Following his £60m move to Newcastle United back in the summer of 2022, striker Alexander Isak has excelled at St James’ Park, proving to be worth every penny of his huge transfer fee.

The Swedish international has scored 35 Premier League goals in his 67 appearances for the Magpies, finishing as the club’s top scorer in both of his seasons on Tyneside.

His excellent form hasn’t gone unnoticed, with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea wanting to prise Eddie Howe’s star man away from Newcastle this summer, but the Magpies are demanding a fee well over the £100m mark.

Isak’s goals have undoubtedly helped propel Newcastle to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, but the club are still looking to sign another option in forward areas.

Callum Wilson has struggled with his fitness in recent months, failing to make an impact on Howe’s squad, with the Magpies boss wanting another player who could replace the Englishman and form a partnership with Isak in 2024/25.

Newcastle want £40m talent this summer

According to journalist James Nursey, Newcastle are in the race to sign Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, but face strong interest from other Premier League sides for his signature.

The 20-year-old also has interest from Chelsea and West Ham United, with the latter making three bids already this summer in their attempts to sign a new centre-forward.

Nursey also claims that Unai Emery’s side are holding out for £40m during the transfer window, with the Colombian forward wanting a move away from Villa Park to gain valuable first-team minutes to aid his progression in the Premier League.

Newcastle’s interest in Duran comes after their long-standing admiration for another attacking talent, with the Villa youngster undoubtedly a better option for Eddie Howe’s side.

Why Duran would be a better option than Calvert-Lewin

In recent months, the Magpies have been constantly touted with a move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as the Toffees look to bolster their PSR position.

The 27-year-old scored seven times in 32 Premier League appearances for Sean Dyche’s outfit, but his side have previously demanded £40m to prise him away from Goodison Park this summer.

Their interest in Calvert-Lewin has dropped in recent times, with the Magpies undoubtedly making the right decision in pursuing a move for the Villa talisman over the Everton number nine.

When comparing the duo on FBref, it’s evident that Duran would be a better option, producing some superior numbers despite featuring for significantly fewer minutes than Calvert-Lewin.

The “phenomenal” Colombian, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, may have scored four fewer goals than the Englishman last season, but he averaged a much higher goal per 90 record in the Premier League.

Games

23

32

Minutes played

475

2171

Goals

5

9

Goals per 90

0.95

0.29

Shots

3.8

2.9

Aerials won

63%

49%

Take-on success

40%

33%

He’s also averaged more shots per 90, whilst winning a higher percentage of aerial battles, providing a great option for Howe’s side in various different aspects at the top end of the pitch.

Duran’s first full season in England’s top flight has been a successful one, scoring some crucial goals for Villa in a campaign where they secured a Champions League spot against all the odds, just like Newcastle did back in 2022/23.

Whilst he may be an expensive addition, especially as a potential backup, his move to Tyneside could allow Howe to slightly alter his current system to form a brilliant partnership with Swedish international Isak, utilising his "weapon" of a left foot – as hailed by Kulig.

With Calvert-Lewin also being linked with a move for a similar fee, the Magpies would be making a huge mistake should they look to sign him over Duran, with the Colombian able to build on his impressive campaign and potentially improve further under Howe’s watchful eye at St James’ Park.

Newcastle make approach for "mentality monster" who'd make Isak unplayable

Talks have been held as Eddie Howe considers a swoop.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 20, 2024

Joe Root’s first Test century since November 2019 has helped England tighten their grip on the second day of the first Test in Galle.Root went through 2020 without a century – the first time in his Test career he has gone through a full year without one – and dropped out of the top 10 in the ICC’s batting rankings in the process.But here he has provided a demonstration of his enduring class in negating the sharply turning ball with calm authority and moving to his 18th Test century in the process. More importantly, he extended England’s lead to 185 with six first-innings wickets still in hand by the time rain returned at tea to bring an early close. Sri Lanka will have to bat substantially better than they managed in the first innings if they are to make England bat again.If they require an example of how to go about things, they could do far worse than emulate Root. With his judgement of when to go forward and back, his ability to manoeuvre the ball into gaps and his ability to sweep both in front and behind square, he has provided a masterclass in playing spin bowling. Kusal Mendis, at short leg, took so many blows, you suspect a boxing referee might have suggested he had taken enough punishment. Never has Root scored so many runs in a single innings from the sweep.Related

