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      The ultimate guide to football’s best skills and the players that invented them, from Cruyff turn to the Panenka penalty

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      SINCE football was invented players have used every possible advantage to beat their opponent – whether it’s physical, tactical or technical.Some players have pushed the boundaries further, inventing their own moves to bamboozle opponents and stun watching fans.
      Ronaldinho was exponent of incredible skilful movesCredit: Reuters
      Some of the tricks have evolved and developed down the years, while others have been so brilliant, they continue to leave defenders without a clue.
      Here we run through some of the best tricks of all-time – and introduce you to the men who invented them.
      The Stepover
      It may be the oldest trick in football, but it’s still the most often used.
      The stepover is a simple feint that sees the player fake to go one way but one leg over the ball and sprint off in the other direction.
      Luis Figo bamboozled defenders with stepovers in his primeCredit: Reuters
      It’s stood the test of time because when executed perfectly a defender doesn’t stand a chance.
      Ronaldo – both the Brazilian and Cristiano – have been famous users of it.
      Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Chris Waddle and Robinho used it and even Glenn Roeder had it in his locker (although his version was called the ‘Roeder Shuffle’).
      The invention of the move is disputed.
      Some claim Argentine striker Pedro Calomino used it at the turn of the 20th century, while others saw it was Dutch star Law Adam who first used it.
      Zinedine Zidane used stepovers to glide past opponentsCredit: Allsport – Getty
      The Puskas
      This trick has a lot of names – the V, the pullback, V-turn/cut – so we’ll keep it simple.
      It comes from Hungarian great Ferenc Puskas, one of Real Madrid’s best players ever.
      Nicknamed the ‘Galloping Major’, Puskas was part of the Hungarian Golden Team, or Magical Magyars that destroyed England 6-3 in the Match of the Century.
      Ferenc Puskas, known as ‘Galloping Major’, was a master of sorcery with his own signature moveCredit: PA:Press Association
      The game forced the Football Association to rethink their entire coaching methods and the structure of their professional leagues.
      Twelve years later England would win the World Cup, with many claiming this match as the turning point.
      Perfected by the forward, who won five consecutive Spanish league titles and three European cups, the pullback seems simple now but was revolutionary at the time.
      In possession, the player pulls the ball back, feinting the defender, before touching it to the side to make room for a shot or pass.
      It’s an essential move in any forward’s locker.
      Ferenc Puskas used his skills to destroy England 6-3 at Wembley in 1954Credit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Learn how to do the famous Puskas Turn created by Hungarian football legend Ferenc Puskas
      The Rabona
      One of the more common skill moves on a football pitch, the Rabona sees a player wrap his strong foot around the standing leg – effectively hitting the ball cross-legged.
      The move dates back all the way to 1948, when Estudiantes star Ricardo Infante tried it in a game against Rosario.
      Rabona means to play hooky, or skip school.
      Cristiano Ronaldo breathtaking rabona training goal as he returns for Portugal
      Paul Gascoigne executes the perfect ‘Rabona’ in a game in 1991 against Cameroon at WembleyCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      The front cover of El Grafico magazine had the caption El infante que se hizo la rabona – meaning ‘the infant plays hooky – and the name stuck.
      A number of players down the years have used the move.
      It is so popular it has even crossed over into other sports – it has been tried to varying degrees of success in American football.
      Cruyff Turn
      At the World Cup in 1974, the Netherlands and their star man, Johan Cruyff, brought Total Football to the world.
      They didn’t manage to win the tournament, beaten by Franz Beckenbauer and his dominant West Germany.
      Johan Cruyff shows off his famous ‘Cruyff Turn’ against Sweden’s Jan OlssonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      The Cruyff turn is invented
      Cruyff and Co were the fan favourites, thrilling spectators with their all-out attacking performances.
      En route to the final, Cruyff would debut a new move, which is now one of the most devastating in football.
      Swedish defender Jan Olsson was the unfortunate victim, bamboozled by a true piece of brilliance.
      The brilliant Johan Cruyff was an exponent of ‘Total Football’Credit: PA:Press Association
      The move saw Cruyff travel with the ball one way, feint to cross it, only to drag the ball through his standing leg at full speed and burst towards the goal.
      Olsson was left tripping and falling, wondering what had happened.The Panenka
      The outrageously gutsy penalty has become a mainstay in recent times.
      Players of ultimate confidence and skill gently dink a penalty down the middle of the goal – risking embarrassment and a simple save.
      But the very first Panenka penalty was easily the bravest of all.
      Antonin Panenka showed calmness under pressure chipping a penalty during the Euro 1976 final shootout against GermanyCredit: PA:Press Association
      Antonin Panenka started a trend of ‘Panenka’ style penaltiesCredit: AFP or licensors
      ‘Arabian Messi’ Omar Abdulrahman lives up to nickname with Panenka penalty
      In the Euro 1976 final, Czechoslovakia were playing that same West German team.
