West Bromwich Albion are now without a win from their last three games in the Championship.

Ryan Mason’s Baggies did look to be very close to an elusive win in the challenging second tier against Leicester City last time out; however, after Samuel Iling-Junior’s first goal for the promotion chasers had handed them a 1-0 advantage over Marti Cifuentes’ Foxes.

Yet, it wasn’t to be for Mason’s unlucky hosts come the full-time whistle, as various spurned chances came back to bite them courtesy of a Nathaniel Phillips’ own goal.

The former Tottenham Hotspur coach turned Baggies manager could now be prepared to change up what attackers take to the field for his side’s encounter later today versus Norwich City to ensure goal-shy displays don’t become frequent, with Isaac Price potentially facing the chop.

Price's showing vs Leicester in numbers

While the Northern Ireland international has received plenty of plaudits for his performances this season so far, he has also gone slightly off the boil over West Brom’s choppy last few Championship clashes.

Indeed, the former Everton youth product went through the entirety of September without picking up a single goal or assist, which is a notable drop-off when weighed up next to his outrageous form in August.

Price – August vs September

Stat

August

September

Games played

4

3

Goals scored

3

0

Assists

1

0

Stats by Sofascore

Price is unfortunately a victim of his own success here, with his three goals and one assist in August hard to keep up across a full season, as has been seen in his lacklustre offering the following month.

Mason’s experiment to throw Price in as a second striker alongside Aune Heggebo also didn’t work against Leicester, with the 22-year-old going to miss a big chance, even when handed the responsibility of leading the line.

On top of that, he didn’t link up with the Norwegian well enough to get him regularly involved in play, with the number 19 only managing a weak eight touches of the ball in total next to his new strike partner.

It could be that Mason is now preparing to drop Price from the first team altogether for the trip to Norfolk, with this Baggies goal machine primed for his first league start of the season ahead of the hot-and-cold number 21.

Mason's "special" Price replacement for West Brom

Away from Price sticking out with his three league strikes last month, West Brom haven’t been the easiest on the eye to watch so far this season.

Since putting three past Phil Parkinson’s Wrexham, the Baggies have only managed to find the back of the net a weak four times across their next five league encounters, with Josh Maja now potentially thrown into the mix to make West Brom a troubling threat in attack once more.

Mason is likely just erring on the side of caution with his injury-prone number 9 so far this season, hence his lack of starts to date, with his goal-laden campaign last season devastatingly derailed by an injury in January.

Still, he could be the spark now needed to enhance West Brom’s firepower in attacking areas, with this well-taken finish last campaign coming against Wednesday’s opponents, Norwich City, coincidentally going down as his ninth goal in total.

By the time he was sadly stricken with injury, he would boast a mightily impressive 12 strikes from 25 league clashes.

Maja’s Championship numbers (24/25)

Stat

Maja

Games played

25

Goals scored

12

Scoring frequency

Every 173 mins

Assists

2

Big chances created

6

Stats by Sofascore

It’s not just his explosive goalscoring form that will catch Mason’s eye here, however, with the former Sunderland centre-forward also amassing six big chances created across this span of league games.

This could result in Maja supplying Heggebo with chances galore moving forward, with the Brann menace’s goalscoring prowess – firing home a lethal 11 goals in the Eliteserien in 2024 alone – hopefully then coming to the forefront.

Hailed as “special” by Carlos Corberan when the Spaniard was still occupying the Hawthorns dug-out, it does feel like a waste not to try and get the best out of Maja again, with Norwich perhaps on the receiving end of the 26-year-old’s clinical edge later on, as Mason attempts to get West Brom’s faltering season back on track with tweaks here and there.

Related Mason could unleash Price 2.0 at West Brom in "outstanding" 19-year-old

Ryan Mason can unleash another Isaac Price at West Bromwich Albion with this outstanding youngster.

Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson Sep 28, 2025

While success hasn’t always followed, West Ham United have had some genuine world-beaters represent the club over the years.

For example, the likes of Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst are more than just club legends; they are true icons of the English game.

