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Luka Modric has described Sergio Ramos as a "phenomenon" and says the Real Madrid captain is the best defender in the world.

Ramos led Madrid to his fifth La Liga title, scoring 11 times in the top flight this season - a record for a defender in the 21st century.

The 34-year-old has won 22 trophies with Los Blancos since joining from Sevilla in 2005 and remains integral to Zinedine Zidane's plans, with many suggesting he could have been in the running for the Ballon d'Or this year before the 2020 award was cancelled.

Modric, who has become a good friend of Ramos since moving to the Spanish capital in 2012, says there can be no doubting his quality.

"My brother Sergio is a phenomenon," he told Sportske Novosti. "And I'm not just saying that because in eight years we've created a really special relationship, we hang out as families, go on holiday together, or because we've had fantastic footballing experiences and successes together.

"Ramos is a 34-year-old rock, a top-level competitor, and when you watch him working on himself, it's clear how dedicated he is and how hungry he is for success. He's a team leader and the best defender in the world."

Madrid's title triumph was also inspired by the form of Karim Benzema, who scored 21 goals this season, and Modric believes he is now starting to get the recognition he deserves.

"Now, everyone has finally realised what we players have known for a long time," he said. "Benzema is a top striker who is a pleasure to play with. His understanding of the game, movement, disrupting the balance of the opposition defence, is something special.

"Benzema has always done a great job for the team and I am just glad that he has now experienced a general standing ovation and great satisfaction from people recognising his class."

Madrid trailed Barca at the top of the table when La Liga was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, but a run of 10 wins in a row and a draw with Leganes on the final day saw them finish five points clear.

Modric felt there were signs when the team returned to training that they had a good chance of overhauling Barca.

"I've already won 16 trophies at Real, four Champions Leagues, but this La Liga title made me especially happy," he added.

"We definitely should have had more domestic titles because we threw away some championships in a very clumsy way.

"While we were shut in our homes, we all trained. I was in contact with team-mates and noticed everyone was working with extra motivation. When we finally got back to training together, I felt an even stronger connection between the players, enjoying being together again and in full swing."

Said Benrahma has revealed he is flattered by interest from Chelsea and Arsenal but stated he is focused on firing Brentford to the Premier League.

The Algeria international has been delivering eye-catching performances since his £2.7million move from French club Nice in the summer of 2018.

The 24-year-old has bagged 27 Championship goals in 80 appearances for the Bees and in the current 2019-20 season, the winger has been in fantastic form.

The forward has racked up 17 league goals and provided eight assists in 47 appearances to help Thomas Frank’s men to close in on automatic promotion to the Premier League.

The winger’s impressive form has caught the attention of a number of European clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal and newly-promoted English top-flight side Leeds United.

Benrahma is thrilled with the interest from the club and has praised the Bees for aiding his development at the club.

“I was really flattered but I'm so focused on trying to get a promotion with Brentford that I don't want to pay too much attention but, of course, it is giving me confidence,” Benrahma told Daily Mail.

“My progression is due to Brentford, they have given me a lot of confidence. I was not very confident when I was at Nice but now I am. It's thanks to Brentford. So I'm going to fight to help take Brentford to the next step.

“I had this style of playing [clever skills] but in France, I was not so confident to play this way so people saw it less but Thomas [Frank] gives me the confidence to play like this and have this style.

Brentford will clinch promotion to the Premier League on Wednesday evening if they defeat Barnsley and West Bromwich lose against Queens Park Rangers.

Benrahma feels it would be a thing of joy for the Bees, who are about to move into their new stadium if they can clinch a ticket to the English top-flight.

“It would be magnificent for the first game at the new stadium to be in the Premier League but at the same time Griffin Park is our home and I have an attachment to the old stadium. To not have the fans at the game is going to be a bit sad. So we really want to win the game for the fans,” he continued.

“I always watched the Premier League, especially Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. Since I was a kid I wanted to play in England. But I don't look at it as my destiny to play in the Premier League - it has always been a target and I wish to play there with Brentford.”

Benrahma has three caps for Algeria since he made his debut in 2015 in a friendly against Senegal.

Sports Registrar Rose Wasike has laid down the requirements Gor Mahia's election process must meet if they are to be allowed to proceed.

Gor Mahia have scheduled their election for August 8 and the Registrar has outlined a rigorous process the whole affair must strive to meet.

“This is to request you to submit documents relating to the appointed Independent Panel that will ensure the holding of fair and transparent elections,” a letter from Wasike obtained by Goal read.

