Mariners’ Julio Rodriguez Makes Wild MLB History With Home Runs and Stolen Bases

Sunday's Mariners–Rangers game was a big one for Seattle star Julio Rodriguez.

The center fielder crushed his career 100th career home run, a 391-foot two-run homer off of two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom in the third inning.

But, that wasn't the biggest news of the game. This home run was Rodriguez's 20th of the season, marking his fourth consecutive season in which he's logged at least 20 homers. On top of that, Rodriguez has also tallied at least 20 stolen bases in all four of his MLB seasons. With this combination, Rodriguez officially became the first MLB player in history to start their career with four consecutive seasons of at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, per Mariners PR.

Rodriguez has 20 homers and 20 stolen bases so far this season. In his rookie year, the Mariners star logged 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases. His second season was his career-best with 32 HRs and 37 SBs and last year, Rodriguez had 20 HRs and 24 SBs. He's currently on pace to pass his totals from last season.

Abel Ferreira critica gramado do Barradão após vitória do Palmeiras: 'Prefiro o sintético!'

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras bateu o Vitória por 1 a 0 neste domingo (14), no Barradão e estreou com três pontos no Brasileirão 2024.

RelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras vence o Vitória na primeira rodada do BrasileirãoPalmeiras14/04/2024PalmeirasPalmeiras volta a enfrentar Vitória cinco anos após jogo de título brasileiroPalmeiras14/04/2024Parceiro – r7Brasileirão: como foram os últimos jogos entre Vitória e Palmeiras?Parceiro – r714/04/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! Palmeiras no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Verdão

Após a difícil vitória, Abel Ferreira falou sobre a partida e não deixou de criticar o gramado do Barradão, que segundo o técnico, foi determinante para a performance do Verdão na partida.

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– O gramado aqui é muito pesado, duro e muito alto, é difícil, eu prefiro o sintético, sinceramente. Já aviso que vai nos trazer problemas para o próximo jogo, vocês viram a dificuldade de quem entrou e de quem jogou, alguns tiveram dificuldade de tirar a roupa. É um tipo de gramado que deixa marcas nos jogadores, mas pronto, quero dar os parabéns aos meus jogadores pelo esforço – disse Abel.

Abel ainda fez questão de elogiar a arbitragem da partida, pedindo jogos com menos faltas e que os árbitros deixem o jogo correr.

➡️ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

O Palmeiras se reapresenta nesta segunda-feira (15), e já inicia a preparação para encarar o Internacional, na Arena Barueri, pela 2ª rodada do Brasileirão 2024.

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وائل جمعة يكشف نقطة ضعف منتخب مصر.. ويؤكد: مباراة الكويت درس للاعبين

علق وائل جمعة، نجم المنتخب السابق، على تعادل منتخب مصر مع الكويت بهدف لكل فريق في اللقاء الذي أقيم ببطولة كأس العرب 2025.

وأقيمت مباراة مصر والكويت، على أرضية استاد لوسيل ضمن لقاءات الجولة الأولى من المجموعة الثالثة بـ كأس العرب.

طالع|فيديو | منتخب مصر يبدأ مشواره في كأس العرب بالتعادل مع الكويت

وقال وائل جمعة، في تصريحات لقناة بي إن سبورتس: “للأسف تعادل بطعم الخسارة للمنتخب المصري، بعد السيطرة لمصر والفرص الكثيرة المهدرة خاصة في الشوط الأول، ونقطة الضعف الأزلية الركنيات، منتخب الكويت مميز بها استطاع أن يسجل هدفا وصنع خطورة منها في الشوط الأول ولم نتعلم منها”.

وتابع: “المنتخب في الشوط الثاني تأخر في التبديلات، وطالبت بخروج محمد شريف ونزول مروان حمدي وعمل إضافة وصنع ضربة الجزاء وكان من الممكن أن يسجل الهدف الأول لمنتخبنا”.

