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Football works in mysterious ways, and with the majority of players having numerous clubs during their careers, there’s a good chance some will come back to haunt their former sides.

From scoring important goals or regularly being a thorn in their ex-club’s side over the years, we’ve seen it on multiple occasions on the biggest stages.

Anthony Elanga recently came back to bite Manchester United, who will surely be regretting selling the winger in the summer of 2023, particularly with Nottingham Forest now miles ahead of their midweek opponents, who were beaten by the Swede’s special winner at the City Ground.

Here, we’ve taken a look at 11 stars who have haunted their former clubs.

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Posts ByStephan Georgiou Mar 31, 2025 1 Anthony Elanga Nottingham Forest v Man Utd

Anthony Elanga has been something of a revelation since his move to Nottingham Forest, with the Reds benefiting from the Swede being unable to find a home during his stay at Manchester United.

The winger has often been in electrifying form, but showcased his talents to his former employers with a superb solo run before scoring an eventual winner in their recent Premier League clash.

With Forest set to finish in the European places, the move has certainly worked out for the 22-year-old.

2 Robin van Persie Man Utd v Arsenal

Robin van Persie made what was a controversial move at the time from Arsenal to Man Utd in 2012.

The Dutch striker was the Gunners captain and star striker at the time, so to swap the Emirates for Old Trafford was a high-profile deal and all eyes were on the first meeting between the two sides months later.

Just three minutes into his first appearance against Arsenal, Van Persie scored for the Red Devils in a 2-1 win and netted again at the Emirates that season, helping Man Utd to another – and his first – Premier League title.

His and United’s fortunes dwindled after that, but he scored in their next meeting in late 2013, this time celebrating fully.

3 Robert Lewandowski Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski is one of the greatest goalscorers of the modern era, netting 103 times for Borussia Dortmund before leaving the club for rivals Bayern Munich in 2014.

Lewandowski would go on to spend eight years as a Bayern player, netting a remarkable 344 times in 375 games and winning 19 major honours.

He would regularly come up against Dortmund in the Bundesliga and in various cup competitions, and scored 27 times in 26 games against BVB for Bayern – more than any other club in his career.

Lewandowski’s record v Dortmund for Bayern

Wins

19

Goals

27

Assists

3

Hat-tricks

2

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington Feb 3, 2025 4 Emmanuel Adebayor Man City v Arsenal

One of the most memorable instances of a player haunting their former club came back in 2009, when Emmanuel Adebayor decided to run the length of the Etihad pitch to celebrate a goal for Manchester City in front of the Arsenal fans.

The striker swapped the red of north London for the sky blue of Manchester that summer and was suspended for two games and fined £25,000 by the FA for his celebration.

At the time, Adebayor’s reasoning for the celebration was: “I was being abused by people who six months ago were singing my name. The abuse was for no reason. It wasn’t my fault I left, it was Arsene [Wenger] who wanted to accept the offer for me.”

5 Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid v Man Utd

Cristiano Ronaldo’s move from Man Utd to Real Madrid in 2009 remains one of the biggest in history, so it was always going to be huge when the Portuguese superstar came up against the Red Devils for the first time.

It took four years for Madrid and United to cross paths in the Champions League, being drawn against each other in the last 16 in 2012/13.

Ronaldo scored the equaliser in a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu in the first leg and then netted what proved to be the winner at Old Trafford.

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Posts ByRobin Mumford May 14, 2025 6 Mohamed Salah Liverpool v Chelsea

Many didn’t think much of Chelsea’s decision to sell Mohamed Salah on a permanent deal to Roma in 2016 after the winger scored just twice for the Blues in 19 appearances.

However, following his return to England with Liverpool a year later, Salah has gone on to star in the Premier League for the Reds, scoring more than 200 goals and registering over 100 assists on Merseyside.

Salah has faced off against Chelsea on a regular basis over the last eight years, helping beat the Blues in the final of the FA Cup, EFL Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

The Egyptian has also scored five times and registered four assists against Chelsea for Liverpool, including a stunner back in 2019.

7 Kevin De Bruyne Man City v Chelsea

Another player who Chelsea let go too soon was Kevin De Bruyne, who has starred for Man City years over the last 10 years.

De Bruyne made just nine appearances for the Blues before they and Jose Mourinho decided to sell the Belgian to Wolfsburg in 2014. After starring in Germany, the attacking midfielder returned to England 18 months later and has gone on to win everything at the Etihad.

He scored a crucial winner for City at Stamford Bridge in 2017, helping Pep Guardiola’s side reach 100 points that season, while he netted four times in five appearances against the Blues between 2019 and 2022.

8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic Milan v Inter

Iconic forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic played for multiple European giants during his career, including both Milan and Inter.

The Swedish striker had three successful years with Inter between 2006 and 2009, and after a two-year stint in Spain with Barcelona, he returned to the San Siro, with the Rossoneri.

In his first Milan derby, Ibrahimovic earned and converted a penalty for Milan, an effort which proved to be the winner and helped his side to a Serie A title. He’d go on to score seven more times for Milan against Inter.

9 Ronaldo Real Madrid v Barcelona

Brazilian striker Ronaldo is well known for his time scoring for fun at the Bernabeu for Real Madrid between 2002 and 2007, but he also played for rivals Barcelona prior to his time as a Galactico.

Ronaldo scored 47 goals in 49 games in all competitions for Barcelona in 1996/97, winning the FIFA World Player of the Year award at the age of 20.

The forward moved to Inter in a world-record transfer but returned to Spain with Madrid, where he would come back to haunt Barcelona on numerous occasions.

In total, Ronaldo scored in four separate El Clasico matches, two of which came at Camp Nou, and every time he scored against Barcelona, Madrid never lost.

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Posts 1 ByBarney Lane May 10, 2025 10 Frank Lampard Man City v Chelsea

It’s easy to forget that Frank Lampard spent his final year in the Premier League as a Manchester City player.

The Chelsea legend left Stamford Bridge in 2014, and after penning a pre-contract with New York City, he joined Manchester City for the 2014/15 season, where he would come up against Chelsea.

