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Mohamed Salah was grateful to "finally" receive an assist from defender Andy Robertson in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Brighton on Wednesday. 

The Egyptian attacker dominated the match at Falmer Stadium, opening the scoring after just six minutes, supplying the assist for Jordan Henderson's strike in the eighth minute and wrapping up the result with a 76th-minute header.

Salah's decisive strike came courtesy of a corner from Robertson and the attacker made light of the left-back finally setting him up for a goal after focusing on their link-up play in the build-up to the match. 

"We trained on that yesterday and two days ago - finally Robbo gave me an assist and I'm happy with that," Salah told Sky Sports. 

Like Robertson, Salah has contributed nine assists in the Premier League this season - the equal third-most in the competition behind Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

While Salah's 19 goals this campaign highlight his natural goalscoring ability, the 28-year-old was quick to point out that his assist record has also been impressive.

"I don't know why but I think I have a good number since I came here," Salah added. "In my position, I think I'm doing well."

Robertson's fellow full-back, Alexander-Arnold, stressed post-match that the Reds are always determined to provide quality service for their Egyptian star, who is looking to claim the Golden Boot for a third season running. 

"He [Salah] has his targets, he's around the Golden Boot and it's something he wants to retain," Alexander-Arnold told BBC Radio 5 Live. 

"He's a world-class player who scores so many goals for us and we try to get him on the board as much as possible."

Though Jurgen Klopp's side ultimately cruised to victory on Wednesday night, their right-back conceded the performance was far from their best.

"It wasn't a perfect game for us but we've shown when things get difficult we can bounce back. We came here to win, there are things in the performance we can pick up on," he said.

"We know they would want to play out and we wanted to win the ball back high up the pitch. We tried to force them into mistakes and we punished them early doors. Overall, we are happy with the win."

Semi Ajayi played a crucial defensive role in helping West Bromwich move to the top of the Championship table after their 2-0 victory against Derby County on Wednesday.

After sitting out Sunday's 4-2 win over Hull City, Ajayi returned to the Baggies' starting XI for his first time since June 26 to make his 39th appearance in the English second division this season.

The Nigeria international played from start to finish at the Hawthorns as goals from DR Congo-born Grady Diangana and Dara O'Shea in each half of the encounter sealed a vital win for Slaven Bilic’s men.

Egypt’s Ahmed Hegazi was suspended for the game after he was sent off against Hull City.

During the game, Ajayi won three aerial duels for the hosts, and he was able to make an interception and a clearance.

The 26-year-old is enjoying a fine debut campaign at the Hawthorns following his signing from League One outfit Rotherham United on a four-year deal last summer.

He is one of the regular fixtures in Bilic's team this season and aside from his defensive input, he has scored five goals in the Championship.

West Brom climbed to the top of the league table with 80 points from 42 matches, overtaking Leeds United who have a game in hand.

The Baggies are on course to earn promotion to the Premier League, two years after their relegation in the 2017-18 campaign.

Following Wednesday’s win, they will be looking to extend their three-game winning run when they visit Tosin Adarabioyo's Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

They are scheduled to play Fulham and Huddersfield Town in the coming days before concluding their 2019-20 campaign against QPR at home on July 22.

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden says Manchester United teenager Mason Greenwood is the best finisher he has ever seen.

The 18-year-old has played a vital role in the Red Devils' latest victories against Brighton and Bournemouth, scoring three goals and registering an assist over the two matches.

The attacker has netted 15 times in 41 appearances in all competitions this term, leading to him being tipped to become a club legend by team-mate Luke Shaw, while former United striker Andy Cole praised his "freakish" ability to find the net.

Even his side's city rivals are in awe of the England Under-21 international, as Foden has been thoroughly impressed by his prowess in the box.

"Mason Greenwood, the best I've seen finishing wise. He's both footed. In and around the box, he's always going to score," he told Premier League Uncut.

"High up finishing wise [compared to Sergio Aguero]. For his age, he's unbelievable. I don't know how he does it, to be honest.

"Just the right type of shot, you know what I mean. He knows when to finesse or lace it and he shoots quick, the keeper is never stable or set."

Greenwood is not the only player to earn Foden's praises, as he singled out Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi for his dribbling skills and his Blues team-mate Reece James.

"He's rapid. I've played with him before. He's a talented player and he's quick off the mark. He uses it well," he added. 

"Callum is very good at dribbling, to be honest. One vs ones, out wide in those areas, he's unbelievable.

"I like Reece James for physical. I think he's powerful. When I've seen him play he's done really well. He can defend and go forward, which I like to see. He's so strong."

The 20-year-old also praised Leicester midfielder James Maddison for his passing ability, saying: "Even the little passes in between the gaps, it's always with the right weight. He just kills the defence and breaks the lines, it just makes it easier for the people up front, they know they're going to be found.

"I've been really impressed with him."

