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The Brewers punched their ticket to the NLCS by following the same formula that earned them a league-high 97 wins this season—timely hitting, dominant pitching and elite defense. Unfortunately for Milwaukee, its offense didn’t make the trip to the league championship round.

Milwaukee was held to exactly one run yet again in Game 3, falling 3–1 to the Dodgers on Thursday night in Los Angeles. The Brewers, trailing 3–0 in the series, are now just one loss away from being swept out of the NLCS, a round they’ve reached just four times in franchise history.

It’s not difficult to pinpoint where the Brewers have gone wrong. Through three games, Milwaukee has scored a total of three runs while batting .101 as a team with just nine hits. According to TNT Sports, the Brewers have the fewest hits (nine) through three games of a playoff series since the White Sox in 1906.

No, that is not a typo. The White Sox had just nine hits in the first three games of the 1906 World Series against the Cubs.

It is worth noting the White Sox won that World Series in six games—although they were able to take two of the first three games, unlike the Brewers, who could be packing their bags for the offseason as early as Friday night in Game 4.

Who needs to step up for the Brewers?

Is “everyone”a suitable answer?

Christian Yelich led the team with 29 homers and a .795 OPS in the regular season, but he’s batting just .200/.294/.233 in the postseason and an even worse 1-for-11 (.091) in the NLCS. Young stars Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio are a combined 2-for-23 against the Dodgers, and Andrew Vaughn—a hero in the NLDS—is still looking for his first NLCS hit.

Milwaukee’s best bat this series has been Caleb Durbin, a bottom-of-the-order option in manager Pat Murphy’s lineup who has three hits in nine at-bats against Los Angeles.

“We’re in a big hole,” Yelich said Thursday after the Game 3 loss. “Our goal right now should be to get the series back to Milwaukee. And worry about the rest later. We can’t look at it as we’ve got to win four in a row. Obviously we do, But we can’t win four [games] without winning one or without winning two.”

The Brewers will try to keep their season alive Friday night with the second game of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 8:38 p.m. ET.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone has caught some flak from fans and pundits after his decision to remove ace Max Fried in the seventh inning of the club's eventual 3-1 loss to the Red Sox in Game 1 of the American League wild-card series on Tuesday night. Fried, after working himself out of trouble in the fifth and sixth innings, came out for the seventh having expended 99 pitches. After Fried induced a Jarren Duran groundout, Boone made the trip from the dugout and took the ball from his starter, turning to a Yankees bullpen that has been equal parts brilliant and disastrous this season.

Yankees reliever Luke Weaver got two quick strikes on Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela, but it was all downhill from there. A walk, a double and a single later, and the Red Sox had the lead.

After the game, Boone explained the reasoning behind removing Fried from the game.

"They pressured him pretty good in the fourth, fifth, sixth," Boone said. "Had a couple baserunners each inning. So I felt like he kind of cruised through the first few and obviously he ends up pitching great. But I felt like he had to work pretty hard—and I was going to have the sixth be the end but once we finished with the double play, I wanted him to go out and get Duran and felt like we were lined up."

As well as Boone felt Fried navigated through some traffic on the basepaths, the Yankees manager also seemed to see Fried emptying the tank a bit.

"Maybe a little bit I felt that way," Boone said. "I felt like his command was not as good those final few [innings]. He was making so many big pitches and his stuff was good. Look, he gave us what we needed and felt really good about the outing he put forth. But I felt pretty convicted, like, especially we got the double play. Let’s go get one more hitter and be good."

Did Fried feel that he had tired?

"I definitely exerted a lot of energy trying to get out of that, but I definitely had enough in the tank for whatever the team needed. But Booney [Aaron Boone] was confident to be able to give the ball to Weave [Luke Weaver] in that situation," Fried said.

While the Yankees bullpen went on to surrender one more run in the ninth, New York had a chance to rally against Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman, loading the bases with no one out but ultimately falling short.

The Yankees will now turn to Carlos Rodon in a do-or-die Game 2 on Wednesday.

