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Lalas says league has evolved, pushed back against the notion that continuing a career in MLS represents a bailout

Lalas says stigma of Americans in MLS has diminishedSays players now return for competitive salariesMLS functioning as both a buying and selling leagueGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

Addressing the perception of American players returning to Major League Soccer, former MLS star Alex Lalas noted the financial evolution of the league, and says the appeal is now competitive salaries more than just a soft career landing spot.

The Colorado Rapids signed Paxten Aaronson away from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. Paxten Aaronson – brother of Leeds United midfielder Brenden –  was one of the finalists for the Eredivisie's Young Player of the Year award after recording an eight-goal, four-assist season while on loan with Utretch.

“We could talk for hours about what the perception is and what the reality is when it comes to Major League Soccer,” Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. “The stigma of players coming back – in this case, someone like Paxten Aaronson, who's kind of going into the prime of his career – the stigma has become less and less.

"I'm not saying it's, it's gone away by any stretch of the imagination. I'm sure there's plenty of people out there that immediately will see a player in a different light.

Lalas said that different career paths work for different players, pushing back against the notion that continuing a career in MLS represents a bailout.

“My point about that is you are letting your insecurity relative to Major League Soccer infect your brain and color everything that happens,” Lalas added. “There's no one way to go about it… it's a back and forth without the tail between the legs, or at least not being as prominent. It has been in the past and money actually associated and big money… That market opening up, that's a good thing.

“It's a good thing for Major League Soccer because that's ultimately what you want. You want to be a buying and selling market, whether that is international talent, or whether that is American talent that looks back or for the first time looks to MLS as a as a vital thing.”

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Lalas also addressed LA Galaxy's approach to the Leagues Cup, given their struggles during the regular MLS season. He pointed out that reaching the top three positions in the tournament would secure qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

“LA Galaxy sitting in last place having a horrible MLS season, but they find themselves with this kind of redeemable moment in in League's Cup," he said. "And keep in mind that the top three teams, regardless if it's MLS or League MX, qualify for CONCACAF Champions League Champions Cup, right?

“But obviously Orlando, Inter Miami and Seattle are upper-echelon types of teams as opposed to in this moment, the LA Galaxy. And they have put all of their eggs into this Leagues Cup basket, as well they should."

He expressed support for Galaxy's decision to prioritize tournament success given their position in the MLS standings.

“Remember years ago when DC United, I think it was, was having a horrible MLS season and they just lit it up," he said. "And sometimes you can redeem your season by having these moments that, then in this case, the carrot is you qualify. And I guarantee you that the LA Galaxy is going to look very, very different come next year. Players in, players out, players that are hurt coming back."

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The five-time MLS Cup champions have fallen from their perennial contender status this season and currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference with 16 points from 26 games.

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Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

Returning American players will continue testing the league's evolving reputation. Several USMNT players currently in Europe face crucial career decisions in upcoming transfer windows.

Marseille are closing in on an agreement with Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos.

Marseille leading race for CeballosFrench club closing in on agreement with playerRobert De Zerbi's promise to play key roleFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After Ceballos wrote on Instagram about his 'last dance' at Real, new developments took charge regarding his next destination. The player has reportedly had a few offers but claims Marseille are nearing a personal agreement with him. Manager Roberto De Zerbi's project promises him a key role and, of course, a place in the starting lineup, thus playing a vital role in the development. reports that he has already made clear he wants to join the French side.

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Ceballos enjoyed just four minutes of action across Madrid's first two La Liga games this season. Despite key individuals like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga being injured, the Spaniard has opted for Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield and used Arda Guler in a central role. This has contributed to Ceballos falling back in the pecking order. The 29-year-old initially hoped to stay at the Bernabeu to fight for a place in the team, but a move may be imminent.

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Ceballos' decision to leave this summer is also a result of the player's ambition to feature in Spain's 2026 World Cup campaign. Staying at Real would offer him fewer minutes. However, a possible to Marseille can enhance his chances of winning Luis de la Fuente's trust and securing his place in the national team.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CEBALLOS?

