Dominik Szoboszlai was at a loss to explain Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United, saying he cannot “understand” how his side managed to twice throw away the lead to drop more points in the Premier League. Arguably the Reds’ best player in what has been a torrid season so far, the midfielder thought he netted the winner at Elland Road before the hosts equalised once again in stoppage time.
Liverpool were in cruise control before Konate conceded penalty
Looking to bounce back from Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with high-flying Sunderland, striker Hugo Ekitike scored twice as Liverpool took a two-goal lead early in the second half against Leeds. Handed a start ahead of fellow forward Alexander Isak, the France international netted his first league goals since bagging in September’s 2-1 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby.
However, with Liverpool cruising in Yorkshire, defender Ibrahima Konate gave Leeds a route back into the game from the penalty spot when he brought down winger Wilfried Gnonto inside the area. Dominic Calvert-Lewin successfully converted the spot-kick before Daniel Farke’s Leeds found an equaliser just two minutes later when midfielder Anton Stach sent the home supporters into raptures.
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Szoboszlai has been rare shining light in difficult season for Reds
In a season which has seen several Liverpool players struggle to replicate their form from the 2024-25 title-winning campaign, one man who has led from the front has been midfielder Szoboszlai. Whether operating as a makeshift right-back or as a midfielder, the Hungary international has performed regardless of his position on the pitch in 2025-26.
And the former RB Leipzig ace thought he had scored the all-important winner for Liverpool when he raced into the box before coolly slotting the ball past Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri after 80 minutes.
But in a final twist in what was a breathless affair, Leeds scored a last-gasp equaliser through man-of-the-moment Ao Tanaka, who also found the back of the net in his side’s impressive 3-1 victory over Chelsea in midweek.
Hungary ace unable to explain how Liverpool conceded momentum
Understandably devastated after watching his side drop more precious points, Szoboszlai was unable to put his finger on why Liverpool conceded momentum in a game they were in complete control of.
Speaking to after the final whistle, he said: “I don't know what happened after 2-0. I think we thought the game was over and we just made sure at the beginning of the game that this is the kind of game where you can never underestimate the team. Maybe after the penalty they [Leeds] just had the momentum. We came back which showed a good reaction but we conceded again from a set-piece which is not the nicest way.
“I don't know [if there is a confidence issue], maybe you're right but after 2-2 we showed a great reaction and showed our mentality. We knew we made a mistake by letting them come back to 2-2 but I have nothing to say about the result."
When asked what was said in the Liverpool dressing room after the game, Szoboszlai added: “What is in the dressing room stays in the dressing room, it is not for the public. We have to manage it, we have to find solutions.
“I can always come up with the opportunity on Tuesday or on the weekend again but there are also times where you have to look at yourself. You have to go home and think if you did everything what was possible and if the answer is yes then we just keep going and the momentum will come.”
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Slot's Liverpool aiming to bounce back against in-form Inter Milan
Liverpool will look to bounce back when they lock horns with Italian giants Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday. While Arne Slot’s side sit eighth in the Premier League table, they are currently 13th in the Champions League standings.
Inter, meanwhile, should provide a difficult test for the Merseysiders. Cristian Chivu’s side are fourth in the Champions League table, having won four of their five fixtures. They are also top of Serie A after winning 10 of their 14 league games this term.
Pooran and Pollard had won the CPL and MLC together earlier this year
ESPNcricinfo staff29-Oct-2025MI Emirates have announced Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard as their wildcards for the upcoming season of the ILT20 in the UAE. Pooran and Pollard will rejoin forces after winning the CPL (Trinbago Knight Riders) and MLC (MI New York) together earlier this year.Pooran is also part of MI Cape Town in the SA20, which overlaps with the ILT20. Pooran, now 30, had made a shock decision to retire from international cricket at 29, but continues to be a sought-after player in franchise leagues around the world.Pooran and Pollard add more Caribbean flavour to a MI Emirates side that already includes Andre Fletcher, who had fetched the highest bid of USD 260,000 at the inaugural ILT20 auction in October, Ackeem Auguste, who was also an auction pick, and Romario Shepherd, who had been picked ahead of the auction.Related
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The ILT20’s fourth season, to be held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, begins on December 2 and will run until January 4, featuring six teams who will play a total of 34 matches.
