More stories

  • in

    I’m a Champions League winner – I cut out five major foods for my ‘Caveman’ diet… it’s a way of living

    MARCOS LLORENTE has insisted that his ‘caveman’ diet will stay with him until he dies.The Spanish midfielder was a part of the Real Madrid side that won the Champions League in 2018.Marcos Llorente eats a diet based on the Paleolithic eraCredit: INSTAGRAMThe midfielder will not eat ultra-processed foodCredit: INSTAGRAMLlorente, 29, lives off an unusual diet which is often nicknamed the the ‘caveman diet’ and the ‘stone age diet’.It consists of food that would have been eaten in the Paleolithic era, also known as the Old Stone Age.He has ruled out any food that he considers to be ultra-processed such as pasta, bread and even cereal.Instead, he indulges in food such as meat, fish, and vegetables, as well as “high-quality” cheeses.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said on Cadena SER programme El Larguero: “It would be eating what was eaten in the Paleolithic.”You would have to eliminate all ultra-processed foods. Don’t even look at them. And also cereals. “Everything that is pasta, bread, wheat, rice… also dairy. Only high-quality cheeses.”I eat everything. Meat, like the steak that I love. Fish, eggs, vegetables. And carbohydrates like potatoes, sweet potatoes and cassava.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”With the Paleolithic diet, I will go 100 per cent. It is a lifestyle and a way of living. With that I will live and with that I will die.”That’s how it is. I do it for health, not because of football. Football stars’ weird phobias”I am clear that when I finish my career, I will continue to take care of myself just as much or more than now.”Llorente now plays for Atletico Madrid and will be taking on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday evening.Speaking about the match, he said: “I’m calm at the moment. There will be time to get nervous on Wednesday.”It’s good to live it calmly. I’m looking forward to the game and I think it’s a great opportunity for us. “We are very excited. It is a great opportunity for this season.”Entering the Champions League semi-finals is another story.”The team is very eager and has plenty of motivation. The fans are going to make it a very special match.”What is in the Paleolithic diet?THE Paleolithic diet is based around what people would have eaten over 3.3 million years ago.
    What can you eat?

    Fruits
    Vegetables
    Nuts and seeds
    Eggs
    Lean meats, especially grass-fed animals or wild game
    Fish, especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel and albacore tuna
    Oils from fruits and nuts, such as olive oil or walnut oil

    What can you not eat?

    Grains, such as wheat, oats and barley
    Legumes, such as beans, lentils, peanuts
    Dairy products, such as milk and cheese
    Refined and added sugar
    Added salt
    Starchy vegetables, such as corn, jicama, peas and white potatoes
    Highly processed foods, such as chips or cookies More

  • in

    Man Utd boss Ten Hag looks irritated as he defends wide-open tactics to Premier League icon in unearthed clip from 2019

    AN unearthed clip from 2019 has shown Erik ten Hag appearing to get irritated while defending his tactics.The Dutchman has come under criticism this season as Manchester United’s midfield has often been exposed by opposition teams.Ten Hag’s disagrees and shares his views.ETH might be infuriating to a lot of the fans, but everything people criticize him for today, they were criticizing him for at his former clubs.… until it clicked.It will click at United as well with the right players.( 2/2 ) pic.twitter.com/A7KPC92oyR— Erik Ten Shelby 🧣 (@ErikTenShelby) April 2, 2024

