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      in Boxing

      Chris Eubank Jr releases powerful statement after almost dying in Conor Benn fight

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR wrote a powerful statement on social media after he nearly died following his bout with Conor Benn.Eubank won the second generation grudge match on Saturday night, 35 years after their fathers first fought.Chris Eubank Jr wrote a powerful statement on Instagram after being discharged from hospitalCredit: GettyEubank beat Conor Benn in a thrilling fight on Saturday nightCredit: ReutersJunior won via unanimous decision following 12 brutal rounds – but there were concerns for him once he got out of the ring.Eubank had to be rushed to hospital as he was suffering with severe dehydration after cutting his weight down to 11st 6lb.He supposedly had so little water inside him he could barely sweat and his dad claims his condition was life-threatening.Junior was discharged on Monday after two nights in hospital and he wrote on Instagram yesterday: “As a fighter we sign up to walk through the fire. READ MORE IN BOXING”Once you make it through, the burns and scars are what you have to show the world for the rest of your life. Present them with pride.”It comes after Eubank Sr said on his Call Chris YouTube show: “People don’t know, but my son was touch-and-go.“And the only way we’re going to know whether he’s going to be okay is after the CT scans.“He suffered mostly in the hospital because of dehydration, even though the beating was severe.Most read in Boxing”My son was in a touch-and-go situation. Life or death.“He doesn’t respect that because he is a warrior and a warrior goes out on his shield, which he proved.Chris Eubank Jr seen for first time since epic Conor Benn win to reveal he underwent surgery in live TV interview“He’s not going to listen to the rules. If he can evade and sidestep the rules, he will, because he is a warrior.”A rematch between Eubank and Benn is on the cards for later this year, but his dad has urged him to retire.He said: “It would be an extraordinary blessing for him, if he was wise enough to walk off into the sunset, there is nothing cooler than that, you cannot buy that.”There are billionaires who would give everything they have, to have what he has. It cannot be bought, it has to be earned.”But speaking for the first time since the fight, Eubank said he is “feeling good” and revealed he underwent surgery in hospital for the cut that opened up above his eye.He told Sky Sports: “When you get into a fight for 12 rounds there are injuries that are sustained.”I got headbutted above my eye, right in the middle of the fight it opened up and I had to go and have surgery on that, I had to sow it up.Read More on The Sun”Conor Benn and Eddie Hearn ran away with the story that a broken jaw – there was no broken jaw here.”We are strong our bones are dense, I’m feeling good. I’m feeling grateful that the fight was so well received. I’m in a great place.”Eubank said he was ‘feeling good’ as he spoke to the media for the first time since the boutCredit: Sky SportsEubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdictTHIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry was settled with 36 minutes of violence.Yet with all the tremendous heart shown by both boxers, there wasn’t much technique, skill or finesse on display here.After tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games that have been played out to the world over the last three years, SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on what should be the final chapter in one of British boxing’s biggest beefs.Read here to find out why the 12-round slugfest should not be repeated – and why the rivalry should now be put to bed. More

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      in Soccer

      How Athletic Bilbao built squad for less than the price of Man Utd’s Andre Onana with unique transfer policy

