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Virgil van Dijk has become “one of the best ever” when it comes to the art of defending, says Glenn Hysen, with the Liverpool legend saying he would be made to look “crap” by the modern-day elite.

The former Sweden international spent three years at Anfield in his playing career between 1989 and 1992.

He formed part of a title-winning squad in 1990, with that turning out to be the last such triumph enjoyed by the Reds in 30 years.

A long wait for top-flight glory has been brought to a close by the class of 2019-20, with Van Dijk proving to be a key man in Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

The Netherlands international is considered to be the finest centre-half on the planet and came agonisingly close to pipping Lionel Messi to the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2019.

Hysen feels the Dutchman has taken up a standing among the all-time greats, telling the Liverpool Echo: “Virgil van Dijk is so calm, he’s so confident. I was half-decent compared to him but he’s much better with the ball.

“He can play the ball and is more technical than I was. He’s one of the best ever.

“I’d probably be crap if I was playing now, I’d be too slow. It’s so quick now, not my style.”

Hysen is delighted to see Liverpool back on top of the domestic game in England, with the Swede surprised that it has taken so long for the Reds’ current crop to emulate what he once did.

“It hurts that after all this time the fans weren’t able to be in the stadium to see them win the title but the most important thing is that they’ve been able to finish the job and clinch it on the pitch – you can always celebrate with the supporters later,” he added on a campaign disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Obviously you need to have good players but the atmosphere at the ground makes it magic.

“The most important thing is the song, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. Coming up from the dressing room you could hear it before you even get to the pitch.

“It would have been a travesty if they’d not had the chance to win the league though because they are so much better than the other teams.

“When I played, Liverpool had a very good team. Then in the following decade there were the likes of Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and all those guys so they had some fantastic teams but the current side are absolutely magnificent.

“If somebody had told me in 1990 that it was going to be another 30 years until Liverpool won the league again, you’d have said: ‘Are you kidding? Are you drunk or something?’”

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has revealed he is proud of his Nigerian heritage but he is yet to decide on his international future.  

The versatile forward was born in England to Nigerian parents and has featured for the European country’s youth side at various levels.

Having not played for the Three Lions at senior level, however, the 18-year-old is still eligible to represent the West Africans.

The forward has been in fine form for the Gunners in the 2019-20 season, scoring three goals and providing 11 assists in 38 games across all competitions and could be rewarded with an international call-up soon.  

Saka stated he is open to representing the Super Eagles and the Three Lions but admitted he is yet to make up his mind on the country of his choice.

"It's a tough choice. I'm happy to have represented England at youth level but I'm also proud of my Nigerian heritage from my parents,” Saka told Sky Sports.

"We haven't been picked by any team so it's about staying humble and when the time comes we'll make the decision."

President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick recently stated the federation will not beg the winger or any player to represent the Super Eagles, although he revealed the forward will be welcomed if he decides to play for the three-time African Champions.

Chelsea and England players Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham have previously turned down a chance to play for the Super Eagles.

The likes of Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and Shola Ameobi have featured for the youth teams of England before pleading their allegiances to the West Africans.

Saka is also delighted with his development under manager Mikel Arteta and praised the Spanish tactician.

"Being young and at a big club if you are in the team over an experienced professional the manager is basically telling you without speaking that I believe in you," he continued. 

"[He's saying] go and do what you can do and that belief gives me so much confidence. Arteta is so detailed and clear and a lot of the players will tell you we are learning from him.

"I feel like we're going in the right direction and we're working hard to hit the ground running next season."

Saka was promoted to the Gunners first team in 2018 and made his debut in a Europa League match against Vorskla Poltava.

The winger, who recently signed a new contract with Arsenal, has since become a key member of the Gunners squad and will hope to help his side finish the 2019-20 Premier League season with a victory against Watford on Sunday.

Football agent Adamson Mansoor has opened up on why his client Mustafa Kizza snubbed a move to Spanish side Real Valladolid and opted to sign for Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Montreal Impact.

The 21-year-old had trials with the Spanish outfit and impressed the technical bench, and many expected him to join the La Liga side.

"The Spanish deal would have been a good option but they wanted him to play in Under 21 and 23 instead of first-team football," Mansoor told Sanyuka TV as reported by Nation Sports.

"So we had to go with Montreal Impact who placed better offers on tables."

The talented left-back is targeting top leagues in the world, and his agent has revealed his stay in MLS might be a brief one as their search for greener pastures continues.

"Kizza is not staying at Montreal Impact for so long, his goal is to target one of the five big leagues in Europe. Montreal Impact is a platform for him to reach another bigger level," Mansoor added.

