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The 18-year-old enjoyed a strong first season at Chicago Fire, earning transfer interest from around Europe as well as his first international caps

As the second half began during a September friendly between Colombia and Guatemala, the South Americans emerged without the iconic Radamel Falcao. The striker, a pillar of Colombian football for the last 15 years, had been replaced after 45 minutes.

On in his place came a 6'1 mountain of a teenager, Jhon Duran, to make his first senior appearance for his country.

For the football romantics out there, it was a moment that could be seen as a passing of the torch.

Because, while Duran will have to do a whole lot to come close to matching Falcao's legacy, it does seem that he has the potential to be Colombia's striker of the future. And, if all goes to plan, he could become the country's next star to make waves in Europe.

Duran, though, is taking a different path than many of his predecessors, albeit one that is becoming more and more common these days. The 18-year-old recently completed his first season in MLS with Chicago Fire, but he probably won't be there for long as some of the world's biggest clubs watch on.

But who is Duran and what makes him so special? Let NXGN explain…

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  Where it all began

  Born in Medellin, Duran's career began with Envigado, a club that is renowned for producing Colombia's stars of the future.

  The likes of James Rodriguez, Fredy Guarin, Juan Quintero, Matheus Uribe, Jhon Cordoba all came through the Envigado ranks before making their marks on the European game.

  At one point during his academy days coached by Wilson James Rodriguez, James' father, Duran was converted from a winger to a central striker as he progressed through the age-group sides.

  He made his first-team debut for the club in 2019 before later that year becoming the second-youngest goalscorer in Colombian top-flight history, at just 15 years and 263 days old.

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• The big break

  By January 2021, Duran had done enough to catch the eye of the Chicago Fire, who reportedly paid a transfer fee that could rise to $2.5 million (£1.8m) to secure a deal for the youngest foreign signing in MLS history.

  Due to his age, though, Duran didn't join the Fire until the start of the 2022 MLS season. Instead, he spent one more season at Envigado, scoring seven goals in 23 league appearances.

  When he did arrive in Chicago, he was eased in, as the 18-year-old striker spent much of the year as second-choice behind veteran Kacper Pryzbylko.

  Still, Duran didn't take long to find the back of the net, scoring his first goal off the bench in a 2-1 defeat to FC Cincinnati in May.

  His true breakout performance, though, came in July, when he netted a brace against Toronto FC in a 2-0 win.

  "I’m happy for him, I hope he can keep going like this," his team-mate and ex-Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri said following Duran's star turn. "He needs to stay also consistent now and try to stay on his toes and to learn from these games, too, what was not so good. This is important for him, too, to work hard in training and in the games, then, to deliver.”

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  How it's going

  By the end of the season, Duran had racked up 27 appearances, 14 of which were starts. And, over the last month or so of the MLS campaign, he appeared to really find his footing.

  He scored twice in a 3-1 win over Inter Miami on September 10 and added another in a 3-2 loss to Charlotte one week later.

  Then, after earning his first two caps for Colombia in a pair of friendly wins, he returned net another brace against FC Cincinnati in the final weeks of the campaign.

  He finished the season with eight goals in 1363 minutes, making him the Fire's leading goalscorer.

  He also provided three assists, giving him the second-most goal contributions on the team behind only Shaqiri, despite starting fewer than half of the club's games.

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• Biggest strengths

  The first thing that strikes you about Duran is his size. Standing at 6'1 (185cm), Duran has towered over opponents since he was 15, and has long had the strength to play well above his own age.

  Since arriving into MLS, his ability to handle the physicality was apparent. He never looked out of his depth despite taking a step up in level.

  “He is a player that, once he gets it all together, he can be a really, really special player,” Chicago Fire boss Ezra Hendrickson said. “He has all the tools.”

  Duran isn't a simple target man,though. He has pace to burn and is more than comfortable taking players on in transition. He has both the speed to beat a player, which explains why he was a winger at a young age, and the strength to outmuscle a defender if they do catch up.

  And then there's his touch, which was on full display in his chipped finish against FC Cincinnati. The technique is there and so is the composure in front of goal.

