Tag Futebol

Potential to cement a role in T20I series after fleeting return to team last summer

Matt Roller02-Mar-2021It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a batter to break into England Women’s top six. Not since Lauren Winfield-Hill, who turned 30 last year, has a debutant managed to pass 100 career runs in either ODI or T20I cricket for England, with the same core of players forming the backbone of the batting lineup for the best part of a decade.In that context, the arrival of a new batter who adds power and skill to the lower-middle order is significant, and in Sophia Dunkley, England think they might have found such a player. Dunkley was given a 10-match run in the side during the 2018-19 winter, including all five games in the T20 World Cup, but found herself on the fringes again for the next 18 months.She struggled for form in the 2019 Kia Super League, but made the most of the limited opportunities that came her way in the abbreviated season last summer. In successive innings in England’s 50-over intra-squad warm-up games, she blitzed 42 not out off 16 balls, then steered her side home with 53 not out off 64, demonstrating her versatility; in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, she made 97 for South East Stars at Beckenham with England coach Lisa Keightley watching.The result was a recall for the final two T20Is of the summer against West Indies. Dunkley’s returns – a first-ball duck and 3 not out off 4 balls – were a reminder of the volatility of the finisher’s role, but her presence in the side was still a significant moment in her career.”It was nice to go into the summer with an open mind,” Dunkley said. “I’d been out of the side for about a year and a half, so I felt as though I had nothing to lose and I could go in with no fear and just see what happened. I played quite well, which I was really happy with, and it gave me a chance to get back into the side which was really special.”I’d been working really hard for that for the last year and a half so it was definitely a good summer for me. I got out for a duck in the first game and the last one was a five-over game, but to get back in the side and all the little things that you forget about – being on the teamsheet, being back out on the field, and feeling like you’re really part of it – was really special. I tried not to take the feeling for granted.”Sophia Dunkley pulls during the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy•Getty ImagesHaving been overlooked throughout the 50-over leg of the tour to New Zealand, Dunkley hopes that she will be given another opportunity to prove herself during the T20I series, which starts on Wednesday in Wellington. England are hardly short on batting depth, with Katherine Brunt, Sarah Glenn and Sophie Ecclestone all powerful lower-order hitters, but Dunkley’s ability to go hard from early on in her innings could see her backed ahead of Winfield-Hill and Fran Wilson at No. 6.”It’s about trying to keep perspective,” Dunkley said. “A lot of the batters in the team are quite a lot older and more experienced than me. It’s about trying to be the best I can be, and if I do get an opportunity, then I’ll be giving it a good go. Hopefully at some point in the future I’ll cement a spot in the team but I’ll have to wait and see what happens and keep enjoying it along the way.”I’ve been working hard over the winter so hopefully I’ve got a good chance of keeping that spot. I think it’s part and parcel of cricket and being a young player. Just watching a few of the girls in the nets gives you a good idea of where you want to be – seeing people like Nat [Sciver] and Heather [Knight] bat is a good visualisation of what you want to be in the future.”Dunkley’s ability with the ball should also count in her favour, though she admits her legspin is still a work in progress. She will have plenty of opportunities to work on it next summer – she signed a regional contract with South East Stars at the end of last year, and was top of Charlotte Edwards’ recruitment list at Southern Brave in the Hundred – but hopes that offering a sixth or seventh bowling option will stand her in good stead down the line.”I need a lot more game-time with the ball, in the domestic system and in the Hundred, but I’ve been working really hard in training and it’s been good bowling against high-class batters on tour,” she said. “Hopefully the new set-up bridges the gap and produces a really strong pool of girls to choose from, which will raise everybody’s standards and bring in a lot more competition for places.”Related

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England back opening combo of Beaumont and Wyatt

If Dunkley is handed a chance this week, she will be watched particularly closely by Ebony Rainford-Brent, a long-term mentor in her role as director of women’s cricket at Surrey. Dunkley was the first woman of colour since Rainford-Brent in 2008 to make a T20I debut for England, and became an ambassador for Rainford-Brent’s African-Caribbean Engagement (ACE) Programme last year.”Ebony has done an amazing job to promote a lot of positivity and bring people together,” Dunkley said. “I’ve been really lucky with the experiences I’ve had, and haven’t experienced any abuse or anything like that, but to hear other people’s stories last year made me want to help in any way I could.”I think [the English game] is probably not in the place that it wants to be now, but I’m sure that in the next few years it will get better and better, and hopefully we’ll see a massive shift. If I can be a role model and spread as much positivity as I can around the subject, then I’d love that to help. I think just playing for England and representing the community will have a big impact – hopefully a really positive one.”