"He is happy about the choice he made and cannot wait to play in Major League Soccer and I believe that we made the right choice."

According to the agent, MLS is a good league for his client and believes if he puts enough effort into the game, he will end up being one of the best defenders.

"MLS is not a step too high or too low, and it has become a good league because they started recruiting young players," he continued.

"Kizza has the potential to become one of the best players in his position if he continues to put in hard work."

Mansoor attended the Caf Champions League match between KCCA and Al Ahly of Egypt to scout Allan Okello, who has since moved to Morrocan side Paradou AC, but changed his mind and went for the left-back instead.

He has explained why he had a sudden change of mind.

"It was Kizza who stood out to me. He was amazing that day. He made quality crosses, and you could see the Egyptian defence panicking every time he got the ball. His performance was promising," he concluded.

Manchester City will always be grateful to David Silva, says Pep Guardiola, who has described the playmaker's career at Etihad Stadium as "extraordinary".

Silva's ten-year stay in Manchester will reach its conclusion at the end of the current season, with his final Premier League bow coming as Guardiola's side play host to Norwich on Sunday.

The 34-year-old has picked up 14 trophies during his time at City, including four Premier League titles, and he is widely regarded as one of the most talented midfielders to have ever graced the English game.

Silva has contributed 77 goals to the club's cause in 433 appearances in total, along with a staggering 140 assists, and has once again been a fixture in Guardiola's set-up throughout the 2019-20 campaign.

The Spain international decided not to extend his contract beyond 2020 last summer, citing a desire to undertake a new challenge before he hangs up his boots as the main reason for calling time on a hugely successful spell in England.

Guardiola says that Silva's place in City's hall of fame has long been assured, given his huge influence in the early stages of a major revolution at the Etihad.

When asked to summarise a veteran performer's impact at City over the past decade, the Spanish head coach told the club's official website: “Extraordinary.

“The number of games, the huge quality in the games he played, the titles he helped win...he’s alongside five or six others who made this Club what it is now.

“And this club will always be grateful.”

After their last Premier League outing this weekend, City will turn their attention back to the Champions League, with a last-16 second-leg tie against Real Madrid on the cards in August.

Guardiola's men have one foot in the last eight after beating the Blancos 2-1 at Santiago Bernabeu in February, but he says that he will wait until the last minute to decide his line up for the crunch contest.

“It's the last game at home. We want to win and we want to prepare the right way for Real Madrid,” the City manager added.

“We need to see how the players are ready for Madrid.

"I know them quite well but this game against Norwich and the way they train this week, we are going to pay attention to how prepared they are for Madrid.

"Every day will be an exam for me to see who is ready to play the game.

“Against Arsenal, we were not ready. Against Watford [, we were] a little bit better. But still, we need to improve.”

Mikel Arteta says everyone at Arsenal is “on the same page” when it comes to transfers, with the Spaniard outlining what he will be looking for when the window opens.

The Gunners are expected to dip into the market from July 27, with a freshening up of the ranks required at Emirates Stadium.

It remains to be seen what kind of budget Arteta will be given, with it likely that he will need to free up funds and bolster his kitty through player sales.

The Spaniard is aware of what he needs to bring in, with added creativity sitting towards the top of his list.

Character will, however, be as important as ability, with the Gunners determined to acquire players that mix hunger with talent.

"For me, it's the number one question when we bring someone to the club," Arteta told Sky Sports.

"What is he like? How is he going to react in difficult moments? Is he a leader? Is he someone who is going to push his team-mates? Is he hungry for himself, or does he have collective ambitions? Is he someone who can be stable and consistent in the long-term?

"For me, those are always the first questions when we try to sign a player."

Arteta has been drawing up a list of possible targets for some time and believes he will be given the full support of his board when it comes to chasing down those he sets his sights on.

The highly-rated 38-year-old added: "I am encouraged that we are on the same page, and that we are going to try to do our best to evolve the team.

"First of all the players we already have here, if there is anything extra to help them more and give them a better environment, and then, if we go into the market and we have to do things, to decide which ones to do and how quickly we can do them.

"We are completely ready for that, and I also have a really good understanding with [technical director] Edu. We have been working together very closely to put together a plan that we are convinced can be successful.

"But also, it's important to have all the information you need from the team that you have, from the players, from everything.

"That took some time as well."

Arsenal will be hoping to have European football to use as a bargaining tool in any transfer talks, with a final Premier League outing of the season against Watford on Sunday set to be followed on August 1 by an FA Cup final clash with London rivals Chelsea.

Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic finally signed his contract as Zambia national team head coach after waiting for over six months.

Sredojevic put pen to paper on the two-year deal after a tussle that had emerged between the government and the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) over the hiring of the former SC Villa coach.

The contract was signed in the presence of the Zambian Sports Minister Emmanuel Mulenga as well as FAZ president Andrew Kamanga, his deputy Rix Mweemba and deputy general-secretary Joseph Chimpampwe, as well as National Sports Council acting secretary-general Raphael Mulenga.

“Firstly, I would like to welcome Micho to my Ministry, sir you are most welcome and as government, we will give you the support you need and we will make your work easy,” Mulenga said as quoted on FAZ Facebook page.

“We will also make sure that we work hand in hand with FAZ in attending to the challenges you are going to face in this country.

“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia [Edgar Lungu] who is the patron of FAZ, welcomes you to this nation and believes you can deliver and can meet the expectation of the people of Zambia in making sure that the glory which we had in this nation is retained.

“It is our hope that you will use the privilege of the resumption of football under the new normal of living with the [coronavirus] pandemic to monitor the capabilities of players in the local league and assemble strong teams which will deliver the expectations of this nation at Chan and qualify to the Afcon as well as the World Cup.”

The former Orlando Pirates coach also emphasised his seven-step technical master plan that has prioritised 2022 World Cup qualification.

“We will be having a set of friendly matches and we want to go step by step to inject the confidence into our players,” the Serbian said.

“To make them aware that every single step they do for the nation and the sacrifice they give in every match will be a step to build the confidence to Chan in Cameroon, the Africa Cup of Nations and to reach the World Cup.”

The Serbian Wolf, as the former Uganda national team coach is well known, stated the need to fight together and even earn a maiden World Cup slot.

“If we succeed, it will be all of us,” he concluded.

“If we fail it will be me but with the way things have been done before and the way we are doing things in the same spirit to retain Zambian football where it belongs.

“From the government, FAZ, technical people all over the country and players that are also happy of success, because they want to repeat the success that has been achieved and outmatch it by going to the World Cup for the first time is something that will drive us to the right direction.”

Micho arrived in Zambia on February 3, 2020, to replace Belgian Sven Vandenbroeck, and has been without a contract for months.

Obafemi Martins made his much-awaited return to football in Shanghai Shenhua’s 2-0 loss to Guangzhou Evergrande in Saturday’s Chinese Super League game.

The 35-year-old has been without a club since 2018 when he left the Flower of Shanghai after suffering a hamstring injury.

On recovering from the problem, the Nigeria international has been keeping fit and proved himself during trials with the Shanghai-based club.

The forward was subsequently re-signed by the Hongkou Football Stadium outfit as a direct replacement for his compatriot Odion Ighalo.  

Ighalo, who joined the Flower of Shanghai in February 2019, moved to Premier League club Manchester United on loan in January 2020.

The striker was then handed a contract loan extension, which will keep him at Old Trafford until January 2021, following his eye-catching performances during a short spell with the side.

Martins made his return to the field of play as a second-half substitute, replacing Yang Xu in the 64th minute of the encounter at Dalian Sports Center Stadium.

The former Inter Milan star had a 70% successful pass rate and completed one dribble but his effort was not enough to help his side avoid defeat as Wei Shihao’s brace made all the difference in the game.

The defeat leaves Shanghai Shenhua at the bottom of the table and the Super Eagles star will hope to help his side return to winning ways when they face Shenzhen on July 30.

Martins has previously played for Italian sides Inter Milan and Reggiana, and also featured for Premier League side Newcastle United.

The forward played in Germany with Wolfsburg before joining Russia Premier League side Rubin Kazan in 2010.

Martins, who is famous for his acrobatic goal celebration, also featured for Spanish club Levante before he left for MLS, where he starred for Seattle Sounders FC.

The forward has 18 goals in 42 appearances for the Super Eagles since he made his debut at the age of 19 in 2004.

Luis Figo would love to see “one of the best in the world” Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid, but admits landing the Paris Saint-Germain striker will prove difficult for a team that has already “found ways” to win without Cristiano Ronaldo.

A raid on Parc des Princes by the Blancos has been mooted for some time, with an exciting talent having registered on the recruitment radar at Santiago Bernabeu for several years.

Real attempted to put a deal in place when Mbappe was on the books at Monaco, but saw him remain in his homeland when joining Neymar and Co at PSG.

