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Being the massive club they are, Arsenal have had some genuinely world-class players represent them.

From the likes of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp in the Invincibles era, to Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and their backline today.

However, the Gunners also have more than their fair share of cult heroes, such as Sunderland’s current captain, Granit Xhaka.

The Swiss international left Arsenal in the summer of 2023, but it looks like Mikel Arteta might have someone in his squad today who could be the club’s next Xhaka.

Xhaka's turbulent Arsenal career

It’s summer 2016, and after a reasonably impressive Euros with Switzerland, Arsenal opt to splash around £34m on Xhaka.

Chalkboard

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

Unfortunately, while he certainly wasn’t one of the team’s worst players, the former Borussia Mönchengladbach ace was fairly underwhelming over the following few years.

However, given his experience, combative nature, and general personality, he was chosen by his teammates to become the club’s captain in September 2019, under Unai Emery.

It was a decision that would cataclysmically backfire just a month later, when, during a game against Crystal Palace, he was substituted off to a jeering crowd, to which he responded by throwing the shirt and armband to the floor and swearing.

At that point, it looked like his Arsenal career was well and truly over, but once he was appointed manager, Arteta was able to convince the fiery midfielder to stay and fight for his place.

Over the next two years or so, that is exactly what the Basel-born titan did, and finally, against all the odds, away to Brentford in September 2022, the fans began to sing his name once more.

The tough-tackling, all-action international had his best campaign in red and white that season, ending it with nine goals and seven assists in 47 games as the club launched a surprising title charge.

16/17

46

4

3

17/18

48

3

8

18/19

40

4

5

19/20

41

1

2

20/21

45

1

2

21/22

30

1

2

22/23

47

9

7

It would prove to be his final year with the club, but instead of leaving in disgrace like so many thought he would, the Swiss icon was serenaded by an adoring Emirates crowd as he grabbed a brace and said his goodbyes.

Now, two and a half years later, it looks like Arteta could have his own Xhaka-type player in his Arsenal squad.

Arsenal's new Xhaka

Now, arguments could certainly be made for either Declan Rice or Martin Zubimendi becoming the next Xhaka for Arsenal, but instead, it’s actually Myles Lewis-Skelly.

It might sound a little out there at first, but there are a few reasons, such as the youngster’s natural position.

Yes, the teenager has played at left-back for the first team, but spent most of his time in the academy playing as either a defensive or central midfielder.

Moreover, when you watch him play, it is so apparent that he’s more of a central player, as not only does he have the spatial awareness and range of passing to thrive there, but he also has the carrying ability.

In fact, it was his incredible drive and assist for Gabriel Martinelli against Atletico Madrid that led one content creator to label him as one of the best in “world football” when it comes to carrying.

Furthermore, the 19-year-old has already shown the physical and mental strength Xhaka possess, and as Rice has pointed out, he seems utterly “fearless” on the pitch, regardless of the opposition.

Finally, in addition to the fiery attitude, the Hale End gem also has a wand of a left foot, and has already chalked up a few assists thanks to his weight of pass.

Ultimately, it is still so early in his career, but it’s clear that Lewis-Skelly shares some of Xhaka’s best traits and could become Arsenal’s new version of the Swiss monster.

Forget Dowman: Arsenal's "explosive" Hale Ender looks like another Saka

The impressive youngster could be the next Saka and the next talent off the block for Arsenal after Dowman.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 7, 2025

The New York Yankees live to play another game of baseball after taking Game 4 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night. One of the highlights of the Yankees’ win-or-go-home matchup involved not a New York player, but a New York fan who inserted himself into the game.

At the bottom of the first inning, Dodgers star Mookie Betts chased down a foul ball in right field and reached over the wall to make an impressive catch. Two Yankees fans in the front row then tried to physically pry the ball out of Betts’s glove by grabbing at Betts’ hands, and one of them was actually able to take the ball from him. 

After the Dodgers’ 11-4 loss, Betts curtly addressed the wild incident. 

