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Xabi Alonso has lavished praise on Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler, describing him as a 'mix between Mesut Ozil and Guti' ahead of their Champions League clash with Juventus. The Turkey international has impressed with his creativity and game intelligence, becoming a key figure in Alonso’s system as Madrid prepare for a crucial week which will include El Clasico against Barcelona.

• Alonso praises Guler as a mix of legends

  Madrid head coach Alonso singled out Turkey international Guler for special praise, comparing the 20-year-old to two of the club’s iconic midfielders, Ozil and Guti. Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Juventus, Alonso explained, "Not just because of his origins, but because of his quality. He's a mix between Ozil and Guti, because Guti could also play close to the crease while also providing that final pass. The more we find Arda, the better we do. We have to keep pushing him to improve his game, but I'm happy." This endorsement highlights Guler’s growing importance in Madrid’s midfield, combining vision, technical skill, and an eye for decisive passes.

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  Guler's journey and influence on recent results

  Guler’s performances have already started to make a tangible impact. During Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Getafe, the Turkey international came off the bench to assist Kylian Mbappe’s well-taken goal, demonstrating his creativity and ability to change games from midfield. Alonso has emphasised the need to nurture Guler’s talent while integrating him into a squad that also relies on Vinicius Junior and Mbappe for attacking impetus. The coach noted: "We need him for what's coming up. He needs to be very focused on what he has to do and what he does well."

  Since his signing from Fenerbahce in July 2023, Guler, who has also been branded as 'Turkish Lionel Messi', has steadily integrated into the first team, earning a six-year contract lasting until June 2029. Initially featuring sporadically, he began playing more regularly under Alonso, scoring his first 2025-26 season goal in a 2-1 La Liga win over Mallorca. His performances earned him La Liga's Under-23 Player of the Month award for September, having contributed two goals and two assists. Alonso’s management has been key in developing Guler’s creativity and decision-making, allowing him to flourish alongside established stars in the squad.

• Balancing talent and competition in midfield

  Despite Guler’s rise, Alonso highlighted the fierce competition within his squad as players like Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz remain ready to challenge for midfield roles, while Endrick and other forwards are also pushing for minutes in the first team. Alonso commented: "We’re not at that point. The competition up front is intense, and you have to be ready for the moment. Also Gonzalo, Brahim… who are coming in or are about to come in. This is elite football; we need a lot of players." His remarks underscore how Guler must consistently perform to maintain a starting place in a star-studded Madrid roster. 

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  Focus turns to Champions League challenge

  Los Blancos now turn their attention to Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Juventus at the Bernabeu. After securing back-to-back group-stage wins, including a 5-0 demolition of Kairat Almaty featuring a Mbappe hat-trick, Alonso’s side aim to maintain momentum while preparing for the first El Clasico of the season against Barcelona. Guler’s creativity and vision will be crucial in breaking down Juventus’ defense, as Madrid look to assert themselves both domestically and in Europe. With a demanding schedule ahead, Alonso’s careful management of key players like Guler, Militao, and Vinicius Jr will be decisive for the club’s ambitions this season, as they battle with key injuries.

  Tudor’s side head to Madrid with little margin for error, having drawn their opening two group-stage matches under dramatic circumstances. Against Borussia Dortmund, Juventus conceded twice late but salvaged a 4-4 draw with stoppage-time goals, and in their following match, they suffered a similar fate when ex-Juve loanee Renato Veiga equalised for Villarreal in the final moments to make it 2-2. That result marked part of a five-match draw streak, their longest in nearly 20 years, while five of their last seven domestic and European fixtures have ended level. Away from home in Europe, Juventus have won just once in their last 11 matches, and they come to Spain off a 2-0 defeat to Como, leaving the team struggling for form and confidence.

Wayne Rooney has no faith in Ruben Amorim to turn things around at Manchester United and believes the soul has gone from his former club.

Head coach Amorim has taken 34 points from his 33 Premier League games in charge following Saturday’s 3-1 loss at Brentford and is yet to oversee consecutive top-flight wins.

Rooney, United’s all-time leading goalscorer, said he goes to games expecting the team to lose and feels some players do not deserve to represent the club.

