Sport Features

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s amazing car collection, from fleet of Ferraris, including a £1.4m Monza to stunning £650k Porsche

      by

      AT 40, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s football career shows no sign of slowing down.And when it comes to his motors, he still loves them fast and incredibly expensive.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s car collection includes a stunning Ferrari Monza
      Most recently, Ibrahimovic has been driving a £160k Lamborghini UrusCredit: Getty
      The Sweden legend, currently starring in Serie A for AC Milan, boasts an amazing car collection that’ll be the envy of all dressing rooms around Europe.
      From an impressive fleet of Ferraris, including the recent electric Sf90 Stradale worth £400,000 he added to his garage, to an astonishing £650,000 Porsche – Zlatan is a true petrol head.
      But, he remained true to his roots when he became an ambassador for car makers Volvo, even driving their modest £40,000 XC40 to training.
      THE NEW ADDITION
      Over the weekend, Zlatan turned 40 – and he really treated himself.
      Unlike us, where a set of Marks and Spencer socks might’ve done, he bought himself a £400,000 Ferrari Sf90 Stradale.
      He shared an image of his new addition on Instagram, captioning the snap: “Happy Birthday to Zlatan”.
      It’s Ferrari’s first foray into electric cars and can reach a top speed up to 211 mph.
      To treat himself for his 40th birthday, Zlatan splashed £400k on a Ferrari Sf90 Stradale
      THE MOST EXPENSIVE
      Zlatan clearly has a thing for Italian fast cars, and splashing out on a new set of wheels on his special day.
      In 2019, for his 38th, he bought a rare Ferrari Monza SP2 for a staggering £1.4million.
      He is only one of 499 people in the world that own the supercar.
      The superfast car can hit 0-60 mph in around 2.9 seconds.
      The Ferrari Monza is the most expensive in Zlatan’s car collection
      Capable of reaching 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, the Monza is worth around £1.4m
      CURRENT RIDE
      However, standing at 6ft 5in Zlatan needs a car that offers him plenty of leg room.
      That’s why, when it comes to training, he prefers an SUV.
      Since returning to AC Milan, the centre forward has been spied arriving to training in a £160,000 Lamborghini Urus.
      The Urus is a favourite of footballers at the moment, including Cristiano Ronaldo who was recently seen driving to Carrington in one.
      Zlatan drives his Lamborghini Urus to training at AC MilanCredit: Getty
      STATEMENT RED
      Only 400 Ferrari Enzo cars exist in the world, and Zlatan has one of them.
      Seen as a collector’s item, it’s a motor that can be sold for over a million pounds at auction.
      It was developed in 2002 using Formula One technology, including a a carbon-fibre body and F1-style automated-shift manual transmission.
      Although, we’ve rarely seen Zlatan driving it.
      Zlatan is one of 400 lucky owners who have a rare Ferrari Enzo worth around £1m
      SPIDER MAN
      Between 2005-2009, the Ferrari F430 Spider was a footballers’ favourite.
      Chelsea legend John Terry, who himself is a Ferrari obsessive, was seen driving one around the streets of Surrey.
      When it was released, it carried a price tag of around £120,000.
      Nicknamed their ‘Baby Enzo’, it can hit 0-62 mph in four seconds.
      Over the years, Zlatan has got himself a fleet of Ferraris, including a 430 SpiderCredit: AFP
      When the Ferrari F430 was released in 2005, it carried £120,000 price tagCredit: Getty
      TOP OF THE RANGE PORSCHE
      Zlatan loves limited edition.
      Which is why he bought a £700,000 Porsche Spyder in and around 2014.
      Only 918 models were made of the supercar, which sold out completely in 2015.
      It was only the second plug-in hybrid car Porsche ever produced.
      Only 918 models of the Porsche Spyder exist in the world
      ANOTHER ITALIAN MASTERPIECE
      Italian gentleman’s car makers Maserati are renowned for their luxury vehicles.
      So, it goes without saying, Zlatan used his extensive time playing in Italy to research enough about the stylish car manufacturers.
      In about 2011, he bought a GranTurismo MC Stradale worth around £92,000.
      Under the hood, it boasts a 450 hp V8 engine and has a top speed of 187 mph.
      Luxury vehicles, like a £92,000 Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale, have also been part of Ibrahimovic’s fleet in the past
      The GranTurismo MC Stradale boasts a 450 hp V8 engine and has a top speed of 187 mphCredit: Handout
      COMPANY CAR
      In 2014, Zlatan began as an ambassador for Swedish car manufacturers Volvo, appearing in a series of ads.
      Now, many footballers won’t often be seen driving the cars they’re sponsored for.

