Category: Football (Premier League)

Former Manchester City captain Richard Dunne recently expressed his satisfaction with Lionel Messi winning the 2023 FIFA Best Men’s Player award over Erling Haaland, a star of his former club. Dunne highlighted that the award shouldn’t solely prioritize goal-scoring statistics.

In an interview with William Hill, Dunne emphasized Messi’s overall footballing excellence, stating, “It’s very hard. You can look at it and go: ‘Is Haaland the best footballer in the world? Probably not. Is he the best goalscorer? Yeah, so if the award is for that, then great.”

Dunne further elaborated on his admiration for Messi’s style of play, emphasizing the Argentine’s ability to entertain with his dribbling skills and creativity on the field.

He remarked, “I love watching Messi play football. Some players play football that are just from a different planet at times.”

While acknowledging Haaland’s remarkable goal-scoring prowess, Dunne underscored the importance of entertainment and flair in football, areas where Messi excels. He concluded, “If it’s a statistical trophy, then the guys who score goals will always win it.”

Messi’s victory in the Ballon d’Or last year marked his eighth career win, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Newcastle United’s winger Harvey Barnes recently shared his view on football’s Greatest of All Time (GOAT) player during an interview with GOAL, naming Lionel Messi for the title. This admission comes after his father, Paul Barnes, mentioned a few years ago that Harvey had shaped his playing style after Cristiano Ronaldo.

Paul Barnes had previously disclosed on TalkSPORT in 2020 that his son had a particular admiration for the Portuguese winger. Therefore, it might come as a surprise to some that despite Harvey Barnes’ purported admiration for Ronaldo, he declared Lionel Messi as the best player of all time.

This declaration is unexpected due to the longstanding rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, which has captivated the football world for much of the 21st century.

Both Messi and Ronaldo, legends in their own right, have vied for and earned numerous individual and club accolades over the years, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Back in 2020, Barnes was just beginning to make a name for himself as a 22-year-old winger for Leicester City. His impressive performances led to Newcastle United’s acquisition for £38 million in the summer of 2023.

Since joining the Magpies, Barnes has appeared in only eight games, scoring two goals and providing one assist. However, his progress was interrupted by an injury in September 2023, and he returned to the pitch on February 1 after missing 27 games for Newcastle United this season.

In a recent exclusive conversation with The Official Man City Podcast, star striker Erling Haaland revealed his dream five-a-side team, including footballing legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The Norwegian sensation carefully crafted his lineup, selecting iconic figures from football history while adhering to the rule of excluding any Manchester City players, past or present.

Haaland’s dream team comprised Ronaldinho, Messi, Ronaldo, Paolo Maldini, and Iker Casillas. He explained his choices, stating:

“I think I need to take a couple of Brazilians then. I would like to see Ronaldinho, [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano [Ronaldo, [Paolo] Maldini to be back there, then I need a ‘keeper, no? I would take [Iker] Casillas,”

Despite picking Casillas in goal, Haaland acknowledged the impressive qualities of Manchester City’s current goalkeeper, Ederson, particularly praising his powerful shots and accurate passing.

“I would love Ederson because Ederson in these five-a-side games, if he can shoot, he would score 15 goals!” Haaland elaborated.

Paolo Maldini and Ronaldinho, both renowned for their exceptional skills and contributions to the sport, rounded out Haaland’s lineup, ensuring a perfect blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair.

With Casillas guarding the goal and Maldini anchoring the defense, combined with the creativity of Ronaldinho, the precision of Messi, and the lethal finishing of Ronaldo, Haaland’s team boasted a formidable balance.

Despite Messi and Ronaldo approaching the latter stages of their careers, Haaland, at just 23 years old, has already made a significant impact in the footballing world, winning trophies with Manchester City and establishing himself as one of the premier strikers in the game.

Should Haaland continue his remarkable trajectory and add more accolades to his name, he may very well become a future inclusion in the dream lineups of aspiring football stars.

El Chiringuito journalist Edu Aguirre has sparked controversy with his latest assertion about Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, igniting discussions across the footballing world.

Known for his outspoken views and sometimes biased coverage favoring Ronaldo, Aguirre made a bold claim, stating:

“Cristiano takes the best in the world to Saudi Arabia, and Messi takes his friends to Miami.”
Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League marked a significant shift, attracting other European stars to join the league.

