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      Ibrahima Konate and other top defenders selected by fewer than 10% of Dream Team gaffers

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      DREAM TEAM managers should always be aware of potential differential options, players who appear in relatively few teams.These individuals are often the difference-makers as their returns are more likely to impact Mini League standings and overall rank than the popular superstars.With Manchester City on a losing streak and several other high-profile defenders out injured, many gaffers will want to refresh their back line ahead of Gameweek 13.Here we’ve simply identified the defenders with the most points who currently feature in fewer than 10% of teams.Takes no prisonersCredit: GettyDaniel Munoz£3.4m1.5% ownership68 ptsThe Crystal Palace wing-back has made a whopping 55 tackles already this season.Only Noussair Mazraoui (£4.1m) has registered more but he’s only ahead of Munoz because he’s had additional European fixtures to pad out his schedule.Plus, Rico Lewis (£3.4m) is the only defender with more assists than the Colombia international at this stage.The Eagles are struggling this term with just eight points from their first 12 league outings but scoring goals is their primary problem – they’ve conceded the same number of goals as Manchester City.Most read in FootballLewis Hall£3.8m2% ownership72 ptsRising up the ranksCredit: GettyThe fact the Newcastle left-back was just capped by England is a good indicator of his recent form.Only six defenders have earned more points from their last three outings – Hall even mustered a respectable five points on Monday night despite the Magpies’ 2-0 defeat to West Ham.The ex-Chelsea youngster also ranks joint-fourth for bonus points among assets in his position.A meeting with Liverpool aside, Newcastle’s fixtures appear rather favourable from now until Boxing Day.Destiny Udogie£3.5m5.6% ownership75 ptsUnfairly overlooked?Credit: GettyPedro Porro (£4.4m) is clearly the optimum Tottenham defender but the Spaniard’s counterpart on the left is considerably more affordable and ranks 11th among players in his position.Udogie hasn’t provided the same attacking threat as last season but only the aforementioned Mazraoui and Munoz have made more tackles (among defenders).Ange Postecoglou’s side are frustratingly inconsistent, as typified by their 4-0 win over Man City in the wake of a 2-1 defeat to Ipswich.But Spurs have got plenty of potential and Udogie deserves more recognition in the world of Dream Team.Diogo Dalot£4m9.3% ownership89 ptsTicking boxesManchester United’s No20 has been a decent Dream Team asset for a while now.He was one of the more reliable performers under Erik ten Hag’s watch and while that doesn’t say much, he ticks a few useful boxes.Dalot ranks fourth among defenders for big chances created, fifth for tackles, and sixth for clean sheets.The Portugal international was deployed as a wing-back in Ruben Amorim’s first game as the Red Devils’ head coach and if he continues in the role his backers may enjoy an increase in attacking returns.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 NOWIbrahima Konate£4.8m8.9% ownership90 ptsImperiousCredit: GettyIt’s easy to understand why over 91% of gaffers are overlooking the Frenchman right now.Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) and Virgil van Dijk (£5.5m) are the only defenders to have brought up a century of points at the time of writing while left-backs Andy Robertson (£4.1m) and Kostas Tsimikas (£3.2m) have offered a more affordable route into the top flight’s best defence.Konate lands in the middle in terms of points and price and has been consequently underutilised.The physically imposing 25-year-old is now just one point behind fourth-placed Josko Gvardiol (£4.6m) in the rankings.READ MORE SUN STORIESArne Slot’s side are due to face Man City and Newcastle in Gameweek 13 but they’ve got a relatively favourable run from Gameweek 14 until the new year.Selecting two or even three Liverpool defenders for that spell could be a profitable strategy.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

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      Former Premier League star saved his wife and baby from terrifying house fire as she opens up on ‘near-death experience’

