Champions League Quarter Finals - WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

UEFA Champions League. The elite competition of European football. The pinnacle of continental competition. Time and time again we see incredible stories play out and this year's most recent batch of games might just have topped the lot. When the draw was made, we knew it had the potential to be special. The two remaining English sides, Liverpool and Manchester City to face off in a whole new Battle of Britain. A replay of last year's final, Real Madrid took on Juventus. And in the two more one sided ties (We'll get into that later) Roma and Sevilla challenged Barcelona and Bayern Munich respectively. 

So what exactly was so special? Well...

LIVERPOOL 5-1 Manchester City. 

Well if you've been living under a rock for the last week, you might have missed the English champions elect bottling the biggest week in their history. Starting with a lesson in intimidation from Liverpool at Anfield in their quarter final first leg. 

From before the Citizens had even stepped inside Anfield, the Liverpool fans were making their lives hell. Now I can not condone what the fans flanking Anfield Road did, launching bottles and everything else at their opponents team bus. But it worked. The damage on route translated to a damaged and fragmented performance on the pitch, but the credit has to go to Liverpool - and Jurgen Klopp. As managers go, no one has a record against Pep Guardiola that compares to Klopp's. Three wins from four games this season speaks wonders for the German's ability to outsmart the Spanish coach. 

Now onto the match. From the first whistle City actually dominated possession so nothing out of the ordinary just yet. It was when given the chance to stretch the away side's defence that Liverpool changed through the gears. Who else but Mo Salah would you back to score the biggest of goals in the biggest of games for Liverpool. When Bobby Firmino's effort was turned away from Ederson, Salah reacted faster then anyone else. Before having the composure to fire into the net under pressure from back peddling City defenders. 1-0. One turned into two just eight minutes later when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fired in a rocket from 25 yards into the goal at the Kop end. He LOVES a goal against City. Pep's men were shaken. Struggling to string two passes together, Ox's goal came from them being disposed in a poor position. Lighting would strike twice as Liverpool's heavy pressing again forced City into a mistake, again allowing Salah to break. His initial shot was blocked, but what followed was a beautifully weighted ball onto Sadio Mane's head at the back post. 3-0 on the night. City blown away after a half hour. 

That was how the game would end. Pep's men seemed fresh out of ideas. A solid Liverpool defence sat back throughout the second half, not allowing a single shot on target. Karius having one of the more quiet night of his Liverpool career. Going into the second leg, City needed a miracle.

Liverpool's arrival in Manchester was quite the contrast to their opponents the week before. City needed quite the contrast in performances to progress. Despite the 3-0 defeat in the first leg, a poll on BT Sport found over 40% of people still backed the Premier League leaders to overcome the odds. Two minutes in you could see why, Raheem Sterling pouncing on a mistake to slide in Gabriel Jesus to score an incredibly early opener. Game on. After an early wobble Liverpool were pinned back through out the first half, Bernardo Silva rattling the post with a deflected effort. Leroy Sane had the ball in the net on the stroke of half time, but was chalked off for offside - wrongfully, with Liverpool's James Milner getting the final touch before Sane poked in. 

Protest at half time saw Pep sent to the stands, and it was the beginning of the downfall for his side. Again despite dominating possession in the second half, much like in the first leg Liverpool punished on the counter attack. Mo Salah sliding the ball into the on running Sadio Mane who did brilliantly well to ride the challenge before going down in the box. Not one to take any chances, it was that man again Mo Salah who was on hand to round Ederson and produce the most beautiful chip over a man on the line and into an empty net. An away goal, an equaliser on the night, 4-1 on aggregate. Former captain Steven Gerrard described it best on the BT Sport studio. 

"Game over."

But not before Liverpool's number nine could get in on the act. You'd think defenders would learn not to be sloppy with the ball at the back when Liverpool come to town. But Otamendi, who was at fault for Liverpool's third at Anfield was disposed by Firmino just to the right of his penalty area. It was as easy as strolling up to the goal and slotting past countryman Ederson for Bobby to seal not only the tie, but the win on the night. Handing City their third defeat on the bounce, two of which at the hands of Liverpool. Next came the final whistle, a nightmare week for the home side, jubilation for the visitors. Another failure in Europe without Lionel Messi for Pep. An upset in the 2018 Champions League quarter finals, the first but not the last. 

Barcelona 4-4 ROMA (Roma progress on away goals.)

Now I made predictions for the quarter finals the day of the draw in March (feel free to check out the article on this blog.) And after the first leg, Barcelona leading 4-1 against Roma, I felt as if my prediction for this tie was safe. Well... 

Barcelona came into this quarter final with potentially the kindest draw (oops) and have failed to progress past this stage in each of the last two Champions League campaigns (oops.) Despite what looks like a very dominant scoreline, Barcelona failed to really impress at the Nou Camp. Their dominance in La Liga has given many fans a false sense of security as to just how good the Catalan's are, and the scoreline from the first leg does the same thing. Two incredibly unlucky own goals on Roma's part, from captain De Rossi and Kostas Manolas (We'll get back to them) and Barca lead by two. A very well taken Gerard Pique goal was capped off with Luis Suarez finally ending his draught in the competition this year with a fourth - but not before Dzeko struck. Edin Dzeko clawed an away goal back for his side in the 80th minutes, giving them something to fight for in Rome. 

As mentioned, despite the scoreline Barcelona did not blow Roma away. What's worse for the Spanish giants is their opponents knew this. You could see at full time they felt hard done by in Spain, and went into the second leg knowing they have the quality to give almighty Barcelona a run for their money. But much like Manchester City on the same night, the Italian's needed a miracle. 

For years now the slick passing Barcelona have been criticised for being sloppy at the back. This season a league high defensive record has put that claim to rest. But Roma brought it right back up. Gerard Pique, FIFA World Cup winner was bullied by Edin Dzeko. After six minutes the Bosnian ran onto a loose ball, holding of the Spaniard and slotted home the first of three goals Roma needed to progress. Rome's Olympic Stadium was rocking. Much of the first half played out exactly the same as the game taking place in Manchester. The home side, needed a big win, struck early - but failed to add to it. Then however, came the second half. Again Dzeko bullying the Barca defence, strolling into the box before being brought down for a penalty. Captain and eldest statesman Daniele De Rossi, the man who's own goal but them on the back foot in Spain a week before, stepped up. And fired it into the bottom right hand corner with some venom, 2-0 Roma. One goal needed and one man left to make up for his own goal, step up Kostas Manolas. 

"The Greek god!"

The words that will go down in commentary history. As a corner from the right hand side was whipped into the near post, Roma's big centre back flicked the ball delicately towards and into the side netting of the far post. Ter Stagen stranded, Roma jubilant, Italy's capital ecstatic. And that was it, one of the greatest comebacks in the competitions history. Perhaps the biggest upset of the last decade. Roma may have ruined my predictions, but I'll let them off. 

Sevilla 1-2 BAYERN MUNICH.

Much like Barcelona vs Roma, when this tie was drawn there appeared to be a very clear favourite. Bayern Munich have made a habit of turning it on as the games start to mean more and more, showing that in the round of 16. Despite this, Sevilla are no pushovers. Going to Manchester and beating United in the last round, they were already in the middle of their best every performance in the Champions League. And welcomed the German champions to Spain in the first leg. 

Bayern as expected had the better of the possession, but didn't do anything with it in the early stages of the first leg - Sevilla standing strong. After the half hour a good night for the hosts became great, as Pablo Sarabia opened the scoring and sent the home fans to cloud nine. Pouncing on a rare defensive error from the Germans. But all this goal did was wake the beast, and Bayern started to play with much more purpose. Only minutes later a fast paced attack from the away side saw a dangerous ball in by Frank Ribery turned into his own net by Jesus Navas. Just creeping in at the near post to level the game up once again, sucking the life from the fans.

