Tag Futebol

Celtic missed out on the domestic treble earlier this month when they were beaten by Aberdeen on penalties in the final of the SFA Cup at Hampden Park.

The Hoops had already won the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup, but they were unable to claim the third trophy in the collection against the Dons.

Brendan Rodgers may want to go all the way next season, after failing to win the treble in both of his first two years back at the club, and could do that by improving his squad in the summer transfer window.

With that in mind, here is the dream starting line-up that Rodgers could build to attack the 2025/26 campaign head-on when they return to action later this year…

1 Kasper Schmeichel

Starting off between the sticks, Kasper Schmeichel should still be the number one for Celtic next season, at least to begin with, after an impressive debut campaign, despite his own goal in the SFA Cup final.

The former Leicester City stopper racked up an impressive 24 clean sheets in 49 appearances after joining from Anderlecht on a free transfer last year.

2 Alistair Johnston

At right-back, Celtic should be aiming to keep hold of Alistair Johnston amid reported interest from English sides Ipswich Town and Fulham this summer, after he scored four goals and provided ten assists in the Premiership this season.

3 Cameron Carter-Vickers

At the heart of the defence, Cameron Carter-Vickers should be a mainstay in the team again next season, after he was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year yet again. The colossal central defender has the right-sided centre-back position locked down, and it should stay that way.

4 Liam Scales

The left-sided centre-back position is up for debate, unlike the right side, with Auston Trusty, Maik Nawrocki, and Liam Scales all in contention to play that role.

Scales, however, ended the season as the first-choice for Rodgers, despite Trusty and Nawrocki being fit and available, which suggests that he will head into pre-season as the obvious partner to Carter-Vickers.

5 Kieran Tierney

Left-back is another position that should be fairly obvious. Kieran Tierney is joining on a free transfer from Arsenal and should be the go-to option in that area of the park when fit and available.

The Scotland international produced 37 assists in 170 matches for Celtic during his first spell at the club, which suggests that he could provide a huge creative outlet down the left flank for the Scottish giants next season.

It remains to be seen whether or not Greg Taylor, who is out of contract this summer, will be at Parkhead next term, so Tierney is currently the only senior left-back who is guaranteed to be in the squad.

6 Callum McGregor

At the base of the midfield three, captain Callum McGregor is another obvious pick for Rodgers. The skipper started 34 of his 35 appearances in the Premiership this season, which does not suggest that he is close to being on his way out of the XI.

7 Arne Engels

Celtic broke the bank to sign Arne Engels from Augsburg last summer in a club-record £11m move, and he repaid them with a return of ten goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances for the club in his debut season.

8 Lennon Miller

Another new addition to the squad, alongside Tierney, could be Motherwell central midfielder Lennon Miller, who could arrive to complete the midfield trio with McGregor and Engels.

Serie A side Udinese have been linked with a summer move for Reo Hatate, and Celtic could sign the Scottish starlet, who is a reported transfer target, to replace the Japanese ace.

Appearances

37

32

Goals

10

2

Big chances created

14

12

Key passes per game

1.2

1.6

Assists

2

8

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.1

3.1

Ball recoveries per game

3.2

6.3

Duel success rate

44%

53%

As you can see in the table above, Miller would be an exciting replacement for Hatate because he offers a similar threat as a creator whilst being better out of possession, albeit he does not provide as much of a goalscoring presence.

At 18, the Scotland U21 international is also nine years younger than the Celtic star and could be the long-term option for Rodgers in that position, which is why it could make sense to cash in on the Japanese star to sign the Motherwell maestro.

9 Nicolas Kuhn

Nicolas Kuhn ended the 2024/25 campaign with an eye-catching haul of 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions from a right wing position for the Hoops.

The left-footed star provided a constant threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Scottish giants, which is why he should remain the starting option on that flank.

10 Mathias Kvistgaarden

The third signing that could be added to this dream starting XI, alongside Tierney and Miller, is Brondby centre-forward Mathias Kvistgaarden.

Celtic are reportedly weighing up a club-record swoop for the Danish marksman, who is valued at in excess of £12m, and it could be a fantastic piece of business for the club to upgrade on Adam Idah.

Appearances

29

35

FotMob rating

7.29

6.86

xG

13.99

13.57

Goals

17

13

Chances created

19

19

Assists

5

0

As you can see in the table above, their respective performances at league level this season suggest that Kvistgaarden would offer far more than the Irishman as a superior finisher.

