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The United States were in control as Sophia Smith and Lindsay Horan also found the net in a comfortable 3-0 victory at the home of Inter Miami

Despite all of the issues that plagued this group throughout 2023, there’s no doubt that the U.S. women’s national team’s attacking unit is absolutely stacked – Emma Hayes, the team’s incoming manager, really is spoiled for choice.

No player can be considered a lock, not at this level, but, after another superstar performance on Saturday, it feels like Trinity Rodman is the closest thing to it. Rodman is unstoppable and, at this point, undroppable as the USWNT star continues to be a matchwinner at the highest level.

Rodman assisted two goals before scoring one of her own, leading the way in a 3-0 win over China. Her first assist saw her tee up Sophia Smith, who should have had a few more goals to her name by the end of this one. Her wayward finishing prevented that but, even so, the USWNT attack showed a viciousness we hadn’t seen in quite some time.

Rodman’s second assist, admittedly, wasn’t as intentional, as her throw-in to Lindsey Horan led to a fortunate goal after the ball was floated in, intended as a pass. Rodman, though, knew all about the USWNT’s third, as she scored a goal of her own on the back post late in the second half to put the game away.

The goal was her fifth of the year in what was her 17th USWNT appearance of 2023. There will be plenty more in her future as Rodman continues to grow and grow into the role of a true superstar.

GOAL rates USWNT players from DRV PNK Stadium…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defense

Casey Murphy (6/10):

That can be the life of a USWNT goalkeeper: sometimes, you don't have to do much! Rarely challenged she'll no doubt be happy with a clean sheet.

Emily Fox (6/10):

A different sort of game for Fox, who tucked in more than usual. Her versatility is such an asset as she can do so many different things on either side of the field.

Abby Dahlkemper (7/10):

Welcome back! Didn't have to do much defending, but she was solid at the back and showed off the passing range that makes her such a fun part of this player pool.

Naomi Girma (8/10):

What can't she do?!? Played the pass to earn a hockey assist on the opener and kept another clean sheet.

Casey Krueger (8/10):

An absolute menace throughout the first half. Was given freedom to roam and she took it, causing chaos all over the right-hand side.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Emily Sonnett (6/10):

Continued to thrive in midfield. Some good interceptions and recoveries, even if the passing could have been a bit better.

Lindsey Horan (7/10):

Wasn't expecting to get a goal from her long ball into the box but who cares? It's what happens when a midfielder makes things happen, and that's what Horan continues to do for the USWNT.

Savannah DeMelo (6/10):

Got beat up a bit, but did make things happen when on the field. Looks like a veteran despite having so few caps to her name.

Rose Lavelle (6/10):

The quality was there, but the execution was just a bit off. Looked a little rusty, but still had moments that made you go 'Wow!'

GettyAttack

Sophia Smith (7/10):

Got her goal, but probably should have had three or four more. She'll be disappointed with that, but it's nice to see the USWNT generating chances again.

Trinity Rodman (8/10):

Technically, a multi-assist game, but we'll only talk about the first one. A fantastic ball into Smith as Rodman continues to create real danger in a USWNT shirt. Got her goal, too, to put the cap on a true superstar performance.

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GettySubs & Manager

Mia Fishel (7/10):

Surely made her presence felt, and was unlucky not to get a goal.

Jaedyn Shaw (7/10):

Just an inch or two away from getting a goal, but then got her assist late on. She continues to prove she belongs at this level.

Sam Coffey (6/10):

Replaced Sonnett as a deep-lying midfielder and the USWNT didn't see any drop-off in that spot.

Jenna Nighswonger (6/10):

A good taste of the action for the NWSL Rookie of the Year, who had some decent moments in her first cap.

Olivia Moultrie (6/10):

The second debutant, the 18-year-old midfielder replaced Rose Lavelle, which felt symbolic. Got a little excited on a late shot, but you can excuse that.

Midge Purce (7/10):

Helped create the third goal. The NWSL champion has brought her form to the USWNT and is really playing her way into the mix.