وأضاف: “مع إهدار الفرص والأهداف، الفريق المنافس قدر يسجل وهذا ما حدث، ويعتمد على التحولات والمرتدات وبعد الهدف كان ممكن أن يسجل هدفا ثانيا وينهي المباراة، المنتخب المصري حظه كان جيدا أنه قدر يسجل من ضربة جزاء”.

واختتم: “مباراة اليوم درس للاعبين أن الكرة دائمًا أهداف وأن تسجل الفرص المتاحة لك”.

Man Utd legends reveal first impressions of 'frightening' Juan Sebastian Veron and are still in disbelief Argentina legend flopped in the Premier League

Former Manchester United stars Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes have revealed their first impressions of Juan Sebastian Veron. The mercurial Argentine moved to Old Trafford for a British record transfer fee in 2001 after shining for Parma and Lazio in Italy, but the midfielder struggled to adjust to the rigours of English football with both United and later Chelsea.

Veron failed to make the cut in England

Veron was unable to transfer his impressive Serie A form to the Premier League at both United and Chelsea, and he spent two years on loan with Italian giants Inter, before returning to South America with Estudiantes in 2006, initially on a short-term move. That became permanent to the Argentine powerhouse, helping the club win the Copa Libertadores in 2009 and etxending his career to the age of 39.

Upon his move to United in 2001, Veron was the most expensive transfer in British football, while he also became the first non-EU player to break the Premier League transfer record. Veron, however, ultimately struggled with the pace, having been better suited to Italian football prior to his switch to Old Trafford.

Speaking on podcast, former United stars Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes discussed the former Argentina international, and their first impressions of the player following his arrival. Scholes admitted he was perplexed that it didn't work out for the midfielder.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportVeron's talent was 'frightening', states ex-United star

Speaking of Veron with Paddy McGuinness, Scholes said: "When they're nice people like that, you want them to do well. The talent he had was frightening. Why it didn't work, I don't know. He was in our position [midfield] wasn't he?"

Butt, who alongside Scholes was in disbelief that it didn't quite happen for the player, then remembered a 4-1 win over Everton where Veron shone, adding: "We played Everton at home in [one of] the first games of the season. He scored, and I swear to god the whole stadium stood up and clapped him. I'm sat in the directors box, I was suspended, and I'm thinking 'I don't think I'm ever going to play again.' But it just didn't work out for him." Scholes then added: "And you wouldn't think it would be that difficult would you?"

Butt also shared a story from Veron's debut season, recalling: "It was freezing at Carrington one day, and he's come out and he literally had a coat on, he had a snood on, he had gloves, he was shaking. And he said 'I can't feel my teeth' We're all p*ssing ourselves.

"He was absolutely freezing cold! He'd never seen weather that bad. Obviously he'd been to Italy, but it was different to where he'd been. It wasn't like that. I do find it difficult to have a pop at players that come from afar and try and buy into our culture."

Wirtz struggling to adapt to the Premier League

Scholes also compared Veron's struggles to settle in the Premier League to Florian Wirtz's poor form since his move to Liverpool. Wirtz has failed to replicate his Bayer Leverkusen form at Anfield, but the former United midfielder believes there is more to the 22-year-old's performances than a change in league, especially with Alexander Isak, who joined from Newcastle also finding it hard.

"If you think Wirtz has just come from Germany, it's a good league," Scholes added. "Probably similar style of football to English. [It's] probably better over here, don't get me wrong. Isak, he knows the Premier League. There's something just not quite right with what's going on there."

Liverpool have also been criticised for a lack of leadership in the squad as they continue to falter. A 4-1 loss to PSV means the Reds have lost their last three matches, and nine of their last 12. Butt, meanwhile, referenced former United captain Roy Keane as a way to drag Liverpool out of the mire.

Butt insisted he'd adopt a different approach, stating: "You'd have someone like a Keaney, who's an example to use as a captain. He would give them a real b*llocking.

"But then if you could see that he was having a bit of a bad time, but they're trying everything, then he'd be a bit different. I might be a bit different with them, having a laugh or a joke, or take them for a bit to eat, or a drink. So everyone's got the different dynamics within the squad. How to treat a player who's having a tough time."

