Football features

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s seven youth stars who could take Solskjaer’s first-team by storm next season and emulate the ‘Class of ’92’

      by

      OLE’s at the wheel, and he’s looking to promote youth.
      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is well aware of the club’s heritage from finding talent from within, having played in a side where graduates of the ‘Class of ’92’ became Premier League legends.

      9

      Mason Greenwood has made the leap from youth to first team this seasonCredit: EPA

      9

      Could a new batch of youngsters coming through at Old Trafford emulate the ‘Class of ’92?’Credit: Getty – Contributor
      And there’s a growing feeling at Old Trafford that the class of 2020 could just emulate those heroes.
      That’s why the Norwegian is planning to introduce more fledgling talents into his first team set-up next season.
      We’ve seen Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams force their way into the reckoning.
      But who will be joining them?

      TEDEN MENGI
      The captain of a promising U18 team that reached the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup, Mengi could be a solution to partner Harry Maguire in the heart of defence.
      When football returned after lockdown, the rapid defender found himself training with the senior squad alongside United luminaries Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard.
      And he left an impression on Solskjaer by recording the fourth fastest running speed in the whole squad.
      His attributes include his composure on the ball, a skill that every modern defender needs, as well as his strength.

      9

      U18 captain Teden Mengi is a composed defender with a huge futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DI’SHON BERNARD
      Mengi’s defensive partner at U18 level, last year Di’Shon put pen to paper on a deal that’ll keep him at the club till 2022.
      The 6ft 4in central defender featured in a Europa League dead rubber against Astana earlier this season.
      The 19-year-old already got a mention from Scott McTominay as one of the talented youngsters to look out for in years to come.
      Bernard was once on Chelsea’s books until Jose Mourinho prized him away from Stamford Bridge in 2017.
      Could be one that the West Londoners regret losing in the future.

      9

      6ft 4in Di’Shon Bernard made his Man Utd debut against AstanaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DYLAN LEVITT
      The Welsh midfielder also made his senior debut in the Europa League at FC Astana in that 2-1 defeat, just days after his 19th birthday.
      His distribution stood out, completing 100 of his 104 passes that night – with 67 of those being forward passes.
      And Levitt, 19, comes with a Ryan Giggs stamp of approval.
      After impressing during a week-long training camp last year, he was called up for Wales’ Euro 2020 qualifiers in November.

      9

      Dylan Levitt’s distribution has the seal of approval from United legend Ryan GiggsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ETHAN GALBRAITH
      19-year-old Galbraith has trained with Solskjaer and the first team several times this season.
      And the midfielder is already an international, having represented Northern Ireland last year against Luxembourg.
      An U18 Premier League title winner with United, Galbraith won the club’s ‘Goal of the Month’ prize in 2018 with a thunderous strike against Manchester City – beating off Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba.

      9

      Ethan Galbraith is already a Northern Ireland internationalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      D’MANI MELLOR
      Mellor, 19, is a local Mancunian talent with real pedigree.
      The forward was able to play a more central role in the U23’s this season, with Greenwood’s promotion to first team duties.
      And it worked wonders for the electric talent, who contributed four goals and four assists in 11 Premier League 2 games.
      Quick and skilful, Mellor is touted for a bright future in the game.

      9

      D’Mani Mellor has prospered in a central role for the U23’s Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      ETHAN LAIRD
      At the end of June, Solskjaer promoted the talented defender to his first team.
      Laird, 18, had a storming campaign for the U23’s, and is expected to provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the future.
      A typically modern right-back, Laird uses his pace and athleticism to drive forward and is a good crosser of the ball.
      Back in February, he inked a deal with United that’ll keep him at the club till 2023 – with the option of another year.

      9

      Ethan Laird is an athletic right-back who loves getting forwardCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      JAMES GARNER
      Garner, 19, has been at the club since he was 8 and is expected to become a first team regular.
      He made his debut last season against Crystal Palace, when the Red Devils suffered an injury crisis.
      And boss Solskjaer has already spotted a comparison between Garner and a former United star.
      “James Garner is a Michael Carrick but 20 years younger” he said.

