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      in Soccer

      Barcelona legend Xavi wants to manage five Premier League teams, including Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea

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      BARCELONA legend Xavi left Liverpool off a list of Premier League giants he would like to manage, preferring rivals such as Manchester United instead.And the Spanish World Cup winner, boss of Qatari side Al Sadd after retiring as a player in 2019, rated Manchester City chief Pep Guardiola as the world’s ‘best coach’.
      Xavi wants to boss a top European club once he has learnt his trade with Al SaddCredit: Reuters
      Xavi, 41, dreams of managing old club Barca but hailed the Premier League’s ‘atmosphere, packed stadiums’ and players as an exciting alternative.
      The ex-midfielder told Sky Sports in 2019: “Obviously if I had to choose, I would choose a big team, City or United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Tottenham.
      “Also, [Jurgen] Klopp and [Mauricio] Pochettino and Unai Emery, many people who have gone there are doing an extraordinary job.”
      The 133-cap icon said of his former Nou Camp chief: “Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the world and I am a novice.
      “The comparison happened as a player but now we can’t be compared. I am in love with Pep Guardiola’s football.
      “You can win playing football in different ways but I like the one of City and Guardiola the most. I follow the Premier League a lot and I like it.
      “He is a brilliant, demanding, passionate, obsessive person, that’s why he’s doing so well.
      “It transmits a lot to the footballer. I learned a lot and enjoyed my time at his side.”
      Xavi won four Champions League titles and LaLiga eight times with Barcelona.
      And he readily admits the Spanish giants would be his first choice once he has served his managerial apprenticeship.
      He said: “I don’t hide it, my goal is to return to Europe and return to Barca.

      “It is my challenge ahead, but I’m still learning in this project and I’m also enjoying it.”
      Xavi led Al Sadd to their second Qatar Stars League glory in three season in 2020-21 but previously snubbed the chance to take over at Barca, suggesting it was too soon.
      But after getting his current team playing tiki-taka football like his playing days in Spain, it might not be too long until he’s back at the Nou Camp…
      Xavi was part of a golden generation even for Barcelona standards – alongside Lionel Messi and under Pep GuardiolaCredit: EPA
      Lionel Messi breaks down in tears and handed tissue by wife Antonela as he insists he’s ‘not ready’ to leave Barcelona More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson believes Anthony Joshua is ‘recipe for disaster’ if he faces Tyson Fury as his punches are obvious

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      MIKE TYSON believes Anthony Joshua’s flaws are a ‘recipe for disaster’ if he is to face off against Tyson Fury.The heavyweight title holders were on the verge of agreeing a mega deal for two unification fights, until Fury was ordered to fight Deontay Wilder for a third time.
      Mike Tyson believes Anthony Joshua ‘telegraphs’ his punchesCredit: Instagram / @miketyson
      Joshua is hoping to agree a deal to fight Tyson Fury this yearCredit: Getty
      While Joshua suffered defeat to Oleksandr Usyk back in September.
      Speaking to Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn on his BBC No Passion, No Point podcast, the American outlined why he thinks Fury would be the favourite.
      Tyson, who returned to the ring in a draw with Roy Jones Jr, said: “It’s very interesting, Joshua is a masterful puncher. But you can see his punches coming, he telegraphs his punches.
      “And that’s just a recipe for disaster if you’re fighting Tyson Fury and you’re telegraphing your punches – to a guy whose 6ft 7in, come on.”

      Mike Tyson returned to the ring to fight Roy Jones Jr in DecemberCredit: Getty
      Fury defeated Wilder in an epic trilogy fight, which Mike Tyson championed before it became a fomality.
      He stated: “I think there are a lot of great heavyweight fighters in the division.
      “Anyone who says that it’s a bad division is just jealous, it’s exciting.
      “Tyson [Fury] can fight Wilder again and I like to see guys fight each other over and over again, if they’re exciting fighters.”
      He added: “[Wilder] did [make mistakes], but if the fans want it, that’s what it’s all about.
      “Tyson Fury is a fan fighter. The fans are in love with him, he has the momentum now.
      “In England, Anthony Joshua is a big thing. But Tyson Fury has got the people now, he’s got the masses. They follow him like he’s a messiah.”

