All posts by h716a5.icu

Gary Neville believes Pep Guardiola "will want" Kobbie Mainoo in his Manchester City midfield after the Manchester United star's display at Everton.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Neville praises Kobbie MainooClaimed Guardiola would want to sign himGot his first-ever Premier League start against EvertonWHAT HAPPENED?

The United legend was left impressed by Mainoo's performance against Everton as he played 72 minutes at Goodison Park. He also received praise from club captain Bruno Fernandes, who claimed on that the teenager should have received the Man of the Match award instead of Alejandro Garnacho.

Neville further suggested that by the first look at his style, Mainoo seems like a player who would fit in well at Manchester City and that Guardiola would love to have him in his midfield.

AdvertisementWHAT NEVILLE SAID

Speaking to , Neville said: "It was impressive and there’s no point getting carried away by it because the reality is he’s got 17 or 18 years in front of him and he’s got a lot of work to do. But sometimes when you see a player come in for the first time and the way in which the temperament, he’s obviously got technical ability and skill, you don’t play for Manchester United in the first place if you haven’t got that, you don’t get picked by Erik ten Hag if you haven’t got that, but what you don’t know is how they’re going to handle it.

"He’s gone in here at Goodison Park, in what could have been the most ferocious atmospheres for many a year in a hostile environment, and he looked class. We know he’s class, we know he’s got class, he’s got that ability, but he looked class in that environment. I always judge players when it’s the most difficult part of the game. When Manchester United had their most difficult period in that first half just before half time for 20 minutes I thought he was the only player who showed up, the only player who still looked like himself."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Further complimenting the youngster, the former England international said: "The biggest compliment I can pay him, and it hurts to say this, I hope people can take this in the right spirit… he looked like a Manchester City player. Honestly, I was watching him and thinking, ‘that’s a player that Pep Guardiola will be looking at and thinking, ‘I want him in my midfield, that’s what my midfield players do’.

"Thankfully Man United have got him because he looks so composed, so graceful, always looking over his shoulder, knowing where everyone is, letting it run across his body. At 18 to be doing that out there, he’ll have tougher games, he’s got a long challenge in front of him, there’ll be injuries, ups and downs, there will be other players coming in, he’s playing at a club with huge demands. But that was very, very good."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR KOBBIE MAINOO?

With an impressive outing against the Toffees, Mainoo will now aim to feature in Erik ten Hag's starting lineup more often. The Red Devils next face Galatasaray in a crucial Champions League encounter on Wednesday.

The Borussia Dortmund star has been deployed as a winger for the USMNT, but getting him going centrally could define this cycle.

It's safe to say that Gregg Berhalter and Gio Reyna have a lot to figure out. At some point over the next two months, the pair will need to get in a room together, sit down and talk, not as player and coach, but as people. What happened between the Berhalters and the Reynas is beyond soccer, and they need to find a way to put that behind them.

That's one thing, and the most important thing, for them to figure out. After the personal side is behind them, though, the focus will turn towards soccer, and there's a lot to work out there too.

Much has changed for Reyna with the U.S. men's national team since Berhalter's departure(?), and we're not just talking about that bleach-blonde hair. Both Anthony Hudson and B.J. Callaghan have used Reyna in a way that Berhalter refused to, deploying him in a central role that, seemingly, gets the most out of him.

And, as the World Cup cycle now truly begins for the USMNT, maximizing Reyna's impact is one of the most important things on the agenda. Luckily for him, the two interim coaches may have left him with a pretty good blueprint.

Getty ImagesBerhalter's tactics

For much of Berhalter's original tenure, Reyna was identified exclusively as a wing player. There isn't anything objectively wrong with that. He plays the position well and offers something that many of the other wide men in the pool don't. He's super creative in the final third and good on the ball. Of the wingers in the squad, you could argue he's the best pure goalscorer, too.

However, Berhalter's tactics didn't really call for a winger like Reyna. With Christian Pulisic entrenched on the left, Timothy Weah was preferred on the right for several key reasons. Weah is absolutely key to Berhalter's ideal play in the final third: he beats his defenders, gets to the end line and whips in crosses for easy finishes. It's a formula that Berhalter has always relied on, and not necessarily one that lines up with Reyna's skillset.