It was written in the stars for the attacking midfielder to make an impact against the Blues. Lampard scored his first City goal late on against Chelsea in September 2014 to end his former side’s winning start to the season.

Left-arm spinner got eight wickets in the second unofficial Test against Australia A, and is now eyeing success in Irani Cup

Daya Sagar27-Sep-2025Before India A’s second unofficial Test against Australia A this week, Manav Suthar last played a competitive match at the senior level back in January, when he turned out for Rajasthan against Andhra in the Ranji Trophy. In that match, he followed a half-century with the bat with four wickets with the ball.Since then, Suthar has travelled with Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, went on the England tour with India A and was part of the Central Zone squad in the Duleep Trophy. The left-arm spin-bowling allrounder didn’t play a single game on any of those assignments.Even in the first unofficial Test against Australia A, Harsh Dubey was preferred over him. But in the second one, when he finally got his chance, Suthar grabbed it with both hands. He bagged his fifth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket on the first day of the match, and with that, got to 100 wickets in the format.In the second innings, Suthar picked up three more wickets, and helped bowl Australia A out for 185. Speaking to reporters after India A won by five wickets, he explained how he had used the time on the sidelines to improve himself.Related

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“I wasn’t getting chances in the playing XI,” Suthar said, “but that doesn’t mean I was disappointed or frustrated. I was continuously working behind the scenes on my skills. I was very focused and kept practicing regularly. In practice, my aim was to bowl as many deliveries as possible. Apart from that, I was focusing on my fitness too. I was doing hard strength and conditioning training. At that time, my only thought was that I had to put in all my effort. The more I focused on myself, the better it would be for me in the future.”On the first day of the India A game, when the other bowlers were expensive, Suthar pulled things back with his accurate line and length. It is often said that left-arm spinners are generally not effective against left-hand batters because the ball spins into them. But Suthar troubled Australia A’s left-handers with those very deliveries that came in.In the first innings, he bowled Oliver Peake, and the next ball, had Cooper Connolly caught at slip. In the second innings, Suthar dismissed Peake once again – this time caught at leg slip – and breached Todd Murphy’s defence. Out of the eight wickets Suthar took in the match, four were of left-handers.Manav Suthar says he’s “more comfortable” with a diagonal run-up against left-hand batters•Tanuj Pandey/UPCAAccording to Cricviz, in 2024, over six first-class matches for which ball-by-ball data is available, Suthar averaged 25 against left-handers and 64 against right-handers. These matches include three games from last year’s Duleep Trophy, the Irani Cup final, and two India A matches against England Lions and Australia A, highlighting the quality of opposition. Overall, he has 28 wickets of left-handers in his 103 first-class dismissals.This year, against Australia A, Suthar bowled to left-hand batters from around the wicket in order to angle the ball away from the bat. And he did this the old school way, running in diagonally from the left of the pitch to right, between the umpire and the stumps.”Since childhood, I’ve been coming with a diagonal run-up against left-handers – my coach also taught me that,” Suthar said. “Later, I tried to change it and bowl straight on, but I felt more comfortable this way. When I come in diagonally, my body moves better, and I can put in more effort. That’s why I still continue with it.”It was one of these deliveries that got Connolly caught at slip in the first innings.While Suthar used the around-the-wicket angle against left-hand batters, he bowled over the wicket against the right-handers to exploit the rough outside leg.”That was part of our planning,” he said, “Because there was some rough on the on-side for right-handers, and that angle was troubling them. I plan these things according to the match and conditions. I also got inputs from [KL] Rahul and Dhruv [Jurel]. They kept telling me from time to time what length could work against which batter, at what speed, and what variation to use. When you are in such a set-up, you get to learn something new every day from every player.”

“I come from Sri Ganganagar, where it gets even hotter. I practice there in 45-50 degrees Celsius. So you can say that handling such conditions is in-built in me”Manav Suthar on how hot it got against Australia A in Lucknow

While rain affected each day of the first unofficial Test against Australia A, the second one saw players struggling because of extreme heat and humidity. Drinks, which are usually taken on the hour, were taken every 45 minutes, with bench players also bringing in large umbrellas so that their team-mates could get additional relief.On the third day of the match, Rahul, who was batting well, had to retire due to fatigue. Josh Philippe, Australia A’s wicketkeeper-batter and Player of the Series, said this was the hottest weather he had experienced in his career, and that staying focused in these conditions was a challenge. The offspinner Murphy said even holding the ball was proving difficult with how sweaty his hands got. Suthar found ways to cope because he is used to a lot worse.”I come from Sri Ganganagar [in Rajasthan], where it gets even hotter. I practice there in 45-50 degrees Celsius,” he said. “So you can say that handling such conditions is inbuilt in me. Apart from that, fitness is very important to me. The hard work we put in, [and] the fitness training we do are all for such difficult days.”Suthar, who idolises R Ashwin, has not been included in the ODI leg of the A-team series, but has been picked for Rest of India in the Irani Cup. He is not disappointed that his opportunities seem limited to the longer formats at the domestic level.”I am working very hard on my batting. It is an important part of my game, and I am focused on it” – Manav Suthar•Tanuj/ Ekana Cricket Stadium”My focus is that wherever I get an opportunity, I should perform well for the team and help win matches, no matter which format it is,” Suthar said.He is also not worried about the increasing competition among left-arm spinners in India. Rather, he considers it healthy for the growth of his career. To push himself ahead of his peers, Suthar wants to strengthen his batting. The Australia A game presented him with an unexpected chance to show those skills as well, when he was sent out as the night-watcher in the second innings, but he could only manage 5 off 29.”I am working very hard on my batting. It is an important part of my game, and I am focused on it,” Suthar said. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t score runs here, but whenever I get the opportunity, I work hard on my batting.”For now, Suthar hasn’t set any immediate or long-term goals. After this match, he has his sights set on the Irani Cup in Nagpur on October 1, where he will represent Rest of India for the second consecutive year.

