'A 15-year-old beanpole' – Jurgen Klopp's former assistant reveals memories of 'physically underdeveloped' Trent Alexander-Arnold before right-back became Liverpool hero

Peter Krawietz worked alongside Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and has followed the former Anfield boss into the Red Bull ranks as Head of Soccer Philosophy. While a new challenge away from the dugout is being embraced, Krawietz has been casting an eye back over a memorable era on Merseyside – which saw Klopp deliver Champions League and Premier League title triumphs.

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    Klopp's success stories at Liverpool

    Klopp made his way to Liverpool in October 2015 and would go on to spend the best part of nine years in the most demanding of coaching roles. He helped to make the Reds challengers for major honours at home and abroad before bidding an emotional farewell at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

    He helped to put a number of players on the path to superstardom, with it Klopp that brought Mohamed Salah back to English football in the summer of 2017. The Egyptian superstar has become a Liverpool great and will stand forever alongside some legendary figures at Anfield. He also snapped up Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in a big-money transfer that raised more than a few eyebrows, with the Dutchman now club captain and one of the finest defenders in world football. Trent Alexander-Arnold is another of Klopp’s many success stories.

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  • The transformation of Alexander-Arnold

    Merseyside native Alexander-Arnold was a starry-eyed academy hopeful when Klopp took the reins at Anfield, with his promise clear for all to see. The highly-rated full-back, who boasted the kind of technical ability that few in his position possess, was handed his senior debut in October 2016 a matter of days after his 18th birthday.

    The buccaneering defender had come a long way by that point, with Krawietz telling GOAL of how the skinny youngster blossomed into one of the finest full-backs of his generation: “I still remember Trent Alexander-Arnold running across the field for the first time as a 15-year-old beanpole – physically underdeveloped, with no muscles at all. But even then, the youth coaches said he was a huge talent. In the end, he became Liverpool's homegrown right-back, shaping the team's play and symbolising the team's development.”

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    How Firmino became a fan favourite

    Liverpool were able to turn Alexander-Arnold into a superstar, with Roberto Firmino treading a similar path. The enigmatic Brazilian forward was inherited by Klopp and Co when they took the reins, with his work ethic proving to be a perfect fit for the ‘Gegenpressing’ philosophy that a demanding German coach was famed for. He quickly became a fan favourite, despite never being prolific in front of goal, and always played with a smile on his face.

    Krawietz added when asked to pick out the player that impressed him most as a person: “Roberto Firmino comes to mind. His development was extremely interesting to observe. He initially came to the Christmas party wearing sunglasses, wore the best suits, and partied the hardest. Later, he found faith and became a Christian. The way he embraced that and drew strength and conviction from it was quite extraordinary. He always thought about others and became a role model for them. He perfectly combined his Brazilian style of playing with the necessary seriousness and commitment.”

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  • State of play: Where Firmino & Alexander-Arnold are now

    Firmino brought an eight-year spell with Liverpool to a close in 2023 when he headed to the Saudi Pro League, with the 33-year-old South American now in Qatar with Al Sadd. His fearsome strike partnership with Salah and Sadio Mane will always hold a special place in the hearts of Reds supporters.

    Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, made a controversial departure from Anfield in the summer of 2025. Having allowed his contract to run down, the now 26-year-old opted to step out of his comfort zone when agreeing a deal with La Liga giants Real Madrid. Some Liverpool supporters were less than impressed at seeing one of their own walk away on the back of another title triumph, with the 34-cap England international making a slow start to life alongside Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe at Santiago Bernabeu.

