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The two great rivals face competition from the Liverpool ace as well as a plethora of other great players, with fans set to decide this year's winner

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah have all been named on the GOAL50 men's shortlist for 2021.

Robert Lewandowski, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland are also strong contenders for the prestigious annual prize, which has undergone an exciting overhaul.

Indeed, this year, it will be the fans who decide who finishes top of the pile. 

Check out the contenders below and then cast your votes to decide the winner. Voting is open from November 2 until November 16.

GettyDani Alves – Defender, BrazilThe Brazilian isn't just still playing at 38 years of age, he's still winning, with the most-decorated footballer of all time having added to his medal collection after leading his country to gold at the summer Olympics in Tokyo.AdvertisementGettyNicolo Barella – Midfielder, Inter and Italy

The all-action midfielder excelled during Inter's Serie A title-winning campaign before lifting the European Championship trophy, with the undoubted highlight his crucial opener in the quarter-final win over Belgium.

GettyKarim Benzema – Forward, Real Madrid and France

One of the few success stories of France's Euro 2020 campaign, the centre-forward bagged four goals in total to justify his surprise recall, which had arrived after another stellar season for Real Madrid in which he struck 30 times.

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GettyLeonardo Bonucci – Defender, Juventus and Italy

The centre-back helped Juventus salvage a trying Serie A campaign before becoming a national hero with the crucial equaliser in Italy's Euro 2020 final defeat of England.

Is Hugo Lloris really a great goalkeeper? Is Romelu Lukaku a flat-track bully? Have your say on the most polarising players in the game today…

Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo – who's better? Everyone's long since taken a side in the most heated debate of the past decade.

One thing everyone can agree on, though, is the pair's shared status as all-time greats. That has to be the starting point, as we're talking about two living legends here. Love them or loathe them, you have to respect their talent and achievements.

However, there are several other high-profile players in the game today who continue to polarise opinions, established stars that supporters, pundits and former pros believe are either overrated or underappreciated.

But what do you think? Have your say in the comment box below after running through GOAL's list of the most divisive players in world football…

GettyThiago Alcantara

For the vast majority of Liverpool fans, the only problem with Thiago Alcantara is he's not always fit to start because of his seemingly incessant injury issues.

With his tenacious tackling and ridiculous range of passing, the Spaniard is considered utterly integral to Jurgen Klopp's game plan.

As assistant coach Pep Lijnders told GOAL back in August, "When Thiago plays, we play."

However, not everyone is as enamoured with the silky-skilled midfielder.

"I don't understand the hype about Thiago," former Liverpool ace Didi Hamann wrote last season. "For me, he is one of the most overrated players in European football.

"When things are going well and you have a lot of possession he's a good player, but when push comes to shove you don't see him."

Do you agree with Didi? We know that Klopp certainly doesn't…

AdvertisementGettyTrent Alexander-Arnold

Ahead of this season's Premier League clash with Brighton, Klopp was asked about Trent Alexander-Arnold's latest England snub. The Liverpool boss replied, "You really want to open this box?!"

Klopp's reaction was understandable. This is the most heated tactical debate in English football since how best to get Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard into the same team!

To quickly sum it up, England boss simply feels that he has better options at right-back, including Reece James and Kyle Walker. Indeed, Alexander-Arnold is only likely to travel to the World Cup in Qatar if one or both of those two players are ruled out through injury.

Klopp, and the likes of Gary Lineker, are in a state of shock, believing it madness to even consider leaving such a gifted attacking outlet at home.

Of course, the counter-argument is that Alexander-Arnold is a liability, with former France centre-back Frank Leboeuf last week claiming that the 23-year-old was "Championship level" from a defensive perspective.

Whatever the truth, this is one argument that is going to run and run until Southgate's squad is announced.

GettyLeonardo Bonucci

Leonardo Bonucci is under fire again from his own fans, with Juventus ultras upset that the centre-back is their club captain: "He has never been a leader, and never will be."

However, there is also a school of thought in Italy that Bonucci has never been a particularly good defender either.

The argument goes that he benefited enormously from Antonio Conte's inspired decision to switch to a back three in 2011, as it meant the ball-playing Bonucci could focus on instigating attacks with his wonderful and wide range of passing, while being carried by the two other famed members of Juventus' 'BBC', Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli, for the best part of a decade.

