Tom Bischof is emerging as Bayern Munich’s breakout star this season, blending youthful energy with relentless ambition. The German midfielder, who calls himself a “mentality monster,” has quickly adapted to the rigors of Allianz Arena, thriving under Vincent Kompany and embracing Bayern’s winning mentality as he aims to make an immediate impact on both the domestic and European stage.
Bayern’s dominant season and Bischof’s bright start
Bayern continues to dominate the Bundesliga, securing their sixth consecutive victory defeating Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 and maintaining a perfect start to the campaign. The squad’s mix of seasoned stars and rising talent has created a formidable force on the pitch. Among the newcomers making waves is 20-year-old Bischof, who joined Bayern this summer from Hoffenheim. Bischof has adapted seamlessly to the team’s high standards, fitting into Kompany’s dynamic system and contributing meaningfully to the club’s ongoing success.
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“I’m a mentality monster,” says Bischof
In an interview with Bayern’s Sabener51 magazine, Bischof shared insights into his decision to join the club and the mindset he brings to the squad. He carefully considered the move, listening to advice from Kompany, Max Eberl, and Christoph Freund, while also studying Bayern’s style of play.
"I spent a long time thinking about what the right step would be for me. I didn’t just decide because we’re Bayern fans in my family. I also listened carefully to Vincent Kompany, Max Eberl, and Christoph Freund about what they wanted and expected of me. I watched a lot of Bayern. All of that played a role," Bischof said.
He further added: "“I think the kind of football Bayern plays suits me perfectly. Playing around the box, the high pressing, all of that suits me very well. And besides, I’m a bit of a ‘mental monster. I’m super ambitious, I want to win titles, I want to win every game, absolutely. And that’s FC Bayern’s identity."
Bischof's journey from Hoffenheim to Bayern
Bischof’s rise has been swift. A product of Hoffenheim’s youth academy, he impressed in his breakthrough 2024-25 season, scoring six goals and providing three assists across 42 appearances. His Bundesliga debut for Bayern has already seen him feature in four matches and record one assist, quickly proving his ability to compete at the highest level. Internationally, he has represented Germany at various youth levels and earned his senior debut during the 2024-25 Nations League against France, signaling a promising future for both club and country.
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Bayern's form is the result of collective strength
Bayern's current form is a testament to a squad firing on all cylinders. Harry Kane leads the Bundesliga scoring charts with 11 goals, while Luis Diaz tops the assists table with four, highlighting the potency of Bayern’s attacking and creative play. After the international break, Bayern will test their strength against rivals Borussia Dortmund on October 18.
While they might not always be the biggest spenders, Arsenal have made some huge signings over the years.
For example, Viktor Gyokeres’ arrival earlier this summer felt like it could be a needle mover; Declan Rice, a couple of years ago, was, and then, while he didn’t cost as much, Alexis Sanchez was a real coup when he joined.
However, when it comes to headline-grabbing transfers, none can claim the top spot off of Mesut Özil, as his arrival in 2013 is still one of the most memorable moments in the club’s modern history.
So, fans should be delighted that it now looks like Mikel Arteta is about to sign his own Ozil.
Arsenal target their new Özil
So far, it would be fair to say that Arsenal are having a great summer regarding transfers, as so far, new Sporting Director Andrea Berta has made six first-team additions.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Moreover, while the Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi are the most exciting signings thus far, the Italian has made sure to fill in the gaps in the rest of the squad, with the likes of Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera.
However, instead of calling it quits there, the club now look set to make potentially the most exciting signing yet, one that could be seen as Arteta’s Ozil moment.
At least that is according to a recent report from The Standard’s Dom Smith, who has reaffirmed the news that Arsenal are now in pole position to secure Eberechi Eze.
In fact, Smith has revealed that the club-to-club details are “all agreed” and that the Crystal Palace star, who is an Arsenal fan, is now set to have his medical and sign his contract at some point on Friday, despite looking set to join North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday afternoon.
Having previously been in the Gunners academy until he was 13, at which point he was released, this is quite the sequence of events for a player who loves Arsenal.
It looks like the Englishman will cost Arsenal around £60m, and while that is a lot, it’s probably fair value for someone as talented as Eze, especially as he could be Arteta’s Ozil.
Why Eze could be the next Ozil
While fans will be hoping Eze’s Arsenal career ends in a better way than Ozil’s did, there are some significant similarities between them.
