Player Development

Modern football likes to celebrate managers. When a team plays well, improves players, and competes above its level, the credit usually goes straight to the manager. But at clubs like... You can click here to read the full article.

The Gunners are circling...

Tanzanian giants Simba SC are reportedly monitoring Medeama SC midfielder Salim Adams as interest grows in the Ghana Premier League standout following a remarkable individual campaign.The 22-year-old, who has been one of the most influential figures for Medeama SC this season, has attracted attention across the continent after delivering consistent performances that have combined attacking output with midfield control.Adams’ numbers underline his impact in the current campaign: 25 appearances, nine goals, and one assist, alongside seven Man of the Match awards. His ability to influence games from midfield has made him one of the most productive players in Ghana’s top flight this season.Sources close to the development suggest Simba SC are closely tracking the player as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of upcoming continental and domestic challenges. The Tanzanian club, known for actively recruiting talent from across Africa, view Adams as a potential long-term addition capable of adding both energy and goal threat from midfield.Adams’ rise has been steady, but this season marks a clear breakthrough, with his performances positioning him among the league’s most in-form players. His blend of goal-scoring ability, work rate, and creative influence has not gone unnoticed, with scouts increasingly...

When Manchester City signed Rayan Cherki from Lyon last summer, there were question marks surrounding how the French international would fit into a Pep Guardiola side. Cherki’s talent was never in question, however, his work out of possession was in some circles. As the 2025-26 season has progressed, Rayan Cherki has emphatically put any doubts […] The post Pep Guardiola and Rayan Cherki have put a narrative to bed surrounding the Manchester City marvel appeared first on Esteemed Kompany.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo the greatest player to ever grace the Premier League? How did he transform his game from a flashy, unpredictable winger into one of football’s most lethal number nines? And to what extent did his iconic rivalry with Lionel Messi drive him to reach unprecedented heights? Gary, Alan & Micah look back at Cristiano Ronaldo’s short but unforgettable Premier League career. From his early days as a skinny winger, to becoming a relentless, goal-per-game machine across Europe, and one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. One platform. Full customer context. Real growth. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Il grande ex nerazzurro parla anche di Chivu e Lautaro

Ever since Hugo Viana replaced Txiki Begiristain as the director of football at Manchester City, Viana has been a shrewd operator in the transfer market. City have signed players like Marc Guehi, Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, who have immediately come in and played a role in Pep Guardiola’s […] The post Manchester City are linked with a midfielder that fits Hugo Viana’s profile of signings appeared first on Esteemed Kompany.

Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola react to the bombshell news that Matt Crocker is leaving his role as U.S. Soccer's sporting director with immediate effect - right before the start of a home World Cup - to take a similar position with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. The crew discuss the strange timing, potential candidates to fill the role, and the bad optics ahead of a pivotal time for the USMNT. In brighter news, Folarin Balogun can't stop scoring in Ligue 1. With the Monaco striker on a seven-game hot streak, what can Pochettino do to better unlock him? Plus, teenagers are tearing up MLS, and the presumptive big boys enter the U.S. Open Cup at the Round of 32 stage! Call It What You Want is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Call It What You Want team on X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JimmyConrad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @CharlieDavies9⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TMeola1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the ⁠betting arena on CBSSports.com⁠ for all the latest in ⁠sportsbook reviews⁠ and ⁠sportsbook promos⁠ for ⁠betting on soccer⁠ For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/⁠ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/⁠ Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, UEFA Women’s Champions League, EFL Championship, EFL League Cup, Carabao Cup, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, AFC Champion League by subscribing to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the betting arena on CBS Sports.com: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/⁠ For all the latest in sportsbook reviews: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/⁠ And sportsbook promos: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Il centrocampista del Venezia è già diventato un importantissimo uomo mercato con 5 top club che lo stanno seguendo in vista dell'estate.

Ghanaian forward Joseph Opoku admitted to being caught off guard by the wave of criticism and abuse he faced just a week prior despite securing a vital brace to keep Zulte Waregem in the Belgian top tier.The 20-year-old found himself at the center of a social media storm following a high-profile missed chance against Cercle Brugge, an experience he described as a surprising test of his professional character.The young winger, who has been a standout performer since joining from Great Corinthians, expressed a sense of shock at how quickly sentiment turned after one difficult moment on the pitch.However, rather than letting the backlash derail his season, Opoku used the 2-1 victory over FCV Dender to transform that external pressure into clinical efficiency.His two second-half goals not only silenced his detractors but also propelled "Essevee" to the top of the relegation playoff table.Reflecting on the psychological toll of the past week, Opoku emphasized the need for mental toughness in the modern game."I was shocked by how they reacted to me. Many people make fun of it, but as a top player, you know, I already knew I’m a top player.“So, as a top player,...