Despite the ongoing poor form, which includes last month’s Carabao Cup exit at League Two Grimsby, Amorim reportedly retains the backing of United’s board.

“I just don’t know what’s going on,” Rooney, 39, said on his BBC podcast.

“I have tried my hand in management and it didn’t work out too well, so I get it. Ruben Amorim is my age, he’s still a young manager and I’m sure he’s got a massive future, but what’s going on at Man Utd, this is not Man Utd.

“I honestly hope he can turn it round and he does. But…after everything I’ve seen, honestly, I’ve got no faith in it.”

Amorim was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s successor last November after winning two Portuguese titles with Sporting Lisbon.

United endured their worst Premier League campaign last season, finishing 15th – their lowest position since they were relegated from the old First Division in 1974.

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2

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Sep 29, 2025

“I don’t recognise the whole football club,” said Rooney, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League with United.

“I don’t see players fighting, I don’t see character, I don’t see desire to win. I go to a game watching… expecting the team to lose or maybe pick up a point.

“The soul has gone from the club. It needs a new engine, a new lease of life. It needs something to kickstart that football club.

“What is going on, this is not all on the manager, by the way. Players, they’re not deserving to wear that shirt and it hurts.”

Rooney scored 253 goals in 559 appearances for United between 2004 and 2017.

“The culture of that football club has gone,” added the former England captain. “I see it on a daily basis. I see staff losing jobs, people walking out of jobs.

“I’ve got two kids (in the academy) at that football club and I really hope this doesn’t affect what they’re doing. What I’m seeing at that football club is not Manchester United.”

United, who sit 14th in the table, return to action on Saturday at home to Sunderland before travelling to leaders Liverpool after the October international break.

Jude Bellingham is feeling “really good” after bringing his goal drought at Real Madrid to a close. The England international midfielder was on target for the Blancos in a Champions League win over Juventus, with the 22-year-old opening his account for the 2025-26 campaign after recovering from summer shoulder surgery. There is now the promise of much more to come.

• Delayed start: Shoulder operation kept Bellingham sidelined

  Bellingham went under the knife after turning out at the FIFA Club World Cup. His last outing there came on July 9. He did not figure for Real again until September 20, with his start to the new campaign being delayed. Six appearances were taken in without finding the back of the net.

  The Three Lions superstar was, however, back on target in European competition. Real needed inspiration from somewhere when trying to break down stubborn resistance from Serie A giants Juve. Vinicius Junior provided that spark when twisting and turning inside the box. His shot cannoned back off the post, but fell kindly for Bellingham to bundle home from close range.

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  Relief for Bellingham: Goal account opened for the season

  Relief poured out of Bellingham as he delivered his trademark celebration, with end product in the final third an important part of his game. His last goal for Real came at the Club World Cup in June. He had found the target just twice through his last 23 appearances for the Blancos.

  Bellingham told of getting off the mark in 2025-26: “It's a great feeling, a long time now since I've scored, a lot of time out and dreaming of that moment, back in the Champions League and against a big team. To score a winner, here at home, it's unbelievable. I felt comfortable, really good. To play well was important, and to score the winning goal helps the team a lot.”

  Real are confident that Bellingham will continue to move through the gears, allowing him to get back to his very best. Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois claims to already be seeing signs of that, saying of an important goal against Juve: “It's what I like about that kind of player. Vini makes his move, and [Jude] is there, watching for the second ball. He's getting back to his best level. He had a great game.”

• Bellingham dip: Reaction to 2024-25 campaign

  Bellingham registered 23 goals across his debut campaign in Madrid, helping Real to La Liga and Champions League titles. His output dipped to 15 efforts last season, with the plan being to kick on again this term.

  Bellingham added: “I didn't think last year was a disaster. [It was] still 15 goals, 14 assists, but I know the general feeling was that it was worse. But I was a part of that, how we didn't play as well last year.

  “There were still good moments, but not the level I want to play at, not the level like the first year. Now I've had my shoulder surgery, a new manager [Xabi Alonso], he's got that shape, how we want to play. You have to learn from it.”