يرى ستيفن وارنوك، اللاعب السابق لفريق ليفربول، أن كتيبة آرني سلوت قدمت شيئًا خلال مباراة برايتون، مساء أمس في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، لم نشاهده منذ فترة طويلة.

واستضاف ملعب “الأنفيلد” مباراة ليفربول وبرايتون في الجولة السادسة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2025/26.

وتمكن ليفربول من تحقيق فوز ثمين على برايتون بهدفين دون رد، في مباراة شهدت مشاركة النجم المصري محمد صلاح كبديل في الدقيقة 25.

اقرأ أيضًا.. لاعب ليفربول يستعد لفحص بالآشعة.. وقلق حول مدة غيابه

وأشاد ستيفن وارنوك بقدرة ليفربول على إيقاف خطورة الهجمات المرتدة التي تعرضوا لها من جانب برايتون في مباراتهما أمس، وهو الأمر الذي لم يكن يحدث في السابق.

وقال وارنوك، في تصريحات عبر شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “أنا معجب جدًا بليفربول، كان تسجيل هدف مبكر أمرًا حاسمًا (أحرز هوجو إيكتيكي الهدف الأول في الدقيقة الأولى)”.

وأضاف: “يمكن النظر إلى التنظيم وعودة اللاعبين إلى مراكزهم، لقد تعرضوا لبعض الهجمات المرتدة، في الماضي، كان ليفربول سيستمر في السماح بحدوث ذلك، لكنهم الآن تداركوا الأمر”.

أعلنت رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز عن هوية اللاعب الفائز بجائزة الأفضل في إطار منافسات الجولة الثالثة عشر من البطولة، موسم 2025/26.

كانت رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي قد أعلنت، أمس الإثنين، قائمة المرشحين الثمانية المرشحة لجائزة لاعب الجولة المذكورة من المنافسة المحلية والتي انتهت يوم الأحد الماضي.

وتنطلق مساء يوم الثلاثاء منافسات الجولة الرابعة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث تتسم تلك الفترة من كل موسم بتلاحق الجولات في فترة زمنية قصيرة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. إعلان أفضل لاعب في الجولة 12 من الدوري الإنجليزي

من جهة أخرى، كشفت رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي اليوم عن هوية اللاعب الفائز بجائزة رجل مباراة الجولة الثالثة عشر من البطولة، وهو البرتغالي برونو فرنانديز نجم مانشستر يونايتد.

وساهم برونو فرنانديز في فوز مانشستر يونايتد على كريستال بالاس بهدفين لهدف، حيث صنع هدفي كتيبة روبن أموريم، ليترفع رصيده على صعيد التمريرات الحاسمة في الدوري الإنجليزي إلى 56.

وتُعد تلك هي المرة الثالثة التي يتوج بها لاعب من مانشستر يونايتد بلقب أفضل لاعب في الجولة، بعد بريان مبيومو في الجولة التاسعة، وهاري ماجواير في الثامنة.

Tottenham Hotspur’s recruitment in recent years has left something to be desired, and though this is a squad of heroes who conquered the Europa League before the summer, domestic form has been cemented at a lower-than-expected level for a while now, and that needs to change.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though, with £55m summer recruit Mohammed Kudus among the most exciting players in Thomas Frank’s Lilywhites outfit.

The Ghanaian winger hasn’t been perfect, but he’s certainly underlined his credentials as a difference-maker under Frank’s wing, with his five assists in the Premier League this season a joint-divisional best.

That statistic juxtaposes with Tottenham’s creative struggles this season, and it adds substance to the emerging rumours that Tottenham plan to sign an even more exciting winger to help elevate Frank’s project down N17.

