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Moultie's brace in a 3-1 victory over Portugal showed just how potent the still just 20-year-old can be for the USWNT

Sunday in East Hartford, Connecticut, the US women’s national team played the 12th game of a transitional year defined by coach Emma Hayes’ efforts to expand her player pool in preparation for the 2027 World Cup.

While trialing new talent and refining her roster, the reigning gold medalists have nine wins and three losses in 2025, collecting one of each in this past week’s friendlies against Portugal. 

Fittingly in a year that’s prioritized folding younger players into the program, Sunday’s comeback victory was punctuated by a 20-year-old with still-burgeoning USWNT potential: Olivia Moultrie, the versatile attacking talent and Portland Thorns’ top scorer.

And while the USWNT are still set to face New Zealand on Wednesday in Kansas City to wrap up the October camp, Moultrie has already made her mark on this window.

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  Doubling her pleasure

  In front of the USWNT’s second-largest crowd at the home of the UConn Huskies, Moultrie rotated into a notably young starting XI – with an average age of 20.7 and three teenagers on the field. And it took just 44 seconds for Moultrie to score the first of her two goals.

  The early goal was reminiscent of Thursday’s loss, when Rose Lavelle scored just 33 seconds into a match that ended 2-1 in Portugal’s favor. The parallels pulsed for a moment, as Jessica Silva drew level for Portugal in the fifth minute on Sunday.

  But Moultrie struck again just five minutes later, capping her brace within 10 minutes of her 10th cap for the USWNT. 

  “Starting fast, I think, is the thing the U.S. women's national team is kind of known for, right?” Moultrie said. “And we want to keep that going. But then… how do we maintain our momentum after that? Obviously, conceding is not what we want, but I think where we kind of improved from the last game was then we came back again and we got another one.

  “And then we put ourselves in the driver's seat for the rest of the game, and found our control.”

  It was Moultrie's second international brace. The then 18-year-old scored two of the USWNT's five goals in a 5-0 win over the Dominican Republic on Feb. 20, 2024. Just three weeks ago, Moultrie scored her first NWSL brace, securing a 2-1 win for the Portland Thorns over Bay FC.

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  Making her mark in NWSL

  Moultrie is a midfielder for the Thorns, where she’s having a tremendous season, leading the three-time NWSL champions with eight goals and one assist, as is tied for the sixth-most goals in the league. Scoring or not, she’s consistently dangerous in attack, something she’s translated well this window for the national team.

  In NWSL, Moultrie claims the highest shot creating actions (125) in the league and clocks the highest shot creating actions per 90 (5.43). Sunday, Hayes started her on the right but gave her freedom to float in.

  “I think she's having an outstanding season,” Hayes said. “I think she's a goal threat. I played her off of the right but coming inside. I knew there would be second spaces inside the box. I think she exploited them well.”

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  Turning pro at just 13

  Moultrie is a familiar name for U.S. soccer fans.. She turned professional at 13, filing an antitrust lawsuit against NWSL in order to lift its age limit. She debuted for Portland at 15 and made her first appearance for the USWNT at 18 – and clocked her 10th cap on Sunday.

  Her national team journey is still in its early embers. But her commitment to growth and ability to translate club form to national team duty is evident. And her composure in the elite ranks is notable as, something she credits to kick-starting her career so early.

  “I've been experiencing it for a while – joining the Thorns when I was 13, and trying to put myself in those situations,” she said. “And honestly, I just think my journey to be here has set me up for situations like this. And I'm just extremely grateful for the people who believed in me and who put me in those situations. 

  “But there's a lot of work left still to do. I still want to grow and get better. And like I said, all eyes on '27, and what it looks like once we get there.”

  Moultrie has the maturity and focus of a gifted young footballer who has played professionally for more than five years, even though she just recently turned 20.

  “I remember when I got the job,” Hayes recalled, “she sent me an email, literally immediately, saying, ‘Coach, is there a chance I could connect and catch up and just get your thoughts on what you're looking for?’ And I thought, this is someone who is going somewhere, and wants to go somewhere.” 

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  Patience is a virtue

  Known as a manager who develops players, Hayes emphasized that Moultrie’s game is still a work in progress, stressing that patience is key.

  “Sometimes she wants it yesterday,” Hayes said. “But the things I've asked her to work on, she's working on them. I don't think she's the finished article, but I think she's much better than she was 12 months ago. 

