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Goal ranks the top 20 teams in Europe based on their business in the transfer market this summer…

There is nothing more exciting in the world of football every summer than the European transfer window. This year's edition was no different, with a number of blockbuster deals involving the likes of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, Matthijs de Ligt to Juventus and Frenkie de Jong to Barcelona.

After the transfer window closed in all of Europe’s big five leagues on September 2, Goal has once again produced the Transfer Market power rankings, which have been updated every Monday during the window.

Our ranks the top 20 teams in Europe – according to UEFA's Club Coefficient of 2018-19 – from worst to best, based on their transfer business this summer.

The main criteria used to judge each team’s dealings include the following: the quality and value for money of the players signed; retaining important first-team players; raising money by selling players who are surplus to requirements; overall net spend and the improvement of the overall first team and squad.20Shakhtar DonetskKey signings: Yevhan Konoplyanka (undisclosed from Schalke)

Key departures: Ivan Petriak (€1.6m to Fehervar), Ivan Ordets (free to Dynamo Moscow), Oleg Danchenko (free to Rubin Kazan)

The Ukrainian champions have seen their Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca move on to Roma and compatriot Luis Castro hired as his replacement.

Former Porto boss Castro made one important signing on deadline day with Ukrainian international Yevhan Konoplyanka returning to his home country from Schalke.

Though they lost the Ukrainian Super Cup to start their domestic season, Shakhtar Donetsk have begun their league campaign strongly by winning their first six games.

AdvertisementGetty Images19Chelsea

Key signings: Mateo Kovacic (€45m from Real Madrid), Christian Pulisic (loan return from Dortmund)

Key departures: Eden Hazard (€100m to Real Madrid), Ola Aina (€10m to Torino), Tomas Kalas (€9m to Bristol City), David Luiz (€8.5m to Arsenal), Kenneth Omeruo (€5m to Leganes), Ethan Ampadu (loan to RB Leipzig), Danny Drinkwater (loan to Burnley), Davide Zappacosta (loan to Roma), Eduardo (free to Braga), Gary Cahill (free to Crystal Palace), Rob Green (retired) 

Chelsea's transfer window was headlined by the loss of the club's superstar Eden Hazard to Real Madrid. With a transfer ban hindering their incoming moves in the market, the Blues have started the season with both Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham in the first-team picture. 

New boss Frank Lampard has opted to make the loan of Mateo Kovacic (pictured) permanent, while January signing Christian Pulisic is an exciting addition. 

Unsurprisingly, the club decided against making Gonzalo Higuain's loan deal permanent, with the Argentine striker having struggled during his six-month stay in west London.

The surprise sale of David Luiz to Arsenal on England's deadline day also leaves the Blues short of an experienced defender – and their shortcomings at the back have already been exposed.

Chelsea have claimed their first win of the season against Norwich in an unconvincing 3-2 victory but then stumbled last weekend with a 2-2 draw versus Sheffield United.

Getty Images18Porto

Key signings: Shoya Nakajima (€12m from Al Duhail), Mateus Uribe (€9m from Club America), Ze Luis (€8.5m from Spartak Moscow), Luis Diaz (€7m from Junior FC), Mamadou Loum (€7.5m from Braga), Agustin Marchesin (€7.5m from America), Renzo Saravia (€5.5m from Racing Club), Ivan Marcano (€3m from Roma) 

Key departures: Eder Militao (€50m to Real Madrid), Felipe (€20m to Atletico Madrid), Oliver Torres (€12m to Sevilla), Galeno (€3.5m to Braga), Jose Sa (€2.5m to Olympiacos), Hector Herrera (free to Atletico Madrid), Yacine Brahimi (free to Al Rayyan)

It could be a season of transition for Porto after failing to win the league or either domestic cup last time out. Central defenders Eder Militao (pictured) and Felipe have joined Madrid clubs Real and Atletico, respectively, while the latter has also snapped up Hector Herrera on a free.

Oliver Torres has also headed to Spain to link up with Sevilla. The loss of exciting Algerian winger Yacine Brahimi on a free transfer is a big one and it's safe to say the standard of the arrivals hasn’t matched those who have left.

Colombian midfielder Mateus Uribe has joined from Club America and he'll be eager to prove himself in Europe, while Japanese attacker Shoya Nakajima looms as somewhat of a gamble. 

Porto have also missed out on the Champions League this season after falling to Krasnodar in qualifying.