Madrid are asking for €15-20 million (£13m/$18m to £17m/$23m) for Ceballos, and Marseille have to agree terms with Los Blancos after convincing the player. 

The Reds were upset by the Spaniard's dramatic change of heart last summer, but things have since worked out pretty well for them…

Less than a year ago, Arne Slot argued that there was no longer any point in talking about Martin Zubimendi's decision to turn down Liverpool. "We've moved on," the Dutchman insisted in an interview with

It would certainly be hard to question the veracity of that particular claim. The Reds romped to a record-equalling 20th English title thanks in no small part to Ryan Gravenberch, Slot's surprising solution to Liverpool's defensive midfield problem.

However, one can be sure that Zubimendi's name will come up before, during and after Sunday's eagerly-awaited Premier League showdown with Arsenal, the team that the Spain international chose to join less than a year after his 11th-hour U-turn left Liverpool in a state of shock…

Getty Images SportHughes left red-faced

Liverpool's long-running search for a specialist No.6 appeared to be finally over. Certainly, as far as sporting director Richard Hughes was concerned, the deal was done. Zubimendi had 'unequivocally' agreed to move to Merseyside and all the Reds needed to do was pay the £51 million ($69m) buy-out clause in the Spain international's contract with Real Sociedad.

Then, everything changed. Over the course of a single weekend, La Real managed to convince Zubimendi to stay at Anoeta, after reminding him of just how much playing for his hometown club meant to the proud Basque. According to reports in Spain, manager Imanol Alguacil put together a presentation in which he underlined how disappointed the fans would be if Zubimendi reneged on his post-Euro 2024 pledge to stay in San Sebastian, while the coach also apparently brought up the local cuisine and the player's love of hiking up the nearby Mount Ulia.

Shortly after confirming his decision to pull out of the proposed transfer to Liverpool, Zubimendi told : "A lot of what I am is part of La Real. It is my life." Six months later, though, Zubimendi changed his mind again.

AdvertisementGetty Images'Wasn't the right time'

It was first claimed in January of this year that Zubimendi had agreed to join Arsenal at the end of the 2024-25 season and, despite rumours of further twists and turns, the deal was officially announced on July 6. Unsurprisingly, when Zubmendi first spoke to the press on the Gunners' pre-season tour of Singapore, everyone wanted to know if he had any regrets over rejecting Liverpool.

"It wasn't an easy time for me because I wanted to stay at Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options," Zubimendi explained. "The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave Real, and it wasn't the right time. I felt that Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying at Real was the best decision for me."

Zubimendi also insisted that Mikel Arteta had played a pivotal role in his decision to belatedly leave Sociedad.

"I don't know what he saw in me," the 26-year-old said of a manager that had also tried to sign him in 2024, "but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe. At the end of the day, I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad. I think I've found him."

Of course, he would have found a quality coach at Anfield too.

Getty Images SportSlot's midfield masterstroke

The Zubimendi snub put Hughes in a very awkward position – particularly as the former Bournemouth director had yet to sign a single player for his new club. However, it was also a major issue for Slot, even if he never publicly exhibited any signs of concern.

"I said many times already our squad is really strong so it is not easy to find players to strengthen," he told reporters last summer. "Zubimendi was one, but he chose not to come here, so we go forward with the players we have. We're in a good place and Richard is trying to improve the squad in the background. Zubimendi didn't want to come and Richard tried everything – but we have a positive team already."

What he didn't have, though, was the kind of progressive defensive midfielder he wanted (Wataru Endo didn't fit the bill), and Liverpool's lack of a Plan B – which unsurprisingly riled a lot of Reds – meant that he would have to look in-house to find a Zubimendi alternative. Consequently, Slot asked Gravenberch to return to pre-season training slightly earlier than scheduled to discuss a possible change of role.

