.

During an appearance on the podcast on Monday, Los Angeles star Freddie Freeman revealed that Ohtani's dog was present during meetings between then-amateur international free agent Roki Sasaki and Dodgers players.

"Mookie [Betts], me, Tommy Edman, Will Smith and Shohei were the guys that were there," Freeman said. "And Shohei was with him the whole time. Shohei brought his dog. Roki likes dogs too."

And as Freeman amusingly indicates, it was a calculated decision to have Decoy, a Dutch Kooikerhondje, tag along for the meetings.

"We knew what we were doing," Freeman said with a laugh.

Freeman went on to explain that, while the meetings may have helped sell the Dodgers to Sasaki, they weren't intended to be recruiting pitches, at least in a traditional sense.

"But it was mostly like … We just kind of hung around in a circle. And it wasn't about like, 'Hey come to the Dodgers.' It kind of speaks for itself. It's just more of showing him how the culture is between us guys that are already on the team. And showing him that he will be comfortable if he came to us."

Sasaki inked a minor league contract, which included a $6.5 million signing bonus, with the Dodgers in January. And while the prospect of joining a star-studded roster that just won a World Series undoubtedly appealed to Sasaki, it also likely didn't hurt that the Dodgers' culture is also one welcoming to players' dogs.

As of February, Sasaki's dog had not yet met Decoy. But judging by the quick friendship struck up between Decoy and fellow pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto's dog this spring, it's likely only a matter of time until Sasaki's dog joins the mix.

Aaron Judge is Captain America.

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa on Monday announced that Judge was named the captain for the Americans in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Shortly after the announcement on MLB Network, Judge was asked what it means to him to wear "USA" on his chest.

"Just getting a chance to represent this country," Judge said. "What this country means to me—Honestly, every game during the national anthem, God Bless America… It's a time to reflect about all the brave men and women that have fought for this country and given me the opportunity to step on a baseball field and play a game that I love.

"So, now getting a chance to have USA across my chest and represent the great people in our country and represent what this country means—it's a great opportunity."

Speaking at a news conference after the announcement of his captaincy, Judge expanded upon his salute to the American military, adding that being named the team's captain is "humbling."

"Getting a chance to represent our country," Judge said. "I kinda said it earlier this morning, but thinking about all the brave men and women that have fought for this country, and laid their lives down for us to get a chance, and especially me get a chance, to go out here and play a game.

"It's a pretty humbling experience. Just happy to represent the US and happy to be your captain."

DeRosa explained that he informed Los Angeles Angels superstar—and 2023 Team USA captain—Mike Trout of his decision to name Judge the captain for the 2026 squad. Trout replied simply, "He should be."

Judge is not only the perfect ambassador for the Yankees as the team's captain, but he's also that for the sport as well.

One of Vitor Matos’ first transfer targets at Swansea City has now confirmed that he’s received contact from the Jacks ahead of a potential January move.

Vitor Matos instantly pinpoints "clear" Swansea problem

It wasn’t the start that Matos had been dreaming of on Tuesday evening, as Derby County battled to defeat a struggling Swansea, who now sit just two points clear of the Championship’s dropzone.

The former Liverpool coach would have been well aware that it’s not a quick fix in Wales, however, and has already pinpointed one “clear” issue that the Jacks had against Derby.

It’s clear that the young manager learned a thing or two from Jurgen Klopp during his time at Anfield, given his counter-pressing approach, but whether he can instill that approach into his side by this weekend remains to be seen.

Swansea square off against West Bromwich Albion knowing that defeat could leave them in the relegation zone by the end of the weekend.

It’s a squad in desperate need of reinforcements and Matos can’t afford any passengers in his pressing system – making the January window crucial.

It’s then that the new manager could welcome his first signing in Wales after Finland’s Leo Walta revealed contact from Swansea ahead of the winter window.

Leo Walta "ready" for big move after Swansea contact

Following initial reports that Kim Hellberg wanted to bring him to Wales before the manager chose Middlesbrough in controversial fashion, Swansea have kept their interest in Walta alive.