Ramesh Mendis recalled for second Test against Australia

He has been among the runs as well as wickets in the Major League Tournament, Sri Lanka’s domestic first-class competition, this season

Andrew Fidel Fernando05-Feb-2025Ramesh Mendis has been added to Sri Lanka’s squad for the second Test against Australia, while seamer Vishwa Fernando and top-order batter Lahiru Udara have been released from what had been an 18-member squad. Sri Lanka team manager Mahinda Halangoda confirmed the changes, and said Ramesh had joined the squad on Monday.Ramesh had been dropped both from the Test XI, and later from the squad entirely, on account of what Sri Lanka’s team management believed to be a sub-par bowling performance against New Zealand in November.But having conceded 654 for 6 in the first innings of the first Test against Australia in Galle, Sri Lanka have brought back Ramesh. Partly this is down to his bowling form in the ongoing first-class competition – the Major League Tournament – in which he has claimed 24 wickets at an average of 21.91 plus scored 260 runs at an average of 52 from six innings.His bowling returns among the top Test teams has been more modest, however, though he has played all 15 of his Tests so far in Asia. Against Australia, for example, he has seven wickets at an average of 40.85 from two matches that were played in Galle in 2022.Sri Lanka will seriously consider him for a spot in the XI given the inexperience in their spin attack. In the previous match, in which Sri Lanka slipped to their worst Test defeat in history, Sri Lanka had two frontline spinners playing their second Test.The second Test starts in Galle on Thursday.

Celtic make late bid to sign "wonderful" £10m star, scored 7 goals in 24/25

Celtic are set for a busy deadline day, and Brendan Rodgers could now be set to bring a winger into the equation after identifying a new target.

Celtic's dire Glasgow Derby display emphasises need for reinforcements

Despite plenty of anticipation ahead of the first clash between Glasgow’s big two this season, Celtic claimed a point away to Rangers at Ibrox in a 0-0 draw that won’t live long in the memory.

Rarely has a derby match-up between the pair passed without any real incident, though the Bhoys were flat in attack and registered only five shots, two of which were on target, as they remain top of the Scottish Premiership on goal difference.

Post-match, Rodgers hinted that his side could be in for a busy deadline day in order to land the offensive reinforcements he needs at the top end of the field.

He told reporters: “It’s been so clear what the team has needed and what’s required. I really hope that in this period we can do that.

“Celtic’s DNA is around about our attacking intent, mentality and that bit of quality. You arrive into the final third and you’re creating chances.”

Becoming the Bhoys’ main target at a late stage in the window, Anderlecht striker Kasper Dolberg is wanted to lead the Celtic line and could be set to replace Adam Idah, who is on his way to Swansea City as things stand.

Reports suggest the Bhoys have also made an approach for Bristol City forward Fally Mayulu, albeit he won’t be the last forward to be linked with a move to Parkhead before the deadline passes.

Admittedly, Celtic have left their business late, though they could now be about to step up their efforts to land a winger after showcasing a lack of creative ideas at Ibrox.

Celtic submit loan bid for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Taking to social media platform X, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has confirmed that Celtic have submitted a loan bid for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi ahead of tonight’s deadline.

Intriguingly, Rangers, Lyon and Leicester City have also put forward proposals for the 22-year-old, who will now have a decision to make based on the amount of minutes he will earn away from Selhurst Park.

Dubbed “wonderful” by former Charlton Athletic boss Ben Garner, Rak-Sakyi spent last season out on loan at Sheffield United and enjoyed a successful spell at Bramall Lane, registering seven goals and two assists in 36 appearances.

With two years left on his contract, it remains to be seen if any option to buy would be included in a deal for the England Under-21 international. However, supporters of Celtic, Rangers, Lyon and Leicester City won’t need to wait too long to find out the £10 million-rated star’s chosen destination.

Better than Asensio: Aston Villa ready to move for "explosive" £50m star

Will Aston Villa be busy in the final few days of the transfer window?

So far this summer, due to constraints relating to the Premier League’s Profitability & Sustainability Rules, the Villans have made just one noteworthy signing, with Evann Guessand arriving from Nice for £26m.

However, following the sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle for £39m, plus £4m in potential add-ons, there is optimism this will allow the Claret and Blue Army to spend before the transfer window slams shut.

So, could Aston Villa make a move to sign an “explosive” attacking midfielder from within the Premier League?

Aston Villa's search for an attacking midfielder

After arriving in January, Marco Asensio made quite the impression at Villa Park, scoring eight goals in 21 appearances, three of which came in the Champions League, averaging a goal every 139 minutes.

Marco Asensio celebrates for Aston Villa

Unai Emery would reportedly love to be reunited with his compatriot on a more permanent basis, with claims made that an agreement on personal terms has already been reached. While it is yet to be seen if a similar agreement can be struck with PSG, he is completely out of Luis Enrique’s plans.

