Since <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/pep-guardiola/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pep Guardiola</a> joined Manchester City, the team has soared to become one of the best in the world. It has clinched six Premier League titles and added a UEFA Champions League trophy to its accolades. One of its key players, who was instrumental in these successes, recently revealed that he went through a difficult phase with injuries. At just 31 years old, these challenges had once led the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City</a> star to consider retiring from professional soccer.



“Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping… I didn’t want to do it. I had had enough of being so professional and trying to do everything right in my power, to then keep breaking down and not having the answers. It was a very difficult place to be in… My emotions were high. I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t think deep down I would have ever done it [retired],” <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/john-stones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Stones</a> said, via BBC Radio 5 Live.



In the 2024-25 season, John Stones endured foot and thigh injuries, missing 32 games with Manchester City—the highest of his career. At the peak of his career and leading the Citizen’s defense, these setbacks were significant. After a long recovery journey, he has played 6 games in the current season fighting to gain his spot in the starting lineup again.



John Stones, fresh off his return to club action, has earned a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for upcoming matches against Wales and Latvia. Elated about the call-up, Stones expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Some of the best moments of my career have been playing for England. When he (Tuchel) said to me, ‘Do you want to come and be with the boys and continue your training?’ I didn’t hesitate for a second,” via BBC Radio 5 Live.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251007_WST_595518_John-Stones-1200x675_15aed544.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Manchester City&apos;s John Stones" class="wp-image-595519" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>John Stones of Manchester City in action during the Premier League game.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Can John Stones regain his starting spot at Manchester City after injury return?</h2>



Although John Stones has officially returned to the pitch, his place as a starter in the lineup is no longer guaranteed. Pep Guardiola has opted for Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol as his center-back pairing, relegating the English defender to a secondary role as right-back or backup center back. However, Manchester City have not seen the desired results early in the season, so a shift that includes Stones as starter remains a possibility.


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In Pep Guardiola’s system, no player holds a permanent spot in Manchester City’s starting eleven. Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic and even Bernardo Silva frequently rotate in the lineup, showing Guardiola’s tactical flexibility. This approach keeps the door open for Stones, whose versatility allows him to play as a right back or defensive midfielder. His adaptability could earn him significant playing time as he seeks to reclaim a more prominent role.

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Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City player makes shocking confession amid injury problems: ‘I thought about stopping’

destacadas

Since Hansi Flick’s arrival, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> have transformed into a global powerhouse, propelling Lamine Yamal and Raphinha to elite status among the world’s best players. Moreover, Flick’s implementation of an engaging, dynamic style of play has captivated audiences worldwide. However, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> legend Toni Kroos did not hold back his criticism, clearly voicing clear stance.



“Barcelona have one of the most attractive styles of play in Europe… I also think that Barcelona takes so many risks… On a bad day for Pedri, Lamine Yamal, or Raphinha, any team can hurt them and knock them out of the Champions League. It happened to them last year with Inter Milan, and this year, whether in the round of 16, the quarterfinals, the semifinals, or the final, at some point they will face an opponent like that,” <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/toni-kroos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toni Kroos</a> said, via Einfach mal Luppen podcast.



Although Toni Kroos’s pointed remarks might seem harsh, they accurately capture Barcelona’s struggles in recent years. Despite having world-class talent, the Culers have not reached a UEFA Champions League final since their 2014-15 triumph. Even, their best performance in the past seven seasons came last year when they advanced to the semifinals, only to be ousted by Inter Milan.



Barcelona grapple with defensive vulnerabilities, unlike powerhouses like Manchester City, Real Madrid, or Inter Milan, frequently getting outmatched by opponents. Offensively, they are still a force, but their imbalance hinders their continental impact. For the 2025-26 season, head coach Hansi Flick has embraced a high-press strategy, which, as PSG recently demonstrated, might exacerbate their defensive woes rather than alleviate them.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251007_WST_595501_barcelona-1200x675_2b1c9bad.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Barcelona&apos;s Lamine Yamal and Iñigo Martinez" class="wp-image-595502" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona reacts in a UEFA Champions League game.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Barcelona face defensive problems in 2025-26 following key player departure</h2>



Throughout this transfer window, Barcelona actively bolstered their squad by addressing critical positions. Joan Garcia joined as the new goalkeeper, while Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji enhanced the club’s attacking prowess. Despite these offensive gains, the Culers neglected to strengthen their defense and suffered a setback by losing a key player who provided crucial balance to the team.


