Liverpool came into their pre-season clash with Milan full of optimism.

They’ve arguably had the best transfer window of any team this summer, namely signing Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.

Arne Slot’s team looks set to pack a firmer punch even than they did during their Premier League-winning campaign and things could get even better.

Indeed, the Reds are favourites to land Alexander Isak after the Swede made the hierarchy at Newcastle know that he’d like to explore an exit this summer.

That positivity, however, was not enough to carry them to a win over Milan who defeated Slot’s side 4-2.

Work to do then, largely at the back where options look sparse centrally for Liverpool. Still, they seem intent to taking steps to add more to the forward line.

Who could replace Nunez and Diaz at Liverpool

Any moves Liverpool complete between now and the end of the summer are likely to depend on what happens to Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.

It’s largely been expected that the former takes his leave but where he ends up feels a little uncertain right now. As for Diaz, his future will be in Munich with Bayern having agreed to sign the Colombian winger for a fee of around £65m.

Should Nunez leave alongside Diaz, then the Reds could turn their attention to a record-breaking bid for Isak.

Yet, with Ekitike already through the door, signing an out-and-out replacement for Diaz would make a great deal more sense.

That’s where Liverpool’s wide options come into the equation. Another Toon star in the form of Anthony Gordon has been linked but that feels unlikely.

What’s more likely is concluding a deal for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo. That’s according to reports in Spain.

Reports a few weeks ago noted that Liverpool had begun talks to sign the Brazilian and now they are said to be leading the race to sign him.

It’s alleged that Arsenal are now out of the race for the Madrid star, making the Reds firm favourites. That being said, they will have to sell in order to find a move for a player being valued at around £87m.

That’s certainly a lot of money, but for a player compared to Wirtz, it’s easy to see why they’ve cast their eyes in the direction of the 24-year-old.

How Rodrygo compares to Florian Wirtz

Described as the “best midfielder in the world” by former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes, it was some coup to get Wirtz to Anfield this summer.

Many think the classic number 10 has died out but in Wirtz, you sense Liverpool have signed the heir to Kevin De Bruyne’s throne.

He’s a creative machine, having assisted 15 goals last season, but he’s also more than competent in front of goal, netting 16 times in all competitions.

Not just capable of playing through the middle, Wirtz has also found a home in wide areas, just like Rodrygo.

The Brazilian isn’t much of a number 10, however, like Wirtz, he’s played as a false 9 and out wide. His statistical data is also very similar.

Indeed, according to FBref, the German is the seventh-most similar attacking midfielder and winger to Rodrygo in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year. Here’s why.

Rodrygo vs Wirtz in 2024/25 (league only)

Stat (per 90 mins)

Rodrygo

Wirtz

Goals

0.28

0.38

Assists

0.23

0.46

Shots

2.52

2.84

Pass success %

85.9%

78.3%

Shot-creating actions

4.95

5.66

Key passes

2.29

2.18

Progressive passes

5.05

6.74

Successful take-ons

2.29

3.14

Progressive carries

5.28

5.02

Progressive passes received

11.8

11.8

Stats via FBRef.

While Wirtz’s output is supremely better – Rodrygo scored 14 and assisted 11 in all completions – their data was comparable in other areas.

Looking at the numbers, it was actually the Real winger who bettered Wirtz for key passes per 90 minutes, although only marginally.

In the dribbling department, their ability to manipulate the ball in tight areas and advance beyond the defence is uncanny.

They’re dazzling with possession at their feet, something that’s backed up by the fact that they both average over five progressive carries per 90.

Teammates clearly recognise that too, as they receive an identical number of progressive passes, underlining their ability to be given the ball between the lines where they can impact proceedings in the final third.

While Rodrygo did go 17 games without a goal at one stage in 2024/25, his ability is obvious and if you’re a player earning comparisons to Wirtz, it’s clear you’re a very talented footballer. After all, he is a “world-class superstar” in the words of Luka Modric.

For Liverpool, this would be a great move if Diaz departs.

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Glasgow Rangers took to Ibrox for the first time in pre-season on Sunday when Russell Martin’s side were held to a 2-2 draw.

