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      Meet Kobbie Mainoo, 17, who won the FA Cup Youth Cup last season and was named on the bench against Newcastle

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      WHEN stadium announcer Alan Keegan read out the stars on the Man Utd sub’s bench against Newcastle, there was one name that stood out… Kobbie Mainoo.Behind the scenes at Carrington there is a growing belief the talented 17-year-old could be the heartbeat of the club’s midfield for years to come.
      Kobbie Mainoo celebrates wining the FA Youth Cup with Man Utd’s U18’sCredit: Getty
      Mainoo was named on the bench for Utd’s game against NewcastleCredit: Getty
      The Stockport-born youngster was a key member of last season’s successful FA Youth Cup-winning side, and was rewarded with his first professional contract back in May.
      While this season he has continued to progress for the Red Devils – starring against Brighton for the U21’s and following that up with an impressive display against League Two Carlisle in the EFL Trophy.
      Notably, Erik ten Hag has been impressed and has integrated the teenager into first team training sessions.
      A first team debut is surely around the corner…
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      Been with the club since nine
      Mainoo began his football at grassroots level with Cheadle & Gatley junior football club.
      He was scouted by United aged nine, and worked his way through the youth ranks to establish himself as one of United’s biggest prospects.
      In preseason, United fans caught a glimpse of the playmaker in action against Altrincham.
      Most read in Football
      BBC Manchester commentator Jonny Crowther called him a “different class”.
      Earlier this month, Mainoo scored twice in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Brighton for the U21 team.
      While back in August, he had fans purring during a mercurial display against Carlisle in the EFL Trophy.
      His vision, anticipation and tackling ability certainly caught the eye.
      One fan wrote: “I can watch 17-yr-old Kobbie Mainoo’s compilations all day. Manchester United have a player on their hands,” while another said: “Investing in Kobbie Mainoo stocks now.”
      A third said: “I watched Kobbie Mainoo vs Carlisle United yesterday. Ten Haag has to include him in the first team. This is not a joke.
      “He’s a baller. All he needs is the physical strength and forget Frenkie De Jong. He can do the job simple.”
      This season, Mainoo has thrived for the U21’sCredit: Getty

      Ten Hag has listened
      The furore around Mainoo has seen ten Hag, known for giving youth a chance at Ajax, take a closer look at the player himself.
      Already he is training with the first team, as reward for his rapid progression
      He was first named in a United squad against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
      Then, he appeared on the bench against in their recent Premier League match against Newcastle.
      As ten Hag explained, Mainoo wasn’t there to just make up the numbers.
      At just 17, midfielder Mainoo has been raved about by United fansCredit: Getty
      With first team opportunities in the offing, Mainoo should get used to wearing a club suit in the futureCredit: Getty
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      The Dutch coach told the club’s official website: “It’s not experience it’s about, they [young players] have to deliver.
      “You are here to contribute to the team, to the team’s success, and that is why is here.”
      And here to stay, should he get his opportunity to shine under the lights the Theatre of Dreams. More

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      Karim Benzema’s amazing journey, from ‘sex-tape’ blackmail case and France exile to Ballon d’or winner and model Wag

