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Another game and another disappointing result for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side went into yesterday afternoon’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth knowing they needed to make amends for their defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League during the week.

Unfortunately, it was simply more of the same from the Australian’s men, as they found themselves 2-0 down in the 65th minute and only came away with a point thanks to a superb strike from Pape Matar Sarr and a penalty thanks to a moment of madness from Kepa Arrizabalaga.

There were dismal displays across the pitch for the hosts, with one player looking so off the pace that he probably shouldn’t start another game this season.

Spurs' poor performers

Before we get to the starter in question, it’s worth examining some of the others who let the fans down yesterday, such as Brennan Johnson.

The Welshman remains the club’s top scorer this season, with 14 in all competitions, but as he was on Thursday and against Manchester City, he was utterly ineffective against the Cherries.

In fact, he was so poor that the manager hooked him at half-time and football.london’s Alasdair Gold awarded him a 3/10 match rating at full-time.

Sticking to the right-hand side and, yesterday was another game in which Pedro Porro failed to make a case for why he should still be in the team at the start of next season.

The Spanish full-back was largely to blame for the visitors’ opening goal and then continued to offer practically nothing in defence or attack for the rest of the game.

Unsurprisingly, Gold was left seriously unimpressed with the full-back, giving him a 4/10 match rating and reaffirming that he simply ‘didn’t add much.’

However, another Lilywhites ace was arguably just as bad, an international who should be nowhere near the starting lineup for the rest of the campaign.

The Spurs star who must be dropped

Unfortunately, the argument could be made for dropping a sizable number of yesterday’s starters, but when it comes to someone who could and should be replaced, Yves Bissouma is pretty high on that list.

The Mali international has endured a rather torrid campaign this year, as whenever he’s put in an impressive performance like he did in the League Cup against Manchester City, he’s put in a handful of pretty dire ones, like he did against Bournemouth.

Like Porro, the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace failed to offer any threat whatsoever going forward and was even worse when it came to shielding the backline and putting in the defensive work.

It’s not just us who thought the 28-year-old was shocking either, as Gold awarded him a 3/10 and slammed him for his numerous ‘messy’ mistakes, while journalist Mitch Fretton dubbed him a “Sunday league midfielder,” and worst of all, Postecoglou hooked him at halftime.

That might all sound rather harsh, but when you look at the midfielder’s statistics from the game, it’s easy to see where the criticism comes from.

In his 46 minutes of action, he amassed an expected assists figure of 0.01, didn’t take a single shot on target, didn’t even attempt a dribble, lost the ball six times, committed a foul, picked up a yellow card, was dribbled past once and made an error that led directly to a shot.

Ultimately, yesterday’s game was yet another one to forget for Spurs, and while several players let the fans down, Bissouma was one of the very worst, and with not much of the season left, he shouldn’t be starting another match.

Spurs struck gold on unreal "monster" who's worth millions more than Guehi

The incredible talent is one of Spurs’ most important players.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Mar 8, 2025

GOAL ranks the top 25 players in this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, from Kylian Mbappe to Harry Kane to Lionel Messi

The FIFA Club World Cup is going to have it all: European champions, World Cup winners, Golden Boot winners, Golden Glove winners – individuals with accolades upon accolades.

The biggest names in world football will be playing in the United States for nearly a month, as 32 elite clubs battle for glory and a share of the staggering $1 billion prize pool. Every team is guaranteed a cut, but only one will lift the trophy.

Manchester City return to defend their CWC crown, joined by powerhouse teams such as Real Madrid, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain – each stacked with global stars.

Fans can expect fireworks up front, with Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Julian Alvarez, and Ousmane Dembele all chasing the tournament’s Golden Boot. Midfield maestros like Jude Bellingham, Rodri (the reigning Ballon d’Or winner), Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, and Vitinha will pull the strings in the center of the pitch, setting the stage for a thrilling summer showdown.

Perhaps the brightest performer of the 2024-25 campaign in Europe, Nuno Mendes, leads the way for defenders as well, but two of the world's best central defenders in Alessandro Bastoni and Ruben Dias, join him in the competition, too. Who could forget goalkeepers? Two of the best across Europe are taking their talents to the U.S.

GOAL ranks the top 25 players in the 2025 Club World Cup.