Wayne Rooney was ridiculed after admitting it was “hard” to watch his wife Coleen during her stint on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, revealing he struggled emotionally while alone in Plymouth, as she became a fan favourite in the jungle. The former Manchester United striker explained why viewing her on the show left him feeling overwhelmed during a difficult period in his managerial career.

Wayne and Coleen Rooney's differing ends to 2024

Coleen’s appearance on I’m A Celebrity in late 2024 became one of the most talked-about moments of the show’s recent history, as she entered the Australian jungle after years of avoiding reality TV. Her decision came at a time when her young children were older, allowing her to commit to a long stint away from home. Coleen embraced the challenge head-on, participating in 'Bushtucker Trials' and endearing herself to viewers with her competitiveness and resilience.

While Coleen flourished on screen and ultimately finished as the runner-up, her success contrasted sharply with Wayne’s struggles back in England. The United legend was enduring a turbulent spell as manager of Plymouth Argyle, battling a disastrous run of results and mounting pressure. As Coleen captured the nation’s attention, Wayne was facing relentless scrutiny and the stress of a looming relegation fight. This unique overlap created widespread public discussion around the couple, with many viewers joking about Wayne struggling while his wife dominated the headlines.

AdvertisementGetty Images EntertainmentWayne reveals why it was 'hard' to watch Coleen on I'm A Celeb…

Coleen revealed on why she finally agreed to join the show, saying: "I just felt like the time was right. The kids were all a little bit older. I think in the past, the kids have been too young to leave them for that amount of time. But, also, I'd made this decision to start doing some better work again. So I thought that would be the good a good start."

She added that although she was not naturally drawn to reality TV, this particular show had always appealed to her competitive side. "Also, I think it's I've never been one for reality TV. Like, there's not much I would do. I've always said if I was to do one, I'd do that. I'm quite competitive."

Wayne, meanwhile, admitted that the experience of watching the show was unexpectedly difficult for him. "It was hard watching, you know," he confessed to a spate of laughs, prompting the interviewer to ask why. "I was away in Plymouth, so I was on my own as well," Rooney continued, while Coleen laughed beside him as he recalled his lonely viewing nights.

The former England captain added that the impact took him by surprise. "So in the apartment on my own, so I'm watching it, and then it was, it was emotional."

Coleen's positive public image after I'm A Celeb…

Coleen’s appearance on the show coincided with one of the highest-profile public redemptions in recent celebrity TV history. After years of being at the centre of the so-called 'Wagatha Christie' saga involving Rebekah Vardy, she used the jungle setting to reshape her public image. Her warmth, humour, and willingness to take on difficult tasks quickly made her a favourite among viewers, and her journey to the final cemented her as one of the breakout stars of the series.

At the same time, Wayne was enduring a managerial nightmare at Plymouth Argyle. His team entered a severe slump, conceding goals at an alarming rate and failing to secure wins during the very weeks Coleen was excelling on television. The pressure intensified with each match, ultimately resulting in Rooney’s departure from the club on December 31, 2024.

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Getty Images SportColeen's TV future — Wayne's uncertain managerial career

With Coleen’s public profile rejuvenated and her popularity soaring, there has been speculation that she may pursue further media projects following her successful stint on I’m A Celebrity. Her openness about the experience suggests she is more comfortable stepping back into the spotlight than at any point in recent years. Whether she chooses more television or focuses on other professional ventures remains to be seen.

For Wayne, the future is more uncertain. After leaving Plymouth, he has been linked to several coaching roles but remains at a crossroads following another setback in his managerial career. The Manchester United legend has been taking up punditry duties and working with the BBC's 'The Wayne Rooney Show' to keep himself occupied as he decides upon his future.

