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شارك محمد صلاح في الشوط الثاني من مباراة ليفربول وسندرلاند، وقد كانت الأجواء مليئة بالترقب مع دخوله وتوجهت الأنظار للنجم المصري لإنقاذ الموقف.

ومع ذلك وجد صلاح نفسه يواجه صعوبات حيث فشل في تمرير الكرات العرضية لزملائه، وقد أصبح ليفربول يخطط لمستقبله بدونه في السنوات القادمة.

وجاء إنقاذ ليفربول في المباراة عن طريق فلوريان فيرتز وليس محمد صلاح من خسارة أخرى بتسديدة غيرت اتجاهها قبل عشر دقائق من نهاية المباراة، بعد أن ظهر الألماني يلعب دوراً محورياً وليس النجم المصري في لمحة لما يتوقع حدوثه في المستقبل.

وأفادت “ديلي ستار” البريطانية أن محمد صلاح ظهر عاجزاً عن تقديم أداء يذكر في اللحظات الحاسمة، بعد أن كان ملكاً مصرياً ساحراً مع ليفربول.

أقرأ أيضاً.. فان دايك: جلوس محمد صلاح على الدكة “رسالة”.. وعليه فعل 3 أشياء

وكان صلاح قد أنقذ ليفربول كثيراً في السنوات الأخيرة، وسجل أهدافاً لا تحصى، واخترق دفعات الخصوم وكان القوة الدافعة وراء نجاح الفريق.

ويبدو أن محمد صلاح قد أصبح عبئاً على ليفربول ومدربه آرني سلوت الذي لم يتوصل لطريقة ما لحل ذلك، بعد أن جلس المصري على دكة البدلاء في آخر مباراتين على التوالي.

ويبدو أن قرار سلوت بجلوس صلاح على دكة البدلاء يشكل حل مؤقت لمشكلة طويلة الأمد، وربما يتنفس مدرب ليفربول الصعداء مع اقتراب موعد مغادرة المصري للمشاركة في كأس الأمم الأفريقية بدءاً من 15 ديسمبر وقد يغيب لأكثر من شهر.

وتنتشر عدة تكهنات بأن محمد صلاح قد يكون خاض مباراته الأخيرة مع بطل الدوري الإنجليزي، وأنه يخطط للانتقال للدوري السعودي في سوق الانتقالات الشتوية المقبلة.

ويلتزم صلاح الصمت بشأن خططه المستقبلية، وقد يكون يفكر بهدوء في خطواته التالية في الأشهر الأخيرة، ومع ذلك فإنه يجب أن يواجه الانتقادات المباشرة، وعلى الرغم من أنه أسطورة راسخة في ليفربول لكن لا يمكن إنكار أن إرثه معرض لخطر التشويه.

With the January transfer window only a few weeks away, Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl will already be thinking about the positions that he wants to strengthen in.

There are several areas of the squad that could do with improvement ahead of the second half of the season, given that the Gers are nine points adrift of first place, and attacking midfielder is one of those positions.

Thelo Aasgaard was brought in from Luton in the summer transfer window, as one of 12 arrivals, and the number ten has failed to deliver regular quality on the pitch, with as many red cards (one) as goals (one).

The Norway international has produced one goal and one assist in 22 appearances, per Transfermarkt for Rangers, and his assist was a simple pass to Djeidi Gassama, who raced forward and scored from distance against Dundee.

Rangers told to sign Championship star in January

Now, the Light Blues have been predicted to make a move to re-sign one of their former players, who would arrive at Ibrox as an upgrade on Aasgaard.

Transfer Focus

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Speaking on Clyde Superscoreboard, as relayed by The Scottish Sun, Livingston first-team coach Marvin Bartley has tipped Rangers to bring Joe Aribo back to the club in the January transfer window.

When asked about a possible deal, Bartley said: “I think that is one that could happen.”

