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Only one player from outside Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund makes the top 20, but who are the best options for your Ultimate Team this year?

Getty20Leon Goretzka – Bayern Munich – CM – 84The now 24-year-old Goretzka rather burst onto the FUT scene back in 2018 with a slew of special cards, and he hasn't looked back since. Another slight upgrade this season sees one of the most balanced midfielders in the game get even better. With only six in-game stats below 75, standing at 6'2" with a 4* weak foot, expect Goretzka to be in every other team you face this year.AdvertisementGetty Images19Kingsley Coman – Bayern Munich – LM – 84Another of the young players expected to lead Bayern into a bright future, wing wizard Coman's slight upgrade this year suggests he's on the right track. Plenty will be annoyed to see his skill moves drop down to 4* but with pace to burn and excellent dribbling stats, he's still going to be dangerous.Getty18Jadon Sancho – Borussia Dortmund – RM – 84The saviour of English football started last season as a silver card, but he's now going to be one of the most dangerous widemen in the game. Plenty of pace, incredible dribbling stats, 5* skill moves and a 4* weak foot, plus he was born in the year 2000 so the existential crisis he'll trigger in older opponents will give you a psychological edge. ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty17Julian Brandt – Borussia Dortmund – CAM – 84This is a very nicely well-rounded card. An upgrade after last year's Team of the Season and a switch infield from the wing means Brandt feels like a brand new player, and he looks like a perfect attacking fulcrum. Lanky, with 4* skill moves and weak foot and good creative and attacking stats across the board, he looks an excellent option behind your strikers.

The Gunners have been big spenders this summer – but Mikel Arteta still wants more firepower

There is now less than a week left of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal have been busy so far, with Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Viera, Marquinhos and Matt Turner all being brought in since the end of last season.

But will the Gunners be doing any more business before Thursday night's 11pm transfer deadline? 

Below, GOAL takes a look at what could still happen in north London during the closing days of the window.

GettyIncomings – Pedro Neto

Arsenal are interested in Pedro Neto, but as of yet they have not made an official offer to Wolves.

The discussions that have been going on behind the scenes have been taking place with Jorge Mendes, Neto’s agent.

Arsenal technical director Edu has a good relationship with Mendes and has already worked closely with him this summer as part of the deal that brought Fabio Vieira to the club from Porto.

Wolves do not want to sell Neto, but with Mendes having a huge influence at the Midlands club, he could yet have a major say on what happens with the winger during the final days of the transfer window.

If Wolves stand firm, however, and demand a fee in excess of £50 million for the 22-year-old, Arsenal fear they could be priced out of a move, given their hefty outlay on transfers over the past two summers.

While club sources insist they currently have no issues surrounding Financial Fair Play rules and that things are being run in line with Premier League and UEFA regulations, there is an acceptance that a deal for Neto could prove to be too expensive to pursue this summer.

Arsenal have only brought in around £20 million from sales this summer and the prospect of bringing in any substantial funds during the closing days of the window appears slim.

AdvertisementGettyYouri Tielemans

Tielemans’ story has been an interesting one this summer.

Arsenal hold a long-term interest in the Leicester City midfielder and were expected to bid for him following talks with his representatives last season.

But they have yet to submit an offer, leaving Tielemans – who has just one year left on his deal with the Foxes – somewhat in limbo.

He expected to move this summer, with Leicester open to sanctioning his exit to bring in some funds.

But Arsenal focused their attention elsewhere as they prioritised other signings and they have yet to rekindle their interest in the Belgium international.

There is still a chance Tielemans will move before the deadline and while it’s unlikely it will be to Arsenal, the possibility can’t be entirely ruled out, given how long the midfielder has been on the radar at the Emirates and the work that has already been done behind the scenes with his agent.

GettyA wildcard?

If Neto proves to be too expensive and Arsenal continue to overlook Tielemans, could there be a surprise arrival over the final week of the window?

Mikel Arteta has publicly stated his desire to do some more business, with the Gunners boss admitting after the win at Bournemouth last weekend that he wanted more ‘firepower’.

