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      Ghana star Mohammed Kudus open to Premier League transfer despite Barcelona interest with Ajax set to demand £40m

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      GHANA star Mohammed Kudus is open to a move to the Prem  — but wants Champions League football.Ajax are likely to ask for around £40million to part with their attacking midfielder who scored twice in the World Cup group stage.
      Mohammed Kudus in action for GhanaCredit: Getty
      Barcelona are keen on the 22-year-old although sources close to Kudus say he could consider offers from England — but only if the Champions League is on the table.
      That means a move will be more likely in the summer when qualification for next season is known.
      Tottenham have previously been linked with a move for Kudus.
      The North London outfit reportedly sent scouts to watch him during pre-season in hopes of adding another attacker to Antonio Conte’s side.
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      They failed in their efforts to land him and Kudus has since scored ten times for the Dutch Champions.
      This includes four goals and two assists in the Champions League.
      And following his strong start to the season, Kudus declared himself to be at least on par with crocked Brazil ace Neymar.
      On Neymar he said: “He’s not better than me.
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      “He’s just a higher profile player, that’s all.”
      The pair got into a tasty head-to-head when their two countries met in September.
      Kudus added: “He was defending his country and I was defending mine.
      “I wasn’t about to let him push me around. What makes him better, for now, is that he has achieved a lot.
      “I’ll get there soon.”
      Ghana ended up being eliminated from the World Cup at the group stage but were still in a jubilant mood after seeing Uruguay crash out with them. More

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      Mauricio Pochettino claims Pep Guardiola ‘should have been sacked eight times’ in cheeky defence of PSG record

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO has joked that Pep Guardiola should have been sacked EIGHT times by Manchester City due to his miserable record in Europe.The Argentine was speaking about his departure from PSG last summer.
      Mauricio Pochettino joked that Pep Guardiola could have been sacked eight timesCredit: The Times
      And the ex-Tottenham boss reckons if he was given the boot because of his failure to win the Champions League, Guardiola could have been sacked at the end of every season.
      That’s because the Spaniard is still waiting to enjoy success on the continental stage as City manager despite an array of domestic trophies.
      Pochettino told AS: “If [I left] PSG for not winning the Champions League, Guardiola should have already been sacked seven or eight times!
      “These are different realities. PSG is made to try to win the Champions League.
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      “If that objective isn’t reached, I’m the first one responsible.”
      Pochettino won three domestic trophies during his 18 months in the French capital, including the Ligue 1 title in his only full campaign.
      But ultimately his reign was always going to be defined by how PSG fared in Europe.
      And the 50-year-old failed miserably.
      Firstly, his PSG side were knocked out by Guardiola’s City in the semi-finals in 2020-21 before they capitulated in their last-16 tie with Real Madrid the following year and crashed out.
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      Despite leading 2-0 on aggregate an hour into the second leg, Pochettino’s side crumbled and conceded three times to Karim Benzema in 17 minutes.
      They did end up romping to the French title, but it wasn’t enough to save him from losing his job. More

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      Where Lionel Messi’s 15 wonderkids picked out to be future superstars are now, including Mason Mount

