Why is there a T10 tournament taking place in Melbourne with BBL academy teams?

Netherlands captain Scott Edwards will lead Melbourne Renegades, with four other BBL clubs sending academy sides

Alex Malcolm07-Apr-2025What is the T10 Melbourne Invitational?It is an 11-day T10 tournament that will be played at the Junction Oval in Melbourne between April 7 and April 17. Five teams will play 20 T10 matches with two matches held each day. The top three teams will play in the finals on April 17. The second and third ranked after the round robin will play first and the winner will advance to face the top ranked team in the final later on the same day.Which teams are playing?Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades, Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers have selected academy squads of 12-15 players to play a minimum of four games across the 11 days. Stars and Renegades are run by Cricket Victoria who are hosting the tournament. Cricket New South Wales runs both Sydney teams while Adelaide Strikers are run by the South Australian Cricket Association. The tournament has been approved by Cricket Australia.Australia Under-19 star Oliver Peake will play for Renegades in the T10 Invitational•ICC/Getty ImagesWhat is the purpose of the tournament?Cricket Victoria, led by their chief executive Nick Cummins, has been adventurous in stepping into the franchise sphere beyond functioning as an Australian state association. CV runs the high performance aspect of the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket. Victoria also sent a team to the inaugural Global Super League in Guyana last year and made the final. Significantly, this T10 tournament has Indian backing and is broadcast into India.It is a forerunner to potentially hosting a T20 tournament that is akin to the T20 Max that is played in Queensland in August and September each year and has become a hub for fringe domestic players to get playing opportunities at the time of year. CV is also in the final phase of gaining approval to build light towers at the Junction Oval so that both international and domestic matches can be played there under lights. Such an addition would allow this tournament to be played at night, and in a better timezone for audiences in the subcontinent.Are any big name player’s taking part?There won’t be any big name Australian players representing their BBL clubs. Part of CV’s vision for the tournament is to provide extra playing opportunities for developing players beyond the Sheffield Shield, domestic 50-over cricket, the BBL and the Top End T20 series in the middle of the year.”This is a fantastic opportunity to continue providing important match experience to players right through to the end of the season,” Cummins said.One international name is Netherlands captain Scott Edwards who grew up in Melbourne and lives there part of the year. He has previously been a replacement player for Renegades in the BBL but has yet to play a BBL game for them.BBL regular Sam Harper will play for Melbourne Stars. Former Australian Under-19 players Harry Dixon and Oliver Peake will play for Renegades after making their BBL debuts last season. A number of Victoria players including Campbell Kellaway, Blake Macdonald, Sam Elliott and Xavier Crone are also set to feature while Sixers have selected Steve Waugh’s son Austin Waugh in their 12-man squad.How can I watch?The tournament can be watched in both Australia and India. It will be streamed in India via Fancode and can be viewed on Kayo in Australia, who stream all Australian domestic cricket and even some grade fixtures.SquadsAdelaide Strikers Academy: Aidan Cahill, Hamish Case, Isaac Conway, Josh Kann, Ryan King, Harry Manenti, Deakin Murphy, Tim Oakley, Tom O’Connell, Hayden Schiller, Aubrey Stockdale, Jerrssis Wadia, Jake WinterMelbourne Renegades Academy: Harry Dixon, Dylan Brasher, Oliver Peake, Arjun Nair, Jai Lemire, Scott Edwards, Xavier Crone, Aryan Sharma, Jackson Smith, Michael Archer, Cam McClure, David Moody, Harkirat Bajwa, Mitch Jamieson, Aidam NadeemMelbourne Stars Academy: Austin Anlezark, Max Birthisel, Liam Blackford, Sam Elliott, Sam Harper, Harry Hoekstra, Christian Howe, Campbell Kellaway, Blake Macdonald, Reiley Mark, Jonathan Merlo, Tom Rogers, Douglas WarrenSydney Thunder Academy: Ryan Hicks, Toby Gray, Bailey Abela, Charlie Anderson, Yuvraj Sharma, Riley Kingsell, Peter Francis, Angus McTaggart, Blake Nikitaras, Riley Ayre, Connor O’Riordan, Liam DoddrellSydney Sixers Academy: Brock Fitton, Harjas Singh, Tristan Kennedy, Addison Sherriff, Austin Waugh, John James, Lachlan Shaw, Connor Cook, Jake Scott, Joel Davies, Ryan Gupta, Oliver Patterson

