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      Which players have earned the most Dream Team points in Europe this season?

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      THE European competitions are once again in the Dream Team spotlight.Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea are all set to play the first legs of their respective round of 16 ties this week with the second legs to follow in Gameweek 27.Morgan Rogers and Christopher Nkunku have had success in Europe this seasonCredit: Dream TeamWith that in mind, let’s recap which players have earned the most points in Europe so far this season.51 pts – Emi Martinez (£3.6m)Aston Villa flew out of the blocks upon their return to the Champions League with wins over Young Boys, Bayern Munich and Bologna, all without conceding a goal.Naturally, their World Cup winning goalkeeper benefited hugely from these early clean sheets, which he fought tooth and nail for, especially against Harry Kane and company.In fact, 22 of Martinez’s 32 saves in Europe this season came in his first four outings in the competition.The Argentine stopper’s midweek returns have been a huge factor in him maintaining a lofty ranking among players in his position.51 pts – Marc Guiu (£2.3m)The 19 year-old forward has played just 70 minutes in the league for Chelsea this season but he’s thoroughly enjoyed himself on Thursday nights.Guiu has six goals in the Conference League at a rate of one every 47.3 minutes.His crowning moment came in Gameweek 15 when he bagged a hat-trick against Shamrock Rovers.Most read in FootballIt will be interesting to see whether the young Spaniard continues to get minutes now the competition has reached the knockout stage.Maresca has rotated his squad in the Conference LeagueCredit: Reuters53 pts – Kai Havertz (£4.7m)Arsenal’s No29 cops plenty of criticism at times but he played a vital role in ensuring the Gunners’ relatively smooth progression to the last 16 of the Champions League.Havertz scored four goals and provided one assist in eight European outings before his injury.The Germany international’s hamstring problem may rule him out for the remainder of the campaign and so he’s not an option for Dream Team bosses going forward.54 pts – Morgan Rogers (£3.9m)Aston Villa’s silky midfielder made a huge statement in his most recent Champions League appearance when scored a hat-trick against Celtic for a 24-point return.That dominant display helped Unai Emery’s side progress to the round of 16 directly, avoiding the stress of play-offs.Rogers is one of the first names on the team sheet when available and he is expected to start against Club Brugge in Belgium this evening.With an ownership of 29.1%, the 22-year-old is currently Dream Team’s third-most popular midfielder and so big things are expected of him this month.Rogers produced a masterclass against Celtic back in Gameweek 21Credit: Getty56 pts – Bukayo Saka (£6.6m)Mikel Arteta would feel far more confident of progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals if he was able to field his talismanic No7.Amazingly, Saka amassed 56 points from just five European games via four goals and two assists before his injury.More broadly, the England star averages 9.3 points-per-game in 2024/25, a rate only bettered by runaway points leader Mohamed Salah (£8.3m).How gaffers would love to be able to select Saka again before the end of the season.58 pts – Rasmus Hojlund (£3.2m)A surprise inclusion here as Manchester United’s Danish striker has looked relatively ineffective for much of the campaign.However, while Hojlund’s record of two goals in 22 league games is rather miserable, five goals in eight in the Europa League paints a far brighter picture.Given that Europe is the Red Devils’ last route to a trophy this season, Ruben Amorim will do everything he can to motivate Hojlund ahead of two legs against Real Sociedad.It would be a stretch to say that the former Atalanta speedster is a wise selection in Dream Team right now but gaffers should consider which players tend to perform better in Europe when the continental competitions take centre stage.Hojlund’s best performances have come in the Europa League this seasonCredit: Rex59 pts – Mohamed Salah (£8.3m)No list of top performers would be complete without Liverpool’s prolific No11.The only surprise is that the Egyptian superstar ranks just fourth given the Reds topped the Champions League league phase.Salah was rested against PSV in Gameweek 21 but he registered three goals and four assists in the seven outings previous at an average of one goal involvement every 86 minutes – incredibly, that’s a tad under par for him this season.He was slightly hindered by an inconsequential penalty miss against Real Madrid in late November but his numbers are staggeringly good nonetheless.With Ballon d’Or talk increasing, it’s all eyes on Salah ahead of Liverpool’s meetings with PSG in the very near future.64 pts – Phil Foden (£6.1m)Last season’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year has struggled this time around but he made hay in Europe before Manchester City’s untimely exit.Pep Guardiola’s side paid the price for their error-strewn performances when they were forced to meet Champions League specialists Real Madrid in the play-offs.Foden notched two goals, three assists and eight bonus points in nine games but that’s all in the past now – Man City were the only English team dumped out of Europe before the last 16.Foden’s viability has dropped significantly since Man City’s defeat to Real MadridCredit: Getty64 pts – Christopher Nkunku (£3.4m)The lesson here is that Conference League mismatches are bursting with potential.Chelsea’s French forward was largely restricted to midweek action for the first two thirds of the campaign and he proved himself too strong for the likes of Noah, Gent and Heidenheim.Nkunku averages a goal or assist every 48.3 minutes in Europe this season and there may well be more returns to come as the Blues are the bookies’ big favourites to lift the trophy come May.It would be a mistake for Dream Team bosses to disregard the Conference League as the season draws to a conclusion, providing Enzo Maresca’s troops make it past Copenhagen of course.85 pts – Erling Haaland (£8.1m)Man City’s No9 has been in a league of his own in Europe this term with eight goals from nine outings.But he will now have to watch his rivals catch up to his points tally from the comfort of his sofa following his elimination from the Champions League.It’s notable that Haaland’s ownership has dropped since City succumbed to Jude Bellingham and friends.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, he was the second-most transferred-out player prior to Gameweek 26.Dream Team managers have become accustomed to Man City points aplenty in the season’s closing months but 2024/25 looks set to forge a different path.Haaland won’t be adding to his tally of eight Champions League goals this seasonCredit: GettyScore 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 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      How Real Madrid could line up with THREE England stars next season with two players tipped for huge transfers

