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Wrexham have been credited with shock interest in Christian Eriksen, as he leaves Manchester United, but “obscene” wages questions are being asked.

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• Red Dragons in the market for Premier League pedigree
• Danish star leaving Old Trafford as a free agent
• Hollywood co-owners funding ambitious Welsh project

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Dragons are prepared to make ambitious moves in the transfer market this summer, with Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney helping to generate the funds that make marquee signings possible.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Several players with Premier League experience – including Jamie Vardy, Tom Cairney, Lewis O’Brien and Ben Davies – have already been linked with Wrexham. Jonny Evans is another seasoned performer to have generated speculation in North Wales.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  He is preparing to hang up his boots, but another experienced head at Old Trafford is said to have registered on Wrexham’s recruitment radar. It is being claimed that Danish playmaker Eriksen is a player that Phil Parkinson would like to have on his books.

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  WHAT WREXHAM PODCAST SAID

  According to the podcast, who concede that Eriksen is likely to remain a dream: “Apparently, yeah, apparently, Parky is interested in signing Christian Eriksen. Now again, sort of the pre-fit for what we have is of a certain age, of a certain experience. And he is of a certain age, and he comes with bags of experience.

  “So, we’re in a weird position where it’s almost impossible to chuck any of these ideas out and dismiss them as complete lunacy because it’s Wrexham, isn’t it? Anything is possible. I don’t see it because I think there’s only so many players you can afford where the wages are going to be obscene.”

Arsenal have a new sporting director. After Edu departed towards the back end of 2024, it’s taken the Gunners several months to find a replacement.

Former Atletico Madrid director Andrea Berta is the new man on board and he’s got a massive summer to sink his teeth into.

Supporters will hope and pray that they are able to right the wrongs of the winter market where they didn’t sign anyone. Since then, they’ve fallen out of the Premier League title race and barely scored a goal on the domestic scene.

So, it’s over to your Berta. Fancy a striker? A winger? An additional central midfielder?

Roberto Berta’s first transfer plans at Arsenal

If Arsenal could cherry pick anyone to sign this summer then it would be Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.

However, with a £150m valuation, it’s highly unlikely he’ll be on his way to the Emirates Stadium.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

So, who are the alternatives? Well, reports earlier this week suggested that Berta is a keen admirer of Wolves’ Matheus Cunha. Rumours linking Benjamin Sesko with a switch to London fail to go away either.

In this case, a possible swoop for Bilbao winger Nico Williams is gathering momentum again.

Arsenal were first linked with a move after Euro 2024. Mikel Arteta would love to sign him, say some reports.

Well, ahead of the summer window, German reporter Christian Falk notes that the Gunners are in talks with the player’s agents but they will face competition from Bayern Munich to sign the Spaniard.

Williams possesses a release clause of between €60m-€80m (£50m-£68m) so this will be a costly deal to get over the line.

Why Williams could be Arsenal’s best winger since Bukayo Saka

Over the last few years, Bukayo Saka’s output has been totally ridiculous, with journalist Charles Watts hailing him as the ‘best right winger in the world’.

He may well have surrendered that title to Mo Salah this season but even before his hamstring injury, Saka was proving himself to be one of the most elite forwards in the game.

Last season the Englishman scored 20 goals and supplied 14 assists while this term, he was well on his way to replicating those numbers having found the net on nine occasions and supplied 13 assists.

While he’s carried the team from an attacking standpoint, he’s not received too much help from those on the other side of the pitch.

Leandro Trossard did score 17 times in 2023/24 but this campaign, he and Gabriel Martinelli have struggled big time. Between them, they have only scored 13 times.

Thus, the potential arrival of Williams could be game-changing for Arsenal’s offensive line. While the Spaniard has only netted four times in 23 LaLiga matches, he does have nine in all competitions and aged 22, has so much potential left to extract.

That’s certainly the viewpoint of data analyst Ben Mattinson who suggests; “He might be raw, but Nico Williams has all the tools to be an elite winger.”

Why’s that? Well, we’ll cherry-pick another quote from Mattinson about Williams’ play style.

His numbers are yet to really explode but this is a winger with the potential to be not only an elite goalscorer but an elite creator.