Certainly, Bonucci has looked a little more exposed with Chiellini and Barzagli now gone, but it does seem a little harsh to completely dismiss the defensive qualities of a centre-back who was named man of the match in the final of Euro 2020, and included in the team of the tournament, more for the dirty work he did in defence than his eye-catching contributions further forward.

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GettyOusmane Dembele

Ousmane Dembele joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund five years ago for an initial fee of €105m (£92m/$103m) but very nearly left Barcelona during the summer on a free transfer.

He would have gone down as one of the worst signings in football history. As he said himself, "From 2017 to 2021, I wasted my time enormously."

Now, though, he has a shot at redemption, with the winger showing serious signs of belatedly realising his potential under Xavi.

Will he maintain his new-found professionalism and become a Camp Nou legend? Or will he lose focus once again and end up being remembered as one of the game's great unfulfilled talents?

Based on what we've seen so far from Dembele in his career, it really could go either way.

How will America's finest get on in this season's Premier League?

For the first time in a while, there's a sizable contingent of U.S. men's national team stars in the Premier League.

Just three Americans earned minutes in England's top flight last season, but that number should balloon this season, with a number of USMNT players now on the books of some of the country's top teams.

Christian Pulisic remains the star attraction for American audiences, of course, and the winger will be once again looking to lock down a place in Thomas Tuchel's starting line-up.

However, Pulisic has been joined in the Premier League by several international teammates, from newly-promoted veterans to big-money transfers.

Below, GOAL runs through the Americans set to test themselves against English football's finest in 2022-23…

GettyChristian Pulisic (Chelsea)

While still the biggest name in American soccer, Pulisic has a fight on his hands to prove himself at Chelsea.

Pulisic has had plenty of bright moments with the Blues, proving his worth to Maurizio Sarri, Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel several times over.

However, injuries have always seemed to strike at the wrong time, preventing him from truly cementing his place as the club's starting winger.

That task will become even more difficult this season as Chelsea splashed the cash to sign Raheem Sterling from Manchester City.

Romelu Lukaku's loan move to Inter may have freed up some space in the forward line but Sterling's arrival means that Pulisic has another world-class player to compete with for a spot out wide.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesBrenden Aaronson (Leeds)

The first of two American stars brought in by Jesse Marsch at Leeds, Aaronson has taken a logical step up in class by reuniting with his former boss at RB Salzburg.

Even after Marsch's departure in the summer of 2021, the Philadelphia Union product continued to shine in Austria, with his impressive performances paving the way for his move to Elland Road.

The $31 million (£25m) price tag is lofty, but it's also one befitting of a player with Aaronson's skillset. A midfielder with relentless energy and an improved skillset in the final third, he should fit nicely into Marsch's system.

Indeed, he dished out three assists in the club's preseason finale against Cagliari and should be a major player for Leeds, who will be hoping to take a significant step forward this term after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.

Getty ImagesTyler Adams (Leeds)

The second member of the Leeds United States of America, and another already well-known to Marsch, who worked with Adams at Red Bull-owned clubs in Germany and New York.

Indeed, there's probably no player Marsch knows better than Adams, who will slot right into Leeds' midfield as the No. 6.

With Kalvin Phillips having departed for Manchester City, Adams will be crucial to Leeds' Premier League hopes this season.

Adams has said he isn't a like-for-like replacement for Phillips, and he's definitely right, as Phillips is certainly a bit more complete than Adams is at this stage.

But Leeds will expect Adams to up his game and lock down a starting spot as they rebuild under Marsch.

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Getty ImagesAntonee 'Jedi' Robinson (Fulham)

The Return of the Jedi (and Fulham)!

One of England's great yo-yo clubs, the Cottagers are back in the top flight after winning last season's Championship.

And Robinson was a key player in that promotion push, making 36 league appearances in total.

Robinson will remain the go-to left-back for Fulham, and the USMNT, for the foreseeable future and, at just 24, there's still plenty of time for the defender to improve.

There's a reason that AC Milan once expressed an interest in his services, and that's because Robinson is a pretty good left-back.

