Continuing their manager search, Rangers have now reportedly made contact with a former Chelsea manager in the hope of filling their vacant role in the Ibrox dugout.

Why Gerrard rejected Rangers

Steven Gerrard’s return was one that many were ready to welcome with open arms. All was about to be forgiven for his decision to leave for Aston Villa in 2021, before he rejected the 49ers in an unexpected twist. The Liverpool legend was left unconvinced by the new owners and, in the end, believed that it was the wrong time for him to make a return.

Many have had their say on Gerrard’s rejection, including Rangers legend Ally McCoist. The former Ibrox star believes that the 49ers failed to sell the job to the 45-year-old at the interview stage.

It’s taken the 49ers and sporting director Kevin Thelwell back to the drawing board, but as the return of domestic football from the international break edges closer, they’re yet to solve their managerial problem.

Names such as Danny Rohl and former Young Boys manager Raphael Wicky have both been mentioned as reported candidates, yet it remains to be seen which direction the Gers head towards.

Rohl arguably stands out as the exciting candidate. The former Sheffield Wednesday boss is just 36 years old and is primed to become one of the brightest young managers around.

Alas, at this stage of the 49ers’ project, it’s difficult to see a world in which a young manager can arrive and instantly make their mark. Instead, they may be better off turning towards a former Premier League manager.

Rangers make contact with Graham Potter

As reported by The Daily Record, Rangers have now made contact with Graham Potter about taking the vacant job at Ibrox. The 50-year-old was recently sacked by West Ham United following a spell to forget at the London Stadium and desperately needs his next role to go right to get his career back on track.

With that said, reports have suggested that Potter is unlikely to take the Rangers job. A move to Ibrox represents quite the risk for a manager who can’t afford to get things wrong for the third time in a row.

For any doubters, including those at Rangers, it’s worth remembering just how highly rated Potter was at both Swansea City and Brighton & Hove Albion. He transformed the Seagulls, setting up the foundations for Roberto De Zerbi and now Fabian Hurzeler to build on.

Ibrox should love him: Rangers hold talks to hire "insanely talented boss"

Rangers have held talks with a manager who could get Ibrox rocking once again.

ByDan Emery Oct 14, 2025

Brighton chief Tony Bloom knew exactly what he was getting too, having praised Potter from the very off. He told reporters: “Once we’d made a decision to get a new manager in, quite quickly Graham became the outstanding candidate.

“He’s an excellent coach who did a superb job at Swansea in difficult circumstances. Sometimes not making a decision or going for a more obvious choice is a bigger gamble. I have no doubt that Graham is the right choice for this club at this particular time.”

Rallying after a frustrating 2023/24 campaign, Newcastle United and Eddie Howe marched toward the Carabao Cup title last season, and they qualified for the Champions League too.

The new term is well underway, but the Magpies are still finding their footing after a stormy transfer window.

There is no need to panic. Newcastle have carved out a new future over the past several years, and the shift in ownership and impetus runs deeper than merely the first team. Indeed, the club’s academy is working at a faster and more efficient pace than during the Mike Ashley era, and indeed the years preceding that interminable stretch.

It would be handy to have a homegrown forward burst onto the scene, helping Anthony Gordon and co adapt to this new Alexander Isak-less world.

But that can hardly be a given, and Gordon needs to step back up to the fore.

Anthony Gordon needs to step up

Now that Isak has left for pastures new, it is time for Gordon to set things straight and rekindle the verve that led him to being named Newcastle’s Player of the Year for 2023/24, having hit double figures for both goals and assists in the Premier League.

Last season yielded less fruitful returns for the England international, who only scored six times in the Premier League and lacked his previous confidence and authority, but he remains an immensely talented Premier League star, coveted by Liverpool last year and priced at £100m.

While that early-season defeat against the Reds in August put a dampener on Gordon’s resurgence, he bounced back with a consolation strike against Barcelona last week, and the 24-year-old will now look to build himself back to his former level.

