I enjoyed the international break, but I prefer the weekly games.

The Union are still undefeated in 13 games with their new coach beating RSL 2-1. Sullivan helped set up the first goal and smoked three or four fools on one run, but was a little quiet. Pierre gave a master class in one-v-one defending. Justin Ellis came off the bench and did not do much in highlights, but Taha Habroune did many great things. He is Olympic eligible, and that is where he belongs. Peyton Miller looked dangerous for New England but did not score.

In news about the only team that matters, FC Barcelona beat the Washington Generals (Getafe) 3-0. They are the only team with an umblemished record in the top European leagues. The second best team in Europe is their reserves.

sluggo said:

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I enjoyed the international break, but I prefer the weekly games.

The Union are still undefeated in 13 games with their new coach beating RSL 2-1. Sullivan helped set up the first goal and smoked three or four fools on one run, but was a little quiet. Pierre gave a master class in one-v-one defending. Justin Ellis came off the bench and did not do much in highlights, but Taha Habroune did many great things. He is Olympic eligible, and that is where he belongs. Peyton Miller looked dangerous for New England but did not score.

In news about the only team that matters, FC Barcelona beat the Washington Generals (Getafe) 3-0. They are the only team with an umblemished record in the top European leagues. The second best team in Europe is their reserves.

---

That's a bit of an exaggeration, no?

EPL leader Man city at Liverpool just started, live on NBC, should be a good game.

Cal88 said:

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sluggo said:

---

I enjoyed the international break, but I prefer the weekly games.

The Union are still undefeated in 13 games with their new coach beating RSL 2-1. Sullivan helped set up the first goal and smoked three or four fools on one run, but was a little quiet. Pierre gave a master class in one-v-one defending. Justin Ellis came off the bench and did not do much in highlights, but Taha Habroune did many great things. He is Olympic eligible, and that is where he belongs. Peyton Miller looked dangerous for New England but did not score.

In news about the only team that matters, FC Barcelona beat the Washington Generals (Getafe) 3-0. They are the only team with an umblemished record in the top European leagues. The second best team in Europe is their reserves.

---

That's a bit of an exaggeration, no?

EPL leader Man city at Liverpool just started, live on NBC, should be a good game.

---

It is hyperbole. Their bench is ridiculously good, almost unfair. If there was a reserve league they would never lose, that is not an exaggeration.

sluggo said:

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In news about the only team that matters, FC Barcelona beat the Washington Generals (Getafe) 3-0. They are the only team with an umblemished record in the top European leagues. The second best team in Europe is their reserves.

---

Manchester City is 6-0 in the EPL, they just thrashed Liverpool 3-0 on the road.

Cal88 said:

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sluggo said:

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In news about the only team that matters, FC Barcelona beat the Washington Generals (Getafe) 3-0. They are the only team with an umblemished record in the top European leagues. The second best team in Europe is their reserves.

---

Manchester City is 6-0 in the EPL, they just thrashed Liverpool 3-0 on the road.

---

I was parroting an announcer from yesterday. I thought MC might have had a bad result in the Champions League, but I just checked and you are correct. Man City looked great when I saw them earlier this year. Of course they were found guilty of breaching financial fair play, so things could happen to them during the season.

I'd hope they'd let them play out the season at the very least, instead of just cancelling them.

Big game midweek in the Champions League, Man City hosts defending double European champs PSG, Wed noon PST.

PSG having their worst start in ages in Ligue 1, currently in 5th place, at 3-2-1 in their first 6 games.

The recently wounded USMNT starters and prominent players who missed the just concluded Sept/Oct window seem to be playing for their clubs in Europe and on track for the November window call-up for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal home-and-away matches against Haiti (Nov. 14 and 17).

Folarin Balogun came in as a sub at minute 58 in Monaco's 2-2 draw v Toulouse in the French Ligue 1.

Christian Pulisic started and played 78 minutes for AC Milan in a 1-1 draw v Sassuolo in the Italian Serie A.

Weston Mckennie started and played the first half for Juventus in a 1-1 draw v Cagliaria in Serie A.

Johnny Cardoso started and played the whole match in Atletico Madrid's 2-1 win v Alaves in La Liga.

Several other notable US players were active for European clubs from Fri.-Sun. as well, including Gio Reyna (Strasbourg), Alex Freeman (Villareal), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Sergino Dest (PSV). Ricardo Pepi still injured for PSV.

I have no idea exactly what happened in Diego Kochen's match for Lyngby in the Danish league, but he started and played the entire game, but gave up 5 goals in a 5-2 loss. Ouch. No idea how much was his fault.

Good to play youngsters in meaningless games so far from any meaningful games when team/player cohesion matter!

Some defensive vets were there to add stability, to be competitive?

concordtom said:

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Good to play youngsters in meaningless games so far from any meaningful games when team/player cohesion matter!