      9

      James Garner has been compared to Michael Carrick by SolskjaerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Team-mate Fred also purred about his ability in an interview with Brazilian website Trivela. 
      “Not because he is in the same position as me, but he is a player who has an impressive vision of the game, has a huge future for United,” he revealed.
      However, next season Garner may have to go on loan to get vital first team experience, should his path continue to be blocked in the first eleven.

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer is proud of Rashford for receiving doctorate for school meals campaign More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Football’s hard men who fought off burglars and muggers, including Duncan Ferguson, Leonardo Bonnuci and Sead Kolasinac

      by

      BEING covered in expensive jewellery, living in luxury homes and driving fancy motors makes footballers a target for burglars and robbers.
      Over the years, we’ve seen Premier League stars held at knife point or gun point by thieves demanding they hand over their goods.

      10

      6ft 4in Duncan Ferguson was fearless when faced with robbers in his homeCredit: Reuters
      But some are more reluctant than others, often fighting back.
      Here’s a list of football’s hardest men who weren’t prepared to part with their belongings.
      CARLOS CARVALHAL
      The former Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday boss fended off knife-carrying robbers, who tried to mug him outside of his house.
      Carvalhal was returning to his home in the Portuguese city of Braga in the early hours when he was confronted by three masked men who stopped him and demanded he hand over cash.

      He revealed: “As I was travelling back to my house in Braga from Madeira yesterday, I was attacked by three hooded individuals at around 02:15am.
      “My natural instinct was to put up a fight – that was perhaps a risky decision.
      “But with the help of my son, Jose Carlos, we managed to get out of the situation.
      “We have a few cuts and bruises but nothing serious.”

      10

      Carlos Carvalhal fended off knife-carrying thugs outside his homeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DUNCAN FERGUSON
      On the pitch, Everton legend ‘Big Dunc’ was a force to be reckoned with.
      The 6ft 4in was sent off nine times during his career and spent three months behind bars for head-butting Raith Rovers’ John McStay in 1994.
      So, knowing that, you’d think twice about burgling the tough Scot.
      Clearly not. Two intruders broke into his Lancashire home in 2001 in the early hours, and immediately regretted it.
      One managed to flee, while the other was ‘detained’ by Ferguson after a scuffle.
      That men then spent three days in hospital recovering.

      10

      Duncan Ferguson arrives at training the morning after putting a burglar in hospitalCredit: Mercury Press Agency
      SEAD KOLASINAC
      The Arsenal defender became a hero with Gooners when he showed no fear after he was confronted by knife-wielding moped thugs in North London.
      Bosnian Kolasinac was with team-mate Mesut Ozil when the pair were set on by the gang, who wanted to steal their £200,000 watches.
      But the full back was having nothing of it, jumping out of a Mercedes G-Wagon as the man thrust his knife in the direction of the Gunners star.
      Of the incident, Kolasinac said: “About what happened I don’t want to talk about it in details.
      “It’s happened and it’s something that belongs to the past. The same with Mesut,” he added.

      10

      Sead Kolasinac and Arsenal team-mate Mesut Ozil were threatened with a knife for their £200,000 watches

      10

      Kolasinac fought back with his bare fists to fend off the muggers
      LEONARDO BONUCCI
      The Juventus and Italy star certainly knows how to stick up for himself.
      And bruising encounters with Serie A’s finest over the years would’ve prepared him for this moment, for sure.
      In 2012, Bonucci was with his wife and baby son at a car dealership in Turin when a man in a face mask approached him with a gun and demanded he hand over his watch.
      The defender punched the assailant, before chasing him down as he tried to get away with an accomplice on a scooter.
      As he was running, the robber was heard shouting: “What are you doing? Are you mad? I’ll shoot you.”

