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Arsenal wonderkid Khayon Edwards has been called the next Bukayo Saka and is set to sign his first professional contract
by Philippa Kaur 5 April 2022, 13:34
FORWARDS are all the rage in Arsenal’s youth team.In recent times the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun have broken into the Gunners’ first team after impressing youth level.
Arsenal wonderkid Khayon Edwards celebrates scoring against Spurs for the U18sCredit: Getty
Edwards is set to sign a new deal with the Gunners after starring at youth levelCredit: Getty
The next top talent who could follow in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe to make the transition to senior level is the free-scoring Khayon Edwards.
At the turn of the year, Edwards, 18, was called up to the U23s after blitzing all at U18 level.
And now talks have accelerated over offering the starlet his first pro contract – an upgrade on his current scholarship deal – with the likes of Chelsea and Leeds United monitoring the situation.
However, it is believed Arsenal are close to tying up the youngster’s future at the club.
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Prolific scorer
Back in September, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta promoted two youth stars to train with the first team.
One was Mexican playmaker Marcelo Flores, who was included in the squad for the Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The other was Edwards, a prolific striker who just can’t stop scoring, who has been with the club since the age of five.
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This campaign he has shown he has outgrown the U18s with some blistering displays.
In the U18 Premier League, he has 16 goals in as many games – registering five assists in the process.
He scored a hat-trick against Norwich back in October, and was the hero against North London rivals in Tottenham by netting twice.
And when the young Gunners were missing Charlie Patino, Omari Hutchinson, and Mika Biereth, Edwards entered the fray at U23 level.
He wasn’t overawed either. The striker scored an equaliser to earn the Gunners a draw against a then table topping Hammers.
Guided by Mertesacker
Under the guidance of manager of the Arsenal Academy Per Mertesacker, Edwards is thriving.
Edwards revealed in the Arsenal programme: “Getting advice from someone like Per who’s played on the biggest stages and had an incredibly successful career means a lot to me – and I want to take everything he says on board.
On his U23 debut against West Ham prolific Edwards scoredCredit: Getty
In 16 games Edwards has netted 16 times and provided five assistsCredit: Getty
Edwards understands he has to continue to work hard and is happy at ArsenalCredit: Getty
“He’s created such a positive and welcoming environment in the academy and I’ve got to thank him and everyone else for that, because I love every moment I spend learning and training here.”
With that in mind, it’s no wonder he’s happy to sign on with the club.
And perhaps it won’t be long before he’s starring alongside Hale End graduates Saka and Smith Rowe in the first team. More
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Meet Asantewa Chitty, the stunning Instagram model who has charmed England sensation Jude Bellingham
by Philippa Kaur 4 April 2022, 12:00
MEET Asantewa Chitty, the Instagram beauty who is being courted by England sensation Jude Bellingham.SunSport exclusively revealed the midfielder, who plays in Germany, is smitten with the model.
Meet Instagram model Asantewa Chitty who has caught the eye of Jude Bellingham
Chitty shows off her stunning bikini body
Social media influencer Chitty is said to be very keen on the England ace
A source revealed that the Borussia Dortmund ace thinks she is “gorgeous”.
While, Chitty is equally interested.
The insider added: “She is also very keen on him.
“She is excited to see where this goes.”
But who is the stunner that could be joining England’s Wags in Qatar for this year’s World Cup?
She’s Insta famous
Although she’s only posted 18 images online, Chitty (who calls herself santchitty on Instagram and Twitter) has amassed almost 10,000 followers.
Her account is awash with lifestyle snaps showcasing a love for fashion.
She lists ‘Art’ on her account as something that means a lot to her.
Chitty appears well-travelled, sharing numerous snaps on foreign shores.
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But she remains coy about the destinations she travels to and never discloses them online.
However, she’s quick to show off her abs and bikini body in a series of pics on Instagram.
And of course, she follows Jude on the social media platform.
