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      Inside futuristic Minecraft stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup games

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      THE 2034 World Cup might be a decade away but work has already begun on a stunning futuristic Minecraft arena in Saudi Arabia.The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium is perched on a cliff no less than 650ft high in Riyadh and decked out in LED panels.Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will be built into a cliff edge near RiyadhThe 45,000-seater stadium will cost more than £1billionThe futuristic panelled cubes will act as an extension of the Tuwaiq cliffsThe 45,000-seater is expected to cost more than £1BILLION, with construction set to get underway in 2026.The logo-like arena will become the world’s first fully integrated venue with a combined retractable pitch and man-made LAKE fuelled air-con.The LED wall will be a portal to live event broadcasts, high-definition films and will open to reveal breathtaking views of the city when not activated.There will be three stands, with one side open, offering a dramatic vista of the Qiddiya city itself.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe exterior will be formed by a collection of modular cubes that will act as the extension of the Tuwaiq cliffs in a huge digital canvas.Its aim, other than to host football matches at the 2034 World Cup, is to “connect the upper plateau and Gaming and Esports District to the theme parks below”, according to The Mail. One Saudi-based industry insider told The Mail: “This will be the first time we have seen that brought to life.”SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles has a massive screen. This stadium is a massive screen.”Most read in FootballAn inside look at The Prince Mohammed bin Salman StadiumAl-Nassr’s new stadium will have a 45,000 capacityFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe climate will be controlled via a lake underneath which collects rain water to pre-cool the air conditioning system.There will be a retractable roof and a digital wall which will drop down in front of the spectator’s view, with work set to finish up in 2029.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex And at the touch of a button the surface will flip from grass to artificial turf.The Minecraft-esque stadium is set to play host to Cristiano Ronaldo’s current side Al-Nassr once it’s complete.Beneath the glitzy facades of the Saudis developments, lies the stories of threats, forced evictions and bloodshed.Many projects have faced fierce criticism over human rights abuses – including the £400billion Neom Stadium project where tribes were reportedly shoved out of their homeland, imprisoned or executed.Only last month, in an ITV documentary, workers complained of 16-hour days, their passports being confiscated and of not being paid in some cases.The documentary also featured claims that 21,000 Indian, Bangladeshi and Nepalese workers had died in the country since 2017, each working on Saudi’s Vision 2030.Those allegations have been strongly refuted by country’s National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.The pioneering Sci-Fi stadium is one of 15 to be built as Saudi Arabia close in on the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.The futuristic arena is set to feature a giant LED screen wall inside the arenaIt is to be situated on top of a 200-metre cliffThe official announcement will come from Fifa on December 11, but there is no opposing bid following Australia’s withdrawal.As such Saudi Arabia will become the second Middle Eastern nation (behind Qatar) to host the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet in 10 years time.The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, named after the country’s prime minister, crown prince and de facto ruler, will be one of 11 new venues to go alongside four current grounds. Another futuristic arena is being built in Neom.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe amazing structure will not be reachable by car as it will sit 350m above ground in the as-yet unbuilt city of Neom, known as “The Line.”It is a vertical garden city without cars, streets or carbon emissions for its residents all in a single, long building.The Neom Stadium will not be reachable by carThe new arena will sit atop the city of NeomFull list of the stadiums with their capacitiesRiyadhKing Salman International Stadium – 92,760King Fahad Sports City Stadium – 70,200Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium – 46,979New Murabba Stadium – 46,010Roshn Stadium – 46,000Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium – 46,865South Riyadh Stadium – 47,060King Saud University Stadium – 46,319JeddahKing Abdullah Sports City Stadium – 58,432Qiddiya Coast Stadium – 46,096Jeddah Central Development Stadium – 45,794King Abdullah Economic City Stadium – 45,700Al KhobarAramco Stadium – 46,096AbhaKing Khalid University Stadium – 45,428NeomNeom Stadium – 46,010 More

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      Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic slams club’s recruitment and questions the ‘character and resilience’ of players