Then, in the modern day, while he’s not quite matched their achievements, Jarrod Bowen is in with a real chance of being the club’s greatest ever Premier League player.

However, there is another man who might have an equal shout for that title: Dimitri Payet.

The Frenchman was utterly incredible during his time with the club, and in great news, Nuno Espírito Santo has someone in his current squad with shades of the midfielder in his game.

Payet's West Ham career

West Ham signed Payet from Marseille for a fee of around £10.7m, and while the move received little media attention at the time, it would soon be looked at as one of the best deals that summer.

It didn’t take long at all for the mercurial midfielder to make his mark, as on his debut, against Arsenal, he provided an assist for Cheikhou Kouyaté from a well-taken free-kick.

From that point onwards, the Saint-Pierre-born genius would continue to turn up for the Hammers, and by the end of the season, he had racked up a brilliant haul of 12 goals and 15 assists in 38 games, totalling 3223 minutes.

Unsurprisingly, such an incredible debut campaign for the club saw him named the Premier League Player of the Year at the 2016 London Football Awards, shortlisted for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and named West Ham United Player of the Year.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and after telling the club he didn’t want to play for them anymore, he left for £25m in January.

Appearances

60

Minutes

4981′

Goals

15

Assists

22

Points per Game

1.52

It’s hard to overstate how brilliant Payet was to watch at West Ham, and while there isn’t anyone just like him in the current squad, there is someone with shades of him in their game.

West Ham's star with shades of Payet

Now, there are a number of players in this current West Ham side who could go on to do great things at the club, as Bowen already has.

Chalkboard

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

However, when it comes to someone who has shades of Payet in their game, it’s hard to look past Crysencio Summerville and the potential he has.

It’s important to say the word potential, as it would be crazy to suggest that the former Leeds United star has reached the levels the Frenchman did at the club.

However, that is not the point, as this isn’t a comparison to say he will be as good as the 38-year-old; it’s to point out the elements of his game that feel Payet-esque.

One such element is his brilliant ability with the ball at his feet, specifically when it comes to dribbling and beating opponents.

This was on full display in his Man of the Match-winning display against Everton on Monday night, as the Dutchman was able to complete three of five dribbles, which was the most of anyone on the pitch, including Jack Grealish.

More than that, he utilises this ball-carrying ability to create numerous chances for his teammates, whether through winning fouls or outmanoeuvring opponents.

SCA (Fouls Drawn)

0.52

Top 1%

Fouls Drawn

2.58

Top 3%

Penalty Kicks Won

0.10

Top 4%

Pass Completion % (Medium)

88.1%

Top 5%

SCA (Take-On)

0.72

Top 7%

GCA (Fouls Drawn)

0.10

Top 8%

For example, FBref ranks him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions coming from fouls won, the top 4% for penalties won, the top 7% for shot-creating actions coming from take-ons and more, all per 90.

Finally, while his output hasn’t been ideal since his move to East London, there is undoubtedly a star waiting to come out in the “unstoppable” game-changer, as dubbed by Statman Dave.

This was on show in his final campaign with Leeds, when he racked up 21 goals and ten assists in 49 games and won the Championship Player of the Year.

Ultimately, Summerville isn’t as talented as Payet, but with his ability on the ball and dynamism, there are certainly shades of the Frenchman in his game.

West Ham's "quiet leader" now resigned to quitting in January after Nuno decision

The Portuguese’s arrival is set to ignite an overhaul.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 1, 2025

Antonio Conte revealed why he left out star players Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay from Napoli's matchday squad against Torino in Serie A on Saturday. The reigning Italian champions felt the absence of the former Manchester United duo as they went down 1-0 away from home, with Giovanni Simeone scoring the winning goal in the first half for the hosts.

Hojlund's blistering form since Napoli switch

Hojlund has enjoyed a purple patch ever since he moved to Napoli on a loan deal with an option to buy next summer from Manchester United. After being put into Ruben Amorim's 'bomb squad' at Old Trafford during pre-season, the Danish striker had little option but to leave United. However, the switch has proved to be a boon for the striker, who massively misfired in England after impressing at Atalanta in his early days.