“When a player enjoys somewhere, and obviously he had to leave because it was a really good offer that he got down the road, and he has not played as much football as he wanted to play. He is still a really, really good footballer and did well for Rangers. I wouldn’t be massively shocked if he came back in January.”

The Scottish Sun explains that Aribo is reportedly set to leave Southampton, whom he joined from Rangers for £10m in 2022, and could be available for a fee of £1.5m, amid interest from teams in Turkey.

Why Rangers should bring Joe Aribo back to Ibrox

For a fee of £1.5m, a deal to bring the Nigeria international back to Ibrox seems like a no-brainer on paper, because he still has plenty left to give at the age of 29 and has already proven himself in a Rangers shirt.

Plenty of players, most recently Steven Davis, Leon Balogun, and Allan McGregor, have returned for second spells in Glasgow, so it is not out of the ordinary for the club to re-sign one of their former stars.

Aribo’s current availability, as he has not started a league game for Southampton this season, provides the Light Blues with the perfect chance to bring him back for a fraction of the fee they raked in for him in 2022.

The left-footed star is a proven performer in Scottish football. During his time at Ibrox, the 29-year-old midfielder scored 26 goals and provided 25 assists in 149 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

This shows that the £70k-per-week ace offered a regular threat at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Ibrox giants, whilst playing as a central midfielder, as an attacking midfielder, or on the right wing.

21/22

8

6

20/21

7

4

19/20

3

8

Total

18

18

As you can see in the table above, Aribo was as impressive at scoring goals as he was at creating them in the Premiership during his three season stint in Glasgow, which shows that he knows how to deliver quality in the top-flight.

Aasgaard, however, has failed to show that he has what it takes to be a consistent and reliable performer for Rangers in any competition, let alone the Premiership, which is why Rohl should be looking for an upgrade on him in January.

Aribo, who Ezri Konsa said has a “languid” style, has scored nine goals in 111 matches for Southampton to date, per Transfermarkt. He has not been as prolific as he was for the Gers, but 53 of those games came in the Premier League against high-quality opposition.

However, returning to the Premiership could reignite his career because it is a level that he is comfortable at and knows how to perform in, as evidenced by his time with the Gers before he moved to England.

Rohl must replace Rangers star who's having an "amazing time" at Ibrox

Danny Rohl must replace this Glasgow Rangers star when the January transfer window opens for business.

ByDan Emery 6 days ago

Therefore, Aribo could return to Ibrox as a big upgrade on Aasgaard in the number ten position as a player who can deliver goals and assists, to win crucial points for the team, on a regular basis, whilst the Norwegian has struggled on both fronts.

Liverpool’s defence have borne the brunt of the criticism for the club’s landslide in form this season. Such reproval has hardly been undue. However, Arne Slot’s forwards have also struggled to implement his tactics.

The plain truth is that the Reds have so many punctures across their system, and the boss has an increasingly slim period to overturn the plummet in form that has led to nine defeats across 12 matches in all competitions.

Ahead of their trip to West Ham United on Sunday, Liverpool languish in 13th place in the Premier League, and there are so many creases for Slot and his staff to iron out if a turnaround is to be found.

Mohamed Salah has for so long been an unstoppable force for the Anfield side, but he’s been among the most disappointing members of the team this season, and the right wing is becoming a weak link.

Liverpool considering Mo Salah successor

If Salah sees out the £400k-per-week contract he extended back in April, he will leave Liverpool in 2027, marking a decade on Merseyside.

He has scored 250 goals and provided 116 assists across 419 appearances in a Liverpool shirt, and he is one of the greatest players in Premier League history.

But there’s no denying the 33-year-old has been miles south of his usual standards this season, wasteful in the final third and drifting on the edge of Slot’s malfunctioning system.

There remains hope that Salah will rediscover his form, but a success plan needs to be put in place, and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh has been earmarked as a possible option.

