Looking for Soccer News?

France head coach Didier Deschamps has said he is not concerned over N'Golo Kante's role at Chelsea, suggesting that being rested occasionally could be a positive for the midfielder. 

The 29-year-old has been a key figure at Stamford Bridge since joining in 2016, but has suffered from occasional injury problems. 

After missing most of January with a hamstring problem Kante has been brought back gradually, starting just half of his 12 total appearances. 

What was said?

"He is used to playing at a very high level, he does not save himself," Deschamps said at a press conference of Kante. "I am not unhappy when Tuchel does not start him every game.

"But everything is about communication. Players can arrive from their club not in ideal shape and then come back in better condition.

"The reverse is also possible. With Kante, it is more about physical problems that have been ongoing for several seasons. He does not save himself but he is like that, I will not change it.

"With a little experience, he is learning to manage himself."

The bigger picture

France will begin qualification for the 2022 World Cup on Wednesday with a match against Ukraine, before two further qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

The three matches also represent the last chance for players to impress Deschamps before he names his roster for this summer's rescheduled Euro 2020 tournament. 

With Les Bleus looking to go one better than 2016, when they finished runners-up, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris said he and his team-mates are eager to impress their manager.

"There are places to be won for the Euros," the Tottenham man said. "There are still things to be settled, collectively, to be on top at the Euros.

"It will be settled through matches, through competition. There is less at stake in friendly matches, but through these three matches it will give even more references. It's positive. As a player, you don't have to calculate too much."

Further reading

Cesar Prandelli has stepped down as Fiorentina boss in the midst of what the veteran coach described as a "period of deep distress".

Prandelli, 63, returned to the Viola for a second spell in charge in November after Giuseppe Iachini was sacked. 

Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Milan, though, proved his final game as he tendered his resignation two days later. 

What has he said? 

"This is the second time I’ve left Fiorentina. The first time was not my decision, but this time it is," Prandelli wrote in an open letter to fans published on Fiorentina's website on Tuesday. 

"In life, as well as the good times, there are also dark moments which can get on top of you. I have been going through a period of profound distress which is preventing me from being who I really am.

"I began this experience with joy and love, spurred on by the enthusiasm of the new owners. It’s likely that that my love for the city, and the memories of the great moments I’ve experienced here, made me blind to the early signs that something wasn’t right inside.

"My decision has been guided by the enormous responsibility I have towards the players, the club and – last but certainly not least – to the Fiorentina fans, for whom I have great respect. All players at this level have talent, and when you have talent you are perceptive – I wouldn’t want my distress to be picked up and affect the team’s performances.

"Over the past few months, a dark cloud has developed inside of me, changing the way I see things. I came here to give 100%, but I now feel that this is no longer possible and therefore I have decided to step back for the good of everyone involved."

Prandelli also hinted that the time may have come for him to retire from the game: "I’m aware that this could be the end of my career as a coach, but I have no regrets and don’t wish to have any. The world I’ve been a part of for my whole life probably isn’t right for me anymore – I no longer see myself in it.

"I’ve certainly changed, but the world is moving faster than I thought too. That’s why I believe the time has come for me to stop being swept along, stop for a while and rediscover my true self once again."

The bigger picture

Sunday's loss leaves Fiorentina in 14th place in Serie A, just seven points clear of the relegation zone with 10 games still to play of the 2020-21 season. 

Early reports, meanwhile, have suggested that Iachini could return to the post he left in 2020, on an interim basis until the end of the season.

Fiorentina will be back in action after the international break on the weekend of April 3, when they visit Genoa.

Further reading 

Ex-Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Farouk Khan says the Soweto giants are in decline because the club has lost its culture and philosophy. 

The Glamour Boys are currently enduring a drought having won their last major trophy in 2015 when they clinched the PSL title under coach Stuart Baxter. 

The current season has seen Amakhosi struggle in the PSL as they are placed ninth on the league standings having been eliminated from the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. 

“They must identify their playing style‚ philosophy and game model‚ it basically means they must identify their culture‚” said Khan when speaking to Sowetan.

“Chiefs had a culture which made them the Phefeni Glamour Boys and they have to search and go back to their roots. They must search for the type of players that will make sure that culture returns.

"They must ensure that they reinvent players like Patrick “Ace” Ntsoelengoe‚ Doctor Khumalo‚ Thabo Mooki‚ Nelson “Teenage” Dladla‚ Jabu (Pule) Mahlangu‚ Nhlanhla Kubheka‚ the list is endless.”

