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As they look to raise funds to welcome incomings of their own this month, Aston Villa are now reportedly in talks to sell one of Unai Emery’s defensive options alongside star striker Jhon Duran.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans have, of course, already been busy in the January transfer window on the sales front, having all but shown Jaden Philogene the door to join Ipswich Town in a deal worth over £20m. About to sell the winger just six months after he returned on a permanent basis from Hull City, those in the Midlands can consider him a case of what might have been.

That sale looks to have already made the desired impact too, with Donyell Malen arriving in Philogene’s place and perhaps finally add the goals that they’ve lacked from the flanks.

It may not be the first time that the Villans sell before they buy this month either with West Ham United reportedly submitting their first offer to sign Duran this month and the Midlands club left to ponder the chance to avoid profit and sustainability issues once and for all. PSG have also made contact with the forward this month. Meanwhile, they’re also seemingly ready to show another player the door.

Aston Villa plotting swoop for £21m ace after Monchi watched him in action

Aston Villa are among the teams interested in signing an exciting defender.

By
Brett Worthington

Jan 13, 2025

According to John Percy of The Telegraph, Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos is in talks to join Turkish giants Fenerbahce this month. The £100,000-a-week defender has fallen out of favour under Emery and now looks set to be among those allowed to depart. Whether Fenerbahce can agree a deal remains to be seen, however, with Sky Sports News dropping an update live on TV this Tuesday, revealing Carlos talks have now reached a deadlock.

"Immense" Carlos is surplus to requirements

Whilst it could be argued that Villa need the squad depth that the likes of Carlos provide amid responsibilities in both domestic and European competition, they also need to make sure that they stay within their means on the PSR front and that should spell the end for the Brazilian in the Midlands.

At 31 years old too, Aston Villa should start thinking about younger options within their backline to sit alongside the likes of Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres rather than falling back on those out-of-favour and ageing.

The Brazilian certainly wouldn’t be bowing out without any moments to savour either. Gary Neville was full of praise for Carlos in Aston Villa’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal last season, saying on commentary for Sky Sports as relayed by Aston Villa News: “He’s been Villa’s best player in the first half Diego Carlos, he’s been immense.

“Diego Carlos, outstanding in that first half. Clean sheet, he’s been outstanding. In the first half, he was a man mountain.”

Now possibly ready to lose that “man mountain” with the right offer, Aston Villa could be in a position to welcome reinforcements of their own in that department before the end of the month.

The Mavericks head coach has become part of the Toffees ownership group through an investment with Roundhouse Capital Holdings

• NBA legend adds Premier League club to investment portfolio
• Kidd joins through Roundhouse Capital Holdings, part of The Friedkin Group
• Kidd becomes latest American to invest in English football

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  WHAT HAPPENED

  Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd has officially joined the ownership group of Everton Football Club. The American has done so through an investment with Roundhouse Capital Holdings, a subsidiary of The Friedkin Group. The announcement confirms the Basketball Hall of Famer's entry into English football ownership while maintaining his current coaching position with the NBA franchise.

  “I’m honored to be joining Everton’s ownership at such an important moment: with a new stadium on the horizon and a bright future ahead, it’s a great moment to come on board,” Kidd said in a statement released by the club.

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• WHAT MARC WATTS SAID

  “On behalf of The Friedkin Group and the Everton Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Jason to our ownership group. As one of the NBA’s greatest players and now a successful coach, his knowledge and winning mentality will be an incredible resource for Everton,” Everton Executive Chairman Marc Watts said. “He is a respected leader and household name for many sports fans and will bring a deeper understanding of high performance as we collectively strive to build a brighter future for this storied club.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Friedkin Group's acquisition of Everton, now including Kidd as an investor, follows a pattern of American investment across the Premier League landscape. That includes Stan Kroenke at Arsenal, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham and several other Americans across the English football pyramid.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  have endured another tough season as they have won just eight of the 33 league games that they have played this term. However, despite that, they sit 17 points above the relegation zone in 13th place and could potentially move up the table as they face Chelsea on April 25 and then host Ipswich Town at Goodison Park on May 2.

Tottenham Hotspur have been blessed with genuinely world-class talents over the years.

The North Londoners might not quite have the trophies to show for it, but the likes of Mousa Dembélé, Son Heung-min, Harry Kane and even Dele Alli all made names for themselves in N17 and became stars of the Premier League.

However, before that crop of players almost led the Lilywhites to domestic and continental glory, the club had another, arguably more talented star on their books: Gareth Bale.

