Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall (L) fights for the ball with Sydney's Takahiro Sekine (R) during the Sydney Super Cup football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sydney FC at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney on July 29, 2026. (Photo by Saeed Khan / AFP via Getty Images) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- | AFP via Getty ImagesIt tends to be difficult as fans, and even writers, to garner anything from preseason fixtures. Often, teams play opponents in matches that are a mismatch in quality and athleticism; sides heavily rotate; and fitness is prioritized above results. Coaching staff are typically measuring players on unseen metrics known only by those at the club.Where that can change, though, is when a manager speaks out in praise of a player. Thats what has happened in the case of Luca Williams-Barnett following Tottenham Hotspurs win on penalties against Sydney FC as part of their preseason tour.The young attacker displayed dazzling footwork and outstanding technical ability, often cutting the Sydney defense to shreds as he drove forward with a number of mazy runs unfortunately unable to follow that up with a finish to match and with his confidence on full display as he dispatched a panenka in the penalty shootout amidst boos from a hostile crowd.In the press conference following the match, both senior player Ben Davies and coach Roberto De Zerbi were full of praise for the 17-year-old, with Ben Davies first to speak:Hes a really top player. Hes got a lot of potential. I think you can see the qualities hes got. Hell now just develop the habits of the game. But to have no fear and just want the ball again even if he loses it is great.De Zerbi followed up Davies comments with some of his own:He is a precious diamond. We have to work on him in the final third and he must work hard on his physicality. Ive worked with a lot of young players in my time and hes a potentially special player.Thats high praise. Circumspect, but relatively glowing from how De Zerbi tends to communicate. The question then becomes what the club opts to do with him at this point in his development. Given hes only 17, it could be too early for a loan, with potential benefit gained from keeping him around the clubhouse and close to De Zerbi and the senior squad. Its also vital though that he gets minutes to continue his development, and potentially U21 level is sufficient for now in that regard.De Zerbi also discussed Lucas Bergvall, named in his XI for the first time since returning from the World Cup. The reportedly wantaway midfielder had a solid but unspectacular performance amidst questions around his future, with the Italian manager giving further clarification on the Swedes situation:I would like if he stays with us, I think hes a potential top, top, top player; [but] I dont want to convince anyone to stay. I think Tottenham is a really, without me, a top club, and we have not convinced anyone to stay.I think he can find a space if he stays with us; the competition between the players is strong because we are Tottenham and we have to build a strong squad, not just eleven players, especially considering the injuries we suffered in the last 2-3 seasons. The football is going in a clear direction, to compete for a high place on the table you have to manage 22, 23, 24 players; I dont want 24, but 22, 21 at the highest level for sure. Im speaking with him before the end of last season, during the World Cup two times his position is very clear for me now its hard to find a young player of that level.He wants play in a double pivot but I cannot give a guarantee to any player that he can play. He was right that he wants to play as a central midfielder.I would like if he stays, but if he doesnt want to I can do nothing. He will then have to speak to Vinai or Johan. He has to have the right spirit to stay.Its similar to his previous comments, but more direct. De Zerbi rubbished the suggestions he had not talked with Bergvall, and clarified he saw his future in the middle of the pitch, unlike the more advanced areas in which Thomas Frank tended to deploy the young Swede. Its a reasonable response from De Zerbi, indicating that he rates Bergvall and wants him to stay but affirming that he has to build a squad of a high level, and that level of quality could mean he wont always be playing.De Zerbi also referenced Mateus Fernandes absence, indicating his exclusion from the squad was due to fatigue in his calf, and talked on the importance of rotation and managing his players workloads as Spurs continue a strong preseason campaign in preparation for the 26/27 season.

The Los Angeles Rams are a team thats rich with leaders and intelligent players. Whether its on offense or defense, theres no lack of high-character players in their building.Coleman Shelton certainly falls under that category as the teams starting center, elevating the play of the entire offensive line after he returned to Los Angeles as a free agent last year.Kevin Dotson put into perspective just how important he is to the offensive line, paying Shelton a major compliment by saying hes literally QB2 when it comes to calling plays and getting the offense set.He's pivotal to the whole offensive line, Dotson said of Shelton on Tuesday. He's literally QB2 in our minds when it comes to play calling and stuff like that. Whatever he says goes. I don't care if he told me to do a backflip and go right. I'm going to do a backflip and go right because he's put that work in. He's put that dedication in, watching the tape, being in there with the quarterbacks to know what the quarterbacks are thinking, what Nine (Matthew Stafford) wants this week. So we trust him with our whole hearts that he's going to get the job done and he's really meticulous in the way he likes to run so we like that.Shelton left in free agency after the 2023 season, signing a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears. He returned to Los Angeles after one season in the Windy City, replacing Beaux Limmer as the Rams starting center in 2025.Hes by no means a perfect lineman but his intelligence and run-blocking ability are two traits that make him a quality starter for the Rams.The connection between a quarterback and his center is an important one, and theres no doubt Stafford and Shelton have developed excellent chemistry during their time together as starters.This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Kevin Dotson pays Rams lineman big compliment: 'He's literally QB2'

