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Aaron Judge is Captain America.

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa on Monday announced that Judge was named the captain for the Americans in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Shortly after the announcement on MLB Network, Judge was asked what it means to him to wear "USA" on his chest.

"Just getting a chance to represent this country," Judge said. "What this country means to me—Honestly, every game during the national anthem, God Bless America… It's a time to reflect about all the brave men and women that have fought for this country and given me the opportunity to step on a baseball field and play a game that I love.

"So, now getting a chance to have USA across my chest and represent the great people in our country and represent what this country means—it's a great opportunity."

Speaking at a news conference after the announcement of his captaincy, Judge expanded upon his salute to the American military, adding that being named the team's captain is "humbling."

"Getting a chance to represent our country," Judge said. "I kinda said it earlier this morning, but thinking about all the brave men and women that have fought for this country, and laid their lives down for us to get a chance, and especially me get a chance, to go out here and play a game.

"It's a pretty humbling experience. Just happy to represent the US and happy to be your captain."

DeRosa explained that he informed Los Angeles Angels superstar—and 2023 Team USA captain—Mike Trout of his decision to name Judge the captain for the 2026 squad. Trout replied simply, "He should be."

Judge is not only the perfect ambassador for the Yankees as the team's captain, but he's also that for the sport as well.

Antoine Griezmann has lifted the lid on his behind-the-scenes role in bringing Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid, admitting he repeatedly messaged the striker on Instagram to convince him to leave Manchester City. With Álvarez now thriving in Spain after a record-breaking debut season, Griezmann’s story adds a surprising twist to one of Atleti’s biggest modern transfers.

• Griezmann messages helped seal Alvarez’s transfer

  Alvarez’s arrival at Atletico in the summer of 2024 was framed as one of the window’s biggest coups, with the club spending €95 million (£82m/$104m) to prise him away from City. His immediate impact, 38 goals and 12 assists in 72 games, including 29 goals in his debut campaign quickly justified the investment and turned the Argentine into a central piece of Diego Simeone’s attack.

  What was never known publicly is how influential Griezmann was in helping the deal materialise. The Frenchman, now in his 10th season at Los Rojiblancosand widely considered a club legend, has revealed that he personally reached out to Alvarez during the negotiations. His admission comes at a time when Atleti’s forward line has undergone major reshaping, with Alvarez becoming the new focal point and Griezmann transitioning into a more flexible role within Simeone’s plans.

  As the former River Plater striker settled in and Atletico pushed to remain competitive in La Liga and Europe, Griezmann’s influence behind the scenes continued to matter. His leadership, contract renewal until 2027, and willingness to adapt have been central themes around the club and his account of the Instagram messages provides new insight into his long-standing commitment. 

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  What Griezmann said about Alvarez and his own changing role

  Griezmann explained his direct involvement in Alvarez’s move before sharing his view on playing alongside him and adapting to new responsibilities.

  "I knew the club was doing everything possible to bring him in," the Frenchman said. "So I decided to write him a ten or twenty-sentence message to convince him. A message in which I told him all the great things about Atleti, Cholo, and his teammates… And in the end, after much persistence, he came to join us. I think I wrote to him four times or so before he finally made up his mind."

  He also explained how having Alvarez in the squad only strengthens Atleti’s ambitions, stressing the value of competition and a united dressing room before adding: "Ultimately the more stars we have, so to speak, the better for the club and the more chances we have of winning. In the end, we try to have a good relationship on and off the field, and I think that shows when we're playing."

  Griezmann then spoke about adapting to his reduced role, highlighting the importance of professionalism and leadership as he competes for minutes, saying: "Ultimately, you always want to play. But I understand that I have to be professional, that I have to set an example for all my teammates and then show the manager that I'm still ready to play, that I have everything I need to play and earn a place in the starting eleven. I want to play. I'm very happy here in Madrid, playing for Atleti, and I think that's showing this season."

• Griezmann’s evolving role, contract extension and long-term commitment

  Despite no longer being a guaranteed starter, Griezmann remains one of the club’s leaders both in influence and mentality. His decision to renew until 2027, extending a deal that already ran into 2026 highlighted his determination to contribute to Atleti’s next cycle.

