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Manchester United fell to a shambolic 3-0 loss against an utterly dominant Sevilla side to exit the Europa League on Thursday

Manchester United's exciting Europa League campaign ended in horror and shame after one of the worst performances of the season, brimming with inexplicable errors, miscommunication and frustration.

David de Gea contributed to all three conceded goals while Harry Maguire had another embarrassing performance, giving the ball away to assist Sevilla's opener after he scored an own goal in last week's 2-2 draw.

After leading last week's first leg 2-0 at half-time, it was unthinkable that United could end up losing this tie, let alone by a 5-2 aggregate scoreline. And yet that's exactly what happened as the hope of European silverware in Erik ten Hag's first season in charge fell apart.

GOAL rates Manchester United players from an ecstatic Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan.

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  David de Gea (1/10):

  Did Maguire no favours by passing to him under pressure in the moments before Sevilla's opener and was badly at fault for the second goal which came off Bade's shoulder and looped over his head in part because of a mistimed jump. He saved his worst moment for last, though, sending the ball straight to Youssef En-Nesyri who stroked a shot into an empty net. One of his worst-ever displays in 12 years at the club.

  Aaron Wan-Bissaka (5/10):

  Not United's worst defender but made a few late challenges.

  Harry Maguire (3/10):

  Showed no awareness for the first goal and looked shaky throughout, just as he did against Nottingham Forest.

  Victor Lindelof (6/10):

  The only defender that played with any confidence or conviction.

  Diogo Dalot (5/10):

  Created almost no danger going forward.

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  Midfield

  Christian Eriksen (5/10):

  Lost the ball on several occasions and could not handle Sevilla's intensity.

  Casemiro (5/10):

  Outmuscled more than once and also gave the ball away in dangerous areas, including for the goal Sevilla had disallowed for offside.

  Marcel Sabitzer (5/10):

  Kept making fouls and barely threatened in attack.

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  Attack

  Antony (6/10):

  One of very few to play with any passion or purpose but still could not do anything tangible.

  Antony Martial (5/10):

  Played deep and created no danger before being forced off injured early in the second half.

  Jadon Sancho (5/10):

  Again seemed afraid of making any bold moves and was lethargic defensively. Hauled off at half-time.

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  Subs & Manager

  Marcus Rashford (6/10):

  Created some semblance of danger when he came on but failed to trouble Bono.

  Luke Shaw (5/10):

  Could not stop the rot although it was not his fault.

  Wout Weghorst (5/10):

  Showed some effort but as usual created no danger, which is not what you want from your centre-forward.

  Fred (5/10):

  Did little to suggest he should be back in the starting line-up any time soon.

  Anthony Elanga (N/A):

  Came on in the 87th minute but did at least manage a shot.

  Erik ten Hag (5/10):

  His hands were tied due to the absences of key players like Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane but he must take some blame for this shocking performance.

Many Rangers fans have been left to buzz as the Glasgow club’s official website confirmed that Steven Gerrard had won another manager award.

The Liverpool and England international legend was presented with the Special Achievement Award from the League Managers Association (LMA), as he was recognised for guiding the Gers through their title-winning season in 2020/21 without losing a single match in the SPFL.

To go through a whole domestic campaign unbeaten is not easy in any league, but Gerrard managed to do that while rarely even breaking a sweat as the Light Blues ended the previous domination of the league by their bitter rivals Celtic over the last decade.

This award is thoroughly deserved, and several members of the Ibrox faithful have been showing their appreciation to Gerrard for his achievement.

Rangers fans on Gerrard update

These RFC supporters buzzed as the update was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to call it ‘amazing’:

“Well done, Steven, you thoroughly deserve all the awards and fantastic recognition.”

Credit: @ScottCJMcKelvie

“This should cause another couple of days worth of seethe. Class!”

Credit: @Razged1990

“Wonderful.”

Credit: @june_crichton

“Fantastic”

Credit: @MarleneEdgar3

“Outstanding player and now an outstanding manager.”

Credit: @Andy1Mclean

“Amazing, well done gaffer”

Credit: @GregHalfTweets

In other news, find out what James Dornan tweets have left Gers raging here!

The Premier League may have outspent the rest of Europe, but clubs outside of England's top flight still conducted some fine January business.

It was baffling how much money English clubs shelled out in January. Whether it was Todd Boehly and his extravagant spending or Nottingham Forest adding yet more new players to their collection, clubs at both ends of the Premier League table spent big ready for the second half of the season.

