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You can't lose games if you don't concede goals. Many defensive-minded managers have lived and died by this approach in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

In reality and especially in FIFA 21, this is easier said than done. Defending is an art in FIFA and the new improvements to dribbling and forward runs in this year's game make it even more difficult to keep a clean sheet.

Signing the best defenders is crucial in Career Mode, with world-class centre-backs and full-backs costing top dollar.

There are bargains to be found if you want to sign cheap young defenders with high potential and are willing to put the effort in to turn them into superstars.

Players with high current ratings like Matthijs de Ligt and Alphonso Davies will be too expensive for the majority of teams, but Sporting CP duo Nuno Mendes and Eduardo Quaresma might be cheaper alternatives that will eventually reach similar heights.

Game time and training is crucial to player growth in FIFA 21, so if you do sign some of these cheap wonderkids, make sure you give them enough minutes to develop properly and become superstars.

Here are all the best young defenders in FIFA 21 Career Mode, ordered by their potential rating in the game.

PO. = Position(s)

CR = Current Rating

PR = Potential Rating

VA. = Value

*Clubs listed are the clubs the players are assigned to in FIFA 21 Career Mode, while ages shown are the age at the start of Career Mode

Hoffenheim centre-back Kevin Akpoguma has revealed the potential in the Nigeria national team swayed him to switch his allegiance away from Germany.

The defender, born to a German mother and a Nigerian father, has featured in a number of games for Germany at youth level.

His recent form in the Bundesliga has also been a talking point, making 18 league appearances for the Kraichgauer last season to help his side finish sixth in the campaign.

Despite starring for German youth teams, the 25-year-old confirmed his desire to switch his allegiance to Nigeria in September.

He made the affirmation a few days after Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr revealed how he had convinced the centre-back to represent the three-time African champions.

Akpoguma, who has now been cleared to play for the West Africans, has linked up with the team preparing for friendlies against Algeria and Tunisia in Austria on Friday and Tuesday respectively.

The defender has revealed the in-depth talent in the Super Eagles squad influenced his decision to pitch his tent with the side.

"I decided for Nigeria because I see a lot of potential in the team, in the country,” Akpoguma told the Super Eagles media team in an Instagram conversation.

"We have top players like Sammy [Chukwueze], Victor [Osimhen], Wilfred Ndidi, [Alex] Iwobi - they are top players, they are playing in top leagues.

"If you put all of them together you'll have a great team, for me, it is a big honour to play with these guys.

"It's not like you are German-born and want to play for Nigeria, everything is going automatically, I have to prove myself on the pitch.

“It's not like you just come from Europe and you are directly in the side, you have to train hard to be successful as a team. That's what I like about the team and that's why I decided to play for my fatherland."

Akpoguma will now join the likes of Ola Aina, Brian Idowu, Tyronne Ebuehi, Joe Aribo, Maduka Okoye, Kingsley Ehizibue and Cyril Dessers who have switched their allegiances to the West Africans since Rohr took charge of the team.

Nigeria have lined up friendlies as part of their preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone in November.

Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist has thrown his support behind a move to Ibrox for ex-Arsenal man Jack Wilshere, with the midfielder currently a free agent after terminating his contract with West Ham by mutual consent.

Wilshere had been tipped to reach the very top of the game after breaking through as a youngster in 2008, impressing for the Gunners after having come through their youth system under the watchful eye of Arsene Wenger.

Injuries have blighted the England international's career, however, making it difficult for him to live up to his early promise.

But now, still just 28, Wilshere has another chance to prove his worth with a new club - and McCoist believes playing under Steven Gerrard with the Glasgow giants would be a good fit 

“Oh yeah!” the former Scotland favourite told talkSPORT when asked if he would like to see Wilshere turn out for the Gers. “He’s just got to get back playing. He says he’s been fit for five or six months now, which is great news.

“I heard Joe Cole say he should go to America, and I get that, I absolutely get that. The lifestyle, go and play somewhere hot, whether it’s Tampa or Miami or wherever it may be, I get that. But I just feel he’s still surely got too much to offer. I’d like to see him at Ibrox.

“I think he’s a brilliant football player, I really do, I think he’s a terrific little football player. I think Rangers probably need a little bit of steel in the middle of the park as well, but if you’ve got an opportunity to sign real quality like that then you can’t let that go by.

“Just for him himself, I just want to see him back playing somewhere at a good level, a smile on his face, stay injury free and enjoy the rest of his career.”

Should Wilshere make the move to Ibrox, he would join summer signings Kemar Roofe, who transferred in from Anderlecht, Cedric Itten, formerly of St. Gallen, and Ianis Hagi, who made permanent his loan move from Genk.

