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Mesut Ozil has picked his side in the celebration spat that has been sparked between Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Toni Kroos, with the Arsenal outcast favouring his current club colleague.

A surprising war of words has broken out between the Gabonese frontman and the German playmaker. Real Madrid star Kroos, who spent several years on the books at Bayern Munich before heading to Spain, has criticised players who indulge in elaborate celebrations.

He told the Einfach mal Luppen podcast: “I find it (choreographed celebrations) very silly. Even worse is if there are any objects hidden in their socks. Aubameyang once celebrated and took out a mask. That's where it ends with me. I don't think that's a good role model, either. What nonsense.”

Former Borussia Dortmund star Aubameyang has broken out Spider-man and Black Panther celebrations in the past after hitting the back of the net.

He sees no reason why his actions should be questioned and has bitten back at Kroos by saying on social media: “By the way - does this Toni Kroos have kids? Just remember, I did it for my son a few times and I will do it again. I wish you have kids one day and make them happy like this junior school pupil. And don’t forget #maskon #staysafe.”

Ozil has now joined the debate and made it clear that his allegiances lie with a man he works alongside at Emirates Stadium.

He posted a video of Aubameyang on Twitter in Black Panther mode with the message: “The best goal celebration.”

Ozil currently finds himself frozen out at Arsenal, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta omitting him from their Europa League and Premier League squads.

The 32-year-old has split loyalties when it comes to a celebration dispute, with the former Germany international having savoured World Cup glory alongside Kroos in 2014.

It remains to be seen whether Aubameyang will take his argument up a notch when Arsenal return to Premier League action after the international break, with the 31-year-old in need of a goal spark that will allow him to break out more hidden masks in the future.

Scottish left back Andrew Robertson was voted as the best player in the world in his position, beating out like minded compatriots becoming the fifth player to cement his position in the Goal's Top eleven powered by FIFA 21 as we attempt to identify who you think are the best footballers around the world.

Robertson led the table with 37% of the votes (+6500) beating out the only close competitior Davies who ended up with 36% of the votes (+6300) followed by Ferland Mendy, Sergio Reguilon and Jordi Alba ending up with 2100, 1450 and 1269 votes respectively. 

Stay tuned to this space as we ask for your help to identify the best defensive midfielder in the world.

Victor Lindelof admits to having “struggled through matches” at Manchester United this season, with the Swedish defender nursing a back complaint.

Niggling knocks are a way of life for professional footballers, with it rare for elite sportspeople to feel 100 per cent given the demands placed on their bodies.

Lindelof concedes that he has been feeling the strain in 2020-21, with the 26-year-old having to play through pain.

He has taken in 12 appearances for club and country in the current campaign, with nine of those coming for United, and is still searching for consistency.

Questions have been asked of his form and fitness, with Lindelof revealing that he has found it difficult at times to drag himself through Premier League outings.

He told Fotbollskanalen: “The back feels okay. I’ve been having problems for a few weeks. I’ve struggled through the matches there’s been.

“It’s nice that I got a few days off now where there has only been treatment and I really tried to rest.”

Lindelof has been able to take in a much-needed rest after being blocked from linking up with the Sweden squad for the first of their fixtures during the November international break.

With the United Kingdom imposing travel bans on those moving in and out of Denmark, amid coronavirus concerns in the Scandinavian nation, Lindelof was prevented from taking part in a friendly staged in Copenhagen.

He has, however, been cleared to figure in UEFA Nations League clashes with Croatia and France.

It remains to be seen how much game time he will see in those fixtures, given his fitness concerns, but the United centre-half says he is ready if required.

Lindelof added: “It [my back] felt good in training. Hopefully there should be no problems.

“If they want me to play, I will try to play and see how it feels. Then after that we will see how the back will be.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be hoping that no unnecessary risks are taken by Sweden on one of his players, with United set to return to Premier League action on November 21 with a home date against West Brom.

2016 should have been a seminal point in Ahmed Musa’s career, rather it probably marks the point where he plateaued and ultimately declined.

The wide attacker joined then-Premier League champions Leicester City in a deal that looked good on paper: The Foxes were getting a vivacious forward with an eye for goal. Claudio Ranieri’s defending champions were signing an attacker with European experience for their maiden sojourn on the continent.

It looked good, theoretically, especially as the versatile forward was only 23 at the time and was moving to a club that largely suited his profile and a league in which his qualities could shine through. A friendly encounter with Barcelona — in which the arrival from CSKA netted twice — offered promise but that pre-season game proved to be the forward’s highest point at the club.

Musa’s lack of contribution at the East Midlands outfit led to a return to Moscow temporarily before he headed to Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr. However, after a two-year stay in Riyadh, the club called time on the forward’s spell at the club in October, leaving him without a club.