Since the switch to Naples, Hojlund has already scored four goals in six matches across all competitions and was also in fine form during the international break. After starring with a brace in Denmark's 6-0 thrashing of Belarus in the World Cup qualifiers, he once again contributed with a goal in their 3-0 win over Greece in their second match in October. 

After a delightful showing against the Greeks, Hojlund took to social media to share his feelings, as he wrote: "A wise man once said: Goals are like ketchup. Once they come, they keep on coming."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportConte explained why Hojlund and McTominay were left out

Despite enjoying a brilliant run of form, Conte did not include Hojlund or another ex-United star McTominay, in his matchday squad for the Torino. After the loss, the Italian coach explained his decision.

On Hojlund and McTominay's exclusion, Conte told reporters: "They came with us because we wanted them to play. On Thursday, McTominay injured himself and needed six stitches to his ankle. It was annoying. We tried yesterday, but he preferred not to take any risks. I can't force anyone. 

"Rasmus arrived very tired from the national team: he wasn't playing, then he played every game against us and against Denmark. He had a small strain in his quadriceps: playing every three days, even a small problem like that becomes a problem. There was no point in risking him when we had alternatives. A healthy horse is better than a lame horse, they say in my house."

Napoli slips to second position in Serie A

The loss against Torino was the champions' second defeat of the 2025-26 campaign as they slipped to the second position on the points table, following Inter's 1-0 win over Roma. Napoli and Inter are now tied on 15 points but the Nerrazurri are ahead on goal difference.

Dissecting his team's performance, Conte added: "Today, if you look at the goal we conceded… we scored it. There wasn't a defensive blunder or someone's misplaced exit. Unfortunately, there was this rebound, where Gilmour (who had a great game) accidentally touched the ball and set up Simeone. It wasn't a move created by Torino that put us in trouble."

He added: "We have to be good at preparing for these counterattacks. This is a team that plays and moves forward, it's inevitable that when you leave 50 meters of the pitch, you have to be good at defending those 50 meters of the pitch. When you press high up, it's inevitable that you'll accept duels."

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AFPMcTominay yet to find his rhythm

McTominay took Serie A by storm in his maiden campaign at Napoli last season as he won the league's Most Valuable Player of the Year award and contributed to the club's league triumph. However, the midfielder has yet to replicate his form from last season in the 2025-26 campaign thus far. The Scottish midfielder has appeared in six league matches for the club and has provided just one assist. In the recent international break, McTominay finally found his scoring boots as he bagged the winner in Scotland's narrow 2-1 victory over Belarus in a World Cup qualifying match. 

Conte's side will be back in action on Tuesday as they face Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in a crucial Champions League match. The manager will hope that Hojlund and McTominay recover properly and can return to the starting lineup for that match.

أعلنت رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز اليوم الخميس، عن قائمة المرشحين لجائزة أفضل لاعب في المسابقة وذلك عن شهر أكتوبر.

وشهد هذا الشهر العديد من المباريات المثيرة في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج” كما استمر إيرلينج هالاند في تألقه.

وشهد الشهر لقاء ديربي بين ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد واستطاع رجال أموريم أن يحققوا فوزًا مهمًا بثنائية مقابل هدف لأول مرة على ملعب “أنفيلد” منذ 9 سنوات.

ويتواجد إيرلينج هالاند، نجم مانشستر سيتي على رأس المرشحين للفوز بجائزة لاعب شهر أكتوبر بعدما سجل جميع أهداف مانشستر سيتي الثلاثة في أكتوبر، رافعًا رصيده إلى 11 هدفًا في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز هذا الموسم.

ويتواجد كاش لاعب أستون فيلا في القائمة بعدما ساهم في تحقيق فريقه فوزه الثاني هذا الموسم بفوزه على بيرنلي 2-1، قبل أن يُمرر تمريرة رائعة أدت إلى هدف الفوز ضد توتنهام هوتسبير.

