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Ronaldinho's son, Joao Mendes, has claimed that he is not burdened by the pressure to emulate his legendary father and is working hard to make a name for himself with Hull City. He featured in the Premier League Cup against Bournemouth last month, and the youngster is keeping his feet firmly on the ground as tougher challenges await him in the EFL.

From Barcelona spotlight to Yorkshire’s grit

Mendes’ journey to Hull has already taken him through a couple of continents. After spells at Cruzeiro and Barcelona, he moved to Burnley last season before joining Hull in September on a short-term deal running until the end of the campaign. His arrival in Spain in 2023 made global headlines, not because of his talent, but for following in his father’s footsteps at the club where Ronaldinho’s magic once lit up Camp Nou. The former Brazil star won two La Liga titles and a Champions League during his time in Spain, and many hoped that Mendes would also go on to shine with the Blaugrana. But for Mendes, that link was precisely why he needed to step away.

AdvertisementMendes wants a name of his own

At Hull, Mendes is determined to carve out his own story and not one defined by the golden legacy of his famous father. "I don't feel any pressure. I've always had it clear in my mind that I'm me and he's him," he told BBC Radio Humberside. "It's normal that you're going to see me as his son but that doesn't affect me or the way I play. I don't care at all. All my family always say to me it is just noise and I don't need to listen to any of it. I just need to be happy playing football."

At Hull, Mendes is currently part of the Under-21 squad. He can operate both as a winger and an attacking midfielder and is determined to prove his mettle, which will open doors to the first team.

"I'm just working hard to earn my spot. The main objective is to make it to the first team," he said. "The fitness level wasn't there when I joined so I'm working on that. The coaches understand and help me a lot."

Growing up in football’s harsh spotlight

Ronaldinho’s career is the stuff of legend as he has scored 236 club goals and won 12 major trophies. But while his father’s smile once lit up the world’s biggest stages, Mendes' journey is only just beginning. However, he remains determined to write it on his own terms.

"I want to be Joao, regardless of anything," he said in an earlier interview with. "I never tried to be my father, I never wanted to be my father. So to get away a bit from where he played [Barca] and what's close, I think it was a good start and a good step for me. I think people on the outside want you to be something you're never going to be, whether you like it or not, right? It's good to be here."

Being the son of a global superstar means the camera follows you everywhere. Every touch of the ball, every pass, and every miss carries extra scrutiny. Mendes knows this better than anyone, and so did his parents.

"My father and mother never really wanted me to pursue it, because they already knew what was going to happen. But when passion speaks louder, you can't help it," he had said

When asked if he feels burdened by his father’s name, he replied: "It's a fine line, because there are people who cross it, there are people who don't, but I've always been proud to be the son of who I am. My father was one of the best, if not the best, to ever play the game. So being his son, being able to talk about him, is a source of pride. And I try to do my own thing, I try not to put my father in the middle of things, I try to play my football my way, without pressure."

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AFPAdapting to life in England

Swapping Brazil’s beaches for English winters has been an adjustment, but Mendes has taken it in stride. "It's difficult at first, there's no denying that. Even more so now in winter, it's a bit worse," he said. "If you put on a glove, two socks, we can manage."

As Hull’s first team sits fifth in the Championship, chasing promotion to the Premier League, Mendes knows opportunities could open up. He is focused on proving his credentials with the U21s, and comparisons with his father don't bother him at all.

Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign an “insane” new striker, having identified the need to have greater strength in depth in attacking areas.

Villa keen on new striker amid Watkins' struggles

Villa are very much back on track in the Premier League, having made it five wins in a row courtesy of the 1-0 victory over Manchester City at the weekend, but there are still a few problems for Unai Emery to deal with beneath the surface.

There has been plenty of discussion about the manager’s decision to omit Harvey Elliott from the squad entirely on Sunday, while Jeff Stelling was less than impressed with the decision to substitute Jadon Sancho in the second half, claiming “it was wrong.”

There will also be concerns about some of Ollie Watkins’ performances, with the striker scoring just one goal in nine Premier League games so far this season, and he was once again ineffectual against Pep Guardiola’s side.

The 29-year-old recorded an xG of just 0.13 prior to being replaced by Donyell Malen with just under five minutes left to play, finishing the match with a SofaScore match rating of 6.3, the joint-lowest of any Villa player.