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It was Root’s eighth score of 150 or more in Test cricket and the highest score made by an England player in a Test in Sri Lanka. The previous highest was Kevin Pietersen’s 151 made in Colombo in 2012.Root was given assured support from debutant Dan Lawrence. The pair added 173 in 43.1 overs – England’s highest-ever stand in Tests in Sri Lanka – for the fourth wicket, with Lawrence losing little by comparison.Indeed, were you to put together a highlights package of the day, it would be Lawrence’s strokes that dominated. There were cuts, drives, sweeps and, shortly before lunch, he launched Lasith Embuldeniya for a slog-swept six that would have pleased Pietersen or AB de Villiers, the men his father told the BBC he idolised growing up. All in all, it suggested England might just have found a man with the character and skill to flourish at this level. Sterner tests loom, no doubt, but this was an accomplished first international innings from Lawrence.To be fair, Root’s innings was not the sort to be accurately represented by a highlights package. 72 of his runs have come in singles, after all. But while those runs might not have made the immediate impression of Lawrence’s six, his ability to find the gaps and rotate the strike make him desperately tough to contain. He looked hungry, patient and technically excellent.While Lawrence was not able to emulate the achievement of Ben Foakes, who made a century on debut here in 2018, this was a hugely promising start from the 23-year-old. Getting off the mark first ball, Lawrence looked confident from the off and, picking up the length nicely, was comfortable to skip down the pitch or go deep into his crease when required.Joe Root and Dan Lawrence took England past 300•SLC

He did provide one chance. Appearing to lose concentration for a moment, he skipped down the pitch to Embuldeniya when he had 68 and was fortunate to see the keeper, Niroshan Dickwella, parry the ball past the slips. A short while later, he received one from Dilruwan Perera which spat off the surface, took his glove and ballooned to short-leg. It was a disappointment for Lawrence, of course, but England will have noted the signs of deterioration in the surface with interest.Root and Lawrence were helped, it does have to be said, by some loose bowling. While Embuldeniya – who took the first three wickets to fall – continued to ask questions of the batsmen, he lacked the support required to build pressure. Perera, in particular, has struggled with his line and length – a floated full toss allowed Lawrence to ease his second delivery through the covers for four – allowing England to pick up regular singles.The legspinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, was no better. Lawrence was able to cut, sweep and drive him for boundaries as he struggled with his length. Hasaranga has conceded more than four-an-over so far; in a low-scoring game, it is a cost Sri Lanka can ill afford.To be fair to the bowlers, when you have Root’s range of strokes – his ability to find the gaps, in particular – it can be hard to find answers. But the fact that there were only eight maiden overs in the innings (and only three on the second day), reflects both the excellence of the batting and the lack of discipline in the bowling. To have hit ‘only’ 12 fours – 10 of them on the leg side – but still have a strike rate of 66.14 runs per 100 balls, underlines Root’s method: it’s maybe not as eye-catching as soon, but it is mightily effective.Earlier, play was delayed by 70 minutes due to rain. When the resumption eventually came, Jonny Bairstow fell in the second over of the day without adding to his overnight score. While Bairstow may reflect he could have left the ball, Embuldeniya had drawn him forward nicely and gained sharp turn to take the outside edge. Mendis also did well to cling on to a sharp, low catch.At that stage, Sri Lanka still held a narrow first-innings innings. But Root and Lawrence crushed any hopes the home side may have had of making deeper inroads into the England innings. Even the rain that returned at tea to wash out the final session only delayed Sri Lanka’s pain.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was left in tears in the dressing room after coming off at half-time of Sunday's clash at Real Sociedad.

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De Jong just back from long lay-offPicked up knock playing for BarcelonaFeared another spell on the sidelinesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

De Jong returned to action with Barcelona in October after a five-month lay-off due to an ankle injury. Yet the midfielder was forced off after just 45 minutes at the Reale Arena on Sunday and was left in tears in the dressing room as he feared another long-term lay-off, according to . The Dutchman had taken knocks to his shin and his ankle and was left emotional at the thought he could be set for more time on the sidelines.

