West Ham United boss Graham Potter is under mounting pressure after slumping to a dismal 3-0 derby defeat against Tottenham last Saturday, with the east Londoners losing four of their opening five games in all competitions thus far.

Potter has tough games against Crystal Palace, Everton and Premier League title-chasing Arsenal on the horizon, with more unconvincing performances threatening to oust the tactician just 10 months after he took over from Julen Lopetegui.

Only Avram Grant, who led the Hammers to relegation in 2011, boasts a worse West Ham win percentage than Potter since the Premier League’s inception — serving as a clear warning that things desperately need to improve.

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12, Graham Potter

27.3%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

West Ham’s woeful defence, which has conceded 14 goals in all competitions already, is the top flight’s worst back line right now by far — having also leaked 11 league goals in just four top flight matches.

Their failure to deal with set pieces has been another major thorn in Potter’s side, and one key ingredient West Ham need more than anything else is solidarity if they’re to avoid a relegation dogfight.

David Sullivan and the Irons board may even decide to cut their losses with Potter, especially considering that out-of-work former Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo is readily available for hire.

The Portuguese, who guided Forest back to Europe for the first time since 1995 after a fairytale 2024/2025, was unceremoniously sacked by Evangelos Marinakis after a public fallout — just months after Nuno signed a brand-new contract.

Reports suggest that Nuno will jump at the chance to get back into management and his priority is to remain in the Premier League — making the 51-year-old a potential match made in heaven for West Ham.

Nuno’s pragmatic approach and defensive style could also suit West Ham down to the ground amid their real fragility at the back, with the likes of Kieran McKenna, José Mourinho and Frank Lampard also named as managerial candidates at the London Stadium.

How West Ham's board really feel about Graham Potter after Tottenham defeat

However, before any approach is made to the aforementioned coaches, the club must first make a decision on Potter.

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, West Ham’s board believe it is “too early” to sack Potter despite their lacklustre start to 2025/2026 — with the ex-Chelsea boss retaining their backing “for the time being”.

The key phrase here is “for the time being”, but should West Ham relieve the tactician sooner?

West Ham must make ruthless Graham Potter decision

The team looks disjointed right now, lacking both defensive organisation and attacking spark, which arguably reflects poorly on Potter’s tactical approach among other key concerns.

For a squad boasting proven talent, fans and pundits alike are in agreement that the side should be performing far better.

Potter’s track record at Chelsea also raises concerns. Despite heavy backing in the transfer market there, he failed to deliver results, and many critics feared West Ham were repeating the same mistake when he was appointed.

Those fears now appear to be realised, and with Nuno available, West Ham should bite the bullet, admit they made a mistake and bring the former Tottenham boss to east London.

Now that the summer transfer window is done and dusted, Liverpool will feel they are in a strong position to retain the Premier League title they won so confidently under Arne Slot’s management last season.

The Reds had just parted ways with iconic manager Jurgen Klopp, and many expected his successor, who had found success with Feyenoord in the Netherlands, would fall by the wayside in keeping with comparable circumstances at Arsenal and Manchester United.

And despite opting against a trigger-happy transfer window, Slot’s Liverpool knuckled down with the options available, giving rise to new heroes such as Ryan Gravenberch in the number six role.

But now that Liverpool are at the top, they are determined to stay there, bolstering their ranks with superstars like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, as well as many more, including Hugo Ekitike, Isak’s rival at number nine and with three goals and an assist from his first four outings in Red.

However, it didn’t all go the way of sporting director Richard Hughes, with a deadline-day deal for Marc Guehi falling through after Crystal Palace failed to land a suitable replacement and Oliver Glasner threatened to walk.

Could it prove a significant blow for the Merseysiders?

Why Liverpool wanted Guehi

Over the past four years with Palace, Guehi has gone from strength to strength and established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout centre-backs.

Said to have been an “absolute gem” by former Reds coach Michael Beale, who also coached him during his formative years in Chelsea’s academy, from the start, it’s no surprise that Guehi’s performances for club and country over the past few years have earned Liverpool’s vested interest.

With Ibrahima Konate now in the final year of his contract at Anfield and Virgil van Dijk having turned 34 in July, it felt necessary that FSG green-lit the signing of a new centre-half, and indeed Liverpool pushed to sign Bournemouth prodigy Dean Huijsen before he signed for Real Madrid.

But Liverpool did win the race for Italy star Giovanni Leoni, who, aged 18, is regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in the world, and put pen to paper on a £30m transfer.

But Guehi would have added proven quality to the ranks, and it’s anticipated that Liverpool will return for the Three Lions star next summer.

However, maybe Liverpool’s worries would have been eased if they had kept their homegrown version of Guehi at the club this season.

Liverpool already sold their own Guehi

Much of the reasoning behind Liverpool’s decision to sell Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen in a £35m deal this summer made sense, but the centre-half had showcased his potential under Klopp, and he may yet become one of Europe’s leading defenders.

