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Tottenham Hotspur winger Mohammed Kudus has made an impressive start to life at the club since his move to North London from West Ham United in the summer transfer window.

The Ghana international has delivered one goal and four assists in seven appearances in the Premier League, per Sofascore, this season, which included a goal and an assist against Leeds United last weekend.

It remains to be seen whether or not he will provide consistent quality, though, as the forward ended last season with a return of just five goals and three assists for West Ham in the Premier League.

Whilst there are question marks over whether or not Kudus will produce consistent performances, it is worth thinking back to possibly one of the most consistent midfielders in the club’s modern history, Mousa Dembele.

What made Mousa Dembele a key player for Spurs

The Belgian midfielder, now 38, racked up 249 appearances in all competitions for the Lilywhites, per Transfermarkt, after his move from Fulham in the summer of 2012.

Dembele was never a central midfielder who was going to score and assist goals on a regular basis, as evidenced by his return of 10 goals and 11 assists, but he was an incredibly mobile talent who could get across the pitch to break up attacks defensively and keep play ticking on the ball.

Per WhoScored, he averaged 3.2 tackles and interceptions per game throughout his career and only lost the ball through a miscontrol once per average, which speaks to both his combativeness and his ability to retain possession under pressure.

Chalkboard

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

He was so reliable and consistent defensively and on the ball under pressure from opposition players, which is why he was such a key player for Spurs for so many years in the engine room.

Whilst there is a question mark over Kudus’ consistency, there is another summer signing for Spurs who may be one of the club’s best signings since Dembele in the midfield, Joao Palhinha.

Why Joao Palhinha is one of Tottenham's best signings

The Portugal international arrived from Bayern Munich on an initial loan deal in the summer and already looks to be the best midfield signing made by the club since Dembele left in the summer of 2018.

Palhinha, whose work rate was dubbed “incredible” by reporter Kyle Bonn, has caught the eye with three goals in 11 appearances for Spurs this season, but it is his work off the ball that has been even more impressive.

The 30-year-old star, who previously excelled in the Premier League with Fulham, has been an enforcer at the base of the midfield for Thomas Frank this season, showcasing his immense tackling ability.

As you can see in the table above, he currently has the highest average of tackles made per game in the Premier League since the start of the 2018/19 season for Spurs, which was the club’s first year without Dembele in midfield.

This speaks to his ability to read the game, his desire to win the ball back, and his strength to complete the tackles successfully and consistently.

Palhinha averaged 5.0 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per 90 in his last full season for Fulham, per Sofascore, in the Premier League, which shows that he is a consistent defensive force in the middle of the park, and that he may have even higher levels to hit at Spurs.

Therefore, it is fair to suggest that the Portuguese star may be one of the club’s best midfield signings since Dembele because of the reliability and consistency that he brings to the team defensively.

Better signing than Kudus: Levy hit gold on Spurs star who's "like Modric"

Tottenham Hotspur have hit the jackpot with the signing of one talent in recent years.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 5, 2025

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has backed Lamine Yamal to find his best form despite an ongoing groin problem. The German also looked to diffuse any further disagreement between La Blaugrana and the Spanish national setup, sharing his belief that Luis de la Fuente's coaching staff will "take care" of the 18-year-old superstar when he hooks up with La Roja for their upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.

• Yamal's niggling groin injury a cause for debate

  The wonderkid has missed seven games this season due to pubalgia; a chronic injury that comes from a tear to the small tissue in the groin or lower abdomen. While he has returned to the starting lineup in the past few weeks, Barcelona were without their young superstar for the majority of September, with Yamal also missing a La Liga tie against Sevilla in early October due to a recurrence of the injury. Flick's comments would suggest his young star is close to being back to his scintillating best. 

  Yamal's selection for Spain's upcoming fixtures against Georgia and Turkey set up a fractious exchange between club and country, with Flick previously suggesting the Spanish federation (RFEF) had previously failed to look after young stars. 

  De La Fuente bristled at that idea, pointing out that the winger has started his previous six games for the Catalonian club,  saying the winger is in "perfect condition." 

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  Flick calls on RFEF to protect Yamal

  Speaking ahead of Barcelona's Sunday night fixture against Celta Vigo, Flick said: "I ask the same of the national team we're making here: that they take care of him. He's changed, he's much better, he's training very well, he does daily treatment in the gym.