"When I first spoke with the coach, he said to me: 'I see you as a No.8 like last season, but I want to try you as a No.6 as well,'" Gravenberch told his club's media channel. "I said to him: 'Of course, we can do it!' And the rest is history."

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AFP'I didn't like to defend!'

Indeed, Slot first experimented with Gravenberch as a six in the friendly win over Manchester United and "immediately liked it because Ryan was so comfortable on the ball". Consequently, the Liverpool boss decided to start the season with Gravenberch protecting his back four and, after an encouraging display in the opening-weekend win away to Ipswich Town, the Netherlands international turned in a wonderfully dynamic display against Manchester United as the Reds routed their rivals 3-0 at Old Trafford.

In a matter of weeks, a player who had been in and out of Jurgen Klopp's starting line-up had suddenly become utterly integral to Slot's side. Gravenberch even admitted that he was surprised by not only how well he took to his new position, but how much he enjoyed it.

"To be honest, as an eight, you are more attacking and not a lot of defending," he said. "Back in the days when I played with Ajax in the youth [team], I didn't like to defend! I didn't like that much at all. But now when you take the ball from another player, it's like: 'Yes, I have it!' I want to take the next one and the next one again."

Thomas Tuchel has raised eyebrows by recalling a player that hadn't been a part of the Three Lions set-up since 2018

AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek always planned to spend the international break in England. He just figured he'd be doing little else other than visiting family and friends.

However, Loftus-Cheek is instead in a position to make his first appearance for his country since 2018, having been drafted into Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squad due the injury-enforced withdrawal of Adam Wharton.

"You still want to push in club football with the hope of maybe getting a sniff," Loftus-Cheek told reporters at an England press conference on Wednesday. "But I just completely forgot about it and was being a fan of the team instead."

Loftus-Cheek wasn't the only one stunned by his recall, either. Indeed, even Milan fans are surprised.  

So, what on earth is Loftus-Cheek doing back in the England set-up after a near seven-year absence? And does he now have a real shot at featuring at next summer's World Cup in North America? GOAL breaks down Tuchel's most shocking selection to date…

AFPA devastating low after such a high

It should not be forgotten that Loftus-Cheek was initially considered a key member of the England squad with which Gareth Southgate restored pride in the Three Lions at the 2018 World Cup.

The then-Chelsea ace started three times in Russia and, given he was only 22 at the time, the feeling was that he had the mix of physique and technique required to become a regular in Southgate's midfield – a feeling that only intensified during an outstanding 2018-19 campaign under Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge that yielded a career-high 10 goals in all competitions.

However, Loftus-Cheek ruptured his Achilles tendon in a meaningless post-season friendly just before the Europa League final win over Arsenal and the injury had a devastating impact on his international career.

As the Cobham Academy graduate admitted, he was "on such a high" at the time that he "had a hard time mentally" during his long road to recovery. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportA new role under Tuchel

A loan spell at Fulham in 2020-21 helped Loftus-Cheek get his career back on track – as did the appointment of Tuchel as Chelsea's new manager.

The German actually took over six months before he returned to the Bridge but he had been following Loftus-Cheek's performances at Craven Cottage, liked what he saw and had a novel idea on how best to use him.

"I didn't know too much about him as a manager when I came back," Loftus-Cheek admitted. "I did pre-season with Chelsea and that's when we spoke about playing wing-back.

"I said, 'No way!' But I ended up playing there anyway." 

And the unexpected change of position worked out quite well for Loftus-Cheek, who made 40 appearances in total during the 2021-22 campaign – his best haul since Sarri's season at the helm.

Loftus-Cheek struggled with inconsistency and minor injuries after Tuchel's shock sacking in September 2022 and, by the following summer, he was fed up. He wasn't playing as much as he wanted, or where he wanted.

Loftus-Cheek subsequently admitted to "feeling like a caged animal" – and it was Milan who set him free.

AFP'Even more attacking than I thought'

Loftus-Cheek had caught Stefano Pioli's eye during Milan's two meetings with Chelsea in the group stage of the Champions League in October 2022, so the Italian coach was thrilled when the Rossoneri signed the Londoner in June 2023.