      Mike Tyson wants charity fights with Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder to ‘help so many people’ More

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      in Soccer

      Bruno Fernandes names unknown Francisco Ramos as a player he’d sign for Man Utd.. and snubs Solskjaer as top boss

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      BRUNO FERNANDES named little-known Portuguese midfielder Francisco Ramos as the one player he would love to join him at Manchester United.Fernandes secured his dream move to Old Trafford, joining on a £55million deal in 2020 and has been a revelation since signing.
      Bruno Fernandes named little-known Portuguese midfielder Francisco Ramos as one player he would love to join him at Manchester United
      Fernandes played with Ramos in the Portugal youth team
      He has added goals and assists to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Premier League chasing side.
      But Fernandes revealed his former Portugal youth team-mate Ramos – now playing for C.D. Nacional – is the one player he would add to strengthen United even more.
      He told Carolina Deslandes on Instagram: “It is very difficult to choose, because I have a lot of locker room people who are my friend.
      “Wherever I played? Francisco Ramos.”
      The 27-year-old also said Jorge Jesus, the current Benfica boss, is his most influential manager.
      Jesus spent spent a season with Fernandes at Sporting, having signed him from Sampdoria in 2017, a move that kick-started the playmaker’s career.
      Despite a stuttering start of late with United, the Portuguese international revealed winning the league is his ultimate Old Trafford ambition.

      He said on his targets as a United player: “To be champion of a league. In this case in the Premier League.
      “Of course I would like to win the European or the World Cup.
      “Everyone has ambitions, but mine is to win the Premier League ”
      Jorge Jesus spent spent a season with Fernandes at Sporting, having signed him from Sampdoria in 2017Credit: Getty
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signed Fernandes for £55m More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury once sent Dillian Whyte a ‘concerned text’ and ‘looked after’ rival but was ‘repaid with BS tweets’

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      TYSON FURY sent what he described as a “concerned text” to Dillian Whyte in 2019 – and said he “looked after” his rival only to be “repaid with BS tweets”.Whyte, 33, blasted Fury on Twitter, calling him a “Gypsy Coward” and claimed he left the WBC champion “pathetically sobbing on the canvas” during sparring.
      Tyson Fury is embroiled in a Twitter feud with Dillian Whyte
      This is the text Fury claims he sent to Whyte
      But the Gypsy King, also 33, hit back by posting a text he says he sent Whyte after the heavyweight laboured past Mariusz Wach in Saudi Arabia on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s rematch win against Andy Ruiz Jr.
      Fury tweeted: “This is a text I sent @dillianwhyte back in December after his fight with Wach, I was concerned about him so I reached out to him.
      “And this is how people treat you when your (sic) nice to them!!”
      At the time the Brixton puncher had only just been cleared of any doping charges by United Kingdom Anti Doping, after it was revealed an ‘adverse finding’ emerged in his pre-fight drug test before beating Oscar Rivas last July.
      Whyte lost his position as WBC mandatory with Fury going on to replace him and beat Deontay Wilder for the belt.
      Fury claimed he realised Whyte was frustrated, and texted him encouraging words.
      But the Gypsy King says this is not the first time he has helped out the British heavyweight while he was embroiled in a doping scandal.
      Whyte was in 2012 banned for two years after testing positive for a banned substance, which he later proved came from a tainted supplement.

      Fury claimed he hired the suspended heavyweight as a sparring partner while he was on the sidelines to financially help Whyte out.
      He said: “And by the way when he was out on a ban years ago I kept him going with bringing him in to my camps sparing (sic) and paying him and looking after him like egg in a cake & this is how I’m repaid with BS tweets.
      “There is a saying people take kindness for a weakness. & another men meet before mountains.”
      Whyte responded to Fury’s picture: “Luke the fake professional victim looking for more attention stop running & fight me you coward.”
      Fury claimed he sent words of encouragement to Whyte after he fought Mariusz Wach
      Whyte and Fury are former sparring partners More