Regardless of what occurs on that front, is there another target emerging who may prove to be an even better signing?

Aston Villa's MarcoAsensioin action with Ipswich Town's Luke Woolfenden

Well, according to Brazilian outlet Globo, Aston Villa have made contact with West Ham United over the possibility of signing Lucas Paquetá, with the Midlands side said to be planning a move for the playmaker.

They add that Tottenham and Everton are also interested, with the Hammers valuing their creator in chief at £50m.

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Talks remain ‘ongoing’, and Aston Villa currently lead the race to sign him, so could Paquetá swap one claret and blue club for another?

Why Lucas Paquetá should excite Aston Villa supporters

Last month, Paquetá was cleared by the Football Association of all charges related to alleged spot-fixing allegations.

If found guilty, the Brazilian would likely have received a lifetime ban, and this prospect had been hanging over him for two years, scuppering his proposed £80m move to Manchester City back in the summer of 2023.

Having now had his name cleared, it is widely expected that Paquetá would push for a move away from the sinking ship that is West Ham this month, so could a move to the Midlands be on the cards?

Speaking on Sky Sports following a 1-1 draw between Aston Villa and West Ham in January, Jamie Redknapp labelled the Brazilian “explosive”, asserting that he possesses an immense amount of talent.

Redknapp adds that Paquetá has lacked consistency recently, with many putting this down to the looming allegations, and the table below documents his dip in form.

Paquetá’s West Ham stats

Season

Apps

Goals & assists

2025/26

3

2 & zero

2024/25

36

5 & zero

2023/24

43

8 & 7

2022/23

43

5 & 7

courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table documents, Paquetá endured a miserable campaign last time round, as did West Ham as a team to be fair, having accumulated 27 goals and assists across the previous two campaigns.

Also, now an innocent man, he’s started this season excellently, scoring two goals in three games, on target against Wolves in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, having scored this absolute rocket against Chelsea last Friday.

So why would he be a better signing than Asensio?

Well, prior to joining Aston Villa, the Spanish international had scored just seven goals and registered 11 assists in 47 appearances for PSG, this spread across 18 months.

Marco Asensio & Marcus Rashford for Aston Villa

Asensio has not been a consistent, high-level contributor since his Real Madrid days, scoring 12 goals in all competitions in 2022/23, suggesting he might just be a fading force.

Paquetá, on the other hand, could be an elite-level player at Villa, having continued to show his quality in an otherwise dismal West Ham side, so the Villans should go all in on the Brazilian, while confining Asensio’s career in the Midlands to history.

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"Unbelievable" Man City player in demand as clubs queue up to sign him

An “unbelievable” Manchester City player could now leave the club when January arrives, despite reportedly closing in on a contract extension at the Etihad.

Ederson sends goodbye message to Man City fans

It is officially the end of a glorious era between the sticks at City, with the legendary Ederson’s time at the club coming to an end earlier this week.

The Brazilian has been an unbelievable servant for Pep Guardiola’s side, winning six Premier League titles, and he has spoken glowingly about his time at the club after sealing a move to Fenerbahçe.

“For me, it’s amazing. Six Premier League titles in eight seasons. I remember after my last Premier League title, I spoke with Fred Caldeira (TNT presenter) and said after winning four-in-a-row it’s like normal now! It’s not normal.

“In the future when you stop, you will see you made history with your team. No other team has won four-in-a-row. We made history, my team made history. The players, the staff, this club made history.”

Ederson’s brilliance on the ball could be a big loss for City, even though the elite Gianluigi Donnarumma has replaced him from Paris Saint-Germain, and now another exit rumour has emerged.

"Unbelievable" Man City ace linked with exit

According to Caught Offside, Manchester City are “facing serious January transfer window interest” in youngster Nico O’Reilly, with numerous Premier League clubs eyeing him up.

Bayer Leverkusen, Lyon, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Brighton are all eyeing a move for the in-demand Englishman, so it looks as if Guardiola will have to beat off suitors with a stick.