Some defensive vets were there to add stability, to be competitive?

---

I somewhat agree, though I'd say a couple things:

1. There are friendlies and there are friendlies. Friendlies against Mexico (and to some extent, Canada) are not truly meaningless given the context of the last few years. The US must get back to being top dog in CONCACAF and this window was a start (but just a start). Mexico and Canada certainly took these matches seriously. If nothing else, the hostile crowd of mostly El Tri fans in Glendale AZ was a good environment for Cavan Sullivan and the other youngsters to experience a bit of adversity. And the next matches the US plays, in the November window, are competitive ones. A home-and-home against Haiti for the CONCACAF Nations League quarter finals ARE meaningful - just not as meaningful as the World Cup (or Copa America or even Gold Cup), but still meaningful.

2. I wish our "defensive vets" added stability. It's probably our biggest area of weakness, other than maybe goalkeeping. We have one very good defensive player in 22yo right back Alex Freeman (Villareal) who has blossomed before our eyes over the last year. Kind of crazy that he's a "vet" now, but I guess the shoe fits. We also have a decent defensive player in 26yo center back Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), who is legitimately a vet. The others? It is slim pickings.

Left back Antonee "Jedi" Robinson (Fulham) can have his moments, but he is 29 and will be almost 33 at the 2030 WC, getting to the tail end of his prime. With Tim Ream (thankfully) retired, our default starter at the other center back spot is 28yo Auston Trusty (Glasgow Celtic), but he should not be a starter for a good team. Same with 25yo George Campbell (West Brom). So we all hope that 18yo 6'7" center back Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union, probably will transfer to a European club soon) is the answer instead.

And as for backups at left and right back... ugh... best hope is 18yo Petyton Miller (New England Revolution) at left back, though the speedy youngster has been playing left wing for his club. He too needs a transfer to a mid-tier European club who will give him stiffer competition and play him at left back or at least wing-back so he can get practice defending. Our flier on the mediocre 20yo right back Frankie Westfield (Philadelphia Union) this camp was a flop. Hence sluggo's gambit earlier in his projected lineup, predicting US star Weston Mckennie (Juventus) who was not at this last camp coming off injury, to move from his attacking midfield position to left back over the next few years since we now have an abundance of attacking midfielders.

You can argue holding midfielder "6" Tyler Adams (Bournemouth) is a defensive vet, and that is indeed his main role. But we need to find someone that can do that AND progress the offense better than Adams does. It would be great if 17yo Adri Mehmeti (Red Bull New York) would grow into that role, though he had a fairly unimpressive camp... that's ok, he's still very young. Holding midfielder Johnny Cardoso (Atletico Madrid) coming back from injury may also help here.

OneKeg said:

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concordtom said:

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Good to play youngsters in meaningless games so far from any meaningful games when team/player cohesion matter!

Some defensive vets were there to add stability, to be competitive?

---

I somewhat agree, though I'd say a couple things:

1. There are friendlies and there are friendlies. Friendlies against Mexico (and to some extent, Canada) are not truly meaningless given the context of the last few years. The US must get back to being top dog in CONCACAF and this window was a start (but just a start). Mexico and Canada certainly took these matches seriously. If nothing else, the hostile crowd of mostly El Tri fans in Glendale AZ was a good environment for Cavan Sullivan and the other youngsters to experience a bit of adversity. And the next matches the US plays, in the November window, are competitive ones. A home-and-home against Haiti for the CONCACAF Nations League quarter finals ARE meaningful - just not as meaningful as the World Cup (or Copa America or even Gold Cup), but still meaningful.

2. I wish our "defensive vets" added stability. It's probably our biggest area of weakness, other than maybe goalkeeping. We have one very good defensive player in 22yo right back Alex Freeman (Villareal) who has blossomed before our eyes over the last year. Kind of crazy that he's a "vet" now, but I guess the shoe fits. We also have a decent defensive player in 26yo center back Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), who is legitimately a vet. The others? It is slim pickings.

Left back Antonee "Jedi" Robinson (Fulham) can have his moments, but he is 29 and will be almost 33 at the 2030 WC, getting to the tail end of his prime. With Tim Ream (thankfully) retired, our default starter at the other center back spot is 28yo Auston Trusty (Glasgow Celtic), but he should not be a starter for a good team. Same with 25yo George Campbell (West Brom). So we all hope that 18yo 6'7" center back Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union, probably will transfer to a European club soon) is the answer instead.

And as for backups at left and right back... ugh... best hope is 18yo Petyton Miller (New England Revolution) at left back, though the speedy youngster has been playing left wing for his club. He too needs a transfer to a mid-tier European club who will give him stiffer competition and play him at left back or at least wing-back so he can get practice defending. Our flier on the mediocre 20yo right back Frankie Westfield (Philadelphia Union) this camp was a flop. Hence sluggo's gambit earlier in his projected lineup, predicting US star Weston Mckennie (Juventus) who was not at this last camp coming off injury, to move from his attacking midfield position to left back over the next few years since we now have an abundance of attacking midfielders.

