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    Which striker should Arsenal buy? We rate the contenders and name the man Arteta must sign in the transfer window

    INJURIES have forced Arsenal to play Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker, adding fuel to the fire around their lack of signings.However, even if Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz had not been injured the Gunners would still be lacking in firepower.Mikel Arteta is desperately searching to find the next great goalscorerCredit: GettyEven with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus available the Gunners lacked some punchCredit: GettyNeither Jesus or Havertz completely fit the profile for the position Arteta wants to lead the line of his team in dropping deep or running into the channels.Modern football’s development in recent seasons means strikers need to be capable of breaking a game open on their own.They are athletic, strong and capable of playing on the last line and threatening to attack space behind the defensive line.Arsenal’s issue is every top club appears to be in a similar situation as they search for the next great goalscorer; there simply are not enough top strikers to go around at the moment. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle ace Alexander Isak would have been the natural top target, but last weekend’s Carabao Cup final win means the Swede is now unobtainable.We take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the strikers that Arsenal will be considering this summer.Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting Lisbon and SwedenVictor Gyokeres is one of Europe’s top strikersCredit: EPAThe first name on the list is a striker who Arsenal have been linked with several times in recent seasons, 26-year-old Victor Gyokeres.The Swedish ace has been one of Europe’s top strikers in the last two seasons, hitting 50 goal contributions in 41 games this season after his 58-goal contribution tally at club level last season.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesRightfully so, the former Coventry star is being billed up for a possible transfer fee of £83million.He already has experience in English football with Brighton and Coventry, contributing to 60 goals or assists in 116 games for the Sky Blues, while he scored just one for the Seagulls.How Arteta’s Merino experiment is surprising defenders and crucial to Arsenal’s attackGyokeres is far beyond the level of the Portuguese top-flight and his ability to score goals from a variety of positions and situations have really stood out for Sporting.His biggest strength comes in his ability to lead the line and to attack in moments of transition, working the channels effectively and gathering loose balls.Meanwhile, his strength and athleticism means he can drive through the final third towards the opposition area to create danger – a quality Arsenal are missing in their squad.Gyokeres typically finds himself in situations stretching the play and leading the lineHowever, there are genuine questions about how effective a striker like Gyokeres would be with a team that is more possession-dominant.His technical level when receiving in tight areas and when under pressure on his touch can be slightly loose. There is no doubt that he is better when he has space to attack as opposed to when he is trying to unlock a deeper defensive block.Victor Osimhen – Galatasary and NigeriaVictor Osimhen is itching for a transferCredit: GettyVictor Osimhen, 26, is a very experienced Nigeria international with 39 caps and 23 goals at senior international level as well as stellar at club level with 166 goal contributions across 253 games.His time at Napoli, which of course culminated in the club’s first Serie A win since Diego Maradona, looks to have come to a difficult end with Osimhen ending up on loan to Galatasaray.This season alone he has scored 26 goals and added five assists in 30 games in all competitions, including six goals in seven matches in the Europa League.He has clear similarities with Gyokeres in terms of profile, with both being strong and athletic strikers who are adept at playing on the last line and disrupting opposition defensive lines.But while Gyokeres excels when he has space to attack, Osimhen is more effective in tight spaces looking to receive and break down a deeper defensive block.Here we see how Osimhen likes to position himself between the defensive playersOsimhen is extremely powerful with the ability to receive under pressure and create chances for himself with creative touches and movements to create separation for himself.These qualities give weight to his £62m price tag despite having just one year left on his contract with parent club Napoli, and he is the exact type of striker Arsenal should be looking for.The biggest area of weakness for Osimhen comes in his out-of-possession work, with him being far from a monster in that respect. Hugo Ekitike – Eintracht Frankfurt and FranceHugo Ekitike looks set to be the next big money striker to be sold by FrankfurtCredit: ReutersEintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga have developed something of a reputation as a finishing school for strikers with several players being sold for big money.The France Under-21 international Hugo Ekitike, 22, appears to be the latest gem on that conveyor belt, with an estimated potential fee of £67m.Ekitike has scored 19 goals in 38 matches in all competitions so far this season, having moved to Frankfurt last summer from Paris Saint-Germain in France.The 22-year-old is extremely similar to Isak in that he is comfortable in a variety of situations.He can receive back to goal in deeper areas and link the play and he is comfortable in the channels. Here we see Ekitike receiving a forward pass before he turns, holds off defenders and pressure and then creates a shooting angle for himselfCrucially, however, he is strong when receiving on the last line with the ability to make space for himself and to get shots away.At the moment the biggest area of development that Ekitike has is improving his consistency and decision making in the final third. He is obviously younger than both Gyokeres and Osimhen with more development to come from him, but it can be argued Arsenal need a ready-made forward sooner rather than later.Benjamin Sesko – RB Leipzig and SloveniaArsenal have already been linked with Benjamin SeskoCredit: GettyThe fact Arsenal need a striker has been common knowledge for some time now and as such there have been players who have been consistently linked to a move to the club.One of those is