      The match had finished 2-2 after extra-time.
      The first seven penalties were all scored, before Bayern Munich great Uli Hoeness ballooned his shot over the bar.
      Up stepped Antonin Panenka.
      The attacking midfielder was known as a good, technical player – not exactly a world beater but very capable.
      Eden Hazard is a fan of the ‘Panenka’ penalty in the modern day gameCredit: Reuters
      If he scored, Czechoslovakia would win.
      Panenka took the coolest penalty of all-time, chipping past Sepp Maier to win the trophy.
      Elastico/flip-flap
      Popularised by the buck-toothed genius Ronaldinho during his heyday with Barcelona.
      The move sees a player push the ball in one direction with the outside of his foot, before quickly cutting it back inside.
      All in one rapid, confusing movement.
      Ronaldinho invented the ‘Elastico’ skill to beat defendersCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The Brazilian even had it featured in a Nike advertising campaign.
      The elastico has always been a favourite of Brazilians and originated in futsal.
      Roberto Rivellino made the move famous in association football – even pulling it out during the 1970 World Cup final against Italy.
      But although Rivellino is commonly the man credited with the move, he credits a former futsal team-mate, Sergio Echigo, with its invention.Marseille Roulette
      The late Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane’s signature move.
      The legends would dribble one way, step on the ball to let the defender fly past them and then drag it in a different direction with their other foot.
      Almost unstoppable, the pair would usually find himself free or at the very least win a free-kick.
      Maurício Antônio shows off a Marseille roulette for Urawa Reds in Japan
      The late Diego Maradona performed the Marseille Roulette’ skill through the 80s and 90s for Argentina and NapoliCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Zinedine Zidane would use a ‘Marseille Roulette’ to devastating effectCredit: AFP
      Seal Dribble
      The move was made famous by Brazilian forward Kerlon – a wonderkid who never reached his full potential.
      Once the trick of freestylers, the youngster brought the move to proper football.
      Usually on the right wing, Kerlon would flick the ball up onto his head, then run forwards while still bouncing it up and down.
      Kerlon displays his famous ‘Seal Dribble’ which often got him fouled during gamesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Kerlon demonstrates The Seal Dribble and his amazing ability at balancing a ball on his head
      The trick always drew fury from the opposition.
      Almost instantly, Kerlon would be hacked down by the defender.
      The first time he tried it saw, Kerlon was elbowed by Atletico Mineiro defender Dyego Rocha Coelho.
      Scorpion Kick
      It made headline news for a certain Colombian goalkeeper at Wembley and in recent years it’s really caught on.
      Rene Higuita showed off his skills when he executed a stunning scorpion kick save from a Jamie Redknapp chip in an international friendly in 1995.
      Olivier Giroud won the FIFA Puskas Award 2017 for his scorpion kick goal against Crystal PalaceCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Since then, Oliver Giroud won the FIFA Puskas Award 2017 for his effort against Crystal Palace and even Henrikh Mkhitaryan got in on the act last season.
      However, a very early proprietor of the move which involves striking the ball with your heels was Brazilian great Zico.
      While he was playing in Japan for Kashima Antlers in the early 90s, he scored what he considers is his greatest ever goal.
      Goalkeeper re-enacts Rene Higuita’s famous scorpion kick to keep Ronaldinho’s halfway line shot out
      Rainbow Kick
      Known as the ‘Lambretta’ in Italy or the ‘Carretilha’ in Brazil, European audiences were treated to a special rainbow kick by Ossie Ardiles in the 1981 film Escape to Victory.
      Putting that game against the Germans to one side, it’s been used in the modern game by master tekkers Jay Jay Okocha and Neymar.
      Legendary Brazilian full back Roberto Carlos was a casualty of a perfectly executed rainbow kick at the 2002 World Cup.
      In a game against Turkey, his opponent Ilhan Mansiz flicked the ball over his and Carlos’ head which drew gasps from the crowd. Talk about showboating.
      Ilhan Mansiz destroyed Roberto Carlos with a rainbow kick during a 2002 World Cup game for Turkey against BrazilCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Jay Jay Okocha would often throw in a rainbow kick during a game for Bolton to get past an opponentCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      The Bicycle Kick
      A move of beauty when it leads to a goal, the famed bicycle kick was invented by Brazilian Leonidas da Silva.
      It is believed he first used it in a game for his club Bonsucesso in a game against Carioca in 1932, thus the move was born.
      Brazilian striker Wendell Lira wins Fifa Puskas award for scoring stunning bicycle kick
      Leonidas da Silva invented the bicycle kick in 1932Credit: AFP
      Pele executes the perfect bicycle kick during a friendly game at the Maracana StadiumCredit: Getty – Contributor
      After Leonidas, Pele made it his trademark and then Diego Maradona and Hugo Sanchez continued the tradition.
      In recent years we’ve seen the bicycle kick performed immaculately by Wayne Rooney in the Manchester derby and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
      It make by an oldie, but it’s still a goodie. More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Dutch super scout Piet de Visser, who discovered Neymar, Ronaldo and De Bruyne and advises Roman Abramovich