One player who is believed to be of interest is Yeremy Pino at Villarreal, with sources in Spain confirming to GOAL that the 19-year-old is admired by the North London club.

But just like Neto, Pino would not come cheap, and no offer has been made at this stage.

Wilfried Zaha is another name that is being touted around, but prizing him away from Crystal Palace this late in the window would be extremely difficult.

“We want to only bring top quality through that door,” Arteta said last week. “Otherwise it’s not worth it.”

Arsenal showed in January that they won’t push the panic button and bring a player in just for the sake of it if they can’t get their main targets.

So the prospect of them spending big money on a player who they might not be convinced by seems slim.

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Getty/GoalOutgoings – Hector Bellerin

With Nicolas Pepe’s loan move to Nice now confirmed, attentions shifts to getting the last couple of unwanted players out of the door.

A move to Real Betis remains the most likely option for Hector Bellerin, but Barcelona are also lurking.

The Catalan outfit have yet to make an official offer for the right-back as they have been looking at Juan Foyth at Villarreal, but they have been in talks with the Arsenal star's camp.

And Bellerin’s representatives are waiting to see if Barcelona firm up their interest in the defender as deadline day approaches.

Betis meanwhile are working to free up space in their squad for Bellerin, who enjoyed a fine loan spell with the La Liga outfit last season.

They are also hoping that Arsenal will come to an agreement to terminate Bellerin’s contract a year early.

Talks between Arsenal and Belelrin’s representatives have taken place about a potential termination, but so far no agreement has been reached.

The expectation is, however, that Bellerin will certainly leave Arsenal before the end of the window.

Bayern Munich earned another memorable victory over Barcelona, this time beating the Spanish club 2-0 on Tuesday.

Barcelona took Bayern Munich's star this summer, but the German club continue to torment the Blaugrana with or without Robert Lewandowski.

Talk of a new era, spurred on by the Lewandowski signing, will be put on hold, even if the Catalans were much better this time around than they have been in recent meetings. They were actually in control for much of the first half, but were far too wasteful in front of the net.

From the famous 8-2 to a pair of 3-0 results last season, Bayern Munich have humbled Barcelona in recent years, and Xavi's team were quieted once again at the Allianz Arena.

Lucas Hernandez seized the momentum with a header early in the second half, while an absolutely dazzling finish from Leroy Sane sealed Barcelona's fate.

Getty ImagesThe Winners

Dayot Upamecano:

A wall. An absolute wall.

What a performance from the French defender, who was handed the start over Matthijs de Ligt. He paid back Julian Nagelsmann in a big way.

Upamecano was virtually faultless, going toe-to-toe with his former team-mate Lewandowski all day. He snuffed out several clear-cut chances, essentially saving the game several times before Bayern Munich's attack turned on.

He was often criticised in his first season with Bayern Munich, but he's a key man now.

Leroy Sane:

What can you say about that goal?

It's moments of magic like Sane's that get fans out of their seats, and boy did they rise at the Allianz. Sane can do things that few in the world can match.

There's something special about seeing him in full stride, although Barcelona won't feel as happy to have witnessed it. As he ran straight through Barcelona's new-look defence, all they could do was chase what must have felt like a shadow.

And as Sane tapped his shot past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and into the back of the net, the game was effectively over.

The Bayern Munich way:

The players and coaches change, but the results sure don't. Bayern are Bayern, no matter who wears the shirt.

Lewandowski was on the other side, but it didn't matter. Bayern Munich had others pick up the slack.

As Gary Lineker once famously said, "Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win."

No one better exemplifies that than Bayern Munich – when you come to their home, you know what you're in for. It may not have been as dominant in as years past, but it was equally effective.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers

Robert Lewandowski:

This wasn't the homecoming he dreamed about.

Lewandowski was all smiles before the match, greeting his former team-mates in the tunnel. He embraced Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller and Joshua Kimmich, players who stood alongside him as he became arguably the best in the world.

