Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Antoine Griezmann ends career-long boot partnership with Puma and will now wear £54 pair from budget French chain

      by

      ANTOINE GRIEZMANN has ended his 14-year-long boot partnership with Puma.And he is now wearing £54 boots made by retail chain Decathlon.Antoine Griezmann has been wearing Decathlon since his Puma splitCredit: GettyThe boots he wore against Real Madrid retail at £54The forward was one of Puma’s brand ambassadors over the last few years, wearing their boots at World Cups, Euros and in the Champions League.But he is no longer with the manufacturer and has turned to an unlikely alternative.Griezmann instead wore Decathlon’s Kipsta CLR boots against Real Madrid at the weekend.They cost just £54 – far less than the £200 plus boots worn by his team-mates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDecathlon’s Kipsta brand have partnered with Uefa this season to provide the official ball for the Europa League and the Europa Conference League.Other sports stars including tennis player Gael Monfils have also agreed deals to wear Kipsta.Griezmann, 33, this week announced his retirement from international football.His statement read: “It is with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Thank you for this magnificent tricolour adventure and see you soon.”After 10 incredible years marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn a page and make way for the new generation.Football teams that controversially changed their badge”Wearing this jersey was an honour and a privilege.” More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘This is the year’ declares Bukayo Saka as Arsenal star declares Gunners will finally end wait for Premier League title

      by

      BUKAYO SAKA last night vowed “this is the year” after being asked about Arsenal’s Premier League title chances.The winger, 23, was in action as the Gunners beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 in the Champions League.Bukayo Saka spoke to the CBS Sports crew after last night’s gameSaka, 23, was on the scoresheet as the Gunners beat PSGCredit: PAAfter the game, the England star joined the CBS Sports crew for an interview.Gunners legend Thierry Henry was a member of the CBS panel, alongside Kate Abdo, Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher.Henry, who was a star man in Arsenal’s last title-winning team in 2003-04, asked Saka: “Do you think it is important this year to win the title?”Refusing to duck the question, Saka nodded before answering: “I don’t want to put too much pressure on us but I do think that this is the year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I think we’ve been close the last two years and we’re getting closer, but this hopefully will be the year.”Henry, 47, excitedly responded: “I like the way you’ve been speaking tonight.”Saka had just played an integral role in the Gunners’ victory over French champions PSG.After Kai Havertz put Mikel Arteta’s side 1-0 up after 20 minutes, Saka doubled their lead on 35.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNew Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.In a separate interview with Amazon Prime Video, the winger spoke of his belief that his side can go one step further this season, having finished as runners-up in each of the last two campaigns.He said: “Previous years, I’ve come runners-up a lot.Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal’s win over PSG “It’s just that spirit in me that I want to win this season and of course, I believe in myself a lot.”With those two things, it helps. We believe in ourselves, we believe we’re a top team. We showed that tonight.”I did tell the boys we have to make a statement when big teams are coming to the Emirates.”The Gunners have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season in all competitions, and sit third in the Premier League with four wins and two draws from six games.This weekend they host Southampton looking to go into the international break with another three points in the bag.Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armourKAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.BUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/A More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Bukayo Saka gives team-mate Raheem Sterling’s son unforgettable moment as fans hail ‘incredible gesture’