The Welsh icon may have found glory while playing for Real Madrid, but he was just as unplayable during his time with Spurs, and while the club might not find another player exactly like him anytime soon, recent reports have touted a youngster with unmistakable similarities for a move this month.

Tottenham target Serie A ace

According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham are one of several teams interested in signing Lecce star Patrick Dogu this month.

In fact, the report has revealed that ‘influential figures behind the scenes’ at Spurs have been trying to work out how they can jump ahead of rivals Manchester United to secure the Dane’s services.

The good news is that Lecce have already agreed to sell the full-back this month should an appropriate offer come in, but the bad news is that the Serie A side value the Danish international at £34m.

It could prove to be a challenging transfer to get over the line, but given Dorgu’s impressive form and sky-high potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as there are shades of Bale about him.

How Dorgu compares to Bale

Okay, the first thing to say is that even if Dorgu ends up being a roaring success at Spurs, which seems possible, he’ll still be some way off reaching the sensational heights that Bale did in his final season before joining Real Madrid in 12/13, when he produced 36 goal involvements in 44 games.

However, just because it’s unlikely that the Dane will be able to reach quite the same world-class levels as the Welshman doesn’t mean that there aren’t a number of evident similarities between the pair, because there are.

The first is the simple fact that, like the former Galactico, the Lecce gem will be joining the North Londoners – should a deal be struck – as an incredibly exciting and attack-minded left-back with the ability to play further up the pitch.

For example, in his 56 games for the Serie A side, the “super high potential” Dane, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has made 23 appearances at left-back, 11 at right-wing, nine in left-midfield, five at left-wing and three at right-back, while the remaining five appearances were likely short cameos and therefore not attributed to a set position.

It’s not just this ability to play in attack and defence that makes the 20-year-old similar to the Cardiff-born icon; it’s also how he plays.

For example, according to Mattinson, the Copenhagen-born gem is an incredibly “dynamic” full-back who “loves to carry the ball up the field” and does so with such ease, in part thanks to the fact that his “dribbling is top drawer.”

However, while the offensive side of his game is what makes him most similar to the former Madrid star, he is no slouch when it comes to defensive duties, with Mattinson describing him as a “1v1 specialist” and someone who can “dominate his opponent physically.”

Finally, the 6 foot 2 prospect shares the former Spurs star’s incredible stamina, with Lecce sporting director Pantaleo Corvino describing him as having “an engine unmatched by anyone else.”

Overall, there are several apparent similarities between Dorgu and Bale, and these similarities are also what would make the youngster an ideal player for Posetcoglou, as he’d be able to play in multiple roles, he has explosive pace and, combined with his stamina, that could make him a nightmare for opponents in the Australian’s high-octane system.

Ultimately, it might require Daniel Levy and Co to invest more than they’d like to in a young player, but this looks like a transfer they must make.

Blockbuster move: Spurs target £40m PL star who can fix their Solanke issue

The sensational talent could develop into something special at Spurs.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jan 21, 2025

Fulham have now submitted an offer to sign a 53-cap international defender on a loan deal with an obligation to buy, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Cottagers pushing for the top six

Goals from Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz completed a second-half turnaround for the Cottagers at St. James’ Park on Saturday, propelling them up to ninth in the Premier League table.

After the impressive victory over Newcastle United, Marco Silva’s side are now knocking on the door of the European places, just four points behind rivals Chelsea, who currently occupy sixth place.

It has been a quiet January transfer window for the west Londoners, however, and Silva may feel some new additions are needed before tomorrow’s deadline if his side’s European dreams are to become a reality.

Fulham working on late double deal after submitting offer for "Mitro-regen"

The Cottagers have left it late…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jan 29, 2025

Earlier this week, it was reported Fulham were pursuing two forwards, in the form of St. Johnstone’s Brodie Dair and Partisan Belgrade’s Dusan Jovanovic, with an offer for the former being accepted by the Scottish club.

Now, it appears as though the Cottagers are also keen to strengthen their backline, with Romano revealing they have submitted a loan bid for AS Roma’s Zeki Celik, which includes an obligation to buy clause.

The Italian side are now said to be evaluating the offer for Celik, with Claudio Ranieri yet to give the green light, and talks are set to continue before the transfer deadline.

A report from Gianluca Di Marzio makes it clear Roma want to get the right-back off the books permanently, having brought in former Ajax captain Devyne Rensch this month, so a loan deal which includes an obligation to buy could be appealing.