Let’s compare him to wingers in Europe’s top five leagues a moment. To rubber-stamp his exciting potential, the Bilbao star ranks among the top 4% of wingers for progressive carries and the best 3% for successful take-ons. That could be game-changing for an Arsenal side lacking pace and directness in transition this season.

For too long Saka has carried the burden of Arsenal’s forward line but Williams has the capabilities to lift that burden and take Arteta’s team to a new level.

Ranking Andrea Berta's 10 most expensive signings

Arsenal’s Edu replacement has splashed the cash in recent seasons.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Mar 11, 2025

Manchester City have continued their backroom shake-up by acquiring James French, an opposition analyst, from Liverpool.

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• French to move from Anfield to Etihad
• Will work on set-piece coaching
• City have already appointed Pep Lijnders

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per , City are set to appoint French as a set-piece coach and analyst. He formerly worked at Liverpool for 13 years, having been appointed in 2012, but is now set to move to the Etihad as Pep Guardiola reshapes his backroom staff.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  City are also set to bring in Pep Lijnders as Guardiola's new assistant manager. The 42-year-old worked at Anfield for over nine years and was Jurgen Klopp's assistant during an era of unprecedented modern success at Anfield.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  French is said to have bid goodbye to his colleagues at Liverpool's Premier League title party, having helped Arne Slot's side win their second Premier League title. Guardiola's side finished third, and he has responded by axing three of his assistants – Juanma Lillo, Carlos Vicens, and Inigo Dominguez – and looking for fresh blood behind the scenes.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  City are currently on a break before preparing themselves for the Club World Cup. They will play Wydad AC in their first game at the tournament on June 18.

Arsenal hold a behind-the-scenes belief that a potential replacement for Kai Havertz has decided to join the Gunners this summer, and Mikel Arteta would benefit hugely from his arrival, as they set their sights on a more successful Premier League title challenge next season.

Berta sets sights on new striker for Arsenal this summer

As per recent reports, the arrival of new sporting director, Andrea Berta, could make this summer transfer window a very exciting one.

Berta "will try" to sign £160k-per-week star amid new Arsenal transfer plan

The Italian is set to orchestrate an ambitious project.

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 13, 2025

The 53-year-old agreed a deal to replace ex-transfer chief Edu Gaspar at the Emirates Stadium, following 12 successful years at Atlético Madrid, and it is believed that Berta wishes to reinforce Arteta’s squad across the board.

GiveMeSport claim Berta could spearhead a £300 million investment into the Arsenal squad, with the Gunners eyeing a new second-choice keeper, left-back, defensive midfielder, left-winger and, of course, a prolific striker.

Havertz’s season-ending injury higlights the glaring need for another option up top, and one who could even replace the German long-term so he can take up another position in the attacking midfield.

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is believed to be a serious target for the north Londoners, but his rumoured £150 million price tag, not to mention the Magpies’ unwillingness to sell, makes this potential deal a very hard one to pull off. A more attainable option, according to various reports, could be RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenia international is on course to smash his 2023/2024 goals tally, having scored 17 in all competitions already, and his contract will include an active release clause this summer.

Multiple reports are also suggesting that Sesko is personally keen on a move to Arsenal, and this has apparently been registered among the club’s hierarchy, who theorise that the 21-year-old has already decided on a move to N5.

Arsenal convinced Benjamin Sesko has chosen to join them

That is according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who shared an intriguing update on the forward when featuring on GiveMeSport’s Market Madness Podcast this week. Jacobs claims Arsenal are convinced that Sesko has picked them for a move ahead of the next transfer window, over both Man United and Chelsea.

“Arsenal have got two lead targets,” Jacobs said. “One, Benjamin Sesko, who Arsenal believe has picked their project over Chelsea or Manchester United and will be available with the release clause this summer in the region of 70 million euros (£59m).

“Although it’s performance-related, my understanding is, and it is variable, and therefore the better Sesko does, the higher the amount goes up, and it could eventually be something, even in the region of 80 million euros.

