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As well as the England and USWNT stars, Japan are well-represented in the best XI of the tournament's opening fortnight…

What an incredible group stage we've just been treated to at the 2023 Women's World Cup. There were huge shocks, with two-time winners Germany, Olympic gold medallists Canada and South American champions Brazil all crashing out, while the underdog stories kept coming as Jamaica, Morocco and South Africa made the last 16 for the first time in their respective histories.

We've seen surprise results, too, such as Japan thrashing Spain, and the big guns are starting to warm up, as seen in huge wins for Sweden and England.

At the heart of it all have been some seriously impressive individual performances, with the race for the Golden Ball award certainly heating up with each matchday that has passed. As we prepare for all the drama that is sure to come in the knockouts, GOAL picks its team of the Women's World Cup group stage…

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  GK: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)

  When you look at Nigeria's squad, you're immediately drawn to the attack. Asisat Oshoala, Ifeoma Onumonu, Uchenna Kanu and Rasheedat Ajibade are among the players Randy Waldrum can call upon in the final third, but one of the stars of their group stage was at the other end, in goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

  Four years on from becoming the youngest goalkeeper to keep a Women's World Cup clean sheet, the 22-year-old has experience that belies her years and that certainly helped her as she kept two big clean sheets against Olympic champions Canada and a determined Ireland.

  Racking up a save percentage of 83.3 in her first three games, Nnadozie's stand-out moment was the stop she made to deny Christine Sinclair, the greatest goalscorer in the history of international football, from the spot. It gave Nigeria a great foundation to build on in Group B.

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  RB: Tiernny Wiltshire (Jamaica)

  Again, Jamaica's star names come in the forward areas, with Manchester City star Bunny Shaw certainly the poster girl for this team, but their defence was the key as they caused one of the shocks of the tournament by knocking out Brazil.

  The Reggae Girlz are yet to concede at this World Cup, with a 1-0 win over Panama sandwiched in between goalless stalemates with France and the South American champions, and Tiernny Wiltshire was absolutely solid in the latter two results.

  Tasked with keeping some real top talents quiet in her right-back role, Wiltshire won 10 duels, made 10 clearances, won five tackles and both of the aerial battles she competed in across the two games. There haven't been too many outstanding, eye-catching right-backs over the first phase, but there haven't been any more reliable and dependable ones than the 25-year-old.

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  CB: Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden)

  How often can you say that a centre-back is in the race for the Golden Boot? Amanda Ilestedt certainly is after netting three times from defence in Sweden's first three games.

  The first of those was absolutely crucial, her header from Kosovare Asllani's 90th-minute corner saving Sweden's blushes and allowing them to start with a win over South Africa. A few days later, she came to their rescue in a different way, breaking the deadlock from another set-piece just before half-time, the Olympic silver medallists having found Italy tough to break down before that goal.

  Ilestedt, who signed for Arsenal this summer, has been important at the other end of the pitch, too, helping Sweden to record two clean sheets as they enter the knockout rounds as just one of three teams to take maximum points in the group stage.

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  CB: Naomi Girma (United States)

  There's no doubt that the U.S. women's national team were poor in the group stage, with their tally of five points the lowest they've ever recorded at a Women's World Cup. That said, Naomi Girma has been excellent for the reigning champions in the heart of defence.

  Only conceding once in the first three games, the U.S. were relatively solid at the back despite their struggles, Girma's composure and ability to take control of situations particularly important given the team lost captain and star centre-back Becky Sauerbrunn just before the tournament.

  So often what the 23-year-old does can be under-stated and therefore go unnoticed, but it certainly shouldn't. She's already one of the best in the world in her position.

Lots of Aston Villa fans have been talking about some news involving Frederic Guilbert that emerged on social media.

Guilbert has recently talked about his future at Aston Villa. He described Matty Cash to be a ‘good player’ for Villa, saying that the club have paid a lot of money to bring the Englishman to the club. While the defender is currently on loan at Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, he said that it is the manager’s choice and if things don’t work out for him, he will have to leave Villa permanently.

The Frenchman made it clear that he likes it at Strasbourg, but he is a Villain and he’s proud of it too.

Before he joined Strasbourg in the winter, the 26-year-old defender had failed to play even once in the Premier League for Dean Smith’s men. So far for the Ligue 1 side though, he has played nine times in the league. He has scored once and has three assists too (As per Transfermarkt).

