The Pulse of Football

Sep

2025

Mikel Merino determined to lock down a position for club and country

Spain began their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying journey in stellar fashion, winning 3-0 in Bulgaria and 6-0 in Türkiye this month, and demonstrating once again why they are one of the top teams on the planet. Only one player found the back of the net in both qualifiers: Mikel Merino.

By Zach Lowy

Merino doubled Spain’s lead against Türkiye after completing an intricate passing combination with a sensational first-time finish, his third goal in four international matches, before scoring again on the cusp of halftime. As Pedri, Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal zoomed forward, Merino calmly jogged into the box, patiently waiting for things to unfold, and when Pedri’s overhit cross skirted past Torres and Oyarzabal, he was there to coolly slot into the near post. However, he saved the best for last, receiving the ball from 40 yards out, waiting for a passing option to develop, before trying his luck from outside the box and unleashing a firecracker into the back of the net.

In doing so, Merino became the first midfielder to score a hat-trick for Spain since Isco in 2018. It was yet another reminder of why, at 29 years of age, Merino is staking his claim as one of the top goal-scoring midfielders in European football. And it was more evidence that Merino will be vital to Spain’s hopes of acquiring a second star (for a second World Cup win) as well as his personal ambitions of adding to a trophy cabinet that already features European Championships at U19, U21, and senior level, a UEFA Nations League trophy, and an Olympic silver medal.

Born in Pamplona, Spain, Merino bounced around from Osasuna to Borussia Dortmund to Newcastle before joining Real Sociedad in 2018, where he emerged as one of LaLiga’s top midfielders. Merino helped them end a 33-year trophy drought with a Man of the Match display in the 2020 Copa del Rey Final, before restoring them to the UEFA Champions League after a decade-long absence. He followed that up with an impressive 2023/24 season, winning the most duels in Europe’s top leagues (326) as well as the most aerial duels (168), before taking off for Germany and participating in his first-ever major tournament with Spain’s senior team. Despite being secondary to Martín Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo in the midfield rotation, Merino played in all seven matches and provided vital contributions in Spain’s successful EURO 2024 conquest, none more important than his 119th-minute winner against Germany in the quarterfinal.

It’s why Arsenal decided to fork out £31.6m for the Spaniard, tying him down to a four-year contract. Merino looked set to lock down a spot in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, but destiny had other plans. In his first training session, he fractured his shoulder after colliding with Gabriel Magalhães; by the time Merino returned, Ødegaard was out with an ankle problem. Merino shifted back and forth from the starting XI to the bench and operated in a variety of midfield roles, before getting the chance to shine in an unnatural position. With both of Arsenal’s centre forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus unavailable, Arsenal found themselves drawing at Leicester on February 15, prompting Mikel Arteta to throw Merino on in the 69th minute as a makeshift striker. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands by scoring a brace, quickly locking down a place as Arsenal’s short-term No. 9 and scoring against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, and Real Madrid.

“Merino offers a unique set of skills (aerial ability, duel winning, box crashing, final third combination play) that is quite different than what his teammates have, which was one of the things that excited the Arsenal hierarchy and made them sign him,” stated Arsenal-focused journalist Scott Willis. “He’s very good at finding gaps and picking his spots so that he doesn’t have his shots blocked. He’d be best suited as an attacking midfielder, either as an 8 in a 4-3-3 or a 10 in a 4-2-3-1.”

“Whilst Merino excels at crashing the box and striking the ball, he doesn’t have the elusiveness to create separation before the ball arrives, or the ability to use his first touch to move past that initial pressure. He isn’t a classic deep-lying playmaker that breaks lines in the build-up or sprays the ball all over the field, and he understands his limitations by playing it safe to other players rather than forcing things himself. His main weakness is his lack of speed whilst receiving with his back to the goal and turning towards goal, leaving him vulnerable to an opponent closing him down and robbing him of possession.”

*Merino’s favourable player traits comparison*

This season, Merino finds himself under heightened competition on both fronts following the summer arrivals of Viktor Gyökeres, Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze. With Gyökeres leading the line and Zubimendi slotting in between Ødegaard and Rice in midfield, Merino played just 13 minutes in Arsenal’s opener before remaining on the bench for their second match. Their third match, however, would see Merino get the nod on the right side of midfield, playing 70 minutes vs. Liverpool before being replaced by Ødegaard. It begs the question – is Merino’s long-term role at Arsenal in the starting line-up, or as a substitute?

It remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Merino looks set to play a pivotal role for Arsenal as they seek to win their first Premier League title in 22 years, as well as their first-ever Champions League title. And maybe, just maybe, he’ll be the key to Spain winning their second World Cup in North America next summer.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow the every game from the Premier League with FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Sep

2025

Dean Huijsen already the perfect fit for Alonso’s Madrid era

Dean Huijsen is living up to his billing as Real Madrid’s next great centre back, following in the footsteps of Sergio Ramos, Raphaël Varane and others.

By Graham Ruthven

More than once since taking over as Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso has spoken about his “process.” This has been the key word to describe what is happening at the Santiago Bernabéu right now with Los Blancos being reshaped in the image of their new boss. Dean Huijsen, however, looks a lot like the finished article.

