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Celtic moved back to the top of the Scottish Premiership table on Sunday afternoon with a hard-fought 2-1 win away from Parkhead against Kilmarnock.

The Hoops needed a header from Japan international Daizen Maeda and a last-gasp penalty from Kelechi Iheanacho to claim all three points in the match.

As shown in the clip in the post above, summer signing Marcelo Saracchi was key to the first goal with his sublime cross from the left flank to tee up the Celtic centre-forward to score.

Marcelo Saracchi's performance in numbers

The Uruguay international was selected to play from the start for the Scottish giants to provide first-choice left-back Kieran Tierney with a rest, after he had to pull out of the Scotland squad through injury.

Saracchi played the first 58 minutes of the game, before being replaced by Tierney, and his assist for Maeda was the only chance that he created in that time on the pitch.

The left-footed battler had a few nervous touches early on in the match, and gave possession away 12 times in total, but he steadied himself to put in a solid performance, winning three of his four duels, per Sofascore.

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Whilst Saracchi’s assist for Maeda’s goal could be described as Tierney-esque, there was another player on the pitch who could be the club’s next Tierney in the making, Colby Donovan.

Why Colby Donovan may be the next Kieran Tierney

The Celtic number 67 returned to Glasgow for a second spell at the club after he initially broke through the academy to become a first-team star before his £25m move to Arsenal in 2019.

Tierney, as shown in the graphic above, made 170 appearances and won five titles in the Premiership after emerging from the youth ranks to lock down the left-back spot.

Brendan Rodgers may have unearthed the club’s next cab off the ranks in the form of Donovan, whose performance showed that he is more than capable of starting games at right-back for the Hoops.

Minutes

90

Clearances

7

Blocks

1

Tackles

2

Ground duels won

3/6

Aerial duels won

4/4

As you can see in the table above, the Scotland U21 international was incredibly solid defensively throughout the match, winning seven of his ten duels in total.

Rodgers trusted the youngster, who made two prior appearances off the bench this season, to step in as a starter in place of the injured Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston, and the teenage starlet did not let him down.

To go along with his defensive excellence, Donovan also had 101 touches of the ball and completed 82% of his attempted passes, which shows that he was comfortable and reliable on the ball for the most part.

After a couple of nervy touches early on, which were to be expected on his full debut, the 19-year-old talent settled down and showcased his class on and off the ball at right-back to prove that he is a genuine first-team calibre option for the manager to call upon.

With Johnston out for several more weeks with a hamstring injury, Donovan has a real chance to nail down a starting spot in the side for the foreseeable future, which would then put him in position to be the back-up to the Canada international instead of Ralston.

It is now down to the academy graduate to deliver quality performances, like his display against Kilmarnock, whenever he is called upon to make sure that Rodgers has no excuse to drop him.

Isak thinks he's "fearless": Celtic are now brewing their next Matt O'Riley

Celtic are brewing their next Matt O’Riley with this versatile attacking star at Parkhead.

ByDan Emery Sep 11, 2025

If he can do that, Donovan may well go on to be the next Tierney as another academy graduate full-back who could be a real success at Parkhead. One thing is for sure: his performance on Sunday was a terrific first step towards achieving that.

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee could be on the move this January, with Serie A side Como reportedly exploring a deal for the Dutchman. Manager Cesc Fabregas’ ambitious project is said to view Zirkzee as an ideal attacking addition, and United are open to either a loan or permanent transfer midway through the current Premier League season.

Zirkzee without minutes at Man Utd under Amorim

Zirkzee has found playing time hard to come by under Ruben Amorim, featuring only as a substitute in all four of his appearances this season. Despite joining United for £36.5 million just 14 months ago, the Dutch striker has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford. Report suggest United would now consider offers in January, including a loan deal or outright sale.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportComo show interest in January Zirkzee move

Cesc Fabregas’ Como have been credited with interest as per The Sun, as the Italian club aim to strengthen their frontline and push toward the top half of Serie A. Juventus, who tracked Zirkzee last summer, are also monitoring developments. Fabregas reportedly views the 24-year-old as the perfect profile for his dynamic, possession-based setup.

