All posts by n8rngtd.top

The Los Angeles Dodgers are alive.

The Dodgers responded to Tuesday’s close Game 3 loss at Petco Park, disappointing an enormous crowd that came out Wednesday to watch the San Diego Padres try to eliminate their division rivals. Los Angeles won 8–0 in a game that never felt close, never looking back after jumping out to a 5–0 lead in the third inning Wednesday.

With the NLDS now tied 2–2 and headed back to L.A. for a decisive Game 5 on Friday, here are several takeaways from Game 4 that might shape what happens next.

Who needs a starting pitcher?

Due to a litany of injuries, the Dodgers' starting rotation is a mess. Dave Roberts opted to go with a bullpen game and it worked like a charm. L.A.’s relievers gave the Padres fits all night. The different angles and velocities kept them off balance and an offense that had averaged seven runs in the first three games of the series was kept shockingly quiet.

Dodgers relievers combined to throw nine shutout innings and only allowed seven hits and two walks while striking out eight.

While Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the presumed starter for Game 5, Roberts might want to give serious consideration to going with another bullpen day instead after the Padres scored five runs off Yamamoto in his three innings of work in Game 1.

Padres offense goes lifeless

Despite a Petco Park record 47,773 Padres fans ready and willing to explode, their team didn't give them much to cheer about. The Padres fell behind early and wound up buried. Rather than fight back as it had so many times this season, San Diego's offense went quiet. In fact, it’s been held scoreless for 15 consecutive innings dating back to a six-run second inning in Game 3.

“We just need to get a better approach at the plate,” right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. told reporters after the game. “They executed their pitches today. [We] just need better at-bats as a group.”

The top six hitters in San Diego's lineup only mustered one extra-base hit on Wednesday, a ground-rule double by Tatis in the third inning. That section of the lineup went 4-for-23 (.174 batting average) with three singles, a double and a walk, with Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill both going 0-for-4 after providing crucial hits earlier in the series.

It was a brutal showing from an offense that had scored at least four runs in each of San Diego’s first six postseason games. And it kept that record crowd seated for most of the night.

Everton appear to be moving in the right direction.

Last time out, the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium witnessed wild celebrations for the first time as the Toffees fought back from a goal down to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in the dying embers.

Iliman Ndiaye converted a penalty, before Jack Grealish rather tackled in the winner from close range deep into stoppage time.

This propelled David Moyes’ team up to eighth in the Premier League table and was a timely victory, considering the Blues’ next two matches are Manchester City (A) and then Tottenham (H) after this latest international break.

So, while Everton’s sole league defeat since the opening day came in the Merseyside derby at Anfield, one regular member of their team is on borrowed time, ahead of the return of, arguably, Everton’s best player.

The latest on Jarrad Branthwaite's fitness

What has made Everton’s decent start to the season all the more impressive is the fact that Jarrard Branthwaite is yet to play a single minute of it.

The England international suffered a hamstring injury during a pre-season friendly against Roma, so has not been seen in competitive action since the final game at Goodison back in May.

In the meantime though, he has signed a new five-year contract with the club, a serious statement of intent to secure the signature of a defender described as a “generational talent”.

Ahead of the recent 1-1 draw with West Ham, Moyes noted that Branthwaite was not yet “back with the group” but is expecting him to be available “soon”, so there is optimism that he’ll be ready to feature in the coming weeks.

Having been both the Toffees’ players’ and supporters’ player of the season in 2023/24, the 23-year-old’s imminent return will only elevate this team, but could certainly be bad news for his current deputy.

Everton star on borrowed time once Branthwaite is back

In Branthwaite’s continued absence, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have started every Premier League match at centre-back so far this season, both ever-presents until the latter suffered a rib injury against Crystal Palace, replaced by Tim Iroegbunam mid-way through the second period.

Keane joined the Toffees from Burnley all the way back in 2017, accumulating 239 appearances for the club to date, playing under eight different permanent managers: Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce, Marco Silva, Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benítez, Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche and now Moyes.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday night football, one of Keane’s former caretaker bosses, Duncan Ferguson exclaimed that he’s been blown away by the England international’s recent performances, particularly in light of his goal against West Ham.

“It’s incredible how he got the height. He jumped off his two feet when normally it would be off one. It was behind him. What a header.”

