Real Madrid playmaker unsure about his place in the team despite top form in pre-seasonArda Guler has been one of Real Madrids standout performers throughout pre-season, continuing to build on an encouraging campaign under Jose Mourinho.Yet despite his fine form, the Turkish playmaker faces an uncertain battle for regular minutes, with competition for places fiercer than ever at the Bernabeu.And much of that uncertainty stems from the impending return of Jude Bellingham.Guler shining in pre-seasonAccording to Diario AS, Guler has been Real Madrids most in-form attacking player this pre-season, leaving a mark in every outing.Can Guler finally become Real Madrids most important player next season? (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)Against Fiorentina, he was the pick of the bunch even in a disappointing second-half display, and he followed that up with another influential showing in the 2-1 win over Ferencvaros in Budapest. There, Guler was involved in both goals without registering a goal or an assist himself, providing the corner for the first and a delicate touch to set up the second.Mourinho has clearly earmarked him for the number 10 role, and Guler has thrived there, orchestrating Real Madrids attacking play with his vision and creativity. On current form, it would be almost inconceivable to leave him out of the starting eleven if the season began tomorrow.The Bellingham dilemmaGuler vs Bellingham fight could be interesting. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)The problem for Guler is that his best position is also occupied by one of the clubs biggest names.Mourinho asked the club to have two players for every position, and in attacking midfield, that means Guler competing directly with Bellingham. Should the Englishman rediscover the form of his debut campaign, there would be little argument over who starts. However, Bellinghams output dipped over the following two seasons, and there was already debate last term about his place in the side.For now, circumstances favour Guler. The Turk enjoyed his best season yet with six goals and 14 assists, and with Bellingham unlikely to be at peak fitness for the league opener, Guler should get a run in the opening few matches.Beyond that, the competition only intensifies, with Diomande, Brahim Diaz and a returning Rodrygo all adding to the battle for attacking spots.

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Barcelonas strategy on top target remains unchanged despite Atletico Madrid coachs commentsBarcelonas pursuit of Julian Alvarez has become one of the defining sagas of the summer, as the club continue to find a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.But Atletico Madrid have remained defiant throughout, with the club adamant they will not sell their star man to a direct rival.Now, Diego Simeone has added his voice to the matter, though it has not deterred Barcelona in the slightest.Barcelona undeterred by SimeoneBarcelona not sweating over Simeones recent comments. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)According to Mundo Deportivo, Simeones comments in Seoul during Atleticos pre-season, in which he reaffirmed the clubs stance, have not altered Barcelonas strategy to sign Alvarez.The Atletico coach referred to Miguel Angel Gil Marins decision and stressed that the situation must be handled from a sporting perspective, emphasising the strikers importance to his plans.Despite this latest rejection, this time from the manager, Barcelona remain focused on Alvarez, who continues to be Deco and Hansi Flicks number one target for the number nine position.A crucial week aheadThe coming days are expected to prove decisive in determining the outcome of the saga.Alvarez is expected to formally request a transfer through negotiations as soon as his holiday ends and he rejoins Simeone for training.The coming week will be crucial for Alvarezs future. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)For Barcelona, it is crucial that Atletico become willing to listen, negotiate and ultimately consider a new offer.At the same time, Ferran Torres potential departure is set to be finalised, a development that would only heighten Barcelonas need for a striker. Indeed, Simeone himself has already confirmed he plans to include Alvarez in his side for Atleticos league opener against Malaga, underlining the clubs intent to keep him.Should Alvarez fail to resolve his situation this week through dialogue, Barcelona are prepared to activate their Plan B for the Spider. Flick wants clarity over the squad he will have at his disposal before LaLiga begins, meaning the Catalans cannot afford to wait indefinitely.For now, though, Alvarez remains the priority, and Barcelona will be hoping his return to Atletico sparks the breakthrough they have been waiting for.

