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The hit by pitch has become so common—and dangerous—that twice last week benches cleared on hits by pitches that were . Even accidental plunkings are putting hitters in a fighting mood.

The Padres and Dodgers confronted each other Thursday after Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit by a 27-year-old pitcher making his major league debut in a 5–0 game. San Diego manager Mike Shildt touched off the bench-clearing episode when he stormed out of the dugout toward Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts.

“Intentional, unintentional, the fact of the matter is I took exception to it,” said Shildt after watching Tatis get hit for a fourth time in seven games by the Dodgers. He’s been hit once in all other games.

The next night, the Angels and Astros went at it after Angels shortstop Zach Neto took exception to getting hit by a Hunter Brown sinker for the second time .

“I know he’s not trying to hit me,” Neto said, “but it’s definitely frustrating.”

Since spring training, Chris Taylor (hand), Sean Murphy (rib), Thairo Estrada (wrist), Andrew Benintendi (hand), Jake Cronenworth (ribs), Paul DeJong (nose), Joc Pederson (hand) and Luke Keaschall (forearm) all suffered broken bones on pitches. Stars such as Corbin Carroll, Bryce Harper and Christian Yelich were fortunate to avoid major injuries on scary hits by pitches.

What’s going on with hits by pitches? Are hitters getting too sensitive? Is this the price for pitchers getting rushed to the big leagues? Are injuries forcing pitchers into the big leagues when they don’t belong there?

It’s time to set aside the myths and sloppy narratives. Let’s examine the facts of the hit by pitch epidemic to find out what’s going on.

1. Hitting has never been more dangerous than these past eight seasons.

The eight seasons with the highest rates of hit by pitches since 1901 are, in order, 2020, 2023, 2021, 2024, 2022, 2019, 2025, 2018. Notice a trend? In 117 seasons from 1901 to 2017, the hit by pitch rate never reached 0.8 per game (both teams combined). Now it has done so eight straight years. (That’s also before and after the sticky stuff crackdown.)

Hits by pitches have become so common and dangerous, it is rare to see a player go to the plate without some kind of armor on their hands, wrists, arm or elbow.

2. The biggest factor in the rise of hits by pitches is the rise of pitch-shaping.

The trend toward lab-grown pitches (tweak their shape and spin) has overtaken pure velocity as the guiding force of pitching. Most pitchers now want to move the ball to both glove side and arm side. That has given rise to more same-side sinkers (i.e., right-on-right two-seamers running in) and off-side cutters (i.e., right-on-left cutters).

Of the 914 hits by pitches this year through Saturday, more have been caused by sinkers and cutters than any other type of pitch. More telling, the rate of HBP from sinkers and cutters is much higher compared to their overall use. Nothing else is close. Sinkers and cutters account for only 23.4% of pitches but 34.2% of HBPs.

2025 HBP by pitch type

Pitch type	No. of pitches	% HBP	% of Pitches	Difference
Sinkers/Cutters	310	34.2	23.4	+10.8
Breaking	281	30.7	31	-0.3
Four-seamers	239	26.1	31.6	-5.5
Off-speed	73	8	13.8	-5.8

“I don’t think [pitchers] pitch in as much as they used to,” says Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, the dean of active managers who is in his 28th season. “So, they don’t quite have that command for that pitch. And a lot of it is elevated in, too. You pitch on that top rail, in with the sinker that gets away from you a little bit, you’re gonna hit somebody. Those are the scary ones.”

3. The youngest pitchers are not the worst culprits.

Pitchers 25 and under hit batters at a 7% lower rate than pitchers 26 to 30 years old.

Hit by Pitch rate by age of pitcher, 2025

Age	Plate appearances per HBP
25 and under	95.6
26-30	88.5
31-35	105.2
36+	105.3

4. That said, there is a general correlation between age and control.

Pitching control metrics by age, 2025

Age	PA per HBP	BB percentage
30 and under	90.2	8.8%
31+	105.2	8.2%

5. Hitters share the blame.

Brown yelled back at Neto that standing close to the plate and “diving” into a pitch puts a hitter in harm’s way. He is not wrong.

