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Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Adebayor advised Thomas Partey to join Mikel Arteta’s team after he was contacted by Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Manchester United.

Partey left Atletico Madrid last month to sign a long-term contract with the Gunners after his £45 million release clause was paid.

Before deciding on his next adventure, the Black Stars midfielder sought the advice of the Togo legend who played for Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Adebayor spent three years in North London before leaving for Manchester in 2009 and he described the Gunners as a family Partey will benefit from.

"He told me that some clubs in England namely Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and others have shown interest in him and he needs advice,” Adebayor said at an event in Ghana over the weekend, as seen on Youtube.

"I advised him to go to Arsenal because I have had the opportunity to play there and I think it will be good for his development.

"Arsenal is more than a club, it is a family and I’m impressed with his performances so far in the Premier League.”

Partey has made a promising start to life in England with commanding displays in the middle of the park after four appearances in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old was forced to withdraw from Ghana’s double-header Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Sudan after he suffered a thigh strain in the Gunners’ 3-0 loss to Aston Villa a fortnight ago.

Hakim Ziyech is a winger who “makes things happen” and one that boasts the “vision” to turn Chelsea back into Premier League title contenders, claims Cesc Fabregas.

The Blues are starting to reap the rewards of investing heavily over the summer as, after two windows of very little movement at Stamford Bridge, Frank Lampard saw the purse strings loosened once again.

He has bolstered his ranks from back to front, with some of the most sought-after talent in European football welcomed onto the books in west London.

Ziyech, who had been catching the eye at Eredivisie giants Ajax, falls into that category, with the 27-year-old proving to be one of the continent’s most productive creative talents.

Those qualities are now on full display at Chelsea, with the Morocco international making an immediate impact in England after shaking off an early knock.

Fabregas believes that Ziyech, along with fellow new boy Timo Werner, could fire the Blues into a race for the most prestigious of domestic prizes.

A man who took in two title triumphs during his time with Chelsea told 90min of Ziyech: “He's a very good player. He has this vision that you need in a top team like Chelsea, who want to win and be champions.

“You could see that they were lacking ideas last season and maybe at the beginning of this season, but with Ziyech, you can see that he has this last pass.

“It's not only that he sees it, it's that he makes it right, at the right time. That's the decision-making that we talk about nowadays.

“Why are coaches so tactical? Because they see the decision making of the players is not that good, so they always need to teach them what to do.

“Before, I believe that coaches were not as on top of the players as they are now, they felt that maybe there was not as much need because the players already saw it themselves, but I believe that Ziyech is one of these players.

“He makes things happen, things that the defenders don't expect. They don't expect the pass, you catch them sleeping and you have someone like Timo Werner making great runs in behind.

“I think this is where Chelsea could be so powerful this year.”

Ziyech has been earning plenty of plaudits of late and already boasts two goals and three assists through seven appearances for Chelsea in all competitions.

Former Gor Mahia defender Shafiq Batambuze could be set for a Ugandan Premier League return as he is training with Busoga United.

Batambuze was among the players released by the Football Kenya Federation Premier League side ahead of the 2020/21 season and is now training with the Ugandan outfit although he maintains no deal has been signed so far.

The former Tusker full-back said his sessions with the Busoga club is meant to keep him fit after being out of action for a considerable period due to an injury.

“I am training with Busoga United as I try to stay fit,” Batambuze told Sports Nation.

“However, I have not signed with them, I am a free agent and open to any deal at the moment.”

The Ugandan was injured during a Caf Champions League preliminary round fixture against then Burundi champions Aigle Noir one year ago.

The injury came at a time Gor Mahia were facing a tough financial period as they participated in both the Caf competitions and the domestic tournaments without a sponsor.

The prolonged lack of proper treatment saw the star publicly plead for assistance as the injury threatened his career.