Last season for Villa though, Guilbert had been a regular at the back. He played 25 Premier League games, getting two assists.

Journalist Ashley Preece relayed Guilbert’s comments on Twitter. Many Villa fans made their views clear about the Frenchman.

What did Villa fans make of Guilbert’s comments?

“Fred is needed by us can help with competition for Cash, cover and as an option Cash pushed further forward with Fred played at RB if need be.”

Credit: @HoItender

“Fred needs to be part of the squad next season.”
Credit: @drewwalsh32
“Perfect squad player. I don’t know why we would get rid. If anything, he has the potential to take that RB spot for himself.”
Credit: @AvfcTribe
“I hope he stays at Villa!”

Credit: @Tony89405449
“Basically he is staying and went out on loan to keep fit until Elmo’s contract expired.”
Credit: @VillaVisionBen
“Fred has to come back next season.”
Credit: @iamVilla

In other news, ‘Would be filth’, ‘Get him in’ – Many AVFC fans buzz as ‘good news’ emerges on ‘quality’ target

MLS is hoping to experience growth in total match attendees in 2023 after adding another expansion team and signing a new streaming rights deal

MLS stadiums are now above the 20,000 average fans per match threshold, but numbers vary greatly by venue.

Atlanta United, for example, are kings of attendance, bringing in nearly 50,000 fans per game, while the Chicago Fire have recently struggled to pack the stands of Soldier Field.

GOAL takes a look at how all the clubs rank in terms of average attendance.

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  1Atlanta United

  As a co-inhabitants of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United have consistently led MLS in attendance, making them one of the largest commercial success stories of MLS expansion. The Red & Blacks lead yet again in terms of average attendance in MLS so far.

  Stadium Name: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

  Average 2023 Attendance: 47,970 (5)

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  2Charlotte FC

  Charlotte FC's ownership strategy is based on owning an interest in the entire local sports industry rather than just one team, similar to Atlanta United.

  Despite a poor start to their 2023 season, Charlotte still has the second-highest attendance.

  Stadium Name: Bank of America Stadium

  Average Attendance: 39,026 (5)

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  3Seattle Sounders

  Lumen Field has long been considered one of the best atmospheres in MLS with the Seattle Sounders always popular in their community.

  The club has gone unbeaten so far at home this year with four dominant wins and a draw.

  Stadium Name: Lumen Field

  Average Attendance: 30,874 (5)

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  4Nashville SC

  Nashville SC is one of the newcomers to MLS having joined the league in 2020. The club made the playoffs last season and will be aiming to do so again this season.

  Stadium Name:Geodis Park

  Average Attendance: 28,061 (6)

The Welsh side have bounced back from disappointment last season to clinch promotion to League Two, despite stiff competition from Notts County

It is easy to forget, considering the records they have smashed this season, but Wrexham entered the 2022-23 campaign off the back of two potential-damaging disappointments. Not only did they fall short in the play-offs against Grimsby Town, they also suffered a FA Trophy final defeat at the hands of Bromley.

It's clear they have been motivated to put this right under manager Phil Parkinson this season, to repay the faith and investment of glitzy co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

Notts County – who in any other season, would have lifted the title themselves – ran them extraordinarily close, but in the end not even the rampant Magpies could spoil this Hollywood ending.

🖥️ Watch Welcome to Wrexham on Hulu in the U.S.

👕 Where to buy Wrexham kits, jerseys & accessories

🎟️ Get tickets to see Wrexham vs Man Utd in San Diego

The title was finally secured on Saturday, and so while we wait for season two of the smash-hit docuseries 'Welcome to Wrexham', here is the story of a truly remarkable campaign…

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  Summer transfer window

  As we've come to expect from Reynolds and McElhenney, Wrexham pushed the boat out financially this summer to secure several top players.

  The flagship arrival was Elliot Lee, tempted away from a number of Football League offers by Wrexham's project. Veteran goalkeeper Mark Howard, handy centre-back Ryan Tunnicliffe and wideman Anthony Forde were also plucked from EFL clubs.

  Wrexham also hoovered up some of the best National League talent, signing young striker Sam Dalby from Southend and attacking left-back Jacob Mendy from Boreham Wood.

  There were one or two departures of note, including Kwame Thomas to Sutton United, but overall Wrexham's squad was definitely stronger after the summer transfer window slammed shut.

