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Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat has opened up about his decision to join the Glamour Boys amid interest from many clubs including Orlando Pirates. 

The Zimbabwe international joined Amakhosi in August 2018 after deciding to end his five-year successful spell with Masandawana.

His agent at the time Michael Ngobeni revealed that Billiat was keen to move to Europe having constantly been linked with Azerbaijan giants Qarabag FK. 

However, Billiat ended up moving to Pirates' archrivals Chiefs after football manager Bobby Motaung travelled to his home country, Zimbabwe to convince him to join the Glamour Boys. 

“The day I signed for Kaizer Chiefs, I didn’t know I was going to be here [at Naturena],” Billiat told the club’s media department.

“But it was a great move. I did sign in Zim, I was at home enjoying my holiday, trying to figure out what’s my next move and what’s best for me."

Pirates' interest in Billiat was confirmed by current Sundowns co-head coach Rhulani Mokwena, who was serving as Bucs' assistant coach at the time. 

The 2015/16 PSL Player of the Season was also believed to have received offers from the now-defunct Bidvest Wits, SuperSport United and Egyptian giants Zamalek. 

“I had a couple of offers but I felt like being at Chiefs it really made a lot of people happy, the same way I do still feel," Billiat continued. 

“On my debut, we were playing Macufe [Cup] in Free State, the reception I got was just amazing. I had so many people supporting me.”

The three-year deal which Billiat signed when he joined the four-time PSL champions in 2018 expired at the end of last month and the club is working to extend it.

The Harare-born player is hoping to stay at the Naturena-based giants and win his maiden major title with the team.

“Playing professional as a Kaizer Chiefs player, it comes with a lot of responsibilities, more than in another team I think,” he added.

“Kaizer Chiefs is a very big club. You actually start feeling you’re living your dream. I can’t wait to win silverware with this team.”

Chiefs are set to face Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the Caf Champions League final in Morocco on July 17. 

Harry Kane almost spent a year on loan at Union Berlin, says former head of first-team football Nico Schafer.

The England striker came through the ranks in the Tottenham youth academy and was sent out on loan before breaking through at the north London side.

Kane had spells at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich and Leicester, but came close to having a spell in Germany's second tier in 2012.

What has been said?

"Kane would've built our attack together with Simon Terodde in the 2. Bundesliga," Schafer said to SportBild.

"His strength in the air was noticeable. And he was a striker who went down very often. He would have been a very good fit for Union.

"Despite Union's special relationship with English football, Kane wanted to stay in England."

Kane to leave Spurs?

After another impressive season in which he got 23 goals and 14 assists in the Premier League for Spurs, Kane could be set for a move this summer.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have all been highlighted as possible destinations for the 27-year-old.

But Tottenham's new sporting director Fabio Paratici says the club hope to keep Kane, describing him as "one of the best strikers in the world".

Kane at Euro 2020

But before his future can be decided, Kane will see out the rest of England's Euro 2020 campaign.

After drawing a blank in the first three matches, Kane sprung to life in the last-16 win against Germany, scoring the second goal of the 2-0 win.

He then scored two more as they beat Ukraine 4-0 to set up a semi-final clash with Denmark.

Further reading

Egypt legend Hossam Hassan is confident with Pitso Mosimane in charge of Al Ahly, they have a better chance of beating Kaizer Chiefs to the Caf Champions League title.

The Red Devils will face Amakhosi from South Africa in their second straight final on July 17 at the neutral Stade Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca and the final in itself will be history for Chiefs, who have never participated at this stage of the competition.

The 54-year-old Hassan, who currently handles Ittihad of Alexandria in the Egyptian top-flight, has heaped praise on the South African tactician terming him as a “winning coach” and adding his presence will push the Red Devils to another title.

“Al Ahly have very high chances in winning the title, players gain experience the moment they enter the club, failure is not an option for them,” Hassan said as quoted by Kingfut.

“Cooperation is the key to Al Ahly success, it’s the product of everyone’s hard work.”

On what he thinks about Mosimane, Hassan said: “A manager’s success is judged by the team achieving their goals, which is what happened, he became a very important part of the team.

“Mosimane won every possible title with Al Ahly including Caf Champions League and Super Cup, he did all you can hope for from a manager.”

Hassan further picked some of the players he feels have helped the Egyptian champions to have a good run in the Caf competition.