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Fortunately for De Jong, it emerged that he had only suffered a blow to his shin and he has since travelled to meet with up with the Netherlands squad for Nations League fixtures against Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The midfielder's injury problems mean he hasn't made an appearance for his national team in 14 months and so he'll be hoping for minutes over the next two games before returning to Barcelona.

WHAT DE JONG HAS SAID

De Jong has spoken about his fitness after linking up with the squad: "It's been a long time, playing for the Dutch national team. It's a great honour. I'm always happy to be here. I'm a bit sore, but I think it'll be fine. It was a lingering injury. I missed a lot of matches and the European Championship, which was difficult. Things are getting better now. I am growing back to where I need to be in terms of form and fitness. I think we have a good team, a good selection. Hopefully we can do great things."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR DE JONG

De Jong will be hoping he can now stay injury-free and have an impact with both club and county. The Netherlands sit second in their Nations League group, five points behind Germany, while Barcelona are currently flying high at the top of La Liga under new manager Hansi Flick.

After confirming Erik ten Hag's new contract, Manchester United could now reportedly show the door to a player who has failed to perform under the Dutchman as soon as next week.

Man Utd transfer news

It's no surprise that things have sped up at Old Trafford following the arrival of new sporting director Dan Ashworth and with pre-season approaching ahead of next season. And with that could come fresh faces and the departure of disappointing stars.

The Red Devils have been linked with the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, who looks closer to a move every week, and could yet show the door to players of Casemiro's calibre as Ashworth gets ruthless.

Ten Hag told Manchester United's official website after putting pen to paper on a new deal: "I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together. Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined.

"However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles. In my discussions with the club, we have found complete unity in our vision for reaching those goals, and we are all strongly committed to making that journey together."

Man Utd must sell £90k-p/w flop who's worth £30.7m less than Ugarte

He has only played 62 times for the club since his arrival at Old Trafford.

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 6, 2024

What's more, after sealing his future, the Dutchman could now reportedly see one of his biggest failures head for the exit door. According to GiveMeSport, Juventus could seal a deal to sign Jadon Sancho on loan as soon as next week as they look to replace Federico Chiesa, who is reportedly not in Thiago Motta's plans.

Sancho's exit just a week after Ten Hag's new deal would signify victory for the Dutchman following a public fallout between the winger once worth £73m and the Manchester United manager.

"Brilliant" Sancho needs move

Whilst Ten Hag is still in charge at Old Trafford, Sancho's future remains away from Manchester United, with Juventus seemingly his next destination. After showing glimpses of his best form at Borussia Dortmund, a move to the Serie A is one that must work out for the England international looking to get back on track following a nightmare couple of years.

Former Dortmund manager Edin Terzic was certainly impressed with the £195k-a-week Sancho during last season's loan spell, saying via The Metro: "I think the last six months, Jadon has been brilliant for us.

"It took some time to get back into shape but you can feel this quality and his skills, he’s going to improve our game straight away. He didn’t improve just his game but all the players around him. He is a player who has never thought about his first touch, it is so natural, and he is very gifted."

Despite that rediscovered brilliance, however, it doesn't seem as though Ten Hag has a place for Sancho in his Manchester United squad.

The summer transfer window officially opened for business just over two weeks ago and Celtic are still searching for their new number one for next season.

Brendan Rodgers lost his first-choice goalkeeper at the end of May after Joe Hart officially retired from professional football upon the expiry of his contract.

The former England international enjoyed three years at Parkhead and won the Scottish Premiership title in each of those three campaigns before his departure this summer.

Hart's exit from Glasgow has left a gaping hole between the sticks for the Bhoys ahead of the 2024/25 campaign and it is one that they must fill before the opening match against Kilmarnock.

Kilmarnock

(H)

Hibernian

(A)

St Mirren

(A)

Rangers

(H)

Hearts

(H)

The Bhoys have already been linked with Newcastle United's Martin Dubravka, Belgium international Koen Casteels, Burnley's Arijanet Muric, and Aston Villa's Viljami Sinisalo.

