Tag Futebol

John Terry is one of the most iconic Premier League players of the modern era and was a ferocious competitor on the pitch, and he appears to still have plenty of that fighting spirit judging by his recent comments in a bizarre spat with a former England international.

Claiming five top-flight titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups alongside the Champions League and Europa League, there are few men who boast such a powerful CV and degree of influence at the elite level over such a lengthy span of time.

Nevertheless, players retire and legacies are rewritten by some, including former professionals who have a wealth of stars to pit ex-opponents against by order of who they think was the most talented.

On this occasion, Terry has taken exception to a former Three Lions man sharing his opinion and not for the first time, making for intriguing reading as an unexpected feud has now been reignited.

John Terry reignites spat with Carlton Palmer

Terry has previously taken issue with former Leeds United man Carlton Palmer after the latter placed him fifth in a ranking of the Premier League’s top five defenders, claiming Ricardo Carvalho and Marcel Desailly were better than him, as was Rio Ferdinand.

Palmer said: “There’d be an argument that the two players he played with, Desailly and Carvalho, were better than him. But I wouldn’t argue with him going in the top five. I don’t believe he was better than Rio Ferdinand, that’s for sure.”

Replying at the time, Terry made a mockery of a previous clip showing Palmer mistakenly stating that he played against the Stamford Bridge icon in 1991 – when he was actually only 11 years old: “Please repost Carlton Palmer’s video saying ‘I remember back in 1991 we played against Chelsea and the team talk was to target John Terry,’ I was 11 and at school, and you’re still getting him on your show.”

Now, a fresh video from Karel Prince, who has become a social media sensation for pointing out false storytelling from ex-footballers on podcasts, has prompted another jab from Terry.

Bringing the story back up, Terry had a fresh pop at Palmer, writing on his personal story: “I was 11 years old and I was still better than this clown.”

Will John Terry return to full-time coaching?

Surprisingly, Terry admitted earlier this year that he is done with trying to break through in full-time management, and he is enjoying life working within Chelsea’s academy set-up.

He told The Sun: “I’m done in terms of coaching. I’m enjoying my life, I’m working in the Chelsea academy. I don’t really coach at the moment, I’m a mentor, ambassador. I went for a couple of jobs and those days are gone for me. I’m enjoying my life a little bit, I’ve got my time to myself, I play a bit of golf, I’m in the academy and I have some family time as well. It’s a really good balance for me.”

Previously, Terry was assistant manager at Aston Villa, and he also coached the 26ers in the UK Baller League, though any chance of witnessing the Englishman in the dugout professionally again appears to be off the table for now.

Aston Villa’s start to the new season has been a tale of inconsistency.

Unai Emery’s side have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled to sustain form across competitions.

Their first Premier League win didn’t arrive until late September, when they edged Fulham, before following up with a narrow 2–1 victory over Burnley that briefly steadied momentum.

Despite those results, Villa currently sit 13th in the Premier League with a goal difference of -1, underlining their challenge to turn possession and promise into points.

The schedule doesn’t get easier either – a trip to Tottenham Hotspur precedes a midweek test in the Europa League against Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles.

Europe, however, has provided more optimism.

Villa sit third in their Europa League group after victories over Bologna and Feyenoord, showing that Emery’s tactical rotations are working well on the continental stage.

With fixtures piling up, managing minutes has become crucial, and the Spaniard has already turned to emerging talent to refresh his attack.

Just as Morgan Rogers seized his chance last season, another starlet could be the next player to thrive under Emery’s trust – and his playing style might just remind Villa fans of a certain Jack Grealish.

Grealish & Morgan Rogers’ development at Villa

When Grealish left Villa Park for Manchester City in 2021 on that mammoth £100m deal, he departed as one of the most gifted and unpredictable wide players the club had ever produced.

Now 30, he has enjoyed a career of highs and lows – from winning a historic treble in 2023 to enduring injuries that have limited his game time.

Last season, he played only 721 minutes, starting seven games and making 13 substitute appearances while missing 17 matches through hip and groin problems.

Statistically, during that peak 2022/23 campaign, Grealish averaged 6.27 progressive carries, 4.39 progressive passes, and 4.55 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, alongside a pass completion rate of 84.1%.

Those numbers reflected a player capable of driving his team forward – someone who combined flair with productivity.

It’s that exact blend that Emery has been seeking to replicate in his current squad.

That search has led to the emergence of Rogers, one of Villa’s most promising recent success stories.

Signed from Middlesbrough, Rogers was handed opportunities by Emery last season and seized them emphatically.

His ability to glide past defenders and drive through midfield made him a natural fit for Emery’s possession-based system.

In his debut Premier League campaign, Rogers averaged 4.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, ranking among the top 10% of wingers in the league for progressive carries and take-ons completed.