But, playing in his former home, Lewandowski didn't look like the best in the world. Instead, he looked oddly human.

Lewandowski was uncharacteristically wasteful, even if he was as dominant as usual when it came to chance creation.

Chances were missed and moments were wasted, as Lewandowski and Barcelona were never able to seize control of the game, even if they should have.

Marcos Alonso:

For 45 minutes, Alonso demonstrated exactly why Barcelona signed him from Chelsea. He looked like the stopgap everyone expected to be, an exceptional left-back to bridge the gap from Jordi Alba to the next generation.

One moment of negligence doesn't lose him that status, but it did contribute to Barcelona losing the game.

It was a mental lapse that those that follow Chelsea would be familiar with. With the game still scoreless after a strong Barcelona first half, Alonso completely turned off for a set piece.

Lucas Hernandez dashed in, and Alonso was left defending no one. Completely free with his header, it was an easy finish for the French World Cup winner.

Ousmane Dembele:

Dembele has played himself into a different stratosphere this year, becoming one of the most dangerous wingers in the world. Becuse of that, the expectations are now higher.

World-class wingers aren't allowed to be as wasteful as Dembele was because, wow, was he wasteful. Dembele gave the ball away time and time again as Barcelona's attack lacked the needed edge in the final third.

Raphinha, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres… Barcelona can survive a day when they aren't at their best. But, at this point, they can't win these big games unless Dembele is an absolute killer, and he simply wasn't on Tuesday night.

Getty ImagesBarcelona Ratings: Defence

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (5/10):

Absolutely undone by Sane, but so was the entire Barcelona defence.

Marcos Alonso (5/10):

Solid, except for one moment, but it was the one moment that counted.

Andreas Christensen (7/10):

Didn't do much wrong and won every duel he was a part of.

Ronald Araujo (6/10):

Nothing spectacular.

Jules Kounde (6/10):

Played at right-back. Not much offensively, but was okay in defence.

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Getty ImagesMidfield

Pedri (7/10):

What a player he is. Deserved at least one or two goal contributions. Arguably Barcelona's best man – though he should have finished better.

Sergio Busquets (6/10):

Started over Kessie, was good on the ball, but did have a few scary moments as Bayern Munich overran the midfield.

Gavi (7/10):

All intensity as a new contract nears. Fantastic on the ball, but was sacrificed after the goals.

Everything you need to know about the French superstar!

Kylian Mbappe is a French footballer who plays as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team.

Born in 1998, he is considered one of the most talented and exciting young players in the world.

Mbappe began his professional career with Monaco, where he played a key role in their Ligue 1 title win in 2016-2017.

He then joined Paris Saint-Germain in a deal that made him one of the most expensive teenage footballers in history.

Since joining PSG, Mbappe has established himself as one of the best attacking players in the world, winning multiple Ligue 1 titles and French Cups. He has also been awarded the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award twice and was a key player for the French national team as they won the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Mbappe is known for his incredible pace, dribbling skills, and finishing ability, and is widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation.

But what are the 13 things you absolutely need to know about the attacker?

Bondy’s ‘Boy Wonder’

Mbappe was born on December 20, 1998, in Bondy, France.

His father, Wilfried Mbappe, was a football coach and later his agent and his mother, Fayza Lamari, was a former handball player who represented France.

He is known to be very close to his family and has said in the past that his father is his biggest inspiration.

AdvertisementgettyCristiano Ronaldo as his idol

Mbappe is self-admittedly a big fan of Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo and has said that he grew up idolising the player.

Monaco youth academy

Mbappe joined the Bondy youth academy at the age of six. His father Wilfried was one of the sporting directors of the local club and had served them for close to 25 years.

In 2010, at the age of 12, Mbappe headed to the Clairefontaine Academy where he spent three years, before joining Monaco.

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GettyThe breakthrough season

The 2016-17 campaign proved to be a breakthrough season for Mbappe as he made a massive impact for Monaco.