Khan served as an assistant to Ted Dumitru as Chiefs dominated South African football - winning two league titles between 2004 and 2005. 

The former Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach also played an important role in ensuring that the likes of Jabu Mahlangu‚ Gerald Sibeko‚ Junior Khanye and Thabiso Malatsi were promoted to Amakhosi's first team.

“Once they have done that‚ the next thing will be to ensure that they are able to manage the game and have that element of unpredictability‚ which is so important," he continued.

"Currently when you look at the best teams in the world‚ Pep Guardiola plays with inverted full-backs. One moment you see Joao Cancelo playing as a right-back and the next he is playing as a striker.

“That type of unpredictability is important at the highest level because most teams have what we call match analysis and they know each other.”

Chiefs ended a six-match winless run in the PSL when they beat their biggest rivals, Orlando Pirates 1-0 in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Sunday. 

However, Khan feels that the Glamour Boys lack creativity and they have become predictable under coach Gavin Hunt.

“Opposition coaches know what you are going to do in a game‚ like runs‚ passing and stuff like that‚ but a coach that comes with creativity will always keep you guessing," he said. 

"Creativity and unpredictability are lacking and there is also no consistency‚ which means players need to be mentally strong and know how to play as a unit and keep that yellow jersey shining.

“There is a lot of work ahead for this team moving forward‚ including at the development structures‚ because when a player is promoted he doesn’t have to come to the first team to learn the basics," he added. 

"They have some young players there at the moment but there is a lot of work to be done. With due respect to other teams in the league‚ there is a significant difference to playing for Chiefs than playing for some of the other teams."

Khan insisted that Hunt cannot be blamed for the team's problems and he also explained why experienced goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has been included in the current Bafana Bafana squad despite his poor form at Chiefs this term.

“I have worked with the chairman [Kaizer Motaung] and I know that he is a great admirer and believer in ball retention‚ but this is not what we see now and it is because of many reasons. You mustn’t put the blame on the coach because he found the team the way it is," he explained. 

“Don’t look at the symptoms‚ go to the root and you will find out that Chiefs have to go back to their roots. They must go back to the Chiefs that used to win cups and dominate‚ and the only way to get back there is to go back to their roots.

“During those years when they used to win trophies and dominate‚ you will find about five to six players in Bafana Bafana. But today there is not even a single player who is currently playing who has been called up to national duty. Itumeleng Khune is not playing regularly at Chiefs and he is in the national team as a motivator.”

Chiefs will face off with Morocco's Wydad Casablanca in their fifth Caf Champions League Group C game at FNB Stadium on April 3. 

The Nigeria senior national team had their first training in Lagos ahead of Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.

The three-time African kings take on the Squirrels in the Group L fixture, as a win for the Super Eagles would earn them a berth in Cameroon 2022.

Under the watchful eyes of German tactician Gernot Rohr, all the invited players except Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho took part in the training focused on ball work.

Rohr’s men will hold their second warm-up on Wednesday evening to finetune their strategies for the important encounter against Michel Dussuyer’s team.

The first leg staged at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo ended in defeat for Benin, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Samuel Kalu inspiring a 2-1 triumph, while their only strike was scored by Stephane Sessegnon.

Sadly, Sessegnon was omitted from his team’s 23-man squad as he remains without a club since the end of his spell at Turkish Super Lig outfit Genclerbirligi.

Nevertheless, the 36-year-old will be in the Squirrels camp as a non-playing captain to boost the morale of his teammates.

Nigeria lead Group L after accruing eight points from four outings, while Dussuyer’s side occupies second position with seven points, while Sierra Leone and Lesotho are third and fourth respectively.

Victory for Benin at Porto-Novo’s Stade Charles de Gaulle would guarantee them a ticket to their fifth appearance at the biennial African football showpiece.

After that, they head to the National Stadium Freetown for their last group fixture against the Leone Stars which could appear as a dead-rubber fixture.

Meanwhile, former Nigeria international Dosu Joseph is hoping that Enyimba star Anayo Iwuala would be given the chance to feature against Benin.

The player inspired Fatai Osho’s men to a 1-0 defeat of Sunshine Stars at the Agege Stadium before heading to the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.

“I watched Anayo Iwuala of Enyimba play against Sunshine Stars on Monday at Agege Stadium for the first time, he deserves the Super Eagles call up,” the Atlanta 96 Olympic gold medallist told Completesports.

