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      in Soccer

      Liverpool can beat RB Leipzig but need Alisson to regain his nerve as he is still learning the sweeper-keeper role

      by

      JURGEN Klopp appears to have given up on Liverpool’s chances of defending their domestic title.
      But they can still save their season with a Champions League conquest – as long as keeper Alisson can regain his nerve.

      Liverpool star Alisson is suffering a crisis in confidenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tuesday’s opponent Red Bull Leipzig will be targeting the 28 year old Brazilian, who is currently going through by far his worst spell at Anfield since joining the club in 2018.
      Under extreme conditions – the injury crisis which has hit Liverpool’s centre backs and prevented them from fielding a consistent defence – one aspect of Alisson’s game has collapsed.
      He is making basic mistakes in his role as an outfield player – in his passing out from the back and his decisions on when to come out of his goal.
      This perhaps indicates the value of a saying popularised by former England coach Terry Venables; under pressure, the last thing you learn can be the first thing you forget.

      It is not normal for goalies in Brazil to play the sweeper-keeper role.
      Things are starting to change, but anyone who watched Palmeiras in the recent Club World Cup and the final of the Copa Libertadores will have seen a faithful representation of Brazilian football of recent times – a counter attacking team who defend deep, with the centre backs close to the keeper. 

      Jurgen Klopp is going to need his usually reliable goalkeeper to regain his nerve as they resume their Champions League campaign against RB LeipzigCredit: PA:Press Association
      This is not a model of play that leaves much space for the keeper to play like Manuel Neuer.
      Ederson of Manchester City is a different case, because he developed in Portugal.

      When he was playing in Brazil for Internacional, then, Alisson could concentrate on being an old fashioned line goalkeeper – like his older brother Muriel, who is now a reserve with Fluminense of Rio.
      Muriel never had to grow into anything else.
      But in his time with Roma Alisson observed European football and saw that he would benefit from working on new aspects of his game.
      All of this sweeper-keeper stuff, then, is still new to him. Previously in his time with Liverpool there were few mistakes.
      But Virgil Van Dijk was there in front of him to organise things, the team kept winning and confidence was high.
      It’s different now.
      Alisson is entitled to lack confidence in the makeshift defence playing in front of him – and after recent events he is entitled to lack confidence in his own judgement and ability with the ball at his feet.

      After disappointment against Man City, Alisson blundered again against LeicesterCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Playing behind a makeshift defence hasn’t helped Alisson’s causeCredit: Getty – Pool

      Temperament has usually been one of his strengths.
      On the rare occasions he has made one mistake, he has never shown a tendency to make two – until now.
      Red Bull Leipzig can be counted upon to press in search of another slip up. Alisson will have to be sure of foot and sound of mind.

      RB Leipzig vs Liverpool – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      in Soccer

      Seven times Joey Barton caused controversy, from attacking teammates to flashing his bum at fans and time in jail

      by

      EVEN though he’s no longer playing, Joey Barton is STILL courting controversy.
      The bad boy footballer, now 38, has never been afraid to speak his mind and has often been unable to control his temper on and off the pitch.

      Joey Barton has never been afraid to speak his mind, and famously fought teammate Ousmane DaboCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Barton has offered Dabo, who was left with a detached retina in their scuffle, revenge in a charity boxing matchCredit: Ray Bradbury

      One of Barton’s most infamous acts was a training ground fight with former teammate Ousmane Dabo, which saw the hardman midfielder hit with a six-match ban by the Football Association in 2008.
      He was also given a four-month suspended sentence after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm after Dabo was left with cuts and bruises as well as a detached retina.
      Incredibly, on Robbie Fowler’s podcast he offered Dabo the opportunity to get revenge in the ring for a charity boxing fight.
      But that’s just one of many moments the red mist has descended over Barton’s eyes. And not even the cast of TOWIE was safe either!

      THE CHRISTMAS PARTY
      With the booze flowing to celebrate the festivities at Manchester City’s Christmas party, there was plenty of opportunity for footballers to behave badly.
      But Barton did more than that.
      After youth star James Tandy thought it would be hilarious to set Barton’s shirt on fire, the tempestuous bad boy was filled with rage.
      He retaliated by stubbing a lit cigar in Tandy’s eye, which resulted in a fine of six weeks’ wages and an apology to despondent boss Kevin Keegan.

      When he was a Man City player, Barton was fined six weeks’ wages for stubbing a cigar out on youth player James TandyCredit: PA:Press Association
      DOING TIME
      In 2008, Barton was sentenced to six months behind bars for common assault and affray during an incident in Liverpool City Centre.
      The incident didn’t leave Barton in the best light – punching a man 20 times and breaking a teenager’s teeth.
      CCTV captured the fight, and with the once-capped England star already on bail over an allegation of criminal damage involving a Liverpool taxi driver and THAT fight with Dabo, the book was thrown at him.
      Barton was convicted of assault and served 77 days in prison.