“But Arsenal feel PSR compliant, they’ve got money to spend, and finding that number nine is the top priority. Of course, Alexander Isak is the other name. Newcastle have got a big league cup final.

“We should start by saying Darren Eales, the Newcastle CEO, has said it would be crazy to sell Isak. That doesn’t mean Arsenal won’t try, but it’s going to be a difficult deal to pull off. And there’s no progress at this point.”

Sesko is easily one of Europe’s most exciting young number nines, even drawing comparisons with Man City superstar Erling Haaland, and while most prolific strikers come at an extortionate premium, his release clause may actually be great value for money.

Arsenal did actually have an offer to Sesko rejected last summer, with the player choosing to remain at Leipzig and further his development. However, it appears Arteta could finally land his man this year.

Manchester City have completed the signing of Mahamadou Sangare from Paris Saint-Germain, according to a new report in France.

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• 18-year-old makes move to Etihad Stadium
• Signs five-year deal with club
• City strengthening in multiple positions

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per RMC Sport, Sangare has penned a five-year contract with City after agreeing to leave PSG. The 18-year-old striker was prolific in the club's youth teams, scoring 42 times in 46 games for the U19s, but he has rejected the offer of a new deal in France in order to complete his move to the Premier League, days after the club secured a deal for Norway teenager Sverre Nypan.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sangare had not signed a professional deal with PSG, with his first pro contract instead signing him up to five years at City. He is already said to have undergone a medical at the Etihad ahead of his move being rubber-stamped.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Sangare is a France youth international and has already won two caps for the Under-18s. He will now set his sights on breaking into the City first-team.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  City appear to have completed the formalities of this particular deal so an announcement is likely soon. City play in the Club World Cup in June.

Mikel Arteta has been transformative for Arsenal.

The Spaniard’s tactical and philosophical approach to the game has fundamentally changed how the team plays football on the pitch, but he’s also helped shape the club off of it.

In terms of spending, the Spaniard has seen the board go big for signings like Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Riccardo Calafiori.

At the same time, the North Londoners have become far better sellers, as exemplified by the summer just gone.

However, for all the brilliant sales Arteta has overseen in recent years, he’s also made a few mistakes, including with an academy gem who left without making a single first-team appearance and is now worth considerably more than the fee he earned Arsenal.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Academy players sold by Arsenal

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other youth players Arsenal have sold under Arteta’s tenure, starting with one sale which was undoubtedly a masterstroke: Eddie Nketiah.

The Hale Ender was a useful player during his time with Arsenal and ended up making 168 first-team appearances by the time he was sold for a whopping £30m to Crystal Palace in the summer.

However, the reason that the fee is so impressive is that during his time in North London, the Englishman was only able to score 38 goals and provide seven assists.

Moreover, in his final campaign for the club, the 25-year-old scored just six goals and provided three assists in 37 appearances, so was hardly a key player for Arteta and Co.

Another forward out of Hale End sold by Arteta was Folarin Balogun, who still holds the record for the most goals scored for the club’s U21s at a cool 37.

However, despite seriously impressing out on loan with Ligue 1 side Stade Reims in the 22/23 season, scoring 22 goals and providing three assists in 39 appearances, the American international couldn’t be guaranteed a starting berth in Arteta’s team upon his return.

So, instead of sending him back out on loan, the club opted to sell the promising forward to AS Monaco for an excellent fee of around £34m, and considering he’s scored just 11 goals and provided five assists in 42 appearances since, it would be fair to say it was a brilliant sale for the North Londoners.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for another former academy star who’s now tearing things up on the French Riviera and worth millions more than he was sold for.

The youngster Arsenal sold too soon

So, while the likes of Nketiah and Balogun were sold at the right time, and for more money than they are worth today, the same cannot be said for Mika Biereth.

The Danish youngster joined Arsenal’s academy set up from Fulham in the summer of 2021, and after a lacklustre loan to RKC Waalwijk for the 22/23 season, he enjoyed a far more successful campaign the following year.

The first half of the 23/24 campaign saw him score six goals and provide five assists in 15 appearances for Motherwell, and then in the second half of the season, he did even better, racking up a tally of nine goals and four assists in 22 appearances for Austrian outfit Sturm Graz.

