Tag Futebol

An analysis of the trends formed in IPL 2025

Shubh Agarwal05-Jun-202514:45

IPL 2025: Do both Pandya brothers get picked in the team of the tournament?

:Indian batters on top
The dominance of Indian batters was one of the most prominent aspects of IPL 2025. Not only did they score over 16000 runs, they also achieved that at a 150-plus strike rate – both were firsts for Indian batters in an IPL season. Their average of 29.76 is also the highest in a season.ESPNcricinfo LtdWhat makes it more noteworthy is the contribution from the uncapped batters. As many as nine uncapped Indian batters scored over 250 runs. The 2023 and 2024 seasons had six uncapped batters each doing so, which was the previous record.Related

Big scores, big chases, big aggregates – the IPL 2025 runathon

IPL 2025: Kohli, Bumrah, Iyer headline ESPNcricinfo's team of the tournament

Arya, Prabhsimran, Suryavanshi and Rathi make ESPNcricinfo's IPL 2025 Uncapped XII

IPL 2025 showed the might of the uncapped Indian batter

Prabhsimran Singh became only the second uncapped Indian batter to accumulate over 500 runs in a season, after Yashasvi Jaiswal in 2023. Prabhsimran’s opening partner, Priyansh Arya, scored over 450 runs in his debut season. The 14-year-old IPL debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi broke the record for the youngest batter to score a T20 hundred.Most impressively, the uncapped batters stood their ground against bowlers with international experience. There were 10 entries of an uncapped batter scoring over 20 runs against international bowlers at a strike rate of over 200 without getting out, the most in a season.This pattern played a vital role in deciding the top four sides. Delhi Capitals’ (DC) two home wins came in Vishakhapatnam; in five matches in Delhi, they lost four and won a Super Over to garner two points from a tied game against Rajasthan Royals (RR). Chennai Super Kings won only one of their six matches in Chepauk. In total, seven of the 10 teams lost more than 50% of their home matches.Bowling offspin against left-handers as a match-up did not prove effective this season. Left-handed batters faced only 25.54% of offspin, the lowest in a season. In this match-up, they conceded 8.87 runs per over, only the third IPL season when they went at more than eight per over against left-handers, after 2008 (8.50) and 2018 (8.26).ESPNcricinfo LtdWhere were the close games?
IPL 2025 was a season that the faint-hearted would have enjoyed without many complications, as there were only a few nailbiters. While the 200-plus run chases were exciting to watch, five of them were finished as contests before the start of the final over. None of the 37 successful chases went to the last ball. Only six matches were decided with a margin of less than 10 runs. Throughout the season, only four matches were effectively alive on the final delivery, including the Super Over contest between DC and RR.ESPNcricinfo LtdOverall, only 21.13% of matches were close (with the margin under 10 runs or less than six balls to spare having less than three wickets in hand in a successful run chase). Only 2011 had fewer close games – 20.83%.Even the playoff qualification was quite straightforward, with the top four decided after the 63rd league game. That is seven matches before the league stage was over, the earliest the top four have been confirmed in a season.

In an exclusive interview with GOAL, Jozy Altidore reflects on a legacy that still divides fans – and reveals how he's redefining himself after soccer.

A clip went viral recently, one featuring Michael Jordan explaining life after basketball. Despite his status as his sport's defining figure, Jordan acknowledged that, until a recent chance encounter, he hadn't picked up a basketball in years. Something about shooting that ball had become painful, like it was a reminder of an old life that he would never quite experience again.

"I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts and go out and play the game of basketball today," Jordan told NBC, "because that's who I am."

Jozy Altidore gets it. He can understand that feeling. Altidore tasted his dreams. He transcended what he thought was possible. He became peers with his heroes. He did everything he ever set out to do, and significantly more. He does, however, respond with one big caveat: "I'm no Michael Jordan, my friend." 

But now, still just 36 years of age, Altidore's time as a soccer player is past. It ended two years ago. There was no big goodbye, no emotional farewell; just an exit out the back door for a player that so often led from the front. It was a complicated end for a player whose legacy still divides fans – a figure who, to this day, remains one of the most discussed in U.S. Men's National Team history. 

So, where does Altidore fit in American soccer these days? Well, the discussions have raged on even after his retirement. So, too, has Altidore's passion for soccer. That passion, though, hasn't come with the ball at his feet.

"I don't really enjoy playing pickup or stuff like that," Altidore tells GOAL. "It's still a little bit difficult because you definitely would love to still be out there playing. It's a weird feeling. I don't play much soccer at all. I haven't in the past couple of years, but I do enjoy watching." 

When asked about his own legacy and where he thinks he stands with the game, Altidore uses that one big word himself: "Complicated." The world, of course, is eager to boil that down. Such is the nature of social media: everyone has their own thought or their own way to make a complex thing simple. 