Whether we all like it or not, football is in the midst of an efficiency revolution. See it in the sudden uptick in tactical directness, as teams toss control to the side in favor of getting the ball to goal as quickly as possible; see it in the emphasis on set plays, as juggernauts like… The post Football’s Young Unicorns: The Uncategorizable first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Alejandro Garnacho could be the latest Argentine to be sanctioned by Chelsea after engaging in cryptic social media activity. The winger arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer in a £40million deal …

By Martin Graham Julian Alvarez’s journey began in Calchin, a small town in Argentina’s Cordoba province, where his talent quickly set him apart. Nicknamed “La Aranita” by his brother because of his elusive movement on the pitch, he became a local attraction, with opponents eager to see him play. Even at a young age, […]

The Spaniard has been turning heads at Como.

Juventus are reportedly considering activating its buy-back option for Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo at the end of the season,… The post Sassuolo CEO confirms they are in several talks to sell Juventus target appeared first on Juvefc.com.

What were Chelsea thinking?

Although Chelsea are not reluctant to move on players that they deem surplus to requirements, 19- year old Josh Acheampong is not one of them. The 19-year old English defender has struggled for game time, especially since Liam Rosenior became head coach. Nor is he without his suitors. Bayern Munich tested the waters with a... The post Chelsea want to keep Acheampong appeared first on Footie Central.

Alex Scott, Fara Williams, Ellen White and Steph Houghton discuss the challenge England face in finding a back-up and eventual successor to Lucy Bronze.

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, Canadian national team, and World Cup 2026 chat.The Whitecaps headed back to the summit of MLS at the weekend with a workmanlike 2-0 victory over NYCFC. We pick over the bones of the match and the main talking points coming out of it, chat about the importance of the returned from injury Andres Cubas with Jesper Sorensen, and round-up the weekend's MLS action as CF Montreal once again find themselves looking for a new head coach.We also round up the weekend's action the CPL, look at the Canadian men's national team's current injury woes, and chat about some of this week's World Cup 2026 talking points, including more ticket pricing controversy.All of this plus we move onto the letter P in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, music-wise, Inspiral Carpets continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, The Mackenzies are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and we've an English-themed World Cup song in Wavelength from 1982.Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:01.22: Intro chat - proud papa07.00: Canadian Soccer A to Z - P24.55: Whitecaps go back top of MLS after NYCFC win42.00: The importance of Andres Cubas48.15: What to do with Rayan Elloumi for his best development54.30: NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen59.00: MLS round-up73.50: The Battle for the Canadian Number One78.10: CF Montreal looking for yet another new head coach85.50: CPL round-up and Football Video Support drama120.00: FIFA 2026 World Cup chat - this week's main talking points!134.50: Wavelength - Serious Drinking - Spirit of '66