  There's also the added threat he brings at set pieces, with Duran proving to be a menace from dead-ball situations this season.

Some Manchester City fans were livid with the performance of Nathan Ake during their 4-3 win over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Friday night.

The Citizens’ status as Premier League champions was confirmed following Manchester United’s defeat to Leicester City on Tuesday, meaning Pep Guardiola came into this game with the opportunity to give chances to his fringe players. Some of them, such as hat-trick hero Ferran Torres, took advantage of the opportunity given to them.

Ake, though, was not part of that group. He was named in the staring line-up, but looked shaky at the heart of the back four along with Eric Garcia as City conceded an unexpected three goals. The Netherlands international even gave away the penalty that allowed Joelinton to level things up at 2-2.

The City supporters were far from happy with that they saw from the £31.5m-valued former Bournemouth man (Transfermarkt), and they took to social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Ake below

“And Ake in my opinion has to leave with Mendy this summer. We don’t need him and he’s not at Dias Stones and Laporte’s level .”

Credit: @FuryV3

“No agenda, just observations. Ake is so shockingly bad that’s it’s so funny. Mendy is awfully bad and I don’t say anything cause we all know it.”

Credit: @jamalilloo

“Ake had a stinker tonight, unfortunately”

Credit: @Dakk_MCFC

“Ake sounds like he is having a ‘mare tonight”

Credit: @AndrewAndyc0463

“This Aké disasterclass man”

Credit: @JeerryMCFC

“Ake is Wilfred Bony’s defence clone. Sell sell sell”

Credit: @ChildDannyc1

In other news, Man City fans were worried by these Guardiola comments.

Leeds United favourite Stuart Dallas is reportedly set to be offered a ‘double your money’ deal at Elland Road following some influential performances this season.

The Whites have enjoyed an excellent campaign, sitting ninth in the Premier League and rarely looking relegation-threatened at any point. Therefore, it is no surprise to see Victor Orta and co already planning for next season and beyond.

There have been a number of standout performers for Marcelo Bielsa’s side and Dallas has certainly been one of them, excelling with his versatility and influence. The 30-year-old has scored seven goals and registered two assists in the league, with his match-winning double away to Manchester City particularly memorable.

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Leeds to offer Dallas new deal

According to Football Insider, Leeds are willing to offer the ‘underrated’ Dallas a ‘big-money new contract’ as a reward for his performances, likely double his current £23,000 per week.

A Leeds source has told the outlet that negotiations are set to take place once this season reaches its end, with the Northern Ireland international’s current deal expiring in 2023, in what looks to be the latest of a long line of popular Orta decisions.

Transfer Tavern take

Giving Dallas a new contract is a no-brainer, considering the nature of his displays this season and his enduring importance to this Leeds side. Only Patrick Bamford has scored more in the Premier League for them this season, while his tackling record is the fifth-best in Bielsa’s squad too (WhoScored).

Every squad needs a player of his ilk – someone who can often be unheralded but is cherished by his teammates, a little like ex-Whites man James Milner, who ironically has also performed both in midfield and at left-back.

Dallas may not be getting any younger, but his fitness levels remain superb and there is no reason why he can’t continue to shine for several more years.

In other news, a big-name rumoured Leeds target has reportedly made a key decision over his future. Read more here.

The pair of forwards have combined well for the unbeaten Indomitable Lions in the previous four games 

Vincent Aboubakar and Karl Toko Ekambi will start against Africa Cup of Nations debutants the Gambia in the quarter-final to be played in Douala on Saturday.

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  Goalkeeper: Andre Onana

  Onana has featured in all games for the Indomitable Lions in the tournament and has been named again for their second knockout game.

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  Right-back – Collins Fai

  Although he was yellow-carded in their match against Cape Verde, the technical team later handed him a start against Comoros and he is again among the starters against the Scorpions.

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  Left-back – Nouhou Tolo

  The 24-year-old has been named in the first team once again as the Indomitable Lions face the Gambia for the first time in Afcon history.

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  Centre-back – Michael Ngadeu

  The 31-year-old has been trusted with a place at the heart of the defence once more as the hosts look for a positive result to propel them to the semis.

