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Italy’s Nicolò Barella 4th 

For many players, putting on the shirt of their national team is one of the most pride-packed feelings of their career. Representing their nation with the entire fanbase of a country watching must be an exhilarating feeling. Being successful for your international side takes it to a new level. There aren’t many prizes available for players with their nations, so winning a major tournament is often held in the highest regard. For some stars, the national team shirt can weigh heavy, and they are unable to replicate their club form on an international level. For others, it brings out their best.

Euro 2024 champions Spain made it to the Nations League semi-finals this week after drawing 2-2 twice with Netherlands before beating the Dutch on penalties. And in doing that, one of the nation’s recent unsung heroes broke an impressive record. Midfielder Fabián Ruiz, who plays his club football with PSG, has now made 37 caps for Spain, and, incredibly, hasn’t lost a single game. He played in six of Spain’s seven games at the recent Euros. When we scan back across the archives, it means that no player has now played more international caps since making their debut without losing this century. But who are the other stars who have gone on crazy unbeaten streaks with their nations since 2000? Let’s find out.

Leading the way is Ruiz. He made his Spain debut against the Faroe Islands in 2019 and six years later still hasn’t tasted defeat with the national side. In second place is Danish player Jens Stryger Larsen, who went 36 caps without defeat between 2016 and 2021, before Finland ended that run. Third position goes to Belgium utility man Leander Dendoncker, who managed 32 caps for his nation without losing between 2015-2023. In fourth place is Italian midfielder Nicolò Barella, who managed 31 caps without defeat between 2018-2021, with Italy winning Euro 2020 in that time-frame.

Fifth place goes to Algerian Djamel Eddine Benlamri, who went 29 caps without losing a game between 2018-2022, with his nation winning AFCON during that period. Argentine winger Nico González takes sixth position, having managed 28 caps without defeat between 2019-2023. Former Spain centre-back Raúl Albiol is seventh, with 27 caps unbeaten from 2007-2011. Iranian Hadi Aghili and South Korean Keun-ho Lee also went 27 international games without defeat between 2006-2009 and 2007-2009 respectively. Completing the top 10 is Argentina Exequiel Palacios who also managed 27 caps without losing between 2018-2023.

 

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Nwaneri second 

With just nine match days left of the Premier League season, we’re quickly approaching the conclusion to another league campaign in England. However, while the title race seems to have been wrapped up for some time and the likely candidates for relegation identified fairly early on in the season, there has still been plenty to discuss and debate in the English top-flight over the course of the last seven months. 

Indeed, aside from the results and league standing of one club or the next, the most heated discussion among Premier League fans often comes down to which teams have the most exciting, young players among their ranks. The world’s richest league never stands still and an unquenchable thirst for what’s new tends to drive the narrative in modern football. And, as such, today we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 players that have gained more market value than any other over the course of this league campaign. 

After filtering out new signings – who often see their market values initially change due to fees paid in the transfer market – we can pull together a list of the top 10 players in the league by market value increase. And, to no great surprise, it features a number of the Premier League’s most exciting, young talents. 

Coming in at tenth place is Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert, who has well and truly got up to speed with the demands of English football and is now thriving for the Cherries. So far this season the 25-year-old forward has bagged 12 goals and six assists in the league and as such his market value has risen from just €14 million to a more realistic €35m. Just above Kluivert in ninth place is Manchester United forward Amad Diallo, who nailed down a spot in the Old Trafford starting XI this season and was going from strength to strength for the club until a nasty ankle injury curtailed his campaign in mid February. Despite that, his market value has jumped by an impressive €22m this season. 

Just above Diallo are three players that have all seen their market values increase by €25m this season. Perhaps the most interesting one is Southampton winger Tyler Dibling, whose market value was essentially zero before he burst onto the scene for the Saints last year. He’s joined by Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo (+€25m to €35m) and Newcastle striker Alexander Isak (+€25m to €100m). In fifth place is Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has gone from academy prospect to first-team star in Mikel Arteta’s team this season and as a result seen his market value increase by €26m over the course of this season. He sits just below Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers and Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravernberch, who both saw their market values increase by an impressive €35m this season. 

