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    Inside Belgium star Hazard’s amazing £10m mansion with six bedrooms and pool bought from pop star Alejandro Sanz

    EDEN HAZARD continues to endure a stop-start career at Real Madrid.The 31-year-old playmaker was an unused sub as Real Madrid won the Champions League final 1-0 against Liverpool.
    Eden Hazard, pictured with his family, has struggled with life at Real Madrid after a series of injuriesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Plenty of Real Madrid stars choose to live in the areaCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
    But he has struggled with injuries and loss of form since arriving from Chelsea in 2019 for £88.5million with bonuses that could take the fee to £130m
    But despite his worries on the pitch, off it he lives in a home fitting for a Galactico – a £10m futuristic mansion in the plush La Finca neighbourhood, where his team-mates live. 
    Designed by Spanish architect Joaquin Torres, the property is distinctive for its black stone and state-of-the-art furnishings.
    It boasts six bedrooms and 10 bathrooms for Hazard’s family – wife Natacha and their sons Yannis, Leo and Samy.

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    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED
    Some of the walls are made of crystal which does not allow any light throughCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
    What footballer’s mansion would be complete without a pool?Credit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
    The whole house is kitted out with automated gadgetsCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
    The Blues legend has a pool, as well as a gym – and the amenities don’t end there.
    There’s a spa, should the family wish to wind down and a tennis court.
    The family can also snuggle down together for movie night in their home cinema room.
    Meanwhile, the entire house is automated with blackout blinds and other top-of-the-line gadgets able to be set and run by computer for optimal comfort.
    There are TEN bathrooms to choose from in the stylish homeCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
    A cinema room big enough for the whole family to relax inCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
    Six bedrooms mean Hazard will have plenty of space for his Chelsea palsCredit: ROCKEFELLER Luxury Collection
    Some of the walls are even made with giant crystals that give an impressive contrast to the stone without allowing any light to get through.
    Hazard bought the home from famous Spanish singer, 17-time Grammy winner Alejandro Sanz.
    However, it hasn’t brought him the luck he would’ve hoped for after failing to impress the Real Madrid fans.
    He has vowed to stay at Real and turn it around.
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#dcdddd;background-color:#ffffff;}.css-14dqn90{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(4px/2);margin-right:calc(4px/2);}.css-12an5ma{font-family:The Sun;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;padding:1px 0px;}.css-12an5ma::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.261875em + -1px);}.css-12an5ma::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:calc(-0.25em + -1.3px);}.css-1tob514{color:rgba(32,134,98,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;margin-right:4px;}.css-1tob514:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BALE BATTLE .css-1efa55o{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1efa55o:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Gareth Bale transfer news: Man Utd, Tottenham & Newcastle trail new favourites
    At the team’s trophy parade after winning the Champions League, Hazard told the  fans: “I’ve been here for three years with many injuries, with many things.
    “But next year I’m going to give it all for you.” More

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    Canelo Alvarez’s stunning Mexican wife Fernanda Gomez is doting mum to their five-year-old daughter Maria

    HE’S one of the highest-earning boxers around today, but his private life is shrouded by mystery.Not much is known about the Mexican  Canelo Alvarez’s wife, Fernanda Gomez.
    Meet Fernanda Gomez, the Wag of Canelo AlvarezCredit: Getty Images
    Stunning Fernanda is MexicanCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
    But, thanks to Instagram, we’re beginning to get a picture of the lavish lifestyle the stunning Wag is now accustomed to living.
    Clad in designer clothing, the hispanic beauty is every bit a boxer’s Wag, able to swim in the riches of Canelo’s £100m fortune.
    However, it’s their five-year-old daughter Maria who comes first.
    IT BEGAN SEVEN YEARS AGO
    Fernanda reportedly met Canelo in 2016 at a charity gala, and instantly hit it off.
    They soon started dating, although they kept their romance private and out of the spotlight.
    That was, until, they were spotted celebrating his victory over Julio César Chávez Jr at Jewel Nightclub in Las Vegas.
    The pair briefly split up when Fernanda was pregnant in 2017 but got back together again.
    She’s been ringside ever since, with Canelo happy to share some of his success with her.
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    Gomez met Canelo at a 2016 charity galaCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
    She has been inseparable from Alvarez ever sinceCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
    The loved-up pair initially kept their romance under wrapsCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
    Not much is known about FernandaCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
    ALONG CAME A DAUGHTER
    In December 2017, Fernanda and Canelo welcomed their first child together, who they called Maria.
    It was the famed brawler’s third child, he also has a daughter and a son from different relationships.
    Maria is doted upon by Fernanda, and celebrated a no-expenses-spared Swan Lake-themed birthday that looked like it would cost as much as a wedding.
    On the tables were party foods and lots of sweets.
    But the best part was the hired swans roaming freely around the family’s grounds.
    Fernanda reportedly dressed Maria in a Moschino sequinned blouse, while she was also clutching a Hermes pouch.
    Canelo and Fernanda have five-year-old Maria togetherCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
    Maria loves her designer wear like her mummyCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
    Fernanda loves designer clothing and expensive accessoriesCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
    Louis Vuitton scarves are one of Fernanda’s favourite accessories to wearCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
    Fernanda is a devoted boxing Wag, often ringside cheering on CaneloCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
    The loved-up pair took a break while she was pregnant in 2017Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    DESIGNER WAG
    If you’re wondering how toddler Maria became such a designer-baby, look no further than her designer mummy.
    Fernanda wears the most exclusive brands, carries around accessories from the world’s biggest fashion houses, and lives a jet-set life the envy of many.
    Her go-tos are Louis Vuitton and Gucci, including a pair of £600 trainers made by the latter.
    She usually wraps herself in Louis Vuitton scarves, and also has a large collection of expensive sunglasses.
    As a sideline, Gomez also runs her own nail salon in Guadalajara. It pays to be a boxer’s Wag.
    TYING THE KNOT
    After several years of dating and having baby Maria together, Canelo and Gomez finally got married in 2021 before the champ beat Billy Joe Saunders.
    Fernanda looked stunning as she wore an incredible sparkling dress and headpiece for the special day – matched with toddler Maria.
    The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) congratulated the pair after pictures of their wedding surfaced online.
    The post read: “The WBO Family wishes lots of love and happiness to the recently married couple, Unified WBO Super Middleweight Champion Saúl ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Fernanda Gómez.”
    Last year, Alvarez spoke briefly of his marriage to Gomez.
    “I feel way different, I am a happy man, more than before,” he told BT Sport.

