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Richard Hughes was rightly lauded after overseeing a staggering summer transfer window for Premier League champions Liverpool, but any positivity has been scourged away by the dreadful form that has fractured Arne Slot’s reign.

Nine losses across 12 fixtures is bad enough, but the limp and toothless manner of many of the defeats – especially recent losses at Anfield against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League – underscores the severity of the crisis Slot is dealing with.

He needs to find answers, or else FSG will be forced into making a rare managerial dismissal. It’s inevitable that discussion is increasing about the security of Slot’s position.

That would be an outcome few of a Red persuasion would want, not least because of a shortage of options.

Jurgen Klopp’s name has been bandied about, but this is not realistic.

Who Liverpool could replace Slot with

Klopp draped the curtain on his Liverpool dynasty at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. He was tired. It had been a tough, gruelling, heavy metal career on Merseyside, where he had devoted nine years to restoring Anfield as a global superpower.

Premier League

1x

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Champions League

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18/19

FA Cup

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Carabao Cup

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21/22, 23/24

Club World Cup

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UEFA Super Cup

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There has been some discussion online as to whether FSG should push for a comeback, but this romanticised notion would fall flat.

Klopp is not the answer. His quasi-retirement has seen him assume the post of Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH, and it’s important to remember that the German tactician’s tactical shrewdness waned toward the end of his tenure. He was tired, after all.

But, if Slot is fired, Liverpool would need to find a replacement, and Spanish sources suggest Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is on the shortlist.

Iraola, 43, is one of the most exciting young managers in Europe, having shaped the Cherries into a front-footed and sharp attacking outfit.

Compensation pay would be required to pull him away from the Vitality Stadium, but given Iraola’s vision aligns with the club’s long-term project, he might be the one to go for.

Why Iraola could be perfect for Liverpool

It was a bold move for Bournemouth to ditch Gary O’Neil after the pragmatic manager steered the club to safety after promotion to the Premier League in 2022/23. A bold move, but one carried out with diligence, for Iraola was earmarked as a progressive option.

And Bill Foley must be delighted. In 2023/24, Bournemouth recorded a record points total (56) in the Premier League, leading​ journalist James Horncastle to hail him as “the best coach in the Premier League” for his sharp-witted and positive approach.

Iraola likes aggressive and high-octane football. He is not as turbo-charged in his approach as Klopp, but the Spaniard would infuse Liverpool with more risk-taking and directness than Slot prefers, albeit still maintaining an emphasis on retaining possession.

This could play to the strengths of Florian Wirtz, who has had a tough time since joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m in the summer.

A silky and inventive attacking midfielder, the German has yet to register a goal involvement in the Premier League and has lacked the clarity and poise that was expected after the thrill of his official announcement.

There remains a world-class talent in there, and Wirtz’s woes come with the caveat that he has entered a dysfunctional tactical system.

Iraola’s focus on a 4-2-3-1 formation suggests that the 22-year-old could find a natural place at number ten. As per FBref, he does rank among the top 11% of positional peers in the English top flight this term for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for passes attempted and progressive passes per 90.

This suggests that Wirtz has the potential to be a superstar in England, and Iraola can provide the stability and fluency of tactics to help realise that.

He might not be Klopp, but Iraola has labelled his tactics as being akin to “rock and roll”. Klopp’s famous branding of his vision as being ‘heavy metal football’ suggests that Liverpool might hit the jackpot by making this switch.

No one wants to see Slot be sacked, but this pitiful form and level of performance cannot be allowed to continue, and Iraola has the acumen to revive Wirtz and bring the champions back into the ascendancy.

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Arne Slot’s Liverpool tenure is crumbling before him, and FSG are considering changes.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 28, 2025

It’s nearly the season to be jolly for Newcastle United, but only if Eddie Howe finds a winning formula once again and transforms his side’s fortunes, currently slumped in 14th place in the Premier League.

The savvy coach will have sat on his thoughts over the past two weeks, well aware that this Magpies side need more than just a few tweaks to fire on all cylinders once again.

