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    Meet Liverpool star Jota’s stunning Portuguese Wag Rute Cardoso, who loves Peaky Blinders and amazes in a bikini

    WHEN Diogo Jota made his £41million move from Wolves to Liverpool, no one was happier for the Portuguese star than his stunning missus.
    Proud Rute Cardoso, 24, joined the winger at his unveiling – posing for a snap with her beloved, while holding up his No.20 shirt.

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    Meet the gorgeous Wag of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, Rute CardosoCredit: Instagram @rutecfcardoso14

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    Cardoso is Jota’s high-school sweetheartCredit: Instagram @rutecfcardoso14

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    She has joined Jota every step of the way through his football careerCredit: Instagram @rutecfcardoso14

    The pretty brunette has been with Jota every step of the way on his football journey.
    They met when they were just 13, and have been together ever since.
    Like any footballers’ Wag, Rute has taken to a glam lifestyle with ease.
    And she is even settled into UK-living watching her favourite TV show Peaky Blinders.

    CHILDHOOD SWEETHEARTS
    Diogo and Rute began dating in 2013, when they got together at high-school in Porto.
    And they’ve been inseparable, as the supportive beauty has followed her beau wherever his football career has taken him.
    From his early days training with Pacos Ferreira to Porto to a spell in Spain at Atletico Madrid and then to the Midlands with Wolves, Rute has been by Jota’s side.
    She’s a keen football fan, who regularly graced the Molineux pitch with Jota in snaps she posted on social media.

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    Cardoso met Jota when she was 13Credit: Instagram @rutecfcardoso14

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    Peaky Blinders fan Cardoso has settled in the UK wellCredit: Instagram @rutecfcardoso14

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    The glam Wag of Jota looks stunning in a bikiniCredit: Instagram @rutecfcardoso14

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    Rute is Diogo’s biggest supporterCredit: Instagram @rutecfcardoso14
    How long before she treads on the hallowed turf at Anfield?
    In England, she’s also found her favourite TV show. Rute watches Peaky Blinders – revealing her love for the BBC series on social media.
    TRAVELING WAG
    Rute is a fan of travelling, often joining Jota on holidays of a lifetime.
    In recent years she has shared Instagram stories and photos on the beaches of the most glam places.
    Mauritius, check, Marbella, check, Maldives, check… and they aren’t afraid of trying something different.
    Whether it’s setting off on a jet-ski or lounging on a yacht, Rute seems to be in her element.
    THE PATTER OF TINY FEET
    Last month, Jota couldn’t wait to reveal his exciting news – he and Rute are expecting their first child together.
    “After another great season we are delighted to announce that we are waiting our 1st baby,” he wrote in a caption underneath a picture of the pair kissing.

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    Rute regularly shares snaps on her travels on social mediaCredit: Instagram @rutecfcardoso14

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    In recent years Rute has headed to fancy holiday destinations including Mauritius and the MaldivesCredit: Instagram @rutecfcardoso14

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    Rute loves to live a life of adventure with JotaCredit: Instagram @rutecfcardoso14

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    The fashionable Wag recently shared some happy news on InstagramCredit: Instagram @rutecfcardoso14

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    Jota and Rute are having their first baby togetherCredit: Instagram @rutecfcardoso14

    Rute also shared a snap holding a scan of the baby.
    A little one will add to their family, they also have a dog called Luna.
    Clearly, they’re over the moon.

    Jurgen Klopp calls out Man Utd icon Roy Keane live on Sky Sports over criticism of ‘sloppy’ Liverpool after Arsenal win More

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    Leeds boss Bielsa is a one-off, not least because he accepts his mistakes and doesn’t just blame the ref

    IF coaches were not always using referees as scapegoats, then maybeVAR would never have been introduced and football would not be going through its current crisis with the hand ball law.
    But the Premier League can now count on one coach who is unlikelyto spend much time moaning about the officials. Marcelo Bielsa, the Argentine in charge of Leeds United, is far happier blaming himself.