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      FORMER Premier League star Anel Ahmedhodzic has cheated death – after a fire ripped through his family home.The Sheffield United defender, 25, has endured a nightmare year with the Blades relegated from the top flight in May.Anel Ahmedhodzic saved his wife and baby from a terrifying house fireCredit: GettyA fire ripped through his family homeSweden-born Ahmedhodzic came in for severe criticism after retiring from the Bosnia and Herzegovina national side in early autumn.A row blew up when the player’s dad Mirsad blamed Ahmedhodzic’s wife for his decision.The centre-back has just landed a three-match ban after being sent off in United’s 2-2 weekend draw at Coventry.And wife Marijana has now revealed how Ahmedhodzic rescued her and their 18-month old son Isak when a blaze destroyed their home.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We had a near-death experience,” she told Swedish paper Expressen. “A fire broke out in our house in July.”I was asleep, as was our son Isak. Thankfully, and I really mean it, Anel was awake.”He smelled the smoke, and got us out before it escalated. We lost all our belongings.Most read in FootballAhmedhodzic’s wife Marijana has explained the heartache of the horrible momentCredit: INSTAGRAM @marijana.ahmedhodzic”I think the toughest part was losing all our son’s things, his baby clothes and favourite blanket.”To see our son’s room pitch black after the fire. This is the first time we have spoken about it.Football teams that controversially changed their badge”We are happy and grateful to have lived through it. I have definitely changed after the fire.”Thinking and talking about it is definitely hard for us, and I think that is why we haven’t told anyone.”Being forced to move and start over, while pregnant with our second child, was tough.”The problems with Anel’s national team came right after that, and on top there were the things with Anel’s father.”It has definitely not been the best year. People should know that our life is not perfect.”Ahmedhodzic was playing in the Premier League with Sheffield United last seasonCredit: AFP More

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      Gareth Southgate hints at major career change after managing England with come-and-get me-plea on LinkedIn

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has revealed he is considering a job away from coaching in the wake of his England departure.The 54-year-old stepped down from his job as Three Lions manager following the Euro 2024 final in July.Gareth Southgate has revealed he could look for a job away from coachingCredit: GettyLee Carsley subsequently took over on an interim basis before Thomas Tuchel was announced as his permanent successor last month.Southgate, meanwhile, has been enjoying some time away from the game.In September he revealed that he will not rush back into work following his 10-year spell with England.The ex-defender admitted: “I’ve got lots of opportunities, I’m very open-minded to what’s next. That might be in football, that might be outside of football.Read More in Football”I’m just going to take some time, refresh, recharge and go from there. I think at the moment people know that I need to get my energy back.”But now Southgate has given another update on his future – and it could involve a step away from coaching.In a post on LinkedIN, the ex-England boss wrote: “After eight years serving in one of the highest profile roles in World Football, I’m consciously taking time to reflect on what I lived through and thinking deeply about what comes next.”Looking back there are matches and moments I will remember for the rest of my life. Coaching top players was a challenge that pushed me to operate at the very highest level.”The weight of the role with the unique responsibility it carried was something few ever get to experience.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThomas Tuchel has replaced Southgate as England managerCredit: Getty”Perhaps the hardest thing of all to replicate though, is going to be the sense of purpose.””Every morning I drove through the gates of St George’s Park, I had a responsibility to improve English football. Whenever the National Anthem played pre-game, I was representing 50 million people, their hopes and dreams.Gareth Southgate drops biggest hint yet over next job amid Man Utd links after stepping down as England manager”When I travelled, or spoke publicly I had a duty to be an ambassador for my country. Even in the most difficult moments, whether after heartbreaking defeats or during tense media scrutiny I was acutely aware of the need to stand with dignity and demonstrate strong leadership.”This was not only for the players and staff beside me but also for the millions of young people watching, who might find inspiration and hope in what we do.”This higher purpose kept me on track, gave me structure, made my life more fulfilling and is going to be extremely difficult to replicate.”It’s why I’m not limiting my future options to remaining as a football coach.”He went on to say: “I’m comfortable with this period of ‘exploration’ and not having all the answers. I’m following the advice I would give to any young person, without a clear career vision.”Keep learning, build or explore your network, seek different life experiences and when you decide what’s next, there will be no right or wrong, just one path or another.”For now, I’m finding my required purpose within all that being able to dial up the days supporting my chosen charities.”Southgate’s former England team-mate Paul Gascoigne tipped him or Alan Shearer to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host earlier this month.He said: “With Lineker quitting Match of the Day, I wonder if Shearer is going to take over, or Southgate.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I reckon Shearer will take over because he loves a bit of money. He’s so tight he only cries from one eye!”So for me it’s between Shearer and Southgate.”Southgate’s managerial record compared to Tuchel’s More

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      Ronaldinho didn’t hesitate when naming best atmosphere he’d ever played in with Nou Camp and San Siro snubbed