Right up until the moment they haven’t – the story of how Afghanistan never got the memo

Osman Samiuddin23-Oct-20232:38

Mumtaz: Panic should have set in for Pakistan during the Asia Cup

Right. Two hundred and eighty-two on the board. A bit ropey there at one stage but solid recovery. Ninety-one runs in the last 10, looking forward to the Iftikhar memes and the ‘Shadab Khan is a batter’ think pieces.Pakistan have got this.It’s Afghanistan: 7-0. Seven losses but 70 different ways of snatching defeat from the mouth of victory. Sure, they beat England but every World Cup has an upset or two. Not three. It brings some colour, a bit of hope.Anyway, here comes Shaheen Afridi and he more than anyone has got this. Back in form, back in the wickets, Mr Mojo risin’. Pace is up from the last few games too. He’s going to pick up a couple of early wickets finally and Afghanistan’s batting is all about those early wickets. Break through them and game is done.Related

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Bowls that first over. Looking for That First Over again. Starts, as he’s been doing for a while, too straight. Four down fine leg. Temporarily corrects lengths. But goes full again, this time outside off. Four more. Loosener. All good.Hello Hasan Ali. Been a bit floaty through this entire tournament. Only here because Naseem Shah isn’t. But he’ll be fine. He’s smart. Old hand. Been around. Enough tricks in the bag to see this through.Three tight balls. Good disciplines. Too much width next two balls, two fours. Not so good disciplines. All good though. Early days.Seven overs gone now, Shaheen and Hasan not breathing fire truth be told. Barely a chance, barely a sniff, just one overturned decision. No worries though, Haris Rauf’s been brought on. Pace will do for them. Express. He’s gone for plenty this World Cup but remember how he ripped through Afghanistan two months ago in Hambantota? Fifty-nine all out chasing 202. Good days those.Oh dear.The good news is that this first over isn’t as expensive as his first over against Australia. The bad news is I’m lying and there is no good news as it’s gone for 17 unless, I guess, that’s progress from conceding 24? Afghanistan racing here. It’s fine, it’s Afghanistan. The same openers raced to 227 in less than 40 overs against Pakistan also in Hambantota two months ago. Somehow, they only managed 300. Somehow Pakistan chased it down. With one ball to spare. One wicket to spare. Naseem Shah. Good days those.It’s the 11th over now. No wickets but it’s Chennai. Spin it to win it. It was spinning when Afghanistan were deploying their quartet of spinners earlier (RIP, incidentally, Bishan Singh Bedi, Afghanistan are doing your art proud). Usama Mir’s coming on. Impossible I know, like forgetting your name, but forget that drop in Bangalore. He bowled well in parts against Australia. Spun the ball, sometimes more in one ball than the accumulated degrees of turn generated by both Shadab and Mohammad Nawaz combined in the month before. This pitch is perfect for him.

Afghanistan 130 for 0. All bowlers used. Slightly alarming but like your five-year-old repeating a swear word they heard you use, not an irretrievable situation in life. I said ‘shucks’ darling

Though, hmmm. Seven off the over and Afghanistan have barely broken sweat and not breaking sweat in Chennai is some hitherto undiscovered massive hack in the physiology of human reactions to Chennai humidity. Usama’s lengths are a little all over the place. Not much turn either. Dew? The lights? Different pitch?Just throwing this out there, but the fielding’s been a little off. Overthrows. Diving over balls. Not backing up. Looking a bit spent, all of them. So, what you’re saying is that it’s going to be on the bowlers then because, lol, when is it not?Pakistan’s bowling has been the problem so far but this is Afghanistan, they’ll find a way to make them look good. Pakistan have got this.Shadab this. Here’s the story. Shadab returns, first fires with the bat, puts in a proper spell of legspin, a couple of wickets because it’s Chennai, and be all supercool in the field. The only problem will be not getting too giddy because it’s Afghanistan.Getting some nice dip immediately, a little full but this is promising. At least there’s been no…. oh wait, there it is. Filthy long hop. Third ball. Only thing filthier is the Shaheen effort at long-on. Four. Upside: at least was beaten by the spin.Drinks now. Afghanistan 105 for no loss. Pakistan have used five bowlers. You know what that means though right? Ifti is in the house, boys and girls. This is his day. He’s been bowling little spells here and there and not been a disaster. Against Australia he was 8-0-37-0 in a total of 367. It’s up there with not sweating in Chennai.He’s going to do this. It’s written. Good over to start too, only the second in the last eight to not concede a boundary. The strangle is on. Until second ball of his second over, it’s not. High and handsome over his head for six, as easy as taking a single.Afghanistan 130 for 0. All bowlers used. Slightly alarming but like your five-year-old repeating a swear word they heard you use, not an irretrievable situation in life. I said “shucks” darling. Anyway, Pakistan are much better with the ball after half an innings. Pulled it back against Sri Lanka. Pulled it back even harder against Australia. This is where it begins.A dejected Babar Azam walks back after Pakistan conceded their first ODI loss against Afghanistan•ICC/Getty ImagesShaheen’s back and here we go. Wicket first ball. Even better sign: Usama’s held a steepler at third man. is where it turns. Scrappy, unconvincing win incoming, Pakistan caravan rolls on. Well played Afghanistan.Shadab’s also on. Fast bowler and leggie, leggie and fast bowler, the Real Pakistan Way. Then Haris is back and Usama’s on. Fast bowler and leggie, leggie and fast bowler, also the Real Pakistan Way.Except, did anyone send that manifesto to Afghanistan, because there’ll be trouble if they didn’t? Did they hit ‘Send’ because it really feels like they didn’t. It’s been nine overs since the wicket. They’ve put on 41. They’ve just hit Usama for back-to-back boundaries. Cut, then pulled, you say (. Two overs, only four runs, one maiden. Even Athers is talking about it on air, willing it into reality. Pakistan are going to pull a rabbit out and you better get your ’92 on.And here’s Hasan, bemused like all of us, watching this one sail back high over his head. Lucky not to sprain his neck. Six. Afghanistan need a run a ball with eight in hand. Panic? Nah. This is just the most elaborate set-up to the punchline of how Afghanistan lose this one, perhaps the best one yet.You watch. Babar’s got this under control. Pace, spin, spin, pace, he’s making changes like a Grandmaster whirling pieces around the board in a game of speed chess. Eight lightning-fast changes of bowling in 10 overs since that six and now Afghanistan have taken 19 off two overs with just one boundary and it’s gone from 54 off 48 to 35 off 36 and now 19 off 24 and wait, who’s got this under control?There’s an edge for four and Hasan’s whiplashing his neck again watching another fly off over him and remember your five-year-old? She’s now teaching you swear words.Afghanistan have got this. They’ve had this from ball one.