Despite all of these established links, the Scottish giants have been urged to pursue a goalkeeper who has been in sensational form at the 2024 European Championship in Germany.

Celtic urged to pursue Euros star

Former Premier League shot-stopper and current pundit Paul Robinson has tipped the Premiership champions to enter the race for Valencia star Giorgi Mamardashvili, speaking to Football Insider.

The retired goalkeeper has named the Georgia international as someone the club should target if they decide to "push the boat out" and splash cash on a new number one.

Robinson claims that the 23-year-old sensation would be a "statement" signing for the Hoops due to his fantastic form in LaLiga last season and in the current Euros tournament.

The ex-Blackburn Rovers man adds that he could see Celtic "hijacking" Newcastle United's interest in the left-footed colossus, as the Premier League side are interested in a deal to sign him.

It was recently reported that Valencia are looking for a fee in the region of €35m (£30m) to allow their star stopper to depart, with Bayern Munich and Chelsea also said to be eyeing him up.

As Robinson explains, Celtic would need to push the boat out to land him as their current transfer record stands at the £9m they paid to sign Odsonne Edouard from PSG in the summer of 2018.

It, therefore, seems unlikely that the Hoops would be prepared to spend £30m, or close to it, to sign a goalkeeper to replace Hart this summer.

Would it be a good move for the Scottish giants, though, as a replacement for Hart? To Robinson's credit, it does appear as though it would be a 'statement' signing as a dream heir to the former England international, on paper at least.

Giorgi Mamardashvili's Euros form

Firstly, Celtic fans may have taken notice of his exceptional performances for Georgia in Germany in recent weeks, as his performances have helped his country into the knockout stages of the European Championship.

His performance in the second game of the group stages against Czechia was particularly impressive as the Valencia star produced miracles between the sticks.

Sofascore rating

9.8

Saves

11

xG prevented

3.0

Goals conceded

1

Punches

3

As you can see in the table above, he conceded a staggering three goals fewer than the average goalkeeper would have been expected to based on the xG of the shots against his goal.

His stunning 11 saves helped his team to earn a 1-1 draw and he followed that up with 0.52 xG prevented and a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Portugal in the final group match, to seal qualification for the last 16.

In total, Mamardashvili has saved 84% of the shots against him and prevented 3.58 xG across his three appearances so far in the competition for Georgia, making 21 saves in total.

These statistics show that the £30m-rated titan has been an outstanding shot-stopper for his country in Germany, which may be why the likes of Newcastle, Chelsea, and Bayern are all reportedly interested in signing him ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

However, it is now just his international form that has caught the eye of teams and caused Robinson to urge Celtic to sign him. His superb performances for Valencia in LaLiga last term suggest that he could be a phenomenal signing for the Hoops.

Why Giorgi Mamardashvili would be a dream Joe Hart heir

The 23-year-old brute enjoyed a wonderful campaign in the Spanish top-flight as he proved himself to be an xG defying goalkeeper on a consistent basis.

Over the course of 37 appearances in LaLiga, Mamardashvili conceded a whopping 10.2 fewer goals than expected based on the post-shot xG value of the efforts on his goal.

For reference, Hart let in 6.5 more goals than expected based on the post-shot xG value of the shots against him across 19 outings in European competitions for Celtic during his time in Scotland.

This suggests that he was a liability as a shot-stopper on the continent, as he conceded far more than expected, whilst Mamardashvili could come in and exceed expectations with his ability to keep the ball out of the net.

Appearances

37

37

Sofascore rating

7.09

6.85

Save success rate

72%

68%

Ball recoveries per game

8.3

7.5

Ground duel success rate

88%

40%

Aerial duel success rate

91%

100%

As you can see in the table above, the Georgia international also outperformed Hart at league level in a host of key metrics, including save percentage and ball recoveries.

At the age of 23, the talented titan is also 14 years younger than the former Manchester City star and would come in as a player with the potential to be Rodgers' number one for years to come, or to make the club even more money as part of a future sale.

