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Manchester United are keen to build a dynasty under Ruben Amorim and could now be set to up their pursuit of an exciting midfielder who could come in to bolster their ranks in 2026.

Man Utd aim to build consistency in Premier League

Last weekend’s victory over Liverpool had a transformational feel for supporters of the Red Devils for several reasons, though the biggest one may arguably be winning back-to-back matches for the first time since Amorim’s arrival.

Frustrating early-season performances and a lack of consistency have left many questioning Manchester United’s bottle in their quest to climb the Premier League table.

However, Devils’ Advocate podcast host Gaz Drinkwater believes his side could find themselves in the top six come the end of the season if the Red Devils can continue to tick off difficult fixtures.

He said via BBC Sport: “With the squad and with performances like that, we could be up there in the top six. Our squad is good enough to finish top six. It is. That should be the minimum requirement for this season.

“And if we’re in the top six and we’re looking comfortable and showing that we’re capable of never mind back-to-back wins in a row but three or four wins in a row, then who knows where we can finish.”

Looking ahead to 2026, transfer windows will offer a vehicle for Amorim to strengthen his squad, and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher is being lined up by Manchester United as a potential replacement for Kobbie Mainoo if the latter is sold.

Athletic Club’s Oihan Sancet is another target for the Red Devils, illustrating that the engine room is a recruitment priority, and another name spoken about within the corridors of Old Trafford has now come to light.

Man Utd now keen on Chelsea star Andrey Santos

According to talkSPORT, Manchester United are keen on bringing Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos to Old Trafford if he becomes available in 2026. The Blues are reluctant to sell the 21-year-old, so it remains to be seen if the Red Devils’ lure can play a part in swaying him to swap London for Manchester.

The Brazil international, who thrived on loan at Strasbourg last season, was the subject of interest from Bayern Munich and Al-Qasdiah during the summer as a result of his form in Ligue 1, where manager Liam Rosenior claimed he was already “world class”.

It's not Mainoo: Man Utd may have found the new Pogba in "phenomenal" star

Manchester United already have another talent who is on a similar trajectory to Paul Pogba.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 24, 2025

Known to idolise Casemiro and possessing an eerily similar playing style, Santos has registered one assist in nine appearances across all competitions this term and has shown himself to be a reliable ball-winner in the engine room, coming out on top in 15 duels this season, per Fotmob.

Gallagher, Stiller and Adam Wharton are also on Manchester United’s radar, though it will remain to be seen who they manage to land in their quest to build a midfield capable of helping Amorim challenge for major honours over the coming years at the English giants.

Manchester United have made a "concrete" approach for Elliot Anderson, who is being valued at an eye-watering amount by current club Nottingham Forest. Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim remains keen on signing a new central midfielder in 2026 as he continues to try and build a squad capable of challenging for the biggest honours again, and Anderson is reportedly near the top of his wishlist.

• New midfielder remains Amorim's priority

  United spent over £200m in the last transfer window to rebuild their squad after a disastrous 2024-25 campaign, which saw the Red Devils fail to win a trophy and finish 15th in the Premier League. They brought in big names like Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, with the overhaul primarily aimed at bolstering the team's attack. 

  Amorim also wanted to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba towards the end of the window, but a move did not materialise. The Portuguese coach remains determined to bolster his options in the middle of the park in the January transfer window and has prepared a six-man midfield shortlist for the position.

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  United make 'concrete' Anderson approach

  According to , United have "registered concrete interest" in Forest talisman Anderson. Forest have been informed about the Red Devils' interest, and will demand between £100–120 million ($131.5 – $158m) for the England international. 

  reported last month that Amorim is in search of a player who fits into his template for a dynamic midfielder, and Anderson perfectly ticks that box. However, it remains to be seen if United will match Forest's massive valuation or try to significantly bring down the asking price.

• How is it going for Anderson at Forest?

  Anderson has retained his place in the Forest starting lineup despite the club changing three managers this season. He has started in every Premier League game for his club and has contributed with a goal and an assist. Anderson's immediate target is to nail down a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad as he is desperate to play at the World Cup next year.

  After making his England debut in the September international break in a 2-0 win against Andorra, the 23-year-old had said: "I think it’s only one game really. I’m focusing on the next game and then the game after that, to try and make an impact. But obviously, all eyes on the World Cup. It couldn’t have gone much better apart from if I’d have scored. I should have scored, it is what it is… next time."