Following an impressive debut with Olympique Lyon, Real Madrid have reportedly decided to bring Endrick back, teaming him with Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé. Consequently, los Blancos might allow another offensive star to depart in an effort to balance the roster. After struggling for playing time under Xabi Alonso, Endrick and Real Madrid have reportedly agreed to a loan move to boost his 2026 World Cup chances with Brazil national team. Seizing this opportunity, the 19-year-old striker has thrived at Olympique Lyon. As a result, Los Blancos reportedly plan to count on his return for the 2026-27 season, joining Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé in the attacking line. According to Mario Cortegana, via The Athletic, Real Madrid have decided to count on Endrick for the 2026–27 season. With this, the Brazilian would end his loan spell at Olympique Lyon at the end of the season, in order to become part of Los Blancos’ attacking line. Despite this, he may not be an undisputed starter, but instead earn playing time as a backup to Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappé, though with a more prominent role than in his previous spell. With Endrick’s return reportedly decided, Los Blancos have opted not to count on Gonzalo García. Although the Spaniard impressed at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, he has not managed to secure a place in the team’s rotation. In an effort to prioritize his development, Real Madrid would look to sell him so he can gain playing time, while still maintaining control over his future through a buy-back clause, a percentage of any future sale, or a right of first refusal. Unlike Gonzalo García, the Brazilian striker may be compatible with Vinicius and Kylian Mbappé. Having a privileged vision and creative capacity, Endrick could become a wildcard for Real Madrid’s offense. In his Ligue One tenure, he has scored three goals and contributed five assists in eleven games, proving to be differential. For that reason, he could emerge as a solid boost to the offense, as they have battled to perform this season without the Frenchman. Olympique Lyon star Endrick, loaned by Real Madrid. Endrick’s comeback may lead a Real Madrid’s offense rebuild Throughout the 2025-26 season, Real Madrid have experienced quite inconsistent performances from several of their players. Not only Gonzalo García but also Franco Mastantuono and Rodrygo Goes have been relegated to secondary roles. Because of this, Los Blancos could take advantage of Endrick’s return to lead a rebuild of their attack, allowing some players to leave in order to maintain balance. In case Endrick’s arrival is confirmed, Gonzalo García would leave the team permanently, with Como 1907 in Serie A showing interest, along with clubs from England, Germany, Spain, and Portugal, according to Fabrizio Romano. Alongside him, Franco Mastantuono could seek a loan move after losing his place to Brahim Díaz and Federico Valverde in the rotation. Rodrygo Goes seemed destined to leave Real Madrid, as he went from an undisputed starter to a rotational player. However, his ACL injury could complicate his departure, as he may look to fully recover at Los Blancos and then decide his future. Because of this, the team’s reinforcements seem likely to focus on defense and midfield, leaving only Endrick’s return as the main attacking addition for the next season.

An in-depth show about the U.S. men's national soccer team, the players who could one day make it better, and American soccer in general.

Every drill needs stakes. The new episode is live. Nil says every drill needs a challenge because a challenge makes players think. That is how habits get built, not by repeating actions with no real problem to solve. The full podcast is live on the channel .#youthsoccer #podcast #SoccerDrills #PlayerDevelopment

For Irish football fans, Olympique Lyonnais (often simply referred to as Lyon or Les Gones) holds a special place in recent memory. It was in Lyon, during the heady days of Euro 2016, that tens of thousands of the Green Army descended upon the city, creating an unforgettable atmosphere and cementing a bond between the… The post Les Gones: A Guide to Olympique Lyon’s Players first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

There is a concept in ancient Stoic philosophy called Amor Fati. Love of fate. The idea that a person of true character does not merely tolerate what the world throws at them. They do not grit their teeth and endure it. They embrace it. They walk toward the fire and find it warm. Marcus Aurelius… The post Lamine Yamal: The Boy Who Skipped the Development Curve first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

As the final whistle blew on Sunday 25th January there was relief, passion and a very happy fanbase. Genoa came back from 2-0 down at home to Bologna in a crazy game, Bologna had goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski sent off for a final man challenge. That red card changed the complexion of the game. Just over… The post Genoa CFC Flourishing Under Daniele De Rossi first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Shumaira Zion “Shim” Mheuka is an 18-year-old forward who is establishing himself as a prospect to watch at Chelsea. He is a striker and a step up as captain for the U21s, and an all-around elite goal scorer. He has the technical ability, physicality, and mature mentality that are often lacking at the youth football… The post Shim Mheuka: Chelsea’s Newest Homegrown Hope first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Man City manager Pep Guardiola has urged Rayan Cherki not to come deep looking for the ball so often. The Frenchman played a starring role in City’s 3-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend, but speaking after the game, Guardiola said he still has areas where he can improve: “Rayan Cherki is an extraordinary talent. […] The post Guardiola Says He Has One Major “Problem” With Rayan Cherki Despite Labelling Him “Extraordinary” After Chelsea Win first appeared on Man City News.

Juventus are now open to maintaining the services of Emil Holm beyond the current campaign, but the player must… The post Juventus devising plan to keep Holm, but one concerning aspect persists appeared first on Juvefc.com.