Perhaps with that in mind, Aston Villa have now joined the race for a new striker, according to a report from Caught Offside, which credits them with an interest in Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, amid his uncertain future at Old Trafford.

It has been revealed that Zirkzee wants to leave Man United, having only played a limited role this season, and his current employers could choose to cash in for a fee of around €35m – €40m (£31m – £35m).

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A January exit is deemed likely, and there is no shortage of interest in the centre-forward’s signature, with a number of Serie A clubs set to battle it out, while Brighton & Hove Albion are also keen, and West Ham United have made initial contact.

"Insane" Zirkzee may need fresh start

Despite being lauded for his “insane” quality by scout Ben Mattinson, the 24-year-old has been unable to force his way into Ruben Amorim’s plans, having featured for just 82 minutes across four appearances in the Premier League this season.

However, it is always difficult to make an impact when predominantly featuring as a substitute, and there are signs the Dutchman could flourish if given more regular game time, having regularly chipped in with goals and assists for Bologna across the 2023-24 campaign.

Competition

Appearances

Goal contributions

Serie A

34

16

Italian Cup

3

3

That said, the former Bayern Munich man’s unhappiness stems from a lack of game time, so it would be a questionable decision for Villa to sign him, given that Watkins is likely to remain ahead of the United ace in the pecking order.

While the Englishman hasn’t been at his best this season, he is Premier League-proven, unlike Zirkzee, having scored 76 top-flight goals, which indicates it may only be a matter of time before he rediscovers his top form.

حرص نادي ريال مدريد على تأبين النجم الراحل، ديوجو جوتا، عشية مباراتهم المرتقبة ضد نظيره فريق ليفربول في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، مساء يوم الثلاثاء.

ويستضيف ملعب “الأنفيلد” مباراة فريقي ليفربول وريال مدريد في الجولة الرابعة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، موسم 2025/26.

وتوجه المدير الفني لفريق ريال مدريد، تشابي ألونسو، رفقة مدير العلاقات المؤسسية في النادي وكذلك اللاعب دين هويسن وزميله ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد إلى النصب التذكاري للراحل ديوجو جوتا خارج “الأنفيلد”، حيث وضعوا إكليل من الزهور، تكريمًا للبرتغالي الذي لقى مصرعه في حادث مروع رفقة شقيقه في يوليو الماضي.

وبدا التأثر على ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد خاصة أنه سبق له اللعب رفقة جوتا في صفوف ليفربول، بعدما انضم البرتغالى إلى الفريق قادمًا من بورتو في 2020.

Homenaje ⁦@realmadrid⁩ a Diego Jota ⁦@XabiAlonso⁩ ⁦@DHuijsen⁩ Trent Alexander Arnold y Emilio Butragueño pic.twitter.com/oRfYmL0unA — Javier Herráez (@javiherraez) November 3, 2025

وترك أرنولد رسالة جاء بها: “صديقي ديوجو، نفتقدك كثيرًا، ولكننا ما زلنا نحبك كثيرًا، ستبقى ذكراك وذكرى أندريه خالدة دائمًا، أبتسم كلما فكرت فيك، وسأتذكر دائمًا الأوقات الرائعة التي قضيناها معًا”.

وأضاف اللاعب الإنجليزي: “أفتقدك يا ​​صديقي كل يوم، إلى الأبد 20، لن تسير بمفردك أبدًا، مع حبي”، واضعًا ذراع بلاي ستيشن يحمل توقيع “بطل إلى الأبد، 20”.

Trent Alexander-Arnold laid down flowers with a Playstation controller and left a letter for Diogo Jota at Anfield ❤️ pic.twitter.com/o6F1PXQXsA — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 3, 2025

Sunderland haven’t travelled to Old Trafford in Premier League action since Boxing Day in 2016, but that is soon to change this Saturday as Regis Le Bris’ plucky Black Cats make the trip down to Manchester United, eager to maintain their electric start to life back in the top-flight this season.

History does dictate that the Wearside outfit will struggle to pick up a result, having last won at the Theatre of Dreams in 2014 courtesy of a Sebastian Larsson winner.

Staggeringly, that is the only three points they have picked up in Manchester – with Manchester City also added to the equation – from their last 29 away clashes in the capital of the North.