Indeed, it’s a comedown for the previously capable wide attacker whose pace and prowess in the final third offered his teams an attacking weapon. Now, at just 28, he finds himself unattached when he should be in his prime years.

Per Fanatik, Turkish giants Galatasaray are said to be interested in the Nigerian’s signature, but a potential move to Turkey puts his Super Eagles future in jeopardy...unless, of course, Gernot Rohr’s partisanship comes to the fore for the umpteenth time.

The German tactician’s attitude to the Super Lig has been evident in his time at the helm, with Henry Onyekuru and, recently, Anthony Nwakaeme not getting a look-in despite their noteworthy forms for Galatasaray and Trabzonspor respectively in the last two years or so.

Of course, there will be arguments presented by people who disapprove of this claim that the 67-year-old boss trusted Super Lig players like Ogenyi Onazi and Shehu Abdullahi at various points in the last few years, while Oghenekaro Etebo remains part of the team despite temporary switch to Gala. 

Still, it only strengthens the case for supporters who disapprove of the manager's double-standards.

While Onyekuru former has failed to kick on since returning to Monaco, Nwakaeme still finds himself out of the international picture despite remaining a key man under Eddie Newton.

The loss of Alexander Sorloth has meant Black Sea Storm have lost a significant part of their attack but the 31-year-old's influence has largely remained, although, it has to be said that the inside forward can’t lead a one-man carry job in Trabzon.

Be that as it may, it is a slap on the face of players like Nwakaeme that Rohr still picks Musa over them despite his apparent decline in recent years and move to a less popular league.

Surely, the Saudi Professional League isn’t superior to the Super Lig, unless the experienced tactician knows something many observers aren’t privy to.

The emergence of players like Chidera Ejuke also means Musa has to earn his call-ups and not simply rely on being captain of the side or previous high points in the national team.

October’s international friendlies present a pretty good example of why supporters are exasperated by Rohr. Despite the inclusion of Cyriel Dessers and Ejuke in the squad, the pair played a combined 38 minutes against Tunisia having missed out completely vs Algeria days earlier.

Musa, by contrast, came on for the final 15 minutes against the African champions before getting another 72 minutes of game time in the 1-1 draw vs the Carthage Eagles.

Dessers’ lack of goals for new side Genk has now seen the former Heracles striker dropped from the national team, whereas the 28-year-old retains his place for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers despite not playing in any capacity.

The apparent favouritism has been one of the few misgivings fans of the Super Eagles have had over the years, but Rohr’s closed-minded disposition irrespective of a player’s good form or otherwise has been particularly disappointing.

Of course, Musa has served the Super Eagles well — with World Cup braces vs Argentina in 2014 and Iceland four years later in Russia the peak moments — however, his continued presence in the setup means players like Dessers and Ejuke can’t be empowered to thrive in the side.

Getting continued invites to the Nigeria team if the move to Turkey materialises would be the most blatant disregard for someone like Nwakaeme, who’s deserved a second chance for years after an underwhelming debut against Algeria in 2017.

This will lead to queries over Rohr’s unfair preference with many probably questioning the lack of consistency and double-standard of the German boss.

Uganda head coach Johnathan McKinstry has hinted he may deploy a different set of players in the second African Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Sudan in Nairobi.

After sweating to produce a 1-0 win on Thursday at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende, McKinstry has now revealed he may consider having new players against Bright Stars on November 16.

The need to have new players will be partly necessitated by injuries to Khalid Aucho and Ronald Mukiibi. Azam FC’s Nicholas Wadada is also expected to start at the expense of Southend United’s Elvis Bwomono, who debuted against South Sudan.

“We are likely to make changes in the second game because energy levels are important,” McKinstry told Sports Nation.

“You saw players had to leave everything on the field and so yes a number of new players are going to start the second game because we need fresh legs.

“We expect another tough encounter which is going to take another 90 minutes of intensity to get the results we want.

“Everyone knows the status of the group and our number one priority is to maintain our top position in the group after South Sudan games as we said.”

Uganda are now second in Group B after picking up a second win but McKinstry is not moved by the fact they are close to sealing an Afcon slot yet.

“We have taken our first step toward that which can put us in a great position though we cannot control what goes on from other places,” he concluded.

“So, it might be enough to confirm qualifications or not, but regardless of the overall outcomes we want to finish in the number one position.”

In a separate interview, the former Rwanda head coach had defended his players despite struggling to see off the northern neighbours.

“Because not every day your performance is 10 out of 10, but even if it’s below par a little bit, you need to find a way to win,” McKinstry said.

“I am really not going to criticise anyone for the work rate because I think all the players put a real shift in there and they stayed calm until the perfect moment happened and we won the game.”