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

26 (25)

Goals

11

6

Assists

10

5

Shots (on target)*

2.3 (0.9)

2.1 (0.7)

Big chances missed

9

10

Pass completion

82%

80%

Big chances created

16

6

Key passes*

1.6

1.9

Dribble (success)*

1.5 (49%)

1.3 (45%)

Ball recoveries*

3.6

3.4

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

1.3

Total duels (won)*

5.3 (49%)

4.8 (51%)

Gordon is a high-class winger, and he’s bolstered by a range of talented Newcastle stars. However, Howe is sure to hope that one of the club’s most promising youngsters quickly breaks the surface, having already been compared with one Lamine Yamal.

Newcastle's own Lamine Yamal

Newcastle can expect academy stars to emulate the likes of Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley in wedging their way into the Toon first team, but they need the first-teamers to maintain a high level so as to ease them into the fray.

That’s why the understated addition of Vakhtang Salia could prove such an excellent piece of business for the Toon, with the Georgia U21 international having completed his move from Dinamo Tbilisi to Newcastle at the end of August, a year after a deal was agreed to sign the teenager.

Said to be “one of the best teenage prospects in the world” by journalist Graeme Bailey, Salia is powerful and agile and endowed with sharp pace when on the ball. His tactical dynamism lends itself to a range of different attacking berths.

Sadly, Howe and co will have to wait to see how the prospect settles into life in England since he has picked up a small hamstring injury before making his bow for the U21s.

It’s frustrating, but those in the know claim that it will be worth the wait, with Salia boasting a skillset that could see him rival the most talented youngsters in the Premier League.

There’s even a sense that Salia might have a bit of Yamal about him; only a few weeks ahead of his 18th birthday, the tricky forward is settling into his new life on Tyneside and brings a potent attacking threat, having scored eight goals and supplied four assists for Dinamo’s senior side.

Yamal will be dejected and perhaps even a touch aggrieved that his name was not etched onto the plaque, but Ousmane Dembele was a worthy winner after leading Paris Saint-Germain to a historic quadruple, winning their maiden Champions League title.

It is probably worth stressing that we are not advocating Salia’s talent to lie at the same level as Yamal’s, but there are undeniable similarities in the versatile forwards’ respective styles of play.

Salia, silky and dangerous when advancing, has quite naturally been likened to his world-class countryman Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but one Barcelona analyst actually believes it is indeed Yamal who is more aptly comparable, remarking that the Georgian is “of a similar profile” to the prodigious Spaniard.

Ballon d’Or runner-up Yamal is one of the most exciting up-and-coming talents since Lionel Messi broke onto the scene way back when. He is that good.

A relentless, oft-unstoppable dribbler with an eye for flair and a natural clinical edge, Yamal has been described as “the best player in the world” by Chelsea’s Cole Palmer earlier in 2025.

To expect Salia to emulate him at St. James’ Park would be foolish indeed, but if Howe can manufacture a player of comparable athleticism and energy and approach play, it would be quite something.

This may feel like overblown praise, but United battled tooth and nail against some of Europe’s biggest hitters to sign this rising star, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich both registering interest of their own before Newcastle secured his signature.

Hailed as an “elite talent” by Hungarian journalist Bence Bocsak, Salia has so much potential, and he’s in the right place to realise those natural qualities. However, for now, we must wait.

Everything suggests it will be worth it for those of a Newcastle persuasion, though.

Howe must axe "one of the best" at Newcastle – he's already got a successor

Star’s shot-stopping vs new signing’s distribution fuels Newcastle latest debate

ByWill Miller Sep 23, 2025

Khaleel Ahmed has signed a deal with Essex for the remainder of the County Championship and the entirety of the One-Day Cup. It will be Khaleel’s first foray in County cricket. The two-month stint goes on till late September and includes six first-class games along with eight List A games, which could stretch to ten if Essex progress to the final.Khaleel will join the squad in York and will be available for selection for the County Championship match against Yorkshire starting Sunday.”I have heard a lot about the rich history of the Club, and I’m excited to be part of it and will look to make an immediate impact,” he said. “I’m looking forward to playing at Chelmsford, meeting the loyal Essex Members and fans, and delivering performances they can be proud of.”Related