the 21-year-old RB Leipzig and Slovenia star Benjamin Sesko.The Gunners were rumoured to be interested in the striker both in the summer and in the winter transfer window, although Sesko was keen to see the season out in Germany.So far this season Sesko has scored 17 goals in 36 games including four goals in eight Champions League games.Sesko is tall, powerful and fast and he combined the ability to play in space and transition with the ability to play on the highest line and to receive the ball with back to goal. Here Sesko shows his shot power as he receives and gets turned to face the opposition goal on his first touchThere is no doubt that his biggest strength as a striker though comes through his ball striking and the power that he can generate from shots.Sesko’s biggest area of development is his technical ability, patience and consistency when he receives the ball. At the moment there is still a sense with him that he has a tendency to try to force the game too aggressively as opposed to being more composed and calm in possession of the ball.Sehrou Guirassy – Borussia Dortmund and GuineaSehrou Guirassy’s form has exploded in the last two seasonsCredit: AFPThe next player we have shortlisted is 29-year-old Sehrou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmunda and Guinea, who could cost as much as £40m.After a slightly slower start to his career Guirassy exploded last season while at VfB Stuttgart before making a move across Germany to sign for Dortmund.Guirassy has scored 24 goals in 36 matches this season including 10 goals in 12 Champions League appearances.It would be fair to say Guirassy is very much a last-line striker, and there is no doubt he would improve Arsenal’s forward play with his ability to play high and receive the ball under pressure.He has impressed in recent seasons with his ability to get on the ball and create space and angles to get shots away around the penalty area.Here we see Guirassy positioned between the two central defendersHis movement and ability to get little pockets of separation from defenders help him to create shooting opportunities.Despite the impressive performances that we have seen from Guirassy in recent seasons there is still some doubt as to his ability to perform at the highest level. Does he have the ability to play with his back to goal and then to attack space against the more athletic profiles of defenders in the Premier League?Samu (Omorodion) Aghehowa – Porto and SpainSamu Aghehowa has already been linked with a top Premier League moveCredit: GettyThe rise of Samu Aghehowa, also known as Omorodion, to this point has been nothing short of spectacular.From playing in the fourth tier of Spanish football just two seasons ago to being recognised as one of the most promising young strikers in European football.The young striker moved initially to Atletico Madrid having just broken into the first team at Granada, leading to heavy links with Chelsea before he moved to join Porto.So far this season he has scored 20 goals in 34 games this season with six goals in nine games in the Europa League.Aghehowa, 20, is extremely powerful and he is at his best in the final third and around the opposition penalty area.He is very strong when it comes to attacking the ball in the air and he routinely displays the ability to dominate opposition defenders from crosses or high balls into the area. Here we see how Aghehowa can excel in tight areas as he performs an overhead kick under tight pressureRated at potentially £84m, he can also shield the ball and bring others into the game as his team attacks.At the moment Aghehowa still has to refine and improve his technical level.He needs to improve his ability to receive and outplay defenders and add more to his game in terms of his passing when he comes into deeper positions.Liam Delap – Ipswich and EnglandLiam Delap has had a solid season despite his team’s looming threat of relegationCredit: GettyIt would be fair to say the performances of Liam Delap have been one of the real highlights of Ipswich’s first season back in the Premier League.The 22-year-old, England Under-21 star is a product of the youth academy at Manchester City but moved to Ipswich on a permanent deal last summer.He is another striker who has real power and pace with the ability to stretch the game and provide threat with his off-ball movement to attack space around the final third.So far this season he has scored 10 goals in 31 matches, a strong return for a team facing relegation from the Premier League this season.Delap has the ideal profile for a modern striker. Here we see where Delap actually picked the ball up deep before starting to drive forwardHe has the frame to attack with real power and he is quick when he gets into stride and can run to attack space in advanced areas.As a striker he can carry the ball over longer distances and drive past opposition players with real pace and power.He still needs to develop his consistency and at the moment it is unclear whether he would be as effective when playing against a team who sit in a deeper and more compact defensive block or for a team that are more possession-dominant.ConclusionThere are several players who are options for Arsenal going forward as they look to add a striker to their current squad. The issue is that there will be significant competition for any of the seven players that we have discussed in this article.Arsenal will have to be aggressive in terms of securing the right target. Given the position Arsenal are in they need to add a proven winner and goalscorer who can give them the edge and help them to win the Premier League. While there is every chance that a forward like Ekitike would thrive at Premier League level, we believe Osimhen is the striker who would have the biggest impact next season for Arteta’s side.His experience of leading Napoli to the Serie A title just a couple of seasons ago and the fact Napoli would be very keen to do a deal. are key factors.The fact he is not a pressing monster can be worked around, as we saw in his time at Napoli under Spalletti.Two seasons ago, he was the man who led the press for Napoli, and there is no reason why he cannot do it again.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis tactical approach is something that Arteta could easily replicate given the nature of the players that would be either side of Oshimen.And his attacking prowess at both holding the ball up and also stretching that last line of defence make him a very interesting match for Arsenal.We reckon Osimhen would be the perfect fit for Arsenal’s striker problemCredit: Getty More

