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DeutschJürgen Klinsmann hails Harry Kane as "fantastic" and "the best ambassador you could wish for"
With a remarkable 130 goals in 133 games in all competitions, Harry Kane has been a big hit at Bayern Munich since making the move to Germany from Tottenham for a reported €95 million fee in the summer of 2023.
German World Cup winner and former Bayern player and coach Jürgen Klinsmann has followed the 32-year-old England captain’s Bundesliga achievements with admiration and sees him as an ideal ambassador for the league.
“What Harry has done since joining Bayern Munich is simply incredible," Klinsmann told Bulinews.com and other selected media at a virtual roundtable on Wednesday.
“It’s unbelievable. He's not only a fantastic player on the pitch, with all the goals, assists and records, but also an ambassador of the game.”
Klinsmann believes Kane is respected and admired across Germany, and not just by his own club's supporters.
“People in Germany love him – and not just Bayern Munich fans. Everybody adores him for his qualities. He’s the best ambassador you could ask for, coming from England and playing in the Bundesliga," Klinsmann added, before making a World Cup prediction:
“I was asked today who I think will be the top goalscorer at the World Cup, and I said Harry right away.”
Having scored 30 goals in 24 Bundesliga matches so far in the 2025/26 season, Kane is chasing Robert Lewandowski’s record of 41 goals in a single Bundesliga campaign.
During the interview on Wednesday, Klinsmann expressed confidence in Kane’s chances of breaking the record.
However, the England captain now has one game less to add to his tally, as it was confirmed Thursday morning that he will miss Bayern Munich's Friday clash with Borussia Mönchengladbach due to a calf injury.
World Baseball Classic locations 2026: Full list of cities, stadiums hosting WBC games in U.S., Japan
The Sporting News brings you the complete locations and venues for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
One-year QB wonders don't work in NFL. Why would Ty Simpson?
This isn’t quarterback rocket science, or a gut feeling. It couldn’t be more clear and concise.
The one-year wonders at the quarterback position don’t work in the NFL.
Yet there they are, the talking heads all over the sport, falling for it again with Ty Simpson. The former Alabama quarterback showed up last week at the league’s annual NFL Scouting Combine — with all of 15 career starts in his pocket — and had an impressive throwing session for the assembled scouts and team personnel.
Throwing session.
Suddenly, he’s a Top 15 pick. Even ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky — as smart and measured analyst as there is — declared Simpson’s tape “from his first eight games” of the 2025 season is better than projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
Has the entire NFL scouting world gone mad? This isn’t that difficult to process, everyone.
Anthony Richardson started one season at Florida. Trey Lance started one season at North Dakota State.
Kyler Murray (Oklahoma), Dwayne Haskins (Ohio State) and Mac Jones (Alabama) started one season in college, too. All flamed out.
Meanwhile, I give you (since the 2018 draft) these multiple-season college starters who are all ascending in their careers: two MVPs (Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen), two Super Bowl champions (Jalen Hurts, Sam Darnold), and eight who have led teams to the playoffs (Joe Burrow, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, Justin Herbert, Caleb Williams, CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Bo Nix).
Obviously there are multiple-season college starters who don’t pan out, but the odds of success are much higher for a player with elite skills who has spent extended time leading a team, managing games and experiencing every possible win-lose scenario on the grass.
Not a throwing session.
The last time we saw Simpson on the field at Alabama, he and the Tide were getting clobbered by Indiana in the Rose Bowl — where Simpson completed 12 passes for 67 yards before getting knocked out of a 38-3 loss.
It’s almost as if these NFL guys, whose very livelihood depends on getting it right more than getting it wrong, never learn.
Simpson is a talented player. He has a live arm, and is sneaky athletic. He’s accurate, and he has played well at times in big games.
But it’s hard to fathom a position that demands as many game repetitions as possible to develop and reach potential, could have an obvious red flag so flippantly ignored by the best of the best in the sport.
It’s the quarterback obsession. The game — no matter the level — revolves around the play of the quarterback.
The better he is, the better you are.
But when we reach the elite of the game, where everyone runs fast and everyone is freakishly athletic, football IQ is heightened to an unreal level. Knowledge of the game, understanding the nuances, knowing the answers ― all before the ball snaps at the line of scrimmage.
Translation: The more reps, the more you know before making the pick.
I can’t imagine why any NFL owner, now spending more than $300 million annually in salary cap revenue, would trust his franchise to a quarterback who has played one college season. It’s blind faith on steroids.
This isn’t learning on the job, or sitting behind a cagey veteran. You’re drafted, and we’re paying you millions ― and you’re playing Week 1.
The enormity of the moment crushes some, overwhelms others. Typically, it impacts every quarterback.