• Kishan signs short-term deal with Nottinghamshire

• Tilak Varma signs a short-term deal with Hampshire

• Ruturaj Gaikwad to join Yorkshire for Championship, One-Day Cup

Essex’s director of cricket Chris Silverwood looked forward to the “new dynamic” Khaleel’s left-arm pace adds to the attack.”We were impressed with his performances for India A and firmly believe he can strengthen our already very strong seam attack,” Silverwood said. “As a left-arm seamer, he offers something different and will add a new dynamic to the squad in both the One Day Cup and the County Championship.”Khaleel has taken 15 wickets in 11 ODIs for India at an average of 31.00. He has played 20 first-class games and picked up 56 wickets at an average of 27.67. He was also part of the India A side that took on England Lions in June.Apart from Khaleel, Ishan Kishan (Nottinghamshire), Tilak Varma (Hampshire), Ruturaj Gaikwad (Yorkshire) and Yuzvendra Chahal (Northamptonshire) are the other Indians who have signed County deals.Essex currently sit at No. 8 in division one of the County Championship with one win in eight games.

Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid are circling Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, with the German defender’s contract talks at a standstill. Bild reports that Schlotterbeck, whose current deal runs until 2027, has rejected Dortmund’s latest offer and is demanding a wage closer to €14 million per year, a figure the Reds are reportedly ready to offer him next summer.

• Liverpool still remain interested in Schlotterbeck

  Liverpool’s interest in Schlotterbeck has once again reignited headlines, as Bild claims the Premier League side remains firmly in the mix despite Sky Germany's recent dismissal of their involvement. The 25-year-old has reportedly turned down Borussia Dortmund’s opening offer of €8 million plus bonuses, a figure significantly lower than what he feels reflects his value. With Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also keen, Schlotterbeck’s future at Signal Iduna Park is increasingly uncertain as Europe’s elite line up to test Dortmund’s resolve.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Dortmund unlikely to be able to offer Schlotterbeck's desired wages

  Dortmund, historically a selling club, have made strides in recent years to keep their key players, but the wage gap remains stark. Even as Die Schwarzgelben look to offer Schlotterbeck an improved deal worth around €10 million annually, competing with Liverpool, Bayern, or Real Madrid, who can all comfortably reach the €14 million mark, is proving a tall order.

  For Dortmund, the issue goes beyond money. The club’s strategy of developing and retaining domestic stars is being tested once more, as Schlotterbeck’s emergence as a cornerstone of Niko Kovac’s defence has made him indispensable. Seen internally as a potential future captain, his leadership and consistency have elevated him to one of the league’s top centre-backs. Losing him would not only create a defensive void but also disrupt the long-term project Dortmund are attempting to build.

  At the same time, Bayern Munich’s looming presence complicates matters further. The German champions have long admired Schlotterbeck, and with Dayot Upamecano’s contract talks stalling due to hefty demands, they are once again exploring alternatives. Real Madrid’s inclusion in the chase adds a continental dimension, with Antonio Rudiger nearing the twilight of his career and Eder Militao still recovering full match sharpness, the Spanish giants see the left-footed German as an ideal long-term successor in their defensive rotation.

• Schlotterbeck's rise sees him in demand next summer

  Schlotterbeck’s reluctance to sign a new contract stems from both sporting ambition and financial reasoning. Having become a fan favourite since joining from Freiburg, he’s now among Dortmund’s most consistent performers. His ability to progress the ball and organise the backline has drawn praise across Europe, with statistics backing his rise as he is one of the Bundesliga’s top defenders in aerial duels won and successful passes under pressure this season.

  Liverpool had initially stepped back from the race, with Sky Sports Germany suggesting the Reds cooled their pursuit despite failing to secure Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. However, the situation in their defence, following an ACL injury to Giovanni Leoni and uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate’s future, has drawn them back. The Merseyside club, who are struggling this season, reportedly have the financial muscle to meet Schlotterbeck’s €14 million-a-year wage demand if the opportunity aligns with their long-term defensive plans.

