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South Africa's young striker Ethan Brooks has explained how he is handling the pressure that comes with being compared to Bafana Bafana legend Steven Pienaar.

Brooks is in the country's Cosafa Cup squad and he affirms he would not put himself under pressure to try and emulate what the former national team captain did.

"How I’m handling the pressure of being compared to the likes of Steven Pienaar, I’m handling it well," Brooks told TS Galaxy media.

"He was one of the best football players to have come from SA that played here in the country and abroad.

"For me, I am handling the pressure and taking it day by day because I do not want to put too much pressure on myself trying to do things that he did. I will just be myself and play the way I have been."

Pienaar is considered one of the greatest players from South Africa, having played for Premier Leagues sides Tottenham Hotspur and Everton as well as Ajax and Borussia Dortmund.

Before he retired in 2012, Pienaar had made 61 appearances for Bafana Bafana after making his debut in 2002 against Turkey.

Brooks, 19, made his international debut during a friendly match against Uganda where they emerged 3-2 winners last month. He has started in the last two Cosafa Cup games against Botswana and Eswatini.

"I feel great, enjoying being a regular starter at Bafana Bafana. It shows that the coaches have a lot of trust and confidence in me," the youngster added.

"As a player, that means a lot and it builds my confidence as I go game by game. This is a great opportunity for me to go out there and showcase my talent."

Brooks affirmed his confidence in his teammates to deliver the regional trophy but only if they work hard enough.

"Two games. Do I believe we can go all the way? Yes, I do. With the players we have here, I believe we can go all the way. The players in the camp are always capable of putting in hard work and going all the way," he concluded.

Brooks was considered for international duties after impressing for PSL side TS Galaxy.

South Africa will conclude the group assignments on Tuesday with a match against Lesotho.

Former Nigeria midfielder Mutiu Adepoju believes Lionel Messi has laid the path for many players to come into football after he guided Argentina to the Copa America trophy on Saturday.

The Albiceleste captain finally led his country to glory as they downed Neymar’s Brazil 1-0 in the final and it was Paris Saint-Germain forward Angel Di Maria who scored in the first half after confusion in Brazil's defence allowed him to beat Ederson in goal.

The win at Maracana Stadium saw Messi - who finished level with Colombia's Luis Diaz with the most goals (four) - lay his hand on an international trophy after four defeats in finals previously.

The former Super Eagle believes the Barcelona star has paid his dues to Argentina and had also laid a good path for upcoming footballers to believe in.

“Ballon d’Or or not, he has paid his dues to Argentina, and I believe that young man has laid a path for many more Messis to come in football,” Adepoju said as quoted by The Punch.

“One good thing is that Messi has finally won a continental trophy with his country and that may open the doors for many more honours.

“This is his time to win laurels because many people say that he has not won anything with Argentina’s national team but he has done that now.”

In a previous interview, the 34-year-old, who was named player of the tournament, could not hide his happiness at the final whistle.

"It's crazy, the happiness the feeling is inexplicable. I knew that at some point it was going to happen. The objective was clear and we were able to be champions. The happiness is immense. Many times I have dreamed of this,” Messi said.

"I told Fideo [Di Maria] that today he was going to have his revenge and that's how it was. I want to share this with those teammates who were so close so many times and it was not given to them. This is also for them.

"I feel that God was saving this moment for me, against Brazil in the final and in his country. Great credit has to go to [coach] Lionel [Scaloni]. He always wanted the best for the national team. He knew how to put together a winning team and he deserves your appreciation.

"I needed to get rid of the thorn of being able to achieve something with the national team, I had been very close for many years. I knew that at some point it was going to go wrong, it was going to happen and I think there is no better moment than this."

Arsenal have offered their unwavering support to Bukayo Saka after the home-grown 19-year-old suffered penalty shootout heartache and racist abuse during and after England's Euro 2020 final defeat.

A hot prospect was introduced off the bench by Gareth Southgate in a heavyweight encounter with Italy at Wembley that saw the Three Lions looking to bring 55 years of international hurt to a close.