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      REAL MADRID could include an English backbone in their starting XI next season.Los Blancos are reportedly tracking both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Adam Wharton.Jude Bellingham could be getting two more English team-mates this summerCredit: GettyLiverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold was approached by Madrid in JanuaryCredit: GettyLos Blancos are reportedly tracking Crystal Palace playmaker Adam WhartonCredit: GettyThree Lions star Jude Bellingham has already established himself as a regular at the Bernabeu.The former Birmingham youngster made the switch to Spain from Dortmund for £115million in July 2023.He has since gone on to become an England standout, helping Gareth Southgate’s men reach the Euros final last season.Bellingham could be joined in the Spanish capital by two familiar faces over the summer.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGood pal Alexander-Arnold, 26, was the subject of interest from Madrid in the January transfer window.He is out of contract in the summer, with Carlo Ancelotti keen on a move for the full-back. Liverpool already have a ready-made replacement in Conor Bradley, with the youngster set for a mega 650 per cent pay rise at Anfield.Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton is also being “closely monitored” by Madrid scouts. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 21-year-old recently returned to action after three months out following groin surgery.He has impressed since moving to Selhurst Park from Blackburn for £22m in January 2024.The meteoric rise of England star Adam WhartonMadrid chief scout Juni Calafat is also said to be a big fan of the midfielder.Wharton is expected to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad later this month, alongside Bellingham.Madrid veterans Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez are both out of contract at the Bernabeu in the summer.Central midfielder Wharton and full-back Alexander-Arnold would fit the bill in replacing those departing stars. But a Three Lions reunion in Madrid would not come cheap. Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024Wharton is also being tracked by Manchester United and Liverpool.He would cost in the region of £70m, per ESPN. Should the pair end up in Spain, Madrid’s potential XI next season could feature a strong backbone of English players.In our predicted line-up, ex-Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois starts between the sticks. Alexander-Arnold slots in at right back, alongside fellow defenders Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ferland Mendy.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn midfield, Wharton could partner Bellingham and Brahim Diaz.While upfront, the feared trio of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo would spearhead the attack. More

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      Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Get £40 in free bets to spend on Champions League football with BetMGM

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      THE Champions League round-of-16 has thrown up a Madrid derby as Real host Atletico in the first leg tonight.It’s always a terrific occasion when these two come together and bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the European clash!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsReal Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Premier League manager wanted by Champions League club despite chairman demanding £86MILLION compensation to let him go

