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Cristiano Ronaldo has laughed off questions regarding his 1,000th goal being scored in the 2026 World Cup final, suggesting that anybody expecting that to happen has “been watching too many movies”. CR7 admits that such a scenario would be “perfect”, but prefers to keep his focus locked on the present – with the all-time great also reluctant to speculate on his potential involvement at Euro 2028.

• Individual targets: Prolific Ronaldo sets personal goals

  Having achieved just about everything – a World Cup triumph aside – Ronaldo has to set more individual targets during the latter stages of his record-shattering career. One of those sees him chasing down four figures on the goal front, with that milestone very much in sight.

  Given how prolific he has been for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team – with 143 efforts recorded for his country – it may be that Ronaldo further cements his legacy before gracing another international tournament.

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  Dream ending: Could Ronaldo reach 1,000 goals in World Cup final?

  He will be heading to a sixth World Cup regardless of what he has achieved on the personal front, with the evergreen 40-year-old as hungry as ever to savour tangible success. He has written plenty of Hollywood scripts down the years, allowing the history books to be rewritten, but is not giving too much thought to delivering a fairytale ending on American soil.

  Quizzed on whether his 1,000th goal could come in the game that lands him a World Cup winners’ medal, Ronaldo said: “You've been watching too many movies, that would be too perfect. Getting back to reality, all this data makes me happy. A national team never depends on one player, but I like being able to make a difference with goals. It's always good to score goals, that's my position. I want to play in this next World Cup, otherwise I wouldn't be here, but let's take it step by step. If that happened, it would be a good sign, I'd end my career on a high note.”

• Evergreen at 40: How Ronaldo moves with the times

  Ronaldo is showing no sign of slowing down on the goal front, with the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward priding himself on being able to move with the times. He added on being prolific at an age that few reach as a professional: “Scoring goals is the hardest thing in football. I think I was smart to adapt to modern football, physically and mentally, to different club contexts, the national team, different leagues. I think a truly intelligent player adapts to the circumstances of football, and that's how it should be. I'll think like that until I retire from football. You have to adapt; football isn't the same as it was five years ago. What makes the difference between great players is their brains, their heads.”

  While retirement does not dominate his thoughts at present, Ronaldo has admitted that a day in which his boots are hung up for the final time may come “soon”. He has conceded that the 2026 World Cup will be his last.

  He has, however, signed a contract with Al-Nassr until 2027 and stated that: “Let's be honest, when I mean soon I mean probably one, two years. I'm enjoying the moment. But when I mean soon, it's not really soon, because I give everything for football. I'm in the game for the last 25 years, I did everything. I have many records. I'm really proud. So let's enjoy the moment, live the moment.”

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  Will Ronaldo play at Euro 2028? Portuguese GOAT responds

  With Ronaldo’s fire still burning, and many tipping him to play on beyond the age of 42, could he grace another European Championship – having previously captured that crown with Portugal in 2016? Ronaldo said when that question was put to him: “The important thing is to focus on this game. The national team is here to play in a final stage. It's another very important competition for the country, for the players, for me too, and everything else isn't relevant right now. Now it's about enjoying the moment.”

  Euro 2028 will be heading to the UK and Ireland. Ronaldo has some happy memories in England from his two spells at Old Trafford and is preparing to line up against Irish opposition on Thursday as Portugal seek to wrap up automatic qualification for next summer’s World Cup.

Tottenham have been a mixed bag under new manager Thomas Frank recently, but Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has been left impressed by what he’s spotted Kevin Danso doing on the pitch.

Spurs were eliminated from the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, suffering a 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Fielding a weakened side that reflected the pressures of a congested fixture list, Spurs looked second best throughout the contest as Newcastle capitalized on their opportunities and advanced to the next round at Tottenham’s expense.

Frank made several changes from his regular Premier League lineup, resting key players and giving fringe squad members a chance to impress.

Tottenham struggled to assert themselves, with Newcastle dominating midfield exchanges and denying Spurs any consistent possession. The visitors’ inability to get their attacking players involved was evident, as they created few genuine chances.

Dejan Kulusevski

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via Premier Injuries

Stand-in keeper Antonin Kinsky was also blasted for his error which led to Nick Woltemade’s first and Newcastle’s second goal of the game, with defender Fabian Schar previously opening the scoring in what was a routine win for the Magpies.