Interest has been retained since then, with the newly-crowned La Liga champions forever in the market for additions that fit their ‘Galacticos’ mould.

Mbappe would tick that box, but Figo believes prising the 21-year-old away from a wealthy French outfit will be tricky.

The Blancos legend told AS: “He is one of the best in the world, he has a lot of talent and a lot of room for improvement, but of course, he is currently in a very strong financial team. I don't know if it will be possible to see him wear the white shirt.”

Real have had no need for Mbappe in 2019-20, with Karim Benzema leading their line with distinction while recording 26 goals across all competitions.

Figo said of the French frontman, who can be underappreciated at times: “He is a great player and he has shown it this year. He has taken an important step since Cristiano left, because he has felt more important. He’s a mix of nine and ten.”

Real did initially struggle to counter the loss of Ronaldo to Juventus in 2018, but Zinedine Zidane has turned the tide to get them back to winning ways.

“Cristiano has been very important for Madrid, and Madrid for Cristiano,” said Figo.

“He is irreplaceable… but Madrid have found ways to win without him.”

Gareth Bale was supposed to help fill that void, but the Wales international has endured struggles for form and fitness as he continues to tumble down the pecking order in the Spanish capital.

Figo said of a four-time Champions League winner who appears destined to move on in the near future: “I still think that he has a lot of quality despite the difficult times he has had with the fans. I like him a lot.”

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has revealed why they have not forwarded their bank accounts details in order to receive the BetKing funds.

K’Ogalo, Nzoia Sugar and Kakamega Homeboyz are the clubs who are yet to receive the initial KSh500,000 from the new league sponsors and Rachier has revealed why they have not yet provided their accounts details.

“We have not provided our bank account details because, as the chairman of Gor Mahia, I must read through the BetKing contract. When the deal was signed by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and BetKing, we as clubs were not involved,” Rachier told Radio Jambo.

“I decided not to provide those details because I must ensure that the contract and its details will not bring conflicts between Gor Mahia and our sponsor Betsafe. I will not take money whose binding details might bring conflicts in future.

“I have to reach out to the FKF secretary-general so that he provides me with the BetKing contract, peruse it and decide whether I will take the money or not.”

Rachier, who is is aiming to retain the club chairmanship position, also spoke about the upcoming Gor Mahia elections and the dispute it has generated.

“Yes, our elections are set to be held as planned on August 8, 2020, and it shall be done via an online platform,” he confirmed.

“I have received a letter of about two pages that was authored by the lawyers of the dissatisfied members to the electoral board of the club.

“They have demanded that the electoral board should provide answers to their questions before July 27.

“There is no need to divulge what is contained in the letter because it was directed to the board and it is the board that is going to deal with the matters raised. At this juncture, there is no need for making public the contents of that letter.”

Rachier, who was first elected into the office in 2008, also explained why he did not attract a challenger in the August polls.

“That depends on an individual's interpretation [whether he has done a good job at Gor Mahia or not],” he added

“I have on many occasions welcomed people interested to stand against me to come forward and that was before our nomination process was closed.

“When the nomination process ended, it emerged that I did not have an opponent. It may be because I have done a good job or otherwise.

“I am thankful to the members who have shown confidence in me. Members should come out and elect officials to the positions that are still vacant when the time arrives.”

The dissatisfied members have threatened to take the matters to the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) if their demands are acted upon.

Arturo Vidal has become “the heart” of Barcelona and should be kept around at Camp Nou, says Gerardo Martino.

Questions have been asked of the Chile international’s future on a regular basis this season.

The 33-year-old has seen a return to Italy mooted, with Inter said to be keen on acquiring the former Juventus star.

Vidal has, however, remained a prominent figure in Barca’s plans.

The combative midfielder has taken in 42 appearances this season, to go with the 53 he made during a debut campaign in Catalunya.

There is clearly a role for him at La Liga giants, despite some questioning his value to the cause.

Martino believes the South American can be considered crucial to a rebuilding project at Barca that will need to be undertaken on the back of a disappointing 2019-20 season.

He is not one for the long-term future, as he approaches the end of a distinguished career, but has shown that he can be a key component in a star-studded squad.

Former Barca boss Martino told CDF: “I see Vidal as the heart of the team for what he gives, but also for the how he works, gets in the box and scores.

“I see him recovering from last year, which was not good. This has been a great year for Arturo and for me he could definitely stay at Barca.

“I have a particular weakness for Vidal. If I could have, I'd have brought him to Barcelona in that moment (2013-14).

“There are very personal decisions to take into account. We have to see how he feels with his family.

