“He is looking forward to getting back to the game he loves playing”

Vishal Dikshit05-May-20251:42

Martin: Rabada’s return will take the pressure off Ishant

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned to India to join his IPL side Gujarat Titans (GT) and is available to play the franchise’s next game, against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday. GT’s director of cricket Vikram Solanki said the day before the game that Rabada “has expressed regret” about testing positive for a recreational drug use which made him miss a month of IPL 2025, and that the fast bowler will “take his lessons” from this episode.”Speaking about Kagiso, I’d like to just get a couple of things across,” Solanki said. “The first of which would be that Kagiso has expressed regret at an error in judgement. He’s made a telling statement. I read his statement, and I thought that his statement speaks volumes about the personality of the character that he is. He has expressed regret, as I said. But he is very much looking forward to getting back to playing the game he loves. He will take his, sort of, lessons from this and we’re just looking forward to having him back part of our group, having him back at practice. He served his time.Related

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“The second thing I’d like to place on record is that as far as procedure and protocol is concerned, everybody that’s involved in this episode, right from Kagiso, his representative, all matters, as far as requirements [go], have been followed to the letter. We try to be mindful of the emotion around Kagiso as well. But having said all of that, he’s now back, having served the time to serve the suspension for 30 days. And what we’re looking for now is for him to just be back doing what he loves, and for him to be doing stuff that we appreciate him doing. And that’s to be part of the team.”Rabada trained with the rest of the GT squad at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday evening, with fellow fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, but for under half an hour before he sat under one of the umbrellas next to the nets. While he bowled, he was seen having chats with the head coach Ashish Nehra, who even put an arm around Rabada a couple of times in what seemed like a pep talk.Once he finished bowled, Rabada sat next to his GT team-mate Rashid Khan, and was soon joined by Trent Boult, his team-mate from the MI franchises in the SA20 and MLC. Rabada then went on to have a chat with Akash Ambani, the owner of the MI franchise in T20 leagues.Solanki agreed that off-field issues like suspensions and bans could “easily” distract a player.”You are absolutely right, it is easy to get distracted,” he said. “One of the things he’s made very clear is that he doesn’t want this episode to distract anybody. But as far as the team’s concerned, he spoke very eloquently about the fact that this is something he’s dealing with. As far as the team is concerned, the team will of course support it. It’s our job to support the players we have, whether it be on the matter of form or it be on the matter of personal matters like this. We will be supportive of Kagiso.”While Rabada flew back home in early April to serve his one-month suspension, GT have placed themselves fourth on the points table as one of the strong contenders for the playoffs, with seven wins from 10 games. Even in Rabada’s absence and their lead spinner Rashid Khan not having a great tournament (he averages 50.28 after 10 games), GT have emerged as one of the most formidable bowling attacks in the tournament, with Prasidh leading the Purple Cup list with 19 wickets, Siraj taking another 14, and left-arm spinner Sai Kishore not far behind with 12, while also holding an economy rate of 8.35 compared to Rashid’s 9.51.Solanki said the rest of GT’s attack had “pulled together” in the absence of Rabada, for whom they had shelled out INR 10.75 crore in the auction.”I think all of the bowlers have performed outstandingly,” Solanki said of his attack. “Often you speak about batting and the obvious thing is partnerships in batting. But I think you’ve seen across the tournament that the bowlers have operated in partnerships as well, and that’s very much the case.”And what we found ourselves in as far as Kagiso’s absence was that the rest of the group pulled together, it speaks volumes of that group that they’ve pulled together and been able to deliver the performance as they have.”

Mumbai Indians (MI) clinched a thriller they had no business winning; not certainly after a comeback knock for the ages from Karun Nair, who smashed a 40-ball 89 in a chase of 206. But Karn Sharma, their Impact Sub, cracked open the game with a three-wicket haul, to cause an implosion that ended with a hat-trick of run outs in the penultimate over as Delhi Capitals (DC) fell short by 12 runs.It meant there are no unbeaten teams left at IPL 2025. DC would rue the two points that were stolen right from under their nose, disrupting their run of four straight wins, as their homecoming at the Arun Jaitley Stadium was met with a heartbreak no one saw coming.For MI, this was only their second win in six games, but it’s the one that will reinvigorate a campaign that threatened to turn pear-shaped less than halfway in.Nair’s comebackSeven years after his most recent IPL half-century, and three years since he played in the tournament, Nair set the pace in DC’s chase after Jake Fraser-McGurk was out first ball.Coming off a ridiculous run of rich form in the domestic season, Nair’s takedown of Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay – he picked 28 off nine deliveries, including three fours and two sixes – landed the early punches on MI.Karun Nair made his first IPL fifty in seven years•BCCI