“Hope he will be given the opportunity to play in Benin or in Lagos [against Lesotho]. He is a very good attacking midfielder.”

Wazito FC head coach Francis Kimanzi is impressed with the way his team is developing in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

The 2018/19 National Super League champions had been struggling in the top-tier until the immediate former Harambee Stars coach was appointed to guide them. In the ongoing campaign, they have managed to gather 25 points from 15 games, and as a result, they are sixth on the log.

He has since explained why the team has recorded an improvement since taking over at the beginning of the season.

"We are improving and to be honest, I am satisfied," Kimanzi said in a recent interview.

"There is more competition in the team, there is more balance and what is always difficult is getting a team that can compete in the league and I think we are closing the gap very well.

"It is normal [to struggle]; the journey to change the face of the team can never have a perfect run but I am satisfied with the development of the team."

The Nairobi-based team played to a 2-2 draw in their latest league assignment played at Kasarani Annex.

Michael Owino and Kevin Kimani scored for the hosts while the Dockers got their goals from William Wadri and Benjamin Mosha. It was a response after a 1-0 loss away to Western Stima in their initial assignment and Kimanzi is appreciative for what his team did.

"I have to appreciate the effort from the team. We lost our match away from home and getting a point is positive. For us, this is a point gained and sometimes you are lucky to get a point against such a team."

The draw ensured Wazito did not go above Bandari on the log as two points will still separate them before the next matchday.

The Kimanzi team has managed seven wins, four draws, and as many losses. They have scored 15 goals and conceded 14.

The Coastal-based charges are placed sixth on the table with 27 points. They have played 16 games, won seven, drawn six, and lost three. They have scored 24 goals and conceded 16.

Former Asante Kotoko coach Frimpong Manso has cautioned Ghana youth stars, playmaker Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim and right-back Philemon Baffour against complacency following their promotion to the senior national team.

After helping Ghana win the recent Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Tanzania, the three players have been drafted into the Black Stars ahead of upcoming Afcon 2021 qualifiers and a friendly fixture with Uzbekistan.

All three players were initially called up to the main Black Stars team for the continental qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe on March 25 and 28 respectively but Issahaku has been later sent to the Ghana B side who are set to take on Uzbekistan.

“If you get a call-up it doesn’t mean you are going to play, it is still part of the learning process," Manso said, as reported by Myjoyonline.

"They’ve been drafted into the national team, now they are going to meet up with very experienced players and from there they will learn a lot from the training sessions, off the pitch and what goes on at the highest level.

“So inviting them does not mean they are going to play for the Black Stars now. For me, the handlers have done well, and it will be a very good experience for the young players."

At the U20 Afcon, 17-year-old Issahaku, who plays club football for Ghana second-tier side Steadfast FC, scored two goals on his way to being adjudged Player of the Tournament.

Danlad, who recently completed a loan move from Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko to King Faisal, also won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.

“We have a technical directorate now, so it is their responsibility to do the monitoring of our young players," Manso added.

"I was at Prampram recently for a course and it was all about grassroots development, so it looks like now we are serious.

"If we are able to implement the things that were said there, I think we will be on track with our youth football development.”

Issahaku, who captained Ghana at the 2021 U17 Wafu Cup of Nations earlier this year, has been linked to Swiss side Basel following his fine performances at the U20 championship.

AC Milan are keen to tie up a permanent deal for Chelsea's Fikayo Tomori, but they won't be able to negotiate the £26 million ($36.5m) option to buy for their loan star.

Although formal talks have yet to begin, the Italian giants are known to be delighted with the 23-year-old's start to life in Serie A. After making just four appearances under former manager Frank Lampard until January, Tomori has gone onto make 11 appearances for the Rossoneri.

Having seen how well he is doing, the Blues are reluctant to offer any discounts to a club with ambitions of returning to the top table of European football.

What does it mean for Chelsea's other defenders?

The Blues are set for a turbulent summer in defence, with both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen holding off on contract talks until after the season is finished.

Both players have become regular starters under Thomas Tuchel, but they have just 15 months left to run on their current contracts in west London.

Furthermore, Chelsea are likely to activate the option to extend Thiago Silva's contract for another year. It is understood that both parties are currently happy with how the move has gone so far.