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  United keeping an eye on Baleba and Wharton

  While Anderson remains a key target for the Red Devils, the club are also keeping an eye on Baleba and Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.

  Wharton recently reacted to the United transfer link, dismissively rebuffing the rumour. The Englishman told : "I don't really look into it or think too much about it. There are always rumours floating about on social media. Is it true? Is it not? You tell me. My friends, my family, my brothers, everyone will message me and be like, 'Is it true this club's interested?' I'm like, 'Thanks for telling me because I didn't know.' I don't know who's spreading it or who at United is looking at it. I see it and I'm like, 'OK', and then I carry on with my day. United, the big teams, they're all linked to 10, 20 different players. If I'm one of 20, then it's nothing special, so it doesn't really mean too much. I speak with my agent about planning ahead and possibilities. But at the end of the day, it is who's interested and who's willing to try and get you and if that becomes the case? You can speak about it, but you've got to represent that on the pitch and prove that you deserve it."

Superman was created in Cleveland, and in 2025 he will return there.

Much of —the forthcoming James Gunn-directed reboot of the ancient superhero franchise—was shot in and around the Forest City. Accordingly, when the first trailer for the movie was released Thursday, viewers were quick to spot several city landmarks—including Progressive Field.

The home of the Cleveland Guardians can be seen at 1:58, decked out in mock-up "Metropolis Meteors" livery. Superman is shown brawling briefly with an unidentified foe to a slowed-down version of John Williams's "Superman March."

Fans and observers made more than their fair share of jokes about the cameo apperance.

Some wondered whether the Guardians themselves would appear in the film.

A few fans were reminded of the Pittsburgh Steelers' memorable 2012 cameo in .

Age-old attendance jokes abounded…

…as did jokes about Cleveland's perpetually low payroll.

is currently scheduled for a July 11 release.

It’s been an unfortunate start to the season for Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who’s been sidelined multiple times through injury already and is now racing to recover from an MCL problem.

The North London derby on November 23rd takes on added significance for Arsenal as they await Odegaard’s potential return from a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

The Norwegian playmaker has become synonymous with Arsenal’s attacking fluency, and his absence has been an unwanted headache for Mikel Arteta.

Amid their pursuit of a first Premier League title in 22 years, the Gunners have done very well to cope through a torrid period of injuries to key attacking players at the Emirates. Odegaard’s latest setback came during their 2-0 win over West Ham in early October, when a collision with winger Crysencio Summerville resulted in a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee.

The incident forced him off after just 30 minutes and made unwanted history. Odegaard actually became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts, and what makes this injury particularly cruel is the timing.

The 26-year-old had only just returned from a persistent shoulder problem that had already disrupted his campaign. That shoulder issue saw him withdrawn after 38 minutes of Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds United at the very start of 25/26, before an aggravation of the same injury forced him off after just 18 minutes against Nottingham Forest.

Odegaard has completed a full 90 minutes only twice this season, and Arsenal rehab specialists have resorted to pretty unique methods to speed up his recovery.

The former Real Madrid midfielder has been using anti-gravity treadmills at Arsenal’s London Colney training centre to accelerate his comeback, a technique that reduces gravitational load while restoring muscle strength and mobility.

His return would provide a massive boost heading into one of the season’s most important fixtures against Spurs right after the international break, but Arsenal have now been dealt a pretty concerning update.

Credible reports had claimed that Odegaard is battling to be in contention for Tottenham alongside Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres, with Gabriel Jesus the only forward definitively ruled out (Simon Collings).

However, Norway boss Stale Solbakken has now made a suggestion that even the derby may be too soon for him.

Arsenal star Martin Odegaard "some distance away" from injury return

Speaking in a press conference this week, Solbakken stated that Odegaard is actually “some distance away” from his injury return — which makes for a pretty concerning admission ahead of Tottenham’s visit to the Emirates in just 10 days time.

Despite still being sidelined, Odegaard has travelled with the Norway squad to be a presence for morale ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Italy.

Arteta will be keeping a very close eye on his players during this international break, which always poses the threat of unwanted injury problems, and defender Riccardo Calafiori gave Arsenal a scare earlier this week after it was revealed the left-back is training alone with a hip issue.

Luckily for the Azzurri and Arteta, Italian medical officials believe that Calafiori will be fit to face Norway on November 16, with the individual training programme most likely a precaution and nothing too serious.