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nemanja Vidic criticised the club’s players and recruitment with a brutal assessment.Vidic, 43, won five Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and three League Cups during his eight-year stint at Old Trafford where he amassed a staggering 300 appearances.Nemanja Vidic slammed Manchester United’s players and recruitmentVidic experienced tremendous success under Man Utd legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Action ImagesThe centre-back continues to watch his beloved club and didn’t hold back on United’s worst ever start to a Premier League season.The ex-Serbia international questioned the players’ “character and resilience” and even dismissed claims that they are under too much pressure.In fact, the former defender insists the Red Devils’ flops could do with some real pressure so that they can finally understand the true demands of the club they are playing for.Vidic told Sky Sports: “Honestly, I don’t think it’s [the] pressure [of] playing for Man Utd. The way Man Utd fans support the club and the players… Read More on Man Utd”They don’t have pressure at all. Because they’re still behind the players and the coaches. I think they need pressure. I think those players, they definitely need pressure. We are all expecting more from them. “Even now we have some fantastic players. I think my question is more about the characters, resilience, [being] ready to compete, to give extra and compete week in week out.”I remember when I was playing for Man Utd: Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans – [I was thinking] they were coming to take my place. “I was scared I was going to lose my place. And that’s normal. If I’m not performing well, they will bring in a new guy. No one had to tell me that.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd have splashed well over £1billion since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and bought hefty flops, such as Angel Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez and Antony.Vidic insists the team’s recruitment needs to change and focus on the right characters rather than the biggest names.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsThe Serbian added: “So a job needs to be done in the next few transfer windows. Not just players they are going to bring in, I think some players definitely have to try and find new teams.”Sometimes you don’t need the best player in the world to play for your club, but you need the right character.”If you want to play for the big clubs, competing for the trophies, you have to be consistent. “And that’s not just down to quality, it’s down to mentality. That’s the key for me.” More

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      Curtis Jones joins Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford in exclusive club after goal on England debut – can you name them all?

