Julian Alvarez has been included in Atletico Madrid's travelling squad to face Liverpool in their Champions League opener at Anfield on Wednesday. The Argentine forward recently returned to competitive action following intense transfer speculation over the summer, as Diego Simeone's side prepares for another demanding European test on Merseyside.
Dominik Szoboszlai believes that Liverpool must rediscover the ferocious tempo that defined their previous success if they are to overhaul Arsenal in the Premier League title race. The Hungarian midfielder, now serving as one of the club's vice-captains, insists that recapturing that relentless energy is the missing ingredient for the current squad.
Ayyoub Bouaddi can “reach world-class Rodri level easily”, former Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has told GOAL, with the teenage wonderkid expected to become a global superstar on the back of his £86 million ($116m) transfer to the Etihad Stadium. At just 18 years of age, the Morocco international is already being likened to World Cup-winning Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets.
Mohamed Salah has proven that class is permanent by shattering a long-standing Turkish Super Lig record during his sensational debut campaign with Trabzonspor. The Egyptian forward, who ended his iconic nine-year association with Liverpool this summer, has hit the ground running in the Black Sea region despite his new club's turbulent start to the season.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has admitted he is ready to pull his weary superstars out of the firing line to prevent a mid-season injury crisis. The Italian coach, who has enjoyed a perfect start to the new campaign, acknowledged that the physical demands on his squad are reaching a breaking point following a summer of international commitments.
Graeme Souness has once again voiced his concerns over Declan Rice’s credentials as an elite midfielder, delivering a scathing review of the Arsenal star's tactical approach. Despite Rice’s instrumental role in the Gunners' recent successes, the Liverpool legend remains entirely unconvinced by the England international’s positioning on the pitch.