“Mohamed Magdy “Afsha” is the key to Al Ahly's spectacular performances, I have worked with him at Pyramids, he is a wonderful player,” Hassan continued.

“Aliou Dieng is also one of the most crucial players in the Reds squad, so is Mohamed Sherif, Salah Mohsen, and Hussein El-Shahat. I also think that if Kaharaba is back in top form he will be able to make the difference.”

Mosimane, who is a former Bafana Bafana head coach, could win his fourth trophy with Al Ahly since he took charge last year.

He has already bagged the 2019/2020 Champions League trophy, the Caf Super Cup, and Egypt Cup.

When Amad Diallo’s move to Manchester United was announced in October last year, there was a certain sense of irritation and trepidation because everyone wanted Jadon Sancho instead. 

Despite missing Borussia Dortmund’s deadline earlier in the summer, there was hope that the club would pull things off on deadline day. The signing of the 18-year-old was never going to put a stop to the club’s pursuit of Sancho, a long-term target of the Red Devils...and so it has proved.

Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s team have finally landed their man from Dortmund and there’s an expectation to challenge champions Manchester City and Liverpool — expected to improve after last year’s disaster — in the Premier League. 

Having been signed so late in the window last year, Amad remained in Italy for three months before signing officially in January.

In truth, there was no rush given the player represents a long-term signing expected to develop and hopefully thrive at Old Trafford. 

“As a club, we have followed Amad for a number of years and having watched him myself, I believe he is one of the most exciting young prospects in the game,” the Man United boss welcomed the teenager in October. “Manchester United has such a proud history of developing young players and everything is in place to enable Amad to reach his potential here. 

“It will take time for him to adapt, but his speed, vision and fantastic dribbling ability will stand him in good stead to make the transition. He is a player with all of the raw attributes that are needed to be an important player for Manchester United in the years to come.” 

Diallo certainly looked accomplished after stepping into the side.

"His first season was always going to be one of adaptation," said Goal's Manchester United correspondent Charlotte Duncker. "He played a few times for the U-23s to get used to football in England and the physicality.

"He impressed at that level, as expected, and deserved his first team debut. It's something that didn't seem to faze him and no doubt there will be more opportunity for him next season."

The young attacker age and his manager’s words point to a player who hasn’t just joined for the present but the future.

Despite his relative youth at 21, Sancho is seen as the stardust player to elevate the quality in the side and solve a long-standing problem on the right flank. 

Admittedly, the pressure of representing arguably the biggest club in the world week in, week out dwarfs the weight of playing for BVB; however, the English attacker’s experience of playing for one of Germany’s top sides domestically and on the continent makes him the right profile of signing. 

Despite Amad’s obvious talent, he has little first-team football experience and shouldn’t be saddled with that burden of helping one of England’s top sides return to dominating the Premier League.

Even though Sancho is only three years older and will equally need time to adapt at his new club, he’s way ahead of the West African’s development curve and is arguably already pushing the world-class ceiling. 

Next up for Diallo is the Olympics, after he was included in the Ivory Coast's 22-man squad for the tournament.

"United are happy for him to go away to the Olympics," Duncker added. "Even if he gets to the final he should be back in Manchester before the first game of the season on August 14." 

Despite that, he risks losing valuable adaptation time.

While AC Milan’s Franck Kessie and United teammate Eric Bailly won’t be available for pre-season either due to their inclusions, neither are young nor relatively new signings at the Rossoneri or the Red Devils. 

Due to the nature of his signing, the 18-year-old joined up with the Manchester outfit when the season was ongoing and was sensibly eased in. A first-team role in 2021/22 was never going to be assured anyway, still, a pre-season with new teammates will have helped develop relationships on and off the pitch. 

It leaves him playing catch-up again and, despite the difference this time compared to the situation in January, Amad’s Tokyo adventure is not ideal for his first full season at the Theatre of Dreams. 

The apparent ambition of possibly winning the West African nation her first Gold in the men’s football tournament and second in the history of the multi-sport event means the Ivorian should strive for success at the sports festival. 

Haidara Soualiho’s team face Brazil — winners in 2016 — Germany — runners-up five years ago in Rio — and Saudi Arabia in Group D and will need to be at their best to make it out of a tough group. 

While the teenager’s involvement at the Olympics may not necessarily help his United career in the short term, his addition is not an immediate solution for the Red Devils but a long-term project. 