According to Spanish sources, Liverpool are ‘seriously considering’ a move for the 21-year-old winger, who has established himself in the Premier League since the start of last season.

It’s unclear at this stage what Brighton would demand for their rising star, but he wouldn’t come cheap, certainly more than the £35m figure the Seagulls paid Newcastle to bring him to the south coast in 2024. Some sources suggest discussions could enter the £100m ballpark.

Why Liverpool want Yankuba Minteh

Minteh has actually worked under Slot’s wing before, scoring nine times across 36 matches on loan during the 2023/24 season, assisting five goals too.

Newcastle were then forced into selling their Gambian prospect to ease PSR-related concerns, and he has become a star in the Premier League, hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “one of the standout wingers” in the division back at the start of the term.

While he’s only scored once across 12 matches, Minteh has assisted four goals and maintained the kind of athletic level of performance that would raise the bar at Liverpool, with Sofascore recording that he has averaged 2.5 dribbles and won 6.3 duels per game.

His qualities are further underscored by FBref’s data. In the Premier League this term, Minteh ranks among the top 6% of positional peers for progressive carries and successful take-ons, the top 1% for goal-creating actions and the top 11% for tackles won per 90.

This blend of physicality and potency – the wide forward scored seven goals last year – is almost reminiscent of Sadio Mane in his Liverpool pomp.

This was actually picked up by one football scout, who has said that Minteh can “can reach Sadio Mane[‘s] level” if he continues to foster his natural qualities.

Minteh is still so young. He is 21. Mane, for what it’s worth, was 24 when moving from Southampton to Liverpool in a £34m deal.

Mane didn’t match Salah’s jaw-dropping output, but he certainly came close, and 120 goals and 46 assists over 269 outings during Jurgen Klopp’s golden years is hardly a poor return.

Unlike Salah, the 34-year-old always had a bit more fury in his game, so combative and electric on the ball.

If Minteh could capture even a portion of the form Mane projected at Anfield over so many years, he would more than endear himself to the Reds fanbase.

But, as those in the know would tell you, he has what it takes to emulate the Senegalese icon.

He'd revive Isak: “Best manager in the world” now Liverpool's top target

Arne Slot is losing grip on his position as Liverpool manager after a shocking run of form.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 29, 2025

Jackson Merrill knows how to celebrate.

Hours after agreeing to a new nine-year, $135 million contract extension with the San Diego Padres, the 21-year-old center fielder blasted a home run to give the Padres a 4-0 lead over the Cleveland Guardians.

The at-bat came against Ben Lively, with two outs in the bottom of the third inning and the Padres already up 2-0. Lively hung a curveball on the first pitch and Merrill clobbered it. He launched it 388 feet into the right field bleachers as the ball came off his bat at 108.5 mph.

It was Merrill's second home run in as many days, as he tattooed one Tuesday night as well.

Merrill had a stellar rookie season in 2024, slashing .292/.326/.500 with 25 home runs and 90 RBIs. He was an All-Star, was named second-team All-MLB and won a Silver Slugger award. He won't turn 22 until April 19.

Merrill's new deal is incredibly team-friendly and helps secure the Padres' future moving forward.

The United States saw their FIFA U17 World Cup run end in the Round of 32 after a dramatic 1-1 draw and a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Morocco. Jude Terry’s early strike had the Americans in control for much of the match, but Abdellah Ouazane’s 90th-minute equalizer forced the shootout that ultimately sealed their exit.

• Getty
  

  Early advantage squandered by late Moroccan equalizer

  The United States appeared to be in control after Jude Terry's well-taken goal in the 21st minute gave them a deserved lead. The Philadelphia Union academy product finished clinically after connecting with a precise pass from Cavan Sullivan, continuing his impressive tournament form. The Americans maintained their advantage through most of the match, creating several opportunities to extend their lead while limiting Morocco's attacking threats.