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• AFP
  

  Dormund could allow sale in 2026 if contract extension talks halt

  Borussia Dortmund now face a critical juncture in their negotiations. While they are determined not to lose Schlotterbeck in the short term, the growing interest from Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid has shifted the balance of power firmly toward the player. With his contract running until 2027, Dortmund retain leverage in the market, but their options are narrowing — either meet his €14 million expectation or risk seeing him run down his deal.

  Internally, Dortmund’s management remains hopeful of finding a compromise before the winter transfer window opens, but Bild suggests that patience is wearing thin. If no agreement is reached, a summer sale in 2026 could become increasingly likely, especially if one of the European giants puts forth a compelling offer. For now, Schlotterbeck’s camp is said to be biding its time, aware that the next World Cup cycle could further enhance his value.

David Willey leads from front with bat before regular wickets undermine hosts’ chase

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay08-Jun-2025

Northamptonshire Steelbacks maintained their 100% start in this year’s Vitality Blast when they defeated Lancashire Lightning by 24 runs at Emirates Old Trafford to make it five wins in succession.Having posted 180 for 6, in which skipper David Willey top-scored with 37, the visitors produced a determined display in the field, George Scrimshaw leading the way with career-best T20 figures of 4 for 19 from his four overs, as Lancashire ended on 156 for 9.The prize wicket of Liam Livingstone, who was playing his first match after his IPL triumph, was claimed by Lloyd Pope who finished with 2 for 27. Having won their first three T20 games, Lancashire have now lost two on the trot, both at homeBoth the batters to depart in Lancashire’s powerplay were caught at mid-on off James Anderson, whose first three overs cost 21 runs. Matthew Breetzke was pouched by Chris Green for 9 and Ricardo Vasconcelos by Ashton Turner for a 15-ball 32.But the four fours and two sixes hit by Vasconcelos reflected the pace of scoring at the other end and the Steelbacks were 57 for 2 after six overs. Lancashire enjoyed another success two overs later when Justin Broad was caught behind off Jack Blatherwick for 13 which left the visitors on 70 for 3, leaving Willey and Ravi Bopara with the task of rebuilding the innings while maintaining an aggressive approach.The experienced duo managed this with a stand of 60 in seven overs before both were dismissed in the space of six balls. Having made 28, Bopara lofted Anderson to Blatherwick on the cover boundary and Willey was caught by Jennings at cover off Livingstone for 37.Undaunted by these reverses, Saif Zaib and Lewis McManus put on 42 in 24 balls before McManus fell to Livingstone in the final over for an enterprising 28. At the same time, the Steelbacks’ final total of 180 for 6 seemed about par on a good wicket.Livingstone finished with 2 for 35 from four overs although Luke Wells was also impressive, conceding 23 runs from his four wicketless overs. Anderson took 3 for 31 but, rather puzzlingly, the England slow-left-armer, Tom Hartley, was not required to bowl.The in-form Ben Sanderson and his captain, Willey, ensured Lancashire’s reply got off to a poor start by dismissing Wells and Keaton Jennings inside the first 13 balls of the innings and although Matty Hurst and Livingstone hit four sixes in seven balls, Northamptonshire struck another blow in the powerplay when Hurst skied Luke Procter’s first ball to long stop was caught for 17, Scrimshaw running across from third man to take the catch.The Australian legspinner Pope took the vital wicket of Livingstone in the next over when the IPL winner with Royal Challengers Bangalore pulled him straight to Vasconcelos at midwicket and departed for 18.Pope took his second wicket when he had Turner caught down the leg side by McManus for 23 and with seven overs left to be bowled Lancashire needed another 76 runs to win. That task immediately became harder when Green skied Scrimshaw to Willey on 15.Michael Jones tried to salvage the game but he fell to Scrimshaw for 32 when he was caught by Breetzke who took three catches in the innings and also dropped two. With the outcome of the game all but certain, the final few overs of the match were anti-climactic.