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      CURTIS JONES joined an exclusive club of England stars to score on their Three Lions debut on Thursday night.Jones, 23, became the 14th England star to score a debut goal for England since the year 2000.Curtis Jones scored on his England debut, becoming the 14th player to do so this centuryCredit: GettyJones pulled off a delicious flick to score his goalCredit: GettyThe Liverpool midfielder scored a delightful flick to add the cherry on top of England’s 3-0 victory over Greece in Athens.Jones made a run from the edge of his own area all the way to the Greece six-yard box where he inventively tucked home a drilled pass from Morgan Gibbs-White.That goal will be one for him to remember, with the star now joining the likes of Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford on the list of England debut goal-scorers this century.But not every goalscoring debutant has gone on to do big things. Can you name them all? READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCurtis Jones (vs Greece, 2024)The latest name on the list, Jones netted his first goal on the 83rd minute mark.The midfielder has been in great form for Arne Slot’s Liverpool side and will be hoping his impressive performance against the Greeks will earn him even more caps for the Three Lions under incoming boss Thomas Tuchel.Ollie Watkins (vs San Marino, 2021)Ollie Watkins took just 20 minutes to find the back of the net on his England debut, albeit against San Marino.Watkins scored in the 83rd minute of a 5-0 win over San Marino, just 20 minutes after being introduced off the bench.Most read in FootballOllie Watkins scored on his England debut in 2021Credit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Aston Villa striker will likely remember his dramatic late winner against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final more than his debut goal.Dominic Calvert-Lewin (vs Wales, 2020)Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored his debut goal in a 3-0 win over home nation rivals Wales during an friendly clash in 2020.Lee Carsley proud of England’s control in crucial Nations League win over Greece Sadly for Calvert-Lewin his headed finish was scored in front of an empty Wembley stadium thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.Since netting that day, the Toffees talisman has made 11 caps for England but hasn’t been called up to the squad since 2021.Callum Wilson (vs USA, 2018)Newcastle striker Callum Wilson was playing for Bournemouth when he made his England debut in 2018.A lovely near-post finish sealed the deal as England beat the USA 3-0 in a friendly at Wembley.Wilson has made just eight more appearances for the Three Lions since that day, scoring once more.Marcus Rashford (vs Australia, 2016)Playing as a striker, an 18-year-old Marcus Rashford burst onto the scene with a volleyed finish against Australia in 2016.The Man Utd star had been a mainstay in the Three Lions set up since that day making 60 appearances, scoring 17 goals and playing in four major tournaments.But struggles at club level saw Rashford lose his place in the squad this year.Marcus Rashford was just 18 when he scored on his debutCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunHarry Kane (vs Lithuania, 2015)Of course Harry Kane scored on his England debut.The nation’s captain was a fresh-faced 21-year-old when he came off the bench for Wayne Rooney and netted after just TWO MINUTES in a 4-0 win over Lithuania.A fitting substitution too as Kane would ultimately replace Rooney as England’s all-time top scorer in 2023.Harry Kane started his England career as he meant to go on with a goal after just two minutesCredit: The FA – Getty ImagesRickie Lambert (vs Scotland, 2013)Rickie Lambert scored the winner as England beat Scotland 3-2 in a Wembley friendly, some way to make your debut.Unfortunately the retired Saints and Liverpool ace only made 11 appearances for the Three Lions in total.Andros Townsend (vs Montenegro, 2013)Andros Townsend managed a debut goal in a World Cup qualifier against Montenegro.The winger scored in a 4-1 victory and went on to make 13 appearances for his nation.Steven Caulker (vs Sweden, 2012)The first defender on the list, Steven Caulker only made ONE appearance for England. It was a memorable one however, as the former Spurs centre-back arrived at the back post to score against Sweden.Unfortunately for Caulker, his goal isn’t the one that everyone remembers from England’s 4-2 defeat that day with Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring THAT overhead kick.Unbelievably, Caulker went on to make 13 appearances for Sierra Leone and no more for England.Steven Caulker scored in his only ever England appearanceCredit: Getty Images – GettyDavid Nugent (vs Andorra, 2007)Playing for Preston at the time, David Nugent is the list’s second one-hit-wonder.Nugent bagged a debut goal against Andorra and never played for England again.Kieran Richardson (vs USA, 2005)Kieran Richardson’s debut goal came against the USA when he was just 20 years old.Richardson made only seven more caps after that day, scoring once more too.Shaun Wright-Phillips (vs Ukraine, 2004)It took Shaun Wright-Phillips just 20 minutes to score on his debut after coming on as a substitute during a 3-0 win over Ukraine.He went on to have a strong international career, earning 36 caps and playing in the 2010 World Cup.Francis Jeffers (vs Australia, 2003)One-hit-wonders are a bit of a thing for the England national team.Francis Jeffers set the tone for David Nugent and Steven Caulker when he netted on his debut, and only England appearance, against Australia.England lost 3-1 and Jeffers never played for the Three Lions again, but at least he will always have the memory of scoring for his nation.Francis Jeffers scored on his one and only England appearance tooCredit: Times Newspapers LtdDarius Vassell (vs Netherlands, 2002)Former Aston Villa and Man City star Darius Vassell started his England career with a bang.The centre-forward scored in a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands under the management of the late Sven-Goran Eriksson.READ MORE SUN STORIESVasell represented England at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004, and earned 22 caps as a player.The 44-year-old is now an assistant manager for the England U18s. More

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      Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ‘huge fan’ of £50m Premier League defender with 43 senior caps already aged 22