Here are the two right-on-right sinkers from Brown that hit Neto:

Those pitches are only 6½ inches off the inside corner of the strike zone, about the width of two baseballs. Neto’s feet are close to the plate and his hands are above the plate as he starts to bring the barrel around.

Where does a hitter look for the baseball? Here’s a clue: Combine that prevalence with the widespread adoption of body armor and you have hitters dismissing the pitch in.

“I don’t think they’re even concerned about it,” Bochy says. “When these hitters are going to game plan, a lot of times they’re looking out over the plate. There's no fear.

“Guys pitched in more than I think what they do now. And these [hitters], they’re just diving. I mean, we have some guys doing it, too. You saw Josh Jung break his wrist [last year]. Guys used to turn or move [away]. But now they’re going right into the pitch. Some guys just have a hard time turning out of the way versus getting their hands going there a little bit.

“You’ve got these pitchers now throwing so hard with that ball running in or that cutter … that cutter is a big pitch and it’s hitting a lot of these guys because they’re committing and then they’re just going right into it.”

6. Randy Arozarena of the Seattle Mariners is the best example of the collision of these pitching and hitting changes.

Arozarena leads the majors in hit by pitches with 13 (tied with Ty France). One pitch clipped his hand and 11 have hit his elbow guard. Six of them have come on right-on-right sinkers.

He has been hit 84 times in his career. Seventy-five of those HBPs (89%) have been above the waist and below the shoulder—mostly off his elbow guard.

Since he first came up in 2019, Arozarena has moved closer to the plate and learned how to keep his protected front elbow in the path of the pitch rather than avoiding it. Here are pitches off his elbow guard over the years where you can see he moved closer to the plate with his feet and, thus, his elbow:

7. Tatis was hit by pure misfires from Lou Trivino and Jack Little.

Those pitches were 24.5 and 15 inches off the inside corner of the plate, respectively.

Shildt overreacted because he doesn’t want to lose his impact hitter to a broken bone caused by bad pitching. Intent didn’t matter. Major league hitters expect major league pitchers to have major league command. Sometimes pitches get away.

Like many modern hitters, Tatis starts with an open stance and steps into the baseball. Over his career, he has been hit 18 times by pitches from righthanders; eight of them on sinkers.

Said a rival manager, “Tatis, you have to pitch him in. I know they’re tired of him getting hit. But, hell, what’s your option? Keep throwing him away and give up damage? Or try to get him out? I don't think anybody was trying to hit him, but he gets hit a lot.”

8. The HBPs of Shohei Ohtani by San Diego, both after Tatis was hit, looked intentional.

Randy Vásquez hit Ohtani in the thigh with a four-seamer on Tuesday, after just missing him with the previous pitch, also a four-seamer. It was only the third lefthanded hitter Vásquez hit in his career with a four-seamer, the first time on a pitch that high.

Two days later, Robert Suarez also hit Ohtani with a fastball. Suarez has thrown 831 four-seam fastballs to lefthanded hitters. The one to Ohtani was the farthest inside of all of them.

Suarez has hit only three lefthanded batters with his fastball in his career. The other two occurred in his rookie season, three years ago.

The count was 3–0. It happened in the bottom of the inning just after Little pegged Tatis.

Cool cat that he is, Ohtani shrugged, took first base without complaint and waved to his teammates the equivalent of, “Let’s move on; nothing to see here.”

MLB deemed it intentional and suspended Suarez three games. Suarez denied it was intentional.

9. Injuries and analytics-based game management have put hundreds more pitchers in the big leagues who about a decade ago would still be in the minor leagues honing their craft.

Just short of halfway through this season, MLB teams already have used more pitchers than in the 141 entire seasons between 1874 and 2014.

The 19th century, I get. But just think about this when you want to understand how fast the game has changed: teams have used more pitchers less than halfway through this season (709) than they did the entire season just 11 years ago (692).

Jurgen Klopp has reportedly emerged as a potential successor to Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid after the club’s disastrous 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo. The German, who stepped away from frontline management after leaving Liverpool and now works as Red Bull’s global head of football, is reportedly one of two names under consideration to replace Alonso as Real Madrid weigh their options in what has rapidly become a full-blown crisis.