Danilo led the line for Rangers during the match because Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers were both not ready to be involved at that stage.

Both players have been linked with a move away from Ibrox before the end of the summer transfer window, with clubs on the continent now keen on signing the pair.

This means that it remains to be seen whether or not they will still be at the club by September, which may be the Light Blues are reportedly in the market for a new striker.

Rangers leading race for new striker

The Scottish Premiership giants would need to bring in a fresh number nine option for Martin if they cash in on Igamane or Dessers, and they are eyeing up a free agent talent.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to Leicester Mercury reporter Josh Holland, Rangers are the “frontrunners” to secure a deal for free agent centre-forward Jamie Vardy this summer.

The former England international has been unattached since the start of this month after his contract with Leicester City officially expired at the end of June.

Genoa were interested in snapping up the experienced marksman but manager Patrick Vieira is said to have decided against the signing, which has presented Rangers with an opportunity to make their move.

It now remains to be seen whether or not the Scottish giants will be able to take advantage of the situation to get a deal over the line in the coming weeks.

Martin could find his own Defoe for Rangers

If the Gers can sign Vardy on a free transfer this summer, Martin could unearth his own version of Jermaine Defoe by relying on him up front next season.

Defoe joined the club on loan from Bournemouth at the age of 36 in the summer of 2019, and eventually joined permanently in January 2020, but was far from past his best.

The former England international went on to score 32 goals in 74 matches in all competitions for the Gers, including four goals in 15 Scottish Premiership matches in the 2020/21 title-winning season.

These statistics show that Defoe was still an incredible goalscorer, despite his age, and Vardy could be a similar signing for Martin this summer, as a 38-year-old striker who is still a huge threat in front of goal.

Appearances

35

35

xG

17.07

11.22

Goals

18

9

Conversion rate

31%

16%

Big chances created

2

6

Assists

2

4

As you can see in the table above, the English forward scored 27 goals in the last two seasons for Leicester, including nine in the Premier League last term, which shows that he is still a reliable marksman.

Vardy, who was once hailed for his “sensational” movement by Brendan Rodgers, did underperform his xG in the top-flight for the Foxes, but was still getting in positions to consistently generate high-quality chances.

His form in Leicester’s 2023/24 title-winning season in the Championship also shows that he still has what it takes to deliver consistently and efficiently in front of goal in a team that is competing at the top end of the table.

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Therefore, Vardy could be Martin’s own version of Defoe as a veteran former England international striker who still has the quality and consistency to make a huge impact in the Premiership in the 2025/26 campaign.

يخوض منتخب مصر لكرة الطائرة “رجال” مباراة قوية وهامة أمام منافسه تونس، اليوم الخميس ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العالم للكرة الطائرة.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع تونس، في إطار الجولة الثالثة من عمر مباريات المجموعة الأولى لبطولة العالم لكرة الطائرة.

وتلعب منافسات بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة 2025، في الفترة من 12 إلى 28 سبتمبر الجاري، في دولة الفلبين.

طالع | اتحاد الطائرة يتوصل إلى اتفاق مع ماركو بونيتا لتدريب منتخب مصر

ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الأولى من بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة مع منتخبات الفلبين وتونس وإيران.

ويحتاج منتخب مصر للفوز بمباراة اليوم أمام تونس من أجل حجز بطاقة التأهل إلى دور الـ16 من بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة. موعد مباراة مصر وتونس اليوم في بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة

تقام مباراة مصر أمام تونس، اليوم الخميس 18 سبتمبر 2025، في تمام الساعة 08:30 صباحا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر وتونس اليوم في بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة

تنقل المباراة بين منتخبي مصر وتونس، عبر قناة أون سبورت 1.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا

Nigar Sultana wants Bangladesh to beat Scotland in their opening match of the women’s T20 World Cup on October 3 and set the tone for the rest of the tournament. Beating Scotland would be a “huge achievement”, she said, since Bangladesh haven’t won a match in their last four World Cup appearances, and have won just one game in five editions.Nigar, however, clarified that Bangladesh were not taking Scotland lightly. “We want to win the first match,” she said. “It will be a huge achievement for the team. The team will get into a flow when that happens. We can then dream of something bigger. We are hungry for it.”Scotland, though, are playing good cricket. Generally teams arrive at the World Cup with a lot of expectations. They won’t let you win easily. They don’t give up without a fight. We are mentally prepared to face those challenges.Related

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“I have played four World Cups but we have never won a game in those editions. The last time we won was in the 2014 tournament [against Sri Lanka]. We have played well in previous editions but playing well only means something when you can win.”Nigar and Bangladesh are dreaming big. They want to challenge England, West Indies and South Africa, the others in their group in the first round, and are hoping to get into the semi-finals.”To play in the semi-final, we have to win against those three teams, too,” Nigar said. “We have different plans against each team. If we can execute our game-plan, then it will good for us. We have defeated South Africa in T20Is [twice in 13 completed matches]. We rarely meet England, only in World Cups, so it might be difficult for them, too. We all know that we have a good spin attack.”The tournament was initially supposed to be held in Bangladesh, but following political unrest in the country in July-August, the ICC relocated it to the UAE.”For a long time, we prepared with the understanding that the World Cup will be held at home,” Nigar said. “It is not in our control, so there’s no point thinking about it anymore. We played in Abu Dhabi in 2021, where the wickets were nice. Sharjah is a new venue for us, but we will play two practice matches, which will give us some idea.”Other teams will face similar challenges, so the faster we can adapt to those challenges, it will help us play better in the tournament’s main matches.”Young Rabeya Khan has been a revelation for Bangladesh in recent times•BCB

Batting a concern for Bangladesh

Bangladesh haven’t done well with the bat in their last two home series, against India and Australia, and also lost to India and Sri Lanka in the women’s Asia Cup earlier this year.Giving Nigar confidence, though, are newcomers like Shathi Rani and the uncapped Taj Nehar, who was picked ahead of the more experienced Rumana Ahmed.”Batting is definitely a concern but we saw some improvements among the batters during the ‘A’ team tour [of Sri Lanka],” she said. “We still believe that we can do well as most of our players have also done well in the domestic tournaments. I hope they continue their form in the World Cup.”We included Taj for the middle-order, although she doesn’t have experience. We saw her in the league [Women’s National Cricket League] where she showed good approach and intent. She can play the big shots. If you have followed our recent international matches, we failed in showing intent. Shathi was the highest run-getter in the league. She can go after the bowling, and you can see those in some of her innings. She can use the powerplay quite well. She has proved herself to come at this stage.”Bangladesh have a strong spin attack that includes left-arm spinner Nahida Akter and 19-year-old legspinner Rabeya Khan. Nigar paid a glowing tribute to young Rabeya, who is the team’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is this year [14 wickets in 12 games]. “Rabeya is one of our finest bowlers. She has taken our team to a different level through her contributions in both formats. She is a great fielder. She is good with the bat too but doesn’t take batting seriously. She is maturing slowly. If there’s someone I rely with the ball in tough situations after Nahida, it is definitely Rabeya.”

She will likely miss the next game against Australia for which Muneeba Ali will lead

Shashank Kishore10-Oct-2024Fatima Sana, the Pakistan captain, will return home to Karachi on Thursday via the first available flight following the death of her father, a PCB media statement said. It’s likely she will miss Pakistan’s next game against Australia in Dubai on Friday.Muneeba Ali will stand in for Sana.Sana’s absence will be a big blow for Pakistan, who need to win at least one, preferably both games, to stand a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals from a tough Group A. They are currently placed third in the group after a win and loss each from their two games. After the Australia game, Pakistan will round off their league stage against New Zealand in Dubai on Monday.Sana, the youngest captain at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at 22, has been central to Pakistan’s campaign so far. She top-scored with 30 and picked up two crucial wickets, including that of Chamari Athapaththu, in their opening-night upset of Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka.Against India, Sana was instrumental in India huffing and puffing in pursuit of a small target. Her back-to-back wickets of Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh briefly gave India the jitters and ensured Pakistan’s net run rate didn’t take a massive hit.Since replacing Nida Dar as captain, Sana has tried to ring in a change in mindset with Pakistan’s focus switching towards marrying data along with a more robust batting approach.