“Nomination process of candidates without unfairly blocking any candidate from vying, adherence to 2/3 gender rule, non-discrimination, having an election procedure that adheres to the general provision of Article 81 of the Kenya Constitution 2010, the Sports Act and regulation 20 of Sports Registrar Regulation of 2nd September 2016 and other regulations stipulated in the club's constitution.

“It is a requirement under Regulation 20 of the Sports Registrar of 2016 that an independent panel is appointed and the Sports Registrar, one or an umbrella sports organisation and the ministry observers.

“Note that all your candidates must get clearance certificates from the government integrity clearance offices including Credit Reference Bureau, Higher Education Loans Board, Kenya Revenue Authority, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Directorate of Criminal Investigation, National Social Security Fund, and the National Hospital Insurance Fund among others.

“It is also my request that you submit a list of members that will vote, and who should be paid up members plus copies of their membership cards to prove membership, two passports size photos, postal address and mobile phone numbers to enable the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya [ICPAK) fit them into the online voting system.”

Wasike went further to demand more from the club whose dissatisfied members have already made demands and dared to seek legal action against the whole process.

“It is also my request that you submit duly signed letters from institutions or bodies indicating acceptance of the online election systems offer,” the letter added.

“Approved election calendars stipulating the start and end time of election and the tallying time and other activities before and end of the election.

“Details of returning officers, members of the election panel and their contacts. Title of the election and all positions that are subjected to an election including the number of vacancies available.

“Details of each validly nominated candidates to run for each position and details of valid and eligible members to vote.”

South Africa international Percy Tau's former coach, Luka Elsner believes he would excel at Belgian giants RSC Anderlecht.

The 26-year-old forward has been heavily linked with the Purple and White, who are reportedly looking to sign him ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Nicknamed the Lion of Judah, Tau is coming off a successful spell at Anderlecht's Belgian rivals, Club Brugge on loan from English side Brighton and Hove Albion.

Elsner, who coached the left-footed attacker at Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in the 2018/19 season, is pleased with how Tau performed at Brugge.

"The step he took was very big," Elsner was quoted as saying in Voetbal Primeur.

"From playing for 3 000 fans to the Champions League with matches in the [Santiago] Bernabeu and the Parc des Princes.

"It would have surprised me if he had played for the entire season."

Tau joined Brighton in 2018 following a successful 2017/18 season with Mamelodi Sundowns having scooped the PSL Footballer of the Year and Golden Boot awards.

However, due to work-permit complications, the Lion of Judah was loaned out to Saint-Gilloise where he flourished and won the Belgian First Division B Player of the Season award.

Elsner believes Tau will explode at Anderlecht, who are the most decorated Belgian club having clinched a record with 34 First Division A titles.

"Percy is 26, but he only came to Europe in 2018. He is still in the learning process and last season's experiences are going to make him better," he added.

"We should not be too strict either, he did not fail at Brugge. Percy also played good matches, such as against Real. He now knows what it is like to play at the top in Belgium and that can help him at Anderlecht.

"The qualities to do well there, he has anyway. He can really explode at Anderlecht."

A versatile attacker, who can play across the front three, Tau hit the back of the net three times and provided four assists in 18 Pro League matches for Brugge during the 2019/20 season.

He helped Brugge clinch their 16th First Division A title and he also played six games in the Champions League and two in the Europa League.

Former Chippa United coach Norman Mapeza says he kept focused on the future despite the frustration of failing to join West Ham United following a successful trial in 2000.

Having already played in Poland and Turkey including Champions League football with Galatasaray, Mapeza impressed then Hammers coach Harry Redknapp but failed to obtain a work permit.

“In the end, they said they couldn’t get a work permit for me, even though they said they had tried their best to get one,’’ Mapeza told The Herald.

“It was disappointing, of course, because the manager told me they really wanted me to join the team and he told me I had done very well during my time with the team.

“The other players had also embraced me and were happy with my presence there because they felt I could add value to the team. However, such things happen, it’s the way football and life is, there are disappointments here and there, but the most important thing is to keep focused and looking ahead.’’

Another opportunity to play in the Premier League emerged the following year when Redknapp who was now at Portsmouth tried to bring Mapeza to Pompey from Austrian side SV Ried.

But again, the defender-cum-anchorman could not secure a work permit despite having played more than 50 games for Zimbabwe and captaining the Warriors.

At that time, Liverpool legendary goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar and Peter Ndlovu were the only Zimbabweans to have tasted Premier League football.

During the West Ham trial, Mapeza played three friendly matches against Swindon Town, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, with Rio Ferdinand his partner at the heart of defence.