The Sirius midfielder could yet become Matos’ first signing after revealing that he’s already had contact from Swansea. Speaking to reporters, the 22-year-old said: “Yes. Yes, I have heard (from them). That they like me as a player and are interested.

“It’s quite early, we’re still in November. I’m going through different options, and we also have to talk to Sirius about the winter. I’m ready for a good league and to take a place straight away. I am a pretty good player, in my opinion, and I want to take a big step and see how far I can go.”

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An immediate concern for the managerial target.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 19, 2025

Still just 22 years old, Walta is undoubtedly one to watch, especially amid Swansea’s interest. The midfielder scored 17 goals and provided three assists in Sweden last season and could quickly become an impressive signing in Wales.

Already a Finland international, Walta is certainly ready to take the next step in his club career. Whether that results in a first signing for Matos remains to be seen, however.

Early blow for Matos: "Top clubs" now moving to sign Swansea's best young star

Ruben Amorim has now spent a little over a year in charge as Manchester United manager, but his spell at Old Trafford has been one that has presented constant questions.

The main one has undoubtedly been around his 3-4-2-1 system, with the 40-year-old utilising such a formation in each and every one of his games in charge of the Red Devils.

It’s led the side to numerous impressive victories, including one at Anfield this campaign, something no manager has managed to achieve in nearly a decade prior to his appointment.

However, it’s also led to concerns among the fanbase, especially when his men lost 1-0 to Everton in the Premier League last month, despite the visitors being down to ten for the majority of the contest.

Only a specific calibre of player can fit into Amorim’s system at the Theatre of Dreams, as seen by their attempts to solve numerous problem positions ahead of January.

Man Utd looking to sign new wing-back

Over the last few weeks, United have been just one Premier League side named with a huge interest in landing Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson in the January window.

However, such a deal would cost INEOS a pretty penny in the months ahead, with Sean Dyche’s men currently demanding a fee in the region of £100m for his services.

Amorim’s men could miss out on the 23-year-old in the near future, especially after rivals Manchester City stormed into the race to land the England international this week.

However, he’s not the only young talent in their sights ahead of the upcoming window, with left-back Nathaniel Brown another talent being considered by the hierarchy.

According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Red Devils are keeping tabs on the progress of the Eintracht Frankfurt full-back, with a €70m (£61m) price tag being mooted.

Despite the interest from Amorim’s men, they’re not alone in the hunt for the 22-year-old’s signature, as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also look to land the German international.

Analyst Spencer Mossman claimed back in May that he is “1-2 years away from being the most coveted left back” around but based on the fact that plenty of Europe’s heavyweights want him now, there is a sense that Mossman’s prediction is coming true just seven months later.

How Brown compares to Patrick Dorgu

Spending big money on full-backs hasn’t been alien to United over the last couple of seasons, as seen by their £30m move to land Patrick Dorgu in January this year.

The Dane became Amorim’s first major addition since taking the reins, with the 21-year-old identified as the immediate and long-term solution to the left-back issue.

However, as previously mentioned, Amorim’s system requires players to be tactically skilled, something which the youngster has struggled with over the last couple of months.

He was brought on with just a minute to go against Crystal Palace last weekend, with the manager opting to utilise right-back Diogo Dalot in a somewhat unfamiliar role.

Dorgu’s tally of just seven league starts in 2025/26 further highlights the lack of trust shown in him by the manager, which has no doubt led to the recent rumours ahead of January.

Brown, who’s only a year older than the Dane, has already demonstrated his quality at both ends of the pitch, that’s despite operating in a back four in the Bundesliga.

However, he’s still managed to outperform the United man in numerous key areas, with his skillset arguably being perfect for the manager’s philosophy at Old Trafford.

Brown, who’s been dubbed a “galactico” by one analyst, has completed more progressive carries and passes per 90, often liking to get the ball into attacking areas.

Such tallies will no doubt be perfect in a more advanced wing-back role, which could allow Brown to take his career to the next level if he moves to Old Trafford.

However, despite currently featuring in a back-four, the German has also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst making more passes into the final third per 90.

The youngster’s creativity is certainly one of his best assets, but he’s also managed to dominate Dorgu without the ball during the early stages of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Frankfurt star has won more tackles, whilst also making more blocks per 90 – subsequently handing Amorim’s side the added defensive quality they’ve lacked in the left-back department.