Liverpool could be set to lose one of their main stars for the start of next season as Mohamed Salah is being sounded out for the upcoming Olympic Games.

Egypt boss Shawky Garib reportedly wants the Liverpool star involved in the Games, having sent the nation’s itinerary to Anfield in hope of ensuring his inclusion and also already naming him in their preliminary squad.

Whilst Salah’s decision over whether he wants to participate remains to be made, should he elect to go, it would certainly be a big blow for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp.

With the tournament taking place in Tokyo between July 23rd and August 8th, the Egyptian is almost certain to miss the entirety of pre-season ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, with the Premier League season getting underway just under a week later on August 14th.

Whilst this may not be a catastrophic problem with Salah likely to maintain his fitness whilst participating in the Games, the sheer amount of football could either see him sustain injury or indeed suffer from burn-out.

Either way, Liverpool are surely not set to see the £200k per week forward, or indeed his best form at the very least, for the first few weeks of next season should he elect to represent his country in Japan.

It goes without saying that should that situation transpire, he would be a huge miss.

Salah has by far and away been Liverpool’s best player this season having netted 29 goals in all competitions throughout the campaign.

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With Liverpool aiming to re-establish themselves at the top of the table next season following a bitterly disappointing campaign this time around, they simply cannot afford to be missing their best players at the start of next term or they will be left playing catch-up once more.

If Salah does play in the Olympics, it could have dire consequences on the start of The Reds’ 2021/22 campaign.

AND in more news, take a closer look at Fabinho’s woeful performance in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle…

The draw has been made for the Champions League last 16 and there's plenty to discuss ahead of the match-ups

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  16Napoli

  The Serie A side have endured a chaotic few weeks with coach Carlo Ancelotti sacked shortly after securing a place in the last 16.

  A civil war inside the Stadio San Paolo hasn't helped with players wanting to leave, president Aurelio De Laurentiis reportedly fining some squad members and fans staying away.

  A tough draw against Barcelona will give little to raise European hopes but if they can hold onto Kalidou Koulibaly and Dries Martens in the January transfer window, a shock is not impossible.

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  15Lyon

  Lyon reached the last 16 with a dramatic late equaliser; Memphis Depay's goal saw them snatch a 2-2 draw with RB Leipzig at the death.

  The former Manchester United forward will be a huge loss in the knockout stages after he was ruled out for the season with a cruciate knee ligament injury days later.

  Lyon are struggling halfway down the Ligue 1 table with seven defeats from 18 games already. A victory over Juventus would be a huge upset.

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  14Chelsea

  The wheels have fallen off for Frank Lampard's exciting young side in recent weeks with just two wins from their last seven matches.

  A summer transfer ban has seen them put their faith in promising academy products but the squad is short of European experience – they only secured a place in the last 16 on the final day with a 2-1 win over Lille.

  Bayern Munich will be a huge test but they do at least now have the option to strengthen in January after the transfer ban was lifted.

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  13Atalanta

  The Champions League debutants are just happy to be here after their surprising qualification for the last 16.

  Home games were switched from Bergamo to San Siro, and despite losing their opening three group games and trailing at half-time to Manchester City in the fourth, they went on to collect seven points to qualify from the group stages.

  The draw has been kind, with Valencia a team they are more than capable of beating.

Europe's premier club competition gets underway this week, with a number of potential future superstars set to play key roles

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  Alphonso Davies | 18 | Bayern Munich

  With Bayern failing to sign any top-class replacements for Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery over the summer, the weight of responsibility has grown substantially on Canadian international Davies.

  While Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry remain Niko Kovac's first choice wide pair at the Allianz Arena, Davies is seen as the first reserve – along with Ivan Perisic – and has all the tools to make it at the very highest level.

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  Sergino Dest | 18 | Ajax

  Ajax may have sold a number of their young stars following last season's run to the Champions League semi-finals, but that has allowed a new batch of teenage stars to break through in Amsterdam.

  The most impressive of them so far this season has been right-back Dest, whose performances have been rewarded with a first cap for the senior United States side as well as a fresh contract with the Eredivisie champions.

