<p>Manchester United could be set to turn to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/lille-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Lille</a> forward Jonathan David to help ease their scoring issues. The Red Devils are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window. After all, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> side has only managed to score 22 goals in 20 top-flight matches this season. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/burnley-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Burnley</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/sheffield-united-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Sheffield United</a> are the only Premier League clubs to not outscore <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">United</a> during the current campaign.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/us/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2024/01/man-utd-transfer-news-aston-villa-and-red-devils-battle-over-lilles-jonathan-david-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FootballTransfers</a></em> is claiming that United brass has been monitoring David for quite some time. The club has to be careful with their spending amid Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns. Nevertheless, the Red Devils almost certainly have to make a move this month. It has been suggested that Lille would consider an offer of around $43 million for their star striker.</p>



<h2>Forward has openly hinted at a move to the Premier League</h2>



<p>David’s current contract with the French side is set to expire in June of 2025. As the forward seems unlikely to sign a new extension, Lille may have to let go of the star as early as this month. If they do not sell David, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule/">Ligue 1</a> club could ultimately see the Canadian depart for free at the end of his current deal.</p>



<p>David has also hinted that he would be open to a move away from Lille. The star recently admitted that he follows the Premier League and sees the division as an attractive destination.</p>



<p>“In England, when I watch the matches, everything is full each time. As a player, it motivates you even more,” David <a href="https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/jonathan-david-already-dropped-major-28417599" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> of the English top flight in December.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="720" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240109_WST_482208_David-Lille_709c512d.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=720" alt="" class="wp-image-482265" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/David-Lille.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/David-Lille-300x180.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/David-Lille-768x461.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>“I don’t know [about a potential transfer.] I think it’s possible, very possible. I don’t know if I can find myself anywhere other than the Premier League. It could well be the Premier League. It’s a very nice atmosphere.”</p>



<p>David’s agent, Nick Mavromaras, also previously declared that a move in the future was likely. “I think the Premier League is a good option for him,” Mavromaras <a href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/us/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2024/01/man-utd-transfer-news-aston-villa-and-red-devils-battle-over-lilles-jonathan-david-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> <em>Radio Canada</em> back in 2022.</p>



<p>“I think that he likes Spain a lot also because he likes the feeling of the ball and the very technical players. These two leagues are a big priority for him, but nothing is excluded.”</p>



<h2>Other English sides join United in the hunt for Jonathan David</h2>



<p>United, however, will almost certainly face competition for David’s signature. Fellow Premier League sides <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/aston-villa-tv-schedule/">Aston Villa</a> have also been linked with a potential move for the Canadian as well. Much like the Red Devils, Arsenal also need more firepower up front.</p>



<p>Current starting striker Gabriel Jesus has unfortunately dealt with a series of nagging injuries throughout his time in North London. The Brazilian even missed his club’s most recent <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/fa-cup-tv-schedule/">FA Cup</a> matchup with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a>. Backup Eddie Nketiah has not exactly proven himself as a legitimate goalscorer either.</p>



<p>Villa would be an interesting destination for David. The West Midlands club is flying under manager Unai Emery at the moment. Only Manchester City has managed to score more goals in Premier League play than Villa. However, Ollie Watkins has started every single top-flight match so far this season and could use competition in the position.</p>



<p>David has scored 10 goals in 24 total matches with Lille during the current campaign. In total, the Canadian has racked up 68 total goals in 160 fixtures since moving to the French side in 2020. </p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

Man Utd interested in signing Canadian striker Jonathan David

Manchester United is reportedly set to target Lille striker Jonathan David to help ease their current offensive struggles.