South Sudan, who are yet to pick up a single point in the qualifiers, will host the Cranes at Nyayo Stadium.

Tanzania have confirmed they will miss three key players against Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.

The Taifa Stars arrived in Tunis on Thursday in readiness for the first meeting between the two sides this month that will be played at Stade Olympique de Rades.

However, news coming from the team’s camp have confirmed that three players – captain Mbwana Samatta, Thomas Ulimwengu, and Adam Adam – will not be available to face the North African giants.

While Ulimwengu and Adam failed to secure their travel documents in time and this missed the flight to link up with the team, Samatta has been ruled out owing to a knee injury.

“We can now confirm three players, Ulimwengu, Samatta, and Adam will not be available as we take on Tunisia,” a source in the team camp told Goal on Friday.

Meanwhile, striker Simon Msuva had promised a decent outing against Tunisia.

“We know how difficult the task is, playing away from home and also against a big African giant but one thing I can assure the fans is that we are ready to battle and get a favourable result,” Msuva said in a statement on Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) social media pages.

“We know Tunisia is a tough team while playing at home, they are not easy to handle but I feel we can push them, we want to get a good result and we want the fans to pray for us, we want them to rally behind us.”

Goalkeepers: Juma Kaseja (Kinondoni Municipal Council FC), Metacha Mnata (Young Africans SC), Aishi Manula (Simba SC), David Mapigano (Azam FC).

Defenders: Shomari Kapombe (Simba SC), Deus Kaseke (Young Africans SC), Mohamed Hussein (Simba SC), Brayson David (Kinondoni Municipal Council FC), Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans SC), Abdallah Kheri (Azam FC), Himid Mao (ENPPI SC), Erasto Nyoni (Simba SC).

Midfielders: Ditram Nchimbi (Young Africans SC), Ally Msengi (Stellenbosch FC), Feisal Salum (Young Africans SC), Farid Mussa (Young Africans SC), Mzamiru Yassin (Simba SC), Iddy Suleiman (Azam FC), Thomas Ulimwengu ( TP Mazembe), Saidi Hamisi (Simba SC).

Strikers: Mbwana Samatta (Fenerbahçe), Simon Msuva (Difaa El Jadida), John Bocco (Simba SC), Adam Adam (JKT Tanzania), Salum Abubakar (Azam FC).

Adil Rami is a World Cup-winning defender, but even he concedes that Lionel Messi cannot be stopped and that Cristiano Ronaldo is “a machine”.

The vastly-experienced centre-half, who is currently on the books at Portuguese side Boavista, has faced a couple of all-time greats on a regular basis down the years.

He spent two years in Spain with Sevilla between 2015 and 2017, allowing him to lock horns with Barcelona and Real Madrid when Messi and Ronaldo were at the peak of their powers.

Unsurprisingly, Rami admits to having found the going tough against two players who share 11 Ballons d’Or between them.

The former France international told RMC Sport on his experiences of trying to contain two attacking talents that are almost impossible to tie down: “Lionel Messi, on the pitch, we felt like we couldn't do anything. We can't defend, he always has the right pass. It's a gift.

“But the thing about Ronaldo that impresses me is the amount of work he puts in.

“The first time I saw him was when I left Frejus and arrived in Lille. They were playing in the Champions League at the time. I saw him and I was like 'this one is amazing!'

“Sometime later, I met him in La Liga ... a machine.

“After the match, I went to eat with the family and they asked me ‘so, Ronaldo?’. I told them I was shocked at how tough he is, not a gram of fat!

“The first few games, I was a little stressed. Unai Emery told me not to give him any space, to stay on my feet and to have cover because when he strikes, it is over.”

While Rami found it difficult to get close to Ronaldo whenever he lined up against the Portuguese superstar, he has struck up a surprising bond with the Juventus frontman and boasts a number of mementos to prove as much.

He added: “With all the Messi and Ronaldo shirts I have, I can buy myself a villa in Los Angeles!

“The first time, I went to see Ronaldo, he accepted. We played again, I asked him once again and he gives his shirt to me again... and, super respectful, he gets mine each time.

“Later, we play against Real and we win. I ask him for his jersey during the match, he laughs and asks me how many I have, but he accepts.

“At the end, I'm not going to ask him, I see that he comes back to the locker room super annoyed. Then he calls me, he comes towards me, takes off his jersey, waits for me to give him mine and wishes me good luck. High class.”

Ghana coach CK Akonnor admitted his team was not at its best despite securing a 2-0 triumph over Sudan in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Thursday.

Swansea City attacker Andre Ayew scored a goal in each half to ensure his side picked up all three points in the Group C matchweek three encounter at Cape Coast.