  "He can return to his best level, he's not at one hundred percent yet. We have to take care of him, here and with the national team. And I think they're doing that too."

• Yamal still performing at a high level despite injuries

  A recurring soft tissue injury is obviously a cause for concern, but not necessarily a surprise for a young player that has played an extraordinary number of games before his 19th birthday. Yamal has been able to rack up 116 games for La Blaugrana without any real injury concerns. 

  Despite his problems this term, he has continued to perform at a high level, scoring five goals and logging six assists in 10 performances for Barcelona this season. He was instrumental in saving his side's blushes in midweek, setting up a goal and bagging one of his own in the Catalonian club's disappointing 3-3 draw away to Club Brugge in the Champions League. 

  Reports in Spain also hinted at the Ballon d'Or runner up being unhappy at Camp Nou due to his injury issues, but he dismissed such fears after the midweek match, saying: "There has been a lot of talk about my groin injury, about me being sad, and it was all lies. I was the same as always, I was very happy, I was focused on my work, trying to get back to work and be able to play at this level, which is how I feel best and how I enjoy myself most."

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  International duty beckons for Yamal

  As De La Fuente has pointed out, Yamal has had a consistent run in the starting lineup of Flick's side of late. He will almost certainly be included from the off against Celta Vigo this weekend, before heading off for international duty. 

  Spain currently sit top of their group, winning all four of their games without conceding a goal. They can all but secure qualification to next summer's World Cup in North America with a win away against Turkey on November 15. That would require Turkiye to overturn a mammoth goal difference on November 18, provided they can beat Bulgaria. 

  Should Spain beat Georgia, it will be interesting to see if De La Fuente will play the 18-year-old, or try to smooth out relations with Barcelona by resting Yamal. 

Hurricane Milton hammered Tropicana Field.

On Thursday, as Florida begins the cleanup from the hurricane that mauled it on Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Rays' home park stands as a monument to the devastation Milton left in its wake.

The roof could be seen blowing off the ballpark late Wednesday night, and on Thursday we got a full look at the aftermath via drone footage. Most of the roof is gone, parts of it fell onto the stands and field, and sections of the field look mangled as well.

Video is below.

That's a really sad sight and speaks to the power Milton hit Tampa Bay with. The hurricane reached Category 5 status in the Gulf of Mexico, but made landfall on the west coast of Florida as a Category 3 storm. It fell to Category 1 as it crossed the state.

Tropicana Field opened in 1990 and has been the home of the Rays since thier inaugural season in 1998. In July of this year a deal was struck to build a new part for the club. Construction is set to begin in early 2025, and is expected to be finished by Opening Day in 2028.

Hopefully, like the rest of Florida, the cleanup and repair efforts on Tropicana Field can commence quickly.

Newcastle United are now believed to be one of the clubs who are battling to complete the signing of Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.

The Magpies arguably have one of the most complete midfields in the Premier League currently, with the starting options at Eddie Howe’s disposal the envy of many managers.

In Bruno Guimarares, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, Newcastle have a trio who complement each perfectly, playing a big role in their success in recent years.

Bruno’s passion acts as the heartbeat for the Magpies, with the Brazilian such a popular figure from day one at St James’ Park, while Tonali’s box-to-box brilliance is seeing him become a more highly-rated player by the week. Then there’s Joelinton, whose physical prowess is such a potent weapon for his side.

Despite this, there is a feeling that added midfield depth is required for Newcastle, which is why they have been linked with a move for an exciting young talent.

Newcastle looking to sign Hayden Hackney

Speaking to Football Insider, former scout Mick Brown talked up Newcastle’s interest in Hackney, as the Magpies look to beat others to his signature with Howe concerned at his strength in depth.

“Hackney is a top player and he’s somebody I rate very highly. It’s no surprise there is interest in him, I’m told a lot of clubs have been keeping tabs on him, and it seems Newcastle are now one of those clubs. If Hackney was at Newcastle tomorrow, I don’t think he’d get into their midfield, because the options they’ve got in there at the moment are pretty much fixed.