The India vs India A tour game in Beckenham will be played away from prying eyes over the next four days

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jun-20253:42

Morkel: Nitish Kumar Reddy is someone who can ‘bowl that magical ball’

In what is the last leg of India’s preparations for their five-Test series against England, beginning at Headingley on June 20, they go up against the touring India A side in a four-dayer in Beckenham.The match – in some form – will be played from Friday to Monday, but it will be behind closed doors, so to say, in a throwback to the way the Indians trained at Perth’s WACA ground ahead of the 2024-25 Test series. On that occasion, the “black veil of secrecy” covered the training nets at WACA, not unlike the way India trained on their previous visit to Perth during the 2022 T20 World Cup.Talking about the training sessions so far, bowling coach Morne Morkel told bcci.tv, “Two days [of] practice so far, conditions suited the fast bowlers. Early on in the tour is very exciting, you know, it gets their [the players’] confidence going. It was testing for the batters, which also in a way helps them to prepare for what’s to come.Related

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Reddy or Thakur? Both have work to do ahead of first Test

“I don’t think the wickets [are] going to be as spicy as the ones we experience here [in the Tests]. There’s been a lot of good banter between bat and ball. But I think that’s only because the wickets are a little bit spicy. As soon as the wickets go flat, the bowlers tend to back off. So I am going to tell them not to only talk when the wickets are nipping around, but when it’s flat, that’s when we are going to need the character.”As such, the senior India team hasn’t played a warm-up tour game since landing in England, even though some of the players in the squad, like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur, did turn out for India A in one or both of their four-day games against England Lions.

“I was a little bit nervous in terms of the lack of red-ball [cricket] we’ve played, but seeing how the guys are moving around and training the last three days, it’s a pleasing sight”India bowling coach Morne Morkel

Of them, Nair (259 runs including an innings of 204), Jurel (227 runs including three half-centuries), Rahul (167 runs including a century and a half-century in his only appearance) and Abhimanyu (167 runs including two half-centuries) showed decent form with the bat, while Reddy and Jaiswal also had at least one good outing. Reddy and Thakur were the only bowlers who are also part of the senior squad in those games, but were largely unimpressive. Reddy picked up two wickets across 26.5 overs and Thakur two wickets across 43 overs in the two first-class games.”Now it is slowly building towards that first Test match. For me, the main thing – I think it’s crucial in England – is consistency. There is consistency when we practice. It’s consistency off the field, you know, finding your process, what’s going to work for you as an individual.”We’ve got a great variety in our attack of guys with different skill sets. So, you know, can they do that and still execute the basics very well.”All in all, very happy with the start so far. I was a little bit nervous in terms of the lack of red-ball [cricket] we’ve played, but seeing how the guys are moving around and training the last three days, it’s a pleasing sight. There’s some quality energy in this group and, you know, that’s what you need. You need to go into a Test series confident, you need to have that team spirit in the group and I think so far they have done a great job.”

Russell Martin is on the hunt for something that can help kick-start Rangers’ season and ensure that his tenure in Scotland isn’t a black spot on his resume.

Near the bottom of the Scottish Premiership and having failed to qualify for the Champions League, the highlights of Rangers’ season so far have come in the Scottish League Cup. Ahead of the Cup win against Hibernian, Martin described what a positive result could mean for the team: “I think it is an amazing opportunity for us to come through this period as a squad, to grow through it and to be so strong from it, and hopefully at that point everyone will come together, we just need to win football matches.”

The 2-0 victory and the reintroduction of Nicolas Raskin into the first team could provide a much-needed boost, and the opportunity to knock Celtic out in the next round could bring something of a feel-good feeling to the team.

However, the side is still in desperate need of goals, and the 49ers group appear to have their eye on a youngster who could help Rangers with their goal scoring in the long term.

Rangers make first approach for Mexican youngster

The 49ers have their eyes on the Mexican league as they’re showing interest in a youngster from title contenders Cruz Azul. This comes in the form of 19-year-old attacking midfielder Amaury Morales.

The youngster’s appearances this season have been sporadic, but when given a chance, he has shown hints at why he is highly touted. In the Leagues Cup, when he was given a full hour to play, he helped his team by providing an assist when Cruz Azul were 2-0 down. His team then went on to score an equaliser and knock Colorado out on penalties.