Perhaps a return to full fluency will be struck upon over the coming month, but Howe and technical director Ross Wilson may be in concert regarding the need for an external solution this winter, a late Christmas present welcomed after the new year, when the transfer window swings open.

Newcastle preparing for winter signing

Antoine Semenyo is a hot topic at the moment, with news filtering through this week that the Bournemouth talisman has a £65m release clause in his contract, which becomes active in January.

Newcastle had a vested interest in the Ghana international before signing Anthony Elanga for £55m this summer, and though the Toon are considering a new right-sided forward, there are other options that might come into play.

According to Caught Offside, West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen is believed to be looking to complete a move away from the east Londoners next summer, in the search for Champions League football.

Bowen, 28, has led the Hammers to meteoric heights over the past several years, but things have unravelled at the London Stadium since David Moyes’ departure.

Thus, Newcastle – who aren’t actively linked with the Englishman, as per the report – could strike for a player they have targeted in the past. Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, though, and are willing to spend £60m on the England star.

Why Newcastle should sign Bowen

Bowen was at the heart of West Ham’s Premier League win over Newcastle this month, and he has recorded three goals and an assist across four matches for the out-of-form side.

Hailed in the past by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino for being in the “Salah club” on the right flank, Bowen certainly falls into the category of ‘goalscoring winger’, but his underlying creative qualities could make him the perfect dynamic force to complement Howe’s Tyneside attack.

Crucially, Bowen’s durability across so many years as an Iron leader has made him perfect for a move to a club like Newcastle. Moreover, he scored the winning goal in the 2022/23 Conference League final, the hero in a trophy-winning campaign for West Ham.

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11

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34

13 + 10

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34

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38

6 + 6

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36

12 + 12

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38

8 + 5

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13

1 + 4

Bowen also ranks among the top 7% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 3% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, further emphasising the dynamism and breadth of his game. Salah-esque, alright, and evidence that

Bowen may not be quite so much of a protean threat as, say, Semenyo, but he has streamlined his output and this has seen him establish himself as one of the most dangerous forwards in the Premier League, sustaining that level across many years.

Nick Woltemade’s unique link-up ability and willingness to drop deep emphasises the gains that could be found in landing Bowen’s signature. If a chance to make this move does present itself, Newcastle must pounce.

With the 23-year-old Elanga yet to register a single goal contribution for Newcastle this season, and Semenyo yet to prove himself at the highest level, it might be that Bowen would be a fantastic addition to complement a young attacking workforce at St. James’ Park and steer Newcastle back on course across the second half of the season and beyond.

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1 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 21, 2025