It was not to be, with Saka one of three players to miss from the spot after a 1-1 draw, and the fallout to that contest has been all too predictable, with certain individuals being singled out for unfair criticism.

What has been said?

Arsenal have sounded a reassuring message to Saka, posting on their official website: "Last night, we saw Bukayo Saka reach the Euro 2020 final at the age of 19 years old.

"Bukayo has been with us since he was seven and the whole club couldn’t have been prouder to see him represent England throughout the tournament. You could feel it right across the club.

"Last night we witnessed the leadership and character we’ve always known and loved in Bukayo. However, this feeling of pride quickly turned to sorrow at the racist comments our young player was subjected to on his social media platforms after the final whistle.

"Once again, we are sad to have to say we condemn the racism of a number black players. This cannot continue and the social media platforms and authorities must act to ensure this disgusting abuse to which our players are subjected on a daily basis stops now.

"We have processes in place internally at Arsenal to ensure our players are supported both emotionally and practically on this issue but sadly there is only so much we can do.

"Our message to Bukayo is: hold your head high, we are so very proud of you and we cannot wait to welcome you back home to Arsenal soon."

The bigger picture

Saka signed a four-year contract with Arsenal in January 2020 and is fast closing in on 100 appearances for the club - with that mark set to be hit in 2021-22.

He is also up to nine senior caps for England, with four of those picked up at Euro 2020.

Lively displays were put in across group stage and knockout outings for the Three Lions, with Gareth Southgate finding another exciting youngster to form part of a long-term project.

Questions have been asked of why Saka was forced to step up for his country in a major international final, with more experienced stars alongside him, but the versatile youngster has come through a character-building summer and will be expected to bounce back stronger.

Further reading

Soweto heavyweights Orlando Pirates have ended their interest in Mamelodi Sundowns coach Steve Komphela "at the moment".

The tactician has been linked with a move to Bucs to replace the under-fire Josef Zinnbauer, who has been under pressure from fans to resign after last season's inconsistencies. \

However, the nine-time league champions have now come clean on their stance regarding the Matsatsantsa senior coach.

"Why has coach Steve [Komphela] been linked to Pirates? Is it because of his past with Mandla [Ncikazi]? But coach Steve [Komphela] went to Pirates and coach Mandla was not there, he was at Maritzburg," Floyd Mbele, who is Pirates' administrative officer, told SAFM as quoted by iDiskiTimes .

"I am not too sure what has led to this flurry of coach Mandla Ncikazi coming in, therefore coach Steve Komphela is coming. Coach Steve [Komphela] is employed by Mamelodi Sundowns, congratulating them for having won the inaugural DStv Premiership. 

"But there is no ounce of truth that Steve Komphela is coming to Orlando Pirates, certainly not at the moment, no."

In a recent interview, Pirates legend Benedict Vilakazi stated Sundowns' release clause could prevent Komphela from joining the Sea Robbers.

Komphela signed a five-year deal with Sundowns when he joined the Tshwane giants as the senior coach in October 2020, and he would reportedly have to buy himself out of his current contract in order to leave for another club.

The release clause is said to be in the region of R28 million and Pirates would have to pay the money in order to get the 53-year-old tactician to sign for them.

Vilakazi, who is Pirates' all-time top goalscorer with 52 goals for the club, believes the release clause is the only thing stopping Komphela from replacing Zinnbauer as the new Pirates head coach.

"The only issue here [Komphela joining Pirates] will be money, that will be the only problem because of his contact clause at Sundowns," Vilakazi told the Citizen.

"But other than that, I don’t see anything stopping him from joining Pirates."

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebogang Manyama has praised Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane and his technical bench ahead of the Caf Champions League final on Saturday, July 17.

Chiefs will face the reigning champions, who also have South Africans Cavin Johnson‚ Kabelo Rangoaga and Musi Matlaba on their technical bench, but Manyama has singled out Mosimane's experience and how he understands the PSL side as something to be wary of.

But despite the Al Ahly brain trust being familiar with Amakhosi, Manyama insists that will not prevent them from going for glory.

