When Sporting CP signed Viktor Gyokeres, they took quite the gamble on a striker whose only consistent form in front of goal had come outside of the top-flight. Having failed to make the grade at Brighton, Gyokeres had proven to be a menace for Championship defences, scoring 43 goals for Coventry City over the course of two-and-a-half seasons with the Sky Blues.
Chelsea captain Reece James is reportedly on track to return from a significant hamstring injury by early May, handing Thomas Tuchel a major boost ahead of England's World Cup campaign. The versatile defender, who has been sidelined since last month, is making rapid progress in his rehabilitation to alleviate fears that he would miss the remainder of the domestic season.
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal swapped the Spotify Camp Nou for the Cupra Arena on Sunday to serve as acting president for his Kings League side, La Capital. With Barca team-mates Fermin Lopez and Joao Cancelo watching on, the 18-year-old stepped up to convert a high-pressure penalty, inspiring his team to a dramatic 8-7 comeback victory against Ibai Llanos’ Porcinos.
Because of Alex Manninger, Jürgen Klopp suffered a bitter defeat in early 2015. He recalled this in Liverpool when he was still looking for an experienced goalkeeper.
England could be without captain Leah Williamson next week for the huge World Cup qualifier against Spain at Wembley, after the Arsenal defender was again not involved for her club at the weekend. Williamson watched from the sidelines as the Gunners crashed out of the FA Cup, suffering a shock defeat to Brighton, and there is real doubt over whether she will be fit enough to join the Lionesses' camp this week as a result.
Former England striker Gary Lineker has called Liam Rosenior's decision to ban Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez for two games "odd". The Argentine World Cup winner was omitted from the squad for two matches after refusing to guarantee his Stamford Bridge future and hinting at a move to Real Madrid.
Arsenal's season is currently teetering on the edge of a collapse following a disastrous fortnight that has seen two trophy opportunities evaporate. Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has led the criticism, suggesting that Mikel Arteta’s squad lacks the mental fortitude required to secure major silverware as the pressure intensifies.
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has joined the long list of sporting icons left in awe of Lionel Messi’s genius on the pitch. The Red Bull driver believes the Argentina and Inter Miami maestro possesses a unique ability to read the game that renders tactical preparation almost useless.
Barcelona icon Ronaldinho has offered a glowing endorsement of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, insisting that the club's legendary No.10 shirt is being "well taken care of" by the academy graduate. Speaking from Miami, the Brazilian reflected on the heavy legacy of the jersey he famously passed to Lionel Messi before praising Yamal’s incredible early impact at the club.
Despite extending his contract, the defensive stalwart reportedly wants to keep his options open regarding a potential departure from BVB after this summer’s World Cup.
Monaco midfielder Paul Pogba’s road to redemption took a star-studded turn on Sunday as the Frenchman was spotted sharing a touchline embrace with sprint icon Usain Bolt. The meeting occurred at the Stade Louis-II just as the World Cup winner made his return to the matchday squad for a Ligue 1 clash with Marseille following a difficult four-month absence.