Matches Played

37

Goals

8

Assists

10

Progressive Carries

114

Progressive Passes

123

His final third involvement was particularly impressive, with 0.28 assists per 90 minutes and a pass completion rate above 80% in attacking zones = numbers that show both creativity and composure.

But beyond statistics, Rogers brought something intangible: fearlessness.

He thrived when pressed into action, showing the same confidence that once defined a young Grealish.

Now, as Rogers continues to develop, Emery has added another technically gifted wide player to the squad – one who carries the same potential to shift games with one touch or turn.

Why Elliott could be Villa's new Grealish-type player

At just 21 years old, Harvey Elliott arrives at Aston Villa as a player brimming with potential and proven top-flight experience.

After coming through the ranks at Liverpool, where he made over 50 senior appearances, Elliott developed a reputation as a technical and intelligent winger who thrives between the lines.

His versatility allows him to operate on either flank or as an advanced midfielder – precisely the tactical flexibility Emery values.

Elliott’s first real taste of life at Villa Park came in the Carabao Cup clash with Brentford, where he opened the scoring before Villa were ultimately knocked out on penalties.

Despite the result, his performance was full of intent, pressing aggressively, carrying the ball with purpose, and linking play efficiently.

His statistical profile already mirrors aspects of Grealish’s peak years: a strong ball carrier, quick to release possession in tight areas, and brave in one-on-one duels.

Elliott is also disciplined off the ball, frequently tracking back to support his full-back – an attribute that makes him an Emery-style winger through and through.

Beyond ability, Elliott possesses the mentality to thrive in a demanding environment, having also been hailed as “so explosive” by England U21 boss, Lee Carsley.

Having experienced the pressures of a Champions League club at Liverpool, he now has the platform to play with freedom and responsibility – something Emery has proven adept at nurturing in young, creative talents.

If given a sustained run of games, Elliott could become a key figure in Villa’s attacking blueprint, bridging the gap between flair and function in the way Grealish once did.

His energy and enthusiasm have already lifted the tempo of Villa’s play, while his maturity ensures he fits seamlessly into Emery’s disciplined structure.

For Aston Villa, this campaign may still be about finding balance, but the emergence of Elliott offers genuine excitement.

He has the technique, temperament, and tactical awareness to become the next fan favourite — a player capable of unlocking defences and lifting Villa Park off its feet.

Aston Villa's "driving force" is looking like another Milner-type player

Unai Emery could now have a new James Milner-type player at Aston Villa in this consistent star.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 16, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Um dos motivos que tornam o futebol tão apaixonante é a injustiça. O Estudiantes abriu o placar aos 53 segundos, deu 30 chutes e teve mais de 60% de posse de bola, mas foi o Corinthians quem avançou às semifinais da Sul-Americana após disputa por pênaltis. Depois da partida, Giuliano foi categórico ao afirmar que os argentinos mereciam a vaga.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansRojas ‘vai contra a maré’ e se mostra descontente com postura do Corinthians diante do EstudiantesCorinthians30/08/2023CorinthiansEscolinha? Corinthians provoca Estudiantes após classificação na Sul-AmericanaCorinthians30/08/2023CorinthiansMaycon exalta Cássio após classificação do Corinthians na Sul-Americana e afirma: ‘Tínhamos que dar respostas’Corinthians30/08/2023

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

– Tem dia que você joga bem e não ganha, e tem dia que joga mal e você passa. É muito difícil falar sobre justiça no futebol. Se fosse por merecimento, o Estudiantes mereceria passar, mas o futebol não tem isso – disse o camisa 20 na zona mista do estádio argentino.

Giuliano entrou na metade do segundo tempo, na vaga de Gabriel Moscardo, para ajustar a marcação no meio-campo. Nos acréscimos, o camisa 20 teve a melhor chance do Timão na partida, mas chutou para fora.

continua após a publicidade

– A gente tem muita coisa para melhorar. Viemos contra uma equipe que veio para nos pressionar, fez um gol em um minuto, e isso já é um embalo natural e coloca mais para trás, você fica com receio de se expor, tomar mais um gol e ficar fora da competição. Trinta chutes é muito. Se fosse um resultado justo, o Estudiantes teria passado – ponderou Giuliano.

+ Veja tabela e datas das quartas de final da Sul-Americana

O meia, que tem bom aproveitamento nas penalidades, viu sua cobrança ser defendida pelo goleiro Andújar. Giuliano valorizou o desempenho coletivo do Timão nas cobranças e fez questão de exaltar Cássio, que defendeu a batida de Rollheiser.

continua após a publicidade

– Nos pênaltis, a gente tem um grande goleiro do nosso lado, que nos dá confiança maior. Sobre o meu erro, faz parte. Erra ali quem bate. Nas últimas quatro ou cinco disputas, eu fiz o gol. Hoje, infelizmente, eu errei. E tive meus companheiros para ajudar. Os que bateram, e o Cássio para defender – concluiu Giuliano.