واختتم الدولي البولندي شهرًا مميزًا بتسجيله الهدف الوحيد في فوز فيلا 1-0 على مانشستر سيتي.

اقرأ أيضًا | طبيب يمنح بيدري وبرشلونة نصيحة هامة لتفادي الإصابات

برونو جيمارايش لاعب نيوكاسل الذي سجل هدفين من أصل خمسة أهداف سجلها فريقه في أكتوبر، سجل هدفًا رائعًا من مسافة بعيدة في الفوز 2-0 على نوتنجهام فورست.

وتواجد فان دن بيرج لاعب برينتفورد بعدما سجل هدفين في الشوط الثاني في الفوز 2-0 على إيفرتون.

وظهر جونيور كروبي لاعب بورنموث إذ تألق اللاعب الفرنسي البالغ من العمر 19 عامًا، حيث سجل ثلاثة أهداف في مباراتين فقط مع بورنموث.

وتواجد بريان مبويمو بعدما قاد فريقه للفوز على ليفربول بتسجيله أول أهداف المباراة في وقت مبكر وتألق في العديد من المباريات الأخرى جعلت مانشستر يونايتد يتواجد ضمن أول 5 مراكز في جدول البريميرليج.

وظهر نوردي موكيلي مدافع سندرلاد، إذ تألق المدافع الفرنسي ووضع فريقه في المقدمة خلال فوزهم 2-0 على ولفرهامبتون وساعدهم في الحفاظ على نظافة شباكهم في مباراتهم الوحيدة هذا الشهر.

إيجور تياجو مهاجم برينتفورد أصبح مرشحًا للاعب الشهر في أكتوبر بعدما واصل تألقه أمام المرمى، وسجل هدفين في ثلاث مباريات خلال شهر أكتوبر.

خلال شهر أكتوبر، لم ينجح أي فريق في هز الشباك أمام دفاع آرسنال الفولاذي، لذلك تواجد جورين تيمبر في القائمة لما أظهره من أداء مميز من الناحية البدنية والفنية.

Lighting up the pitch in October 💫

Vote now for your @EASPORTSFC Player of the Month 🗳️ — Premier League (@premierleague) October 30, 2025

Lara Goodall hasn’t found a place in the South Africa touring side despite Anneke Bosch’s continued unavailability

Firdose Moonda26-May-2025

Marizanne Kapp is back after being rested for the tri-series in Sri Lanka•BCCI

Marizanne Kapp will return to South Africa’s white-ball squads for their tour of the West Indies next month after being rested for the tri-series in Sri Lanka in April-May. Kapp last played for South Africa in the home series against England in December and was last in action at any level in March at the WPL. She has been on a conditioning block over the past two months and rejoins the squad in preparation for the ODI World Cup.South Africa have also recalled seamers Tumi Sekhukhune and Ayanda Hlubi, who were not part of the Sri Lanka tri-series, which gives them seven seam options in the West Indies.Legspinner Seshnie Naidu and batter Lara Goodall are the two casualties from the Sri Lanka series, with Goodall not retained despite Anneke Bosch’s continued unavailability. Bosch was ruled out of the Sri Lanka series with illness and ESPNcricinfo has confirmed that her recovery is ongoing.WI vs SA schedule

June 11 – 1st ODI
June 14 – 2nd ODI
June 17 – 3rd ODI
June 20 – 1st T20I
June 22 – 2nd T20I
June 23 – 3rd T20I