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      ENZO MARESCA is reportedly a “huge fan” of Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi.The Cherries star has impressed since he arrived in the Premier League in 2023.Enzo Maresca is keen on signing Ilya ZabaryniCredit: AlamyThe defender is valued at £50millionCredit: GettyZabarnyi, 22, joined Bournemouth from Dynamo Kiev on an initial five-year contract.Due to his good form at the Vitality Stadium, he has already been rewarded with a new deal.He is now tied down on the South Coast until 2029, but Chelsea remain keen.CaughtOffside have claimed that the Blues could make an offer to sign the Ukranian.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report suggests that Bournemouth could be open to a sale if his £50million price-tag is met.It is further added that Maresca is “a huge fan of the defender’s playing capabilities”.It is also claimed that the manager is ready to “make room for him in an ever-expanding Chelsea squad”.This season Zabarnyi has played in every Premier League fixture for the Cherries.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has helped the side to 12th in the league with only 15 goals conceded.This defensive record is better than the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham and Brentford.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesIt is only slightly worse than the 13 goals conceded by Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.He has also gained plenty of international experience having earned 43 caps for the Ukraine.However, Chelsea will have to compete with Spurs in the race for his signature.It is claimed that the North London side have been”tracking” the defender for some “a while”.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Alisha Lehmann poses with an ALIEN in bizarre Nasa-themed adidas shoot alongside Juventus star boyfriend Douglas Luiz

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      ALISHA LEHMANN has posed with an ALIEN in a bizarre Nasa-themed Adidas photoshoot.The Juventus star featured in the promotion alongside boyfriend Douglas Luiz.Alisha Lehmann was involved in a bizarre shoot for AdidasCredit: InstagramShe starred alongside extraterrestrial Lil MayoCredit: InstagramJuventus star Douglas Luiz was also involved in the promoCredit: InstagramHe was more suspicious of the alien than his partnerCredit: InstagramLehmann, 25, swapped the Women’s Super League for the Serie A Women in the summer.She moved to Juventus at the same time Luiz made his transfer from Aston Villa.The couple were both involved in the shoot, which included alien Lil Mayo.The character has a massive following on Instagram of 1.5million followers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe account of the extraterrestrial has the bio “I am alien”.The shoot was done to promote Juventus’ new Nasa-inspired clothing collection.The full video included Lehmann and Luiz among other Juventus stars from the men’s and women’s teams.It showed an astronaut walking around the Allianz Stadium in Turin during which they spot Lil Mayo.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe alien has multiple viral posts on its Instagram account as it travels around planet Earth.This includes a visit to the Church of Scientology in Los Angeles and the Oktoberfest in Germany.Alisha Lehmann poses with an ALIEN in bizarre NASA-themed adidas shoot alongside Juventus star boyfriend Douglas LuizLil Mayo can drive a boatCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has visited the Church of ScientologyCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has visited a 7-ElevenCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has tried human foods such as pizzaCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has also been pictured cruising in a boat in Miami Bay and visiting a 7-Eleven.He posed for pictures with Lehmann in which she kissed it on the cheek.Luiz also had a couple of snaps with the alien but the Brazilian seemed more suspicious of the extraterrestrial.But of course Lil Mayo is not a real alien and is actually an old movie prop created by Alex Martyn.He started the account in order to be able to create his own “spicy memes”.Meanwhile, since Lehman joined Juventus, she has only scored once in nine league outings.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe stunned fans on Halloween as she wore a skin-tight black outfit.Back in July, she suffered a wardrobe malfunction while wearing a see-through white top.Lehmann joined Juventus in the summer from Aston VillaCredit: GettyShe has a huge online followingCredit: instagramShe has over 16m followers on InstagramCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7 More

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      Ruben Amorim reveals reason why Cristiano Ronaldo gave him the nickname ‘the poet’ in revealing first Man Utd interview