Chitty might be headed to Qatar with England’s Wags
Beauty Chitty has amassed almost 10,000 followers on Instagram
Chitty rocks streetwear fashion
TikTok
Amazingly, it’s Chitty’s TikTok videos that are more popular.
She has amassed over 330,000 likes in clips ranging from hotel visits to London and shopping trips to Zara.
Chitty also loves to soundtrack her life to various R&B hits, showing sass as she lip syncs along to the music.
But, she is yet to share any content with Bellingham.
With their relationship being in the early stages, we might have a wait on our hands to see them as a double-act.
On TikTok Chitty has over 330,000 likes for her videos
Selfies like this fill Chitty’s Instagram page
A keen shopper, Chitty likes to buy clothes from high-street chain Zara
Glam Chitty appears ready for Wag status More
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Meet Margaux Alexandra, the stunning Wag of Man Utd legend Patrice Evra who is a model and 14-yrs his junior
by Philippa Kaur 1 April 2022, 15:24
ON April 30, Patrice Evra will step into the boxing ring for the first time in an exhibition fight.The Man Utd and France legend, 40, is set to face YouTube boxer Adam Saleh at the O2 in London.
Meet Margaux Alexandra, the stunning fiancée of Patrice EvraCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
Gorgeous Margaux is a Danish modelCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
Patrice Evra and girlfriend Margaux have dated since 2020Credit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
And likely to be cheering him on ringside is his beautiful fiancee, Margaux Alexandra.
The 26-year-old stunner is a Danish model and social media influencer.
Despite an age gap of 14-years, the pair have been inseparable since getting together in 2020.
Last year, they welcomed a baby son together they called Lilas.
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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;}DRAW DAY .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;}England set to find out whether they’ll be in nightmare group with Germany
Happy Evra after
Before Evra found love with Margaux, he was married to long-term partner Sandra.
However, their romance was rocked by cheating allegations.
Evra was accused of fathering two children with Las Vegas-based doctor, Gabriella Birley, who he reportedly had a secret romance with.
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His marriage was rocked again when he was said to have cheated on Sandra with Margaux.
Evra moved out of the Paris home he shared with his ex-wife and their two children Lenny and Maona.
Soon, he and Margaux were officially an item.
‘Universe, my everything’
The pair showed off their love on Instagram and were seen hitting holiday destinations together, and partying on a private yachts.
By November, 2020 the pair announced their engagement.
He took to social media to share his happiness.
He captioned a photo of Margaux showing off her ring: “It’s been more than a YEAR we are together, I mean since you stole my heart.
“After the second time we see each other I told you you going to be my wife for the rest of my life.
“I can’t live without you now, even when you’re next to me I miss you!
Margaux Alexandra was alleged to have been Evra’s mistressCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
Alexandra is 14-years Evra’s juniorCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
“You think I was crazy when I asked your hand only after 3 months we meet… I wish to all the men to love their women the way I love you.
“It’s just amazing, I can’t describe it, you are my universe, my soul, my peace you make me realise being soft its strength not weakness.
“I feel more safe when you hold my hand. Happiness, it’s a choice! I choose you for the rest of my life my little mushroom.”
Evra also gave her a glowing reference in a chat with GQ magazine.
He revealed: “Finally, I am with someone where I can be myself and open myself up. And I don’t feel like crying is a weakness, but actually that it’s a strength.”
Family of three
Two months after they revealed they were engaged, Margaux and Evra told their social media followers they were expecting their first child together.
Lilas Latyr was born in May 2021, much to the delight of couple who once again shared their news on Instagram.
Since meeting Evra, Margaux is living the high-life and attending events including F1Credit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
Last year Evra and Margaux welcomed baby boy Lilas into the worldCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
Margaux Alexandra, Patrice Evra girlfriend/partnerCredit: Instagram @margauxalexandra
Alongside a photo of him holding his baby boy, he wrote: “Special moments skin to skin with our son Lilas Latyr Evra aka mister “I love this game”.
He added: “I can’t describe how lucky, blessed and proud I’m of Margaux. You were powerful not because you weren’t scared but because you went on so strongly despite your fear. You’re my rock my universe my everything!”
