يحل فريق ليفربول ضيفًا على نظيره وست هام، عصر الأحد، وذلك في مباراتهما التي تأتي ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز لكرة القدم، موسم 2025/26.

تأتي المباراة في خضم لقاءات الجولة الثالثة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز للموسم الحالي، على ملعب “لندن الأولمبي”.

ويدخل ليفربول تلك المباراة وهو يمتلك 18 نقطة حيث يحتل المركز الثالث عشر في جدول الدوري الإنجليزي، في حين أن وست هام لديه 11 نقطة ويتواجد في المركز السابع عشر.

ويسعى ليفربول، بقيادة النجم المصري محمد صلاح، إلى تصحيح أوضاعه عن طريق تحقيق الفوز في مباراة اليوم بعدما مر بفترة كارثية على صعيد النتائج مؤخرًا. تشكيل ليفربول المتوقع أمام وست هام في الدوري الإنجليزي

حراسة المرمى: أليسون بيكر.

خط الدفاع: جو جوميز، إبراهيما كوناتي، فيرجيل فان دايك، روبرتسون.

خط الوسط: كورتيس جونز، جرافنبيرخ.

خط الوسط الهجومي: محمد صلاح، سوبوسلاي، فيديريكو كييزا.

خط الهجوم: ألكسندر إيزاك.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا

Manchester City are now monitoring FC Koln forward Said El Mala, with it being revealed that Pep Guardiola is personally an admirer.

Injuries are piling up for Arsenal, with both Gabriel and Viktor Gyokeres suffering blows ahead of the North London derby, which could be a major boost for Man City in the Premier League title race, having recently closed the gap to four points at the top of the table.

However, if Guardiola’s side are going to mount a serious push for the title, they may need to start finding some goals from elsewhere, with Erling Haaland scoring 14 of the 23 the Blues have to their name in the Premier League this term.

Haaland has been susceptible to injuries in the past, missing 21 City games across the previous two seasons, which means they cannot afford to be overreliant, and the manager may be keen to provide the Norwegian with some additional support in attack during the January transfer window.

Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Rodrygo have recently been named as potential targets, with the latter’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu now in major doubt, while another, lesser-known target is also now of interest…

Man City monitoring Said El Mala with Pep personally keen

According to a report from Sky Sports, Man City are now closely monitoring FC Koln forward El Mala, as Pep has been left impressed by the 19-year-old, having reviewed several videos and clips.

City scouts have recently been in attendance at the Bundesliga side’s matches to observe the youngster’s performances, but there could be competition for his signature, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also being named as potential suitors.

Koln are in a strong negotiating position, having extended the teenager’s contract until 2030, which puts them in a position to demand over €40m (£35m), and the player himself isn’t in a hurry to leave.

Hailed as a “flamboyant” winger by scout Jacek Kulig, it is little wonder the German starlet is attracting so much attention, having performed very well in the Bundesliga so far this season, netting four goals and picking up two assists in ten outings.

That said, it is still very early days for the Koln star, given that this is his debut campaign in the Bundesliga, so there are doubts over whether he would be able to make an immediate impact at Man City in the title race.

El Mala could be a future star, but there have recently been encouraging signs that Guardiola will be able to rely on some of his other attackers to provide support for Haaland, with Jeremy Doku scoring and receiving the Man of the Match award in the 3-0 win against Liverpool.

As such, Guardiola’s squad should already be strong enough to push Arsenal all the way this season, but if the manager feels a fresh injection of quality is needed, Rodrygo, who has far more top-level experience, could be a suitable option.

AC Milan's asking price for Rafael Leao revealed amid Man City interest

Pep's a fan: Man City keen on Rafael Leao, AC Milan's asking price revealed

Pep Guardiola is an admirer of the AC Milan forward, who has a huge release clause in his contract.

