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      Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to Sheff Utd and Greece great George Baldock

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      IT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis retired from international duty after 101 caps and a scintillating service after Giourkas Seitaridis helped us do the unthinkable and win Euro 2004.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up but unfortunately none of them could fill those big boots.George Baldock leaves a legacy behind after stunning displays for Sheffield United and GreeceCredit: APBaldock became Greece’s starting right-back upon his arrival in 2022Credit: GettyBaldock put together an amazing performance against France star Kylian Mbappe despite being injuredCredit: GettyBaldock’s last ever match was an impressive display with Panathinaikos before his tragic deathCredit: RexBut soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage that plays as a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Ethniki through his Greek grandmother.And what a season he was having, the right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.And Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played, which was the joint highest return along a select few – only seven of which were outfield players, such as Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.Read More on FootballThe defender was fully keen to make the big step to the international stage with the country of his grandmother’s homeland and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork hell stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming COVID-19 and Brexit slowed things down.But finally, Greece got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Most read in FootballPerhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Greece boss Poyet reveals Sheff Utd ace Baldock played through ‘unimaginable’ injury when he silenced France’s MbappeThe Tottenham hero reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”A loyal soldierIt’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock has been to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.And he served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tagic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.George Baldock career statsGeorge Baldock has tragically died aged 312009-2017 – MK Dons 125 games (2 goals)2011 – Tamworth (loan) 3 (0)2012 – IBV (loan) 18 (1)2012 – Tamworth (loan) 15 (1)2015-16 – Oxford United (loan) 47 (3)2017-2024 – Sheffield United 219 (6)2024 – Panathinaikos 4 (0) More

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      Ecstatic Arsenal fans say ‘my captain is BACK’ as Martin Odegaard shares workout video in huge boost following injury

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      MARTIN ODEGAARD has got Arsenal fans dreaming after sharing footage of himself working out as he steps up his injury recovery.The Gunners captain, 25, has been out since suffering an ankle injury on international duty last month.Martin Odegaard has been working out on a treadmillCredit: Instagram @odegaard.98The Arsenal skipper has also been doing strengthening exercisesCredit: Instagram @odegaard.98Odegaard, 25, has been out injured since last month’s international breakCredit: Instagram @odegaard.98He has since missed games against Tottenham, Manchester City, Leicester and Southampton – as well as Champions League clashes with Atalanta and Paris Saint-Germain.With several of his team-mates away playing for their countries, Odegaard has been in the gym working out.In his latest Instagram post, the Norwegian shared a video of himself running on a treadmill.His upload also includes further images of him working on strengthening exercises in the gym.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe captioned his post with three emojis; a graph, an egg-timer and “soon”.Odegaard’s post quickly received thousands of likes.And several fans rushed to leave a comment.One wrote: “We need you captain!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOdegaard is eager to get back out on to the pitchCredit: Instagram @odegaard.98While a second gushed: “My captain is back.”A third swooned: “Premier League ain’t ready for Martin Odegaard regen.”Arsenal fans raging as ‘smug’ Norway boss ‘cracks joke’ about Martin Odegaard’s devastating injury on live TVAnd another added: “Can’t wait to see you back on the pitch.”A fortnight ago, Odegaard lifted the lid on the exact nature of his injury.He told Arsenal media: “It was a bad twist to my ankle, and I damaged some ligaments there, but it’s part of football and now I’m just trying to recover as quickly as I can.”I’m moving forward, making progress and I’m feeling more positive every day.”I’m working hard and my only thought is to get back as soon as possible.”I’m at the Sobha Realty Training Centre basically every day now, working hard and doing everything I can do to get better.’UNFORTUNATE'”I have to be careful not to push it too much, but at the same time do what I can to make sure I come back as strongly and quickly as possible.”I’m trying to support the team in a different way now, if I can’t be on the pitch. That’s my situation, and I have to make the best out of it.”It’s something I’m not used to. I’ve been quite fortunate, if that’s the word, or have done well to avoid injuries in the past, but this is football and I have to get on with it.”I think it was unfortunate to get the injury in the way that I did, but also it could have been worse.”It was not a nice twist, and when it happened I felt it could be serious.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve injured my ankle before and the pain felt a bit different this time.”Arsenal will return to action after the international break with a trip to Bournemouth.The Norwegian watched his team-mates against Southampton at the Emirates on SaturdayCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea legend reveals boozy Christmas party tactic that stopped him ‘being in a coma for seven days’