Nair was all wrist and hand-eye coordination – whipping Bumrah off his hip with nonchalance and being equally audacious by making room and carving him inside-out over deep extra cover for two sixes. Against spin, he was quick to pick lengths and sweep, and on an occasion reverse-sweep.He went into overdrive after bringing up a 22-ball half-century and looked set to get to three figures when a magic ball from Mitchell Santner got him. Expecting the wet ball to skid through, Nair played for a straight one, only to see the ball rip square and beat his push to hit top of off.Five balls later, when Axar Patel was out to a leading edge to give Bumrah his first wicket of the season, MI had some inkling of hope. DC were 145 for 4 at the end of that over, the 13th.The ball changeIPL’s new rule change that allows teams to ask for a new ball to counter dew after 11 overs into the second innings brought MI some much needed relief at the start of the 14th.Three balls in, relief turned into elation when Tristan Stubbs toe-ended a slog to make it four wickets in four overs. When KL Rahul fell in eerily similar fashion two overs later, the 16th, after being done in the air and off the pitch to top edge a return catch, DC were in the middle of a full-blown collapse.Even so, with 42 off 24 needed and two batters – Ashutosh Sharma and Vipraj Nigam who orchestrated a similar comeback against LSG – at the crease, DC still had hope that kept thinning when Trent Boult nailed five yorkers in a gun 17th over that went for just three runs.This is when Santner, who’d already bowled arguably the ball of the match to get Nair, bounced back after conceding a six and four to Nigam before deceiving him in the air to have him stumped. The relatively drier ball offered plenty of grip and turn, and Santner now had his second.Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton combined to run out Ashutosh Sharma•BCCI

The hat-trick of run outsBumrah’s figures as he ran in for his final over, the 19th of the match read 3-0-34-1. With Ashutosh still in, DC had hopes. After refusing a single off the first ball, he hit him for two consecutive fours – a reverse ramped over short third followed by a thick outside edge.With the equation down to 15 off 8, Ashutosh carved a yorker-length ball to deep point and turned for a second that proved costly. The decision to run the second wasn’t the problem; that he had to run around Bumrah as he turned around at the non-striker’s end cost him a split-second which eventually had him short of the crease.Then Kuldeep Yadav and Mohit Sharma were run out off successive deliveries as MI ended with a hat-trick of run-outs to close out the game.Tilak shines after wristspin twins strikeTilak Varma was subbed out two games ago for being unable to force the pace. In his first outing after that, he made 56 off 29 in a tall run chase against RCB last week. On Sunday, he top-scored with 59 off 43 to help MI post 205.It was his eighth IPL half-century, astonishingly his first in a winning cause. The knock provided MI a base, which Naman Dhir maximised to provide the finishing kick.A floater in the batting order, Dhir 38 off just 17; his fifth-wicket stand off 60 off 33 with Tilak helping MI recover from the wickets of Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya in the space of six deliveries in the middle stages.DC’s wristspin twins Kuldeep and Nigam combined to pick up 4 for 64 off eight overs, after MI threatened to take the game away when Rohit Sharma began by imperiously driving Mitchell Starc for two fours and then scooping him for a six.Suryakumar Yadav, batting at No. 3 for the first time this season, and Ryan Rickelton too got off to starts but couldn’t convert. But just when it seemed as if MI would be restricted, they found saviours in Tilak and Dhir, who gave them a total to bowl at – those extra runs at the end seemingly making a wholesome difference to the result.

Atlanta United goalkeeper and former USMNT stalwart Brad Guzan announced that he will retire following the conclusion of the 2025 MLS season. Guzan’s decision marks the end of a distinguished career that included 64 caps for the USMNT, a key role in Atlanta United’s formative years, and a significant tenure in both MLS and the English Premier League.

