England fans furiously chanted at Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel during their 5-0 win over Latvia in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. The Three Lions booked their place at the World Cup next year with a thumping result in Riga. After missing the Wales friendly through an ankle injury, captain Harry Kane returned to the lineup with a bang as he scored a brace in a dominating performance.

• Tuchel furious with Wembley support after Wales friendly

  After their 3-0 win over neighbours Wales in the international friendly at home last week, Tuchel took aim at the 'silent' England fans at Wembley as he claimed that the home crowd could have done more to motivate his side. He told after the game: "We had one-and-a-half training days to prepare against a well-trained team and we did very, very well. We had an excellent first half, we were 3-0 up very quickly but it could have been four or five. It was very, very good. Then we couldn’t score the fourth one or the fifth one and the stadium was silent. Silent! We never got any energy back from the fans and I think the players delivered a lot to get more from the fans. “It was difficult to keep everything going in the second half but we did excellent and deserved to win. A step in the right direction. What more can you give in 20 minutes? We didn't let them escape. If you hear just Wales fans for half an hour, it's sad, because the team deserved more support today."

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  England fans chant back at Tuchel

  Now it was the Three Lions fans' turn to give it back to their manager as a large group of English supporters turned up at the Daugava Stadium in Riga to support their team. As England kept scoring goals, the fans were heard chanting: "We'll sing when we want, we'll sing when we want, Thomas Tuchel, we'll sing when we want!" They also jokingly sang: "Are we loud enough for you?" The fans also came up with an X-rated chant, as they sang: "Our support is f*cking sh*t!"

  Tuchel, though, was not bothered by the fans' chants aimed at him as he gave a thumbs-up to the visiting fans. After Anthony Gordon's opening goal in the 26th minute, a section of the supporters chanted: "1-0 to the library."

• Kane makes England history

  With the double against Latvia, a left-footed strike in the 44th minute and a penalty a few minutes later, helped Kane script another record for England as he went past Nat Lofthouse to become the first Three Lions star to score two or more goals in 13 international appearances. His total goals tally for England now stands at 76 in 113 matches. 

  Kane was doubtful for the Latvia after he missed the friendly against Wales last week due to an ankle injury that he picked up during Bayern Munich's final clash before the international break against Eintracht Frankfurt. With Ollie Watkins ruled out with a freak injury before the qualifier, Tuchel was concerned over whom to field as the team's No.9. However, Kane fully recovered in time, featured in the starting and guided his team to a dominating win and secured a World Cup berth. 

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  England look a solid unit ahead of World Cup

  Tuchel faced criticism at the time of announcing the squad for the October international break, as he overlooked several big names, including Manchester City star Phil Foden, loanee Jack Grealish and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham. However, despite missing some big names, England managed to score eight goals in the two matches they played this month.

  With the likes of Eberechi Eze scoring a goal after coming as a second half substitute and players like Marcus Rashford and Jarrod Bowen also able to emerge from the bench, Tuchel is spoilt for choice in the attacking third ahead of the World Cup. With their berth secured, the German coach could consider experimenting with his lineups in the final two group matches against Serbia and Albania in November. 

Former Brazil manager Emerson Leao has launched a fierce attack on Neymar, calling him “not an example to anyone” and claiming the forward is “past his prime”. Leao criticised the 33-year-old's lifestyle, fitness and declining form, reigniting debate over the Santos star’s place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup plans.

Neymar’s legacy questioned after harsh criticism

Former Brazil coach and 1970 World Cup winner Emerson Leao openly criticised Neymar’s attitude, fitness and leadership. In an interview with , Leao branded the Santos forward “not an example for anyone” and insisted he is no longer the player he once was. His comments have reignited long-standing debates about Neymar’s professionalism and commitment to the national team.

The former goalkeeper explained that his criticism was not just about Neymar’s football, but also his behaviour off the pitch. He claimed that the 33-year-old “hasn’t looked after himself” and no longer influences games the way he used to. Leao also rejected the idea that Neymar can still be the solution for Brazil, adding that he does not believe the forward will make an impact at the 2026 World Cup.