Ferdinand rated the Zimbabwean as “good enough for the Premiership.”

“He is a very good player and all the players here are kind of surprised that he did not get signed,’’ Ferdinand told The Herald during that time.

“He is a great guy. He played three games for us and impressed everyone who saw him. He is good enough for the Premiership and he should have impressed other teams, or scouts, who saw him play in the pre-season matches and there should be one club that should take him.

“If that happens, there will be a lot of people, among the players here, who will be happy for Norman because we really liked him.’’

From Austria, Mapeza returned to Turkey to sign for Malatyaspor and then a brief stint at Ajax Cape Town before he retired due to persistent injuries in 2006.

Former Netherlands and Aston Villa midfielder George Boateng believes Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew deserves to be on the roster of a bigger club.

The Ghana international is enjoying fine form in the Premier League, having registered nine league goals in 36 outings, standing as The Eagles' top scorer.

He previously played for Aston Villa and Swansea City since leaving French side Lorient.

“We [Ghana] are not so blessed in the attacking department of the Black Stars and I think Jordan leads the line very well and he is at a very good age and he is scoring goals for Crystal Palace," Boateng told Citi TV.

“Why I love watching Jordan is because when you see how hard he works, the goals that he scores, he creates them by himself.

“[This] tells me that he should play for a bigger team because when you can create goals in such a difficult team that is not blessed with many chances in a game, that means that he is quite prolific."

Boateng, who also played for Middlesbrough and Coventry City in England, also shared his thoughts on Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Teye Partey who is strongly linked to Arsenal.

The 27-year-old has become a hot subject of transfer rumours, amid the reported competition of interest from Manchester United.

Atletico, it is believed, have also not given up hope of convincing the Ghanaian for a longer stay at Wanda Metropolitano.

He currently has a release clause of about £44.8 million with the Rojiblancos.

“If we look at Manchester United’s situation, that is even more suitable," Boateng explained.

“Pogba in a three-man midfield is a much better player as the 8 and Fernandes operating as the 10.

“Can they have someone like Thomas Partey to control and lead the midfield to allow Pogba and Fernandes to move forward, I think Manchester United will start playing to win the league."

Partey made 35 league appearances for Atletico last season, helping the side to a third-place finish in La Liga. He netted three times, the same number of goals he recorded in each of the previous two terms. 

Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri says some of the criticism he receives in the media is personal because he may be "an asshole to some people".

Sarri looks set to end his debut season in charge of the Turin side with the Serie A title, as they are four points away from winning a ninth successive Scudetto. They could secure top spot with victory over Udinese should Inter fail to beat Fiorentina on Wednesday.

But the Bianconeri have won just one of their last four matches and many commentators have taken issue with the 61-year-old's style.

The ex-Chelsea and Napoli boss says the scrutiny does not bother him and argued that the resullts speak for themselves.

“I’m probably an asshole to some people! I’m not particularly interested," he told reporters. 

"I know the difficulties we face daily and I think we’ve got more data on our side than those who express opinions."

He added: "I am a man of sport, which means that 'almost' is meaningless. We know that we need to pick up four points, which is difficult at the moment. 

"We've got to focus on one game at a time, think of Udinese, then of Sampdoria, stay in the moment and continue fully aware this is a tough period for everyone."

Juve's attacking duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala have been directly involved in a combined 17 goals in Juve's 10 matches since the campaign resumed in June, with the Portuguese positioned on the left and the latter through the middle.

Ronaldo linked up with Dybala for Juve's second goal in Monday's 2-1 win over Lazio, having earlier opened the scoring from the penalty spot to become the first player to net 50 times in the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.

But while Sarri has been encouraged by their partnership up top, he believes there is even more to come from the pair.

"It's evident we can play a lot better and have ample margin for improvement," Sarri said at a pre-match news conference on Wednesday when asked about Ronaldo and Dybala. 

"I don't see this difficulty in having top level players like Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala sharing the field, as they have already scored 51 goals between them in two seasons."

As well as breaking another record with his double against Lazio, Ronaldo drew level with Ciro Immobile at the top of the Serie A scoring charts with 30 goals.

But despite the title being within touching distance and the Champions League set to resume next month, Sarri sees no reason to give the 35-year-old a breather.

"I spoke to him 10 minutes ago and he said he's in great shape," Sarri said.

"This is part of his strength - the ability to quickly recover both physical and emotional energy, setting his sights immediately on the next target. It allows him to push beyond fatigue.

