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.
The biog
Favourite book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Favourite holiday destination: Spain
Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody
Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The beach or Satwa
Children: Stepdaughter Tyler 27, daughter Quito 22 and son Dali 19
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The biog
Favourite Quote: “Real victories are those that protect human life, not those that result from its destruction emerge from its ashes,” by The late king Hussain of Jordan.
Favourite Hobby: Writing and cooking
Favourite Book: The Prophet by Gibran Khalil Gibran
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