  “Firstly, because she's fit and healthy. Second of all, because she's getting more disciplined in the position. And then finally, I think she's able to be a bigger goal threat as a result of those two things, great development resilience-wise.” 

  There’s one more game left in this window. After that, Moultrie heads back to Portland where she’ll prepare for a playoff push with the sixth-place Thorns. In a few weeks, Hayes will call in her final roster of 2025, marking the final window of a year that in many ways has been the last, expansive tryout for the 2027 World Cup squad.

  Moultrie can head toward that final window knowing she’s made it clear that she is, as Hayes put it, “going somewhere.” And she’ll be hoping that the destination is Brazil for the World Cup.

Liverpool and Arne Slot have faced a hefty amount of criticism throughout the early weeks of the 2025/26 season, with analysts and rivals criticising the Premier League champions’ tactical imbalances.

Signs of defensive issues and a struggle to maintain a lead lend credence to this viewpoint, sure, but it only stretches so far. Liverpool haven’t quite been at the races this season, and yet they have pranced into a five-point lead at the top of the table, and they won their Champions League opener too.

Having won the league at a canter last term and having strengthened considerably this summer, the Reds would be forgiven for having started the year without the cast-iron sureness of last year, especially since many late goals have been scored already, and tough opponents such as Newcastle United, Arsenal and Everton have been put to the sword.

Alexander Isak has only just been integrated after his record-breaking move, and there’s no denying Florian Wirtz, 22, has left something to be desired since completing his £116m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.

However, these things will come, and anyway, Liverpool’s pre-existing superstars remain at the top of their game, having been recognised for their talents at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday evening in Paris.

Liverpool's Ballon d'Or nominees

Ousmane Dembele completed his redemption arc and was crowned the Men’s Ballon d’Or winner after leading Paris Saint-Germain to a quadruple and their first-ever Champions League title.

The 27-year-old scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists across all competitions, and was awarded the Champions League and Ligue 1 Player of the Season honours.

There’s no question that he was a deserving winner; however, he bested several rivals who would have fancied themselves worthy of the award themselves.

Mohamed Salah might have felt a sense of grievance, and not for the first time. The 33-year-old Egyptian came fourth after scoring 34 goals and supplying 23 assists for Liverpool last season, spearheading Slot’s title charge.

It was one of the greatest individual campaigns in Premier League history, and that’s inarguable. But it wasn’t enough for Salah to reach the podium for the maiden time in his career.

Likewise, Virgil van Dijk may have furtively scratched his head after learning his spot was 28th. The captain and defender supreme for the English top-flight champions, he has been a monstrous presence in Slot’s system, but the fact that no centre-half ranked higher than him is perhaps a marker of the award’s lopsidedness.

Alexis Mac Allister was also on the list, coming in at 22nd.

New boy Wirtz came in at number 29, and fans are now eagerly anticipating his clicking into gear and making good on the “generational talent”, as he has been named by journalist Chris Stonadge, that prompted FSG to spend the big bucks.

Wirtz will fancy his shot at claiming that iconic golden ball in the future, but Salah and Van Dijk are approaching the end of their chances.

Who might challenge Liverpool’s German playmaker in the years to come? Well, Dembele might be the talk of the town right now, but the Anfield side actually have their own version, and he’s been slated for a shot down the line.

Liverpool's future Ballon d'Or candidate

Liverpool have a team that is replete with talent, both young and old. Many players’ ceilings reach high above, but none more so than Rio Ngumoha, who, having turned 17 last month, is already riding the crest of a wave in Slot’s squad.

Poached from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, Ngumoha quickly established himself as a cut above the others in the Reds academy system, making his professional debut aged 16 as Liverpool beat Accrington Stanley 4-0 in the FA Cup. He didn’t score, the electric-paced left winger, but he caught the eye.

However, Ngumoha clearly had a fan in Slot, featuring heavily throughout pre-season. Liverpool sold Luis Diaz this summer, but a direct replacement was not welcomed through the gates. Herein lies the biggest endorsement, with Ngumoha entrusted with a regular first-team role.

And Slot was vindicated at St. James’ Park, when Ngumoha finished coolly after Dominik Szoboszlai’s dummy to seal all three points at the last moment, silencing an until then raucous Newcastle crowd, relishing in their second-half comeback.