Still, poor stretches of form like this are meant to be broken, and with Sunderland already picking up three league wins this season after promotion, Le Bris’ men will not be written off at all on Saturday.

Another interesting narrative to throw into the mix is the potential return of Amad Diallo for Ruben Amorim’s hot-and-cold hosts, with the Ivorian a beloved former loanee at the Stadium of Light, who very much used his formative Black Cats experience as a springboard to greater success.

Amad's Sunderland reunion

Before delving deeper into Amad’s injury situation ahead of the showdown on the weekend, it only feels right – from a Sunderland perspective – to reminisce about his terrific displays on Wearside.

Indeed, in total, the 23-year-old attacker bagged a stunning 14 strikes donning Sunderland red and white, with journalist James Copley glowingly labelling the slick forward as a “wizard” for his constantly entertaining displays.

Therefore, Sunderland will know all too well the damage he could cause if he is selected to start this weekend, with the FA Cup-winning winger already one assist down this season.

Reports do suggest that Amad could be back fit to reunite with his former loan employers, having re-entered training recently for Amorim and Co.

Amad’s split-second ability to conjure up a moment of immense quality could be a potential difference-maker that hands Amorim’s side a much-needed win, but Le Bris will be confident he has his very own version of the dynamic Ivorian in one promising youngster.

Sunderland's new version of Amad

Sunderland have a whole host of exciting attackers on their books, with Wilson Isidor already up to three goals for the Black Cats in the Premier League, on top of Enzo Le Fee also possessing that same Amad-like quality to impress in a flash with an audacious skill here and there.

Yet, it’s not the ex-Lorient man being lauded as Le Bris’ very own Amad. Rather, it’s 20-year-old attacker Chemsdine Talbi, who will hope he can grow into what the 23-year-old has turned into at the Red Devils by transforming into a recognised Premier League-calibre forward.

Already, much like Amad showed in spades at the Stadium of Light, it’s clear that the Moroccan is a raw talent destined for the top, having arrived in England this summer from former side Club Brugge with seven goals and five assists under his belt for the Belgian Pro League outfit, with three of those goal contributions even coming in the Champions League.

Scout Antonio Mango went as far as to label Talbi as “electric” off the back of his blistering performances in Belgium, with his direct and quick approach often seeing him leave defenders for dead, which is very much similar to Amad’s gung-ho approach in the Championship for Sunderland.

The worry will be that Talbi has just one assist to show for his promising displays so far at the Stadium of Light, but – unlike Amad’s one-season story – Sunderland have time on their side to get the very best out of their rapid number seven, with Le Bris already stating that the 20-year-old needs “time” and “support” to live up to his hype.

However, there is no time like the present to leave your mark, with a first goal for the club at Old Trafford a fitting place to get off the mark, particularly if Amad gets the nod to start.

Selected Sunderland youngsters under Le Bris

Player

Age

Games

Goals + Assists

1. Rigg

18

45

4 + 1

2. Bellingham

20

43

4 + 3

3. Watson

19

22

3 + 0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

If Sunderland’s track record with youngsters is anything to go by – when looking at the table above – they could have a real gem on their hands, as a permanent Amad-style presence is potentially unearthed.

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The external noise around Liverpool’s decision to sign both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak this summer is curious, to say the least.

Already the volume has been cranked up as rivals look to pounce on any slight sense of a puncture to the harmony of Arne Slot’s squad, with both strikers billed as being among the best in the Premier League and indeed across Europe.

Ekitike is the understudy, but the French forward has scored five goals and laid on an assist across his first eight matches in a Liverpool shirt, starting six times.

He arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt for a hefty £69m fee, but that figure is minnowed by the record-breaking signing of Isak from Newcastle United, who, pre-season-less, has only started twice so far, scoring his first in the Carabao Cup against Southampton on Tuesday evening.

They are both in contention to take the talismanic berth from Mohamed Salah in the coming years, but then the Egyptian King hasn’t hung up his Liverpool laces just yet, and still wears the crown.

Salah's Liverpool future

In April, Salah extended his Liverpool contract, which now runs until the end of the 2026/27 campaign. In the months leading up to the joyous renewal, many thought he would leave on a free, and Virgil van Dijk too.