      CCTV caught Barton throwing punchesCredit: Enterprise News and Pictures

      Barton was sentenced to six months in prisonCredit: AFP – Getty
      REALITY BITES
      It’s fair to say Barton isn’t a fan of reality TV, especially if it’s TOWIE.
      He first called the cast “freaks”, which prompted a response from Mark Wright and James Argent who were miffed by Barton’s comments.
      And Joey didnt stop there. “TOWIE firm don’t mess with big boys, u and ur shallow, fake, pretentious lifestyles. In a year u’ll be opening s**tty poundshops if ur lucky,” he wrote.
      “I actually despise the whole of that firm, mentally deficient, turn up at the opening of an envelope, fame hungry, prized ball bags. #TOWIE”
      That prompted the TOWIE lot to send Barton a photo suggesting he had a small penis, swore at him and said he was “jel” of their success.

      Reaity TV show TOWIE isn’t on Barton’s watchlistCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      The TOWIE cast sent Barton a nasty message on Twitter after he slammed the showCredit: Mercury Press Agency
      A 12-GAME BAN
      The stakes were high going into the last Premier League game of the season in 2012 between Barton’s QPR and title-chasing Manchester City.
      Joey didn’t help his teams’ cause surviving relegation though, after he was sent off for elbowing Carlos Tevez in the throat.
      He also kicked out at Sergio Aguero, before a red card was shown AND squared up to Vincent Kompany and Mario Balotelli as he left the pitch.
      Barton was suspended for 12 games by the FA following the incident.

      Barton lost his cool against Man City and was sent offCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And Barton didn’t leave the pitch quietly, kicking out at Sergio Aguero and scuffling with Vincent KompanyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      FIGHT OF THE DAY
      On Match of the Day the evening of the above disgrace, pundits Alan Shearer, Alan Hansen and Gary Lineker slammed Barton for his behaviour against Manchester City.
      Not happy with Shearer’s assessment, Barton took to Twitter.
      He wrote: “I’d take it off Hansen and @GaryLineker but not from that bell, same fella that stamped on Neil Lennon,then threatened FA if they banned him.”
      He added: “I really don’t like that p****, in fact I honestly despise him… Goodnight.”
      Lineker later stood up for Shearer responding: “Still raging then? Still kicking out? And still, presumably, misunderstood? But only by yourself I suspect.”
      Hilariously, Barton replied to Lineker’s note calling him an “odious little toad”.

      I’d take it off Hansen and @GaryLineker but not from that bell, same fella that stamped on Neil Lennon,then threatened FA if they banned him
      — Joey Barton💙 (@Joey7Barton) May 13, 2012

      @joey7bartonStill raging then? Still kicking out? And still, presumably, misunderstood? But only by yourself I suspect.
      — Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) May 14, 2012

      A BUM NOTE
      It’s fair to say through the years, Barton was a target for rival fans.
      And in a game against Everton playing for Manchester City, the local boy got all sorts of abuse.
      However, it didn’t call for this sort of reaction – exposing his bare bum towards abusers.
      He was fined for the incident, and a police investigation was called.

      Barton shows off his bare bum to Everton fans at Goodison Park
      MELLOW MANAGER? NO CHANCE
      Not even management mellowed Barton.
      Just ask ex-Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel – who the former Fleetwood Town boss allegedly headbutted and punched during an altercation in the tunnel of a League One match.
      Stendel lost two teeth in the fight, after reportedly calling Barton a “f****** scally”.

      Barnsley striker Cauley Woodrow was particularly incensed.
      He said in a now deleted tweet after the game: “To have a manager that can physically assault another manager in the tunnel is disgusting, causing our manager to have blood pouring from his face!
      “People like you don’t deserve a place in the game of football, you are foul.”

      Barton faces off against Daniel Stendel after Barnsley’s match with Fleetwood TownCredit: Rex Features

      Daniel Stendel was allegedly headbutted and punched by Barton in the tunnel after the gameCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Joey Barton says QPR were the least favourite of his ex-clubs More

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      in Boxing

      Canelo Alvarez’s amazing lifestyle, including cars worth £8m, dating beautiful women and owning an incredible home

      by

      SAUL ‘CANELO’ ALVAREZ’s life of luxury knows no bounds.
      The Mexican boxer, who defeated Callum Smith in his last fight, loves fast cars, boasts mega-sponsorship deals, and has dated the world’s most attractive women.

      A £170,000 Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series sits pride of place in Alvarez’s garageCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is set to become a sporting billionaireCredit: Getty – Contributor

      If that’s not enough, the 30-year-old’s projected career earnings could see him join the billionaire boys club – with sporting members including the only man to ever beat him in the ring, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Masters winner Tiger Woods, basketball legend Michael Jordan, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Jealous yet? You will be.
      LIVING LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
      You’ve seen what his old rival Mayweather drives, right?
      Well, not wanting to be left behind when it comes to motors, Alvarez boasts an equally as impressive garage full of supercars you’d die for.

      Last year, he dropped £2.3m on a Bugatti Chiron – the world’s fastest car on the road.
      Only 500 are in existence, and Alvarez joins a select group of owners including Cristiano Ronaldo who can be reassured their investment is well spent, with value in those cars rising yearly.
      And that’s not all. You will find parked behind the gates of his Guadalajara mansion a Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series, Lamborghini Aventador, Mustang 500 Eleanor, Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6, Ferrari Testarossa, AMG C64 biTurbo, Rolls Royce Ghost, Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren P1, Porsche 911 GT3 and a Lamborghini Gallardo (Renazzo Vorsteiner edition).
      Total value of all that lot? Around £8.3m.