Batambuze is among the players who left Gor Mahia during the recently closed transfer window alongside Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka FC), Joash Onyango (Simba SC, Tanzania), Wellington Ochieng (Tusker FC), Elvis Ronack (Nzoia Sugar FC), Kennedy Otieno (Western Stima FC), Boniface Omondi (Wazito FC), and David Mapigano (Azam FC, Tanzania).

Apart from wide experience at club level, he was part of the Uganda national team that took part in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Gabon

The full-back started his career at Simba FC – now Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF FC) – before he signed for Muhoroni FC which was his first Kenyan club in 2011.

After a stint with Muhoroni, he was signed by Uganda’s giants Sports Club Villa but returned to Kenya in 2013 to play for Western Stima.

He served Sofapaka on loan before he was signed by Tusker where he made his name. After good moments with the Brewers, the Ugandan signed for league giants Gor Mahia where he picked up an injury that derailed what had started as a good journey in K’Ogalo’s shirt.

If Batambuze will sign with Busoga United, he would be the latest Uganda international to return home after Denis Iguma, Tony Mawejje, Juma Balinya and Murushid Juuko.

Olivier Giroud has been given a warning over his lack of playing time at Chelsea by France head coach Didier Deschamps.

Giroud picked up his 103rd cap for France during a friendly clash against Finland last week, but failed to add to his tally of 42 international goals as Deschamps' men suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat.

The Chelsea forward was subsequently replaced in the starting XI by Manchester United star Anthony Martial for a UEFA Nations' League meeting with Portugal on Saturday, which ended in a 1-0 win for Les Bleus.

N'Golo Kante grabbed the all-important winner in Lisbon as France booked their place in next year's finals, but might have wrapped up a more comfortable victory had Martial not seen a series of chances kept out by Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

However, Deschamps admitted post-match that he favours Martial ahead of Giroud at the moment due to the fact he remains a regular a club level, with increased competition for places at Stamford Bridge keeping an experienced figure on the sidelines.

The 52-year-old manager seemed to suggest that Giroud, who has only featured in three Premier League games for Chelsea this season, may have to seek a transfer in the new year to boost his chances of selection at international level after seeing his side pick up a crucial victory.

"I make the choices that seem best to me for the France team," Deschamps told a press conference when asked about picking Martial ahead of Giroud. 

"With Anthony, who is a good player, it allows us to have a little more depth. Compared to Olivier, he has to be impacted, first of all with the situation he has at his club, knowing that he has a large frame and that he needs rhythm, it’s hard.

"That’s not why I want to lose him, it’s complicated, we’ll talk, but obviously he has every interest in it not lasting, for him, to remain competitive, but we must not forget what he did with us and what he is still able to do.

"Anthony has a different profile but one that gives options. Anthony, today, is more fulfilled and in better physical and psychological conditions, obviously."

Paris Saint Germain centre-back Abdou Diallo is ready to play for Senegal as he awaits an invitation to the Teranga Lions set-up or the France senior team.

The 24-year-old born in Tours is of Senegalese descent, and he is still eligible to play for the African nation despite featuring across all levels of the French youth team.

A few years back, Diallo captained the France U21 squad but he is yet to be invited to Didier Deschamps' team which has made him consider switching his international allegiance to Senegal.

"Playing for a national team always represents something, I am Franco-Senegalese," Diallo told Europe 1 Sport. "I know this will be a result of my performance at the club. I take it step by step, I focus on doing the best I can at the club, and the rest will follow and I would welcome it with great pleasure.

"Today, yes, I can opt for France or for Senegal. But today, I was not chosen."

After a 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau on Sunday, Senegal secured their qualification for 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon which the 24-year-old would aspire to feature in.

Diallo has played in eight Ligue 1 matches this season and he faces competition from Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe and Thilo Kehrer for regular playing time in PSG’s defence.

After overcoming his recent struggle with injuries, the former Monaco and Borussia Dortmund defender reiterated his intention to fight for his place.

"Any player would like to be an indisputable player, even if in football this word does not make sense because in a month, in a match, everything can change," he added.