However, much of Quansah’s gains made across a brilliant breakout year in 2023/24 were undone when Slot took Klopp’s place, hooking him at half-time during the opening game of the season, a 2-0 win over newly-promoted Ipswich Town.

Slot commented post-match that Liverpool were struggling for success in the duel, but it perhaps proved a psychological blow for the up-and-comer, who thereafter was benched for 11 successive league fixtures and started only three further matches before the end of the campaign.

Still, he had previously been hailed as an “absolute monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and certainly boasts the range of passing and movement on the ball to emulate the style Liverpool were going for with the signing of Guehi.

Integral in winning the Carabao Cup as Klopp bowed out after nearly nine years, Quansah started regularly toward the end of the Premier League campaign, completing 89% of his passes, winning 64% of his duels, as per Sofascore, and looking very much at home alongside the redoubtable Van Dijk..

Taking that term and comparing it with Guehi’s recent effort with the Eagles, you perhaps begin to see that Liverpool might have already had their own version in the ranks.

Goals + assists

0.15

0.15

Touches

97.11

62.70

Pass completion

88.6%

83.5%

Passes attempted

88.64

51.93

Progressive passes

5.07

3.94

Progressive carries

0.98

0.65

Shot-creating actions

0.98

1.29

Ball recoveries

5.45

4.30

Tackles + interceptions

3.18

2.62

Clearances

2.95

4.80

Blocks

1.21

1.62

Aeriel duels won

3.40

2.00

Sure, Leverkusen offered a sizeable figure for the 22-year-old, and Liverpool knew his chances of consistent minutes across the season were slim, but Quansah could have played a part, allowed to develop further as his experience grew under Slot’s wing.

While he remained a fringe player throughout, the England U21 international stepped into the campaign and popped up with some big moments after the new year, especially when the Reds came under the cosh against Wolverhampton Wanderers and required some big defending.

While it would be anticipated that Guehi’s ball-playing and other more progressive metrics would increase upon leaving Palace for Liverpool, the fact that Quansah managed to showcase a proficiency in such a system makes an interesting comment on the player he could now become in the Bundesliga.

FSG will be content after inserting a €60m (£51m) buyback clause into his contract with Die Werkself, but having now missed out on Guehi, the Anfield side might look back with hindsight at having allowed a player of significant potential and similar attributes to have left earlier in the window.

Leoni is a potential superstar, but Liverpool will need to ensure they do not overburden the teenager after only a few steps on English shores.

Had Quansah, a defender who has played 58 matches for Liverpool, scoring three goals, providing three assists, and winning several titles, stayed put, Slot’s side might have that final bit of quality and depth needed as they stare at a promising season with many forks in the road.

Perfect for Isak: Liverpool may regret selling Klopp's "world level player"

This former Liverpool star could have been a difference-maker in Slot’s squad this year.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 3, 2025

Big picture: Zimbabwe eye series win

After the thriller in Sylhet, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe would be expected to deliver another close Test in Chattogram. Zimbabwe were largely in control of the Sylhet game except for the last hour on the fourth day, but they held on. Bangladesh just didn’t have enough to play with and are under severe pressure to avoid a series defeat.Zimbabwe had their impressive bowling line-up, particularly the pace attack, to thank for getting them into a strong position in Sylhet. Blessing Muzarabani was the natural leader of the attack, with career-best match figures of 9 for 122, but it was the rest of the attack that surprised Bangladesh. Richard Ngarava and Victor Nyauchi were relentless, while Wellington Masakadza and Wessly Madhevere didn’t let the lower order settle.They would be a little worried about their batting, though. Brian Bennett struck twin fifties and Sean Williams got a half-century in the first innings, but otherwise they had to rely on lower-order runs. Nyasha Mayavo’s wicketkeeping will also concern the side after he dropped a few sitters.But Bangladesh have bigger problems, particularly in their batting line-up. Their openers haven’t scored an inidividual hundred or put together a century stand for more than two years. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto isn’t staying for long enough, while Mominul Haque hasn’t got a big one since their India tour.The Mushfiqur Rahim question hovers over the team management, as the veteran hasn’t got a fifty in the last 12 innings. At the same time, Jaker Ali now has a fifty in each of his first four Tests, which suggests he needs to be promoted as he mostly ends up batting with the tail.The onus, therefore, is on Bangladesh’s bowling attack to get the win in Chattogram. They are without Nahid Rana, who has left for the PSL. Hasan Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed could get Tanzim Hasan as the third seamer, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who got a ten-wicket haul in Sylhet, and Taijul Islam as the main spinners. Mehidy and Taijul, however, will have to do more early in the game to give Bangladesh a chance.

