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      in Soccer

      Meet Wes Okoduwa, 16, who has already been on Wolves bench in Premier League and was Man Utd AND Chelsea transfer target

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      WES OKODUWA has already made a huge impression in the youth ranks at Wolves – and this is why Manchester United and Chelsea made a move for the defender in the summer. Both United and the Blues were told that there was no way the 16-year-old full-back would be allowed to leave as Wolves want their homegrown star to remain in the West Midlands.Wes Okoduwa is a teenage sensation hoping to break through at WolvesCredit: GettySunSport featured Okoduwa last season on the front of the Goals supplementHOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?Due to the fact he is so young, Okoduwa is still growing. But he is already a formidable right-back, with pace and power his biggest attributes. He is terrific at defending in one-on-one situations so the best comparison is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is now at West Ham.In March, Okoduwa was on the bench for Wolves’ Premier League game at Newcastle.  READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHad he featured, he would have been the club’s youngest-ever player.The following month, he was also an unused substitute at home to Arsenal. On both occasions, the youngster was taken out of school to prepare for the game.He stayed on the bench for subsequent Premier League matches.Most read in FootballTELL US ABOUT THEIR RISEOkoduwa was born in New York to Nigerian parents but he moved to Wolverhampton at an early age and has been with the club since he was 10.He has played for England’s Under-16s and is now due to be part of the U17s set-up this season – although he has also been invited to train with the United States.His father, Emmanuel, made one senior appearance for Nigeria and also played club football in Ukraine. He’s trained very well, he’s physically very goodWolves boss Gary O’NeilWHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING? After the home game with Arsenal, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil said: “I hope he’s had more fun with us than he would have in science!“He’s trained very well, he’s physically very good. It’s probably slightly too early in his development but it’s the situation we’re in.”WHAT DO THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD? Okoduwa will have to wait until next May before he turns 17, which is when he can sign his first professional contract.He started playing for Wolves’ U21s aged 15 and will continue to remain with the group while training in and around the first-team.Maybe next summer – or in 18 months’ time – the teen sensation might look to be loaned to an EFL side for a taste of first-team action.Wolves obviously rate him highly, otherwise he would have not been allowed anywhere near the first team.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he is incredibly young, particularly for a defender. So Wolves know it will be in their interests to handle him with care.There is no reason, however, why he could not get a glimpse of first-team action this season – maybe even as a sub in one of the cups.The defender warming up before a Premier League match against Bournemouth last seasonCredit: GettyOkoduwa hard at work during a pre-season training camp in MarbellaCredit: GettyThe right-back playing for England Under-16s – but he could also represent the USA and NigeriaCredit: GettyChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      in Boxing

      Misfits Boxing beauty Carla Jade promises to bash ‘annoying actress’ Nikki Hru and become the lightweight champion

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      GORGEOUS Carla Jade has vowed to “beat up” Nikki Hru in their Misfits Boxing lightweight title fight.The model and ring girl, 34, features on the card at the MF & DAZN X Series 18 event at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle on Saturday.Ring girl and model Carla Jade is fighting for a title at the MF & DAZN X Series 18 eventJade’s opponent is singer and actress Nikki HruDedicated Carla has revealed she has been training for a year in the build up to her fight for the lightweight beltAnd the stunning brunette has revealed she is more than ready for her moment to shine, after promoter Mams Taylor threw her in at the deep end.She told SunSport: “I have been training all year for this, I just love it – sparring every week and getting really stuck in.”I kept get fights falling through, but I stayed active and kept busy. I was meant to fight in October, but out of the blue I was asked if I wanted a title fight.”I said, ‘You don’t have to ask me twice!’ So I had around five weeks to drop about five or six kilos.Read more Misfits boxing news”I think Mams [Taylor] knew I would be game, and I was like ‘hell yeah’. It was really a dream come true.”I’ve got the shot and I know I’m going to win. I can’t wait to show everybody what I can do in the ring.”Trash talking is all part of the process in the build up to any Misfits Boxing contest. And words have been exchanged between Jade and Hru.Not holding back, Jade told us: “I just don’t see that she’s a good fighter.Most read in Boxing”I’m from real boxing, I’ve seen real boxers, and I just… she’s an actress, and she looks angry and plays the part but I think people are buying into her hype.”In terms of her actual boxing skills and even the cardio, I mean… there are so many things that are not there for her.Ex-Playboy model Amber Fields poses naked in just body paint for Misfits Boxing ring walk before wild scrap with rival”No disrespect, but she is not going to known what has hit her.”For the first two or three punches, I think it’s going to be ‘Wow’.”It’s laughable that she says she’s from the streets and she’s had street-fighting. I think she’s bitten off a little bit too much than she can chew fighting me.I don’t hate her, but she is just so boring. Let me just beat her up so she can go away.Carla Jade on Nikki Hru”To be fair, I’m happy she took the fight because no one else wanted to fight me.”But she’s getting a little bit annoying this week. She’s like that annoying girl at school you just want to say, ‘Go away!’ She’s not doing anything bad. I don’t hate her, but she is just so boring. Let me just beat her up so she can go away.”If she was a skilled fighter, I might have felt threatened. But I don’t fear her at all.”Jade has appeared as a ring girl for numerous BKFC eventsLast year, Jade was victorious when she defeated reality TV star Tash KiranNow, Carla is vowing to defeat her next opponent Nikki HruAs for Elle Brooke who takes on Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship fighter Jenny Savage for the MFB Middleweight Championship, Jade laughed off the porn star’s claims that everyone dislikes her.Jade retorted: “I don’t know her, so I don’t hate her. But I’d like that belt she has.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Who she is and things she does don’t really align with my morals. It’s no disrespect, but we’re just different people.”I’m looking forward to watching her fight. But, with my allegiances to BKFC, I will be hoping Jenny wins.”Jade will feature on the same card as Misfits boxing favourite Elle BrookeJade doesn’t agree with Elle Brooke’s moralsBrunette beauty Jade is looking forward to putting on a show in Newcastle More

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      in Soccer

      Arteta will want instant impact from Sterling in North London Derby and he could be key difference over Arsenal’s season

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      RAHEEM STERLING’S deadline day move to Arsenal was, without doubt, one of the most intriguing deals of the entire window.The 82-cap England international sealed a season-long loan transfer to the Gunners after being frozen out by new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.Raheem Sterling could make his Arsenal debut against TottenhamCredit: GettyHis arrival adds some much needed depth to Arsenal’s attackCredit: GettyAnd he has been reunited with Mikel Arteta, who helped turn Sterling into a prolific goalscorerCredit: GettyArteta will be hoping for an instant impact from his new signingCredit: GettyDeals between the big six clubs are often few and far between given how much is at stake in terms of competitive advantage.However, for Sterling, Arsenal represents the fourth big six team he has played for, having also turned out for Liverpool, Manchester City and the Blues.It’s understood there is no option or obligation to buy the 29-year-old, but Arsenal have secured an attacking player who adds both depth and quality to their attacking options in wide areas. Indeed, one of the biggest concerns for Arsenal fans in recent seasons has been the sheer number of matches talisman Bukayo Saka has had to play with little real depth in their position. READ MORE ON ARSENALBut now Mikel Arteta may be given the chance to give his star man a rest from time to time, with Sterling able to play across the attack.Arsenal play Tottenham in the North London derby this weekend, and below we take a look at what Sterling could offer ahead of his potential debut.Stretching the width of the pitchAs Sterling has progressed through his career he has moved from being an out-and-out winger to an inverted wide player comfortable in the channels and central areas to support the striker.Crucially, this means that Arsenal have essentially signed a wide attacker who will offer them both options depending on the specific attacking shape and structure that Arteta is looking to get.