Leao went further, saying the biggest issue was not Neymar’s skill, but his physical decline. According to him, the Brazilian thinks faster than his body can now respond: "In his head, when he's about to start a play, he knows what he's going to do, but he can't do it anymore. He can't do it anymore. He no longer has the same muscular reaction. The training sequence is gone. He's not the same athlete. It's no use.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'He's not the same athlete' – Emerson Leao

Before delivering his harshest comments, the former goalkeeper explained he always believed Neymar had the potential to become a national hero. He recalled advising the forward early in his career to take care of himself because Brazil would need him. However, he claims Neymar ignored that advice and is now paying the price physically and mentally.

"I have few words for Neymar," he said. "I think one thing depends on the other: the man outside and the man inside. And so, he doesn't serve as an example for anyone."

He added: "He hasn't stopped playing football. It's just that he's being asked to perform the same kind of sprints he used to have and no longer has because he's unprepared. So what happens? Injuries and problems happen.

"He started out as a wonderful player. I remember one day when I played against Santos, he was leaving, and I walked past him and said: 'Look, kid, we're going to need you at the World Cup. Take care of yourself.' That's the only thing he doesn't do."

Leao admitted his criticism comes with disappointment rather than anger, saying Brazil “missed a great opportunity” to build around Neymar. Despite that, he doesn’t believe the forward should face hatred but insists fans must accept the reality that he is no longer the same player who dazzled in Europe.

Can Neymar return to Brazil's plans?

The ex-Barcelona and PSG star's future with the national team remains uncertain. He has not played for Brazil since October 2023 against Uruguay in World Cup qualifying. Although he has returned to Santos, injuries have limited him to just 21 appearances this season, with six goals and three assists. His latest setback, a rectus femoris muscle injury has sidelined him since September.

Despite Leao’s criticism, current Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has not ruled Neymar out completely. The Italian believes that “when he’s fit”, the forward can still play at the highest level for both club and country. However, he also made it clear that Neymar must first prove his fitness and consistency with Santos before being considered again.

Neymar’s contract with Santos expires in December 2025, and he is expected to become a free agent after that. His agent, Pini Zahavi, maintains strong ties with clubs like Napoli and Inter, keeping the door open for a potential return to Europe. But any move and a possible return to the national team depends entirely on his ability to stay fit.

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Getty ImagesWhat next for Neymar?

The 33-year-old's immediate goal is returning from injury, with expectations that he could be back by November. With his Santos contract entering its final year, he faces a crucial period that could decide his long-term future in football. A strong finish to the season would strengthen his chances of securing a European move and earning back his spot in the Brazil squad.

Missing out on international football for two years has clearly affected Neymar’s legacy, especially for a player once considered the heir to Pele. As Brazil prepare for the 2026 World Cup across the USA, Mexico and Canada, competition for attacking roles is fierce. Young stars like Endrick, Rodrygo and Gabriel Martinelli are all pushing for permanent roles in the squad.

Still, Neymar remains motivated by one final chance to shine on the world stage. If he can regain fitness and form, Ancelotti may yet give him an opportunity. But with critics like Leao saying his time is up, Neymar must now prove to fans, coaches and himself that he can still make a difference.

MatériaMais Notícias

A Seleção Brasileira teve uma ótima atuação na goleada por 5 a 1 sobre a Bolívia, na sexta-feira (8), pelas Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo de 2026. Na estreia de Fernando Diniz, a torcida ficou animada com a performance de Neymar, que marcou dois gols e jogou livre, leve e solto pelo gramado do Mangueirão, em Belém (PA). No entanto, como será quando o camisa 10 não puder estar em campo? O técnico já tem seus planos.

RelacionadasSeleção BrasileiraJogadores da Seleção sub-23 relatam momentos de tensão com terremoto no MarrocosSeleção Brasileira09/09/2023Seleção BrasileiraVÍDEO: Veja os melhores momentos da goleada do Brasil sobre a Bolívia nas EliminatóriasSeleção Brasileira09/09/2023Seleção BrasileiraANÁLISE: Fernando Diniz pode fazer Neymar voltar a ser ‘menino Ney’ na Seleção BrasileiraSeleção Brasileira09/09/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Em entrevista coletiva após a grande vitória da Amarelinha, Diniz foi questionado sobre uma possível “Neymardependência”, que já era discutida em outras gestões de treinadores, inclusive na Era Tite. Com apenas um jogo no comando da equipe, ele sabe que precisa fazer com que o coletivo brilhe e não somente um jogador.

+ Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades

– A nova geração tem muitos jogadores diferenciados. De qualidade raras no futebol mundial. Com técnica, velocidade, drible, agilidade… Acho que a estrutura tática que temos que promover é que não exista dependência de um jogador, porque determinado jogador pode não estar num dia bom. Ele (Neymar) sempre vai ter esse brilho, mas quanto mais gente brilhar junto, melhor.

Diniz contou com grandes atuações de Rodrygo e de Raphinha, que também deixaram suas marcas contra a Bolívia. E ainda tem Vini Jr., que acabou sendo cortado da convocação por ter sentido uma lesão. Ou seja, há margem até para melhorar a performance da equipe nesse sentido.

E foi com essas alternativa que Diniz considera que o Brasil achou a “chave” para vencer o jogo. A ultrapassagem dos laterais e a exploração dos lados do campo, que não são regiões que Neymar tem ocupado nesses últimos tempos, ofereceram inúmeras chances de gol.

– Era uma alternativa para o jogo de hoje (quarta-feira), o jogo estava congestionado, então podíamos explorar as laterais. O Renan (Lodi) tem essa característica de ser mais ofensivo. Teve muita jogada com o Danilo também, entrando mais de meia, e Raphinha usando mais as jogadas individuais. Fizemos muitas jogadas e gols dos dois lados. Tivemos muito leque de opções. Movimentação de ataque, transições longas, foi um jogo bem interessante da parte ofensiva – declarou o comandante.

+ Diniz mostra satisfação com jogo da Seleção e elogia atuação de Neymar: ‘Veio para fazer isso aí’

O próximo desafio de Fernando Diniz para continuar essa preparação de um “Brasil plural” é diante do Peru, nesta terça-feira (12), às 23h (de Brasília), em Lima, pela segunda rodada das Eliminatórias para a Copa do Mundo de 2026.

The Hawk-Eye team that supplies the technology did not travel back to Pakistan after the resumption of the league

Danyal Rasool22-May-2025The remainder of the Pakistan Super League will continue to be played without the Decision Review System (DRS). The Hawk-Eye team that supplies the technology did not travel back to Pakistan after the resumption of the league, which was suspended earlier this month amid border tensions between Pakistan and India.DRS was available at the PSL – as it has been since 2017 – until the league was suspended on May 7. The first five games since the resumption have been played without incident or controversy. The PSL or the PCB is yet to make any public comment about its absence. ESPNcricinfo has reached out to the PCB and PSL.The fluid nature of scheduling following the rising tensions between India and Pakistan presented the PSL with huge logistical challenges. The production crew were required to extend their presence for a further week, while a game in Multan was relocated to Lahore to reduce travel, and moving camera equipment around. The series between Pakistan and Bangladesh was originally slated to begin on 25 May, the day the final of the PSL will now be held. Its start has been delayed by three days, while the number of games have been slashed from five to three.Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars take each other on in the Eliminator at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. On Wednesday, Quetta Gladiators booked their place in the final for the first time since 2019 when they beat last year’s champions Islamabad United by 30 runs. United will now take on the winner of Thursday’s game for a berth in the final alongside Gladiators on Friday.

تمكن الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي بيراميدز، من تسجل الهدف الأول في شباك التأمين الإثيوبي، خلال اللقاء الجاري الآن بينهما ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وتقام المباراة بين بيراميدز والتأمين الإثيوبي، على استاد الدفاع الجوي، ضمن منافسات إياب دور الـ32 من دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

طالع.. تشكيل بيراميدز أمام التأمين الإثيوبي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.. مايلي يقود الهجوم

وسجل مصطفى زيكو، الهدف الأول لصالح بيراميدز في الدقيقة الحادية عشر من عمر اللقاء برأسية بعد عرضية من محمد الشيبي.