Signed from Bournemouth for €60m, Huijsen has played every minute of Real Madrid’s opening three league fixtures this season. The 20-year-old has become a central pillar of Alonso’s new-look team and is proving himself as the Spanish giants’ next great central defender.

*Huijsen’s player traits comparison against centre backs in top 5 leagues*

Huijsen has it all. He can handle himself against the most physical of opposition forwards – see how Huijsen matched up well against Mallorca’s Vedat Muriqi before the September international break. Huijsen still has some filling out to do, but his 6′ 5” frame makes him imposing.

That frame also makes Huijsen a threat in the air. The youngster contributed an excellent assist with his head in the 2-1 win over Mallorca, guiding a cross to the back post across goal for Arda Güler to finish from close range. Alonso might look to utilise Huijsen’s aerial threat from set pieces even more as the season progresses.

It’s Huijsen’s ability with the ball at his feet that makes him so special, though. The 20-year-old is already such an important figure for Real Madrid in the way they build out from the back. Indeed, Huijsen’s arrival has given Los Blancos a completely different dimension in possession, especially down the left side of the pitch.

Three games into the season, Huijsen is averaging more passes per 90 minutes (87.3) than any other Real Madrid player. Not only this, his line-breaking ability is unmatched with the 20-year-old averaging one key pass into the final third per match. This is a quality that has frequently created moments of quick transition for Alonso’s side.

*Huijsen’s per 90 passing stats in LaLiga*

Huijsen is a central defender custom-built for modern football. Born in Amsterdam, the 20-year-old has the technical ability you’d expect from a Dutch national. Huijsen also benefited from the Spanish academy system having moved to Malaga at the age of five years old.

A move to Juventus at 15 gave Huijsen a grounding in the art of Italian defending with a season at Bournemouth affording the young centre back 12 months of Premier League physicality. Huijsen has had the ideal footballing education and is now putting it all together as a Real Madrid player. There are no clear flaws to his game.

“I try to aspire to be like Sergio Ramos. He’s my idol,” said Huijsen when asked about his footballing idols and the precedent he is following as a Real Madrid defender. “For me, he’s very complete, he had everything. In terms of leadership, goalscoring, personality, character.”

Raphaël Varane might be a better comparison when it comes to Huijsen and his skill set as a ball-playing defender. Either way, there’s growing belief that the Spanish international is destined for a career at the very top for both club and country. The €60m Real Madrid paid for Huijsen already looks to be something of a bargain.

Real Madrid targeted a new young centre back for a number of years, long before Alonso’s appointment at the end of last season. Leny Yoro was a long-term interest before Manchester United got there first, signing the French teenager from Lille last summer. Had things gone a little differently, Yoro would be in his second season as a Real Madrid player.

Yoro going to Old Trafford was a sliding doors moment for Huijsen and his career prospects. Real Madrid probably wouldn’t have been an option for him this summer had Yoro joined the Spanish giants. Huijsen wouldn’t have linked up with Alonso who already looks to be the perfect mentor for the young defender at this stage of his development.

Under Alonso, Real Madrid are going through a stylistic and tactical transition. The former Bayer Leverkusen has been tasked with bringing the Santiago Bernabéu outfit into the modern age. Alonso has spoken about making Real Madrid much more effective in and out of possession, moving away from the transition style that characterised the Carlo Ancelotti era.

There will be, and already has been, growing pains. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been in and out of the lineup. Rodrygo has struggled for game time. Even Vinícius Júnior is having to prove himself as Alonso demands different things from his players. This is the start of a new era in the Spanish capital. In Huijsen, though, Real Madrid have a player who embodies that new beginning.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Real Madrid game on FotMob in the 2025/26 season – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Sep

2025

Neymar’s rollercoaster Brazil return

The prodigal son returned to Brazil in January to try and regain some fitness and form following his dismal spell with Saudi club Al-Hilal. Since then, there have been tears, fan confrontations, and around $1 billion worth of assets inherited from a businessman he’s never met.

By Alex Roberts

Santos are no longer the powerhouse they were when Neymar was first with the club. Back in 2023, they suffered the first relegation of their club’s illustrious history, and the fans did not take it well.

As the final whistle blew in their 2-1 defeat to Fortaleza, the game that sealed their fate, the players collapsed to the turf and the home crowd threw everything but the kitchen sink at them. There did appear to be a toilet seat, however, so not too far off.

Tear gas erupted and the smoke from burning cars outside the ground were accompanied by loud chants of ‘Time sem vergonha’, shameless team. Luckily for everyone involved, they secured promotion back to the Serie A at the first time of asking.

In January 2025, Neymar returned, 12 years after he left his mark on Santos’ dressing-room wall with the words, “Eu vou mas, eu volto!” (“I’m going, but I’ll be back”), written as a 21-year-old prodigy with the world at his feet.

Whether fair or not, the forward continues to face accusations he never lived up to his potential. Winning the Champions League and seven league titles in Europe, as well as breaking Pele’s all-time goalscoring record for Brazil would say otherwise.