<p>Manchester United’s search for a new striker is hardly a secret. The Red Devils are desperate for quality reinforcements up front following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. Manager Erik ten Hag has even publicly stated the need. However, the coach also recently stated that any potential new player would need to fit his system.</p>



<p>“We need good players, not just the numbers,” <a href="https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11585613/Erik-ten-Hag-doubles-pleas-Manchester-United-sign-attacker-January.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">claimed</a> ten Hag. “We need quality players to cover. And also we need competition and we need to know also that we can make different choices.”</p>



<p>“So we are looking for the right player for our squad, but it has to match our sporting criteria, definitely, but also some financial criteria.”</p>



<h2>Man United Jonathan David opportunity: Canadian could fill forward spot</h2>



<p>One player that could be heading to Manchester is Jonathan David. The Lille forward has racked up nine goals and four assists in 16 total <a href="https:\/\/www.worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule">Ligue 1</a> appearances so far this season. David’s manager, Paolo Fonseca, has even claimed that it would be hard to hold on to his star beyond 2024.</p>



<p>“It will be difficult to keep Jonathan David at the club next season,” Fonseca recently <a href="https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/jonathan-david-manchester-united-transfer-25853367" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> <em>La Voix des Sports</em>. “There are not many strikers with his skills and numbers in Europe. He’s just 22. I think top European clubs will try to sign Jonathan David.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Jonathan David: All goals so far in Ligue 1 🇨🇦⚽️🏆" width="500" height="281" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/nyQM-XELGwk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>United would almost certainly be interested in signing the Canada international in January. However, transfer expert David Ornstein <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-and-man-united-battle-for-joao-felix-20221229-WST-413718.html">recently reported</a> that the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> side may not sanction a major deal in the coming weeks because United is up for sale.</p>



<h2>United could get creative with offer to Lille</h2>



<p>One possible move is that the Red Devils could offer an initial loan with an obligation to buy David in the summer. This is a similar maneuver that the team attempted with PSV for Cody Gakpo. The Dutch team ultimately went with Liverpool’s more straightforward financial package.</p>



<p>David has scored 37 goals in 91 total league games since his switch to Lille in the summer of 2020. His versatility could also be a major asset to United as well. The Canadian can play as a traditional number nine as well as out wide or even as a second striker.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto</em></p>


Lille's Jonathan David is emerging as a possible transfer target by Manchester United. The Canadian striker could be coming to EPL.

