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    Enzo Maresca’s tweaks highlight why TWO first-team stars must be replaced to turn Chelsea into title contenders

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    CHELSEA have suddenly refound their form, just at the perfect time of the season.Enzo Maresca’s Blues are on a run of five wins in a row in all competitions, and fly to Newcastle on Sunday for a key clash in the fight for Champions League places.Enzo Maresca is enjoying life again, on the back of five straight winsChelsea star Cole Palmer refound his goal touch against LiverpoolIt’s been a disappointing season for Chelsea to this point, with their early title charge falling to pieces at the start of 2025.Maresca’s rigid tactics came under fire from Blues fans who have grown used to winning trophies under Roman Abramovich. Some have even started calling for another change in manager this summer, just 12 months after former Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino was ruthlessly shown the door.But in recent weeks the form has returned, not least from talisman Cole Palmer who ended his 18-game goal drought with a penalty against champions Liverpool last weekend.read more on footballMaresca’s tactical changes – partly due to the timely return to fitness of midfielder Romeo Lavia – have been key to Chelsea’s upturn in form.But Chelsea’s improvement has also shone a light on their weaknesses.In particular, there are two stars of the side – who start every game when fit – who are holding the team back.Chelsea must look to buy two new players in the summer to be considered genuine title contenders next season.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeMoises Caicedo as an inverting fullbackOne of the most interesting tactical tweaks from Marcesca was in using the Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo as a right-back in their back four system. While Caicedo plays as a more traditional fullback when Chelsea are defending he then comes inside into the midfield more consistently when they win back possession. This means that, along with Lavia who is back in the team after long spells out with injury, Chelsea have two strong players at the base of their midfield with Enzo Fernandez then being free to push higher.What we are seeing now from Chelsea is a box midfield with Lavia and Caicedo at the base and Fernandez and Palmer in higher positions. Caicedo’s intelligence and game understanding are key for Chelsea in allowing this to happen. When coming inside Caicedo is difficult to pick up and regularly he is able to receive the ball in space before then being able to pass the ball forward.Caicedo has inverted inside and as such Chelsea have overloaded the pitch centrally. This allows them to progress the ball and move the ball forward through the middleCaicedo’s touch map shows him at right back and in midfieldCaicedo was a nominal right back but played further up the pitch than Lavia and Fernandez on average v LiverpoolMaresca has done a great job so far in terms of teaching Caicedo the timing and the triggers to move from the right-back position into the midfield. The Ecuadorian international has always been a player who is good against the ball and in duels.But his ability to come inside and affect the game has been one of the keys so far for Chelsea as they have improved.Palmer and Fernandez as high 8’sAs part of the decision from Maresca to start moving Caicedo inside and into a more structured midfield role has meant a change to the role of Fernandez. While early in his career at Chelsea we saw Fernandez used as more of a deep midfielder as a deep 8 or even as a 6, the World Cup winner has been unlocked since he has been moved more consistently into higher positions.Palmer has also seen his role change across the season having initially been used for the most part as a narrow right-winger.Now he is now being positioned more naturally as a central attacking midfielder – almost as a No10. With Fernandez being pushed higher when Chelsea are in possession we are now seeing the two midfielders positioned almost on the same line as advanced or attacking 8’sCaicedo moves centrally which allows Fernandez to pull out wider, and Palmer drops deeper to pick up the ball. Chelsea are making it very difficult for the opposition to pick up their men and defend properlyFernandez and Palmer were key men against LiverpoolIn creating a structure with two deep midfielders and two advanced midfielders Chelsea are creating situations where they can overload the majority of opposition midfielders. For the most part opposition teams will play with either two or three players in the central midfield positions. As such Chelsea are able to control the game when they are in possession.Maintaining width in the attackThe width as Chelsea attack at the moment under Maresca is very much being provided by two wingers positioned high and wide in the front three. This means the roles of the two fullbacks for Chelsea are slightly different – Caicedo on the right coming into the midfield while Cucurella on the left sits deep on the same line as the central defenders. The movements of these fullbacks allows Chelsea to form a solid structure in the middle as they look to control the game and build their attacks.It is ahead of them that we see the wide attackers stretch the pitch out with their positioning. They want to stay on the outside of the Chelsea structure, either hard on the line, or in the channels, to stretch out the pitch. This positioning of the wide attackers allows the movement of Palmer and Fernandez high as they have room to move into as Chelsea attack.Chelsea’s wingers stay wide for most of the gameChelsea win possession back early against Liverpool. Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto are positioned on the outside of the attack and Palmer and Fernandez are able to push higherBoth Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto are able to play wide and to dominate in 1v1 situations against opposition fullbacks. This forces the opposition to defend wide with their fullbacks and this, in turn, allows the attacking midfielders for Chelsea to move into more advanced positions in order to support the attack.Maresca needs a better forward optionHowever there is still much more than needs to be addressed.Firstly Maresca can improve this current Chelsea team with a better striker. While Nicolas Jackson is still only 23 and he has suffered from injuries this season, we believe that with a stronger profile playing as the No9 we could see Chelsea become a much more dominant attacking side.Jackson has the profile to be the advanced forward type that will look to routinely run in behind the defensive line.But at the moment he lacks the consistency of the quality of his attacking moments.Jackson wants to make the run beyond the last line of the Liverpool defence. The problem is that he is not at the level required to take advantage of the more direct pass that Chelsea will look to make from their defensive lineNicolas Jackson divides Chelsea fansAnd his technical flaws means that when Chelsea do look to go longer to release his runs often the ball can bounce away from him.This suggests Chelsea will be active in the striker market with a number of interesting profiles of players that could fit their needs and allow them to be more effective in the attacking phase.More ball progression from the defenceAlso for this new-look Chelsea system to be most effective they need to make sure that they are able to move the ball quickly through the thirds of the field. The issue that they have at the moment is that their central defenders and their left back in Cucurella typically form a back three when they are in possession and their ball progression and forward passing can be slightly slow.The key for Maresca is to find a way to ensure that the ball is moved quickly from the first line, the defensive line, into the midfield and into the areas of the pitch where Chelsea have the most control and dominance over the opposition. One of the biggest issues that we see in this regard for Chelsea is that Cucurella is too safe in his possession as he routinely turns down the option to progress the ball.Cucurella has become a key man, but is he also a weak link?Cucurella receives the ball across the defensive line and if he opens out and then plays forward then the ball will be in a more dangerous position. Instead he passes back across the defensive lineCucurella’s pass map in the 3-1 win over LiverpoolWhile we believe that Chelsea will look to recruit a new striker we also expect them to look to recruit a player in the left-back role who can play as a left-sided central defender in possession and who is more aggressive in moving the ball forward. Typically the wide central defenders in a back three will be more progressive passers anyway but too often we see Marc Cucurella slow down the attack for Chelsea.ConclusionOver the last two seasons the clubs has been focussed on player recruitment with the new ownership group spending more than £1billion to sign an army of young players to long term contracts. Read More on The SunThis season has been another rollercoaster ride for Chelsea and their fans but they are positioned, with the season drawing to a close, to qualify for Champions League. Maresca has shown enough to suggest that he will still be in charge at Chelsea next season and it will be interesting to see the tactical tweaks that he will make to take this team to the next level. Chelsea ratings vs Djurgarden as Dewsbury-Hall makes most of rare start but Sancho should have done betterCHELSEA coasted their way into the Conference League final thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half finish.Enzo Maresca’s men had done the difficult work last week with a thumping first-leg win.But Dewsbury-Hall gave the home fans something to cheer about with a smart finish.Tyrique George fed the midfielder, who cut inside Djurgarden defender Miro Tenho before slotting home.From there, Chelsea were going through the motions – and no wonder given how poor their Swedish visitors were.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Chelsea stars… More