    Ruud Gullit questioned Erik ten Hag’s tactics back in 2019Credit: Ziggo SportThe manager appeared to be irritated by the questionsCredit: Ziggo SportTen Hag, 54, appeared on Ziggo Sport to analyse his Ajax side’s famous win over Real Madrid in the Champions League.In the clips, Premier League icon Ruud Gullit questions the manager’s tactics to have an open midfield against the LaLiga titans.Ten Hag seemed to get irritated by the question as Ajax won the fixture.Gullit claimed the system allows for too many risks and can concede “ridiculous counterattacks.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe insisted that there needs to be a player in the midfield thinking “what if” the ball is lost and suggests a Fernandinho type of player.Fernandinho starred for Manchester City and was considered one of the world’s best defensive midfielders during his prime.While Ten Hag conceded that without a man in midfield a team can get “killed”, he went on to defend his philosophy.He said: “How we want to play is the most difficult. When it is not going well you are extra vulnerable.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”But when it is going well, you are able to impose yourself on the opponents and entertain the fans.”Gullit replied saying that Barcelona were able to play the same with great success but because they had Sergio Busquets.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Ten Hag hit back, by saying: “The criticism is always directed at the teams who make the play.”Whether it is Barcelona, who are vulnerable in transition, Manchester City, Bayern Munich…”That is the most difficult thing in football to have a plan to play with the football.”There are only a few teams that can do this. For example Pep’s [Guardiola] team. They are able to do it.”At the end of the day, it’s those teams that fans come to the stadium for.”Manchester United fans have reacted to the clip with mixed emotions.One posted: “He is completely conscious and willingly taking that risk. Means we have to wait for the personnel to see it fully formed.”A second commented: “Ten Hag got away with this in the Champions League because of how good the attack was.”He won’t get away with this in the Premier League due to the physicality. If your style of play relies on elite technicians, then it’s a s*** style of play.”A third wrote: “If you’re gonna do this in the Prem then he needs to listen to Gullit. You need a physical monster like [Amadou] Onana.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA fourth said: “This is very alarming.”Another added: “United fans don’t want to be patient. We’ll regret it if we sack this man.” More

  • in

    Arsenal release statement after ISIS threat to Emirates Stadium ahead of Champions League quarter-final vs Bayern Munich

    ARSENAL have responded after ISIS threatened an attack on the Emirates Stadium ahead of their encounter with Bayern Munich.Terrorist group ISIS launched a threat against each of the four venues that will host Champions League football this week.ISIS have threatened an attack on the Emirates StadiumCredit: GettyThe terrorist group have issued threats against four Champions League venuesThat includes the Emirates as Arsenal take on Bayern Munich in the first leg of their quarter-final clash tonight.Ahead of the game Arsenal released a statement saying they will be working closely with the police to ensure the safety of fans.The statement read: “We work closely with the Metropolitan Police regarding the safety and security of all supporters and staff at Emirates Stadium for all our matches.“Our planning for tonight’s fixture is no different and our approach, working together with the Police and UEFA, is proportionate to the current UK threat level.”READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Islamic State released an image on Monday that included the names of the four high-capacity stadiums hosting the quarter-final first legs.Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium is another threat, leading Spanish authorities to activate “all alert systems”.Security has been ramped up with 1,270 security guards to be deployed in Madrid for the game against Manchester City.Head of The Ministry of the Interior, Fernando Grand-Marlaska, said: “In terms of preventing the terrorist threat, the State Security Forces and Bodies have activated all their early warning and protection systems, as well as all their response mechanisms ready and willing.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERKim Kardashian is rumoured to be attending Arsenal’s clash with Bayern Munich, causing concern amongst supporters who feel she is jinx.That is because the last game she attended was Arsenal’s Europa League exit at the hands of Sporting Lisbon.Clive Tyldesley reveals incredible Arsenal vs Bayern Munich notes as fans label commentator ‘best around for a reason’ More

  • in

    Clive Tyldesley reveals incredible Arsenal vs Bayern Munich notes as fans label commentator ‘best around for a reason’

    CLIVE TYLDESLEY has revealed his notes for Arsenal’s crunch Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.The Gunners take on the Bundesliga giants in the quarter-final at the Emirates tonight.Clive Tyldesley showed off his notes for the Arsenal team ahead of the match against Bayern MunichCredit: X / CliveTyldesleyThe commentator was writing out notes on each playerCredit: X / CliveTyldesleyMikel Arteta’s side will be hoping to come out on top and put an end to their run of three straight 5-1 defeats to Bayern.Tyldesley, 69, will be on commentary for the match and an evening preparing for the clash.He posted a video on social media showing off his notes on the players.He captioned the post: “Working late tonight. ⁦Arsenal ⁩v ⁦FC Bayern ⁩on ⁦ @CBSSportsGolazo.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Fail to prepare… prepare to fail.”The video shows Tyldesley filling in details about the Arsenal players, including goalkeeper David Raya and defenders Ben White and William Saliba.Fans loved the clip as they flooded the comment section, hailing the veteran commentator.One posted: “He’s the best around for a reason.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA second wrote: “Top top man at his job is Clive.”A third commented: “An absolute true pro.”Arsenal Stars and their CarsA fourth said: “The greatest commentator of them all.”Another added: “Nobody better. So many fabulous commentaries on huge games over the years. I really appreciate your work, Clive.”Up there with the greats of Moore, Motson, Davies, Coleman and Walstenholme.”Meanwhile, Arsenal fans have been left worried about the omen that Kim Kardashian could be in attendance.The reality TV star was at the Emirates for the defeat against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League last season. More