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Getty Images SportVeron to servie ban in Argentina

Veron has been making the headlines recently but for the wrong reasons. The former United and Chelsea flop is the current chairman of Estudiantes but has been hit with a six-month suspension for organising a guard of honour snub as part of a protest against Rosario Central.

Rosario recently won their first title since 1987, but the manner of their success has faced huge backlash. The Argentine FA opted for a rule change halfway through the season that meant Rosario were crowned Campeón de Liga – Champion of the League – for accumulating the most points over the two tournaments that compromise the Argentine Primera Division. Previously, that would have only been enough to qualify for the Copa Libertadores.

The decision saw former United winger Angel Di Maria claim a first Argentine winners' medal of his career, but one that angered Estudiantes, who were due to play Rosario in the days after the choice to award the the title.

Estudiantes publicly criticised the decision by the AFA and rather than give Rosario a guard of honour, the players opted to turn their backs on Di Maria's side, which saw Veron handed a six-month suspension from all sporting activity.

The official ruling stated: "The president himself acknowledges having given the order that led to the behaviour being judged here… revealing that it was not an improvised or isolated gesture but a directive issued by the highest institutional authority of the club."

Green doesn't bowl but shines in the field as Western Australia dominate

Lehmann played a lone hand with 96 off 126 to lift South Australia to a total that appeared unlikely after their top-order succumbed to sharp bounce

Tristan Lavalette28-Oct-2025Cameron Green once again showed off superb athleticism in the gully but did not bowl in his return as Western Australia dominated the opening day of their Sheffield Shield match against South Australia at the WACA.After missing the India ODIs due to side soreness, all eyes were on Green with his bowling status unknown ahead of the Ashes. Even though he has been bowling in the nets, Green is set to play as a specialist batter in this match. He is likely to return to bowling in WA’s next Shield match against Queensland starting on November 11.Green did show off his impressive agility to remove Ben Manenti after quickly moving to his right and plucking the ball with his outstretched hands. He also added another catch when he hung onto a stinging blow from Jake Lehmann at extra cover to wrap up South Australia’s modest first innings of 215.Green was in visible discomfort, but did seem to shake off the pain quickly as he walked off the field.Lehmann played a lone hand with a brilliant 96 off 126 balls to lift South Australia to a total that appeared unlikely after their top-order succumbed to sharp bounce.In reply, opener Cameron Bancroft was in sparkling touch having scored just 21 runs from four previous innings this Shield season. He is unlikely to be in the Ashes frame but did issue a reminder of his talents with an unbeaten 52, while skipper Sam Whiteman finished 30 not out.South Australia quick Brendan Doggett appeared out of sorts in his return from a hamstring injury. He sprayed the new ball, with his initial three-over spell costing 16 runs although he was sharper in his subsequent four-over burst before stumps.Doggett’s only previous match this season was a One-Day Cup match against New South Wales on September 20. He is hoping to push to be a fast-bowling reserve for the Ashes having been part of the World Test Championship squad earlier this year and originally due to tour West Indies before injury struck.Jake Lehmann made 96•Getty Images

There was intrigue over the surface after difficult batting conditions in WA’s season-opening loss against New South Wales prompted some criticism. While this was not a minefield, there was sharp bounce and carry to very much feel like a traditional WACA wicket.Whiteman had no hesitation to bowl despite the sunny skies suggesting a batting-friendly opening day before expected damp weather sets in tomorrow.Whiteman was vindicated by his tall quicks who bent their backs in search of extra bounce as a slew of South Australia batters fell behind the wicket. The rattled visitors, however, did not help their cause with several tame dismissals starting with opener Conor McInerney nicking off Matt Kelly after hanging out his bat well outside off stump.After getting through the new ball, Henry Hunt and skipper Nathan McSweeney were left disappointed when they both tickled down the leg side to leave South Australia in trouble at 48 for 3.The sight of spin did not provide relief, with Corey Rocchiccioli – coming into the attack later than he likes in the 22nd over – producing rapid turn with his first delivery that had Jason Sangha playing back and nicking to slip.Having been unlucky in his opening spell, Cameron Gannon utilised his towering frame to devastating effect to remove Liam Scott and Harry Nielsen. South Australia’s hopes of mustering a competitive first innings total looked forlorn at 81 for 6 until Lehmann superbly counterattacked as batting appeared easier in the middle session.Lehmann received support from Manenti and Nathan McAndrew to frustrate WA’s push to wrap up the innings. Manenti has had a knack for making handy runs against WA but could not kick on after Green added to his highlight reel in the gully.Lehmann remained unflustered and continued to be aggressive until cutting Rocchiccioli straight to Green as he fell agonisingly short of a second Shield century this season.