It’s rare that a rookie quarterback steps into the breach and starts making plays all over the field. Rare that he’s so good, teams win because of him — not with him.
It takes two or three years (or more) for these guys to feel completely comfortable when they walk to the line of scrimmage. When they can look at grown men on the other side of the ball — whose coaches (the best in the sport, no less) spend an entire offseason scouting the player and the offense — and feel completely at ease.
When they can consistently win games at the highest level of football, and give their team — one that plays in a league designed for parity — an advantage more than the other guy.
Now we’re ready to bet all that on a guy with 15 career college starts, and a throwing session?
The entire NFL scouting world has gone mad.
Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ty Simpson is now a projected NFL first round pick, but why?
Arbeloa talks Mbappe, Huijsen, Mastantuono, Brahim, Alaba ahead of Celta Vigo vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways in La Liga when they face Celta Vigo away at Balaidos on Friday night.
Following consecutive league defeats against Osasuna and Getafe, Los Blancos have now fallen four points behind Barcelona in the table, losing important ground in the title race.
As such, Alvaro Arbeloa & co. have very little room for error from hereon, but a trip to Balaidos is never easy, and the challenge is only made harder by the number of absences through injury and suspension.
Ahead of the game, manager Arbeloa addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, discussing the team’s recent slump as well as the injury problems.
On form and performances
Kicking things off, the Real Madrid manager acknowledged the challenge of facing Celta Vigo at their home, saying:
“I keep saying it: it won’t be easy at all. Celta are very well-coached, plays with a lot of confidence, and is coming off a win. They’re playing really good football. That stadium always has a great atmosphere. It will be a very demanding away game.”
Regarding the team’s disappointing La Liga form over the past week, Arbeloa explained: “Two consecutive league defeats… at a club like Real Madrid, defeat is always difficult to deal with. But right now, the only thing we’re thinking about is tomorrow’s match.
“We know the level we need to reach if we want to win. It will depend on our performance; our composure and confidence. The past doesn’t exist; we’re only thinking about Balaidos.”
On whether a failure to win tomorrow would spell the end of the team’s La Liga title hopes, he replied:
“Let’s go for tomorrow, let’s go for those three points. It’s still possible. As long as it’s mathematically possible, let’s fight.”
When asked if finishing the season without any titles would constitute a failure in his eyes, Arbeloa said:
“Again? We’re all optimistic, it seems. To tell you the truth, I’m only thinking about Celta. And I’m not thinking about anything else at all.”
On being probed on how he would explain the team’s recent slump, he added: “The important thing here is winning; nothing else matters. Of course, I could explain things… but it wouldn’t do much good.
“I’m well aware that the team can play better, that we have a great squad. But I have the same confidence in our abilities. Until my last day here, I’m going to work to make sure that happens.”
Arbeloa confident about a turnarond. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Regarding the team’s lack of consistency, he explained: “It’s not easy. I think I’m sounding repetitive, but we haven’t had enough time to work; we’ve had almost more matches than training sessions.
“From there, the players’ integration, and my integration with theirs, is what it is. And we certainly need to be more consistent in our performance…”
On injuries and squad
Providing an update on the condition of superstar Kylian Mbappe, who is currently recovering from a knee sprain, the manager remarked:
“Yes, I speak to him every day. We’re keeping a close eye on what’s happening to him, how he’s doing. It’s a process we’ll take day by day, monitoring how he’s feeling. He’s getting better every day.”
On the matter of both Mbappe and Jude Bellingham seeking outside opinions on their injuries this week, he added:
“All these decisions are overseen by the club’s doctors. Everything, absolutely everything, is supervised.”
Real Madrid could be without as many as 11 players for the game against Celta tomorrow, a situation that poses a huge challenge for Arbeloa.
“They’re making it easier for me, because I have to think about it! (Laughs) Confidence. This is Real Madrid, we don’t make excuses and we have to rise to the occasion in adversity,” said Arbeloa.
“When you’re up 3-0, it’s easy to put on this shirt, to be a great professional. But the real test is now.”
The manager also defended youngsters Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono, who have come under intense criticism for some of their recent performances.
“I’m very clear about Huijsen and Mastantuono. The Juvenil A team is full of players the same age as Mastantuono, and Huijsen could be playing for Castilla, given his age,” said Arbelao.
“I remember what was said about Vinicius when he arrived, and look at him now. We have to be very patient. Playing for Real Madrid is playing for the most demanding club in the world; it’s not like any other.”
Continuing, he added: “They have my full confidence and are incredibly talented. I would love for the fans to understand what each player is capable of. We need to take care of them, encourage them, and above all, demand hard work and effort from them.