Therefore, Mamardashvili would be a dream heir to Hart's position at Parkhead due to both his age and his quality, yet it still appears to be unlikely on paper.

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ByDan Emery Jun 28, 2024

Despite Robinson's suggestion, the money reportedly involved and the top European clubs interested in him does not suggest that the Euros ace is likely to pitch up at Paradise this summer.

The 75-year old complained of “tiredness and fatigue” on Friday evening and his speech became a “little bit cluttered”

PTI18-Jan-2021

Bhagwath Chandrasekhar is among the top-ten wicket-takers for India in Test cricket•Getty Images

Former India legspinner BS Chandrasekhar is recovering in a hospital after suffering a “very, very minutest stroke.””Chandra is recovering very well, and he will be back home on Wednesday or Thursday,” his wife Sandhya Chandrasekhar told PTI.The 75-year old complained of “tiredness and fatigue” on Friday evening and his speech became a “little bit cluttered”, according to her.On the advice of doctors that he needed neurological treatment, Chandrasekhar, was admitted in Aster RV Hospital, where he was kept in the emergency care unit for medical observation.Sandhya said that Chandrasekhar has now been shifted to regular ward and is undergoing physiotherapy.”There is some kind of blockage in the brain. It’s a very, very minutest stroke,” she said. “There is no problem. It’s not a life-threatening thing. Please convey to fans that Chandra is very much stable. He has a very strong willpower.”In his 16-year career, Chandrasekhar played 58 Test matches capturing 242 wickets.

New Zealand will keep one eye on the final day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and how the next month pans out

S Rajesh18-Jan-2021If Australia winAustralia will move up to 75.4. They will obviously qualify if the three-Test series against South Africa doesn’t materialize. If it does, Australia will need another 59 points from that series, which they can get if they win one Test (40 points), and draw two (13 points each). So a 1-0 series win will be the minimum margin required to go past New Zealand’s percentage points.India will drop to 66.7 and will need 110 points out of 120 from their series against England. That can only happen if they win 4-0. Any other series scoreline and they will have to hope that Australia do even worse in South Africa. England could come into the reckoning too if both Australia and India drop points.If the Test is drawnAustralia will be on 71.25 points and will qualify if the series against South Africa is called off. If that series goes ahead, they will need 79 out of 120 points, which means at least two Test wins. If they don’t win two, they will drop below New Zealand in the table and will have to hope that results in the India-England series go their way.India will drop to 68.3 and will need 100 points at least from the England series. For that, they will need a 3-0 scoreline. Anything less, and they will drop below New Zealand and will be counting on other results going their way.(If the Gabba Test is drawn, if England beat Sri Lanka 2-0, the Australia-South Africa series ends 1-1, and the India-England series ends 2-2, then Australia will finish on 65.8, England on 65.6, and India on 65.3.)If India winAustralia will drop to 69.2 and will need 89 points from the series against South Africa to go past New Zealand. That can only happen if they win at least two Tests and draw the third, in which case they will get 93 points from the series. Had Australia not dropped those four points for slow over-rate in Melbourne, they would have been on 70 even with a defeat. In that case, the runs-per-wicket ratio would have come into play (since teams have played an unequal number of series, the series wins isn’t being considered in this cycle); currently, Australia’s ratio is 1.42 while New Zealand’s is 1.28.India will move up to 71.67 with a win and will need 80 more points against England to top New Zealand. They can achieve that with a 2-0 series scoreline in the four Tests.England’s win in Galle has brought them into the conversation as well, but for them to go past New Zealand, they will need to win the second Test in Sri Lanka, and beat India 3-0.

Plymouth hit a late winner to down Portsmouth in the Championship and ease the pressure on manager Wayne Rooney.

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• Plymouth beat bottom side Portsmouth
• Climb out of drop zone
• Win relieves pressure on Rooney

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Substitute Michael Obafemi's 82nd-minute goal ensured Plymouth took all three points against Portsmouth in a huge clash at the bottom of the table. Pompey thought they had scored in the first minute but saw Regan Poole's goal ruled out for offside. Plymouth then went on to clinch a crucial victory when Obafemi raced onto a long goal kick, outmuscled his defender and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid. The victory is the Pilgrims' first in five Championship games and also a first clean sheet in the league in 2024-25.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Plymouth's disappointing run of form had seen the pressure build on manager Rooney but he has seen his team move out of the relegation places and into 20th in the table with Tuesday's win. It's a different story entirely for Portsmouth who stay bottom and are five points from safety after 14 games played.