The first one relates to their transfers, as, despite being a world-class player at the time, fans had little to no idea that the German was moving to the Emirates until it was announced outside the stadium on Sky Sports News, much to the delight of the delirious fans that had gathered around the reporter to hear the news.
Now, the Crystal Palace star hasn’t officially been announced yet, but there was a similar euphoric reaction from the fans to David Ornstein’s surprise report that the club were after him last night.
That delirium was only intensified by Fabrizio Romano’s ‘here we go’ and the simple fact that Berta and Co look to have successfully hijacked the international star from Spurs.
On top of the nature of the transfer being similar to the former Real Madrid star’s, there is also a similar sense that the 27-year-old has the talent to be just as much of a game-changer for the Gunners.
Eze in 24/25
Appearances
43
Minutes
3303′
Goals
14
Assists
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
132.12′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
For example, despite playing for a mid-table side last season, the Greenwich-born “magician,” as dubbed by Micah Richards, scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling just 3303 minutes.
In other words, the £100k-per-week superstar managed to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.
That’s not all though, as the former QPR gem has also proven he can handle the biggest games and the biggest stages, as he scored in the quarter-final, semi-final and final of Palace’s triumphant FA Cup run last season.
Ultimately, while he isn’t the exact same type of player, the incredible way in which Arsenal secured his signature and the impact he could have on this team mean Eze could be seen as Arteta’s Ozil.
The new Havertz: Arsenal weighing up late move to sign £80m star after Eze
The big-money star could be just what Arsenal need following Kai Havertz’s injury.
استقر البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، على تشكيل الأبيض أمام غزل المحلة في الدوري المصري.
ويلتقي الزمالك مع غزل المحلة، في تمام الخامسة مساء اليوم السبت بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية، ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، على ملعب “هيئة قناة السويس”.
طالع.. حكم مباراة الزمالك وغزل المحلة في الدوري المصري
ويأمل الزمالك تحت قيادة مدربه البلجيكي في استعادة نغمة الانتصارات بعد التعادل مع الجونة وخسر من الأهلي في آخر جولتين.
ويفقد الزمالك خدمات عبد الله السعيد للإيقاف 3 إنذارات وعدي الدباغ بسبب الإصابة في العضلة الضامة ومحمد شحاتة بسبب الإصابة في العضلة الخلفية وناصر منسي بسبب الإصابة في العضلة الخلفية.
ويحتل الزمالك المركز الثاني برصيد 17 نقطة، بينما يتواجد غزل المحلة في المركز الرابع عشر برصيد 10 نقاط. تشكيل الزمالك المتوقع اليوم أمام غزل المحلة
حراسة المرمى: محمد صبحي.
الدفاع: المفاضلة بين فتوح وبنتايج – حسام عبد المجيد – محمد إسماعيل – عمر جابر.
He expects to send down a few overs in the next Sheffield Shield match as part of a “slow build” to the Test series
Tristan Lavalette16-Oct-20241:26
How much will Australia miss Cameron Green?