Form guide

Bangladesh LWLLL
Zimbabwe WLLDLMushfiqur Rahim has not scored a half-century in his last 12 Test innings•AFP/Getty Images

In the spotlight: Mushfiqur Rahim and Brian Bennett

The pressure is on Mushfiqur Rahim after his lean patch extended to 12 innings. His last major contribution was the 191 against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, but that was eight months ago. In the Sylhet Test, he was out cheaply twice. Mushfiqur is expected to play his 100th Test match later this year, so it is crucial that he starts scoring, as questions are beginning to mount about his place in the team.Brian Bennett struck two fifties in Sylhet, both times dominating the Bangladesh attack. He said after his first half-century that Rana’s pace didn’t bother him. “The faster the ball, the further I can hit,” Bennett said. He has looked confident with his off-side shots, particularly the square cut. But both times he got out just after reaching his fifty, the second of them a worry since Zimbabwe lost their way for a bit from a strong position when he was dismissed.

Team news: Bangladesh could rejig top order

Bangladesh have brought in Anamul Haque to boost their top order. They have also added the uncapped left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam, while quick bowler Tanzim Hasan awaits his debut.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Anamul Haque, 2 Shadman Islam, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 4 Mominul Haque, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 7 Jaker Ali (wk), 8 Taijul Islam, 9 Hasan Mahmud, 10 Khaled Ahmed, 11 Tanzim HasanBrian Bennett scored half-centuries in each innings in the first Test•AFP/Getty Images

Zimbabwe have Johnathan Campbell, Trevor Gwandu, Vincent Masekesa and Tafadzwa Tsiga on their bench, but might not want to break their winning combination.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Ben Curran, 2 Brian Bennett, 3 Nick Welch, 4 Craig Ervine (capt), 5 Sean Williams, 6 Wessly Madhevere, 7 Nyasha Mayavo (wk), 8 Wellington Masakadza, 9 Richard Ngarava, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Victor Nyauchi

Pitch and conditions: Welcome to the batting haven

Chattogram is Bangladesh’s best batting pitch, with the last two teams batting first here scoring 500-plus each. It is hard to bowl teams out here, which could be detrimental for the home side as they try to level the series. There is a forecast for rain on the first three days.

Stats and trivia

• Muzarabani’s 9 for 122 in Sylhet is Zimbabwe’s best match returns against Bangladesh. The previous best was Grant Flower’s 8 for 104 in Chattogram in 2001.
• During their second innings of the Sylhet Test, Bangladesh’s batters all got out to catches. The only other time it happened for Bangladesh was against West Indies in 2021.
• Mehidy now has three ten-wicket hauls in Test cricket, the most for Bangladesh, going past two each by Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul.
• This will be David Boon’s 87th and last Test as match referee.

Quotes

“Yeah, I think it’s really important to obviously understand the processes that got you to that Test win. It’s not about putting added pressure on ourselves just because we are 1-0 up and there’s an expectation to come in and win the series. We need to break it down into small bits and make sure we stick to our processes and stick to our plans.”
“I don’t think we lost strength. We lost pace. There’s nobody here with Rana’s pace. The skills are there however, especially how to bowl in Chattogram. It has always been a slower wicket. Hopefully we can extract a bit of turn and the seamers can do the job with their skills.”

Watching Marcus Rashford score an emphatic brace for Barcelona in the Champions League would have been a bitter pill to swallow for many Manchester United fans.

On the one hand, the England international is a cherished, homegrown part of the club, still a member of the club, in fact, and only out on loan with La Blaugrana. On the other hand, his permanent departure at the end of the campaign feels rather likely.

The 27-year-old’s relationship with Ruben Amorim quickly disintegrated last season, and then he was shipped out to Premier League rivals Aston Villa for a short-term stint.

Having sold Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea too, the Red Devils perhaps have something of a shortage of widemen, even having completed impressive summer deals for Prem-proven duo Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

INEOS probably needed to ship out more stragglers than they did this summer, but they were faced with a huge task. And, in fairness, Mbeumo may well have the goalscoring ability to replace Rashford at the Theatre of Dreams.

Why Man United signed Bryan Mbeumo

Arsenal, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur. Just a few clubs who wanted to sign Brentford’s attacking talisman this summer. All failed, with Man United winning the race despite offering nothing on the European front.

One of the greatest clubs in England, if not the, United are still a dormant superpower and such signings are needed to bring them back to the fore.

Both Cunha and Mbeumo have entered the fray at a tumultuous period, but it is their quality which will help United steer through, having both been so potent in the Premier League last season.

Prem 24/25 – Matheus Cunha & Bryan Mbeumo

Stats (* per game)

Cunha

Mbeumo

Matches (starts)

33 (29)

38 (38)

Goals

15

20

Assists

6

7

Shots (on target)*

3.3 (1.3)

2.2 (1.1)

Big chances missed

2

9

Pass completion

79%

74%

Big chances created

13

17

Key passes*

1.8

1.8

Dribbles*

1.8

1.4

Ball recoveries*

3.8

4.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

1.7

Duels won*

5.5

4.7

Data via Sofascore

However, Man United didn’t get it all right during the summer window, and they still need to get rid of several stars who have run past their sell-by dates.