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      ATHLETIC BILBAO will be hoping their unique transfer policy will pay dividends when they face Manchester United.The LaLiga side take on the Red Devils in the Europa League semi-finals with the first leg in Spain on Thursday.Athletic Bilbao have a unique transfer policyCredit: GettyBasque-born Nico Williams (left) and his brother Inaki are Athletic Bilbao’s poster boysCredit: AFP
      The team cost less than Andre Onana’s potential feeCredit: PABilbao are unlike most clubs in world football with a self-imposed transfer limitation.The current team has been assembled for less than the £47.2million that Man United could end up paying for Andre Onana.Ernesto Valverde’s squad only has five players who have been paid for in transfer deals totalling just £46.1m.They are Yuri Berchiche (£21m), Oscar de Marcos (£255,000), Alex Berenguer (£9.5m), Alvaro Djalo (£12.8m) and Maroan Sannadi (£2.55m).READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe remainder of the squad came through the youth academy or have been free transfers.With the likes of Oihan Sancet, Inaki Williams and his brother Nico in the mix, they have assembled a top squad.The Basque Country where Bilbao is located has a population of 2.2million – a quarter of the size of London – and has a low number of immigrants.Despite this relatively small pool and limited transfer strategy, the club has enjoyed success.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBilbao have won EIGHT LaLiga titles – which is only less than Real Madrid (36), Barcelona (27) and Atletico Madrid (11).They also have six more league titles than Basque rivals Real Sociedad.Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’Oihan Sancet is one of the stars at BilbaoCredit: RexYuri Berchiche cost the club £21m in 2018Credit: GettyThe club have also won TWENTY-FOUR Copa del Rey titles with their last success coming in 2024.They have never won a European honour and will be hoping to achieve that this season by getting past Manchester United.What is Athletic Bilbao’s transfer policy?The club has instilled a “Basque-only” policy, which means not just any footballer can play for the club.The San Mames outfit has stated that every one of their players has to either been born or raised in the Basque Country.Another statement reads: “As an institution, Athletic Club and all its supporters are characterised by a steadfast belief in a set of values which are becoming increasingly uncommon in football and 21st century sport.”Athletic Club takes pride in its own and has a philosophy and way of seeing football that is unique in the world of football.”This ideal is fully reflected in its policy of promoting academy players.”Athletic Club is based in Bilbao, a city situated in Biscay, a province which makes up part of the Basque Country.”The club’s sporting philosophy is governed by a code which states that Athletic Club may only field players who have come through its own academy or the academies of other clubs in the Basque Country, or players who were born in the following territories which constitute the Basque Country: Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Alava, Navarre, Labourd, Soule and Lower Navarre.”Why do Athletic Bilbao only sign players from the Basque region?The rule was introduced in 1911 after a dispute between Bilbao and fellow Basque-based side Real Sociedad.Bilbao had fielded ineligible players from England as well as some non-Basque players in a Copa del Rey match.The Spanish FA ruled that players must be Spanish citizens to appear in the competition from the following season.Bilbao opted to maintain the approach even when regulations were later relaxed. A statement on the club website reads: “During the Copa tournament held at Jolaseta in April 1911, several of the participating teams denounced Athletic for improperly fielding foreigners.”From then on, Athletic Club would compete only with home-grown players, thus giving birth to the philosophy that today distinguishes it from any other team in elite football.”The policy makes the club prioritise the signings of players who were born in the Basque Country.The region is in the north of Spain and borders France on the western coast.The policy was implemented in order to preserve the unique culture and identity of the region.Have Athletic Bilbao ever signed non-Basque players?The club states that every player since the start of the rule has been born in the Basque Country or raised there.However, some players who have turned out for the club have sparked debate.Former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte became the first Frenchman to graduate from the club’s youth system in 2012.He was only connected to the Basque Country via his great-grandparents.France star Antoine Griezmann has been a controversial one as he was developed by Basque-based Real Sociedad.He arrived at the club at the age of 14 with the likes of Bilbao’s academy director, Jose Maria Amorrortu, believing that he would qualify.However, some argue that he is ineligible, like adults who have been transferred in by Sociedad.Do Athletic Bilbao managers have to be Basque and have they had non-Basque managers?There are some exceptions to the rule as the club’s coaching staff does not need to be Basque.The club has had managers from England, Germany, France, Argentina and Hungary.Read More on The SunEnglish managers of Bilbao have included Henry John Bagge, William Garbutt, Ralph Kirby, Ronnie Allen and Howard Kendall.The most recent manager who was not even Spanish was Argentine Eduardo Berizzo for 15 matches in 2018.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      Julen Lopetegui closing in on return to management just four months after being sacked by West Ham

