تحدث محمود عبد الرازق شيكابالا، لاعب نادي الزمالك السابق، عن تشكيل منتخب مصر في مباراة بوركينا فاسو، التي تقام بينهما اليوم الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس العالم.
ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع بوركينا فاسو، في إطار الجولة الثامنة من عمر مباريات المجموعة الأولى لمنافسات التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026.
وقال شيكابالا خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر 2”: “بهذا التشكيل الذي اختاره حسام حسن أعطى انطباعًا أن المنتخب لم يذهب لكي نفوز، لأنه يدفع بتشكيل دفاعي أكثر”.
طالع | محمد بركات: تشكيل منتخب مصر أمام بوركينا فاسو مفاجأة.. وحسام حسن يؤمن نفسه
وأضاف: “أحمد عيد لا يجيد التحول الهجومي بشكل جيد، لو كان حسام حسن يريد أن يلعب على التحولات فكان الأفضل أن يلعب بـ زيزو لاعب الأهلي كجناح”.
وأكمل: “الشق الهجومي، على الورق ليس متماسكا، على أرض الملعب لا أعرف ماذا سيحدث، كنت أرى أن تواجد مصطفى محمد أفضل، مروان عطية وكوكا لا يستطيعان أن يرسلا كرات طولية لصلاح ومرموش”.
وأتم: “مصطفى محمد كان لا بد أن يتواجد خاصة أنه يسير بشكل جيد مع فريقه، حسام حسن لم يُفضل ذلك ولكن نتمنى له التوفيق”.
ويتصدر منتخب مصر حاليًا ترتيب المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم، برصيد 19 نقطة، بعد مرور 7 جولات، فاز في 6 وتعادل في لقاء.
Liverpool have adopted the mantra that the best form of defence is attack. Certainly, this is true of their summer transfer window so far, having made sweeping changes after winning the Premier League.
Some expected Arne Slot to be relieved of his duties as helmsman before the end of the 2024/25 campaign, let alone win the title with such dispatch.
Always ahead of the rabble, the Reds will now look to defend their title and challenge for more silverware across tournament fronts, well-equipped to do so after signing Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Though Liverpool are definitely interested in bringing in a centre-back – having attempted to sign Dean Huijsen before he joined Real Madrid and now setting their sights on Marc Guehi – many fans would agree that a centre-forward is more desperately needed.
Wirtz’s world-class playmaking would raise the level of any striker, but it won’t be enough to salvage Darwin Nunez’s Anfield career.
Why Liverpool are selling Darwin Nunez
When Liverpool signed Nunez from Benfica three years ago, they thought they had secured a superstar in the making. Jurgen Klopp led the bid.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.
However, the Uruguay international, 25, has only scored 25 goals across his three terms in the Premier League, routinely criticised for his wayward finishing.
The pace and pressure that English football applies has foiled many a talented up-and-comer, and though Nunez has had his moments – that winner at the City Ground, that match-winning brace against Brentford – personal triumphs have been few and far between.
Under Slot’s guidance, he has scored seven times in 47 matches. Presenting that data differently, Nunez failed to score across 42 fixtures in 2024/25.
The marriage is over, but it’s an amiable divorce. Serie A champions Napoli are currently pushing to sign the striker, and it’s a move that will benefit all parties involved.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez
Nunez will enjoy the slower pace of the Italian division. Napoli, then, have the chance to rekindle this maverick, turn him into a chaotic weapon.
And Liverpool? Well, Liverpool will sign someone better.
Liverpool set sights on Nunez upgrade
According to German reporter Christian Falk, Liverpool are still interested in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike. The sought-after star has been expected to leave Germany this summer, but his club are playing hardball.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
Indeed, Liverpool have been joined by Chelsea and Manchester United in considering a deal, but Frankfurt seem set on sticking to their €100m (£85m) valuation, a figure no one will pay.
Falk believes Liverpool will not open contacts with Frankfurt until Nunez’s future has been sorted, and a resolution on that front appears to be imminent.
Why Liverpool should sign Hugo Ekitike
Time was when the ballpark of £85m would get you record-breaking players, those of the top brass. Now, such figures make for just another day for clubs looking to stay competitive at the highest level.