Getty Images SportCareer spanned two decades

Guzan confirmed he will retire after the 2025 MLS season, closing a career spanning two decades. His announcement marks the end of a significant era for both Atlanta United and the USMNT, where Guzan was a steady presence in goal and a leader on and off the field. The American international’s statement, on social media, confirmed the news and thanked

“21 years is a long time. I’m just a kid from Chicago who instantly knew this game was for me,” Guzan posted on his social media. “Today, as I prepare to hang up my gloves, I know this journey was never just about me. THANK YOU – TO EVERYONE.”

AdvertisementWhat Guzan postedGuzan’s career journey

Guzan launched his professional career with Chivas USA in 2005, quickly establishing himself as a reliable goalkeeper in Major League Soccer. His performances earned him a move to England’s Aston Villa in 2008, where he spent over a decade, becoming a fan favorite and a consistent presence between the posts. 

In 2017, Guzan returned to MLS as one of the first signings for the newly formed Atlanta United. His experience and composure were instrumental in stabilizing the team’s defense during its inaugural season. Guzan’s leadership contributed significantly to Atlanta United’s rapid ascent, culminating in the club’s MLS Cup victory in 2018.

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As the 2025 MLS season draws to a close,  Guzan’s retirement signals the end of an era for both Atlanta United and the USMNT community. His contributions on and off the field have shaped the trajectory of American soccer domestically and internationally.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Russell Martin will know that he needs to start picking up results, and quickly, after the first international break of the season.

The Light Blues failed to win any of their first four matches in the Scottish Premiership and were knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers with a 9-1 loss on aggregate to Club Brugge.

As you can see in the post above, some supporters have been left more than just frustrated by the poor start to the 2025/26 campaign, leaving a banner asking for the club to sack the manager at Ibrox.

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell described Martin as “one of the best” managers he has ever worked with during an interview with club channels earlier this week, which suggests that the former Southampton boss is not going anywhere any time soon.

It is now down to Martin to reward the board and Thelwell for their faith in him by delivering results, and eventually trophies, on the pitch to back up the work that is going on behind the scenes.

One way that he can help the team to pick up more points in their matches is to get the best out of summer signing Bojan Miovski, who has the potential to be a fantastic signing.

What Martin needs to do to get Miovski firing

The Macedonia international was signed on a permanent deal from Girona last month and made his debut against Celtic in the Premiership on Sunday.

Unfortunately, the left-footed marksman was unable to find the back of the net, partly due to the fact that Rangers did not create a single ‘big chance’ for him to find the back of the net in the game, per Sofascore.

Martin must build the team around Miovski to create enough chances to help him build his confidence back up in front of goal, as he has endured a dismal 2025 so far.

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old star has not scored a single goal at club level this year, in the Premiership or in LaLiga with Girona.

The Rangers star, who did score two goals for his country against Wales and Liechtenstein in March, has previously shown that he has the quality in front of goal to be a huge threat in Scottish football, though.

Miovski scored 32 goals in 78 matches in the Premiership during his two-year spell with Aberdeen before his move to Girona last year, which did not go to plan.

It is, therefore, clear that Martin could improve the team’s fortunes by supplying the striker with enough chances to find the back of the net on a regular basis once again.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Whilst Rangers need to find a way to get Miovski back to his best, there is a former Light Blues striker who has been on fire in 2025 – ex-academy sensation Robbie Ure.

The Scottish youngster’s contract at Ibrox expired in the summer of 2023 and he opted to leave the club to sign for Anderlecht in Belgium, which meant that Rangers were left with an undisclosed compensation fee for his exit.

Robbie Ure's form in 2025

Ure’s progression through the youth ranks during his time with the Gers was impressive to watch, and he seemed destined to have a future in the first-team.

The centre-forward scored 17 goals and provided eight assists in 37 B team matches, per Transfermarkt, and scored five goals in ten outings in the UEFA Youth League.

His prolific performances at academy level earned him three appearances for the first-team, and he scored in a win over Queen of the South in the League Cup. After that first senior goal, teammate Scott Arfield described the then-teenager as “magic” in the post-game interview.