O Corinthians volta a campo no próximo domingo (3), contra o Palmeiras, em Dérbi válido pelo Brasileirão, na Neo Química Arena.

Gujarat Titans (GT) have brought in Sri Lanka allrounder Dasun Shanaka as a replacement for the injured Glenn Phillips for the remainder of IPL 2025. Shanaka has played for GT in the past, in 2023, and comes in for INR 75 lakh (USD 87,800 approx.).Phillips had picked up a groin injury while fielding against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Hyderabad just over ten days ago, and was later ruled out of the tournament to head back home, to New Zealand.Shanaka has played only one season of the IPL so far, when he got three games for GT, scored only 26 runs and didn’t get to bowl at all two seasons ago.GT had earlier lost the services of Kagiso Rabada, on April 3, when he left home for “an important personal matter”. There is no clarity on when, and if, he will return to India. GT hadn’t named a replacement for Rabada.GT have won four of their six games and are on second spot on the points table with nearly half of the league stage over. Their next match is the afternoon game on Saturday, at home against table-toppers Delhi Capitals (DC).

انتقد الإعلامي أحمد شوبير قرار نادي الاتحاد السكندري، قبل مواجهة الأهلي يوم الأربعاء المُقبل، ضمن منافسات الجولة الحادية عشر من عمر مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الاثنين: “نادي الاتحاد السكندري رصد مكافأة استثنائية قدرها 50 ألف جنيهًا مكافأة فورية لكل لاعب في حال الفوز على الأهلي في الدوري الأربعاء المقبل”.

وتابع: “جميل أن تقوم بتحفيز اللاعبين، لكنني أريد أن أطرح سؤالًا على مسؤولي نادي الاتحاد، وعلى فكرة، محمد أحمد سلامة، رئيس النادي، رجل محترم جدًا ويعمل بجد، وقد تحدثت معه منذ أيام قليلة، وقال لي: أنا أجتهد بكل ما أُوتيت من قوة”.

وأضاف: “السؤال هنا للإخوة الأفاضل في الاتحاد السكندري: مباراة الاتحاد مع حرس الحدود أو فاركو أو سيراميكا أو مودرن أو أي فريق آخر، أليست أيضًا بثلاث نقاط مثل مباراة الأهلي؟”.

وواصل: “إذا كان المبدأ هو منح مكافأة استثنائية، فلا ينبغي أن تكون فقط أمام الأهلي أو الزمالك، بل يجب تحفيز اللاعبين في كل المباريات، قل لهم مثلًا: إذا فزتم بثلاث مباريات متتالية ستكون هناك مكافأة محددة في كل مباراة، هذا سيكون تحفيزًا منطقيًا، لأن في النهاية كل مباراة تُحتسب بثلاث نقاط”.

طالع أيضًا | حقيقة إغراء الأهلي لـ فيستون مايلي براتب 150 مليون لخطفه من بيراميدز

وأشار: “ما يحدث قد يُدخل الاتحاد في مشكلة، لأن هناك سبع فرق تنافس على البطولة، وأربع فرق ستهبط، وكل فريق يجمع نقاطه وفق نتائجه، أتمنى أن يكون التحفيز موجودًا في كل المباريات، لأن بعض المدربين يُريحون لاعبين بسبب مباراة مهمة قادمة، فيفقدون النقاط في المباراة الحالية”.

وأردف: “يا جماعة، كل مباراة بثلاث نقاط، صحيح أن الوقت أحيانًا يكون ضيقًا أو هناك خوف من إصابة، لكن يجب أن يكون المبدأ ثابتًا: لا توجد مباراة أهم من الأخرى، طبعًا، إذا كانت المباراة تؤهلك إلى نهائي كأس أو تمنحك بطولة فالأمر مختلف ومفهوم، لكن فكرة التركيز على مباراة على حساب أخرى ليست صحيحة، وهذا رأيي الدائم سواء على الأهلي أو الزمالك”.

واختتم: “كنت قد قلت، قبل مباراة الزمالك مع الجونة — التي كانت قبل لقاء الأهلي — إن الزمالك وقتها طلب من خوان بيزيرا الحصول على إنذار ليتمكن من المشاركة أمام الأهلي، فغاب اللاعب عن مباراة الجونة، وكانت النتيجة أن الزمالك تعادل وخسر نقطتين مهمتين جدًا في سباق المنافسة على بطولة الدوري العام”.