But Salah stays, having scored 34 goals and supplied 23 assists across all competitions last season, winning the full gamut of individual accolades and lifting the Premier League title for the second time in a Liverpool shirt.

It’s been a somewhat slow start to the season for the right winger, with his ageing legs being considered by some as a reason behind the ostensible decline.

Decline? Salah has scored three goals and provided three assists across seven matches so far this season, and he now carries less responsibility on his shoulders, with Ekitike and Isak jostling for a place in the starting line-up and thus

Even as he embraces his veteran status, Salah remains a valuable commodity on the transfer front. Indeed, according to Transfermarkt, he is still worth £44m.

Isak and Ekitike, young and rising superstars, dwarf him, but there’s another forward in Liverpool’s squad whose market price has shot up in recent times, and he’s an underrated gem for Slot, no doubt about it.

Liverpool's underrated forward

Liverpool are a team of many parts, with Slot and Richard Hughes clearly focusing on establishing greater strength in depth, so as to not only defend the Premier League title claimed last year but also challenge for the various prizes dotted about other forks in the road.

There has been plenty of talk about Ekitike playing off the left, allowing both him and Isak to work together. The former is a central striker, but his athleticism and pace lend themselves to such a role, should he be required. According to FBref, Ekitike ranks among the top 7% of strikers across Europe for progressive carries and the top 15% for shot-creating actions per 90.

But Liverpool, of course, have another who is more than competent on the left wing. In January 2023, Liverpool signed Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven for an initial £35m fee.

Gakpo, 26, has chalked up 135 appearances since signing for Liverpool, scoring 42 goals and supplying 19 assists. His first term under Slot’s wing was indisputably his most productive, having posted 18 goals and seven assists across all competitions en route to the title.

And this while flitting in and out of the starting line-up. Gakpo ranked among the top 5% of positional peers in the Premier League last year for goals scored per 90.

He hasn’t started the campaign as prolifically as he might have liked, especially after notching a goal and two assists from his opening two games, blanking thereafter, but the Dutchman remains a real threat, so settled into his left-sided role for Slot.

25/26

5

1 (2)

24/25

35

10 (4)

23/24

35

8 (5)

22/23

21

7 (2)

But the underlying data from his showings thus far says much of his form, creating two chances and winning 7.2 duels per game.

He might not have Salah’s potency, nor the same degree of output as Isak or Ekitike, but Gakpo offers so much to this Liverpool side, with pundit Peter Crouch even remarking last season that he had “gone up a level” since Jurgen Klopp was replaced by Slot.

It’s hardly a surprise that the £35m fee paid now looks an absolute bargain, with Gakpo recorded to boast a market price of £61m.

Whether Liverpool would actually entertain the Netherlands star’s sale for a figure so comparatively low is up for debate, but it’s certain that he would not leave for a lesser figure.

It’s worth noting that Gakpo, praised by Klopp for his “special” qualities, is of an age akin to Salah’s when the experienced superstar first alighted on Merseyside. He still has so much room for growth, and that £61m price tag is hardly a fixed point as he enters his prime.

Liverpool fans are excited for the present, but Liverpool have built a team capable of challenging in the future too. Rio Ngumoha is a testament to that, the teenage winger billed as a prodigy.

However, ousting Gakpo from his berth will take some doing, and the Dutch talent will continue to thrive in a high-flying Liverpool side over the coming years, an unsung hero.

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MatériaMais Notícias

‘Bom e barato’. Sim, o torcedor do São Paulo pode não estar habituado ao termo, criado pelos rivais na década de 2000 para encontrar qualidade nos medianos times montados naquele período pós-parceria com a Parmalat de vacas magras. Mas, não poderia haver período mais propício e termo mais adequado para sintetizar o momento no qual o Tricolor chegará na reabertura da janela de transferências, dia 3 de julho.

Depois de ver a negociação para trazer o ponta Marinho, que estava afastado do Flamengo, ter de ser abandonada por pressão interna do elenco, insatisfeito com os gastos projetados para o negócio ao mesmo tempo em que quase três meses de direito de imagem estão atrasados, a diretoria tricolor confirmou o óbvio: só mesmo o ‘bom e barato’ para que novos jogadores cheguem para Dorival Júnior no Morumbi.

