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Mohamed Salah cannot tackle Liverpool’s crisis “head on” because he is not the same type of “leader” as former captain Steven Gerrard, according to ex-Reds striker Emile Heskey. The Egypt star has received criticism for not speaking to the media during a difficult run of form which has seen Arne Slot's men win just one of their last five games in all competitions.

Liverpool have won just four of last 10 following Sunderland draw

Hoping last Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham could represent a new dawn, Liverpool were stopped in their tracks once again in a disappointing 1-1 draw with high-flying Sunderland on Wednesday.

Regis Le Bris’ visitors took the lead thanks to winger Chemsdine Talbi’s 67th-minute strike, before Slot’s side rescued a point late on when Reds midfielder Florian Wirtz saw his strike deflect in off Black Cats defender Nordi Mukiele.

The result means Liverpool have now won just four of their last 10 games in all competitions, with the Merseysiders currently sitting eighth in the Premier League table and 13th in the Champions League standings.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportStar forward Salah questioned for lack of post-match interviews

Looking to find the right balance to resurrect his side’s fortunes, manager Slot has started Salah on the bench for the last two league games against West Ham and Sunderland.

While Liverpool have collectively dropped off in what has been alarming 2025-26 campaign so far, Salah has been a shadow of the player who sparkled in the previous season, inspiring the club to a 20th league title after scoring 29 goals and recording 18 assists in 38 glittering appearances.

And while Salah’s uncharacteristic performances have raised eyebrows, the 33-year-old’s leadership has also been questioned in recent weeks. 

Having sought out the media to express his disappointment at not initially being offered a new contract by Liverpool last season, Salah is yet to address supporters amid the club’s sharp decline this term, with captain Virgil van Dijk handling the majority of post-match interviews.

Getty Images SportReds legend Carragher criticises Salah's silence amid poor form

And that is something which has not gone down well with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who told in November: "I think Virgil van Dijk, after the game, has come out again and spoke, as he should do as a captain, he's called Liverpool a mess. 

“I must say, on the back of all these Liverpool defeats, it's always Virgil van Dijk who comes out. And as I said, the captain should do that, but there should be other players in that dressing room coming out and speaking for the club. A year ago this weekend, Mo Salah wasn't shy in coming out and speaking about his own situation, about the club not offering him a contract. I only ever hear Salah speak when he gets man of the match, or he needs a new contract. 

“I'd like to see Mo Salah come out as one of the leaders, as one of the legends of Liverpool, come out and speak for the team. It shouldn't always be the captain.

“But, obviously, the manager is the one in the firing line. Any manager with results like that, as you said, if they were part of the bottom four or a promoted team, they would be under pressure. So there's no doubt the manager is under pressure now with results like that, on the back of being champions, but also on the fact of what Liverpool spent in the summer.”

Carragher – who made 737 appearances for Liverpool, winning 11 trophies – called Salah "selfish" for publicly voicing his frustration over his contract saga last season. He subsequently went on to sign a new two-year deal in April.

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Getty Images SportEx-Liverpool striker says Salah is not cut from same cloth as Gerrard

However, one man who doesn’t quite agree with Carragher is his former Liverpool team-mate Heskey, who represented the club between 2000 and 2004. 

While acknowledging that Salah should “stand up and face the criticism”, Heskey says he expects the former Chelsea and Roma forward to do so on the pitch, insisting he is not cut from the same cloth as Van Dijk and Gerrard, who captained the club from 2003 to 2015.

Speaking to sports betting site Heskey said: “Liverpool are preparing for life after Mohamed Salah. I’d be surprised if they haven't been preparing for that since the beginning of the season. Because he’s probably got just under two years left in his contract and he’s well into his thirties.

“It will be a big change for Liverpool when Salah no longer features on a regular basis. Arne Slot will be looking at different formations and styles once he’s phased out of the starting XI.

“On the criticism he’s received recently about not coming forward to the media about the poor run of form, you’ve got to remember he’s not the same type of leader as perhaps Jamie Carragher or Steven Gerrard were. 

“The likes of Virgil van Dijk or even Curtis Jones will come out and speak and tackle the situation head on – that’s not Salah. Even when he was flying, I don’t think he spoke much. But as senior player, it’s his role to stand up and face the criticism.”