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    Self-critical Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is happy to accept the blame for his perceived bad decisionsCredit: EPA

    He did it again after the weekend’s 1-0 win over Sheffield United.“The game was in its closing stages,” he explained after the match, “and I had to take off either Rodrigo or Partick Bamford. And Bamford is a player who is very useful helping us defend against opposing set pieces.”
    And so Rodrigo left the field. “But this change was not the right decision,” Bielsa continued, “because Bamford was tired and I should have kept Rodrigo on the field.”
    THE BLAME GAME
    Where many in football are insecure and reluctant to own up to anyerror, Bielsa appears to relish blaming himself.
    Still well remembered in Argentina is one of his first games in chargeof the national team, a 1-1 draw with Holland back in 1999.

    He made a change at half time, taking off Ariel Ortega and introducing Milan midfielder Andres Guglielminpietro for his international debut. It was not a happy occasion.
    Thirty five minutes later, Guly was himself hauled off and replaced by Hernan Crespo. Bielsa blamed himself, accepting that his tactical thinking had not been sound.
    And Guglielminpietro is also happy to blame Bielsa, as he made clear when he spoke to an Argentine radio station last year.
    “I suffered at the time and it still hurts me now,” he said.

    “I wouldn’t do it as a coach. I think [in a polite translation] that I should have told Bielsa where to go. If our paths cross now I believe I would tell him. But I should have done it twenty years ago.”

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    Bielsa’s time as Argentina boss was fraught with problemsCredit: Reuters

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    The maverick boss once questioned his own tactical thinking as Argentina bossCredit: AP:Associated Press
    CASE OF GUGLIELMINPIETRO
    A few months later, Bielsa brought Guglielminpietro off the benchonce more in a Copa America match against Colombia. It was a fiery occasion.
    Bielsa had to watch his centre forward Martin Palermo miss three penalties. Right back Javier Zanetti was sent off – and Bielsa, too, was given the red card.
    I was at the game, and vividly recall the post match press conference.It was the first time I had seen Bielsa, with his strange manner of not making eye contact, of staring at a point in space while he expressed himself in his own ornate brand of Spanish.
    One of the opening questions probed for his thoughts on the referee.
    “One doesn’t have the custom of discussing the match day officials,” he began, “but in respect to today’s referee…”

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    One thing Bielsa will never do is criticise match day officialsCredit: EPA

    At this point the whole room was imagining that Bielsa would condemnthe Paraguayan Ubaldo Aquino as a clown who should not be let anywhere near a field again.
    Instead he went on with “…. in respect to my expulsion the refereewas absolutely correct, because I protested in an ill mannered form.”
    It was instantly obvious that this man was a one-off, and that hiscareer would be well worth following – all the way to the Premier League.

    Marcelo Bielsa defends making Kiko Casilla captain after Leeds fans hit out at decision over racism shame More

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    Man City transfer signing Ruben Dias’ Wag is top pop star April Ivy who had a No1 hit in Portugal with Be Ok

    LONG-DISTANCE love was tough during the coronavirus pandemic.
    Just ask Man City’s £64million signing Ruben Dias and his gorgeous pop star girlfriend April Ivy.

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    Meet April Ivy, the girlfriend of Man City bound Ruben DiasCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic

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    Stunning Ivy, 21, is a pop starCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic

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    Diaz and Ivy have been dating for two yearsCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic

    The Portuguese international’s Wag moved to London before lockdown, as she continued to make her name in the music world.
    But the 21-year-old beauty is delighted Diaz, 23, is headed to Manchester.
    “Here we go”, she captioned a photo of the loved-up pair’s hands intertwined, after a deal was agreed with the Premier League giants.
    Who is the singer that stole the central defender’s heart?

    SHE’S HAD A NO1
    Like many of her counterparts from her homeland, April ( real-name Mariana Gonçalves) sings in English.
    And she has scored some success, earning a No1 hit in the Portuguese iTunes chart with her single Be Ok.
    Taken from her album game.of.love, the raunchy video features April showing off her dance moves and impressive vocal range.
    She is signed to Universal Music France, and is said to be finishing work on a new album in London.

