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      Chelsea shatter Premier League record with another youthful starting XI as Enzo Maresca puts trust in young stars

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      CHELSEA have shattered a Premier League record after fielding the youngest average starting XI ever against Newcastle.Enzo Maresca has made a strong start to his time at Stamford Bridge, sitting three points off the top four before kick-off.Cole Palmer won Young Premier League Player of the Year after last season’s heroicsEnzo Maresca has fielded the youngest XI of the seasonChelsea named the youngest average starting XI in the Prem this season (23 years, 220 days) for their clash against Eddie Howe’s outfit.Not only that, the Blues are the only team in history to play their first eight games without a single player over the age of 27.The last youngest XI was David O’Leary’s Leed United who had an average age of 24 years, 162 days when they finished in Europe in 2000.Midfielder Romeo Lavia, 20, was youngest Chelsea starter on Sunday, while defenders Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill are just 21 years old. READ MORE ON CHELSEAMeanwhile, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is the oldest member of the XI at 26 years old.Nicolas Jackson, who fired in an 18th opener against visitors Newcastle, is 23.But Tosin Adarabioyo has been their oldest player so far this season at 27.Chelsea’s youngest Prem squad player is Marc Guiu, who is just 18-years-old.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Blues are the only team in the league to not have a single outfield player over 30.On Chelsea’s tough fixture list, Maresca said: “We need to play against all of them. Chelsea fans pelted with missiles by Panathinaikos thugs as riot police forced to protect travelling supporters “We have met Liverpool and now have three games in a row against Newcastle, Man Utd and Arsenal but the Premier League is tough.”You can see Bournemouth last weekend, Wolves last weekend. Always the Premier League is tough.”Captain Reece James, 24, was back in the starting line up again after returning from hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Anfield last Sunday.Chelsea ratings vs Panathinaikos: Mudryk gives rare glimpse of his talent but one defender strugglesCHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos.Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku.However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…Filip Jorgensen – 7Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start.Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet.Axel Disasi – 5Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts.Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick.Benoit Badiashile – 5Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede.Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central.Renato Veiga – 6Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post.Marc Cucurella – 6Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession.Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance.Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal.Enzo Fernandez – 6Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband.Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure.Pedro Neto – 7A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.Christopher Nkunku – 7Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner.Mykhailo Mudryk – 9Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix.Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all.Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again.Joao Felix – 8Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home.Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.SUBSTyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on.Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.Cesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday.Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5Got the final stages but game all over by then. 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      Man Utd transfer target Alphonso Davies, valued at £42m, speaks out on becoming free agent this summer

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      ALPHONSO DAVIES has broken his silence over a transfer to Manchester United.The Bayern Munich star, 23, has been widely reported to be considering his future in Germany.Alphonso Davies has broken his silence over a possible transfer away from Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe Canada international’s contract expires next summer, and after joining the Bavarians in January 2019 from Vancouver Whitecaps it seems he may want to pursue a new challenge.Reports suggest that Man Utd transfer chiefs have started gathering information on Davies ahead of a potential offer.However, Real Madrid are known to be long-term admirers and are one of the main teams to be linked with his signature.Despite this, he has continued to play regularly under Vincent Kompany this season with six Bundesliga appearances under his belt ahead of the club’s trip to VfL Bochum on Sunday afternoon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRegardless, in early October Davies made his feelings clear about his future.He told ESPN: “As of now, my full focus is to stay healthy and to play the game with the club I’m with right now.”I’m not focused on what’s going on in the future.”I’m just focusing on staying healthy and helping my team win. My team make me feel valued. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The whole Bayern community make me feel valued. I see that each and every day.”Davies has an estimated transfer value of £42million ($50m) as per Transfermarkt, but will able to speak to clubs from January over a FREE transfer due to his contract expiring in the summer. Jose Mourinho reveals he’s still holding out hope of winning Premier League title with Man UtdDavies is seen as one of the world’s best left-backs.It is a position Man Utd has struggled with over the last two seasons with the long-term injury of Tyrell Malacia and the ongoing fitness troubles of Luke Shaw.Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui and Toby Collyer have all lined up there at various points this season.Meanwhile, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was sold to West Ham in the summer, lined up there at times last season.Davies was also one name on a three-star transfer list of players from Bayern Munich, including Leon Goretzka and Leroy Sane.Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