Hampshire 172 (Leach 7-69) and 201 for 8 (Sundar 46, Gubbins 37, Vaughan 6-96) drew with Somerset 454 for 8 dec (Aldridge 180, Abell 118, Overton 50*) Nick Gubbins led a determined rearguard action as Hampshire eased their relegation fears with a battling draw on the final day of the Rothesay County Championship Division One match with Somerset at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.The experienced left-hander faced 203 balls to score 37 and shared a crucial fourth-wicket stand with skipper Ben Brown that occupied 40 overs after their side had begun the day on 35 for one, needing a further 247 runs to avoid an innings defeat.Washington Sundar top-scored with 46 as Hampshire fought their way to 201 for eight by the close, despite the best efforts of Somerset off-spinner Archie Vaughan, who finished with a career-best six for 96 from 50 overs, and Jack Leach, whose two for 40 from 49.5 overs, including 33 maidens, gave him match figures of nine for 109.Somerset took 16 points from the game to consolidate third place in the First Division table, while the eight points for the draw plus two bowling points meant Hampshire stayed out of the bottom two going into the final round of fixturesThe visitors had added only two to their overnight score when Vaughan struck the first blow for Somerset, Fletcha Middleton getting an inside edge to be caught at leg slip by Kasey Aldridge.It was soon clear that Hampshire were going to rely on application, concentration and skilful defence to avoid defeat. Toby Albert had faced 52 balls to score ten when pinned lbw on the back foot by Vaughan with the total on 57.At times, Somerset had as many as seven fielders crowded around the bat for Vaughan and third day hero Jack Leach, but Gubbins and Brown displayed solid resistance to take the score to 82 for three off 57 overs at lunch.The pattern continued in the afternoon session, Brown surviving a tough stumping chance to James Rew off Vaughan when on 16. It was a rare moment of anxiety as the fourth-wicket partnership continued to frustrate all Somerset’s efforts to force another breakthrough.The second new ball made the difference. After Craig Overton had taken it from the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion End, bowling in tandem with Leach, skipper Lewis Gregory soon recalled Vaughan to his attack with almost immediate effect.The sixth over with the new ball saw Gubbins push forward defensively as he had done successfully on numerous occasions, only to edge in the direction of Aldridge, fielding in a kneeling position at a close-in gully. Out went a right hand to take the ball fractionally before it pitched and the reflex catch reignited Somerset’s victory hopes.Gubbins had battled away for three hours and three quarter hours, barely risking an attacking shot in an innings perfectly suiting his team’s situation and the stand of 67 with Brown had proved hugely frustrating to Somerset.But there was still time before tea for Leach to strike Brown on the back pad and earn an lbw verdict after the Hampshire captain had faced 128 deliveries. At 129 for five, Hampshire were back in a position of peril.The final session saw Sundar bat with authority, counter-attacking when possible and striking 9 fours before being bowled through the gate by a ball from Vaughan that went on with the arm from around the wicket.Felix Organ then added studiously to the Hampshire resistance, facing 82 balls for his four runs before falling to another brilliant close-in catch, this time from substitute fielder Josh Thomas off Leach, with less than half an hour left to play.The tension grew when James Fuller, who had played solidly to reach 20, was bowled between his legs by Vaughan to become the bowler’s sixth victim. But Keith Barker and Kyle Abbott saw out the final 15 minutes to seal a potentially huge day in their side’s season.

In the wake of a complete collapse against the San Francisco Giants Tuesday, the Baltimore Orioles are parting ways with a veteran reliever.

The Orioles have designated pitcher Craig Kimbrel for assignment, they announced Wednesday afternoon. In Baltimore's 10–0 loss to the Giants Thursday, Kimbrel surrendered six earned runs in two-thirds of an inning.

Kimbrel pitched in 57 games for the Orioles this season, going 7-5 with a 5.33 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 52 1/3 innings.

Once one of the most feared closers in baseball, Kimbrel has nine career All-Star appearances to his name. The 36-year-old's 440 career saves rank fifth in baseball history, and trail only Kenley Jansen among active pitchers.