Seventeen-year-old wicketkeeper Karabo Meso has kept her place in the squad, giving South Africa two options behind the stumps, with Sinalo Jafta also in the traveling party. They have also given themselves five spin options led by left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, offspinner Nondumiso Shangase, seasoned allrounders Chloe Tryon and Sune Luus, and 20-year-old allrounder Miane Smit, who debuted in ODIs in Sri Lanka, and could make her first T20I appearance in the West Indies.The T20I series will be coach Mandla Mashimbyi’s first in the shortest format after taking over the role in December last year, and will not have as much importance as the ODIs, with South Africa’s calendar fairly scant ahead of the World Cup.South Africa will play West Indies in three ODIs and then three T20Is and then play Pakistan in three more ODIs before the ODI World Cup in India in September-October and have much to ponder. They missed out on the tri-series final in Sri Lanka after losing three of their four matches – two to India and one to Sri Lanka – in the league stage and have only won three of their last 13 ODIs. South Africa were semi-finalists at the 2022 ODI World Cup and losing finalists at both the 2023 and 2024 T20 World Cups, and expectation to go one step further is growing.Nonkululeko Mlaba headlines a strong spin attack•ICC/Getty Images

Mashimbyi remained positive in the team’s ability to bounce back, especially after a difficult trip to Sri Lanka, where several players were troubled by the severe heat. “Sri Lanka was tough, but we took a lot of positives out of that, and whatever gaps we’ve picked up, we want to make sure that we brush up on them,” he said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to that, and the players have been working to make sure that they prepare well for the Caribbean tour. It’s an exciting white-ball tour ahead in the West Indies, and a fantastic opportunity for the players to continue testing their skills. The more cricket we play, the more we learn about our combinations and individual growth as a team.”All six matches in the Caribbean will take place at the Three Ws Oval in Barbados, starting on June 11.South Africa squad for white-ball series in the West Indies
Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit, Chloé Tryon

The last 12 months have been nothing short of a disaster for Manchester United, with the club falling way below the high standards it has set for itself in years prior.

Ruben Amorim led the side to a measly 15th-place finish in 2024/25, with such a position their lowest since the Premier League’s formation way back in 1992.

Despite such a disappointing year last time around, the hierarchy maintained confidence in the 40-year-old to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.

He was subsequently handed a £200m injection into the first-team squad by the board in an attempt to help transform the situation and catapult the side up the table.

However, one player who has so often produced the goods for the Red Devils has fallen way below his own high standards during the early stages of 2025/26.

Bruno Fernandes’ struggles in 2025/26 for United

Last season, Bruno Fernandes was undoubtedly United’s biggest threat within attacking areas, with his contributions saving the club in countless key moments.

The Portuguese international popped up with 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions, undoubtedly preventing the side from an even lower top-flight finish.

However, he was subject to interest from Saudi Arabia during the summer, but he rejected the eye-watering contract in favour of remaining in Manchester.

The 30-year-old has struggled to replicate such form in the last couple of weeks, with the club captain only registering two combined goals and assists in his first outings.

He’s also missed two spot kicks to date, one against Brentford and the other against Fulham – with both misses undoubtedly costing the Red Devils key points.

Amid the big spending in the final third, Fernandes has had to drop into a slightly deeper role, which will have no doubt restricted him from making the desired impact.

As a result, the 30-year-old could well find himself further down the pecking order in the years ahead, with one player potentially inheriting his current squad number.

The Man United player who could steal the #8 from Bruno

A new midfielder was on the agenda for United during the summer transfer window, but they struggled to identify the key fit needed to improve the squad.

Carlos Baleba was one player hugely touted with a switch to Old Trafford, but his £100m asking price saw the Red Devils withdraw from negotiations, subsequently unable to identify an alternative.

Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are just two players who still remain as options at Amorim’s disposal, but are seen by many as players not good enough to take the side back up the table.

However, another option currently on their books is Kobbie Mainoo, but the Englishman has struggled to make a huge impact since Amorim was appointed last November.

The academy graduate managed just 20 starts in the Premier League last campaign, often being selected behind the aforementioned duo and Fernandes.

However, such a decision may come as a surprise, with the youngster enjoying a phenomenal 2023/24 season, scoring in the FA Cup final triumph against Manchester City in his breakthrough season. It was during that term that he was labelled as a future “£100m-plus footballer” by United writer Alex Turk

This campaign has been just as tricky for the midfielder, making five league appearances – all of which were off the bench, and only featuring for a total of 113 minutes.