KKR vs LSG at Eden Gardens moved two days to April 8

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will host Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Eden Gardens on April 8, instead of on April 6 as originally scheduled. The game remains an afternoon game, moving from 3.30pm IST on Sunday to Tuesday. The change was made after a request from Kolkata Police, who said their personnel, who would be needed to police the game, would be occupied elsewhere in the city because of a festival.The IPL said in a statement. “The decision follows a request from Kolkata Police to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) regarding the deployment of personnel across the city [on April 6] owing to festivities. The authorities have recommended that the game be moved to Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 3.30pm, and the request has been accommodated accordingly. The rest of the schedule remains unchanged.””I had several rounds of talks with the Kolkata police, and they said they won’t be able to provide enough security on that day [April 6],” Snehasish Ganguly, the CAB president, told earlier this month. “If there’s no police protection, accommodating and managing a 65,000-strong crowd becomes impossible.”LSG host Mumbai Indians on April 4, and their next game after the KKR match is on April 12, again at home against Gujarat Titans. On either side of the LSG game, KKR play Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens on April 3 and Chennai Super Kings on April 11 in Chennai.The IPL and/or BCCI moving a game because police personnel are otherwise occupied is not unprecedented. It happened last season too, in Kolkata, incidentally because of the same festival, Ram Navami.

Tottenham ready £69m forward bid after Eze loss with London talks ongoing

Tottenham were dealt a hammer blow on Wednesday evening, after Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze pulled a seismic Spurs transfer U-turn.

Eze was all set to join Thomas Frank, agreeing personal terms, and Tottenham also struck a deal in principle with Palace.

It seemed a matter of when, not if, Eze would become Spurs’ third major signing of the window after Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, but alas, Arsenal swooped in dramatically to break Daniel Levy’s heart.

After midweek talks, Arsenal immediately signed a replacement for the injured Kai Havertz by hijacking Tottenham’s once-imminent deal for the England international, with Frank and Levy now forced to re-enter the market for a new playmaker once again.

This isn’t the first transfer humiliation Spurs have suffered this window, either, with Morgan Gibbs-White’s move to N17 also falling through earlier this summer after Nottingham Forest blocked the deal, threatened legal action and convinced the 25-year-old to pen a new deal.

It is getting slightly embarrassing from Levy’s perspective, and Tottenham need to react strongly amid Frank’s glaring need for a new number 10 and a stand-in for James Maddison, who’ll miss most of 2025/2026 after rupturing his ACL.

FFC Spurs – James Maddison

A host of attacking midfielders are being linked with moves to north London in the aftermath of their Eze loss, including the likes of Como starlet Nico Paz, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling.

It is worth noting that Tottenham are believed to be very interested in Liverpool sensation Harvey Elliott, so a potential move could still be on the cards after Eze chose Arsenal ahead of Spurs, but RB Leipzig are reportedly preparing a bid, so Levy will have to act quickly.

Tottenham ready £69m offer for Savinho with London talks ongoing

Some better news for the Lilywhites comes from Globo Esporte and journalist Cahê Mota.

According to their information, in response to losing Eze, Tottenham intend to seriously push for Man City winger Savinho, and are vowing to “spare no effort” behind-the-scenes.

They could go all the way to deadline day if necessary, and despite City’s resistance so far, Tottenham are believed to be readying a £69 million bid for Savinho to test their resolve.

The 21-year-old’s representatives are also in London right now, attempting to mediate negotiations between the Sky Blues and Spurs, with Savinho keen on a move down south for more game time ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Savinho can actually play in the number 10 role, as he did on two occasions for Pep Guardiola last season. He ended 24/25 with 13 assists in all competitions, with Guardiola praising his work rate and “incredible” attacking ability.

The Brazil international was also a key member of Michel’s Girona side that surprised everyone by challenging for a La Liga title in 2023/2024.

Barcelona retain full faith in manager Hansi Flick despite back-to-back defeats as board back German after Sevilla thumping

Despite the thumping 4-1 loss to Sevilla, the Barcelona board has kept full faith in manager Hansi Flick. Although critics have raised eyebrows over his mentorship and tactical prowess, the main decision-makers at the club have confidence in his project.

  • Laporta meets Flick

    According to SPORT, Barca president Joan Laporta met Flick on their flight back from Sevilla and informed the manager about his faith in him. The club is fully supportive of Flick's decisions and is confident that the team will bounce back and fight for titles. 