  • in

    Europe on alert over ISIS threat to Champions League including Arsenal match as Madrid & Paris stadiums under guard

    EUROPE is on guard following ISIS’s threat towards the four stadiums hosting Champions League quarter-final matches this week – including the Emirates Stadium in London.The Islamic State revealed a sinister poster on Monday night that included the names of the four high-capacity venues and a message that read: “Kill them all”.ISIS launched a threat against the four stadiums that will host the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Champions LeagueCredit: TwitterSpanish authorities have already taken drastic measures in the event of a fresh attack by doubling down on their security presenceCredit: GettyMore than 2,000 agents from the National Police and the Civil Guard will be present at the Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid vs Man City tonightCredit: GettyArsenal host Bayern Munich tonight as Manchester City travel to face Real Madrid, while Wednesday sees Atletico Madrid play Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain welcome Barcelona.Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, Real’s Santiago Bernabeu, Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium and PSG’s Parc de Princes are all on high alert.The Met Police said today they have a “robust policing plan” for Arsenal’s match against Bayern Munich. They said the UK terrorism threat level remains at ‘substantial’ meaning an attack is likely. Read more on ISISArsenal have also released a statement, saying tonight’s fixture will be “no different” from normal.The club said: “We work closely with the Metropolitan Police regarding the safety and security of all supporters and staff at Emirates Stadium for all our matches.”It comes amid fears of a resurgent ISIS after the group killed more than 140 people in a terrorist attack in Moscow last month.The death cult appears to be rising again as chaos spills out from the Middle East.Most read in Champions LeagueBut despite the threats, UEFA have confirmed that this week’s Champions League matches will take place as planned.A statement issued on Tuesday read: “Uefa is aware of alleged terrorist threats made towards this week’s Uefa Champions League matches and is closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues.“All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.”Spain has already activated “all alert systems” ahead of Real Madrid vs Manchester City and Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund in the capital on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.The Santiago Bernabeu holds more than 80,000 spectators, while Atletico’s Metropolitano has a capacity of 70,460.More than 1,270 security guards are set to be deployed in Madrid as part of heightened security responses to the ISIS threat, La Vanguardia report.Spanish police will stretch their operation into Wednesday’s game between Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the capitalCredit: GettySpanish police outside the Santiago BernabeuCredit: AFPThere are fears of another terrorist attack after gunmen killed more than 140 people in Moscow last monthHead of The Ministry of the Interior, Fernando Grand-Marlaska, said: “In terms of preventing the terrorist threat, the State Security Forces and Bodies have activated all their early warning and protection systems, as well as all their response mechanisms ready and willing.” He added that all pertinent initiatives have been adopted to guarantee the safety of both the participants and attendees of the sporting event and the Spanish citizenry as a whole, local media report.That includes more than 2,000 agents from the National Police and the Civil Guard, who will be joined by members of the Municipal Police.The response from Spanish authorities has been conducted in line with the Anti-Terrorism Prevention, Protection and Response Plan for the current level 4 out of 5 anti-terrorist alert.Also taking place tonight is Arsenal’s highly-anticipated clash with Bayern Munich in the capital.The Met Police said it has a ‘robust policing plan’ in place for the game at the 60,704-capacity Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, overseeing the policing of London today, said: “The UK terrorism threat level remains at ‘substantial’ meaning an attack is likely. Manchester City fans have already arrived in Plaza Mayor in MadridCredit: PAPolice are on alert in the Spanish capital following the threatsCredit: PACity take on Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday nightCredit: GettyThe match is one of four quarter-final first legs taking place this weekCredit: GettyCity fans snapped up over 3,800 tickets for their trip to face Real MadridCredit: PASupporters are hoping to see their side continue their Champions League defenceCredit: PA”We work closely with colleagues from across Counter Terrorism Policing in planning for events here in London, to take into account any relevant information that could help us to keep those attending safe.”We’re aware of online and media reports in relation to calls to target matches across Europe and here in London. “However, I want to reassure the public that we have a robust policing plan in place for tonight’s match and we continue to work closely alongside the club’s security team to ensure that the match passes peacefully.“As ever, we ask the public to remain vigilant, and if they see any that doesn’t look or feel right, then report it to police or security staff.”Security will also be stepped up for PSG’s clash with Barcelona in Paris on Wednesday.A French Interior Ministry source told The Sun: “Security will be enforced to counter any threats.”Specialist anti-terrorist teams will be in place, along with soldiers outside the ground.”The Return of ISISISIS’s infamous black flag is feared to be rising once again – with the attack on the Moscow hall being one of their bloodiest since they were defeated in the Middle East.
    The terrorist groups attacks sparked horror around the world for years – and their violent videos showing beheadings, burnings and other executions shocked society to its core.
    But it is feared that following on from the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan and the crisis in the Middle East following the October 7 massacre, the group is gathering strength.
    US General Joel Vowell – who leads America’s efforts abroad to squash ISIS – warned that the threat of a suspected attack has risen 200 per cent in the last three months.
    He has headed the ten year US-led coalition Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS, which saw Western troops stationed in Iraq and Syria – two hotbeds of the terror group’s activity.
    In January he met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to talk about removing US troops from Iraq – but instead issued a disturbing message.
    The Middle East expert explained that ISIS cells have been rallying their forces in the background, “in Syria and Iraq in the last 60 days in particular”.
    Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist extremist movement, launched a brutal attack on Israel’s border in the early hours of October 7 2023 dubbed Israel’s “9/11” – killing over 1200 people.
    Extremist Islamist groups including the Houthis and Hezbollah have aimed attacks at the US and the UK, citing support of Israel – because of their war against Hamas.
    Professor Anthony Glees told The Sun that the Western world now faces threats “from all sides”, and that the fight against Hamas, the Houthis and Hezbollah shouldn’t detract from efforts to protect ourselves from older terrorist threats like ISIS.
    “I absolutely think we are being assailed from all sides. That makes us vulnerable. And when you’re vulnerable, you get bullied and attacked.”
    The security expert also told The Sun that he “absolutely” thinks it’s possible that we could be looking at a new wave of a terrorist threat like those seen over the last 20 years.
    The raging threat of terror groups like Hamas, the Houthis and Hezbollah could be combined with attacks by organisations like ISIS on UK soil.
    Ex-US General Ben Hodges said: “The UK is in a pre war environment. That means war is coming.”
    Met Police commissioner Mark Rowley warned this time last year that Britain that the UK has tens of thousands of potential terrorists hiding in plain sight.
    Sir Rowley warned that they were on the security services radar, and would need just a “spark” to act on their extremist beliefs.
    Glees told The Sun that the events of October 7 and the ensuing war has “provided that spark”.
    He said: “I think what has happened since the seventh of October, has, in a sense, provided a spark.”
    Glees “absolutely” thinks the threat of a terror attack on British soil has been increased.
    He warned that while we have a nuclear deterrent, which could be used to ward off certain enemies, it won’t prevent more conventional attacks like those that might come from a terrorist organisation like ISIS.

