WHAT’S PRESSURE: 22 JUNE 2024

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France have probably done enough to qualify for the round of 16 with 4 points to their name. However, they will need to win their last game to top the group.

Tchouameni hit the ground running. Looks like he was never away from the game. France look like a different team with Tchouameni. Their ability to control the ball improves significantly.

Silly Season and Other Stories

Show Mbe the Money

It ain’t about the money. It’s about the principles. Kylian Mbappe is one of the richest players on the planet. PSG owes. PSG must pay. One wonders what the plan of the PSG club is. Do they want the Frenchman to spend money on legal fees? Do they want to distract him? Are they just being incredibly petty? Whatever the case, these kinds of stories will soon turn the club into a joke.

Yoro story draws to a close

The story is that Real Madrid are waiting for Nacho’s decision. This doesn’t make much sense given Rafa Marin is on his way to Napoli. It makes even less sense given that Real Madrid would not work on a transfer for so long only to wait on a player to make up his mind. Real Madrid are playing their cards close to their chest on this one.

The Pressure

Danilo was visibly nervous and never really seemed to settle. Before he signed for Real Madrid he looked like the kind of fullback who would compete with Carvajal and strengthen the rightback position. You would never wish it on anyone to crumble mentally and emotionally during what should be most likely the pinnacle of their career.

No Pressure

The pressure on Arda from Turkey is something resembling the pressure on children whose parents want them to be high achievers and push them relentlessly until they succeed. The Ballon D’Or is one of the most difficult to achieve and Arda still has to make his way into regular minutes at Real Madrid before anyone can think about him being among the best players. I say this being one of Arda’s biggest fans. For me, the kid has genius in him. He’s special but that’s only potential. Football is played on the pitch. He needs to show it.

UP NEXT

The Diamond v The GOAT

This will be Arda’s biggest test yet. Portugal for all their little inconsistencies will still be too much for Turkey. There was a time during the season, I wasn’t sure Arda would be fit enough to play at the Euros. It’s absolutely fantastic that he's been able to make it and leave his mark on the tournament.

2024-06-22T11:56:31Z dg43tfdfdgfd