This is despite Fabrizio Romano recently reporting that the 20-year-old is set to sign a new deal at the Etihad, even though his current contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2028.

Losing O’Reilly this early in his career would be a risk for City, assuming they are happy to potentially offload him when the January window opens.

The Englishman has emerged as one of the best young players at the club, displaying and being hailed by teammate Bernardo Silva, who is clearly a big admirer.

“He was unbelievable. Against Plymouth it showed the impact that he can have on the game and the energy he brought into the game changed completely the game for us so well deserved I’m happy for you and that’s what we needed.”

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Ultimately, the decision rests with Guardiola, who must assess how important O’Reilly is to him and City moving forward, but it would be a shame to see a young homegrown talent leave so early in his career, as was also the case with Cole Palmer, for example.

Joshua Zirkzee tipped for surprise transfer as new Serie A club express interest in landing Man Utd star in January transfer window

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee could be on the move this January, with Serie A side Como reportedly exploring a deal for the Dutchman. Manager Cesc Fabregas’ ambitious project is said to view Zirkzee as an ideal attacking addition, and United are open to either a loan or permanent transfer midway through the current Premier League season.

  • Zirkzee without minutes at Man Utd under Amorim

    Zirkzee has found playing time hard to come by under Ruben Amorim, featuring only as a substitute in all four of his appearances this season. Despite joining United for £36.5 million just 14 months ago, the Dutch striker has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford. Report suggest United would now consider offers in January, including a loan deal or outright sale.

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    Como show interest in January Zirkzee move

    Cesc Fabregas’ Como have been credited with interest as per The Sun, as the Italian club aim to strengthen their frontline and push toward the top half of Serie A. Juventus, who tracked Zirkzee last summer, are also monitoring developments. Fabregas reportedly views the 24-year-old as the perfect profile for his dynamic, possession-based setup.

  • Zirkzee has struggled to shine at Man Utd

    The Netherlands international arrived from Bologna after firing them into the Champions League with 11 goals but has yet to make a lasting impact in England. Zirkzee has scored only seven times across 53 appearances for United, raising questions about his fit in Amorim’s system. With United’s attack underperforming, offloading the forward could also help fund reinforcements.

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    Zirkzee under contract at Old Trafford until 2029

    Zirkzee remains under contract with Manchester United until 2029, giving the Red Devils leverage in any negotiations. Discussions over his future are expected to take place after the international break. If no breakthrough in game time arrives, a January return to Serie A with Como could suit all parties involved.

Visakhapatnam gears up for S2E1 of Starc vs Travishek

KL Rahul, meanwhile, is back from paternity leave and is set to make his Delhi Capitals debut

Sreshth Shah29-Mar-2025Big picture – KL Rahul set to make DC debutTravishek fear no one. Except, maybe, Mitchell Starc. Travis Head does not like facing Starc, and after taking strike and being bowled by the big left-arm quick for a two-ball duck in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2024, he let Abhishek Sharma take first strike in the final, and you know what happened next.Starc now takes the new ball for a different team, and he’ll be up against Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) gun opening pair again on Sunday afternoon. If Starc can have the same sort of impact, it would be a major relief for a Delhi Capitals (DC) bowling unit that also includes Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar. Last season, these three were on the receiving end of an onslaught from Head and Abhishek that blasted SRH to a record IPL powerplay score of 125 for 0. That was in Delhi. This time, the battle shifts to Visakhapatnam, where DC staged a stunning comeback win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their most recent game. SRH, meanwhile, are coming off a defeat to the same opponents.Related