Whilst £52m would be yet another hefty investment from INEOS, it’s a deal that could no doubt solve the glaring issue in such an area for the foreseeable future at Old Trafford.

As for Dorgu, the deal could certainly cast doubt over his long-term future at the club, with the hierarchy potentially wanting to cash in on his services to avoid losing a fortune on their investment.

Man Utd looking to sign £100m Casemiro upgrade who's "as good as Bellingham"

Manchester United could push to sign this wantaway superstar in 2026.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 1, 2025

The day-long elections, which included physical votes and e-ballots, was held in a hotel in Dhaka on Monday

Mohammad Isam06-Oct-2025Aminul Islam has been re-elected as the BCB president at the board election on Monday. He will serve a four-year term, after having been in the same role for the last four months. Faruque Ahmed, the former president who Aminul had replaced in May, and Shakhawat Hossain, will be the vice-presidents.The day-long election, which included physical votes and e-ballots, was held in a hotel in Dhaka. A total of 23 directors were elected and two government representatives were announced later to form the 25-member body. The election commission said 115 votes were cast out of the 156 eligible voters.The election process is two-fold. The voters, called councillors, elect 23 board directors in three separate categories. Aminul was one of ten directors elected from the first category, which includes only the divisions and districts of the country. The second category is the all-powerful Dhaka clubs who elect the majority of 12 directors. The third category includes representatives from different institutions, former cricketers, captains, and several other organisations.The election commission announced the names of the board directors at 6.30pm, before the new 25-member body held an election among themselves to choose the president and two vice-presidents. Aminul, Faruque and Shakhawat were elected unopposed in these posts.Three former captains are now in the board of directors, including Aminul, Faruque and Khaled Mashud. Former Bangladesh cricketer Abdur Razzak was nominated from the Khulna sub-category unopposed, becoming a board director. He had left his job as a senior men’s selector recently.While the voting was held without major incident on Monday, the election commission representatives made allegations of “intimidations”. The build-up to the election, too, had several controversies. Tamim Iqbal, the former Bangladesh captain, had withdrawn from the race after complaining of interference, when BCB chief Aminul issued a letter asking for fresh nominations for the elections’ first category. The letter was cleared by the country’s courts the day before the elections.After he was confirmed as the new president, Aminul said he wanted to continue in this role after “falling in love with Bangladesh cricket’s development”. When he was elected on May 30, Aminul had said that his short-term role would be like a “quick T20 innings”.Aminul played 13 Tests and 39 ODIs, and led the side during their maiden World Cup appearance in 1999.Category 1 directors: Aminul Islam, Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, Ahsan Iqbal Chowdhury, Asif Akbar, Abdur Razzak, Julfiker Ali Khan, Mukhlesur Rahman, Hasanuzzaman, Rahat Shams, Shakhawat HossainCategory 2 directors: Ishtiaque Sadeque, Adnan Rahman, Fayazur Rahman, Abul Bashar, Amzad Hossain, Shanian Taneem, Mukhsedul Kamal, Nazmul Islam, Faruque Ahmed, Manjur Alam, Mehrab Alam Chowdhury, Iftekhar RahmanCategory 3 director: Khaled MashudGovernment representative directors: M Ishfaq Ahsan, Yasir Mohammad Faisal Ashique

تحدث آرني سلوت، مدرب نادي ليفربول، مرة أخرى عن مستقبله وذلك قبل أيام من مواجهة الريدز ضد وست هام يونايتد بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ليفربول يلتقي مع نظيره وست هام يوم الأحد المقبل، لحساب منافسات الجولة الـ13 من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على ملعب لندن الأوليمبي.

ويسعى ليفربول إلى الفوز على وست هام، في ظل النتائج الصعبة التي عاشها الريدز خلال الفترة الأخيرة هذا الموسم.

وخسر ليفربول هذا الأسبوع أمام نوتينجهام فورست في البداية 3-0 بالدوري الإنجليزي، ثم تبعها هزيمة قاسية أخرى أمس الأربعاء ضد بي إس في آيندهوفن 4-1 بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

وورد أن ليفربول قد يفكر في إقالة سلوت من منصبه كمدرب لليفربول، مما يضع المدير الفني الهولندا تحت ضغط كبير.