In an otherwise rock-solid season for Baltimore, its bullpen has been a major question mark. With Kimbrel presumably on his way out the door, pitcher Seranthony Dominiguez is now the Orioles' saves leader with nine.

Baltimore is currently 84-67, four games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the American League East division.

Rashid, who plays for MI New York, has opted out of the tournament to take a break

Nagraj Gollapudi11-Jun-2025

Afghanistan allrounder Rashid Khan will be absent from the 2025 edition of Major League Cricket (MLC). ESPNcricinfo has learned that Rashid, who plays for MI New York, has opted out of the tournament, which gets underway on Friday, to take a break.Rashid’s absence is bound to hurt MINY as he was their best bowler in the last MLC season, picking up ten wickets at 6.15, even though his team finished fourth with just two wins in seven matches. Rashid was last in action in IPL 2025 for Gujarat Titans, who lost in the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians. It was Rashid’s poorest IPL season as he got just nine wickets at an economy rate of 9.34 and average of 57.11. It was the first time his wickets column had failed register double-digits since his IPL debut in 2017.Batters dominated Rashid throughout the season as he conceded 33 sixes, the most by any bowler in a single edition of the IPL.Related

MLC 2025: Pooran and Maxwell to lead MI New York and Washington Freedom respectively

MLC hopeful of Afghanistan players' participation after Trump's travel ban

In a further jolt to MINY’s plans, another Afghanistan allrounder – Azmatullah Omarzai – is also set to miss MLC as he, too, is learned to have taken a break from playing. Like Rashid, Omarzai, too, last played in the IPL where he was part of Punjab Kings, who finished runners-up.In some good news for the MLC, though, Naveen-ul-Haq (MINY), Noor Ahmed (Texas Super Kings) and Waqar Salamkheil (Seattle Orcas) have joined their respective teams after doubts emerged over the participation of Afghanistan players owing to the travel ban imposed by the US government on entry of citizens from 12 countries.The ban became effective this week with Afghanistan among the 12 countries in the list. The others are: Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.Two other Afghanistan players – Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi, who play for Orcas – are understood to be awaiting visas to travel to play in MLC.

GOAL US writers discuss the biggest USMNT developments as Mauricio Pochettino continues the build up to 2026 World Cup

It's time for a U.S. soccer check in. With the World Cup now less than eight months away, the national team is always simmering. There are stars playing for big sides in Europe, and plenty of action in domestic soccer, too.

Tim Weah has enjoyed a solid start to life at Marseille. Tanner Tessmann has gone from hipster pick to irrelevant to suddenly a key figure for Mauricio Pochettino's side. For those USMNT players in MLS, a few names that didn't figure to have a shot a few months ago might yet be in the national team picture next summer

GOAL US writers break down the biggest storylines in the national team in the latest edition of… The Rondo.

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  Which USMNT player has been most impressive in the Champions League?

  Tom Hindle: Hard to pick out anyone, really. It hasn't been the strongest campaign for the U.S. Perhaps Tim Weah, even if only because of Madrid goal.

  Ryan Tolmich: It's still a little early in the competition to make any sweeping proclamations , but yeah, it's clearly Weah's goal against Real Madrid. It's one of those moments that, just a few years ago, would have been impossible, but now seems almost commonplace. It's still very, very cool to see Americans competing with the world's biggest clubs and, in Weah's case, not just competing but making an impact – even if it came in a defeat.

  Alex Labidou: Weah’s goal at the Santiago Berbebanu still has to be the top. Yes, his stats haven’t jumped off the page since then, but he still became the first American to score against Real Madrid in their legendary building, so he gets the nod. In terms of games, PSV’s 6-2 win over Napoli this week has to be the biggest UCL upset of the season so far. And Ricardo Pepi scored and assisted in that one, albeit in a limited outing with the game already decided. Still impressive, though.

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  Which USMNT player has been most impressive in MLS?

  TH: There's been a fair few, as Mauricio Pochettino's MLS-laden squads have shown. Perhaps the standout, though, is Cristian Roldan, who has been wonderful for Seattle Sounders all season – and might just have played himself into the USMNT roster next summer. 

