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Jose Mourinho's prediction could yet come true for Diogo Dalot

It didn’t take long for Diogo Dalot to learn where he would be playing his football this season. While a host of Manchester United players endured a summer of uncertainty, the Portugal international was told in no uncertain terms that he was part of Erik ten Hag’s plans.

That vote of confidence represented a remarkable reversal of fortune for a player who has experienced a rollercoaster of emotions at Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old was hailed as United’s new Gary Neville under Jose Mourinho, turfed out by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – before being thrown a lifeline by Ralf Rangnick.

But even after forcing his way ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the second half of last season, he looked like one of the more vulnerable members of an imbalanced squad inherited by Ten Hag in the summer.

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  Overhaul

  A manager who places such importance in his full backs, the Dutchman was expected to strengthen in that department as he embarked on a major overhaul in his first transfer window at the club.

  It was perhaps a surprise then that he opted to recruit a left back in Tyrell Malacia, despite having Luke Shaw and Alex Telles on that side.

  On the right, meanwhile, he had Wan-Bissaka – a £50million signing whose attacking deficiencies are at odds with Ten Hag’s system – and Dalot, whose best hopes of staying at United looked likely to be in a back-up capacity.

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• Targets

  Had United been able to find a buyer for Wan-Bissaka then Dalot may well have faced greater competition for a starting berth.

  Denzel Dumfries was among the targets identified.

  But after being handed the role of first choice, Dalot has seized the opportunity with both hands.

  He has started every game this season, won more tackles than any other player at the club (14), won more aerial battles (12) and had more touches (408).

  In a recent report by research group, CIES Football Observatory, Dalot was cited as the most impactful full back under the age of 25 in the Premier League this season.

  Across Europe, only Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies ranked above him.

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  Undroppable

  Dalot is very much the modern full back, with an attacking instinct, as well as the energy to track back – even if his defensive awareness is still an area in need of development.

  But it is easy to see why both Rangnick and Ten Hag considered him a better fit than Wan-Bissaka, who is an outstanding one-on-one defender – but offers little as an offensive weapon.

  It has left United in the awkward position of trying to make whatever return they can on the enormous outlay spent on the former Crystal Palace defender, which proved to be particularly problematic over the summer.

  It leaves Dalot – a player largely written off after the arrival of Wan-Bissaka and a subsequent loan to AC Milan – as an unexpected undroppable for Ten Hag.

  The close of the window has only cemented his position on the right of United’s defence – and given him the opportunity to prove he can be the long-term option.

  While Ten Hag remains determined to strengthen in that department, much is dependent on securing a move for Wan-Bissaka.

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• Profile

  So far Dalot has proved himself capable of fitting the profile of the type of player the new United manager has looked to add to his squad – energetic, hungry and enthusiastic.

  The chest-bumping and fist-clenching that greets each block fits with the attitude Ten Hag is trying to instil. Malacia shares similar qualities, with a tenacious thread stretching right across the defence and embodied by Lisandro Martinez at the heart of it.

  But Ten Hag wants quality as well as spirit – and it will be intriguing to see how Dalot develops under the Dutchman’s guidance.

  Mourinho was so enthused by his potential that he predicted he’d be United’s right back for 10 years.

  Solskjaer was less convinced – persuading the club to pay such a high fee for Wan-Bissaka after infamously whittling down a long list of 804 options.

  Atletico Madrid were among the clubs interested in offering Dalot a route out of Old Trafford – but he was determined to establish himself at United.

  Rangnick gave him that chance in his interim role last season – and Ten Hag informed him almost immediately that he was in his plans as he shaped a new-look United.

Luis Diaz, Eder Militao, Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez are among the names Porto have sold on for big money over the years

Portuguese giants Porto have earned a reputation as one of Europe's top producers of young talents over the years.

The Dragons' excellent youth academy and worldwide scouting network allows the Primeira Liga champions to bring in promising players and provide them with a platform to improve before selling them on for major profits.

James Rodriguez, Radamel Falcao, Hulk and Eder Militao are some of the mega stars who have come to prominence at Porto before moving on to bigger and better things.

Like their arch-rivals Sporting CP, Porto invest heavily in their youth academy to give the youngsters the best facilities and coaching to help them on their way to fulfilling their potential.

But, who is their most expensive sale?

Let's take a look!

*All figures are taken from Transfermarkt unless stated otherwise.