"I'm coming back from injury. I can't snap my fingers and become a starter overnight. It's okay, I accept it.

"But besides that, I work hard in training, I prove every day that the coach can trust me, and can count on me."

Posta Rangers head coach Sammy Omollo has stated his team is ready for the Football Kenya Federation Premier League despite going down by a solitary goal to Gor Mahia in a pre-season friendly game. 

The lone goal was scored by former Ulinzi Stars man Samuel Onyango from the penalty spot after Salim Hamisi was punished for handling the ball in the danger zone. It turned out to be the only goal in the game as chances went begging for either side.

"It was unfortunate for us to concede considering the fact that we started on a low," Omollo told Goal on Monday.

"I played two different teams in either half, and I was impressed with the display by the players. It is a good sign that my players are ready for the start of the season and also ready to give us positive results. But where was the problem against K'ogalo?

"Defensively we looked solid, same as the midfield department despite some minor mistakes," Omollo continued.

"However, we had a real problem in the attacking department because we had numerous chances that we failed to take. On another day we could have won the game.

"So as the technical bench, we will have to work on that and rectify them before our first league match."

The former Harambee Stars defender had initially stated he is happy with the progress his charges are making ahead of the FKF-PL season.

The Mailmen have been doing their best to be in the right shape ahead of the 2020/21 campaign proposed to start on November 20.

The 51-year-old is optimistic the team will be ready to play Bidco United in their season opener if the players continue training as they are doing currently.

"The signs are really encouraging because players are hungry to play and are giving everything in training to ensure they are ready for the forthcoming campaign," Omollo told Goal on Sunday.

"Every player has an equal chance of breaking into the first 11 and I love the competition I am seeing. The competition is stiff and every player is progressing well.

"I am confident the team [is] ready for the beginning of the league."

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has shared the unpleasant welcome given to the Gabon national team ahead of their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gambia.

Patrice Neveu's men are scheduled to play the West African country in Bakau on Monday and they arrived at the Banjul International Airport late on Sunday night.

Upon arrival, the Panthers were delayed at the airport with reports indicating their passports were seized despite providing their coronavirus results to the immigration officers for checks.

Around 4 am on Monday, Gabon were still at the airport and Aubameyang did not hesitate to share the distasteful reception given to them with players and some coaching crew sleeping on the floor.

They finally left Banjul airport almost an hour after the Arsenal captain shared the pictures of their situation.

Aubameyang, in his reaction, has called on the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to take up its responsibility when it comes to continental games and he also noted that the reception will not lower the Panthers' morale ahead of Monday's match.

“This will not demotivate us but people need to know and especially that Caf takes these responsibilities. In 2020, we want Africa to grow and this is not how we're going to get there!!," Aubameyang tweeted.

Three days ago, Gabon defeated Gambia 2-1 in their Group D outing, thanks to goals from Denis Bouanga and Aubameyang. They sit at the top of their group with seven points after three matches while Gambia are second with four points.

The Panthers are on course to return to Afcon after missing the 2019 edition in Egypt.

Garba Lawal has urged the Nigerian national team to do all it takes to secure victory against Sierra Leone irrespective of the margin of the triumph.

The Super Eagles will square off against the Leone Stars in their fourth Group L Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game in Freetown on Tuesday.

The three-time African champions squandered a four-goal lead in Benin City to play out a draw against the Leone Stars at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Friday.

Fans took to social media to react angrily to the disappointing draw with the team’s captain Ahmed Musa apologizing for his side’s unimpressive showings.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has set a target of a 4-0 win for Gernot Rohr’s men in Freetown and Lawal has revealed the expectation of the fans ahead of the crucial game.

“We are expecting them to go to Sierra Leone on Tuesday and beat them even if it is 1-0 we don’t care, what matters is the three points,” Lawal told Goal.

“They must correct those errors in their last game. They must get it right when they go to Sierra Leone by winning the game.

