Sport Features

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Why football is played over the Christmas period in the UK, from medieval traditions to hard-fought workers rights

      by

      AFTER enjoying a Christmas day feast, Britain’s best footballers will be gearing up for a busy sporting calendar.
      Normally, teams will play twice in a week – once on Boxing Day and again on New Year’s Day.

      Football fans are treated to a feast of the beautiful game over the Christmas periodCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Sure, it will irk the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, who have both been critical of the tradition.
      And with other European leagues taking a winter break and giving players a well-earned rest, you can see their point.
      But why is football played over the Christmas period on our shores? Let SunSport explain.
      MEDIEVAL TRADITION
      Before football was officially created and the FA was formed in 1863, there were variations of the beautiful game.

      In fact, historians can go back to as far as 1170 when medieval football or mob football was played in the streets.
      Often, these games took place over Easter and during the Christmas period.
      Today, because we are such a nostalgic country, you still get these events occurring.
      One is The Kirkwall Ba game on New Year’s Day and another is The Royal Shrovetide village game in Ashbourne, Derbyshire.

      Medieval football dates back to 1170 and took place over the Christmas holidayCredit: Alamy

      The Kirkwall Ba game takes place still today on New Year’s DayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      FOOTBALL EVERY DAY
      In the late 1800s there was a time when football was played nearly every day over the Christmas period, including Christmas day.
      “Football was played on Christmas day because it was a day off and there was a tradition of public working-class events,” history professor Martin Johnes revealed.
      “It was also at times played on Boxing Day meaning two games in two days.”
      That also allowed the working class the opportunity to go to games on one of their few days off and get out of their crowded, cramped homes.
      “For the working class, whose residences were often uncomfortable, overcrowded and unappealing, a rare day free from work was reason to take to the streets, not relax at home,” Johnes said.
      Bank holiday legislation also played an important role.
      “The 1871 Bank Holidays Act gave Boxing day this designation in England and Wales,” Johnes added.

      A crowd of men and boys enjoy a match between Brighton and Crystal Palace on Christmas Day in 1920Credit: Popperfoto – Getty

      Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-0 on Boxing Day in 1956Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “It had not done the same for Christmas day or Good Friday because they were established days of rest and worship.”
      If Klopp is concerned about today’s crowded fixture list, lucky he wasn’t manager of the Reds in 1913.
      Liverpool played Manchester City at home on Christmas Day, then the return game on Boxing Day, and another match at Anfield against Blackburn on December 27. That’s three games in three days.
      INTEREST DWINDLED
      Christmas day football became a thing of the past by the 1960s with families beginning to come together more.
      The improvement of living conditions had a hand in that, with food, presents and decorations becoming more affordable to the masses.
      “Communal entertainments were clearly on the decline as the festival took greater root in the home,” Johnes divulged.

      Christmas day football became a thing of the past by the 1960sCredit: Popperfoto – Getty

      Today, fans love the busy Christmas period of football Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      “Football shifts just to Boxing day, as Christmas Day becomes more family orientated and more importantly public transport becomes more and more limited.”
      The last Christmas Day fixtures in England took place in 1965.
      Blackburn Rovers beat Blackpool 1-0 in the first division, while Coventry recorded a thrilling 5-3 win over Wrexham in the third division.

      Jurgen Klopp reads out touching letter to Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson during SPOTY More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      What footballers eat on Christmas day ahead of a busy sporting calendar, from porridge, yoghurt and protein shakes

      by

      SPARE a thought for footballers at this time of the year.
      It’s one thing enjoying the lavish lifestyle that comes with being a multimillionaire professional sportsman but when it comes to Christmas it’s about as much fun as sitting in the cupboard under the stairs.

      Cristiano Ronaldo may not be feasting on Terry’s Chocolate Orange for breakfastCredit: Instagram

      Christmas and New Year is virtually the only time in the calendar year when the average Joe can feel superior to the professional player.
      We can eat, drink and be merry.
      And they can’t.
      Typically, most clubs will play on Boxing Day so that not only means training (and maybe even travelling) on Christmas Day but also refraining from most of the things that ordinary folk enjoy, apart, perhaps, from long-standing family disputes.