Summing up any career or life, especially Altidore's, isn't an easy feat. He is, at his core, a complicated person, one who is now reflecting on the moments and memories that, in the end, really mattered. There's a part of him that wishes he were still out there, of course, and how couldn't there be? There are also memories of the past that comfort him, and a new way, a new path, that is allowing him to continue to impact the game in new ways.

"It's complicated, but I just try to focus on the fact that I got to fulfill my dream," Altidore says. "I got to play at this level, and nobody can take that away from you. I got to play against some of the very best players, and I see them now, and we can talk about the moments and memories we had. That, for me, is the biggest thing. I couldn't care less about the public stuff. The memories? That, to me, is everything."

For American soccer, more memories are on the way. Now a fan, Altidore is watching on like everyone else, living and dying with the USMNT’s every kick. He’ll be locked in for friendlies, training sessions, World Cup draws – anything tied to the national team. He still loves those moments, even if they're no longer his, in a sense.

This, then, is a look at Altidore’s fondest memories, how they shaped him, and how they continue to stay alive – even as his relationship with soccer continues to change.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'That's the biggest joy'

  Despite all he accomplished, Altidore is aware of the negativity. It comes in spite of everything he achieved. Throughout his career, he played at the highest levels in the United States, Spain, England, Turkey, the Netherlands, Canada, and Mexico. Internationally, he played in two World Cups and, to this day, remains the USMNT's third-leading goalscorer with 42 goals in 115 caps.  It was the type of career any player would dream of, but it wasn't perfect. 

  He can admit that. The 2018 World Cup qualifying mishap is on his resume, even if it is often unfairly pinned on him and several other teammates more than most. Throughout his career, there were criticisms about his style of play, and injuries derailed his World Cup dreams in 2014 when he was at the peak of his powers. All of that combined to make him a lightning rod, one with a more complex legacy than some of the teammates he battled alongside with the USMNT.

  For many, he's a legendary USMNT goalscorer. He's behind only legendary teammates Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan on those goalscoring charts, and both played significantly more games than him. There's a very real argument that Altidore is the best goalscorer the USMNT has ever seen. Dempsey, Donovan, Brian McBride – these are the only players that can hold a candle to Altidore, and there's a very real argument that, as a pure goalscorer, he was better than them all.

  For others, though, he remains something of a question mark. Injuries robbed him at some of the worst possible moments. For every high on the club level, and there were many, there also seemed to be a corresponding low. Throughout his career, Altidore was often the subject of intense criticism, some deserved but most, ultimately, not. Those criticisms, too, are part of his legacy.

  though, doesn't always represent real life. What fans and pundits say on social media doesn't always match up with the actual tangible interactions that occur beyond the screen. That's what Altidore's learned, anyway. His legacy isn't what fans say about him on social media; it's what they say to his face when they cross paths. 

  "It's funny because, for me, that's been the biggest surprise: whether it's dropping off at school or walking to the grocery store, people approach you every now and then and just say, 'Hey, that goal you scored' about a game that, for me, is gone and forgotten. They'll say that their dad was going through something, and that was a moment they shared together. I didn't anticipate, and this may sound stupid, too, but being a part of so many people. I didn't anticipate it. That's not something that I ever thought about: how you make people feel. 

  "The fact that you can make people feel and remember, that's the biggest joy. People can talk good or bad about me, that's fine, but I know that my real interactions are genuine. It's been cool to have those interactions because, when you're playing, that's the last thing you're thinking about. You think nobody's watching. Like, you know that people are watching the games, but you don't think it affects anybody like it does you or your mother or your close friend. That, to me, sometimes I get emotional because I get caught off guard, but the fact that I gave some people these moments means the world to me. That's more than enough. I don't care how people look at me as long as I've helped some people, brought them joy or maybe some good memories."

  Altidore, too, has been reflecting on those memories a bit more recently, even as life has gotten busier. He often runs into old teammates or opponents throughout his various travels. In those interactions, he's free to reminisce and relive the best moments alongside those who were there for most of them.

  "Playing soccer was a dream, and I got to do it and represent the United States National Team," he says. "There are millions of people, and you were one of the very best, and those are things nobody can take away. You played with some of the very best, and they know you. That's what matters most to me. Nobody can take those moments away. We had some amazing times."

  Times are different now. While Altidore's best moments as a player came in a USMNT shirt, his best moments as a fan have come watching from afar as he keeps a close eye on a new generation that, to him, doesn't feel so new.

Advertisement

• Imagn
  

  Mentor to USMNT's current stars: Pulisic, McKennie and Weah

  Last November, the USMNT was gearing up for a big CONCACAF Nations League clash with Jamaica. In the days leading up to the game, Altidore was in town and stopped by training. One by one, players ran up to catch up and, in truth, to show respect. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah – all ran over to greet a player who they acknowledge is one who helped pave the path they now walk on.

