Arsenal have conceded just three times in the league this season and have kept three successive clean sheets in the Champions League, meaning their defensive record after 12 matches is the best in the club's 138-year history.

He led Liverpool to the 2005 Champions League title and Valencia to two La Liga titles.

The Birmingham side started their campaign slowly but have climbed to 11th in the table after three straight wins.

The 20-year-old took a two-year break from the sport in 2022 but has surged back since returning last season and is likely to be one of the favourites for gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted by Italy in February.