Reports from Mexico, via Sport Witness, have indicated Rangers’ interest in the youngster isn’t just speculative, and they have made a first approach to Cruz Azul. The youngster’s contract lasts until 2029, and he is currently valued at approximately £1.85 million.

Rangers aren’t the only club interested in Morales, and Spanish side Espanyol have also been linked, although only the Scottish side are reported to have made contact. Rangers have a pre-existing relationship with Cruz Azul, as they loaned Carlos Peña to them back in 2018.

Big tournament for Morales

For the moment, Rangers will continue to monitor Morales with the hopes he’s given more chances to shine like he did against Colorado. Rangers fans will get a chance to see him at the international level as he will represent the Mexico U20’s at the Chile World Cup, where he will be competing with talented youngsters from Brazil, Morocco and Spain.

This will likely provide the Rangers scouts with a chance to see Morales’ potential, but with the calibre of nations in his group, he may end the tournament on the radar of a number of European clubs.

If things don’t turn around for Martin following the Hibs victory, and if the next few months see Morales receive more game time, then it’s possible that they roll the dice and bring him in during the winter transfer window.

MatériaMais Notícias

Fortaleza eGrêmioempataram em 1 a 1 na tarde deste sábado (30), no Castelão, pela 25ª rodada doCampeonato Brasileiro.Na saída de campo após o duelo, o zagueiro Pedro Geromel lamentou o resultado e falou sobre sua condição física. O camisa 3 voltou de lesão depois de um mês longe dos gramados e afirmou estar preparado para o restante da temporada.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasBrasileirãoGrêmio arranca empate com Fortaleza no fim e assume a vice-liderança do BrasileirãoBrasileirão30/09/2023BotafogoShows fazem Botafogo buscar alternativas para mandar a partida contra o GrêmioBotafogo29/09/2023GrêmioPróximos jogos do Grêmio: datas e horários das partidasGrêmio12/10/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

– As duas equipes tiveram chances de ganhar, buscaram a vitória o tempo todo. Nosso objetivo eram os três pontos, infelizmente não conseguimos. Sabemos que jogar aqui é sempre complicado – disse Geromel.

+ Você quer trabalhar no seu clube do coração? Matricule-se no curso Gestor de Futebol e entenda como!

– Eram o líder do returno, jogo difícil. Espero poder jogar 90 minutos o resto da temporada agora. Tive bastante tempo para treinar, consegui me preparar bastante – completou o zagueiro.

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+ Próximos jogos do Grêmio: veja calendário, datas, horários e onde assistir às partidas

Com o empate, o Imortal subiu momentaneamente para a vice-liderança do Brasileirão, com 44 pontos, ultrapassando o Palmeiras, que ainda joga neste domingo (1). Com uma semana livre para treinos, o Grêmio volta a campo somente na próxima rodada. A equipe de Renato Gaúcho disputa o clássico com o Internacional no domingo (8), às 16h, no Beira-Rio.

PRÓXIMOS JOGOS DOGRÊMIO; CONFIRA DATAS, HORÁRIOS E ONDE ASSISTIR

Internacional x Grêmio- domingo, 8/10, às 16h. Beira-Rio. Brasileirão. Onde assistir: Globo e Premiere
Grêmio x Athletico- quarta-feira, 18/10, às 19h. Arena do Grêmio. Brasileirão. Onde assistir: SporTV e Premiere
São Paulo x Grêmio- domingo, 22/10, às 18h30. Morumbi. Brasileirão. Onde assistir: Premiere
Grêmio x Flamengo- quarta-feira, 25/10, às 21h30. Arena do Grêmio. Brasileirão. Onde assistir: Globo e Premiere

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Tudo sobre

BrasileirãoGeromelGrêmio

Everton’s 2025/26 campaign has begun in quietly impressive fashion.

Under David Moyes, the Toffees look more disciplined, cohesive, and self-assured than they have in years.

The club sits eighth in the Premier League with three wins and eleven points, having beaten Wolves, Brighton, and most recently Crystal Palace, where a dramatic 93rd-minute winner from Jack Grealish ended the visitors’ 19-match unbeaten run.

It’s been a steady rise for a side that finished 13th last season after a late-season surge under Moyes.