Arteta driving Arsenal move for Scott McTominay as Napoli tell Berta their price

Mikel Arteta is now driving Arsenal’s move to sign Scott McTominay, with the manager of the belief the Scot would be the perfect addition to his midfield, and Napoli’s asking price has been revealed.

Arteta is already blessed with a wide array of options in central midfield, having signed Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi in the summer, while Declan Rice also continues to impress, receiving plaudits from Gary Neville after the recent 4-1 North London derby victory.

Neville said: “The only player you would be worried about losing for a period of time would be Declan Rice because you cannot replace that,”

“That is your Roy Keane, that is your Rodri, the player that holds you together. There is only one of them.”

However, despite strengthening considerably in the summer, the Gunners have struggled injury-wise this season, with Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus being ruled out against Tottenham Hotspur, meaning Mikel Merino had to lead the line.

As such, it could be a wise idea to bring in another central midfielder in the transfer window, and Arteta is personally a fan of a Serie A star…

Arteta driving Arsenal move for Scott McTominay

According to a report from Spain, Arteta believes McTominay could be the ideal addition to his midfield, with Arsenal closely monitoring the Napoli star’s performances over the past few months.

The Spanish manager rates the Scotland international highly due to his ability and press forward, and there are signs that a deal could be possible, though Andrea Berta will have to stump up £60m.

The 28-year-old is under contract until 2029, meaning Napoli are in a strong negotiating position at present, but interest from elsewhere is growing, with Manchester United also joining the race to re-sign their former player.

The Napoli star has certainly taken his career to new heights since leaving Old Trafford, with football writer Mark Carruthers praising him for the part he played in the Serie A side winning the title last season.

The former Man United man displayed his attacking quality as Napoli went on to win the league, picking up 12 goals and six assists in 34 Serie A outings, and he recently scored a remarkable bicycle kick as Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 to qualify for the World Cup.

It may be difficult for McTominay to force his way into the Arsenal starting XI ahead of Rice and Zubimendi, but he would certainly provide Arteta with fantastic depth in the middle of the park.

Scott McTominay has been named as one of the best midfielders in the world The Best 15 Midfielders in World Football Ranked (2025)

Some of the best players in the world do their stuff in the middle of the park, but who’s number one?

5 ByCharlie Smith Nov 20, 2025

Bigger liability than Pope: Howe must finally bin Newcastle "legend"

Newcastle United’s topsy-turvy campaign is raging on. When will Eddie Howe strike the balance needed for his team to kick on and reestablish themselves as a force in the Premier League?

Last weekend’s performance over Manchester City offered a glimpse into what United are capable of, dispatching Pep Guardiola’s side at St. James’ Park thanks to Harvey Barnes’ second-half brace.

But that win was built atop a run of three defeats from four in the Premier League, and Newcastle have since been defeated on the road in the Champions League, against Marseille in France.

It wasn’t the Toon’s worst performance of the season, but the emission of anxiety after Nick Pope’s costly mistake emphasises the issue in mentality when away from Tyneside.

Why Howe should drop Nick Pope

Pope has been a strong and convincing goalkeeper for Newcastle since joining the club from relegated Burnley in 2022, but, aged 33, the Three Lions star is allowing errors to creep into his game, the latest of which cost the Magpies dearly in Marseille.