He scored 11 goals in Ligue 1 and helped his club win the league title.

Mbappe's performances earned him a call-up to the French national team in 2017 and he also won the Golden Boy award in the same year.

How to watch Celtic vs Rangers in the Scottish Premiership in the US as well as kick-off time and team news.

Celticwill host Rangersin a top-of-the-table clash in theScottish Premiership on Saturday.

Watch Celtic vs Rangers live on Fubo today!

The hosts have already claimed two victories in the Old Firm derby this season and Celtic coach Ange Postecoglou is gunning for a third one. They have won their last 15 matches across all competitions and have been in sublime form since the new year.

They currently lead the table by nine points and another victory over the weekend would be a giant stride towards lifting the championship. They boast of a perfect record at home, winning all 15 matches at Parkhead, and are the favourites in the derby this time around.

Meanwhile, Rangers continue to chase their arch-rivals and despite winning their last 10 league matches, they are still lagging behind in the title race. Although a win would reduce the deficit, they will not have their fortunes in their hands. It will be a tough afternoon at Parkhead as there will be no away fans in the stands following a mutual agreement between the two clubs.

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

Getty ImagesKick-off timeGame:Celtic vs RangersDate:April 8, 2023Kick-off:8:30 am EDTVenue:Celtic Park

The game is scheduled for April 8, 2023, at Celtic Park. It will kick off at 8:30 am EDT in the US.

AdvertisementGettyHow to watch Celtic vs Rangers online – TV channels & live streamsTV channels & streaming options

Country TV channel Live stream

U.S.N/A

CBS Sports Network, Fubo

In the United States (US) it will be available for streaming via CBS Sports Network and Fubo.

GettyTeam news & squadsCeltic team news

Celtic will miss Liel Abada, James Forrest and Anthony Ralston with injuries whereas, Reo Hatate remains doubtful as he is nursing a hamstring problem.

However, they will be boosted with the return of Aaron Mooy and Greg Taylor.

Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota, and Daizen Maeda are likely to form a three-man attack.

Position

Players

Goalkeepers

Hart, Bain, Siegrist, Hazard

Defenders

Jenz, Carter-Vickers, Bernabei, Juranovic, Kobayashi. Montgomery, Taylor

Midfielders

Mooy, Turnbull, Abildgaard, O'Riley, Robertson, McGregor, McCarthy.

Forwards

Furuhashi, Maeda, Jota

Rangers team news

Rangers also have a few injury issues and will miss Kemar Roofe, Tom Lawrence, Steven Davis, Filip Helander and Nnamdi Ofoborh.

However, Nicolas Raskin might recover in time to make it to the matchday squad.

Allan McGregor will keep his place in goal and will be shielded by a back four of James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and Borna Barisic.

Position

Players

Goalkeepers

McGregor, McCrorie, K. Wright, McLaughlin

Defenders

Tavernier, Goldson, Barisic, King, Devine, Davies, Yilmaz.

Midfielders

Lundstram, Hagi, Jack, Matondo, Kamara, Sands, S. Wright, McCann, Arfield, Lowry, Tillman, Cantwell, Raskin

Forwards

Colak, Kent, Morelos, Sakala.

Head-to-head record

Date Result Competition

26/02/2023Rangers 1-2 CelticLeague Cup02/01/2023Rangers 2-2 CelticPremiership03/09/2022Celtic 4-0 RangersPremiership01/05/2022Celtic 1-1 RangersPremiership17/04/2022Celtic 1-2 RangersFA CupENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty ImagesUseful links

Celtic team page

Live soccer on TV in the U.S.

Rangers team page

How to watch and stream Arsenal vs Southampton in the Premier League on TV and online in the United States.

Arsenal take on Southampton in a crucial Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Friday.

▶Watch Arsenal vs Southampton live on Sling TV today!▶Watch Arsenal vs Southampton live on Sky Sports today!

The hosts are unbeaten in their last 23 Premier League home games against Southampton (W16 D7), the most one side has hosted another without ever losing in the competition.