That’s not to discredit Ekitike’s skill set; the Frenchman has been called “one of the best strikers out there” by analyst Ben Mattinson, after all.
And he could reach some staggering standard, of course. Ekitike is tall and powerful and dynamic, endowed with pace and awareness to combine with a hunger to rattle shots off at goal.
You can only imagine the levels he could reach at Liverpool, combining with someone like Wirtz, whom Xabi Alonso had no qualms about labelling a “genius” of a playmaker for his vision and creative passing.
24/25
31 (25)
10
13
23/24
32 (26)
11
12
22/23
17 (11)
1
6
21/22
24 (22)
7
10
20/21
29 (25)
5
6
Wirtz’s ability to score and to assist with regularity would suit a modern-tailored striker like Ekitike to a tee, for he scored 22 goals and assisted 12 more across all competitions in 2024/25, going from strength to strength after arriving in Germany as a loanee in January 2024, scoring four times across the latter half of that Bundesliga season before wrapping the deal up by the end for €35m (£30m).
A lofty figure for a relatively unproven prospect at the time, but who can argue that Frankfurt haven’t got bang for their buck now? Ekitike will be sold for a mammoth figure, even if it doesn’t quite reach the ballpark that Die Adler are hoping for.
While some might have reservations over Ekitike’s age, and indeed his rawness, you can only imagine the heights he could reach in front of Liverpool’s new record signing, and that’s without even considering the magic of Mohamed Salah being sprinkled in from the right too.
Of course, Wirtz will certainly be helped by Ekitike’s instinctiveness, the forward’s sharp movements and clever flicks apt to cause mayhem for opposing defences when collecting one of Wirtz’s surgical passes, his angled crosses, his deft layoffs.
And, furthermore, the rangy talent boasts an underlying skill set to behold, bearing all the dynamism and roundedness that Liverpool typically like from their frontmen.
As per FBref, he finished the Bundesliga campaign ranked among the top 8% of strikers for pass completion, the top 16% for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.
No doubt, he’d be a dream for Liverpool’s new German superstar, actually praised for his “incredible” style of play by teammate Rasmus Kristensen.
Eintracht Frankfurt's HugoEkitikecelebrates
Of course, Liverpool would get a more refined and established nine in Alexander Isak, who has demonstrable experience in the Premier League and Champions League, also scoring as Newcastle United beat Slot to the Carabao Cup in March.
However, Ekitike is more affordable and has the potential to grow into a bona fide sensation. Partnered with Wirtz over the coming years, whose elegant and intelligent performances would serve chances to the France talent on gleaming platters, Slot might just hit the jackpot.
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Chelsea can end the 2024/25 campaign in the perfect way on Wednesday night. They face Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final at the Stadion Wroclaw in Wroclaw, Poland, and have the opportunity to finish Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge with a trophy.
The Blues have been the dominant side in the competition this term. According to Sofascore, they have scored more goals than any other side, finding the back of the net 38 times, which is 16 more than their opponents. Their nine goals conceded were only bettered by two other sides, too.
The Blues surely go into this game as favourites, given their form in the competition so far. Indeed, Maresca seems to have much of his first-choice squad available for their final game of the campaign.
Chelsea’s team news vs. Betis
Luckily for the Blues, their final Premier League game of 2024/25 last Sunday saw them avoid any inquiries. That means star players, including Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo, will be available for the final this evening.
Further inclusions and absences have been noted, with there two first-team players who will certainly not make the squad this week. They are Wesley Fofana, who is still out with an injury, and Romeo Lavia, who is not registered in the squad.
On a more positive note, Nicolas Jackson will come back into the squad for the finale, given his Premier League suspension is not in effect in European competition. Another player who could return is Christopher Nkunku.
The Frenchman was not involved against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but his record in the Conference League is excellent. He has five goals and three assists in nine games in the competition, so he could make a real difference.
With that in mind, it will be fascinating to see who Maresca lines up with on Wednesday. Given the importance of the game, it seems the likes of Palmer, Caicedo and club captain Reece James will start, in what will surely be a strong lineup.
