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Ryan Reynolds will quit in 2031 and by 2035 Frank Lampard will be Wrexham manager, according to an incredible Football Manager simulation.

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Football Manager 24 simulates Wrexham futureMullins retires after 300 games, Reynolds quits in 2031Lampard struggling to get team out of League OneGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

A Football Manager 24 simulation run by OLBG has given an intriguing glimpse into one vision of the Welsh club's much-anticipated future. The forecast sees Wrexham reach the Championship but not quite the dream land of the Premier League. The heartbreak of facing relegation back to the third tier in 2031 will be enough for Reynolds to call it quits as co-chairman. Entrusted with winning them promotion will be ex-Chelsea and Everton boss Lampard, who is in charge by 2035.

Wrexham fans will be happy to know that Paul Mullin is predicted to play for the club for another 200 games, although the player himself will be puzzled to see his goal return dry up dramatically with just another 30 goals coming between now and the Liverpudlian hanging his boots up.

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How the Wrexham fairytale will play out and if and when they will make it to the Premier League is the subject of much debate between football fans from all over the world. Using the iconic game to work out what the future may hold is one way of adding a new slant to the debate.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

The emblematic football management game began as in 1992 before being rebranded as in 2004. Advances over the years have made the game extremely life-like and the game has even been credited by Reims manager Will Still for helping kick start his management career.

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WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

As diverting as a computer-based simulation of the club's future may be, their progression will ultimately be decided by events on the pitch, continuing in the wind and rain of Gloucestershire on Saturday when the Red Dragons visit struggling Forest Green Rovers.

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Unai Emery threw away any chance Arsenal had of beating Manchester City by setting his side up to play in a 4-4-2 formation at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

On the chalkboard

An injury to Hector Bellerin and the absence of Ainsley Maitland-Niles meant Stephan Lichtsteiner had to play at right-back on Sunday, which immediately raised concerns over the Gunners’ chances of getting even a point at Man City.

Granit Xhaka’s absence raised concerns too, as the Swiss midfielder is the anchor that connects the defence and attack, and without his presence the midfield needed reshaping.

For whatever reason, rather than including Aaron Ramsey or Mohamed Elneny from kick-off so Arsenal could retain numbers in the engine room, Emery opted for just the two central midfielders, meaning that Alex Iwobi and Sead Kolasinac on the wings had to continually drop back to help out in defence.

A 4-4-2 was never going to work against Pep Guardiola’s side because the current Premier League title holders do not need to drag play towards the byline to open up defences. Instead, they cut between the lines and Arsenal offered no one to occupy this space.

Look away Arsenal fans! American Soccer Fan is back to troll more fans at the London Stadium in the video below…

Losing before a ball was kicked

Emery had to acknowledge the brilliance that City can muster, which is why he deployed Iwobi and Kolasinac as wide midfielders, to try and prevent the creation of chances on the wings.

Unfortunately, by also playing the Gunners’ two best strikers from kick off, it meant that Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi could not cut the space in between the lines as, with no one ahead or behind, they were forced to be everywhere and everything for Emery.

It is also why Arsenal conceded an opening goal within the first minute. Iwobi had to lift his head to try and spot someone to clear the ball to, only to realise he had no one available – that split second hesitation was all City needed to snatch possession back and play a killer pass.

When Arsenal beat Chelsea last month, the Gunners played on the front foot with the attackers applying pressure, and this was the only way they could have challenged City.

But by playing in a 4-4-2, the pressure could never be applied leaving gaps behind, and Arsenal essentially lost the game on this basis before a ball was kicked.

Fede Valverde has hailed former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo for the rapid "progress" of the Saudi Pro League.

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Ronaldo first megastar to shift base to Saudi ArabiaNeymar & Karim Benzema followed suitValverde lauds Ronaldo for football revolutionGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Portuguese forward sent shockwaves across the world when he announced his decision to sign for Al-Nassr after the 2022 World Cup. His move to the Middle East ignited an influx of superstar signings in the Saudi Pro League over the summer, which included Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema and Brazilian forward Neymar, at Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal respectively.