You can argue holding midfielder "6" Tyler Adams (Bournemouth) is a defensive vet, and that is indeed his main role. But we need to find someone that can do that AND progress the offense better than Adams does. It would be great if 17yo Adri Mehmeti (Red Bull New York) would grow into that role, though he had a fairly unimpressive camp... that's ok, he's still very young. Holding midfielder Johnny Cardoso (Atletico Madrid) coming back from injury may also help here.

---

We have more or less mind melded in this thread, so I only highlight where we (slightly) disagree. My McKennie to left back gambit is not out of nowhere. In the Champions League in a desperation game last year that Juventus lost McKennie played left back AND left wing at the same time. That is, he played left back on defense and left wing, maybe striker, when they got the ball. And scored, look it up. When he is engaged and in shape and not injured he is Superman. But he cannot always give the best version of himself.

I think that the door is closed on the mediocrities like Aidan Morris and Tanner Tessman. There are enough guys who are good that Berhalter is as low as we go (and I wish we did not play him). I do think there is room for highly skilled players who may be not superior athletes like Habroune and Tsakiris. I think it is more likely they become more athletic than the Boro guys become more skilled.

There is talk of Peyton Miller to a top league, even the Premier league. But like Gozo, I think best that he not to fly too close to the sun. I think France might be a good place for him, or maybe lower in the Netherlands.

I think center back is the one position where a guy can put in a shift even if they do not bring much to the table. So I don't discount Trusty or Campbell, even though I think Pierre is already better than either. And as you said, Richards is not even that good, even though he thinks he is.

Here is a nice video of Freeman against Real Madrid last weekend. He does get roasted a few times, but he is going up against two of the top players in the world (Diomande and Vini Jr.). He gets the offside line slightly wrong that results in a goal. Nevertheless, he does not look out of place, which is amazing. We need all our players to fit in in the very top games. And he is only 22 and less than one year removed from MLS. And he was born to be one of the world's best center backs, not a very good right back. Some day his coaches will understand.

Great video on Freeman. Not many backs could win or stalemate the number of attacking moves that studs like Diomande and Vini tried on him as Freeman did. The Tactical Manager youtube channel said that Freeman led the match in defensive duels won. Did you notice that they switched Diomande from left wing to right wing in the second half (where he scored his goal), possibly to get him away from Freeman and try Vini there instead? Freeman also looked pretty good with the ball at his feet - I saw a few great passes, many routine solid ones, and only one bad one, which is all you can ask for playing against Real fricking Madrid.

I hope that Peyton Miller does not go to some top team. I think that spells career decline for him if he does. Even French Ligue 1 seems too high a level (for now). Mid-tier Italian Serie A is about as high as he should go. Honestly Dutch Eredivisie as you said, or even EFL Championship league would be fine for a year or two, as long as they play him at left back (or left wing-back). Really that would have been a better place for Gozo too. If Miller could become a good left back for the US, that would be a major development.

I'd even say the same for Neil Pierre, though given his physical traits, he will probably go to some top club. The key for Pierre is to learn to defend in a league where they value defense and the matches are not glorified exhibitions as in the MLS. But not be overwhelmed. Because if he can do that, the sky's the limit.

(For different reasons, I'd say similar things for Justin Ellis and Julian Hall too - you're 18+, so in January, go play in Europe where games matter and the level of competition is higher, but not too much higher, at least to start with.... Dutch Eredivisie would be perfect for Hall, though I'm sure his sights are set higher.)

All the above kids are 18+. Let's see what happens in the January trading window! Maybe some can go and make Freeman-type leaps up in confidence and development. Freeman will soon end up somewhere better, but it's hard to think of a more ideal stepping stone than a mid-tier La Liga team like Villareal for him to have started this Euro season and skyrocket as we're witnessing.

OneKeg said:

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Great video on Freeman. Not many backs could win or stalemate the number of attacking moves that studs like Diomande and Vini tried on him as Freeman did. The Tactical Manager youtube channel said that Freeman led the match in defensive duels won. Did you notice that they switched Diomande from left wing to right wing in the second half (where he scored his goal), possibly to get him away from Freeman and try Vini there instead? Freeman also looked pretty good with the ball at his feet - I saw a few great passes, many routine solid ones, and only one bad one, which is all you can ask for playing against Real fricking Madrid.

I hope that Peyton Miller does not go to some top team. I think that spells career decline for him if he does. Even French Ligue 1 seems too high a level (for now). Mid-tier Italian Serie A is about as high as he should go. Honestly Dutch Eredivisie as you said, or even EFL Championship league would be fine for a year or two, as long as they play him at left back (or left wing-back). Really that would have been a better place for Gozo too. If Miller could become a good left back for the US, that would be a major development.