It’s the lack of a Ballon d’Or that is used as a stick to beat him with. Brazil had hoped he would become the nation’s first winner since Kaka in 2007, but unfortunately for Neymar, he had Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo just ahead of him in football’s greatest popularity contest.

Emotions ride high in Brazilian football, those same fans that were rioting were among the 20,000 that endured the rain at the Estádio Urbano Caldeira to welcome Neymar back to the club just over a year later.

It was a lavish ceremony. Local musicians played and banners saying ‘the prince is back’ were spotted all throughout the stadium as the heir to Pele’s throne made his return to the club where it all began.

There were tears, although these ones came naturally rather than from the gas, as he took the stage wearing that black and wite number ten shirt, made so famous by the man that won Brazil three world Cups.

“I can’t find the words to express the feeling when you love something,” he said after his debut in the 1-1 draw vs Botafogo SP. “I love Santos very much and I can’t find the words to describe the feeling I felt when I stepped out onto the pitch today.”

Just a few months later, that ‘love’ between Neymar and the Santos fans is starting to sour. There have been glimpses of his brilliance, the 3-1 win over Agua Santa, in which he scored his first goal and provided his first assist since returned is a standout.

As are the 3-0 win over Inter de Limeria and the 1-0 victory over Flamengo, with Neymar scoring an 84^th minute winner. Football is fickle, however, and a 3-0 defeat to 10-man Mirassol and 2-1 defeat to Oscar’s Internacional quickly changed the mood.

At the time of writing, Santos are hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, only above it by virtue of goal difference with 22 points, six wins, four draws, and 11 defeats from their 21 games. It’s not a good look for a club who only just made it back to the big time.

*The relegation picture in the Brasileirão*

It all came to a head in the defeat to Internacional. Neymar thought he bagged a late equaliser, ran off to celebrate by kicking the corner flag, only for it to be disallowed. Santos, of course, lost the game, and the superstar had his first altercation with a group of fans.

He summoned one of them to the pitch, and the fan later gave his version of events, saying: “He told me to shut up and insulted me, saying that if I was a man I should go to the changing room to talk,” he explained.

“I asked him as captain to demand commitment, grit, determination. I didn’t understand why he was so angry. In every game I’m there. I was with my son and nephew, and we were attacked by other fans after that argument. A fan tried to slap me in the face. My nephew ended up getting a little black eye. Neymar ended up putting us against the fans. Neymar is my idol. I like him, he has already given me a lot of joy. But in this return, he is leaving something to be desired.”

Neymar had his own version of events: “He has the right to give his opinion if I played well or badly, what they can’t do is offend me. To say I am a mercenary, to talk about my family and friends. I’m sorry but it’s hard to control yourself.”

His relationship with the fans took another hit when he missed Santos’ defeat to Corinthians in the semi-finals of the Sao Paulo state championship in March with ‘injury’, only to be spotted at the brilliantly named Sambadrome in Rio a couple of days later. But, let’s be honest, that’s par for the course with Neymar.

Still, he has a knack of popping up and being a difference maker. Neymar bagged a brace in the recent 3-1 win over Juventude, giving his side three much-needed points as they continue their battle against relegation.

He has asked about his chances of making the Brazil squad for next year’s World Cup, responding in typical fashion with: ”Man, I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.” He’s not wrong about that, it’s more a case of whether new boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Neymar is better than his current options.

If he doesn’t make it, he’ll be soaking up the sun on a beach somewhere with a Caipirinha in hand, no doubt paid for by the near $1 billion he just inherited from an unknown Brazilian businessman. It could be worse.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Santos game on FotMob in the 2025 season – with in-depth stat coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Sep

2025

On the field, Chelsea are going under the radar

It was another summer of upheaval at Stamford Bridge, an annual occurrence now for the Blues since being bought by BlueCo.

By Sam McGuire

The Club World Cup champions spent just shy of £300million, bringing in the likes of João Pedro, Liam Delap, Alejandro Garnacho, Jorrel Hato and Jamie Gittens, but managed to balance their books by cashing in on Noni Madueke, Christopher Nkunku, João Félix and a host of other squad players.

Heading into the 2025/26 season, Chelsea were a bit of a wildcard. They’d assembled an impressive squad and had showcased their quality during the Club World Cup, hammering Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

But the Premier League requires consistency. And there’s been nothing consistent about Enzo Maresca’s side. In fact, it’s hard to be consistent when there’s such a turnover of players every summer.

To complicate matters further, Levi Colwill was ruled out for most of the campaign before he’d even kicked a ball. They kicked off the first game of the season, at home to Crystal Palace, without Colwill, Roméo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile. The highly-rated Josh Acheampong started alongside Trevoh Chalobah at centre-back.

It didn’t go to plan for the hosts and the game finished 0-0. João Pedro, making his first start in the Premier League for the Blues, finished with a FotMob rating of 5.9, the lowest of the game.

Maresca’s men finished with an open-play xG of just one. Cole Palmer, the club’s most important attacker, managed to create just one chance. The balance of the team felt off. And this was, of course, the concern with adding so many players in one summer.

In the warm-up to the second game, away to West Ham, Palmer sustained an injury and was replaced in the starting XI. The Blues, without their best defender in Colwill and their best player in Palmer, could’ve struggled.