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI is reportedly closing in on a return to management.The Spanish manager has been out of work since being sacked by West Ham four months ago.Julien Lopetegui is set to return to the dugoutCredit: GettyHe could be announced as the Qatar head coach this weekCredit: GettyLopetegui, 58, replaced David Moyes in East London but struggled for consistent performances despite a huge summer spend.The Hammers suffered multiple heavy defeats during his tenure against the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal.It was not his first role in England, having taken charge of Wolves between November 2022 and August 2023.He is now set for a return to management with the head coach role at Qatar.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLReports have claimed that he will sign a deal with the national team that will run until 2027.Fabrizio Romano has claimed that his arrival will be announced later this week.Reports in Spain have suggested that Lopetegui had plenty of offers, including from Mexico.It is believed that the manager sees the Qatar job as a “major step forward” in his career.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe would be replacing former Spain striker Luis Garcia as the man in the dugout.Qatar are currently 4th in Group A of the World Cup qualifying rounds in Asia.’Do you want me to swear-‘ – Graham Potter in meltdown as West Ham boss taunted with X-rated ‘the German’s right’ chantsLopetegui won the Europa League with SevillaCredit: PAThe team has only managed three wins, one draw and four defeats, which has ruled out an automatic qualification spot.Lopetegui started his managerial career at Rayo Vallecano before working at Real Madrid B and the Spanish youth sides.In 2014, he took charge of Porto before being named the Spain national coach in 2016.He was then named the manager of Real Madrid in 2018 but only lasted 120 days before being axed.Lopetegui rebuilt his reputation at Sevilla, where he won the Europa League in 2020.Meanwhile, West Ham have continued to endure a torrid season since his exit.Graham Potter was named as Lopetegui’s successor, and while he has improved the defence, the team has still struggled to win games.The former Chelsea and Brighton boss has won just three of his 15 games in charge of the club.He did earn a notable victory over Arsenal, but the team has dropped multiple points in recent weeks.In the club’s last four games, nine points have been dropped due to conceding goals in the 79th minute or later.Read More on The SunIn their latest effort, Potter watched on as West Ham lost against the Seagulls despite being 2-1 up in the 89th minute.The manager was fuming after the game, as his post-match press conference rant showed.Graham Potter replaced Lopetegui at West HamCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Why Man Utd would have missed out on Ronaldo, Rooney and Keane if they had rivals’ unique transfer and selection policy