Twila Kilgore (8/10):

Got everything right. Shook things up tactically, giving some life to the attack. And then, with the game done and dusted, was able to get some young players some big minutes. A perfect day for the U.S.

As the Norwegian looks to fire City to Champions League glory against Inter, GOAL takes a look at his quest for physical perfection

Hundreds of cars line the car park at Manchester City's training ground and one sticks out in particular – a Rolls Royce. It belongs to Erling Haaland. There is nothing unusual about top footballers owning luxury cars, but Haaland's motor is different to most – according to legend, it contains a cooking stove.

Even when he is on the move, Haaland wants to be able to eat top-quality food. His love for cooking was plain to see when, during City's Premier League title celebrations last month at a high-end restaurant in the centre of Manchester, the striker, wearing silk pyjamas, went into the kitchen to grill his own steaks, leaving the chefs with their jaws on the floor.

Haaland has been described as a freak of nature, but while he is blessed with the ideal genetics – a footballer father and a heptathlete mother – his phenomenal physical condition is not down to chance.

From his diet to his sleep pattern through to his post-match massage routine, Haaland's daily regime is meticulously planned and a key reason why he has scored a stunning 52 goals this season in 52 games, firing City to the Premier League title, the FA Cup and the Champions League final.

Getty'He eats like a bear'

Haaland has experienced a huge growth spurt in recent years, fuelled by his insatiable eating habits. The striker says he consumes around 6,000 calories a day (adult men are supposed to consume around 2,500) and eating is a huge part of his life.

Norway team-mate Josh King said he had never seen anyone consume as much food as Haaland, remarking: "He just eats like a bear". And there is something animalistic about the striker's eating habits. While vegan diets have been become common among modern footballers, Haaland is an unashamed lover of meat.

That might have something to do with growing up in a rural community in Bryne, Norway, where he would help out his grandfather, a potato and pig farmer. But the type of meat he eats is unusual. As well as liking steak, Haaland eats cow's hearts and livers. Even Dwayne Johnson, better known as The Rock, expressed surprise when he learned of Haaland's diet.

The striker explained his eating habits in the documentary . "Eating quality food that is as local as possible is the most important," he said. "People say meat is bad for you, but which? The meat you get at McDonald's, or the local cow eating grass right there?"

AdvertisementGetty ImagesNo booze – but plenty of filtered water

Haaland also indulges in pasta, a former favourite dish of footballers but which has fallen out of fashion in recent times. His father, Alfie, cooks him lasagne the day before each home game, which helped him score back-to-back hat-tricks against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest. And he is a regular at Italian eateries in Manchester, with one restaurant opening specially for him so he can eat in private, away from the public glare.

While a fair few City players indulge in nightlife – Guardiola remarked that his side "drunk all the alcohol in Manchester" after winning the title – Haaland is not known for drinking much booze.

"He is the best professional I have ever seen" said Jack Grealish of the Norwegian. "His mindset is something you won't see again. He does everything. Recovers; in the gym; 10 hours of treatment a day; ice baths; diet. That's why he is what he is. But I swear, I couldn't be like that!

"We have a great friendship, but he will point at me after a game and say: 'Hey. Don't you go out tonight partying'. I just tell him to shut up and go and sit in his ice bath."

But Haaland still takes a big interest in what he drinks. He insists on drinking filtered water, while also drinking kale-infused milk, calling it his "magic potion".

Getty Taking sleep seriously

As well as taking his diet seriously, Haaland is passionate about getting a good night's sleep, calling it "perhaps the most important thing in life". Cristiano Ronaldo, for example, has taken a huge interest in sleep patterns, talking of the benefits of taking regular naps. Haaland is more traditional, preferring to get to sleep by 10.30pm and turning off his technological devices long before he climbs into bed. But he also uses modern technology to help him get the rest he needs.

He puts on orange, blue-light glasses before going to bed which hide natural light, and wears an Oura ring on his finger to measure the quality of his sleep and his heart rate.