Newcastle knew they needed to take something home with them from the Orange Velodrome, and indeed, Barnes’ finish secured an advantage at the interval.

Cool heads were needed, but Pope rushed out to claim a neat through ball and failed to match the pace of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the veteran striker getting there first and then rounding Pope and scoring from an acute angle to restore parity. The one-time Arsenal hero then scored again from close range, smacking home from a few yards out following a fierce cross-box pass.

That frustrating display was hardly an outlier. This season, Pope has left plenty to be desired.

Given that loanee Aaron Ramsdale is waiting in the wings, it’s understandable that some supporters want to see a change between the sticks, and it’s perhaps something Howe should consider if he wishes to revive his team’s fluency and confidence on the road.

It’s not the only change that must be made, though, with another United man’s form this season emphasising the need for a permanent tweak on Howe’s part.

The Newcastle star who's a bigger liability than Pope

A core part of Newcastle’s success over the past four years, Joelinton’s chapter at the club may nearly be written, with the long-time star beginning to become a problem for Howe.

One of the most powerful and imposing midfielders in the Premier League, Joelinton’s form has suffered this season, and he’s noticeably regressed, and that is accentuated by the superstars around him.

Unlike last season, when Joelinton’s intense, pack-a-punch style was so integral in charging up the Newcastle engine, the likes of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes are forming something of a partnership

Newcastle’s Italian midfielder, to be sure, is showing off new levels of athleticism and strength to match his natural elegance, and the skipper is as all-encompassing as ever in the middle of the park.

But Joelinton is waning, and this has been picked up by Toon observers. Indeed, journalist Mark Douglas noted earlier in the campaign that the 29-year-old has been “nowhere near his best”.

Sofascore record that Joelinton is winning only 2.9 ground duels per Premier League fixture, which is his lowest average since 2019/20, his debut term, when he principally played as a centre-forward.

Refashioned into an all-action midfielder, Joelinton has proved himself to be an iconic servant for Howe at Newcastle, but after so many rounds of unforgiving action, it may be that it is the right time for him to move on.

Howe’s Most-used Players at Newcastle

Rank

Player

Apps

1

Bruno Guimaraes

172

2

Dan Burn

166

3

Fabian Schar

165

4

Jacob Murphy

152

5

Joelinton

146

Data via Transfermarkt

Hailed as a “club legend” by content creator Adam Pearson, the Brazil international has had his day, and the fact that PIF are gearing up for an ambitious bid for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson in 2026, the England midfielder having emerged from Newcastle’s academy, suggests that the mainstay is becoming expendable.

The suggestions that Pope should be extricated from his post between the posts are rising in volume, but the emphasis on pushing for a Joelinton upgrade must be just as loud.

For all the Brazilian’s robustness, he is no longer untouchable under Howe’s wing, and is perhaps becoming the weakest link in a team that needs to kick on.

PIF have signed an "explosive" talent who can end Gordon's Newcastle career

Newcastle United already have an exciting attacker up their sleeve who can end Anthony Gordon’s stalling Magpies career.

By
Kelan Sarson

Nov 27, 2025

India, Pakistan training overlap spikes Asia Cup interest in Dubai

The players from both teams stuck to their own routines, but the buzz is expected to grow when they face each other

Shashank Kishore06-Sep-202513:47

Runorder: What is India’s best XI for the Asia Cup?