Robert Sanchez
Goalkeeper
Marc Cucurella
Left-back
Levi Colwill
Centre back
Trevoh Chalobah
Centre back
Reece James
Right-back
Moises Caicedo
Central midfield
Enzo Fernandez
Central midfield
Noni Madueke
Right wing
Cole Palmer
Attacking midfield
Jadon Sancho
Left wing
Nicolas Jackson
Centre-forward
Another player who could be in line to start the game is defender Trevoh Chalobah.
Why Chalobah could start vs. Betis
It has been a curious season for Chalobah in 2024/25. After spending the first half of the campaign on loan at Crystal Palace, he was recalled to Stamford Bridge and has since been an important player under Maresca.
Since returning from his loan spell, the “outstanding” defender, as Statman Dave once called him, has featured 18 times across all competitions, with four of those games coming in the Conference League.
The 25-year-old has helped to keep two clean sheets in that time, playing a total of 245 minutes in the competition. Now, perhaps he will be in line to start the final. He is a player experienced in European finals, having helped Chelsea win the UEFA Super Cup back in 2021, a game which he started and played 120 minutes.
The defensive “monster”, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been called up to former boss Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, although he did not start at the weekend. However, if he does come into the team for the final, potentially for Tosin, he will have the job of keeping Antony quiet.
The Manchester United loanee has been a standout player during his loan spell at Betis. In 25 games, he has nine goals and five assists. Half of those goal involvements have come in the Conference League, so he really does his best work there.
In fact, the Brazilian is similar to Palmer on FBref for this competition. For example, he averages 0.47xGA and 5.02 shot-creating actions each game. In comparison, Chelsea’s number 20 averages 0.48xGA and 4.11 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.
It will be a tough task for Chalobah to keep Antony quiet, but it will surely be crucial for Chelsea’s success. He has proven in the past few months that he has the potential to hurt opponents when given time and space, so Chalobah’s excellent reading of the game will be crucial to preventing that.
Although the winger does operate on the right-hand side, he tends to drift inside a lot and look to cut in on his left foot to get a shot off. Thus, Chalobah may well have to come up against him directly.
However, that is a battle the Chelsea defender should be comfortable handling. His defensive stats for the Blues this season, via Sofascore, are impressive. For example, he averages 1.8 combined tackles and interceptions and wins 1.9 aerial duels per game. On top of that, he has been dribbled past just once in that famous Blue shirt this term.
If he does get the nod from the start, the boyhood Chelsea star has the chance to become a key player for the Blues as they look to win more European silverware. They could become the first side in history to win the three current European trophies. Chalobah has a huge role to play.
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It’s no secret what Arsenal’s biggest weakness has been this season: their attack.
Injuries and poor form have seen Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool all score more goals than Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League.
Yet, for everything that’s gone wrong this year, the Gunners have still got the best defensive record in the competition, largely thanks to the incredible centre-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Gabriel and Saliba
Unfortunately, the pairing could soon be broken apart, with Real Madrid now upping the ante in their pursuit of the Frenchman.
However, it’s not necessarily all doom and gloom, as recent reports have linked Arsenal with another sensational centre-back who could prove to be a perfect replacement.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Arsenal's search for Saliba's successor
Because he has been performing at such a high level for a considerable period now, Saliba has long been linked with Real Madrid.
However, a recent report from French outlet L’Equipe has claimed that the Arsenal ace is now one of Los Blancos’ primary targets and someone they want to come in and lead the defence next season.
Losing the Bondy-born monster would undoubtedly be a massive setback for the North Londoners, but if they can secure the previously reported £86m for his services, then they can at least go out and look for a replacement.
In fact, that appears to be what they are doing already, as, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have maintained their strong interest in Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, who is “the most in-demand centre-back in the world” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson.
Alongside the Gunners, Romano has revealed that Liverpool and Chelsea are also in the “race to sign” the Spanish international, who has a £50m release clause in his current contract.
It might be a lot to spend on a youngster, but given his ability and immense potential, it would be worth it, especially as he could be the ideal Saliba replacement.