Memphis Depay revealed "certain rules" stopped him from swapping Lyon for Barcelona in the previous transfer window.

Barca were heavily linked with a move for Depay following the arrival of new head coach Ronald Koeman, who allowed striker Luis Suarez to leave for Atletico Madrid.

The Netherlands international had agreed terms with the Catalan giants but a deal between the clubs could not be reached before the transfer deadline on Monday.

Depay's contract with Lyon is due to expire in June and he hopes by continuing to impress with the Ligue 1 side he can still secure a move to Barca.

Asked about the prospective move following Netherlands' 1-0 friendly loss to Mexico on Wednesday, Depay told NOS : “It was pretty close. We don't need to go into all the details, but there were certain rules that prevented it unfortunately.

“But I believe everything happens for a reason. I now focus on Lyon and want to be important there again. We'll see how things are going again afterwards. If I do my thing, the interest may still be there. I just have to switch that switch now.”

Speaking earlier in the day, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas stated his belief that Depay would try to push through a move to Camp Nou when the transfer window reopens in January , stating: “Today, he is disappointed, but not towards Lyon, more towards Barcelona. 

“He is going to do everything he can to find himself in a position where he moves there in January. I have not abandoned the idea of extending [Depay's] contract, but as he has always said no, it looks difficult to do.”

Depay joined Lyon from Manchester United in January 2017 and has been involved in 79 goals (47 scored, 32 assisted) in 107 Ligue 1 games – Edinson Cavani (83) and Kylian Mbappe (89) are the only players to have had a hand in more since the weekend of the Dutchman's debut.

In addition, Depay has created 259 chances for team-mates in league matches with Lyon, with Dimitri Payet (338) the only player to have supplied more key passes.

Manchester United have included summer signings Edinson Cavani, Alex Telles and Donny van de Beek in their 2020-21 Champions League squad, but Phil Jones, Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo are among those to miss out.

The Red Devils are readying themselves for a return to elite European competition.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in the process of finalising those plans, with his 28-man squad for the group stage put in place.

Some tough decisions have been made when piecing together a squad that will face Paris Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig and Istanbul Basaksehir.

That draw has been billed as the 'Group of Death', with United having some serious challenges to overcome in order to reach the knockout rounds.

Solskjaer does, however, have plenty of experience and match-winning talent at his disposal.

He has added to that pool by bringing in proven Uruguayan frontman Cavani, Brazilian left-back Telles and Dutch playmaker Van de Beek.

They will all be eager to impress when the Red Devils open their continental campaign away at PSG on October 20.

Another addition in the most recent window, highly-rated youngster Facundo Pellistri, is also included in Solskjaer’s squad.

Jesse Lingard is also included despite seeing regular questions asked of his future.

The England international will hope that he can do enough to see game time, with other international performers being completely overlooked.

Long-serving defender Jones falls into that category, with the 28-year-old still nursing a knock that has kept him out of action since before Project Restart.

Rojo is another versatile option that misses out, with the Argentine having pushed for a move elsewhere over the summer only to end up staying in Manchester.

His fellow countryman Romero is another who wants out of Old Trafford, and could still get his wish amid links to teams in MLS, and he will not fill one of three goalkeeping spots in United’s Champions League squad.

Those places have gone to David de Gea, Dean Henderson and Lee Grant.

There are no other surprises in Solskjaer’s selections, with Cavani joined in the striking department by current No.9 Anthony Martial and Nigerian frontman Odion Ighalo.

Manchester United’s 2020-21 Champions League squad in full

Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Dean Henderson, Lee Grant.

Defenders: Eric Bailly, Tim Fosu-Mensah, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Alex Telles, Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Daniel James, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay, Facundo Pellistri, Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek.

Forwards: Edinson Cavani, Odion Ighalo, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford.

Diffa El Jadidi players Simon Msuva and Nickson Kibabage have arrived in Tanzania ready for the game against Burundi. 

The forwards arrived in the country on Thursday to link up with Taifa Stars to prepare for the Swallows game which is scheduled for this weekend.

"Taifa Stars players [Simon Msuva] and Nickson Kibabage] have arrived in the country ahead of the international friendly against Burundi to be played on Sunday, October 11 at 4 pm at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium," Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) confirmed through their official Facebook page.

The arrival of the two players complete Tanzania's squad and give coach Etienne Ndayiragije a chance to build a strong side to play their neighbours.

In an earlier interview, the tactician had stated why Burundi will offer his charges a tough challenge.