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      RONALDINHO is widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time.The Brazilian has won several accolades and played for some of the world’s biggest clubs.Ronaldinho claimed Fratton Park has one of the best atmosphere’s in world footballCredit: GettyRonaldinho starred for AC Milan against Portsmouth in 2008Credit: AFPFrom the Nou Camp and the Santiago Bernabeu to the San Siro and the Maracana, Ronaldinho has also graced some of the most iconic stadiums.But one of his favourites is a Championship ground in the south of England.Following AC Milan’s 2-2 draw with Portsmouth in 2008, Ronaldinho claimed Fratton Park had “the best atmosphere in world football.”The 2005 Ballon d’Or winner was one of Milan’s goalscorers on the night, alongside Filippo Inzaghi.Read More in FootballIt sent the Italian side into the Uefa Cup’s last 32.Jose Mourinho, Thierry Henry, Petr Cech and Ralph Hassenhuttl are among the other names in football to have praised Fratton Park.Following his three-year spell at AC Milan – where he scored 26 goals and provided 29 assists in 95 outings – Ronaldinho went on to play for Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro, Queretaro and Fluminense.He also scored 33 goals in 97 appearances for the Brazil national team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRonaldinho’s son, Joao Mendes, signed for Burnley earlier this year.He penned a contract with the Clarets that will run until 2026.Brazil legend Ronaldinho baffles fans as he makes surprise appearance on Turkish game show and scores bicycle kick More

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      How Liam Delap has blossomed into ‘best young English striker’ thanks to famous dad and Ipswich superfan Ed Sheeran

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      LIAM Delap has been one of the Premier League’s standout signings this season.Ipswich Town parted with £20million to bring the ex-Man City youngster, 21, to Suffolk.Liam Delap has been scoring goals for fun at Ipswich Town this seasonCredit: GettyDelap was a handful for Man Utd last weekendCredit: PAIpswich Town minority owner Ed Sheeran helped bring Delap to the clubCredit: GettyBut that will be money well spent if his goals keep Kieran McKenna’s side in the top flight.Already, Delap has managed six goals in 12 league games, and was a handful for Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd side last weekend.The 6ft1in centre forward, who was handed a Premier League debut by Pep Guardiola in 2020, was in two minds in joining Ipswich in the summer.That was until minority owner Ed Sheeran got involved to get the transfer over the line.read more football newsAnd now Delap is being touted as Harry Kane’s successor for the striker role for England.BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.Most read in Football”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre Sheer brillianceIt’s not often one of the biggest pop stars in the world has a hand in getting a transfer deal over the line.However, when it’s Ipswich Town superfan Ed Sheeran, then it becomes more understandable.When he’s not gatecrashing Sky Sports interviews with new Man Utd boss Amorim, the singer/songwriter is asking players to join the club he has shares in.Back in the summer, Sheeran got on a Zoom call with Liam Delap and convinced the him his future belonged in East Anglia.Liam Delap has become one of the league’s hottest strikersIn a story told be the club’s CEO Mark Ashton at a Soccerex event, we learned: “A local man, global superstar, sponsor of the football club, now a shareholder and now officially part of our recruitment team.”In the summer we were trying to persuade one particular player to join the football club and realised very quickly that he was an Ed Sheeran fan.”Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, hopefully that was a key part of getting the player across the line.”While Ashton remained coy on who the player was, he let the cat out of the bag when asked how the footballer was getting on this season.He replied: “Certainly scoring a few goals!”Delap came through the ranks at Man CityCredit: GettyAlready, Delap has been touted as Harry Kane’s successor for EnglandCredit: Rexread more sport featuresIt’s in the genesFootball is in Delap’s blood. His dad Rory played for Stoke City, and Delap Jr appeared on the set of Soccer AM in 2014 alongside his father.The former Stoke City and Ireland midfielder is best remembered for his insane long throw-ins.As a youth player, that was something that Liam also had in his arsenal.However, when one parent took exception to the youngster’s long-throws he refused to take another throw again.“I think he was put off when he was about an under-10!” Delap Sr. revealed in an interview with Radio Stoke.“One of the parents shouted that he was ruining the game when he took a throw and he hasn’t taken one since.”I don’t think that will be part of his game.”However, one thing he has inherited from his dad’s game is aggression.”(Aggression) always been a part of my game. I need it in my game,” he said in an interview with  the Manchester Evening News.Former Stoke City hero Rory Delap is Liam’s dadCredit: AFPLiam seen on the set of Soccer AM in 2014Credit: Twitter / @RoryJDelapLike his dad, Liam Delap has an aggressive streakCredit: Getty”When I’m on that edge it’s when I’m at my best, it’s just not tipping over that edge and everyone has told me that they’d never want to take it out of me, it’s just controlling that final tipping point of what is acceptable and what’s not.”You can’t really teach it, it’s just something I have and I’m so grateful that I’ve got it but it’s just now working a mechanism that I can control it to keep myself on the pitch.”I’ve got a lot better. I was a lot worse when I was younger so I think it’s just maturing and understanding what’s right.”Inspired by RonaldoA different type of player to his dad, blessed with power and pace, Liam is inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo.”I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo. Just the way he plays, the pace and the power.In the past Delap has revealed he is a fan of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyDelap knows he has to continue to work at his game to reach the topCredit: Getty”For me, he’s the best in the world so aspiring to someone who is the best in the world, your dreams just have to be high.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listening to people that he’s worked with, the extras and lengths that he goes to look after his body and get better every day just shows why he’s at the top level.”You can have talent but talent on its own doesn’t work without effort.” More