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In a surprising shift, key Barcelona defender Iñigo Martinez opted to leave towards Al Nassr, describing it as a unique opportunity. Despite this, the Culers chose not to seek replacements, relying instead on Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen to step up and fortify the backline alongside promising talent Pau Cubarsi.



However, Araujo and Christensen have struggled to make a significant impact, frequently outmaneuvered by their opponents. Surprisingly, Eric Garcia has emerged as a standout performer alongside Cubarsi. Despite Garcia’s commendable efforts, the defensive cohesion seen with Martinez is lacking, leaving the defense more vulnerable than even the previous season’s already fragile lineup.

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Real Madrid's legend Toni Kroos makes surprising criticism toward Barcelona: 'Any team can hurt them' - World Soccer Talk

After joining <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inter Miami</a> in the 2023-24 season, Jordi Alba became a key player for the team. At 36 years old, he managed to remain the undisputed left back, despite competition from younger players. He has not only been a key part of the defensive line, but also a key part of the offense. Despite this, Jordi recently announced his retirement at the end of the season, prompting <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a> to leave a heartfelt comment on his post.



On his Instagram profile, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/jordi-alba/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jordi Alba</a> posted a video announcing his retirement at the end of the season with Inter Miami, with the caption “Thank you soccer, thank you for so much.” Lionel Messi was quick to react, “Thank you, Jordi. I’m going to miss you a lot. After so many things together, it’s going to be strange to look to my left and not see you there… It’s crazy how many assists you gave me over all these years… Who’s going to give me the back passes now???”.



Throughout his career, Jordi Alba has established himself as one of Lionel Messi’s most effective partners, with the duo contributing to an impressive 48 goals together. Their connection transcended mere statistics, however, as their intuitive on-field understanding consistently generated scoring opportunities in every match. This synergy undoubtedly ranks him among the most formidable teammates in Messi’s career.



Jordi Alba has cemented his legacy at Inter Miami since joining as a veteran presence. Over 95 appearances, the Spanish full-back has tallied 14 goals and 28 assists, showcasing his extraordinary influence on the pitch. As the Herons advance in the 2025 MLS Playoffs, Alba’s contributions could help steer them toward their first-ever MLS Cup triumph, marking a milestone in franchise history.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251007_WST_595463_jordi-alba-trophy-1200x675_da6be9df.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="jordi alba trophy" class="wp-image-595470" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Jordi Alba of Spain poses for a photograph with the UEFA Nations League trophy.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Jordi Alba leaves a long-lasting legacy in soccer history following his retirement</h2>



Over an illustrious 18-year career, Jordi Alba has carved out a legacy as one of the premier left-backs in Spanish soccer. Initially beginning his career as a left winger, he found his true calling at Valencia CF, where his transformation into a left-back drew the attention of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FC Barcelona</a>. In 2012, the Catalan giants—where Alba had trained as a youth—brought him back to the fold, cementing his status as one of the most significant players in their storied history.


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Upon joining Barcelona, Alba swiftly cemented his status as one of Lionel Messi’s most reliable teammates. His consistent performances earned him a permanent spot in the starting lineup for over a decade. During his decorated tenure, he clinched 20 major titles with both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in securing Inter Miami’s first two championships, bringing his professional title count to 22.

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Lionel Messi breaks silence after Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba announces his professional retirement - World Soccer Talk

Since joining <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> in 2019, Rodrygo Goes has become one of the team’s standout players. By the age of 24, he has already won two UEFA Champions League titles, playing a vital role in both victories. However, Kylian Mbappe’s arrival has seen him shift to the sidelines, which has fueled rumors of a potential move away. In response, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/rodrygo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rodrygo</a> quickly broke his silence to clarify his position on the matter.



“Every summer it’s the same thing. (The press) says I’m leaving, that I have offers… I’m sure I have offers because there always are, I’m not going to lie about that. But I’ve always made it clear that I want to continue succeeding here (Real Madrid) even more than I already have, more than just winning two Champions Leagues, which is a lot at my age, but I want to win more. I’ve always said: As long as Madrid wants me, I’ll be here,” Rodrygo Goes said, via Diario AS.



Since the 2025-26 season began, Rodrygo Goes has found himself with limited opportunities at Real Madrid, starting just twice while Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Diaz have taken key roles. In eight games, he has contributed only two assists and hasn’t found the back of the net, casting doubt on his future with the team. Despite his desire to stay, his position on the roster remains uncertain.