However, Mikel Arteta's side let a two-goal lead slip in each of their last two Premier League games (2-2 draws at both Liverpool and West Ham), which made them just the fifth side in the competition's history to do so.

Indeed, the Gunners have dropped as many points from being ahead in these two games (four) as they had in their previous 47 matches (draws with Southampton and Brentford this season).

Meanwhile, Southampton find themselves at the bottom of the table and are desperate for points. They have won just six times in the league this season out of 31 appearances and taking on Arsenal at the Emirates is a daunting task, to say the least.

GOAL brings you details on how to watch the game on TV in the U.S.

(C)Getty ImagesKick-off time

Game:

Arsenal vs Southampton

Date:

April 21, 2023

Kick-off:

4:00 pm ET

Venue:

Emirates Stadium

The game is scheduled for April 21, at Emirates Stadium. It will kick off at 4 pm ET in the U.S.

AdvertisementGettyHow to watch Arsenal vs Southampton on TV & live stream online

In theUnited States (USA), the game will be broadcasted on theUSA NetworkandUNIVERSOand can be live-streamed onSling TVandNBC Sports app/website.

Country TV Channel Live stream

USUSA Network, UNIVERSOSling TV, NBC Sports app/website.Check out GOAL's Soccer on US TV guideTeam news & squads

Arsenal team news

Arsenal have a few injury concerns going into this fixture as they are certainly going to miss Mohamed Elneny, William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko's return gets delayed and Kieran Tierney will continue to start in the XI.

"We will see that one as well, not certain. It's a muscle injury, and he needs some time to heal. We're not there yet," Arteta informed.

Position

Players

Goalkeepers

Ramsdale, Turner.

Defenders

Gabriel, Kiwior, Holding, White.

Midfielders

Partey, Jorginho, Xhaka, Smith Rowe, Vieira, Odegaard.

Forwards

Martinelli, Trossard, Saka, Nelson, Jesus, Nketiah.

Southampton team news

Juan Larios, Valentino Livramento, Mislav Orsic and Mohammed Salisu are injured while Ainsley Maitland-Niles is not eligible against his parent club.

Romain Perraud is likely to replace Maitland-Niles.

However, Che Adams might return to the squad after overcoming a calf issue.

Position Players

Goalkeepers:Bazunu, McCarthy, CabelleroDefenders:Caleta-Car, Lyanco, Perraud, Bree, Bella-KotchapMidfielders:Lavia, Diallo, Ward-Prowse, Alcaraz, S. Armstrong, Aribo, Sulemana, Elyounoussi, Djenepo, Edozie, WalcottForwards:A. Armstrong, Onuachu, Mara, AdamsHead-to-head recordDateResultCompetition23/10/2022Southampton 1-1 ArsenalPremier League16/04/2022Southampton 1-0 ArsenalPremier League11/12/2021Arsenal 3-0 SouthamptonPremier League27/01/2021Southampton 1-3 ArsenalPremier League23/01/2021Southampton 1-0 ArsenalFA CupENJOYED THIS STORY?

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GettyUseful linksArsenal team pageSouthampton team pageLive soccer on U.S. TV

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Everything you need to know about the new Bayern Munich kits for 2023-24

Bayern Munich and adidas continue their partnership into the 2023-24 season, having signed a kit deal back in 2015 that will see the duo working together until 2030.

adidas unveiled the Bayern Munich 2023-24 home kit on May 17, so both club and adidas will already be gearing up for the release of the rest of the 2023-24 kit collection very soon. The German sportswear giant have rarely let supporters down with their kits, however many were not fans of the 2022-23 home kit, will they redeem themselves for the 2023-24 season…

So, what new kits will Bayern Munich wear in 2023-24? GOAL takes a look at the jerseys that are set to be sported by Sadio Mané, Thomas Müller and co., while we also give you the lowdown on rumours and leaks alongside details on how to buy them online. 