LSG mute SRH with death bowling before the death overs

Awe-inspiring Ashutosh brings DC back from the brink

The two Starora overs that defined the IPL final

DC’s opening victory was built on resilience. With the ball, they clawed back to restrict LSG to 209 despite letting them get to an ominous 161 for 2 in 13 overs. With the bat, they resurrected themselves from 66 for 5 to scrape past their target with three balls to spare. Even when they crumbled in both powerplays and both post-powerplay phases, they refused to tap out.That resilience will be key as they seek a second win, armed with fresh insights on containing SRH. LSG’s strategy of treating the full 20 overs like the death proved effective, and DC have the personnel to replicate it. Mohit Sharma and Mukesh have the skillsets, and Axar and Kuldeep bring another year of wisdom.But DC are not without problems of their own. Their top order misfired against LSG, and they can’t keep relying on their lower order to keep bailing them out. New father KL Rahul is set to make his franchise debut, and DC will have to figure out the best way to fit him into their line-up. And they’ll be wary of an SRH unit that will be desperate to prove that Thursday’s loss was a mere aberration.Away game for SRH, home game for Nitish Kumar Reddy•Associated PressTeam news and likely XIIsWith Rahul set to play, he is expected to slot in at No. 4, likely replacing Sameer Rizvi. Mukesh’s availability remains uncertain after he sustained an ankle sprain against LSG, while T Natarajan, who is recovering from a shoulder issue, is unlikely to feature against his former team. If Mukesh is ruled out, Darshan Nalkande could step in. Another possibility is retaining Rizvi, dropping Fraser-McGurk, and bringing in fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera.Delhi Capitals: 1 Jake Fraser-McGurk, 2 Faf du Plessis, 3 Abishek Porel (wk), 4 KL Rahul, 5 Axar Patel (capt), 6 Tristan Stubbs, 7 Ashutosh Sharma, 8 Vipraj Nigam, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Mohit Sharma, 12 Mukesh Kumar/Darshan Nalkande.There are no injury concerns in the SRH camp and they could field an unchanged team.Sunrisers Hyderabad: 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Travis Head, 3 Ishan Kishan, 4 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 5 Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 6 Aniket Verma, 7 Abhinav Manohar, 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Harshal Patel, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Simarjeet Singh, 12 Adam Zampa.Big questionWhere is Rahul best used? No. 4 seems to be the likely slot, and why not: that’s his best position (min. five innings) in terms of both average (49.08) and strike rate (139.90).It’s as opener that Rahul made his mark in the format, however, and a position from where he once smashed a 14-ball fifty, at the time the quickest in the IPL. With Fraser-McGurk out of form, is there a case for Rahul to partner Faf du Plessis at the top?In the spotlight – Kuldeep Yadav and Nitish Kumar ReddyAgainst SRH in Delhi last season, Kuldeep Yadav endured a brutal start, getting hit for four sixes in his first seven balls by Abhishek. But he responsed by dismissing Abhishek, Head, Aiden Markram and Nitish Kumar Reddy, three of whom will feature on Saturday. He conceded 55 in four overs, but his breakthroughs prevented SRH from soaring beyond their final total of 266. Head, in particular, has shown signs of struggling against left-arm wristspin, being dismissed twice in nine balls against that style of bowling in the IPL, which makes Kuldeep a option to bring on early if the South Australian starts ominously against the new ball. As LSG proved against SRH, wickets are the only way to contain their explosive line-up.Though SRH play this as an “away” game in Visakhapatnam, Nitish Kumar Reddy will be right at home in the city of his birth. SRH have earmarked him as a long-term player and he has started the season with scores of 32 and 30. Sandwiched between them at No. 4, Reddy is the perfect foil for Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen, and he’s a major threat against spin, as his IPL strike rate of 170.19 since the start of 2024 suggests.Last year in Delhi, Kuldeep Yadav was instrumental in DC ‘restricting’ SRH to 266 after they flew to 125 for 0 in the powerplay•Associated PressPitch and conditionsIt’s an afternoon game on a batting-friendly surface, so a 200-plus first-innings score should be the expectation. In the IPL, the team batting first has won 50% of all matches in Visakhapatnam. The last three first-innings totals in the IPL here have been 191, 272 and 209.Key stats Head vs Starc in all recognized cricket: seven innings, eight runs, 29 balls, five dismissals, 0 boundaries. Of the five dismissals, four have been bowled and one caught behind. Faf du Plessis has a favourable match-up against Mohammed Shami in the IPL, scoring 106 runs in 61 balls for only two dismissals. However Shami has been brilliant against KL Rahul, allowing only 28 runs to be scored in 31 balls while dismissing him twice. In the IPL, Axar Patel has an economy rate of just 6.51 against right-hand batters, but has gone at 9.07 against left-hand batters.Next three fixturesDC are on the road next to play against Chennai Super Kings (Apr 5) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Apr 10) before returning to Delhi for a home match against Mumbai Indians on April 13.SRH fly to Kolkata for a match against Kolkata Knight Riders (Apr 3) before playing Gujarat Titans (Apr 6) and Punjab Kings (Apr 12) at home.Quotes”KL Rahul is back in our team and that will help us a lot with our balance. But you can’t judge any team from one game. All our players are really good, they are experienced, and hopefully we’ll do well in this match.”
“The press has made 300 a target [for us], but we have [almost] achieved it, [with totals of] 286, 287. You never know if it will happen. Two batters have to score big and get it there. Nothing is impossible in cricket.”

