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Daizen Maeda saved the day for Celtic in stoppage time against Motherwell with a last-gasp goal to send the team to within two points of the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

The Japan international reacted quickly to run across the front post to bundle in a cross from substitute Michel-Ange Balikwisha to complete a comeback for the hosts.

Motherwell had been leading 2-1 until Benjamin Nygren equalised with a composed finish inside the box, before Maeda claimed all three points in the final moments.

The Japanese star saved several of his teammates with his late goal, as there were a number of poor performers on the pitch for the Hoops, including Arne Engels.

Why Arne Engels' form is concerning for Celtic

The Belgian midfielder did play a part in the goal with his pass through to Balikwisha in stoppage time, but his general play off the bench was a cause for concern.

Engels lost all six of his ground duels, per Sofascore, and was dribbled past three times in just 30 minutes on the pitch, which shows that he was too weak for the physicality of the game.

The central midfielder, who joined from Augsburg for a club-record £11m fee, made a solid start to life at Parkhead with ten goals and 13 assists in all competitions last season, per Transfermarkt.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Unfortunately, he was unable to sustain that form and has only started three of his six league outings this season, losing a whopping 73% of his duels, per Sofascore, which is a concern because it shows that he is struggling badly.

Brendan Rodgers will now be hoping that Sebastian Tounekti is not already destined to be the next Engels at Parkhead after a disappointing showing against Motherwell.

Why Sebastian Tounekti could be the next Arne Engels

The Tunisia international has been a bright spark in Glasgow since his deadline day move from Hammarby, exciting supporters with his electric play down the left flank.

He scored his first goal in the League Cup against Partick Thistle in the League Cup last month, and completed six dribbles and created three chances in the games against Hibernian and Braga before this clash with Motherwell.

Unfortunately, Tounekti was unable to build on his promise shown in those matches with a strong performance on Sunday, as he struggled on the left flank at Parkhead.

Minutes

60

Shots

0

Dribbles completed

1/6

Key passes

0

Big chances created

0

Possession lost

9x

Ground duels won

2/10

Aerial duels won

0/1

As you can see in the table above, the Tunisian forward lost 82% of his duels throughout the match, failing with five of his six attempted dribbles, and did not create a single chance for the side.

Engels, as aforementioned, has fallen down the pecking order for Celtic because his goal contributions have faded and he has struggled with the physicality of the league, after a promising first season at Parkhead.

Tounekti has had a promising first month or so at Parkhead, showing the potential to be an electric winger for Rodgers, but he has yet to deliver a goal or an assist in three outings in the Premiership to date.

As exciting as he can be at his best, the former Hammarby star, who lost nine of his 11 duels on Sunday, can be a bit of a lightweight when things are not going his way, as has been the case with Engels.

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Therefore, Rodgers must push Tounekti to add more end product to his performances to ensure that he does not follow the same path as the Belgian central midfielder in the weeks and months to come.

Celtic did not enjoy a successful and to the summer transfer window on paper after they failed to bring in the centre-forward recruits that they wanted.

The Hoops wanted to bring in two new strikers, as they allowed Adam Idah to sign for Swansea, but failed to sign any before they snapped Kelechi Iheanacho up on a free transfer the day after deadline day.

Such was the level of frustration from sections of the fanbase, Celtic felt they needed to put out a lengthy statement explaining why they did not land their targets and why they did not invest before the Champions League qualifying clash with Kairat.

That is all in the past, now, though, and supporters may end up looking back on the summer transfer window more favourably if some of the signings continue to shine on the pitch.

For example, the signing of Sebastian Tounekti from Hammarby on deadline day is already looking like a fantastic piece of business by the Hoops.

The Scottish giants reportedly splashed out a fee of £5.2m to sign the winger from the Swedish side, and that looks like a bargain on early evidence.

Why Sebastian Tounekti looks like a bargain signing for Celtic

The speed at which Tounekti has settled into life in Glasgow has been astonishing, as he looks like he has been playing in Scottish football and in hoops for years.

His performances in training must have been as impressive as what the forward has shown on the pitch, because Brendan Rodgers was willing to chuck him straight into the starting line-up against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

Tounekti signed for the club on deadline day, jetted away to play for Tunisia, then returned to start against Kilmarnock after only a few training sessions with his new teammates.

Minutes

88

58

Touches

67

34

Shots

5

0

Chances created

4

1

Dribbles completed

5/9

0/1

Duels won

6

1

That is why his performance, which was significantly better than fellow new signing Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s, was particularly impressive on his league debut.

