Peter Staunton | Sporting News

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Will Liverpool regret their quiet summer transfer market?

It appears the reigning European champions are happy with what they've got this summer but that decision could well have repercussions later on

Peter Staunton

Juve outclassing all comers by continuing transfer market dominance

The record Italian champions have conducted thoroughly impressive business this summer, which emphasises the trouble at clubs like Manchester United

Peter Staunton

€120m Man City target Florentino signs new Benfica deal

The midfielder has extended to 2024 and doubles his release clause, meaning Europe's big guns will have to dig deep for his signature in the future

Peter Staunton

£200k a week? Rashford under pressure to prove his worth

The England international is still only 21 and has much to work on but he has now been handed the kind of wage usually reserved for the game's elite

Peter Staunton

Neymar, Pogba and the rise of 'The Unsellables'

Wages and transfer fees for an elite group of players grow ever higher, meaning that when things go wrong it can be very difficult to move them on.

Peter Staunton

Scapegoat Lukaku has been disrespected at Man Utd

The Red Devils have followed transfer blunder with transfer blunder and have got to ask themselves why the striker sees his future away from the club

Peter Staunton

Pogba plea shows Man Utd is no place for superstars

The World Cup winner took the unprecedented step of asking for a new challenge, meaning his return to Old Trafford has been an expensive failure

Peter Staunton

Now it’s official: Project Neymar has failed

President Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s comments about Neymar’s uncertain future confirms that the project built around the Brazilian hasn’t worked

Peter Staunton

Van Dijk: I don't care about being booed

The Netherlands defender was jeered again by England fans during the Oranje's loss to Portugal but he insists he is not concerned

Peter Staunton

De Ligt decides when future call will be made

The Ajax defender will not rush into a decision regarding his next move as speculation contiunues to link him with leading sides across Europe

Peter Staunton

Portugal prove more than just Ronaldo in Nations League triumph

The Juventus star is still the main attraction, but there were plenty of other talents on display throughout the run to another trophy

Peter Staunton

What will happen when Van Dijk faces Ronaldo?

The two opposing captains face off on Sunday night in the first ever UEFA Nations League final with Ronaldo coming off the back of a 53rd hat-trick

Peter Staunton

No one wants English fans, can you blame them?

A particular brand of chaos follows the national team abroad, chaos that would rarely - if ever - be seen at club level

Peter Staunton

Ake backs De Jong to shine at Barca

The Bournemouth defender believes his international team-mate will impress at Camp Nou when he joins later in the summer.

Peter Staunton

'Frenkie makes everything easier' - De Roon

The Dutch are coming back to the top table, having defeated England in the Nations League semis, and it's thanks in no small part to their midfield.

Peter Staunton

Van Dijk for the Ballon d'Or - Fonte

The former team-mates could be heading for a showdown in the Nations League and the Portugal man is full of praise for the Champions League winner

Peter Staunton

Stage set for De Ligt's 'toughest opponent' Rashford to shine

Despite his setbacks at club level this season, the Manchester United attacker has shone in the national team and has another opportunity to impress

Peter Staunton

Ronaldo lights up Nations League finals - with more records in sight

The captain scored a glorious hat-trick as Portugal set up a mouth-watering UEFA Nations League final clash against either England or the Netherlands

Peter Staunton

Roma in advanced talks with Fonseca over vacant coaching job

The Serie A side are looking to recover from a disappointing 2018-19 campaign and have been impressed by the work of the Shakhtar Donetsk boss

Peter Staunton

Football lifer Milner's work culminates in Champions League glory

The Reds veteran won his first trophy with the club on Saturday in Madrid but even though he's now 33, it's unlikely to be his last

Peter Staunton

Broken Spurs have regrets but also hope for the future

Tottenham gave their all in Saturday's 2-0 final loss to Liverpool but, at the end, their shortcomings were eventually exposed in Madrid

Peter Staunton

Broken Spurs have regrets but also hope for the future

Tottenham gave their all in Saturday's 2-0 final loss to Liverpool but, at the end, their shortcomings were eventually exposed in Madrid

Peter Staunton

Lloris on the brink of Champions League-World Cup double

The Spurs captain has been through the gamut of emotions at international level over the past few years and is looking to relive the highs on Saturday

Peter Staunton

Rose: I never expected Champions League final with Spurs

Spurs have stared elimination in the face this season but the full-back sees this weekend as confirmation of the progress made under Pochettino

Peter Staunton

Time to go Gareth! Bale will never be the star at Madrid

The only question is whether or not any team in the world would be willing or able to finance a deal for the superstar, whose time in Spain looks over