Zirkzee has struggled to shine at Man Utd

The Netherlands international arrived from Bologna after firing them into the Champions League with 11 goals but has yet to make a lasting impact in England. Zirkzee has scored only seven times across 53 appearances for United, raising questions about his fit in Amorim’s system. With United’s attack underperforming, offloading the forward could also help fund reinforcements.

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AFPZirkzee under contract at Old Trafford until 2029

Zirkzee remains under contract with Manchester United until 2029, giving the Red Devils leverage in any negotiations. Discussions over his future are expected to take place after the international break. If no breakthrough in game time arrives, a January return to Serie A with Como could suit all parties involved.

Jaiswal should have tried to bat on, says Mark Boucher, because he got out at “the tipping edge of a significant knock”

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Apr-20251:06

What should we make of Jaiswal’s 40-ball fifty?

Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 67 runs. Rajasthan Royals (RR) beat Punjab Kings (PBKS). If you hadn’t watched the IPL 2025 game on Saturday night, you would think Sanju Samson was a soothsayer for saying “when he [Jaiswal] performs, he will be winning the games”. Except that it was the slowest half-century of Jaiswal’s IPL career, off 40 balls, and “it didn’t look like he was finding his form”, as Wasim Jaffer put it.”He was still looking to hit the ball really hard. He hit five sixes and three fours, so that’s a high boundary rate, but still played a lot of dot balls,” Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show. There were 12 dot balls in Jaiswal’s 45-ball 67. Perhaps not a massive number for someone still looking to settle into IPL 2025.Mark Boucher was in agreement with Jaffer.Related

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“Getting to fifty, I think he faced close to 40 balls. Then the next five balls after that, he was at an incredible strike rate,” Boucher said, referring to the 17 he scored in the five balls he lasted after getting to the landmark – he hit a six the ball after he got to fifty, and went 1, 6, 4 off the next three before getting out.”It’s almost like he just needed to be there for another two or three overs in order for him to have that match-winning innings that we all know he is very capable of, and he has done in the past. He’ll be quite disappointed to get out when he did actually get out. It was at that point where it was the tipping edge for him [to play] a very significant knock.”Jaiswal had been a point of discussion over the past few days for two reasons. First, his poor returns with the bat – 1, 29 and 4 before this game. And second, the move from Mumbai to Goa in the Indian domestic circuit. Goa won the Ranji Trophy plate title last season and will play in the elite group in 2025-26.

“He shouldn’t be looking to play Ranji Trophy. For somebody like him, he should be playing for India in all three formats. That should be his focus”Wasim Jaffer on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s move to Goa

Jaffer, a giant of Mumbai and Indian domestic cricket, said he was “surprised and shocked” with the decision.”No matter what Goa was offering him. You don’t leave Mumbai, especially at this age [Jaiswal is 23],” Jaffer said. “It’s okay if somebody is 34-35 then you want to go out.”There have been unconfirmed murmurs about differences with the Mumbai team management, and Jaffer acknowledged that.1:55

Jaffer: Jaiswal’s move from Mumbai to Goa ‘shocking’

“That must have prompted him to take this decision, but I think leaving Mumbai is a shocking decision,” Jaffer said. “He’s a powerhouse. Somebody who has played from Under-14s to now, for Mumbai, and Goa being a plate-group team that has just come into the elite group – for him to go and play there, whatever time he will spend on first-class cricket, I am surprised he’s taken that decision so soon.”As such, India’s international cricketers rarely have – or make – time for domestic cricket. There was a directive from the BCCI recently asking India players who were not gainfully occupied elsewhere or battling fitness issues to return to domestic cricket. This was following India’s Test series loss in Australia. Some of the biggest names in the game did pay heed. Jaiswal was among them, and he played Mumbai’s Ranji game against Jammu & Kashmir in late January, scoring 4 and 26 in a defeat.”But he shouldn’t be looking to play Ranji Trophy,” Jaffer said. “For somebody like him, he should be playing for India in all three formats. That should be his focus.”I’m sure it [the move] is playing on his mind. Because that has been happening in this week or two. But yes, runs from him is very, very vital for Rajasthan Royals. He’s looking a little bit off-colour; trying too hard, trying too hard, too early.”