      However, when Ibrahimovic was playing for Manchester United he was a happy with their XC90 model costing around £52,000.
      Often, he would drive it to training and park it amongst a fleet of Lamborghinis and Range Rovers.
      And you can bet no one would’ve been brave enough to give him any stick for it.
      Volvo made Zlatan an ambassador and he appeared in ads for the Swedish car brand
      Zlatan happily drove a Volvo XC90 costing around £52,000 into CarringtonCredit: iCelebTV
      Watch moment Ibrahimovic ‘does a Usain Bolt’ and scores with laces undone after he stops tying shoes to make a run More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Deontay Wilder returns to same ring outfit designers for Tyson Fury trilogy fight, after claims costume was too heavy

      by

      DEONTAY Wilder’s ring outfit designers are BACK for the Tyson Fury trilogy fight, and promise a new costume won’t stop the Bronze Bomber from winning this time round.LA stylists Cosmo Lombino, 57, and Donato Crowley, 53, have contributed towards Wilder’s fierce walk entrances with elaborate designs, including leather bejeweled masks, crystallised crowns and feathered cloaks since 2018.
      LA designers Donato Crowley, left, and Cosmo Lombino, right, are working with Deontay Wilder again ahead of the Fury trilogy fightCredit: Instagram
      Wilder’s previous ring outfit he wore against Fury was a nod to Black History MonthCredit: Rex
      However, after Wilder, 35, was battered by Fury in 2020, one of the excuses that came out of the Alabama native’s camp was the ring outfit was too heavy and caused fatigue that aided a loss.
      Just days after Wilder’s defeat, Cosmo and Donato told SunSport they spoke with the heavyweight brawler to clear the air in an emotional phone call.
      Donato said: “We had an extensive honest conversation that put confusion and rumours to rest.
      “Reiterating that he considers us ‘family’, Deontay was very clear that he looks forward to future collaborations.
      “The subject of the call then turned to ‘Wilder vs Fury III’.”
      Cosmo added: “All of us consider it a privilege to contribute to the cultural professional legacy of the iconic Deontay Wilder.
      “As a fashion organisation, I see no greater honour or responsibility that our team could be entrusted with.”
      Revisiting that moment, the pair told SunSport exclusively their bewilderment at the criticism of their ring outfit, while revealing their excitement to be working with Deontay once again.
      “We were definitely surprised by Deontay’s coach blaming the costume weight for him losing the fight,” the pair told SunSport exclusively.
      “We went to great detail testing it to make sure that nothing would distract or get in the way of Deontay’s mental focus and ring walk.
      “The only additional weight in this costume would have been the lasers and battery packs.”
      Last year, Wilder’s outfit was a nod to Black History Month and cult 60s horror movie Devil Rides Out.
      This time round, Cosmo and Donato have teased a couture piece that’s an ode to Africa.