Peter Staunton

Man City may be England's best, but a storm is brewing

Pep Guardiola's side have just completed a clean sweep of the domestic honours but there is also a clean sweep of investigations currently ongoing

Peter Staunton

Manchester United not too big to fail

The Red Devils' post-Ferguson dip became a slump, and that became the new normality - business history has shown that it is tough to stop the rot

Peter Staunton

Why Premier League's top two look unassailable

The troubled Premier League seasons of Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United are made to look much worse in contrast to City and Liverpool

Peter Staunton

Golden Boot winner Auba thrilled after fully adjusting to PL life

The Arsenal striker finished the 2018-19 campaign with 22 goals to his name, with that return seeing him match Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane

Peter Staunton

Arsenal ace Aubameyang proves his class with Golden Boot win

The striker scored another two goals as Arsenal beat Burnley 3-1, meaning he finished top scorer in the Premier League in the process

Peter Staunton

Jealousy of PL riches heightens 'Super League' fears

Top continental clubs like Juventus may be dominating their domestic competitions but they fear being left behind by England's 'Big Six'

Peter Staunton

Beers, tears & disbelief: Spurs destroy Ajax's 'destiny'

What Mauricio Pochettino's side did goes a long way to eclipsing what Liverpool did against Barcelona, stunning the Dutch in a second-half comeback

Peter Staunton

Beers, tears & disbelief: Spurs destroy Ajax's 'destiny' in Champions League classic

What Mauricio Pochettino's side did goes a long way to eclipsing what Liverpool did against Barcelona, stunning the Dutch in a second-half comeback

Peter Staunton

Dyche quietens Premier League ‘noise’ with Burnley

The Clarets boss led his side to a seventh-place finish in 2017-18, but considers a battle against adversity this term to be a greater achievement

Peter Staunton

Madrid, Turin, now London - Ajax’s fairytale goes on!

The Dutch side conquered another of Europe's major footballing cities - with a 1-0 win over Spurs - to give themselves the edge ahead of next week

Peter Staunton

Man Utd's five biggest problems... and why they can't solve them

There are more desperate times ahead for the biggest club in England, with results in a tail-spin and no long-term planning in place off the field

Peter Staunton

Benchwarmer Sane may have to escape Pep to save career

The German winger has been out of the reckoning for City as Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva help them close in on a second consecutive title

Peter Staunton

No VAR, no problem! City pass toughest remaining test

Pep Guardiola's men took a massive step towards the Premier League title thanks to Phil Foden's goal - and a rejected penalty appeal from Tottenham

Peter Staunton

No Messi, no trophies - Pep's Champions League legacy

Since winning a second European Cup with Barcelona in 2011, the Catalan coach's teams have failed to meet expectations in continental competition

Peter Staunton

Forget Kane, Son is a Champions League superstar

Spurs have scarcely missed a beat when their captain has been unavailable this season and that is thanks largely to the output of the Korean star

Peter Staunton

The aquatic secret behind Man City's attacking success

The coach abandoned his water polo principles in the Champions League first leg against Spurs - and it's a winning formula he should return to

Peter Staunton

Ghosts & disasters: The transfer failings haunting Solskjaer

The clocks tick towards a vital window but while technical directors elsewhere sort through signings, United are sorting through technical directors

Peter Staunton

What's the difference between Ole and Jose? Not much

Manchester United have tumbled out of the FA Cup, are about to exit Europe and their quest for Champions League qualification is hanging by a thread

Peter Staunton

For a lot of players when their contracts finish, they ask: "What now?"

Too many players are being lost at crucial stages of their development, according to a former Red Devils player, who is trying to help

Peter Staunton

Juventus have Ronaldo - but not a lot else

The Portugal international netted another knockout goal in a 1-1 draw with Ajax in Amsterdam but the Bianconeri again flattered to deceive

Peter Staunton

The secrets behind Solskjaer's success at Man Utd

Febian Brandy played a starring role under the current United boss with the club's reserve side and has a unique insight into the methods he uses

Peter Staunton

Back where they belong! Son ensures happy homecoming for Spurs

Mauricio Pochettino's men may not have played well in their first outing at their new stadium but they got the win they wanted - and so badly needed

Peter Staunton

'Solskjaer can become Man Utd's Zidane'

The former Red Devil, who played under the Norwegian when coming through the ranks at Old Trafford, feels the club have made the right coaching call

Peter Staunton

Centurion Hazard primed to lead Zidane's new Madrid era

The Chelsea star approaches a landmark as captain of the Red Devils and a mooted move to Real Madrid this summer would be no more than he deserves

Peter Staunton

Sterling lights up Wembley as England run continues

Sterling's maiden international hat-trick helped the Three Lions pummel the Czech Republic to seize control of their Euro 2020 qualification group

Peter Staunton

'Don't hate the player, hate the game' - Why Rice's switch was justified

The West Ham midfielder is set for a long, successful international career with England despite winning underage and non-competitive caps for Ireland

Peter Staunton

How England created the best youth system in the world

When Howard Wilkinson was installed as the FA's technical director in 1997, he went in with a plan for making England a hub of elite young talent

Peter Staunton

Bielsa's Leeds lose another must-win game - what now?