Cesar Azpilicueta also finds himself out of contract in 15 months, with the Blues cautious about offering long-term deals for their over-30 players. However, after having problems around the end of Frank Lampard and John Terry's careers, Chelsea now are increasingly willing to offer two-year deals for over-30 players who demonstrate their physical abilities.

There's also concern that Swansea City loanee Marc Guehi, who has excelled in the Championship, could leave with his contract similarly expiring in June 2022.

Will Chelsea sign a defender?

Chelsea are targeting Dortmund star Erling Haaland in the summer and they have drawn up a shortlist for a major defensive signing, which is perhaps an admission that one of their players could leave.

Bayern Munich duo David Alaba and Niklas Sule are understood to be on the list, alongside RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate.

However, Alaba prefers a move to Spain and has extremely high contract demands with a host of clubs looking to sign him on a free transfer.

Fellow Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano has already snubbed Chelsea and agreed to stay in Germany after agreeing on a deal with Bayern ahead of the summer.

Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez has long been of interest to Tuchel's side but they will hold out for the full £103 million (€120m/$143m) release clause.

Further reading

Kenya forward Michael Olunga has termed as ‘a huge honour’ to lead Harambee Stars against Egypt in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Thursday.

The Al Duhail SC striker has been handed the armband to lead the side after head coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee omitted regular captain Victor Wanyama from the squad for the two matches against Egypt and Togo.

While Mulee is yet to give the reason why Wanyama never made it to his squad, Olunga has been confirmed as the captain, and speaking to Goal on Tuesday, the former Gor Mahia striker said he will use the opportunity to influence young players in the squad so they can pick a vital win against the Pharaohs.

“Of course it is a huge responsibility, in fact first to be called to the national team is a huge responsibility, you are carrying the whole country on your back, so first of all being called up to the national team is a huge responsibility,” Olunga told Goal on Tuesday.

“But I am honoured for the coach to select me to captain the team against Egypt, I feel humbled because there is something the coach has seen in me so of course being among the players with experience in the squad, we will strive to influence the young upcoming players.

“If you look at the kind of game we are going to play. We will need a lot of character from the squad and that will be our key thing and also our attitude will also be very crucial ahead of such matches.”

Meanwhile, Goal can also reveal defender Joseph Okumu and striker Erick Kapaito have been released from camp after they picked minor injuries during a training session on Tuesday.

A source in the team, who did not want to be named, confirmed the two players will not be involved against Egypt but may be considered for the away match against Togo in Lome on March 29.

“It is unfortunate Okumu and Kapaito picked injuries in training and they are out of the match against Egypt,” the source told Goal. “The two players are out of the coach’s plans for Egypt but maybe they will be considered for the away match against Togo.”

The Pharaohs of Egypt, who include Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Arsenal’s midfielder Mohamed Elneny, are expected in the country on Tuesday.

Three-time African champions Nigeria travel to Benin Republic for their reverse fixture in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations billed for Cameroon.

Gernot Rohr’s men defeated the Squirrels 2-1 in the first leg staged at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen and Samuel Kalu.

Having played out an unacceptable goalless draw against Sierra Leone the last time out, the Super Eagles would be going all out for a win which would guarantee them a ticket to their 19th appearance at the biennial African football showpiece.

Unbeaten in their last three games, Michel Dussuyer’s team would fancy their chances of stunning the 2013 African champions as they are keen on reaching the finals for the fifth time.

WHEN IS THE GAME?

The Africa Cup of Nations qualifier has been scheduled for 17:00 (West African Time) on Saturday, March 27.

WHAT CHANNELS CAN I WATCH THE GAME ON TV?

WHERE IS THE CLASH OF THE TITANS?

Stade Charles de Gaulle, Porto-Novo

HOW CAN FANS GET INVOLVED?

Goal will be providing comprehensive coverage, news, interviews and features of the showdown.

Manchester City captain Steph Houghton will miss the first leg of the club’s UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona.

The centre-back has an Achilles problem that has forced her to miss City’s last two games – a win over Bristol City in the Women’s Super League and a victory in the second leg of their UWCL last 16 tie with Fiorentina.

Head coach Gareth Taylor admitted it is difficult to say when the England international will return.

What has been said?

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Taylor explained that Houghton’s injury was one she picked up in the first leg of City’s Champions League last 16 tie. The defender was not subbed off in that game and played 90 minutes four days later against Everton, but is now suffering with the problem.