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      BUNDESLIGA and Champions League outfit RB Leipzig are reportedly keen to bring in a new manager from the Premier League.Leipzig, who are currently sixth in the German Bundesliga, are said to be ready to part ways with current boss Marco Rose at the end of the season.RB Leipzig head coach Marco Rose is reportedly set to replaced in the summerCredit: APRose, 48, has been in charge of Leipzig since 2022 and is understood to be under mounting pressure with the club already some 23 points off the top of the table.And according to Sky Germany, that has seen the club’s Red Bull execs – including new addition Jurgen Klopp – draw up a list of potential replacements for the former Borussia Dortmund boss.It’s claimed that top of the list of candidates is Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness, who guided Stuttgart to a second place finish above Bayern Munich last season.While Benfica manager Roger Schmidt is also understood to have been approved by Klopp and his team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is thought to be another top three target for Leipzig following his impressive work with the Eagles.Glasner joined Palace last year, having previously had a successful stint in charge of Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt where he won the Europa League in the 2021/22 season.Leipzig could have to fork out some serious cash to get Glasner though, with Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich reportedly scared off by the mammoth compensation demands of Palace chief Steve Parish.Bayern were huge admirers of Glasner in the summer and had been linked with poaching away the Austrian before settling on the appointment of Vincent Kompany.Most read in FootballCrystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is being considered by LeipzigCredit: GettyOliver Glasner Crystal Palace recordA brief look at the stats behind Oliver Glasner’s time at Crystal Palace…Games in charge: 47Won: 22Draw: 12Lost: 13Goals scored: 80Goals conceded: 53CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut when approaching Palace with a £15.5m compensation offer to prise him out of their grip, the Bavarians were told that Parish was looking for a fee much closer to £86MILLION.For perspective, that fee is four times larger than the record compensation ever paid for a manager – Chelsea’s £21.5m payment to Brighton for the services of Graham Potter.Millwall fan is beaten up by gang of Crystal Palace supporters after confronting rivals in Selhurt Park standsWhile £86m also far eclipses the transfer fees spent on the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Cole Palmer and Rodri.Since his arrival in South London, Glasner has managed a 46.8 per centwin percentage.Glasner helped the Eagles secure a top half Premier League finish for the first time in nine years last season, and currently has the Selhurst Park outfit sitting 12th in the table.Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish reportedly demanded around £86m in compensation to allow Glasner to leave Selhurst Park in the summerCredit: PA More

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      ‘They are always missing something’ – Arsenal taunted by PSV’s ex-Spurs star as Timber urges side to ‘change narrative’