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      IMAGINE if Manchester United could only field players born or raised in the Greater Manchester area.United have always prided themselves on developing their own young stars, from Bobby Charlton and the Busby Babes to David Beckham and the Class of ’92.Manchester United pride themselves on their record of promoting home-grown stars, such as the much-vaunted Class of 92, here with the 1999 European CupCredit: GettyIf United had Athletic Bilbao’s strict selection policy, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane would never have played for themCredit: ReutersBut if they operated under the same kind of rules as Europa League semi-final opponents Athletic Bilbao, then Old Trafford legends like Roy Keane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney would never have worn the famous red shirt.Athletic proudly stick to a self-imposed rule that they only sign players who meet their criteria for being considered Basque.And that means footballers either born in the region — that straddles northern Spain and south west France — or who have come through their academy or from  youth development programmes at clubs  in the area.The total population of the seven areas that make up the Basque Country is around three million, pretty much the same as Greater Manchester.READ MORE IN MAN UTDYet despite their own restrictions, Athletic are one of the most successful clubs in Spain and will go into tomorrow’s first leg with United as warm favourites.Although their last league title came in 1983-84, their total of eight puts them fourth in Spanish football’s hall of fame behind the Madrid giants and Barcelona.Last season’s Copa del Rey triumph was the 24th in Athletic’s history, second only to Barca’s 32.And they are on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League — even without winning the Europa League, as they sit fourth in LaLiga.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordWinger Nico Williams, 22, is the poster boy for the current generation and a summer target for the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona. His older brother and team-mate Inaki was born in Bilbao in 1994 —  not long after their parents arrived from Ghana.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedEight years later, Nico came into the world in Pamplona, the Basque city famous for its annual bull-running festival.Inaki had a year in Athletic’s    academy before starting his senior career at other local teams and rejoining Athletic at the age of 20.Between the years of 2016 and 2023 he played 251  consecutive league games, a LaLiga record.His brother Nico has been at Athletic since he was just 11.Inaki played one senior game for Spain and two for the Basque Country team before committing his services to his family’s homeland of Ghana at senior international levelNico, meanwhile scored the opening goal in the Euro 2024 final as Spain beat England 2-1.Nico Williams (left) and his brother Inaki are Athletic Bilbao’s poster boysCredit: AFPNico William scored Spain’s opener in their Euro 2024 final victory over EnglandCredit: APThe younger Williams brother is thought to be destined to play in the Premier League sooner rather than later.But any English club wanting to buy him would have to cough up.Not only the £51million necessary to trigger the release clause in his contract, which runs until 2027.They would also have to give him a decent rise on his current wages at Athletic, which are said to be in the region of £200,000 per week.Athletic’s Basque-only policy means they do not shell out big money on transfers too often.But it also allows them to pay their best players handsomely.BASQUE TO THE FUTUREATHLETIC BILBAO’S selection policy explained…The club have instilled a “Basque-only” rule – since 1911 – which means not just any footballer can play for the club.The San Mames outfit has stated that every one of their players has to either been born or raised in the Basque Country.Another statement reads: “As an institution, Athletic Club and all its supporters are characterised by a steadfast belief in a set of values which are becoming increasingly uncommon in football and 21st century sport.”Athletic Club takes pride in its own and has a philosophy and way of seeing football that is unique in the world of football.”This ideal is fully reflected in its policy of promoting academy players.”Athletic Club is based in Bilbao, a city situated in Biscay, a province which makes up part of the Basque Country.”The club’s sporting philosophy is governed by a code which states that Athletic Club may only field players who have come through its own academy or the academies of other clubs in the Basque Country, or players who were born in the following territories which constitute the Basque Country: Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Alava, Navarre, Labourd, Soule and Lower Navarre.”You can make a good argument that the Basque nation is among the most  successful in modern football, per head of population.The Basque Autonomous Community in Spain consists of four provinces — Navarre, Biscay, Alava and Gipuzkoa.The latter is the smallest province by area in all of Spain, yet it has produced a large number of top-level players and coaches.Three current Premier League bosses come from the province — Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa’s Unai Emery and Bournemouth chief Andoni Iraola – who has been a ‘spy’ for Athletic this week.Also from the area is  Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool star tipped to leave Bayer Leverkusen and take over at another of his old clubs, Real Madrid.Add in one-time Spain, Real and West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui, ex-Barcelona chief Ernesto Valverde, now Athletic’s boss  — and  the list goes on.Alonso, Arteta and Iraola were team-mates at Antiguoko, the junior side from Gipuzkoa that used to beat teams from Real and other big clubs for fun.Despite the the region producing so many good managers, Bilbao’s Basque-only policy does not extend to coaching staff.English managers have included Henry John Bagge, William Garbutt, Ralph Kirby, Ronnie Allen and Howard Kendall.United know all about the virtues of Basque footballers and Athletic.They signed Bilbao-born Ander Herrera from Athletic in 2014 after he was part of the side that beat them home and away in the Europa League last 16 in 2012.Herrera won the FA Cup under Louis van Gaal in 2016.Basque midfielder Ander Herrera joined United in 2014 from AthleticCredit: AFPThat was  before lifting both the League Cup and the Europa League in 2016-17 with Jose Mourinho.United have not known such success since, thanks mainly to wasting hundreds of millions of pounds on players from all over.Read More on The SunMaybe the new regime at Old Trafford should adopt a Bilbao-style recruitment policy for the club which claims to represent the People’s Republic of Mancunia.Man Utd player ratings vs BournemouthBy Katherine WalshMANCHESTER UNITED managed to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth in the sixth minute of injury time.Rasmus Hojlund’s last-gasp equaliser leaves United 14th in the Prem, after Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play with 20 minutes to go.Man Utd target Antoine Semenyo fired the home side into the lead with a thunderbolt opener, after a calamity of mistakes while playing out from the back.Yet United somewhat responded well, mainly through Alejandro Garnacho’s flurry of chances.So was the Argentine the star player for Man Utd? Check out how the players rated. More

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      in Soccer

      Former Premier League star, 51, who won four promotions reveals winning league title in NEPAL is biggest achievement