    There will be some 500 ordinary police alone securing the game, and these will be swelled by an unspecified number of specialist units, including military ones. PSG has also reported cyber attacks on its ticketing system over the past two days. This raises the fear that terrorist are attempting to gain access to the stadium, said the Interior Ministry source. France has already increased its security alert rating to the highest level after ISIS claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow last month.It resembled the November 2015 attacks on Paris, when ISIS operatives struck across the city, killing 130 people, and wounding hundreds of others.The night of violence started with an attack on the Stade de France, when suicide bombers hit an international match between France and Germany.England fans have already been warned over new terrorism threats ahead of this summer’s Euro 2024 in Germany.READ MORE SUN STORIESGerman Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the Islamist attack in Moscow has raised “dangers to a new level”, with drastic steps being taken already.That includes a plan to temporarily close borders and ramp up frontier checks, while British police will also make the journey to help bolster ranks in the host country.Arsenal are in action on Tuesday when they take on Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium in North LondonCredit: PA:Press AssociationAtletico Madrid’s welcome Borussia Dortmund to the 70,000-seater Metropolitano Stadium on WednesdayCredit: GettyFrench police are also stepping up their proceedings when PSG face Barcelona at the Parc de Princes in ParisCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Gabriel Jesus is uninterested in Mikel Arteta’s plot to sign a new No9 and is ready to fight for his Arsenal place

