Chelsea have by no means made a perfect start to the 2025/26 season, but their dramatic victory over Liverpool before the October international break ensured they stayed within a distance of the Premier League leaders.

Eyebrows were raised when BlueCo parted with Mauricio Pochettino in 2024 and replaced him with Enzo Maresca, a ‘Pep Protege’ and newbie on the scene, albeit excelling in the Championship with Leicester City. But Maresca has taken Chelsea back into the Champions League, and he won the Conference League and Club World Cup last year.

Now, sights are set on the next level, and while the Londoners hope to hit their targets and surpass them this season, with talents such as Estevao Willian cutting their teeth at Stamford Bridge, there’s more than a little cause for optimism.

Estevao is Chelsea's new star

Sometimes, you can just tell. When Cole Palmer clicked into gear two years ago, after joining from Manchester City, you could just tell. And now, the same is true for Estevao.

Described as having the potential to be a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Brazil international, still only 18, has already scored and assisted in the Premier League this season, averaging 1.8 dribbles per game, as per Sofascore.

His goal against Liverpool rubber-stamped his reputation as a high-level talent, but Estevao has long been regarded as a one-of-a-kind sort of up-and-comer. To put that another way, Chelsea feel they have signed a player who will dominate across England and Europe for many years to come.

A versatile and fleet-footed winger, he joined Chelsea from Palmeiras this summer after an initial £29m deal was put in place in May 2024. Estevao is representative of an impetus on signing the finest youth prospects across the globe.

Chelsea’s prudence isn’t restricted to just teenagers, though. Potential stars are found and signed ahead of time; this is a common theme in west London.

And, with Maresca still questing for a highest-class striker, fans might get excited over the reminder that such a talent has indeed been tied to Chelsea’s future, and he’s showing shades of one Didier Drogba.

Chelsea's new version of Drogba

Drogba is one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history, and the talisman throughout the richest period of sustained success in modern times at Chelsea.

The club have been dealt a mixed bag at number nine since the Ivorian left London, but in centre-forward Emmanuel Emegha, they might just find the second coming.

The 6 foot 5 Emegha, 22, will join Chelsea from partner club Strasbourg in 2026, with the Ligue 1 side’s captain rejecting interest from other top clubs to move to Stamford Bridge.

As per FBref, the Netherlands native ranks among the top 14% of strikers across Europe for goals scored, the top 3% for pass completion and the top 14% for carries into the penalty area per 90, highlighting his natural striking ability and indeed a mobility and technical skill beyond most of his positional peers.

Emegha, in fact, has been hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his “simply phenomenal” finishing, and after scoring 14 goals and providing three assists across the 2024/25 campaign, he has already notched six contributions from as many matches this year.

Given that he is sharpening his tools in the French top flight and boasts a strong and dynamic physical profile, he may well arrive at Chelsea and draw comparisons to Drogba, who left Marseille for London in 2004 for a £24m fee.

Frank Lampard

648

211

Bobby Tambling

362

194

Didier Drogba

381

164

Kerry Dixon

363

157

Roy Bentley

352

144

Drogba is one of Chelsea’s all-time record scorers, and his big-game mentality was an iconic thing. Across nine seasons and two stints as a Blue, the 47-year-old won the full gamut. His tenacity and consistency once led an awed Jose Mourinho to describe him as a “remarkable” footballer.

Chelsea are building for the future, alright. But there’s also a sense that this new crop of acquisitions has been made with an eye on the past formulas too. Estevao evokes that X-factor emotion that the likes of Eden Hazard and more before him provided to the club’s doting fanbase.

With a towering and commanding talisman like Emegha in the centre, and Estevao running riot across the flanks, there’s no telling how dangerous Chelsea’s frontline will look in a few years time.

The likes of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, who is nursing a muscular injury, both joined Maresca’s side this summer, and the former in particular looks a real threat.

But strength in depth has always been Chelsea’s way, and Emegha has the completeness of style in the final third to make a real difference in the fight for prizes in the Premier League and Champions League.