The victory has put leaders Ghana on the verge of registering a 23rd appearance at the continental showpiece.

“It wasn’t the best performance but I am very happy for what we have produced today," Akonnor said after the game, as reported by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Twitter.

"We kept a clean sheet and that’s the most important thing. We are expecting some players tonight who will join us for the return leg in Sudan.

“I feel good, I am grateful to the players for showing a lot of commitment. The preparation was a difficult situation but in the end we won and it feels good.

“As at yesterday before we had a full house. Putting the players together was not easy. As we said earlier, Covid-19 has made things extremely difficult but the win answers all the questions.

“There are a number of positives to pick from the game. A player like [Asante Kotoko's Christoper] Nettey played [for Ghana] for the first time and he did well. All he needs is another chance."

Ayew opened the scoring in the 19th minute, curling home a free-kick.

Nine minutes prior to full-time, the 30-year-old roared one more time, this time around driving towards the box from the right, beating two men and hitting a sweet shot beyond goalkeeper Ali Abdullah Abu-Eshrein.

It could have been a treble of goals for the captain had Senegalese referee Maguette N'Diaye not disallowed a header in first-half injury-time for a perceived foul on the Sudanese shot-stopper.

The match was Akonnor's first competitive game in charge of the Black Stars since replacing James Kwasi Appiah in January.

Last month, he supervised his first games in what ended in a 3-0 loss to Mali and a 5-1 victory over Asian champions and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar in friendly fixtures.

The coach's next assignment comes on Tuesday when Ghana face Sudan away on matchweek four of the qualifiers. 

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) is ready to probe Kei Kamara over his alleged defamation of the team’s hotel in Benin ahead of their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Nigeria on Friday.

The 36-year-old, on Thursday morning, took to social media to complain about the mattress and pillows in his room at Lushville Hotel and Suites, the team’s base.

Kamara stated that he found it difficult to sleep on the hard bed but the SLFA moved swiftly to condemn such claims and apologise to the hotel management.

Sierra Leone’s delegation, including government officials led by the Minister of Sports, Ibrahim Nyelenkeh and the SLFA President, Isha Johansen are also lodged in the hotel.

The SLFA statement read: “The Sierra Leone Football Association will open an investigation into a viral video posted by the Sierra Leone National Team striker Kei Kamara in which he is seen defaming a hospitality establishment at which the National Team Delegation including the Minister of Sports Ibrahim Nyelenkeh, the Executive Director of the National Sports Authority Dr. Kenneth Brima and the President of Sierra Leone Football Association Madam Isha Johansen are currently residing.

“The SLFA unreservedly apologises to the Management of Lushville Hotel and Suites in Benin City, Edo State, emphasising that the views expressed by Kei Kamara are his individual comments which are strongly condemned by the FA.”

Kamara, who just returned to the Leone Stars after retiring last November, summarised his conversation with the receptionist and shared the pictures of the pillow and the video around 5.30 on Thursday.

“I went to the front desk to talk to the lady about how I can’t sleep,” Kamara said in the video that has gone viral.

“She was so calm and said don’t worry, we will fix everything in the morning. I said I can’t sleep, I have been lying down for two to four hours and again she said, don’t worry, we will fix it in the morning.

“And why can’t I sleep? This bed, these pillows. My head can’t sink in this thing; my head can’t get in this pillow, so my neck hurts. My body can’t get comfortable because this is a box spring, not a mattress.

“I switch to one part, then switch to the other side and she says don’t worry, don’t worry, we will fix everything in the morning. I told her it’s already morning, it’s 5:30, I have practice at 8:00am. She is so calm and I can’t get mad about it because she had this calmness and I haven’t heard all that before.”

Lionel Messi’s attitude at Barcelona has been saluted by Rivaldo, with the Argentine praised for accepting that he may need to start the odd game on the bench as Ronald Koeman manages his workload.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has been the first name on the team sheet at Camp Nou for well over a decade now.

He remains a talismanic presence for the Blaugrana and would play 90 minutes every week if given the chance.

Messi is, however, 33 years of age and still having to juggle domestic and international commitments.

That means that rests will be handed to him at times, with Barca eager to ensure that they do not ask too much of a player that they worked so hard over the summer to retain.

Koeman named the mercurial South American among his substitutes for a meeting with Real Betis prior to the international break, with Messi introduced at half-time after Ansu Fati suffered an unfortunate knee injury.

Rivaldo was pleased to see a modern-day great accept that selection call, while also making a telling contribution upon joining the action as he bagged a brace in a welcome 5-2 win.

“It's not easy to convince someone of Messi's pedigree that staying on the bench is a good option, because Leo will always want more,” Barca legend Rivaldo told Betfair.