Valverde had the fortune of sharing the dressing room with both Ronaldo and Benzema at Real Madrid. The Uruguayan midfielder hailed Ronaldo as a pioneer for the development of the game in the Middle East.

AdvertisementWHAT VALVERDE SAID

Speaking to reporters, Valverde said: "I think there’s been a lot of progress with the players who have come here. For example, Cristiano, who started all this. It shows what they want to do and to have players of that quality is important."

Getty Images THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Pro League continues to be a popular attraction among players for the hefty wage structures and even Liverpool's Mohamed Salah is being linked to a move to Riyadh. However, Valverde also made it clear that even a blank cheque would not convince him to choose Saudi at this point in his career as he is enjoying his stint with Los Blancos.

"It is really impossible for me to go to the Saudi League," he added to . "No chance. 10, 20 or 30 million will not change my life. I'm at Real Madrid, the best club in the world. I love my life in Madrid, the same goes for my family and that's it."

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

The transfer bandwagon to Saudi Arabia shows no signs of stopping and it is expected that it will only grow in the next few years. Michael Emenalo, the Saudi Pro League director of football, has insisted that they are still pursuing a deal for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, despite the forward rejecting a move in the summer transfer window. If they manage to pull off the Salah and Mbappe signings it will undoubtedly be another major coup for Saudi Arabia.

Lionel Messi will have a new home in 2025, with Inter Miami beginning construction on a 25,000-seater stadium on Miami Freedom Park.

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MLS franchise have ambitious plans for the futureState-of-the-art ground forms part of that projectArgentine icon due to grace eye-catching venue

WHAT HAPPENED?

The impressive structure will be built close to Miami International Airport, with the MLS outfit moving out of Fort Lauderdale – where they have been based at DRV PNK Stadium since 2020. David Beckham and the club’s board have never made any secret of their desire to construct a state-of-the-art facility that better aligns with the franchise’s long-term ambition.

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Plans for the stadium are mirrored by Messi’s current contract, which runs until 2025, but he has the option for a 12-month extension beyond that point and is expected to grace the new ground. Jorge Mas, Inter Miami’s managing owner, has told the club’s : “With Inter Miami, my family set out to build something truly transformational. In just four years we have changed the perception worldwide of American soccer. As we commence construction of Miami Freedom Park that same vision guides us. In creating a multi-faceted space we will set a new standard of what sport complexes can be. We look forward to delivering a food and entertainment destination for families to enjoy year-round. I can’t wait to welcome our fans to our state-of-the-art stadium and hear the chants as Messi and your Inter Miami players take the pitch for the first time in 2025.”

AND WHAT'S MORE

Inter Miami’s new stadium will be based in a 58-acre public park which includes soccer and youth athletic fields to be used by the local community. It will also house a full range of entertainment and commercial offerings – including office space, a hotel, shops and restaurants. Construction crews are already on site, with development veteran Devon McCorkle leading the project. He has said: “The level of attention and the influx of inquiries we are receiving have been incredible, a testament to the positive impact of Lionel Messi on Inter Miami CF and the City of Miami. Everyone wants to be part of what we’re creating, a new entertainment district that will be the centerpiece of family activities and experiences in Miami. We are in discussions with stadium sponsors, hotel brands, major attractions operators, restaurant groups, cultural institutions and many other exciting potential partners. We will deliver an incredible home for them at Miami Freedom Park.”

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Messi has made a stunning impact in the United States since linking up with Inter Miami as a free agent. He has recorded 11 goals through nine appearances – helping his new club to Leagues Cup glory, a place in the U.S. Open Cup final and a much-needed three-point haul on his MLS debut.

