It was perhaps no accident Azhar Ali came out to face the press in Johannesburg. With speculation rife about the number of changes Pakistan may make to their side for the third Test – it could be as many as three – Azhar offered a characteristically straight bat to any queries on the subject.”There might be changes but the captain and the coach should speak about them,” he said. “But there might be changes according to the balance that best suits this pitch.”With Mickey Arthur having said last week that Shadab Khan’s recovery from injury gave Pakistan a genuine allrounder who can play at No. 7, those changes can be set in motion. According to the Pakistan coach, No. 8 is the highest he was comfortable playing Faheem Ashraf. Should Shadab and Ashraf slot in, as is widely expected, the struggling Fakhar Zaman and equally hapless Yasir Shah would be likeliest to give way.ALSO READ: When Babar met SteynGiven the one-sided nature of the contests so far, it is tempting to write the tour off as yet another miserable episode for Pakistan in South Africa. It took under 18 sessions for the series to be sealed by the hosts, extending Pakistan’s disappointing run in the longer format. Yasir, the man Sarfraz Ahmed had marked out as an important asset to Pakistan even in these conditions, was a non-factor, while the middle order still looks unconvincing. But Azhar, in a somewhat philosophical mood, said just because things hadn’t quite gone to plan didn’t mean the tour was a failure, with several batsmen having “learned a lot”.”It’s always very tough here. We knew that and we’ve tried to plan for it, but unfortunately things didn’t go to plan. There are some things we think we have achieved on this tour. A few of the batsmen really stuck in and showed we can play on these hard wickets. As a batting unit we did not score enough runs but all the batsmen learned a lot and will hopefully do well in future.”That he would be pressed on arguably the burning issue of the tour – the state of the pitches – was perhaps inevitable. In three of the four innings so far, Azhar’s stay at the crease has been ended by vicious bouncers, at least one of which reared up from a length. The other dismissal, in the second innings at Cape Town during which he sat on the back foot slightly, more wary of the short ball, saw Azhar undone by one that stayed low from Kagiso Rabada and crashed into his pad plumb in front.”We knew we’d get pace and bounce but even if you asked the SA batsmen they’d say these wickets were hard. It’s not quite even, there were cracks in both wickets but it’s the same for both teams. We didn’t perform as well as we should have done. We had opportunities but I think the South African attack is very good in these conditions. All the bowlers bowled 140kph-plus apart from Philander but he’s quite accurate, but I do think the pitches were unusually difficult too.”The good news on that front, though, is Azhar feels the surface at the Wanderers isn’t quite cut from the same cloth. “I think it’s a much better surface than the other two,” he said. “Yes, this does have grass and a few cracks, but I think they will widen a lot later than Centurion and Cape Town.”The series might be gone in quick time, something Azhar acknowledged the whole team felt “disappointment” about, but wasn’t letting despondency take over. “We are disappointed but every Test match you play in countries like South Africa, England and Australia, it’s always important to bring our A game. We want to do that tomorrow in this Test match. The tour is not over, we still have to play ODIs, so there’s still an opportunity to do well here.”
Newcastle United are believed to be providing "serious competition" to sign an attacking starlet who's been compared to Lionel Messi, and could even make an official bid as soon as January.
Newcastle transfer news
There is plenty of transfer news regarding the Magpies at the moment, especially with the January window now opening in less than a month's time. A midfielder looks like it could be at the top of Newcastle's wishlist, with the 10-month ban handed to Sandro Tonali leaving a gaping void in the middle of the park – one that has been exposed further because of injury problems.
Lots of names have emerged as potential signings for Eddie Howe in that area of the pitch, with Manchester City and England ace Kalvin Phillips constantly linked with a move to Newcastle. Manchester United's Scott McTominay is another who has been backed to join the Magpies, while Ruben Neves could bring an end to his short stay in Saudi Arabia and head to St James' Park.
Injury problems to Sven Botman at the heart of the defence have also heightened the need to bring in reinforcements in that area, and Goncalo Inacio is seen as a possible transfer target for Newcastle, as he continues to shine for Sporting CP. Meanwhile, attacking additions aren't out of the question, with VfB Stuttgart's in-form striker Serhou Guirassy linked with the Magpies.
Newcastle interested in signing Benjamin Rollheiser
According to a new update from Record [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are providing "serious competition" to Benfica for the signing of Benjamin Rollheiser and could even make a bid as soon as the winter window opens.
Eddie Howe
The 23-year-old currently plays for Estudiantes in Argentina's Primera Division, but a move to Europe could be on the cards in the near future. Benfica see him as a potential replacement for legendary attacker Angel Di Maria, and they are believed to have already been in touch over a move to the Portuguese giants.