One of the youngest goalscorers in Premier League history, Ngumoha is mooted for a starting berth when Liverpool host Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the England U19 international make a good impression once more.

The sky is the limit, and even then, it might be too low. Ngumoha must be inculcated into the way of things over a number of years, his prodigious potential drip-fed to the Premier League and to Europe, where he has already made his bow.

The teenager is in the right setting, to be sure. And there is no question that he has the capacity to succeed.

In fact, Ngumoha has actually been billed as having the talent to wedge his way onto the elite table down the line, with Chelsea youth coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst raving about the player’s brilliance even as a kid, saying, “he is one of the best academy talents I have come across.”

Isaksson-Hurst then took his effusions one step further: “I told his brother I expect him to see him on the Ballon d’Or list one day, I believe he can do that.”

Not bad, Rio. Of course, the toughest part is still ahead of him, and it’s a long and treacherous road at that. But Ngumoha has the potential to become a focal point at Liverpool, and fans must be excited as they watch him develop and bloom and grow into superstardom.

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This former Liverpool prospect has the potential to become a player worthy of a place in Slot’s squad.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 22, 2025

Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez was involved in a tragic accident on Tuesday morning, resulting in the death of an 81-year-old man in a wheelchair near the club’s training base. The incident occurred in Fenegro, in the province of Como, as the Spaniard was driving to training. Despite immediate emergency response, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

• Tragedy in Fenegro: Inter goalkeeper involved in car accident

  Inter’s second-choice goalkeeper, Martinez, was involved in a fatal road accident that occurred on Tuesday morning in Fenegro, a small town near the club’s Appiano Gentile training complex. According to reports from and , the 27-year-old Spaniard was driving to training when his car struck an 81-year-old man travelling in an electric wheelchair on Via Bergamo at approximately 9:40 a.m.

  Emergency services, including an ambulance, helicopter rescue unit, and local police, arrived swiftly on the scene. Despite their best efforts, the elderly victim was pronounced dead shortly after the collision due to the severity of the impact. 

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  Early investigations and police reports

  Initial investigations by the Carabinieri suggest that early assessments indicate the victim could have suffered a sudden medical episode before crossing into the path of Martinez’s vehicle. Authorities are currently reconstructing the sequence of events to determine the precise cause of the incident.

  According to reports, the wheelchair user may have abruptly changed direction, entering the opposite lane. Witnesses at the scene confirmed that Martinez immediately stopped his vehicle, exited and attempted to render first aid to the man before paramedics arrived. Police have also noted that the Inter goalkeeper was fully cooperative, visibly shaken, and remained at the site while formal procedures were conducted.

• Inter cancel press conference

  Martinez was described by local reports as “visibly affected” by the incident. In response to the event, Inter Milan cancelled a pre-match press conference scheduled for Tuesday afternoon with head coach Cristian Chivu, who had been due to speak ahead of their Serie A clash with Fiorentina. The club’s decision reflects the gravity of the situation and the emotional toll it has taken on the player and staff. No official statement from Martinez himself has been released yet, as the legal and procedural processes remain ongoing.

  Martinez, a Spanish international born in Las Palmas, began his youth career at Barca’s famed La Masia academy before moving to RB Leipzig in 2020. After a two-year stint in Germany, he joined Genoa and later transferred to Inter Milan in the summer of 2024.

  The 27-year-old had been expected to be on the bench for Inter’s midweek game against Fiorentina, but his participation is now uncertain as he recovers emotionally from the tragic event. Reports suggest the club will offer him full psychological support in the coming days.

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  Investigation into incident continues

  Local authorities in Como are continuing to examine the details surrounding the fatal collision, with accident reconstruction experts expected to release a formal report later this week. The club will decide internally whether Martinez will be available for upcoming fixtures. The Nerazzurri face Fiorentina at San Siro on Wednesday, followed by a trip to Hellas Verona on Sunday and a Champions League tie against Kairat Almaty next week.

After Crystal Palace shocked Liverpool to hand Arne Slot’s side their first defeat of the season, Chris Sutton took aim at one star who is making “mistake after mistake”.

Slot: Liverpool "deserved" Crystal Palace defeat

After being forced to win late on in six of their seven games prior to travelling to Selhurst Park, it’s fair to say that Liverpool’s position as unbeaten table-toppers didn’t paint the whole picture. The Reds have been vulnerable all season, they’ve just had the attacking talent and mentality to avoid matching results with underwhelming displays.