The Blues' top scorer has been tearing Women's Super League teams apart this season – and now her country needs her to produce too

Just before the hour mark at Kingsmeadow on Sunday, Lauren James darted onto a perfectly-weighted Fran Kirby through ball. Bearing down on goal, Leicester City goalkeeper Janina Leitzig rushed out to meet her, while Foxes centre-back Julie Thibaud tried halting her progress with a crunching tackle.

But James was unmoved, channeling Hernan Crespo in the 2005 Champions League final by nonchalantly lifting the ball over Leitzig and into the back of the net. The goal was the 22-year-old's second of the 5-2 win, a performance which followed up a stunning hat-trick at Stamford Bridge against Liverpool and a sumptuous assist in the Champions League victory over Paris FC.

James has always been eminently watchable; no Women's Super League player justifies the punters' entrance fee more regularly than her. But now she's becoming truly terrifying: an absolute killer in front of goal.

Getty ImagesA generational talent – but a bit wasteful?

Of course, James has always threatened to become this effective. This is someone who was training with Arsenal's senior side at the age of 14, was featuring for Manchester United's relaunched women's team just over two years later and signing a unprecedented four-year contract at Chelsea before her 20th birthday.

After a string of niggling injuries kept her sidelined for extended spells during her maiden 2021-22 campaign with the Blues, James finally got to show her new club what she was all about last season. The anticipation was palpable and she did not disappoint, delighting the Kingsmeadow faithful with her unique ball-carrying abilities and creativity.

The hype was real, with the only criticism being James' lack of goals and assists. It took until Chelsea's sixth game of the season for her to break that duck, but she did it in some style, netting a brace and laying a goal on for Sam Kerr in a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa.

However, although there were plenty more magic moments that followed in a blue shirt, the questions over James' ability to consistently find the back of the net and register assists continued as the campaign progressed.

At times, she was holding onto the ball for too long to the visible frustration of her team-mates, while her finishing was far from elite. During the 2022-23 campaign she averaged 0.12 goals per shot, with over 50 players managing better figures, while less than 30 percent of her efforts ended up on target.

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes provided an honest assessment of James' development early in the season: "Her talent is clear, but most importantly we must keep doing the right things. If we all want her growth to continue in the direction it’s going – trust me, I’ve coached footballers for such a long time – you have to keep nailing the things around them, the habits. She’s still a young player and we’re still nailing those habits. I urge everybody to be calm with her. It’s important for us to nurture her in the way we do, but also without massive pressures and expectations, which I know is hard to avoid."

AdvertisementGettyCareer-defining tournament Down Under

In the end, James would finish the season with five goals from 18 WSL games, more than enough to earn her a place in Sarina Wiegman's England squad. And after the Lionesses underwhelmed going forward in their group-stage opener against Haiti, Wiegman played her trump card, introducing James to the starting XI on matchday two.

Denmark were England's opponents and the Chelsea star didn't take long to make an impact, netting a superb opener just six minutes into her World Cup debut. That goal turned out to be the winner too.

Things got even better when England faced China, with James dropping an all-time great Women's World Cup display. By the time the dust had settled on an astounding 6-1 victory, she had two goals and three assists to her name, and Wiegman was understandably delighted with her "special" talent.

By this point, LJ-mania was very much running wild back home. But things got hairy in the round of 16 when James was sent off for stamping on Nigeria's Michelle Alozie. The Lionesses did eventually triumph on penalties, but the naive moment derailed the hype train. "Obviously what we she did was wrong and she knows it was wrong and apologised for it publicly and now she faces the consequences," goalkeeper Mary Earps said at the time.

James' resulting two-game suspension kept her out until the final, and she could not atone for her error after coming on as a half-time substitute, with Spain triumphing 1-0 thanks to Olga Carmona's goal. It was a damp squib of an ending for James when it had seemed like being World Cup. But red card aside, her match-winning ruthlessness in front of goal in the first two games hinted at her growing maturity.

