Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued high praise for David Raya, crediting the Spanish shot-stopper for fundamentally transforming the team's defensive stability in recent campaigns. Arriving initially on loan before completing a permanent switch, the 31-year-old has established himself as an indispensable figure during the club's push for major honours.
Liverpool cult hero Vladimir Smicer has explained to GOAL the three qualities that Dominik Szoboszlai shares with Pavel Nedved, having previously likened the all-action Hungarian to a legendary Ballon d’Or winner. Czech icon Nedved once starred for the likes of Lazio and Juventus and is considered to have shaped the mould from which an Anfield talisman has been cut.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has spoken warmly of Karim Adeyemi following the German forward's productive start to life in Catalonia. Signed from Borussia Dortmund during the summer transfer window, the 24-year-old was initially expected to play a supporting role, but his explosive early form has disrupted the established attacking pecking order.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has insisted he is paying little attention to the upcoming Madrid derby, despite the potential implications the result could have on the Liga title race. The German coach is determined to keep the focus internal as his side looks to maintain their impressive early-season momentum.
Luis Diaz has surprisingly not been included in Colombia's national team squad for the upcoming international break. The omission of the Bayern Munich forward has a specific reason.
New Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has named his first 25-player squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The selection retains skipper Cristiano Ronaldo while introducing four key additions as the reigning champions begin their title defence in Group A4.
Jamie Vardy has been linked with Wrexham on a couple of occasions when hitting free agency, and Danny Simpson has told GOAL that there “was something there” when talk of joining Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac in North Wales resurfaced. No deal was done, with the evergreen frontman - who is being backed to play well beyond the age of 40 - now on the books at Burnley.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has officially unveiled his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, headlined by the high-profile returns of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer. Both players missed out on the recent World Cup campaign but have forced their way back into the international fold following scintillating starts to the domestic season.
Lamine Yamal is once again making an outspoken case for himself with regard to the Ballon d'Or. In doing so, he also allows himself a little dig at Bayern Munich's Harry Kane.
Leaked details ahead of Roberto Mancini's official squad announcement suggest the returning Italy boss will name an extended 35-man list for four upcoming Nations League matches. The expected selection features a mix of European champion stalwarts, surprise returns, and uncapped prospects.