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GettyLate-night massages to stay injury-free

Sleep and diet are crucial to any elite player's performance, but injury can derail the most promising of seasons and even wreck a career. Haaland had a checkered injury history before arriving at City, missing 16 matches for Borussia Dortmund last season, mostly with muscle injuries.

But he and the club have worked hard to keep him fit and relatively injury-free. Guardiola has talked openly about the club's concerns about his injury history and credited the medical staff and physios for keeping him in shape.

Haaland has been unavailable for only three games this season, recovering quickly from each setback. The club asked sports therapist Mario Pafundi to accompany him on international duty with Norway to ensure he kept the same routine.

Haaland also takes his own initiative to stay injury-free. After the Champions League quarter-final first leg victory against Bayern Munich, he headed straight to the training ground – conveniently located opposite the road from the Etihad Stadium – for an hour-long massage.

Chelsea are finally closing in on the midfielder despite Liverpool's best efforts – and it's just as well, because he will be intrinsic to their style

A new era in Chelsea's storied history gets underway in earnest as the 2023-24 season begins. The squad and indeed the coaching staff are unrecognisable from the group that ended 2022-23 at Stamford Bridge, with the club evidently desperate to consign a nightmare campaign to the history books.

Chelsea's unprecedented summer clear-out and a smattering of new arrivals means new head coach Mauricio Pochettino inherits a rejuvenated – if incomplete – Blues squad, with muted anticipation for a more successful season ahead. Indeed, the only way is surely up.

But how will Argentine tactician set up his side in what will be a watershed period in the Blues' modern history? GOAL runs through what should be his go-to line-up below…

GettyGK: Kepa Arrizabalaga

Pochettino has a sudden selection headache following the £25 million ($32m) arrival of Robert Sanchez from Brighton, but – for the time being, at least – it makes sense to stick with Kepa Arrizabalaga.

There's no guarantee he will be the long-term first choice, especially amid links with Bayern Munich, but Kepa offers a modicum of continuity amid the unprecedented upheaval. Aside from a few lapses, Kepa was much improved last season, with a 73% save percentage in the league and a post-shot xG minus goals allowed of +5, which meant he ranked third among Premier League goalkeepers in the most reliable metric for measuring shot-stopping ability.

Sanchez, on the other hand, lost his place at Brighton and slipped to third in the pecking order.

Pochettino has already suggested Kepa is his No.1 for the moment: "They know they are going to fight for the No.1. At the moment, Kepa is a little bit ahead. With time, we will see if Robert is there and can challenge Kepa."

AdvertisementGettyRB: Reece James

A no-brainer on the right side of defence. Reece James is Chelsea's new club captain and, barring any further fitness issues on the horizon, he is a guaranteed starter.

Pochettino does prefer a 4-2-3-1 shape and there is an argument that James is not at his best in a flat back-four given his potency as an attacking wing-back. New signing Malo Gusto will also provide him with stiff competition and quality cover.

However, James is arguably the Blues' best player, and the added responsibility of the captaincy means he should be the first name on the team sheet.

GettyCB: Thiago Silva

The swansong begins. In what will likely be his final season at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will once again rely heavily upon the defensive nous and immeasurable experience of Thiago Silva.

Unsurprisingly, the 38-year-old phenomenon remained one of the club's most consistent performers throughout a turbulent 2022-23 campaign, and as a serial winner he will be determined to right the wrongs of last season on the pitch before bidding an emotional farewell to the Blues.

Indeed, he will also be crucial in being an on-field mentor for his young centre-back partner…

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Getty ImagesCB: Levi Colwill

Chelsea clung on to their latest outstanding academy graduate for dear life and finally managed to tie him down to a new long-term contract. Now it's time to back him.

He initially had to fight for his place in the team, but Levi Colwill eventually made his Premier League breakthrough on loan at Brighton in 2022-23 and he has proven that he is ready for the top level.

Given they have no European football to contend with and following the serious knee injury to Wesley Fofana, Pochettino should throw Colwill in at the deep end at left centre-back and build for the future. He has all the attributes to become a club legend.