Instead, they put on a finishing clinic to romp to a 5-1 win over the Hammers. They followed that up with an impressive 2-0 victory over an unbeaten Fulham side. Now, during the first international break of the season, Maresca’s men are one of just three unbeaten teams in the English top-flight. They trail leaders Liverpool by two points but have been the best team in the Premier League.

In fact, they’re the highest rated FotMob team in the top tier of English football right now with an average rating of 7.16.

All of their numbers are surprisingly good too. Why does this come as such a surprise? Well, they’ve been without Palmer for two of their three games. For the past two campaigns, he’s been their most impactful player. He finished last term with 23 goal involvements in the Premier League. The season before that, his debut one with the Blues, he claimed 22 goals and 11 assists.

Their 2024/25 campaign was derailed a little when Palmer struggled for form.

Chelsea weren’t Palmer FC but they weren’t far away from that.

This season, they’ve been forced to adapt. And they’ve flourished, to an extent.

The Blues currently rank second in the Premier League for goals scored (2.3). They have the joint best defensive record having allowed just one goal across their three outings. As a result of this, they are, of course, joint-top for clean sheets (two).

The underlying numbers are just as positive too. They have the second highest Expected Goals haul in the Premier League. The leaders for this metric? Are you seated? It is Manchester United. Maresca’s men have the third lowest Expected Goals Against total. Only Newcastle (1.6) and Arsenal (2.2) have given up lower value opportunities.

Other headline figures are just as impressive. They top the charts for possession with 61.5%. They’ve created the most big chances in the English top-flight with 12 and they’re fourth in the league for touches in the box.

The same sample isn’t the largest, granted, but everything is encouraging, isn’t it?

Chelsea have an efficient and aggressive attack. They have a resolute and robust defensive structure too. As the season progresses, their team should become even stronger. The more this group plays together, the better they’ll be. And we’re yet to see Palmer find his feet this season. Adding him to this group is an intriguing prospect. Combined, this is a scary prospect for their rivals.

The focus has been on whether Liverpool can retain their crown or if Arsenal will finally end their run of second place finishes. There’s even been some talk over whether City can reclaim top spot. Few are even talking about Chelsea, but, as things stand, they’re the dark horse in this title race.

Yes, it’s a little premature to be saying this but things are looking good for the Blues.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Sep

2025

Four potential surprise packages at next year’s World Cup finals

The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is well and truly under way with teams already securing their spots at the tournament.

By Graham Ruthven

Indeed, 18 of the total 48 places have been filled at the current time of writing, making it somewhat possible to project ahead to next summer’s tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Here are four qualified teams that could be a surprise package at the 2026 World Cup.

🇨🇦 Canada

As one of three co-hosts, Canada will have home advantage at the 2026 World Cup. This didn’t count for much at the last World Cup as Qatar crashed out of the group stage without making much of an impression, but Jesse Marsch’s team look to be in good shape ahead of next summer’s tournament.

Canada put three goals past Romania in an away friendly last week, followed that up with a win over Wales and have also held their own in recent matches against Ivory Coast and Ukraine. This is a team with match-winning quality in the shape of Jonathan David, Alphonso Davies and Tajon Buchanan and a decent level of depth throughout the squad.

Marsch has got his team playing a brand of high-energy football that is a good fit for the squad he inherited from John Herdman. ‘Red Bull Canada’ fell short of making the Gold Cup final during the summer, but look set to be difficult opponents at the 2026 World Cup when they will have hope to have a stronger squad.

2022 was the first time Canada had qualified for a World Cup since 1986. They demonstrated their ability to be competitive in Qatar, but expectations will be greater on home soil. Canada are a reflection of their head coach and are stronger than they were three years ago.

🇪🇨 Ecuador

Ecuador are one of six South American teams to have punched their ticket to the USA, Canada and Mexico with La Tri known for their defensive solidity. Indeed, Sebastián Beccacece’s side have conceded just five goals in 18 qualifiers, giving them the best defensive record in CONMEBOL.

This isn’t just a national team on the rise, but a country on the rise as a footballing force. Ecuador is producing more and more top-level talent with Independiente del Valle known in particular for their academy system – see Moisés Caicedo, Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié, just to name a few.

The 2022 World Cup was a disappointing one for Ecuador as they exited in the group stage, but the experience of that tournament should help El Tri perform better next summer. Their matches might not be the most entertaining (Ecuador have drawn their last four of their last five matches 0-0), yet this strength at the back could suit tournament football.

🇰🇷 South Korea

Only a year ago, South Korea were in a bad way. Jürgen Klinsmann was extremely unpopular as national team manager, especially after the Taegeuk Warriors lost to Jordan in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup. Now, though, the 2002 World Cup semi-finalists appear to have rediscovered their groove.

Under Hong Myung-bo, South Korea comfortably qualified for the 2026 tournament and were comfortable in their 2-0 friendly win over Mauricio Pochettino’s USA last week. Hong has faced criticism from some supporters for the way he exited Ulsan HD to take over as national team manager, but South Korea look much more stable for his presence.