Bayern Munich 2023-24 kits

Bayern Munich 2023-24 home kit, release date & priceadidas$100.00 at adidas

adidas unveiled the Bayern Munich 2023-24 home kit on May 17. The all-new home kit celebrates the club's DNA, with a new take on the iconic red and white of Bayern.

The kit comes with an all-over white base and contrasting red sleeves, paying homage to the first home kit worn by the club in their first season in the Bundesliga. Featuring unique design elements like a message inside the collar, which reads 'Rot & Weiß ein Leben lang' – translated to 'red & white for life' – referencing one of the club's bylaws that home kits must feature red and white.

The Bayern Munich 2023-24 home kit is available to buy right now from adidas. A replica men's shirt retailing for £80.00.

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Bayern Munich 2023-24 away kit, release date & priceGOALShop Bayern Munich kits at adidas

With the home kit already released, we should expect to see the release of the Bayern Munich 2023-24 away kit soon. There is yet to be a confirmed away kit, although as usual, speculation and leaks are everywhere.

The latest Twitter leak depicts an away kit unlike anything we have seen Bayern do before. Supposedly taking on a darker blue, almost-black base, leaks show a kit accented with a bright purple on the sides and Three Stripes. The base also features an all-over graphic pattern of geometric shapes, in purple and green.

There is yet no confirmed Bayern Munich 2023-24 kit, but if rumours are anything to go by, this season's away kit will be going in a new direction. The away kit will retail for the same price as the home kit – a replica men's shirt retailing for £80.00 at adidas.

Bayern Munich 2023-24 third kit, release date & priceGetty ImagesShop Bayern Munich kits at adidas

Having gone with a white-based home kit this year, fans will be pleased to hear rumours that the Bayern Munich 2023-24 third kit will take on the classic Bayern red base.

Latest speculation on Twitter points towards a third kit that very closely resembles the Bayern Munich 2000-01 Champion's League winning kit.

There is no confirmed Bayern Munich 2023-24 third kit or a speculated release date, but we should expect to see it unveiled in late summer 2023. The third kit will retail for the same price as the home and away kits, a men's replica shirt retailing for £80.00 at adidas.

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Bayern Munich 2023-24 training kit, release date & priceadidas$70.00 at adidas

Rich in the Bayern Munich DNA, the 2023-24 pre-match jersey lets the essence of the legendary team shine through. Showing off the club’s recognisable team colours and symbols, the all-new pre-match shirt is designed to ignite high-energy performances pre-game.

A bold lozenge pattern – inspired by the flag of Bavaria – takes over the base of the shirt to create a striking look, full of regional pride. The FCB crest embroidered over the heart declares the club’s players' and supporters' lifelong passion for Bayern Munich.

The Bayern Munich 2023-24 pre-match kit is available to buy right now from adidas, retailing for £60.00.

Goals from Leandro Paredes and Cristian Romero sealed victory for La Albiceleste in their final game of the 2022-23 season

An Argentina team missing Lionel Messi laboured to a 2-0 friendly victory over Indonesia on Monday.The world champions stroked the ball around without much resistance from the off, but were blunt in front of goal. However, La Albiceleste would enter the interval 1-0 up thanks to a long-range stunner from Leandro Paredes.

Indonesia, currently 149th in the FIFA world rankings, did not go down without a fight, though. On the stroke of half-time, Emiliano Martinez was called into a reaction stop to prevent Ivar Jenner grabbing an equaliser from close range, while Elkan Baggott's looping header drew an even better save from the goalkeeper.

Argentina reasserted control in the 55th minute, when Cristian Romero rose high to nod home Giovani Lo Celso's whipped corner. They saw the game out fairly comfortably from there, with Pratama Arhan's long throws only sporadically giving them something to think about.

GOAL rates Argentina's players from the showpiece friendly at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Emiliano Martinez (7/10):

Not entirely absent from the action. The Aston Villa man was forced into one decent save on the stroke of half-time and had to stretch to keep Baggott's header out. A fine display.