Guglielmo Vicario was absent for Spurs’ trip to the North East with a minor injury, it has been suggested at least, though Frank has confirmed that the keeper will be ready for their looming London derby clash against Chelsea this weekend.

It is currently unclear whether Cristian Romero will return from his groin injury in time to feature at home to Chelsea on Saturday, meaning Danso is more than likely set to partner Micky van de Ven once again.

Jamie Redknapp shares what he's spotted Kevin Danso doing at Tottenham

The pair were excellent at Everton last weekend, particularly van de Ven, who scored two goals from set plays as Tottenham became the first ever away side to win at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Minutes

90

90

Tackles won

1/1

0/0

Clearances

18

7

Blocked shots

2

0

Ball recoveries

3

2

Ground duels won

2/2

1/2

Aerial duels won

4/4

1/4

However, Frank was quick to note Danso’s contribution too, with the Austrian “not as highlighted” but equally deserving of praise.

Just before Tottenham’s loss to Newcastle, when on punditry duty for Sky Sports, Redknapp also had good things to say about the January signing who made his move permanent for £21 million in the summer.

Redknapp, speaking to the Sky studio, said that Danso has been “very impressive” in Romero’s absence, with the pundit claiming he’s spotted him becoming more of a “vocal” presence on the field.

As well as this, Redknapp was quick to point out that he could be emerging as a “leader” at Spurs in light of this.

The 27-year-old was believed to be on the verge of a move to Wolves last January before Tottenham hijacked the deal in last-minute fashion.

Now, with Spurs competing in the Champions League after ending their 17-year wait for silverware, and Wolves rooted to the foot of the table, Danso will be delighted as he also impresses whenever called upon.

It was an astute signing by ex-chairman Daniel Levy, and one which provides new boss Frank with vital, capable cover at centre-back.

Chelsea are now ready to trigger the £44m release clause to sign an “unstoppable” striker, who has been in fantastic form so far this season.

Blues stepping up striker pursuit despite Delap scoring first goal

The Blues upgraded their forward line considerably during the summer, bringing in Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, and the latter is now finally off the mark in front of goal, having scored the third in the comprehensive 3-0 victory against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Pedro has been more prolific, chipping in with four goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, and the Brazilian has also displayed his versatility by featuring at both centre-forward and in attacking midfield.

With the former Brighton man able to play in a slightly deeper role, there may be room in the squad to bring in another, more natural centre-forward in the January transfer window, and the Blues are now stepping up their pursuit of a Bundesliga star.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea are now ready to trigger the €50m (£44m) release clause in Serhou Guirassy’s Borussia Dortmund contract, having identified the striker as a priority target.

Manchester United are also in the race for Guirassy, who is open to a move to the Premier League, with Dortmund powerless to prevent a departure if one of the interested English clubs stumps up the requisite £44m.

The Guinean forward is enticed by the projects on offer at both Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge, and his performances so far this season suggest he would be able to hit the ground running in the Premier League.

"Unstoppable" Guirassy tearing it up in the Bundesliga

Lauded as “unstoppable” by scout Antonio Mango, the 29-year-old has already amassed 13 goal contributions across all competitions this season, particularly catching the eye for Dortmund in the Champions League.

Serhou Guirassy’s key statistics 2025-26

Appearances

Goal contributions

Bundesliga

11

6

Champions League

5

6

DFB-Pokal

2

1

The France-born striker has averaged 0.61 non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 86th percentile compared to other forwards, while he is also impressive in the air, placing in the 82nd percentile for aerials won, having averaged 3.48 per 90.

As such, the Dortmund star clearly has the talent to succeed in the Premier League, but there may be some concerns about his age, given that BlueCo are known for wanting to sign younger players, and he is set to turn 30 in March.

Related Chelsea considering £120m double deal to sign two players from the same club

They’ve now become ‘top targets’.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Nov 29, 2025

That said, with a potential title race on the cards, Guirassy could be a real difference-maker, and £44m would be a reasonable fee, given the level of his performances so far this season.

Emma Coates has left her role as England women’s under-23s head coach to become the new manager of National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Bay FC. The Football Association (FA) has announced the recruitment process will begin “imminently” as they look to identify a successor to the 34-year-old, who worked closely with Sarina Wiegman while in charge of the young Lionesses.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Coates developed several stars for senior Lionesses squad

  Regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in the women’s game, Coates developed a number of players at U23 level who have gone on to represent the England senior side.