Due to that, and a series of injury issues in the year leading up to the World Cup, Reyna wasn't a first-choice starter in Qatar, and we all know what happened next.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe positional debate

Back in March 2022, Berhalter had the chance to deploy Reyna centrally. Weston McKennie was out of action due to injury, leaving a hole in the middle of the field that Reyna, theoretically, could occupy. The Borussia Dortmund star said he would be happy to do so, citing the fact that he has long enjoyed playing in the centre.

"I'd feel perfectly comfortable playing there," Reyna said. "My favorite position is probably through the middle. Obviously, Weston does a lot for the team. But I can try to fill his shoes if I need to."

Berhalter, meanwhile, called it a possibility but opted to use Reyna as a substitute in the three qualifiers. That decision was understandable as the player was just coming back from a lengthy injury absence. When Reyna did come into the game, he replaced wingers Weah and Paul Arriola.

Still, as Reyna said, he is more than comfortable centrally. He was used there as a youth player and featured in the role during six of his 30 appearances for Dortmund this season. And, in an interview with the Bundesliga's official website last year, he did say he's happy to play anywhere on the field when called upon.

"I don’t really want to put a position out there,” he said, when asked where he prefers to play. “I think that’s one of the strengths of my game that I’m versatile. I can play on the left, in the middle, or on the right. I grew up playing in the middle as an attacking midfielder but I think with the way we play here, it’s very free-flowing and very open for all the attackers to be creative."

GettyWhat you get with Reyna down the middle

With Tyler Adams out of action in each of the last two windows, both Hudson and Callaghan have made a tactical tweak, inverting the midfield and putting Reyna in at the No.10. It's a move that didn't quite come off in the March window, but it was effective against Mexico in the Nations League semifinals.

Reyna was more influential than ever, even if he couldn't quite turn it into a goal or assist. He created several chances, looked comfortable taking on defenders and, perhaps most importantly, the USMNT midfield was not overrun despite the lack of a pure No. 6.

To put it lightly, Reyna looked free. He, no doubt, was motivated by the moment, having previously torched Mexico with his Maradona-esque run during last cycle. But, given the chance to make an impact in the middle of the field, Reyna did just that.

With Reyna on the field alongside the likes of Pulisic, Weah and Folarin Balogun, the USMNT has so many different, dangerous options to break down a defense. It's why Mexico were constantly on the back foot and had little way of stopping the U.S. until the game got totally out of hand.

That look, with those four in attack and two more defensive-minded midfielders behind them, could be the way forward since it helps the U.S. get their best players on the pitch together. That, of course, is the big bonus of all of this: it maximizes the USMNT's talent. Depth is good, flexibility is good, but there's also something to be said for getting outstanding players onto the field together and letting them go to work. However, sacrificing another midfielder to get Reyna into the XI does have its drawbacks…

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty / GOALA ripple effect

There is one notable downside to deploying Reyna centrally: it breaks up the MMA midfield. McKennie, Adams and Yunus Musah all solidified their spots as USMNT stars last cycle before shining at the World Cup, both individually and as a unit. They're all still young, too, with many backing that trio to be the go-to midfield for quite some time.

However, if Reyna does start down the middle, that means one of the three would have to come out. The most likely one to make way would be Musah, which would be harsh on the young Valencia star. He too played a good game against Mexico, showing growth as he evolved from a pure ball-progressor into a more complete midfielder.

Against Mexico, though, the USMNT showed that they could survive with a double-pivot. With all-energy Adams next to McKennie, the U.S. should have enough defensively to compete with most teams.

Is Berhalter willing to make that switch in big moments? Time will tell.

Lionel Messi would be "welcome" in the Saudi Pro League should decide to leave Inter Miami in the near future, sporting director Michael Emenalo says.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Messi was offered deal from Saudi ArabiaOpted to join Inter Miami insteadArgentine still welcome at Saudi Pro LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?

Messi was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and recently admitted he considered the offer before he decided to head to MLS in July, signing for Inter Miami. The 36-year-old appears happy in the United States after his first few months in the country, but Emenalo says the Pro League would be happy to snap him up.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT MICHAEL EMENALO SAID

"The reasons that he ended up in MLS is something that I don’t have answers to," Emenalo was quoted as saying by . "If he decides next season that he wants to come here, we will be happy to welcome him. If he wants to stay in MLS, we will be very, very happy for him."