Son Heung-min remains the Taegeuk Warriors’ primary difference-maker in the final third, but the likes of Kin Min-jae, Lee Kang-in and Hwang Hee-chan are all quality operators. Hong has recently experimented with a back three that could form South Korea’s basis next summer.

This experimentation extends to South Korea’s general approach. While Hong has generally set up his team to stay compact and hit out in quick transition, he is now attempting to push his players higher up the pitch and prolonging their passing sequences. The hope is that South Korea will be able to dictate World Cup games next summer.

🇺🇿 Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan will make their World Cup bow next summer after impressively coming through AFC qualifying. The White Wolves are riding a wave that has made the country a growing force in Asian football with Uzbekistan winning this summer’s regional CAFA Nations Cup and their Under-17s winning the youth Asian Cup.

Abdukodir Khusanov is the most recognisable name in Timur Kapadze’s squad to English and European football fans. Indeed, the central defender plays with the sort of authority at international level that has so far escaped him as a Manchester City player. Khusanov is a rock at the back for the White Wolves.

Beyond Khusanov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev is an exciting talent in the attacking third. The 21-year-old was Breakthrough Player of the Season in the Russian Premier League last year and has since joined İstanbul Başakşehir for big money. Eldor Shomurodov who plays for the same club also deserves some attention.

Much like Ecuador, Uzbekistan might not be the most exhilarating team to watch at the 2026 World Cup, but they have a sound foundation and are known for being difficult to play against. They could emulate what Georgia did at Euro 2024 by making an unexpected run to the tournament’s knockout rounds.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow all England games on FotMob in the 2025/26 season – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Sep

2025

Preview: England face stern Serbia test in Belgrade

England’s Three Lions return to the Serbian capital for the first time in 38 years.

By Filip Mishov

First meets second in Group K

With Serbia and England being the only undefeated national teams in Group K of the UEFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers and both boasting a perfect defensive record, the stakes are high ahead of their meeting as the fiery hosts await Euro 2024’s runners-up in Belgrade.

The Three Lions secured a narrow win (0-1) against the Serbs in the group phase at Euro 2024 through Jude Bellingham‘s header in what is their only meeting since Serbia’s independence was restored back in 2006.

It was quite an uneventful affair, unlike England’s last visit to Belgrade back in 1987. The then Bobby Robson-led squad faced the former Yugoslavia with the up-and-coming midfield maestro Dragan Stojković (now coach) in the starting XI at the Red Star Stadium (later renamed to Rajko Mitić Stadium) in the Euro 1988 Qualifiers, and Bryan Robson & co. cruised to a dominant victory (1-4) with Peter Beardsley, John Barnes and Tony Adams finding the back of the net alongside Captain Marvel.

Key players

With Vanja Milinković-Savić asking to be left out of the squad for September’s international window in order to adjust to the new surroundings in Naples, Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrović acts as Serbia’s undisputed No. 1 during the qualifiers.

The talented shot stopper has enjoyed a decent start to the season with a couple of clean sheets across the Premier League‘s opening three rounds, and boasts an average FotMob rating of 7.38. Additionally, Serbia are yet to concede in the three qualifiers played so far, with Petrović playing in each game and even saving a penalty in their draw with Albania back in June.

For England, all-time top scorer Harry Kane (73 goals) is already averaging an impressive FotMob rating of 9.30 in the Bundesliga after scoring a hat-trick and adding a couple of assists for Bayern München across 176 minutes this season. Furthermore, the 108-capped striker is England’s most in-form forward with three goals in four qualifying matches and remains central to Thomas Tuchel‘s plans.

Team news

Serbia’s own all-time top scorer (62 goals), Aleksandar Mitrović only came off the bench and played the final eight minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Latvia in Riga after returning from a long injury layoff, and it will be interesting to see whether Stojković will stick with Luka Jović in the starting XI ahead of Al Rayyan’s new striker. The same goes for the 34-year-old Aleksandar Katai who recorded the assist for the winning goal, but was then replaced by Lazar Samardzić at half-time.

Deputant Elliot Anderson impressed in England’s 2-0 victory against Andorra (see ratings below), but the experienced Jordan Henderson is in line to replace the 22-year-old and sit alongside Declan Rice in midfield, while Anthony Gordon or Morgan Rogers could take Marcus Rashford‘s place, given the latter’s debatable strength when it comes to defensive contributions.

Prediction

Undoubtedly, the rocky trip to Serbia’s capital will be Thomas Tuchel’s biggest test since taking charge of the Three Lions at the start of the year, and with England’s performances being far from convincing despite their faultless record in the qualifiers, I expect a draw to played out amidst what will be a hectic atmosphere in Belgrade.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every World Cup qualifier with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Sep

2025

Preview: England host Andorra in World Cup qualifier

It should be a comfortable evening for England at Villa Park against Andorra, despite recent grumbles.

By Ian King

Recent form

It’s been three months since England last played and things didn’t go too well that time, with Senegal becoming the first African team to ever win at Wembley, and by a comfortable 3-1 margin. But England’s record in World Cup qualifiers is incredible. They last lost one almost 16 years ago, to Ukraine in October 2009.