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Getty Images17Zenit

Key signings: Malcom (€40m from Barcelona), Douglas Santos (€12m from Hamburg), Aleksey Sutormin (€2.5m from Rubin Kazan), Daniil Kruhovoy (€2m from Ufa), Aleksandr Vasyutin (€0.7m from Sarpsborg 08)

Key departures: Miha Mevlja (€4m from Sochi), (Elmir Nabiullin (€3m to Sochi), Dmitri Poloz (€3m to Sochi), Luka Djordjevic (€2.5m to Lokomotiv Moscow), Hernani (loan to Parma), Luis Neto (free to Sporting CP), Claudio Marchisio (released), Aleksandr Korkorin (ban)

After being crowned Russian champions last season, Zenit began the transfer window relatively quietly but have announced themselves in a big way with their recent acquisition of Malcom (pictured).

The former Barcelona winger has made the bold move to Russia after failing to fire in Spain and could give Zenit's attack a real X-factor.

Malcom will link up with fellow Brazilian recruit Douglas Santos as the duo look to inspire Zenit to greater heights in Europe.

The Gunners have brought in several players from the South American nation down the years, but how have they fared in north London?

Arsenal have taken a shine to Brazilian talent again during the summer transfer window of 2022, with a potential star Marquinhos brought in before a big-money deal was completed with Manchester City for Gabriel Jesus.

The Gunners have also been linked with Leds winger Raphinha, with a theme running through their recruitment which suggests South American flair features prominently in their thoughts.

Plenty of performers from that part of the world have passed through north London down the years – filling roles from full-back to centre-forward – but who were those Samba stars and how did they fare in English football? GOAL takes a look…

GettySylvinho

Made history in 1999 when becoming the first Brazilian to sign for Arsenal as a move from Corinthians was completed.

Succeeded club legend Nigel Winterburn as the Gunners’ go-to option at left-back and would make a total of 80 appearances across two seasons before being snapped up by Celta Vigo after making the PFA Team of the Year made in his final campaign.

GOAL rating: Hit

AdvertisementGettyJuan

Joined the Gunners from Sao Paulo in 2000 as a youngster with plenty of potential and provided cover for fellow countryman Sylvinho at left-back.

Was restricted to just two competition appearances for Arsenal – a League Cup clash with Grimsby and a FA Cup tie with Gillingham – before joining Millwall on loan and returning to his homeland in 2004 at Fluminense.

GOAL rating: Miss

GettyEdu

Saw a switch from Corinthians delayed by passport problems, but linked up with Arsenal as part of a £6 million ($7m) deal in January 2001.

Won two Premier League titles – forming part of the fabled ‘Invincibles’ squad of 2003-04 – alongside a couple of FA Cups and eventually returned to north London as the Gunners’ first technical director.

GOAL rating: Hit

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Gilberto Silva

Caught Arsenal’s eye when helping Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002, and a transfer from Atletico Mineiro was put in place immediately after that tournament.

Slotted into the Gunners’ midfield alongside Patrick Vieira and would outstay the legendary Frenchman as a key holding component for Arsene Wenger.

By the time he left to join Panathinaikos in Greece in 208, he'd won a Premier League title and two FA Cup triumphs across six seasons and 244 appearances.

GOAL rating: Hit

Manchester United have spent big on an Argentine that does not fit the standard defensive mould, but he finds himself in illustrious company

Lisandro Martinez has become another big-money signing at Manchester United, with the Red Devils investing £46.5 million ($56m) worth of faith in the Argentina international. He arrives at Old Trafford with plenty of pedigree, having won Eredivisie titles with Ajax and the Copa America with his country, but questions are being asked of his suitability to life in the Premier League.

That is because the South American stands at just 5ft 9in tall – relatively short for a centre-half readying himself for the physical demands of English football – but he is in illustrious company when it comes to breaking the mould for players in his position.

Among the others to have bucked a trend there are World Cup winners from Spain, Italy, Germany and England, while iconic figures from Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter have also shown that size can be irrelevant when ability takes over. Here, GOAL takes a look at 13 of the best centre-halves under six foot.

Carles Puyol – 5ft 10

A product of the famed La Masia academy system, Puyol spent his entire professional career on the books at Barcelona. He became a talismanic club captain for the Blaugrana, taking in 593 appearances for the club while claiming six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns. The no-nonsense centre-half also savoured World Cup and European Championship triumphs while earning 100 caps for Spain.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesFabio Cannavaro – 5ft 9

The Italian was never one to let a lack of height stand in his way, with his career peaking when captaining his country to World Cup glory in 2006. He would go on to collect the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year award later that year – becoming only the third defender in history to land the prestigious Golden Ball. At club level, Cannavaro represented Parma, Inter, Juventus and Real Madrid with distinction.

GettyFranco Baresi – 5ft 9

A man that broke the mould across 20 iconic years – many of them spent as skipper – at AC Milan. Diminutive in size, but a born leader that belied his stature to become a legend at San Siro. Won six Serie A titles and three European Cups as part of a great Rossoneri side and also earned 81 caps for Italy – coming agonisingly close to winning the World Cup with them in 1994.