It's going to be a long international break as Leeds United grapple with the question of what might have been with only 24 points left to play for

Peter Staunton

Ronaldo & Messi the big winners from Champions League draw

The Portuguese's quest for a title with a third team will stay on track against Ajax, while the Argentine's Barcelona will see off the Red Devils

Peter Staunton

Guardiola assembles systems and Ronaldo takes them apart

All the defenders in the world wouldn't have stopped Cristiano Ronaldo from scoring a hat-trick against Atletico Madrid in Turin on Tuesday

Peter Staunton

Cole: 'Revelation' Rice can be England star

The West Ham midfielder has been backed to succeed at international level by a Hammers legend following his switch of allegiance from Ireland

Peter Staunton

'Exceptional' Lallana can be Liverpool's title race joker

Liverpool have added another option to their armoury with the return of the England playmaker as they seek to keep up the pressure on Man City

Peter Staunton

'Exceptional' Lallana can be Liverpool's title race joker

Liverpool have added another option to their armoury with the return of the England playmaker as they seek to keep up the pressure on Man City

Peter Staunton

How Lukaku got back to his brilliant best

The Belgian record goalscorer had to endure plenty of criticism during his scoreless spells for Manchester United but is back scoring valuable goals

Peter Staunton

Arsenal believe in top four finish - Sokratis

The Greece international believes the Gunners are on course to finish in the Premier League's top four

Peter Staunton

Top four is Arsenal's priority - Xhaka

The Switzerland international insisted the club's goal this season is to secure Champions League football for next year

Peter Staunton

Arsenal coming into form as Aubameyang prevents perfect day

The key moment came right at the death but Arsenal ought not to have needed the penalty in any case after playing expertly and coming so close

Peter Staunton

Arsenal team news & likely line-up

Everything you need to know ahead of the Premier League clash at Wembley Stadium on Saturday

Peter Staunton

Bring on Spurs! Arsenal perfectly primed for key derby

The Gunners travel to Wembley on Saturday to face rivals Tottenham and Unai Emery's men will go into the game as the more confident side

Peter Staunton

Why sign Suarez? Mkhitaryan turning a corner for Arsenal

The Armenian had failed to set the world alight having signed from Manchester United and watched on while injured as Unai Emery signed Denis Suarez

Peter Staunton

Football wasn't invented in 1992 - but it was reinvented

Developments within the rule book and off the field mean that players today are taking part in a very different sport than their predecessors

Peter Staunton

Dreaded away goals rule could be a blessing for Liverpool v Bayern

Away goals could prove decisive in the return legs of both Liverpool-FCB and Lyon-Barca but will both away teams on Tuesday regret not attacking more?

Peter Staunton

Payback time! Ronaldo out to justify Juve's €341m CL gamble

The time is right for Ronaldo to extend his historic run in the Champions League and take Juventus to the next level on the continent once and for all

Peter Staunton

Cole: Chelsea stars must recognise importance of crucial games

The Blues boss has been under increasing pressure following three comprehensive away defeats in recent weeks, culminating in a 6-0 loss to Man City

Peter Staunton

Back from the dead: Spurs are live UCL contenders

Tottenham looked set to be eliminated in the group stage but are now on the verge of the quarter-finals after a 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund

Peter Staunton

'Football clubs are giving too much power to managers'

Too many big clubs make mistakes that businesses of their size simply shouldn't make; so long as the hiring and firing continues, it won't ever stop

Peter Staunton

No Auba, Ramsey or Ozil - but Arsenal find a way to win

The Gunners remain in the top-four hunt thanks to their first away win since November although they had to do it without a trio of big names

Peter Staunton

How cash-strapped Arsenal could line up next season

It has been reported that the Gunners will only have £45 million to spend this summer, so what can Unai Emery do to improve his team for 2018-19?