The electric winger was a constant threat down the left flank for the Hoops with his willingness to drive at and take on defenders with the ball at his feet, as illustrated by his five completed dribbles in comparison to Balikwisha’s none.

That impressive display from the Tunisia international left him undroppable for the League Cup clash with Partick Thistle, irrespective of the fact that they were up against Championship opposition and could have rested him.

Tounekti left supporters excited to see more of him and Rodgers obliged. The winger did not let him down. He grabbed his first goal for the club in a 4-0 win for the Hoops on Sunday.

The 23-year-old dynamo, after just two appearances for the club, already looks like a bargain signing because of the quality that he has produced on the wing.

He also has the left wing position locked down and appears undroppable on current form, which may have a knock-on effect for other players in the squad.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Celtic star who currently looks like the biggest loser from Tounekti’s rapid rise to stardom at Parkhead is the 2024/25 Premiership Player of the Season, Daizen Maeda.

Why Maeda is the biggest loser of Tounekti's Celtic form

As aforementioned, the Tunisian star has shone on the left flank for the Hoops in their last two games, which means that the position is his for now.

Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho has delivered a last-minute winner, albeit from the penalty spot, and an assist in his first two appearances for the club as a centre-forward, which was clearly a position that the club wanted to strengthen in.

This has left Maeda in a bit of an awkward spot, because he mainly played as a left-winger last season and has mainly played as a centre-forward this season, per Transfermarkt.

The Japan international, was hailed as “phenomenal” and “built like a brick” by former Rangers boss Barry Ferguson, delivered an unquestionably outstanding return of 33 goals and 12 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, whilst starting as a left winger in 36 of those matches.

However, it remains to be seen whether that season was just a flash in the pan for Maeda. He only managed ten goals and four assists in 36 games in the 2023/24 campaign, per Transfermarkt, and has not a blinding start to the current term.

Appearances

34

5

Goals

16

1

Goals per game

0.5

0.2

Big chances missed

17

2

Conversion rate

28%

20%

Minutes per goal

160

372

As you can see in the table above, the Japanese forward has only scored once in the first five games of the current league season, missing two ‘big chances’ on the way.

Maeda’s inconsistency in front of goal throughout his Celtic career, taking his 11 goals from 49 matches from the 2022/23 season into account, suggests that supporters should not expect him to score 33 goals again this year.

This is why it should not be out of the question for Rodgers to unleash the 27-year-old star in a different role, as a right winger with Iheanacho through the middle and Tounekti on the left.

Maeda has started 22 matches as a right winger in his Celtic career, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he is capable of playing out wide on that side of the pitch.

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This Celtic star was as good as Sebastian Tounekti in the comfortable win over Partick Thistle.

ByDan Emery Sep 21, 2025

So, for now, the Japan international appears to be the biggest loser of Tounekti’s rise to stardom because the reigning Premiership Player of the Year may have to play in a different position that is not his favoured one to be in the starting line-up in the short term.

Everton secured their third Premier League win of the campaign this afternoon with a comeback victory over Crystal Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees went a goal down in the first half after Daniel Munoz put the visitors ahead, but a second-half fightback from David Moyes’ men secured a sensational victory.

Iliman Ndiaye slotted home a penalty with less than 15 minutes remaining, before Jack Grealish bundled home in stoppage time to secure all three points.

The result takes the side just a couple of points outside the top four of the Premier League, with a real buzz emerging around Merseyside given the impressive displays in recent weeks.

There’s no denying that multiple players played a pivotal role in the triumph over the Eagles, with their showings ending their superb 19-game unbeaten record.

Ndiaye & Grealish’s performances against Palace

As previously mentioned, Ndiaye and Grealish were the players who managed to find the back of the net for Everton – subsequently allowing the side to claim a needed victory.

The Senegalese international has made himself a fan-favourite over the last 12 months since his move, with his showing against the Eagles another one he should be proud of.

Alongside his goal, he created two chances for his teammates, whilst also completing four passes into the final third – further showcasing his creative nouse in attacking areas.

He wasn’t alone in impressing, with Grealish finally netting his first goal for the Toffees after numerous assists following his loan move from Manchester City this summer.

The Englishman completed two dribbles – the most of any player on the pitch – whilst also being fouled four times, with the opposition often unable to get near the 30-year-old.

Such performances showcase how impressive Moyes’ side were to complete the turnaround, but one player failed to take advantage of the chance handed his way this afternoon.