In contrast, Messi opted for a stint at Inter Miami in the MLS, where he reunited with former teammates Suarez, Busquets, and Alba, under the ownership of David Beckham.

The Riyadh Season Cup offered a glimpse into the comparative quality of the leagues. Despite Messi’s contributions in a match against Al-Hilal, Inter Miami faced defeat. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr, without Ronaldo, triumphed convincingly over Miami, underscoring the disparity in squad strength.

While Aguirre’s statement may have stirred controversy, the preseason results shed light on the adjustments Inter Miami must make to fulfill their MLS title aspirations, suggesting they require significant squad improvements.

A renowned forward, celebrated during the FUT era, is poised to grace the field in EA FC 24, marking a significant moment for fans of the franchise.

EA Sports has been dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition from FIFA to EA FC, offering players an enthralling gaming experience. Despite some initiatives not resonating perfectly with fans, EA Sports has consistently engaged the community with a steady stream of Ultimate Team content.

Among the recent exciting updates is the inclusion of a beloved figure. For the first time, a legendary striker, once a fan favorite in the FIFA Ultimate Team era, has been added to the FC 24 database.

The anticipation surrounds none other than former Barcelona and Liverpool star, Luis Suarez, who is set to receive his EA FC 24 item. Suarez had been notably absent from EA FC 24 since its release. Despite being an active player, Suarez couldn’t be added earlier due to his stint in the Brazilian Serie A, falling outside EA’s licensing jurisdiction.

However, with Suarez’s move to Inter Miami from Gremio, the Uruguayan striker, also the national team captain, reunites with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.

As Inter Miami competes in the Major League Soccer, a league licensed by EA Sports, Suarez’s inclusion in EA FC 24 is now possible without legal constraints.

Suarez’s presence in FIFA 23 was short-lived after his move to Brazil, but with his recent transfer to Miami, his exile from EA Sports games concludes.

Throughout his career, Suarez has been among FIFA’s highest-rated players, reaching a peak OVR rating of 92 in FIFA 17. Even before that, he was a sought-after player in FIFA Ultimate and Career Mode.

While Suarez’s current rating remains at 84, without an official face card yet, it’s expected to change once his face scan is completed.

However, Suarez isn’t the only notable player absent from EA FC 24. Other renowned players who are missing include:

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: The Swedish football icon, who recently retired due to recurring knee problems, hasn’t received an FC 24 item.

Gianluigi Buffon: Regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers, Buffon ended his illustrious career without an FC 24 item, leaving Career Mode players bereft of his talents.

Andres Iniesta: Despite still playing professional football, Iniesta’s absence in EA FC 24 is due to his participation in the UAE league, not licensed by EA Sports.

Mesut Ozil: The retirement of the German playmaker, once considered among the best, precluded him from an FC 24 item after terminating his Istanbul Basaksehir contract.

Gareth Bale: While Bale received recognition in FIFA 23 with an End of an Era SBC, he currently lacks an FC 24 item. However, there’s speculation that he might return as an Icon or Hero in the future.

In addition to his football musings, The Old One, when not lamenting his teammates in Dota 2 and CS2, dedicates his time to writing about these games and more. Despite attempts at intervention, his prolific writing persists, leaving his name ubiquitous across the site.

Former Premier League striker Robin van Persie has shed light on his departure from Arsenal to join rivals Manchester United, a move that left his legacy at the Emirates tarnished.

Van Persie’s transition from the Gunners to Old Trafford in 2012 marked a significant shift in his career trajectory after spending eight fruitful years at Arsenal, during which he also captained the team.

His transfer to Manchester United, reportedly for £24 million, immediately proved fruitful as he made a remarkable impact, tallying 30 goals and 15 assists in 48 appearances during the 2012-13 season.

Clinching the Premier League Golden Boot with 26 goals in 38 matches and contributing 15 assists, Van Persie played a pivotal role in United’s league triumph, securing the title with a comfortable nine-point lead.

Reflecting on his decision to depart Arsenal for Manchester United, Van Persie revealed that Arsenal did not extend a new contract offer to him, which ultimately influenced his move.

Speaking on The High-Performance Podcast, he asserted that despite several discussions, Arsenal’s refusal to offer him a new deal signaled a divergence in their visions for the club.

