فيديو | الاتحاد يتعادل مع الفيحاء في الدوري السعودي.. وبنزيما يهدر ركلة جزاء

حسم التعادل الإيجابي بنتيجة 1-1 مباراة الاتحاد أمام نظيره الفيحاء، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري السعودي للمحترفين.

والتقى اتحاد جدة مع الفيحاء مساء اليوم الجمعة، في إطار منافسات الجولة الخامسة من عمر الدوري السعودي.

طالع | أبرزهم يورجن كلوب.. 5 مدربين عالميين على طاولة الاتحاد السعودي لخلافة بلان

وسجل فاشون ساكالا هدف التقدم لصالح الفيحاء في الدقيقة 45 من عمر اللقاء، وتعادل أحمد الغامدي للاتحاد في الدقيقة 64.

وأضاع كريم بنزيما فرصة فوز الاتحاد بإهدار ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة 88 من عمر اللقاء، لينتهي 1-1.

ورفع الاتحاد رصيده إلى 10 نقاط في المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري السعودي، بينما وصل الفيحاء إلى المركز التاسع برصيد 8 نقاط. أهداف مباراة الاتحاد والفيحاء اليوم في الدوري السعودي

  ركلة جزاء بنزيما الضائعة أمام الفيحاء

£50m offer now received for Liverpool to sell star who played vs Arsenal

Liverpool have plenty of plates spinning ahead of the transfer deadline, though they could now have some thinking to do after a sizeable offer was made for one of their key men.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot retains optimism amid transfer deadline

While Liverpool’s two-pronged pursuit of Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi plays out, there are plenty of other reasons for Arne Slot to remain optimistic as his side look to claim the Premier League title once again.

Hugo Ekitike’s arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt has lived up to expectations, and the Dutchman is confident the Frenchman will only continue to improve over the coming months as he fully settles in at Anfield.

Hugo Ekitike scores for Liverpool

Addressing his development and how he can improve, Slot said before his side took on Arsenal: “I think he’s already made a big impact in the attacking part of our game. The most simple answer to what he can improve is his match fitness. So I expect him to do even a lot more without the ball than he already does, because he’s already working hard.

“There he can improve, which is completely normal, because he has to adjust from a different league, from a different playing style. “

With a wealth of riches at his disposal, Slot also wants to bring Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers to Anfield, albeit that may be easier said than done, given they are already working on other deals at a late stage in the window.

New Gakpo: Liverpool agree personal terms for "unplayable" new signing

Liverpool are looking to complete a few more signings before the transfer deadline on Monday.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 29, 2025

Excitement is bubbling ahead of a deadline day that could deliver another few statement signings, though there is now a scenario where one of the Dutchman’s key men could be set to leave Anfield for a new challenge.

Liverpool could allow Ibrahima Konate to depart for Real Madrid

According to reports in Spain via Anfield Watch, Liverpool were willing to allow Ibrahima Konate to leave for the Saudi Pro League, but the player himself has rejected a move that would’ve been worth over £50 million to head to the Gulf region.

While the team that put forward the proposal remains unnamed, the Reds clearly have one eye on his contract situation, as his deal is set to expire next summer. Their pursuit of Crystal Palace star Guehi is only likely to fan the flames further, suggesting that a departure may be on the cards.

After featuring against Arsenal in the 1-0 victory at Anfield, Konate has made 136 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, and in that time, has cemented himself as a key figure under Slot and Jurgen Klopp.

Labelled “sensational” by David Lynch, the France international won 137 duels in the Premier League during the Reds’ title victory last term, though speculation over his future may well lead to a considerable dilemma over whether to stick or twist in light of his complex contract situation.

Man Utd players 'ASTONISHED' by woeful start to new season as dressing room spirals into disharmony

Manchester United players are "astonished" by their woeful start to the 2025-26 campaign as the dressing room spirals into disharmony. United have lost three out of their first six league matches and are currently placed 14th in the table, a place above where they finished the 2024-25 season. Questions have been raised about Ruben Amorim's system and his future has also come under the scanner.