The player of significance here has been at Old Trafford for quite some time, but just as Mbeumo’s £150k-per-week salary reflects the new, streamlined wage structure INEOS are trying to implement, so too does this undeservedly matching pay packet underline the failings of the past decade.

INEOS must sell high-earning Man United flop

One of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s principal priorities upon assuming co-ownership at Manchester United was to rewrite the financial books and stop the rot that had led to incremental losses across an extended period.

The 33-year-old Casemiro, taking home £350k per week, is probably the most obvious member of the first team who needs to move on sooner rather than later, but the man in question here is Luke Shaw, whose £150k-per-week wage sits level with Mbeumo’s.

Had Shaw enjoyed a more fortuitous career on the fitness front, this likely wouldn’t be a conversation. When United signed the left-back from Southampton for £27m in 2014, making him the most expensive teenager of all time, it was widely recognised that the post-Fergie era would still see the development of some of the country’s finest prospects.

But Shaw’s has been a rocky road, and it may well be coming to an end, having been deployed by Amorim as the left prong of a three-part central defence, starting all four of United’s Premier League matches so far.

According to Sofascore, he has only won 44% of his ground duels, which hardly speaks of the defensive security the outfit needs to rise once again.

Moreover, given that Shaw’s incessant fitness issues have permitted more than 20 starting berths in any given top-flight season just twice across the span of his career, it’s hardly surprising that noise of a potential departure to welcome a new, hungry talent on a more affordable wage is rising.

Indeed, reports from the summer suggested that INEOS were open to the stalwart’s departure, with clubs from the Saudi Pro League interested, but nothing came to fruition. Still, it suggests that he could be shipped on for a modest fee next year, especially if he maintains a degree of fitness.

Content creator Dev Bajwa put it in no uncertain terms: “Luke Shaw should not have been playing at this football club for the past two seasons.”

He might be right. Aged 30, the England international has spent the lion’s share of his professional career in Manchester, playing 202 games for the club in total and notably winning silverware such as the Europa League and the League Cup (injuries prevented him from earning a medal when Erik ten Hag’s United won the FA Cup in 2024).

Shaw might have big ambitions, but sadly, he isn’t at the level required for a club who might demand a place challenging for the Premier League title, but presently face a battle to secure a place in any level of European competition next term.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of the Manchester derby last weekend, pundit Gary Neville conceded that his countryman was “nowhere near it”, and the question now lingers as to whether he is fit for purpose in Amorim’s three-man backline.

Having entered the penultimate year of his deal at the club, it seems unlikely that technical director Jason Wilcox would renew terms for a struggling star who has been around for an age but hardly produces the consistency of performance to warrant a salary in line with a new superstar such as Mbeumo.

Shaw can hold his head high, especially due to all the fitness troubles he has been plagued by, but it’s time for the Three Lions star to move on.

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CSK’s stand-in captain says they needed more bowling options in the powerplay as there was “too much pressure” on Ashwin

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Apr-20252:04

‘What Dhoni is doing is extraordinary’

MS Dhoni believes Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) selection changes have made their bowling attack easier to manoeuvre. After the five-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The win helped them snap a five-match losing streak in IPL 2025, but they are still at the bottom of the points table.CSK’s turnaround started by leaving out two senior players, Devon Conway and R Ashwin, and giving 24-year-old Anshul Kamboj and Khaleel Ahmed three overs each in the powerplay, which saw only 42 runs scored for the loss of two wickets, including that of Nicholas Pooran for just 8.”We made a few changes because we wanted to make sure our first six overs are slightly better because we need more bowlers in the first six,” Dhoni said in the post-match presentation. “We were actually putting too much pressure on Ash. He has bowled two overs on wickets that were not doing a lot and the batsmen were just expressing themselves.Related

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“We made a few changes where we could have more bowlers who could bowl in the first six and, if needed – if the fast bowlers, somebody goes for runs – we have Noor [Ahmad], who can drop in with one over. I feel this looks like a better attack, there’s more manoeuvrability for the captain. I feel, as a bowling unit, we have done well. As a batting unit, I think we can do even better.”After CSK restricted LSG to 166, which LSG’s captain Rishabh Pant said was “10-15 runs short”, CSK’s new opening pair of Shaik Rasheed and Rachin Ravindra put on 52 in 29 balls that lay the platform for the visitors.CSK had been struggling to score like other teams in the powerplay and Dhoni had said after their previous game – when they scored just 103 for 9 against KKR – that their kind of line-up was not going to post 60-odd runs in the first six overs. CSK posted nearly that much – 59 for 1 on Monday.”We were not getting the kind of starts that we wanted when it came to us as a batting unit,” he said on Monday, “and the fall of wickets at the wrong time [has hurt us] to some extent, but one of the reasons could be that the Chennai wicket’s slightly on the slower side. So, out of the first five or six games that we have played, we have played more games [four out of six] over there.”The starts of the batting unit has done slightly better when you actually played outside. So, maybe we need to play on wickets that are slightly better, it will give the batsmen the confidence to play their shots because you don’t want to play timid cricket. But at the same time, you want to figure out what is your release shot and back yourself and hit that shot. Don’t pick an option that is not good for that wicket, but at the same time, it’s very important to express [yourself].”