Luis Suarez's second-half strike consigned Barcelona's rivals Espanyol to a 1-0 defeat and relegation from LaLiga in a match that saw two red cards.

Espanyol knew anything but a derby victory at Camp Nou on Wednesday would relegate them to the second tier for the first time since 1994.

They were given hope when substitute Ansu Fati was sent off five minutes after coming on at the start of the second half, only for the numbers to be swiftly evened up when Pol Lozano was also dismissed.

Suarez capped off a crazy six-minute passage by scoring the only goal as Barca moved a point behind leaders Real Madrid, who have a game in hand, in the title race.

In an all-or-nothing game for Espanyol, they were the better side in the first half, while Barca failed to have a single shot on target.

Adrian Embarba was the first to test Marc-Andre ter Stegen when he got in down the right, only for the German goalkeeper to thwart his effort with an outstretched right foot.

Espanyol continued to have joy on the counter attack and after Ter Stegen prevented a Clement Lenglet own goal, Didac Vila's effort hit the outside of the post just before half-time.

Quique Setien hoped Fati's half-time introduction would have an impact on his team and it certainly did, though not how he had imagined.

Five minutes after coming on the teenager was heading off again, a VAR review upgrading his caution to a red card as he was punished when a high right foot caught Fernando Calero.

However, Espanyol's one-man advantage lasted only three minutes, as Lozano joined Fati in being dismissed.

As was the case in Fati's instance, Lozano was initially awarded a yellow card that was changed to a red as replays showed he caught Gerard Pique on the shin when going over the top of the ball.

And it was Barcelona who adjusted better to going a man down as Suarez soon put them ahead, following up when Lionel Messi's effort was blocked after a brilliant Antoine Griezmann flick.

A vicious Messi volley was superbly saved by Diego Lopez and Espanyol could not muster an equaliser, let alone the two goals they needed, as their fate was sealed.

What does it mean? Espanyol go down with a fight

Espanyol have looked doomed for months, but they at least showed plenty of fight, even if it was a case of too little, too late.

It might be too late for Barca in the title race too with just three games to play, though Setien will at least be encouraged by Griezmann, Messi and Suarez's role in their goal ahead of the Champions League resumption next month.

Griezi on the eye again

A lovely goal at Villarreal last time out suggested Griezmann may finally be finding his feet at Camp Nou, and he had an instrumental role in the winner here too.

Though he will not be credited with either a goal or an assist, his vision to initially tee up Messi was fantastic.

Youthful naivety from Lozano

Fati deserves criticism for raising his foot way too high to prompt his red card, but Lozano had to be smarter when he was dismissed moments later in his first LaLiga start.

To rush into a challenge with Pique in midfield was ill-judged and Espanyol barely had any opportunity to make use of their one-man advantage as a result.

What's next?

Barcelona travel to Real Valladolid next on Saturday while their city rivals host Eibar the following day in their penultimate top-flight home game.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping Manchester United can agree a new contract with Paul Pogba amid continued speculation over his long-term future.

The France international’s current deal expires next season with the club holding an option to extend it for a further year, and while the midfielder continues to be tipped with a move away from Old Trafford - with his agent Mino Raiola keen to engineer a move - Solskjaer is hopeful he will extend his stay.

“I can’t comment on discussions between players and the clubs but of course we want to keep the best players around the club,” Solskjaer replied when asked if Pogba would be getting a new contract.

“We want to build a squad for the future. Scott [McTominay] and Nemanja [Matic] are similar in position but they are at different stages in their careers. One is at the start, one really experienced, and then we also need players in that mid-range group.

"Hopefully we can do something. I know that since Paul came back he is looking better and better, he is enjoying his football and let’s see where it takes us.”

Solskjaer has repeatedly spoken about how this summer’s transfer window will not be business as usual, so should United decide to cash in on Pogba instead of offering him a new deal, there is an understanding they would not be able to demand the same level of fee they could in a pre-Covid window.

Leroy Sane’s €49 million (£44.7m/$55m) move to Bayern Munich has also set the tone for this summer’s window, and Solskjaer believes that transfer shows there has to be realism when the market opens.

“I think the whole world has changed both financially and the perception we have on values,” Solskjaer said. “Every time I put a case in front of Ed (Woodward) I think it’s a sensible and realistic one.

"I think I have proven that I have always got the club in the front of my mind, I want the best for the club. I don’t think short term and I don’t think personally this would fit me for a short period of time. I always think long term and try to be making good deals and I am always quite careful with money, personal money as well.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Jack Grealish does not have any added motivation to perform well against Manchester United despite being a summer transfer target for the club.

The Aston Villa playmaker is on United’s transfer list with Solskjaer keen to strengthen when the window opens again, and while the Norwegian would not confirm the club’s longstanding interest in the 24-year-old, he said Grealish should take the reports as a compliment.