The “incredible” star, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has previously managed to impress, even being compared to Declan Rice by FBref for his performances in the league last campaign.

Games played

25

Minutes played

1656

Pass accuracy

87%

Chances created

1.7

Successful dribbles

1.3

Tackles won

63%

Duels won

5.9

Interceptions made

1.2

Recoveries made

4.8

He managed to outperform his compatriot in numerous key areas, further highlighting the talent he possesses when given the chance to star on a regular basis.

The Arsenal star cost a staggering £105m back in the summer of 2023, with such a fee being one of the highest in English history – but United could well have their own gem on their hands in Mainoo.

At just 20, he has bags of time to develop further and become a world-class talent, but he desperately needs the manager to put faith in him and give him the game time he needs.

With Bruno’s lack of impact as of late, the manager needs to give him an opportunity to stake his claim, with Mainoo having the tools to replace the Portuguese midfielder long term – subsequently taking his number in the process.

Fewer touches than Lammens: Man Utd star is on borrowed time under Amorim

Manchester United got back to winning ways with a vital win over Sunderland on Saturday afternoon

ByRobbie Walls Oct 5, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo saiu do gramado do Morumbi neste sábado (19) com uma preocupação. O lateral-esquerdo Marçal deixou a partida na qual empatou em 0 a 0 com o São Paulo aos 21 minutos do primeiro tempo se queixando de dores na panturrilha esquerda. Porém, o jogador indicou depois do jogo que não se tratava de nada grave.

Aos 40 minutos do primeiro tempo, o atleta havia levado uma sola do atacante Michel Araújo, de acordo com a transmissão do canal Premiere. Marçal saiu de campo para a entrada de Hugo e ficou no banco de reservas, aplicando gelo na panturrilha esquerda.

De acordo com o “ge”, o camisa 21 demonstrou tranquilidade ao passar pela zona mista após a partida no Morumbi.

– Estou bem, nada grave não! – disse.

A equipe médica fez uma análise rápida e concluiu que a situação não preocupa. A opção pela saída e aplicação de gelo foi para preservar o jogador.

Marçal passará por uma reavaliação para saber se estará em condições de atuar nos jogos da próxima semana. No dia 23, o Glorioso encara o Defensa Y Justicia, no primeiro jogo das quartas de final da Copa Sul-Americana. No dia 27, os alvinegros encaram o Bahia.

*Atualizada às 20h

Romario moved around the penalty area with the stealthy gait and sly gaze of a panther, ready to suddenly accelerate as soon as the ball came his way, to disorient the opposing defenders with a couple of feints, to pounce on the ball, which inevitably ended up at his feet, as if magnetised, and finish with an unstoppable shot of pure technique or power, or alternatively serve up a perfect assist for one of his team-mates. He was a Hall of Fame striker if ever there was one.

• One of the game's greatest finishers

  Having emerged from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Romario achieved the highest goals a footballer could aspire to. His greatest successes came with the Brazil national team, with whom he won the South American Under-20 Championship (1985), silver at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, two Copa America titles (1989 and 1997), a Confederations Cup (1997) and, above all, the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

  Romario turned scoring goals into an art form. Sometimes he scored on the run, after sneaking away and touching the ball several times with his favoured right foot, while on other occasions he was more direct, finding the net with either foot with his first touch or on the rebound.

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• AFP
  

  'Unmarkable' with a magic touch

  Romario claims that, including friendlies, charity matches and youth games,he has scored over 1000 goals over the course of his career, a milestone he reached at the age of 41 on 20 May, 2007, when he scored a penalty for Vasco da Gama against Sport Recife.

  It matters little that FIFA only recognises 760 of his goals in official matches between clubs, the senior national team and the Olympic side, making Romario the fourth-highest scorer in football history, though they concede his tally reaches 929 when taking into account his youth-team efforts.

  "When Romario touches the ball, it makes a magical sound," former Italy centre-back Alessandro Costacurta said of facing the Brazilian goal machine. "'Tum tum tum'. He touches it many times in a few metres and then has the ability to understand when his opponent is moving, but above all to understand the movements of his team-mates first in order to pass the ball. Inside the area, he is unmarkable."