Why Huijsen would be a great Saliba replacement
If Arsenal can get ahead of the chasing pack and sign Huijsen in the coming weeks and months, what makes him a potentially great replacement for Saliba?
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen
First and foremost, even though he has only recently turned 20, he already has plenty of top-level experience.
For example, in addition to the two senior caps he’s won for Spain, the potentially “world-class” gem, as dubbed by one analyst, has made 33 appearances for Bournemouth this term, 27 of which have been starts, scored three goals and provided one assist.
On top of that, Arsenal fans will already be annoyingly aware of his immense ability, as not only did he start in the Cherries home win over the North Londoners in late October, he started in their win over the weekend, where he won his fourth Man of the Match Award this season and scored his third goal.
Finally, when we directly compare him to the Gunners’ supremely talented number two, the “perfect” Spaniard, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, actually comes out on top.
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.15
0.10
Non-Penalty G+As
0.16
0.06
Progressive Passes
4.68
4.15
Progressive Carries
1.45
0.50
Passing Accuracy
83.4%
94.2%
Key Passes
0.56
0.22
Passes into the Final 1/3
5.89
5.42
Passes into the Penalty Area
0.28
0.19
Shot-Creating Actions
1.61
0.81
Goal-Creating Actions
0.12
0.03
Tackles Won
0.93
1.11
Blocks
1.45
0.74
Interceptions
1.98
0.65
Clearances
7.06
3.44
Errors Leading to a Shot
0.16
0.19
Ball Recoveries
3.87
4.52
Aerial Duels Won
2.58
1.80
For example, he does better in practically every relevant metric, including but not limited to, expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive and key passes, passes into the final third and penalty area, shot and goal-creating actions, blocks, interceptions, clearances, aerial duals won and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, while keeping hold of Saliba should be Arsenal’s primary objective, Huijsen looks like he’d be the perfect replacement.
If anything, he’s someone they should look to sign regardless of what happens to the Frenchman.
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Aston Villa moved up to seventh in the Premier League table by beating the team that were ahead of them – Brighton & Hove Albion – 3-0 away from home on Wednesday night.
The Villans, in a match that lasted over 100 minutes, secured all three points in emphatic fashion, thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, and Donyel Malen, who all joined the claret and blue army in the January transfer window.
There were many impressive performers for Unai Emery’s side throughout the match at the AMEX, including the player who scored the opening goal on the night – Rashford.
Why Marcus Rashford's performance was vital for Aston Villa
The England international, who is on loan from Macnhester United until the end of the season, was the player to make it 1-0 for Villa with his terrific run in behind the Brighton defence.
He made a great movement off the shoulder of the last defender to race clear through on goal and the finish matched the run as the speedster brilliantly lifted the ball into the back of the net to give Villa the lead.
The 27-year-old attacker’s goal broke the deadlock and allowed the away side to play with more freedom, having taken the lead, which teed up the rest of the performance for Villa to go on and win with ease, which is why his display and goal were so vital for Emery’s team.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
There was a Villans star, however, who was even more important to the result, as Morgan Rogers proved that he is the main man for Villa with another sublime showing.
Why Morgan Rogers is the main man for Aston Villa
Emery has a host of brilliant attacking talents at his disposal, including the likes of Rashford, Asensio, and Ollie Watkins, but it is the former Manchester City man who runs the team with his performances.
As the attacking midfielder tasked with carrying the ball through the thirds, Rogers is crucial to everything that Villa do in possession and is now closing in on 20 goal contributions for the season, with 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions.
The 22-year-old dynamo, who was handed a player rating of 8/10 by BirminghamLive, added another two assists to his tally in the win over Brighton, playing a phenomenal long-range ball to Rashford for the opener, and racing down the flank to provide a perfect cut-back for Asensio to make it 2-0.
Minutes
88
65
Goals
0
1
Big chances created
2
0
Assists
2
0
Duels won
6/12
0/2
Tackles + interceptions
7
1
As you can see in the table above, the English whiz outperformed Rashford with his contributions to the side in and out of possession throughout the game, which shows that he offered more to the team overall.
Rogers, who was compared to Jude Bellingham on Sky Sports earlier this season, has proven himself to the main man time and time again for the Villans, as he has started all 29 of his appearances in the Premier League, whilst Watkins has been a substitute on five occasions.