Van Persie elaborated on his dissatisfaction with Arsenal’s direction, highlighting seven areas for improvement, but Arsenal’s chief executive Ivan Gazidis disagreed with all his points. Nonetheless, Van Persie expressed contentment with his move to Manchester United, emphasizing that he intended to contribute positively to Arsenal’s progress.

With hindsight, Van Persie accepted the outcome, recognizing the realities of decision-making in top-tier clubs. His tenure at Manchester United yielded fruitful results, including a league title, solidifying his satisfaction with the direction his career took post-Arsenal.

Van Persie’s contributions to both Arsenal and Manchester United left an indelible mark, garnering accolades and trophies at both esteemed clubs.

A commentator from MUTV has garnered attention online after delivering a cat-related quip aimed at Kurt Zouma during Manchester United’s 3-0 triumph over West Ham United on Sunday (February 4).

The Red Devils secured a convincing victory with goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho (2), showcasing an impressive performance under Erik ten Hag’s leadership that posed significant challenges for West Ham’s defense.

During the first half of the game, an incident occurred where Zouma inadvertently collided with Hammers goalkeeper Alphonso Areola, leaving the French shot-stopper temporarily incapacitated. Consequently, Areola was substituted by Lukasz Fabianski at halftime.

Seizing the moment, the MUTV commentator playfully poked fun at Zouma’s physicality with a lighthearted remark. He quipped (via GOAL):

“He can be physical, Kurt Zouma, just ask his cat!” This reference harked back to a 2022 incident where a video surfaced showing Zouma mistreating his pet cat alongside his brother Yoan.

Zouma pleaded guilty to two counts under the Animal Welfare Act and faced repercussions, including a fine of two weeks’ wages (£250,000) and 180 hours of community service.

Expressing regret for his actions, Zouma issued an apology, acknowledging the severity of the situation. He stated (via The Guardian):

“I have done something very bad, and I apologize again for what I’ve done. I know it was very tough for people to watch and to see that and obviously, I feel very, very sorry.”

Following complaints from concerned individuals, Zouma’s cats were rescued by the RSPCA. Despite the controversy, Zouma continued to feature for West Ham.

Ten Liverpool players face a ban from touching the revered ‘This is Anfield’ sign, a directive imposed by manager Jürgen Klopp.

Anfield Stadium holds a special place in football lore, celebrated for its rich history and the electric atmosphere fostered by Liverpool’s devoted fan base.

While the public may not witness it, an iconic ritual takes place behind the scenes. The ‘This is Anfield’ sign, positioned at the tunnel’s exit, serves as the last sight for players before stepping onto the pitch.

It’s a tradition for Liverpool stars to touch the sign, a custom dating back to its installation by legendary manager Bill Shankly 50 years ago. Shankly famously remarked, “It’s there to remind our lads who they’re playing for and to remind the opposition who they’re playing against!”

However, Jurgen Klopp halted this tradition in 2016, early in his tenure as Liverpool manager, stating, “I’ve told my players not to touch the ‘This Is Anfield’ sign until they win something! It’s a sign of respect. I touched it when I was manager of Borussia Dortmund, but we lost 4-0.”

Liverpool’s trophy drought since their 2022 FA Cup victory over Chelsea has left ten players in Klopp’s squad ineligible to partake in the pre-game ritual.

Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo, Stefan Bajcetic, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, Ben Doak, Jarell Quansah, and Conor Bradley are all prohibited from touching the famed sign.

These players either joined the club after the last trophy win or rose through the academy ranks during the dry spell. Their ban will stand until Liverpool’s upcoming Carabao Cup final clash against Chelsea on February 25, offering them the opportunity to end the prohibition and perhaps usher in a new era of triumph at Anfield.

Liverpool are reportedly making plans for the post-Mohamed Salah era by eyeing a former Chelsea target as his potential replacement. Multiple reports suggest that the Reds are considering a move for Juventus’ Federico Chiesa in the upcoming transfer window.

With Jürgen Klopp’s impending departure set to mark a new chapter at Anfield, significant changes are anticipated in the summer. Additionally, rumors surrounding the future of Liverpool’s talisman, Mohamed Salah, particularly regarding interest from the Middle East, have prompted the club to explore alternatives.

Should Salah depart, Liverpool view Federico Chiesa as an ideal candidate to fill his shoes. According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Merseyside club is closely monitoring Chiesa’s situation at Juventus, where he is currently embroiled in salary negotiation issues.