ويأمل بيراميدز في تحقيق الفوز في لقاء اليوم من أجل التأهل إلى دور المجموعات بعدما انتهى لقاء الذهاب بالتعادل الإيجابي 1-1. هدف بيراميدز الأول أمام التأمين الإثيوبي اليوم

The Braves are odds-on favorites to repeat as NL East champs in 2024.

Atlanta Braves -240
Philadelphia Phillies +310
New York Mets +1100
Miami Marlins +1600
Washington Nationals +10000

No team scored more runs (947), hit more home runs (307) or hit for a better average (.276) than the Braves in 2023. They also led the league in OBP, SLG, OPS, ISO and extra-base hits. Atlanta’s 104 wins were the most in MLB, as they skated to the division title, finishing 14 games ahead of the Phillies.

Most of the team is the same for 2024, including NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson, Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies, Marcel Ozuna and Michael Harris II. The Braves also added outfielder Jarred Kelenic and veteran starting pitcher Chris Sale in the offseason.

Everton’s start to the 2024/25 Premier League season has been anything but dull.

David Moye’s side may have lost their opener 1-0 at a raucous Elland Road, but the response was emphatic.

The Toffees christened their new Hill Dickinson Stadium with a 2-0 win over Brighton, followed by a breathless 3-2 victory at Wolves.

The ride hasn’t been smooth every week – a cagey 0-0 with Aston Villa showed they are still bedding in their summer signings, and the Merseyside derby ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat.

Yet, there is a newfound sharpness in attack.

Everton’s front four of Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye, and Beto have breathed life into Moyes’ forward line, offering pace, technical quality, and variety of movement.

Sitting 10th in the table, Everton already look like a far more threatening side going forward compared to last season.

Their next test comes against struggling West Ham, where the Toffees will be favourites to build further momentum.

Amid this early-season optimism, however, one player is quietly developing in the background.

A 6ft 5in striker who may yet become the jewel of this Everton project.

Thierno Barry finding his feet at Everton

When Everton paid £27.6m to bring Thierno Barry from Villarreal, they knew they weren’t buying the finished article.

At just 22, the French U21 international represents an investment in the future – a striker whose raw attributes suggest a ceiling as high as some of Europe’s elite forwards.

Barry arrives in England off the back of a promising season in La Liga, scoring 11 goals from an xG of 11.7 while adding four assists.

What makes him stand out is not just his finishing, but his ability to impose himself physically and stretch defences.

Ranking in the 87th percentile for aerial duels won (3.84 per 90), Barry has the profile of a classic penalty-box predator yet also shows surprising agility with strong progressive carries and take-ons.

Standing taller than most centre-backs, Barry has been compared to Dusan Vlahović and Ollie Watkins for his blend of physicality and dynamism, as noted by FBref.

He thrives in attacking the six-yard box but is equally capable of pulling wide to create space for teammates.

So far, Moyes has been cautious with his integration. Barry has featured in five league matches, totalling 142 minutes, with flashes of potential rather than complete performances.

The Everton manager has stressed patience, saying the striker will require a period of adjustment to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League.

It is a smart approach. Everton have the luxury of easing Barry in thanks to the immediate impact of their new frontline.

But make no mistake, the long-term plan is to see him leading the line. Hopefully, he does not go the same way as those before him…

Why Thierno Barry can learn from Moise Kean

For Everton fans, Barry’s situation may feel eerily familiar.

In 2019, the club signed another young striker in the form of Moise Kean.

Like Barry, Kean arrived with high expectations, touted as a generational talent who could transform the club’s attack.

But unlike Barry, he was thrust into the spotlight without the right platform, and his time at Goodison never truly took off.

Kean made 39 appearances for Everton, scoring four goals and registering two assists, before a series of loan moves eventually led him back to Juventus and later Fiorentina.

It was in Serie A where his career took off.

Last season with Fiorentina, Kean netted 19 goals in 32 appearances, finishing second in the league’s scoring charts behind Mateo Retegui.

Now valued at €50m (£45m), as per Transfermarkt, Kean has become the striker many thought he could be, while drawing statistical comparisons with Erling Haaland for his explosive pace, direct style, and ruthless finishing.