“I think it's one that we anticipated would have settled down by now,” Taylor said. “It's probably not settled down as quickly as we'd like, or certainly as Steph would like. She's obviously really disappointed to not be here with the team.

“It's really difficult to answer really when she'd be back. We're hoping it's not too far away, but again, we'll always look at what's the right thing for the player.

“We've had this before, earlier in the season, with many of our players. We're trying to see the bigger picture. As much as these games are big, we're trying to see the bigger picture and make sure that they're back for us for the remaining run in.”

Who will play in Houghton’s absence?

It is likely that U.S. women's national team star Abby Dahlkemper will be partnered with England's Alex Greenwood in the centre of defence. That is the pairing that kept a clean sheet against Bristol in City’s last game and that duo have been Houghton’s most frequent partners in the team this season.

Greenwood has played left-back a lot in her career but has played more centrally this season under Taylor. That means the spot on the left may be occupied by Esme Morgan, one of City’s young talents, or Demi Stokes, although the England international is only just back from her own injury.

Speaking about Houghton’s absence on Tuesday, and possibly rising to fulfil that leadership void as a World Cup winner, Dahlkemper said: “Steph is such a quality player and she brings so much this side, on and off the field. She's our captain and such a top class centre-back.

“I think I just need to focus on the things that I can do well and the things that I can do to help the team. We're definitely missing her in her absence, but I'm just going to try and do my best to help to try and lead the defence.

“The centre-back position, you have to lead and talk and communicate and dictate everyone around you, because you can see the whole field. I think it's just important to focus on my game and try and do whatever it takes to help the team win.”

Taylor added: “Of course, we're fortunate in the respect that we have good cover. If you look at our last three or four games in all competitions, we've been struggling for fullbacks and we've had people who've gone in and done fantastic jobs, the likes of Esme, and Georgia Stanway have done great.

“We're fortunate now we've got Lucy [Bronze] back, we've got Demi back. Obviously, we would love to have the skipper there, our captain, but we got by without her previously against Fiorentina.”

Further reading

Sure enough, following the election (appointment?) of Patrice Motsepe as Caf president, the question of an African Super League was raised once again.

The concept, a brainchild of Gianni Infantino which was first broached in 2020, has split the continent’s footballing stakeholders, but not quite down the middle.

Despite the Fifa president describing it in such flowery terms as “a new chapter for African football”, the overwhelming majority, at this time, find it to be an unworkable framework, and indeed it would be a pale, forgotten abortus already but for the ongoing annexation of Caf by world football’s governing body.

The hand of Infantino is impossible to miss in the politics of the continent’s football, and so it was that, upon the confirmation of Motsepe, Simba CEO Barbara Gonzalez promptly tweeted to the effect that plans to execute the Super League were underway.

That was the cat out of the bag, and tellingly the South African mining magnate has not moved to shoot down the idea in his public addresses and conferences since taking office, despite notably seeming to take a hard-line stance on the matter of making the Africa Cup of Nations a quadrennial tournament.

Quite how the proponents of this idea expect it to pan out remains to be seen.

Infantino’s idea is for a closed shop of 20-24 elite clubs to buy in with a payment of $20m every year over a five-year period, with a view to generating up to $3bn in revenue and not only putting African club football on a more even keel with Europe and South America, but also enabling the continent retain its premier exports for longer.

The participating clubs would also be obliged to meet certain criteria with respect to youth and women’s football development in order to stay in.

Ultimately, through the Super League, Infantino hopes to be able to “really crown the club champions of Africa” and “show the world what we (Africa) can do.”

While the stated aims – aside the frankly patronising tone of some of them – hold some promise, a number of concerns present themselves immediately.

To begin with, how will the composition of the competition be determined, and what will be the quota from each country? Infantino’s tentative idea appears to be a maximum of two per country, but how will it be whittled down? Lobbying? An elaborate bidding process?

Will it be based on the Caf club coefficient? On historical performance? On club profile and followership?

Ed Dove took a stab at it, and while he came up with a very interesting (and worthy) list, there were still a number of notable absentees, as well as no representation whatsoever from Ghana and Cameroon, two of the continent’s biggest footballing nations.

There is also the concern that African club football is also heavily imbalanced in terms of success and profile, with Northern African clubs typically dominating continental competition, and also boasting some of the more full-blooded rivalries. How would a satisfactory balance be struck between merit and inclusion for the other regions, especially bearing in mind there is also a sizeable economic advantage for the Maghreb?