Such a return was enough for the title-winning side to splash £4m on him in the summer, and to nobody’s surprise, the 22-year-old poacher picked up exactly where he left off at the start of this season.

In just 25 appearances, the London-born marksman racked up 14 goals and five assists, which just so happened to be good enough to catch the eye of Monaco, who proceeded to spend £10.8m plus £1.75m in add-ons on the young Dane.

In other words, the former academy gem’s value had soared by about 213% since being sold by the Gunners, and worse yet, his form for the Ligue 1 side suggests he could well have been a surprising upgrade on Kai Havertz.

For example, just taking into account his time on the French Riviera, the “crazy” talent, as dubbed by former GOAL reporter Robin Bairner, has scored 11 goals and provided three assists in 12 appearances, totalling 860 minutes, which works out to 1.16 goal involvements every game, or one every 61.42 minutes for a team in a top five league.

In contrast, the former Chelsea ace was able to rack up a tally of 15 goals and five assists in 34 appearances, totalling 2776 minutes.

That means, prior to his injury, the German international was averaging a goal involvement every 1.7 games, or every 138.8 minutes, which certainly isn’t bad, but it’s substantially less impressive than the Monaco ace.

Ultimately, Arteta and Arsenal have generally got their sales spot on in recent years, but given how well Biereth has taken to life in Ligue 1 this season and the Gunners’ striker problems, we can’t help but think they had a bit of a mare in selling the Dane.

More prolific than Sesko & Osimhen: Arsenal set to launch bid for £101m CF

The incredible goalscorer would be a game-changing addition to Arsenal’s team.

5

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Mar 18, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have a huge game next up in the Premier League. Ange Postecoglou’s side will travel to Stamford Bridge to face London rivals Chelsea on Thursday. The Lilywhites have now gone three games without a win in the top flight but will be looking to turn things around in midweek.

Indeed, Stamford Bridge has not been a happy hunting ground for the North Londoners. In the entire Premier League era, they have won just one game away to Chelsea, drawing 11 and losing 20.

One of the men imperative to turn that run around will be captain Son Heung-min.

What Son has said about his Spurs performances

It has been a mixed bag of a season for Lilywhites captain Son. The experienced 32-year-old has not necessarily been the first choice option on the left wing for Postecoglou, playing 40 games and 2834 minutes, the equivalent of 31 full 90-minute games.

In that time, his numbers are certainly not unimpressive. He’s scored 11 times and grabbed 12 assists, mainly from the left wing. With that being said, he hasn’t hit the heights of previous seasons, perhaps due to fewer minutes across the campaign.

One of Son’s biggest contributions in a single game this term came against the bottom of the Premier League side, Southampton. In a 5-0 thrashing of the Saints away from home, the Spurs number seven scored one and assisted two.

In the last few weeks, the South Korea international has perhaps shown an issue with the amount of game time he is getting under Postecoglou. In a recent interview, the Spurs skipper said, “I’m in excellent physical condition” and explained, “my club manager made those decisions to create better situations”, seemingly referring to his lack of game time.

Son was not selected from the start for Spurs’ last game against Fulham, a 2-0 defeat. However, he has three goals in the past against Chelsea and could hurt the Blues by running in behind their high line.

In fact, there is one player in particular who could help get him firing at Stamford Bridge.

The Spurs player who can get the best out of Son

Postecoglou is not short of creative options in midfield. Dejan Kulusevski has become a deadly player from central areas, and young Lucas Bergvall has also impressed. However, one man who could have a real impact playing just behind Son is James Maddison.

It has been a largely profitable season for Spurs’ number ten. He’s played 38 times across competitions, scoring 11 goals and grabbing seven assists, with 14 of those goal involvements coming in the Premier League.

Son and Maddison have a strong history of linking up well with each other. In 59 games together, they have combined for nine goals, with Maddison only linking up with three players more.

That included one goal combination against Hoffenheim in the Europa League group stage, where Maddison grabbed a goal and assist, and Son scored twice.

Not only that, but the England internationals’ creative numbers via FBref from the Premier League this season compared to other midfielders are exemplary.

