Luis Enrique has lauded the immediate impact of Ferran Torres after the Spanish international came off the bench to rescue a point for Paris Saint-Germain on his debut. The former Barcelona man proved to be the difference-maker in a tense Ligue 1 opener against Rennes, justifying the hype surrounding his arrival in the French capital.
Cristiano Ronaldo is fast closing in on 1,000 competitive career goals, but could the Portuguese GOAT retire once that milestone has been reached? Former Manchester United team-mate Giuseppe Rossi has attempted to answer that question for GOAL, with future questions being asked of the legendary frontman in Al-Nassr and Portugal camps.
Former Brazilians defender Japie Motale has exhorted the club’s fans to focus on the long-term vision of head coach Miguel Cardoso at Chloorkop and not only see the team’s early results of the new campaign. The Tshwane giants recorded their first defeat of the season on Sunday, in the MTN 8 semi-finals, prompting murmurs from many supporters online.
Jordan Pickford has long been the subject of intense scrutiny whenever he pulls on an England shirt, but the Everton goalkeeper is proving his worth yet again back at Goodison Park. Following a summer of mixed emotions on the international stage, the Three Lions' number one returned to club action with a performance that silenced his doubters and drew significant praise from his manager.
The Masandawana head coach has issued a staunch defence of the Portuguese playmaker following his unconvincing start to the season. The 54-year-old tactician pointed to the ongoing transfer window as a major distraction, suggesting the uncertainty surrounding the market is taking its toll on several members of his star-studded Tshwane squad.
Gary Neville heavily criticised Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Newcastle United at the start of the Premier League season.
Alejandro Garnacho has been warned that “alarm bells should be ringing" for him on the back of Manchester United and Chelsea flops, but Ray Houghton has told GOAL that Unai Emery can help to get the Argentina international back on track during a loan spell at Aston Villa. Said move may have seen the 22-year-old winger step into the Premier League’s last chance saloon.
South Africa's Sports Minister has launched a scathing attack on the South African Football Association (SAFA) regarding the ongoing delay in appointing Pitso Mosimane as the new national team head coach. The minister suggested that racial bias may be influencing the financial negotiations, leaving the nation's footballing future in a state of limbo as the countdown to AFCON qualifying gets closer and closer.
Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has called for unity within the squad after Julian Alvarez was subjected to a hostile reception from his own supporters. The Argentine forward, who has been heavily linked with a sensational move to Arsenal, faced a barrage of boos during Atletico's recent home clash against Villarreal.
The Abafana Besthende tactician has showered praise on his players following their crucial away win over the Brazilians in the MTN8 semi-final first leg on Sunday. The boss believes his team’s strong mentality played an important role in their success, but feels his side could have scored more goals in they had been more efficient in transition.
Alan Shearer may need to watch out, with Emile Heskey telling GOAL that Harry Kane could line up a Premier League return for 2028 - after extending his contract at Bayern Munich - with more records to be broken in that division. A history-making spell at Tottenham for the prolific striker came to a close in 2023, but does he have unfinished business in English football?
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