وقال سلوت خلال المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص باللقاء، والذي نقلته شبكة “ليفربول إيكو” حول إمكانية إقالته من تدريب الريدز: “لقد أجرينا نفس المحادثات التي أجريناها منذ أن وصلت إلى هنا، نواصل القتال ونحاول التحسين، هذا ما نحاول جميعًا القيام به، المحادثات كانت كما كانت خلال الثمانية عشر شهرًا الماضية”.

وأضاف: “خيبة أمل من اللاعبين؟ لا إطلاقًا، مع أنني أتفق على أن معاييرنا كفريق لم تكن بالمستوى الذي اعتدنا عليه، نعتقد أننا نستطيع اللعب بشكل أفضل، التركيز منصب على الفريق لا على اللاعبين، إذا حدث العكس فنحن ننظر إلى الفريق لا إلى اللاعبين”.

وأوضح: “ليس من السهل قول ما يمكنني فعله بشكل مختلف، إذا فزت أو خسرت أو تعادلت فإنك تفكر في القرارات التي تتخذها خلال الأسبوع وربما تفعل ذلك أكثر إذا خسرت”.

وأردف: ”نحاول إيجاد الحل الذي نحتاجه للفوز بالمباراة، وفي النهاية الأمر يتعلق بفعل ما يقوم عليه هذا النادي وهو الاستمرار في القتال، علينا أن نقاتل معًا”.

وتابع: ”سيكون من الجيد أيضًا أن نكافئ أنفسنا في اللحظات التي نلعب فيها بشكل جيد، لأن هناك جوانب مهمة عندما نلعب بشكل جيد، كل خطأ صغير يؤدي إلى استقبال هدف”.

واستكمل: ”هناك ضغط كبير عندما تعمل في نادي كبير ويزداد الأمر سوءًا إذا خسرت أكثر مما اعتاد عليه هذا النادي”.

وقال: ”هناك دائمًا ضغط، ففي العام الماضي فزنا بالدوري، لكن الآن أصبح الضغط مختلفًا، ربما أصبحت مهمتي أسهل لأنني لست مضطرًا للعب”.

وأضاف: ”الأمر صعب على كل لاعب، فعندما نخسر بعد 5 دقائق ونلعب بشكل جيد في الشوط الأول ثم نستقبل هدفًا في الشوط الثاني، فنتلقى ضربة تلو الأخرى لذلك نواصل القتال، هذا ما قدمناه بشكل رائع العام الماضي وهو الحد الأدنى الذي نتوقعه خلال 90 دقيقة”.

وعن الإصابات بين لاعبي ليفربول، أوضح سلوت: ”تدرب أليسون مع الفريق، ونأمل ونتوقع أن يكون لائقًا للقاء وست هام، سيخضع فلوريان ليومه الأخير في مرحلة التأهيل غدًا، لذا قد يتدرب يوم السبت إذا سارت الأمور على ما يرام”.

وضع هوجو إيكتيكي: ”بالنسبة لهوجو، فاليوم كان فترة تعافي للاعبين، لكننا لا نتوقع أنه يعاني من مشكلة كبيرة لنرى، المباريات تأتي بسرعة لكن لا ينبغي أن تكون مشكلة له”.

ونونو سانتو، مدرب وست هام: ”يؤثر على نتائج وست هام بالإيجاب، لقد قدم أداءً جيدًا في إنجلترا مع نوتينجهام فورست، ووست هام مجددًا، لذا يثبت أنه مدرب يصعب اللعب ضده”.

وقال: ”من الصعب الفوز على وست هام الآن ولهذا السبب نحتاج بالتأكيد إلى الاستعداد للتحدي، الأمر مختلف بالنسبة لهم للعب ضدنا الآن عما كان عليه قبل ثلاثة أشهر”.