“I would ask if, since Xavi and Iniesta left, Barca's DNA has been represented so faithfully. I'm of the idea that Barca should have another type of player.”

Martino spent just one year at Barcelona in 2013-14, with the current Mexico coach admitting that an ill-fated stint at Camp Nou was the worst of his career.

He stands by that comment, but admits to being able to take some pride from having been offered the position in the first place.

The Argentine added: “It was a bunch of things, not just the fact of saying 'you liked or didn't like coaching Barca'.

“I was able to access a big institution, [something which] doesn't happen very often.

“When one looks over how the year went, how it was to be at such a big institution with so much media exposure, with such a great need to finish the year with an important achievement, evidently it was about much more than what I enjoyed or not.”

Gareth Bale's situation at Real Madrid "is unsatisfying for everyone", admits Toni Kroos, who has suggested that the winger "is still a bit mad" about being denied a transfer in 2019.

Bale was heavily linked with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu last summer, with Jiangsu Suning touted as his most likely next destination amid rumours of a possible return to the Premier League.

The Chinese Super League outfit reportedly offered the Welshman a lucrative contract, which he was open to signing, but Madrid blocked the move at the eleventh hour.

Zinedine Zidane insisted that the 31-year-old remained central to his plans at the time, despite the respective arrivals of Luka Jovic and Eden Hazard from Eintracht Frankfurt and Chelsea increasing competition for places at the Bernabeu.

Bale has ultimately been unable to earn a regular spot in the Frenchman's starting XI in 2019-20, taking in just 20 appearances in all competitions while Karim Benzema has soaked up the limelight as Madrid's first-choice forward.

The former Tottenham star, who joined the Blancos for a then-world record fee of £85 million ($109m) in 2013, played a bit part-role in Madrid's run to a 34th La Liga title, and cut a forlorn figure during the celebrations at the Bernabeu following a decisive win over Villarreal on July 16.

Bale has hit headlines more for his antics on the bench than his skills on the pitch since the resumption of the campaign, and Kroos thinks it is high time that a resolution is reached over his future at the club.

The Madrid midfielder told the Lauschangriff podcast of an out-of-favour team-mate's current predicament: "There's no getting around that the situation is unsatisfying for everyone.

"He certainly wasn't brought in to play as little as he does now."

Kroos added on the possibility of Bale feeling some resentment towards Madrid officials for failing to sanction his departure last year: "I believe that he wanted to leave last summer in principle and that the club signalled a yes at first and then not again. I don't know if he's still a bit mad about that. It's a difficult subject."

The Germany international did, however, insist that Bale has been subjected to unfair scrutiny over the past couple of years, and that he hasn't been a disruptive presence within the dressing room.

"It's certainly not as extreme as it's made out to be," said Kroos. "Everything is okay in the team. I've known him for six years and we've won some pretty big things together."
 

Barcelona remain unfazed by Inter’s attempts to put fresh terms in place with Lautaro Martinez, Goal has learned, with the Liga giants in no rush to step up their efforts to land the Argentine.

The highly-rated South American forward remains the top target at Camp Nou for the next transfer window.

Barca are prepared to bide their time when it comes to negotiations, with a €111 million (£100m/$125m) exit clause that they could have triggered having expired on July 7.

Those in Catalunya always considered that figure to be far too high, with there confidence on their part that a true market valuation will come in much below that figure.

That remains the Blaugrana’s stance and they believe an offer can be pieced together that satisfies Inter demands – with it possible that a part-exchange deal could be put in place.

Junior Firpo and Arturo Vidal are among the names to have been mentioned when it comes to a trade package, although the latter has impressed this season and may no longer be deemed surplus to requirements.

Inter have endeavoured to avoid fanning the transfer flames, with leading figures in Milan eager to retain the services of a prized asset.

The Nerazzurri consider the speculation surrounding Lautaro to be an unwelcome distraction, with the 22-year-old having offered no indication that he will be pushing for a move.

A much-coveted talent has remained coy when it comes to his future plans, offering hope to his current club when it comes to contract talks.

Barca, though, believe that Lautaro would welcome the opportunity to join their ranks, and that they are the only club he would consider leaving Inter for.

That is allowing them to take their time, with there little risk of a rival stealing in.

It is understood that Barca will open with an offer of €60m (£55m/$70m) and Junior once they have put definitive plans in place for the summer window.

No move will be made until the end of August, though, with the resumption of Champions League competition very much the focus for those still involved.

Barca form part of that group, as they prepare to face Napoli in the second leg of their last-16 showdown on August 8.