    Glam Fernanda lives a luxurious lifestyle often travelling with CaneloCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
    Fernanda lives like a queenCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
    Fernanda set up her own nail salon in GuadalajaraCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
    Fernanda is one of boxing’s hottest WagsCredit: Instagram / @fernandagmtz
    Canelo and Gomez often post photos together on social mediaCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More

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    Three reasons Real Madrid out-thought and beat Liverpool despite have far fewer shots and being dominated

    LIVERPOOL were the favourites coming into the Champions League final.And the news that both Fabinho and Thiago were fit to take their place in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield only added to their confidence.
    Karim Benzema lifts the Champions League trophyCredit: Getty
    Vinicius scored the winner after peeling off his marker Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GETTY
    However the script did not go to plan.
    Real Madrid broke Liverpool’s hearts and were able to battle out a 1-0 victory in Paris thanks to Vinicius Junior’s second half goal.
    And Carlo Ancelotti’s men proved to be too strong again, having already beaten Man City, Chelsea and PSG on their way to the final.
    Madrid sneaked it, despite having just two shots on target all game, compared to Liverpool’s nine.
    So where did all go wrong for Klopp’s men on the biggest night of the season?
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    1. Madrid keep cool despite Liverpool’s dominance
    Liverpool were on top straight from kick off, and they dominated  the early stages of the game. 
    With Thiago and Fabinho back in the midfield they had the base on which they could build.
    But it was the positioning and presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the right channel that posed the most problems for the Spanish side.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    Alexander-Arnold was a constant early threat, forcing Real Madrid to come out of their ideal shape
    His unpredictable movement was hard for the Real Madrid to cope with. 
    At times he was wide, but his willingness to come towards the centre of the pitch posed problems for the Spanish side’s defence.
    In the build-up phase Alexander-Arnold continually pushed inside into that position in the channel, to the extent that Jordan Henderson at times ended up outside him.
    And as Mohamed Salah positioned himself more wide that we might normally expect there was no Madrid player in place to challenge the space that the Liverpool right-back was taking over.
    Alexander-Arnold comes inside and Henderson takes up the wide right position to offer width
    Alexander-Arnold was a powerful attacking force but could not capitalise
    From this position the young English right-back probed the Madrid defence and controlled the pace of the match. 
    He has the passing range and technical ability to access all areas of the field from this inside-right position.
    His ability to get on the ball and break lines with his driven passes for the dynamic Sadio Mane forced the Spanish side to collapse back and defend deep.
    Gradually as the first-half wore on we saw Toni Kroos step into that space slightly more in order to close the space that Alexander-Arnold was utilising in the early stages. 
    However Liverpool failed to capitalise. 
    Party this was because when Alexander-Arnold was in possession in the final third his decision making was relatively poor.
    Modric came out on top in the midfieldCredit: GETTY
    Liverpool dominated but could not score against Real Madrid
    2. Real know just the moment to pounce
    In the first-half of the match there were points in which Real Madrid looked as though they were content to sit deep and look to absorb Liverpool pressure. 
    This was a strategy that had served the Spanish side well over the course of their Champions League campaign as they sat off and looked for opportunities to play in transition towards Vinicius Junior.
    Nine Real Madrid players sit deep and allow Liverpool to have the ball in front of them
    Casemiro kept his defensive discipline throughout
    In the first-half in particular we saw the Spanish side drop deeper and deeper as Liverpool dominated possession. 
    With Madrid defending in a low block the three central midfielders sat deep and prevented Liverpool from finding pockets of space in the final third. 
    They were content to allow the English side to have possession in front of them and for a period of time it seemed as though Madrid would struggle to create any meaningful possession.
    Modric beats the Liverpool press with a clever pass to Carvajal which led directly to Real Madrid’s winning goal
    At the end of the first-half suddenly Madrid burst to life as they enjoyed their first real period of sustained possession. 
    This effectively forced Liverpool to adjust their approach in terms of how high they were willing to push their fullbacks. 
    With Alexander-Arnold forced to drop deeper he became less effective in terms of controlling the game.
    The opening goal came in the second half when Madrid showed their quality in transition. 
    With Liverpool pressing aggressively we saw the Spanish side play through the pressure with short and incisive passing.
    Suddenly the quality of the Madrid midfield showed in the game with Modric and Casemiro in particular showing their poise on the ball.
    The sudden change in tempo and intent from Madrid caught Liverpool off balance as the Spanish side suddenly moved from passive positioning to incisive passing.
    3. Real maintain discipline in frantic final minutes
    With Liverpool behind in this match as the game entered the closing stages Klopp decided for a change in shape as he tried to unsettle the Madrid defensive structure. 
    As the season started to draw to a close the German coach rolled the dice with the introduction of Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita as Liverpool moved from their famous 4-3-3 shape to something approaching a 4-2-4.
    Real Madrid kept their shape as the game moved on and Liverpool pushed more midfielders forward
    With Salah moved inside to try to occupy the central spaces and Diogo Jota having already replaced the ineffective Luis Diaz we saw a more centrally focused Liverpool attack. 
    Liverpool were intent on finding overloads centrally with Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota looking to drop off to find space in which they could receive the ball. 
    While Salah and Mane threatened to run behind and break the lines of the Madrid defence.
    Liverpool sub Firmino drops deep but the Real Madrid kept their defensive discipline
    Essentially, however, despite all of their efforts Liverpool could not break down an effective defensive block from Madrid. 
    Liverpool were unable to sustain any effective possession and they found it too difficult to break through the defensive lines. 
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    The combination of the Brazilian midfielder Casemiro and the Belgian goalkeeper Thibault Courtois combined to deny Liverpool a fairytale ending.
    Liverpool ended the game too frantic as they looked to play direct in order to force a breakthrough that never came. More