Lionel Messi may be relaxing his 2026 World Cup stance, with there still a chance that he will be at that tournament with Argentina.

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Savoured global glory at Qatar 2022Hinted at not defending that titleFocused on the Copa America for nowWHAT HAPPENED?

FIFA’s flagship event is due to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada in a little under three years' time. Messi has previously stated that he will not be forming part of a title defence by his nation – having savoured global glory at Qatar 2022.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT THEY SAID

He is, however, still part of the Albiceleste squad for now – reaching 176 caps and 104 goals – and does plan on gracing the 2024 Copa America on U.S. soil. He has told of his plans for the 2026 World Cup: “I don't know if I will reach it. I said that before. I'm not thinking about it yet because it's far away, but I'm thinking about Copa America. The goal is to arrive in good shape for Copa America in the United States. It's going to be great. It will be looked into depending on how I feel at the time.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi is under contract at MLS side Inter Miami through 2025, with there a 12-month extension option within that deal. He may remain in Florida if he decides that another World Cup finals can be taken in, but the 36-year-old is still keen on returning to his roots at Newell’s Old Boys before hanging up his boots. He added on that long-standing ambition: “The idea was always there – and even more so after becoming a World Cup winner – to enjoy Argentine football, to play for Newell’s. I used to go there as a kid. I used to go to the pitch there, it was my dream.”

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Messi spent time in Newell’s youth system as a boy, but headed to Barcelona in 2000 and has never looked back – becoming a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the greatest players of all-time since bidding farewell to his homeland.

After a dramatic last 16, who of the remaining eight sides is most likely to go on and lift the European Cup in Paris?

After just over two months away, the Champions League returned in style, with the last 16 throwing up plenty of talking points and surprises as Europe's elite continue to battle for the greatest prize the continent has to offer.

Defending champions Chelsea remain alive and are joined in the quarter-finals by some of the best teams European football has ever seen, though Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Ajax all fell in the first knockout round.

So, who are the favourites to lift the trophy following the draws for the latter stages, and which teams are set for continental disappointment?

GOAL'sChampions League Power Rankings are here to lay it all out…

Getty Images8Benfica | Last time: 8th

Regardless of who Benfica drew, they were always going to be considered as outsiders for the competition, but they could barely have asked for a more difficult tie than facing Liverpool.

In Darwin Nunez, the Portuguese side possess one of Europe's most in-form attackers, but the Uruguay international will have to produce something special if his team are to make it into the final four.

AdvertisementGetty Images7Villarreal | Last time: 7th

After knocking out Juventus in emphatic fashion in the last 16, Villarreal will fear no one going forward, but a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich will be far from straightforward.

The Europa League champions have shown they have what it takes to win knockout ties in continental competition, but it feels like taking down the Bundesliga giants might be a step too far for Unai Emery's men.

Getty Images6Atletico Madrid | Last time: 6th

Undoubtedly the weakest side in their half of the draw, Atletico Madrid will have to be at their very best to go all the way to the final, knowing they will have to beat Manchester City and either Chelsea or Real Madrid to do so.

That said, if any team can cause an upset in the competition, it is the one managed by Diego Simeone, and they will not make life easy for City in the quarter-finals as they look to complete a Manchester double in this season's competition.

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Getty Images5Chelsea | Last time: 5th

Chelsea will take confidence from the fact that they beat Real Madrid in the semi-finals of last season's tournament when they face off again in this year's quarters, but there is no doubt that the circumstances are different.

Not only are Madrid a much better side now than they were then, they could yet have the advantage of getting to play their home leg in front of fans while Chelsea are forced to play behind closed doors at Stamford Bridge amid their ongoing ownership issues.

Between two closely-matched sides, that could make all the difference.

Premier League giants Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal along with Barcelona are reportedly ready to fight for €50 million-rated Benjamin Sesko.