  West Ham defender Anouk Denton and London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey were introduced into Wiegman’s senior squad for December’s friendlies against China and Ghana, on the back of Arsenal centre-back Katie Reid and Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall’s October call-ups.

  All four players have followed in the footsteps of Manchester City and Manchester United midfielders Grace Clinton and Jess Park, alongside Chelsea and Brighton forwards Aggie Beever-Jones and Michelle Agyemang, in successfully stepping up from England’s youth teams.

  In total, more than 25 players reached the England senior squad under Coates, whose U23s side also went unbeaten in their 2023-24 European league campaign.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  FA confirms Coates will be joined by assistant Davies in NWSL

  Following Coates’ impressive work with England's U23s, the former Doncaster Belles boss has now been handed the reins at Bay FC, whose squad features the likes of Zambia star Racheal Kundananji and USWNT defender Abby Dahlkemper.

  Confirming Coates will be joined by her young Lionesses assistant Gemma Davies in the San Francisco Bay Area, the FA said in a statement: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their new challenge.

  “Emma, with Gemma’s support, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad, as well as the younger age groups.

  “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses, and helped to re-establish the WU23s as a team that fans want to watch wherever they play across the country. 

  “We are excited to see the WU23s set-up continue to grow over the coming years and have already begun the search for their replacements.”

• Bay FC
  

  Ex-Doncaster Belles boss 'honoured and super excited' to join Bay FC

  Growing up in Yorkshire, Coates began her coaching journey at Leeds United’s academy in 2010 before becoming Doncaster Belles manager in 2016. She was previously a first-team coach at The Belles in 2014.

  Coates then became a specialist coach with England’s youth teams in 2019 before being named as the U19s manager in 2022. She then moved over to the U23s in 2023, where she forged a strong relationship with Wiegman at St. George's Park.

  Expressing her delight at being named as Bay FC’s new manager, Coates told the club’s official website: “I’m truly honoured and super excited to build on the strong foundations that have already been established and to implement a clear identity both on and off the pitch.

  “This is a club that has already captured the hearts of so many people in the local community, and it’s a privilege to be part of that journey. From my first conversations with Bay FC, it was clear that the club shares my passion for people, performance, and culture which I believe are fundamental to sustained success. 

  “I’m eager to get back on the grass every day, to work closely with the players and staff, and to meet the fans at PayPal Park. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA (English Football Association), it has helped shape me both professionally and personally. 

  “Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment, and I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone at the FA for their trust, support, and belief throughout my journey.”

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• Bay FC
  

  Assistant Davies 'thrilled' to reunite with Coates in San Francisco Bay Area

  Alongside Coates, Bay FC have also captured another one of women’s football’s most promising young coaches in Davies, who will act as assistant manager at PayPal Park. The 34-year-old managed Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League between 2018 and 2021 before holding roles with England’s U19s and U23s sides.

  “Bay FC represents an ambitious and forward-thinking project,” said Davies. “I’m thrilled to join Emma’s staff in creating an environment where players and staff can thrive and supporters can be proud of the football we play. I’m looking forward to being back on the field on a day-to-day basis as we support the club in its next stage of growth.”

  Hailing Davies as an “excellent” coach, Coates added: “Gemma’s track record in both club and international football makes her the ideal fit to help implement our playing philosophy.

  “Her delivery on the grass is excellent, and her tactical insight and analytical skills will be invaluable as we prepare the team for start of the 2026 season.”

  Bay FC finished 13th in the 2025 NWSL regular-season league table, level on points (20) with bottom-placed Chicago Stars FC but with a slightly better goal difference. Jess Carter's Gotham FC defeated Esme Morgan's Washington Spirit 1-0 in the Championship match on 23 November. The two defenders helped the Lionesses win Euro 2025 in the summer.

