A young Italian side ran out 1-0 victors last week over Luxembourg in an international friendly. Italy dominated in the first half with Esposito flicking the ball just wide early on before linking up with Niccolò Pisilli to create another chance but Italy couldn’t make the breakthrough early on. Luca Koelosho had the next big chance for Italy but once again wasn’t able to take it. It didn’t take long into the second half for Italy to take the lead as Esposito headed in Pisilli’s corner to make it 1-0. Pisilli then had a huge chance to double the Italian’s lead as the ball fell to him in the box but he struck the post. Shortly after Italy had another huge chance as the ball fell to substitute Seydou Fini but once again the chance wasn’t taken. In the end it could have been 3 or 4 but it finished 1-0 to the young Italian side. 📊
Esposito starting his youth career at Brescia before joining Inter Milan’s youth academy in 2014. Originally playing as a number 10, Esposito developed into a striker and stood out across all youth levels for Inter, particularly at u19 level in the UEFA Youth League. In 2023, the young forward joined Serie B side Spezia on loan for regular senior minutes. This first taste of senior football was brilliant for Esposito’s development. He appeared 38 times in Serie B (17 starts) and netted 3 goals, this loan was then extended for another season. The 2024/25 season was a breakout campaign for the Italian at Spezia, registering an impressive 17 goals and 2 assists in 35 games. This was exactly what Esposito needed in order to push for regular minutes at Inter. Upon his return from loan he was awarded a spot in Inter’s Club World Cup Squad, where he registered a goal and assist in 2 group stage appearances before missing the round of 16 due to injury. This season has been Esposito’s first campaign at the top level and at just 20-years-old he has earned over 2000 minutes in all competitions. Managing it hit double figures in goals across the Serie A, Champions League and Coppa Italia aswell as contributing with 6 assists. These performances have also been rewarded with 9 Italy caps, at international level he has been just as prolific netting 5 goals. ⭐️
Standing at 6’2, Esposito possesses a physical presence up front and he uses his size to his advantage in both offensive and defensive phases of the game. His ability to hold up play and bring others into the game is hugely impressive for someone at such a young age, partnered with a strikers instinct he has the much needed qualities for a modern day number 9. There are still areas for improvement such as exploiting spaces in transition but this will come in time. These experiences at such a young age for a striker can be hard to come by and Esposito has took them with both hands, along with the taste of silverware (winning the double this season), he has the perfect platform to kick on and be force at Inter and Italy. He is definitely one to keep an eye on over the next few years. 📈
20-year-old Francesco Pio Esposito’s game by numbers for Italy vs Luxembourg last week:
76 minutes played ⏰
1 goal ⚽️
2 shots on target 🥅
1 chance created 🎨
2/2 ground duels won ⚔️
2 fouls won 💪
8.1 @FotMob rating ⭐️
Ibrahim Mbaye 🇸🇳
Ibrahim Mbaye is a young talent everyone should be keeping an eye on this summer. Mbaye has mostly been utilised as a substitute for club and country but his impact off the bench has been instant, his strong running against tired legs gives Senegal a huge boost late on in games. His minutes have been limited with PSG as competition for places is staggering but this World Cup offers an opportunity to show the world why he is PSG’s youngest ever starter, Senegal’s youngest ever AFCON goalscorer and a Champions League winner at just 18. 📈
Antonio Nusa 🇳🇴
Antonio Nusa is another potential breakout start this summer. Norway are going into their first World Cup in 26 years and all the spotlight will be on Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard but Nusa could steal the headlines. Nusa has been electric since arriving at RB Leipzig, linking up with Yan Diomande and causing defenders nightmares all season. The young winger is unpredictable in 1v1 situations and has the ability to find his teammates with ease, perfect for Erling Haaland this summer. Norway our one of our dark horses and Nusa could be centre of their success.⚡️
Bilal El Khannouss 🇲🇦
Just off the back of his permanent move to Stuttgart, El Khannouss will be eager to impress for Morocco. Just like Norway the attention and expectations will be elsewhere, on the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz but there is an opportunity for a new star. El Khannouss thrives in tight spaces and has the vision to match, consistently making line-breaking passes, Diaz will be the beneficiary of these as Morocco look to go on another deap run this World Cup. The youngster is one that has flew under the radar but could a success on the biggest stage over the next couple months time. 🎨
Endrick 🇧🇷