      Alvarez has a car collection worth £8.3mCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      In 2019 Alvarez splashed £2.3 on a stunning Bugatti ChironCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      Alvarez can go off-road in his £370,000 Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6Credit: Instagram / @canelo
      GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS
      Being a successful sports star is a big pull, especially when it comes to attracting the opposite sex.
      And Alvarez has dated some of the world’s most beautiful women – from a former Miss Universe to an actress who was mates with a drug baron to Colombian footballer James Rodriguez’s current flame.
      In 2012, he wined and dined TV star Kate del Castillo, who is 18-years his senior.
      Referring to their sex life during a chat show interview, she revealed: “There were some strong rounds and yes, there were sometimes knockouts.”
      Continuing to speak in boxing metaphors, she added: “He was the first to hit the canvas and ask for his corner to throw in the towel.”
      Incredibly, del Castillo’s name would come up again in 2015 as an intermediary between former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman and Sean Penn, four years after her split with Alvarez.
      She introduced ‘El Chapo’ to the Hollywood star after the drug lord escaped from a maximum-security prison in Mexico, and a huge TV interview followed.
      Before del Castillo there was Marisol Gonzalez, who competed in the 2003 Miss Universe beauty pageant.
      So loved up, they were engaged following a whirlwind nine-month romance in 2010. However, their love didn’t last and they called off the engagement a year later.

      In 2012, Alvarez dated actress Kate del Castilo who is 18-years his seniorCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Drug baron Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman later became a friend of Alvarez’s former flame del CastilloCredit: EPA

      Alvarez was engaged to TV personality Marisol Gonzalez, but it didn’t lastCredit: Instagram / @marisolglzc

      Alvarez also dated Shannon de Lima, who was once married to Jennifer Lopez’s ex Marc AnthonyCredit: Instagram / @shadelima

      Today, de Lima dates Colombian footballer James RodriguezCredit: Instagram / @shadelima

      In late 2017, Alvarez got together with Fernanda Gomez, and the pair had a daughter together called MariaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2017, Alvarez wooed Venezuelan stunner Shannon de Lima, a runner up in the ‘Miss Earth Venezuela Pageant’ in 2005, after she divorced Jennifer Lopez’s ex-husband Marc Anthony.
      Then, he got into a on/off relationship with Fernanda Gomez, and they welcomed a daughter called Maria Fernanda last year.
      They are currently still together, but live a very private life.
      HIS DIGS
      Currently living in Guadalajara, where he was born, Alvarez has always valued his privacy, so not much is known about the current property he owns.
      His previous home in Del Mar, San Diego, California was tucked away in a gated community.
      Only when it was listed for sale in 2015 did we get a window into his life of wealth.
      The 11,970-square-foot mansion was sold for around £6m, and featured six bedrooms, high-ceilings, raised wooden beams over the living room, a massive library and an ocean view.
      To entertain guests and his entourage, he also had a game room with a built-in bar.

      Alvarez used to live in a stunning home in San Diego before moving back to GuadalajaraCredit: Redfin

      In 2015, he put the house on the market for £6 millionCredit: Redfin

      The lavish mansion was fit for a kingCredit: Redfin

      The property offered high ceilings and wood beamsCredit: Redfin
      THE APPLE OF HIS EYE
      Despite his reputation as a ladies’ man, and someone who loves to live the high-life, family is important to the redheaded fighter.
      His eldest daughter Emily Cinnamon Alvarez, 12, is the most important person in the world to him.
      That’s why, before he took on Gennady Golovkin in their 2018 rematch, he got a tattoo of her image on his arm, just so she could be in the ring with him.
      But mystery shrouds the young girls’ mother.
      Mexican tabloid Clase claimed Emily was born from a relationship that Alvarez had in high-school with a young woman named Karen Beltran when they were 17-years-old.
      There are no public photos of Beltran, who has managed to stay away from the media.
      Clase also claimed the pair share their daughter.

      Emily Cinnamon Alvarez is the boxer’s beloved 12-year-old daughterCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      Alvarez has his daughter’s image tattooed on his armCredit: Instagram / @bolarttatoo
      SPONSORS KEEP ON COMING
      Alvarez is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
      While he doesn’t have the outrageous personality of his contemporary Mayweather Jr, or the knockout factor of Muhammad Ali, DAZN thought he was a worthy investment.
      They offered him around £277 million for 10 fights to be streamed exclusively by them, but he recently backed out of the deal and is suing them.
      Despite his rather bizarre fashion choices, once flying in a private jet in a panda suit, he’s a poster boy for advertisers too.
      Alongside basketball whizz Steph Curry, Alvarez fronts campaigns for sportswear giant Under Armour, peddling their boxing range.

      Add to that deals with Cognac house Hennessy, beer company Tecate, and Everlast, it’s clear that Alvarez is rolling in it.
      And according to experts, it won’t be long before the orthodox brawler progresses from millionaire to billionaire.
      Still not jealous?

