The Pulse of Football

Sep

2025

Preview: The Bees meet the Blues in West London

The first international break of the season is out of the way, and the Premier League is back. Chelsea make the short trip to Brentford for their fourth consecutive ‘London’ derby, hoping to get a result at a ground they’ve had little success at in the past.

By Alex Roberts

It’s been hard to get a read on Brentford in the early stages of the season. A 3-1 opening game defeat to Nottingham Forest was quickly forgotten then they beat Aston Villa 1-0 in their next fixture. In turn, that result was brushed to the side when they lost 2-1 to newly promoted Sunderland last time out.

Enzo Maresca and Co can thank VAR for at least one decision in their 2-0 win over Fulham, but what goes around comes around, and they’ll doubtless be hoping that doesn’t happen so soon.

Move over Arsenal, there’s a new Set Piece FC in town

Last season, Chelsea very rarely refused to take a short corner, in 2025-26, they can’t get enough of pumping the ball into the box from a set piece. Four of their seven goals so far this campaign have come from corners, a Premier League high.

João Pedro bagged their first, nodding in from close range to score the equaliser against West Ham. Moisés Caicedo got their second in the same game with a big assist from a flappy Mads Hermansen in the Hammers’ goal.

Trevoh Chalobah got in on the act shortly after with Pedro scoring his second set piece goal in the next game against Fulham. Chelsea paid Brentford a reported £1 million for set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva last year and he’s really starting to earn his keep.

Who needs Yoane Wissa?

The now Newcastle striker was on strike all summer to force through his move to Eddie Howe’s side, ironic, eh? He formed part of the league’s most prolific duo last season, alongside Bryan Mbeumo, but that’s all a thing of the past.

Big Igor Thiago is the present and future of Brentford’s attacking ambitions. Standing 6’3”, the Brazilian is an absolute handful, just ask the Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Sunderland centre-backs who’ve faced him this season.

He doesn’t need much of a chance to put the ball in the back of the net. Thiago has had the fewest number of touches of any outfield player in two of his three Premier League games so far. He’s persistent with a lil nasty streak too, winning 20 ground duels, 14 aerials, and committing nine fouls.

Team news

The injuries are starting to pile up at Stamford Bridge. Liam Delap is out for at least eight weeks after picking up a hamstring early in the win over Fulham, while new signing Dário Essugo had to go under the knife due to a thigh problem.

There hasn’t been much indication other than a cryptic Instagram post that Cole Palmer could return for this one, given his importance to the side, don’t expect Chelsea to take any risks with his fitness. Levi Colwill, Roméo Lavia, and Benoît Badiashile are also out.

As for Brentford, their only injured first-team regular is defensive midfielder Vitaly Janelt, who remains a doubt.

Prediction

The last game between the two in April was one of the dullest 0-0 draws in the history of dull 0-0 draws. We don’t expect this one to be much better, although there should be goals, so we’re going safe with 1-1.

(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

Preview: West Ham host Spurs, with the Hammers searching for first home win

Those at the London Stadium will be craving some action in this London derby after witnessing three back-to-back draws in this fixture since 2022.

By Filip Mishov

Has Potter run out of tricks?

The under-fire Graham Potter escaped a hammering during the international break with securing a surprise win (0-3) against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, but the same cannot be said for Nuno Espírito Santo who was sacked following the heavy defeat. There is every possibility that it could have been the other way around, if the result was reversed. However, the English coach is still under pressure and the next four matches, starting with this heated derby, could yet determine his future ahead of October’s international window.

Thomas Frank was enjoying a decent start to life at Spurs until the high-flying Bournemouth spoilt the party, but new challenges are coming thick and fast for the Dane, with Tottenham Hotspur aiming to secure a victory at the London Stadium for the first time since 2019 before they open their Champions League campaign with a home tie against Villarreal next week.

Key players

It is hard to look past Jarrod Bowen – he is West Ham’s most important player at the moment, with the captain head and shoulders above anyone else in terms of both quality and character. Furthermore, the England international is averaging a FotMob rating of 7.27, which puts the 28-year-old alongside Mateus Fernandes (7.48) and Lucas Paquetá (7.66) as the Hammers’ top-rated players this season.

There will be a familiar face in the away changing room, as Mohammed Kudus is set to return for the first time since swapping East for North London during the summer. The Ghanian has started well at Spurs, already evolving in to one of Thomas Frank’s irreplaceables. The 25-year-old is the highest-rated outfield player in the squad with a FotMob rating of 7.57, recording two assists so far, adding another while away with Ghana during the international break.

Team news

The Irons’ goalkeeping crisis sparked the board into making a move to re-sign the experienced Lukasz Fabianski who only left the club a few months ago as a free agent and the 40-year-old is expected to provide competition for Alphonse Areola and Mads Hermansen who have both endured a poor start to the season. Apart from the goalkeeping dilemma, Graham Potter is without starting striker, Niclas Füllkrug, who sustained an injury on international duty, meaning that Callum Wilson is expected to start after scoring his debut goal against Forest.

Spurs’ high profile new signings, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani are fit and available, and given Dominic Solanke‘s doubtful status and the rest of the long-term absentees, both are expected to feature from the start or off the bench. It will be interesting to see whether Mathys Tel features more prominently in the Premier League after his omission from the Champions League squad, with Brennan Johnson‘s place in the starting XI at risk after the Welshman was subbed off after only 54 minutes against the Cherries.