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      Which striker should Man Utd buy? We reveal who would be best fit for Amorim and why it’s great news for Ratcliffe

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have struggled to find any real form in the Premier League despite stronger performances in the Europa League.One of the most notable issues Ruben Amorim’s side have experienced is a major lack of goals, with none of the strikers in the squad really impressing.Ruben Amorim will be looking for a new striker in the summerCredit: EPAAfter considering six main options we have found the perfect option for Man UtdCredit: GettyLast summer United signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, though it has since become clear his profile is not what the Red Devils need up front. That has left Rasmus Hojlund as the only true recognised striker in the squad. However, while Hojlund still has the potential to develop into a very strong striker, he has been woefully out of form.Next summer Man Utd transfer chiefs will doubtless be looking to recruit a top forward.The issue they will find is that there is a real scarcity of top talent in that department which fit the unique needs of Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.Other top clubs, including Arsenal who we analysed last week, are also in the market which will only drive up price, but we have looked at who could be the top fit for Man Utd for next season.Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray and NigeriaVictor Osimhen is itching for a transferCredit: GettyThe first player on our list is also probably the most expensive; 26-year-old Galatasaray and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen.The on-loan Napoli ace has an estimated transfer value of £59million, having been touted as a top target for Premier League sides for some time.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAfter being one of the main reasons Napoli won their first Serie A title since the era of Diego Maradona, he fell out of favour with the club’s owner before he was sent on loan to Turkey.Osimhen will be seeking employment away from Napoli when he returns at the end of his loan spell, with links both to England and Saudi Arabia being widely reported.I told Rio Ferdinand to tell Sir Alex Ferguson to f*** off and the Man Utd legend’s reaction was pricelessGalatasaray are by no means a small club, but they do not play in a top five European league and are in no position to challenge for top European honours.In terms of the profile of striker United will be looking for this summer, it is fair to say that Osimhen is a very strong fit. He prefers to play on the shoulder of the last defender and attack space behind the defensive line but has the technical profile to receive the ball and play with his back to goal when required.Amorim’s system needs the striker to generate a significant amount of goals and shots.Here we see Osimhen makes contact with the central defender and then pulls away to make a pocket of space to attack the crossOsimhen’s 166 goal contributions across 253 games at club level speak for themselves in this regard.There is no doubt Osimhen would be a strong option thanks to his superb movement in and around the penalty area and the ability to create opportunities for himself.Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting Lisbon and SwedenVictor Gyokeres is one of Europe’s top strikersCredit: GettyIt should come as no surprise that Sweden and Sporting Lisbon ace Viktor Gyokeres had been included on this list. After all, he was one of the stand out players at Sporting when Amorim was there as coach, with 50 goal contributions in 41 games for Sporting this season after his 58-goal contribution tally last term.The 26-year-old, who has a market value of £63m has had something of an unusual career path to get to this point, having flopped at Brighton before really igniting his career at Coventry.His performances in the Championship were very strong and this led to a move to Portugal for an initial £17.5m.Gyokeres now looks poised to take the next step in his career and it is easy to see why. He is a modern striker with the ability to stretch opposition defences and make long and aggressive runs beyond the defensive line, while he has the skill to score a variety of different goals.The issue for Gyokeres when it comes to a move to a club like Man Utd, however, is facing a low or medium block a lot of the time – a factor which has massively limited Hojlund’s effectiveness this term.This means space behind the defence, where Gyokeres does his best work, is hard to come by for any striker.Here we see Gyokeres on the shoulder with space to attack ahead of himWhile Gyokeres is by no means a poor technical player, with the ability to receive the ball in tighter areas and bring others into the game, this is not the biggest strength of his game. He is more of a powerful forward who will thrive with balls played into the channels he can run on to in order to stretch the opposition.Hugo Ekitike – Eintracht Frankfurt and FranceHugo Ekitike looks set to be the next big money striker to be sold by FrankfurtCredit: AFPFans of English football were given quite the introduction to the France Under-21 star Hugo Ekitike when he scored three goals in a 5-3 win over England.The 22-year-old developed at Stade Reims in Ligue 1 before transferring to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, although it did not work out before he moved again to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.Ekitike has scored 19 goals in 38 matches in all competitions so far this season and is valued at just over £33m, drawing intense interest from other top clubs in Europe.Ironically, had Ekitike stayed at PSG until Kylian Mbappe left to join Real Madrid it is likely he would now be the starting striker in Paris. He is perhaps the closest striker in top level football at the moment to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with a similar all round playing style and the most well rounded on this list.Ekitike is equally comfortable playing with his back to goal when he is running into space or running through the channels to stretch the game.Here Ekitike shows very clever movement with curved runs to pull off the shoulders of defenders and gain the separation he needs to finishFor a team like Man Utd who are still building towards their identity under Amorim, the signing of a striker that is well balanced like Ekitike would make a lot of sense. It can be easy with strikers of this type to overlook how effective and efficient they are in front of goal but as we touched upon above, Ekitike has show he can perform very well in a top five league.Liam Delap – Ipswich Town and EnglandLiam Delap has had a solid season despite his team’s looming threat of relegationCredit: GettyWhile Ekitike was scoring for France this week, Liam Delap was returning the favour with a goal for England Under-21s.When Ipswich Town signed the now 22-year-old from Manchester City in the summer there were some who doubted his ability to lead the line for a newly promoted Premier League side.With 10 goals and two assists in 28 league matches, a strong return for a team facing relegation, he has very much proven those doubters wrong.The Ipswich ace is another potential target who fits represents a modern profile of player. He is tall and powerful and extremely adept when it comes to making runs to stretch the game and attack behind the opposition line. There is an argument United would be better placed signing a more-well rounded player who can link the game and play in deeper areas or make aggressive runs behind the defensive line. Here we see how Delap times his run well to get across the defender to finishWith that said, however there is some value in the idea of United signing a young English striker that can develop as the team does.An added complication is Delap is a product of the Man City youth academy, and his boyhood club are thought to have a clause to say they can buy him back at a set price. Benjamin Sesko – RB Leipzig and SlovakiaBenjamin Sesko was the talk of the town at the European Championships last summerCredit: GettyPlaying for one of the smaller sides during the European Championships for Slovakia last summer, Benjamin Sesko was the name on everyone’s lips as he impressed with his power and pace.He was heavily linked at the time, and in January, with a move to Arsenal but made the choice to at least see out the season in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, where he has scored 17 goals in 36 games.That does not mean he will not be open to a move this coming summer, with an estimated transfer value of £42m.Sesko, like previous names mentioned, is tall, powerful, quick and at his best when he is given space to run into and to attack as his team moves the attack forward.His biggest strength, however, comes in his incredible ball striking with the ability to strike the ball with power from distance.Sesko is another player who thrives when he is able to play and attack in moments of transition. Here we see how part of Sesko’s threat is his ball-striking abilityAs a top level striker he still needs to add some real consistency to his game in front of goal.There is a worry he is too one dimensional in needing space in the final third to really fit the way United will play.Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford and CameroonBryan Mbeumo has been Brentford’s main man after they lost Ivan ToneyCredit: GettyThe final attacker on our shortlist is 25-year-old Brentford and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo, who is valued at £42m.He has had a very strong season with 20 goals and assists in all competitions after stepping up to fill the void of Ivan Toney’s sale. His performances have been so strong this season that he is now being linked to a move this coming summer to a top 6 level club that will be involved in European competition.Mbeumo is not a tall and powerful striker who will threaten space behind the defensive line like other names on the list, with a preference to pull into the channels and get on the ball in the final third.There is a real argument with Mbeumo that he would fit better in the United system under Amorim as one of the two attacking midfielders behind the main striker. His mobility and movement in these areas are excellent and he is extremely difficult for opposition defenders to pick up and mark. Mbeumo is exceptionally dangerous off the right flank, rather than in the middleMbeumo would not be at his best as the main striker for United. He is more movement based in the way he creates threat and space in the final third while United need to find a striker who has a better rounded and more versatile attacking profile.ConclusionIt is tempting to say Osimhen would be the best option of the six strikers we have discussed above since he is the most ready-made option. However, Man Utd are in the midst of a financial nightmare after years of overspending with a big rebuild to come this summer for a squad well below the standards needed to challenge for top honours.Therefore, given his relative price at almost half the value of Osimhen or Gyokreres, Ekitike should be the target of choice next summer. His profile is well rounded and he has more to come in his development as this United team develops, while a likely cheaper deal would be music to the ears of Sir Jim Ratcliffe after numerous cuts made to the club.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Footballers who have posed in underwear ads, as Kyle Walker signs a mega deal with Boss to model pants