  Six years after his last USMNT run, the team still features plenty of Altidore's old teammates. Pulisic and McKennie have become the faces of the modern generation, but six years ago, McKennie was actually captaining the USMNT in Altidore's final game. That camp also featured the likes of Tim Ream and Cristian Roldan, both of whom are still going strong after having their own career renaissance to get back into the picture. Ream is, funnily enough, two years older than Altidore, pushing for one last World Cup run.

  That part of it is a little difficult, Altidore says. These aren't a new generation leading American soccer somewhere; these are his friends. 

  "It's a little bit of mixed feelings because, even now, I watch and still feel like I can play," he says with a laugh. "There's always that feeling, and sometimes it's tough, especially because you got to play with them. I played with Christian and Weston early on, and we clicked right away, so I watch them now, and I can only imagine, man. I would have made this run or given it to Weston this way because I know how we played together. That part is difficult. 

  "The other part is exciting because this is the same team that we've all played for, and these guys are pushing that team further now with what they're doing. Is it the way everybody likes? Maybe not, but to say that they're not pushing us forward would be a lie. It's tough because you want to be out there backing them up, fighting for them sometimes, but that's part of being an older player: sharing those feelings as time goes on but still supporting the team."

  Altidore has moved gracefully into his role as an experienced veteran of the game. At a time when several of his ex-teammates have made headlines for taking shots at the new era, Altidore is hesitant to even compare. There's no point in turning this into a "U.S. vs them", in his eyes. The only thing he wants to do is support. It's not because he has to, but because he wants to. More than anything, he wants this team to be better, even if that means seeing players achieve more than he did.

  "Is it perfect? No, but I'll be damned if I'm going to criticize those guys who do what I did in terms of challenging themselves and taking it all a step further," he says. "You can criticize them for a lot of things, but I can never criticize that. I only applaud them and cheer them on. I'm actually disappointed that I haven't been over to Europe yet. I need to get over there and start watching these guys play because I love to see it. 

  "I love spending time with them. I love seeing how they've grown as people. That part interests me so much: to see them as people, how they've grown, and how they continue to do that."

  Altidore is growing, too. He's found a new side of himself that is now blossoming during his life after soccer.

• Getty Images Entertainment
  

  Life after soccer

  For years, Altidore's daily routine was pretty similar. From 2006-2023, he was a professional athlete and lived that life: wake up, train, eat right, travel, play. It was highly regimented and always busy. These days, though, life is a little different. These days, he wears a few more hats: ex-pro, father, husband, investor, fan. Mornings now are about phone calls and school runs. Life has changed, but it hasn't slowed down.

  "When I got waived [by the New England Revolution], it was right around the fall, so I had time to prepare and decide what I wanted to do next," he says. "To be honest, right from the jump, I turned into dad mode. I wanted to be more present in my son's life and make sure that I'm around to be with him and take him places. That was my first thought: I'm going to be more available for him. I took that and ran with it. When you're playing and travelling, you miss a lot, and there's nothing you can really do about it. It's the nature of our work: we miss a lot of milestones. That was the easiest thing for me: just being like, 'Okay, now I have more time with my son'. That was a no-brainer.

  "I've always been this type of way where I'm incredibly focused and motivated on what I'm doing, so, for me, ever since I've stopped playing, I've spent a lot of time in the investment world. I've wasted no time getting knee deep into that. Every morning is an assortment of calls and things I have to do."

  Those calls take him across a variety of businesses. He's a part-owner of the Buffalo Bills, having joined the ownership group in 2024. He's involved in golf through TGL Golf and sailing through SailGP. He hasn't completely left soccer, either. He's an investor in Bay FC of the NWSL and spends plenty of time with his player development company, Sogility, as Chief Strategy Officer and co-owner.

  "I love soccer," he says.  "I wanted to work in the youth soccer area, but didn't want to start a club where people are poaching players. Sogility, for me, fell in really nicely because I was able to train with kids and be a resource for young families and players. You help them improve, but you also send them back to their respective environments. 

  "I want to find a way to affect the game at the grassroots level and change that retention number because I think at 14 or 15, we're seeing a lot of kids not take it as seriously or drop out of the game. At that age, I was playing and starting as a professional. How can I give back in a way where we're meeting kids where they're at in their development? How can I help them improve and have fun? That's the new challenge for me."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  Achieving dreams

  Despite all of the moments he lived during his career, Altidore can still pinpoint the exact one that mattered most. It came at the very beginning. Few reach the highest of highs at 20 years old, but Altidore did. By simply walking onto a field at the World Cup, he'd done everything he'd set out to do. 

  It wasn't the event that made it special. It wasn't the spectacle in South Africa, the national anthems, or the game itself. It was who he locked eyes with as he was walking out of the tunnel.

  "I had already gotten to do everything my dad and I had talked about," he said. "I already debuted, played in the Premier League, and was now going to be walking out and playing in a World Cup. That's how I got into soccer, and a big part of it was my dad. He had taped all of the 94 World Cup games. So, for me, that moment was really emotional: just walking out, finding them in the crowd, and living that moment in real life. I'm so happy I got to share that with them. I'm so happy my mom and dad got to be there.