By
Dominic Lund

Nov 11, 2025

They are India’s most vital players and if they’re on form, it’s a big battle won

Ian Chappell22-Sep-2024India have the ideal build up to their tour of Australia with two Tests against Bangladesh, then a more demanding three-game series with New Zealand.Apart from winning both series, India’s priority will be to get as many players as possible into form without suffering major injuries. However, the most pressing matters are to achieve those aims with Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant.Pant’s ability to bounce back onto the Test scene is quite remarkable given his horrific car accident. He is a crucial wicketkeeper-batter in the Indian line-up and he’d give the team a major boost if he’s at the peak of his powers for the Australian tour.Related

• Why Australia vs India is Test cricket's premier rivalry

• Watson: I think Pant is going to have a big series in Australia

• Ponting tips Australia to beat India 3-1 in Border Gavaskar Trophy

• Lyon on India: 'Ten years of unfinished business'

• Hayden: Hard to say who has the edge in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

As an in-form batter, Pant is vital, which he displayed on the 2020-21 Australian tour with crucial innings in both the SCG and Gabba Tests. His ability to score quickly utilising his innovative aggression is an important part of India’s strategy.His wicketkeeping is also vital – if Pant can perform at his best, he’s the ideal keeper for Australian conditions. If he’s able to continue with his agile performance standing back, that is what is required in Australia. You need a keeper who capably covers a lot of territory to both sides of the wicket. Any keeper who fulfils those requirements not only improves the team’s fielding but also allows the slip fielders to spread wider to cover extra territory.Pant’s keeping standing up to the stumps drastically improved before his serious injury, following an ultimatum from coach Ravi Shastri. The fact that Pant progressed from being a dubious keeper against spinners to a very good gloveman standing up to the stumps, admirably displayed his willingness to work hard.Pant’s improvement sums up the thoughts of that excellent Australian gloveman Rod Marsh: “If you’re the incumbent,” he said, “and you don’t improve, then you’re not thinking correctly.” Marsh rightly concluded that if you were keeping and practising most days of the week, then you should become a better keeper.

At the start of the 1972 Ashes tour I suggested we might keep Dennis Lillee in cotton wool. He told me: “Like a batsman, I need to be in form. When I take a five-wicket haul, you can talk about putting me in cotton wool”

While the batting needs to be at its best, the other crucial factor will be the Indian pace bowling. The presence of a keeper-batter in the middle order and allrounders Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin give India the luxury of selecting five bowlers for each Test.That makes the choice of fast bowlers paramount. The good form and fitness of both Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj – the two most successful pace bowlers on the last Australian tour – is essential. Of those two, Bumrah is the attack leader.A critical part of India’s build-up to the Australian tour will be ensuring Bumrah is in form but remains fit to play the bulk of the five Tests. The difficulty of balancing this task was summed up perfectly by Australian pace hero Dennis Lillee on the 1972 tour of the UK. At the start of the long tour I suggested we might keep Lillee in cotton wool. He told me in very strong terms: “Like a batsman, I need to be in form. When I take a five-wicket haul, you can talk about putting me in cotton wool.”It was a lesson I learned from the big-hearted fast bowler and never forgot.It would be ideal if the mercurial Mohammed Shami is fit for Australia but the presence of a good left-arm paceman would also improve India’s variety in attack.The spin bowling is in good hands with Jadeja and Ashwin. Nevertheless I wouldn’t discount the importance of Kuldeep Yadav on some Australian surfaces.Of the young batters Yashasvi Jaiswal looks very talented but he needs to show good form in Australia. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should act as guiding lights for the younger batters on tour.The batting needs to be good in Australia as India showed with their series wins on the last two visits. Batting aside, it will help India’s chances enormously if both Pant and Bumrah are performing at their best in Australia.

Ruben Amorim has offered a worrying injury update on star striker Benjamin Sesko. Manchester United played out a breathless 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Saturday afternoon as Matthijs de Ligt netted a last-gasp equaliser to stretch their unbeaten run to five games. However, Sesko was forced off in second half injury time after the summer signing suffered a knee injury in the capital.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Sesko suffered problem following Van de Ven challenge

  Bryan Mbeumo had headed United in front on the half hour mark after the Manchester giants rode out an early Tottenham storm. Spurs pressed for an equaliser after the break and were duly rewarded late on as Mathys Tel saw his effort deflect past Senne Lammens.

  Richarlison then thought he'd won the game for Spurs in second half injury time as he inadvertently headed Wilson Odobert's effort past the Belgian shotstopper but there was still time for United to claim a result as De Ligt rose highest to meet a late Bruno Fernandes corner to head past Guglielmo Vicario.

  Sesko, though, didn't finish the game in north London having suffered a knee injury after Tel's equaliser. The former RB Leipzig man was introduced in the 58th minute as United pushed to kill the game off.