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Sesko's stock is on the rise in EuropeSeveral European elites vying for his signatureHas an exit clause worth €50m (£43m)GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Although the 20-year-old RB Leipzig striker has a contract running until June 2028, it has an exit clause, valued at €50m (£43m/$54m), which will become active over the upcoming summer transfer window, according to While the price tag may seem steep for a player of Sesko's age, his recent performances suggest he could prove to be a valuable investment.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite a slow start to the season, Sesko has adapted well to life in Germany and has begun to shine on the pitch. In his last three Bundesliga outings, Sesko has showcased his goal-scoring prowess and inspired Leipzig to a victory over Union Berlin while his heroics fetched a point against Augsburg. Moreover, his performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League highlighted his potential as he found himself knocking on Andriy Lunin's goal on several occasions during the Champions League fixture. He did manage to put the ball into the net early in the match only to be denied by VAR.

DID YOU KNOW?

Scouts from Liverpool, City, and Barcelona believe that once Sesko consistently finds the back of the net in both domestic and European competitions, he could establish himself as one of Europe's most lethal strikers. They understand that the striker has the potential to exceed a valuation of £100m in the future, and then the initial investment of £43m could prove to be a bargain.

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Getty WHAT NEXT?

Sesko would face stiff competition for playing time at clubs like Liverpool and City, who already boast established strikers in their squads in Darwin Nunez and Erling Haaland. However, the pair may not want to let such a promising forward slip through their fingers. Meanwhile in Spain, Barcelona are looking for Robert Lewandowski's replacement and the Slovenian perfectly fits the bill.

Newcastle United's home St. James' Park is the favourite to host the inaugural Over-35s World Cup.

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St. James' could host Over-35s World CupEight teams to take part in the inaugural editionCould be held in the first week of JuneWHAT HAPPENED?

The first-ever edition of the Over-35s World Cup is all set to be held in England in June with Newcastle United's home ground St. James' Park likely to host the matches, according to the Daily Mail. The Elite Player Group, who are organising the tournament, recently met representatives of the Magpies and the local council of Newcastle city.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The tournament is all set to feature eight teams – England, Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Uruguay – all past champions of the FIFA World Cup. Players who are aged 35 or above capped by their country or with 100 top-flight appearances are eligible to participate in the competition.

DID YOU KNOW?

All eight teams have already revealed their respective captains for the tournament. The leaders will be Steve McManaman (England), Esteban Cambiasso (Argentina), Emerson (Brazil), Christian Karembeu (France), Kevin Kuranyi (Germany), Marco Materazzi (Italy), Michel Salgado (Spain) and Diego Lugano (Uruguay). Full 18-man final squads will be announced soon.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

While the dates of the competition are yet to be finalised, the tournament could be tentatively hosted in the first week of June with the final taking place on June 11 or June 12.

The Lionesses beat world champions United States at a sold-out Wembley on Friday, but were held to a 0-0 draw by the Czech Republic four days later

England could not have played their part in two more contrasting fixtures this week – hitting an incredible high before crashing back down to earth a little bit.

On Friday, they beat the world champions, the U.S. women's national team, in a thrilling game of football that entertained throughout with the exciting attackers on show and, quite frankly, the sloppy defending that went with it.

But Tuesday was quite different. A goalless draw against a Czech Republic side they were expected to beat didn't cause the same stir, neither in the result nor the performance.

So with another international break wrapped up, GOAL picks out the winners and losers from the Lionesses' latest preparation for next summer's World Cup…

GettyWINNER: Sarina Wiegman

Wiegman came into the international break with her unbeaten record as England boss about to be seriously tested, as her team faced the world champions.

However, she emerged with it intact: 24 games played, 21 wins, three draws and no defeats. It maintains the longest ever run without defeat for any England team – bettering the run of 22 games that Gareth Southgate's side achieved from November 2020 to June 2022.

But it's not the fact her team didn't lose that makes Wiegmann a winner. The victory over the USWNT was a huge statement and massive for this squad's ever-growing confidence. It was a test against one of the world's best sides and perfect preparation for the 2023 World Cup.

The game with the Czech Republic was nowhere near as enthralling or headline-grabbing, but it was an important match to play. There's no doubt the Lionesses will come up against teams that frustrate them like this looking ahead to next summer's tournament, and this match will be an important one to look back on as they form game plans for those tests.