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  El Clasico: Date with Barcelona next up for Bellingham

  Alonso has been accused of rushing Bellingham back into action, with it originally suggested that he could be out until November. The Blancos boss is, however, impressed by what he has seen from a key part of his plans.

  Alonso said: “Independently of the goal, Jude had a very complete game. It was difficult, there wasn't much space, Juve sat deep. I liked the game he played in Getafe and I liked his game today a lot, and he scored a goal, too. He was competitive, he won a lot of balls, he got into positions in the box. He's a player who can cover ground, he's versatile, he has different qualities, and he knows how to get into the box, that's why he's one of the most complete players in the world.”

  Real will need Bellingham to be at his best in their next game as, having maintained their 100 per cent record in Europe, they are preparing to face Clasico rivals Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

We've been on a roll with our plus-money props.

Let's see if we can keep it going with a pair of striekout props today that look like good value on Monday night.

MLB Best Bets for Monday, June 17

Paul Skenes over 8.5 strikeouts (+130) at DraftKings

It's Paul Skenes Day again!

Last week, we took the over for plus money on his 7.5 K prop, and we cashed. Skenes ended the day with eight strikeouts vs. the Cardinals, and he pitched into the seventh inning. Today's prop is even higher, and it's a lot harder to get to nine strikeouts than eight, but here are a few reasons why we are going for it.

First, true MLB fans are obligated to always take the over when Paul Skenes pitches.  

I'm kidding (sort of).

Second, the Reds have the third-highest strikeout rate in the league when facing right-handed pitching (26.3%),  and this is the first time they will have seen Skenes. The advantage goes to the pitcher in that scenario. 

Remember: Skenes' fastball is 

Third, Skenes is striking batters out at a 34.5% clip, for an average of 12.42 batters per nine innings.  If Skenes can make it into the seventh again, he has an excellent chance to exceed this prop.   

Skenes has exceeded this prop in only two of six starts; however, he did it vs. the Tigers and the Cubs, who have the sixth and seventh highest K-rates vs. right-handed pitching, respectively. The Reds are even more strikeout-prone, as mentioned above. 

For a juicy +130 payout, I'm willing to pull a ticket. 

James Paxton under 3.5 strikeouts (+125) at DraftKings

Paxton has been punching out batters at a mere 5.28 per nine innings this season. 

No, that is not a typo. 

The Rockies hit better and strike out less against left-handed pitchers and at home. Paxton has not logged more than three strikeouts since May 24th, and he's only reached four or more strikeouts in five of 12 starts this season.  

Paxton's FIP is 5.27, and things could get away from him at Coors. I don't see him going deep into this game, so for plus money, I'll bet on the under. 

Everton have made a decent if unspectacular start to the Premier League season and have now identified a player they want to sign as a matter of urgency in January.

David Moyes urges Everton to continue seeking improvement

After a summer of tidy business in the transfer market and some intriguing signings, Everton have started the campaign on the front foot and look to have left the days of fighting survival behind them, providing they can sustain their momentum.

Jack Grealish has been the Toffees’ most impressive addition and created another four chances in their 1-1 draw at home to West Ham United on Monday, albeit David Moyes believes there is still more to come from the England international after he was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest squad.

He said before his side face Crystal Palace: “I think there’s still room for Jack to improve. We want more from him – more assists from him and goals from him, as well.

“He’s started very well, but we’re driving him on and trying to get more from him. I still think his ambition is to get back in the England team. If he scores some goals and keeps up the assists, he won’t be far away.”

Intriguingly, the Manchester City loanee could have competition for his place if Everton formalise their interest in Celtic forward Daizen Maeda after the Japan international cropped up on their radar to add versatility across the front three.

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On the flipside, the Toffees’ rearguard has remained relatively solid despite only Seamus Coleman and the lesser-spotted Nathan Patterson available at right-back, something they could now be about to fix swiftly.

Everton ready to make formal approach for Juanlu Sanchez

According to Orgullo Biri, Everton view Sevilla defender Juanlu Sanchez as a priority signing in January and are ready to make a formal approach for his services.