Peter Staunton

Arsenal team news & likely line-up

Everything you need to know ahead of Saturday's match against the relegation-threatened Terriers at the John Smith's Stadium

Peter Staunton

‘We just follow what Pep tells us!’ - Bernardo

The midfielder said the manager shapes his side to adapt to the opposition, which worked out well in a victory over Arsenal

Peter Staunton

Arsenal & Emery have identity crisis as Ozil snubbed again

The Gunners fell to another convincing away defeat against Manchester City, as Unai Emery once started with Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey on the bench

Peter Staunton

Are Leeds falling apart again?

Knocked off the top of the table, the club coached by Marcelo Bielsa are still capable of automatic promotion but have got to sort out their form

Peter Staunton

City know what they are, but where are Arsenal going?

The appointment of Unai Emery was designed to help the club move forward but they have no chance of matching City under current constraints

Peter Staunton

Arsenal team news & likely line-up

Everything you need to know ahead of Sunday's Premier League match against title-chasing Manchester City side at the Etihad

Peter Staunton

Arsenal, Pep and winners & losers of transfer window

The European transfer window has now slammed shut until the summer, so who can be happy with their work in the winter market?

Peter Staunton

Why Tielemans failed at Monaco & why he'll be reborn at Leicester

The Belgium international will offer an improvement to Leicester's midfield as they continue their attempts to diversify away from counterattacking

Peter Staunton

Solskjaer can learn more from one draw than eight straight wins

Difficult days will come for the caretaker Manchester United manger and he will have gleaned a lot from how his side failed to beat Sean Dyche’s team

Peter Staunton

'Mahrez told me keep going brother, you'll succeed'

Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba is among the most prolific goal scorers in the world over the past few months and he could be on the verge of a breakthrough

Peter Staunton

Boa Morte: Brexit won't put me off UK

The former Arsenal star is continuing his coaching path in Israel with one of the country's most historic clubs and has his eye on a return to the UK

Peter Staunton

500 fans outstayed World Cup visas & some slipped out of Russia

The tournament brought record numbers to Russia and the FAN ID system meant travellers were entitled to short-term stays when buying match tickets

Peter Staunton

Twellman: 'Barbaric' concussion treatment has got to evolve

The former USMNT forward and current football analyst hopes new technology can result in better diagnosis for players

Peter Staunton

Rashford embodies Solskjaer's restoration of United way

The striker made it five goals in six games since the Norwegian's arrival to earn the Old Trafford outfit a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brighton

Peter Staunton

Higuain will finally end Hazard's false nine frustration

The Belgium captain has been forced into a position he does not like in recent weeks due to Maurizio Sarri's mistrust of his current strikers

Peter Staunton

Why Conte, not Pochettino, is the right man for Man Utd

There are simply no guarantees that the Argentine would get the time he needs to replicate his Spurs success, were he to be appointed at Old Trafford

Peter Staunton

Madrid selling CR7 one of craziest decisions in football history

Juventus are reaping the benefits of having a five-time Ballon d'Or winner in his prime while the club he left behind struggle for goals and points

Peter Staunton

Stoffelshaus in contention for Man Utd sporting director job

The German recently left Lokomotiv Moscow and has already met with Red Devils leadership

Peter Staunton

Man Utd team news & likely line-up

Everything you need to know ahead of the Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Sunday

Peter Staunton

Man Utd team news & likely line-up

Everything you need to know ahead of the Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Boxing Day

Peter Staunton

Why join Man Utd? Silky Spurs can reach the top with Poch

One outstanding candidate for the Old Trafford hotseat has emerged since Mourinho's sacking but Pochettino is at the right club to kick on and succeed

Peter Staunton

Zidane would be foolish to take United job

The set of circumstances surrounding the Frenchman taking over at Real Madrid were so unique that there is no way to repeat that magic at Old Trafford

Peter Staunton

Good riddance! Toxic Mourinho won't be missed at Man Utd

The manager has finally been sacked after a disastrous start to the season. It was inevitable having turned the atmosphere sour in at Old Trafford

Peter Staunton

Messi, Mourinho and winners & losers of Champions League draw

The draw for the second round of the Champions League, the last 16 phase, has been completed with ties kicking off during the second week of February

Peter Staunton

Man City leapfrog Liverpool - now any chance of a favour, Jose?!

Pep Guardiola finds himself in the thick of a title race and his side moved two clear of the Reds thanks to a fine display from Gabriel Jesus

Peter Staunton

Sane scaling new heights under perfectionist Pep

The Germany international found himself on the sidelines earlier in the season but the winger was at his brilliant best in a 2-1 win over Hoffenheim

Peter Staunton

Stand up, speak up: The fight to end racism in football

Racism, such as that allegedly experienced by the Man City star at Chelsea, happens because few have the guts to speak up - it's time to change that

Peter Staunton

Is the Mourinho - Pogba battle reaching the endgame?