“Nigeria’s expectations are very high because they have beaten Brazil in the past and they know they have the players that can deliver. That is the mentality of our people.

“If you think Sierra Leone are a weaker team then you are making a big mistake. It is not finished until the end of 90 minutes.

“The players know what is at stake and they know what they did in Benin City was not right. And I know the players will want to go to Sierra Leone and win.”

The Super Eagles lead Group L with seven points from four games and a victory against Sierra Leone on Tuesday could be enough to see them qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Nigeria won their eighth bronze medal in the last edition of the continental tournament in Egypt, with Algeria clinching gold and Senegal the silver medal.

Lawal was a consistent performer for the Super Eagles during his playing years, featuring at the 1998 and 2002 World Cup tournaments.

The winger, who had 57 caps, was also part of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations team at the 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006 editions.

England manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed that he had coronavirus last month after being criticised by Piers Morgan.

Reports emerged prior to Sunday's 2-0 Nations League loss to Belgium that Southgate had tested positive for Covid-19.

Good Morning Britain host and journalist Piers Morgan reacted angrily to the news having come into contact with the 50-year-old in October, as he posted the following message on Twitter : "Hmmmm... England manager Gareth Southgate reportedly tested positive for Covid-19 on Oct 25.

"I was chatting with him on Oct 22 at ⁦GQ Heroes event, with the magazine’s editors.

"He didn’t tell any of us he tested positive 3 days later. If dates are correct, that’s disgraceful."

After England's hopes of reaching the Nations League Finals were ended by Group A2 leaders Belgium, Southgate revealed the positive coronavirus test.

"I did have the virus," Southgate told reporters. "I was fortunate it was not as serious as so many people in our country but not pleasant, not something you'd choose to have but everything is fine now."

Southgate's England needed at least a draw to ensure their chances of topping Group A2 remained alive going into their final game against Iceland.

However, first-half goals from Youri Tielemans and Dries Mertens put Belgium on track for a win that leaves them needing just a point in their final group game against Denmark to reach the Finals.

It was England's 10th defeat in 48 matches under Southgate – making him the first manager to lose 10 games with the Three Lions since Sven-Goran Eriksson, who lost 10 of his 67 fixtures in charge.

England also suffered back-to-back competitive international losses for the first time since tasting three consecutive defeats between July and September 2018.

The Three Lions, who reached the inaugural Nations League finals last year only to lose to the Netherlands at the last-four stage, will have to beat Iceland and hope that Denmark lose heavily to Belgium in order to secure second place in their group, with their final fixture set to take place at Wembley on Wednesday.

We at Goal.com have teamed up with the gaming series FIFA 21 to identify the top 11 players existing in the game today.

Join us in the poll sponsored by FIFA 21 and vote for your favorite defensive midfielder below but before that here is a quick snippet on some of the players:

N'Golo Kanté:  A player that is as electric as it gets. His ability to cover the ground, moving constantly day-in and day-out has earned numerous applauses from colleagues and opponents alike. A lower center of gravity often gives him the upper hand during battles in the center of the pitch. Overall FIFA 21 rating: 88

Fabinho: Apart from his ability to look up the field and pass a ball through, he is known for his defensive involvement. Fabinho’s key strengths include tackling, winning aerial duels, playing key passes, and his strong concentration on and off the ball. This is why he has been so vital to Liverpool this season. Overall FIFA 21 rating: 87

Joshua Kimmich: Kimmich is robust, technically astute, determined, smart and hard working, with no obvious flaws in any part of his game. Able to control the tempo of matches, dig his heels in and defend when required, but also provide the eye-of-the-needle pass forward that starts (or finishes) an attack. Overall FIFA 21 rating: 88

Jordan Henderson: His influence and ability to lead others has just grown and grown over the past couple of seasons, and so has his quality on the ball. Henderson's reliability is one of the things that makes him stand out - he is an extremely consistent performer. His athleticism is a big reason for that. It allows him to maintain his levels for the full 90 minutes.  Overall FIFA 21 rating: 86

Carlos Henrique Casimiro:  The Brazilian's positioning and distribution continues to improve at a faster speed. His approach to the game is characterized by these three words - structural, organizational and technical. Overall FIFA 21 rating: 89

Selangor have finally officially announced their new head coach; 52-year old Karsten Neitzel, on Monday, November 16.