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  August: A decent start

  Wrexham kicked off the season with a dramatic victory over Eastleigh, a result which hinted at the positive chaos that was to come on and off the pitch throughout the campaign.

  New arrival Lee immediately endeared himself to the Racehorse Ground faithful in that game, netting a late brace to down the Spitfires 2-1.

  After this positive start, Parkinson's side experienced a wobble. A 1-1 draw against a far from vintage Yeovil Town side was followed up with a damaging 2-0 defeat to Chesterfield.

  This disappointment clearly lit a fire though, as the Paul Mullin goal bonanza started the very next week against Maidstone United. Mullin grabbed a hat-trick in a resounding 5-0 win, the first of three victories to see out the month of August.

  All in all, it had been a solid if not quite flawless start to the season on the pitch, but off the field everything changed.

  At the end of August, the first series of the now-famous 'Welcome to Wrexham' documentary dropped, catapulting the club into mainstream popular consciousness. With interests piqued, the whole world was now watching the Robins' 2022-23 season. No pressure then!

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  September: Turning on the style

  As the kids headed back to school in September, Wrexham were busy handing out some footballing education of their own.

  Doe-eyed, newly-promoted Dorking Wanderers were their first victims, suffering a 5-0 defeat in their own backyard at the beginning of the month. Wrexham were in a similarly rampant mood when Dagenham & Redbridge came to town the following week, when a brace each from Ollie Palmer and Mullin helped them to a 4-1 victory.

  More of the same might have been expected against Southend in their next game, but the Shrimpers were made of sterner stuff and picked up a point.

  Not to be deterred, Wrexham ended the month in the same rampant mood that they started it, with six different scorers netting against lowly Torquay.

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  October: Chinks in the armour

  Despite their record-breaking points haul, there have been several bumps on the road for Wrexham this season. Several of these came in October, when a few chinks in their armour began to appear.

  To kick off the month, Wrexham came very close to dropping points against Oldham Athletic. With just five minutes left to play, the Latics were 1-0 up – only for goals from Ben Tozer and Mullin to save their skin. Mullin couldn't have left it later too, firing home a 96th-minute penalty to secure victory.

  There would be no escapology against Notts County in their next game, with Macaulay Longstaff – the only man to outscore Mullin this season – grabbing the only goal of the match inside 13 minutes.

  Next up was a quite remarkable 12-goal thriller against Barnet, which Wrexham edged 7-5. It was an astonishing spectacle for the neutral, but manager Parkinson was not happy, accusing his side of "switching off defensively".

  The boss was similarly underwhelmed by his players' display in a 1-1 FA Cup draw against Blyth Spartans, who operate in the league below. And although Wrexham would eventually progress by triumphing in the replay, it had to go down as another unconvincing performance.

  Below-par displays on the pitch were twinned with controversy off of it. Star man Mullin caused a stir with a provocative political message on his boots, forcing the club to issue a statement clarifying their position.

  A 1-1 draw with defensively-sound Boreham Wood a few days prior to the incident did little to restore confidence, but the Red Dragons did finish the month strongly, earning comfortable wins over Halifax Town and Altrincham.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Marlon Harewood, who made 164 appearances for West Ham, has claimed that David Moyes does not need to bring in any new players this summer.

Moyes was appointed West Ham manager last season when they were in a relegation scrap and after guiding them to safety he has turned their fortunes around this season with Champions League aspirations.

West Ham sold club-record singing Sebastien Haller in January, but David Moyes made the – at the time – controversial decision not to replace him, with their only addition being Jesse Lingard on a loan deal from Manchester United.

Speaking on why Moyes doesn’t need to bring in any new players and how the players want to play for the manager, Harewood told FFC:

“Moyes has not made a statement by going out and buying new players because he believes in the squad that he’s got which is good, because then the players feel trusted and will want to work for him.

“‘At West Ham, they’ve got a good team understanding and the players want to play for the manager and that’s something Moyes has put in place, so that he doesn’t need to get anyone else in because he believes in the players.”

The Hammers are currently suffering a mini-injury crisis with Declan Rice, Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio and Mark Noble all picking up issues in the last couple of weeks.

Moyes will be looking for his side to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Newcastle which leave them outside the top four ahead of their clash against fellow Champions League hopefuls Chelsea on Saturday.

