Carrington's "wing wizard" is another Mbeumo in the making at Man Utd

Manchester United have now gone four games undefeated in the Premier League, which is perhaps a sign of things changing for Ruben Amorim’s side. His first year in charge at the club has been underwhelming to say the least, and it has taken time to adapt to his infamous 3-4-2-1 system.

Well, one of the most important positions in Amorim’s system are the two number 10s. It took him some time to find the right solution in those roles. Bruno Fernandes has been operating in the pivot, with Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount two key options.

Bryan Mbeumo has also made a fast start to life at United.

Mbeumo’s exceptional October

October felt like the month where Mbeumo truly arrived at United. He had played well in the weeks before that, scoring against Grimsby in the Carabao Cup and Burnley in the Premier League, but it was last month that he began to shine truly.

Mbeumo played three games in October for United, chipping in with at least one goal or assist in each of them. In total, he contributed four goal involvements in three games last month for the Red Devils.

It is perhaps easy for United fans to pinpoint which was the most important. Mbeumo’s strike at Anfield against Liverpool just seconds into the match summed him up.

Their number 19 managed to run in behind the Reds’ defence and fire home first time on his weaker right foot.

After grabbing an assist for Mount against Sunderland at the start of the month and scoring twice against Brighton and Hove Albion, Mbeumo was nominated for Premier League player of the month.

Club legend Wayne Rooney said the Cameroonian star is “by far United’s best player of the season.”

It is certainly exciting that United are brewing the new version of Mbeumo in the academy.

United’s homegrown Mbeumo

For decades, United have produced some exceptional players in their academy. In the current crop of youngsters, there are some exciting talents. JJ Gabriel is a player who has a lot of hype surrounding him.

Another young talent United fans can get excited about is 18-year-old Shea Lacey. After overcoming injury issues in recent seasons, the Liverpool-born attacker has shown exactly how good he is this season.

In nine games across all competitions, Lacey has found the back of the net on three occasions and assisted two other goals for teammates.

They have come in just 507 minutes, leaving him with an average of a goal involvement every 101 minutes.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

One of the best examples of Lacey’s talent came in the under-21s’ recent 2-0 EFL Trophy victory away to Notts County. Operating on the right-hand side, the 18-year-old scored one and created one chance.

The “wing wizard” – as hailed by the Daily Mail’s Chris Wheeler – was a handful for defenders all night, completing three from five dribbles and winning two fouls

Touches

72

Pass accuracy

80%

Passes completed in opposition half

24/32

Ground duels won

8/14

Ball recoveries

7

Dribbles completed

3/5

Chances created

1

Goals

1

One of the striking things about Lacey is his technical ability. He thieves in tight spaces in the right half-space, which could certainly make him suitable for Amorim’s system, playing in the right 10 role just like Mbeumo does now.

The England under-20 star was described as a “creative talisman” by Academy Scoop on X, a page dedicated to the Red Devils academy sides. That is easy to understand, with the 18-year-old having passes like this in his locker.

It is certainly easy to see how Lacey can be United’s own Mbeumo. The talented youngster is comfortable on the right wing or as a number 10, just like the Red Devils’ number 19.

Both are left-footed attackers, too.

It remains to be seen when Lacey will get his first-team debut at United, but it is bound to happen sooner or later. He is a superb talent who has even trained with England’s first team this season. United have another gem on their hands.

Man Utd have a "deadly" academy star who's another Fernandes in the making

Man Utd might not have to look far to replace Bruno

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 6, 2025

Nathan Ake looking to leave Man City in January with price tag now set

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake is now open to leaving the Etihad Stadium in the January transfer window, with the Premier League giants setting his price tag.

The Dutchman has been a fantastic servant for the Citizens since arriving from Bournemouth back in 2020, winning four Premier League titles and one Champions League crown, among other trophies.

That said, the 30-year-old has seen his playing time become more limited under Pep Guardiola this season, making only one start in the league, as well as making four substitute appearances in the competition.