This could be such an eye-catching piece of business by the Magpies if they get a deal over the line, not least because Rollheiser has been compared to Lionel Messi in the past, which is the ultimate compliment that any footballer can ask for.
Dribbling
Aerial duels
Passing
Crossing
Finishing
Like Messi, the Argentine is a left-footed player who can often adopt a right-sided attacking role, allowing him to cut inside and wreak havoc, but he is also capable of shining centrally and on the left flank. Rollhesier has scored six goals and registered three assists in the Primera Division this season, and has been described as a "mix of an advanced playmaker and winger" as well as a "very fun player to watch" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
He could give Newcastle the extra attacking quality and depth that they so crave at the moment, especially with injuries affecting the likes of Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, and he would be seen as a long-term signing, too, given his age.
A year ago, making the move to Liverpool may not have looked like the best idea for a top European player. The Reds looked at the end of a successful cycle and the beginning of one to forget. One summer transfer window later however, and Jurgen Klopp looks on course to write yet another chapter of success in the Anfield history books.
When the January transfer window comes along, as well as the summer edition, pitching the idea of a move to Liverpool should be far easier, especially if they secure their return to the Champions League in the current Premier League campaign. They could even convince a Real Madrid target to choose Klopp's new project over a move to the La Liga giants.
Liverpool transfer news
In a chaotic summer which saw Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho and James Milner all make way for Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool deserve great credit for how well they've transitioned. Klopp's new-look midfield has been almost flawless compared to how defeated the Reds looked in the middle of the park throughout the previous campaign.
Having focused on their midfield during the summer, however, Liverpool must now strengthen their defensive options. And that could result in the arrival of Goncalo Inacio. According to AS, Real Madrid are worried that Liverpool could sign Inacio in the near-future. Those at the Santiago Bernabeu reportedly want to reinforce their defence in January, and could move for Inacio, who reportedly has a €60m (£52m) release clause.
Real Madrid, of course, landed long-term Liverpool target Jude Bellingham in the summer, making their pursuit of Inacio all the more interesting when the January transfer window swings open. Perhaps determined to avoid another defeat against Los Blancos off the pitch, the Reds may well push on to secure the Sporting CP defender's signature.
Liverpool should sign "strong" Goncalo Inacio
Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.
It's no real surprise that Liverpool are reportedly targeting another central defender, given the previous injury problems faced by Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip. Klopp is only a number of fitness concerns away from being forced to start Jarell Quansah, who may have impressed this season but is not ready to become a consistent starter at Anfield. Inacio's stats show that he is more than capable of keeping up with Liverpool's current backline, too.
Player
Progressive Carries
Progressive Passes
Tackles Won
Goncalo Inacio
17
78
7
Virgil van Dijk
3
35
3
Ibrahima Konate
6
18
4
Joel Matip
5
24
4
Joe Gomez
9
25
6
After performing at such a high level, Inacio has earned plenty of praise, including from former coach Jose Lima, who told RR: "The psychological aspect is one of the great strengths on his part, as he shows a lot of tranquility in any situation, in addition to his technical skills. He can show that he is completely calm playing and that is a great asset for him and for the team.
"At the time, in the academy, he could play as a left-back because his dominant foot is his left. Although at Sporting, now, he plays on the right side, even though that is not the dominant foot. He has, therefore, evolved and has been more confident as the games have gone on. He's an increasingly strong player. He has always played with quality."
Arsenal were back in action in the Champions League last night, as Mikel Arteta saw his side get back to winning ways in Europe by defeating Sevilla 2-1 at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
After losing against RC Lens in the second fixture of Group B, it was integral that the Gunners registered a win against the Spanish outfit, which was achieved and saw the north Londoners take back control of the group.
It wasn’t the easiest fixture for Arsenal to squeeze a result from, highlighted by their mere 44% of possession over the 90 minutes played in Seville, however it took two moments of Brazilian excellence to get the win.
Gabriel Jesus was crowned Man of the Match for his display in Spain, in which he scored and assisted in emphatic style to showcase his individual brilliance during a high-intensity affair.
Three key passes, two big chances created, a goal, an assist and a 92% pass completion rate capped off a mesmerising display for Jesus, via Sofascore, however, his performance was overshadowed by his premature exit.
Nine minutes from full-time, the 26-year-old pulled up clutching his hamstring and was forced to withdraw early, which spiked some concern for Arsenal over the potential severity of his injury.
What is Gabriel Jesus’ injury?
After the game, Arteta faced the media and was asked to comment on his striker’s injury, to which the Spaniard admitted his worry.
The Arsenal boss said that he was “really sad” to see his number nine exit the game, explaining that he “felt something in his hamstring” which put a slight damper on the evening.
Arteta took the time to wax lyrical over the Brazilian, exclaiming that his forward had “changed our world”, following his arrival from Manchester City last summer.