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  25Rodrigo De Paul: Atletico Madrid

  When the phrase is dropped, the first player that should come to mind is De Paul. For club and country over his career, the Argentine has been arguably the most intense midfielder in the world. He never backs down from a challenge, but at the same time, possesses the intelligence to not overstep in moments – a rare combination of traits for a central midfielder.

  On the ball, he can ping a pass unlike many, while off it, he reads the pitch with sublime intelligence. He's the perfect midfielder for Atleti manager Diego Simeone, and is the glue that makes Atleti the elite possession-based squad they are.

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  24Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea

  Fernandez, breakout star of the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, has developed into a complete midfielder since joining Chelsea from Benfica. A perfect partner with Moises Caicedo, he's incredibly aggressive on the ball, but offers splendid vision with his passing while being an outlet for the Blues' transition-based game.

  A box-to-box midfielder who also offers a presence in the final third of the pitch, Fernandez can pick out a pass unlike any other, while offering Chelsea a terriffic workrate on and off the ball.

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  23Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: PSG

  He's called for multiple reasons: one, nobody wants to pronounce his name regularly, and two, his footwork is reminiscent of the legendary Argentine midfielder himself.

  The Georgia international is coming off a terrific campaign with PSG, where he bagged 12 goals and recorded nine assists across all competitions. He lifted the UCL with the Parisian outfit, while winning Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France as well.

  With a proper breakout campaign in his first full season with the club, he's one of the most exciting players on the ball in this competition, with tremendous technical ability and an incredible right foot.

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  22Lautaro Martinez: Inter

  Martinez has had his flaws on the international stage with Argentina, and they've been well documented. However, at the club level, there is no denying he is a world-class striker around the box. This past campaign, he led Inter to the UCL final behind a campaign that saw him score 22 goals and record seven assists across all competitions.

  Lethal in tight spaces, from distance, on set pieces, or the counter, the Argentine is the complete package when it comes to elite forwards. He's one of the best finishers in all of Europe, and if he shows up to the Club World Cup with his shooting boots, the rest of the tournament should be on the lookout.

Sunderland are said to be talks with a European club about signing one of their most exciting young players in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Sunderland pushing for promotion amid transfer rumours

It has been an impressive season for the Black Cats, who didn’t necessarily begin the campaign as one of the favourites to be promoted from the Championship to the Premier League.

Instead, Regis Le Bris’ side have remained near the top of the table all season long, and while automatic promotion is now looking hugely unlikely, a place in the playoffs seems nailed on, giving them a chance of returning to the top flight for the first time since 2016/17.

Away from on-pitch matters, Sunderland continue to be linked with potential new signings, with Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland an exciting rumoured target. The Scotland international has been a prolific figure for his current club, scoring 63 goals in 129 appearances. He would be available on a free transfer this summer, too.

There is also concern that the Black Cats could lose some of their best players, however, with Chris Rigg among the most exciting teenage talents in the country currently. Reigning Champions League holders Real Madrid are still reportedly eyeing a move for him, which sums up his potential.

Sunderland in talks to sign teenage ace

According to a new report from Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Sunderland are in talks with Fiorentina to sign defender Eddy Kouadio before the end of the season.

While there is yet to be an official proposal sent for the 18-year-old, the Black Cats see him as a genuine target, wanting to reach an agreement sooner rather than later.

Sunderland fans are unlikely to be experts when it comes to Kouadio, given his age and the fact that he is yet to make a single senior appearance for Fiorentina.

That’s not to say that he wouldn’t be a hugely exciting signing for the Black Cats, with the centre-back already winning four caps for Italy at youth international level – two apiece for the Under-19s and Under-18s.

Kouadio has also played 86 times for Fiorentina in underage teams, rising through the age groups impressively, and his versatility allows him to thrive as both a centre-back and a right-back.

Planning for the future is something that Sunderland should always be looking at, rather than simply focusing on signing players who can come in and be instant stars, and snapping up the young Italian would be shrewd business in that respect.

Sunderland keen to sign 29 y/o club captain for Le Bris in free transfer

He’s a man in-demand.

By
Charlie Smith

Mar 14, 2025

He has shown that he is a player with plenty of promise for both club and country, and in the likes of Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, the Black Cats have shown that the Stadium of Light is a good place for youngsters to come in and be given an opportunity to shine.

GOAL takes a look at the top threads that teams will don at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will feature 32 teams, one winner, and $1 billion in prize money – but it’s also a showcase of fresh kits from around the globe.