وعن إحصائية الأهداف المتوقع تسجيلها بالنسبة لليفربول: ”أشعر بالإحباط منها، فهذه الإحصائية لا تخبرك دائمًا بالقصة الصحيحة، إذًا متى تحصل على تلك الفرص؟ أنت دائمًا أكثر انفتاحًا عندما تستقبل أهدافًا، فضد أستون فيلا وريال مدريد نادرًا ما استقبلنا فرصًا، لكن عندما نطارد المباريات نستقبل فرصًا”.

وأوضح: “لا نكافئ أنفسنا عندما نلعب بشكل جيد في المباريات، وهذا يتضح جليًا في تقديرات الأهداف المتوقعة وهو أمر مثير للسخرية، لم أكن بحاجة إلى هذا التقدير لأعرف أننا أهدرنا الكثير من الفرص”.

وتصريحات كيرتس جونز، لاعب ليفربول، وانتقاده لمستوى الفريق ضد آيندهوفن أردف: ”هل تفترض أنني سمعت ما قاله وهو ما لم أفعله؟”.

طالع.. “أصبح عبئًا”.. ديلي ميل تهاجم محمد صلاح وتطالب سلوت بقرار جريء

وتابع: “قال إننا بحاجة إلى أن نكون أكثر صرامة؟ من الجيد أن نظهر ذلك في المباريات وهذا ما يحاول اللاعبون فعله، أفضل الأرقام الشخصية اليوم وإحصائيات الجري، لذا يبذل اللاعبون جهدًا كبيرًا، الحد الأدنى الذي أتوقعه من الفريق هو أننا سنقاتل”.

ومتى تعود الثقة: ”لا أعتقد أنها ستكون منخفضة عندما نبدأ لعب المباريات، ولا حتى إذا كنا متأخرين 1-0، ولكن بعدما يسجل في مرماك الهدف الرابع أو الخامس فترى صعوبة لمدة 5 أو 10 دقائق”.

وأضاف: ”حتى عندما كانت النتيجة 2-1 ضد آيندهوفن كانت خيبة أمل، لكننا تمكنا من خلق فرص كافية لجعل النتيجة 2-2، لكن عندما باتت النتيجة 3-1 رأيت أن ذلك أثر على اللاعبين، ولم تكن الروح القتالية في أفضل حالاتها”.

وأوضح: ”من الصعب إيصال رسالتي إلى لاعبي ليفربول بعد الهزيمة بتلك النتيجة، لكن قبل وخلال الشوط الأول رأيت كيف نصنع الفرص،  لكنها لا تؤدي إلى أهداف، الأمر صعب علينا جميعًا لكن الرسالة تصل بوضوح تام، أرى كيف نخلق الفرص وهذا واضح”.

ومدافع ليفربول، جو جوميز: ”إنه قريب من المشاركة وقد يشارك لدقائق أمام وست هام، لكن عندما نكون متأخرين بفارق هدفين أو ثلاثة أهداف، أميل لإجراء تبديلات هجومية، لذا فإن مشاركته بشكل أساسي واردة بالتأكيد”.

وتابع: ”لم يتدرب كوناتي قبل يومين وكان يشكل عائقًا لنا قبل المباراة ضد آيندهوف، لذا كانت مخاطرة أن نلعب به، لذلك قررت إبقاء جوميز في خططي في التشكيلة الأساسية ضد آيندهوفن تحسبًا لإصابة إيبو”.

وواصل: ”لم أكن على ما يرام بعد الليلة الماضية وفي النهاية نمت جيدًا، ليس وكأنني أسهر طوال الليل، لكن إذا فزنا لن أنام جيدًا، الأدرينالين والأفكار مرهقة، لكنني نمت ساعات كافية”.

ومدرب آيندهوفن، بيتر بوش: “لم أتناول مشروبًا مع بيتر بوش، لأن لدي الكثير من العمل أمام الإعلام، سألته لكن الوقت كان متأخرًا جدًا لذا سأهنئه في رسالة”.

وأضاف: “هناك الكثير من الأشخاص الذين يمكنني الاتصال بهم للحصول على النصيحة، لكن هناك الكثير من الأشخاص في ليفربول أيضًا يمكنني الاتصال بهم للحصول على النصيحة”.