Spurs leading race for new winger

Tottenham are anticipated to be busy over the coming transfer windows, with improvements needed across a range of areas. However, there’s no denying Frank’s frontline have been blunter than expected, and that must be a priority.

Kudus has been a terrific addition, but wingers like Brennan Johnson and Xavi Simons are flattering to deceive. Perhaps this is why ENIC Group are aiming for the stars.

Indeed, according to Spanish sources, Tottenham are leading the race for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, and that’s despite growing interest from the Premier League’s heavyweights.

Rodrygo, 24, is also attracting interest from Liverpool, and though Real are open to selling the Brazilian talent, they would expect to bank something in the ballpark of £70m.

Why Rodrygo would succeed at Spurs

Rodrygo is currently embroiled in a crisis of confidence. He has gone 30 La Liga matches without a goal, and has been pushed out to the fringes of Xabi Alonso’s squad.

But let’s not forget that this is a truly special player, praised for his “world-class” quality by former Los Blancos teammate Luka Modric, and the depth of his technical quality goes far beyond that of Kudus, who is devastating on the ball but lacks clarity and output.

Though Kudus has enjoyed a fine start to his career in north London, he doesn’t match Rodrygo’s breadth of skill. The Madrid man is one of the best forwards in the world, after all, and his recent drop-off does not negate that fact.

Crisper on the ball, more progressive with his passing and more active in dribbling forward himself, Rodrygo might not have Kudus’ same snappy speed, but that’s not to say that he isn’t a dynamic physical force in his own right.

Moreover, he has so often been shunted out onto the right flank in Madrid over the past several years, lower down the pecking order than the likes of Vincius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. The right-footed Rodrygo is at his best, his most prolific, when playing off the left.

Now, he has been reduced to a truly bit-part role, only afforded three league starts under Alonso’s management this term.

It feels like Rodrygo’s departure from the Santiago Bernabeu is a matter of when, not if, and while there are a multitude of high-profile suitors looking to excavate him from the hole he has fallen into, Tottenham have put in the hard yards for some time now, and Frank’s project would promise him a leading role.

Then it would be up to Rodrygo to prove that he is the real deal. On the basis of the evidence already, he is at that, and this would see him take on a more influential role than someone like Kudus down N17.

Spurs star is becoming Frank's own version of Kane & he's not even a forward

This Tottenham star is becoming a talismanic force for Frank’s side.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 5, 2025

Since Pep Guardiola was appointed Manchester City manager in 2016, the club have spent around £1.276bn on more than 50 new recruits.

Some have, of course, been a massive success, none more so than Erling Braut Håland, arriving from Borussia Dortmund for £51m in the summer of 2022, so far scoring 143 goals in 164 appearances for the Sky Blues, which isn’t bad.

However, others have not lived up to the expectations set upon their arrival, disappearing into the proverbial wilderness without a trace.

So, is one of Man City’s summer signings, not so long ago labelled one of the best players in the Premier League, in danger of becoming the latest man to follow this path?

Kalvin Phillips' Manchester City career

When Kalvin Phillips joined Manchester City from Leeds United for £42m in the summer of 2022, he was a first-choice starter for England and widely considered to be one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.

However, to date, he has made just 32 appearances for the Sky Blues, totalling a miserly 921, accumulating only six starts, while 12 of his outings have lasted ten minutes or fewer.

After unsuccessful loan spells at both West Ham and then Ipswich, Phillips is back at Manchester City now, featuring in the Carabao Cup in September, entrusted with a seven-minute cameo towards the end of the victory over Huddersfield Town.

This was his first appearance for the Citizens for 645 days, his last before that coming against Urawa Red Diamonds in Jeddah in the Club World Cup semi-finals of 2023.

Having not represented England for over two years, fair to say this move has wrecked Phillips’ career, going from international star to complete obscurity, yet to even appear on a Man City bench in the Premier League or Champions League this season – including in Saturday’s 3-2 win over his former club.

So, which of Guardiola’s summer recruits is in danger of repeating this trajectory?

Manchester City's next Kalvin Phillips

For the majority of Guardiola’s tenure at the Etihad, the left-back spot has been up for grabs.