The rest of Europe didn't exactly sit back, and although La Liga clubs mostly kept their powder dry due to financial restrictions or lofty goals for the summer, other sides quietly went about their business to bring in some big names or potential future stars.

Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo, who Bayern Munich brought in on loan with a buy option of €70 million (£62m/$76m), was one to make headlines, but there were plenty of other interesting moves made away from the glitz and glamour of England's top-flight league.

GOAL takes a look at 10 of the best deals done by European clubs in the January market.

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  10Daley Blind – Ajax to Bayern Munich (Free)

  He's not a marquee signing, but Blind could prove a very smart piece of business for the Bundesliga leaders.

  The Dutch international is the epitome of versatility, capable of playing at full-back, centre-back, or even in central midfield. Furthermore, he has the kind of experience required to settle an unsteady squad that has suddenly looked vulnerable in the title race.

  It also appears to be good news for the inconsistent Matthijs de Ligt. The former Juventus and Ajax centre-back had a terrific understanding with Blind when the duo played at the back together in Ajax's famous run to the Champions League semi-final in 2019.

  Blind has only penned a six-month deal but his contributions might be vital as Bayern fight on three fronts.

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  9Terem Moffi – Lorient to Nice (€25m)

  Moffi isn't necessarily the biggest name, but he is an immensely efficient goalscorer who developed quite a bit of buzz in January. Quick, strong and direct, the Nigeria international has 12 goals to his name in Ligue 1 this season, accounting for a third of Lorient's total output.

  There was reportedly interest in acquiring him from around Europe, and he notably turned down West Ham, who offered €20m (£18m/$22m) to sign him. Nice paid more, though, agreeing a fee of an initial €25m(£23m/$27m) for the forward.

  It's odd that seventh-placed Lorient sold to a league rival in eighth-placed Nice, but the offer was too good to refuse, with Regis Le Bris' side making a tidy profit having bought him for just €8m two years ago.

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  8Josip Juranovic – Celtic to Union Berlin (€8m)

  Juranovic wasn't necessarily supposed to go to Union Berlin. The Croatian right-back was coveted by Manchester United for some time, but the Red Devils opted against signing him when Aaron Wan-Bissaka started to find form under Erik ten Hag.

  The player was reportedly keen to make a move to the Premier League but eventually opted to head to Union Berlin – a coup for the unlikely Bundesliga title challengers. Juranovic is an experienced full-back, and title winner with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. He also started every game for Croatia at the World Cup, and provided one assist for the semi-finalists.

  Juranovic, while not a particularly ground-breaking signing, will offer solidity in the defensive third and that could be vital as Union berlin look to secure European football for 2023-24.

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  7Memphis Depay – Barcelona to Atletico Madrid (€3m)

  The Depay deal is one that seemed to work for both parties. Barcelona head coach Xavi had made it clear to Memphis that he didn't have a future at the club, while Atleti badly needed additional attacking support following the departure of Joao Felix to Chelsea.

  And although Memphis had fallen out of favour under Xavi, he can still be a real threat in the final third for the Rojiblancos. The Netherlands international scored 12 La Liga goals last season, despite only making 20 full appearances.

  Whether he fits into Diego Simeone's side remains to be seen. Memphis isn't known for his high work-rate or glowing defensive skills, but his goalscoring alone should give Atleti enough as they look to push for a Champions League spot.

  Meanwhile, for the financially-crippled Barca, any fee received is something to be happy about.

Speaking to talkSPORT, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has been left in awe of Antonio Conte amid the Italian’s links to the vacant manager’s job, but he admitted that he can’t see the appointment happening. 

The Lowdown: Conte linked to Spurs

Over this last week, links have emerged with former Chelsea boss Conte as a possible replacement for Jose Mourinho in N17.

Indeed, a report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) even claimed that Tottenham have held ‘positive’ and ‘fruitful’ talks with the 51-year-old over taking the reins in north London.

However, the outlet also noted that ‘nothing’ has been decided yet and both parties will postpone further negotiations for a later date.

The Latest: O’Hara in awe of Conte

Even though he believes an appointment is unrealistic, talkSPORT pundit O’Hara has waxed lyrical over Conte and admits that he would be the 34-year-old’s personal preference as Spurs’ next manager.

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“I think if Tottenham got Antonio Conte, they’d be able to keep Harry Kane – he’s a brilliant manager,” O’Hara explained to talkSPORT.