      Theo Walcott could be among the players letting themselves go with a protein shakeCredit: Instagram

      A picture of the kind of food that many footballers fuel themselves withCredit: Instagram @johnterry.26
      Now, move away from the mince pies and let’s look at what a typical Christmas day might look like for a professional player…
      WE WAKE UP TO: A few segments of Terry’s Chocolate Orange, a couple of glasses of Buck’s Fizz and some predictably disappointing presents.
      THEY WAKE UP TO: Take your pick from porridge, grains and eggs every which way you can. Fresh fruits like pineapple can also help recovery from exertion and injury too.
      It’s all about preparation for the training session ahead.

      Fruit, vegetables, nuts, protein foods are staple of a footballers’ dietsCredit: Instagram @johnterry.26

      Yes, most clubs train on Christmas Day morning. Compliments of the season to you too gaffer.
      Now pass the Coco Pops.
      WE SNACK ON: Heroes, Celebrations, Roses, etc. Maybe an After Eight too. Oh, and some posh crisps.
      THEY SNACK ON: High-protein snacks are always on the menu so homemade flapjacks, with the fat and sugar levels reduced, are always a good option.
      Fourteen sweets from the Quality Street tin aren’t.
      Like James Milner, oatcakes can also do a job, as can mixed nuts and seeds.

      Lionel Messi enjoys a coffee and croissant for breakfast with a trophy for companyCredit: Instagram

      Mario Gotze and his dog don’t seem too interested in a massive plate of sushiCredit: Instagram
      WE LUNCH ON: Roast turkey, pigs in blankets, roast spuds and all the trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding, cheese and biscuits, all washed down washed down with fine wines and maybe a glass of port to finish.
      THEY LUNCH ON: The same as us but only much, much, much less.
      They will not need to loosen their belts after dinner.
      Depending on when they’re playing over Christmas they’ll also need to think about their carbohydrate intake too.
      Footballers need about 7g of carbohydrate per kilo of body weight but that doesn’t mean they can hog the roasties, OK?
      If they have a longer trip for their Boxing Day game, they may have to meet up with their team-mates and travel to some soulless hotel in the middle of nowhere staffed by people who’d rather not be there to have their Christmas dinner.
      “We’d have turkey when we got to the team hotel,” recalls arsenal legend Ian Wright,” but we just had to have bucketloads of broccoli!”
      WE DRINK: Buck’s Fizz, a couple down the local, wine over lunch and some spirits we’d never ordinarily touch during the rest of the year.
      THEY DRINK: According to research, the average person in the UK has their first alcoholic on Christmas Day at 9.05am.
      Footballers are not average.

      Footballers won’t be tucking into festive favourites like usCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      PSG star Neymar and his son enjoy a breakfast bowl of cerealCredit: Instagram @neymarjr

      Ian Wright recalls eating “bucketloads of broccoli” on Christmas DayCredit: Gary Stone -The Sun
      Water is the staple tipple for them, although maybe they’ll have a smoothie packed with superfoods like blueberries, not least because they boost the immune system and act as anti-inflammatories in a way that avocado never can.
      Isotonic drinks and fruit juices may also make a appearance. Very festive.
      WE END THE DAY WITH: Several glasses of Baileys, a couple of mince pies and a snooze on the sofa.
      THEY END THE DAY WITH: An early night, perhaps preceded by some Greek yoghurt.
      It’s a great source of probiotics, protein and calcium and can aid recovery. And is infinitely preferable to another game of charades.

      Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s home with huge Christmas tree and Santa Claus as Georgina Rodriguez gets into festive spirit More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet FC Santa Claus from Finland, who play in red and white, and have the most famous coach in the world

      by

      IT’S not like playing on a rainy day at Stoke, but it must be chilly.
      In 1992, FC Santa Claus – who play their games at Lapland – were formed when Finish teams Rovaniemen Reipas and Rovaniemen Lappi combined.

      FC Santa Claus are a team in FinlandCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial

      Santa Claus, the club’s boss, shows off his football skillsCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial

      And they can officially lay claim to being the most Christmassy football club EVER.
      Their honorary boss is Saint Nick, better known as Santa Claus to children around the globe.
      Often, he’s seen at matches and the club’s crest features his image checking his naughty or nice list.
      While their club colours are in honour of their Santa’s famous attire, with red and white home kits and white and green away designs too.