The one-off Test starts on October 20, while the three-match T20I series begins October 29

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Oct-2025

Rashid Khan has been rested for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe as a “precautionary measure to prioritise his well-being and sustained performance for upcoming international events,” according to an ACB statement. He will, however, return to lead the side in the three-match T20I series that follows.With Rashid sitting out of the Test, Afghanistan’s selectors turned to a mix of fresh and familiar names. Right-arm quick Ziaur Rahman, left-arm spinner Sharafuddin Ashraf, and legspinner Khalil Gurbaz, all of whom impressed in the domestic red-ball season, earned call-ups to the Test squad.Shahidullah, the left-arm spin-bowling allrounder, has been rewarded for consistent performances and was included in both the Test and T20I squads. Bashir Ahmad, the left-arm pacer who featured in recent white-ball matches against Bangladesh, retained his place in the Test side. Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the Test team, which also included Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Bahir Shah, and wicketkeepers Afsar Zazai and Ikram Alikhil.In the T20I squad, Rashid returned as captain with Ibrahim his deputy. Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai made a comeback after debuting earlier in 2024. Experienced players Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad were also part of the T20I side, along with pacers Fareed Malik and Abdullah Ahmadzai.The tour will run from October 20 to November 2, with Harare hosting all games.Afghanistan Test Squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Abdul Malik, Afsar Zazai (wk), Ikram Alikhel (wk), Bahir Shah, Shahidullah, Ismat Alam, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Ziaur Rahman Akbar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Khalil Gurbaz, and Bashir Ahmad.
Reserves: Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai, Sediqullah Atal, and Shams Ur Rahman.Afghanistan T20I Squad
Rashid Khan (capt), Ibrahim Zadran (vice-capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Bashir Ahmad, Fareed Malik and Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Reserves: AM Ghazanfar and Faridoon Dawoodzai.

Casemiro wasn’t just on the brink at Manchester United, he looked to have gone over the cliff.

Who can forget that night at Selhurst Park in May 2024, with the Brazilian – albeit deployed in an unorthodox centre-back role – looking all at sea as Crystal Palace ran riot to romp to a 4-0 victory.

Jamie Carragher’s infamous “leave the football before the football leaves you” quotes appeared to hint that the end was nigh for the ageing midfielder, a fact only heightened amid the former Real Madrid man’s dismal start to the following campaign, having been hooked at the break following a disastrous 3-0 loss at home to Liverpool in September.

The arrival of Ruben Amorim, and the shift to a midfield pairing, looked like the final nail in the coffin for his Old Trafford career, with all eyes on the January window and a potential Saudi exit.

Fast forward almost 12 months, however, and the 33-year-old – as he was back in his debut campaign in Manchester – is the glue in this side again, with Saturday’s 2-2 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur outlining the stark drop off that occurs when the five-time Champions League winner is withdrawn.

Manuel Ugarte seemingly can’t cut it, while Kobbie Mainoo is being groomed as Bruno Fernandes’ successor, ensuring a long-term replacement for Casemiro still needs to be found.

Man Utd's record with & without Casemiro this season

It is telling – and rather frustrating – that even in a season of largely just one game a week for the Red Devils, Casemiro still appears unable to complete a full 90 minutes, having been substituted off in seven of his nine Premier League starts this term.

Indeed, the solitary 90 minutes that he has played came recently against Nottingham Forest, in which the £350k-per-week star opened the scoring, with the veteran destroyer far too often withdrawn in the closing stages.

Against Brighton, for instance, United were coasting at 3-0 when the one-time Porto man was replaced on the 70-minute mark, before the Seagulls swiftly staged a stirring comeback in his absence.

A similar scenario occurred last time out, with the away side’s 1-0 lead in north London quickly flipped on its head after Ugarte slotted in alongside Fernandes instead, rubber-stamping Casemiro’s status as arguably one of the most important players in Amorim’s lineup.

That importance is emphasised most notably by the fact of the 20 goals the Old Trafford side have conceded in all competitions this season – including the grim night at Grimsby – 15 of those came when the Brazil skipper wasn’t on the pitch.

Ugarte, a ball-winner and workman-like midfielder by trade, looked to be the perfect successor to his fellow South American upon arrival in Manchester, although now well into his second season, the 24-year-old remains a polarising figure, with Amorim reportedly telling the Uruguayan he no longer recognised the player he had previously coached at Sporting CP.