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    Michael Owen’s sad decline from England teen hero to Real Madrid flop and ‘most boring’ TV pundit

    MICHAEL OWEN has gone from the golden boy of English football to being considered the ‘most boring pundit’ in the sport.Back in 2002, Liverpool star Owen was fresh off his Ballon d’Or victory having catapulted his career with that stunning goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.
    Michael Owen announced himself to the world’s stage with a stunning goal against Argentina at the 1998 World CupCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Owen was the golden boy of English football at the turn of the centuryCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    That summer, the 22-year-old took a trip to Alton Towers and, to escape his adoring fans, he wore a peaked cap and sunglasses.
    From the highs of being named the world’s best player, and sensationally signing for Real Madrid, Owen’s career slowly spiralled towards retirement and beyond.
    In 2019, Owen was involved in an explosive Twitter row with former pal Alan Shearer after the release of his autobiography last summer.
    But where else to begin than with one of the most memorable goals in English football.
    In Saint-Etienne, France, 22 years ago, an 18-year-old Owen went on the most memorable mazy run around a helpless Argentine defence before giving England the lead.
    ROARING LION
    While Glenn Hoddle’s team were beaten on penalties, knocked out the tournament at the last-16 stage, Owen had announced himself to the world.
    Over the next six years, he scored an incredible 118 goals in 216 games for Liverpool, helping the club to an FA Cup, two League Cups, a Community Shield and Uefa Cup.
    Owen won both Young Player of the Year and Player of the Year in 1998 while also picking up his first Premier League Golden Boot.
    He is one of just two Englishmen to win the Ballon d’Or in over 40 years, with Kevin Keegan picking up the gong in 1978 and 1979.
    So it came as a devastating blow to the Anfield club in the summer of 2004 when Owen was plucked away to be a Galactico in Madrid.
    Owen’s prolific ability helped Liverpool to Uefa Cup victory in 2001Credit: PA:Press Association
    Owen was revered for a sensational goal against Arsenal in the 2001 FA Cup finalCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Owen is the only Englishman in over 40 years to win the Ballon d’OrCredit: ITN
    Real president Florentino Perez said: “Signing Michael Owen is following our tradition. We are signing an excellent player with talent who is able to give us something special.”
    But the move didn’t go as planned.
    Owen was the subject of criticism from the Bernabeu fans and Spanish press due to his lack of form, and he spent much time as a substitute.
    He left Spain after just a year, having scored 13 goals in 36 games, before returning to England with Newcastle United for £15million.
    Over four years, Owen made just 71 appearances and scored only 26 goals for the Magpies.WHY AYE?
    And it was in the North East where Owen’s public fallout with Alan Shearer began.
    Despite forming a formidable strike partnership together for England, a feud was ignited because of Shearer’s belief that Owen let him down during his spell as Newcastle manager in 2009.
    Owen’s book Reboot: My Life accuses Shearer of slating him as well as describing his move to Newcastle as ‘one of the major regrets’ of his career.
    Newcastle’s most famous book shop, The Back Page, refused to stock Owen’s autobiography.
    In 2019, Owen told BT Sport: “For six or seven years, I hated it. I couldn’t wait to retire.
    “It wasn’t me. All I was doing is coming short, linking play and getting in the box.
    “It ended up with people thinking I was a great goalscorer who didn’t do much else.
    “Mentally I could do it, but physically I couldn’t.”
    Owen sensationally signed for Real Madrid in 2004 but only stayed in Spain for a yearCredit: Reuters
    Owen’s autobiography saw him enter into a public spat with Alan Shearer over their time together at NewcastleCredit: Rex Features
    Owen has said he regrets his move to Newcastle, where he stayed for four yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Owen’s career became synonymous with injuries.
    Having torn his hamstring aged 19, leading to five months out, Owen broke a metatarsal in 2005, tore an anterior cruciate ligament and had persistent problems with his thigh and groin.
    He moved to Manchester United in 2009 where he won a Premier League title but scored just five goals in three years.
    His final year was spent at Stoke City before retiring in 2013.
    Having spent most of the season on the bench, Owen offered to resign and retire at Christmas but held on until the end of the season.’MOST BORING PUNDIT’
    He hung up his boots and picked up the mic.
    It is as a pundit that Owen has had most criticism, with the former striker being labelled ‘boring’, ‘monotone’ and ‘annoying’ across social media.
    Armchair fans took offence to some of the less insightful comments produced by Owen during his punditry.
    An article by Football Faithful was dedicated to some pearls of wisdom, including: “If there’s a bit of rain about, it makes the surface wet”.
    Former Newcastle and Chelsea striker Joe Allon described Owen as having “the personality of a flip-flop”.
    Owen won a Premier League title during a three-year spell at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Owen’s final year as a professional was at Stoke where he spent most of the season on the benchCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
    Owen has been ridiculed for his work as a pundit since retiring in 2013Credit: Rex Features
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    Where Owen has enjoyed success in recent years is the stables, having invested in racing horses.
    In 2017, he even made his debut as a jockey, finishing second in the saddle at a charity race in Ascot.
    But, elsewhere, the general consensus is that Owen has had a mare. More