      PART-TIMERS
      FC Santa Claus played their first professional match in 1993, and once reached the heady heights of the Finnish third division.
      Not bad for a side that’s made primarily of part-timers – that’s students and locals who work at the Christmas market or at the post office that receives letters for Santa Claus.
      The club, themselves, realise their status and have gained popularity all around the world.
      And they do their bit for charity – teaming up with UNICEF to donate proceeds from their kits to the organisation renowned for their work for children in danger.

      In 1997, they even played against Premier League side Crystal Palace in a friendly that drew 5,000 fans.

      The club crest features Santa checking his naughty or nice listCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial

      FC Santa Claus are made up of students and locals who work at the Christmas market or at the post officeCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial
      IN THE DARK
      FC Santa Claus play games in Rovaniemi – Lapland’s capital, in an area surrounded by forest, reindeer and the sight of the Northern Lights.
      It could be seen as daunting place to go – football in Lapland is at the mercy of the winter elements, and from October to April it snows, while daylight hours are limited.
      Temperatures can average between 16°C to -3°C.
      Ralf Wunderlich, who runs things on the pitch, revealed his job satisfaction to BBC Sport.
      “If you like Christmas, and I do, then this place is very good – it’s all about Christmas here,” he said.
      “You have some kind of Christmas feeling the whole year without being too much – a whole year of positive feelings.
      “Of course, Santa is not officially in charge, but in the background everyone knows he runs this club.”

      The team plays in Rovaniemi – Lapland’s capitalCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial

      Temperatures can average between 16°C to -3°C for FC Santa Claus games
      HARD TIMES
      Despite their good intentions, FC Santa Claus have battled on amid financial tribulations.
      In 2012 they were saved from bankruptcy with a last-ditch fundraiser, as well as sponsorship deals with EA Sports and Puma.
      They have since been sponsored by Nike, as they continue to toil.
      But fortunes on the pitch haven’t been as kind as Santa’s present giving.
      The main team in Rovaniemi has always been RoPS – but they suffered relegation from the first division back in November.
      FC Santa Claus are the locals’ second team, and the players who represent them are often those who aren’t good enough to play at a higher level and enjoy the spirit of Christmas.
      After a number of relegations, last year they played in Finland’s fifth tier. But this year they only have a team featuring in an eight-a-side league.
      Wunderlich, however, isn’t deterred. His job is to kickstart a youth set-up and restart the men’s team from January.

      The club have run into financial difficulties after a number of relegationsCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial

      Now FC Santa Claus are an eight-a-side team

      But FC Santa Claus hope to rise againCredit: Instagram @fcsantaclausofficial

      “I like the idea of being Santa Claus’ official club – such a big potential to be cheerful and spread positive messages,” he said.
      “For me it is very important people realise it is not just FC Santa Claus in name but the whole spirit of Santa and values around Christmas.
      “I will do my best to make the whole world understand there is this positive small football club in north Finland representing Santa.”

      Man Utd legend Paul Scholes’ son Arron scores a screamer just like his old man for ninth-tier Chadderton More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi equalled Pele’s record for goals scored for one team, but will pundits question Barcelona legend’s legacy

      by

      LIONEL Messi’s 643rd competitive goal for Barcelona should not have been something as banal as a penalty.
      And so the Valencia keeper saved his kick on Saturday, allowing the ball to be played back in for Messi to score at the far post with a close range header – a more fittingly unusual way of celebrating a milestone.

      Lionel Messi scored his 643 goal for Barcelona against Valencia Credit: Reuters

      Messi has now equalled Pele’s record for the amount of goals scored for one team in competitive matches.
      Pele managed 643 for Santos in his native Brazil between 1956 and 1974. Messi has spent a decade and a half matching his achievement in Catalonia.
      It is a mistake to judge the greatness of players of this calibre just by statistics. If football was just numbers then it would be bingo.
      Pele’s advocates do him few favours by harping on about the more than 1000 goals that he scored – even if friendly matches back then were frequently given much more importance than they are today.

      His genius emerged in the way that, time after time, he stepped up on the big occasions – from the World Cup quarter final against Wales back in 1958, when up in the stands the 1938 idol Leonidas was demanding on radio that he be dropped from the team, all the way to Mexico 70, with plenty of high points in between.
      From the perspective of today, many of Pele’s competitive goals for Santos may not look like big occasions.
      The majority came in a local competition, the championship of Sao Paulo state.
      While there were quick national tournaments from the late 50s, a genuine Brazilian Championship did not get underway until 1971, just too late to see Pele at his best.