وأوضح سلوت: ”نتذكر دائمًا المباراتين الأخيرتين أكثر من أي شيء آخر، كان الشوط الثاني ضد السيتي أفضل بكثير بينما مباراة كريستال بالاس في سبتمبر، كان الشوط الثاني لنا أفضل بكثير من الأول، لذا فإن جميع الخسائر كانت لها قصة مختلفة”.

وأردف: ”لم يكن الشوط الثاني في آخر مباراتين جيدًا، كما ذكرت، برأيي واصل اللاعبون القتال ضد آيندهوفن عندما كانت النتيجة 2-1، لذلك تمكنا من خلق فرص كافية، فرصة جاكبو عادةً ما تكون هدفًا لكنها لم تدخل”.

وعن ما إذا كان ليفربول بحاجة إلى دفعة معنوية: ”أعتقد أنك تفكر في كل شيء، ولكن حتى الآن اتخذت قرارًا مختلفًا، لكن لاعبين آخرين أظهروا أنهم بحاجة إلى هذه الدفعة في بعض لحظات التدريب”.

وأتم: ”يعتقد البعض أنني يجب أن أجري تغييرات أكثر على التشكيل، لكنني أجريت تغييرات وخسرنا مباراة ضد كريستال بالاس في كأس كاراباو، بالطبع أفكر كثيرًا”.

Manchester United got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory away from home against Crystal Palace. The Red Devils struggled in the first half and went into the break a goal down, but an energetic performance in the second 45 minutes, combined with two smart goals, ensured they got all three points.

Indeed, it was a penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta which gave the Eagles a lead. Leny Yoro made a clumsy tackle in the penalty area, with the Palace striker eventually slotting home from 12 yards. He was asked to retake his initial kick after striking the ball against his standing foot.

United came out with far more energy in the second half, and it only took them nine minutes before they managed to equalise. Joshua Zirkzee scored his first Premier League goal in almost a year to pull things level.

United’s winner came from Mason Mount, who bagged his second goal of the season. It was a good effort, with Bruno Fernandes laying a free kick into his path and Mount slotting home through a disjointed Palace wall.

The Englishman’s strike was enough to win United the game. There were some standout performances, with Zirkzee someone who played particularly well.

How Zirkzee downed Crystal Palace

It has not been the easiest season for Netherlands international Zirkzee. Saturday lunchtime at Selhurst Park felt like a big moment, and, after a first half where he struggled to get into the game, he certainly took his chance.

The goal from the attacker was simply sensational. He also got on the end of a Fernandes freekick, bringing the ball down on his chest before smashing a volley across goal into the far corner. It was a sublime strike from a man who needed a goal.

However, it was not just the goal from Zirkzee which stood out. His second-half showing was described as “amazing” by Alice Talks Footy over on X, with the United number 11 constantly linking up play, showing off his exceptional technical ability with clever touches.

Indeed, his numbers at full-time show just how well he played. Zirkzee had 50 touches of the ball, completing 14 passes in the opposition half and creating one chance. He also won eight duels and made three ball recoveries.

It was a brilliant second-half showing from the United striker, who will now be hoping to kick on. As well as he played, one of his Red Devils teammates was arguably better.

Man Utd star outshines Zirkzee vs Palace

One of the real standouts for United against the Eagles was Luke Shaw. Making his 300th appearance for the Red Devils, Shaw continued his good form this season on the left of Amorim’s back three.

The United number 23 made some key defensive contributions, including a crunching tackle to stop Eddie Nketiah from getting a shot off in the first half. He also made three interceptions, ball recoveries and clearances in a strong performance.

Shaw stats vs. Palace

Stat

Number

Touches

78

Pass accuracy

87%

Duels won

3/6

Clearances

3

Interceptions

3

Ball recoveries

3

Blocks

1

Stats from Sofascore

Indeed, one person who rated Shaw’s efforts in South London was Goal journalist Calum Preston Kelly. He gave the Englishman a 7/10 for his afternoon’s work and praised him for the fact that he “defended strongly” against Oliver Glasner’s men.

Just last game, Gary Neville said Shaw is a “waste of time” in a United squad. Yet, after a statement showing at Selhurst Park, it is easy to see that the defender could be considered an undroppable member of the squad.