A new book reveals that the history of the revered ground contains plenty of prejudice and politicking

George Dobell27-Jun-2021A squabble over the leasehold value of disused railways tunnels wouldn’t appear to have the ingredients for a gripping story. Nor do many of the protagonists of this tale make for especially sympathetic characters. Really, if you want a summary of the saga, imagine a fracas in St John’s Wood high street featuring lots of braying, blazered old men interspersed with cries of “He’s not worth it, Tarquin.”But so well researched is Charles Sale’s book, so broad the range of interviews and so remarkable his access to source material, that this is, against all the odds, a compelling read.It will not be for everyone, but if you want an in-depth understanding of the MCC and Lord’s, it really is required reading. It’s or without the shoulder pads and glamour.Our soap opera begins in earnest in November 1999. Railtrack, which controlled the UK’s railway infrastructure at the time, was looking to sell assets, and offered the MCC the opportunity to buy the tunnels that run under part of the Nursery Ground. Those tunnels include 179 metres along the Wellington Road side of Lord’s (where the Nursery pavilion is currently situated) and about 38 metres into the ground. The MCC controls, via lease, only the top 18 inches of that land. Railtrack wanted £1.75m for it.But the MCC, having recently overspent on the media centre (a building that seems to be admired far more by those who don’t have to work in it), had an overdraft of around £15m and were uncomfortable with further borrowing. As a result, they dithered.Railtrack took the land to auction, where the MCC stopped bidding at £2.35m and Charles Rifkind, a barrister turned property developer, prevailed with a bid of £2.35m. It was perhaps the most expensive error in the history of the club.Related

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Rifkind’s dream was to work with the MCC to develop a “Vision for Lord’s”. This involved a residential development on the strip of land along the Wellington Road (and at the opposite end of the ground, behind the pavilion), which would realise somewhere around £400m to enable the MCC to update its own facilities. At various times there were plans to use the tunnels as an underground nets area as well as to provide more space to the neighbouring Wellington Hospital. Crucially, the proposals allowed for the retention of the Nursery Ground as a decent-sized venue for fixtures below first-class level.But some at the MCC were unconvinced. Perhaps they didn’t like the plans; perhaps they simply didn’t like Rifkind. But 20 years later, the “vision” remains unfulfilled and the relationship between the protagonists has become increasingly fractious. It is unclear how or when the MCC is going to fund the next phase of the redevelopment of a ground whose reputation sometimes outstrips its reality. tells this story. Sale, the former sports writer, has been granted access to a remarkable amount of evidence – including plans, emails, letters and minutes of meetings – which, combined with his diligent efforts to talk to the protagonists (more than 60 interviewees are thanked in the acknowledgements) furnishes an almost dizzying level of detail. It might sound prosaic, but Sale does such a terrific job of presenting it that the end result is a real page-turner.Is it a fair account? Oliver Stocken, the former MCC chair, is portrayed in such a dim light that you can almost imagine him wearing a cape and finishing every sentence with a roar of “Mhawahaaa.” Rifkind, by contrast, is generally seen as a man whose amiable determination is undimmed despite the wrongs inflicted upon him. You suspect such characterisations do not allow for shades of grey.

It is unclear how or when the MCC is going to fund the next phase of the redevelopment of a ground whose reputation sometimes outstrips its reality

As a window into the committee rooms at Lord’s, the book is devastating. While the MCC executive – especially the chief executives – are portrayed as diligent, honest and well-meaning, it feels from this book as if they are tethered to a committee system that is, at its best, cumbersome, and at its worst, fuelled by prejudices and self-importance. Some of those mentioned sound utterly ghastly, and some far less attractive than that. The voice of reason – the likes of former prime minister John Major – are effectively silenced.And that takes us to the two most serious claims made by Sale. The first is that some of the resistance to Rifkind, who is Jewish, was inspired by anti-Semitism and the second that the recent redesign of the Compton and Edrich stands was motivated, in part, by “spite”, as Rifkind puts it.That first claim is strong. But while Lord Grabiner (who is quoted as calling Stocken a “f****** c***” in one meeting), says, “I’m sure MCC were very determined to protect their original bad decision and to make sure the Jew would not make any money out of this”, and Sir Simon Robertson (former chair of Rolls Royce) says, “… there was a whiff of anti-Semitism; no question”, it is not a line of attack that feels entirely convincing.But the second one? Well, such is the footprint of the new stands that they encroach heavily on to the area previously taken up by the Nursery Ground. As a result, if the club has any intention of keeping that area as a cricket ground – and it insists it does – there is no room to build on the land owned by Rifkind.Mensch PublishingStocken himself is quoted as admitting that it was a tactical move by the club. Even more plain are the words of Blake Gorst, the former chairman of estates and long-time MCC committee member, who says there’s no denying that the extra width of the new Compton and Edrich stands was a blocking tactic against Rifkind. “It means that to keep the Nursery End as a cricket pitch, we will have to put the boundary at the edge of the leasehold land. That will put an end to any development at that end of the ground.”And that, perhaps, is the overriding message of this book. While Lord’s is a wonderful ground in many ways, there is more than a touch of hubris about the oft-repeated claim that it is, immutably, “the best ground in the world”. Anyone claiming this has not, presumably, been to Adelaide or Sydney recently. Whisper it quietly, Lord’s may not be the best ground in London.Equally, for all the self-satisfaction of those on the myriad committees, they have made some wretched decisions over the years. Look at the houses bordering the ground that were sold for £50,000, subsequently bought back for £8.5m, and are currently worth £4m. Look at the recent £25m redevelopment of the Warner Stand, which still resulted in dozens of seats with restricted visibility. Look, most of all, at the D’Oliveira affair. Really, you wonder why they are so pleased with themselves.The last word goes to a little known committee member who, quite early in the farce, makes a point his colleagues would have done well to heed. “The committee must focus on what the club wishes to achieve rather than blocking RLP [Rifkind’s company] in what they wish to achieve,” Jonathan Wileman is quoted as saying.Sale provides a compelling argument the latter was the primary motive. The Covers Are Off – Civil War at Lord’s
by Charles Sale
Mensch, £20

Liverpool are now reportedly exploring a deal to sign Jarrod Bowen after West Ham United shared what it would take for them to sell their star man in 2026.