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOften we see Arsenal have their wingers hold the width of the attack staying on the outside and forcing the opposition fullbacks to defend wider than they would like. By doing this Arsenal force the opposition to move their fullbacks more outside and this will, in turn, create spaces in the defensive line of their opponents that they can attack through movement from the striker or the more advanced midfielders.Raheem Sterling showing off skills in Arsenal training sessionHere Sterling receives the ball isolated 1v1 before direct play to the byline helps create a chance for a central team-mateAgainst Spurs this weekend we are likely to see Arteta again look to use his wide attackers as options to stay outside, at least in the initial phase of the attack and the build-up, and spread the Spurs defensive line out before attacking through those spaces. With Sterling likely to start on the outside on the left of the pitch, his ability to attack the Spurs right-back either on the outside or the inside has the potential to generate real threat.Arsenal will likely look to build from the back and into the middle third of the pitch before quickly looking to access their wide attackers isolated on the outside against the opposition fullbacks. They are able to use their wide attackers in this manner because of the presence and work rate of Kai Havertz as the central striker.This time Sterling gets the ball in a moment of transition before sliding the ball across the box for a tap-inBut having players in wide areas who can be as effective as Sterling, on the left, and Saka, on the right, should have a genuine impact on the game.Sterling’s ability to play wide as a more traditional winger type will be effective for Arteta in creating space centrally in the attacking phase.Goal threatSterling has chosen to move to Arsenal to reignite a career that appeared to be stalling when he was at Chelsea by reuniting with Mikel Arteta.Arteta previously worked with Sterling when he was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, with the Spaniard being credited with turning him into a goalscoring attacker.A large part of their 1v1 sessions was thought to centre around shot locations and asking Sterling to take his shots from more central areas as opposed to shooting from wider angles.This period of Sterling’s career saw him become much more effective in front of goal and elevated his performances to the next level, and he will be hoping for the same impact the second time around.Sterling carries a threat from the corner as he can come inside and curl the ball into the bottom corner.If he is played regularly as part of the starting attack at Arsenal then there is nothing to stop him from contributing 10-15 goals this season as Arsenal chase the title.For Arsenal last season they had inconsistent production from the likes of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli who typically played from the left side of the attack. Adding Sterling in the final third and in the penalty area will, of course, bring added quality in the final third and a more consistent goal threat.This coming weekend we are likely to see Pedro Porro start at right back for Spurs, and as much as he is an effective attacking threat, he can struggle at times against direct attacking wingers. Sterling makes intelligent runs to attack open space, and here we see him making a long run in transition to get forwardThis is an area of the game where Arteta can create a real advantage with the use of Sterling from the left of the attack.The fact Arsenal were able to add a reliable source of goals late in the window could be a huge bonus as the season goes on.Intelligent positioningAs much as Sterling is effective when he is asked to stay wide and position himself on the outside of the opposition fullback, as we have already discussed above, he also has the versatility of movement and positioning to be able to drift and take advantage of the spaces that are open to him on the pitch. This essentially means that when using Sterling from either the left or the right of the attack we will see Arteta be able to be more versatile in his attacking approach.If he decides to play in this weekend’s North London derby with a more traditional left-back who gets up and down the flank effectively then Sterling may be more free to come inside in order to find pockets of space in which he can receive the ball to hurt the Spurs defence.Sterling is happy to receive the ball in the channels when a player overlaps on the outsideThere is every chance a coach of Arteta’s calibre will look to create situations and positions where on the right side they have a fullback who stays deep and narrow and a right-winger who stays wide while on the left side the fullback moves higher and the left-winger comes more inside. This kind of positioning and movement in the attacking third can help to create attacking overloads and opportunities.Here Sterling comes inside and positions himself in a pocket of space between four opposition defenders before turning out to play forwardThe fact that Arsenal have been able to add an international level forward with the experience and output throughout his career to date means that Arteta has far more options in terms of how he can set up his attack. This will make them harder to predict coming into this weekend’s derby against Spurs. READ MORE SUN STORIESConclusionThe signing of Sterling may well go down as one of the pivotal moments this season for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta as they look to close the gap on Manchester City and challenge for the league title. Arsenal fans will be excited to see how Arteta plans to use Sterling starting this weekend against their biggest rivals. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Harry Kane’s diet and fitness regime as the England star vows to follow in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps