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    Ivy has scored a No1 hit in her native PortugalCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic

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    Be Ok reached the top of the Portuguese itunes chartsCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic
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    Ivy began playing the guitar at the age of nineCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic

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    Fashionable Ivy is a brand ambassador for Italian clothing label TezenisCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic

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    The sexy pop star has revealed she’s heading to Manchester to join DiasCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic
    April began playing the guitar from the age of nine.
    She’s also a brand ambassador for Italian clothing brand Tezenis.
    STAND BY YOUR MAN
    April reportedly began dating Dias two years ago.
    Since then, the two have been inseparable – and she’s clearly his biggest supporter.
    She regularly shared clips of Diaz on her social media – enjoying success with Benfica.

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    Ivy regularly shares supportive messages about Dias on social mediaCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic

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    A keen football fan, Dias wears the Portuguese national jersey with prideCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic

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    Back in Spring, Ivy and Diaz even performed togetherCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic

    However, she hasn’t been shy to perform with her beau.
    Back in Spring, Diaz teamed up with the stunner and accompanied his missus on guitar.
    We wonder what life-long City fan Noel Gallagher makes of his skills with an axe?

    Man Utd and Man City want Benfica’s Ruben Dias – here is why More

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    Football’s biggest bromances, from Messi’s emotional note to departing Suarez to best buds Rice and Mount

    THEY are the ballers who became bezzies.
    This week, Lionel Messi said goodbye to his pal Luis Suarez, who has left Barcelona to join Atletico Madrid.

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    Childhood friends Mason Mount and Declan Rice have emerged as football’s latest bromanceCredit: Getty – Contributor

    But the two South Americans aren’t the only group of best buds in elite football.
    SunSport rounds up football’s biggest mates.
    Messi & Suarez
    The Uruguayan has said his emotional goodbye to his team-mates and cleared out his locker in the dressing room after six seasons at the Camp Nou.
    He was joined by an emotional Leo Messi, who has slammed the club’s treatment of his pal in the past, to wish Suarez all the best at rivals Atletico Madrid.

    Messi even took time to share a snap of the pair together one final time in the dressing room, and you can bet there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
    He captioned the photo: “I was already getting the idea but today I entered the locker room and the card really fell.
    “How difficult it is going to be not to continue sharing the day to day with you, both on the pitch and outside. We will miss you so much. It was many years, many mates, lunches, dinners … Many things that will never be forgotten, every day together.
    “It will be strange to see you with another shirt and much more to face you. You deserved to be fired as what you are: one of the most important players in the club’s history, achieving important things both as a group and individually.

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    Lionel Messi poses with Luis Suarez in the Camp Nou dressing room one final timeCredit: Instagram
    “And not to get kicked out like they did. But the truth is that at this point nothing surprises me.
    “I wish you all the best in this new challenge. I love you very much, I love you very much. See you soon friend.”
    Lingard & Rashford
    FROM quirky handshakes to holiday snaps, the two Red Devils regularly give the world an insight into their bond through social media.
    Jesse Lingard says he sees Marcus Rashford, five years his junior, as a little brother in the United squad.
    He has nicknamed him ‘beansprouts’ and says their friendship stemmed from defending him during a feisty Manchester derby in 2016.
    “He got into a little bit of beef and I had to be there for him, and from then it’s carried on and I’ll always be there for him no matter what,” Lingard said.

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    Jesse Lingard sees Marcus Rashford as like his little brother and nicknamed him ‘beansprouts’Credit: Instagram @marcusrashford
    Lovren & Salah
    FOR Dejan Lovren and Mohamed Salah, there was an instant connection.
    When Salah arrived at Liverpool in 2017, the two men discussed their tough upbringings and, from there, they were virtually inseparable.
    Lovren revealed: “From day one, we felt this connection.
    “We have been talking a lot, we were talking about private things and we have a similar background, a tough life from the beginning.
    “And then with his normality, how he can talk to you and when you see how he thinks… we are good friends, coffee, jokes!”
    Lovren has since moved on to Zenit Saint Petersburg.