NEW DELHI: West Indies captain Roston Chase said his team's 90-run victory over Pakistan in the opening Test was a tribute to legendary all-rounder Garry Sobers, with the players determined to honour the cricket great. Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the game's history, passed away on July 17 at the age of 89. Tuesday marked what would have been his 90th birthday.'We wanted to make him proud'Following West Indies' victory at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Chase revealed that the team had spoken about Sobers before the match."We wanted to make him proud and had a chat about it before the match. I hope he is smiling down on us."Chase also thanked the fans who turned up to support the home side.I also want to thank the Trinidad crowd for coming out and supporting us. It was not a big crowd, but it gave us enough energy and support to go out there and perform," Chase said.The win handed West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.Chase praises team's preparationWest Indies entered the Pakistan series after a 1-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka, and Chase said the team's recent performances were the result of months of hard work."I think these two teams that we've played, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, they're closer to us in the rankings. I don't want to say they're teams we should beat, but I think it's a more even contest between us." windiescricket (@windiescricket) He further said, "The guys are confident and over the last few months we've been putting in some extra hard work. We had a camp as well before the Sri Lanka series and I think that really helped us become closer as a unit and also work on our weaknesses and improve our strengths as well. So I think that this is the upliftment of that practice and camp."Seamers dominate the TestFast bowlers dominated throughout the match at Tarouba, with all 40 wickets falling to seam bowling.Justin Greaves starred with 5/27 in Pakistan's first innings, while Jayden Seales claimed 5/20 in the second innings. Together, they picked up 13 wickets.Greaves also produced the rare achievement of bowling five successive wicket maidens in Pakistan's first innings.Speaking about the conditions, Chase said, "I think it just goes to show that it was more friendly towards the seamers. The Pakistani spinner (Ali Usman) bowled a number of overs (13 in the first innings), he didn't get a wicket. (Jomel) Warrican bowled a few (18 across two innings), didn't get a wicket and didn't look too threatening as well. The (fast bowlers) really put the ball in the right areas and it paid off.Chase hails Justin GreavesChase said Greaves' disciplined bowling made the difference."I spoke to Justin about being disciplined and trying to starve the Pakistani batsmen of runs. I thought that would build the pressure, especially on a wicket where the ball was doing a lot. He got one wicket and everything just started to flow in his favour. He put the ball in the right areas."He added, "He bowled five consecutive wicket-maidens, which is a great skill to have because you're able to build pressure, stop the scoring rate and also get wickets. Usually, you're just keeping it tight and not really getting wickets, or you get wickets but the run rate might be flowing. For him to have that skill where he can do both, I think he's of great value for this team." 132709239Seales and Chanderpaul earn captain's backingChase was equally pleased to see Jayden Seales return to form with a five-wicket haul."I'm very pleased for Jayden Seales as well. He's not been getting those big wicket hauls of recent, but to see him come here with that discipline, patience and have that determination to come and put on the ball in the right areas after not really having the best of times, I'm very happy for him."The West Indies skipper also defended opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, whose slow innings of 21 and 35 attracted criticism."He's undervalued in the eyes of the public and the media. The game finished in four days, so it's not really a big issue if he bats slowly. His role is to wear down the bowlers and make it a lot easier for the batsmen coming in."He further explained, "So even if he doesn't get that big score, once he occupies the crease for at least two hours, 100 balls, 150 balls, he's done a great job of seeing off the new ball. It's not always about how fast you score or how many runs you score, especially as an opener. It's about how much time you spend at the crease and getting the bowlers tired for the rest of the team to come in and play their natural game."The second and final Test between West Indies and Pakistan will begin in Port of Spain on August 2.

Report Roma close on Koulierakis from Wolfsburg, Salah-Eddine to OlympiacosMultiple reports confirm Roma are in negotiations for Wolfsburg defender Konstantinos Koulierakis, who was also linked with Crystal Palace, while Anass Salah-Eddine is close to Olympiacos.WOLFSBURG, GERMANY JANUARY 24: Konstantinos Koulierakis of Wolfsburg in action during the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and Holstein Kiel at Volkswagen Arena on January 24, 2025 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)According to Teleradiostereo, Fabrizio Romano and Alfredo Pedull, the talks are in progress between the two clubs, and the player eager to make the move to the Stadio Olimpico.The centre-back is 22 years old and already has 22 senior caps for Greece under his belt.Crystal Palace had shown interest this summer, while Inter were linked last year.Koulierakis eager for Roma transferWOLFSBURG, GERMANY MAY 21: Konstantinos Koulierakis of Wolfsburg reacts during the Bundesliga Playoff Leg One match between VfL Wolfsburg an SC Paderborn at Volkswagen Arena on May 21, 2026 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images)A product of the PAOK Salonika youth academy, he was sold to Wolfsburg in the summer of 2024 for 11.75m.His value has since climbed considerably, with Sportitalia transfer expert Alfredo Pedull suggesting the asking price is 20m.However, that can be whittled down with the inclusion of add-ons and performance-related bonuses.According to Teleradiostereo, Koulierakis would be considered an understudy to Mario Hermoso in the Roma defence, and not a first choice.Some of the funds can be raised by the sale of Morocco international Salah-Eddine to Olympiacos for circa 8m.The full-back was bought from FC Twente for 8.5m in February 2025, then had a loan at PSV Eindhoven last season.