      Messi heads home against Valencia after initially missing his penaltyCredit: AFP or licensors

      A scoreboard congratulates Messi’s remarkable achievement that matches Pele’s goalscoring recordCredit: Reuters
      Context, though, is key. Brazil is huge – a country the size of a continent.  Sao Paulo is one of 27 states that make up Brazil – and, with Rio de Janeiro, it is the traditional stronghold of the Brazilian game.
      In Pele’s day, Brazilian football was not an export industry – as the presence of Pele proves. Almost all of the best Brazilian players earned their living in Brazil, along with some big names from other South American countries. 
      The likes of Corinthians, Palmeiras, Sao Paulo and some of the other clubs could count on team line ups at least as strong as many of the opponents Messi has faced in La Liga.
      And if it is all too easy to see the past from today’s perspective and under-value the achievements of Pele, then it is entirely possible that something similar might happen to Messi.
      Let’s fast forward a few decades and imagine that the big clubs have managed to force through their dream of a European Super-League. There will be regular clashes between the giant clubs, which will be judged as the supreme test of quality.
      From that point of view, many of the national leagues may come to be seen as largely irrelevant to the pursuit of true greatness – much as people today tend to look back on the domestic achievements of Pele.
      The pundits of 2060 may be quick to dismiss the importance of Messi’s goals against the likes of Levante and Getafe.

      Pele’s goalscoring record is often undervalued by punditsCredit: Rex Features

      Let’s fast forward a few decades and imagine that the big clubs have managed to force through their dream of a European Super-League. There will be regular clashes between the giant clubs, which will be judged as the supreme test of quality.
      From that point of view, many of the national leagues may come to be seen as largely irrelevant to the pursuit of true greatness – much as people today tend to look back on the domestic achievements of Pele.
      The pundits of 2060 may be quick to dismiss the importance of Messi’s goals against the likes of Levante and Getafe.

      Watch as Lineker tells spine-tingling story of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic rivalry in BT Sport advert More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Logan Paul’s girlfriends, from Hollywood actress Chloe Bennet to Playboy model Josie Canseco and YouTuber Corina Kopf

      by

      YOUTUBE personality come boxing star Logan Paul has always lived his love life out in the open.
      The social media king, set to fight Floyd Mayweather on February 20, has dated a string of beautiful women as he’s become more famous over the years.

      YouTube star Logan Paul has dated a string of beautiful womenCredit: YouTube

      YouTuber Corina Kopf was one of many women linked to Paul over the yearsCredit: Instagram

      From a Hollywood actress to a former Playboy Playmate of the month, Paul has a long ex-list who have been featured in his shared vlogs online.
      Currently single, here’s who he is dated through the years.
      JOSIE CANSECO
      Paul’s most recent girlfriend was Josie – until they split in November.
      The pair were first seen together in January 2020, and enjoyed an on/off romance until last month.

      The beautiful model has a famous father – none other than baseball legend Jose Canseco.
      She was a former Playboy Playmate of the month and has appeared on the catwalk for Victoria’s Secret.

      Josie Canseco is a former Playboy Playmate of the monthCredit: Instagram @josiecanseco

      Canseco is the daughter of baseball legend Jose CansecoCredit: Instagram @josiecanseco
      CORINA KOPF
      The blonde Instagram model is a member of the so-called Vlog Squad.
      She was spotted with Paul’s arm around her at an LA Lakers game in 2019, which set tongues wagging.

      Paul said to use the term “relationship” lightly when referring to the time he spent with Kopf.

      Corina Kopf and Paul were spotted at a Lakers game togetherCredit: Splash News
      CHLOE BENNET
      Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. fans know full well of Chloe’s romance with Paul.
      She was spied on holiday in Hawaii getting close to him, and immediately Chloe was asked by one follower on social media why she would date the controversial vlogger.
      “‘Cause he’s kind, creative, funny, vibrantly curious about life, weird as f*** in all the best ways, a big dork and he’s one of my best friends,” she revealed.
      “It doesn’t make sense to a lot of people, but it doesn’t have too. He’s changed my life for the better and I’ve done the same for him.”
      They dated for three months before splitting in 2018.