As for Loftus-Cheek, he had long been intrigued by the prospect of moving to Milan and had been asking former Chelsea team-mate Fikayo Tomori about the city long before his transfer – without initially explaining why.

Having Tomori at Milan helped Loftus-Cheek settle quickly at San Siro but Pioli's presence was just as important.

As well as making the effort to try to converse with Loftus-Cheek in English, the Italian also quickly came to realise just how much damage he could do going forward.

"I definitely looked at him as more of a box-to-box player," Pioli explained. "But I didn't foresee him being such a big player for us in the opposition penalty area with this much quality and physicality.

"The Loftus-Cheek I've found is even more attacking than I thought. He's fantastic."

And he was. 

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Getty Images SportLast season's struggles

Loftus-Cheek equalled his best-ever goals tally at Chelsea during a sensational debut season and plenty of Serie A followers felt he was doing enough to earn an England recall in the final few months before Euro 2024.

However, Loftus-Cheek ended up following the tournament as a fan – and the presumption was that he would do likewise during next summer's World Cup, given his 2024-25 campaign was an unmitigated disaster.

Before the season started, AC Milan advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic demanded even more goals from Loftus-Cheek. He got none, though.

Loftus-Cheek was hindered by yet another injury, which saw him miss three months of action, while he sat out a further four Serie A games after having his appendix removed. However, Loftus-Cheek also looked a little lost during Paolo Fonseca's six-month stint at San Siro.

Sergio Conceicao, who took over in January, was overjoyed when Loftus-Cheek finally became available for selection again for the final few weeks of the season, hailing the 29-year-old as a "beast" and a "top-quality box-to-box" midfielder. 

Physically, though, Loftus-Cheek still didn't look quite right after his lengthy lay-off and it was telling that he spent the entirety of the Coppa Italia final loss to Bologna on the bench.

We’ve just crossed the ten-year mark in IPL history. How well do you remember the first game? Take our quiz to find out

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Apr-2018

Veteran seamer turns 38 in July, with an Ashes looming during the home summer

Valkerie Baynes25-Feb-2023Veteran seamer Katherine Sciver-Brunt has confirmed that England’s semi-final exit in Cape Town will be her last World Cup appearance.Sciver-Brunt, who turns 38 in July, has not made any decision on her playing future beyond the current T20 World Cup, where hosts South Africa will take on defending champions Australia in the final on Sunday after a six-run victory over England in their semi-final. England are due to host Australia in the Women’s Ashes this summer.Sciver-Brunt had retired from Test cricket before the multi-format series against South Africa in England last year, which kicked off with a Test at Taunton. The Ashes are also a multi-format event and she could conceivably play in the white-ball series, though she was only part of the T20I squad that toured the Caribbean in the lead-up to this World Cup.Related