Allrounder Mitchell Marsh will bowl in the upcoming Sheffield Shield round as he prepares to help cover Cameron Green’s absence during the India Test series.Marsh’s fitness and whether he can return to bowling have grown in significance for Australia since it emerged that Green will miss the entire season due to a stress fracture of his back.Green was heading to Christchurch on Wednesday for surgery and in an Instagram post said: “Heartbroken but let’s get a new back.”Related
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There has been uncertainty if Marsh, who turns 33 on Sunday, can physically handle the rigours of bowling. Since tearing his hamstring during the IPL, Marsh has bowled just four overs – all of which were in the fourth ODI against England at Lord’s last month.Marsh made 13 and 94 as a specialist batter for Western Australia in their drawn Shield opener last week against Queensland at the WACA. While in the field he was mostly based in the slips and and occasionally helped carry the drinks.But Marsh said he felt “really good” physically as he builds up his bowling loads against Tasmania in the Shield fixture starting on Sunday at the WACA.”I won’t bowl too much for WA, it’s all part of the building process to get ready for that first Test,” Marsh told reporters in Perth at the launch of the 2025-26 Ashes fixtures. “It’s been a slow build. I’ve been really well looked after by Cricket Australia, Ronnie [Australia coach Andrew McDonald] and Patty [Pat Cummins], with our planning and when I bowl.”I love bowling, so I’m looking forward to bowling for Western Australia this week and build from there.”Mitchell Marsh’s overs could be vital this summer•Getty Images
With Australia’s frontline pace attack unchanged last summer, and with Tests played on bowler-friendly surfaces, Marsh wasn’t greatly needed with the ball but still did produce several handy spells.There has been an expectation that the five-Test series against India will be more gruelling, magnifying the importance of Marsh being able to provide support.With Steven Smith to move back to No. 4, Australia’s selectors will likely call in an opener rather than a like-for like replacement for Green. Marsh moving to the top of the order, following in the footsteps of his father Geoff and brother Shaun, has some support, including from legendary Australia batter Greg Chappell.But Marsh dispelled the notion with his focus firmly on contributing as an allrounder and he did not put a cap on how many overs he could bowl in the Tests. “Once you’re in the field of battle, you bowl as many overs as the captain needs you to bowl,” he said.”I see the allrounder role as being really important, especially for when our bowlers need a bit of a break. I think if you look back at the last few seasons, our allrounders have bowled maybe 10 to 13 overs a game, which is not really a lot.”But those 10 to 13 overs can be really important. So for me, it’s about preparing to bowl as much as I can, as much as Patty needs me to.”Marsh said he was “shattered” for Green who is expected to be sidelined for six months.”From all reports he’s pretty good, initially there is always a shock. It all happened pretty quickly,” he said. “Certainly with stress fractures they can be quite a gradual thing, but this one came pretty quickly.”Someone like Cam with his attitude towards the game, he loves it. The thought of missing that much cricket is probably a little daunting for him, but he’s accepted it now and as an athlete you go through these things.”It’s an opportunity for him to come back better and I have no doubt that he will.”
Nottinghamshire trail by 420 runs after just 10.5 overs possible in second innings
ECB Reporters Network10-Sep-2024
Michael Pepper transformed Essex’s innings•Getty Images
Michael Pepper continued a rich vein of form that has now brought him centuries in successive Vitality County Championship matches to sit alongside two T20 Blast centuries as he helped Essex tightened their stranglehold over Nottinghamshire.The wicketkeeper-batsman’s 115 from 147 balls eclipsed his previous best score against Worcestershire last week by three runs as he built on Tom Westley’s 122 to take Essex to a formidable 457 in their first innings.After putting on 69 with his captain, Pepper joined forces with Simon Harmer in a stand of 133 for the seventh wicket that threatened to pile further pressure on the relegation-haunted visitors. Pepper seasoned his innings with12 fours and a six while Harmer’s 51 was his highest score of the season.Nottinghamshire had reduced the deficit to 420 for the loss of captain Haseeb Hameed in the 10.5 overs possible before play on day two was curtailed by bad weather with the visitors on 37 for 1.At the start of the day, Rob Lord struck for his third wicket of the innings with the 19th delivery of the new-ball – but the Kookaburra was more than 30 overs old before the next wicket fell. The only success of the morning session was when the pace bowler got one to jump up at Westley who dragged on to his stumps to depart after more than five hours of patient accumulation in scoring 122 from 241 balls.Pepper continued to bat sensibly, a textbook straight-driven four a stand-out alongside an unorthodox forehand smash through mid-off. His alliance with Harmer saw off the new-ball and took Essex to a fourth batting point.Harmer had been struggling with the bat but reached his first fifty of the season – and only his second score above 19. A six over midwicket off Farhan Ahmed and a reverse-swept four off Liam Patterson-White had already indicated that confidence was returning.A quickly scampered single took Pepper to three-figures from 135 balls and earnt a warm embrace from a batting partner who would depart soon after. An attempt at another reverse sweep in Freddie McCann’s first over proved to be Harmer’s downfall as the misjudgement ended in him being bowled. His fifty included five fours and a six.Neither Shane Snater nor Sam Cook lasted long, both going down the wicket to Ahmed (3 for 102) and being bowled and stumped respectively before Pepper was bowled by Patterson-White. The last four wickets went down for 27 runs in six overs.Nottinghamshire lost Hameed in the fourth over of their reply when he slashed Cook to point. However, his opening partner Michael Slater refused to be tied down, flicking three of his four boundaries off his legs in a 36-ball 26 before rain added to the gloom to curtail the day with 36 overs remaining.