“I don't think this is the place for me to discuss our priorities in the transfer market. We've been linked with many good players and every individual linked with Man United looks at it as a compliment,” Solskjaer said.

“There's no need for me to discuss where we're going try to strengthen.”

Grealish has been a standout performer for Dean Smith’s side this season and Solskjaer spoke about his threat ahead of United’s trip to Villa Park on Thursday night, but the Norwegian doesn’t believe the transfer speculation surrounding Grealish will act as further motivation for him to put on a good display.

“Every time that any player plays against Man United it’s a challenge. First of all because Man United is a good team, but also because the whole world is watching,” Solskjaer said when asked if he thought Grealish would treat the game as a trial.

“It’s not just playing before the Man United supporters or manager or team, it’s for himself. You want to prove to your family and yourself that you are a good player. I can’t answer any different than that.”

United go into Thursday’s game in good form on a 16 game unbeaten run having won their last three Premier League games.

Since the restart Solskjaer’s side have been given two penalties with Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford taking one each. Should they be awarded a spot kick at Villa Park it will be down to the players to decide who takes it.

“It’s going to be a job that they share. It’s who feels very confident there and then. Bruno scored against Tottenham,” Solskjaer explained.

“I think Marcus would have taken the next one against Tottenham when we got the VAR call that it wasn’t a penalty and I am very confident in both of them, so they have got to make the decision out there. That’s just how we will leave it.”

Liverpool ended a five-game winless run on the road as Mohamed Salah scored twice in a 3-1 triumph over Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday. 

Salah and Jordan Henderson were on target inside the opening eight minutes as the Premier League champions quickly seized control on the south coast, albeit they were helped out by their opponents.

While a first away victory since a 1-0 success at Norwich City on February 15 was made trickier by Leandro Trossard's fine goal before break, Salah made sure of all three points when he headed in at a corner.

After going seven hours and 47 minutes without an away goal in all competitions, a barren run stretching back to Sadio Mane's winner at Carrow Road, Liverpool scored twice within 127 seconds.

Naby Keita was influential in both goals, setting up the opener as he robbed possession from Davy Propper to tee up Salah, who curled in a first-time finish with his left foot.

Brighton failed to heed the early warning as they were pressed into trouble again soon after, Keita springing the counter from a turnover. Roberto Firmino and Salah were also involved before Henderson ran onto the ball to send a shot across Mat Ryan and into the net.

To their credit, the hosts responded impressively following such a shocking start.

Alisson kept out Neal Maupay with a point-blank save but the Brazil goalkeeper was left helpless by Trossard's half-volleyed finish from a Tariq Lamptey cross, the sweetly timed strike halving the deficit.

Dan Burn then fluffed a glorious chance to equalise on the hour mark, scuffing his finish at the back post, and Salah made him pay.

The Egypt forward took his tally to 19 in the league this season when his run to the near post allowed him to meet Andy Robertson's set-piece delivery in the 76th minute, flicking the ball in as Liverpool moved 23 points clear of City.

What does it mean? Reds closing in on century

Liverpool, who became the fastest team to reach 30 wins in the history of the English Football League, are into the nervous nineties as they chase Manchester City's points record in the competition.

This was an improvement on the tepid display against Aston Villa on Sunday but there are tougher hurdles to clear if they want to hit a century, including a trip to Arsenal and a clash with Chelsea at Anfield. 

Positive signs for Keita 

Injuries and indifferent form have plagued Keita’s Liverpool career so far. However, after producing the assist for Mane's opener against Villa at the weekend, the midfielder again demonstrated how he can make a difference in attack. He created four chances during his 61 minutes on the pitch.

Seagulls picked off 

Credit to Graham Potter's side for trying to play out from the back, but their desire to do so proved costly. Propper had his pocket picked for the first, while Adam Webster overran the ball when in possession to leave a gap that Liverpool clinically exploited with Henderson's fine finish.

Key Opta facts

- Brighton have only won two of their 14 Premier League games in 2020 (D7 L5) - no other side has won fewer in the calendar year. 
- This was Liverpool's 13th away league win this season; the joint-most the Reds have ever won on the road in a league season in their history. 
- Liverpool were 2-0 ahead in the eighth minute of this match, the earliest they have taken a two-goal lead in a Premier League match since May 2011 against Fulham (seven minutes). 
- Mohamed Salah has been directly involved in eight goals in his six Premier League appearances against Brighton, scoring five and assisting three. 
- Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has scored more Premier League goals in 2019-20 (four) than in his previous three seasons combined before this (three). 

What's next? 

Liverpool return home to welcome Burnley to Merseyside on Saturday. Brighton are at home on the same day, taking on the dethroned champions City. 

Papiss Cisse’s brace has put the Turkish Super Lig title beyond Galatasaray’s reach after Alanyaspor defeated the defending champions 4-1 on Wednesday.