Ake is now into the final two years of his current deal at City, with his contract running until the summer of 2027, so there are decisions to be made by both him and the club.

The Sky Blues may want to cash in on him while they still have time, assuming they don’t see a long-term future for him, and the player himself will no doubt like the idea of enjoying more regular playing time.

Ake wants to leave as Man City set £31m price tag

According to Caught Offside, the battle to sign Manchester City ace Ake is hotting up ahead of the January transfer window, with Inter Milan, Juventus and Crystal Palace all mentioned as options.

It is claimed that the Citizens are open to a deal and want as much as £31m for the Netherlands international. Ake wants to be earning more minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup and is looking to leave the club in January.

It does feel as though Ake’s time at City is reaching its natural conclusion, during a period in which so many members of the club’s title-winning sides have moved on, not least Kevin De Bruyne earlier this year.

The centre-back is understandably open to the idea of a fresh challenge, given Guardiola’s current stance on him, even though the Spaniard has lauded him as “incredible” in the past.

If Ake does leave City, he will be remembered as a great servant who has done so much for the cause in the past five years, with his ability to thrive at both centre-back and left-back proving to be priceless.

Whoever does potentially sign will be getting an excellent player who still has plenty to offer in his career, with Guardiola also saying of him: “I don’t think you can ever find a single teammate of his who has anything bad to say about him. Both at his clubs and with the Dutch national team. He’s very competitive and I wish he could play a season without injuries, but sometimes you run into those kinds of things. I adore him as a person and as a player.”

Man City ready bid for Vinicius Jr as feelings at Real Madrid are revealed

He is one of the best players in the world.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 2, 2025

From City’s point of view, if they can get as much as £31m for a player in his 30s, it would have to be considered good business, and they could then bring in a younger replacement instead.

Is Nathan Ake one of Man City's 10 highest-earning players?

موتسيبي يشيد بمنتخب شباب المغرب: فخر إفريقيا.. ويومًا ما سنفوز بـ كأس العالم

وجه باتريس موتسيبي رئيس الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم، تحية قوية لـ المغرب بسبب تطور المنتخبات الوطنية وخاصة الشباب، بعد الفوز ببطولة كأس العالم الأخيرة تحت 20 عامًا.

وأقيم حفل توزيع جوائز كاف، يوم الأربعاء، 19 نوفمبر بالعاصمة المغربية الرباط.

وقال موتسيبي في تصريحات خلال الحفل: “إنه لشرف حقيقي أن نكون متواجدين في هذا البلد الرائع، وتحية للشعب المغربي، فأنتم تمتلكون مكانة خاصة في قلوبنا، ومساهمتكم في كرة القدم الإفريقية كبيرة جدًا، ونحن فخورون بالعمل الذي تقوم به كل دولة في هذه القارة”.

وأكمل: “أود أن أعبّر عن فخري الكبير بأخي فوزي لقجع، واليوم نحتفل بالأفضل في هذه القارة، وكرة القدم الإفريقية فخورة بكم لأنكم تمثلون الأفضل”.

طالع.. رسميًا | الإعلان عن أفضل مدرب في قارة إفريقيا 2025

وتابع: “تحية خاصة لـ منتخب المغرب تحت 20 عامًا، أبطال العالم، شبابنا أبطال العالم، ودائمًا نقول إن علينا أن نستثمر في شبابنا، والأمر يتطلّب وقتًا، لكن كلما زاد الاستثمار ظهرت النتائج، والمهارة موجودة، نحن فخورون جدًا بهذا الإنجاز”.

وأضاف: “كرة القدم تجمع الأفضل في إفريقيا، ورغم اختلافاتنا وانتماءنا إلى ديانات مختلفة، إلا أن كرة القدم تجمعنا، ومستقبل كرة القدم الإفريقية يبدو ساطعًا وجميلًا، وجياني أخبرني أنه في عام 2027 سيتم انتخاب رئيس جديد للفيفا”.