      Hollywood actress Chloe Bennet briefly dated PaulCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      JESSICA SERFATY
      Paul’s longest ever relationship, he dated Jessica from 2014-16.
      The pair shared many vlogs together – and the actress was regularly seen kissing her man on camera.
      But not much is known behind the reason of their split, with fans online speculating it was because of infidelity.
      Either way, it didn’t last.

      Paul dated Jessica Serfaty for two yearsCredit: Instagram @jessicamichel

      Serfaty and Paul shared many YouTube videos togetherCredit: YouTube
      AMANDA CERNY
      In 2016, Paul began dating stunning Amanda.
      And, because they both love living their lives in public, they documented the whole relationship online.
      Like Paul, Cerny is an internet sensation – and has 25 million followers on Instagram.
      Their romance petered out in 2017.

      In 2016 Paul started dating Amanda CernyCredit: Instagram @amandacerny

      Cerny has over 25 million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @amandacerny
      TEALA DUNN
      Fake news?
      No one for sure knows if Teala and Logan REALLY dated, or if they had an agreement to boost each other’s social media profiles.
      The pair were seen kissing on various YouTube videos on her channel.

      Teala Dunn and Paul were believed to have faked a romanceCredit: Instagram @ttlyteala
      ALISSA VIOLET
      Alissa was in an on/off reported relationship with Jake, Logan Paul’s brother.
      However, when they split she alleged that she hooked up with Logan.

      “I remember when I confronted her about [Logan], her justification was that, ‘You made me do this’”, Jake told Shane Dawson in his docuseries.
      “And I think it’s because then we were on and off for year and half, I would go off and be with other girls and she would go and be with other guys.
      “[Logan] basically said, ‘oh I didn’t think you guys were actually a thing and that you were actually dating.’”

      Alissa Violet dated Logan Paul’s brother JakeCredit: Instagram @alissaviolet

      Violet was also rumoured to have a romance with Logan PaulCredit: Instagram @alissaviolet

      Logan Paul astonishingly reveals it’s ‘inevitable’ he will face brother Jake in ‘one of the most historical fights ever’ More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Logan Paul’s amazing body transformation, from slim YouTuber to muscle man boxer ahead of Floyd Mayweather fight

      by

      YOUTUBER Logan Paul has transformed from internet personality to muscle man boxer as he gears up to face Floyd Mayweather.
      The 25-year-old, who boasts 23million subscribers on the video sharing platform, is set to face the ‘Money Man’ on February 20 in an exhibition bout.

      Logan Paul has become a muscle man boxerCredit: Instagram @loganpaul

      Before his body transformation, Paul was a skinny teenCredit: Instagram @loganpaul

      Paul has already said the fight makes “no f***ing sense” and thought he had signed a “fantasy contract” when his management presented him with a deal to get in the ring with the ex-middleweight champ.
      But, if he’s serious about boxing, then fighting Mayweather is a step-up.
      Paul has already enjoyed fighting fellow YouTube star KSI twice, one was a draw another was lost.
      Since then, he’s continued to sculpt his physique and work on his talent.

      COW’S BLOOD FOR WEIGHT GAIN
      When Paul launched his YouTube channel in 2015, he was just a skinny kid from Ohio living in Hollywood, trying to make money by vlogging about his life.
      The transformation from teen to wannabe professional sports star has been immense.
      And he’s taken some rather unusual paths to get there, as well as conventional gym training.
      Before he fought KSI in 2019, Paul admitted to drinking cow’s blood in a desperate attempt to gain weight, as well as eating 80lbs of food a day.