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    Matheus Cunha has ban EXTENDED and slapped with £50,000 fine after Wolves star ‘punched and headbutted’ Milos Kerkez

    WOLVES striker Matheus Cunha has had his three-match red card ban extended by an FA commission.Brazilian Cunha was dismissed after a tear-up with Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez in the final minute of extra-time in the FA Cup fifth round tie.Matheus Cunha was sent off for a headbutt on Milos Kerkez earlier this monthCredit: GettyThe two players came to blows in the FA CupCredit: GettyThe volatile South American was dismissed by ref Sam Barrott for kicking out at Cherries’ left back Kerkez when the defender was on the ground following a skirmish between them.Cunha, who had earlier scored a brilliant long-range equaliser, then aimed a headbutt at Kerkez after both had got to their feet, before seemingly ignoring the red card as he refused to leave the pitch.It was the latter behaviour that saw him charged with misconduct and an independent disciplinary commission ordered him to serve an extra match suspension with a fine of £50,000 on top.The FA said the full written reasons behind the sanction would be published “in due course” while Cunha, who admitted the charge, will miss upcoming games against West Ham and Ipswich before being available to face Spurs on April 13.Read More in FootballBut the punishment was something of an escape given it was the second time this season that Cunha has fallen foul of Wembley disciplinary beaks.In December he was charged with misconduct following the flare-up at the end of Wolves’ home defeat by Ipswich when he got into a ruckus with one of the visitors’ security staff.While the commission which sat on that case found he deserved a three-match ban and £120,000 fine, both punishments were reduced by a third – to two matches and £80,000 – after it emerged he had offered to buy the Ipswich steward a new pair of glasses.Cunha has been heavily linked with a move away from Wolves in recent months.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal and Manchester United were understood to be among the clubs interested.But he instead revealed that he is happy at Molineux and penned a new contract.Wolves forward Matheus Cunha faces trial over ‘driving blunder’ More