Therefore, Celtic should attempt to conclude a deal for the 23-year-old centre-forward, dubbed “sensational” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, in the weeks to come as he could add an even greater goal threat to Rodgers’ side than Idah currently does.

Liverpool are now ahead of Manchester City in the race to sign a defender, and they now know £40 million will be enough to get the deal completed, according to a recent report.

Liverpool receive Huijsen boost after Van Dijk contract news

Last week Liverpool fans were delighted to see and hear the news that captain and defensive talisman Virgil van Dijk had signed a new contract at Anfield, continuing his stay at the club until 2027. The Dutchman is going to continue being at the heart of Arne Slot’s defence, but it appears as though the Liverpool boss is still looking to find his perfect partner or successor.

He's better than Huijsen: Liverpool want "one of the best CBs in the PL"

Liverpool could be about to forget a move for Dean Huijsen with a deal for another Premier League star.

1 ByEthan Lamb Apr 24, 2025

The Reds are among the teams keeping a close eye on Dean Huijsen from AFC Bournemouth. The Spain international has been a standout performer for the Cherries this season, and that has put him on the radar of several big teams from England and abroad. It’s also been claimed that Chelsea have held talks with Huijsen over a possible move to Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool remain in the race and received a welcome boost this week, as it’s been reported that Real Madrid may pull out of the race to sign Huijsen; that is because they are not sure if they want to sign a defender this summer, leaving the door open for Liverpool, who know Huijsen has a £50 million release clause in his contract.

Liverpool lead Man City in race to sign Premier League defender

Huijsen is not the only defender on the Reds’ transfer list, as according to Give Me Sport’s Ben Jacobs, Liverpool are leading the way when it comes to signing Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth this summer.

The report states that Kerkez, who has been with the Cherries since July 2023, is expected to leave Bournemouth this summer, as while he doesn’t have a release clause in his contract, they will allow him to leave should they receive offers worth £40 million.

This report goes on to add that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have all kept an eye on Kerkez, but none have entered into fresh talks over a transfer. City in particular “appreciate” him, but a deal there is unlikely and a move to become Andy Robertson’s successor looks more probable.

The Scotland international still has another 12 months left on his contract at Anfield, but given he is 31 and making more mistakes with each passing season, Slot is looking to the future and sees Kerkez as a player who could be his long-term successor.

Kerkez

Robertson

Apps

33

30

Goals

2

0

Progressive carries

89

57

Progressive passes

141

163

Progressive runs

161

90

Tackles (Won)

49 (26)

38 (22)

Interceptions

38

20

Clearances

100

50

Blocks

33

9

Kerkez has impressed a lot in this campaign, assisting six goals as well as grabbing two himself in 33 games, as the Cherries continue their pursuit of finishing in a European position.

The 21-year-old has started every game he’s been available for in the league this season, so were he to arrive at Liverpool, he would likely want to start immediately and relegate Robertson to a supporting role.

Nottingham Forest have now been presented with an opportunity to beat Inter Milan and Bayern Munich to the signing of an “explosive” forward, but they will have to act quickly, according to a report.

Forest set to bolster attacking options

Despite the 2-1 loss away at Aston Villa last time out, Forest remain in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League next season, which means they should be able to compete for the signatures of some of Europe’s top forwards.

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is one of the most high-profile targets, and the Tricky Trees are now willing to offer winger Jota Silva as part of an exchange deal for the Sweden international, who is attracting widespread interest ahead of the summer window.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have also identified targets from within the Premier League, with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha and Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez of interest, having reportedly submitted a £50m bid for the Uruguayan striker, who looks set to leave the Reds.

£25m release clause: Nottingham Forest join hectic race for "superb" star

They could trigger his release clause.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 7, 2025

Not only is Nuno keen to bring in a new striker, but the manager is also looking at signing a new winger, and a report from Italy has revealed Nottingham Forest have an opportunity to beat Bayern Munich and Inter Milan to the signature of Marseille’s Luis Henrique (via Sport Witness).