However, one would assume that, as soon as Branthwaite is back, the 32-year-old will find himself back on the bench, so let’s assess how the duo compare.

As the table documents, Branthwaite comes out on top for the vast majority of defensive metrics included.

Keane did score that aforementioned goal against West Ham at Bramley-Moore Dock last month, but his days not only in the Everton team but at the club at all could be numbered, considering he is out of contract next summer, having signed a one-year deal last July.

Branthwaite, on the other hand, is the future, currently contracted to remain on Merseyside until 2030, so they will want him back in the defence as soon as possible.

Thus, while Keane is a serviceable Premier League player, Everton’s new home signals that they have aspirations of grandeur, and Branthwaite’s return will be key in getting them back there.

Moyes can make Ndiaye unplayable by unleashing Everton ace in new position

Everton could make Iliman Ndiaye unplayable by unleashing this star in a new role.

By
Dan Emery

Oct 13, 2025

It's no secret that superstar outfielder Juan Soto is the biggest prize in this year's free agency class. A number of teams are expected to be in play for the 26-year-old, who is coming off a sensational season with the New York Yankees.

With free agency underway, the New York Mets are anticipated to be major players in the Soto sweepstakes, and owner Steve Cohen looks to be preparing his push early on into the signing period.

According to Mike Puma of the NY Post, Cohen intends to fly to Southern California this weekend in order to meet with Soto and his agent, Scott Boras. Puma notes that other teams are expected to schedule meetings with Soto in the coming weeks, though it's certainly notable how quickly Cohen and Co. are moving as they look to win over the coveted free agent.

Jon Heyman reported Wednesday that as many as seven teams have expressed genuine interest in Soto this offseason, including the Mets, Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and surprisingly, the Tampa Bay Rays.

Soto is seeking a highly lucrative deal, which some reports indicate could be worth as much as $700 million for 10+ seasons.

Since assuming ownership of the Mets in 2020, Cohen has never shied away from splashing the cash in order to secure a star player, and he seems prepared to go the distance to land Soto this offseason.

Ex-Celtic striker Charlie Mulgrew has told the Hoops exactly what they must offer Jurgen Klopp to become their Brendan Rodgers replacement in what would be a sensational move.

The Bhoys are still looking for their next manager as Martin O’Neill continues to be a success as interim boss. The 73-year-old made it two wins from two on Sunday after defeating Old Firm rivals Rangers 3-1 after extra-time in the Scottish League Cup semi-final.

It was just like old times for O’Neill, who watched on as goals from Callum McGregor and a first goal for Callum Osmand ensured that his side got one over on their biggest rivals once again.

Relieved to earn a place in the final, O’Neill told reporters at full-time: “It was an incredible game. We were terrific and got the goal in front and got one disallowed for offside.

“We were in command, but I was saying to [assistant] Shaun Maloney we needed a goal to kill the game off and six or seven minutes later, Rangers get the penalty. I was 73 on Monday… I’m 94 now!”

Victory against Rangers has done O’Neill’s chances of becoming the next Celtic manager no harm, that’s for sure. Although the Northern Irishman was quick to admit that he’s just keeping the seat warm when first arriving, two wins from two has sparked rumours that he could yet get the job until the end of the current campaign.

With Ange Postecoglou taking a break from football and reportedly pulling out of the race and other candidates such as Nicky Hayen still in a job, O’Neill may make perfect sense. He’s more experienced than most, especially at Celtic Park, and he is already turning things around.

But he’s not everyone’s first choice. Instead, Mulgrew has urged Dermot Desmond to “go big” and turn to a Champions League winner in Klopp.

Mulgrew urges Celtic to "go big" and hire Jurgen Klopp

Speaking on the latest edition of The Warm-Up Show, ex-Hoops player Mulgrew urged Celtic to hire Klopp and offer the former Liverpool manager a contract worth as much as £7m-a-year, which works out at £135k-a-week.

There’s no denying that it would be an incredible appointment. Klopp transformed Liverpool, awaking English giants and taking them back to Champions League glory, but it seems unlikely that he would make a return to the dugout for Celtic.

Not just Osmand: O'Neill has another future superstar for Celtic's next boss

Celtic have another future superstar who is as exciting as Callum Osmand in their academy.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 3, 2025

That said, whilst unlikely, all hope isn’t lost. The Liverpool legend recently admitted on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast that a return to management is still possible – saying: “I’m 58, that means I could make the decision in a few years, I don’t know. Do I have to make the decision today?