The defeat left Fatih Terim's men 14 points behind league leaders Istanbul Basaksehir with three matches remaining, while Alanyaspor moved to fifth with a point behind their visitors.

Cisse started the party at the Bahcesehir Okullari Stadium in the 43rd minute to put the hosts ahead and he doubled their lead just few minutes before the interval.

Still within the stoppage-time, Galatasaray were able to pull a goal back after Morocco's Younes Belhanda assisted Adem Buyuk to half the deficit.

In the closing minutes of the encounter, Alanyaspor stretched their goal margin with Anastasios Bakasetas making it 3-1 before Mustafa Pektemek who replaced Cisse in the 88th minute, sealed the victory in injury time.

DR Congo international Fabrice N'Sakala was also in action for Alanyasapor while Ivory Coast's Jean-Michael Seri featured for 90 minutes in Fatih Terim's team.

Since losing to Istanbul Basaksehir in their first outing after the Super Lig restart, Alanyaspor have maintained an impressive run of form by winning three and drawing two of their last five games.

Cisse, on his part, has been outstanding for Erol Bulut's side, scoring nine goals in their last five games with at least a goal in each game.

With 22 goals after 29 league appearances so far, the former Newcastle United striker is the leading top scorer in the Turkish top-flight this season.

He has matched his best goalscoring return in a league season, when he scored 22 goals in 32 Bundesliga matches for Freiburg in the 2010-11 campaign.

Cisse will be hoping to help Alanyaspor continue their unbeaten streak when they visit Antalyaspor for the Antalya city derby on Sunday while Galatasaray will be focused on turning around their seven-game winless run against bottom-placed Ankaragucu same day.

Manchester City became the first team in Premier League history to have five different players score at least 10 goals in a single season on Wednesday.

Riyad Mahrez moved to double figures for 2019-20 when he slotted home Kevin De Bruyne's cut-back to make it 2-0 against Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.

De Bruyne himself has 11, as does Gabriel Jesus, who opened the scoring against Steve Bruce's side. City's top two scorers in the league this term are Raheem Sterling with 13 and Sergio Aguero on 16.

City are the first team in England's top flight to have at least five players reach the 10-goal mark since Everton in 1984-85.

Those goals from Jesus and Mahrez took Pep Guardiola's side to 83 in the league this season, nine more than newly-crowned champions Liverpool.

Despite breaking new ground in goalscoring, City found themselves 23 points behind Liverpool with five matches remaining after going down 1-0 at Southampton on Sunday - their ninth defeat of the season.

As well as being among the goals for the hosts, David Silva took his assist tally into double figures when he set up Jesus and Sterling for their strikes against the Magpies.

The Spain international has now made at least 10 assists in each of his 10 seasons with City, registering 121 in all competitions. He has now been involved in 150 Premier League goals, having made 91 assists and chipped in with 59 goals of his own in his 306 appearances.

No midfielder has been involved in more Premier League goals since Silva’s arrival, with ex-Tottenham star Christian Eriksen the second most productive in that timeframe having contributed to 113 goals before his move to Inter.

City’s dominance against Steve Bruce’s team was further evident in their passing statistics, as they recorded a rare pass completion rate of 93.7 percent, having made 787 successful passes out of a total of 840. That is the highest rate recorded in the English top-flight since Opta’s records began in 2003-04.

Salimata Simpore provided an assist and bagged a hat-trick as Dinamo-BSUPC zoomed into the Belarusian Women's Cup semi-finals after a 5-3 second leg triumph over Zorka-BSU on Wednesday.

The Burkina Faso striker is gradually establishing herself in Belarus since she joined Meleyew Yury's side during the winter this year.

The 33-year-old was on target in the 6-0 quarter-final first-leg victory at Dynama-Juni Stadium two weeks ago and went on to propel her side to an 11-3 aggregate triumph against Zorka.

Having held a huge 6-0 first-leg lead, Dinamo did not take too long to draw first blood through Hanna Pilipenko thanks to Viktoriya  Kazakevich's assist in the 10th minute at RTsOP-BGU stadium

However, Viktoriya Gerus struck to cancel Kazakevich's opener for the hosts' equaliser in the 27th minute but Simpore recovered the visitors' lead four minutes from half time.

Four minutes after the restart, Simpore teed up Kazakevich to open a two-goal lead for Dinamo before the Burkinabe forward grabbed her brace thanks to Kazakevich's assist in the 53rd minute.

In the 59th minute, Valeriya Bogdan rallied the team for a comeback as she pulled one back before Palina Girchits scored to reduce the deficit to one goal, seven minutes later for Zorka.

Red-hot Simpore hit her treble in the match in the 69th minute to bury the comeback hopes of the hosts and wrapped up an away victory for the visitors in the eight-goal thriller.

Simpore, who played from the start to finish in the second leg managed four goals against Zorka in the quarter-final doubleheader and has now scored 12 goals in 10 outings for Dinamo this season.