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      RUBEN AMORIM has lifted the lid on why Cristiano Ronaldo referred to the new Manchester United boss as a “poet”.Amorim arrived at Old Trafford on Monday and met with members of the club’s hierarchy having been named Erik ten Hag’s successor.Ruben Amorim was asked for the backstory behind Ronaldo’s nickname for himCredit: GettyUnited legend Cristiano Ronaldo nicknamed Amorim ‘the poet’Credit: GettyThe 39-year-old gave his first interview as Man Utd manager on Friday.And he’s already been encompassed the club’s folklore, walked the iconic grounds, and even gatecrashed a fan tour of Old Trafford.While Amorim is known for his work ethic, his effective and no-holds-barred communication skills earned him the nickname “poet” from Ronaldo.When asked about it, Amorim told MUTV: “Yeah. But it’s like a funny thing because I like to speak.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Not too much but when I speak, I speak, I think I speak from the heart.”‘I think the people feel that it was something just to have fun.”Amorim is just nine days older than Ronaldo and his playing debut came just months after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined United in 2003.The pair appeared together on multiple occasions for Portugal between 2010 and 2014 before Amorim hung up his boots to embark on a career in the dugout.Most read in FootballAmorim and Ronaldo played for Portugal togetherCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter spells at Casa Pia and Braga, Amorim would join Ronaldo’s boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.In his first full season at the club he led Sporting to their first league title in almost two decades, before adding a second last season as interest from Premier League clubs grew. He leaves the Portuguese giants with a perfect record of 11 wins from 11 league games this season — yet the lure of Old Trafford was too good to turn down.Amorim has vowed to lead United into a new era of no-fear football.He added: “United are the engine of the Premier League. We know that we are the engine of the football.“I’m really honoured to be here. It was my only choice because I feel how big this club is. I will do everything for the team.“I will defend my players if I have to and I will do everything to put this club in the place it belongs. And I believe we are going to succeed.”Amorim is the sixth manager to try and haul United to their feet after the dismal decade since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.He was also nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’ after the young coach spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018. Amorim met Mourinho threw his brother-in-law Antero Henrique – a former Porto communications director who worked with Jose during his ‘Special One’ years at the Estadio do Dragao where he lifted the Champions League in 2004.READ MORE SUN STORIESIronically, Henrique was also targeted by United as a sporting director before switching their attention to Dan Ashworth.But Ashworth should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.” More

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      Man Utd star Marcus Rashford enjoys international break by sitting courtside at NBA game with former team-mate

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has made the most of the international break with a trip to watch the NBA.The Manchester United star has been able to rest up after he was not selected for England.Marcus Rashford went to watch an NBA game in New YorkCredit: GettyJalen Brunson spoke to Rashford courtsideCredit: GettyHe wore a very cosy-looking hoodieCredit: ReutersThe Three Lions won their Nations League clash against Greece 3-0 in Athens.Interim boss Lee Carsley’s side now face the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.Rashford, 27, made the journey to the USA to watch the New York Knicks take on the Brooklyn Nets.He was spotted at Madison Square Garden in a full black outfit with a beanie.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe forward also had some jewellery and a colourful fleece hoodie for when the temperature drops.He was joined by close friend Ro-Shaun Williams, who currently plays for Northern Irish side Larne.The pair know each other from coming through the youth ranks at Manchester United together.They were sat near some other notable names such as Hollywood movie star Ben Stiller.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRashford will be hoping to impress new manager Ruben Amorim when he returns to Manchester.The Portuguese boss is the replacement for the sacked Erik ten Hag.Marcus Rashford’s plans to build a dream home on a golf course appear to be stuck in the rough Amorim has been quick at work setting himself up ahead of his first match against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.He has axed Ruud van Nistelrooy from the coaching side despite the Dutchman being undefeated as a caretaker.Rashford has also been handed an olive branch by incoming England manager Thomas Tuchel.We exclusively revealed that the German has spoken to the forward and insisted that he is wanted in the national set-up.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. More

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      Inside the incredible rise of Carlos Baleba who is the latest hidden gem set to become Brighton’s next superstar