وأشار: “وفي عام 2026 سنُظهر للعالم أن كرة القدم الإفريقية من بين الأفضل في كأس العالم بأمريكا، نحتاج إلى أحد المنتخبات الإفريقية ليجعلنا فخورين”.

وأتم: “فقد بلغنا نصف النهائي، وفي عام 2026 سنذهب إلى أبعد من ذلك ونحقق المزيد، وسيأتي يوم تصبح فيه دولة إفريقية بطلة للعالم، سنفوز بكأس العالم”.

Prenelan Subrayen reported for suspect action, SA rest him from final two ODIs

The offspinner, who has faced scrutiny over his action in the past, will need to undergo independent assessment within 14 days

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Aug-2025South Africa allrounder Prenelan Subrayen has been reported for a suspect bowling action following the first ODI against Australia on Tuesday in Cairns.The offspinner took 1 for 46 in his ten overs, dismissing opener Travis Head as South Africa went 1-0 up with a 98-run win. This was the 31-year-old Subrayen’s ODI debut, which came almost two months after he earned his first Test cap against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.Related

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Subrayen now needs to undergo an independent assessment of his action at an ICC-accredited testing facility within 14 days which South Africa are hoping he can do in Brisbane at Cricket Australia’s National Cricket Centre where Australia’s left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann was tested earlier this year. Bowlers are permitted 15 degrees of elbow extension while delivering the ball and he is allowed to continue bowling in matches until the results of his test are known. But South Africa coach Shukri Conrad said on Thursday that the team has decided Subrayen will not play until he has completed the testing process.”He’s available to play,” Conrad said. “You are allowed to play until you get tested.””We just felt that less noise and get him out of the public eye, make sure he is okay and focuses on the testing.”The process is to get him tested as soon as we can and we are looking to do it in Brisbane. That suits everyone. We are going to the UK via Brisbane so hopefully we can get it sooner rather than later.”This is not the first time the Subrayen has faced scrutiny over his action. In December 2012, Cricket South Africa (CSA) placed him under rehabilitation after two separate independent tests deemed his action illegal. He was cleared to bowl again in January 2013 after undergoing remedial work and re-testing.Subrayen was reported in September 2014 during the Champions League T20 tournament in India, and once more during a domestic T20 game in November 2015, and suspended from bowling after an assessment of his action found all his deliveries to exceed the 15-degree limit. He failed a re-assessment in January 2016, and was eventually cleared to resume bowling after having his action cleared at the CSA’s High Performance Centre in March 2016.”He has gone through this process before,” Conrad said. “It’s never easy. It’s taken him a long time to make his debut and we are rallying around him. Next week will reveal a lot and we will take it from there.”They’ve [the ICC] flagged 12 balls which they’ve forwarded to us. He has got to emulate those 12 balls during the test. We are going to be sending our bowling coach (Piet Botha) with him for support and for us to gain some knowledge about how these things work.”The second and third ODIs, which are the last two matches of South Africa’s white-ball tour of Australia, will be played on August 22 and 24 in Mackay.

