Dribble Diaries

Aston Villa’s agreement to sign Zion Suzuki from Parma is one of the most intriguing goalkeeper transfers of the summer. The deal is reported to be worth an initial €30 million, with bonuses capable of taking the total to around €35 million, or approximately £29.9 million, while the 23-year-old Japan international is expected to sign a five-year contract running until 2031. More than a recruitment move, it appears to be a carefully timed succession plan for Emiliano Martínez, whose future has been linked with Juventus. The transfer is significant because Villa are not simply buying a reserve goalkeeper or a player for gradual development. Suzuki is arriving with the expectation that he can become the club’s next first-choice goalkeeper. That is a demanding role, especially after the influence Martínez has had at Villa Park. The Argentine has become one of the most recognizable goalkeepers in world football, and replacing him will require more than reflexes and shot-stopping ability. Su...

Denis Man scored his second goal in as many games for Parma just two minutes in, tapping in unmarked from a cross from the left. Milan surged into the game and began to control around the halfway point of the first half, with Zion Suzuki pushed into an outstanding save to deny Davide Calabria from a corner. Paolo Fonseca's team saw more of the ball as the half progressed, but couldn't produce an equalizer, falling behind for the second game in a row. Like their draw with Torino a week ago, they found their rhythm as the game progressed and were level just after the hour mark when Christian Pulisic tapped into an empty net after Rafael Leao crossed the ball to the USMNT forward. However, as they sought for the winner, the hosts startled them again 13 minutes later. Substitute Almqvist was the architect, racing down the left wing and setting up fellow substitute Matteo Cancellieri to restore Parma's lead in the dying moments. Milan pressed for a second equalizer, but despite ...