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      in Soccer

      Ref Howard Webb desperately wanted Cristiano Ronaldo to MISS penalty for Man Utd after ‘biggest mistake of his career’

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      HOWARD WEBB wanted to see Cristiano Ronaldo miss a penalty for Manchester United – after realising he’d made his biggest-ever mistake.In April 2009, a match between the Red Devils and Tottenham at Old Trafford turned in the home side’s favour after a controversial penalty call.
      Webb faced mass protests from Spurs players after Heurelho Gomes’ challengeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Yorkshire-born official looked on nervously as Ronaldo scored from the spotCredit: AFP – Getty
      With United 2-0 down, Michael Carrick hit the deck after a challenge from Heurelho Gomes and the referee pointed to the spot, only for replays to show the goalkeeper clearly getting the ball.
      And Webb has admitted wanting to see Ronaldo fluff his lines before the forward drilled the ball home to start a dramatic 5-2 comeback win for United.
      He told The Athletic: “The one that stands out is one where in the game I knew I got it wrong.
      “It was a Premier League game at Old Trafford — Manchester United versus Tottenham Hotspur in 2009.
      “I could see Carrick got there first and then the goalkeeper clattered into him. It was really an easy penalty award.
      “I was expecting the usual cursory appeal that you get from the players, not the huge look of absolute astonishment and amazement and incredulousness on the look of Gomes.
      “It was obvious within seconds I’d got the decision wrong. There was something more to this.
      “I was left with the decision I had taken with no independent evidence that I’d got it wrong other than a gut feeling, and I was just hoping that Ronaldo would miss the penalty. But he didn’t.”
      United made it 2-1 with the penalty before notching another four goalsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      I was just hoping that Ronaldo would miss the penalty. But he didn’t.”Howard Webb
      Webb also battled accusations of favouring Sir Alex Ferguson’s United during his esteemed career in the English game.
      And the 50-year-old has previously talked of over confidence in the Spurs match having been “on a high” off the back of his call-up to that year’s FA Cup final.
      Webb would later officiate the 2010 World Cup final where a combative Dutch team lost to Spain, Nigel de Jong memorably avoiding a red card for an outrageous kick on Andres Iniesta.
      But it is the penalty error at Old Trafford that sticks in the referee’s mind more than any other.
      He revealed his reaction to be: “Just ‘Oh s***’, really.
      “You just know. You can tell as a ref. You can see the momentum shift. You can see the way the game is going.
      “At 2-1, you never know. At 2-2, you can see the way this game is going.
      “When [the camera] misses all those players and runs up to you [at full-time], as a ref, it’s not a good feeling.

      “You just know you have a world of pain coming your way.”
      After the game, Ferguson confessed his side’s first goal was “a bit fortunate” while Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was damning in his criticism.
      He declared: “It was a gift which wasn’t deserved. It was a terrible decision.
      “Howard is supposed to be our best ref, but if he’s the best I’d hate to see the worst.”
      A young Cristiano Ronaldo trains with Lisbon More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s ‘Class of 92’ legends pick all-time Premier League dream team, but aren’t allowed any Red Devil stars