    GABRIEL JESUS is ready to fight for his place as Arsenal plot a summer move for a striker.The Brazilian forward has endured an injury-plagued period since signing from Manchester City for £45m in July 2022.Mikel Arteta is a big fan of Gabriel Jesus – but could sign his replacement this summerCredit: AlamyJesus has suffered from multiple injury issues during his time with the GunnersCredit: ReutersThe 27-year-old had surgery on his knee towards the end of last season but was under the knife again at the beginning of this term before a hamstring strain in October.He then missed a further five games in February with more knee troubles, and admitted this week that he cannot remember a time when he “played without pain”.Despite that, Jesus is confident he is fit enough to contribute for the Gunners in a crucial part of the campaign – top of the Premier League with seven games left and in the quarter finals of the Champions League.It would be timely for Jesus to prove his worth, with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta planning to splash out on a No.9 in the next transfer window.read more on arsenalSporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, Brentford’s Ivan Toney, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko have all been linked.Yet when asked about the North London club’s ambitions to potentially replace him, Jesus said: “They already know if they want to [sign a striker] or not.“Maybe this question is not for me but for them. My job is to try to work, train hard, improve what I have to improve and help Arsenal win games and after win trophies.“The speculation will always be there, not only here but every club. People want to decide who the club wants to sign. This is not just happening at Arsenal but a lot of clubs.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDue to his injury issues, and positional adaptability under Arteta as both a central forward and winger, Jesus has struggled to find form in front of goal this term.He has just four goals and three assists in 21 Prem outings, having scored 11 and provided six in 26 league games last season.Jesus’ Champions League record is much better for Arsenal, netting four goals in six games so far, with Bayern Munich at the Emirates on Tuesday night in the quarters.So far, City’s Erling Haaland has 25 goals in 32 appearances in the Prem and Champions League, while Bayern’s Harry Kane has 38 goals in 36 appearances combined.Jurgen Klopp manages to savage both Man Utd and his own Liverpool team with astonishing comment about ArsenalBut Jesus feels it is unfair to compare him to those heavyweight goal-getters, explaining: “Even if I’m playing in a position like they are I think it’s unfair because we are different types of players. That’s my opinion.“I have played this season maybe 40 per cent on the wing but people only want to know if I’ve scored or not. That’s football today. It’s not just with me but it’s a lot of strikers like this.“I don’t want to come here and say Gabi doesn’t care about playing as a winger when his position normally is a nine. This part of the season you don’t complain. I never complain.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When I get the chance I will show the manager and everyone else why I have to play. This part of the season I’ll put my ego aside and do what the manager wants to help the team.“It’s not easy, not just for me but for Eddie [Nketiah] as well. Kai [Havertz] is having amazing games and scoring. That’s the price you pay if you want to be in a big club.” More

  • in

    Worrying omen for Arsenal fans with Kim Kardashian set to attend Emirates clash for first time since disastrous defeat