Jesus has benefitted Arsenal in ways far beyond scoring goals, adding a tireless presence to the front line and an innate energy, making his trouble with keeping fit even more agonising.
What is Gabriel Jesus’ injury history?
In his almost 16 months in north London, Jesus has changed the trajectory of Arsenal’s belief going forward, but has also hugely had his, and the club’s, progression halted due to injury.
As per Transfermarkt, Jesus has missed over 120 days due to injury, with both instances stemming from his knee injury sustained whilst representing Brazil at the 2022 World Cup.
The forward required surgery to fix such an issue, and when the problem recurred prior to the start of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, he underwent further procedures to restore his fitness.
While the majority of Jesus’ injury history is made up of knee-related woes, he has faced time on the sidelines previously in his career due to hamstring concerns.
During his time at the Etihad, the Brazilian was absent for a recorded total of 38 days due to hamstring problems, suggesting that it could be a weak spot for the striker, who was forced off against Sevilla for that reason.
Despite Arteta’s initial concerns, Arsenal’s number nine downplayed the extent of his injury to the media, saying that it didn’t “look that big” following physio tests in Seville.
What games could Gabriel Jesus miss?
In September, Gabriel Martinelli was absent for four games due to a hamstring injury that he sustained against Everton, which at first was not deemed to be too severe.
Speaking on the wingers’ injury, Doctor Rajpal Brar explained on Twitter X that hamstring injuries can take around two weeks to recover depending on the location of the blow.
If Jesus faced the same recovery span, the Brazilian would be absent from around four games for Arsenal, where the Gunners play Sheffield United and Newcastle United in the Premier League, and West Ham United and Sevilla in the respective cup competitions.
Date
Opponent
H/A
Competition
28/10/23
Sheffield United
H
Premier League
01/11/23
West Ham United
A
Carabao Cup
04/11/23
Newcastle United
A
Premier League
08/11/23
Sevilla
H
Champions League
It would be a big miss for Arteta to have to revise his options going forward in such critical fixtures, yet after missing Jesus for the start of the season, it’s not a scenario that is alien to the Spaniard.
Who could replace Gabriel Jesus?
In terms of established forwards, Arteta has three potential candidates that could replace Jesus in leading the line, with Eddie Nketiah, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard the most identifiable trio.
Each forward brings different qualities, with neither of them showcasing a skill set as complete as the Brazilian, as portrayed in the table below that documents their per 90 averages over the past year.
Gabriel Jesus
Eddie Nketiah
Leandro Trossard
Kai Havertz
Non-penalty xG
0.54
0.53
0.22
0.34
Non-penalty goals
0.44
0.31
0.26
0.15
Progressive carries
2.09
2.17
2.92
2.05
Successful take-ons
2.04
0.98
1.15
0.61
Shot creating actions
3.31
2.48
3.49
2.54
Total shots
3.36
3.15
1.67
2.54
Tackles
1.75
0.83
0.83
1.28
Figures via FBref
That being said, when it comes to evidence with reference to actually playing in Arteta’s side, only one player stands out as being the most efficient, with Trossard being the better fit out of Nketiah and Havertz.
Once lauded as “outstanding” by Tim Sherwood, the Belgian was praised by the former Tottenham manager as being someone that “just affects football matches”, touching on his ability to both score and assist.
Usually deployed as a winger, Trossard has shown a streak of potency when called upon at Arsenal, reinforced by his five goals and 11 assists from only 15 starts since his arrival in January.
Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard.
Havertz is best deployed in midfield, and is low on confidence after his shaky start to life in north London, leaving Nketiah as the main competition for the former Brighton ace to battle for a starting spot up front.
Why isn’t Leandro Trossard starting?
While Trossard’s quality is unquestionable, Arsenal’s wingers are untouchable, with Bukayo Saka and Martinelli’s status in the favoured XI consistently confirmed by their star performances week in and week out.
The 28-year-old’s claim to starting games for Arteta’s side is more likely to come in a more central role, with an opportunity there for him to replace Jesus if his injury is severe.
With Sheffield United up next in the Premier League, the manager may have the perfect opportunity to give Trossard a starting spot over Nketiah, whose potency as a number nine is questionable.
The Blades are a team bruised by their start to the 2023/24 campaign, recording only a single point from their opening nine games and having conceded a mammoth 24 goals, the most so far in the league.
Trossard’s ability to finish his chances gives him the slight upper hand on Nketiah, who has a conversion rate of just 10% from his opening nine league appearances this term.
The Englishman averages 2.2 shots per game, recording an average of just 0.4 on target, telling the tale of his lack of a clinical streak in the final third.
As for Trossard, the Belgian has a remarkable 100% goal conversion rate in the Premier League this season, having scored the same number of goals as Nketiah with two, despite playing four games fewer.