“No, I didn’t even know he grabbed my hands,” Betts told reporters. “When it comes to the person and play, it doesn’t matter. We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine, he’s fine. Everything’s cool. We lost the game, that’s what I’m trying to focus on, we gotta turn the page and get ready for tomorrow.”

The two Yankees fans who fought Betts for the ball were ejected from the stadium shortly after the tussle. 

The Yankees and Dodgers will face off for Game 5 on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium, with the Dodgers leading the series, 3-1. Hopefully, this upcoming matchup will be less tinged by off-field distractions and controversy, though the Yankees fans who were ejected were apparently told they will be allowed to attend.

The franchise says Dravid was offered a broader position as part of the restructuring, but he decided not to take it

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Aug-2025Rahul Dravid’s stint as head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR) has come to an end after just one season. In a statement on Saturday, the franchise said Dravid had been offered a broader position within the set-up, but he chose not to take it.Dravid’s exit despite having a multi-year contract follows a structural review after the team’s ninth-place finish at IPL 2025, their poorest season since 2021 with just four wins in 14 matches. Earlier this month, it came to the surface that Sanju Samson, RR’s captain since IPL 2021, has also asked to be released ahead of the next season.”Head coach Rahul Dravid will conclude his tenure with the franchise ahead of IPL 2026,” the statement said. “Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey for many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, instilled strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise.Related

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So near, yet so far – the story of Rajasthan Royals' season

“As part of the franchise structural review, Rahul had been offered a broader position at the franchise, but has chosen not to take this. The Rajasthan Royals, its players, and millions of fans worldwide extend heartfelt thanks to Rahul for his remarkable service to the franchise.”Dravid was central to RR’s auction strategy as well as their retentions ahead of a fresh three-year cycle. The franchise retained Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer ahead of the season, which was marred by injuries to key players as well as an inability to cross the line in a number of close finishes.Dravid had first joined RR as a player in 2011, and captained them for two seasons (2012 and 2013), before serving as team director and mentor in 2014 and 2015. His exit means at least two franchises – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) being the other – are without a head coach for IPL 2026. Last month, Chandrakant Pandit decided to leave KKR after overseeing the side to their first IPL title in ten years in 2024. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) too are in the midst of a support-staff rejig, having recently brought in B Arun as bowling consultant.RR currently have on board Kumar Sangakkara as director of cricket, Vikram Rathour as batting coach and Shane Bond as bowling coach. The team has not won the IPL title since their victory in the inaugural season in 2008. Their next-best finish came in 2022, when they finished runners-up to Gujarat Titans.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has finally lifted the lid on an "unlucky" reason for Jadon Sancho's struggles as they began long before supporters ever saw him misfire on the pitch. It is the first time that the former manager has publicly disclosed the details of his early sufferings, as Sancho, who was billed to become the next big thing at United, faded to the fringes after a slow and painful unravelling.

The £73m hope who never ignited

When Sancho finally swapped Borussia Dortmund for United in the summer of 2021, there was palpable excitement among the fans. At 21, he had tormented the Bundesliga with goals and assists, and Solskjaer championed the move to Old Trafford. However, the winger failed to recreate his form, and will be remembered simply as a big-money flop.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportA holiday, an ear infection…and a hospital bed

In a candid conversation on , Solskjaer has revealed exactly how rough the winger’s start truly was.

"We wanted to take the next step, not move away from what we had, but add something different in the final third," Solskjaer began while reasoning the big-money move for Sancho.

"We wanted players who could break teams down, and Jadon, with his skill, link-up play, and little passes around the box, gave us that. He was unlucky through. Before he joined, he went on holiday, as you do, and ended up getting an ear infection. He was in the hospital, and really struggled for his first 10 days or so before he could even start training with us. That hasn't previously come out before. I never really got to play with him properly, because by the time he was finding form again, I was already on my way out."

Solskjaer’s departure in November 2021, after losing seven of his final 13 matches, meant Sancho lost the manager who believed in him most before he could settle. And Erik ten Hag’s arrival marked the beginning of Sancho’s most turbulent chapter. Despite making 41 appearances in the Dutch manager’s first full season, the forward soon took a break from the squad due to "physical and mental" concerns at the end of 2022. Ten Hag sent him to train alone in the Netherlands under trusted staff in an attempt to rebuild the winger’s confidence and conditioning. However, the reintegration process failed to bring out the desired results.