  • Man Utd's woeful start to new season

    After a nightmare campaign in the 2024-25 season, United spent heavily on rebuilding their squad in the summer window, as they made key additions to their attack by signing players including Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in a bid to turn things around under Ruben Amorim. However, things have not gone as planned, as they have lost three out of their first six league matches, including the latest 3-1 loss to Brentford and have also crashed out of the Carabao Cup in the second round after losing to fourth-tier side Grimsby Town. 

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    Man Utd stars 'astonished' by results

    According to , the Red Devils stars are astonished by their performances in the new campaign as there was a sense of optimism among the players after a successful pre-season in the US. Manager Amorim's future at Old Trafford has also come under the scanner as the club have managed to pick just 34 points from 33 Premier League games he has coached in since November 2024 and have won just nine. 

  • Red Devils told to appoint to appoint Southgate

    Former Chelsea and England star Joe Cole feels that ex-England boss Sir Gareth Southgate could be the “perfect” man to take over at Old Trafford if Amorim were to lose his job over the coming months. Cole cited building a new culture and understanding the club and its demands as key aspects in which the former England manager may have excelled more than Amorim.

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    Will Xavi be Man Utd's next manager?

    Per , ex-Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is reportedly "studying" the Premier League and will be ready to replace Amorim at Old Trafford if United come calling. 

DPL week 1: Naim's 176 helps Prime Bank breach the 400 mark

Prime Bank became the first team in Bangladesh to score 400 in the List A format

Mohammad Isam10-Mar-2025

Mohammad Naim smashed 176 in a record total•Prime Bank Cricket Club

Key takeawaysThere is already evidence that the 46th edition of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League will be the most open competition of the last 15 years. The top seven teams – all on four points each – have already dropped points in the first round that began on March 3. Defending champions Abahani Limited are among the top six teams, although many felt that they would have financial constraints in the 2024-25 season, given their political links with the Awami League.Prime Bank Cricket Club have begun the league spectacularly, becoming the first side to reach a 400-plus total in a List A game in Bangladesh. There have been two other 300-plus totals in the first three rounds, but there have been also been two sides getting bowled out for under 100 runs.Coming hot on the heels of Bangladesh’s disappointing Champions Trophy campaign, the spotlight will be on if the Dhaka Premier League, known as the country’s most important domestic competition, can provide some new performers.Best battersMohammad Naim continues to be the standout batter of the season in domestic cricket. He struck a career-best 176 against Brothers Union in the game in which Prime Bank racked up 422 for 8 in 50 overs. Naim has limited his strokeplay, concentrating mainly on three or four shots to get him the runs. The most impressive factor is his growth as an accumulator, picking ones and twos regularly.Best bowlersLeft-arm spinner Tanvir Islam has taken three wickets in each of the first three matches for Legends of Rupganj. His 3 for 15 (against Shinepukur Cricket Club) and 3 for 23 (against Gazi Group Cricketers) were impressive spells. Tanvir couldn’t quite do well in the BPL, so he must be eager to bounce back in the Dhaka Premier League. Tanvir reached 150 List A wickets, and completed 100 matches in the format on March 10.Best matchPrime Bank started the season with a tight contest, beating Rupganj Tigers by three wickets. Batting first, Rupganj were bowled out for 216 in 48.4 overs. Prime Bank, however, slipped to 23 for 4 in the third over. Openers Naim and Sabbir Hossain were dismissed for ducks, before Zakir Hasan fell in the second over. When captain Irfan Sukkur was run-out, Prime Bank were in big trouble.But Shamim Hossain held things together with an unbeaten 98 off 83 balls that included ten fours and four sixes. He added 110 runs for the unbroken eighth-wicket stand with Khaled Ahmed, who contributed with 28 from 37 deliveries. Shahadat Hossain also struck a quick fifty from No. 4.Points to ponderApart from the top seven teams all reaching four points each, Gulshan Cricket Club, Partex Sporting Club, Shinepukur and Brothers Union have two points each. Rupganj Tigers remain the only team yet to open their account after three losses.Players to watchBrothers’ 21-year-old batter Mahfijul Islam struck a century and a half-century in the first three games to be the top-scorer at this stage of the competition. Parvez Hossain Emon, having returned from the Champions Trophy, also struck a century and a fifty.