Sophie Molineux is on track to be fit for the ODI World Cup after being included in Australia’s 15-player squad for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka while legspinner Georgia Wareham has recovered from the injury which forced her to leave the Hundred early.The duo are a key part of Australia’s spin attack which will be a vital component at the World Cup as they look to defend the title won in New Zealand in 2022. Molineux, the left-arm spinner, has been out of action since late last year when she underwent knee surgery. However, she has not quite been given the full green light and may miss the ODI series against India ahead of the tournament.”Sophie Molineux is progressing well in her return from a knee injury, and we anticipate she’ll be available for the World Cup,” Australia physio Kate Beerworth said. “Georgia Wareham also back to full training following her adductor injury during the Hundred.”Australia’s squad, which will be led by Alyssa Healy, does not hold any surprises with Grace Harris taking the final batting spot while Georgia Voll is included after her breakout first year in international cricket.Harris has only played two ODIs since 2016 – and didn’t bat in either match – but the selectors see her as adding depth to the middle-order and also value her experience.”She’s a different player for us,” Shawn Flegler, the national selector, said. “In the role that she might play in ODI cricket, I think it would be more down the bottom and middle order. The way she bats, the experience she’s got in India, that’s probably why she got selected.”She’s a little bit different to some other middle order batters. She can take a game away in a few overs. If she gets that opportunity, I think she could be really good.”Healy recently returned from the foot injury she sustained during last year’s Ashes and flayed 137 not out off 85 balls against India A last month. The hope is that she will be able to keep wicket throughout the tournament.”She knows her body well,” Flegler said. “Like all players, they need to recover well after games. The schedule is pretty tight. But I think our particular schedule, we’ve got breaks in between each game as well. There’s lots of travel involved…it’s a long tournament. So it’s not just Alyssa who’ll be looking after herself. It’ll be the whole squad.”Voll is one of five players – alongside Molineux, Wareham, Phoebe Litchfield and Kim Garth – to be included in their first 50-over World Cup squad.One of the challenges in preparing for the tournament has been some grounds have never hosted women’s cricket while Australia have not played at the R Premadasa in Colombo, where they will face Sri Lanka and Pakistan, since 2016. They have used the men’s set-up to help gather data with coach Shelley Nitschke having spoken with Tom Body, the men’s team analyst.”It’s a little bit of an unknown,” Flegler said. “There’s some grounds that no women’s cricket’s been played at, so even just the data analysis of that has been based on the men’s cricket.”But we’re comfortable with the squad that we’ve got that we can cover, whether it’s a spinning wicket or if they’re flat wickets or if there’s a little bit of pace. All the games are starting at three o’clock, so day and night games. There’s maybe a bit of monsoon weather still hanging around in some places as well.So we’ve just got to be adaptable.”Australia’s squad will be supplemented with the uncapped duo of Nicole Faltum and Charli Knott for the three-match ODI series before the pair return home for the start of the WNCL season.”A World Cup in India is one of cricket’s biggest assignments, but we believe this group is up for the challenge,” Flegler said. “The valuable experience the squad has gained from several subcontinent tours in recent years, as well as exposure through the Women’s Premier League will be beneficial in tackling the unique demands of Indian conditions.”The extended nature of an ODI World Cup can be a challenge, and we believe this group has the depth and versatility to meet those demands.”Australia begin their tournament against New Zealand in Indore on October 1.

Australia squad for Women’s ODI World Cup

Alyssa Healy (capt), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham

Celtic moved to within two points of Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with a dramatic 3-2 win over Motherwell at Parkhead on Sunday.

The Hoops needed a stoppage-time winner from Daizen Maeda, who bundled in a cross from Michel-Ange Balikwisha, to claim all three points in front of their own fans.

In fact, they had to come from 2-1 down to claim a win in the second half. Benjamin Nygren equalised after snatching the ball inside the Motherwell box, before Maeda’s winner.

They had to produce a stunning comeback, in part, because Marcelo Saracchi conceded a penalty that allowed the away side to take the lead.

Why Marcelo Saracchi should be dropped

The Uruguay international was brought into the side in place of Kieran Tierney to provide the Scottish full-back with a rest, but failed to put in a solid performance.

He attempted a challenge in the box with the wrong foot, stepping on the attacker with his left foot instead of using his right to make a block, which resulted in a penalty to Motherwell.

That came after he gave Tawanda Maswanhise too much time to put a cross in for Motherwell’s first goal in the first half, standing too far off the winger out wide.

Chalkboard

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

Despite those errors for the goals, which should see him dropped from the XI, Luke McCowan was even worse than the Boca Juniors loanee in the middle of the park.

Why Luke McCowan should be dropped

Brendan Rodgers should ruthlessly ditch the Scottish central midfielder from the team after the international break because of his disappointing performance against Motherwell.

The left-footed star was put in the midfield to provide a spark and creativity in possession for the Hoops, yet he played 60 minutes without registering a shot on goal or a chance created, per Sofascore.

This shows that the former Dundee star was completely ineffective in possession for the Scottish giants, because he did not provide any sort of threat as either a scorer or a creator of goals.

The 27-year-old central midfielder’s general play throughout the match was not much better, unfortunately, as he was even worse than Saracchi with his all-round performance in and out of possession.

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60

64

Pass accuracy

83%

84%

Possession lost

13x

13x

Dribbles completed

0/1

1/2

Duels won

2/5

4/8

Tackles + interceptions

1

3

As you can see in the table above, Saracchi won more duels, made more defensive contributions, and completed more dribbles during a similar amount of time on the pitch.