Visit the link below to learn more: https://impressiveplayai.com/ Contact Sam at: [email protected] One of the biggest challenges in coaching today isn’t effort — it’s clarity. Most coaches are still relying on the “eye test”… trying to watch the game, track performance, and make decisions all at the same time. And the reality is, we miss things. Important things. In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, I sit down with Sam Sackett, founder of Impressive Play, to explore how voice AI is changing the way coaches capture and understand the game. No video setup. No complicated systems. Just your voice — and the ability to track what actually happens in real time. We get into: Why the “eye test” is holding coaches back The gap between subjective and objective coaching How to track the “how” behind performance, not just the outcome What this means for player development, feedback, and trust with families How coaches can use data without losing the feel of the game This is a fascinating conversation on where coaching is heading — and what it means for anyone working in the youth or elite game. A big thank you to Sam and Impressive Play for supporting this episode. Let me know your thoughts in the comments — would you use this in your coaching? #ModernSoccerCoach #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #FootballCoaching #CoachingEducation

Visit the link below to learn more: https://impressiveplayai.com/ Contact Sam at: [email protected] One of the biggest challenges in coaching today isn’t effort — it’s clarity. Most coaches are still relying on the “eye test”… trying to watch the game, track performance, and make decisions all at the same time. And the reality is, we miss things. Important things. In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, I sit down with Sam Sackett, founder of Impressive Play, to explore how voice AI is changing the way coaches capture and understand the game. No video setup. No complicated systems. Just your voice — and the ability to track what actually happens in real time. We get into: Why the “eye test” is holding coaches back The gap between subjective and objective coaching How to track the “how” behind performance, not just the outcome What this means for player development, feedback, and trust with families How coaches can use data without losing the feel of the game This is a fascinating conversation on where coaching is heading — and what it means for anyone working in the youth or elite game. A big thank you to Sam and Impressive Play for supporting this episode. Let me know your thoughts in the comments — would you use this in your coaching? #ModernSoccerCoach #SoccerCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #FootballCoaching #CoachingEducation

Chelsea have been advised to sack Liam Rosenior after their latest defeat at the hands of Premier League rivals Manchester City.

It’s been a pivotal week for Southampton Football Club. Progressing past Premier League leaders Arsenal into the FA Cup semi-final, alongside defeating two promotion rivals,... The post Three from Three: Southampton’s Perfect Week – Analysis and Takeaways appeared first on Attacking Football.

Send us Fan Mail (https://www.buzzsprout.com/247200/fan_mail/new) Episode 126 – Training Session Round Table, with Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett & Ray Power In this episode we bring together an outstanding panel for a Training Session Round Table discussion, focusing on what is arguably the most fundamental part of player development – the training session itself. Joined by Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett and co-host Ray Power, we explore how coaches approach the design and delivery of training sessions. The conversation dives into session structure, how sessions connect to a wider coaching plan, and the importance of ensuring transfer from the training ground into matchday performance. The panel share their experiences, ideas and practical approaches to creating engaging, purposeful and effective sessions that truly support both player and team development. It was an absolute privilege to be joined by such an awesome group of coaches, each bringing their own perspective, insight and expertise to the discussion. Please do leave a review, like and share the episode! Connect with our guests • Peter Prickett (The Bearded Coach) – X: @PeterPrickett • Craig Birtwistle – X: @CraigBirtwistle / @SessionShareNet • Ben Andreos – X: @ben_andreos • Ray Power – X: @power_ray Podcast Information X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast Email - [email protected] This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode! This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Episode 126 – Training Session Round Table, with Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett & Ray Power In this episode we bring together an outstanding panel for a Training Session Round Table discussion, focusing on what is arguably the most fundamental part of player development – the training session itself. Joined by Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett and co-host Ray Power, we explore how coaches approach the design and delivery of training sessions. The conversation dives into session structure, how sessions connect to a wider coaching plan, and the importance of ensuring transfer from the training ground into matchday performance. The panel share their experiences, ideas and practical approaches to creating engaging, purposeful and effective sessions that truly support both player and team development. It was an absolute privilege to be joined by such an awesome group of coaches, each bringing their own perspective, insight and expertise to the discussion. Please do leave a review, like and share the episode! Connect with our guests Peter Prickett (The Bearded Coach) – X: @PeterPrickett Craig Birtwistle – X: @CraigBirtwistle / @SessionShareNet Ben Andreos – X: @ben_andreos Ray Power – X: @power_ray Podcast Information X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast Email - [email protected] This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ Thanks for watching and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Send us Fan Mail Episode 126 – Training Session Round Table, with Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett & Ray Power In this episode we bring together an outstanding panel for a Training Session Round Table discussion, focusing on what is arguably the most fundamental part of player development – the training session itself. Joined by Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett and co-host Ray Power, we explore how coaches approach the design and delivery of training sessions. Th...