“But he is the sort of player they would love to have who can come into the team when needed. Howe has been a bit concerned about the players they’ve got behind those three in there. He’s a very talented player with plenty of room to grow and develop, so he could go into that Newcastle squad with a view to becoming a key player in the future.

“With the three they’ve got in midfield at the moment, he would be going in there to provide depth, and whether that’s what he will be interested in, I’m not sure. But it’s definitely something that would make sense for Newcastle.”

Hackney could be an outstanding long-term addition for Newcastle, acting as a strong squad player before maturing into a key starter over time.

The 23-year-old has shone in a Middlesbrough shirt for years now, making 127 appearances and registering 23 goal contributions, and his former manager Michael Carrick was a big admirer of his.

“He’s grounded, he’s humble, he’s down to earth and loves to learn. He loves the place and he loves the club as well. To have that, added with the talent he has got, it’s the perfect scenario. I think it just shows his consistency really, over a long period of time. It’s not easy when you’re a younger player, but he’s certainly done that.”

Better than Bruno: Newcastle star is now their best signing of the PIF era

This Newcastle star has impressed under Howe

By
Joe Nuttall

Nov 1, 2025

Hopefully, the fact that Hackney wouldn’t have to move far works in Newcastle’s favour, also seeing the club heading in a positive direction under Howe.

Newcastle's "sensational" talent is looking like another Bruno-type player

Former Barcelona forward Vitor Roque feels he moved to Europe too early in his career as he reflected on his disappointing period with the Catalan club. Now back in Brazil with Palmeiras, Roque believes the return was an important step that will help him move forward professionally. His resurgence has not gone unnoticed, as the Brazilian forward has been selected by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies.

• Roque’s forgetful time at Barcelona

  Roque joined Barcelona in 2023 for €35 million (£31m/$40m) after impressing with Athletico Paranaense, where he scored 21 goals in 60 appearances. He had already shown his potential by winning the South American U20 Championship in 2020, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. Expectations were extremely high when he arrived in Barcelona, but his debut season fell short. Under coach Xavi, Roque made only 16 appearances and scored two goals, with limited playing time suggesting a lack of trust from the coach. His situation declined further when Hansi Flick took charge, as he was immediately loaned to Real Betis in August 2024. The loan spell was cut short and by February this year Barcelona had sold him to Palmeiras for €25m (£22m/$29m) plus add-ons. 

  Barcelona sporting director Deco sympathised with Roque for his difficult spell at the club, believing he struggled to cope with the pressure that comes with playing for Barcelona. Deco said: “I feel really sorry for him. With Vitor, I always think arriving in January did not do him any favours. He started well and scored a few goals, but then it became hard to handle the pressure that comes with playing for Barcelona.”

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  Roque reflects on his time at Barcelona

  Now thriving at Palmeiras and back in the Brazil squad, the 20-year-old's career is certainly back on track as he reflected on his La Liga adventure. 

  "I went to Europe very early," he said at a press conference. "I learned a lot and I think the same way. Returning to Brazilian football is not a step backward. Sometimes you have to take a step back to take two steps forward. Luiz Henrique is a real example. He came back to win titles, and I hope to win some too."

  Roque pointed to Zenit St Petersburg full-back Luiz Henrique as an example, noting how the player returned from Real Betis to Botafogo before earning another move to Europe. "Luiz Henrique is a real example. He came back to win titles, and I hope to win some too," he said.

• Palmeiras resurgence rewarded with Brazil call

  Roque’s path to redemption at Palmeiras was far from smooth, as he went his first 10 matches without scoring. Despite the slow start, the club showed full confidence in him, giving him the time and support needed to settle. Their patience paid off, as Roque delivered an outstanding 2025 season, scoring 20 goals and providing five assists in 52 appearances across all competitions. His resurgence became a key factor in Palmeiras leading at the top of the league with 68 points, edging Flamengo on head to head record. Roque’s strong form has also put him firmly in the Golden Boot race, sitting just one goal behind the league’s top scorer, Kaio Jorge, and he could end up a Copa Libertadores winner as his side meet Flamengo in the final later this month. His performances have earned him a place in the Brazil national team, with Carlo Ancelotti recalling him to the squad.

  Roque spoke about his redemption at Palmeiras, explaining how dejected he had felt before coach Abel Ferreira restored his confidence. He said, “When I returned from Europe, I was in a bad place psychologically, with no confidence whatsoever. When I was at Palmeiras lacking confidence, coach Abel placed his trust in me.”