Everton’s 2025/26 season has begun with a mixture of promise and frustration.

The Toffees opened the Premier League campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat at Leeds, a match played in a raucous Elland Road atmosphere.

They bounced back impressively at home, securing a 2-0 victory against Brighton to restore confidence among fans.

A thrilling 3-2 win at Molineux demonstrated their attacking potential, while a 0-0 draw at home to Aston Villa highlighted some inconsistency.

Most recently, Everton fell 2-1 to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby, underscoring the challenges of competing at the top level. David Moyes’ side currently sit 10th in the league and face struggling West Ham at Goodison Park in their next fixture on Monday.

The Toffees’ attacking setup, led by Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Iliman Ndiaye, has shown flashes of creativity and menace, but the lack of a top striker has limited their output.

Everton’s recent 2-0 exit from the Carabao Cup to Wolves adds to the sense of disappointment.

Moyes may now be looking for solutions within his squad to spark a more effective attacking threat.

Beto's struggles since joining Everton

Beto, the towering 27-year-old striker, has become a focal point for debate among Everton fans.

The Portuguese forward joined the club from Udinese in 2023 for £25m, bringing with him a strong Serie A record and international experience.

Standing at 1.94m, Beto has made 60 Premier League appearances for Everton, scoring 11 goals, per Transfermarkt.

Last season, he found the net eight times in 20 appearances, showing glimpses of his potential. Despite these credentials, Beto has struggled to establish himself as the man to lead Everton’s frontline.

He has scored just once in the current campaign and has struggled to impose himself in key moments.

Statistically, his contributions show limitations compared to some of his peers. Last season, Beto averaged 0.88 progressive carries per 90, 0.94 progressive passes per 90, and 1.35 shots on target per 90, per FBref.

His progressive passing distance of 16.6 per 90 and shot-creating actions at 1.52 per 90 indicate a forward with a more limited impact on a team shifting towards a more possession-based approach.

These metrics reflect a player capable of contributing in certain areas but not providing the dynamic presence Everton require in modern attacking football.

With Moyes increasingly looking to implement a more possession-oriented, technically fluid approach, Beto may not be the ideal fit for leading the line.

Why Everton should unleash Thierno Barry

Enter Thierno Barry.

The French U21 international signed from Villareal this summer for £27.6m, and offers a contrasting profile to Beto.

The 6ft 5in striker scored 11 goals from an xG of 12.41 last season and registered four assists, per Sofascore, showcasing his ability to dominate the penalty area while contributing to team play.

Described as a “serious No.9 prospect” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Barry’s style has drawn comparisons to Dušan Vlahović and Ollie Watkins, blending physical presence with technical awareness.

Barry excels in aerial duels, ranking in the 87th percentile with 3.84 aerials won per 90, winning nearly two-thirds of the aerial contests in the penalty area, per FBref.

His ability to carry the ball forward is also notable, ranking in the 74th percentile for progressive carries per 90 (1.70), while completing 62% of his take-ons.

He can stretch defensive lines and create space for teammates, a trait Moyes will likely value in Everton’s evolving system.

Despite needing time to adapt to the Premier League, Barry has already made five appearances this season, logging 142 minutes.

Matches Played

5

Starts

1

Minutes

144

Progressive Carries

2

Progressive Passes

2

Compared to Beto, Barry’s 2024/25 stats indicate a player with greater overall influence: 20 goal involvements versus Beto’s 8, 1.71 progressive carries per 90 versus 0.88, 1.05 progressive passes per 90 versus 0.94, and higher involvement in shot-creating actions (1.78 per 90 compared to 1.52).