  "It was just a culmination for me. When I look at my dad and his story and what he'd gone through? He came here from Haiti and hustled his whole way. To do what he was able to do with the resources and continue elevating, it's one of those things where I'm always going to be his son. I have that mindset now in how I live my life and how I have to work."

  Even all these years later, that moment, in some ways, defines Jozy Altidore. He is so much more than that split second, of course. There were higher highs and surely lower lows. He scored so many goals, broke so many records, and saw so many things in the years that followed it. But that moment, that one singular freeze frame, is what explains Altidore's own legacy to himself. Everything else is just noise. That moment is who he is.

  "I just view myself as a part of my family," Altidore says. "This is our dream, and this is my way to piggyback off of that. That's how I saw myself, even in the moment: I was always just little Josmer Altidore, the son of Haitian immigrants. I didn't ever see myself as anything more."

  What you see in Altidore, then, is left up to you. Soccer, in many ways, still defines him even as he continues to stay away from the ball, but this is a new version of Jozy Altidore, one that, the more he thinks about it, is a lot like the old one, too.

  As this interview ends, Altidore has one last thing to say, one last message for those reading.

  "When I see this World Cup opportunity, I think it falls on all of us: media, ex-players, all of us," he says. "There's plenty of time to be negative and miserable, but let's try and get behind this and really celebrate all that everybody's putting into this summer. Hopefully, we play inspiring soccer, and then we're all recipients of the boom that comes after the World Cup. 

  "I just hope we can all sit around the campfire, enjoy the game, smile, and really celebrate. There's always so much negativity around things, but I'm just excited to celebrate."

Crystal Palace are now readying a January move for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, with Oliver Glasner personally keen, and they hold an advantage in the race for his signature.

Palace are one of many clubs looking like they could make a push for the European places this season, should they manage to keep their squad together, and there has recently been a positive update on that front, despite Liverpool retaining an interest in Marc Guehi.

There has also been a new update on Adam Wharton’s future, amid widespread interest from Premier League clubs, while the Eagles have been forced to make do without Eberechi Eze this season, with the 27-year-old moving to Arsenal in the summer.

Following Eze’s departure, Glasner’s side brought in Yeremy Pino, but it has now been revealed they want to bring in another forward to soften the blow of losing their talisman in the previous window…

Crystal Palace readying January move for Raheem Sterling

According to a report from SportsBoom, Crystal Palace are now readying a January move for Chelsea’s Sterling, with Glasner personally keen, and the Blues willing to pay part of the winger’s wages to get him off the books.

There is expected to be competition for the Englishman’s signature from Leeds United, but Palace may hold a key advantage in the race for his signature, as he wants to remain in the south for personal reasons.

The South Londoners’ location could give them the edge in the battle for the Chelsea outcast, who has been named as one of the best wingers in Premier League history, given that he lives in Berkshire, but there are doubts over whether they should even pursue a move.

Pep Guardiola has lauded the former Manchester City man in the past, saying: “For his confidence it will be massive, the first goal is brilliant, when Raheem executes without thinking he is excellent.”

However, the 30-year-old has had little opportunity to show his brilliance in recent times, having not made a single appearance for the Blues this season, and he struggled on loan at Arsenal last term, scoring zero goals and picking up just two assists in 17 Premier League games.

Having amassed a whopping 198 goal contributions in 396 Premier League matches and won 11 trophies, there can be no denying that Sterling was a top player in his prime, but his best days might be behind him, so it wouldn’t be the end of the world if Leeds beat Palace to his signature.

Crystal Palace join race for "extraordinary" forward likened to Kvaratskhelia Crystal Palace join race for "extraordinary" forward likened to Kvaratskhelia

The Eagles are looking to bolster their options in attacking areas during the January transfer window.

ByDominic Lund Nov 12, 2025

West Ham insider ExWHUemployee has shared some “unfortunate news” out of the club with Nuno Espírito Santo dealt another injury blow.

The Hammers had a rare afternoon of celebration last weekend as Nuno oversaw his first win since taking charge.

West Ham put top four-chasing Newcastle to the sword in a 3-1 victory which was also their first Premier League win at the London Stadium in 248 days.

Goals from Lucas Paqueta, Sven Botman (OG) and Tomas Soucek cancelled out Jacob Murphy’s stunning early opener to gift the east Londoners an absolutely vital three points, with Nuno explaining his plan to make the London Stadium a fortress when asked about the fan protests after full-time.

Nuno tinkered with his team once again at home to Newcastle, but unlike his questionable selections against the likes of Brentford and Leeds, his decisions paid dividends.

Jean-Clair Todibo put in what was one of his better West Ham performances in the left centre-back role, with highly-rated youngster Freddie Potts impressing after finally being given the chance by Nuno.