  The 22-year-old had a golden chance to restore United's lead shortly after Spurs went level as he was slipped through on goal. As Sesko went to pull the trigger, however, Micky van de Ven made a stunning last-ditch challenge to deny the striker from netting what would have been his third league goal of the season.

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• 'I am more concerned with an injury'

  Sesko, though, picked up an injury as a result of the challenge and limped off the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium pitch in the dying moments of the 90. United had already made all five substitutions, meaning they ended the game with 10 men.

  After the draw, Amorim was asked about Sesko's form, the summer signing having scored just two goals in 11 league appearances following his arrival from RB Leipzig, but the United boss was more concerned about the striker's injury.

  When questioned about the form, Amorim responded: "That is not the biggest concern now. That happens, especially with a striker. I am more concerned with an injury, because it's in the knee, we don't know, we need Ben to be a better team. I have no idea. Because it's the knee we never know."

• AFP
  

  'We have to check everything'

  Amorim was also asked whether United will need to dip into the transfer market in January to potentially sign a new striker after Sesko's injury. The Premier League side will likely lose both Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to Cameroon and the Ivory Coast, respectively, for the Africa Cup of Nations, which starts in Morocco next month.

  When quizzed on the January window over Sesko's injury and AFCON, Amorim replied: "We have to check everything, we have to check what’s happened with Ben. Let's see when the window is open if we can improve the team and trying to repair something that happened. Until then we have to take the chance. We'll see."

  Both Amad and Mbeumo linked up for the first goal as the former picked out the latter in the first half to put United ahead at Tottenham. Mbeumo was named the Premier League Player of the Month for October in the week, and his goal against Spurs means he's now struck four times in his last four league outings.

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• United's luck with injuries

  United have been relatively fortunate with injuries this season, with Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo the only missing players ahead of Saturday's game at Spurs. The Argentine hasn't played since February owing to an ACL injury but is likely to return to action later this month.

  Mainoo, meanwhile, missed the game in the capital owing to a minor injury, though he wouldn't have started anyway. The England international has barely featured for United this season and finds himself behind Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in the midfield pecking order.

  A January exit for Mainoo has been mooted with Napoli a potential destination for the 20-year-old. If he were to move to the Serie A champions, then he'd link up with former United stars Scott McTominay, Rasmus Hojlund and Romelu Lukaku.

The wicketkeeper-batter has been adamant about “failing or succeeding on my own terms” and against Bangladesh his method paid off

Hemant Brar13-Oct-20243:31

Samson: I’ve been thinking I can hit six sixes in an over

It is not often that Suryakumar Yadav ends up playing second fiddle on a day he scores 75 off 35 balls. But such was Sanju Samson’s knock in the third T20I against Bangladesh. Opening the innings in Hyderabad, a city that has given India two of its most stylish batters, Samson scored 111 off 47 in an exhibition of sublime hitting.It was the second-fastest T20I hundred for India, off 40 balls, and paved the way for their highest total in the format, 297 for 6. An on-song Samson makes batting look effortless, and it was no different on Saturday. Apart from that, it was also a masterclass in using the crease.Facing Taskin Ahmed in the second over, Samson stepped towards the leg side, gave himself room and drove the full and straight delivery through covers for four. For the next ball, Taskin shortened his length and straightened his line even more. Samson once again backed away and punched him inside out for four.With two more boundaries off the next two deliveries, Samson took 16 from Taskin’s first over. In the previous game, the fast bowler needed to complete all his four overs to give away that many.After messing with Taskin’s line, Samson used his footwork to toy with Mustafizur Rahman’s length. Against a slower ball, he took a couple of short steps down the pitch and hit it for a straight six. In Mustafizur’s next over, Samson went deep in his crease and, off the back foot, lofted a length ball over extra cover for another six. Even though Suryakumar showed his 360-degree range from the other end, this was arguably the shot of the day.Samson did not have to use much footwork against Rishad Hossain; the legspinner himself erred in length. He started the tenth over of the innings with a dot, but his next four deliveries were too full and Samson nonchalantly launched them down the ground for four sixes. For the final ball, Rishad went around the wicket. It made little difference as Samson pulled it over deep midwicket to make it five in a row.0:56