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    ‘I’ve had lots of offers’ – Former Everton manager Sean Dyche lands new job two months after Toffees sacking

    SEAN DYCHE has landed a new job two months on from his Everton sacking.The Toffees axed Dyche just hours before their FA Cup third round clash with Peterborough on January 9.Sean Dyche was sacked by Everton in JanuaryCredit: GettyFormer Burnley boss Dyche was relieved of his duties following two years in the Goodison hotseat.Since being replaced by David Moyes, the 53-year-old has been patient in waiting for the right role to come up.And while he continues to bide his time ahead of a return to the dugout, Dyche has landed a new gig with talkSPORT.The radio station has confirmed that the ex-Everton boss will join Jonny Owen on the air between 12-2pm this Sunday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUpon signing up for the show, Dyche said: “I don’t really get nervous. I wouldn’t say that, I’m chatting with my mate on the radio.”Hopefully a bit of chat, a bit of banter and a couple of stories, we’ll see how we go.”On his next job in management, Dyche added: “I’m open to ideas at this stage. I’ve been in the game a long time. I’ve been in the Premier League for ten years.”As you know, the game is so fast now. I’ve had lots of offers from media – which I’m considering.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”I’m happy to be doing a bit for talkSPORT and Jonny, who is a friend of mine and very knowledgeable on football and life in general. So I’m looking forward to that.”You never know what will come around. Football is a strange business. It changes very quickly and the viewpoint changes quickly as well.”Premier League manager features in hit music video as fans say ‘this is the greatest thing I’ve ever seen’Upon leaving Goodison Park, Dyche released a classy statement via the League Managers Association, calling it “an honour” to have managed Everton.His successor Moyes subsequently hit the ground running, with the Scot having lost just one of his 10 Premier League games back at the helm.On how he left Everton, Dyche added: “There’s that mixed bag of people who agree and disagree, but I look back on it as a very successful couple of years.”The club was in a bad state. It’s a big club and they were in a poor situation.”To guide it through that and hand it over… I said in my statement, when I left, they were in good shape.”People questioned that but it’s been proven right. Moyesy has gone in there and done great with them – just adding a new voice, a new flavour, different details.”The change was probably at the right time.”David Moyes has hit the ground running back at EvertonCredit: Rex More

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    ‘I’m still playing for him’ – Premier League star reveals he owes career to grandad as he targets Champions League spot