Only when their continental campaign has come to a close will the Liga giants step up their efforts in what promises to be a testing negotiation with Inter for Lautaro.

Barcelona full-back Emerson, meanwhile, could be on his way out of the club.

The Catalans part own the Brazilian along with Real Betis, who the 21-year-old joined in 2019, and although he had been tipped to return to Camp Nou in the summer, Barca are now looking to cash in for around €30m (£27m/$35m), with AC Milan interested.

Gabriel Jesus has reflected on his "best season" yet at Manchester City, while discussing how he has adapted to a central striker role in Pep Guardiola's line-up in the absence of Sergio Aguero.

Jesus has scored 66 goals in 155 outings across all competitions for City since moving to the Etihad Stadium from Palmeiras in 2017.

Twenty one of those efforts have been recorded during the 2019-20 campaign, with the Brazilian once again proving to be a more than capable stand-in for Aguero.

The Argentine forward has not featured for City since suffering a serious knee injury in a 5-0 win over Burnley on June 22, with Guardiola forced to shuffle his pack heading into the final portion of the Premier League season.

More often than not, Jesus has been asked to lead the line, with his latest effort proving to be decisive as City beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium last week.

The 23-year-old also started through the middle as Guardiola's men beat Watford 4-0 at Vicarage Road in midweek.

He did, however, miss the chance to become the second-highest scoring Brazilian in Premier League history alongside ex-Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho after drawing a blank in that game.

Jesus will likely have another chance to reach the magical 40-mark when City play host to Norwich on the final day, and he has been more than satisfied with his overall contribution to the team over the past 12 months.

"I think it has been my best season," the Brazil international told Globo Esporte.

"I had more games this season too, despite the break. So it helps.

"I was able to be more on the pitch, help my team-mates more, and the goals came naturally. I am very happy with my performance, but I'm focused on winning."

Jesus went on to reveal that he prefers being deployed out wide, but says that he has "evolved" to become a more complete all-round forward in recent times.

"I have evolved my game within the area there [up front]," said the City star.

"As I have always said, my favourite position is more out wide. But I can play centrally without any problems and I have been learning more and more how to play that position."

City could still finish the season with two trophies if they win the Champions League, having already added a third successive Carabao Cup to their ever-growing silverware haul.

Jesus added on his insatiable hunger for major titles: "I think I already have a very nice history with the City shirt, with some important titles won and I am very proud of it.

"Of course, I always want more and to win more titles. I will always go on the field thinking about it."

Bordeaux winger Josh Maja is hoping to help Nigeria make history and has named Jay-Jay Okocha as one of his role models.

The forward caught the attention of the Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr following his impressive performances for the Girondins.

Maja was subsequently handed a call-up to the national team and made his debut for the three-time African champions in a friendly against Ukraine in September 2019.

In the 2019-20 season, the 21-year-old scored eight goals and provided three assists in 24 appearances across all competitions for the Girondins, amid other dazzling performances.

Maja, who is becoming famous for his ability to unlock defences, has revealed his admiration of former Super Eagles captain Okocha. 

The forward is also hoping to continue his fine performances for the Matmut Atlantique outfit in order to get more chances to play for the Super Eagles and help the side achieve more success.  
"Of course, playing in one of Europe's top five leagues and performing well will improve my chances [of international selection]," Maja told BBC Sport Africa.

"I've settled in well since I joined [from Sunderland in January 2019]. I've adapted to the playing style and culture of the league and I'm hoping to play more games in the future. It's a great experience in a top league.

"The Nigerian team has always had quality, but now there are a lot of young talents playing, so the future is very bright for us.

"Hopefully the opportunity comes to play and help them make history. Playing on an international stage was a dream of mine and to represent my country and make my family proud.

"I'm familiar with my roots. I went to Nigeria a few times when I was young, and in the next few years, I'll be going again.

"Okocha was a big icon and an example to many players, even outside of Nigeria. He had lots of qualities and performed well in the Premier League."

The 2019-20 Ligue 1 season was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak across the world and Maja has lauded the decision.

"The most important thing is everyone's health so if that is the decision they make then we must understand," he added.

"It affects everyone. We would love to have continued the season and push for the top places, but if everyone's health is at risk then it is not necessary.

"I think everyone would love to finish the season but it's not in our hands. The health and safety of everyone is the most important thing."

Maja will hope to help Bordeaux, who finished 12th last season, compete for the Ligue 1 title in the 2020-21 campaign.