Immediately after their clash against Tottenham, the north Londoners take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Chelsea just four days later, with Arteta hoping he has most of his attacking contingent back and ready to contribute in these vital face-offs.

Virgil Van Dijk has lambasted his Liverpool teammates for their defensive record. The reigning Premier League champions have now conceded 20 goals in 11 league games this season after their chastening 3-0 home defeat against Nottingham Forest earlier today. The Dutchman said the Reds are conceding "too many easy goals" and called on the whole team to take responsibility for their defensive woes.

• Liverpool fall to Nottingham Forest at Anfield

  Liverpool's woeful run of form continued in their first game back from international duty. The Reds fell behind to a controversial Murillo goal in the 33rd minute at Anfield. The VAR ruled that Dan Ndoye did not interfere with Alisson's line of sight, as the Brazillian centre back drove home after Liverpool failed to clear their lines from a corner. 

  The Reds were given some respite when Igor Jesus' strike was mysteriously ruled out moments later for handball, despite the replay apparently showing the ball did not touch the striker's hand. Despite that let-off, the hosts struggled to gain a foothold against Sean Dyche's side. Forest completed a famous victory through a 46th minute effort from Nicolo Savona, and a 78th minute goal from Morgan Gibbs-White. 

  That sorry collapse prompted Van Dijk to call out his teammates. Liverpool's captain slammed his peers for their propensity to concede from set pieces, and called on the whole team to take more responsibility for the team's defensive record. The 33-year-old also refused to blame the referee's decision for their defeat, while also sending a message to the Liverpool fans. Many of those in attendance at Anfield left the game early as their side struggled again. 

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  Van Dijk's post-game comments after Nottingham Forest defeat

  Van Dijk said: "We concede too many easy goals. They scored obviously from a set piece again. You can ask if he was in front of Alisson, but it counted, so we're 1-0 down. We were not good in terms of battles, challenges, the fight, too rushed. It's a very difficult situation at the moment.

  "There was nervousness after we conceded, but not before. We tried to rush things and that's human when you're in a difficult moment. We cleared the ones before and in the end, we'te in a very difficult moment. We don't get out of it by just speaking about it. It will take a lot of hard work.

  "It's a problem. Everyone in the team has to take responsibility as well. Football is a team and everyone has to take responsibility. We have to digest this and take it on the chin. We need to work harder. We have to keep going.

  "Everyone is disappointed, like they should be, because losing at home to Nottingham Forest is, in my eyes, very bad. That's the least I can say about it. Those goals we conceded are far too easy and we all have to look in the mirror. I've been at this club so long now and we've been through adversity. We will bounce back but it doesn't happen overnight. I'm not a quitter and we will keep going.

  "I can't decide what the supporters are doing if they leave early. I know the fans have been through thick and thin with us. They will be there with us when we come out of this because we will come out of this."

• Liverpool's defensive woes in numbers

  Liverpool's propensity to concede from set pieces will certainly be of concern to Arne Slot's coaching staff. The Reds have now allowed nine goals from dead ball situations in the 2025/26 Premier League season. According to Opta Stats, that is the third worst record in England's top tier. 

  Van Dijk's side are conceding 1.81 goals-per-game this season. During their title winning exploits last season, the Reds conceded just 41 times in 38 games. 

  In their past six games in all competitions, Liverpool have conceded three goals on four occasions. 

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  Can Liverpool sure up their leaky defence?

  When Liverpool followed up their 20th league title with a summer spending spree headlined by a bevvy of attacking talent, most prognosticators had them as favourites to defend their crown. However, there were murmurs of discontent at the club's lack of resources in the centre of defence. Their failed pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi looks more and more catastrophic with each passing game. While the Reds are set to re-kindle their interest in the England international, a packed schedule ahead of the January transfer window means the Reds will have to remedy their struggles with the resources they have in house. If they can't, it could heap even more pressure on Slot, just months after he lifted the Premier League trophy in his debut season in the English top-flight. 

The start of this season couldn’t have gone much better for Tottenham Hotspur, with convincing wins over Burnley and Manchester City.

However, in the months since, things have really gone off the rails for Thomas Frank and his side.

They currently sit 16th in the Champions League and, following their dismal defeat at the hands of Fulham on Saturday night, 11th in the Premier League.

Frank looked bereft of ideas against the West Londoners, and his team appeared all at sea, including one player who could be in danger of becoming their new Serge Aurier.

