The 2018 International Champions Cup continued in the early hours of July 26 with five ties pitting Europe’s finest across mainland USA.
Naturally, as we are still in pre-season mode, these series of friendly matches give the managers involved ample opportunity to fine tune their squad against worthy adversaries.
So, it’s no surprise to see youngsters (some of which tipped for stardom) mixing alongside their more established teammates, the former looking to catch the eye whilst the latter gaining valuable playing time ahead of the forthcoming season.
Though nowhere near as important as what is to come, there was no shortage of excitement and drama, that being said here are five things you might have missed.
A crazy penalty shootout
It’s been a while since Manchester United and AC Milan – two of Europe’s most decorated clubs – locked horns. Part of the season has been their contrasting fortunes; whilst United are seemingly on the road back, Milan are still restructuring under their latest manager, and Rossoneri icon, Gennaro Gattuso.
Boardroom turmoil aside, Milan on the pitch look healthy at least and they pushed United all the way, despite going a goal behind; Alexis Sanchez gave the Red Devils 12th-minutete lead but that was cancelled out three minutes later courtesy of Suso.
Chances came and went meaning the spectre of penalties. And boy was it a lengthy affair. United, who began the contest, were coasting, 3-1 up before back-to-back misses – Scott McTominay and then goalkeeper Joel Castro Pereira – forced sudden death.
Each side missed two, before Franck Kessié chipped his over handing United the victory, at one stage before the conclusion Gattuso and his opposite number Jose Mourinho joked they should take one apiece, that would have been a sight to behold.
Favilli scored two for Juventus
Understandably mention Juventus these days and the name Cristiano Ronaldo will not be far away. Their big summer acquisition, though, was unavailable when they faced their German counterpart Bayern Munich.
In truth, the Portuguese forward wasn’t needed, and more importantly for Massimiliano Allegri, a chance to look at his squad’s depth was presented. Everyone knows what Ronaldo is capable of, but what about Andrea Favilli, a graduate of the club’s academy system who has yet to breakthrough?
The 21-year-old marksman started in Philadelphia and did everything in his power to seize that opportunity. Bagging a brace, and looking comfortable, repaid his manager’s faith and it would only benefit him as he looks to establish himself in black-and-white.
More opportunities will come, but the likelihood is a loan spell, but then again with Juve fighting on three fronts – winning the European Cup is now an obsession – Allegri may want to keep him around.
Salah and Mané returned and both scored
Success breeds expectation. A year ago, when Liverpool forked out an initial £36.9m for Mohamed Salah, no one – including the Egyptian himself – could have foreseen the impact he would make. And it wasn’t a ripple. It was seismic.
Salah’s unadulterated catapulted the Reds to near Champions League glory. His efforts in front of goal saw records tumble and new ones set. To say he raised the bar is an understatement. So, as you’d expect, all eyes will be on him next season. Anything less and you can already hear the rumors.
It’s one thing to have a Messi/Ronaldo-esque season, but these goliaths been doing it for a decade straight, being this consistent separates the good from the greats. Salah in truth wasn’t alone, Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp were a sight to behold and they’ve strengthened this summer, with many tipping Klopp’s men for Premier League success.
Before it really goes down, Salah and Sadio Mane – two-thirds of the Reds fab front-three – made their first pre-season outing against English champions Manchester City and naturally were the difference. Salah grabbed the equaliser, after Leroy Sane put Pep Guardiola’s side in front, before Mane won it from the spot late on.
Lucas Moura and Fernando Llorente got two goals each
It hasn’t escaped the attention of some that Tottenham Hotspur haven’t been active in this summer’s transfer market. Then again, it’s not like they’re standing still, a number of key players – central to Spurs long-term ambitions – have penned new deals and manager Mauricio Pochettino, who likes to promote from within, is content with his squad.
Even though, in the eyes of many, Spurs’ weakness is their strength in depth it’s not like those outside the first team are mugs. These are individuals who have basked in the international spotlight and, with a plethora of players absent, it was their time to shine.
One of those in question is Fernando Llorente, who has 24 caps with Spain to his name, signed last summer (essentially as Harry Kane’s back-up) he’s been in and out with plenty to prove. Llorente did just that against Roma, scoring a brace, and in the process showing Pochettino that he can be counted.
A full strength Spurs team, coming on the back off last season, means no place for Lucas Moura who arrived in north London from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year. But having the Brazilian forward around is obviously an asset, he too showed why against Eusebio Di Francesco’s men, bagging two goals for himself.
There’s no question, following their progression under Pochettino, that next season is a make or break one. Spurs in essence have reached a crossroads, they can no longer able to cling to the identity of a team on the rise, it’s now or never.
A second chance
Benfica’s academy is well-renowned. A number of high-profile players have come through their youth ranks, but not everyone makes the first team, a notable recent example is Alfa Semedo who last summer departed for Moreirense before returning after impressing the powers that be in Lisbon.
A natural defensive midfielder, there’s no immediate guarantee he’ll walk into Rui Vitória’s starting lineup but that is what pre-season is for, to put doubt in the manager’s mind.
In their clash with Borussia Dortmund, which the Eagles ultimately won on penalties, Semedo reaffirmed Benfica’s decision to bring him back – scoring, not his primary objective, helped.
Then again, having another string to his bow, is not a bad thing at all. Not everyone gets a second chance after leaving their boyhood club without making a single first team appearance. It’s now up to Semedo to make it count.
The post Man Utd’s triumph in penalty marathon: Five things you might have missed from the late-night ICC friendlies appeared first on Squawka News.
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