The La Liga outfit aren’t willing to sanction any bids that fall under the £17 million mark, though the Spain Under-21 international is open to a new challenge if the correct opportunity arises.

Capable of attacking and defending with a high degree of output, Sanchez has registered six goals and nine assists in 80 appearances for Sevilla and is viewed as one of their prize assets, albeit it remains to be seen whether they allow him to depart after Loic Bade and Dodi Lukebakio.

Crucially, the report describes Everton’s need for a right-back as an ‘urgent’ priority, lending credence to the fact they appear keen to conclude a swift deal to offer a different option on that side of their backline.

Jake O’Brien has featured frequently in an adapted role, though having someone who is naturally capable of slotting in would offer Moyes tactical flexibility at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Argentina forward and AS Roma talisman Paulo Dybala appeared to suffer a thigh injury over the weekend, as the ace missed a penalty against AC Milan. Boss Gian Piero Gasperini has now shared a worrying update on the 31-year-old's thigh injury, labelling it as a major setback for the side.

• Dybala misses a penalty

  After league leaders Napoli played out a 0-0 draw against Cesc Fabregas' Como, Roma, who had accumulated 21 points prior to the Milan game, had a huge chance to move top of Serie A. Strahinja Pavlovic scored the only goal of the game in the 39th minute, helping Max Allegri get the better of his Italian counterpart during the first half, despite Roma being the more dominant party among the two. Late on, Dybala had the opportunity to convert from the spot but his shot was saved by Milan custodian Mike Maignan and the Argentine sustained a thigh injury in the process.

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  Gasperini sheds light on Dybala's injury

  The scenario was enough to assume Dybala had indeed suffered a hefty blow, but the extent of his injury is yet to be revealed. Gasperini said: "The worst thing of all on the penalty is that Dybala got injured. Now we need to see how long he’ll be out, certainly until after the break for international duty. This is the biggest loss of the night."

  Notably, this was Dybala's first penalty miss in Roma colours. The last time the Argentine missed from the spot in a competitive fixture dates back to his Juventus days, as he last missed against Salernitana on November 30, 2021, almost four years ago.

• Gasperini rues finishing but praises team

  The Italian head coach once again criticised his team's clinical abilities in front of goal. However, he felt the quality of football had improved. 

  He claimed: "We created lots of chances, this is the approach I want to take, and when you leave these games empty-handed there is a lot of regret, but also confidence we are on the right path. I think we made the step up in quality today in everything except the finishing. Our first half was excellent, with strong character to dominate a strong team on their own turf. We suffered a little after their goal and the start of the second half, but then got back to pushing again. I am struggling to find negatives from the performance. Naturally, we are angry and have regrets at the defeat, but unfortunately in football you can miss chances by centimetres, I remain happy with the overall performance. 

  "This team has spirit, it can play good football, we’ve certainly paid a price over these last few months for failing to convert four out of five penalties, which are a lot between Serie A and the Europa League. The other thing we need to improve is that I see many big clubs pouring forward and they still manage to get a goal somewhere even in chaotic fashion. I think that is what we are lacking, when you dominate a game to this degree, you need to take home the result."

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  Roma's finishing and upcoming games

  Roma sit fourth on the Serie A table and boast the same points tally as Inter and Milan, but they have the lowest goals scored among the top 10 teams in the table, with only 10. While they have the best defensive record in the league, with just five goals conceded, the lackluster finishing has cost them. Previously, Gasperini had been furious with his team's sluggish approach in the attacking third, and now with Dybala's injury, he has another puzzle to solve. The Argentine is a vital cog in his system and missing his services against Rangers (November 6) in the Europa League, where his team are desperate for a win after emerging victorious only once in three matches, and against Udinese (November 9) in the league, who have six points fewer than them, is a huge blow for the Giallorossi.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been sent home by Portugal following his red card against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday. Ronaldo received his marching orders on the hour mark, his first dismissal of his international career, having elbowed Ireland defender Dara O'Shea, as the Selecao crashed to a surprise 2-0 defeat at the Aviva Stadium. Portugal remain top of World Cup qualifying Group F despite the loss.