Porto's top 10 most expensive player sales

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  10Jackson Martinez | €35m | Atletico Madrid | 2015

  After joining from Mexican side Chiapas in 2012 for €8.8 million, Jackson Martinez featured in 90 Primeira Liga games for Porto, scoring 67 goals over three seasons.

  In his first season at the club, he was the league's top scorer as he helped his side go unbeaten and win their third consecutive title.

  Martinez repeated his heroics the following year, becoming the first player to be the division's top scorer in consecutive seasons since Mario Jardel topped the chart four times in a row between 1996 and 2000.

  The Colombian's best performance came as a substitute against Shakhtar in a Champions League group stage game in 2014-15. The forward scored twice in four minutes to help Porto pull level after going two down to the Ukraine side.

  At the end of that season, Atletico Madrid came calling and paid a hefty €35m for him.

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  9Andre Silva | €38m | AC Milan | 2017

  After making his debut for Porto in December 2015, Andre Silva became a mainstay in the team for the best part of two seasons.

  Silva made 41 appearances for Porto over two years, scoring 17 goals before AC Milan came calling and agreed to pay a €38m fee for the Portuguese striker.

  He spent three seasons at Milan but was sent on loan to Sevilla and then Eintracht Frankfurt.

  Frankfurt decided to sign him permanently in September 2020 before RB Leipzig snapped him up for €23m in the summer of 2021.

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  8Fabio Silva | €40m | Wolves | 2020

  At 17 years and 22 days, Fabio Silva became the youngest player ever to feature for Porto.

  He made just 12 league appearances in his breakout season in 2019-20 as he played for both the first and the reserve teams simultaneously.

  After that solo season in the first-team, Porto struck gold as Premier League side Wolves agreed to pay a club record €40m for the striker.

  The Portugal international spent two underwhelming seasons in the Premier League and was then loaned to Anderlecht in the summer of 2022.

  At just 20 years old, he remains one to watch out for the future.

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  7Radamel Falcao | €40m | Atletico Madrid | 2011

  Radamel Falcao's name was making waves in European football from his days at River Plate, where he scored 45 goals in 111 appearances in all competitions across five years.

  Porto's scouting team had been watching Falcao in early 2009 and signed him in the summer of that year for €3.93m after selling Lisandro Lopez to Lyon for €24m.

  In his two seasons at Porto, Falcao put Europe on high alert as he scored 41 goals in just 51 matches.

  Atletico Madrid were the first club to pounce on the opportunity to sign him and paid €40m for his signature in 2011.

  Falcao went on to make over 90 appearances for Atletico, scoring 70 goals before moving to Monaco in 2013, followed by loan spells at Manchester United and Chelsea.

  He joined Galatasaray in 2019 before featuring for his current team Rayo Vallecano in 2021.

The 20-year-old, making his 100th Barca appearance, carried his side to a 1-0 win over mid-table Girona to extend their lead at the top to six points.

No one tracked Pedri. The Barcelona midfielder snuck in behind a Girona defender, ghosting into a pocket of space at the far post. Jordi Alba found him with a driven cross, the ball bouncing off the goalkeeper's arms and onto the Barca wonderkid's right foot, and he couldn't miss from a yard out.

His tap-in was the only goal in a tricky contest for Barcelona away at Girona. The Liga leaders created little, and faced extended periods of pressure, but managed to snatch a 1-0 win. They were perhaps lucky to come away with all three points, as a wasteful Girona side simply couldn't find an equaliser in the final minutes, despite spending an extended spell in the Barca half.

Ansu Fati came closest for Barca in the first half, blasting over on the turn from just inside the box. It was an otherwise tepid opening 45 minutes for the Blaugrana, who saw in-form winger Ousmane Dembele forced off with an apparent leg injury.

Things improved in the second, though. Xavi got a more expansive performance out of his side, who created a few more chances, with Pedri eventually getting the opener after an hour.

The Blaugrana created little after that, and were mostly forced to surrender the ball while the home side carved out opportunities, but Girona just couldn't find a way through.

Here's GOAL's winners, losers and ratings as Barca moved further clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table.