The message from the two captains is clear: neither expected things to kick off as they did, nor do they intend to rein anyone in ahead of the final two Tests

Matt Roller14-Jul-2025

On a collision course: Ravindra Jadeja and Brydon Carse•Getty Images

It was the over that changed the mood of the series. For six minutes short of 13 days, relations between England’s and India’s players had appeared wholly amicable. But the sight of Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley pointing fingers at one another over a time-wasting spat prompted two days of stirring, sledging, swearing, send-offs, and simmering tensions.All of that culminated in a show of mutual respect after an epic Test match at Lord’s: No. 11 Mohammed Siraj, who was fined 15% of his match fee for his shoulder-bumping send-off of Ben Duckett on Sunday, sunk to his haunches after battling in vain for over an hour to give Ravindra Jadeja company, and Crawley was the first England player over to shake his hand.But expect hostilities to resume in Manchester, with both captains suggesting that the between the teams would only “add to the spectacle”. Gill may believe there is a mutual “admiration”, but the combination of a new-look India team and England’s cooling interest in the IPL means there are few genuine friendships between the two teams.Related

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Eight Days Later: evolved England are in the hunt for statement display

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Dawson returns to England squad for fourth Test against india

Crawley’s outrageous delaying tactics initially sparked India into life, prompting Gill to suggest that he “grow some f*****g balls”. India’s fielders circled Crawley when he called the physio on.”When you’re watching your two opening batters go out there for an over, and you’re seeing 11 guys all come at [them], that’s going to bring out another side,” Ben Stokes said after England beat India by 22 runs.Siraj’s send-off to Duckett got him in trouble with Richie Richardson, the match referee, but Akash Deep and Nitish Kumar Reddy also celebrated their wickets with extra gusto after the Saturday-night flashpoint. England were unimpressed, and discussed their plans to get in India’s faces before they went out to bowl in the fourth innings.”We all came together as a group yesterday, and said, ‘we’re a bit too nice’,” Jofra Archer said after the match. “When we go to other places, some teams aren’t as nice to us as we are to them. I guess we just tried to shift it.” Archer set the tone on Monday, turning around and telling Rishabh Pant to “charge that” after responding to being launched down the ground by dislodging his off stump.Pant’s dismissal brought Washington Sundar to the crease, and it was his arrival that highlighted England’s aggression. Washington did the Sunday-night media round for India, and was unusually bullish. “We will definitely win the game tomorrow,” he told the BBC, adding, “It’s going to be amazing when we win the game and go 2-1 up in the series.”Nitish Kumar Reddy gives Zak Crawley a send-off•Getty ImagesIf Washington intended the tone to be tongue-in-cheek, it did not land, and word clearly reached the England camp. As soon as Washington walked in, Brendon McCullum signalled down from the balcony to ramp up the volume; after taking an athletic catch off his own bowling to dismiss Washington without scoring, Archer, flanked by Stokes, sent a few choice words in his direction.That brought in Reddy, whose reception from England’s close catchers was even more hostile. Reddy had given Crawley a pointed send-off when he dismissed him on Sunday – and for the second time in the match – and immediately got a volley back from him at leg slip. But it was Harry Brook, Reddy’s former Sunrisers Hyderabad team-mate, who was the loudest.Brook’s sledging centred on the fact that Reddy was “not at the IPL now”, and England attempted to lure him into playing an attacking shot. “So many runs, lads,” Duckett said. “Can’t just be blocking this end.” Another Brook line – “Jaddu’s got to score them all” – nearly came back to bite as the day wore on.Stokes found himself physically separating Brydon Carse and Jadeja – as though breaking up a fight on a night out – after a mid-pitch collision that both men blamed the other for. And even if the chatter died down in the afternoon as England’s fielders spread to the boundary, the hostility and aggression between the sides remained evident.Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley were involved in a heated exchange•Getty Images”In big series like this, there was always going to be a time and a moment where the two teams were going to clash,” Stokes said. “But I’m all for it. I don’t think it really stepped over the line. There’s 22 people out there playing for their country. It’s the highest honour that you can [reach] in our sport. So you can understand that sometimes the emotions and tension can get quite high.”But I don’t think there’s anyone in the Indian dressing room or anyone in the English dressing room that’s going to bed and going to cry themselves asleep… There was always going to be a moment in a series like this when it was going to implode. It wasn’t really boiling up to it; it just sort of happened. But look, it adds to the spectacle of England vs India, doesn’t it?”Gill may be softly spoken, but he has shown both in the IPL and now in Test cricket that he has a fiery side to him. In Gautam Gambhir, he is working alongside a coach who is never shy of getting involved in a confrontation – whether as a player or otherwise – and echoed Stokes’ comments that the needle will benefit the wider narrative.”It makes for an even more exciting Test series,” Gill said. “When you’re in the heat of the moment, obviously there are so many emotions involved… At the end of the day, both teams are very competitive, and you’re playing to win. You’re giving everything physically and mentally, so there are going to moments where there’s going to be a little bit of heat.”The underlying message was clear: neither captain expected things to kick off as they did, nor do they intend to rein anyone in ahead of the final two Tests. It already promises to be an explosive week in Manchester.