Despite reports suggesting that Nuno doesn’t fancy Callum Wilson up front for West Ham, the Portuguese elected to start him against Eddie Howe’s side and drop Paqueta back to his preferred midfield role.

The striker conundrum is one of West Ham’s major dilemmas, but ExWHUemployee says Nuno could welcome back Fullkrug pretty soon.

Sharing an injury update, the insider claims that he is on track to return ahead of schedule, as is Konstantinos Mavropanos.

However, he also has some bad news.

West Ham dealt Lukasz Fabianski blow as Nuno takes action

Writing via his Patreon, Ex explains that Lukasz Fabianski has now suffered a back injury which required him to be carried off in training at Rush Green.

As a result, Nuno made the personal decision to recall young keeper Finn Herrick from his loan at Boreham Wood.

The Pole, who was released by West Ham only to be brought back in the summer, played 90 minutes for the club’s Under-21s against MK Dons in the EFL Trophy back in September.

The 40-year-old has made 216 first-team appearances for West Ham and was a more-than capable back up to the likes of Areola and Hermansen, but following this injury, it is unclear what the future holds for Fabianski with his contract up at the end of 25/26.

Even with a shorthanded squad, the urgency in the U.S. camp hasn’t dipped as players fight for places on next year’s World Cup roster.

CHESTER, Pa. – Sometimes, putting a timeline on something changes everything. It sharpens the urgency, adds finality, and makes the moment feel real. That’s exactly what Mauricio Pochettino and his staff did with the U.S. men’s national team this week.

Ten training sessions. That’s all that remains between the USMNT and a finalized World Cup roster. The number of days left with the coaching staff can now be counted on two hands. It’s jarring – and motivating. Because it means the World Cup is almost here.

"It's not desperation; it's an intense focus," veteran defender Tim Ream said at a USMNT availability. "There's a little more bite in the training. There's intensity. There's more aggressiveness. Guys are doing everything they possibly can to be part of the team, and I think, as we've gotten closer and closer, you see that more and more. That's a good thing. Guys are desperate to be a part of this group and be a part of the team and be a part of a World Cup."

The next step on the road to that World Cup is Paraguay, who will face the USMNT on Saturday at Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union. It's a tough test, one the U.S. will head into shorthanded. Christian Pulisic is out. So, too, are Chris Richards and Tyler Adams. Tim Weah, Antonee Robinson, and Weston McKennie aren't here. All of those named could be starters next summer.

For those tasked with playing in these games, though, it's an opportunity. With time running out, the urgency is turned up and, with every day and every game, the World Cup gets a little bit closer.

GOAL takes a look at five keys to the next test against Paraguay.

Getty Images SportWho is the No. 9 (or No. 9s)?

The strikers are all here! Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright – all in camp and, better yet, in form! There are plenty of goals in this trio, but there are still some questions about who is the one that gets the opportunity to score them on Saturday.

Last camp, Balogun and Wright showcased why they belong. The former scored in the draw with Ecuador, netting his second in as many starts after previously scoring against Japan. Wright then came into the team against Australia and scored a brace, making his own case for minutes. As for Pepi, this is his first camp this year after a long-term injury absence, and it comes amid a strong run with PSV that has seen him net several crucial goals off the bench.

"It's been a difficult time, of course, the past couple of months," Pepi said. "A lot of inconsistency in the way I've been feeling, in the way that I've been playing, and I would say,  it wasn't until the last couple of weeks when I noticed in training that I started to feel myself. Just the way I move, the way I hit the ball, the way I strike – I think it's been recently where I've started to feel like I'm at a good place with my body and healthy again."

Traditionally, teams nowadays play with one striker, which means Pochettino will need to pick one of three very good options. Perhaps he doesn't, though. Could he maybe choose two of those three? Given the absences in midfield, could he test out a strike partnership? It certainly wouldn't be the preferred system next summer, but it would be a good club to have in the bag for emergencies, and this is a good opportunity to give that a try.

"I don't think it would be a big adjustment," Balogun said of a potential switch. "I've done it at the club level. It would definitely be something different because [Pepi] is a different profile of striker, and I haven't really played with him as a two [man partnership], but we're good players and we're going to be able to figure it out. If that's what the coach thinks we need at some point, then I'm sure neither of us has a problem playing as a two."

Maybe Pochettino has no interest. Maybe the key is to develop the system as established these last few months, but if Pochettino wants to, there are plenty of reasons to try something a little different, given the wealth of talent at the No. 9 spot.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportChoosing the center backs

Chris Richards isn't here, and with his absence, the U.S. is missing the one locked-in center back in the player pool. This is an opportunity, then, for everyone else fighting for spots to show what they can do without Richards as they battle to play with him.

Tim Ream has generally shown that, as he continues to fight father time, for a crack at another World Cup. Miles Robinson and Mark McKenzie have been in the mix, too, as they push to be involved in that three-man backline. And returning to the fold now is Auston Trusty, who has a bigger role at Celtic and is now looking to turn that into a more opportunities with the USMNT.