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      MAN UNITED’S Class of 92 chose their ultimate Prem dream team — but were left squabbling over the inclusion of City stars.Phil and Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt were tasked with choosing a starting XI from the Premier League era.
      The Class of 92 were not allowed to select United players
      Man United’s Class of 92 selected their Premier League dream teamCredit: Youtube – Super 6
      [embedded content]
      The Red Devils legends opted for a 4-3-3 formation, but there was division among the United men when it came to Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta.
      Man City’s duo were selected in defence, with Scholes making the final decision over Zabaleta.
      Wales manager Giggs said: “Picking a City player, what’s wrong with you?!”
      Arsenal icon Tony Adams was wanted by Butt and Phil Neville but the duo were overruled for Kompany due to the Englishman’s similarities with John Terry, who was a “certainty” at centre-back.
      Adams’ Gunners team-mate David Seaman ended up with the spot between the posts, but the group also considered Chelsea duo Thibaut Courtois and Petr Cech.
      Ashley Cole faced no competition for the left-back slot.
      SILVA vs LAMPARD
      The group were also unanimous for two of the three midfield positions, with Arsenal’s former midfielder Patrick Vieira and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard brought in.
      Three-time Premier League winner David Silva had been selected, but Giggs insisted it “doesn’t look right leaving [Frank] Lampard out”.
      The former Chelsea midfielder completed the group’s three-man midfield.
      In attack, the Prem’s all-time top-scorer Alan Shearer led the line with Thierry Henry to his left and Eden Hazard to the right.
      In a late twist, the five former footballers were given the chance to select one United player.
      Neville and Scholes were considered but the group went for Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in place of Hazard.
      Red Devils legends weren’t allowed to pick United playersCredit: Youtube – Super 6
      The group of five squabbled over including Man City starsCredit: Youtube – Super 6
      Ryan Giggs joked: ‘Picking a City player, what’s wrong with you?’Credit: Youtube – Super 6
      The group’s settled on an impressive starting XICredit: Youtube – Super 6
      Patrick Vieira’s place in the team was a unanimous decisionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Giggs said it felt wrong not to include Chelsea icon Frank LampardCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Prem’s all-time top scorer Alan Shearer went straight in the attackCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sir Alex Ferguson is seen at Salford City for New Year’s Day football with Class of 92 legends More

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      in Boxing

      Best pound-for-pound boxers revealed with Tyson Fury jumping up the list as Usyk leapfrogs Joshua