If he can help keep Fulham in the Premier League, there's a chance that other clubs could come calling in the future, too.

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It's been a year of sensational collaborations and top-class archival releases

Here at GOAL, we take football boots seriously. Throughout the year, our inboxes are inundated with the latest drops – some of which we deem worthy enough to share with you.

We’re constantly testing and judging, so as 2022 draws to a close, we thought it was time to share our insights on the best boot releases of the year.

From cult collabs to the retro releases dreams are made of. Budget-friendly to worth the price tag. Best speed for strikers and no-nonsense designs for defenders. We’ve narrowed our list down to ten categories, which we’ve judged by comfort, speed, control and style.

Without any further delay, here are the GOAL 2022 Boot Awards.

The GOAL Boot Awards 2022

Best Boot CollaborationStone Island x New Balance Furon v7$220.00 at StockX

Honourable mentions: Nike x Mbappe Air Zoom Mercurial, PUMA x Liberty Ultra Ultimate

Stone Island’s collaboration with New Balance only arrived in November, but the late entry has already cemented its status as one of the year’s best.

As well as officially introducing Stone Island into football for the first time – after decades of casual association with the sport – it has also made an impact at the World Cup.

When Raheem Sterling scored England’s third goal against Iran he used the outside of the boot, leading some fans to speculate that he had gone out of his way to “get the badge in.”

Comfort Speed Control Style

3/53/54/55/5Advertisement

Best Retro BootGold Predator Absolute Zidane$325.00 at StockX

Honourable mentions: Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Vapor XV SE, adidas Predator Edge 94+

adidas has released a series of Predator iterations over the course of the past year, but arguably the best is a nod to an infamous moment for the silhouette.

The original Predator Absolute in gold was worn by Zinedine Zidane for his last ever match, the 2006 World Cup final that ended in a headbutt and eventual defeat.

Despite that origin, the boot is a classic, and the Three Stripes made an inspired call in bringing it back from the archive.

Comfort Speed Control Style

4/53/54/55/5

Best Boot Under £100Nike Phantom GTII Academy$69.99 at Soccer.com

Honourable mentions: adidas Predator Edge.3, Mizuno Monarcida Neo II

The Nike Phantom GTII has proven itself to be a popular choice for elite-level players this season, and the Academy version offers an affordable alternative.

The boot is packed with design touches to improve your play, including patterning that helps you place your shots and an off-centre lacing system that is intended to help you dribble, pass and score.

If you’re buying a pair, we’d go for the Glacier Ice, Yellow Strike and Sunset Glow colourway favoured by Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Harry Kane.

Comfort Speed Control Style

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Best Boot Over £100 Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Vapor XV$260.00 at Nike

Honourable mentions: adidas Copa Sense+, PUMA Future 1.4 NJR Rare

The latest innovation for Nike’s Mercurial line arrived this year, with Air Zoom added for the first time since 2001.

The new feature was rolled out across two silhouettes, with the Mercurial Vapor XV the pick of the bunch.

The boot is designed with a three-quarter length air cushion, giving the players extra speed and control, while the upper is designed for ball control, and a new stud pattern is used to allow for play in all directions.

At £235, it’s not cheap, but it packs a punch with Nike’s cutting-edge technology.

Comfort Speed Control Style

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How to watch USMNT vs El Salvador in the CONCACAF Nations League from the US as well as kick-off time and team news.

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) will hope to bag three points against El Salvador to top Group D in its CONCACAF Nations Leaguegroup stage fixture on Monday.

⚽️ Watch USMNT vs El Salvador in the US today!

USMNT heads into this fixture on the back of a dominating 7-1 win against Grenada courtesy of braces from Ricardo Peppi and Weston McKennie, with Brenden Aaronson, Christian Pulisic and Alejandro Zendejas also getting on the scoresheet.

The Stars and Stripes was held to a 1-1 draw the two sides battled against each other last June in Nations League. Jordan Morris scored a late equaliser deep into stoppage time to salvage a point.