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Getty ImagesRonald Koeman – 5ft 11

The Dutch star thrived in a sweeper role that was favoured by many leading sides in the 1980s and 90s, with a reputation forged at PSV and Ajax enhanced considerably on the books at Barcelona. It was his goal at Wembley Stadium in 1992 that landed the Blaugrana a first European Cup. A classy operator that took free-kicks and penalties netted 239 goals at club level and 14 for the Netherlands.

Despite his Ballon d'Or win, the Frenchman has had a trying season, but he scored his sixth goal in six games in Sunday's 2-0 win at Athletic Club.

Even Carlo Ancelotti celebrated.

Real Madrid had been under pressure for 20 painful minutes before Karim Benzema scored, swivelling his body towards goal before guiding a left-footed volley into the bottom corner, with his manager punching the air in joy.

And with good reason.

Benzema's goal, his sixth in six games, broke the deadlock in an otherwise edgy contest with Athletic Club on Sunday night, paving the way for a 2-0 win that keeps Madrid within touching distance of Barcelona in the La Liga title race.

Madrid didn't quite have their typical control against a direct Athletic side. The home team created more and stretched Madrid's back line with regularity.

But Los Blancos were kept in the game by a magnificent performance from Eduardo Camavinga. The 20-year-old controlled the midfield almost single-handedly, roaming around the centre circle, flying into tackles and launching attacks.

Toni Kroos may have been the midfielder to add a second goal in the 90th minute, but Sunday's result was down to Camavinga's maturity and Benzema' early composure.

Below, GOAL runs through the winners and losers from a vital victory that drags Madrid back to within three points of Liga leaders Barcelona…

GettyThe Winners

Karim Benzema:

It's actually been a trying season to date for the Ballon d'Or holder. Benzema has struggled with injury and is caught in the drama around the French national team. Off-field controversy has marred his goalscoring achievements. Meanwhile, Madrid's poor form hasn't helped. But, very quietly, he's been on a hot streak. After his volley today, Benzema now has six goals in his last six games, and his strike-rate is almost on par with his record-setting pace from last year. It's been lost in Madrid's poor form, but their star Frenchman is steadily getting back to his very best, which will be absolutely crucial if Los Blancos are to replicate any of last year's magic.

Marco Asensio:

Asensio's inclusion isn't just about the assist he provided. This game required some grit, some competition, and the winger, not known for his defensive work rate, was a constant source of energy on Sunday evening. He supported the unsteady nacho, tracking back and tackling relentlessly. His work on the ball was also helpful, as the winger created two chances and was unafraid to run at tiring defenders. Asensio certainly isn't first-choice, and he will have to fight for opportunities off the bench going forward, but this was a spirited performance, right when his club needed it.

Eduardo Camavinga:

Does Ancelotti know what Camavinga's best position is? Does Camavinga even have a best position? In showings like this, it doesn't necessarily matter what the French international's specific starting point is. Here, he filled a role more than occupying a space, running around, tackling, and recycling possession. Camavinga certainly has a lot of development to come, but when deployed in this kind of disruptive role, he can be immensely effective. His performance was absolutely integral to the victory.

AdvertisementGettyThe Losers

Antonio Rudiger:

Inaki Williams was always going to be a tricky match-up. But Rudiger made marking the big striker far more difficult than it had to be. The German defender continued a poor run of form here, giving the ball away too often, and failing to recover, leaving centre-back partner Eder Militao a lot of work to do. He had some better moments later in the game, including a well-timed block in the box, but his performance was marked by misplaced passes and lost duels.

Nico Williams:

It was a frustrating night for the young winger, who likely would have fancied his chances against a struggling Ferland Mendy. But it didn't quite come off for him. Williams tallied four shots and created one big chance, yet failed to link up with the rest of the Athletic front line with any consistency. There were almost some remarkable moments, highlighted by an impressive run and curled shot that flew just wide of the post. But it was an otherwise disappointing showing. An opportunity missed.

Rodrygo:

The Brazilian winger was left out of the XI as Ancelotti shuffled his squad. Federico Valverde went to centre-midfield, leaving the right-wing role open. Instead, Ancelotti handed it to the out-of-form Asensio, leaving Rodrygo to watch from the bench. And Asensio made the most of his opportunity, putting in a quality shift and also adding an assist. Rodrygo did make an impact off the bench, and provided the pass for Kroos' goal, but he was only afforded seven minutes on the pitch. It's tough to see where Rodrygo fits when Benzema is fit, as Valverde tends to occupy the right wing, while Vinicius is a guarantee on the left. And although the Brazilian did his part, being left on the bench was perhaps indicative of where he lies in Ancelotti's plans.

GettyReal Madrid Ratings: Defence

Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

Dived to his right for an impressive save inside 10 minutes. Made another big stop to keep his side ahead with 10 minutes remaining. Another top showing.