Unlike Arsenal, Bournemouth and Atletico Madrid, however, Crystal Palace were in no mood to let Slot’s side off the hook. Even after Federico Chiesa thought he had salvaged a point from the bench late on once again, it was the Eagles who had the final say – netting a last-gasp winner courtesy of Eddie Nketiah.

It was a frustrating day for almost every Liverpool player. Mohamed Salah once again fell short of his best form and endured another quiet game. Florian Wirtz continued to struggle as questions began to arrive about his impact after a big-money summer move, and Milos Kerkez also failed to impress.

Alas, none of those three felt the wrath of Sutton, who took aim at a different Liverpool star who had an afternoon to forget at Selhurst Park.

Sutton says Konate is "miles off it"

Taking aim at the Frenchman, former Chelsea and Celtic striker Sutton said that Ibrahima Konate has been “miles off it” and has been making “mistake after mistake” at Liverpool this season.

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The Arsenal legend has revealed which new signing he’s been most impressed with.

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 30, 2025

It’s tough to argue with that verdict, either. Konate, on £70,000-a-week, was especially poor against Crystal Palace, making just one tackle and winning just two of his five ground duels. Jean-Philippe Mateta, meanwhile, took full advantage for the Eagles in dominant fashion.

With less than 12 months remaining on his current deal, the defender, who has been a regular under Slot, starting every game in 25/26, is likely to face similar questions to the ones sent Trent Alexander-Arnold’s way last season if his current form persists.

And given that Giovanni Leoni’s injury has left Liverpool with just three senior centre-backs, it’s fair to say that Slot could do without Konate’s current struggles.

Wrexham have endured a difficult start to the Championship campaign and could be set for a change in the dugout, with speculation over movement likely to be fueled further by a recent known face who has been spotted at the Racecourse Ground.

Wrexham hold Phil Parkinson talks after QPR defeat

After a run of three defeats in five league matches this term, the Red Dragons find themselves in the Championship relegation zone after a 3-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

Phil Parkinson is a man under pressure after recording a bigger net spend than the likes of Aston Villa, Celtic and Rangers during the summer, and talks have now taken place over the Wrexham manager possibly being replaced after a poor run of results, according to talkSPORT.

Internally, club chiefs could take a ruthless approach as they look to build on three successive promotions under the 57-year-old, and his job may now be under threat after four years in North Wales.

Speaking after his side fell to another damaging loss, Parkinson lamented his team’s contribution at both ends of the pitch, saying: “The previous home games, we looked like we can create chances and score. But the goals we conceded, one one hand, you’ll say they were clinical, but when we analyse them all, we’ll know we could have done better.

“The strikers are better (in the Championship). To be fair to Burrell and Kone, they were in League One last year.”

Wrexham's most expensive signings of all time

Football FanCast takes a look at Wrexham’s record signings.

By
Charlie Smith

Dec 30, 2024

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have brought plenty of big names to the Racecourse during their tenure, and supporters may be intrigued to know that a former Premier League winner was in attendance at their latest encounter in the second tier.

Former Manchester United star Phil Jones spotted at Wrexham

Taking to social media platform X, Mailsport correspondent Nathan Salt shared a picture of former Manchester United star Phil Jones in the stands as Wrexham lost out to QPR.

The 33-year-old, who was once dubbed “phenomenal” by Sir Alex Ferguson due to his versatility, was at the Red Devils working voluntarily within their Under-18 set-up.

Salt later explained why Jones was invited to take in the action, stating: “Been one suggestion put to me by someone I respect in the game that Wrexham have been putting feelers out to add to the coaching staff. Jones was in with Utd’s U18s on a voluntary basis last season. Could fit the bill.”

Wrexham CEO Mike Williamson is the one who invited him to the match, per the reporter, suggesting that movement could be on the cards one way or another at the Welsh outfit.

With Parkinson’s future at the club uncertain, it remains to be seen where Jones, a Premier League winner with the Red Devils, may fit, albeit he would likely be ruled out of taking over himself due to a lack of senior coaching experience.

Manchester United star Jess Park has withdrawn from the Lionesses squad for international friendlies against Brazil and Australia due to a delayed concussion. The 24-year-old was ruled out of the Red Devils' Champions League win over Atletico before the international break and experienced some symptoms after joining the England camp. Jess Naz has been added to Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses squad in Park's place.