From European giants like Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich to lesser-known clubs such as Esperance de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Al Ahly, teams from six continents will take the field – and many are debuting new looks for the tournament. stick with their iconic white, Chelsea in royal blue, and Bayern in their signature red.

But some clubs are getting bold. Borussia Dortmund’s eye-catching collaboration with KidSuper brings streetwear flair to the pitch, while Inter Miami’s third kit in a striking teal is already a fan favorite. Not all designs have landed, though – Manchester City’s new look has sparked more confusion than praise.

In a tournament full of global flair, the kits may be as memorable as the football. GOAL ranks the top seven kits from the 2025 Club World Cup.

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• Seattle Sounders
  

  7Seattle Sounders x HOMETEAM collaboration

  The collaboration takes their 2025 Home shirt and spins it with a design inspired by the song "City in Motion" from rising local hip-hop artist, Yonny, and it's honestly just a fun spin on things. The Sounders players won't wear the shirt in games themselves; rather, this is a streetwear design from a limited-edition collection, but it dons the Club World Cup patches and is a symbol of their participation in the tournament this summer.

  The classy vertical stripes of Rave Green and Seattle Blue are joined by a graffiti-style design on the back of the shirt, paying tribute to a "city on the move."

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• 6Esperance De Tunis third kit

  Tunisia, we were not aware of your kit game, but we are now. Their blue third kit is the stuff of dreams.

  This is a classy, classy kit. It reeks of elegance. It feels like walking down a street in Venice, with a canal man rowing beside you, and the people you walk past are all sipping wine in extravagant clothing.

  It doesn't feel like a football kit, but Kappa absolutely nailed the shirt. The mix of blue and gold with a mosaic-like print deployed to depict the flooring of Tunisian houses is just so, so good.

• 5CF Monterrey's entire CWC collection

  have killed it with this design. All three shirts are incredible and offer a different look for the Mexican side.

  Their home shirt comes in an elegant long-sleeve design that is nothing short of fantastic. The combination of navy and white with the collar is superb, and the design of the white, looking like dripping paint, is so unique, too.

  Then, their away shirt and their third kit – come on now. Just the complete package. Another Puma collaboration with Kid Super, the white Away kit is slick with hints of blue and black as shadowy figures throughout, and then the Mexican flag coming down from the collar is a fantastic touch, too. The third, a fantastic pink kit, is not a shirt for everyone, but it's fun and has a killer design. It will look great on the pitch, and surely the Liga MX fanbase will sport it in the crowd to stand out during this tournament.

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• 4Borussia Dortmund Home x Goalkeeper kit

  Superb, by all accounts. The design across the shoulders of the kit is pretty wicked. Dortmund have been known to be the for years, but they manage to rock a unique look every single time they debut a new kit – and this Puma x KidSuper collaboration is just the latest example.

  The collar is a brilliant touch, too, but where the action really happens is with their pink goalkeeper kit.

  Need we say more about it? It's gorgeous. The yellow collar, Puma logo, and badge with the subtle print across the shoulders pop terrifically. Just a brilliant set of shirts.

Arsenal have held preliminary talks over signing a striker who’s drawn comparisons with Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer Neymar and Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé, with the player’s exceptional 2024/2025 turning heads at the Emirates Stadium.

Andrea Berta appointment made as Arsenal target striker

The arrival of new sporting director Andrea Berta, who signed around 20 days ago before an official announcement was even made (Fabrizio Romano), has resulted in excitement for Arsenal’s next transfer window.

"Now" – BBC journalist shares Bukayo Saka return twist out of Arsenal

The England star has been out since before Christmas.

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 28, 2025

During his 12-year stay at Atlético Madrid, before he departed the La Liga side in January, Berta played a key role in facilitating some truly genius transfer deals. Berta sold Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona for around £107 million, only to eventually bring him back for just £34 million and make a £73 million profit off the Frenchman as a result.

He also re-signed current Balon d’Or holder Rodri for just £21.5 million from Villarreal after initially deciding to let him leave Atlético, with Man City eventually forking out his £62.8 million release clause and registering another handsome profit for Atlético.

Berta also oversaw the arrivals of club legends like midfielder Marcos Llorente, winger Yannick Carrasco and goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who all went on to be exceptional mainstays for Diego Simeone.