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“I’ve been thinking about retirement daily for two years,” Sciver-Brunt told the ICC in a press release issued on Saturday. “It used to be after every tour, I’d question what I was doing.”But as it’s drawn closer, I’ve thought about it a bit more seriously and it does creep into your mind when you’re training, mainly because of the pressure other people put on you. You get all those comments and then you start to think, ‘Oh, am I slowing down? Should I stop? Am I embarrassing myself?'”I’ve always said I would like to retire on top, where I’m still wanted, I’m still picked in the first XI, I’m not less than what I used to be. That’s how I’ve felt in the last six months, those things are starting to creep in where I can see somebody taking my role and doing it just as well. This is definitely the last World Cup and beyond this point, I’m fairly close to it all being along the same line, so it won’t be long.”Sciver-Brunt came in for criticism during England’s semi-final defeat for berating younger team-mates for fielding errors. Sciver-Brunt claimed four wickets in five matches at the tournament, at an average of 30.75 and economy rate of 7.53. She leaked 19 runs in the final over of the group match against India, where her figures were 0 for 39 from three overs, and 18 off the final over as South Africa set a target of 165 on Friday, when she took 0 for 33 from four overs.This was Sciver-Brunt’s sixth T20 World Cup and 11th overall, having first played in the 2005 ODI event. She made her international debut in a Test against New Zealand at Scarborough in 2004 and her white-ball debut in an ODI during England’s tour of South Africa the following year. She took 3 for 6 in the 2009 T20 World Cup final, the year England claimed the ODI and T20 titles as well as the Ashes. In 2017, she was part of the side that reclaimed the 50-over World Cup at Lord’s.Katherine and Natalie played this World Cup wearing their married name•ICC via Getty ImagesShe and her wife Nat, the tournament’s leading run-scorer so far, appeared at the event wearing their married name emblazoned across their shirts.”Looking back on my career, I’d like to think I was Mrs. Consistent,” she said. “I’d like to be remembered as someone who was always at the top of my game and always contributing for my country, helping us in a winning cause and giving everything I had.”The good thing is Nat can carry on my name, the legacy of Brunt will carry on, which is great. Having my name associated with hers is also great because she’s a bit of a legend in her own right now.”Katherine told Sky Sports earlier this month that she planned to retire from cricket if England won the T20 World Cup but she would consider contesting the Ashes if they didn’t. And she has indicated that she is still coming to terms with the idea of not playing alongside Nat in England colours when that time does come.”A lot of people say, ‘how does she put up with you?’ She has patience in abundance and empathy and she understands me and loves me for who I am,” Katherine said. “We just work really well together and complement each other, and there is never a day where we want to be apart.”Coming into my retirement, she will be gone, but hopefully the ECB will take me along. I’ll be slinging in the nets to all of them.”

Diogo Dalot revealed that Ruben Amorim's criticism of the team hurt him but admitted the Manchester United boss is not afraid of speaking his mind.

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Dalot hurt by Amorim criticismHailed manager for being honestMan Utd face Spurs in Europa League finalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Portuguese head coach was critical of his players following Manchester United's 2-0 loss to West Ham last weekend and had even threatened to quit if things did not improve drastically. United full-back Dalot has now claimed that these harsh words hurt him, but admitted Amorim is not afraid of speaking the truth.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT DIOGO DALOT SAID

Speaking to reporters, the defender said: "Personally it hurts a lot when the manager says what he’s said. But it is just something he is really honest about. He doesn’t hide his emotions. He doesn’t hide the type of communication he wants to express – and that makes him an honest guy, an honest person.

"It is really hard these days to find managers and players like him. But if it hurts you, it’s a good sign because it means you want to change things. He is speaking about my team, my team-mates, my club. I don’t want to hear my manager and anybody else around the club feeling like that."

He added: "So what can I do to change that? That is what I focus on the most. I try to evolve as many team-mates as many people as I can into having the same energy – but then you have to fight. It is obviously something the club will address, the players have to address also. We have to look at ourselves and see what can I change to be better and try to get in the same pattern that the manager wants."

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The Red Devils are currently winless in their last eight league games and are 16th in the table. For the first time in history, the 20-time Premier League winners will end a season without stitching together two wins in a row in the entire 2024-25 campaign.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

United will aim to end a nightmare campaign with at least one trophy when they face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on Wednesday in Bilbao.

Newly appointed Australia boss Joe Montemurro has provided a fresh injury update on Chelsea superstar and Matildas icon Sam Kerr.

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Kerr has second operationChelsea star sidelined for 18 months Australia coach quizzed on situationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Kerr has been confirmed to have undergone a second surgical "intervention". Although it hasn't been disclosed exactly what issue is, it isn't related to the ACL tear that she suffered in January 2024. So while it might be considered a setback, the Chelsea striker is still making overall progress in her bid to return to action.

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Kerr hasn't played since five days before Christmas of 2023, now almost 18 months ago, when she scored and assisted in a Champions League group stage win for Chelsea over BK Hacken. Less than three weeks later, during the WSL's 2023-24 winter break, she suffered an ACL injury at Chelsea's warm weather training camp in Morocco. There were hopes that Kerr might return to playing before the end of 2024-25, which didn't happen. But that delay might now be explained by the unconnected surgery setback.