Rain forces early tea after India lose Gill

Shubman Gill has been the man all through this tour and once again he was able to tick off a record – most runs by an India captain in a Test series – but his poor luck with the toss continued. And just as he was helping get his team past that disadvantage he was run out for his first score past 20 and under 100 since arriving in England, meaning he had gotten a start and, against the odds, gave it away. Ten balls later, the rain came and swept everyone back into the dressing room. It was as untimely as a wicket could ever be, leaving India at 85 for 3.B Sai Sudharsan was the batter at the other end, and although he took a step forward, there was no way he was going to make it across for a single. Of all the ways to get out on a pitch with 8mm of grass and consistent sideways movement – both swing and seam. India were negotiating all that well for the most part. Gus Atkinson, returning to the fold after just a second XIs game to judge his fitness, was the single biggest threat from England. He took down Yashasvi Jaiswal in the fourth over and had a part to play in the Gill run-out as well – quick to spot the opportunity in his follow-through and nailing a direct hit at the keeper’s end.England went into the Oval Test with a vastly changed bowling attack, Chris Woakes the unlikely survivor despite playing all five matches. Ben Stokes was out with injury. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse were rested and the replacements didn’t seem quite up for it. Josh Tongue gave away 11 runs in wides in his first over and Jamie Overton’s first three overs cost more than five runs apiece. Atkinson was keeping them in it, his first spell a wonderful example of how to keep it simple and reap the rewards on offer. He pitched the ball up, kept a tight line around off stump and walked away with figures of 6-1-7-1.India, though, were recovering from that. Sai Sudharsan was leaving the ball well – a marked improvement from the last Test where he was out for a duck leaving the ball to second slip – and seemed better equipped to handle balls aimed at his body as well. He is 28 off 84, having played some gorgeous drives down the ground. There were only six overs bowled in the middle session due to rain interruptions but that was still enough to cause a significant dent to India, whose hopes now lie with one batter who made his debut on this tour and another on the comeback trail which might not have a lot of trail left. Karun Nair, brought back in place of Shardul Thakur, was unbeaten on 0 off 8 at tea.

Van Dijk's new Matip: Liverpool now chasing "sensational" Guehi alternative

Five years ago, Jurgen Klopp watched his Liverpool team crumble as injuries overwhelmed them. They had just won the Premier League, and the year before, christened what was to be a historic chapter when the boss led them to victory in the Champions League.

Lightning has struck twice. Arne Slot dominated the English game last year and won the title with such confidence, but Liverpool have fallen apart after a summer of significant spending, faulty across any number of areas and bereft of fluency and coherence.

There is maybe a need for patience, and for allowing these new cogs to connect with the Slot machine, but then the flip side of that would be that there is no excusing the error-strewn displays, and inability to react to opposition approaches.

Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher called it a crisis, with the Merseysiders having lost four Premier League matches on the bounce.

And while many exciting attacking signings were made, with the full-back ranks reshaped, Liverpool are leaving so much to be desired defensively, and changes are surely needed.

Liverpool's need for centre-backs

Virgil van Dijk has for so long been a pillar of strength and leadership at Liverpool. Both things remain true, but the captain turned 34 in July and, while still immense, lacks the structure around him to give rise to his finest football.

To put that another way, Liverpool are a bit of a mess at the back, and Van Dijk has been carried along with the current across recent weeks.

Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes have overseen a stylistic restructure across Liverpool’s backline, and this has knocked things out of kilter. Questions must be asked of the strategy behind adding Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez to the ranks, neither of whom appear to be glove-tight fits.

And the fumbled deal for Crystal Palace centre-half Marc Guehi has aggravated the issue. Liverpool sold Jarell Quansah this summer, and Giovanni Leoni, 18, is out for the season after suffering an ACL injury on his debut. Guehi was needed, but Liverpool left it late, and the Eagles didn’t want to play ball after missing out on targets of their own.

With that in mind, it appears the Reds have set their sights on a bid for Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano. According to Spanish sources, Liverpool joined by Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid in angling for a move in 2026.

The France international is out of contract at the end of the term, and while the Bundesliga giants are desperate to seal his renewal, the 27-year-old may be tempted by lucrative offers from the Premier League and La Liga.

Why Liverpool want to sign Upamecano

Liverpool struck gold in the past when they landed a talented defender from the Bundesliga on a free transfer. Indeed, Joel Matip played a defining role in the Klopp era, playing 201 games for the club, scoring 11 goals and supplying six assists.

He won the Premier League and the Champions League among further honours, notably playing in Divock Origi for the Belgian’s conclusive goal against Tottenham in Madrid, six years ago.

It all started when the Cameroonian agreed to join Klopp’s nascent project in February 2016, arriving at the end of the 2015/16 campaign.