"In Germany they have the problem of the season ending a month before the Champions League. We are still playing for the title and cannot think about anything else for now."

Young Africans (Yanga SC) squandered another chance to widen the gap between them and Azam FC after drawing 1-1 against Mtibwa Sugar on July 22.

Yanga were forced to work even harder and draw against their Wednesday rivals after they went down in the 28th minute when Haruna Charongo scored Mtibwa Sugar’s goal.

Adeyum Ahmed equalised for Yanga in the 83rd minute to help Timu Ya Wananchi pick their 69th point of the season.

Yanga are now above Azam with three more points while the former will be in action against Mbeya City on July 23.

Elsewhere, Mbao FC registered a 3-0 win over Namungo FC. The FA Cup 2020 finalist fell away from home and the defeat is a big blow to their ambition to wrestle second place from either Yanga or Azam at the end of the season.

A brace from Jordan John in the fourth and in the 14th minutes, as well as one goal from Abdulkarim Segeja, were enough to hand Mbao a win over an otherwise on form Namungo.

Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC FC) lost at home against Tanzania Prisons after going down with a 1-0 margin.

Ramadhan Ibata was the scorer of the only goal in the 75th that separated the two sides during the encounter.

Mwadui FC picked up a slim 1-0 win against Biashara United in another Mainland Premier League tie. Musa Chambega scored the goal that ensured Mwadui claimed all three points at home against their rivals.

Meanwhile, relegation-bound Singida United were downed by visiting Kagera Sugar as they conceded a 2-1 defeat.

Kevin Kongwe scored a fourth-minute goal for Kagera Sugar before Awesu Awesu added the second one in the 52nd minute.

Stephen Sey was Singida United’s scorer in the 46th minute.

Meanwhile, Yanga have condoled with their fans who were engaged in an accident as they headed to Morogoro to witness their encounter against Mtibwa Sugar.

“Yanga would like to condole with the members and fans from Kadili Asilia Tandale Branch who were engaged in an accident as they headed to Morogoro where our team was playing against Mtibwa Sugar,” the club’s statement obtained by Goal read.

“The accident that occurred at Kingorwila led to a number of injuries and the destruction of properties and the club would like to wish those injured a quick recovery.

“The club understands and will always appreciate the support it is given by the fans whenever our team is playing.”

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has been revealed as the global cover star for FIFA 21.

The France international replaces Real Madrid star Eden Hazard, who was on the cover for the standard edition of the previous title in the series.

Mbappe described it as a "dream come true", while creators EA Sports proclaimed the 21-year-old World Cup winner "the leader of the next generation".

"Being on the cover of FIFA is a dream come true," he said to the game company's website. 

"From my time at Bondy to Clairefontaine to the World Cup, this marks another big milestone. 

"I've been playing this game since I was a kid and I am honoured to represent a whole new generation of footballers and be in the same group as many other amazing footballers who I now share this honour with."

The game is scheduled to be released in October.

Mbappe scored 18 goals in 20 appearances in Ligue 1 in 2019-20 before the season was ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic, with PSG crowned champions on a points-per-game basis.

He has consistently been linked to a move away from the French capital, with Real Madrid and Liverpool said to be courting him, but the attacker has said he planned to be at PSG for the 2020-21 season "no matter what".

"I'm here. I am in the project for a fourth year," Mbappe said in an interview with beIN Sports after a 4-0 friendly win over Celtic on Tuesday.

"The 50th year of the club is an important year for the club, the supporters, everyone, so I will be there no matter what.

"I will try to bring back trophies with the team and give the best of myself."

Thomas Tuchel's team face Saint-Etienne in the Coupe de France final on Friday and Lyon in the Coupe de la Ligue showpiece a week later. They will then take on Atalanta in the Champions League quarter-finals in Lisbon on August 12. 

Coach Hossam El Badry has praised the virtues of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah for the Egyptian national team.

Since joining the Reds for £36.7 million ($45m) in the summer of 2017 from Serie A outfit AS Roma, the Egyptian has been an instant hit for Jurgen Klopp’s men helping them win the Champions League, Premier League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.

His brilliance in front of goal saw him win the Premier League topscorer prize twice, and in the process joining the likes of Alan Shearer, Michael Owen, Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and Harry Kane as players who have won the accolade for two consecutive seasons.

Salah played a key role in qualifying Egypt for the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia. At the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, hosts Egypt failed to get through the Round of 16, getting knocked out by South Africa.

Reacting to questions from the Fifa website on how he intends making the 28-year-old perform as he does for Jurgen Klopp’s men, El Badry outlined what makes Salah special, but he warned he will not be overworked.