Man United linked with move for Canadian Jonathan David - World Soccer Talk

Man United linked with move for Canadian Jonathan David

<div id="attachment_362276" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-362276" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images</p></div>
<p>There is no secret that Arsenal’s forwards currently have a scoring problem.</p>
<p>After all, the Gunners have managed just <a href="https:\/\/www.premierleague.com/clubs/1/Arsenal/results" target="_blank" rel="noopener">21 goals in 16 Premier League matches</a> so far this season. As of now, the club possesses two high-profile strikers up front.</p>
<p>However, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang appear on the rumor mill as potential departures from the Emirtates. Lacazette’s current contract is ending in the summer, and Aubameyang was recently <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/14/aubameyang-stripped-of-arsenal-captaincy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stripped of his captaincy</a> and is supposedly open to a move away from the Emirates.</p>
<p>Whether Arsenal make a move for a new striker in January or the summer, reinforcements in this position is clearly a top priority. Listed below are five potential options for manager Mikel Arteta and the Gunners.</p>
<h3>Arsenal’s potential forwards via the transfer market</h3>
<h5>Dusan Vlahovic</h5>
<p>Undoubtedly, Arsenal’s number one choice for a center forward in either January or the summer is Dusan Vlahovic.</p>
<p>The problem for the Gunners is that Vlahovic is every team’s top pick for a new striker. Media outlets link the current Fiorentina forward to Manchester City, Tottenham, Barcelona and pretty much any team in need of a young, promising forward. Competition, as well as the player’s preference, could prevent Arsenal from getting their man.</p>
<p>We have seen that this new regime can spend money, but clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and PSG are tough to beat when they get involved in transfers.</p>
<p>The Serbia international has been a goal machine over the last calendar year. Since December 15th, 2020, Vlahovic has scored an astounding <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/du-scaron-an-vlahovic/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/357498" target="_blank" rel="noopener">37 goals in just 46 total matches</a> for Fiorentina. The combination of his goal record and the fact that he’s just 21 makes for plenty of gossip surrounding his future. Vlahovic will almost certainly depart Florence at some point in 2022.</p>
<p>However, Arsenal need some luck to land the striker ahead of other clubs.</p>
<h5>Jonathan David</h5>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-362281 size-medium" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211214_WST_362250_Jonathan-David-300x342.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=342" alt="" width="300" height="342" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Jonathan-David-300x342.png 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Jonathan-David-150x171.png 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Jonathan-David.png 348w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>If Vlahovic is Arsenal’s top target, Jonathan David could very well be their plan B. The Lille forward is currently <a href="https:\/\/supersport.com/football/france/top-scorers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leading Ligue 1 with 11 goals</a> during the current campaign. Also just 21, David has managed to score 24 French league goals in just 55 matches since his arrival from Gent in 2020.</p>
<p>Able to play at the center forward position or as a second striker, the Canada international is a very dynamic player. Along with scoring goals, he also passes well and even helps out in defense with pressures that potentially lead to turnovers. Certainly, Arteta and the Arsenal will be aware of David’s ability outside of scoring goals.</p>
<p>As with everyone else on this list, the Gunners will have competition in their striker search. Liverpool, PSG, and West Ham share interest in David. Previously, the Canadian spoke of his dreams Although David as previously stated that he grew up dreaming of a move to Arsenal or Barcelona. If the Gunners miss out on Vlahovic, David could be a decent, and cheaper, alternative with a market value of about <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/jonathan-david/profil/spieler/533738" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$40 million</a>.</p>
<h5>Dominic Calvert-Lewin</h5>
<p>A move from one Premier League side to another is a polarizing option for Arteta and company.</p>