Unfortunately, though, Ure decided to pursue opportunities further afield in Belgium and went on to score 12 goals in 38 games for Anderlecht’s youth side, per Transfermarkt, before completing a permanent move to Swedish team Sirius in March of this year.

Since his move to Sweden, the 21-year-old number nine has established himself as a regular goalscorer at senior level with ten goals in the league in 2025, which means that he has scored five times as many goals as Miovski (two) for club and country this year.

As you can see in the table above, Ure ranks incredibly highly among his positional peers in the Swedish top-flight as both a scorer and a creator of goals this year.

The Scottish marksman’s return of ten goals is an impressive one, particularly when you consider that Miovski’s only scored two competitive goals this year, and shows that he is now ready to make a big impact at first-team level.

Rangers supporters would surely have been excited if the club spent a few million pounds on a 21-year-old striker with the statistics that Ure has put up at a decent level in the Swedish top-flight, which is why losing him for a compensation fee in 2023 was such a blow.

The Scottish giants were unable to convince the forward that staying at Ibrox was the best decision for his development, and have potentially missed out on a very promising young goalscorer who could have bolstered Martin’s current squad.

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Chasing 176, Quetta Gladiators could muster only 119 for 9

Danyal Rasool18-Apr-2025

The PSL may have taken a day off, but it didn’t stop the league from producing another blowout. The in-form James Vince led the way for Karachi Kings, his easy elegance producing 70 off 47 balls to bail his side out of a tricky position three quarters of the way into the innings. It was complemented by an excellent bowling and fielding performance in the face of limp resistance from Quetta Gladiators. The ageless Mohammad Nabi was the architect of the Gladiators’ woes, conceding just seven in four overs for two wickets. Gladiators had lost their first five wickets for 57 and trudged on till the end as Karachi wrapped up a 56-run triumph.Kings opted to bat, and, as has been the trend this tournament, flew out of the blocks with David Warner and Tim Seifert. In four of the first five overs, Kings found at least two boundaries in a free-flowing start, in spite of Gladiators running through the bowling options in an attempt to find a way to apply the brakes. Back-to-back fours by Seifert off 33-year-old legspinner Ali Majid, who was making his PSL debut, brought up Kings’ fifty in the fifth over.But Kings lost their way as the end of the powerplay neared. Abrar Ahmed beat Warner in the flight four balls before Saud Shakeel cleaned Seifert up, and as Kings stuttered, Gladiators squeezed. The next four overs produced just 18 as Shakeel’s men dominated the middle overs, and by the end of the 14th, the momentum had switched around completely, with Kings having managed 108 for 4.James Vince’s half-century boosted Karachi Kings•PCB

However, the PSL’s penchant for producing big runs at the death in the first innings held firm. Vince, the only one batting with any fluency at this point, went after Faheem Ashraf, who has been routinely expensive this tournament. As Gladiators’ discipline faltered, Vince and Nabi made hay, smashing 67 in the final six to end with a total they felt was defendable.They need not have worried at all. Seven balls into their defence, Kings began to cut through their opponents. Mir Hamza responded to a Finn Allen six with a slower ball he toe-ended to Nabi, while Hasan Nawaz fell to an excellent catch at slip by Khushdil Shah.It never really got better for them despite a cameo from Kusal Mendis as a dart from Nabi brought about his departure. It was the Afghan’s first over, and he would have sunk his sword deep into the Gladiators by the time he had be done with his fourth. The ever-dangerous Rilee Rossouw departed trying to deposit him over the rope, and when he sent down his last delivery, Gladiators were teetering on the brink at 53 for 6 at the halfway stage.Opener Shakeel hung around ineffectually, never making a realistic attempt to go after the target. He clipped it around as Mohammad Amir had some success with a few swings; it was telling that by the time Aamer Jamal cleaned Amir up, he had hit a 16-ball 30 from No. 9 while Shakeel, who faced the innings’ first ball, had managed 29 off 35.Shakeel would remain undefeated till the end of an innings that hobbled along till the final delivery as Gladiators ended on 119 for 9. However, the same could not be said of the team he leads, which fell to its second successive heavy defeat.

Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou has now dropped a significant injury update on a key player, ahead of the trip to Real Betis next Wednesday.