  "Because I want more," the 2018 World Cup winner said. "I still have many minutes left to play, plenty of legs and mental strength to play with and be someone important at the club. And I know I have to prove that to everyone, and I still want to be even more important. And then, as for the legendary status, we'll see many years from now."

  His professionalism and openness stand in contrast to the speculation that has surrounded him over the past year, particularly amid repeated MLS rumours. Atletico decided to keep him for the 2025-26 season, emphasising that Simeone and the board still see him as crucial, even as Alvarez’s rise accelerates. That dual narrative of leadership and longevity frames Griezmann as both mentor and competitor, navigating a new era at the club he has represented for a decade.

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  What lies ahead as MLS interest lingers

  Despite his renewed commitment to Atleti, the 34-year-old has never hidden his long-term fascination with MLS and talk of a move has continued across the last 12 months. Last summer, LAFC were among the clubs pushing hardest for him, though the decision was made for him to stay in Madrid for at least another season.

  "No. In the end, I was always the subject of conversation," Griezmann said. "From the first day I arrived until the last day I leave, it will be. But, as I said, I'm very happy here. Everyone knows that MLS is my dream, my goal, but I still have a contract, I want to keep renewing here and continue being an important player."

  With Alvarez thriving, Simeone rebuilding his attack, and Griezmann embracing a more flexible role, the Frenchman’s future will remain a recurring storyline. Los Rojiblancos hope to keep him central to their plans, while MLS interest is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

At Manchester United, there is a newfound sense of hope and optimism. Much has changed in recent weeks for Ruben Amorim, who has overseen a five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League and is knocking on the top four door.

The Red Devils have strengthened their spine, core players reborn in an alliance of security and stability stretching down the Old Trafford pitch.

But something is still lacking, and it’s clear that the Old Trafford side need a centre-midfielder to take their resurgence to the next level.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is among those at the top of INEOS’s shopping list.

Man Utd's interest in Adam Wharton

The engine room bears one of the most glaring holes in Amorim’s Manchester United squad. Casemiro has been resurgent this season, but the Brazilian is 33 and new deep-lying midfielders must be signed.

That’s where Wharton comes in.

It has been felt for a number of months that the 21-year-old Three Lions star ranks high on United’s list of targets, and he would certainly open up avenues in the middle of the park, ranked among the top 10% of midfielders across Europe for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for through balls per 90, as per FBref.

This is an up-and-coming superstar who is never content with where he is. By completing a transfer to the Theatre of Dreams, he could at least take a giant step toward the very top of the European game.

However, Palace will not let their prized prospect leave easily, and have actually priced him at around £100m as interest continues to swell.

While Wharton would be a credit to the Red Devils project, Amorim actually has his own version of the England international, and he must start unleashing him.

Amorim must unleash his "future £100m" star

If it’s not clear already who the man in question is here, Kobbie Mainoo will no doubt feel that he has what it takes to nail down a regular starting role in Amorim’s Man United project. But he’s got a long way to go.

While the thought of adding Wharton to the ranks is exciting, United might have their own version in Mainoo, with the 20-year-old out of favour right now but having been hailed by former teammate Rasmus Hojlund after winning the FA Cup – and scoring against City in the final – as being a “generational” talent.

Paul Scholes noted that watching the powerful star on the ball and in his groove was “poetry in motion”.

But there’s no question that he has regressed since Amorim took to the dugout, left out in the cold all too often by a manager who has not been won over by his skillset.

This season, the England international’s statistics are not worth collating, having been reduced to seven cameos in the Premier League, averaging out at 22 minutes per match.

Amorim does not have a vendetta against Mainoo, and rather, harbours concerns over the Carrington graduate’s intensity and tactical suitability within the system.

But he’s shown that he has what it takes, and with a little fine-tuning over the coming months, Mainoo’s technical quality and natural athleticism could see him win the head coach over and cement a position of prominence under the Theatre’s spotlights.

After all, the homegrown hero has been hailed as a “future £100m+ footballer”, and so the last thing United want is for him to slip through their fingers.