The 53-year-old has a proven track record when it comes to recruitment, and he is now set to back Mikel Arteta in the summer. Some reports even suggest that Berta could spend up to £300 million on seven new signings for Arsenal, including a striker, so all eyes are on the next transfer window after the Italian’s arrival.

One of Berta’s key tasks is to bring in a prolific number nine who can take Arteta’s side to the next level, especially following long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak remains a top target for Arsenal, but reports claim Eddie Howe’s side could demand as much as £150 million to sell their star striker, and it is very unlikely overall that the Swede will leave St. James’ Park this summer.

Arsenal hold initial talks over signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké

As per The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké is gaining more traction as a realistic alternative to Isak.

The Frenchman has been in fine form since swapping PSG for the Bundesliga, scoring 19 goals and registering eight assists in 38 outings across all competitions, and elite Premier League sides are taking real notice.

As per TBR, Arsenal have held “preliminary” talks over signing Ekitike, and have asked to be kept informed on his situation at Eintracht. However, the Gunners are by no means alone, and they face stiff competition from Liverpool, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

While Eintract are demanding around £70 million, intermediaries have apparently let clubs know that a deal could actually be done for around £50 million.

The 22-year-old is one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards, with former Inter Milan and Netherlands international star, Wesley Sneijder, likening Ekitike to Neymar and Mbappé.

“I might say something really crazy, but I’ll say it anyway: I think he’s a mix between Neymar and [Kylian] Mbappé. I sincerely think so,” said Sneijder.

“He has the grace of Neymar, but also the movements of Mbappé. To suddenly accelerate, that’s something that Mbappé also has. And he’s only 22 years old. There’s really a lot of potential in this boy.”

INEOS and Manchester United have now reportedly sent scouts to watch one defensive target as they begin to plot a summer swoop to secure his signature and ease their Lisandro Martinez injury woes.

Man Utd still targeting defensive additions

After Anthony Elanga ran the length of the pitch before firing home for Nottingham Forest in midweek, it should come as no surprise that Manchester United are still seeking defensive reinforcements. Now in April, the Red Devils are yet to win back-to-back games in the Premier League and their defensive issues in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system have played a large part in what has been a disastrous campaign.

It should not go without saying, however, that defeat at the City Ground was United’s first in five league games and Amorim echoed that positivity in his post-match press conference, telling reporters: “It’s more [of] the same since this season began. So I think if you look at the game we are improving the way we play football. We are creating more chances, we are dominating more games.

“But in the end, when you don’t win, you feel that and that is a good thing. So we know that this season is going to be like that, the momentum. So we continue to go to the next [game].”

The former Sporting Club boss may well look at his side’s recent run as something to build on before welcoming some key additions. Among those already linked with a summer switch to Manchester United includes Oumar Solet. The Udinese centre-back has impressed at times this season and now has a queue beginning to form for his signature, with United in that queue.

Solet isn’t the only defender that has caught the eye of those at Old Trafford, however, with another Serie A star emerging on INEOS’ reported radar.

Man Utd plotting move to sign "superb" Comuzzo

According to Caught Offside, INEOS and Manchester United are now plotting a summer swoop to sign Pietro Comuzzo from Fiorentina this summer and have already sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old in action. Valued at around €45m (£38m) by the Italian club, the deal should be within the Red Devils’ range even as their cost-cutting measures continue around the club.

Dubbed “superb” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Comuzzo’s arrival would instantly see the injured Martinez replaced next season, before Amorim is handed the ultimate selection headache when the Argentine completes his eventual return.

The midfielder scored his first goal for five months as the Cityzens made a trouble-free start to the Club World Cup with a 2-0 win in Philadelphia

Phil Foden was back in business as Manchester City made a comfortable-if-unspectacular start to their Club World Cup campaign. The midfielder scored and assisted in a 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia on Wednesday.

Foden, who had a dismal 2024-25 season and cited mental struggles as one of the factors in his decline, bagged the fastest goal of the tournament so far when he gave City the lead in the second minute, pouncing on a botched punch away from Wydad's keeper Mehdi Benabid.

The England international should have struck again for City soon after, but he made amends by putting in a deadly delivery from a corner which Jeremy Doku volleyed in just before half-time to double Pep Guardiola's side's advantage.

City took their foot off the gas in the second period and the result was somewhat marred by Rico Lewis getting a straight red card in added time.