And as he steps into the ring for the first time, it’s Evra who will need no fear going in. More
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in Soccer
Football’s elite swears by FirstLuxe, a concierge service that provides stars with fancy restaurant bookings and more
by Philippa Kaur 1 April 2022, 08:47
WHEN it comes to wanting a booking at the most sought-after restaurant last minute, tickets for the upcoming Tyson Fury fight, or a personal shopper, FirstLuxe are footballers’ first port of call.A concierge service like no other, they have become the one-stop shop for Arsenal stars Ben White and Emile Smith Rowe, England international Kalvin Phillips, West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, Olympic legend Usain Bolt and more.
Calaum Jahraldo-Martin, left, and Steven Haziza Metta run concierge service FirstLuxeCredit: Courtesy of FirstLuxe
The business was conceived by school friends Steven Haziza Metta and former Hull City defender Calaum Jahraldo-Martin around four years ago.
Members can pay £1,080 a year for exclusive experiences in London’s finest hotspot, which can be accessed by the FirstLuxe app.
Or, they can upgrade to a platinum membership for £2,400 a year which includes bespoke travel – with a planned expansion to incorporate sports star havens Marbella, Mykonos and Dubai in the near future.
This also gives them access to a company-hired personal shopper, who takes clientele around the likes of Harrods, Selfridges or Harvey Nichols for Dior trainers at £890 a pop to a full-styling experience which can run into the thousands.
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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;}WHITE NOISE .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;}Arsenal star White claims Neville and Carragher criticism helped to inspire him
SunSport sat down with Haziza Metta and Jahraldo-Martin, who told us why they launched FirstLuxe.
“Calaum and I were best friends through school, and always wanted to set up a business together,” Haziza Metta revealed.
“With his contacts in the football and celebrity world and mine in the high net-worth world, we thought we were best-placed to do it. And there was a market for it.
“We also found ourselves acting as a concierge service for friends so it seemed a natural thing to do.
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“What people really want is something where you know the person you’re speaking to knows the market.
“You are speaking to a human within minutes, knowing essentially that that person is a one-stop shop all your local needs.”
FirstLuxe’s most popular membership for high-earners and football’s elite is their platinum offering.
Haziza Metta told SunSport: “That gives you access to all our services, bespoke travel, and even preferential rates on things like hotels.
“And all these travel benefits we have – we do it on a global scale, including chartering private jets and hotels and villas, which we do globaly.
“Where we separate ourselves from competition is we provide a much more localised approach.
“So restaurant bookings, bars, a personal shopper, chauffeurs, tickets for events, even investment properties, we tend to do that currently in London and Paris.
“We know we’re not an expert in everything. But what we’ve done is taken time to shortlist the right businesses and people to be aligned with.”
As Jahraldo-Martin explained, the service they provide allows footballers to concentrate on their game and not their social life.
Usain Bolt was one of FirstLuxe’s first clientsCredit: Instagram / @firstluxegroup
England international Kalvin Phillips poses with Jahraldo-MartinCredit: Courtesy of FirstLuxe
“A lot of footballers will have a family member or a friend who can do all these things for them,” he said.
“But they may be reaching out to three or four people. That’s time consuming for players, when they’ve got to be focusing on games or training.
“And are they getting the best prices? Do they have time to negotiate for better deals?
“A footballer recently told me that it takes them more time to do it themselves, so they would rather go on the app, talk to us directly on our chat option, and whatever they want would be sorted quicker.”
FirstLuxe prides itself on being able to deliver an A-list life to clients, where normal civilians might struggle to get a restaurant booking or entry to a club.
“Calling the mainline of a popular restaurant is often not going to get you what you want,” Haziza Metta said.
“The demand is so high. And unfortunately there are certain doors that can be opened by having certain relationships.
“So, we’ve personally built relationships with senior level people at high-end establishments.
“And we’re very confident to say, if we can’t do it it can’t be done.”