  The match took a dramatic turn in the 74th minute when the United States was awarded a penalty kick that could have sealed their advancement. Mathis Albert, who had been effective throughout the tournament, stepped up to take the spot kick but saw his effort saved.

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• Penalty shootout heartbreak

  In the ensuing penalty shootout, both teams displayed nerves under the intense pressure. Morocco's Ahmed Mouhoub missed his attempt, briefly giving the Americans an advantage. However, the United States couldn't capitalize as both Maximo Carrizo and Cooper Sanchez failed to convert their spot kicks, allowing Morocco to claim a 4-3 shootout victory and advance to the Round of 16.

• Another defeat to Morocco…

  The defeat represents a significant disappointment for coach Gonzalo Segares and his team, who had shown tremendous potential throughout the competition. The U.S. squad, featuring talented prospects like Sullivan, Terry, and Nimfasha Berchimas, had impressed observers with their tactical discipline and attacking flair during the group stage, where they conceded just one goal while scoring four.

  This also represents the third-straight youth tournament elimination for the U.S. at the hands of Morocco. The U.S. previously lost in the Olympics to the les Lions de l'Atlas in 2024 and then lost again to the Morocco U20s in the U20 World Cup earlier this year. 

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• Morocco advance to face Japan

  With the victory, Morocco advances to face Japan in the Round of 16, continuing their remarkable turnaround after a difficult group stage. They had finished third in Group B behind Japan and Portugal, qualifying for the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams despite losing two of their three group matches.

Chelsea will be in the market come January to further their bid for silverware and could now be set to land a heavy discount on a target they have identified at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea set for defensive injury boost following Ornstein update

The Blues have been affected by their fair share of injury news lately, and their lack of depth in central defence was highlighted against Liverpool last weekend – a fixture that Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill missed due to various issues.

Josh Acheampong ended up starting in the pivotal victory over the Reds, though he had to be subbed off himself after picking up a knock during proceedings. David Ornstein doesn’t believe his misfortune is as serious as first feared.

He stated via The Athletic’s Youtube Channel, also offering an update on Benoit Badiashile:

Trevoh Chalobah, returning from suspension, will also be a boost for the Blues, who have an away Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest to contend with before quickfire home fixtures against Ajax and Sunderland.

Signing a defender is a major priority in January for Chelsea, and that has only been heightened by the fact that Colwill has torn his ACL, so there will be no shortage of rumours on that front between now and the window opening for business.

With that in mind, attention will soon turn to potential mid-season solutions, and the Blues may now have identified a centre-back who they feel can make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge, should a deal materialise.

Chelsea could land heavy Castello Lukeba discount

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea could land a heavy discount in their attempts to sign RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, who has a release clause of just over £78 million.

Nevertheless, this stipulation is believed to be largely symbolic, and Leipzig are ‘ready to accept’ a potential bid in and around the £52 million mark.

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The west Londoners have already had a bid knocked back.

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Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Real Madrid are also keen on the France Under-21 international, who has also registered one assist in seven matches across all competitions this season.

In light of their injury problems and frustration at relying on the likes of Wesley Fofana to be available, a discounted move for Lukeba, who’s been called a “very unique” defender, may be a way to solve fitness issues that have plagued Stamford Bridge this term.

Predominantly left-sided, Lukeba has won 26 duels already this term and carried the ball out successfully six times, per Fotmob, illustrating his suitability to Enzo Maresca’s high-octane style of play.

Now, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea can push a deal over the line amid serious interest from elsewhere in the French defender.

يعود ريال مدريد إلى ملعب “الأنفيلد” لخوض مباراة مساء يوم الثلاثاء في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا ضد خصمه فريق ليفربول، في إطار منافسات الموسم الحالي من مرحلة الدوري.

ويستضيف ملعب “الأنفيلد” مباراة ليفربول وريال مدريد في الجولة الرابعة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مساء الغد، موسم 2025/26.