• Bernabeu hierarchy convene for emergency talks

  Madrid’s loss on Sunday night, compounded by two red cards and fury in the stands, has triggered alarm among the club’s leadership. Having taken just six points from a possible 15 in their last five La Liga games, the Spanish giants, who were five points clear at the summit after beating Barcelona in late October, now sit four points behind their eternal rivals. 

  According to, Real Madrid officials convened an emergency meeting after the match, one that reportedly stretched until 1 am. The club’s hierarchy was split: some urged immediate dismissal, while others argued for granting Alonso one final opportunity to steady the team during Wednesday’s crucial Champions League fixture against Manchester City. What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that patience is scarce inside the Bernabeu. Senior figures are troubled by what they see as a weakening connection between Alonso and key members of the dressing room. While club officials do not place all the blame on the 44-year-old, there is growing dissatisfaction with both the team’s performances and what one insider described as a confused identity on the pitch.

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  Klopp’s name resurfaces as Madrid assess options

  Though Klopp has repeatedly stated he is no longer interested in full-time coaching, his name has resurfaced in Madrid circles. Some within the club view him as the type of commanding figure capable of re-establishing authority in a fractured squad. His decision to join Red Bull in January drew stinging criticism, with many highlighting the contradiction between his past critiques of multi-club ownership models and his new position within one. It has been widely reported that his contract contains an escape clause allowing him to apply for the German national team role if it becomes available. But whether similar provisions exist for club jobs, such as Real Madrid, is unknown. One source close to Klopp told that he is "happy" in his current role, though few believe the door to a major European job is ever truly closed.

• Zidane and Arbeloa also under consideration

  Club favourites Alvaro Arbeloa and Zinedine Zidane are also admired by the Madrid hierarchy. Arbeloa, who oversees Real Madrid Castilla, fits the profile of a young coach steeped in the club’s culture. Zidane, meanwhile, maintains enormous affection from Florentino Perez after winning three consecutive Champions League titles. However, reports in France indicate he remains committed to pursuing the national team job should it become vacant. Madrid turned to Zidane for a second time in similar circumstances in 2019 after the short-lived reigns of Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari. Yet this time, his availability, and more importantly, his willingness to be back at the Bernabeu dugout, is far from assured.

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  Crucial UCL night awaits at the Bernabeu

  Wednesday’s continental tie against City now carries immense weight for Alonso’s future, one that may determine whether Madrid make a managerial change before the winter break. All eyes will be on the crowd. The reception Alonso and his players receive could speak volumes about how much faith remains in this project. It's wait-and-watch time for the Real Madrid board.

Neymar is being backed to reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami as the Brazilian remains a “huge name” around the world and a notable coup for MLS. As things stand, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker is running down his contract at Santos. Brad Friedel has told GOAL why a deal for the Samba superstar makes sense for those in North America.

Injury questions: Is Neymar fit enough for MLS move?

Neymar has endured more frustration on the injury front since returning to his homeland, with ACL damage previously leading to the eventual termination of his contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The 33-year-old is currently playing through pain in a shock relegation battle.

It remains to be seen whether any lasting damage is suffered, with the ultimate goal being to represent Brazil at next summer’s World Cup finals. A change of scenery at club level may have been taken in by then, with the talented forward preparing to hit free agency.

AdvertisementGettyCommercial value vs sporting sense: Do Neymar numbers add up?

There have been suggestions that David Beckham and Co could look to reform the fabled ‘MSN’ attacking unit in Miami, with Neymar set to be presented with the chance to link up with ex-Barca team-mates Messi and Luis Suarez.

Quizzed on whether such a deal would make as much sense from a sporting perspective as it does a commercial one, ex-USMNT and MLS star Friedel – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “You have to look at it this way in the US. It has been documented recently, with the change in Apple TV, I don’t think that has gone as swimmingly as they had hoped. The subscription amounts, the numbers for that MLS package, aren’t at a level so they are changing, I think they announced, next year. I think they are trying a lot of things to get the notoriety of the league and the viewership up.