  He added: “Having a consistent run of games is very important to regain that confidence. I managed to score goals and provide assists. I am very happy to be here.”

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  Ancelotti's prepparation for the World Cup

  Brazil are set to face Senegal in a friendly match this week as Ancelotti prepares to test different player combinations to help shape his final squad for the World Cup next year. They will then take on Tunisia on November 18.

Hall of Famer and Major League Baseball's career steals leader Rickey Henderson has died at the age of 65, according to multiple reports, and confirmed by the

Henderson, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest leadoff hitters and base stealers in the history of the sport, played for nine different teams in his 25-year career, compiling 3,055 hits, 297 home runs and 1,115 RBI. His 2,295 career runs and 1,406 stolen bases remain Major League records.

Henderson was a 10-time All-Star, and won the league MVP in 1990 with the Oakland Athletics, when he hit .325 with 28 home runs, 61 RBI and 65 stolen bases. He also boasted a 1.016 OPS (on-base plus slugging) that season and a .439 OBP. He won two World Series titles in his Hall of Fame career, one with the Athletics in 1989 and another with the Toronto Blue Jays in '93.

He was inducted into Cooperstown as a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2009.

A fresh timeline for when Sheffield Wednesday’s takeover could be completed has now been shared after several interested parties presented proof of funds worth £50m.

It’s been a chaotic couple of weeks for the Owls, who finally got the chance to show nightmare owner Dejphon Chansiri the door as he took them into administration. Since then, fans have flocked to the club shop and to Hillsborough in support of Henrik Pedersen’s side as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Norwich City in midweek.

Pedersen shared his pride in Sheffield Wednesday after a well-earned point, telling reporters: “We had courage to play today, it’s the best offensive game we have played this season. We also created big chances after the goal, so proud of the performance and we go in the right direction.

“The first half defensive[ly] we were strong, we were solid. The players are working so hard and I think they deserve better today, but we have to learn, we have to train more. But the positive thing now is we’re creating chances.”

Now on -4 points in the Championship after being hit with a 12-point deduction following their administration, survival seems almost impossible for the Owls, who are paying the price in full for Chansiri’s ownership.

Nonetheless, the good times are at least on the horizon again. The Chansiri era is over and new ownership is on its way. Just who that new owner will be is the big question.

Names such as Mike Ashley and John Textor have both been mentioned in the last week or so, but it remains to be seen whether either of the former Premier League owners make their move to buy the club.

Reporter shares fresh Sheffield Wednesday takeover timeline

The good news for those at Hillsborough is that they may not have to wait long before a new era commences. According to The Star’s Alex Miller, Sheffield Wednesday could have their takeover completed by November 23 when they square off against rivals Sheffield United.

What’s more, at least one well-funded American group has reportedly progressed to the furthest stage of the takeover process in what is a major boost for the Owls.

BBC reporter shares latest £50m step that 3 Sheffield Wednesday candidates have just taken

Things are looking up for the Owls.

By
Tom Cunningham

Oct 31, 2025

Co-administrator and managing partner at Begbies Traynor, Kris Wigfield also provided a positive update on the takeover process in the build-up to the Norwich game.

Although relegation seemingly looms for the Owls, everything is pointing towards positive days ahead which will feature new owners.

John McEvoy: Who is the American billionaire looking to buy Sheffield Wednesday?

Liverpool manager Arne Slot cut a defiant figure in his post-match interview following Liverpool's 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest earlier today. The Dutchman insisted the "solution is not that far away" for the Reds, despite admitting the mood in the camp is low after the champions fell to their sixth league loss of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

• Liverpool fall to another defeat against Nottingham Forest

  Slot's insistence his side are able to turn this around will be of scant comfort to the Liverpool fans after another woeful display. The Reds fell behind to another set piece goal, as Murillo powered home a left-footed shot in the 33rd minute after the hosts failed to clear their lines from a corner. The opener was not without controversy however, as Dan Ndoye was adjudged not to have interfered with Alisson's line of sight while in an offside position. That will add additional insult to injury for Liverpool, just weeks after Virgil Van Dijk's header was chalked off in their 3-0 loss to Manchester City, when Andy Robertson was ruled to have influenced Gianluigi Donarumma's ability to play the ball. 