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    Flick has identified the problems

    The manager has identified the issues surrounding the team. After the game last night, former player Gerard Lopez spoke up about the team's defensive lapses. Moreover, defender Alejandro Balde, who won a penalty after coming on in the second half, had also highlighted the lack of ruthlessness and other mistakes committed by his teammates. Flick knows that certain collective and individual errors cost his team the game, but he is optimistic about a revival in the coming weeks. Reportedly, the team will now work on the pressing mechanism and fine-tune their defensive flaws. 

  • What happened against Sevilla?

    Barca saw themselves 2-0 down within the first forty minutes. Rashford, who is playing on loan from Manchester United, pulled one back before half-time. However, a penalty miss by Robert Lewandowski and multiple other misses, coupled with two late goals from Sevilla, handed them a 4-1 defeat away from home.

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    Can Barca make any new announcement soon?

    Recently, Barca confirmed Lamine Yamal's injury and highlighted that he will miss two to three weeks of action. While there are no injury concerns, the Catalans are expected to announce a contract renewal of skipper Frenkie De Jong, who is deemed to be an important figure in Flick's project.

Leeds: Ex-Bielsa assistant in talks to sign £910,000-a-year Whites star

Following a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal, Leeds United are reportedly in talks to sanction the departure of a player who earns over £900,000 a year at Elland Road.

Farke: Arsenal thrashing not "season-defining"

Daniel Farke could have counted on one hand the amount of Premier League fans that expected Leeds to head to Arsenal and secure a shock victory, such is the difficulty for newly-promoted sides against the top six.

It was always likely to be the ruthless welcome back to the top flight that Everton were unable to hand the Whites, but Farke was quick to claim that their 5-0 defeat was far from “season-defining”.

Whilst their trip to the Emirates should be one that Leeds learn from, they should also move on quickly and prepare for both Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup and then Newcastle United’s visit to Elland Road next weekend.

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As they look to return to winning ways, however, they may have to do so without one attacking player who could be heading to La Liga before the end of the transfer window.

Valencia in talks to sign Ramazani

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Valencia are now in talks to sign Largie Ramazani on loan from Leeds this month. The winger was left out of Farke’s squad to face Arsenal after the German opted to pick other options.

Now, he could leave on loan to the La Liga club, managed by former Marcelo Bielsa assistant Carlos Corberan, who could reportedly cover his £910,000-a-year salary and have a buy option included in their deal.

Since then, reports from Spain have claimed the 24-year-old has ‘fully agreed terms’ with the La Liga side. After just one season at the club, Ramazani’s time at Leeds looks destined to come to a swift end this month.

The fact that the winger was left out of Farke’s squad to face Arsenal was never a good sign, even though the Leeds boss told reporters when questioned about that decision: “It was just due to the decision about Noah Okafor, not against Largie.”

Chelsea's most expensive signings of all time – list

Chelsea and Todd Boehly have splashed the cash in recent years on a number of new players, with the Blues winning the Club World Cup in 2025. Following their triumph in the USA, those at Stamford Bridge once again spent big in the transfer window.

Here at Football FanCast, we’ve taken a look at Chelsea’s most expensive signings in their history, as per Transfermarkt and news reports, with a detailed look at the top 10.

Moises Caicedo

£115m

Brighton

2023

Enzo Fernandez

£107m

Benfica

2023

Romelu Lukaku

£97.5m

Inter

2021

Kepa Arrizabalaga

£71m

Athletic Club

2018

Kai Havertz

£71m

Bayer Leverkusen

2020

Wesley Fofana

£70m

Leicester

2022

Mykhailo Mudryk

£62m

Shakhtar Donetsk

2023

Marc Cucurella

£60m

Brighton

2022

Alvaro Morata

£60m

Real Madrid

2017

Joao Pedro

£60m

Brighton

2025

Romeo Lavia

£58m

Southampton

2023

Christian Pulisic

£58m

Borussia Dortmund

2019

Pedro Neto

£54m

Wolves

2024

Christopher Nkunku

£52m

RB Leipzig

2023

Fernando Torres

£50m

Liverpool

2011

Jorginho

£50m

Napoli

2018

Jamie Gittens

£48.5m

Borussia Dortmund

2025

Raheem Sterling

£47.5m

Manchester City

2022

Timo Werner

£47.5m

RB Leipzig

2020

Joao Felix

£46.3m

Atletico Madrid

2024

Here's a detailed look at Chelsea's 10 most expensive signings: 10 Joao Pedro £60m from Brighton

Chelsea’s biggest signing in 2025 was centre-forward Joao Pedro, who was signed in time to link up with the Blues during their Club World Cup campaign.