MI Emirates
Auction Signings: Muhammad Rohid (USD 140,000), Jordan Thompson (USD 48,000), Naveen-ul-Haq (USD 100,000), Andre Fletcher (USD 260,000), Nosthush Kenjige (USD 10,000), Mohamed Shafeeq (USD 10,000), Zain Ul Abidin (USD 10,000), Usman Khan (USD 10,000), Ackeem Auguste (USD 10,000), Arab Gul (USD 10,000), Tajinder Dhillon (USD 10,000), Zahoor Khan (USD 10,000), Shakib Al Hasan (USD 40,000).Retentions + Direct Signings: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Tom Banton, Romario Shepherd, Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow, AM Ghazanfar, Muhammad Waseem, Kamindu Mendis.Wildcards: Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard.
Half-centuries from Kurtis Patterson and Moises Henriques gave New South Wales 331 before their bowlers, led by Sean Abbott, stopped Western Australia 87 runs short
AAP09-Oct-2025
Sean Abbott starred in the New South Wales win•Getty Images
Western Australia teenager Albert Esterhuysen gave Sam Konstas an almighty send-off but it was New South Wales who had the last laugh in the One-Day Cup clash at the WACA Ground.Esterhuysen, playing just his second one-dayer for Western Australia, bowled Konstas for 40 and then unleashed an extended roar and stare-down in the Test opener’s direction during an emotional celebration.Konstas entered Thursday’s match desperate for a big score to mount a solid case for an Ashes call-up, but he couldn’t go on with the job after a strong start.Half-centuries to Kurtis Patterson (66 in 71 balls) and Moises Henriques (54 in 66) lifted New South Wales to a formidable 331. In reply, Western Australia were bowled out for 244 in 46.5 overs, with the returning Mitchell Marsh making just 2 as New South Wales cruised to an 87-run bonus-point victory.The result left Western Australia nursing a 1-2 record, while New South Wales (2-1) moved into second spot, behind unbeaten Tasmania (3-0).Western Australia’s innings never got going, despite boasting a stacked batting line-up that had Cameron Bancroft batting at No. 7.Sam Konstas loses his stumps•Getty Images
Marsh, who came in fresh off his unbeaten 103 in Australia’s T20I victory over New Zealand, was out in just the third over when he was caught on the boundary slashing at a wide Sean Abbott (3 for 28) delivery.Joel Curtis (15), Sam Fanning (8) and Cooper Connolly (5) all came and went as Western Australia crashed to 45 for 4 in the tenth over.Sam Whiteman received a huge life on 2 when he was caught at slip – only for Jack Edwards’ delivery to be deemed a front-foot no-ball. Whiteman went on to make 52 off 56 balls, but his departure in the 24th over at the hands of Tanveer Sangha was a bitter blow to Western Australia’s victory hopes.Bancroft (48), Ashton Agar (44) and Aaron Hardie (37) all produced handy knocks, but with the required run-rate soaring out of control, Western Australia were never truly in the hunt following the top-order collapse.Earlier, Konstas struck seven fours in a quickfire knock before chopping on 19-year-old quick Esterhuysen (2 for 58).New South Wales slumped from 203 for 3 to 225 for 6 largely thanks to Bryce Jackson’s double-strike in the 30th over that sent Patterson and Edwards packing in the space of four balls. But Western Australia couldn’t complete the job, with handy runs from Henriques, Abbott (35) and Charlie Stobo (39 in 20 balls) getting New South Wales well beyond 300.