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      CANELO ALVAREZ will aim to become undisputed super-middleweight world champ when he fights Caleb Plant on November 6.And if he manages to beat the American, you won’t find many arguing against him being the pound-for-pound best.
      Canelo Alvarez is a four-weight world champCredit: Reuters
      The Mexican is already four-weight world champ – you wouldn’t be surprised if he fancies a crack at cruiser or even heavy in the future.
      However, a host of other stars claim to be the king of the ring, especially after the dramatic events in the heavyweight division over the past month.
      Here SunSport gives its pound-for-pound top ten boxers – and it was NOT an easy task.
      10 Artur Beterbiev
      Russian powerhouse Beterbiev cemented his place as the man at 175lbs after stopping Oleksandr Gvozdyk to add the WBC title to his IBF belt and then defending those against Adam Deines.
      The now unified light-heavyweight puncher stayed resilient in the Eastern European affair and kept his 100 per cent KO rate intact.
      A unification clash against WBA ruler Dmitry Bivol has now been mentioned in what would be another clash of two heavy hitters.
      But a potential meeting with Kovalev or even Canelo would do more to enhance Beterbiev’s already scary profile.
      However, it is Marcus Browne up next for him in the ring next month.
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      9 Anthony Joshua
      Joshua makes it into this list for his boxing skillset learned from his amateur days and also his bouncebackability.
      The sport was stunned when Joshua was flattened by the unfancied late stand-in Andy Ruiz Jr – but went back to the drawing board, came back, and scored an easy rematch victory.
      However, he is now on the comeback trail again after he lost his belts and was completely outclassed by Usyk last month.
      Critics will argue that AJ could well be the complete heavyweight, but not pound-for-pound for his transferrable skills.
      But he has never shirked a challenge and the list of his conquests is very impressive – and will get even greater if he is successful in his rematch with Usyk.
      8 Vasiliy Lomachenko
      Leaving the amateur game with a record of 396-1 – with the one loss to Albert Selimov later avenged – the simple question was could the boxing maestro transcend his skill-set to 12 rounds.
      An early loss to Orlando Salido – for the WBO featherweight title in Lomachenko’s second pro fight – was a clear reminder that the unpaid ranks are a completely different game.
      But after being roughed up and out-muscled by a veteran and overweight Salido, Loma became the quickest three-weight world champion in history.
      A contentious points defeat by Lopez saw the proud Ukrainian take a hit and he is desperate for the rematch.
      But he bounced back brilliant, completely outclassing Masayoshi Nakatani before KO’ing the Japanese fighter in the ninth.
      Will be in action again next month when he battles Richard Commey at Madison Square Garden.
      Lomachenko is back to winning waysCredit: Getty
      7 Teofimo Lopez
      Lopez became lightweight world champ in only his 15th bout – three fights before Mayweather – as he knocked out Richard Commey for the IBF belt in December 2019.
      The 24 year old was still rightfully an outsider against masterful southpaw Lomachenko in October 2020, where all the titles were at stake.
      But Lopez silenced the doubters and became an overnight sensation, knocking the P4P No1 off his perch.
      It also made him only the fifth man – behind Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Terence Crawford and Oleksandr Usyk – to hold all four undisputed titles.
      Teofimo Lopez stunned Vasiliy Lomachenko to be crowned unified lightweight champCredit: Getty
      6 Naoya Inoue
      The Americans now know all about Inoue.
      He has secured two KO victories in his last two fights in Las Vegas – demonstrating his phenomenal power at bantamweight.
      Having began his career at 108 lbs the Japanese banger went on to claim titles at super-flyweight, junior-bantamweight champion and bantamweight.
      The heavy-handed 28-year-old has flown under the radar having campaigned at the lighter weights.
      But beating fighting legend Nonito Donaire in the World Boxing Super Series final had everyone sitting up and taking notice.
      Naoya Inoue has ferocious power and often leaves his opponents crumpled in painCredit: Getty
      5 Tyson Fury
      The Gypsy King completed the most memorable of journeys back to the top when he battered Deontay Wilder to be crowned WBC heavyweight champ.
      And he backed that up a fortnight ago as he emerged triumphant after a thrilling trilogy fight with the Bronze Bomber.
      Even at his heaviest back in the boxing ring, Fury moves like the wind and is several steps ahead of his opponent before a punch is even thrown.
      Fury is still undefeated as a pro – 31 wins and one draw, with 22 KOs.
      Tyson Fury emerged triumphant in his brilliant trilogy fight with Deontay WilderCredit: Getty
      4 Oleksandr Usyk
      Usyk reigned as undisputed cruiserweight king having won the WBSS – which involved all the divisions belts – and has now well-and-truly stamped his authority at heavyweight.
      His nimble footwork, consistent punching rate and heavy hands made him no match for anyone at 200lbs – with his previous most high-profile win coming against Tony Bellew in Manchester.
      The Ukrainian maestro hasn’t had it all his own way at heavyweight – notably Derek Chisora caused him all sorts of problems.
      But he overcame the odds to completely outclass Anthony Joshua at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last month to snatch the WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles.
      And that was enough to propel him way above his Brit rival and Tyson Fury in our P4P rankings.
      Oleksand Usyk became a two-weight world champ last month by defeating Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty
      3 Terence Crawford
      Crawford is as classy in the ring as he is outside it.
      Possibly the best switch-hitter in the game right now, he has the ability to overwhelm any foe with his combination punching.
      The American has great balance allowing him to work as a counter-puncher – as Julius Indongo knows – though he is equally as deadly as an aggressive box-puncher, which often comes out in the later rounds.
      Crawford has won world titles at lightweight, super-lightweight and currently reigns as WBO welterweight king – having held undisputed gold at 140lbs.
      Fans are now anxiously awaiting his showdown with Shawn Porter.
      Crawford is possibly the best switch-hitter in the game right nowCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      2 Josh Taylor
      Incredibly, Taylor still doesn’t seem to get the respect he deserves.
      Along his path to becoming UNDISPUTED super-lightweight champion, the 30-year-old Scott has battered some real warriors.
      Taylor is now the face of Sky Sports’ new boxing era without Eddie Hearn – and it’s about time.
      He is next in action on December 18 when he defends titles against Jack Catterall.
      Josh Taylor is the undisputed super-lightweight kingCredit: PA
      SunSport’s latest P4P rankingsCredit: The Sun
      1 Canelo Alvarez
      Mexican hero Alvarez has quickly taken over as boxing’s biggest star since former foe Floyd Mayweather walked away from the sport.
      With only a sole loss – to Mayweather in 2013 aged 23 – Canelo has gone on to rule the super-welterweight and middleweight divisions as well as winning a world title at super-middleweight.
      Last time out he crushed Billy Joe Saunders’ dreams, as well as his eye socket, with a stoppage win.
      Next up is the unification blockbuster against Caleb Plant – but the Mexican looks unbeatable right now.
      Anthony Joshua meets up with Charlo brothers and American boxing trainer Ronnie Shields as he continues touring US gyms More