Public fallout with Ten Hag

By the start of the next campaign, the fissures had widened into a full-blown conflict. Ten Hag questioned Sancho’s training standards in front of the media and suggested they were not high enough to secure a place in the team. The forward hit back on social media, accusing the manager of making him a "scapegoat" for United's struggles on the pitch. From that moment, the bridge between them all but burned, as Sancho was exiled, banished from first-team training and forced to work away from his teammates. 

A return to familiar surroundings at Dortmund initially looked like a rescue. However, the Bundesliga club did not want him on a permanent deal due to his high wages. Then came another loan, this time at Chelsea, where flashes of his old spark resurfaced, but consistency never followed. Now, at just 25, Sancho is on his third consecutive loan, this time at Aston Villa, and the pattern is disturbingly familiar.

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GettyUnited ready to cut ties

Sancho has made only four appearances under Unai Emery and has yet to start a Premier League match. On three separate occasions, he wasn’t even named in the squad. According to , United have already decided that Sancho’s future will not be at Old Trafford. With his contract expiring in 2027, the club are prepared to listen to offers in June to avoid losing him for nothing. Reports in Germany claim he is ready to take a pay cut if it means securing a permanent home and restarting his career at Dortmund. Whereas, according to talkSPORT, the Red Devils are also considering terminating his contract early and setting him free in a bid to get his £200,000-a-week wages off their books. 

Glamorgan overpowered despite flying start with the ball

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jul-2025Dan Lawrence’s maiden T20 hundred rescued Surrey as they recovered from a dreadful start to chase down 223 against Glamorgan at the Kia Oval and edge closer to clinching a Vitality Blast knockout place.Lawrence came to the crease with his side in desperate trouble at 16 for three – but the wristy right-hander transformed the contest by hammering 120 not out from 54 balls, sharing an unbroken stand of 146 from 60 with Tom Curran, a county T20 record against Glamorgan, to secure victory with five balls to spare.Glamorgan had looked set to record their first Blast success against Surrey in eight attempts after a century partnership between Colin Ingram, with a season’s best of 69 from 33, and Asa Tribe, who finished unbeaten on a 30-ball knock of 56.Their stand of 105 from 51 for the fifth wicket enabled the visitors to post a challenging 222 for six, but that proved insufficient in the face of Lawrence’s merciless onslaught.Seeking a response to their heavy loss at Hampshire 24 hours earlier, Glamorgan gathered early momentum from the aggressive hitting of Will Smale, who scooped Nathan Smith for six in the opening over.Surrey’s seamers all took some powerplay punishment from Smale (37 from 17), but two smart pieces of fielding by Jason Roy at cover pegged the visitors back – following his sharp throw to run out Smale with a courageous catch that cut off Alex Horton’s bullet drive.Sam Curran (two for 31) bowled tightly, varying his pace to good effect and removed Ben Kellaway, just getting set when he skied to mid-off, but Ingram began to accumulate steadily through the middle overs.The veteran left-hander hit the accelerator to raise his half-century from 25 balls as Smith’s final over disappeared for 21 and Tribe followed suit at identical pace, pulling Tom Curran into the stand for his third six.Although Ingram eventually holed out to provide the younger Curran with a second wicket, the home side had to chase at above 11 an over, a task that became no easier after losing both openers inside the first 10 deliveries of their reply.Roy’s dismissal, courtesy of Dan Douthwaite’s stunning leap to his right at cover, was soon followed by that of Sam Curran, who miscued Ned Leonard behind to leave Surrey three down and floundering.Lawrence and Will Jacks counter-attacked, both depositing spinner Imad Wasim over the fence and sharing a partnership of 62 from 33 which was ended by another instance of superb fielding.Kiran Carlson’s arrow throw from mid-off – with one stump in his line of vision – left Jacks (31 from 21) short of his ground, but Lawrence kept up the charge, heaving Andy Gorvin for a leg-side six to pass 50.With Tom Curran (49 not out from 27) in a supporting role, Lawrence whittled down the required rate, punching the air as he reached three figures from 46 balls and clinching a remarkable win with a straight six off Gorvin.