Nahuel Molina (6/10):

Got up to support attacks constantly. Was beaten once, but he was otherwise solid.

Cristian Romero (7/10):

Even in this lowest-of-stakes friendly, his love for the physical side of the game shone through. He didn't give Indonesia's forwards an inch and scored a powerful header.

German Pezzella (6/10):

Wasn't as involved as his defensive partner, but nothing too worrying.

Facundo Medina (6/10):

Potentially the most comfortable afternoon he'll ever have in his career. Spent the majority of the game camped out in the Indonesia half before being subbed with a clean sheet secured.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Exequiel Palacios (6/10):

Laid off Paredes for his stunning opener. A few good moments, but the least involved of his side's starting midfielders.

Leandro Paredes (8/10):

Began strongly and capped off a fine first half with an unstoppable strike into the top corner that would have beaten any goalkeeper. His side's pass-master throughout.

Giovani Lo Celso (7/10):

Busy in the opening exchanges and provided the corner that Romero crashed home with his head.

Getty ImagesAttack

Nicolas Gonzalez (4/10):

A little disappointing. Wasn't involved enough and was replaced by Garnacho.

Julian Alvarez (5/10):

Fluffed two straightforward chances in the first half. Faded after the break.

Facundo Buonanotte (5/10):

Handed his international debut. Showed quick feet to round the keeper before the break, but couldn't score.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):

Tried to forced his way into the game, but very little came off for him. On the end of one crunching tackle that would have had Manchester United fans holding their collective breath.

Marcos Acuna (6/10):

On the ball a lot after coming on.

Lucas Ocampos (5/10):

Not a great deal to report.

Guido Rodriguez, Thiago Almada & Giovanni Simeone (N/A):
Padded their cap collections with a five-minute cameos.

Lionel Scaloni (6/10):

Shuffled his pack a little and the performances of Paredes and Lo Celso will have given him something to think about going forward. The capacity crowd in attendance certainly sounded like they enjoyed the World Cup holders coming to town, too.

The Portuguese will likely need to raise his game in 2023-24 given the influx of stars into the Saudi Pro League, but he disappointed against PSG

Cristiano Ronaldo was held scoreless and turned in a drab performance as his Al-Nassr side fought to an uneventful scoreless draw with PSG in their pre-season meeting in Osaka. Chances were rare in this high-profile friendly, with a Kylian Mbappe-less PSG lacking a goalscoring punch, instead turning to a litany of imperfect options and teenagers for attacking production.

Al-Nassr, meanwhile, looked to feed their main man, and he marked a relatively uneventful first half — if only because of his failure to put a chance away. Ronaldo met a floated cross from five yards out, but saw his weak effort thwarted by Gianluigi Donnarumma. He missed a far more speculative chance shortly after, putting a bicycle kick well past the post.

His miscues were the closest either team came for most of the contest. PSG, fielding a mixture of academy players and new signings, were lacking in possession, and never really strung a coherent attacking move together. Marco Asensio had the occasional half-chance, but his like of killer instinct cost Luis Enrique's side.

Ronaldo was removed from play after 65 minutes, slumping off the pitch and acknowledging the smattering of Al-Nassr shirts that stuck out in a sea of PSG fans. This wasn't his finest performance — far from it. Those showings are becoming less frequent these days, especially against tougher competition. And, if nothing else, this served as evidence that Ronaldo will need to raise his game once the competitive action begins.

GOAL looks at what we learned during the clash at Nagai Stadium:

Getty ImagesCristiano isn't ready yet

Ronaldo, in fairness, joined Al-Nassr when the Saudi Pro League season was well underway last season, and although a player of his quality is expected to quite comfortably dominate a lower-calibre division, there was always going to be something of an adjustment period.

Not anymore, though. This time, Ronaldo has no excuses. And in Al-Nassr's latest warm-up, the Portuguese didn't have much of an impact. A lot of the typical Ronaldo things were here. He floated around the box, waiting for the right cross or fortunate nick off a PSG defender. He broke out a few stepovers, chops, and turns — few of which were particularly necessary.