    NECO WILLIAMS has a special ring sitting next to his Premier League winner’s medal at home.The engraved jewellery serves as a poignant reminder to his grandad, Kelvin Jones, who died a day before Wales’ World Cup opener versus the USA in November 2022.Williams pointed to the sky in honour of his grandad following Wales’ 1-1 World Cup draw with the USACredit: GettyThe Nottingham Forest full-back has had an excellent season for Nuno Espirito Santo’s surprise package in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFPThe commemorative ring has Kelvin’s name with the years 1948 and 2022 engraved on it while the 23-year-old also has a tattoo with the word “blessed” to honour his loved one.Williams is preparing for Wales’ latest bid to qualify for a World Cup which starts with tomorrow’s opening match against Kazakhstan in Cardiff.But the Nottingham Forest ace says he continues to play in Kelvin’s memory.Williams, who won the Prem with Liverpool in 2020 before moving to Forest two years later, said: “I had a ring made with his name on it. It is sat in the house now next to the medals I have won over my career.READ MORE SPORT STORIES”It’s always a little reminder to myself when I go home to see the achievements that I have done in my career with my medals and trophies.”The ring is there as well because he helped me get those things. He played a big part in my football career.”He wasn’t just my grandad, he played a huge part. He used to take turns with my mum and dad to take me to training four times a week.”It wasn’t just down the road either – it was to Liverpool so it was an hour there and another back. He was really close to me and gave me lots of advice.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”They all made the sacrifices and I wouldn’t be sitting here without them. I’m really grateful for what they have all done for me.”I’m still playing for him. He was where I got my football ability from.Nottingham Forest star serenades team-mates after being bizarrely gifted guitar by Ed Sheeran following Ipswich win “Hearing from my mum and dad’s mates, none of them were any good at football.”But they always used to say my grandad was good. He was definitely the footballer in the family.”Williams admits his heartfelt personal story is also a reminder that when you pull an international shirt on, you are playing not just for yourself but friends and family.When that point was put to the 44-cap defender, he replied: “100 per cent. I’m not just playing for my grandad but it’s for my family as well.”They have made so many sacrifices to achieve my dream. Essentially, everything I do is for them.”As a young lad, I moved away, went into digs and had limited time seeing my friends back at home. But it goes unnoticed how much the players’ families have had to sacrifice too.”Wales exited Qatar at the group stage with just one goal and a point thanks to Gareth Bale’s penalty against the USA.But the Dragons, humbled by Iran and thrashed 3-0 to arch rivals England, felt they did not do themselves justice on the world stage after a 58-year wait.Williams has had an excellent season at third placed Forest.But he believes Craig Bellamy’s side can not only qualify for USA, Canada and Mexico but also make an impact at the finals next summer.He said: “It definitely still feels like a tournament where we could have done better. That feeling is not good enough.”We have gained experience from players who were there and we know how tough the tournament is.”We know how tough international teams can be, but from then to now it’s been a case of learning and gaining from that experience.”Hopefully, we can use it to qualify for this World Cup and what happened in Qatar can be useful.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Next time we qualify it won’t be just about being there. Last time – we were just there, but this time we really want to make an impact.”We want to showcase what we can do to the rest of the world.” More

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    ‘Ban the ref’ – Chris Wood booked for signing autographs for kids after being subbed off following hat-trick

    CHRIS WOOD was booked after being subbed off following a hat-trick for New Zealand… due to signing autographs for kids.The Nottingham Forest star, 33, continued his superb season form with a treble in the Kiwis’ 7-0 World Cup qualifier win over Fiji.Chris Wood signed autographs for kids in the stands after netting a hat-trick for New ZealandCredit: GettyThe Nottingham Forest ace was booked as the game was still being playedCredit: GettyWood already has 18 Premier League goals for Forest, helping them go third in the table.And his stunning stats made him an obvious target for young fans hunting for autographs.Wood was subbed off during the second half after bagging his third strike on the hour mark.As kids scrambled to get his coveted signature, the hitman duly obliged by leaving the bench and climbing into the stands.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWood signed several autographs and even posed for some pictures.But the referee was not having it and duly dished out a yellow card to the forward.Wood attempted to protest his innocence, but Fifa regulations prohibit players from going into the stands without permission.Wood defended himself afterwards, saying: “I was just trying to do something nice and sign for the fans.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd he received plenty of backing on social media from other supporters who were left outraged by the booking.One said: “Game has gone, ban the ref.”Nottingham Forest star serenades team-mates after being bizarrely gifted guitar by Ed Sheeran following Ipswich win Another declared: “Ref’s trying to be the main character.”One noted: “Football is for the fans, people forget that.”Another added: “Utter woke nonsense.”Despite the yellow card, Wood is now focused on beating New Caledonia as New Zealand look to seal their spot at next year’s World Cup.He said: “We know how good New Caledonia are and we’re going to have to be ready for them.“We know they’re going to cause us problems. We need to focus on doing recovery well now and be ready to go.” More