São Paulo atrasa acordo com Volpi e é processado pelo goleiro

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo vem atravessando uma grave crise financeira. Com três mesesde direitos de imagem atrasados com o atual elenco, o Tricolor agora tem mais um problema a resolver, mas com um atleta que não está mais na equipe: o goleiro Tiago Volpi.

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Para os tricolores apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!

Atualmente no Toluca (MEX), o jogador processou o São Paulo por pagamentos atrasados de um acordo realizado no passado devido a pandemia de Covid-19 e pede R$ 2.396.059,38. A informação foi incialmente publicada pela coluna do jornalista Ancelmo Gois no O Globo e confirmada pelo Lance!.

ATUAÇÕES: Crias de Cotia resolvem para o São Paulo contra o Tigre

Em 2020, o São Paulo diminuiu metade do salário dos jogadores, incluindo direitos de imagem, com a promessa de que a dívida seria paga ao longo dos anos seguintes. Em relação a Volpi, o Tricolor fez um acordo de pagamento em 24 parcelas de R$ 93.281,91, a partir de janeiro deste ano.

No entanto, apenas duas prestações foram pagas, a de janeiro e fevereiro, o que fez com que o goleiro entrasse com processo. Inicialmente, a dívida seria de R$ 2.238.765,90, mas o valor foi corrigido por multa de 10% sobre o saldo, juros de 1% ano/mês e correção monetária pelo IPCA/IBGE, previstas em contrato.

Na petição, os advogados pedem que o São Paulo pague o valor em até três dias. Caso contrário, eles pedem a penhora de bens do clube, além de bloqueios nas contas bancárias. Conforme apurado pelo L! com pessoas ligadas ao São Paulo, o clube tem ciência do débito e confirmaram que receberam a notificação judicial. Segundo a reportagem confirmou, o acordo era para pagar em 24 vezes, mas por conta do atraso, Volpi entrou com a ação. Agora, o clube deve aguardar o processo, mas acredita que pode ter um novo acordo.

Lamine Yamal will be 'motivated even more' after Ballon d'Or upset as Barcelona president reacts to 'incredible' Kopa Trophy success and Aitana Bonmati's third straight win

Lamine Yamal may have fallen short in the Ballon d’Or race against Ousmane Dembele, but Barcelona president Joan Laporta insists the setback will only fuel his hunger to claim the award in future. The teenager made history with back-to-back Kopa Trophies, while Aitana Bonmati continued her dominance by lifting a third consecutive Women’s Ballon d’Or.

Barcelona shine on awards night despite Yamal’s Ballon d’Or setback

The Blaugrana's influence was once again felt on football’s biggest individual stage. While Dembele claimed the men’s Ballon d’Or, 18-year-old Yamal finished runner-up after already securing his second Kopa Trophy. Barca Femini midfielder Bonmati made history as just the third player to win the Golden Ball – alongside Lionel Messi and Michel Platini.

AdvertisementAFPLaporta praises Yamal and Bonmati’s dominance

Speaking after the ceremony, Laporta hailed the club’s success and expressed pride in Yamal’s historic achievement.

“Nobody has two Kopa awards, I’m sure Lamine will now fight for the Ballon d’Or," he said. "There were a lot of nerves, because in the theatre there were a few people shouting ‘Ousmane, Ousmane’ and a few of us from Barca were shouting ‘Lamine, Lamine’. I’m sure this will motivate Lamine even more.”