      10

      Leonardo Bonucci punched an assailant with a gun in the face before chasing him downCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      CHIC CHARNLEY
      They’re just as tough south of the border.
      Former Partick Thistle midfielder Chic once fended off two men waving Japanese-style swords in his direction, plus a ferocious looking dog with a traffic cone.
      The incident happened during a training session in the 1990s at Ruchill Park.
      Charnley recalled: “We’re up there training and maybe ten minutes before, this lady is walking the dog and it nipped one of the boys’ ankles.
      “Just as that happened, these two young guys came up, and I think it was an Alsatian they had and a wee Jack Russell.
      “So because of what happened earlier with the wee woman, we stopped and they recognised me.
      “They were shouting, and I said ‘Away you go, come back at 12.30pm when we finish’, thinking they wouldn’t come back.
      “Half an hour later we’re up at Ruchill and I see these two guys coming up the hill and I went – ‘Oh naw!’
      “One has got a samurai sword and the other one has got a dagger.

      10

      Chic Charnley wasn’t going to let a thug with a samurai sword ruin his dayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “They’ve come up the hill and they’ve came towards me. So I’ve picked up a traffic cone, but he’s swinging this sword, so I’ve hit him with the traffic cone.
      “But he’s ran. Instead of me stopping, I’ve chased him down the hill. But he’s still got the sword, and he’s turned at the bottom and caught me on the hand with the sword.
      “But I got it off him and then went and beat him up and that, so that was fine.”
      CHRIS KAMARA
      Sky Sports pundit showed he was still quick on his feet when he chased down a mugger in Brazil.
      Kamara turned superhero when he saw a barefoot youth in his early 20s snatching a bag from a passer-by at Rio’s famous Ipanema beach.
      The former footballer gave chase and held the robber down until cops arrived on the scene.
      Kamara shared the photos and quipped: “Not lost me pace!!! I just caught this street robber. Done in now though.”
      However, a spokesman from the Foreign Office advised against doing what Kamara did.

      10

      Chris Kamara stands next to police arresting the robber he caught

      10

      Kamara chased the man down before wrestling him to the ground and detaining him for cops
      He said: “We are aware of the incident and we are providing consular assistance to Mr Kamara.
      “In terms of his actions in chasing the assailant, that goes against our recommended advice.”
      MASSIMO CELLINO
      Even football club owners are hard.
      The Brescia and former Leeds United chairman Cellino is the most recent to fight back against muggers.

      10

      Former Leeds United chairman Massimo Cellino took on assailants who tried to rip his watch from his wristCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Cellino, 63, took on his assailants, who tried to rip a watch from his wrist in his current home town, Padenghe sul Garda, in northern Italy.
      He hit his nose on a car door as he battled the robbers, who fled without stealing anything.
      Bellissimo! More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale at Real Madrid, from the highs of winning the Champions League to the lows of being frozen out by Zidane

      by

      IT was supposed to be Gareth Bale’s crowning glory.
      When the Welsh wizard signed for Real Madrid from Tottenham for a world record fee of £86million, he was touted as a successor to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or crown.

      10

      Gareth Bale has had highs and lows at Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      10

      The Welsh legend’s days at the club appear numbered after falling out with Zinedine ZidaneCredit: Reuters
      But, with accusations of failing to mingle with his team-mates, an obsession with golf, and fallouts with boss Zinedine Zidane, it looks like his time with Los Blancos is coming to an end after seven years with the club.
      Again, he was left to rot on the substitutes’ bench as his side overcame Granada 2-1 to go within three points of winning La Liga.
      And rather than getting the chance to impress on the pitch, he was forced to play class clown using tape as pretend binoculars to entertain himself.
      Now 30, Bale has endured his worst campaign in Spain – and any chances of a Premier League return have been ruled out by his agent, who insists he’s happy staying put on his £650,000-per-week wages for now.

      There have been highs and lows to Bale’s time at the most successful team in world football.
      TEMPERS AND TANTRUMS
      Last summer it was reported that Zidane wanted to sell Bale at all costs.
      He was expected to move to Jiangsu Suning in China, and according to club officials a deal was 90 per cent completed until Real Madrid performed a sensational u-turn and changed their demands at the last minute.
      It was reported that Bale was set to pocket £1million-per-week before tax in salary, until Real demanded a transfer fee rather than release him.