Those at Anfield have set their sights on another attacking addition with their summer spending yet to come good. Club-record signing Alexander Isak has scored just one goal in all competitions and has largely faced fitness issues during his time at Anfield so far. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz – although gradually improving – is yet to find the back of the net.

After Isak: Liverpool's "next Michael Owen" is destined to be the club's #9

Arne Slot has an emerging 17-year-old star at Liverpool who could take Isak’s number nine shirt off him.

By
Kelan Sarson

Nov 12, 2025

Suddenly, after a major spending spree, the Reds have looked out of ideas going forward at times. On paper, an attacking blend of Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitie and Cody Gakpo should result in endless goals. In reality, however, it’s a combination which simply hasn’t worked so far.

Former Manchester United defender and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville didn’t hold back after Liverpool’s recent 3-0 defeat against Manchester City either, claiming that Wirtz is a “problem” for Arne Slot.

The November international break has handed the Premier League champions some much-needed reprieve and it’s a break that must see Slot come up with a solution for his side’s problems.

As much as Neville has criticised Wirtz, the truth is that the German hasn’t been Liverpool’s greatest problem in recent weeks. No player in the Premier League has created more chances than the former Bayer Leverkusen man in all competitions, yet the numbers show that he’s got just one assist to his name. For the most part in recent weeks, he’s played his part.

Instead, the big problem lies with those ahead of him who have been wasteful. It’s sparked concerns that Salah could be past his best and those at Anfield are already reportedly eyeing his replacement as a result.

Liverpool exploring Jarrod Bowen move

As reported by Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Liverpool are now exploring a move to sign Bowen ahead of 2026. Whilst West Ham are expected to turn down any advances at this stage, they would reportedly consider selling their captain if an interested party submitted an ‘irresistible’ offer.

Liverpool proved that they’re not afraid to splash the cash in the summer just gone, so the Hammers’ stance should give them a glimmer of hope that they could yet sign Bowen, who shares an agent with Andy Robertson.

As for the forward, himself, if anyone deserves a big move it is him. Bowen has dragged West Ham to European glory, kept them in the Premier League and become an undisputed legend at the London Stadium. Now, if Liverpool come calling, he should grab hold of the opportunity with both hands.

The 28-year-old has already experienced what it’s like to score at Anfield with West Ham, but could yet get the chance to celebrate in front of The Kop week in, week out in 2026.

Jurgen Klopp called Bowen his “favourite player” in 2023 and could watch from afar as the West Ham man completes a move to Merseyside three years later.

Liverpool and Arsenal scouting new right-back who pocketed Gakpo

Khadija Shaw surpassed a century of goals for Manchester City as she scored four times to inspire her side to their 10th successive Women’s Super League victory in a thumping 6-1 win over Aston Villa. The Jamaica international took her tally to 103 goals in just 120 appearances in all competitions for the Cityzens, who are now six points clear at the top of the league table.

With both teams taking to the field for their final league fixture of 2025, it was Villa who started the better as Rachel Daly threatened to connect with the in-form Kirsty Hanson’s low cross, but the captain narrowly missed the ball as she slid into the six-yard box. 

However, City were soon able to bypass the visitors’ impressive high press, taking the lead when Shaw converted Vivianne Miedema’s first-time cross for her 100th goal. And the 28-year-old scored her 101st just moments later when she raced into the penalty area, before cutting onto her favoured right foot to find the far corner.

Showing no signs of complacency in the second half, City pushed hard for a third and they thought they had it when Miedema bundled home after Shaw hit the woodwork, but the goal was chalked off after Kerstin Casparij was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up. 

However, the Blues eventually made it 3-0 when Netherlands international Miedema’s wonderful through ball found Aoba Fujino, who was emphatic with her finish past Villa goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo. So often a threat on the road, having drawn at Arsenal and won at Manchester United, Natalia Arroyo's Villans were rewarded for their consistent pressure when defender Lucy Parker headed home from substitute Missy Bo Kearns’ corner.

But City – who were able to bring on captain Alex Greenwood for her first appearance since October – soon restored their three-goal cushion when Miedema capped off a brilliant performance with a goal – the forward tapping home from Fujino’s neat cross. And for the icing on the cake, Shaw then scored her third and fourth goals of the afternoon as Andree Jeglertz's side secured their 13th straight victory in all competitions. They will now finish the year six points ahead of second-placed Chelsea and eight clear of third-placed Arsenal.

GOAL rates City's players from Joie Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Ayaka Yamashita (5/10):

  The 'keeper almost gave a goal away with a careless pass into City team-mate Yui Hasegawa, which – fortunately for both players – came to nothing.

  Kerstin Casparij (7/10):

  On her 100th appearance in all competitions for City, the Netherlands right-back was a threat going forward, forcing a good second-half save from Villa's D'Angelo.

  Jade Rose (6/10):

  The defender made an important block late on to prevent Villa striker Daly from finding the back of the net.

  Rebecca Knaak (5/10):

  Fresh from signing a new two-year contract extension in midweek, the centre-back was cautioned for a mistimed tackle on Villa's Daly.

  Leila Ouahabi (5/10):

  The left-back was up against inspired Villa wing-back Chasity Grant, who won the battle between the two players.

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  Midfield

  Laura Blindkilde Brown (6/10):

  Neat and tidy on the ball, the England international supplied City's forward line well enough, watching on as Miedema and Shaw did the damage.

  Yui Hasegawa (7/10):

  The midfielder played a key role in City's second, winning possession in the middle of the park before setting Shaw on her way.