      Cosmo and Donato’s last creation was deemed too heavy and a reason for Wilder’s loss to FuryCredit: Reuters
      Clear the air talks allowed the parties to work together again, which Cosmo and Donato are very proud of
      It leans on Wilder’s roots going back to the Edo people found in Southern Nigeria.
      “This costume is very special to Deontay,” they told us.
      “He asked us to use red and black colours, which represent Wilder’s African roots.
      “The red represents war, while the black represents a funeral.
      “This time around, we created a couture surprise element that is sure to make heads turn and honour Deontay’s African Edo tribe.
      Cosmo and Donato understand the importance the ring walk has in providing the entertainment factor, as well as an important message.
      There’s also the fear factor it could bring, not that they feel Wilder needs that.
      “The ring walk is a powerful moment for the boxer to display to the world their chosen message in that moment,” they said.
      Cosmo and Donato began working with Wilder in 2018
      One of their creations was this elaborate crown and mask for Wilder’s fight with Luiz Ortiz back in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Wilder also wore this mask and crown when he fought Dominic Breazeale in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “For Cosmo and Donato our mission was to bring the embodiment of the Bronze Bomber to life in couture warrior form.
      “We’ve been privileged to be in the room with Deontay the day before a fight and were both astounded at the mental change that takes place when the Bronze Bomber enters Deontay’s psyche and remains until the fight is over.
      “We really don’t think Deontay needs an outfit to appear more intimidating, but we’ve had an absolutely amazing time designing these iconic looks.”
      Wilder’s ring outfits have been said to be worth up to £60,000.
      However, Cosmo and Donato are remaining tight-lipped on the cost of their recent designs.
      They revealed: “Well, the last costume was historic and priceless as far as we’re concerned.
      “We put our hearts, souls, blood, sweat and tears into that iconic and epic ring walk couture moment.
      “For his fifth one, well we’ll leave the price of that to Deontay to reveal.”
      On October 9, Wilder will be looking to avenge Fury’s knockout victory by defeating his old foe.
      Cosmo and Donato have revealed they’re backing their boy, who has never appeared more determined to succeed.
      Cosmo and Donato are tipping Wilder to defeat Fury in their trilogy fight
      Deontay Wilder, pictured with his training camp, has never looked more focused before a big fight, according to Cosmo and DonatoCredit: Ryan Hafey/ Premier Boxing Champions
      “It’s Deontay all the way for us,” they said.
      “We’ve never seen him more focused than he is now. There is definitely a determination and fiery redemption energy, along with a sense of calmness of spirit in him at the moment.
      “We believe he’s reconnected to his roots, a tribe of true warriors.
      “He looks better than he’s ever looked and happier than we’ve ever seen him.”
      Eddie Hearn says Tyson Fury ‘doesn’t look ready’ for Deontay Wilder trilogy fight but will still ‘win comfortably’ More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Man Utd legend Roy Keane’s life – from 20-year marriage to wife Theresa to his controversial playing career