“I understand it. What makes leagues tick is the revenue machine of media rights – that’s why the Premier League is such a machine. Right now in the US, it doesn’t cover salary caps. It’s a single entity venture. Let’s say Inter Miami makes money but Houston loses, everyone has to share in the loss around the league.

“If Neymar is fit, then I think it works, I really do because he’s still a huge name in certain parts of the US. The trouble is if he’s not fit and he’s injured a lot, then it becomes a negative media-driven reality. I can understand arguments on both sides for sure.

“I would assume, and these are smart guys, it would be a tiered contract based on performances and being fit. Having spent some time in Miami, before Messi came you wouldn’t have really known that Miami had a team. From the time that he came, there are pink and black shirts everywhere. If Neymar came, it would add to that.

“I can understand what they are trying to do. You have to look at it carefully because it’s a tough one due to his injury record. But he has that special talent that can really excite some American fans. He can do some special things. I would probably be 55 for it and 45 against.”

Risk and reward: Why Neymar appeals to MLS market

Friedel previously told GOAL of the risks involved in making a play for Neymar: “I think it would be a risk on anyone’s behalf; I think it just depends on how you would structure the contract. You also have to weigh the pros and cons – when you sign legends of the game like Neymar, you also have to take into account the commercial opportunities that go with it, and it coincides nearly every time with the salary and wage packet that you are going to give.

“You are going to make a substantial amount of money off the field when you bring someone like that in. I think there is probably more of a sporting risk than a commercial risk – or equally so if he does get injured. But if he doesn’t get injured, the risk becomes his age and the injuries he has had, and whether he can be that player [they need].

“The plus side is, it is a league that is a step down from where he is playing. Lionel Messi is the greatest of all time, but he can play many more years in MLS. It is a league that will allow players to do that, so I think Inter Miami need to weigh the pros and cons of what they can earn off the field and try to get it correct.

“If they can structure the contract correctly, then it limits the risk. Having Neymar alongside Messi again – I am not sure. We will wait and see, but the league needs to do something commercially.”

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GOAL/GettyMSN reforming: Will Neymar end up at Inter Miami?

Neymar has previously spoken of his desire to work with Messi again, having enjoyed considerable success alongside the Argentine GOAT at Barcelona and during a testing spell in France with PSG.

He has not figured for Brazil since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023 and may need a fresh start, alongside some familiar faces, in order to recapture peak form and convince Selecao boss Carlo Ancelotti of his worth.

Everton scouts have now reportedly been spotted watching Republic of Ireland international Troy Parrott over the break, as he scored twice to shock Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal side.

The Toffees very nearly enjoyed the perfect summer. They welcomed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City and splashed out on one of their biggest-ever deals to sign Tyler Dibling from Southampton. In many ways, it was a statement from The Friedkin Group ahead of Everton’s move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

That statement came without one key part, however, and that was a clinical goalscorer. Those in Merseyside took a £27m gamble on Villarreal’s Thierno Barry, but he’s yet to score a goal for the club. Meanwhile, Beto hasn’t done much better – scoring just twice in 13 games in all competitions.

Minutes

386

609

Goals

0

1

Assists

0

0

Expected Goals

1.3

4.1

What’s most concerning about the form of Everton’s strikers is that they’ve both had the chances to record better records than they have done. Barry is without a goal with an XG of 1.3, whilst Beto has significantly underperformed with one goal from a 4.1 XG.

It’s a clear problem that Everton must address for David Moyes in 2026 and a number of targets have already emerged as a result. According to recent reports, the Toffees have so far set their sights on Celtic’s Daizen Maeda, who wants to leave the Scottish club, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney.

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The midfielder desperately needs a winter move.

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All three options make sense. Maeda wants to leave Celtic and is reportedly available for just £15m. Zirkzee could offer Everton a repeat of their Grealish revival, whilst Toney may need a Premier League return to boost his World Cup chances.

The list doesn’t end there, however. Joining those aforementioned names, Everton reportedly sent scouts to watch Parrot against Portugal earlier this week.

Everton send scouts to track Troy Parrott

According to Everton News, Everton sent scouts to watch Parrott in action for Ireland against Portugal on Thursday night, as he netted a brace to hand his country a major boost towards their World Cup hopes. In the same game, Ronaldo was handed the first red card of his international career to sum up a shocking night to forget.

