Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Where Lionel Messi’s 15 wonderkids he thought would be future superstars are now, from Mason Mount to Joao Felix

      by

      IN 2020, Lionel Messi picked out 15 young stars to watch – but where are they now?The Argentina World Cup winner, 35, named his favourite wonderkids for a Topps ‘Lionel Messi Designed Set’ card pack.
      We look at how the 15 youngsters Messi picked out as ones to watch have fared in the year that followedCredit: Reuters
      Messi selected a hatful of young English talent among his crop – with no fewer than FOUR Three Lions stars making the grade.
      But the 15 youngsters have endured very different years since Messi’s announcement.
      Take a look at where they are now.
      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
      Alexander-Arnold has struggled a bit for consistency since his epic riseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      MESSI got a first-hand view of the Liverpool right-back’s talent in the 2018-19 Champions League.
      Read more Lionel Messi news
      Alexander-Arnold, 24, was in blistering form as the Reds thumped Barcelona 4-0 in the second-leg of their semi-final clash – and even took the corner leading to Divock Origi’s winning goal to send them to the final.
      Still Liverpool’s No1 right-back, Alexander-Arnold has faced criticism over his defensive ability in the last few seasons.
      However, he reinvented himself in midfield for England in the recent win over North Macedonia.
      Most read in Football
      HOUSSEM AOUAR
      Houssem Aouar excelled for Lyon in his first full seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
      LINKED with a move to Arsenal, Aouar captained Lyon and has already won caps for France.
      Technically superb, the versatile midfielder, 24, was expected to complete a big-money move to another of Europe’s giants in 2021.
      However, a loss of form and questions about his temperament emerged and he failed to make the World Cup squad.
      He recently signed for Roma on a free transfer, where he will play next season.
      FRENKIE DE JONG
      Frenkie De Jong is still waiting to find his top form at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A former team-mate of Messi, the Argentine knows all about De Jong.
      The Dutchman, 26, moved from Ajax following their run to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final.
      While De Jong is yet to replicate his top form at the Nou Camp – time is certainly on his side.
      Man Utd thought so, anyway, and were desperate to sign him last summer. However, he snubbed their offer – preferring to stay at Camp Nou.
      MOUSSA DEMBELE
      Moussa Dembele moved to Atletico Madrid on loan in 2021Credit: Alamy Live News
      THE French striker, 26, joined Atletico Madrid on loan from Lyon with a view to a permanent move back in 2021.
      But, he failed to impress Diego Simeone – and was soon back to France.
      The ex-Fulham and Celtic forward was rated one of Europe’s most-sought-after stars after a sensational three-year spell in France.
      Dembele has scored 70 times in 172 matches in all competitions for Lyon.
      JOAO FELIX
      Joao Felix is slowly starting to find his feet at Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters
      ANOTHER Atleti forward, Diego Simeone added Felix to his squad for a record £113million in 2019.
      But the 23-year-old has failed to live up to the hype expected of him.
      A poor return of 34 goals in 131 games and has meant Simeone is ready to cut his losses.
      Man Utd are one of the clubs that have been linked with the fallen wonderkid.
      A loan move last season to Chelsea in January, where he scored just four goals in 20 games, won’t have helped his cause for a future move.
      PHIL FODEN
      Phil Foden has been in exceptional form for Man CityCredit: AFP
      THE Manchester City star, 23, is making a name for himself across Europe.
      As well as Messi, Foden has garnered praise from the likes of Arsene Wenger.
      Under Pep Guardiola, Foden has flourished and become a full international.
      The clamour for him to be England’s main man at the World Cup was too much for Gareth Southgate to resist – and he inspired the Three Lions to a 3-0 win over Wales.
      KAI HAVERTZ
      Kai Havertz has struggled mightily since his £70m move to Chelsea last summerCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      AFTER Messi’s comments, Havertz teased clubs across Europe by showing off his unquestionable talent at Bayer Leverkusen.
      After Chelsea opted to splash £70m on the midfielder/forward, Havertz, 24, was expected to take the next step.
      The German star blew hot and cold for the Blues, showing glimpses of his talent – but never on a consistent level.