Arteta’s £27m forward could be the perfect figure to replace Jesus in the instance of an absence, with his experience and prolific nature in front of goal being far more dangerous than that of Nketiah.
يخوض منتخب الأرجنتين مباراته في إطار منافسات بطولة كوبا أمريكا 2024 وذلك ضد نظيره منتخب كندا، في الساعات الأولى من صباح يوم الأربعاء.
ويستضيف ملعب “ماتلايف ستاديوم” مباراة المنتخبين في إطار منافسات نصف نهائي كوبا أمريكا، البطولة التي تستضيفها الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية في الوقت الحالي.
وتأهلت الأرجنتين إلى نصف النهائي بعد التغلب على الإكوادور بركلات الترجيح، وبالمثل تأهلت كندا إلى تلك المرحلة من البطولة أمام فنزويلا.
وسبق أن واجهت الأرجنتين نظيرتها كندا، في أولى مباريات دور المجموعات حيث فاز بطل العالم بهدفين دون رد.
ويلتقي الفائز من تلك المباراة مع الفائز من مباراة أوروجواي وكولومبيا، في النهائي فجر الإثنين المقبل. موعد مباراة الأرجنتين وكندا اليوم في نصف نهائي كوبا أمريكا 2024
تنطلق المباراة فجر يوم الأربعاء، 10 يوليو، في تمام الساعة الثالثة بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القنوات الناقلة لمباراة الأرجنتين وكندا اليوم في نصف نهائي كوبا أمريكا 2024
تعرف على القنوات الناقلة المجانية لبطولة كوبا أمريكا 2024
ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.
Accepting mistakes committed by his batsmen is becoming a norm for India captain Virat Kohli. For the second Test in succession Kohli admitted the batsmen had failed, including himself on this occasion, and that is the reason India were “outplayed”. But despite the disappointment he also spoke of the motivation to keep the series alive by winning at Trent Bridge next week.”We’re certainly not thinking of anything else, but to get to 2-1 in the series and from there on build on that strongly,” Kohli said. “Because this is the first time in the last five Tests that we’ve been really outplayed.”Although Indian fans will now fear this Test series is moving along the same lines as that of the nightmarish tours in 2011 and 2014, when India lost 4-0 and 3-1 under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, Kohli insisted his team were not weighed down by the past. With five days to go before the Nottingham Test, Kohli stressed his players ought to meet the challenge at Trent Bridge head on.”We need guys putting their hands up and saying ‘Give me a tough situation, I’m going to pull the team out.’ It is all in the head. It is nothing to do with the game,” he said. “You can play well in any condition if you are mentally ready for it. And that’s something we need to work on over the next four or five days. We should want the next Test match to come early rather than thinking, ‘Oh, we have five days till the next Test match comes on.’ These are little things that make a massive difference.”Asked to put a finger on where exactly the India batsmen had failed, Kohli underlined the absence of partnerships in the second Test as an example. The seventh-wicket stand of 55 between R Ashwin and Hardik Pandya in the second innings was the only one to cross fifty.”We haven’t been able to have partnerships, which is the basic rule while batting. We haven’t had any sort of partnerships in this game. Only 50 with Hardik and Ash in this innings. Nothing of any substance before or after that. That is something that we really to focus on. Stringing partnerships, making sure we get 60, 70, 80 run partnership and try and build that into a big partnership or have three or four little partnerships of 60 or 70 odd and put this team in a strong position.”Cheteshwar Pujara’s defences were breached in spectacular fashion•Getty Images
Kohli encouraged his players to break play into small periods and not look too far ahead, especially when conditions are challenging. He said India needed to compete as they did at Edgbaston where they lost by 31 runs after being on even footing until the final morning.”When you start the game, you obviously think positive, you feel like you are ready for the game. Every batsmen thinks that. It is when you are out there in the situation that is tough that you have to find ways of countering that situation, which I think we have failed to do as batsmen, myself included in this game.”When you look too far ahead, thinking the score isn’t enough or there are wickets on the board, that can pressurise the batsmen. But if you are focused on adding five runs at a time or building that partnership slowly but surely, that’s how you come out of a difficult situation. It’s something that you have experienced in the past as well. For that you need to find ways of doing it.”After Kohli’s outstanding double of 149 and 51 in the first Test, India’s next highest score in the series is Ashwin’s unbeaten 33 in the second innings at Lord’s. The top order looked all at sea against the moving ball and reliant on Kohli for a substantial total, but he said he also fell below his own high standards at Lord’s – albeit troubled by a back problem on the fourth day.”I’m the first one to come out and accept that because unless you accept your mistake you can’t improve on it and you can’t get better and have a chance of competing in the next game,” he said. “If you want to level the series and win the games, we definitely have to accept what we did wrong.”There’s no hiding from the fact that mistakes have been made. We’ll have to accept those, put them on the side, learn from them and make sure that we’re not thinking about the same mistakes again rather get more confident and get ahead of the mistake and not repeat it again. That’s our immediate focus heading into the next game.”