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      THREE-YEARS-AGO Carlos Baleba was grinding for a professional contract at a football school in Cameroon – now he’s looking like Brighton’s new £150million man. The Cameroonian 20-year-old is the next hidden gem to be unearthed at the Amex as he follows in the footsteps of Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Alexis Mac Allister. Baleba has started eight of Brighton’s first 11 Premier League matchesCredit: GettyCarlos Baleba joined Brighton for £26min the summer at age 19 from LilleCredit: INSTAGRAM @carlos_balebaBaleba often wore football boots that were old, broken or too big when he was growing upCredit: INSTAGRAM @carlos_balebaBaleba announced himself to the world when he came on at half-time in the 2-1 win over Manchester City last time out.He flipped the game on its head, adding oomph and creativity at the base of Brighton’s midfield to stun the likes of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. Baleba conjured up the winning goal with an exceptional move to Joao Pedro before Matt O’Riley fired home. His 45-minutes overall against Man City was a perfect summary of the all-round great midfielder Baleba is to have in a team. READ MORE FOOTBALLHe has shown he is a player full of drive and dynamism, physical prowess and technical skill. Why he could be worth £150mBaleba has established himself as a key cog in Fabian Hurzeler’s team, starting eight of the first 11 Premier League games under the German boss this season. It would have been nine starts, but a knee injury kept him on the bench during the 2-1 defeat at Liverpool. Baleba joined Brighton for £26m in the summer of 2023 at age 19, a fortnight after Caicedo’s British record £115m Chelsea transfer, having played just 21 times in Ligue 1 for Lille.Most read in SportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCaicedo was also 19 when Brighton signed him for £4m from Independiente del Valle in his homeland. Baleba made 13 appearances for Lille’s B team, before making his first-team debut last September as a substitute in a 1-0 win against Lens.Celtic hero Matt O’Riley spotted as he returns to training at BrightonHis first Ligue 1 start came in January in a goalless draw with Stade Brestois.Paulo Fonseca, current AC Milan coach, and Baleba’s manager at Lille, said at the time: “I think that today Baleba is a player who can be a starter. He represents the future of Lille.” It has taken less time for Baleba to make his mark at the Amex, with him now boasting the third-most combined tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes in the top-flight this season.His per-90 figure for tackles plus interceptions of 5.36 is bettered by only two players with over 400 minutes, Mario Lemina of Wolves and Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United.Another high figure which also stands out is his carrying into the final third.This season, he’s doing that 1.88 times per 90 minutes, the same as Declan Rice and slightly more than Dominik Szoboszlai.Baleba made 19 passes when he came on against Pep Guardiola’s side, failing to complete only one. One of his 18 completions, a pass to Pedro, led to O’Riley’s winner. Of the 98 midfielders to make five or more Prem starts this season, only Rodrigo Bentancur is averaging more interceptions per 90 than Baleba. He also ranks fifth in the league for times winning back possession per 90 minutes.Humble beginnings Baleba was born in Douala, the largest city in Cameroon and where the legendary Samuel Eto’o was born. Growing up wasn’t easy for the Brighton midfielder who often wore football boots that were old, broken or too big. He said: “I lived in a hut made of planks. In front of my door, there were truck tires.” He added: “Everything I was given, I put it on. I didn’t complain.” It’s no surprise that Baleba was nicknamed Diego Maradona during his youth days, due to his technical level and ability to score goals on his own.  He said: “They used to call me Maradona when I was a winger. I used to score a lot of goals from there.“My speciality, my best move was the ‘virgule’ [rolling ball round in a semi-circle]. “I copied it off Ronaldinho. I mastered the technique when I was facing the goal, or by the corner flag.“I did some damage with it. I don’t really do it any more, but I have not forgotten how. And I could still do one, so watch out.“One match as a kid I was running towards goal and the goalkeeper rushed out and crashed into me.“I was hurt and fell, my thigh hurt really bad. I couldn’t run or even walk that well – so they moved me into midfield from the wing.“I felt comfortable there, and had freedom. I could overcome opponents with my technical ability. And once there, I stayed there and never moved away.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBrighton have seen many talented midfielders come through in the last few years – Caicedo, Mac Allister and Yves Bissouma to name a few.Baleba could become the best of the lot and that may mean that he is next in line in the Brighton departure lounge queue. More