  RT: Depends on your definition of impressive, but Alex Freeman needs to be right up there. A year ago, he was a prospect in the Orlando City system. And now he's a potential World Cup inclusion who has established himself as one of the most dangerous weapons in MLS. He's just getting started, too, with Freeman set to attack defenses for as long as he's in the league.

  AL: Injuries have slowed him down, but Brian White’s first half of the season was spectacular. He, along with Sebastian Berhalter, is a big reason why Vancouver finished second in the West. For perspective: White scored 14 goals before July, and 10 more in April. His previous season-high was 15. A recurring hamstring injury has limited him in the second half of the season, and he was only able to play in 21 league games this year. But if he had played in at least 30 games, he might have reached the 25-goal mark (he finished with 16).

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  Who is the USMNT breakout player, on the club level?

  TH: Freeman. He's been excellent, and deserves the spot he will likely get in the U.S. side.

  RT: Berhalter. Just a few years ago, he thought about getting out of the game altogether. But after breaking through with Vancouver this season, he looks like a player that has a long career ahead. The son of former USMNT boss Gregg, Berhalter is tenacious and, in truth, a pretty damn good soccer player. He's a key reason the Whitecaps have been so good this season, and he's a player that many overlooked right up until they couldn't anymore.

  AL: Haji Wright has to be the choice. He’s shown glimpses, but he has never been able to put it all together like he has this season. Wright has the perfect physical tools for a striker – good speed and height – but he hasn't always been as precise as this year. He leads the Championship in scoring, and more importantly for U.S. fans, he brought that same form to the national team – scoring a brace against Australia.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Who impressed, and who disappointed, in the October camp?

  TH: Cristian Roldan truthers, unite! Pochettino called him the "perfect" midfielder, which really tells you all you need to know. On the flip side, Aidan Morris didn't exactly set the world alight. It would be surprising if he gets another chance.  

  RT: He didn't exactly dazzle, but Tessmann showed everything needed to be a USMNT midfielder. There are still some questions about who starts next to Tyler Adams in the center of the park, and Tessmann's performances did show that he might be the answer. Conversely, it was just disappointing to not see Cameron Carter-Vickers play, considering the race at centerback. And with the unfortunate news Friday that he will be sidelined for several months with an Achilles injury, that opportunity for 2026 could be over.

  AL: Wright is the easy answer, so let’s highlight another breakout player: Tessmann. The defensive midfielder has, at times, seemed an awkward fit under Pochettino, but the manager’s switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation has seemingly got the best out of the Lyon star. Tessmann’s stats won’t jump off the page, but he was key in stopping attacks and helping the U.S. build on counterattacks. As for disappointments, Morris wasn’t horrible, but he had some shaky moments against Ecuador. It's hard to see him overtaking others when this squad is fully healthy. And Carter-Vickers appeared to be falling out the race at centerback before the injury, so a very tough blow for the Celtic star.

Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their preparations for this week's Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, after the aircraft taking them to Germany was hit with a "technical issue", meaning that Arne Slot will not be able to conduct a press conference before the encounter in midweek. The Reds are aiming to break a streak of four successive defeats after their weekend loss to Manchester United at Anfield.

• Travel disruption for Liverpool

  Liverpool face Frankfurt on Wednesday and were set to fly to the German city on Tuesday, with head coach Slot to address the media in the early evening. However, due to "technical issues" with the aircraft, the flight was delayed, and the meeting between the manager and the media has been postponed. It will also likely affect the club's pre-match plans, although the club did train at their AXA base on Tuesday morning.

  A statement from the Reds read: "Our pre-match press conference for the clash with Eintracht Frankfurt has been cancelled. A delay in the squad's scheduled flight out to Frankfurt, due to technical issues with the aircraft, means the briefing will now not be able to take place."

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  Reds in desperate need of a result

  While the Reds did win their opening Champions League game, a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid, they were beaten by Galatasaray in their most recent European outing. They have also lost three Premier League games in a row, going down to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and, most gallingly of all, United at Anfield. Slot has accepted that there is pressure on him, and pundit, and Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher has urged the Dutchman to drop Mohamed Salah ahead of the encounter.