      by

      ON the pitch, he was the enforcer at Nottingham Forest, Man Utd and CelticOff it, he’s a milder family man, loyal husband of wife of 20-years Theresa, father of five kids and a generous son.
      Off the pitch, Roy Keane, pictured with wife of 20-years Theresa, is a mild family manCredit: Getty – Contributor
      On the pitch, Keane was the hardman of British football at Manchester UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      In recent years, Roy Keane, 50, has reinvented himself as a TV pundit on Sky Sports – championed for his sharp analysis, rapport with Micah Richards and wicked sense of humour.
      Although, he has made no secret that he would love to return to management, throwing his hat into the ring for the Celtic job back in April.
      But away from football, the Ireland legend lives a very private life.
      THERESA DOYLE
      This year, Keane surprised us all when he set up an Instagram page, where he’s uploaded pictures of his family, including his grandchildren.
      Still missing from it, though, is his wife of 20-years, Theresa Doyle.
      The pair met in 1992, when the midfielder was playing for Forest under Brian Clough.
      “I spotted a beautiful girl in a club in town. Her name was Theresa Doyle but she blanked me,” Keane once revealed of his encounter with the Nottingham-born beauty.
      “She was in a steady relationship and didn’t seem at all impressed by Roy Keane, the great footballer. In fact, I think my reputation was as a downer for all kinds of reasons.
      “From time to time we ran into each other around Nottingham. I knew some of her friends, who told me Theresa was a dentist’s assistant.
      Theresa Doyle, far right, has been married to Keane for 20-years and he describes her as his ‘rock’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Family man Keane joined Instagram and has been sharing pictures of his grandchildrenCredit: Instagram / @officialkeane16
      Since setting up an Instagram account in February, Keane has amassed 1.7m followersCredit: Instagram / @officialkeane16
      “Eventually, after her relationship broke up, she relented and we went out together. I was in love.”
      They got married in a private ceremony at the Church of Our Lady Crowned in Mayfield, Cork, where Keane is from.
      Keane rarely mentions his wife in public, but once opened up about their relationship in a revealing interview with the Sunday Times in the early 2000s.
      “I don’t really mention her in public, but in fairness to her, she has been a rock in my life. Just brilliant. She reads me better than I read myself,” Keane said.
      “I wouldn’t say Theresa likes every part of the package. She knows I haven’t got a halo over my head. Actually, that’s what she likes about me. She also knows I am not the nastiest person in the world.”
      FIVE CHILDREN
      Keane and Theresa have five children together, Shannon, Caragh, Aidan, Leah and Alanna.
      Even though the former footballer has tasted plenty of success on the football pitch, nothing comes close to spending time with his family.
      Even though he enjoyed plenty of success at Manchester United, Keane longed for family time instead of celebrating with team-matesCredit: Reuters
      Keane has five children with wife TheresaCredit: SNS
      In his autobiography, when writing about winning the Champions League in 1999, Keane said he “longed to go home to Theresa and the kids” and wasn’t interested in celebrating with his team-mates.
      However, despite his wish to spend more time with them after hanging up his boots, he previously admitted that they wanted him to get back to work after just two months.
      “My plan when I first stopped was, we’re going to go on some family trips, we’re going to be like the Waltons,” Keane joked.
      “We’re all going to spend time together, go walk in the park and after a month or two they didn’t have the same plan as me so I think they were kind of missing me going to work.
      “I got offered the job at Sunderland and I was away on a family holiday and my family were looking at me… not saying it directly but going we kind of enjoy your company but not too much of it so when the job came back up they were saying you should go for it.”
      MEET THE PARENTS
      Roy’s late father Maurice ‘Mossie’ Keane met his mum Marie at a local dance, and they married in 1963.
      They moved to the Mayfield suburb in Cork, where they raised five children, Denis, Johnson, Hilary, Roy and Pat.
      Keane shared a tight bond with his parents Maurice and MarieCredit: Sky
      Generous Keane bought his parents a home in the countryside in RathpeaconCredit: Instagram / @officialkeane16
      Keane always shared a close bond with his parents and regularly made sure they had tickets to watch his games at Forest and United.
      The generous son also bought them a home in the countryside in nearby Rathpeacon.
      In 2019, Keane was devastated when Maurice passed away after battling illness. He was 79.
      AS A PLAYER
      When Keane was a schoolboy, he began playing football for local side Rockmount AFC.
      From there, he moved to Irish First Division team Cobh Ramblers of County Cork in 1989.
      Keane was spotted by ex-scout Noel McCabe, who immediately recommended the talent to Brian Clough.
      After impressing on trial, he moved to Nottingham in 1990 and blossomed into one of the best young midfielders in the country.
      At Nottingham Forest Keane blossomed into one of the country’s best midfieldersCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      In 1993 Manchester United paid a British transfer record fee of £3.75m to buy KeaneCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Sir Alex Ferguson brought Keane to Manchester United in 1993 for a British transfer record fee of £3.75million.
      Keane went on to become one of the Premier League giants’ greatest captains – winning seven Premier League titles, a Champions League, as well as four FA Cups.
      He retired in 2006, after one season in Scotland at Celtic where he played 10 times.
      IRISH FALLOUT
      Keane’s career has been rocked by scandal over the years.
      But nothing hurt more than missing the greatest football competition in the world in 2002.
      Keane played 65 times for Ireland between 1991-2005, but his international career is unfortunately remembered for his fallout with Mick McCarthy before the 2002 World Cup.
      Keane wasn’t happy with the Irish team’s set-up ahead of the prestigious football tournament and left the training camp.
      Keane’s international career is best remembered for his epic fallout with Mick McCarthyCredit: Reuters
      After he returned home from the 2002 World Cup, Keane was seen walking his dogs nearby his homeCredit: Reuters
      After a confrontation with McCarthy at the team hotel, he flew home and was famously quizzed by reporters about his acrimonious exit while walking his dog near his home.
      Without him, Ireland managed to reach the last-16 before they were beaten by Spain on penalties.
      AS A MANAGER
      Most recently linked with Celtic, Keane previous experiences have been varied in terms of being a success.
      In his first job as Sunderland boss, you could actually say he did well. He took over the Mackems in 2006 when they were second bottom of the Championship.
      In his first season, they managed to win the league and gain promotion. But he stood down from his post before Christmas – with Sunderland struggling in 18th position in the Premier League.
      Keane has had mixed results as a manager, but could return to management one dayCredit: EPA