Getty ImagesDominating the WSL

And this trend has accelerated at Chelsea during the current season. After waiting so long to find the net in the WSL in 2022-23, James rose to the occasion in the Blues' curtain raiser against Tottenham, latching onto Niamh Charles' cross to double her side's advantage at a time when Spurs were threatening to rally.

It wasn't just her goal that was notable, though. With Kerr injured and Fran Kirby still not fully fit despite a cameo from the bench, James completely ran the game for the Blues, drifting all over the pitch to carve out her side's best opportunities.

There was a slight drop off in the two WSL games that followed against Manchester City and West Ham, with the caveat that hardly any Blues players impressed during those matches, which resulted in James being rotated out of the side for her side's trips to Everton and Real Madrid.

And if Hayes was looking for a reaction, James provided one against Liverpool in front of the Stamford Bridge crowd. Her hat-trick was the most compelling evidence yet of her growing composure in front of goal. All three were expertly-taken strikes, showcasing her world-class ability to beat defenders and newfound poacher instincts, and she further bloated her goal tally against Leicester with two more calm finishes.

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Getty Images'Everything I do I am thankful to Emma'

This recent glut of goals is an expression of James' development in the final third. This season, she's been far more clinical than in 2022-23, averaging a WSL goal for around every five shots she takes, while just under half of her strikes are going on target. This form has seen her rise to the top of the Golden Boot rankings, level on six goals with Manchester City's Bunny Shaw.

This emerging ruthless streak is bad news for Chelsea's WSL rivals and also a credit to the transformative effect Blues boss Hayes has had on James' career. Throughout her meteoric rise, the soon-to-be United States women's national team manager has been there to temper expectations, constantly reminding English football's most talked about starlet of the need to remain grounded and improve her game.

This tough love has not damaged the pair's relationship, though. Ahead of the World Cup in the summer, James paid tribute to Hayes for her role in getting her back back to her best following her injury struggles.

"Emma is always helpful, she’s played a massive role in just getting me back to being myself again. She just says ‘enjoy it’, like ‘start enjoying the moments’," she said. "I had two years of just like constant injuries. She managed me well and it’s allowed me to find my feet again. In the moment, everyone is like ‘why is Lauren not playing?’ and I want to be playing on the pitch, but in the long run it’s obviously paid out and it’s kept me on the pitch this season."

And when James scored that iconic Liverpool hat-trick, she immediately gave Hayes some of the credit. "Amazing, I think even better to do it at the Bridge. Obviously with the news of Emma [Hayes] leaving, everything I do I am thankful to her."

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong has been savaged by former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart, who compared him to a "postman".

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De Jong criticised by countrymanBarcelona drew 1-1 with Napoli in Champions LeagueVan der Vaart insists De Jong was at faultWHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona drew 1-1 with Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie, and Van der Vaart was left unimpressed by De Jong's performance. The former Tottenham and Real Madrid star claimed that his compatriot plays "like a postman" and simply does not keep up with the required pace.

AdvertisementWHAT VAN DER VAART SAID

Van der Vaart said on in the Netherlands while working as a pundit (via ): "Frenkie de Jong plays football like a postman. He takes too long to pass the ball forward, instead he keeps running and carrying it to his teammate. Once you move away from your opponent, you must keep the ball moving and pass the ball."

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De Jong has seen his season disrupted by injury, with an ankle strain ruling him out for seven La Liga matches earlier this term. He has only managed to score one goal this season, regardless, and has failed to provide an assist.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR DE JONG?

De Jong has been linked with a move away from the Catalan club as he is yet to sign a new contract and has subsequently been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea. Barcelona have handed him an ultimatum to either sign a new deal or leave permanently.

Stuttgart hero Serhou Guirassy gave what sounded like a warm farewell to the club's fans as he "thanked them for everything" after their latest win.

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Striker Guirassy on fire for StuttgartWanted by Premier League teamsMade odd announcement in stadiumWHAT HAPPENED?