  He said: "I don't think Salah should be like a Virgil van Dijk where it's like 'first name on the teamsheet'. Liverpool have got two away games – in the Champions League at Frankfurt and then they go to Brentford. I don't think Salah should start both of those games.

  "He should always start at Anfield because Liverpool will be on top, around the edge of the box and more often than not he scores in those situations today. But I do think in the away games and helping your full-back, I don't think Salah should be starting every game right now, certainly away from home, with the form he's in."

  He added: "Would he be OK with that? Probably not. But when you get to a certain age you have to understand that, especially when you're not playing well, where's your argument?

  "It's different if you're banging in the goals and your manager makes a tactical decision and you're frustrated. I don't think Mo Salah's in any position to complain if he was left out of one of the next two away games."

• Frankfurt in middling form

  Frankfurt have also endured a difficult start to the season in Germany, winning three, losing three, and drawing one of their opening seven games. Their last European outing resulted in a thrashing, as they were beaten 5-1 by Atletico Madrid in Spain. They also recently lost 3-0 to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, meaning they are in dire need of a result, much like their opposition. 

  Liverpool have already been dealt a serious headache, with Ryan Gravenberch missing training before the midweek clash; it is unclear if the Dutchman will be able to slot into midfield once again for the Reds against their German opposition. 

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  What now for Liverpool?

  Liverpool have not lost five games in succession since the 1950s, and have not endured a run of four successive defeats since Brendan Rodgers was manager. 

  Slot has already spoken of the fact that he felt the Reds were hard done by against United, but he will be well aware of the need for three points on Wednesday. 

  He siad: "The result (is what went wrong). And the fact that we went 1-0 down so early. If you play United, with so many quality players they have – [and] brought in a few new ones this summer – and if they come to us in a low block, playing so many long balls, then the last thing you would want is going 1-0 down. Because that gives them even more belief. If you would have told me we are 1-0 down against a United team that played in the style they did, and you would have told me that we would create eight, nine, 10 open chances, then I would have said to you that I don't think that is possible. But it was possible.

  "So, the second thing that went wrong is that from all the chances we got, we only scored one goal. I have said it in Holland many times and maybe I've said it here as well, it's almost impossible to win a big game of football – and Liverpool v United is a big game with so many quality players on the pitch – to win it with a negative set-piece balance. We conceded another one and that led to us losing the game."

اعترف الهولندي ماتياس دي ليخت بأن فريقه مانشستر يونايتد استغلّ ثنائي ليفربول باعتبارهما نقطة ضعف خلال مباراة الفريقين بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وحل مانشستر يونايتد ضيفًا على ليفربول بملعب “آنفيلد” ضمن مباريات الجولة الثامنة للدوري الإنجليزي “البريميرليج”.

وتغلب مانشستر يونايتد على ليفربول بهدفين مقابل هدف، وجاء هدف الفوز عن طريق هاري ماجواير في الدقائق الأخيرة للقاء.

وأشار دي ليخت إلى أن مانشستر يونايتد استغل عمدًا ميلوس كيركيز، إلى جانب الظهير الأيمن كونور برادلي، باعتبار مركزَي ظهيري ليفربول “نقطة ضعف”.

اقرأ أيضًا | ميكا ريتشاردز: محمد صلاح ليس أكبر من ليفربول ولم يعد كما كان سابقًا

وقال في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ميرور” البريطانية: “كنا نعلم أن ليفربول لديه نقاط ضعف، وهي ظهيريه، كنا جميعًا متحمسين للغاية، وكان التركيز عاليًا جدًا، كانت مباراة اليوم تتطلب تركيزًا كبيرًا”.

وسجل برايان مبيومو هدفًا مبكرًا لمانشستر يونايتد، في الدقيقة الثانية، ثم نجح ليفربول في إدراك التعادل في الدقيقة 78 بفضل كودي جاكبو، لكن عاد يونايتد وسجل ماجواير رأسية حسمت الفوز لفريقه.

Olympics legend Usain Bolt slammed Manchester United's "joke" of a performance in their 3-1 defeat against Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday. The celebrity fan criticised his beloved Red Devils in a match which saw him struggle to identify with "one good thing" as pressure continues to mount on under-fire head coach Ruben Amorim.