Former India great set to become the first capped male Indian player to play in the BBL with Thunder, Hurricanes, Sixers and Strikers all chasing him

Alex Malcolm and Sidharth Monga23-Sep-2025R Ashwin is set to become the first capped male India player to play in the BBL with four clubs vying for his services to play in the latter stages of the upcoming season.It is understood that Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers are the four teams chasing Ashwin’s signature in what is set to be a major coup for the BBL. Thunder and Hurricanes appear to be the frontrunners for the India great with a deal likely to be finalised later this week.No internationally capped India male player has played in the BBL previously, but Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL earlier this year has opened the door for him to play franchise cricket overseas for the first time.Related

• Ashwin enters ILT20 auction with the highest base price for any player

• R Ashwin brings curtain down on 'my time as an IPL cricketer'

• Afridi, Rizwan and Rauf among top picks at BBL overseas drafts

• All the BBL and WBBL squads for 2025-26 season

• CA exploring BBL investment 'unashamedly' to be second behind IPL

Only retired Indian players are allowed by the BCCI to participate in overseas T20 leagues. Earlier this year, Dinesh Karthik played for Paarl Royals in the SA20. In 2023, Ambati Rayudu turned up to play for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the CPL, and then in January 2024 with MI Emirates in the ILT20. Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan featured for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20. Two years ago, Suresh Raina was part of Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10.Ashwin has already committed to the first-ever ILT20 auction in the UAE, which will take place next Tuesday. If bought, he will play out the ILT20, which has changed dates for the upcoming season and will now run from December 2 until January 4.The BBL begins on December 14, and the home-and-away part of the season runs until January 18. The finals will be held between January 20 and 25. It means Ashwin will be available for three-four games at the end of the season for one of those teams, plus finals should the team he signs with qualify. ESPNcricinfo understands that his deal will also include the BBL for the 2026-27 season.BBL clubs can only play three overseas players in their XI. Each of the clubs has already locked three players in via the league’s pre-signing rules and the June overseas draft. Clubs can sign an additional four overseas replacement players, meaning they can have up to seven on their list, but only three can play at any one time. Also, if any of the teams release an international player for SA20, Ashwin could fit in as a replacement for him.The league rules state that replacement overseas players have to nominate themselves for the draft, which Ashwin did not as he had not retired from IPL cricket at the time. But there is an exemption for overseas players to be allowed to play in the BBL if their circumstances have changed. Former New Zealand batter Martin Guptill was previously signed by Melbourne Renegades in 2022-23 after retiring from international cricket despite missing the inaugural BBL overseas draft. England star Nat Sciver-Brunt was allowed to play for Perth Scorchers in the WBBL after being cleared by the ECB, having initially been ruled out of nominating for the draft due to injury.The club that signs Ashwin will still have to fit his salary inside their overall purse, much of which will already have been allocated for most squads, but there will likely be an additional marketing agreement with Cricket Australia that will not count towards the salary cap for the team that lands him.Teams can also go over the cap by 5% in a particular year with approval from the league’s technical committee, provided that it is offset over a three-year period.

Tottenham Hotspur are now willing to pay £70m to sign AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, as they believe he would be perfect for Thomas Frank.

It is little wonder Tottenham are looking to bring in a new forward, given that some of their current attacking options have been far from impressive so far this season, with Jamie O’Hara left fuming by Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani after the Chelsea defeat.

Mathys Tel has also found it difficult to adapt to life in the Premier League, with the 20-year-old being dropped to the bench in recent weeks, having now scored just one goal in his opening 10 matches in all competitions.

Spurs’ attacking woes were particularly apparent in the 1-0 defeat against their London rivals on Saturday, failing to craft a single big chance, while also having just three shots in the entire match.

Tottenham willing to make offer for Antoine Semenyo

Having struggled in front of goal, Tottenham are now willing to make their club-record signing in one of the stars of the Premier League this season, with a report from Spain revealing they are prepared to make a bid of around €80m (£70m) for Semenyo.

There is a belief the Bournemouth forward would be ideal for Frank, given that he is fast, powerful and clinical, but there could be competition for the Ghanaian’s signature, as several unnamed European clubs are also keen.

The Cherries value the 25-year-old highly, but they may be willing to cash-in for the right price this winter, with a £80m fee being touted.