Forest gearing up for European return

Forest are set to take part in their first European fixture in 30 years on Wednesday night, travelling to Spain to take on Real Betis in the Europa League, after what has been a strange start to the season.

Nuno’s departure just three games into the Premier League campaign didn’t come as much of a shock, given the 51-year-old’s comments about Evangelos Marinakis, but Ange hasn’t made the best of starts since being brought in to replace him.

The 3-0 defeat at Arsenal was perhaps to be expected, but the Australian will be disappointed to have been knocked out of the EFL Cup by Swansea City in the following game, before only being able to take a point in a 1-1 draw at Burnley on Saturday.

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Despite being unable to win the match, Ange took the time to praise his side’s performance, saying: “From seven days ago from when we played Arsenal, we look a different team and we saw elements of that on Wednesday night too.”

Forest had to make do without Murillo for the trip to Turf Moor, which didn’t do them any favours, and the manager has now dropped a significant update on the defender’s fitness ahead of the trip to Real Betis.

As relayed by Nottinghamshire Live, Ange said: “He should be OK for Wednesday. He was close (to being involved at Burnley), but it makes no sense risking players. I’ve been really happy with Morato at centre-back. He’s done well. I thought he stood up.

“The good thing is we have got competition for places, and that’s what we need. But the medical team tell me he (Murillo) should be ready for Wednesday.”

"Monstrous" Murillo's return will be boost for Forest

As pointed out by Ange, Morato put in a solid display in Murillo’s absence, making four clearances and three tackles to keep Burnley at bay, but the Brazilian’s return will be a boost for Forest.

The 23-year-old, who rakes in £75k-a-week, has been nothing short of a revelation at The City Ground, receiving very high praise from journalist Ryan Taylor after catching the eye against Liverpool last season.

The Brazil international also ranks in the 94th percentile for clearances per 90, and the 95th percentile for blocks over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs.

Murillo is undoubtedly one of Forest’s top players, which is underlined by the fact he only missed two Premier League games last season, so it is good news that he is set to return for Wednesday’s game.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras eliminou o Atlético-MG pela terceira vez seguida da Copa Libertadores ao empatar em 0 a 0, na quarta-feira (9), no Allianz Parque, pelas oitavas de final da competição continental.

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‘Pedra no sapato’ do Galo nas últimas duas temporadas (2021 e 2022), essa foi a primeira vez na história do torneio que uma equipe derrotou o mesmo rival por três vezes consecutivas.

+ Assista aos jogos do seu clube do coração com aquela gelada! Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00

Porém, a classificação do Verdão às quartas de final da Liberta foi marcada por um lance polêmico, que gerou muita reclamação por parte da equipe mineira. Aos 24 minutos da segunda etapa, o lateral-esquerdo Mayke afasta cruzamento para a área do Alviverde de cabeça, mas a bola acerta o braço do volante Gabriel Menino, que estava aberto.

Apesar de muita reclamação dos jogadores do Atlético, o árbitro argentino Fernando Rapallini não marcou a penalidade máxima.

Nas última horas, a Conmebol (Confederação Sul-Americana de Futebol) divulgou o áudio e as imagens da cabine do VAR do lance que resultou na polêmica. De acordo com o porta voz da entidade, a decisão do juiz foi acertada, pois a bola partiu de um jogador da mesma equipe antes de acertar a mão de Menino.

+ Pede música? Atlético-MG vira alvo de memes após nova eliminação para o Palmeiras na Libertadores

– No minuto 69, depois de um cruzamento para a área do Palmeiras, um defensor afasta a bola com a cabeça e a bola acerta a mão de um companheiro de equipe. O árbitro entende de forma correta o contexto da ação, na qual a bola vem de um companheiro de equipe e se dirige para fora da área. Isso implica que é uma mão não aplicável, posto que é um movimento deliberado – relata a Confederação.

Aston Villa know they need to win against Sunderland on Sunday afternoon. But the Stadium of Light will be ready to heap more misery on Unai Emery’s side, who are yet to score in the Premier League this season.

Moreover, Villa fell from the Carabao Cup in midweek, beaten on penalties at Brentford after a 1-1 draw.

It’s not been the best of starts, but here is a squad carrying plenty of quality, and Emery is a master of problem-solving. However, the Villans have one of the oldest average starting line-ups in the league, and some new life needs to be injected.