I'd even say the same for Neil Pierre, though given his physical traits, he will probably go to some top club. The key for Pierre is to learn to defend in a league where they value defense and the matches are not glorified exhibitions as in the MLS. But not be overwhelmed. Because if he can do that, the sky's the limit.

(For different reasons, I'd say similar things for Justin Ellis and Julian Hall too - you're 18+, so in January, go play in Europe where games matter and the level of competition is higher, but not too much higher, at least to start with.... Dutch Eredivisie would be perfect for Hall, though I'm sure his sights are set higher.)

All the above kids are 18+. Let's see what happens in the January trading window! Maybe some can go and make Freeman-type leaps up in confidence and development. Freeman will soon end up somewhere better, but it's hard to think of a more ideal stepping stone than a mid-tier La Liga team like Villareal for him to have started this Euro season and skyrocket as we're witnessing.

---

Here are some topics we slightly disagree about.

They might have have switched the wingers because Freeman was a mark and Vini is better. I saw Diomande beat him multiple times, although Freeman's size allowed him to make good recoveries. And it also makes him great on double teams. I thought he was okay, which is a huge complement against Madrid. His feet were good, but they could get better. It is rare, but McKennie's got better in his 20s and Freeman, like McKennie, is an NFL level athlete.

Pierre has good defensive instincts. I think maybe too much is expected because he is 6'7'', like he can get to every play. I think his instincts are already the best among US defenders. I think he should be in the Premier League, specifically for Arsenal because of their set pieces. These days he is just being held every set piece and his coach is not smart enough to get him free.

Right now, I think the Premier League is laps ahead of any rivals. After that, I am not sure how different Germany, France, Spain, and Italy are. They have 1-3 teams at the top, but the bottom has fallen out. Maybe The first two are faster and the second two are more tactical, but the quality is to my eye about the same. I think Miller should not go to the Premier League but after that it is the team that matters, somewhere he will play. The Dutch league is famous for lots of goals, so that would be good for Hall to improve his finishing.

I think Ellis is a top, top player and should go to the Premier League. I think his skill is already there. I am not sure if he is strong enough, but he can build it up in the weight room. And I don't think he is a player whose confidence can get shaken like I think has happened to Gozo.

I have come around to your opinion I was a little too excited by Gozo. Too much of his success was athletic, not enough was footwork. I do think he can get there, but the sooner he is in a lower league the better.

sluggo said:

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OneKeg said:

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Great video on Freeman. Not many backs could win or stalemate the number of attacking moves that studs like Diomande and Vini tried on him as Freeman did. The Tactical Manager youtube channel said that Freeman led the match in defensive duels won. Did you notice that they switched Diomande from left wing to right wing in the second half (where he scored his goal), possibly to get him away from Freeman and try Vini there instead? Freeman also looked pretty good with the ball at his feet - I saw a few great passes, many routine solid ones, and only one bad one, which is all you can ask for playing against Real fricking Madrid.

I hope that Peyton Miller does not go to some top team. I think that spells career decline for him if he does. Even French Ligue 1 seems too high a level (for now). Mid-tier Italian Serie A is about as high as he should go. Honestly Dutch Eredivisie as you said, or even EFL Championship league would be fine for a year or two, as long as they play him at left back (or left wing-back). Really that would have been a better place for Gozo too. If Miller could become a good left back for the US, that would be a major development.

I'd even say the same for Neil Pierre, though given his physical traits, he will probably go to some top club. The key for Pierre is to learn to defend in a league where they value defense and the matches are not glorified exhibitions as in the MLS. But not be overwhelmed. Because if he can do that, the sky's the limit.

(For different reasons, I'd say similar things for Justin Ellis and Julian Hall too - you're 18+, so in January, go play in Europe where games matter and the level of competition is higher, but not too much higher, at least to start with.... Dutch Eredivisie would be perfect for Hall, though I'm sure his sights are set higher.)

All the above kids are 18+. Let's see what happens in the January trading window! Maybe some can go and make Freeman-type leaps up in confidence and development. Freeman will soon end up somewhere better, but it's hard to think of a more ideal stepping stone than a mid-tier La Liga team like Villareal for him to have started this Euro season and skyrocket as we're witnessing.

---

Here are some topics we slightly disagree about.

They might have have switched the wingers because Freeman was a mark and Vini is better. I saw Diomande beat him multiple times, although Freeman's size allowed him to make good recoveries. And it also makes him great on double teams. I thought he was okay, which is a huge complement against Madrid. His feet were good, but they could get better. It is rare, but McKennie's got better in his 20s and Freeman, like McKennie, is an NFL level athlete.

Pierre has good defensive instincts. I think maybe too much is expected because he is 6'7'', like he can get to every play. I think his instincts are already the best among US defenders. I think he should be in the Premier League, specifically for Arsenal because of their set pieces. These days he is just being held every set piece and his coach is not smart enough to get him free.