The visitors, who made five changes heading into the Test, were bowled out for 157 on the first evening

Ashish Pant02-Jan-2025It had taken Zimbabwe 197 overs and over two days to take ten Afghanistan wickets in the opening Test. A few days later, at the same venue, Zimbabwe required just 44.3 overs and less than two sessions to bowl Afghanistan out for 157, and take early control of the second Test in Bulawayo.Newman Nyamhuri and Sikandar Raza picked three wickets apiece while Blessing Muzarabani got two as none of the Afghanistan batters managed to build on starts. In reply, the Zimbabwe openers Ben Curran and Joylord Gumbie had a tricky three overs to face which they eventually survived.The conditions were very different at the start of the opening day, with persistent rain greeting the two teams, and the toss delayed by close to four hours.When the conditions improved, Craig Ervine had no hesitation in bowling first on what his opposite number Hashmatullah Shahidi described as a “spicy pitch”. Zimbabwe made two changes to their playing XI from the first Test, bringing in Richard Ngarava and Raza, while Afghanistan made five changes to their side. That included them handing Test debuts to Fareed Ahmad, Riaz Hassan and Ismat Alam.The Bulawayo pitch had a green tinge to it, but Muzarabani and Ngarava failed to extract much movement largely due to them being on the shorter side. The Afghanistan openers Abdul Malik and Riaz largely looked unhurried, and managed just 25 runs in the first ten overs.Blessing Muzarabani got two wickets•Zimbabwe CricketBut a moment of brilliance in the field gave the hosts the opening. Riaz pushed a full delivery from Ngarava to the right of point, and set off for a single, only to be sent back by Malik quite late. Riaz, who was almost halfway down the pitch, scurried back, but Bennett sprinted to his right, picked up the ball with one hand, and in one swift motion smashed the stumps at the striker’s end to catch the batter short.In the next over, Nyamhuri got a short-of-a-length ball to rear up sharply, thus catching Malik’s gloves through to the wicketkeeper.Shahidi and Rahmat Shah, who had stitched a record stand in the opening Test, then looked to arrest the slide. Shahidi began with a fierce cut off Muzarabani over backward point while Rahmat also got off the mark with a four, albeit a streaky one past the wicketkeeper’s left.Rahmat then struck two more fours off Muzarabani, but got a reprieve when he got a thick outside edge off Ngarava to Dion Myers, who spilled a relatively comfortable catch at gully. Thus, Shahidi and Rahmat moved to lunch unbeaten.But it did not take Zimbabwe long to strike after the break, with 18-year-old Nyamhuri once again getting into the act by squaring Shahidi up, and trapping him bang in front of the stumps for 13. Afsar Zazai, another centurion from the first Test, then came in and immediately found his bearings.But it was Raza’s introduction into the attack which brought about Afghanistan’s downfall. He varied his pace brilliantly, bowled wicket-to-wicket lines, and had both Rahmat and Zazai second-guessing. Nyamhuri also stuck to a plan, and induced multiple outside edges before Raza orchestrated a collapse.Ben Curran and Joylord Gumbie survived a tricky 20-minute burst before stumps•Zimbabwe CricketRahmat, unable to get Raza away, tried to unsettle him by trying a cheeky lap sweep. But Raza fired the ball in on middle, and Rahmat missed it to see his leg stump pegged back. Ngarava then got rid of Zazai with a snorter before Raza cleaned debutant Alam up with a yorker as Afghanistan slipped from 81 for 3 to 84 for 6 in the space of ten balls.Rashid Khan unfurled a number of strokes as soon as he walked in by spanking Raza for three back-to-back cover drives. Shahidullah also got his first boundary away via a wristy flick. Muzarabani, who was wayward all day, finally got the ball to land on a channel outside off and induced a thin edge off Shahidullah’s blade through to the wicketkeeper. Rashid then failed to keep a short and wide delivery off Muzarabani down, with deep point taking an easy catch.When Raza cleaned Yamin Ahmadzai up for his third wicket, the end was nigh for the visitors. But Zia-ur-Rehman and Fareed added a run-a-ball 27 for the final wicket, with debutant Fareed smashing a four and a six in his 19-ball 17 to take Afghanistan past 150.The Zimbabwe openers survived a tricky 20-minute burst from Afghanistan, and will want to wipe off the deficit early on day two. Rain and a wet outfield allowed only 47.3 overs to be bowled on the opening day, but the Test has already moved on at a rapid pace.

Liverpool and Everton played out an eventful Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday, with the hosts taking maximum points from a 2-1 victory. In the process, Toffees' boss David Moyes set an unwanted Premier League record, as Idrissa Gueye's 58th minute strike was not enough to salvage a point after first half goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool make it five wins out of five

Liverpool didn't require late fireworks to secure a win in Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton, with Arne Slot's side maintaining their perfect start to the Premier League. The visitors threatened to ruin the afternoon for the Reds following a second-half strike from Gueye, but that was all Moyes' men managed to manufacture. As a result, the veteran Scot unwittingly set an unwanted record.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWinless at Anfield

Following the defeat, Moyes set a Premier League record for the most games at a single stadium without securing a win, with a total of 21 matches. Of those 21 visits to Anfield, the former Manchester United and West Ham boss has lost 15 times, while the other six finished all square. 