Shortly after 7pm, all eyes at the ICC Academy turned towards the nets area of the Pakistan team. They’d just arrived for their final training session ahead of Sunday’s tri-series final against Afghanistan in Sharjah.Would there be a cross-over with India, who were already in the middle of their own preparations? Would players exchange pleasantries or keep their distance? Those hoping for a moment worth filming were left disappointed as both teams stuck to their routines.India’s session spanned nearly three hours in which each of their specialist batters spent more than an hour in the middle, before the allrounders padded up and whacked the ball into all corners to bring down what turned out to be more range-hitting than a net session aimed at players finding touch.Related

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  • Grassy Dubai pitch leaves India with tricky selection calls against UAE

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  • India likely to play Asia Cup without team sponsor

Pakistan batted at the nets area tucked away in a quiet corner, away from the prying eyes. They prepped on surfaces that offered turn, bite and uneven bounce, perhaps simulating what’s in store against Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar and Noor Ahmad come Sunday. Away from the nets, Shaheen Shah Afridi took a few catches and did a light warm-up, while Haris Rauf ran laps.The assortment of surfaces at the ICC Academy, as many as 40 of them – largely Asian but also some that replicate bouncy conditions like at the WACA, Gabba and some that offer swing and seam – were put to good use by as many as 60 players over the last few days, including those from Oman and Hong Kong.By the time training wrapped up on Saturday, the organisers breathed a sigh of relief. Pakistan had a game to play on Sunday, and India announced a rest day.The evening began with India doing a bronco drill with cones placed at 20, 40 and 60 metres distances. The squad split into three groups of five. Trainer Adrian Le Roux called the shots, Sitanshu Kotak kept score, while head coach Gautam Gambhir turned cheerleader. The exercise wasn’t about results as much as it was about simulating match-day conditions in the event that India field first in the heat.Once the lights took full effect, the players shifted into full-fledged centre-wicket nets. Friday had been about easing in, but Saturday had a sharper edge, perhaps even giving us a peek into combinations that are slowly beginning to emerge.Purely on evidence of the first two days, it seems as if Jitesh Sharma may have a slight edge over Sanju Samson as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper. He underwent extended batting stints on Saturday, with Gambhir watching closely from behind the nets. At one point, he appeared to advise Jitesh about some of his premeditated attempts at scoops and pick-up shots.The Indian team during their first training session ahead of Asia Cup 2025•Shashank Kishore/ESPNcricinfo LtdSamson, meanwhile, only took throwdowns to begin with and sat watching the other batters go through their paces. Just before the session wound down, though, he padded up and hit the ball far and long. Out came the pulls, flat-bats and some heaves that had him occasionally grimace at losing his shape.All told, there was little to suggest anything was off. His timing was crisp and the sound it made off the sweet spot had those patrolling the boundaries and beyond repeatedly running distances to fetch the ball hit into the outer periphery of the ICC Academy Ovals, some even into Pakistan’s training area.Long before Samson took guard, Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma were the first to stride out, followed by Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, and Jitesh. For the next 90 minutes, they faced a mix of Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya.Then came a battery of local net bowlers that included three wristspinners and two left-arm seamers, all instructed to go flat out. India’s two throwdown specialists jumped in periodically, cranking up the pace whenever the session needed a jolt. India completed a four-hour-long training session close to 9pm.Sunday is rest day, with the Indian team lined up to have two more sessions in the lead-up to their Asia Cup opening game against UAE on September 10.

Sandeep Lamichhane suspended from two T20Is against West Indies

Nepal legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane was suspended from his team’s second and third T20 internationals against West Indies in Sharjah, after he withdrew from the first match “45 minutes before the start.”A statement from the Cricket Association of Nepal said Lamichhane’s late withdrawal – 15 minutes before the toss – from the first T20I on September 27 had “a serious impact” on the team and Nepal cricket at large. The board said the team management had recommended that Lamichhane be benched from the remaining two games in the series.It is understood that when the team management spoke to Lamichhane later, his reason for withdrawing from the first game was that he was mentally not in a good space to play the match.Nepal beat the West Indies in the first T20I by 19 runs to record their first victory against a Full Member nation; they then won the second T20I by 90 runs to complete their first series win against a Full Member nation. They lost the third match – a dead rubber – by ten wickets.Nepal’s next assignment is the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia Pacific Final in Oman, where they will be competing with Malaysia, Qatar, UAE, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea for two places in the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February and March. Lamichhane has been retained in the Nepal squad for the tournament.The nine teams are divided into three groups of three each. Nepal are in Group B along with Japan and Kuwait, whom they play on October 8 and 10. The top two teams from each group proceed to the Super Six round, and the teams that finish first, second and third there qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Frank must offload one of the world's "most overrated players” at Spurs

The last few months have been a whirlwind for Tottenham Hotspur supporters, especially considering the topsy-turvy nature of the 2024/25 campaign.