Hope remains that the aforementioned Mainoo could still thrive alongside Fernandes, rather than act as his deputy, although whether the young Englishman has the defensive nous remains to be seen, with United crumbling when the changes were made in that 4-2 thriller against Brighton.

Non-penalty goals

Top 10%

Total shots

Top 15%

Assists

Top 34%

Pass completion

Top 29%

Progressive passes

Bottom 29%

Progressive carries

Top 35%

Successful take-ons

Bottom 1%

Touches (att pen)

Top 15%

Tackles

Top 1%

Interceptions

Bottom 47%

Aerials won

Top 5%

Clearances

Top 10%

With options limited beyond that in the midfield department, Amorim might have to get creative to find a perfect replacement for Casemiro moving forward.

Man Utd's wildcard Casemiro replacement

Ugarte – unused in the Europa League final – looks destined for an exit before too long. Mainoo, meanwhile, is facing his own uncertainty, having yet to start a Premier League game in 2025/26.

Neither has taken their chance when introduced off the bench, ensuring Amorim could look elsewhere to fill that midfield void, with a potential solution already in-house in the form of ex-Arsenal starlet, Ayden Heaven.

Still just 19, the England youth star has quietly impressed since his arrival from the capital back in January on a £1m deal, with only a cruel injury sustained against Leicester City cutting short his early progress in the first-team ranks.

A powerful, athletic presence, the 6 foot 2 teenager has thus far been deployed in a left-sided centre-back role under Amorim, albeit with his hopes of game time having been hampered this term by the form of Luke Shaw in that starting berth.

With Lisandro Martinez also nearing a return from injury, Heaven could then be nudged into third choice, with a player of his talent and potential arguably far too good to simply be pushed into the periphery.

That is why shifting the Hale End graduate back into midfield could be the answer, with the rangy left-footer having largely featured as a number six or number eight in the Gunners youth ranks in the past.

In the view of respected analyst Ben Mattinson – now a scout for Serie A side Como – the Islington-born sensation “is a midfielder, not a centre-back”, highlighting “his ability to receive the ball under pressure”.

So calm and composed during his early United outings thus far, Heaven has that ability to drive forward from deep with the ball at his feet with ease, with comparisons to a certain Paul Pogba having previously been made by his grassroots football coach Terry Bobie:

The type of player who can dominate a midfield, like Pogba, it would certainly be worth giving Heaven a chance to shine in a more advanced role, having largely passed every test so far in a United shirt.

Indeed, his solitary Europa League start against Real Sociedad saw him win 100% of his duels, while not being dribbled past once, as per Sofascore, producing a performance that simply belied his youth.

With the physical prowess that United appear to be in need of in the absence of Casemiro, the £1m man might just be a bargain solution to Amorim’s longstanding midfield problem.

Man Utd teen who was "beating Yamal" could now replace Amad during AFCON

Man Utd will lose Amad, Mbeumo and Mazraoui just before Christmas due to their AFCON commitments.

1 ByJoe Nuttall Nov 12, 2025

Neymar has seen another transfer door open in front of him, with Boca Juniors captain Leandro Paredes claiming that the Argentine outfit are prepared to “wait” for the Brazilian superstar. Neymar is in the process of running down his contract during a second spell at Santos, with it previously being suggested that he could reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami once hitting free agency.

Santos struggle: Neymar ready for another new challenge

The 33-year-old playmaker appears destined to accept another new challenge early in 2026. An emotional return to where it all began for him at Santos has not worked out as planned – with Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer enduring more injury issues while becoming wedged in an unexpected relegation battle.

A parting of ways there appears inevitable, with Neymar looking to make a fresh start ahead of next summer’s World Cup. A return to Europe for the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has been ruled out, with it likely that he will remain in the Americas.