His progressive passing distance per 90 (21.2) also surpasses Beto’s 16.6, aligning with Moyes’ desire for a striker comfortable in possession-based play. Barry offers Everton the chance to implement a forward capable of linking play, finishing opportunities, and contributing to a more dynamic attacking structure.

As Moyes looks ahead to upcoming league fixtures, including the home clash with West Ham, deploying Barry over Beto, who should be ruthlessly dropped, could be the catalyst Everton need to maximise their offensive potential.

The Frenchman’s combination of physicality, technical skill, and aerial dominance marks him as the player to build around in attack, particularly in a team seeking to flourish in the Premier League.

Sultans might have felt their 185 would be enough on a tricky surface, but Mitchell and Raza finished the chase with an over to spare

Rvel Zahid27-Apr-2025Multan Sultans’ disorder with the ball at the death took the game away from them as the dynamic Lahore Qalandars duo of Sikandar Raza and Daryl Mitchell put together a quick 89-run stand to take their team to victory, and the second spot on the PSL 2025 table.After Qalandars asked Sultans to bat, their seamers didn’t allow the openers Mohammad Rizwan and Yasir Khan get away in the powerplay, which ended with 39 runs on the board and Yasir’s wicket. Rizwan had to graft his way through, and for the longest part, couldn’t really shift gears as he needed to.Tom Curran’s slow deliveries created enormous problems for the Sultans batters. He got the better of Shai Hope in the 11th over with a ball that nipped back in sharply and went through the gate, leaving Sultans at a precarious 70 for 3.That’s when Kamran Ghulam joined Rizwan and, finally, there was some impetus to their innings. They found boundaries at regular intervals and that lifted them to a competitive total. Haris Rauf conceded 20 in the last over, which pushed the total to 185. Rizwan batted through the innings to finish on 76 off 48 balls, while Ghulam scored his 52 not out off just 31 balls, scoring at 167.74.On a pitch where the ball was not coming onto the bat too well, it seemed enough.Kamran Ghulam gave Multan Sultans a late lift-off•PCBQalandars started their pursuit with clear intent and launched an onslaught from the get-go. Mohammad Naeem fell cheaply, but Abdullah Shafique, at No. 3, played free-flowing cricket from the moment he walked out. His flick off Mohammad Hasnain in the seventh over was a thing of beauty, impeccably timed with poise and class. The platform was set for the middle-order chasing stars Mitchell and Raza, who propelled their side to a position of dominance even though Mitchell took his time to gauge the conditions.At the end of the 12th over, the game hung in balance as Ubaid Shah foxed Shafique, luring him to chase a delivery in the channel that rose more than he expected. In the same over, he got Sam Billings miscuing to deep backward square to go for a three-ball duck.But there was no panic. Raza was in his element and seemed to infect Mitchell, who hadn’t been too quick with his run-scoring till then.They hit eight sixes between them in their stand that went into the 19th over, taking 14, 11 and 18 in overs 13, 14 and 15 to put the equation in Qalandars’ favour. In the end, it was a stroll to the target as they targeted Ubaid and Akif Javed in the 18th and 19th overs respectively. Mitchell fell for a 38-ball 64 but Raza finished the job with an over to go, ending with 40 not out in 21 balls.It was a familiar story for Sultans, who are struggling to put up well-knit efforts consistently, which is why they find themselves stuck at the bottom of the table. With their fifth defeat, they are on the brink of elimination and have entered the must-win territory with four games remaining.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel had no problem accepting the playful chants directed his way by the Three Lions faithful during the 5-0 rout of Latvia on Tuesday evening. The head coach had criticised Wembley's dull atmosphere during the 3-0 win against Wales a few days earlier, prompting those who travelled to Eastern Europe to make their feelings clear from the stands.