McCowan was far too wasteful with the ball at his feet, losing possession 13 times, when you consider that he did not create a single chance for his teammates in an hour for Celtic.

It was a big chance for the central midfielder to impress, given that Rodgers now has two weeks to reflect on this performance, ahead of the next block of matches.

Unfortunately, the experienced star failed to grasp his opportunity to nail down a place in the starting XI, as he did not do enough in or out of possession to suggest that he should retain a starting berth.

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Hopefully, McCowan will be able to show a better version of himself when the manager next decides to offer him a chance to play in the starting line-up.

“There’s definitely a difference in this surface,” says Sri Lanka’s ODI captain

Andrew Fidel Fernando01-Jul-2025

Charith Asalanka and Sanath Jayasuriya oversee Sri Lanka’s training session•AFP/Getty Images

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka thinks there may be more for seam bowlers in the Khettarama track than usual. He also thinks there may be more for batters.Having been left behind in ODI cricket – failing to even qualify for the Champions Trophy earlier this year – Sri Lanka are desperate to advance again. One of the ways in which the current leadership think they can close that gap is to match home pitches more closely to the behaviour of pitches found across the world.The pitch at Khettarama, for instance, has been extremely spin friendly for years. But ODI captain Asalanka suggested ahead of the match that this Khettarama pitch might be different. Sri Lanka had won their previous series, against Champions Trophy semi-finalists Australia, 2-0.Related

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“There’s definitely a difference in this surface,” he said “Even if it’s helfpul to spinners, even in the previous series against Australia, we saw that it would seam, and the fast bowlers got wickets. Asitha Fernando got five in two matches. I think this pitch will be a bit more batting friendly than usual”Sri Lanka’s seam-bowling stocks are unusually full. Asalanka suggested they would trial seam-bowling allrounder Milan Rathnayake in this series, but they also have the likes of Asitha, Dilshan Madushanka, and Eshan Malinga in the squad.This is also the first match Sri Lanka play under the new ODI playing conditions, under which one of the two balls used until the 34th over is then chosen by the fielding team to be used for the last 16. Ostensibly, this is an attempt to bring reverse swing back into the ODI game, which may suit the like sof Asitha, who has frequently reverse-swung the ball in Test cricket.”We’re also new to that rule, so we are still formulating our plans,” Asalanka said about the new playing condition. “It must be to favour fast bowlers that they brought this new rule to use one ball after 34 overs. It’s possible that we will have to treat two balls in two different ways before we decide which one we will use after the 34th. We’re hoping to land on the right plan from the first match.”Although Sri Lanka failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy, they have won enough ODI matches (now an infrequently-played format), to rise to fourth on the rankings. Asalanka thinks that is not enough, though.”We can’t be satisfied yet. I’ve said before that our main goal is to be in the top three. Right now we’re only in the top four. We’ve got one more rung to climb on that ladder, and then we have to think about where we go from there. We are confident about our past performances, but we think we have a long way to go forward.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Vanderlei Luxemburgo não é mais o técnico do Corinthians. A diretoria do Timão demitiu o treinador após o empate com o Fortaleza, pela partida de ida da semifinal da Copa Sul-Americana. Luxa vinha sofrendo pressão pelos maus resultados o desempenho da equipe, e o Timão foi vaiado pela torcida após o resultado contra o Leão do Pici.

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+ Opções listadas: confira técnicos brasileiros livres no mercado da bola

Além de Luxa, o auxiliar técnico Maurício Copertino, o coordenador de preparação física Antônio Mello e o preparador físico Daniel Félix também deixam o Timão. Os auxiliares permanentes do Corinthians comandam o treino desta quarta-feira (27), no CT Joaquim Grava.

Em sua terceira passagem pelo Timão, Luxa obteve 15 vitórias, 12 empates e 11 derrotas, com aproveitamento de 50%. Luxemburgo chegou ao Corinthians com o objetivo de conseguir a classificação ao mata-mata da Libertadores e afastar o clube da zona do rebaixamento. As respostas não vieram, e o Timão caiu na fase de grupos da competição continental e possui cinco pontos de distância para o Bahia, primeiro time do Z4.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Em um primeiro momento, Luxa teve o apoio da torcida corintiana, mas a sequência negativa fez a pressão externa e interna aumentar, mesmo com o time na semifinal da Copa Sul-Americana.