AdvertisementGettyBoca captain in contact with Neymar

There has been talk of rival outfits in his homeland expressing interest, while a move across the border to Argentina would allow him to link up with ex-PSG team-mate Paredes in Buenos Aires.

With Boca Juniors having Copa Libertadores action on their agenda for 2026, Paredes has told of potentially welcoming a familiar face to La Bombonera: “I talk to Ney a lot. The truth is, I have a very good relationship with him. We're friends. We're always in contact, but he's at his club, we have to respect the other clubs, the decisions of the other players, so I can't say much.”

Paredes went on to say with a smile: “We'll wait for him if he wants!”

MSN reformed: Will Neymar join Messi in Miami?

Boca will likely face competition for Neymar’s signature from Inter Miami, with ex-USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel telling GOAL recently of why a deal that could see the fabled ‘MSN’ attacking unit reformed makes sense: “I think it would be a risk on anyone’s behalf; I think it just depends on how you would structure the contract. You also have to weigh the pros and cons — when you sign legends of the game like Neymar, you also have to take into account the commercial opportunities that go with it, and it coincides nearly every time with the salary and wage packet that you are going to give.

“The plus side is, it is a league that is a step down from where he is playing. Lionel Messi is the greatest of all time, but he can play many more years in MLS. It is a league that will allow players to do that, so I think Inter Miami need to weigh the pros and cons of what they can earn off the field and try to get it correct.

“If they can structure the contract correctly, then it limits the risk. Having Neymar alongside Messi again — I am not sure. We will wait and see, but the league needs to do something commercially.”

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GettyHomecoming for Dybala? Another option for Boca

While waiting to discover what Neymar has planned, Paredes has also reacted to the news that Argentina international team-mate Paulo Dybala could head home if he chooses to sever ties with Serie A side Roma.

Paredes, who played alongside his fellow World Cup winner in Italy, added: “Having a player like Paulo on the team, with his quality and stature, would be spectacular. I'll let each person make their own decision; I can't interfere, it's not my place. There are so many things to consider, and he's about to become a father too. I hope he makes the best decision for himself and his family. We're waiting for him here with undiminished hope.”

Dybala’s contract in Rome is due to expire at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. It may be that he decides to head home – having left Argentina for Italy in 2012 – while Neymar also faces a huge decision on what the immediate future holds for him as questions are asked of whether he is still capable of delivering moments of match-altering brilliance.

أعرب إسلام الشاطر، لاعب الأهلي السابق، عن استيائه من بعض المنتمين لنادي الزمالك، مُشيرًا إلى أزمات الفريق الأبيض الفنية التي أدت إلى خسارته أمام المارد الأحمر في نهائي السوبر المصري.

وقال الشاطر خلال تصريحات له في برنامج “اللعيب” على قناة “mbc masr”: “أنا صراحة (تعبت وزهقت من تكرار نفس الكلام) عندما أسمع البعض يُهنئ الأهلي على الفوز، ولكن بعض المنتمين لـ الزمالك يقولون: (لا، أصل المعلق، وآخر يقول الحكم)”.

وتابع: “يا جماعة، النادي الأهلي أفضل من نادي الزمالك في المباراة خلال 90 دقيقة، بعيدًا عن الأمور الخارجية التي يتم التطرق لها (وهل زيزو صافح هشام نصر أم لم يصافحه)”.

وأضاف: “بالنسبة للمشاهدين، عندما تجلس وتتابع المباراة، ترى فريقًا جيدًا أمامك وهو النادي الأهلي، أحد الأصدقاء المنتمين للزمالك قال لي: (ياعم إنتم كسبتم على الواقف)، حسنًا.. هذه شهادة تقدير، ما بالك لو لم نلعب على الواقف كما تقول، هل كنا سنفوز بخمسة أو ستة أهداف؟”.