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      TOTTENHAM old boy Ivan Perisic has taunted Arsenal ahead of their “big moment” in the Champions League.The PSV winger claims the modern Gunners are “always missing something” – after going five years without silverware.Ivan Perisic is confident PSV can stun Arsenal in the last 16Credit: RexGunners’ boss Mikel Arteta and defender Jurrien Timber have spoken outCredit: GettyArsenal co-owner Josh Kroenke visited training on the eve of the tripCredit: GettyPerisic’s verdict before Tuesday’s last-16 first leg came as Jurrien Timber urged his Arsenal team-mates to “change the narrative” after a jarring run of poor form and injuries.And boss Mikel Arteta insists “now is the moment to start to make another strong step in the direction that we want”. But with the Gunners still missing big names, the words of Perisic, who was with fierce rivals Spurs from 2022-2024, might hit a nerve.The Croatian legend, 36, said: “It’s going to be tough. They are a really, really good team, a young team with a good coach.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But over the last years they are always missing something to step up to win something. “I know we’re going to have a good chance to beat them.” I really believe in my team. Tactically we have to be at the top level to show something good against them.” Arsenal co-owner Josh Kroenke visited their London Colney training ground on Monday, before the squad flew to Eindhoven for the tie.Most read in Champions LeagueThe Gunners have suffered recent disappointments amid injury woeCredit: PABEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt follows a damaging week in the Prem title race – collecting just one point from games against West Ham and Nottingham Forest to leave the North Londoners 13 points off leaders Liverpool.Asked about Kroenke’s visit, Arteta said: “I am very happy to have him around. He is around a lot of times for big moments.Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘step up’ as focus switches to Champions League “He really wants to be with the team and it is great to have him.“Regardless of where you are in the league, when you come to this stage of the Champions League, it is something else. You feel it in the atmosphere and the energy of the players.“It is something else, in a moment where you are in or you are out. It gives you urgency and gets the best out of you.“It’s a game that really brings a different energy. It’s a competition that puts everybody on their toes.“We’ve done a lot already this season here and now is the moment to start to make another strong step in the direction that we want. I am very excited for the game.”Arsenal are in the middle of a fitness crisis following season-ending knocks to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are targeting returns next month.It has left them incredibly short up top, with midfielder Mikel Merino forced to deputise as a No.9 in the last three league games – scoring twice off the bench in a 2-0 win at Leicester.Mikel Merino was in cheeky spirits before jetting out to EindhovenCredit: GettyTimber says he is fed up with gloomy talk around the clubCredit: GettyBut the past two outings with Merino starting as a striker has seen Arsenal fail to score in a 1-0 loss to the Hammers and a goalless draw at the City Ground – the first time they have failed to find the net in back-to-back league games since May 2023.With the league all but wrapped up for Arne Slot’s Reds, Arsenal must now see the Champions League as their one and only chance to win silverware this term.Arsenal finished the competition’s new 36-team league phase format in third with six wins, one draw and one defeat – just two points off Liverpool in top-spot.And Timber is sick of the negativity around the team. The Dutch defender said: “It is a beautiful game to change the narrative and win.“The motivation is there and it’s an amazing competition to play in. “We showed as well in the group stages that we did really well and we have a good team. We have so much quality in our group.”Arsenal will play Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid should they advance to the quarter finals, but Arteta is not willing to look too far ahead.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Spanish coach added: “The reality is, being a coach, I just look at what is ahead.”It’s an ambition. It’s PSV, being better than them, to have the right to win the game. That’s where we are.”Here’s what comes after Tuesday’s clash for the Gunners More

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      Champions League supercomputer predicts every round of knockouts with Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa still in mix

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has crunched the numbers ahead of the Champions League knockouts – and it’s good news for the remaining Prem clubs. Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa are all in action this week as the knockout stages get underway. Arsenal are facing a tough draw in this year’s Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersA supercomputer has rated Arne Slot’s Liverpool as the tournament favouritesCredit: PAJust 16 teams remain in this year’s new-look competition after a lengthy group stage. Liverpool finished top of the 32-team standings, but face a difficult last-16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain.Both Arsenal and Aston Villa also avoided the dreaded playoffs to reach this stage.And they will have to negotiate PSV Eindhoven and Club Brugge to book a place in the quarter finals. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOpta’s AI model has been tasked with determining how far each team will progress in the tournament. The knockouts were simulated 10,000 times to produce the most accurate result.Each match outcome was calculated using both betting data and the Opta Power Rankings.Liverpool won seven of their eight group matches and looked more than at home in the new format.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe supercomputer gives Arne Slot’s side the highest chance of winning the tournament across any of the 16 teams remaining.Liverpool’s chances are listed as 19.2 percent, meaning they won Big Ears in almost 2,000 of the 10,000 simulations. Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘step up’ as focus switches to Champions League However, their tough draw against PSG could be a potential banana skin tie. The Reds are rated just 58.3 percent to beat the Ligue 1 champions.Barcelona, Inter Milan, Arsenal, and Aston Villa are all more likely to reach the quarters, according to the model’s number crunching. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners face a tough route to the final, with either Real Madrid or Atletico waiting in the last-eight should they beat PSV.The supercomputer believes they have a 20.5 percent chance of making the final in Munich.But their chances of lifting the cup are currently just 11.6 percent.Villa are enjoying a superb return to European competition following a 41-year absence. With Belgian side Brugge in the last-16, the model gives Unai Emery’s men a strong 60 percent chance of making the quarters.Villa would run into either Liverpool or PSG at that stage – with the AI model not hopeful of their chances.They are given an 11.6 percent chance of reaching the semi-finals.While Villa have a 2.7 percent chance of reaching the final – and only a 0.9 percent chance of lifting the cup. Real Madrid’s tough draw sees them given a 9.8 percent chance of defending their trophy.The tournament’s big outsiders are Feyenoord, who are only being given an 18 percent chance of battling past Inter into the quarter-finals. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd look out for Inter, who are rated as the Dark Horses of the tournament. The Serie A leaders are just behind Liverpool and Barcelona as third-favourites for the crown. More