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    Karim Benzema’s amazing car collection is worth £6m, including £2.5million Bugatti Chiron and £1.5million Veyron

    HE’S a real petrol head…As one of the world’s leading forwards, Karim Benzema has made a packet out of the game.
    Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has an incredible car collectionCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    On Instagram Benzema happily shows off his famous cars
    So is it any wonder that he houses these sweet rides in his garage.
    The Real Madrid star, who now has his sights set on Liverpool in the Champions League final, drives a car collection worth an estimated £6million.
    Last year he added a £2.5 Bugatti Chiron to his fleet, and he also has a very rare Bugatti Veyron worth £1.5million, as well as a Ferrari 458 Spider and many more cool cars.
    Feast your mince pieces on the 34-year-old French striker’s enviable motors.
    The new addition…
    Benzema showed off his most recent cool whip – a £2.5million Bugatti Chiron – on Instagram.
    The hypercar absolutely trounces the already brilliant Veyron in terms of performance.
    It’s top speed is limited to 261 mph, while it’s capable of reaching 0-62 mph in just under 2.5 seconds and 186 mph in 13.6 seconds.
    It’s not just a hypercar, it’s a hyper hyper car.

    Suits you, sir! Benzema shows off his new £2.5m Bugatti Chiron
    His boy racer…
    In 2017, Karim Benzema showed off his limited edition Mercedes Benz-SLRCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    The Mercedes Benz-SLR goes from 0-60mph in only 3.5 secondsCredit: Handout
    Benzema’s Mercedes Benz-SLR sits pride and place in his garage, and so it should.
    Worth around £750k, it’s the special Stirling Moss edition version which can go from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds.
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    Karim showed off the motor in 2017 on his social media, shortly after crashing his Audi RS6.
    The show pony…
    Footballers like Karim Benzema love FerrariCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    The Ferrari 458 Spider costs around £200,000Credit: Alamy
    Footballers love Ferrari and Benzema is no different.
    He’s been seen regularly darting around the streets of Madrid in a class Ferrari 458 Spider, which has a value of around £200k.
    Other Ferrari 458 Spider drivers include Mesut Ozil, Frank Lampard and Theo Walcott.
    The company cars…
    As part of Real Madrid’s sponsorship deal with Audi, Karim Benzema can get his hands on any of their cars he wantsCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Benzema has been spotted in Audi’s RS6 Avant C7, which is worth £90,000Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    A keen Audi driver, Karim Benzema also owns a Q5Credit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    Corporate sponsorship is a wonderful thing for a footballer.
    Especially if you play for Real Madrid and Audi want a piece of you.
    Thanks to their marketing geniuses, Benzema has been seen in two of their cars – their RS6 Avant C7 model worth around £90k.
    As well as their standard SUV, the Q5, that retails for a modest £40k.
    A true gentleman’s car…Credit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    A Rolls Royce Wraith worth £250,000 sits pride and place in Karim Benzema’s garage
    Karim Benzema isn’t afraid of parking his backside on top of his Rolls RoyceCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    After all, you wouldn’t be a real millionaire without one, right?
    Benzema has the Wraith model, estimated at £250k, sitting pride of place in his Madrid mansion.
    He’s posted moody shots on social media of the beauty, which he hardly seems to drive.
    But he has parked his backside firmly on the car’s bonnet, which is surely sacrilegious.The statement car…
    The Lamborghini Gallardo is a firm favourite with footballers, including Karim BenzemaCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    Able to reach a top speed of 202mph, Karim Benzema loves cruising around in his LamborghiniCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    Karim Benzema can’t decide which car to drive to the supermercadoCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    Popping down to the shops in a red Lamborghini will get you noticed.
    And if it’s a super-speedy Gallardo model, you’ll be sure that Benzema is in and out of the supermercado in minutes.
    Wayne Rooney once had one, as did Robinho when he was at Manchester City.
    It can reach a top speed of 202mph and is Italian craftmanship at its finest.And the Sunday car…
    The Mercedes-AMG Classe G63 is worth around £140,000Credit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    Karim Benzema added the G-Wagen to his car collection in 2017Credit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    Well, if your Sunday car is worth £140k!
    Benzema rides a very well looked-after Mercedes-AMG Classe G63 on his downtime.
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    Often nicknamed the G-Wagen, it’s a comfortable ride that’s been described as one of the best SUVs in the world by motor experts.
    It certainly tickles Karim’s fancy, who added it to his car collection in 2017.Another Bugatti…
    Only 450 Bugatti Veyron cars were made by the French car manufacturerCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    Karim Benzema’s astonishing Bugatti Veyron is worth around £1.5 millionCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    Living life in the fast lane, Karim Benzema’s Bugatti Veyron is fastCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    Benzema’s Bugatti Veyron can reach a top speed of 267.86mphCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    Big-spender Karim Benzema drives a car collection worth around £6millionCredit: Instagram, @karimbenzema
    What will Benzema drive next?
    His first Bugatti purchase was the ridiculously super Bugatti Veyron.
    Worth £1.5 million, and one of those cars that’s a collectors’ item that grows in price, Benzema clearly loves the stylish supercar.
    It’s the fastest roadworthy car in existence, able to hit a top speed of 267.86mph. Only 450 were ever made.
    Karim Benzema shows off his goal scoring skills in Real Madrid training More

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    Chelsea’s new co-owner Mark Walter owns an animal park with two tigers in Florida