“Then I will not coach again. But thank God, I don’t have to do that. I can just see what the future brings.”

Celtic submit offer for Mark van Bommel

Premier League strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed the appointment of Rob Edwards as their new manager. The 42-year-old has left Championship high-flyers Middlesbrough to sign a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Molineux club, who sacked Vitor Pereira following a torrid start to the 2025-26 season which has left them winless after 11 league games.

• Edwards leaves Middlesbrough after compensation agreed

  As reported by David Ornstein last week, Wolves had been on the brink of naming Edwards as their new head coach after reaching an agreement with Middlesbrough over a compensation package worth in the region of £2 million.

  And now Edwards, whose contract at Boro ran through to 2028, has officially been confirmed as Wolves’ manager, returning to a club with whom he has a deep connection. A former centre-back, he made 111 appearances for the Old Gold between 2004 and 2008, scoring one goal.

  Edwards also acted as Wolves’ interim coach in 2016, taking charge of two games following the sacking of Walter Zenga. After a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers and a 3-2 defeat against Derby County, Paul Lambert was brought in as the club’s then-permanent manager, with Edwards staying on as a first-team coach.

Advertisement

• Former Luton Town boss hails 'special' return to Molineux

  Speaking to Wolves’ official website following his appointment, Edwards said: “It means a lot. This club’s really special. It’s special anyway, but it’s special to me because it’s where I’ve spent most of my professional career and where I played most of my football.

  “Then to have done a lot of the roles that I’ve done, I’ve got to be honest, this job was always my aim. This is the dream.

  “I know the situation that we’re in right now, but this is just something that I’ve always wanted, and I’m ready for it. I’m ready for the challenge, I’m up for it, and it’s been great getting around everybody, seeing so many faces that I know, and new faces as well.

  “The staff are all up for it and we’ll meet the players next week when everyone arrives back, and I know the lads will be as well.

  “Jeff (Shi, Wolves’ executive chairman) talked to me about a reset moment. It’s an opportunity for us now and I know we’re in a difficult spot, but there are still 27 games to go, so there’s an opportunity here for us to do something really special, and that appeals to me.

  “I’ve always been a risk taker and I’ve always wanted this job, and you don’t know if it’s ever going to come along again, and the opportunity was there right now. It’s going to be difficult, but there’s an opportunity for us to maintain our Premier League status this year and then grow and continue to grow and build as well.”

• AFP
  

  Report indicates Premier League strugglers have one eye on future

  In the same report from last week, Wolves are also believed to have one eye on the future by appointing former Watford boss Edwards. While the club are hoping Edwards can steer them to Premier League survival this term, they also believe his appointment gives them the best chance of earning promotion from the Championship next season, should they fail to avoid the drop in 2025-26.

  Edwards has experience in both divisions, having guided Luton Town to promotion to the Premier League via the 2022-23 Championship play-offs. The Hatters were competitive in the top tier under Edwards’ tutelage, earning 26 points from 38 games as they ultimately suffered relegation with an 18th-placed finish in 2023-24.

  Middlesbrough were also performing well under Edwards’ stewardship this season. The Teessiders are currently second in the Championship table and just five points behind leaders Coventry City, though the ex-Forest Green Rovers manager was stood down for the 2-1 win over Birmingham City on 8 November, amid speculation over his future.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Edwards' first games in charge of Wolves: Derby clash with Villa on horizon

  Wolves have turned to Edwards following a poor start to the 2025-26 season under former manager Pereira. They remain the only club in England’s top four tiers yet to win a league game this term, losing nine and drawing two of their 11 fixtures. 

  Ex-Porto boss Pereira was subsequently sacked after the 3-0 defeat against Fulham on 1 November, despite signing a new three-year contract on 18 September. In a 10-month spell in the dugout, the 57-year-old guided Wolves to Premier League survival with a 16th-place finish in 2024-25. The club were 19th when Pereira succeeded Gary O’Neil in December last year.

  Meanwhile, Edwards’ first game in charge of Wolves will be against Crystal Palace in the league on Saturday, 22 November. The former Wales international will then face a West Midlands derby when his new club travel to Aston Villa on Sunday, 30 November, before home clashes against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest and in-form Manchester United on Wednesday, 3 December and Monday, 8 December respectively.