Seven records India smashed against Bangladesh

After the fifth six, Samson did a little fist pump. Later, he revealed the reason for it. “From the last two years, I have been thinking I can hit six sixes in an over,” he said. “Accordingly, I have been working with my mentor, Raiphi Gomez, and telling myself that four-five sixes in an over are possible and I should do something like that. So I have been practising and visualising it and I am very grateful it happened today.”In an innings that featured 11 fours and eight sixes, Samson’s most violent act was the celebration after his fifty: an air punch with full might to release the pent-up frustration of years.Samson’s has been a story of unfulfilled potential. In a T20I career that started in 2015 with a lot of promise, he had played only 32 matches before this one. In those, he scored 483 runs at an average of 19.32 and a strike rate of 132.69.There are two ways to look at it. First, he never got a proper run to settle in and perform at his best. Second, he did not make use of the chances he got. Even in the IPL, he had failed to do justice to his talent. He would start with a bang but fizzle out way too soon.Things, however, changed with IPL 2024, where he finished fifth on the batting charts, scoring 531 runs at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.46. As a result, he was picked in India’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. But with Rishabh Pant being the first-choice wicketkeeper, he spent the whole tournament on the bench.After the World Cup, Samson toured Zimbabwe with a second-string Indian side and scored 58 off 45 balls in the fifth T20I. But when he fetched two ducks in his next two outings in Sri Lanka, he knew he was running out of chances.Sanju Samson: I wanted to perform. I wanted to show what I was capable of•BCCI”When you are playing for the country and you fail in a couple of games, you know pressure is there,” Samson said. “And I have to be honest, . I wanted to perform. I wanted to show what I was capable of.”The captain [Suryakumar] and the coach [Gautam Gambhir] kept telling me, ‘We know what type of talent you have, and we back you, no matter what.’ Not only in words but also in action. I was a bit doubtful after a couple of ducks in Sri Lanka if I would get a chance in the next series. But they backed me in this series.”Another thing the team management did was inform Samson well in advance about his new role.”The leadership group – Surya, Gautam and [assistant coach] Abhishek Nayar – told me three weeks before this series that I would be opening the innings. That gave me time for proper preparation. I went to the RR [Rajasthan Royals] academy and faced lots and lots of new-ball bowlers. So I was coming in this series 10% more ready than any other series.”Samson looked in good touch in the first T20I too but fell for 29 off 19 after miscuing one to deep midwicket. While walking back, he screamed in anger. Given India were chasing only 128, he could have knocked a few around and got to a fifty. But that would have been against the team’s ethos and his own character.”It can get very tricky – playing for India is not an easy thing,” he said. “When you have those failures, it’s easier to go back and say, okay, I should make some runs for myself in the next game. But I like to be myself. And I know what I am as a person, as a character.”For me, it’s all about people, it’s all about my friends, it’s all about my team. I like to go out and succeed or fail in my own way. That is what I have stuck to right from the time I started playing this game. It’s all about knowing your game, knowing your character. It’s all about being true to yourself.”His approach has finally brought success. With his hundred, he has at least turned the page, if not started a new chapter.

