The 25 footballers with 1000+ goals including Messi, Ronaldo, Pele
Number one on this list has scored 1917 goals. The post The 25 footballers with 1000+ goals including Messi, Ronaldo, Pele & Romario appeared first on Planet Football .
Man Utd youngster XI that walked away from Old Trafford as JJ Gabriel seeks shock exit
Manchester United wanted them to stay, but they chose to leave. The post Man Utd youngster XI that walked away from Old Trafford as JJ Gabriel seeks shock exit appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name everybody to play for Liverpool
Fifteen names to get. The post Can you name everybody to play for Liverpool & Tottenham in the Premier League? appeared first on Planet Football .
FOOTBALL | VAR stealing the spotlight but not for the right reasons
A glaring mistake by the VAR chief, who oversaw the proceedings from Londons Stockley Park, altered the outcome of the ill-tempered derby between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford
2026-27 Premier League xG tables: Man Utd 3rd, Chelsea 12th, Newcastle BOTTOM
Concerning numbers for Matthias Jaissle. The post 2026-27 Premier League xG tables: Man Utd 3rd, Chelsea 12th, Newcastle BOTTOM appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name every player to win the Golden Boy award since 2003?
There are 23 to get. It's not as easy as you think The post Can you name every player to win the Golden Boy award since 2003? appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name every Icelandic player to play in the Premier League?
Spoiler: No. No, you can't. The post Can you name every Icelandic player to play in the Premier League? appeared first on Planet Football .
10 stats that show just how brilliant Leeds United are right now under Daniel Farke
Daniel Farke is doing a superb job. The post 10 stats that show just how brilliant Leeds United are right now under Daniel Farke appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name every player to score 10+ Premier League goals for Leeds?
A pretty tough challenge, even for Leeds fans. The post Can you name every player to score 10+ Premier League goals for Leeds? appeared first on Planet Football .
No Premier League players in the top 10 as things stand. The post WhoScoreds 10 best players in Europe in 2026-27: Surprise name beats Yamal, Mbappe appeared first on Planet Football .
The unbelievable Premier League table since Daniel Farke changed Leeds formation
What a run Leeds United have been on. The post The unbelievable Premier League table since Daniel Farke changed Leeds formation appeared first on Planet Football .
Leeds crushes Newcastle; Roma and Inter stay tied atop Serie A
Betis fairy tale start to the Spanish season continued with victory over Villarreal.
The top 10 dribblers in Europe
Good luck getting the ball off this lot... The post The top 10 dribblers in Europes five major leagues in 2026-27: Mbappe & Yamal battle for No 1 appeared first on Planet Football .
The wild Premier League table of 2026: Man Utd 3rd, Leeds 8th, Spurs 18th
Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford continue punching above their weight. The post The wild Premier League table of 2026: Man Utd 3rd, Leeds 8th, Spurs 18th appeared first on Planet Football .
Alvaro Arbeloa made Liverpool history while summing up Rafa Benitez
Taking important life lessons from his former boss. The post Alvaro Arbeloa made Liverpool history while summing up Rafa Benitezs best line appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name a player who has played for both clubs?
We recently put Ben to the test with our football club link quiz. Think you know the missing answers? Get in the comments down below! The post Can you name a player who has played for both clubs? appeared first on Planet Football .
The impressive Premier League table since Michael Carrick took charge of Man Utd
How does the big picture look? The post The impressive Premier League table since Michael Carrick took charge of Man Utd appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name everybody to play for both Newcastle
We'll be amazed if you can. The post Can you name everybody to play for both Newcastle & Leeds since 1992? appeared first on Planet Football .
You might have to cast your minds back. The post Can you name Leeds Uniteds top 20 Premier League appearance makers? appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name every club that Ronaldinho played for in his career?
One of the greatest players of his generation. The post Can you name every club that Ronaldinho played for in his career? appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name the top 50 appearance makers in Premier League history?
You'll be kicking yourself with one or two. The post Can you name the top 50 appearance makers in Premier League history? appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name Cristiano Ronaldo
Only CR7 superfans are getting full marks on this one. The post Can you name Cristiano Ronaldos 25 most common team-mates? appeared first on Planet Football .
