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 win 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.
Racecard
6.35pm: The Madjani Stakes – Group 2 (PA) Dh97,500 (Dirt) 1,900m
7.10pm: Evidenza – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,200m
7.45pm: The Longines Conquest – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 2,000m
8.20: The Longines Elegant – Conditions (TB) Dh82,500 (D)
8.35pm: The Dubai Creek Mile – Listed (TB) Dh132,500 (D) 1,600m
9.30pm: Mirdif Stakes – Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (D) 1,400m
10.05pm: The Longines Record – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,900m
UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (c), Chamani Senevirathne (vc), Subha Srinivasan, NIsha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Esha Oza, Ishani Senevirathne, Heena Hotchandani, Keveesha Kumari, Judith Cleetus, Chavi Bhatt, Namita D’Souza.
Race card
1.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
2pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m
2.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m
3pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1.950m
3.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m
4pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m
The Internet
Hive Mind
four stars
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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THE DRAFT
The final phase of player recruitment for the T10 League has taken place, with UAE and Indian players being drafted to each of the eight teams.
Bengal Tigers
UAE players: Chirag Suri, Mohammed Usman
Indian: Zaheer Khan
Karachians
UAE players: Ahmed Raza, Ghulam Shabber
Indian: Pravin Tambe
Kerala Kings
UAE players: Mohammed Naveed, Abdul Shakoor
Indian: RS Sodhi
Maratha Arabians
UAE players: Zahoor Khan, Amir Hayat
Indian: S Badrinath
Northern Warriors
UAE players: Imran Haider, Rahul Bhatia
Indian: Amitoze Singh
Pakhtoons
UAE players: Hafiz Kaleem, Sheer Walli
Indian: RP Singh
Punjabi Legends
UAE players: Shaiman Anwar, Sandy Singh
Indian: Praveen Kumar
Rajputs
UAE players: Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed
Indian: Munaf Patel
The rules of the road keeping cyclists safe
Cyclists must wear a helmet, arm and knee pads
Have a white front-light and a back red-light on their bike
They must place a number plate with reflective light to the back of the bike to alert road-users
Avoid carrying weights that could cause the bike to lose balance
They must cycle on designated lanes and areas and ride safe on pavements to avoid bumping into pedestrians
Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes.
Where to stay
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.
The bio
Academics: Phd in strategic management in University of Wales
Number one caps: His best-seller caps are in shades of grey, blue, black and yellow
Reading: Is immersed in books on colours to understand more about the usage of different shades
Sport: Started playing polo two years ago. Helps him relax, plus he enjoys the speed and focus
Cars: Loves exotic cars and currently drives a Bentley Bentayga
Holiday: Favourite travel destinations are London and St Tropez
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final (first-leg score):
Juventus (1) v Ajax (1), Tuesday, 11pm UAE
Match will be shown on BeIN Sports
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last 16, first leg
Liverpool v Bayern Munich, midnight (Wednesday), BeIN Sports
The biog
Hobby: "It is not really a hobby but I am very curious person. I love reading and spend hours on research."
Favourite author: Malcom Gladwell
Favourite travel destination: "Antigua in the Caribbean because I have emotional attachment to it. It is where I got married."
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
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”
THE BIO
Age: 33
Favourite quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” Winston Churchill
Favourite breed of dog: All of them. I can’t possibly pick a favourite.
Favourite place in the UAE: The Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain. It sounds predictable, but it honestly is my favourite place to spend time. Surrounded by hundreds of dogs that love you - what could possibly be better than that?
Favourite colour: All the colours that dogs come in
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
TRAINING FOR TOKYO
A typical week's training for Sebastian, who is competing at the ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon on March 8-9:
- Four swim sessions (14km)
- Three bike sessions (200km)
- Four run sessions (45km)
- Two strength and conditioning session (two hours)
- One session therapy session at DISC Dubai
- Two-three hours of stretching and self-maintenance of the body
ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon
For more information go to www.abudhabi.triathlon.org.
More from Neighbourhood Watch
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDirect%20Debit%20System%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sept%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20with%20a%20subsidiary%20in%20the%20UK%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elaine%20Jones%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Brief scores:
Everton 0
Leicester City 1
Vardy 58'
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
If you go
Flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh with a stop in Yangon from Dh3,075, and Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Phnom Penh with its partner Bangkok Airlines from Dh2,763. These trips take about nine hours each and both include taxes. From there, a road transfer takes at least four hours; airlines including KC Airlines (www.kcairlines.com) offer quick connecting flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville from about $100 (Dh367) return including taxes. Air Asia, Malindo Air and Malaysian Airlines fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Sihanoukville from $54 each way. Next year, direct flights are due to launch between Bangkok and Sihanoukville, which will cut the journey time by a third.
The stay
Rooms at Alila Villas Koh Russey (www.alilahotels.com/ kohrussey) cost from $385 per night including taxes.
'The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey'
Rating: 3/5
Directors: Ramin Bahrani, Debbie Allen, Hanelle Culpepper, Guillermo Navarro
Writers: Walter Mosley
Stars: Samuel L Jackson, Dominique Fishback, Walton Goggins
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Captain Marvel
Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson, Jude Law, Ben Mendelsohn
4/5 stars
The biog
Favourite book: You Are the Placebo – Making your mind matter, by Dr Joe Dispenza
Hobby: Running and watching Welsh rugby
Travel destination: Cyprus in the summer
Life goals: To be an aspirational and passionate University educator, enjoy life, be healthy and be the best dad possible.
Scoreline:
Barcelona 2
Suarez 85', Messi 86'
Atletico Madrid 0
Red card: Diego Costa 28' (Atletico)
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Brief scoreline:
Manchester United 2
Rashford 28', Martial 72'
Watford 1
Doucoure 90'
Revival
Eminem
Interscope
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