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      WITH their chiselled torsos, muscular thighs, and mega-fame – it’s only natural that footballers are the go-to when it comes to fashion giants seeking underwear models.AC Milan loanee Kyle Walker, 34, is the latest star of the beautiful game to sign a mega deal to pose in his pants.Cristiano Ronalso is one of many footballers who have posed in their underwearKyle Walker is the latest footballer to sign a deal with BossCredit: instagramHe will feature in ads next month for Boss in a lucrative deal said to be worth six figures.The England defender joins a host of footballers who have shown off their kecks in fancy photoshoots.Here are SunSport’s favourites…Cristiano RonaldoThe former Man Utd legend is seeing out his career in Saudi Arabia after turning 40 in December.Read more football newsBut, when he does finally hang up his boots, he has his empire and fashion label to fall back on.Incredibly, his clothing line CR7 is worth over £60million, and it sells everything from shoes to jeans to underwear.Ronaldo regularly takes part in photoshoots to show off some of the collection, including underwear.Previously, the Portuguese icon posed for Armani in a money-spinning shoot. Most read in FootballTrent Alexander-ArnoldIn 2022, Trent showed off a ripped physique as he modelled for Calvin Klein ahead of the World Cup.He paraded a skimpy pair of briefs, as well as white and black boxer shorts.Awkward Alexander-Arnold billboard showing Liverpool star posing with ex is erected in MilanIn a brief clip posted to social media, the chiselled footballer was also seen staring into the camera and saying the slogan “Calvins or Nothing”.It opened the door for TAA to become the face of Guess Jeans last summer.England star Alexander-Arnold shows off ripped physique as he models Calvin Klein underpants ahead of World Cup 2022Credit: Calvin Klein via Twitter / @CalvinKleinThe ad paved the way for Trent to work with Guess JeansDavid BeckhamThe king of underwear ads in the football world is, without doubt, Becks.After all, this is a man who has posed in pants for ALL the major fashion companies.In 2007, his Armani ads – complete with a big bulge – had female fans swooning.They paid him handsomely too – a reported £20million for a three-year deal.In 2012, Beckham repeated the feat with H&M to release his own bodywear collection.Most recently, Becks stripped down for Boss to show off their latest underwear range.David Beckham was reportedly paid £20m to model for ArmaniCredit: HandoutIn 2012, Beckham released his own underwear range with H&MMost recently, Becks stripped off for BossCredit: Bossread more sport featuresJude BellinghamLast year, Jude sent fans wild when he starred in an underwear campaign for Skims.Previously, we’d seen the brand’s co-founder Kim Kardashian showing off their underwear range.But this, in aid of launching a men’s range, was a different gravy.Bellingham also showed off his football skills, juggling a ball in the pictures.In 2024, Jude Bellingham modelled for SkimsCredit: SKIMSBellingham shows off his fancy foot work in Skims pantsCredit: SKIMSSon Heung-minIn 2022, Spurs ace Son became the face of Calvin Klein in South Korea.Soon, he was showing off his amazing six-pack in a set of photos and talking proudly about working with the designer.He said: “Calvin Klein products have had a special place in my wardrobe for years, so our partnership is a natural fit.”Like so many people around the world, I am constantly inspired by the brand’s iconic campaigns, so to be the face of one is both exciting and surreal.”Son is also a global ambassador for Burberry, a role he started the same year.Son Heung-min is the face of Calvin Klein in South KoreaCredit: Calvin KleinZlatan IbrahimovicLike Ronaldo, Zlatan went down the route of peddling his own brand.Why wouldn’t you if you’ve got the supreme confidence the retired Sweden legend has?Aside from a stylish black and white photoshoot, he also appeared in a social media ad where he poked fun at himself by telling his agent to sell pre-worn Zlatan underwear for more cash in a spoof vid.Only Zlatan could get away with that.Zlatan Ibrahimovic shows off his underwear range in a classy photoshootIbrahimovic took the mickey out of himself in a spoof ad onlineCredit: Twitter, @Ibra_officialFreddie LjungbergThe Arsenal legend was as famous in North London for his goals as he was for this Calvin Klein ad in the 2000s.His image adorned billboards all over the world, including in the US, with Americans not having a clue he was a professional footballer.Freddie opened the door for other sports stars to pose in their Calvins too.Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg was a pioneer for footballers modelling underwearCredit: Advertising ArchiveItaly national teamOn the pitch success may have eluded the Azzuri of late, but off it the are the style kings.In the past, they have rocked up to major tournaments in classy suits personally designed by Armani.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2006, Fabio Cannavaro, Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo posed for Dolce & Gabbana in this revealing ad in 2006.It started off a chain of similar ads for Italy that seem to appear prior to their big tournaments.Italian National team show off their briefs in a classy Dolce and Gabbana advertCredit: Dolce & Gabbana More

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      Jadon Sancho has matured at Chelsea but shock return to Man Utd and new role under Ruben Amorim could save his career