City have come a long way in the time since. The post Can you name Man Citys XI from their first ever Champions League game? appeared first on Planet Football .
Lamine Yamal is approaching the Lionel Messi zone: The comparisons are impossible to ignore
Something is happening with Lamine Yamal. The post Lamine Yamal is approaching the Lionel Messi zone: The comparisons are impossible to ignore appeared first on Planet Football .
The top 10 goalscorers in Europe in the 2020s: Top four split by one, Salah 5th
Not a Messi or Ronaldo in sight. The post The top 10 goalscorers in Europe in the 2020s: Top four split by one, Salah 5th appeared first on Planet Football .
The top 10 Premier League goalscorers of the 2020s: When will Haaland catch Salah?
Who'll be top of the list by the end of the decade? The post The top 10 Premier League goalscorers of the 2020s: When will Haaland catch Salah? appeared first on Planet Football .
Comparing every Premier League club
Not great for Liverpool, Spurs or Man Utd... The post Comparing every Premier League clubs wage bill to its 2026-27 league position appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name every player to be sent off in a Premier League Manchester derby?
Not quite as many to get as other derbies, but full marks will still be tough. The post Can you name every player to be sent off in a Premier League Manchester derby? appeared first on Planet Football .
Sportword: Play daily football word game on Planet Sport
Play Planet Football's answer to Wordle. The post Sportword: Play daily football word game on Planet Sport appeared first on Planet Football .
10-man City beats United; Yamal stars for Barcelona
How close are Hull and Ipswich to setting a points record for promoted sides?
Letting down the side here Coventry... The post How close are Hull and Ipswich to setting a points record for promoted sides? appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name the 19 goalkeepers with 100+ Premier League clean sheets?
There should be some big scores here. The post Can you name the 19 goalkeepers with 100+ Premier League clean sheets? appeared first on Planet Football .
Gabriel Martinelli scores Saudi Pro League hat-trick on just third appearance after Arsenal exit
Something he was never able to do in seven years in the Premier League. The post Gabriel Martinelli scores Saudi Pro League hat-trick on just third appearance after Arsenal exit appeared first on Planet Football .
Kylian Mbappe scores two as Golden Boot race with Raphinha continues
Kylian Mbappe is on for another season of scoring plenty of goals. The post Kylian Mbappe scores two as Golden Boot race with Raphinha continues appeared first on Planet Football .
Only experts are getting anywhere near full marks. The post Can you name Real Madrids top 25 goalscorers of all time? appeared first on Planet Football .
Arsenal on course for Premier League record after Sunderland win
Arsenal have started the season in ominous form. The post Arsenal on course for Premier League record after Sunderland win appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name the top 18 scorers in Premier League Manchester derbies?
Some brilliant players have graced this fixture. The post Can you name the top 18 scorers in Premier League Manchester derbies? appeared first on Planet Football .
Top scorers in Manchester derby history: Erling Haaland to break the record?
Erling Haaland could put himself top of this list very soon. The post Top scorers in Manchester derby history: Erling Haaland to break the record? appeared first on Planet Football .
The iffy Premier League table since Tottenham appointed Roberto De Zerbi
De Zerbi has had his ups and downs already. The post The iffy Premier League table since Tottenham appointed Roberto De Zerbi appeared first on Planet Football .
The shocking Premier League home table since Spurs moved stadium in 2019
Oof. The post The shocking Premier League home table since Spurs moved stadium in 2019 appeared first on Planet Football .
Can you name every Brazilian to score 10+ Premier League goals?
There are 32 players to get. The post Can you name every Brazilian to score 10+ Premier League goals? appeared first on Planet Football .
Worst miss of the season contender as Birmingham player fluffs absolute sitter
How on earth has he missed that? The post Worst miss of the season contender as Birmingham player fluffs absolute sitter appeared first on Planet Football .
Lionel Messi record broken as Real Madrid loanee scores hat-trick
One of Messi's many record has been broken... The post Lionel Messi record broken as Real Madrid loanee scores hat-trick appeared first on Planet Football .