On a stage which featured Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and others, it was Parrot who stole the show to take his goal total to 13 in 14 games for the season. Quite simply, he has been in sensational form for AZ Alkmaar and Ireland.

Compared to Irish legend Robbie Keane by the man himself, Parrott has scored more goals than Beton and Barry combined so far this season and there’s still plenty more to come.

As Everton’s search for a striker goes on, they may hand the former Tottenham Hotspur gem the perfect chance to complete a return to English football.

Everton hatch striker plan as Moyes moves for star with 18 goals this season

تحدث الدولي البرازيلي رودريجو، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد عما فعله كارلو أنشيلوتي في منتخب البرازيل وموقفه من المشاركة أساسيًا مع الفريق الملكي.

وقال رودريجو في حديثه مع وسائل الإعلام بعد تعادل البرازيل أمام تونس أمس، الثلاثاء، في المباراة الودية التي جمعتهما ضمن استعدادات المنتخبات لكأس العالم المقبل 2026.

ويعاني رودريجو هذا الموسم من المشاركة أساسيًا مع ريال مدريد تحت قيادة تشابي ألونسو، المدير الفني للفريق.

وقال رودريجو، في تصريحات عبر صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية: “لا يسعني إلا التعليق على ما حدث منذ أن استدعاني أنشيلوتي، لدي شعور جيد بعد رؤية كيف تحسن الفريق وكيف بذلنا قصارى جهدنا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | تطورات إصابة ميليتاو مع منتخب البرازيل

وأكمل: “الآن لدينا فكرة واضحة عن كيفية الهجوم والدفاع وهذا يُحدث فرقًا كبيرًا، لدي شعور إيجابي لكن علينا دائمًا الفوز ومواصلة التحسن، لا يمكننا أن نرضى بهذه التعادل”.

وعن عدم مشاركته مع ألونسو، أوضح: “لا يوجد الكثير مما يمكنني فعله، عليّ مواصلة العمل الجاد وبذل قصارى جهدي ومحاولة كسب ثقة المدرب هناك (يقصد تشابي ألونسو)، تمامًا كما اكتسبتها هنا”.

وأتم رودريجو تصريحاته: “أعتقد أنني أستطيع التحسن في التدريب فهو يرى اجتهادي في العمل ومن يدري ربما أحصل على المزيد من الفرص”.

From No.9 last year, they have climbed up to fourth on the ICC’s table

Andrew Fidel Fernando04-Jul-2025

Charith Asalanka and Sanath Jayasuriya oversee Sri Lanka’s training session•AFP/Getty Images

Yes it’s an infrequently played format these days, and sure, the rankings have never meant much. But for Sri Lanka coach Sanath Jayasuriya, the ODI men’s team’s climb up the ladder from No. 9 around the middle of last year, to fourth now, is indication that they are on the rebound. And for Jayasuriya, they couldn’t have done it without the leadership of Charith Asalanka.”Charith Asalanka has played a key role alongside me,” Jayasuriya said ahead of the second ODI against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka had won the first match by 77 runs. “What we have done is to give players confidence and get the best out of them. Players worked very hard and that hard work that we put in has enabled us to move forward. There were mistakes that they fixed.”Asalanka himself has averaged 46.83 and struck at 97.23 as captain. His106 on Wednesday was a match-winning innings.Related

Shanaka, Karunaratne, Wellalage back in SL squad for T20Is against Bangladesh

Bangladesh aim to put collapse behind them and challenge Sri Lanka

Bangladesh sink after 7 for 5 collapse and Asalanka century

It had been a tough few years. Sri Lanka finished ninth in the 2023 ODI World Cup, enduring a horror campaign, and as a result failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy this year, for the first time.But things have looked better since last year. They have won 10 out of 14 completed matches since August, and have defeated India, West Indies, New Zealand, and Australia in series, though those trophies were all won at home.”It was a big challenge from where we were to come up to No. 4,” Jayasuriya said. “It was a big process. We were a team that had missed out on Champions Trophy. Every opportunity we got, we planned and tried to revive the ODI team.””If we want to move further up, we need to work on other areas like fielding and batting, and build consistency.”