Right now, I think the Premier League is laps ahead of any rivals. After that, I am not sure how different Germany, France, Spain, and Italy are. They have 1-3 teams at the top, but the bottom has fallen out. Maybe The first two are faster and the second two are more tactical, but the quality is to my eye about the same. I think Miller should not go to the Premier League but after that it is the team that matters, somewhere he will play. The Dutch league is famous for lots of goals, so that would be good for Hall to improve his finishing.

I think Ellis is a top, top player and should go to the Premier League. I think his skill is already there. I am not sure if he is strong enough, but he can build it up in the weight room. And I don't think he is a player whose confidence can get shaken like I think has happened to Gozo.

I have come around to your opinion I was a little too excited by Gozo. Too much of his success was athletic, not enough was footwork. I do think he can get there, but the sooner he is in a lower league the better.

---

4 out of the last 5 Champions Leagues were won by non-EPL teams.

Cal88 said:

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sluggo said:

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OneKeg said:

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Great video on Freeman. Not many backs could win or stalemate the number of attacking moves that studs like Diomande and Vini tried on him as Freeman did. The Tactical Manager youtube channel said that Freeman led the match in defensive duels won. Did you notice that they switched Diomande from left wing to right wing in the second half (where he scored his goal), possibly to get him away from Freeman and try Vini there instead? Freeman also looked pretty good with the ball at his feet - I saw a few great passes, many routine solid ones, and only one bad one, which is all you can ask for playing against Real fricking Madrid.

I hope that Peyton Miller does not go to some top team. I think that spells career decline for him if he does. Even French Ligue 1 seems too high a level (for now). Mid-tier Italian Serie A is about as high as he should go. Honestly Dutch Eredivisie as you said, or even EFL Championship league would be fine for a year or two, as long as they play him at left back (or left wing-back). Really that would have been a better place for Gozo too. If Miller could become a good left back for the US, that would be a major development.

I'd even say the same for Neil Pierre, though given his physical traits, he will probably go to some top club. The key for Pierre is to learn to defend in a league where they value defense and the matches are not glorified exhibitions as in the MLS. But not be overwhelmed. Because if he can do that, the sky's the limit.

(For different reasons, I'd say similar things for Justin Ellis and Julian Hall too - you're 18+, so in January, go play in Europe where games matter and the level of competition is higher, but not too much higher, at least to start with.... Dutch Eredivisie would be perfect for Hall, though I'm sure his sights are set higher.)

All the above kids are 18+. Let's see what happens in the January trading window! Maybe some can go and make Freeman-type leaps up in confidence and development. Freeman will soon end up somewhere better, but it's hard to think of a more ideal stepping stone than a mid-tier La Liga team like Villareal for him to have started this Euro season and skyrocket as we're witnessing.

---

Here are some topics we slightly disagree about.

They might have have switched the wingers because Freeman was a mark and Vini is better. I saw Diomande beat him multiple times, although Freeman's size allowed him to make good recoveries. And it also makes him great on double teams. I thought he was okay, which is a huge complement against Madrid. His feet were good, but they could get better. It is rare, but McKennie's got better in his 20s and Freeman, like McKennie, is an NFL level athlete.

Pierre has good defensive instincts. I think maybe too much is expected because he is 6'7'', like he can get to every play. I think his instincts are already the best among US defenders. I think he should be in the Premier League, specifically for Arsenal because of their set pieces. These days he is just being held every set piece and his coach is not smart enough to get him free.

Right now, I think the Premier League is laps ahead of any rivals. After that, I am not sure how different Germany, France, Spain, and Italy are. They have 1-3 teams at the top, but the bottom has fallen out. Maybe The first two are faster and the second two are more tactical, but the quality is to my eye about the same. I think Miller should not go to the Premier League but after that it is the team that matters, somewhere he will play. The Dutch league is famous for lots of goals, so that would be good for Hall to improve his finishing.

I think Ellis is a top, top player and should go to the Premier League. I think his skill is already there. I am not sure if he is strong enough, but he can build it up in the weight room. And I don't think he is a player whose confidence can get shaken like I think has happened to Gozo.

I have come around to your opinion I was a little too excited by Gozo. Too much of his success was athletic, not enough was footwork. I do think he can get there, but the sooner he is in a lower league the better.

---

4 out of the last 5 Champions Leagues were won by non-EPL teams.

---

I agree with you that the top teams are still spread across leagues. In Spain, FCB, Madrid and Atletico are great. In Germany, most years it is just Bayern. In Italy, it is only Inter. In France, PSG has not only won the last two years but I think they have been legitimately the best team both years. It is after these top teams where the quality is so different. I think the 12th place team in the Premier League would finish top 4 in these other leagues.