Spurs' worst players against Fulham

Aside from maybe Micky Van de Ven for his goalsaving tackle and Randal Kolo Muani for his general play, there were dismal displays across the entire Spurs starting lineup.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The player who has received the most stick during and after the game is undoubtedly Guglielmo Vicario.

The Italian goalkeeper was the main culprit for the visitors’ second goal, with him rushing out to intercept a long ball, kicking it into danger and then being way out of the penalty area when Harry Wilson curled the ball into the net.

Such a costly blunder, and the fact that the team were 2-0 down in just the sixth minute, led to sections of the home support booing the former Emploi man at every touch.

While not responsible for conceding a goal, Richarlison was another Lilywhites ace who was practically useless on the night.

In his 60 minutes of action, he offered no threat at all, producing an expected goals figure of 0.00 and completing just six of his nine passes.

Moreover, while he took 21 touches, he ended up losing possession nine times, which helps to justify the 3/10 match rating he received from the Standard’s Matt Verri.

It was also a poor showing for Kevin Danso, who was second best to Raul Jimenez throughout the game, and it was his headed clearance that led to the opening goal.

Unfortunately for Frank and the fans, another starter put in a horror display against the Cottagers and could end up becoming the Spurs’ next Aurier if he’s not careful.

Spurs' new Serge Aurier

It was clear that Aurier was a talented player during his stint with Spurs, but what was also clear was that he was error-prone and became something of a scapegoat.

After all, he got sent off on his Premier League debut, and it was his foul that led to Manchester City’s winning free-kick in the 2021 League Cup final.

After that mistake, Jamie Carragher described him as “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football.”

The Ivorian left the club that summer, and unfortunately, it feels like Pedro Porro could be becoming the new version of him.

Now, to be clear, the Spanish full-back, originally signed on loan by Antonio Conte, is a hugely talented footballer and someone who is capable of delivering a brilliant cross at times.

However, he has become a growing concern for North Londoners over the last season or so, both offensively and defensively, with the game against Fulham a perfect example.

In his 94 minutes on the pitch, he lost 100% of his aerial duels, lost five of eight ground duels, was dribbled past three times, was accurate in just three of 16 crosses, failed in 100% of his dribbles and completed only 62% of his long balls.

In short, it was a poor attacking display and a truly horrendous defensive one, which more than justifies Verri’s match rating of 4/10 and description of him looking a ‘nervous wreck at the back.’

As if that wasn’t enough, he then proceeded to throw his shirt to the floor and storm off the pitch when the full-time whistle went, in what journalist Mitch Fretton described as “absolute embarrassment.”

It’s this combination of yet another poor performance and the petulance afterward that makes it hard not to think of the former Ivorian international.

Ultimately, Porro is still a talented player and could turn things around, but it’s been some time since fans have seen him at his best, and that display against Fulham was more than worrying.

New Soldado: Frank must bin Spurs flop who had fewer touches than Vicario

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank must drop this flop who is becoming the new Roberto Soldado.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 30, 2025

Lionel Messi is preparing for his first MLS Cup final as Inter Miami face the Western Conference champions, Vancouver Whitecaps. Reflecting on the matchup, Messi said he was excited to face Thomas Müller, whose arrival in Vancouver has added a new layer of intrigue to the league and the final.

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  Messi on Müller, Vancouver and the stakes of the final

  Messi said he was pleased Muller had joined MLS and that the German’s presence raises the profile and competitive level of the final. He noted Miami and Vancouver know each other well after recent meetings and acknowledged Vancouver’s consistency this season, adding that the addition of Muller only strengthens a side that has pushed to the very end of multiple competitions. Messi warned that the match would be extremely tough and said Inter Miami must be ready for a high-quality opponent.

  “First of all, it is very nice that Muller has come to play in MLS and the repercussion that this represents,” Messi said ahead of the final. “It’s good that this final came to be and that we can face each other again. We have already faced Vancouver, and we know what kind of team they are.

  “In fact, they eliminated us in [the CONCACAF Champions Cup]. It was also a very consistent team throughout the year that finished among the top teams and competed in all competitions until the end, just as we did. And well, we know it's going to be a very, very tough game. And the addition of Muller coming to that team, makes them much better still. It brings more awareness to the game, to the team, and it will be a very, very special final, in which we hope it will be in our favor."