The current Burundi squad has almost 13 players who trade their professional football outside the country, and some of them will be making their debuts playing in the Burundi team this Sunday," Ndayigarije said.

"Some of them play in Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Morocco and Turkey and some of them were born there, but because Burundi accepts dual citizenship, they have been called to play in this friendly encounter."

Tanzania will be taking part in the African Nations Championship and the Burundi tactician will be using the friendly match to gauge the fitness and preparedness of his charges.

Taifa Stars will be playing Tunisia on November 11 away, before hosting them in Dar es Salaam two weeks later. The East African nation started their campaign in Group J with a 2-1 win over Equatorial Guinea before falling 2-1 away to Libya in their second game.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Metacha Mnata (Yanga SC), Aishi Manula (Simba SC), David Mapigano (Azam FC)

Defenders: Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein (Simba SC), Israel Mwenda (KMC FC), Brayson David, Abdallah Sebo (Azam FC), Bakari Mwamnyeto (Yanga SC) Dickson Job (Mtibwa Sugar), Iddy Mobbi (Polisi Tanzania)

Midfielders: Jonas Mkude, Said Hamisi, Yassin Mzamiru (Simba SC), Himid Mao (ENPPI SC, Egypt), Iddy Nado, Salum Abubakar (Azam FC), Feisal Salum (Yanga SC), Ally Msengi (Stellenbosch FC, South Africa) 

Forwards: John Bocco (Simba SC), Mbwana Samatta (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey), Nickson Kibabage, Simon Msuva (Diffa El Jadidi, Morocco), Thomas Ulimwengu (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Ditram Nchimbi (Yanga SC)

The South African Football Association (Safa) NEC has resolved to declare the 2019/2020 ABC Motsepe League in all nine provinces as final and according to the existing log standings.

Therefore, the nine provincial teams currently occupying position number one will proceed to the national play-offs of the ABC Motsepe League which should be played by 7 November 2020.

This is in order to determine the two teams which will be promoted to the GladAfrica championships.

As a result of this decision, there will be no relegation in the ABC Motsepe League in the 2019/2020 season and the provincial play-offs for promotion to the ABC Motsepe League will proceed which will result in 18 teams in each Province for the 2020/2021 season.

In a circular sent out to all provinces, Safa CEO, Advocate Tebogo Motlanthe said the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the development of football in the world in general and South African football’s non-professional league in the country.

"The non-professional football was forced to stop before the matches could be finished in March 2020. There is a need for Safa to promote the two teams which will participate in the GladAfrica championships in the 2020/2021 season," said Motlanthe.

"Also the registration period of players in the National Soccer League (NSL) is expected to close on 30 November 2020,” added Advocate Motlanthe.

"Safa has to promote and not deny the opportunity to the teams which must be promoted to GladAfrica championships. The two promoted teams must be afforded enough opportunities to register and add more quality players for sustainability in the professional ranks.

"The two teams must be provided with enough time to prepare for the resumption of the GladAfrica championships,’’ concluded Advocate Motlanthe.

The Safa CEO said all amateur football was still suspended until the association gets the green light to resume from the government.

Here are the teams that will be going to the play-offs: 

Eduardo Camavinga is already bordering on being undroppable for Didier Deschamps, the France boss has said.

Rennes midfielder Camavinga made his first international start in the friendly against Ukraine on Wednesday and opened the scoring in a 7-1 victory with an overhead kick in the ninth minute.

At 17 years and 11 months old, he became the second youngest player to score for Les Bleus after Maurice Gastiger (17 years, five months) against Switzerland in March 1914.

Camavinga was drafted into the squad in September as a late replacement for Paul Pogba following the Manchester United midfielder's positive coronavirus test and became France's youngest debutant in 106 years when he came off the bench against Croatia.

Deschamps is wary of demanding too much from Camavinga – who is reportedly a target for Real Madrid – but admits the teenager is making it hard not to pick him.

"I don't really want to put him out of the squad or the team considering how he plays. Let's see, he is still young," said Deschamps.

"I need to manage him like Julien Stephan is managing Eduardo at Rennes. He will play every three days soon. He is a very young player with a lot of great skills and huge talent.

"I already selected him last month, I think he is good enough and that's why he plays. He needs to show his skills on the pitch, even if we should not ask too much either.

"He is here. We all know the huge competition we have in the midfield but it's not the others and him, it's totally him among the others. I will need to make some choices."

A double from Olivier Giroud, who captained the team on his 100th appearance, and an own goal from Vitaliy Mykolenko sent France into half-time 4-0 up.