During her time away, Kerr has been through a high profile court case that cleared her on charges of racially aggravated harassment against a police officer, and has also become a new mum after partner Kristie Mewis gave birth to a baby boy last month.

WHAT JOE MONTEMURRO SAID

Speaking to Australia's , Montemurro explained: "I think there were some complications and I've only caught up with the scenario in the last 24 hours. There was a subsequent intervention, but I do believe she is now back running. I think it was something completely different [to the ACL injury]. I think the knee is fine. I think there was some other issues, but again I've only been briefed in the last 24 hours."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR SAM KERR?

Despite being sidelined with a long-term injury, Kerr was given Chelsea's support and loyalty last summer when she was handed a new two-year contract. But that deal only runs until the end of 2025-26, and so Kerr's future will again be the topic of debate next season as she seeks to get back to playing.

Pakistan are No. 2, followed by India, New Zealand and England

ESPNcricinfo staff11-May-2023Australia have retained their No. 1 spot in the ICC men’s ODI team rankings following the annual update that dropped results from the 2019-20 season and reflects all matches completed since May 2020.With 118 rating points, Australia are two points clear of second-placed Pakistan after the update, which weights matches completed before May 2022 at 50% and subsequent matches at 100%. Earlier this month, after a similar update for Test rankings, Australia had lost their No. 1 position in red-ball cricket to India.Pakistan had grabbed the top ODI spot last week, after taking a 4-0 lead during their five-match home series against New Zealand. But their stay proved to be a short one as they lost the final match and slipped back behind Australia. Had Pakistan won the series 5-0, they would have remained at the top of the table even after the annual update.Full rankings tables

Click here for the full team rankings

Click here for the full player rankings

India, who are No. 1 in both Tests and T20Is, are at No. 3 in ODIs, with just one rating point separating them and Pakistan.India are followed by New Zealand and England who lost four and ten points, respectively, after the update.Afghanistan were the biggest beneficiaries. They are now eighth, having overtaken Sri Lanka and West Indies. South Africa and Bangladesh are at No. 6 and 7, respectively. The top eight happen to be the teams that have qualified directly for this year’s ODI World Cup, to be held in India.The women’s annual team rankings updates will be carried out at the beginning of October.

CA says they did so because “conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are getting worse”

Alex Malcolm19-Mar-2024Cricket Australia has chosen to postpone a scheduled three-match T20I series with Afghanistan due to “a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls” in the country following consultation with the Australian government.Australia were scheduled to play three matches against Afghanistan at a neutral venue in August as part of the current men’s Future Tours Program. But CA opted to postpone the series due to human rights issues just as they had done for the first Test match between the two nations in 2021 and a proposed ODI series in March 2023.The decision to postpone the ODI series in 2023 saw Rashid Khan threaten to withdraw from the BBL although he backed down from that threat and entered the BBL draft before missing the tournament through injury.CA released a statement on Tuesday stating it had consulted with the Australian government regarding the human rights conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan and had received information that there had been a “marked deterioration” in rights for women since they postponed the 2023 series.Related

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“Over the past 12 months CA has continued to consult with the Australian government on the situation in Afghanistan,” the statement said. “The government’s advice is that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are getting worse. For this reason, we have maintained our previous position and will postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan.”CA continues its strong commitment to supporting participation by women and girls in cricket around the world and will continue to actively engage the ICC and work closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to determine what actions could be taken to support the resumption of bilateral matches in the future.”Australia have played Afghanistan in two World Cup fixtures in the past two years, which drew criticism from Naveen-ul-Haq on social media. CA has previously stated that they would not boycott playing Afghanistan in the ICC events because “there is a distinction between playing bilateral series against Afghanistan which falls under CA control as compared to playing in a World Cup tournament which is an ICC event and subject to their regulations.”