It's now clear after a comprehensive performance that Jose sees his ideal United XI in terms of attitude and not necessarily of ability

Peter Staunton

Has Sterling overtaken Hazard as the PL's best attacker?

The conditions for the England international to thrive are perfect under Pep Guardiola but Chelsea are malfunctioning with their playmaker off form

Peter Staunton

Mourinho has Fury but Man Utd can't keep getting off canvas

The Red Devils twice quickly came from behind to claim a draw against Arsenal but issues still remain at Old Trafford

Peter Staunton

Pep shuffles but Sterling is the ace in the pack

On a day when the City manager opted to do without a good many of his best players, it was down to the England winger to conjure the crucial goal

Peter Staunton

Life and death on a football pitch: The Mitchell Cole story

One of the most promising players of his generation passed away six years ago, having suffered through the effects of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Peter Staunton

Bring on Barca! Spurs will travel to Camp Nou with hope

Mauricio Pochettino's men climbed above Inter and into second place in Champions League Group B thanks to Christian Eriksen's Wembley winner

Peter Staunton

Behind Bayern Munich's defensive debacle

The two World Cup winners have contributed massively to Munich's dire defensive record this season and there are mounting calls for them to be dropped

Peter Staunton

Mourinho's failing Man Utd stuck on replace & repeat

Saturday's dire draw with Crystal Palace once again underlined that the manager's only solution to his side's problems is to send on a substitute

Peter Staunton

Man Utd team news & likely line-up

Everything you need to know ahead of the Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Saturday

Peter Staunton

Keane and Giggs sum up Fergie's failed managerial legacy

The struggles of two of Fergie's managerial disciples were laid bare again this week, leading to questions as to what anyone learned under him

Peter Staunton

Sorry, Jurgen, the Nations League is anything but 'pointless'!

The German isn't a fan but, as UEFA's Giorgio Marchetti tells Goal, the competition has turned "interest-free friendlies" into "meaningful" games

Peter Staunton

Guardiola to blame for Germany's failure? Nonsense!

A former Germany international has claimed that an obsession with possession first instigated at Bayern Munich under Pep has hurt the national team

Peter Staunton

Back to Madrid? James enduring miserable season at Bayern

It had seemed certain that Bayern Munich would exercise their option to make James Rodriguez's loan deal permanent, but that move is now in big doubt

Peter Staunton

Dani Olmo: The €25m ex-Barca youth star who could return

The 20-year-old left La Masia for Dinamo Zagreb as a teenager, believing he had a better chance to make it away from Barca. He's been proven right...

Peter Staunton

Mourinho's 'deluxe Burnley' won't ever be a match for City

A once-fierce rivalry is very one sided these days, and something has to change for the Red Devils to rediscover success

Peter Staunton

How Sterling & Mahrez can turn Premier League inside out

Sterling has signed a fresh contract and Mahrez has begun to play a starring role in an updated City team which features a new, deadly way to attack

Peter Staunton

Leicester honour 'Khun Vichai' on solemn day at King Power

Saturday marked the first game the Foxes played at home since the tragic helicopter crash which cost their chairman his life along with four others

Peter Staunton

Where is it going wrong for Henry at Monaco?

The last thing the new coach of second last Monaco needs after a run of five games without a victory is the visit of record-breaking PSG this weekend

Peter Staunton

Money vs history: The Super League vs UCL dilemma

Any club that might think a brand new competition is the answer would do well to consider that the Champions League will always be a mark of greatness

Peter Staunton

No Super League yet but cartel already in place

The recent Football Leaks, as published by German magazine Der Spiegel, revealed how the future of European football is being dictated by a few clubs

Peter Staunton

McClean poppy abuse exposes the intolerance in Britain

The Irishman is a magnet for abuse due to his refusal to wear a poppy in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday but he should be entitled to do as he likes

Peter Staunton

Penaldo?! Now all can see how much Real miss Ronaldo

The defending European champions cannot count on their all-time top goalscorer to get them out of trouble and consequently are in a downward spiral

Peter Staunton

Mou and Lukaku may never be right for each other

Belgium's top scorer is undergoing a crisis at club level, where he has been without a goal for eight games, but his style may never wholly suit

Peter Staunton

Rafinha passes Messi audition ahead of Clasico

The Brazilian should be in line to start at the weekend following his goalscoring contribution against Inter while compatriot Arthur also excelled

Peter Staunton

Usain Bolt is not a footballer and never will be

The sprinter's trial period in Australia looks to be coming to an end, with little to no chance of him becoming a professional player