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    Dejan Lovren and Mohamed Salah had an instant connection at LiverpoolCredit: PA:Press Association
    Alli & Dier
    WHEN Dele Alli signed for Tottenham from Milton Keynes Dons in 2015, he quickly bonded with his fellow newbie.
    Eric Dier had signed from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon and the two quickly formed a friendship that culminated in appearing alongside each other on the Gogglebox sofa.
    The Channel 4 programme gave fans an insight into their friendship as the pair bickered over a cuppa tea on telly.
    But they’re not afraid to talk about their bond either, with Dele once saying: “Love’s a strong word but we do really like each other.”

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    Dele Alli and Eric Dier became close mates at Tottenham and ended up on Gogglebox togetherCredit: Channel 4
    Pogba & Lukaku
    IF it wasn’t for Agent Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku wouldn’t have ended up at Man United.
    In the summer of 2017, when the big Belgian was choosing between a transfer to Chelsea and United, he was holidaying with Pogba in an LA mansion.
    There was little doubt where he would end up.
    After that, the two superstars were virtually inseparable, hanging out, playing basketball and sharing private jets.
    So much so that both players looked for a move out of Manchester last summer, with Lukaku ending up at Inter Milan but Pogba remaining.

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    Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku holidayed together in LA before the Belgian signed for Man United
    Aubameyang & Lacazette
    THEY were always Gunner be mates.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed for Arsenal in January 2018 and immediately struck up a friendship with fellow striker Alexandre Lacazette.
    Aubameyang remembers: “I came to Arsenal and there he was. It was good to see him. It was love at first sight!”
    Their bond off the pitch has helped them on it, with the duo helping the club win the FA Cup this season.

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    Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have formed a partnership both on and off the pitch at ArsenalCredit: Reuters
    Mount & Rice
    IT was in Chelsea’s academy, at the age of seven, that Mason Mount and Declan Rice began their friendship.
    Both families holidayed together and travelled Europe, watching the boys play for the Blues, and their bond endured Chelsea’s decision to release Rice at the age of 14 – which made Mount’s mum cry.
    Now the two midfielders have been able to team up again while playing for their country after being selected by Gareth Southgate.
    And Mount provided the most hilarious video last summer when he surprised a sleeping Rice while they were on holiday together.

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    Childhood mates Rice and Mount have gone on holiday together for many yearsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount10/?hl=en

    Kolasinac & Ozil
    IF any Prem star has proved their bezzie loyalty it’s Sead Kolasinac to Mesut Ozil.
    In the face of knife-wielding moped thugs, Kolasinac leapt from Ozil’s car and defended his Arsenal pal with whom he has formed a strong bond.
    German Ozil vowed to take Kolasinac under his wing when he arrived at Arsenal in 2017, and since then the two men — and their wives — have become best friends.
    Last summer, both couples got married and attended each other’s wedding while the two men dyed their hair blonde after losing a bet.

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    Sead Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil became best buds at Arsenal while their wives have connected tooCredit: Instagram/ m10_officia

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    Sead Kolasinac fought off moped muggers armed with a knifeCredit: Enterprise News and Pictures
    Fabregas & Suarez & Messi
    IT is the friendship group football fans would dream to be a part of.
    Messi, Suarez and Cesc Fabregas, who all met at Barcelona, have formed a small clique of some of the world’s greatest footballing talent.
    With their respective partners ⁠— Antonella Roccuzzo, Sofia Balbi and Daniella Semaan ⁠— all friends as well, the group regularly holiday together in giant luxury villas and yachts.
    There was even a suggestion in 2017 that the group racked up a £32,630 bill during a dinner on the Spanish island of Ibiza.