England fans fire back after atmosphere criticism

There were no problems in Latvia for Tuchel and his men as they recorded their sixth win from six to secure their place at next summer's World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. It was a routine win for the Three Lions, with Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze all getting on the scoresheet. In fact, it was such a relaxed night that Tuchel was able to take a moment to acknowledge the travelling fans who were aiming some playful chants at the German boss following his recent criticism of the nation's atmosphere. 

Chants of 'We'll sing when we want' and 'Are we loud enough for you?' were met by a smile and thumbs up from Tuchel as his side cantered to victory. After England's 3-0 friendly win over Wales, the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss was quick to point out that the fans could have pushed the players to an even greater victory against their neighbours.

He said, following their win over Craig Bellamy's side: "We could have been 5-0 up at half-time. We couldn't score the fourth and fifth ones. The stadium was silent. We didn't get any energy back from the stands. We did everything to win."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTuchel has 'no problem' with vocal fans

It would have been very easy for Tuchel to have taken the chants from England fans the wrong way, but he was quick to understand that they were said more in jest than in anger. After Tuesday's win, he said: "I got some stick in the first half but fair enough and well done, good sense of humour and no problem. It was brilliant support from start to finish."

Many England fans will have agreed with their head coach's comments after the Wales win. The Three Lions have often been criticised for allowing a relaxed atmosphere during matches held at Wembley. Only a few months ago the nation were stunned by Senegal at the home of football, and they were also beaten by Italy in the Euro 2020 final in the same stadium.

Tuchel will be hoping his words resonate with the majority of fans who turn up during the international breaks, particularly ahead of a huge tournament across the Atlantic Ocean coming up next summer.

'Good mood in the dressing room'

Away from the back and forth between fans and manager, England are now ready to turn their attention to the World Cup. Tuchel took a moment to celebrate with his staff before embracing his players on the pitch after the demolition of Latvia, and he admitted the current mood in the dressing room is very positive.

He added: "Such a good mood in the dressing room. It feels very different because it is our dream to go to America and now we made it with another good performance and top result. Very happy.

"We are dominant in games, we are hungry. We have a lot of ball wins in the opponent's half. It is good. We are on our way.

"It is a club feel because we play very aggressive with a high press. It is a very physical game. Everyone needs to buy into the idea because otherwise you cannot press so high. The guys train on a high level and the group is a very good group and it is a pleasure to coach them. Step by step we are getting there."

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Getty Images SportAll eyes on the World Cup

England still have a few tests to come before they head Stateside for the eagerly anticipated World Cup. They take on Serbia and Albania in their final qualifying matches during November's break, before returning in March and the beginning of the summer for some warm-up matches ahead of the tournament. While the Three Lions' campaign has been flawless, there are still a few issues Tuchel will want to iron out before June rolls around. On top of that, he has the mammoth task of selecting his squad, a much tougher task than it seems, particularly with the likes of Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish all missing out on the most recent camp, despite being in excellent form.

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has announced the sacking of former Barcelona legend Patrick Kluivert from his role as head coach. The decision follows Indonesia’s 1-0 loss to Iraq, which saw them finish bottom of their World Cup qualifying group and eliminated from contention for next year's competition. Kluivert stepped into the role in January, but has been sacked alongside the rest of his coaching staff.

Indonesia confirm Kluivert sacking

In an official statement, the PSSI announced the sacking of their entire coaching staff. This includes senior team coach Kluivert, along with his assistants Alex Pastoor and Danny Landzaat. The statement also confirmed the dismissal of Dutch nationals Gerald Vanenburg, coach of the Indonesia U-23 squad, and Frank van Kempen, coach of the Indonesia U-20 team. The coaching staff had signed two-year contracts in January, but Indonesia’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup led to their premature dismissal in a strategic decision. 

AdvertisementAFPEx-striker fails to qualify for World Cup

Indonesia were placed in a group in the Asian World Cup qualifiers alongside Saudi Arabia and Iraq, with each team playing the others once. They lost 3-2 to Saudi Arabia, while Iraq beat them 1-0. As a result, Indonesia finished bottom of the group, with Saudi Arabia qualifying automatically for the 2026 World Cup and Iraq advancing to the play-offs. Under Kluivert, Indonesia played eight games, recording three wins, one draw and four losses.