After the 2025 season, Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can become a free agent.

It is a harsh reality around which the Blue Jays appear to have oriented all their decisions in recent years, as Toronto reckons with whether to keep or jettison a player with the makings of an all-time great. In a Thursday interview with Ernesto Jerez and Enrique Rojas of ESPN, Guerrero gave his perspective on the two sides' contract negotiations this offseason.

"We're talking about many fewer millions than (New York Mets right fielder) Juan Soto, more than a hundred million less," Guerrero said. "It was the same number of years, but it didn't reach $600 (million). The last number we gave them as a counteroffer didn't reach $600 [million]."

On Dec. 11, Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets—the most lucrative contract in the history of North American sports.

"I know the business. I lowered the salary demands a bit, but I also lowered the number of years … I'm looking for 14," Guerrero said.

Guerrero has made four All-Star teams in his six-year career, slashing .288/.363/.500 with 160 home runs and 507 RBIs.

Newcastle United are nothing if not persistent. And it is this perseverance that will see Eddie Howe’s side reclaim their finest, most fluent form in the Premier League.

In the Champions League and the Carabao Cup, the Magpies are flying high, well worth their money on each account. But, sitting 13th in the league standings and with three away defeats in a row, it’s clear that improvements are needed.

The forwards need to pull it together because, at the moment, it’s all feeling a bit Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron-esque.

Newcastle sold Almiron with the view toward reshaping the frontline and making it sharper, after all.

How Howe reshaped Newcastle's frontline

When Howe arrived at Newcastle, he found a frontline led by Dwight Gayle and Callum Wilson, flanks operated by St. Maximin and Almiron.

All have been moved on now, and Almiron marks an interesting case of the ruthlessness the manager has shown since taking the hot seat in 2021.

The Paraguayan was a tenacious and dynamic attacking option for Newcastle on the right wing, but he was frustratingly inconsistent, and this was hampering the club in their fight to sustain a place at the top of the English ladder.

Of course, it was Almiron’s remarkable purple patch in 2022/23 that helped the Toon in their bid to qualify for the Champions League. This they achieved, and Almiron played his part.

Reporter Jordan Cronin perhaps summed it up best, saying as the winger prepared to return to Atlanta United in January that “you can question his ability, but never his heart.”

It was clear that he needed to leave when he did, but United needed to get it right when landing a successor. But have they potentially landed themselves a repeat of the South American star?

Newcastle's new version of Almiron

Almiron endeared himself to the Newcastle fanbase from the off and played a crucial role in transitioning from the bleak Mike Ashley era to the brighter fortunes of today.

But Howe knew his team needed more quality on the attacking flanks, and so Anthony Elanga was signed from Nottingham Forest this summer for a £55m fee.

The 23-year-old is a fleet-footed and creative winger, but he’s blanked across 16 matches in all competitions for Newcastle this season, and that price tag is starting to look rather steep.

Analyst Raj Chohan thought as much from the outset, commenting that Elanga was a “massive overpay” on the Tyneside outfit’s part.

However, there’s no question that there is a player in there, dangerous on the counter and effective in his playmaking.

As per data-driven platform FBref, the Sweden international actually ranks among the top 8% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists per 90. Clearly, given that none of his assists have come since the summer, there is a player in there.

But, with Anthony Gordon also yet to score or assist in the Premier League this season, it’s not difficult to highlight the cracks in Newcastle’s attacking arsenal.

Solace will be taken from all parties in that patience is needed when signing up-and-coming talents. And Newcastle are nothing if not patient, of course, having enjoyed the highs and battled through the lows of Howe’s successful and progressive reign.

What needs to happen now is for Elanga to make headway and shake off any concerns relating to his efficiency in front of goal, or indeed supplying the scorer.

As per Sofascore, he hasn’t yet created a big chance in the top flight this term, averaging just 0.4 shots and 0.2 dribbles per game. On top of this, Elanga has lost 63% of his duels, and so it’s clear that he’s not yet even matching Almiron’s unalterable attitude and commitment on the flank.

As you can see, these are two successful Premier League campaigns from the talent, who has yet to find his feet after joining Newcastle this summer for a big fee and with a £100k-per-week salary.

He’s fast, and at times, ferocious, yet Elanga runs the risk of crumbling away under Howe’s wing, and while he’s a committed and hard-working player, if he cannot find a measure of form in the final third, comparisons concerning Almiron will only rise in volume and intensity.