First, Fabian Delph and Oleksandr Zinchenko were deployed as midfielders in that role while, more recently, a rotating cast of centre-backs have filled the position, including Joško Gvardiol and Nathan Aké.

So, when Rayan Aït-Nouri arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported fee of £31.8m in June, supporters were delighted as the left-back conundrum appeared to have been solved.

The Algerian international joined Wolves from Angers in 2020, making 157 appearances for the club, and becoming one of their most outstanding players.

In the Premier League last season, the 24-year-old registered seven assists, a tally only bettered by 16 players and just one defender, namely Antonee Robinson.

As a result, Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley described him as “one of the Premier League’s best players” last season, while Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana praised his “quality” upon his arrival.

Having switched allegiance from France, Aït-Nouri will be looking forward to representing Algeria at both next month’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Desert Foxes among the favourites to triumph in Morocco, as well as the World Cup in the summer, but he may not be going into those competitions all guns blazing.

Despite earning rave reviews for his performances in old gold, the full-back has made very little impact in sky blue thus far, as the table below documents.

Minutes

315

22nd

Appearances

7

21st

Starts

5

20th

Completed passes

153

20th

Tackles

10

10th

Ball recoveries

10

20th

Touches

222

19th

As the table documents, Aït-Nouri is yet to make his mark since joining Manchester City.

Since starting two of three Premier League matches in August, he has seen just one minute of action in the competition, partially as a result of an ankle injury.

He was handed his full Champions League debut against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, but was hooked at half-time as Guardiola made a triple substitution, with his team a goal down, ultimately beaten 2-0 by the Bundesliga side.

Aït-Nouri’s performance in that one did not earn rave reviews.

Richard Martin of Goal noted that he lacked ‘awareness defensively or creativity going forward’, awarding him a 4/10, while Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News believes he was at fault for die Werkself’s opening goal, criticising his ‘heavy touches and poor passes’.

The Algerian was replaced by Nico O’Reilly at the interval, and the form of the 20-year-old is also a problem for him.

The youngster has been outstanding this season, thereby starting both England World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania earlier this month, and will not be an easy man to displace at left-back, for club or country.

Thus, unlikely to be given regular starting opportunities any time soon, Aït-Nouri is in danger of slipping into the Phillips vortex of being forgotten and cast aside by Guardiola.

Man City in talks to beat Man Utd to gem who's been "magic at U17 World Cup"

The Citizens are now looking to strike a deal before clubs from England and on the continent.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 23, 2025

Gabriel Jesus has addressed growing speculation over a possible return to Palmeiras, insisting no contact has been made and stressing that any decision about his future will be taken “with Arsenal.” After nine months out recovering from major knee surgery, the Brazilian has made it clear that a January exit is not an option, reaffirming his commitment to fighting for his place under Mikel Arteta.

• Jesus linked with Palmeiras return

  Jesus moved to cool talk of an imminent exit after reports in Brazil suggested he was considering a January return to Palmeiras, the club where he first rose to prominence. The Arsenal striker, who has only recently resumed training following a nine-month absence with a serious knee injury, reiterated that there have been no negotiations and that his current focus is solely on regaining his place in the Gunners’ squad. With competition for attacking positions intensifying at the Emirates, his comments arrive at a crucial moment as speculation continues to swirl about his long-term role in Arteta’s plans.

  The 28-year-old spent part of his rehabilitation in Brazil during the Premier League off-season, using Palmeiras’ training facilities to complete key stages of his recovery. That time back home fuelled narratives about an early comeback to the Brazilian league, but Jesus has insisted that such interpretations overlook the reality of his long layoff and the need for a stable environment as he rebuilds match fitness. With Arsenal battling on multiple fronts, the striker is determined to re-establish himself before entertaining any thoughts about the next chapter of his career.

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  Brazilian will 'decide' future 'with Arsenal'

  Jesus’ interview with Revista Placar made headlines in both England and Brazil, largely due to his candid tone and firm dismissal of transfer rumours. The forward has long spoken warmly about Palmeiras, and his admiration resurfaced publicly, but he clarified that any future return would be a deliberate joint decision with Arsenal rather than a reactionary move after injury.