The Everton player who was saved by Ndiaye and Grealish

Despite the impressive showings of the aforementioned duo, numerous Everton players failed to make a huge impression on the contest against Oliver Glasner’s men.

Tyler Dibling was handed his first Premier League start for the Toffees today, but he was unable to prove to the fanbase why the hierarchy forked out £40m for his signature this summer.

The youngster only managed to complete a total of six passes against the Eagles, whilst also completing none of the three dribbles he attempted – highlighting his lack of impact in attacking areas.

However, the big-money addition wasn’t alone in failing to impress, with striker Thierno Barry also struggling to make the most of a rare start at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Like Dibling, the 22-year-old cost a pretty penny this summer, costing a fee in the region of £27m after starring for Villarreal in LaLiga during the 2024/25 campaign.

Today was just his second league start since his transfer, but it appears like the wrong call from Moyes, especially given his lack of impact in Merseyside.

He only featured for the first half before being replaced by Beto at the break, but his withdrawal was understandable after achieving a total of just 18 touches.

Thierno Barry – stats against Palace

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

45

Touches

18

Passes completed

4

Pass completion rate

50%

Big chances missed

1

Dribbles completed

0

Ground duels won

0

Fouls committed

1

Stats via FotMob

His subsequent tally was lower than goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, with the shot-stopper achieving a total of 48 – further showcasing the striker’s lack of impact.

Barry also only managed to register four passes at a completion rate of just 50%, whilst also missing a big chance in the process – making today an afternoon to forget for the talisman.

As a result of his showing, Barry was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by journalist Jack Dawson, topping off what was a dismal outing for the forward.

As a result, Moyes desperately needs to drop the Frenchman after the international break in order to allow Beto to reclaim his starting role at the top end of the pitch.

There’s no denying that Ndiaye and Grealish saved the forward amid his poor showing, with the duo undoubtedly being the shining lights in the sensational victory.

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Plans have been leaked at Celtic to show their appreciation for the Lisbon Lions next season, marking the 60th anniversary of their 1967 European Cup success.

The greatest Celtic team ever?

There have been many great sides in the Hoops’ rich history, allowing them to dominate the Scottish game and also thrive in European competition.

None are more famous than the Lisbon Lions, though, whose 1967 triumph remains a legendary Celtic achievement, following a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the final in Portugal.

They are a truly legendary Celtic outfit who have rightly received so much love down the years, not least from current Hoops hero Callum McGregor.

Celtic's 2026/27 plans to honour Lisbon Lions

Now, Footy Headlines report that Celtic plan to honour the Lisbon Lions next season with a new-look logo, in order to coincide with it being 60 years since their European Cup win, stating:

“The special Celtic 26-27 crest is an ornate and classic design, fitting for such a momentous occasion. In a wonderful touch that pays tribute to the location of the final, the text around the crest reads ’60° ANIVERSÁRIO’ – which is Portuguese for ’60th Anniversary’. The logo features the traditional four-leaf clover, the club’s name, and the founding year ‘1888’, all rendered in a beautiful gold against a Celtic green background.”

The 2026/27 crest is set to feature on the home shirt and also likely to be on the away and third jerseys. This is a lovely touch by Celtic, ensuring that their past legends are remembered, following what remains arguably the greatest achievement of all time at the club.

Hoops icons should never be forgotten, making the current squad realise that there are certain expectation levels at Parkhead, and while being European champions is close to impossible for them in the modern game, there are still standards that should be met.

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Hopefully, Celtic will be honouring their former greats as Scottish Premiership champions next season, although improved form is required after a hit-and-miss start to the 2025/26 campaign.

Rasmus Hojlund continues to make Manchester United question their decision to let him leave Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, with the Red Devils outcast netting another crucial goal for Napoli in what is quickly becoming a productive loan spell. The Denmark international grabbed a match-winning effort for the reigning Serie A champions in their clash with Genoa.

• How Holjund helped Napoli to three precious points

  Hojlund pounced in the 75th minute to seal a 2-1 victory at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Napoli had trailed the contest at half-time, but battled back to claim all three points. Hojlund made the most decisive contribution, as he once again found himself in the right place at the right time.

  Ex-Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne was also involved in Napoli’s winner against Genoa, as he swung over the cross that caused chaos inside the penalty area. Nicola Leali pulled off a decent save to initially keep Napoli at bay, but was left helpless as Hojlund turned the rebound home from six yards out.