The Lilywhites won the Europa League under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, with the Aussie delivering on his promise of always winning a trophy in his second season.

However, it was somewhat overshadowed by the 17th-place finish in the Premier League, which ultimately cost the 60-year-old his job in North London.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou

The responsibility of building on the triumph was handed the way of Thomas Frank, with the Dane joining the club from fellow top-flight club Brentford during the off-season.

Despite his arrival, some players have struggled to match the levels they produced last campaign, which will have no doubt been frustrating to the new manager.

The Spurs players who have struggled in 2025/26

After arguably his best-ever campaign in 2024/25, Brennan Johnson has endured a dismal current campaign and has often failed to deliver when called upon by Frank.

The Welsh international has only netted two league goals in 2025/26 to date, subsequently dropping down the pecking order and only making five starts since the Dane’s arrival.

He was even sent off in the latest Champions League clash against FC Copenhagen, which pretty much sums up the decline he’s endured over the last few months.

Johnson hasn’t been alone in struggling to match the levels he produced last season, with midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur another who’s been unable to produce on a consistent basis.

The Uruguayan international has only made eight starts to date, but his numbers from the current campaign showcase his dismal form in North London.

He’s ranked in the 43rd percentile for passes completed and has only been able to make 0.5 interceptions per 90 – often struggling to make an effect in and out of possession.

The Spurs star who needs to be offloaded

The decline of some players has led to the recent additions during the summer, with the hierarchy landing Mohammed Kudus in a £55m deal from West Ham United.

The Ghanaian international has since replaced Johnson on the right-hand side of the attack and has already made an immediate impact for the Lilywhites.

He’s scored once and registered four assists in the Premier League to date, with the latter of the two tallies the joint-highest of any player in England’s top-flight.

Kudus would have been joined in the final third by Dominic Solanke, but the Englishman has massively struggled with injuries and has been out of action since the end of August.

He’s been struggling with an ankle issue over the last couple of months, subsequently restricting him to a total of just 31 Premier League minutes in 2025/26.

As a result, the hierarchy decided to delve back into the transfer market to complete a loan deal for striker Randal Kolo Muani from French side PSG.

The 26-year-old’s move generated huge excitement within the fanbase, but after a couple of months, it’s safe to say that the deal so far has been a disaster for everyone involved.

He’s struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, with the loanee subsequently failing to score in any of his eight outings across all competitions.

His underlying stats also showcase his lack of form since his transfer on Deadline Day, with the former Juventus star undoubtedly struggling to meet expectations in England.

Games played

4

Goals & assists

0

Shots taken

0.47

Touches in opposition box

1.4

Aerials won

0.4

Aerial success rate

37%

Fouls committed

1.6

Passes completed per 90

8.2

He’s only registered a total of 0.47 shots per 90 in England’s top-flight – with such a tally ranking him in the lowest 1% of all other attackers in the division this season.

Kolo Muani, who earns a reported £150k-per-week, has also registered just 1.4 touches in the opposition box and 0.4 aerials won per 90, which place him in the first percentile – further highlighting his lack of positive impact to date.

Such form backs up one content creator’s previous claim about the forward, with the Frenchman previously being dubbed “one of the most overrated players in the world”.

It’s evident that the move to date has been a huge failure, with the club desperately needing to cut ties and allow other players to stake their claim for a starting role.

His loan deal shouldn’t be made permanent in either of the two windows before it expires, but it’s crucial the club do invest big and land a new talisman for Frank.

Spurs star was one of the "best in the world", now he's on borrowed time

One Tottenham Hotspur star could be on borrowed time under Thomas Frank in the coming months.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 21, 2025

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