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      Ousmane Dembele is outscoring Mo Salah as Liverpool face PSG at worst time with Frenchman finally coming into his own

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      OUSMANE DEMBELE is one of the most expensive footballers of all time.The Paris Saint-Germain star has won four league titles, lifted domestic cups in three countries and played in a World Cup final.Ousmane Dembele is at last living up to lofty predictionsCredit: GettyMo Salah has been tipped for the Ballon d’Or amid a brilliant seasonCredit: AlamyYet the France forward has never made much of an impression on English football.But that could be about to change as Dembele heads into a Champions League clash with Liverpool in the form of his life.The 27-year-old has outscored even Kop hero Mo Salah in the past three months as he and PSG grow in confidence that they can finally end their long wait for European glory.Dembele scored yet another goal as PSG warmed up for Wednesday’s Liverpool clash in the French capital with a 4-1 demolition of Lille on Saturday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he is stepping out of the shadow of fellow France forward Kylian Mbappe, who left Paris for Real Madrid in the summer.When Dembele joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, the deal — worth up to £138million — was the second biggest in football history, behind only the £200m that PSG had just spent on Neymar.Yet despite winning three LaLiga titles in six seasons with Barca, Dembele struggled to live up to expectations at the Camp Nou, partly because of injuries and the club’s financial crisis.It is only now, after returning to France in 2023 to replace Neymar again — this time at PSG — that he seems to be fulfilling the potential he showed as a precocious teenager.Most read in Champions LeagueDembele outstrips Salah with his goal ratio but not for assistsBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMasour Ousmane Dembele was 13 when he was spotted by Stade Rennais and made his senior debut for them in November 2015 when aged 18.Mikael Silvestre — the former Manchester United, Arsenal and France defender — was an adviser to the club’s president. France stars stroke Ousmane Dembele’s face and go wild as he collects award after win over PortugalAnd after Dembele scored a hat-trick against Nantes in March 2016, Silvestre compared him to “a young Cristiano Ronaldo”, having watched the Portugal maestro emerge at Old Trafford.Barcelona and a host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea, were tracking Dembele.But it was Dortmund who snapped him up in the summer of 2016 in a deal worth about £30m.Dembele rewarded Dortmund’s faith, on and off the pitch.In a stellar campaign he was the Bundesliga rookie of the year and scored crucial goals in the semi-final and final of the German cup as the club claimed their first trophy for five years.Dembele earned his first senior caps for France and claimed a first international goal in a 3-2 friendly win over England.Barcelona had seen enough to follow up their earlier interest and sign the 20-year-old in that deal worth up to £138m — the same fee they would spend on Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho later in the season.That sort of spending would come back to haunt both club and player.And Dembele, handed the No 11 shirt just vacated by Neymar, had a sticky start.He picked up a hamstring injury early in the season that kept him out for more than three months. And that was to be the story of his six seasons in Catalonia.Dembele was tipped for greatness while with Lionel Messi at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – GettyDembele is now a genuine rival to Kylian Mbappe in the striking stakesCredit: RexFor each of his three LaLiga titles, there was at least one serious hamstring complaint and overall he missed 784 days with 14 different injuriesBarca boss Xavi once claimed that Dembele could be “the best player in the world”.But that sounded like wishful thinking.Then the club were forced to let Lionel Messi leave in 2021 because of their growing financial problems. In 2022, Dembele renewed his contract but on terms that reportedly cut his salary by 40 per cent.And despite him playing his part in the title win of 2022-3, Barcelona ended up selling the forward to PSG for £43.5m.It was deja vu all over again for Dembele. Days after he joined the Paris side he inherited Neymar’s No 10 shirt when the Brazilian joined the talent exodus to Saudi Arabia.Dembele scored in the French cup final win over Lyon that sealed a domestic Double and made key contributions to PSG’s run to the semi-finals of the Champions League.But his six goals in 42 appearances were eclipsed, on and off the pitch, by club and international team-mate Mbappe.France captain Mbappe scored 44 goals in 48 games but even that achievement was overshadowed by the constant speculation about his future. That ended with confirmation that he would be joining Real Madrid on a free transfer.So at the start of this season, Dembele once more faced the challenge of replacing an acknowledged superstar.“The best thing I’ve done was not letting Ousmane play in London [at Arsenal]. That day everyone criticised me. PSG boss Luis EnriqueAnd this time he is delivering, thanks in part to a bit of tough love from Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique.Dembele was dropped for the Champions League trip to Arsenal in early October because, in Enrique’s words, he had “not respected nor complied with the obligations and requirements of the team”.It did not immediately look like a masterstroke of man-management from the former Barcelona and Spain boss.Dembele struggled for both goals and assists before being sent off in the 1-0 defeat at Bayern Munich that left PSG facing elimination from the Champions League before the knockout stage.But since the start of December, no one in Europe’s big five leagues — not even Egyptian king Salah — has scored more goals than Dembele.His haul of 18 in 13 appearances includes back-to-back hat-tricks, in the 4-1 win over Stuttgart that earned progress in the Champions League and the 5-2 Ligue 1 victory over Brest.Enrique said: “You’d have to ask him what he ate for Christmas!“The best thing I’ve done was not letting Ousmane play in London [at Arsenal]. “That day everyone criticised me. It was, by far, the best decision I’ve taken this year, but Dembele did the rest of the work.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTwo more Dembele goals against Brest again in the first leg of the Champions League play-off set PSG well on their way to Wednesday’s clash with Liverpool and Salah.And the club where Messi, Neymar and Mbappe all failed to deliver that longed-for European title has new hope with their new hero.PSG want Dembele to surpass the achievements of three iconsCredit: Getty More