It was also the first time in 88 years that Liverpool managed to record a streak of five successive home wins against their cross-city rivals. 

Alexander Isak in Ekitike's shadow

Securing a move to Liverpool after a British record transfer fee of £125 million (€145m/$169m), many expected Alexander Isak to dethrone Ekitike as the team's first-choice No.9. However, the young French forward's showing on Saturday proved that he won't give up his slot all that easily. 

In what was a big surprise, head coach Slot decided to bench the two record-breaking signings in Isak and Florian Wirtz, with Ekitike getting the nod. The ex-Frankfurt man repaid Slot's faith and scored his team's second goal, taking his Premier League tally to three goals in five games.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

(C)Getty imagesWho are Liverpool's next opponents?

Slot's troops will lock horns with Southampton in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, before their trip to Selhurst Park in a match against Crystal Palace four days later.

An underwhelming weekend loss to Charlotte FC highlighted flaws, raising questions about Miami's 2025 silverware credentials

And with one poorly hit shot, everything went wrong. Lionel Messi broke out a panenka from the penalty spot against Charlotte FC Saturday night. And instead of sending the goalkeeper fumbling the wrong way, it fell feebly into his arms. It was rough to see – and not only because failed panenkas might be the saddest sight in soccer.

It was also a bit of a microcosm of Miami's performance against Charlotte: limp. The Herons didn't offer much at all going forward, and were well beaten on three occasions. Charlotte won 3-0, and no one could say the scoreline didn't accurately reflect the caliber of the two sides on the pitch.

More broadly, it showed just about where Miami are right now. This is a struggling side, far off the MLS Cup favorites that a fair few had pegged them for at the start of the season. It was Miami's second straight 3-0 loss, following their blanking by the Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final – the Herons face Seattle again Tuesday in MLS, this time at home.

Yet when there is Messi, there is hope. But how can it be fixed outside of the Argentine? Is manager Javier Mascherano – or his tactical approach – the problem? 

GOAL US writers assess struggling Miami in the latest edition of… The Rondo.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What's the key takeaway from the loss to Charlotte?

  Tom Hindle: Well, the scoreline wasn't exactly a barnstormer. It looked like many Miami performances over the last couple of years: they have a lot of the ball, Messi does some fun things. But they're so vulnerable on the break. If Messi buries that penalty, then maybe things look a bit different – vibes and momentum are frightfully important in this game. So, is it bad? Sure, in the sense that they lost heavily to an Eastern Conference rival. But it was entirely predictable.

  Alejandro Orellana: In football, there are different types of defeats, but Miami's loss to Charlotte highlights a big gap between the teams that are championship contenders and those that are not. The 3-0 defeat, added to the final loss in the Leagues Cup, paints a clear picture of the teams that will be fighting for MLS Cup – and right now, it's hard to see  Mascherano’s team in that race. During the transfer window, Miami failed to cover up its weaknesses, despite the signing of Rodrigo de Paul. On the other hand, Dean Smith’s team secured their ninth consecutive win and appeared a stronger, better-coached side that doesn't rely on just one player – unlike Miami with Messi.

  Alex Labidou: There’s no shame in losing to Charlotte, a team that has tied the all-time record win streak in MLS. Rather, it is the way that it happened, and the timing. Inter Miami were coming off the Leagues Cup final and had 14 days to prepare. Outside of an inspired opening 20-30 minutes, Miami were easily outdone by the counterattack  – an issue that has plagued them since last season. In soccer, a forfeit is considered a 3-0 defeat. Based on what was shown Saturday, maybe Miami should’ve considered that.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What is Miami's most glaring weakness?

  TH: The same it has been for 18 months: there's no defensive structure in this team. They're too old to press high convincingly, and don't have the legs on the break to drop deep, either. The logical solution is to piece together a truly balanced system, and that hasn't worked out for 90 minutes. You can't really highlight individuals as much as a collective here.

  AO: Miami has many weaknesses across all positions, and the team seems to depend entirely on Messi’s form. If Messi comes out on fire, the show is guaranteed. But if the Argentine star is contained or just not having a good day – as happened on Saturday and in the Leagues Cup final – Miami look like a broken machine. The spine of the team is made up of veterans: Messi, De Paul, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez. Those are intimidating names- no one would want to face them. But the reality is that they are players in the twilight of their careers and no longer able to consistently compete with the emerging MLS talent.

  AL: Miami’s biggest weaknesses are poor roster construction and tactical inflexibility. Outside of the second half of the Leagues Cup final, Mascherano has largely relied on a 4-4-2, playing Messi as a second striker. De Paul, one of the world’s best box-to-box midfielders, has been largely miscast in a wide midfielder role. You’re paying this man a lot of money to play a role he’s largely unfamiliar with and is taking him away from what he does best in the center of the pitch. Mascherano clearly doesn’t trust Fafa Picault to start games – or play much at all – and the team doesn’t have options like last season when it could rely on Robert Taylor or Julian Gressel to occasionally step up. All of that is concerning when Miami’s top two attacking options are 38 years old.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Does Miami's form cloud Messi's future?