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+ Lance! estreia nova marca e se reposiciona no mercado de mídia esportiva

As dificuldades são grandes para negociar reforços. Altas pedidas fizeram o Tricolor descartar, além de Marinho, duas sondagens: os atacantes Savarino, ex-Atlético-MG e atualmente no Real Salt Lake, dos EUA, e Lázaro, revelado pelo Flamengo e hoje defendendo o Almería, da Espanha. Em ambos os casos, o clube do Morumbi iniciou as conversas sondando o empréstimo dos jogadores e se deparou com respostas de que apenas os venderia em definitivo.

Diretoria são-paulina e o técnico Dorival Júnior conversam desde o início de maio sobre nomes para chegarem ao clube na janela. Entre debates sobre as posições vistas como carentes do plantel, o comandante tricolor iniciou o alinhamento dos nomes a serem buscados para chegarem no segundo semestre. E o torcedor pode descartar de imediato o sonho por opções ‘de ponta’. Ou seja, que atuem pelo menos na primeira prateleira do futebol brasileira.

Depois de sonhar alto, como Marinho, o tom das conversas sobre contratações voltou a ser mais realista. E dois nomes estudados inicialmente voltaram à pauta.

Conforme oLANCE!apurou, um dos nomes indicados pelo próprio Dorival é do ponta Erick. O jogador trabalhou com o treinador ano passado no Ceará, onde é titular absoluto no clube, que disputa a Série B.

Revelado pelo Náutico, o jogador de 25 anos passou pelo futebol português antes de desembarcar no clube alvinegro, com quem tem contrato até o final do ano. Justamente pelo vínculo curto, o Tricolor acredita que possa chegar a um acordo vantajoso pela liberação antecipada.

Apesar de canhoto, Erick chama a atenção pela versatilidade, afinal é normal atuar pelo lado direito no clube cearense.

Além de Erick, outro atleta que desperta o interesse pelos lados do Morumbi é Pablo Roberto, que pertence ao Vila Nova, mas que atualmente está emprestado ao Remo, na Série C.

O jogador chamou a atenção pelos duelos do time paraense ante o Corinthians, pela Copa do Brasil, e a multa rescisória de apenas R$ 4 milhões para o mercado local é um atrativo para o Tricolor.

Pablo Roberto tem 23 anos, foi revelado pelo Atlético-GO e chegou a passar pelo Bahia antes de desembarcar em Belém (PA), onde anotou um gol e quatro assistências em 19 partidas.

Das posições apontadas como carentes, resta o lateral-esquerdo e mais um ponta, que o clube ainda analisa o mercado para encontrar opções financeiramente viáveis.

– OSão Paulo tem que estar atento ao mercado a todo instante, não podemos baixar a guarda. Como sempre foi, trabalhando uma condição ou outra lá na frente. Minha obrigação é trabalhar com esses jogadores – comentou o técnico Dorival Júnior após a vitória contra o Internacional.

– Sem solução, de repente, vamos procurar na base. Se não tiver solução, que busquemos fora. Teremos que estar sempre atentos. O São Paulo precisa voltar forte quando a diretoria achar conveniente, mas sem pressão. Precisamos sempre estar melhorando nosso grupo de trabalho – acrescentou.

+ Clique aqui e veja como apostar no Brasileirão

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados do Brasileirão-23 na tabela do LANCE!

Matthew Kuhnemann will proceed with imminent tests on his bowling action, despite a thumb injury ruling him out of Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia.One week after being cited by ICC officials for having a suspect action, Kuhnemann was expected to return to cricket for Tasmania in Adelaide on Tuesday. But those plans have since been scuppered, with the spinner not medically cleared to play for Tasmania after the dislocated thumb he suffered in the BBL.AAP understands Kuhnemann has not suffered a fresh injury, and the decision is a precautionary one after he played through the issue in Galle.Despite sitting out the Adelaide match, Kuhnemann will be required to complete ICC testing in the next fortnight because the injury is not on his bowling (left) hand. Officials have remained tight-lipped on the details surrounding Kuhnemann’s test for the sake of his privacy, but it is expected to go ahead in the next fortnight.Related