Meanwhile, El Salvador will hope to stage an upset to seal a berth in the next edition of the Nations League. Although the USMNT is the firm favourite against the 74th-ranked side in the world, Hugo Pérez's team drew two of their last three meetings in their own backyard at the Estadio Cuscatlán. However, getting a positive result on American soil remains a daunting task for them.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch the CONCACAF Nations League fixture Grenada vs USMNT, plus team news, recent form and more.

Getty ImagesKick-off time

Date:

March 27, 2023

Kick-off time:

7.30 pm EDT

Venue:

Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Florida

The game is scheduled for March 27, 2023, at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. It will kick off at 7.30 pm EDT in the US.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesHow to watch USMNT vs El Salvador online – TV channels & live streamsTV channels & streaming options

Country TV channel Live stream

U.S.Telemundo, TNT, UniversoSling TV, Peacock, fuboTV

In the US, the match between Grenada and United States can be streamed on Sling TV, Peacock and fuboTV.

Getty ImagesTeam news & squadsUSMNT team news

The USMNT squad will continue to be without Tim Weah and Tyler Adams, who had to be excluded from the squad due to various injury problems.

Position Players

Goalkeepers:Ethan Horvath, Zack Steffen, Matt TurnerDefenders:Sergino Dest, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Bryan Reynolds, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston TrustyMidfielders:Brenden Aaronson, Johnny Cardoso, Luca de la Torre , Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Alan Sonora, Djordje MihailovicForwards:Taylor Booth, Daryl Dike, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Alejandro ZendejasEl Salvador team news

El Salvador have no fresh injury concerns ahead of this tie. Perez has called up a relatively young squad with Forward Mayer Gil being the youngest at 19, while defender Eriq Zavaleta is the oldest at 30.

Twelve players ply their trade domestically, including five for FAS and three for Alianza, while another three play in the US.

Position Players

Goalkeepers: Mario González, Tomas RomeroDefenders:Bryan Tamacas, Roberto Domínguez, Eriq Zavaleta, Alex Roldan, Nelson Flores, Romulo Villalobos, Rudy Clavel, William Canales.Midfielders:Narciso Orellana, Jairo Henriquez, Enrico Duenas, Bryan Landaverde, Christian Martínez, Melvin Cartagena, Leonardo MenjívarForwards:Cristian Gil, Kevin Reyes, Juan Carlos Argueta, Mayer Gil, Brayan Gil.Head-to-head record

Date Result Competition

June 14, 2022El Salvador 1-1 USACONCACAF Nations LeagueJanuary 27, 2022USA 1-0 El SalvadorFIFA World Cup QualifiersSeptember 02, 2021El Salvador 0-0 USAFIFA World Cup QualifiersDecember 09, 2020USA 6-0 El SalvadorFriendlyJuly 19, 2017USA 2-0 El SalvadorCONCACAF Gold CupENJOYED THIS STORY?

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GettyUseful links

USMNT team page

Live soccer on TV in the U.S.

Europe's secondary competition is derided in some quarters, but it makes perfect sense for the Reds as they look to rebuild after a dreadful season

Jurgen Klopp would never admit it publicly, but Liverpool’s hopes of Champions League qualification this season are all but over.

With nine games remaining, the Reds need a perfect end to their own campaign, as well as an almost unprecedented collapse from at least two of the sides above them, if they are to take their place at Europe’s top table next term.

That would have seemed unimaginable when the season started amid a wave of optimism back in August, but a testing autumn and a miserable winter mean the skies over Anfield have changed dramatically. Try finding optimism now.

Liverpool currently sit eighth in the Premier League, 12 points off both Newcastle and Manchester United, who occupy third and fourth place. Even Europa League qualification, at this point, looks a tall order – the Reds are nine points behind fifth-placed Tottenham, and have surprise packages Aston Villa and Brighton in front of them too.

To some fans, that last point may not be seen as a bad thing. It may seem like a damning indictment of modern football and its ‘need it now’ culture, but there are plenty who would prefer Liverpool to miss out on European football entirely if they are unable to qualify for the Champions League. 

The idea of Thursday nights in the Europa League – or worse still, the recently-formed Europa Conference League – is unpalatable for some, but from the club’s perspective there are clear benefits to qualifying for Europe’s consolation competition…

GettyHow would Liverpool qualify?

Finishing fifth would guarantee qualification for the Europa League next term, while sixth place is also likely to secure a spot, depending on who wins the FA Cup.