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      SIMON GRAYSON is celebrating winning the Nepal Super League – and rates it alongside anything he has achieved in football.The Yorkshireman, 55, twice reached the Prem as a player with Leicester and won four managerial promotions from League One with Blackpool, Leeds, Huddersfield and Preston.Simon Grayson has won the league title in NepalCredit: X @Hussainov1chHe joined Lalitpur City for their two-month league seasonCredit: INSTAGRAMHe had been out of work following a spell managing Indian Super League side Bengaluru, so when the call came to boss Lalitpur City  for their eight-week season, he took it.Grayson’s team beat Pokhara Thunders 2-1 in Saturday’s title decider to give him another triumph on his CV.Speaking from Kathmandu, the former Foxes captain said: “An agent rang me up and asked if I would be interested in managing in Nepal.“I spoke to the owners and thought, ‘Why not?’READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s a seven-team league and the season only lasted two months but we’ve gone unbeaten and won the play-off final last weekend.“It’s been a fantastic football and life experience but I wasn’t out here for a holiday — I wanted to win the league. “I said this to the players — and I genuinely mean it — but winning this title in Nepal is just as important to me as everything I achieved as a player and manager.“To be the best team in the tournament and win the final made it very much mission accomplished.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“Since I’ve been at Lalitpur, I’ve got three players into the Nepal national squad for the first time.“The owners have been chuffed to bits with what we’ve achieved and the players have been great.”Grayson has lived alone in a hotel for two months and says there has been surreal moments — including meeting Brazil legend Roberto Carlos.During a game against Pokhara earlier this month, an opposition  official protested a decision and ended up fighting with the match commissioner.Grayson added: “I’ve been in football nearly 40 years and seen some things but nothing like that.“They disputed a goal not being given but there was no way anyone could say if it had crossed the line or not because we don’t have VAR.“It was crazy to see the Pokhara official rolling around with the match commissioner before the police got involved.Simon Grayson won promotion to the Championship four timesCredit: GettyGrayson spent several years at Leicester as a playerCredit: Alamy“Roberto Carlos was out here to promote the league, so it was nice  to catch up with him.”Grayson heads home to Yorkshire this week with a renewed appetite for management… and English grub.He explained: “The Nepalese cuisine is OK but quite repetitive and I’ve missed having some roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.“I’m looking forward to a full English breakfast and fish and chips.“I’ve missed my family and my dog, so I’m looking forward to getting back home to some normality.“But it’s been a great opportunity while I’m waiting for jobs to come up.“After my first game, some Reading fans here on holiday said, ‘You’ve  certainly not lost your passion for it.’“I was probably let down at Blackpool and Fleetwood by owners who promised me the world but delivered nothing.Read More on The Sun“But I’ve had clubs who have backed me, so I know what I can do.“I’ve been out of my comfort zone in Nepal but it has confirmed I still have the fire in my belly.” More

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      in Soccer

      Leeds join Sean Longstaff transfer race with £10m Newcastle star also wanted by Premier League rivals

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      LEEDS UNITED have joined Everton in the chase to sign Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff.Daniel Farke’s side have secured promotion to the Premier League and are wasting no time in looking to bolster their squad.Sean Longstaff is gaining interest from Leeds and EvertonCredit: GettyLeeds have been promoted back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyDavid Moyes is keen on signing a new midfielder in the summerCredit: GettyMidfielder Longstaff, 27, came through the ranks at his boyhood club but has struggled for action this term.The £10million-rated Geordie still has one more season on his contract after Newcastle triggered an extension but boss Eddie Howe admitted his future remains “unclear” as interest in him hots up.Everton’s David Moyes has made him a top target as he plots a major overhaul of his squad.But SunSport understands he will face fierce competition from Farke’s Leeds with the German looking for established Prem stars to help in next season’s fight for survival.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLongstaff has made 31 appearances for Newcastle this term and picked up a Carabao Cup winners’ medal at Wembley but has already admitted he could leave his hometown team.When asked about his future at St. James’ Park in November, he said: “Yeah, if it’s here [Newcastle] it’s great. If it’s not, it’s not.”I want to be valued as a player, I want to be appreciated as a player and whether it’s here, great.”If it’s not here and it’s somewhere else, it’ll be somewhere else.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“In a way I live day to day, game to game and I just try and take in every game.”I get to go to work every day and spend it with my best friends, I don’t know what’s coming ahead.Patrice Evra gives update on MMA debut and reveals Luis Suarez’s response to fight challenge“I don’t know what’s coming down the line, I just try to embrace every day and enjoy every minute because ultimately it won’t last forever.”Meanwhile, Howe admitted he is not sure whether the club will cash in on him while they still can.Speaking a month ago, he said: “His long-term future is slightly more unclear.”But what I can say is that behind the scenes, Sean has been very good, helping the group, training to a high level and I cannot speak highly enough of him as a person.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      in Soccer

      Lamine Yamal putting Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to shame as staggering stats comparison of stars at 17 emerges