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      HE’S the ‘master scout’ who invented his own tactical code to discover the likes of Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne, Ronaldo and David Luiz.Piet de Visser, 86, has dedicated his life to football, and he’s also got the ear of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
      Piet de Visser is the Dutch scout who discovered the likes of Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne and RonaldoCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      After a successful career as a player and manager in Holland, de Visser was forced to retire early due to heart problems.
      But the Dutchman’s ill-health could not thwart his involvement in the game, as he quickly turned his eye to scouting the best young talent throughout the world.
      Russian billionaire Abramovich was so impressed with his ability to unearth players he hired de Visser as his personal scout.
      Using a tactical code that only he and his secretary can understand, part of de Visser’s plan is to carefully analyse a player’s ability in five stages.
      He measures their skill, their vision, their physique, their mentality and their character, whilst marking them with a plus and minus scoring system.
      Now 83-years-old, Piet de Visser invented his own tactical code to unearth the world’s best talentCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      Piet de Visser has a special way of measuring talent like Ronaldinho in this scorecardCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      A die hard fan of the game,  Piet de Visser started his life in football in managementCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      His ability in spotting a player’s potential has meant Piet has been a player adviser for the Blues for over a decade.
      In fact, the likes of Robben, Alex, Courtois may not have graced West London if it wasn’t for the valued scout.
      During his first professional scouting adventure at PSV, de Visser successfully put his method to the test.
      He was influential in the signings of Brazilian defender Alex, forward Jefferson Farfán and goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
      Piet’s story featured in The History of Football global TV event, that aired on the History channel back in 2018
      De Visser said: “All my life was football.
      “The good players discover themselves. But I scout them.
      “Scouting is a very difficult job. It was in me when I was a young boy.
      “But the player makes his career, not the scout.”

      However, after suffering heart issues, Piet de Visser turned to scoutingCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      Piet de Visser’s expertise means he works closely with Chelsea owner Roman AbramovichCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      A connoisseur of the South American game, Piet de Visser has discovered some of Brazil’s most gifted playersCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      Piet de Visser’s scouting prowess featured inCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      The first player Piet de Visser discovered was Ronaldo, who was soon signed by PSVCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      Piet de Visser worked alongside former England boss Bobby Robson at PSVCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      De Visser realised his passion for nurturing new talent during his first travelling venture after retiring as a manager in 1992.
      He said: “I had a problem with my heart.
      “My father had it and he died very young with a heart attack. The doctor said there is a moment you fall down and you die. I quit and I went travelling.
      “Then I saw Ronaldo in St Brieux, in a small tournament. And by the movements of him – I got a new life.
      At a tournament in France, Piet de Visser first saw Ronaldo’s potential as a 16-year-oldCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      Only Piet de Visser’s secretary can understand his secret code in finding the world’s best playersCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      At PSV, Piet de Visser’s scouting skills helped them keep up with rivals AjaxCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      I said, ‘Hey’ I wanted to be a scout to find players like Ronaldo.
      “He (Ronaldo) was phenomenal. He had the ball in the move and dribble in the move and he passed the player in full speed and full skill.”
      During his early playing days at second division Dutch club FC Den Bosch, a 17-year-old Ruud van Nistelrooy caught de Visser’s eye.
      However at the time, Ronaldo was leading PSV’s front line, so when de Visser first presented them with van Nistelrooy, the club didn’t feel the need to sign him.
      Kevin De Bruyne was one of Piet de Visser’s greatest scouting discoveriesCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      Piet de Visser almost gave De Bruyne “a 10″ when he scouted himCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      The Dutch goal machine had to wait his turn and it wasn’t until Ronaldo left to join Spanish giants Barcelona that Nistelrooy could eventually follow in his footsteps.
      “I scouted him and I brought him to PSV. But at first, they did not want him,” de Visser said.
      “He (Nistelrooy) did not know, but I thought he could be a very great player.
      “We eventually took him to PSV and they sold him for a big amount of money to Manchester United.
      A devout follower of the game, Piet de Visser is always on the lookout for new talentCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      Piet de Visser earmarked Ruud van Nistelrooy as Ronaldo’s replacement at PSVCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      “He played fantastically with David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane.
      “He was always scoring goals, he was one of the greatest strikers.”
      De Visser also speaks of his joy in scouting Kevin De Bruyne – one of the most impressive young talents he has seen.
      “The best players I ever scouted – Ronaldo, Neymar, great player, David Luiz and Kevin De Bruyne,” he said.
      Kevin De Bruyne was recommended to Chelsea by Piet de VisserCredit: PA:Press Association
      “One of my best scoutings ever, Kevin De Bruyne, came from the youth to the first team. And from the first touch of the ball, I was in love with him.
      “He only wants to win. His passing, his vision, left foot or right foot it doesn’t matter.
      “He is almost a 10. And I never give a 10.”
      De Visser incredibly found a 20-year-old David Luiz whilst he was playing in the Brazilian third division for Vitória.
      And now, more than a decade on, the Arsenal defender still recognises the impact de Visser had on his professional career.
      World Cup winner Romario was a Piet de Visser discoveryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      When Piet de Visser saw Ronaldo playing in a tournament in France, it gave him a new lease of lifeCredit: EPA
      Luiz, 33, said: “From Piet I learned the true meaning of compassion in football.
      “Nobody else I know is more able to pass on the essence of the beautiful game than Piet.
      “Piet is, in my life, the ultimate representative for enthusiasm in football.”
      Over the years, de Visser’s work has not gone unnoticed by some of the most celebrated players and coaches in the world.