Indeed, FBref notes that the most similar striker to him in Europe’s top five leagues is the Manchester City hitman. Former teammate Weston McKennie went as far as to describe him as a “beast.”

His numbers underline the transformation: ranking in the 89th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.58), the 87th percentile for total shots (3.39), and the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons (1.46).

Everton undoubtedly let a gem slip through their fingers.

Yet in Barry, they have a second chance.

The lesson from Kean’s time on Merseyside is clear: patience and the right environment are crucial.

Barry cannot be burdened with expectation too soon, but if nurtured properly, he has the potential to blossom into one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.

However, this time in blue.

Everton are brewing their own homegrown Ndiaye in “fantastic” teen talent

Everton is now brewing their very own homegrown version of Iliman Ndiaye in this exciting teenager.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 22, 2025

Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol has made a stunning revelation about how his professional sports career could have taken a very different direction after temporarily falling out of love with the game. The Croatia international is a regular for City boss Pep Guardiola and has also revealed the tentative approach being taken by the club after a slow start to the season.

Meteoric rise to football elite

Gvardiol’s career ascent has been rapid, establishing him as one of the world's most promising defenders. He started at Dinamo Zagreb, where he won back-to-back Croatian league titles before landing a record move to RB Leipzig in 2021, where he won two German Cup crowns, impressing with his composure, passing, and tactical versatility. His stellar performances led to a £77 million ($102.5m) transfer to Man City in 2023, making him one of the most expensive defenders in history, and he landed a Premier League title and FIFA Club World Cup in his first season. Gvardiol is also a key figure for the Croatia national team, helping them to a third-place finish at the World Cup in 2022.

AdvertisementAFPGuardiola's go-to defender

Gvardiol's campaign was delayed due to a knee injury carried over from last season, but he has since regained full fitness, and the versatile defender has featured for Man City in both the Premier League and in Europe, contributing assists in both. The 23-year-old’s strong technical skills have seen him operate in both central defence and at left-back, where his passing ability has been a massive asset to the squad. But he has revealed his career in sport came very close to taking a wholly different direction.

How Gvardiol almost quit football

Gvardiol told the BBC: "I was thinking about quitting because I like basketball as well. I wasn't sure in football any more because when you get to the training ground, you don't feel happy any more, you know? I was just trying to find other solutions and to feel happier than I felt before because all of my friends were playing basketball. My dream obviously was to become a professional football player, but I didn't know that I was going to go that far. If you go five years back and ask me, do you see yourself at Manchester City in 2023, '24, '25? I would say no chance, like really impossible."

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AFPMan City taking stock after slow start

Gvardiol has also revealed he is most happy at taking his place back on the left side of centre-back. He said: "I'm happy to be back to my position. Just play simple, protect the goal, defend the goal. Obviously, we have new goals this season and we want to aim high. But I like to say that it's quite early to talk about our goals, the season is long so let's go game by game.
He added: "In my head last season I was like, 'no matter what, how I feel, no matter if I am fit or not, I just want to play. I just want to compete to help the team’. I could feel it on my body, especially in the summer. I had a [knee] injury, but now it's finally good after six months." 

After a slow start to the season, where they lost two of their opening three games, they have gone on an unbeaten run and surged up the Premier League table. In the coming weeks, they have a Premier League trip to Aston Villa followed by a League Cup away game against Swansea. In November, they host Bournemouth and face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Everton have now gone three games without a win in the Premier League, but they have eight points after six matches and sit ninth in the standings.

The corresponding point from the 2024/25 campaign? The Toffees had four points on the board, having woefully lost four straight to kick off the term under Sean Dyche’s wing.

The draw against West Ham United on Monday night was probably a fair reflection of the fixture contested. The hosts started on the front foot and were well worth their money when Michael Keane rose and powered home from James Garner’s swept cross.

But Everton let the game get away with them, and United were playing with a new sense of iron about their will, having dismissed Graham Potter days before and replaced him with Nuno Espirito Santo.

Still, not everyone in blue covered themselves in glory. Beto toiled at number nine once again, but Jake O’Brien was also culpable for a poor performance at right-back.