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Get involved in the soccer fun at home

With a wide variety of easy-to-transport soccer goals, gone are the days of needing to use sticks you've found in the park as goalposts. There are all sorts of soccer goals that you can get and with a wide selection available, you can bring the beautiful game home and play in your backyard.

Goals can come with various assembly methods too. There are ones that pop up, some that click together, and some which simply need to be anchored into the ground. Then there's the construction, which can range from plastic to metal and anything in between.

The good news is that there's a goal to fit everyone's needs. To help you find the perfect soccer goal for weekend training sessions or kickabouts with friends, we've put together a list of the top goals you could want.

Click here to skip ahead to our round-up of the best backyard soccer goals.

Our top three:

Best overall soccer goal: Kwik Flex Lite

Best budget soccer goal: WEKEFON goal

Best travel soccer goal: PUGG One-v-One

FAQs:

What size soccer goal should I buy?

The size of the soccer goal you buy depends on the space you have in your backyard. You don't want to buy something too big when you don't have the space to accommodate the safe installation of a large soccer goal. However, the size of the goal will also be dependent on who will be using the goal. For example, if you're buying one for a child, it's best to install a goal that is fit for their size, so they build up a practice with a goal size that is appropriate for their age.

How big is a real soccer goal?

Match-day soccer goals are substantial and consist of two upright posts on either side of each other, with a crossbar connecting the two. According to FIFA regulations, a professional soccer match goal measures 24ft wide and 8ft high. If you have the space and want the feel of the real thing in your backyard then we've got an option for a soccer goal that meets the specification standards of the specification standard of the NCAA and NFHS.

What soccer goals are best?

Which soccer goal will be personally best for you, will depend on how and where you like to play soccer. So, if you mainly play outdoors like your favorite soccer stars, then a goal that is weatherproof with all the relevant fixtures needed to be safely installed in the ground is essential. On the other hand, if you're a traveler and want a kickabout with friends on vacation, pop-up goals will be best for you. GOAL has rounded up a soccer goal for every need – check out the best soccer goals for 2023 below.

• Shop: Best soccer goals

  Best overall soccer goal

  Kwik Flex Lite Soccer Goal

  Kwik$140.99 at Soccer.com

  Size: 4' x 6'

  The Kwix soccer goal is great if you want a no-fuss set-up whilst still having something spacious and sturdy. The metal frame maintains the shape, so you can practice all your goalkeeping or shooting skills easily. Plus, you can easily de-install it and bring it on your travels.

• Best budget soccer goal

  WEKEFON Soccer Goal

  WEKEFON$28.99 at Amazon

  Size: 5' x 3.1'

  Looking for a soccer goal on a budget? Fear not, this budget-friendly WEKEFON soccer goal is perfect for anyone practising their soccer skills. But you won't be compromising on quality. This goal also comes in five bright colorways.

• Best soccer goal for large backyards

  Kwik Goal NXT Soccer Goal

  Kwik$1,149.99 at Soccer.com

  Size: 6.5' x 18.5'

  If you have a vast lawn space or a big backyard that can house a full-size soccer goal, the Kwik NXT goal is perfect. Its ground frame, with strong aluminium posts, makes it a perfect permanent fixture in your backyard.

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• Best soccer goal for small backyards

  PUGG Ultra U90 Soccer Goals

  PUGG$229.99 at Soccer.com

  Size: 4' x 4'

  A small backyard shouldn't stop you from playing the beautiful game. These two PUGG goals are great for a 5-a-side match and can easily be popped up wherever you are. It also means you can neatly pack them away when they're not in use.

How to watch and stream West Ham against AEK Larnaca in the Europa Conference League on TV and online.

West Ham will be looking to book their ticket to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League when they take on AEK Larnaca in the second leg of their round-of-16 clash on Thursday.

Watch AEK vs West Ham on Paramount+ today!

The Premier League side recorded a 2-0 win last week and have every reason to be confident about their chances of making it through.

West Ham might be struggling domestically, but they have been in sublime form in Europe so far this term.

It all started with a 6-1 aggregate win over Viborg in the play-off round, before they saw off FCSB, Anderlecht and Silkeborg in the group stages.

AEK Larnaca, meanwhile, started their European adventure in the Champions League, where Midtjylland proved to be too strong in the second qualifying round.