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      JADON SANCHO’s former coach believes the struggling winger could still be a success at Old Trafford.The 24-year-old wide man, who is currently on loan at Chelsea from Manchester United, was hauled off against Arsenal after an indifferent display.Jadon Sancho’s struggles continued the Emirates against ArsenalCredit: GettySancho was replaced in the 76th minute against the Gunners following an ineffectual performanceCredit: ReutersNow, Sancho is at a career crossroad with his future up in the airCredit: GettySancho’s form at Chelsea has tailed off this seasonThe Blues have an obligation to buy Sancho for around £25million, should they finish above 15th in the Premier League.However, recent reports suggest Sancho could find himself back at Old Trafford, if Chelsea pay a ‘penalty fee’ to back out of the deal.This season, after starting the campaign off well, he has managed just two goals in 28 games.Premier League player development lead coach Dan Micciche worked with Sancho at U15 and U16 level for England.He believes a return to Man Utd, who paid Borussia Dortmund £73million for his services in 2021, could benefit Sancho and get him out of his recent slump.Coach Ruben Amorim is desperate to find an option to play as a left-sided No10 in his preferred 3-4-3 formation, with Alejandro Garnacho struggling to get to grips with the position.But, in Sancho, the Portuguese boss could have someone suited to play the role.Micciche told SunSport: “Jadon would have to play as a left-sided No10, I couldn’t see him play as a wing-back.”Can he play there? Yeah, absolutely. I think he could play for Ruben Amorim in his system.”It might actually suit him more – in terms of freeing him up. “He wouldn’t be hugging the touchline as much, he would in middle of the pitch more and would have more options when he gets the ball.”Jadon Sancho throws corner flag during Chelsea’s celebration at Tottenham Sancho is at a career crossroads. After showing some early promise at Stamford Bridge, his Chelsea loan has since turned sour.The latest example of stalling came in his performance against Arsenal on Sunday, where he was hauled off after 76 minutes following an ineffectual performance.Should he sign for Chelsea in the summer, his game time could be further limited under boss Enzo Maresca as competition for places will be even more intense.Chelsea will welcome Brazil star Willian Estevao to Stamford Bridge in the summer, having signed him a year ago for £45m from Palmeiras.However, Micciche believes Sancho’s matured under the Italian manager.He said: “I’ve been to a few Chelsea games this season and Jadon has done some wonderful things in those games.”The way they play, he’s often left in one on one situations. “The way the game is going now, it can be hard for those types of players because they get doubled up on a lot.”The expectation on him is so high. When he gets the ball, we’re expecting a bit of magic.”I actually think he’s matured. When he was younger, he would be trying to beat the full-back and dribble his way through situation whenever he got the ball.”In Maresca’s system he plays with his teammates a lot more. I think what makes wingers more effective is the runs ahead of him because that unbalances the full-back.Sancho was ineffectual against ArsenalMan Utd paid £73m to sign Sancho in 2021 from Borussia DortmundCredit: AlamyChelsea have an obligation to buy Sancho for around £25m in the summerCredit: RexHowever, recent reports suggest Chelsea could pay a penalty clause and send him back to Old TraffordCredit: Rex”Whereas when you get the ball and those forward runs aren’t made, and you are left one against one, opposition will double up.”Then, you’ve got two choices – try to beat two players or pass the ball.”I think Sancho might have had less ‘wow’ moments, but he’s played for the team a lot and showed maturity.”During his time at club level, Sancho’s professionalism has sometimes been questioned.At Borussia Dortmund, he was dropped for an important Champions League match against Barcelona after skipping a team meeting in the build-up.While at Manchester United, Sancho was banished to the reserves by former manager Erik ten Hag for claiming the manager lied about his exclusion from the squad in a match against Arsenal.Micciche believes Sancho is misunderstood and is a good person, at heart.He said: “What we’re talking about is different personalities.”There’s one thing about having a different type of personality, then there’s another thing of not being a very nice person.”Jadon is a good person. What we have to remember is players are all very different.Sancho earned a reputation as one of football’s most talented youngsters at Borussia DortmundCredit: AP:Associated PressDan Micciche believes Sancho is misunderstoodCredit: Getty Images – Getty”I always think the hardest players to coach are wingers. It’s very easy to point the finger at them and how they don’t track back.”But, if you look at the players the current generation looked up to – it’s the likes of Ronaldinho and Neymar, flamboyant players and personalities.”I think there’s a generalisation that players who have lots of flair are bad characters. It’s just their personality. They don’t do it deliberately. “They are a bit different, to even how they dress, or sticking to rules, but as long as it doesn’t get out of control you have to accept they’re a bit different.”They’re just creative individuals and think and act a bit differently, but that’s what makes them special. If you take out their individuality, then the game becomes very boring.”Micciche believes Sancho needs to add another string to his bow and continue his development.He divulged: “He’ll be judged on his goals and assists, so he’ll need to improve on those.”He also needs to develop his game and find different ways to be effective on the pitch.”That could be becoming a free-kick specialist. If he wanted to copy his idol, Ronaldinho who could score from set-pieces, then that would add another string to his bow.”Say a free-kick does come off during a game, then that would also give him the confidence to try something different during a match that he might not have tried if he hadn’t scored that free-kick.”There’s always things players can do to add to their game to solve different problems.”We know Jadon’s a good player, otherwise teams wouldn’t double up on him. Now, he has to overcome that.”Sancho needs to overcome his hurdles by working hard in trainingCredit: RexMicciche believes Sancho can get a smile back into his game if he adds a new skill to his gameCredit: AFPMicciche suggested Sancho became a free-kick specialistCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Ex-Juventus star Han Kwang-Song mysteriously disappeared for three years, thanks to North Korea’s nuclear bomb tests