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      Wojciech Szczęsny spotted ‘smoking cigarette’ in Real Madrid changing rooms after Barcelona’s El Clasico win

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      WOJCIECH SZCZESNY enjoyed a victory smoke after Barcelona destroyed Real Madrid 4-0 at the Bernabeu. The former Arsenal goalkeeper, 34, lit one up in the away changing room after Barca secured their first El Clasico victory since March 2023. Wojciech Szczesny was spotted smoking in the Real Madrid changing roomsThe young Barca side ran riot at the Bernabeu to go six points top of LaLigaEnding Madrid’s 42-match LaLiga unbeaten run, Barcelona stars rapturously celebrated their latest triumph in the locker room.As shown in clips shared on social media, goalkeeper Szczesny did so by enjoying a quick hit in the away team dressing room.While it’s unclear whether Szczesny was puffing on a cigarette or a vape, smoke could be seen growing over his team-mates.Barca superstar and Golden Boy favourite, Lamine Yamal, 17, who scored the third goal of the evening, was stood beside the shot-stopper.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe visitors sealed their win with a second-half double from Robert Lewandowski, plus goals from Yamal and Raphinha.Szczesny came out of retirement to join Barcelona at the start of October after captain and usual keeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen suffered what is expected to be a season-ending injury.But the former Prem star revealed he has no plans to stub out his smoking habit.Speaking to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, he said: “There are things that I don’t change in my personal life and it’s nobody’s business if I smoke.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I believe that it doesn’t affect what I do on the pitch, I work twice as hard.”The Pole, who acts as the club’s No2, is yet to debut for his new side, with Inaki Pena having started their last six games between the sticks.Behind the scenes of the Barcelona ‘bust up’ after Celtic’s heroic 2012 win If Barca continue their brilliant form, we might see Szczesny smoking on a victory cigar in May after a potential LaLiga title has been landed.The Catalans enjoy a six-point gap over rivals Madrid at the top of the table.Szczesny’s indoor smoking resulted in his Arsenal career coming to an end after Arsene Wenger was informed of his antics in 2015.He was dropped from the squad and fined £20,000 for smoking in the showers after a 2-0 defeat to Southampton at St Mary’s on News Year Day.The game marked his final Premier League appearance for the Gunners, before he was shipped out on loan to Roma.Szczesny came out of retirement to join Barca at the start of the month More

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      LaLiga ref exposed as secret Real Madrid fan by a PARROT live on TV as official desperately tries to silence pet bird

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      FORMER LaLiga referee Pajares Paz was left squirming after being exposed by his pet PARROT on live TV.And fans believe the exotic bird’s blunder confirmed Paz as a secret Real Madrid fan.Retired ref Pajares Paz begged his pet parrot to ‘shut up’ on live TVThe parrot started whistling Real Madrid’s anthemThe 75-year-old was discussing a controversial penalty decision in the closing moments of the Villarreal’s 1-1 draw with Getafe last Sunday.However, what happened during the conversation caught everyone by surprise.Paz’s parrot started singing the Hala Madrid’s anthem live on Spanish TV show El Chiringuito.The wide-eyed embarrassed ex-referee tried to calm the bird by shushing it and begging it to “shut up”.READ MORE FOOTBALLBut the mimicry kept singing, while the four hosts in the studio could barely contain their laughter, with two covering their eyes and mouths.Parrots are vocal learners, which means they are able to imitate and repeat new sounds.And while the comical moment is not total evidence that Paz is actually a Real Madrid fan, he had some explaining to do.He later dropped ex-referee Urizar Azpitarte in it, after claiming he has a parrot that says “Cabron” (b*****ds) when it hears the word “Barcelona”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans were quick to assume that the parrot had exposed Paz as a Madrid supporter.One wrote: “Madrid will never beat the allegations of favouritism.”Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launchA second said: “This referee, who teaches his parrot the Madrid anthem, used to whistle classics and now he acts as impartial.”Another commented: “The tokens keep falling. Shameless.”One more added: “How much do VARdrid pay the parrots? 😂😂”Paz retired as a referee at the end of the 1994/95 season.The Spanish official oversaw eight Madrid games, where the Los Blancos won seven, drew one and lost zero.Furious Jose Mourinho’s CUTTING dig at referee Clement Turpin after red card vs Man UtdJOSE MOURINHO launched a sarcastic blast at ref Clement Turpin after he was red-carded in his clash with former club Manchester United. The Fenerbahce boss saw his side fight back to earn a point as United tossed away the lead for a third successive drawn Europa League match.Mourinho was sent to the stands after raging against Turpin’s failure to award a penalty against Manuel Ugarte for a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel.And Mourinho scowled: “The referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.“I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behaviour on the bench. That’s the explanation he gave me.”That is why he is one of the best referees in the world!” More