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      WITH two lethal strikes with his trusted right foot, Harry Kane scored his 67th and 68th goals for England against Finland.The goals reaffirmed his place among the game’s most feared strikers on his 100th appearance for his country.Harry Kane celebrates scoring against Finland for the Three LionsKane has admitted he’s inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo’s longevity in the gameBefore his masterclass in finishing, Kane, 31, revealed his plan is to wear the Three Lions on his chest for as long as possible.Inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, he is doing everything in his power to make sure his career twilight is as successful as those of his contemporaries.”I feel in really good shape, both physically and mentally, at a peak in my career,” Kane said.”Watching other players, [Cristiano] Ronaldo scoring his 901st goal, seeing him compete at 39 years old inspires me to play for as long as possible.Read more football news”I love this game, I love representing England – more than anything and I don’t want it to end any time soon.”For me, personally, now it’s about continuing to improve and being consistent both in an England shirt and at club level.”I’m hungry for more. I’m determined to keep pushing the boundaries.”The levels of those boundaries are continuously altered by Kane’s desire, which is supported by a strict diet and fitness regime.Most read in FootballAlongside his personal chef Dan Sargeant, who has crafted him a food plan, the former Tottenham striker is also teetotal.While when it comes to training, the marksman is always one of the first out for a session.How Harry Kane got even better at BayernDietSince around 2016, Kane has worked with Sargeant – who counts Conor Benn and Jack Grealish as some of the athletes he helps with their performance goals.”I think, over the last year or so now, I’ve changed a lot off the pitch with the nutrition side of it,” Kane told the Telegraph in 2017.”It kind of clicked in my head that a football career is so short. It goes so quickly, you have to make every day count.”So, I have a chef at home to eat the right food, helping recovery.”You can’t train as hard as you’d like when you have so many games, so you have to make the little gains elsewhere, like with food. That will help me going into a tournament year, with my body and my recovery.”He added: “I appreciate good players,.”Messi and Ronaldo, they’re doing it every week consistently.”That’s what I aspire to do. It’s good to have the appreciation, but I have to focus on what I want to do.”Ronaldo, at 39, shows no sign of ageing having scored his 901st career goal against Scotland.He too follows a strict diet, chowing down on plenty of fish, chicken and salad. Incredibly, he can eat up to SIX TIMES a day, with braised cod, swordfish and tuna his go-tos. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 901st career goal against Scotland at 39Kane follows a strict diet off the pitchHot shot Kane swears by lean meats and salad, as this meal shared on his Instagram account showsMeals like this are prepared for Kane by performance chef Dan SargeantWhat’s on the menu?In a chat with the England Football website, Kane spoke about what he eats and how it transformed his career.”For breakfast, I vary it. I might have a slice of brown bread, avocado, and a two or three egg omelette with some spinach,” he said.”Sometimes I have coconut yoghurt with berries, homemade granola and a bit of honey.”For lunch, Kane divulged: “I love salmon, rice and veg. I will have salad and veg with every meal. I try to get as many nutrients as I can from food. I balance protein and carbs, leaning more towards carbs before a game.”On lighter training days, I might cut out carbs for a meal and go for protein and veg. The aim is to remain lean but also ensure you aren’t missing out and I have enough energy.”He concluded he varies lunch and dinner with, more or less, the same meals.”It’s mostly the same for dinner. I tend to eat fish or chicken, sometimes beef. I eat white fish, and salmon. I vary it for lunch and dinner,” he admitted.Top performance chef Daniel Sargeant has worked with Kane since around 2016Over the years, Kane has worked hard on his strapping 6ft2in physiqueHarry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.”TrainingIn terms of his training schedule, Kane has said in the past his “happy place” is when he’s practising finishing in sessions.Of those, he said: “I try and do realistic training where it’s game scenarios, bobbly ball, half a second to swivel and hit, crosses that have been whipped in at fast tempo.”It helps separate the good players and the top players.”But under Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham, the Argentinian’s staff prepared a power programme for the hotshot striker to improve other areas of his game.As Men’s Health revealed in 2021, that consisted of hamstring, glute and single-leg exercises to enhance his acceleration and pace, as well as core work for strength and stability.Kane also worked with a sports scientist to work on the mechanics of sprinting, which focused on his arm movement.