Wiegman got exactly what she wanted from this international window.

AdvertisementGettyLOSER: Arsenal

It might have been a successful camp for England in that sense, but it wasn't without negatives. Most of those came in the build-up to the game against the U.S., as three players had to withdraw due to injury.

Alessia Russo's issue was described as just a "small" problem and hopefully Lucy Parker will not be set back for long with what is a muscle injury. However, there is still no news about the third player to pull out – the England captain, Leah Williamson.

For the Lionesses, it's a shame but not a debilitating loss at this time in their tournament cycle. For Arsenal, however, it is concerning.

The Gunners kick off their Women's Champions League group-stage campaign next week in the most difficult place possible – away to Lyon, the reigning European champions and eight-time winners. With Rafaelle, their Brazilian centre-back, having just fractured her foot, Williamson's absence leaves the English side down to two centre-backs as the season prepares to enter its busiest period.

Given how tough a group Jonas Eidevall's side have got in Europe, to lose Williamson for a significant period of time would be a massive blow.

GettyWINNER: Lauren James

Wiegman isn't known for making many changes to her teams or handing out appearances for the sake of it. So when the line-up came out for Tuesday evening's clash with the Czech Republic and Lauren James, Chelsea's fleet-footed 21-year-old, was in it, there was some surprise.

It was as if James played with the thought in her head that these chances are rare and she had to take it, too, as she lit up the pitch every time she touched the ball on what was her full England debut.

Facing an opposition that were tough to break down, the creativity and directness in her play was a real asset and almost led to the deadlock being broken when she rattled the post in the opening minutes.

Her night lasted just over an hour but she certainly made her mark in the time she was on the field.

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GettyLOSER: Chloe Kelly

Chloe Kelly was the hero in the summer, the player who is the centre of the defining image of England's Euro 2022 triumph, her celebration after scoring the winning goal in the final hitting the front of every newspaper the morning after.

However, she is one of many talented wide players at Wiegman's disposal and getting a starting role in this team, ahead of players like Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead, remains a challenge.

Kelly got a chance to show what she could do from the start in this camp, with the front line rejigged to make up for Russo's absence. But the 24-year-old struggled to get involved in both games, despite being in both line ups.

There's no question over the talent Kelly has and she'll just hope she can show that more in the next international window. After all, the competition for those forward positions is only growing as players like James start to settle in.

The Dutch attacker was sensational in Eredivisie last season – and the Ligue 1 champions would be wise to swallow their pride and re-sign him

"I was training with world stars every day but playing games is also important. I learned a lot from these players but I just turned 19 so I think I had to take that step to develop myself. It was really incredible. I don't think you will see such a good team together again."

Xavi Simons' explanation for snubbing a new contract at Paris Saint-Germain in favour of joining Eredivisie outfit PSV last summer was a fair one. He was touted as a future star after leaving Barcelona to head for Parc des Princes in 2019, but only made 11 senior appearances over the next three years.

While Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were all still on the books, Simons was destined to remain on the fringes of the action at PSG. He made a brave decision by moving back to his homeland, and it paid off handsomely.

Simons was PSV's standout player as they landed the Johan Cruyff Shield and Dutch Cup last season, while also finishing second in the Eredivisie. The 20-year-old managed to win a share of the Golden Boot in the league – no mean feat considering he played mainly on the left-wing – and gave defenders across the Netherlands nightmares with his pace and trickery, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions while also making his first full international appearances.

It is clear that PSG let a diamond slip through their grasp – but they have a unique opportunity to rectify their mistake. According to , a buy-back clause was inserted into Simons' contract at PSV which allows the Ligue 1 champions to re-sign him for just €6 million.

They will have to move quickly, though, as the clause in question will only be active for the month of July. Simons is currently on a well-deserved holiday after a long campaign, but he won't be short of options when he reports back to Eindhoven.