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      INCREDIBLE stats show Lamine Yamal is putting a young Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to shame.The Barcelona wonderkid capped his 100th senior appearance for the club with a goal and a stunning performance in the 3-3 Champions League semi-final draw with Inter Milan last night.Lamine Yamal was at his brilliant best for Barcelona against Inter MilanCredit: GettyLionel Messi was only just breaking into the team at Yamal’s ageCredit: EmpicsCristiano Ronaldo had scored just five goals before his 18th birthdayCredit: ReutersYamal was at his brilliant best and despite being just 17-years-old, was undoubtedly Barca’s main man.The winger inspired the comeback from 2-0 down with a solo goal as he weaved his way past several defenders and fired a curler beyond Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.In was his 22nd goal for his boyhood club since bursting onto the scene and making his debut aged 15 years, 9 months and 16 days.He has also picked up 33 assists in his first 100 games in a Barca shirt.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYamal’s record so far is demolishing what Messi and Ronaldo had achieved before adulthood.The Argentine legend made just nine appearances, scoring one goal for Barca before his 18th birthday.Messi did not become a regular and net double figures in a season for the Catalan giants until he was 19-years-old.As for Ronaldo at 17, he was only just breaking through at Sporting Lisbon and had played in 19 games, scoring five goals and getting four assists.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe made the move to Manchester United the following year aged 18 after catching the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson in a pre-season friendly.Yamal fired Spain to Euro 2024 glory last summer and is closing on a potential Treble-winning season this term with Barca.Lamine Yamal sends brutal message live on TV after being called out by Adrien Rabiot ahead of Euro 2024 semi-final Before last night’s draw with Inter, the teenager was asked about comparisons to Messi.He said: “I don’t compare myself to him, because I don’t compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi.”We are thinking about improving ourselves, every day, and on being better on the next day.”So I don’t think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less, I’m going to enjoy myself and be myself.”I admire him obviously, as the best player in history, but I don’t compare myself to him.”The eyes of the world being on Yamal also does not bother him, adding: “But fear, I left fear in the park in Mataro (Yamal’s hometown) a long time ago.”Yamal team-mates celebrated his 100th appearanceCredit: Getty More

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      How Dembele and Vitinha outsmarted Arsenal as Odegaard and Timber struggled to show up in biggest game of season vs PSG