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      Aston Villa differentials justify popularity surge but blank Gameweek looms large this month

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      ASTON VILLA are very much in the Dream Team spotlight right now.Bruno Fernandes (£6.4m) was the most popular recruit prior to the Gameweek 26 deadline but the next four players in the list were all Villa Park residents: Ollie Watkins (£5.2m), Marcus Rashford (£3.5m), Morgan Rogers (£3.9m) and Youri Tielemans (£4m).Smart loan movesCredit: Dream TeamGenerally speaking, the Villains have already justified their recent popularity surge as several players cashed in against Cardiff on Friday night.None more so than Marco Asensio (£3.5m), who also experienced an ownership increase before the favourable FA Cup match-up against Championship opposition.The Spanish loanee bagged a brace, his second in three games, to land a 17-point haul – only Kevin De Bruyne (£5.2m) earned more points among all assets over the weekend.Asensio has scored four goals in his last 194 minutes on the pitchCredit: PASimilarly, Ian Maatsen (£2.6m) is the second-best performer among defenders this Gameweek at present having banked 11 points on Friday night.While Rashford leads the way among forwards with 11 points following his fourth assist in his last five outings – he also registered three shots on target, two big chances created and a bonus point.Watkins also provided an assist on the night and notched eight points for his efforts.With a Champions League round of 16 away day to Club Brugge still to come on Tuesday night, gaffers who stocked up on Villa assets for Gameweek 26 are likely to be immensely satisfied.Watkins is almost guaranteed to start in Belgium on Tuesday nightCredit: GettyUnai Emery’s side are one of just two teams with two fixtures this Gameweek, with Manchester United being the other.Most read in FootballWatkins and company will also pull double duty in Gameweek 27: Brentford (a) and Club Brugge (h).However, Dream Team bosses should be aware that Villa will BLANK in Gameweek 28, as will Crystal Palace, these being the teams originally due to face Carabao Cup finalists Liverpool and Newcastle.This means managers currently heavy on Villa players will need an exit strategy.A failure to plan ahead puts on at risk of being lumbered with multiple non-active players in Gameweek 28, which could undo the good work of Asensio, Rashford, etc.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