The addition of Sancho and Amad in the space of a few months improves the depth in a side whose lack of quality options greatly reared its head post-lockdown in 2019/20. Solskjaer’s lack of faith in alternatives after football returned in June 2020 led to his repeated use of similar players as they chased a top four spot.

In the Englishman and talented Ivorian — predominantly right-wingers capable of playing in numerous positions in the attack — the Red Devils seem to possess a supreme talent that should transform their attack and a gifted one who needs time to flourish. 

There will be growing pains with the West African, but rather than be worried by the ex-Dortmund player’s addition, the understudy theoretically gets time to improve outside the limelight as he seeks to prove he can cut it as a United player.

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer is in a 'delicate situation' at the Soweto giants according to the club's administrative manager Floyd Mbele. 

The German tactician's future at the Houghton-based giants is reportedly uncertain after the Buccaneers endured a disappointing PSL campaign by their own high standards and an embarrassing exit from the Caf Confederation Cup. 

Bucs were booted out of Africa's secondary club tournament after they were thumped 4-0 by Moroccan champions Raja Casablanca in May this year and the Soweto giants then failed to qualify for next season's Caf Champions League following a third-place finish in the PSL. 

Mbele confirmed that Zinnbauer is back in South Africa to lead the club into pre-season with the team having begun training this week. 

“The team is back in pre-season. Today we were doing Covid testing. It’s important that we adhere to the regulations and also play our part," Mbele told SAFM.

"Coach JZ is also back, he came back last week and will lead pre-season training."

The addition of former Lamontville Golden Arrows head coach to the Pirates technical team last month added fuel to the fire of speculation surrounding Zinnbauer's future at Bucs.

It has been rumoured that Pirates are seriously considering firing Zinnbauer then replace him with current Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach Steve Komphela.

Mbele insisted that Ncikazi will work with Fadlu Davids as one of Zinnbauer's two assistants. 

“Pirates have always had a coach and two assistant coaches, even in the days of Micho. That’s why we brought coach Ncikazi," he continued. 

“We didn’t want to make wholesale changes, but with hindsight, it’s important that we tackle the battle differently this time.”

However, Mbele went on to state that it is a 'delicate situation' that could change.

“Right now, that’s how the situation is but it could change at any moment. It’s a delicate situation,” the long-serving Pirates administrator added.

“Zinnbauer is still employed by the club and for now, he will lead the team. It's fluid, that’s what I can say.”

Emiliano Martinez has been labelled a "phenomenon" by Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi for his three shootout saves to clinch a Copa America semi-final win over Colombia on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old earned his first international cap last month following a standout club season at Aston Villa and has now made himself a hero for the Albiceleste.

Colombia had forced the shootout with a 61st-minute goal from Luis Diaz that cancelled out an early strike from Lautaro Martinez. But Argentina's goalkeeper ensured a place in the final against Brazil on Saturday.

What has been said?

"We have Emi who is a phenomenon," said Messi, who converted from the spot in the shootout. "We trusted him. We achieved the goal of being able to play all the games and now we are going to the final."

More to come...

England continue in their quest to bring 'football home' when they welcome Denmark to Wembley for Wednesday’s Euro 2020 semi-final.

While the home crowd will be in an expectant mood after the Ukraine win, Gareth Southgate will not be taking anything for granted given his side drew 0-0 away and lost 1-0 at home in last year’s Nations League meetings with Denmark.

Nevertheless, he can rely on the only defence that is yet to let in a single goal so far in the tournament, conceding just once in their last 11 fixtures in total.

With the Red and Whites having conceded just once in the three matches since they kicked off the tournament with two successive defeats, another closely-fought encounter looks likely.

Here's how to watch England vs Denmark in India.

Contents

What time does England vs Denmark start?

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How to watch England vs Denmark on TV & live stream in India

In India, the Euros will be broadcast live on the Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN). It will be livestreamed on the SonyLIV app.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

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Where will England vs Denmark take place?

Wembley Stadium | London | England

Capacity: 54,990 |  reduced to 25% capacity, subject to increase
Games: Group stage, last 16, semi-finals & final (eight games)
Year built: 2007

Wembley will host a total of eight matches at Euro 2020 including a last-16 game, the semi-finals and the final. It started off with three games in Group D, where it shared hosting duties with Scotland's Hampden Park.