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  Attack

  Aoba Fujino (8/10):

  One of City's best performers this season, the Japan international was electric down the right flank, netting her side's third with a superb finish before assisting Miedema.

  Vivianne Miedema (9/10):

  Displaying plenty of guile between the lines, the WSL's all-time top goalscorer showcased her all-round game by recording assists for Shaw and Fujino, before netting herself.

  Lauren Hemp (7/10):

  The scourge of Villa, having previously scored seven WSL goals against them, the winger registered the pre-assist in the build up to Shaw's opener.

  Khadija Shaw (10/10):

  Reaching and then surpassing a century of goals in City colours, the striker was simply remarkable inside the penalty area. She has now scored 12 WSL goals in just 11 games this term.

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  Subs & Manager

  Alex Greenwood (6/10):

  Returning to the City fold for the first time since October following a period on the sidelines, the captain helped her side see out their victory.

  Grace Clinton (6/10):

  Replacing Laura Blindkilde Brown after the hour mark, the midfielder thought she scored City's sixth, but it actually deflected in off player-of-the-match Shaw.

  Kerolin (5/10):

  A second-half substitute, the winger replaced Lauren Hemp and was unable to make an impact on the match.

  Iman Beney (N/A):

  Emerging from the bench late on, the Switzerland international was not on the pitch long enough to influence things.

  Sydney Lohmann (N/A):

  Like Iman Beney, she didn't receive enough minutes in order to star.

  Andree Jeglertz (8/10):

  In what felt like a key moment in the game, considering Villa were spirited in the opening 45 minutes, the manager got his half-time team talk spot on as City were ruthless in the second half.

As a Real Madrid stalwart who was fiercely loyal to Jose Mourinho, Xabi Alonso did not seem like an obvious signing for Pep Guardiola, and yet the pair got on famously during their two years together at Bayern Munich. Alonso’s experience helped Guardiola win two Bundesliga titles while the veteran player sought to tap into the Catalan’s knowledge as he prepared for his own career on the touchline.

Alonso’s playing career was just about the perfect apprenticeship for moving into coaching as he worked under some of the biggest names in the game, each with their own unique style. His five years at Liverpool were spent with Rafa Benitez, the arch strategist. His long spell at Madrid saw him work with three vastly different coaches in Manuel Pellegrini, Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti. He ended his career working under the master of modern positional play in Guardiola for two years, before one final year reunited with Ancelotti.

Guardiola could instantly see that Alonso was cut out for a successful career in the dugout, remarking: "Every single coach who ever had the marvellous pleasure of training Xabi as a player knew without any doubt that he'd become a coach," and working alongside Guardiola was clearly an insightful time for Alonso.

“I learned a lot in three years in Bayern,” he said. “I was 32, I had made a lot of my career but in two or three years, I learned so, so much.”

Alonso’s time with Guardiola evidently helped him succeed at Bayer Leverkusen, where he ended Bayern’s 11-year stranglehold on the Bundesliga title and lifted the DFB-Pokal during an unbeaten domestic campaign. But it did not necessarily set him up well for life at Madrid, and as he prepares to meet his former mentor in the dugout for the first time when Los Blancos face Manchester City on Wednesday amid a run of just two wins in seven matches, there is a feeling that defeat could spell the end of Alonso’s time at the Bernabeu.

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  Downward spiral

  Guardiola’s coaching mentor was Johan Cruyff, and in his very first season as a coach with Barcelona’s B team he approached the legendary Dutchman about a dilemma: His best two players were undermining him. Cruyff’s message was clear: “Get rid of them.” Guardiola did as Cruyff advised and his team overcame a slippery start to storm to the title.

  Alonso has been confronted with a similar dilemma in the form of Vinicius Jr. According to , Alonso’s dispute with the Brazil forward began during the Club World Cup, when Vinicius was furious with his coach for playing him on his less favoured right side in the 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint Germain in the semi-final. 

  The tension between player and coach then came to a head in October after the player’s furious reaction to being substituted towards the end of the Clasico win over Barcelona. Vinicius released a grovelling apology on to “all Madridistas, my team–mates, the club and the president“. Tellingly, he did not apologise to Alonso. Nonetheless, Vinicius was in the line up for Madrid’s next outing against Valencia. 

  They won that game easily 4-0, but then their problems began. They lost at Liverpool, drew three consecutive league games at Rayo Vallecano, Elche and Girona, and then scraped past Olympiacos. They did easily beat Athletic Club 3-0 in their best performance of the season, only to follow it up with Sunday’s ill-tempered defeat at home to Celta Vigo.

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  Unrelenting questions

  Alonso’s lenient treatment of Vinicius, which contrasted with Arne Slot dropping Mohamed Slot from the Liverpool squad following his rant about being "thrown under the bus", was twice mentioned during his press conference on Tuesday ahead of facing City. Despite the coach taking no action against Vinicius, the player is still apparently furious with his coach, and has decided to delay talks regarding a contract renewal until the summer, by which time Alonso could be gone.

  Alonso looked surprised when he was asked on Tuesday if he regretted taking Vinicius off in El Clasico. “I don’t know what the question is getting at. It was a decision in the moment and now we’re in another moment.”

  It was far from the only uncomfortable question he was asked, either, as queries from the assembled media ranged from, “Do you have the support of the whole squad?” to, “Do you feel alone?” and, “How do you cope with all these rumours about your future?”

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  'Thinks he's Guardiola'

  The rift with Vinicius is believed to just be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Alonso’s relationship with the players. Another report in recounted how Alonso told his squad soon after taking charge that they would have to run more and work harder. Alonso’s staff had spoken of “many bad habits” setting in under Ancelotti and the new coach established a new set of rules for the squad, emphasising the importance of punctuality and maintaining intensity in training. 

  Alonso’s hands-on approach was in total contrast to that of Ancelotti, who was barely involved in training sessions, delegating them to other members of staff. And it rubbed players, many of whom had won multiple La Liga titles and Champions League crowns, up the wrong way. 

  The most damning quote in the report came from a source close to a senior player, which read: “He thinks he’s Pep Guardiola, but for now he’s just Xabi.”