The United States of Soccer: From AC Milan's Christian Pulisic to USMNT legend Tim Howard – the best players from the Northeast

GOAL ranks the top three soccer players produced by every state in the Northeast, including Pulisic, Howard and Geoff Cameron

With the 2026 World Cup less than nine months away, the United States has steadily progressed into a genuine force in the global soccer scene. Major League Soccer now boasts superstars such as Lionel Messi, Son Heung-Min and Thomas Muller, sure, but decades of groundwork have given rise to great American players, as well.

Elite talent ranging from A.C. Milan’s Christian Pulisic to rising Mexico international Obed Vargas were born in the U.S., along with legends such as Tim Howard and rising stars such as Patrick Agyemang.

Some regions in the U.S. have deeper player pools than others, so who is the best of the best? Which state has been the most fertile ground for developing American soccer talent?

GOAL ranks the top three men's soccer players from each of the 50 states, starting with the Northeast.

Getty Images SportConnecticut: Patrick Agyemang

Hometown: East Hartford

Clubs played for: Charlotte FC, Derby County

USMNT caps: 12

Why he’s No. 1: Connecticut doesn’t generally have the depth of talent that produced by its neighbors in the tristate area, but it has made its imprint, led by two talented young footballers – Patrick Agyemang and Luca Koleosho. 

Agyemang ultimately gets the nod due to his international success. He’s risen to become a fixture under Mauricio Pochettino on the USMNT and could be on the World Cup roster next summer. Koleosho, still undecided on his international future, has played for both the U.S. and Italy youth teams, and was even called up for Canada in 2023.

Runners-up: 

2. Luca Koleosho (Norwalk): Famously went the full length of the pitch against Leeds to score for Burnley in a stunner. Currently on loan at La Liga side Espanyol. 

3. Andres Jasson (Greenwich): He won the 2021 MLS Cup with NYCFC. Currently stars for AaB Fodbold in Denmark.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMaine: Roger Levesque

Hometown: Portland

Clubs played for: San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders

USMNT caps: 0

Why he’s No. 1: The Pine Tree State is known for its lighthouses, lobster, and craft beer. Soccer hasn’t made as big a mark – though USL club Hearts of Pine hopes to change that. But Maine has produced two notable MLS players: Wyatt Omsberg and Roger Levesque. While both were role players, Levesque retired with eight trophies.

He lifted the 2003 MLS Cup as a bit player for a star-studded San Jose Earthquakes team featuring Landon Donovan and Dwayne DeRosario. He later joined the Seattle Sounders, winning two USL First Division titles, the A-League Western Conference Championship, and the Commissioner's Cup.

Released by the Sounders before their MLS expansion, he was quickly brought back and became a fan favorite, helping the club lift three U.S. Open Cups from 2009 to 2011. His famous scuba goal celebration against the Red Bulls and the fan-branded “Levesque testimonial" for his retirement cemented his legacy – the city even declared a day in his honor.

Runners-up:

2. Wyatt Omsberg (Belgrade): He was the first Ivy League soccer player to be selected in the Superdraft, having previously starred for Dartmouth. Currently on the New England Revolution. 

3. Ben Brewster (Cape Elizabeth): Had a cup of coffee with clubs in America's lower division. Now the head coach of the men's soccer team at Bates College. 