Manchester City, of course, are favourites for that, but are already pretty much guaranteed a Champions League place next season. Fellow semi-finalists Manchester United, too, will almost certainly qualify for either the Champions League or Europa League via their league position.

That means that only if Championship side Sheffield United won the FA Cup, or if Brighton were to win it and also finish outside the top six in the Premier League, would sixth place be insufficient for a Europa League spot next season. 

In that instance, sixth would qualify for the Europa Conference League. Otherwise, that place will go to the seventh-placed team in the Premier League.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe money side

Of course, the main headlines when discussing Champions League qualification, beyond the obvious prestige angle, tend to revolve around money. Namely, a quite significant loss of revenue for any club that misses out.

Liverpool have benefited from Champions League money for the past six seasons, earning an estimated £500 million ($624m) in that period. Last season, when they made their way all the way to the final, they earned more than £100m ($117m), and even though they were dumped out in the last 16 by Real Madrid this season, the expectation is that the Reds will pocket more than £65m ($81m) in prize money and TV revenue.

The Europa League, of course, offers far less in terms of financial incentive, but it is worth noting that last year’s winners, Eintracht Frankfurt, earned an estimated £33.5m ($42m) from their Europa League run, while semi-finalists West Ham pocketed around £28m ($35m).

There is also the money made from hosting additional home matches, of which there would be six if a team was to make it to the semi-finals. That, at a conservative estimate, would be worth an extra £12m ($15m) to Liverpool.

That’s far less than would be earned in the Champions League, of course, and a season in the Europa Conference League would be even less lucrative, with last season’s winners, Roma, only collecting around £17m ($21m) from that competition.

But it is still more than a season without European football of any kind. Liverpool are far from paupers, but as they seek to rebuild after a quite dramatic fall from grace, they are hardly in a position to be turning their nose up at that kind of cash, either.

Getty ImagesAnother route back to the Champions League

Another key point to make about the Europa League is it offers clubs a direct route back into the Champions League.

The winners qualify automatically for the group stage, a fact which heavily benefited Frankfurt, who finished 11th in the Bundesliga last season and would have missed out on Europe entirely were it not for their Thursday night escapades. As it happened, the Germans made it to the last 16 of this year’s Champions League, where they were beaten by Napoli.

With competition at the top of the Premier League fiercer than ever – Arsenal’s rise this season has caught many by surprise, while Newcastle are only likely to get stronger under their Saudi Arabian ownership – finishing in the top four is far from a guarantee for a club like Liverpool. They could, in theory, have a decent season next year and still finish fifth.

It makes sense, then, to give yourself a back-up option if you can – and that means embracing, and attacking, the Europa League.

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GettyMaking more history

And hey, let’s address another issue here; competing for, or potentially winning, a European trophy is something that no club should be scoffing at, especially one with as rich a continental history as Liverpool’s.

The Reds have won the competition three times, albeit in its former guise as the UEFA Cup. It was the first European trophy they ever won back in 1973, and nobody who was in Monchengladbach that night, or indeed in Bruges three years later or in Dortmund in 2001, would ever accept the idea that it is a trophy that doesn’t matter.

Of course the Champions League is where the glamour is at, and that will always be the case, but this season’s Europa League has featured Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, Juventus, Roma and Ajax, among others. Recent winners include Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Villarreal, clubs who are regulars in the Champions League.

Sure, games against Qarabag or Pyunik or Bodo Glimt may not exactly set the pulse racing, but big ties are there if you can navigate your way through the group stage. Manchester United and Barcelona fought out an epic battle in the last 16 this season, while Rangers saw off both Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig en route to last season’s final.

In terms of prestige, such games matter. Liverpool have suffered badly this season, the club’s pride damaged by its domestic drop off and its Real Madrid hiding. They want to come again, and they believe they can, and playing as many high-pressure, high-profile games as possible can only help that process, particularly as Klopp looks to make significant changes to the side which conquered Europe previously.

For supporters, too, it’s a no-brainer. This is a fanbase brought up on tales of European football, of continental glory. Why would they want to be without that prospect, and those trips, next season?

Everything you need to know about French superstar Paul Pogba!