      This summer, Arsenal have taken a punt on Havertz who will hope to rediscover his form at the Emirates.
      LUKA JOVIC
      Luka Jovic tried to rekindle his form back at Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: EPA
      SIGNED by Real Madrid from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019, Jovic’s career has really stalled.
      The Serbian, 25, scored just twice in 21 LaLiga games before being shipped back on loan to Frankfurt last year.
      Jovic scored twice off the bench in his first game back in the Bundesliga – but didn’t exactly pull up trees.
      Los Blancos cut their losses in the summer – flogging him to Fiorentina where he scored 13 goals in all competitions last season.
      JOSHUA KIMMICH
      Joshua Kimmich continues to prove he is one of the best players in the worldCredit: AFP
      HARDLY a wonderkid at the time of Messi’s revelation – Kimmich was already 25. He’s now 28.
      The German feels like he’s been around for a decade already and is easily one of the best players on the planet.
      The versatile star can play in midfield or at right-back and has already won 79 international caps, while helping Bayern Munich to a famous Treble last season.
      Kimmich was part of the Bayern team who trounced Messi’s Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-final, even getting on the scoresheet.
      KYLIAN MBAPPE
      Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best striker on the planet at presentCredit: AFP or licensors
      QUITE possibly the best striker on the planet right now, Mbappe has scored a sensational 212 goals in 260 league games for Paris Saint-Germain.
      The 2018 World Cup winner, 24, was set to move to Real Madrid last summer, but snubbed the LaLiga giants for a bumper £300million contract with the French club.
      However, he has now revealed he won’t be extending his contract beyond 2024 and has reportedly agreed a contract with Real Madrid.
      EDER MILITAO
      Eder Militao is yet to earn himself a regular spot in the Real Madrid XICredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HAVING moved to Real Madrid from Porto in the summer of 2019, huge things were expected of the Brazilian, who was handed a SIX-YEAR contract.
      Militao, 25, has shown flashes of talent after breaking into the first team.
      But Militao can’t dislodge Thiago Silva and Marquinhos in the Brazilian national team.
      MASON MOUNT
      Mason Mount has been in superb form for a struggling Chelsea this seasonCredit: Tom Jenkins/ The Guardian
      A FUTURE Chelsea – and possibly even England – captain, Mount has been superb for the Blues.
      Mount, 24, bizarrely seems to split fans – but has shown grit, determination and extraordinary talent in a struggling Chelsea team.
      The midfielder has gone from strength-to-strength since Messi comments.
      It’s expected Mount will go on to forge an incredible partnership with the likes of Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Phil Foden for England in what’s increasingly looking like another ‘Golden Generation’.
      Although, Chelsea seemingly see him as surplus to requirements – as they negotiate a move away from Cobham to Man Utd.
      BENJAMIN PAVARD
      Benjamin Pavard is a key member of Bayern Munich’s rampant squadCredit: EPA
      MESSI was never going to leave the Bayern Munich man out of his list.
      After all, Pavard, 27, scored the goal of the tournament as France knocked Argentina out of the 2018 World Cup at the last-16 stage with a sensational strike in a 4-3 win.
      The versatile defender is now a regular in the Bayern XI, playing 162 Bundesliga games since joining from Stuttgart in 2019.
      CHRISTIAN PULISIC
      Christian Pulisic needs to fully recover from his injuries to show his true talentCredit: PA
      DESPITE struggling with injuries, Pulisic has shown fans – and Messi – just what he can do.
      Chelsea always seem to look more dangerous with the American, 24, in the team.
      Pulisic also led the USA’s charge in Qatar admirably at the World Cup last year.
      JADON SANCHO
      Sancho starred at Borussia Dortmund, but has struggled since moving to Man UtdCredit: EPA
      OF all the players on Messi’s list, Sancho has arguably been the most disappointing
      The Man Utd star, 23, was the subject of the longest-running transfer saga ever, seemingly in 2021.
      Read More On The Sun
      Sancho eventually joined in a deal worth a staggering £73million.
      Back in January, he admitted to having to overcome “physical and mental” issues. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd plot transfer for Benfica wonderkid branded ‘the next Ruben Neves’ as they target 18-year-old