Viktor Tsygankov pulled one back for Ukraine but goals from Corentin Tolisso and substitutes Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann secured a resounding triumph.

Giroud's brace took him to 42 international goals, sending him above Michel Platini and into second on France's all-time scoring list – only Thierry Henry (51) has more.

"I am very happy for Olivier, not only for his 100th game with us. Even if he did not score every time, he is always very important for us, he is one of the players who started with me in 2012," said Deschamps.

"He always has this fire inside, this passion. Bravo! That's why I asked him to be captain tonight. It may be symbolism but I know it's important for him. It's done. I won't give him gifts, he knows that, but I hope he can keep doing things like that."

France face Portugal and Croatia in the Nations League on Sunday and Wednesday respectively.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has set strict guidelines to be observed during the Harambee Stars friendly match against Zambia on Friday.

Kenya will play the former African champions in what would be their first friendly match ahead of the double-header Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Comoros in November.

The match has been scheduled to be hosted at the newly-refurbished Nyayo National Stadium where strict health protocols must be adhered to.

“In accordance with strict Covid-19 protocols proposed by the world governing body Fifa and sanctioned by the Ministry of Sports, the match will be played behind closed doors,” FKF said in a statement obtained by Goal on Thursday.

“Arrangements have, however, been made, to broadcast the match on StarTimes. Further details on the same will be shared in due course.

“Football Kenya Federation will, beforehand, issue limited accreditation for journalists and support staff who will be allowed access to the match venue.

“Accredited journalists will only be allowed to access their designated areas of operation and will be required to have their masks on at all times while observing social distance.

“Reporters will be required to sit at the designated media tribune while pitchside photographers who will be obligated to sit at selected spaces.”

Francis Kimanzi led the first residential training on Monday and six training sessions have been held up to now. The sessions were allowed after FKF pressurised the government to allow the players to congregate and prepare before the Friday encounter.

Contact sports in Kenya remain banned and Harambee Stars were only allowed to start training under strict guidelines at the fumigated Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

With a number of foreign-based players unavailable for the match, Clarke Oduor – who is set for his debut - is expected to join the team later in the day for his first joint training programme.

Joseph Okumu is expected to arrive in due course and his presence will be a huge relief for Kimanzi given Collins Shichenje was ruled out for six weeks following an injury.

Zambia are expected to arrive on Thursday night and will hold their first training session on Friday morning. Chipolopolo will face Kenya for what will be their second friendly tie in the week after hosting and beating Malawi 1-0 in Lusaka on Wednesday.

Kalidou Koulibaly would not bring “perfection” to Liverpool if he were to be prised away from Napoli, says John Barnes, with the Reds legend of the opinion that too much is being made of supposed defensive faults at Anfield.

The reigning Premier League champions were cut to pieces in spectacular fashion during their last outing against Aston Villa.

A 7-2 defeat in the West Midlands has led to further questions being asked of a risky high line approach that offers opponents hope of getting in behind when countering at pace.

Villa are not the first side this season to expose those weaknesses at the back for Liverpool, with Klopp urged by many to sign another commanding centre-half before the summer deadline passed.

Those calls, which came amid renewed talk of Koulibaly being targeted, fell on deaf ears and Barnes believes the right approach is being taken by a team that does not need to explain its methods to anybody given the success they have enjoyed over recent seasons.

“Conceding more goals has nothing to do with the personnel in the back four, Liverpool are just playing differently,” Reds legend Barnes told BonusCodeBets.

“They’re playing a much higher line because Klopp has tweaked the system and they’re looking to score more goals and are giving away more chances as a result of that. It’s not got anything to do with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez or any other players - they are all fine.

“If you want perfection then of course you could go and get Kalidou Koulibaly and have better players but you’re not going to get perfection.

“Liverpool have lost one game and lost one game last year and one game the year before. This was a bad performance but I’m not getting carried away thinking all of a sudden the wheels have come off, they were fantastic against Arsenal.

“This is not a situation where Liverpool should make any knee-jerk reactions and say if anything is wrong, they were 20 points better than everyone else with a similar team as last year, so I don’t see what the problem is now.

“It was a terrible performance in one game, if this continues you could maybe start asking questions, but nobody will get carried away after one performance.”

Barnes added on the change in approach being adopted by Liverpool: “Klopp feels that he wants to press higher up and win the ball higher up the pitch so the back four are maybe pushing up a little too far, but that’s a chance Liverpool are taking.

“In Manchester City versus Leeds, you look at the way Marcelo Bielsa and Pep Guadiola play - they’re willing to take chances and score goals and they’re winning matches.