The new Ronaldo: Man Utd preparing British-record bid for £200m superstar

Manchester United are looking to make further attacking investments after this summer’s spending.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 17, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo was among the first to congratulate Portugal on their World Cup qualification after seeing his international colleagues book tickets to that 2026 showpiece in a nine-goal showing against Armenia. CR7 sat that game out through suspension, but will get to grace another major international tournament after barely being missed in a resounding win.

• Portugal thrash Armenia without Ronaldo

  Ronaldo was forced to watch that contest from afar after being released early from the Portuguese camp. There was no need for him to hang around while serving a ban. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner saw red during a 2-0 defeat in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland.

  He tangled with Irish defender Dara O’Shea during that fixture, elbowing the Ipswich centre-half in the back, and is now waiting to discover how many matches he will have to miss. The hope is that one game will be enough for him to learn his lesson.

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• Ronaldo sends out message after Portugal win

  Portugal proved, against limited opposition, that they can cope without their talismanic captain. They wobbled briefly against Armenia, with Renato Veiga’s early effort being cancelled out, but ultimately eased over the line at Estadio do Dragao.

  Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes bagged a hat-trick, including two penalties, while Goncalo Ramos, Joao Neves and Francisco Conceicao were also on target. Portugal knew a positive result would be enough to see them top Group F. They finished three points clear of Ireland after making light work of Armenia.

  Ronaldo had posted ahead of Portugal’s final qualification fixture: “Go team! All together today and forever! For Portugal and for our flag!” CR7 was left smiling at the final whistle as he added: “WE'RE IN THE WORLD CUP! LET'S GO, PORTUGAL!”

  Ronaldo is now preparing to grace his sixth World Cup finals. He will be 41 by the time that tournament rolls around, but has signed a new contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr and shows no sign of slowing down.

• Portugal defend Ronaldo after red card

  It does, however, remain to be seen whether he will be forced to miss the opening games of that event in Northern and Central America. Martinez said of Ronaldo’s dismissal against Ireland: “The red card is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games. I think that just deserves credit and today, I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team. He was 60 minutes or 58 minutes in the box being grabbed, being pulled, being pushed, and obviously, when he tries to get away from the defender…I think the action looks worse than what it actually is. I don't think it's an elbow, I think it's a full body, but from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. But we accept it.

  “The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is at the press conference [Wednesday], your coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced, and then a big centre-half falls on the floor so dramatically at the turn of Cristiano's body.”

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  Ronaldo facing World Cup ban?

  Martinez went on to say, with it possible that FIFA’s disciplinary committee will sting Ronaldo with a three-match ban: “After the game it’s a difficult time because emotions can be unclear. I saw his reaction to a provocation. It started at the beginning of the game, in every play in the penalty area. It even started the day before in the press conference.

  “And it was a reaction of trying to continue playing. Others might fall to the ground and look for a penalty. It’s not a violent action, it’s not a red card for violence, but a reaction to a provocation. We need to try to show the case and prepare well. I would say it would be very unfair to impose a long suspension.”

  Ronaldo has already stated that the 2026 World Cup will be his last. He has sought to clarify comments in which he said that retirement could happen “soon”, with there still at least a couple of years left in the evergreen all-time great.

As is the case with every club of their size, Arsenal have had some truly special players represent them in the Premier League era.

The likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pirès terrified defenders, while Sol Campbell and Tony Adams did the same to opposition attackers.

The Gunners have also been blessed with some incredible midfielders over the last 25 years or so, such as the legendary Patrick Vieira.

Nobody has quite been able to live up to the Frenchman since, but there is one player in Mikel Arteta’s side who’s starting to emulate him.

Arsenal's best midfielders in the Premier League

As the list of Arsenal’s best Premier League midfielders could be a long one, this top three includes only central and defensive midfielders.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Additionally, the players must no longer be at the club, as currently, Arteta’s side are yet to win anything significant.

With that out of the way, coming in at number three has to be the incredible Gilberto Silva.

The Brazilian monster joined the club in the summer of 2002 and went on to make 244 appearances over the next five years, scoring 24 goals and providing 14 assists.

Once described as the man who “carried the piano for Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo to play their tunes on” by the outlet Veja, the often underappreciated titan carried out a similar role in North London that saw him leave with one league title, two FA Cups and two Community Shields.