Rio Ngumoha is Liverpool’s future – but it may be help from the club’s past that can prove just as valuable in saving their season. The 17-year-old’s advice from Raheem Ster…

Emma Hayes said the United States’ 2-1 win over Japan showcased the progress they have made over the last 12 months, as they extended their winning streak to 10 games. Goals from Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps helped the USA into a 2-0 lead by the 48th minute at PayPal Park, in the first of […] The post Hayes lauds USWNT progress after overcoming Japan for 10th straight win appeared first on Soccer News.

Scott McTominay might be excelling in the Napoli midfield, but their president believes he could also star on the big screen. The Scotland international has been a huge success in Naples since he c…

Jamal Musiala has responded to a wild claim from Bayern Munich legend Oliver Kahn that he should skip this summer’s World Cup. The 40-cap Germany international has endured an injury-plagued s…

Marissa Sheva is in a very good place right now, shining for Sunderland and maturing into a key player for the Republic of Ireland.

Coming up today, we have a truly special interview. Manchester United legend Patrice Evra in conversation with The Athletic’s Adam Crafton. They cover a huge amount of ground, including his relationship with ‘the boss’ Sir Alex Ferguson, the highs and lows of his Champions League final appearances and his take on whether Michael Carrick should be handed the United job permanently. Host: Adam Crafton Guest: Patrice Evra Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Liam Warburton and Grayson Moody 00:00 - Intro 00:39 - Helping athletes pre and post-retirement 05:37 - Coping with the intensity of elite football 14:12 - Suárez incident 18:37 - Man United’s struggles post-Ferguson 20:28 - Should Carrick get the Man United job full-time? 22:47 - Playing against Messi in the Champions League 28:51 - Pain of Tevez joining Man City from Man United 30:30 - Evra’s MMA training 31:58 - Relationship with Ferguson & reaction to his retirement The Athletic FC Podcast is your essential guide to football's biggest stories, five times a week this season... Listen on Apple and Spotify: https://podfollow.com/athletic-fc-pod Subscribe to The Athletic FC Podcast channel 👉 http://bit.ly/athleticuk | 🔔Make sure to enable all push notifications!🔔 Follow The Athletic FC Podcast: Instagram: @theathleticfc TikTok: athleticfcpod Image Credits: Franco Arland/Getty Images / Angel Martinez/Getty Images / Michael Steele/Getty Images / ALAIN JOCARD / AFP via Getty Images / Stuart Franklin/Getty Images / Justin Setterfield / Staff / Getty Images Europe Thumbnail: Alex Livesey / Staff / Getty Images Europe via GettyImages #manchesterunited #france #premierleague

Real Madrid youngster Endrick has made a strong impression during his first few months on loan with Lyon

The stage is set for another intense Catalan derby, yet one lingering question continues to hover over the build-up: who will lead the charge when Barcelona returns to La Liga action? The stage is set for another intense Catalan derby, yet one lingering question continues to hover over the build-up: who will lead the charge when Barcelona returns to La Liga action? As the Blaugrana prepares to host Espanyol, the spotlight quietly drifts towards Lamine Yamal. Barcelona enters the clash navigating a delicate balance between domestic ambition and European survival. The fixture arrives at a moment of tension, squeezed between two defining battles, and every decision made by the coach could ripple into the remainder of the season. The timing of this derby could hardly be more complicated for Hansi Flick. Still reeling from a 2-0 deficit in its UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie, the club must quickly refocus while keeping its La Liga advantage intact. Despite holding a seven-point lead at the top of the table, the pressure has not eased. Meanwhile, Espanyol arrives in difficult form, enduring a lengthy winless streak that has stretched into double digits. Its recent results paint a worrying picture, with limited goals scored and defensive vulnerabilities exposed. Yet derbies often ignore form. For Espanyol, this is a chance to disrupt its rival’s title push and salvage pride from a difficult campaign. Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona is tackled by Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid. Will Yamal play? As the match approaches, attention inevitably returns to Lamine Yamal. The young winger is included in the starting XI, entrusted with a key role in a high-pressure encounter. As per Sport, the Spaniard felt a slight discomfort during training and left the session as a precaution. After examination by the Barcelona medical staff, nothing serious was detected, and the winger now feels fine. His inclusion carries added significance given his recent struggles. After an electric rise, Yamal has endured a frustrating 2026, finding goals harder to come by and facing increased scrutiny. This derby offers more than just three points for him. It presents a chance to reset his rhythm, silence doubts, and rediscover the confidence that made him one of the most exciting talents in the game. Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona. Barcelona vs Espanyol: Confirmed lineups Barcelona confirmed XI (4-3-3): Joan Garcia; Balde, G. Martin, Cubarsi, Araujo; Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Eric Garcia; Gavi, Ferran Torres, Yamal. Espanyol confirmed XI (4-4-1-1): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, F. Calero, Cabrera, C. Romero; Pol Lozano, Urko, Exposito, Dolan; Ngonge; Kike G.