“Of course you want to not concede goals. Maybe Klopp will have to address that slightly by defending a little bit deeper and not pushing up so high up, though I’m sure the Aston Villa defeat was a one-off.”

Liverpool will be back in action on October 17 when taking in a derby date with Merseyside rivals Everton.

Ini Umotong was on target and Violah Nambi bagged a brace in Vaxjo's 3-1 triumph over Kalmar in Wednesday’s Swedish Svenska Cupen encounter. 

Nigeria's Umotong teamed up with the Swedish Damallsvenskan from English outfit Brighton in July but only opened her Damallsvenskan goal account in their recent 2-1 loss to Djurgardens.

On her part, Uganda's Nambi joined Vaxjo in 2019 and has struggled to enjoy playing time at the club after only featuring thrice this season.

At Grondals IP, the Nigeria international scored in the second half as the Ugandan midfielder's double in the first half ensured Magnus Olsson's team bounced back to winning ways.

Nambi was handed her first start this season and she gave a good account of herself as she opened the scoring after just 11 minutes.

Kalmar, however, profited from the visitors' defensive blunder to level two minutes later through Mimmi Asperot's effort.

Two minutes into the half time break, Nambi continued with her impressive showing in front of goal as she scored to help the visitors regain their lead in the encounter.

To bury the comeback hopes of hosts, Umotong scored her second goal for the club on the bounce in the 74th minute to guarantee her side's triumph. 

Umotong has now scored two goals in 11 appearances this term, and Nambi has managed a similar feat in four outings for Vaxjo.

Following the win, they will continue their Swedish Damallsvenskan campaign against Lillestrom in their next outing on Sunday.

Portugal and Barcelona forward Trincao said it is "impossible" to pick between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the world's best player. 

Trincao plays alongside Portugal captain and all-time leading goalscorer Ronaldo at international level, while he joined Barcelona great Messi at Camp Nou this season. 

Ronaldo and Messi have claimed the Ballon d'Or 11 times between them, with the latter the recipient of a record six gongs. 

Trincao was asked about the superstar duo following Portugal's goalless draw with Spain in Wednesday's friendly. 

"I am extremely proud to be able to play with both [Ronaldo and Messi]," the 20-year-old told RTP3 post-match in Lisbon. 

"It is impossible to say who is the best."

Ronaldo and Renato Sanches both rattled the crossbar in the second half against Spain, as the two countries faced each other ahead of upcoming Nations League fixtures. 

Portugal travel to face world champions France on Sunday, the day after Spain host Switzerland. 

"A difficult match against a very organised team. It is very good to start from this match against such a strong team," Trincao said as he reflected on the match, which saw him start in a front three alongside Ronaldo and Andre Silva. 

"I will just do my job, I am prepared to play, just like my team-mates, then the decision is up to the master."

Trincao signed a five-year deal with Barca in January in a €31 million ($36m) move that saw him move to Camp Nou in July.

A €500m ($588m) release clause was included in the deal signed by the Portugal Under-21 international, who scored seven goals in 29 appearances in all competitions for Braga last season.

Braga president Antonio Salvador believes Trincao will be one of the world's best players in 10 years time.

"We already know we are going to lose one of our great players, one that I consider the best, one that will define a decade from now, which is Trincao," Salvador said when he sanctioned the transfer of the wonderkid to Barca.

Trincao has made three appearances as substitute for Barcelona so far this season, totalling 59 minutes of play.

Luis Enrique felt Adama Traore showed his "purest form" as he appeared to nail his colours to the Spain mast in a lively international debut.

Traore's international future has been the source of some speculation after the Wolves winger was called up to both the Spain and Mali squads for this window.

The player, who is eligible for each country, belatedly made his bow for La Roja on Wednesday in a goalless draw against Portugal and could become cap-tied in the coming week.

Traore had twice earlier been called up but missed out due to injury and then coronavirus, yet patient head coach Luis Enrique saw exactly the player he had hoped for in Lisbon midweek.

The Spanish-born star appeared for just 28 minutes from the bench but created a huge chance for Dani Olmo, who shot straight at Traore's club colleague and Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

"Adama has been Adama in his purest form," Luis Enrique said of Traore, who was marked by Nelson Semedo, yet another Wolves man.

"That is what we want him to be, with his ability to beat opponents. He has played a killer pass to Dani Olmo that did not lead to a goal.

"With one player they will not to be able to stop him. They are going to have to use two players."

Portugal struck the crossbar through Cristiano Ronaldo and Renato Sanches at the other end, and Luis Enrique certainly felt there was no shortage of entertainment despite the scoreline.