The Brazilian became an instant hit with his goals in the USA, and he is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033.

9 Alvaro Morata £60m from Real Madrid

The oldest arrival in this top 10 is Alvaro Morata, who joined Chelsea in a club-record £60m transfer from Real Madrid back in 2017. The striker’s move to England ultimately didn’t work out, though, with the Spaniard returning to La Liga with Atletico Madrid on loan in 2019 before making that move permanent a year later.

Morata is currently the captain of the Spanish national team and scored 24 goals in 72 games for the Blues.

8 Marc Cucurella £60m from Brighton

Chelsea won the race ahead of Manchester City to sign left-back Marc Cucurella from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 for just over £60m, with the Spaniard making the left-back role his own at Stamford Bridge.

A former Barcelona youngster, Cucurella impressed in his first year in England with the Seagulls under Graham Potter, and the pair would soon be reunited when the Blues brought in the latter as manager a month later.

7 Mykhailo Mudryk £62m from Shakhtar Donetsk

Mykhaylo Mudryk for Chelsea

Chelsea swooped in ahead of Arsenal to sign winger Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for £62m, with the Ukraine international signing a huge eight-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

His Chelsea deal could reach a total of £89m, but having not had much success thus far, Shakhtar look set to miss out on nearly £30m worth of bonuses.

6 Wesley Fofana £70m from Leicester City

Centre-back Wesley Fofana was brought to Stamford Bridge from Leicester City in 2022, but the Frenchman’s stay with Chelsea so far has been hampered by injury.

However, considering he signed a seven-year deal, the Blues still have plenty of time to get the best out of the Frenchman, who cost the west Londoners a handsome £70m – proving Leicester sure know how to get a decent sum for a promising centre-back.

5 Kai Havertz £71m from Bayer Leverkusen

Kai Havertz Chelsea

Versatile attacker Kai Havertz was brought to England by Chelsea in 2020, joining in a big-money £71m deal from Bayer Leverkusen.

The German went on to score the winning goal for the Blues in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City before being sold to rivals Arsenal in 2023, with Chelsea bringing in the majority of the fee they spent on the player.

Chelsea's most expensive sales of all time

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ByCharlie Smith Oct 8, 2025 4 Kepa Arrizabalaga £71m from Athletic Club

Kepa Arrizabalaga is the most expensive goalkeeper in history, but he only sits 4th in Chelsea’s record signings list, showing the Blues’ spending power in the years that have followed.

Famously remembered in a Chelsea shirt for refusing to be substituted in extra time of an EFL Cup final under Maurizio Sarri, Kepa signed for the Blues back in 2018 from Athletic Club for just over £71m and was allowed to join Arsenal for just £5m in 2025.

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ByStephan Georgiou Feb 8, 2024 3 Romelu Lukaku £97.5m from Inter

Striker Romelu Lukaku returned to Chelsea for a second Stamford Bridge stint back in 2021, with the Blues paying Inter what was a club-record fee of £97.5m for the Belgian.

It appeared to be a masterstroke at first, with Lukaku scoring freely back in a Chelsea shirt, but over time, it has proven to be a costly mistake, with the player spending recent years on loan in Italy with Inter and Roma before finally being sold by Chelsea for the second time, this time to Napoli.

2 Enzo Fernandez £107m from Benfica

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea in a £107m deal from Benfica in 2023 shortly after winning the World Cup with Argentina.

It was a British record at the time, and although the midfielder is arguably still working to pay off that price tag, he has become a vital member of the team under Enzo Maresca, wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Reece James.

1 Moises Caicedo £115m from Brighton

Moises Caicedo

Central midfielder Moises Caicedo only made 53 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion between 2021 and 2023, but that was enough for Chelsea to spend big on the Ecuador international.

The Blues won the race ahead of Liverpool for Caicedo, who endured a tough start to life at Stamford Bridge before eventually showing his best form. He’s under contract until 2031, so he has plenty of time to become an important Chelsea star.

Luan é relacionado para confronto entre Grêmio e Fluminense

MatériaMais Notícias

Pela primeira vez desde que retornou ao Grêmio, o atacante Luan será opção válida para o técnico Renato Portaluppi no compromisso onde o Grêmio recebe o Fluminense, na Arena, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. A partida em questão ocorre no próximo domingo (13), às 16h (de Brasília).