Hampshire heavily beaten after batting line-up misfires
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Aug-2025
Brett D’Oliveira picks one up over the leg side•Michael Steele/Getty Images
Worcestershire 196 for 5 (D’Oliveira 52, Jack 2-34) beat Hampshire 194 (Gubbins 60, Allison 6-35) Ben Allison’s career best figures of 6 for 35 helped Worcestershire secure a comfortable five-wicket win over Hampshire in Group A of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.Allison bowled with pace and control from the outset, as regular wickets stunted Hampshire’s progress, with Nick Gubbins’ half-century the highlight in Hampshire’s total of 194 all out.In reply, a composed 52 from Brett D’Oliveira and thirties from Kashif Ali and Jake Libby put the hosts in control of their chase as Hampshire’s bowlers struggled. A quickfire cameo from Ethan Brookes saw Worcestershire ease their way to a convincing five-wicket win and continue their unbeaten start to the group stage.Allison pushed the home side in front early as he drew Ali Orr into an unnecessary waft at a full delivery outside his off stump in the first over of the contest, shortly before producing a peach of a delivery to account for the vital wicket of Tilak Varma, without scoring. Hampshire rallied from 14 for 2, with Gubbins taking his side past 50 without further cause for concern in sublime batting conditions at New Road.Scotland’s Brandon McMullen (29) gave his wicket away after a promising start, but Gubbins continued his fine solo efforts, raising his bat after passing fifty for the second time in this year’s One-Day Cup. Joe Weatherley’s afternoon was brought to a premature end when he was in single figures, as he retired hurt, unable to continue having been struck on the hand earlier in his innings.Gubbins’ classy knock saw him relatively unphased, stroking nine boundaries on his way to 60, but when Ethan Brookes trapped the opener LBW in front with a darting, full ball, the home side were back on an even keel, with Hampshire 115 for 4.Worcestershire youngster, Jack Home, making his first appearance of the season for the Rapids, returned to the action after a turbulent two-over spell earlier on in the piece to spark the biggest reaction from the crowd of the day when he zipped a ball through the defences of England U19 teammate Ben Mayes, watching a shard of middle stump fall victim of his pace, as the home side tightened their grip on the first-innings.File photo: Ben Allison takes the plaudits•Getty Images
At 121 for 5 and faltering on the back of the metronomic Brookes’ spell, a sixth-wicket partnership of 62 between Tom Prest and Felix Organ provided some stability for the visitors.But Worcestershire hit back, with the impressive Allison taking the wickets of both aforementioned batters in the 38th over, with a stunning caught and bowled spelling the end for Prest on 36. The seamer capped a sensational day with two more wickets in his final over, as he returned career-best figures of 6 for 35 to bundle Hampshire out for a below-par 194.Isaac Mohammed fell early in the reply when he was LBW for 10, but Kashif Ali and Brett D’Oliveira put on 59 for the third wicket, with Kashif continuing his excellent run in the competition as he searched for a third consecutive half-century.He perished 14 runs short of the milestone however when he found Prest at mid-off, but his departure didn’t halt Worcestershire’s momentum as they batted on past 100 in the 22nd over.D’Oliveira made his way to a composed half-century from 79 balls as Worcestershire strolled through the middle overs, but Hampshire had a brief moment of optimism McMullen struck in the 30th over to see the back of D’Oliveira.Brookes’ quick fire cameo of 35 from 24 balls propelled the home side up to 168 for 4, as the late loss of he and Libby (32) did not derail what was a comfortable chase with the Rapids securing a five-wicket win with more than ten overs in tact.
Chelsea’s opening goal in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday should have been disallowed under IFAB Law 11.
Arsenal unable to take all three points against ten-man Chelsea
With Moises Caicedo being shown a straight red card after fouling Mikel Merino in the first half, the Gunners would’ve been expecting to pick up what could be a crucial three points at Stamford Bridge, but the hosts refused to lie down.
In fact, Trevoh Chalobah opened the scoring for Enzo Maresca’s side just after half-time, although the north Londoners were ultimately able to come away with a point, as Mikel Merino was able to level things up just over ten minutes later.
Speaking after the game, Maresca made it clear he had no problem with Caicedo being given his marching orders, although he did question why Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur was not sent off for a similar challenge last month.
However, Mikel Arteta may have complaints of his own, with VAR being accused of going “completely blind” and missing Enzo Fernandez in an offside position during Chalobah’s opening goal.
IFAB’s Law 11 describes offside offences, and Fernandez’s position battling against Cristhian Mosquera certainly meets the criteria for ‘interfering with an opponent’.
A player in an offside position at the moment the ball is played or touched* by a team-mate is only penalised on becoming involved in active play by:
interfering with play by playing or touching a ball passed or touched by a team-mate or interfering with an opponent by: preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or challenging an opponent for the ball or clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent or making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball
However, the goal stood and Maresca’s side managed to hold out for a draw, despite having ten men for most of the game, so Arteta arguably has a right to feel aggrieved the Gunners were unable to extend their lead at the top.