      Despite a bizarre choice in fashion, sponsors are queuing up for AlvarezCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      New king of the ring Alvarez has deals with the likes of Under Armour, Everlast, Tecate and HennessyCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      Alvarez can now afford to live a life of luxuryCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      It’s hard not to envy Alvarez’s first-class lifestyleCredit: Instagram / @canelo

      Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez snap punch bag in half in terrifying display of power ahead of Daniel Jacobs unification fight More

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      in Soccer

      Aubameyang, Bale, Messi and Kane prefer to lease cars… how much do they pay each month and what’s their down payment

      by

      LEASING is the new buying.
      Today, many savvy footballers prefer to lease a new motor rather than buy one.

      Savvy footballers of today like Harry Kane are leasing their motorsCredit: The Sun

      It gives the world’s biggest stars the option of swapping cars, if they’re bored of their old one – either before their lease runs out or after.
      And it’s often a more modest vehicle that football’s biggest names will prefer to lease in the incredible car collections.
      Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gareth Bale and more are believed to have deals on leased motors.
      Auto Trader’s Rory Reid says: “Leasing is a great way to get celebrity style without the huge down payment which comes with buying more expensive cars.

      “Most people take pride in the car that they drive and want this to suit their style and taste, whether that be a fast sports car or a climate-friendly vehicle, so it’s great that leasing makes otherwise relatively expensive cars more accessible to buyers with more modest budgets.”
      So, how much are footballers paying monthly and what did they put down as a down payment?
      SunSports reveals all, subject to a 36 month contract with initial payments equivalent to six months payment.
      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG
      The Arsenal striker is known for his love of amazing cars.

      Aubameyang has been seen behind the wheels of a £2million LaFerrari and various Lamborghinis outrageously wrapped, which is believed he owns.
      One of his fleet is an impressive Audi R8, that has a £160,000 price tag that is said to be leased.
      For an initial payment of £11,118 expect to pay a monthly sum of £1,853 – well within Aubameyang’s reach thanks to a bumper pay rise with the Gunners.
      The Gunners captain took to Instagram to flaunt five of his stunning fleet – which have been wrapped in silver, gold… and just about every colour of the rainbow.

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is known for his fleet of cool carsCredit: Instagram / @aubameyang97

      Nestled in Aubameyang’s fleet of motors is a £160,000 Audi R8
      LIONEL MESSI
      The Barcelona ace has a car collection to envy.
      One of his luxury vehicles is a Lexus RX450h, alongside a fleet of supercars worth millions.
      Leasing that £58,484 Lexus would require an initial payment of £3,552.
      Monthly he’s looking at a paltry £592 per month. Peanuts for the little Argie.

      Lionel Messi has a fleet of cars to envyCredit: Reuters

      Messi has a Lexus RX450h worth £58,484Credit: Lexus
      HARRY KANE
      The England marksman is a fan of British motors.
      Kane gets behind Jaguar cars, and has a F-Pace worth £44,431 fresh out the showroom.
      However, putting down just £3,245 – nothing for the Spurs man – affords him a very decent lease deal
      It’s just £540.99 a month on an F-Pace then.

      Harry Kane stands proudly next to his F-PaceCredit: Instagram @HarryKane
      N’GOLO KANTE
      The most modest Premier League footballer ever?
      Possibly. When Chelsea midfielder Kante was at Leicester, he drove a Mini Cooper Hatch.
      Most recently, the French international has been seen behind the wheels of a Mercedes, but the Mini was his pride and joy, and it was said that he bought it.
      However, to lease the car it’ll cost an initial payment of £1,536, which is only £256 per month. Bargain.

      Modest N’Golo Kante behind the wheel of his Mini CooperCredit: Jim Bennett
      JESSE LINGARD
      The Manchester United winger, on loan at West Ham, likes the finer things in life – after all, we saw his lovely home on MTV Cribs during lockdown.
      He’s been seen behind the wheel of a Range Rover Sport SVR – the ultimate SUV – costing £107,988.
      Leasing it offers a better deal – with a down payment of £5,772.
      Monthly, it’s £962.

      Jesse Lingard loves the finer things in lifeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      One of his many motors is a Range Rover Sport SVR that can cost £962 per month to leaseCredit: Alamy
      GARETH BALE
      The Welsh wing wizard is back at Spurs, and ready to show off his impressive car collection to his team mates.
      But before he left Real Madrid, Bale treated himself to a Audi Q7 SUV that costs £61,000 when new.
      The reliable family car can cost £520 per month, with a £3,468 initial payment put down.
      And there’s plenty of space for Bale’s golf clubs too.

      JORDAN HENDERSON
      The Liverpool ace loves the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz.
      Henderson drives a AMG GT – a perfect car for a midfielder of the Reds star’s ilk.
      It’s an expensive motor worth £124,346.
      But putting down £13,452 brings down the monthly payment to £2,257.

      Jordan Henderson loves Mercedes-Benz Credit: Reuters

      The AMG GT costs £124,346 newCredit: press photo, do not use for advertising purposes
      TYRONE MINGS
      The England international is another player who wasn’t afraid to drive a regular motor.
      Aston Villa defender Mings, a £25million signing from Bournemouth, used to squeeze his 6ft 5in frame into a Vauxhall Corsa.
      Famously, the centre half revealed he knew he made it as a footballer after signing for Ipswich Town when he upgraded from a Citroen Saxo to a Corsa.
      A brand new Corsa costs around £18,499.
      £920 down, you’ll be paying no more than £155 per month.