Van Dijk has had many partners at the back, but when Matip was fully-fit and firing beside him, Klopp’s behemoths formed quite the partnership.

Now, with Upamecano approaching the end of his journey at the Allianz Arena, FSG are desperate to capitalise once again.

Bayern signed the Frenchman from divisional rivals RB Leipzig in 2021 for a reported £38m fee. He had been described as an “elite talent and a joy to watch” by scout Jacek Kulig before his move to Bayern.

Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano

And he’s gone from strength to strength since. Indeed, the tough-tackling star has polished his skillset to a standard that would befit a starring, much-scrutinised role in Slot’s Liverpool side. Should Liverpool pull this off, they may even forget all about that botched bid for Guehi.

Hailed for his “sensational” defensive ability by writer Mohammed Butt, Upamecano has the experience, athleticism and technical quality to make his mark on the Premier League, perhaps even bringing a more complete brand than someone like Guehi.

Van Dijk will expect to captain Liverpool next season, and the Dutchman’s cultured shift into his veteran years suggests that, with a more stable framework around him, he could see his club achieve their goals.

Guehi might have the experience within the English game, but Upamecano would fancy himself a cut above, boasting a wealth of top-level experience and with much silverware in the bank.

In 2025, he has also, crucially, established himself as a starting centre-back for Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus side, and with the World Cup on the horizon, this tells much of his quality and the faith of those above him.

Dayot Upamecano – Stats by Club

Club

Apps

Goals (assists)

Bayern Munich

164

5 (10)

RB Leipzig

154

4 (3)

France

34

2 (0)

FC Liefering

16

0 (0)

Data via Transfermarkt

A ball-playing defender, data-driven platform FBref suggest that there is a likeness between Upamecano and former Anfield star Quansah, though Slot would hope to bring in a more refined and cultured presence than the up-and-comer he deemed unfit for a starring role in his project.

FBref reveal that, over the past 12 months, Upamecano ranks among the top 4% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion and progressive passes, the top 1% for passes attempted, the top 11% for shot-creating actions and the top 2% for recoveries made per 90. Clearly, he’s got the skills and physicality to succeed in the Premier League.

Though Liverpool remain in the mix for Guehi, his free agency will attract the biggest sharks across the continent.

Not only would the £166k-per-week Upamecano prove a worthy fallback, but he might even be the better pick.

The new Thiago: Liverpool "superstar" is becoming a "huge disappointment"

This Liverpool mainstay has flattered to deceive this season.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 29, 2025

#LancecomFlu: Abraço do 'anjo' transforma Samuel Xavier, e lateral vira talismã do Fluminense na Libertadores

MatériaMais Notícias

Um simples abraço mudou a vida de Samuel Xavier no Fluminense. Antes criticado, o lateral caiu nas graças da torcida e virou um dos personagens mais importantes do Tricolor das Laranjeiras na caminhada ao título da Libertadores.

RelacionadasNotíciasAs promessas de Fluminense e Boca Juniors: John Kennedy e Valentín Barco buscam a Glória EternaNotícias01/11/2023FluminenseFluminense divulga lista de relacionados para duelo com o Bahia pelo Campeonato BrasileiroFluminense31/10/2023NotíciasLibertadores: como foram os últimos jogos entre Boca e Fluminense?Notícias31/10/2023

+ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Fluminense

O abraço do ‘anjo’ aconteceu em dezembro de 2021, durante a vitória do Fluminense sobre a Chapecoense, pelo Brasileirão. Antes do apito final, o torcedor Júlio César invadiu o gramado do Maracanã e abraçou Samuel Xavier. Na época, o lateral vinha de atuações irregulares e era alvo da torcida pela renovação de contrato.

Ao Lance!, Júlio César explicou o motivo do abraço em Samuel Xavier e sua motivação em invadir o gramado do Maracanã.

