Lists

In an era where superstar No.10s are all the rage - with Bruno Fernandes, Cole Palmer and Rayan Cherki among those strutting their stuff in the Premier League - are Liverpool lacking “magic” in that department? Ray Houghton has answered that question for GOAL, with the Reds legend addressing the ongoing struggles being endured by £116 million ($154m) playmaker Florian Wirtz.

Liverpool's high-profile move for Florian Wirtz last summer is being labelled a total disaster as former Reds star Didi Hamann suggests the club should prepare to cut their losses. The German international has failed to live up to his massive price tag, sparking intense debate over whether he will ever adapt to the demands of the Premier League.

United States goalkeeper Diego Kochen is enjoying a brilliant start to his loan spell at Danish outfit Lyngby from Barcelona. The young shot-stopper has earned a senior international call-up from Mauricio Pochettino after putting in a string of standout performances in Scandinavia.

Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has broken his silence regarding the mounting criticism over his frequent absences from the country. The former Manchester United first-team coach revealed that a lack of legal documentation has made it impossible for him to reside in Nairobi permanently.

Barcelona are increasingly confident of securing a permanent transfer for Marc-Andre ter Stegen next summer following his successful loan spell at Ajax. The German goalkeeper has regained his top form in Amsterdam, attracting serious interest from the Premier League and earning an international recall.

Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon has weighed in on the identity crisis surrounding the England national team, insisting that the Three Lions must stop trying to mimic the technical mastery of Spain. Following England's heart-breaking World Cup semi-final exit, the former Newcastle man believes the nation needs to embrace its own chaotic, athletic roots rather than chasing a style that simply does not fit the English DNA.

The Glamour Boys find themselves under intense scrutiny once again as former head coach Sergio Dos Santos expressed his bewilderment over the club’s recent transfer market inactivity. The Soweto giants’ legend believes the current squad lacks the necessary depth to compete on multiple fronts, leaving them vulnerable in both domestic and continental competitions.

Emile Heskey has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, named Celtic boss Martin O’Neill and Liverpool icon Gerard Houllier as the best managers that he worked under. The ex- England international, who spent time with Leicester and at Anfield in his playing days, is now helping to find potential Premier League coaches of the future as part of an inspiring new enterprise.

Harvey Elliott’s quest to revitalise his career away from Anfield has hit another significant roadblock during his loan spell with Valencia. The Liverpool midfielder, who joined the Spanish side in search of regular minutes, is now facing intense scrutiny over his physical condition and future in La Liga.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are locked in a fierce transfer battle to sign 15-year-old Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel. While Los Blancos have presented a more lucrative financial offer, the Catalan giants hope to lure the teenager with a rapid pathway to first-team football.

Arsenal starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly has raised eyebrows by naming a current Tottenham Hotspur player as the most difficult opponent he has encountered in the Premier League. The 19-year-old utility man, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise under Mikel Arteta, bypassed the division's established superstars to highlight a rival from across north London.

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he strongly considered retiring from international football following Portugal's disappointing World Cup exit. However, the veteran forward held positive talks with the national team setup and has committed to continuing his remarkable career as he chases an incredible 1,000-goal milestone.

Ibrahima Konate has been forced to withdraw from Zinedine Zidane's first France squad after suffering a knee injury in training. The Real Madrid centre-back returns to his club immediately, with Manchester United youngster Leny Yoro receiving his first senior call-up ahead of the Nations League clash against Turkey.

The Al-Nassr striker failed in the first task

An in-house goal “competition” at Chelsea between Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers is inevitable, Carlton Cole has told GOAL, with there benefits to be found in the “banter” that two close friends are indulging in. Having been reunited at Stamford Bridge, the ex-Manchester City colleagues are determined to outperform one another in 2026-27.

Anthony Gordon has broken his silence on the controversial tactical decisions that defined England’s World Cup semi-final exit, admitting he was shocked to be substituted by Thomas Tuchel. The Barcelona winger had fired the Three Lions into the lead against Argentina, only to be withdrawn for a defender as the team ultimately collapsed in heartbreaking fashion.

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has strongly backed one of his Spanish international team-mates to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or following La Roja's World Cup triumph. The former Manchester City man named six deserving compatriots while notably snubbing several high-profile candidates like Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane.

The dominance of the CAF Champions League-winning club players in the South African national team squad has once again raised questions, but the club’s strong representation has been defended as a reflection of the quality within the Chloorkop ranks.

Serbia captain Dusan Tadic hailed Greece's current roster as their strongest in recent memory ahead of Thursday's Nations League opener in Belgrade. Ivan Jovanovic's side enter League A boasting an exciting new generation of European talent ready to write a new international chapter.

Aston Villa have opened contract talks with in-form attacking midfielder Emi Buendia as the star nears the end of his current deal. Unai Emery’s side are determined to secure the Argentina international’s future following a summer of high-profile player departures from Villa Park.

Harry Kane has admitted that England's dramatic exit from the 2026 World Cup at the hands of Argentina represents the lowest point of his international career. The Three Lions captain believes the nature of their semi-final collapse was particularly difficult to stomach because the team failed to stay true to their identity.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has launched a fierce defense of his international reputation, branding claims that he influenced the Netherlands' tactical setup at the World Cup as "completely baseless." The veteran defender hit back at suggestions that he was responsible for a shift in formation that contributed to the Oranje's disappointing exit.

Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez backed Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal to win this year's Ballon d'Or award. Speaking ahead of his managerial debut against Germany, Xavi also reflected on his personal contribution to Barcelona's recent resurgence under Hansi Flick.

A difficult and different situation

Lazio midfielder Davide Frattesi addressed the media at Coverciano after celebrating his 27th birthday ahead of Italy's Nations League opener against Belgium. The midfielder backed returning head coach Roberto Mancini while revealing why his shared World Cup heartbreak with Gennaro Gattuso remains an open wound.

Ajax goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen detailed his smooth transition to life in Amsterdam after joining the Dutch giants. The 34-year-old revealed lighthearted banter with local neighbours ahead of starting for Germany against the Netherlands in his home stadium.

Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen opened up about the emotional toll of recurring injuries before earning his recall to the national squad. The 34-year-old shot-stopper expressed immense pride in working under new head coach Jurgen Klopp ahead of their Nations League opener.

Spain captain and new Barcelona midfielder Rodri revealed that Real Madrid pushed aggressively to sign him during the summer transfer window. Speaking to El Partidazo de COPE, the Ballon d'Or winner explained why he ultimately chose Camp Nou for purely tactical reasons.

Denmark head coach Brian Riemer addressed the famous story of Erling Haaland's trial at FC Copenhagen in 2017 ahead of Thursday's Nations League clash with Norway. Riemer laughed off suggestions that he was responsible for the Danish club missing out on the superstar striker.