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      England U21 sensation Jamie Gittens tipped to be better than Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho as he shines at Dortmund

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      HARRY KANE may be the Englishman most fans focus on when German football’s biggest rivalry is rekindled on Saturday night.But as far as Borussia Dortmund supporters are concerned, Jamie Gittens deserves all the attention.Jamie Gittens is already close to world class, says Karl-Heinz RiedleCredit: RexRaal Madrid’s Jude Bellingham might ultimately be usurped by GittensCredit: GettyFormer Dortmund Champions League winner Karl-Heinz Riedle believes Gittens can be the best English star to play for the club yetCredit: GettyThe winger from Reading was 17 when he walked out on Manchester City to join Dortmund in 2020, following Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho’s Bundesliga footsteps.Now, the 20-year-old is a vital cog in new coach Nuri Sahin’s side, with four Champions League goals so far — including one against Real Madrid and Wednesday’s stunner at Dinamo Zagreb.Dortmund legend Karl-Heinz Riedle feels Gittens can shine in Der Klassiker against Bayern Munich.Ex-Liverpool striker Riedle, 59, said: “Jamie is still not 100 per cent what we expect from a world-class player  — but he has all the talent to become one of those.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“He can become the next Sancho, Erling Haaland or Bellingham.“He is very quick, very good in a one-against-one situation and with the ability to finish as well.“I see a young player who has the full package, plus he is someone who I see working on how  to make himself better.“And that comes from games — the more you play, the more you learn, the better your decision-making and  better you become.Most read in BundesligaChelsea loanee Jadon Sancho has struggled to match his Dortmund formCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The most important thing is  you have to be quick, to not be afraid of going one- on-one against a defender. That’s what we want to see.“It was why Sancho and Haaland brought people to the stadium. Jude Bellingham says he feels like a ‘scapegoat’ as he discusses England woes”Fans wanted to see them do that and it’s there with Jamie as well.”Gittens — who dropped the “Bynoe” in  his double-barrelled surname  at the start of the season — has  played for every England  team from Under-15 to U21.That includes tasting 2022 European U19 Cham­pion­ship glory. Now he aims to make the final step to the senior ranks — and Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as new Three Lions boss could speed that up.Riedle suspects Gittens will not be the last English rookie to see the Ruhr-based club as a stepping stone.He  explained: “Dortmund is a family. The guys who come to us   know we have everything here to let them become the best players they can be.“They can get a chance to play at the top level but maybe with less pressure than in England at football clubs such as Manchester United and City.“We give them the time to grow into players and be something special.“Jamie is an incredible talent and can make the same impression — if not a bigger one – as Jude and Jadon made before him.”Striker Kane has hit 50 Bundesliga goals in 43 games — the fastest pace ever.Despite this and Munich’s unbeaten domestic start, the England skipper was criticised by ex-Bayern and Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann for not scoring in the  “big” games.Riedle, though, thinks Hamann is talking rubbish.He said: “Didi criticised him even though he scored like crazy last year — and I’m not with him at all.“Harry’s just a fantastic finisher and fantastic football player.“No player can score every game or every chance. He has done very well for Munich and is incredible.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He just wants to play football. He loves the game. He is such a humble guy who likes to play and score and wants to win things.” KARL-HEINZ RIEDLE was speaking to mark the ten-year anniversary of Borussia Dortmund’s long-term investment in Singapore.Riedle was stunned by criticism of Bayern’s Harry KaneCredit: RexErling Haaland is one of the aces who Gittens could soon compare withCredit: Rex More

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      I’m a Ballon d’Or winner who had the world at my feet but I lost control of my career after bold transfer