The second half saw Bayern playing what could easily be seen as a training game. Clearly the better side, but not really playing in top gear. However it took 20 minutes of the second half for Sevilla to switch off, Ribery again involved, his cross to the back post met by Thiago. A slight deflection and the ball bounced into the net. Two away goals on the night for the Germans a victory and one foot in the semi-finals. 

A decent first leg in Spain was followed by the one game out of eight in the quarter finals that failed to entertain. 

Sevilla had something to fight for in Munich, but failed to register a single shot on target. Bayern never really had to get out of first gear, still looking far superior in a game they didn't have to win. With their domestic league title already secured, a cup final to play and now a Champions League semi-final place. The treble is on.

There is always one tie that lets the rest down, and this is that tie. Not to say it was a bad tie, far from it. Bayern were their usual clinical self, Sevilla gave it all they had in their most successful ever Champions League campaign. It just isn't quite up their with the three other quarter finals. Don't worry. I've left the best till last. 

Juventus 3-4 REAL MADRID 

In a replay of last years final, champions of their respective leagues met off in a clash of the titans. All hell broke loose, I can't think of a more appropriate way to explain it. Allegri's Juve coming off the back an impressive tactical display against Spurs, Real Madrid strolling past heavily fancied PSG despite their domestic troubles. 

In Turin the man who will have haunted Buffon's nightmares after his brace in last years final struck again. Cristiano Ronaldo of course - believe it or not he comes up quite a bit over the two games. Sweeping in the opener, a key away goal just three minutes in as the experienced Juventus back line crumbled. Wave after wave of blue shirts, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was Madrid who were the home side, if it wasn't for the boisterous Juventus fans. Kroos rattled the bar with what would have been a stunning strike, but as the half went on Juve came more and more into the game. Forcing Navas into a handful of fine saves towards the end of the first 45. However the away side had a 1-0 lead going into the break - up steps CR7. 

He tormented Juve's back line from the start of the second half, and it was only a matter of time before he struck again. But, no one could have seen this coming. The Portuguese record scorer latched onto a defensive mistake before laying the ball back to Lucas, his shot batted away from Buffon. Dani Carvajal picked up the loose ball left of the goal and floated it back into the Juventus area when Cristiano Ronaldo - running away from goal, launched himself into the air, his right boot easily seven feet from the ground. Before connecting with the most perfect overhead kick, back into Buffon's bottom left corner. An hour played and Ronaldo had torn apart the Italian champions almost on his own. 

"The greatest marksman in the history of the Champions League." 

A poll on BT Sports voted Ronaldo's strike as the second best in Champions League history, behind his manager's (Zidane) sublime volley in the 2002 Champions League final. But Madrid weren't done yet. Left back Marcelo, a key figure in Los Blanco for the last decade, added the third and final goal of a 3-0 thumping. 

If Juventus were to overcome the odds and progress, they'd have to do it without the talents of Paulo Dybala who was sent off in Turin for a high footed challenge on Carvajal. The second leg in Madrid came 24 hours after Roma's incredible comeback against Barcelona by the same margin, so it was possible. 

But much like Ronaldo's stunner in Turin, no one could have expected what the second leg would bring. The Galacticos. Los Blancos. 12 time European Champions. They wouldn't let a three goal advantage slip at home would they? 

Just like Madrid struck early in Turin, Juventus fired right back at the Bernabeu. Douglas Costa floating a lovely ball into the back post for Mario Mandzukic to head in to give the away side the lead, the first of the three goals they needed. Juventus pressed high and fast, Real Madrid looked out of ideas and flustered. Half an hour played another ball into the back post, another Mandzukic header, same result. Navas got a hand to this one but not enough to keep it out as Juventus had exploited a poor start by the holders and scored twice. When the half time whistle blew Real Madrid looked a shadow of themselves from a week prior, and more like the side which are 4th in La Liga. 

You can not afford to make mistakes in this competition, especially this far into the competition. The talk of Madrid targeting David De Gea will certainly be back after this game, when Navas handed Juventus a third goal to equalise the tie. Spilling a simple cross into the path of Blaise Matuidi, who was excellent on the night. The Frenchman tapped in, as it stood, extra time was calling. Zinadine Zidane has to win the Champions League to keep his job. 100%. This season the legendary midfielder has been found out tactically, and Allergi had him all ends up in the Bernabeu. Juventus, knowing another goal would make Madrid's night even harder, pushed on further. Testing the home defence, which started to hold firm. As time ticked on it became very apparent at Juve's desire to break up play. Six yellow cards on the night for what can only be described as identical incidents. Jabs at the ankles of the players in white, it wasn't pretty, but it was effective and clearly put onto them by the manager. 

I have personally called out Zidane on this blog for relying on his players to do the magic and offering very little in a solution when backs are against the wall. And as play ticked on, this appeared to be biting Zidane's men. Cristiano Ronaldo had been very quiet for 90 minutes. But it had to be him didn't it!

Toni Kroos floated the ball up to the back post, Ronaldo's incredible leaping ability allowed him to somehow get the ball back across goal were Lucas was brought down from behind by Benatia. Penalty to Real Madrid in the 93rd minute. The protest commenced. Leading those protests was Gianluigi Buffon, who had lost his head. Sprinting towards the referee, thinking the Englishman had potentially cost him his last every Champions League game (Buffon is said to be retiring at the end of the season.) However it was the reaction of the Italian that cost him, when Michael Oliver produced a red card for Buffon. Meaning even if back up stopper Wojciech Szczesny was to produce the save and the Old Lady went on to win, the great Italian would have been suspended for both legs of the semi final. A cruel moment of Irony, Buffon sent off in his last Champions League match against Zidane's side, mirroring Zidane being dismissed in his last match as a professional against Buffon's Italy. 

The protest and subsequent commotion saw the clock tick over to the 98th minute by the time Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to face Szczesny. A goal would send Juventus packing, anything else and the tie goes into extra time. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, and what must have felt like an eternity passing between the award of the penalty and the whistle being blown to take it. Many would collapse under the pressure. By this isn't just any ordinary player. Not only did Ronaldo put away the penalty, he riffled it into the top right hand corner with virtually the last kick of the tie. He was never going to miss, just like he was never going to keep his jersey on. The famous white shirt pulled off as he posed in the corner of the pitch as 80,000 Madrid fans lost their minds. No words can put the 98 minutes of football in Madrid into perspective, it was just incredible viewing. 

That is it. We have out Champions League semi-finalists for 2018. In a rare occurrence there is a representative from each of Europe's top four league left in the running. Liverpool from England, Roma from Italy, Bayern Munich from Germany, and finally Real Madrid from Spain. Roma being the biggest underdogs of the round, after overturning their 4-1 defeat in the first leg to giants Barca - with one of Euorpe's most famous comebacks. Liverpool rocked English football by comfortably dispatching of the soon to be champions. Bayern did as expected in overcoming Sevilla. And finally, in typical dramatic style. Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Real Madrid to overcome a resilient Juventus side to reach their record breaking eighth consecutive Champions League semi-final. 

Onto the draw on Friday 13th April. 

Mo Salah - The Closest Thing to Messi on Planet Earth.

Now. Now. Now. I am not in any way saying Liverpool's Mo Salah is on the same level as Lionel Messi. The Argentinian is the greatest of not only his own generation, but any generation before him. But, a tricky left footed winger, who is more then capable of playing down the middle. Can glide past opposition defenders effortlessly and is posting record breaking goal scoring stats. For years these attributes have been the calling card of Barcelona's number 10. This season however, he's got some competition. In the form of the man dubbed as, The Egyptian King.

In the race for the European golden boot. Messi and Salah are tied. 29 league goals each. Since signing for Liverpool in the summer of 2017, Mo has gone from strength to strength, and the Liverpool fans have fallen in love with their new talisman. He looks set to win the Premier League golden boot in his Premier League return. And with five league games to play, is just two goals off of the record of 31 goals in a 38 game season. Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez and Alan Shearer are all tied with that amount, illustrious company for Salah to compete with. Not just for him to compete with, but to surpass.