Paul Pogba is a French professional football player who currently plays as a central midfielder for Juventus and the France national team. Born on March 15, 1993, in Lagny-sur-Marne, France, Pogba is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, known for a rare mix of technical ability, range of passing, physicality, ball-winning abilities, and creativity on the pitch.

Pogba began his career at the age of six playing for local club US Roissy-en-Brie. He later joined US Torcy, from where the rough diamond was scouted by Le Havre AC. In 2009, Pogba joined Manchester United's youth academy and quickly made a name for himself as a highly-prodigious talent. He made his first-team debut in 2011 but struggled to establish himself in the squad.

In 2012, Pogba left the northern England club after his contract expired, having only made seven appearances as a substitute. He joined Juventus, who only had to pay £800,000 to secure his services.

At Juventus, he became an integral part of the team, completing a wonderful midfield alongside legends Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio. He enjoyed a trophy-laden four-year stint with the Italian giants, helping them win four consecutive Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia twice between 2012 and 2016, as well as reaching the UCL final in 2014/15. Pogba was also named the Serie A Footballer of the Year in 2013 and 2014 and was included in the UEFA Team of the Year in 2015.

His performances were so good that Manchester United — the very same club that released him — forked out a then world-record fee of £89 million to prize him away from Turin in 2018. He was 23 and had been named young player of the tournament at the previous World Cup. He was a rising star, the type of player and leader who was expected to pull United out of their post-Alex Ferguson rut.

It all started so positively for Pogba back at Manchester United. In his first season, he played alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic and helped them win the League Cup and the Europa League, while also moving the Red Devils to a second-place league finish and a return to Champions League action.

However, it all turned sour towards the end of his second stint at United. He has also been criticised for his performances, while some fans and pundits have accused him of not living up to his potential and being inconsistent on and off the pitch.

After another underwhelming season in 2021/22, he left Old Trafford at the end of his contract in the summer of 2022 to rejoin Juventus on a free transfer. He has played just twice for the Italian giants since moving to Turin, with his first season back in Italy largely plagued by various injury problems.

For France, he was one of the driving forces of France's 2018 World Cup win, playing a crucial role in the midfield alongside N'Golo Kante. He was once again a key player for France at Euro 2020 and has made 91 appearances for France, scoring 11 goals but he missed the 2022 World Cup through injury.

Here are 15 fun facts about Pogba you need to know!

Nicknamed 'Paul the Octopus' 🌐 🐙

When he played in Italy first time around, Paul got a nickname ‘Il Polpo’ which translates to 'Paul the Octopus'. This is because he has a lanky frame and long legs to control the ball and keep it in possession. His strides and legs are as powerful as an octopus' tentacles.

AdvertisementGettyIdolises Andrea Pirlo

Paul Pogba has spoken extensively about how much he looks up to and has learned from Andrea Pirlo, an Italy and Juventus legend. Pirlo and Pogba played together during his first stint at Juventus, where Pirlo was an experienced midfielder and Pogba was a rising star. Pogba has often mentioned Pirlo as one of his idols, praising him for his exceptional passing ability, vision, and composure on the ball.

The 30-year-old has even tried to adopt some of the principles of Pirlo's playing style, including his long-range passing and ability to control the tempo of the game. Pogba has also credited Pirlo for helping him become a better player and develop his skills as a midfielder.

In an interview, Pogba said, "I learned a lot from Pirlo. He was an example for me, not just as a player but as a person too. I watched him all the time in training and in matches, trying to learn from him."

Raised by a single 'super mum'

Often referred to as 'super mum', Yeo Moriba is recognised for making a number of sacrifices for her children as she raised her three sons single-handedly after she divorced from her husband Fassou Antoine Pogba, in 1996. Yeo brought her three boys alone on France's little council house, and was the driving force behind her three sons' footballing careers.

Pogba has in the past admitted that his mother is his greatest source of inspiration. During an interview with Esquire in 2017, the Frenchman said his mother is his first girlfriend.

Yeo holds a passion for the sport as well, and now serves as an ambassador with the Guinea FA. She even founded a football club in Guinea and used to be the captain of the Guinea women's national team.

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ATK Mohun BaganTwin footballer brothers!