Thiago scores twice as Brentford down struggling United

After raising hopes of a revival in fortunes following the 2-1 victory over Chelsea last weekend, United slipped back into old habits against Brentford. Amorim’s men found themselves two goals down inside 20 minutes thanks to a brace from Bees striker Igor Thiago. United did respond when Benjamin Sesko scored his first goal for the club following his summer move from RB Leipzig, but a late effort from Mathias Jensen helped Brentford earn all three points in what was a disappointing afternoon for the visitors.

AdvertisementBolt could not hide frustration in series of social media posts

And football fans who were following the match live on social media would have been quick to notice Bolt’s anger throughout proceedings. After Thiago put Brentford two goals to the good at the Gtech Community Stadium, eight-time Olympic gold medalist Bolt was quick to write on X: "This must be a joke."

And after United’s fourth loss in all competitions this season was confirmed, Bolt then wrote in the aftermath: "Can’t Identify one good thing we good at.."

Getty Images SportUnited's loss at Brentford was their fourth defeat of the season

United’s loss at Brentford was yet another setback in what has been a troubling start to the 2025-26 campaign. Amorim’s side have won just two matches so far this term – against both Burnley and Chelsea in the Premier League – while they also drew with Fulham on August 24. United have suffered defeats against Arsenal, Manchester City and Brentford in the league, while they were also eliminated from the Carabao Cup in embarrassing fashion as they fell to a 12-11 penalty shootout loss to League Two outfit Grimsby Town on August 27.

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Amorim yet to win back-to-back league games as Man Utd boss

The defeat against Brentford has only intensified speculation surrounding Amorim’s future at United. The Portuguese, who replaced Erik ten Hag as manager in November 2024, has won just nine of his 33 league matches since arriving at Old Trafford, while he is also yet to lead his team to back-to-back league wins under his stewardship.

Arsenal have had a massive transfer window this summer, with the hierarchy backing Mikel Arteta to make the additions he craves to help his quest for Premier League glory.

The Gunners have already splashed over £200m on new additions, solving various issues within countless areas of the first-team squad at the Emirates.

Striker Viktor Gyokeres was signed in a £63m deal from Sporting CP, already making an immediate impact after meeting twice in the 5-0 victory over Leeds United in North London.

Martin Zubimendi has also been signed to help bolster the defensive midfield department, aiding Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to lock down starting roles in such an area.

However, the backline has now been the latest part of the side to be subject to investment, with a move now edging ever closer to landing another big-money addition.

Arsenal’s deal to land Piero Hincapie this summer

Over the last couple of days, Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie – with the defender edging closer to a move to join Arteta’s side.

The Gunners were battling North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for his signature, but it appears they have won the race – just as they did with Eberechi Eze.

A deal for the 23-year-old to join the side on loan for the 2025/26 campaign has been agreed, with a package totalling £45m including a loan fee in place with the Bundesliga outfit.

The Ecuadorian international can operate in a full-back or centre-back role, with such a move adding needed depth and quality, asJakub Kiwior looks set to join Porto as a result.

However, despite the latest big-money transfer from Arteta, it’s his previous business that has worked wonders – leading to one player’s price tag soaring over recent months.

The Arsenal player who’s worth more than Hincapie

Despite finishing as runners-up in the Premier League in each of the last three years, Arsenal have made phenomenal progress under the guidance of Arteta.

The Spaniard will mark six years in the role in December, taking charge when the side were lingering in mid-table and going nowhere under Unai Emery.

William Saliba and Gabriel have both nailed down starting roles at the heart of the defence, joining from Saint-Étienne and Lille respectively – helping the club boast an incredible defensive record.

The Gunners have now had the best defensive record in England’s top-flight in each of the last two seasons – with the duo undoubtedly a key reason to achieving such a remarkable feat.

However, Jurrien Timber is another player who has also helped the side reach the levels they have over recent seasons – impressing massively since his move from Ajax back in the summer of 2023.

He missed the vast majority of his debut campaign due to an ACL injury suffered on the opening day, but he’s worked his way back into the side – now being Arteta’s starting right-back.