– Eu abracei o Samuel Xavier porque na hora eu senti que seria uma oportunidade única. Desde de criança sempre quis pisar no gramado no Maracanã, E quando vi meu time do coração jogando não aguentei, tive que pular – comentou Júlio César.

A ascensão de Samuel Xavier também passa pelas mudanças táticas promovidas por Fernando Diniz. Ambos trabalharam juntos em 2010, no Paulista de Jundiaí, e o treinador tirou Samuel da meia e passou a escalá-lo como lateral-direito.

Desde o abraço, Samuel Xavier desbancou a concorrência e se tornou titular incontestável na posição. Importante ofensivamente, o lateral se destacou com gols e assistências na Libertadores, sendo o grande herói na classificação contra o Argentino Juniors, marcando dois gols que garantiram o Flu nas quartas de final.

+ Veja tabela e simule os resultados do Brasileirão

Porém, Samuel Xavier quase se tornou vilão do Tricolor das Laranjeiras, sendo expulso no final do primeiro tempo da partida de ida com o Internacional, pela semifinal da Libertadores. Com a classificação heróica, o lateral terá a chance de escrever seu nome na história no dia 4 de novembro, na final contra o Boca Juniors.

Chelsea women's player ratings vs Liverpool: Alyssa Thompson scores another stunner but record-breaker Mille Bright struggles for Blues in damaging WSL draw

Chelsea huffed and puffed but were unable to return to winning ways in the Women's Super League as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Sunday. The Blues have now failed to win back-to-back league games for the first time since the 2021-22 season as they could only close the gap to leaders Manchester City to three points having been pegged back after taking an early lead.

Chelsea started brightly and carved out their first chance in the opening minute as Alyssa Thompson broke down the left. The ball eventually found its way to Erin Cuthbert, who dragged her effort harmlessly side.

Liverpool responded well and it took some quick thinking from goalkeeper Livia Peng – playing due to an injury suffered by Hannah Hampton – to deny Beata Olsson a chance after Mille Bright had played a sloppy pass. The Blues, though, were ahead in the ninth minute as Thompson expertly tucked past Faye Kirby from the left having beaten the offside trip.

Chelsea dominated possession, but it was Liverpool who netted the equaliser with a little over 10 minutes of the half remaining as the Reds sprung a rapid counter. Nathalie Bjorn failed to completely cut out a Lily Woodham pass for Olsson, who made no mistake one-on-one with Peng.

Catarina Macario should have put Chelsea back in front but fluffed her lines from close range shortly before the break as the champions looked to make their dominance count. Sonia Bompastor then looked to change things up for the Blues at the break and took off Bright and Macario for the second half as the west London side pushed to go ahead in the second half.

Thompson fired an effort over, while the American winger then sought to turn provider for Cuthbert, but the midfielder's effort was blocked. Substitute Aggie Beever-Jones then missed a decent chance to put Chelsea back in front as they failed to break down the Reds wall.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from the Totally Wicked Stadium…

  • Getty Images Sport

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Livia Peng (6/10):

    Came off her line quickly to deny Olsson early on. Could do little prevent the Liverpool striker from equalising in the 33rd minute.

    Ellie Carpenter (5/10):

    Struggled to impact the game in the final third while Liverpool's goal came down her side of the pitch.

    Nathalie Bjorn (5/10):

    Failed to cut out a Woodham pass for Olsson to score. Withdrawn midway through the second half.

    Millie Bright (5/10):

    Made a record-setting 211th WSL appearance. Gave the ball away cheaply in the opening five minutes that presented Liverpool with a chance. Subbed off at the break.

    Niamh Charles (6/10):

    Solid if unspectacular before she was replaced by James as Chelsea pushed for the winner.

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  • Getty Images Sport

    Midfield

    Wieke Kaptein (6/10):

    Played a perfect pass through for Thompson to open the scoring early on.

    Kiera Walsh (6/10):

    Solid if unspectacular as she kept play ticking over in the middle of the park.

