The future is looking bright
Estevão at Chelsea and Mastantuono at Real Madrid have wasted no time showing that their price tags were not for potential alone. Both look like they are already pushing for starting spots, playing with a maturity far beyond their age. Born in 2007, neither look like kids finding their feet, they look like players ready for a big season ahead.
Richarlison, reborn
The resurgence of Richarlison under Thomas Frank continues. He looks sharper, hungrier and with a renewed sense of confidence in front of goal. Spurs have been waiting for this version of him.
Arsenal’s generational back four
Arsenal’s title winning teams of yesteryear were often built on solid defences. Calafiori, Gabriel, Saliba and Timber are certainly living up to that billing. Physically dominant, composed on the ball and already playing with the authority of a title-winning defence.
Pedri stakes his claim
Every week, Pedri makes the “best midfielder in the world” claim easier to defend. The pace of the game is set by his touch; his ability to control the game is quite simply the best we’ve seen for a long time. Against Levante he proved once again that when he is fit, there is nobody better.
Breakout season for Yildiz
Two assists against Parma are a sign of things to come for Kenan Yildiz. 2024/25 was the season he announced himself on the world stage; 2025/26 will be the year he breaks into world class territory. The young Turkish forward has the world at his feet.
Villa Grealish, reborn at Everton
The flair and freedom of Grealish’s Villa days have returned, only this time in Everton blue. He’s openly stated that he is enjoying his football again, which was clear from his performance on the weekend. With a new stadium, a genuine goalscorer in Iliman Ndiaye and Grealish returning to his best, it should be a memorable season for The Toffees.
Atlético on thin ice
One point from two games is bad enough, but what is more concerning is how devoid of ideas they’ve looked for a while. Simeone’s Atlético have been a constant for over a decade, but now they look more fragile than ever before. The inevitable question is starting to linger: is the golden era starting to fade?
Nico Paz, Madrid bound?
It now seems a question of when, not if Nico Paz is to return to Madrid. Against Lazio, Paz dominated. Playing as the attacking midfielder for Como, Paz scored and assisted in the 2-0 win. With a buy-back clause set at just €10m and Spurs seeing a €70m bid turned down, it seems it is now just a matter of time before we see the young star back at the Bernabéu.
Villarreal still a threat
There were concerns Villarreal were going to be weak following the departures of Alex Baena and Thierno Barry. The early signs suggest otherwise. Two wins in two games sees them top of La Liga, yet to concede. There’s enough quality, structure and grit left in this squad to make them a serious problem for anyone.