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the past, Kane has admitted his favourite aspect of training is shooting practiceSpeed training has also been consistent with Kane’ improvementGolden Shoe award winner Kane hopes to play at the top for years to comeContinuously working on himself has made Kane the player he is today.That dedication separates the wheat from the chaff, so it will be no surprise to see Kane spearheading England’s attack at the World Cup in 2026. More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Arsenal and Tottenham’s stunning Wags ahead of the North London derby, from Jude Law’s ex to a mother of twins

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      ARSENAL travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the North London derby on Sunday with all to play for.The Gunners lost their 100 per cent record after a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton.Tatiana Trouboul will be cheering on the Gunners in the North London derbyCredit: Instagram / @t.trouboulGorgeous Tatiana’s partner is Arsenal’s No1 David RayaCredit: Instagram @t.trouboul @d.raya1It was a game Mikel Arteta’s side could easily have lost after Declan Rice’s controversial second-half red card.While Spurs would have been equally as disappointed with their last outing – beaten by Newcastle at St James’ Park 2-1.Watching matters closely will be the player’s Wags.Let SunSport introduce you to the beauties, including one who had a romance with Hollywood star Jude Law.Read more football newsTatiana TrouboulTatiana used to work in a nightclub before she met Spain goalkeeper David Raya.The Kim Kardashian lookalike also scored paid jobs as a model.But, she has kept her personal life private in regards to her romance with Raya, although they have matching tattoos.They reportedly began dating in 2021. However, they didn’t go public with their relationship until June 2022.Most read in FootballKennedy AlexaStunner Kennedy lived in Los Angeles before she was swept off her feet by Tottenham’s James Maddison.They have since had three children together – Leo Cruz in 2021, and twins Rome and Delilah.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsThe model was championed on social media by mums for showing off her stretch marks from her last pregnancy, admitting they were tough to embrace but how proud she was to give birth to three healthy children.Kennedy has since returned to fashion photoshoots and is more in demand than ever.Kennedy Alexa is a stunning model who lived in Los AngelesKennedy was praised by mums on social media for addressing her body insecurities after giving birthJames Maddison and Kennedy pose for a loved-up snap togetherClaudia KiwiorStunning blonde Claudia is the flamboyant twerking wife of Arsenal’s Polish defender Jakub Kiwior.She goes under the stage name Redheaded and has her own clothing label aimed at dancers.Claudia is a competitive twerker –  and won the Queen of Twerking Competition in Germany in 2017, and was a semi-finalist in the European Twerk Champions in 2018.She is a regular in the stands at the Emirates – cheering her beau on.Claudia Kiwior is a world famous twerker who has won competitionsClaudia goes under the stage name ‘Claude Redheaded’Poland defender Jakub Kiwior is married to ClaudiaPaula LenseBlonde Paula has been with Timo Werner since 2017, when he played for RB Leipzig.But, they reveal very little about their personal life and keep their romance private.The pair did get engaged, and is not known if they married or not.However, she did recently share images of the pair enjoying a glam trip to Los Angeles.Beautiful Paula Lense keeps her personal life very privateGerman beauty Paula has been with Timo Werner since 2017Credit: GettyCatherine HardingBrunette beauty Catherine was one of the stars of Amazon Prime’s Married to the Game docu series.The Irish beauty, who is married to Jorginho, has previous with reality TV.She famous appeared as a contestant on The Voice – and was mentored Ollie Murs.Harding also had a romance with Jude Law, fathering a daughter called Ada with the Hollywood star.Catherine Harding fathered a child with Hollywood superstar Jude LawHowever, since around 2020 Catherine has been with JorginhoKaren RomeroKaren is the wife of Tottenham hard man Cristian Romero.However, she likes to remain out of the limelight and prefers to keep her Instagram account private.They