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      CHELSEA legend Gus Poyet has recalled the sneaky Christmas party tractic he used to avoid drinking too much booze.The former Blues star jokingly explained how he cleverly avoided “being placed in a coma for seven days” during Chelsea nights out.Gus Poyet recalled his brilliant party trick to avoid getting too drunk at ChelseaPoyet reckons he mastered the practice of safe drinking during his five years in West London between 1997 and 2001.In fact, the Uruguayan finally held his hands up to admit that he would turn up hours late to avoid a deadly hangover.Poyet told The Times:”For Christmas nights out in London the players would get together at two o’clock, so I would get there at seven. “If I start at two — I’m not going to name names but the way some could drink was unbelievable. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”And the next day, they train — no problem. Me, I would be in a coma for seven days.”When asked about his social life at Chelsea, he said: “Top. But the drinking culture — I was shocked. I remember being injured, my first night out.”They gave me a beer and I’m holding it, I don’t know if I’m going to drink. And then they bring me another one and put it in my other hand.”I adapted. I knew you have to give something of yourself and even if I wasn’t a big drinker I needed to be present. Part of the team.Most read in FootballPoyet won the FA Cup and the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup during his stint at Chelsea – with Dennis Wise and Roberto Di MatteoFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So I never missed a night out, but did it my way.” When asked about the football, Poyet said: “It was physical. I liked it. Away from home, north, it was always tough. Leeds!Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror show”A typical question they ask me everywhere in the world is: ‘who was the toughest player you play against?’ “Well, every time you were facing Roy Keane you needed to be prepared. Because you knew he was coming.”Poyet scored 49 goals in 145 Chelsea midfield appearances after joining as a free agent.He joined Tottenham in May 2021 for around £2.2m and scored 14 goals in his debut season, helping Spurs reach the League Cup final where they lost 2-1 to Blackburn.His time at Spurs was blighted by injuries after he sustained cruciate ligament damage for the second time in his career in August 2002.After hanging up his boots in 2004, Poyet began his coaching career as assistant coach of Swindon Town.He later managed Brighton, Sunderland, AEK Athens and the Greece national team until his contract ended in March this year. More

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      Premier League icon names surprise EFL star who could be key to shutting down Jude Bellingham in England vs Greece