  There was some respite for the hosts a few minutes later, as Igor Jesus was deemed to have handled the ball in the buildup to his disallowed effort, despite replays apparently showing the ball never struck the Brazilian's hand. 

  Liverpool failed to capitalise on that let-off, falling further behind to Niccolo Savona's strike in the opening minute of the second half. Their misery was compounded by Morgan Gibbs-White's 78th minute goal. 

  Despite yet another brutal loss, Slot suggested a resolution was within touching distance for a talented side that has badly lost its way in recent months. 

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  Slot's message

  Speaking after the game, Slot said: "The first half hour, I think the players did what I was hoping for. Played with energy and created chances to go a goal up. The set piece changed the momentum and the goal. I tried to make a couple of changes and adjustments but they didn't work out the way I wanted. It's always my responsibility."

  When asked if his players are low on cofidence, the Premier League winning manager said: "I don't feel this, or I don't see this. After we go 1-0, we struggled. I tried to pump them up and give them the information to start the second half well. Immediately, they go 2-0 up. The players kept trying, I can't blame them for that. They blocked every shot we had.

  "The solution is not that far away. We created chances in every and it's not as if we give away 10 chances. That will not go on forever but we have to look at ourselves and what we can do better when we concede a goal. Two games in a row, we haven't scored."

  However, Slot did admit the players are in low spirits: "It should be like this. No matter what kind of form you're in when you're losing at home 3-0 and the run of form we've been in. Champions League is coming up and the players we have available have to find their energy to go again.

  "It doesn't happen a lot at Anfield that we lose 3-0. I told the players afterwards the fans were singing after the final whistle. I don't think it's strange that you go home if you're 3-0 down."

• Are Liverpool about to turn a corner?

  There are problems all over the pitch for Slot's side. Alexander Isak logged just 15 touches in 67 minutes of action on Saturday. Our writer awarded the embattled Swede a paltry 2/10 grade for his performance. His fellow attackers have failed to produce this term, with Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike all either struggling for form or out through injury. 

  Virgil Van Dijk used his post match media opportunity to lambast the Reds' defensive record. Liverpool have conceded nine goals from dead balls in the league this term, something which prompted the club captain to lament his side's propensity for giving up "easy goals". 

  Struggling to score, and failing to keep the opposition out, it's hard to square Slot's comments with the reality of Liverpool's current predicament. 

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  Is Slot at risk of the sack?

  Just five months ago, Slot was lifting the Premier League title in a scarcely believable debut season in English football. Now, he finds himself managing a crisis-ridden club amid inquisitions about his position going forward. 

  If the solutions are not far away, then the Reds desperately need to put a run of improved performances together. They host PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday, before travelling to east London to take on West Ham on November 30. 

The Chicago White Sox looked like they squandered a prime scoring opportunity, when third base coach Justin Jirschele made the ill-advised decision to send Matt Thaiss—who was running from first base—home on a hard-hit double by Brooks Baldwin.

Instead, Thaiss used his hustle, luck and a bit of baserunning guile to tie the White Sox's game with the Detroit Tigers at 1 in the top of the second inning.

Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter quickly fielded Baldwin's hit as it caromed off the wall, throwing to cutoff man Trey Sweeney. He delivered a throw wide of the plate, but catcher Dillon Dingler had plenty of time to get back across home and apply the tag. The ball shook free as he went to throw down the tag, which Thaiss avoided, recovering to tag the plate and score.

It wasn't immediately clear how Thaiss scored, but a replay from the third baseline showed just how the wild bang-bang play went down.

In an AL Central division in which every team has a record of 2–4 or 2–5 entering Friday, runs and wins come at a premium.

The Tigers have since retaken a 3–1 lead, so the White Sox may need some more Thaiss magic down the stretch to steal a road afternoon win.

Several players showed up for the pair of friendlies vs. Italy, led by Cat Macario's three goals, Jaedyn Shaw's first goal on the year, and a two-game shutout from Claudia Dickey.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The USWNT closed out the calendar year with a confident 2-0 win over UEFA Women’s Euro semifinalist Italy, sealing back-to-back victories over the Azzurre in three days and finishing 2025 with a 12-0-3 record. It was a year of firsts for the Americans: 43 players earned their senior debuts, the most in a single year since 2001.

