Matthijs de Ligt

With this year's World Cup being held in the middle of the European soccer season, many questioned the impact it would have on the players’ clubs. While there have been some high-profile injuries, there've also been some players who've written their names among the stars. 

For their clubs, this break has helped star players gain global recognition and grow their values ahead of the January transfer window. Whether they cash in and sell high or keep their players, the World Cup has absolutely helped some clubs more than others. 

With nine successive Serie A titles followed by two campaigns where Champions League qualification seemed a shallow silver lining, Juventus’ fall from grace has been clear to see in recent years. This summer has seen several big names depart Turin, and the Bianconeri will be hard-pressed to find adequate replacements in order to once again fight for the Scudetto.

A well-oiled defense can be the difference between going out in the group stage and winning a tournament. Scoring four goals in a game is well and good until you turn around are realize the other team scored five. Every successful team needs to be able to keep the ball out of its own net. Defending is an art, and at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, many artists will be on display, putting their bodies on the line to ensure their team advances to the next round. But not all defenders are created equal.

The Bayern Munich starting XI 2022-23 lineup is going to be an incredibly difficult decision for manager Julian Nagelsmann. The departure of Robert Lewandowski has left a hole the size of Bavaria in Bayern’s attack. Without a solid replacement at center forward, what will Nagelsmann do?

Nagelsmann loves himself a 4-2-3-1 formation and it’s hard to see him stepping away from it. For this example, that formation will be used. Here’s an idea of how the defending Bundesliga champions could lineup.

This Saturday, hallowed Lambeau Field plays host to an exhibition match between Premier League champion Manchester City and Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich. This will be the first-ever professional soccer match held at Lambeau, and for good reason: The field isn’t big enough.

Bad news, soccer fans. Lambeau Field isn't wide enough for the #WorldCup https://t.co/xJKlkXZE3J

At present, the European football transfer revolving door is in full swing. Players are looking for new clubs and clubs are looking for new players with massive transfer fees flowing in the opposite direction. With many new confirmed transfers emerging in recent days, it seems that a move for Champions League winner Christian Pulisic could be on the cards.

Matthijs de Ligt is one of the best young defenders in the game, but the 21-year-old just made one of the biggest mistakes of his career. The Matthijs de Ligt red card was a critical turning point in the Czech Republic’s 2-0 win over the Netherlands in the Round of 16 of Euro 2020 on Sunday in Budapest.