Jonathan Trott has been announced as the new head coach of Pretoria Capitals in the SA20, replacing Graham Ford who left the role last month.Trott is currently head coach of Afghanistan, a post he has held since 2022, and had his deal renewed in January to run through to the end of 2024. At this stage, there is uncertainty as to whether the 43-year-old will continue. With the SA20 taking place in January 2025, there is no real clash between the job and his international commitments. There is no confirmation yet on whether Trott will renew his contract which is due to expire in December.The Capitals are amid a broader shake-up after Ricky Ponting was let go ending his seven-year association with the Delhi franchise. Pretoria’s decision to move on from Ford came after a difficult second season in which they won just three matches and finished fifth. They were losing finalists in the competition’s first edition in 2023 after topping the table.Trott’s time at Afghanistan has been a success, with a drastic improvement in the team’s results at global events. Despite their talent in the shorter formats, they had won just one match in an ICC tournament – both 50-over and T20 – before beating Australia, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Bangladesh in the last nine months across the 2023 ODI and 2024 T20I World Cups. They made it through to the semi-finals of the latter, losing to South Africa.Trott may also be in consideration for England’s limited-overs job but is thought to be an outside bet with a decision to be made in the coming days on the future of incumbent head coach Matthew Mott. Trott earned 127 caps for England, and has previously coached on the pathway, both for the Under-19 and Lions teams. He is currently working as assistant coach of Trent Rockets in the men’s Hundred.
Everton’s transfer business is starting to ramp up after a slow start to the window. Carlos Alcaraz is set to join on a permanent basis following a loan spell last season, while defender Kenny Tete is looking like the next summer arrival.
David Moyes is also looking at signing a new centre-forward or two during the window. Villarreal star Thierno Barry is a player who could be close to sealing a move to Everton in the coming weeks.
Villarreal's Thierno Barry
These players will improve the current squad, but the newest player that Moyes is showing interest in would certainly trump them all.
Everton make enquiry for Ligue 1 sensation
With Moyes eager to bolster his first-team squad ahead of Everton’s maiden season at their new stadium, a marquee arrival would signify a statement of intent.
According to TEAMtalk, Everton have now made an enquiry about Lyon starlet Malick Fofana amid Lyon’s relegation from Ligue 1.
Lyon's Malick Fofana
This decision could see the French side selling off their finest talent, something the Toffees have taken into consideration. They initially wanted £42m for the winger, but this fee might be dropped due to their financial crisis.
As many as ten Premier League clubs want to sign the youngster, indicating that Moyes has plenty of competition.
By landing the Belgian starlet, Moyes could sign Everton a bigger talent than Iliman Ndiaye.
Why Everton must sign Malick Fofana
Like Fofana, Ndiaye was at a Ligue 1 club before moving to Everton last summer. During his first season in the Premier League, he scored nine times, showcasing his talents on the big stage.
When compared to his peers in the top flight, Ndiaye also ranked in the top 6% for successful take-ons (2.52) and in the top 12% for interceptions (0.74) per 90. If he can build on these statistics next term, Ndiaye will be one of the club’s finest players.
There is no doubt that Fofana could be a bigger talent, however. The 20-year-old scored 11 goals and grabbed six assists for Lyon last term, enjoying a stunning breakthrough season in France.
Hailed as a “game-changer” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Fofana was at his best in the Europa League last season.
Goals
6
Assists
1
Big chances created
1
Key passes per game
1
Goal conversion percentage
50%
Scoring frequency
86 minutes
Indeed, when he was compared to his peers in Europe’s secondary club competition, Fofana not only ranked in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (1.05) per 90, but the winger also ranked in the top 1% for both progressive carries (7.88) and for touches in the opposition penalty area (8.23) per 90 for Lyon.
These statistics prove that he is among one of the finest young wingers on the continent, hence why so many clubs are keen on signing him.
Lyon's Malick Fofana against AC Milan.
Ndiaye has shown that there is plenty of value to be had in France, impressing at the Toffees since making his switch from Ligue 1 last year.
Fofana is certainly a bigger talent than the current Everton star, especially as he has plenty of years left before he hits his peak.
He'd be unplayable with Barry: Everton register interest in £25m PL star
Everton are looking for midfield reinforcements next season
Despite their huge success in the Premier League this season, changes are expected at Liverpool over the summer window to hand Arne Slot with the funds to bolster his squad.