Federico Valverde talks Rodri, Mourinho and Bernardo Silva after Real Madrid 2-1 FerencvarosFederico Valverde has been handed the role of Real Madrids first captain this season, and the Uruguayan is relishing the added responsibility under new coach Jose Mourinho.Speaking to the media at the Groupama Arena in Budapest following Real Madrids 2-1 win over Ferencvaros, Valverde touched on a number of topics.This included his impressions of Mourinho, the arrival of Bernardo Silva, and Rodris decision to snub the club in favour of Barcelona.Valverde impressed by Mourinho and BernardoThe midfielder was full of praise for Mourinho, admitting the Portuguese had pleasantly surprised him in their short time together.Valverde is pleasantly pleased with Mourinho. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)I didnt expect Mourinho to be like this, in the few days Ive spent with him. Very approachable. In the end, hes someone whos there with his personality. Sometimes hes tough, but I think thats the way you can improve. I like how he treats us, how he treats me, Valverde said (h/t Diario AS).He was equally glowing about new signing Bernardo Silva, who made his debut against Ferencvaros. Bernardo is a magical player, and very funny and entertaining, he said. Spectacular. Honestly, Im really enjoying him. Hes a magical player every day. Hes truly a spectacular person, excellent, who has fit in very well with the whole team. Hes a fantastic player whom Ive always admired, both as a rival and as a player. Having him with us today is a great joy, he added. Valverde also reflected on the demands of wearing the armband. Yes, obviously. Ive been acting as a sort of third or second captain for years now. And well, its a role I enjoy, one I feel very honoured and proud of. Ive learned a lot, and I try to present my best image in the locker room and on the field, so that all my teammates feel comfortable, he explained.On the teams progress, he noted: Very good. Were trying to do what the manager wants, to put his ideas into practice. Were missing a lot of players, but were improving little by little.Valverdes verdict on RodriValverde remained silent on the Rodri saga. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)The one topic Valverde was unwilling to be drawn on was Rodri, who has reportedly chosen Barcelona over a move to the Bernabeu, thus causing quite the stir in the transfer market.Asked for his thoughts on the decision, the captain politely deflected. Rodris decision? I speak for myself, focused on the club, he said.Im focused, speaking for myself, Im focused on my club, focused on my teammates. I have a lot of responsibility wearing the captains armband. I try to make sure that every player in the locker room is happy, that theyre content, that they have good energy, he concluded.

Cavaliers predicted to sign $349M former MVP, nine-time All-Star over Jonathan Kuminga originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Cleveland Cavaliers have been chasing Jonathan Kuminga for what feels like the entirety of free agency. However, it has not been an easy process for the organization, and Cleveland probably cannot wait for it to finally be over.Originally, Kuminga seemed excited about the opportunity to join Cleveland. However, his contract demands have helped put the process on hold.Jonathan Kuminga is demanding a salary in free agency exceeding $20 million annually, per The Athletic. Kuminga prefers a sign-and-trade from the Hawks over leaving outright, simply due to the added financial implications. The Cavaliers and Lakers are the finalists for Kuminga," NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.Even with Kuminga and his camp demanding a significant salary, the Cavaliers continued looking for ways to make a deal work. Cleveland went as far as meeting with Kuminga to discuss a potential agreement.The Cavaliers will meet with Jonathan Kuminga about working towards finalizing a potential sign-and-trade agreement soon, per Chris Fedor. Cleveland is a main finalist for Kuminga's services alongside the Lakers. Kuminga continues to seek a deal exceeding $20 million annually," Sidery wrote.However, Cleveland appears to have grown tired of the lengthy process and has begun looking at other options. Bleacher Reports Scott Polacek believes the Cavaliers should instead pursue free agent Russell Westbrook.Westbrook would be a type of offensive insurance for all three of them, but especially the Cavaliers. With Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, they don't need him to play heavy minutes. Instead, he can provide a spark when the offense stalls and work in pick-and-pops with Evan Mobley, Polacek wrote.The former MVP is in the latter stages of his career, but he could still provide Cleveland with valuable veteran depth and offensive playmaking.Westbrook has made roughly $349 million in contracts throughout his career. Westbrook would provide Cleveland with a proven veteran presence and could be a more reliable short-term addition than Kuminga.After missing out on LeBron James, adding Westbrook could give Cleveland another veteran who knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. It would also give the Cavaliers a way to move on from the lengthy Kuminga saga and focus on the upcoming season.More NBA news:Lakers urged not to sign $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion, focus on Klay Thompson, PJ WashingtonCavaliers, Hawks, Clippers, Bucks in bidding war for $11M NBA champion, 23-year-old young starLakers' Austin Reaves' future in limbo after Walker Kessler's blockbuster trade, says NBA insiderHeat, Warriors, Cavaliers reportedly in battling for $305M future Hall of Famer, 17-year veteran