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    Liverpool star Alisson crumples to the floor after horror head injury in sickening clash with ex-Premier League hardman

    LIVERPOOL star Alisson was forced off with concussion following a sickening clash while in action for Brazil.The goalkeeper suffered a serious knock during an aerial duel.Alisson suffered a horrible head clash with Davinson SanchezCredit: APThe keeper was concussed and had to be taken offCredit: APAlisson jumped to punch the ball clear before colliding with former Tottenham star Davinson Sanchez, who was featuring for Colombia.Both players hit the deck following the brutal coming together and received medical treatment.Alisson was taken off with a suspected concussion according to Brazil’s doctor Rodrigo Lasmar after feeling dizzy and experiencing ear pain.Lasmar offered an update, saying: “[Alisson] Becker suffered a trauma to the head region, he was replaced by a suspected concussion. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Now we will do all the CBF protocol, it will undergo recommended imaging tests, a computed tomography, then a resonance with diffusion.“If all the tests are normal, we’ll follow up and do a cognitive test. And then we will evaluate the player. “In the possibility that everything is normal, we will make a sequence of observations in the coming days. Today, we will do the tests, all the necessary evaluations.“Alisson is normal, with no complaints. He reported no fainting and no memory loss. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“He thought it was a little slower. In this complaint, the recommended is the replacement of the player.”Alisson, 32, will likely sit out Brazil’s next match against Argentina and the keeper now faces a race to be fit in time for Liverpool’s next clash – the Merseyside derby on April 2.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training More

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    James Maddison and Marc Guehi star in England XI determined by Dream Team points

    THOMAS TUCHEL is set to take charge of his first game as England head coach this evening.Fans across the land are eagerly anticipating the German tactician’s line-up to face Albania for the Three Lions’ first 2026 World Cup qualifier, the dawn of a new era.No pressure, Thomas!Credit: GettyEvery man and his dog has an opinion about the national team and just to throw another perspective into the mix, allow us to present the best possible England XI as determined by this season’s Dream Team points.A quick note before we dive in, both Jude Bellingham (22 goals involvements for Real Madrid) and Harry Kane (43 goal involvements for Bayern Munich) would be among the first names included but they’re currently operating outside of Dream Team’s jurisdiction and have therefore been omitted – it’s just a bit of fun anyway.GOALKEEPERJordan Pickford – 141 ptsA conventional start to this exercise as England’s long-term No1 keeps his place.It was a close contest though as Dean Henderson is just two points behind Pickford in the rankings with both keepers having kept ten clean sheets this season.The Everton stopper edges it by virtue of a superior save count, 93 to 89.Pickford edges out Henderson between the sticksCredit: GettyDEFENDERSTrent Alexander-Arnold – 277 ptsLewis Hall – 189 ptsMarc Guehi – 172 ptsThe beautiful thing about Dream Team is that while only certain formations are permitted, gaffers don’t have to worry about real-world balance.Most read in FootballIn reality, this back three would be overly ambitious in the extreme but there may be a hint of truth to it.Alexander-Arnold and Hall may well have been first-choice full-backs/wing-backs during this international break had they not been sidelined with injuries.The former is Dream Team’s outright best defender having contributed to 18 clean sheets, scored three goals and provided eight assists.Newcastle’s inexhaustible left-back registered seven assists before his ill-timed foot injury.Fans will have to wait to see how Tuchel deploys Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyAs for Guehi, he may be top of the pecking order in the centre-back department these days given John Stones continues to be dogged by fitness issues.The 24-year-old has zoomed up the rankings lately as Crystal Palace have kept seven clean sheets in their last 11 games in all competitions.If we were to discount injured players, Tyrick Mitchell (166 pts) and Ezri Konsa (145 pts) would make the cut.MIDFIELDERSCole Palmer – 268 ptsMorgan Rogers – 231 ptsJames Maddison – 229 ptsBukayo Saka – 224 ptsPhil Foden – 221 ptsOnce again, the balance is off but it’s a fun combination on paper.Palmer may have gone off the boil in recent weeks but his tally of 14 goals and nine assists remains hugely impressive.England are spoiled for choice when it comes to attacking midfieldersCredit: GettyInterestingly, this exercise suggests Rogers is worthy of place in Tuchel’s starting XI.The Aston Villa midfielder has come of age this season, as evidenced by the fact he ranks fifth among players in his position.Maddison has not been included in the official squad and it’s curious a player of considerable talent has played just 374 minutes for England to date.Ange Postecoglou isn’t shy of dropping the creative playmaker either but his output of 21 goal involvements at a rate of one every 106.6 minutes speaks for itself.Amazingly, Saka still ranks eighth among Dream Team midfielders despite the fact he hasn’t played since before Christmas!As for Foden, he’s been unable to replicate the form he displayed last season but it’s a measure of his pedigree that he’s still mustered a double century of points via ten goals and seven assists.If we were to adjust for availability, Declan Rice (216 pts) and Eberechi Eze (205 pts) would replace Palmer and Saka.Maddison continues to be overlooked at international levelCredit: APSTRIKERSOllie Watkins – 250 ptsDominic Solanke – 204 ptsWith Kane out of the picture we end up with a strike partnership that would probably work well in reality.Watkins and Solanke have 26 goals and 23 assists between them this season – they rank fifth and 11th respectively among all strikers in terms of total points.Aston Villa’s main man is resting his troublesome knee this international break and so Jarrod Bowen (195 pts) is next in line among available forwards.READ MORE SUN STORIESWest Ham’s talisman averages a goal or assist every 147.4 minutes this season – an excellent effort given the Hammers are languishing in 16th in the Premier League table.Solanke may be used as an impact sub under TuchelCredit: AFPGive us a call if you want to discuss things further, Thomas!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 NOW More