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      Neville Foulger dead: Legendary BBC commentator who was ‘voice of Leicester City’ dies aged 85 as tributes pour in

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      ICONIC football commentator Neville Foulger has died.The former BBC Radio Leicester commentator has passed away at age 85 after a long career bringing football commentary to fans.Neville Foulger has passed awayCredit: Leicester City Football ClubFoulger, who was coined the “voice of Leicester City”, covered the Foxes from the late 1990’s until his retirement in 2004.But he still kept by the mic for a number of years afterwards as a true lover of the sport.Foulger also published a number of books about Coventry City and Leicester. The commentary legend had a respected career in journalism for over half a century and will be sadly missed by fans up and down the country.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile he leaves behind wife Fran, children David and Anne and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildrenLeicester City’s official X account paid tribute to the hero, writing: “We are all saddened to hear of the passing of much-loved journalist, Neville Foulger.”Covering countless City games, Nev commentated on some of the Club’s greatest moments across several decades.”Nev was known by many generations as the voice of Leicester City, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”Most read in FootballWhile BBC Radio Leicester Sport posted: “Some sad news this afternoon.”Former BBC Radio Leicester commentator Neville Foulger has passed away at the age of 85.”He was the voice of Leicester City during one its golden eras under Martin O’Neill in the 1990s.”Our love goes to his family. Thanks for the memories, Nev.”Foulger didn’t just cover Leicester but also worked as a broadcaster and journalist in Nottingham, Birmingham and Coventry.Fans who were raised listening to his iconic commentary also paid tribute to the star online.One wrote: “RIP to one of the great regional sports journalists. Really, really good bloke. Farewell, Nev – Leicester will be poorer without you.”While another added: “Rest in peace Neville, a true Leicester legend”.And a third posted: “Very sad news. RIP Neville, loved listening to his commentary when I was a kid and couldn’t attend games”. More

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      Manchester United’s Gabby George opens up on England call-up joy following the ‘difficult moment’ of her knee injury