Paul has twin elder brothers – Mathias and Florentin. And you'll be surprised to learn that all three of them are professional football players, and love statement hairstyles. Florentin, who plays as centre-back, has endured a journeyman career around Europe – playing in seven countries including England, Wales and Scotland.

He's currently plying his trade for Indian Super League club ATK Mohun Bagan (renamed as Mohun Bagan Super Giants) while Matthias last played for French fourth-tier outfit ASM Belfort. Of course, Paul is the most famous out of the three.

It's that time of year again – brace yourself for ridiculous rumours, blockbuster moves and much more over the next three months…

The last two summer transfer windows have been full of twists and turns – and 2023 is set to be just as dramatic. A host of top clubs are on the lookout for a new centre-forward, which could create a ripple effect across Europe, while left-back is also a position of interest for several high-profile clubs.

The free agency market is looking bloated with well-known stars, but that's not to say that some hefty transfer fees won't be chucked around – particularly if the likes of Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Jude Bellingham are to leave their current employers.

There will also be plenty of bargains to be had if clubs can time their business right. Contracts are running down across the leagues, continuing the trend of increasing player power we have witnessed over the past few years.

With the transfer window officially opening for Premier League clubs on Wednesday, we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at which players are worth keeping a close eye on this summer. Below, GOAL details 50 such stars who fit this description perfectly…

GettyAndre Onana (Inter)

Onana has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world at Inter this season. An excellent shot-stopper, the Cameroon international also excels at stepping into the backline to help with build-up play. Several big clubs are looking for a new number-one and he could provide the perfect solution.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesPierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Chelsea)

Aubameyang's Chelsea move has been pretty pointless. He was never overly keen to depart Barcelona in the first place and he's had zero impact at Stamford Bridge. He is a big earner and the Blues will be desperately trying to shove him out the exit door. Interest could be thin, though.

(C)Getty ImagesFolarin Balogun (Arsenal)

Balogun ended the debate surrounding his international allegiances recently by committing to the United States over England and Nigeria, but his club future remains uncertain. He must surely depart Arsenal to continue his rapid development and faces a huge decision on where to head next.

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Getty ImagesJude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)

Bellingham's name has dominated the past three transfer windows and he was all set to be the star attraction of the gossip columns this summer too. That was until Real Madrid blew everyone else out the water by agreeing a deal all the way back in May. He's poised to be unveiled as a Madrid player soon, which will kick off another set of debates regarding where he fits into the team.

Representing her country on the biggest stage and set to make a massive transfer decision, it's a huge summer for the 19-year-old

As the clock ticked into the third minute of stoppage-time, the Netherlands still needed a goal to send them to the Women's World Cup. The 2019 runners-up had produced 21 shots, 10 on target, and hit the post three times but the scores remained goalless between them and Iceland, who were on the verge of qualifying for their first tournament instead. But then, with mere seconds remaining, 18-year-old Esmee Brugts sent those in the stands at Stadion Galgenwaard absolutely crazy.

Picking the ball up on the left wing, Brugts whipped in a dangerous cross with her right foot, one which left Iceland goalkeeper Sandra Sigurdardottir helpless as she waited to react to any contact on the delivery. But it evaded all in the box and, to the despair of those in blue, nestled right in the bottom far corner. The Netherlands had won it.

As the visiting players dropped to their knees in disappointment, fighting back tears, those in orange celebrated wildly, the entire bench racing down the touchline to join in. Entering her third season with PSV, Brugts’ talent had been known about for a while now – but this was the biggest moment of her career to date.

Ten months on, the teenager is at that very World Cup, her first at any level, as part of what is going to be an absolutely massive summer in these early years of her very promising career.

Praised for her work-rate, technical ability and wonderful footballing intelligence, let GOAL introduce you to a player who could be signing for one of Europe’s elite once her work in Australia and New Zealand is done…

GettyWhere it all began

Brugts started playing football around the age of five for SV Heinenoord, the team based in the village where she was born and raised. She stayed there for eight years before joining FC Binnenmaas, having been spotted by coach Marius Heinerman and persuaded to move.