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      MICHAEL OWEN believes he “lost control” of his career the moment he left Liverpool for Real Madrid.The former England international swapped Merseyside for Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight goal-filled seasons with the Reds.Michael Owen joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight seasons with LiverpoolCredit: PA:Empics SportSome of the Anfield faithful turned on the former academy star after his departureCredit: GETTYOwen believes his departure from the club was the moment he ‘lost control’ of his careerCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe stunning move to the Bernabeu, however, didn’t go to plan as he failed to win a trophy in his sole season with the Galacticos, in which he scored 16 goals in 45 appearances.He returned to England the following summer for a four-season stint with Newcastle before a shock move to Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester United in July 2009.Some of the Kop faithful still resent Owen for joining the Red Devils, although the 44-year-old believes their resentment originally stemmed from him leaving Anfield in the first place.He told The Telegraph: “The moment I chose to go to Real Madrid I lost control of my career and what the perceptions of it are.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I don’t love going to Anfield now because I know I am not loved back.”I tend to only go when I am working. It’s not that I dread going, but for a long time I used to bury my head when driving back to the academy to see friends.”I have told myself since, ‘I should not have been feeling like that.'”People say now, ‘It was because he signed for Manchester United.’ Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichael Owen’s career statsLiverpool: 297 appearances – 158 goals & 49 assistsReal Madrid: 45 appearances – 16 goals & four assistsNewcastle United: 79 appearances – 30 goals & 2 assistsManchester United: 52 appearances – 17 goals & three assistsStoke City: Nine appearances – One goalClub Total: 483 appearances – 223 goals & 58 assistsEngland: 89 appearances: 40 goals & 12 assists”But the whole world knows there has been some history rewritten there.”There was resentment directed at me before then when I played for Newcastle, even though I had a clause in my Newcastle contract that I could re-sign for Liverpool every summer.Michael Owen heartbreakingly admits he prays every single night for cure for rare disease that has blinded his son James“The Manchester United aspect is now an easier stick to beat me with.”But when I came back to Anfield for the first time as a Newcastle player, there were a few hundred, possibly a thousand supporters, booing me.”I can’t forget how I, my parents, and my former Liverpool team-mates felt.”Everyone who understood and appreciated the reality of the situation was disappointed on my behalf.”Owen never had any ambitions of leaving Liverpool, let alone playing abroad, when he was at the peak of his powers.But he would have kicked himself had he not taken the opportunity to play for the European giants.The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner admitted: “I never had big ambitions to play abroad. “Really, but I fit the bill as the type of player they pursued.”If you are scoring goals, are a creative midfielder, or an amazing, unique type of right-back like Trent, you are seen as a marquee signing.“They wanted me with [Luís] Figo, [Zinedine] Zidane, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I looked at that and thought it would have been harder not to score.”I thought long and hard about leaving Liverpool, but in the end something inside told me I would regret it if I didn’t give it a go.”Michael Owen doesn’t ‘love going to Anfield’ any moreCredit: GETTY More

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      Major rule change proposed to English football that would force two Premier League teams to find new owners

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      TWO Premier League clubs could be forced to find new owners if a proposed major rule change comes into effect.Labour politician Lord Bassam has argued that no club should be state-owned and “receive an operating license”.Manchester City were taken over by Sheikh Mansour in 2008Credit: PAThe Citizens have become one of the best teams in world footballCredit: AFPPIF took over from Mike Ashley at Newcastle in 2021Credit: The TimesBoth Manchester City and Newcastle United are currently under the control of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabian Public Fund (PIF), respectively.Should Bassam’s proposal be passed into law, then owners would be required to sell their stakes in the clubs if they want to maintain their Premier League status.The proposal would aim to stop state-owned clubs being a threat to the competition and integrity of British football.The Times has reported that some clubs in the Prem have supported the proposal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, it is claimed that legal and political obstacles would prevent it from being implemented.Man City were acquired by the UAE in 2008, which catapulted the club to new heights of success.Since the takeover, the club has won eight Prem titles, one Champions League and multiple domestic cup honours.Meanwhile, Newcastle were purchased by PIF from Milke Ashley in 2021.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe new investment has seen the Magpies rise up the table away from mid-table and compete with the traditional big six.Newcastle have qualified for the Champions League and signed star players such as Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak.Pep Guardiola looks battered and bruised in interview after Feyenoord draw as fans ask ‘what’s happened in dressing room?’ Newcastle have added star players to their squad such as Alexander Isak and Bruno GuimaraesCredit: AFPMeanwhile, the Football Governance Bill was created by the Conservative Party before the General Election.The Labour Party have pushed through the bill in order to establish a regulator for football.The aims of the bill are to provide more protection to clubs to avoid the death of clubs such as Bury in 2020.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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      Real Madrid fan BURNS Kylian Mbappe shirt and fumes ‘my hopes and support for him is over’