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in signing Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves, according to reports.Erik ten Hag is exploring ways to improve the squad this summer but the Red Devils are still yet to make a signing.
      Manchester United are eyeing Benfica wonderkid Joao NevesCredit: Getty
      Chelsea star Mason Mount and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo have emerged as two key targets but United could also add youth to their midfield.
      Neves is just 18-years-old but he made 20 appearances in his breakthrough season at Benfica, including three games in the Champions League, and he has been likened to Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
      And according to transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio his performances have attracted attention from United.
      Bayern Munich and Wolves are also reported to be interested in the midfielder, with Neves potentially leaving Molineux to join Al-Hilal.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      But United could be the first to make a bid – once they wrap up moves for Mount and Caicedo.
      The Red Devils have had three offers knocked back by Chelsea for Mount, with the Blues demanding £65million.
      Club representatives have also contacted Brighton over a potential deal for Caicedo, who could cost £80m.
      If United manage to secure a major target there may only be enough left in the budget for a youngster like Neves.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      That’s because Ten Hag has reportedly been given just £100m to spend on new recruits.
      It is believed Ten Hag will be able to boost his available funds with player sales, with the budget squeezed by Financial Fair Play regulations. More

    • 275 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a former England star but I ballooned to 17 STONE at my Premier League club – I was fat and frustrated

      by

      DAVID JAMES has revealed how his mental health suffered while on the bench at Liverpool.The former England goalkeeper, 52, was at Liverpool for seven seasons between 1992 and 1999 – making 277 appearances.
      David James has opened up on his health issues while at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      He explained how he hit 17-stone in weightCredit: Getty
      However, in the 1993/94 season James lost his place in the first team and soon found both his mental and physical health to be deteriorating.
      Speaking on the matter to William Hill podcast Up Front with Simon Jordan, James explained how the lack of a fitness regime saw him reach 17-stone.
      He said: “I reached 17-stone, we didn’t have a fitness regime, and I was fat.
      “The frustration was that I wasn’t playing to a level I felt I should be playing at. 
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “I’m not going to say that I should have been the best goalkeeper in the world, but I can’t think of anything that another goalkeeper has done that I couldn’t do.
      “I was then out of the team for eight months in my second season – I was actually sent off at the end of the first season against Norwich, so I missed the first game of the next season and never made it back into the side under Graeme Souness.”
      James, eventually found his way back into the team before leaving Liverpool for Aston Villa. He later went on to play for West Ham, Manchester City and Portsmouth in the Premier League.
      In addition to his physical issues, the 53-cap Three Lion also explained how having a chat with a doctor helped him with his mental health, despite Liverpool not believing in sports psychology at the time.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      James added: “I thought that I needed to change because I wasn’t in the first team, so I approached the club doctor and asked if he knew a sports psychologist.
      “He said that Liverpool didn’t believe in that, but I’ll have a look for you.
      “So, this doctor got someone to come over and we sat in my kitchen for two hours – and I wasn’t one for inviting people into my house for private space and all that – so then when I went into work the next day, I went to the doctor and said that he was amazing.
      “He said that he wasn’t a sports psychologist, I don’t know what he did, but that two-hour conversation made things change. 
      “The reason these people were having a go at me was that I wasn’t being the professional I could have been.
      “So when they were calling me ‘Calamity James’, saying I was addicted to Xbox, and that I couldn’t catch a cold, it was a case of ‘I know I can’, but why am I not doing that?”
      Since retiring in 2015, James has gone on to appear on Strictly Come Dancing and feature in Soccer Aid.
      James pictured lining up for England in 2008Credit: PA:Press Association
      James left Liverpool for Aston Villa in 1999Credit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Current Premier League stadium looks completely unrecognisable after 7,000 TONNES of dirt is dumped on the pitch