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  Not a safe haven for coaches

  The truth is that even Guardiola, leaving aside his past as a Barcelona player and coach for a second, would struggle to succeed at Madrid. The club has never been a safe haven for coaches. This is a club that has repeatedly sacked managers who have won La Liga or the Champions League, sometimes the very next day.

  While Barcelona venerated Cruyff and Guardiola and, for a couple of years, Frank Rijkaard, Madrid prefer their coaches to be lower key. It is why Mourinho, the ultimate rockstar of the management world, was such a divisive figure in the Spanish capital. By the end of his chaotic tenure, Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa were the only allies the Portuguese had left after he fell out with Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

  While Mourinho and Guardiola were sworn enemies when they were in charge of Spain’s biggest clubs for three years and are often painted as polar opposites, Alonso thought they were not so different after all, saying in 2016: “They are both very similar in that they are hard workers and extremely ambitious. On the football side, they have different approaches and style. What you get with both is huge charisma and leadership.”

Quentin Ndjantou delivered a fearless and mature Champions League debut as Paris Saint-Germain beat Tottenham, earning glowing praise from coach Luis Enrique and captain Marquinhos. The 18-year-old academy striker not only registered an assist but convinced his coach that he is “a real signing," sparking new confidence in PSG’s youth-first strategy.

Ndjantou earns stunning praise after Champions League debut

The French starlet Ndjantou’s first-ever Champions League start became one of the major storylines of PSG’s thrilling 5-3 victory over Tottenham. At just 18 years old, the academy forward was a surprise starter in Luis Enrique’s line-up, chosen ahead of Goncalo Ramos with Ousmane Dembele only fit enough for the bench. Despite not scoring, Ndjantou made a strong impact by providing the assist for Vitinha’s rocket just before half-time and consistently stretching the Spurs backline.

Boss Enrique described him as nothing short of extraordinary after the match, praising his courage and versatility. While, PSG’s captain Marquinhos echoed the sentiment, highlighting the youngster’s composure on such a massive stage. In a match filled with high-tempo exchanges and standout individual performances, Ndjantou managed to stand out as PSG’s latest academy revelation, strengthening the club’s emphasis on developing homegrown talent.

AdvertisementAFPEnrique and Marquinhos impressed by teenager

Coach Enrique did not hold back when assessing Ndjantou’s performance, using some of the strongest praise he has given a young player since arriving in Paris. Speaking post-match, he said: "To be honest, I think he was sensational! Because he has the ability to control the ball, to play as a number 9. And at the same time, he can provide continuity. He has a lot of mobility, he played everywhere, he showed his personality, and I'm very happy.

"He was a real signing, he is a real signing, and we don't need to go into the transfer window to sign a player like Quentin Ndjantou. I'm very happy. He can play anywhere, and I like this fearless way of playing football. Sensational, and he's a great signing. We're ahead of the other teams because we've already signed our first player."

The praise was not limited to the coach, and captain Marquinhos, who has witnessed several generations of PSG academy graduates arrive into the first team, emphasised how rare such maturity is at this level: "He played a very good match. He did what the coach wanted. He tried to find the open spaces between the lines… He played a very good match for a kid who's starting the season with us and who hasn't played many games with us yet."

The PSG captain highlighted not only Ndjantou’s technical showing, but also the importance of PSG’s academy producing first-team-ready talent, adding: "He made his debut in a Champions League match and showed a lot of character. I'm really proud that our youth academy is starting to produce results like this. I think he's an extraordinary player, and we'll be there to support him so he can develop at his own pace. He's still young, and he needs to know that a lot of things are going to happen in his life."

A bold tactical gamble that paid off for PSG

Enrique’s decision to start Ndjantou was bold, especially in a fixture of such intensity. The Spanish coach bypassed seasoned attackers like Ramos, and Ballon D'Or holder Dembele, Lee Kang-in and even fellow academy prospects Senny Mayulu, who scored in the Champions League final, and Ibrahim Mbaye to hand the false-nine role to the 18-year-old. His reasoning seemed rooted in exploiting Ndjantou’s pace, mobility and ability to attack spaces behind Tottenham’s explosive defensive line, especially against the athletic Micky van de Ven.

Ndjantou justified that trust and roamed between the lines, linked play cleanly, attacked every gap in the defence, and contributed directly to two key moments, the assist for Vitinha and the corner sequence leading to Pacho’s goal.

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AFPFuture opportunities and squad rotation

PSG’s packed schedule and Enrique’s emphasis on rotation mean that Ndjantou is likely to receive more opportunities in the coming weeks. The coach has already indicated that trust in young players is central to his game model, and performances like this only accelerate Ndjantou’s rise.

With Dembele returning from injury, Ramos competing for minutes, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola in strong form, the fight for attacking places will intensify. But Enrique’s post-match words, especially describing Ndjantou as “a real signing” – suggest he is now firmly in the manager’s plans.

PSG’s next fixtures in Ligue 1 and Europe will test squad depth, making Ndjantou’s versatility crucial as the club aims to avoid injuries during a long campaign.

Manchester United’s recent showing against Nottingham Forest may have ended their three-game winning run, but their 2-2 draw did extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League.

Ruben Amorim’s side are now over a month unbeaten and finally starting to show glimpses of a side who are capable of battling at the top end of the table once again.

The 40-year-old’s 3-4-2-1 system is finally starting to come good, with the Red Devils fanbase finally having a reason to be excited after numerous months of disappointment on the pitch.

The £200m investment during the summer transfer window shows the hierarchy’s backing of the manager, with the additions making an immediate impact at Old Trafford.

One of whom managed to impress once again at the City Ground, subsequently matching the levels produced by one of his compatriots, who also caught the eye against Sean Dyche’s men.

Casemiro & Cunha’s impressive displays against Forest

Matheus Cunha was just one of United’s big-money additions during the summer window, arriving in a £62.5m deal from fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He’s since made himself a regular starter, once again impressing for the Red Devils, as seen by his underlying stats in the draw against Forest yesterday afternoon.

The Brazilian completed three dribbles, won five fouls and came out on top in 11 duels – with all three of the aforementioned tallies the highest of any player on the pitch.