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      HAN Kwang-Song was a teenage sensation courted by Liverpool and Manchester City.In only his second senior game in European football, Han beat former England goalkeeper Joe Hart to become the first North Korean to score in Serie A.He spent a brief spell with JuventusCredit: AlamyHan Kwang-Song currently plays for DPRK Premier League club April 25Credit: GettyBarely two years later the striker joined Italian giants Juventus.But a mysterious chain of events was already in motion that would wreck Han’s promising career and deliver him back him to obscurity.Han, who once had the world at his feet, finds himself a virtual prisoner of global politics.He is back in North Korea and playing for army team April 25 in the domestic league, leaving the pariah state only for national team games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut even that is better than being stranded abroad for three years by the Covid-19 pandemic and being forced to train on his own at an embassy, with his promising career in ruins.It was a trip to Barcelona that set Han on the road to short-lived stardom.North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un loves using sport as a political tool – just like his dad Kim Jong-Il, who once claimed to have hit a 38 under-par 34, including several holes in one, in his first ever round of golf.At the Pyongyang International Football School, the motto is said to be: “Better than Messi.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe regime was looking for an academy in Europe to train their best young footballers and chose Fundacion Marcet in Barcelona.Coaches travelled to Pyongyang and selected 18 players, including Han, to go to Catalonia in the autumn of 2013.Football icons’ strange hobbiesJose Ignacio Marcet, president of the academy and a former Barca and Real Madrid player, explained how the young visitors took time to adapt.Marcet said: “They couldn’t take losing. They understood that the norm was to win.“Because of this we had to teach them that losing and making errors was vital in the learning process and it’s one of the keys to success.“Week by week they began to change their mentality.“They became more relaxed and quickly started to adapt to the dynamics of Spanish culture.“The players that left were completely different to ones they were when they arrived.“I think we managed to leave a mark on a country that doesn’t easily take in foreign influence”.Some of those youngsters made a mark on the global football stage less than a year later.Han was previously scouted by Man City and LiverpoolCredit: GettyNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-unCredit: ReutersDeranged dictator Kim Jong-un has been ramping up weapons testsCredit: AFPHan scored the equaliser as North Korea’s under-16s came from behind to beat South Korea 2-1 in the final of the Under-17 Asia Cup in September 2014.He continued his European football education at an academy in Perugia as part of a collaboration between the North Korean government and agency Italian Soccer Management, but could not officially play because of Fifa rules about the transfer of minors.Nevertheless City and Liverpool were among those to show interest in his progress, with Reds chief scout Barry Hunter reportedly travelling to meet the player and his representatives.In 2016, Han was close to joining Fiorentina with compatriot Choe Syong-Hok, who had scored the winner in that Asia Cup final.But instead he went on trial at Cagliari in February 2017 and was so impressive for the youth teams that by April he was making his senior debut against Palermo.And in Cagliari’s next match, at home to Torino, he made history after coming on as an 81st-minute substitute.With his team trailing 1-3, Han beat Hart in the Torino goal. It was particularly big news because one of Italy’s biggest football embarrassments, at the 1966 World Cup of 1966, was a defeat by North Korea.Han said: “I feel at home here. I’m very happy and I would like to thank the manager, my team-mates and the club.”Yet the political issues that would eventually send Han into football exile had already surfaced.International team-mate Choe’s time at Fiorentina had ended after four months because it was found that his salary was being funnelled back to the North Korean authorities.Similar concerns were raised about Han’s wages, especially after he signed a five-year professional contract with Cagliari in June 2017.But for now he was free to continue his promising career – albeit with some interference from back home.Han went on loan to Serie B side Perugia where his goals had to do the talking for him – because the North Korean regime blocked an interview on Italian television.Perugia president Massimiliano Santopadre said: “A call from a shadow ministry figure arrived and it blocked everything.“Negotiating, like on the transfer market, was impossible, too, because Pyongyang want to talk only and exclusively with Han.”The situation with their government has become even more rigid and their footballers have been prohibited from appearing on TV, otherwise they would have repatriated him. Han is scared.”Whatever his fears, the striker kept doing well and after two seasons at Perugia, he went on another loan, this time to Juventus’ Under-23 side and with an obligation to buy at the end of the two-year deal.Han, in a written post via the ISM International Scouting Center, said: “It has been a long way but finally I can say my dream came true [after] scoring my first goal in the Serie A and becoming the first North Korean to wear such an important shirt as Juventus’.”Juventus called Han up to the bench of the first team in October 2019 and on January 2 202,0 they bought him from Cagliari for around £3m.But only six days later, the 21-year-old was sold on for twice the price to Qatari side Al-Duhail.What was going on? Well, let’s rewind to the end of 2017, the year Han arrived in Cagliari.In June of that year, Han had made his senior debut for North Korea in a friendly against Qatar.But in September, his country carried out its sixth nuclear test, prompting the United Nations Security Council to announce further sanctions.In November, North Korea upped the ante still further by launching an intercontinental ballistic missile.So in December, the UN announced that all North Koreans working and “generating foreign export earnings that the DPRK…uses to support its prohibited nuclear ballistic programs” would have to be sent home by December 22 2019.Given the stipulations of Resolution 2397,  it remains unclear how Cagliari, Juventus and Al-Duhail got away with selling and buying Han in January 2020.And only Han knows what was going on in his head, but on the pitch he scored five goals in 16 appearances as Al-Duhail won the Qatar Stars League and finished runners up in the Cup.But Han’s appearance as a substitute in the final game of the 2019/20 season, on August 20, would be the last time that the wider world saw him for more than three years.Official documents and the odd media report are all there is to fill in the blanks.UN records show that Han’s contract with Al-Duhail was terminated by early 2021, in compliance with the prohibition on employing North Koreans.Yet Han could not even go home because his homeland had closed its borders completely in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.There is allegedly evidence that he flew from Doha to Rome on January 26. And then the trail goes cold and relies on hearsay for nearly three years.An article in China quoted a former North Korean international player named An Yingxue as saying: “Han Guang-shong was trapped in the North Korean Embassy in China due to the pandemic and trained alone for about two to three years.“It is a pity that Han Guang-shong could not return to the North Korean football team to participate in the game earlier during his time in China.”But the first time anyone in the outside world knew for sure what Han was doing and where, was when North Korea finally resumed competitive football in September 2023 after a gap of nearly four years.Han played the first half of a 1-0 defeat in Syria in the opening game of the second round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.In early 2024, Japanese media reported that Han was back in North Korea and playing for the April 25 Sports Club.The team’s name derives from the date that Kim Il-Sung, grandfather of Kim Jong-Il, established the predecessor of the Korean People’s Army in order to fight the Japanese occupiers.Multi-sports institution April 25 belongs to the Ministry of People’s Armed Forces and all its players are considered army officers.Little is known now about the life and career of footballer/soldier Han, who is still only 25.His last international appearance was on November 19 last year in a 1-0 home defeat by Turkmenistan that left North Korea rock bottom of their group in the third round of World Cup qualifying.The game, like earlier “home” matches, was staged in Laos, because of what the regime described as “security concerns”.READ MORE SUN STORIESNorth Korea finally re-opened to limited numbers of tourists last month after a gap of more than five years.But the door seems to have slammed shut on Han’s dreams of becoming a global football star. More

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      Arsenal board has FAILED Arteta and have ‘got what they deserve’ for wasting money, says ex-chief in bombshell interview

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      KEITH EDELMAN was Arsenal’s managing director during one of the most successful and defining periods in the club’s history.Alongside vice-chairman David Dein and legendary manager Arsene Wenger between 2000 and 2008, Edelman oversaw the construction of the Emirates Stadium and departure from Highbury, as well as an iconic recruitment drive that won two Premier League titles – including the 2004 Invincibles.Keith Edelman (right) knows what it takes to succeed at ArsenalCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe former managing director helped to build the Invincibles teamCredit: ReutersEdelman helped build title-winning teams with David Dein (left) and Arsene WengerCredit: Getty – ContributorHe also oversaw the construction of the Emirates StadiumCredit: GettyAnd nearly two decades on, in an exclusive tell-all interview with SunSport, English businessman Edelman has opened up on:The “failure” of the current board to provide Mikel Arteta with a title-winning squadHow cash-strapped Arsenal worried about paying player WAGES in 2003Why the Emirates will stand the test of time WITHOUT increasing the capacitySelling Thierry Henry because he was “losing his speed”Twenty-one years on from their last title triumph, the Gunners look set to finish second for a THIRD year on the spin following yet another drop-off that sees them 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with nine games remaining.Arteta has been left hamstrung in attacking areas this term after failing to sign a striker in the past two windows, compounded by long-term injuries to forwards Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.Edelman, now 74, knows the value of building a squad capable of challenging for – and ultimately winning – major honours, working on deals for the likes of Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, Sol Campbell, Gilberto Silva, Jens Lehmann and Jose Antonio Reyes during his time.Those six stars were bought for a combined total of around £42.5million, which in today’s money would be around £76million. In comparison, Havertz and Jesus were brought in for £110million.Edelman told The Sun: “I’m quite strategic in the way I see squads being built up and [Arsenal now] haven’t really built a balanced squad. They have failed on that front.“If that happens, you normally fail. You get what you deserve in a competitive environment.“If you look at the wage bill and the playing squad they have, you have to conclude that they’ve spent their money unwisely.“At the end of the day, the board has got to be responsible.”’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewArsenal are hoping to announce the appointment of new sporting director Andrea Berta in the coming weeks, following the resignation of Edu back in November, ahead of a huge summer window.Berta will work alongside current managing director Richard Garlick, co-owners Stan and Josh Kroenke, executive vice-chair Tim Lewis and Arteta.It’s amazing how people who are paid huge amounts of money make so many big mistakes. People do lose their marbles a bit.Keith Edelmanformer Arsenal managing director From an era where Wenger ruled the roost when it came to incomings, Edelman continued: “It is clear that the manager now, with all the pressures and all the strains, can’t do everything.“He needs support in building a team and doing deals and transfers.“When I first joined Arsenal, there was one executive who ran one of the big football clubs who said to me: ‘You know, if Wenger doesn’t win the league this year or next year, you ought to fire him’.“He said, ‘It’s no good coming second all the time. You’ve got to win these things’. Fortunately, we did go on to win things.“Quite often people who are running football clubs seem to lose what I call their strategic nous in terms of working out what it is they need to do and how to build the squad.Arsenal’s biggest signings in the past 17 years“There are a lot of people who do it very well. There were some very wily operators like Ken Bates (Chelsea), Martin Edwards (Man Utd), and Daniel Levy.“And then of course, we’ve moved from that to large American organisations who think they know how to do football because they’ve done baseball or American football.“I’m not against all that. I’m just saying it’s a change. It’s different.“But it’s amazing how people who are paid huge amounts of money make so many big mistakes. People do lose their marbles a bit.“It’s extremely important to be really thoughtful and strategic and not be too emotional.“One CEO I knew used to go down to the training ground every day and had his initials put on his training gear, like one of the lads. That’s not what a CEO should do.”In their recent financial report, Arsenal’s wages have risen from £234.8million to £327.8million and posted an annual loss of £17.7million, despite record revenues of £616.6million – up £150million from last year.Those numbers are a world away from Edelman’s time at the club. Despite being one of the biggest clubs in English football, money was tight with little investment – even ahead of their unbeaten season of 2003/04.Arsenal were forced to sell many of their stars under EdelmanCredit: AFPThierry Henry left for Barcelona in a £16million dealCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdEdelman explained: “It was a very, very small business at that time. We had some big ideas about building a new stadium but we had no cash at all.“We used to turn over £65million when I joined. It’s a small number. The highest-paid player was on around £1.4million a year in those days.“Late in 2003, we’d sent some guy off to do a property deal. He said to me, ‘They’re not coming up with the right number. I should walk out of the room. I’ll get more tomorrow’.“I said, ‘No, you’ve got to sign the deal tonight because we can’t pay the wages on Thursday’. So yes, it was a bit stretched.”It was this sort of financial situation that led to the Invincibles squad being broken up just a few years after their historic 2004 triumph, seeing the likes of Pires, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry depart and replaced with young, bargain-buy hopefuls with potential.In the aftermath, Arsenal went nine years without lifting a major trophy. Edelman said: “If you’ve got endless amounts of money, as Manchester City had, you could keep a team going longer.“If you win things, you have a lot of world-class players because that’s how you win things. But when they get older, it’s very difficult to replace them. They won’t be world-class forever.“This is what I mean about looking at things strategically. You’ve got to ask the right questions. You’ve got to be probing. I don’t think a lot of people do that.”Henry – who was club captain and 29 at the time – was sold to Barcelona in the summer of 2007 for £16m. The Frenchman cited Dein’s departure and uncertainty over Wenger’s future as the reason.Edelman continued: “The reason Thierry moved on was because he was losing his speed. His game was basically all about speed. And if you lose your speed, then you’re dead.“So, we got money for him despite the fact that he was on the downward trap. It’s like Kevin De Bruyne. Would you have been better to sell him for more money at the end of last year?“Or, keep him and risk that he’d keep going this season?”Edelman is arguably best remembered for the Emirates Stadium, raising around £500million through loans and sponsorship to finance the construction, which was finished on time in the summer of 2006.Nearly 20 years on, there have been calls to increase the 60,704 capacity to compete with the likes of Old Trafford and Tottenham’s billion-pound stadium, something that could prove impossible given the original design and surrounding housing estates.And Edelman argues: “When I go there, I look around and it has stood up terribly well over time.“There are some things that are ageing and need to be replaced, but the fabric of the building is still amazing. It looks like it could have been built two years ago, not 20.“I know everyone wants to go bigger, but when I go to Wembley, I don’t enjoy the experience. You’re too far away from the pitch.”Edelman has landed a new role away from football. He has taken up a position with the country’s leading keynote speakers’ agency, Champions Speakers, to deliver speeches in the business world More