GettyThe Van Nistelrooy effect

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy took on his first head coaching role at PSV last summer, and one of his first orders of business was to convince Simons that the Philips Stadion was the best place for his development.

"We have a very good connection, it's very important to me," Simons said of Van Nistelrooy's influence after signing a five-year deal at PSV. "He explained very well how he wants to work with the team and with me. For my part, I prefer to play as an attacking or central midfielder. Let me run, score and assist."

Van Nistelrooy instantly brought the best out of Simons, who recorded six goals and two assists in his first five Eredivisie appearances. The PSV was left awestruck by the teenager, as he told last September: "He’s doing everything he can to get to the top, his top. And where that will be, that’s the beautiful challenge.

“His mentality, his mindset, it’s unprecedented. It’s a boy of only 19 years old, but Xavi is already much further advanced than his age. He really is a pure professional, a boy who is working towards a goal, who wants to get the most out of his qualities.”

Simons kept up his dazzling level of performance right through to the end of the season, but Van Nistelrooy won't be around to witness the next chapter of his career. The 46-year-old left PSV at the end of May after complaining to the club over a "lack of support", and the news came as a great shock to Simons. He took to social media to bid a final goodbye to Van Nistelrooy, writing: "Thank you for making me a better player and helping me achieve one of my dreams of making it to the national team. Forever grateful. Good luck in the future, mister!"

Peter Bosz was swiftly drafted in as PSV's new manager, but Simons' future remains very much up in the air after Van Nistelrooy's exit. If PSG capitalise on that uncertainty, they will owe special thanks to the Dutch icon, who was the man to finally unlock Simons' match-winning potential.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMessi-shaped hole

PSG certainly could have used the talents of Simons last season, as they once again failed to live up to expectations in the Champions League and limped to an unconvincing defence of their Ligue 1 crown. Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi was among those to underperform, as he appeared to let his foot off the gas after inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022.

Messi scored a more than respectable 21 goals in 41 appearances, while setting up another 20, but he faced fierce criticism from PSG's Ultras after a poor showing across the two legs of their last-16 Champions League tie against Bayern Munich. The French giants crashed out 3-0 on aggregate, and Messi was made a scapegoat for their latest European disaster alongside Neymar.

It was no surprise when reports surfaced suggesting Messi wouldn't be extending his contract beyond the end of the campaign, and the former Barcelona superstar confirmed his next move in an interview with and in May. The 36-year-old is all set to complete a free transfer to Inter Miami in MLS, bringing to an end his ill-fated spell in France.

Messi's exit potentially frees up a spot in the squad for Simons. PSG have been trying to sign Manchester City's Bernardo Silva as a replacement for Messi, but the Portuguese is now being strongly linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

Simons doesn't have anywhere near the same levels of experience as Bernardo, but he could bring a new dimension to PSG's attack, which was disjointed last term despite Messi's presence. The underlying statistics from his first year at PSV prove as much. The Netherlands international made 1.06 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes, the second-best record in the Eredivisie, and there was only one player in the division who could better his total for progressive ball carries (148).

Simons has also shown he has a real ruthless streak in front of goal, not unlike Messi in his prime, and certainly looks ready for a step up next season.

Getty ImagesArsenal lurking

PSG could live to regret it if they don't bring Simons back to the club, not least because he is once again being tracked by a number of other top European clubs. Arsenal are among those being credited with an interest in the PSV sensation, with Mikel Arteta eager to bolster his options upfront.

According to , the Gunners are poised to swoop for Simons if PSG delay triggering their buy-option. Arteta already has Gabriel Martinelli filling the left-wing berth in his starting XI as well as Leandro Trossard in reserve, but Simons is versatile enough to slot into a different position in the attack.

It would be easy for Simons to be tempted by a potential switch to the Emirates Stadium, which is why PSG cannot afford to sit on their hands in this situation. Borussia Dortmund have also been linked with the Dutch starlet in recent weeks, which is another attractive option.