Nacho (7/10):

Filled in for the injured Dani Carvajal, and acquitted himself well. Not always the most adventurous going forward, but very reliable defensively, which was crucial on the day.

Eder Militao (7/10):

The better of Madrid's two centre-backs. Won all but one of his aerial duels and ran down the rapid Inaki Williams a few times.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

Forced into the XI with David Alaba injured, and failed to impress. Will need to improve; Alaba is out for another two weeks.

Ferland Mendy (7/10):

Kept Nico Williams mostly under wraps, and tallied the most tackles on the pitch. Much better from the left-back.

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GettyMidfield

Federico Valverde (6/10):

Lots of running, some nice passes, one rash shot. Better, but still far from his best.

Eduardo Camavinga (8/10):

Ancelotti is still trying to figure out his best position. It doesn't matter when Camavinga is this impactful, though. Hugely influential on the night.

Dani Ceballos (6/10):

Given a chance to prove that his star cameo against Villarreal could be built on. But didn't offer much in an attacking sense. Tidy, but typically unspectacular.

How to watch Leicester against Bournemouth in the Premier League in the United States as well as kick-off time and team news.

Two Premier League relegation battlers Leicester City and Bournemouth are set for a pivotal matchup at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Without the recently departed Brendan Rodgers, the Foxes registered their 18th league loss of the season when they went down 2-1 against Aston Villa in midweek. Before that, Leicester had managed only one point from their previous six league games.

Although Bournemouth defeated the likes of Liverpool and Fulham in their last five league games, the Cherries see themselves only two points clear of Leicester and four above bottom side Southampton after a 2-0 home defeat to Brighton on Tuesday.

GOAL brings you details on how to watch the game on TV in the US as well as how to stream live online.

(C)Getty ImagesKick-off timeGame:Leicester City vs BournemouthDate:April 8, 2023Kick-off:10am EDTVenue:King Power Stadium

The Premier League game between Leicester City and Bournemouth is scheduled for April 8, 2023, at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England.

It will kick off at 10am EDT in the US.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesHow to watch Leicester City vs Bournemouth online – TV channels & live streamsTV channels & streaming options

Country TV channel Live stream

U.S.N/APeacock Premium

In the United States (US), the game can be watched live on Peacock Premium.

Getty Images.Team news & squadsLeicester City team news

Dewsbury-Hall is out suspended. Should Leicester interim manager Adam Sadler opt for Tete over Boubakary Soumare to fill in, James Maddison would move to occupy the number 10 position.

James Justin, Ryan Bertrand and Youri Tielemans are set miss out due to injuries.

Jonny Evans is back in training but still a doubt with a thigh injury, but the defence seems to be covered with Wout Faes and Harry Souttar as the two centre-backs.

Leicester City possible XI: Iversen; Castagne, Souttar, Faes, Kristiansen; Mendy, Ndidi; Tete, Maddison, Barnes; Daka

Position Players

GoalkeepersWard, Iversen, SmithiesDefendersSoyuncu, Faes, Amartey, Vestergaard, Souttar, Evans, Thomas, Kristiansen, Castagne, PereiraMidfieldersNdidi, Soumare, Mendy, Praet, Maddison, Barnes, TeteForwardsDaka, Iheanacho, VardyBournemouth team news

Junior Stanislas and Ryan Fredericks occupy the treatment room, while Marcos Senesi's hamstring problem towards the end of the game against Brighton leaves him doubtful to face Leicester.

In case Senesi doesn't pass the fitness test, the January signing Illya Zabarnyi who replaced him on Tuesday would be in line for his club debut at centre-back alongside Jack Stephens.

Marcus Tavernier is expected to start on the right side with Dominic Solanke up front.

Bournemouth possible XI: Neto; Smith, Stephens, Zabarnyi, Kelly; Tavernier, Lerma, Billing, Ouattara; Traore; Solanke

Position Players

GoalkeepersNeto, Travers, RandolphDefendersSenesi, Kelly, Zabarnyi, Mepham, Stephens, Vina, Zemura, Stacey, SmithMidfieldersLerma, Billing, Tavernier, Cook, Rothwell, Traore, Christie, BrooksForwardsSolanke, Moore, Semenyo, Ouattara, AnthonyHead-to-head record

Date Result Competition

October 8, 2022Bournemouth 2-1 Leicester CityPremier LeagueJuly 12, 2020Bournemouth 4-1 Leicester CityPremier LeagueAugust 31, 2019Leicester City 3-1 BournemouthPremier LeagueMarch 30, 2019Leicester City 2-0 BournemouthPremier LeagueSeptember 15, 2018Bournemouth 4-2 Leicester CityPremier LeagueENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Where to watch the FA Cup semi-final clash between Manchester City and Sheffield United – the team news, kick-off time and more.

