More stories

  • in

    Which Dream Team assets have created the most chances in the Premier League this season?

    DREAM TEAM gaffers have a lot to contemplate when mulling over potential transfers.One specific aspect to consider is chance creation.
    Players who create lots of chances tend to register plenty of assists and earn regular 7+ ratings – and sometimes creativity alone is enough to win a Star Man award.
    With that in mind, let’s take a look at which individuals have created the most chances for their team-mates in the Premier League so far this season.
    No prizes for guessing who leads the wayCredit: GETTY
    PREMIER LEAGUE CHANCES CREATED:

    Kevin De Bruyne (£7m) – 73
    Kieran Trippier (£6.6m) – 70
    Bruno Fernandes (£6m) – 66
    Andreas Pereira (£2.9m) – 53
    Martin Odegaard (£3.2m) – 51
    Bukayo Saka (£4.5m) – 50
    James Ward-Prowse (£3.5m) – 49
    Pascal Gross (£2.9m) – 45
    Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5m) – 41
    Harry Kane (£8m) – 41

    It’s no surprise to see Manchester City’s playmaker-in-chief at the top of pile.
    De Bruyne is known for his fizzed crosses and clever throughballs and given he’s got 12 league assists to his name this term (four more than his closest rival) it makes sense that he’s the league’s leading creator in every possible sense.
    Many Dream Team bosses will have been wondering exactly why Newcastle’s right-back has been so successful this season and this stat goes a long way to providing an answer.
    Not only is Trippier a mainstay of the league’s best defence – the Magpies have conceded just 15 goals – but he’s a top-tier creative force too.
    Most read in Dream Team
    Trippier’s dual purpose has made him an elite Dream Team asset this season
    Naturally, the England international’s probing set-pieces make up a sizeable chunk of his chances created but that’s all the more reason to stick by him despite a lack of clean sheets in recent fixtures.
    Interestingly, Trippier has generated 7.4 expected assists (xA) in the top flight this season, the second-most among all players, which suggest his team-mates have not made the most of his output as he’s only got four actual assists.
    Manchester United’s Portuguese playmaker completes the podium amid an impressive Dream Team surge.
    Feeding the clinical Marcus Rashford (£6.4m), Fernandes has amassed 75 points across the last five and a half Game Weeks!
    Look at Fulham’s No18 mixing it with the big boys.
    Pereira’s six assists have helped Marco Silva’s side to a position where they are heading into the final third of the campaign thinking not of survival but of European qualification.
    It’s interesting to note that the Brazilian’s chances have been of comparatively low value compared to most the other names on this list – his 53 chances amount to just 3.5xA.
    A smart signing
    By way of a comparison, Arsenal’s captain, the next name down on the list, has generated 5.3xA from two fewer chances.
    The Gunners’ homegrown winger is De Bruyne’s closest rival for the Playmaker of the Season award with eight assists to his name.
    Saka is one of those loveable Dream Team assets who provides more than his fair share in terms of both goals and assists – he’s got 18 goal involvements this term already.
    Liverpool’s right-back is an intriguing inclusion.
    Read More on The Sun
    Fans have become accustomed to Alexander-Arnold’s attacking output in recent years but the general perception is that, like the Reds as a whole, he’s been below par this season.
    The fact that the 24-year-old is still among the league’s top creators, and the second-best in his position, perhaps explains why he’s 12th among Dream Team defenders despite Liverpool’s problems. More

  • in

    Ex-Premier League cult hero looks unrecognisable as he becomes huge pundit in France… but can you guess who it is?

    THIS Newcastle cult hero looks unrecognisable over a decade on from his playing days in the Premier League.The 45-year-old introduced himself to English football in 2007 after being a rampaging success at Strasbourg and Marseille.
    The ex-Newcastle ace can be seen as a pundit in FranceCredit: AFP
    He joined the Toon for £2million in the closing minutes of the summer transfer window, penning a three-year deal.
    Newcastle manager at the time, Sam Allardyce, called the acquisition of the right-back a “bargain”.
    The Senegal ace was also named Newcastle Player of the Season based on fan votes in 2008.
    However, his time at St James’ Park came to an end in 2009, following Newcastle’s relegation, with the player leaving the club in order to save his career.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    After making 54 appearances in two years, the defender joined Aston Villa.
    But his bid to revive his career at Villa Park was unsuccessful.
    He made just 18 appearances for Villa and found it hard to break into the first-team.
    In fact, his spell at Villa was so bad that in 2011 he went on loan to Doncaster Rovers.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    And in February 2012, his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.
    With his new free agent status, he joined Doncaster on an 18-month contract.