Just pipping Gilberto into second place is Cesc Fàbregas, as while he was no stranger to playing higher up the pitch, he spent most of his time in North London playing centrally.

The Spaniard may have left on poor terms, but he did so with an incredible record of 57 goals and 95 assists in 303 games, in which he won one FA Cup and one Community Shield.

Finally, first place simply had to be for Captain Fantastic himself, Vieira.

Arriving from AC Milan in the summer of 1996, the French international would go on to help transform the Gunners’ midfield and leave as a bona fide legend.

In addition to captaining the side during the Invincible season, the monstrous midfielder eventually left the club after making 405 appearances, during which he scored 32 goals, provided 47 assists, won three league titles, five FA Cups, and three Community Shields.

The Arsenal star becoming Arteta's Vieira

While they need to win something significant first, there are several stars in this Arsenal team who could easily become legends in their own right over the coming years.

However, when it comes to the player who could, and looks like they will become Arteta’s own Vieira, it has to be Declan Rice.

The Gunners’ £105m has been a brilliant player for them since his mega money move in the summer of 2023, but over the last year, and especially this season, he has really stepped it up and is now starting to emulate some of the Frenchman’s best qualities.

For example, while he is no longer an out-and-out six, he remains a defensive and physical powerhouse and someone who is more than happy to throw his weight around to disrupt opposition attacks.

For example, Fbref still ranks him in the top 16% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for the percentage of aerial duels won per 90 minutes.

Moreover, while he does not have the armband for the club, he is still one of the most vocal players on the pitch and is one of the five players in the manager’s leadership group.’

Finally, in addition to possessing the attitude and physical characteristics of the Gunners legend, the former West Ham star is also comparable in terms of footballing ability.

Whether it’s a dead-ball situation or during play, the Englishman is one of “the best in the world,” per Thomas Frank, and has the ability to ping the ball exactly where he wants it, and over the last couple of campaigns has become far more of a goal threat.

Both of these traits were on full display against Burnley at the weekend and will undoubtedly be again for the next game.

Ultimately, while the comparison won’t be truly appropriate until he lifts a title with Arsenal, it is clear that Rice is becoming Arteta’s own Vieira.

Better than Rice: Arsenal "colossus" is having a Ballon d'Or level season

Just like Declan Rice, the incredible Arsenal star is having an unreal season under Mikel Arteta.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 3, 2025

Shohei Ohtani enjoyed a record-breaking 2024 season for the Los Angeles Dodgers that wiped away any lingering doubt that he may not be worth the historic, record-breaking contract he signed in free agency last offseason. Recording the first 50 home run, 50 stolen base season in baseball history will do that.

But this time of year is the reason the Dodgers wanted Ohtani, and why Ohtani chose the Dodgers: Playoff baseball. The Japanese mega-star had never played in the postseason heading into 2024, and Los Angeles kept falling short after a 2020 World Series title.

On Saturday, Ohtani suited up for his postseason debut and the Dodgers were immediately in need of his services. The visiting San Diego Padres jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the opening frame. Then Ohtani came up in the bottom of the second inning with two men on base. He delivered, mashing a huge game-tying home run for his very first postseason trip around the bases.

And he celebrated in emphatic fashion, flinging his bat to the side as he let loose a joyous yell.

Shohei Ohtani playing October baseball. What a majestic sight. For anyone other than Padres fans, anyway.

A very cool moment for one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

Pep Guardiola has claimed he had never heard of Jobe Bellingham as the Borussia Dortmund midfielder and brother of England and Real Madrid star Jude prepares to face Manchester City in the Champions League. The younger Bellingham followed his older sibling's path by moving to Dortmund last summer from Sunderland, having also come through Birmingham City's youth ranks.

• Jobe Bellingham enduring slow start at Dortmund

  Bellingham has made a slow start to life at Dortmund following his £32 million ($41m) transfer, starting only four games across the Bundesliga and the Champions League. Bellingham’s status as a squad player rather than a regular starter has reportedly led to tensions between his parents Mark and Denise and coach Nico Kovac. 

  It was reported that both parents were banned from the Dortmund dressing room after arguing with Kovac over Bellingham's reduced role in the squad. And last month it was reported that Jobe had been left feeling "massively insecure" about his place in the team. 