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has held the record for most goals scored in a single season by an African since 2010. When Salah scored a late winner against Palace on March 31st, he pulled up right besides him. He has already comfortably broken the record for most league goals scored by a foreigner in their debut season. A tally which stood at 24 goals, scored by former red Fernando Torres. Salah's goal against Palace was also the 21st league game he has struck in this season, a joint highest. Cristiano Ronaldo and Robin Van Persie also scored in 21 league games during a single season, and with five games to go, one more goal will make that record his own.

Records continue to tumble with Salah. With 38 goals in all competitions this season, scored in just 41 games, that is the third highest amount ever chalked up by a Liverpool player. Trailing to tallies of 40 and 47 goals, both held by Ian Rush. Mo's debut season for the redmen is the most prolific in the clubs history, and seeing him surpass Rush's record with a minimum of six games left to play is not an impossibility. This season has also seen Robbie Fowler's record for 20 left footed goals in a season surpassed, no prizes for guessing who by.

I'm sure by now I've explained just how good of a season Salah is having. But how does it explain a comparison to Lionel Messi? That would be the execution of his play style. An ability to take on defenders and make them look like amateurs is one that Messi has used to great effect throughout his career. This season, Salah is following in suit. Taking of opposition at full flight, his composure never ceases to amaze. Whether the ball is bouncing, gliding along the turf, or being floated over to him, Salah doesn't panic. Take his most recent goal. The opener against Manchester City in an already famous night at Anfield. Inside 10 minutes, the ball fell to the Egyptian, 6 yards from goal, with the goal gaping. But with Ederson and Kyle Walker both throwing themselves in his direction. The Kop screaming in front of him, and huge expectation on his shoulders. So many would crumble, Salah made it look just as easy as it was. Never rushing, never lashing at it, just firing the ball home.

Now you might be asking. "How does scoring a goal as easy as that compare him to Messi?" If you're asking that you've clearly missed the point but I present, exhibit B. Salah recently struck four (yes four) at Anfield against Watford. His third goal being the pick of the bunch in my opinion. With six (yes six) yellow shirts around him, Liverpool's number 11 twisted and turned, taking every one of them out of the game. Somehow keeping his balance, and then hooking the ball out from underneath his feet, past a stranded goalkeeper and into the corner. That goal wasn't even the only one from that 90 minutes which drew comparisons to Messi. For his first he drove at Watford's defender, gestured to come inside and quickly dropped his shoulder to go outside. Leaving the back tracking defender to fall back as Salah slotted in the goal. In almost identical fashion to how Lionel Messi left Boateng scrambling at the Nou Camp in 2015.

Anyone who still disagrees with me might be saying. "Oh that's just one game." Again, I'd question just how much football you watch. Salah has been hitting these heights all season and playing to a remarkable standard. Away at Porto in the Champions League, Salah was not the star man for the night, with Sadio Mane hitting a hat-trick. However the goal of the night went to the Egyptian, for perhaps the most composed goal you will see all season. After the ball came back off of the post and bounced up for Salah he proceeded to flick it up, before keeping it alive with his head. Knocking it over a diving goalkeeper. As it dropped a defender threw himself in the way of the ball, so Mo allowed it to drop, waiting for the man to over commit. Which he did, before tapping it into an empty net on the volley. The goal oozed class. The man oozes class.

So... this season Salah has demonstrated the play style of Lionel Messi. Scored at the rate of Messi. Broken record after record, and did it with a class and style we're use to seeing from Argentinian number 10's. The key wording there however is 'this season.' This season, Salah has been as good as Messi. But what about next season? And the one after that and so on. I personally believe Salah, if he continues to grow and evolve his game, can be at that level. He has all the tools, a talented set of team mates who all know his quality, and a fan base who quite literally worship him. When Jurgen Klopp signed Mohamed Salah from Roma last summer, no one would have predicted this. Four Premier League POTM awards already to his name, he has also been nominated for March's award. A front runner for the PFA POTY award, competing mostly with Man City's Kevin De Bruyne. The accolades do just continue to stack up and they don't appear to be slowing down.

Champions League Quarter Finals - Predictions

Europe's top competition is reaching boiling point. With only eight sides left battling it out for the mantel of European Champions. Out of the remaining sides three of them are hunting for their first European crown. Roma, Manchester City and Sevilla. All three sides in history with five titles also remain, in Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. And of course, a repeat of last years final with Juventus and Real Madrid.

There are obvious favorites, dark horses, and massive underdogs. This stage of the competition always throws up interesting match ups, so lets see what this years has to offer.

Sevilla vs Bayern Munich.

Spanish side Sevilla already have their best ever placement in the Champions League to boast about. The Europa League specialists have never progressed past the last 16 in Europe's elite competition before. Achieving this by upsetting Jose's Manchester United in the last round, winning 2-1 away at Old Trafford.

But blocking their path to the semi-finals are soon to be German champions (again) Bayern Munich. Since Carlo Ancelotti's departure last October, the five time European champions have put their early season poor form behind them and are currently on a roll both domestically and in continental competition. This was shown when they easily swept past their Turkish opponents in the last round, winning 5-0 in the first leg to kill off the tie.

Despite Sevilla's heroics in reaching this round by toppling Manchester United, I feel like this is the end of the road for them. Wissam Ben Yedder's sublime form has earned him his first call up to the French national team, so Sevilla will have fire power going forward.

But if there is one thing Bayern Munich are known for (Other than making their league look like a cake walk.) It's turning on the style when the lights are at their brightest. With a front three of Muller, Lewandowski and Robben, I just don't see a way of the Spanish side's defense keeping them out. And that's what i'm going with a Bayern Munich win, 5-2 over two legs. Potentially with another Besiktas-style blow over in the second leg in Germany.

Juventus vs Real Madrid.

In a repeat of last years final, we have 12 time champions Real Madrid taking on the side with a record number of runners up medals in Juventus. Massimiliano Allergri got the better of Spurs in the last round, to see his side progress. Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain being the main attractions across both legs. Back in 2017 the game between these two sides was a lot more even then the 4-1 scoreline represents. Juve had put in a very admirable performance until the 80th minute where Madrid changed up a gear and killed off the final. In a one off game, late on especially, tactics go out the window and it comes down to who can force one final chance. And in Cardiff that was Zidane's side. However in a two legged affair, Allergri may have an advantage over Zidane when tactics are concerned. The Frenchman has came under fire for his lack of tactical knowledge in the League, and maybe the Italian Allegri could use this to his advantage in this tie. Finding a way to keep out the back-to back champions.

On the other hand. It's Real Madrid in a Champions League knockout match. Cristiano Ronaldo is breaking records left right and centre, becoming the first man in the history of the competition to score in the first eight games consecutively. Despite their worst league form in a decade, and a lack lustre group stage, Zidane's side blew past PSG in the last round. The French side many peoples favourites to go all the way. Almost in the vein of a local derby, form doesn't appear to matter when it comes to Real Madrid in the Champions League. Like any true world beater, Los Blancos know how to handle the pressure of a big game, and it has seen them collect accolade after accolade.

When comparing the two sides, my heart is telling me to go with Juventus. The Italian league leaders will be out for revenge after last years final, and Allergri will relish the opportunity to prove his tactical knowledge by knocking out the record breaking Real Madrid. Also hitting form at exactly the right time, in recent weeks Juventus have finally reclaimed top spot in Italy from Napoli, and seem to be in cruise control domestically. Meaning that their focus can be solely aimed towards ending their string of poor luck in the European cup and finally win the big one. Finally the idea of Gainluigi Buffon finally getting his hands on the one trophy that has eluded him is a story written in the heavens.