<h2>Rodrygo Goes must overcome major competition for a place at Real Madrid</h2>



Unlike previous seasons, Xabi Alonso has assigned Rodrygo Goes a new role in the offense. Though his playing time has been limited, the 24-year-old star now has the opportunity to shine in his favored position, on the left wing. This change places him in direct competition with Vinicius Jr., which makes securing playing time challenging.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251007_WST_595405_rodrygo-vini-1200x675_6b66c7e6.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Real Madrid&apos;s Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes" class="wp-image-582238" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes celebrate after Real Madrid’s goal vs. Manchester City in a 2023 Champions League match.</figcaption></figure>



Although Rodrygo has excelled as one of Real Madrid’s top right wingers, his natural affinity lies on the left—a position that once captivated elite clubs. Yet, Vinicius, a global standout, cemented his status as a premier left winger and a key leader during the team’s UEFA Champions League victory. For that reason, Goes faces a huge task: Earning himself a left winger spot in Xabi Alonso’s roster as Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Diaz already fill the right winger spot.


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Previous the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, head coach Xabi Alonso emphasized Rodrygo Goes’ pivotal role in his strategy. Despite limited playing time so far, the Brazilian star could become increasingly prominent as the season unfolds. The 24-year-old star faces immense pressure to capitalize on every moment on the pitch.

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Following a turbulent season, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ac-milan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AC Milan</a> took a bold step by appointing the seasoned Massimiliano Allegri as head coach. Under his leadership, the team has stabilized, suffering just one defeat in its first seven league matches. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/christian-pulisic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christian Pulisic</a> has emerged as a pivotal figure. Although he missed a crucial penalty in the previous game, the team legend Alessandro Nesta quickly praised his significant contributions to the squad.



AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta passionately praised Christian Pulisic for his significant impact on the team, skillfully brushing aside recent criticism. “Who in Italy has a player like Pulisic? He’s very strong, impressive: he can play wide, behind the striker, or in the box. He offers a lot of options and provides goals, assists, and runs. You can’t ask for more,” he said, via Gazzetta dello Sport.



Since the start of the 2025-26 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/serie-a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Serie A</a> season, Christian Pulisic has emerged as AC Milan’s key player, scoring four goals and providing two assists in just six games. His stellar performance has made him both the team’s top scorer and assist leader. However, the 27-year-old recently faced backlash for missing a crucial penalty against Juventus, leading to fans criticism.



Christian Pulisic has revitalized his career at AC Milan, becoming an indispensable player for every coach. After several lackluster seasons, the USMNT star now showcases his talent on a grand stage. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/video-milan-fans-reward-christian-pulisic-with-september-mvp-after-stellar-performances-his-numbers-prove-the-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">His standout performances earned him the title of MVP for September</a>, proving his tremendous value to the team.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251007_WST_595353_christian-pulisic-ac-milan-juventus-1200x675_fc98e648.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Christian Pulisic of AC Milan misses a penalty during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Turin, Italy." class="wp-image-595201" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Christian Pulisic misses a penalty during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and AC Milan.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Christian Pulisic’s stunning resurgence at AC Milan is turning heads</h2>



Christian Pulisic burst onto the scene in 2016 with a stunning performance at Borussia Dortmund, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent. In 2019, Chelsea invested $73.1 million in him, hoping he’d fill the void left by Eden Hazard. Unfortunately, this period marked a slump in his form. However, his transfer to AC Milan has elevated him to his peak performance.


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His arrival at AC Milan stirred controversy, with fans skeptical of his impact. Yet, the 27-year-old quickly emerged as a team leader, posting career-best statistics. Before joining the Italian side, his standout season emerged at Chelsea featuring nine goals. Now, he is delivered back-to-back seasons surpassing ten goals, while also playing a crucial role in the team’s creative dynamics.

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Christian Pulisic earns major praise from AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta despite his penalty miss

Daniel Villar Pardo is a trilingual journalist fluent in Spanish, English, and French. He specializes in soccer tactical analysis, providing real-time coverage of major events like the FIFA World Cup, MLS, LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, and Premier League. In addition, Daniel has extensive experience in photojournalism and has covered prestigious events such as Copa América, LaLiga, Liga Betplay Dimayor, Conmebol World Cup Qualifiers, and Liga Endesa. His ability to report across multiple languages enriches his coverage, making complex sports narratives accessible to a diverse global audience.