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      Why Cole Palmer is struggling and how Enzo Maresca can help Chelsea’s star find his form with three tactical tweaks

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      COLE PALMER’S form has dropped off a cliff in recent weeks.So far this season, he has 20 goals and assists in all competitions for Chelsea.Enzo Maresca’s tactics are preventing his best player, Cole Palmer, from thrivingCredit: RexWe have looked at three ways Maresca can get Palmer back to his bestCredit: GettyBut Palmer has failed to net since January 14 and has not set up a team-mate since December 1.Palmer, 22, even missed a penalty for the first time in his senior career when his spot kick was saved in the Blues’ 1-0 win over Leicester last weekend.His previously perfect record of 15 spot-kicks for club and country was KO’d by Mads Hermansen.And to make his embarrassment even worse, manager Enzo Maresca then revealed the England star was suffering from stomach cramps.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s a far cry from a year ago, when Palmer was unstoppable in his breakthrough season at Chelsea following a £42.5m transfer from Manchester City.He flourished under Mauricio Pochettino, with 25 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances, winning the club’s Player of the Season award and also being named PFA Fans’ Player of the Year. So how can tactical guru Maresca switch things up to make Palmer the player he was just a few months ago?Tactics expert Chris Beaumont of We Scout Strikers has three solutions that could unlock the Palmer puzzle.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsSpeed it upLast season, when Palmer really broke out and became a dominant attacking force, the England star played for the most part as a right-sided winger. However, he was very much more of a threat when he came inside and played in the channels or even the central areas.So far this season Maresca has used Palmer more as an orthodox No.10.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich Maresca favours a slow build-up style with a very structured system with players understanding the passing patterns he wants. There is very little freedom in the system as the coach favours control over individuality. This means Chelsea have struggled when they have found it difficult to progress the ball through the middle and into the areas where Palmer would have ideally been positioned. As such Palmer has started to drop deeper and deeper to get on the ball.By coming deep to get on the ball, you are immediately taking Palmer out of the positions and the areas in which he can cause the most threat. Here we see Chelsea’s slow build up forcing Palmer to drop deep to get the ballThe system Maresca favours sees Chelsea form a box midfield as they attack with the right-back – or left-back – typically tucking inside to the midfield. This is designed to give Chelsea control over the centre of the pitch.The problem for Chelsea is the the opposition are able to close down ball progression by pressing tight to the two players at the base of the midfield.They then close down gaps the advanced midfielders can take up. Here Palmer drops even deeper and is so deep that he is pressed by the Brighton forwards taking him far away from his best zonesThe solution to prevent Palmer from feeling he has to keep dropping into deeper areas is to improve the ball progression from deeper areas.Maresca has to release the restrictions on his team and allow them to play more quickly if he is to get Palmer back to his best.At the moment everything from Chelsea is too slow and predictable. The players need more freedom to get on the ball and play forward quickly in order to affect the opposition.Spread the game outPalmer is playing as a more central attacking midfielder for Chelsea this season but still typically comes to the right into the channels when his side are in possession. While Palmer is very, very good when it comes to finding pockets of space he can occupy in order to receive the ball, he has been less effective in doing so in recent weeks.One of the biggest issues he has faced is teams becoming more aware of his danger.Consequently, they are taking away the spaces in their own defensive thirds where Palmer would have previously got on the ball and created most of his threat. With Chelsea looking to overload the midfield with a box shape, the opposition respond by defending tight in the centre and leaving more space in the wide areas.With the opposition defending more effectively in the central areas of the pitch there is a real need for Chelsea to take advantage of the spaces elsewhere. Here there are no spaces centrally so we see Palmer constantly having to come out from the attacking positionsWith Palmer now playing more centrally the spaces Chelsea have to exploit are in the wide areas. If Chelsea become more effective in getting the ball into the wide areas and having players who can attack their opponent 1v1 then they will create more penetration and space centrally.If the likes of Palmer cannot find space centrally, and given he is one of the best attackers in the squad, then Chelsea need to create him the space. The issue they currently have is because possession-hungry Maresca wants his wingers receiving the ball wide.But where they could look to be aggressive and to attack the opposition fullback, instead they are turning back and looking to play back or into the centre of the pitch.If Maresca wants to create more space centrally in the final third for the likes of Palmer then he needs to unlock the wingers. Here Palmer has no space centrally to receive the ball but there are spaces in the wide areas for Chelsea to exploit, but they are too slow to find themIf the wide attackers are more likely to attack 1v1 then the opposition will have to release defenders out wide to double up and provide cover.This will immediately create more space centrally for Palmer.Give Palmer more freedomIt is natural when a young player starts to see his form slip for them to start to look for ways to force the game more. When Palmer was playing well at the start of the season the game looked easy for him and he always seemed to have time and space on the ball to create and make things happen. Now, we are seeing far more examples of Palmer taking possession and almost trying to force the game around him by playing too quickly instead of playing with composure.To an extent Palmer is also finding it more difficult to create space for himself and find shooting angles because Chelsea are lacking a genuine striker with Nicolas Jackson out injured. Here we see Palmer, again dropping deeper looking to force the play with a cross into an easily defended areaPalmer and Jackson have an excellent understanding and partnership.The forward’s runs and power create space in the defensive line for Palmer to exploit, often to devastating effect in the first-half of the season. But with Christopher Nkunku being played centrally, out of position, in Jackson’s absence the spaces simply have not been the same.As Palmer is willing to stand up and take responsibility for the attacking structure and play in the final third we often see him isolated on the ball and trying to beat players.Instead he should have been looking for more options around him to combine.Palmer has the ball wide with little space centrally for the attacking players but cannot create a clear cut chance with two defenders on him and the box fully defendedThis is more of a coaching point than a tactical point and it touches on the fact Maresca is a more tactically focused than one who has a close personal relationship with his players. Palmer needs to go back to playing with more freedom on the ball as opposed to trying to force things to happen.ConclusionChelsea are on the brink of falling out of the Champions League places in the Premier League.For them to achieve their sporting ambitions this season they need to become more effective again in the final third.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis means they need to get back to creating the structure around Palmer to allow him to thrive. If he can go back to finding and creating goals as the season draws to a close then there is every chance Chelsea will finish in the top five and possibly land a trophy to go with it.Chelsea ratings vs Leicester as Cucurella causes chaos all-game long but Nkunku just can’t find his feetCHELSEA marked their 120th birthday with a hard-earned win against Leicester.Enzo Maresca’s side keep their place in the Champions League spots ahead of a tough run of games with a much-needed 1-0 victory.Chelsea were by far the most threatening side and it didn’t take long for Cole Palmer to get a golden chance to break his eight-game goal drought.Referee Tim Robinson pointed to the spot this time after Jadon Sancho was brought down in the box.Palmer stepped up, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Leicester keeper Mads Hermansen.Chelsea continued to dominate but Maresca left ruing his lack of a target man up top as crosses were swung aimlessly with Pedro Neto in the wars trying to reach them. With no real threat coming towards Robert Sanchez from Leicester, it looked as though it could be one of those games where they struggle to break down a side despite having the lion’s share of the ball. A moment of magic was needed as frustrations were growing and Marc Cucurella produced it on the hour mark.A peach of a strike from outside the area as he lit up Stamford Bridge, as he has on numerous occasions this season, scoring for the second game in a row. With chances coming and going for both sides, the nervousness among the home support was tangible as the game drew to it’s conclusion, with the relief at the full-time etched on Maresca’s face.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea players…CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF More