There's a wild card in there, too. Joe Scally is someone who has played as a right-sided centerback in a back three. With his return to the national team, could he be in the mix?

"The change from a four to a five, of course, helps me because I can play as a wingback or a centerback," Scally said. "I think both are good options for me. We spoke a little about both positions. [Pochettino] knows my capability left, right, center, or wingback, so, yeah, it's a good opportunity."

There are still spots up for grabs in this position, and this camp is full of players fighting for them. Pochettino's choices in these games will give some insight into which players he thinks are leading that fight as of this final camp of 2025.

GettyThe Union connection

That’s what Dorothy said in , anyway – and it fits this weekend for four USMNT players who know Subaru Park better than anyone. The Philadelphia Union alums all return with something to prove.

“It’s a special place,” McKenzie said. “It’s dear to my heart, but there’s also this grit that comes with playing in a city like this. There’s a sense of fight, a chip on your shoulder, and I think that reflects the qualities we want to show with the national team. The two go hand in hand.”

For McKenzie and Trusty, the stakes are clear. Brenden Aaronson, despite his resurgence at Leeds, is still fighting for his World Cup spot. And goalkeeper Matt Freese may be the No. 1 right now, but his margin for error is slim – one bad moment can change everything. He’s under pressure, too.

These days look nothing like the ones when that quartet first played together. Back then, they were battling for minutes with the Union. Now they’re doing it with the national team, with a World Cup looming. None of them forget that journey.

“I think you see where everyone’s grown,” McKenzie said. “We were 16-year-olds playing here with Bethlehem Steel, training against grown men and going, ‘Oh my gosh.’ Fast forward 10 years, and here we are. It’s hard work and sacrifice, and all of that was instilled in us on these same fields and in these same offices.

“When you get on the pitch, you remember those moments – being teenagers out here, building habits and routines together. The chemistry comes back quickly. It just clicks.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportFinding the midfield

The USMNT’s bulldog in Tyler Adams is out, and without him, the Americans lose their ultimate safety blanket. So who takes charge in his absence, and who shows why they deserve to play next to him next summer?

Tanner Tessmann seems to be in pole position after a strong October camp. The Lyon midfielder provides the right combination of size, athleticism, bite, and on-ball ability to complement Adams, who we all know will be something of a roamer. The question is if the Bournemouth star would be better served with someone next to him sitting deep, someone like Aidan Morris, perhaps. He, too, is in camp and looking to build off October.

The Seattle Sounders' Cristian Roldan, meanwhile, is an obvious veteran inclusion, one that has shown the ability to help the team in a variety of ways. Sebastian Berhalter, meanwhile, brings mentality and some good form with the Vancouver Whitecaps as he continues to grow as a national team player. Finally, there's Timmy Tillman, who will look to make his own late push into the picture after starring with LAFC.

Much like the center backs, the central midfielders will be looking to prove that they can play with or without the one penciled-in star, and, with time running out pre-World Cup, this is one hell of an opportunity to do so against some World Cup-quality teams.

Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to Anfield with Real Madrid and paid a touching tribute to his late former team-mate Diogo Jota, laying flowers and leaving an emotional handwritten message at the Liverpool memorial. The heartfelt gesture came as the English defender revisited his old home ahead of Los Blancos' Champions League clash with the Reds on Tuesday night.

Getty Images SportAlexander-Arnold pays tribute to Jota on Anfield return

Ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold made an emotional return to Anfield to honour his former teammate Jota. The English full-back, who joined Los Blancos in the summer, placed a floral wreath, a handwritten message, and a red PlayStation 4 controller, a nod to Jota’s love of gaming, at the memorial dedicated to the Portuguese forward and his brother Andre.

Alexander-Arnold’s handwritten message read: “My mate Diogo, you are so missed but still so loved. Yours and Andre's memory will always live on. I smile every time I think about you and will always remember the great times we shared. Miss you, mate, every day. Forever 20. YNWA. Love Trent and family.”

The 26-year-old was joined by Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, Dean Huijsen, and club legend Emilio Butragueno, who all laid flowers in remembrance of the Anfield favourite. Their gesture was warmly received by Liverpool supporters across social media.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesJota's tragic death and the subsequent tributes

The tribute comes just months after the tragic death of Jota and his brother Andre, who were killed in a car accident in northern Spain on July 3. The crash occurred when their vehicle veered off the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, ending the lives of two much-loved figures in Portuguese football. The loss sent shockwaves through the sport, particularly at Liverpool, where Jota had become an integral part of proceedings.

 In the days following Jota’s passing, Alexander-Arnold had released an emotional message on social media, which read: "It's so difficult to find the right words when your head and heart are struggling to accept that someone you care so much about has gone. Diogo, your family was your world. They were everything. For Rute, his children, and his parents, all of our hearts are broken. And for Andre as well. Brothers and best friends.