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  The Winners

  Pedri:

  Pedri, ideally, wasn't going to be on the pitch for Barcelona on Saturday. The midfielder had picked up a knock to the knee in the Copa del Rey quarter-final and even though Xavi insisted the player was fit, the fact that he was on the bench to start with suggested otherwise. He was called into action, though, when Dembele came off injured, and although his impact wasn't immediate, Pedri was crucial for his side. The 20-year-old, making his 100th appearance for Barca, scored the winner and now has three goals in his last four games, steadily becoming a serious attacking threat.

  Jordi Alba:

  It's unclear whether Alba is carrying an injury or simply being phased out of the side, but the Spanish full-back entered the match at half-time and delivered a vintage performance. He assisted Barca's only goal with a lung-busting run and angled cross, providing a creative spark Barca has badly missed. Alba wasn't as reliable defensively – he rarely is these days – but he did make a few crucial interventions and win some key fouls deep in his own half. Barcelona were far short of their best against Girona but Alba's spark was the lift they needed to grab a win.

  Xavi:

  The Barca head coach hasn't got the best out of his side since the Spanish Super Cup final a few weeks ago, with the Catalans having looked tired and almost incomplete. Still, they keep winning games, and tough ones at that – Atletico Madrid, Getafe and now Girona all taken care of in the league. Xavi has openly criticised his team in recent weeks for their inability to put together a cohesive 90 minutes but the table doesn't lie and that's six clear of Real Madrid, albeit having played a game more.

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  The Losers

  Ousmane Dembele:

  It's hard not to feel sorry for Dembele. The winger is in the form of his life, fresh off a man-of-the-match showing against Real Sociedad. But on Saturday, Dembele was substituted after 30 minutes with an apparent leg injury. He was shown limping towards the bench in the second half, hardly a good sign for Barca fans, with Dembele having struggled with various knocks over the course of his career. And although this one didn't appear particularly serious, it would be a massive blow for the Blaugrana if their winger spent an extended spell on the sidelines.

  Raphinha:

  What a difficult season it's been for Raphinha. He's never really got going in a Barca shirt, and has often been wasteful in the final third. That was the case on Saturday, with the former Leeds United winger showing moments of pure class but otherwise struggling to settle into a rhythm. In fairness, some of his defensive work was excellent – Raphinha won all of his tackles and tracked back diligently – but the attacking prowess that Barca expected when they signed him just hasn't been there so far. That'll need to change quickly, especially if Dembele is injured.

  Taty Castellanos:

  The former NYCFC striker had a few chances but never took advantage. Barcelona were sloppy at the back, with Castellanos often afforded too much space, but he finished the game with little to show for it. Indeed, he had two shots, touched the ball 28 times, and only completed 60% of his passes, before being booked and then substituted after 70 minutes. He needed to deliver his best for Girona to claim a result, but was miles off the pace.

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  Barcelona Ratings: Defence

  Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10):

  Had little to do until the last 10 minutes, when he made two crucial saves. That's 14 clean sheets in 18 Liga games this season.

  Marcos Alonso (5/10):

  Didn't offer much in the first half, with a steady but unspectacular showing. Subbed at half-time.

  Eric Garcia (6/10):

  Very good in possession and handled Castellanos well, but he was fortunate not to have given away at least one penalty. Baffling that none of the three incidents involving him resulted in a spot-kick.

  Ronald Araujo (7/10):

  Didn't have much to do, as Girona targeted Barca's left-hand-side. Was tidy when called upon.

  Jules Kounde (6/10):

  Advanced the ball a lot, but didn't offer too much as a creative outlet in the final third. Not always on the same page as Raphinha. Solid at the back, otherwise.

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  Midfield

  Frenkie de Jong (6/10):

  Average. Didn't do loads wrong, but didn't impress.

  Sergio Busquets (7/10):

  Won his tackles, broke up play, stopped some counter-attacks. A typical Sergio Busquets performance.

  Gavi (5/10):

  Scrappy but never really got in the game. One to forget for the teenager.

The Arsenal winger was on the end of some tough tackles against Aston Villa on Saturday – and that is nothing new this season

Quite how Bukayo Saka managed to get through the 90 minutes at Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon is anyone’s guess. There were several occasions when it looked like he would have to go off due to an ankle injury, especially during the early stages of the second half when he was clearly struggling to put any weight on his foot.

But he managed to keep going, which says more about Saka’s durability and bravery than anything else.

It’s also a clear sign that the 21-year-old is now getting used to having to strap himself up and play through the pain barrier every week in a bid to help Mikel Arteta’s side continue their title charge.