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      NEWCASTLE cult hero Nikos Dabizas has named a surprise Championship star as the best man to keep England superstar Jude Bellingham quiet when Greece visit Wembley.The Three Lions return to international duty on Thursday to welcome their Nations League group leaders after both sides kicked their campaign off with victories over Republic of Ireland and Finland.Jude Bellingham may start for the first time under England interim boss Lee Carsley against GreeceCredit: ReutersGreece legend Nikos Dabizas believes Cardiff star Manolis Siopis could keep Jude Bellingham quietCredit: GettyDabizas, though, insists Siopis will need help from all of his Greece team-mates to stop BellinghamCredit: SportsfileBellingham, 21, is set to play under interim manager Lee Carsley for the first time since Gareth Southgate’s dismissal as he missed last month’s international break due to a foot injury.The superstar midfielder is expected to start under Carsley, which means Greece manager Ivan Jovanovic will have his hands full in his first big match in charge since taking over in August.However, Dabizas, 51, believes Cardiff ace Manolis Siopis could be the one to stop the Real Madrid star for the Greeks, who have never beaten England in all of their nine matches – losing seven.The Euro 2004 legend claims Siopis, 30, who helped Trabzonspor win their first title in 28 years two seasons ago, could thrive in this unenviable task thanks to his speed, power and stamina.Read More on FootballHowever, the former defender insists Jovanovic shouldn’t rely only on the defensive midfielder to neutralise Bellingham, who registered a staggering 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games last season with Real.Dabizas exclusively told SunSport: “In terms of direct marking, Manolis Siopis is a footballer who has the necessary combo of speed and power as well as stamina so that for a long period of time in the game to be pressing in his marking [against Bellingham]. “But under no circumstance should we opt for a game of individual marking. That [marking] should be based on teamwork that could create a situation of “delivery-receipt” when a player arrives in your area so that you can face him in your individual marking. “From then on when the opponent moves in a different area then the player who is responsible for that area can take him on. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I believe the three central midfielders will be able to give us that necessary cohesion and with the characteristics that they will have be able to create that concrete midfield both inside and outside our area where most of the game will be played. “But I believe Manolis Siopis can serve very well that part of direct marking in midfield. And it depends of course on what kind of formation Bellingham will be placed on by Carsley because, as we said, he didn’t have him in the previous games. Jude Bellingham follows Cristiano Ronaldo in launching YouTube channel with behind-the-scenes footage of England star”Maybe he will use him in a role on the wings. There’s also Cole Palmer who is doing great things with Chelsea and I believe he will start. He’s taken [Phil] Foden’s place. I believe he will start with Palmer. “The only thing left is to see how he handles [Kobbie] Mainoo’s absence. It’s a puzzle you need to turn around and fill up with the characteristics of the players he has at his disposal. “And what kind of strategy he will choose. But I believe it is very important to have a concrete midfield in the game with England.”Dabizas insists this is going to be a very tough game for Greece, who haven’t qualified for a major tournament in ten years.However, the ex-Leicester ace suggested his country could upset England with the right level of ball possession and adequate transition.Dabizas added: “I believe, first of all, the level of our ball possession will be a very basic criterion in regards to how the game will develop. The higher level of possession we have the better we will be able to absorb pressure from England. “That is the key point. To be able to have high possession percentages so that we can create the necessary conditions in transition as well, because I think it will be difficult to go to game management in a possession-based match with high percentages from our side, and certainly a lot will depend on transition. READ MORE SUN STORIES”That is why I say again, the players’ characteristics are very important so that they can maximise the specific conditions we will have to face in that match.”Ball possession and adequate transition so that we can create conditions to threaten England’s national team.” More

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      Chelsea set to get second shot at Osimhen transfer in January for £40m discount with advantage due to special clause

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      CHELSEA could be set for a second chance at signing Victor Osimhen in January, according to reports.The Blues were strongly linked with a move for the striker throughout the summer.Victor Osimhen is reportedly interested in finally joining Chelsea in JanuaryCredit: RexHowever, they ultimately missed out on a deal after Al-Ahli agreed a fee with Napoli on Deadline Day.The Saudi Pro League side then opted to sign Ivan Toney instead, leaving Osimhen in limbo.He later joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan, with his £109million release clause expiring in the process.According to Corrierre dello Sport, Osimhen remains interested in joining Chelsea when the window re-opens in January.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is even considering the possibility of moving to West London if given the chance.The report adds that Galatasaray are also keen to make his loan permanent, with a £68million release clause becoming active in the New Year.That clause will then drop to £63million next summer once he returns to Napoli.In a further boost to the Blues, the January release clause is not valid to clubs in Serie A.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOsimhen has already scored two goals and provided four assists in four appearances since moving to Turkey.Meanwhile, he has less than two years remaining on his deal with Napoli, which expires in the summer of 2026.Chaos as Victor Osimhen is greeted by flare-wielding Galatasaray fans as he leads them in chant at 4am after transferChelsea would add to their already impressive attacking options at Stamford Bridge by signing Osimhen.Enzo Maresca can currently call upon Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and youngster Marc Guiu to lead the line.Nkunku and Jackson alone have scored 11 goals between them so far this season.The Blues sit fourth in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Liverpool and unbeaten in their last six league matches.Osimhen has scored twice in four appearances since joining Galatasaray on loanCredit: Getty More