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      A REAL MADRID fan vowed to stop supporting Kylian Mbappe as they posted a video of the Frenchman’s shirt in flames.Mbappe, 25, completed a long-awaited free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to the Spanish capital in the summer.A Real Madrid burned their Kylian Mbappe shirtCredit: XMbappe, 25, endured a disappointing evening at AnfieldCredit: GettyBut the forward has so far failed to impress many of his new club’s supporters.Last night his woes intensified as he saw a crucial penalty saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.The wasted spot kick came at 1-0, with Real Madrid going on to lose 2-0 at Anfield.After the game, a social media user declared that they’d had enough.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Real Madrid fan uploaded a video of an Mbappe No9 shirt in flames.They dramatically captioned it: “My hopes and support for Kylian Mbappe is over.”I’ll assume anyone supporting him has IQ of that of a house fly.”Mbappe has scored seven goals in 12 LaLiga appearances so far this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLast night, former Real Madrid and Liverpool star Steve McManaman criticised Mbappe.Appearing on TNT Sports, he said: “We haven’t seen the best of Mbappe tonight.Kylian Mbappe dropped from France squad as Deschamps explains decision and says ‘it’s better this way’ “They needed Mbappe tonight and he flattered to deceive. The Madrid press will be ruthless because he didn’t deliver again when he needed to.”Madrid are going through a rough patch and the big players are not performing. All the baggage around Mbappe magnifies it.”This year they are really, really struggling.”Real Madrid are second in LaLiga, four points behind Barcelona with a game in hand.In the Champions League they occupy 24th place in the league table, the final spot for a place in the play-offs.But boss Carlo Ancelotti has come under-fire, particularly since his side’s 4-0 home defeat to Barcelona last month.Amid criticism of Mbappe, Jude Bellingham last night jumped to the defence of his team-mate.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “Kylian is a wonderful player but the pressure is humongous.”The penalty is not why we lost the game. Kylian can keep his head high and I know for sure he will produce many more big moments for this club.”Jude Bellingham has defended Mbappe’s formCredit: Getty More

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      Real Madrid coach crashes on UK motorway after Liverpool defeat in Champions League

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      REAL MADRID’S team coach has crashed on the M40 motorway.Several social media users have posted pictures and video footage of the new coach stuck on the side of the road.Real Madrid’s team coach has been seen stuck on the side of the M40Credit: XThe bus was seen stuck behind a lorryCredit: X @tc14sznReal Madrid’s bus is decorated by the club’s incredible list of honoursCredit: YouTube/Diario ASThe European champions took on Liverpool last night at Anfield.Prior to their 2-0 defeat, Real Madrid stars were seen arriving at Anfield in the same plush coach.In footage circulating on social media, the stationary coach appeared to be stuck behind a lorry.As per The Athletic’s Guillermo Rai, two drivers a security member and travel manager were onboard at the time of the crash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThankfully nobody was seriously injured in the incident.Teams typically fly back home immediately after a European match.But even if players and staff had already flown home, their coach would still have needed to be driven back to Madrid.The new-look luxury Real Madrid bus was unveiled in October 2024 to ferry the players to and from games.Most read in Champions LeagueThe hi-tech branding is meant to look like the revamped Bernabeu stadium, which has been rebuilt at a cost of £1.5billion.The bus is also decorated with the club’s most prestigious titles.Real Madrid being sued for millions over VIP Bernabeu SkyBar that costs fans £2,500 a game Inside, the players can relax luxury leather seats, with the club’s crest sewn into every headrest.In February this year, Real Madrid’s previous team bus was also caught up in a crash.The incident occurred in Germany as Carlo Ancelotti’s side travelled to a Champions League clash with RB Leipzig.Real Madrid flew to Erfurt, rather than Leipzig, due to a strike at Leipzig Airport.This meant that they had to finish their journey with a 100-mile coach ride.German newspaper Bild reported at the time that Real Madrid were involved in a collision with a white Toyota.Thankfully no one was hurt in the incident, with the Real Madrid coach coming away with only minor scratches.Real Madrid were beaten 2-0 at Anfield last nightCredit: Rex More

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      Embarrassing moment Champions League star scuffs his lines with ‘one of the worst misses in football history’

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE star Ivan Martin had a moment to forget during Girona’s 1-0 defeat the Sturm Graz last night.Martin, 25, missed an absolute sitter to put Girona ahead in the Champions League league phase clash in Austria.Ivan Martin missed a golden chance for his first ever Champions League goal last nightCredit: RexMartin drifted into the back post to find space with the goalkeeper out of placeCredit: DAZNHe was found by a tidy pass from teammate Bryan GilCredit: DAZNMartin unbelievably missed the target, hitting the ball over the barCredit: DAZNThe midfielder was left face down with his head in his handsCredit: DAZNThe attacking midfielder found himself in a golden position to score his first ever Champions League goal during the first half of the match.But what looked to be a certain goal was soon a moment that will have kept Martin up all night as he fluffed his lines and hit his shot over the bar from around two yards out.The former Villarreal man was devastated with his miss and put his head in his hands following the shocking moment.While fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing with the keeper completely out of the equation when Martin missed the target.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn social media, one wrote: “That has to be one of the worst misses in football history”.While another asked: “Miss of the century?!”A third joked: “That’s impressive tbh it’s so much harder to miss this chance than to actually score”.And a fourth teased: “He should be arrested after the match”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThings got worse for Martin when his miss came back to haunt him as Sturm Graz scored a 58th minute winner through former Arsenal striker Mika Biereth.Girona have now lost four of their five Champions League games this season, falling to defeats at the hands of PSV, Feyenoord and PSG.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers More