وتُعد تلك هي المرة الثانية على التوالي التي يواجه فيها ريال مدريد خصمه ليفربول على ملعب الأخير، في مرحلة الدوري من دوري أبطال أوروبا، بعدما تواجها الموسم الماضي.

وخسر ريال مدريد أمام ليفربول بهدفين دون رد، عن طريق أليكسيس ماك أليستر وكودي جاكبو، في شهر نوفمبر الماضي، في دوري أبطال أوروبا موسم 2024/25.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جرافنبيرخ: سنسأل لاعب ليفربول عن إيقاف مبابي.. والجمهور حُر في تعامله مع أرنولد

وذكرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية أن مباراة ليفربول وريال مدريد في إنجلترا لن تتكرر العام المقبل، حيث ينوي الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم إدخال قواعد جديد لتحسين المسابقة في ظل نظام دوري أبطال أوروبا المستحدث.

وأوضحت أن إحدى تلك القواعد، التي ستدخل حيز التنفيذ العام المقبل، هو منع لعب ثلاث مباريات متتالية في مرحلة الدوري على نفس الملعب، مما يعني عدم إمكانية استضافة “الأنفيلد” لمباراة ليفربول وريال مدريد الموسم القادم، حال وقوعهما سويًا حسب القرعة.

وستنطبق تلك القاعدة على جميع الفرق التي تلتقي في نفس الملعب لعامين متتاليين في مرحلة الدوري، ولكنها لن تنطبق على مراحل خروج المغلوب، لذلك إذا التقى ريال مدريد وليفربول في هذه المرحلة، فقد يلعبان مجددًا على ملعب “الأنفيلد”.

وأشارت إلى أن يويفا يجري تدريجيًا تعديلات على نظام دوري أبطال أوروبا الجديد، ومع مشاركة هذا العدد الكبير من الفرق، لا يريد أن يرى المشجعون الفريق نفسه يلعب على أرضه لأكثر من عامين متتاليين.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has challenged his side to back up their first win of the season with consistency after a 1-0 Europa League victory over Bologna.

Villa scored their first goal at home this season after 12 minutes when John McGinn fired into the bottom right corner from outside the area. Ollie Watkins had a second-half penalty saved by Lukasz Skorupski as he failed to open his account for the campaign.

Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot was busy in the second half as Bologna piled on the pressure and he scrambled across his goal to keep out Martin Vitik’s header in stoppage time to ensure the hosts clung on to all three points. Emery says his side now have something to build on heading into Sunday’s Premier League match with Fulham.

He told TNT Sports: “At home I felt always here, in three years since I arrived, strong and confident. Creating and building a great atmosphere with energy with the players and supporters and today I felt it again.

“Bologna played well, they demanded us a lot, but then we adapted and tried to dominate and I think we deserved the win. Today we won and it is important we have to try and keep consistent on Sunday. Different match and rival, but a lot of things tactically we have to keep on building.

“Today this win will help us to try and continue working and being positive, but each match coming is a challenge, to fight to try and prepare as best as possible, be demanding with the players. This year I am excited, positive and motivated about the Europa League, but I know how difficult it is to win.”

Watkins struggles again as Villa Park gets tense

Watkins came off the bench in the 58th minute and looked lively, but his goal drought extended to seven games with the penalty miss. Emery is confident the forward will return to form, though. He added: “He worked today like he is (confident) and this is the first step to recover confidence.

“Then he had a penalty and he created chances as well, but the most important is to recover confidence and do your tasks like he did today. Today was the first step and he did fantastic.”

Defender Ezri Konsa admits the Villa Park crowd have been “tricky” to deal with following a tough start to the season but wants to use Thursday’s win as a starting point for their season. He said:

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A journalist has explained how the recent off-field issues at Villa could affect Unai Emery.