أكد محمد متولي المستشار القانوني للزمالك، أن اتحاد الكرة لم يرسل أي خطابات بخصوص إيقاف نبيل دونجا من المشاركة في السوبر المصري قبل بدايه الموسم الحالي. 

يذكر أن اتحاد الكرة قد أعلن اليوم، عن إيقاف نبيل دونجا لاعب فريق الزمالك 4 مباريات، على خلفية أحداث السوبر الماضي الذي أقيم في الموسم المنقضي في الإمارت. 

طالع.. عاجل | اتحاد الكرة يعلن إيقاف دونجا وحرمانه من المشاركة في السوبر المصري

وقال متولي في تصريحات على راديو “ميجا إف إم”: “اتحاد الكرة لم يرسل لنا اي خطابات بخصوص إيقاف دونجا قبل بداية الموسم الحالي”

وأضاف: “لا يجوز تطبيق القانون بأثر رجعي، اللائحة الجديدة تمنع إيقاف دونجا من المشاركة في السوبر، سنتخذ كافة الإجراءات القانونية للحفاظ على حقوقنا في قصة دونجا”.

وتابع: “من غير المنطقي أن يفرض على لاعب إيقاف لمدة أربع مباريات تنفذ حصراً في بطولة كأس السوبر، إذ إن البطولة تقام بنظام المباراة الواحدة، ما يعني عمليًا أن العقوبة ستترجم إلى إيقاف يمتد لعدة سنوات (٤) سنوات)، لا لأربع مباريات كما هو مقصود بالعقوبة”.

وأردف: “الإيقاف يجب أن ينفذ في أقرب المباريات الرسمية المحلية، أيا كان مسماها أو بطولتها، وفقاً لمبدأ وحدة المسابقات المحلية تحت مظلة الاتحاد”.

GOAL ranks the top three soccer players produced by every state in the Midwest, including Beasley, Ream and Brian McBride

The world of soccer is so often focused on the glitz of one coast and the grittiness of the other. Meanwhile, so much of American soccer's top talent has come from the middle. Yes, the stars are in California and few can go toe-to-toe with the New York/New Jersey area as talent producers. As for the heart and soul of American soccer, though? That can be found in the Midwest.

Cities such as St. Louis, Chicago, Columbus and Kansas City have emerged as hotbeds for soccer culture over the last few decades, with a number of U.S. men's national team legends coming from the region. The list is impressive: DaMarcus Beasley, Tim Ream, Brian McBride, Taylor Twellman, Cobi Jones, Brad Freidel, Alexi Lalas and many more.

Some regions in the U.S. have deeper player pools than others, so who is the best of the best? Which state has been the most fertile ground for developing American soccer talent?

GOAL ranks the top three men's soccer players from each of the 50 states. Next up, the South.

Previous: Northeast |South

• Getty Images
  

  Illinois: Brian McBride

  Hometown: Arlington Heights

  Clubs played for: Wolfsburg, Columbus Crew, Preston North End, Everton, Fulham, Chicago Fire 

  USMNT caps: 96

  Why he's No.1: There's no shortage of talent from Illinois, which, conveniently, was long the headquarters for U.S. Soccer. Ultimately, it comes down to two, though: McBride and Steve Cherundolo. While the Mayor of Hanover makes this neck and neck due to his long career in the Bundesliga, it's McBride who edges it out. 

  A legendary American striker who truly was a trailblazer in Europe, McBride is equally as loved at Fulham as Cherundolo is at Hannover. There's even a bar at Craven Cottage named "McBride's" in his honor. With 96 caps and 30 goals for the USMNT, McBride is a legend and one of MLS' founding fathers, serving as one of the league's top stars in the early days. 

  Runners-up: 

  2. Steve Cherundolo (Rockford): A USMNT legend in his own right, Dolo is unlucky not to be No. 1.

  3. Brad Guzan (Evergreen Park): The USMNT has had some great goalkeepers, and Guzan is right up there with the best due to his Premier League and USMNT runs.