A diretoria alvinegra terá que buscar no mercado um novo técnico até o final da temporada. Fernando Lázaro, Cuca e Danilo – interinamente – já comandaram a equipe em 2023.

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Bohannon resists in follow-on but Lancashire remain in arrears

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Apr-2025Northamptonshire are closing in on a first Rothesay County Championship victory at Old Trafford since 1999, and only their fourth win at Lancashire’s headquarters, after bowling the hosts out for 228 and then having the home side 126 for two in their second innings after enforcing the follow-on.Liam Guthrie gave Northamptonshire the dream start when he trapped Michael Jones lbw for 0 with an inswinger as Lancashire batted a second time but the visitors’ victory quest was held up by a resolute 120-run partnership between Keaton Jennings, who added 49 runs to go with his first innings 96 and Josh Bohannon who remains unbeaten on 67.Bohannon took 146 balls to reach his half century and batted with great determination while his 7 fours included a lovely, wristy flick of the wrists off Harrison to the midwicket fence, but the bowler changed ends and produced what could be a decisive moment in the match by finding the edge of Jennings’ bat six overs before stumps – his fifth wicket in this match – with Lewis McManus delightedly taking his 100th first-class dismissal.Four first-innings wickets for Harrison and three by Justin Broad led a fine bowling effort by Northamptonshire who took the remaining Lancashire wickets by the seventh over of the afternoon session, backing up the massive 496 accumulated by their batsmen, to put their side in the box seat after three days.It was Raphy Weatherall who struck first after fifty minutes of play when Matty Hurst steered a catch straight to Ricardo Vasconcelos at gully for 16 the over after the wicketkeeper/batter had confidently twice pulled Broad to backward square leg for four.Harrison picked up his first wicket of the day when Luke Wells, on 20, attempted to repeat the sweep shot that had brought him six runs earlier but this time top edging high to midwicket where Broad took a good running catch.That ended a promising partnership of 46 and began a clatter of the three wickets to fall for 5 runs in 19 balls with first day centurion Saib Zaib to the fore.Jennings had looked imperious in stroking his way steadily to 96 and the fierce drive the Lancashire skipper produced against Harrison looked destined to bring up his century, but instead it nestled in the hand of Zaib at midwicket after the all-rounder flung himself to his right to pull off a stunning catch.Given the almost perfunctory one over of spin before lunch, Zaib then trapped George Balderson lbw for 1 to complete a magical five minutes and leave the spinner with figures for this season of 5-9 from 9.5 overs.Harrison (4-34) and Broad (3-58) swiftly wrapped up the innings post lunch, Tom Hartley pulling the former to George Bartlett at midwicket for 8 and Tom Bailey finding the same fielder at long leg off Broad for the same score.Lancashire made a much better fist of things second time around, but Northamptonshire remain firm favourites to clinch a result tomorrow.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is still looking to bolster Spurs’ attacking ranks before the transfer deadline in four days’ time, and given their previous luck this window, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them scrambling till the eleventh hour.

Thomas Frank watched on as his side failed to secure the signings of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, both in spectacular fashion.

Gibbs-White saw his once-advanced move to N17 blocked by Nottingham Forest, who wrote a letter to Spurs threatening legal action, as weeks of back and forth between the clubs ensued before the 25-year-old signed a new contract regardless.

Meanwhile, Tottenham were convinced they’d land Eze at one stage – having agreed personal terms with the player and the finances of a deal with Crystal Palace – only for Arsenal to swoop in and hijack the transfer.

Their need for a number 10 is glaring, having lost both Dejan Kulusevski to a knee injury earlier this year and James Maddison to an ACL rupture in pre-season.

At one point, Frank was planning to head into 25/26 with a fully fit Maddison and Gibbs-White, only to now have neither. In an ideal world, it’s been reported that the Dane would like two new playmakers (Gary Jacob), but that scenario looks near-impossible barring a last-gasp miracle.