Arsenal have had their outlook changed since Mikel Arteta’s rein, with the Spaniard reconnecting the squad with the core values of the club to conjure up a stronger work environment.
Gone are the days when high-profile names saw the Emirates as a stepping stone in their career, as Arteta’s current wave of stars are opting to commit their future to the project that the former midfielder is building.
An area of development that the manager has put a lot of work into is the objective to give young players vital roles in the side, as communicated by the Gunners boasting the second-youngest squad in the Premier League.
As relayed by Football365, the north Londoners have just one player over the age of 25 in their favoured 11, with newly summoned David Raya being the oldest in the strongest rotation at 28-years-old.
With an average age of 24.1 in the current squad, Arteta’s young team haven’t let their age define their quality and experience as the Spaniard watched his side go toe-to-toe with Manchester City, missing out on the club’s first Premier League title since 2004 by five points.
The good times are rolling once again in N5 after some years of mediocrity, with a lot of Arsenal’s success being attributable to their youthful revamp.
There is an abundance of young talent in the ranks at Hale End, as some prospects wait in the wings to get their chance to showcase their ability to the manager, with one player from the academy given the opportunity to shine just this week.
Who is Charles Sagoe Jr?
Last Wednesday night, 19-year-old Charles Sagoe Jr was named in the starting 11 to face Brentford in the Carabao Cup at the Gtech Community Stadium, in what was his first taste of senior football in red and white.
Prior to Wednesday, Sagoe Jr’s only association with the first team was being named on the bench against Sporting CP in the Europa League last season, where he played the evening out as an unused substitute.
It’s been a journey of hard work and persistence for the London-born forward, who joined the Hale End academy aged 11 in 2015 from Fulham, and has since progressed through the ranks in north London.
Charles-sagoe-jr
Described on Arsenal’s official site as a “composed and intelligent” player, the teen is utilised most prominently on the left wing, with the capability to play in both central attacking midfield and as a number nine.
The teen has recorded 72 appearances for the Gunners at both U18 and U21 level, with his one senior appearance hopefully marking the start of a special adventure for the wide player at the Emirates.
How much does Charles Sagoe Jr earn?
In the summer of 2022, Sagoe Jr signed his first professional contract at Arsenal, a moment of his career that he dubbed an “amazing feeling” after spending seven years developing to hit such a milestone.
The winger touched upon the project that is being built beyond the academy at the club, telling the club’s media that he wishes to “be a part of” the development of young players at the Emirates under Arteta.
Earning a reported £2.4k-per-week representing the Gunners, the starlet is on the right path to progress in north London, with plenty of stars that have graduated Hale End to look up to and to follow the paths of.
How much is Charles Sagoe Jr worth?
As recorded by Football Transfers, the 19-year-old has a current expected transfer value (xTV) of €0.8m (£700k), which is a less exciting figure to others at the club, however, one that epitomises the journey he is on.
Now worth an eye-watering €102.5m (£88.7m), fellow academy graduate Bukayo Saka took the exact path that Sagoe Jr is exploring, reinforcing just how quickly value can rise and careers can change.
Saka made his senior debut in the winter of 2018, where that summer he was valued around the €3.3m (£2.8m) mark, a figure that was quickly abolished after just a year as it rose to €9.1m (£7.8m) by the summer of 2019.
Since his 22 minute cameo against Vorskla Poltava in the Europa League, the PFA Young Player of the Year’s status at Arsenal has monumentally changed, with him being the driving force behind the Gunners’ change in trajectory under Arteta.
Not many could have anticipated that a teenager valued at £2.8m would become the £195k-per-week sensation he is today, but all it took was one opportunity, and the forward took the challenge in his stride to inspire the next generation of hopefuls at Hale End.
Having made his first senior appearance, Sagoe Jr has completed the first step to his entry to the first team, and his £700k valuation could be poised for interesting reading in years to come.
What is Charles Sagoe Jr’s style of play?
As touched upon, the 19-year-old’s favoured position is on the left flank, with him being described by Arteta as a “versatile” attacker after his debut against Brentford.
In the post-match press conference, the Spaniard explained his decision to hand the Englishman his full debut against Premier League opposition, dubbing him “one of the most consistent players” in the academy of late.
The manager’s description of Sagoe Jr as being consistent was not wrong, with his tally of goal contributions over the past three campaigns fitting the demographic of consistency.
In the 2021/22 U18 Premier League campaign, the teen scored nine goals and registered three assists, followed the year after in the Premier League 2 with six goals and three assists, displaying that he can perform at the higher level of the academy set up in England.