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      AT 34, Karim Benzema could have been forgiven for thinking his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or were over.But the Real Madrid star is expected to lift the trophy tonight after an incredible season with his club, as well as a return to international football with his country, France.
      Karim Benzema enjoyed a remarkable year with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Benzema is one of the game’s wealthiest footballers with an enviable car collectionCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Benzema, who boasts an incredible car collection and a love of Bugatti motors, scored a staggering 15 goals in 12 games in the Champions League last campaign.
      And he recorded his best ever LaLiga tally – notching 27 strikes in just 32 games.
      A Ballon d’Or win would cap a remarkable journey for Benzema, after he was exiled from the national team and faced trial for his alleged part in blackmailing Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape.
      And in stunning American Wag Jordan Ozuna, who used to work at fast food chain Hooters, he has found love off the pitch and is happy to share that with the world.
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      Best ever season
      Often overlooked and criticised, Benzema has scored 328 goals for Los Blancos – since signing for around £35million in 2009.
      Before last season, he was an underrated cog in sides that won three LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies.
      However, he played second-fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo – who was bought the same year from Man Utd.
      Most read in Football
      Unselfishly, Benzema admitted: “When Cristiano Ronaldo played for Real Madrid, he scored 50 to 60 goals a year.
      “So, my moves were to give him an advantage on the field, generate spaces, because I exchanged the ball well in the opponent’s area. He was much more effective than I was.”
      That all changed in 2018-19, when the Portuguese legend left for Juventus. Benzema was left as the main man, and how he thrived.
      Across the previous four seasons, he’s scored 131 goals in all competitions. While in this campaign he has five in 10 games.
      He admitted his priorities changed after CR7 departed for Turin.
      Benzema explained: “It’s been different for me since Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid.
      “It’s true that I’ve scored many more goals, but when Cristiano was here, we had a different style of play, I was providing more assists.
      He really helped me on and off the pitch.
      “But at that time, I did know that I could do more and when he left, it was the time to change my game, change my ambitions and I am doing that well at the moment.”
      In the past four seasons, Benzema has scored a staggering 131 goalsCredit: Reuters
      For several years, Benzema was forced to live behind the shadow of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: EPA
      Sex-tape
      But it hasn’t always been plain-sailing in Benzema’s career. Misdemeanours off the pitch threatened his reputation, and perhaps derailed it somewhat.
      His international career suffered, certainly.
      Slights of character began in 2010, when French TV channel M6 reported that four members of the French national team were being investigated for their roles as clients in a prostitute ring operated inside of a Paris nightclub, with some of the women allegedly being underage.
      Benzema was one of those, along with Franck Ribéry, Sidney Govou, and Hatem Ben Arfa.
      Benzema and Ribéry were acquitted by a judge because of lack of sufficient evidence that the pair knew the prostitutes were underaged. But, the young striker’s card was marked.
      In 2015, Benzema was arrested by police for his alleged part in blackmailing fellow France international player Mathieu Valbuena over the alleged recording of a sex-tape on a mobile phone.
      Noel Le Graet, the president of the FFF, announced a suspension of the striker from the national team..
      The case went to trial in 2021, and Benzema was found guilty of conspiring to blackmail Valbuena with the sex tape.
      Benzema was handed a one-year suspended sentence and fined £75,000.
      Former team mates Mathieu Valbuena and Karim Benzema were involved in a sex tape scandalCredit: Reuters
      Benzema faced trial for his part in the alleged blackmailingCredit: Getty
      After a six-year exile, Benzema is back in the France squadCredit: AFP
      But, it was the cost of losing six years of his international career that hurt the most.
      Since 2021, Didier Deschamps has reinstated Benzema back into the Les Bleus line-up.
      And with 10 goals in his 16 games across the last year, it’s the national side that seemingly lost out on his talents.
      What better way for redemption to lead the French line in Qatar and win the World Cup.
      Finding love
      Fiercely private off the pitch, practicing Muslim Benzema kept his love life out of the limelight during his epic rise.
      He was married to Chloe De Launay, who is the mother of their two children Ibrahim and Melia.
      But their romance was reportedly hit by controversy and alleged infidelity.
      Benzema is now reportedly dating American model Jordan Ozuna.
      The 32-year-old used to work as a Hooters waitress in Las Vegas but is now signed to several US-based modelling agencies.
      And she seems to have encouraged him to open up more about his life.
      Chloe De Launay is the mother of Benzema’s children (Melia pictured here)Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Stunning Jordan Ozuna is Benzema’s current reported girlfriendCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Beautiful Jordan used to be a Hooters waitress in Las Vegas, but now modelsCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Read More on The Sun
      They both follow each other on Insta and have publicly shared heart emojis during exchanges, while she was said to be in Paris back in May to support Benzema crowned king of the Champions League.
      Maybe she will be there to cheer him on winning the 2022 Ballon d’or at the Théâtre Châtelet in Paris tonight. More

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      in Soccer

      Graeme Souness’s finest moments on Sky Sports like his Pogba obssession as Liverpool legend prepares to retire