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The biomechanical testing will also be able to be completed at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, despite the ICC preferring players head overseas for assessment.Kuhnemann will complete the tests under the watchful eye of ICC body experts, with markers on his arm and several cameras filming. He will need to bowl at a similar speed and with similar ball revolutions to what he did in Sri Lanka, where he took 16 wickets at an average of 17.18.The ICC will then take a matter of weeks to determine if Kuhnemann’s action is legal, or if his arm straightens by more than the allowable 15 degrees. The 28-year-old is believed to be in reasonably good spirits, with questions still circling about the timing of him being reported after eight years in professional cricket.”All we can do as a group is throw our support behind him,” Tasmania captain Jordan Silk said. “He has obviously had a fantastic couple of weeks away with the Aussie side, and was a big factor in them wining that series over there.”It’s come as a shock to a lot of people, but all we can do as an organisation is wrap our arms around him and look forward to having him back around the group.”Silk echoed the words of stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith, believing Kuhnemann would be cleared by the tests.ICC rules allow bowlers to play domestic cricket while under the microscope, but ban them from international matches. If Kuhnemann is cleared he will be able to continue bowling, but if he fails the test he will be banned until he can prove he has changed his action to meet guidelines.”He’s still a quality bowler for us and someone we expect to have an impact later in the year,” Silk said. “We’re really confident that process will go smoothly and we can welcome him back to our change-rooms and have him be a big part of our season.”A win for Tasmania against table-topping South Australia would keep them in the race for a spot in the Shield final, with one win separating second and sixth on the ladder.Beyond this summer, Kuhnemann would be a strong chance to be in Australia’s squad for the tour of West Indies in June, if his action is cleared.

After seeing their team lose 1-0 away at Leeds United on the opening weekend of the Premier League, the worry in the air among Everton supporters would have been whether their side would start their new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with another bleak defeat.

They didn’t need to be so anxious after all, as their determined Toffees side put the loss in West Yorkshire to one side and delivered a confident performance in front of their adoring home masses that culminated in a 2-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.

Fabian Hurzeler’s Seagulls aren’t pushovers by any stretch of the imagination, but with the quality of Jack Grealish on full display throughout, Everton must have felt content that their first three points of the long campaign were going to be collected.

Grealish's standout display in numbers

The former Aston Villa attacking midfielder had been put through the wringer at Manchester City, but the enigmatic Englishman thankfully let his football do the talking, donning his new Everton blue on his spectacular home debut.

The vibrant Toffees number 18 put it on a plate for Iliman Ndiaye to score the opener after a well-orchestrated counter-attack deep into the first 45 minutes, while his second assist of the day would see the entertaining 29-year-old lay it off for James Garner to thump home the decisive match-clinching strike.

Away from those goal involvements, Grealish – who was deployed down the left wing by Moyes – would attempt five dribbles when bursting forward into space, with one effort also fired at Bart Verbruggen’s busy goal to try and make the win even more emphatic.

The former Villa hero will hope he only gets better with time, too, having previously notched up a sublime six goals and ten assists at the intimidating level during his final swansong campaign in the West Midlands.

He wasn’t the only new signing to leave a fantastic first impression on the hardened Merseyside faithful, however, with one of his midfield teammates also impressing enough to be seen as a potential new Ross Barkley for David Moyes’ men.

Moyes' next Barkley

The Toffees needed to replace Abdoulaye Doucoure effectively this summer, with a real lack of midfielders at the Scotsman’s disposal who can slot into a number 10 role.

Thankfully, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall seamlessly announced himself to the Everton masses as a worthwhile Doucoure replacement against the Seagulls – after also playing in the role behind the main striker against the Whites – with the creative playmaker possessing the potential to be Moyes’ new Barkley down the line.

While he did regularly line up as a traditional midfield option for Leicester City, it’s clear from his career numbers to date that the 26-year-old excels in a further forward position, having accumulated a healthy 35 goals and 41 assists across 306 games. To add context, Barkley has a heftier 66 goals and 52 assists, albeit from a larger stretch of games at 444 clashes.

Dewsbury-Hall would have been hoping he could add to his glittering numbers on Sunday, but despite his best efforts, getting off the mark at his new side would unfortunately evade him.