There is plenty of competition for places in that left centre-back role, too. Shaw was replaced with minutes remaining in the game by Lisandro Martinez, and his return could perhaps have signalled the end of the Englishman’s run in the starting lineup.

Yet, after a performance like that, it is hard to see Amorim dropping one of his most experienced players. Shaw was crucial in United keeping Palace at bay from open play, and looks undroppable ahead of a busy festive period.

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Arsenal fans are jubilant right now, and they have every right to be.

Following a Saturday that saw Liverpool and Manchester City lose, the Gunners had a chance to extend their lead atop the Premier League table at home to Tottenham Hotspur, which is just what they did.

Mikel Arteta’s side were utterly sensational on Sunday evening, with summer signing and former Spurs target Eberechi Eze becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in the derby since Alan Sunderland in 1978.

What made the victory all the more impressive was that Arsenal had several key players missing, including club captain Martin Odegaard, though another of Arteta’s starmen might be becoming his new version of the Norwegian.

The latest on Martin Odegaard

Arsenal might be flying, but this season has not been a good one for Odegaard.

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

The former Real Madrid ace was hoping to make amends for his poor form last year, but so far has spent most of the campaign on the sidelines.

In fact, he became the first player in the competition’s history to be forced off before halftime in three successive Premier League fixtures.

The third game was the 2-0 win over West Ham United on the fourth of October, when he was forced off in the 30th minute with a knee injury that has kept him out since.

There was hope he might’ve made it back into the squad on Sunday, but that game must’ve come too soon, as he was once again watching from the sidelines.

However, the Norwegian international could finally be part of proceedings again against Bayern Munich, as Arteta said in his pre-match press conference, “We are hopeful that tomorrow he can be in the squad.”

This is undoubtedly a boost for the Gunners, as even when he’s not necessarily on song, the Drammen-born maestro can add something to the side.

Although he might find it challenging to get back into the lineup following Eze’s sensational display in the derby.

Apps

10

4

2

Starts

8

2

2

Goals

4

0

1

Assists

2

1

0

Moreover, another Arsenal star has been fulfilling some of Odegaard’s responsibilities in his absence.

Arsenal's new Odegaard

Now, when thinking about an Arsenal player who could be Arteta’s new Odegaard, most people will probably go for Eze.

After all, the Englishman has been playing in the same position over the last few weeks and is the most attacking midfielder in the lineup.

However, the former Crystal Palace star is quite different from the club captain in the sense that he is more of a moments player; he is someone who can float in and out of games and tends to take fewer touches when looking for attacking opportunities.

Instead, the player who has been performing most similarly to the Norwegian has been Leandro Trossard.

Now, there are, of course, differences between the two players, but in the 26-year-old’s absence, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star has been doing some of the things he tends to do.

For example, the Waterschei-born winger is dropping further back in games and helping to link the play more, which is something his heatmap against Spurs makes quite clear.

Moreover, despite playing out wide and being on the pitch for 16 fewer minutes, the “cult hero,” as dubbed by content creator Alex Moneypenny, took just eight fewer touches than the hat-trick hero.

Against Sunderland, he took 55 touches to the Englishman’s 41.

This combination of dropping a little deeper and spending more time on the ball has also seen him take more control over the tempo of games than he used to, showing a more creative side to his passing than fans have seen before.

When you add these things together, along with his mentality and experience, it becomes clear that his influence on the team has helped mitigate the loss of the captain.

Ultimately, Trossard and Odegaard have been quite different players during their time at Arsenal, and likely will be again when they’re both in the team.

However, for now anyway, the Belgian has slowly transformed into a version of the former wonderkid for Arteta.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 25, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Em baixa com a torcida do Palmeiras após falhar contra o Corinthians, Weverton tem total apoio de Abel Ferreira. Porém, o treinador português fez um pedido ao goleiro nos últimos jogos.

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Abel percebeu que os adversários tem explorado com frequência a bola aérea defensiva do Verdão. Assim, o comandante português quer que Weverton dê um passo adiante nas jogadas aéreas e “jogue com as mãos dentro da área”.