• WHAT ROONEY SAID

  He told : "It was a really important game tonight. it wasn't the best game from our point of view but I stressed to the players before it's important we come away with three points. A clean sheet obviously helps that. It's important we dig in and find a way to win and we did that tonight so I'm really pleased. For all of us, we are all together as staff, players and fans, I thought the fans were excellent tonight."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PLYMOUTH

  Rooney will come up against familiar opposition next time out in the Championship. Plymouth head to Derby County on Saturday as the manager takes on his former employers.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Vasco derrotou o Confiança (SE) por 2 a 1 e diminuiu a diferença para o G4 da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. Com isso, Ricardo Graça, Germán Cano, Gabriel Pec e o técnico Fernando Diniz foram escolhidos para a seleção da galera da 28ª rodada na página oficial da competição no Twitter através de votação popular.

RelacionadasVascoNos bastidores, Castan incentiva grupo do Vasco antes da vitória sobre o Confiança: ‘Isso aqui é a nossa vida’Vasco05/10/2021VascoConselho Fiscal do Vasco recomenda a reprovação das contas do último ano de Alexandre Campello no clubeVasco05/10/2021VascoCom o fim da rodada, Vasco aumenta chance de acesso após mais uma vitória; confira as probabilidadesVasco04/10/2021

No duelo contra o Dragão, o Gigante da Colina não fez um bom primeiro tempo, mas com a entrada de Gabriel Pec, o time construiu a vitória em poucos minutos. O atacante voltou a ter chance com a chegada de Fernando Diniz e tem entrado bem nos jogos.

+ Restam 10 rodadas! Confira e simule a reta final da Série B

Além dele, os autores dos gols, Ricardo Graça e Germán Cano também estão presentes na seleção da rodada. Ambos aproveitaram a boa trama pelo lado esquerdo e foram oportunistas na área. O argentino fez o pivô e tirou o zagueiro da jogada. O defensor, se antecipou ao marcador e fez de cabeça.

+ Com o fim da rodada, Vasco aumenta chance de acesso após mais uma vitória; confira as probabilidades

A seleção da galera da 28ª rodada da Série B é composta por: Tadeu (Goiás), Raúl Cáceres (Cruzeiro), Ramon (Cruzeiro), Ricardo Graça (Vasco), Matheus Pereira (Cruzeiro); Adriano (Cruzeiro), Fellipe Bastos (Goiás), Giovanni (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Pec (Vasco); Tiago (Cruzeiro) e Germán Cano (Vasco). Técnico: Fernando Diniz (Vasco).

🗳 Vocês largaram o dedo na votação e ela está no ar!

A #SeleçãoDaGalera da 28ª rodada chegou com DOMÍNIO Celeste e Cruzmaltino! Além disso também conta com dois jogadores Esmeraldinos para fecharem os onze! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UKILobwIHT

— Brasileirão Série B (@BrasileiraoB) October 5, 2021

Expectations for Mexico might be lower in rematch with Honduras, but the implications are much higher

Just as it did in 2023, Mexico will end 2024 with a familiar challenge: a CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal series in Honduras.

Last year, Mexico needed a bit of a miracle to get past . After falling 2-0 in Tegucigalpa, then-manager Jaime Lozano and his squad needed a pair of goals in the second leg to force a penalty shootout. Despite 11 shots on target, it took until the very last one – 11 minutes into a (properly awarded) long stoppage time – for Mexico to force kicks from the spot to decide the Nations League semifinalist.

The hope is that it won’t take the same types of heroics this time around. Whether or not once again rides its luck into the next round, much has changed this year – even if it has come around to the same point.

Mexico’s performance in its series against Honduras—and how it plays throughout both legs—will shape the team’s confidence, both internally and externally, as Javier Aguirre and his squad enter 2025.