Guirassy scored yet again as Stuttgart beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the DFB-Pokal round of 16 on Wednesday. His effort took his goal tally up to an awesome 18 goals in just 13 appearances across the cup and Bundesliga for the German side this season.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT GUIRASSY SAID

According to , Guirassy then walked down the tunnel and grabbed the microphone from the stadium announcer, issuing a message to the home supporters. He said: "The atmosphere was great as always. Thank you for everything."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Guirassy's comments may have caught the attention of his Premier League suitors. Manchester United and Newcastle have been credited with interest in the Guinea international and are said to be considering January bids for him. However, the 27-year-old is contracted to Stuttgart until 2026 and Stuttgart will be determined to hold onto their prized asset.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR GUIRASSY?

United, Newcastle and many other top clubs in Europe will continue to monitor the star forward. He will be out to continue his goalscoring exploits when Stuttgart meet Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday. Stuttgart are third in the Bundesliga and five points behind surprise league leaders Leverkusen.

Lionel Scaloni admits it is “risky” to ask too much of Lionel Messi at the moment, with the Argentina star handed 37 minutes against Paraguay.

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All-time great on the bench vs ParaguayIntroduced in the second halfHas been nursing an injuryWHAT HAPPENED?

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been nursing an injury since the last international break, with that problem restricting him to just 72 minutes of game time for Inter Miami in MLS. He was, however, called upon by his country for the latest round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi started a 1-0 win over Paraguay on the bench, but was introduced early in the second half and helped to see out a hard-fought victory – while also being caught up in an unfortunate incident that saw him spat at by Paraguay striker Antonio Sanabria.

WHAT THEY SAID

Argentina must now decide whether Messi will be involved against Peru next Tuesday, or give him an extended break. Scaloni has told : “We will talk in the next few days. He has two more training sessions to continue collecting minutes and we will see. It is not discounted that he plays, it is not discounted that he does not play – because I haven't talked about that yet – but today I think it was risky that he could get more minutes than usual. We talked about it and we agreed on that and I think it was prudent because we run the risk of having a problem – especially because of the level that the team can show with guys who can contribute other things. We will talk in these days and we will decide.”

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Messi is likely to play some part against Peru, providing he has suffered no fitness setbacks, as he may not have many more minutes to take in at club level this season – with Inter Miami missing out on the MLS play-offs. He will have more international action to come in November, but that will be his last competitive game time until the 2024 campaign gets underway in the United States.

Erling Haaland’s agent has refused to reveal the release clause in the striker’s contract, saying the Manchester City star is “master of his destiny”.

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Norwegian striker starring in EnglandCould he be on the move in 2024?La Liga giants said to be keenWHAT HAS HAPPENED?

The prolific Norwegian frontman plundered 52 goals across all competitions last season – breaking countless records along the way – as he helped City to a historic Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League Treble. He has continued to star this season, leading to further speculation regarding supposed interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid.

AdvertisementGettyDOES HAALAND HAVE A RELEASE CLAUSE?

There is said to be a clause in Haaland’s deal that could be triggered by teams outside of England in the summer of 2024, but Rafaela Pimenta has told when asked what it would take for a deal to be done: "Erling's contract is known to Manchester City, his father, himself and me.”

COULD HAALAND LEAVE MAN CITY?

She went on to say of the transfer rumours that continue to rage: “Erling is the master of his destiny. Not just now but his entire life and 100%. What I mean is that you have to use balance. Us, club and player. We are all in the same boat. Things have to be talked about, treated, in such a way that everyone is okay. Comfortable and satisfied with the experience they live together. I think it is not necessary to say that Erling does what he wants. Is not true. Erling is always going to do what is good for him and for his club, Manchester City. When everyone is willing to make a change, it will be done. He's not the type of player who's going to say ‘I'm leaving, bye, I don't want to know anything’. It is not like this. And it's not going to happen because respect comes before everything. If they give it to him, he will give it too.”

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GettyHOW MUCH IS HAALAND WORTH?