Manchester City will take on Sheffield United in the semi-finals of the 2022-23 FA Cup on Saturday.

📺 Watch Man City vs Sheffield United live on ESPN+ in the US

Pep Guardiola's team have reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the fifth consecutive time and in six out of the last seven seasons but they have lost four out of five ties during this period. They have enjoyed a strong season so far and will be confident of getting a win to progress to the final.

Sheffield United are eyeing a spot in the FA Cup final for the first time since 1936. They are second and 10 points behind leaders Burnley in the Championship and have lost only once in their last seven games.

GOAL tells you all you need to know about Manchester City vs Sheffield United below – including team news, squads, kick-off time and more.

Getty ImagesKick-off timeManchester City vs Sheffield United kick-off timeDate:April 22, 2023Kick-off time:11.45am EDT Venue:Etihad Stadium

The game is scheduled for Saturday April 22, 2023 at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. It will kick off at 11.45am EDT in the USA.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesHow to watch Man City vs Sheffield United online – TV channels & live streams

Country TV channel Live stream

USN/AESPN+

In the United States (US), the match will be available on ESPN+.

GettyTeam news & squadsManchester City team news

Phil Foden, who underwent appendix surgery recently, returned to the bench for Manchester City against Bayern Munich. He is expected to be available for selection in the semi-finals.

Guardiola has ruled Nathan Ake out of contention as the defender has picked up an injury.

In-form striker Erling Haaland is set to continue leading the line for the Cityzens and will make his first appearance at Wembley Stadium.

Haaland scored a hat-trick in Man City's 6-0 quarter-final win against Burnley, making him the first ever footballer to score a hat-trick in the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League in the same campaign.

Man City predicted XI: Ortega; Stones, Dias, Laporte; Lewis, Rodri; Mahrez, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland

Position Players

Goalkeepers:Ederson, Carson, OrtegaDefenders:Dias, Akanji, Gomez, Walker, Lewis, Stones, LaporteMidfielders:Rodri, Phillips, Perrone, Gundogan, Silva, Palmer., De BruyneForwards:Grealish, Álvarez, Mahrez, Haaland, FodenSheffield United team news

Sheffield United will be without Enda Stevens, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Ben Osborn, Rhian Brewster and Jack O'Connell for their big FA Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City.

On a positive side, goalkeeper Wes Foderingham is set to return to the lineup after serving a two-game suspension.

Sheffield United predicted XI: Foderingham; Ahmedhodzic, Egan, Robinson; Baldock, Berge, Norwood, Fleck, Lowe; McBurnie, Ndiaye.

Position Players

Goalkeepers:Foderingham, DaviesDefenders:Egan, Clark, Basham, Robinson, Baldock, Bogle, Starbuck, AhmedhodzicMidfielders:Berge, McAtee, Doyle, Norwood, Fleck, Coulibaly, LoweForwards:McBurnie, Jebbison, Sharp, Osula, NdiayeHead-to-head record

Manchester City have managed to win four out of their last five meetings against Sheffield United. The last time they were beaten by them was in a 2-1 defeat 15 years ago and that was in the FA Cup.

Date Result Competition

January 2021Man City 1-0 Sheffield UnitedPremier LeagueOctober 2020Sheffield United 0-1 Man CityPremier LeagueJanuary 2020Sheffield United 0-1 Man CityPremier LeagueDecember 2019Man City 2-0 Sheffield UnitedPremier LeagueJanuary 2008Sheffield United 2-1 Man CityFA CupENJOYED THIS STORY?

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The Reds legend was sacked by Aston Villa in October, but can rebuild his career if he chooses his next job carefully

For Steven Gerrard, a perfect world was once less than 15 minutes away. Fast forward 12 months, it looks further away than ever.

A year ago this weekend, his Aston Villa side were 2-0 up at Manchester City on the final day of the season and about to hand Liverpool, the club with which Gerrard will forever be associated, the Premier League title. It felt almost too good to be true, the Anfield hero doing pretty much the only thing he never quite could as a player, delivering a league title for his beloved Reds. It was Jurgen Klopp’s natural successor, doing the business for Jurgen Klopp.

But as the intros were being written and the montages prepared, Villa collapsed, conceding three goals in the space of five minutes and losing 3-2. Gerrard and his players were mocked (and in at least one instance, attacked) by pitch-invading City fans, then forced to watch, grim-faced, as Pep Guardiola's men lifted yet another Premier League trophy.

You could argue that nothing has been the same since. Not for Liverpool, whose misery was compounded by defeat in the Champions League final the following weekend, and who are now scrambling just to get into the top four after a dreadful campaign.