In second place is another Arsenal star in Ethan Nwaneri. In a season that has seen the Gunners ultimately fall short in the title race due to a lack of firepower up front, the 18-year-old winger has been a breath of fresh air and will surely be a star for Arteta’s team for years to come. As such, his market value has increased by €47m to become the third most valuable player born in 2007 in the world. However, when it comes to market value increases this season no player in the English top-flight can rival Chelsea star Cole Palmer. Although the England international didn’t see his market value change in the most recent March update, Palmer’s value rose by a remarkable €50m between the start of the campaign and the December update, making him the player that gained the most value in the Premier League  this season. 

 

​Reece James scored his first goal for England in the Three Lions’ 3-0 win over Latvia 

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Giving youth a chance 

Witnessing a young player breaking into the first-team and establishing themselves remains one of the most satisfying emotions for football fans. That feeling is enhanced when the starlet progresses through the academy but excitement is also sparked when a club signs a talented youngster. The importance of developing young players is so important with many clubs’ business model centring around selling starlets for vast profits. 

Scouts are dispatched all around the world with the aim of unearthing future superstars with enormous potential. Ligue 1 has developed the reputation as the best top five league for giving youth a chance and that’s backed up by statistics. French top-flight clubs have handed 102,910 minutes to U21 players this season with LaLiga second (88,216’) and Premier League this (84,538’) – Serie A is fourth (60,506’) and Bundesliga fifth (60,323’). But which clubs have provided most minutes to U21 players across the top leagues? Let’s find out using Transfermarkt data. 

Strasbourg provided the most minutes to U21 players across the 2023/24 campaign and their top again this season (17,220’). The Ligue 1 side were purchased by BlueCo – the consortium that owns Chelsea – and there was immediately pivoted their policy to developing young players. They currently have four players on-loan from Chelsea and 20-year-old Andrey Santos ranks second as Strasbourg’s most-used players with 2,304 minutes and Diego Moreria in third (2,131’). As the graphic below illustrates, Barcelona ranks second (16,373) with Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí,  Alejandro Balde and Marc Casadó all U21 players with more than 2,000 minutes this season.

 

RB Leipzig are one of just two Bundesliga clubs in the top twenty with Benjamin Sesko, Xabi Simons and Antonio Nusa their most valuable U21 talents. PSG have switched their transfer policy from signing superstars to the best young players and it’s paid difference with their vibrant young team – the French champions rank fourth. Brighton are the top English clubs in seventh (9,172’) with Tottenham Hotspur also making the top ten. Juventus are the sole Serie A representatives in the top twenty list with Kenan Yildiz (2,742’) the U21 starlet with the most minutes for the Italian giants.

 

​Without any inside knowledge and just to share my opinion for fun, I think after watching the Liverpool FC squad management the past few years, I can’t foresee any massive overhall in different positions disrupting the entire spine of the team this s… 

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Total Market Value:

€694.25m

Competition:

Premier League

Position:

13.

Manager:

Rúben Amorim

Squad size:

26

Latest Transfer:

Patrick Dorgu

Total Market Value:

€1.13bn

Competition:

Premier League

Position:

2.

Manager:

Mikel Arteta

Squad size:

24

Latest Transfer:

Raheem Sterling

Total Market Value:

€993.50m

Competition:

Premier League

Position:

1.

Manager:

Arne Slot

Squad size:

25

Latest Transfer:

Federico Chiesa

Total Market Value:

€1.02bn

Competition:

LaLiga

Position:

1.

Manager:

Hansi Flick

Squad size:

26

Latest Transfer:

Wojciech Szczesny

Total Market Value:

€923.50m

Competition:

Ligue 1

Position:

1.

Manager:

Luis Enrique

Squad size:

24

Latest Transfer:

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Total Market Value:

€570.00m

Competition:

Serie A

Position:

9.

Manager:

Sérgio Conceição

Squad size:

26

Latest Transfer:

João Félix

Total Market Value:

€922.00m

Competition:

Premier League

Position:

4.