• Lionesses issue Park update

  A statement from the Lionesses read: "Jess Naz has been added to the England squad that will face Brazil in Manchester this Saturday and Australia in Derby next Tuesday. The Tottenham Hotspur forward, who has won six caps, last featured for the Lionesses as a substitute in February’s 1-0 win against Spain at Wembley. Naz comes in to replace Manchester United’s Jess Park, who has withdrawn from the squad after the midfielder sustained a delayed concussion following Manchester United’s last Barclays WSL fixture.

  "Park reported to St. George’s Park on Monday as part of the 24-player squad to continue her graded return to play but has experienced some symptoms during this process and has returned to her club to continue her rehabilitation."

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  Park starring for Man Utd after City move

  Park swapped Manchester City for United on deadline day and has gone on to star for the Red Devils. She opened her account for her new club in a win over the London City Lionesses and then bagged a brace as United beat Everton 4-1 on October 12. 

  Manchester United boss Mark Skinner has been full of praise for Park and her flourishing relationship with Ella Toone. He told reporters: "I genuinely believe her and Tooney become alive and are electric together. We just have to be able to adapt and evolve it. In training, we've been working on Jess opening up her body and where she might receive the ball and different ways to finish. They both [scored lots in training]. In the number 10 role you usually have one touch to set the ball, then a second to hit it. It was working on that speed and both were excellent."

  Skinner had also backed Park to shine for the Lionesses in the upcoming international break: "If Sarina feels she needs tight areas unlocking, then there is no better than Jess or Tooney right now to do that. If you need better ball control in tighter areas, you can't get two better than them."

• Opportunity knocks for Naz

  Park's withdrawal has opened the door for Tottenham's Naz to link up with the squad for the two matches. The 25-year-old received her first call-up to the Lionesses squad in May 2024 and will be hoping to add to her tally of seven caps after linking up with Sarina Wiegman's squad again. Naz has been an ever present for Tottenham so far this season in the Women's Super League and League Cup.

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• Wiegman discusses squad selection

  Wiegman has spoken about her squad selection for the two friendly matches after being forced to shuffle her pack and handing a first senior call-up to 19-year-old Katie Hinds. She told reporters: "Of course it's nice to do. They were surprised. Some were quieter than others. They didn't expect it that much so it is really nice to give that message. I hope they just go out there and play football and show what they're about.

  "You're always thinking a little bit further ahead. The next goal is qualifying for the World Cup and then going to the World Cup. There are 10 camps before the World Cup, although let's not forget to qualify first.

  "These next two windows there are friendlies. There is a chance to try many players and hopefully if you do really well and you win the group there will be opportunities to play more friendlies. We want to get as many opportunities to see many players, but also keep winning games.

  "We are also watching other countries too, what are the trends, what are the styles of plays. But also what do we want to work on."

Everton’s summer has been one of transition and intrigue.

After narrowly avoiding relegation in recent seasons, the Toffees entered the new season determined to rebuild both their squad and their reputation.

Their start has been encouraging: an opening-day 1-0 defeat at Elland Road was quickly forgotten with back-to-back victories, including a 2-0 win over Brighton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and a thrilling 3-2 triumph away at Molineux.

The summer transfer window also saw several key departures. Veteran Ashley Young, midfield enforcer Abdoulaye Doucouré and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin all moved on.

In their place came a blend of youth and proven Premier League pedigree.

Thierno Barry arrived from Villarreal, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea, and Tyler Dibling from Southampton.

But the headline addition was Jack Grealish – a marquee arrival from Manchester City, brought in to reignite his career after two difficult years.

Jack Grealish's revival on Merseyside

Grealish has experienced the highs and lows of modern football.

Once valued at £100m, his stock has since fallen to €28m (£24m), as per Transfermarkt, after a spell at Manchester City where injuries and competition for places limited his impact.

Across 190 Premier League appearances, the 29-year-old has scored 27 goals – but his last two seasons were disrupted by hip and groin issues, causing him to miss 17 games.

Last term, Grealish managed just 721 league minutes, contributing one goal and one assist.

For a player who was integral to City’s treble-winning 2022/23 season – when he averaged 6.27 progressive carries per 90, 4.39 progressive passes per 90, and 4.55 shot-creating actions per 90 – the drop-off is remarkable.