      Then came a spell at Ipswich, where he failed in a promotion bid and was sacked in 2011.
      Keane returned to the international fold as assistant manager to Martin O’Neill, and was a key member of the coaching set-up that saw Ireland qualify Euro 2016.
      O’Neill and Keane left their jobs after a series of inconsistent results left their jobs hanging by a thread – and reunited briefly at Forest in 2019.
      Niall Quinn says refs were ‘scared stiff’ of Roy Keane as he remembers Man Utd getting an undeserved penalty More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      How ‘Triple M’ Michael Muller-Mohring decides the controversial FIFA 22 player ratings that leaves stars fuming

      by

      COULD Michael Müller-Möhring have the hardest job in football?’Triple M’, as he is affectionally nicknamed by the FIFA video game community, is responsible for playing ratings for the series, including FIFA 22 which is released today.
      ‘Triple M’ MIchael Müller-Mohring is responsible for the FIFA 22 player ratingsCredit: EA Sports
      FIFA 22 is released todayCredit: EA SPORTS
      The 54-year-old holds the prestige position of Head of Data Collection and Licensing at EA Sports, working from their stunning Cologne office.
      It’s his task, that can come with incredible difficulty, in ensuring players are given their attributes in the game and appear as lifelike as possible.
      Armed with a team of producers/scouts across Europe who monitor players’ performance from the Premier League to the Ukraine’s top flight, the self-confessed football geek claims to study the game fairly.
      “Each footballer is made up of 35 attributes. This then becomes the skill level that we rate on a 1-99 scale,” he told Stadtgefluester.
      “Closing strength, long shots, defending, heading, free kicks, etc.”
      Helping Müller-Möhring with his role are 15-plus producers across Europe.
      Explaining why he has a team all over the world, he said: “This is because professionals in each country need to know the history of football, understand philosophy, and anticipate developments.
      “But above all, they know all the players from the bottom up.
      “We are talking about 18,000 footballers who are being watched – they have to meet the requirements of the database fairly.”
      Armed with a team of producers/scouts around the world, Müller-Möhring works in Cologne at EA Sports
      Müller-Möhring says that over 18,000 players are scouted for the game
      Müller-Möhring promises that every player in the game should feel and behave exactly like the real player.
      “Even to as far to how their hair is styled and how they celebrate scoring a goal.
      He continued: “All optical features have to be right, which concerns the player.
      “But that only represents one aspect of our work. The other, larger factor, is the player himself.
      “For example, that the football star behaves and moves as much as possible in real life.
      ‘It’s about characteristics. How does a player cheer for a goal? What hairstyle does he have?
      “Is he wearing his jersey in his shorts or not? These are just a few details about the player to watch out for.”
      Before working on FIFA, Müller-Möhring wrote football books, primarily about his beloved team SC Fortuna Köln.
      His most famous book was called Tausend Tipps fuer Auswaertsspiele, which translates to Thousand Tips for Away Matches.
      Players like Kylian Mbappe appear more lifelike thanks to Müller-Möhring’s FIFA team
      EA Sports plush German base in CologneCredit: Alamy
      Thousand Tips for Away Matches was the book that helped Müller-Möhring score his job with EA Sports
      And he confessed that’s how he scored his dream job working on the cult video game.
      “As a supporter of Fortuna Köln, I always came to away games too late because there were no navigation devices at the time,” he said.
      “Four times I missed the kick-off in Solingen, where it is actually not that difficult to find the stadium.
      “That’s when I came up with the idea that there should be a guide for football fans.
      “There were four issues for a small publisher. By writing and researching the books, I finally slipped into this job.”
      Müller-Möhring and his team have been in for criticism of some of the ratings featured in the game.
      Jesse Lingard hilariously tweeted EA Sports to up his pace in the game.
      And stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin De Bruyne featured in an official advert for the title asking for higher skill ratings.
      Even Liverpool fans took particular were left miffed when ratings of new signings Virgil Van Dijk and goalie Alisson were lower than the stats of Man City’s Nicolas Otamendi and Ederson in a previous incarnation of the game.
      And in this year’s version of the game, Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has got the needle with his pace stats.
      He wrote in a recent tweet: “Come on, EA Sports FIFA… 35.8 km/h top speed on the field and only 75 speed in FIFA 22?! What do I need to get speed rating of 90? 50 km/h?”
      EA Sports saw the funny side and responded to the German international: “Beat Christian Pulisic in a race and we talk”.
      As ‘Triple M’ explains, he knows there will always be complaints from the pros.
      Mbappe is the cover star for the latest incarnation of the gameCredit: EA SPORTS