“We need to encourage them to make mistakes, because they will; football is a sport of errors. We have some great nights ahead of us with them.”
About Brahim Diaz’s lack of game-time in recent weeks, Arbeloa acknowledged: “Nothing. He’s playing less than he deserves, and that’s my responsibility, because he trains very well and we all know his abilities.
“I’m sure I can get much more out of him than I’m currently doing. It’s my responsibility. I’ll make the effort to do so.”
Finally, Arbeloa confirmed David Alaba will not be available for the game, but Raul Asencio could make it.
“Alaba won’t be available, but Asencio might be; we’ll see. And if not… well, Diego Aguado or Lamini Fati would play. We’ll see. But Alaba won’t be there, that’s for sure,” he concluded.
Source: AS
The biggest offseason need for every team entering NFL free agency
The two Super Bowl 60 participants were a prime example of why free agency is critical for every NFL team.
The Seattle Seahawks signed quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency and the New England Patriots spent more than $200 million in guaranteed money on free agents in 2025, the most by any NFL team last offseason. The aggressiveness of both teams during free agency paved the way for their Super Bowl runs.
Which teams will make bold moves during free agency this year? The Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders all have more than $70 million in salary cap space to work with, per Over The Cap.
All 32 teams have roster needs this time of year. Clubs are permitted to contact free agents starting at noon ET on March 9. Free agents can officially sign once the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET March 11.
USA TODAY Sports examines the biggest position of need for all 32 NFL teams:
Arizona Cardinals
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
The Cardinals and Kyler Murray are headed toward an amicable divorce at the start of the new league year. A quarterback is priority No. 1 in Arizona, but this year’s quarterback draft class isn’t strong. The Cardinals could sign a bridge QB in free agency and wait until next year’s QB-rich draft class to select their franchise signal-caller.
Atlanta Falcons
Biggest position of need: Defensive line
Hopefully Sam Darnold’s journey to a Super Bowl title taught teams a value lesson to exercise patience before reaching a final verdict on a quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. has flashed, but injuries have made it difficult to discern if he can be a franchise QB. The Falcons have enough pieces on offense. Defense and the team’s inability to affect the quarterback remain an issue.
Baltimore Ravens
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Baltimore’s inability to get after the quarterback has plagued them in recent seasons. The Ravens ranked 28th in pass rush win rate last year, per ESPN. As a consequence, the Ravens finished tied with the Colts as worst pass defense in the AFC. The Ravens ranked 31st in pass defense in 2024.
Buffalo Bills
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
The Bills have a couple starting offensive linemen hitting free agency. On the outside, wide receiver is a spot Buffalo should upgrade. Josh Allen hasn’t had a No. 1 wide receiver since Stefon Diggs was traded.
Carolina Panthers
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
The Panthers finished 24th in pass rush win rate and last in run stop win rate, per ESPN. The defense produced 30 sacks, only the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers had fewer.
Chicago Bears
Biggest position of need: Defensive back
Chicago’s offense was much improved under Ben Johnson’s tutelage, but the Bears' defense struggled to get stops if they didn’t force a turnover. Safeties Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker and Jonathan Owens are all entering free agency.
Cincinnati Bengals
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who was Cincinnati’s best defensive player, is scheduled to enter free agency. The Bengals had the worst defense in the AFC. Now they must find a replacement for Hendrickson.
Cleveland Browns
Biggest position of need: Offensive line
Questions at quarterback are an annual tradition in Cleveland. Such is the same this year. The wide receiver room needs an upgrade, but only one Week 1 starter on the O-line is under contract in 2026. The acquisition of right tackle Tytus Howard represents the start of a significant offensive line overhaul in Cleveland.
Dallas Cowboys
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Micah Parsons’ departure created a void at edge rusher. Linebacker and secondary should also be addressed this offseason. The Cowboys finished 30th in total defense in 2025.
Denver Broncos
Biggest position of need: Running back
The Broncos haven’t had a running back rush for 1,000 yards since Phillip Lindsay in 2019. Oft-injured running back J.K. Dobbins led Denver in rushing last season. Dobbins is an impeding free agent.
Detroit Lions
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
Center Frank Ragnow’s retirement triggered Detroit’s offensive line regression last season. Left tackle Taylor Decker, who contemplated retirement this offseason, isn’t getting any younger either.
Green Bay Packers
Biggest position of need: Cornerback
Wide receiver Romeo Doubs, left tackle Rasheed Walker and backup quarterback Malik Willis are among the NFL’s top free agents. But the Packers are missing a No. 1 cornerback in this passing-heavy league.
Houston Texans
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
The Texans had one of the worst offensive lines in football, ranking 30th in pass block win rate and 32nd in run block win rate, per ESPN. Houston was most vulnerable in the interior of its O-line.