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN claimed a 1-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final with Arsenal.Ousmane Dembele struck after just four minutes with a superb first-time finish to give the French side the advantage to take back to the Parc des Princes next week.PSG claimed a 1-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final with ArsenalCredit: GettyOusmane Dembele grabbed the only goal of the game in the fourth minuteCredit: GettyIn the latest episode of Tactics Exposed, SunSport’s Dean Scoggins ran the rule over the Emirates clash – and picked out five key tactical talking points…THE MATCH went the way I was expecting – I thought PSG were the better side and their plan came off better.But we shouldn’t overlook the missing Thomas Partey factor – he will be big in the second leg. Both goalkeepers made great saves.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe last ten minutes were key: if PSG took one of those late chances, we would be talking about a real, real uphill struggle for Arsenal.The Gunners stayed in it, created chances of their own and it was a great watch. 1. OU LA LAI said in the preview Tactics Exposed show one of the midfielders would drop into defence, Achraf Hakimi would go out, Nuno Mendes pushed out and they drew the press before Dembele dropped deep to collect the ball, turn and go. They did it four or five times and it wasn’t until half-time that Arsenal worked it out.Most read in Champions LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHaving Declan Rice and Mikel Merino dragged out allowed space for the false No9 to come in between and receive the ball in areas where he can’t be marked – Dembele was brilliant in the first half. Someone – either William Saliba or Jakub Kiwior – needs to go out with Dembele, he can’t be given the freedom of the Emirates in midfield. Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSGDembele was given too much space on the edge of the areaCredit: GettyPSG lined up in a 4-3-3 formationCredit: SunSportDembele dropped in as a false No9Credit: SunSportHe was not tracked by either Arsenal centre-backCredit: SunSportThat allowed him to pick up the ball in midfieldCredit: SunSportHe then drove forwards on the attackCredit: SunSportThen with the goal, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia holds the width but Jurrien Timber stays narrow before squaring him up on the edge of the area.Declan Rice goes and doubles up, Saliba is free but Merino gets back into the box before the shot – but the Spaniard doesn’t occupy the space Rice vacated. Rice is damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t – Merino is the one who doesn’t do the midfielder’s job and cover. Dembele’s little side-step to his left was genius, too. Dembele benefited from Thomas Partey’s suspensionCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoFor the goal, he played the ball out wide to Khvicha KvaratskheliaCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoThe Frenchman then got on the end of the pull backCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoDeclan Rice went out to double up with Jurrien TimberCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoMikel Merino worked his way back into the areaCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoBut he did not get close enough to DembeleCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime Video2. TIMBERRRR!Timber had a really tough night and committed four fouls in the first 20 minutes and didn’t get a yellow card.The referee was very poor for both teams and didn’t help the game as a spectacle. PSG force you to isolate full-backs with wingers – do you go and engage or hold off? Jurrien Timber struggled to cope with Khvicha KvaratskheliaCredit: GettyIt wasn’t just Timber’s fault because PSG’s midfield make a diamond shape and Arsenal’s midfield weren’t sure who was supposed to block the lane. After those fouls, Bukayo Saka did a great job of screening, coming in off the touchline to help out but that also meant Saka was not in the position he wants to be when Arsenal won the ball back. Of Arsenal’s attacks, 44 per cent came down the right-hand side, but only ten per cent of their shots came from that channel. PSG starved Saka in the position he likes to pick up because Timber was struggling. Bukayo Saka was forced to play more infield than usualCredit: SunSportPSG’s system makes use of their strong midfield and attackCredit: SunSportArsenal attack largely down the right wingCredit: SunSportOnly ten per cent of their shots came from that areaCredit: SunSport3. UN PETIT FREREVitinha was absolutely fantastic. At any level of football from grassroots to elite, you can see when a midfielder runs the game at their pace and for the first 30 minutes at least, Vatinha did that. If he wanted to slow it down, he did. If he wanted to hit Arsenal quickly, bang, they were on the attack. Vitinha actually had a similar number of touches as the anonymous Martin Odegaard but it was the areas he got the ball and acting as the bounce man.In the build-up to the goal, he got his body in the way to ping the ball back to the defence and that sort of play is unbelievable.It was like PSG had 12 men.Vitinha orchestrated things with a masterclass performanceCredit: GettyHe was the overload man in every area of the pitchCredit: SunSportWhen they are three at the back, with three Arsenal men pressing, he makes it four for a 4v3. Then he moves into midfield, Arsenal drop into a 4-4-2 shape out of possession and he makes it a five in midfield for PSG.Then when they attack, there are five going forward with only forward with only four defenders and he is the one joining in.He is the overload man in all three areas and was the best player on the pitch, especially in the first half.Vitinha joins the play up. He is a genius. He is like Alexis Mac Allister on the ball and Dominik Szoboszlai off the ball. Arsenal need to work out how to get hold of him in the second leg. 4. ODE OH DEARI’m not sure what has been going on with Odegaard for the last ten or 12 games – his level has really dropped off. He relies on Saka stretching the game to give him space which I’ve already explained was not the case but he had a really off night on the biggest night of the season. Arsenal have leaders all over the pitch but for me, Rice should be captain. Martin Odegaard failed to turn up for the biggest game of the seasonCredit: GettyOdegaard got the timings of his presses wrongCredit: SunSportThat almost caught Arsenal out as Bradley Barcola dragged wideCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoOdegaard got the press wrong against PSG, the team follow his trigger and he has been brilliant at it for years and it’s how Arsenal can set up in a 4-4-2 out of possession.But on Tuesday he kept going at the wrong time because Vitinha was dragging him into positions he didn’t want to be in which opened spaces up in midfield – which is where the goal came from.Odegaard was getting stuck in a half No8, half No10 role and it was epitomised by the Bradley Barcola chance. 5. RAYA HOPEThe save from Desire Doue when he got down low to his right… incredible stop. Gianluigi Donnarumma made two world-class saves at the other end but Raya was crucial for Arsenal.What he also did was take pretty much all their free-kicks in their own half right up to the halfway line – it was almost old school sending it long.People may criticise the long-ball tactic but it was the right tactic because PSG were vulnerable with the diagonal long ball and the bouncing ball which came from Raya’s excellent distribution. It forced chances, they could have scored and it also led to corners where we know Arsenal are dangerous. Aside from that, Arsenal carried the ball really well and got out of positions well to feed Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.Myles Lewis-Skelly was excellent again, his one-v-one defending and duels are as good as anyone I’ve seen for years in that position. Hakimi got very little joy in duels against him and where Timber could not work out what to do with Kvaratskhelia, Lewis-Skelly did miles better with Doue and Hakimi.Read More on The SunThat forced Doue to come inside, so Lewis-Skelly came inside and inverted and bolstered Arsenal’s numbers in the middle. This is 1-0, it is half-time and this is not done. David Raya made a superb stop to deny Desire DoueCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime VideoHis long kicks upfield were a throwback but successful tacticCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs PSG as Raya saves keep Gunners in it and poor Odegaard subbed offARSENAL face an uphill battle next week.The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their all-important Champions League semi-final home leg.Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.But away from home, it will not be easy.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars on the night… More