reportedly began dating in 2018, when Romero was playing in Serie A.Cristian and Karen said their ‘I do’s’ in 2020, before welcoming a son a year later.Back in May, they revealed a second child is on the way.Cristian and Karen Romero got together in 2018 and were hitched two years laterCredit: Instagram @cutiromero2The Romeros recently revealed they are expecting their second childCredit: Instagram @cutiromero2Milly WhiteMilly and Ben White have enjoyed a whirlwind romance.The Gunners right-back got together with the Instagram model in 2022.White wasted very little time before popping the question on a luxury holidayThe happy couple shared pictures of their engagement, including one of their matching ‘I love you’ wrist tattoos.Then, in May 2023 the pair were married at a private ceremony at the Old Marylebone Town Hall in London.Milly White has enjoyed a whirlwind romance with Ben WhiteMilly and White got married in 2023 at a private ceremony in LondonCredit: SplashIoana StanIoana joined boyfriend Radu Dragusin in London, after signing from Genoa in the winter transfer window in 2024.And she settled into life in North London by playing Tottenham Monopoly.She’s an aspiring architect who has been studying the skill at university.The beauty has been appearing on Dragusin’s Instagram since 2021 .Ioana Stan settled into North London life by playing Tottenham MonopolyGlam Ioana poses with partner Romanian defender Radusin DragusinTolami BensonTolami works in public relations and is the Senior Planning Executive of Zenith.According to her LinkedIn, Tolami studied at Birmingham City University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Public Relations and Media Public Relations.She was spotted supporting beau Bukayo Saka at the Euros in Germany.While the PR is also a regular at the Emirates.Beautiful Tolami Benson has been seen cheering on her beau on England dutyCredit: GettyTolami is, of course, the girlfriend of Arsenal’s star boy Bukayo SakaCredit: PAEldina AhmicBosnian beauty Eldina began dating Dejan Kulusevski in 2020, when the Spurs ace played for Serie A giants Parma.Football must have been a hot topic for the pair, because at the time she played for Swedish side, IF Brommapojkarna.Last December, Kulusevksi scored in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest and dedicated the goal to his wife and future child.READ MORE SUN STORIESStuffing the ball underneath his jersey, he then proceeded to make the heart sign with his hands.Their first child was born back in April.Bosnian beauty Eldina is a former professional footballerCredit: Instagram @eldinaahmicEldina has been together with Dejan Kulusevski since 2020Credit: Instagram @dejan.k10 More

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      in Soccer

      Manuel Ugarte is a midfield bruiser… but Man Utd star is NOT immune to making same mistakes as Casemiro vs Liverpool

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      MANCHESTER UNITED appeared to make a turning point this summer with how they will recruit and build their squad.For the first time since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill, it appeared there was a long-term plan.Manuel Ugarte has the ability to be a top player for Man Utd if used properlyCredit: GettyHe is a tough tackling midfielder who will add security to the Red Devils’ midfieldCredit: AFPBut he can sometimes be a bit of a liability on the ballCredit: GettyAnd he could suffer the same fate as Casemiro did against Liverpool if not supportedCredit: PAAfter taking sporting control of the Red Devils, Ineos identified younger players in key areas for, generally, decent fees.This saw them strengthen the defence with the signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro – a wise move given how much they relied on veteran Jonny Evans, 36, at times last season.They also added versatile star Noussair Mazraoui at full-back, while Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee brings some much needed link play to the front line.It is their last deal of the summer, however, which could prove to be the most important, in the form of 23-year-old Uruguay star Manuel Ugarte.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe former Paris Saint-Germain defensive midfielder signed in a deal which could cost £51million, and is a positive and proactive step.However, while Ugarte is superb off the ball, he does have weaknesses.Reading of the gameOne of the most prominent aspects of Ugarte’s game is his ability to play at the base of a midfield, to read the game and react quickly to threats.He does not need to be constantly involved in possession, nor does he want to get the ball and break lines with forward passes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInstead, he likes to hold a deeper position, where he can react to the threat of quick opposition counterattacks.This is an area of the midfield in which United were severely lacking last season.Here Ugarte shields his defence as the opposition attacker looks to carry the ball into spaceErik ten