On another potentially busy window in January, the former Chelsea technical director added: "The Saudi Pro League is open for business to any superstar that wants to come. If there is an indication that there is an opening and any of the superstars that you know and I know says: ‘We are interested in coming to this league,’ we will work very very hard to bring them in.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

A move to the Middle East would see Messi unite with his former rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who is hoping to fire Al-Nassr to the league title this season. The Argentine sensation would also join the likes of ex-Barcelona team-mate Neymar, currently at Al-Hilal, and former Real Madrid hero Karim Benzema, who is now with Al-Ittihad.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

Instead of heading to Saudi Arabia any time soon, however, Messi will instead reunite with his old co-star Luis Suarez at Inter Miami. After missing out on the play-offs in 2023, the World Cup winner will aim to help his side reach the MLS play-offs in the 2024 campaign.

The pizzeria endorsed by Lionel Messi has thanked the “GOAT” for his free promotion, with queues now stretching around the block at Banchero.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Argentine posted picture of his takeawayMixed response on social mediaFans desperate to visit the same eatery

WHAT HAPPENED?

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner sparked more lively debate on social media – not for the first time in his career – when posting an image of the meal he had acquired from a local eatery now that he is plying his club trade at Inter Miami.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi posted “thank you @bancheromiami” alongside a photo of his pizza choice – which delivered a mixed response, to say the least. While some have questioned the Argentine’s takeaway habits, crowds are flocking to the same eatery in a bid to savour some of the delights being enjoyed by a legendary figure from the world of football.

InstagramDID YOU KNOW?

Banchero have posted on Instagram – while changing their bio to “Lionel Messi’s favorite pizza!” – an image of punters forming a lengthy queue just to get through the door. They said: “Corner of 71st and Collins Ave – look at it! Thank you to everyone for choosing us.” They accompanied that post with a goat emoji – in a nod towards Messi being the greatest of all-time – and a “thank you forever” message.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Messi has been mocked by members of the public and professional rivals over his pizza pick, with Atlanta United trolling the 2022 World Cup winner with an edited version of his now infamous post after claiming a 5-2 victory over Inter Miami in MLS – a game that Messi did not figure in due to being rested.

Goal counts down the transfers that have surprised over the years in the world's most popular sport

The appointment of college football coach Ted Lasso as Richmond FC's new manager might be one of the more bizarre signings in football, but the sport's history is littered with shock transfers – successful and infamous…

Getty20Ronaldinho – AC Milan to Flamengo

In 2011, Ronaldinho had a whole host of admirers when he was leaving AC Milan.

His transfer to Flamengo was not exactly a shock as he returned to his homeland, but the real head-scratching moment was the fact that Brazilian rivals Gremio were so sure they had they had re-signed their former player that they held a celebration with their fans before Flamengo came in and snatched him from under their eyes.

AdvertisementMarco Luzzani19Andrea Pirlo – Juventus U23 to Juventus

Andrea Pirlo was no stranger to a shocking switch, having first traded Inter for AC Milan and later joined Juventus on a free transfer, prompting Gianluigi Buffon to claim "God exists".

However, in 2020, he went one step further, taking over as coach of Juventus's Under-23 side without any coaching experience before being promoted to the top job just a week later following the sacking of Maurizio Sarri.

Getty Images18Julien Faubert – West Ham to Real Madrid

French winger Julien Faubert had an unexpected career journey. He went from Cannes to Bordeaux to West Ham before stunning the world when Real Madrid came in with a deadline day loan offer for him in January 2009.

He played just twice for Los Blancos, even being pictured sleeping on the bench during a game and missing training as he got his day off mixed up.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty17Edgar Davids – Retired to Barnet

In 2012, former Ajax, Juventus and Netherlands legend Edgar Davids came out of retirement to play for his local London club.

But rather than a Premier League giant, the Champions League winner was appointed joint player-coach at… League Two side Barnet.

There, he wore the shirt number 1 and would not travel to away games if the team was required to stay in a hotel overnight.

Barnet were relegated but Davids stayed on and managed the team in the Conference. He left in 2014 and has not had a managerial job since.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has dismissed talk of a dressing room revolt despite a spate of negative stories in the media.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Ten Hag claims he has backing of United playersNegative stories emerged after Newcastle defeatManager says comebacks show unityWHAT HAPPENED?