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      IT’S seemingly the end of an era.After 16 years as a pundit, Graeme Souness will reportedly leave Sky Sports at the end of the season.
      Graeme Souness is reportedly set to leave his role at Sky Sports at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      The fiery Scot, 69, has appeared more sporadically this campaign – and was “happy” to have signed just a one-year deal with Sky in the summer.
      The Athletic say that his latest contract was only for a reduced, set number of appearances and it is possible it could be his last.
      Over the years, Souness has provided much hilarity in the studio with his cutting criticism and honesty, look away if you are Paul Pogba and Jack Grealish.
      And just like his tackling in his hey day, he’s not afraid to pull any punches. Here’s his best moments.
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      The Pogba affair
      Souness seemingly always had a bee in his bonnet about Pogba.
      But, even though he drew Jamie Redknapp and Gary Neville in heated debates about the World Cup winner, it was a moment with affable Micah Richards that was most surprising.
      It came during a discussion on old comments made by Pogba’s former agent Mino Raiola about the Frenchman’s future at Man Utd. The playmaker would, of course, get his move in the end.
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      But the pair spoke over each other and gesticulated furiously as they tried to make their points – while Souness even turned his back at one point.
      Richards suggested Raiola had made comments without Pogba’s say-so but ex-Liverpool man Souness was having none of it.
      He blasted: “Not a chance, not a chance. He’s echoing the thoughts of the player.”
      Souness wasn’t having Micah Richards comments about Paul Pogba
      Fiery Scot Souness turned his back on his fellow pundit
      Grealish ain’t all that
      “He’s a good player, not a great player,” Souness has said of Man City’s £100million man Jack Grealish.
      For Graeme, the former Aston Villa playmaker has yet to do it for Pep Guardiola’s side.
      And, during his punditry, he’s let everyone know it. Jack’s not immune to it either.
      Grealish hit back at those comments while away on England duty by insisting: “I don’t know what his problem is, he always criticises me.”
      Amusingly, Souness retorted on talkSPORT: “I’d love a night out with him.
      “I’m not sure I could stay with him but I think I would enjoy a night out with him.”
      Grealish has seemingly taken him up on his offer. He wrote on social media, “🤣🤣 let’s do it!! As long as I can bring Pogba as a +1.”
      Jack Grealish has been Souness’s recent targetCredit: Rex
      A case for the defence
      Gary Neville is used to getting his point across when it comes to his beloved Manchester United.
      But Souness didn’t agree with an assessment that Cristiano Ronaldo needed support up front. No, the European Cup winner slammed the club’s defence.
      Neville said: “The biggest problem United actually have pre-dates Ronaldo. And for me it’s not a Pogba issue either.”
      Souness interjected: “You had to throw him into the mix as well.”
      But Neville carried on: “We can point towards two players, no goals is a mentality issue in a club, it’s a mentality issue in general.
      “United have had just one clean sheet in the last 20 game across all competitions.
      “They’ve conceded 31 goals to Chelsea’s 12, Liverpool’s 16 and Manchester City’s 21.”
      But Souness cut in again and added: “That’s not about having a focal point. That’s not the issue.
      “The issue is you’re too vulnerable.”
      Gary Neville and Graeme Souness got into a heated discussion about Man Utd’s defenceCredit: Sky Sports
      Gary Neville was adamant United’s problems remained upfront and was riled by SounessCredit: Sky Sports
      Neville attempted to diffuse the rising tensions and said: “We’re talking about two different things here, Graeme.”
      But Liverpool legend Souness would not stop. He continued: “It’s not about having a focal point. That’s not the issue.”
      Don’t interrupt him
      North London derby day in 2018, and Arsenal have drawn at home to Spurs 1-1.
      Alongside Souness in the studio is Gunners legend Thierry Henry, who begins with his assessment of the game.
      Henry makes his point about Arsenal stars, their injuries and how unfortunate they’ve been.
      Souness, though, had other ideas. “Arsenal have a lot of players that run with the ball,” he said.
      “That would lend to the idea of stretching more, dribbling with the ball more than anyone else…”
      Souness didn’t like it when Thierry Henry interrupted himCredit: Getty
      Before he can finish, he’s interrupted by Henry – to which Souness barks “I’m talking” at hime.
      It was worth noting a season earlier, Souness was interrupted by Gary Neville – also during an Arsenal game at Man City – and gave him a death stare.
      But he got his own back…
      Fed up of being interrupted, Souness got his own back on fellow Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher last season.
      It started with a debate about Romelu Lukaku’s infamous interview on Sky Sport Italy, when the Belgium striker revealed he wanted to return to Inter Milan.
      Souness felt he should have got more than just being left out of the line up for an important televised game by boss Thomas Tuchel.
      Carragher did his best to defend Lukaku, saying he didn’t say he wanted to leave Chelsea.
      Souness interjected, “No, he did in as many words.”

      The interjection alone spun Carragher’s mind, who pulled a hilarious face at the camera – that’s soon become a meme.
      Beef with Mourinho
      The Special One and Graeme clashed over Man Utd’s playing style, as well as fixture congestion.
      “I have seen in the football media that certain pundits cannot understand why our players are tired,” Mourinho moaned his programme notes.
      “A pundit is not honest if they cannot forget their colours or if they try to hide the truth from their audience. It’s not my fault if their managerial career was very poor.”
      But Souness hit back after they beat Ajax in the Europa League final.
      “They have turned up in Stockholm, and dug out a result playing the kind of football that is not Manchester United, that’s my biggest beef with them,” he said.
      “They don’t attempt to get on the ball, and don’t play enough football for me. If you’re one of the big clubs in the world, which they obviously are, you have to play better football.
      “They won’t win the big trophies playing like that, against the better teams they won’t win the big trophies. You won’t win our league playing like that. They don’t play enough football.”
      Souness later said that the only reason Man Utd went with Mourinho was because rivals Man City had a Pep Guardiola, and the Red Devils needed a big name manager.
      Jose Mourinho celebrates with the Europa League trophyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ‘Why are you looking at me like that?’
      It’s not just fellow pundits who have faced Souness’s wrath.
      In 2019, Liverpool drew 0-0 against Manchester United at Old Trafford – in what many perceived as a flat performance.
      But, the former Anfield hero thought the Reds played well, when asked by host David Jones, and dominated possession.
      With the camera zoomed in on Souness, it’s impossible to see what Jones did to incur such a confrontation.
      But as Souness contined to make his point, he all of a sudden said: “Why are you look at me like that? Are you not agreeing with me?”
      Graeme Souness on Sky’s Super Sunday