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      in Soccer

      How England’s U17 World Cup winners from 2017 are getting on now, from non-league to Man Utd and Champions League heroes

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      THEY were the Young Lions ready to break through as the next Golden Generation.Back on 28 October 2017, Steve Cooper led England’s youngsters to Fifa Under-17 World Cup glory.
      What has happened to the English young guns that conquered the world in 2017?Credit: Getty – Contributor
      England were crowned U17 World Cup winners in October 2017Credit: Getty
      It is now four years since the talented teens achieved the incredible milestone – with several going on to bigger and better things.
      The victory led to head coach Cooper moving into club management with Swansea – where he TWICE suffered Championship play-off agony.
      He is now in charge of Nottingham Forest, leading a stunning transformation in form with the Tricky Trees.
      But for all the successes of Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho, not every member of his victorious team have taken the next step.
      While some struggle for first-team football, others have fallen out of the Football League all together.
      We run through which players have made their mark on the senior game and which are yet to hit the big time after their historic win.

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      Curtis Anderson, 21
      Anderson was No1 in India and played a crucial role in guiding the Young Lions to victory with his penalty shoot-out heroics against Japan in the last-16.
      He left Manchester City’s academy in 2019 to join American second tier outfit Charlotte Independence and played ten league matches for them.
      The stopper returned to these shores with Wycombe Wanderers but is yet to play in the league for them and was even sent out on loan to non-league Walton Casuals last term.
      He is now currently getting more experience on loan with National League South outfit Eastbourne Borough.
      Curtis Anderson was No1 for the Young Lions in IndiaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Josef Bursik, 21
      Long considered as a potential long-term successor to Jack Butland at Stoke, the teenager was loaned out to gain first-team experience after the triumph with England.
      Bursik had spells in non-league with Hednesford Town and AFC Telford United before stints in the Football League with Accrington Stanley, Doncaster Rovers, Peterborough and Lincoln City.
      He became Stoke’s No1 last season before losing his place in January and eventually joining Posh on an emergency loan.
      Bursik has played nine of Stoke’s 14 Championship games this season.
      Josef Bursik has made the breakthrough in goal for Stoke CityCredit: Phil Greig 2020
      Billy Crellin, 21
      Fleetwood boss Joey Barton ended Crellin’s loan move to FC United of Manchester early after the National League North side won just one of 10 games with the then-teenager in 2018.
      Barton recalled the ace, who made just one appearance for England in India, when he was just 19 and gave him a first-team start in the EFL Trophy.
      He went back out on loan to non-league Chorley before spending last season at Bolton in League Two and played 11 times.
      The starlet has played just twice for Fleetwood this season – both in the Papa John’s Trophy.
      Timothy Eyoma, 21
      The versatile defender, known as TJ, caught the attention of Mauricio Pochettino, who gave him a first-team debut in Spurs’ 7-0 FA Cup third-round win over Tranmere in 2019.
      Eyoma was a regular for Tottenham’s Premier League 2 side but was also named as a substitute for an FA Cup win against West Ham, having been on the first-team’s pre-season tour.
      But he went on loan to Lincoln City last season in League One and impressed that much that they bought him permanently from Spurs this summer.
      Timothy Eyoma was signed by Lincoln City in the summerCredit: Rex
      Lewis Gibson is highly-rated at Everton and is currently loaned to Sheffield WednesdayCredit: Rex
      Lewis Gibson, 21
      Three months before winning the World Cup, Newcastle academy product Gibson moved to Everton from St James’ Park for £6million.
      Despite not making a first-team appearance, U23s boss David Unsworth has heaped praise on the teen who can play left-back or central defence.
      The now England U20 international has gained further experience at Fleetwood and Reading and is currently on loan at League One Sheffield Wednesday.
      Marc Guehi, 21
      Captained England at the European Championships before scoring in the World Cup final, and then starred in Jody Morris’ Chelsea youth team that won five trophies in a year.