Already, FirstLuxe are taking orders for events – from seats on centre court at Wimbledon to front row at the Tyson Fury’s fight against Dillian Whyte next month.
Arsenal star Ben White booked a table at Novikov through FirstLuxeCredit: Instagram / @firstluxegroup
West Ham star Jarrod Bowen travels in style thanks to FirstLuxeCredit: Courtesy of FirstLuxe
While they are consistently on the phone to Mayfair’s incredibly exclusive Novikov ensuring their clients get a table for posh nosh.
“Most footballers want to be seen in the best spots,” Jahraldo-Martin explained.
“When they have a day off from their busy schedules, they want to let their hair down and have a good time.
“This is something we can obviously facilitate.”
For the moment, FirstLuxe are happy to stay in their lane. But they certainly see growth in their future.
They want to engage in more event-planning – from engagements to birthdays.
Bespoke hampers, sourcing perfect pieces of jewellery to even supplying personal chefs during the busy Christmas period are also soon to be in the offing.
Haziza Metta and Jahraldo-Martin are still to secure their dream client – both name-checked rapper Drake.
They want to expand to the artist side, but it will remain a strict process to be accepted into the FirstLuxe client database.
“We have an approval process and are selective with clients,” Haziza Metta divulged.
“We don’t necessarily approve everyone, we see who they are and see if they fit the brand. We have a waiting list of over hundred users but we can’t approve any until we’ve done our due diligence.”
Hard to come by restaurant bookings are sourced by the FirstLuxe team at London’s finest hotspotsCredit: Courtesy of FirstLuxe
FirstLuxe give a shouthout to clients including Kalvin Phillips and Emile Smith RoweCredit: Instagram / @firstluxegroup
Calaum Jahraldo-Martin is a former footballer who understands what footballers wantCredit: Rex
Lending themselves to a Soho House aesthetic, FirstLuxe are going places.
And it’s the Premier League’s superstars that are reaping the benefits. More
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in Boxing
How Money Kicks went from Dubai’s richest kid with personal zoo to boxer linked with Floyd Mayweather fight
by Aurelia Butler 30 March 2022, 12:00
RASHED BELHASA, better known as social media sensation Money Kicks, fancies a fight against one of his pals who visited his famed zoo in Dubai.The 20-year-old, who has started to carve out a career for himself in boxing, was in talks to take on Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition bout on the helipad of the famous Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
Instagram star Money Kicks was set to face Floyd Mayweather but talks broke downCredit: Instagram @rsbelhasa
Money Kicks is looking to carve a career for himself in boxingCredit: Instagram @rsbelhasa
Belhasa, better known as Money Kicks, always wore The Money Team caps growing upCredit: Instagram
Money Kicks told Sky Sports: “I never thought I would ever fight Floyd. He is the best fighter ever.
“When I was young, I would collect his ‘The Money Team’ caps.
“Mayweather’s team asked my team for a meeting. We thought: ‘No way will this happen!’
“The same day of the meeting, I saw Mayweather saying, ‘I would love to fight Rashed’.
“He is serious. It is an honour that he has called me out. I thought: ‘This will go viral!'”
Those talks have since stalled, but Mayweather is still keen to bag the fight in Dubai.
Anthony Joshua and Money Kicks square up with the social media star wanting to take on boxing’s eliteCredit: Instagram @rsbelhasa
Wealthy Money Kicks shows off his wheelsCredit: Instagram @rsbelhasa
Inside his family mansion in Dubai he has a zooCredit: Channel 4
Footballers like Paul Pogba have visited him and his chimpanzeesCredit: Instagram
David Luiz had fed his tigersCredit: Instagram
While Luiz has also larked about with Belhasa’s giraffes Bert and ErnieCredit: Instagram @davidluiz_4
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On Instagram, Money Kicks has over two million followers. He lives in a mansion in the UAE that has its own private zoo filled with over 500 exotic animals.
Because of that, the son of construction mogul Saif Ahmed Belhasa, worth around £4billion, can count the world’s greatest footballers and sports stars as his friends, including Mayweather.