The Reds claimed the title with multiple games to spare, highlighting the excellent work done by the Dutchman after taking the reins last summer from Jürgen Klopp.
Such an achievement was made even more impressive after making just one addition, but that could be about to change in the coming months.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Even though the transfer window is not yet open, the hierarchy have already laid the foundations for potential business, handing Slot the best possible opportunity to build on his early success at Anfield.
Numerous additions are expected on Merseyside over the summer window, with one player emerging as a potential key target over the last couple of weeks.
The latest on Liverpool’s attempts to sign Florian Wirtz
In recent weeks, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz has become a key target for Liverpool as Slot looks to bolster the options at his disposal in 2025/26.
The German, who’s registered 30 combined goals and assists this campaign, has been one of the shining lights in the Bundesliga, undoubtedly contributing to the interest from the Reds.
However, they aren’t alone in their pursuit, with Bayern Munich and Manchester also credited with an interest in landing the 22-year-old sensation during the off-season.
Despite the rumours linking him elsewhere, it was reported this week that the Reds were ready to offer a deal to the German outfit to potentially land the young star.
Undoubtedly, a player of his quality will likely cost a small fortune, with other players currently on the books on Merseyside needing to be sacrificed to fund such a deal.
The Liverpool player who earns over 2x more than Wirtz
With the transfer window rapidly approaching, numerous players have been touted with moves away from Liverpool this summer, with many likely to raise key funds.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
Darwin Nunez joined for a club-record fee back in the summer of 2022, but has struggled to provide the goods at Anfield, notching just 40 goals in his 142 appearances for the club.
Such form has led to rumours over a potential departure, with the likes of Napoli and Atlético Madrid already interested in making a move to land the Uruguayan international at a cut-price.
However, he may not be the only player out the door this summer, with Slot needing to sell Andy Robertson, especially if Milos Kerkez joins the club in the coming months.
The Hungarian has been touted as a replacement for the Scotsman this summer, with the 31-year-old falling way below the high standards he’s set for himself in recent years.
Liverpool's AndrewRobertsonduring the warm up before the match
The defender joined in an £8m deal from Hull City eight years ago, exceeding all expectations and registering 11 goals and 67 assists for the Reds – enabling them to reach new heights in recent seasons.
However, 2024/25 has been a year to forget for Robertson, only registering two assists across all competitions, with his major asset now looking to be ineffective compared to previous campaigns.
Andy Robertson’s stats for Liverpool in the Premier League
Statistics (per 90)
2019/20
2024/25
Games played
36
32
Goals scored
2
0
Assists
12
1
Touches
93.8
64
Pass completion
84%
88%
Key passes
1.7
1.3
Dribbles completed
0.6
0.2
Tackles + interceptions
2.6
1.9
Clearances
1.6
1.3
Duels won
3.4 (51%)
1.9 (49%)
Errors leading to goals
1
2
Stats via SofaScore
Such showings have led to broadcaster Nubaid Haroon claiming that he’s been “struggling” as of late, with his stats produced highlighting his decline in recent years.
His current weekly wage of £160k-per-week doesn’t offer value for money, given his lack of positive impact, with the left-back the fourth-highest earner in the squad.
Such a figure is over two times higher than that of current target Wirtz, who currently earns just £72k-per-week, according to Capology, highlighting how much the club need to cut Robertson from the squad.
Whilst it would be a brutal decision given his tally of 341 appearances for the club, unfortunately, his time has come to be moved on as they prepare for a new era under Slot.
Liverpool's Andrew Robertson leaves the pitch after being shown a red card
Such a deal to sign him back in 2017 will go down as one of the best in their recent history, undoubtedly being a modern-day icon regardless of what happens this summer.
Slot's own Firmino: Liverpool in talks for "monster" £84m Isak alternative
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The cult of Scott McTominay is growing in Naples, with the former Manchester United man having emerged as the unlikely spearhead of the Serie A side’s charge toward the title in Italy.
Now shining alongside another ex-Red Devil in Romelu Lukaku, the towering midfielder has now scored 11 league goals in 2024/25 to date, a record that places him above every player in Ruben Amorim’s current ranks.