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• Watch Hojliund net winning goal against Genoa

• Memorable week of Serie A & Champions League action

  Hojlund enjoyed the perfect end to a memorable week, having also bagged a brace for Napoli in their Champions League win over Sporting. He is up to four goals for the season, through six appearances, having managed just 26 for United across the 95 games that he played for them.

  Antonio Conte is delighted for the hard-working frontman, who is showing Premier League giants United – who have endured ongoing struggles in the final third of the field – what they are missing. Conte said: “He’s a 22-year-old who was on the sidelines at Manchester United. He has significant room for improvement; he needs to work because he has the potential to become a star, and he’s proving it.”

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• Getty
  

  What has changed? Hojlund answers that question

  Hojlund’s cause at Old Trafford was hindered by the fact that United failed to create the kind of chances that he feeds off. Slow build-up play meant that he struggled to get involved and was not picked out as often as he could have been. He had, however, showcased his potential in Italy during a previous stint with Atalanta.

  Now back in familiar surroundings, Hojlund said of rediscovering a lost spark: “I don’t think I’ve changed much. I’m just doing my job and working day by day to give my best and bring something to the team.”

  He went on to tell of helping Napoli to back-to-back wins in continental and domestic competition – with the resilience of Conte’s side shining through: “Winning twice in a week at the Maradona is huge. Maybe today wasn’t our best performance, but taking all three points was the most important thing.”

Lauren Hemp has spoken about a surprising and amusing routine she does before games, fake tanning in the buildup to be freshly bronzed out on the pitch. Speaking to ex-England internationals Karen Carney and Jill Scott, the Lionesses winger joked that she can't always be bothered do it properly and the Manchester City star laughed it off as 'a ritual of mine'.

• Hemp's surprising pre-match tanning routine

  During a lighthearted appearance on the podcast, Hemp shared her quirky tanning habit before matches. She explained that she often only tans her quads, leaving her calves – usually covered by socks – untouched, which has led to some amusing looks in the past. Both Carney and Scott teased her, but Hemp stood by the routine as something she always does.

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• Getty Images
  

  Hemp shares the details behind her 'tan'

  Explaining her approach, Hemp revealed: "Oh, I can't be bothered to do, like, my whole body. I just do, like, half and half. If I forgot, then I'll just do quads. I fake tan before every game? I just think, 'I'll do the bit people can see,' and then I leave the rest."

  She went on to add with a smile: "That [tanning] is a ritual of mine. I can't really think of many other things I have. It's funny really, because you'd expect me to be talking about football preparation, but this is actually one of my matchday habits."

• Hemp currently out injured for Man City

  Hemp's jovial admission comes amid injury concerns at Manchester City. The winger was forced off in the first half against Tottenham with an ankle problem, leaving in a protective boot. Head coach Andree Jeglertz confirmed that she will likely miss the clash with the London City Lionesses, as she did in the Women's League Cup against Everton on Wednesday.

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  Man City continue to focus on WSL campaign

  Manchester City will be monitoring Hemp's recovery closely as they continue their Women's Super League campaign against the ambitious London City Lionesses. The club will hope the injury is not as serious as last season's knee issue, which sidelined her for over five months. Supporters will be eager to see her return soon – tan ritual and all.

Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal showed his lighter side after the Ballon d’Or gala by buying midnight hamburgers for team-mates and friends, while president Joan Laporta admitted he even tried pressing Ronaldinho and Andres Iniesta to reveal the winner. Yamal may have fallen short, but his Kopa Trophy joy kept spirits high as Ousmane Dembele took home the big prize instead.

Midnight feast after Ballon d’Or gala

Fresh from finishing runner-up in the Ballon d’Or and securing his second consecutive Kopa Trophy, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal capped a memorable night in Paris by surprising the Barcelona expedition with hamburgers. With the squad starving after the ceremony, the youngster made sure nobody returned home hungry.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLaporta on Yamal’s joy and secret hunt for the winner

Laporta described the moment in detail during an interview with , saying the teenager was in high spirits despite missing out on the Ballon d’Or crown.

"Lamine was very happy, joking around after the gala. He brought us all hamburgers at midnight after the gala, because we hadn't eaten anything and were all very hungry," he said. [Pau] Cubarsi, some other friends, and he brought us those hamburgers. They were very good, by the way."

The Barca president also revealed his determination to uncover the Ballon d’Or result beforehand: "We didn't know who the winner was. We spoke to everyone and asked if they knew who won: [Andres] Iniesta, Ronaldinho, [UEFA president Aleksander] Ceferin… Nobody knew. Not even the highest-ranking officials in France, whom we also asked."