      Bale and Zidane’s relationship has since deteriorated as he has been frozen out of the first team.

      10

      Bale has been frozen out by Zidane and left on the benchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      10

      Against Alaves Bale pretended to nap on the benchCredit: https://www.instagram.com/marca/
      According to ESPN, the situation has managed to worsen with their working relationship “at breaking point” and “worse than ever”.
      And that’s been evident with Bale starting just once since Project Restart – while he hasn’t scored in La Liga since September 1.
      Worse still, Bale has been openly mocking his manager while sitting on the sidelines.
      With Real beating Alaves 2-0, he sat slumped in his seat with his coronavirus face mask over his eyes and pretended he had fallen asleep.
      The clowning continued against Granada with tape becoming makeshift binoculars.
      But one man that wasn’t laughing was Zidane.
      HIS GOLFING PERSONA
      Nicknamed ‘The Golfer’ by his team-mates, Bale has been criticised for hitting the green when he could have been resting.
      He has also made no secret of his love of playing 18 holes and is said to be raring to complete his golf course bucket list with pals when the coronavirus crisis is over.
      But it has left him open to flak to the Spanish media.

      10

      Bale’s golf obsession has left him open to flak in SpainCredit: Instagram @garethbale11

      10

      Bale got into hot water when he held up the Wales flag with the slogan: WALES. GOLF. MADRID. IN THAT ORDERCredit: �2019 David Rawcliffe/Propaganda. All Rights Reserved.
      The 30-year-old told the Erik Anders Lang podcast: “A lot of people have problems with me playing golf, I don’t know what the reason is.
      “I’ve spoken to doctors and everybody’s fine with it.
      “The media have this perception that it’s not good for me. ‘You should be resting, it can cause problems, injuries.’
      “In America, I know Steph Curry plays maybe on the morning of a game. Here, if I play two days before a game it’s like ‘what’s he doing?'”
      He was once pictured after a Wales win holding up the Welsh flag with a slogan that read: ‘WALES. GOLF. MADRID. IN THAT ORDER’.
      Of course, that let to outrage back in Spain.
      BUT IT’S NOT ALL BEEN BAD
      His first season was blighted by injury.
      Of Real’s first 16 games, he missed five and was substituted on or off in six others, playing only five full games.
      But, towards the business end of the season came his defining moments in a Los Blancos shirt.

      10

      Bale holds aloft the Champions League trophyCredit: Getty – Contributor

      10

      Bale celebrates his wonder goal against Barcelona Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      10

      The overhead kick goal against Liverpool is one of the best Champions League goals everCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      10

      Bale’s days at Real Madrid appear numbered under ZidaneCredit: EPA
      He became a hero after scoring a wonder goal against Barcelona in the final of the Copa del Rey.
      Bale followed that masterstroke by downing fierce rivals Atletico Madrid with a header in the Champions League final.
      “It was incredible,” he said. “To do it in my first season was a dream come true. That is why I came to Real Madrid.”
      In 2018, Bale scored one of the greatest Champions League goals ever – a spectacular overhead kick to defeat Liverpool.

      But that didn’t impress Zidane much.
      In fact, there was no acknowledgement from the French coach, who Bale revealed said nothing to him after the game.
      Even in his greatest moment, it appears Bale can do nothing right to change his manager’s opinion about him.

      Hazard, Bale and more return to Real Madrid training ahead of LaLiga return More

    • 275 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcelo Bielsa has taken Leeds to the brink of promotion, and should be a real asset to the Premier League next season

      by

      THIS could be the week that football’s pied piper takes his current club and his many admirers into the promised land.
      Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa is a reference point for many. This is not because of the titles he has won – Bielsa is the first to admit that there have not been many.