Illustrating his all-round quality, Rogers is the only player in the squad who ranks within the top five for shots, dribbles, key passes, and fouls won per game, which speaks to how much of an influence he has on matches on the ball.
The Villa star can impact games with his energy out of possession, by winning tackles and duels, whilst also providing a threat as a scorer and a creator of goals, which makes him the full package for Emery and the manager’s main man on the pitch in the top-flight.
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Manchester United supporters have for so long been used to countless levels of success and trophies – often having the bragging rights over the supporters of their rivals.
However, over recent years, the Red Devils faithful have often been disappointed, with only a handful of FA Cups and Carabao Cups to show for their efforts.
The club have also gone an unthinkable 12 years without a Premier League triumph, with no manager able to win the title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
Ruben Amorim is the latest manager to try his luck at Old Trafford, with the hierarchy already handing the 40-year-old over £200m worth of additions since his arrival 12 months ago.
However, despite his spending spree in the summer transfer window, he could be about to be handed another significant backing from the board to aid his quest for success in the role.
United’s hunt for a new midfielder in the January window
The recent additions may have massively improved the options in the final third, but neglected the central midfield department, which desperately needs addressing in the winter.
Jobe Bellingham has been one name mentioned with a potential move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, after failing to nail down his side in Borussia Dortmund’s starting eleven.
The 20-year-old has started just two Bundesliga games in 2025/26, which could see the Englishman being tempted to return to his homeland to reignite his once-promising career.
However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Nottingham Forest sensation Elliot Anderson another midfielder the Red Devils hierarchy are targeting.
According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s side are currently preparing a bid in the region of £100m for the England international – a deal that would be a club-record, surpassing the fee paid for Paul Pogba.
The report also states that the hierarchy have been closely monitoring the 23-year-old in recent months and are preparing a move before his value soars further amid his recent international success.
Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Bruno
Bruno Fernandes has for so long been a shining light within the United ranks, but he’s had to take on a new responsibility within the first-team side in recent weeks.
As a result of the big-money additions in the final third, he’s had to drop into a slightly deeper number eight role – a position which is a slightly unfamiliar one to him.
Given his previous attacking midfield role, the 31-year-old still likes to get forward and impress – as seen by his tally of four chances created against Forest – the most of any player on the pitch.
However, if Bruno is to continue to do so during Amorim’s spell, he desperately needs a deep-lying option alongside him to regain possession and allow him to reach the heights he achieved last season.
Casemiro has recently partnered the Portuguese international, but at 33, he’s coming to the back end of his career – with a long-term replacement needed in January.
Anderson could provide Amorim with just that, with the 23-year-old having the talents to be an immediate fan-favourite whilst having the potential to improve further in the years ahead.
He’s developed into an elite-level number six in 2025/26, with the Englishman ranking at the top of 13 different categories for all midfielders in the Premier League this season.
Numbers such as 2.6 tackles won and 7.7 duels won per 90 showcase his ball-winning capabilities, which have led to one commentator labelling him as “world-class.”
Such numbers would allow Bruno to operate in his slightly more advanced role, taking the defensive responsibility away from him and reach his peak levels – as seen in 2024/25.
Games played
10
Goals & assists
1
Pass accuracy
87%
Progressive passes
8.9
Passes into final third
8.8
Take-ons completed
2.5
Ball recoveries
8.5
Tackles made
2.6
Duels won
7.7
Anderson has also thrived with the ball at his feet, subsequently registering 8.9 progressive passes and 8.8 passes into the final third per 90 – figures which would hand Bruno the ammunition he needs to create chances in attacking areas.
Other numbers, such as 2.5 take-ons attempted and 8.5 ball recoveries made, further highlight his phenomenal all-round quality – with the younger certainly one of the country’s hottest properties.
A deal for his signature would certainly cost the hierarchy a pretty penny, but it would allow the club to land the deep-lying option they have been craving for many months.
The prospect of Anderson partnering with Bruno at the heart of the side is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with such a duo potentially leading Amorim to new heights during his tenure at Old Trafford.