“What Salah has achieved so far makes us so proud of him. He’s reached the highest level and has become an icon for Egyptians.

“It is no exaggeration to say he’s considered a role model in the Arab World and Africa. He’s become the epitome of dreams, hard work and perseverance, and young people want to follow his path.

“I know very well that he likes challenges and that the national team is of the utmost importance to him.

“Salah has reached the highest level of professionalism and understands his rights and responsibilities. He’s the cornerstone of the national team and carries the hopes of all Egyptians.

“However, we shouldn’t overburden him. Football is a team sport that requires collective work. I like to make everyone’s responsibilities clear on the pitch.

“Every player has offensive and defensive duties and the success of one player influences the success of his team-mates. We all have to stand united for the national team.”

South Africa is in the news again after three of their Fifa players were ranked in the top 100 by Electronic Arts (EA). 

According to Electronic Arts, players need to become FUT champions verified players to Global Series Points and play in online qualifiers for the rest of the season and qualify for the rankings.

For a player to qualify for the rankings, they would need to win at least 27 games in a single weekend league.  

In an article published by Redbull, 26 of the 100 ranked players played PS4 while 16 were Xbox One Players. 

Thabo 'Yvng Savage' Moloi, Mohamed 'KingCJ0' Alioune Diop and Kaylan 'MBCKaylan' Moodley, all South Africans, made the list of top 100 players in the world. 

At 16, Moloi dazzled the crowd at the VS Gaming Fifa eWorld Cup qualifiers to earn enough points in the Globa Series a few months ago.   

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, EA was forced to cancel most of their physical events. 

As a result, it was forced to hold the current rankings from online competitions and weekly games, and those were determined according to the Golden Series points.  

Moloi came top on the rankings from South African taking part on Playstation 4 and 73rd in the world. 

This is one of Moloi's first achievements this year, adding to a long list of them, including travelling overseas to compete and being announced as the professional player for the eBafana Bafana team that took part in the eNations Stay and Play Cup. 

The eBafana Bafana team includes prominent rapper Cassper Nyovest and Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi. 

Furthermore, Diop was the second player to be ranked amongst the top 100 PS4 players. 

Diop is currently based in the United States of America (USA) following his departure from the Orlando Pirates eSports team. He is ranked in position 99 in the world. 

In 2019, both Diop and Moloi finished in the Top 3 on PS4 alongside Julio 'Beast' Bianchi. 

This followed Shiaan Rugbeer from Goliath Gaming, who was the leading player on the FGS Rankings. Ryan Bastos from Orlando Pirates came in second in 2019. 

Completing the top 100 is Moodley who plays on Xbox One and finished 33rd in the world. 

According to Redbull, he is the highest-ranked South African both on Xbox and overall.  

Simba SC have denied reports they will do away with the entire technical bench currently headed by Sven Vandenbroeck ahead of the new season.

Social media in Tanzania was awash on Tuesday with news the newly crowned Mainland Premier League will go for a new technical bench to help them do better in the Caf Champions League.

However, the club CEO Senzo Mazingiza has now come out to clarify the claims insisting at no time did the club issue such a statement and that they will stick with the same bench for the new season.

Mazingiza also accused those peddling the false rumours that they were trying to destabilise the team as they prepare to play in the final of the FA Cup against Namungo FC on August 2.

“We have not chased away anyone or planning to do so, we will not chase any member of the technical bench and even the team’s playing unit will remain the same,” Mazingiza told the club’s official website.

“I am shocked at the rumours because those doing it have an agenda to bring chaos in the team and derail our chase for a double, they want us to lose in the FA Cup final and that will not happen.

“I also want to ask those spreading such rumours to desist from doing so because they are not good for the game of football, if Simba wants to do changes, we will do it openly and everyone will know, we don’t need to hide anything.”

In a recent interview, Mazingiza explained the reason the club will delve into the transfer market for quality players ahead of the new season.

“Looking at how the team plays, there are some positions which should be toughened enough before the upcoming Champions League matches,” Mazingiza told reporters.

“For now, we are focusing on the players we have in the squad but before Simba Day, people will be happy to see the new faces to join Simba next season.”

Simba have two matches remaining to conclude the season and will next face Coastal Union before tackling Polisi Tanzania.

Montreal Impact’s Musafa Kizza has disclosed playing under legendary Thierry Henry will serve as a big motivation for him.