Peter Staunton

Salah's back! International break did Klopp a favour

Last season's top scorer looked more like his old self in helping the Reds end their poor run of form with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Huddersfield

Peter Staunton

How Mourinho's tactics are holding De Gea back

All England's top teams now boast shot-stoppers superb with the ball at their feet, but Manchester United still struggle to build from the back

Peter Staunton

Rashford relives 'crazy' World Cup & how Man Utd moulded him

After an appearance in the World Cup 2018 semi-finals, the striker believes that the time is right to demonstrate that they can beat top teams

Peter Staunton

Premier League winners & losers so far this season

These have been turbulent times for the Special One as he clings to his job but for the likes of the Leicester playmaker the season started brightly

Peter Staunton

Is struggling Lopetegui Madrid's Moyes?

The Spanish boss has struggled to live up to the high expectations at the club and he might be facing an impossible task

Peter Staunton

Try sack him now! Mou taps into United spirit of old

The Portuguese looked a dead man walking with his side 2-0 down to Newcastle after just nine minutes but he was rescued by some unlikely heroes

Peter Staunton

Why Man United should sell Pogba to PSG

Jose Mourinho might be gathering most of the criticism but the atmosphere around the club's star midfielder has deteriorated to a terrible extent

Peter Staunton

Barca are CL favourites but only because of Messi

The No. 10 has set off at a searing pace in Europe season as he looks to single-handedly end Real Madrid's run of three consecutive titles

Peter Staunton

Why can't Madrid score? World Cup demons haunt Real

A strong start to the season is well and truly in the rear-view mirror as Julen Lopetegui contemplates three goalless games without a victory

Peter Staunton

Valverde playing with fire by resting Barcelona ace Messi

Barca look clueless without their star man, and with the focus on winning the Champions League standards have been much lower in La Liga as a result

Peter Staunton

The best player in the world: Hazard set free by Sarri

Following on from a terrific World Cup with Belgium, the Chelsea ace has started the season in better form than any of the game's other superstars

Peter Staunton

It's about respect - Ronaldo & Messi snub showed none

The two stars set a poor example by choosing to skip Monday's award show in London, with the men's best player prize won by Luka Modric

Peter Staunton

Three goals for £20m a year: Is this all Alexis has to offer?

The Chilean is the highest-paid player in the league and is doing what is asked of him, yet looks nothing like the forward that excelled at Arsenal

Peter Staunton

What can Liverpool and Lyon teach Man City and PSG?

English champions City and French champions PSG are again the favourites to reign supreme domestically but they were both soundly beaten in Europe

Peter Staunton

Move over, Mr Champions League! Asensio is CR7's successor

The winners of four of the last five Champions League titles had their Portuguese striker to thank for their success but opted not to replace him

Peter Staunton

Barca the new Galacticos as Leo lights up Champions League

Once upon a time they had the system the world envied but there is a 'Galactico' quality about Barca these days meaning they are more reliant on Messi

Peter Staunton

Gigi, you're dropped! Buffon & Tuchel set for showdown

It would appear the Juventus legend was very much the choice of the club whereas the new coach would prefer to play with Alphonse Areola in goal

Peter Staunton

How CR7 will help Juve conquer Europe...and the world

Italy's most successful team are about to become a lot more popular worldwide thanks to the signing of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner

Peter Staunton

200 not out: Arsenal hero Ozil silences critics

A landmark game for the German playmaker gave Arsenal a third successive Premier League win and reminded the doubters of his quality

Peter Staunton

Lucas the X-Factor Spurs need to beat Liverpool

It took the Brazilian more than half a season to adjust to English football, but a solid start to 2018-19 has seen him crowned Player of the Month

Peter Staunton

Asensio, Balotelli and winners & losers of international week

There was a surprise presidential appearance in Liberia and some of the world's hottest young talents were in fine form during the Nations League

Peter Staunton

Don't let mistakes fool you - Cech is adapting well!

Despite the signing of Bernd Leno, the Gunners coach put his faith in the veteran by making him captain at the start of the season

Peter Staunton

Pogba: A France GOAT, a Man Utd scapegoat

The World Cup winner is back in his homeland after a testing few weeks amid renewed links with Barcelona and Luis Suarez making overtures

Peter Staunton

Mendes was right - Ronaldo UEFA snub was shameful!

The Juventus star will need a superhuman season - even by his own high standards - to cart off individual awards as his greatness is taken for granted

Peter Staunton

Winners & Losers of the Champions League draw

Champions Real Madrid will be confident of topping the group but it's a different story for Premier League sides Liverpool and Manchester United

Peter Staunton

Ozil's problem? He's too good for Arsenal

Football is decided less by moments of brilliance by superstars than it is by mistakes and no team makes more critical errors than the Gunners

Peter Staunton

Mourinho his rival? That's an insult to Guardiola!