<p><a href="https:\/\/www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1534782/arsenal-news-paul-merson-dominic-calvert-lewin-everton-premier-league" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arsenal fans appear to be split</a> on the possibility of Calvert-Lewin being a Aubameyang or Lacazette replacement. Those against the move point out Calvert-Lewin’s failure to be a true ‘elite’ goal-scorer. For instance, the England international failed to score more than 16 league goals in a season. Moreover, he is not quite as technically gifted as other potential options.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, Calvert-Lewin is still just 24. He is far removed from the player in danger of earning more yellow cards than scoring goals. The current Everton forward managed to score 19 Premier League goals in his last 36 appearances.</p>
<p>Calvert-Lewin would give the Gunners a formidable presence inside the box with his aerial ability and poacher mentality. However, the 6’2 target man may not be a good fit with Arteta’s preferred playing style. Arsenal have a more active, fluid style going forward. Currently, Arsenal ranks 17th in crosses into the box so far this season in the Premier League.</p>
<h5><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-362277 size-medium alignright" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211214_WST_362250_Alexander-Isak-1-300x348.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=348" alt="" width="300" height="348" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Alexander-Isak-1-300x348.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Alexander-Isak-1-600x695.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Alexander-Isak-1-150x174.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Alexander-Isak-1-768x890.jpg 768w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Alexander-Isak-1.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div></h5>
<h5>Alexander Isak</h5>
<p>Alexander Isak burst on to the scene as the successor to Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Sweden. However, some critics peggded him as a flop as he failed to impress at Borussia Dortmund.</p>
<p>Even then, his time at Real Sociedad proved to be a revelation for the now-22-year-old striker. Since the start of the 2020/21 season, Isak scored 20 goals in 48 LaLiga fixtures. Not a world-beater output, but it shows significant potential. Although he is scoring below expected this season, Isak possesses a rare combination of size, 6’4, and pace. He has just three league goals in 17 games this season for Real Sociedad.</p>
<p>In spite of his lackluster start to the current campaign, Arteta and the Arsenal front office tend to see out players for their potential. Potential is something ever-present in Isak. As is the case with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, questions of a potential fit with Arsenal could be raised. Yet, the 22-year-old striker is certainly talented, and his addition would be a welcome one among Arsenal’s forwards.</p>
<p>The Gunners could face competition from Liverpool and Spurs, among others, in approaching Isak in 2022.</p>
<h5><span style="font-size: 16px;">Joao Felix</span></h5>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-362278 size-medium alignleft" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211214_WST_362250_Joao-Felix-300x400.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=400" alt="" width="300" height="400" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Joao-Felix-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Joao-Felix-150x200.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Joao-Felix.jpg 512w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>Of all the players to possibly join Arsenal’s forwards, Joao Felix seems the most like a wild card.</p>
<p>Undeniably, Felix is one of the most-talented young players in all of Europe. Gifted with footwork and intelligence with passing, his fit with Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid seems confusing. Simeone is one that does not seek out creativity, more so out-and-out defense into attack.</p>
<p>Statistically speaking, Felix never really racked up the goals and assists many predicted during his time in Spain. Regardless, Felix is not a typical center forward. In fact, he can mold into different attacking positions. That could be up front alone or as a second striker or occupying the flanks. We all know how much Arteta likes versatile players to fit the passing style of play.</p>
<p>The only issue with a potential deal for Felix would be competition. Much like Vlahovic, Felix would be wanted by most of the big clubs around Europe. In fact, Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Liverpool all have interest in signing the 22-year-old. Felix’s mammoth player wages potentially would not be much of an issue assuming the Gunners move on from Aubameyang.</p>
<p>A lot would have to happen for Arsenal to land Felix, but he should be near the top of Arteta’s wish list for Arsenal’s forwards.</p>