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    Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Luis Suarez and their wives have become close friends and regularly holiday togetherCredit: Instagram @antonelaroccuzzo
    Firmino & Coutinho
    THEIR time together at Anfield was relatively short but extremely sweet.
    Fellow Brazilians Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho formed a formidable partnership in Jurgen Klopp’s fierce attack.
    So it came as a blow to Firmino when Coutinho made the £142million switch to Barcelona in January 2018.
    Firmino said: “He made his decision to join Barcelona, but every time we play for the Seleção we have a chat and maintain that friendship.
    “He’s an exceptional guy – one of the best friends football has given me.”

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    Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino formed a close bond while at Liverpool togetherCredit: Instagram, @roberto_firmino
    Nolan & Carroll
    WHEN Andy Carroll was bailed for an assault charge in 2010, he turned to his best mate Kevin Nolan.
    Having become close friends at Newcastle, Nolan allowed his pal to live with his family on two conditions — reading Peppa Pig to his kids and being in bed by 11pm!
    But it still came as some surprise when the former Liverpool striker named Nolan in his dream 5-a-side team alongside superstars such as Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez.
    Nolan responded by saying: “Well, me and Andy are mates so he’s looking after his mucker!”

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    Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll are such good mates that Nolan let Carroll live with himCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    And when bromances go bad…Owen and Shearer
    A lethal strike partnership, the darlings of England’s first-team, whose relationship spiralled from good mates to a public spat.
    Michael Owen’s autobiography Reboot: My Life lifted the lid on a bitter feud that began during his time at Newcastle.

    The two English heavyweights went toe-to-toe on Twitter after Owen’s book claimed Alan Shearer had questioned his professionalism at St. James’ Park.
    Shearer took aim at Owen by highlighting his hefty wages at Newcastle before Owen shot back by questioning Shearer’s loyalty to Newcastle.
    Let’s hope the other bezzies in this list aren’t slinging mud at each other in ten years’ time.

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    Alan Shearer and Michael Owen’s friendship has fallen apart and spiralled into a public spatCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    Chelsea star Mason Mount scares life out of snoozing Declan Rice on Dubai holiday More

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    Arsenal flop Denis Suarez’s stunning girlfriend Nadia Aviles is a model who used to date Zinedine Zidane’s son Enzo

    DENIS Suarez might’ve flopped in the Premier League with Arsenal, but in his personal life things are looking up.
    The 26-year-old, who is rebuilding his career at Celta Vigo after he was sold by Barcelona, dates stunning model Nadia Aviles.

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    Model Nadia Aviles is the stunning girlfriend of Arsenal flop Denis SuarezCredit: Instagram

    View this post on Instagram

    💭
    A post shared by NADIA AVILÉS (@nadiavilesgarcia) on Sep 18, 2020 at 2:58am PDT

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    The midfielder now plays for Celta Vigo after Barcelona sold him in 2019Credit: Instagram

    The pair have only been together for two years, and continue to look loved up.
    Suarez was previously in a romance long-term girlfriend Sandra Montoto, but months after they split in 2018 he found a new love in Nadia.
    The 23-year-old, who is born and raised in Barcelona, is a model who boasts more than 125,000 followers on Instagram.
    Suarez isn’t the first footballer she bagged, with rumours she dated Enzo – son of Zinedine Zidane last year.

    But she is now certainly dedicated to her new man.
    The couple post numerous pictures of each other on their social media accounts, while they’ve enjoyed trips away to places like Ibiza.

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    Nadia was a regular at the Nou Camp – despite Suarez’s lack of playing timeCredit: Instagram

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    Nadia and Denis have been dating for two yearsCredit: Instagram

    One of her posts read: “I dare you to love me forever.”
    She was a regular at the Camp Nou – despite Suarez’s lack of playing time – and has struck up a friendship with Coral Simanovich, the girlfriend of Sergi Roberto.

    Not much is known about Nadia’s early life or family life.