The London venue was initially only supposed to host the semi-finals and final, but was assigned an extra four games following the exclusion of Brussels as a host city and another one when Dublin was removed as a host.

Rebuilt in 2007, it is one of the biggest football stadiums in the world and second only to Barcelona's Camp Nou in terms of Europe's biggest arenas.

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England vs Denmark: Team news & key stats

Jadon Sancho will be hoping to keep his place in the team after impressing on his first start of the tournament against Ukraine, with Bukayo Saka a doubt.

Andreas Christensen should be fit to start despite coming off injured in the latter stages of the quarter-final win over the Czech Republic, while Daniel Wass and Yussuf Poulsen are also back in contention after appearing from the bench in that clash.

Key stats:

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Further reading: 

Achraf Hakimi said a fond farewell to Inter Milan in a touching statement published on social media following his mover to Ligue 1 side, Paris Saint-Germain.

After completing his loan move to Borussia Dortmund, the Morocco international joined the Italian elite division side in 2020 on a five-year contract, with a reported fee of around €40 million.

In his maiden season at Giuseppe Meazza, Hakimi played a key role as Antonio Conte’s Black and Blues won the topflight diadem for the first time since the 2009–10 campaign.

With four years left on his pact, the former Real Madrid star teamed up with the Parisians in the region of €60 million (£52m/$71m), plus €10m (£9m$12m) in add-ons.

Now, as he prepares to commence on a new journey with Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, the 22-year-old reiterated his affinity for Inter Milan.

“It was just a year, but what a year! When I arrived, I could never have imagined what it means to wear the jersey and the coat of arms of Inter,” Hakimi wrote on Twitter.

“It has been a huge pride to be part of and defend this club. It was a difficult time with the pandemic, but I was able to enjoy unforgettable moments by winning the Scudetto and writing history with you.

“I would like to thank all the technical staff, the club employees, the supporters and my teammates, with affection, professionalism and respect.

“And also, my family for their constant support and at every moment. I will carry Inter forever in my heart. An embrace to all! Strength at Inter!”

At the Parc des Princes, Hakimi unites with Mali’s Bandiougou Fadiga, French star of Beninese descent Colin Dagba and Senegal’s duo of Idrissa Gueye plus Abdou Diallo.

 "After Spain, Germany and Italy, Paris Saint-Germain offers me the chance to discover a new championship with one of the most prestigious clubs in the world,” the African star told PSG's official website. 

"I can’t wait to meet my new teammates, the fans and experience the incredible colour and passion inside the Parc des Princes.

"I share the same big ambitions as the coaching staff and my teammates and will do everything I can to deliver what is expected of me.”

Nigeria assistant coach Joseph Yobo lauded ‘solid’ Gianluigi Donnarumma for his part in Italy’s win over Spain in Tuesday’s Euro 2020 semi-final.

Roberto Mancini’s men outlasted La Roja at the Wembley Stadium, London to reach the tournament’s final after a 4-2 triumph on penalties.

After a goalless first-half, Federico Chiesa put the Azzurri ahead on the hour mark before the Spaniards levelled matters through Alvaro Morata in the 80th minute.

With scores tied at 1-1 after extra-time, both teams were separated by kicks from the penalty mark. There, the Italians reigned supreme with Donnarumma saving Morata’s effort after Dani Olmo had sent his strike over the crossbar.

Speaking on SuperSport after the thrilling encounter, the former Super Eagles captain praised the new Paris Saint-Germain signing for his role against Luis Enrique’s side.

“During the penalty shootout – which is a game of chance, we must give credit to the goalkeeper,” said Yobo.

“He was immense and his big frame – which is like that of two goalkeepers in the goalpost - made it difficult [for Spain].

“He looked solid and convincing and deservingly, he made a save and gave [his team] the victory.”

The former Everton and Olympique Marseille defender went ahead to felicitate with four-time World Cup winners despite not giving their ‘best performance’.

“We have to congratulate them, it’s not easy,” he continued.

“But tonight, we didn’t really see their best performance. It was a semi-final and all they needed was to get through,” Yobo said on Superport.

“I saw an Italian team that got stretched defensively. As much as we all talk about how good they are in defence, the formation of the Spaniards caused them a lot of trouble especially with that false nine.

“Towards the end of the second half during extra time, they were pushing really harder and they showed more determination.