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    Heartwarming reason Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund copied Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration after scoring for Denmark

    RASMUS HOJLUND has revealed the reason behind him copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration after he scored the winner for Denmark against Portugal.The Manchester United ace netted a 78th minute winner in the Uefa Nations League against Ronaldo’s Portugal.Rasmus Hojlund scored the winner for Denmark against PortugalCredit: GettyHe celebrated by copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s Siuuu celebrationCredit: GettyFans believed he was mocking RonaldoCredit: RexBut Hojlund has explained the reason behind the moveCredit: ReutersThe 22-year-old then copied the football legend by doing his trademark Siuuu celebration.Fans believed Hojlund was mocking the 40-year-old.But Hojlund, who joined Man Utd the summer after Ronaldo saw his contract terminated following his bombshell Piers Morgan interview, explained he was paying tribute to his icon.Speaking to Danish outlet DR, he said: “Now, I’m not going to exaggerate, but Cristiano is everything to me. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I fell in love with football because of Cristiano, I became a Manchester United fan because of Cristiano.”I started self-training because of Cristiano, I started doing push-ups and sit-ups every day before I went to bed because of Cristiano, because I wanted to be Cristiano.”The striker, who now has two goals in as many games after going on a 21-game scoring drought for his club, added: “My father introduced me when I was not so young. “He introduced me to Cristiano Ronaldo, and wanted me to idolise him because he has a good mentality. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”That’s the reason he achieved so much in his career and for me is the best player ever. He had the talent but it’s how hard he worked.”I’ve seen a few interviews with ex-Manchester United players and they all said he wasn’t a complete footballer when he came. Prince William on recreating Ronaldo’s goal celebration in his garden as he builds ‘Perfect Footballer'”He was skilful, but he developed.”Hojlund took to Instagram later on, captioning a post with pictures from the game: “The seven-year-old fan in me might’ve gotten the overhand after I scored.” More