“He won the Premier League title with Chelsea and yes he got the sack, but that’s what Chelsea do. It’s their culture. He’s gone to Inter Milan and he’s won the league there, too. He’s a top manager.

“I think we should be going for Antonio Conte or Brendan Rodgers, but Spurs are living in cuckoo land at the moment… we’re pretenders! We haven’t won anything!

“Personally, I would like Antonio Conte, but I can’t see it happening.”

The Verdict: Bang on the money…

We’re inclined to agree with O’Hara’s verdict that appointing Conte at Tottenham is probably out of chairman Daniel Levy’s reach.

On a reported €20m per year (£17.3m) salary at Inter Milan, he could be a costly man to hire, not to mention that the coach with a defence-minded reputation isn’t exactly a tailor-made fit with Spurs’ desired criteria of an open, attack-minded manager (The Guardian).

Lauded as a ‘perfectionist’ by Emmanuele Giaccherini (La Gazzetta via Football Italia), Tottenham would still be better off looking elsewhere as the search for Mourinho’s successor continues.

In other news: Some Tottenham fans flock to this ‘best news’, find out more here.

England backed up their win over Italy with a comfortable 2-0 success against Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday evening

Bukayo Saka lit up Wembley with a world-class display as England cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win against Ukraine on Sunday.

The Arsenal star set up the first goal for Harry Kane on 37 minutes with a wonderful ball in before scoring the second himself three minutes later, bending a fabulous effort into the top corner from 20 yards.

It was a wonderful finish from a player operating at the top of his game and one that allowed England to see out the contest with ease after the interval.

The hosts had chances to extend their advantage in the second half and some of the wasteful finishing will be the only thing that will have frustrated Gareth Southgate after another impressive win.

England, who beat Italy 2-1 in Naples on Thursday night, have now started their Euro 2024 campaign with back-to-back successes and sit top of Group C with six points from a possible six.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Wembley…

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  WINNER: Bukayo Saka

  Is there anything Bukayo Saka can’t do?

  Saka is at the very top of his game right now, whether it be for club or country. And the scary thing is he not even 22 yet.

  This was a game that seemed to be just drifting towards half-time, with Ukraine comfortably keeping England at bay for 37 minutes.

  Then, in the space of three minutes, Saka turned the match on its head with two moments of pure quality.

  The first was a devilish cross which Harry Kane turned home to make it 1-0 and then the second was a quite wonderful curling effort from 20 yards which flashed into the top corner to double England’s advantage.

  It was Saka at his very best and just another example of why the 21-year-old is right up there with the best Europe has to offer right now.

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  LOSER: Mykhailo Mudryk

  Mudryk would have been hoping to impress at Wembley and show everyone in England that he has what it takes to star in the Premier League despite his underwhelming start to life at Chelsea.

  But instead, the winger endured another frustrating afternoon, with Kyle Walker keeping him very quiet as the Manchester City full-back used all his experience to dominate the 22-year-old.

  And on the odd occasion Mudryk did escape Walker’s clutches he was unable to make an impact, slashing wildly at a couple of efforts that did not threaten Jordan Pickford in the England goal.

  Mudryk clearly has a lot of quality and it’s far too early to write him off after his slow start at Stamford Bridge. But he’s really struggling for confidence and looks like a player desperate for something to happen that will spark him into life.

  That didn't happen at Wembley, however, and the longer he goes without producing some performances of note, the louder the voices are going to grow over his ability to cut it at the highest level.

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  WINNER: Kyle Walker

  It was clear after just a couple of minutes that Walker was relishing his job against a player of Mudryk’s pace.

  Walker seems at his best when he is up against a winger who he knows could cause him problems and this was one of the occasions.

  The Manchester City right-back was on it from the start and did not give Mudryk an inch of encouragement during the early stages.

  That set the tone for the rest of the evening, with Walker comfortably seeing off the Chelsea attacker, who became more and more of a passenger before being replaced after an hour.

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  LOSER: Phil Foden

  News of Phil Foden’s departure from the England squad was announced just before kick-off.

  The Manchester City star, who came on as a substitute against Italy on Thursday night, had to withdraw due to acute appendicitis.

  It was announced he had to undergo an operation ahead of the game and he will now have to spend some time on the sidelines as he recovers from the surgery.

  His absence did not impact England, but it will be a major blow to both Foden and to Pep Guardiola, with so many crucial games on the horizon for Manchester City.