      In 2015, Paul’s body was beginning to change shapeCredit: Instagram @loganpaul

      Paul has moulded himself into a buff sports starCredit: Instagram @loganpaul

      Weight-lifting and drinking cow’s blood helped Paul’s weight gainCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Paul trains alongside his brother Jake, who has also taken to boxingCredit: Instagram @loganpaul

      YouTuber Paul abstained from sex with ex-girlfriend Josie Canseco for a monthCredit: Instagram @josiecanseco
      He told Business Insider: “I’m eating 80lbs a day. I’m drinking the blood of cows and I’m pushing a lot of weights up in the air and putting them down.”
      Paul also abstained from sex for a month, while he was seeing ex-girlfriend Josie Canseco.
      IN PAUL’S CORNER…
      Most recently, Paul has been training with his brother Jake – who has also got a taste for boxing, having fought twice – knocking out NBA legend Nate Robinson recently on the Mike Tyson v Roy Jones Jr undercard.
      But it was former lineal heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs who was tasked with teaching Logan how to box in preparation for his second fight with KSI.
      And Briggs could be credited with getting his student into the best condition of his life.
      ‘The Cannon’ was so impressed by Paul during sparing sessions, he tipped him to become heavyweight champion of the world.
      “This kid could be heavyweight champion of the world in four or five years, facts,” he said.

      Shannon Briggs took on the role of Paul’s trainerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Paul awakes at 9am and gets straight to boxingCredit: YouTube

      The American has dedicated his life to the sportCredit: YouTube

      The millionaire vlogger has had installed into his sun-soaked garden alongside the ring that dominates the landscapeCredit: YouTube
      For his training regime, after waking up at 9am in his adopted home of Los Angeles, the 6ft 2in Paul boxes until 11:30am.
      He then takes an ice bath that the millionaire vlogger has had installed into his sun-soaked garden, alongside a boxing ring that dominates the landscape.
      Paul is also a fan of hyperbaric oxygen chambers, and uses one regularly to further boost his recovery.
      The strength and conditioning training that has helped sculpt the former high school wrestler into a man mountain takes place at around 6:30pm when California has cooled down, and usually lasts 90 minutes.
      THE DIET OF A CHAMP
      Paul admits he works out six times a week, but takes Sundays off.
      And he fuels his body with the right kind of foods that’ll give him energy for his hectic schedule.
      “As far as my nutrition goes, I eat very healthy, only really consuming greens and high-quality protein (at least 100 grams per day) like eggs and chicken,” he told Askmen.

      A healthy diet is important to Paul

      Only fours years ago Paul cut a more slight figureCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Now Paul is ripped and in the shape of his lifeCredit: Instagram @loganpaul

      “I cut out all pasta, breads and dairy from my diet and make sure I drink at least 2.5 gallons of water a day.”
      It’s a fitness regime that has helped Paul reach his fighting weight of 13st 8lbs.
      Perhaps it’ll give him a fighting chance against Mayweather next year.

      Logan Paul reveals Facetime with Floyd Mayweather that annoyed boxing great enough to land contract More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      11 forgotten Chelsea players still on their books, including Musonda, Pantic, Kenedy, Baker, Rahman and Van Ginkel

      by

      ASTONISHINGLY, Chelsea have 32 players out on loan at other clubs this season.
      While more of their stars that aren’t playing first team football, and couldn’t get a move elsewhere, might be playing with the reserves.

      Charly Musonda is one of a number of forgotten Chelsea starsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      There will be some, of course, you remember. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ethan Ampadu and Michy Batshuayi spring to mind.
      And then there are others you would’ve completely forgotten about.
      Here’s 11 Blues stars still on the books at Stamford Bridge rival fans might be tempted to chant, ‘Who are ya?”
      CHARLY MUSONDA
      Now 24, the Belgium midfielder has been with the club since 2012, making seven appearances in all competitions.

      But Musonda, once a highly-rated prospect, hasn’t appeared since 2018 and was loaned out to Dutch side Vitesse last season.
      And that’s because of a crippling knee injury that has kept him sidelined for 15 months.
      Musonda is now back in training, but his future at Stamford Bridge remains unclear.

      Musonda has worked his way back to fitness after a 15-month injury lay offCredit: https://www.instagram.com/musonda/?hl=en
      VICTOR MOSES
      Under Antonio Conte, Moses was reborn playing as a wing-back.

      But under Maurizio Sarri he was frozen out, and Lampard has favoured more conventional defenders in the full back positions.
      Moses enjoyed a loan at Inter Milan, where he was reunited with Conte.
      Now, he’s at Spartak Moscow.