A pacy runner who has not quite mastered the aerial game that his long frame should enable him to flourish within, Emegha remains a work in progress. Last season in Ligue 1, for example, his 14-goal haul was also met with 25 missed big chances, emphasising the work still to be done in front of goal.

Alongside Estevao, though, he would surely find his shooting boots and maintain a fearsome presence in front of goal. After all, alongside his electric pace, the youngster also ranks among the top 8% of positional peers for shot-creating actions per 90 (FBref).

The jury will remain out until Emegha gets going in the Premier League; many a talented prospect has fallen by the wayside when arriving in England.

But there’s such quality there, and Emegha’s physical robustness and quality on the ball suggest he might just have the skills to replace the legendary Drogba and lead Chelsea to illustrious success.

Estevao 2.0: Chelsea let one of "the best young wingers in Europe" leave for £0

The incredible former Chelsea talent could end up being as good as Estevao.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 10, 2025

Manchester United are now targeting a record-breaking goalkeeper who’s “good with his feet”, and there are signs he could rival Senne Lammens for a starting spot.

Man Utd looking to sign new goalkeeper to rival Lammens

After arriving from Club Brugge at the end of the summer transfer window, Lammens’ introduction to the Man United starting XI has been gradual, with the Belgian making his first start in the 2-0 victory over Sunderland prior to the international break.

Having kept a clean sheet in his opening game, the 23-year-old is off to a solid start, making two saves from inside the box to keep Sunderland at bay, which resulted in a 7.8 SofaScore match rating, the highest of any player.

The Stretford End were clearly left impressed by their new goalkeeper’s performance, chating ‘Are you Schmeichel in disguise’, but it is still very early days, with a difficult trip to Anfield to come on Sunday.

Having struggled to find a suitable no.1 since the departure of David de Gea, Ruben Amorim will be hoping Lammens is the long-term solution between the sticks, but The Red Devils have now joined the race for another goalkeeper.

That is according to a report from The Boot Room, which reveals SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu has emerged as a genuine target for Man United, having watched him in action multiple times already this season.

Graeme Bailey adds that United want to bring in a new goalkeeper regardless of how Lammens performs, with the journalist also hinting that a deal for Atubolu could be possible.

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Bailey said: “United are doing their due diligence on goalkeepers, even if [Senne] Lammens comes in and does well, they still want and need another, as [Andre] Onana and [Altay] Bayindir won’t be hanging around in the long-term.

“They are well-versed on options, but I am told that Atubolu is one who has impressed United’s scouts this season. He is emerging as one of the very best in the Bundesliga, and Freiburg are expecting to sell in 2026.”

Record-breaking Atubolo could be instant Lammens upgrade

Lammens is off to a fantastic start at Old Trafford, but there are signs the Freiburg shot-stopper could be an instant upgrade, having already proven himself at a higher level than the former Club Brugge man.

In the 2024-25 season, the 23-year-old broke a Freiburg club record by going 576 minutes without conceding a goal, and he has since gone on to break a Bundesliga record by saving five penalties on the spin.

Not only has the German goalkeeper established himself as a top Bundesliga goalkeeper, but he is also better with his feet than Lammens, placing in the top 1% for touches per 90 over the past year.

Statistic

Noah Atubolu

Senne Lammens

Save % (penalty kicks)

100%

75%

Clean sheet %

34.5%

12.5%

Touches per game

47.99

42.58

Freiburg manager Julian Schuster has praised Atubolu in the past too, saying: “He has good reflexes. He makes good saves and is also good with his feet. We’re very happy to have him.”

It is always difficult to keep two goalkeepers happy, so it would be a risk to sign the Freiburg star, but there are clear signs he could challenge Lammens for a starting spot.

Former Arsenal and Wales international Aaron Ramsey is enduring a difficult period in Mexico after the abduction of his dog during a short family trip. The incident has kept him out of Pumas’ recent matches, with Ramsey and his family sharing emotional posts expressing their distress. With no timeline yet for his return, his future in the Auriazul shirt remains uncertain.