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  Ireland claimed huge win over Portugal

  However, the Selecao's progression to the 2026 World Cup isn't quite so cut and dry following Thursday's reverse. Troy Parrott bagged a first half brace for the Boys In Green as Ireland made it back-to-back wins to give their play-off hopes a much-needed shot in the arm.

  Ireland now face Hungary, who sit one point above Heimir Hallgrimsson's side, on Sunday afternoon needing to win in order to leapfrog the Magyars into second place. Hungary may yet finish first if they win and Portugal lose to Armenia, though even without Ronaldo, that seems unlikely.

  The 40-year-old won't be hanging around to watch Portugal's game at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto on Sunday afternoon after the experienced striker was 'released from the national team' according to Portuguese publication . Ronaldo had put in a sluggish performance up until his dismissal in what proved a frustrating evening for the Portugal captain.

  Before the game, Ronaldo had promised to be a 'good boy' upon his return to Ireland, stating: "I really like the fans here. The support they give to their national team is lovely.

  "For me, it's a pleasure to play here again, I hope they don't boo me too much tomorrow – I swear that I'm going to try to be a good boy."

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• 'There's no violence'

  Ronaldo's red card was met with disbelief by the experienced striker, who turned to sarcastically applaud the home crowd before trudging towards the tunnel. And the Al-Nassr hitman had to be held back by former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho after the Portuguese hero appeared to mouth 'well done' in the direction of the Irish dugout.

  Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez came to the defence of Ronaldo after Thursday's defeat and argued that the captain's outburst was not 'violent'. "Of course, we spoke I think it's difficult for a player like Cristiano, who's in the box. And today he had two defenders constantly in physical contact," Martinez said.

  "There's no violence. He tries to push the defender away and he was unlucky that the VAR… the angle of the images [makes it look] worse than what happened. It's Ronaldo's first red card for the national team, it's incredible."

  A straight red card on the international stage tends to carry a two-match ban, which means Ronaldo may miss Portugal's World Cup opener if they to get the job done against Armenia and avoid needing to jet stateside next summer via the play-offs.

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  'He knows he made a mistake'

  Manchester United captain and Ronaldo's Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes has admitted that the frontman made a mistake but that his dismissal made things more difficult in Ireland last week. Fernandes, who sat out the game against Ireland owing to a ban of his own, said: "That happens in football, a moment where Cris had a reaction that cost him dearly.

  "Something he didn't want to do, but it ended up happening. He knows he made a mistake and unfortunately couldn't help us, but it doesn't change the fact that we were already behind in the game.

  "It made things a little more difficult, because we were playing with 10 men and didn't have a player who could score a goal at any moment."

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• Portugal expected to breeze past Armenia

  Portugal are still expected to finish top of Group F on Sunday as they gear up to take on Armenia on home turf. Armenia have lost four of their five World Cup qualifiers, including a resounding 5-0 loss to Martinez's men at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium back in September.

  Ronaldo scored twice in that resounding victory, while Joao Felix – twice – and Joao Cancelo also got on the scoresheet earlier in the year.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been handed a fresh injury update on forward Kai Havertz, with a timeline emerging on his possible return.

The Gunners, even without Havertz, have made a brilliant start to the 2025/2026 season, with their last defeat coming all the way back at Anfield against Liverpool.

Since then, Arsenal have been a force to be reckoned with, sitting firmly atop the Premier League table and showing no signs of slipping.

One of the defining features of Arsenal’s campaign so far has been their dominance from set pieces. Arteta’s side have already scored an incredible 11 goals from dead-balls, making them the undisputed set-piece kings of the league.

From pinpoint corners to clever free-kicks and long-throws, Arsenal have turned these situations into a very reliable source of goals, much to the detest of some critics.

What’s particularly impressive is that they’ve done it while missing a plethora of key stars for long periods.

Club captain Martin Odegaard, who is back on the treatment table until mid-November following a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury against West Ham, had only just come back from a shoulder problem beforehand.

Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, ruptured his ACL at the very start of 2025 and hasn’t played since Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Man United last season.