Manchester United face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this afternoon, with Ruben Amorim looking to extend his current winning run in England’s top-flight.

The 40-year-old will be leading the side into his 52nd outing, but could create history in his tenure if he can secure all three points against Fabian Hurzeler’s men.

He claimed his second successive league victory last time out against rivals Liverpool, with a win against the Seagulls potentially making it three in a row – something he’s yet to do at Old Trafford.

However, the manager will likely have numerous selection headaches ahead of him for the meeting this afternoon, with numerous players in contention for a return to the starting eleven.

One player could be brutally dropped to the substitutes bench once again, that’s despite starting each of the Red Devils’ last two outings in the Premier League.

Why Mason Mount should be dropped against Brighton

Mason Mount has massively struggled for consistent minutes at United after making a £60m switch to join the club from Chelsea back in the summer of 2023.

Injuries have often plagued the Englishman’s progress, subsequently restricting him to a total of 55 appearances across all competitions in the last 27 months.

However, Amorim has constantly stated his admiration for the 26-year-old, but he may decide to drop him from the starting eleven after his showing at Anfield.

He only featured for an hour before being withdrawn, understandably so given his measly tally of seven passes completed and zero chances created.

In Amorim’s pre-match press conference, he also stated that Mount has picked up a knock, but he should still be fit for the clash with the Seagulls this afternoon.

Regardless of his fitness, the manager needs to axe him from his starting eleven, offering one other player the chance to impress in his 3-4-2-1 system.

The United star who needs to start against Brighton

After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, Amorim has been working tirelessly to prevent a repeat – even receiving a huge boost from the hierarchy in the process.

The 40-year-old was handed over £200m worth of new additions to make the changes he needed, with such funds being used to land the signature of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian has mainly operated in a number ten role since his switch to Old Trafford, but the boss decided to utilise him in a number nine position against the Reds.

Such a decision took away from his best qualities, resulting in the 26-year-old being dispossessed six times and failing to register a shot on target for the first time in 2025/26.

As a result, Amorim must drop him back into a slightly deeper position, which should allow £74m addition Benjamin Sesko to return to his rightful position as a regular starter.

The Slovenian, who earns £160k-per-week, joined the Red Devils from RB Leipzig during the summer window and has already impressed the United faithful with his tally of two Premier League goals.

Before the clash against Arne Slot’s men, the 22-year-old, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, had scored in back-to-back matches in England’s top-flight.

Games played

8

Goals scored

2

Minutes played

414

Aerials won

4.1

Shots on target

1.3

Chances created

1.3

Touches in opposition box

4.1

Duels won

5.6

His underlying stats further indicate the immediate impact he’s had in Manchester, with his tally of 4.1 aerial duels won per 90 handing the side the needed outlet they’ve hugely lacked.

He’s also registered 1.3 chances created per 90, whilst notching the same amount of shots on target per 90 – demonstrating why he’s the perfect all-round option in the manager’s system.

Such numbers should make him a mainstay within the current first-team squad, which should see Amorim recall him ahead of the clash with Brighton today.

The boss will undoubtedly want to continue the excellent recent run in the top-flight, with the reintroduction of Sesko undoubtedly handing them a massive boost in their quest.

It's not Mainoo: Man Utd may have found the new Pogba in "phenomenal" star

Manchester United already have another talent who is on a similar trajectory to Paul Pogba.

1 ByEthan Lamb Oct 24, 2025

Benfica presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes has sensationally confirmed that he has been in talks with Manchester City star Bernardo Silva “for a long time” about a return to his boyhood club. Speaking during a campaign debate ahead of November’s decisive election, Lopes reiterated his promise to bring the Portuguese international back to Lisbon if elected.