They then dropped to the Europa League and came in third behind the likes of Rennes and Fenerbahce to move into the Conference League, having eliminated Dnipro-1 in the knockout round playoffs.

It's not all lost yet for the Cypriots after losing at home to West Ham, but they will have to show significant improvement if they are to turn things around.

GOAL brings you all the details on how to watch the game on TV as well as how to stream live online.

• West Ham United vs AEK Larnaca date & kick-off time

  Game	West Ham United vs AEK Larnaca
  Date	March 16, 2023
  Kick-off	4:00pm ET
  Venue	London Stadium

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• How to watch West Ham vs AEK Larnaca on TV & live stream online

  In the United States (US), the game can be streamed live on Paramount+ and ViX+.

  Country	TV channel	Live stream
  US	N/A	Paramount+, ViX+

  Check out GOAL's Soccer on U.S. TV guide

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  West Ham team news and registered squad

  Midfielder Flynn Downes is unavailable due to suspension, but David Moyes has no major injury concerns heading into the match.

  West Ham possible XI: Areola; Kehrer, Zouma, Aguerd, Cresswell; Paqueta, Rice; Fornals, Lanzini, Benrahma; Antonio

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Fabianski, Areola, Hegyi, Anang
  Defenders	Cresswell, Zouma, Coufal, Ogbonna, Kehrer, Aguerd, Emerson, Robinson, Baptiste, Laing, Forbes, Scarles, Casey, Clayton
  Midfielders	Fornals, Paqueta, Downes*, Soucek, Rice, Chesters, Forson, Potts, Woods, Earthy, Orford
  Forwards	Johnson, Scamacca, Antonio, Lanzini, Cornet, Ings, Bowen, Benrahma, Okoflex, Swyer, Mubama, Kodua

  *suspended

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• AEK Larnaca team news and registered squad

  Long-term injury concerns Andreas Paraskevas and Bruno Gama remain unavailable. Still, coach Jose Luis Oltra has a full squad to pick from otherwise, with Pere Pons and Angel Garcia back from their European suspension.

  AEK possible XI: Piric; Casas, Milicevic, Tomovic, Garcia; Ledes, Pons; Rosales, Sanjurjo, Jakolis; Lopes

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Piric, Toumpas, Stylianidis
  Defenders	M. Gonzalez, Tomovic, Casas, Garcia, Milicevic, Rosales, Christoforou, Andreou
  Midfielders	Sanjurjo, Ledes, Pons, Naoum, M. Gonzalez, Mamas
  Forwards	Trickovski, Faraj, Lopes, Englezou, Constantine, Jakolis, Gyurcso, Altman, Nikolic

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who is a Wolverhampton Wanderers Hall of Famer, has claimed that Rafa Mir has no future at Wolves despite scoring 24 times in 49 games for SD Huesca.

Mir signed for Wolves when they were in the Championship, linking up with Nuno Espirito Santo for the second time following their time together at Valencia, where Nuno handed the 23-year old his debut.

Since joining in 2018, Mir has only made four appearances for Wolves failing to score in all of them, which coincides with a poor loan spell at Nottingham Forest which saw him fail to find the net in 13 games.

Speaking on Rafa Mir’s future at Wolves and what the club should do with the 23-year old, Bull told FFC:

“I think he’s gone now, I think he’s flown the nest and we could talk all day about transfers coming in and out, but he’s not going to fit into Nuno’s plans.

Wolves have struggled in the final third season with their top scorers being Pedro Neto and Ruben Neves, both on five goals with Raul Jimenez out injured.

Jimenez has been a big miss for Wolves who have had to cope without their talisman since November when he fractured his skull against Arsenal.

The only way for the Maple Leafs is up and here are the players who will help their cause

It's Canada's first World Cup appearance since 1986, when they lost all three group games without scoring a single goal.

Making it through from the qualifiers after a 36-year wait, finishing ahead of the likes of traditional CONCACAF giants Mexico and the United States in the final round was proof of what they are capable of.

Now in Group F alongside Belgium, Croatia and Morocco, nobody would be more motivated to beat the odds than John Herdman's side.

Can Alphonso Davies and Co. rise above expectations and make it out of the group stage this time around? Time will tell!

Here are the 26 players who will make the trip to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

ALSO READ: World Cup 2022 Group F: Fixtures, results, standings, squads & full details

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  GOALKEEPERS

  Milan Borjan seems to be the front-runner for the No.1 jersey, with the shot stopper proving to be a reliable option between the sticks at Red Star Belgrade.