“It came out perfectly [against Betis]: Messi played marvellously and, what's more, he saved energy for the future.

“It caught my eye that I didn't see Messi angry and even that he pushed hard in the second half to make the difference.

“Of course, it's crucial for a coach at a big club to manage its players well, communicating clearly with everyone to win their trust, Koeman's doing that.”

Having spent 45 minutes charging his batteries at club level, Messi is now away on 2022 World Cup qualifying duty with Argentina.

He took in an eventful outing against Paraguay on Thursday, with a potential match-winner in a game that ended 1-1 ruled out by VAR.

The Albiceleste will be back in action on Tuesday against Peru, while Barcelona have a trip to Atletico Madrid to take in when La Liga action resumes on November 21.

It's back on!

At least from one perspective after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced the new dates for the remainder of the joint 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup qualifications that was postponed because of the global pandemic due to Covid-19.

March and June of 2021 are not the dates for Malaysia to complete their Group G matches, of which there are three remaining in United Arab Emirates (away), Vietnam (home) and Thailand (away). Currently sitting in second spot in the group, Malaysia has a real opportunity not only to advance to the next stage of the World Cup qualifiers but also confirmed a spot in the Asian Cup.

But 2020 has been a year of frustration for Tan Cheng Hoe and his coaching staff as they were left without a single fixture to play as the pandemic went into overdrive in Malaysia in March 2020 when the national team was initially due to travel away to UAE.

Next year will also present a new set of challenges for Cheng Hoe with the postponed 2019 AFF Championship (AFF Suzuki Cup) being set to be played in April, in what will be directly in the middle of the domestic season of local competitions, which meant that player selection will be more difficult.

"With the announcement, at least now we start thinking of a schedule and training program for 2021. We have already missed one year plus of training camp. Players are still playing but after a lapse of one year not being together, it's definitely tough.

"It will be a big challenge next year because of the tight schedule for the players and coaches. We need a good planning and at the same time a good cooperation between FAM and MFL regarding the league. We have World Cup qualifier and AFF so I will need to sit down and discussed with FAM what's best for the national team," Cheng Hoe told Goal.

Initially there were plans for the national team to have a training camp in the last two months of this year but that had to be scrapped to make way for the Super League and Malaysia Cup to be completed. So when the news broke on Thursday that the Malaysia Cup had to be cancelled, it meant a wasted opportunity for the national team.

All of Malaysia's rivals in the group in UAE, Thailand and Vietnam had various training camps already this season while Cheng Hoe has only seen his charges with their respective clubs for a good 12 months to date. While others have had the opportunity to finetune and adapt, Malaysia were left behind.

"As a coach there's frustration of course. If you look at UAE after they appointed their new coach, they had training camp in Serbia with 3-4 friendly matches. They also played yesterday against Tajikistan after having faced Uzbekistan in October. If you look at Group G, Malaysia is the only one without any training camp after November 2019!," quipped an irked Cheng Hoe. 

Curtis Jones concedes that he has to walk a fine line between “being confident and being cocky”, but the Liverpool starlet says he will always have complete faith in his ability.

At just 19 years of age, an Anfield academy graduate has landed a regular role in Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

His creative qualities are being embraced by a side that prides itself on out-playing domestic and continental opponents.

Jones has shown that he is up to the task, taking in 21 appearances to date, and still has plenty of potential to unlock as he welcomes the challenges posed by fierce competition for places.

The talented teenager believes that he is capable of becoming a key man for the Reds, with there no fear in his game, but is also aware of the need to remain grounded after earning a big break.

“I think I'm two totally different people on and off the pitch,” Jones told Liverpool’s official website.

“I've never doubted myself, no. I've always believed in my ability and I always will.

“I'll always believe in myself to know that anybody that I'm up against, if you get the better of me in one game, then there's only one thing on my mind: the next game when I play against you, I'm going to beat you, it'll literally be me for the whole game playing against you.

“There's being confident and being cocky – I think there's a fine line in between that. I don't want to have people think that I'm going over that.

“Yeah, there's been times when my confidence is not as high but the last thing I'll ever do is doubt myself.

“Off the pitch, a lot of people know me for just being like a humble kid. I'm just humble, relaxed, I'm chilled, I'll speak to anybody. I'll just try to be how I was brought up to be. I would never change.

“Obviously I'm still a little bit loud and can have a laugh, but I don't walk around confident and [act] how I am on the pitch. I'm different off the pitch.”

Jones has every reason to believe in himself, with the youngster boasting five senior goals for Liverpool to his name and a place in the England U21 squad.

Julen Lopetegui believes Jules Kounde can continue to develop at Sevilla and does not think he will be hampered by missing out on a move to Manchester City.