      As the camera panned out, Jones looked around at the fellow pundits and said, “I just wonder if they agree with you.”
      “It was just the way you looked,” Souness added.
      How he will be missed. More

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      in Soccer

      Napoli’s amazing resurgence with Serie A leaders the highest scorers in Champions League and winning fans for their play

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      FORGET Arsenal, Man City or Real Madrid.There’s a new sheriff in town and they have become the perennial entertainers in their domestic league and the Champions League.
      Napoli’s fans are toasting new heroes, including Giacomo RaspadoriCredit: Getty
      Napoli are unbeaten in their first 13 games in both Serie A and the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli have blitzed all before them in devastating fashion to go 13 games unbeaten in both competitions with a brand of free-flowing, heavy-metal football that Jurgen Klopp would be proud of.
      The German manager got a flavour of what they offer at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last month, as Liverpool were humbled 4-1 – with three goals coming in a first half massacre.
      And the Naples giant’s’ amazing start is even more of a surprise, given they had a summer of upheaval.
      All change
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      The Camorra would have been watching with bated breath at what the upcoming season promised.
      Especially after losing legends like Dries Mertens, who plundered 148 goals for the club, Italian international Lorenzo Insigne and star midfielder Fabian Ruiz.
      Serie A’s best centre back of recent years, Kalidou Koulibaly also left for the bright lights of the Premier League and Chelsea. You could forgive Napoli’s faithful for feeling pessimistic.
      Some £72million was made from player sales, with just £61million of that reinvested into the team.
      Most read in Football
      The most expensive signing came in the form of South Korean defender Kim Min-Jae for £16million, who had the unenviable job of filling Koulibally’s giant boots.
      Cameroon midfielder Frank Anguissa was added from Fulham for £13million.
      Steady Uruguayan full-back Mathias Olivera was snapped up from Getafe for £9million.
      There was also a nod to the future, with Georgian talent Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 21, and Giacomo Raspadori, 22, added for creativity and firepower.
      What happened next no one could have seen.
      Start as you mean to go on
      The season’s opener gave a taste of what was to come, as Verona can testify.
      Spalletti’s side smashed five away from home – with the old guard of Victor Osimhen, Piotr Zielinski and Stanislav Lobotka all running riot.
      Led by Victor Osimhen, Napoli’s frightening attack has scored three goals or more in eight of their 13 matches in all competitionsCredit: Rex
      A 6-1 demolition of Ajax had Europe take noteCredit: Getty
      It was helter-skelter football, played at a 100mph. But it worked.
      What has followed has been goal blitz after goal blitz. In their first 13 matches, they’ve scored three goals or more in a game eight times.
      In Serie A they sit pretty at the top of the pile with seven wins and two draws from their nine games. They are the league’s top scorers with an impressive 22 strikes.
      While in the Champions League, they’ve won four from four – scoring 17 goals along the way. That too is the highest goal tally of any of their rivals.
      At the turn of the month, Europe took note after they demolished Ajax 6-1 at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
      Fabio Capello, who was watching the game as a pundit for Italian TV, was impressed.
      “Napoli just gave a football lesson at the Johan Cruyff Arena,” he told former Alessandro Costacurta on Sky Sport Italia.
      “A lesson to the Dutch, who taught the rest of us how to play!”
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scores Napoli’s fifth in the rout of Ajax in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Napoli’s fans hold on to the memory of Diego Maradona, but could have new heroes to saviour with their current teamCredit: Rex
      Even the press in Holland couldn’t help summon up the spirits of the two clubs’ favourite sons, Diego Maradona and Cruyff.
      “Napoli’s spectacular game in Amsterdam would certainly have enchanted Maradona, Cruyff would have without doubt been very disturbed by Ajax’s performance, which became the laughing stock of Europe,” De Telegraaf wrote.
      A nod to the gaffer
      Napoli’s free-flowing attacking football has been guided by Italian tactician Spalletti.
      Before a world of false nine’s, the 63-year-old famously played a system without a striker at Roma – getting the best out of Francesco Totti who prospered in a free role.
      Man Utd’s legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson was a fan, and even utilised Wayne Rooney in a similar role after being inspired by Spalletti’s tactic.
      But, he is yet to win the Scudetto in his 28 years in the game. Two Russian Premier League titles with Zenit Saint Petersburg during a five-year spell haven’t silenced the doubters.
      Coach Luciano Spalletti has drawn praise for building attacking teamsCredit: Getty
      Napoli have scored more goals than any other team in both Serie A and Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Buy of the season
      Comparisons to Maradona from Napoli’s tifosi aren’t handed out quickly.
      However, in Georgian midfielder Khvicha Kvaratskhelia they’ve found a new talisman who is already a contender for buy of the season.
      Snapped up for just £9million from Dinamo Batumi, who had him for a short spell after he was allowed to suspend his contract with Russian side Rubin Kazan, he won Italy’s player of the month in August.
      The 6ft winger scored his first Champions League goal in that Ajax massacre and has five in nine Serie A matches this season.
      With an air of unpredictability, blistering pace and skill – Kvaratskhelia has been given the label the ‘Georgian Maradona’.
      While, Spalletti has already waxed lyrical about his talent.
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has undoubtedly been Serie A’s best player this seasonCredit: Getty
      Will Napoli’s stars be celebrating in front of their own supporters at the end of the season?Credit: Getty
      He said: “He is able to control any ball and make it clean, he has this very shy way of doing things, he never wants to be the centre of attention, but when he plays football, he is so confident.”
      Italy hero Alessandro Del Piero added: “Watch out for Kvaratskhelia. He is unpredictable and talented, he seems to be made to play in Europe.”
      With 17th placed Bologna up next, Napoli fans will no doubt expect another goal glut on Sunday. And they will, no doubt, live up to their new tag as ‘Europe’s Entertainers’. More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League stars, including Kalvin Phillips and Wilfried Zaha are using private limos to travel to match days