      5

      Marcelo Bielsa is on the verge of taking Leeds United to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But the way he goes about his business has an inspirational effect on others. A self-confessed obsessive for attack, he urges his teams forward, looking to take a stranglehold on the game.
      When it works it is exhilarating – and he has certainly captured the imagination of the players and fans of Leeds United.
      After last year’s narrow failure, Leeds are just four points away from making sure of a long awaited return to the Premier League.
      Their place could even be booked in midweek; if Brentford lose to Preston on Wednesday, then a Leeds win at home to Barnsley a day later will ensure the club of a place in the top flight.

      As always with Bielsa, it is not just about what his team have done – it is the way he has done it.
      Part coach, part teacher, part missionary, he carries the club on the strength of his convictions.
      THE BIELSA APPROACH
      Almost sixty years ago, Don Revie revolutionised Leeds by changing their strip to all white, in honour of the great Real Madrid side.
      Now Bielsa has brought a different kind of inspiration – a commitment to an exciting, aggressive style of play.

      This approach, of course, comes with its risks. It is worth noting that his league titles back in Argentina came when the country played a short season, with the 20 teams playing each other just once.

      5

      Bielsa has become a cult figure at Elland RoadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      5

      The Argentinian has revolutionised LeedsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Doubts clearly exist about his capacity to keep the momentum going throughout the course of a longer campaign.
      His previous European adventures, with Athletic Bilbao and Marseilles, began wonderfully well only to run out of steam.
      Bielsa’s style requires his players to show gut busting stamina. It has often been suggested that over a long season he exhausts his players mentally and physically.
      The coronavirus pause could well have done Leeds a favour. Last year they blew up. This time, with three months to recharge their batteries, they have taken 13 points from the last five matches.
      PREMIER LEAGUE AWAITS
      Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds should be a real asset to next season’s Premier League. And it should be absolutely fascinating to see them in action against stronger opponents.
      Bielsa is unlikely to change his approach. He never has before.
      And there are obvious risks in seeking to squeeze the game into the opponent’s half of the field – a lot of space is being left behind. The team can be very vulnerable to the counter attack.
      One of the most impressive pieces of work in Bielsa’s career came with the Chilean national team.
      Then-youngsters such as Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal were receptive to his ideas.

      5

      Bielsa’s philosophy demands a lot from his playersCredit: Rex Features
      Chile embraced his philosophy and became one of the most entertaining sides in the global game. But his matches against Brazil are worth a reflection.
      HE STICKS TO HIS GUNS
      Then under coach Dunga, with Kaka in his prime, the Brazil side were physically strong and devastating on the counter attack.
      They were, then, an especially risky opponent for Chile. In qualification for the 2010 World Cup, Bielsa’s Chile went down 3-0 at home to Brazil and lost 4-2 away.
      And come South Africa they met again. Brazil ended Chile’s campaign in the second round with a comprehensive 3-0 triumph.
      Bielsa’s side had lost three times to the same opponent – and had gone down the same way every time. The coach did not adapt his gameplan – and paid the price.

      5

      Colourful Bielsa will be a real asset to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      With Bilbao and Marseilles, Bielsa was in charge of established top flight teams. Assuming they get over the line, Leeds will be back in the Premier League after a 16-year absence.
      The extra quality of the opposition could come as a shock. There may be one or two heavy defeats along the way.
      But Leeds will hope to pick up enough wins to avoid worry – and after the thrills of the last two seasons, the clubs fans will surely be prepared to follow their pied piper into the Premier League.

      Brentford captain Pontus Jansson says Marcelo Bielsa is a ‘God’ and says you ‘just have to listen and learn from him’ More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea legend John Terry’s boasts £47m property empire, including £16m house with astro turf golf course costing £150k

      by

      HE’s estimated to be worth £38million, so it’s no surprise footie ace John Terry and his family are accustomed to living in one of Surrey’s most sought-after areas.
      And the former England and Chelsea defender obviously has time on his hands since retiring from his £170,000-a-week playing career last year, turning his hand to property development.