The 20-year-old was signed by the Major League Soccer outfit on a two-year contract, albeit, he will remain with Uganda top-flight side Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) until December – owing to restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

At the Saputo Stadium, he will be looking up to Kenya international Victor Wayama and Algeria’s Saphir Taider for inspiration, but his biggest drive will come from playing under his childhood role model Henry.

"Everybody I grew up with adored Thierry Henry and he was a role model to many young players," Kizza told BBC Sport Africa.

"I was old enough to understand football and I can vividly remember him scoring nice goals for Arsenal"

"I am so happy for the opportunity to play under a great legend like Thierry Henry and that is a great motivation for me to become the best I can in football because I will learn a lot from him."

The harsh climatic condition and language barrier no doubt might be a cog in the wheel of Kizza’s adaptation in Canada. Nevertheless, the Uganda international is confident he will defy the odds to cope.

"I am aware of the terribly cold weather in Canada but I think I will cope," he continued.

"Earlier in the year I spent some time in Switzerland on trial with FC Zurich, it was tough, but I coped.

"My French is very little, but I am a very good learner. I will learn with time."

The left-back who joined KCCA in 2017 has been a key member of the Kassasiro Boys’ side that lifted the Premier League title in 2019. In the abandoned season which KCCA surrendered the title to Vipers FC, the full-back-cum winger scored five goals and gave 12 assists from 19 games.

Kizza will become the second Ugandan to play for Montreal Impact in the MLS after Mike Azira.

Azira is now at Chicago Fire and was the first Ugandan to join Montreal Impact and served them for two years between 2018 and 2019.

Alexandre Lacazette has admitted that being on the bench caused him "unhappiness" while opening up on the toughest season of his Arsenal career to date.

Lacazette quickly established himself as a fan favourite at Arsenal after joining from Lyon in the summer of 2017.

The 29-year-old has scored 48 goals in 125 appearances for the Gunners, but only 12 of those efforts have been recorded in the 2019-20 campaign.

An ankle injury saw the France international sidelined for two months, and his place in the team came under threat following Eddie Nketiah's return to Emirates Stadium from a loan spell at Leeds in January.

Rather than fold under the pressure to turn around his situation, Lacazette has worked hard behind the scenes to force his way back into Mikel Arteta's plans since last month's Premier League restart.

The former Lyon star has found the net three times in his last six outings, with his latest effort helping Arsenal beat newly-crowned champions Liverpool 2-1 last Wednesday.

Lacazette says he found it difficult to deal with being on the fringes of the action, but never lost faith in his own ability during a frustrating period away from the pitch.

The forward told Canal Plus: "Certainly, it is not nice to be on the bench.

"At the same time, in my life I have had moments that were a lot more complicated and I did not doubt myself. It wasn’t really doubted, it was more unhappiness, like every player who is on the bench and wants to play."

Asked if the current season has been the most challenging of his professional career so far, Lacazette responded: "At Arsenal, yes. The [ankle] injury hung around longer than I expected and it affected me.

"Afterwards, I had this period without scoring, so certainly it wasn’t easy for me, but I still learned a lot this season, because mentally it was not easy.

"The difficulties this season are going to serve me well in the future."

The Frenchman added on his relationship with Nketiah: "Between me and him, things are very good, there are no problems. We support each other. We know that everyone wants to play and it is the coach who makes the decisions, but between me and him there are no problems."

Arsenal's 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on Tuesday ensured they will finish outside the top six for the first time in 25 years, and they only have the FA Cup left to play for in the final weeks of the season.

Lacazette concluded by highlighting where his side have gone wrong over the past 12 months, stating: "We lacked rigour at key moments in the season.

"We lacked on confidence as a team, because each time we were lacking, whether it was a player at the back or a player up top, who affected the team to the slightest extent."

Three of Jordan Ayew’s strikes have made the shortlist for the Crystal Palace Goal of the Season award.

The Ghana international is the Eagles’ top scorer in the Premier League this term having scored nine goals in 36 top-flight appearances.

His last goal came in Palace’s 2-0 victory at Bournemouth – where he attained an enviable milestone in his football career.

The 28-year-old became the highest-scoring Ghanaian in Premier League history – scoring 25 times to beat Tony Yeboah’s feat of 24 goals in 47 appearances, while his brother Andre is third on the Ghana chart with 21 goals from 87 outings.

Although he has gone on a surprising run of seven games without scoring, three of his efforts have been selected to compete for the club’s individual diadem alongside compatriot Jeffrey Schlupp, as well as Andros Townsend, Patrick van Aanholt, Wilfried Zaha and Luka Milivojevic.