Dortmund have a strong history when it comes to the development of young talent, with Jadon Sancho, Christian Pulisic and Jude Bellingham among those to have honed their skills at Westfalenstadion before moving onto even bigger things. PSG must not let it get to the stage where Simons starts weighing up the pros and cons of a transfer to a different club.

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Getty ImagesPSG need an image change

PSG's Qatari owners have invested well over €1 billion in new players since completing their takeover at Parc des Princes in 2012, with the likes of Edinson Cavani, Angel Di Maria, Mauro Icardi and Achraf Hakimi all signed for hefty fees.

They also splashed out a combined €400m (£344m/$437m) on Mbappe and Neymar in 2017, with one ultimate goal in mind: Winning the Champions League. But aside from their final appearance in the 2019-20 edition of the competition, PSG have not come close to lifting the elusive trophy.

Not even Messi's presence was enough to change that, and it seems as though the club has finally realised that a new approach is needed. Sergio Ramos will be departing as a free agent too, while Neymar has reportedly been transfer listed after another disappointing year. PSG now appear to be moving away from their superstar policy, having agreed a deal to sign Uruguayan defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Sporting CP in the early stages of the summer window.

Marcos Asensio will be next through the door, with the Real Madrid man set to complete a free transfer to Parc des Princes when his contract expires on June 30. Inter's Milan Skriniar and Mallorca star Lee Kang-in are also expected to join PSG ahead of the new season, with more focus being placed on players that can improve the overall balance of the team.

Simons would also fall into that bracket. PSG need extra firepower in the final third, especially with Mbappe still reportedly flirting with a move to Real Madrid. Christophe Galtier wasn't able to keep Simons in Paris last year, but his time in the managerial hot seat is now over. PSG are expected to confirm Galtier's dismissal in the coming days, with Luis Enrique set to be drafted in as his replacement. The former Barcelona and Spain boss has always had a clear playing style, which is why he is the ideal man to help usher in a new era in the French capital.

For several years now, PSG have been run in a chaotic fashion, with off-field controversy and dressing-room divides ultimately preventing them from making any progress. By reducing their list of marquee names and blooding younger talent like Simons, they will finally stand a chance of changing their overall image for the better.

Wrexham have received a double boost with Steven Fletcher in line to return to action and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo back in training.

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Scottish striker close to returnOkonkwo back in training after jaw opWrexham face up to hectic festive scheduleGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Ahead of Saturday's Welsh derby against Newport at the Racecourse Ground, manager Phil Parkinson has given encouraging updates about two key players who are close to a return to full fitness. Fletcher has been absent since picking up a knee injury that required surgery in late October. Meanwhile, Arsenal loanee Okonkwo suffered a facial injury last month which also required an operation.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT PHIL PARKINSON SAID

Speaking to the press ahead of a busy festive period, Parkinson announced that Fletcher had returned to training alongside full-back Ryan Barnett, although he could not put an exact date on his first-team comeback. "Fletch and Barney have been back involved this week," said the Wrexham boss. "We are just assessing them to see how the week progresses but it is good to get them back on the training ground. The good thing for Fletch is that when he joined us, he came in without a pre-season and this injury has allowed us an opportunity for the medical team to do a lot of fitness work with him."

On Okonkwo, Parkinson added: "Arthur's been back with us a couple of days now so we are pleased with that. We will just keep monitoring him on a day-to-day basis. He has a protective guard and has looked fine so far. He hasn't trained fully yet, just non-contact, but he is getting his handling back going and his kicking. We are gradually easing him back in but it's good to get him back up here and it's good to get him back involved with the lads again."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Wrexham fans will be cheered by the news of players returning ahead of a busy period that may well shape the rest of their promotion push, and will hope to see Fletcher back partnering star striker Paul Mullin in the final third as soon as possible. Wrexham's injuries had been mounting ahead of their postponed trip to Forest Green a fortnight ago but appear to be easing ahead of a run of four games in nine days.

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WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

The festive fun begins on Saturday with a tasty-looking Welsh derby against Newport County. Trips to Swindon and Walsall follow before a mouthwatering clash against fellow promotion hopefuls Barrow on New Year's Day.