Favourites prove too strong despite spinners giving Warwickshire hope

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay27-Jul-2025Grace Harris’s sparkling 63 not out from 33 balls led Surrey to a five-wicket win over the Bears as they became the inaugural Vitality Blast Women’s champions in front of their home fans at the Kia Oval.The Australian all-rounder grabbed hold of a final which needed a heroine, striking two sixes and seven fours to steer the home side to victory. Fittingly, Southwark-born Kira Chathli, who watched her heroes here as a child, made the winning hit with 20 balls to spare. Amu Surenkumar and Em Arlott took two wickets apiece.Earlier, The Bears struggled to build partnerships with player of the match from the semi-final Issy Wong top scoring with 31 and Laura Harris Sister of Grace a typically ferocious 25 from 11. Phoebe Franklin was the pick of the Surrey attack with 2-16, while two superb runouts helped to further restrict the Bears.Meg Austin caressed the first ball of the innings for four only for Alexa Stonehouse to bowl her with an in-swinger.Davina Perrin’s miserable day with the bat was completed when Capsey castled her for nought and it was hero of the eliminator Issy Wong who gave the powerplay momentum with four boundaries and a five from an overthrow.Stonehouse ended her fun with another ball that hit the stumps and Sterre Kalis was run out by a magnificent throw from the deep by Ryana MacDonald-Gay.Natasha Wraith played nicely for 23 but she and Surenkumar fell in the space of four balls, the latter to a lightning quick stumping by Kira Chathli off Franklin.Laura Harris, was dropped early on and went on the offensive, twice clearing the ropes. Three other boundaries took the Australian to 25, but going for another big hit off Dani Gregory she found the hands of Franklin in the deep.Franklin removed the dangerous Emily Arlott too, but Millie Taylor (20 not out) marshalled the tail, leaving Surrey 154 for the title.Surrey’s chase suffered an early setback when Danni Wyatt-Hodge, prolific in the competition, lost the chance to be leading run-scorer as she holed out in the deep.Skipper Bryony Smith swept and pulled strongly, but fell to the last ball of the powerplay from Surenkumar and when Wraith whipped off the bails to stump Capsey off Hannah Baker, Surrey were floundering at 42-3.Three Sophia Dunkley boundaries from Millie Taylor’s opening over raised hopes for the side playing on their home ground and the England international hit Baker back over her head for six in the next.That was as good as it got for Dunkley who overbalanced trying to hit Surenkumar over the top, Wraith’s fast hands doing the rest.Grace Harris though took up the baton to play the match-defining innings, driving fours cleanly through cover and mid-off.Emily Arlott was dispatched to the sightscreen for six and swept for four, but Paige Scholfield perished in the deep trying to imitate the shot to give the bears renewed hope.Harris though remained to reach 50 at a strike rate of 200, before clubbing Taylor into the seats at midwicket as Surrey scampered home.

James Rew scores unbeaten ton batting with younger brother, Thomas, for first time in senior match

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay06-Aug-2025

Brothers James Rew and Thomas Rew staged a century stand•Getty Images

Somerset brothers James and Thomas Rew combined in a dominant century partnership to steer Somerset to a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Middlesex at Radlett and get their county’s Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign off to a winning start.Batting together for the first time in senior cricket, James struck a magnificent unbeaten 106 from 90 balls (15 fours), while younger brother Thomas displayed his big-hitting form from the recent England Under 19s series. His 51 from 54 balls with three fours and three sixes was his first senior half-century. But while he fell with 58 runs still required, his brother was there to steer the side home with 15 balls to spare.For Middlesex, Josh de Caires hit a fine 71 in 86 balls, his maiden List A half-century to lay the foundation for Middlesex’s total of 289 for 7.While he shared an opening stand of 63 with Joe Cracknell (23), wickets fell at crucial times as Middlesex’s run rate slowed against tight Somerset bowling. It was new skipper Ben Geddes (40) who wrestled back the initiative before Jack Davies blazed a brilliant 64 during a fifth-wicket stand of 61 with Luke Hollman, 98 runs coming in the final 10 overs.Jake Ball, who also had two catches dropped off his bowling, finished with figures of 3 for 43, while Jack Leach took 3 for 47.Earlier, de Caires started confidently against Alfie Ogborne, cutting and pulling consecutive short balls and was strong on the drive too.Ball bowled a consistent probing line but was left frustrated during an excellent first over when two chances went down behind the wicket. Ben Green at wide first slip failed to hold a low chance offered by de Caires on 25, while keeper James Rew put down a regulation catch off Cracknell on 15.Ball and Green kept things tight, challenging the stumps with the scoring rate slowing significantly, just 23 runs coming in nine overs. Feeling the pressure, Cracknell flashed outside off-stump to Ball, Green making no mistake as he took a slip catch above his head.Finally, de Caires got one away, driving through midwicket, the first boundary for seven overs. Shackles released, he came down the pitch to dispatch Green for six before reaching his fourth consecutive half-century after three Championship fiftiesIt was Leach who made a double breakthrough. First, he got one to grip and turn to take the edge of Sam Robson’s bat, then, while the sweep had proved effective for de Caires, the reverse sweep proved his undoing. The Middlesex opener was adjudged lbw, leaving him frustrated as replays suggested the ball struck glove rather than pad.Geddes picked up the mantle, cutting and pulling dismissively. He picked a delivery from Ball off his hip for six as Middlesex’s rate climbed back above five but was caught attempting a big shot against Leach.Davies was soon on the charge, collecting two sixes as he slog-swept Archie Vaughan and hooked Green into the pavilion before smashing three boundaries over the covers.Ball broke the partnership, castling Hollman (21) as he dragged on and having Davies excellently caught by a diving Vaughan at long-on. Toby Roland-Jones was last to go, caught in the deep in the final over off Green.Middlesex strayed in line and length as Somerset openers Tom Lammonby (38) and Vaughan accumulated steadily, Lammonby clipping three boundaries stylishly off his legs.Noah Cornwell separated the pair, pushing one across Vaughan who edged to a diving Cracknell before Josh Little built steady pressure, finding consistent bounce and movement, eventually drawing Lammonby into the edge.Lewis Goldsworthy (38) took consecutive boundaries off wide deliveries from Little, while James Rew got off the mark swinging a Little free hit over the slips before stroking through midwicket. He cut a rare bad ball from Hollman to bring up the 50-partnership before Henry Brookes removed Goldsworthy as he deflected onto his stumps.The Rews settled into their work adding 107 in 16 overs, James showing beautiful timing as he gloriously drove Brookes before pulling Roland-Jones through midwicket. His brother drove nicely too but also dispatched Roland Jones for a big six.James cut Roland-Jones for consecutive boundaries and with Somerset passing 200 in the 36th over, Thomas audaciously reverse slog swept de Caires for six.Thomas pulled Hollman for another maximum to bring up the 100 partnership but with 60 needed off the last 10, he was caught pulling a short ball from Cornwell straight to midwicket.James though continued in the same vein before hitting two boundaries off Brookes to go to three figures and win the match.Josh Thomas (24) proved good support, winning a reprieve when he was dropped in the deep off Cornwell with 19 needed.