Ex-striker's playing days and coaching career

A member of Ajax’s golden generation in the 1990s, Kluivert won the Eredivisie and Champions League in the 1994-95 season under manager Louis van Gaal. He later joined Barcelona, forming a lethal partnership with Rivaldo and helping the club retain the 1998-99 La Liga title. After spells with Newcastle United and PSV, he retired at Lille. Kluivert also served as assistant coach at Australian side Brisbane Roar under Ange Postecoglou and later with the Netherlands national team under Van Gaal in 2014. In 2025, he replaced South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong as head coach of the Indonesian national team.

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Getty Images SportWhat next?

Kluivert will look to put the setback of his Indonesian sacking behind him and aims to return to the dugout as soon as possible.

Veteran legspinner wants to help with rebuilding England’s white-ball dynasty

Valkerie Baynes15-May-2025At the age of 37 Adil Rashid is as hungry as ever to keep pushing himself and play his part in turning England’s white-ball form around.Rashid retained his place as England’s premier legspinner in the ODI and T20I squads to host West Indies from May 29.The series, starting with three ODIs, will be Harry Brook’s first assignment as white-ball captain and an opportunity for England to arrest a seven-game losing streak in the format – they have lost nine of their last 10, including a winless Champions Trophy campaign, as well as four of their last five T20Is.”I’m trying to go as long as I can if the body allows, but also form, making sure that I try my best and giving myself the best chance,” Rashid said. “I’ve still got the hunger to become the best and try my best and not just for myself, but from a team point of view, to win World Cups for the team and try to become the best team we can. That’s what drives me at the moment.”Related

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Rashid was the leading ODI wicket-taker on England’s tour of India which preceded the Champions Trophy with seven at 27.28, one ahead of Ravindra Jadeja and Harshit Rana. His crucial figures of 4-0-15-1 in the third T20I kept the series alive, although India ended up winning 4-1.Speaking at a suburban ground in London as part of the Net Gains initiative, Rashid attributed his longevity to his decision in 2018 to give up red-ball cricket.”I think that’s been the key,” he said. “And it’s almost having priorities in life and sometimes when you are at that stage of knowing, ‘okay, when can I play, when do I rest?’ If I want to keep going for as long as I can then I know I’ve got to have that balance.”If I just keep playing too much, you can burn out and finish your career where you don’t want to be. So for my aim, the most important thing is having that balance in life.”Another spinner the same side of his mid-thirties but having taken a different path is Liam Dawson, the left-arm orthodox allrounder named for the T20 leg of West Indies’ visit where he could represent England for the first time since 2022.His selection came off the back of an extended run of form, including at the SA20 with two-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Hampshire, which led to him being named as one of Wisden‘s Five Cricketers of the Year for 2024, when he claimed 54 Championship wickets and scored 956 runs at almost 60.Dawson made himself unavailable for selection on England’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh in early 2023 to play for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, and hinted at international retirement last year, but has now come full circle in a tale of not giving up.”For him to come back now it shows determination, it shows his hunger to become the best and good on him,” Rashid said. “He’s a lovely guy and he’s a very, very good cricketer so I’m sure he’ll do well for England when he plays.”Dawson’s selection – and Rashid’s enduring influence for England – also speaks to a defiance in the face of inevitable questions as elite sportspeople approach 40.”You’ve got some players who compete in their early forties,” Rashid said. “Look at Jimmy Anderson, he’s 42, he’s fit, he’s going well and he’s got that hunger. So it’s all depending on the individual.”But sometimes it can be the outside noise, right? You’re hitting 35, 36, what you’re looking to next. But in your mind still you’re thinking, ‘wait, I’ve still got another five, six years here. I feel good, I feel fit, I want to give my all. I’m still loving the game, I’m still hungry.’ So there’s a lot of factors taking place, but it can sometimes creep in.”At the other end of the age spectrum Rashid expects Brook, Jos Buttler’s 26-year-old replacement as skipper, to bring a positive outlook to the captaincy.”As an individual he’s quite a positive person, so I’m sure he’ll bring that to the game,” Rashid said. “We as the squad, as a coaching staff as well, I think it’ll be exciting to see what he brings to the table, but I’m sure he’ll do wonders.”He’s been captain for Superchargers. He showed his qualities there and that was the first time he captained as well, so I’m sure as he captains more the better he will get. But you don’t see it until he’s done it. He’s always been fairly quietish, I think generally, but confident, and that’s what you need as a captain. You don’t always have to be the loudest, you don’t always have to be the one speaking, but if you’re respected, well that’s what you need.”IG is the Official Investment Platform of England Cricket. Through the Net Gains initiative, IG and the ECB have invested to open new public net facilities to help grow the game of cricket in England and Wales, supporting under-represented communities and generating long-term real returns for the game and the people who play it.