      Villa star Tyrone Mings drove a modest Vauxhall CorsaCredit: Reuters

      To lease a Vauxhall Corsa you could pay as little as £155 per month
      KEVIN-PRINCE BOATENG
      The former Spurs and Portsmouth star has had spells in Italy during his career, most notably with AC Milan, Sassuolo and Fiorentina.
      Currently plying his trade at Monza, Boateng’s choice of car is suitably Italian – he drives a Fiat Abarth 595.
      The cheapest car on this list, it’s worth £17,000.
      An initial payment of £1,200 gives you a very reasonable lease rate over a 36-month period.

      Kevin-Prince Boateng’s ride is suitably ItalianCredit: Splash News

      For £200 per month, the car is yours.
      Prices were worked out using AutoTrader’s brilliant Stars and their Cars tool, that allows you to see what celebrity car you can afford.
      Visit www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/leasing/drive-like-stars to learn more.

      Inside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s luxury new bespoke mansion including pool, Jacuzzi, bar, sauna, steam room and gym More

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      in Soccer

      A-list stars who invested in football clubs, after Hollywood hunk Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney takeover Wrexham

      by

      FOR A-list celebrities money is no object – which makes them perfect candidates to invest in football clubs.
      Everyone knows you don’t dip into your pocket and plough cash into a side if you are looking for handsome returns.

      Little Mix’s Jade Thirwall has invested in South Shields FCCredit: Instagram @southshieldsfc

      Jade was named South Shields’ honorary president in August 2020Credit: Instagram @southshieldsfc

      Jade Thirwall has had phenomenal success in girlband Little Mix after they won X Factor in 2011Credit: Splash News

      But many Hollywood actors, pop stars and big names have chosen to divert their wealth into football teams for a variety of reasons.
      Little Mix’s Jade Thirwall is the latest superstar to cough up after she became a shareholder in her local non-league side South Shields FC.
      SunSport takes a look at the other celebs to have dabbled in footy ownership.
      RYAN REYNOLDS – WREXHAM

      Canadian Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds recently completed a takeover at WrexhamCredit: Reuters

      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney voice their plans for Wrexham on Zoom
      Hollywood hunk Ryan Reynolds and pal Rob McElhenney shocked the world in 2020 when they announced their intention to take over Wrexham.

      The A-list duo intend to make the club a ‘global force’ while producing a Netflix-style documentary and boozing with fans.
      The supporter-owned National League club voted in favour of Deadpool star Reynolds and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor and producer McElhenney’s proposed takeover after they voiced their plans over Zoom.
      The duo are prepared to use their own money to resurrect the club they see as a ‘sleeping giant’ and want to kickstart the side’s route into league football using their resources and exposure.
      LOUIS TOMLINSON – DONCASTER

      Tomlinson’s takeover bid with ex-chairman John Ryan collapsedCredit: Rex Features

      One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson appeared for Doncaster’s reserves in 2014Credit: Nigel Bennett
      One Direction pop sensation Louis Tomlinson joined boyhood side Doncaster Rovers as a PLAYER after impressing in a charity game.

      He appeared off the bench for the reserve side in 2014 – living out a childhood dream.
      The 1D singer – who had run a pub team called Three Horseshoes while growing up in the area – made a bid to takeover the club with former chairman John Ryan in the same year.
      But the deal collapsed despite the pair exchanging contracts on the deal after the Football League said they were not presented with a satisfactory business plan.
      NATALIE PORTMAN – ANGEL CITY

      Natalie Portman, Eva Longoria and other celeb pals are ‘extremely passionate’ about setting up the Angel City women’s team

      Star Wars actress Natalie Portman is founding Angel CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Star Wars actress Natalie Portman is pushing ahead with plans for her new women’s football team Angel City.
      The Oscar winner has drafted in a bunch of her A-lister pals Eva Longoria, Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Garner, Uzo Aduba and America Ferrera as owners.
      The side are due to kick off in the NWSL in 2022.
      WILL FERRELL – LOS ANGELES FC

      Will Ferrell is a part-owner in MLS team Los Angeles FCCredit: Splash News
      Comedian and actor Will Ferrell bought a stake in MLS side Los Angeles FC in 2016.
      But the funnyman’s reputation meant many people didn’t actually believe he was on the board of LAFC – who began their inaugural season in 2018.
      LEBRON JAMES – LIVERPOOL

      Basketball icon LeBron James owns a stake in LiverpoolCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
      Basketball colossus LeBron James became a part owner of Liverpool in 2011.
      The La Lakers icon received a 2 per cent stake in the Reds when his marketing firm signed off on a joint venture with Anfield owners Fenway Sports Partners.
      James’ initial investment of around £5million was valued at over £24m by Bloomberg in 2019.
      Baller James was delighted when Liverpool switched kit provider to Nike in August as he is sponsored by the Oregon-based sports giants and can now don the colours of the Premier League champs.
      MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY – AUSTIN FC

      Actor Matthew McConaughey is a part owner of Austin FC and visited Chelsea in 2019
      American actor Matthew McConaughey is part owner of future MLS team Austin FC.
      He revealed he was on the search for players during a visit to Chelsea in 2019 to watch compatriot Christian Pulisic play.
      Austin FC will begin their journey in the MLS in 2021 with McConaughey – who won an Oscar for his role in Dallas Buyers Club – as one of the investors in the burgeoning outfit.