GOAL rates Man City's players from Lincoln Financial Field…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Ederson (7/10):

  Reacted quickly to smother Cassius Mailula's shot and bail Vitor Reis out. Also got back on his line quickly to save a cheeky attempt from the halfway line by Mohamed Moufid.

  Rico Lewis (4/10):

  Had one defensive lapse when Moufid got ahead of him and created a decent chance for Wydad. Spent a lot of time patrolling midfield, helping City run the show. Loses marks for getting sent off although he was a tad unlucky.

  Vitor Reis (5/10):

  A potential liability. Showed a glaring lack of awareness when he misjudged a bouncing ball and was mugged by Thembinkosi Lorch, leading to a clear chance for Wydad. He was very lucky that the forward lost his footing just before pulling the ball back to Mailula. Sent a header from a corner over the bar.

  Nathan Ake (7/10):

  Looked in great physical shape after missing much of last season. Started the move for the first goal, was inches away from heading home himself and defended well throughout.

  Nico O'Reilly (6/10):

  Drifted into midfield to give City numerical superiority although didn't get into the final third as he did so often last season.

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  Midfield

  Phil Foden (7/10):

  Back towards where he wants to be. Showed good reactions to score his first goal since January and his arching corner set up Doku's goal. Loses a mark for not grabbing a second from a simple opportunity, allowing Benabid to save.

  Tijjani Reijnders (6/10):

  Looked comfortable orchestrating City's play in his debut game although he did not get forward as much as he might have liked due to City's ultra-attacking formation. Got more involved in the attacking moves when Rodri came on.

  Rayan Cherki (5/10):

  An unremarkable debut on the whole and a bit disappointing after talking such a good game pre-match. Showed some trickery and the workings of an understanding with Savinho, and created a good chance for Foden which went on to waste. A loose pass led to Moufid trying his luck from long range. Taken off on the hour mark.

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  Attack

  Savinho (6/10):

  A performance we saw many times last season. Created lots of space with his quick footwork and his cross led to the opening goal, albeit with help from Benabid. Faded in the second half but was only taken off in added time.

  Omar Marmoush (6/10):

  Rifled just wide of the far post in the first half. Was the victim of a brutal foul by Mailula in a painful area. Made way for Gundogan in the 69th minute.

  Jeremy Doku (8/10):

  City's most exciting player overall. Had a hand in the opening goal after combining with Ake and pulled off a clever finish for the second strike. Could and should have struck the third in the second period, shooting too close to Benabid. Taken off on the hour which felt harsh.

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  Subs & Manager

  Oscar Bobb (6/10):

  Got in some good positions but was let down by his team-mates' passing and the fact that the game was effectively won and they were trying to conserve energy.

  Erling Haaland (5/10):

  Will be disappointed not to score after getting one half-chance and one clear opportunity, bungling his one-on-one against Benabid.

  Rodri (5/10):

  Looked a little rusty in only his second appearance since recovering from knee surgery.

  Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):

  Kept City in control after replacing Marmoush.

  Matheus Nunes (N/A):

  Replaced Savinho in added time.

  Pep Guardiola (7/10):

  Picked a very attacking line-up while also resting some of his best players. It was far from a perfect performance but his side still dominated without over-exerting themselves.

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira claimed that he is hopeful that Neymar will extend his stay at the club beyond this summer.

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• Santos chief hopeful Neymar will sign new deal
• Neymar in talks with Champions League clubs
• Current Santos contract expires after June 30

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Neymar's future is once again a subject of speculation after his father confirmed talks with Champions League clubs. It was earlier revealed that the Brazil icon wants to return to Europe once his short-term deal with Santos expires.

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• WHAT SANTOS CHIEF SAID

  Amid speculations over the 33-year-old's future, Santos president Teixeira told : "We are talking to Neymar’s team. It is a step forward, we are making a lot of progress in the new negotiations and we are very close to a new agreement to allow Neymar to stay for a new period.