Arsenal should have taken three points regardless
Although there is a case to be made that Chalobah’s goal should’ve been ruled out, Arsenal will be kicking themselves, given that Caicedo’s early red card presented them with a golden opportunity to pick up a victory.
Arteta concurs that it was two points dropped, saying after the game: “I think overall it’s been a really positive week because the difficulty was immense.
“But I have this flavour that today we should have and we could have won the game and we haven’t. That’s a learning point from it.”
Arteta must drop 4/10 Arsenal star who lost every single duel vs Chelsea
Arsenal were not at their free-flowing best as they drew with Chelsea.
ByMatt Dawson Dec 1, 2025
That said, the north Londoners shouldn’t be too disheartened, as getting a point at Stamford Bridge is still a good result, and they have a healthy lead at the top of the Premier League table, currently sitting five points clear of Man City.
Antony was back in the headlines again, for all the wrong reasons, as the Real Betis star headbutted FC Utrecht's Souffian El Karouani – but somehow escaped a red card. The former Manchester United winger was sent off just a few days ago after accidentally kicking a Girona player in the head from an attempted overhead kick. Now he has been branded a "madman" after luckily escaping another dismissal.
Antony sent off in La Liga
At the weekend, Antony was sent off when his high boot caught Girona's Joel Roca in the face. The former Ajax man made apologetic gestures to the home fans as he trudged off the pitch, before later taking to social media to double down on his contrition.
He wrote: "Very sad about the red card. All I wanted was to help my team win. A completely unintentional move … sorry to all the fans that have always supported me."
Then, a couple of days after the incident, he admitted it had been "hard to sleep" off the back of his actions.
The Brazil international added: "I had no intention. That's why we’re going to try to appeal. I won the ball. When I did the (overhead) there, I didn't see it, I was looking at the ball. It was the VAR decision, the referee knows that I had no intention. It was very hard to sleep. I stayed at home thinking all night, I slept very little."
Advertisement'This was deliberate'
On Thursday, however, Antony's luck was in as he escaped another sending off in Betis' 2-1 Europa League win over Utrecht. Despite appearing to headbutt El Karouani in the first half, the 25-year-old wasn't penalised by referee Nenad Minakovic, with not even a free-kick going the visitors' way. That incensed one Dutch pundit, with the analyst describing Antony's headbutt as "actions of a madman".
Former Ajax player Jan van Halst said on Ziggo Sport, via VI: "Unhappy? No, that's an unfortunate statement by the referee. This was deliberate. It is an action of a madman. How do you get it in your head? I've also kicked a ball once, had a duel like that. Then you don't think about making such a movement with your head, do you? Very strange."
'He was in a lot of pain'
Some of Van Halst's colleagues were equally as flabbergasted that Antony received no punishment for his actions.
Utrecht manager Ron Jans said: "The VAR was not there today. Also with that cross to [Seb] Haller, he is completely held. You have to be lucky with moments like that and we haven't had that a few times. That Virgil van Dijk handball against Olympique Lyon, today two more moments that are ultimately decisive again.
"I think they could have just whistled for a penalty and a red card, and if he had been completely held down. And there was also a moment when they could have been down to 10 men in the first half. But yeah, that doesn't suit us in Europe. Moments like that can be decisive and then they make it 2-0 and you think, 'Oh dear'."
And Utrecht defender Nick Viergever added: "But he was in a lot of pain for a reason. The referee said he had assessed it and that it was unfortunate. We also had maybe half a penalty moment with Seb [Haller], then it's not easy."
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Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Antony?
Antony, who finally ended his United nightmare earlier this year, had hoped to feature in Betis' clash with rivals Sevilla this weekend as his team appealed against his red card.
"Yes, of course. We have to try [and appeal]. I know how important this game is and I want to play it," said the Brazilian, who is trying to make his national team's World Cup squad next year.
However, Antony has been handed a one-match ban, so he won't be available for the trip to Sevilla in La Liga on Sunday. However, he could return on December 3 for their Copa del Rey clash away at Torrent.