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      Brighton star Julio Enciso faints on plane on way to international duty as passenger comes to his rescue

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      BRIGHTON star Julio Enciso has revealed that he fainted on the plane while travelling to international duty.The Paraguayan, 20, claimed he “almost died” – before being helped out by a fellow passenger.Julio Enciso was in action for Brighton against Tottenham last SundayCredit: RexEnciso was in action as a 73rd minute substitute during Brighton’s 3-2 win over Tottenham last Sunday.He then jetted to South America, where Paraguay are set to battle Ecuador in Quito.On the plane over, Enciso began to feel unwell.Since arriving in Ecuador, he has detailed his flight ordeal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs per Sport Witness, the attacking midfielder said: “My head hurts. I almost died, I fainted on the plane.”I was powerless, I didn’t eat or sleep well. At one point I got up to go to the bathroom and I felt like I was falling.”Enciso went on to reveal what managed to perk him up.He added: “A guy grabbed me and took me to the front; He made me drink coke and a Japanese soup and that did me good.”Most read in FootballThe Brighton ace will hope to feel fully 100 per cent again for his team’s clash with Ecuador tomorrow evening.Paraguay are then set to host Venezuela next Tuesday, in what could be a crucial World Cup qualifier.Former Chelsea manager Potter weighs in on Postecoglou’s ‘shell-shocked’ interview after Brighton’s win over Spurs Despite his youth, Enciso is already a key man for his country.He has already earned 19 caps, having debuted in 2021.Enciso is yet to start a Premier League game for Brighton under boss Fabian HurzelerHis five Prem outings this term have all come from the bench – although he has started League Cup games against Crawley and Wolves.Enciso helped Brighton see out their comeback win over SpursCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd should have conceded MORE this season but there are signs Erik ten Hag’s side can climb the Premier League table

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      MANCHESTER UNITED should count themselves lucky to not have conceded MORE goals this season.The Red Devils have endured their worst ever start to a Prem season – but the stats show that United can climb the table if players put their shooting boots on.Man Utd are fortunate to not have conceded more goals this season, according to the statsBut there are signs the Red Devils can turn around their misfortunesNew data from Soccerment has revealed a mixed bag for United – but Erik ten Hag can draw improvements from their chances created.United have conceded 1.14 goals per game, which is relatively solid, ranking them 7th in the league. But their expected goals against (xGA) per game is 1.81, meaning that they have been somewhat fortunate to not have conceded more.United currently rank 13th in expected goals against.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Red Devils tally of five goals in 2024-25 is their lowest in any Premier League season after seven games.And bear in mind three of those goals came away to Southampton – who have conceded 15 goals in seven games.But United’s misfortune can possibly turn on its head if the Old Trafford forwards start converting more chances.This is because United’s underperformance of expected goals (xG) is the highest of all Prem clubs so far this season.Most read in FootballThe graph shows United’s expected goals for (xG) and against (xGA) per game this seasonCredit: soccermentFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey’ve scored five of their 89 shots this season, with an expected goals figure of 11.1 in those attempts.This means that their chance conversion rate is poor, as they are creating chances but failing to put the ball in the back of the net.’I was unaware,’ says Rio Ferdinand as Man Utd icon gives Phil Jones heartfelt public apology on camera after criticism United’s season has been marked by a notable gap between their potential and actual performance, particularly in offensive efficiency.The Red Devils have managed to score only 0.71 goals per game, placing them 19th in the league.This is significantly lower than their expected goals (xG) per game of 1.53. United had 15 shots in their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.But Ten Hag’s side have only scored ONE goal at Old Trafford this term – Joshua Zirkzee’s 87th minute winner over Fulham on the opening night.The data has been compiled by leading AI football data analytics company Soccerment, who’s revolutionary xvalue.ai platform provides the most in-depth stats, data and analysis for leagues from 20 countries from around the world including the Premier League. More