Scoring goals is not Elanga’s forte, not in bucketloads. But there’s no denying his performances have been below the expected quality so far this season, and his two terms at the City Ground underline a creative quality that, while proven in the English top flight, has not yet surfaced at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle know they have a talented winger in their mix, and with a bit more work, he might just provide the club with the creative support they desire over the coming years.

However, Elanga has yet to show he can maintain clinical levels in black and white, and until that duck is broken, fears that PIF have replaced Almiron with Almiron will persist.

Newcastle star was set to be sold, now he's one of their "standout" players

This Newcastle star is still performing for Eddie Howe’s side.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 7, 2025

Legendary former Real Madrid centre-forward Karim Benzema, who spent the dressing room with Los Blancos head coach Xabi Alonso for five seasons between 2009 and 2014, revealed that he likes the "style of play" implemented by the Spanish manager. Alonso succeeded the iconic Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout at the end of last season and has got off to a good start.

• 'Xabi-ball' in full motion at Real Madrid

  It has been an intriguing start to Alonso's life as Real Madrid head coach. Appointed at the end of last season, the former World Cup-winning midfielder's first assignment was participating in the Club World Cup with a half-fit squad. Madrid reached the semi-finals, where they were handed a brutal reality check at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. 

  Then, following a shortened pre-season, Alonso's troops got the 2025-26 season off to a splendid start. They won the first six games of the La Liga season, before being demolished by their neighbouring rivals Atletico Madrid 5-2 at the Metropolitano in September. That defeat would only turn out to be a small blip, as Madrid won the next seven games on the trot, including a brilliant win over Barcelona at the Bernabeu last month. 

  While they have failed to win their last two games across all competitions, this Madrid team under Alonso has proved that they have a higher floor then they did in the calamitous 2024-25 season, during which they failed to win major silverware. The likes of Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler have become pillars of the squad, with the France captain off to a blazing start after scoring 18 goals in 16 games. 

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Benzema likes Alonso's Real Madrid

  Speaking in an interview with , Benzema was asked if he saw the potential in Alonso to become a coach when they shared the dressing room. In response, Real Madrid's second-highest goal scorer of all time responded: "I remember when we played together, and it's the same now as a coach. Pressure, vertical passing… It's a style of play I like. He's only been there for six months, and he's doing an excellent job. He needs to be given time."

  Moreover, he defended Alonso and the club from the recent criticism, following a drop in form. "I like this Real Madrid team," he added. "There's a lot of talk about it now, but it's always like this. If they draw or lose, it's a crisis. They go from being the best team in the world to questioning the coach, this player or that player… It's normal because they're the best team in the world. But I like this team."

• Alonso under immense scrutiny

  Last week, Ancelotti gave his verdict on Alonso, whom he coached at Bayern Munich. “I can’t give him any advice. I watch all the Madrid matches because I want to see how the Brazilians are doing and I see the team is doing very well," the Italian told . "They have won almost all the matches, but unfortunately in football you can’t always win. Sometimes you have to draw. One thing I learned at Real Madrid is that a draw here is the prelude to a crisis. No jokes. You have to get used to that. We already know that the main evaluation of a coach is the results, and so far the results have been spectacular. Leading the league and among the top eight in the Champions League. What more can we ask of Xabi? I see a solid team, especially in defense, and very effective upfront. Mbappe is doing very well and [Jude] Bellingham is back. I think Xabi can succeed without any problem."

  The media have been quick to jump on the “crisis” narrative following the goalless draw away to Rayo Vallecano before the international break – a result that came on the heels of a 1–0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. This scrutiny persists despite a 2–1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona last month, a three-point lead at the top of the La Liga table after 12 rounds, and a strong position to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals. Even so, Alonso has not escaped criticism. The former Bayer Leverkusen coach has seen his tactics and man-management questioned, with reports suggesting that the dressing room does not hold a unanimous view of his methods.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Does Benzema imagine a career in coaching?

  In the same interview with , Benzema, who will turn 38 next month, reflected on whether he sees coaching as a real possibility once he retires. "I don't know. I have friends who are already involved in coaching and they're always talking to me about it, but it's difficult," he admitted. "Being a footballer or a coach seems different, but it's the same pressure. It's complicated."