• Robbed of the Ballon d'Or

  Certainly, 'O Baixinho' ('The Little One') – as he was called because of his short stature – ruled the penalty area, but Romario was capable of scoring goals in all sorts of ways; with lobs or soft touches, with brutal power, from inside the area or from distance, and even with his head, thanks to his ability to control the ball and read its trajectory in advance. He won team and individual trophies around the world, finishing as top scorer in 26 different competitions, a record that is unlikely to be equalled.

  Romario's magical year came when he won the World Cup in 1994, but at the time non-European Union players were not eligible for the Ballon d'Or, meaning he missed out on winning the greatest individual prize in the game. FIFA did award Romario the FIFA World Player of the Year award, while in 2000, he won the South American Ballon d'Or as the best player on the continent, but he never got his hands on the ultimate footballing honour.

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• From the favelas to the big leagues

  Born on 29 January, 1966 in Bairro Jacarezinho, Romario grew up within one of the worst favelas in Rio de Janeiro. Despite the situation of destitution and absolute poverty, his love for football saved him, and at the age of 10, he began playing football with Estrelinha de Vila de Penha, a team founded by his father.

  In 1979, at the age of 13, Romario was signed by the Olaria youth team, whose first team played in the Brazilian top-flight at the time. Here he was spotted by Vasco da Gama, who brought him into their youth academy.

When it comes to the best academies in world football, Chelsea’s Cobham ranks right near the very top.

The Blues have developed an army of incredible players over the years, and not just attackers either, as they’ve helped create some top-quality defenders like John Terry, Reece James, Fikayo Tomori and Trevoh Chalobah.

Unfortunately, as the club is prone to selling youngsters, they have also missed out on some of the gems they’ve produced, with Marc Guehi being one of the most notable when it comes to defenders.

Yet, there is another international that Chelsea were was perhaps too happy to move on, someone who looks set to be a future England star alongside Guehi.

Guehi's rise to England international

Guehi spent most of his childhood and teenage years in Chelsea’s academy system, and while he did make two competitive appearances for the club, his first real taste of senior football came when he joined Swansea City on loan in January 2020.

The Abidjan-born ace would rejoin the Swans for the entirety of the 20/21 campaign, and by the time he left South Wales, he had made 59 appearances for the club.

Unfortunately, first-team football was once again an unlikely prospect upon his return to Stamford Bridge, so instead of going out on another loan, the Englishman opted to move south of the river and join Crystal Palace permanently.

As we all know, that was an excellent decision for his own development, as since then he’s made 161 appearances for the Eagles, 135 of which have been in the Premier League, and even captained them to FA Cup glory.

Moreover, his performances at Selhurst Park were enough to catch Gareth Southgate’s eye, and he won his first senior England cap in March 2022.

Since then, the 25-year-old has become a key part of the Three Lions setup, winning another 24 caps and being one of the nation’s most impressive players in Euro 2024.

This international break has been another positive one for the defensive titan as he helped to keep two clean sheets and even scored his first England goal away to Serbia last night while providing the assist for Ezri Konsa’s strike.

Minutes

93′

Goals

1

Assists

1

Clearances

3

Interceptions

1

Tackles

1

Ground Duels (Won)

1 (1)

Lost Possession

1

Touches

83

Accurate Passes

72/74 (97%)

Key Passes

3

Long Balls (Accurate)

3 (2)

Big Chances Created

1

Shots on Target

1

More than that, though, he really showed why he’s one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the game by completing 72 of 74 passes, taking 83 touches, playing three key passes, losing the ball just twice and creating one big chance.

In all, it would be fair to say Chelsea got it wrong selling Guehi, and unfortunately, it looks like they may have made a similar mistake with another player.

The future England great sold by Chelsea

Given the nature of how Chelsea approach the transfer market, they are always going to let one or two potential stars slip through their fingers, and that might be the case with Lewis Hall.