Jake O'Brien raises questions

Everton signed O’Brien from Lyon for just over £16m in July 2024. Formerly of Crystal Palace’s academy system, the Republic of Ireland international had been hailed by journalist Zach Lowy as a “revelation in defence” for the French side, before completing his switch.

Last season, he struggled to break his way into the team before Moyes’ appointment, but thereafter, he played consistently from the outset at right-back, starting 17 times across the second half of the season.

So far this term, he has played every minute of the Hill Dickinson Stadium side’s Premier League campaign, though the recent draw to West Ham ended up shining a light on the need for a natural right-sided defender, one who can defend and attack with equal sharpness.

The Liverpool Echo handed the 6 foot 6 Toffee a 5/10 match rating after a performance that left plenty to be desired, while former Everton writer Adam Jones criticised the deployment, saying, “O’Brien at right-back just does not work in the long term.”

Minutes played

90′

Touches

61

Accurate passes

27/33 (82%)

Key passes

0

Possession lost

11x

Dribbles

0/0

Tackles

2

Clearances

7

Ground duels

3/6

Aerial duels

3/6

Dribbled past

2x

Errors made

1x

The Irishman is industrious and has been a shrewd signing for the Merseysiders, but it does beg the question as to why a high-level right-back was not signed this summer, with Ashley Young gone and Nathan Patterson unable to shake persistent injury problems.

Moreover, Everton have signed Jack Grealish on loan, and while the silky playmaker is flourishing on Merseyside, it has shifted Iliman Ndiaye out onto the right flank.

Everton's Iliman Ndiaye problem

When Everton welcomed Grealish to the pack, Moyes would have known that this would limit Ndiaye’s playing time from his favoured left flank.

Last season, the Senegalese winger was Everton’s most potent threat, finishing the campaign as their top scorer with 11 goals across all competitions.

Hailed by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp for his “dynamite” qualities on the ball, the 25-year-old also ranks among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe for successful take-ons and the top 8% for tackles won per 90, data courtesy of FBref.

Four of his Premier League goals with the Blues have been struck with his left foot, but Ndiaye is clearly more comfortable arcing into space to unleash with his right, having only featured twice as a right winger across the entirety of the 2024/25 season.

Could it be said that he is being wasted in this new role? It perhaps bears testament to Ndiaye’s remarkable skill that he has hardly fallen by the wayside in this new role, but the sense that he would be performing at a higher level in his previous role cannot be shaken at this moment.

The player’s speed and athleticism lend themselves to joy across the frontline; and indeed, Ndiaye has played all around the park, though Moyes has been the principal architect of his new home in unfamiliar territory.

Grealish, too, operates at his best in a left-sided midfield zone, but Moyes will be aware that both of his mavericks can play in a centralised attacking position, and maybe that’s food for thought, especially if Tyler Dibling makes the necessary developments over the next few weeks and months and nails down a prominent role at Everton.

Attacking midfield

51

15 (5)

Centre-forward

49

10 (12)

Left winger

41

10 (1)

Right winger

14

3 (2)

But this does loop back to O’Brien. Is the hulking defender the option on the right side of the defence? Does he provide the requisite creative support?

Ndiaye’s defensive focus has been sharpened since joining Everton from Marseille for £15m just over one year ago. However, he in turn needs help from the full-back behind him.

Given that Beto and Thierno Barry are struggling at number nine right now, and Ndiaye is Everton’s deadliest goal threat, there’s a chance that Moyes opts to field him as a centre-forward at some stage. In any case, appeasing the star is crucial if the club hope to stay competitive.

Ndiaye might have received a bit of criticism in recent weeks, but he’s still been dangerous across the opening weeks of the campaign, scoring two goals and assisting another.

But if Grealish becomes a permanent fixture on Merseyside, and Ndiaye is told that he will play off the right with regularity, a few more tweaks might be needed in the transfer market to achieve the kind of balance that will propel Everton into the ascendancy.