The man Jake Weatherald hopes to partner at the top of the Australian order did him a big favour on day one of the opening Sheffield Shield clash between Queensland and Tasmania.Test and Queensland opener Usman Khawaja dropped Weatherald at first slip off the bowling of Jack Wildermuth when he had made just four on Saturday at Allan Border Field.Weatherald took full advantage of his life, hitting two boundaries in the same over. The in-form Tasmania opener went on to make 67 from 99 balls to continue his relentless runscoring over the past 12 months.Related
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He partnered with captain Jordan Silk to rescue the visitors’ innings after Silk’s decision to bat first looked to be backfiring horribly.Reeling at 33 for 3, Tasmania steadied and were 299 for 6 at stumps. Silk led the way with 104, his 13 first-class century, and Bradley Hope made 76.Weatherald is coming into Ashes selection calculations thanks to his run of form. He was Shield’s leading runscorer season and made 183 in July for Australia A against Sri Lanka. But he said after Saturday’s play that he had heard “nothing” from national selectors.”It was a good – a bit of luck. You need that when you’re opening,” Weatherald said of his early life. “I was happy with how I moved after that – it was a rough little start.”You probably get a little bit of that, ‘I get an opportunity to kick on now, have that bad shot, that rash shot, out of the kitchen’. Sometimes you just miss it or snick it straight to slips and you get out, so it was good I kicked on from there. I felt really good.”He hit eight boundaries and had a crucial 80-run stand for the fourth wicket with his captain before Michael Neser took a sharp reflex return catch with one hand.Weatherald said he and Silk tried to put the pressure back on the Queensland attack in their stand.Silk went on to make his 104 from 170 balls and was filthy with himself when he was also out caught and bowled to Mitch Swepson. The spinner’s catch was much more straightforward thanks to a leading edge.Wildermuth was eventually rewarded when he trapped Hope lbw, ending his 171-ball knock.Jake Doran and Nikhil Chaudhary were the not out batters, while Neser (2-53 from 18 overs) was the only multiple wicket-taker.Tasmania suffered a blow when Australian all-rounder Beau Webster was ruled out of the game because of an minor ankle injury.
Never a dull moment at Celtic, is there? Earlier this week, Brendan Rodgers tendered his resignation and within hours, Martin O’Neill was back at a club where he enjoyed so much success.
“I’m only here for a few weeks”, he reiterated time and time again. We’ll have to see whether that’s the case.
An Old Firm on Sunday could change the mood but the Irishman’s second spell at Parkhead has already started triumphantly.
O’Neil jumping up and celebrating a goal at Paradise in 2025? Who’d have thought it? Not us, that’s for sure.
That said, even if he does enjoy an unbeaten second spell in Scotland, it’s unlikely he’ll be here for very long.
The latest on Celtic’s managerial hunt
Two primary names have been in the conversation to become the new Celtic manager; Ange Postecoglou and Kieran McKenna.
Sadly for the Hoops, they’ve been met with two roadblocks. Reports indicate that McKenna is keen to stay with Ipswich Town for the time being, while Postecoglou is keen to continue to test himself in the Premier League.
Ange enjoyed a great deal of success the last time he was in Glasgow and even if he did win the Europa League with Spurs, his time south of the border has been unconvincing.
Ange’s record at Celtic
Games
113
Wins
83
Draws
12
Defeats
18
Points per game
2.31
Goals
284
Goals conceded
108
Trophies won
5
Sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after finishing just outside the relegation places, he then endured a sticky winless period at Nottingham Forest that saw him given the boot after a matter of weeks in the hot seat.
Ange’s stock, therefore, has arguably never been lower.
So, who do Dermot Desmond and Co turn to next? Reports indicate it could be a manager in Belgium.
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According to Voetbal Nieuws, via Sport Witness, Celtic have made initial contact in a bid to hire Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen.
Hayen has emerged on the Bhoys’ radar in the last few days but now it’s thought talks have taken place, with Celtic set to offer what is described as a ‘huge’ salary to tempt him away from Brugge.
That said, it’s noted that a hefty compensation fee will be required in order to bring him to Scotland.
Hayen is rated highly and drew 1-1 with Celtic in last season’s Champions League.
What makes Hayen such a good manager
Celtic fans may dream of a Postecoglou return or for McKenna to come to Paradise, but in Hayen then would find an extraordinarily good young manager.