Inside the private zoo, you’ll find lions, tigers, panthers, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and even bears.
Hilariously, he has even named some of them after A-list celebrities and cartoon characters.
Jesse Lingard couldn’t wait to pose for a photo op at Belhasa’s family zooCredit: Instagram
Brazilian Willian got close to a bear cubCredit: Instagram
Lionel Messi is a friend of Belhasa tooCredit: Instagram
There’s two giraffes named after Sesame Street’s Bert and Ernie.
While there is a monkey called Paris Hilton, who incidentally has visited Belhasa.
Other celebrities including Ronaldo, Jackie Chan, Rihanna and Mariah Carey have also had animals named after them, as well as made the pilgrimage to the astonishing grounds you need a go-kart to negotiate around.
Footballers come in their droves, wowed by Belhasa’s wealth and the opportunity to feed a beast they’d never encounter otherwise.
Jesse Lingard, John Terry, David Luiz, Luka Modric and more have all fed a tiger or a cub some milk for a photo op.
Regular Dubai visitor John Terry has fed tigers at the mansionCredit: Instagram
Pogba now considers Belhasa as a friendCredit: Instagram
While Belhasa has also struck up a friendship with Anthony Joshua and Logan PaulCredit: Instagram
While Paul Pogba loved nothing more than hanging out with Belhasa and his chimpanzees.
Even boxers Anthony Joshua and Floyd Mayweather have gone toe-to-toe with some bears and orangutans.
The zoo itself can be seen from the lavish home’s living room and was featured on Channel 4’s World’s Weirdest Homes back in December.
Belhasa revealed that the zoo isn’t open to the public, the family don’t make a profit from it and the animals aren’t badly treated.
Floyd Mayweather has visited the lavish home of BelhasaCredit: Channel 4
Belhasa is the son of construction mogul Saif Ahmed Belhasa, said to be worth around £4 billionCredit: Instagram @rsbelhasa
Belhasa revealed the animals are all very well cared forCredit: Instagram
He has animals named after celebrities, including RonaldoCredit: Instagram
Recently, Belhasa rubbed shoulders with Mo SalahCredit: Instagram
“We take care of all our animals,” he said.
“When I went to Kenya, I see a lot of lions dying because they eat once a month and here they eat every single day.”
Because of his wealth, Belhasa rubs shoulders with celebrities who make him their first port of call when they arrive in Dubai.
“They all want to spend time on our family farm and see our tigers,” he told Dubai’s English-speaking newspaper, The National.
Floyd Mayweather fed the bears on a visitCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
Belhasa’s home featured on Channel 4’s World’s Weirdest Homes back in DecemberCredit: Channel 4
And Belhasa is the first port of call for celebrities visiting DubaiCredit: Instagram
The zoo can be seen from the lavish mansion’s living roomCredit: Channel 4
Wealthy Belhasa has a pool with its own waterfallCredit: Channel 4
“Wiz Khalifa is my friend. Steve Aoki is my friend. They have all come to our farm.
“But sometimes I have to say no to celebrities who want to come here. I don’t have the time and it is tiring.”
Alongside being heir to a home zoo, Belhasa also boasts an incredible trainer collection worth around £800,000 that he loves to show off to his sporting mates.
In fact, he has an entire room dedicated to his shoes – that include limited editions Yeezys, Bapes and Air Jordans kept in secure cases so they’re well preserved.
As well as a zoo, Belhasa has a stunning trainer collectionCredit: Channel 4
The sneakers are housed in their own room in the mansion and are said to be worth around £800kCredit: Instagram
It all adds to Belhasa’s popularity in the sports worldCredit: Instagram
Belhasa has become a social media phenomenon and has over two million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram
He isn’t afraid to show off his wealth to his fans and make friends with footballers like Jesse LingardCredit: Instagram
It’s all part of Belhasa’s masterplan, to eventually open his own trainer store in Dubai.
“Whatever I make from my clothing line and YouTube ads, I put into buying sneakers,” he revealed.