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The Angels were considering multiple former franchise stars to become their next skipper, but they reportedly ruled out two big names in their managerial search after Ron Washington and interim Ray Montgomery's departure.
According to a report from 's Bob Nightengale, Los Angeles has informed five-time All-Star Torii Hunter that he is no longer in the running to become their next manager. Earlier Monday, the New York Post's Jon Heyman reported that Albert Pujols have broken off talks on the role as he receives interest from the Orioles and Padres for their openings.
Neither former franchise star possesses experience as a manager at the MLB level, but Pujols has found quick success as a manager in his native Dominican Republic. He's slated to manage their national team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Hunter joined the Angels as a special assistant to general manager Perry Minasian last year.
Who are the other candidates for the Angels' managerial vacancy?
Los Angeles could still look to a former player with Kurt Suzuki still in the mix, according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. Suzuki has served as a special assistant to Minasian as well. Bollinger mentioned Rangers special assistant Nick Hundley, Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty, former Orioles manager Brandon Hyde as well as former Twins skipper Rocco Baldelli as additional candidates linked to the Angels.
The Angels finished last season 72-90 and missed out on the playoffs for the 11th season in a row.
The baseball postseason—and specifically the World Series—has a habit of creating heroes from the most unlikely sources. This time, unlikely hero Addison Barger navigated some extenuating circumstances to help power the Blue Jays to an 11–4 win over the Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night.
Addison Barger makes World Series history
Barger went from a pull-out couch, to the Blue Jays bench to the plate, where he belted the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history, blowing the game open and extending Toronto's lead to 9-2 in its eventual win.
"His family is coming in, came in tonight," Blue Jays outfielder Davis Schneider said after the game. "He needed someone. He was staying with Myles [Straw] and then stayed with me last night. My girlfriend is here so like, he’s like, ‘Can I sleep in the bed with you guys.' "
According to , it is not uncommon for Blue Jays players to stay at teammates' houses during the season, and some have looked to stay closer to Rogers Centre to beat World Series-related traffic.
So Schneider offered to have Barger sleep on his pull-out couch, though it may not have been the best night's sleep for the 25-year-old Barger.
"So I was like ‘No,’ sleep on my couch. Sleep on the pullout.' It’s a pullout, yeah. But it was squeaking all night. Yeah, it was so funny. I looked over and I just see him sleeping there in the middle of the night. He’s a headcase, but he’s fun."
Barger slept on the couch again?
Barger, as Schneider's sister Madeline pointed out on X, slept on the couch once again following the World Series victory. At this point, it's either that Barger genuinely likes sleeping on the squeaky pull-out couch, or he and the Blue Jays aren't messing with what could be good superstition.
Game 2 of the World Series begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday night.
Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed how Erling Haaland convinced him to move from Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester City in the summer transfer window. The Italian goalkeeper left the European champions on deadline day to sign for the Premier League giants after falling out of favour under Luis Enrique, who had already signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille.
Donnarumma shares special bond with Haaland
Since his move to City from Paris on deadline day, Donnarumma has built a close friendship with the club's star forward Haaland. In an interaction with the , the Italy international opened up on his close bond with the Norwegian goal machine as he said: "I’d say we just got on well immediately. We have always respected each other, even before we met. We make a lot of banter about playing against each other in the national teams. I’d say they are in a better situation than us now, they have much more peace of mind. But there are still two games left to play. It will be difficult to face each other, as it will be difficult to play against him. I know how strong he is and what chances he can create. It will be hard to face him both as a player and as a friend."
He also rated Haaland as a better player than former PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe as he added: "I think Erling does [have the hardest shot]. He is left-footed, so he is different from Kylian (Mbappe). They are both hard to play against. So it’s complicated. But I would rather have Erling playing for my side."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportHow Haaland pushed Donnarumma to join City
Speaking about Haaland and his move to City, Donnarumma told : "He's a fantastic guy, so calm and he loves his family and being with them. We hit it off. There's that synergy there where there's just a natural feeling. Even when we played against each other, we were in touch and after the games we even spoke often.