And certainly not for Gerrard, whose Villa reign would be over within five months of that City game, and who now finds himself out work and wondering when, and indeed where, he will get the opportunity to relaunch his managerial career.

GettyA shock to the system

Gerrard has been in the television studio this week, covering the Champions League semi-finals for . He enjoys the work, and he’s a passionate, eloquent and insightful pundit too, but where he really wants to be is back on the training pitch, back in the manager’s office. 

“I’ve got the bug,” he told old foe Gary Neville in an interview last year, and that hasn’t changed despite his experience at Villa, where he lasted just 11 months and won only 13 games in all competitions.

A shock to the system it most certainly was. Until then, Gerrard’s coaching career had gone pretty smoothly. He spent a year learning the ropes and making excellent connections with Liverpool’s Under-18 side – Curtis Jones and Neco Williams were among his success stories there – before taking on and embracing the considerable challenge of reviving Rangers up in the Scottish Premiership.

He did so successfully, too, ending the club’s 10-year wait for a league championship in 2020-21, doing so without losing a single match and in the process denying hated rivals Celtic the chance to record 10 titles in a row. Given where the Gers were when he took over, it was some achievement.

His decision to leave Ibrox for Villa, a few weeks into the following campaign, was not one he took lightly. It inevitably earned him some criticism from Rangers fans, but they couldn’t argue with what Gerrard did for their club during his time in Glasgow. They wouldn't mind having him again, that's for sure.

AdvertisementGettyEarly promise at Villa

Gerrard’s reasons for taking the Villa job were obvious. They might have been struggling at the time, but the size, history and potential of the club was clear, and the lure of managing in the Premier League simply too big for any young manager to ignore, especially one eager to be closer to his family on Merseyside.

At Villa,he had a chief executive, Christian Purslow, whom he knew from Liverpool, there was money to spend in the transfer market, a huge fanbase desperate for success and a decent blend of young and experienced players, which he felt he could mould into something pretty decent.

The early signs were good, too. Gerrard, who brought the bulk of his tight-knit Rangers coaching staff with him to Birmingham, guided Villa to three wins from his first four matches in charge. His first three defeats were narrow ones against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, who triumphed only courtesy of a debatable Mo Salah penalty.

Klopp was impressed by what he saw that day. Gerrard had immediately made Villa more solid, harder to beat. They were well-drilled, aggressive and ran hard, and gave Liverpool one of their toughest games of the season.

Villa went on from there, and by the time they beat Leeds 3-0 last March, they were ninth in the table and looking at a possible late charge towards Europe. All was looking rosy.

Getty ImagesNew dawn fades

That dawn, however, was to prove a false one, as Villa won only two of their last 11 games of last season, finishing the campaign 14th. 

They started this season poorly as well, beaten 2-0 on the opening weekend by newly-promoted Bournemouth and winning only one of their first six league games. They were rarely battered, and held Manchester City to a draw at Vila Park, but they desperately lacked a cutting edge in attack – a fact evidenced by the fact that, prior to his sacking in October, Gerrard’s side scored two or more goals only once in 11 Premier League matches.

The end came after a 3-0 defeat at Fulham, in which Douglas Luiz was sent off and Gerrard was jeered by his own supporters after opting to replace a striker, Danny Ings, with a midfielder, Leander Dendoncker. Villa were 17th in the table by that point, above the relegation zone only on goals scored, and there was little surprise when Gerrard's dismissal was confirmed in what, on reflection, was a rather terse club statement.

Gerrard himself issued a statement thanking Villa's board, players and fans. "It is regrettable that it didn’t work out in the end," he said. “But I owe you a debt of gratitude for the way you welcomed me into your club, and continued to push the team on during difficult times. Aston Villa is a club with a special history, I really wanted to bring back those memorable achievements, unfortunately it wasn’t to be."

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Getty ImagesBad luck, bad decisions and Coutinho

It is easy, with hindsight, to point out the things that Gerrard did wrong at Villa. His public criticism of Tyrone Mings, whom he stripped of the club captaincy last summer, for example, is one that he may look back on with regret, as is his inability to get a team with the likes of Ings, Ollie Watkins, Philippe Coutinho, Leon Bailey, Jacob Ramsey and Emi Buendia scoring goals regularly.

But there was plenty of misfortune, too. To lose Diego Carlos, a £26 million ($32m) summer signing and a perfect Mings’ replacement, to a ruptured Achilles tendon after just two games of the season was hugely damaging, and Gerrard was also forced to do without another summer purchase, Boubacar Kamara, as well as his first-choice left-back, Lucas Digne, for the final weeks of his tenure.

His failure to coax consistent performances out of Coutinho, however, will be a source of huge frustration, and cost Gerrard dear in the long run. The Brazilian’s signing, initially on loan from Barcelona and then permanently, was seen at the time as a huge coup for Villa, and a perfect example of Gerrard’s pulling power as a manager.