      ELTON JOHN – WATFORD

      Sir Elton John at Vicarage RoadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Singing legend Sir Elton John became Watford’s chairman and director in 1976 and appointed Graham Taylor as manager.
      He bankrolled the club as they jumped three leagues into what then was the First Division.
      Sir Elton sold to Jack Petchey in 1987 but remained president before buying his beloved Hornets back in 1997 and returning as chairman.
      The lifelong fan stepped down in 2002 when the club needed a full-time chair but again continued as president.
      DIPLO – PHOENIX RISING FC

      DJ Diplo invested in Phoenix Rising FCCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Superstar DJ Diplo led a group that purchased a minority stake in Phoenix Rising FC.
      The music star was one of the side’s initial investors in 2014 – when they were known as Arizona United.
      The club play in the USL Championship – the second tier of the US system.
      HUGH JACKMAN – NORWICH

      Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman missed the chance to invest in NorwichCredit: Getty – Contributor
      It doesn’t always work out for celebs, with X-Men star Hugh Jackman revealing he regretted not investing in Norwich.
      The Australian actor revealed in 2011 that his mother lives in Norfolk and he is a self-proclaimed Canaries fan.
      He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Sometimes I make big mistakes.
      “I got a letter about a year ago saying, ‘Being such a huge Norwich City fan would I like to be a celebrity investor?’, like a small part-owner.
      “I said, ‘I think that’s a little stretched, I’ve been to Carrow Road once, my mum took me’, so I decided not to invest.”
      Jackman is one of a number of celebrity canaries alongside joint majority shareholder and chef Delia Smith, actor and writer Stephen Fry and BT Sport’s Jake Humphrey.

      Ryan Reynolds says he’s ending feud with ‘mortal enemy’ Hugh Jackman for just ONE day in joint charity effort More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Neil Bath, the man behind Chelsea’s youth academy, who has developed £500 million worth of amazing talent

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      IN 2004, after 12 years with the club, Chelsea named Neil Bath as their academy director.
      Little did anyone know at that time, if you fast-forward 17 years, the fruits of his labours would be dominating the football landscape in England and overseas.

      Chelsea’s head of youth development Neil Bath has run the club’s brilliant academy since 2004 moulding £500m worth of talentCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      When the die-hard Blues fan, now 55, was installed in his new position he set about completely restructuring the West Londoner’s youth programme – with a greater emphasis on procuring and developing the best talent in London and the South-East.
      In the last year, the likes of Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi have been testament to his work – heralding a new dawn in the Chelsea first team of talented youngsters.
      While another Bath protege, Andreas Christensen made his 100th appearance in a Chelsea shirt in the FA Cup fifth round tie against Barnsley – the first academy graduate since John Terry to achieve that feat.

      And just as impressive are the ones who the club let go, including Declan Rice, Nathan Ake, Ryan Bertrand, Tariq Lamptey and more.
      German website Transfermarkt, which offers conservative transfer values of players, crunched the numbers.

      However, taking into account Hudson-Odoi was subject to a £70million bid from Bayern Munich in 2020, the transfer fees could be at least double those suggested figures.

      All in all, through the years, SunSport believes Bath has remarkably overseen the development – on and off the pitch – of around £500million worth of football talent.

      ‘AN INSPIRATION’

      In 2020, Bath, now head of youth development, was recipient of the Eamonn Dolan award in recognition of his excellent work in youth development for Chelsea.
      His former students queued up to pay their tributes to the man who moulded them into the players they are today for a clip on Chelsea TV.

      Mason Mount called Neil Bath an inspiration to him who helped him achieve his dream to play for ChelseaCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Tammy Abraham, lifting the FA Youth Cup, revealed his years working with Bath were the “best of his life”Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mason Mount was one of the many graduates who shared his gratitude for his former coach. “I have nothing but praise to say about Neil,” he said.
      “He’s an inspiration to us all – all the academy players coming through.
      “I started in the academy when I was six-years-old and he helped me so much.
      “The way the academy is set up, the way we work, when we’re younger it puts us in the right mould to push us and keep getting better and better.
      “The winning mentality that he brings, it shows in every game we try to play and try to win, and it shows in the youth academy with how many trophies we’ve won.”
      While Tammy Abraham revealed his days working with Bath were the “best years of his life”.
      “He’s shown so much belief in the young lads and myself, and that’s what drew me to Chelsea,” he divulged.