"When it's less painful, I want to remember Diogo with a big smile. So many laughs and happy moments. He was such a great team-mate and a true friend. Forever number 20. Rest in peace, Diogo."

Liverpool responded to the tragedy by retiring Jota’s No.20 shirt, ensuring his contribution to the club’s modern era would never be forgotten. Nicknamed the “Silent Assassin”, Jota earned a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most efficient forwards, known for his composure, work rate, and knack for scoring decisive goals. During his five years at Anfield, he made over 140 appearances, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, two League Cups, and a Community Shield.

Alexander-Arnold's first return to Liverpool after Jota's death

Alexander-Arnold’s return to Liverpool carried an added emotional weight as he visited the stadium for the first time since his transfer to Real Madrid. The right-back departed Anfield in July in an £8.4 million move after more than a decade with his boyhood club. 

The memorial stop took place less than 24 hours before Real Madrid’s Champions League group-stage match against Liverpool. Accompanied by Alonso, another figure who straddles the history of both clubs, Alexander-Arnold was visibly emotional as he stood before the shrine, pausing in silence before placing his tribute.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyAlexander-Arnold back at Anfield for Champions League clash

Real Madrid will face Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday night in what promises to be a charged Champions League encounter, both emotionally and competitively. For Alexander-Arnold, the match was supposed to mark his return in front of the Kop after having left the Reds; however, the right-back is unlikely to start the game as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury that has seen him miss close to seven weeks so far. Nonetheless, Alexander-Arnold will at least have the chance to sit in the away dugout at Anfield for the first time in his career.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a final da Copa do Brasil, Calleri revelou que terá que passar por um procedimento cirúrgico no tornozelo. Entretanto, o Lance! apurou que esta cirurgia não teria data para acontecer ainda. A justificativa? O argentino estaria esperando o momento ideal para ver se seria mesmo necessário. Este momento, no caso, seria quando o Tricolor estivesse mais tranquilo na tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro.

RelacionadasSão PauloJuan revela se pode substituir Calleri após cirurgia e destaca crescimento no São PauloSão Paulo28/09/2023São PauloSão Paulo: Welington comenta interesses da Europa, mas reafirma foco atualSão Paulo27/09/2023São PauloDiego Costa prega foco no Corinthians para afastar São Paulo do rebaixamento no BrasileirãoSão Paulo27/09/2023

Mesmo reserva contra o Coritiba, o camisa 9 esteve em campo por 16 minutos. Com a vitória por 2 a 1, o Tricolor chegou aos 31 pontos e melhorou a situação anterior, quando estava muito próximo de times que estão na zona de rebaixamento.

Depois da vitória contra o Flamengo na decisão, Calleri disse que estava jogando ‘no sacrifício’ desde março. Pessoas próximas ao atleta revelaram que ‘ele estava levando todo esse tempo na raça’.

+ É CAMPEÃO! Compre agora a camisa que entrou para a história do Tricolor com o cupom LANCEFUT

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que Pet, Dante e outros craques da bola participaram também. Cupom: LANCE400

Foram sete meses jogando sabendo que teria que passar por esta cirurgia por uma opção própria. Em março, Calleri se lesionou na derrota para o São Bernardo, no dia 25 de fevereiro, pelo Campeonato Paulista.

Desde que os exames apontaram a gravidade de sua situação, o camisa 9 iniciou um debate com os médicos sobre qual seria o procedimento. Pelo lado do estafe são-paulino, o desejo era por uma operação, mas o próprio atleta optou por um tratamento convencional e voltou a jogar – isso por toda a temporada.

Aston Villa have now emerged as strong candidates to sign a “fantastic” forward, with sporting director Monchi said to be keen.

Villa keen on new winger despite signing Sancho

After a disappointing start to the Premier League season, with Unai Emery’s side failing to score a single goal in their opening three games, Jadon Sancho made a move to Villa Park on deadline day, arriving on a season-long loan from Manchester United.

However, both Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher aren’t convinced about the new Villa signing, with the former saying: “Unai Emery might be good for Sancho but I do think it’s a weird signing.

“Villa Park is a massive pitch and he’s got a lack of pace and a lack of legs. He’s got some brilliance but what’s his real strength? I don’t really know.”

Carragher added: “I don’t know what Sancho’s thing is. Every player has something but I can’t think in my head what he does. I’ve never seen it in my life. I haven’t.”

It remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old is able to prove the doubters wrong, but Aston Villa have already set their sights on a different winger, with a report from Spain revealing they are now strong candidates to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt.

NSWE to make January move for £40m striker who loves scoring vs Aston Villa

The Villans have identified a striker as their top January target.

ByDominic Lund Sep 8, 2025

Monchi is said to be personally keen on a move for Brandt, who could arrive at Villa Park on a free transfer next summer, if the winger doesn’t extend his contract with Dortmund, which expires in less than a year’s time.