It was a near-perfect conclusion for head coach Emma Hayes, who spent the year stress-testing the depth chart, integrating new faces and challenging the group to evolve its style of play. For the rematch with Italy, Hayes made five changes to the XI and started three teenagers – Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton and Jordyn Bugg. Alongside them, Lindsey Heaps earned her 170th cap, tying former captain Carla Overbeck for 20th on the all-time appearance list. The blend of emerging talent and veterans has defined the arc of the U.S. program this year.

“My goal is always to create successive, competitive teams,” Hayes said. “Not just one team and then you have to rebuild again over another four-year period. This is how I know to build teams.”

The USWNT will now break before reconvening for January camp and the first friendlies of 2026. World Cup qualifying looms as the primary focus heading into the new cycle. Cat Macario’s three goals across the two Italy matches led the way, while goalkeeper Claudia Dickey capped her year with consecutive shutouts as the reshaped U.S. defense continued to settle in.

Who stood out? Whose stock rose, and whose fell? GOAL takes a look.

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  Stock up: Cat Macario

  It’s hard not to love Macario, whose return to full form has been nothing short of remarkable. Now the USWNT’s leading scorer this year with eight goals, she was the clear focal point across both matches against Italy.

  Macario wasn’t just clean and disciplined in her hold-up play – she delivered. She scored a brace in the first meeting and added an electric finish in the second, and realistically could have had more. The Chelsea forward has five goals in her last three U.S. appearances, and her output helped the Americans secure their ninth win in 10 games. Yohannes mentioned how Macario's finishing ability makes her top class and an easy player to assist. 

  "Cat is just such a special player, and I know if she gets the ball in front of the goal, 10 times out of 10, it is probably going to be a goal," Yohannes said. 

  There’s no holding Macario back now. Walking through the mixed zone afterward, she carried the look of someone who felt both pride and a growing sense of normalcy – back on the pitch, scoring goals, and doing it alongside teammates she calls friends.

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  Stock down: Alyssa Thompson

  It feels almost harsh to say Alyssa Thompson’s stock dipped, but across the two matches against Italy, her influence wasn’t at its usual level. Thompson started both games and remained her typically dynamic, impossible-to-contain self in flashes – yet she struggled to find her usual rhythm out wide.

  Her best moments with the USWNT often come when she cuts inside and drives directly at defenders, but those opportunities were limited in both fixtures. When she did get on the ball, she more often looked for quick combinations through midfield rather than attacking players one-on-one.

  It’s been a whirlwind year for the newly signed Chelsea forward, and with Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith set to return, competition in the front line is about to intensify. For Thompson, continuing to lean into what makes her unique will be critical as the attacking depth chart tightens.

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  Stock up: Rose Lavelle

  Rose Lavelle featured in only one of the two matches against Italy – understandable after her heroic, title-winning goal that lifted Gotham FC past the Washington Spirit in the 2025 NWSL Championship.

  The Championship MVP didn’t look like she missed a beat despite the rapid turnaround from club to country. She was everywhere in midfield and set the tone early, slipping a clever ball to Olivia Moultrie for the opening goal inside the first 90 seconds. Lavelle now has three assists this year and 27 in her USWNT career.

  Her soccer IQ remains unmatched: she sees gaps that shouldn’t be there and combines in spaces that appear far too tight. Earning her 116th cap, Lavelle is firmly a veteran presence in this group – and will be paramount in steering the U.S. toward the 2027 World Cup.

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  Stock down: Emma Sears

  Racing Louisville forward Emma Sears didn’t quite replicate the success she’s shown in earlier USWNT appearances. She covered ground relentlessly after coming on in the second half, but her timing was a bit off – runs came a step late, and the finishing touch wasn’t there.

  Sears’ work rate on the wing is almost unmatched, but the competition for wide attacking spots is fierce. On nights when she doesn’t produce a goal, an assist, or a clear impact while others do, it becomes harder to strengthen her case. Even so, Sears remains firmly in the mix for Hayes. Her energy as a first-off-the-bench option is valuable – the kind of spark teams rely on during long tournament runs.