Liverpool aren’t quite right this season. Despite an incredible summer spending spree that soared above anything that English football has seen before, Arne Slot’s side are struggling to recapture the verve of last season.

But for Liverpool to have completed an underwhelming start to their title defence and perch at the top of the table after six games, winning the first five before suffering defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend.

Many Redmen have struggled to find their finest form, but not all have flattered to deceive, with Federico Chiesa already looking leaps and bounds above the rarely-seen winger on the margins last year.

Chiesa's Liverpool resurgence

Liverpool hardly broke the bank after replacing Jurgen Klopp with Slot during the summer of 2024, only adding Chiesa to the ranks, and for a shrewd £12.5m fee at that.

However, Chiesa arrived having been ravaged by injury problems in recent years at Juventus, and he spent the lion’s share of the 2024/25 campaign on the sidelines, either suffering from fitness issues or overlooked by Slot.

This year, however, he is looking to make up for lost time, already with two goals and two assists apiece across all competitions. So impressive has he been that there have been calls for the underperforming Mohamed Salah to be dropped, and for Chiesa to start from the right.

Hugo Ekitike

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Mohamed Salah

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3 (3)

Federico Chiesa

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Alexander Isak

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Cody Gakpo

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Rio Ngumoha

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The versatile Italian will play an important role across the term, but there’s another member of Slot’s squad who has fallen deeper into the fringes of the squad and is beginning to look like last year’s version of the 27-year-old.

Slot's new version of Chiesa

While Chiesa is enjoying a resurgence on Merseyside, Wataru Endo’s role at the club continues to become more and more insubstantial, having

Described by Liverpool correspondent David Lynch as being an “unsung hero” for Liverpool, Endo was instrumental in steering Klopp toward a trophy-winning crescendo at the Anfield helm, and he achieved cult status last year for his tough-tackling cameos in the dying embers of matches.

Having joined for about £16m from Stuttgart after Liverpool missed out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, both signing for Chelsea, the 32-year-old Endo has played a crucial role in getting this current Liverpool team off the ground, but he’s into the penultimate year of his contract and has sat as an unused substitute for each of his side’s past three top-flight fixtures.

Tenacious, industrious and a model professional, Endo remains a valued member of Slot’s squad, but it’s hard to see him earning many opportunities, with his quality on the ball admittedly limited.

Given Gravenberch came into his own last year and is now one of Liverpool’s most important players, even said by journalist Beth Lindop to be “on par with Salah and Van Dijk”, it doesn’t look like Endo will be earning a string of starts in the Premier League any time soon, with Slot sure to look for other ways to cover at number six, should the Dutchman fall to an injury.

With Stefan Bajcetic also waiting in the wings and boasting a confidence in receiving the ball, pivoting and progressing forward, there’s a sense Endo’s fringe role at Liverpool may become more peripheral still as the year goes on.

While Chiesa’s bounce-back across the opening weeks of the season serves as inspiration for any footballer looking to pick themselves up from the wayside, Endo is not a spring chicken anymore, and his big moments in Slot’s squad might trail behind him.