Aged 45, the coach is still very much in the infancy of his career but he’s begun turning heads in Brugge after an interesting rise up the ladder.
After being relegated with Waasland-Beveren in 2020/21, it was with Welsh part-timers Haverfordwest County where the Belgian rediscovered his mojo.
How that move came about was strange. He wasn’t just the manager but he was also the technical director.
While their marriage lasted less than a year, he left quite a mark on the Welsh side, largely due to his footballing philosophy.
In Wales’ top-flight, not many favoured an attractive and passing style of football in such a physical league but Hayen certainly made it work.
Before Brugge faced Manchester City last term, Haverfordwest’s owner, Rob Edwards, noted: “We just went into games expecting to win. We felt we were going to win every game, despite the position we were in. We broke our [records for] biggest away win and biggest home win in the same week. We became a really ruthless team that tried to play football in a different way to what the league is used to, playing out from the back, possession-based. Cymru Premier League is a very direct, physical league.”
Now at Brugge, he ironically replaced Ronny Delia in the hot seat and very quickly led the capital club to the Belgian top-flight title. Unlike Ange, whose struggles in England are well documented, Hayen is currently at the top of his game; his stock has never been higher. Postecoglou, on the other hand, well his reputation is on the floor.
In Hayen, Desmond would be hiring a forward-thinking manager, one who employs attacking and attractive football, someone who would suit Celtic’s principles. It may sound like Postecoglou but the 45-year-old has recent form on his side; Brugge sit second in the Belgian top-flight.
One analyst on social media has already described him as “tactically unbeatable” and a “man made for the elite level of football”.
His results don’t lie either. Last season, Club Brugge defeated Aston Villa and Sporting CP in the league phase of the Champions League. They drew with Juventus and then beat fellow Italian side, Atalanta, over two legs in the play-offs to reach the last 16 where they eventually came unstuck against Villa.
While Desmond’s initial ambitions will be built on winning the title, improving in Europe certainly wouldn’t go amiss. Hayen looks like he could improve Celtic in a whole host of areas.
Where to begin? That sentence, perhaps, sums up the malaise at Liverpool this season, the catastrophic failure that has tainted not just the form of Arne Slot’s side but the culture and the club-fanbase connection too.
The overwhelming frustration that the supporters have felt since this abject run of results started is clearly shared by the players, with Mohamed Salah’s audacious outburst after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United leading to an overspill that has threatened to engulf the club.
Slot is walking a tightrope, now, but the plain truth is that FSG are right to givew the head coach their overwhelming support. Backing a player, even Salah, over the boss is something the ownership simply cannot do, even with Slot pitted against a peerless hero, even against Salah.
This is a mess of a situation, so far removed from the culture and stability that has left rivals so envious over the past decade, Jurgen Klopp starting the fire.
Salah’s calculated gambit will prove the end for one of Liverpool’s leading parties, to be sure.
Liverpool already looking at big-money Salah replacement
Slot and Salah’s long-term futures at Anfield are now mutually exclusive, with the Egyptian King’s incendiary comments after being benched for three successive games confirming a breakdown in the relationship between the two.
The Premier League champions have been sent in a tailspin, and Salah’s divorce from Slot’s plans stands as a symbol of the staggering collapse.
But, whichever side of the fence you stand on, there’s no denying that Salah is 33 years old and has been well below expectations this season, just five goals and three assists to show for his campaign, 19 matches in.
That’s why Spanish sources suggest plans to sign Desire Doue from Paris Saint-Germain have been ramped up, with FSG ready to launch a British-record €150m (£131m) bid in 2026.
Doue, 20, was crowned the European Golden Boy after his incredible breakout campaign in Paris, now established as one of the most talented wide attackers in the world.
He is not as polished as Salah in his prime, but this would be the perfect signing to replace the £400k-per-week superstar on Merseyside, should push come to shove.
Why Doue would be a Salah upgrade
Doue is quite the talent, unique in his dynamic and versatile wing play. He is a talented technician, but he also wears his qualities with such personality and gusto, splitting defences open with fleet footwork and calculated passing.
He was hailed as a “magician” by talent scout Jacek Kulig after his “incredible performance” against Inter Milan in the Champions League final last year, a fine indication of his ability to showcase his skills on the grandest of stages.