      No way Otamendi & Ederson are better than Van Dijk & Alisson.Just because they won the league now their players are getting massively overrated— Buddo (@Bududup876) September 7, 2018

      “We try to make it as objective as possible. But of course we know very well that players will complain,” he told Bild last year.
      “Only once have I met someone who said, ‘I am satisfied with my values.’ The important thing is: we don’t want to hurt anyone. But if players come and want specific things changed, then we don’t react – unless it’s really grossly wrong.”
      Fifa 22 Ultimate Team ‘ones to watch’ revealed including Lionel Messi More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet Man Utd, Juventus and Man City target Mizak Asante, scorer of a Puskas Award contender, who idolises Kylian Mbappe

      by

      GHANA wonderkid Mizak Asante, 15, became a viral sensation when his stunning solo goal for Golden Kick, a definite Puskas Award contender, caused a stir on social media.But, in truth, the teenage talent is already on the radar of the world’s top clubs.
      15-year-old Mizak Asante has become a viral sensation after scoring a wonder strike for Ghana side Golden Kick
      Brilliant Asante waltzed through the Mobile Phone People defence to score a Puskas Award contender
      Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus are just three of a number of sides keeping tabs on the brilliant forward.
      Before Mizak scored this goal we had already showed his highlights – and those of other players – to clubs abroad,” Golden Kick chairman Joseph Epton told an Accra radio station after his wonder strike.
      “But he was the only player we had feedback about.”
      OVERNIGHT STAR
      While many fans hadn’t seen Asante’s talents first hand, he certainly announced himself around the world with his goal.
      Dancing through the Mobile Phone People defence in the Division Two playoff clash, he waltzed past four defenders before rounding the keeper and scoring.
      The last-gasp goal meant the game went to a penalty shootout, which Golden Kick won securing promotion to the Ghanaian top flight.
      After the match, Asante’s exploits made him a hero. But the confident lad couldn’t see what the fuss was all about.
      “I’ve been scoring these kinds of goals all the time,” he declared.
      HE WASN’T EVEN FIT
      Asante started on the bench and was throw on with minutes remaining to salvage something from the game.
      Instantly, he knew what he had to do.
      Before his exploits made him an overnight star, Asante was already a target for Europe’s leading clubs
      Man Utd, Man City and Juventus are all said to be aware of Asante’s talents
      “I was not all that fit that is why I started from the bench,” he told Asempa FM at full-time.
      “While on the bench, I decided to prove my worth even if I get one minute in the game. I knew I was not fit but I needed one minute to perform miracles.”
      The fleet-footed youngster then revealed his happiness, but insisted it’s something he has done before.
      “I was happy when I scored that goal but it is not the first time scoring such a goal,” Asante added.
      “It has come to the public space because of the tension that was surrounding the game.”
      GHANA U17 RECOGNITION
      Now, there’s a clamour surrounding Asante it won’t be long before he gets an international call-up.
      Ghana U17 coach Karim Zito is already well aware of the prodigies skill set.
      “The player is a good technician and he is able to hold the ball,” Zito told Wamputu Sports.
      “He needs guidance and must be taught how to develop his talent. He is a very good dribbler but he must be guided on when to dribble and when not to dribble
      “When they start training I will recommend him to the Black Starlets coach.”
      POP IDOL
      But for the moment, Asante will keep on watching his idol, French superstar Kylian Mbappe to pick up tips.
      “I watch a lot of players but the one I like very much is Kylian Mbappe,” Asante told JoyNews.
      Asante’s favourite player to learn from is Kylian Mbappe