      Bath chats with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho in 2007Credit: AFP – Getty

      Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard and his assistant Jody Morris show their appreciation for BathCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ‘What they are doing at the academy is an amazing job, there’s nothing like it.
      “Them years I had in the academy were probably the best years of my life.”
      15 YEARS IN THE MAKING
      From the offset, Bath, who began working for Chelsea in 1992 as a part-time schoolboys’ coach, focused on developing Premier League talent, once a significant investment was made into the academy.
      In the exciting revamp, the club relocated its youth and first-team training facilities from Harlington to Cobham.
      As he put it on Chelsea’s website back in 2019, it was a plan that was 15 years in the making.
      “It’s what we’ve been working towards for 15 years since we restructured the Academy in 2004,” he said.
      “We’ve always been very clear that our job is not really to win youth trophies year after year, but to develop and produce Chelsea and Premier League players.”
      Bath added: “We have to set our ambitions high because we want to be the best football academy in the world and the number one choice for players and parents.”

      Chelsea fan Bath explained his masterplan was 15 years in the makingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Bath oversees everything at the academy, here standing with Joe Edwards, ex-assistant manager Jody Morris and U23 Manager Andy MyersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      PROOF IS IN THE WINNING
      Turning rough diamonds into winners is, perhaps, the hardest thing to do in youth football.
      But since 2010, Chelsea have proved their academy to be, if not the best, one of the most successful in world football.
      They’ve won the FA Youth Cup an astonishing seven times during that period, including five in a row from 2014 – equalling the record of the infamous Busby Babes of Manchester United that stood for 50 years.
      Their U18s have been national champions twice and southern champions four times.

      While on the European stage, the kids have won the Uefa Youth League twice.
      But it’s not all about making first class footballers. Developing the boy into a respectful and educated man is also part of the process.
      Bath has spoken in the past how he and his assistant Jim Fraser understand the importance of that.
      “We’re currently the reigning Premier League champions from Under-13 to U16, which is a really positive sign,” he said in 2019, “and we’ve just achieved our best-ever GCSE results.

      Chelsea’s youth teams have tasted incredible success since 2010Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Mason Mount lifts the FA Youth Cup in 2017 alongside Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi who are now first team starsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ola Aina, Nathaniel Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Nathan Ake and Kurt Zouma pose with the Premier League trophy 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “We need to make sure these boys have all the characteristics and attributes, as footballers and as young men, to follow the likes of Ruben, Mason, Fikayo and Tammy.
      “When first-team coaching staff speak so highly about them as people, how they are humble and respectful, how they work so hard every day and set the standards in training, that’s also incredibly nice to hear and reinforces the culture we have built.”
      THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY
      Of course, not every young player is going to make it – that is the harsh reality of football.
      For every Mount, Loftus-Cheek, Abraham or Christensen there’s a Declan Rice, Eddie Nketiah, Tariq Lamptey and Nathan Ake that had to prove their worth elsewhere, and who would now command huge transfer fees.
      But perhaps the biggest star who slipped through the net was Kylian Mbappe.
      In 2012, the French superstar, then 13, was invited for a trial to Cobham. However, when he was asked to return for another trial, his mum refused point black.
      Daniel Boga, who worked as an international scout at Chelsea until 2014, explained to Goal: “He took a trial and didn’t end up convincing us because he didn’t offer enough defensively.
      “So, they asked his mother if he could come back for a second trial and she said no.”
      Mbappe was playing at a small club in the suburbs of Paris called Bondy at that time, and his mum Fayza believed he was destined for the top.

      Kylian Mbappe was on trial at Chelsea, but didn’t impress Blues coaches

      £70m-rated West Ham star Declan Rice was schooled at Chelsea’s academy before he was released in 2014Credit: Rex Features
      “My son will not go back, either they sign him now or within five years they’ll have to offer 50 million euros to tie him down,” she said as per Boga.
      The reason for Chelsea’s reluctance to sign Mbappe on the spot was that they didn’t see enough quality in him when he wasn’t with the ball.

      “Defensively, he wasn’t quite there,” Boga said.
      “When he received the ball he was incredible, but without the ball he didn’t do much.”
      It goes to show, you have to do more to impress Bath and his team to get your chance to learn at this fame academy.

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      Chelsea wonderkid Lewis Bate to follow Mount and Gilmour and has been called up to FA Cup squad to face Barnsley

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      MASON Mount, Billy Gilmour, and Lewis Bate… the Chelsea midfield of the future might read as a homage to their excellent academy that keeps on producing gems.
      The latest to earn rave reviews and impress new boss Thomas Tuchel is 18-year-old Bate, who has become an integral part of the Blues U23 side.

      Brilliant Lewis Bate has been included in Chelsea’s FA Cup squad against BarnsleyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Midfielder Bate has impressed new Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel in trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The left-footer, likened to ex-Arsenal star Jack Wilshere, has been drafted into the squad for tonight’s FA Cup fifth round tie at Barnsley.
      He has already appeared twice on the bench for Chelsea – when former boss Frank Lampard took the youngster with the first team to Sheffield United and Bayern Munich.
      And it appears his time will certainly come soon.
      CLIMBING THROUGH THE RANKS
      Bate joined Chelsea at the age of eight, and has steadily progressed through the youth teams.