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  Guardiola knew little about Jobe's exploits for Sunderland

  The younger Bellingham played a key role in Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League last season and has generated a huge amount of attention after following a similar, albeit less rapid, path to Jude – who has helped knock City out of the last two editions of the Champions League with Real Madrid. However, Guardiola was nonplussed when asked whether he knew much about Jobe. "No…I didn't know him back then," the coach told a press conference.

• Guardiola explains why he gave City squad day off

  The day before a Champions League match is usually a busy one for teams involved in the competition as they run through tactical plans in their training session, which is normally played out in front of reporters and television cameras for 15 minutes. But in a surprising and rare move, Guardiola cancelled training and opted to give his players the day off, with the exception of Erling Haaland who did media duties. His side will instead train on the morning of the game. 

  Guardiola explained that he wanted to give his players more time to recover from their 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday. Dortmund had two extra days to prepare for the game, winning 1-0 at Augsburg on Friday.

  The City boss said: "We will train tomorrow morning. No [it is not unusual]. I have done it a few times. Not a lot but I have done it a few times and sometimes I prefer it. It was such a demanding game against Bournemouth that I prefer today at home and tomorrow we train." On Dortmund having more time to recover, he added: "We are used to it. It is what is. Nobody is going to change the schedule. In Germany, in France, all the teams in the Champions League they try and play on Friday to get more [rest]. I don't like it but it is what it is."

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  Guardiola expecting easier path to knockout rounds this time

  City endured a torrid time last season in the first edition of the revamped Champions League. They only scraped their way into the knockout playoffs as they finished 22nd out of 36 teams in the league phase thanks to a comeback victory over Club Brugge in their last game. The sides placed ninth to 24th qualify for the playoffs to advance to the last 16 and City were in serious danger of missing out after drawing at home to Feyenoord and losing away to Juventus, Sporting CP and eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.

  City have taken seven points from their first three games and have their next two fixtures, against Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola believes they will have a calmer path to qualifying for the playoffs, if not directly to the last 16 by virtue of finishing in the top eight, as the squad is not depleted by injuries as it was this time last year.

  "It is not about being not prepared last season," he said. "Last season we were injured. Fifty-percent of the squad were injured during months and months and especially during that period when there are a lot of games. Of course we are prepared for the format and for the old one. We will be ready. It is just last season, we had a lot of problems in terms of not having players and that was more difficult."

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has heaped praise on an “important” member of the squad following his return from injury.

Chelsea face Premier League title rivals Liverpool amid selection crisis

The Blues have endured a pretty underwhelming start to the 2025/2026 campaign, and it doesn’t get any easier as Maresca’s side prepare to host Premier League champions Liverpool this afternoon.

Maresca, after winning the Conference League, Club World Cup and qualifying for the Champions League last season, has been tasked with building upon 2024/2025’s feats with over £280 million spent on new recruits in the summer window.

However, he is also forced to lean on a roster full of youth and a starting eleven boasting an average age of just 24.1 (BBC), with injuries crippling the tactician so far.

As October arrives, Chelsea’s absentee list includes Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos, Trevoh Chalobah and star forward Cole Palmer — who are all set to miss today’s clash with Arne Slot’s side at Stamford Bridge.

Fofana and Tosin are not expected to return until after the international break, with the former undergoing concussion protocol, while Chalobah is serving a one-match suspension after his red card against Brighton last weekend.

Colwill is set to miss the majority of this season after rupturing his ACL in pre-season too — leaving Maresca absolutely bereft of centre-backs to choose from against Liverpool — with it being most likely that Benoit Badiashile and Jorrel Hato are given the starting nod.

Badiashile has only just returned from injury himself, starting his first game of the season in a 1-0 Champions League win over José Mourinho’s Benfica on Tuesday, and the Frenchman impressed.

Reports suggest that Chelsea insiders have pushed Badiashile’s case behind-the-scenes as a capable deputy to come in and play a significant role, despite being linked with a move away last summer.

The 24-year-old’s presence, amid Chelsea’s serious defensive shortage, now looks more imperative than ever, with Badiashile refusing a move away in the last window and declaring his love for the West Londoners.