The 22-year-old recently confirmed there was interest from the Premier League giants over the summer but a switch to the Etihad Stadium ultimately failed to materialise.

Kounde made 29 La Liga appearances for Lopetegui's side last season as they also went on to win the Europa League, with the Sevilla coach eager to ensure the defender's continued growth. 

“He continues with us and I think it is good for us and for the player," Lopetegui told Goal. 

"He is at an age when he has to keep growing, improving and developing. He'd not been with the national team before and he was one of the players we did a little more individual work with. Now there is less time but it is logical that he goes to the Under-21 team due to the evolution he's had.

"He has a good character to learn, he is a mature boy, very curious about what he has to improve and that is very good."

Along with nurturing Sevilla's younger talents, Lopetegui is also out to make the most of more experience stars like Jesus Navas, who is showing no signs of slowing down ahead of his 35th birthday.

“Jesus has had an enviable career. He has been with teams like Manchester City, he has been and continues to be in the Spanish national team, he has been a world champion," Lopetegui said.

"Now he has converted to a new position in a brilliant way and is performing at a very high level. I think he recognised highly by the football world.

"He continues to go to the national team even at 35 years old. In this regard, I don't think he lacks recognition in the world of football."

Following a short stint with Real Madrid in 2018, Lopetegui has managed to achieve success at another La Liga club and doesn't see himself leaving Sevilla anytime soon.

"We see ourselves competing on a day-to-day basis, in the next match. We are very demanding on a day-to-day basis and I don't look any further," he said.

"It doesn't help you at all. You have to focus on giving the best of yourself from the moment you wake up and that is what we have to focus on. I am happy at Sevilla and thinking about having continuity in a team is very nic,e but we all know what football is like. I am happy and delighted." 

Memphis Depay would not be a “pure nine” for Barcelona, admits Roy Makaay, but the former Netherlands international believes his fellow countryman would be a useful option for those at Camp Nou.

A switch to Catalunya for the Lyon forward appeared to be on the cards over the summer as Ronald Koeman, upon taking the reins at a La Liga giant, made his compatriot a top transfer target.

No deal was done before the deadline passed, but Barca have retained their interest in Depay and are plotting a fresh approach.

Lyon have made it clear that they would be opposed to parting with a key man in the middle of a season, with it their intention to keep the talented 26-year-old on their books.

Depay has, however, been keeping the exit door ajar in France and is waiting on Barca to make their move.

Makaay believes the former Manchester United winger would be a useful addition in Catalunya as he has been transformed into a productive frontman – one with 58 goals to his name through 145 appearances for Lyon.

He concedes that Depay is not a natural leader of the line in the Luis Suarez mould, as Barca seek to counter the sale of the prolific Uruguayan to Atletico Madrid, but he would offer important qualities to Koeman – especially with Ansu Fati now ruled out long term with a knee injury.

Makaay, who spent time in Spain with Tenerife and Deportivo La Coruna during his playing days, told Radio Marca: “Depay is a very good player, although I don't see him at the level yet that he had before he was injured.

“He's not a pure nine but if he goes to Barca, I'm sure he'll be important because he's got a lot of quality.”

While Barca are very much in the market for proven performers heading towards another transfer market, they are also prepared to show considerable faith in home-grown talent.

Fati, at just 18 years of age, has become a key man for the Blaugrana while fellow teenager Pedri is also displaying plenty of promise.

Makaay added: “I love Ansu Fati, he's showing he's got a really high level for an 18-year-old kid.

“I also like Pedri, I didn't know him and if you like football you'll like to see him play. Koeman's showing he'll give the young players a chance.”

Harambee Stars winger Cliff Nyakeya believes the team was punished by Comoros for starting the game casually.

In Wednesday's game, M'changama Youssouf put Comoros ahead from a free-kick which was expertly taken, wrong-footing Arnold Origi in the Kenya goal, but Masoud Juma equalised for the Harambee Stars in the second half after the visitors were reduced to 10 men ahead of the half-time break.

Before the goal by the visitors, the Harambee Stars had looked the stronger side in the opening minutes and were unlucky not to take a lead in the second minute when Ayub Timbe floated the ball from the left-wing but Brian Mandela headed wide. 

In the 11th minute, when Cliff Nyakeya ran fast on the right-wing before passing the ball to Timbe on the left, he winger was brought down and the subsequent calls for a penalty were dismissed by referee Mutaz Ibrahim.   

Kenya were left to rue these missed chances when they fell behind in the 26th minute through Youssouf 's set-piece.

"Everything was good from the squad and tactical approach by the technical bench," Nyakeya told Goal on Friday.

"We were punished because we started the match casually; otherwise we had every chance to win the game and be in a good position."