Noni Madueke, who was really impressing on-lookers with his early-season form, picked up a knee injury in their 1-1 draw at home to Man City, but the England international could apparently make a “faster-than-expected” return to the team (GiveMeSport).

With Havertz, the signs have also been pretty good.

Arteta’s versatile forward — the club’s highest earner on around £280,000-per-week — is believed to be impressing Arsenal staff with his recovery from knee damage behind-the-scenes.

As a result, Havertz is apparently ahead of schedule to return for Arsenal, but it still might not be too imminent.

Arsenal handed fresh Kai Havertz injury update

The 26-year-old, who scored 15 goals and bagged another five assists in all competitions last season, has played just half an hour so far this term and Arteta will be hoping to have him back as soon as possible.

However, according to journalist and founder of Premier Injuries, Ben Dinnery, Havertz may not be back in full match action until as far down the line as December.

Arteta will want to be careful managing the former Chelsea star’s load, especially considering how light Arsenal are going forward right now after Gabriel Martinelli was also sidelined recently.

Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres has done fairly well in Havertz’s place up front, albeit his goal return so far isn’t what most had hoped for.

The return of Havertz would give Arteta an extra option in that area, and Arsenal have already been tipped to bench Gyokeres for the attacker in big games once he makes his comeback.

Mikel Arteta's underrated Arsenal star adds something "people really don’t see"

In years past, Arsenal fans would have to watch an England team full of players from Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

It was a damming indictment of where the club was at that time, but over the last four or five years, things have changed.

It’s not unusual to see three or four of Mikel Arteta’s players in the Three Lions squad these days, and few from the white side of North London, which might explain the team’s uptick in quality and performances.

Thursday was another example of how important Arsenal have become for the national team, with Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze scoring the goals and Declan Rice marshalling the midfield.

There is no sign of this relationship between club and country slowing down either, especially as Hale End could be brewing England’s next superstar, who could follow in the footsteps of Rice and Saka.

Rice and Saka's England careers

So, while Arsenal fans would love to take the credit for moulding Rice into one of England’s most important players, West Ham United should get more of the credit.

Chalkboard

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

After all, he made his debut for the Three Lions in 2019, while playing for the East Londoners, and was still a Hammer for the Euros in 2021 and the World Cup the following year.

However, he has arguably become more instrumental to the national side since his move to the Emirates, and wore the captain’s armband for the first time in March 2024.

So far, the all-action midfielder has won 71 senior caps for England, in which he’s scored six goals and provided six assists and nine of those goal involvements have come since his £105m in the summer of 2023.

Now, an England star Arsenal can take full credit for is, of course, Saka, who is Hale End’s greatest product in a generation.

The 24-year-old made his debut for the national team against Wales in October 2020 and has since gone on to amass an impressive tally of 47 caps, in which he has scored 14 goals, provided nine assists and been named England’s Player of the Year twice in succession.

Moreover, he has played a significant role for the country in every major tournament since, despite receiving horrific abuse after the 2021 Euros final.

In all, so long as they remain fit, Rice and Saka should, and will, be two of the first names on Thomas Tuchel’s teamsheet at the World Cup, and in a few years, they could be joined by another Arsenal star, someone who could even surpass them in importance.

Arsenal's next England star

While the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are surely going to become regular starters for England, the Hale End gem who could well become a superstar for Tuchel and Co is Max Dowman.

Despite still being just 15 years old, the teenager has been one of the most talked-about players at Arsenal this season, although for those in the know, he has been a subject of interest for longer than that.

For example, in September of last year, respected talent scout Jacek Kulig boldly proclaimed him as the “most exciting prospect” he had seen “since Lamine Yamal.”

As if that wasn’t praise enough, just a couple of months later, Hale End expert Will Balsam called him “the biggest talent in England” and described him as “one of the greatest footballing brains that’s ever come through Hale End.”

Now, while that all sounds somewhat hyperbolic, and perhaps to an extent it is, it’s not hard to see where they were coming from, considering he was just 14 at the time and destroying defenders in the U18S and even the U21S that season.

For example, he ended last season with a tally of 19 goals and five assists in 23 appearances, totalling 1945 minutes, which comes out to an average of 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes.