It is going to be an utter headache.

That’s not all, however. There is still the giant pachyderm taking up the room’s floor space: where does Infantino expect to find 20 clubs with the down-payment this competition?

Underneath the (already thin) veneer of professionalism that a select number of clubs on the continent put up, there is a grim reality of unpaid salaries and allowances, mediocre to non-existent infrastructure and shoddy logistics that laughs in the face of such an exorbitant buy-in.

Not even the likes of Pyramids FC, who boast significant financial backing, can claim to accrue annual revenues in that ball-park. Al Ahly, reigning African champions and the most successful club in the continent’s history, are reportedly vehemently opposed to the idea too, and it is not difficult to see why: the Caf Champions League pays out $2.5m as prize money for its winners, an eighth of the proposed entry fee.

What this accurately conveys is that, for all that the proposed profit margins are heady and exciting, the demand for an African Super League is pretty much nil. It is an idea that, in its current guise, benefits no agenda but Fifa’s.

In any case, it appears Infantino will try to push it through anyway.

In Motsepe and his ExCo, he has an ally and a pliable tool, and so it all seems like an inevitability. At some point, we will have some semblance of a Super League, and with it will come either a lot of answers or even more questions.

U.S. women’s national team head coach Vlatko Andonovski has named a 23-player roster for the team's upcoming friendlies at Sweden and France. 

The roster was light on surprises, with Andonovski naming a strong team as the USWNT continues preparations for the Olympics this summer.

The USWNT will face Sweden in Stockholm on April 10 before taking on France in Le Havre on April 13.

What was said?

“I give our larger pool of players credit for always making selections difficult, but this group going to Europe has shown consistent quality in their performances as well as in their abilities to contribute to the overall chemistry of the team,” Andonovski said in a federation release.

“We still have much evaluation to do from trainings, international matches, NWSL matches and overseas club matches before selecting the Olympic team, but I’m really looking forward to these two games for what adversity they will bring.

"The exciting thing is that I know our players have the talent and mentality to meet those adversities with a great energy and overcome them.”

The bigger picture

There were few surprises on the roster as Andonovski begins to zero in on an 18-player squad to bring to Tokyo for the Olympics this summer. 

Sam Mewis returns to the team after missing last month's SheBelieves Cup due to injury, but Tobin Heath is still recovering from an ankle injury and misses out. 

At goalkeeper, Andonovski has again omitted longtime backup Ashlyn Harris, with Jane Campbell appearing to be his current choice to deputize for starter Alyssa Naeher.

Other notable omissions are defenders Casey Krueger and Ali Krieger, as well as midfielders Jaelin Howell and Andi Sullivan.

Full USWNT roster (club team; caps/goals)

GOALKEEPERS: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash; 5), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage; 0), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 67)

DEFENDERS: Alana Cook (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 2/0), Abby Dahlkemper (Manchester City, ENG; 65/0), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars; 28/1), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC; 109/24), Kelley O’Hara (Washington Spirit; 134/2), Margaret Purce (Sky Blue FC; 6/1), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC; 182/0), Emily Sonnett (Washington Spirit; 51/0)

MIDFIELDERS: Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars; 108/20), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC; 91/20), Rose Lavelle (Manchester City, ENG; 51/14), Catarina Macario (Olympique Lyonnais, FRA; 3/1), Kristie Mewis (Houston Dash; 21/4), Samantha Mewis (Manchester City, ENG; 70/21)

FORWARDS: Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC; 299/124), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride; 173/108), Christen Press (Manchester United, ENG; 142/60), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign; 173/57), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC; 3/0), Lynn Williams (North Carolina Courage; 33/10)

Rennes wonderkid Jeremy Doku has explained why he turned down a move to Liverpool after a chat with Sadio Mane three years ago.

Doku, who finished 14th in Goal's 2021 NXGN list of the top wonderkids in football, made his senior debut at Anderlecht in 2018 before Rennes snapped him up for €26 million (£22m/$31m).

The teenager claims he snubbed advances from three Premier League clubs in favour of moving to Roazhon Park, including Liverpool, having been offered some perspective on his future during discussions with Mane.

What's been said?

"I was going to be 16 and that was the age you can sign a pro contract. A lot of teams came to see me," Doku told Ouest-France. "Everyone talks about Liverpool because it was the most concrete interest but there was also Arsenal and Chelsea.