      Tottenham manager, José Mourinho, has also been quick to praise de Visser’s style and method of scouting.
      Mourinho said: “I can’t scout the way he does.
      “His desire to know everything about players in the four corners of the world is invaluable.”
      Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho admitted he can’t scout like Piet de Visser canCredit: Barcroft Images / HISTORYÆ
      David Luiz said that Piet de Visser helped him learn the true meaning of compassion in footballCredit: PA:Press Association
      De Visser’s love for the game has always been a key factor in his ability to source the best talent. And over the last three decades, the ‘master scout’ has truly lived up to his reputation.
      “I see the game. You have to concentrate on every action of the players,” he said.
      “I see the mentality. That’s why I not only go to games, I go to training as well.
      “I want to smell the grass. I see all the things that a player does well and does wrong.
      “I love football and I will tell the world I love football.”
      Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne agrees new four-year contract More

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      in Soccer

      Karim Benzema’s amazing car collection worth £6m, includes a new £2.5million Bugatti Chiron and £1.5million Veyron

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      HE’S a real petrol head…As one of the world’s leading forwards, Karim Benzema has made a packet out of the game.
      Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has an incredible car collectionCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      On Instagram Benzema happily shows off his famous cars
      So is it any wonder that he houses these sweet rides in his garage.
      The Real Madrid star drives a car collection worth an estimated £6million.
      Earlier this year, he added a £2.5 Bugatti Chiron to his fleet, and he also has a very rare Bugatti Veyron worth £1.5million, as well as a Ferrari 458 Spider and many more cool cars.
      Feast your mince pieces on the 33-year-old French striker’s enviable motors.
      The new addition…
      Benzema showed off his latest cool whip – a £2.5million Bugatti Chiron – on Instagram.
      The hypercar absolutely trounces the already brilliant Veyron in terms of performance.
      It’s top speed is limited to 261 mph, while it’s capable of reaching 0-62 mph in just under 2.5 seconds and 186 mph in 13.6 seconds.
      It’s not just a hypercar, it’s a hyper hyper car.

      Suits you, sir! Benzema shows off his new £2.5m Bugatti Chiron
      His boy racer…
      In 2017, Karim Benzema showed off his limited edition Mercedes Benz-SLRCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      The Mercedes Benz-SLR goes from 0-60mph in only 3.5 secondsCredit: Handout
      Benzema’s Mercedes Benz-SLR sits pride and place in his garage, and so it should.
      Worth around £750k, it’s the special Stirling Moss edition version which can go from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds.