After three Group G games, Kenya have not yet registered a win - they started with a 1-1 draw in Alexandria, Egypt against the hosts before being held by the same margin by Togo and Comoros.  

Wednesday's draw puts Kenya in a tricky situation considering two of their remaining three matches are played away. The first one will be on Sunday against the islanders before travelling to Togo. Then they finish against Egypt at home.  

"On Sunday, we have to employ a better approach and ensure we get a positive outcome," the 25-year-old Nyakeya continued.

"We have to give our best to win. Whether we qualify for Afcon or not will depend on Sunday's outcome.

"I am assuring the fans that we are going to give absolutely everything to be in a position to come home with maximum points. We learn through mistakes and after the game we played [on Wednesday] I believe we are ready to make amends." 

Algerians were disappointed not to see Riyad Mahrez in action when Manchester City hosted Liverpool last Sunday, according to the national team coach Djamel Belmadi.

The Algeria captain was surprisingly dropped from the Citizens' 18-man squad that held Jurgen Klopp's team to a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Mahrez has played 10 matches in all competitions for the Manchester City this campaign and Belmadi thinks his recent snub should not be a worry.

“There is nothing alarming about Riyad Mahrez's situation at Manchester City. If we look at the number of games he has played recently with his club, it is quite significant. He played almost every game,” Belmadi was quoted as saying by DZ Foot.

“It's true that we were all waiting for this match against Liverpool, two big clubs in the English Premier League. We wanted to see Riyad play and perform in this kind of match.

"Unfortunately, it is part of the profession as a player. Deal with this kind of situation. Stay strong and don't overdo it.

“Riyad is a football lover, he would have liked to play this kind of match. He's disappointed, we were all disappointed not to see him.”

On Thursday, Mahrez helped Algeria stretch their unbeaten run across all competitions to 21 games with a 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The 29-year-old scored the Desert Foxes’ third goal in Algiers after efforts from Baghdad Bounedjah and Sofiane Feghouli fired them in ahead in the first 45 minutes.

“But at the same time, he is very happy to return to the national team every time,” Belmadi noted.

“He is psychologically focused and concerned about the match [vs Zimbabwe]). He is the captain of this selection and he wants to do well. There are zero worries.

“He's a player with a strong character too. He's got to where he is because he knows how to deal with this kind of situation. We wish him the best and to all his teammates.”

Simba SC midfielder Clatous Chama has explained why he decided against joining Young Africans (Yanga SC).

Yanga are understood to have listed the Zambian as their primary transfer target but Chama said the demands made by one official from the club pushed him away from listening to the offer.

“My agent video called one of Yanga bosses and told him that we were together and were discussing the possibility of joining the club when my current contract ends,” Chama told Mwanaspoti.

“During the talk, the official revealed to me what offer Yanga were putting on the table. But the trick lied in the demands he made as he wanted to pocket a certain amount of money should I sign for Yanga.

“Without dwelling much on that talk, I cut the story short and told my agent that I still have an active Simba contract and so, there was no way I was going to sign another contract with another club.

“The Yanga boss even wanted to travel to Zambia for more talks but I told my agent I would not meet with him at all.”

The Zambian further stated his chances of remaining with Wekundu wa Msimbazi are high even though contract extension talks are yet to be finalised.

“Negotiations between me and Simba are taking a good direction and there are a few demands I have made before I can extend the contract with the club,” the former Lusaka Dynamos star revealed. “But I can confirm the talks are going on well.

“If we continue with the talks as we have done and because I believe Simba officials are going to agree with me, then I am going to sign a new contract in the next few days.

“Let me give Simba fans some hope, chances of signing a new contract now stands at 80% and in the end, I believe I am going to remain at this place for two more years.

“But if the talks are going to collapse, I will not play for another team here in Tanzania.”

Simba signed Chama in 2018 on a one-year deal which was later extended by two years. The contract is expected to expire at the end of the season.

AFC Leopards have continued their preparations for the new season on a high note after defeating Tusker FC 2-0 in a pre-season friendly match played on Friday morning.

The 13-time league champions started the match on a high note, creating numerous chances and limiting the Ruaraka-based side from getting chances, especially in front of the goal.

Striker Elvis Rupia happened to score what turned out to be the only goal in the first 45 minutes. The Brewers failed to track his run, and the former Nzoia Sugar and Wazito FC striker had an easy task to find the back of the net.

The Robert Matano-led side tried to push for an equalizer in the second half, but it was Ingwe who doubled the advantage when youngster Austine Odhiambo converted from close range to give his team a deserved 2-0 win.

Leopards team manager Tom Juma believes Ingwe are ready for the start of the 2020/21 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League scheduled to start on Friday, November 20.

"Despite the 2-0 win, it was a tough game, to be honest, Tusker are a good side and they played well," the former international told Goal after the match.