• AFP
  

  Away from the team

  Following Pumas’ 1-1 draw against Club León, head coach Efraín Juárez addressed Ramsey’s prolonged absence, a situation that has raised growing uncertainty around the veteran midfielder’s future at the club.

  Since the last international break, Ramsey has not reported to the team’s training facilities at Cantera. Although he is also dealing with an injury, Pumas granted him permission to remain absent in order to handle personal matters.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'We’re monitoring it'

  Juárez confirmed that the situation remains unresolved but refrained from going into detail, pointing to the emotional weight Ramsey is currently carrying:

  “We’re monitoring it. I said it on Wednesday – let’s see what happens in the coming days. He’s dealing with his situation, which we all know about, involving his dog. Also, there was an issue before he left during the FIFA break. So, we’ll have to wait and see what happens in the next few days," the manager said. 

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Challenging for both sides

  Ramsey’s time in Mexico has been far from what Pumas envisioned when they signed him as a high-profile marquee arrival. Despite being announced as a major coup for Liga MX, the Welsh midfielder has struggled to meet expectations. So far, he has scored just one goal across eight appearances.

  Meanwhile, Pumas are currently outside of the Play-In spots, sitting 12th in the table with 15 points. Ramsey’s absence only adds to the club’s concerns as they fight to salvage their season.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  What comes next?

  Pumas will face Tijuana on Sunday in a must-win match if they hope to stay in contention for a Play-In spot. Anything less than a victory would severely diminish their chances, especially with a tough season finale against Cruz Azul looming.

Just over two and a half years after stepping down from the Sporting Director role, Fabio Paratici has returned to Tottenham Hotspur to once again oversee operations in North London.

The Italian previously spent two years in the role, before stepping down in April 2023, but looks set to pick up where he left off to help the club in their quest for Premier League glory.

However, this time around, he will be working alongside new boss Thomas Frank, with the Dane needing to strike up a key partnership with the 53-year-old to bring success to the club.

With the transfer window shut until January, the boss won’t get the opportunity to see the fruits of the Italian’s labour for a couple of months, but no doubt work will be ongoing behind the scenes.

Numerous players will likely be lined up by the duo to help strengthen the side after their impressive start to 2025/26, which has seen them lose just once in the first nine outings.

Richarlison

£50m

Cristian Romero

£42m

Destiny Udogie

£15m

Djed Spence

£20m

Yves Bissouma

£25m

Pape Sarr

£18m

Dejan Kulusevski

£25m

Rodrigo Bentancur

£20m

However, this is the dream XI the Sporting Director could build for the Lilywhites over the next couple of months…

1 GK – Guglielmo Vicario

The Italian has been Spurs’ number one over the last couple of years, but not without questions from the fanbase over his ability in the role.

However, he’s managed to keep four clean sheets in 2025/26 to date, with faith needing to put in the 29-year-old to keep his number one shirt.

2 RB – Djed Spence

No Spurs fan would’ve anticipated the rise of the full-back in recent months, with the 25-year-old going from the brink of being sold to being a consistent England international.

His rise could see Pedro Porro tumble down the selection in the months ahead, potentially even being sold should Spence’s form continue.

3 CB – Micky van de Ven

The Dutch international is no ordinary defender, subsequently possessing a huge amount of pace that often gets the backline out of trouble.

His left-footed ability also makes him a rare commodity in the modern game, with the 24-year-old needing to be a regular starter for the foreseeable future.

4 CB- Cristian Romero

The second half of the Spurs centre-back partnership is Cristian Romero, with the duo being an unbreakable partnership – one that helped transform the defensive record this season.

The Argentine international has acquired the captain’s armband in recent weeks, further showcasing the trust shown in him by Frank.

5 LB – Destiny Udogie

Like many players last season, the Italian struggled massively with injuries last season which restricted him from making a huge impact in North London.

However, this season, he’s already featured in eight games across all competitions and has nailed his place down as the club’s first-choice left-back.

6 CDM – Joao Palhinha

The Portuguese international only joined the Lilywhites on loan this summer, but has already wasted no time in impressing – already netting two goals for the club.

His ball-winning ability is another huge positive, with Paratici needing to trigger the buy option in his temporary contract at the end of the campaign.