Unofficial sources had last week revealed his presence in Malaysia, with Goal on Sunday revealing that he would be unveiled by the club on the following day.

The Dresden, East Germany-born trainer has had experience coaching at Freiburg, Urawa Reds, VfL Bochum as well as Rot-Weiss Essen.

Club technical director and compatriot Michael Feichtenbeiner explained why he picked Neitzel to lead the Red Giants first team.

“I know him well because he used to play under me. He was a very good midfielder and played on my team in the second division, before playing in the Bundesliga later. He was a very powerful player.

“...It’s important for our project to produce our own players to play in the Super League. So, we need a head coach who is open to use young players. Sometimes, it’s not easy to play young boys because they tend to make mistakes, but Neitzel is a brave coach. If he sees some qualities and abilities in the young boys, he will give them a chance.

“We want to build the best team in Malaysia, and we need to do it in our very own way to do that. We may not be able to attract the best individual players to play for Selangor, but we can try building the best team via our gameplay and development program,” he explained in an interview produced by the club.

Neitzel himself thinks highly of the younger players of the club, mainly those playing for their reserve team in the Premier League.

“I’ve seen some games from the second team. They have good potential. For example Aliff [Haiqal], Zikri [Khalili], Afro (Shahrul Nazeem), and Danial [Asri] the striker. They are good players, but I don’t want to put them under too much pressure. I will support all the young players as much as their seniors.”

Zikri Khalili. Photo by Sports Regime

He however wants the fans to afford him time to produce results for the club.

“Like the fans, I’m also hungry for success. I want to win every game every weekend with my team, my staff, and the supporters. But we need to do it step by step. We need to improve the way we play, we need to improve small things because small things can make a big difference.

“The fans have to know what we are doing and need to understand our idea. They must have a feeling that we know they are always behind us and I think a good relationship between the team, the club, and the supporters.”

Edinson Cavani is "going to be more important for Manchester United than people think", according to Gus Poyet, who has backed the "passionate" Uruguayan to shine at Old Trafford.

United snapped Cavani up on a free transfer on October 5, beating the likes of Atletico Madrid and Benfica to the signature of a man who had been without a club since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in June.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has used the 33-year-old sparingly during his first two months in Manchester, but the veteran forward is now pushing for his first Premier League start having built up his match fitness with a few impressive cameo appearances.

The Uruguay international came off the bench to net his first goal in the famous red shirt against Everton just before the international break, with his trademark finish rounding off a 3-1 victory in stoppage time.

Cavani notched his second in as many games during his country's 3-0 World Cup qualifying win against Colombia on Friday, and will hope to extend his recent hot streak when United play host to West Brom next weekend.

Poyet thinks his compatriot will end up enjoying a prominent role in Solskjaer's squad, with it his belief that the ex-PSG star is the perfect fit for English football.

“I think he is going to be more important for Manchester United than people think,” the ex-Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder told The Daily Mail.

“Look at the last game at Everton. The result was in the balance, he came off the bench, one chance and bang.

“English football is perfect for Uruguayans because we are passionate.

"Once we sign a contract, we forget about it because the only thing that matters next is winning. English fans love that.”

Poyet, who won 26 caps for Uruguay over the course of his career, says Cavani's contribution will increase as he gets more used to United's preferred style of play.

“He makes an incredible amount of runs,” the 52-year-old added. "Maybe he makes an unbelievable run and the ball isn’t played.

"The fitter he gets, the more he understands United’s play, the more he will play.”