"We are, however, happy with the way Leopards players have played the game. It shows we are ready for the new season. You can tell from the body language and the players' fitness level.

"Playing against a big team like Tusker and getting a 2-0 win is also a good sign that we are ready."

Some of the high-profile games Leopards have played are against National Super League sides Shabana FC and Ushuru FC. They fell by a solitary goal against the Glamour Boys before defeating the Tax Collectors 3-0.

They also played against top tier side KCB FC and registered a 2-2 draw.

The former champions will be at Nyayo Stadium to play Western Stima in their opener and the former midfielder expects the best from his players/.

"Yes, we are prepared but we cannot say it is a guarantee we will get maximum points," Juma stated.

"Western Stima are a good side as well, we respect them. Yes, we want a win, but we have to show them respect meaning we have to take the game with all the seriousness it deserves."

Former Kaizer Chiefs utility player Patrick Mayo says the Soweto giants “do not have the depth to compete against some of the best teams on the continent” and predicts that they will struggle in the 2020/21 Caf Champions League.

Gavin Hunt's Chiefs are back in the Champions League where they last took part in 2016, when they were eliminated by Ivorian giants Asec Mimosas at the first round stage.

They begin their campaign at the preliminary round against Cameroonian champions PWD Bamenda, who they first visit on the weekend of November 27-29, before hosting their opponents on the weekend of December 4-6.

But with Amakhosi having failed to beef up their squad due to a Fifa transfer ban as well as struggling with injuries to key players, it has led to inconsistent form and Mayo believes that playing in Africa would be too much of a task from Hunt and his men.

“I don’t want to lie to you‚ they are going to struggle in the Champions League because most of the clubs that have qualified there are very strong and have experience of playing in this competition,” Mayo was quoted as saying by Times Live.

“It is pointless to focus on the Champions League and find yourself threatened by relegation at the end of the season. You need to focus more on the domestic league and push to qualify for the Champions League next season.

“They must just forget about it because‚ like I said‚ they don’t have the depth to compete against some of the best teams on the continent who they may even meet before the group stages.”

Much of Chiefs’ focus has been on domestic competitions, having last played in Africa during the 2018/19 season, when they were eliminated from the Caf Confederation Cup by Zesco United in the play-off round on a 5-2 aggregate scoreline after losing both legs.

Interestingly, Chiefs midfielder Anthony Akumu was one of the scorers for Zesco when they won the second leg 2-1 at FNB Stadium while another chief forward Lazarous Kambole had netted in the 3-1 first-leg victory in Ndola.

But both players are currently struggling to find their feet at Amakhosi with Kambole being a shadow of a player who finished as joint top-scorer of the 2018 Champions League.

Brazil have confirmed that Neymar has been released from their squad through injury, with the Paris Saint-Germain forward set to sit out 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Uruguay.

The Selecao were always aware that a leg complaint was going to prevent the 28-year-old from taking part in the first game of that double header.

Neymar was called upon, though, in the hope that he could return to full fitness in time to figure in a crunch clash with Uruguay in Montevideo.

The PSG superstar has, however, been unable to recover enough to force his way into Tite’s plans.

Rodrigo Lasmar, Brazil’s national team doctor, told reporters when offering an update on Neymar: “We were hopeful that he could play, that's why we brought him to Brazil.

“He improved but not enough so that he'll be ready for the game on Tuesday against Uruguay. The backroom staff decided to release Neymar.”

That news will be welcomed by those back at Parc des Princes, with PSG boss Thomas Tuchel having queried Brazil’s decision to select Neymar when he was clearly not ready to play.

He said at the time: “It's the right of the national team to call up players. We cannot do anything.

“If the boys are injured and can't play, I always prefer that they don't play.

“It's a super important phase, a good time to recover for players, but we have confidence that they will be treated well, that they have good care and good preparation. It's the truth. We have confidence in these people who are responsible for the national teams. If the players are called up, there's nothing we can do.”

Brazil have already lost Philippe Coutinho, Fabinho and Rodrigo Caio to injury, while Eder Militao and Gabriel Menino are unavailable after contracting Covid-19.

Flamengo striker Pedro has been included in Tite’s plans to help provide attacking cover, but Merseyside rivals Richarlison and Roberto Firmino – of Everton and Liverpool respectively – will be among those asked to lead the line in Neymar’s absence.

Tite has said of his tactical tinkering: “The placement in relation to Richarlison is nine. Firmino's will be a freer player, more bow than arrow, unlike the other games.

“I don't want to go into more detail. In terms of strategy, we try to preserve some information.”

Brazil will face Venezuela in Sao Paulo on Friday before then travelling to Uruguay on Tuesday.