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      Ian Holloway spotted managing Swindon from the stands despite not starting new job until Monday

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      IAN HOLLOWAY was spotted managing Swindon from the stands despite not yet officially starting his new role.The maverick manager was appointed Robins boss on a deal until the end of the season, replacing the sacked Mark Kennedy.Ian Holloway dished out instructions from the touchlineCredit: Rob NoyesHe even consulted with Swindon coachesCredit: Rob NoyesHolloway took up a seat in the standsCredit: Rob NoyesSwindon announced Holloway would begin his tenure on Monday but the incoming boss was at the County Ground on Saturday casting an eye over his new team.However he could not resist the urge to get involved and he walked down the stand to the touchline where he began barking out instructions.The former Premier League boss even went up to the Swindon dugout as began consulting with Swindon coaches.His new team needed all the help they could get as they went a man down just nine minutes into the clash with defender Grant Hall receiving a red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMinutes later Timothee Dieng opened the scoring for Gillingham but Swindon held firm and grabbed a dramatic last-minute equaliser through Harry Smith.Holloway, 61, is known for fostering a strong team spirit in his squads and it appears he is already having a positive influence.Fans loved Holloway’s antics with one reacting saying: “Showing more passion than that clown Kennedy in 45 mins.”Another added: “Certainly worked his magic.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “Oh this is gonna be fun!!!!”And another commented: “He was cracking, from the DR stands wee were playing ‘where’s Holloway’ 🤣”Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFL More

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      How one journalist got sacked from voting for the Ballon d’Or after his picks showed he’d lost all credibility

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      ARGENTINE journalist Enrique Wolff lost his right to vote for the Ballon d’Or winner after his picks showed “he’d lost all credibility.”Wolff, 75, was removed after voting for FOUR of his compatriots in the top five of the 2023 Ballon d’Or, which was won by Lionel Messi.The voter for Argentina was removed after last year’s Ballon d’OrEnrique Wolff was accused of losing ‘all credibility’Credit: wolffquique instagramFrance Football will hand the Ballon d’Or to the world’s best player in a glittering awards ceremony in Paris on Monday.The coveted award is decided by 100 journalists, one from each of Fifa’s 100 top-ranked member nations (top 50 for the women’s award).Each journalist makes their top 10 pick from the 30-player shortlist and there are different point values for each.The Ballon d’Or is for the previous season and should go to the best player during that specific period, not the journalists’ favourite.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut guidance carries only so much weight.Ballon d’Or organiser and commander-in-chief, Vincent Garcia told The Times: “I am not a dictator. They vote with their heart.”Some prefer attackers or midfielders, this team or that team. The important thing is to be credible. Not everyone passes that test either.”He then went on to explain where Argentine journalist Wolff went wrong.Most read in FootballInter Miami and Argentina’s Lionel Messi won a record eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGarcia said: “Last year the voter for Argentina was removed after he selected four players from Argentina — Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Emiliano Martinez — in his top five spots.”There were four Argentina players available on the shortlist and he picked all of them.Karim Benzema shows off incredible Ballon d’Or watch after responding to Ronaldo snub as he’s tipped for career change”My opinion was he had lost objectivity. We changed the journalist and he no longer votes.”The only non-Argentine player included by Wolff was Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the Qatar World Cup final.Messi’s coronation last October was the first time in 15 years that the Ballon d’Or hasn’t gone to a player from Real Madrid or Barcelona.And Madrid winger Vinicius Jr is the clear frontrunner to win the award for the first time on Monday.Garcia also wanted to clear up accusations about LaLiga favouritism and the supposed unfair power of Madrid president Florentino Perez.He added: “If there was a ‘Perez Effect’, what would it be? Would I be in touch with him? I never spoke to him ever in my life so far. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It would somehow mean he manages to have some influence over us, which is not the case.­­”In the men’s category, six England players – captain Harry Kane, midfielders Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Declan Rice, and forwards Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer – have been nominated.Ballon d’Or nominees in fullMen’s awardJude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)William Saliba (France, Arsenal)Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Women’s awardBarbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain / Olympique Lyonnais)Grace Geyoro (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren James (England, Chelsea)Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)Yashin TrophyDiogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)Gregor Kobel (Switzerland, Borussia Dortmund)Andriy Lunin (Ukraine, Real Madrid)Mike Maignan (France, Milan)Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia, Valencia)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Club)Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)Kopa TrophyPau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona)Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Manchester United)Arda Güler (Turkey, Real Madrid)Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, Salzburg)Kobbie Mainoo (England, Manchester United)João Neves (Portugal, Benfica / Paris Saint-Germain)Savinho (Brazil, Girona / Manchester City)Mathys Tel (France, Bayern Munich)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Men’s coach awardXabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)Gian Piero Gasperini (Italy, Atalanta)Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Argentina national team)Women’s coach awardSonia Bompastor (France, Olympique Lyonnais / Chelsea)Arthur Elias (Brazil, Corinthians / Brazil national team)Jonatan Giráldez (Spain, Barcelona / Washington Spirit)Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)Filipa Patão (Portugal, Benfica)Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team)Men club of the year awardBorussia Dortmund (Germany)Girona (Spain)Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Manchester City (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Women’s club of the year awardBarcelona (Spain)Chelsea (England)NJ/NY Gotham (USA)Olympique Lyonnais (France)Paris Saint-Germain (France) More