Olympique Lyon forward Tinotenda Kadewere says he is “not surprised” by what he has achieved so far in his career after being considered not good enough by Zimbabwean giants Dynamos in 2015.

Kadewere briefly played professional football in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League as a bit-part player for Harare City, just after he was snubbed by Dynamos, who were then under the tutelage of former Zimbabwe national team coach Kallisto Pasuwa.

But after being deemed as surplus to requirement by the 1998 Caf Champions League finalists, he went on to sign for Swedish side Djurgardens IF that very same year.

“I was very sad because they [Dynamos] were my dream team in Zimbabwe but, then, I did not give up,’’ Kadewere told The Herald.

“I kept on working hard and praying to God for the best. My brother Prosper kept telling me to keep a cool head and continue working hard. My [late] father and my brothers inspired me the most.

“Growing up, I used to tell myself that I want to be better than them, people used to tell me my brother Prince was a star so I had to surpass that.

“I am not surprised [by what he has achieved so far], to be honest, because my whole family used to tell me that one day I will be one of the best players to come out of Zimbabwe.’’

Tor further prove that Dynamos were wrong not to consider him, he has now made his Ligue 1 breakthrough by signing for Lyon from Le Havre.

Following a remarkable turnaround in personal fortunes, Kadewere could be coming up against the likes of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo in the next few weeks.

Lyon are set to clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de La Ligue final on July 31, before visiting Juventus for a Uefa Champions League Round of 16, second leg clash seven days later.

With Lyon having won the first leg 1-0, they could proceed to face either Manchester City or Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

“I would not say I am prepared or not prepared [facing PSG and Juventus],’’ said Kadewere.

“I am just working extra hard to make sure I do my very best, if given the chance, to play in both games. But, what is most important, is for the team to win both games because they are so important for us and the future.

“My target, for now, is to make sure I get as much game time as possible so that I get to study, and also get used to the playing system, of the team and Ligue 1 football. I am not setting any goal targets but would love to score as many goals as possible.’’

Kadewere is the fourth Zimbabwean to play in Ligue 1 after Benjani Mwaruwari, Harlington Shereni and Ovidy Karuru, who is currently with Stellenbosch FC.

Mikel Arteta is ready to make the addition of another playmaker a top priority for Arsenal, with the Gunners boss looking to bring a new Santi Cazorla or Tomas Rosicky into Emirates Stadium.

The north London giants have always been loaded with creative talent.

Arsene Wenger stockpiled ball-playing options throughout his iconic 22-year reign, with Arsenal favouring a playing style that was pleasing on the eye.

Too much emphasis has been placed on attacking recruits at times, with defensive leaks allowed to spring up.

Arteta is, however, another of those who recognises the importance of having match winners within his ranks and is set to scour the market for a No.10 capable of following in illustrious footsteps.

The Arsenal boss told Sky Sports: “Look at the players that we had in the past at this club in those positions.

“You go back to Cazorla, to Rosicky, to (Andrey) Arshavin when he played there, to (Aaron) Ramsey when he played there, to (Henrikh) Mkhitaryan when he came in. Even Jack Wilshere used to play in those pockets all the time.

“That is a lot of players who are now not here. We have to renew that cycle, because if not, those kind of players won't be there for us anymore. They are a big part of what any squad needs.”

Arsenal already have a World Cup-winning No.10 on their books in the form of Mesut Ozil, but the former Germany international has fallen out of favour amid further questions of his attitude.

“I know what Mesut brings,” said Arteta.

“You only have to check his stats and look at what he's able to do in those tight areas without any space… That's all I can say.”

Ozil appears to be very much out of the picture at present, but Arsenal are eager to tie up a permanent deal with Real Madrid for Dani Ceballos and he could be another option to fill a playmaking post.

Arteta said of his fellow Spaniard: “Dani is someone who has the ability to play further up, for sure.

“But with the needs that we have at the moment and the way that he helps us join the lines together, to make us more stable with the ball, we have to use him there.”

Stefano Pioli hopes to work with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Milan again next season now his own future has been resolved - and he has tipped Rafael Leao to "explode" in 2020-21.

Veteran striker Ibrahimovic returned to the Rossoneri on a short-term deal in January and has scored seven goals in 16 Serie A appearances.

Ibrahimovic had been linked to an exit at the end of the campaign with Bologna having been tentatively linked, while a return to his native Sweden was said to be on the cards.

The 38-year-old himself said this week he remains unsure as to what will happen, but Pioli – who signed a new contract to 2022 on Wednesday after Milan opted not to pursue a deal to bring in Ralf Rangnick – feels that his own situation being sorted could sway Ibrahimovic to stay in Milan.