    AMERICAN businessman Mark Walter is a member of the consortium buying Chelsea – and is very much a tiger king.Like infamous zoo keeper Joe Exotic, the billionaire philanthropist operates his own wildlife conservation park which has TWO tigers.
    Mark Walter is part of the consortium set to buy ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Walter owns a conservation park in the US that houses rare tigersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/whiteoakconservation/
    Famed Joe Exotic poses with a tigerCredit: Alamy
    Walter, 62, is one of the three billionaires who are fronting the consortium that has bought Chelsea for £4.25billion, along with Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss.
    He is a self-made billionaire from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who is worth around £3billion.
    But he is famous in America for being generous with his wealth, and owns a park in Florida dedicated to animal conservation.
    Walter bought the 7,400-acre space for an undisclosed sum back in 2013.
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    It houses over 200 animals – with many endangered or threatened species cared for.
    And that includes two incredible male tigers, cheetahs, and black and white rhino.
    White Oak Conservation was founded in 1982 by American paper producer Howard Gilman.
    Previous guests who have visited White Oak include Madonna, Julia Roberts, Al Gore, Colin Powell, and John Travolta.
    The previous owner built a nine-hole golf course on the land, and US President Bill Clinton visited in 1999.
    It boasts two tigers, making Walter a tiger kingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/whiteoakconservation/
    Rhinos are among the endangered species at the parkCredit: White Oak Conservation
    Around 20 former performing elephants live at White OaksCredit: White Oak Conservation
    Mark and his wife Kimbra got involved almost 10 years ago when they took over the park.
    They have focussed on saving endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable conservation breeding, education, and responsible land stewardship.
    They revealed when they bought it: “Our primary mission is to build upon the work already under way at White Oak to create an international model for the humane and effective breeding and repopulation of endangered species.
    “We also envision White Oak as a gathering point to inspire ideas and collaborations among individuals and organisations interested not only in conservation but issues such as environmental sustainability, land stewardship, arts and education.”
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Both of those have been established – as they have continued to protect and propagate rare animals.
    And they also have their own educational programme for local students, which has run from 2019.
    White Oak Conservation share their animals on an Instagram account that’s followed by 23,000 people.
    And it’s their tigers who feature predominantly – play-fighting and flashing their big teeth for the cameras.
    They also took in around 20 elephants that had previously lived in circuses.
    In a statement, Mark and Kimbra Walter said: “We are thrilled to give these elephants a place to wander and explore.
    “We are working to protect wild animals in their native habitats. But for these elephants that can’t be released, we are pleased to give them a place where they can live comfortably for the rest of their lives.”
    But, the park isn’t the only business Walter has in his portfolio.
    White Oak is on the banks of the St. Marys River, 30 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida
    Two tigers that White Oak are supportingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/whiteoakconservation/
    White Oak Conservation was bought by Walter and his wife Kimbra in 2013Credit: https://www.instagram.com/whiteoakconservation/
    Guggenheim Partners
    Where Walter has made his billions is through global financial services firm Guggenheim Partners, which he set up in 2000.
    They boast headquarters in New York and Chicago and have more than £250billion of assets under their management.
    In 2012, he led the Guggenheim Baseball Management consortium alongside Peter Guber, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Stan Kasten, Todd Boehly, and Bobby Patton in buying the storied Los Angeles Dodgers.
    They splashed around £1.7billion on the MLB team that has enjoyed considerable success since, including winning the World Series in 2020.
    “We focused on the team. We focused on the fans in the stadium. Then we focused on the community,” team president and Walter’s business partner Stan Kasten said.
    “The thing that makes me proudest about my partners is that we enunciated all those things clearly on the day we first took over. And they have lived up it.
    “It’s easy to articulate that kind of plan. It’s maddeningly difficult to execute, especially on a sustained basis.”
    Philanthropist Walter has amassed a fortune of around £3billionCredit: Getty
    Chelsea won’t be his only new project
    Extending his sports arm, Walter is not just keen on working with Premier League giants Chelsea.
    Along with the Dodgers, Guggenheim also own WNBA team the Los Angeles Sparks.
    And they are reportedly looking at the prospect of launching a professional women’s ice hockey league as early as next year.
    Tennis legend Billie Jean King, who joined Walter’s group in 2019, is exploring the possibility with the company CEO, and have discussed plans with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association.
    The Associated Press claimed the PWHPA has signed an agreement with Billie Jean King Enterprises and the Mark Walter Group to expand the association’s effort to establish what would become North America’s second women’s pro league.
    It would feature six teams – with the average salary for players at around £44,000.
    Tennis legend Billie Jean King and Walter are planning on launching a women’s ice hockey leagueCredit: AP
    LA Dodgers have spent big under Walter and won the World Series in 2020Credit: Rex
    Loves spending
    Although we don’t know much about his personal life, which he keeps very private, professionally he isn’t afraid of splashing his cash.
    If the Dodgers are anything to go by, who he took out of bankruptcy, he could easily invest his fortune into the Blues.
    Refurbishment of Stamford Bridge is a must – with talks about a potential move to a new stadium on ice.
    Intriguingly, Walter signed off on around £100million on bringing Dodger Stadium up to modern standards.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on The Sun.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}UNDER THE COVERS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I was snapped in bed with Andy Carroll pre-wedding… here’s what happened
    And he also brought baseball star Freddie Freeman to the team on a six-year contract worth £130million.
    He is the highest spending Dodgers owner in history, so who better to follow in Roman Abramovich’s footsteps than Walter to maintain the Blues’ spending power in years to come. More

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    How Liverpool will beat Real Madrid and why Alexander-Arnold, Diaz and Van Dijk are key stars in Champions League final