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      Where Man Utd’s incredible 100,000 stadium will rank among world’s biggest as ambitious plans revealed

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      MAN UTD have confirmed plans to build a stunning 100,000 seater stadium near Old Trafford.The vision, billed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the ‘Wembley of the North’, will cost a staggering £2billion to create.Man Utd have confirmed plans for a new 100,000 seater stadiumCredit: APThe cost of the project is said to be estimated at £2bnPlans are in place for the stadium to be ready to open in five yearsCredit: PAUnited have ambitiously proposed that it will be completed within five years.While, the struggling club will fund the ground itself, while the UK government will help support the regeneration of the Trafford Park area around the stadium.United’s planned stadium would become the largest in the UK – overtaking Wembley, which has a capacity of 90,000.However, how does it compare to football stadia around the world? SunSport does the number crunching to tell you the biggest around the globe.Read more Man Utd news10. Estadio Azteca, 90,000Found in Mexico City, the Azteca is the home of Club America and the Mexico national team.It is the largest stadium in Latin America and sits at an altitude of 7,200 feet above sea level.Steeped in history, it has hosted two World Cup finals – one won by Pele, another by Diego Maradona.It also hosted the infamous England vs Argentina 1986 World Cup match, where Maradona scored the ‘Hand of Goal’, as well as the ‘Goal of the Century.’Most read in FootballIt is currently under renovation to expand its seating from 87,523 ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium 9. Wembley Stadium, 90,652The home of football, Wembley is English football’s mecca.The national team plays there, the cup finals and playoffs feature, while Oasis will be playing seven sold-out concerts from the summer.It is currently the largest stadium in the UK, and second biggest in Europe.The stadium was built by Australian firm Multiplex at a cost of £798 million – opening its gates in 2007.Fun fact; it has the largest roof-covered seating capacity in the world.Wembley Stadium is currently the largest stadium in the UKCredit: AFPWembley re-opened in 2007 at a cost of £798mCredit: PA8. King Salman International Stadium, 92,000In its infant stages, the King Salman International Stadium is proposed to be the biggest stadium in Saudi Arabia.It will play host to the 2034 World Cup final, set to take place inside the amazing Riyadh venue.Designed by architecture studio Populous, it will have a capacity for 92,000 spectators.Populous revealed: “The stadium will blend into its surrounding topography, with terrain and natural habitat forming part of the stadium’s roof.”Aside from its aesthetic appeal, this design will provide effective shading and ventilation tailored to the desert climate.”The proposed King Salman International Stadium will host the 2034 World Cup finalCredit: AFP7. Lusail Stadium, 92,349Construction began on Qatar’s Lusail Stadium in 2017, and it hosted only three friendlies before it opened for matches at the 2022 World Cup.It is cooled using solar power and is claimed to have zero carbon footprint.However, there are plans for the stadium to be reconfigured into a 40,000-seat stadium.Excess seating will be removed and other parts of the building repurposed as a community space with shops, cafés, athletic and education facilities, and a health clinic.Qatar’s Lusail Stadium in Doha has future plans to shrink its capacityCredit: Getty6. FNB Stadium, 94,736Nicknamed the Calabash, it is the home of football and rugby union.The South Africa nationals teams of both sports use it, while the South African first division team Kaizer Chiefs also play there.Incredibly, the Chiefs hold the record attendance, which is over the current capacity, of 94,807 for a match against the Orlando Pirates. Again, it’s a venue that’s steeped in history.It was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison in 1990, and served as the venue for a memorial service to him on 10 December 2013.The stunning FNB Stadium is the sporting showpiece of Johannesburg, South AfricaCredit: GettyFamously, Nelson Mandela memorial service was held at the stadiumCredit: Gettyread more sport features5. Misr Stadium, 96,940The Misr Stadium is Egypt’s entry into proceedings.It is part of the Egypt International Olympic City, a large sports complex that has been under construction since 2015.It will have a training ground, two indoor halls (one of them a 15,000-capacity arena), an Olympic-size swimming pool, and other buildings.That’s being built with an eye toward the country’s possible bids for the Olympic Games or the World Cup.Egypt’s Misr Stadium holds close to 97,000 fansCredit: Getty4. Man Utd’s new stadium, 100,000Set to be created by architects at Foster and Partners, the stadium would feature an umbrella design and a new public plaza that is “twice the size of Trafalgar Square”.Three giant towers, inspired by the Red Devils’ trident, will dominate the skyline and hold up the “umbrella” – a sweeping glass and steel canopy above that will keep fans dry inside and outside what would be Britain’s biggest stadium.Their own, tree-lined version of Wembley Way would stretch from beyond the current Holy Trinity statue, to well inside the existing Old Trafford with land currently used for a car park and freight terminal behind the Stretford End coming in to play.Architects Foster and Partners have devised what United’s new ground will look likeThe stadium will boast a public plaza twice the size of Trafalgar SquareThe vision for the stadium has been called the ‘Wembley of the North’3. Camp Nou, 105,000Barcelona are currently reconstructing the Camp Nou to make it the biggest stadium in Europe.They have invested a staggering £1.25billion into the project which will see the capacity rise to 105,000.It was due to be completed in time for the club’s 125th anniversary last November.There has been a fresh delay, though, according to Spanish sports news site Relevo, who report the earliest return is now slated to be October 2025.While the report adds the stadium’s roof will not be installed until summer of 2026.Barcelona’s Camp Nou will have the largest roof in Europe with their stadium rebuildCredit: FC BarcelonaThe redeveloped Camp Nou won’t be finished until 2026Credit: FC Barcelona2. Hassan II Stadium, 115,000Projected to be completed in 2028, Morocco’s Hassan II Stadium will be the biggest stadium in Africa.It is named after the late King Hassan II, who ruled from 1961 to 1999.The proposed Hassan II Stadium was used as a bargaining chip, when Morocco had aspirations of hosting the 2010 World Cup, then 2026 World Cup.They lost both bids, but will now share the tournament with Spain and Portugal in 2030.Estimated costs are around £400million, which seems pretty cheap for now, but will surely rise.The Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco will house a capacity of 115,000Credit: PopulousCosts are estimated at around £400mCredit: Populous1. The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, 150,000The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea is the biggest in the world.Officially, it can hold up to maximum of 113,281 spectators.After a 2014 remodel which included the replacement of some bench seating with individual seats, observers estimated the capacity to be lower than its original build.Still, in 2022 it was confirmed, if they so wish, The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is still expandable to housing 150,000 fans.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt first opened in 1989, currently used for football matches, a few athletics events, and most often for the mass games of the Arirang Festival.North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un held a 2022 New Year’s Eve party on the grounds there, while he has also delivered political speeches there too.The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea is officially the biggest stadium in the worldCredit: AlamyAstonishingly, it can expand its capacity to a whopping 150,000 spectatorsCredit: Getty More