“But this isn’t just me wasting money, this is a serious business investment.”
Back in 2017, Belhasa made headlines when he showed off his birthday present – a £200k Ferrari F12 Berlinetta – to his followers on social media.
Belhasa loves cars and befriending footballersCredit: Instagram
He had the supercar custom-wrapped in Louis Vuitton Supreme logos, flaunting his lavish lifestyle.
However, with the legal driving age being 18 in Dubai, Belhasa had to wait a year before he could drive it.
Honestly, it’s not that hard a life, is it? More
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Man Utd manager target Erik ten Hag lives above supermarket, studies Guardiola’s teams and loves Van Gaal and Cruyff
by Philippa Kaur 30 March 2022, 11:25
ERIK TEN HAG famously lives above a supermarket in Amsterdam, but the only shelf he wants to stack is his club’s trophy cabinet.The Ajax boss, who is reportedly a manager target for Manchester United, has won two Eredivisie titles with the Dutch giants.
Erik ten Hag is the Dutchman who has revived European giants AjaxCredit: PA:Empics Sport
The quiet Dutchman, fairly unknown across the continent after a 13-year playing career in Holland, has revived the glory days at Ajax with a vibrant young team.
In 2019, with a side that featured homegrown talents like Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek and Hakim Ziyech, he reached a Champions League semi-final.
Ten hag, a keen golfer with a high-pitched voice, worked wonders given Ajax had not even competed in the knockout stages since 2005-06.
Having already surpassed par, Ten Hag is becoming a Master. That’s why he is a serious contender for the Old Trafford hot-seat.
AJAX ICONS
On the wall of his modest office at the club’s De Toekomst training ground hang photos of Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels and Louis van Gaal.
In an era when Ajax are surrounded by financially beefed up opponents, he has ensured the club have stayed competitive. This season, they were narrowly beaten by Benfica over two legs to exit the Champions League in the Round of 16 stage.
So how has the former centre-back from a rural town in Twente transformed their fortunes?
Ten Hag’s education in coaching goes some way to explain.
In 2013, having spent his entire career in Holland, he moved abroad to work with the master of management.
At Bayern Munich, ten Hag cut his coaching teeth with the reserves while watching closely as Pep Guardiola revolutionised the German giants’ style.
“Every day I get to work with him, I look forward to it. He inspires me,” he gushed.
Ten Hag worked closely with Pep Guardiola for two years as Bayern Munich II’s managerCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola with his focus on attacking and attractive footballCredit: AFP or licensors
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And his approach to training shows ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola, such is the obsession with detail.
He has a particular focus on the character of a player.
Ten Hag will note down how each individual responds to minor errors, losing the ball or committing a foul, and works out the mentality of his team to suit their opponent.
Before being appointed at Ajax in 2017, these skills helped him guide Utrecht into the Europa League.
DEVELOPING YOUTH
Ten Hag suited Ajax due to his ability to nurture young talent into stars.
Frenkie de Jong, 21, joined Barcelona in a deal worth £65million in 2019. Matthijs de Ligt, 19, joined Juventus for the same fee – boosting the club’s coffers.
Ten Hag played a key role in the development of players like Memphis Depay, at PSV, and Marko Arnautovic, at FC Twente.
He transformed Depay from a central midfielder to a wide position, with the coach’s focus constantly on attacking and attractive football.
Yet, Ten Hag is also able to identify what his team needs.
Among his youthful stars, are seasoned veterans including former Man United man Daley Blind and ex-Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic.
Both were brought in 2018 by Ten Hag to redress the team’s inexperience.
Ten Hag’s first managerial job was with Dutch side Go Ahead EaglesCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ten Hag rose to prominence in Holland by taking Utrecht to the Europa LeagueCredit: Rex Features
Former defender Ten Hag focuses on developing youth by gaining their trustCredit: Getty – Contributor
The Dutchman has spoken of his lofty ambitions to manage a bigger club.
And with Ajax now firmly established back as one of Europe’s big guns under ten Hag, he might feel his work in Amsterdam is done.