    THE Champions League final is a chance of redemption for Liverpool for their 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in this fixture four years ago.It is a mark of how impressive a job Jurgen Klopp has done at Liverpool that they go into this match as the favourites against one of the biggest and most successful sides in European football.
    Mo Salah lifts the Champions League in 2019Credit: MatchDay Images Limited
    Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring against Liverpool for Real Madrid in the 2018 finalCredit: AFP
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    Liverpool however have injury concerns to their two most important midfield players in Fabinho and Thiago.
    They do, however, have a deep squad with the likes of Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson proving themselves capable replacements.
    Real Madrid have consistently shown throughout this season’s campaign that they have the ability to come back from seemingly impossible situations.
    And with the likes of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior in the attack they will provide a real threat.
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final.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}TROPHY WAGS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Meet the Champions League final Wags from a doctor to a pop star and journalist
    Vinicius Junior vs Trent Alexander-Arnold
    When Liverpool won the Premier League title in the 2019/20 season they did so via a very specific style of play.
    The attack of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino was, of course, excellent but it was the role of the fullbacks that proved key over the course of the season.
    Trent Alexander-Arnold, at right-back, and Andy Robertson, at left-back, were key in terms of progressing the ball and moving Liverpool into the final third of the pitch.
    However, the following season some teams realised this threat and set up to defend the dangers posed by these players.
    That is, in part, why Liverpool were so intent on signing Thiago when the Spanish midfielder was made available by Bayern Munich.
    They wanted a player in the midfield who could progress the ball.
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    With Real Madrid looking to attack Vinicius makes an initial movement towards the ball before he turns and sprints into the space behind the fullback
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    In this match, especially if Thiago is not fit to start, we will see Alexander-Arnold act as one of the key playmakers for the club.
    The problem is, however, that he will be directly up against one of the best counter-attacking forwards in the game in Vinicius Junior.
    Alexander-Arnold has improved defensively over the last season but he is still at his best in the attacking phase of the game.
    He wants to play on the front foot and get into the channels from where he can really drive the game with his range of passing and creativity.
    The problem for the English right-back is that Vinicius will continually look to exploit any space that he leaves behind.
    Man City’s attack has just broken down in the midfield and Kyle Walker is caught out of position. Vinicius reads the space and makes a diagonal run to isolate and attack the central defender inside
    Real Madrid have already shown that they are more than willing to sit deeper and then look to attack on the counterattack through direct passes down the left wing.
    If the Spanish side can soak up pressure from Liverpool and then attack into space on the left side of the pitch then the pace and the direct dribbling of Vinicius will prove key.
    At the same time though if the Brazilian is intent on not tracking back then Alexander-Arnold will have the time and space to affect the game when Liverpool are attacking.
    The battle on that side of the pitch is likely to be a fascinating one.
    Can Liverpool get Luis Diaz isolated 1v1?
    Liverpool’s decision to pull the trigger on the deal to sign the Colombian winger Luis Diaz from FC Porto of Portugal has looked to be an inspired move. 
    With Roberto Firmino starting to regress and Diogo Jota struggling for consistency in the Liverpool attack the addition of Diaz brought something different to the Liverpool forward line.