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ByAngus Sinclair Sep 30, 2025

Frank Lampard is set to swap Halloween for Hollywood this year. The Coventry City boss, known for his spooky season enthusiasm, will miss out on trick-or-treating with his kids after dressing as the Grim Reaper last year. Instead, he’ll be leading his high-flying Sky Blues into a Friday night clash with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac’s Wrexham under the lights.

Lampard looking forward to Coventry's Wrexham duel

Lampard’s Coventry City are set for a blockbuster Championship clash against Hollywood-owned Wrexham under the lights at the Racecourse Ground on Halloween night. The Sky Blues head into the fixture chasing a seventh consecutive league victory to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign. A win would see Lampard’s side strengthen their grip on top spot in the table, continuing their early-season momentum.

However, the fixture means Lampard will have to skip his annual Halloween tradition — dressing up and trick-or-treating with his children around his London neighbourhood. The former Chelsea and England star is known to embrace the spooky season, having gone “full Grim Reaper” last year. But as he put it himself, work commitments come first this time around.

Despite missing out on family fun, Lampard made it clear he has no complaints about spending Halloween night in Wales. The ex-midfielder admitted he’ll miss the laughs at home, but with Coventry’s stunning form, the “sweet treat” of three points at Wrexham would be the perfect consolation.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLampard opens up on love for Halloween

“I normally dress up with my children and trick or treat locally, so they’re a bit disappointed that I’m not there. I’m missing out but they’ll be looked after and they’ll still do it with the rest of the family. It’s a shame to miss it but work is work,” Lampard said, smiling as he recalled his Halloween antics.

“As for what I usually dress up as, I was the Grim Reaper last year. I’m not sure what I was the year before, I was fully covered again and I think I was like a swamp monster or something, like a green thing. Yeah, the kids get scared, that’s the point, isn’t it,” he joked.

Lampard also reflected on how much he enjoys the anonymity Halloween offers: “I was completely Grim Reapered up, all masked up. I enjoy the anonymity of the evening. It’s something I do every year just around my local streets where it’s very popular. I loved Halloween as a kid — probably because I love sweets. I know the headline will be like, ‘I can’t believe I’m not the Grim Reaper this year,’ or something but I’m very happy to be going with Coventry to Wrexham. I’ll miss it for one year and I’ll possibly be back for it next year.”

Getty Images SportLampard talks about facing off against Parkinson's Wrexham

While Halloween may be off the cards, Lampard’s enthusiasm for Friday’s match is unmistakable. Coventry’s trip to Wrexham pits the Championship’s early pace-setters against one of the most high-profile clubs in world football, backed by Hollywood actors Reynolds and Mac. For Lampard, though, the focus is purely on maintaining momentum and keeping his players grounded after a superb run of form.

The 46-year-old praised his players’ work ethic and adaptability, pointing out that Wrexham’s direct, physical style, led by Welsh striker Kieffer Moore, will demand another disciplined defensive display. “It’s a great part of the job,” he explained in his pre-match press conference. “When you decide to be a coach, if you want to be a proper coach on the pitch in terms of analysis and how you set your team up, that’s the challenge you have to buy into.”

Lampard added that he relishes tactical battles like the one ahead. “You learn a lot in this job, much more than as a player, and I like to prepare the players as best I can for whatever challenge we’re getting. That’s me doing my job properly and also giving the opposition problems if we can. So it’s something I really enjoy.”

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Coventry travel to Wrexham on Halloween

Coventry now travel to North Wales to face off against Wrexham on Friday, aiming to extend their unbeaten league start and claim a seventh straight victory. A win would not only solidify their status as promotion contenders but also highlight Lampard’s growing influence at the club. 

For Wrexham, meanwhile, the fixture marks another test of their credentials as they look to prove they can compete with established second-tier sides. The Red Dragons will be eager to dent Coventry’s unbeaten run and remind everyone they’re not just a celebrity project.