And that is no surprise given the weekly battering that Saka has to endure every time he takes to the pitch in an Arsenal shirt. The fact that he has managed to escape a serious injury up to this point is more down to luck than anything else. 

But it feels like only a matter of time before that injury arrives…

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  A target on his back

  “Bukayo is an unbelievable player,” Oleksandr Zinchenko said after Saturday’s thrilling 4-2 success at Villa Park. “All the full-backs from the other teams know he’s so dangerous, so they try to provoke him, tackle him and the referees should know this.

  “We can speak about [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano [Ronaldo], Neymar and players like this. The referees need to protect this kind of player, they need to look after them.”

  The treatment Saka is being subjected to is now a regular occurrence and that is perhaps no surprise given his ever growing stature within the game.

  Clearly, he is Arsenal’s best player, so rival teams are going to do everything that they can to limit his impact. And there is nothing wrong with that, as long the treatment stops short of being dangerous and calculated.

  And that’s where the issue is here and why Arsenal are so worried about their young winger. Saka is being targeted every single week. It’s persistent fouling. It’s defenders not even attempting to play the ball, and it’s threatening one of the brightest young talents in football.

  “He’s going to have to deal with that, not every week, but every three days,” Arteta said after the victory against Villa. “It’s his game – teams are not stupid and they want to stop him. We need to protect him.”

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• Referees need to do more

  When Arteta talks about Saka needing protection, he is not suggesting that teams shouldn’t be allowed to be physical with the England international. What he wants to see – and what Arsenal fans have been demanding for months – is for referees to show that persistent fouling will not be tolerated.

  That’s the big issue here. It seems to regularly take four of five challenges before someone is booked for taking out Saka and that can’t be right.

  Look at Manchester City’s recent win at Emirates Stadium. Bernardo Silva was given a torrid time by Saka in the first half and he knew the only way he could stop him was by fouling him.

  The Portugal international was penalised four times for bringing down Arsenal’s No.7, yet it was only after the fourth foul in first-half stoppage time that he was finally shown a yellow card.

  Had that card been brandished far earlier by Anthony Taylor, as it should have been, then Saka would not have had to suffer so many heavy impacts, as Silva wouldn’t have been able to dive in due to the threat of being sent off.

  And that’s where officials need to improve.

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  Are Arsenal trying to make their case?

  The concern at Arsenal is understandable and, during regular conversations with PGMOL, they have made their feelings known about the treatment Saka is consistently receiving.

  It’s not about asking for preferential treatment; it’s about trying to protect one of the best attacking talents in the country.

  Why should a defender get two or three warnings before a yellow card is shown? It makes no sense. If he deserves to be booked, then book him. Otherwise he’s just being given free licence to keep doing it and that’s when someone is going to end up getting hurt.

  It’s a similar situation with time wasting. Anthony Taylor warned City keeper Ederson three times over how long he was taking over goal kicks during last week’s meeting between the sides

  Why did he get three warnings? Just book him the first time or he is just going to keep doing it, which is exactly what happened.

  Ederson had probably wasted a couple of minutes by the time he was finally shown a yellow card. He’d done his job by then.

  A ticking off by the referee is not a deterrent. A yellow card is, and that’s why the officials need to be more proactive about these sorts of things.

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  Time off to recover

  Saka was given the day off from training on Monday at London Colney to recover from the treatment that came his way at Villa Park. Arsenal are hopeful he will be fine to feature against Leicester City this weekend as they look to build on their dramatic success in the Midlands.

  But he and his club know exactly what he is going to have to deal with if he is fit to feature at the King Power Stadium on Saturday. 

  So far this season Saka has started all-but one of Arsenal’s 23 Premier League games, but that run of continued availability is down to good fortune more than anything else.

  And if he doesn’t start getting the protection he deserves soon, then it feels inevitable that his luck is going to run out.

Frank Lampard's side wasted some big chances at Stamford Bridge before two goals from Rodrygo sealed a comfortable aggregate win for the visitors

Chelsea's Champions League journey is over for another season, the Blues crashing out at the quarter-final stage to Real Madrid for the second successive campaign following a 2-0 defeat (4-0 on aggregate) on Tuesday.

Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Frank Lampard's side gave it a good go, and missed some huge chances in the first half through N'Golo Kante and Marc Cucurella.