Apesar do fato representativo se for considerado que a última partida do jogador ocorreu ainda em novembro de 2022, quando defendia o Corinthians, a tendência é de que o atacante comece o duelo no banco de reservas e ganhe alguns minutos no compromisso de times separados apenas por um ponto na tabela. Enquanto os cariocas estão em terceiro lugar, com 31 unidades, o Imortal é o sexto, tendo 30 pontos.

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Tanto pelo ritmo de jogo como considerando o histórico de lesões de Luan, especialmente quando se trata de fascite plantar (inflamação do tecido que liga o osso do calcanhar a ponta dos dedos), o Departamento Médico do Grêmio se mantém bastante cautelosa com a utilização dosada do atleta notoriamente identificado com o clube.

Não à toa, desde a entrevista coletiva que marcou seu retorno, o assunto ‘reestreia’ sempre foi tratado em tom de cuidado. Além disso, a previsão inicial é de que o jogador tenha plenas condições de jogar por um maior período de tempo somente no dia 27 de agosto. Na data em questão, o Grêmio recebe o Cruzeiro.

Aston Villa plan move to sign "colossal" star who has £34m+ release clause

Aston Villa had to deal with some difficulties within the summer window, though they could be about to pounce to sign a star who is set to be on the market in January.

Aston Villa move on after frustrating window disrupted by PSR

Without going over old ground too much, the Villans were heavily hamstrung by PSR during the summer, and it is fair to say that Unai Emery didn’t have a tonne of freedom to acquire players in the West Midlands.

Late deals that saw Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott sign for Aston Villa provide squad depth, while Victor Lindelof has joined on a free transfer after his release from Manchester United.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery watches on.

Nevertheless, many supporters feel the Villans have been held to a higher standard than others by the authorities, something that Marc Albrighton has hammered home in a recent phone-in session on BBC Radio West Midlands.

He stated: “It is really frustrating because the Leicester victory was 10 years ago and somebody brings it up every single day – that is how special it was. To take that opportunity away from potentially happening to other clubs is scandalous really.

“I just think the PSR issue really needs sorting out. It’s so frustrating for clubs like Villa that have got the money but can’t they spend it. Then they are having to sell other players too – it’s making a mess. I think there’s a few things at the minute which needs looking at in football and that is one of them.”

If finances permit, Aston Villa are eyeing a £40 million move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in January. However, they are also plotting to add a new face to their backline that may arrive into conversation at a similar ballpark.

Aston Villa plot move to sign Athletic Club star Dani Vivian

According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa are plotting a move to sign Athletic Club defender Dani Vivian in January, though will need to compete with Premier League pair Manchester United and Newcastle United for his signature.

Putting him within reach financially, the 26-year-old has a release clause worth about £34.7 million, making him someone that could arrive for a relatively modest fee while strengthening Emery’s squad for the second half of the campaign.

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Labelled “colossal” by Thom Harris, Vivian scored four times in 46 appearances last term and has started 2025/26 by playing a part in three consecutive La Liga victories, including a clean sheet against Rayo Vallecano.

Illustrating his quality of distribution from deep, the 26-year-old has maintained a pass accuracy rate of 79% in the Spanish top-flight, per Fotmob, completing 109 successful passes in total.

Aston Villa were hampered in their attempts to recruit properly this summer, though may now be set to atone for their frustrating window once the January market period gets underway.

Slot has found the new Nunez in Liverpool star who's "struggling" big time

Liverpool’s luck ran out at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace were always going to present Arne Slot’s side with a stern test, and their unbeaten start to the campaign continues at the champions’ expense.

It was a poor performance from the Premier League champions, who arrived in south London with a reshaped system, and that was quickly foiled by Oliver Glasner’s eagle-eyed tactics. Slot made the requisite changes at the interval, but Liverpool found themselves on the receiving end of last-minute heartache this time.

Slot might have suffered a rare off-day on the tactical front, but there were any number of Redmen who left with their tails between their legs, producing poor individual performances in the capital.

Liverpool's worst performers vs Palace

Ibrahima Konate has endured a tough start to the season. Out of contract at the end of the year and with Real Madrid hot on his tail, the centre-back has lacked his usual clarity and robustness at the back, and against Palace, Sofascore record that he made two direct errors within half an hour as the Eagles ravaged the visitors’ backline.

Both of the full-backs, Conor Bradley and Milos Kerkez, left plenty to be desired, and the boss will know that chinks in the tactical make-up need to be smoothed out soon if Liverpool hope to start playing with more fluency and control, from start to finish.