Arsenal's forwards this season have been underwhelming. Potential exits for Lacazette and Aubameyang open the doors for the transfer market.

5 forwards Arsenal should target in the transfer window - World Soccer Talk

5 forwards Arsenal should target in the transfer window

<div id="attachment_356978" style="width: 1210px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-356978" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Dale Macmillan/Soccrates/Getty Images</p></div>
<p>Canada’s World Cup qualification ahead of the 2022 World Cup is long overdue. At the halfway point in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying cycle, the Canadians <a href="https:\/\/www.concacaf.com/en/world-cup-qualifying-men/schedule-results-world-cup-qualifying-men/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sit at third</a>, just one point behind the United States and Mexico.</p>
<p>The last time Canada earned qualification to the World Cup, just one person on the nation’s World Cup Qualifying roster was alive. Atiba Huthcinson, now a 38-year-old midfielder playing for <span>Beşiktaş in the Turkish Süper Lig, was two years old.</span></p>
<p><em>Les Rouges</em> sealed qualification to the World Cup on September 14, 1985. It was a whopping 36 years ago when the Canadians beat Honduras, 2-1, to make their way onto the world’s biggest stage. Of course, Canada wasn’t an elite soccer squad when they found their way to the World Cup. By that tournament’s end, Canada finished dead-last in its group. The Canadians failed to score a single goal before bowing out of the competition.</p>
<p>Now, over three-and-a-half decades later, Canada looks to book their tickets to Qatar in World Cup qualification. If the CONCACAF World Cup qualification tournament ended now, Canada would comfortably enter the World Cup. There are many reasons why this Canadian squad is different than the squads of the previous 36 years.</p>
<p>For one, Canada has genuine superstars on the national team. Them, combined with wise veterans and tricky coaches, provide a balanced threat against opposition. This team looks different, but similar, from the one that first took part in the World Cup.</p>
<h3>Canada’s World Cup Qualifying squad</h3>
<h5>The Davies/David Duo</h5>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-356979 size-medium alignright" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211116_WST_356977_Alphonso-Davies-1-300x420.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=420" alt="Alphonso Davies" width="300" height="420" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Alphonso-Davies-1-300x420.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Alphonso-Davies-1-600x840.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Alphonso-Davies-1-150x210.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Alphonso-Davies-1-768x1075.jpg 768w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Alphonso-Davies-1.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>The first thing different than the Canadian teams of years prior is the presence of a superstar duo. Alphonso Davies emerged as a household name for Bayern Munich in the 2019/20 season. At just 21, he is one of the best wingbacks in the world. He’s an integral part of the Bayern Munich offense. A wide skill set provides pace, pinpoint balls and lethal finishing on the flanks. His physical talent allows him to intercept a surprising amount of passes and his pace is hard for even the best to get by.</p>
<p>Jonathan David is an elusive striker terrorizing Ligue 1. In thirteen Ligue 1 games, the Brooklyn-born attacker <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/jonathan-david/profil/spieler/533738" target="_blank" rel="noopener">scored eight times</a>. David is also pretty accurate with his passes, having a pass <a href="https:\/\/fbref.com/en/players/ce50fd99/Jonathan-David" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accuracy of over 80%</a>. David is dynamic, versatile, and a clinical finisher.</p>
<p>The duo is hard to beat on both sides. David’s offensive output combined with Davies’s willingness to get forward creates dilemmas on both flanks. Davies’s range at the back provides a safety for Canada.</p>
<p>By contrast, Canada didn’t have the stars that the <em>Canucks</em> have now. The continued increase in Canadian players in Europe, as we see in the United States, allows the players to develop into greater talents. Previously, the Canadians played at clubs like Rangers and PSV, but they failed to make serious and consistent impacts.</p>
<h5>Larin, Buchanan, Ugbo, And More</h5>
<p>Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies take the bulk of the headlines. That is because they are great players at great clubs delivering on the biggest stage each matchday.</p>
<p>However, we rarely see one or two players will an entire nation through World Cup Qualifying, regardless of the confederation.</p>
<p>Therefore, the Canadian supporting cast is equally important to the nation’s recent success. Wingers Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan have been helping their sides to success. For example, those two players have a <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/team/stats/_/id/206/league/FIFA.WORLDQ.CONCACAF/view/scoring" target="_blank" rel="noopener">combined 11 goals</a> in Canada’s lengthy World Cup Qualifying run. In fact, Larin leads all CONCACAF players in goals through his nine games played this qualifying cycle. Their presences prove <em>Les Rouges</em> isn’t a two-man team.</p>
<p>In 1984, Canada didn’t have much of a supporting cast. Most players played in American indoor soccer leagues. Comparatively, 12 of Canada’s players now play in Europe, headlined of course by Davies and David at Bayern Munich and Lille, respectively.</p>
<p>It’s safe to say that the Canucks weren’t the international power they are now because of their lack of talent, players, and funds.</p>
<h5>The Tactics and The Stats</h5>
<p>Due to Canada’s spot in the FIFA World Rankings entering CONCACAF World Cup Qualification, the nation took the long road to where it is now.</p>