The Barca president was equally glowing in his praise for Bonmati, who marked another milestone in her career.

"I'm very happy for Aitana, when she comes on stage she gives an acknowledgment that moves you. I'm delighted with Aitana, she gave an exceptional speech, she touched on everything, family, club, equality, we know that these are reasons that motivate Aitana to continue improving."

Why this matters for Barcelona’s present and future

For Laporta, the night was not just about trophies but also a reminder of the club’s resilience. He took the opportunity to thank supporters, pointing out their role in Barca’s resurgence.

“I tell the fans to keep believing in Barca. Their patience with some things is admirable, and they never give up. We owe them everything," he concluded.

Yamal’s Ballon d’Or runner-up finish, combined with Raphinha’s fifth and Pedri’s 11th place, reinforced the impression that Barcelona are nurturing a new generation capable of dominating the world stage.

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AFPWhat comes next for Barca and Yamal

Currently sidelined through injury, Yamal will be watching from the stands as Barcelona look to build on their 3-0 victory over Getafe. Flick’s side face Real Oviedo in midweek before taking on Real Sociedad at the weekend, with a Champions League showdown against PSG looming large.

Mandhana, Wareham, Rana breach Brabourne fortress to deny MI top spot

First-season champions Mumbai Indians (MI) finished the league stage second behind Delhi Capitals for the third year in a row, after failing to chase down 200 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Brabourne Stadium. Needing a win to top the table and seal a direct final berth, MI put on a shoddy fielding display that gave RCB a competitive total. In their reply, Nat Sciver-Brunt was the only batter to cross 23 as the hosts fell to their first loss at Brabourne in six games.RCB’s 11-run win was the third victory in a row for the team batting first at WPL 2025 after the early trend was heavily in favour of teams chasing. Their win that helped them off the bottom of the table was set up by a half-century from Smriti Mandhana, free-flowing strokeplay from S Meghana, Ellyse Perry’s anchoring role, and boundary-laden cameos from Richa Ghosh and Georgia Wareham.For MI, Sciver-Brunt did the heavy lifting after the losses of Hayley Matthews and Harmanpreet Kaur, but once she fell for a stunning 69 off 35 in the 15th over, MI had too much to score (71 runs) in too little time (31 balls) with no big names to follow.

Meghana starts the engine, Mandhana changes gears

With nothing to lose in this campaign, RCB came out all guns blazing in their last game and they did it audaciously by targeting MI’s best bowlers. Meghana clubbed Sciver-Brunt for two fours in the second over before seeing Mandhana end the third over with a four followed by a glorious straight six against Shabnim Ismail. Meghana then welcomed Matthews with 4, 6 and 4 but Matthews’ riposte came in the form of a 102.8kmh bouncer which she top-edged to short fine leg for 26 off 13.Smriti Mandhana scored a breezy 37-ball 53, with six fours and three sixes•BCCI

RCB finished the powerplay on 53 for 1, and Perry made MI pay for gifting her three lives. The next bowler to be carted all around was Amelia Kerr. Once her first ball – a long hop – was pulled for four by Perry, Mandhana swept her for six, flicked for four and swung her down the ground for a 22-run over. Briefly after MI pulled the run rate down from 9.62 to under 8.50 an over, Mandhana collected two consecutive aerial fours to reach her fifty off 35 balls.