The 18-year-old has become a regular starter over the course of the 2022 season, with Newcastle also reportedly monitoring his progress.

With the World Cup now just a matter of weeks away, fans and pundits the world over are starting to consider who should be their picks to lift the trophy on December 18. The consensus pick right now seems to be Brazil.

The record five-time winners head to Qatar with perhaps the deepest squad of any country, and it is likely that there will be players who miss out on being called-up by Tite who would probably start for the majority of the other nations at the tournament.

But if you thought selection might be about to get easier for Brazilian coaches of the future, then think again. The country's current generation of 16-19-year-olds is regarded as the best anywhere on the planet, with a number having already begun making their mark on first teams both at home and, in some cases, abroad.

It was perhaps no surprise, then, when five Brazilians appeared among the top 11 names on the CIES Football Observatory's list of the best footballers aged 18 and under back in September.

The highest-ranked was Flamengo midfielder Victor Hugo, who placed fourth, having grown into the Brasilerao's most impactful young players.

But what makes him so special? NXGN explains all…

• Where it all began

  Victor Hugo was born in Bento Ribeiro, a neighbourhood in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro that is perhaps best known for also being the birthplace of 'O Fenomeno', Ronaldo.

  And it soon became clear that Victor Hugo had the potential to follow a similar path to the legendary striker, with his father, Welington, having begun placing a ball at his son's feet from the age of three.

  "Since he was a child, one of the main pillars that we passed on to him was discipline and determination, and that he would have to give up some things," Welington tells GOAL.

  "For example, when he was younger, he had to give up parties and his friends' birthdays, because the next day he would have to wake up very early, whether to train or even play."

  By the age of six, the boy was showing enough ability with his left foot that he joined the Madureira futsal team, before being picked up by Vasco da Gama.

  There he played as a left-back as he made his first steps from the futsal court to the football pitch, before Flamengo swooped in at the age of 12 to bring Victor Hugo across Rio.

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  The big break

  Flamengo were keen for Victor Hugo to play further forward, and handed him the No.10 shirt during his development as he won countless trophies for the club's age-group team.

  He was also called-up to numerous Brazili youth squads before catching the eye of Flamengo manager Paulo Sousa, who in turn handed the midfielder his first-team debut in May against Altos in the third round of the Copa do Brasil.

  Introduced for the final 20 minutes, Victor Hugo laid on the assist for Joao Gomes to net the winner in Flamengo's 2-1 victory, though it was in the second leg that he truly announced himself to the wider public.

  On the day of his 18th birthday, the teenager scored with an 86th-minute header to seal his side's progression in a competition that they would win five months later.

• How it's going

  Sousa was actually sacked a month after Victor Hugo's debut, but his replacement, Dorival Junior, has certainly taken a liking to the youngster over the course of the campaign.

  Rather than play him as a No.10, Dorival has chosen to move Victor Hugo back into a more conventional midfield position, in part to cover for the loss of Andreas Pereira, after he joined Fulham following his loan spell in Brazil.

  He has thrived in the role, becoming a regular starter in the Brasilerao as well as contributing to both Flamengo's Copa do Brasil and, most recently, Copa Libertadores triumphs.

  "The role he has been playing is fundamental to my style," Dorival, who previously coached a young Neymar, said of Victor Hugo's impact. "He has been brilliant in every way."

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  Biggest strengths

  “He has good ability to interpret spaces, plays well with his back to goal and physically he has good explosiveness," Sousa said of Victor Hugo before he left the Maracana.

  "He has a very good reading of the game and is a player who can make his presence known in the area with a goal."

  Being moved back by Dorival since Sousa's exit might be a reason why Victor Hugo has scored just twice in the league this season, but all of those other attributes are clear when you watch him play.

  The quintessential Brazilian midfielder player, he is technically gifted and possesses excellent close control and a good passing range.

The club's previous record in bringing in young players is mixed – but does include some future superstars

Chelsea have not had it all their own way in the transfer market this summer, as their failed pursuits of Jules Kounde and Raphinha demonstrate.

However, the Blues can finally chalk up one in the win column after they beat Milan and Barcelona to the signing of Aston Villa prospect Carney Chukwuemeka.

Rangy midfielder Chukwuemeka comes with glowing reviews and finished 37th in GOAL's 2022 ranking of the best wonderkids in the world.

Confirmation of that agreement was soon followed by another young arrival – Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina.