In a feature with Arsenal’s media team earlier this year, Hale End graduate Reiss Nelson shared some words of encouragement to Sagoe Jr, explaining that he has “everything” it takes to become a winger in the first team.
Arsenal forward Reiss Nelson.
Nelson, who joined the Gunners at the age of eight, hailed the U21’s star as “unpredictable” and a player capable of scoring and assisting goals, praise that has been reinforced by the starlet already this season.
In the 2023/24 Premier League 2, the forward has made an electrifying start to the campaign, having contributed to five goals in five appearances, scoring once and assisting four times.
The season has started in a fairytale way for the 19-year-old, with plenty of minutes still to play for in the senior team as time progresses.
What does the future hold for Sagoe Jr?
It’s one thing making your debut for Arsenal, and another thing making a difference, which is just what Sagoe Jr did against Brentford in the league cup.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Special, former Premier League striker Glenn Murray was full of praise for the teen after the match, singling out him and goalscorer Nelson for their performances to see the Gunners advance in the tournament.
There is a long way to go for the winger to fully impose himself in Arteta’s senior squad, however, one element that the Londoner will not be short on is inspiration, seeing the likes of Nelson, Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe in and around the first team.
Saka was once simply a prospect and is now a Ballon d’Or nominee, highlighting just how far the pathway can lead once the door has been unlocked.
Arteta handed Sagoe Jr the keys to his future at Arsenal with his debut on Wednesday, allowing him to be well-poised to follow in the footsteps of those who stood there before him.
Liverpool will commence their Carabao Cup campaign tonight as Jurgen Klopp looks to reclaim the trophy he won in 2022, but Leicester City will not make things easy for the Anfield side.
The Foxes, who suffered relegation from the Premier League this year, have started the Championship campaign with aplomb, winning seven of their opening eight matches and losing the other.
They will by no means roll over for the Reds, but then neither will Liverpool, who look positively resurgent this season and have clinched 16 points from a possible 18 in the English top-flight.
joe-gomez-jurgen-klopp-liverpool-premier-league
A fixture that so often produces the goods regarding excitement, Klopp's team could make it seven wins in a row across all competitions on Merseyside, but will most likely do so by issuing heavy rotation.
Indeed, Liverpool's relentless schedule is seeing the games come thick and fast, and with a daunting trip to London to face revived Tottenham Hotspur looming, it certainly makes sense to utilise the squad at its full capacity.
What's the latest Liverpool team news?
Trent Alexander-Arnold has yet to make his return from a hamstring injury, and while he is back in training, the match against City might be one he is rested for.
Likewise, Thiago Alcantara is still to make his seasonal debut, and while his absence is something of an enigma, he will hopefully return soon, if not against Leicester.
Kostas Tsimikas, while underperforming in the Europa League last week, has just signed a new contract with the Reds and will be expected to deputise down the left flank, replacing Andy Robertson.
Kostas Tsimikas celebrating for Liverpool…
With Liverpool's preferred midfield axis certain to be rested, it does present an opportunity for players such as Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic to strut their stuff and impress the manager, who must be delighted at his newfound squad strength.
Who Klopp will field across the frontline does feel a more undetermined question; Mohamed Salah will likely be rested, but Darwin Nunez has been in fine form this term – scoring four goals and supplying two assists from just three starts – though with Spurs awaiting on Saturday perhaps he will be rested.
Cody Gakpo could start in his stead, but regardless, such issues are a testament to the offensive firepower currently at Liverpool's disposal.
Will Ryan Gravenberch start today?
One player who will surely receive a starting berth against Enzo Maresca's Leicester is Ryan Gravenberch, with the dynamic Dutchman working his way into the team nicely after completing a £34m transfer from Bayern Munich in August.
Hailed for his "dominant" displays by former youth coach Brian Tevreden, Gravenberch failed to make his mark with the German champions after signing from Ajax for an initial €18.5m (£16m) and started just three times in the Bundesliga, moving to Liverpool after one year in hope of rekindling his prodigious early career.
Against LASK last week, the 21-year-old made his first start for his new club, and while he laboured to the break alongside his substandard peers, a much-improved second half showcased his skills, with it being his looping cross to give Luis Diaz the chance to take the lead after the hour mark.
As per Sofascore, he made four key passes and nine ball recoveries in Austria, demonstrating the kind of robust and multi-functional midfielder Liverpool have on their hands.
His technicality and composure will pay dividends in a Leicester side that will bring the belief that they can cause a major upset, with Maresca's former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola remarking that they "always want to attack, score goals, work hard and dominate matches. Some of their performances have been exceptional.”
Gravenberch will surely find a place on the pitch tonight, but it is his midfield teammate and fellow summer signing Wataru Endo who must really take the chance to impress.