"Then I had the opportunity to come here, he wrote to me. He pushed hard for me to come and I think him so much for that. He's truly a great friend – and it's a good thing I play with him because it's so difficult to be against him! He's an alien!"
Donnarumma thanked City team-mates
The Italian custodian also thanked every member of the City squad for making him feel at home and helping him to adjust to the new conditions in the Premier League. Donnarumma has featured for Pep Guardiola's side in 12 matches across all competitions this season and has kept six clean sheets.
When asked about his performances, Donnarumma said: "I'm a bit angry because I could have kept more. I didn't expect to have such a positive impact on the Premier League. But the team helped me a lot because the moment I arrived, they welcome me very well. They helped me a lot in the first games, especially the first one which was just three days in. In the first training session, it felt like I had been there for two years. The league is very different, there's a lot of running, a lot of intensity so I had to adapt immediately. But the team has been fundamental for me in these first few months."
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Getty ImagesMan City hoping to reduce gap with Arsenal
After a forgettable outing in the 2024-25 campaign, Guardiola's men are back in form in the current season. They had a minor setback at the start of the season, where they lost back-to-back league games against Tottenham and Brighton but have now bounced back in style and are just four points behind league leaders Arsenal.
City will be back in action in the league on Saturday as they take on Newcastle United away from home. They would aim to win the clash and reduce their gap with the Gunners at the top of the table.
Teenage legspinner takes second five-for in four days to clinch convincing victory
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Aug-2025
Tazeem Ali bowled to the England team on their tour to Pakistan in October•Getty Images
Warwickshire completed back-to-back Metro Bank One-Day Cup wins with an emphatic 79-run victory over Kent at Rugby School.The Bears posted 283 for 9 largely thanks to Ed Barnard (60) and Kai Smith (58). On a pitch offering some turn, they coped most capably with a spin attack led by Matt Parkinson who bowled beautifully for his 1 for 36 from 10 overs.Kent replied with 204 all out, only ever partially recovering from the early straits of 19 for 3. Jaydn Denly hit 52 and Harry Finch 50, but legspinner Tazeem Ali followed his 5 for 43 against Northamptonshire on Sunday with 5 for 54 as Kent succumbed to their third defeat in three games in the competition.In front of another excellent crowd at Rugby, Warwickshire chose to bat, seeking a stronger start than in their first two group games when they had collapsed to 38 for 7 and 32 for 4. They got it as openers Barnard and Rob Yates (46) added 97 in 14 overs before Yates drove Joey Evison to cover.Ed Barnard top-scored with 60•Getty Images
Kent’s spinners reeled the run-rate back in by taking wickets. Barnard posted a polished 52-ball half-century, passing 2,000 career List A runs in the process, but overbalanced on a sweep and was stumped off Denly. Zen Malik drove Denly to cover, Hamza Shaikh fell to a superb catch by his England U19s colleague Ekansh Singh at deep mid-wicket off Jack Leaning. Alex Davies lifted Parkinson to long-off, supplying the legspinner with a well-deserved wicket.At 179 for 5, Warwickshire needed rebooting and Smith and Vansh Jani (42) delivered with a fluent partnership of 79 from 64 balls. Again, Kent hit back well towards the end as Fred Klaassen had Smith caught behind and Grant Stewart trapped Michael Booth and Jani lbw in the same over.Kent’s reply started badly as they lost three wickets in four balls to lurch to 19 for 3. Ben Dawkins was caught at cover off Barnard who bowled Evison first ball. Chris Benjamin, facing his former team-mates, also bagged a golden duck when he edged Ethan Bamber and wicketkeeper Smith took a fine diving catch.Denly and Finch rebuilt with an assured stand of 91 in 88 balls but both perished soon after reaching their half-centuries. Denly sliced Tazeem to short third man and Finch skied an attempted big hit at Adam Sylvester.Sylvester marked his List A debut with an excellent first spell of 1 for 7 in five overs, and his accuracy throttled the pursuit in tandem with Tazeem’s potency. Tazeem hit the stumps of Leaning and Stewart and, after Booth bowled Singh 42, returned to remove Parkinson and Michael Cohen in four balls and follow his maiden five-for in the previous game with another match-shaping performance.