"I was able to discuss with Jurgen [Klopp], Mane, [Georginio] Wijnaldum… [Steven] Gerrard too. I talked a lot with Mane but we didn't really talk about football. We talked about everything.

"He told me that I was young, that I still had time… he wasn't trying to convince me or to say to me 'come here, you will succeed'.

"I preferred to be careful. I know what my trajectory had to be. That’s why, at 15, I told myself it had become serious, because I’d seen my career. I know what route I needed to take and I knew at that moment I needed to stay at Anderlecht.

"As soon as I’m asked if I regret it, I always say no, because if Liverpool came to me at 15, if they like me, they’ll come back later, that’s certain. It’s up to me to be play well."

How has Doku performed for Rennes this season?

Doku has managed to establish himself as a regular in the Rennes starting XI in his debut campaign, but has yet to fully repay the club's initial investment in his talent.

The 18-year-old has only scored three goals in his first 38 games across all competitions for the French outfit, the latest of which came in a 3-1 win over Metz at the weekend, while also laying on seven assists for his team-mates.

A measure of Doku's potential, however, is proved by the fact he was included in Roberto Martinez's latest Belgium squad for the start of their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The bigger picture

Doku's decision to continue his development at Rennes instead of Liverpool has already paid off in terms of his minutes on the pitch.

The former Anderlecht star is playing far more frequently at Roazhon Park than he would have at Anfield, where Jurgen Klopp already has an all-star attacking arsenal at his disposal.

Rennes have given Doku the chance to show off his ability in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League, with that experience likely to be invaluable as he matures as a player.

Further reading

Palmeiras teenage star Gabriel Veron wants to follow in the footsteps of Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus as he plots his own path to the top of the game.

Jesus left Palmeiras at the age of 19 in January 2017, joining City in a deal worth a reported £27 million ($36m), and has gone onto become one of the Premier League's best young forwards.

And Veron, who placed 12th on Goal's 2021 NXGN list of the 50 best teenage footballers on the planet, is using the Brazil international's rise as inspiration for his own career.

What was said?

"Gabriel Jesus - I use him as an example," Veron told Goal in an exclusive interview. "He is an excellent player who is always working to reach the top.

"He is an example to me, for my career. I hope I can follow in his footsteps."

Veron has been linked with a move to City, while Manchester United, Barcelona and Arsenal have also been credited with showing interest in the 18-year-old.

And the winger has been keeping a keen eye across Europe's top leagues as he considers his potential next move.

"I watch the Premier League," he said. "It's a very difficult tournament, where every game is difficult, and I like to watch games like these.

"I watch La Liga and Serie A as well. I like to watch everything."

Gabriel Veron: The story so far

Veron first came to international prominence when leading Brazil to glory on home soil at the 2019 Under-17 World Cup.

He scored three goals and laid on two assists in the competition, before being awarded the Golden Ball as the player of the tournament.

From there he broke into the Palmeiras first team, and in 2020 had a year to remember as, despite suffering from persistent injury problems, he contributed nine goals and four assists as the Sao Paulo outfit won both the Copa Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil.

"There're lots of people who may think this was a season to forget for me because I went through many injuries," he said, "but I consider this season as one of knowledge and adaptation.

"I had lots of injuries, but I was always with the squad, working and healing to try and recover as fast as possible so I could be playing on the pitch again.

"Even without being able to play as many games as I would have liked, we made history for the club. It was an historic season.

"Thinking about this new season my expectations could not be higher. I want to escape from the injuries I've had in 2020 and for us to have a great season."

In terms of his most memorable moment, he said: "I think it was my Libertadores debut. I will always remember it because it was a tournament that I always watched on TV.

"So playing (in that competition) with a Palmeiras shirt, the club which gave me my opportunity - I was very happy with that."

Is Gabriel Veron related to Juan Sebastian Veron?

Though Veron shares a name with Argentina legend Juan Sebastian Veron, they are not related, though they do have a connection.

When the young Brazilian was born in 2002, his parents could not decide on a second name for their son, only for a neighbour to offer the suggestion of 'Veron'.

The neighbour was a huge fan of the ex-Manchester United midfielder, but having fathered three daughters he had not wanted to give any of them the name of his footballing hero.

Veron's parents were not aware of the footballing connection at first, but the teenage star has since headed to YouTube in a bid to learn more about the man he was unintentionally named after.

