The transfer window has closed, the first international break is upon us and the Champions League is on the horizon; The football season is in full swing! There was plenty to discuss when we caught up with our Global Football Ambassador, Sergio Agüero to speak about the latest developments in the beautiful game.
Read our Stake exclusive interview with Kun Agüero himself, and see what the champion had to say about transfers, Premier League and Copa America football as you place bets during this exciting time at Stake Sportsbook .
Transfer Window
Ilkay Gundogan has completed his move back to Manchester City. Where does he rank amongst the best players you’ve played with?
I'm very happy for Ilkay's return to City. He's a fantastic addition, particularly because he gets Pep's system perfectly. Gundogan is set to have a starring role this season. Gundo is, without a doubt, one of the best players City has had in their roster in the last few years. He's committed, inventive, and able to contribute playmaking and goalscoring. That makes him a key player.
Do you think your last-minute winner against QPR is more iconic than Gundogan’s against Villa from 2022?
I think both goals will be remembered fondly for all times. There have been few times where you can pinpoint a goal that won a tournament, and in such a pivotal moment to boot. I think every fan of City would be able to recount, play by play, exactly how those goals were scored. It must be said – the late goal on QPR has special significance because it broke City's 44-year title drought, and allowed the project of the club to take off. Gundo's goal, in 2022, is a re-consolidation of that trajectory.
Your former teammate Raheem Sterling has just joined Arsenal. How good of a signing is that for The Gunners?
I think it's a great signing for Arsenal. Arteta and Raheem know each other very well from their time at City. Mikel will surely be able to find a way to let Sterling show his best game. Besides, the team is very well-consolidated, and they've been a tough contender over the last few seasons. The team has a deep bench and Raheem comes as a solid reinforcement. They'll come out as a stronger rival for sure.
Sterling has now played for Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal. Could you have ever seen yourself playing for anyone other than Man City in your Premier League career?
Well, I did only play for Man City, didn't I? They were 10 amazing seasons, we accomplished major things for the club, putting City among the best in the world. Being part of that process is unforgettable. Chelsea did try to pull me to their side, true. Some back-and-forth there. But I always chose to stay in City, and that's that.
Joao Felix has returned to Chelsea. Were you surprised that it didn’t work out for him in Spain?
I wouldn't say I have all the pieces about the subject to give you a well-informed opinion. He's received an opportunity to return to the Premier League and enjoy all it has to offer. Sometimes, you just need to step away to do that. Joao will have a new challenge: joining a team in a reconstruction process, with a new manager.
General Insights
Liverpool comfortably beat Manchester United in the last game before the break. Do you consider them to be Premier League contenders this season?
Liverpool started really strong, especially considering the end of the Klopp era. They've proved to still be one of the teams-to-beat to get the title, just like it has been over the past few seasons. But then again, it's not about the start of the season, it's about landing the finish. The Premier League is all about consistency, so that's the element to make note of.
Luis Diaz has had an electric start to the campaign. Can you see that he has taken confidence from Colombia’s impressive Copa America run?
Luis Diaz had proven his calibre time and time again. In any case, I think Colombia grew because of Luis' own experience in Europe. It took their whole team to another level. He's not the only player who did – Muñoz playing for Palace is also of note. This type of background makes a national team better-rounded.
Can Savinho rival Bukayo Saka and Mohamed Salah as the best right winger in the Premier League?
Savinho's performance over the last few matches has been fearsome. For a wingman, you can see hints of Mahrez's flair there: a menacing dribble with a lethal finish. Though his injury prevented him from joining the main squad, as far as I know. But City's playing style could really employ what he brings to the table. Saka and Salah have had many seasons in the Premier League, they are not valid comparisons, in my opinion. We'll see how this evolves over time.
Who has the best winger duo in the Premier League? Is it Doku x Savinho or Diaz x Salah, or another?
As I was saying, Diaz and Salah have more tenure in the PL, and more time together than Savinho and Doku. That makes it harder to compare. However, either of them are the best pair in modern times. Salah and Diaz are a scoring combination, they can assist well, and they are very in-sync with their teammates. Doku and Savinho need time, but their potential is through the roof.
I liked a lot of what I saw from Barca so far. Flick has been able to instil confidence in the younger players, they're behaving as if they've been playing in the top division for many years now. Dani Olmo's signing, coming from a terrific Euro, matters a lot. And Lewandowski hasn't stopped scoring. This is just starting, and they shouldn't get overconfident... but you couldn't want a better start to a season.
Oasis have just announced their reunion and we know that Liam and Noel are massive fans of yours. Will you be going to the tour?
It's been amazing to see the buzz they've made, isn't it? They are legends, it's all well-deserved. And yes, I'd love to make it to one of their concerts, but, as you may know, I'm going to be a father once more, in just a few days. That will likely get in the way of any travel plans. Maybe I'll have a chance to see them live after all.
Colombia v Argentina
Your ideal final for the Copa America was Colombia vs Argentina, what do you think of the final and how do you see this rivalry?
I've said it before the final, I've said so after the match too. Colombia is undergoing a similar process as Argentina's. No team can win a title without making it to finals first. We had a similar history, with a WC final slipping away, and two Copa Americas too. Eventually, it happened. So I think Colombia's work needs to be appreciated. They have a great team, very professional staff, and, in due time this way, they'll see the results. Their side has been tough opposition, and they'll be for years to come.
It was a very tight match in the Final back in July, how do you see this game going given Colombia will have home advantage this time?
It's a different context. A final is not a qualifier, there's a lot riding on it and there's no possibility of settling the score. During qualifiers, you want to ensure you make it to the World Cup throughout a series of a matches. That doesn't mean it will be an easy game for us. I've played against Colombia with home team advantage – they have a lot of support from the stands and it shows. It'll likely be just as tight and tricky as it was before.
With Leo Messi injured for the game, which Argentina players do you see taking a more prominent role?
Argentina's trademark is their conception of a team. It's unmistakable – they are collaborative and clear-eyed what they go to get. Missing the best player in the world among your starting 11 is obviously going to have an impact, but the team's robustness will make it less pronounced. Many of the players of the younger generation already have a World Cup and two Copa Americas on their tally. They know what it means to wear the white-and-cerulean. The old guard has been successful in teaching this passion – like Nico Otamendi does. Like Paredes does. Or Cuti, Lisandro, McAllister, Enzo, Julian, Lautaro... Argentina's side has a lot of unique flair right now.