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      PREMIER LEAGUE footballers use ATG Chauffeuring – a luxury limo service that provides rides to stars on match days.The likes of Kalvin Phillips, Morgan Gibbs-White, Wilfried Zaha and Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer have all been spotted in their high-end cars travelling to games or to a TV studio.
      England ace Kalvin Phillips uses ATG Chauffering’s servicesCredit: Instagram
      Wilfried Zaha has also taken advantage of the luxury limo serviceCredit: Instagram
      Footballers and their Wags travel in style in a £62,000 Mercedes-Benz V-Class
      And they’re ferried in £62,000 Mercedes-Benz V-Class vans kitted out with all the latest gadgets.
      Fitted with PlayStation4’s, Sky TV, and Netflix – the game’s elite can kick back and relax.
      ATG Chauffeuring have been known to give international stars drop-offs at the airport.
      While even their Wags are making the most of it, using it for personal travel for matches.
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      Testimonials
      Former footballer and now talkSPORT host Darren Bent is a fan of the service, and has been pictued on their social media giving the thumbs up.
      While Shearer has bigged up owner Andre Torean Gonzales and addressed the service offer on the Midlands-based company’s website with a glowing review.
      Man City footballer Kalvin Phillips and Morgan Gibbs-White have used ATG Chauffeuring to ferry themselves around, with the former Sheffield United ace using the service on a match day.
      Most read in Football
      Former Wag Danielle Lloyd is also a fan, appearing on ATG’s Instagram page.
      As is Brittney De Villiers – the stunning girlfriend of Nottingham Forest midfielder Gibbs-White – who posed up in the back of one of their limos on a trip to Bristol for a social media snap.
      And these cars give regular transport a run for their money.
      Amazing amenities
      With their focus on training or matches, some footballers might not want to take their cars with them.
      Morgan Gibbs-White hired ATG Chauffeuring on a match dayCredit: Instagram
      Gibbs-White’s stunning girlfriend Brittney De Villiers poses in the back of a limoCredit: Instagram
      They could want to switch off from the pressures and rigours of professional football.
      By travelling with a limo service, they have enough distractions to forget about that.
      ATG Chauffeuring’s cars feature PlayStations loaded up with the latest instalment of FIFA.
      If they want to keep up with the football scores elsewhere, there’s Sky TV to watch a game on the well-sized screens.
      And if they don’t want to think about football at all, then they can simply watch a film on Netflix.
      Entertainment systems on board feature Netflix and Sky TV
      Football stars can also play FIFA on a PlayStation 4
      With all that on offer, it’s no wonder some footballers are leaving their expensive motors at home and using personal limo services, like ATG Chauffeuring.
      Maybe they’ll save room for football journalists too. More