For example, he averages 8.27 progressive passes and 0.94 shot-creating actions per game, ranking him in the top 5% and 2%, respectively.

The England international could be considered in the “same category” as former Spurs star Harry Kane. At least, that’s what Son himself once said, and he knows a thing or two about playing with the England captain. They combined for 54 goals in a Spurs shirt.

Maddison can certainly replicate what Kane did at Spurs with Son; picking the ball up in deeper zones and playing him in behind the opposition defence. This could certainly work well against Chelsea on Thursday.

There is certainly lots of evidence to suggest that the former Leicester City star would be ideal to start in midfield against Chelsea.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

If Postecoglou is looking to help get Son firing, the starting Maddison, a progressive and creative player who has linked up well with the Spurs skipper in the past.

Spurs' award-winning CF was ahead of Kane, then Poch sold him for £208k

The promising forward wasn’t able to reach his potential at Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Mar 28, 2025

Chelsea are eyeing a move for Brighton star Joao Pedro as they look to add more strikers to their roster ahead of the new season.

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• Chelsea eyeing move for Brighton's Pedro
• Will face competition from Newcastle
• Blues looking to sign more strikers after Delap

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per , the Blues have identified Brighton's £70 million-rated ($94m) star Pedro as one of their key attacking targets and have kept the Brazilian in their transfer shortlist. The club have initiated initial contact with the Seagulls over a prospective move as the 23-year-old has been tipped to leave the Amex Stadium this summer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Other than Chelsea, Newcastle United are also keen on signing the attacker. Pedro has long been a target of Eddie Howe, who wanted to sign him in 2022, as he is seen as a versatile forward option who can contribute in multiple positions. The Selecao star scored 10 goals in 27 Premier League games in 2024/25 and is capable of playing on the left, as a 10, and as a central striker.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The West London side, who have already signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, is looking to add more forwards to their roster after the club qualified for the Champions League this season.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Enzo Maresca's side made a winning start to their Club World Cup campaign as they beat LAFC 2-0 in their tournament opener. They will now aim to book a berth in the knockout stage with a second consecutive win over Brazilian giants Flamengo on Friday.

German police have explained why Leeds fans have been banned from attending pre-season matches in the country.

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• German police explain Leeds fans ban
• Won't be allowed at pre-season matches
• Preparations for Premier League return begin

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Leeds are set for an eight-day visit to the country as they prepare for their Premier League return but will be forced to play friendlies without any supporters. The local police explained it was a security issue.

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  WHAT GERMAN POLICE SAID

  Police said: "There is an agreement between the Central Information Office for Sports Operations (ZIS) and the German Football Association (DFB) regarding international test matches. Every planned test match with international participation is checked for certain security aspects. If even one of these security-relevant requirements is not met, such a test match can only be assessed negatively from a police perspective. To ensure that a match can still take place, the clubs have the option of excluding spectators from the event."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Leeds fans had initially been asked not to attend friendlies when the club headed to Germany last summer, with Euro 2024 security arrangements cited as the reason at the time. They expected to be able to host supporters this time around but the same stance has been taken.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LEEDS?

  Leeds are gearing up for the 2025/26 Premier League after two years in the Championship. They host Everton in the first Monday night game of the new campaign.

A game that looked to be a rout turned into a tense affair, but Luna's brace holds as U.S. book a spot in the Gold Cup final

ST. LOUIS – For a moment, it appeared this would be a long summer night of celebration for the U.S. men's national team. The goals came in early, both from Diego Luna in the first 15 minutes, silencing a raucous pro-Guatemala crowd. It turned out to be anything but.

In the end, the U.S. survived. A late goal from Guatemala led to a furious flurry, one that, ultimately, fell short. The USMNT won 2-1, and are into their 13th Gold Cup final, and truth be told, they'll just be glad that they're in.

It began in the fourth minute with Luna's first, a rebound finish off a Luca de la Torre longshot. Luna was fortunate to see the rebound fall to him, but they say you make your own luck and Luna remains the poster boy of that fact.