      Karim showed off the motor in 2017 on his social media, shortly after crashing his Audi RS6.
      The show pony…
      Footballers like Karim Benzema love FerrariCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      The Ferrari 458 Spider costs around £200,000Credit: Alamy
      Footballers love Ferrari and Benzema is no different.
      He’s been seen regularly darting around the streets of Madrid in a class Ferrari 458 Spider, which has a value of around £200k.
      Other Ferrari 458 Spider drivers include Mesut Ozil, Frank Lampard and Theo Walcott.
      The company cars…
      As part of Real Madrid’s sponsorship deal with Audi, Karim Benzema can get his hands on any of their cars he wantsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Benzema has been spotted in Audi’s RS6 Avant C7, which is worth £90,000Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      A keen Audi driver, Karim Benzema also owns a Q5Credit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      Corporate sponsorship is a wonderful thing for a footballer.
      Especially if you play for Real Madrid and Audi want a piece of you.
      Thanks to their marketing geniuses, Benzema has been seen in two of their cars – their RS6 Avant C7 model worth around £90k.
      As well as their standard SUV, the Q5, that retails for a modest £40k.
      A true gentleman’s car…Credit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      A Rolls Royce Wraith worth £250,000 sits pride and place in Karim Benzema’s garage
      Karim Benzema isn’t afraid of parking his backside on top of his Rolls RoyceCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      After all, you wouldn’t be a real millionaire without one, right?
      Benzema has the Wraith model, estimated at £250k, sitting pride of place in his Madrid mansion.
      He’s posted moody shots on social media of the beauty, which he hardly seems to drive.
      But he has parked his backside firmly on the car’s bonnet, which is surely sacrilegious.The statement car…
      The Lamborghini Gallardo is a firm favourite with footballers, including Karim BenzemaCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      Able to reach a top speed of 202mph, Karim Benzema loves cruising around in his LamborghiniCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      Karim Benzema can’t decide which car to drive to the supermercadoCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      Popping down to the shops in a red Lamborghini will get you noticed.
      And if it’s a super-speedy Gallardo model, you’ll be sure that Benzema is in and out of the supermercado in minutes.
      Wayne Rooney once had one, as did Robinho when he was at Manchester City.
      It can reach a top speed of 202mph and is Italian craftmanship at its finest.And the Sunday car…
      The Mercedes-AMG Classe G63 is worth around £140,000Credit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      Karim Benzema added the G-Wagen to his car collection in 2017Credit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      Well, if your Sunday car is worth £140k!
      Benzema rides a very well looked-after Mercedes-AMG Classe G63 on his downtime.

      Often nicknamed the G-Wagen, it’s a comfortable ride that’s been described as one of the best SUVs in the world by motor experts.
      It certainly tickles Karim’s fancy, who added it to his car collection in 2017.Another Bugatti…
      Only 450 Bugatti Veyron cars were made by the French car manufacturerCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      Karim Benzema’s astonishing Bugatti Veyron is worth around £1.5 millionCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      Living life in the fast lane, Karim Benzema’s Bugatti Veyron is fastCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      Benzema’s Bugatti Veyron can reach a top speed of 267.86mphCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      Big-spender Karim Benzema drives a car collection worth around £6millionCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
      What will Benzema drive next?
      His first Bugatti purchase was the ridiculously super Bugatti Veyron.
      Worth £1.5 million, and one of those cars that’s a collectors’ item that grows in price, Benzema clearly loves the stylish supercar.
      It’s the fastest roadworthy car in existence, able to hit a top speed of 267.86mph. Only 450 were ever made.
      Karim Benzema shows off his goal scoring skills in Real Madrid training More

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      Man Utd kid Will Fish is natural leader and commanding centre back included in Solskjaer’s Europa League squad

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      THEY already had Captain Marvel at Manchester United, and in youngster Will Fish they have another potential leader among their ranks.With the Red Devils suffering a selection headache in defence for Thursday’s Europa League second leg, and the suspensions of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, Fish, 18, has been drafted into the squad.
      Will Fish has been drafted into Man Utd’s Europa League squad against GranadaCredit: Getty
      Commanding Fish, 18, has risen through the ranks at UnitedCredit: Getty
      The 6ft 1in defender is a commanding centre back, who will be relatively unknown to most fans.
      But, amongst his peers in the youth sides, he’s the team-mate they all look to – like the stars of the 80s and 90s did with Bryan Robson.
      And he has formed an impressive partnership with fellow youth prospect Teden Mengi at the heart of the defence for the U18’s.
      CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
      Fish has always been a leader from the front.
      Born in Manchester, he’s one of their own and plays for the club with plenty of pride.
      He rose through the ranks to captain United’s U16 team. Incredibly, he also made his debut for the U23’s at the tender age of 16.
      And manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer certainly feels he’s ready for the first team.
      6ft 1in Fish is commanding in the boxCredit: Getty
      While on the ball, Fish offers plenty of composureCredit: Getty
      “He’s a very good talent, a composed centre-back with physical stature. He’s one we believe in,” the United boss revealed.
      “Of course, we’ve lost a few defenders so to have Will on the bench is a good experience for him and he’s there if he’s needed and he’s ready.”
      EXPERIENCE IN THE U23’S
      This campaign, Fish has been a regular in the U23’s.
      He only turned 18 in February, but already has started 17 of the 20 matches in the Premier League 2 matches.
      What’s even more remarkable is he’s worn the captain’s armband on seven of those occasions.
      Fish also completed 90 minutes for United’s U21 team in the 6-0 EFL Trophy win over Salford City.
      Fish is one for the future, according to Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Getty
      Last year Fish signed his first pro contract with the club
      Local lad Fish was born in Manchester and wears his heart on his sleeve
      He showed plenty of composure during an impressive performance.
      Last year, Fish signed his first pro contract with the club.
      STILL LEARNING
      Although he’s got a steady head on his shoulders, the centre half still has a long way to go before he could become a first team regular at Old Trafford.
      With Mengi on loan at Derby County, Fish has struggled in some games without his defensive partner.
      He provided an assist against Southampton earlier on this season.