Rob Holding spent two years at Crystal Palace but played just one game for the senior side

Mount has been 'finding his rhythm' and the boss believes there's plenty to come from our no.7.

By: Oliver Fisher While there is a lot of talk about the potential for major changes in the AC Milan squad ahead of next season, some must remain. As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, Massimiliano Allegri feels that Milan already have a solid foundation to build around. Ten players are guaranteed to stay next season, key players around […] The post GdS: The 10 pillars Allegri plans to build Milan’s 2026-27 squad around appeared first on SempreMilan.

Arsenal defender on embracing her England chance, maintaining self-belief and sharing training tips with her cyclist partner, Tao Geoghegan Hart Lotte Wubben-Moy pauses, then says: “I’d be lying if I said there weren’t doubts.” The Arsenal and England defender has just been asked whether, during her stop-start journey, she had questioned herself or her chances of getting to show what she can do. Wubben-Moy has had to bide her time with club and country. Having made her debut for England in February 2021, she has picked up only 16 caps despite being almost ever-present in the squad. Even when left out, her lack of game time at Arsenal an obvious issue, she has often found herself called back in because of injuries to others and, regardless of minutes played, her value to the squad and environment is often talked about.

Harry Kane had a sensational 10 years at Tottenham and replacing him remains a major task but there could be signs of one emerging next season

The backdrop of Italy’s national team crisis has unexpectedly drawn Allegri into the spotlight, with speculation intensifying about his potential future. A season already filled with tension has taken another intriguing turn, as Christian Pulisic continues his campaign at Milan under Massimiliano Allegri, while uncertainty grows beyond the club level. The backdrop of Italy’s national team crisis has unexpectedly drawn Allegri into the spotlight, with speculation intensifying about his potential future. The situation has only deepened following Italy’s dramatic failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, a result that has shaken the entire soccer structure in the country. While Milan focuses on its own ambitions, the shadow of the national team’s struggles looms large over Serie A and its leading figures. The Azzurri’s absence from yet another World Cup has triggered widespread concern across the soccer world. They will miss a third consecutive World Cup after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking one of the most shocking declines in international soccer history. The magnitude of the fall is difficult to ignore, especially for a nation that once dominated the global stage. From lifting the trophy in 2006 to failing to qualify three times in a row, Italy’s decline has exposed deep structural issues, ranging from player development to leadership decisions. As a result, Gennaro Gattuso stepped down as head coach, while senior officials within the federation also began to leave their roles, signaling that a complete reset may be required. Francesco Pio Esposito shows his dejection of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026. What did Allegri say about the Italy job? With the national team searching for direction, Allegri’s name has quickly surfaced as a leading candidate. The Milan coach, known for his tactical experience and domestic success, has been heavily linked with the role in recent weeks. However, instead of dismissing the speculation, Allegri has chosen a more ambiguous approach. When asked directly about the Italy job during a recent press conference, he offered a response that avoided clarity while leaving the door open. “Before the coach, they will have to decide who the president is. Then, after that, they will decide,” the 58-year-old boss said. The comment, while seemingly procedural, has been widely interpreted as a deliberate non-denial. By refusing to rule himself out, Allegri has effectively kept himself in the conversation, adding intrigue to an already complex situation. What it would mean for Milan and Pulisic For Milan, the timing of this uncertainty is far from ideal. The club is working to re-establish itself among Europe’s elite, and stability on the bench is crucial to that ambition. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan warms up before the Serie A match. Players like Pulisic have thrived under Allegri’s system, benefiting from structure and clarity on the pitch. Any potential departure of the coach could disrupt the progress Milan has made, especially during a pivotal phase of the season. At the same time, the Italian federation’s interest highlights Allegri’s continued reputation as one of the most respected managers in the country. His experience and track record make him a natural candidate for a national team in need of direction.