Kenny Tete replacement needed at Craven Cottage

With Kenny Tete set to be sidelined for a considerable period of time due to a knee injury, Silva could do with more options at right-back, so it makes sense to pursue a deal for the Roma right-back before the window slams shut.

The Turk is highly experienced at international level, having amassed 53 caps for his country, and he has received consistent game time in all competitions for his current employers this season, including seven outings in the Europa League.

Castagne has by and large been solid at right-back in Tete’s absence, so it may be difficult for Celik to force his way into the starting XI immediately, but it is certainly good news that Silva is looking to bring in additional depth in defence.

Goals from Jimenez and Muniz to secure the win at St. James’ Park on Saturday underlined the fact that Silva’s side are well-stocked in attack, with the former now on nine Premier League goals this term, so a new right-back appears to be the priority target.

Manor Solomon's stoppage time winner ensured Leeds United pipped Burnley to the Championship title on a dramatic final day of the regular season.

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• Leeds & Burnley finish level on points
• Clarets beat Millwall 3-1 to go top of Championship
• Solomon's late winner sends title to Leeds

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. international Brenden Aaronson is now a English Championship title winner after a dramatic final day win over Plymouth to edge Burnley in the race for the trophy.

  Heading into the final day of the Championship season, Leeds needed only to match Burnley's result to be crowned champions – but what unfolded was a rollercoaster of an afternoon. Burnley fell behind at home to Millwall, putting Leeds on the brink of the title, and then Plymouth went ahead; which was swiftly followed by equalising. Scott Parker's men scored three unanswered goals, but just as they looked to finish the season as top dogs, Solomon's 91st-minute goal sent the title to Leeds with a 2-1 victory – sparking wild celebrations at Home Park from the away fans.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The main target of promotion to the Premier League had already been achieved by Leeds and Burnley but the title would have been the icing on the cake for the top two. While Daniel Farke's men got over the line, just, the big task is about to begin. Both teams have a huge challenge of staying in the top-flight after all three promoted Championship sides have gone straight back down for two years in a row. While the battle ahead will be brutal, both Leeds and Burnley can revel in their achievements this season over the summer.

  Aaronson finished the season with nine goals and two assists.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  It remains to be seen who will get promoted with Leeds and Burnley as Sheffield United, Sunderland, Coventry City, and Bristol City will duke it out in the Championship Play-Offs. Meanwhile, Cardiff City, Plymouth Argyle and Luton Town – who were in the Premier League last season – have been relegated to League One.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The Championship Play-Offs will take place later this month, with the final being played out at Wembley on May 24.

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has urged the Reds to avoid making a transfer error by signing out-of-favour Real Madrid star Arda Guler.

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• Hamann wants Liverpool to sign Guler
• Warns the Reds of making a transfer 'mistake'
• Turkish youngster facing uncertain future

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former Liverpool midfielder Hamann believes Guler can become a "huge" player for Liverpool in the future, and has warned his former team that they would be making a "mistake" if they fail to sign the youngster should an opportunity arise this summer.

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• WHAT DIDI HAMANN SAID

  Spealong to CoinCasino, Hamann said: "I think Liverpool ending their interest in Arda Guler would be a mistake because we’ve seen young players leave big clubs and get a new lease of life.

  "Alexander Isak was at Borussia Dortmund when he was 17 and it came too early, Guler went to Real Madrid and I think he is a huge talent who doesn’t get enough playing time because of the competition.

  "Guler is the type of player who has huge potential, if you can find a role for him I think he will grow in confidence, he could be a huge player in the future and why not for Liverpool."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Guler has found playing time hard to come by under Carlo Ancelotti this season. The 20-year-old has played only 1,388 minutes for Real Madrid in 2024-25, spread across 37 games, with just 13 starts.

  Although Guler has struggled ever since leaving Fenerbahce almost two years ago, reports from Spain have mentioned time and again that the higher-ups at Madrid are convinced of his potential, and that he is not for sale.

  However, he has attracted interest from the Bundesliga as well as Serie A, with both clubs from Milan reportedly keeping a keen eye on Guler's situation in the Spanish capital. Not just that, but Aston Villa have also joined the race if sporting director Pablo Monchi's words are to be believed.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARDA GULER?

  In Madrid's previous two fixtures, the 1-0 win against Getafe and the 3-2 Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona, Guler proved his mettle. Against Getafe, he started in a deeper playmaking role and scored the game's only goal to keep his team afloat in the La Liga title race. Against Barca, he came on early on in the second half and helped Madrid turn the tide for a period, assisting Aurelien Tchouameni to put Los Blancos 2-1 in front. Those last few performances might just change Guler's standing in the pecking order for the last five games of the season and give him the chance to impress Real's next manager, most likely to be Xabi Alonso.