Kante wasted another big opportunity early in the second period before they were hit by a sucker punch from Rodrygo, who fired in from close range after sparking a counter-attack himself.

The Brazil star added a second late on after good work from Fede Valverde, leaving Lampard to reflect on a fourth successive defeat since stepping in as interim boss.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10):

  Made a couple of decent saves and had no chance with either of Rodrygo's goals.

  Reece James (8/10):

  May not have been fully fit but still Chelsea's best player by a distance. Deserves better than this.

  Wesley Fofana (6/10):

  Fared much better with Vinicius than in the first leg.

  Thiago Silva (7/10):

  Looked imperious for the majority of the game, though skipped past by Valverde for the second goal.

  Trevoh Chalobah (5/10):

  Caught out for the opening goal by Militao's pass as Rodrygo ran through unopposed after the defender slid in and missed both ball and man.

  Marc Cucurella (5/10):

  Caused some problems in forward areas but will be haunted by failing to convert from close range late in the first half.

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  Midfield

  Enzo Fernandez (7/10):

  The best of Chelsea's midfield quartet on the night, even if his set-piece delivery left a bit to be desired.

  Mateo Kovacic (5/10):

  Misplaced a few passes early on. Got better from there but still not great.

  N'Golo Kante (5/10):

  Two huge missed chances when the score was 0-0. Still getting up to full fitness, it feels like.

  Conor Gallagher (5/10):

  Plenty of energy but lacked the quality to really concern the Madrid defence.

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  Attack

  Kai Havertz (6/10):

  Did his best to plough a lone furrow up front but had few sights of goal before being replaced late on.

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  Subs & Manager

  Joao Felix (6/10):

  Directness caused some problems but couldn't make much of a difference.

  Raheem Sterling (6/10):

  Game was lost by the time he was introduced.

  Mykhailo Mudryk (5/10):

  Tracked back well but lacked composure with his finishing.

  Mason Mount (6/10):

  On for the closing stages but made little impact.

  Frank Lampard (7/10):

  Controversial selection almost paid off, and will rue his players' poor finishing. Still feels out of his depth, but should be credited for his side's display in the first hour.

Frank Lampard has now lost each of his five games as Chelsea interim manager, after the Blues slipped to a 2-0 home defeat against Brentford

Just when you think things can't get any worse for Chelsea, they manage to sink that little bit lower.

A few years ago, if you told Blues fans that they would be finishing below fellow west Londoners Brentford in the Premier League table, they would've laughed their heads off. Flash forward to the present and that is not only a possibility, it is a near certainty, as Chelsea were once again beaten by a team with a fraction of their budget.

It was a familiar story in the first half as Frank Lampard's side enjoyed plenty of possession but were as blunt as a spoon in the final third. Brentford eventually made them pay for this lack of cutting edge just before the break, when Mathias Jensen's corner was flicked on by Zanka and then deflected off Cesar Azpilicueta and into the Blues' net.

Conor Gallagher, meanwhile, continued a season that started with massive expectations, and just like his entire team, has turned sour. He struggled mightily before Lampard hauled him off.

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The interim manager rung the changes at half-time, introducing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling, with the pair both playing a part in Chelsea's improved performance. The former had a particularly busy evening, missing four chances – one of them gilt-edged – as the Blues floundered in their attempts to grab an equaliser.

And, once again, the Bees made them pay. This time, Bryan Mbeumo was the scorer, skipping inside and firing past Kepa Arrizabalaga to rub another helping of salt into Chelsea's numerous wounds.

GOAL rates Lampard's players from Stamford Bridge…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Kepa Arrizabalaga (5/10):

  Made to look rather silly by the deflected goal and perhaps could have been more authoritative in dealing with the corner. Kicking was sometimes off.

  Wesley Fofana (4/10):

  Might have reacted quicker for the first goal and clawed it off the line. Strode out from the back with real confidence at times, but was too easily done by Mbeumo for the second goal.

  Thiago Silva (6/10):

  Probably Chelsea's best performer. Had his side's first shot on target and some of his passing was out of this world. Unlucky for the second.

  Trevoh Chalobah (5/10):

  Let Frank Onyeka get the wrong side of him on the half-hour mark and a penalty might have been given on another day.

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  Midfield

  Cesar Azpilicueta (5/10):

  His unfortunate touch took the ball past Kepa in the first half, which overshadowed a few decent ventures forward.