Chelsea have now joined the race for a “flamboyant” forward, who is also being targeted by Bayern Munich, it has been revealed.

Blues set sights on another young forward

Jamie Carragher has repeatedly made it clear he isn’t a fan of the Blues’ recruitment policy, suggesting the ownership are now focusing too much on signing young players, rather than trying to compete for major trophies.

The Sky Sports pundit said: “Chelsea are not being judged to the same standard they were under Abramovich because they are hiding behind a prolonged transitional phase, which keeps extending by targeting a similar profile of young players in each transfer window.”

In truth, it is difficult to disagree with the former Liverpool man, given that a number of the Blues’ summer additions haven’t exactly hit the ground running, with young wingers Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho failing to register a Premier League goal or assist between them.

It was arguably a questionable decision to focus so heavily on bringing in new forwards in the summer, given that it may have made more sense to sign a new centre-back following the ACL injury suffered by Levi Colwill.

However, it appears as though Chelsea are set to continue their current approach in the transfer market, with a report from Absolut Fussball revealing they have recently joined the race for FC Koln forward Said El Mala, who is attracting widespread interest.

Indeed, El Mala is also being targeted by Bayern Munich, and a number of the Premier League’s top clubs, with Brighton & Hove Albion making an approach in the summer, at which point a deal may have amounted to €20m (£17m).

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The Blues and Todd Boehly could make a sizeable saving in the market.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Oct 11, 2025

However, the German side may soon be able to fetch a higher transfer fee, given that a number of big clubs are keen, following an impressive start to the campaign…

"Flamboyant" El Mala off to solid start in the Bundesliga

Despite being just 19-years-old, the starlet has already established himself as an important player for FC Koln, having made six Bundesliga appearances this season, during which time he has amassed two goals and one assist.

Most recently, the Germany U21 winger scored the only goal of the game as his side triumphed 1-0 away at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, which led to his side moving up to sixth place.

The FC Koln star has also been praised by Jacek Kulig in the past, with the scout describing him as a “flamboyant” winger, who is skilled at creating chances and dribbling, while also possessing an impressive work-rate.

El Mala clearly has the talent to be a success at Stamford Bridge, but it would make little sense to bring in yet another young winger, having signed Gittens and Garnacho during the summer.

Instead, it would be a better idea to bring in a new centre-back in January, given the scale of the injury crisis Enzo Maresca faces, with Colwill expected to miss the majority of the season.

ناقض الحكم الإسباني ماتيو لاهوز، تصريحاته السابقة حول قرار تحكيمي مثير للجدل في مباراة ريال مدريد وبرشلونة في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني.

واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة الكلاسيكو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”، يوم الأحد الماضي.

وتمكن ريال مدريد من حسم نتيجة المباراة بثنائية مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

وشهدت مباراة الكلاسيكو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة العديد من الحالات التحكيمية الجدلية، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

وكان برشلونة قد طالب باحتساب ضربة جزاء لصالحهم، في الوقت بدلًا من الضائع من المباراة، بعد تدخل من داني كارفاخال على رونالد أراوخو، ولكن الحكم لم يحتسبها ولم تتدخل تقنية الفيديو.

وحينها قال ماتيو لاهوز في تصريحات لصحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية إن برشلونة كان يستحق ركلة جزاء بعد تدخل كارفاخال. (لمزيد من التفاصيل اضغط هنا)

لكن فيما بعد قال لاهوز في تصريحات عبر صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”: “لحظة تمرير الكرة كانت في الهواء ويتصارع عليها الطرفان، كان الاحتكاك طبيعيًا بين الظهر والكتف، لذلك لم يُعاقب اللاعب”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Fortaleza ainda trabalha na reta final do mercado de transferências e sacramentou a contratação do atacante Imanol Machuca, que estava no Unión Santa Fe-ARG.

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Pagamento 

Imanol Machuca foi comprado por US$ 2,5 milhões e o valor será pago em parcelas semestrais até o fim de 2024. O contrato é válido até dezembro de 2027.