Leeds United were very much the entertainers in the Championship last season as they romped home to the title in style.

In total, the free-flowing Whites would fire home an emphatic 95 strikes across the 46-game campaign, with Joel Piroe also winning the second-tier’s top goalscorer accolade when contributing to a sizeable 19 of that high amount.

Still, the newly promoted side will know the Premier League is a different kettle of fish altogether, resulting in some proven top-flight attackers now appearing on their ever-growing shopping list, as their goalscoring heroics in the EFL are pushed to the side.

Leeds consider move for new number ten

At one end of the pitch, Farke and co appear to have finally sealed a replacement for Illan Meslier, in the form of Lyon’s Lucas Perri, with the 27-year-old set to sign for a fee of around £13m from the Ligue 1 outfit.

At the other end, Leeds have already added Lucas Nmecha to their forward options, with the German attacker already helping himself to a pre-season goal for his brand new team.

But, with his sketchy injury record, it would be foolish to halt the striker additions there, as Rodrigo Muniz continues to be talked about as one of the Whites’ priorities up top in winning themselves a Premier League-ready performer.

Muniz does have a respectable 17 goals next to his name in the tough division for Fulham, but it remains to be seen what amount Farke and Co. would be willing to fork out to land the clinical Brazilian, with £50m coming in as his reported, eye-watering valuation.

Alongside securing a fresh striker, Leeds will also be on the hunt for an exciting number ten to complement the striker makeover, with Bilal El Khannouss an option they’re now considering in this department from recently relegated Leicester City.

Leeds-centric journalist Beren Cross has revealed that development amid interest in the Moroccan playmaker also coming from Sunderland and Aston Villa in the Premier League.

This level of interest in the £22.5m ace’s services might make it hard for Leeds to sneak a deal over the line, but if they want a promising attacking talent that could set up Muniz with even more chances, they should persist in trying to bring the up-and-coming youngster to West Yorkshire.

Why El Khannouss could be a dream for Muniz

Muniz’s 17 strikes for the Cottagers in total look like a reasonable amount of goals for a striker to have next to his name on first inspection.

However, that amount suddenly holds more weight when you consider eight of those strikes were hammered in Premier League action last season from just eight starts, with one of his Fulham teammates in Willian, even declaring him as “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” off the back of this blistering form.

An extended run in the team under Daniel Farke could well help Muniz become even more potent, with the likes of Daniel James no doubt chomping at the bit to supply him with golden opportunities, alongside El Khannouss if he ditches the King Power Stadium for Elland Road.

Even as Leicester fell through the relegation trapdoor last season, El Khannouss still managed to stand out as a thorn in the side of many top-flight outfits, with his promising output of two goals and three assists only telling the basic, surface-level story of an impressive individual campaign.

Indeed, if the 21-year-old had the potency of Muniz next to him in the Midlands, his assist count would be sitting at a far heftier amount, with a steep eight big chances created by the “sensational” El Khannouss – as he was glowingly labelled by football analyst Ben Mattinson – when donning Foxes blue.

Four goals and 14 assists would also come the slick midfielder’s way when performing out of his skin for Genk before Leicester came calling, culminating in Miguel Ribeiro – who coached the Moroccan sensation in Belgium – further lauding the 21-year-old for possessing “eyes in his back” regarding his split-second ability to carve out an opening.

Both signings – as well as that of Perri – could be key, therefore, as Leeds attempt to play with confidence and swagger in the attacking areas in the Premier League, over receding into their shell as relegation candidates.

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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard came up against some of the world’s best players during his career, both in the Premier League, the Champions League and the World Cup with England.

Regarded as one of the greatest Premier League midfielders of all time, Gerrard was hailed by Zinedine Zidane, who called the Liverpool icon the ‘best in the world’ and wanted Real Madrid to sign him.