Comparing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
How do they compare in their twilight years? The post Comparing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldos stats over their last 100 matches appeared first on Planet Football .
An eclectic range of questions. The post Planet Football Weekend Quiz: First English club to win a UEFA trophy, PL fixture with the most red cards appeared first on Planet Football .
Champions League contenders PSG, Barcelona, Arsenal, Liverpool all start with wins
All four English clubs won their opening games; Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick for PSG; Raphinha scores two for Barcelona
Alexis Mac Allister 'Very, Very Sad' Liverpool Hasn't Offered Him A New Contract
Mac Allister, a Premier League winner with Liverpool in 2024-25, said he had options to leave Liverpool in the offseason
Liverpool right-back signing offered for free, but a squad rule could block it
Highlights: Liverpool have been offered free agent Dani Carvajal, the former Real Madrid right-back, according to TEAMtalk, with Manchester City and Fulham also given the chance to sign him. Carvajal, 34, left Real Madrid this summer after 13 years and 29 trophies, including six Champions League titles, but Liverpool haven't made any firm commitment to a deal. Liverpool's non-homegrown squad quota is already full for this season, meaning even if they wanted him, registering Carvajal before January might not be possible. Liverpool 's right-back position has been unsettled for over a year, ever since Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid. Now, in an odd twist, a route back to stability may be sitting with one of the players Alexander-Arnold used to line up against for club and country. Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid's captain until this summer, has been offered to Liverpool on a free transfer. Whether they can actually take him is a separate question entirely. Why does Liverpool even need this? Because nothing at right-back has settled since Alexander-Arnold's exit. Liverpool signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen as his direct replacement, but Frimpong has struggled to adapt to the Premier League. Conor Bradley, the other recognised option, has been out injured for months. Last season, Arne Slot leaned on Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones as makeshift right-backs, but Jones has since completed a 30m move to Inter Milan, closing off that option entirely. Into that gap stepped Ronald Araujo, a natural centre-back signed on loan from Barcelona, who played right-back against Ipswich Town and helped Liverpool to a comfortable 2-0 win alongside fellow summer arrival Jeremy Jacquet. It wasn't a spectacular performance. It was a solid one, and solid is exactly what the position has been missing. So why is Carvajal even being discussed? Because his resume makes it impossible not to. Across 13 years at Real Madrid, Carvajal won 29 trophies, six Champions Leagues and four LaLiga titles among them, plus Euro 2024 with Spain. Very few available free agents anywhere in Europe carry that level of pedigree. Transfermarkt lists his market value at just 7 million, reflecting his age rather than what he's actually won, and intermediaries have been sounding out Liverpool, Manchester City and Fulham on his behalf since his Real Madrid contract expired in July. The situation, as it stands Carvajal's status Free agent since July Clubs offered the deal Liverpool, Manchester City, Fulham Carvajal's age 34 Trophies won at Real Madrid 29, including 6 Champions Leagues Liverpool's stated position No firm commitment made Registration obstacle Non-homegrown quota already full What's actually stopping Liverpool from just signing him? Premier League squad rules. Clubs can register a maximum of 25 senior players, with no more than 17 of those non-homegrown, and Liverpool have already reached that non-homegrown limit for the current season. Even if Liverpool decided today that they wanted Carvajal, there's a real chance they couldn't officially register him until the January transfer window opens, turning what looks like a simple free transfer into a logistical puzzle before it's even a footballing decision. What's happening elsewhere in this window? Arsenal are keeping tabs on Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney as a potential backup option behind Kai Havertz, should Viktor Gykeres leave the club. Toney, 30, has started the Saudi Pro League season strongly, with six goals in five matches, but Arsenal's interest is described as monitoring rather than active pursuit for now, a much earlier stage than Liverpool's Carvajal situation.