Endrick will be looking to make history this summer for Brazil. Last season he opted to join Lyon on loan to increase his World Cup chances and secure regular game time, it’s safe to say this decision has been brilliant for Endrick’s development. There has been high expectations for Endrick ever since he burst onto the scene but he has flourished for Brazil when given the chance and with the arrival of Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid he will be eager to impress his new boss this summer. There is huge competition for places in a star-studded attack but we believe Endrick could be the main star for Carlo Ancelotti. ⭐️
Victor Muñoz 🇪🇸
Our 5th and final potential breakout star this World Cup is Spain’s Victor Muñoz. Muñoz has been brilliant since signing for Osasuna and his impressive performances have been rewarded with a spot in Spain’s World Cup squad. We understand it’s unlikely Muñoz will start in a hugely competitive squad but minutes off the bench could see him make his mark. The young winger scored his first senior goal for Spain in a 3-0 friendly victory over Serbia in March and we could see him register a couple more this summer if giving the opportunity. This is our outside pick for breakout star but we believe Muñoz has a huge ceiling and if giving the opportunity could make an instant impact. 👀
Scotland ran out 4-1 winners vs Curacao on Saturday in a friendly before they jetted off to the USA for the World Cup. Tahith Chong got the opener for Curacao with an unbelievable solo effort, taking the ball on the half-way line before running through and slotting the first goal away. There wasn’t much to note in the first half until Curacao striker Jürgen Locadia was sent off after nasty challenge leading with his elbow on Aaron Hickey. Findlay Curtis replaced an injured Billy Gilmour on the 42nd minute and just 3 minutes later he netted Scotland’s equaliser, his left footed shot from the left side of the box found the bottom right corner. Scotland started the second half dominating and were unlucky not to go ahead after Shankland’s strike was saved. The pressure then paid off and the new Rangers man got his goal on the hour-mark to give Scotland a deserved lead. Just 5 minutes later Shankland doubled his tally and put Scotland in cruise control and 3-1 up. With 10 minutes to play Scotland got their fourth of the afternoon, Curtis was brought down resulting in a penalty and Ryan Christie stepped up and slotted it away. 📊
Curtis joined Rangers’ academy at the age of 6 and worked his way through the age-groups before impressing with the B team. In January 2025, the youngster made his first team debut vs Fraserburgh in the Scottish cup, registering an assist in his first senior fixture. Shortly after he was awarded his European debut off the bench at Old Trafford in the UEFA Europa League, this was then followed by his SPFL debut in a 3-1 away win vs Hearts. Curtis netted his first goal for Rangers in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos at home. These opportunities were stacking up for the youngster and his first league goal came a few weeks later in a 1-1 draw away at ST Mirren. These performances earned Curtis a Scotland u21 call-up, where he made his debut vs Czech Republic. In January 2026, Curtis was sent out on loan to Kilmarnock in the search for regular starts in the SPFL. Since January he has flourished at Kilmarnock, registering 5 goals and 1 assist in 14 appearances. This caught the eye of Steve Clarke, who included Curtis in the Scotland squad for friendly matches against Japan and Ivory Coast. He made his debut against Japan at Hampden and was then included in the World Cup squad, Clarke praised Curtis for his loan move and regular playing time. On Saturday he netted his first senior international goal against Curacao and will be part of the Tartan Army this summer. ⭐️
Curtis is a hugely versatile forward, operating primarily on the left wing but also happy on the other flank and in the number 10 when called upon. His ability to perform on either flank is a dream for any coach and a nightmare for any defence, the option to swap sides mid-game gives his side an edge. Partnered with excellent off-the-ball movement, the young Scotsman picks up space in between the lines and also creates space for his teammates to flourish. Curtis is also just as happy to contribute defensively, possessing a tireless work rate. Still only 19-years-old, he still has a lot of needed development but his loan move and international experience will be key to unlocking his full potential. Curtis has all the potential to be a main figure at Rangers and a star elsewhere, one to keep an eye on this summer. 📈
19-year-old Findlay Curtis’ game by numbers for Scotland vs Curacao on Saturday:
48 minutes played ⏰
1 goal ⚽️
1 penalty won 🥅
1 chance created 🎨
32/35 passes completed (91%) 🎯
1 tackle ⛔️
8.2 @FotMob rating ⭐️
21-year-old Robbin Risser’s game by numbers for Lens vs Nice last week:
90 minutes played ⏰
5 saves🧤
3 saves inside box🧤
2 high claims 🫴
6 throws 🎯
4 accurate long balls (1 led to a goal) 🎯
7.8 @FotMob rating ⭐️
Oh fuck off man.