Could a new challenge in the Premier League with Man Utd await him? More
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Meet Chelsea youngster Derrick Abu, who is juggling a promising football career with becoming a rap star
by Philippa Kaur 29 March 2022, 15:10
IT’S the teenage dream to be a music star or footballer… but Chelsea youngster Derrick Abu is planning on doing both.The promising talent has been a regular for the Blues U18 side and has starred in their FA Youth Cup run.
Chelsea youngster Derrick Abu has been tipped for the top at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
Abu is juggling his football career by trying to become a rap starCredit: YouTube: CHO$EN
The 18-year-old has provided stability and versatility at the back for Ed Brand’s team, playing in a variety of positions including right back, right wing-back and centre-half.
Off the pitch, Abu is just as diverse – pursuing his very own rap career under the moniker Cho$en.
He recently released his debut single Life’s Changing, and is planning on a second with new track Real Love.
Twin passions
Growing up in West London, German-born Abu had a love of both football and music.
Influenced by his Nigerian parents, he was a regular church-goer, where he sang in the local choir.
He wrote his first song when he was just 11, around the same time he joined the club.
Abu revealed: “I have been making music as long as I have been playing football, going to church with my mum and being involved with the church choir. My love for music only grew from there.
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“I think I had a natural talent and the most important thing is I enjoyed singing so from there it just became a hobby.”
Managing his time
Alongside the demands of playing for one of the world’s leading football academies, Abu manages to find time to get to the studio and work on his music.
Speaking to Chelsea’s website, he is keen to stress that he is willing to work hard to achieve success in both worlds.
He said: “Firstly, I want people to know that I have always wanted to do both, so I made sure that I was committed to both and ready for the workload of both as I do not want one to suffer at the hands of the other.
“I want to do both at a high level. It has been relatively easy because I have put my mind to doing both. I believe if I am putting in performances and developing as a footballer, there is no reason I cannot develop as a music artist too.”
Abu, who has featured for England’s U17s, claimed he gets the full support of his team-mates who love his tunes.
“My team-mates always tell me what they like about my music and that also gives me confidence as they are believing in something that I have made” he said.
Despite a hectic schedule, Abu finds time to devote himself to his music and footballCredit: Instagram @derrickabu_
Abu signed his first professional contract with Chelsea last yearCredit: Instagram @derrickabu_
Life’s Changing
Abu’s debut single, Life’s Changing, is out now and available to listen to on streaming sites including Spotify and Apple Music.
According to Spotify’s records, it has been listened to over 18,000 times – while he has attracted over 2,000 monthly listeners.
Calling himself Cho$en, he plans on releasing follow-up Real Love on April 7.
But it’s his first song that defines his journey so far.
“It’s an old song which I picked out of the archives and made a couple of changes to, but it has turned out well,” Abu divulged.
Abu releases music under the moniker Cho$enCredit: Instagram @derrickabu_
Cho$en’s first single is the biographical Life’s ChangingCredit: YouTube: CHO$EN
Life’s Changing has been streamed over 18,000 times on SpotifyCredit: YouTube: CHO$EN
“It has such a cool beat and that helps me get across the message of the song.
“The song talks about how I am basically living two dreams at the same time and how I will keep working hard to make sure that I continue along this path.”
With such dedication, you wouldn’t put it past Abu succeeding in both. And maybe then, it’ll be his music that’s blasted out from a Chelsea star’s dressing room speakers. More
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Ex-Tottenham kid Marcus Edwards was compared to Messi, but left London for Portugal and now stars at Sporting Lisbon
by Philippa Kaur 29 March 2022, 11:17
MARCUS EDWARDS took a gamble in 2019, when he moved to Portuguese club Vitória de Guimarães from Spurs.Highly-rated by Mauricio Pochettino, who perhaps unfairly compared him to Lionel Messi, the attacking midfielder struggled to break into the Tottenham first team because of injury.