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      Hugo Viana set for incredible rise from Newcastle flop to Man City chief and could bring pal to replace Pep Guardiola

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      HUGO Viana’s likely move to Manchester City may not be the last time a key figure from Sporting Lisbon ends up at the Etihad.Viana was close friends with Ruben Amorim well before they teamed up at Sporting to transform the club from cash-strapped underachievers to champions on and off the pitch.Hugo Viana has been tipped to take over from Txiki Begiristain at Man CityCredit: GettyThe 41-year-old previously played for NewcastleCredit: GettyCity’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, will step down at the end of the seasonCredit: PASporting’s current sporting director is set to replace Txiki Begiristain in the same role at City in early 2025.And when the time comes for City to find a successor to boss Pep Guardiola, it would be a surprise if they did not take a close look at Amorim – already described by Guardiola as “one of the best” coaches around.What is a shock, for a British audience at least, is the news that Viana has been lined up by City to take on one of the biggest jobs in football.He first hit the headlines in 2002 when Newcastle paid £8.5m to sign him from Sporting, a record fee for a 19-year-old, in the first major English deal involving an agent named Jorge Mendes.Read More in FootballThe midfielder was one of the hottest talents in Europe, after helping Sporting to win the Portuguese league and impressing at the European Under-21 Championship.But although Viana enjoyed the company of mentor Gary Speed, he was unable to oust the Welshman from the central midfield role that he craved.After two seasons spent mainly on the wing and the periphery at St James’ Park, Viana had two loan spells before joining Valencia permanently.After he hit the post with Portugal’s second penalty in the shootout that ended England’s 2006 World Cup at the quarter-final stage, he pretty much disappeared as far as English fans were concerned.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is fair to say that Viana is also regarded as an unfulfilled talent in his homeland, despite an impressive spell with Braga later in his career.But it was in his final season at that club that he deepened his friendship with Amorim, having already been in international squads with him.Man City & Premier League BOTH claim victory in landmark court case as legal battle continuesIt would prove to be a key relationship.Viana returned to Sporting as sporting director in 2018 as part of the new regime of president Frederico Varandas.The club was in turmoil. A group of ultras, allegedly furious at Sporting’s 2017/18 campaign, had invaded the training ground and attacked players and staff. Bruno Fernandes was among nine stars to try to tear up their contracts, although he later signed a new deal.It took time for Viana to find his feet. He and Varandas went through three permanent head coaches as things on the pitch took time to improve.In January 2020, Sporting sold best player Fernandes to Manchester United for an initial £47m. Weeks later the club spent £8.65m –  the third highest fee ever for a manager – to poach Amorim from Braga.Most people Viana and Varandas were mad to invest so much hope and money in the unproven coach, not least because of his playing history with fierce rivals Benfica.But it proved to be an inspired gamble.Incredible successIn Amorim’s first full season, 2020/21, Sporting claimed their first league title since the one Viana had won as a player 19 years before.A second Portuguese championship followed last season, and Sporting are also winners off the pitch.Transfermarkt values the current squad at £370m, more than double what it was when Viana joined.Yet in that time, Sporting have brought in more than £650m from player sales and loans, including big-money sales like Fernandes and fellow Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.Returning to the Champions League has given Sporting the financial stability to hold out for big fees, and Viana always has a succession plan.Ugarte was signed as a replacement for Joao Palhinha, and then sold at a profit to Paris Saint-Germain last year, with Morten Hjulmand arriving as his successor.The job for Viana at City will be different.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the Premier League champions and Begiristain, who has had a key role in identifying and appointing his successor, believe he is up to it.And it is not wild to suggest that Viana and Amorim could be the partnership entrusted with building on the Guardiola/Begiristain legacy. More