Arsenal rally past Chelsea in comeback win
Arsenal came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 with captain Martin Odegaard scoring the winner as Mikel Artetas side made an early statement in the Premier League title race
Arsenal rally past Chelsea in comeback win
Arsenal came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 with captain Martin Odegaard scoring the winner as Mikel Artetas side made an early statement in the Premier League title race
Gianni Infantino to run for re-election despite failed World Cup sell-off plan
FIFA President Gianni Infantino will seek re-election in 2027 for a final term through 2031, despite mounting pressure over his now-abandoned plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profit
Diego Forlan names strong Uruguay provisional squad for India friendly
Isak nets double and Barcola debuts in Liverpools first win of season under new coach
He has to contribute towards the collective, and knowing when everyone helps, after the goals and assists will come, said Andoni Iraola on Alexander Isak
Premier League clubs smash summer transfer spending record
Man City leads spending spree with 458 million as Fernandez joins in record-equalling 125 million deal
Watch: Looking back at Lionel Messis international career
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the greatest chapters in the history of the beautiful game.
USA's Folarin Balogun set for Premier League move with Everton: Report
United States striker Folarin Balogun is set to head to Premier League team Everton on a transfer from Monaco, British media reported on Monday. The transfer fee offered by Everton is reported to be in the range of 40 million pounds ($54 million) on a four-year deal, the British Press Association said. It said personal terms had yet to be worked out before the deal could be completed prior to Tuesday's transfer deadline. The 25-year-old Balogun, who had two years remaining on a contract at Monaco, gained attention this summer scoring three goals for the United States as it reached the knockout stage of the World Cup. He was the top scorer for the U.S. team. He also made headlines after drawing a red card and a one-game suspension in a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in a round-of-32 match. The one-game suspension was deferred by FIFA after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened, allowing Balogun to play in the round of 16. Balogun eventually played in the 4-1 loss to Belgiu
South Korea hire former Spain boss Moreno as interim coach
The Korea Football Association (KFA) said Robert Moreno could lead the team at the Asian Cup, subject to an evaluation of his performance
Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football
It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time, Messi, 39, wrote on Instagram.
VIS-The Hindu u-15 inter-school tournament inaugurated
Gangulywelcomesinternational friendlies, calls for regular exposure for Indian footballers
Chennaiyin defenderEmmanuels noble work for a Bright football future in Rwanda
Tottenham Hotspur Signs Iliman Ndiaye as Richarlison Prepares to Return to Everton
New Delhi, August 30: Tottenham Hotspur has finalized a deal to sign winger Iliman Ndiaye from Everton. Meanwhile, forward Richarlison is set to return to Everton. These transfers are separate and not interconnected. Ndiayes arrival will strengthen Roberto De Zerbis squad as he joins new players Omar Marmoush and Savinho. According to a report from ... Read more Tottenham Hotspur Signs Iliman Ndiaye as Richarlison Prepares to Return to Everton
Rodri debuts with Barcelona in win over Athletic; Chelsea defeats Luton in League Cup
Barcelona's match was supposed to feature a tribute to Spain's World Cup champions but instead it became an act of support for the estelada flag, Catalonia's pro-independence symbol
UEFA Champions League: Holders PSG to meet Barcelona, Man City; Real Madrid to play Inter, Arsenal
Premier League, La Liga dominate Champions League with five teams each; final to be played at Atletico's Metropolitano
Madrid, Aug 27 (IANS) Chelseas 20-year-old Senegal international central defender Mamadou Sarr says he is very happy to be joining Real Sociedad on loan. Sarr was asked about the move to San Sebastian on Thursday ahead of his medical tests with the La Liga side, and he was accompanied by Real Sociedads sporting director Erik []
Anthony Andrews appointed India U17 women's assistant coach
Anthony Andrews also serves as head coach of East Bengal FC and will continue to hold that position too
Morgan Rogers scores on Chelsea debut as Blues beat Fulham; Roma hammers Fiorentina in Serie A
Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 with the aid of a strike from club record signing Morgan Rogers
Lalrindikas hat-trick powers East Bengal to Durand Cup glory
FC Jurong announces signing of Japanese Keisuke Honda
FIFA slaps Argentina with fines, bans over World Cup final
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee also fined Paredes $90,000 for sparking a post-match brawl after Spains 1-0 victory in extra time on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
FOOTBALL | New bosses, new order the Premier League landscape is unpredictable
A new era begins is the operative phrase ahead of the 2026-27 season as five of the Big Six clubs come in with a different manager compared to day one of the previous campaign
Messi scores first goal since father's death as Inter Miami draws with Philadelphia Union
Messi paid an emotional tribute to his father, Jorge, last week, saying he did not know how to continue without him
Durand Cup: East Bengal sneaks into the final
Arumainayagamelated withArjunaAward (Lifetime) honour
East Bengal drawn in tough group in ACL Two
Rodri joins Barcelona, says its a dream to play for the club
I'm excited about being with my teammates, many of them I already know; now it's time to get to work and give my best, said Rodri
A top official leaves FIFA, deepening the fallout from Infantinos World Cup sell-off plan
FIFAs chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, has reportedly left his role weeks after accusing president Gianni Infantino of deceiving staff with a World Cup sell-off plan
Barcelona land Ballon dOr winner Rodri from Manchester City
Barcelona has agreed to sign Manchester City's Rodri in a significant deal. The club's third offer secured the player's move after previous attempts failed. Rodri is expected to arrive soon and could be presented before Wednesday's match. Fullback Joao Cancelo is also set to return to Barcelona. The team is also seeking a striker after recent player departures.