The French league does lack depth, but Spain has been ahead of England in he Europa League as well, made up of teams who have missed the CL. I would say that the EPL is 2nd behind La Liga, ahead of the Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1 in that order.

Cal88 said:

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The French league does lack depth, but Spain has been ahead of England in he Europe League as well, made up of teams who have missed the CL. I would say that the EPL is 2nd behind La Liga, ahead of the Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1 in that order.

---

For the top 3 Spain is the only league that can compete with England. I think the depth is better in England but I don't have supporting stats.

Europa League is apples to apples as far as upper middle teams that just miss the CL.

Speaking of CL, Bayern is down 2-0 at Norwegian club Viking FK early in the 2nd half.

VIKING 2-0 BAYERN MUNICH 😳😳😳😳pic.twitter.com/kNUAmwP587 https://t.co/6iAZA3om0T

— Troll Football Media (@TrollFootball2) October 13, 2026

Barcelona tied 1-1 at Galatasary, Cancelo equalized for Barca just before halftime.

Order restored, Barca with 3 goals in 15m now up 4-1, Bayern with 2 goals to tie it, Arsenal scores 2 against Lille at home. Brugge up at Inter 2-1 is the only (mild) upset so far.

Cal88 said:

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Order restored, Barca with 3 goals in 15m now up 4-1, Bayern with 2 goals to tie it, Arsenal scores 2 against Lille at home. Brugge up at Inter 2-1 is the only (mild) upset so far.

---

Watched the second half of the Barca game. They were in fine form. The announcers said they had last won the Champions League in 2015. In 2027 they will add to their trophy case.

You two certainly follow European leagues more comprehensively than I do. Often, I tend to just follow the teams with US players.

That being said, my general impression is that the Premier League is the best from top to bottom, but not if you just look at the top teams in each league. La Liga is the most fun to watch these days because they play the most beautiful game - certainly Barca, but even Villareal with Alex Freeman is a blast to watch, and they are mid-table. The Premier League by contrast is so focused on speed and physicality.

After those two, I would put the French Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga in quality, not sure which order, with the Italian Serie A slightly behind those. To compare Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, I'd say the Bundesliga is a counterattacking league, but both are physical, closer to the Premier League than La Liga.

Just my general impressions - I could be wrong.

Speaking of Alex Freeman, after starting against Real Madrid over the weekend, he came in at minute 63 in Villareal's 3-1 Champions League win over Napoli. (Villareal outscored Napoli 1-0 while Freeman was in).

And Johnny Cardoso, after starting in Atletico Madrid's La Liga win over the weekend, started again today and played the whole match at holding mid in Atletico's 2-1 Champions League win over Manchester United.

Sergino Dest started for PSV at right back and played the whole match in their 1-0 Champions League loss to Red Bull Leipzig from the Bundesliga.

My guy George Campbell started and played the whole match at center back in West Brom's come-from-behind 2-1 EFL Championship League win over Wrexham.

I won't relate what all the various mediocre Americans on each side did (5 of them played) in Middlesbrough's come-from-behind 3-2 EFL Championship League win over Stoke since it will put sluggo to sleep. US Players in the match were Jack McGlynn and 18yo Luca Bombino for Stoke and Sebastian Berhalter, Aiden Morris and Max Arfsten for Boro.

OneKeg said:

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You two certainly follow European leagues more comprehensively than I do. Often, I tend to just follow the teams with US players.

That being said, my general impression is that the Premier League is the best from top to bottom, but not if you just look at the top teams in each league. La Liga is the most fun to watch these days because they play the most beautiful game - certainly Barca, but even Villareal with Alex Freeman is a blast to watch, and they are mid-table. The Premier League by contrast is so focused on speed and physicality.

After those two, I would put the French Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga in quality, not sure which order, with the Italian Serie A slightly behind those. To compare Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, I'd say the Bundesliga is a counterattacking league, but both are physical, closer to the Premier League than La Liga.

Just my general impressions - I could be wrong.

Speaking of Alex Freeman, after starting against Real Madrid over the weekend, he came in at minute 63 in Villareal's 3-1 Champions League win over Napoli. (Villareal outscored Napoli 1-0 while Freeman was in).

And Johnny Cardoso, after starting in Atletico Madrid's La Liga win over the weekend, started again today and played the whole match at holding mid in Atletico's 2-1 Champions League win over Manchester United.

Sergino Dest started for PSV at right back and played the whole match in their 1-0 Champions League loss to Red Bull Leipzig from the Bundesliga.

My guy George Campbell started and played the whole match at center back in West Brom's come-from-behind 2-1 EFL Championship League win over Wrexham.

I won't relate what all the various mediocre Americans on each side did (5 of them played) in Middlesbrough's come-from-behind 3-2 EFL Championship League win over Stoke since it will put sluggo to sleep. US Players in the match were Jack McGlynn and 18yo Luca Bombino for Stoke and Sebastian Berhalter, Aiden Morris and Max Arfsten for Boro.