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      IN 2020, Lionel Messi picked out 15 young stars to watch – but where are they now?The PSG superstar, 35, named his favourite wonderkids for a Topps ‘Lionel Messi Designed Set’ card pack.
      We look at how the 15 youngsters Messi picked out as ones to watch have fared in the year that followedCredit: Reuters
      Messi selected a hatful of young English talent among his crop – with no fewer than FOUR Three Lions stars making the grade.
      But the 15 youngsters have endured very different years since Messi’s announcement.
      Take a look at where they are now, one year on…
      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
      Alexander-Arnold has struggled a bit for consistency since his epic riseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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      MESSI got a first-hand view of the Liverpool right-back’s talent in the 2018-19 Champions League.
      Alexander-Arnold, 24, was in blistering form as the Reds thumped Barcelona 4-0 in the second-leg of their semi-final clash – and even took the corner leading to Divock Origi’s winning goal to send them to the final.
      Still Liverpool’s No1 right-back, Alexander-Arnold has faced criticism over his defensive ability in the last few seasons.
      But with key Liverpool players, it’s little wonder consistency has been hard to come by.
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      HOUSSEM AOUAR
      Houssem Aouar excelled for Lyon in his first full seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
      LINKED with a move to Arsenal, Aouar has captained Lyon and already won cap for France.
      Technically superb, the versatile midfielder, 24, was expected to complete a big-money move to another of Europe’s giants in 2021.
      However, a loss of form and questions about his temperament emerged.
      Most recently, Nottingham Forest reportedly tried to bring him to the Premier League.
      FRENKIE DE JONG
      Frenkie De Jong is still waiting to find his top form at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A former team-mate of Messi, the Argentine knows all about De Jong.
      The Dutchman, 25, moved from Ajax following their run to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final.
      While De Jong is yet to replicate his top form at the Nou Camp – time is certainly on his side.
      Man Utd thought so, anyway, and were desperate to sign him in the summer. However, he snubbed their offer – preferring to stay at Camp Nou.
      MOUSSA DEMBELE
      Moussa Dembele moved to Atletico Madrid on loan in 2021Credit: Alamy Live News
      THE French striker, 26, joined Atletico Madrid on loan from Lyon with a view to a permanent move back in 2021.
      But, he failed to impress Diego Simeone – and was soon back to France.
      The ex-Fulham and Celtic forward was rated one of Europe’s most-sought-after stars after a sensational three-year spell in France.
      Dembele has scored 69 times in 159 matches in all competitions for Lyon.
      JOAO FELIX
      Joao Felix is slowly starting to find his feet at Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters
      ANOTHER Atleti forward, Diego Simeone added Felix to his squad for a record £113million in 2019.
      But the 23-year-old has failed to live up to the hype expected of him.
      A poor return of 33 goals in 129 games and has meant Simeone is ready to cut his losses.
      Man Utd are one of the clubs that have been linked with the fallen wonderkid.
      PHIL FODEN
      Phil Foden has been in exceptional form for Man CityCredit: AFP
      THE Manchester City star, 22, is making a name for himself across Europe.
      As well as Messi, Foden has garnered praise from the likes of Arsene Wenger.
      Under Pep Guardiola, Foden has flourished and become a full international.
      The clamour for him to be England’s main man at the World Cup was too much for Gareth Southgate to resist – and he inspired the Three Lions to a 3-0 win over Wales.
      KAI HAVERTZ
      Kai Havertz has struggled mightily since his £70m move to Chelsea last summerCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      AFTER Messi’s comments, Havertz teased clubs across Europe by showing off his unquestionable talent at Bayer Leverkusen.
      After Chelsea opted to splash £70m on the midfielder/forward, Havertz, 23, was expected to take the next step.
      The German star has blown hot and cold for the Blues, showing glimpses of his talent – but never on a consistent level.
      LUKA JOVIC
      Luka Jovic tried to rekindle his form back at Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: EPA
      SIGNED by Real Madrid from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019, Jovic’s career has really stalled.
      The Serbian, 24, scored just twice in 21 LaLiga games before being shipped back on loan to Frankfurt last year.
      Jovic scored twice off the bench in his first game back in the Bundesliga – but didn’t exactly pull up trees.
      Los Blancos cut their losses in the summer – flogging him to Fiorentina where he has seven goals in all competitions this season.
      JOSHUA KIMMICH
      Joshua Kimmich continues to prove he is one of the best players in the worldCredit: AFP
      HARDLY a wonderkid at the time of Messi’s revelation – Kimmich was already 25.
      The German feels like he’s been around for a decade already and is easily one of the best players on the planet.
      The versatile star can play in midfield or at right-back and has already won 74 international caps, while helping Bayern Munich to a famous Treble last season.
      Kimmich was part of the Bayern team who trounced Messi’s Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-final, even getting on the scoresheet.
      KYLIAN MBAPPE
      Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best striker on the planet at presentCredit: AFP or licensors
      QUITE possibly the best striker on the planet right now, Mbappe has scored a sensational 190 goals in 237 league games for Paris Saint-Germain.
      The 2018 World Cup winner, 22, was set to move to Real Madrid last summer, but snubbed the LaLiga giants for a bumper £300million contract with the French club.
      Now he is his country’s greatest light at the World Cup in Qatar.
      EDER MILITAO
      Eder Militao is yet to earn himself a regular spot in the Real Madrid XICredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HAVING moved to Real Madrid from Porto in the summer of 2019, huge things were expected of the Brazilian, who was handed a SIX-YEAR contract.
      Militao, 24, has shown flashes of talent after breaking into the first team last campaign.
      But Militao can’t dislodge Thiago Silva and Marquinhos in the Brazilian national team.
      MASON MOUNT
      Mason Mount has been in superb form for a struggling Chelsea this seasonCredit: Tom Jenkins/ The Guardian
      A FUTURE Chelsea – and possibly even England – captain, Mount has been superb for the Blues.
      Mount, 23, bizarrely seems to split fans – but has shown grit, determination and extraordinary talent in a struggling Chelsea team.
      The midfielder has gone from strength-to-strength since Messi comments.
      It’s expected Mount will go on to forge an incredible partnership with the likes of Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Phil Foden for England in what’s increasingly looking like another ‘Golden Generation’.
      BENJAMIN PAVARD
      Benjamin Pavard is a key member of Bayern Munich’s rampant squadCredit: EPA
      MESSI was never going to leave the Bayern Munich man out of his list.
      After all, Pavard, 26, scored the goal of the tournament as France knocked Argentina out of the 2018 World Cup at the last-16 stage with a sensational strike in a 4-3 win.
      The versatile defender is now a regular in the Bayern XI, playing 140 Bundesliga games since joining from Stuttgart in 2019.
      CHRISTIAN PULISIC
      Christian Pulisic needs to fully recover from his injuries to show his true talentCredit: PA
      DESPITE struggling with injuries, Pulisic has shown fans – and Messi – just what he can do.
      Chelsea always seem to look more dangerous with the American, 24, in the team.
      Pulisic has also led the USA’s charge in Qatar.
      JADON SANCHO
      Sancho starred at Borussia Dortmund, but has struggled since moving to Man UtdCredit: EPA
      OF all the players on Messi’s list, Sancho has arguably been the most disappointment.
      The Man Utd star, 20, was the subject of the longest-running transfer saga ever, seemingly in 2021.
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      Sancho eventually joined in a deal worth a staggering £73million.
      But he has been a big disappointment at Old Trafford – which culminated in being dropped from Southgate’s World Cup squad. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo still wants to play in Champions League and hopes World Cup can attract elite team, says Piers Morgan