      But the central defender, who was born in the Ivory Coast, is one of many that struggled to make a mark on the Blues first-team despite impressing for the U19s.
      And after shining on loan under Cooper at Swansea in the Championship last season, he is now a regular in the Premier League at Crystal Palace after they signed him in the summer.
      Marc Guehi captained England to World Cup glory and is now starring at Crystal PalaceCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Jonathan Panzo is now plying his trade in the French second tier at DijonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Jonathan Panzo, 20
      After nine years in Chelsea’s academy, the central defender signed a five-year deal with Ligue 1’s Monaco in 2018 search of first-team opportunities.
      Panzo made the first-team after impressing former boss Thierry Henry who handed him a full debut in that December’s League Cup quarter-final win over Lorient.
      However, he has struggled since and was shipped out to Cercle Brugge in Belgian before he transferred to French second tier side Dijon as he continues to try to cut the mustard in the senior game.
      Joel Latibeaudiere, 21
      The World Cup winner was involved in a contract stand-off with Manchester City after failing to make a single senior appearance.
      The concerns over a lack of first-team games led to Latibeaudiere leaving in 2020 for Swansea after a spell on loan in Holland at Twente.
      Latibeaudiere has 17 Championship appearances to his name in a little over a year.
      Joel Latibeaudiere is now playing for Championship side Swansea CityCredit: PA:Press Association
      Steven Sessegnon has so far failed to make a major breakthrough at FulhamCredit: Alamy Live News
      Steven Sessegnon, 21
      Twin of Tottenham star Ryan Sessegnon, versatile defender Steven broke into the Fulham first-team in 2018-19 with 14 Championship appearances.
      But after he was axed – failing to play in the horror 2019-20 Premier League campaign – he was sent away for a loan spell at Bristol City.
      Sessegnon is yet to make an appearance this term for the West London outfit.
      George McEachran, 21
      Younger brother of former Blue Josh McEachran, George has managed to impress at Chelsea in the youth ranks.
      The central midfielder has still not managed to progress into the star-studded first team squad.
      But he has gained experience with loan stints at Dutch clubs Cambuur and MVV although he is back at Stamford Bridge now.
      George McEachran is not getting regular action at Chelsea this termCredit: Getty
      Phil Foden is blossoming into one of the greatest talents of his generationCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Phil Foden, 21
      The Golden Ball winner at the 2017 U17 World Cup, Foden – who scored twice in the final – is a favourite of Pep Guardiola’s and is also a regular in the England side under Gareth Southgate.
      The star is one of the biggest success stories from the tournament and already has three Premier League titles, an FA Cup and four Carabao Cup medals in his trophy cabinet.
      Foden is set to be rewarded with a new six-year contract after helping City to the Champions League final last season.
      He also helped guide the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 showpiece and is well on course to becoming one of the finest talents of his generation.
      Tashan Oakley-Boothe, 21
      Was given a first-team debut by Pochettino at Tottenham with a substitute appearance in the EFL Cup win over Barnsley – replacing Dele Alli – but Oakley-Boothe never went on to make a regular breakthrough.
      He struggled with injury problems, which limited his involvement, before leaving Spurs in 2020 without having played a Premier League game for them.
      But he has made 18 appearances for Stoke in the Championship since his departure.
      Tashan Oakley-Boothe never got a chance at Tottenham before his departure to Stoke in 2020Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      England U21 star Angel Gomes left Man Utd for LilleCredit: Getty
      Angel Gomes, 21
      Made his first-team debut before the 2017 World Cup and became the youngest ever Premier League player at 16 years and 263 days old.
      Gomes made several appearances after that but it was still not enough to keep him at Old Trafford.
      Despite United’s best efforts, the now U21 international quit the Red Devils to join French side Lille in 2020.
      He is spending this term on loan at Portuguese outfit Boavista.
      Jadon Sancho, 21
      Another successful product of the squad, Sancho replaced Christian Pulisic in the Dortmund first-team, was named Bundesliga Player of the Month soon after and quickly earned an England call-up after the World Cup success.