    However, despite her enviable figure she has had her haters on social media.
    Nadia was criticised on Instagram by some followers who said she was too skinny on comments in her photos.
    She has since made sure that no one can comment on her pictures by blocking the comments section. More

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    Man City wonderkid Liam Delap, son of Stoke hero Rory, scores on first-team debut vs Bournemouth in Carabao Cup

    A LONG throw was his dad’s biggest weapon during his Stoke days, but you won’t see Man City prospect Liam Delap hurling the ball into a crowded penalty area.
    The 17-year-old centre forward, who scored on his Man City first-team debut in the Carabao Cup clash against Bournemouth, is the son of Rory Delap – who was famed for a throw-in that caused havoc in opposition defences.

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    Liam Delap, 17, has been promoted to Man City’s first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    His dad Rory Delap was famous for his long throw-insCredit: AFP

    But when Liam used to do it playing junior football – it once caused him stick from one mouthy parent , who said he was ruining the match.
    Now, the 6ft 1in striker shies away from taking throw-ins after THAT public scolding.
    RUGBY TACTICS
    In his hey-day, Rory wasn’t afraid to launch the ball into the mixer.
    Just ask former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who deplored the attacks – likening them to rugby tactics.

    It was a habit that, initially, young Liam wanted to copy.
    However, when one parent took exception to the youngster’s long-throws he refused to take another throw again.
    “I think he was put off when he was about an under-10!” Delap Sr. revealed in an interview with Radio Stoke.
    “One of the parents shouted that he was ruining the game when he took a throw and he hasn’t taken one since.

    “I don’t think that will be part of his game.”

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    Liam, on the set of Soccer AM in 2014 with his dad, was scolded in a junior game for a long-throw Credit: Twitter / @RoryJDelap

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    Delap Jr. was named in Man City’s squad against WolvesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    A DIFFERENT PLAYER TO HIS DAD
    While Rory played in midfield, Liam is a rangy striker with good close control, who can link-up play and is quick.
     “I started in a similar position but I didn’t have his pace or power and it took me a few more chances to put the ball in the back of the net!” Delap Sr. continued.
    “He’s enjoying it and that’s all I’m bothered about. I’ve never pushed him into it but he’s a good lad and if he keeps his head down and works hard, he’ll have a chance in the game.”
    City took note of his ability and signed him from Derby in 2019.
    And in his first year with the club he impressed, scoring eight times in 13 appearances for the U18’s, as well as netting three goals in four games for the U23’s last season.
    And now he could now make his debut against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.

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    At 6ft 1in, Delap Jr. is a different type of player to his dadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Delap Jr. has been capped by England at youth levelCredit: Instagram / @liamdelap7
    HE’S TOUGH
    One similarity he has to his dad in terms of his game is his aggression. It’s what Delap Jr. says he needs to thrive.
    “(Aggression) always been a part of my game. I need it in my game,” he said in an interview with  the Manchester Evening News.
    “When I’m on that edge it’s when I’m at my best, it’s just not tipping over that edge and everyone has told me that they’d never want to take it out of me, it’s just controlling that final tipping point of what is acceptable and what’s not.
    “You can’t really teach it, it’s just something I have and I’m so grateful that I’ve got it but it’s just now working a mechanism that I can control it to keep myself on the pitch.”I’ve got a lot better. I was a lot worse when I was younger so I think it’s just maturing and understanding what’s right.”
    FORGET DAD, IT’S ALL ABOUT RONALDO
    Delap Jr. knows where he stands.
    An alternative to strikers Guardiola has often deployed, he admires Juventus legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who he hopes to emulate one day.
    He said: “In the past you look at Man City’s strikers and they’re small and technical but I think I’m just a different player. It works well for me because I am different and I can show myself even more. It’s good.

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    One similar trait to his dad’s game is Delap’s aggression on the pitchCredit: Rex Features

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    Delap’s hero growing up is Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    “I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo. Just the way he plays, the pace and the power. For me, he’s the best in the world so aspiring to someone who is the best in the world, your dreams just have to be high.
    “Listening to people that he’s worked with, the extras and lengths that he goes to look after his body and get better every day just shows why he’s at the top level.
    “You can have talent but talent on its own doesn’t work without effort.”

    Man City boss Pep Guardiola confirms Sergio Aguero set to miss start of season due to knee injury More