      9

      John Terry, pictured with wife Toni, has invested vast amounts of time and money on his property portfolio and has made millions

      9

      John Terry previously owned both the red-brick mansion (top right) and white nine-bed property (bottom right) and now wants to tear down the third property (bottom left) and build two new propertiesCredit: INS News
      The real estate tycoon has already made almost £20million in property deals, and now he’s been granted planning permission to bulldoze one of his mansions and replace it with two new luxury abodes – a move that could make him another £20m.
      Here, Sun Online looks at Terry’s booming property portfolio…
      Latest £20million venture
      Features: A bar, games room, private gym
      Estimated profit: £20million

      Terry has been a fan of the Surrey area of Oxshott – a ten minute drive from Chelsea’s Cobham training ground – for over a decade.
      He bought Tandem House, his third property in the area for £4.5million and has now won planning permission to demolish it.

      9

      John Terry is set to build two new mega mansions

      9

      The Chelsea legend is set to knock down a £4.5 million mansion to build two new ones
      The 39-year-old star is going to build two luxury houses in its place – one six-bed, and one four-bed.
      Both properties will include a kitchen diner, family room, drawing room, bar and games room.

      The larger property will also boast a pool and gym.
      £6.5 million former family home
      Features: Gym, Astro turf putting green, cinema room
      Profit: £2.8million

      9

      John Terry’s former family home is now back on the market for £6.5millionCredit: Rightmove
      John Terry and wife Toni’s former six-bed family home in Oxshott is back on the market for £5.5 million, however he’s been forced to slash the price because of the coronavirus.
      Dad-of-two Terry reportedly bought the property for £2.2 million in 2003 and sold it for £5 million in 2013.
      Keen golfer Terry installed a small Astro turf putting green in the one acre of sprawling gardens.

      9

      An indoor swimming pool is just one of the many features the Surrey home boastsCredit: Rightmove

      9

      The stunning former home of John Terry is back on the marketCredit: Rightmove
      Situated on a private road on the prestigious Crown Estate, the home boasts one of Surrey’s most exclusive addresses.
      The property was recently renovated by interior designer Louise Bradley, and has four huge bedrooms in the main house, with two additional rooms and a shower in the guest wing above the triple garage.
      £16 million super-mansion sold to the Sultan of Oman
      Features: Fishing lake, swimming pool and sauna
      Profit: £10million

      9

      John Terry had planned to move into this nine-bed property, but then received an offer he couldn’t refuseCredit: INS News
      Clearly a fan of the location, Terry then bought his second mansion a stone’s throw from his former home for £1.8million in 2007, and spent £4million renovating the nine-bed property.
      The white house dwarfed Terry’s neighbouring pile, and when building work began in 2011, it was believed to involve putting in a 33 x 40ft indoor pool, a steam room, sauna and a fishing lake.
      The house was perfect for the footballer as it was only visible to the public from the air and boasted a separate wing for staff, and a visitor annexe in the opposite building.
      He had planned to move his family in to the property but when the Sultan of Oman made him “an offer he couldn’t refuse” in 2014, he sold it.
      According to reports, Terry made at least £10million profit on the £16million sale.
      Colin Montgomerie’s £5million mansion
      Features: half-acre of land, seven beds and staff accommodation 
      Worth: £5million

      9

      John Terry and wife Toni have made some very clever property moves
      In 2014 Terry bought the £4.35million former mansion owned by golfer Colin Montgomerie, downsizing from his ‘dream home’.
      It was here that in 2017 the star was left shaken after robbers broke into the home, stealing £4million of loot. 
      The property is just down the road from Terry’s previous two properties, and boasts a two-bed staff annex.

      While smaller than his last place, the seven-bed property is still situated on a half-acre of land, and features six bathrooms and four reception rooms.
      He reportedly spent £150k replacing the lawn with Astroturf, and the property’s value is thought to have risen to £5million.
      Based on his track record of snapping up houses in the area, Terry’s neighbours will be keeping a very beady eye on his next move – waiting for the bulldozers to move in.