Manchester United's struggles against smaller opponents continue while the Man City boss has devised an unconventional solution to attain victories

Peter Staunton

Man Utd must not lose Pogba over Mourinho row

The recent tension between the two has led to speculation that the World Cup winner might well be leaving but it would be short-sighted in the extreme

Peter Staunton

How will Messi and Ronaldo cope without each other?

The Portugal star has admitted that the Argentine inspired him to go higher and it is intriguing to consider the effect his departure will have

Peter Staunton

Lloris: World Cup successes can boost 'hungry' Spurs

The France skipper believes that those who missed out on lifting the biggest trophy of them all in Russia will be key to Spurs' fortunes this term

Peter Staunton

Spurs old guard shines at Newcastle

Mauricio Pochettino is off to the best start despite the lack of transfer activity around the club and will be happy to get the season up and running

Peter Staunton

Could Morata be ditched for ‘false 9’ Hazard?

Early indications are that the Spanish striker might struggle to fulfil the brief up front for the new boss while Olivier Giroud is not ideal either

Peter Staunton

Winners and losers of Premier League transfer window

Jose Mourinho is clearly unhappy with his club's business this summer, but who else will be crying and who will be smiling now the window is closed?

Peter Staunton

Hazard would mean post-Ronaldo revolution at Madrid

Julen Lopetegui is going to have to find 50 goals a season from somewhere now that Ronaldo has gone but he wouldn't get them from the Chelsea attacker

Peter Staunton

Vive la France! Mbappe, Pogba & Griezmann rule the world

France were in trouble despite leading against Croatia in the World Cup final but a couple of moments of genius from Pogba and Mbappe did the trick

Peter Staunton

Who’s laughing now? Lovren’s world-class redemption

Liverpool man was widely derided earlier in the season but having played a Champions League final now stands on the brink of being a World Cup holder

Peter Staunton

Walker: Southgate makes you feel like the best in the world

England lost to Croatia in their World Cup semi-final, but the Manchester City defender remains full of praise for his manager

Peter Staunton

Ronaldo’s success outside of Spain is why he's the GOAT

The Portugal captain is aiming for a league title in a third country and a Champions League with a third club and that demonstrates his brilliance

Peter Staunton

'Thank you, England, for making us believe'

Dream dies here as Croatia overcome their third extra-time to make the World Cup final for the very first time; for England 52 years of hurt goes on

Peter Staunton

How Southgate made England fall in love with football again

For the first time in years there is optimism around the Three Lions at an international tournament and a large part of the credit goes to the manager

Peter Staunton

Martinez: We'll never be better prepared for Brazil

Belgium landed on the trickier side of the World Cup draw and will have to beat the five-time champions if they are to progress to the semi-finals

Peter Staunton

Martinez: De Bruyne's role in Belgium team 'underrated'

The Manchester City midfielder plays deeper for his country than he does for his club but his manager insists it does not make him less effective

Peter Staunton

Martinez backs Meunier to stop Neymar

Belgium have the inside track on Brazil's superstar No. 10 as their right wing-back plays alongside him at club level and has marked him well before

Peter Staunton

Martinez hails Lukaku: He has an elite brain

Striker's stepover in the last minute against Japan paved the way for Nacer Chadli to score the winner and that points to his evolution as a player

Peter Staunton

Martinez: Every coach would love a Fellaini

The Belgian midfielder has impressed in his last two outings at the World Cup and has also been rewarded with a new Manchester United contract

Peter Staunton

England: Keep calm and coming home?

There was a sense of cruel destiny as England somehow played themselves into a penalty shootout, but a glorious defiance in overcoming that barrier

Peter Staunton

Police, abuse & violence - the lives of Russia's gay football fans

Efforts are being made to take advantage of what has been a more open and tolerant country this summer by a community seeking equality and fairness

Peter Staunton

Spain's World Cup began terribly, went rapidly downhill from there

These players try to play the same kind of football which got trophies in 2008, 2010 and 2012 but they are missing the characteristics of champions

Peter Staunton

Boring Spain go backwards & exposed by Russia

These players try to play the same kind of football which got trophies in 2008, 2010 and 2012 but they are missing the characteristics of champions

Peter Staunton

Why Spain would be wrong to drop De Gea

The Manchester United keeper is under immense pressure in the Spain goal following a high-profile mistake but it is the right decision to stick by him