The Scot has instilled the same resilience and structure that defined his first spell at Goodison Park, combining tactical discipline with freedom in attack.

Everton’s football has become more pragmatic, but it’s also more purposeful.

Moyes’ entire side seems revitalised – the pressing is sharper, transitions quicker, and confidence higher.

The upcoming trip to Manchester City will provide a true test of their progress, but the early signs suggest Everton have rediscovered an identity built on energy, hard work, and belief.

Grealish’s resurgence under Moyes

Few stories in the Premier League have been as satisfying as Grealish’s revival.

Once a peripheral figure at Manchester City – limited to just 721 minutes last season, starting only seven matches – the 30-year-old has looked reborn since trading sky blue for royal blue.

After struggling with hip and groin injuries that sidelined him for 17 games over the past two seasons, Grealish is finally playing with freedom again.

Under Moyes, he has been encouraged to express himself but with structure – the blend of tactical discipline and creative liberty that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after wide players.

In just seven games for Everton this season, he has already registered one goal and four assists in 557 minutes – almost matching his entire output from last season.

Matches Played

7

Goals

1

Assists

1

Progressive Carries

69

Progressive Passes

52

Moyes’ trust has allowed him to thrive; Grealish is central to everything good about Everton’s attack, drifting infield to dictate tempo and combining effectively with Beto and new striker Thierno Barry.

The data reinforces his improvement.

In his most productive campaign – City’s treble-winning 2022/23 season – Grealish averaged 6.27 progressive carries, 4.39 progressive passes, and 4.55 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.

This season, his numbers are trending in a similar direction, showing that he is once again influencing matches both creatively and through his ball progression.

His ball-carrying remains elite, with 42 carries and 33.9 touches in the attacking third per 90, while his 84.1% pass completion underlines how safely he maintains possession in high-pressure areas.

Add to that an increased work rate – 1.10 tackles and 0.75 blocks per 90 – and you have a player fully committed to Moyes’ philosophy.

Thomas Tuchel’s persistent England squad snubs might have stung, but Grealish’s response has been emphatic.

He looks sharp, decisive, and fit – a player rediscovering the joy of football.

For Moyes, he’s become the emotional core of a rejuvenated team; for Everton, he’s the statement signing that signals a new era of ambition.

Why Dewsbury-Hall could be a victim of Grealish's form

While all eyes are on Grealish’s renaissance, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is quietly piecing together a redemption story of his own at Goodison Park – though his place in Everton’s best XI isn’t guaranteed.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who joined from Chelsea in the summer for £28m, has been one of Moyes’ success stories so far.

After a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge – where he was largely restricted to Conference League cameos and late Premier League substitutions, despite featuring in the Club World Cup final win over PSG – Dewsbury-Hall has rediscovered the confidence and control that once made him a “revelation” at Leicester, as per Brendan Rodgers.

He’s been impressive statistically, too: seven appearances in all competitions, one goal, one assist, and standout underlying numbers.

He ranks in the 74th percentile for pass completion (80.4%), 82nd percentile for progressive passes (5.46 per 90), and 87th percentile for tackles (1.90 per 90).

Defensively, he’s been immense – sitting in the 98th percentile for clearances (1.54 per 90) among midfielders.

Those figures underline his all-round profile: a player who can dictate tempo, carry through pressure, and win the ball back when required.

Yet, for all his efficiency and reliability, there’s a growing sense that Dewsbury-Hall may not be part of Everton’s most balanced attacking setup moving forward.

His partnership with Grealish has been a curious one – aesthetically pleasing at times, but frustrating in key moments.

Both players are ball-dominant, preferring to carry and create rather than shoot or make penetrative runs beyond the defence.

That overlap in style can sometimes slow Everton’s rhythm, particularly when facing deep or compact opposition.

Moyes has experimented with Iliman Ndiaye cutting in from the left and Tyler Dibling operating from the right, a combination that offers more directness and goal threat around Grealish, who’s thriving in a free role as a No.10.

In that setup, Dewsbury-Hall’s inclusion becomes less certain – not because of form, but because of fit.