Almost as soon as pitcher Jacob Misiorowski debuted, Milwaukee Brewers fans presumably began thinking ahead to the fireballer's first All-Star Game.

Turns out they didn't have to wait long. Misiorowski has been named to the National League All-Star team as a replacement for Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd, Major League Baseball announced in a Friday night shocker.

Misiorowski, 23, is the fastest player ever to make an MLB All-Star Game by number of games played. That designation was previously held by Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, who made the All-Star team after just 11 games in 2024.

In five career starts, Misiorowski is 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings.

He's coming off a blockbuster outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who he beat 3–1 Tuesday with 12 srikeouts across six innings of one-run ball. He is also not scheduled to pitch again before the All-Star break.

Boyd, scheduled to pitch Saturday, would've been making his first All-Star appearance at the age of 34.

Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass to lead Inter Miami past Nashville SC and into the Eastern Conference semifinals. After last weekend’s defeat at GEODIS Stadium forced a decisive third match, Miami responded with authority, shaking off the nerves that had built up during the week to set up a clash with FC Cincinnati.

Getty Images SportPraised Lionel Messi for his work rate and sacrifice

Messi secured his first MLS playoff trip to the semifinals after his two goals sparked a 4-0 win. Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano noted the veteran forward's work rate was equally as important as the goals he scored. 

“I have to congratulate Messi for the game he played. He was the first to lead our high press – seeing him press like that at 38 is crazy. What he did tonight was truly impressive," Mascherano said. 

AdvertisementInter Miami emerges stronger

Mascherano also praised his entire team after the dominant 4-0 victory, highlighting Tadeo Allende’s brace that sealed Inter Miami’s place in the next round of the MLS playoffs. The win capped a tough series in which Miami ultimately prevailed, and Mascherano noted that the squad’s veterans have played a key role in his development as a coach.

“The challenge remains the same – to live up to the level of the great players we have. Sometimes we manage it, sometimes we don’t,” he said. “As a coach, I try to be honest and work in the best way possible, knowing that I’ll make mistakes and must learn from them. It’s not easy to coach players with such a deep understanding of the game. That’s why you have to listen to them – I have the obligation to make decisions, but I’m not the owner of the truth. You have to listen and make the choices that can help us as a team.”

Getty Images SportMascherano unveiled an unexpected attacking trio

Regarding the attacking quartet of Baltasar Rodríguez , Mateo Silvetti, Allende and Messi, Mascherano pointed out he made the changes to give his side some unpredictability. 

 “Nashville kept changing throughout the series. We played four matches in a row against them – that’s never easy. In preparing for a game, you try to predict what the opposing coach might do, but sometimes what you prepare for doesn’t happen at all," he said. "In the first game, they used three defensive midfielders; in Nashville, they had a wider setup – different characteristics. 