7 CM – Lucas Bergvall

In years to come, Swedish international Lucas Bergvall may become one of the club’s best-ever purchases after joining for just £8.5m from Djurgarden last summer.

Despite being 19, he’s already racked up over 50 appearances for the club, with the youngster demonstrating talents way beyond his tender years.

8 CM – Xavi Simons

The Dutch international was one of two £50m+ additions during the summer window, but has got off to a slow start in North London – only one assist in his first seven outings.

However, sympathy will need to be handed his way, with boss Frank needing to utilise the youngster in a more central role during his time in the Premier League.

9 RW – Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus has been a phenomenal addition for Spurs this summer, already hitting the ground running in 2025/26, with one goal and four assists in the league.

At just 25, he has bags of time to develop further, with the Ghanaian likely to play a key role in any future success during Frank’s tenure.

10 ST – Rodrigo Muniz

The centre-forward position has been a tricky one for Spurs since Harry Kane’s departure, but that could be solved with a move for Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz.

The Brazilian was hugely linked with a switch to join the Lilywhites this summer, but a move never materialised, with Paratici needing to revisit a deal in January.

Despite being the top scorers in the Championship last season, Leeds United put a real focus on strengthening their attack. The Whites found the back of the net 95 times in 2024/25, far more than any other side, but still brought three new forwards to the club over the summer.

They only paid for one of those attackers, with the versatile Noah Okafor joining from Serie A giants AC Milan for £18m. One of their free signings was former Manchester City academy player Lukas Nmecha, who moved to Elland Road from Wolfsburg. Both Okafor and Nmecha have already scored this season.

The same can be said for their other attacking addition this summer, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Calvert-Lewin’s start to life at Leeds

The signing of former Everton star Calvert-Lewin was certainly a huge coup for the Whites. He will bring Premier League experience to a team that need to cement themselves as a Premier League side.

Already, the former Toffees number nine has found the back of the net.

He’s played four times across all competitions for the club, and scored in their 3-1 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend to get off the mark.

Yet, his start to life in Yorkshire has not been as simple as that for Leeds’ new number nine. His debut against Sheffield Wednesday, which saw the Whites crash out of the Carabao Cup, was disappointing. Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Lee Sobot described it as a “debut to forget” for the England striker.

His stats from the 2025/26 Premier League season so far also leave a bit to be desired. In 178 minutes so far, Calvert-Lewin has had four shots, with three of those on target, and missed one big chance.

Whilst he is only a short way into his Leeds career, the former Everton star will be hoping his goal against Wolves can be a catalyst for his form to improve. If not, they may have an academy star waiting in the wings to steal his number nine shirt.

Leeds’ potential future number nine

The Whites’ most exciting academy star in recent seasons is surely Archie Gray. The 19-year-old played 52 games for his boyhood club before moving to Tottenham Hotspur last summer, where he became a Europa League champion.

Well, the midfielder might have some competition when it comes to the best talents at Leeds. His younger brother, Harry Gray, is also on the club’s books and is another highly talented prospect to come out of his family.

Unlike his brother, 16-year-old Gray is a centre-forward and has shone for the club’s academy, leading the line at both under-18 and under-21 level.

He’s also made his first-team debut, with his sole appearance coming last season off the bench against Stoke City in the Championship.

This season, the youngster has been on fire already. Representing Leeds in the Premier League 2, he’s found the back of the net four times in just three games.

He’s also chipped in with two assists, one in the league and the other in the EFL Trophy. Gray even bagged a hat-trick against National League side Scunthorpe United.

Indeed, his record across both the Premier League 2 and the Under-18s Premier League shows the killer instinct Gray has in front of goal. In both divisions combined, he’s scored 15 goals in 21 games.

Games

11

10

Minutes

819

758

Goals

8

7

Assists

0

1

If Gray continues on his trajectory, it is easy to see how he can snatch the number nine shirt from Calvert-Lewin at some stage. He’s already played for his boyhood club, and if he can carry that academy form into first-team football, he could be a deadly centre-forward at the top level.