According to a statement on the club website, his efforts in the 1-0 defeat of Aston Villa on August 31, 2019 tops the list.

Connecting with a pass from countryman Schlupp on the left, Ayew ghosted past two Aston Villa players before drifting the ball into the right-hand corner of the net, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

Also nominated for the accolade was his sublime match-winning strike against West Ham United on December 26, 2020.

That strike was a beauty to behold as he drove into the box from wide, cheekily beating three defenders, before effortlessly dinking the ball over onrushing goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez.

Lastly, his strike against Watford on March 7, 2020 in an English top-flight game was considered for selection.

The Black Stars’ forward blasted home from 20 yards with his right foot after magnificent hold-up play from teammate Christian Benteke.

Zaha's goals in the Eagles' home games against Liverpool and Chelsea made the final cut, while Schlupp would be hoping his strike at Selhurst Park fetches him the prize.

Ayew has one last chance to reach his first double-figure tally in Europe as Crystal Palace welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Selhurst Park on Sunday. Aside from that, Hodgson’s side would attempt to end their run of seven successive defeats.

Kenya’s Michael Olunga was on target once again as Kashiwa Reysol picked up a heavy 4-0 win against Urawa Reds.

It is the second straight match the Harambee Star found the back of the net after going for three matches without scoring since the J1 League resumed.

The win at Saitama Stadium 2002 was also Kashiwa Reysol's second straight win after a 3-2 victory against Shonan Bellmare on July 18.

The visitors got a 32nd-minute opener after Brazilian Richardson Fernandes struck past Urawa Reds’ goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa to begin what became a big away win for Olunga and teammates.

The former Thika United star struck his fourth goal of the season in the 51st minute with Taiyo Koga providing him with a valuable assist.

Hayato Nakama scored the third one for the visitors five minutes after Olunga’s goal with an assist from Yuta Kamiya.

Kamiya found himself getting onto the scoresheet with an 89th-minute goal that ensured Kashiwa Reysol will not only head back home with a big win but also with a clean sheet.

There was only one yellow card booking which went to Kashiwa Reysol’s Fernandes in the 27th minute.

Kashiwa Reysol, now eighth, are a point below Urawa Reds who are sixth on the log after both engaging in six matches.

When Olunga had broken a three-match goalless streak, he exuded confidence that he had indeed regained his goalscoring touch.

“But of course it is a good feeling to get my scoring boots back again and I know now the gates are open,” he said in an interview.

“It is going to be a different ball game altogether and today [July 18] I scored two goals and I am looking forward to the upcoming games.”

Meanwhile, Yokohama FC produced a splendid performance against Yokohama Marinos as they bagged a 4-0 win too.

Shonan Bellmare won 1-0 against Kashima Atlas in their respective tie while Gamba Osaka also picked up a slim win at a similar margin against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

There was a 1-1 draw registered between Sagan Tosu and Shimizu S-Pulse when Consadole Sapporo got a similar result away to Tokyo FC.

Kawasaki Frontale fought and won 3-2 against Vegalta Sendai in the other match staged on July 22.

Gabriel Agbonlahor says Jack Grealish can't turn down the chance to join a club like Manchester United or Tottenham, with the opportunity to play in Europe and force his way into the England squad too good to pass up.

Grealish has led Aston Villa's fight against relegation this season, making the transition from the Championship to the Premier League seamlessly despite playing in a struggling team.

The 24-year-old has scored nine goals in 40 appearances for Dean Smith's side in 2019-20, while also contributing nine assists, with his latest stellar display coming in a crucial home win over Arsenal on Tuesday night.

The playmaker was quizzed on his future after the final whistle, and his response served to fuel the ongoing speculation linking him with a big-money move to either United or Spurs.

Asked if he had played his last game at Villa Park, Grealish told reporters: "I’m not too sure at the moment. I have one aim and that is to keep this club in the Premier League, where this whole fanbase knows we belong."

Agbonlahor, who played alongside Grealish between 2012 and 2018, says his old-team mate should take the next step in his fledgeling career if Villa's top-flight survival is confirmed in their final outing of the season against West Ham on Sunday.

The former Villa centre-forward told Talksport: “Jack loves Aston Villa. I’ve had the pleasure of being captain of that club and being a fan as well, and he’s in a similar situation, he just loves the club.

“He’s been outstanding since the return. You look at his performance yesterday, he was the one creating things, he was the one tracking back, throwing his body on the line, making interceptions.

“He just showed yesterday how much he wants to keep this club up, everyone has seen how he has carried Aston Villa this season, really, and they’ve given themselves an amazing chance.