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      Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire

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      FOR the first time since 2010, SIX rookies will grace the Formula One grid this season.The 2025 F1 season is sure to have it’s fair share of dramatic narratives.The F1 2025 grid has six rookies this year, the most since 2010Credit: GettyThese will range from Lewis Hamilton’s first year at Ferrari, McLaren’s bid to win a drivers title for Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri and how Red Bull will recover from their poor season last time out.However, six rookies coming to the grid is one of the most interesting storylines in itself with each of them having bags of talent shown throughout their careers in the junior categories of motor racing.However, they are also as diverse as they come, with some stepping into huge shoes at top teams and others already having F1 racing experience behind them.Below we take a look at each of F1’s 2025 rookies.READ MORE IN F1Kimi Antonelli – Italian born 2006 – MercedesKimi Antonelli is named after F1 royalty and has the nigh-on impossible task of replacing Lewis Hamilton at MercedesCredit: RexKimi Antonelli is the son of former racing driver Marco and was named after former world champion Kimi Raikkonen. He joined the Mercedes junior programme at the age of 11.The teen – who will run the number 12 and says his spirit animal is a lion – only passed his driving test in January of this year, but has impressed in the junior categories. This included a stunning wet Silverstone F3 test which saw him run four seconds quicker than any of his rivals. But his first test in an F1 car during last season’s Italian Grand Prix saw him crash into the barriers.Mercedes have handed Antonelli more than 5,500 miles of private testing to boost his preparation for a move into F1 after being asked to fill the boots of Hamilton at the team.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsOllie Bearman – Brit born 2005 – HaasOllie Bearman is already a millionaire after three successful sub appearances in F1 in 2024Credit: RexOllie Bearman became the first Brit to race in the Scarlet Red of Ferrari in the 21st century when he finished P7 on his super-sub debut at last season’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.He later made two more substitute appearances for Haas before securing a permanent seat based off of those appearances, although he endured a torrid time in F2 when not showing his pace in an F1 car.Moment Toto Wolff gets set to break Lewis Hamilton promise in behind-the-scenes clip on Netflix’s Drive to SurviveBearman turns 20 in May but is already estimated to have a net worth of more than £1m, as estimated from figures of his firm OBR Management Ltd.He joined the Ferrari academy at the age of 16 and races under the number 87. Bearman also astonishingly failed his driving test the first time he took it. His spirit animal is suitably a bear.Gabriel Bortoleto – Brazilian born 2004 – SauberGabriel Bortoleto is one of only four drivers to win back-to-back F3 and F2 championshipsCredit: RexGabriel Bortoleto arguably has the biggest racing credentials out of any of the 2025 rookies as he is one of only four drivers – with Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Piastri – to win back-to-back F3 and F2 titles.Bortoleto admits his racing career was saved by Fernando Alonso when the two-time world champion sponsored him in 2022 before he was snapped up by the McLaren development programme a year later.They allowed Bortoleto, who says his favourite movie is Interstellar and his favourite TV show is Peaky Blinders, to then join Sauber for this season, with McLaren chief Zak Brown calling him a “great racing driver”.Bortoleto – whose spirit animal is a lion – will race with the number 5 in F1 this season. His father, Lincoln, is the co-founder of one of the biggest Internet providers in world, Americanet following a merger with Vero in 2023.Jack Doohan – Australian born 2003 – AlpineJack Doohan was gifted his first ever go-kart by legend Michael SchumacherCredit: GettyJack Doohan has been placed under an incredible amount of pressure early in his F1 career with reports suggesting a poor start could see him removed from the seat, which has seen team boss Oliver Oakes praise Doohan for his “punchy” response to the speculation.Doohan is the son of five-time MotoGP world champion Mick, who admits he tried to keep him away from motorsport for a year when he was 11 before he was forced to give in.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconHe was gifted his first-ever kart by none other than seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and eventually joined the Alpine Academy in 2022.Doohan, who will race with the number 7 in 2025 and who says his spirit animal is either a kangaroo or koala, replaced Esteban Ocon in last season’s season finale at Abu Dhabi to make his debut.Isack Hadjar – Frenchman born 2004 – Racing BullsIsack Hadjar has already been praised for his ‘god-like’ reflexes in F2Credit: RexIsack Hadjar is different from many of his peers in that his parents do not have any sort of background in motorsport.Born into an Algerian family of physicians and physicists, he only gained an interest in cars because his dad was a kart mechanic and after watching the Pixar animation Cars.Hadjar was praised for his “god-like” reflexes in F2 last year when he managed to avoid a collision in the Monaco tunnel when a car ahead of him was around a blind corner.Hadjar – who says his spirit animal is a gorilla – won more races than any other driver in F2 last season but was pipped to the title by Bortoleto. He will race with the number 6 for this season in F1.Liam Lawson – New Zealander born 2003 – Red BullLiam Lawson’s parents had to sell his house to fund his racing careerCredit: GettyLiam Lawson is a weird case when it comes to being rookie since he already has 11 races in F1 under his belt, yet the Kiwi has never started a season so can be considered a rookie for all intents and purposes.Lawson’s parents had to sell their house to fund his racing career while he never officially finished high school as he went to pursue his dream instead.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe only became a motorsport fanatic after watching his dad race in karts at the age of six, although Lawson actually cried after the first time he fired up a go-kart when the engine started. Like Hadjar, Lawson is huge Cars fan, and will race with the number 30 this season as he attempts to tame the role of being Max Verstappen’s team-mate. More