Unsurprisingly, this saw him included in the club’s pre-season tour, where he made his first appearance in front of the fans against a physical Newcastle United side, but instead of shying away, he, in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson, started “humiliating Premier League players.”

Since then, he has made his Premier League debut, become the youngest ever starter for Arsenal, and broke the record as the youngest player in Champions League history.

In other words, the Hale Ender is looking like a generational talent, and he’s already making his impact felt on the international scene as well.

Even though he’s not turning 16 until New Year’s Eve, the Chelmsford-born gem is already a regular feature for England’s U19S, making six appearances for them, in which he’s scored one goal and provided two assists.

With his incredible performances, it feels like a matter of when, not if, he is handed his first senior England cap.

Ultimately, Saka and Rice are currently two of England’s most important players, but in a few years from now, Dowman could be up there with them, if not more important.

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Newcastle United are reportedly still keen on Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, as talk of a January exit continues to gain pace. The Magpies were keen on recruiting the Italian international this summer but the exit of Inter manager Simone Inzaghi led to him staying put. But as his minutes continue to dry up under current boss Cristian Chivu, a Toon switch could be on the cards.

• Inter exit on the cards for Frattesi

  According to Sport Witness, Newcastle were keen on signing the 26-year-old this summer but he ended up staying with the Italian giants. But after playing less than 200 minutes in Serie A this season, a Nerazzurri exit is in the offing. Indeed, Tuttomercatoweb reports that the Italian's path to the first team is being blocked by the likes of Petar Sucic and Piotr Zielinski, ergo, a January exit is 'very likely'. Inter rejected Newcastle's approach over the summer but that could be revisited in 2026.

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  Howe gives little away

  Back in August, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe did admit he would like another midfielder, in light of injuries to Joe Willock and Lewis Miley.

  At the time, he said: "We want six [midfielders] and now we are down to four. That is an issue for us and it is a position we are looking at."

  Eventually, in what proved to be an eventful transfer window, which involved the Alexander Isak saga, they went on to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa. But that may not satisfy Howe's midfield needs with a lot of the season still to play. 

  The former Bournemouth boss also downplayed Newcastle's chances of re-signing Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, who was sold to the Tricky Trees last year to ease the Magpies' PSR (profit and sustainability) issues. 

  "Sentiment never comes into it – it is always about finance. We have not had any discussions on the January window. We're too focused on the amount of games we have. That will take focus for now," he said. "Certainly paying fees like that (£100 million), and I am not sure we are going to be in a position to do that. I am talking about that without any knowledge on January. It is just not really a window that big fees are usually paid. There is always a long-term management of PSR and long-term management on our financial situation. We can’t let one transfer unbalance that."

• Frattesi gets some game time

  While Frattesi is not playing a great deal at Inter, with his last start coming back on October 4, he is still featuring for his country. The Italian played in his nation's 4-1 defeat at home to Norway earlier this month, a game they led for a significant portion of the match. With Norway winning their World Cup qualifying group, Italy will have to go through the play-offs to reach the 2026 World Cup.

  After the game, Frattesi said: "It was two games in one. In the first half, there was only one team on the pitch; in the second half, we showed that we are a bit fragile. After the first goal, we fell apart. The group stage is over, and we have to focus only on the March playoffs.

  "Maybe it was a result of always being a bit on the back foot in the group. We knew that, with the goal difference, we wouldn’t be coming into tonight’s match with a good chance to qualify. Once we realized it wasn’t possible, it’s not easy mentally.

  "Explaining a 4-1 result is difficult, but I wouldn’t call it humiliation. They didn’t completely dominate us. At least, that’s how it felt to me on the pitch. They proved they deserved to win the group, so calling it humiliation is an exaggeration."

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  What comes next for Frattesi?

  It remains to be seen if Inter will entertain bids for Frattesi, whose contract runs until 2028, in January and if Newcastle are still keen on signing him. The winter window is notoriously difficult for business as clubs ask for inflated prices for their players. Before then, his Inter side are away at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in the Champions League whereas Newcastle take on Marseille in the south of France on Tuesday.