  Enzo Fernandez (6/10):

  Always tidy in possession and saw a dipping shot saved in the first half.

  Mateo Kovacic (5/10):

  Not his best night. Nothing offensively bad, but his passing lacked penetration.

  N'Golo Kante (6/10):

  Tried to make things happen in a really poor first half. His influence waned as the game progressed.

  Ben Chilwell (5/10):

  Not much to do defensively. Played his team-mates into trouble a few times, but always a willing runner. Caught upfield for the second goal.

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  Attack

  Conor Gallagher (4/10):

  Woefully out of his depth in a nominal centre-forward position. Why his manager fielded him there is a mystery.

  Raheem Sterling (5/10):

  Quiet until the half-hour mark, when he bent an effort wide of the post. Much better when moved out wide in the second. You know, because that's his position.

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  Subs & Manager

  Mykhailo Mudryk (4/10):

  Didn't get into the game at all after coming on.

  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (5/10):

  Fluffed a bicycle kick a few minutes after his arrival which set the tone for his shoddy finishing. He got in good positions and received the surface, but sorely lacked that killer instinct.

  Noni Madueke (N/A):

  Introduced with the game gone.

  Joao Felix (N/A):

  Could he really not have started instead of Gallagher or Sterling?

  Frank Lampard (1/10):

  Five on the bounce. A quintet of consecutive losses. It seemed like Lampard was trying to fit square pegs into round holes with his starting XI and several players underwhelmed as a result.

The England international made two fine saves to keep Mikel Arteta's side in it before keeping out Rodri's spot-kick in the shootout at Wembley

Some may argue that the Community Shield is just a glorified pre-season friendly, but if Mikel Arteta and Arsenal's celebrations were anything to go by, then the Gunners certainly feel as if beating Manchester City on Sunday has sent a message to the treble winners ahead of the new campaign.

The Gunners won out 4-1 on penalties following a hotly-contested 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, allowing Arteta and his players to lift some silverware ahead of the new season after failing so dramatically to do so in the final weeks of the last.

They would have lost out to City here too, if not for Leandro Trossard's stoppage-time effort that deflected in off Manuel Akanji. The Belgian's strike cancelled out fellow substitute Cole Palmer's fine opening goal, as City looked on course to win the annual curtain-raiser for the first time since 2019.

Instead, they could only watch on as Fabio Vieira converted the winning spot-kick as Arsenal scored all their penalties while Kevin De Bruyne hit the crossbar and Aaron Ramsdale saved from Rodri to ensure victory in the capital for the team from north London.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Wembley Stadium…

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  WINNER: Aaron Ramsdale

  If reports are to be believed, Ramsdale's days as Arsenal's No.1 goalkeeper might be numbered. The Gunners are keen to conclude a deal to sign Brentford's David Raya, adding substantial competition for Ramsdale to deal with after an indifferent end to last season.

  On Sunday, though, the England international proved to be the match-winner for his team with three superb saves. First he managed to tip Phil Foden's effort around the post when his Three Lions team-mate looked set to make the game safe with around 10 minutes to go, before then denying Rodri at his near post from the resulting corner.

  Ramsdale saved his best for last, though, as he dived low to his right to keep out Rodri's spot-kick and move Arsenal to within one successful penalty of victory, which Vieira dispatched with ease.

  This wasn't a faultless display from Ramsdale by any means. He was almost lobbed from the halfway line by Rodri in the first half, while a couple of stray passes put pressure on the defenders in front of him. But if the fan favourite wanted to remind Arteta what he can do, this was the perfect way to do so.

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  LOSER: Kevin De Bruyne

  When Kevin De Bruyne reflects on this game, he will likely be pretty happy. This was his first time on the pitch since leaving the Champions League final in tears, and while he was not at his best in his 30-minute run out, he still managed to claim an assist for Palmer's goal.

  However, his outing at Wembley will now always be remembered for his penalty that crashed back off the crossbar that opened up the shootout for Arsenal. His side never recovered, and a 4-1 loss was comprehensive in the end.

  KDB will have better days, and will soon be back to full fitness and doing what he does best: terrorising defenders.

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  WINNER: Cole Palmer

  At the start of the summer transfer window, reports suggested that Palmer would be allowed to leave City on loan after a season where his opportunities to prove himself at the Etihad Stadium were limited at best.