Hag warns Manuel Ugarte could take MONTHS to get fit in further blow to Man Utd fans after Liverpool hammeringThe likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes are more than capable of attacking, meaning United needed to add a more defensive-minded player.United struggled badly with defending these spaces in midfield last season – they were often too high and too easy for the opposition to play through and bypass.Ugarte will allow United to be more secure in front of their back line – something they need after being horribly exposed in their 3-0 defeat by Liverpool.His presence at the base of the midfield will also allow United’s full-backs to bomb on.This time Ugarte is in a more settled defensive block and is able to read and react where necessary to win possessionUgarte has the mobility and ability to cover back or across the pitch to prevent the opposition from playing into an attacking space.The addition of Ugarte to the base of the United midfield will make them stronger and more difficult to break down.Is his aggression an issue?Aggression in footballers can often be seen only as a negative thing, but a certain level is needed at the top level.The issue comes when players cannot channel this intensity effectively and end up tearing around the pitch trying to win the ball back.That desire needs to be balanced with tactical discipline.Ugarte still needs to find that balance and his aggressive nature led to PSG sidelining him last season.Here Ugarte is too eager to break out and hunt down the ball on his ownMidfield players who can chase and win the ball can, of course, be a positive, as long as they have team-mates around them who can bring balance. One part of Ugarte’s game that needs further development is understanding when to go, and when to stay put.Yet with United’s new central defenders they should be more comfortable in a higher line and this will limit the space between the defence, midfield and attack.This structure and shape would free Ugarte to jump and press more aggressively.This time Ugarte charges to press the first forward pass into the midfield, but leaves the defence exposed behind himBut for now he still provides risk as well as security because teams can look to bait him into pressing high before playing quickly into the space he leaves behind.United boss Erik ten Hag will need to create a structure and set of pressing rules to bring the best out of Ugarte.Is his passing a problem?Ugarte is not a midfielder in the mould of Rodri, for instance.He is not a top-level passer of the ball and often his distribution can be fairly obvious and easy to defend against.He does, however, keep the ball fairly well, with stats showing last season he had a passing accuracy of 91.6 per cent compared to Casemiro’s 82.6 per cent.He has played at international level and for some of the biggest teams in the world, after all.In possession for PSG Ugarte could be too obviousIndeed, as long as he is allowed to receive the ball and play short and safe then there should be no issues. The issues he had at PSG – and that he is likely to have at United – are that teams will recognise his lack of passing ability and let him have the ball.This is designed to force him to be more expressive on the ball, which can prompt errors, especially in tighter areas.This is part of the reason he struggled at times with PSG under Luis Enrique. Here Ugarte tries a more ambitious crossfield pass but poor execution sees him lose possessionUnited are less focused on possession so his lack of ability on the ball should not be as much of a problem.The Red Devils will not exactly hide Ugarte in possession, although they will need to try to limit his involvement.ConclusionUgarte has a very specific profile and one that United need in midfield.He will stop them from being so open out of possession and he can win back the ball effectively.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere are, however, issues that United fans will have to be aware of.As long as Ten Hag uses the Uruguayan international properly though he should prove to be a good signing. More

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      Premier League stars and their cars, from Erling Haaland’s £2.7m Mercedes supercar to Son Heung-Min’s £1m Ferrari

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      THE Premier League is the greatest league in the world, and it’s no secret it pays well.Man City can afford to give Erling Haaland a £375,000-per-week salary, while Liverpool broke their wage structure to pay Mo Salah a whopping £350,000-per-week.Man City’s Erling Haaland boasts the most expensive car in the Premier LeagueNorwegian hotshot Haaland splashed £2.7m on Mercedes AMG OneIt’s no wonder all the best players want to play on our shores.When they do, though, they’ll need a fast car to get to and from training.But what do some of the world’s best drive?SunSport rounds up the pick of some of the Premier League elite’s finest.Read more football news And, there’s not a Dacia in sight.Erling Haaland – Mercedes