In terms of who they could bring in, Spurs are in the market for a new centre-back, number 10 and a winger.

One of the playmakers on their radar is West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta, and the Hammers are reportedly open to selling, if their asking price is met, and they can source a replacement (Paul O’Keefe).

The Brazil international would be Spurs’ second signing of the window from their London rivals after a £55m deal for Mohammed Kudus, which also ended an unofficial transfer embargo between the two clubs spanning 14 years.

Tottenham offered Yves Bissouma in swap deal for Lucas Paqueta

According to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, Levy and the Spurs recruitment team actually made a unique proposal for Paqueta recently, involving Galatasaray-linked Yves Bissouma.

Bailey reports that Tottenham offered Bissouma in a direct swap deal for the Brazil international, and the talks centered around Paqueta going the other way on a straight loan.

Bissouma also would’ve departed for the London Stadium on a dry temporary deal, but it is believed that negotiations didn’t progress to the final details and the Mali international has now agreed to join Galatasaray instead.

According to other reports, West Ham want £60 million to part company with Paqueta, so Spurs will need to head back to the negotiating table.

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.

Matches Played

23

Goals

6

Assists

4

Progressive Carries

36

Progressive Passes

133

Shot Creating Actions

19.6

“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.

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Liverpool are believed to be battling two of their rivals for the signing of an influential Premier League player in the summer transfer window.

Slot explains subs after dramatic Liverpool win

The Reds started their title defence with a late 4-2 win at home to Bournemouth on Friday evening, but they weren’t always entirely convincing at Anfield. Arne Slot’s substitutions didn’t work too well, allowing the Cherries to score twice and make it 2-2, but Liverpool’s head coach has now explained his reasoning behind the changes.

“Jeremie felt his hamstring a little bit so that’s a risk – especially if the other full-back Conor Bradley is already out with an injury. With Joe Gomez only training twice, I didn’t feel he could already play half [an hour] in this intensity, so I started off with Wata [Endo] in that position, knowing that I could always bring Joe maybe later on for 10, 15, 20 minutes.

“Milos Kerkez plays every duel as if his life depends on it, which is a great quality, but if you play against such a good winger like [Antoine] Semenyo when you’re already on one yellow card, it’s a risk – especially knowing that we have [Andy] Robertson as well, so that’s explained in that sense.

“Hugo Ekitike came later in pre-season, comes from a good team but I don’t think you can compare that with Liverpool and you can’t compare the league. So for him to already be able to play 70 is a big, big, big bonus for us – but 90 is a risk.

“The other substitution was Macca, who has been out for two, two-and-a-half months [and] only in training for two-and-a-half weeks, so not able to play 90 yet. And the other one was Florian in the end, that was simply because I wanted to bring a No.9 in because we were 2-2.”

It was clear that some new signings are being managed carefully by Slot but perhaps there is a need for more defensive depth at Anfield…

Liverpool battling to sign Premier League captain

According to The Daily Mail, Liverpool are “targeting a move” for Brentford captain Nathan Collins, potentially seeing him as an alternative to Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi. The 24-year-old is also wanted by Manchester United and Tottenham, with interest in him “surging” as the transfer window nears its conclusion.

Collins has been linked with a move to Liverpool already this summer, with the Reds reportedly entering the race for him, and he could be a strong squad addition for Slot.

He is now a proven Premier League player, appearing 116 times in the competition and at 24, he is already a top-flight captain. Meanwhile, Thomas Frank has hailed his concentration levels, comparing that attribute to something that the “best players in the world” have in their armoury.

Nathan Collins’ 2024/25 Premier League stats

Total

Appearances

38

Starts

38

Minutes played

3420

Clearances per game

5.8

Aerial duel wins per game

3.1

Tackles per game

1.1

Pass completion rate

86.3

Goals

2

Assists

3

Much will depend on whether Liverpool end up signing Guehi or not, but if they fail to bring in the Palace man, Collins looks like a good alternative.