      Fish is seen as a natural leader and has captained Man Utd’s U16 and U23 teamsCredit: Getty
      Young Fish is in contention to make his debut against Granada in the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty

      But against Brighton he was sent off after just seven minutes, and he is still learning the art of defending.
      That said, given he’s played in every age group above his, it shows he can be relied upon when needed.
      If United’s backline suffers anymore injuries, Solskjaer won’t be afraid to throw Fish in at the deep end.
      Man Utd boss Solskjaer confirms Tuanzebe set to start against Granda More

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      Footballers who have had their teeth fixed, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Roberto Firmino

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      MOVE over Paul Merson, Joe Jordan and Craig Burley… footballers in the modern world now want perfect teeth!The world’s best players and managers believe teeth hygiene is important, with many now investing thousands of pounds in getting their gnashers whitened and fixed.
      Joe Jordan was happy to play without his front teeth back in the 80sCredit: Getty – Contributor
      After all, with their lives under public scrutiny these sporting giants have made sure they will look their best on and off the pitch.
      Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Philippe Coutinho are just some who have invested money in their smiles… it’s definitely a marked improvement.
      Cristiano Ronaldo
      While at United Cristiano Ronaldo was in desperate need of a good dentistCredit: Reuters
      The Juventus legend always wears a grin these days, and it’s all because he has perfect teeth.
      When he was a teenager at Man United, they were slightly wonky, yellow and it’s fair to say his smile was gummy.
      Since becoming a global icon Cristiano Ronaldo has completely reinvented his teethCredit: AFP or licensors
      But after a few good years of solid wages earned at the Red Devils and Real Madrid, he wore a brace, had corrective surgery, whitened them up and now looks the superstar he is.
      Gareth Bale
      Before he was a global superstar Gareth Bale had yellow teethCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Like Ronaldo, Gareth knew he had to invest in his looks to be recognised as one of the world’s leading talents.
      Once a pale teenage prodigy, he slapped on some fake tan. But it was his teeth that he really went to town on.
      As a Real Madrid star Gareth Bale improved his looks no endCredit: AFP or licensors
      Once neglected, they’re now pearly white and go nicely with the white of Real Madrid and Tottenham’s jerseys.
      Philippe Coutinho
      Philippe Coutinho wanted to get his teeth fixedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, it will be easy for any Brazilian kid to have poor teeth without proper access to a good dentist.
      So, as soon as Philippe hit the big time, he got his teeth whitened and he regularly beams his gnashers towards journalists in press conferences and on social media.
      Philippe Coutinho has teeth as dazzling as his play
      The Brazilian playmaker doesn’t look out of place among Barcelona’s elite, who boast a superstar squad full of prime examples of sports stars with great teeth too.
      Brendan Rodgers
      Brendan Rodgers teeth were in a frightful state when he first arrived at LiverpoolCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Even managers aren’t immune to a little vanity here and there.
      Step-forward Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers, who has perfectly white teeth now he’s managed some top clubs.
      In his earlier press conferences, the Northern Irishman flashed a rotten smile that had us reaching for some floss.
      Brendan Rodgers is in the Champions League when it comes to dental hygieneCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      However, in recent years Brendan’s teeth are as impressive as Leicester’s form – absolutely sparkling.
      They even look good on the continent.
      Ronaldinho
      Ronaldinho was defined by his buck teeth lookCredit: Empics
      The former world’s best player was a bit slow on the up-take when it came to visiting the dentist.
      Throughout his playing days, Ronaldinho’s buck teeth were infamous not just because they stuck out, but also because they were yellower than the sun.
      Ronaldinho now has even more reason to smile with whiter teethCredit: Alamy Live News
      Now, Ron has more to smile about, not that he didn’t wear a smile on the pitch whenever he played.
      Wonder if he regrets not getting them done sooner?
      Gary Lineker
      Gary Lineker urgently needed to whiten his yellow teethCredit: Reuters
      The former Spurs and England legend didn’t have bad teeth during his playing days. However, they did need a good polish!
      Lineker now sports a proud set of sparkly whites presenting Match of the Day.
      Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker reportedly spends £500 whitening his gnashersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The TV personality reportedly pays around £500 to get his teeth whitened by a top Harley Street dentist. The results are really remarkable.
      Roberto Firmino
      Roberto Firmino arrived in England with bad teethCredit: PA:Press Association
      It looks like Firmino shares the same dentist as his former team-mate Coutinho, if comparable snaps of the Brazilian are evidence enough.
      The hotshot forward has been a shining light for Liverpool since arriving on our shores and his teeth aren’t dull either.
      Now Roberto Firmino has the brightest teeth ever seen on a footballerCredit: Prime Media
      In fact, they might just be the brightest teeth known to humankind, and we’ve seen them brightening up stadiums around the Premier League this year.
      Judging by photos of when Firmino first arrived on our shores, he’s had them whitened and had some of the chips filled in too.
      Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino show off their pearly whitesCredit: Instagram, @roberto_firmino
      Jurgen Klopp
      Jurgen Klopp’s teeth needed whiteningCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      There really is something in the water at Anfield…
      His football teams are dazzling, but his teeth certainly needed a good clean.
      So, it was no surprise that Klopp had decided enough was enough, out with the decay and in with a set of new teeth.
      Now Jurgen Klopp just loves to show off his new smileCredit: Reuters
      Klopp’s pearly whites have been proudly on display all season, although they’ve certainly been brighter than his team this campaign.
      Not only are they whitened, it looks like he’s had veneers fitted.