Moreover, the France international is able to balance his output; not shy to shoot, he is a fierce playmaker, and this is why he could prove such a perfect upgrade on the ageing Salah.
Doue has yet to get going in Ligue 1 this season, but Sofascore data presents an average of 5.1 duels and 1.5 tackles in the league last year, underlaying a return of 16 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, and plenty of flashy dribbling besides.
Salah’s deterioration this season has been well documented, but he was in contention for the Ballon d’Or last year, and when looking at how he compares to Doue over the past year, you begin to see why this French up-and-comer is so highly touted.
Mo Salah vs Desire Doue (past 12 months)
Stats (per 90)
Salah
Doue
Goals scored
0.52
0.55
Assists
0.30
0.35
Shots taken
3.07
2.90
Shot-creating actions
4.09
5.13
Touches (att pen)
8.72
6.27
Pass completion (%)
70.2
82.0
Progressive passes
4.06
6.19
Progressive carries
4.11
5.02
Successful take-ons
1.34
2.66
Ball recoveries
2.70
4.82
Tackles + interceptions
0.70
3.64
Data via FBref
Doue is a combative player, and the energy and mobility he would add to Liverpool’s right flank would help steer Anfield back into calmer waters, flowing toward the attacking successes and fluency of last year.
It is clear that some measure of change is needed, and while FSG will fight tooth and nail to retain Salah’s services for now, Doue would mark a significant upgrade, nailing down the right-sided wing for many years to come.
Salah is a one-of-a-kind sort of winger, and Liverpool would likely fall by the wayside if signing someone mimicking his style. Doue is his own player, and his creative emphasis would help service the likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in the centre.
In this way, he would prove an upgrade on a legend whose Liverpool career sadly seems to be winding down.
Perfect for Wirtz: Liverpool could hire the "best young manager in Europe"
Liverpool have an interest in a manager who would be the perfect appointment for Florian Wirtz.
One of Sheffield’s own is now in the running to buy Sheffield Wednesday, according to reports, after taking a key step ahead of the December 5 deadline.
Sheffield United merger rejected
The Owls have reportedly set a soft deadline of December 5 to find a new owner and narrow their search down. So far, they’ve not been short on candidates. Several potential buyers have shown proof of funds worth £50m and some have even been shown around the club’s facilities.
The biggest headline so far has arrived courtesy of Sheffield United, however. Wednesday’s rivals reportedly enquired about buying the club and were keen to merge the two Steel City rivals together in controversial fashion.
Unsurprisingly, any talks of that merger taking place have been shut down almost as quickly as they started gathering pace. Sheffield Wednesday, like many others, are keen to keep the derby alive and kicking instead, which is set to see them turn to other candidates.
Just who wins the bidding war is the big question. Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is reportedly among the interested parties, as is John McEvoy.
Many were quick to criticise Ashley at Newcastle in the past, but it’s worth noting that he cleared all of the Magpies’ debt. Financially speaking, he would arguably be a wise option.
Alas, it’s not just Ashley in the running. New names are now beginning to emerge and that includes Sheffield’s own Ryan Howsam. The Staysure founder has been based in Dubai in recent years, but could yet return to his home town to save his local club.
Who is Sheffield Wednesday takeover candidate Ryan Howsam?
So, is Howsam the man for the job? His impressive portfolio, which includes Avanti, PayingTooMuch, The Rock Group and several digital travel investments, certainly suggests that he’s got the funds to complete a takeover, but it would be his first venture into football.
The prospective owner has reportedly been given access to the club’s data in a key step towards potentially buying the club. He also recently told This is Money when asked about a return to England: “I would come back to the UK in a heartbeat if the environment was right.”
Sheffield Wednesday now braced for imminent "concrete" takeover bid
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It would be fairly fitting for a Sheffield-born candidate to complete the takeover, but administrators would need to ignore their hearts and ensure that Howsam is the right man for the job.
Compared to someone like Ashley, Howsam is far from experienced in the world of football and the Owls simply need to steady the ship. It must also be noted that it may yet be neither of those options who emerge as frontrunners to buy the club.
With time ticking by before the December 5 deadline, Sheffield Wednesday must assess every possible option before making their final decision.
Mike Ashley position clear as Sheffield Wednesday takeover reaches final candidates