Getty Images SportMassachusetts: Geoff Cameron

Hometown: Attleboro

Clubs played for: Houston Dynamo, Stoke City, Queens Park Rangers, FC Cincinnati 

USMNT caps: 55

Why he’s No. 1: Geoff Cameron’s career – much like his rise with both club and country – was unexpected. A true tweener, he shuttled between defense and defensive midfield, yet that versatility became one of his greatest assets. Using his 6-3 frame, solid speed and passing, Cameron catapulted from the Houston Dynamo to become a surprisingly important cog for Premier League side Stoke City, where he spent six seasons.

At his peak, he was indispensable to U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann, helping the Americans to a semifinal run in the 2016 Copa América. Former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas once raved about Cameron’s skill set.

“He has the physical attributes to bang when he needs to, but he also has a real confidence in the way he handles the ball and the way he passes out of the back,” Lalas told ESPN.

Throughout his career, Cameron played 36.9 percent of his games at centerback, 32 percent as a defensive midfielder, 24.6 percent at right back, 2.9 percent at left back, 2.6 percent in central midfield, and 0.9 percent at right midfield.

Runners-up: 

2. Miles Robinson (Arlington): Started his career as a rotational player on Atlanta United's 2018 MLS Cup-winning team and blossomed into one of the league's elite defenders. Has 35 caps with the USMNT and won the 2021 Gold Cup and two Nations Leagues. 

3. John Souza (Fall River): Was a part of the USMNT's famous 1-0 upset over England in the 1950 World Cup – still widely considered the greatest sports upset of all-time.

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Getty Images SportNew Hampshire: Conor Casey

Hometown: Dover

Clubs played for: Dortmund, Hannover 96, Karlsruher SC, Mainz, Toronto FC, Colorado Rapids, Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew

USMNT caps: 19

Why he’s No. 1: At the peak of his powers, Charlie Davies appeared to be a shoo-in for the best player from New Hampshire. He was instrumental in helping the USMNT reach the 2009 Confederations Cup, which dared Americans to dream ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

However, he was involved in a serious car accident in 2009 that changed the trajectory of his career. While he enjoyed a successful 11-year run, he is one of the biggest what-ifs in U.S. soccer history. 

With that, Dover's Conor Casey edges Davies as New Hampshire's No. 1. The towering striker started his professional career in Germany, kicking things off with Dortmund before going on loan with Hannover and Karlsruher SC and playing in the top two levels in the country. 

Casey didn't gain much traction abroad, but he had some strong seasons in MLS, including being immortalized by Rapids fans for his involvement in their 2010 MLS Cup win. He also lifted the 2005 Gold Cup with the USMNT and had two national team goals.

Runners-up: 

2. Charlie Davies (Manchester): Scored the opening goal against Egypt in the Confederations Cup group stage that ultimately sparked an improbable run by the USMNT. Impressed at both Hammarby and Sochaux before returning to MLS in 2011. 

3. Jay Heaps (Nashua): Started his career with the now-defunct Miami Fusion, then becoming an icon for the New England Revolution with 243 league appearances. Lifted the Open Cup in 2007 and the North American Super Liga in 2008. Also served as New England's head coach for six years. 

Adeus, base! Kevin é integrado ao profissonal do Palmeiras em definitivo

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Destaque da base do Palmeiras e craque da última Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, o atacante Kevin é o novo reforço do elenco profissional do Palmeiras. Alvo de clubes europeus, o jogador foi informado nesta quarta-feira (12), que a partir de agora ele não vai mais fazer parte do Sub-20 do Verdão, e que agora briga por posição no ataque titular do time de Abel Ferreira.

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+ Veja tabela da Copa do Brasil-2023 clicando aqui

A informação foi dada em primeira mão pelo portal ‘Nosso Palestra’ e confirmada pelo Lance!

Kevin foi chamado pela comissão técnica para ocupar a vaga de Giovani, cria da base recém negociada para o Al-Saad, do Catar, por 9 milhões de euros (cerca de R$ 47 milhões na cotação atual) por 50% dos direitos econômicos.

Pelo profissional do Palmeiras, Kevin já fez dois jogos e marcou um gol, pela reta final do Campeonato Brasileiro de 2021. Em 2023, o jogador tem oito gols em 17 jogos pelo Sub-20 alviverde.

