Squawka Talker Football Podcast

Alexander-Arnold’s perfect mentor? The GOAT right-back is available for free

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Episode notes

On the anniversary of Zidane's headbutt, the Squawka Talker begins with the birth of a new World Cup icon: Megan Rapinoe. Jake Entwistle is joined by Muhammad Butt and Sam Long to discuss the USA's record-breaking triumph, the impact of England's fourth-placed finish before sharing of a few of their favourite stats.

We then move on to look at how Brazil's Copa America win could influence the transfer market this summer and the Ballon d'Or voting later in the year. The latest episode finishes by analysing what on earth is happening with Neymar and where he might end up next season. Tuck in.

PART ONE: The most dominant team in World Cup history

00:00:00 - 00:07:12 | This was Rapinoe's World Cup, everyone else was just playing in it

'She has been the icon of the tournament: even taking on Trump'

00:07:12 - 00:14:04 | Progress or regression for the Lionesses?

'Neville is a Southgate tribute act... NOASIS in a waistcoat'
'Ellen White turned into some sort of Ruud van Nistelrooy'

00:14:04 - 00:16:41 | Rose Lavelle will be the star of 2023

'In terms of consistent performances, Rose Lavelle was probably the best player at the tournament'

00:16:41 - 00:19:07 | World Cup stat battle

Muhammad, Sam and Jake pick their favourite niche stat from the 2019 tournament

PART TWO: The impact of Brazil's Copa America triumph

00:19:40 - 00:27:07 | Reminder: the GOAT right-back is a free agent (somehow)

'Dani Alves could teach Trent Alexander-Arnold incredible things'
'There would be some outrageous hug sequences between Klopp and Alves'

00:27:07 - 00:33:40 | Has Alisson broken into a five-man Ballon d'Or shortlist?

'When you're putting out Simeone numbers and not playing for Simeone - that's seriously impressive'

00:33:40 - 00:38:20 | World, meet the 'Little Onion'

'Everton, Firmino and Gabriel Jesus flourished in Neymar's absence'

PART THREE: What next for Neymar?

00:38:41 - 00:45:53 - The stat of play: on and off the pitch

'Neymar needs Barcelona's schoolboys to keep him in check'

00:45:53 - 00:57:21 - Barcelona's big signing: Neymar, Griezmann or both?

'PSG should swap Neymar for Dembélé and then sign Griezmann from PSG'