طالع أيضًا | شوبير: كفى مظلومية في الزمالك والسير بمبدأ “ضربني وبكى وسبقني واشتكى”

وواصل: “شكرًا لك أنك تقول أننا فزنا بهذه الطريقة 2-0 فقط، المفترض أن تُهنئ الأهلي إذًا، لكن إذا سألته عن مشكلة الزمالك، يقول لك (المعلق والحكم) يا جماعة تحدثوا عن أزمة الزمالك، ضعوا أيديكم على الأزمات ولا تتطرقوا للحديث عن أمور أخرى وما يدور حول الملعب، وإن زيزو لم يُصافح فلان أو إن أمام عاشور كان يضحك”.

واستكمل: “يا جماعة، هذا الكلام معروف للجميع، كلنا نعلمه، وكلنا لعبنا مباريات الأهلي والزمالك، الأبيض يُعاني من مشكلة كبيرة جدًا، وعندما أرى نادي الزمالك بهذا الشكل غير الجيد، أشعر بالضيق من داخلي كأهلاوي”.

وأردف: “نادي الزمالك نعم، هو الضلع الثاني، هو والأهلي يكملان بعضهما البعض في كل شيء في كرة القدم، لكن الأسماء الموجودة أمامي في صفقات الزمالك لعام 2025 لا تصلح للعب مع النادي”.

واختتم: “من الذي اختار هؤلاء اللاعبين؟ يجب أن يُحاسب، وإذا لم يقل أبناء الزمالك ذلك لأنهم ليسوا قادرين، فأنا أقولها”.

تحدث أشرف قاسم، نجم الزمالك السابق، عن فوز الفريق الأبيض على بيراميدز في نصف نهائي بطولة كأس السوبر المصري.

وقال أشرف قاسم، خلال تصريحاته عبر برنامج “يا مساء الأنوار” على قناة “إم بي سي مصر 2”: “لو كان بيزيرا موجودًا، كان سيكون له دور إيجابي في المباراة، فالزمالك واجه فريق بيراميدز صاحب الإمكانيات الكبيرة”.

طالع.. أحمد عبد الرؤوف يوضح سبب عدم مشاركة محمد صبحي أمام بيراميدز.. ويؤكد: جاهزون للنهائي

وأضاف: “أحمد عبد الرؤوف تعامل مع المباراة بحكمة وذكاء، ويعرف قدرات الخصم جيدًا، لذلك لعب على هذا الأساس، ولم تكن هناك مساحات في وسط ملعب الزمالك”.

وأتم: “لم تكن هناك أي خطورة لبيراميدز على غير المعتاد، إذ لعب لاعبو الزمالك بخطوط متقاربة وأغلقوا جميع المساحات بشكل مميز”.

Arsenal are now battling Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of a Real Madrid star, with both clubs conducting scouting missions.

Gunners battling Tottenham and Newcastle for new attacker

The Gunners made major improvements to their already fearsome attack during the summer transfer window, bringing in the likes of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swedish striker making an impressive start to life in north London.

Having pushed Liverpool and Manchester City close over the past three seasons, Mikel Arteta’s side clearly have the quality to end their long wait for a Premier League title, and the manager’s tactics are arguably the main thing holding them back.

After the 1-1 draw against Manchester City, Gary Neville criticised Arteta for his cautious approach to the game, saying: “He could have been more attacking at Anfield and he wasn’t and certainly against City from the start he could have been more attacking.”

As such, Arteta adopting a more attacking mindset may be the key to the Gunners winning the league, but there has also now been a suggestion that the manager remains keen on improving his options in forward areas.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now battling Tottenham and Newcastle for the signature of Real Madrid star Arda Guler, who has emerged as a crucial player since the arrival of Xabi Alonso as manager.

Consequently, the Spanish giants have no desire to cash in on Guler, but that hardline stance hasn’t halted the interest from elsewhere, with the Gunners sending scouts to watch the attacking midfielder in action in La Liga.

With Madrid expressing no interest in selling the 20-year-old, who is focused on his future at the club, it remains to be seen whether a deal is possible, but there is certainly interest on the north Londoners’ behalf.