The manager is facing renewed criticism following the Red Devils' meek surrender to Newcastle. He has also had to deal with several stories claiming he is losing the support of some players, which led to the club banning four journalists from Tuesday's press conference. However, Ten Hag has insisted that the players are still supporting him.

AdvertisementWHAT TEN HAG SAID

"Oh yes, I am sure, you can see for instance the comeback against Brentford, the Burnley game, the Fulham game, every time the team is there, showed great character, great determination, resilience so we are together," Ten Hag said. "You can see you can’t play such great football as we did recently without unity."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

United had won five of their previous six league games before facing Newcastle, but were brought back down to earth at St James' Park and were hugely fortunate to only lose 1-0. The defeat continued United's dreadful run against teams in the top half of the Premier League table.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

United have scored just 16 league goals this season. Only five teams in the Premier League – Crystal Palace, Everton, Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United – have scored fewer. Ten Hag's side are currently down in seventh as a result, nine points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Ryan Barnett says Wrexham haven't forgotten Accrington Stanley's "heavy" celebrations in their last meeting and want to settle a score this time out.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Wrexham beaten by Accrington last time out'Heavy' celebrations didn't go unnoticedBarnett eyes victory this weekendGOALWHAT HAPPENED?

Accrington secured a 2-0 win over Wrexham back in November and wildly celebrated the victory at Crown Ground. Now, wing-back Barnett, who missed that game due to a knee injury, wants to settle a score when they meet at the Racecourse on Saturday.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT RYAN BARNETT SAID

He told Welsh publication, The Leader: "I was injured for that game but the lads said Accrington celebrated quite heavy after that win. It's not something that you take personally. When we win games, we celebrate so you have got to take it both ways. It would be nice to get one over on them so bring it on. That's what you get when you play for this club, everyone wants to beat us. Since I have been here, we have almost used it as a challenge. We know every team is going to give 110 per cent because they want to beat Wrexham but we will be ready for it."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

This fixture has a little bit of niggle between the two sides as a war or words took place in the reverse fixture over Accrington's ticket prices. That, the "heavy" celebrations, and the fact that Wrexham could go back into the automatic promotion spots if results go their way is plenty motivation for the Red Dragons.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT?

After this Accrington clash, fourth-placed Wrexham, who have won just two of their last eight matches, travel to Morecambe next weekend, followed by two straight home games against Harrogate Town and Tranmere on March 12 and 16 respectively.

The Emirates was jumping at the end of Arsenal's 3-1 win over Spurs – so who starred for Mikel Arteta and who let Antonio Conte down?

North London is red once again!

This was game was billed as being too tight to call by many but, in the end, Arsenal proved far too good for their neighbours as they cruised to a 3-1 win over Tottenham at a cauldron-like Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta's side were excellent throughout, barring a nervy spell at the end of the first half when they gifted Spurs a goal via the penalty spot.

The hosts had dominated up until Harry Kane's equaliser, deservedly opening the scoring with a stunning strike from distance from Thomas Partey.

To their credit, Arsenal brushed off the disappointment of conceding the penalty by restoring their lead just four minutes into the second half, with Gabriel Jesus tapping home after a horrible error by Hugo Lloris.

Then, after Emerson Royal had been sent off for a nasty challenge on Gabriel Martinelli, Granit Xhaka struck to make sure of the points, and maintain Arsenal's position at the top of the table.

GettyThe Winners

Winner: William Saliba

What a performance once again from the young centre-back!

This was Saliba's first north London derby and many wondered whether the occasion would be a bit much for the 21-year-old.

But he looked totally at ease and barely gave Kane a kick throughout another imperious display in the heart of the defence.

No wonder the fans already love him!

Winner: Gabriel Jesus

There was a lot of talk before the game about Jesus going up against Richarlison.

The Arsenal striker had just been left out of the Brazil squad at the expense of the Spurs man, who scored three times in two games over the international break.

Mikel Arteta insisted beforehand that he had no concerns over how Jesus would react to the disappointment and the Arsenal boss was right not to be worried.

Jesus was electric throughout, scoring one and causing the Spurs defence all sorts of problems. It was a wonderful performance.

Winner: Gabriel Martinelli

Spurs will be having nightmares about Martinelli this evening.