"People cannot be sad today for not having seen goals," the Spain coach said. "It was fun. We created that, and who scores interests me very little."

Luis Enrique would not complain if future matches were a little calmer, however, adding: "Sometimes we do not read the game well.

"We have phases in which we lose control. I do not like that the games go crazy."

Opposite number Fernando Santos was not enthused, meanwhile, similarly feeling Portugal needed to have a firmer grasp of proceedings.

Portugal boss Santos, who described the opening stages as "miserable", said: "It will be a different game [against France in the Nations League] for which we'll have to take a different approach.

"We'll have to work well and with another degree of focus. I hope we're at the best level in that game."

The I-League qualifiers, slated to start on Thursday in Kolkata, is set to be an important moment for the entire Indian sporting fraternity in a post-COVID world. 

When Bhowanipore FC's fixture against FC Bengaluru United at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan kicks off on Thursday afternoon, it will mark the resumption of live sports in India after all sporting activities were brought to a halt by the pandemic back in March. 

To put it simply, October 8 is a big moment not just for Indian football. As such, numerous eyeballs from every corner of the country will be trained on Kolkata as the five teams in contention vie to land a spot in the upcoming I-League.

With even highly popular tournaments like the Indian Premier League (Cricket) being held abroad, it is the humble 'I-League qualifiers' that has taken the first step towards the return of normalcy in Indian sports. 

A lot of credit must go to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Indian Football Association (IFA) which governs football in the state of West Bengal for having swung into action in order to make the tournament a possibility. 

Though the Government of India has allowed spectators to attend sporting events with certain relaxations, the I-League qualifiers will be held behind closed doors. And with good reason. 

The pandemic has not eased off in the country and the AIFF and IFA have had to come up with a strategy to ensure the safety of the players, staff and officials during the course of the tournament which acts as a precursor to the I-League which is set to start in December. 

Taking inspiration from the various top leagues around the world, the AIFF and IFA have implemented a Bio-Bubble and security protocols that have ultimately helped realise the I-League qualifiers. 

The Chinese Super League, AFC Champions League and many other competitions around the world have adopted this format.

But more importantly, the I-League qualifiers will witness this model being implemented for the first time in India, across all sports, ensuring the tournament will be of interest to all stakeholders across the ecosystem.

Quarantining, virtual training sessions, social distancing measures, isolation from the outside world - it has all been a novel experience for the players and coaches of the teams playing in the I-League qualifiers. 

"Coming into the bubble, the first four days were difficult. Sitting inside the room by ourselves. So we had virtual sessions. We had no one to learn from. Now others are learning from us," said Yan Law, Mohammedan Sporting head coach in a virtual press conference on Wednesday. 

Despite the challenges, the return of football and sports is vital to not just the players and staff but also numerous others from various walks of life who depend on sports for their livelihoods, as aptly observed by Bhowanipore FC head coach Sankarlal Chakraborty. 

"Great thing is that football is starting. The livelihood of a lot of people depend on this and not just that of players and coaches," he said. 

Even as the I-League qualifiers provide us with a glimpse of what the 'new normal' is, the tournament is also clearing an important path for Indian sports. 

NorthEast United's newly-appointed head coach Gerard Nus believes he will be able to integrate talented local players into the Indian Super League (ISL) sooner rather than later. 

Nus, who succeeded Croatian Robert Jarni who parted ways with the club during last season's league campaign, feels the Highlanders have been able to assemble a squad with a good mix of young and experienced players.

"I am happy with the roster that we have and the new players that we are bringing. We have a solid mix of experienced and young players. We want to build something special," the Spaniard told Goal.

"We will have a clear identity of play and will fight for every single ball until the last minute of each game. We will create an environment where we will get the best out of every player, making each other better every day. I am confident that with the help of our supporters, we will achieve all of our goals."

While NorthEast United has struggled to achieve success on the field in the last few seasons, the region they represent has consistently produced exciting talents for clubs and the national team. Nus is confident that he will be able to make full use of the talent pool available locally and promote hot prospects to the first team. 

He said, "I am aware of the talent that this region has, and I am a big believer in providing opportunities to the players that work hard and deserve to be on the field. I do not think it is difficult to get young players into the first team; it all comes down to finding the right time and give them the confidence that they deserve.

"It is a  beautiful process and my coaching staff and I will do our best to help them develop because it is not only important for our club but also for the progress and improvement of the Indian football," he concluded. 

\Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano believes the English Football League is not a sustainable business and has called on Premier League reserve sides to enter the lower divisions.