Now, it just looks like an expensive mistake.

Emma Hayes' side sealed the deal on Saturday, beating Manchester United to it on the final day, and it's their best one for several reasons

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes is well-versed in dealing with the media. For someone who handles incredibly pressurised moments with relative ease, answering a few questions from the press isn’t a problem. But, after her team beat Manchester United in the 2022-23 Women’s FA Cup final on May 14, she was left a little lost at how to respond a particular thought put to her in her post-match press conference.

“You don't see many dynasties in world sport,” was the musing at the start of the journalist’s question. Before it could continue, Hayes interrupted with almost an embarrassed giggle, almost reluctant to associate herself with such a huge thing.

“Sometimes managers are not given that opportunity, but also not all of them have the stamina to know how to do it,” the journalist added, before asking: “Do you think this is what you're building now?”

Hayes pondered and let out a sigh. “That’s a good question,” she replied, before reflecting on the work that goes into building a winning team like Chelsea’s. She talked about not seeing her son as much as she might like and how she’s given everything to this club to win 14 trophies in the last eight years.

That number is now 15. Chelsea’s successful defence of their Women’s Super League title is their fourth league triumph in a row. It’s a feat that’s not been done since the greatest dynasty in English women’s football, that of Arsenal’s incredible women’s team under Vic Akers – where Hayes was his assistant.

The Chelsea boss might’ve been tentative to describe the success she has enjoyed on the blue side of London in the same grand terms you might relate to that team – but make no mistake, the achievements of her and her Chelsea team are well and truly remarkable.

And this WSL title, which the Blues won on the final day of an enthralling 2022-23 season, is their most impressive to date.

GettyNo Kirby or Harder

One of the biggest obstacles Chelsea have faced this season is injuries to key players, namely to Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder. Kirby hasn’t featured since February due to a knee problem, starting just five league games all season. Harder has only started two more, having missed the opening weeks of the campaign and then had a five-month spell on the sidelines midway through it.

Losing two of their most important and influential players for large parts of the year has had a huge impact on the attack, with Sam Kerr having to adopt a much different role that might have reduced her goal output but only increased her workload and importance.

Most strikers in world football would’ve struggled massively in that situation. Kerr, however, stepped up. The performances from herself and assist-machine Guro Reiten have been crucial in ensuring Chelsea have remained a free-scoring side, despite many of the attacking pieces around them being new to the team.

AdvertisementGettyHit in the heart of defence

Those are not the only significant injuries Chelsea have had, either. As the run-in approached, the Blues lost their two first-choice centre-backs, Millie Bright and Kadeisha Buchanan. Bright hasn’t played since late March while Buchanan is only now working her way back to full fitness.

It means that Maren Mjelde and Magdalena Eriksson have had to step up in the heart of defence. Mjelde had only started five games all season before March, while Eriksson has had a difficult final year for the club. The captain has been unable to maintain any real consistency while being bounced around positions, playing as a centre-back in a back four and a back five, as well as at left-back very regularly.

However, since the injuries to Bright and Buchanan, both Mjelde and Eriksson have been outstanding at the biggest point of the season, in must-win league games, the final rounds of the FA Cup and a Champions League semi-final.

They’ve really had to bring their best every three days, too, given the crazy schedule that comes with the end of any campaign. It’s no mean feat to have done that so well given how their individual seasons had unfolded beforehand.

GettyA summer of change

Having these key players on the sidelines has been even more significant given the mass change to Chelsea’s squad over the summer. Long-serving players Drew Spence, Ji So-yun and Jonna Andersson all left the club, players who brought a lot to the team on and off the pitch in varying ways.

The incomings represented one of the Blues’ busiest summers for a while, with five senior signings made, while Lauren James fit the cliché of ‘like a new signing’ as she prepared for her first full season at the club having got on top of her injury problems the year before.

Combined with the injuries, this meant that Chelsea suddenly had fewer leaders and fewer experienced heads to turn to in those big moments. Those that did remain needed to step up massively.

Alongside Mjelde, Erin Cuthbert is perhaps the best representation of them doing so, the Scot having shone in her revised midfield role this year and showcased those growing leadership qualities. That her playing style is the embodiment of rolling your sleeves up and getting stuck in makes the depiction even more perfect.

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GettyUnder-par performances

The result of all of these factors? Quite a few under-par performances from Chelsea. There have been few stand-out displays from the Blues this term, though they did save one of them for the penultimate weekend’s huge victory over Arsenal. It has been a season defined more by the way they’ve ground out results, instead.

That has caused Hayes frustration at times but, after the FA Cup final triumph in May, she took a moment to applaud what it said about her players to keep winning despite the team being in “transition”.