Cameroon's Dabda was also involved for the duration but South Africa's Bambanani Mbane remains on the sideline due to injury.

Having advanced, Dinamo will continue their pursuit to claim all the domestic titles this season, joining Neman, Bobruichanka and holders Minsk.

Alice Ogebe got off to a winning start as Sportis KKP Bydgoszcz defeated Medyk Konin 3-2 in Wednesday's all Polish Ekstraliga friendly.

The Nigeria international joined the Polish side from Spanish outfit Real Betis following the expiration of her one-year contract, scoring five goals in 10 matches for the Primera Iberdrola side. 

Having arrived in Poland on Saturday, she was unveiled on Monday after agreeing on a one-year deal and undergoing routine medicals.

Barely three days after her arrival, the 25-year-old was handed a starting role in the warm-up match as her side recorded a victory in a five-goal thriller against the Polish rivals at Sielska Stadium.

Karolina Majda opened the scoring for Sportis in the eighth minute but Klaudia Fabova levelled two minutes later for the visitors and Majda restored the lead of the hosts one minute from half time.

After the restart, the hosts did not rest on their oars as they extended their lead through Karolina Szamocka in the 70th minute but Olga Sirant pulled one back seven minutes from time.

The victory over Medyk Konin will offer Sportis a huge morale booster as they prepare for the new season which commences in August.

Following her winning debut for the Bydgoszcz-based outfit, Ogebe will be hoping to open her goal account when Pioyt Mazurkiewicz's team host IKKP Inowrocław on Saturday, July 12.

Former Asante Kotoko chief executive officer (CEO) George Amoakoh has joined city rivals King Faisal, the latter have announced.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member joins Alhaji Grunsah's side as executive chairman, a month after exiting the Porcupine Warriors set-up.

He left Kotoko following the constitution of a new board by club life patron Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

"We welcome our new Executive Chairman George Amoako to the club. He brings to bear a rich vein of experience in the game," Faisal announced on their official Facebook page.

"We are grateful for having him in our fold. It is our prayer that our union will yield many successes in the years that follow.

"Welcome King George!!!"

King Faisal made a return to the Premier League last season after some time in the lower division.

“It’s true, we have concluded talks and I will assume the role of the executive chairman of the club, running the day to day activities with Alhaji Grusah remaining the bankroller, founder and president of King Faisal," Amoakoh told Oyerepa FM.

He assumed duty as Kotoko CEO in August 2018.

"I've been in Asante Kotoko for several years in and out but this is my worst experience at Kotoko because if you serve the club, you have to leave amicably in peace with the club [which was not the case this time around]. That is why I was able to go and come [back to the club] seven times [in the past]," he told Wontumi Radio about his unceremonious sack from office last month.

He went ahead to tell Fox FM: “Enough is enough now for me with Kotoko. I will not return to the club in any official position even though I’m still a Kotoko faithful.

“It is true. Kotoko owes me salaries for five months. But I have not written officially to demand it as speculated by some media.”

Amoakoh's departure from Kotoko put him on the brink of losing his position on the GFA Executive Council as he is attached to the coveted unit as a representative of Premier League clubs.

King Faisal were rock-bottom of the league table when the championship was prematurely terminated last month due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Nigeria international and Genk star Paul Onuachu has tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday.

The striker has returned to the Luminus Arena amid the relaxation of lockdown in major cities across the globe.

As reported by Het Laaste Niuews, the Smurfs were subjected to a Covid-19 test in the build-up to Thursday’s pre-season game against Eendracht Termien with only the Nigerian testing positive.

However, he has gone into quarantine while the proposed exhibition game will go on as planned.

Onuachu joined the Blue-White last summer from Danish side Midtjylland and has become a key component of Hannes Wolf’s team.

Before the Belgian top-flight was cancelled due to the pandemic, the Super Eagles striker scored 10 goals and provided two assists which helped his side to a seventh-place finish.

The 26-year-old started his career with Nigeria lower division outfit Ebedei before moving to Denmark in 2012 to join Midtjylland.

There, he bagged 52 goals in 135 league games during his seven-year stay with the MCH Arena outfit.  

His impressive performances caught the attention of Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, who handed the towering striker a call-up in March 2019.

Onuachu made his Super Eagles debut against Egypt in a friendly and has now featured six times for the three-time African champions.

Also, he was part of Rohr's squad that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Marcos Rojo's agent Jonathan Barnett admitted that the Argentine is unlikely to stay at Manchester United beyond this summer after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer apparently courted a potential replacement live on camera. 

Following his club's 5-2 thrashing of Bournemouth at the weekend, the United manager appeared to give Cherries defender Nathan Ake a few telling words of advice. 

While his statement was interpreted by BT Sport as “Good luck. You need a bit of luck from your centre-backs. Just keep going," others contended that Ake was told something quite different. 