      by

      A CURRENT Premier League stadium looks completely unrecognisable after having 7,000 tonnes of dirt dumped on the pitch.The ground has been transformed into a bike arena ahead of hosting the World Supercross Championship on July 1.
      7,000 tonnes of dirt have been dumped on the Villa Park pitch
      Villa Park has been converted for the World Supercross Championship
      Aston Villa’s home of Villa Park will play host to the event, which will see 40 of the world’s best racers compete for a £197,000 prize purse.
      Brits Max Anstie, who finished second in the world last year, and Dean Wilson are amongst those competing.
      The event will form part of the British Grand Prix, with motorsport fans given the chance to see racers jump as high as 40ft in the air.
      As part of the process of transforming the pitch, 350 trucks were used to load 7,000 tonnes of dirt onto the Villa Park surface.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It will be the first time in the club’s 149-year history that Villa Park has been used for a supercross event.
      Villa Park was announced as the event’s host in December, with club director Nicola Ibbetson saying at the time: “We’re proud to be hosting the WSX British Grand Prix as this exciting sport expands across the globe.
      “Alongside welcoming P!nk and Bruce Springsteen next summer, Villa Park is establishing itself as the perfect venue for a unique range of major events.”
      Plans are in place for the surface to be converted back into a football pitch in time for Villa’s first home match of the season.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      Villa Park looks completely unrecognisable
      Villa Park will host the event on July 1
      Unai Emery’s side are set to host Everton on matchday two of the new Premier League campaign.
      However, their pre-season friendly against Lazio will instead take place at nearby Walsall’s Poundland Bescot Stadium.
      Villa Park’s transformation comes after the London Stadium was also converted to host a different sport.
      West Ham United’s pitch was converted into a baseball field for the MLB London Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs earlier this month.
      Aston Villa will host a supercross event for the first time in their historyCredit: Getty
      Villa Park will be converted back to normal ahead of the new seasonCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Best Champagne’ in the Premier League revealed as sacked chief hopes for European reunion with new club

      by

      SACKED Leeds chief Victor Orta hopes to draw Newcastle in the Champions League with Sevilla next season… because the Magpies have the best champagne.Orta joined the Spanish side as director of football after being axed by the Whites in May following a string of transfer gaffes.
      Victor Orta hopes Sevilla draw Newcastle in the Champions LeagueCredit: AFP
      He has replaced Aston Villa-bound Monchi.
      Sevilla are in pot one for the upcoming season’s Champions League draw, which takes place in August, due to them winning the Europa League.
      They could face Newcastle, who are in pot four following a 20-year absence from the competition.
      Orta spoke to Newcastle’s transfer chief Dan Ashworth over Zoom at the Sports Data Forum.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He admitted he wants the Toon to end their 54-year trophy drought.
      He said: “Dan, I have two wishes for you. One, we cross paths in the Champions League because the suite of your chairman has the best champagne in England by far.
      “I want to come back.
      “Secondly, last year was the Carabao Cup final (defeat against Manchester United). This year, I hope there’s a trophy for Newcastle because you deserve it.” 
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Orta worked at Leeds for six years, helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa.
      He was slammed by fans after sacking the popular Argentine and bringing in the likes of Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia.
      Orta signed the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Dan James and Georgino Rutter for big money, all of whom struggled to make an impact at Elland Road.
      The 44-year-old returns to Sevilla, where he worked as a technical director from 2006 to 2013. More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Why Bayern Munich are convinced they will sign Harry Kane as they line up stunning £80m transfer bid for Tottenham star

      by

      BAYERN MUNICH are convinced they will sign Harry Kane, according to reports.Kane has reportedly agreed personal terms with the German giants ahead of a potential blockbuster move.
      Bayern Munich are confident they can sign Harry KaneCredit: AFP
      Bayern would provide a chance for Kane to finally win silverwareCredit: Reuters
      Thomas Tuchel is keen to bring Kane to the BundesligaCredit: Getty
      Now Bayern are ready to test Tottenham’s resolve with an £80million bid after seeing a previous offer rejected.
      SunSport understands Daniel Levy will remain stubborn in negotiations but that has not deterred Bayern’s advances.
      And according to German journalist Christian Falk the Bundesliga champions are confident of striking a deal due to an alleged agreement Kane has with Levy.
      Bayern are even said to be prepared to wait until when next summer when Kane will be out of contract and available on a free transfer.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Falk, who writes for Bild, told BBC 5 Live: “Thomas Tuchel is working like a manager in England so can decide who is coming and who is not and there have been talks with Kane’s family.
      “Bayern Munich would not have made an offer if they weren’t sure that Harry Kane would go. First step was clearing the detail with Kane’s family and then making the offer.