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  Ansu Fati | 16 | Barcelona

  Few 16-year-olds get the chance to play for Barcelona's first team, and even fewer make the impact that Fati has during the opening week of the season.

  In just his second appearance for the Blaugrana he found the net against Osasuna before marking his first start against Valencia with a goal and an assist inside seven minutes at Camp Nou.

  It remains to be seen how many chances he gets once the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele return to full fitness, but he has certainly made his mark on Ernesto Valverde.

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  Erling Braut Haaland | 19 | Salzburg

  The son of former Leeds United defender Alf-Inge Haaland, the teenage striker has been in superb form for Salzburg in his first full season with the Austrian champions.

  Having scored nine times in a game for Norway during the Under-20 World Cup over the summer, he has backed that up with 14 goals in eight games to kick-off the new campaign. He has now earned a first full international cap, and is already being linked to a host of top European clubs.

The world champions were joined by the country's president as well as thousands of supporters as they celebrated their second World Cup title

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  Hugo Lloris

  Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris lifts the World Cup trophy

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  France World Cup squad

  The France World Cup squad thank the fans for their support

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  Didier Deschamps

  Manager Didier Deschamps acknowledges the crowd

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  Kylian Mbappe

  Kylian Mbappe was named Best Young Player after his performances in Russia

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has urged Marcelo Bielsa to address Leeds United’s defensive structure so that they can reach that next level.

Offensively, Bielsa’s side have been superb this season. When it comes to goals scored and average possession in the Premier League, they trump most teams (via WhoScored).

However, defensively, there is much work to be done. Having conceded 48 goals in 30 games, Leeds have one of the worst records for goals conceded.

If Bielsa can solve that issue, Hendrie believes the Whites would go on to become a serious outfit in English football’s top flight.

Speaking exclusively to FFC on the matter, the retired Premier League footballer said:

“My big point with Bielsa is that he’s so attack-minded in his style of play that if they got a defensive structure in place, I think Leeds would be a big force. Now whether that means bringing in someone who’s going to deal with defensive duties and Bielsa gets on with what he does…”

Hendrie later went on to add:

“We all like to watch Leeds, but defensively there’s been a massive, massive question mark and that’s why they haven’t kicked on again this season, because they’re coming into the Premier League against very good attack-minded football sides and top-quality players. I feel if they got that defensive structure right, I feel that Leeds would be a really big force.”

The above is certainly something for Bielsa to consider, especially if he wants his side to compete for European football next season.

The likes of West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa, who are all in or around those European qualification spots, all boast significantly better defensive records.

A number of Liverpool fans have been left stunned by an incredible goal by promising Reds youngster Mateusz Musialowski, with some excitedly comparing him to the legendary Lionel Messi.

Jurgen Klopp’s side won 1-0 away to Wolves on Monday evening in what was their final game until next month, with almost three weeks without a match to endure.

Diogo Jota’s strike was enough to earn Liverpool a much-needed victory at Molineux, keeping their chances of a top four finish just about alive.

In many ways, it could be that the Reds will benefit from a rest in the coming weeks, as they look to be in prime condition for an assault on the Champions League.

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Away from first team action, there has been some absolute magic on show in recent days, with Musialowski highlighting why he is so highly-rated at the academy.

The 17-year-old Pole has been earning rave reviews after some influential performances and he was at his brilliant best at the weekend as Liverpool’s under-18s won 3-0 away to Newcastle United’s youngsters.

Musialowski’s wonderful slaloming run and finish was the standout moment of the game and one of the best goals by any Reds player this season.

Liverpool fans laud sensational Musialowski goal

Here’s how some Liverpool fans reacted to Musialowski’s “special” piece of individual brilliance on Twitter, with many left gobsmacked by its quality.

“The Polish Pele”

Credit: @lfcfdan_

“Wow, he might just be a bit special”

Credit: @RleEllis

“You love to see it!!! YNWA”

Credit: @darrenjaxon77

“Messi regen”

Credit: @Nicoroskifte10

“Special”

Credit: @ben_LFC6

“Baller”

Credit: @ftblbeard

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been responding to a shock transfer rumour that has emerged. Read about it here.