GOAL takes a look at what has changed and what remains the same for Mexico as it kicks off its Nations League tie Friday.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Change: The manager 

  While it’s a familiar face with Aguirre taking over the Mexico national team for the third time in his career, these are the types of matches when a steady hand is welcome. While Aguirre’s predecessor Jaime Lozano was able to get the best out of Mexico when it came to its 2023 Gold Cup-winning run, he struggled to get the best out of the team when preparation time was limited and travel was difficult like it is in the Nations Leagues ties.

  That would also carry over into the Copa American and it ultimately cost him his job after failing to advance in the tournament.

  Aguirre is unbeaten as Mexico's manager since his return in late July 2024, notching two wins and two draws. He is now preparing for his third "official" debut in matches that matter for . got a big boost last month, with Fulham forward Raul Jimenez not only returning to the national team but starring in a 2-0 win over the rival United States.

  That has lifted the mood around the national team significantly, especially since concerns were raised after it had drawn against a Valencia squad that largely played reserves in the first game of the October window. Aguirre needs to keep the good times going with convincing results against Honduras. He'll be boosted by the fact the players seem to enjoy working with the veteran boss so far.

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• Change: The expectations

  Another positive factor for Aguirre is expectations are arguably lower this time around.

  Most Mexico fans were fully aboard the “Lamborjimmy” heading into the game in Honduras last year. Why wouldn’t they have been? Lozano led Mexico to the Gold Cup title, then a win over Ghana and an impressive draw against Germany in a high-profile pair of friendly matches. Yet, the cracks from the 2022 World Cup re-emerged in the Honduras series. Then that would be followed by defeat in the CONCACAF Nations League final and their struggles in the Copa America.

  This time around, it feels like the Mexican federation, the fan base, and the demanding press understand the true state of the team. They are more realistic and understand that Mexico isn't a World Cup contender for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. There is more of an acceptance that the team can make changes now to build and dream about the future.

• Getty Images
  

  Same: The player pool

  Wingers Uriel Antuna and Hirving Lozano are the only players who started the second leg against Honduras last year who aren’t part of Aguirre’s squad for this match.

  It’s OK to have a core group of players, but it shows the lack of depth Mexico managers have to choose from when selecting their 23-man squad and their 11-man starting lineup.

  While Toluca’s domestic success made it look like Marcel Ruiz or Jesus Angulo would be options in attack, Aguirre instead has turned to veteran forward Ángel Sepúlveda. 

  It’s a nice story of resilience, and his late-game heroics for Cruz Azul hint that he could have something to provide for the national team. Yet, the 33-year-old actually is older than Jimenez. Between Jimenez, Sepúlveda, América’s Henry Martín, and Pumas’ Guillermo Martínez, Aguirre has called in a four-man central forward grouping with an average age over 31.5.

  Elsewhere on the field, Johan Vasquez and Cesar Montes, once considered the center-back pairing of the future have largely solidified as the pairing of the present. They are continuing to refine their partnership with star defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez in front of them. It's an area where Aguirre can count on. Just ahead of Alvarez in the midfield, Luis Chavez’s return should give the squad a far better option when it comes to a two-way midfielder.

  There’s no flashy superstar, though, and more concerning, there's no up-and-comer to potentially follow and see if he can make a difference against Honduras.

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  Raised: The stakes

  While the expectations for Mexico are lower, the stakes may be even higher for the team this time around. Miss out on the Nations League Final Four and rather than likely showdowns with the United States and Panama (though Jamaica and Costa Rica will have plenty to say about that), Mexico would be in a playoff to try to qualify for the Gold Cup.

  With limited international windows until Mexico begins the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City, the team needs to face as much top competition as it can. It needs to play matches that are as close to the ones it will play at the World Cup as possible.

  Failing to get out of the quarterfinal not only would be a huge disappointment for a team that has long prided itself as the giant in the region, but it also would heap unwanted pressure on it in March when Aguirre and his staff would much rather have the challenge and joy of playing for a trophy.

  What Mexico does in this window will be a good barometer for just how much this team has progressed – or not – in one calendar year. And it will determine what resolutions and goals the team can reasonably set for the new year.