  TH: Yes? No? Maybe? All of the noise from the man himself suggests that he will still be wearing Miami pink at a brand new stadium next season. But the few months after the campaign will be interesting. Everyone's favorite rumor is a little Barca loan, but that'll be hard – if not impossible. In an ideal world he gets to rest up, perform next season, and play at the World Cup for Argentina.

  AO: Messi’s future will never be in doubt. He’s the greatest player of all time, and he’ll stop when he decides to stop. Until that happens, nothing will change. Whatever fuel he has left in the tank – a lot or a little – is a type of fuel every team in the world would love to have. When it comes to Inter Miami, he remains the most invaluable player on the roster.

  AL: He hasn’t signed an extension, and he already hinted he might not play in the 2026 World Cup. Considering a lot of Messi’s reported motivation for playing was getting ready to help Argentina defend their status as world champions, there should be alarm bells ringing in South Beach. He's mentioned that injuries could be a factor, and he has not looked the same since suffering an knock at the start of the Leagues Cup. Injury-related or not, he doesn’t have the same explosiveness that he showed at the start of the season. It appears increasingly likely that Messi will consider retirement following this season.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty
  

  Are Miami legitimate MLS Cup contenders?

  TH: There are probably four or five better in front of them, but how many of them have Messi? Cincinnati seem to be the team to beat in the East, and you'd back San Diego, Vancouver and Seattle in the West. The funny thing is, no matter how much they struggle, the Messi effect simply cannot be ignored.

  AO: Don’t see them winning the trophy, but as long as you have Messi, you can never fully count them out. The real problem is Mascherano, who has shown time and again that the job is too big for him. The “Messi and Friends” group needs to move on, because Mascherano isn’t going to lead them to a championship. At times, the Herons have looked solid, but in other moments, the team has fallen apart. The manager doesn’t seem to have what it takes to win a title.

  AL: That might be Miami's goal, but there are at least six teams that are better equipped to win the title: LAFC, Seattle, FC Cincinnati, Minnesota, Vancouver and Charlotte. And that’s not even including conference-leading Philadelphia, who have shown some inconsistencies, and San Diego, which is trying to win it all in their first season. The age and lack of depth of this Miami team, tied with their tactical issues, mean they likely won’t be lifting the Cup this season. As NFL coach Bill Parcells once said, you are what your record says you are – and right now Miami are eighth in the East.

The new Premier League season means one thing for Fantasy Premier League players, another year of team tinkering is upon us.

Whether it be splashing the cash on a star like Mohamed Salah or Erling Haaland, or looking to find a differential gem, the 2025/26 campaign will see managers from all across the world build a 15-man squad with a £100m limit, looking to win their respective mini-leagues.

The Top 100 Best FPL Team Names for 2025/26

All the best and funny FPL names ahead of the new season.

ByCharlie Smith Jul 23, 2025

Managers will be chopping and changing their squads up until August 15 when Liverpool begin Gameweek 1 against Bournemouth.

To help see who could star over the next 10 months, Grok, the AI tool on X, has predicted who the best performing FPL player will be from each of the 20 Premier League sides and how many points they will accumulate over the season.

AI predicts best 2025/26 FPL player from each Premier League club

Club

Player

FPL cost

Predicted points

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka

£10m

230–250

Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins

£9m

180–200

Bournemouth

Antoine Semenyo

£7m

160–180

Brentford

Kevin Schade

£7m

140–160

Brighton

Kaoru Mitoma

£6.5m

160–180

Burnley

Hannibal Mejbri

£5m

110–130

Chelsea

Cole Palmer

£10.5m

220–240

Crystal Palace

Eberechi Eze

£7.5m

170–190

Everton

Jordan Pickford

£5.5m

130–150

Fulham

Antonee Robinson

£5m

120–140

Leeds

Joel Piroe

£5.5m

110–130

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah

£14.5m

300–320

Manchester City

Erling Haaland

£14m

240–260

Manchester United

Matheus Cunha

£7.5m

170–190

Newcastle United

Alexander Isak

£10.5m

200–220

Nottingham Forest

Chris Wood

£7.5m

150–170

Sunderland

Simon Adingra

£5.5m

100–120

Tottenham

Dominic Solanke

£7.5m

160–180

West Ham

Jarrod Bowen

£8m

150–170

Wolves

Jorgen Strand Larsen

£6.5m

120–140

Arsenal – Bukayo Saka Predicted Points: 230–250

Starting the list is Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, who had an injury-hit campaign last year which resulted in just 127 points across the season.