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      Former West Ham and Liverpool star Paul Konchesky now runs a pie and mash cafe after hanging up his boots

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      WHEN planning for a life after football, maybe it’s best to think with your stomach rather than your head.That’s what ex-Charlton, West Ham and Liverpool star Paul Konchesky, now 41, did when he took over a cafe in Brentwood, Essex in 2015.
      Paul Konchesky now runs his own pie and mash cafeCredit: Splash News
      Former Charlton left-back Konchesky opened Konch’s Kafe in 2015 in Essex
      The former Premier League left-back renamed the site Konch’s Kafe, and started selling traditional East End grub like pie and mash and hasn’t looked back since.
      And making sure he’s keeping it in the family, Konchesky has got his mum Carol in to run her son’s operation.
      An experienced chef, she used to cook in the kitchen of the Royal Oak pub in Essex.
      LOVES HIS PIES
      Pie and mash is something that reminds the two-cap England international of his youth days as a trainee with the Addicks, even if his food-intake wasn’t quite fitting for a wannabe pro footballer.
      Konchesky told the Daily Mail: “There was this pie-and-mash shop next to our school in Dagenham.
      “Every Tuesday we’d all have mash and liquor for a pound in a takeaway cup.
      “Every Friday it’d be proper pie, mash and liquor, with jellied eels. And a cream soda. Without fail.
      “I used to be a right dumpling with a big fat face. I was quite tubby when I had my first fitness test at Charlton.
      “I was in the first team at 16 with John Robinson and that, getting crates of beer on to the team bus. And on the way home we’d stop for fish and chips.”
      Konch’s Kafe has been a big success for Konchesky since he retiredCredit: Rex Features

      Now a picture of health, and even completing the London Marathon in three hours 51 minutes after hanging up his boots, Konchesky resists the temptation of chowing down on pies.
      But he often pops in and greets customers, who love to quiz him about his football career.
      Occasionally, he’ll chip in in the kitchen, making teas and coffees for his clientele too.
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      WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
      The menu at Konch’s Kafe is vast, and offers everything you’ll need for a decent price.
      Cockney favourites – pie ‘n’ mash start at a reasonable £3.90, while if you want to add some jellied eels to the dish with a bit of liquor, you’ll pay £6.40.
      But if you don’t fancy that, there’s breakfast options, including the Mega Feast with two eggs, sausage, two bacon, black pudding, mushrooms, chips, beans or tomatoes for £6.25.
      For lunch, there are jacket potatoes and various sandwiches, and recent specials have included beef stew with dumpling and creamy potato for just £4.75, as well as a chicken curry with rice and naan for a fiver.
      However, it’s the pie and mash that’s getting customers through the door and keeping them happy.
      A boyhood West Ham fan, Konchesky fell in love with the Hammers and that East End delicacy thanks to his grandfather, who settled in England from Poland during World War II.
      The menu at Konch’s Kafe offers everything you’ll want
      A beef stew was recently on the special’s board at Konch’s Kafe

      GETTING SHIRTY
      And anyone who visits Konch’s Kafe will be taken by their surroundings – framed shirts from various opponents Konchesky has faced during his action-packed career.
      A West Ham No 3 shirt with his name on takes centre stage, there’s a signed sketch featuring his hero Julian Dicks, a signed England shirt, as well as a photo of tough defender taking on Teddy Sheringham.
      “I’ve always collected shirts: Henry, Vieira, Gazza, Ravanelli, Ronaldo, Scholes,” he said.
      “I’ve got an England shirt from John Barnes, who gave it to me when we were together at Charlton.
      “He signed it, ‘Remember me when you’re famous’. They’re all dirty. I’ve never washed any of them.”
      Clearly with his fingers in many pies, you’ll be thankful that Konchesky’s hands aren’t as dirty as his shirts when you pop in for your next pie fix.
      THE REVIEWS ARE IN
      You won’t be surprised to know that it’s scored five out of five on TripAdvisor’s site t he time of writing.
      Mandy R wrote: “Love this cafe not just because of the pie and mash but all the food is yummy and the staff are always helpful and a good laugh. They look after everyone, no ones ever alone at Konchs.”
      While Samuel A declared: “Very nice staff, very nice atmosphere with the pictures on the walls of ex west ham players and football history! The pies are a must! superb value!”
      And wendybrooks07 called Konch’s ‘best pie and mash in Brentwood’, adding: “Traditional Pie and Mash and liquor is just great from here – delicous and worth trying – my favourite.”
      On TripAdvisor Konch’s Kafe has scored 5 star reviews
      Jamie Redknapp and Mark Noble tuck into some grub at Konch’s KafeCredit: Rex Features
      Paul Konchesky’s love of pie and mash stemmed from his Polish grandfather who emigrated to the East End during World War II
      You won’t be disappointed with your meal at Konch’s Kafe
      Konchesky’s last Premier League club was Leicester City in 2015Credit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The Sun More