"We tried to understand that within a single game, there could be many games. Silvetti, Tadeo, and Baltazar brought great energy to the team. That’s the advantage of having intelligent, hungry players. Silvetti had a phenomenal game, Tadeo Allende has had an outstanding season – strong both defensively and in attack – and we’ll try to keep that going.”

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Getty Images SportCincinnati is next

Looking ahead to the semifinal against Cincinnati, Mascherano warned of the challenge ahead. 

“It will be a very tough match – they’re a team that knows exactly how they play. If they can recover some injured players, it’ll be an intense game over there. They’re very clear in their ideas, so for us to compete, we’ll need to match their intensity," Mascherano said. "When we match the opponent’s intensity, things usually go our way. We’ll see how the week unfolds, especially with seven players returning from national duty – hopefully, they come back in good shape. It’s not easy to lose so many players at this stage of the season, so we’ll have to manage that carefully.”

But before that match, the manager stressed how important it was for Inter Miami to advance out of the first round. 

 “I’m proud of how we’ve reached this point in the season. We’ve gone through a lot of wear and tear, we’ve been playing for a long time, and I see the players enjoying themselves," he said. "I see smiles – and that’s the best way to experience football. Tactics and style come second when you see that joy. They’re in a good place, living it naturally. There are also some players who won’t be here next season, yet the atmosphere remains excellent – and that’s exactly what we need to keep building on.”

Glasgow Rangers decided to part ways with head coach Russell Martin last month after a dismal start to the season, which saw them win five of 17 matches in all competitions.

The Light Blues endured a dismal time on the pitch for the majority of his tenure, losing more than they won and conceding more goals than they scored.

Along with that, several of the club’s signings in the summer transfer window failed to make much of an impact for the former Southampton manager, including Thelo Aasgaard.

Why Thelo Aasgard has not been a successful signing

The Norway international was signed on a permanent deal from Luton Town in the summer, but he was unable to provide a single goal or assist as an attacking midfielder for Martin.

Aasgaard’s only goal in 16 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues so far this season came against Dundee United in Stevie Smith’s match as the interim manager before Danny Rohl arrived at Ibrox.

Hibernian

Danny Rohl

0 + 1

Kilmarnock

Danny Rohl

0 + 0

Dundee United

Stevie Smith

1 + 4

Falkirk

Russell Martin

0 + 0

Livingston

Russell Martin

0 + 0

Hearts

Russell Martin

0 + 1

Celtic

Russell Martin

0 + 0

St Mirren

Russell Martin

0 + 0

As you can see in the table above, the English-born midfielder flopped under Martin in the Scottish Premiership, and has yet to produce the goods for Rohl.

The 23-year-old flop was then sent off against Celtic in the semi-final of the League Cup at Hampden Park on Sunday, as he continues to struggle at Ibrox.

After that red card, Rohl should bring another player who flopped under Martin into the side, as Nedim Bajrami could be even better than the ex-Luton man.

Why Nedim Bajrami should be unleashed by Danny Rohl

The Albania international only played 195 minutes of football for the Scottish manager, per Sofascore, and made five appearances off the bench without managing a goal, an assist, or a key pass.

Chalkboard

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

Bajrami was described as “anonymous” in a game last season by content creator Stevie Clifford, and that is exactly what he was throughout Martin’s reign.

However, the former Sassuolo man did show signs of promise when given opportunities to impress in the Scottish Premiership and the Europa League by Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson in the 2024/25 campaign.

Starts

15

8

Goals

2

1

Key passes per game

1.0

1.3

Big chances created

4

6

Assists

1

0

Dribbles completed per game

1.0

1.5

As you can see in the table above, Bajrami created ten ‘big chances’ in 23 starts across both competitions, but was only rewarded with one assist for his creative efforts.

This suggests that he was let down by poor finishing from his teammates, rather than it being a lack of creativity on his part, which is why Rohl should provide him with a chance to show what he can do in Aasgaard’s place.

After the clash with Roma in the Europa League this evening, Rohl should bring Bajrami into the starting line-up for the match against Dundee on Sunday, as he has the potential to provide more creativity than Aasgaard has.

The Norway international has failed to create a single ‘big chance’ in 809 minutes this season, per Sofascore, whilst the Albanian star created 11 in 2,330 minutes in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign.

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This suggests that Rohl could unleash a more effective player than Aasgaard by bringing Bajrami into his XI to feature more prominently than he did under Martin, when he was completely anonymous due to his lack of game time.