“Realising that luck was running out of their hands and time was going, they were more purposeful until they got to the end of the game.

“For all-round performance, Italy wasn’t at their best but they are already in the final and they would be hoping to win the trophy at Wembley.”

Italy – who are unbeaten in 33 matches across all competitions will square up against Denmark or England in the final billed for Sunday.

Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci admitted that Tuesday's clash with Spain was the toughest game he ever played as the Azzurri booked their place in the Euro 2020 final.

Bonucci's side outlasted Spain in a shootout, earning a place in the finale against either Denmark or England.

After a back-and-forth match that saw Spain equalize in the 80th minute on an Alvaro Morata goal, Bonucci was beaming with pride as he said his team showed exactly what they're made of to move one step closer to a major trophy.

What was said?

“This is the toughest game I have ever played. I congratulate Spain for what they showed, but once again this Italy showed heart, determination and the ability to push through difficult moments and the lottery of penalties rewarded us,” Bonucci told RAI Sport.

“The victory you suffer for is always the most enjoyable one.”

“Now there’s one more centimetre to go. Just one more centimetre," he added. "It’s incredible what we are doing, but we mustn’t feel satisfied. We’re in the final. It is in five days, and we need the same hunger and spirit of sacrifice to bring this trophy home after many years.”

'We suffered to the end and we snatched it'

Gianluigi Donnarrumma also hailed the spirit in Italy's team after the victory, saying they "snatched" the victory after a difficult game.

Donnarumma made the pivotal shootout stop on Morata, who had scored on him earlier in the game, paving the way for Jorginho to seal the win with a calmly taken penalty.

“It’s indescribable. I was relaxed because I knew I could help the team,” Donnarumma told RAI Sport.

“The team was fantastic, I thank everyone, the people in the stands, we gave our all and now we need one final step to make our dream come true.

“Spain are very strong, but this Italy has a huge heart, we never give up and we saw that because we suffered to the end and we snatched it, but Spain deserve a lot of credit for causing us so many problems.”

Further reading

Italy goalscorer Federico Chiesa dedicated his Man of the Match award to team-mate Leonardo Spinazzola after the Azzurri took down Spain to reach the Euro 2020 final.

Chiesa scored in the second half of Tuesday's semi-final, with Alvaro Morata's late equaliser pushing the game to penalties.

Italy held their nerve in the shootout as Jorginho scored the deciding penalty, with the team gathering after to celebrate with a shirt bearing the name of their team-mate.

What happened to Spinazzola?

Spinazzola had been one of Italy's best players this tournament, emerging as a force on the left-hand side for Roberto Mancini's team.

However, the defender ruptured his Achilles tendon against Belgium , ending his tournament while setting him up for an extended layoff after the Euros are over.

What was said?

“It was a very tough game, Spain are a top team, but we’ve proved to be a strong group,” Chiesa told Sky Italia.

“I dedicate the Man of the Match award to Leonardo Spinazzola, and the win too. He would have helped us tonight, but these things can happen in football, we hope we can give him satisfaction in the final.”

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarrumma echoed those sentiments, saying that the team had been in touch with Spinazzola just before kickoff.

“There was everything at that moment, it wasn’t easy, but with the strength of this group, we managed to get there,” Donnarumma said.

“It’s impossible to describe what I am feeling, I want to enjoy this win my team-mates and we dedicate the win to Spinazzola, he had sent us a video before the game.”

Further reading

Many Chelsea supporters could be forgiven for forgetting Victor Moses was still contracted to the Blues until his permanent transfer to Spartak Moscow on July 2. 

Having been sent out on several loans to Fenerbahce, Inter Milan and the Russian club since January 2019, the 30-year-old had fallen under the radar in the last two years. Indeed, the process of fading away from the public eye began in the summer of 2018 following Maurizio Sarri's appointment in West London. 

At the time, Goal predicted the West African falling out of favour broadly due to a change in tactic from a 3-4-3 to a 4-3-3 and an altered style of play under the former Napoli boss. Unsurprisingly, Moses featured only six times in the first half of 18/19 before leaving for the Turkish giants.

He departs after 128 appearances in nine years, but could the 16/17 Premier League winner have added to that number in the final year of his contract under Thomas Tuchel?