Yamal’s maturity shines despite Ballon d’Or setback

Yamal had been being tipped by many to win the award, including his father Mounir Nasraoui, who branded Dembele’s Ballon d’Or win as the “greatest moral harm”. Instead, he became the first to took home the prize for the best player aged 21 and under for a second time, beating Paris Saint-Germain duo Desire Doue and Joao Neves to the award this time around. 

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AFPBarcelona's focus shifts back to domestic action

The Catalan giants return to action with a midweek clash against Real Oviedo before hosting Real Sociedad at the weekend. With Yamal sidelined through injury, the Blaugrana will be hoping their teenage star can recover in time for the decisive Champions League showdown with PSG.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo anunciou a saída de Rogério Ceni e toda sua comissão técnica nesta quarta-feira (19). O comunicado foi emitido de forma oficial pelo clube

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Além de Ceni, também deixam suas funçõesos auxiliares técnicos Charles Hembert, Leandro Macagnan, Nelson Simões e o preparador Danilo Augusto, que estavam no cargo junto ao ex-goleiro do clube desde outubro de 2021. Ao todo, foram quase 18 meses de trabalho.

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O São Paulo agradeceu a passagem do técnico e afirmou que ‘estará sempre de portas abertas’ para o ídolo tricolor. O treinador estava pressionado desde a eliminação precoce da equipe no Campeonato Paulista, quando deixou a competição após ser derrotada pelo Água Santa.

Mesmo com a vitória recente contra o Puerto Cabello, por 2 a 0, o futuro do treinador estava incerto após a série de resultados negativos, tanto nas estreias da Copa do Brasil e Campeonato Brasileiro. Inclusive, a pressão também estava partindo da própria torcida.

Nesta quarta-feira (19), a diretoria se reuniu junto ao treinador para debater seu futuro. E conforme ficou acertado, Rogério Ceni não será mais o técnico do clube.

continua após a publicidade

Veja o comunicado oficial do São Paulo:

O São Paulo Futebol Clube anuncia a saída de Rogério Ceni da função de treinador nesta quarta (19). Também deixam suas funções os auxiliares técnicos Charles Hembert, Leandro Macagnan, Nelson Simões e o preparador Danilo Augusto. O Clube agradece aos profissionais pela dedicação de todos durante o período de quase 18 meses de trabalho nesta passagem que trouxe dois vice-campeonatos como resultados esportivos mais relevantes. O São Paulo Futebol Clube destaca que está sempre de portas abertas para o ídolo Rogério Ceni, embora os caminhos profissionais sigam direções diferentes no momento.

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a high-profile player this summer, and one who’s been seriously endorsed by the club’s all-time top scorer, Harry Kane.

Tottenham advancing move for £24m defender after 'emerging' as favourites

Spurs have been told what it would take to get a deal done.

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Spurs have already announced the signings of Mathys Tel on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich, Kota Takai in a J-League record £5 million move from Kawasaki Frontale and, of course, Mohammed Kudus from West Ham.

Kudus’ transfer marked the end of a 14-year-long unofficial transfer embargo between Spurs and their London rivals, with the Ghanaian seriously impressing on his debut against Reading last weekend.

Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White was set to immediately follow Kudus to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a medical was even scheduled for July 11 (BBC), but Nuno Espírito Santo’s side blocked the transfer and threatened legal action for what they deem to be an unlawful approach.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Once the matter is resolved, Tottenham are hopeful that Gibbs-White will eventually seal his switch to N17, but the move has been significantly delayed.

In the meantime, it is reliably reported that Spurs are competing with Newcastle United and Forest to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, who scored 20 goals in all competitions under Thomas Frank last season.

Despite the current abundance of holding midfielders in their squad, there are also suggestions that Tottenham are looking for another one, with £167,000-per-week Bayern Munich ace Joao Palhinha among their chief targets.

Palhinha endured a lacklustre debut campaign at Bayern last season after sealing his long-awaited move there in 2024.

The Portugal international – thanks to a combination of injuries, illness and suspension – eventually fell down Vincent Kompany’s pecking order, and reports claim he could make a return to the Premier League already.

Tottenham are reported to have contacted Palhinha’s agents, and while reliable journalist Alasdair Gold doesn’t mention this, he does back up Spurs’ interest in a piece for football.london.

Tottenham eyeing Joao Palhinha after Harry Kane praise

Gold states that Tottenham are targeting Palhinha and have the 30-year-old on their shortlist of potential midfield signings, but at least one of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr and Archie Gray would need to depart first.