He was dropped for 2 games.
Tuchel didn't pick hall in September, October or November.
Only picked him in Feb because he names 35 players.
This has nothing to do with Eddie Howe and hall, and just another reason for him to go after Howe.
#ThickGoerdie
Starting GK - Jordan Pickford
Dean Henderson
James Trafford
Starting LB - Nico O’Reilly
Lewis Hall
Starting CB’s - Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa
John Stones
Dan Burn
Starting RB - Reece James
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Tino Livramento
Starting CDM’s - Declan Rice and Elliott Anderson
Kobbie Mainoo
Adam Wharton
Starting LW - Morgan Rogers
Marcus Rashford
Anthony Gordon
Starting CAM - Jude Bellingham
Cole Palmer
Morgan Gibbs-White
Starting RW - Bukayo Saka
Noni Madueke
Starting ST - Harry Kane
Ollie Watkins
Arsenal defeated Newcastle at home 1-0 on Saturday in a nervy affair to put the Gooners back to the top of the table. The first chance of the game came in the 1st minute, falling to William Osula who couldn’t make a strong connection to test David Raya. Arsenal had corners early on, opting to go short and failing twice in a row. They would then have a third corner and succeed, going short again, the ball was worked to Eze on the edge of the box who blasted it into the top corner, making it 1-0. Newcastle had the more possession and the better chances going into half-time but it remained 1-0. The next turning point came in the 74th minute, Nick Pope attempted to sweep up and took out Gyokeres, the Emirates shouted for a red but it was just a yellow. The best chance of the game came with 10 minutes to go, Nick Woltemade played a delightful chip into the path of Yoanne Wissa, who blasted the ball over the bar. Arsenal held on in the end to go 3 points in front of Manchester City. 📊
Miley joined Newcastle’s youth academy at the age of 7, working his way up through the age-groups. He became one of Newcastle’s most promising academy prospects, winning the club’s Jack Hixon award in 2022. Miley was handed his Premier League debut on the final game-week of the 22/23 season away vs Chelsea, becoming Newcastle’s youngest ever Premier League player. 2022/23 was Miley’s breakout campaign, appearing 26 times across all competitions in an injury riddled season for the Magpies. The records came fast for Miley, becoming Newcastle’s youngest ever player to assist a Premier League goal vs Chelsea at home. He also became Newcastle’s youngest ever player to feature in European competition and Newcastle’s youngest ever goal scorer vs Fulham at home. This season Miley has been one of Eddie Howe’s consistent performers, notably netting his first UEFA Champions League goal away vs Bayer Leverkusen, breaking another record, becoming Newcastle’s youngest ever Champions League goalscorer. ⭐️
Miley’s tactical understanding and football intelligence are his standout qualities. The level of composure and creativity he shows is also extremely impressive for any age, never seeming flustered in the most intense situations. Operating as a CM in a flat midfield 3, Miley’s intelligent movement constantly creates opportunities for link-up play, dragging out opposition players and creating goal scoring opportunities for his team-mates. Eddie Howe’s tactics focuses on creating overloads all around the pitch but mostly in wide areas, Miley’s ability to create triangles and retain possession with ease is key to his success. This season Miley has found himself filling it at right back due to injuries, in a brand new position he has been immense, showing his adaptability and mentality at such a young age. The youngster has been a consistent figure in an inconsistent side this season, racking up 79 senior appearances at just 19, plus youth international experience at u21 level is incredible for his development. Miley will only improve with age and has all the tools to succeed at CM or RB, a future England international for sure. 📈