"We know Al Ahly are under the South African technical bench, coaches we have played against and some coaches that we have worked with," Manyama told Kaizer Chiefs media.

"Most of us are familiar with the coaching staff; good people and top coaches in their own respective ways, coaches who have done well in coaching and during their playing careers. We are an open book to them because we have played so many times against each other.

"We are looking forward to it and I know it is going to be an interesting one. They are much better, but a final is a final and it is all about who wants it more and we will go into it to enjoy every moment."

Manyama also explained why Amakhosi chairperson Kaizer Motaung and the fans deserve a trophy after the tough times they have experienced in recent times.

"We have come a long way to reach where we are and we should be very proud, but not forgetting we must go far and put that star on our jersey, which would mean a lot because every Kaizer Chiefs' fan deserves this," he added.

"It has been tough, but we learn through the toughness. To get a chance to be in the final is a huge achievement for us, everybody, and the club. It is actually the biggest moment that we are in as Kaizer Chiefs.

"After a rough time that we have had, without a trophy, and all of a sudden we are in the biggest one on the continent. We have to do this, the chairman deserves this for the work he has done for pushing with the team during those tough times.

"He deserves something and putting the star on the jersey he created, so we must ensure we try and put it for the chairman, or everyone associated with Kaizer Chiefs and obviously for us."

Feeling satisfied with his own contribution, the 30-year-old also pointed out why the Glamour Boys must be very cautious while tackling Al Ahly, who have dominated the Caf Champions League scene and have won the trophy a record nine times.

"It is an honour and a privilege to have played a role in it and it is a legacy that will live forever alongside my football career even when I will be retired," he continued.

"For now, though, there is one obstacle and that is Al Ahly and we know them well as most probably the biggest team in Africa for the longest time. They are also very good at this competition and we know what to expect.

"These chances do not come every day, but yeah we must make the most out of it. We have to enjoy the moment knowing that we can only control what we have to do on the day and I am sure we are very ready."

The final will be held at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, the same venue where Chiefs recorded a surprise 1-0 win over Wydad Casablanca in the semi-final first leg.

Jose Mourinho has once again cast a critical eye over Luke Shaw, with the former Manchester United manager working the England left-back into questions as to why Bukayo Saka was forced to take a penalty in a Euro 2020 shootout defeat to Italy.

The Three Lions missed the chance to end 55 years of hurt at Wembley Stadium on Sunday as, after a 1-1 draw with the Azzurri, they suffered more spot-kick misery at a major international tournament.

Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho fluffed their lines after being introduced off the bench in extra-time, with 19-year-old Arsenal starlet Saka missing the decisive kick as more senior team-mates failed to step forward.

What has been said?

Ex-Chelsea, United and Tottenham boss Mourinho is among those to have been left baffled by the decision to pile pressure on young shoulders, with the Portuguese telling talkSPORT: "For Saka to have the destiny of a country on his shoulders, I think it is too much for a kid to have everything on his shoulders in this moment.

"But I do not know if I have to ask that question to Gareth [Southgate] or not. Because many times what happens is that players who should be there, they are not there. Players who should be there, they run away from responsibility.

"Gareth is such an honest guy and a protective coach that I do not believe he would ever say player A or player B ran away or told me they were not ready to [take a penalty].

"I do not know in this case, but I do not think it matters if you are a great penalty taker or not. In this situation, where was [Raheem] Sterling? Where was [John] Stones and where was Luke Shaw?

"And why [Jordan] Henderson or [Kyle] Walker did not stay on the pitch? In reality, it is very hard for Rashford and Sancho to come and take a penalty after one touch of the ball."

What did Southgate say?

England's manager took full responsibility for the penalty list afterwards, telling reporters: "In terms of the penalties, that’s my call. It totally rests with me.

"I decided on the penalty takers based on what they’ve done in training, and nobody is on their own. We won together as a team, and it’s on all of us for not being able to win the game.

"We’re hugely disappointed. The players have been an absolute credit, they’ve given everything they possibly could."

The bigger picture

Rashford, Sancho and Saka were subjected to racist abuse online as England passed up the chance to land a first senior international honour since 1966.