ByDominic Lund Sep 25, 2025

Manchester United secured a stunning victory an Anfield to condemn Liverpool to an unbelievable fourth consecutive defeat as the visitors won a pulsating derby 2-1. There was controversy just seconds into the match after Bryan Mbeumo fired the visitors in front, despite a head injury to Alexis Mac Allister in the build-up. Cody Gakpo equalised for Arne Slot’s side, but Harry Maguire’s header in the 84th minute sealed a memorable win for United.

Amorim’s side made a flying start to the match, taking a dramatic lead in the second minute as United broke quickly upfield and Mbeumo fired low past Giorgio Marmadashvili. Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister took a blow to the head in the build-up, but referee Michael Oliver didn’t spot it, leaving the home fans furious. 

The visitors were the better side in the opening half with both Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes missing gilt-edged chances to extend United’s lead, and as the game progressed it seemed Amorim’s team were likely to edge further in front. But Slot rang the changes on the hour and it was one of the substitutes, Federico Chiesa, who teed up Gakpo to fire home from close range and level the match. 

Anfield suddenly came to life as home fans sensed an unlikely victory, but it was United who scored again to stun the crowd as Maguire headed Fernandes’ cross back across goal to seal the points and United’s first win on this ground since back in January 2016.

GOAL rates Liverpool players from Anfield…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Giorgi Mamardashvili (5/10): 

  Playing just his second Premier League game for the Reds as Alisson remains injured and was stunned early on after Mbeumo struck the ball fiercely low past him for the opener. Was little he could do for Maguire's goal either. 

  Conor Bradley (6/10): 

  Impressed during the international break with Northern Ireland and was kept busy all afternoon by Dalot and Mount, but barely put a foot wrong. Was taken off in the 62nd minute. 

  Ibrahima Konate (6/10):

  Back in the starting line-up after recovering from injury and played Mbeumo onside for the opening goal. Was reasonably sound for the vast majority of the game. 

  Virgil van Dijk (5/10): 

  Ahead of the match, the Liverpool captain spoke about how it was ‘pretty clear’ his team needed to improve, but was partially at fault for the opener after failing to spot the run of Mbeumo in behind him.

  Milos Kerkez (5/10):

  An ever-present for the Reds so far this season, at the expense of Robertson, but endured a torrid first-half. Amad ran him ragged and looked very uncomfortable at times. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Ryan Gravenberch (6/10): 

  Has been one of Slot’s standout performers this season and, while he played positively throughout, he failed to make a major impact and took a hefty blow on his ankle before being subbed on the hour. 

  Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):

  Took a hefty whack to the head just moments into the match and played the rest of the game wearing a protective covering. Covered plenty of ground, but was quiet by his standards and was subbed in the 60th minute. 

  Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

  Has been one of Liverpool's standout performers this season and, while he showed good attacking intent, was below-par. Moved into full-back position when Bradley was hooked on the hour mark.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Mohamed Salah (5/10): 

  Wasted a golden opportunity, but snatched at the ball and fired wide from eight yards out in the 65th minute. Was a surprisingly quiet afternoon for the Reds talisman who normally thrives in these matches. 

  Cody Gakpo (7/10): 

  Recently admitted to feeling more at home at Liverpool than playing for his native Netherlands, and you can see why. Turned home Chiesa's cross from a couple of yards out and could have had a sackful more as he hit the post three times throughout the match. One of Liverpool's better performers. 

  Alexander Isak (4/10): 

  Will be hugely disappointed with his performance. Seemed nervous throughout and failed to show enough composure when half-chances came his way. Still not showing the quality which convinced Liverpool to invest so heavily in him. Was subbed in the 72nd minute, and there's work for Slot to do to get the best out of him. 

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  Subs & Manager

  Florian Wirtz (5/10):

  A few neat touches, but no impact. Wasn't on the pitch long enough to shoulder any blame for the defeat and will be looking the the forthcoming matches to be given more time from Slot.  