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO wants to play in the Champions League after leaving Manchester United.That’s according to Piers Morgan, who adds the Portugal star hopes to attract an elite side with his World Cup performances.
      Cristiano Ronaldo wants to join a Champions League club after leaving Man UtdCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Ronaldo, 37, is a free agent after sensationally leaving United last month.
      His contract was mutually terminated following a bombshell interview with Morgan on TalkTV.
      And Ronaldo is now on the hunt for a new club as he seeks more trophies.
      So far, the only concrete offer he’s received is from Saudi Arabia.
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      Al-Nassr are willing to make Ronnie the best-paid athlete in history with a £173million-a-year salary on a 36-month deal.
      But it appears the veteran has his sights set on remaining in Europe.
      Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for Ronaldo, with owner Todd Boehly a huge fan.
      Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have also been tipped to possibly offer short-term deals, despite both clubs claiming to not be interested.
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      According to Morgan, Ronaldo sees himself joining one of Europe’s top clubs as he chases yet another Champions League title.
      And the Portugal star reckons it will be a done deal if he can lead his country to World Cup glory in Qatar.
      Morgan told the Telegraph: “He thinks that if he does well at this World Cup, he’ll get what he really wants, which is a club in the Champions League that extends his record and his legacy.
      “It’s not about money at this stage of his career. 
      “It comes down to a burning desire to play football at the highest level, to break records and win trophies.
      “And he has done that in more countries than any other player in history.” More

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      Juventus 1 Arsenal 1: Miedema nets as Gunners stay top of Champions League group by denying Juve a win in Turin