  Maxime Crepeau of Los Angeles FC is a household name in MLS but cannot make it to Qatar because of a broken leg, so Dayne St. Clair of Minnesota United FC and James Pantemis (CF Montreal) are called up.

  Name	Club
  Milan Borjan	Red Star Belgrade
  Dayne St. Claire	Minnesota United
  Jayson Leutwiler	Oldham Athletic

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  DEFENDERS

  Alphonso Davies is arguably the star name in Canada's list of defensive options, but the Bayern Munich ace has often featured higher up the pitch while on international duty and was actually named as a forward when the squad was announced.

  That offers an opportunity to the likes of Alistair Johnston, Sam Adekugbe, Kamal Miller, Steven Vitoria, and Richie Laryea, who all have plenty of experience and will be confident of getting the nod.

  Name	Club
  Alphonso Davies	Bayern Munich
  Steven Vitoria	Chaves
  Sam Adekugbe	Hatayspor
  Richie Laryea	Toronto FC
  Alistair Johnston	CF Montreal
  Kamal Miller	CF Montreal
  Derek Cornelius	Panetolikos
  Joel Waterman	CF Montreal

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  MIDFIELDERS

  Canada's all-time most-capped international Atiba Hutchinson (97) missed the September internationals due to injury, as did Jonathan Osorio, but both have made it to Qatar.

  Working his way into the starting XI in Porto's Champions League games against Atletico Madrid and Club Brugge, Stephen Eustaquio definitely brings a lot to the table.

  Colorado Rapids' Mark-Anthony Kaye is a versatile option to have in the side, as is Reading's Junior Hoilett.

  Samuel Piette also got the nod, while promising youngster Ismael Kone has also been impressing.

  Name	Club
  Samuel Piette	CF Montreal
  Mark-Anthony Kaye	Toronto FC
  Stephen Eustaquio	Porto
  Ismael Kone	CF Montreal
  Atiba Hutchinson	Besiktas
  Liam Fraser	Deinze
  Jonathan Osorio	Toronto FC
  David Wotherspoon	St Johnstone
  Junior Hoilett	Reading

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  ATTACKERS

  Attack is arguably Canada's strongest area, with Jonathan David being one of the game's most exciting young attackers and Cyle Larin also a clinical goalscorer.

  Tajon Buchanan has impressed at Belgian champions Club Brugge, while Ike Ugbo came through the ranks at Chelsea.

  Lucas Cavallini, meanwhile, is one of his country's top 10 all-time top goal scorers.

  Name	Club
  Cyle Larin	Club Brugge
  Jonathan David	Lille
  Lucas Cavallini	Vancouver Whitecaps
  Tajon Buchanan	Club Brugge
  Liam Millar	Basel
  Ike Ugbo	Troyes

Leeds United appear to be extremely keen on Everton teenager Thierry Small, who could be yet another young talent to develop under Marcelo Bielsa and Mark Jackson at Elland Road.

The 16-year-old, considered the best left-back in the country for his age, is willing to snub a three-year professional deal on Merseyside, according to the Daily Express.

Leeds ready to offer pathway to first-team football

The report claims that Small is prioritising a breakthrough in first-team football and is even ready to turn down interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.

Leeds, who appear to be after a new first-choice left-back this summer, are one of three sides ‘prepared to offer him a direct pathway straight into the first-team set-up’, 12 words that could prove pretty crucial considering the difficulty he may have breaking into sides that have Lucas Digne, Kieran Tierney and Luke Shaw all in top form.

Small has ‘frightening potential’ but has made just one senior appearance for the Toffees.

Transfer Tavern take

Bielsa has been extremely picky during his tenure at Elland Road in regards to handing several Whites youngsters regular game time.

The club’s current Under-23 side are sitting pretty at the top of Premier League 2 Division 2, with the likes of Cody Drameh, Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood all starring under Mark Jackson.

None of the three mentioned have made a senior appearance for Leeds to date, so Small may have to be relatively patient in regards to a first-team opportunity, something he doesn’t appear keen on.

It seems as if the club like what they see in Small, though, so it could be a deal to keep a close eye on over the coming months.

In other news: Leeds linked with move for £4,400-a-week attacker, find out more here.