Arsenal humbles Man City 3-0 to win Community Shield
New City boss Enzo Maresca suffers defeat in his first game in charge; Calafiori, Havertz and Odegaard score for Arsenal
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan says Sports Departments preliminary inquiry into the failed bid to bring Messi to Kerala during the previous LDF governments tenure revealed very serious allegations
Atletico Madrid sign Spurs captain Cristian Romero
British media reported Atletico paid around 34.2 million ($46.27 million) for the 28-year-old.
Jimmy Rimmer, European Cup winner with Man United and Aston Villa, dies at age 78
Two-time European Cup-winning goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer has died at age 78; he was at United from 1965-74 and then had three years at Arsenal before playing for Villa from 1977-83
Xavi Named Netherlands Head Coach, First Foreign Boss Since 1978
Xavi has signed a four-year deal, which means he will lead the Oranje's Euro 2028 and 2030 World Cup campaigns
Netherlands hires Spain great Xavi as first foreign-born coach since 1978
Spain great Xavi Hernandez was hired as Netherlands coach on Wednesday, becoming the first foreign-born leader of the national team in nearly 50 years. Xavi was a member of the Spain team that beat the Dutch in the World Cup final in 2010, marking their third defeat in the title match. The 46-year-old Xavi, who has been out of work since leaving his job as Barcelona coach in May 2024, takes over from Ronald Koeman after his departure following the World Cup. The former midfielder said he felt a special connection to Dutch football after coming through a Barcelona academy influenced by Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels. You could say that I am a bit of a son of Dutch football, said Xavi, who has signed a deal through to the 2030 World Cup. Other great coaches, especially Louis van Gaal, under whom I made my debut at Barcelona, ??and Frank Rijkaard, also played an important role in shaping me as a player and coach. The last foreign-born coach of the Netherlands was Ernst Happel f
Netherlands Football Team Appoints First Foreign Coach in 48 Years: Xavi Hernandez Takes Charge
New Delhi, August 13: Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands mens football team. The Spanish coach is the first foreign manager for the team in 48 years. His contract extends until the FIFA World Cup 2030. Xavi succeeds Ronald Koeman in this prestigious role. Upon his appointment, Xavi ... Read more Netherlands Football Team Appoints First Foreign Coach in 48 Years: Xavi Hernandez Takes Charge
Netherlands hires Spain great Xavi Hernandez as first foreign-born coach since 1978
Spain great Xavi Hernandez has been hired as Netherlands coach to become the first foreign-born leader of the national team in nearly 50 years
PSG retain UEFA Super Cup with 2-1 win over Aston Villa
PSG put in an impressive defensive display and join AC Milan and Real Madrid as the only teams to retain the trophy, as Luis Enrique won his 13th trophy since joining PSG in 2023
Chelsea Signs Spanish Player Pep Chavarria on a Five-Year Deal Until 2031
London, August 12: Premier League club Chelsea has announced the signing of Spanish player Pep Chavarria from La Liga team Rayo Vallecano. The 28-year-old has signed a five-year contract. Chavarria has committed to Chelsea until 2031 and will begin working with his new teammates at Cobham. In an official statement, he expressed his excitement, saying, ... Read more Chelsea Signs Spanish Player Pep Chavarria on a Five-Year Deal Until 2031
Highlights Chelsea have agreed a 16.3 million deal, plus 1.7 million in add-ons, to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria. The 28-year-old replaces Marc Cucurella, who left Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid this summer after winning the World Cup with Spain. Chavarria didn't make his La Liga debut until he was 24, and was sent off on his European debut three years later. Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria for an initial 16.3 million, with a further 1.7 million available in add-ons, according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano. The 28-year-old will undergo a medical before completing his move to Stamford Bridge, where he's expected to compete with Jorrel Hato for the left-back spot vacated by Marc Cucurella's move to Real Madrid. It's not the kind of signing Chelsea have built a reputation on in recent years. There's no wonderkid hype, no long-term sell-on value being banked on. Chavarria is 28, has four seasons of top-flight experience, and only started playing regularly in Spain's Segunda Divisin in his mid-twenties. Who is Pep Chavarria? Chavarria is a Spanish left-back who spent years working his way up from outside Spain's top two divisions. He joined Real Zaragoza on a free transfer in 2020 after arriving from third-tier side UE Olot, and didn't make his La Liga debut until he was 24 years old. Two years later, Rayo Vallecano signed him from Zaragoza for a reported 1.8 million. His rise since then has been steady rather than explosive. Andoni Iraola, Rayo's manager at the time, brought him in for his overlapping runs down the left; his more recent coach, Inigo Perez, has helped him add range to his game, including operating in midfield rather than purely as an out-and-out wing-back. Chavarria has called Perez the best coach he's worked with. Why are Chelsea paying 16.3m for him now? Because Xabi Alonso needed a direct, ready-made replacement for Marc Cucurella, and because this summer's transfer strategy at Stamford Bridge has leaned toward experience over potential. Chavarria's arrival follows the signings of 35-year-old striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton and 36-year-old midfielder Jordan Henderson from Brentford both moves aimed at adding senior figures to a squad that's previously been criticised for lacking them. He's also Chelsea's third defensive signing of the summer, following right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta and centre-back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, as Alonso rebuilds the back line around fewer long-term projects and more players who can contribute immediately. What does Chavarria actually offer on the pitch? More than his goal return suggests. He scored only once last season a long-range strike against Atletico Madrid and picked up more red cards than goals across the campaign, including one late on against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. But the underlying numbers tell a fuller story: across 44 appearances in all competitions, Chavarria racked up over 2,000 touches in La Liga and ranked among the division's most productive players for both crosses supplied and crosses blocked, a dual profile that points to a full-back doing defensive and attacking work in roughly equal measure. He started for Rayo in last season's Conference League final, a rare European final for a club of Rayo's size, where they lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace. Chavarria's path to Chelsea 2018 Joins Olot (Spain's third tier) as a free agent 2020 Joins Real Zaragoza as a free agent 2022 Signed by Rayo Vallecano from Zaragoza for 1.8m Age 24 Makes his La Liga debut Age 27 Sent off on his European debut, against Sweden's Hacken 2025-26 season Starts in the Conference League final; Rayo lose 1-0 to Crystal Palace 2026 Signed by Chelsea for 16.3m plus 1.7m in add-ons What's the case for the signing, beyond the numbers? Mentality, according to the people who've worked with him. Jose Ramon Rodriguez, who coached Chavarria at Zaragoza, has pointed to his attitude as the real reason clubs kept believing he'd go further than his age or route through the leagues suggested. There are players who develop later than others, Rodriguez has said of him. Team-mates and coaches who've worked with Chavarria describe someone who trains at full intensity regardless of results and never uses form or circumstance as an excuse qualities that are harder to put a transfer value on than crosses or clean sheets, but ones Alonso will be counting on all the same. Whether that's enough to make the step up to the Premier League remains the open question. Chavarria has never played outside Spain, and English football's physical demands, particularly around set pieces, are untested territory for him. His old coach's answer to that is simple: at every level he's been asked to play at, he's found a way to meet it.