Chelsea have a history of chancing their arm on precocious young talent, with mixed results.

GOAL has taken a look back through the history book to remember some of the other fresh-faced teenagers who arrived Stamford Bridge before their 20th birthday.

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  Glen Johnson (West Ham) £6m

  First up on the list is former England international Johnson, who moved across London to Chelsea from West Ham for £6m in July 2003.

  The 18-year-old was the first confirmed signing of Roman Abramovich's ownership and he made 71 appearances for the Blues over the next four years, picking up a Premier League winners' medal along the way.

  Johnson left Chelsea to join Portsmouth in 2007 in search of more regular minutes, and went on to play for Liverpool before retiring in 2019.

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  Jon Obi Mikel (Lyn Oslo) – £18m

  Jon Obi Mikel joined Chelsea from Norwegian outfit Lyn Oslo in the summer of 2006 after a controversial year-long legal battle that saw him perform a U-turn after initially being presented as a Manchester United player.

  The fresh-faced 19-year-old quickly became a key player for the Blues under Jose Mourinho and went on to win two Premier League titles and the Champions League with the club, before eventually departing in 2017.

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  Daniel Sturridge (Manchester City) Free transfer

  Chelsea snapped Daniel Sturridge up on a free transfer on July 3, 2009 – three days after the expiration of his contract at City, where he had spent the first three years of his career.

  Sturridge scored a respectable 24 goals in 96 games for the Blues despite rarely getting much of a run in the starting XI, and became a Premier League and Champions League winner before being shipped off to Liverpool for £12m in 2013.

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  Thibaut Courtois (Genk) £7m

  Chelsea paid just £7m to sign 19-year-old Courtois from Belgian outfit Genk in July 2011, and immediately sent him out on loan to Atletico Madrid.

  Courtois established himself among the goalkeeping elite during his two-year stay in Madrid, winning a Liga title and playing in a Champions League final before returning to England ahead of the 2014-15 season.

  The shot-stopper then nailed down the No.1 spot in Chelsea's starting XI and helped them win two Premier League titles along with the FA Cup and League Cup, but ended up forcing through a move to Real Madrid in 2018.

West Ham United have been dealt a fresh blow in their pursuit to sign Tammy Abraham this summer…

What’s the word?

According to the Evening Standard, Italian giants AC Milan are set to offer the 23-year-old striker a way out of Chelsea at the end of the season, dealing a setback towards the Hammers’ chances of securing him.

It is widely believed that the England international is David Moyes’ top target to fill that attacking void ahead of next season, as per the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee.

However, the Irons face a likely transfer tussle to secure him as Milan are not the only team keen on signing him. Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also been mooted with interest over the weekend, via ESPN.

Moyes won’t be happy

This latest development won’t come as good news to Moyes, especially if the £36m-rated forward is genuinely his top transfer target this summer.

It does seem that Abraham will be leaving Stamford Bridge in the near future, as the Evening Standard reports that Thomas Tuchel is eyeing a new striker of which Romelu Lukaku and Erling Haaland feature as targets.

That makes Abraham a very appealing target, given he’s done no wrong to warrant his recent omission from the Blues’ starting line-up.

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The 6 foot 3 beast, who earns around £57k-per-week in west London, remains their joint top-goalscorer in the Premier League on six goals, whilst he has delivered 12 goals across all competitions this term, three more than any West Ham star.

Despite a lack of game time, he’s still built on his impressive 2019/20 exploits, where he found the net 18 times across 42 top-flight and Champions League appearances under Frank Lampard.

Alex McLeish even recently dubbed him a “phenomenal player” in an interview with Football Insider, so it really is a surprise to see him struggle for minutes.

It’s no secret that the Hammers desperately need attacking options, as they cannot rely on the injury-prone Michail Antonio to lead the line by himself in what is likely to be a huge season next year.

After selling Sebastien Haller in January, Moyes was left with only one senior striker and he’s only been able to feature 21 times in the Premier League this term, missing their last three games through injury.

Abraham’s experience and proven goalscoring record in England very much does make him a viable target, and quite rightly, he sits high on Moyes’ priorities.

But interest from teams of Milan’s calibre are hugely worrying. The 58-year-old Scot won’t be happy if he misses out on the 23-year-old this summer.

AND in other news, Moyes heading for West Ham transfer mistake over £9m-rated flop he once dubbed “unplayable”…

According to a report by French news outlet RMC Sport, via Get French Football News, Tottenham Hotspur are now keen to offload defender Serge Aurier this summer and could do so for as little as €10 million (£8.7 million).