<p>In the Summer of 2021, Canada comfortably made its way through the preliminary group stage. Interestingly, the nation thrashed the Cayman Islands 11-0 in its game in Bradenton, FL. In the second round, a 4-0 aggregate win over Haiti secured a spot in the Octagonal. But, anyone can dominate against a tiny British Overseas Territory or a small island country in the Caribbean. The real challenges in qualifying followed.</p>
<p>To take a dive into Canada’s style of play, we need to look at their efforts in the third round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying.</p>
<h5>Recent Form</h5>
<p>Canada is the only team in the entire group to remain unbeaten. Despite their defensive success with four goals against after seven games, struggles transpire on offense.</p>
<p>Three 1-1 draws in the opening four games was probably not ideal. However, two of those draws were away to the United States and Mexico. Getting a point on the road against the top-two teams in the group is an honorable achievement. Also, the 3-0 demolition of El Salvador helped.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/world-cup-qualifiers-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ MORE:</a>&nbsp;</strong></em><em>CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Schedule.</em></p>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-356980 size-medium" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211116_WST_356977_Canada-Logo-300x300.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=300" alt="Canada&apos;s World Cup Qualification" width="300" height="300" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Canada-Logo-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Canada-Logo-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Canada-Logo-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Canada-Logo-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Canada-Logo-560x560.png 560w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Canada-Logo.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>In their last three games, the offensive struggles still arose, with one bright spot.</p>
<p>Canada suffered a 0-0 stalemate in Kingston, Jamaica. The <em>Canucks</em> had 64% of the game’s possession, ten corners and almost 200 more passes than the Jamaicans. Yet, the nation only mustered two shots on target.</p>
<p>Canada did better at home in Toronto. With eight shots on target and another ten corners, Canada destroyed an overwhelmed Panama side, 4-1.</p>
<p>Although deterred by a fifth-minute goal, an unfortunate own goal canceled out the early score. Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan all scored to get all three points.</p>
<p>More recently, the Canadians edged past Costa Rica in Edmonton to go third in the table. The contest resembled Canada’s game down in Kingston. The Canadians struggled to create shots, but an in-form David rescued his side to score his eighth goal of the campaign.</p>
<h5></h5>
<h5>The Style</h5>
<p>Canadian midfielder Jonathan Osorio broke down the Canucks’ style after drawing against Honduras.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“We came out on the front foot and that’s what we wanted to do. We wanted to be relentless in attack, and we wanted to bring an intensity that we lacked in the attack in the last two games,”</em> the Toronto FC talisman said.</p></blockquote>
<p>John Hardman echoed Osorio’s statement.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“The players have had experience together that we can adapt in games and no longer get caught in long periods where we’re losing momentum.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>The Canucks are attacking-minded, and their comments say so. They have a goal difference of +7, tied most in the group with the United States. Larin, David, Davies, and Vancouver Whitecaps forward Lucas Cavallini have been among many to <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/stats/_/league/fifa.worldq.concacaf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">help Canada’s scoring output</a>.</p>
<p>The Canadians are also, as Osorio put it, relentless and intense. They are smothering their opponents, limiting them to four goals a game.</p>
<h3>World Cup Chances</h3>
<p>The Canucks’ odds of qualifying have gone up with their dominant streak of results against others. With Canada in third place, they look likely to advance. Yet, it will be interesting to see Panama and Canada fight for the third-place spot. After all, most of those who follow CONCACAF expect Mexico and the United States to finish in the top two spots.</p>
<p>The third-place spot will mean a lot to the Canucks. If they finish among Mexico and the USA, it means that they’re one of CONCACAF’s best. It legitimizes their presence as a CONCACAF dynamo. Also, most importantly, it means a guaranteed spot in the group stages of the 2022 World Cup. Fourth place enters an inter-confederation two-game playoff.</p>
<p>In previous years, Canada suffered during CONCACAF qualification. They always beat smaller nations,&nbsp; but more skilled and talented nations overwhelmed it. Going neck-and-neck with the United States and Mexico and potentially emerging victorious could put an end to the curse.</p>
<p>A big game against Mexico on Tuesday will help us gauge the progress of the Canucks. A good showing will confirm Canada’s status as a contender: something Canada has been waiting 36 years to show again.</p>
<div class="ckeditor-em"><iframe loading="lazy" src="https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A\/\/api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1121830570&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%" height="300" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc; line-break: anywhere; word-break: normal; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-weight: 100;"><a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" href="https:\/\/soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="Stark Differences Between FOX &amp; CBS World Cup Qualifying Coverage" href="https:\/\/soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/stark-differences-between-fox-cbs-world-cup-qualifying-coverage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stark Differences Between FOX &amp; CBS World Cup Qualifying Coverage</a></div>