After confirming the arrivals of Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu from Arsenal and Lecce respectively, Manchester United have now reportedly joined the race to land Ruben Amorim’s next signing.

Man Utd transfer news

After struggling in his first 13 games in charge, Amorim will be desperate for Dorgu to particulalry hit the ground running in a Manchester United shirt and provide a solution to their wingback problems at long last. Heaven, meanwhile, has arrived at the Red Devils as one for the future and a player who they will hope to see provide Arsenal with one of their most frustrating regrets.

Speaking to the Manchester United website for the first time after putting pen to paper, Dorgu said: “I am incredibly proud to be able to call myself a Manchester United player; this is a very special day for my whole family.

“I cannot wait to work with Ruben Amorim; his vision for this team and the future of the club is incredibly exciting. There is a clear plan set out for my development, and I feel that Manchester United is the perfect place to fulfil my potential and complete my huge ambitions.”

Permanent new role for Mainoo: Man Utd keen on late move for £42m "engine"

Man United could look to strengthen in midfield late on

By
Joe Nuttall

Feb 3, 2025

Both Dorgu and Heaven may yet be the first of many arrivals under Amorim at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils already setting their sights on the summer transfer window. According to reports in Spain, INEOS have now joined the race to sign Paulo Dybala as Amorim’s next Manchester United arrival.

The AS Roma star has just over a year remaining on his current deal, but United could yet make an early summer swoop and sign an attacking midfielder who is arguably ready-made for Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. A World Cup winner with Argentina, Dybala would certainly steal plenty of headlines.

"Gem" Dybala would perfectly suit Amorim's system

As talented a manager as Amorim is, it’s been clear throughout his Manchester United reign that his new side simply does not currently suit what has been a complex system. Far too often, the former Sporting boss has been forced to use square pegs in round holes at both wingback and in the two attacking midfield roles, but both the current window and the summer should help solve those problems.

Already, the young manager has been handed Dorgu to at least ease his wingback concerns. Now, when the summer arrives, Dybala could follow suit and provide him with an ideal attacking midfield option.

Described as a “gem” by former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo, Dybala could yet tick the Premier League and Manchester United off his list of impressive clubs after Juventus and Roma.

Whilst there may be concerns about his age at 31 years old, Manchester United undoubtedly need players capable of stealing the spotlight sooner rather than later under Amorim.

Football is a brutal business, and while he still has his supporters, Ange Postecoglou’s time as Tottenham Hotspur manager could be coming to an end.

The Australian has transformed the Lilywhites from a dismally dull team into one of the most entertaining ones to watch in English football.

However, his ultra-attacking brand of football and horrendous luck with injuries has seen his side fall to 14th place in the Premier League and be knocked out of both domestic cup competitions this season.

While he might be able to steady the ship when his players start to return, he may not have the chance, as recent reports have suggested that he might be just a game away from the sack, which could see the club bring in a manager who’d be perfect for Mathys Tel and the other youngsters in the squad.

Tottenham's manager search

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the Tottenham board are set to decide on Postecoglou’s future following the game against Manchester United on the weekend, which looks like it could be a tough test for the weary Lilywhites side.

In worse news for the Australian, the report has revealed that the club has recently identified two potential replacements already plying their trade in the Premier League: Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Bournemouth’s Adoni Iraola.

However, it seems incredibly unlikely that either of them will leave their current sides mid-way through the campaign, which could mean Daniel Levy and Co turn their attention to a European manager who’s currently out of a job and was quite heavily linked with Spurs last month: Edin Terzić.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss has been out of work since leaving the German behemoths in June last year, and while appointing him as the new Spurs boss could raise a few eyebrows, there are some reasons why it could be a brilliant idea.

Why appointing Terzić would be a great idea

There are two main reasons why Terzić could be the perfect manager to replace Postecoglou at Spurs, and the first is how he develops young stars.

Manager Focus

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It would be fair to say one of the few positives to come out of this season for Spurs is the emergence of Mikey Moore from the academy and how well Archie Gray, Lucas Bergval, and now even Tel have adapted to the first-team.

Therefore, it would make sense to bring in a head coach with a proven track record of developing talent, and thanks to his time with Dortmund, the German certainly has that.

For example, while the talent has always been there, he was able to platform Jude Bellingham in a way that took him from a prospect to a Galactico in the space of a few years.