But then, my head is telling me to never back against Los Blanco. 12 time European champions. Back-to-back winners of the competition, the first time that has ever been achieved. A record breaking Cristiano Ronaldo who is flying at just the right time. Real Madrid are out of the title race in Spain, and therefore need a good showing in Europe to save their season. Perhaps even to save Zidane's job. I can think of more reasons why I believe Juve could upset the odds and knock out the holders. And yet, I'm going with a Real Madrid win. 4-2 on aggregate, but much like last years final, it will be a lot closer then the scoreline suggests.

Barcelona vs Roma.

Perhaps the tie which is easiest to call on paper sees Spanish league leaders Barcelona take on Roma. The second of the two Spanish vs Italian ties of the quarter final. Barcelona come into the game as heavy favourites, and rightfully so. With only one loss to their name in all competitions this season, that makes them the in form side left in the last eight. With the La Liga title all but won, and a Copa del rey final to take place in April, Catalonia's crowing jewel could be on their way to an historic treble. The first since Pep's great side of 2009. And only the second treble of the decade (Inter Milan under Jose in 2010.) To get to this stage Barcelona knocked out a resilient Chelsea side, 4-1 over two legs. Lionel Messi staring, scoring three of the goals across the games, and passing the 100 Champions League goal mark in record time. You can never over analyse Barcelona's attacking threat. With the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and the recently fit Dembele, you'd imagine they wouldn't even notice a lack of Philipe Coutinho in their side. The Brazilian of course cup tied after featuring for Liverpool in the group stage. Their only real criticism over the years has been a leaky defence. Which this season simply isn't the case. Having only conceded 13 league goals all season, one less then the praised defensive unit of Atletico Madrid. Good luck Roma.

Perhaps however, that isn't a bad thing. Roma come into this game with zero expectations. After drawing the favourites the pressure is 100% on their opponents, win or lose, Roma have over achieved in this years competition. Topping a group with Chelsea and Atleti in, as well as over coming a first leg defeat in Ukraine against Shakhtar to reach the last eight. But the Italians will not just be happy to make up the numbers, and they do have the quality to do something special. Brazilian number one Alisson between the sticks is as good as any keeper on the planet right now, and in front of him is a defence which will take some beating. But getting past Barca will ultimately come down to if Dzeko & CO can take their chances, few as they will be. As I mentioned, Barca's defence is solid, so chances will be few and far between but as Chelsea proved, they aren't unbreakable. The Bosnian in particular will have to be on top form to keep the European dream alive.

Despite everything I've just said, it doesn't look good for Roma. Maybe in Rome, with the Stadio Olympico bouncing, Roma may have a chance. But in Barcelona, I can only see one outcome. Their is only so much you can do when your opposition 's best player is perhaps the best in the history of the Game.

Lionel Messi appears to be on a personal quest to regain his lead over Cristiano Ronaldo in the number of Ballon D'or wins to their names. And a Champions League win will go a big way to securing the accolade for the Argentine. Over two legs I'm going for a Barcelona win, 6-2. Lionel Messi to steal the show again.

Liverpool vs Manchester City.

By far, the most interesting tie the quarter finals have thrown up is the one I've left until last. English champions elect Manchester City vs Five time European champions Liverpool. This one really is a coin flip, lets start with City. Pep's side have strolled to the League title, only losing one league game all season (we'll get to that.) And with a league cup already in the bag, a treble is well within reach for the blue half of Manchester. Despite a shocking home defeat to Basel in the last round, the work was done in the first leg, winning 4-0 away from home. That defeat is one of only four in all competitions, Pep's side have been closer to perfect. Many people, including me, consider this side to be the best the Premier League has ever seen. From back-to-front the team is perfectly balanced. A goal keeper who is up for pass of the season, and a striker willing to track back and do the work for his team. They all play for each other, and seem to have a togetherness that resonates when they step over the white lines. Sergio Aguero, flanked either side by Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling. With Gabriel Jesus waiting in the wings, makes up for perhaps the most intimidating striker force outside of Catalonia. Also with David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne both having the best seasons of their careers just behind the front three, it's hard to see any side stopping City.

But Liverpool already have. Manchester City's one league defeat came at Anfield, under the lights, four goals to three. In typical Liverpool style they conceded two late on to make it appear much closer then it was, but Liverpool bossed the league leaders. Mentally that must be huge for the reds, they known they can beat City. Plus when you have Euorpe's top goal scorer in Mo Salah, you can beat anyone! The Egyptian wide man has broken the following records this season: Most goals scored in a debut season for a foreigner in Premier League history. Most left footed goals scored in Premier League history. Most goals scored in a debut season in Liverpool history. Most goals scored in a season for Liverpool in the Premier League era. And we're still only in March, he is only three goals off scoring more then ANYONE in a single season in a 38 game Premier League season. Despite Salah's brilliance, he isn't a one man team. The Kop named 'Bobby' Firmino is enjoying the highest goal scoring season of his career, and Sadio Mane has already topped last seasons tally for both goals and assists. I mentioned City's front three being terrifying, Liverpool's could arguably be better. The heavy metal football of Klopp's side can put away any team in minutes, I don't care who you are, with Salah, Firmino and Mane in full flight, you can't stop them. Liverpool's biggest flaw is their defence, which despite appearing faulty at times away to Manchester United, have kept eight clean sheets in their last eleven. Lloris Karius showing great form between the sticks, and new signing Virgil Van Dijk leading the back four.

This really could go either way. I feel like both sides will win their home fixture, but I'm really struggling to pick a winner over two legs. City's advantage is that they not only have the squad to rotate and keep fresh, but they can do so knowing the league is virtually done. Where as Liverpool are in the middle of a battle for a Champions League position for next season.

By the time the second leg comes around their is a possibility that City could be Champions of England, and the treble will be that much closer. But as anyone will tell you, Anfield on a European night is something special. Liverpool have a love affair with the European cup, and I'm going to say... it will continue into the semi-finals. Over two legs Liverpool to win, 6-4. Crazy aggregate scoreline, for what I imagine to be two crazy games.

So there is my prediction for the quarter finals of the Champions League. Two made with relative ease and two that took real thinking. I like to think I know my stuff, we'll see if that still stands in a few weeks time.

I predict Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool to progress.

Champions League Round of 16 - Part Two

After last weeks action the Champions League had captured the headlines once again. Giants of the world game going head to head, and world class performances blowing their opponents away. This week was no different. One of recent histories most storied rivalries met at Stanford Bridge, with Chelsea welcoming Barcelona. German champions Bayern Munich welcomed Besiktas, looking to continue on after their great domestic form. Europa League experts Sevilla had the task of finding a way through the resolute defence of Jose's Manchester United. And in perhaps the most underwhelming tie of the round, Shakhtar played host to Italian side Roma.

Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona

Goals - Willian 62' - Messi 75'

Coming into the game a lot of the talk was about Lionel Messi. The Argentine had never scored against Chelsea coming into this round of 16 tie. Barcelona, who have lost only once in all competitions this season, came into the game as favourites. Chelsea not in great form domestically, but they came flying out of the box on Tuesday night. Hazard blazing a left footed shot over from range within five minutes, the Belgian looking sharp. Barcelona played their typical passing game, and their possession led to their first chance just past the 15 minute mark, Paulinho heading wide when he should do better.

Chelsea were holding their own against the Spanish League leaders, and could have been ahead after 32. Willian turning in and firing a sublime effort from outside the box. Ter Stegan stranded, but the post saved the German keeper. Antonio Conte, who hasn't enjoyed much of this current campaign, reacted as if he was certain his side were in front. And less then 10 minutes later Barcelona were again thanking the woodwork, and Willian again struck a viscous strike from the edge, this time heading into the opposite left hand corner. Again however, he left the post shaking. There was time for Hazard to again fire over before the half time whistle was blown. Willian could have had two, but the stalemate remained after 45 minutes.