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  Messi on Alba and Busquets retiring with a title

  With Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets potentially ending their careers with an MLS Cup, Messi said the prospect would be hugely meaningful for the players and the club. A title, he noted, would be a perfect way for two long-time teammates to step away, and a moment shared by everyone in the locker room and in the stands.

  “Well, it would be very nice for me, for them, for everyone, wouldn’t it?” Messi said. “May they finish their careers with a title and in the best possible way. I think it would be very positive and a very nice memory for them – to retire with one more joy in their great careers, after all the titles they both won.

  “And well, to add one more and retire with a good taste in their mouth and say goodbye to the United States with a title… it would be something very special.”

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  Final pits star power against collective depth

  The final brings together two distinct profiles: Inter Miami’s core of global stars led by Messi and former Barcelona teammates, and a Vancouver team whose experienced recruitment now includes Müller. Vancouver have leaned on depth and cohesion throughout the season, while Miami have often depended on decisive contributions from their biggest names in tight matches.

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  Anticipation builds for a landmark final

  With the MLS Cup final approaching, Messi said the match is significant for the team and the league. Inter Miami will face Vancouver, a matchup that includes high-profile players such as Messi and Müller. Both clubs arrive with experienced squads and a title on the line this Saturday. 

Boston Red Sox starting first baseman Triston Casas is out for the year after tearing his patellar tendon, and the franchise is looking for a replacement at first base.

While manager Alex Cora said publicly that he did not plan to ask newly positioned designated hitter Rafael Devers about potentially playing first base, general manager Craig Breslow had no problem inquiring.

Devers, who has already been frustrated with the Red Sox front office dating back to spring training, did not take it well. Devers was asked by members of the media during spring training if he would be willing to play a different position after the team signed free agent Alex Bregman, who rates much better as a defender at third base than Devers. Devers responded that he was not interested in switching positions.

Eventually, Devers gave in after talking with Cora, and he was earmarked as the team's full-time DH. So when Breslow went to ask Devers about position change in the wake of the Casas injury, he wasn't having it.

"I just feel like it's not an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position," Devers said on Thursday. "It was the GM that I spoke with. I'm not sure what he has with me. He played ball and I would like to think he knows that changing positions like that isn't easy."

According to Christopher Smith of , Devers's teammates didn't love his answer.

"One reporter told me that one of [Devers's] teammates told him to 'just stop talking.' We've also at learned that veteran players—players who have been around the league a long time—were not happy with the situation, with his inflexibility and the way he brought it out publicly."

For now, Devers is the team's designated hitter.

The Red Sox are 20-19 on the season, and two games back in the AL East of the first-place New York Yankees.

Liverpool’s disastrous campaign is showing little sign of relenting at the moment, and there are so many different parts of Arne Slot’s system to criticise.

After the 4-1 defeat at Anfield against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate took heavy pelters for their woeful defensive displays.

However, they were hardly the only Redmen who flattered to deceive, with Cody Gakpo yet again failing to convince on the left side of Slot’s frontline.

It might seem somewhat blunt to say, but Gakpo plays with a lack of dynamism, often repeating the same old patterns. As per Sofascore, he is averaging less than one dribble per game in the Premier League this season, while only completing 39% of his attempted ball carries on the continent.

Though he scored 18 goals and provided seven assists across all competitions for Liverpool last season, it always felt like Luis Diaz had more to his game.

Well, now Diaz plies his trade with Bayern Munich, and Liverpool are searching for a left-sided forward after opting against a like-for-like replacement this summer.

Liverpool searching for a left winger

We’re just over one month away from the opening of the January transfer window, and Liverpool’s interest in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has been confirmed.

Semenyo, 25, has been one of the most in-form forwards in the Premier League this year, but FSG and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes appear to have earmarked an alternative who may actually prove a better pick than the Ghanaian.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool chiefs have learned that a deal for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior would likely cost the club about £80m next summer, with the Brazil international informing Los Blancos he will not be renewing his contract, of which has entered the penultimate year.

Manchester United are set to rival the Reds for the 25-year-old, while old suitors in the Saudi Pro League are bound to return for his signature. Hughes needs to pull the right strings quickly if he is to get this one over the line.

What Vinicius Junior would offer Liverpool

Vinicius Jr has been a thorn in Liverpool’s side on numerous occasions over the years, scoring five goals and providing two assists across six meetings. It was his goal that sealed the Champions League title against Jurgen Klopp’s side in 2022.