      by

      BUKAYO SAKA has helped give Raheem Sterling’s son an experience he’ll never forget.Thiago Sterling, 7, was Saka’s mascot ahead of the Gunners Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain. Bukayo Saka’s mascot was Raheem Sterling’s son Thiago against PSGCredit: GettyThe Three Lions star put on a show during the 2-0 winCredit: PAThe youngster accompanied the Three Lions star out onto the Emirates field ahead of Tuesday’s game. The seven-year-old beamed as he lined up alongside the Gunners team for the Champions League anthem. Thiago proved to be a lucky omen, with Saka going on to score the second goal in a comfortable 2-0 win for the hosts. One proud Arsenal fan responded on X: “Incredible gesture from our captain.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnother said: “A special moment for Saka and Thiago.”While a third added: “Absolutely love this.”And a fourth speculated: “Sterling is doing everything in his power to make this into a permanent transfer.”Even at the age of 1, Thiago was showing signs of being a chip off the old block. Most read in FootballThiago went viral as a toddler after showing off his footy skills during an in-door kickabout with his dad. Sterling is currently on loan at Arsenal from parent club Chelsea. Why Saka needs to beat ‘ghost defender’ to keep Arsenal’s title hopes alive against SpursLast month, the 29-year-old opened up on his potential life after football for the first time. And he does not want to follow the traditional route many players take by going into coaching.Sterling wrote in the Gunners matchday programme against Leicester: “I don’t know about coaching yet, but maybe something to do with working with young players and trying to help them handle what’s next and prepare them for that. “I get real joy out of helping people. Being any sort of help to people on a football pitch gives me real joy, so it might not be coaching but something along those lines, working with players, but not maybe as a traditional coach.”Sterling joined the Gunners on deadline day in a loan move from ChelseaCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armourKAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.BUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/ASterling has appeared just twice since arriving from Stamford Bridge in the summer. But he is confident he still has plenty to give out on the field as Arsenal hunt for trophies this season. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe continued: “I don’t know [about role after retirement] – it’s a way off yet. That’s something for the future.”There is a qualification I want to do, not on the coaching side, but I will focus on playing first I think.” More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL duo risk wrath of their manager for breaking club rule after playing bizarre on-field game

      by

      COVENTRY duo Milan van Ewijk and Brandon Thomas-Asante risked enraging boss Mark Robins with a bizarre on-field game last night.The Sky Blues took on Blackburn at the Coventry Building Society Arena, with the visitors going into the night unbeaten this term.Milan van Ewijk was in action for Coventry against Blackburn last nightCredit: PABrandon Thomas-Asante was also in action in the Championship clashCredit: PARobins’ men have struggled so far this season, only winning one of their opening seven Championship games.But they produced a much-improved performance last night against John Eustace’s Rovers.With their side 2-0 up courtesy of goals by Jake Bidwell and Haji Wright, however, Van Ewijk and Thomas-Asante may have produced one small blot on Robins’ copybook.After Coventry earned a free-kick in a dangerous position, both men fancied a crack at goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn order to decide who took it, the pair played rock, paper scissors.Van Ewijk, 24, came out on top – but could only strike his subsequent effort straight at goalkeeper Aynsley Pears.The Dutchman appeared to see the funny side, smiling after botching his attempt.But his manager may view things differently.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMark Robins’ side were in great form to beat BlackburnCredit: PABack in February, Robins threatened to kill Wright and Callum O’Hare after the duo used the same game to determine who took a penalty during a clash at Millwall.Even after Wright tucked the spot kick away, his boss said at the time: “Rock paper scissors? I’m going to kill them.Shocking moment Coventry boss wildly celebrates in ball boy’s FACE after FA Cup winner – then accuses him of ‘smirking'”For me, it’s about who’s confident to take the penalty. Now, Callum’s confident, Haji was a regular penalty taker in Turkey, so I’ve got no problem and then if I get involved with that then it obviously puts doubt in somebody’s head.”So, let them sort it out and if they miss it then they’re in trouble, aren’t they, but thankfully they’ve got the wherewithal and the calm heads to deal with that situation.”The good thing is they both want to score, they both want to take the penalty, they both want to get on the scoresheet.”Just four minutes after Van Ewijk wasted last night’s free-kick, Thomas-Asante scored to make the three points safe.Following his side’s 3-0 win, Robins said: “We were looking for a performance – and it was a big performance.”We played really well, but I think we’ve played well in a number of games this season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I knew they were going to give a really good performance and that’s exactly what we got.”Coventry’s win saw them climb to 16th in the table after eight matches, while Blackburn missed the chance to go top.Coventry beat previously unbeaten Blackburn 3-0Credit: Rex More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League price boosts and offers for tonight’s games including Aston Villa vs Bayern and Liverpool vs Bologna