Prediction

The last three meetings between the sides at the London Stadium have ended in identical 1-1 draws and I see history repeating itself once again, with another draw the most realistic outcome.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Sep

2025

Preview: Winless Real Sociedad host table-toppers Real Madrid

Real Madrid have three wins from three as we head into La Liga’s fourth round of fixtures, and they will be keen to preserve their 100% record in San Sebastián.

By Neel Shelat

New coach, same struggles for Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad parted ways with Imanol Alguacil after his contract expired at the end of the 2024/25 season. His time in charge of La Real has to be considered a success on the whole as he consistently led them to European football, but they wound up in the bottom half last term, marking their lowest finish since he took charge in 2018.

Interestingly, Real Sociedad decided to continue their approach of hiring internally. Just like his predecessor, Sergio Francisco spent quite a few years in charge of the B team before being promoted to the first-team role. Of course, it very much is early days yet, but the first few matches have suggested that the coaching change will not solve all of the Basque side’s problems.

La Real were fourth in La Liga in terms of average possession last season, but they had one of the worst attacks as they averaged less than a goal per game. The team lacked connections all over the pitch, particularly through midfield. Those issues have seemingly lingered as Real Sociedad are yet to register a win this term, most notably losing 1-0 to newly-promoted Real Oviedo.

La Real not short of attacking threat

While Real Sociedad might not have the most free-flowing attack in the league, they certainly have some dangerous forwards in their ranks. Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo, formerly of Real Madrid, is the standout name, but left winger Ander Barrenetxea has also looked bright in the early days of the season. Spanish national team striker Mikel Oyarzabal can help link everything up quite nicely, while Icelandic talent Orri Óskarsson is another good option.

Xabi Alonso’s team rotation expected to continue

One of the main talking points after Xabi Alonso’s first LaLiga matches as a head coach has been his willingness to rotate the line-up and drop big-name stars from the get-go. The likes of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold have all been benched so far, and that trend is expected to continue.

Los Blancos perhaps overused their attacking stars in the latter years of Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure, as Vinícius, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham all played well over 4,500 minutes in club competitions alone last season. Some rest should keep them both fresh and motivated over the course of the season.

Kylian Mbappé looking hungry at the start of the season

Although there was some criticism of his performances last season, it is important to bear in mind that Mbappé scored over 40 goals in his debut season at Real Madrid. He has started the new campaign in ominous form, netting thrice in three league matches before adding a couple for France in this international break, thus overtaking Thierry Henry in their all-time scoring charts.

Alonso has commented on how he has noticed an additional level of hunger in the French forward since the start of the season, so defenders across Spain better watch out.

*Mbappé’s performances in LaLiga this season*

Prediction

Real Madrid should be expected to control proceedings and emerge with a comfortable victory.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Sep

2025

Preview: Postecoglou’s first game at Forest comes at Arsenal

Ange Postecoglou takes charge of his first match as Nottingham Forest manager at the home stadium of an old rival.

By Graham Ruthven

Big Ange is back

Only a few months after he left, Ange Postecoglou is back in the Premier League. The former Tottenham Hotspur boss and Europa League winner has taken over at Nottingham Forest and faces a trip back to North London in his first match in charge.

Arsenal have had two weeks to simmer on their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool before the international break, meaning Mikel Arteta’s team must get back to winning ways as soon as possible this weekend.

There is uncertainty over the kind of Forest team the Gunners will face. Will Postecoglou use the approach of his predecessor, Nuno Espírito Santo, at the Emirates Stadium or will the Australian want his side to play his brand of front foot football?

Arteta might be thankful that Arsenal will face a Postecoglou team and not a Nuno one. Forest took points off Arsenal at the City Ground last season with Nuno’s deep backline difficult to break down.

Depending on how Postecoglou sets up his side, Arsenal might have open space to attack which could suit their forwards. A home win would help the Gunners build momentum for their title challenge again.

Key players

These are the sort of matches Viktor Gyökeres was signed to make a difference in. The Swedish striker scored his first two Premier League goals in his last home outing against Leeds United and will surely have chances to add to his tally against Forest.

Noni Madueke is expected to start on the right wing with Bukayo Saka still injured while Eberechi Eze could be in line to feature on the left side over the out-of-form Gabriel Martinelli.

Declan Rice remains one of the best midfield pace-setters in the Premier League while Jurrien Timber has started the season in good form at right back. The Dutchman will be crucial to giving Arsenal security on both sides of the ball.

Postecoglou might have his own ideas on how Forest should play, but it will surely take some time for those to come to the fore. Until then, many of Nuno’s best players will pose a threat in North London this weekend.

Chris Wood remains Forest’s most effective focal point with Dan Ndoye and Callum Hudson-Odoi dangerous in quick transition moments. This is where Forest could pose a genuine threat.

Elliot Anderson returns from a breakout international spell with England and will be a box-to-box presence for the visitors to the Emirates Stadium this weekend. Meanwhile, Murillo and Nikola Milenković will be charged with keeping things tight at the back.

Team news

Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Saka are all sidelined for Arsenal, but Arteta still has a number of attacking options to choose from after the addition of Gyökores, Eze and Madueke in the summer window.

William Saliba will also miss out for Arsenal after the French defender hobbled off in the loss to Liverpool before the international break. Cristhian Mosquera is in line to start in Saliba’s place.

Ola Aina is a doubt for Nottingham Forest with Oleksandar Zinchenko unavailable to face his parent club. Otherwise, Postecoglou has a fully fit and available squad to choose from.

Prediction

Mikel Arteta needs to hit the ground running following the international break, and the chance to face Forest before Ange Potecoglou can really settle in and get his ideas across should play in to the hands of the Gunners: Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the 2025/26 Premier League season with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

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.