      Then there’s Jose, the dentist whisperer…
      Jose Mourinho believes perfect teeth make for perfect performanceCredit: PA:Press Association
      Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly a stickler for dental hygiene and insists his squads get checked by a dentist.
      When the Portuguese manager first arrived at Old Trafford, he reportedly insisted the whole squad went for a check-up.
      Jose Mourinho got a dentist to check his Man United team’s teethCredit: –
      He was said to have done the same at Chelsea, because he believes that having better teeth improves performance.
      While there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that, the British Journal of Sports Medicine claimed that the dental health of footballers is “poor and affects performance” in a recent study.
      Jose Mourinho has had great success with a team that has perfect teethCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      And who are we to argue with ‘The Special One’ who has won many titles over the years for various clubs. More

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      Hannah Dingley is the first female to be head of an academy, and has been linked with the vacant Forest Green Rovers job

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      THE EFL certainly isn’t afraid of challenging stereotypes.Earlier this month, referee Rebecca Welch made history when she became the first female to officiate a men’s football league fixture.
      Hannah Dingley has been linked with the vacant managerial post at Forest Green RoversCredit: Rex
      And now, League Two’s eco-friendly Forest Green Rovers are giving serious consideration to hiring the first ever female manager in football league history.
      Owner Dale Vince has already shown an aptitude for change by cultivating an environmental-approach to the running of Rovers, as well as introduced their fans to a full-vegan menu.
      Reports suggest he could be set to hire from within and replace sacked Mark Cooper with Hannah Dingley.
      And the trailblazing coach has a head start, knowing the club inside out thanks to her current role as head of the club’s academy.
      A PLETHORA OF CANDIDATES
      In the days after Cooper was fired from his post, Vince revealed he received over 70 applications for the vacant managerial’s role.
      The green energy industrialist also said he wasn’t afraid to do something groundbreaking with his next appointment, and naming a female coach as his next manager wasn’t as far-fetched as it seems.
      “Our starting place is to have no prejudices,” Vince explained.
      Forest Green Rovers owner Dale Vince has said he’s considering making a groundbreaking appointmentCredit: PA
      Chelsea Women coach Emma Hayes was previously linked with a job in the men’s game at AFC WimbledonCredit: Getty
      “It’s entirely feasible we will appoint a type of coach that has not yet been seen in English football.”
      Back in February, Chelsea Women gaffer Emma Hayes was touted as a potential candidate for the top job at AFC Wimbledon.
      Vince understands that it’s time women get the same opportunities as their male counterparts, and he could be about to make a revolutionary change.
      He continued: “We don’t do things conventionally, we’re not constrained by the way things are always done and we’re quite pleased to be in a position where we can choose with a blank slate approach and say, ‘Let’s find the very best person for the job’.
      “Football is in need of evolution and change.”
      HISTORY MAKER
      Almost two years ago, Hannah Dingley was named head of Forest Green Rovers academy.
      It completed a remarkable journey for the ambitious coach, who has always had an incredible passion for the game.
      Dingley is currently head of the Forest Green Rovers academyCredit: Rex
      Forest Green Rovers, who released a kit made entirely from recycled plastic and coffee beans, are one of football’s most forward-thinking clubs
      She played at her primary school in a mixed team, but was not allowed to play from the age of 11 to 16 because she was a girl.
      Dingley told SunSport in 2019: “Those were the rules. At primary school you could play with the boys, but in secondary school boys were expected to play football and rugby and girls were made to play netball and hockey.
      “We lived in a small village and there were no nearby girls’ teams.”
      Dingley didn’t get the opportunities to develop her own ability as a player, so instead she turned to the next best thing.
      LEARNING THE GAME
      Determined to make her breakthrough in football, Dingley took on a work experience at Swansea.
      There, she studied first-team training sessions and was encouraged to take the pathway to coaching.
      She enrolled on a BTEC in Football Studies course at a college in Llanelli and was the only girl in her class.
      Dingley believes ability, not gender, determines successCredit: Rex Features
      “I was very single-minded. No one was going to stop me,” she said.
      Dingley also has a degree in PE and sports and sciences from Loughborough University, as well her Uefa Pro badges.
      COACH DINGLEY
      Having earned her stripes in the men’s game, Dingley deserves to be considered for a manager’s role at a senior men’s side.
      Before she was hired by Forest Green Rovers in 2019, she worked her way up to head of coaching at Burton.
      There was also stints at non-league clubs – notably as a first-team coach at Hinckley and assistant manager of Gresley for four years.
      Mark Cooper was sacked by Forest Green Rovers over the weekendCredit: PA
      Dingley, sat with her academy staff, could fill Cooper’s hot-seatCredit: Rex