The coronavirus crisis has hit clubs in leagues below the Premier League especially hard, as matchday revenue has evaporated with fans still not allowed to attend games in the UK. 

Without the massive TV revenue Premier League clubs enjoy, many clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two have been forced to reckon with a difficult future.

In 2016, EFL clubs voted against a proposal that would have seen Premier League B teams in its divisions.

Soriano believes that proposal should be revisited though, which, if enacted, could give young players a chance to better develop by testing themselves against senior players.

Speaking to sports business conference Leaders Week, Soriano said: "One of the challenges is the EFL [is] a business that is not sustainable enough.

"They were discussing ways to improve it, they were discussing salary caps. Now they were sort of nudged, almost pushed, to solve the existing problems because of the crisis. It's a good opportunity for the different elements of the football business to get together and solve these problems.

"There are other problems; the challenges of developing players in England where B teams are not allowed, we have a development gap of boys that are 17 or 18, they don't find the right place to develop and, for example, they are taken from us by the German teams, who try to sell them back to us for a price which is 10 times what they paid.

"This is mad, right? This is something we needed to solve and now maybe the crisis will give us the opportunity and will nudge us to get together and solve these issues."

Soriano worked with Barcelona from 2003 to 2008, serving as the club's vice chairman and CEO. Spain currently uses a system like the one Soriano would like to see in England, with the Segunda Division B – Spain's third tier – currently featuring a number of La Liga clubs' reserve sides, including Barcelona B.

Ukraine were forced to select 45-year-old assistant coach Oleksandr Shovkovskiy in their squad for the 7-1 thrashing against France after Covid-19 tore through the team.

Three goalkeepers selected in Ukraine's squad tested positive for coronavirus, including Andriy Pyatov, Andriy Lunin and Yuriy Pankiv, with Georgiy Bushchan the only available stopper.

With a need for a goalkeeper to sit on the substitutes bench, Ukraine enlisted the services of ex-Dynamo Kiev keeper Shovkovskiy, who retired in 2016 after a distinguished career that included 92 caps for his nation between 1994 and 2012.

"Oleksandr Shovkovskiy ended his professional career as a player in December 2016, but keeps himself in good physical shape, constantly conducting individual training," a statement from Ukraine's FA read.

"The coaching staff of the national team of Ukraine emphasises that it does not consider Oleksandr Shovkovskiy as a mandatory participant in today's match."

It was also mentioned that Shovkovskiy would only play if Bushchan was incapacitated because of the virus or injury during the match.

However, Shovkovskiy wasn't needed during the France match as the unusual preparation saw the Ukrainians belted by a six-goal margin at the Stade de France on Wednesday.

Olivier Giroud passed Michel Platini as France's second-highest scorer with a brace in his 100th cap for Les Bleus, while Eduardo Camavinga became the nation's second-youngest scorer.

Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Corentin Tolisso also got on the scoresheet during the rout.

In addition to Vitalii Mykolenko scoring a own goal for France, Viktor Tsigankov scored Ukraine's only goal just after the half-time break.

Several other positive Covid-19 tests affected the match with Ukraine midfielder Taras Stepanenko not making the trip to Paris, while France defender Leo Dubois was sent home after being diagnosed with the illness.

After being thrashed by France, it doesn't get any easier for Ukraine as they host Germany and Spain in the Nations League over the next week.

France also have a tough set of fixtures in the Nations League, as they welcome Portugal to Paris, before facing Croatia in Zagreb before the international break ends.

Didier Deschamps' side is yet to lose in 2020 with victories against Sweden (1-0) and Croatia (4-2) before the Ukraine rout.

Joseph Yobo is thrilled resuming his role as assistant coach of Nigeria senior national team.

The 40-year-old - who captained the Super Eagles to a triumphant 2013 Africa Cup of Nations outing in South Africa – was named as Gernot Rohr’s assistant by the Nigeria Football Federation in February.

He was expected to make his managerial bow against Sierra Leone a month later, however, that did not materialise as the coronavirus pandemic placed all football related activities on hold.

Nevertheless, Yobo will take charge of his first game when the West Africans take on Algeria in Friday’s international friendly billed for Austria.

Having trained with the team for the first time on Tuesday evening, the former Everton and Olympique Marseille defender is delighted to begin another ‘chapter’ in the beautiful game.

“New Chapter. Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr and his assistant coach,” he wrote on Instagram.

President of the NFF Amaju Pinnick had disclosed that the body was preparing the retired centre-back as future Super Eagles boss while hoping he would follow the paths of Stephen Keshi.