"The contribution he has given to our growth is evident. I hope to work with him again, but there are still many things that must be put on the table," Pioli told Sky Sport Italia after Milan's 1-1 draw with Atalanta on Friday.

"There's no doubt about the fact that he is still well and can carry on, but it depends on many different aspects.

"I believe he and the club haven't spoken yet. There was still no certainty as to who the coach would have been, and I believe the talks have not been arranged due to this reason."

One player Pioli will definitely have the chance to work with is Leao, who was signed from Lille for a reported €35 million (£32m/$39m) last July and has shown flashes of his undoubted potential, scoring five goals in 29 top-flight games.

Pioli stated the 21-year-old attacker is performing better in training than in matches but expects more to come next term.

"[Leao] has enormous potential, it's right to have great expectations for him. He's growing – this year will really help him for next season," he added.

"He does much better in training than in the matches, but he will get there. [Against Atalanta], he was positive, but he can do more.

"He has the quality to open up games, from the beginning or coming off the bench. Next year, he could explode, or at least be more consistent."

Johnstone Omurwa's move to Angola giants Petro Atletico has hit a new twist after his current team Wazito FC reportedly turned down a bid believed to be around KS10 million.

The defender has been solid for the 2018/19 National Super League champions and as a result, teams came hoping to seal his services. Despite their initial tough stance on letting the 21-year-old leave, the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side, later on, agreed to let the Kenya U23 star go.

However, Goal has learned the move is on the rocks after his team hardened their stance once again.

"After initial talks, we expected involved parties to have smooth negotiations on the matter," a source close to the club told Goal.

"[Petro] made their offer, which is close to KSh10 million, but [Wazito] are not willing to let him leave. I cannot tell why the sudden change of mind, but we hope everything will be solved to allow Omurwa to leave.

"This is a once in a lifetime chance for a player and it will not be good to deny him the opportunity."

Despite their struggles in the KPL, Omurwa remained Wazito's best player by far.

Initially, it is said he was reluctant to make the move but his stand softened following a serious pursuit from the team’s officials.

"It is true [Johnstone] Omurwa will join Petro Atletico soon. After wide consultations he has decided to make the move as the Angolan officials stated and restated they were interested in him," Goal reported as told by the club's insider.

Should the defender make the move he will join former Gor Mahia striker Jacques Tuyisenge, who left for the club last year.

Allan Wanga became the first Kenyan to sign for the Luanda team in 2007.

A few days ago, Omurwa revealed he had been approached by Petro Atletico officials.

"Petro Atletico officials first approached me last month, but I never knew they were serious. So, I jokingly referred them to the club because I still have a running contract. 

"They [Petro] told me they were ready to give Wazito about Sh10 million for my release. But [former] coach [Stewart] Hall called me and told me he still needs me in his team and promised to engage the club to review my contractual terms."

SuperSport United youth coach Kwanele Kopo believes Bafana Bafana and Brentford midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo is one of the most intelligent players ever produced in the country.

The experienced tactician has hailed the 29-year-old midfielder’s progress in Europe, saying he is not one of the dirtiest anchormen but his ability to read the game has elevated him.

“Kamo has been unfortunate with injuries, especially during his stint in the championship with Brentford. When he was at FC Twente in Holland, I mean, he played his best football, and that’s how he got his move from Holland to England,” Kopo told IOL.

“He’s very intelligent, the signs were there from a young age. He’s not one of the players that speak a lot. He gets on with his job quietly. Tactically he’s also one of the best.”

Kopo promoted Mokotjo to the third-tier division at the tender age of 15 and speaks highly of the Free State-born’s ability to pass the ball and to intercept situations.

“He’s passing rate is very good. He reads the game very well,” he added.

“He can influence the game positively in the attack. I know that in Holland and Brentford, he plays as a holding midfielder but he’s not a tackler, he reads the game very well to intercept situations.”

After finishing the 2019/20 campaign with Brentford, Mokotjo recently renewed his contract on a short-term deal and will look to help the club gain promotion to the Premier League in the near future.

The Bees are third on the log standings with 81 points, a spot that has ensured they’ll be one of the four teams alongside Fulham, Cardiff City and Swansea City to fight for promotion in the play-offs in August.

Formerly with PEC Zwolle and Excelsior, Mokotjo has featured in 26 matches across all competitions for Brentford, scoring once and providing two assists.

On the other hand, the Odendaalsrus-born player has been honoured in the Netherlands by Zwolle as he was named in their All-Star team.