    ARSENAL fans have been left worried over rumours that Kim Kardashian will be at the match against Bayern Munich.The Gunners face the Bundesliga giants in a Champions League showdown tonight.Kim Kardashian could be in attendance for Arsenal’s clash against Bayern MunichCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunShe was at the defeat to Sporting Lisbon last seasonCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side will be hoping for revenge, having lost their last three matches against Bayern by 5-1 scorelines.Arsenal made it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after breaking their round-of-16 curses against Porto.A fan account has now claimed that Kim is planning to visit the Emirates for the vital match.She was in attendance for Arsenal’s Europa League exit to Sporting Lisbon last season with her son West.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd fans are now worried that lightning could strike twice.One fan posted: “We’re finished man.”A second wrote: “Somebody stop her.”A third commented: “It won’t end well.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth said: “Noooooo, please tell the police to stop her.”A fifth joked: “Someone please inform Uefa that she is a Bayern Munich supporter.”The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsAnother added: “Someone drive her to Etihad please.”After her appearance last March, club supporters believed that Kim was “cursed” as William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu picked up injuries.There will be no Bayern fans at the match due to a ban after fireworks were thrown onto the pitch during their away fixture against Lazio.Elsewhere, Manchester City take on Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu for their quarter-final clash.The La Liga giants have made a special request to Uefa to shut the roof of the stadium to increase the atmosphere for the match.How Arteta made Arsenal horrible again, with Tony Pulis tactic and gentle star turned into Diego Costa-style hate figureBy Dave Kidd
    BOTTLERS, chokers, shandy-drinking southern softies.
    These were the charges levelled at Arsenal when they blew the title last season.
    And even if the actual reason they failed was because William Saliba got injured and Rob Holding had to start, Mikel Arteta clearly took those accusations to heart.
    If his team are not crowned champions next month, the Gunners boss has categorically ensured that they won’t go down being accused of nicey-niceyness.
    Because, as well as being thrillingly entertaining and free-scoring when they want to be, this season’s Arsenal are also thoroughly horrible.They are not here to make friends. They are not interested in being anybody’s second-favourite team.
    And so, six days after stink-bombing the Etihad with a display of Mourinho-esque anti-football for a 0-0 draw, Arsenal turned up at the home of former bogey-team Brighton and s***housed their way to a thoroughly impressive 3-0 win.
    How wonderful for the travelling Gooners to witness Ben White — against his former club — going down as if he’d taken a bullet to his neck when Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan brushed against him.
    White is renowned as a gentle and decent bloke, intelligent enough to challenge the zeitgeist and claim there might be things in life other than football.
    And yet suddenly he’s become some Diego Costa-style anti-hero hate figure, his wife goading the masses by posting social-media pictures of them playing a childish card game on a sun lounger after he’d refused an international call-up.
    Because Arsenal are horrible again. Even Ben White is a villain.And that might just be Arteta’s greatest triumph.
    Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
    To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

  • in

    Having flattered to deceive Kai Havertz has become a key player for Arsenal – just look at his Dream Team returns

    KAI HAVERTZ (£3.4m) has cut an enigmatic figure since arriving on English shores.His talent has never been in doubt but he’s often looked like a square peg in a round hole.At Chelsea he was neither a midfielder nor a striker and not even a winner in a Champions League final was able to convince all the Stamford Bridge faithful of his worth.Eyebrows were raised when title challengers Arsenal forked out £65million for the Germany international last summer and for the first few months of the season many of the same teething issues were widely discussed.However, as the campaign as progressed, Havertz has looked more and more at home at the Emirates.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!Havertz’s stock is on the riseCredit: Dream TeamAnd now, with the Gunners chasing domestic and continental glory, he could well be described as a key player for Mikel Arteta.One only has to look at his Dream Team returns for evidence of his evolution.Havertz has produced 50 points across his last seven outings via four goals and four assists.Against Brighton last time he out, he scored one goal and assisted another to bank 12 points in one fell swoop for his best single-game haul of 2023/24.Most read in FootballHaving previously flattered to deceive as a false nine, he looks increasingly comfortable in whatever role he occupies at Arsenal.He’s seemingly developed a good understanding with Arteta’s other attacking threats and, most importantly, his confidence is as high as it’s been since his Bayer Leverkusen days.At the time of writing, he has ten goals and seven assists to his name in all competitions this season.Havertz has 17 goal involvements to his name this seasonCredit: RexCrucially, Havertz is categorised as a midfielder in Dream Team, increasingly his viability.Despite his fruitful form, he currently features in just 4% of teams but his ownership will surely increase if he adds a few more points to his overall tally of 174 when he faces Bayern Munich this evening.More broadly, now is a good time to back Arsenal assets and not just because of the North Londoners’ impressive form.The Gunners are one of just three teams with four fixtures to fulfil across the next two Gameweeks.They host Aston Villa in Gameweek 31 before travelling to Munich for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Thomas Tuchel’s side.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen in Gameweek 32, they face Wolves and Chelsea in a Premier League double header.If Havertz maintains his current form then he’s likely to return more than his fair share of points throughout the rest of April.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
    Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
    18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
    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. Begambleaware.org More