Football
Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos names the best midfielder in the world
Toni Kroos, a legendary figure in German and Real Madrid football history, has shared high praise for Barcelona’s rising star, Pedri, labeling him the finest midfielder currently playing the game.
Kroos, who hung up his boots last summer after a career filled with silverware—including the 2014 FIFA World Cup, multiple La Liga and Champions League titles—is widely considered one of the best midfielders of his generation.
With his departure marking the end of an era, attention now turns to the new wave of talent expected to shape the future of midfield play.
At Real Madrid, the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Arda Güler are seen as heirs to the roles previously held by Kroos and his longtime teammate Luka Modric.
Yet, while Madrid prepares for a generational shift, Kroos believes that the most complete midfielder in world football currently plays for their fiercest rivals, FC Barcelona.
In his podcast, Einfach mal Luppen, Kroos didn’t hold back in his admiration for Pedri, stating that the young Spaniard offers more to his team than even high-profile attacking teammates like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, or Robert Lewandowski.
According to Kroos, Pedri might not always be the one scoring goals or delivering the final pass, but he’s the one offering consistent solutions all over the pitch.
Pedri has been instrumental in Barcelona’s campaign this season. With the club already securing the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, they now aim for a historic haul by chasing both La Liga and Champions League titles.
The young midfielder has made 54 appearances across all competitions, showing not only durability but exceptional consistency in his performances.
Kroos emphasized how Pedri’s intelligence, composure, and creativity allow him to stand out in every match. In the Champions League, Kroos noted that Pedri consistently outshines his counterparts.
In La Liga, the gap between Pedri and his opponents becomes even more evident. The German legend pointed out that losing a player like Pedri would have a major impact on any team, underlining how central he is to Barcelona’s gameplay.
What makes Pedri particularly special, according to Kroos, is his ability to beat opponents in tight spaces—something that sets him apart from most midfielders.
His dribbling skills and movement may not appear lightning-fast, but they’re incredibly effective, often allowing him to glide past defenders unnoticed.
Kroos even recalled a personal experience during an El Clasico match where Pedri’s skill and agility left him struggling to keep up, admitting he couldn’t stop him even with tactical fouls.
Kroos’ praise comes not just from admiration but from direct encounters on the pitch and detailed observation. As a player known for his sharp football intellect, Kroos’ endorsement of Pedri holds significant weight.
For Barcelona, it’s another sign that their future is in capable hands. And for fans of the sport, it marks the emergence of a new generational talent ready to dominate world football.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
Football
Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.
The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.
Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”
Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.
Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.
Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.
In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.
He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.
Football
Inside Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool ‘leaving party’ as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk attend
Liverpool recently held a summer celebration to honor Trent Alexander-Arnold as he prepares to leave Anfield after the 2024-25 season. The 26-year-old fullback, who has been with the club since he was just six, confirmed his departure earlier this month.
Despite spending two decades with Liverpool and making over 350 appearances, the news has divided fans—some even booed him during the recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
The event, which appeared to take place at Liverpool’s training base in Kirkby, featured teammates, family, and festive touches including food vendors, games, and a “Summer of 66” theme—referencing Alexander-Arnold’s shirt number.
TikTok user Nevada Linton shared footage from the event with a heartfelt message encouraging the defender to chase his dreams.
Key players including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Luiz Diaz were spotted enjoying the gathering.
The party served as an internal gesture of appreciation despite the tension from parts of the fanbase.
Throughout the season, Liverpool pushed to secure contract extensions for Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Van Dijk. While the latter two signed new deals, Alexander-Arnold opted to move on, with Real Madrid widely expected to be his next destination.
His farewell statement emphasized how difficult the decision had been, citing the need to step outside his comfort zone for new personal and professional challenges.
The backlash from some supporters has sparked reactions from fellow players. Salah voiced disappointment over the treatment Alexander-Arnold received, saying fans should recognize the defender’s loyalty and contributions over the years.
Van Dijk echoed the sentiment, stating that the team aims to win their final matches and celebrate together, including honoring Alexander-Arnold’s legacy.
Liverpool’s final fixtures of the season include a clash with Brighton and a home finale against Crystal Palace at Anfield, where the hope remains for a more appreciative farewell from the stands.
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