Fulham

19

27.6

Aston Villa

21

27.3

Everton

18

27.1

West Ham

21

27.0

Newcastle

20

26.8

Well, Harvey Elliott marked his full debut with a goal on Tuesday evening, and the Liverpool loanee will be gunning for another start on Tyne and Wear.

Harvey Elliott announces himself at Aston Villa

Elliott, 22, is contracted to Aston Villa on a short-term deal that runs until the end of the season. However, there is a purchase option worth £35m embedded in the agreement.

He will score better goals than the one at the Gtech, a tame finish weaselling its way past a disappointed Hakon Valdimarsson, who should have done better.

But score Elliott still did, and he also created a chance, completed 91% of his passes and won both of his duels (data via Sofascore) across more than an hour on the field.

A sharp-visioned playmaker, the England U21 star brings skills and style and swagger to the Lions fold, and he will hope to start from an attacking midfield berth, creating for the likes of Ollie Watkins, who has been out of sorts so far.

However, Elliott isn’t the only fresh talent who needs to be thrown in against the Black Cats, with Jadon Sancho also showing flashes of promise against Brentford.

Why Emery should start Jadon Sancho

Signing Sancho on loan was a gamble on Aston Villa’s part. The winger’s elite talent remains inarguable, but off-colour performances at Manchester United and an indifferent loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season underline the importance of an impressive campaign under Emery’s wing.

The England international, last capped against Andorra in 2021, has slid down a morass of turmoil and disappointment since leaving Borussia Dortmund as a bona fide prodigy and joining the Red Devils for £73m. Middling returns have become the norm.

However, he’ll hope to take a leaf from Marcus Rashford’s book and rise to the fore once again at Villa Park. There’s a player in there, all right, having been labelled a “generational” talent by journalist Jamie Jackson upon arrival at Old Trafford.

Fleet-footed and dynamic, the 25-year-old isn’t at the last-chance saloon, but he has the chance to make a change in a Villan side newly blunted in attack. There is an opportunity for such a player to step up and stop being a “supporting act”.

Against Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, he showed flashes of that quality, crashing a strike against the woodwork and creating two chances for his teammates, data courtesy of Sofascore.

If Sancho can polish his dribbling during the matches to come, he will prove an invaluable asset, perhaps emerging as the man to lift Watkins back up from the dry patch in which he sits.

Watkins has certainly not been at his best so far this season, but he remains a fierce striker in the Premier League, with 32 goals and 23 assists in the top flight since the start of the 2023/24 term.

Success on the ball will come. Emery will ensure it happens. And anyway, Sancho ranks among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

This fleetness when moving apace has even seen Sancho likened to a former Aston Villa stalwart: after signing for Man United, pundit Ian Wright said that Sancho was “like Grealish” in regard to his skills and gusto on the ball.

Grealish, flying at Everton, was once an almighty talisman at his boyhood Villa before departing for the riches of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in a record-breaking £100m move.

He came and conquered, but he also fell at the Etihad, and has demonstrated this season in David Moyes’ system an ability to rise up once more.

Sancho will likely have noted his countryman’s rebirth, gearing up for one of his own at Aston Villa.

Given the tactical likeness between the two attacking forces, Sancho will know he walks on ground that could see him finally leave his mark on the Premier League, adding athleticism and creativity and grace to a side lacking a goal threat right now. On his A-game, he will elevate Watkins, and indeed the wider scope of Aston Villa’s offensive play.

Aston Villa hit gold with £0 signing who's worth more than Elliott & Sancho

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U.S. international Auston Trusty says he’s in some of the best form of his career, even after missing out on several national team call-ups. Determined to prove he deserves a spot among the U.S. centerbacks, Trusty – appearing on GOAL's The Rondo – noted positive differences between USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino and former boss Gregg Berhalter.

• Getty
  

  'I will do anything possible'

  Despite starring for Scottish powerhouse Celtic, Trusty has been called up just once by Pochettino – in November 2024 – and played only one match under the Argentine manager. However, Trusty praised Pochettino, and stressed he hopes he gets the opportunity to showcase his talent with the coach. 