“I think when you go through transitions, you have to accept that it isn’t always going to be clean because you're developing new partnerships,” she said. “My big thing is how can we still keep winning while transitioning?

“This year I've tried to get as many players as many opportunities to keep developing their experiences in all areas of the pitch and to win knowing we're in that stage… This is by far and away my most memorable FA Cup final. Definitely.”

She’ll surely feel a similar way about this WSL title, then.

Lionel Messi is now an Inter Miami player, but will the Argentine icon star in MLS? Julio Baptista explains the challenges facing the all-time great.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has moved to Florida as a free agent after reaching the end of his contract at Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain. A return to Barcelona or lucrative switch to the Middle East had been speculated on for Messi, but he has decided to chase the American dream.

Former Real Madrid and Arsenal star Baptista once did that himself – also in the Sunshine State with Orlando City – meaning that the Brazilian is well placed to pass judgement on what the immediate future has in store for Messi. Will he make MLS one of the best leagues in the world and is he capable of scoring 30-plus goals a season? GOAL put those questions to a man in the know…

GettyRaise the game

MLS has been home to some superstar performers in the past – from David Beckham to Zlatan Ibrahimovic via Andrea Pirlo and Kaka – but few deals have captured the imagination quite like Inter Miami’s for Messi. Quizzed on whether his arrival will help American soccer to establish a standing among the elite, Baptista – speaking on behalf of – told GOAL: “The MLS, maybe in the future, can be one of the most important leagues in the world. Now, it is in the process of building. I think players are going to start going there. I think maybe in five years or so, they can become a great competition.”

AdvertisementGettyContinental drift

There has been talk of MLS sides being invited to join the iconic Copa Libertadores tournament, with Baptista seeing benefits there to all concerned. He said of a possible coming together being North and South America: “When this happens, the whole league is getting better. The whole league needs some time. If you look at the English league, how many years it took to create this division to be what it is. At the moment, the English league is the best league in the world, but you need the process. You need time to organise everything.”

Getty ImagesNo easy ride

Baptista knows how testing MLS can be from his season at Orlando City back in 2016, but he believes that Messi can settle quickly and help to raise collective standards within an Inter Miami squad that is currently rooted to the foot of the Eastern Conference and without a win in 11. The Brazilian said of that challenge: “Miami is a normal team at the moment. They have welcomed Messi and everything changes. Everything is going to go around Messi. He is one of the best players in the world. They can create an incredible team with Messi. Without Messi, you can do nothing. But if you create a good team, have an incredible coach, then maybe you can do something bigger. But for this, you need to create the base. The base is having a good team, and then have Messi.”

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GettyStill got it?

Inevitable questions are being asked of whether Messi – who hit 672 goals during his iconic spell at Barcelona – can be a prolific presence for Inter Miami. Baptista said when asked if the 2022 World Cup winner can expect to be a 30-goal-a-season star in the States: “It depends what the coach asks from him. Messi is the kind of player that you need to create around and let him stay comfortable on the pitch. This kind of player, when you don’t have the ball, you want him to stay in one position. When you have the ball and create, have freedom, then you can create movement. This kind of player is different. Messi is different. You can’t block him when you have the ball. This kind of player needs to be allowed to be free and to express himself as a footballer. I think Messi can have an incredible season for Miami.”

From Christian Pulisic to Walker Zimmerman, here are the top-12 U.S. men's national team players in EA FC 24.

The creators of EA Sports FC 24 will be hoping the new game will take the football world by storm, when the it is released in September. The latest version of the game promises to produce new features along with the likes of Career Mode and Ultimate Team that made FIFA so beloved.

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From Christian Pulisic to Walker Zimmerman, USMNT fans are in for a treat as they prepare themselves to play with their favorite superstars. Soccer fans will be able to access their favorite players with several getting an upgrade in their ratings. With the game revealing the final ratings for all the players, GOAL sheds light on which USMNT players have the highest ratings in the game.

GettyChristian Pulisic | AC Milan | 79PAC84SHO71PAS73DRI84DEF37PHY55

The newest American star in Italy comes as the highest-rated USMNT winger this year, with 84 pace and 84 dribbling.

AdvertisementGettyFolarin Balogun | Monaco | 79PAC80SHO79PAS62DRI77DEF23PHY69

Balogun joins Pulisic as a 79-rated item, highlighted by 80 pace and 79 shooting.

Getty ImagesTyler Adams | Bournemouth | 78PAC78SHO48PAS67DRI72DEF77PHY77

After joining Bournemouth in the summer, Adams sees himself earn a 78 overall card with 78 pace and 77 defending and physical.

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GettyGio Reyna | Borussia Dortmund | 78PAC77SHO73PAS74DRI82DEF37PHY70

Reyna has a cheeky 82 dribbling accompanied by four-star skill moves this year.