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      Before Arsenal play Bodo Glimt on a plastic pitch, teams likes QPR and Luton used artificial turf to their advantage

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      THERE’S nothing like a plastic pitch as a leveller.Tonight, Mikel Arteta takes his in-form Arsenal team, who sit top of the Premier League, to play against Bodo Glimt – who play at the 8,270 seater Aspmyra Stadion.
      Bodo Glimt play on an artifical pitch as the club battles the elements of the Norwegian weather
      Mikel Arteta said Arsenal are ready for the artificial surface
      But what will make their task much harder – and what undid Roma last season who were humbled their 6-1 – is the turf they play on.
      Arsenal’s superstars, used to playing on the pristine carpets of our top division, will have to deal with an artificial pitch as they continue their Europa League campaign.
      Speaking in his press conference on Wednesday, Arteta revealed his players will have to adapt to their relatively unknown surroundings.
      He said: “Obviously, everybody is aware that there are a lot of things that are different. The speed is different, the way you can use the grass is different and we will have to adapt to it. We know that, we are here to win the game and tomorrow night for sure we are going to play on an artificial pitch.”
      Of course, this isn’t the first time a professional side has used an artificial pitch for a professional match.
      Here’s some SunSport have seen over the years  that would’ve had our knees jerking at the thought of having a run-out on them.
      IT STARTED WITH QPR
      In 1981, Queens Park Rangers became the first club in the country to replace grass for something called Omni-Turf.
      The West London pioneers were always looking for a solution to improving the Loftus Road surface, which suffered after treacherous winters and arid summers of the 1970s.
      QPR were the first side to embrace synthetic turf in 1981Credit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Under Terry Venables Loftus Road became a fortress and QPR reached the FA Cup final in 1982Credit: PA:Press Association
      With Omni-Turf they got a green carpet, rolled on to a thick layer of concrete with sand acting as a cushion.
      Their first game on it was ironically against Luton Town, who joined the artificial pitch brigade soon after, and they lost 2-1.
      However, Terry Venables’ team managed to master their new pitch, and in 1982 Second Division QPR managed to reach an FA Cup Final after playing every round at home before a Highbury showdown in a semi-final with West Brom.
      Because of that run, many felt that Omni-Turf gave QPR an unfair advantage. Rangers became the first team to remove it in 1988.
      KENILWORTH ROAD
      Luton Town clearly took notes from QPR’s experiment.
      In the summer of the 1984-85 season they installed a multi-layered £350,000 surface called Sporturf International that had base levels of broken stones and bitumen macadam (a mixture of aggregate, filler and bitumen), underneath an artificial surface finished with sand.
      Although it was said to be kinder on the joints, the carpet burn for many was unpleasant and the bounce of the ball made fans critical of the football they watched, even though it forced sides to keep it on the deck.
      The first game played at Kenilworth Road on the new surface ended in a 1-1 draw between the hosts and Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest.
      It was an extremely difficult place for any of the high-flyers to get a result at, with many top sides dreading their visits to Luton. And that wasn’t helped by the thought of coming up against the might of Mick Harford too.
      Inspired by QPR, Luton Town soon installed a plastic pitch in time for the 1984-85 seasonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      OLDHAM AND PRESTON
      Boundary Park became a fortress for Joe Royle’s Oldham Athletic AFTER a plastic pitch was installed in 1986.
      They embarked on a 32-game unbeaten run at home, and in 1989 enjoyed arguably their best ever campaign reaching the League Cup final and the semi-final of the FA Cup, beating Arsenal, Southampton, Everton and Aston Villa along the way.
      That same year, cash-strapped Preston North End, who were nearly on the verge of extinction from the Football League after a disastrous campaign in Division Four, decided to install a plastic pitch, too.
      The idea was to help swell the club’s coffers by renting it out to local teams to play on, to reduce the number of postponed matches, and to use the Deepdale pitch as a training ground.
      A season later, Preston were promoted to Division Three.
      Incidentally, they were the last Football League club to play on a plastic pitch until it was ripped up in 1994.
      Joe Royle’s Oldham went from second division to First, reaching an FA Cup semi-final and League Cup Final thanks to a synthetic pitchCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Oldham’s Gunnar Halle shows off his moulded boots on the plastic pitchCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Preston North End installed a plastic pitch at Deepdale as a money-spinner so they could rent it out to local teamsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      THREE LIONS ON THE TURF
      In 2007, Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and Co walked out onto synthetic turf in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
      It was one of the first full international games to be played on such a surface that was approved by Fifa and Uefa, and the visitors slumped to a surprise 2-1 defeat.
      Despite allowing England to toil on turf, Uefa insisted that the 2008 Champions League final in the same arena takes place on grass.
      The Three Lions would again play on artificial turf at the LFF Stadium against Lithuania in 2016.
      That game was notable for the Lithuanian fire brigade being called before kick off to water the pitch.
      In 2007 England played a Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on this plastic pitchCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Steven Gerrard and Co struggled on synthetic turf for EnglandCredit: Action Images
      The Three Lions slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Russia on a plastic pitchCredit: Getty
      CRUYFF’S TURN
      Today, National League sides Sutton United and Maidstone United play on plastic pitches, but one of the last big teams in world football to embrace artificial turf was Mexican giants Chivas.
      In 2010 they opened their stunning Estadio Omnilife stadium in Guadalajara, which embraced the idea that plastic is fantastic.
      latest football features
      Chivas owner Jorge Vergara said he wanted the stadium to be “environment friendly and as such, having grass would result [in] using too much water.”
      But when Johan Cruyff became an adviser at the club, he recommended they ditch the artificial pitch.
      In 2012, Chivas listened to the Dutch legend and the turf was replaced by grass.
      Arsenal, you have been warned.
      In 2017 Arsenal played Sutton United on their synthetic turf in the FA CupCredit: AFP and licensors
      Mexican club Chivas played on a plastic pitch until Johan Cruyff came on board as an adviser and told them to ditch it for grassCredit: AFP More