McTominay
Indeed, the 6 foot 4 sensation has been particularly vital in recent weeks after popping up with five goals across just his last three Serie A games, having scored more league goals in those outings than Rasmus Hojlund has done all season back in Manchester.
Whether it is perhaps with hindsight in mind, there is a nagging feeling that maybe the INEOS regime were wrong to cash in on the 28-year-old last summer, despite raking in a £25m fee, with Erik ten Hag having been adamant that he “didn’t want” to sell the unsung star at the time.
As it is, the experienced powerhouse is now the new king of Napoli, with United turning their attention elsewhere amid the need to bolster the midfield ranks…
Latest on Man Utd's search for a midfielder
The priority positions this summer may well be a new striker and a goalkeeper, as outlined by the Manchester Evening News, although there is certainly work to be done to strengthen in the centre of the park.
With 33-year-old playmaker Christian Eriksen set to depart following the looming expiry of his contract – and with fellow veteran Casemiro likely to be linked with an exit of his own – options in the midfield two will be slim next term, outside of Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes.
Equally, with Kobbie Mainoo having been pushed into a more advanced number ten role of late – a position that Fernandes could still return to – that dearth of options is exposed even more, hence the need to hand Amorim some quality reinforcements.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to reports in Spain – via Football 365 – the Old Trafford outfit have set their sights on Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, with the promising Spaniard viewed as the ‘perfect fit’ for Amorim’s 3-4-3.
Indeed, the report goes as far as to suggest that such interest has even led United and INEOS to now be readying an offer for the 22-year-old, said to be worth in the region of €30m (£25m).
FC Barcelona'sFerminLopezin action with Las Palmas' Stefan Bajcetic
That proposal is said to have sparked something of a ‘divide’ at Camp Nou, with the LaLiga giants viewing Lopez – who boasts a €500m (£425m) release clause – as a ‘key player’, albeit while remaining open to a sale amid their ‘complicated’ financial situation.
There are also doubts over whether the player himself actually wants to make the move, although if he can be convinced, it could represent a real coup for INEOS.
Why Fermin Lopez would be a good signing
As evidenced during Wednesday’s thrilling Champions League, first-leg semi-final clash with Inter, the current incarnation of Barcelona are a truly mouthwatering prospect, spearheaded by the devastating brilliance of Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Raphinha.
In a side that boasts so much attacking and midfield quality, including the likes of Dani Olmo and Frenkie de Jong too, young Lopez has largely been forced to take on an impact role under Hansi Flick, having actually started just 16 games in all competitions this season.
To his credit, the La Masia graduate has taken his chance whenever he has been called upon, after contributing four goals and nine assists in total in 2024/25, including a return of one goal and four assists on the continent.
Fermin Lopez – 23/24 & 24/25 (LaLiga stats)
Stat (*per game)
23/24
24/25
Games (starts)
31 (14)
23 (9)
Goals
8
3
Assists
0
4
Big chances created
1
5
Key passes*
0.6
0.8
Pass accuracy*
85%
86%
Tackles*
1.3
0.8
Interceptions*
0.1
0.2
Balls recovered*
2.3
2.4
Stats via Sofascore
Described by former boss Xavi Hernandez as the “whole package” in the past, the United target is certainly not the main man in Catalonia, but is a real threat from his advanced midfield role, having even registered two goals and two assists in the 7-1 thrashing of Valencia earlier in the campaign.
That role as a box-crashing substitute certainly sounds familiar, with that the status that McTominay enjoyed last term at the Theatre of Dreams under Ten Hag, having chalked up ten goals across all fronts.
The all-action star memorably scored twice in stoppage time to seal a dramatic comeback win over Brentford in that 2023/24 season, having also sealed victory away at Villa Park with a bullet header late on.
While Lopez may be of far smaller stature at just 5 foot 9, he does mirror McTominay with regard to his ball-carrying prowess, as shown in the fact that he ranks in the top 19% of his LaLiga peers for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref. His Napoli counterpart, meanwhile, ranks in the top 14% in that regard in Serie A.
Equally too, the duo are alike with regard to their attitude and application, despite not often taking the spotlight. As Xavi said of Lopez, he “is hungry and has a great character”, while in the case of McTominay, he had been tipped to be a future “captain” of Man United by interim coach, Ralf Rangnick due to his “leadership skills”.
Such qualities are vital in any squad, with Amorim likely to relish the chance to work with a player of Lopez’s quality and mindset.