The second half started with Barcelona trying to force the agenda. Luis Suarez running into the left channel and firing across goal, forcing the first real save of the game from Courtois. Despite a very impressive first half, Chelsea appeared to be set up very defensively in the second. Understandably against Barca, but surprising after the first half went the way of the home side.  But despite this, Willian, who was the best player on the park, continued to create danger. And third time proved to be the charm for the Brazilian. Barcelona hadn't learnt their lesson, again letting Chelsea's number 22 let fly from the edge of the box. But this time it found it's way into the near post. 1-0 to the home side.

But if there is one side in the world you do not want to be gifting chance to, that is Barcelona. Andreas Christensen, who had been brilliant all game, played a sloppy square pass that was latched onto by Iniesta. The Spaniard cutting it back to the man all of the talking had been about, Lionel Messi. Who didn't even blink before slotting into the corner to make it 1-1. Just like that.

And the game was to end like that. Chelsea will be wondering how they won't be taking a lead into the second leg. Tactically, Conte's desire to be solid may have cost them, with Barcelona there for the taking. The Spanish giants take an away goal to the Nou Camp, and Messi's Chelsea slump is over.

Bayern Munich 5-0 Besiktas

Goals - Muller 43', 66' & Kingsley Coman 52' & Robert Lewandowski 79', 88'

Both side domestic champions in their own rights, and despite this Besiktas must have known they were huge underdogs coming into this match. It's not easy for anyone to withstand the fire power of the German giants on any day. Bayern are known to step up the gears when in Europe, and the Turkish champions were nothing more then a punching bag on the night. It would have been hard enough with 11 men, but an early red card for the away side really but their backs up against the wall. Despite being down to 10 Besiktas did manage to keep the ball out of their net during the first half hour. A sublime ball in by James Rodriguez was met by Mats Hummels and well turned over the bar by the man between the sticks for the away side.

Ricardo Quaresma proved to be his usual tricky self down the flank, turning Hummels inside and out before firing in a shot from the right, but easily saved. But it was just delaying the inevitable and the home side were ahead just before half time. Kingsley Coman's pace causing nightmares down the left hand side, he played the ball across, met by Alaba and then turned in by the captain for the night Thomas Muller. Right before the break, the deadlock was broken.

The second half started and as expected, the home side came for blood. Hummels sent a header over the bar, and Robert Lewandowski rattled the cross bar both inside four minutes of the restart. And just three minutes later it was two nil. A slick Bayern Munich move lead to Lewandowski being slotted in down the right, he pulled it back expertly into the on-running Kingsley Coman to slot home. 2-0.

Bayern have looked a different side since Carlo Ancelotti departed in October last year, and they go from strength to strength. So the last thing they need is a helping hand, but Besiktas didn't come out in the second half. Robben slipped a pass into Joshua Kimmich, the young German whipped the ball into an unmarked Muller to secure his brace. Unmarked in the six yard box, 3-0, game over.

With every goal Bayern grew in confidence, and it was flowing through every player. Besiktas didn't have an answer for it. Mats Hummels charged forward from the back, striking down to the goal keeper's right, forcing a decent save. But on hand was Lewandowski to fire in the rebound and make it four. Even at 3-0 up, Bayern had three players running in for the follow up, the German's wanted this tie over before the second leg.

Bayern's fire power is one matched by few sides across Europe, with Robben, Muller and Lewandowski running at you late on, goals are a guarantee. And the three men combined to put the icing on the cake. The flying Dutchman Robben playing a pass onto Muller, in for the hat-trick. But the German unselfishly squared for Lewandowski to turn the ball into an empty new for his second and the home sides 5th. Game over, tie virtually over. 5-0.

Sevilla 0-0 Manchester United

Jose and his Man United side travelled to Spain and to Sevilla for their round of 16 first leg. The Spaniard's welcoming their second English side of the competition, after a 3-3 draw with Liverpool in the group stage. Many could see United setting up to defend and from the beginning that was obvious, sitting back as the home side attacked. Luis Muriel testing De Gea early on with a strike from range inside four minutes. From a similar range Jesus Navas fired just wide, again with United backing off.

You have to fast forward to the 25 minute mark for United's first chance, and for a £80 million striker, you'd expect Lukaku to do better. A lovely floated ball from Alexis fell perfectly onto the Belgian's left boot, but it flied way over the bar on the volley. Any Liverpool fan will tell you that Banega can not be given space in Sevilla's midfield, as he will punish you. And United got a big let off as the Argentine played a ball over the back of United'd defence and into a team mate, only for a tame shot to be easily kept out. David De Gea dedicated stoppage time to creating a save of the season completion. Firstly brilliant keeping out a glancing N'Zonzi header, tipping it over the bar. But when Jesus Navas' cross found Luis Muriel unmarked inside the six yard box, the Spaniard defied explanation to get his left hand to the ball and pull off an unbelievable save to see the half end at 0-0.

Truth be told, the second half wasn't worth watching. Sevilla managed nothing more then balls into the box, with United dealing with them all pretty easily. The English side showed no desire to win the game, and it finished 0-0. You have to wonder who this result favours. United now can take the tie back to Manchester for the chance to progress. But Sevilla won't have to worry about away goals, giving them an advantage should they strike at Old Trafford.

Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Roma

Goals - Ferreyra 52' & Fred 71' - Cengiz Under 41'

A bitterly cold day in Ukraine saw Shakhtar welcome Roma to their temporary home. The home side known for never being easy to beat in Europe. Both sides pushing for an early goal. A ball played in from the home sides left was met by Fred, but a deflection took all of the power from the shot and fell comfortably into the arms of Alisson. Then a Kolarov corner was met by Dzeko unmarked in the Shakhtar box, but forced a brilliant save from the keeper. Dzeko again forced a save from the keeper after the 20 minute mark, firing first time as the ball was cut back by Perotti.

The Italian side were in the driving seat, and Dzeko continued to be a thorn in the Ukrainians side. Given far too much space just outside the box, the Bosnian turned and clipped a pass through the defence and into the young Turk Cengiz Under, who's shot squeezed under the goalkeeper and in. His first Champions League goal, 1-0 Roma right on half time.

The two sides came out for the second half and the home side had their wings up, and looking to equalise. Un-doing Roma's good work in just five minutes. Ferreyra running into the left channel, cut inside Manolas, and slotted it away brilliantly. The man who didn't get a sniff at Newcastle, brought his side level in the Champions League.

Shakhtar had Roma shaking, and very nearly had the lead two minutes after equalising. Brazilian Marlos bringing the ball down and curling towards goal from inside the box, forcing his countryman Alisson into a sublime save. Roma's keeper proving why Roma have slapped a £70 million price tag on him. And again less then ten minutes later, Taison struck, destined for the top right corner. Alisson showed cat like reflexes to bat the ball away.

But up steps Shakhtar's star man. Brazilian Fred has the world's biggest names lining up for his signature, and for anyone who doesn't know why, it explained it with one swing of his left foot. A truly sublime free kick, from the right hand side, in off the bar. Alisson had no chance. No keeper in the world would have any chance. The home side were ahead, 2-1.

There was time for one more exceptional save from Alisson, sprawling to deny Ferreyra his second from point blank range with what proved to be the last chance of the game. Roma take an away goal back to Italy, but the Ukrainian champions have a lead to defend.

Liverpool 2-2 Spurs - WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

A game of two halves, two screamers, and two hugely contentious decisions. When Mo Salah jinked his way through two challenges inside the Tottenham penalty area and poked the ball over Lloris the game looked won. Before, following a knock down from a long throw into the box, Lamela threw himself down following a Van Dijk challenge. Referee Jon Moss waved it off, very confidently. Before the linesman rose his flag, calling for a penalty. Moss changed his decision, awarded the Penalty, and Harry Kane stuck away his second penalty to snatch a point.

Before going into the decisions, let's look at game that preceded them.