Manager:

Enzo Maresca

Squad size:

30

Latest Transfer:

Mathis Amougou

Total Market Value:

€681.80m

Competition:

Serie A

Position:

1.

Manager:

Simone Inzaghi

Squad size:

25

Latest Transfer:

Nicola Zalewski

Total Market Value:

€1.31bn

Competition:

Premier League

Position:

5.

Manager:

Pep Guardiola

Squad size:

28

Latest Transfer:

Nico González

Total Market Value:

€856.00m

Competition:

Bundesliga

Position:

1.

Manager:

Vincent Kompany

Squad size:

26

Latest Transfer:

Jonas Urbig

Total Market Value:

€1.27bn

Competition:

LaLiga

Position:

2.

Manager:

Carlo Ancelotti

Squad size:

23

Latest Transfer:

Endrick

Total Market Value:

€836.10m

Competition:

Premier League

Position:

14.

Manager:

Ange Postecoglou

Squad size:

30

Latest Transfer:

Mathys Tel

Total Market Value:

€515.80m

Competition:

LaLiga

Position:

3.

Manager:

Diego Simeone

Squad size:

23

Latest Transfer:

Juan Musso

Total Market Value:

€473.40m

Competition:

Bundesliga

Position:

11.

Manager:

Niko Kovac

Squad size:

28

Latest Transfer:

Diant Ramaj

Total Market Value:

€454.30m

Competition:

Premier League

Position:

16.

Manager:

Graham Potter

Squad size:

27

Latest Transfer:

Evan Ferguson

Total Market Value:

€235.30m

Competition:

Süper Lig

Position:

2.

Manager:

José Mourinho

Squad size:

29

Latest Transfer:

Ognjen Mimovic

Total Market Value:

€361.55m

Competition:

Serie A

Position:

2.

Manager:

Antonio Conte

Squad size:

25

Latest Transfer:

Noah Okafor

Total Market Value:

€635.00m

Competition:

Premier League

Position:

6.

Manager:

Eddie Howe

Squad size:

27

Latest Transfer:

William Osula

Total Market Value:

€266.25m

Competition:

Süper Lig

Position:

1.

Manager:

Okan Buruk

Squad size:

30

Latest Transfer:

Eren Elmalı

Total Market Value:

€627.50m

Competition:

Premier League

Position:

9.

Manager:

Unai Emery

Squad size:

24

Latest Transfer:

Axel Disasi

Total Market Value:

€463.00m

Competition:

Liga Portugal

Position:

1.

Manager:

Rui Borges

Squad size:

26

Latest Transfer:

Biel

Total Market Value:

€365.10m

Competition:

Premier League

Position:

15.

Manager:

David Moyes

Squad size:

25

Latest Transfer:

Carlos Alcaraz

Total Market Value:

€645.20m

Competition:

Serie A

Position:

5.

Manager:

Igor Tudor

Squad size:

27

Latest Transfer:

Lloyd Kelly

Total Market Value:

€172.35m

Competition:

LaLiga

Position:

6.

Manager:

Manuel Pellegrini

Squad size:

25

Latest Transfer:

Cucho Hernández

Total Market Value:

€288.05m

Competition:

Bundesliga

Position:

4.

Manager:

Dino Toppmöller

Squad size:

27

Latest Transfer:

Michy Batshuayi

Total Market Value:

€188.55m

Competition:

Eredivisie

Position:

1.

Manager:

Francesco Farioli

Squad size:

28

Latest Transfer:

Lucas Rosa

Total Market Value:

€637.05m

Competition:

Bundesliga

Position:

2.

Manager:

Xabi Alonso

Squad size:

26

Latest Transfer:

Mario Hermoso

 

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40 years old and still going 

With the return of the international break comes the inevitable discussion about when Cristiano Ronaldo will play his final game for Portugal. Having just turned 40 years of age, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward continues to defy the odds and remains a potent source of goals for his national team. Prior to their double header with Denmark, Ronaldo had bagged an impressive five goals and an assist in Portugal’s first five Nations League games. However, that’s not to say that he isn’t thinking about his inevitable retirement. 