Like McTominay before him, he may go under the radar amid the bright lights around him, although the two-cap Spain international may well be perfect for either the midfield two or one of the two number ten berths next season at Old Trafford.
Man Utd may have found the new Scott McTominay in an unlikely source
Man Utd have found a new figure who may soon emulate McTominay…
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualify for the Super Four from Group B
Madushka Balasuriya18-Sep-20252:22
Maharoof: Mendis a nightmare for spinners once he gets going
Kusal Mendis ensured Sri Lanka’s 100% record through the group stage as his unbeaten 74 off 52 trumped Mohammad Nabi’s outrageous 60 off 22 for a six-wicket win against Afghanistan. The result means Bangladesh also qualify with a second place in group B.Kusal was crucial to the chase with his ability to navigate Afghanistan’s variety of spinners – courtesy of well-executed sweeps and pulls – proving crucial in Sri Lanka running down a tricky target with eight deliveries to spare.Kusal was therefore the common denominator in a string of partnerships – 22, 25, 45, 27 and 52* – as Sri Lanka put aside a potentially momentum-shifting cameo from Nabi.Related
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Nabi had earlier resurrected the Afghanistan innings, striking five sixes in the final over bowled by left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage, who had been drafted in to this game ahead of Maheesh Theekshana. Prior to that, Dushmantha Chameera had been taken for 17 runs in the penultimate over of the innings, meaning Afghanistan struck 49 in the last two overs to give their total a monster boost.Up until that point, though, Sri Lanka had dominated proceedings, with Nuwan Thushara, in particular, shining with figures of 4 for 18. It was a performance worthy of a win, and so it proved in the end.
Kusal special takes Sri Lanka home
Losing Pathum Nissanka early was not ideal, nor was Kamil Mishara falling in the powerplay. But Kusal ensured that he took on the scoring burden and kept Sri Lanka in the chase with timely boundaries through the middle overs.However, nerves still remained with Sri Lanka needing 48 off the last five overs. It was here that Kusal was joined by the other Mendis in the side – Kamindu – who once more showed off his capabilities as a finisher.Kamindu struck two pivotal sixes – one each off Noor Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi – to take the pressure off his senior compatriot and finished unbeaten on 26 off 13. It meant Kusal rarely had to shift gears, even at the death, as Sri Lanka ran down the target with ease.Mohammad Nabi hit five sixes in the final over to give Afghanistan hope•AFP/Getty Images
Stars align for Nabi
Starting left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Wellalage over Theekshana was a call presumably predicated on the idea that Afghanistan had ten right-handers in their batting line-up, while also a move that simultaneously lengthened the batting and improved the fielding.As things transpired, though, Wellalage was not needed with the bat, while he dropped Nabi on 5. But more pertinently, so effective were Sri Lanka’s strike bowlers – particularly Thushara – that Charith Asalanka decided that it was worth the gamble to bowl his main bowlers out early in the hopes of picking up wickets sooner rather than later.And the plan worked – to an extent. Thushara bowled three overs in the powerplay, picked up three wickets in that period, before getting a fourth at the death. Chameera bowled well, but was unlucky to go for 50 runs in his four overs – the most expensive spell of his career. Dasun Shanaka, nominally the fifth bowler, got away with 29 runs in his four overs, while Hasaranga gave away just 18 in four wicketless overs.Even Wellalage had given away just 17 up until his last over. For Nabi, a fantastic hitter of spin, this was an ideal match-up and he took on Wellalage in epic fashion. Five sixes in the V saw 32 come off that final over – and with it gave Afghanistan hope.3:12
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Sri Lanka’s solid plans with the ball
It’s unfortunate that many will remember Wellalage for that final over, because up until then, he, along with the rest of the Sri Lanka bowlers, had kept Afghanistan quiet right through their innings.Thushara was the star, taking three in the powerplay with his outswingers to the right-handers, and one searing in swinger to left-hander Sediqullah Atal.Asalanka smartly got through his fifth bowler quota with Shanaka in the middle overs as Afghanistan sought to consolidate, though it was that extra over from Thushara in the powerplay that proved decisive in the end as it meant Wellalage wound up having to bowl to Nabi in the final over – a strategy rarely, if ever, employed by a Sri Lanka side in recent years.Fortunately for Wellalage and Sri Lanka, it mattered little once all the chips were counted.