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• Getty
  

  Indiana: DaMarcus Beasley

  Hometown: Fort Wayne

  Clubs played for: Chicago Fire, PSV, Manchester City, Rangers, Hannover, Puebla, Houston Dynamo

  USMNT caps: 126

  Why he's No. 1: No questions here, as Indiana is the home of an all-time great. Few players in American soccer history have a resume that can get within sniffing distance of Beasley, who is the only American man to play in four World Cups. From his time as a rising star in 2002 to his role as USMNT vet in 2014, Beasley never slowed down. It's what made him great.

  On the club level, he was one of the first Americans to make an impact in the Champions League, making it all the way to the semifinals with PSV before falling to a legendary Milan team. Even his final career chapter was impressive, as he helped the Dynamo claim a U.S. Open Cup. No matter which area you search, Beasley has an accolade for it. He was just that good.

  Runners-up:

  2. Perry Kitchen (Indianapolis) – A longtime MLS veteran with a stint overseas, Kitchen provided stability wherever he went.

  3. Ray Gaddis (Indianapolis) – Spent more than a decade in MLS, primarily with the Philadelphia Union, where he won a Supporters' Shield, before claiming that trophy again with FC Cincinnati.

• Getty Images
  

  Iowa: Brandon Fricke

  Hometown: Grimes

  USMNT caps: 0

  Clubs played for: Des Moines Mennace, Charlotte Independence, Nybro FC, Lansing Ignite, Greenville Triumph

  Why he's No. 1: While Iowa has produced a few players who have had cups of coffee in MLS, Fricke gets the nod because he has the hardware to back it up. In 2020, in his first season with Greenville Triumph, the veteran defender won USL League One Defender of the Year honors after leading the league in several defensive stats.

  Originally drafted by the Colorado Rapids in 2015, Fricke never played in MLS, but he's certainly had his adventures, playing all over the U.S. and in Sweden with Nybro, where he had two separate stints.

  Runners-up:

  2. Kyle Zobeck (Coralville) – Often a backup at both the NASL and MLS level, Zobeck had a strong run with the New York Cosmos before getting his MLS shot with FC Dallas.

  3. Matt Bobo (Des Moines) – A longtime player in the lower leagues, Bobo carved out a decade-long career all over the country.

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• USA Today
  

  Kansas: Matt Besler

  Hometown: Overland Park

  USMNT caps: 47

  Clubs played for: Sporting KC, Austin FC

  Why he's No. 1: Arguably the American player who made the biggest impact on his hometown team, Besler is Kansas soccer. The centerback spent more than a decade with Sporting KC, winning an MLS Cup, three U.S. Open Cups and earning five MLS All-Star nods. Notably, he was also the 2012 MLS Defender of the Year in a season that headlined a decade of stability as part of SKC's back line.

  With the USMNT, he won two Gold Cups while featuring for the U.S. at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. After that World Cup, several European teams came calling, but Besler turned them down for Kansas City, furthering his commitment to his home.

  Runners-up:

  2. Jon Kempin (Leawood) – If there's a city, Kempin has likely played there as he carved out a 12-year career all over the country. 

  3. Andy Gruenebaum (Overland Park) – A longtime MLS player, the goalkeeper got a real shot with the Crew in the final years of his career before finishing up with his hometown team.

Tactically, Mauricio Pochettino seems to have figured out the player pool – now it's about deciding who fits best in the system

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – In the hours after the U.S. men's national team's 1-1 draw with Ecuador, Mauricio Pochettino took to social media. He's not a frequent Instagram poster, but he does hop on every now and then.

"Culture eats strategy for breakfast," Pochettino posted.

A clear message, and one he's been preaching all along. Now, though, with the USMNT culture seemingly back in the right place, Pochettino is free to tweak strategy. That continues on Tuesday night against Australia.

Following the draw with Ecuador on Friday night, Pochettino told media how happy he was to be talking about tactics, formations and roles instead of passion, desire and commitment. It was a long summer of debating the latter, but Pochettino can now do what he was, ultimately, brought in to do: build for the World Cup.

Tactically, he's seemingly figured out how to get the most of his player pool. All that's left, then, is to figure out who fits best into this new system, and what tweaks he can make to maximize it by the time the USMNT kick off in Los Angeles next summer.

This Australia match is one of the final few left on the USMNT schedule before next summer's festivities. Wildly enough, there are only five left before Pochettino will really have to narrow down his World Cup roster. The clock is ticking. And the USMNT seem to bein a better place than they were even a month ago.

Can they build more momentum heading towards November? We'll find out on Tuesday as the USMNT takes its next test.

GOAL looks at five keys for the USMNT against Australia.

Getty Images SportThe fake wingback

Before the game against Ecuador, Tim Weah described his role as a "fake wingback." Pochettino laughed when asked about it postgame. It's true – Weah was a wingback in name only. By and large, he was a winger.