Indianapolis Colts
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
The Colts applied the transition tag on Daniel Jones, which satisfies their QB position (for now). On the other side of the football, Indianapolis ranked 30th in pass rush win rate, per ESPN.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Biggest position of need: Linebacker
Impending free agent corners Montaric Brown and Greg Newsome clear the pathway for Travis Hunter to get more opportunities at cornerback. Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd, who led the team with five interceptions, is my top free agent available.
Kansas City Chiefs
Biggest position of need: Cornerback
The Chiefs decided to trade their best cornerback, Trent McDuffie, to the Rams. Jaylen Watson is entering free agency. McDuffie and Watson were Kansas City’s top two cornerbacks. The Chiefs have needs at edge rusher and running back, but McDuffie’s departure creates a huge hole at cornerback.
Las Vegas Raiders
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
It’s a safe bet the Raiders are going to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. Running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers are players Mendoza can rely on. But Las Vegas doesn’t have a No. 1 wide receiver on its roster.
Los Angeles Chargers
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
The Chargers' maligned offensive line was the worst in football last season. The return of tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt from season-ending injuries is a huge boost. However, the interior of the O-line is the weak link. Center Bradley Bozeman announced his retirement in February and the team released guard Mekhi Becton.
Los Angeles Rams
Biggest position of need: Defensive back
The acquisition of Trent McDuffie is a sign the Rams are all in on a Super Bowl 61 run. The Rams completed their Super Bowl mission the last time SoFi Stadium hosted the big game. Their defense allowed 276 passing yards and 26 points per game last postseason, and the Rams’ shortcomings in the secondary are a big reason why the team didn’t advance to Super Bowl 60.
Miami Dolphins
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
New Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley inherited Tua Tagovailoa after the last regime benched the quarterback. It’s becoming increasingly likely the Tagovailoa experiment is over in Miami.
Minnesota Vikings
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
J.J. McCarthy didn’t instill much confidence that he was ready to be a starting quarterback in 2025. Kyler Murray makes sense for the Vikings. Murray’s dual-threat ability would add another element to Kevin O'Connell’s offense. Veteran Kirk Cousins is also slated to be a free agent. A Cousins-Vikings reunion makes sense, too.
New England Patriots
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
Stefon Diggs is reportedly on his way of New England. Diggs was the Patriots' leading receiver last season. A No. 1 wide receiver is essential for Drake Maye's continued development. K'Lavon Chaisson produced a team-best 74 pressures in 2025 but is scheduled to hit free agency.
New Orleans Saints
Biggest position of need: Running back
The Saints must supply Tyler Shough with more weapons if they believe he’s their franchise quarterback. Wide receiver Chris Olave was subject to trade speculation at the deadline and running back Alvin Kamara has one year remaining on his contract. The Saints are one of six teams that averaged fewer than 100 rushing yards per game last season.
New York Giants
Biggest position of need: Offensive line
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and right guard Greg Van Roten are both impending free agents. The Giants could be players in the O-line market during free agency.
New York Jets
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
Quarterback Justin Fields is a candidate to get cut after a disappointing season in the Big Apple. The Jets might consider another quarterback in free agency or in the draft.
Philadelphia Eagles
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Jaelan Phillips turned into the team’s best edge rusher after he was acquired near the trade deadline. He tallied 44 pressures in nine games, including the playoffs. Phillips is one of the top free agents available.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
The Steelers need a franchise quarterback even if 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers returns for a 22nd season. The Steelers haven’t had a long-term solution at QB since Ben Roethlisberger. Although, Pittsburgh might not fill the need until next year’s draft.
San Francisco 49ers
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
General manager John Lynch said it’s “safe to say” Brandon Aiyuk has played his last snap with the 49ers. Fellow wide receiver Jauan Jennings is a free agent. The 49ers don’t have a Bonafide No. 1 wideout.
Seattle Seahawks
Biggest position of need: Running back
Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker is entering free agency. Walker gained a postseason-high 313 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in the playoffs. His performance vaulted him to the No. 1 running back in free agency.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Wide receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David are key free agents. Tampa Bay hasn’t had a solid pair of edge rushers since Shaquil Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul.
Tennessee Titans
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
All three-win teams have multiple positions of need. Luckily for the Titans, quarterback isn’t one of them. A wide receiver is important for Cam Ward’s continued development. Tennessee’s leading receiver, Elic Ayomanor, had just 515 receiving yards.
Washington Commanders
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Washington’s defense gave up a league-worst 384 yards per game last season. Edge rushers Von Miller, Deatrich Wise and linebacker Bobby Wagner are key free agents on defense.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Our 2026 NFL free agent shopping list: The biggest need for every team