    However, Doncaster turned out to be the final club of his career, retiring in 2012.
    The mystery footballer can be revealed as Habib Beye.
    After retiring, Beye has tried his hand in management and punditry.
    Beye, now rocking short hair and a grey beard, can be seen on Canal+.
    The charming 35-capped Senegal icon is also the current manager of Red Star Football Club.
    Red Star play in the French third tier, the Championnat National.
    Habib Beye joined Newcastle from Marseille in 2007Credit: PA:Press Association
    Beye also manages Red Star in FranceCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

  • in

    Which Premier League manager are you most like at work? Take the quiz to find out if you’re more Guardiola or Ferguson

    A NEW quiz will reveal which Premier League manager you’re most like at work.Whether you favour Sir Alex Ferguson’s “hairdryer treatment” or Pep Guardiola’s tactical nous, this quiz will reveal which legendary gaffer you resemble in the office.
    This quiz will reveal which Premier League manager you’re like at work
    Many bosses fancy themselves more Pep Guardiola than David Brent, a new survey has revealedCredit: Getty
    86 per cent of bosses say they have adopted tactics like Alex Ferguson’s ‘hairdryer treatment’ from Prem gaffersCredit: Getty
    Commissioned by CopyBet.com, the quiz polled 1,750 workplace managers with a love of football.
    It found that 86 per cent of bosses think they have adopted traits from Premier League managers.
    Such behaviours include passionate team talks, exuberant celebrations, and calls for decisions to be overturned.
    A CopyBet spokesperson said: “It is exciting to see so many people taking inspiration from the world of football management and putting it into practice at their workplace.
    Read More Football
    “This was a fun exercise to see what actions bosses have taken to make themselves better managers in order to improve their workplace performance, whether that’s delivering objectives, boosting team morale, or building relationships.”
    It also emerged Jurgen Klopp is the current gaffer those polled feel most resembles their approach to management – followed by Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.
    Most read in The Sun
    Of managers gone by, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are the former leaders who still have the most impact on bosses today.
    Methods likely used by these legends of the game and adopted by many respondents in their own workplace include giving the ‘hairdryer treatment’ – and wearing tracksuits to work.
    Some have arranged for senior staff to attend training with younger members of the staff – the equivalent of senior players being forced to train with the youth side after a misdemeanour.
    Many have some sense of what transfer deadline day is like – including losing star employees to another employer or identifying staff they’d like bring into their own workplace.
    And others have even been warned about their future conduct or got into a spat with rival manager.
    Of those who’ve employed methods used by football managers, 87 per cent believe their leadership skills have improved as a result and 88 per cent think they’ve become better communicators.
    Almost half (45 per cent) opted to embrace such techniques in the hope of achieving team objectives, while 42 per cent wanted to improve team spirit.
    However, 36 per cent simply want to create a bit of fun in the workplace.
    And they seem to have been largely successful, as 53 per cent claimed employee motivation improved and 45 per cent believe their team found their methods inspirational.
    Carried out through OnePoll, the study found 62 per cent claim there’s not much difference between managing staff and a team of football players.
    Two in five believe they have all the attributes needed to become a top football manager, with 37 per cent claiming such a role would be “easy.”
    Read More on The Sun
    The spokesperson for CopyBet.com added: “It goes to show just how much influence football has on our everyday lives, including in the workplace.
    “Bosses have adopted traits from some of the best managers in the history of football and continue to take inspiration from the current crop.”
    Which football gaffer is your boss like?These are the top ten football managers UK bosses claim to be like:
    1.    Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
    2.    Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
    3.    Jose Mourinho (Roma)
    4.    Erik ten Hag (Manchester United)
    5.    Antonio Conte (Tottenham)
    6.    Eddie Howe (Newcastle)
    7.    Gareth Southgate (England)
    8.    Frank Lampard (currently available)
    9.    Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
    10.   Zinedine Zidane (ex Real Madrid)