The Arsenal winger tore Emerson Royal to pieces down, so much so that Royal almost looked relieved to be sent off for hacking down the Brazilian.

He may not have got on the scoresheet himself, but Martinelli is flourishing into a quality wide attacker this season.

AdvertisementGettyThe Losers

Loser: Emerson Royal

What can you say? Emerson endured a miserable afternoon up against Martinelli. The Spurs full-back just couldn't cope with the Arsenal winger.

In the end, it almost looked like he just gave up, stamping on Martinelli's ankle and getting himself sent off.

Antonio Conte must have been fuming.

Loser: Hugo Lloris

The Tottenham keeper was an injury doubt before the game and Spurs fans will probably now be wishing he had lost his fitness battle.

Lloris made an absolute mess of Bukayo Saka's shot four minutes into the second half, spilling the the England man's relatively tame effort.

The ball then deflected back to the keeper off Cristian Romero and the World Cup winner somehow let it squirm under his body, giving Jesus a tap-in.

It was another horrible error from the experienced Lloris, just as Tottenham were looking to build on the momentum that that they had gathered in the run up to half-time.

Gabriel Magalhaes:

The rash challenge on Richarlison which gave Spurs their first half penalty was the latest in a line of errors by the Arsenal centre-back this season.

As well as he has played for the majority of the campaign, the Brazilian just can't seem to stop putting his side in trouble.

It's something that has plagued Gabriel since his move to England and if he is going to become a truly world class centre-back, he needs to find a way of eradicating these mistakes from his game.

The errors always seem to be rush of blood moments as well. They are entirely avoidable.

For example, there was no need for him to go to ground for the penalty incident which gifted Spurs their equaliser. It was asking for trouble.

GettyArsenal Ratings: Defence

Aaron Ramsdale (7/10):

Great save to deny Richarlison in the first half. Excellent distribution.

Ben White (7/10):

Got forward well and set up Partey's goal.

William Saliba (8/10):

Calm on the ball, coped with Kane well. Very impressive.

Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):

Needless foul to give away the penalty. Has to cut out those errors.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

On the fringes of the games at times.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images.Midfield

Thomas Partey (8/10):

Scored an absolute beauty. Brings so much balance to the Arsenal side when he's fit.

Granit Xhaka (8/10):

Another remarkable moment in the Xhaka redemption story. Fabulous performance, great goal.

Martin Odegaard (7/10):

Always busy. Was bright around the penalty area.

The Gunners have lost their last 10 meetings against Manchester City in the Premier League – here's what they need to do to avoid that fate again

Finally, the wait is almost over. What has become the most hotly-anticipated fixture of the season so far finally arrives on Wednesday night.

Arsenal vs Manchester City – a game that could go a long way to deciding the Premier League title race.

An Arsenal win will take them six points clear with a game in hand, but a City win will see them knock Mikel Arteta’s league leaders off top spot for the first time since back in August.

That’s what’s at stake and Arsenal go into the game on the back of three games without a win in all competitions, one of which was a 1-0 defeat at City in the FA Cup.

They also have a dreadful record against the champions to contend with, having lost their last 10 league games against City, scoring just three goals and conceding 26 in the process.

So what can Arsenal do to end that run and take a major step towards the title on Wednesday night? Below, GOAL, takes a look…

Getty ImagesThe Saliba vs Haaland battle

William Saliba’s impact on English football this season was immediate. The central defender slotted in seamlessly following his arrival in the summer after last season’s loan spell with Marseille.

Saliba looked like he’d been playing in England for years and had little trouble dealing with some of the best attackers the Premier League had to offer.

But the 21-year-old’s performances have dipped of late, with many pointing to his time away with France at the World Cup as a reason why.

Saliba featured for just 27 minutes in Qatar and there has certainly been an air of rustiness to his game since his return that we hadn’t really seen prior to the tournament.

Ivan Toney gave him a torrid time on Saturday during the 1-1 draw with Brentford. Toney just looked too strong for Saliba whenever the ball was played up to him, both on the floor and in the air.

And Arsenal's young centre-back will come up against a similar sort of physical battle on Wednesday night when he goes head to head with Erling Haaland, should the Manchester City frontman be passed fit following his injury scare.