At 26 years old, Chiesa’s contract with Juventus is set to expire in 2025. However, ongoing salary disputes could potentially lower his price tag if a contract extension isn’t reached.

Chiesa was previously linked with a move to Chelsea, with reports suggesting the Blues were highly interested in acquiring his services. However, no deal materialized last summer, and rumors surrounding Chelsea’s pursuit of Chiesa have since subsided.

Since joining Juventus from Fiorentina in 2020, the Italian international has showcased his abilities with 28 goals and 22 assists in 113 appearances. Despite his on-field prowess, Chiesa’s injury record, which has seen him miss over 60 games for Juventus, may give potential suitors pause for thought.

Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, who has recently attracted interest from AC Milan as well.

At just 20 years old, Sesko has established himself as a key player for Marco Rose’s team since his move from Red Bull Salzburg for nearly £21 million last summer. With nine goals in 1,019 minutes of play spread across 26 matches in all competitions for Leipzig, Sesko has proven his worth on the pitch.

Now, according to reports from Italian news website MilanLive.it, Chelsea have entered the race to secure the signature of the 25-cap Slovenia international. They are expected to face strong competition from Milan as they both look ahead to the upcoming season.

Despite Chelsea having spent approximately £1 billion in the last four transfer windows, they reportedly see Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as their primary target. However, given Osimhen’s hefty release clause of £111 million, Chelsea are turning their attention to the £43 million-rated Sesko.

Sesko, who could provide healthy competition to Nicolas Jackson in Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 system, would likely receive ample playing time should he join the club. Currently positioned 11th in the Premier League table with 31 points from 23 matches, Chelsea could benefit from Sesko’s contributions on the field.

Prior to his time at Leipzig, Sesko gained recognition during his tenure in Austria, where he showcased his talent with a total of 51 goals and 17 assists in 123 matches across all competitions for Salzburg and Liefering, despite starting in only 72 of those matches.

Manchester City is said to have reached an agreement with Girona to secure the signing of Savio after the season. Renowned transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has indicated that the young Brazilian is committed to finishing the season strongly with Girona.

According to Romano, despite interest from other English and German clubs, Girona has settled on a deal with City for the player. It’s worth noting that the City Football Group holds full ownership of Manchester City and holds a 47% stake (majority ownership) in Girona.

Romano further stated that the necessary paperwork will be finalized in the coming days, paving the way for the versatile attacker to join Pep Guardiola’s squad in the summer. Forbes has reported that Barcelona had also shown interest in the 19-year-old Brazilian.

Savio was initially acquired by the City Football Group from Atletico Mineiro in the summer of 2022. He was initially assigned to Troyes, another club under the CFG umbrella.

Reports suggest that Troyes continues to be the primary club for Savio, with Girona serving as a loan destination for the player. Nonetheless, the ownership of Savio’s football services appears to lie with the CFG.

Regarding his performances on the field, Savio has contributed seven goals and as many assists in 27 appearances for Girona this season. He exhibits versatility by being capable of playing on either wing and also operating as a No. 10.

Despite their summer spending spree, Chelsea is eager to bolster its squad with another high-profile addition, as Manchester City and Real Madrid show interest. According to various reports, the Blues have set their sights on Al-Ahli’s Gabri Veiga and may soon make an offer for the young talent.

This season has been one of the most challenging for Chelsea in recent memory, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side currently sitting in 11th place in the league table. Without European competition, Chelsea’s chances of claiming silverware this season rest solely on the FA Cup and the EFL Cup.

In a bid to reinforce their team further, Chelsea are reportedly targeting 21-year-old Gabri Veiga for a summer move. Fichajes.net, a reputable media outlet, suggests that Chelsea is leading the race to secure Veiga’s signature despite competition from Manchester City and Real Madrid.

The report also indicates that Chelsea has already begun preparing an initial offer of €40m to expedite the transfer process.

Last summer, several European clubs had their eyes on the Spanish wonderkid, with Napoli initially considered the frontrunner for his signature. However, Veiga surprised many by opting to join Al-Ahli in the Middle East for a fee of €30m.

Since his move, Veiga has struggled to live up to his considerable potential, failing to replicate the form that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after prospects. As of now, Veiga has amassed four goals and as many assists in 18 appearances for Al-Ahli across all competitions.