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      Invincible says don’t judge Kai Havertz on goals as Dennis Bergkamp-like ace becoming ‘major part of Arsenal history’

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      BELIEVE it or not, there ARE similarities between Kai Havertz and Dennis Bergkamp.Arsenal legend and three-time Prem winner Bergkamp was heavily criticised upon signing for the club on June 21, 1995 – taking seven league games to score his first goal.Kai Havertz has become a vital member of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal starting XICredit: GettyDennis Bergkamp was heavily criticised before becoming a club legendCredit: GettyHavertz – a £65m buy from Chelsea on June 28, 2023 – was considered by some a waste of money after he took 10 games in all competitions to open his account in North London.Their positions too. Bergkamp was never considered a conventional goal-getting No.9, while Havertz has so far under Mikel Arteta been used as a central striker, No.10 and marauding midfielder.And importantly, for all of the flair and beauty, aggression and physicality, their influence on their respective Arsenal teams is undeniable, regardless of goals.Deemed one of the club’s and Prem’s all-time greats, Dutch master Bergkamp never scored more than 16 goals in a single league season for the Gunners.read more arsenalAs an integral, world class cog in Arsene Wenger’s Invincible side of 2003/04, he scored just four Prem goals, alongside seven assists for the likes of Thierry Henry and Robert Pires.On the hunt for a first league title since then, Havertz notched 13 Prem goals and seven assists in his debut season as Arteta’s men finished two points behind champions Manchester City.Havertz already has four goals and one assist in eight games this term after a fine start solely as a No.9, while his influence on those around him grows by the week.And ahead of a blockbuster title clash against Liverpool, Jeremie Aliadiere – a member of the Invincibles and ex-teammate of Bergkamp – told SunSport: “I don’t rely on [Havertz] scoring goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The team shares goals from everywhere, and as long as you keep winning games, that’s all that matters. Do you always need an Erling Haaland scoring 20 to 30 goals a season?“You can share it around and still win a Premier League title. I would never judge Havertz on a minimum number of goals because he brings so much more than that to the team.”Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?More often than not right now, when Havertz gets a chance, he takes it – recently on a run of scoring in seven successive home games – while continuing to drive others forward with a cuteness and technical brilliance under pressure.The German international’s 6ft 4in frame sees him dominate duels in the air, his work rate off the ball is relentless and he has recently revealed he has started to “enjoy” physical battles.Bergkamp – occasionally nicknamed ‘Dirty Den’ during his 11-year Arsenal stint – also had a mean streak to him that paved the way for others to grab the headlines.Frenchman Aliadiere – who made 51 appearances for the club between 2001 and 2007 – continued: “I see [the similarities]. Dennis could play anywhere.Jeremie Aliadiere (bottom left) won the title with Arsenal in 2004Credit: Getty“He was a magician, the best footballing brain I have ever seen. He saw things and could read the game quicker than anybody and saw things no one else could. He was the ‘Iceman’.“You would try to copy him in training and it was impossible. He was on a different level, feeding the likes of Henry, Pires, Freddie Ljungberg. He was the conductor, the chief.“I must say, I was not convinced of Havertz initially as a No.9, maybe not sharp or quick enough, but like Dennis, he is not a typical player.“A big lad who holds the ball well and his intelligence and selflessness to get Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard involved.“When you start to feel important in the team, not wondering if you’re going to start, suddenly the confidence grows and he is playing like he has never played before.“He’s slowly becoming a major part of Arsenal’s history and hopefully it is a winning season.”All that is missing is the “aura” that comes from lifting titles and being recognised as one of the world’s best – something a 16-year-old Aliadiere experienced first-hand with Bergkamp.Speaking on behalf of William Hill Vegas, Aliadiere explained: “As a young boy joining the club, the first six months being in the first team, [Bergkamp] never spoke to me. He barely said hello in the morning.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I thought: ‘Oh god, he doesn’t like me’. It made me even more anxious and scared in training, but after that he suddenly completely changed. He accepted me.“He wanted to see if I was good enough to be around him. He had such an aura around him. You couldn’t get his friendship just like that. You had to earn it.” More