“We need a left-footed centre-back, keep going," was the alternative message gleaned from the full-time clip; and in any case, Rojo's future at Old Trafford seems destined to come to an end. 

“I couldn’t comment on what Solskjaer thinks but I think it’s obvious, I think with Rojo, probably [a move] is more than likely somewhere else," the player's agent Barnett remarked to Stretty News when questioned on the chance of a summer sale.

The Argentina international's loan return to boyhood club Estudiantes in January was interrupted first by injury and later by the coronavirus pandemic, which brought football in Argentina screeching to a halt in March. 

Rojo managed just a single appearance for the Pincha in 2020, and despite no definitive date yet set for the return of Argentine football, he chose to remain in La Plata following the expiry of his loan deal on June 30 and is keen to stay put in the longer term - although Estudiantes are not the only interested party. 

"My plan was to stay in Argentina, because I want to continue with Estudiantes. But something happened: I got a call from Boca to see what I was thinking of doing and at first it moved me," he stated to Fox Sports. 

"Roman (Juan Roman Riquelme, Boca vice-president) called me. I was really excited, because he is a legend. My old man is a Boca fan. I grew up watching him. We spoke, I told him the situation and we agreed to talk further. 

"Afterwards I thought it through and told him it wasn't the time to move to Boca." 

Barnett added on the prospect of his client staying in Argentina: “I don’t know yet. I’m not sure.” Rojo remains under contract until June 2021 at United, with the club possessing the option to extend for a further season should they wish.

Orthodox wingers play along the touchline, dribble past defenders and bring in quality crosses for strikers score. And while the team is busy tending to the opponent’s attack, they drop back to save the day as well.

Modern wingers, on the other hand, make a team. They are creative, silky, explosive and clinical. They entertain and excite whilst simultaneously being an important cog in the football wheel.

Another definition for such a player is Daine Klate.

The recently retired Premier Soccer League legend is one of the most naturally gifted players to come from South Africa. However, his lack of impact at Bafana Bafana level is a disappointment.

It's staggering that Klate is only capped 15 times for Bafana, despite a flourishing career with an abundance of club titles.

Was he underrated and unappreciated, or was he outshone by Siphiwe Tshabalala who perhaps caught the eye a little easier?

In comparison to Tshabalala, one of Klate's direct competitors for the national team spot, Transfermarkt shows that in his career - across all competitions - Klate totalled 347 appearances, scored 58 and assisted 57, while Shabba sits on 361 appearances, with 51 goals and 77 assists.

Shabba may have played 14 more matches than Klate, and has notched 10 more assists also, but Klate scored three more goals than the former Kaizer Chiefs star despite playing fewer matches. In minutes-per-goal ratio, Klate is on 441 while 'Shabba' takes slightly longer with 511 minutes between his goals.

The point of the above comparison is not to argue who is better, but thus to prove that if it was just about efficiency, Klate would be joint top of the class in the school of the country's finest left-footed midfielders alongside Shabba - who wracked 90 Bafana caps.

"I don't think there was anything I could do to change my Bafana fortunes," Klate told Goal.

"Like I've said before, you know, if you're the best player in the league and still not able to get to crack into the Bafana team, you know, then obviously nothing else is going to matter.

"I mean if being the player of the season in 2010 couldn't merit the position in Bafana then obviously you know nothing else will.

"It was just about preference, whoever the coach was and whatever philosophies they wanted to use. They felt I wasn't suitable for that and I beg to differ because I came from the School of Excellence and I can play any type of football.

"At the School of Excellence, we used to play a brand of football that is possession-based you know.

"Similar to Barcelona, we were not allowed to give the ball away. And when I moved to the PSL I had to work with different coaches and adapt and we were taught to adapt to any situation and again no one cared to explain to me why I was omitted from Bafana.

"But it is now water under the bridge for me."

By winning the 2010 Absa Premiership Player of the Season award, Klate thought there would be an open the door for him ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The first on the continent.

"The World Cup snub was one of those things," Klate adds.

"Obviously, at the time, it was extremely disappointing. I didn't have any regrets because I think I was the Player of the Season leading up to the World Cup.

"So, you know, I did everything I could control to be in that team. I worked extremely hard performed, controlled everything that I could control to be part of the team, but unfortunately, you know, I probably wasn't in the plans of the coach at the time and I just had to accept it and move on and you know, obviously go join Pirates after the World Cup and winning two more league titles, the double treble and the Nedbank Cup and moving on to Wits.

"So, it never really put me back. It was disappointing at the time.

"But as I said, you know, it's something that was beyond my control, it wasn't because of my performance or anything like that, I was just not preferred."

Instead of focusing on his missed opportunities with the national side, the Port Elizabeth born winger used his snub as motivation and went on to dominate the local scene with aplomb. It seemed he went and won a trophy for every time he was omitted. Amassing the Premier Soccer League's record of 15 titles won over a thrilling 16-year career that began at SuperSport United in 2004 and ended at Chippa United in 2019.