Inter are in contact over a deal for Henrique, but they are unwilling to match Marseille’s valuation, deeming a fee of €25m (£21m) to be fair, while the French club are looking to receive €30m – €35m (£26m – £30m)

As such, either Forest or Premier League rivals Newcastle United could move ahead in the race for the Brazilian, should they be willing to table a bid of at least £26m, but they will need to move swiftly, with Inter trying to get a deal done before the end of May.

"Explosive" Henrique could suit Nuno's system

Much of the Tricky Trees’ success this season can be put down to Nuno’s style of play, which relies on hitting their opponents with pace on the counter-attack, as confirmed by Anthony Elanga after the recent 1-0 victory against Manchester United.

“It is about attacking the space and getting to the opposite goal as quick as I can. I saw the space and I believe I’m one of the fastest players in the league.”

Elanga has been a key player for Forest this season, and there are clear signs Henrique would also be a perfect fit in Nuno’s system, having been lauded as “explosive” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also praises the winger for his pace.

The 23-year-old’s attacking output has also been impressive this season, with seven goals and five assists to his name in Ligue 1, so Forest should do their utmost to ensure they win the race for his signature.

Liverpool meet Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend, two teams clinging to the old way of things.

The age of corners and long throws is upon us, and here are two sides championing the slick and stylish passing play that was shaped and defined by Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp across so many exciting years at the top of the English game.

This is just a bit of humour, but the truth remains that the Premier League’s tactical culture has shifted in recent months, with table-topping Arsenal masterfully secure in defence and with an incredible knack at scoring from set-pieces.

Arne Slot has tried to adapt by changing things this season, but there the Dutchman’s progress has unravelled after a summer of sweeping change.

Recent wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid have sparked a red revival, but this could be the toughest test of the lot, with the Etihad anything but a happy hunting ground for Liverpool in recent years.

Having reverted to type, Slot may fancy dropping Florian Wirtz for this one, even after the German’s show-stopping performance in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

Why Slot could bench Florian Wirtz

There’s no denying that it’s been a tough ride for Wirtz since he completed a record-breaking £116m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool this summer.

The 22-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting creative talents in the world, and having achieved staggering things in his German homeland, had been expected to hit the ground running.

Instead, Wirtz has struggled to settle into Slot’s Liverpool squad, and after ten matches and 610 minutes of action in the Premier League, he still searches for his first goal contribution.

However, there have been undeniable improvements in recent weeks, and against Real Madrid, he came alive.

The attacking midfielder’s time will come, but Slot may opt against recalling him to the starting line-up in the top flight here, instead entrusting a proven formula to get the job done against Guardiola’s title-challenging outfit.

Of course, Wirtz could always make his presence known from the bench, boasting an array of technical qualities simply out of reach for the lion’s share of positional peers across Europe.

Should Wirtz be dropped, there is another Redman who could take his place.

Slot must unleash the new Mo Salah

While it might seem like Cody Gakpo would be the perfect candidate to return to the left wing, Slot has intimated on several occasions that Hugo Ekitike has the athleticism and awareness to play off the wing.

Ultimately, that decision lies with Slot. But, without question, Liverpool must unleash Alexander Isak at number nine if the 26-year-old is given the green light.

The precondition to this indeed being an assessment of the Sweden international’s fitness, of course. Isak has missed Liverpool’s past four matches in all competitions as he recovers from a groin injury picked up against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League last month.

There’s nothing quite like Liverpool vs Manchester City in the Premier League. Some of the greatest games in the division’s history have been contested between these two heavyweights over the past decade.

Isak has struggled since completing his British-record £125m move to Anfield from Newcastle on transfer deadline day, only playing eight times and scoring just once.

GK

Giorgi Mamardashvili

RB

Conor Bradley

CB

Ibrahima Konate

CB

Virgil van Dijk

LB

Andy Robertson

DM

Ryan Gravenberch

CM

Dominik Szoboszlai

CM

Alexis Mac Allister

RW

Mohamed Salah

LW

Hugo Ekitike

CF

Alexander Isak

However, injuries and Liverpool’s wider imbalances have inhibited him, and this could be the perfect opponent for him to announce himself as the club’s new talisman, taking the baton from the great Mohamed Salah as he begins to wind down.

Isak hasn’t hit his stride on Merseyside yet, but we all know what he is capable of. Last season, he scored 27 goals for the Magpies, including a strike against Liverpool at Wembley to clinch the Carabao Cup. Jamie Carragher was in awe, hailing him as “the best striker in the Premier League” back in January.