The game couldn't have gotten off to a better start for Liverpool. After a long ball forward by Karius, the ball bounced around the Tottenham defence. Eric Dier tried to play a pass back to his goal keeper, and paid the price. Top scorer Mo Salah latched onto the pass, racing through, before squaring up Lloris and calming slotting it into the bottom corner. 1-0 to the home side.

Anfield's crowd was in full voice for this encounter, and were nearly rewarded with a second goal after a James Milner shot was deflected, looped over the French goal keeper but just wide of the mark. Moments later a brilliant Alexander-Arnold cross found it's way onto Firmino's head, but he arrived on the scene a fraction too late and failed to gain the right contact.

 A few feisty tackles started to fly in down Liverpool's right. First from Ben Davies on Trent AA, which saw no decision given. And later in the half a flying Alexander-Arnold caught Davies in a very similar way, but was given a yellow card. The home crown started to get on the referee's back, Jon Moss, who infamously sent of Sadio Mane away at Manchester City earlier in the season.

The rest of the half went by without incident. A long range shot from Dembele forced a decent save from Karius; holding onto the shot down to his right. A late flag from the linesman could have lead to serious injury for both Lloris and Firmino, but the Brazilian brushed it off. At the break is was the home side ahead, and increasing their lead over Spurs in the table to five points.

Into the second half and Spurs came flying out of the blocks, and to the credit of the heavily criticised Liverpool defence, they looked organised, drilled and focused. A factor that has been overlooked by the main stream coverage of this match *SKY* was Virgil Van Dijk's leadership. You can hear him a mile away. His presence makes as big an impact on the Liverpool back line as his defensive qualities do. Even Karius heeded the screams from the big Dutchman, charging off of his line at a call to deny Son Heung-min at close range.

As Spurs dominated possession, Liverpool attempted to play on the break. Salah bursting away down the right, with an overlap on both sides to choose from. But a poorly laid pass lead to the attack breaking down, the best chance Liverpool had for the majority of the second half. The constant pressure from the North London side lead to a chance as Dele Ali broke into the area, before going down and being booked for diving. Drawing cheers from the Liverpool fans in the Kop, who had felt hard done by so far by the officials.

Then came goal of the season contender, number one. A ball was played in from Tottenham's left, attacking the Kop end. Karius met the cross, punching 30 yards from his goal. Before Victor Wanyama ran onto the loose ball and struck the most venomous of shots. Striking across the ball, causing it to start outside the post, and fly into the top corner. After the game Harry Kane joked that Wanyama's team mates had asked him to stop shooting from range. I'm sure those voices will have been silenced. Unstoppable springs to mind. A very much deserved equaliser for the away side, 1-1.

Spurs were bossing the ball, and any attempt at an attack from Liverpool was snubbed out by the Lilywhite's back line. Jan Vertonghen in particular who was sublime (again a performance ignored by mainstream coverage of the match.) What followed was talking point number one. Dele Ali won the ball in midfield and played a ball through to Harry Kane. The pass was under hit and made it's way to Dejan Lovren, when a bobble took the ball over the swinging foot of the Croatian to Harry Kane. Who latched onto the loose ball, rounded Karius and went down. Penalty. Upon second viewing you can see Harry Kane is a yard offside when the ball is played, and the contact from Karius is minimal. Now I am under the impression that the ball must actually be played by an opposition player, for an attacking player in an offside position to become active in the game again. Lovren did not play the ball. And once Kane rounds Karius, the 6ft2 English striker starts to go to ground way before any 'contact' is even made. Once the sleeves of the goal keepers jersey touches Kane's boot he goes down. The argument here is that any contact, no matter how slight, will knock a player running at full flight off balance. Kane was not at full flight. He has accelerated from 6 yards away, taking roughly five steps, before taking the touch around the goal keeper. I can see why the offside was not given, but Kane 100% dived.

All of the previous argument counts for nothing however. When Harry Kane stepped up, and hit the ball straight down the middle. Only for Liverpool's number one to call his bluff, and bat the ball away. It takes huge, to quote Tory Deeney, 'cajones' to stay in your spot when facing a penalty from the in form striker in the world. The games stays at 1-1.

The next ten minutes went by in a flash until the fourth official announced four added minutes. The penalty save had shot life back into the home side in their push for a winner. Enter, the Egyptian King. Goal of the season contender number two. Salah charged down the right before attempting a cross which cannoned back off of Dele Ali, a potential hand ball. Instead of standing around the league's second highest scorer recovered the ball. Showed great strength to hold off a challenge from Ben Davies; showed power to push off of his right foot, cutting past Vertonghen before having great composure to lift the ball past Lloris into the roof of the net. Anfield erupted and the game appeared won in the 92nd minute. 2-1.

Jurgen Klopp's trademark spring down the line in the bag, Spurs had one final throw of the dice. A long throw in from the right which was challenged for my Llorente and Van Dijk. Neither man got a real purchase on the ball as it dropped to the Dutch centre back. Facing the Kop end he swung to strike it clear. Before Eric Lamala charged in to challenge and went down holding his calf. Referee Jon Moss, who had what appeared to be a clear view, waved it off confidently and Liverpool cleared as the four minutes of added time ticked to a finish. This is when we reached, talking point number two.

The linesman flagged, the same linesman who Moss consulted and went against for the first penalty, swayed the mind of the man in the middle for the second. The view of the linesman was, not only obstructed by Liverpool full back Roberton, but also no greater then that of the referee. Now there is contact between Van Dijk and Lamela, but Jon Moss has 100% bottled the biggest decision of the game. The referee's thought process seems to be, initially, that contact was minimal and Lamela has played for the penalty, which is accurate. So what baffles me is his decision to allow the linesman to over ride the call. From viewing the foul over, you can see the Argentine winger throwing himself into the tackle and to the floor before he is in the vicinity of Virgil Van Dijk. He doesn't con the referee, but he does the linesman (who did also miss Lamela was offside from the initial knock down.)

Despite the cries from the Liverpool players Harry Kane had a second opportunity from the spot, and a second opportunity to join the 100 club for Premier League goals. No mistake second time round. Sticking it in the bottom right hand corner, equalising with the last kick of the game. 2-2.

Man of the match - Mo Salah.

What a game. What an advert for English football. What a goal scorer in Harry Kane. These are what you'll hear coming from the mouths of most pundits following the game. Despite Harry Kane barely having a sniff all night, he was given an extended interview on Sky Sports. Despite brilliant defensive displays by both Van Dijk and Vertonghen they were barely mentioned. A controversial end once again, over shadowed a brilliant game of football. Salah's second goal, which was describes as being a goal only Lionel Messi could score, was shown once on Sky in the analysis of the game. Where as the penalty decisions we're shown over and over again.

Where as I'm fuming with the coverage and analysis, Liverpool fans are fuming at the officials, claiming they cost the red men two huge points. Jurgen Klopp seems to be of the same opinion. certain that the first penalty was offside, and the second the referee was wrong to allow his decision to be overruled. Despite this the German manager was very complimentary of Spurs who came to Anfield and tried to play their game. A sublime game of football between two of the best sides in the country, battling for a place in the Champions League next season. Overshadowed by the officials and this countries idea that Harry Kane is the best thing since sliced bread.

The Future of Football - Paulo Dybala vs Marco Asensio.

For the last 10 years the top table of world football has been dominated by two men. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Never before have we seen the title of world player of the year been so predictable as to who will be competing come January. But what will happen when these two icons of the world game take a step back? What will happen when the Argentine forward Messi steps back into a deeper laying number 10 role, allowing for someone else to steal all the headlines? What will happen when the goals dry up for Cristiano? When the lung busting runs and climbing headers become a rarity and not just another Sunday for the Portuguese national captain. Well here are two names you will have heard before, Paulo Dybala and Marco Asensio. Dybala being compared to his fellow Argentine international Lionel Messi, and Asension to his fellow galactico Cristiano Ronaldo. The next big rivalry in world football is ready and waiting, lets take a closer look.