Saka did record 226 points in 23/24 with 16 goals and 12 assists and is described by Grok as ‘a consistent FPL asset’.

With Arsenal signing a clinical striker like Viktor Gyokeres, Saka’s assist potential could increase and his price of £10.0m, along with his penalty-taking role make him a reliable pick and backed to get up to 250 points.

Aston Villa – Ollie Watkins Predicted Points: 180–200

Guaranteed goals across the season is what you normally get from Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who is priced at £9m for 25/26.

AI has predicted Watkins to record a similar haul of his 24/25 tally of 186, saying he is ‘Villa’s key asset’.

Bournemouth – Antoine Semenyo Predicted Points: 160–180

Recording 165 points in 24/25 after outperforming his xG and xA is Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.

His breakout FPL season make him Bournemouth’s top FPL pick over Justin Kluivert, as ‘Bournemouth’s attacking output (top 5 for goals scored in 2024/25) supports his potential for 8–10 goals and 5–7 assists’.

Brentford – Kevin Schade Predicted Points: 140–160

Forward Kevin Schade could take over as the main FPL asset for Brentford this season, with Bryan Mbeumo out the door this summer.

Grok says that assuming Schade stays fit and becomes the main man, a tally of 11-14 goals and 4-6 assists could see him register up to 160 points for the season.

Brighton – Kaoru Mitoma Predicted Points: 160–180

Winger Kaoru Mitoma recorded his best ever FPL haul of 145 points last season, with a peak between Gameweeks 21-26 where he delivered four goals and three double-digit hauls.

The Japan international is priced at £6.5m this time around and could be a shrewd pick up, especially with AI predicting him to get even better in 25/26 with up to 180 points.

Burnley – Hannibal Mejbri Predicted Points: 110–130

As a promoted side, Burnley could find it tough to compete but may still have some FPL gems at a cheap price.

Midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is backed to be the Clarets’ best FPL performer with up to 130 points, assuming four goals, four assists and 15 bonus points, plus tackle points in a low-scoring team.

Chelsea – Cole Palmer Predicted Points: 220–240

The second most expensive midfielder behind a certain Mohamed Salah, £10.5m Cole Palmer has recorded more than 200 points over the last two FPL seasons.

AI says that the ability for a standout performances such as his four goal display vs. Brighton, make him a top FPL asset. A penalty-taker and a role as Chelsea’s creative hub ensure high returns.

Crystal Palace – Eberechi Eze Predicted Points: 170–190

Assuming Eberechi Eze remains at Selhurst Park beyond the transfer window, he could be Crystal Palace’s main man in FPL once more.

The attacking midfielder’s ‘161 points in 24/25 and price rise to £7.5m reflect his growing influence’. AI have backed Eze to get 10–12 goals and 8–10 assists, ‘especially with Palace’s attacking setup under Glasner’.

Everton – Jordan Pickford Predicted Points: 130-150

One of the most popular goalkeepers in FPL is Jordan Pickford, with the Everton shot-stopper the highest priced ‘keeper at £5.5m alongside David Raya, Ederson and Alisson Becker.

Back to back 150+ hauls is the reason for Pickford’s high price, and he is backed to be the Toffees’ top asset again.

Fulham – Antonee Robinson Predicted Points: 120–140

Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson was extremely popular in 24/25 and will only set managers back £5m this season.

His attacking mindset and defensive contributions at Craven Cottage ‘make him a standout’, with AI saying a 140 point haul could be possible with 2-3 goals, 4 assists and more than 6 clean sheets.

Leeds – Joel Piroe Predicted Points: 110–130

Leeds United attacker Joel Piroe won the Championship Golden Boot last season with 19 goals in 46 appearances, and he is being backed to make the transition to the Premier League.

Costing managers just £5.5m, which is cheap for a striker, the Whites could rely on Piroe for returns in the final third, and he is being predicted to score more than 100 points.

Liverpool – Mohamed Salah Predicted Points: 300–320

After scoring an incredible 29 goals and providing 19 assists in 24/25, Mohamed Salah recorded 344 points last season, more than any other player.

Now the most expensive player on the game at £14.5m, the Egyptian King is backed to produce similar FPL numbers again for the Reds. Dubbed ‘FPL’s top asset, his captaincy appeal and Liverpool’s title-contending form ensure a huge haul’.

Manchester City – Erling Haaland Predicted Points: 240–260

Still the most expensive forward at a price of £14m, Erling Haaland is predicted to top the FPL charts for Pep Guardiola’s new look Man City side.

The Norwegian raced out of the traps last season with multiple hat-tricks but did fall away in the second half of the season, ending with 181 points.

Grok thinks he’ll improve on that figure this year, saying ‘a predicted 22+ goals and City’s bounce-back season make him a must-have, though he trails Salah in bonus points’.