Empolgação 

Ao site oficial, o presidente Marcelo Paz não escondeu a sua animação com a chegada do novo jogador.

– É uma contratação muito esperada pelo torcedor. Um jovem atacante que joga pelos lados, principalmente pelo lado esquerdo e tem a característica do drible. Vem reforçar o nosso setor de ataque, que já tem boas peças e nos dá mais uma boa opção de drible, velocidade e profundidade. É um jogador jovem que tem um potencial muito grande, tanto em termos esportivos quanto financeiros – pontuou o Presidente Marcelo Paz.

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Arsenal had a sensational summer transfer window this year.

Andrea Berta and Co secured eight first-team players for Mikel Arteta, and dramatically improved the side with players like Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres.

Yet, there was one player many fans were hoping the club would pick up, a player they were heavily linked with, but didn’t end up signing in the end: Rodrygo.

Interestingly, a former Arsenal youngster sold by the legendary Arsène Wenger has actually been compared to the Brazilian, and could have been the Gunners’ own version of him.

The best youngster Arsenal let go too soon

While Arsenal have a proud history of bringing through young talent, as we’ve seen over the last year or so, they’ve also lost their fair share of future superstars, such as Eze.

The Gunners’ recent signing was released by the club as a teenager, but they weren’t the only ones who failed to see his talent.

Before being picked up by Queens Park Rangers, the Englishman was let go by Millwall, Fulham and Reading and then rejected by Bristol City and Sunderland.

Fortunately, he got his shot with the Hoops, where Crystal Palace spotted him, and then 40 goals and 28 assists in 169 games later, he returned to the Emirates for £68m.

Another youngster who has returned to N5 on multiple occasions, but donning the white of Tottenham Hotspur, was Harry Kane.

The club released the England captain at age 12 due to them not believing he was big enough to make it in the game – an opinion that would come back to haunt the club over and over again.

In all, the former academy gem has scored 15 goals and provided two assists in 21 games against his former side – talk about getting your own back.

Appearances

435

Goals

280

Assists

61

Goal Involvements per Match

0.78

However, while these two players were released by Arsenal as youngsters, the club went on to sell another future superstar for a pittance years later.

The star who could have been Arsenal's own Rodrygo

Wenger got so many things right during his time at Arsenal and made so many brilliant signings, but one of his mistakes was selling Serge Gnabry.

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.

The German international was sold to Werder Bremen in the summer of 2016 for just £5m and never looked back.

The game-changing winger hit the ground running, racking up 11 goals and two assists in 27 appearances, which was enough for Bayern Munich to splash £7m on him the following summer.

The German behemoths immediately sent the Stuttgart-born gem on loan to Hoffenheim for the 17/18 season, where he again showed why the Gunners had made a mistake, producing 18 goal involvements in just 27 games.

The “future legend,” as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, finally got his chance in the Bayern first team the following year, and to say he grabbed it with both hands would be an understatement.

So far, the 52-capped international has made 289 appearances for FC Hollywood, in which he has scored 94 goals and provided 63 assists, resulting in an average of a goal or assist every 1.84 games.

So, it’s more than clear that the Gunners made a massive mistake in selling Gnabry all those years ago, but where does this comparison to Rodrygo come into things?

Well, according to FBref, the Real Madrid star was the fifth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to him in the Champions League last season.

We can gain a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached by examining some of the underlying numbers in which the pair rank closely.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.54

0.48

Progressive Passes

4.10

3.92

Shots

2.61

2.57

Passing Accuracy

82.2%

85.1%

Carries

39.8

41.3

Carries into the Penalty Area

2.13

2.27

These include metrics such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, passing accuracy, carries into the penalty area, shots, and more, all per 90.

In other words, the £312k-per-week German is an exceedingly dangerous winger who can create an abundance of chances for his teammates.

Ultimately, clubs are always going to let talents slip through their fingers, but losing Gnabry really has to sting for Arsenal, especially as he could have been their Rodrygo.

Arsenal hit gold on "world-class" star worth way more than Eze & Zubimendi

Arteta and Arsenal have hit the jackpot with this sensational star.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 5, 2025