So first of all, with Paulo Dybala. The Juventus number 10 has openly stated on several occasions that be has no interest in becoming the 'Next Lionel Messi' that he would rather be the 'First Paulo Dybala' and that is a highly commendable attitude from the 23 year old. Many young players have taken the praise heaped upon then and ran themselves into a wall with it, the names Mario Balotelli and Ricardo Quaresma instantly come to mind, however Dybala seems to be handling it perfectly, getting his head down and playing football. Despite Paulo's insistence NOT to be compared to Messi, it is clear to see where to comparisons have been drawn from. Dybala is one of the most naturally talented players in world football today, his ability on the ball and technique very closely resembles that of a young Lionel Messi. The speed at which Dybala can dribble with the ball is a defenders worst nightmare, and to cap it all off his average of a goal every other game in his Juve career so far demonstrates the eye for goal the forward possess. The attributes have earned Dybala the nickname 'La Joya' translated from Spanish meaning ' the jewel'. During his first professional season at the age of 17, Dybala went on to break four long standing Argentine football records. Firstly, scoring his first goal for boyhood club Instituto, making him the youngest goal scorer in the leagues history, he followed this up scoring in 6 consecutive league games, beating the previous record by 2. And to cap off the season, he became the first player to score two hat-tricks in the league, as well as the first to compete in 38 consecutive league matches in the country. So a young Argentine footballer breaking records left right and centre. Do you see where I'm going with this?

Only one year later Dybala was on his way to Europe, to Italian side Palmero where he continued to grow and shine. In his third season in Italy we saw the first examples of the player Dybala has grown into today, scoring 13 league goals and providing 10 assists, making his one of the most influential players in the league that season. Much like his time with Instituo, this breakthrough season saw the youngster moving on to bigger things, namely a £32 million move to Juventus, where he was given the famous 21 jersey. Playing as Juve's main attacking threat Dybala ended his first season as the clubs top scorer, registering 23 goals. Only Italian great Roberto Bagio held a greater goals/games ratio in his debut season, as the Argentinian fired his new club to the Scudetto. The success just kept coming for Dybala, in his second season with Juventus he knocked in another 19 goals, even more impressive when you consider he was now playing the position of a second striker behind new signing Higuain. As well as winning his second Italian league title, Dybala helped the Old Lady to the Champions League final against Real Madrid, where they came up short. That brings us to the current campaign, and what else do I need to say other then 10 league goals in 6 games, and two hat- tricks already. The pressure was heavily on the Italian champions this time around after their failure in the Champions League final and Dybala has taken that pressure and dealt with it with match winning performances. ON the day of writing this the news is filled with a rumoured £155 million offer being weighed up by Manchester United for the Argentinian star. Whether these rumours are factual or not is yet to be seen, but how little surprise this news has earned from the footballing world shows just how big a deal the man is. I don't think I'm being over dramatic when I say I can see Dybala being named the worlds best player sooner rather then later, his talent is just undeniable and if he continues this season the way he has began it I think it could be even sooner then we could ever have imagined. I am however going to end this with another cheap comparison to Lionel Messi. Paulo was sent off in his FIRST EVER start for Argentina. As I'm sure you're aware Messi saw red in his first ever game for his country, another cheap comparison as I said but it takes great strength to come back from such a knock down and to go on and flourish. Lio has undoubtedly gone way above all expectations, and after the start to his career has been so fruitful, I think it's safe to say we can expect the same from Juventus' new number 10.

Now onto a newer sensation, the Spanish midfielder who is being treated as the answer to the question, what will Real Madrid do without Cristiano Ronaldo? Marco Asensio. Now unlike Dybala, we don't have a handful of seasons at the highest level to go off of, with Asensio we simply have ability. In Asensio's first 37 league games in the top flight of Spanish football the midfielder only managed 4 league goals, which is by no means an impressive feat. But by just looking at the stats you're missing the point with this player. While still at youth level, both Barcelona and Real Madrid wanted to get their hands on Asensio, but the Spaniard spent his first professional season with Mallorca. As the season drew to a close Asensio truly found his form, scoring all 4 of  the league goals he managed in his first season within the same month, ending the campaign as the hottest property in Spanish football. And in November of 2014 Real Madrid got their man, before loaning him back to his boyhood club for the remainder of the season. During this same time frame Madrid's newest signing was representing Spain at under 18's level, scoring 8 goals in 12 games, showing just how big of a talent he could be! Before the end of the 2014-2015 season Asensio was called up to the under 21 squad, continuing to shine, and currently Marco has 8 goals in 17 games at that level. In the following summer Asensio was loaned to Espanyol, Catalan rivals of Barcelona, where he continued to improve, ending the campaign with 12 assists as the Real Madrid man looked to bet set for a number 10 role. At this point however the Spanish midfielder was growing frustrated by his career with Real Madrid, almost two years after signing he was yet to make his professional debut and rumours of a move away from the Spanish capital saw the managers hand forced and Asensio was in the side, which could turn out to be the best decision Zidane has made in his time in charge of Los Blancos.

The brightest star in Spanish football couldn't have started his Real Madrid career any better, scoring on his competitive debut for the club. A quite brilliant 25 yard strike against Sevilla in the Spanish super cup, a game that went all the way to penalties. And just 12 days later Asensio made his first league start for the club, and again found himself on the score sheet. After his fast starts however Asensio's appearances were limited to substitute appearances, which again drew frustration from the midfielder, reports came from the Madrid camp that Marco's representatives had informed management that if they did not intend to play Asensio then he would be forced to play his football elsewhere. The Champions League however is where the teenager was able to really show his class, scoring four goals during Real Madrid's campaign, including the fourth in the final, securing Madrid's 12th European Cup. As the 2017/2018 season got under way the indication was that whenever Cristiano Ronaldo did not play, Asensio would slot into his position out wide, with Ronaldo growing older and his game time appearing to be on the decline, this new role was seen as a great opportunity for the midfidler, a new role for the Spaniard but one he settled into almost instantly. During the Spanish super cup first leg against Barcelona, Asensio fired in a bullet of a strike from the wide left position, and just four days later he did it again. In the second leg, in the first game of the season in the Bernabeau, a quite remarkable strike cutting in from the right this time left Barcelona's Ter Stagen stranded as Asensio filled in for the suspended Ronaldo. Also in the summer just gone, whilst representing the Spanish under 21's Asensio scoring a hat-trick on match day one, leading his side to the final where they were eventually beaten by Germany, but another showing on the world stage for the youngster who's stock has been growing and growing. It's really been since the 2017 Champions League final where the world has stood back and realised just how much potential this man has. Good on both feet, technically brilliant, able to produce that one bit of magic to change the game. With an eye for goal and a role playing as the Madrista's number 7's understudy, Asensio really is learning from the best.

Right here what we have is, I feel, the next generation of Balon D'or winners. Much Like Ronaldo was making headlines before Messi, I feel like it could only be a matter of time before Dybala is seen as an elite level, top five in the world footballer. But as soon as that happens, expect Asensio to show that he belongs at that top table, and just like that a battle is on to be the worlds best. Now of course these aren't the two only names who could replace Messi and Ronaldo at the top, the likes of Neymar, Garath Bale, Eden Hazard, Kylian Mbappe and many many others all have a claim to the throne. But right here, like I said, I feel is the next generation. Much like we've seen two men dominate the top table of football for the last decade, I expect these two to do it for the next. Paulo Dybala and Marco Asensio. Watch this space.

What Just Happened? - Neymar to PSG.

Neymar to PSG has been much like all of the monumental transfer rumours that fly around every summer. Messi to leave Barcelona, Ronaldo to return to Manchester United, in fact just about everyone to Manchester United. But believe it or not, the century defining transfer appears to be on it's way to completion after the Brazilian was given permission by the Catalan giant to go and 'sort out his future'.