His ability to progress play, carry the ball into the final third, and dictate tempo in wide areas made him invaluable to Pep Guardiola’s system, yet form and fitness deserted him at a crucial stage.

That backdrop made his switch to Everton this summer all the more intriguing.

Grealish himself admitted that a conversation with David Moyes convinced him instantly that Merseyside was the right move.

And early signs suggest he may be rediscovering his best level.

Four assists in his first three matches – two against Brighton and two against Wolves – have already justified his arrival.

If he maintains that output, Grealish will surely force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the World Cup.

The competition is fierce, with Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham both operating centrally, but Grealish’s unique ability to dictate tempo and unlock defences remains valuable.

For Everton, he is a player with experience of winning at the highest level who can inspire those around him. Ring any bells?

James Rodríguez – the original Grealish

For Everton fans, the arrival of Jack Grealish may feel strangely familiar.

Just five years ago, the club unveiled James Rodríguez in a signing that carried similar weight and intrigue.

Once of Real Madrid, Rodríguez arrived on a free transfer in 2020, reuniting with Carlo Ancelotti and bringing global star power to Goodison Park.

The Colombian – in need of a fresh start in his career, just like Grealish – started spectacularly.

Everton won their first four fixtures of the 2020/21 campaign, and Rodríguez contributed goal contributions with the flair that had once lit up the World Cup. Indeed, he scored three goals and registered three assists in his first six Premier League games.

“A creative genius,” Statman Dave labelled him at the time. His vision, passing range, and ability to drift into pockets of space made Everton briefly one of the most exciting sides in the league.

Yet injuries and inconsistency took their toll.

Rodríguez never truly settled in the Premier League after that bright beginning, struggling with the physical demands and Everton’s broader decline.

By 2021 – and with Rafa Benitez now at the helm – he had departed for Al-Rayyan in Qatar, a move that seemed to draw a line under his time in Europe’s top five leagues.

Now 34, Rodríguez plays for Club León in Mexico.

For Everton supporters, the memory of his dazzling early performances serves as a reminder of what might have been, and what could still be for their latest signing.

Comparisons with Grealish are inevitable. Both were marquee signings made to shift perception, both arrived carrying immense expectations, and both offered creativity Everton badly lacked.

Rodríguez’s initial burst of goals and assists mirrors Grealish’s early impact this season.

However, it remains to be seen whether the England international can sustain his form, avoid injury, and provide long-term value is the true test.

Where Rodríguez drifted, Grealish now has a chance to write a different story.

By anchoring himself in a side desperate for a new talisman, he could achieve what Rodríguez could not: lasting influence at Everton.

Everton have a "match-winner" who's Moyes' new Pienaar & it's not Grealish

David Moyes could have this next Steven Pienaar now at Everton in this fantastic £22m star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 5, 2025

Vinicius Junior’s time at Real Madrid has been full of highs and lows. Now, former teammate Lucas Vazquez has lifted the lid on what life was like for the Brazilian inside the dressing room during his struggle last season on and off the field, revealing how he "didn’t always listen" to advice from senior players.

• Vazquez recalls how Vinicius struggled with outside noise

  In an interview with , the former Real Madrid defender spoke about his time at the club and revealed that Vinicius, who has often faced heavy media and fan scrutiny, sometimes struggled to block out the outside noise, even as his teammates urged him to stay calm and focus on football. The Brazilian winger, who came close to winning his first Ballon d’Or in 2024, has faced constant criticism from Spanish media and fans for his on and off-field behaviour ever since joining Los Blancos in 2018.

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  'He didn’t always listen' – Vazquez on Brazilian's struggles

  Vazquez, who left the club this summer after 18 years, spoke about how Vinicius struggled to deal with the hostile treatment he often received from rival fans. "It was tough on away match days because you see your teammate and friend not having a good time,” Vazquez said. "You want him to be at his best, and he can’t be in the spotlight for things that aren’t football-related. We told him not to let it affect him, but he didn’t always listen."

• Vinicius stays under spotlight despite strong start

  After struggling to find his rhythm last season, the Brazilian international looks back to his best. The 25-year-old has kicked off the new campaign in fine form, scoring five goals and providing four assists in eight La Liga games. He is linking well with Kylian Mbappe and has helped Real Madrid win seven of their first eight matches to sit at the top of the table. Still, the noise off the pitch hasn’t gone away. Vinicius recently apologised publicly to Brazilian influencer Virginia Fonseca after it was claimed their brief relationship ended over messages he sent to other women.