Dubai United fully support Pirlo after Italy disappointmentDubai United fully support Andrea Pirlo and insist the Italian tactician is fully committed to the Club after failing to get the Italy job.The former midfielder was Paolo Maldinis favourite candidate to become Italys new head coach after the ex-Azzurri technical director failed to secure agreements with either Carlo Ancelotti or Pep Guardiola.Political protests over Pirlos role as a brand ambassador for a Russian betting company eventually led to the ex-midfielder not getting the job, while Maldini and Leonardo resigned, feeling that their decision-making autonomy was no longer present.Official Dubai United statement on PirloPirlos Club Dubai United have now released an official statement on the Italian tacticians future, confirming their full trust in him: Over the past few days there has been significant speculation in the media regarding Andrea Pirlos future, including a number of reports that do not reflect the facts, the Club said.

Sensor signal conditioner integrated circuits (ICs) play a critical role in converting weak analog sensor outputs into accurate, stable, and usable digital signals. These ICs perform functions such as amplification, filtering, calibration, linearization, diagnostics, and signal conversion, enabling reliable performance across automotive, industrial automation, healthcare, consumer electronics,...

Long-distance walking requires footwear that provides lasting comfort, dependable support, and excellent durability. On shoes are designed with innovative cushioning technology and lightweight materials that help reduce foot fatigue during extended walks. Whether you enjoy daily fitness walks, city sightseeing, travelling, or outdoor adventures, the right pair of On shoes can make every step...

July 29 (UPI) -- Internacional's Victor Gabriel is suspended until Cruzeiro forward Gabriel Pec returns from a broken left leg injury, Brazil's sports court said.Brazil's Superior Court of Sports Justice, or STJD, announced the ruling Tuesday. Pec fractured a tibia after Gabriel tackled him during a 2-1 win over Internacional on July 22 in Porto Alegre, Brazil.Gabriel, who attended the STJD committee hearing for the ruling, apologized to Pec."I had the feeling that I would get to the ball first, and I did," Gabriel said. "Since the field was quite slippery and wet, I ended up hitting the ball and then I didn't have time to pull my leg back, and that's how this somewhat harder tackle happened, but without any intention of causing harm to my fellow professional or any malice."The defender was given a red card for the incident. Pec's injury required surgery. Gabriel's ban, which will end when Pec returns to training, is capped at 180 days."I've always been a loyal guy and I've always gone onto the field to, above all, defend my club and my dream," Gabriel said. "I've always tried to be as loyal as possible to my teammates and opponents. It was a completely unfortunate incident."I apologized to him and offered my help. I asked him to forgive me for not having had any ill intent, and all I could do at that moment was pray for him."Since that night, it's been incredibly difficult for me. My whole life I've prepared for moments of happiness, and instead, it's been sleepless nights."Internacional (5-9-6) sits at No. 16 in the Brazilian Serie A standings. Cruzeiro (7-7-6) sits at No. 11, 17 points behind first-place Palmeiras (13-2-5).

Front Row Motorsports has four drivers who could realistically compete in the NASCAR Cup Series. With Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith, and Noah Gragson in the Cup Series, Layne Riggs is blocked at Front Row Motorsports. However, Riggs is ready to race in the Cup Series, and he believes it is a possibility in 2027.So, what does Front Row Motorsports think about Riggs' future in the Cup Series? According to Front Row Motorsports general manager Jerry Freeze, as reported on NASCAR.com, Riggs will be racing in the Cup Series soon."Wed love to see [Layne Riggs] get a chance and he will get a chance," Freeze said to NASCAR.com. "He will get a chance, and we see a bright, bright future with Layne for sure...But youre right. Thats the hardest part.Riggs has five wins in the Truck Series and figures to be the No. 1 seed ahead of the Chase in 2026. There is nothing left for Riggs to prove in the Truck Series, even if he does win a championship. If Front Row Motorsports wants to keep Riggs long-term, he might need an opportunity in the Cup Series soon.Chandler Smith addresses his NASCAR Cup Series future in 2026This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Front Row Motorsports addresses Layne Riggs' NASCAR Cup future in 2026