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      Jude Bellingham waits outside Liverpool dressing room to get bestie Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shirt off Gravenberch

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM went to extreme lengths to make sure to make sure he got bestie Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shirt.The England team-mates put their friendship to the side on Wednesday night as Real Madrid travelled to Anfield to take on Liverpool for their Champions League clash.Jude Bellingham wanted outside Liverpool’s dressing room after their Champions League clash with Real MadridCredit: TNT SPORTSHe seemingly asked Kop star Ryan Gravenberch to get Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shirtCredit: TNT SPORTSMidfielder Gravenberch returned with the top a few moments later and passed it over to BellinghamCredit: TNT SPORTSAnd Bellingham wanted to commemorate the moment by getting his buddy’s matchday shirt, so much so that he waited outside Liverpool’s dressing room after the final whistle.Footage has emerged of the superstar twiddling his thumbs as he waited outside the Reds’ changing room with two Real youngsters.He ended up having a brief conversation with Kop star Ryan Gravenberch, who returned a few moments later to give him Trent’s shirt.Footie fans were quick to comment on the viral clip, with one saying: “Wow this love.”READ MORE ON LIVERPOOLAnother said: “Bro really waited for Trent’s shirt. I know who my GOAT is.”And another said: “Everyone wants Trent’s shirt.”One remarked: “Love this.”Another chimed in: “Jude and Trent have been mates in the England camp. It’s not that deep.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLiverpool ran out 2-0 winners over the defending Champions League holdersCredit: GETTYThe Reds ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.Kop chief Arne Slot said of the victory: “I think it’s always good to win a game.Liverpool boss Arne Slot gives update on Trent injury “And especially a big game like this because you know you face so many quality players.”For me, it would even mean more if we go into the later stages of the tournament because this is such a strange.”And [a] different set-up in the Champions League that it’s difficult to judge how important these wins are.”If we arrive in the last 16 or the quarter-finals or wherever we can arrive to and we face them again and then we are able to beat them.”That would be maybe a bigger statement than this.”But we are definitely happy with the win, let that be clear.” More

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      Awkward moment John McGinn gets ‘pied’ by young mascot as cheeky snub caught live on air

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      HE’s a hero to the Tartan Army and Aston Villa’s main man.But one young mascot had absolutely no time for John McGinn as she SNUBBED a pre-match high-five from the midfield star.John McGinn made his way down the tunnel high-fiving the mascotsEach of the youngsters enthusiastically high-fived him backUntil one fan decided she was having none of itThe Scotland ace played 90 minutes last night as Aston Villa drew 0-0- with Juventus at Villa Park in their Champions League encounter.But prior to kick-off he was given a slice of humble pie by a cheeky young supporter.In his role as Villa captain, McGinn is given the responsibly of leading the mascots out of the tunnel and onto the pitch before the game.Often, he (and many other captains) will take some time to meet and greet the young fans.This could be in the form of a high-five, a hug or a brief pep talk.Last night at Villa Park, McGinn was spotted by the TV cameras working his way through the line of mascots wand giving each of them a high-five.All was going well until he reached the girl who was second from the front of the line.As McGinn raised up his hand expecting her to return the favour, he was met with nothing but a stare.Most read in FootballThe Villa skipper kept his hand up for a short moment and could be seen saying “No?” with a smile, before he took the hint and moved on.He then took a few seconds to have a quick chat with the mascot at the front of the queue, who gave him a bit of street cred back by returning his high-five.His focus then turns to the referee, who approaches him to start speaking about the game itself.On presenting duty for TNT Sports, Reshmin Chowdury laughed over the footage: “That little girl has just pied John McGinn.”Most fans on social media saw the funny side of the incident.As this punter said: “McGinn’s poker face didn’t stand a chance… mascot 1, McGinn 0. Sometimes you just have to take the pie and the L with a smile.”McGinn was hilariously pied by the young fanBut he laughed it off and got another high-five seconds laterKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More