      Hilarious moment John Terry is forced to apologise to Chelsea star Matteo Kovacic after crushing his hand in shake More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea new boy Hakim Ziyech’s car collection includes an Audi RS6-R with a £70,000 upgrade, Lamborghinis and a VW Golf

      by

      CHELSEA new boy Hakim Ziyech can afford a luxury upgrade on an expensive new motor – having joined the Blues on a £100,000-a-week deal.
      The £37million signing from Ajax bought a £92,000 Audi RS6-R, but its current specifications clearly weren’t good enough.

      12

      Hakim Ziyech has just received his Audi RS6-R with a £70,000 upgradeCredit: Instagram@vdmcars
      So he upgraded it with a special ABT package that would’ve cost an ADDITIONAL £70,000.
      That stunning new car joins his Lamborghinis – a Urus and Aventador – in Ziyech’s garage.
      They’re all a step up from the VW Golf GTI he was seen driving in Amsterdam, before he hit the big time.
      THE SUPER AUDI
      Ziyech, 27, was seen on Instagram posing with his latest purchase, a super Audi RS6-R customised by German tuner’s ABT, looking very pleased with himself.

      They created 125 special RS6-R models with all the trimmings from their extensive catalogue.
      And although many of the specs haven’t been revealed, the 0-62mph will no doubt be quicker than its original number because of its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that manages 730bhp.
      A top speed of 199 mph is also faster than the regular RS6.
      While a stainless steel ports exhaust system lets your car roar like one of those muscle cars you see in the Fast and Furious franchise.

      The cost of this upgrade is a cool £70,000, and that’s on top of the price of the car which starts at £92,000.

      12

      Ziyech’s Audi RS6-R was customised by German tuner’s ABTCredit: Instagram@vdmcars

      12

      The Chelsea star’s RS-6 can now reach a top speed of 199 mphCredit: Instagram

      12

      The car boasts a plush and impressive interiorCredit: Instagram

      12

      The £70,000 ABT upgrade nearly costs as much as the car itselfCredit: Instagram
      LAMBORGHINI ENTHUSIAST
      Through the years, as his star has risen on the European scene, Ziyech has had a penchant for Italian car brand Lamborghini.
      On social media, he happily showed off a red Aventador – with a starting price of £271,146.
      One of the fastest cars in the world, it’s capable of reaching 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds.
      The Aventador can also hit a top speed of 217 mph.
      Ziyech’s second Lambo is the much sought after Urus – a brilliantly luxurious SUV.
      Premier League stars including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Roberto Firmino are also proud owners of the £159,925 4×4.
      Slower than the Aventador, it can still hit a top speed of 190 mph – making it the fastest SUV on the market, as well as reach 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds.

      12

      Ziyech shows off his red Lamborghini AventadorCredit: Instagram@hziyech

      12

      Ziyech seen behind the wheel of his Lamborghini UrusCredit: Instagram@hziyech

      12

      The Lamborghini Urus costs around £159,925

      GERMAN ENGINEERING
      Morocco international Ziyech is also a fan of German engineering.
      He has been seen driving a luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, with a starting price of £43,920.
      Available in various versions, dependant on performance, Manchester United starlet Mason Greenwood was recently seen arriving at their Carrington training ground in one.
      It’s an SUV that screams class.

      12

      A Mercedes-Benz GLC Couple sits pride of place in Ziyech’s garageCredit: Instagram@hziyech

      12

      Ziyech is clearly a fan of German engineeringCredit: handout
      IT WASN’T ALWAYS GLAMOROUS
      We all have to start somewhere, and so did Hakim.
      One of his first motors was a VW Golf GTI – that would’ve set him back around £36,610.
      With a top speed of 155 mph, it’s nowhere near as fast as his Lamborghinis.

      Getting from 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds isn’t that impressive either.
      However, the Golf is certainly one of the most dependable cars on the market and one of the most popular.
      For now, though, he’s an Audi man.