"When I said 'fake wingback' it really just meant that I would be doing less defending because Miles [Robinson] was covering the whole time," Weah said postgame. "That was pretty much it. When we attacked, I didn't really have to track back as much."

It's an interesting tactical wrinkle one that, ultimately, could keep Weah on the field in this 3-4-2-1 system. Weah is an accomplished wingback on the club level, yes, but there's no denying where his skill lies: bombing forward. In this setup, he can do that as much as he wants, knowing that he has that third back sliding to cover that area for whenever possession switches.

Will this be how things look when Sergino Dest is back? Will Weah or Dest be the starter when that time comes? That is a question for another day.

Tuesday's game is another chance to see what Pochettino does with his wingbacks. If it's Weah on that right side, you can expect more of the same. If it's Alex Freeman, he may stay a little deeper. But given his success with Orlando City, he may have freedom to bomb forward, too. 

The system is still somewhat new, but it's one that seemingly already has a few wrinkles that can be expanded on going forward.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportOptions for centerback

As Weah said, Miles Robinson did a lot of important work in that third centerback role. With Weah going forward, it was up to Robinson to keep control on that right-hand side of the field when Ecuador did get forward. However, Robinson isn't the only centerback in this squad fighting for a chance.

Mark McKenzie remains a candidate to start for the USMNT if this three-centerback system sticks. He plays there plenty with Toulouse, making him a natural candidate to start alongside Chris Richards and Tim Ream. The former Philadelphia Union defender will be eager to get back onto the field, though, as he looks to put a tough summer behind him.

Then there's Cameron Carter-Vickers, who is back in the team for the first time since March. A standout at Celtic for so long, Carter-Vickers still faces a fight to get into another World Cup roster after featuring in 2022. With Celtic out of European competition, that fight is even harder, and one that could really use a strong performance in defense.

So, whether it's Robinson, McKenzie or Carter-Vickers, that third centerback spot remains one to watch as the fight for World Cup roles continues.

"What we're looking for is the capacity to sustain what we want," Pochettino said. "We play with three central defenders sometimes. What we want is for them to adapt in different situations…The most important is communication and then can we build out being dynamic or how we play in the opposite half, depending on the opponent having one striker or two strikers? Right now, it's all about building the gameplan for every single game because the opponent is different, and then trying to find the best system for them to adapt."

Getty Images SportPulisic's status

Pochettino indicated on Friday that Christian Pulisic could be ready for Tuesday. 

"Christian didn't train yesterday. He's [been] suffering, from the preseason, a small issue in his ankle," Pochettino said at the time. "After training on Wednesday, his ankle was a little bit swollen. It's an important game, yes, but at the same time, it's important to not take risks. Of course, he's going to be on the bench, and we'll see. We will decide if maybe he can play. If not, the goal is to be ready next Tuesday."

Pulisic, of course, did play in the draw. He came in for a few minutes off the bench, showing that the injury is nothing to be particularly worried about. Throughout his tenure as USMNT boss, Pochettino has avoided risking players. But if Friday is any indication, there doesn't seem to be any overwhelming risk to giving Pulisic some run in the attack.

"Christian participated in the training session," Pochettino said on Monday. "I think the reaction after the 20 minutes of playing was good. He's arrived very well and, yes, we hope that tomorrow he can be available. We need to wait today and see the reaction,t oo, but I think it's much, much better than when we arrived."

How much does he play on Tuesday? Only Pochettino knows. Obviously, the USMNT will be better if he is healthy and available.

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Getty Images SportA free McKennie

Both Pochettino and McKennie used the word on Friday: "Freedom." It's something that a player such as McKennie needs. He can impact a game in so many ways on both sides of the ball, so giving him the freedom to do that is vital.

It was also interesting, though, how Pochettino described McKennie postgame, when he hinted that he sees him as more of an attacking midfielder than one competing for one of those holding spots.

"I think we have the capacity now to throw him in a higher position to interpret and read the demands of the game," Pochettino said. "What I wanted was to provide him with a little bit of freedom in the starting position. He was playing behind the striker like another 10 with Malik [Tillman] on the left and Tim on the right. He's a player that needs that freedom because he has the capacity to help in build up, dropping in, but also arriving and scoring goals."

That, of course, will have ramifications long-term. If he's seen as a No. 10, that means he's competing with the likes of Tillman, Diego Luna and Alex Zendejas, not Tyler Adams, Tanner Tessmann, Aidan Morris and Johnny Cardoso. He, of course, could play in either spot but, when it comes time to choose a squad, it'll be interesting to see how Pochettino weighs up McKennie's position.

Speaking of weight, McKennie addressed his own fitness in candid fashion after Friday's match, telling TNT, "I had a long preseason with my coach back in Juventus, Igor Tudor, that really put pressure on me and said, ‘Hey, you’re getting older and your body is not going to be able to bounce back from games like you used to be able to. You need to cut down some weight. That’s the only way you’re going to be involved in this team.’