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  What's next for Vinicius?

  While he continues to play a key role in Xabi Alonso’s team, Vinicius continues to find himself in a contract standoff with the Spanish giants. The club are reportedly unwilling to improve their current offer, despite the winger’s demand for a pay rise. The Brazilian's current deal runs until June 2027, but unless an agreement is reached soon, his future at the Bernabeu could once again become a major talking point as the season unfolds.

Alejandro Garnacho got inked once again as a new tattoo can be seen on his neck during the latest Chelsea games. Garancho have had a slow start at Stamford Bridge since moving from Manchester United in the last transfer window. He had a fallout with manager Ruben Amorim during the Europa League final last season and was put in Amorim's 'bomb squad' throughout the summer.

• Garnacho's slow start to life at Chelsea

  Since completing his move from United to Chelsea in August, Garnacho has appeared in just four matches across all competitions, starting in only two of them. While he is yet to record a goal or an assist, it was from his cross that Benfica's Richard Rios scored the own goal that handed the Blues their first win in the Champions League this season.    

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  Meaning of Garnacho's new tattoo revealed

  Lately, fans have noticed a new tattoo that Garnacho has been showing off on his neck. The words that are inked just below his Adam's apple read: "Nunca es suerte, siempre es Dios." It translates to: "It's never luck, it's always God."    

• Garnacho's other tattoos

  The neck tattoo is one of many Garnacho has, with the most prominent one being a tribute to the hit TV show 'Prison Break'. He regularly shows off his body art on social media.  

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  Chelsea host Liverpool next

  After a morale-boosting win over Benfica on Tuesday, Enzo Maresca's side will now shift their focus to the Premier League again as they host reigning English champions Liverpool on Saturday.   

It’s incredible how quickly the mood can change in football, and West Ham United are a great example.

Following their third defeat in as many games at the start of the week, it felt like the club were destined for a dreadful season, but now, after a few brilliant signings, there is a sense of renewed optimism in some areas of the fanbase.

Now, there is still a lot of work for Graham Potter and Co to do before fans can get ahead of themselves, but the additions of Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa certainly help.

Moreover, if reports are to be believed, the club are in the market for more signings, including an international compared to Jude Bellingham.

West Ham target Bellingham-esque star

Even though the transfer window comes to a close on Monday evening, West Ham continue to be linked with a host of talented players.

Transfer Focus

For example, Feyenoord’s captain Quintien Timber could be available for just £25m and would add some steel to the middle of the park, and Conor Gallagher is now being touted for a return to the capital.

However, neither one of these brilliant players has been compared to the world-class Bellingham, unlike another international the Hammers are keen to sign.

At least that is according to a recent report from German publication BILD, which claims West Ham are very interested in Patrick Wimmer.

In exciting news, the report has revealed that the East Londoners are now expected to bid for the Wolfsburg player before the window closes.

It would certainly be a surprise move, but the £33k-per-week dynamo would be an excellent addition to Potter’s squad, especially as he’s been compared to Bellingham.

How Wimmer compares to Bellingham

Before exploring some of the other reasons West Ham should sign Wimmer this summer, it’s essential to examine this remarkable comparison to Bellingham and where it comes from.

In this instance, the analysis stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League, and the Europa League.

In this case, FBref has concluded that the Real Madrid star is the second most similar midfielder to the Wolfsburg ace.

The best way to understand how that conclusion was reached is by examining some of the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked closely.

These include metrics such as progressive carries, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-on percentage, key passes and more, all per 90.

These numbers paint the picture of an all-action player who can be a goal threat in his own right, but is also an effective creator for his team.

In addition to this incredibly encouraging comparison to one of the best players in the world, the “wonderful” Austrian international, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is also an entertainer.

This is evident when watching his highlights, and while output is always going to be the most important thing, having a player in the side who can get the stadium on its feet is also hugely important.

Ultimately, it would be a surprise deal, but West Ham should do all they can to sign Wimmer before Monday evening, as he could provide the side with that bit more x-factor.

Fernandes upgrade: West Ham to submit bid for another big-money midfielder

The experienced international would be an excellent signing for Graham Potter and West Ham.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 29, 2025