  The homegrown winger played just 358 minutes in the Premier League during 2022-23, and with fellow academy product James McAtee returning from an impressive spell at Sheffield United, it was thought that Palmer would this time be allowed to gain experience elsewhere.

  Riyad Mahrez's departure to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, however, may have changed Pep Guardiola's thinking when it comes to Palmer's immediate future, with there now a space in the team as the back-up right-sided forward that requires filling.

  If Palmer has designs on that spot, then he showed why he should be considered with his superb opening goal at Wembley. Picking up the ball after Kevin De Bruyne nodded it into his path, the 21-year-old cut inside onto his left foot and curled a superb effort from the corner of the penalty area into the top corner.

  Goals in the Community Shield rarely go down in club folklore, but if Palmer's strike proves to be the catalyst to him becoming a regular star in the City team, then many will look back on it with plenty of fondness.

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  LOSER: Kai Havertz

  New club, same Kai Havertz it seems if this performance was anything to go by. With Gabriel Jesus out injured, Arsenal's new £65-million signing was asked to play up front by Mikel Arteta, but in the role he played regularly at Chelsea, he put in a performance akin to those at Stamford Bridge became accustomed to.

  In truth, Havertz's overall performance wasn't a poor one. But when you are playing as No.9, you need to take the goalscoring opportunities that come your way, and the Germany international failed in that task.

  Twice in the first half he found himself with just Stefan Ortega to beat from relatively close range, and both times the City goalkeeper spread himself well to keep Havertz at bay. The forward was also booked in the first half and looked tired by the time City took the lead.

  It's presumed that once Jesus returns, Havertz will slide back into more of a No.8 role alongside Martin Odegaard, a position where he will be judged on more than just his goal output. If this display was anything to go by, he needs to be taken out of the limelight that comes with leading the line.

Lee Carsley's class of 2023 are one game away from glory, 14 years on from England's last appearance in the tournament's showpiece

The England Under-21s stormed into the European Championship final with a 3-0 semi-final win against Israel on Wednesday, maintaining their 100 percent record in the process. The Young Lions haven't won the tournament since way back in 1984, but will clinch the trophy for a third time if they beat Spain in the final at Adjarabet Arena in Georgia on Saturday.

Confidence is high in Carsley's camp, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer, Angel Gomes and Levi Colwill all performing to a very high level, but they must make sure that complacency doesn't set in. England enjoyed a similarly impressive run to the final back in 2009, only to capitulate against a supremely talented Germany outfit.

A brace from Sandro Wagner and goals from Gonzalo Castro and Mesut Ozil sealed a comprehensive 4-0 win for Germany at Malmo New Stadium. Former Arsenal and Real Madrid playmaker Ozil introduced himself to English audiences with a superb all-round display in the middle of the park as the Young Lions were given a harsh lesson on the big stage.

Ozil, Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng and Sami Khedira would go on to form the core of Germany's senior squad in their successful 2014 World Cup campaign under Joachim Low some five years later. But few of England's main stars ever got close to the same heights.

So what exactly happened to the England players that featured against Germany in the 2009 final? GOAL takes a look…

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  GK: Scott Loach

  Former Watford goalkeeper Loach was only taken to the Euros as a backup for Joe Hart, but after the then-Manchester City man picked up a booking in the penalty shootout during England's last-four clash with Sweden, he was suspended for the final.

  Loach came in and was at fault for Germany's second goal amid a very forgettable performance, but would go on to play for England's U21s for a couple more years and also received two call-ups to the senior squad. The shot-stopper was never able to land his first cap, though, and after leaving Watford in 2012, he became something of a journeyman.

  After spells at Ipswich, Rotherham, Notts County, Hartlepool, Barnet and Chesterfield, Loach joined Derby County in 2022, and the 35-year-old signed a one-year extension with the Rams last month.

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  RB: Martin Cranie

  Cranie was on the books of Premier League Portsmouth at the time of the U21s Euros, but joined Coventry City in a £550,000 deal after the tournament. He played in 120 games for the Sky Blues, but left after their relegation to League One in 2012 to join Barnsley.

  The defender went on to take in a spell at Huddersfield, and helped them achieve promotion to the Premier League before moving on to Middlesbrough in 2018. Cranie retired three years later after stints at Sheffield United and Luton Town.