Will Wataru Endo start vs Leicester?
Heralded as a "proper warrior and leader" by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Thatchard, Endo was signed for a shrewd £16m from Stuttgart in August after Liverpool missed out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea.
An unknown commodity to those on English shores, the 30-year-old is a hard-working, energetic holding midfielder and has been pivotal in his former German side's battles against relegation over the past few years.
He's made five appearances for Liverpool so far and has started against Newcastle United in the Premier League and LASK last week, in the Europa League.
Unfortunately, he was among the players to contribute to a first half littered with "sloppiness" – as was said by reporter Neil Jones – and was hooked after 61 minutes after winning just one of his three ground duels and being dribbled past.
Wataru-Endo-Liverpool
Still, he is an important member of this Liverpool side and offers the natural defensive instinct in the centre that perhaps none of his confreres quite boast.
Indeed, as per FBref, the £50k-per-week ace ranks among the top 12% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for clearances and the top 8% for aerial wins per 90, and it is that level of application that will be crucial to stifling the Foxes' threat.
Klopp will know who his best performers are, and moreover, he will understand the starting XI most apt to secure success at the most pivotal moments – the forthcoming tie against Tottenham being a prime example.
The Carabao Cup, clearly, is not the most distinguished competition at Liverpool's disposal this term, but it is a chance for silverware, and perhaps more importantly, it presents an opportunity for the players outside the first team to impress, be that youth or players of Endo's ilk.
The Japan captain is a tenacious, touch-tackling machine of a midfielder, and not only will he prove to be a valuable asset against a Leicester side capable of hurting Liverpool with their attacking efforts, but he could produce the performance to catch Klopp's eye and warrant further inclusion in big moments down the line.
Liverpool focused exclusively on the reshaping of the midfield this summer after falling by the wayside last season, with manager Jurgen Klopp and sporting director Jorg Schamdtke working tirelessly to get the Premier League club back on track this year.
When the German manager took the reins in 2015, Anfield was in a state of disarray, with the club failing to sustain a spot at the upper echelon of the league ladder and yielding just one Carabao Cup title – in 2012 – since Steven Gerrard's unforgettable ranged volley saved Liverpool from defeat against West Ham United in the 2006 FA Cup final, with Rafa Benitez's side then prevailing on penalties.
Klopp transformed the Reds and has led them to success across nearly every possible front – notably winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup – but last season the wheels fell off and Liverpool languished to a fifth-placed finish, missing out on this year's Champions League edition.
To replenish the ranks, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left in June upon the expiry of their contracts, while Fabinho and Jordan Henderson were sold to Saudi Arabian sides – Fabio Carvalho also left for RB Leipzig on loan.
Liverpool Summer Signings
Transfer Fee
Alexis Mac Allister
£35m
Dominik Szoboszlai
£60m
Wataru Endo
£16m
Ryan Gravenberch
£34m
All fees sourced via Sky Sports
Four new faces have been introduced to the centre, and while the 2023/24 campaign is still in its early phase, ten points from a possible 12 in the English top-flight tantalises a season of far greater success.
While the acquisitions have mostly sent the Kop into rapture, there were a few missed tricks on the summer market, with two notable blunders resulting in the unlikely and unanticipated signing of Wataru Endo from German side Stuttgart.
Why did Liverpool sign Wataru Endo?
After signing Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to commence what was promised to be an exciting summer, a rich profusion of optimism sprouted across the red half of Merseyside.
The subsequent £40m sale of Fabinho to Al-Ittihad did open a hole in the defensive section of the midfield, however, and the next port of call was clear for all to see.
Wataru-Endo-Liverpool
Romeo Lavia was the No. 1 target to replace the Brazilian anchor, with Liverpool the clear favourites after pushing for the player for the majority of July, though following a triad of unsuccessful bids, the fan disgruntlement started to be heard.
In a shocking turn of events, Liverpool lodged a £111m bid for Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo, and while this staggering offer was accepted by the Seagulls, the player's preference to join Chelsea – who had been in pursuit all summer – stuffed Liverpool's advances and left Klopp and co hot under the collar.
Lavia and Caicedo would both ultimately join Chelsea, with the Stamford Bridge side prevailing in a high-profile transfer battle and leaving Liverpool to delve down a deeper path to sign the experienced Endo.
The 30-year-old, who has been described as a "proper warrior and leader" by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Thatchard, was an impressive cog for Stuttgart and crucial to their battles against relegation, making 133 appearances.
As per FBref, the £50k-per-week ace ranks among the top 12% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for clearances, the top 9% for aerial wins and the top 22% for blocks per 90 – highlighting the tenacity and defensive application that Liverpool so craved to thread their midfield together.
The 50-cap Japan captain has made three displays for Liverpool so far and has completed 89% of his passes, and while he looks to be a dependable option for the side, he's not the man to cement a starring role for years to come.