Isak typically operates higher than his counterpart, Ekitike. He is fast and intelligent, and his skill at playing off a defender and peeling away down the lane and into the danger area is almost matchless across Europe.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 8% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90.

Such data signifies not only his ball-carrying ability but his ability to drop deep and funnel play forward before blistering ahead himself and join the attack that he sparked off in the first place.

Wirtz and Isak have a partnership in the making, but fielding both here might not be the best course of action. City will look to dominate on the ball and overwhelm a Liverpool backline that has shown itself to be shaky across multiple matches this season.

It had been nine years since Liverpool last beat Man City away from home in the Premier League. That was before Slot came along.

Things are different for both clubs since that springtime showdown last year, but with Isak up front for the Reds, they will have their answer to the wrecking ball that is Erling Haaland, and maybe it will be enough to steer the champions over the line.

Better than Guehi: Liverpool now chasing for 'one of the 'world's best CBs'

Liverpool need to sign a new centre-back in 2026.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 7, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are currently enjoying the last international break of the year before their season runs through until March 2026, which means that Danny Rohl has two weeks to assess his start to life at Ibrox.

The German head coach came in to replace Russell Martin in the dugout, after the Scottish boss endured a dismal tenure in Glasgow, and was thrust straight into action with a Europa League clash against Brann within a couple of days.

Rohl has already managed six matches as the Gers head coach, winning three of them, and this international break is his first chance to settle down and take time to plan for the future.

The January transfer window is less than two months away and it will be interesting to see what moves the former Sheffield Wednesday boss wants to make with the squad.

It has already been reported that Genk central defender Mujaid Sadick is a target for the Scottish giants, with an enquiry having been made, which suggests that Rohl wants a new centre-back to bolster his backline.

Whilst incoming signings will be on the agenda, it will also be interesting to see who the head coach decides to part ways with when the January transfer window opens for business.

Rangers players whose futures may be in doubt

There are several players in the first-team squad whose futures at Ibrox are in doubt because of their lack of minutes on the pitch in the 2025/26 campaign.

Per Transfermarkt, Clinton Nsiala has not played a single minute of football under Martin, Stevie Smith, or Rohl, and that may put his future into doubt unless that changes in the next few weeks.

Football FanCast recently published an article suggesting that the 21-year-old centre-back should be given an opportunity to shine, after the Gers won seven of the 11 matches that he played in the Scottish Premiership last season.

So, whilst his future may be in doubt, Rohl should look to provide the French talent with an opportunity to impress before making a final decision on his situation.

Attacking midfielder Nedim Bajrami is another player who may be considering his future at Ibrox ahead of the January transfer window, due to his lack of minutes on the pitch this season.

The Albania international, who was signed from Sassuolo in the summer of 2024, has only played 170 minutes across ten appearances in all competitions in the 2025/26 campaign, per Transfermarkt.

Nedim Bajrami in 25/26 Premiership
Opposition	Minutes
Dundee	Unused substitute
Hibernian	Not in matchday squad
Kilmarnock	Not in matchday squad
Dundee United	Unused substitute
Falkirk	7
Livingston	8
Hearts	13
Celtic	14
St Mirren	Not in matchday squad
Dundee	Not in matchday squad
Motherwell	17
Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the former Serie A playmaker has rarely been used in the Premiership this season, with zero minutes under his belt under Rohl in the division.

It was reported that there were offers on the table for Bajrami in the summer transfer window, which suggests that there may be enough interest in January to finally cash in on him.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

Whilst rarely-seen players like Nsiala and Bajrami may be moved on in January, rightly or wrongly, Rohl and Thelwell should also look to cash in on a player who is currently considered a first-team star, Mohamed Diomande.

The central midfielder was compared to Zidane by Turkish legend and TV pundit Nihat after the 3-1 win against Fenerbahce in the Europa League in March of last season.

After an assist in the win for the Gers, Nihat said: “Mohamed Diomande was brilliant – like the best of Zinedine Zidane – thank God they substituted him.”

However, eight months on from that incredible comparison to the Real Madrid and France legend, Rangers should ruthlessly cash in on the midfielder in January.

Why Rangers should cash in on Mohamed Diomande

Turkish side Besiktas reportedly made an offer of £10m to sign the Ivorian midfielder from the Light Blues during the summer transfer window, but that was not enough to tempt them into selling. He was also linked with a possible move to Premier League side Everton.