Further reading

Martin Odegaard claims to have given no thought to staying on at Arsenal beyond the end of his initial loan from Real Madrid, with the Norwegian midfielder eager to remain focused on the present.

The talented 22-year-old linked up with the Gunners during the winter transfer window after finding regular game time at Santiago Bernabeu hard to come by.

There have been mixed messages when it comes to his future, with an extended stay in England and imminent return to Spain both being mooted, but Odegaard insists no discussions have been held as yet regarding summer plans.

What has been said?

Quizzed on his future at Arsenal by VG, Odegaard said: “To be completely honest, I have not thought about it. 

“I have an agreement until the summer and I am focusing on that. I want stability and development, those are key words.”

How has Odegaard fared at Arsenal?

Mikel Arteta drafted in another creative midfielder to help counter the departure of Mesut Ozil from Emirates Stadium.

Odegaard was eased into the fold in north London, but has now recorded two goals through 12 appearances and is taking on greater responsibility in a number 10 role.

He has said of his experiences in England: “I think it has been good, right from the start. 

“I adapted to the way we played quite early. I lacked a little self-confidence and things like that, but I feel I have got better and better every day."

A man who has been named as captain of his country heading into the next round of international fixtures added on working with Arteta: “He is incredibly good, and there is a lot to learn from him. 

“It's just a matter of opening your ears and following what he says.”

The bigger picture

Odegaard is now focused on the start of 2022 World Cup qualification with Norway, but still has plenty of targets left to hit at Arsenal.

The Gunners, who recovered from three goals down to take a point off West Ham last time out, are in the process of chasing down a top-six finish in the Premier League.

They have also made their way through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where they are due to meet Sparta Prague, meaning that major silverware could be collected in 2021.

Further reading

NXGN 2021 winner Ansu Fati has admitted that it would be a dream to play at this summer's European Championship.

The Barcelona starlet was crowned as the top male wonderkid in football on Tuesday, as the 18-year-old topped the annual NXGN list of the top 50 players born on or after January 1, 2002.

And, as he battles back from a serious knee injury, the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Spanish national team is now eyeing a spot in Luis Enrique's squad for the delayed tournament.

What was said?

Speaking to Goal after receiving the NXGN 2021 award, Fati said: "I wish I could be there, but first I have to recover from the injury.

"I don't know what will happen in the future, but it is a dream for any player to be able to play a European Championship."

He added: "I don't set goals, but I do try to improve day by day, growing as a player, and as a person."

When will Fati return from his injury?

Fati has been out of action since the start of November after suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee in Barca's 5-2 win over Real Betis.

After undergoing surgery, the Blaugrana's original diagnosis was that the teenager would be out of action for four months.

In early February, however, it was reported in Spain that complications in Fati's recovery had led to him going under the knife again, and there was a fear that he would need to undergo a third operation to fully repair the problem.

There is hope, however, that he will play again before the end of the campaign, with the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Champions League having posted a series of videos on social media of him stepping up his recovery.

Will Fati be in the Spain squad for Euro 2020?

If Fati is able to prove his fitness, then he has a good chance of being included in La Roja's 23-man group for this summer's continental championship.

Having made his international debut in September, Fati became his country's youngest ever goalscorer when finding the net at the age of 17 years and 311 days against Ukraine on just his second appearance for Luis Enrique's side.

The previous record was set in 1925 by Juan Errazquin, who netted his first goal for Spain 21 days short of his 19th birthday.

Fati's impressive performances during the UEFA Nations League meant led to him being regarded as a shoo-in to make Spain's squad for the Euros before his injury.

He would likely have to beat off competition from the likes of Adama Traore, Dani Olmo and Bryan Gil to be considered now, presuming he is injury-free come June.

Who are the previous NXGN winners?

Fati is the sixth male winner of the NXGN prize, following in the footsteps of the likes of Jadon Sancho, Gigi Donnarumma and Rodrygo.

Youri Tielemans and Justin Kluivert have also previously taken home the award, which has been run annually by Goal since 2016, with journalists from 44 editions worldwide voting for the best teenage footballers on the planet.

"First of all, I want to thank the people who have voted for me and, of course, my team-mates – without them, this would not have been possible," he said. "Also, thanks to all the coaches I have had."

Fait is joined atop the podium in 2021 by the women's winner, Hanna Bennison of Rosengard.

The Sweden international midfielder follows in the footsteps of the first female winner, Lena Oberdorf, who claimed last year's trophy.

Further reading