Benfica presidential candidate aims to sign Silva if elected

Benfica’s presidential race has taken another dramatic turn as Noronha Lopes doubled down on his ambitious pledge to re-sign Manchester City superstar Silva. Speaking during a televised debate on Thursday, the 54-year-old businessman confirmed that he has been in direct contact with the Portuguese midfielder “for a long time” regarding a possible homecoming. The revelation comes just days after Rui Costa narrowly edged the first round of voting, with neither candidate securing a majority and a run-off now scheduled for November 8.

Silva, a Benfica academy graduate who made only three senior appearances before leaving for Monaco in 2014, has long been regarded as one of the club’s great lost talents. Despite enjoying a glittering career in England under Pep Guardiola, where he has won multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League, the idea of finishing his career back at the Estadio da Luz has remained close to his heart. Noronha Lopes has made the midfielder’s return a central promise of his campaign, declaring it a “symbolic” move that would represent a new era for the club.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportNoronha Lopes claims he is in contact with Silva

Lopes reiterated his position at Thursday’s debate, insisting that his communication with Silva has been consistent and genuine. “I really want to bring him back,” he said [h/t SAPO Portugal]. “I’ve been talking to him for a long time. I repeat what I said at the beginning of the campaign, and I’ll say it again now: with me, the president will return. I’m not setting deadlines. He’s someone I admire; he’s a great Benfica supporter.”

He continued by stressing his respect for Silva’s current commitments at Manchester City, saying he understands why the player has not spoken publicly on the issue. “Bernardo makes his own decisions,” Lopes added. “I perfectly understand that he doesn’t take a public position regarding the elections.”

The Benfica presidential hopeful’s comments follow previous claims from September, when he revealed that a contract offer for Silva was already “waiting.” While Manchester City have no immediate plans to sell their vice-captain, the Portuguese international’s contract runs until June 2026, making a deal theoretically possible.

These latest remarks echo his earlier interview with A Bola in September, where Lopes claimed that a formal contract was already in place. “Yes, I can confirm that a contract is waiting for Bernardo Silva,” he told the outlet. “And I really want to bring him in in January. He embodies everything I want for Benfica: identity, a winning culture, and he’s a true Benfica fan. And I can assure you that we won’t stop here.”

Bernardo Silva and his boyhood Benfica dream

Silva’s story is deeply entwined with Benfica’s history. Born in Lisbon, he joined the club’s youth academy at just eight years old and spent over a decade rising through the ranks, earning acclaim as one of Portugal’s brightest prospects. However, despite winning the Segunda Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year award with Benfica B, his first-team chances were limited to three domestic cup appearances before leaving for AS Monaco in 2014. It was there that his career exploded, with his creativity and intelligence helping Monaco claim the 2016–17 Ligue 1 title and reach the Champions League semi-finals.

His brilliance soon attracted Manchester City, who signed him in 2017 for €50 million. Under Guardiola, Silva became one of Europe’s most complete midfielders — a tireless, technically gifted player, capable of dictating games from almost any role. His honours list includes six Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups, and the club’s first-ever Champions League crown in 2023.

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AFPSecond round of Benfica presidential election scheduled for November 8

The next step in this saga hinges on Benfica’s presidential election, which will take place on November 8 following a tightly contested first round. Rui Costa, the incumbent president, remains the favourite after leading the initial vote, but Noronha Lopes’ vow to bring Bernardo Silva home could yet swing public opinion. The promise has captured the imagination of supporters craving both ambition and nostalgia — qualities Lopes believes Silva perfectly embodies.

Should Lopes triumph, immediate discussions with Manchester City are expected, though the financial challenge would be significant. Silva remains under contract until next summer and continues to play a vital role in Guardiola’s squad, meaning any approach would likely have to wait until the summer.