Klate's 15 titles are made up of a record of six PSL titles, three MTN8's, two Telkom Knockout's and three Nedbank Cup titles. He also won the 2004 SAA Supa 8 (now MTN8) triumph with Matsatsantsa prior to his PSL debut later that year.

"The more I was snubbed by Bafana the more I just added on to my collection of winning medals in the PSL."

"And yeah, that's all I could do. It was to do the best I can and enjoy my career and again, I've got no regrets.

"I think if it was meant for me obviously things that are meant for you, will be there for you, you know.

"Certain doors if they are open for you, then no one can close them. So, it's just about believing in that and believing that whatever's meant to be, will be."

"But yeah, that [being overlooked] drove me and I'm glad I went on and it didn't set me back in my career, locally, it obviously spurred me on and I kept going, you know I was resilient and not bothered too much with Bafana."

Klate, 35, also holds the record of being the first player to win five back-to-back league titles.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for one of the best players of his generation. The fundamental element of being classified as an underrated footballer is not receiving enough credit. And as with most elite players who wrote their way into history after facing near-impossible odds, 'Matatazela' is also a typical testimony.

In normal circumstances, every manager will be delighted with seven goals in two games, with two conceded and maximum points on board. When those results come against Lazio and Juventus, the division’s leading sides, there’s bound to be unbridled joy and optimism.

That’s the story for AC Milan boss, Stefano Pioli, whose team has picked up hugely impressive 3-0 and 4-2 victories over Simeone Inzaghi’s troops and the Old Lady respectively in their last two Serie A matches.

What was particularly pleasing about the performances against the title-chasing sides was the nature of both victories: they weren’t the typical smash-and-grab wins usually associated with unexpected triumphs, neither were they backs-to-the-wall successes. The Rossoneri absolutely deserved both wins on the balance of play.

According to Understat, Milan edged the Expected Goals in both matches: 2.33-0.29 against the side from Rome, while it was 2.22-1.41 in Tuesday night’s incredible turnaround vs the Bianconeri.

Both results, came on the backdrop of a disappointing 2-2 draw with SPAL, a game Pioli’s troops fought back from two down to play out a stalemate. In fairness, while they weren’t meant to be chasing a result against the basement side in the championship there’s a feeling all is forgiven after their latest wins.

The upshot of both wins means the ex-Juventus player has masterminded four wins and a draw in five games since the Italian top flight’s return. Tuesday’s win takes them to fifth on 49 points, ahead of Roma and Napoli, and they lead both by a point having played a game more.

Their current position was inconceivable when Pioli took charge in October. Admittedly, there was still a considerable time left in the season, yet, the strife in the boardroom was already threatening to boil over.

While performances and results have improved as the season’s progressed, the discord among the club’s directors peaked in early March when Chief Football Officer Zvonimir Boban was sacked following a falling-out between the Croatian and CEO Ivan Gazidis.

At the time, Paolo Maldini’s future was up in the air as well, and a 2-1 defeat by Genoa before the lockdown, threatened to undo the progress made months after an underwhelming start to life at San Siro for the new coach (Pioli won just one in five after replacing Marco Giampaolo).

Indeed, their improvement has been a collective effort but the influence of Ismael Bennacer and Franck Kessie, who made it 2-2 on Tuesday, in how they play has been marked.

Neither may score or assist bucket-loads of goals – the Algerian has neither this term, while the West African has scored twice and set up one – but they have an impact on the team’s play in and out of possession.

Per FBref, Bennacer and Kessie rank top and third respectively for highest passes into the final third, while the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner is second behind Theo Hernandez for progressive passes in the side. The Ghanaian plays the eighth-highest volume of forward passes in the side.

The pair rank fourth and sixth respectively for passes into the penalty area, which corroborate their forward-thinking nature in possession.

Given the Rossoneri are fourth in the division for progressive passes, behind Napoli, Atalanta and Inter Milan, the impact of their African midfield pivot in getting the ball into the opposition half is commendable. The fact they’re outperforming Juventus, Lazio and Roma is a compliment to Pioli’s approach.

Interestingly, Bennacer’s influence is not limited to the fancy stuff in possession alone but he thrives without the ball as well. He leads the way for ball recoveries in the side, ahead of Alessio Romagnoli and the pair of Kessie and Hernandez are joint-fourth.

The Algerian has also made the most tackles in the side and is second to Romagnoli for interceptions made this season. In both metrics, Kessie ranks fifth and fourth respectively, showing that while he may not be as influential as the North African, he is no bystander in Milan’s midfield.

With the Champions League spots certainly out of reach, the Rossoneri are in a battle with Napoli and Roma to end in the two Europa League positions. The former, like Milan, are bang in form and seem to be rising in the table while the Giallorossi have lost three games on the trot.