Canada's only World Cup qualification happened way back in 1986. A talented roster looks set to break that drought ahead of Qatar 2022.

Canada's World Cup Qualification no longer a fantasy - World Soccer Talk

Canada's World Cup Qualification no longer a fantasy

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<p>Group G does not have the big names many consider when thinking of great UEFA Champions League teams. There is no Paris Saint Germain, no Real Madrid, no Bayern Munich, no Manchester City. Instead, there are four teams that clawed their way to the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League.</p>
<p>The group contains the French league champions, a Spanish European champion, a competitive Bundesliga team and a relative newcomer to the European scene might make it seem like it is the four aforementioned teams. However, these four teams flew under the radar, relatively speaking.</p>
<p>Champions League fans overlooked Group G in favor of groups of death or juicy matchups among Europe’s elite. Still, in terms of true competitiveness and balance, this group provides something the other seven cannot.</p>
<p>Yet, many still disregard the group. Furthermore, two <a href="https:\/\/www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/standings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opening-matchday draws</a> did not make the group glamorous.</p>
<p>But, this group will still be one of the best this season.</p>
<h3>Group G broken down</h3>
<h5><em>LOSC Lille</em></h5>
<p>Lille pulled off a monumental upset to replace PSG as the Ligue 1 champions. They’re a good side that has churned attacking talent and has had European success before.</p>
<p>Despite the success, this season started sluggishly&nbsp;for <em>Les Dogues</em>. One win from their opening six Ligue Un matches set them wildly behind the pace. Interestingly, PSG, the team unseated by Lille in Ligue Un, is a perfect six wins from six this season. Moreover, Lille’s success caused PSG to go out and have one of the best transfer windows in recent memory.</p>
<p>As of now, Lille is <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/standings/_/league/fra.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">15th in France’s Ligue 1</a>. Early signs point to success in the Champions League for Jocelyn Gourvennec’s men to be the way for Lille to bring joy to their fans this season. A scoreless draw is not a bad start, but not a great start by any means.</p>
<h5><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-346117 size-medium alignright" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20210927_WST_346103_Lopetegui-300x465.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=465" alt="" width="300" height="465" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Lopetegui-300x465.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Lopetegui-150x233.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Lopetegui.jpg 496w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div></h5>
<h5><em>Sevilla</em></h5>
<p>Sevilla took a solid step during the summer transfer window. Their stubborn stance on a Jules Koundé transfer kept the Frenchman in Spain to the dismay of Chelsea fans.</p>
<p>Then, many neglected their incoming signings. Sevilla manager Julien Lopetegui acquired Erik Lamela, Thomas Delaney, and Rafa Mir.</p>
<p>Along with a productive transfer window, Sevilla possesses something the other clubs in Group G do not: European success. No one should overlook their<a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/europa-league/erfolge/pokalwettbewerb/EL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;<em>six&nbsp;</em>Europa League or UEFA Cup crowns in 15 years.&nbsp;</a></p>
<p>Sevilla is <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/standings/_/league/esp.1">sixth</a> in Spain’s LaLiga: they’ve taken eight points in four games, with a game in hand on much of the league.</p>
<h5><em>VfL Wolfsburg</em></h5>
<p>Wolfsburg is one of the more exciting teams in the Champions League. Wolfsburg’s main <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/stats/_/league/ger.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">goal-scoring outlet</a>, Wout Weghorst, impressed fans and critics alike with his performance in the Euros. Lukas Nmecha is a good prospect, as is Maxence Lacroix.</p>
<p>More prestigious teams in Germany’s top flight mask Wolfsburg’s squad. <i>Die Wölfe </i>has&nbsp;a lot of good players who can perform in the Champions League as well.</p>
<p>Wolfsburg has had a red-hot start to the Champions League, winning all four of their Bundesliga games to go top of the table. Unfortunately, for Wolfsburg at least, their first slip came in gameweek five, when the club drew against Eintracht Frankfurt. This allowed Bayern Munich to jump them in <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/table/_/league/ger.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the standings</a>.</p>
<h5><em>Red Bull Salzburg</em></h5>
<p>RB Salzburg consistently dominates in the Austrian top division. <a href="https:\/\/www.wikizero.com/en/List_of_Austrian_football_champions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twelve Austrian Bundesliga titles</a> in the last 15 seasons is no simple feat.</p>