  The Frenchman, whose contract with Al-Ittihad expires next summer, has claimed that he sees himself playing for another two years.

Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts missed the team's two-game Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs due to an illness that caused him to lose over 15 pounds. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the Betts started to feel sick the day before the team flew to Japan, but he still went on the trip because the two didn't think the illness would linger as long as it did.

As the Dodgers returned to the United States ahead of their home opener Thursday vs. the Detroit Tigers, Roberts says that Betts is on the mend. According to a report from ESPN's Alden Gonzalez, Roberts said he's "really encouraged" by Betts's progress and thinks he will be ready to play Thursday.

Gonzalez noted that Betts went through a full workout at Dodgers Stadium Monday and is expected to play in the team's final spring training game Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels.

"He tried solid food, kept it down, got through his workout, and he's gonna go home and eat some more solid food," Roberts said Monday via ESPN.

Betts spoke to reporters Sunday about the scary illness, where he said his body was "just kind of eating itself." He mentioned every time he tried to eat, he'd throw up—unable to sustain any fuel. His spirits seemed fine, though, and ready to get back on the field.

Gonzalez reported that Betts got an IV in Japan and was sent home early. He was scheduled to start in the Dodgers' spring training game Sunday but was a late scratch after another vomiting spell.

Roberts has since said that Betts "turned a corner" and should be ready to go for the team's home opener, barring any setbacks.

Heading into the weekend game against Manchester City, many Newcastle United fans were apprehensive. After all, Eddie Howe’s side have been out of sorts this season, and City rarely lose to the Tynesiders.

But Newcastle reminded the Premier League of their quality with an emphatic 2-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s outfit. United remain bogged down in 14th place, but only six points separate them and Aston Villa in the top four.

There were a few changes at St. James’ Park, and it underscored a wider shift at the club that could see a number of Howe’s mainstays move on in 2026.

The Newcastle stars who might be leaving in 2026

The midfield is the beating heart of Newcastle’s system. While Joelinton continues to look like the weak link, at the weekend he was back to his physical and rip-roaring best.

However, it’s difficult to imagine Newcastle would have claimed all three points had Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento not been reinstated on the defensive flanks. The young full-backs rewrite the tactical script, adding a new dimension and playing into Howe’s transitional emphasis.

This, of course, could spell the end for Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn, both of whom have deputised in the absence of the injured younger men this season. However, Newcastle are limited in their mobility and dynamism when the veterans start.

There is another member of Howe’s United backline whose future is somewhat uncertain too, and it’s far more concerning that this star’s level has dipped.

Newcastle mainstay is on borrowed time

When Newcastle signed Sven Botman in 2022, it was regarded as a coup for one of Europe’s most talented up-and-coming centre-backs.

He was a colossus across the 2022/23 campaign, steering Newcastle into the Champions League and being lauded for his “incredible impact” by pundit Leon Osman.

Commanding and cool-headed, Botman is the prototypical central defender for a side competing for trophies, with his calculated and accurate passing crucial for his side’s presence on the ball. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 13% of positional peers in England’s top flight for chances created per 90 (0.55).

However, injuries have since laid waste to the 25-year-old’s hopes of sustaining good form on Tyneside, and he now faces a fight to recover his place in the starting line-up, having been benched for the recent win in the Premier League.

Thiaw’s emergence as a top Premier League defender this season has coincided with Botman’s own struggles for fluency and strength in Howe’s system.

This is a centre-half whose attack on the English game after joining from Lille in 2022 was widely lauded. He was “a monster in his debut season”, according to reporter Charlie Bennett, who then acknowledged that the Netherlands international has since been “glued to the treatment table”.

As Thiaw goes from strength to strength, there is only so much leeway Botman can be afforded. Schar was immense in his place against Man City, but the 33-year-old is out of a deal at the end of the season.

After a solid start to the season, Botman’s form has slumped. Newcastle reporter Joel Brand even said he was “utterly embarrassing” during the loss at Brentford earlier this month.

Should he leave, Newcastle will need to search for a replacement, and that could lead to Botman falling down the pecking order and a far cry away from that pedestal he stood on before injuries gripped him.

Newcastle have already got a bigger talent than Barnes who's "like Mbappe"

Newcastle United have a bigger talent than Harvey Barnes in an 18-year-old who is similar to Kylian Mbappe.

By
Kelan Sarson

Nov 24, 2025