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No mês passado, o Palmeiras renovou o contrato com Kevin até o final de 2026. O Verdão é dono de 50% dos direitos econômicos do jogador.

+ Palmeiras x São Paulo: onde assistir, desfalques e escalações do jogo pela Copa do Brasil

Em janeiro de 2023, o Shakhtar Donetsk-UCR fez uma oferta de 10 milhões de euros (R$ 56,4 milhões na cotação da época) pelo atacante. O Palmeiras, que já havia recusado outras duas ofertas menores dos ucranianos, recusou mais uma e segurou a joia no clube.

Segundo apurou o Lance!, o volante Pedro Lima deve ser o próximo a ser informado que será integrado de vez ao elenco profissonal.

South Australia still soaking in 'unreal' Sheffield Shield scenes

The celebrations for South Australia’s first Sheffield Shield title in 29 years continued on Monday as locals swarmed to Rundle Mall in Adelaide’s city centre for a reception with the team as both coach Ryan Harris and captain Nathan McSweeney admitted the magnitude of what had been achieved was still sinking in.Officially part of the nation-wide schedule announcement for next season, Cricket Australia’s new chief executive Todd Greenberg was quick to say the occasion was more about SA’s historic moment which had been crowned by what has become an iconic ground invasion at Karen Rolton Oval.Related

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“It was unreal,” Harris said. “I remember when we got upstairs and looked over the ground and saw the crowd, I just looked at the boys’ faces and I probably don’t think they thought how important this was and is.”I even talked to them yesterday, they’re all still buzzing about it. Everyone running on, again, [like] scenes from 29 years ago.”McSweeney, watching from the dressing room as his side neared the target after a stand of 202 between Jason Sangha and Alex Carey, could see the crowd getting closer to the fence.”I grew up watching cricket on TV, I always remember the fans running onto the field and all the players trying to run off and it was just cool to be a part of and to see it all happen,” he said. “I think everyone who was there will remember that forever and it was a great spectacle. It’s never happened to me before and we were all wondering, it was like, are we going to run on or are the fans going to run on. “It was just awesome to be a part of and I think people there at the game will remember that forever. We will remember that forever. We’ve got so many texts from mates that are living in Brisbane saying how cool it was and I wish I could have been there so I think it’s good for the game, it probably shouldn’t happen every week, it’s a little bit dangerous but it’s a very special moment.”McSweeney also acknowledged the fresh opportunity a host of players – including himself – had been given with South Australia. In the immediate aftermath of the victory Sangha, who averaged 78.22 in the season after his move from New South Wales, said the state had “saved his career.””So many players in our squad have been gifted an opportunity by the SACA and to be able to, I guess, give back and win the Sheffield Shield and see how much it mattered to all of them is very pleasing and it’s why you play the game, for sure,” McSweeney said.”I think I was averaging 14 for Queensland when they gave me an opportunity to come down here and play cricket and since then, I’ve been able to get better as a player, as a person.The view from the Karen Rolton Oval grandstand when the Shield trophy was presented•Getty Images

“Very lucky and hopefully this is just the start of something that we can keep building on. Winning two trophies is the goal and it’d be nice to do that every year but I really think, if we can keep this core group together, we can do this for a long period of time and I’m very lucky to be a part of it.”Harris, meanwhile, will reflect on the achievements in his first season as head coach on a holiday in Bali next week before turning his attention to how the team follow their twin titles having also secured the One-Day Cup.”To win two is unheard of, it’s never been done here,” he said. “I moved back here to win trophies and I told the boys that when I took over. I told them that last year even. I know Dizzy [Jason Gillespie] was in charge last year, but from afar, moving back from Queensland, I did it for a reason.”I’ve got to make sure the messaging is fresh and get all that happening over the next few weeks ready for when they come back in June. I’ve spoken about it with them. They know hopefully this drives them. Winning’s good. Winning’s nice.”It doesn’t always work out that way, obviously, but that’s my job over the next few months now is to make sure that when they do come back, they’re hungry again to make sure that all the things we’ve just spoken about, that we go out, we fight, we play well, we play hard and we want to have sustained success.”

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