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      Chelsea talent Charlie Webster, 18, has been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’ and wowed Kevin De Bruyne in KDB Cup

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      GENERATIONAL talents are becoming the norm at Stamford Bridge.In the past few years, thanks to Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and now Graham Potter, Chelsea’s youth talents are thriving in the first team.
      Chelsea wonderkid Charlie Webster is next off the conveyor belt at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      Webster might get his opportunity in the Chelsea first team under Grahan PotterCredit: Getty
      Mason Mount wowed all and is the back-to-back Chelsea player of the season, while Reece James seems to be winning the bumper race to be Gareth Southgate’s first-choice right-back.
      And now, there’s another name you can add to the list of youngsters hoping to get their chance under Potter.
      England’s Charlie Webster, 18, is a rising star and has already been tracked by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
      He’s been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’, and with the Bundesliga giants losing the Three Lions winger last summer they might just make a beeline for Charlie.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      MAKING AN IMPRESSION
      At just 15, Webster had Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne wowed by his ability.
      The setting was the prestigious KDB Cup – an international U15 tournament named after the Belgium ace – with the midfielder as the guest of honour.
      Players from clubs including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG were on show – all desperate to impress.
      It was Chelsea that ended up being victorious – beating Racing Genk on penalties after an exciting 2-2 draw.
      Star of the show was Webster, and his performances didn’t go unnoticed.
      Blues starlet Webster has been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’
      Webster starred at the KDB Cup in 2019

      He was awarded player of the tournament – winning a golden ball, as well as a signed De Bruyne shirt.
      One feels it could be the first of many awards headed Webster’s way in the future.
      A CULTURED MIDFIELDER
      In similar vein to Billy Gilmour, who joined Brighton in the summer, Webster is a cultured midfielder – good on the ball and smart in possession.
      However, unlike the Scot who prefers to dictate play from deep – Webster likes to get in the box and score goals.
      He started playing football at the Pezzaz Street Soccer academy, which have bases in Wiltshire and Hampshire, before joining Chelsea in 2016 at the age of 12.
      Coaches there believe he has a bright future in the game, and in the past Webster has spoken about his football dream.
      “Obviously, it’s to play for this brilliant club,” he told a reporter at the KDB Cup after starring for the Blues.
      Webster is a cultured midfielder, good on the ball and in possession
      In the past Webster has said it was his dream to play for “brilliant” ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      LEADING BY EXAMPLE
      Webster’s qualities have seen him earmarked as a leader.
      In 2019, he captained England’s U16 team in a match against Republic of Ireland – scoring his first international goal.
      He’s also played for the Three Lions’ U17s – coming off the bench in a 4-1 rout over the USA in 2020.
      And that was the same month Webster made his U18 Premier League debut for Chelsea against Southampton, followed by his U23 debut last April.
      Then in January 2021, Charlie signed his first professional contract with the club on his 17th birthday. Given his progress, you can imagine it’ll be the first of many.
      Webster has captained England at U16 levelCredit: Getty More