The Lowdown: Aurier on the chopping block

The Ivorian has played very regularly for Spurs this season and has arguably been a mainstay in the side at points under both Jose Mourinho and interim boss Ryan Mason – starting 18 Premier League games in total, six more than summer signing Matt Doherty (WhoScored).

He was praised for his much improved form under Mourinho earlier this campaign and earned plenty of plaudits (Alasdair Gold), but the defender’s downturn since then has made Aurier a nominee for the Spurs summer sale list.

Alasdair Gold recently touted the 28-year-old as one of the names who could leave – mentioning him in a list with Erik Lamela, Harry Winks, Moussa Sissoko, Juan Foyth and Dele Alli (football.london).

The Latest: Spurs now keen to offload

Now, in an update on Aurier’s situation, RMC Sport (via GFFN) claim that the Lilywhites and chairman Daniel Levy are now keen to sell the 66-cap ace and could do so for as little as €10m (£8.7m).

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It is also stated in the report that Paris-Saint Germain have placed Aurier on a shortlist as former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino weighs strengthening his right-back options.

Aurier has previously hinted he would be open to Parc des Princes return and this update claims a move would majorly interest him.

The Verdict: Big call by Levy?

Still in his prime at 28 and with plenty of experience at Premier League level, we believe that allowing him to go for just £8.7m could be a mistake.

Tottenham will need every penny they can muster given the likelihood they will adopt a sell-to-buy policy (Sky Sports) and losing Aurier for such a meagre fee arguably won’t help matters.

Aurier dominates the Spurs squad in one particular stat, making the most tackles per 90 on average out of any Lilywhites player this season – including midfield enforcer and arguable best signing of last summer Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (WhoScored).

He has also been called ‘amazing’ for his ability to get forward by ex-Spurs keeper Paul Robinson (Football Insider), and Tottenham should be aiming to recuperate much more from his possible sale.

In other news: Tottenham managerial update emerges as new name contacted, find out more here.

Cruz Azul's summer overhaul led to the superlider position & a spot in the final. What other offseason signings made the difference in Liga MX?

• Hector Vivas
  

  Ivan Marcone | Lanus to Cruz Azul

  Marcone shored up the Cruz Azul midfield upon arrival and reportedly has interest from Villarreal for a big-money move to La Liga after his excellent debut campaign in Liga MX.

  He completed more than 84 percent of his passes per match and was perhaps the best player in the league at winning the ball back. It's no accident that as Pedro Caixinha modified his lineup during the season, the Argentine never gave up his space, missing out on a single league match between the Apertura campaign and the playoffs.

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• Manuel Velasquez
  

  Pablo Aguilar | Tijuana to Cruz Azul

  One of Liga MX's best center backs for the last several campaigns, Aguilar didn't drop off after returning to Mexico City. The 31-year-old anchored a back line that conceded only 13 times in the 17-match regular season and chipped in three set-piece goals for good measure.

  The former America center back now has a chance to help his club to a double by beating America in the title match. It's a remarkable testament to his longevity – and his discipline. The previously foul-prone defender saw yellow just three times this season while winning five duels a match and making good on more than 70 percent of the tackles he attempted.

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  Jesus Gallardo | Pumas to Monterrey

  While Rodolfo Pizarro struggled with injury, Gallardo proved to be a savvy signing who produced immediate results for Diego Alonso's side this season.

  After playing at left back during the World Cup, with some reports suggesting he'd garnered European attention only for teams to learn he'd already agreed to move to Monterrey, Gallardo gave Alonso a piece who could attack, defend or do a mix of both. He ended the campaign with three goals and an assist. The fact he can play at left back, left wing or in the midfield makes Gallardo more valuable than his numbers would suggest.

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• Hector Vivas
  

  Carlos Gonzalez | Necaxa to Pumas

  Carlos Gonzalez filled the Nicolas Castillo-sized hole that had existed at the front of Pumas' attack. After the Chilean's departure for Benfica, the question was who would score for Pumas after their heavy dependence on "El Tanque" up front. The answer was the Paraguayan Gonzalez.

  His performances against Tigres shouldn't escape notice. After a hat trick against Tuca Ferretti's side in the regular season, he added another in the playoffs as Pumas progressed in the clubs' quarterfinal matchup. All in all, Gonzalez ended the season with nine goals between regular season and playoffs.