English starlet Marcus Edwards is starring in Portugal for Sporting LisbonCredit: Getty
Edwards was former Spurs starlet who gambled on moving abroadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And when he was loaned out to Daniel Farke’s Norwich in 2018, his attitude and work rate were brought into question during a short stint with the Canaries.
But a move abroad galvanised the now 23-year-old, who his now playing the best football of his life.
In the January transfer window Edwards signed for Sporting Lisbon for £7million, as he continues to thrive.
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Rising through the ranks
Edwards was at Tottenham from the age of six.
It was at 17 when he was spotted by an eagle-eyed Pochettino, who kept a close eye on youth games.
“The qualities – it’s only looks, his body and the way that he plays – remember a little bit from the beginning of Messi,” Pochettino said.
It was comment that Poch would admit he regretted in his book, Brave New World, for putting too much pressure on the young teenager’s shoulders.
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Edwards would only ever play 15 minutes in a Spurs shirt – in a 5-0 EFL Cup win over Gillingham – as an ankle injury hampered his progress.
There was also question marks about how he applied himself, something he addressed himself in 2019.
“I know I was a bit difficult when I was going through the academy,” he told The Independent.
Then there was a loan at Norwich, which proved to be a disaster for both the Canaries and the player.
Boss Daniel Farke revealed Edwards had to “grow up a bit” and only gave him six minutes of football, before the deal was cut short after just 11 days.
The Netherlands, though, was the making of him.
Ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino likened Edwards to Lionel Messi
Edwards in action for England’s U19sCredit: The FA – Getty Images
Despite being highly-thought of at Tottenham, game time was limited for EdwardsCredit: Getty
Edwards lasted just 11 days at Norwich before his loan spell was cut with boss Daniel Farke questioning his attitudeCredit: Rex
Rejuvenated in Rotterdam
Getting away from the English game proved to be beneficial for the prodigious talent.
For the 2018-19 season, he would ply his trade in the Eredivisie – the Dutch league that allows young attacking players to prosper with more time on the ball and possession-based play.
Playing mostly as a winger for struggling Excelsior Rotterdam, Edwards would showcase his ability to run with the ball.
He led the division in dribbles – with 3.3 managed per game. Ironically, in second place was current Spurs wide man Steven Bergwijn.
He understood then that his future belonged elsewhere, certainly away from North London where his opportunities were limited.
He said: “My experience in Holland helped me with everything that comes with living abroad.
“The style of football was similar to the Portuguese league. That was a big learning experience for me over there.
“It was my first time being away from my friends and family, playing football abroad. Everything was different. That was a really big learning experience.
“Not just in football, but my life in general. It helped me with the progress I’ve made in Portugal too.”
At struggling Excelsior Rotterdam Edwards would come aliveCredit: Getty
The attacking Dutch league gave Edwards the chance to showcase his dribbling skillsCredit: Getty
A meeting with Arsenal
In 2019, Edwards left Tottenham and joined Vitoria de Guimaraes.
His first goal for the club couldn’t have come in a more familiar surrounding.
Lining up against former rival Arsenal in the Europa League, he scored after just eight minutes. Cue wild celebrations.
Although his new side were eventually on the receiving end of a 3-2 defeat, it was certainly the dream introduction his new fans and team-mates needed to see.
In his debut season, he managed nine goals in 35 games and impressed in a side that finished seventh in the league.
His explosive start to the current campaign earned him a January transfer window move to Champions League side Sporting, where he would play in the last-16 tie against Manchester City.
His coach Ruben Amorim spelled out his qualities.
“He’s a smart player, trained at a big English club, he’ll adapt well. I hope he enjoys it.
“He’s a player who needs to have fun.”
From the outside, it appears Edwards is having the time of his life.
Edwards jumps for joy after opening the scoring for Vitoria de Guimaraes against Arsenal in the Europa LeagueCredit: AFP or licensors
Edwards moved to Sporting Lisbon in the January transfer window for £7mCredit: AFP
Last month Edwards made his Champions League debut as his career blossomsCredit: Getty More

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