Q: How can Florian Wirtz be integrated into the Liverpool team?
@rags1892 via Instagram
A: This is a tough one and I feel for the player whose price tag is provoking endless debate about his qualities. He is a magnificent player but one you can’t just slot in anywhere and ask to create.
Reports suggest the German chose Liverpool over Bayern Munich because they would allow him to play more centrally so that he could knit the play together. That is the role he favours, even if it is not the one he has always played.
He is best as a left-sided attacking midfielder, but his versatility was seen as a strength by Liverpool when scouting him. Arne Slot played him in the middle where he wanted to be, but it has not worked in the way Liverpool had hoped.
His presence there has upset the balance of the side and forced him to drop deep to find the ball, which reduces his impact in the final third.
It has also made the team look more lightweight and less aggressive. By contrast, when he started on the left against Real Madrid, his performance was far more effective. He could receive the ball higher up, combine quickly, and attack from better positions, though the Spanish side are less physical than some in England.
Embedding several brilliant attacking players can harm the balance of the side and leave them defensively open unless those brilliant attackers can do the hard work.
PSG found this out and Real Madrid seemed worse with Kylian Mbappe, their top goalscorer than without. It’s about finding a balance and allowing him the time to develop which may include building the team around him. But can they afford to do that?
Q: If Lionel Messi played in England or Germany, how many fewer goals would he have? Why does it seem that it’s easier to score goals in Serie A and La Liga?
@jeffjacob108 via Instagram
A: I’m not going to lie, this question hurt me a little. It’s giving “can he do it on a cold and windy night in Stoke?” vibe. What I can tell you is that it’s absolutely not easier to score in Serie A or La Liga. If anything, it’s harder, even though comparing leagues with different tactical styles is difficult. But let me provide the receipts.
According to Sportradar’s analysis in May, more than 18,000 goals have been scored in the Bundesliga since 2005/06. That translates to an average of 2.96 goals per game, well above the Premier League (2.74), Serie A (2.68), La Liga (2.66) and Ligue 1 (2.53) over the same period.
Germany and England consistently produced more open games, allowing for more opportunities at goal. Italy and Spain, by contrast, boasted better defensive structures.
European competition provides us with the best data to compare. In last season’s Uefa Champions League, Inter kept the most clean sheets in the league phase, Real Madrid made the most saves, and Barcelona scored the most goals.
The tournament’s leading scorer, assist provider, and player with the most shots on target all came from La Liga. The goalkeeper with the most saves was Yann Sommer of Inter.
In the Europa League, three of the five stingiest defences came from Spain and Italy, while Atalanta won the 2024 title, beating Bayer Leverkusen, the so-called “Invincibles,” on a fraction of the budget of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Even penalties are harder to score in these leagues. RG.com reported in January that from 2020 to 2025, Serie A had the highest penalty save rate (21.40 per cent) and La Liga followed at 18.41 per cent, ahead of the Premier League (16.27 per cent).
Messi would score anywhere and against anyone, but no, Spain did not make it easier for him.
Q: What do you think about the hiring of Luciano Spalletti at Juventus?
@Mrubertz via Instagram
A: Spalletti would not have been my first choice. Let me be clear, he is, in my opinion, the most gifted tactician in Italy, and his ideas have inspired an entire generation of coaches, including Pep Guardiola. But I am not convinced he is the man to shift Juventus’s mentality or push this team to mature.
Juventus respond better to charismatic leaders than to pure tacticians. Spalletti has an impressive record, and what he achieved with Napoli was extraordinary, winning an unlikely Scudetto through football of remarkable beauty.
But frankly, it almost doesn’t matter who takes the job right now. It is difficult to win when a club is this poorly run. Juventus have not been well managed since Beppe Marotta left in 2018, and things have only worsened.
Once upon a time, every squad was studied in detail, and every player targeted was examined for character as much as for talent and technique.
The same applied to every coach or director they hired. There was a clear ethos, a clear strategy, and a defined type of personality that fitted the Juventus identity.
That is no longer the case. Look at the attack. Was it really wise to spend so much on forwards who, for the most part, cannot even play together?
There is talent in this team, but few dependable leaders. A group lacking the right mentality, maturity and experience, paired with a coach who can get lost in the details, may not be the right mix. Still, at least the football is improving.
Q: I watched Edouard Mendy’s miraculous save for Al Ahli this weekend. Has he been performing at these levels throughout his time there?
@Sasahsani via Instagram
A: Honestly, I think Mendy is one of the best goalkeepers in the Saudi Pro League. There’s fierce competition too, with Yassine Bounou (Bono), formerly of Sevilla, still showing incredible consistency. But it feels like not a week goes by without Mendy producing something special.
The game you’re referring to was this past weekend’s Jeddah derby between two of the biggest teams in the country, Al Ahli and reigning champions Al Ittihad.
Riyad Mahrez scored the only goal of the match, but it was Mendy’s stunning left-handed save in stoppage time, denying Danilo’s header, that secured all three points.
It was genuinely world-class. He always had a miracle up his sleeve. Remember that save against Brentford when he was at Chelsea in 2021? Best hands in the business.
He’s been performing at this level throughout his time in Saudi. Only last month, he pulled off another brilliant reaction save against Al Shabab that went viral. Since moving to the Middle East, he’s kept a clean sheet in over half his league appearances and concedes barely a goal every two matches.
He was named best goalkeeper of the 2024/25 AFC Champions League Elite after playing a huge role in Al Ahli’s first-ever continental title.
In an interview earlier this summer, he said he came to Saudi Arabia for trophies, not the money which obviously courted scepticism but looking at what he’s achieved since, he deserves his plaudits.