  Speaking emphatically about recent rumours, Jesus stated: “There was never contact with another club. My wish, as I always say, is to return to Palmeiras. And Palmeiras also want me to come back.”

  Reflecting on the timing of a possible return to Brazil, Jesus added: “When I feel it’s the right time to go back to Palmeiras, I’ll decide that with Arsenal.” He also addressed the realities of returning from a serious injury, explaining: “But we’re talking about a player who has been out for nine months and is now fighting to return to the team. Some journalists speak without any basis.”

  Jesus then shut down suggestions that he might leave in the upcoming window, saying: “After such a complex surgery, it makes no sense for me to leave the club now.”

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  Gyokeres' arrival put Jesus further down the Arsenal pecking order

  Jesus’ Arsenal journey has been defined by an explosive beginning followed by persistent injuries that derailed his role as the club’s first-choice centre-forward. His early contribution transformed Arteta’s attack during the 2022–23 Premier League title push, but recurring knee issues — including an ACL rupture in January 2025 — repeatedly halted his momentum and forced Arsenal to reassess their long-term planning in the forward department.

  The summer arrival of Viktor Gyokeres, alongside competition from Kai Havertz and a strengthened attacking midfield unit, has threatened Jesus’ place in the squad. Arteta still values the Brazilian’s versatility and pressing intelligence, often highlighting the tactical flexibility he provides when deployed wide or centrally. However, with Arsenal competing for major trophies and now boasting greater attacking depth, Jesus’ ability to remain consistent and available will play a defining role in determining his future at the club.

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• Jesus certain to stay at Arsenal past winter window

  Jesus’ contract situation adds another layer to the discussion. His deal runs until 2027, meaning Arsenal are under no pressure to sell, but his high wages and injury record pose legitimate considerations as the Gunners shape their squad around younger, more durable options. While a future move to Palmeiras is widely expected, both the player and the club understand that his return to Brazil is more a matter of timing than desire — and that time is not January 2026.

  For the remainder of the season, Jesus’ priority is crystal clear: regain full fitness, build rhythm and fight for minutes in a competitive Arsenal forward line. With the Gunners pushing toward domestic and European targets, his experience and multifaceted skillset could still play an important role across a long campaign.

  As for Palmeiras, the Brazilian giants remain patient yet eager admirers, monitoring Jesus’ condition while respecting his current obligations in North London. A summer move in 2026, or even 2027, appears far more likely than a mid-season switch, particularly given the player’s insistence on stability during his recovery.

Fabio Vieira’s spell at Hamburg has gone from bad to worse after the Arsenal loanee was sent off for the second time in just five Bundesliga games. The 25-year-old midfielder, who joined the German club on a season-long loan in the summer, lost his cool during a 4-1 defeat to Koln, receiving a second yellow card late on as HSV slumped to their fourth loss of the season.

• Arsenal loanee Vieira sent off for the second time for HSV

  Vieira had another nightmare outing for Hamburg as he was dismissed for protesting with the referee during a 4-1 defeat to Koln in the Bundesliga. The Portuguese playmaker, on loan from Arsenal, had earlier seen a potential goal ruled out for offside before his frustration boiled over in the closing stages. Vieira’s sending-off came just four minutes after team-mate Immanuel Pherai was also dismissed, leaving Hamburg to finish the game with nine men.

  Koln had already taken control through goals from Ragnar Ache and Florian Kainz before Jean-Luc Dompe briefly gave Hamburg hope with a strike in the 61st minute. However, with two players sent off in the final 10 minutes, the visitors collapsed defensively, conceding twice in stoppage time to Said El Mala and Jakub Kaminski. It was a costly night all around, as Hamburg dropped to 13th in the table with only eight points from their opening fixtures.

  For Vieira, the red card was his second in five league appearances for the club, compounding what has been a disastrous start to his spell in Germany. His earlier dismissal, for a high challenge on Leopold Querfeld during a goalless draw with Union Berlin, resulted in a two-match suspension handed down by the German FA. The latest incident is likely to bring further scrutiny on the Arsenal loanee, and he will be suspended for two more games due to this being his second sending-off of the season.