      “The point is that Bayern are in another league. Kane has a gentleman’s agreement with Daniel Levy that he is allowed to go to another league if there is another offer that he is really interested in.
      “Now, yes, Harry Kane wants the move because you know the thing about Tottenham and titles. If you go to Bayern Munich, it’s a title guaranteed and this is the main interest for Kane at the moment.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      “If he won’t move this summer, then they will wait. Tottenham have to decide if they want to get €80m, or even €90m, but next year there is no money for Harry Kane.”
      Privately, Levy has not given up hope of convincing Kane to pen a new deal in North London.
      And the club insist no bid has been lodged for their star man.
      Real Madrid had been keen but have reportedly cooled their interest.
      Manchester United have also been linked with Kane but didn’t hold out much hope that the signing was possible. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Robin Van Persie reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson called two stars who went out partying ‘a***holes’ after a loss to City

      by

      SIR ALEX FERGUSON hammered ‘a***hole’ stars in front of their teammates for partying after a derby defeat, Robin van Persie once revealed.A 2-1 loss to Manchester City still left the Red Devils 12 points clear as they raced to the Premier League title – but Fergie was fuming.
      Van Persie helped Ferguson win the title during his final seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Two first-team players were humiliated in front of the dressing room for partying the night of the defeat with photographs of their exploits plastered over the walls.
      Van Persie told SoFoot: “During my first season with United we were 15 points clear at the top. We hosted Manchester City hoping to wrap up the title.
      “We lost, but were still 12 points clear. Most managers wouldn’t have made a drama out of the situation.
      “But the boss got really fired up. Things got extremely heated, as two of the squad had gone out after the defeat.
      “The day after the game Sir Alex had photos put up on the dressing room wall of the two players taken during their night out.
      “He told the entire squad: ‘Boys, if we don’t win the league it’s because of these two a***holes who opted to go out’.
      “I know the names, but can’t reveal them. The manager slaughtered them. It was amazing. He’d put up photos documenting where they were, at 2am, 3am, 4am etc, to underline just how stupid they had been.
      “He didn’t stop there, but warned us that if he heard of any of us going out before we’d won the league we’d be out of the team.
      most read in football
      “He was merciless, saying: ‘I don’t care who you are or how many trophies you’ve won – if you go out before the end of the season I’ll sell you’.
      “After that speech, I had the two hardest training sessions I’ve ever had in my life. We went on to win the title. A manager has to know when to be tough, and when to take the pressure off.”
      United nonetheless crawled over the line to seal the title in Ferguson’s final weeks in charge of the team, winning three of his last nine games as boss.
      Robin van Persie criticises Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for smiling and being too nice More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd suffer fresh transfer blow as star SNUBS them for Champions League giants despite club planning improved bid

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED transfer target Kim Min-jae is on the verge of joining Bayern Munich, according to reports.The Red Devils had been pushing to sign the 26-year-old defender since the transfer window opened.
      Kim is on the verge of joining Man UtdCredit: Getty
      They came close to sealing a deal last month, but Bayern swooped in to hijack talks.
      And according to German football reporter Florian Plettenberg, the Bundesliga giants are on the verge of an agreement with Napoli.
      Bayern Munich are prepared to trigger Kim’s £43m release clause.
      The defender is expected to pen a five-year deal worth around £10m-a-year.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Man Utd had planned to improve their bid, but Kim made the decision to join Bayern earlier this month.
      The Red Devils are now assessing alternative defensive options.
      Axel Disasi, a highly rated French international, has emerged as a potential target.
      The 25-year-old has made 129 appearances for Monaco since joining from Reims in 2020, scoring 12 goals.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      Jean-Clair Todibo, 23, is another alternative.
      The Frenchman has enjoyed a varied career despite his age, having joined Barcelona as a youngster in 2019.
      Following loans to Schalke and Benfica, he signed for Nice in 2021 and has since made 103 appearances for the club. More