AMG One, £2.7mThe Prem’s sharpest shooter boasts the most expensive motor.Back in February, it was reported Man City hitman Haaland splashed the cash on a F1-grade supercar.The Mercedes AMG One costs a whopping £2.7m, can reach a top speed of 219mph and is very rare – with just 275 built.Most read in FootballThe Norwegian already has a fleet of flash motors, including a £300k Rolls Royce Cullinan.Son Heung-Min – Ferrari’s La Ferrari, £1.2mOnly 499 of these incredible cars have been made – and Son has one of them.Erling haaland’s bizarre new therapyBut he ditched the usual red for a black version because the Spurs man couldn’t be seen driving a car in the team colours of their rivals, Arsenal.Worth around £1.2m, even a Premier League footballer earning top whack would have to save up for a while to be able to afford it.It is the most powerful street-legal supercar the Italian manufacturer has produced.Son Heung-Min has a very rare Ferrari in his car collectionThe Spurs player paid £1.2m for a very special La FerrariCole Palmer – Lamborghini Urus, £180kThe staple motor for any Premier League footballer, Lamborghini’s first foray into the SUV world is regularly seen at the training grounds of all the major clubs.It genuinely is an astonishing motor, boasting all the finesse of a supercar – but offering a lot more leg room.There once was a huge waiting list for the Urus, but if you are top class athlete like Palmer you seemingly get to jump the queue.The starting price is around the £190,000 mark, but can rise up to £240,000.Cole Palmer has exploded on the scene in the past year and has a suitably explosive carPalmer has been seen behind the wheel of a very smart Lamborghini UrusVirgil Van Dijk – Audi Q7, £65kComfortability and leg room is the order for Liverpool’s giant centre back, Van Dijk.Reliability and performance are two things the German car giants boast, and the Q7 is as steady as it gets.Several high-profile Barcelona stars used a Q7 to get to and from training until the Catalans’ sponsorship deal expired.Van Dijk also has a much sportier Ferrari 488 in his car collection worth over £175k.Virgil Van Dijk requires a car with a bit of leg roomThe Audi Q7 is the perfect motor for the Dutch star to go to and from training inMo Salah – Bentley Continental GT, £240kOne of Salah’s favourite cars (there are many in his staggering garage), the Egyptian legend has driven a Bentley for years.Worth around £160,000, it boasts luxury interiors, including comfortable leather seats and performance-wise, it has a top speed of 210 mph, and is UK-built with an efficient V12 engine.And fans know it’s Salah’s wheels – one boy previously chased the Bentley down to get a glimpse of his hero.After colliding with a lamppost and breaking his nose, the lad could’ve been disheartened. But his day was brightened up when Salah stopped the car to check if the boy was alright, and then posed for a snap.Salah has also been seen behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Aventador (£270k) and a Mercedes Benz AMG SLS Roadster (£180k).Mo Salah has a number of amazing cars in his garageThe pick of the bunch is Salah’s Bentley Continental GT that comes with a hefty price tagBukayo Saka – Mercedes G63, £190KCosting up to £190,000, the prestige Mercedes SUV is one of the Premier League’s most popular motors.Saka isn’t the only Arsenal star to have one, with Kai Havertz also boasting the ‘G Wagon’ as one of his motors.G63’s come with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8 engine that makes 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque.While, different models go 0-62 mph from 4.5 seconds to 6.4 seconds.Bukayo Saka is one of Arsenal’s highest-earnersWhich is why Saka drives a £190k Mercedes AMG G63read more sport featuresMarcus Rashford – McLaren 765LT, £280kMarcus Rashford is a complete petrolhead and owns an array of brilliant cars.He has had a penchant for Rolls-Royce in the past, splashing the cash on a £390,000 Black Badge Cullinan and a 700,000 Black Badge Wraith, which he sold at auction last year after damaging it in an accident.He also joined the trend of Premier League footballers who are Lamborghini Urus drivers.However, he has seemingly settled on a £280,000 McLaren 765 Longtail for now that’s capable of reaching 0-60 mph in just 2.7 secondsMarcus Rashford is a car connoisseur who boasts an impressive fleetRashford’s favourite to drive around Manchester is his McLaren 765LTDeclan Rice – Range Rover Sport, £80kSteady away Rice opts for a comfortable SUV for his car of choice.The father of one rides in a spacious Range Rover Sport costing around £80,000.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, he has had it personalised – so it comes with all the luxury trimmings you can imagine.The Range Rover Sport is popular choice among the England squad, with Rice’s teammates Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire owning Sports too.Family man Declan Rice opts for a sensible motorLike many Premier League footballers, Rice rides in a Range Rover Sport More