“I just want to enjoy it,” said Ronaldo late last year when asked about hanging up his boots. “Plan for retirement? If it has to happen, in one or two years. I don’t know. I’m turning 40 soon. I really want to enjoy it, as long as I feel motivated I keep going. The day I don’t feel motivated, I will retire. When I decide to leave the national team, I’ll do it spontaneously but thoughtfully. There won’t be any advance announcements. I don’t see myself managing a team; that’s not in my plans. My future lies in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens.”

Indeed, it seems as though Ronaldo is keeping his cards close to his chest but may decide to conclude his international career at a moment’s notice at any point in the next few years. Not only will it be a sad day for the sport but it will also be a serious concern for Portugal, who have relied on his goals since he made his debut for the national team in 2003. So who could Roberto Martínez turn to if or when Ronaldo finally decides to retire? Let’s take a look at the main candidates. 

Perhaps the most obvious answer to that at this moment in time is Ronaldo’s right-hand man with the national team, Bruno Fernandes. The attacking midfielder is the second highest goalscorer for the national team behind Ronaldo when it comes to players still playing, having bagged an impressive 25 goals in 77 games. That works out at 0.33 goals per game for Portugal. And while it may not be as high as Ronaldo’s 0.62 per game, Fernandes has shown for Manchester United and his national team that he often thrives when tasked with being the unorthodox talisman of a team. 

When Ronaldo does eventually retire, most Portuguese fans will likely turn to Rafael Leão in the hope that he could step up to the plate and perform for his national team. Not only does Leão play in Ronaldo’s former position on the left wing, but he also often showcases all the speed and skills that made the former Man Utd star a world class talent. However, what Leão lacks is goals. While his 68 goals in 250 games for AC Milan isn’t bad, just five in 38 caps for Portugal hardly points to a reliable goalscorer. If Leão is to succeed Ronaldo for his country, he’ll have to get far more clinical in front of goal. 

Another ready-made star that may look to use Ronaldo’s retirement as an opportune time for him to cement his spot in the national team is João Felix. On loan at AC Milan from Chelsea, Felix’s club career has certainly hit a few bumps in the road over the last two or three seasons, but he remains a regular player for Portugal and could certainly slot straight into Ronaldo’s position – as he did in Portugal’s recent game against Croatia. However, like Leão, Felix’s record for Portugal is hardly outstanding and with just nine goals in 45 appearances to date he too would need to prove that he could make a significant step up for Martinez’s team going forward. 

One player that may have the goalscoring talent to rival even Ronaldo for Portugal is Paris Saint-Germain striker Gonçalo Ramos. In his first 14 caps for the national team, the 23-year-old striker has already bagged eight goals and two assists, giving him an impressive average of 1.43 goals or assists per 90 for Portugal. Couple that with his 14 goals in 18 games for Portugal’s U21 side and it seems abundantly clear that if Ramos can continue that kind of goalscoring for the senior team then he should be a shoe-in to replace Ronaldo’s presence in the box for years to come. 

One final option for Martinez in the not-too-distant future may be young winger Francisco Conceição. The 22-year-old talent is currently on loan at Juventus from Porto, and has enjoyed a decent season in Italy with five goals and five assists in 30 (most substitute) appearances for the Old Lady. However, while those numbers may not sound too impressive, it’s worth bearing in mind that the winger averaged 0.82 goals or assists per 90 for Portugal’s U21 side and already has one goal and three assists in eight appearances for the senior team. And considering his remarkable dribbling ability, there are few players in Portugal’s national pool of players that come closer to a young Ronaldo than Conceição at this moment in time. 

 

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New top 10 revealed 

While the Premier League may be the richest league in European football, few could doubt that LaLiga still lays claim to many of the top players in the sport. Whether it be Barcelona, Real Madrid or even Atlético Madrid, the Spanish top-flight can certainly match any of the top continental leagues for sheer star power. And in many ways the Iberian nation now thrives on identifying and developing the young players that will surely go on to become the very best in the world. 