This suggests that there are teams who are interested in signing the left-footed star from the Gers, which means that there could be an opportunity to cash in on him when the January transfer window opens for business.

If a team are willing to pay £10m or more for the central midfielder in January, it would represent a great deal for the Light Blues because they only paid £4.3m to sign him from FC Nordsjaelland in the summer of 2024.

The 24-year-old star did impress in the 2024/25 campaign, with six goals and nine assists in all competitions (Transfermarkt), including a goal against Celtic at Parkhead in March.

However, the central midfielder’s form has taken a nosedive in the current season, unfortunately, and it may be the right time to cash in on him at the start of next year.

Mohamed Diomande (Premiership)	24/25	25/26
Appearances	36	8
Sofascore rating	7.19	6.45
Goals	4	0
Key passes per game	1.2	0.5
Assists	7	0
Duels won per game	4.4	2.9
Ground duel success rate	57%	46%
Aerial duel success rate	48%	25%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Diomande’s performances in and out of possession in the Premiership have declined significantly, as he has struggled in all phases of play in the league this term.

On top of his struggles domestically, the central midfielder has started one match in the league phase of the Europa League this season and was sent off for a challenge on Genk’s El Ouahdi.

Because of his inconsistency, from last season to the current one, and his dismal performances in the Premiership, it could be the right move for Thelwell and Rohl to part ways with the midfielder in January.

Selling Diomande in January could avoid a situation where his performances continue to decline and he is worth even less in the future, and it would provide the new manager with funds to bring in his own players.

Not Gassama: Future "superstar" is Rangers' biggest talent since Tillman

This future superstar is Glasgow Rangers’ biggest talent since Malik Tillman was at Ibrox.

1

By
Dan Emery

Nov 10, 2025

Of course, the risk is that the Ivorian could recapture his best form elsewhere, but this could be the best course of action given what has happened so far in the 2025/26 campaign.

MatériaMais NotíciasVer Resumo da matéria por IAO Atlético realizou uma temporada aquém das expectativas e deixou o torcedor frustrado. Ainda assim, mesmo em meio aos resultados negativos e às metas não atingidas, alguns jogadores conseguiram se destacar com boas atuações ao longo do ano.Resumo supervisionado pelo jornalista!

O Atlético realizou uma temporada aquém das expectativas e deixou o torcedor frustrado. Ainda assim, mesmo em meio aos resultados negativos e às metas não atingidas, alguns jogadores conseguiram se destacar com boas atuações ao longo do ano.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasAtlético MineiroCEO do Atlético-MG reforça busca por conexão com a torcida e criação do “Conselho da Massa”Atlético Mineiro10/12/2025Atlético MineiroNovo CEO do Atlético-MG é apresentado e fala sobre investimentos e resultados esportivosAtlético Mineiro10/12/2025Atlético MineiroDesempenho do Atlético-MG refletiu em público na Arena MRV: veja númerosAtlético Mineiro10/12/2025

Mas afinal, quem recebeu a maior nota da temporada? Veja a seguir as avaliações dos atletas. As notas foram fornecidas pelo Sofascore, plataforma especializada em estatísticas esportivas.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Galo agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Atlético-MG

Notas dos jogadores do Atlético na temporada

As notas são dadas de acordo com vários aspectos e ações durante o jogo, juntando pontos positivos (gols, assistências, dribles certos, desarmes) e pontos negativos (faltas, cartões, erros), com pesos diferentes para cada posição, focando em Ataque, Técnica, Tática, Defesa e Criatividade.

continua após a publicidade

Confira a média na temporada no Brasileirão e na Sul-Americana dos jogadores que receberam as maiores avaliações:

Campeonato Brasileiro
Hulk – 7,22
Gustavo Scarpa – 7,18
Éverson – 7,16
Junior Alonso – 7,00
Rony e Dudu – 6,98

Copa Sul-Americana
Thomás Cuello – 7,42
Lyanco – 7,28
Gustavo Scarpa – 7,17
Dudu – 7,16
Éverson – 7,09

Melhor jogador para a torcida

O Lance! realizou uma enquete no canal do Galo no WhatsApp para saber quem foi o melhor jogador do Galo na temporada, e o resultado foi contundente: Éverson venceu com ampla vantagem. O goleiro atleticano recebeu mais de 78% dos votos, demonstrando a confiança e segurança que o paredão do Galo transmite à massa alvinegra.