With his older brother Archie now plying his trade down in North London, there is certainly an argument to be made that the striker is Leeds’ most exciting talent.

Leeds star was an "underrated" talent, now he's Farke's own Phillips

Daniel Farke could now have his new Kalvin Phillips at Leeds United in this underrated star.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 21, 2025

Eddie Howe stopped short of getting embroiled in a war of words with Arne Slot after the Liverpool boss labelled Newcastle a “smaller club” when questioning their handling of Alexander Isak. The striker was in the process of regaining his match fitness following his British record transfer in the summer, before sustaining a groin injury in the Reds' victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday.

Getty Images SportIsak arrived short of fitness after missing Newcastle's pre-season

After refusing to play for Newcastle in order to force through his £125 million (€144.5m/$169.3m) move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day, Isak arrived at Anfield short of match sharpness. The Sweden international made it clear he did not want to play for the Magpies again, missing the club’s pre-season tour of Asia as well as their opening three Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa, Liverpool and Leeds.

AdvertisementSweden striker sustained groin injury in Liverpool's win over Frankfurt

Following the completion of his switch to Liverpool, Isak has been slowly introduced into the fold, with Slot mindful of the forward’s lack of a pre-season. However, after starting alongside fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike in the thumping 5-1 win over German side Frankfurt in the Champions League, Isak sustained a groin problem at Deutsche Bank Park, meaning he is a doubt for his side’s trip to Brentford on Saturday evening.

"Alexander is not too bad,” said Slot ahead of the Brentford game. “He is a question mark for the weekend so we will see where he is.”

Getty Images SportSlot questions Newcastle's handling of Isak following injury setback

Slot’s update follows his previous comments which saw him question Isak’s treatment at Newcastle as the summer saga surrounding his future played out.

The Dutchman said: “I don't think there's a rule that every single player has the same (pre-season preparation). But it also depends on what he did when he didn't train with the team, what the impact is if you go to a new club as a big signing.

“So you cannot compare, maybe a player who hasn't trained or played in pre-season at a smaller club than if you go to Liverpool.”

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Howe refused to get involved in exchange with counterpart Slot

However, when asked about Slot’s accusations following the injury to Isak, Newcastle boss Howe refused to get involved in an exchange with his counterpart, though he did defend the club’s care of their “elite players”.

Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Fulham on Saturday, Howe said: “The set-up here is very good. It is not perfect, we've got things to improve and to grow. But the owners here have developed the facilities since I've been here very, very well.

“You can see there is building work going on currently to hopefully deliver even better in the future. But I have no complaints. We've got elite athletes here, many of them, and touch wood, we're managing them pretty well at the moment.”

And when asked if he would “go into bat” and defend Newcastle following Slot’s comments, Howe added: “I like the way you’ve worded that… encouraging me to go into bat!

“I don’t have to do that, I don’t feel. You’ve done it for me, reeling off all those things! But you obviously know what my answer would be.

“I don't think that's wise for me to get involved in those discussions. Alex is no longer at this football club, so I won't comment on it.”

تحدث عصام الحضري، حارس منتخب مصر السابق، مدرب حراس منتخب مصر الثاني، عن توقعاته لبطولة السوبر المصري، والمقرر إقامته في الإمارات، بمشاركة 4 أندية.

وقال الحضري في تصريحات لبرنامج ملعب أون على قناة أون سبورت: “صعب التوقع بالمرشح الأول للفوز ببطولة السوبر المصري، الأهلي والزمالك أدائهما حتى هذه الفترة لا يطمئن”.

وتابع: “ما نراه على أرض الواقع، سيراميكا يؤدي مباريات على مستوى عالي وهو أول الدوري، بيراميدز في بداية الموسم لم يكن موفقا ولكن بعد ذلك قدم مباريات على مستوى عالي”.

طالع|مواعيد مباريات بيراميدز في دوري أبطال إفريقيا 2025-2026

وأضاف: “بيراميدز فاز على أهلي جدة بنتيجة غير متوقعة وفاز بالسوبر الإفريقي ويؤدي مباريات على مستوى عالي ولكن على الورق لا نقدر نقول إنهم سيكونوا بطل السوبر المصري”.