Where Are They Now

Like Guehi, the Slough-born defender came up through Cobham, playing for the club’s U18s, U21s and UEFA Youth League sides and even making 12 appearances for the first-team.

However, despite having just signed a seven-year contract, the boyhood Newcastle United fan moved to the Magpies on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy for £35m in August 2023.

He endured a slow start to life at St James’ Park, but he was finally given a starting berth last season, and before injuring his ankle, he looked elite.

For example, in just 27 league appearances, totalling 2193 minutes, he was able to amass five assists, which might not sound like an outrageous amount, but given his age, it’s an impressive early indication.

Moreover, he put up some seriously impressive underlying numbers.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 5% of full-backs in the league last season for progressive passing distance and shots blocked, the top 8% for dribblers challenged, the top 10% for long passes completed, the top 12% for crosses and more, all per 90.

In other words, his numbers painted the picture of a progressive full-back who is comfortable in attacking scenarios but is also no slouch when it comes to the defensive side of the game.

It’s likely this brilliant combination that saw him called up to England duty and win his first two senior caps under Lee Carsley last November.

It’s also likely why respected analyst Ben Mattinson predicted that in the long term, it’ll be a “battle” between him and Myles Lewis-Skelly for England’s starting left-back role under Tuchel.

Ultimately, Chelsea have got plenty right in the transfer market, but just as selling Guehi was a mistake, it looks like selling Hall will be considered the same, especially if he continues to play so well “at the highest level,” per Mattinson.

Enzo Maresca dealt another Chelsea injury blow as club release statement

The Blues are set to be without a few key players.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 10, 2025

Ecclestone, Morris claim five wickets between them as Lancashire take charge in low-scoring contest

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay26-May-2025Lancashire overpowered fellow Tier One side The Blaze in a rain-affected second semi-final of the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup Finals Day. Following their seven-wicket victory, they will join Surrey in an all-Tier One final under the floodlights in Taunton, as they look to lift the first silverware of the new women’s era.The Blaze looked to be on top of an international-studded Lancashire bowling line-up before the rain delay, reaching 73 for 5 from 13.2 overs. After losing the toss and being put into bat first, the East Midlands outfit got off to a flyer as opener Marie Kelly scored a quick-fire 23 from 12, including five fours, before being bowled by Sophie Morris. Sarah Bryce was second top-scorer for The Blaze, hitting 18 from 22 before being caught and bowled by England international Kate Cross.However, the break in play stalled their momentum, as Thunder restricted them to 13 for 3 off their remaining 2.4 overs as the game was reduced to 16 overs a side. Lancashire’s spin duo of Morris (2 for 16 from three) and Sophie Ecclestone (3 for 19 from four) took the bulk of their wickets, with all three of Ecclestone’s wickets coming after the rain delay. That helped restrict The Blaze to 86 for 8, setting Thunder 90 to win after DLS was calculated.Requiring less than a run a ball to advance to the evening’s final, Thunder entered the chase as clear favourites. However, the run-out of Tilly Kesteven for a diamond duck on the second ball of their innings, taking on the arm of McCarthy, created some nervousness for the rest of their chase. Emma Lamb was caught off the bowling of Grace Ballinger by Ella Claridge in the next over, also for 0, before Fi Morris was run out in identical fashion to Kesteven for 9, leaving the team at 19 for 3 from 4.3 overs.The Blaze’s bowling attack did well to restrict Thunder to 45 for 3 after the opening 10 overs, six runs behind The Blaze’s 51 for 4 at the same stage. Cassidy McCarthy and Kirstie Gordon were the pick of the bowlers during this stage, with economies of 2.00 and 2.33 respectively.However, a 72-run partnership between wicketkeeping duo Ellie Threlkeld (34 from 34) and Seren Smale (35 from 42) allowed Thunder to fight back, chasing down the target with an over to spare.The Blaze will face Surrey in the final, where they have the opportunity to become the inaugural champions of the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup, a knock-out tournament created by the ECB to allow all three tiers of the domestic women’s game to come up against one another.