  "I will do anything possible to be on that team and be a player of that magnitude and be the guy for the U.S.," Trusty told GOAL. "I know I can do it. I've shown it. And it's just about getting opportunities. When I get the opportunity, thrive in it. When I get the opportunity, it's game over." 

  Trusy said he had a plantar fascia injury recently, which has limited him so far this season, making just two appearances in August. 

  "It kind of ruined some momentum," he said, "but it's about getting back into the momentum and showing them I'm here as well." 

  Trusty pointed to his stats, particularly his passing last season, as he connected on 93.5 percent.

  "I'm performing at an extremely high level," he said. "Look at all my stats, look at all of the people I'm defending in the Champions League and now, the Europa League. When you get the opportunity to get called up, it's about performing… Anyone competing for such a historic tournament, playing in the World Cup in the U.S., that's a prized possession of any American. So we're all coming with that mindset."

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  Comparing Berhalter to Pochettino

  Trusty played more under former U.S. manager Berhalter, but the defender said he was disappointed that the current Fire manager left him off the squad for big tournaments – including the 2024 Copa America. 

  "Gregg called me up, but he didn't call me up during the times I wanted to be, like with the Copa America and the World Cup," he said. "Which was very, very upsetting. Me and him have had conversations, but I won't talk about that."

  The 27-year-old said things are different with Pochettino, who's had managed the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe during his career.

  "It's good, having a fresh face coming in. Having a guy of his caliber, he's coached Messi, Neymar and Mbappe, all of those guys, so he has the backing of every single player," he said. "To have a coach of that caliber, you can't say nothing to him. He knows. He's been there and done that and you have to respect that. That's the biggest thing. 

  "He has an aura, and we all look up to him. That's what you want from a national team coach." 

• 'He's letting people have a shot'

  Trusty said Pochettino has provided opportunities to players who didn't get those chances in the previous regime. Diego Luna, for example, has 13 of his 14 caps under Pochettino, scoring three goals in that span. 

  "Maurico, he's letting people have a shot," Trusty said. "He's letting people come in, and that's what you want. If you're a player on the outside and weren't one of the ones getting called in every single camp, no matter what, that's what you want. Mauricio is doing that."

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  Australia next for USMNT

  Trusty is expected to feature for Celtic after the international break, with the team traveling to face Dundee United on Oct. 19. The USMNT play Australia in Commerce City, Colo, on Tuesday night.

With the deadline approaching, Aston Villa have reportedly set their sights on a shock late hijack to sign a player who is already in the final stages of a move to Manchester United.

Latest on Aston Villa targets

It’s been a difficult summer for Aston Villa. Not only have they been limited by PSR issues, but they’ve also missed out on targets when they have attempted to welcome incomings – the latest of which being George Mikautadze. Reports emerged that Villa had agreed personal terms with the Lyon forward, before Villarreal swooped in to agree a late deal.

The fact that Unai Emery revealed that he wants two players in every position indicates that Villa could work on further deals before the end of the window, but it remains to be seen just who arrives.

The Spaniard told reporters: “The club are working hard to get our structure as strong as possible with the players in the squad, trying to get two players for each position. There is still work to do, maybe even some players leaving more and we will have to sign and complete the squad with some players.

“The first reason now why we are missing something other in our structure and in our squad with our players because some players left one week or two weeks ago when we were expecting to a deal before.”

Since those words, rumours have suggested that former loanee Marco Asensio could be on his way back to the club, whilst a shock hijack on Manchester United could also take place.

Aston Villa eyeing late Lammens hijack

As reported by The Daily Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Aston Villa are now eyeing a last-ditch move to sign Senne Lammens ahead of Manchester United. Earlier reports from Sacha Tavolieri revealed that the Royal Antwerp goalkeeper is closing in on a move to Old Trafford and the transfer is in the “final stages”. The door, however, is still ajar for Villa to swoop in.

It would be an almighty blow for the Red Devils, but an excellent hijack by Aston Villa. The talented shot-stopper would instantly become the long-term successor to Emiliano Martinez, whose future is far from guaranteed in the Midlands these days.

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Given how advanced United’s deal reportedly is, though, Villa chiefs will need to act fast if they do want to pull of a sensational hijack. As the deadline approaches, the goalkeeper continues to be one to watch.