The Bournemouth star has shown signs of year-on-year development since first emerging as a regular starter in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season, and he is already over half-way to matching his goal and assist tally from the previous campaign.

Season

Premier League appearances

Goal contributions

2023-24

33

11

2024-25

37

17

2025-26

10

9

Scout Ben Mattinson has also been left impressed by the Ghana international in the past, urging Arsenal to sign him back in February.

Semenyo has earned a move to a top club, with his performances this season indicating he is ready to make the step-up, and it would be a real statement of intent from ENIC if they were able to get a deal done.

Tottenham now leading race for Samu Aghehowa Tottenham leading race for Samu Aghehowa with FC Porto now willing to sell

Spurs have set out to sign a new striker.

ByDominic Lund Nov 2, 2025

Prior to the international break Liverpool suffered a chastening 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City.

Considering Pep Guardiola’s side are perennial title challengers, you can excuse that blemish on Arne Slot’s copybook.

However, as the Reds welcomed lowly Nottingham Forest to Anfield on Saturday, it was a wonderful opportunity to build some momentum and find some form ahead of a kinder run of fixtures.

How disastrous it has started. Slot’s job was brought under further scrutiny as his men were downed 3-0 in front of their own fans. Gulp, this was not what Liverpool needed.

Across their last 11 games, they have only won three games. This is certainly not the team that won the Premier League at a canter last term.

At the centre of their issues has been Ibrahima Konate.

Konate's performance vs Nottingham Forest

Last season, Trent Alexander-Arnold didn’t quite throw in the towel but his performances were abject as he pursued a move to Real Madrid.

This season, the same thing appears to be playing a factor in the performances of Konate who looks a shadow of his former self.

The Frenchman has been error-ridden this season and his display against Forest summed everything up.

Analyst Raj Chohan took to social media to exclaim that “every time he makes one error, he makes multiple.”

He was notably at fault for the controversial moment that Igor Jesus was involved in when his goal was disallowed for handball.

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The Brazilian completely caught out Liverpool’s underperforming centre-back as he threw himself to the floor and was fortunate that it was ruled out.

So poor was Konate’s display that he was dragged off on 55 minutes soon after Liverpool went 2-0 down. He left the pitch with a wry smile, hardly the attitude you want from someone who’s been linked with a move away so regularly, and to Madrid of all places too.

He was handed a 3/10 match rating by GOAL but didn’t leave the pitch as their worst performer.

Liverpool’s worst performer against Nottingham Forest

While Liverpool’s defence will come under the microscope of scrutiny for their failings against Sean Dyche’s men, their forward line is also not pulling up any trees either.

For a side that spent over £200m on Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, far far more should be expected.

Wirtz did not start the game at Anfield on Saturday but Isak did. Fans, however, must be wishing he hadn’t.

Signed in a British record £125m deal over the summer, it has been a wretched first few months in Liverpool red for the Swede.

He has played nine times now and only has one goal, a strike in the Carabao Cup, to show for his efforts.

Since then, Isak has failed to score. He’s without a goal in five league games and all four of his Premier League starts have ended in defeat.

The nadir of his Anfield career so far came this weekend when he was anonymous against Forest. GOAL handed the striker a dismal 2/10 rating, writing that he ‘hardly had a kick’ and ‘wasn’t even close to breaking his duck here’.

As a result, he was subbed off for Federico Chiesa after 68 minutes and simply cannot be in the starting lineup for their Champions League clash in midweek.

Minutes played

68

Touches

14

Accurate passes

5/7 (71%)

Key passes

1

Successful dribbles

0

Shots

1

Shots on target

0

Ground duels won

0

Aerial duels won

0

While Hugo Ekitike has barely been in good form himself, Liverpool’s best displays in 2025/26 have come with their fellow summer signing in the team.

Isak’s display this time around was so anonymous that he had just 14 touches of the football. In the process, he gave possession away seven times. For every two touches of the ball, he was squandering possession.

Usually so technically secure and comfortable in possession, it’s a huge worry that he can’t even get himself into the action.

To compound the striker’s woes, he lost every single one of his duels and managed just one shot which wasn’t even on target.

For any new signing to be in such a desperate rut would be a concern, but when he’s the most expensive player in Premier League history, it only heightens the issue. He is paying the price for a lack of pre-season and it’s desperately hurting Liverpool’s season.

Perhaps they should have stuck with Ekitike after all.

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