He helped Erling Haaland continue his development as well, and in an interview with the Bundesliga website, the Norwegian superstar was more than happy to praise his then-manager, saying, “Edin and I have a good relationship ever since I came here and we’ve been talking a lot about different things.”

So, if he has been able to help incredible prospects reach world-class status in the past, why wouldn’t he be able to do the same with someone like Tel, who produced 16 goal involvements in just 1406 minutes of first-team football last season?

The second reason hiring the “incredible” 42-year-old, as dubbed by former Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, would be a good idea is that he led Dortmund to German Cup glory in 2021, came painfully close to winning the league and Champions League, and has a better record in his last stint with the team than Postecoglou has with Spurs.

For example, in 96 games, he oversaw 55 wins, 20 draws, 21 defeats and an average of 1.93 points per game, while the Australian has taken charge of 80 games since getting the job in 2023 and overseen 39 wins, 11 draws, 30 losses and an average of just 1.60 points per game.

Ultimately, if Spurs are going to get rid of Ange in the middle of the season, then signing Terzic might be their best option, not only because he did well with Dortmund but also because he has a proven track record of getting the most out of young talents, which could be perfect for the likes of Moore, Gray and Tel.

Instead of signing Tel: Spurs could unleash sensational Hotspur Way talent

The exciting youngster could be a star for Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Feb 10, 2025

Erling Haaland is 'ready' to return to action after more than a month on the sidelines, ahead of Manchester City's clash with Southampton.

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• Haaland could feature for the first time since 30 March
• City sit third after four consecutive PL wins
• Southampton require a point to avoid equalling Derby's record

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Speaking in his press conference this afternoon, Pep Guardiola confirmed star striker Haaland is ready to feature on Saturday – after seven matches out with an ankle injury sustained during City's FA Cup quarter-final victory at Bournemouth.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Haaland's return will surely boost the Citizens' chances of securing Champions League qualification for a 15th consecutive season. Guardiola's side sit third in the league, and need just six points from their final three league games to secure European football next season.

• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  Guardiola said: "He’s ready. He’s ready, he's fit. To start? We will decide tomorrow."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Haaland has struck 21 goals in 28 PL appearances this season but City have continued their resurgence in his absence, picking up 16 points out of the last 18 and reaching the FA Cup final.

INDIVISA ranks the best USWNT kits of all time, from 1985 to present day, with some design twists and turns along the way

On the heels of U.S. Soccer's recent reveal of the 2025 national team kits, it's only right to take a trip down memory lane and look at some of the most iconic kits in USWNT history. U.S. Soccer took some risks with the 2025 fits, however the designs were a nod to the federation's history.

From 1999, when the USWNT wore all white and very little color, to 2023, when the kit was an entire art project gone wrong, there's been twists and turns in the USWNT kit design.

When most people think of the USWNT they will recall those from World Cups years – and most likely the jersey was a good match. Looking back, 2024 was elevated and simple, 1999 was classic and chic, and 2021 was respectable, but not entirely memorable.

INDIVISA takes a look at the greatest USWNT kits.

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  102005 USA home kit

  Many people won't remember this jersey, but every woman who wore it probably will. The biggest issue with this jersey is the seams. The fact that the design cups under the breast area like a bra is bizarre and not flattering. It's like wearing a sports bra that may or may not fit. While the blue and red accents throughout are nice, the seam and the mesh over the stomach area isn't flattering – for anyone.

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  92011 USA home kit

  The 2011 home kit for the USWNT is typically the top of most people's lists for least-favorite. The dark V-neck line that is so pronounced you can't look at anything else. The line down the entirety of the jersey is strange and is the only interesting – yet bizarre – thing about this kit. The jersey gives off chef vibes, with a very tailored and not swift and nor comfortable whatsoever.

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  82007 USA away kit

  You are either someone who likes gold kits, or doesn't. While this kit screams dominance and USWNT takeover, the gold is distracting and not flattering. Granted, it shouts "We will win" but something about the red and blue on gold is screaming Germany more than anything else. This was the USWNT's away kit for the 2007 World Cup and didn't bring them gold – rather bronze and an early exit in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

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  72021 USA away kit

  For the USWNT, 2021 was a year of building – and frustration. This jersey was funky and pushed the boundaries, but it felt disconnected. While the abstract design was a fun change, it didn't bring much evolution on the field for the USWNT. In July 2021, the USWNT were competing in the Olympics, and despite making it to the semifinals, fell short to rivalry Canada. This jersey gives off a puzzle that doesn't have any of its pieces together.