– O culpado sou eu. Porque eu estou a lhe dizer para sair em todas e, se errar, a responsabilidade é minha. Quando nós tentamos evoluir a nossa forma de jogar, quando nós tentamos inovar, quando nós tentamos ser melhores, há sempre um processo de aprendizagem. Ele hoje fez exatamente o que lhe pedi. Umas saiu, acertou e outras saiu, errou. Mas é isso que eu quero que ele faça – disse o técnico após a vitória sobre a Portuguesa.

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O treinador do Palmeiras também reconheceu que Weverton está em evolução neste aspecto.

– Tem que ser um goleiro que utilize toda a altura e envergadura que tem. O único jogador que pode jogar com a mão dentro da área é o goleiro, e nós temos que ter essa vantagem. Eu estou a desafiá-lo a arriscar e sair. Agora é um processo em que ele vai ser não só um bom goleiro como já era, mas vai ter um upgrade. Mais um elemento que nos pode nos ajudar no jogo aéreo – completou.

➡️ Veja os grupos e datas dos confrontos no Paulistão

Apesar das críticas da torcida, Weverton tem apoio do elenco, comissão técnica e diretoria. O goleiro será o titular no Choque-Rei de domingo (3), contra o São Paulo, no Morumbi, pela penúltima rodada da fase de grupos do Paulistão.

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk showed off his supreme FIFPro World XI knowledge as he successfully named the defenders of the World XI for the past five seasons. The Dutch international defender himself has featured in three of those five line-ups, while Manchester City's star centre-back Ruben Dias has featured in two of those teams.

Van Dijk showed off supreme FIFPro World XI knowledge

Van Dijk, over the years, has grown into one of the best defenders in the Premier League and across the world and is a key pillar in the Liverpool side, which has won two Premier Leagues, a Champions League and a couple of domestic cups in recent years. His impressive performances for the Reds have earned him a place in three out of the last five FIFA FIFPro World XI sides. He featured in the teams of 2020, 2022 and 2024. Van Dijk is followed by City's Dias, who made it into the line-ups in 2021 and 2023.

In a chat with GOAL, Van Dijk was asked to name the defenders from the last five FIFPro World XIs and, quite surprisingly, the Dutchman named each backline accurately for all five seasons.

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Van Dijk frustrated with Liverpool's poor defensive show this season

On the pitch, the Reds' title defence campaign has turned out to be a nightmare. They started 2025-26 with five Premier League wins in a row but thereafter their form took a major dip as they have managed to win only two out of their next eight league games. Liverpool are currently eighth in the Premier League table and have conceded 20 goals already – the joint-most along with Manchester United among the top 10 teams in the league.

After the club's disastrous 3-0 loss against Nottingham Forest last month, Van Dijk lashed out at his colleagues as he told reporters: "We concede too many easy goals. They scored obviously from a set piece again. You can ask if he was in front of Alisson, but it counted, so we're 1-0 down. We were not good in terms of battles, challenges, the fight, too rushed. It's a very difficult situation at the moment. There was nervousness after we conceded, but not before. We tried to rush things and that's human when you're in a difficult moment. We cleared the ones before and in the end, we'te in a very difficult moment. We don't get out of it by just speaking about it. It will take a lot of hard work. 

"It's a problem. Everyone in the team has to take responsibility as well. Football is a team and everyone has to take responsibility. We have to digest this and take it on the chin. We need to work harder. We have to keep going. Everyone is disappointed, like they should be, because losing at home to Nottingham Forest is, in my eyes, very bad. That's the least I can say about it. Those goals we conceded are far too easy and we all have to look in the mirror. I've been at this club so long now and we've been through adversity. We will bounce back but it doesn't happen overnight. I'm not a quitter and we will keep going. I can't decide what the supporters are doing if they leave early. I know the fans have been through thick and thin with us. They will be there with us when we come out of this because we will come out of this."

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Getty Images SportLiverpool eyeing comeback after win over West Ham

Arne Slot's side finally ended their three-game losing streak last weekend as they beat West Ham on Sunday, courtesy of Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo's strikes. They now have a very hectic December as they are set to play eight matches before New Year's Day. The busy schedule starts with a Premier League match against Sunderland on Wednesday.