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      HAVING space to rant at Manchester United during the toughest days of her knee injury, helped spur Gabby George’s fight back to fitness. Now the defender, 27, is relishing her return to England duty 14 months after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament. Gabby George has joined up with her England team-mates this week for the first time since November 2022The defender’s Lionesses call-up follows her making a return to WSL match action in October following an ACL injuryGeorge, who has two senior England caps, hopes to impress Sarina Wiegman whose team are due to play the USA and SwitzerlandIt was in October last year, a month after sealing a permanent move to United from Everton that George’s season was cut short.Four games into the 2023-24 campaign, the full-back tore her ACL during the club’s 1-1 draw with Leicester in the top-flight. The twice-capped Manchester-born player did not return to WSL action until this September when her side beat West Ham 3-0 at Old Trafford. And the full-back intends to enjoy her football after coming through this “difficult moment”. Read More Football Stories Speaking at England’s base, yesterday she said: “I’d just signed for Manchester United.”I had so many dreams and ambitions that I wanted to achieve, and it was all taken away from me within four games. “The hardest part of an injury is understanding why and you never know why, that’s the toughest part. “It was a difficult moment and I’m happy to have come through it with the help of Manchester United. Most read in Football”On the days that were tough I was able to go into the changing room and if I needed to cry, I could cry, and if I needed to rant, I could rant to them. “They always listened and never made me feel like I was a burden and that was the key thing. “We have a great squad and staff and I was able to speak to all of the staff.”But it’s behind me now and I’m just happy and I’m in a position where I can play again.”George, whose knee injuries kept her out of two FA Cup finals with Everton and United, could be set to feature for England this Saturday. When you’ve been through so much and you get those little wins, it’s a big thing.Gabby GeorgeAlthough her club are fifth in the league, her call-up follows her contribution to United keeping five clean sheets in eight games. The Lionesses take on Emma Hayes’s Olympic gold medal-winning USA stars at Wembley at 5:45pm this Saturday. George’s last call-up for England was before their November 2022 campThe full-back was named on the bench ahead of a 4-0 friendly defeat of Japan and a 1-1 draw with Norway. George, whose cousin is ex-Man United winger Jesse Lingard, adds: “I’ve come back this season and I’ve wanted to enjoy my football. Wherever that takes me, it takes me. “Luckily I was able to get an England call-up but I want to continue enjoying my football because that’s when I play my best.”Of her call-up conversation with Lioness boss Sarina Wiegman, George said: “I was stuttering on the phone and I’m never lost for words! I was buzzing for it. “When you’ve been through so much and you get those little wins, it’s a big thing for you. I’m all about celebrating those wins.”England’s duels with the USA and with Switzerland next Tuesday, will serve as prep for their two upcoming Nations League games.Aside from Portugal, the Lionesses will play World Cup champions Spain next February. It will be the first game between the sides since England’s 1-0 loss to their rivals in last August’s Women’s World Cup final in Australia. And George hopes to make her mark before Wiegman’s squad selection for both fixtures.The USA will take on England for the first time since Emma Hayes took charge of the team this summerShe said: “Sarina knows what she’s doing. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I feel like, us training and being in this environment, we have a chance to showcase ourselves and if we get minutes, we get minutes. “If we don’t, we’re just going to have to keep pushing and working hard.” More

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      Dream Team managers can repeat Caoimhin Kelleher ‘trick’ with Fraser Forster following Guglielmo Vicario’s ankle injury

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      DREAM TEAM managers have been presented with an opportunity to repeat a useful trick.Guglielmo Vicario (£3.1m) has been ruled out for the foreseeable future having undergone surgery on a fractured ankle.Toittenham’s No1 sustained the injury against Manchester City on Saturday and bravely played through the pain to keep a clean sheet at the Etihad and contribute to his side’s impressive 4-0 victory.No timescale has been given in regards to the Italian goalkeeper’s rehabilitation at the time of writing but he will surely be unavailable for several weeks.Are you watching closely?Credit: Dream TeamDream Team bosses don’t like to see players get injured and most will wish Vicario a speedy recovery but it’s simply a fact that incidents such as this create an opportunity in the world of fantasy football.Suddenly, Fraser Forster (£1.8m) is in line to start between the sticks for Spurs over the busy festive period.The 36-year-old is the established deputy having played three games this season, two in the Europa League and one in the Carabao Cup.Currently available for just £1.8m, he is ridiculously affordable for a player who is now a starter for one of the more prominent Premier League clubs.TOTTENHAM’S DECEMBER FIXTURES:Fulham (h)Bournemouth (a)Chelsea (h)Rangers (a)Southampton (a)Manchester United (h)Liverpool (h)Nottingham Forest (a)Wolves (h)Most read in FootballForster should get plenty of minutes across the next few GameweeksCredit: GettyIf this strategy sounds familiar it’s because many Dream Team bosses have followed the same path with Caoimhin Kelleher (£2.6m) recently.The Irish keeper has deputised for the injured Alisson (£5.1m) with aplomb across the last five Gameweeks.In that time, Kelleher has notched 40 points from seven outings via three clean sheets and 19 saves, including one to deny Adam Armstrong (£2.7m) from the penalty spot.The 26-year-old is currently level with Andre Onana (£4.2m) as the most in-form asset in his position.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 NOWKelleher has provided excellent value for money while Alisson has been sidelinedCredit: GettyGaffers who opted to recruit Kelleher not only freed up some budget to invest elsewhere, they have been rewarded with a steady stream of points.However, with Alisson having returned to training, Kelleher’s time as starting keeper for the Reds is coming to an end.In this sense, Forster’s emergence as a viable option is perfectly timed.Granted, this latest interpretation of the reserve goalkeeper trick is not quite as appealing as Spurs are not as strong as Liverpool and, with all due respect, Forster is not as reliable as Kelleher – the latter would be first choice at several other top flight clubs.That being said, Forster’s current price of £1.8m is hugely inviting.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