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  CB: Micah Richards

  Richards came through the academy ranks at Manchester City, and enjoyed great success at the club alongside Hart after their Abu Dhabi takeover. The versatile defender won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup with City, and also made eight appearances for England on the senior stage.

  City eventually loaned Richards to Fiorentina in 2014, and he was sold to Aston Villa a year later. Form and fitness eluded Richards in the West Midlands, which led to him retiring at the early age of 31 in 2019. He has since become a popular pundit for and the , notably striking up a hilarious relationship with Manchester United legend Roy Keane.

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  CB: Nedum Onuoha

  Another City academy graduate, Onuoha struck up a solid partnership with Richards at the back for England's U21s, but never managed to step up to senior level. He did make 116 appearances for City, though, and left with a Premier League winners' medal when QPR came calling in 2012.

  Onuoha spent six years at Loftus Road before taking on a new challenge in MLS with Real Salt Lake. He retired in 2020 aged 34, after featuring in 50 games for Real Salt Lake and famously clashing with former LA Galaxy superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He has since begun to forge a successful punditry career.

Neymar has been discussing what it will mean to him to become Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, with one more goal required to overtake Pele.

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• All-time great has seen record matched
• Star of the present about to raise the bar
• Back in Selecao squad after World Cup pain

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  As things stand, the Al-Hilal forward sits level with his legendary compatriot on 77 efforts for his country. It would appear to be only a matter of time before Neymar registers goal number 78 and moves clear of three-time World Cup winner Pele.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  That historic strike could be recorded in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bolivia, while Brazil also have a meeting with Peru to take in next Tuesday. Neymar has said of potentially re-writing the record books: "It is hard to know what that record means, but it does mean a lot. No-one ever thought about overcoming that. It is something I will respond after it is done."

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Neymar’s last outing for Brazil came in their 2022 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Croatia, with the 31-year-old hinting after that penalty shootout setback that he could bow out with 124 caps to his name. He has said of carrying on with the Selecao: "After a lot of pressure from family and friends [to return to the national team] you start giving value to everything you did. When you are with your people, your family, they put you in your place and make you see it is worth to continue being happy by wearing Brazil's shirt."

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Neymar made his debut for Brazil back in 2010. The CBF is reluctant to celebrate him reaching 78 goals too much, as their records – which differ slightly to the official ones – claim to have Pele sat on 95 efforts for the South American nation when all of his international appearances are taken into account.

Kevin-Prince Boateng has compared football superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi with NBA icons LeBron James and Steph Curry.

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• Argentine icon has a special gift
• Portuguese forward all about hard work
• Basketball legends boast similar traits

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Barcelona loanee once played alongside seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi at Camp Nou, while he has crossed paths with Portuguese legend Ronaldo down the years. Boateng is well placed to pass judgement on the all-time greats, with the ex-Ghana international explaining why a couple of eternal rivals from the world of football can be likened to talismanic figures in the NBA ranks that also have plenty of major honours to their name.

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  WHAT THEY SAID

  Boateng has told Rio Ferdinand’s : “I always compare LeBron James with Ronaldo, and Steph Curry with Messi. These [Ronaldo and James] both have their talent, LeBron James is hard work. Talent, of course, but hard work – like Ronaldo, hard work to be the best. Both these guys [Messi and Curry], they have just a gift.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Boateng has also told a story which highlights how Messi is able to turn his special ‘gift’ on and off at the flick of a switch, with one memorable performance against Liverpool in the Champions League from back in 2018-19 springing to mind. Boateng said: “Liverpool first leg, we won 3-0, when Messi scored this free-kick. Unbelievable. So we’re coming into the dressing room, he’s just sitting there with his phone. Whatever, gets a massage sitting down. Two minutes before we go out he just stands up, closes his boots, we go out. Warm-up, just long balls, control, dribbling a little bit, crossbar challenge… at the warm-up Champions League against Liverpool. He goes back inside. Coach makes the last adjustments talking, Messi’s on the phone… The coach was talking, saying ‘now you have to go left, you have to go right’. Messi was FaceTiming: ‘Yes, Si, Claro’. Thirty seconds before we go out, he just comes down, puts his jacket on, goes out, boom. Go, go, go, go. Like this.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Messi is now strutting his stuff in MLS with Inter Miami – with the Argentine currently nursing an unfortunate injury – while Ronaldo is showing no sign of slowing down at Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr despite being 38 years of age.