  "We hope it happens as quickly as possible. It can't be rushed. It's not a case of, if Neymar doesn't renew, he won't play tomorrow or Sunday. That's not the case. We have no need for Neymar to play now or for the team to return to action. That's my impression. I'm very hopeful for a favourable outcome."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The club chief added: "It’s different from the recent period, but today, given the progress and the way we talked, I think it’s a good possibility. We’re not behind or too far ahead. I’m very honest: there was no displeasure or displeasure. We sat down at the table and made our position clear, as did NR. Look, this is the possibility, the chance. Our financial, legal and marketing teams, along with their team, are putting this in a direct and practical position. Is it possible that there will be a favourable outcome? Yes."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

  Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce are also keen on signing the ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star. The player's current deal expires after June 30 and it now remains to be seen if he will stay back at his boyhood club for a longer period.

Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella praised former Blues teammate Thiago Silva as they prepare to reunite in a Club World Cup clash with Fluminense.

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• Chelsea and Fluminense will do battle in semi-final
• 40-year-old Silva won UCL with Blues
• Captains Brazilian outfit

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea and Fluminense will do battle in the Club World Cup semi-finals with a place in July 13's final up for grabs, where they will face a European heavyweight in either Real Madrid or PSG. But first, Silva will reunite with several of his old Blues team-mates, including Cucurella, who had glowing praise for the legendary centre-back.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Silva may be 40 years old, but he has been commanding as ever for Fluminense in this tournament on their way to the last four, conceding just three goals in five games which included clean sheets against European giants Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund before quarter-final victory over Al-Hilal.

  The former PSG and AC Milan defender had a similar influence on the side when he arrived for a second spell at the Brazilian outfit in July 2024, inspiring his boyhood club to a stunning run of clean sheets and survival from relegation. This season they have pushed on under Silva's captaincy and sit sixth in Brasileiro Serie A.

• WHAT CUCURELLA SAID

  Cucurella said: “We’ve watched some of their games. They have very good players, they are very determined and they have Thiago Silva. He’s a legend of football, a top player. He’s only played for big clubs and texted me before the [quarter-final] game saying, ‘Let’s go, hopefully we can see you in a couple of days’. I texted him saying, ‘Let’s go'! We have the opportunity to play against him again and hopefully we can do good things and win this game and play in the final which is what we want to do.

  “[Fluminense] have a very high level. They have shown in this tournament why they are going right until the final [stages]. We’ve played against two Brazilian teams so far and now we will face a third. They fight until the end. We’re happy to be in the next round and to have this experience of playing against the South American teams, which isn’t very common. Overall, we’re enjoying this tournament.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CUCURELLA AND SILVA?

  Cucurella and Silva will both hope to be on the winning side when Chelsea and Fluminense face off on the evening of Tuesday, July 8. For both clubs, the prospect of getting their hands on the Club World Cup trophy is getting tantalisingly close. Chelsea would view it as the perfect ending to a successful first season under Enzo Maresca, while Fluminense could become the first Brazilian winners of the competition since 2012 in what would be a monumental achievement.

Joao Pedro scored his third goal in just his second appearance for Chelsea as he immediately won his first major title at the Club World Cup. Cole Palmer starred with a brace and an assist as the Blues lifted the trophy, beating European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the final on Sunday. The Brazilian was on cloud nine as in a span of two weeks, he went from being on holiday to becoming a world champion.

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• Pedro elated to win Club World Cup title
• Chelsea beat PSG 3-0 in the final
• Pedro joined Chelsea less than two weeks ago

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pedro formally completed his £60 million ($81m) move from Brighton to Chelsea on July 2 and less than two weeks, the Brazilian is now a world champion. After helping the Blues down boyhood club Fluminense 2-0 in the semi-final with a brace, the 23-year-old forward found the back of the net in the Club World Cup final as the Premier League giants thrashed PSG 3-0.

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• WHAT PEDRO SAID

  Inside the Chelsea dressing room, caught up with Pedro and asked how he felt after going from his summer break to becoming a world champion in such a short space of time, to which the Selecao star responded: "What can I say? What can I say? This is Chelsea. That's why I came, to win trophies. I said before, I need to enjoy it. I came here."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sunday marked Chelsea's second Club World Cup title, with their other victory coming in the 2021 edition in the tournament's previous format. Palmer was handed the Golden Ball post-game, taking best player honours for his performances throughout the tournament, while goalkeeper Robert Sanchez won the Golden Glove after starring in the final, too.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Enzo Maresca's side will now enjoy a well-earned break before they return to action next month. The west London side will play a couple of friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan before kicking off the 2025-26 campaign formally on August 17 with their season opener against Crystal Palace.