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  Playmaker unlikely to return to Arsenal

  Vieira’s move to Hamburg was meant to be a chance for the 25-year-old to rebuild confidence after two underwhelming years at Arsenal. Signed from Porto in 2022 for around £30 million ($39.5m). However, consistent opportunities under Mikel Arteta were limited, with the Portugal youth international managing just three Premier League starts across two seasons.

  Despite showing glimpses of promise, including scoring the winning penalty in Arsenal’s 2023 Community Shield triumph over Manchester City, Vieira struggled to adapt to the physical demands of English football. A return to Porto on loan last season seemed to rejuvenate him, as he contributed five goals and six assists across 42 appearances. Those performances earned him another loan move, this time to Hamburg, who saw him as a key figure in their first season in the Bundesliga after seven years in the second tier.

  Instead, Vieira’s stint in Germany has been marred by indiscipline and inconsistency. His two red cards have overshadowed any flashes of quality, and with Hamburg’s results faltering, patience is wearing thin among supporters.

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  Arsenal signed Vieira in 2022 as a promising talent

  Vieira’s recent struggles are a far cry from his rise at Porto, where he emerged as one of Portugal’s brightest young midfielders alongside current Paris Saint-Germain superstar Vitinha. The playmaker played over 100 senior matches for his boyhood club, winning multiple domestic titles and representing Portugal at various youth levels. His form during the 2021–22 campaign, when he helped Porto to a league title, convinced Arsenal to make their £30m move.

  At Arsenal, Vieira has made 49 appearances across all competitions, recording two goals and six assists. He has sometimes impressed in cup fixtures but found it difficult to displace Martin Odegaard and other midfielders in Arteta’s preferred midfield setup. His technical ability was never in question, yet his lack of physicality and consistency made it hard to establish a regular starting role in the Premier League.

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• What does Vieira's troublesome loan spell mean for his career?

  Hamburg’s immediate concern will be steadying their form ahead of next week’s clash, as they look to climb away from the lower reaches of the table. Head coach Merlin Polzin and the club’s hierarchy must decide whether to continue relying on Vieira once his suspension ends, or look elsewhere for stability in midfield.

  The coming months are crucial in determining Vieira's long-term future at both club and international level. Arsenal will be monitoring his progress closely, but with Arteta’s midfield already stacked with options, a path back into the first team looks increasingly unlikely.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has heaped praise on his captain Reece James after the England star's performance against rivals Tottenham Hotspur. James, who is naturally a right-back, started the game at the base of the Blues midfield alongside Moises Caicedo and was key to their victory in north London. The Blues saw off Thomas Frank's Spurs 1-0, courtesy of a Joao Pedro winner in the first half.

• Chelsea win midfield battle against Spurs

  James has been deployed in midfield on more than a handful of occasions for Chelsea since Maresca made the switch from Leicester to Stamford Bridge. The defender has excelled in the middle of the park, where his athleticism and craft on the ball has allowed him to make a smooth transition. James was deputising for Enzo Fernandez, who has been suffering with an injury for the last couple of weeks, and was a more than capable stand-in. The Argentine midfielder has created a solid double pivot with Caicedo in recent seasons, but may find his spot in the team under threat should James continue to offer something different in a more advanced role. Maresca has experimented with his full-backs drifting into midfield in a number of games, with Malo Gusto also popping up in more central positions. The Italian coach was delighted that, with the help of James, the Blues won the midfield battle and dominated a feeble Spurs side. 

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  Maresca delighted with James

  Speaking to Chelseafc.com, Maresca explained his decision to start with the physical James in midfield from the off. “I think yesterday we needed a little bit more physicality in the middle,” Maresca said. “We expected them to play with [Pape Mater] Sarr, with [Rodrigo] Bentancur, with [Joao] Palhinha. We didn't expect them with four midfielders, because then [Lucas] Bergvall also played.”

  Despite the four midfielders fielded by Frank, the Blues still won out. The Italian hailed James who, despite shifting into an unnatural role, looked like he had been playing in his new role his whole career. Maresca explained: “‘I think Reece is doing fantastic when he's playing as a midfielder, he's doing fantastic when he's playing full-back, and he's doing fantastic in terms of leadership with the players inside the changing room.”