Everton’s attack looked its most fluid when Ndiaye’s willingness to shoot complemented Grealish’s creativity, with Dibling stretching play on the opposite flank.

In that configuration, Moyes gains the verticality and unpredictability that Dewsbury-Hall and Grealish together sometimes lack.

There’s no questioning Dewsbury-Hall’s value – his tactical intelligence and work rate have been crucial in solidifying Everton’s midfield.

But as Moyes refines his system, he may have to decide between control and cutting edge.

For now, Dewsbury-Hall remains a key cog in the Toffees’ evolution, yet the competition for places — and Grealish’s growing influence — could soon push him from automatic starter to strategic option.

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Considering Ryan Mason is still a novice in the main managerial game, he has started life in the West Bromwich Albion dug-out with some promise.

Entering the international break, the Baggies only find themselves five points off the top of the tree in the Championship, with four victories picked up from their opening nine second-tier outings.

Still, just a quick glimpse doesn’t quite tell the full story, with West Brom picking up a concerning three defeats from their last five games, leaving Mason with plenty to sort out during this enforced break from fixtures.

Isaac Price will also view the break as time to assess where it has all gone wrong for him in recent weeks, after a blistering start out of the blocks from the Northern Ireland international helped the Baggies be in and around the promotion spaces straight away.

Price's up-and-down form

Even if the 22-year-old has found his form has gone off the boil in the Championship, he will also know he can be a hero for his nation away from the Hawthorns, having scored a wonderfully taken strike against Germany during the last international stretch of matches.

Bagging a much-needed strike for Northern Ireland could reignite his faltering league form, therefore, with Price now without a goal for Mason and Co. in league action across their last six up-and-down matches in the topsy-turvy division.

The ex-Everton youth prodigy, before experiencing this crisis in confidence, started the season with an unbelievable four goal contributions from his opening three league clashes, with scout Jacek Kulig once noting that the Baggies’ number 21 was a “fantastic” asset for the future.

For Price’s sake, he will hope he can breathe life back into his wavering campaign, sooner rather than later.

However, he isn’t the only rising star catching the eye in the West Midlands currently, with this other exciting youngster perhaps being seen as an even bigger talent than Price now.

Why Mason has a bigger talent than Price

While it’s undoubtedly true that Price is a Championship-level star, he has had to deal with some turmoil in his early career so far to be where he is today.

Indeed, the 22-year-old would have to relocate to Standard Liege to rebuild his senior playing days after making just three senior appearances for Everton.

On the contrary, Toby Collyer – who is now Price’s midfield teammate for the season – is already 13 appearances down for Manchester United at a senior level and is already turning heads in the West Midlands.

Since making his Red Devils’ men’s debut at just 20 years of age under Erik ten Hag, Collyer has never looked back, with this off-the-line clearance against Fulham last year backing up claims made by one of his former youth coaches in Mark Beard, that the three-time England U20 international is “like a Kante” when it comes to his energy and drive to succeed for his team.

Further lauded as being a star that “plays like two men” by Beard, it would have been viewed as a coup by West Brom when they won his loan signature this summer, and – although it hasn’t gone to plan completely for the 21-year-old yet in his fresh location – he did still manage to stand out last time out against Millwall, even when Mason and Co. were on the recieving end of a 3-0 battering.

Collyer vs Millwall

Stat

Collyer

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

66

Accurate passes

41/47 (87%)

Clearances

4

Interceptions

2

Tackles

4

Total duels won

7/10

Stats by Sofascore

While Collyer’s introduction into the first team fold couldn’t inspire a win at the Den, it’s safe to say the new number 13 could trudge off at the end with his head held somewhat high, with a bite present in his game when winning 70% of his duels, on top of also only misdirecting six of his 47 passes on the day.

Price, on the other hand, would only register a meagre 17 accurate passes during the 3-0 collapse, with a worry on his end that he could be dropped when Championship action returns later this month.

Collyer will be hopeful of more starts moving forward, away from Price’s form falling off a cliff, as the youngster aims to use this formative loan stint as a way to boost his long-term Old Trafford future.

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