India coach says ‘my heart goes to the families, the people who’ve lost their loved ones’ in Bengaluru

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jun-20251:15

Gambhir: We should never have roadshows

India coach Gautam Gambhir has said there is no need to have celebratory roadshows in the future, after a stampede caused the death of 11 fans and injured many more in Bengaluru during the functions held on Wednesday to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning their maiden IPL title.”I was never a believer that we need to have roadshows. When I was playing, I had the same statement to make, even after winning 2007 [T20 World Cup], that we should not have road shows,” Gambhir said in Mumbai ahead of India’s departure for the Test tour of England. “I think lives of the people are far more important. I will continue to say that, even in future, I think we can be a little bit aware of not holding these kind of roadshows, and can probably have it in a closed door, or something like this, in a stadium.Related

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Deaths and injuries to fans mar RCB's homecoming

“It is very tragic what happened yesterday, and my heart goes to the families, the people who’ve lost their loved ones, and I hope in future, nothing like this can happen, because I think we all are responsible, and we all are responsible citizens, and we should take care of all this.”And if we are not ready to hold a roadshow, we shouldn’t have done that. As simple as it can get. I know fans do get excited, everyone gets excited, the fan bases get excited, but nothing can compare to what has happened yesterday.”Even when I used to play, I didn’t believe in roadshows. I don’t believe in them today and I won’t believe in them in the future as well. Winning is important. Celebration is important. But more important than that is the life of any person. So, if we are not prepared or if we can’t handle the crowd in that way, then we might as well not have these roadshows.”Earlier on Thursday, RCB issued a statement announcing “financial support of INR 10 lakh to each of the eleven families of the deceased” and setting up of an RCB Cares fund in aid of the “fans injured in this tragic incident.” The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also said it would give INR 5 lakh to each of the families of the people who died in the stampede around the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Liverpool have ebbed and flowed this season, but the Reds fanbase will expect Arne Slot’s side to bury the three-game losing run that chased them into the October international break and start performing with the coherence and quality of champions.

After all, the Merseysiders breezed their way through the 2024/25 campaign, winning the Premier League title with relative ease after Jurgen Klopp stepped down from his post.

But so much upheaval this summer was always going to knock things out of kilter.

Liverpool’s attacking synergy has been anything but smooth this season, even with an excess of world-class quality welcomed down Anfield Road, even with Hugo Ekitike firing on all cylinders since joining and reminding Alexander Isak his berth at number nine is anything but secure.

But with things not quite right on the attacking right flank, rumours have circulated pertaining to interest in Bournemouth superstar Antoine Semenyo, whose form this term suggests he would be a credit to any side across Europe.

Why Liverpool want Antoine Semenyo

For Liverpool, Mohamed Salah has been a gift from the gods.

But nothing lasts forever, and the Egyptian King is into the penultimate year of his £400k-per-week contract. He is 33 years old, and his performances haven’t been good enough this season.

It’s with this in mind that Liverpool have focused their sights on Bournemouth’s Semenyo, who has been among the most prolific wingers in Europe so far this season, six goals and three assists across seven matches in the Premier League.

Valued at £75m, Bournemouth are aware of Liverpool’s interest, with sources reporting this month that the 25-year-old is at the top of Richard Hughes’ wish list.

However, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also hot on the Ghana international’s tail.

Semenyo’s multi-positionality is an attractive feature of his. Dangerous across the left wing and right, he is a menace of a footballer and hailed by one Premier League analyst this season as being “one of the best players in the world” at the moment.

Right winger

23

10 (2)

Left winger

23

7 (6)

Centre-forward

1

1 (0)

Bournemouth’s £75m valuation is a reflection of that market value. Semenyo, to be sure, would cost a pretty penny.

But Liverpool might manage to save millions. Sure, a Salah replacement will be required in the coming transfer windows, but Slot already has a Semenyo-type player at his disposal.

Liverpool's own version of Semenyo

Semenyo is a rare type of forward, two-footed and confident across a range of different attacking roles. It is no coincidence that the rise and rise of Andoni Iraola’s outfit has coincided with his own.

He would strengthen Liverpool’s team, no doubt, but Slot might actually already have his own version of the maverick in the young Rio Ngumoha.

Handed his professional debut during the FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley in January 2025, Ngumoha excelled as an up-and-comer at Liverpool last season, poached, aged 15, from Chelsea’s youth academy despite his prodigious potential.