  James has regained his form this season and has produced standout performances down the right-flank and in the centre of the pitch. The Blues captain has struggled in recent seasons with his fitness and has seen his place in the squad under threat by the likes of Gusto. Despite his lengthy spells on the sidelines, James’ talent has never been questioned.

• James strengthens grip on World Cup spot

  No one appreciates the right-back’s talent more than his former Blues coach and current England boss Thomas Tuchel. The German has opted to start James in the majority of his games in charge of the Three Lions and, given James’ form this season, the Chelsea captain is unlikely to surrender that starting berth before the World Cup.

  James missed out on the European Championships last year through fitness and, under Gareth Southgate, found himself behind Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier in the pecking order. Now under the stewardship of Tuchel and barring any further injury troubles, James will be England’s starting right-back in the US, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

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  New challenges await the Blues

  The games keep coming thick and fast for the Blues, who face a lengthy trip to Azerbaijan in mid-week. Chelsea take on Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday in a tough test of their squad depth. The Azerbaijani champions have won two of their three games in the tournament’s league phase, matching Chelsea on six points.

  The Blues then return to Stamford Bridge to host Wolves. It could prove to be a difficult encounter to prepare for, despite their opponents rooted to the foot of the Premier League table, given the club have sacked Vitor Pereira. A replacement for the Portuguese coach is yet to be announced and any new appointment could throw up a different tactical challenge for the Italian to deal with.

Roberto De Zerbi explained why Mason Greenwood was taken off at half-time during Marseille's collapse at Sporting. The French outfit's Champions League night in Lisbon ended in heartbreak as the hosts came from behind to seal a dramatic 2-1 win. The French side had led through Igor Paixao’s thunderbolt in the first half, but the game unravelled spectacularly after Emerson Palmieri was controversially sent off just before half-time.

• Controversial red card sparks fury

  Marseille appeared to have won a penalty after Emerson went down under a challenge inside the area, but after VAR intervened, the decision was dramatically overturned. To make matters worse, referee Rade Obrenovic deemed Emerson guilty of simulation and showed him a second yellow card, leaving De Zerbi’s side a man down. Playing with ten men for the entire second half, Marseille were left hanging on by their fingernails as wave after wave of green and white pressure eventually broke through. Geny Catamo levelled with a stunning low strike in the 69th minute after a lengthy VAR check, before Alisson Santos completed the comeback in the 86th minute with his curling effort taking a slight deflection before nestling into the top corner.

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  De Zerbi disgusted with the match official

  De Zerbi’s fury was visible on the touchline. From there, Marseille were forced into damage control, retreating into a deep defensive block while Sporting grew stronger with every passing minute. The Italian coach later made no attempt to hide his disgust with the officiating. “I didn’t like the refereeing at all,” De Zerbi snapped in his post-match interview. "It wasn't made for this match, and with the red, the match changed. Those against Rennes or Lyon are a certain type of defeat. Today, it's something else. This one should give us even more pride and confidence in ourselves."

• De Zerbi explains Greenwood substitution

  Among the many talking points from the night was Greenwood’s surprise withdrawal at half-time. The English forward, who had looked lively early on, was replaced by defender Amir Murillo as Marseille shifted into a more defensive formation. Many questioned the decision, but De Zerbi explained his reasoning with clarity.

  "It's because they sent off Emerson! We had to defend with five, and between Greenwood and Paixao, at that time, the one who had the characteristics to defend and attack was Paixao," he said. "Last year, Greenwood, against Lyon with 10, we put him as a centre forward and he had a lot of trouble. Even Vermeeren, who had played well, I replaced him (with O'Riley) to add a bit more weight."

  Away from the chaos in Lisbon, Greenwood’s name continues to generate headlines in the transfer market. According to TBR Football, Barcelona are plotting an ambitious move that could see him reunited with Marcus Rashford in Catalunya. Rashford, currently enjoying a career revival on loan from Manchester United, has been thriving under Hansi Flick in La Liga. Barca are now reportedly keen to secure a deal for Greenwood as they plan a major attacking rebuild ahead of Robert Lewandowski’s expected departure next summer. Greenwood, 24, has been sensational since joining Marseille, lighting up Ligue 1 with a series of stunning performances. He finished the 2024-25 season with 29 goals in 46 games, sharing the Golden Boot with PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele, who later went on to win the Ballon d’Or. In his most recent outing, Greenwood scored four goals in a 6-2 demolition of Le Havre, a performance that reportedly drew the attention of Barcelona scouts. 