Now just because Neymar has been given permission to speak to the Paris based club doesn't mean the deal is secured, in fact today Barcelona have also stated that PSG will have to pay the full amount that is stated on the Brazilian's buy out clause, an astounding £198 million, and they will have to pay it in full, up front. PSG are however one of few clubs who could afford the asking price, and with backing from their Qatari owners the former French champions look set to pay the price. This deal will more then double the current world record transfer fee, held by Manchester United and Paul Pogba when he moved from Juventus last summer for £89 million, and this isn't the only way money is a huge factor in this deal. The move could see Neymar become the worlds best paid player, even beating out a number of the ludicrous wage bills coming from China. Paris Saint Germain are prepared to double Neymar's current wage, and it will not be only Neymar Jr getting richer, but senior will as well. It was reported that during the Brazilian forwards initial move to the Camp Nou, his father pocketed an incredible 100 million euro, and with the sale of his son, Neymar senior will receive a 36 million euro commission. This is all taking place after, on Monday 31st July, senior also received a stated 26 million euro loyalty bonus... for his sons loyalty to Barcelona... days before his move to PSG looked like it was on... okay then.

At 25 years old Neymar is already an incredibly rich man, and although his father seems driven by money, the tricky winger doesn't seem to see it as a motivating factor as much. The move to Barcelona demonstrates that, as Real Madrid were prepared to out bid Barca both in terms of transfer fee and wages. So if it isn't money, what else could be pushing Neymar away? Quite simply, and it is quite sad in reality, but Lionel Messi. MSN, Messi, Suarez & Neymar. The Barcelona front line is simply the best in the world, bar none, with three of the world's best players. However the front man will always be, and always has been, Lionel Messi. The Argentinian is seen as the one who started it all, during the 2008/2009 season when the Catalonian's won the treble, it was Messi who was made the figure head of that team, and it has been that way ever since. Now, Xavi, Iniesta, Henry, Suarez, Eto'o, these stars didn't seem to have a problem with being second fiddle to the worlds best, but Neymar appears to have exactly that problem. 8th March 2017, Barcelona 6-1 PSG. One of the most incredible matches of all time, and after Barca had made history, a photo of Messi, stood on top of an advertising board went viral. Seen as an image for the game, 70 million people had seen the snapshot within 48 hours of it going live, and that is where the problem lays. Messi wasn't the star of the show, he wasn't the man who's curling free kick set the comeback in motion, who both won and scored a penalty moments later, or who's chipped ball out thought the entire PSG defence and created the iconic goal scored by Sergi Roberto. It was Neymar. The late assist was Neymar's eighth of the competition, the most of any player, and he had led throughout the game, but he was pushed to a supporting role by Messi, despite deserving leading man accolades for his performance. On record the Brazilian has stated this was the best performance he has given in the red and blue of Barcelona, and the lasting image will always be, Lionel Messi. With Barcelona though, it almost always is. If Neymar truly wants centre stage, to be seen as 'the guy' then he can't do that at Barcelona, not for another few years at least, and by then his best years may have passed him by. What makes this heart braking in a way is two fold, firstly it breaks up the incredible MSN threesome, which is potentially the best attacking line in history. But also, if Neymar holds some form of grudge against Messi, the Argentinian certainly doesn't feel the same. On his official Instagram Messi has posted a video, made up of pictures of the two of them, with the caption 'It was a great pleasure to spend all these years with you my friend Neymar. I wish you good luck in this new stage of your life. See you tomorrow.'

Neymar's move to PSG could be the decision that sees the Brazilian catapulted into superstardom. The French club have just lost their title to Monaco, one they'll be desperate to win back, but above all else, they'll have their eyes on the Champions League. In the 2015 Champions League final, Neymar stared and scored for Barcelona on the way to a 3-1 win, he also scored four goals and provided four assists during the World Cup in Brazil. Neymar also scored the winning penalty in the gold medal match during the 2016 Olympics, a match not taken too seriously around the world, but one seen as huge in Brazil. At just 25 years old the Brazilian has proven he has what it takes to perform on the biggest stage, and he could easily develop into the best player in the world. But would he ever been seen as anything more then a supporting act when he shared the team with Messi? It's a question we perhaps will never get an answer to as Neymar's eyes seem firmly set on a move to Paris. In terms of domestic football it is a HUGE drop in standard, and you have to question whether or not Neymar will be seen as 'taking the easy way out' by going to France, and you have to question if his performances there will ever lead to Balon D'or accreditation? After all, Zlatan scored 113 league goals in 122 league games for the same club, including 38 goals in 31 games during his final season, and yet was never considered the best player in the world because he was playing in a 'mediocre league'. Then on the other hand, Kylian Mbappe has flourished in the same league, and the teenager is tipped for an incredible £100 million + move away from Monaco, and with Monaco reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League this year, the league appears to be on the way up. PSG failing to win the title shows an increase in competition, in fact Nice were also challenging for the title for most of the season. SO perhaps this is the best time for Neymar to come to France, he could not only be the main man in a new look PSG side, but the figurehead for a growing division, much like Messi was in Spain in the late 2000's and ever since.

So what could Barcelona do to persuade Neymar to stay? Well it appeared that a move for Liverpool's Philipe Coutinho, Neymar's friend from childhood, could be what the board do to keep the Brazilian in Spain. However after a reported £90 million offer was rejected by Liverpool, and manager Jurgen Klopp has very sternly stated that his star man is not for sale, the deal seems to be off for now. You could argue however that the Coutinho offer was to bring in Neymar's immediate replacement, but that same argument can't be used for the next rumoured transfer. Paulinho To Barcelona. What? The midfielder who failed to impress for Spurs in England and has spent the last couple of seasons in China was subject to a rumoured 40 million euro offer from the Spanish giants. Why? Well, Paulinho is also one of Neymar's close friends, it appears Barca were certain that the signing of a friend would keep their number 11 at the club. However when Guangzhou Evergrande said Paulinho was not for sale, the move appeared to die there and then. (Probably for the best, Paulinho isn't fit to lace up Iniesta's boots let alone play in the same midfield as him. ) It isn't just the club trying to hold onto one of their star men, but Neymar's team mates as well. Luis Suarez was reportedly using a plane journey to the USA to try and convince his fellow South American to stay, as well as Gerard Pique, who has had a lot to say on the matter. When asked about the rumours, Pique responded with "He could go to any club in the world, what does he want? More money? Or more titles? I could understand that he wants to be a leader, but not for a sporting project, in all fairness, he's betting everything on one hand (Champions League.)" A few days earlier Pique appeared to be trying to calm the storm, posting on twitter a picture of the Brazilian, the caption being translates to 'he is staying'. However three days after making the post, when again questioned about the move, Pique confirmed everything apart from the statement he had made. The Spanish centre back said that he had spoken to Neymar with the intention of convincing him to stay, and that his hope was the same. Many people at Barcelona consider the Brazilian as the second best player on the planet, and that him staying would be best for his own sake, as well as the clubs. "He doesn't know what to do." Pique followed with. "We'll try to help him make the right decision."

The decision appears to have been made, with Neymar, his father, his representatives, PSG and Barcelona all stating that the move is on. Whether or not this is the correct decision is yet to be seen, one thing is for certain though, this will be the most ground breaking transfer in the history of world football. We've seen stars move from one club to the next, but this will be the first time a transfer of this magnitude has taken place. Barcelona are known for putting huge buy out clauses on their players, representing a 'not for sale sign' and for the first time in history, the huge number wasn't huge enough. The future and present of Brazilian football could be on his way to the French capital, it could go either way, do I want to see the move happen? No. Am I interested? Oh yes. Do I think is is the right thing for Neymar to do? No. But will a player of Neymar's quality continue to be one of the best in the world, no matter where he is? Yes he will.