      He continued to flourish with the Bundesliga side having bravely quit Manchester City to conquer Europe in 2017.
      Sancho missed the U17 World Cup final after leaving the tournament midway through to return to Dortmund duty.
      Now back in Manchester after United ended their long-pursuit to sign him this summer for £73m, Sancho is yet to find his top form.
      Manchester United forked out £73m for Jadon Sancho this summerCredit: EPA
      Nya Kirby continues to be unable to make a breakthrough at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Nya Kirby, 21
      Tottenham academy product Kirby left Crystal Palace in January 2019 in search of first-team opportunities after 18 months without a game.
      The midfielder, now 21, moved to then-League One side Blackpool and went on to spend time at Tranmere Rovers last season.
      He is still yet to feature for the Eagles in the Premier League.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi, 20
      A key figure in the U17 World Cup final, Hudson-Odoi excelled at Stamford Bridge and broke into the Blues first team.
      Bayern Munich were soon chasing his services after he broke into the senior England set-up.
      But the winger eventually penned a new big-money deal at Chelsea which coincided with his form dropping.
      Tasted Champions League success with the club last season but is now struggling to get regular minutes under Thomas Tuchel.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi is having a tough time of it currently at ChelseaCredit: Rex
      Emile Smith Rowe is excelling for both Arsenal and England U21sCredit: Alamy
      Emile Smith Rowe, 21
      Another huge success story from the World Cup-winning squad.
      After loan stints in Germany at RB Leipzig and with Huddersfield Town, the attacker is now a fully-fledged member of both Arsenal’s first-team and the England U21 squad.
      So strong is his current form, Gareth Southgate recently admitted the ace is on the verge of a senior international call-up.
      Morgan Gibbs-White, 21
      Became an instrumental figure in the Wolves team under Nuno Espirito Santo and is another one of the most successful products of the U17s squad.
      The midfielder, who scored against Spain in the final, was a regular in the first-team squad but has headed out on loan this term after his game-time was reduced.
      Gibbs-White, who had a spell on loan at Swansea, is now in the Championship with Sheffield United for the rest of the campaign.
      Morgan Gibbs-White headed out from Wolves to Sheffield United on loan this summerCredit: Getty
      Conor Gallagher is getting rave reviews on loan at Crystal PalaceCredit: Reuters
      Conor Gallagher, 21
      The midfielder is now fulfilling his potential in the Premier League after joining Crystal palace on loan.
      The Chelsea youngster is getting more headlines with each passing week under Patrick Vieira.
      Stints at Charlton and Swansea gave Gallagher his first taste of senior football after the World Cup success and that was followed by a spell at West Brom last term.
      Big things are expected of the England Under-21 international.
      Rhian Brewster, 21
      Golden Boot winner at the U17 World Cup and one of the stars of the tournament, Brewster signed a five-year deal at Liverpool and was tipped to break into the first-team, with Jurgen Klopp a fan of the young striker.
      But the high hopes around the club never materialised.
      Following an injury, he went on loan to Championship side Swansea in January 2020  and scored ten goals in 20 appearances.
      After missing a penalty in the Community Shield following his Liverpool return, Sheffield United forked out a whopping £23.5m – but it has turned into a nightmare move.
      The striker suffered relegation with the Blades last term and has STILL not scored a league goal either in the top-flight or second tier in 33 appearances.
      Rhian Brewster was Golden Boot winner at the World Cup but his move to Sheffield United has turned into a nightmareCredit: Reuters
      Striker Danny Loader left Reading for Porto last yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Danny Loader, 21
      Berkshire-born Loader only scored once in 28 games for Reading after his World Cup success.
      But the striker, who was back-up to Brewster in India and managed two goals in two games, caught the eye of Portuguese giants Porto and moved there in 2020.
      He bagged nine times for their B side last season but the England U20 international still has not played for the first-team in the league.
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