MI’s greasy fingers allow RCB to speed away

Kerr’s second over was even more dramatic. She gave Perry a life on 16 when she failed to hold on to the ball that was smashed back to her. Two balls later, Mandhana, on 52, skied a sweep but Sanskriti Gupta put down a sitter at midwicket. That didn’t cost MI much as Mandhana found long-off on her next ball.What did cost MI was Perry’s life. She gloriously lofted Ismail for a six next over and drilled Parunika Sisodia for four after Ghosh had already collected two fours in the 14th over. Ghosh was also living dangerously. She miscued a couple of swings before tearing Ismail apart. A reverse-scoop edged for four, a mighty straight six and a scoop right over the keeper fetched 15 from the over to give Ismail figures of 0 for 41. Ghosh miscued Matthews for 36 off 22 next over but Perry and Wareham piled on more boundaries.The duo went after Amanjot Kaur – whose tight lines saw her concede just nine off her first three overs – for four fours all around, which included the reliable Sciver-Brunt putting down a dolly at deep midwicket after being distracted by the spidercam. Perry was dropped on the first ball of the last over, bowled by Kerr, that went for four. Wareham swept and reverse-swept Kerr for 4, 2, 4 and 6 to give RCB 199 with her scintillating 31 not out off 10 that helped them collect 65 off the last four.

Kerr fails again, Rana lands the blows

MI’s opening woes continued as Kerr again failed to put on a decent score. While Matthews got going with spectacular hits off Perry, Kerr faced just nine balls in the first 30. Sneh Rana snared the two openers in consecutive overs when she had Matthews hole out to deep square leg and Kerr sky one towards cover for 9.Nat Sciver-Brunt struck a 29-ball fifty but received little support from others•BCCI

MI needed a big lift from 45 for 2 in the powerplay. Harmanpreet survived an lbw appeal and review from WPL debutant Heather Graham and found the gaps with two confident boundaries. But Mandhana brought back the wily Kim Garth and she foxed the MI captain with a back-of-the-hand legcutter that drew an edge which was pouched nicely by Ghosh.

Sciver-Brunt keeps the runs coming

Despite the captain’s fall, MI did not slow down, thanks to Sciver-Brunt. She often shuffled to off stump to target the slightly shorter boundary on one side and belted out one boundary after another. Wareham was dispatched straight down, Graham for consecutive fours, Rana was brought back and was given similar treatment in a 12-run over. But soon after Sciver-Brunt smoked Perry for a four and six in the 15th over, she miscued an offcutter which Perry settled under easily.

The Sajana scare for RCB

Needing 71 to get from 31 from there was a tall ask for MI but their lower order didn’t give up. The charge was led by the hard-hitting S Sajana mainly at the end after the wickets of Yastika Bhatia, Amanjot and G Kamalini. With 44 to win from 12, Sajana packed some power against Garth’s slower ones and then with 24 to get from five, she hammered Perry in the ‘V’ down the ground for two sixes. She missed the next ball and then miscued one to be dismissed for 23 off 12 and MI fell short.

NZ trio of Gaze, Jensen, James ruled out of Sri Lanka T20Is

Wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis, left-arm seamer Bree Illing and allrounder Flora Devonshire are the replacements

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Mar-2025Injuries have ruled out wicketkeeper-batter Isabella Gaze (hip flexor), seamer Hayley Jensen (hip flexor), and batter Bella James (quadricep) from New Zealand’s three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis, left-arm seamer Bree Illing and allrounder Flora Devonshire have replaced them.Inglis and Illing made their international debuts during last week’s ODI series while Devonshire is uncapped. Inglis took five catches in three games and scored 34 not out and 9 not out the two times she got a chance to bat. Illing took four wickets across three games, twice dismissing Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu. New Zealand won the series 2-0 after the first game was washed out.Gaze, who played the ODI series as a specialist batter, sprained her left hip flexor in the field during the third ODI. “Her rehabilitation timelines are being reviewed,” NZC said in a release. Jensen and James – both were ruled before the ODI series – are yet to recover full fitness.Related

Down ruled out of remaining SL ODIs with back injury; Sharp called in

NZ replace injured Hayley Jensen with Fran Jonas for SL ODIs

Bella James ruled out of Sri Lanka ODIs

Penfold to miss Sri Lanka, Australia series

“We’re all feeling for Izzy, Hayley and Bella,” head coach Ben Sawyer said. “It’s disappointing for the team and the players, but I know those three have the determination and resilience to bounce back.”Bree and Polly had a really positive start to their ODI career. They both showed great intent and execution and I’m confident they’re ready to take on this next challenge. Flora’s shown a lot of all-round potential at the domestic level and is another exciting young player that has qualities consistent with what we’re looking for in the White Ferns.”The T20I series starts on March 14 in Christchurch. The second game will be played in Christchurch, on March 16, before the teams travel to Dunedin for the final T20I on March 18.