The Dutchman, who’s been labelled “incredible” by boss Arteta, has since racked up 53 appearances for the side, having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch.

The 24-year-old managed to score a double in the win over Arsenal last Saturday, taking his tally in the red shirt to four – an average of one goal every 13 matches.

As a result of his displays in North London, Timber is now valued at £47.6m by Transfermarkt – an increase of 40% of the £34m fee forked out for his signature two years ago.

Jurrien Timber’s stats for Arsenal in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

30

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

88%

Dribble success

50%

Tackle success rate

66%

Duels won

4.9

Recoveries made

3.5

Dribbled past

0.2

Stats via FotMob

His subsequent value is also higher than the £45m fee forked out for Hincapie’s signature, with the club and pending new arrival hoping he can follow in a similar vein upon his switch to England.

The club have constantly conducted excellent business in the transfer market over recent seasons, with Timber one of the latest examples to thrive under the manager’s guidance.

If the hierarchy can keep producing similar profile additions going forward, there’s no reason why the club can’t finally end their two-decade wait for a Premier League title.

Related Arsenal could sign a bigger talent than Eze & Simons in £80m "machine"

Having snapped up Eberechi Eze, Arsenal’s £80m target would be a game-changing signing and better than Xavi Simons.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 30, 2025

Opener Shafali Verma has been dropped from India’s squad for the three ODIs on the tour of Australia due to a poor run of form, while wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh has returned to the side after missing the home ODIs against New Zealand due to her board exams.There were call-ups for batters Priya Punia, batting allrounder Harleen Deol, offspinner Minnu Mani, and fast bowler Titas Sadhu, who are all part of the 16-member squad for the three ODIs in Brisbane and Perth on December 5, 8 and 11.Shafali has not been able to crack ODIs for some time now – she has just 108 runs at an average of 18 in six games this year. The last time she was dropped in the 50-over format – after the first of the three-match series against Australia at home in December 2023 – Yastika Bhatia opened the batting with Smriti Mandhana, while Ghosh batted at No. 3. In Shafali’s absence, Yastika might open again, with Punia auditioning for the No. 3 spot.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Punia has played three ODIs since 2023, and made a comeback against South Africa in June this year on the back of impressive domestic performances. She featured only in the final ODI against South Africa, and was then part of the India A tour of Australia in August, when she didn’t find much success. However, Punia was dropped for the New Zealand series in Ahmedabad in October, where Yastika batted at No.3. Even D Hemalatha, who wasn’t picked for the Australia series, played three ODIs this year at Nos. 3 and 4, but failed to hold on to her spot.Apart from Hemalatha, also missing from the squad are offspinner Shreyanka Patil, uncapped seamer Sayali Satghare, and back-up wicketkeeper Uma Chetry.Deol is another familiar name back in the fold after almost a year. The middle-order batter has played only ten ODIs since her debut in 2019 and scored two fifties, but was never given a sustained run in the format. Her last ODI was also against Australia, at home last year.Meanwhile, Sadhu, who, like Mani, has featured in nine T20Is but is yet to play an ODI, will be the back-up fast bowler, with Renuka Singh and Arundhati Reddy leading the attack that also has seamer Saima Thakor, who had made her debut against New Zealand.Legspinner Asha Sobhana, who had missed the New Zealand series because of injury, continues to be unavailable, while allrounder Pooja Vastrakar, who was rested against New Zealand, is absent too. Meanwhile, middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis and legspinner Priya Mishra, who also made their debuts against New Zealand and had notable performances, have retained their spots to face Australia.The likes of Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Yastika and Deepti Sharma are already in Australia, as they are playing in the WBBL.Harmanpreet Kaur and co will head into the ODIs against Australia on the back of a 2-1 victory against New Zealand, while Australia last played ODIs in March, and beat Bangladesh 3-0 in Mirpur. The ODIs against India will be part of the Championship, where Australia and England are the joint table-toppers. India, as hosts, qualify automatically for the 2025 World Cup.

India’s squad for ODIs against Australia

Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana, Priya Punia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Radha Yadav, Titas Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur and Saima Thakor