Minutes played

90

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

59

Accurate passes

33/37 (89%)

Key passes

3

Big chances created

1

Successful dribbles

1/1

Total duels won

5/10

Indeed, looking at the table above, Dewsbury-Hall was especially unlucky not to join Grealish in picking up an assist, with only three passes being misplaced across his stylish 90-minute outing.

Moyes, watching on from the dug-out, will arguably want more from his new recruit moving forward; however, when trying to catch out the opposition goalkeeper with a shot or two, with Dewsbury-Hall still managing to pick up a reasonable five goals for Chelsea, despite his spell at Stamford Bridge being fraught with bumps.

That will come with time, however, as the Toffees’ number 22 grows more confident in his fresh surroundings.

But, his overall energy and application will have pleased the Scotsman nonetheless, with those qualities, and his ability to drive with the ball in central areas evoking memories of a fresh-faced Barkley at Goodison Park.

Dewsbury-Hall’s positive display wouldn’t go unnoticed by the Liverpool Echo, with journalist Chris Beesley gifting the 29-year-old a high 7/10 post-match rating, stating that he brings “fresh scope” to a role once frequently filled by Doucoure.

He did accidentally put Everton in a spot of bother during the game when gifting Brighton a penalty, but it was a largely promising display from a midfielder who has had his fair share of doubters in recent years, much like Grealish.

If Moyes can get the very best out of the midfield pairing across a full season, expect the Toffees to pick up more and more assured wins on their own turf.

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Local replacement player Charis Bekker went from the pub to centre stage as Melbourne Renegades posted a 15-run WBBL win over arch-rivals Melbourne Stars.Bekker was playing just her second WBBL game after being called into the squad to replace injured spinner Sophie Molineux (knee). The 20-year-old didn’t let the big stage of a Melbourne derby faze her, returning the miserly figures of 1 for 9 from her four overs to be named player of the match.”It’s been a bit of a whirlwind,” Bekker said. “I was at the pub a couple of days ago with my mates, and then got the call [to join the squad]. I played against the Scorchers which was really cool. And then hopped on a flight. It’s been really rushed.”Bekker’s maiden WBBL wicket was none other than superstar batter Meg Lanning.”Everyone was cheering me on, I was just trying to bowl my best ball, and it happened to be Meg Lanning, which was kind of awesome,” Bekker said.Deepti Sharma top-scored for Stars with 23. Georgia Wareham claimed the key wicket of captain Annabel Sutherland for 16. The result improved Renegades’ record to 3-3, while the Stars are now 2-3.Earlier, Renegades were struggling at 87 for 5 before Naomi Stalenberg (26 not out off 17 balls) and Nicole Faltum (29 off 23) added some handy runs to lift the total to 146 for 6.The Renegades were 54 for 2 after 10 overs when they took the power surge. Although Deandra Dottin fell for 7 shortly after, Renegades cracked 29 runs off the two overs. Alice Capsey and Wareham fell in quick succession before Stalenberg and Faltum steadied the ship with a 55-run stand.Stars’ run chase started slowly with the scoreboard reading 16 for 1 after five overs. Bhatia was lucky to still be there after being dropped by wicketkeeper Faltum in the first over when she was yet to score. The opener scored 22 off 26 balls, but the rest of her team-mates struggled for fluency as the required run rate ballooned out.Jemimah Rodrigues top-scored for Brisbane Heat•Getty Images

India starJemimah Rodrigues posted an impressive half-century as Brisbane Heat piled more misery on defending champions Adelaide Strikers in an eight-run win at the Gabba.Rodrigues anchored the Heat’s innings with 61 from 40 balls, belting seven fours and a six in her player-of-the-match performance. Opener Grace Harris (33 from 22) and captain Jess Jonassen (32 from 21) also provided handy knocks.In reply, Strikers were reduced to 16 for 3 in the fourth over before Bridget Patterson and Madeline Penna threatened to pull off a remarkable fightback. The unbeaten pair put on a 113-run stand for the fifth wicket – from just 62 balls – but weren’t quite able to drag their side over the line. It was the second-highest fifth-wicket stand in WBBL history.Strikers remain last on the table with a 1-4 record, while Heat (3-3) are right in the finals mix.

Newcastle United are in the market for a proven centre-forward after a frustrating start to the summer window so far.