The former Monaco star’s loyalty is being repaid by Maresca, who piled praise on Badiashile in his pre-Liverpool press conference.

Enzo Maresca praises Benoit Badiashile return as "good news" for Chelsea

Speaking to reporters, Chelsea’s boss confirmed that Badiashile is in fact an “important” player for them, and his return to the fold is “good news” ahead of their challenging face-off against England’s champions.

Unfortunately for Badiashile, his place in the starting eleven is under threat long-term.

According to reports, Chelsea and Maresca are in agreement that the signing of a star centre-back takes “priority” for January.

Meanwhile, it is also believed that Chelsea have reached out to Marc Guehi’s camp this week and could attempt to re-sign the Crystal Palace star for a cut-price fee in the winter.

Juventus are reportedly ready to sell star forward Jonathan David in January, just months after his summer arrival, according to Sky Sports. The Canadian has scored just once in 11 games, with his team now contacting major clubs like Tottenham and Bayern Munich. With new boss Luciano Spalletti snubbing him, a "quick exit" is now being considered by the Bianconeri.

• David's struggle to adapt to Serie A

  Juventus have placed David on the transfer market and are considering a shock January exit, just months after he joined the club, according to a report from Sky Sports.

  The 25-year-old striker has struggled significantly to establish himself in Turin following his summer switch from Lille. His entourage has reportedly been in constant contact with several major European clubs, with Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich both inquiring about the conditions for a potential winter transfer.

  David arrived at Juventus with a prolific reputation, having scored 25 goals and provided 12 assists in 49 games for Lille during the 2024-25 campaign. However, he has failed to replicate that form in Italy.

  According to Sky Sports, David has featured in 11 matches for the Bianconeri but has played only 51 per cent of the available minutes. His statistical return has been minimal, registering just one goal and one assist. That lone goal came in the season's opening fixture against Parma in August, and he has failed to find the net since. This lack of output has alarmed the Juventus hierarchy, prompting them to explore a "quick exit."

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  Tottenham lead chase amid attacking crisis

  Tottenham have emerged as a primary suitor, driven by a desperate need for attacking reinforcements. Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Spurs have made a formal inquiry regarding the conditions for a January deal.

  The North London club are reeling from a long-term injury to striker Dominic Solanke, which has left their frontline severely depleted. Head coach Thomas Frank is overseeing a dismal run of form that has seen Spurs win just one of their last five matches across all competitions. Most worryingly, they have failed to score in three of those five games.

  The club's current backup strikers, Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel, have been unable to step up, managing just one goal between them all season. This has forced the club to seek an immediate solution in the winter market, with David's potential availability seen as a timely opportunity.

• Bayern Munich also monitoring situation

  Spurs are not the only European giant monitoring the situation. The report states that David's representatives have also reached out to Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions have similarly inquired about what it would take to sign the Canadian, as they assess their own forward options heading into the second half of the season.

  The involvement of both Spurs and Bayern suggests a competitive market could form if Juventus formally commit to a sale, despite David's poor run of form.

  Any hope that a change in the dugout would immediately revive David's Juventus career appears to have been misplaced. The club dismissed Igor Tudor last week following a disastrous eight-game winless run.

  New manager Luciano Spalletti was appointed on Thursday and oversaw his first match on Saturday—a nervy 2-1 away win against Cremonese. David's role in the victory was minimal, as he was left on the bench until the 85th minute, coming on for just five minutes to help see out the result.

  Spalletti’s starting XI sent a clear message, preferring a front three of Dusan Vlahovic, Lois Openda, and Filip Kostic. This selection indicates that the former Italy boss currently views David as "impact cover" rather than a key part of his starting plans.

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• Juve 'open' to sale as free transfer guarantees profit

  From the Bianconeri's perspective, a January sale is financially appealing. A report from Gazzetta dello Sport claims Juventus are "open" to letting David leave.

  Crucially, David arrived on a free transfer during the summer after his contract at Lille expired. This means any fee received for the 25-year-old would represent 100 per cent profit on the club's balance sheet.

  Despite his struggles in Turin, David’s market value is still estimated to be around €45 million (£39m/ $52m), a valuation reflecting his stellar record at Lille, where he scored 109 goals, provided 30 assists, and won a Ligue 1 title in 232 games. This financial incentive may outweigh the sporting desire to wait for the player to find his form.