  Curtis Jones (5/10):

  Not enough time to make an impact in midfield after being brought on as Sot made wholesale changes on the hour mark. 

  Hugo Ekitike (6/10):

  Was a real live wire from the moment he came on the pitch. Had a few long-range efforts blocked, but without any luck. 

  Federico Chiesa (6/10):

  Was finally given his chance with 20 minutes remaining and repaid the manager's faith by setting up Liverpool's equaliser. 

  Jeremie Frimpong (6/10):

  Did brilliantly down the wing to set up a chance for Gakpo, but the header sailed over the bar. 

  Arne Slot (5/10):

  The Liverpool boss has more questions than answers as he watched his side struggle all afternoon. Key players, particularly new signings, just aren't at the races. It's his job to find those answers, and find them soon. Four defeats in a row is unacceptable. 

Barcelona legend Xavi has explained why Lamine Yamal was beaten to the 2025 Ballon d’Or by Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele. One exciting forward that used to grace the books at Camp Nou pipped one that is starring in the present to the title of best player on the planet. Dembele fended off the challenge of teenage wonderkid Yamal to collect the first Golden Ball of his career.

• Can Yamal match Messi in the Ballon d'Or stakes?

  Yamal is expected to go on and claim plenty in the future, with it being suggested that he could match or eclipse the efforts of fellow La Masia academy graduate Lionel Messi – who has eight Ballons d’Or to his name and is widely considered to be the greatest player ever to lace up a pair of boots.

  Time is on Yamal’s side when it comes to achieving such feats, as he is just 18 years of age. He has signed a lucrative new contract at Barcelona and inherited the iconic No.10 shirt that Messi once filled with such distinction. He is already considered to form part of the global elite, with that standing being highlighted in his runner-up finish behind Dembele.

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  Why Dembele beat Yamal to Golden Ball in 2025

  Former Barca player and manager Xavi believes there were a number of contenders to land the Golden Ball in 2025, with Dembele ultimately emerging as a deserving winner. The ex-Spain international told when asked about Yamal missing out: “This time, collective titles weighed more heavily. For me, of course, he deserved it. So did Vitinha, [Mohamed] Salah, Pedri, and Raphinha… many players deserved it. But in the end, titles count more. Lamine will win it, I’m convinced – but when his team wins the Champions League or a World Cup.”

  Xavi was the man to hand Yamal his senior debut for Barcelona at 15 years of age. He had been knocking on the door prior to that, with it impossible to limit such potential. The youngster has come a long way in a short space of time, with La Liga and European Championship titles being added to his CV.

• Xavi explains why Yamal was destined for greatness

  Xavi added on helping to put the hottest of prospects on the path to potential greatness: “I feel very proud of what Lamine is doing and of having given him the chance to make his debut. I saw him as very prepared despite being 15. He was very confident, very capable, making a difference in training. He wasn’t afraid of anything. From the very first day, he stood out. For me, he’s one of the chosen ones and can define an era in world football. He has no complexes, no fear whatsoever.”

  Barca always expected Yamal to reach the very top of the game, despite being a rough diamond in need of some polishing. Xavi remains convinced that the teenager will win a Golden Ball at some stage.

  He added when asked if that standing was clear from day one: “Yes, without a doubt. We said it among the staff – we said he was Ballon d’Or material. Watching him train, you could already see something different. You immediately realised he was one of the chosen ones.”

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  Yamal injury: How long teenage wonderkid will be out for

  Yamal is being forced to take in another enforced spell on the sidelines at present. He picked up a groin injury while on international duty in September and, after taking a period of rest, aggravated that when returning to action against Real Sociedad. He will play no part for his country in their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria.

  It has been claimed that Yamal will be out for “two or three weeks”, with Barca needing to nurse him back to full health. A break in domestic competition will aid that cause, with the reigning La Liga champions playing host to Catalan neighbours Girona on October 18 – with others, such as on-loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, needing to step up in Yamal’s absence.