But his impact in front of goal — the thing he is supposed to be on the pitch for — was minimal. PSG certainly did their part defensively, but Ronaldo turned in a poor showing. Even he will need time to find form.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesZaire-Emery impresses again

Another game, another start for PSG's immensely promising teenager Warren Zaire-Emery. The academy product caught the eye in PSG's pre-season opener against Le Havre, and he was equally impressive here. Deployed alongside Vitinha, he looked far more comfortable than the 23-year-old, who started 29 games for the Parisians last season.

Al-Nassr have a sneakily good midfield pivot, lining up Marcelo Brozovic and Seko Fofana — an interesting blend of physicality and technique. Zaire-Emery danced around both of them, dictating play and offering an attacking thrust that the Parisians were otherwise missing.

PSG have five midfielders fighting for three spots in Luis Enrique's XI — with potentially more to come. But Zaire-Emery might just get his chance, and if this was to be his trial, it's hard to see what else he could've done to impress the new manager.

Getty ImagesAsensio is not a striker

Luis Enrique insisted on playing Asensio through the middle during his tenure as Spain manager, despite it yielding minimal results. And he did the same here, asking the winger to function as a sort of false nine for most of the contest.

The results, once again, were mixed. Asensio was full of energy and movement, and linked up well with PSG's wide players. But his instincts in the final third were lacking; this is not a player who likes to ghost into spaces, or win headers. It is, of course, in these times like these when PSG miss Mbappe, or crave a more direct presence off either wing.

Still, Luis Enrique looks likely to push on with this experiment, one that hasn't been working for some time now. It is, likely, not the role that the Spaniard signed up for when he left Real Madrid on a free transfer a few months ago.

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Getty ImagesNo Neymar to be found

Neymar underwent significant ankle surgery less than six months ago, and was always going to need time to work his way back to fitness. And even though he seems to be nearing a return, it appears he isn't quite ready yet.

But he should be back soon. Neymar was pictured in team training this week, and seen smiling from the bench. Still, he never got on the pitch, leaving a bit of uncertainty as to how, exactly, this PSG team will eventually line up. There seems to be a chance that Neymar could operate in a more attacking role, or provide a goal threat in Luis Enrique's side — especially with Mbappe likely gone.

But it seems that Luis Enrique will have to wait a bit longer before he is able to release his Brazilian weapon. He will undoubtedly be an important addition for this languishing PSG side.

Benjamin Cremaschi admits that he “didn’t want to let him go” after being jumped upon by Lionel Messi during an Inter Miami goal celebration.

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Argentine superstar in the United StatesHas made an immediate impactTeam-mates love having him aroundWHAT HAPPENED?

Cremaschi is, as an 18-year-old of Argentine decent, living the dream in 2023 after being joined in Florida by seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi. He is taking as many lessons as possible from the all-time great, with rapid progress on his part earning a call-up to the senior United States squad for the last round of international fixtures – with a debut taken in for the USMNT against Oman.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The teenager’s exploits at club level have made such recognition possible, with the youngster thriving alongside Messi. He teed up one effort for the 2022 World Cup winner during a MLS clash with the New York Red Bulls in August, allowing him to take in the most memorable of celebrations.

WHAT THEY SAID

Cremaschi has told the podcast of seeing Messi acknowledge his efforts before leaping into his arms: “Obviously he just pointed at me, kind of like dedicated it. He’s an amazing person and will never celebrate by himself. It’s incredible and just the moment he jumps on me… it was like another dream. You know, like the best player you’re celebrating a goal, incredible goal with him. I called my family after and they’re like ‘oh, how was it?’ I was like, I didn’t want to let him go!”

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Cremaschi has scored three goals of his own this season as his personal stock continues to rise. Messi has plundered 11 through 12 appearances, helping Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory and the final of the U.S. Open Cup, but he is currently nursing a knock and will be handled with care over the coming weeks in an ongoing MLS play-off bid.