The new Havertz: Arsenal weighing up late move to sign £80m star after Eze

We are just one week into the Premier League season, and Arsenal already have a significant injury setback.

News broke yesterday afternoon that, after only just recovering from his hamstring injury that ruled him out of half of last season, Kai Havertz is out with a knee problem.

It’s not clear what the specific injury is, but it looks like the German will be out of action for some time, which is not what Mikel Arteta needs with a trip to Liverpool coming up.

However, there is some good news for the Arsenal faithful, as the club are being linked with an international star who could be the manager’s next Havertz.

Arsenal target their next Havertz

It has been an interesting summer for Arsenal so far this year, as just a few weeks ago, following Viktor Gyokeres’ arrival, spirits were high.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, the sentiment in the fanbase took a nosedive this morning, mainly down to the news that Eberechi Eze looked almost certain to be heading to rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Unsurprisingly, this mood was not helped by the Havertz update, although Arsenal have acted quickly to give supporters something to look forward to with the Gunners incredibly hijacking Spurs’ bid to sign Eze, now agreeing a move themselves.

Eze hasn’t been the only Premier League attacker on the club’s radar. According to a recent report from the Sun, which has claimed Arsenal are still very interested in Morgan Rogers.

The report has revealed that the Gunners are now ‘weighing up a dramatic swoop’ for the Aston Villa star, who is valued at around £80m.

It goes on to claim that while the North Londoners were already keeping tabs on the Englishman, the injury to Havertz has only ‘increased the likelihood’ that the club will go back into the market.

It’s a lot of money to spend on one player, but Rogers is an outrageously talented player and would be more than worth it, especially as he could be Arteta’s new Havertz.

How Rogers would be Arteta's new Havertz

So, the first thing to say is that, yes, Rogers and Havertz have not played in the same position over the last couple of seasons.

However, while that is not the primary basis of this comparison, there are a few other similarities that suggest the Englishman could be Arteta’s new version of the German.

For example, while we are on the topic of positions, they both share the trait of being versatile and playing where their managers want them to.

In the case of the Villa star, he’s spent much of his time at the club moving between attacking midfield and both wings and has even spent a little bit of time up top, which might come in handy at the moment.

The former Chelsea ace, on the other hand, has primarily spent time leading the line, but was originally a left eight when he arrived in North London, and even spent some time on the right last season.

England'sEberechiEzecelebrates scoring their third goal with England's Morgan Rogers

The other key similarity is that, if this transfer goes through at the price reported, it would be another massive signing from a fellow Premier League side, and one that is challenging the European places.

Finally, both players are now full internationals, and while the former Bayer Leverkusen player has far more senior caps to his name, that would be expected given the age gap.

With all that said, there is another massive reason why Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign the former Middlesbrough gem: his output.

For example, in his 54 appearances across all competitions last season, totalling 4496 minutes, the Halesowen-born “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob, scored 14 goals and provided 16 assists.

Rogers’ 24/25

Appearances

54

Minutes

4496′

Goals

14

Assists

16

Goal Involvements per Match

0.55

Minutes per Goal Involvement

149.86′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

That means the often “unstoppable” midfielder, as dubbed by former Liverpool defender turned pundit Jamie Carragher, was able to average a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 149.86 minutes.

Having that sort of output in this team could be the difference between another second-place finish and glory.

Ultimately, even before the injury to Havertz, Arsenal should have gone all out to sign Rogers, but now we know the German will be out for some time, the club should be solely focused on bringing the Villa star to the Emirates.

Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal could move for "interesting" target in £43m star

The Gunners have a potential late-window opportunity.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 20, 2025

It's not Ekitike: Slot may have the new Darwin Nunez in 5/10 Liverpool man

Liverpool beat Bournemouth to get their Premier League title defence off to a flyer, though it was hardly a match without its vulnerabilities for the Anfield side as their defensive frailties were exposed against a spirited Cherries side.

Arne Slot cut a cool figure throughout his maiden year at the Liverpool helm, but he was left hot under the collar after Antoine Semenyo led a fightback from the visitors, who found themselves two goals down after the hour mark when Cody Gakpo coolly dispatched following Hugo Ekitike’s first-half goal, making it two in two for the £79m summer signing.

But while there was plenty of attacking intent on display, the Reds struggled to produce the kind of complete performance that the fanbase would have hoped for as they kicked off their title defence.

Liverpool's performance vs Bournemouth

Mohamed Salah got his goal in the last embers, paying an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota as he did so. His goal followed the volleyed strike of Federico Chiesa, who restored the lead before stoppage time after Semenyo’s double exposed Liverpool’s defensive problems.

But the Merseysiders got the job done, cementing their title defence with three points. Virgil van Dijk improved after his error-strewn display at Wembley in the Community Shield, but Slot’s backline struggled to perform, with Ibrahima Konate in particular singled out as a weak link, looking rusty in central defence.

While the pursuit of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak continues to rumble in the background, there will be plenty of attention on the other end of the field, with a £26m deal completed for 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni and a move still in the works for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

But Liverpool have already welcomed some new quality to their ranks, with two new starters playing against Bournemouth.

One of the newbies showed shades of the recently sold Darwin Nunez, and it wasn’t the goalscoring Ekitike.

Liverpool's new Darwin Nunez

Liverpool might have earned themselves a winning start to the Premier League campaign, but it was far from convincing against a slick Bournemouth side who implemented a high press to a good effect.

And Milos Kerkez certainly left plenty to be desired on his first league appearance in a Liverpool shirt. It was always going to be a match freighted with nerves for the 21-year-old, especially when pitted against his old Bournemouth teammates and Semenyo, who emerged the victor in that individual battle.

The young Hungarian lacked control and composure, lunging in with a series of challenges and being shown the flash of Antony Taylor’s yellow card before being replaced by the veteran Andy Robertson before the hour mark.

It was an erratic display which evoked memories of that man Nunez, who was sent off on his Anfield debut three years ago in a 1-1 draw with Fulham.

Milos Kerkez’s Performance vs Bournemouth

Match Stats

#

Minutes played

59′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

47

Accurate passes

25/27 (93%)

Key passes

0

Dribbles

0/0

Tackles

1

Duels won

4/10

Bookings

1x

Data via Sofascore

According to Sofascore, the 21-year-old won four of his ten attempted duels and made five clearances for Liverpool, also completing 93% of his passes, but he was also handed a 5/10 match rating by the Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle, who drew attention to Semenyo getting the better of his former teammate at the Vitality Stadium.

Though Nunez ultimately succumbed to his mercurial nature, unable to channel it and succeed under first Jurgen Klopp’s wing and the Slot’s, his high-level talent was never up for question on Merseyside.

And the same could be said of Kerkez, who last season was remarked to be “one of the most talented left-backs in world football” by scout Jacek Kulig.

The rising star will hope to establish more of a stable level of success at Liverpool than Nunez, who joined Al Hilal this summer after three years with the Reds, but there’s no question that he will need to temper his aggression if he wishes to succeed Robertson and play a confident part in a backline that even at this early stage has shown that improvements are needed as Slot quests for a successful title defence.

He'd get Isak & Wirtz firing: Liverpool could sign "one of the best LWs"

Liverpool may yet sign a few more forwards in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 15, 2025

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