    Erin Cuthbert (7/10):

    Dragged an effort just wide in the opening minute after some good work by Thompson. Worked hard off the ball and was arguably Chelsea's best midfielder.

  • Getty Images Sport

    Attack

    Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (6/10):

    Put in a subdued display before she came off in the 55th minute.

    Catarina Macario (4/10):

    Missed a huge chance from close range five minutes before the break. Came off at half-time after a poor opening 45.

    Alyssa Thompson (7/10):

    Started brightly with her run down the left resulting in a chance for Cuthbert. Scored a fine opener in the ninth-minute. Was Chelsea's best attacker.

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  • Getty Images Sport

    Subs & Manager

    Naomi Girma (6/10):

    Replaced Bright for the second half. Chelsea looked better defensively following her introduction.

    Aggie Beever-Jones (6/10):

    Came on at the break. Missed a decent chance to put Chelsea ahead midway through the second half.

    Sandy Baltimore (6/10):

    Was effective from the left when introduced in the 55th minute.

    Lucy Bronze (5/10):

    Didn't have much to do defensively after she came on.

    Lauren James (5/10):

    Ineffective in the final third as Liverpool held firm.

    Sonia Bompastor (5/10):

    Got it wrong by picking Bright and using a high defensive line. Threw everything into the game to turn the fixture in Chelsea's favour but initial selection cost the Blues.

Brian Cashman Reveals Sneaky Advantage Yankees Have With Cody Bellinger Trade

As Cody Bellinger transitions from Wrigley Field to Yankee Stadium, the former MVP hopes he can return to the form of an elite slugger once more. Of course, the Yankees certainly hope that, too, with a need to backfill the chasm Juan Soto—who signed as a free agent with the New York Mets—leaves in their lineup offensively.

Bellinger's offensive trajectory has been up-and-down throughout his career, peaking at 167 (67% better than the average batter in terms of OPS+) in his MVP year, 2019, and falling as low as 44 (64% worse than the average) in 2021. He ascended back to elite levels in 2023 when he slashed .307/.356/.525 with the Cubs in 2023, but he regressed in 2024 at .266/.325/.426. Though no one expects him to be a one-for-one Soto replacement, Soto slashed .288/.419/.569 with the Yankees last year (67 OPS+ points better than Bellinger).

A massive, much-publicized advantage the Yankees have for left-handed batters is a short porch in right field. The wall there is as short as 314 feet from home plate.

General manager Brian Cashman made an astute observation speaking to the media, though, in that the Yankees actually get that dimension-based advantage for Bellinger to take advantage of for Their own home games but also six road games against the Tampa Bay Rays, which will be played at the Yankees' Spring Training home, George M. Steinbrenner Field.

The Rays will take residence there temporarily for the season after Hurricane Milton damaged Tropicana Field beyond usability for the 2024 season.

A nice home away from home for the Yanks and Bellinger.

Juan Soto Has Reportedly Received Offers From Five Teams in Free Agency

Juan Soto's free agency continues to command the rest of the market, as teams await the seismic decision from the 26-year-old. According to reports, multiple teams have already submitted offers for Soto after meeting with the outfielder and his agent Scott Boras.

After meeting with teams last week, MLB Network's Jon Morosi confirmed a report from NJ.com's Randy Miller which stated five teams had made offers for Soto's services. Those teams include the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays.

It could be a while until Soto makes his decision, and it's also possible those teams send improved offers as they look to outbid one another. Other teams could also enter the mix and submit offers of their own. It has been reported that Soto's looming deal could eclipse $700 million. It could also include deferred money similar to the deal Shohei Ohtani signed with the Dodgers in December of 2023.

Last season, Soto enjoyed a career year with the New York Yankees, launching 41 home runs and recording a .989 OPS. It's still possible he re-ups with the organization to remain in the Bronx where he and Aaron Judge could be a dynamic duo for the foreseeable future.

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