While both Lavia and Caicedo would have been preferable at the time, Liverpool could have prevented an entire summer of tumult had they acted on interest in Manuel Ugarte, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in a €60m (£51m) deal in the early days of July.
How good is Manuel Ugarte?
With a summer rebuild on the horizon, the murmurings in the months preceding the transfer window were that Liverpool were going to ruthlessly target a defensive midfielder to replace Fabinho.
The 29-year-old had been a stalwart for the Reds but had declined during the 2022/23 season, at the epicentre of the club's strife and branded "awful" by pundit Jamie Carragher for his shoddy performances.
sporting-cp-manuel-ugarte-man-united-transfers
Ugarte, plying his trade for Sporting Lisbon at the time, was attracting attention from Europe's most imperious outfits after impressing in Portugal.
According to Portuguese outlet Record – via Sport Witness – Liverpool were even mooted to be favourites for the Uruguayan titan's signature in May, but they failed to follow up their interest and he ultimately joined the Ligue 1 champions despite the best efforts of Chelsea.
Having been dubbed a "warrior" – just like Endo – by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ugarte chalked up 85 appearances for the Leões, winning the 21/22 Taca da Liga.
The 22-year-old ranks among the top 9% of midfielders across Europe for pass completion, the top 4% for successful take-ons, the top 1% for tackles and the top 11% for interceptions per 90.
These metrics highlight the player's robustness and ubiquity in the midfield of the park, snuffing out danger and ploughing into opposing attackers with the strength and vigour of a charging bull, also among the best, most crisp passers the game has to offer.
Sporting CP's Manuel Ugarte
Endo simply doesn't have the same level of natural energy or technicality, ranking only among the top 61% of midfielders for pass completion and the top 55% for tackles per 90.
His high rate of clearances illuminates his workrate and dedication to sweeping away trouble, but Ugarte trumps him across the most important facets of the defensive midfield game.
Once praised as a "machine" in midfield by Kulig, Ugarte is thriving in France and has been noted for his "amazing" start to the campaign by one discerning football writer.
Liverpool may yet enjoy a successful campaign, but Klopp must have rued the missed chance to snap up an immense talent in Ugarte this summer, who would have been perfect to hold the Anfield centre together with a steely grip for the coming age.
Glasgow Rangers have been heavily linked with a summer move for Leicester City defender Harry Souttar, and a club insider has now shared what he’s been told on the chances of him moving to the Scottish Premiership.
How old is Harry Souttar?
Souttar is 24 years of age and only arrived at the King Power Stadium from Stoke City back in January where he’s made 12 appearances to date, but it’s fair to say that since the start of the new season, Enzo Maresca has pushed him out of the picture because he is yet to make a single appearance in the 2023/24 campaign.
The Australia international’s contract isn’t set to expire for another five years, but considering his serious lack of game time, there’s a chance he could want to complete an exit before the end of the window and join a club where he knows he’ll get regular minutes under his belt moving forward.
According to Football Scotland, Michael Beale has the centre-back on his wanted list, and the same outlet also claim that the titan could jump at the chance to put pen to paper in order to link up with his brother, John Souttar, who is already at Ibrox.
Leicester City defender Harry Souttar.
Are Rangers signing Harry Souttar?
Speaking to The Rangers Review, Four Lads Had A Dream’s Stevie Clifford, who has inside links to the club and is one of the most respected members of the fan media, revealed that he’s asked the relevant figures about the possibility of a late swoop for Souttar. As quoted by Rangers News, he said:
“What we have done is we’ve spoken to the club on Harry Souttar. Harry Souttar according to Rangers is 100% not coming to the club. That is not happening. It wasn’t elaborated on whether or not we are interested or we’ve tried and it’s just not happening.
"What the club say is 100%, that’s not happening. I can tell you what the club says with regards to the likes of Harry Souttar. There was a lot of noise last week that it was definitely happening.”
How tall is Harry Souttar?
Standing at a staggering 6 foot 5, Souttar is an absolute colossus in defence, and whilst a move to Rangers is looking highly unlikely if the above update is to be believed, he could have massively improved Beale’s ranks.
Read The Latest Rangers Transfer News HERE…
The Aberdeen native, who pockets £40k-per-week, was averaging 3.8 clearances and 3.2 aerial wins per top-flight game last season, via WhoScored, showing how much of a rock and physical presence he is at the heart of the backline, but it’s not just his own box that he is able to have a positive impact in.
The FullNinety client has posted 19 contributions (ten assists and nine goals) in 186 appearances since the start of his career so he can even create chances for his attacking teammates and be a threat himself when it comes to set pieces, so it could be worth the hierarchy considering a change of heart regarding a summer swoop for Souttar.