The former Borussia Dortmund trainer has, by and large, reverted to a back three that had generally been eschewed since Antonio Conte’s departure three years ago. Tuchel’s Blues recovered from the mid-season wobble under Frank Lampard to end fourth in the league and claim the club’s second Champions League success. 

Despite his reputation as a tactical chameleon, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss rarely deviated from a possession-focused 3-4-3, which helped tighten the West London club’s backline that struggled for clean sheets in the final weeks of Lampard’s reign. 

Tuchel’s selections at right wing-back were interesting. His deployment of Callum Hudson-Odoi — principally a left-winger who’d become adept on the right — in that role somewhat resembled Moses’ conversion under Conte in 2016. 

After a few indifferent performances from the former Bayern Munich target, the Chelsea head coach made Reece James the starter at RWB for the West Londoners.

In the final weeks of the season, though, there was an inclination to play the young Englishman deeper, effectively seeing Cesar Azpilicueta and the young right-back switch positions and roles. 

Even though the Spain international offered steady performances at wing-back, there’s a sense his age and declining athleticism suggest it was only a short-term fix. The constant chopping and changing in that role portrayed a manager seemingly unconvinced by his options in that position. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the summer has prompted transfer targets to Achraf Hakimi and Adama Traore, possible solutions to the London giant's issue at wing-back.

The Morocco star seems destined for a move to Tuchel’s former side PSG after a presumed unwillingness to outspend the Ligue 1 side—Chelsea reportedly wanted to offer lower than the French giants, including a player or two in negotiations.

For Adama, doubts remain about his overall ability, end product and consistency. The powerful Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker often flatters to deceive after getting into promising positions and failed to kick on from an impressive 2019/20.

Having contributed 13 goals and assists in Nuno Espirito Santo’s penultimate campaign at Molineux, the Spain winger’s goal involvements dropped to four last season. Curiously, having outperformed his expected goals and assists two seasons ago, the 25-year-old went on to underperform projected numbers last term. 

Despite the unending clamour to back the manager in the transfer market, doubts over the Wolves man has seen fans prefer the current options are utilised in 21/22 rather than spend on someone who will not necessarily raise the standard. 

For all of Hakimi’s gifts and end product, a section of Blues followers didn’t see the logic in chasing the Inter wide defender due to the shortage of quality in other positions. The club’s issues at centre-forward, their limited options in central midfield and a perceived absence of quality at centre-back mostly prompted doubts over the club’s priorities. 

The latter, in particular, may lead to Tuchel sticking to a three-man defence as it masks several players’ weaknesses when deployed in a back four. 

Given the aforementioned obstacles regarding targets and the current make-up of the team, there may have been some logic in Moses returning to offer a temporary solution at right wing-back. 

His performances in that position never resulted in a plethora of direct involvements — and an unpredictable final ball often frustrated fans — still, room could have been made for the former Super Eagle due to the financial realities of the pandemic and short-term squad building.

It can be theorised that bringing back Moses for his last year rather than commit to an equally inconsistent Adama for the next four or five seasons represents sounder judgement if Tuchel truly desires another body in that position. 

The upshot of that happening would have seen Chelsea concentrate on other pressing positions — and possibly revisit in a year — as opposed to shelling out a relatively high fee on the Wolves man’s transfer and wages. 

It remains to be seen how the West London club approach the summer window, but allowing Moses one last Stamford Bridge hurrah could have benefitted those at Cobham temporarily and long term.

Pedri has drawn the adoration of Spain supporters for his passing performance on Tuesday in the Euro 2020 semi-final against Italy.

The 18-year-old, who became the youngest player to ever start a match at this point in the competition, completed all 55 of his pass attempts in regular time. They weren’t simple balls, either, and on one occasion in the first half he played Mikel Oyarbazal through on goal, though Oyarbazal botched his first touch.

His breakout year has seen him get regular minutes at Barcelona and be selected to compete in the Olympics later this summer. He's been compared with Andreas Iniesta - one of the highest compliments that can be paid to a young Spaniard.

What was said?

Spain's night ends in disappointment

Though Pedri dazzled on an individual level, Spain were unable to reach the competition's final. 

Federico Chiesa opened the scoring for Italy in the second half only for Spain to equalise through a dramatic late Alvaro Morata goal.

But the Azzurri would emerge victorious from a penalty shootout, booking a place in the Euro 2020 final against either England or Denmark.

Further reading