“You know what football fans are like, they never want to lose their best players, but for me as a Villa fan if he can keep us up and then had a move where he’s got a chance of playing Champions League football, playing with elite stars, then I’d give him my blessing. I’d understand that.

“I might get a bit of stick for this, but it’s what I’d do in his position.

“He’s got a chance to join a club like Manchester United, or Tottenham, whoever is interested in him, and he’s got the chance to win trophies, to play in the Champions League and maybe a better chance to get into the England squad.

“At this time of his career, he’s coming into his prime at 25, so he can’t really turn down a chance of going to a top club, you just can’t do it."

Leroy Sane insists he retains a solid relationship with Pep Guardiola despite leaving Manchester City for Bayern Munich, and credits his former boss for helping him reach a "very high level".

Sane completed a €49million (£44.5m) move to Bayern earlier this month, after deciding against remaining in Manchester for the conclusion of City's Premier League and Champions League campaigns.

He only featured once during "Project Restart", making an 11-minute substitute cameo in a 5-0 win over Burnley on June 22 - only his second appearance in an injury-plagued campaign.

Indeed, despite scoring pivotal goals in wins over Liverpool and Manchester United last season, Sane struggled to hold down a regular starting place during City's triumphant 2018-19 run-in, with Guardiola often challenging the player to improve.

Nevertheless, the 24-year-old maintains there are no hard feelings between himself and his former manager.

"Our relationship is good," he told Sport Bild. "There was never a point when one was tired of the other. 

"I am grateful for everything he taught me. Pep Guardiola helped me to a very high level. 

"He is very meticulous and wants to advance the players every day. He is persistent when it comes to his tactics - but that's positive, it helped me. 

"We even lived in the same building [in Manchester], so we saw each other often."

Sane concedes he could even run into similar problems at Bayern, with Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry excelling in the wide attacking roles under Hansi Flick.

However, he views such stellar competition for places as a positive rather than a negative.

"Of course I want to play, but I don't demand a regular place in every game," he said.

"No player in the world can play every game and reach their highest level. I have my goals, but I'm zero point zero against rotation. 

"This helps the team to get a good freshness. Serge, King and I - that sounds very good to me."

Sane had been heavily linked with a move to Bayern before a cruciate knee ligament injury during City's Community Shield triumph over Liverpool last August put those plans on ice.

The former Schalke youngster expressed his gratitude to Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic for keeping the deal on track over those difficult months of recovery.

"He was behind the transfer from the first moment and was not put off by anything. I'm grateful for that," Sane added.

"He showed me how the club works, which team it has in mind, the way looks. 

"I immediately noticed: I know a lot of boys here, I fit in very well here. And I wanted to be part of the successful Bayern path."

Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams has admitted that he was "very against" Nicolas Pepe's £72 million ($91m) transfer to Emirates Stadium.

Pepe became the most expensive signing in Arsenal's history when he arrived in north London from Lille in August 2019.

The 25-year-old committed to a five-year contract with the Gunners, and big things were expected of a man who had caught the attention of a whole host of top European clubs with his performances at Stade Pierre Mauroy.

The Ivory Coast international has since struggled to justify his price tag at the Emirates, contributing a modest nine goals and eight assists in his first 40 outings across all competitions.

Adams thinks his old club made a mistake investing in another attacker at a time when so many promising youngsters were knocking on the door from the academy, and that they missed the opportunity to strengthen in more important positions.

The former Arsenal defender told Astro Supersport: "I was very against Pepe to be honest with you because we had [Bukayo] Saka coming through, we’ve got Eddie [Nketiah], Reiss Nelson, [Gabriel] Martinelli. 

"We’ve got a lot of kids that need to play and to go and buy [Pepe for] £72m, I thought it could have been used in different areas."

Pepe has featured prominently for Arsenal since the club's return from lockdown, and was singled out for praise by Mikel Arteta following his impressive display against Sheffield United on June 28.

The Gunners boss told reporters after watching the ex-Lille star score the opening goal from the penalty spot in a 2-1 victory at Bramall Lane: "I’m very excited about what he’s bringing to the team

“I think he has made a click, I think he realises what he needs to do for the team as well when we don’t have the ball.

"From the past, I didn’t know him personally but I think he is a player with incredible potential."

Pepe's latest outing came as a substitute during Arsenal's 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on Tuesday, which ended their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League.

Arteta's men will conclude their latest top-flight campaign with a home fixture against Watford this weekend, before focus shifts to an FA Cup final date with Chelsea on August 1.