He's now world-class: Everton sold bigger talent than Ndiaye for just £22m

Everton messed up getting rid of this former star who is now worth £30m more.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 28, 2025

Despite suffering two Premier League defeats during a turbulent August, Manchester City will be confident heading back into top-flight action after the lengthy international break.

Since tasting the bitterness of defeat two games on the spin, Pep Guardiola’s men have fought back valiantly and now find themselves unbeaten across their last seven matches in all competitions, with Erling Haaland leading by example once more up top with a crazy 12 strikes already put away.

The hope will be that City are getting back to their frightening, serial-winning best again, having picked up zero trophies last season.

When the Citizens were collecting Premier League trophies for fun, before slipping up to Arne Slot’s Liverpool last campaign, Haaland wasn’t City’s only unbelievable performer who regularly fired on all cylinders.

Incidentally, Ilkay Gundogan – in particular – stood out as one terrific stalwart.

Gundogan's Manchester City career in numbers

So many well-known names come to mind from City’s recent glittering past, with faces such as Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden always popping up with a moment of class when needed for Guardiola and Co.

Gundogan will also be uttered about in the same breath as these Etihad legends, even if a second stint back in Sky Blue last campaign saw him return for one season, only to then leave again for Galatasaray.

Put the disappointment of the silky German coming back for just one Premier League goal to be added to his City back catalogue, and it’s clear that he’s still a modern and beloved icon.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak even lauded that he will be “go down in the folklore of Manchester City forever” for his “winning mentality” when he initially left English shores in 2023.

Games played

358

Goals scored

65

Assists

47

Premier League titles

5x

League Cups

4x

FA Cups

2x

Community Shields

2x

Champions Leagues

1x

It’s hard to argue against these glowing words, with Gundogan going on to amass 65 goals and 47 assists across 358 appearances.

He also won 14 trophies – which included five Premier League titles falling into his lap – off the back of always delivering in crunch moments, including that goal against Aston Villa to help win them the league and his stunning FA Cup final strike in 2023.

It would have been a tough task this summer for Guardiola to try and overhaul his midfield; therefore, with both the “top class” 34-year-old, as the Spaniard once glowing labelled him, and De Bruyne both exiting in quick succession.

Yet, the revered manager might well have a Gundogan-type player at his disposal right now, who could help catapult the Citizens back to being notorious trophy winners.

Manchester City's new Gundogan

City did splash the cash this summer in an attempt to be seen as a big dog in the Premier League again.

Indeed, after forking out a huge £59m to land Omar Marmoush in January, Guardiola and Co utilised their plentiful resources again in the hectic summer transfer window, with both Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri joining in notable deals, alongside Tijjani Reijnders costing an extravagant £46.5m to pick up from AC Milan.

Affectionately labelled as being “De Bruyne’s heir” after his breakaway strike against Wolverhampton Wanderers on his debut by statistician Statman Dave, it could well be that the exciting Dutchman is more of a Gundogan-style player when delving deeper into his City numbers to date.

While he did show off his assured ability to finish off a chance under pressure, which is very much in keeping with the classy Belgian during his Etihad prime, Reijnders has also very much stood out as an orchestrator of chances from deep when attempting to push his team forward, successfully completing four successful dribbles against Brentford last time out.

During his own peak in England, Gundogan also loved to spring into life from deep, with two successful dribbles managed on his own accord during a memorable 4-3 win against Newcastle United in 2021, off the back of amassing a ridiculous 145 touches of the ball.

The brand-new number 4 has already stood out as a star who also enjoys dictating play, with 63.7 touches of the ball averaged across his opening seven Premier League fixtures, making him look an extremely composed figure in the league from the get-go.

Games played

7

Goals scored

1

Assists

2

Touches*

63.7

Accurate passes*

43.9 (90%)

Key passes*

1.1

Ball recoveries*

3.1

Total duels won*

3.4

With one goal and three assists also next to his name in all competitions, it’s clear that he could grow into a Gundogan-level talent in time as City strive to be Premier League champions again, with “world-class” claims coming his way, too, courtesy of Italian commentator Marco Bonetti.

At 27, it could well be time for Reijnders to experience a second wind and become City’s vital glue, like the German managed to achieve after making his own debut in England at 25.

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