Na sequência aparece o ídolo atleticano Hulk, que recebeu 14% dos votos. Apesar de ter sido o artilheiro da equipe no ano, a temporada do camisa 7 ficou abaixo do rendimento que ele costuma apresentar com a camisa alvinegra, desempenho que o consagrou como um dos maiores jogadores da história do clube.

continua após a publicidade

Na terceira colocação ficou Alan Franco, com aproximadamente 8% dos votos. O volante equatoriano é muito querido pela massa e peça importante no esquema de Sampaoli. Ao longo da competição, desempenhou diversas funções, mostrando não apenas força e qualidade defensiva, mas também boa saída de jogo e presença ofensiva.

Tudo sobre

Atlético Mineironotastemporada

It is no surprise to anyone that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been in such dominant form this season. The Citizens number nine cannot stop scoring, and already has 19 goals to his name from just 16 games so far in 2025/26, chipping in with an assist, too.

His form in the Premier League has been largely unstoppable. Haaland has found the back of the net 14 times in the English top flight, coming in just 12 appearances. In two of those games, the 25-year-old didn’t score. His form has been as good as ever for City.

However, it is not just at club level where Haaland has been in fine goalscoring form. Norway are reaping the benefits, too.

Haaland’s form in the November international break

Despite only playing 48 games for his country, Haaland has 55 goals already. That makes him the top goalscorer in Norway’s history, 22 clear of anyone else. Captaining his nation in the November internationals, he added four more goals to that tally.

The first of two braces Haaland scored during the international break came at home to Estonia. Two second-half strikes, six minutes apart, helped Norway to a 4-1 win, pushing them closer to automatic World Cup qualification.

Next up was a tougher assignment against Italy. The City striker, however, helped to brush the our-time World Cup winners aside, securing another 4-1 win.

The strikes came within a minute of each other, the first an acrobatic effort in the penalty box and the second an easy goal from close range, with City teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma unable to stop Haaland from scoring.

The goals from Haaland this week will certainly please the Citizens faithful. The fact that their talismanic number nine is continuing his deadly form ahead of a huge festive period surely means they can expect to see similar results at club level.

Haaland, however, was not the only City striker who shone during the November international break.

Man City’s other in-form international striker

There is one question surrounding Haaland, and that is who City have as an alternative to the striker. There is no obvious understudy in the first team, despite the likes of Omar Marmoush being able to operate as a nine.

Well, Pep Guardiola could always turn to the academy if needs be, where the club might have the homegrown Haaland in the form of Reigan Heskey. The 17-year-old is the son of former England striker Emile and has been impressing for City’s academy for several years.

Heskey, who was born in Liverpool, can operate on either flank or as a striker. He shone for City’s under-18s last season in the U18s Premier League, a competition in which he bagged 18 goals in 19 games and assisted a further seven.

Guardiola is possibly the most important person who could take note of this impressive form of the teenager. Well, the Spaniard gave Heskey his first-team debut this season, a seven-minute Carabao Cup cameo against Huddersfield Town, along with his brother, Jaden.

It is not just his club form that has been superb, but his form for England under-17s.

Heskey has been a key member of the Three Lions U17 World Cup squad this month, with football scout Antonio Mango describing him as “unstoppable this international break.”

The 17-year-old attacker played five matches in the competition, finding the back of the net four times and assisting three. He also averaged 1.9 key passes and three successful dribbles per 90 minutes, showing just how much of a threat he is.

Goals and assists

1.4

7

Key passes

1.9

9

Big chances created

0.6

3

Dribbles completed

3

14

Tackles and interceptions

2.3

11

Heskey is certainly showing deadly form in front of goal, which Guardiola has already rewarded with minutes in the first team. If he continues on this upward trajectory, there is no reason to suggest he cannot break into the squad permanently a bit further down the line.

Haaland was not the only City striker in form for his country this month. Heskey has been on fire, and would love to keep this form going when he returns to club football.

No Rodri & the "next Kroos" signs: Man City's dream lineup after January

Here is how Man City could line up if they can get their January targets

2 ByJoe Nuttall Nov 16, 2025