Peter Staunton

Brazil and Neymar have got to improve

The five-time champions can look forward to a last-16 date with Mexico and are also celebrating the elimination of Germany but work needs to be done

Peter Staunton

Bootless Iran's World Cup triumph against adversity

Carlos Queiroz's side are going home but plenty of fans around the world were willing them to go through against Portugal in their final group game

Peter Staunton

Time for Griezmann to join World Cup party

Euro 2016 top scorer has one goal here but the difference between France hitting expectations or going home early could come down to his scoring form

Peter Staunton

World-class Lukaku unplayable for Belgium

The records are tumbling for the Red Devils - who scored five goals for the first time ever in a World Cup match - and their all-time top scorer

Peter Staunton

Martinez & Belgium searching for balance

The major challenge for the bigger teams in Russia is figuring out how to put away those middling sides who have become so adept at repelling attacks

Peter Staunton

Feed the GOAT and he will score! CR7 leaving greats behind

Cristiano Ronaldo's goalscoring is without modern or historical precedent; against Morocco he broke another record. It's futile to deny his brilliance

Peter Staunton

How Wolves pulled off Rui Patricio transfer coup

Portugal's No.1 will be at Molineux next season following a controversial free transfer which sees Jorge Mendes at odds with Sporting

Peter Staunton

Will Lewandowski leave Bayern for Real Madrid?

The Poland captain insists his mind is on the job at the World Cup but there is considerable uncertainty over where he'll be playing his club football

Peter Staunton

Germany in a world of hurt after Mexico shock

The world champions have some tough work ahead of them following this unexpected defeat by El Tri, which laid bare frailties in Joachim Low's side

Peter Staunton

Werner the future of Germany...and maybe Bayern

It will be a huge tournament for the Bundesliga's brightest young talent as clubs as big as Bayern Munich reportedly consider a bid for his services

Peter Staunton

Don't blame Messi penalty miss for Argentina failures

Much will be made of the Barcelona man's inability to convert from 12 yards but Argentina should not need a penalty to beat Iceland

Peter Staunton

Forget Messi, Argentina are a complete mess

Lionel Messi leads the cast again as Argentina attempt to go one further than their runners-up slot four years ago but they are beset by problems

Peter Staunton

Golovin genius caps dream start for 'worst Russia' ever

It was said Russia would struggle to make an impact at their own World Cup but thanks in part to the CSKA midfielder, the hosts are off to a flyer

Peter Staunton

Adios Andres: A magician's final goodbye?

The iconic midfielder has made a huge impact on Spain's successes over the past decade or so and is looking to bow out on a high

Peter Staunton

From League Two to the World Cup - Morsy's amazing story

The Wigan captain helped his team earn promotion to the Championship this year and his remarkable journey now takes in a World Cup with Egypt

Peter Staunton

Welcome to the English Football League revolution

Fulham and Aston Villa go head to head in football's most lucrative game on Saturday but the EFL in general is in the midst of a revolution

Peter Staunton

Salah should worry about 'Mr Champions League' Marcelo

The Brazilian left-back rarely receives the plaudits some of his team-mates do but he has been key to Real Madrid's European dominance

Peter Staunton

This is Hazard! Galactico Eden strikes down Jose

The Belgian, in his 300th Blues appearance, walked the walk after stating earlier in the week that the club needed to do better in the transfer market

Peter Staunton

A lesson for Jose? How FA Cup glory saved Sir Alex

It's perhaps hard to believe now but there was a time when Sir Alex Ferguson was under serious pressure at Old Trafford before he won his first trophy

Peter Staunton

How Martinez is solving Hazard-De Bruyne conundrum

The Spaniard has signed a contract extension until 2020 and his ability to coax performances from his star duo has been key to productive Belgian form

Peter Staunton

Three promoted teams defy the odds

Newcastle, Brighton and Huddersfield survived their first season in the Premier League at the expense of teams who really ought to have done better

Peter Staunton

Hughton & Brighton yet again defy expectation

Their Premier League status at last secured, last season's Championship runners-up with a standard-bearer at the helm can now plan for next term

Peter Staunton

Deserved finalists Liverpool overachieving due to Klopp

The Reds have improved beyond doubt season after season under their manager and a chance at ultimate glory in the final is richly deserved

Peter Staunton

'Infectious' Wilfried Zaha on life after Man Utd

The Ivory Coast forward has been subject to severe scrutiny in recent weeks but he is putting all that criticism aside and is in the form of his life

Peter Staunton

Sorry but Bayern aren't good enough to conquer Europe

Big changes are afoot this summer with new players and a new coach earmarked for arrival but Bayern have got major problems surmounting this phase

Peter Staunton

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