    Diaz comes into the channel to receive the ball as Liverpool play out from pressure. The Colombian draws the defender towards him and then beats him with a single touch to drive into space

    His arrival allowed the coaching staff to move their options around.
    Going into this game we are likely to see Mane continue in his new central role while Salah plays from the right and Diaz plays from the left.
    While Salah will continually look to come inside to support centrally, we can expect to see Diaz play wide on the left as he looks to get isolated 1v1 against the opposition fullback.
    The Colombian international winger is the type of player who thrives on having the ball at his feet.
    As Keita switches the play to the left and Diaz we see that he has isolated the defender 1v1. Both Mane and Salah are positioned centrally which prevents the central defenders from getting out to support the fullback
    He is dynamic and powerful in his movements but technically he moves the ball very well and can beat a defender with a trick as easily as he can with a powerful run.
    He is a threat to attack and beat the defender on the inside or the outside every time and given that right-back is one of the weaker areas of the Real Madrid squad he will be looking forward to the game this coming weekend.
    If Liverpool are able to get the ball into the wide spaces for Diaz to attack then we should see them look to overload centrally with the likes of Naby Keita, if he plays, and Salah looking to get inside to connect with Mane.
    Can Liverpool deal with Benzema?
    If Vinicius Junior is a threat for Real Madrid with his raw pace and dribbling ability then Karim Benzema is even more dangerous but more so thanks to his game intelligence and movement in the final third.
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    This is an image from his first leg goal against Manchester City. Benzema has pulled off towards the fullback and got into space between the fullback and the centre back. As the cross comes in he times his movement to get across the face of the defender to finish the chance
    Karim Benzema has 15 goals in the Champions League this season
    The French international forward has been arguably the best forward in European football over the course of the last season and he has proven that he simply gets better with age.
    The ability of Benzema to find space in and around the penalty area and to explode into life when it feels as though the defenders have him covered makes him extremely dangerous.
    And his game intelligence allows him to create separation from opposition defenders as the ball is played in towards him.
    Benzema has a habit of pulling to the shoulder of the defender and then looking to drift off into the space between the defender and the fullback.
    From there, his movement is incisive as he attacks the area and the ball.
    In this game, however, the French forward will be up against one of the best centre backs in football in Virgil van Dijk.
    If Benzema has great attacking instincts then they are at least matched by the defensive instincts of Van Dijk.
    In the match between Liverpool and Spurs we see Harry Kane trying to pull off and onto the fullback to create space. As the ball comes in Van Dijk has already easily read the danger and he clears the ball easily.
    The Dutch international thrives on defending against top forwards and his positional ability and awareness allows him to almost always be in a strong starting position when the opposition are looking to get the ball into the penalty area.
    While Benzema will look to drift and attack space we are likely to see Van Dijk and one of either Joel Matip or Ibrahima Konte defending in such a way to limit the space and opportunities that Van Dijk can take advantage of.
    Who will win it?
    So, basically Liverpool are going to win – if TAA can stop Vini Jr and Van Dijk can take care of Benzema.
    The final between two clubs of insane European heritage has many narratives running through it .
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    But it is hard to see past Jurgen Klopp’s side getting revenge for 2018 and cheering themselves up after missing out on the Premier League.
    For more tactical analysis, scouting and stunning data visuals head over to Total Football Analysis.
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    I played for West Ham at Anfield but quit football for jazz and now I perform with superstars like Stevie Wonder