With Alexander Isak’s future uncertain and targets like Bryan Mbeumo, Hugo Ekitike, and João Pedro choosing other clubs, Newcastle are in urgent need of clarity in the final third.

The Swedish striker’s omission from the club’s pre-season tour of Southeast Asia, coupled with Liverpool’s interest, rumoured to involve a nine-figure sum, has added urgency to the club’s recruitment strategy.

Benjamin Šeško remains high on the shortlist, and there is still hope a deal can be agreed with RB Leipzig.

The 21-year-old Slovenian scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, but while his ceiling is high, he remains a player of potential rather than pedigree.

Likewise, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has impressed but with Brentford holding out for more than Newcastle are prepared to pay, Newcastle must consider other options.

In their search for the consistency and output expected of a Champions League striker, the Magpies are now eyeing a familiar face with unfinished business at St James’ Park.

Newcastle eyeing up stunning reunion

Aleksandar Mitrovic may have swapped Fulham and the Premier League for Al-Hilal and the Saudi Pro League, but the goals have continued to flow.

The 30-year-old Serbian striker has been nothing short of devastating since his move to the Middle East, scoring 47 goals and registering eight assists in just 51 appearances across all competitions.

His form has been so dominant that Arab News writer Matt Monaghan described him as “the signing of the season,” a major compliment in a league now filled with global superstars. “He has just been an absolute monster up front,” Monaghan added.

Well, according to CaughtOffside, Premier League clubs, including the Toon, have taken note of his resurgence and are looking at potentially bringing him back to English shores.

Manchester United are actively monitoring the situation amid concerns about the productivity of Rasmus Højlund and new signing Joshua Zirkzee.

Why Mitrovic makes financial sense for Newcastle

Mitrovic has built a lethal partnership with Malcolm in Riyadh, with the pair combining for one of the most productive duos in the region.

His blend of brute strength, aerial dominance and underrated technical quality has continued to torment defences, even if many are quick to discredit his numbers due to the league he plays in.

But the stats are hard to ignore.

In the 2024/25 season, Mitrovic has averaged 0.89 goals per 90 minutes, significantly higher than Šeško (0.49) and Wissa (0.59).

Aleksandar Mitrović (Al-Hilal)

21 (19 goals, 2 assists)

Benjamin Šeško

18 (13 goals, 5 assists)

Yoane Wissa

23 (19 goals, 4 assists)

He’s also averaging 4.44 shots per 90, with 48.4% of those on target. These are elite-level numbers, even when adjusted for context.

To put that in further perspective, Šeško averaged just 2.50 shots per 90 with a shots-on-target percentage of 43.9%, while Wissa took 2.78 shots per 90 at a 45.6% accuracy rate.

When it comes to shot-creating actions, Mitrovic again leads the pack with 4.44 per 90, compared to 2.50 for Šeško and 2.78 for Wissa.

The contrast speaks to a player still in his prime and ready to return to the Premier League with a point to prove.

And for Newcastle, who are in desperate need of consistent output up front, the Serbian’s profile offers immediate impact.

There’s also an emotional side to the story. Mitrovic spent three years at Newcastle between 2015 and 2018, scoring 17 times in 72 appearances.

Though his spell wasn’t always smooth, he retains a fondness for the club and has spoken warmly about the city and supporters since leaving.

That familiarity could ease his transition, especially for a team looking for leadership and firepower in equal measure.

Financially, a return could make a lot of sense too. Al-Hilal are expected to ask for a fee of around €30m (£26m) – less than what Newcastle would need to spend on either Šeško or Wissa.

And with both Newcastle and Al-Hilal under the umbrella of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), there is confidence that a deal could be fast-tracked if the green light is given.

Spurs and Man United may well be at the table but Newcastle have an edge. The emotional pull of a return, coupled with the shared ownership structure and the opportunity to lead the line in a high-profile project, may prove decisive in any transfer tug-of-war.

For a team stuck between investing in future potential or banking on proven output, Aleksandar Mitrović represents a compelling middle ground.

He’s more prolific than Šeško, more clinical than Wissa, and more attainable than many of his top-level peers.

With Isak unsettled and Champions League ambitions on the line, Newcastle might find that sometimes the best move is the one you’ve made before – just this time, with a striker ready to finish the job he once started.

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