Indeed, both Barcelona and Real Madrid have changed their transfer strategies in recent years, turning away from big-money signings of older players and instead focus on snapping up the best young talents around the world. As such, LaLiga has some of the most exciting players aged 21 or younger in the world. And following the recent Transfermarkt market value update of the Spanish top-flight on Friday, we can now present the top 10 most valuable players in that age range in LaLiga. 

To no great surprise, the top 10 list is dominated by prospects at both LaLiga giants and even the top spot on the list has come down to a matter of age between Barcelona and Real Madrid’s best players. In first place is Lamine Yamal with a remarkable market value of €180 million, beating Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham to top spot on account of him being four years younger. A similar tussle took place for third place, where Barca central defender Pau Cubarsí stepped above his team mate Gavi due to him being two years younger than the central midfielder. And, following a €10m drop in market value in the latest market value update, Gavi now has to settle for fourth on the list. 

Fifth place goes to yet another Barca prodigy in the form of Alejandro Balde, who enjoyed a €10m increase in market value to €60m. This now means that the left-back has gained a remarkable €20m in market value since the start of the season and now comfortably sits in fifth place. Just below him in sixth and seventh place are Atlético Madrid and Barcelona midfielders Pablo Barrios and Fermín Lopez. Both players have the same market value and age so are effectively tied in sixth place. 

In eighth place is Türkiye and Real Madrid star Arda Güler with a market value of €45m, who remains the most valuable player from his nation and the third most valuable player both in 2005. However, following a lack of game time in the Spanish capital, the young playmaker’s market value has stalled for much of this season. And with 18-year-old Real Madrid talent Endrick sitting on a market value of €40m and Barcelona’s 21-year-old midfield star Marc Casadó already up to €30m after impressive performances this season, Güler could find himself pushed out of the top 10 by the start of next season unless things quickly turn in his favour. 

 

​Erling Haaland has shrugged off Man City’s 115 charges insisting he has no regrets over his contract as the club fights for a Champions League spot 

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Chelsea’s opponent 

Three months before the start of the FIFA Club World Cup, Mexican side Club Léon have been excluded from the field of starters. The club of Colombian star James Rodríguez are excluded after failing to meet FIFA’s criteria on multi-club ownership. The tournament is set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13. FIFA confirmed the exclusion in a statement on Friday afternoon.

The majority owner of Léon is Grupo Pachuca, which also controls Liga MX side and Club World Cup participant Pachuca. As a result, FIFA stated that the club “failed to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership.” Those regulations further state that “no individual or legal entity may have control or influence over more than one club participating in the competition.”

Leon earned their spot in the competition after winning the Concacaf Champions League in 2023. The Mexican club beat Major League Soccer side LAFC 3-1 on aggregate. The Liga MX side are drawn in Group D where they were supposed to meet Chelsea to open the tournament on June 16 in Atlanta. It is now up in the air who will replace Léon. But one candidate is Costa Rican side LD Alajuelense. According to the BBC, the Costa Ricans had filed a legal complaint with Court of Arbitration for Sport. 

“The lawsuit demonstrates the existence of a multi-ownership between the Leon and Pachuca clubs, as well as the fact that no team has a greater right than ours to participate in the next Club World Cup,” a statement Alajuelense in February stated. As the highest, Alajuelense is the best-ranked team in Central America for the Concacaf region and, as such, argues that they should be included instead.

León, in the meantime, have reacted with their own statement pushing back against being banned from the competition. The club said it had demonstrated that they are completely independent from Pachuca. Should FIFA uphold the ban, the club plans to fight the decision in court. Multi-club ownership is quite common in Mexico. In Mexico, besides Léon and Pachuca, there are another two companies that own two or more clubs in Liga MX. Grupo Caliente owns Tijuana and Querétaro, while Grupo Orlegi controls Atlas and Santos Laguna. TV Azteca owns Mazatlan and has partial ownership of Puebla.