Amid Bissouma’s links with a move to Turkey and inconsistent form, the Mali international appears their most likely candidate to make way for Palhinha.

Interestingly, Lilywhites legend Kane has already endorsed a possible Spurs swoop for the robust, tough-tackling number six, who was also called a “leader” by Marco Silva during his Fulham days.

Kane is on record calling the ex-Sporting CP star an “animal”, citing his many tough battles against him.

“I think they suit our system really well,” said Kane after Bayern signed Palhinha and Michael Olise last summer, via Florian Plettenberg.

“Palhinha is an animal in that defensive midfield role. I’ve had many battles against him.

“Michael’s ability on the ball is fantastic. The way he moves, the way he goes around players – and his final product is at a high, high level. And he’s still very young, so there’s even more improvement to come.”

According to some reports, Bayern want around £30m to let Palhinha leave, while Spurs want a deal done closer to the £20m mark.

Friday’s clash with Warwickshire will be at Edgbaston, with New Road hosting a Sri Lanka tour match

ECB Reporters Network14-Aug-2024Worcestershire’s cricketers secured a home-quarter-final against Warwickshire – albeit at Edgbaston with New Road hosting England Lions versus Sri Lanka – in the Metro-Bank One-Day Cup despite losing to Lancashire by three runs in their last Group A game at Emirates Old Trafford.Although they restricted their hosts to 237, Worcestershire struggled on a pitch where run-scoring rarely looked easy and were indebted to skipper Jake Libby, whose innings of 83 ensured their overall run rate did not suffer.Tom Hinley’s 17-ball 24 had even looked to give them a chance of a dramatic victory but Venkatesh Iyer dismissed Hinley and Harry Darley with successive deliveries to grab a dramatic winFor Lancashire, this victory came as a boost after a miserable 50-over campaign. Josh Bohannon made a fine 87 and slow left-armer Charlie Barnard took three List A wickets for the first time in a disciplined bowling performance.But Worcestershire’s quicker bowlers had ensured that Lancashire made yet another indifferent start to a 50-over innings. Tom Taylor had Kesh Fonseka caught behind with the third ball of the innings and the next two wickets fell to the impressive Harry Darley, who bowled George Bell for seven and induced Rocky Flintoff to nick another catch to Gareth Roderick when the 16-year-old had made nine.That left Lancashire on 50 for 3 in the fourteenth over but Bohannon and Iyer repaired the innings with a stand of 63 before Iyer was caught behind off Ethan Brookes for 25. By then, though, Bohannon had reached his fifty off 74 balls with a six over midwicket off Tom Hinley’s left-arm wrist spin and the run-rate quickened when he and George Balderson put on 80 in 13 overs.But having been dropped twice off Hinley in the 80s, Bohannon was caught by Rob Jones off the same bowler for 87 and the spinner continued to frustrate Lancashire’s hopes of reaching 250 by having Balderson caught by Roderick for 50 and then accepting a return catch off Tom Bailey.Harry Singh tried to supply some acceleration in the latter stages of the innings with a 24-ball 21 but Lancashire were dismissed in exactly 50 overs for 237. Hinley recovered from his earlier mauling to take three for 58 but Taylor was the pick of the Worcestershire attack with 2 for 25 from ten overs.The start of Worcestershire’s innings was marginally less impressive than Lancashire’s had been. Having made 13, Ed Pollock hooked Josh Boyden to Charlie Barnard at long leg and two overs later the same bowler bowled Gareth Roderick for nine when the Worcestershire opener chopped the ball into his stumps.When Jones skied a pull off Barnard’s left-arm spin to Will Williams running round from mid-on, Worcestershire were 45 for 3 in the 13th over and in need of a recovery similar to Lancashire’s.Instead, though, Ethan Brookes was lbw when attempting to sweep Barnard for 19 and the same bowler took a comfortable catch at mid-off when Josh Cobb tried to drive Harry Singh.Cobb’s departure for eight left Worcestershire on 106 for five in the 28th over but Libby and Taylor mixed sensible strike rotation with a few big hits in an 89-run stand that left their side 43 runs short of victory.However, Libby’s dismissal, bowled by Barnard for 83, was crucial. Fateh Singh lasted only three balls and Libby was bowled by Wiliams for 41 to leave the Rapids needing 40 off 28 balls. It looked unlikely until Hinley took a hand but Iyer had the final word.