In the game before that, England only beat Andorra 1-0 in Barcelona, with Harry Kane scoring the only goal. Andorra’s blanket defence almost smothered England that afternoon. Andorra lost their next game, a qualifier in this group, 3-0 to Serbia. Their last win came in October 2024, 2-0 against San Marino. This match marked the last time they scored, as well.

History

England have won all seven of the meetings between these two teams, as we’d expect, and their next narrowest margin of victory was a 2-0 away win, exactly 17 years earlier. Andorra have never scored against England, so hitting the net would be an achievement for them.

Key Players

If anything, this is the sort of match when we might expect Thomas Tuchel to make some changes and give some uncapped players a chance, but Tuchel has indicated that he intends to start a strong team for this match.

As such, it’s worth dwelling upon Harry Kane, who will pick up his 108th cap. This will tie him with Bobby Moore, who once held the record, but who has since been eclipsed by David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, and Peter Shilton. Kane is now 17 appearances short of Shilton’s record 125 caps, and he’s 32 years old. The chase is on.

*Kane has been in form for club side Bayern Munich*

Kane is also 20 goals clear as England’s record scorer, and none of the others in the all-time top ten on that list are currently playing. In 10th place is Frank Lampard on 29, to give you some idea of how long it’ll be before that record is broken.

The man worth watching for Andorra is Marc Pujol. Now the ripe old age of 43, Puyol’s senior career began a quarter of a century ago, a full three years before Jude Bellingham was born. He’s got 122 caps for Andorra, and he also scored their last goal; their second, in that 2-0 win against San Marino.

He currently plays his club football in the Andorran top flight, the Primera Divisió, for Atlètic d’Escaldes, who finished runners-up in that league last season and have already been knocked out of this year’s Europa Conference League qualifiers.

Team News

Spurs left-back Djed Spence and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson both earn their first call-ups for England (we discussed what role the latter may play – here), but there has been one withdrawal, with Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace reportedly now out for three weeks with an adductor injury. Andorra are not believed to have any significant injuries.

Prediction

There are one or two concerns about this England team, as shown up by Senegal in their last match as well as their last meeting with Andorra. And while it’s fair to say that team selection has everything to do with preparing for next summer’s finals, they’re nowhere near qualified yet, and they need to be in the right frame of mind for their next – and far more difficult – fixture, away to Serbia.

Andorra will throw that blanket down again and challenge England not to be smothered by it. They nearly managed it last time, with only one goal between the teams, and it’s a sign of how much that stung, that Thomas Tuchel has promised a strong team for this one. But I can only go on the evidence of my own eyes, and England didn’t deserve much better than that narrow 1-0 win in June. 3-0 this time, and the grumbling to continue to Belgrade on Tuesday night.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every World Cup qualifier with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Sep

2025

Jack Grealish is FREE and back to his best at Everton

Free from Pep Guardiola’s perceived yolk and finally able to express himself once again, Grealish has put all the troubles he had at Man City behind him and taken to life at Everton like a large calved duck to water.

By Alex Roberts

It’s hard to define whether the 29-year-old’s £100 million move from Aston Villa was a success or an abject failure. The numbers aren’t great, 17 goals and 23 assists in his 157 games across all competitions would suggest it was the prior, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.

In American sports terms, Jack Grealish is what’s known as a ‘glue guy’, a player who’s influence off the pitch is equal or greater than their impact on it. The loveable winger was one of the faces of the club whether he played or not, just ask Erling Haaland, a close friend of his, who recently posted on Snapchat “Jack De Bruyne does it again for Everton.”

From a sheer marketability perspective, he’s been one of the Premier League’s greatest assets over the past five years. Almost every interview he does will produce a little soundbite that will be shared and viewed by thousands across the globe.

This season has a lot riding on it for Everton. Leaving Goodison Park wasn’t easy, a beacon for thousands in a working-class part of north Liverpool, it will forever be remembered as one of English football’s great arenas, but one could see why the club decided to move on.

The club needed to get the new £800 million Hill Dickinson Stadium right, and from what we’ve seen so far, they’ve absolutely nailed it. A ground like that deserved a marquee signing, and Grealish is just that.

It may only be a loan with an option to buy for £50 million, but securing Grealish’s services should be considered a major coup for Everton, especially in arguably the club’s most exciting season on and off the pitch since the Premier League’s inception.

Grealish decided to pick the number 18 shirt, once worn by Wayne Rooney and his very own boyhood hero, Paul Gascoigne.

“There were other numbers, but my two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne and I know they both wore number 18 here,” Grealish told Everton’s in-house media team.

“I spoke to Wayne before I came here, and I mentioned that to him — about the number 18 — so I hope he’s happy as well!”

And just like that, he’s almost immediately endeared himself to the fans. It’s going to take a little more time than a couple of weeks to gauge just how many Grealish 18 shirts the club has sold but expect it to be significant.

How he does on the pitch rather than off it was always going to be the riskier part of this deal, in 2024-25 he made just seven league starts and took until April to end a 16-month goal drought, so he could be forgiven for been a little rusty.

During his time at City, Grealish was stifled, nothing more than a cog in a bigger machine that wasn’t allowed to flex his creative muscles. Throughout his limited Premier League chances last season, he had a 91% pass success rate but created just 24 chances.