The winger’s long-time youth coach, Saul Isaksson-Hurst, said “he can reach any level he wants”, having been awed many a time over the years by Ngumoha’s pace and power and confidence on the ball.

He said, “I don’t say it lightly, he is one of the best academy talents I have come across, and I have seen some top players become superstars. What makes him stand out is his one-v-one ability on the ball – he can break lines, drive at players, beat players on either side and end product.

“I told his brother I expect him to see him on the Ballon d’Or list one day, I believe he can do that.”

One online youth football promoter has even gone as far as to claim that Ngumoha “will become one of the best wingers in the world”. Early days, early days, but the teenager has the talent, and each passing performance merely adds grist to the hype mill.

The hype is real, and Ngumoha’s match-winning goal at St. James’ Park in August, on his Premier League debut, has only increased the fanfare around the 17-year-old’s potential.

Direct and dynamic with startling close control on the ball, Ngumoha has all the skills required to become a superstar, and his natural potency and the trust Slot has shown in him already this season tell much of his potential.

Ngumoha’s height was recorded at 5 foot 7 at the start of the season, but his physical growth continues, and it’s becoming clear he will not be a diminutive wideman but a force to be reckoned with, Lamine Yamal-esque, even, as his winged feet carry him up and down the flank, leaving defenders for dust.

That crucial goal against Newcastle United at the start of the season also emphasises a positional understanding and coolness in the big moments, and this is something Semenyo has added to his game spectacularly across the past few months.

The Cherries star was already considered one of the best wingers in the business for his efforts last year, with Tottenham lodging an enquiry for the talent this summer, rebuffed upon the south coast side’s £70m demands.

If he keeps on playing as he is, that figure might prove to be a bargain down the line, but with such thick competition for his signature, Liverpool might want to hold fire and instead continue the emphasis on developing Ngumoha, who is the real deal and could play with a frightening quality and control in a couple of years, when he reaches physical and technical maturity.

Better than Semenyo: Liverpool plot bid for "one of the best RWs in the world"

Liverpool need to begin plans to replace Mohamed Salah on the right wing.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 15, 2025

Benjamin Cremaschi, the 20-year-old American midfielder on loan from Inter Miami, made his long-awaited Serie A debut for Parma on Oct. 29, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute in a 2-1 defeat to AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. He replaced Adrián Bernabé as part of a triple change by coach Fabio Pecchia with Parma trailing 1-0.

AFPTwo months in the making

Cremaschi’s debut came nearly two months after his loan move from Inter Miami was announced on Sept. 2. The midfielder joined the Italian club on a deal through June 2026, with Parma holding an option to make the transfer permanent.

Prior to this appearance, Cremaschi had been named to Parma's matchday squad twice but remained unused as he adapted to Italian football. His introduction against Roma marked a significant milestone in his European career after accumulating 107 appearances for Inter Miami across all competitions.

AdvertisementAFPParma's struggles

Cremaschi entered a difficult match situation, with Roma leading 1-0 when he stepped onto the Stadio Olimpico pitch. The hosts would double their advantage through Artem Dovbyk in the 80th minute before Parma pulled one back through Alessandro Circati five minutes later.

Despite the late push, Parma couldn't find an equalizer in the 2-1 defeat. The result continues a challenging start to the season for Parma, who sit in the bottom half of the Serie A table at 15th after a difficult opening to their campaign. 

GettyLoan move follows time at Inter Miami

Cremaschi's loan to Parma came after he publicly expressed frustration about his situation at Inter Miami under coach Javier Mascherano. In August, the midfielder voiced concerns about inconsistent playing time and being deployed in various positions rather than in his preferred role.

"I'm frustrated, I want to play. I think the most important thing for me is to be at a very high level, and to get there, I need minutes and experience," Cremaschi said. "I've played very little in these recent games, and I don't think it's because of my level."

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Serie A opportunity represents new challenge

Cremaschi will now look to build on his debut with more minutes in future Parma matches. The team faces Bologna this weekend on Nov. 2.