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Don't let me silence you! To me all five of those guy are like the same guy (although they have different strengths), good players, players who could start many years I have been following the team (since 1990), but no longer interesting. Unfortunately, Poch does not agree with me on Berhalter.

Your guy is a viable backup CB. He is worth following, I think. I guess he had one cap before this last window, but I must have missed it.

Dest is still on the radar, but I don't expect him to make it in 2030. I think injuries have taken away some of his burst, which was his weakness anyway.

It is great that Johnny is establishing himself at Atletico. He is still only 25. I see him as a starter soon. But Adams is the new captain, unfortunately.

The Champions and Europa leagues take the top 7. But that leaves 11 or 13 teams depending on the league. I think the top 15 teams in the Premier League are strong by world standards, meaning they could make the Europa league is there were league transfers. But that is just a thought experiment. I so think transfermarket valuations would agree, but I have a no research policy.

Every week I watch Barca and the Philadelphia Union. I have dropped Arsenal. Anything else is highlights or scores. I have had extra time because I could not play myself due to a minor surgery basically since the international season started. But I am back! I will play on Sunday. I am 50 something, but I will keep playing until I am the worst player on my team, which has not happened yet. I am a center back in the style of Mark McKenzie. I make some nervous mistakes, but I do try to play out of the back, sometimes to the chagrin of my teammates. "Just clear it." "Nope, we are playing soccer today."

This is funny. FIFA is changing the "rules" that led to the Balogun red card reversal. As if there were rules. BTW, I have read Infantino's potential challenger has taken another position within the organization. So we are stuck with this disaster for another term.

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/50182058/fifa-set-change-rules-folarin-balogun-world-cup-red-card-reversal

PSG up 3-0 at halftime vs Man City in the Champions League, 3 goals in the first half hour, crushing the top EPL team on its home turf. Watch the assist on the 3rd goal:

🚨🚨 VITINHA HAS MADE IT THREE FOR PSG! THEY ARE TOO GOOD! 🤯🤯

Manchester City 0-3 PSG. pic.twitter.com/8cZfY5WEDz

— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) October 14, 2026

A PSG-Barca CL final is going to be epic.

🚨Thierry Henry on Manchester City Trailing 3-0 at Halftime against PSG:

PSG’s three-goal advantage at the interval is less surprising than the manner in which it has been constructed. What stands out is the ease with which they are repeatedly finding the seams in Manchester… pic.twitter.com/o3eh6bNKI7

— Flux🥂 (@FluxCFC) October 14, 2026

First PSG goal is a thing of beauty, watch the teamwork and the skill in breaking the high press:

🇪🇺🇫🇷 SALIENDO DE SU PROPIA ÁREA A PURO TOQUE 👏

Toda la jugada del GOLAZO DE DESIRE DOUE para PSG ante Manchester City 🔝

pic.twitter.com/9fspiAHHyf

— Ligas Top del Fútbol (@LigasTopFutbol) October 14, 2026

Watch the control on the first touch, vision and pass by #14 Doue' on the second goal.

Manchester city are getting destroyed by psg 💀 psg might actually go 3peats pic.twitter.com/wziZqC7d5M https://t.co/YTkgI3CMcj

— Darren (@MUFCDarren_) October 14, 2026

superb header by Haaland to make it 3-1:

🚨🚨 ERLING HAALAND PULLS ONE BACK FOR MANCHESTER CITY!

Manchester City 1-3 PSG. pic.twitter.com/y6GGQvESCD

— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) October 14, 2026

Can't keep up with the scoring in this game, PSG puts another one on a perfect shot, quick release, power and placement beats Donnaruma:

🚨⚽ 𝗚𝗢𝗔𝗟: MAGHNES AKLIOUCHE MAKES IT FOUR FOR PSG AGAINST MANCHESTER CITY! 🔥🇫🇷

PSG ARE COMPLETELY DESTROYING CITY TONIGHT! 🤯💥

Manchester City [1-4] PSG pic.twitter.com/TEHGeuNJUD

— shegzy💯 (@Cr7fanAdabra) October 14, 2026

And Haaland gets a 2nd, 4-2 PSG

🚨 ERLING HAALAND SCORES AGAIN VS PSG 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/E4FmVihlS0

— KinG £ (@xKGx__) October 14, 2026

Thanks for posting highlights. I am surprised PSG was able to control the action against a very strong Man City team. Or I am assuming this from your posts, I did not watch.

A PSG-Barca game would be interesting always. What would be especially interesting is that neither team plays a real striker, they basically have three wings in front. My money would be on Barca because of their superior midfielders.

And now Barca is the only unbeaten, untied team in Europe?

sluggo said:

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And now Barca is the only unbeaten, untied team in Europe?

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Until they meet PSG in the CL ; ).