      Victor Moses is still a Chelsea player despite being frozen out by Sarri and LampardCredit: Getty – Contributor
      LUCAS PIAZON
      Incredibly, Brazilian winger Piazon is on his seventh loan.
      Now 26, he’s plying his trade in Portugal at Rio Ave, after spells at Malaga, Vitesse, Frankfurt, Reading, Fulham, and Chievo.
      Bizarrely, he signed a contract extension with the Blues in 2019, after stating he believed he had no future at the club just months earlier.
      Chelsea reportedly wouldn’t let him walk away for free, so he signed a new deal to get another loan away.

      Lucas Piazon has been loaned seven timesCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      MARCO VAN GINKEL
      Signed in 2013 from Vitesse Arnhem for £9million, the Dutch midfielder suffered a serious knee injury at the beginning of his Chelsea career.
      Van Ginkel then struggled to re-establish himself in the first team set-up, and was loaned to AC Milan, Stoke, and for four seasons at PSV.
      However his progress has been hampered by a serious ACL injury, and he hasn’t played a single game since May 2018.
      However he is back on loan at PSV, having signed a one-year deal with Chelsea last summer, in the hope he can resurrect his career.
      The Dutch international has 31 goals in 64 games in loan spells from 2015 to today.

      Marco van Ginkel is a forgotten man at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      KENEDY
      The Brazilian appeared 20 times in all competitions the season he signed for Chelsea in 2014-15 for a fee of around £6.3million.
      But again he found himself loaned out, to Watford in 2016 and Newcastle for two consecutive seasons from 2017.
      In recent seasons he’s left our shores to play in La Liga for Getafe and Granada.
      However, he’s still on Chelsea’s books.

      Kenedy is still on Chelsea’s books but hasn’t played for the Blues since 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      LEWIS BAKER
      Former Luton youth star Baker, 25, has played just once for Chelsea – during the 2013-14 season.
      The following season, because of the assistance of then-boss Jose Mourinho, he was given a Premier League winner’s medal, despite never playing a game.
      After loan spells with seven different clubs, he’s now in Turkey with Trabzonspor.
      A chance at Chelsea seems unlikely now.

      Lewis Baker has made just one appearance for ChelseaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      DANILO PANTIC
      The Serbian midfielder was signed by the Blues in 2015 from Partizan.
      Capped at various youth levels, he was scouted by Juventus before Chelsea pounced on him for £1.25million.
      But Pantic has yet to make a senior appearance for the club, and is now highly unlikely to.
      He’s currently playing in Hungary with Čukarički.
      MATT MIAZGA
      When the American international made his debut for the club in 2016 and impressed in a 4-0 win over Aston Villa, it looked like Chelsea had found an imposing centre half to partner John Terry.
      But in Miazga’s second game he was subbed off at half-time against Swansea.
      The £3.5million signing from NY Red Bulls is on loan at Anderlecht currently.
      The 25-year-old has 20 caps for the USA to his name.

      Matt Miazga is currently on loan at AnderlechtCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BABA RAHMAN
      The Ghanaian left-back cost Chelsea a whopping £14million, potentially rising to £22million in 2015.
      But the move from FC Augsburg never really worked out for Rahman, and he has made just 23 appearances for the club – his last in 2016.
      Rahman spent three years on loan at Schalke, a season at Reims and then at Mallorca last term.
      Chelsea fans could be forgiven for forgetting he’s still with the club.

      Baba Rahman cost Chelsea an initial fee of £14millionCredit: AFP or licensors
      JAMAL BLACKMAN
      Once considered a hot prospect, Blackman is now 26.
      He suffered the cruel indignity of a serious knee injury on loan at Leeds, where it looked like he might establish himself under Marcelo Bielsa in 2018.
      This season, Blackman has been impressing at Rotherham United in the Championship.
      Maybe there’s a future for him at Stamford Bridge?

      Jamal Blackman is rebuilding his career at RotherhamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      IZZY BROWN
      Jose Mourinho rated him, handing Brown his debut in 2015 in a 3-0 defeat to West Brom.
      However, the attacking midfielder hasn’t made an appearance for the club since.

      Instead he’s been loaned out to a variety of clubs, including Huddersfield Town, Brighton, Leeds and Luton last year.
      This term, he’s at Sheffield Wednesday on loan for the season, where he has impressed so far.
      At 23, his time in West London might be coming to an end.

      Izzy Brown’s career at Chelsea may be coming to an end but he’s still on their booksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Frank Lampard hopes Chelsea duo Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi can return to training this week More