That would suggest he didn’t take enough risks, playing the ball backwards and sideways rather than picking that line splitting pass. He also made a negligible 13 successful dribbles, stifling what is by far the best part of his game.

Two games is a small sample size, but it’s already starting to look like David Moyes is utilising him the way he should be. Aside from the obvious stat, which is his four assists in three Premier League games, one less that he managed for the entirety of last season, the numbers are looking up.

Grealish has already created five chances and had six successful dribbles, in layman’s terms, he’s getting on the ball, running at opposition defenders, and affecting the game in the final third in a much more constructive way.

*Grealish’s early Premier League possession stats at Everton*

Last season, once Moyes returned, Everton’s biggest issue was sticking the ball in the back of the net. Only the relegated three scored fewer goals and that is largely because they only had one creative outlet, Dwight McNeill.

McNeill picked up a serious knee injury during Everton’s 4-0 Premier League win over Wolves in early December, missed five months, and still ended the season as the club’s leading goal contributor with ten.

That has wholeheartedly been addressed this summer, not just with the signing of Grealish, but also with the arrival of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea. Add Iliman Ndiaye to the mix, Everton now have a multifaceted attack that can give the best defences in league a real problem.

Providing the assist for the first goal scored at the new stadium, scored by Ndiaye, has put the Grealish name in the club’s history books, while the picture of him celebrating with the away fans after the 3-2 win over Wolves shows just how much he already means to them.

*Grealish’s early Premier League passing stats at Everton*

Now that things are starting to click at club level, Grealish will doubtless have his eye on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad. He did manage to find some solace while with England last season, scoring in the 2-0 UEFA Nations League win over the Republic of Ireland.

Tuchel’s most recent selection appeared to come a little too soon for Grealish, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, and Morgan Rogers ahead of him. None of those players are guaranteed starters, however.

There is still a lot of football to be played between now and when the World Cup kicks off at the famous Estadio Azteca on June 11. If he keeps up his form, Grealish may well have completed one of the greatest career comebacks in English football history.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Everton game on FotMob in the 2025/26 season – with in-depth stat coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Sep

2025

Elliot Anderson could fill a role in Thomas Tuchel’s midfield plans

Elliot Anderson could make his England debut against Andorra or Serbia as the sort of midfielder Thomas Tuchel needs.

By Graham Ruthven

Had things gone a little differently, Elliot Anderson would currently be gearing up for Scotland’s first 2026 World Cup qualifier against Denmark on Friday. It was only two years ago that the midfielder was called up by the country of his grandmother’s birth. Now, though, Anderson is preparing to make his England debut as one of the Three Lions’ best new prospects.

Anderson left Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad after just one training session north of the border. At that time, he appeared a long way from an England call-up as he struggled for regular game time at Newcastle United. A lot has changed since then, though, for club and country.

*Anderson’s player traits comparison against similar players in top 5 leagues*

For Nottingham Forest, Anderson has been something of a revelation. He quickly made himself one of Nuno Espírito Santo’s most important players after joining from Newcastle last year and was key to Forest making an unexpected challenge for Champions League qualification.

While Nottingham Forest ultimately faded, finishing seventh in the Premier League table, Anderson has firmly established himself as one of England’s brightest young midfielders, hence his call-up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. The 22-year-old has earned his opportunity.

In terms of his skill set, Anderson is an extremely intriguing player. He is naturally creative, as demonstrated by the fact he has already generated five chances for Forest in the Premier League so far this season. Nobody in Nuno’s squad has generated more. Last season, only Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi ranked higher.

As a dribbler, Anderson is prolific, averaging 1.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes last season. He is a midfielder who likes to pick up the ball in deep areas and drive it forward at speed. This has made him the perfect fit for a Nuno team with Forest one of the best counter-attacking teams around.

*Anderson’s possession stats in the Premier League last season*

Physically, Anderson can more than hold his own against the strongest opponents and is forceful in the way he drives through the centre of the pitch. This is something that could give England a different dimension and is surely one of the aspects of Anderson’s game that has caught Tuchel’s eye.

As a passer, Anderson is also comfortable. He is averaging more accurate passes per 90 minutes (71) than any other Nottingham Forest player this season, highlighting this ability as a rhythm builder in the centre of the pitch. Then there’s his goal threat – Anderson registered eight goal contributions last season.

“Elliot Anderson is very physical, a lot of volume, very precise, clean passing, so it’s a good package,” said Tuchel.”“Elliot was a key player in the [U21] tournament, pressed a lot in central midfield and a regular player for Nottingham Forest – they had a fantastic season. At the end of the season, he had the title with the under-21s and the start to the season and he’s excited to come and join us and I hope he can make his mark.”

*Anderson’s passing stats in the Premier League last season*

Of course, competition will be stiff in the England squad. The Three Lions boast one of the deepest talent pools anywhere in international football with Tuchel hired to win the 2026 World Cup. The process the former Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss is currently going through is with that sole target in mind.

Despite this, England’s midfield formula has been a topic of discussion for a long time. Gareth Southgate struggled to find the right balance in the centre of the pitch and Anderson’s call-up suggests Tuchel sees it as one of the biggest issues he must address before next summer.