The Washington Commanders held their third padded practice of the week on Saturday in preparation for the upcoming joint practice with the Miami Dolphins, followed by the first preseason game. Head coach Dan Quinn revealed that Washington would be without center Nick Allegretti and tight end John Bates for another week."I kinda give you both on Nick and John Bates are in a similar spot," Quinn said. "It'll probably be another week or so. I'll have a better assessment as we get into Wednesday and Thursday, but likely they're getting closer, but not today. But not long term either."It certainly feels like the timeline continues to move for Allegretti, which is worrisome, considering the center position was already a concern. Of course, the worst news of training camp came later on Saturday, when it was revealed that left tackle Laremy Tunsil tore his pec. Tunsil is expected to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season. As for what happened on the field, here are four standouts from Day 8 of training camp. RB Kaytron AllenIt feels like we've heard more from Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White and Jeremy McNichols than we have from Allen early in training camp. However, as expected, since the pads came on this week, Allen has been more noticeable. He had an excellent day on Saturday, ripping off a few impressive runs. It seems like Allen will have a specific role for Washington in 2026, perhaps as a short-yardage back, but he proved on Saturday he is capable of much more. @SeatGeek | #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/17UIBxwvEl Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 8, 2026WR Antonio Williams. "14 can hoop a little bit," said Stefon Diggs Friday during his introductory press conference. Williams, the rookie receiver from Clemson, has enjoyed some good moments in training camp, but it's quite possible that Saturday was his best day yet. Williams is a matchup problem at the line of scrimmage because of his initial quickness. It's why GM Adam Peters believes he can play outside, in addition to the slot. Watch Antonio Williams work.Outside of Terry and Diggs...the rookie pops when I watch this Commanders WR group. pic.twitter.com/R68SPezQil Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) August 8, 2026EDGE K'Lavon ChaissonWashington's new edge rushers, Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson, have had an impressive camp. It feels like we've heard Oweh's name more because he's made more splashy plays. Chaisson just gets it done. He's equally as impressive against the run as he is rushing the passer. He's not bad in coverage either. Chaisson got to Jayden Daniels on Saturday and also made an impressive play on a screen pass. Chaisson has been really good all camp, but it felt like he made more big plays on Saturday. C Julian Good-JonesThere are concerns about Washington's center position and that was before Allegretti's injury. But it meant an opportunity for Julian Good-Jones and Matt Gulbin to receive more reps, which is massive because one will likely be the backup center this season. Good-Jones got off to a slow start in camp, but has been better this week, especially when the pads came on. Zach Selby of commanders.com made the following observation on Good-Jones from Saturday's practice. Julian Good-Jones had a solid rep against Tim Settle, as he stalled a bull rush while working with the first group. Good-Jones is holding down the center position until Nick Allegretti returns from injury, and the veteran has continued to look better in pads. His teammates are excited for him to get the opportunity to earn a spot because of his work ethic, and he's making sure to take advantage of every snap.It's important to improve each day. That's what Good-Jones is doing. What does it mean? Maybe nothing. But with potential concerns about Allegretti, it's a bit more reassuring to see Good-Jones take a step forward. He needs to really stand out in this week's joint practice with the Miami Dolphins. That is a true test for Good-Jones' readiness. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 4 standouts from Day 8 of Commanders training camp

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesChicago Skys DiJonai Carrington is generating a lot of attention after getting ejected for a hard foul on Indiana Fevers Sophie Cunningham.The Fevers 90-86 win over the Sky on Saturday evening was overshadowed by two on-court moments. One was Caitlin Clark receiving her eighth technical foul of the season, but that was quickly overturned.The fallout from the second moment, Carringtons ejection-worthy Flagrant 2 foul on Cunningham in the first quarter, might be a lot harder to manage.Jason Whitlock has a strong reaction to the foul on Sophie CunninghamVeteran sports analyst Jason Whitlock was tuned into the game and called for Carrington to be banned from the WNBA for her hard foul on Cunningham.Carrington should never play in the W again.Carrington wiped Cunningham out of the air on a fast-break layup attempt by making direct contact with Cunninghams neck in a foul that Cunningham believes was intentional.The WNBA hopes Carringtons ejection and the associated fines will suffice as disciplinary action in this case, but if more fans and analysts like Whitlock react like this, the league might have to review this later.Fever coach Stephanie White openly defended Dijonai Carringtons foul on Sophie CunninghamWhite was asked about the incident after the game and took a surprising stance in the eyes of many, defending Carringtons competitive toughness and claiming it wasnt an intentional foul.Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesOne of the things about Nai (DiJonai Carrington) is that shes going to compete. No ones going to walk in for an easy layup, so I dont oppose the hard foul. But I also dont think she intentionally went for the neck.Cunningham believes the foul was intentional, but she brushed it off after the game by saying she can handle shots like this from opponents who might have personal axes to grind.Carrington also called out Cunningham and the Fever on social media from the locker room after getting ejected, so this situation might continue for a while.Read more:Fever coach Stephanie White defends DiJonai Carrington after hard foul on Sophie CunninghamSophie Cunningham responds to White Privilege comment from hard-fouling opponent after Sky gameCaitlin Clarks one-game suspension gets overturned by WNBA after controversial referee decision

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