    WHEN Gavin Holligan was 18, he had the football world at his feet.He appeared for West Ham at Anfield in a 2-2 draw – coming on for Joe Cole and nearly scoring against Liverpool.
    Gavin Holligan is now an accomplished jazz musician after a career in footballCredit: Instagram / @gavinholligan
    Holligan in action for Wycombe WanderersCredit: Getty
    But by 24, and after a series of niggling injuries, Holligan had lost his appetite for the game.
    Instead, the talented vocalist and keyboardist leaned towards music – having graduated from The BRIT School, where the likes of Adele, Amy Winehouse and Jessie J all honed their craft.
    Today, as a brilliant jazz singer and performer Holligan, now 41, has starred on stage alongside Stevie Wonder, played Coachella music festival with Welsh songstress Duffy, and been on tour with Gloria Gaynor.
    And it seems like the American soul singer’s classic hit ‘I Will Survive’, was the mantra for Holligan as he bravely moved from football to music.
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    “Football was my dream as a youngster, before I began a career in music,” he told SunSport EXCLUSIVELY.
    “I joined Crystal Palace academy, was heartbroken after I was released, then after spells at non-league teams Walton and Hersham and Kingstonian, I went to West Ham when I was just 18.
    “By that time I had finished at The BRIT School, but I focused on football after a chat with my dad who said I could do music after.”
    Following a £150,000 move to the Hammers in 1998, which made Holligan the most expensive non-league signing in history, the striker was thrust into the first team for a Premier League match against Liverpool.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    It was a special occasion for the boyhood Reds fan, who came on as a sub with 10 minutes to go and in a West Ham side that featured Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard.
    “It was a moment in time I will never forget,” he said.
    “And I could have scored too, but for David James pulling off a great save.”
    However, Holligan failed to convince manager Harry Redknapp of his abilities and was sent to train with the youth team.
    And things took a turn for the worse when Redknapp discovered Holligan had performed at former international sprinter Julian Golding’s wedding.
    “I asked the youth team manager if it was OK, but Harry found out and went spare,” Holligan said.
    “And I think there was a little bit of tension with the management and me from then on, because they were always looking at my commitment level after that.”
    Holligan was released by West Ham, before signing for Lawrie Sanchez at Wycombe and performed admirably.
    But when Tony Adams took over, he was found to be surplus to requirements and sent on his way.
    Holligan’s love for the game began to wane, and after dropping back into non-league with Havant & Waterlooville injuries also took their toll.
    Injuries took their toll on Holligan who was forced to retire at 24Credit: PA
    A skilled keyboardist, Holligan contacted his old pals from The BRIT School and became a touring musicianCredit: Instagram / @gavinholligan
    “I remember pulling up with an injury, and thinking this was the last time I’d ever really play at a competitive level,” he recalled.
    “I knew at that point I couldn’t sustain it, plus the demoralisation of having to keep battling back from injury and feeling a bit of a nuisance because you’re paid to play football was too much.”
    At 24, Holligan was left on football’s scrapheap. But, remembering back to his conversation with his father, he always knew music was something that he could fall back on.
    He reached out to friends from his days at The BRIT School, and started work as a hired gun for various established artists.
    By 2008, talented Holligan managed to secure work on ‘Mercy’ singer Duffy’s US Tour.
    He played several major American chat shows, and performed at the Coachella music festival.
    “It was an amazing time,” he said.
    “We played Coachella, which was an incredible experience, and I also appeared on Jay Leno and David Letterman.
    “Then not long after that I joined Gloria Gaynor’s support band for a series of gigs celebrating the 30-year anniversary of her hit ‘I Will Survive’.
    “I definitely think being a former Premier League footballer gave me some sort of kudos to my peers, but it helped that I was also bad-ass on the keyboard.”
    Then in 2010, Holligan got to work with a true music legend in Stevie Wonder, who was also a major influence.
    “He was one of my heroes, so to be asked to work with him was a massive deal for me,” he said.
    “Obviously, he’s incredibly and insanely talented live. And he’s just got this cosmic energy. It’s like he can see into your soul.”
    Holligan is enjoying his second life. His first was as a professional footballer. Now, for his second chapter, he’s releasing his own music.
    Holligan appeared on keyboards while Duffy performed on the Late Show by David Letterman on US TV
    Now, at the age of 41, Holligan is making his own musicCredit: Instagram / @gavinholligan
    Stevie Wonder poses alongside Holligan and his backing band
    Current single ‘This Hotel Is Closed’ is being heavily played on Jazz FM at the moment, while some live dates are also planned.
    Holligan revealed: “Being involved in music is just so different to the football world.
    “I can get a call tomorrow from a group who has lost a performer before they play Glastonbury, and I won’t need any pre-match prep like if I was called up for an important game at the last minute.
    “But now I am older person, knowing a bit more about life and seeing things differently to when I was a teenager, I am happy where I am.
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    “Perhaps I was born to be a musician rather than a professional footballer.”
    To find out more about Gavin Holligan’s music, see his website. Alternatively, he has a live date at the 606 Club in London you can buy tickets for. More