Pimenta has suggested in the past that Haaland could be worth as much as €1 billion (£875m/$1bn) in the transfer market, and he has expanded on that comment by saying: “When I talk about 1 billion, I talked about a pack in which I include the years of career, the sales potential, tickets, t-shirts, sponsors, digital and everything that is coming that does not yet exist. It is impossible to say how much each thing costs. You are actually asking me how much the transfer costs and you don't have to ask me this. The market says so.”

The Polish striker only managed one shot as the Blaugrana were made to wait to secure qualification for the knockout rounds

Robert Lewandowski failed to score for the sixth straight game, and Barcelona seldom carved out any clear chances in a shock 1-0 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Poland striker, Barca's most obvious attacking threat, was rendered anonymous by a dogged defence, as his side saw their hopes of getting out of their group delayed.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen was forced into a save early, denying a driven effort at his near post. He could do little about the game's next big chance, though, as. Shakhtar worked the ball down the right, before Giorgi Gocholeishvili whipped a ball into the area for Danylo Sikan. His finish was a wonderful one, the big striker falling away from goal yet still managing to divert a looping header into the far corner.

Barca created little else at the start of the second half, and could have easily conceded more, had Ter Stegen not provided two more handy stops.

And Blaugrana frustrations only multiplied throughout the half. Shakhtar dropped deep, happy to sit on a 1-0 lead — a decision that proved prudent as Xavi's side repeatedly failed to find space in a crowded final third. Lewandowski, the theoretical answer to such woes, barely had a kick as Barca failed to find a groove in a shock defeat.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Volksparkstadion in Hamburg…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10):

Made a good save early on. Could do nothing about the goal. A few more stops in the second half kept his team in it.

Joao Cancelo (5/10):

Did the whole inverted full-back thing effectively, but didn't always have the killer ball in him. He's slowed down after a promising start.

Ronald Araujo (8/10):

Gargantuan at the back. Always up for a tackle and calm on the ball. Barca would have conceded a couple more without him. One of the best in the world at his position.

Andreas Christensen (5/10):

Given real problems by Sikan, losing track of him on the goal. A few knocks have seen him fail to reach the heights of last season.

Marcos Alonso (5/10):

Nowhere to be found when Shakhtar broke for Sikan's opener. Removed after an hour following a miserable showing.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Oriol Romeu (4/10):

Back in the side after a duo of poor performances. Didn't offer much on either side of the ball, lacking in legs when Barca were hit on the break, and immobile in attack.

Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

Certainly Barca's best midfielder on the night, full of energy and quality. Some of his driving runs were a delight to watch.

Gavi (6/10):

A mixed showing. His work rate can't be questioned, but he lacked quality on the ball. Much better when playing alongside the now-fit Pedri.

Getty ImagesAttack

Raphinha (4/10):

Got into good areas, looked dangerous on the ball, but was lacking in key moments. Yamal was far more effective in his position.

Robert Lewandowski (4/10):

Failed to get involved and often dropped back into his own half to get some touches in. Pretty much anonymous in key areas. Looks frustrated, at the moment.

Ferran Torres (5/10):

Preferred to Felix. Afforded a few half chances, and squandered all of them. He's better used as an impact substitute, it seems.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Pedri (6/10):

On the ball regularly, but couldn't break down a fearsome Shakhtar low block. Yet to find a groove after his injury lay-off.

Joao Felix (5/10):

Doubled up pretty much every time he touched the ball, and didn't have room to offer his usual creativity.

Alejandro Balde (5/10):

His recovery pace was vital as Barca pushed men forward in search of a goal. Didn't provide much in the final third, though.

Lamine Yamal (6/10):

Offered a real spark off the bench with his dribbling ability.

Fermin Lopez (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Xavi (4/10):

Made some key alterations, dropping Felix and Balde, while also leaving Pedri out. His changes didn't work. Barca were poor throughout, and had very few ideas against a low block. Could the ghosts of Champions Leagues past be back?!