Declan Rice is one of England’s central pillars. Barring injury or misfortune, the Arsenal midfielder will be a starter for Tuchel at the World Cup. Alongside Rice, though, there’s an open spot. This is where Anderson could prove himself as the dynamic, box-to-box operator England have needed for years.

Adam Wharton, Curtis Jones and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also on Tuchel’s radar for that role in the lineup. It’s also possible Jude Bellingham could be pushed deeper into midfield to get a more natural number 10 into the team higher up the pitch. A lot of moving pieces have still to settle.

No solid conclusions will be drawn from the games against Andorra and Serbia. England are still without a number of injured figures, including Bellingham, with these qualifiers mainly about punching the ticket to the USA, Canada and Mexico next year. Much tougher and consequential tests will come at the tournament itself.

Nonetheless, Tuchel’s process is well and truly under way and there’s no time to waste. If Anderson is to be an important player for England at the 2026 World Cup, it would make sense to integrate him as quickly as possible. A player once seen as a Scottish hope for the future could now become a big part of England’s present.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow all England games on FotMob in the 2025/26 season – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Sep

2025

Diaz and Olise, Bayern’s new winning combination on the wings

Luis Díaz has made a fast start at Bayern Munich with Michael Olise giving the Bavarians their best wingers since two legends.

By Graham Ruthven

Bayern Munich spent a lot of time this summer pondering a number of different attacking targets. They wanted Florian Wirtz before Liverpool broke their then-transfer record to land him from Bayer Leverkusen. They wanted Nico Williams too before the Spanish international performed a Jordan Belfort-esque U-turn to stay at Athletic Club. Bayern were in for countless players.

Bradley Barcola, Christopher Nkunku, Nick Woltemade, Rafael Leão, Leandro Trossard and Takefusa Kubo, just to name a few more, were all linked with the German champions at one point or another of the summer transfer window. In the end, though, Luis Díaz was the signing they settled on and the early indications are that Bayern’s messy process may have led to the ideal outcome.

Díaz has the ground running in Germany, registering three goals and two assists in his first three appearances for his new team. Bayern Munich are already sitting top of the Bundesliga table after two games of the new season and their new Colombian winger will help them stay there.

On the other side, the Bavarians also have Michael Olise who has notched three times in his first two Bundesliga outings this term. The pair are Bayern Munich’s best wingers since the days of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. Díaz and Olise could take Vincent Kompany’s team to even higher heights this season.

Last season was a broadly successful one for Bayern. They reclaimed the Bundesliga title at a canter as Kompany put in place new foundations in his first season as manager. Indeed, Bayern Munich became more possession-oriented. They controlled more matches. There were, however, some deficiencies.

One such deficiency was Bayern Munich’s vulnerability in defensive transition. Kompany generally likes his backline to play on the halfway line, but this left the Bavarians too exposed against opponents with pace. This was most brutally exploited by Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Jonathan Tah has arrived from Bayer Leverkusen to offer more recovery speed in defence, but Díaz’s signing could be just as crucial to Bayern Munich making themselves tougher to play through this season due to the Colombian’s willingness and ability to press high and hard from the front.

This was one of the things that made Díaz such a good fit for Liverpool. His energy and intensity made him effective on both sides of the ball. The Colombian already ranks among Bayern Munich’s most effective players at winning the ball back in the attacking third with Olise also up there.

*Díaz’s player traits comparison against similar players in top five leagues*

The scary thing about Díaz’s early-season output for the rest of the Bundesliga is that he could have scored even more. The 28-year-old has spurned a number of big opportunities, most notably against Augsburg on Saturday when Díaz somehow failed to find the net from just two yards out, but there’s no doubt Bayern’s forward line is now even more fearsome.

“When you watch the game closely, it’s not always his teammates preparing the chances for him. He works himself a lot for these chances because he’s always active,” said Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany when asked about Díaz’s misses. “For me it’s more important to score a goal in the right moment than maybe score four or five in a game and then go without scoring for five months. He’s always there, always a threat and we’re happy with his energy.”

It remains to be seen how Díaz will be impacted once Jamal Musiala returns from injury. The German international is a number 10 by trade, but likes to drift out to the left side to get on the ball. This could affect Díaz who does his best work when he can get isolated and get one-on-one against opposition defenders.

The deadline day addition of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea has also added another elite-level player into Bayern’s attacking rotation, meaning Díaz might face a sterner fight for game time even if the Senegalese striker plays a different position. Kompany could deploy Harry Kane and Jackson as a front two. He now has that flexibility.

Bayern Munich still have flaws. They still lack a natural number six at the base of the midfield. There are concerns over the right back position with Konrad Laimer still moonlighting there. Many supporters believe the club should have done more in the summer transfer window to round out the squad.

In Díaz, though, Bayern Munich found themselves a proven difference-maker who is already contributing just a few matches into his career at the Allianz Arena. This comes after a debut 2024/25 season from Olise which put him among the best wingers in the world. The spirit of Ribery and Robben can be found in Bayern’s two current wide threats.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Bundesliga with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.