Cunha was unable to get on the scoresheet, but the same can’t be said for compatriot Casemiro, who once again managed to impress during his revival at Old Trafford.

The 33-year-old scored his third league goal of the campaign, leaping highest from Bruno Fernandes’ corner to give the Red Devils a 1-0 lead against Dyche’s men.

Despite his defensive midfield role, he created three chances for his teammates, also making 11 passes into the final third whilst completing 100% of his dribbles – in what was an all-round phenomenal showing.

Out of possession, the experienced star was just as impressive, winning three tackles and making eight recoveries – tallies which have made him a key man under Amorim once again.

Despite the showing from the aforementioned duo, one other first-team member once again managed to catch the eye, with such a display cementing himself as one of the world’s best.

The United star who’s becoming one of the best in the world

As previously mentioned, central midfielder Fernandes once again managed to pop up with a key assist – taking his tally to four goal contributions across all competitions in 2025/26.

The Portuguese international still posed a huge threat going forward despite operating in a deeper role – creating four chances in the first half, the most of any player on the pitch.

However, as a result of dropping deeper, he’s now able to dictate the play more, as seen by his tally of 65 passes completed yesterday – also the highest tally of any player in Nottingham yesterday.

Over recent weeks, Amorim has been able to build an established starting eleven – even being unchanged in the last two outings – which has no doubt aided the recent upturn in form.

His formation has allowed for numerous players to become first-team regulars and take their careers to the next level in recent months – as seen by Amad Diallo’s upturn in form in Manchester over the last 12 months.

The Ivorian often struggled to nail down a consistent starting role under Erik ten Hag, but he’s now arguably one of the first names on Amorim’s teamsheet.

He’s had to feature in a somewhat unfamiliar right-wing-back role in the last 12 months, but the 23-year-old has since taken to the position like a duck to water.

Amad has notched 22 combined goals and assists in the last year under Amorim, with his latest strike coming late on in Saturday’s 2-2 draw in the East Midlands.

He found himself unmarked on the edge of the 18-yard box after a clearance from a corner, before nailing a powerful effort past Matz Sels into the bottom left-hand corner.

The attacker also completed 100% of the crosses he attempted, whilst maintaining five passes into the final third – backing up one analyst’s claim that he’s now one of the “best in the world”.

Other figures, such as 100% tackles won, six recoveries and four shots registered, further showcase his incredible all-round showing against the Reds.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

1

Crosses completed

100%

Tackles won

100%

Recoveries made

6

Shots taken

4

Shots on target

3

Passes completed

39

As a result, there’s no denying that Amad is rapidly cementing his place at RWB in Amorim’s system, with his ability at both ends of the pitch making him a phenomenal talent.

Should he continue on his current trajectory, there’s no reason why he can’t help the side achieve new heights in the years ahead under Amorim’s guidance.

Fewer passes than Lammens: 3/10 Man Utd flop has now got to be dropped

Man Utd drew 2-2 away to Forest, and this star struggled

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 2, 2025

Newcastle United's midfield general, Sandro Tonali, might return to his former club, AC Milan, in the future. The potential comeback was hinted at by the player and pundits alike before Italy's World Cup qualifier against Norway, which was played at the San Siro, the home of Milan and Inter. Having represented the club for multiple seasons, his return is much anticipated by Rossoneri fans too.

Tonali an important member at Newcastle and Italy

Since his move to Newcastle in the summer of 2023, and facing a ban sometime later, Tonali has regained his position in the lineup, and under head coach Eddie Howe, has established himself as a vital cog in the system. Even for Italy, after debuting under Roberto Mancini back in 2019, he is now the go-to man for Gennaro Gattuso, as well as for the former manager Luciano Spalletti. Tonali recently featured in the World Cup qualifier against Moldova, which Italy won thanks to two late goals. After the game, the midfielder reflected on his potential return to the San Siro for the national team.  

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhat did Tonali say?

After defeating Moldova, Tonali said about returning to San Siro, where he spent three seasons: "Exciting. The last time I was there was almost three years ago. Every time I return there in my career, I will be excited. I can’t say I experience it like the first time, but it will always be like returning for the second time." 

Post these comments, journalist Carlo Pellegatti revealed Tonali's ambitions on his YouTube channel (via Sport Witness). As per the Italian media, the 25-year-old wants to return to Milan and also captain the side. However, such a move is not expected to develop in the next few years, since he is contracted to Newcastle until 2029, and acquiring his services would demand a hefty transfer fee. 

Italian media ignites hopes of Tonali's potential return

Rising to the limelight at Brescia, Tonali caught the attention of Milan, whose recruiters initially signed him on loan in 2020. After bossing their midfield for a season, the 25-year-old was signed on a permanent deal in 2021, and thereby spent two successive seasons commanding the middle third and acting as the defensive shield.  However, in 2023, he was bagged in by Newcastle, with a lucrative transfer fee. As per Pellegatti, he is sure that Tonali would once again return to the club that helped him gain prominence in European football. He said, "I’m quite sure, not next year or the next few years, Milan doesn’t have the money for Tonali’s transfer fee and salary. I’m sure though that he will return to Milan, he wants to return to Milan. I don’t know at what age, but he wants to end his career at Milan, maybe even as captain."

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Tonali?

After playing the entire game against Moldova on Thursday, Tonali was excluded from the matchday squad for the Norway clash at San Siro. Tonali would now return to the Newcastle camp, with important domestic and continental fixtures lined up for the Italian defensive midfielder. Placed 14th in the Premier League, with 12 points from 11 games, the Magpies need to return to winning ways after the international break. Their last fixture before the break was against Brentford, which they lost 3-1. They will resume action on November 22 against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, and the following week will face Marseille in the Champions League and Everton in the English top flight. While these fixtures will pose an immense challenge to Tonali and his teammates, Howe will hope for a turnaround like no other. 

The Magpies' position in the continental showpiece is by far the better. They are placed sixth with three wins and one loss in four games. A matchup against 25th-placed Marseille might be the match that Howe will target as the game-changer of the season. Moreover, a win over the French outfit will elevate their status over City and Paris Saint-Germain, in case the duo drop points in that week.