      He was captain of the U15 side that enjoyed success in 2017-18 season, winning the Floodlight Cup.
      Then he was pushed into the U18’s for his debut against Arsenal, and also starred for the U19 team.
      This season, Bate has been fast-tracked into Chelsea’s successful U23’s, where he has proven to be a key team member in a side riding high in Premier League 2.
      He was a standout in the 6-1 demolition of Manchester United in December, alongside fellow wonderkid Tino Anjurin, who made his first Chelsea start in the Champions League tie against Krasnodar earlier this campaign.

      Bate was duly named PL2 Player of the Month for December.

      This season Bate has starred for Chelsea’s U23 sideCredit: Alamy

      18-year-old Bate is primarily left-footed and has been compared to ex-Arsenal star Jack WilshereCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In December Bate was named Premier League 2 Player of the Month
      WHAT KIND OF PLAYER IS HE?
      Standing at 5ft 7inches, with a low centre of gravity and impressive left-foot – Bate has been compared to Hale End academy graduate, Jack Wilshere.
      Good in possession, should he lose the ball (on the rare occasion) he races to win it back.
      Bate likes to pick up the ball deep from his centre backs, spin 180 degrees and drive forward.
      His weight of pass has impressed his coaches, as well as his ability to play difficult passes through the lines.
      And he’s not shy of working hard for the team, implementing a hard press on his opponents that’ll warm him to Tuchel, who demands high-energy from his teams.
      IMPRESSING THE FIRST TEAMERS
      Since last season, Bate has been included in first team training sessions.

      Cesar Azpilicueta, closed down by Bate in training at Cobham, was impressed by the youngsterCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Bate has been capped at various levels for EnglandCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription

      The future for Bate at Chelsea looks brightCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      According to The Athletic, Bate was welcomed into the set-up by senior players Cesar Azpilicueta and Olivier Giroud, who were wowed by the teen’s ability.
      He was an unused sub in the 3-0 Premier League defeat to Sheffield United, as well as the 4-1 second leg Champions League match against Bayern Munich.

      Although he didn’t get any minutes on the pitch, the experience of being with the first team on a match day would’ve done Bate good.
      With Mason Mount, Billy Gilmour, Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and more showing the way, Bate will be hopeful that he will get his chance.
      And maybe Chelsea will have yet another brilliant talent vying for a place in that midfield already crowded with first class footballers.

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      Ball boys who became footballers, including Manchester City star Phil Foden and Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi

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      EVERY kid dreams of watching a game close to the action and being just yards away from their heroes.
      So these lads must’ve been delighted to have been ball boys for their local clubs and witnessed the pro’s skills in close quarters.

      But, going one better is actually being the star on the pitch – which these former ball boys achieved.
      Here are the ball boys who became footballers.
      PHIL FODEN
      As Stevan Jovetic celebrates scoring for Manchester City against Swansea, a boy in the background looks on.
      And it’s fair to say he hasn’t changed one bit!

      It is, of course, Phil Foden – who shared the image on social media next to a photo of him scoring against Liverpool.
      He captioned the snap: “How it started… how it’s going.”

      Phil Foden is instantly recognisable as a ball boy from 2014Credit: AFP – Getty
      CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI
      Every now and again a ball boy becomes a star of the show.
      And that’s exactly what happened to a 13-year-old Callum Hudson-Odoi when Samuel Eto’o scored the third goal of his hat-trick against Manchester United in 2014.

      The Cameroon star celebrated his strike with a smiling Hudson-Odoi as they held each other’s hands.

      A 14-year-old Callum Hudson-Odoi is overjoyed by Samuel Eto’o scoringCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BERNARDO SILVA
      Before he became a Manchester City star, Portuguese international Bernardo Silva had Benfica in his blood.
      He was a graduate from their famed academy, where the likes of Ederson and Renato Sanches played at around the same time.
      And before that, in 2008, he was reportedly a ball boy in a Europa League tie against Napoli.

      Bernardo Silva had Benfica in his blood and was reportedly a ball boy for a 2008 Europa League tie against Napoli
      DONNY VAN DE BEEK
      At Ajax, being a ball boy is all part of the graduation progress and designed to teach you responsibilty.
      You also get to meet your heroes, as a keen Donny van de Beek was happy to share on social media in this throwback snap.
      And Luiz Suarez was happy to oblige for the quick photo with the aspiring youngster.

      At Ajax being a ball boy is part of your graduation from the youth team, as Donny van de Beek discovered
      MATTHIJS DE LIGT
      Like van de Beek, de Ligt rose through the ranks at Ajax to become a superstar at Juventus.
      And he also got his obligatory snap with Luis Suarez before a game for the Dutch giants.
      The pair could even face off against each other in this season’s Champions League.

      Matthijs de Ligt poses with Luis Suarez before an Ajax game
      BRAHIM DIAZ
      The Real Madrid forward was a ball boy at Malaga in 2012, where he can be seen in the background watching Santi Cazorla and Isco celebrating a goal.

      Fast forward seven years, he joins Real Madrid, and then teams up with the man he saw shining on the Costa del Sol.
      Diaz even provided the Spanish international with an assist for a goal against Huesca, prompting Isco to share the below image to his followers with the caption: “You make me old”.
      For the record, there’s only seven years between them.

      A young Brahim Diaz looks on as Isco and Santi Cazorla celebrate a Malaga goal in 2012Credit: AFP – Getty

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