Whether Saliba’s confidence will have been hit by the treatment he was served up by Toney at the weekend remains to be seen, but Arteta will certainly be hoping that will not be the case.

Saliba did actually go up against Haaland in the second half of the recent FA Cup tie between the sides and performed very well against the prolific Norway international, who ended the game a frustrated figure.

If Saliba can replicate that type of showing at the Emirates, then it will go a long way to nullifying the most potent part of City’s attack.

AdvertisementGet Saka into the game

Even when Bukayo Saka is kept largely quiet, he still has the ability to make something happen out of nothing.

Never was that more evident than on Saturday when Arsenal struggled for large periods to get any joy out of a resolute Brentford defence.

The visitors had done superbly well to keep Saka under wraps until, in the blink of an eye, he showed superb strength to outmuscle Mathias Jensen and send in a wicked cross for Leandro Trossard to convert.

It was a goal out of nothing and a perfect example of how Saka can hurt you, even when he is not at his best.

It’s difficult to say for certain who Arsenal’s right winger will be up against on Wednesday night, but the most likely guess is that it will be Nathan Ake.

The Dutch international had a fine game against Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round, keeping Saka largely quiet and even scoring an unlikely winner at the other end.

Arsenal need to do all they can to get Saka into the game and, more importantly, get the ball to him when he has space.

It was all a bit too slow against Brentford and whenever the ball was worked out wide, either to Saka or Gabriel Martinelli, they were more than often up against two or three defenders.

It was very rare to see Saka able to isolate his full-back, but if he can get into that situation regularly against Ake, or whoever Guardiola opts for at left-back, Arsenal could be in for a good night.

Getty ImagesBlock the space down the flanks

Manchester City are very similar to Arsenal in many ways.

And just as Mikel Arteta’s side like to exploit the space down the flanks when they attack, City like to do exactly the same.

It seems like Guardiola will go for Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez on Wednesday night and stopping the service to them will be key to Arsenal’s success.

Mahrez has been in fine form this season and Grealish is becoming a growing influence in the City attack, with some excellent recent performances.

If Arsenal can stop them in their tracks and funnel the visitors into central areas, they will back themselves to come out on top in that battle, as they have done many times this season in big games.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

BackpageDouble up on De Bruyne 

Thomas Partey has been the rock that a large amount of Arsenal’s success has been built upon this season.

If Partey plays well, Arsenal play well. It’s that simple.

And Arteta will know that the Ghana international will have to be at his very best while up against Kevin De Bruyne on Wednesday night.

De Bruyne is still the man that makes Manchester City tick and Partey will be tasked in shutting down the space that the Belgian playmaker can excel in, especially when he drifts into the central areas where he can be such a threat.

But it’s not just going to be up to Partey to keep De Bruyne quiet; players like Oleksandr Zinchenko and Granit Xhaka will also be so key in that regard.

It’s a difficult job, such is De Bruyne’s quality, but if Arsenal can do it and starve much of the service to Haaland, then their chances of coming out on top will be greatly increased.

Mason Greenwood is considered to be a little “introverted” by his team-mates at Getafe, but he is reportedly beginning to understand in-house jokes.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Forward spending time in Spanish footballSettled well in new surroundingsExpected to leave Old Trafford in 2024WHAT HAPPENED?

The 22-year-old forward finds himself in Spain after being ushered through the exits at Manchester United. He remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2025, but appears to have little future at his parent club. He has not figured for the Premier League outfit since his arrest on suspicion of attempted rape, coercive behaviour, and assault in January 2022 – with those charges dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service following a six-month investigation.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Greenwood is set to spend the 2023-24 campaign in La Liga, with an initial loan agreement expected to be extended in January. He is feeling more at home in new surroundings, with a spectacular goal recorded – his fourth of the season – last time out in a 2-1 victory over Almeria.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to , Greenwood is continuing to use the Spanish tutor provided to him, which is allowing him to pick up the language spoken by the majority of those that he works with on a daily basis. As he begins to learn certain words and phrases, the one-cap England international is starting to let his guard down and join in with more fun on the training ground.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR GREENWOOD?

As Greenwood feels more relaxed in the company of team-mates and coaches – with family members and support staff alongside him in Spain – he is likely to see out the season with Getafe before completing a permanent transfer away from Manchester United in the summer of 2024.