Q: Manchester City were brilliant over the weekend, are they back to the best and can they win the title?
@dghandour44
A: What a game that was. From a spectator’s point of view, it was worth the price of the ticket. The tempo, the technique, the tactics. It was great entertainment.
Manchester City are always in the title conversation because they have the best coach in the business, but this was a particularly impressive for me.
I have often criticised Guardiola when he overcomplicates things or ignores certain flaws, yet you have to admire how he keeps reinventing himself. His willingness to experiment and challenge his own ideas was all over that 3–0 win against Liverpool.
Who would have thought Guardiola would ever go for a classic number nine or a goalkeeper like Gigi Donnarumma? But he continues to change up and experiment. The wingers now have freedom to drift inside or stay wide, and it is giving us the best version of Jeremy Doku.
His goal from a central position was one of the season’s highlights. He has sharpened his decision-making and is much more clinical in his finishing. His combination with Nico O’Reilly was superb, drawing Liverpool’s defenders in before exploiting the gaps.
Last season, Rodri’s absence left City short of control and power. Yet even with Liverpool’s bulked up midfield, City still looked stronger physically and mentally. They were tenacious, aggressive and full of ideas.
O’Reilly was excellent, as were many others including Nico Gonzalez. The difference is more fluidity. Less tactical rigidity, more expression. City were already contenders. They have to be considered Arsenal’s biggest threat for the title.
Ain Dubai in numbers
126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure
1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch
16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.
9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.
5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place
192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fasset%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2019%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mohammad%20Raafi%20Hossain%2C%20Daniel%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%242.45%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2086%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-series%20B%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Investcorp%2C%20Liberty%20City%20Ventures%2C%20Fatima%20Gobi%20Ventures%2C%20Primal%20Capital%2C%20Wealthwell%20Ventures%2C%20FHS%20Capital%2C%20VN2%20Capital%2C%20local%20family%20offices%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
**Director:**Athale
Rating: 4/5
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage
Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid
Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani
Rating: 4/5
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Key developments
All times UTC 4
UAE currency
About Okadoc
Date started: Okadoc, 2018
Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Healthcare
Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth
Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February
Investors: Undisclosed
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Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Astra%20Tech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbdallah%20Abu%20Sheikh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20technology%20investment%20and%20development%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24500m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Mobile phone packages comparison
While you're here
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
Match info
Karnataka Tuskers 110-3
J Charles 35, M Pretorius 1-19, Z Khan 0-16
Deccan Gladiators 111-5 in 8.3 overs
K Pollard 45*, S Zadran 2-18
Opinions on Lebanon
Western Region Asia Cup T20 Qualifier
Sun Feb 23 – Thu Feb 27, Al Amerat, Oman
The two finalists advance to the Asia qualifier in Malaysia in August
Group A
Bahrain, Maldives, Oman, Qatar
Group B
UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
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Whiile you're here
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
While you're here
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The burning issue
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Joy%20Ride%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Adele%20Lim%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAshley%20Park%2C%20Sherry%20Cola%2C%20Stephanie%20Hsu%2C%20Sabrina%20Wu%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
The biog
Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia
Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins
Favourite dish: Grilled fish
Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.
Key findings of Jenkins report
Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
While you're here
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
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Results
Brock Lesnar retained the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns
Braun Strowman and Nicolas won the Raw Tag Team titles against Sheamus and Cesaro
AJ Styles retained the WWE World Heavyweight title against Shinsuke Nakamura
Nia Jax won the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss
Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon beat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
The Undertaker beat John Cena
The Bludgeon Brothers won the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos and New Day
Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle beat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon
Jinder Mahal won the United States title against Randy Orton, Rusev and Bobby Roode
Charlotte retained the SmackDown Women’s title against Asuka
Seth Rollins won the Intercontinental title against The Miz and Finn Balor
Naomi won the first WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
Cedric Alexander won the vacant Cruiserweight title against Mustafa Ali
Matt Hardy won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal
Tamkeen's offering
Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
Option 2: 50% across three years
Option 3: 30% across five years
The years Ramadan fell in May
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELeap%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ziad%20Toqan%20and%20Jamil%20Khammu%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
%E2%80%98White%20Elephant%E2%80%99
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Bio
Age: 25
Town: Al Diqdaqah – Ras Al Khaimah
Education: Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering
Favourite colour: White
Favourite place in the UAE: Downtown Dubai
Favourite book: A Life in Administration by Ghazi Al Gosaibi.
First owned baking book: How to Be a Domestic Goddess by Nigella Lawson.
MIDWAY
Produced: Lionsgate Films, Shanghai Ryui Entertainment, Street Light Entertainment
Directed: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Ed Skrein, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Aaron Eckhart, Luke Evans, Nick Jonas, Mandy Moore, Darren Criss
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Look north
BBC business reporters, like a new raft of government officials, are being removed from the national and international hub of London and surely the quality of their work must suffer.
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Sinopharm vaccine explained
The Sinopharm vaccine was created using techniques that have been around for decades.
“This is an inactivated vaccine. Simply what it means is that the virus is taken, cultured and inactivated," said Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, chair of the UAE's National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee.
"What is left is a skeleton of the virus so it looks like a virus, but it is not live."
This is then injected into the body.
"The body will recognise it and form antibodies but because it is inactive, we will need more than one dose. The body will not develop immunity with one dose," she said.
"You have to be exposed more than one time to what we call the antigen."
The vaccine should offer protection for at least months, but no one knows how long beyond that.
Dr Al Kaabi said early vaccine volunteers in China were given shots last spring and still have antibodies today.
“Since it is inactivated, it will not last forever," she said.