There was nothing lucky about Luna's second: a well-struck missile that came seconds after he slipped right on past a defender. But this was no USMNT romp. Things got tense. An 80th-minute goal from Guatemala's Olger Escobar, a Massachusetts native, set up a frantic finish, one in which the U.S. had to sweat out their lead until the very last second, ultimately booking their tickets to Houston and a chance at an eighth Gold Cup trophy.

In 2025, Luna leads the USMNT with seven goal contributions (three goals, four assists), followed by Malik Tillman (three goals, three assists).

"It’s the grit, it’s the determination, that we’ve been lacking, to be honest," Luna said on FOX Sports. "It’s fighting to the end, every ball, every moment. The game’s about moments, and I think this is where we showcase it. It’s 90 minutes of hundreds of moments, and you’ve got to execute on each one. 

"It’s finding the rhythm, and being able to get the freedom from the coaching staff and the team, and know that they’re going to have my back. And the trust of the defensive responsibilities allows me to do what I do on the ball."

Job done. Through three group stage games and two tight knockout encounters, the U.S. are still alive – five straight wins after four straight losses entering the tournament. The USMNT will play Mexico the Gold Cup final for the eighth time. One more game, and a trophy on the line.

GOAL rates the USMNT players from Energizer Park.

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  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Matt Freese (6/10):

  Had a big save on a dangerous Guatemala chance midway through the first half. Made a few more as the tense game wore on, and could do little to stop the eventual goal. Did make a fantastic save late, though, to protect the win.

  Max Arfsten (5/10):

  Nowhere near as chaotic as he was in the quarterfinals, which was good and bad for the USMNT. Did have some nervy moments defensively, though, particularly when Guatemala made a push midway through the first half.

  Tim Ream (5/10):

  Far from his best game as he uncharacteristically struggled. Had a few difficult moments against Guatemala's not-so-world-class forwards in what was his first sub-par game of the tournament.

  Chris Richards (6/10):

  Hit some absolutely wonderful passes in the first half but picked up a yellow that forced him to tone down the aggression as the game wore on. Was unlucky to get screened off on the goal.

  Alex Freeman (6/10):

  Played a part in the lead-up to the first goal and continued to stay high up throughout. Certainly caused Guatemala a few headaches.

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  Midfield

  Tyler Adams (6/10):

  Not as ballhawk-ish as usual, as the U.S., in general, struggled with midfield control. Definitely set a tone physically, though, making his presence felt in several tense moments.

  Luca de la Torre (5/10):

  Played a part in the early goal, but struggled to really impact the game after. Was taken off early in the second half after picking up a yellow card.

  Sebastian Berhalter (6/10):

  A odd game from the Whitecaps star, who again played in a role that often took him out wide. Did a bunch of defensive work that will go under the radar and did progress the ball forward often enough.

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  Attack

  Diego Luna (9/10):

  The clear Man of the Match. Took his chances well, the first through effort and the second through skill. Certainly his best game in a U.S. shirt.

  Patrick Agyemang (5/10):

  Again, far too many chances missed. Credit for generating them, obviously, but against better teams, Agyemang has to be more clinical. Aside from that, though, some decent work on and off the ball even as he was often left on an island up top.

  Malik Tillman (6/10):

  Technically so, so good and he does get the assist for Luna's second, even if that was all Moon Man. Didn't really have a breakthrough moment of his own, though, as Guatemala were physical with him throughout.

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  Subs & Manager

  Brenden Aaronson (5/10):

  Replaced De la Torre, but also never really got a foothold in the game.

  John Tolkin (5/10):

  Was tossed in a weird spot initially before the U.S. went to five-at-the-back. When he did get the ball, though, was a bit sloppy.

  Jack McGlynn (6/10):

  Did well enough once he came on but, once the U.S. lost control after the goal, the attack-minded McGlynn was forced into defense mode.

  Walker Zimmerman (N/A):

  Brought in late as a third center-back to hold on.

  Damion Downs (N/A):

  A final-minute sub to get fresh legs on for Agyemang.

  Mauricio Pochettino (5/10):

  The midfield never had really control and Pochettino never quite found an answer for it. Subs were a bit confusing, too, but, hey, they saw it out. And they will play for a Gold Cup trophy on Sunday.