“When Yobo was captain of the Super Eagles before he retired, I saw inborn leadership character in him. His charisma and the way he carried other players in the team was exceptional,” he said, as per the Guardian.

“Yobo is a born leader. This is why the federation decided to appoint him as one of the assistants in the Super Eagles team.

“We are looking up to Yobo to manage the Super Eagles in future and being part of the team’s technical crew will give him that opportunity to coach the Super Eagles in the nearest future.

“The late Stephen Keshi was also an exceptional leader when he was the captain of the Super Eagles. He later grew in the coaching job to handle the Super Eagles. Yobo needs to be encouraged.

“This is not the first time a Nigerian retired player would be given this type of opportunity. Yobo’s presence in the Eagles will help the team.”

Before his retirement from international football, he participated in three Fifa World Cups and six Africa Cup of Nations finals.

At club level, he won two Turkish Cups as well as one Super Lig title, and was voted in Africa's best XI for the 2007–08 season. 

Also, he is Everton's second player to feature in all 38 Premier League games without missing a single minute, during the 2006-07 season under David Moyes.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah joined Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers as England U21 topscorer of all time with his 13th strike on Wednesday.

The youngster found the net 10 minutes after replacing Sam Surridge in the 3-3 draw versus Andorra in a Uefa U21 Championship game staged at Estadi Nacional.

With the six-goal thriller tied 2-2, the Gunners’ forward put the Young Lions in front eight minutes from full time after a one-two touch with Eberechi Eze. In the process, he joined Shearer and Jeffers in the hallowed ranks.

However, the hosts still had time to score a surprise equaliser on the break in added time through Christian Garcia.

Unlike Jeffers who achieved his feat in 16 games, Nketiah and Shearer reached that mark in just 11 outings.

Aidy Boothroyd’s side face Turkey in their next game on Tuesday, with the 21-year-old of Ghanaian descent – who boasts of nine goals in his last five appearances – hoping to shatter the longstanding record.

Nketiah rose through the youth ranks at the Emirates Stadium before graduating to the senior squad in 2017, but was made to wait for his breakthrough after a string of cameo appearances.

Despite scoring four goals during the Gunners’ pre-season tour of the United States, he was sent out on loan to Leeds to continue his development.

Unfortunately, he struggled for regular playing time at Elland Road, and the Gunners ended up calling him back to the Emirates in January.

Nketiah hit three goals in seven outings for Arsenal after returning to the club from Leeds, before seeing his progress interrupted by the coronavirus outbreak.

He has remained a regular at the start of 2020-21, with his goal account for the new season opened with a late winner in a derby date with West Ham last time out.

His contract at Arsenal is due to run until the summer of 2022, albeit, he is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

“Auba’s a great player and I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside him for a little while now,” Nketiah told Evening Standard.

“He’s a top striker and that’s where I want to be in the future. Whenever we’re training or working on little things, I’m always asking him about how he does it, how he prepares and whether he has any little tips.

“Some of the variety in his finishing is just outstanding and what’s even better is that he is always willing to help other people out — he’s great to have around.

“He’s one of the best about and I’m always looking to learn from him.”

Noko Matlou has expressed her delight after joining Eibar from Sasol Women's League team Maindies FC on a one-year deal.

The newly-promoted Spanish side had announced the signing of the Banyana Banyana star from the South African outfit on Monday.  

The striker-turned-defender has previously starred for domestic clubs like Development Ladies, Brazilian Ladies and the University of Johannesburg before teaming up with Maindies.

Matlou has made over 150 appearances for Banyana since her senior debut in 2006 and became the first South African to be named African Women's Footballer of the Year two years later.

She will now aim to excel with Jon Gallego's team after finally fulfilling her dream of becoming a full professional at 35.

“I’ve been looking forward to playing overseas for a long time, but here I am, getting the opportunity at an old age, but I’m happy," Matlou told South African broadcaster Eyewitness News. 

"I’ve worked hard and I deserve it. Look back at the World Cup, Africa Women’s Championship, Cosafa Women's Cup, I think I’ve done well for my country and myself, so this is the reward.

Despite concerns over her fitness with months out of action as a result of the coronavirus lockdown, she acknowledged the challenges of training alone, but assured she will be ready in time for the task ahead.

"I’m looking forward to establishing myself and making a name for myself and my country," she continued.

“Covid-19 has made it tough for us to train as athletes, but we kept working behind the scenes because we knew there were great things ahead.

"I’ve been working hard. I’m ready for the new journey.”

Having completed her move, she will be hoping to earn her maiden appearance for Eibar when her side take on Levante on Saturday.