      by

      THE Champions League continues tonight with nine more big matches across the continent.The game of the night comes from Villa Park when Unai Emery’s Aston Villa host European giants Bayern Munich.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereLiverpool are in action against Bologna, looking to make it two wins from two to start the competition.At SunSport, we’ve carefully selected some of the best price boosts and special offers for existing customers from our betting partners for tonight.Price boosts and offers for tonight’s Champions League matchesWilliam HillOur partners over at William Hill continually have some of the best price boosts across football – and they’ve stepped it up here. We’ve selected our favourite couple which you can back below!Liverpool, Real Madrid & Bayern Munich all to win – NOW 9/4 – CLAIM HERESalah, Vinicius Jr & Kane all to score – NOW 6/1 – CLAIM HEREKane to score or assist & Bayern Munich to win by 2 or more goals – was 2/1 NOW 5/2 – CLAIM HEREtalkSPORT BETtalkSPORT BET also have a selection of price boosts for tonight’s games!BTTS, Bayern Munich to win & Kane to score 2+ goals – was 27/4 NOW 8/1 – CLAIM HERESalah to score, Liverpool over 2.5 goals & over 3.5 cards in game – NOW 7/2 – CLAIM HERERemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League referee suspended after sickening ‘threat’ to KILL player during game

      by

      A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE referee has been suspended from officiating after allegedly threatening to kill a player during a game.Italian referee Fabio Maresca has been removed from refereeing duties in Serie A for a month and was also taken off of Tuesday’s Champions League clash between PSV and Sporting CP.Referee Fabio Maresca has been suspended from officiating in Italy for one month and taken off of Champions League dutiesCredit: GettyAccording to Corriere della Sera, an incident occurred during a brief conversation in English between Maresca and Al-Arabi star Khald Al Mershed on Friday.Maresca had taken charge of the Kuwait Premier League fixture between Kuwait SC and Al-Arabi, which ended in a 2-0 win for the home side.Conflicting accounts of the conversation have arisen in the report, with the player lodging a serious complaint against him.It has been claimed Maresca said something along the lines of “see you next time”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Al-Mershed accused the ref of saying: “See you next time, I’ll kill you.”Maresca is reportedly unlikely to face further punishment in Kuwait following the incident because it was resolved with “on-field diplomacy”.The 43-year-old started off officiating in Italy’s professional league in 2011 and has been involved in European competition since 2018.In May he sent off then-Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri in the Coppa Italia final after he furiously confronted the fourth official.Most read in FootballMaresca has taken charge of one Serie A match this season.This was the 2-2 draw between AC Milan and Torino on the opening weekend. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds star Dan James dreaming of winning Olympic gold with Team GB at Los Angeles 2028

      by

      DAN JAMES admits he would like to follow Wales boss Craig Bellamy and play in a possible Team GB Olympic side.British Olympic Association chiefs want a men’s football team at the 2028 Olympics staged in Los Angeles.Bellamy was joined by Welshman Ryan Giggs, Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey and Neil Taylor in the Team GB side which took part at London 2012Credit: GettyDan James attended a McDonald’s Fun Football Day at Bollington United in Cheshire recentlyBellamy was one of five Welshman who played in London 2012 – the only time since 1960 a GB men’s side has taken part.Leeds winger James said: “If the opportunity arised then I’d definitely be interested. “Not many people can say they have been to an Olympics so if it did arise I’d be more than interested.”New Wales boss Bellamy became the first British to score in Team GB colours in 52 years when he netted against Senegal at Old Trafford 12 years ago.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBellamy was a big supporter of the Olympic movement and described the opportunity as a “great honour”.He was joined by fellow countryman Ryan Giggs, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Neil Taylor in Stuart Pearce’s squad.The FA are believed to be keen to embrace the opportunity.But other Home Nations are concerned a joint GB side with players from the four countries would threaten their independent status with Fifa.Most read in FootballFootball Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney claimed the possibility of GB entering a men’s side has “never been discussed” among Dragons bosses.That is despite the BOA promoting the idea after the Paris Games this summer where Spain beat France 5-3 after extra-time to win the gold medal.James took part in the largest ever Fun Football session to celebrate the milestone of 500,000 children benefitting from the programme across the UKWhether James, 26, plays in LA remains to be seen but Wales aim to qualify for the 2026 World Cup hosted in the US as well as Canada and Mexico.Bellamy names his squad today for Wales’ Nations League games away to Iceland and Montenegro in Cardiff this month with James set to miss out due to a hamstring injury.But James is excited about linking up with the new Dragons chief soon as they map out their journey to emulating Wales’ 2022 World Cup qualification in Qatar.James, who was speaking at a McDonald’s Fun Football Day at Bollington United in Cheshire, added: “The 2026 World Cup is our big aim. “These Nations League fixtures are very important to put us in a good position going into the qualifiers for the World Cup and we want to get to Group A in the Nations League.”We have had the experience of the World Cup and it wasn’t quite what we wanted. “We were delighted to get there but we were disappointed in the way it finished.”All the players are desperate to get there again. The fans will want to experience it too.”It’s going to be a great one in the US so it’s one we don’t want to miss out on. America is great. “They are producing top footballers and the sport is becoming bigger and bigger over there.  “You see how they put on big spectacles in other sports and that World Cup will be watched all across the globe. It will be brilliant. We don’t want to miss out on that.”James is looking forward to working with ex-Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle wideman Bellamy.The new Wales chief kicked off his tenure with a positive goalless home draw with Turkey and a 2-1 win in Montenegro last month.James said: “It’s a great appointment. I’m gutted to miss out. “The manager is an ex-player who played in my position and had a great career like Ryan Giggs.”Ryan brought me through and I’ll always thank him for that. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But having two ex-players who were great in the Premier League will be nice for me because I can get their experiences as footballers.”TaglineMcDonald’s Fun Football ambassador Daniel James took part in the largest ever Fun Football session to celebrate the milestone of 500,000 children benefitting from the programme across the UK. Sign up to a free session near you at www.mcdonalds.co.uk/football More