    You might be your office’s Special OneCredit: Getty
    Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp is the manager whom most UK bosses identify withCredit: AFP More

  • in

    ‘You obviously aren’t interested in my problems!’ – Watch Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp bizarrely rage at Spanish reporter

    LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp snapped at a Spanish reporter for asking if he would give Real Madrid legend, Luka Modric, a new contract.The German was asked the question following Liverpool’s 5-2 Champions League round of 16 defeat to the Spanish and European champions.
    Jurgen Klopp snapped at a Spanish reporter for asking about Luka ModricCredit: Rex
    Modric is out of contract this summer and the reporter asked Klopp whetherCredit: Getty
    Liverpool raced into a two-goal lead thanks to Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah.
    However, they went in at the half-time break level, with Real star Vinicius Jr bagging a brace.
    Real came out for the second half and ran riot, scoring a further three goals through Eder Militao and Karim Benzema.
    Despite not scoring, Modric ran the midfield at the age of 37, drawing praise for schooling 18-year-old Reds breakthrough prospect, Stefan Bajcetic.
    READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWS
    And with the Croatia and Real icon out of contract this summer, a Spanish reporter decided to ask Liverpool manager Klopp whether he’d extend Modric’s stay at the Bernabeu.
    However, Klopp was far from amused, and snapped at the reporter, declaring it’s “not one of my problems”.

    Klopp replied: “Oh god.
    “You obviously are not too much interested in my problems, so this is not one of my problems.”
    Most read in Champions League
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    He continued: “Yeah, fantastic player and I’m pretty sure Carlo [Ancelotti] and Real Madrid will do the right thing for the right player.”
    Klopp then quipped: “Please ask me more questions about Real Madrid players.” More

  • in

    Man Utd’s Jude Bellingham transfer back ON as they join three rivals in race for hottest prospect in football

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S move for Jude Bellingham is back on.That’s after joining three rivals in the race for England’s midfield superstar.
    Man Utd are back in the hunt for Borussia Dortmund star Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
    Bellingham, 19, is the hottest property in football right now after becoming a key man for club and country.
    The midfielder has clocked up 10 goals for Borussia Dortmund this season and also set the World Cup alight with some huge performances under Gareth Southgate.
    It now looks certain Bellingham will depart Germany for a new challenge after three years in the Bundesliga.
    And the Athletic claims United have emerged as a potential destination for the box-to-box star.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    The Red Devils are enjoying a fine resurgence with Erik ten Hag at the helm.
    And they could soon have plenty of cash to spend ahead of a potential takeover by mega-rich Qataris.
    That has opened the door to a possible £132million move for Bellingham, which would make the teenager the most expensive signing in Premier League history.
    However, United currently lag behind several other sides.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    It’s reckoned Liverpool are favourites despite having a shocking season under Jurgen Klopp.
    Bellingham is a huge admirer of the German and has not been put off by their dip in form.

    Sources close to negotiations claim it’s “Liverpool’s deal to lose”, but it remains to be seen whether the Reds can stump up the cash as owners FSG look for new investors.
    Meanwhile, Real Madrid are keen after holding talks with Bellingham’s representatives.
    They would love to create a new midfield three also involving Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.
    But Real do not currently have the funds to match bids from the Premier League.
    They already acknowledge Bellingham is likely to return to England.
    And they are also prioritising a new forward to replace ageing hitman Karim Benzema.
    Finally, Manchester City remain interested despite their Financial Fair Play battle.
    Read More on The Sun
    Ilkay Gundogan could be off when his contract expires, and Bellingham is also close pals with striker Erling Haaland.
    But the final say will come down to Pep Guardiola, with City always ready to back their man if he deems a player absolutely necessary. More

  • in

    Marcel Sabitzer hints at permanent Man Utd transfer stay at end of season as Bayern Munich make their demands