Journalist shares "surprise" transfer news involving Arsenal and Man City

The Sky Blues and Gunners were some of the summer’s biggest spenders.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 27, 2025 "Exceptional" Guler finding his form in La Liga

After a solid, if not spectacular, first season in Spain, during which the youngster picked up eight La Liga goal contributions, he has really started to find his form this season, picking up three goals and three assists in the opening seven matches.

The Turkey international is particularly adept at setting up chances for his teammates, while he is also an impressive passer of the ball, and strong at winning back possession.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Assists

0.37 (92nd percentile)

Passes attempted

64.58 (99th percentile)

Pass completion %

86.3% (99th percentile)

Tackles

1.99 (93rd percentile)

Jose Mourinho has been left particularly impressed with the £87k-a-week starlet in the past, describing him as “exceptional”, and he clearly has the ability to succeed at the Emirates Stadium, having established himself as a key player for Real Madrid.

That said, it will not be too disappointing if Arsenal miss out, given that they are already blessed with options in attacking midfield, having signed Eze in the summer.

علق محسن صالح، عضو اللجنة الفنية باتحاد الكرة، على رحيل أسامة نبيه، عن منصب المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر تحت 20 عامًا.

وقال محسن صالح عبر برنامج “الكورة مع فايق” على قناة “إم بي سي مصر 2”: “الظروف كانت معروفة، والإعداد لم يكن كافيًا، لأنه تولى المسؤولية قبل البطولة بأيام، نظرًا لإقالة المدرب الأجنبي وتسلمه المهمة، فتم تصعيده بشكل عاجل”.

وواصل: “لا أعتقد أن رحيل ميكالي كان خاطئًا، لأنك تتحدث عن تكلفة عالية جدًا في مدة قصيرة جدًا، ولم يكن مضمونا أن تصل حتى لو استمر، لأن الأمور لم تكن مرتبة بالشكل الصحيح لهذا الفريق”.

واستمر: “أما بالنسبة لأسامة نبيه، فهو في الحقيقة غير متعاقد، ولم يكن مطلوبًا منه أن يقدم استقالة، لأنه لا يوجد عقد يربطه بالاتحاد، الخطة كانت أن يوجه الاتحاد له خطاب شكر عن الفترة الماضية، مع تقديم بعض العذر له، لأنه لم يحقق المطلوب بسبب ضيق الوقت وبعض الأخطاء التي حدثت”.

طالع.. خاص | هل يريد منتخب مصر تجنيس خوان بيزيرا؟

واستكمل: “بذلك يمكن القول إنه تم قبول اعتذاره أو إقالته أو أيا كان المسمى، لكن في النهاية انتهت علاقته بالاتحاد، وتم توجيه الشكر له”.

وأشار: “بخصوص تولي شوقي غريب المسئولية، لا، لم تطرح أسماء بشكل واضح حتى الآن، لكننا بدأنا كلجنة في مناقشة البدائل”.

وأفاد: “نحن لدينا وقت ولسنا في عجلة من أمرنا، لأنه لا توجد ارتباطات قريبة تجبرنا على اتخاذ قرار سريع، وبالتالي الموضوع يحتاج بعض الهدوء لتقييم المرحلة الماضية ودراستها ومعرفة الأسباب التي أدت إلى عدم التأهل ومن ثم ستقوم اللجنة بعملية سكاوتنج لمجموعة من المدربين المحليين والأجانب”.

واسترسل: “بخصوص الحديث عن اتفاق مع الاتحاد الدولي على مشروع جديد لرعاية الموهوبين والناشئين فهذا الملف لدى الكابتن هاني أبو ريدة وليس لدى اللجنة، ولم يطرح علينا بعد”.

وأتم: “لكن اللجنة تدرس بعض الأسماء وتراجع بعض الملفات الخاصة بالمنتخبات، وليس منتخب أسامة فقط، بل كل المنتخبات سيتم تقييم عمل جميع الأجهزة الفنية ومراجعة أداء كل جهاز، لأنه سيكون هناك تقييم شامل، وقد تحدث تغييرات في المرحلة المقبلة”.