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      JONAS EIDEVALL praised Vivianne Miedema’s fighting spirit after Arsenal survived a scare against Joe Montemurro’s Juventus. Just as it looked as if the Gunners’ were in for another unfortunate night after their loss Manchester United, the striker netted to seal a 1-1 draw. 
      Vivianne Miedema ensured Arsenal shared the spoils with Juventus in their third Champions League Group C gameCredit: Getty
      The Arsenal striker netted a 61st-minute equaliser against JuveCredit: Getty
      Miedema’s second-half equaliser saw the WSL’s all-time top scorer net for the first time since bagging a brace against Tottenham at the Emirates in September. 
      Her goal on Thursday night came three weeks after she was granted time off for rest by club and country before the Gunners’ 4-0 defeat of Leicester on November 6. 
      The Netherlands star was also absent from her nation’s 2-0 and 4-0 friendly defeats of Denmark and Costa Rica. 
      Of Miedema being given time off for a recharge, Arsenal chief Eidevall said: “I think it’s always (about) striking the balance with freshness and having continuity in the training and playing.
      “You obviously need to strike that balance.”
      On the Arsenal ace’s first goal in the Champions League group stages, Eidevall added: “I’m very pleased with her goal. 
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      “You could see that Viv was really fighting hard today together with the team on the pitch and that’s what we need. 
      “You could see in tough moments in the game, where we kept thinking positively, we kept thinking about the next action, we kept thinking team first and that was really pleasing to see.”
      Arsenal, who have been battling with injuries with skipper Kim Little and Beth Mead, among their key players crocked, had the majority of shots on target.
      Stina Blackstenius was through on goal twice in the first half forcing a top drawer block from former Gunners goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin in the 38th minute. 
      And Caitlin Foord forced another last ditch save earning a corner in the opening moments in the second half.
      But Eidevall’s side were caught with a counter-attacking sucker punch with Juve taking the lead at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
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      And they did so with a clinical finish from Miedema’s Netherlands team-mate Lineth Beereynsteyn who was put through by Cristiana Girelli. 
      But Arsenal, eager to ensure they did not fall to a second match loss in five days, hit back in the 61st minute. 
      Frida Maanum’s corner-kick found Miedema who headed home before Peyraud-Magnin denied Foord a dramatic late winner.
      The 1-1 finish ensures Arsenal remain top of Group C before their December 7 clash with Juve at the Emirates. 
      And it denied former Gunners’ boss Montemurro the chance to get one over his old club who hope to return to winning ways in the WSL against Everton next Saturday.
      Lineth Beerensteyn put Juventus 1-0 up in the 52nd minuteCredit: Getty More

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      Katie McCabe says Beth Mead injury is ‘a massive loss’ for Arsenal and pays tribute to former boss Joe Montemurro

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      KATIE MCCABE says Arsenal will do their utmost to support Beth Mead after admitting it was ‘devastating to see her sustain an ACL injury. The Gunners forward, 27 is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering damage to a knee ligament last Saturday. 
      Katie McCabe says Arsenal’s players are rallying around Beth Mead following her anterior cruciate ligament injuryCredit: Getty
      Arsenal are yet to confirm how long Mead will be sidelined as a result of her ACL injuryCredit: Reuters
      The WSL star, who won the Euros Golden Boot after helping the Lionesses win the tournament in July, was forced off by injury during Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United at the Emirates. 
      Her club, who play Juventus in Italy tonight, will also be without skipper Kim Little and forward Lina Hurtig. 
      The duo are also sidelined due to injuries along with defenders Leah Williamson and Rafaelle.
      The centre-backs are currently working their way back to fitness. 
      The Gunners hope to complete a hat-trick of Group D wins in their third Champions League group stage game.
      McCabe, 27, told reporters: “It’s devastating for (Beth) coming off the pitch with an injury like that. She’s been so important for us over the last few years. 
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      “The high she was on at the minute in terms of her personal achievements, having such a good Euros and a great start to the season for us.”
      Mead, who netted six goals at the Euros and finished as the WSL’s third highest scorer last season, has made an impressive start to this term. 
      The Arsenal star notched up three goals and four assists in seven top-flight appearances and a brace during the Gunners’ 5-1 demolition of Lyon in October.
      McCabe added: “She’s going to be a massive loss, but we’ve got a fantastic medical team at the club and they’ll be doing their utmost to try and get her back (to full fitness).
      “Beth has got great support in our team and we’ll be rallying around her for sure.”
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      Arsenal’s game against Juve will see the club’s players go up against former boss Joe Montemurro, 53, for the first time since he left the Gunners at the end of the 2020-21 season. 
      Since then the Australia-born head coach guided his side to a trophy treble with the club winning a Serie A title, the Italian Cup and the Italian Women’s Super Cup last season. 
      Juve, who reached the quarter-finals of last season’s Champions League, are currently unbeaten across all competitions this term. 
      Under Montemurro they have gone eight games unbeaten at home in Europe this season.
      McCabe has made 100 appearances for the Gunners since her 2015 move from Irish side Shelbourne.
      And she credits her former Arsenal boss for believing in her talent during her early years at the club. 
      The Republic of Ireland star had at one stage considered leaving the WSL title chasers after a 2017 loan spell at Glasgow City. 
      However the Gunners offered her a contract extension and the versatile winger has flourished ever since. 
      Arsenal’s players are due take on a Juventus side managed by their former boss Joe MontemurroCredit: Getty
      McCabe added: “I’m looking forward to seeing him because I’ve not seen him in a while. 
      “I’ve got the utmost respect for Joe and how he helped me grow as a player within the Arsenal set-up when I came back from loan. 
      “He’s a big, big part of my career.” More