"I put my head down, worked like I usually do, got on a diet. I don’t snack as much any more and if I do, it’s healthy snacks. And I work out more often. And a lot of running. This summer is the first summer I didn't mind taking my shirt off at the pool."

As for the Australia game, McKennie remains one to watch as he looks to put in another good performance after missing out on the summer with Juventus in the Club World Cup. Making it all the more interesting is his position and how much freedom it comes with this time around.

West Ham United have been linked with a move for Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, among others, as pressure continues to mount on Graham Potter.

Potter has recorded the worst win percentage of any West Ham manager in Premier League history apart from Avram Grant, who led the Hammers to relegation in 2011, so the tactician needs to turn things around quickly.

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12, Graham Potter

27.3%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

West Ham have also conceded more goals than any other side in the top flight so far, becoming the first team to hit double digits in that regard this season, with their lacklustre 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham bringing Potter right back down to Earth.

The east Londoners recorded their first victory of 2025/2026 with an impressive 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest prior to the international break, which turned out to be West Ham-linked manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s final game in charge at the City Ground.

However, West Ham’s weaknesses were laid bare for all to see during the London derby last Saturday, with goals from Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Micky van de Ven rounding off what was a convincing display for the visitors.

With Crystal Palace, Everton and Arsenal still to come before the next international break in October, these next few weeks could prove vital to determine Potter’s future, amid links to an array of potential replacements.

José Mourinho was tipped with a potential West Ham move, but the Portuguese appears more likely to join Benfica. Meanwhile, ex-West Ham star and England legend Frank Lampard has also been mentioned as a candidate to succeed Potter.

Nuno, now a free agent after leaving Forest, could be West Ham’s best bet, as David Sullivan is rumoured to be an admirer (Alan Nixon). Reports also suggest that Nuno’s priority is to stay in England and wants an immediate return to management.

While some media sources have rebuffed claims that McKenna could join (Claret & Hugh), others state he was a guest of the West Ham boardroom during their 3-0 loss to Spurs (Football Insider).

Ex-West Ham player warns McKenna not to join amid "disarray behind-the-scenes"

Now, speaking to C&H, an unnamed former West Ham player has sent a stern warning to McKenna over taking the job — urging him against it as the club is in “disarray” behind-the-scenes.

Given how things have been since David Moyes’ departure, he could have a point.

Should Kieran McKenna stay at Ipswich?

The 39-year-old, despite suffering relegation with the Tractor Boys last season, is still one of England’s most exciting young coaches.

Back in 2024, McKenna was credibly linked with both Tottenham and Chelsea after two fine seasons at Portman Road — where he guided Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.

His stock has fallen since then, especially amid Ipswich’s slow start to 25/26, but the gap between England’s first and second tier is considerable. All the newly-promoted teams have gone straight back down at the first time of asking since 23/24, so relegation is hardly a reflection on McKenna’s managerial prowess.

McKenna won’t want another league drop on his CV, but West Ham’s squad boasts an array of talent and the tactician could arguably work wonders with them.

Brevis looked good for his 42 but there were no other significant contributions from CSK’s batters

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Apr-20253:11

Did CSK get it wrong at the auction?

An impressive CSK debut for Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre’s good start in his second game, were not enough to drag Chennai Super Kings out of the mire. Winning only their third toss of the year, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) capitalised on a dry pitch in their bid to beat CSK in Chennai for the first time and also get their own campaign back on track after just two wins in eight matches. CSK’s 154 was their third-lowest total of the season.Harshal Patel tested the middle of the pitch better than the others and ended up with analysis of 4-0-28-4. Pat Cummins got the wicket of the dangerous-looking Mhatre and topped it up with two boundaryless overs in the 16th and the 18th, ending up with figures of 4-0-21-2. Kamindu Mendis wowed people again with his ambidextrous bowling, taking Ravindra Jadeja’s wicket and then removing Brevis with a sensational catch at long-off.Mhatre got CSK off to one of their more enterprising starts despite a first-ball dismissal of Shaik Rasheed, but SRH were quick to start bowling into the pitch. Only Brevis rose above the conditions and the bowling, hitting four sixes in his 42 off 25. That included three sixes in Kamindu’s third over after he had not been hit for any boundary in his first two.Related

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Brevis was looking dangerous when he hit a slower bouncer over extra cover for six, but when he smashed a shot flat off a slot ball from Harshal, Kamindu dived to his left at long-off, got both his hands to the ball and caught it behind his body.After Brevis’ dismissal, the SRH bowlers turned the screw in with their tall bowlers banging the ball into the pitch. Jaydev Unadkat got Shivam Dube, and Harshal sent back MS Dhoni. Hooda added 17 for the last wicket with Khaleel Ahmed, but it wasn’t quite the finishing kick they needed.