Manchester United – Matheus Cunha Predicted Points: 170–190

Marquee summer signing Matheus Cunha is predicted to hit the ground running at Old Trafford after his transfer from Wolves.

Grok says ‘Cunha’s reclassification as a midfielder (£7.5m), combined with 15 goals and 8 assists in 2024/25, makes him United’s top asset’. It is even added that the Brazilian could challenge Bruno Fernandes for set-pieces in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

Newcastle United – Alexander Isak Predicted Points: 200–220

Providing Alexander Isak remains a Newcastle player beyond the summer transfer window, he could be the Magpies’ top FPL man once more.

Labelled a “premium pick” at a cost of £10.5m, Isak’s ‘penalty-taking and Newcastle’s attacking setup suggest 18–20 goals, rivaling Haaland and Salah’.

Nottingham Forest – Chris Wood Predicted Points: 150–170

Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood was a favourite in 24/25 amongst FPL managers, with his price rising for the new season to £7.5m.

Grok have backed Wood to hit double figures for Premier League goals again, resulting in a predicted haul of up to 170 points.

Sunderland – Simon Adingra Predicted Points: 100–120

Playoff winners Sunderland have been splashing the cash this summer ahead of their Premier League return, and one of their new additions, Simon Adingra, is backed to be their top FPL scorer.

Costing managers just £5.5m, the former Brighton winger could reach around 120 points, ‘assuming seven goals, three assists and 20 bonus points’.

Tottenham – Dominic Solanke Predicted Points: 160–180

Set to be a popular pick in the final third at £7.5m, Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke is being called Spurs’ ‘standout FPL asset’ by Grok.

Under new manager Thomas Frank, Solanke is being backed to improve drastically on his 24/25

haul of 108 points. Assuming 15 goals, five assists, 30 bonus points and 30 appearance points, he could reach 180.

West Ham – Jarrod Bowen Predicted Points: 150–170

One of the most eye-catching positional changes this year has seen West Ham star Jarrod Bowen moved to a forward.

Previously down as a midfielder, Bowen will set managers back £8m, however, he produces returns consistently and is being backed to do so again. Hauls of 141, 206, 145, 182 and 193 points over the last five seasons, the Irons captain is predicted to be the top man again.

Wolves – Jorgen Strand Larsen Predicted Points: 120–140

Finishing off the list is Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who looks set to be the main man at Molineux following Cunha’s move to Man Utd.

After sealing a permanent move from Celta Vigo, Strand Larsen will be ‘the focal point of the attack’ and assuming he ‘stays injury-free and capitalises on Wolves’ relatively favourable fixture list after the opening games’ could reach 140 points for the year.

Manchester City are now seriously keen on signing a “world-class” Barcelona player, with a £69m offer currently being prepared, according to a report.

Man City set out to sign Walker replacement

With Kyle Walker leaving on loan to AC Milan last season, before going on to sign for AC Milan, Matheus Nunes has often been given the nod at right-back, and Pep Guardiola believes the 26-year-old has attributes that suit that position.

Guardiola said: “He can become a good right-back for the physicality. I think he’s not a player to play in the middle because he’s not clever enough, in composure. He has incredible skills and he’s learning a lot.”

However, there are doubts over whether the Portugal international can be trusted at right-back, given that it is not his natural position, and City have set out to bring in more of a like-for-like replacement for Walker.

Earlier this month, it was revealed the Blues hold an interest in Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento, but widespread recent reports suggest they are no longer set to pursue the 22-year-old, and an alternative option has now entered the frame.

Contact was made over a potential deal for Barcelona’s Jules Kounde earlier this week, and there has now been a new development on Man City’s pursuit of the defender.

According to a report from Spain, Man City are now seriously keen on signing Kounde, and such is their level of interest, they are now preparing a €80m (£69m) offer for his services.

Guardiola is determined to strengthen his backline this summer, and the Barca star has now emerged as his main target, but a deal will not be easy, given that he is locked in talks over a contract renewal to extend his stay at the Camp Nou.

Man City ready to submit £51m bid to sign top target to replace Ederson

Man City are now working on a deal to sign their top target this summer.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 22, 2025

The La Liga side are reluctant to sanction the Frenchman’s departure, but if the Blues make a formal offer, it could be difficult to refuse.

"World-class" Kounde could be ideal Walker heir

After enduring a rare disappointing campaign last season, City will be looking to compete for the Premier League title once again, and the 26-year-old is exactly the calibre of player they need to bring in.

Described as “world-class” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Paris-born defender was a vital player for Barcelona last term, making 32 appearances en-route to La Liga glory, while scoring the winning goal in the Copa del Rey final.

The France international’s attacking talents were on display throughout the campaign, also netting against Real Betis after making a fantastic marauding run.

Walker was, of course, well-known for his pace and ability to make an impact on the front foot, so Kounde could be a like-for-like replacement in that regard, and it is exciting news that City are now preparing an offer.