Also toiling was Mohamed Salah, who has hardly been himself across the first phase of the campaign. The 33-year-old won the full gamut of individual awards last season to sit alongside his second Premier League gold medal, but he’s struggling at the moment, anonymous and out of sorts against Palace.

However, there’s a glaring spotlight on another of Slot’s stars, and it’s a new recruit. Indeed, one of Liverpool’s new additions is beginning to take the shape of a former title winner in Darwin Nunez, and Slot will hope to change the narrative swiftly.

Liverpool's new Darwin Nunez

Alexander Isak, on his full debut in the Premier League for Liverpool, missed a gilt-edged chance to restore parity with plenty of time left on the clock. However, the Sweden international is one of the most accomplished strikers in Europe, dominant in the English game over the past few years.

It is not the 25-year-old who is at risk of becoming Liverpool’s new version of Nunez, but Florian Wirtz, who broke the British transfer record when swapping Bayer Leverkusen for Anfield this summer, before Isak’s deadline-day arrival.

It’s not the first time the Anfield side have broken the bank in recent years. Nunez was signed from Benfica for a deal rising to a club-record £85m fee in 2022. The striker never maximised his financial potential, largely because his own deficiencies precluded it.

Across three years, Nunez missed a litany of chances and routinely lacked the composure and quality in the big moments. He won some silverware, sure, but he failed to repay the faith with individual performances.

It’s early into Wirtz’s time at Liverpool, but already he is struggling for form, having yet to score or assist across seven appearances in the Premier League. Against Palace, his fortunes did not change.

Minutes played

74′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

57

Accurate passes

37/44 (84%)

Key passes

1

Possession lost

10x

Dribbles

2/4

Tackles

0

Duels won

3/7

The 22-year-old is billed as one of the most talented footballers in the world, and there will remain every confidence in the FSG offices that he will come good. But all of a Liverpool persuasion will be hoping that that will be sooner rather than later, for a continuation of these middling returns would only raise the volume around his sub-par start to life in England.

Agonising misses became the Uruguayan’s currency on Merseyside, and there’s no denying Wirtz missed a golden opportunity of his own on Saturday afternoon.

Still, it’s worth noting that the Liverpool Echo handed the German a 6/10 match rating, acknowledging his impetus and tenacity, albeit drawing attention to his lack of quality on the ball too.

Nunez will be fondly remembered by the Liverpool fans for his efforts and his affable personality, but the plain truth is he arrived for a significant sum and, on an individual level, fell by the wayside.

There is hope, such hope and confidence, that Wirtz will not head down the same track, but with every passing performance, the £116m man has yet to show the Premier League what he is about.

Journalist Mark Ogden said before Liverpool’s defeat to Palace that Wirtz is “struggling to make an impact”, and that narrative has not changed now that Slot’s side have been sent packing.

There were times last season when Slot was said to have been riding on the coattails of his predecessor Jurgen Klopp’s success. He wiped such claims away.

However, the Dutchman has since pieced his own super-team together, and now, the new system needs to join as one and prove that the Reds have what it takes to defend their Premier League title.

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مجموعة مصر | إقالة مدرب منتخب زيمبابوي قبل كأس أمم إفريقيا

أعلن الاتحاد الزيمبابوي لكرة القدم، عن إنهاء التعاقد مع مايكل نيس المدير الفني لـ المنتخب الأول، وذلك قبل شهور قليلة من انطلاق بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا.

وتقام منافسات بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا، في المغرب خلال الفترة من 21 من شهر ديسمبر المقبل حتى 18 يناير 2026.

ويقع منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثانية في بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا والتي تضم منتخبات أنجولا وجنوب إفريقيا وزيمبابوي.

وأكد الاتحاد الزيمبابوي في بيان رسمي، أنه يوجه الشكر إلى مايكل نيس على جهوده ومساهماته في تطوير الكرة خلال فترة عمله، مشيرًا إلى تقديره لالتزامه وخدمته للمنتخبات الوطنية.

طالع.. رسميًا | قائمة المنتخبات المرشحة لجائزة الأفضل في إفريقيا.. موقف مصر

وشدد الاتحاد على التزامه بمواصلة تعزيز برامجه الفنية والتطويرية، ومتابعة خططه الإصلاحية لإحداث مزيد من التقدم في مختلف قطاعات اللعبة.

وأوضح الاتحاد أن تفاصيل المرحلة الانتقالية والترتيبات الفنية المؤقتة سيتم الإعلان عنها في وقت لاحق.

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