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      Emma Hayes praises Cuthbert’s commitment after Chelsea thwart Real Madrid in Europe before WSL duel with Leicester

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      ERIN CUTHBERT may not like it when fans say she ‘only scores bangers’. But her stunning effort helped Chelsea stay top of their Champions League group by overcoming a stubborn Real Madrid side.  
      Erin Cuthbert has notched up one goal and one assist in two Champions League appearances this termCredit: Getty
      Sophie Ingle opened the scoring for Chelsea as the Blues netted twice against Real Madrid at KingsmeadowCredit: Alamy
      It was a hardfought 2-0 result in a game at the WSL leaders’ Kingsmeadow home that until the 67th minute looked on course to end as a stalemate. 
      That was until Sophie Ingle broke the deadlock for the hosts before Cuthbert put the win beyond doubt with a Champions League goal of the season contender. 
      And Hayes believes the Scotland star’s strike is a fine example of her commitment to Chelsea’s cause with her side chasing their first trophy win in the tournament.
      Hayes, 46, whose aces take on Madrid in Spain next month, said: “I don’t think there was a blade of grass she didn’t cover. She was outstanding. 
      “There was a tenacity to her performance that we’ve all come to expect, but by signing her contract, for me that confirms her commitment to the club.”
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      Chelsea went close to opening the scoring in the first half with Niamh Charles’ cross causing problems for Madrid keeper Misa Rodriguez. 
      Just as it looked as if the duel would end as a scoreless draw, Ingle sparked fresh life into the game powering home a 67th-minute header following Cuthbert’s delivery and Millie Bright’s flick-on.
      And the Scotland ace doubled the Blues lead from the right touchline with her strike flying over Madrid keeper Rodriguez and into the back of the net.
      It was a hell of a finish that saw the WSL leaders, who play Leicester on December 3, notch up their first win against a Spanish club after seven attempts. 
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      And Hayes, who strengthened her ranks with some impressive summer signings including ex-Lyon centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan, believes this is the best team she has managed to date. 
      The Chelsea chief added: “I thought two years ago we had a decent amount of experience, but this team is on another level.
      “I’ve said it before, this is the best team I’ve had.”
      Emma Hayes and her Blues will play Leicester City in the top tier before a December 8 clash with Madrid in SpainCredit: PA More

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      Who is the Uruguay vs South Korea referee Clement Turpin at Word Cup 2022?

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      THERE will be a familiar face in the middle for Uruguay’s opening World Cup game against South Korea.Clement Turpin is a hugely experienced referee and was in charge for the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid last season.
      Turpin is only 39 but has over 10 years’ experienceCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Who is Clement Turpin?
      Turpin is one of the most experienced whistlers heading to this summer’s tournament.
      The Frenchman began in the National league in 2006, taking just two years to reach Ligue 1 and the highest rung in the domestic ladder.
      In 2010 he was given Fifa listed status, meaning he could branch out into Europe.
      Since then he has reffed in 2014 and 2018 World Cup qualifiers and was in the middle during Euro 2016 in his home country.
      Turpin was in the middle for last month’s Europa League finalCredit: PA
      You may recognise Turpin from the Europa League final in Gdansk last year, where he was ably assisted by Jérôme Brisard and Benjamin Pages.
      Those two assistants have worked with the Frenchman for years.
      Ahead of the 2021 match between Man Utd and Villarreal he said: “I feel very proud.
      “Not only for myself, but also for my assistants, who have accompanied me for a number of years, and for all referees in France.
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      “I never said to myself that I would referee a European final one day.
      “From the start, I preferred to set myself small targets and challenges along the way.
      “I’ve never had a particular role model as a referee, but I’ve watched other referees and taken little bits of what they do and incorporated them into my own refereeing.”
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