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Jose Mourinho was also a huge fan of Gerrard and tried to bring him to Chelsea, whereas Wayne Rooney called the Liverpool star his greatest ever England teammate.

But who impressed Gerrard on the pitch? Italian icons Gianluigi Buffon and Paolo Maldini made up two of his dream five-a-side team and Gerrard then named ‘the three best players’ he played against during his 18-year career to finish his list.

There is no room for former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

3 Zinedine Zidane

France icon Zinedine Zidane stole the show in the only time he faced Gerrard at Euro 2004.

The Three Lions and Gerrard looked to be on their way to a Group B win thanks to a Frank Lampard goal before Zidane scored a brilliant free-kick in injury time.

The attacking midfielder then scored a penalty to win it for France in the 93rd minute, with Gerrard describing Zidane as a “freak”.

2 Lionel Messi

No shocks to see Lionel Messi as one of Gerrard’s toughest opponents he has faced. Back in the 2006/07 season, Liverpool came up against Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16.

Barcelona won 1-0 at Anfield in the first leg, however, the Reds famously defeated the Catalan giants 2-1 at the Nou Camp to progress after goals from Craig Bellamy and John Arne Rise.

2009

Barcelona

2010

Barcelona

2011

Barcelona

2012

Barcelona

2015

Barcelona

2019

Barcelona

2021

Barcelona

2023

Inter Miami

Messi, who was still 19 at the time, failed to score or provide an assist in either game, but Gerrard was impressed with what he saw that day and the subsequent years from the Argentine.

1 Ronaldinho

Rounding off Gerrard’s toughest trio he has faced is Ronaldinho, who was also in the Barcelona side that Liverpool overcame in the 06/07 Champions League.

Gerrard also faced Ronaldinho on the international stage on two occasions, with Brazil and England drawing 1-1 in 2007. The Three Lions then won 2-1 in 2013, with Joe Hart actually saving a penalty from Ronaldinho.

Despite that, Gerrard was often left stunned with the skilful South American, saying:

Tottenham Hotspur now face stiff competition from a rival Premier League side in the race for a “playmaker”, according to a report, with Thomas Frank looking to reinforce his squad in a few key areas ahead of his first full season in charge.

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Spurs have made a splash in the summer market already with their £55 million deal for winger Mohammed Kudus, which ended a 14-year unofficial transfer embargo between West Ham and their London rivals.

Kudus has been pictured in Lilywhites training as the club prepare for their first pre-season game of the summer against Reading this weekend, with the Ghanaian joining Mathys Tel and Kota Takai as Daniel Levy’s first three official signings of the summer.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025	Average match rating
Son Heung-min	7.00
James Maddison	6.98
Pedro Porro	6.95
Dominic Solanke	6.84
Dejan Kulusevski	6.83
via WhoScored

In an ideal world, Kudus would’ve been joined at Hotspur Way by Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, who was expected to undergo a medical last Friday before a £60 million switch from the City Ground.

However, in a very unexpected turn of events, the Englishman’s transfer is being significantly delayed, with Forest taking legal action over what they believe was an illegal approach from Tottenham for their star attacker, as first reported by Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.

That being said, some confidence remains that Gibbs-White will eventually seal a move to Spurs (Alasdair Gold), so their potential £115 million double-swoop for the 25-year-old and Kudus is still alive.

Forest are complaining to the Premier League, with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side raising concerns over how Spurs became aware of ‘confidential details’ in his contract (Standard Sport).

Interestingly, Forest are “adamant” that Gibbs-White is not for sale (Sky Sports), but Spurs are still hopeful of doing the deal.

As Spurs wait for the green-light to sign-off on Gibbs-White’s transfer, they do have their eyes on other transfer targets, with Levy reportedly after a holding midfielder and a number six as well (TBR Football).

Journalist Graeme Bailey reported last week that Tottenham have held talks with £138,000-per-week Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz’s representatives, and the Old Lady will allow him to leave Turin this summer after a lacklustre debut campaign in Serie A.

