Identify the sole two players in the Premier League with star quality

By Damerex -
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Did you believe that Bukayo Saka or the current Ballon d’Or winner possesses 'star quality'? As though it makes a difference regardless...  ‘Is the Premier League experiencing a shortage of superstars?’ is an opening line from Sam Wallace in the Daily Telegraph that stems entirely from the absurd situation of the international break concluding with an FA Cup weekend lacking any of England's most popular clubs.  You realize you are drifting into middle age when you begin to ponder where all the true superstars have disappeared to; wasn’t it more enjoyable when you could leave your door unlocked, men were men, women were something unspecified, and the Premier League overflowed with star talent? The issue? It never truly was.  In the latest Forbes ranking of the top-earning athletes in 2024, which generally aligns with the most renowned players globally, the Premier League features three individuals: Erling Haaland, Mo Salah, and Kevin De Bruyne.  In 2020, the Premier L...
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Pep Guardiola clarifies the reason Erling Haaland did not participate in the match against Real Madrid

By Damerex -

• Erling Haaland remained on the bench as Man City fell to Real Madrid. 

• Forward suffering from injury sustained in the last match against Newcastle United 

• Pep Guardiola disclosed a crucial discussion that took place on the morning of the match. 

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that Erling Haaland chose he "wasn't ready" to confront Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday evening. 

Haaland's absence from the starting XI before kickoff at the Bernabeu was unexpected, as Madrid comfortably handled the second knockout play-off. 

Madrid possessed a narrow aggregate lead after a thrilling first leg comeback, but ultimately extended it to a four-goal margin thanks to Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick. A subdued City didn't truly challenge the Spanish giants until a late consolation, well after the match was no longer competitive. 

Haaland, who injured his knee in the match against Newcastle United over the weekend, didn't leave the bench at all. Guardiola subsequently clarified the circumstances and the reasoning behind the choice not to play. 

"Erling attempted to practice [on Tuesday] following the final play against Newcastle." "According to Guardiola, the images we have reviewed were okay, but he experienced discomfort when walking, like going up the stairs." 

"We talked, and he mentioned he wasn't prepared; he wasn't feeling well." 

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, who was once a teammate of Haaland at Borussia Dortmund, shared his sympathy, indicating he would have liked to face a fully-fit City. 

"You always prefer to face teams when they're at their best, and clearly, I hope his condition isn’t too severe." "I watched the video and I hope it’s not too severe; he’s a good friend of mine," Bellingham stated to TNT Sports. 

"You handle the opposition you're facing, and I believe we did it successfully." Even if their key players are out, they have other athletes who can fill in and make an impact, so I believe we handled that aspect effectively." 


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