PSG totally dominated the first half at least, was too busy to watch the 2nd half. When you look at the goals, it's more about sheer talent and teamwork skills than tactics, though Enrique has clearly created the conditions for the team to florish.

Haaland had a good day, he did miss one goal, good effort by Safanov to deny him the hat trick fro point blank.

🌟 Erling Haaland tried vs. PSG but it wasn't enough:

• 2 goals
• 8 shots
• 2 key passes
• 1 big chance created
• 3 duels won
• 3 recoveries pic.twitter.com/x1DKYyG2FU

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 14, 2026

Torres badly whiffed his PK attempt, would have been 5-2. The PK however was not deserved, more or less a dive.

FERRAN TORRES MISSES THE PENALTY FOR PSG ❌ pic.twitter.com/lL2JOA3hy0

— amounzz (@amounzz_) October 14, 2026

Impressive streak there:

PSG are unbeaten in their last 12 games against Premier League sides in UEFA competitions 👏

📊 Squawka pic.twitter.com/ZRD9hgcj7q

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 14, 2026

Barca will beat PSG. They have perhaps five midfielders better than anyone on PSG and they are about comparable everywhere else. It should approximate Spain versus France in the World Cup. It is appointment viewing next Tuesday.

sluggo said:

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Barca will beat PSG. They have perhaps five midfielders better than anyone on PSG and they are about comparable everywhere else. It should approximate Spain versus France in the World Cup. It is appointment viewing next Tuesday.

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PSG's forwards are better as a group. Akliouche has really come along this season, and Doue' has made everyone forget Mbappe'.

😎😎😎😎Akliouche pic.twitter.com/wIPkHa2Yyx

— Ami❤️🦈🐰 (@FTGfc29) October 14, 2026

Cal88 said:

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sluggo said:

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Barca will beat PSG. They have perhaps five midfielders better than anyone on PSG and they are about comparable everywhere else. It should approximate Spain versus France in the World Cup. It is appointment viewing next Tuesday.

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PSG's forwards are better as a group. Akliouche has really come along this season, and Doue' has made everyone forget Mbappe'.

😎😎😎😎Akliouche pic.twitter.com/wIPkHa2Yyx

— Ami❤️🦈🐰 (@FTGfc29) October 14, 2026

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Will be interesting to see. I have not noticed Akliouche before. Doue was not good in the WC, but the team was a mess.

Raphina has like 12 goals already, although he did not play the last couple games so I don't know if they will be there. And Lamine Yamal is a top 2 in the world player. They also have Gordon and Adeyemi. If PSG is better up front, which I don't believe, it is not by much. But they won't even get started against a midfield of Fermin, Pedri, and Rodri. I hope Barca makes a believer out of you next week.

sluggo said:

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Cal88 said:

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sluggo said:

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Barca will beat PSG. They have perhaps five midfielders better than anyone on PSG and they are about comparable everywhere else. It should approximate Spain versus France in the World Cup. It is appointment viewing next Tuesday.

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PSG's forwards are better as a group. Akliouche has really come along this season, and Doue' has made everyone forget Mbappe'.

😎😎😎😎Akliouche pic.twitter.com/wIPkHa2Yyx

— Ami❤️🦈🐰 (@FTGfc29) October 14, 2026

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Will be interesting to see. I have not noticed Akliouche before. Doue was not good in the WC, but the team was a mess.

Raphina has like 12 goals already, although he did not play the last couple games so I don't know if they will be there. And Lamine Yamal is a top 2 in the world player. They also have Gordon and Adeyemi. If PSG is better up front, which I don't believe, it is not by much. But they won't even get started against a midfield of Fermin, Pedri, and Rodri. I hope Barca makes a believer out of you next week.

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PSG's key intangible is that Luis Enrique is their manager and gets the Barca system.

Cal88 said:

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sluggo said:

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Cal88 said:

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sluggo said:

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Barca will beat PSG. They have perhaps five midfielders better than anyone on PSG and they are about comparable everywhere else. It should approximate Spain versus France in the World Cup. It is appointment viewing next Tuesday.

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PSG's forwards are better as a group. Akliouche has really come along this season, and Doue' has made everyone forget Mbappe'.

😎😎😎😎Akliouche pic.twitter.com/wIPkHa2Yyx

— Ami❤️🦈🐰 (@FTGfc29) October 14, 2026

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Will be interesting to see. I have not noticed Akliouche before. Doue was not good in the WC, but the team was a mess.

Raphina has like 12 goals already, although he did not play the last couple games so I don't know if they will be there. And Lamine Yamal is a top 2 in the world player. They also have Gordon and Adeyemi. If PSG is better up front, which I don't believe, it is not by much. But they won't even get started against a midfield of Fermin, Pedri, and Rodri. I hope Barca makes a believer out of you next week.

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PSG's key intangible is that Luis Enrique is their manager and gets the Barca system.

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I agree, he is very good. Better than Pep, I think.