Everton threaten to hijack alleged Tottenham talks with Douglas Luiz

Now, according to Calciomercato, Spurs may not have a free run at signing the Brazilian, with Everton threatening a move of their own.

The Italian news outlet states that Everton are ready to bid for Luiz after his alleged talks with Tottenham, and the Toffees have initiated club-to-club discussions as they attempt to back manager David Moyes for his first full season back on Merseyside.

Juve want around £35 million to part company with Luiz, and will not entertain any form of loan, as Igor Tudor’s side seek to sell him immediately and reinvest that money in their own summer recruitment drive.

Aston Villa’s president of football operations, Monchi, tipped him to kickstart his career at Juve earlier this year, but it appears the South American could seal a quick-fire return to England instead.

“He’s playing less than we all expected, but we’re talking about a strong player,” said Monchi about Luiz to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“There are guys who arrive and impose themselves, others who need time. Patience is needed, but Douglas’ qualities are beyond discussion. He will become important for Juve.

“He’s a playmaker and every ball that comes out of his feet has a meaning: last year he played 90% of the games with us. He was decisive.”

أعلنت رابطة الأندية المصرية المحترفة، برئاسة أحمد دياب، بشكل رسمي، اليوم الخميس، عن الأندية المشاركة في بطولة السوبر المصري 2025-26.

وكان الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم قد قرر منذ موسمين إقامة بطولة كأس السوبر المصري بشكل جديد، بمشاركة 4 أندية بدلاً من نظامها القديم بين بطلي الدوري والكأس فقط.

طالع.. لتكافؤ الفرص.. تعديل مواعيد مباريات رباعي السوبر المصري في الدوري

وكانت آخر بطولة لـ كأس السوبر المصري في الموسم الماضي أقيمت في دولة الإمارات، وحقق الأهلي اللقب بالفوز في المباراة النهائية على الزمالك بركلات الترجيح.

وبحسب بيان رابطة الأندية، فإن بطولة كأس السوبر المصري ستقام في الإمارات في الفترة من 6-9 نوفمبر المقبل.

وأكد البيان أنه من المقرر مشاركة فرق الأهلي والزمالك وبيراميدز وسيراميكا كليوباترا في بطولة كأس السوبر المصري. الأندية المشاركة في كأس السوبر المصري 2025

1- الأهلي “بطل الدوري”

2- الزمالك “بطل كأس مصر”

3- سيراميكا كليوباترا “بطل كأس الرابطة”

4- بيراميدز “صاحب الكارت الذهبي”.

The American icon weighed in on the ongoing striker competition for the national team and believes the AS Monaco star deserves the nod over Sargent

Donovan believes Balogun has more quality than SargentFormer captain questions Sargent's international-level capabilitiesConsistent underwhelming performances from Sargent concern DonovanGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED

U.S. icon Landon Donovan delivered a pointed critique of Josh Sargent, questioning his fit as a USMNT striker. The Norwich City forward struggled again in the loss to South Korea before being replaced, prompting Donovan to note he’s had “a number of games” with inadequate performances.

“Look he [Balogun] is, I think he's better,” Donovan said on the podcast. "[Balogun] needs to be on the field, and I think Pochettino knows that now."

Donovan made the stark declaration that some players simply aren't at "national team level," suggesting Sargent falls into this category.

“Josh Sargent, I think it's like 17 games now for the U.S., he's gone without scoring, there's just something," Donovan said. "He scores every time he touches the ball for Norwich; it’s crazy. And so, I like him. There are just some guys, they're just not national team level all the time, or maybe they are in friendlies and CONCACAF Gold Cup [matches]. But you know, it's there are levels to these things, right?”

AdvertisementWHAT LANDON DONOVAN SAIDTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Sargent's difficulties with the national team represent a concerning pattern despite his solid club performances with Norwich City. The 24-year-old has scored just five goals in 29 appearances for the USMNT since his debut, and his current goal drought extends to 2019 with the national team. 

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Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

Following their friendly against Japan on Sept. 9, the U.S. will resume action in October against Ecuador and Australia.