    MANCHESTER UNITED could sign Marcel Sabitzer on a permanent basis in the summer, according to his agent.The midfielder arrived in an emergency loan deal in January to replace the injured Christian Eriksen.
    Marcel Sabitzer could stay at Manchester United beyond his loanCredit: Rex
    He was thrown straight into the United team and appears to be enjoying life at Old Trafford.
    And according to his agent there is a chance he could sign a permanent deal in the summer.
    He told German outlet Sport1 that they “will see what happens” when the transfer window re-opens.
    But with Bayern Munich believed to be open to a sale it is possible Sabitzer will remain at United.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    He signed for the German champions in 2021 but has struggled to nail down a first-team place.
    Bayern have reportedly set an asking price of £18million for the midfielder but would be willing to negotiate that fee.
    Sabitzer also refused to rule out a permanent switch after revealing he liked the atmosphere at the club.
    He said: “It’s a loan at the moment, that’s all I can say.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “I like it here. I’m feeling very good here. I like the team, I like the club, the atmosphere in Old Trafford.
    “We will see what happens in the summer.” More

  • in

    Arsenal legend Thierry Henry threatens to walk out of CBS Studio live on air after Jamie Carragher question

    ARSENAL icon Thierry Henry almost walked out of the CBS studio after being asked whether he would have played for Tottenham.The Gunners’ all-time top scorer, 45, was sat alongside fellow former players Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards when presenter Kate Abdo asked if they would have played for their rivals for three times the money.
    Thierry Henry was left visibly disgusted by the thought of playing for SpursCredit: CBS
    He even jokingly went to walk out of the studioCredit: CBS
    Carragher refused to ever feature for Everton or Man Utd, while Richards jokingly said he would have taken the offer.
    But it was Henry’s answer that attracted the most interest.
    And he even hinted that one of Arsenal’s rivals came in for him during his career.
    CBS host Abdo asked Henry: “Could you have played for Spurs?”
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    To which the Arsenal man replied: “Please, I’m leaving. What the heck? I had the opportunity [to play for a rival] and I declined”.
    An inquisitive Carragher then pressed him on his response, asking: “Spurs came in for you?”
    Henry said “no”, before Carragher continued: “Who came in for you? Man Utd?”
    The Arsenal hero, who also played for Monaco, Juventus, Barcelona and New York Red Bulls, then shut down the speculation.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    He concluded: “You can say whatever, I won’t say. I’ll say no all the way”.
    After winning Ligue 1 with Monaco, Henry joined Arsenal in 1999 and went on to score 226 goals in 369 games, claiming two Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
    He then joined Barcelona in 2007 and lifted two LaLiga titles as well as the Champions League.

    A lengthy stint at New York Red Bulls brought the curtain down on his career, but not before one short loan spell back at Arsenal where he added two more goals to bring his tally for the Gunners to 228.
    Henry also earned 123 caps for France, scoring 51 goals as he helped his country win the 1998 World Cup and European Championships two years later. More

  • in

    Arsenal to battle Newcastle and two other top clubs in Ivan Fresneda transfer race with 18-year-old starring in Spain

    ARSENAL are set to battle Newcastle and two other European rivals in the race to sign Ivan Fresneda, reports say. The right-back has emerged as one of the top talents in LaLiga this season, with 12 appearances for Real Valladolid.
    Arsenal and Newcastle are linked with Ivan FresnedaCredit: Getty
    According to the Evening Standard, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus have joined Premier League pair Arsenal and Newcastle in the transfer race.
    It is claimed the Gunners have been scouting Fresneda for some time and will continue to monitor him for the remainder of the season.
    The 18-year-old was the subject to heavy interest in January from clubs around Europe but eventually he decided to stay at Valladolid.
    Fresneda is now expected to sit down with his representatives at the end of the campaign and assess his options.
    READ MORE IN football
    He has a release clause of £26.5million in his contract and Valladolid hope to spark a bidding war to get close to that amount.
    Arsenal are looking to recruit young talent, with Fresneda fitting the mould.
    That is despite signing Leandro Trossard, 28, and Jorginho, 31, in the winter window to boost their squad depth.
    Mikel Arteta has Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu as his right-back options currently.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    But Fresneda is touted as one of the most promising players in Europe, having also played for Spain at youth level.
    Manchester United have also been linked with the teen defender in the past.
    But Erik ten Hag looks to have settled with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 25, and Diogo Dalot, 23, in that position.
    Erik ten Hag looks to have settled with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo DalotCredit: AFP More