<p>In addition to domestic success, the club has a track record of upsetting other European teams. RB Leipzig, Lazio, Ajax and Villarreal all fell to the Austrian club. Interestingly, those teams resemble the Salzburg’s opponents in Group G. Karim Adeyemi is one of the best players on the team, but their power comes from their well-constructed squad.</p>
<p>This season is the same story for Salzburg in the <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/standings/_/league/aut.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Austrian Bundesliga</a>. An early seven wins from seven games has them seven points clear at the top.</p>
<h3><strong>Which teams manage to advance</strong></h3>
<p>Sevilla should advance. Recently, Sevilla showed consistency in terms of qualification for the Champions League both via the Europa League and LaLiga play. Granted, their squad lacks the firepower of their Spanish rivals each year, but that speaks to the belief and coaching in the dressing room at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium. Surely, the club takes advantage of avoiding the powerhouses of European soccer this season.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/#:~:text=For%20the%20Champions%20League%2C%20every,and%2For%20CBS%20Sports%20Network." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>READ MORE:</strong></em></a><em> How to watch the UEFA Champions League on U.S. TV.</em></p>
<p>Wolfsburg looks like a better candidate than Salzburg or Lille to finish second. Their hustle and critical finishing look like they can outplay the flashy offenses of the two. It also helps when domestic performances are strong to boost confidence ahead of Group G games.</p>
<p>For third place, and a possible crucial demotion to the UEFA Europa League, Salzburg looks better equipped and prepared than their French counterparts in Lille. Salzburg’s domestic momentum should carry them to a third-place finish.</p>
<p>Nothing is set in concrete. The teams are so low-profile, underrated and close together in quality that anything can happen. That’s what makes the group so interesting. You can be sure that a good team in this group will bounce out of European competition, whether it’s Lille, Salzburg, Wolfsburg or even Sevilla.</p>
<h3><strong>Six players to watch out for in group G</strong></h3>
<h5>Jonathan David (FW, Lille, Canada)</h5>
<p>David, one of the most explosive attackers in Ligue Un, is an underrated prospect. He scored in Lille’s Ligue 1-clinching match and, over the last season, was called one the league’s most in-form players.</p>
<div id="attachment_346107" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-346107" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-346107 size-medium" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20210927_WST_346103_Renato-Sanches-300x504.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=504" alt="" width="300" height="504" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Renato-Sanches-300x504.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Renato-Sanches-535x900.jpg 535w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Renato-Sanches-150x252.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Renato-Sanches.jpg 593w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-346107" class="wp-caption-text">Renato Sanches came up as another elite Portuguese prospect. His career did not reach the lofty expectations of some, but he is a solid player nonetheless.</p></div>
<h5>Renato Sanches (MF, Lille, Portugal)</h5>
<p>Sanches played some games for Bayern Munich before finding his way to Lille. The silky-smooth playmaker lost some of his early career goal-scoring touch. But, his performances in international competition shows he thrives on the biggest stage. His playmaking will help Lille throughout the season.</p>
<h5>Karim Adeyemi (FW, Salzburg, Germany)</h5>
<p>Adeyemi has netted six goals in seven games in the 21/22 season. Therefore, he is one of the best candidates for a breakout season. Adeyemi only played 29 times last season. However, his form is strong at the moment; he should get more playing time this season.</p>
<h5>Brenden Aaronson (MF, Salzburg, United States)</h5>
<p>Aaronson is a versatile attacker who can slot in as a regular midfielder with his defensive production. The American can set people up for easy scores and can revitalize offenses without breaking a sweat.</p>
<h5>Oliver Torres (MF, Sevilla, Spain)</h5>
<p>It will be interesting whether the former Porto midfielder can build on his surprisingly decent season. Torres received a nomination for the Golden Boy award while playing for <em>Los Rojiblancos</em>. Disappointingly, he fell out of the public eye.</p>
<p>His attempts to match his seven assists and production rates in last season’s LaLiga play are something to keep an eye on in 2021/22.</p>
<h5>Kevin Mbabu (DEF, Wolfsburg, Switzerland)</h5>
<p>Mbabu was one of the best Swiss players at Euro 2020, impressing scouts and fans alike with his tenacity and hustle. Mbabu won the Swiss Super League with Young Boys and subsequently landed a move to Wolfsburg.</p>
<p>Can Mbabu have a breakout season? Or will he bounce to another club as he did with Newcastle and Rangers?</p>
<p>The teams and players above are interestingly unpredictable in Group G. Anything can happen, and that’s what makes this group so interesting and appealing.</p>


There is no Bayern Munich, PSG, Real Madrid or Liverpool. However, Group G may go on to be the most competitive group in this season's Champions League.

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