  However, De Zerbi wanted to see more from his striker and said: "It's true that Mason can do more, not just in terms of goals scored because in that area he doesn't need to do better. He's already a top player in front of goal, but he can become one of the best players in the world, because he has the ability. He can improve in helping the team when it needs it, when it's necessary. But I want to protect Mason from criticism, he's always scored a lot of goals and never missed a training session. But he still has room for improvement.”

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  A chance for redemption against Lens

  Marseille’s Champions League campaign may have taken a hit, but there’s no time to dwell. De Zerbi’s men return to Ligue 1 action on Saturday against Lens, where Greenwood is expected to start. The manager will hope his star forward channels the frustration from Lisbon into another commanding domestic performance.

The sky is blue, the grass is green, and Chelsea endeavour to get themselves another red card.

It was Joao Pedro’s turn to get himself sent off against Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night, but fortunately, it was late enough in the game to have no real impact.

Before the Brazilian was given his marching orders, the Conference League champions were fighting to hold onto their 1-0 lead, and while it wasn’t a vintage performance, that is just what they did.

With that said, there were a few players who struggled to make an impact, including one who was massively outshone by Pedro Neto and should be dropped for the weekend.

Neto's impressive game vs Benfica

In the build-up to the game, former Chelsea manager, and arguably the greatest in the club’s history, José Mourinho, described Neto as “one of the best wingers in the world.”

While such praise is probably a little over the top, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers star made sure not to disappoint his fellow countryman with his performance.

The rapid winger didn’t score a goal or produce an assist in the match, but it was his cross to Alejandro Garnacho that preceded the Argentine’s cross, which ended in an own goal for the visitors.

However, it wasn’t just that one ball, as the dynamic 25-year-old was a constant threat down the wing and most certainly had the beating of his opposite man.

Unsurprisingly, the Blues’ “unsung hero,” as Joe Cole dubbed him during TNT’s coverage, also left an impression on the watching press, as football.london’s Bobby Vincent awarded him an 8/10 match rating at full-time.

In all, while it wasn’t necessarily the toughest of opponents or the most perfect of displays, Neto more than did his part in Chelsea’s win and simply has to start the next game, unlike another attacker he totally outshone.

The Chelsea star outshone by Neto

While much of the Chelsea team put in middling to good performances against Benfica, some struggled to make a positive impact, like Pedro and Jamie Gittens.

Chalkboard

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However, those two were only given 30 minutes to try to influence the game, so you can forgive them for underwhelming on the night, which is an excuse that cannot be extended to Tyrique George.

Maresca handed the Cobham graduate his second start of the campaign, but instead of scoring a goal and providing an assist like he did against Lincoln City, he was practically anonymous.

It might sound somewhat harsh, but it was easy to forget that the Pensioners were even playing someone up top, as, unlike Neto on the right and Garnacho on the left, the Englishman never seemed to be involved at all.

This is an opinion shared by Vincent, who gave the youngster a 4/10 match rating on the night, writing that he ‘didn’t get involved too much’ and that ‘it feels too often as if games pass him by.’

Minutes

61′

Expected Goals

0.12

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.1

Assists

0

Shots on Target

1

Dribbles

0

Touches

15

Passes

8/9 (89%)

Key Passes

0

Lost Possession

2

Unsurprisingly, his statistics more than justify such an appraisal, as in 61 minutes of action, the youngster amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of 0.13, took one shot on target, completed eight passes, took just 15 touches, didn’t complete a pass and didn’t play a single key pass.

The London-born gem is clearly a talented player; his youth numbers, cameos last season, and performance last week suggest as much, but it’s crystal clear that he’s not someone who can lead the line for Chelsea.

Therefore, to improve the team and for George’s own sake, Maresca should take him out of the starting lineup for the game against Liverpool this weekend.

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