      She has seen it all. “Fights on the pitch, fights off the pitch, handbags all over the place, lots of shouting and swearing at one another, someone having a sulk and storming off,” Dingley divulged.
      “But I must say everyone has been accepting and welcoming of me. I’ve learned that at first there is a feeling of, ‘Oh, she is a woman’, because of those unconscious biases I speak about.
      “But once I speak, the men all realise I know what I’m talking about.  If you know your stuff, you will succeed — whether you are a man or a woman.”
      Forest Green Rovers’ Jamille Matt’s fingers bent out of shape in horror injury before distraught striker stretchered off More

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      Real Madrid wonderkid Vinicius Jr destroyed Liverpool, but has to add consistency to his game to become a true great

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      REAL MADRID missed out on Neymar. There was no way they were going to miss out on the next potential Brazilian superstar.And so they took a gamble. Vinicius Junior was a 16-year-old without a professional match to his name when Real spent around £40million on him almost four years ago.
      Vinicius Junior was the star of the show against Liverpool in the Champions LeagueCredit: EPA
      There were no guarantees that an outstanding youth prospect would go on to tip the balance at the highest level.
      The road between promise and reality is long and winding, and plenty of wonderkids have veered off the path along the way.
      But that performance against Liverpool last Tuesday made the transfer fee look like money well spent.
      Vinicius Junior was winning the game for Real Madrid even before he opened the scoring with a superbly taken goal.
      That devastating pace and those extra gears he has were sowing dangerous seeds of doubt in a Liverpool team already lacking confidence in its pressing game.
      They were unsure whether to stick or twist. Jurgen Klopp’s brand of heavy metal cannot be played in unplugged mode, and the young Brazilian was the cause of the confusion.
      Liverpool were too scared of him to press with conviction, leaving Toni Kroos with the space to hit Vinicius with raking passes over the top.
      Football pace is never just pure speed. It is changes of rhythm, choosing the right moment to go through the gears and, if it is going to end up in goals, being able to decelerate and keep the head still enough to finish with precision.
      £40m signing Vinicius Junior terrorised Liverpool with his paceCredit: EPA
      Zinedine Zidane is finally get the best out of Brazilian Vinicius Junior four years after he joined Los BlancosCredit: EPA
      So there was much more than velocity to admire in the two goals that Vinicius scored in Real Madrid’s 3-1 first leg win.
      There was the timing of the run for the first goal, and the way he broke off from the defender on the second.
      And there was the accuracy of his shooting, with two well placed attempts beating Brazil’s first choice goalkeeper.
      EARLY PROMISE
      This was the Champions League equivalent of the moment in South America’s Copa Libertadores when Vinicus Junior first indicated that he was on the way to being something special.
      It was March 2018. Real Madrid had already signed him, but he was too young to move across the Atlantic and so was still playing for Flamengo of Rio.
      They were a goal down away to Emelec of Ecuador when Vinicius was brought off the bench.
      He turned defeat into triumph with two wonderful goals. Despite the disappointment of watching their team lose, the Emelec fans sensed that they had been in the presence of something out of the ordinary.
      At the final whistle they queued up to have their photo taken with the teenage phenomenon.
      As a teenager Vinicius Jr exploded onto the scene with Flamengo before moving to SpainCredit: EPA
      Vinicius Jr has to add consistency to his game if he is to become a true greatCredit: Rex

      The question now is whether he can produce Tuesday’s level of performance on a regular basis.
      Doubts remain about his finishing and decision making – it is hardly surprising that someone who moves at that pace has problems with precision.  Was the first leg a fluke?
      There is no better place to prove that it was not than the second leg. 
      Liverpool are obliged to chase the game at Anfield. Hitting Vinicius on the counter attack will surely be a key part of Real Madrid’s strategy.
      Another match winning display will show that true greatness is within his grasp.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Real Madrid looking to cash in on Vinicius Jr after former £39m wonderkid branded ‘next Neymar’ hits ‘rock bottom’ More