وكشف: “الأهلي يظهر في بطولة كأس السوبر بشكل كبير، والفريق الذي نفسه طويل هو القادر على حصد اللقب، وحارس المرمى الأجهز وصاحب المستوى الثابت وبتركيز في الأربعة فرق المشاركة في بطولة السوبر هو أحمد الشناوي، محمد بسام وصبحي والشناوي الثلاثي في مستوى واحد”.

واختتم: “أحمد الشناوي يستحق أن يكون متواجدا مع منتخب مصر الأول، ولو المباريات وصلت لضربات الجزاء محمد الشناوي وأحمد الشناوي الأميز والأول في ركلات الجزاء وبعد ذلك يأتي محمد صبحي وبسام”.

Gloucestershire face uphill battle as Bancroft leads rearguard in second innings

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 23-Jun-2025Centuries from Wayne Madsen and Harry Came strengthened Derbyshire’s grip on the second day of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two match with Gloucestershire at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol.Skipper Madsen hit 123 and Came 103, extending their overnight third-wicket stand to 206 as the visitors posted 398 in reply to Gloucestershire’s modest first-innings total of 187, a lead of 211. Todd Murphy was the most successful bowler with three for 120 on debut.The hosts hit back strongly after their opponents had been 301 for two at one stage and then made a better fist of their second innings, reaching 62 for one by the close, having reduced the deficit to 149. Cameron Bancroft was unbeaten on 32.Derbyshire began the day on 116 for two, still 71 behind, with Madsen 18 not out and Came unbeaten on 29. Gloucestershire hopes centred upon their new signing Murphy, but Madsen quickly set the tone by twice hitting the Australia Test off-spinner through the off side for back-foot fours.There was nothing Murphy nor any other bowler could do to prise apart the Derbyshire pair as Came was first to fifty off 86 balls. Madson soon followed to the same landmark off 82 deliveries before cutting a boundary off Zaman Akhter to take his side into the lead.By lunch that advantage had stretched to 55 runs, with the scoreboard reading 242 for two. The afternoon session saw Madsen reach three figures off 157 balls, with 11 fours, and Came replicate that achievement, having faced 180 deliveries and hit 12 fours and a six. Neither had looked in the least trouble on a benign pitch, highlighting how poorly Gloucestershire had batted on day one.It was a major surprise when Madsen’s dismissal, with the total on 301, caught off a top-edged reverse sweep to give Murphy his first Gloucestershire wicket, sparked a Derbyshire collapse that saw six more fall for just 55 runs. Brook Guest could make only two before being caught at short mid-wicket off seamer Ben Charlesworth, who quickly struck again by having Came caught behind cutting just before the second new ball became due.It was 319 for six when Anuj Dal was bowled by a ball from left-arm spinner Graeme van Buuren which turned to beat his forward defensive push, and 320 for seven when Alex Thomson was caught by wicketkeeper James Bracey down the leg side off Murphy.The Aussie struck again when Martin Andersson was snapped up at short-leg and the sorry procession continued as Ben Aitchison skied a catch to backward point off van Buuren. Derbyshire’s lead at that point was 169, but former Gloucestershire loanee Zak Chappell then frustrated his old teammates with some quality shots in a stand of 42 with first day bowling hero Jack Morley.The latter lofted van Buuren over wide long-on for six, while Chappell produced one of the shots of the day when clipping Ajeet Singh Dale through the leg side with a flourish for four to take the lead past 200. He and Morley were still together when a delayed tea was taken with Derbyshire 395 for nine.The final session saw Morley fall lbw to off-spinner Ollie Price attempting to sweep with Derbyshire just two runs short of a fourth batting point. Chappell remained unbeaten on 28 and Gloucestershire were left with 22 overs to bat in their second innings before stumps.They negotiated 11 before Morley added to his six first-day victims by pinning Joe Phillips lbw on the back foot for 14. But skipper Bancroft remained rock solid and will hope to lead his side back into the game tomorrow.