      Goals like Asante scored in the Ghana Division Two playoff come like second nature to the forward, he claimed

      “I like how direct he is with the ball and his pace as well.
      “It’s Mbappe I really want to play like.”
      If he plays his cards right, he might just end up playing with the PSG hero one day.
      Kylian Mbappe ‘filmed moaning about Neymar for not passing him ball’ after Brazilian’s assist for Draxler vs Montpellier More

    • 275 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Emre Tezgel, 16, is the Stoke City wonderkid who has been compared to Harry Kane and won same award as Jude Bellingham

      by

      IN the Potteries, they are getting excited about a teen sensation that’s set for football stardom.Emre Tezgel, who only turned 16 on September 19, is being primed for first team football at Stoke City, although one suspects his best years might be away from the Championship club.
      Emre Tezgel is the teen sensation at Stoke City compared to Harry KaneCredit: Phil Greig

      The exciting forward has already been compared to Harry Kane by the club’s academy director, Gareth Owen.
      Most recently, the England U17 shone on the international stage for his country in the Syrenka Cup.
      Aside from scoring four goals, he was named as Player of the Tournament – following in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham, who achieved the same feat in 2019.
      It might not be long for Stoke fans have a new hero to cheer on.
      KANE COMPARISONS
      Last season, he was given his debut in the U18’s and managed seven goals in 23 games in his first full campaign.
      Although an impressive start, this season Tezgel has flown out of the traps and matched that tally of strikes.
      And he mixed it against the big boys, recently netting an impressive hat-trick against Liverpool.
      His progress has impressed Owen, who compared his pro to England star Kane.
      “He’s a Harry Kane-type centre-forward,” Owen told Stoke-on-Trent Live.
      Tezgel scores goals, holds the ball up well and has been a revelation in Stoke’s U18 sideCredit: Phil Greig
      Tezgel could be getting his hands on plenty of silverware in the years to comeCredit: Barry Smith / Rocester FC
      “That gets bandied about but his movement is good, he can hold the ball up and he is decent in the air. His main attribute, though, is his finishing and that’s what good centre-forwards have.
      “He plays like a seasoned pro, pulling off at an angle, giving little nudges to the centre-back and making space. It’s great to have that bank of knowledge already at his age.”
      A BIGGER STAGE
      It’s not just in the competitive world of U18 Premier League football that Tezgel has excelled in.
      At the beginning of the month, he was part of an England U17 team that competed in the Syrenka Cup.
      He played all three games in the tournament, memorably coming to life against Portugal in the semi-final.
      With the Three Lions losing 1-0, he came off the bench and netted a double to fire England into the final.
      He scored another brace in the final against Netherlands, but couldn’t stop his side losing 3-2.
      However, on a personal level he was awarded Player of the Tournament – the same honour Jude Bellingham received in 2019 for his star turn.
      Bellingham, now, is a full international and regular for Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
      FUTURE PLANS
      For the moment, though, it’s goals that are on Tezgel’s mind as he looks to continue on his incredible start at youth level.

      Captain Tezgel receives the Don Hill Memorial Trophy after Stoke City beat Rocester FC 3-2Credit: Barry Smith / Rocester FC

      “Personally speaking, I can say I did a good job (last season) but I’m always looking for more, looking to score more goals next season,” he said.
      “I’ve played in higher age groups all my life but I can say it is especially difficult stepping up to the under-18s. It took me a while to get used to the physical challenge. When your speed alone is not enough as a striker, you have to use your mind in the final third.
      “Next season I want us to finish top of the league and I want to score more goals and push myself for the next age group. I want to play football at the highest level in league and international tournaments.”
      Wayne Rooney’s Derby to be handed nine point deduction this season over FFP breaches sending them bottom of Championship More