      12

      Ziyech, pictured with his mum, used to drive a VW Golf GTI worth £36,000Credit: Instagram@hziyech

      12

      The VW Golf GTI is one of the world’s most reliable motorsCredit: Volkswagen

      Chelsea new boy Hakim Ziyech shows class as he gives away kit to delighted Ajax youngsters More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City teen Tommy Doyle follows in the footsteps of grandads club legends Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe in making debut

      by

      AS he high-fived Riyad Mahrez and ran onto the pitch, Tommy Doyle followed a family tradition.
      The 18-year-old midfielder made his Premier League debut for Manchester City in their 5-0 rout of Newcastle on Wednesday – just like his grandads did before him.

      7

      Tommy Doyle, 18, has followed in the footsteps of his grandads by playing for Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      7

      Pep Guardiola gives Tommy Doyle his instructions before he makes his debutCredit: Reuters
      ‘ONE OF THEIR OWN’
      The teen sensation showed some impressive touches during his 15-minute cameo, and looks nailed on to become an absolute superstar.
      Amidst the galaxy of superstars at the Etihad, it is easy to overlook the other side of the coin…how increasingly difficult it has got for homegrown talent to break through.
      With the sale of Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich and David Silva retiring at the end of this campaign, there will be a window of opportunity for others to impress.
      But if there is a downside, it is the lack of a locally produced presence that winds up City fans.

      Because let’s face it, as much as the supporters love seeing the best in the business, nothing gets them going like “one of our own.”
      They have had a glimpse of the future with Phil Foden, who burst onto the scene when he inspired England’s Under 17 World Cup triumph.

      7

      Doyle has starred for Man City at youth levelCredit: Getty – Contributor

      7

      Glyn Pardoe during his City daysCredit: PA:Press Association
      Yet as magnificent as young Foden is going to be, there is another City starlet bubbling just below who those in the know at the Etihad reckon could ultimately be even better.
      That youngster is Tommy. The boy whose grandparents – Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe – are both City legends.

      Tommy is the child of the late Mike Doyle’s son Scott and Pardoe’s daughter Charlotte, who met when they were toddlers and their dads were team-mates.
      Hence that derby-winning pedigree from earlier.
      The 2020 Doyle is just 18, but is already a regular in the City youth ranks and rated by many wise heads as the closest thing to Steven Gerrard since, well, Steven Gerrard.

      7

      City fans pay tribute to Mike Doyle in 2015Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Glyn Pardoe

      Age: 71
      380 games, 22 goals for Man City 1962-1976
      Centre-forward who reinvented himself into a full back
      Broke his leg tackling George Best in 1970

      Many youth coaches insist the teenager is far and away the best midfielder of his age in the country.
      Two-footed, great balance, a great attitude, an even greater will to win…this kid has got the lot.
      He invariably sees a pass ahead of anyone else on the field, he is aggressive when needed, but equally a calming influence – in short, a leader way above his tender years.
      That’s one of the reasons he hasn’t just skippered England at his own age level, but also a year above.
      One interesting anecdote comes from when Wayne Rooney took son Kai to train at the City Football Academy, and young Tommy was sent to greet the pair.

      7

      Doyle pictured in his City colours during the 1977/78 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Mike Doyle

      Died 2011, aged 64
      570 games, 41 goals for Man City 1965-1978
      Defender capped five times for England
      Captained City to League Cup victory in 1976

      7

      Compared to Steven Gerrard, Doyle looks to have a bright futureCredit: Reuters
      As he shook hands with the then United hero, he introduced himself and said his name. Rooney replied: “I know who you are…we all do.”
      Such was the renown of Tommy even then – and that was back in 2016.
      And now he’s broken into the City senior side, the sky is the limit.

      Don’t forget the name, this young man is heading right to the top. He won’t be Glyn Pardoe’s grandson for too many years.
      Before long, it will be Pardoe who is proudly telling everybody “I’m Tommy Doyle’s granddad!” More