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      Spanish press turn on ‘shadow of himself’ Jude Bellingham who played in the wrong position for Real loss to Barcelona

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM was singled out for criticism by the Spanish press following Real Madrid’s humiliating 4-0 defeat at home to Barcelona.The England star was labelled a “shadow of his former self” after Carlo Ancelotti played him out of position during his first El Clasico beating.Jude Bellingham has been labelled a ‘shadow of his former self’ by the Spanish pressAfter the England star suffered a 4-0 thrashing by Barca at the BernabeuBellingham was played on the right and at times in a more defensive role on Saturday nightAll four of Barcelona’s goals came in the second half, with Robert Lewandowski hitting a brace, before Lamine Yamal and Raphinha added to Real Madrid’s woes.Bellingham won five of his 11 duels, completed just 13 passes, committed two fouls and spurned a big chance in his 90 minutes, as Kylian Mbappe saw TWO goals ruled out for offside.But Spanish outlet Marca believe that only one person is to blame for Bellingham’s struggles.Marca claim Real Madrid boss Ancelotti is at fault for playing Bellingham on the right, and at times in a more defensive role, against Barca. READ MORE ON BELLINGHAMJournalist Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa wrote: “Bellingham is a shadow of the player who burst onto the scene last season at the Bernabeu. “And the fault lies not with him, but with the way he is being managed.”Every day he plays in a position that is not his and the boy, although he gives his all, does not shine. “Playing close to the right flank, playing as a full-back for many minutes, is a joke in bad taste that Ancelotti must correct immediately.Most read in FootballMarca believe that Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is at fault for Bellingham’s strugglesFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The fact that a player who last year scored almost twenty goals has not scored any when we are almost in November is something that deserves serious analysis.”Bellingham, 21, was thriving in his previous free role, where he was often used as the main source of goals.Moment Jude Bellingham video chats sick child in hospital after ex-team-mate calls him out of the blueBut this season he’s found himself deeper, often playing from the right or left hand side of midfield.The change in position has accompanied a new 4-4-2 formation after Madrid signed Mbappe from PSG in the summer.NBC Sports gave Bellingham a player rating of four for his performance against Barcelona, while Sports Mole rated him a five.And Madrid fans were even harsher after Saturday’s defeat, with one writing: “Jude Bellingham is better the less you watch him.”Another said: “Bellingham has mastered the art of looking busy on a football pitch. The casuals love it, the analytics guys love it, I see through it.”A third wrote: “Bellingham is closer to a Scott McTominay than a Cole Palmer, Pedri or a Musiala.”Bellingham is still searching for his first goal of the season, after missing the first few weeks of the new term with a muscle injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis is a far cry from his debut season at the club, when he scored 23 times in all competitions and landed himself a Ballon d’Or nomination.Meanwhile, Barca shattered Madrid’s 42-game unbeaten streak and sit six points above Ancelotti’s side at the top. More