Despite being the only girl in a team full of boys, Brugts regularly stood out. “She did so well that when I was putting the names on paper, she was always the first one,” Heinerman told GOAL last year. “She always wanted to give her best.”

Also a star in the Netherlands youth teams, putting up incredibly prolific numbers with the Under-17s, the young forward was very highly sought after when she turned 16 years old. In the end, she would sign for PSV and quickly become a regular in their starting XI, winning the Dutch Cup in her first season.

AdvertisementGettyThe big break

After steadily building a reputation with her domestic performances, either as a wide player or as a No.10, Brugts was given her international debut by then-head coach Mark Parsons in February 2022. With it the second-to-last international break before the Netherlands squad for the Euros would be announced, she didn’t have a lot of time to make an impression and get herself on the roster – but she still managed to do so.

Still just 18 years old at the time, it was the biggest moment of her career to date, and Brugts showed why she was chosen in the three substitute appearances she made, adding energy and creativity whenever she had the chance to.

While her role at the tournament wasn’t huge, it certainly raised her profile and marked her out as one to watch for the years to come.

GettyHow it's going

Brugts only became more and more important for PSV as each season went by, improving her goal contributions year on year before departing the club this summer.

Unsurprisingly, a whole host of Europe’s elite clubs have been keeping tabs on her, with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City, Paris-Saint Germain, Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt all linked with the teenager in recent months.

With the national team, meanwhile, Brugts’ role has changed dramatically. She was largely operating in the forward areas in her first experiences with the senior team, sometimes from the start but more often from the bench.

Now, she’s become a regular in the Netherlands line-up, though usually playing as an orthodox left-back or left wing-back under new head coach Andries Jonker.

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GettyBiggest strengths

There’s a lot that stands out about Brugts. Heinerman said the first thing that caught his eye when he started to coach her as a young girl was her mentality. “Even when the season ended, she still wanted to train,” he explained. “With the boys, when we lost a game, she was always critical of herself. ‘That must be better. That must be better. That must be better.'"

As for her footballing traits, Brugts’ footwork is a huge strength, as is her creativity. “You just pass the ball to her and you just look and enjoy what is about to happen,” Maxime Snellenberg, her team-mate at PSV, told GOAL. “She's very good, I think, in the small spaces – one, two touches and then she can be gone. She has very good shots, very hard and strong. That's also a very good quality. She's a hard worker as well. Sometimes she's so tired that she can't walk anymore! She runs a lot for the team. She's a very good team-mate.”

Meanwhile, when GOAL asked Parsons about his decision to include the teenager in his Euros squad last year, the coach spoke highly of her “scanning, awareness and game insight”.

“She can dribble, pass, shoot, cross, defend – with one-v-one defending, defend with one-v-one pressing," he said. "But it's the game insight and intelligence that I think we're going to be enjoying for a few years.”

Also on that list of top qualities has to be Brugts’ versatility. She’s excellent coming off the left, onto her stronger right foot, in particular, but can play on either wing, as an attacking midfielder or, as we’ve learned in recent months, in a defensive role.

Ajax and Feyenoord saw their De Klassieker clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena suspended after supporters threw fireworks onto the pitch.

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Arch-rivals lock hornsFlurry of first-half goalsProceedings brought to a haltWHAT HAPPENED?

The game was suspended at one stage as missiles rained down from the stands, making it impossible for the match to continue due to the threat posed to player safety. It was decided to continue after a brief delay, but a second suspension was required as flares continued to land on the playing surface.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ajax were trailing 3-0 in a meeting with their fiercest rivals when proceedings were brought to a halt, with Santiago Gimenez bagging a brace before Igor Paixao also got in on the act before half-time. Supporters then took matters into their own hands in a bid to cause chaos.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ajax are likely to find themselves in trouble with the Dutch football authorities after failing to control the behaviour of those in the stands. Punishments will be handed out by the KNVB once it is determined how severe they should be. The Amsterdam giants will also see questions asked of how a group of hooligans were allowed to storm the stadium entrance – leading to tear gas going off and riot police being deployed.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Ajax headed into derby day sat 13th in the Eredivisie table on the back of a disappointing start to the 2023-24 campaign – picking up just five points – while reigning champions Feyenoord are hot on the heels of PSV at the top of the division.