Pioli’s troops don’t have an easy run-in, though, with games against Gennaro Gattuso’s side, ninth-placed Bologna, mid-table Sassuolo and the unrelenting, effervescent Atalanta. However, the side from Naples don’t have an easy last few weeks either: they end the campaign with games vs Sassuolo, Inter and Lazio, while there’s an encounter with Bologna, who recently stunned Antonio Conte’s men 2-1 and won the reverse fixture at Estadio San Paolo in December.

Paulo Fonseca’s out-of-form troops have the easiest run of fixtures in the closing weeks, with games against Inter and Juventus, on the final day, the toughest matches on paper.

Indeed, while the title race in Italy is nearly done and top four positions are all but decided, the joust for the Europa League spots offer some interest in the final weeks of the campaign.

With the influence of Bennacer and Kessie with and without the ball, Pioli’s Milan have the required mixture of brute and panache in midfield to take on the rest of their challenges this term.

'Little Ronaldo' Peter Olawale’s potential move to German Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund failed to materialise as the teenager was not assured of regular playing time at the Westfalenstadion.

The 17-year-old had a decent outing at the 2019 U17 Fifa World Cup where he got a goal in the Golden Eaglets’ 2-1 loss to Australia.

His performance in Brazil did not go unnoticed as the Tripple 44 Academy product attracted interest from a host of European outfits, with Dortmund among the early contenders to win the race for his signature.

But that move did not come through and his mentor Olatunji Samuel Okuku explains what happened behind the scenes.

“The issue here was that Borussia Dortmund wanted him but could not guarantee him regular playing time, and we don’t want a situation where the boy would head for a club where he won’t be given a chance,” Okuku told Goal.

“Without doubt, Dortmund are a very solid team and they have a good project for young boys, nevertheless, if you look at how the team is set up in the last couple of years, you will discover that most of their superstars have first made a name for themselves elsewhere.

“So for Olawale who is still a boy, we feel it is better for him to go somewhere and develop himself. And if Dortmund comes later in his career, that, of course, will be a very good move.”

Before the coronavirus pandemic placed football into hiatus, Galatasaray offered around €500,000 for the striker's services, while Sevilla’s bid came in significantly lower, even after that, Tripple 44 Academy rejected those offers.

Lille-bound Olawale clocks 18 on July 26 and Okuku has given a hint on the talented footballer’s likely destination.

“As it stands, we have like three or four options of possible destinations where Olawale would like to go and play professional football,” he continued.

“However, the pandemic has slowed a lot of things down but we are hoping that the Nigerian government lifts the ban on air travel which I feel will fast-track everything.

“If he doesn’t join Lille as planned, his destination would likely be Portugal or Belgium.”

Former Nigeria coach Adegboye Onigbinde said being the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations back in 1984 in Ivory Coast was a personal achievement for him.

Onigbinde succeeded Brazil’s Otto Gloria at the helm of the Super Eagles after the latter failed to defend the country’s maiden Afcon title in 1982 and also did not qualify them for the 1982 Fifa World Cup.

Two years later, the former Shooting Stars tactician became the first-ever home-based coach to lead the West Africans to an Afcon tournament where they finished as runners-up.

Muda Lawal’s early goal was not enough to inspire Nigeria to victory as they bowed to a 3-1 loss against Cameroon in the final match in Abidjan.

Despite the result, the 82-year-old disclosed the tournament was one of his successes as Super Eagles coach because he did not ‘disgrace’ the country.

“I would have loved to come back from Cote d’Ivoire with the gold medal, but there was so much that happened behind the scenes right away from Nigeria. Despite that, it was a memorable occasion for me,” Onigbinde told the Caf website.

“Being the first Nigerian to lead the national team to the Afcon and coming second on the continent at the first attempt was a personal achievement. I did not disgrace Nigeria and that was then, our best effort at the Afcon outside Nigeria. As such, I see myself as an achiever.”

Onigbinde also highlighted the discovery of former internationals including Ademola Adesina and Rashidi Yekini – the first Nigerian to win the African Footballer of the Year award and the country’s leading top scorer with 37 goals after 58 games – as an achievement.

“In October 1983, Nigeria beat Ghana in Accra and that was the first time a Nigerian team defeated Ghana away from home,” he added.

“But what was impressive about my team was the fact that some of the players came from nowhere when I discovered them and gave them national team debuts.

“Some of these players include the late African Player of the Year Rashidi Yekini, Chibuzor Ehilegu, Tarila Okorowanta and Ademola Adesina, among others.”

The former Caf and Fifa technical instructor returned to the Super Eagles for his second stint in 2002, to lead them to the Fifa World Cup tournament in South Korea-Japan.

His return was woeful as the Onigbinde-led team failed to win any game at the World Cup, and they bowed out at the group stage after losing to Argentina and Sweden, and then picked up a point against England.