    • 175 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League masterclass underlines Rico Lewis’ Dream Team viability in wake of Rodri’s injury

      by

      “THE way Rico is playing, there are no words. He does everything.”Those the words of Pep Guardiola after Rico Lewis’ (£3.8m) Champions League masterclass against Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday night.Dream Team cheat codeCredit: Dream TeamIlkay Gundogan (£3.5m), Phil Foden (£5.7m), Erling Haaland (£9.2m) and James McAtee (£2m) scored the goals in Manchester City’s 4-0 victory but the 19-year-old defender-cum-midfielder was most worthy of his coach’s lavish praise after the final whistle.Lewis created three big chances (one finished off by Haaland), registered three shots on target, and contributed to the visitors’ clean sheet in a hugely impressive all-round display that yielded 18 Dream Team points.The England international has been something of a cheat code in Dream Team so far this season.Having previously been a bit-part player at the Etihad, he’s now a regular starter and key man for the defending champions.Lewis started the campaign at just £3m and is still affordable now at £3.8m, though he’s destined for another price increase after his 20-point haul in Gameweek 6.Lewis is third among defenders right nowCredit: GettyThere are more games to come this Gameweek but at the time of writing, Lewis is ranked third among assets in his position with 58 points to his name in total at an average of 7.3 per appearance.His third assist of the season means he now leads the way in the playmaking department among defenders.The main reason City’s homegrown star is such an appealing Dream Team option is his specialised role in Guardiola’s tactical set-up.Most read in FootballCategorised as a defender and therefore eligible for clean sheet points, Lewis is most commonly deployed as an additional midfielder – taking up some extremely advanced positions at times.John Stones (£4m) fulfilled a similar role with great effect last season.Guardiola was quick to praise Lewis’ formCredit: AFPAnd the experiment is likely to continue not only because Lewis has thrived in such areas, but because of Rodri’s unfortunate lay-off.The Spain international is widely considered the best deep-lying midfielder in the world but an ACL injury has prematurely ended his season.While nobody is on Rodri’s level, City are hardly short of quality midfielders but at this stage it seems as if Lewis will get plenty of minutes this term.It may even be the case that the teenager is able to play alongside Kyle Walker (£3.9m) when the latter is deployed as a more orthodox right-back.Although Dream Team bosses should know by now that no individual is totally immune to Guardiola’s rotation policy.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWRodri’s injury has dented Man City’s trophy hopes but Lewis has emerged as a capable deputy in midfieldCredit: ReutersEssentially, Lewis is an affordable, in-form asset who is being played out of position (in the best way possible) for one of the strongest teams in Europe – a godsend for Dream Team managers!READ MORE SUN STORIESHis current ownership of 13.5% makes him the fifth-most selected defender in the game but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he cracked the top three in the coming weeks.City are due to face Fulham, Wolves, Sparta Prague, Southampton and Tottenham before the end of the month.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More