Brought from his Brazilian homeland to the Spanish capital in 2019, Vini has won the whole gamut at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring 111 goals and supplying 89 assists across 340 matches in all competitions.

There’s no question that Vinicius Jr would mark an upgrade on a player like Gakpo, offering a wide range of qualities that could even see him replace, metaphorically, Mohamed Salah, as the club legend begins to wind down.

Hailed as “the best player in the world” by teammate Jude Bellingham, it stands as a testament to Vinicius Jr’s level that he is still comfortably outstripping Gakpo as far as respective league stats are concerned, having endured something of a testing campaign under Xabi Alonso’s wing.

The fact that Gakpo is hitting the target less than once every two Premier League matches is deeply concerning. This is not the rip-roaring prolific form that Slot and Liverpool’s coaches would expect, and his limited output across other areas amplifies the noise. That said, Gakpo is creating a consistent number of chances this season, and that does count for something.

Hailed by former Los Blancos teammate Luka Modric as being one of the Spanish outfit’s “world-class superstars” and as “the best player on the planet” by Statman Dave, signing Vinicius Jr would signal an ominous statement of intent at Liverpool, and now it’s up to the Reds to put the plan into action.

Would that mean the end of Gakpo at Liverpool? The Dutchman did cohabit with Diaz, but there is a difference in quality that Vini would be sure to take advantage of, and it would throw Gakpo to the backbench.

As bad as Konate & Van Dijk: £85m Liverpool duo cannot start together again

Liverpool plummeted to new depths after losing 4-1 to PSV at Anfield in the Champions League.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 27, 2025

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has advised Blues wonderkid Estevao Willian to "relax" amid comparisons with legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Brazilian teenager is off to a bright start in his maiden campaign at Stamford Bridge, with his latest stellar display coming in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League.

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  Estevao outshined Yamal in battle of wonderkids

  Comparisons were also being drawn between Blaugrana sensation Lamine Yamal and Estevao ahead of the clash as two of the brightest prospects in European football came face to face.

  As the match ended at Stamford Bridge, Estevao emerged as the clear winner as he starred with a goal in the Premier League giants' massive 3-0 win over the La Liga club. The Brazilian teenager doubled his team's lead at the start of the second half after Jule Kounde's own goal handed them the lead. Liam Delap then scored a third to seal a memorable win for Maresca's team. Estevao had a terrific outing on the night as Yamal was kept silent. 

  The 18-year-old also matched Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe's record in Europe as he became the third teenager to score in each of his first three Champions League starts.

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  'Estevao needs to relax'

  The 18-year-old's mesmerising form for club and country has already prompted comparisons to football legends Messi and Ronaldo, but Maresca has issued a warning to the youngster. After the Barcelona clash, the Italian coach told reporters: "Estevao needs to relax. He needs to enjoy, he needs [training] sessions. He needs to play football. Him, Lamine, they are so young, 18, that if you start to talk about Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo, I think it is too much pressure for young boys like them. They need to enjoy, arrive at the training ground, happy, session. When you start to compare with Messi or Ronaldo, I think it is too much for them."

  Reacting to his own performance, Estevao said: "I don't really have any words to sum up how I am feeling. It was all very quick for me. I found some space and wiggled my way through. I hope I keep scoring for many more years. It really was the perfect night. [My goal] was such a special moment for me in my career. From the moment I arrived here, I felt such a connection with the fans. I'm just so happy I could score for them and make them happy."

• 'Most important thing' for Estevao

  Maresca also shared some valuable advice for Estevao before the game, as he said: "Estevao is already playing a high level, starting already with Brazil. For sure, he is very young, for sure, he can do many things better, but we are very happy with him. Now, for me, it's more or less the same thing I said about Pedri, it is nice for people who love football to watch players like Estevao, Lamine Yamal, Pedri – this is the beauty of football. We are happy Estevao is with us and for sure he is going to do well. He is going to be an important player for sure for this club, no doubt. The most important thing for Estevao is that he has to enjoy fully, he has to be happy, and not think about being better than this player or another player, but only think about himself and try to be a better than himself day by day, try to work hard, improve and for sure he is going to be a top player for this club."

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  Arsenal challenge in front of Blues

  Chelsea cannot afford to be complacent after the dominating performance in Europe as they next face Arsenal in a top-of-the-table Premier League clash. After City dropped points in their last game against Newcastle, Maresca's side climbed to second in the table. They will now aim to beat the Gunners at home to reduce their gap to the leaders to just three points.