Manchester City haven’t been at their rip-roaring best so far this season, but there are certainly signs from Pep Guardiola’s side that they are reshaping into a force to be reckoned with.

Arsenal and Liverpool are possibly both ahead of the Citizens in the Premier League title power rankings. But the campaign is young, and Man City no a thing or two about constructing an incredible run of winning form.

There are still issues to be ironed out, but Guardiola looks to have rebuilt the core of his squad at the Etihad Stadium, and he’s also got Erling Haaland leading the line.

And Haaland, unto himself, is a title-winning machine.

Haaland's incredible start to the season

With eight goals scored across six Premier League matches so far this season, Haaland has endured his joint-worst start to a term in the English top flight.

He really is remarkable. Sure to retire as one of the game’s greatest goalscorers, the Norwegian has been a monstrous attacking focal point for City over the past three years, and he continues to be the driving force for his side as they look to add some silverware to the cabinet.

The 25-year-old only took seven touches during the first half of Man City’s 2-2 draw against Monaco. That was all that he needed to have added another brace to his swollen collection.

Some player, and it’s remarkable that he has maintained his god-like scoring record in spite of Kevin De Bruyne leaving at the end of his contract last summer, the legendary playmaker signing for Napoli as he steers toward the sunset of his illustrious career.

Replacing the Belgian is going to be a tough task indeed. He is truly one of a kind. However, City did have such a player who looks like he’s up to the task, now that De Bruyne has left the English scene.

But Cole Palmer was sold before he could spread his wings for the Sky Blues.

Man City must regret selling Cole Palmer

In August 2023, Chelsea announced they had signed Palmer from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £42.5m. It was met with a mixed response, with the young playmaker regarded as an exciting talent but maybe also lacking experience at the highest level.

What followed was incredible. Palmer scored 25 goals and supplied 15 assists across a ridiculous breakout campaign at Stamford Bridge, swiftly rivalling the biggest hitters on English shores for being the face of the division.

He has now notched 74 goal involvements across 101 matches for the Blues, and across the past year, he ranks among the top 8% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe for progressive passes and the top 5% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Though injuries have impeded the opening weeks of the Three Lions star’s campaign under Enzo Maresca, he remains a source of strength in west London, with his return to full form and fitness sure to coincide with an upswing of results for Chelsea too.

How City must be reeling. CIES Football Observatory have estimated that the 23-year-old boasts a market value in the ballpark of £145m, which it a pretty penny above what Chelsea paid for him.

Outscored only by the three top strikers of this Premier League generation since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, Chelsea’s talisman continues to inspire awe, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher even going as far as to name him “the best player in the Premier League” about one year ago.

Haaland, of course, tops that list, and comfortably at that.

Palmer might actually be Man City’s talisman over the Norwegian sensation, had he been allowed to develop in Manchester. Goals and assists are dished out aplenty, and Palmer also won 56% of his ground duels in the Premier League last term, emphasising his underrated combative side.

That and he has been the all-inspiring leader for an up-and-down Chelsea side too, instrumental in winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup last year, thus establishing himself among the best players in the world at last month’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in France.

Indeed, Palmer placed eighth on the list, whereas Haaland will perhaps feel somewhat aggrieved after coming in at 26th.

To think that the Chelsea attacking midfielder achieved this without having played Champions League football (the first person to record a top-ten finish without that mark since Neymar Jr. 14 years ago) says much about Palmer’s quality, influence and the respect and admiration he is held in by journalists across the world.

If Haaland maintains his current form across the span of the season and wins a few trophies besides, the Norway international may fancy his chances of leaping well up the rankings during next year’s award ceremony, but Palmer, too, will look to bounce back from his current injury problems and push for a place at the very forefront of the list.

One thing’s for sure, Man City made a big mistake when signing off the cheque for Palmer’s sale to a divisional rival. He has only gone from strength to strength since departing and is now one of the best in the business.

Just imagine the Englishman feeding passes through to Haaland in the box, creating an almighty and unstoppable attacking partnership.

Given that De Bruyne is with City no longer, it really is frustrating to think the perfect replacement has already been sold.

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By
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