Dortmund are set to try and negotiate a new deal with the winger, however, with the German club reluctant to lose him on a free, having been widely reportedly to have shelled out €25m (£22m) to sign the former Bayer Leverkusen man back in 2019.

"Fantastic" Brandt would be versatile option for Emery

The 29-year-old has featured in various positions throughout his career to date, including both wings, attacking midfield and central midfield, which would make the forward a versatile option for Emery, and he has received plaudits from Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl.

Back in 2023, Kehl said: “His development has been great. He’s much more stable, robust and present. He has always shown in phases that he’s a fantastic player, but now he shows it over a longer period of time.”

The Bremen-born attacker has also outperformed Sancho across a number of key attacking metrics over the past year, ranking in the 97th percentile for assists per 90, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

Average per 90

Julian Brandt

Jadon Sancho

Non-penalty goals

0.17

0.15

Assists

0.43

0.20

Shot-creating actions

3.88

3.57

As such, Brandt could be a solid signing, and his potential availability on a free transfer is a bonus for Villa, who are known to be treading a fine line from a PSR point of view.

Florian Wirtz is putting in the hard yards as he is doing extra training for Germany in a bid to kickstart his Liverpool career after a slow start to life at Anfield. Since completing a whopping £116 million ($156m) transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, Wirtz has struggled to adjust to his new surroundings and has not had a single goal involvement in the Premier League.

Wirtz putting in the hard yards

The Germany national team, including Wirtz, trained together for the first time in the October international break on Tuesday. After the training session concluded, Wirtz was seen putting in extra shifts to work on his finishing and pick up his form, according to .

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWirtz labelled 'hard-working'

RB Leipzig and Germany left-back David Raum confirmed that Wirtz worked outside the training session, as he said: "The boy is hard-working and shows energy on and off the pitch. He was once again one of the longest players on the pitch today. We believe in the boy, we're building him up here. But he knows what he's capable of."

Slow start to life in England

Wirtz hasn’t been able to replicate the scintillating form that earned him Germany’s Footballer of the Year award in 2025. In his first seven Premier League appearances, the 22-year-old has yet to score or provide an assist – a stark contrast to his 31 goal contributions (16 goals, 15 assists) for Leverkusen in the 2024-25 campaign. The midfielder was even benched in Liverpool's last Premier League clash against Chelsea, as the Reds suffered their second consecutive Premier League defeat and third in all competitions.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty/GOALWirtz aiming to find form against Man Utd

Wirtz will hope to perform well for the national team in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland on October 10 and 13 and regain his long-lost form ahead of Liverpool's next Premier League fixture against fierce rivals Manchester United on October 19. 

Ousmane Dembele’s Ballon d’Or triumph has attracted many deliberations, with Serge Gnabry admitting he feels “a little bit vindicated” after previously declaring the Paris Saint-Germain star was “much better” than Kylian Mbappe. The Bayern Munich winger praised Dembele’s rare two-footed ability, while also acknowledging the Real Madrid forward's world-class pedigree.

• Dembele’s Ballon d’Or glory

  The French international Dembele was crowned Ballon d’Or winner in Paris after a stunning season with PSG. The 28-year-old forward netted 35 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions, inspiring PSG to a historic treble that included their first-ever Champions League triumph. His achievement saw him edge out Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, underlining his rise from inconsistent talent to global superstar.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Gnabry a 'little bit vindicated' by Ballon d'Or result

  German winger Gnabry had long backed Dembele’s potential. In an Amazon documentary aired in 2021, Gnabry argued with team-mates Thomas Muller and Joshua Kimmich that Dembele was “much better” than compatriot Mbappe. At the time, Dembele was still at Barca, but his move to PSG and subsequent success has now added weight to Gnabry’s claim.

  Asked in an interview with if he felt justified after Dembele’s award, Gnabry said: “A little bit vindicated, yes. Ousmane has incredible talent. His ability to play with both feet is something that no other player in the world has. I’m very happy for him.” 

  Still, the Bayern star balanced his words, stressing that Mbappe remains “a brutal weapon and one of the best players in the world over the last few years.”

• Gnabry's old debate recalled

  The comparison between Dembele and Mbappe has long divided opinion. Mbappe, widely regarded as one of the sport’s most consistent stars, had seemed the natural heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as a consistent Ballon d'Or challenger. However, he finished seventh in the voting after finishing his first season with Madrid as La Liga's top scorer. Dembele, meanwhile, battled injuries and inconsistency before his revival in Paris that saw him play an integral role in their clean sweep of trophies last term.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Focus on keeping the momentum in new season's

  While Dembele celebrated in Paris, Gnabry has been enjoying a strong start to the Bundesliga season with three goals and three assists already registered. The Bavarians, unbeaten under coach Vincent Kompany, face Werder Bremen next in the league as they look to extend their record-breaking start. 

  Gnabry’s form has put him on the way to a new contract at the German club despite their sporting director admitting that he was a candidate to be sold recently.