There are clearly plenty of issues to be addressed on and off the field heading forward, with there once again more questions than answers.

England's squad is full of promise, though, with Saka very much part of an exciting group, and the hope is that a country can be united again behind a bid for World Cup glory at Qatar 2022.

Further reading

Italy were crowned the European Champions after they defeated England in a penalty shootout in what was a thrilling Euro 2020 final at the Wembley Stadium in London. 

Luke Shaw's strike had put England ahead as early as in the second minute of the match however, Italy fought back in the second half and equalised through Leonardo Bonucci's goal in the second half. After the score remained 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes, penalty shootouts were required to differentiate the team.

Ultimately, in the penalty shootout, the Azzurri held their nerves and emerged triumphant as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka missed their penalties in the tie-breaker.

In the meanwhile, New Zealand cricketers Jimmy Neesham and Scott Styris took cheeky digs at the England football team while referring to New Zealand's cricket World Cup defeat against England in 2019.

Incidentally, England and New Zealand were tied after the regular quota of overs. The resultant super over also was tied. However, the English won the World Cup title as they had hit more boundaries during the match.

That bizarre rule had sparked a lot of controversy back then an Neesham and Styris were quick to poke fun after the Euros. 

What did Jimmy Neesham say about England's Euro 2020 loss?

The New Zealand and Mumbai Indians all-rounder referred to England cricket team's World Cup triumph over New Zealand in 2019 by virtue of hitting more four during their innings while taking a jibe at the England football team.

Incidentally, even this rule would not have helped England against Italy as the Azzuris (820) had made almost double the amount of passes than the English (426). 

What did Scott Styris say about England's Euro 2020 loss?

Similar to Neesham's jibe, his predecessor in the New Zealand cricket team, Scott Styris pointed out that the Three Lions deserve to win the Euro as they had more corners.

Styris' suggestion might have helped England though. Southgate's men had five corners in the game, two more than what Italy earned.  

Omondi Aduda believes whoever is tactically the best-prepared team will carry the day when Kaizer Chiefs take on Al Ahly in the Caf Champions League final on Saturday, July 17.

The Red Devils will be seeking to win a second straight title against Amakhosi, who are taking part in their first final when they clash at Stade Mohamed V in Morocco.

According to the former official of FKF Premier League side Gor Mahia, fans should anticipate a cracker of a final because both teams are capable of winning the trophy, although they play with different styles.

What has been said?

“It is going to be a tough game, one considering that Al Ahly are the defending champions they would wish to retain the trophy and they have big players who have played in the stage before and have determination and experience which if they use well, they can trouble Kaizer Chiefs,” Aduda told Goal.

“But Chiefs are also determined, they know how to play in a final and especially knockout stage, you remember how they eliminated Simba SC in the quarters, and also Wydada Casablanca in the semis, and they don’t have much time to play passing football, all they want is to wait and do counter-attacking football, and if they get one goal, the game is done.

“For Chiefs, if they play as they did against Simba at home and Wydad away, it can really help them to win the trophy considering that even against Wydad, it was not a pushover, it is one of the greatest Arab clubs and they were top of their game, but Chiefs’ game plan overpowered them.

“It is a cracker of a final, and the coach who will help his team to settle quickly into the game and read the game well and urge his players to take their chances, they will emerge the winners.”

Aduda on Chiefs or Al Ahly?

Asked on where he will put his money between the South African and Egyptian giants, Aduda, said: “The best-prepared team and the best coach tactically, will carry the day, it is a match between two teams that will give a lot of direction on the standards expected at the Champions League level.

“Tactically speaking, it will be South African coaches meeting at the final, so lets us see what comes out of the game.”

Chiefs held Wydad to a 0-0 draw at home in the second leg of their semi-final to go through 1-0 on aggregate while record nine-time winners Al Ahly advanced after a 4-0 aggregate win against Tunisia's Esperance, winning the first leg 1-0 in Tunis and finishing the job in Cairo 3-0.

Lionel Messi has dedicated an emotional Copa America triumph that saw him break a senior international trophy duck to "45 million Argentines" and Diego Maradona, "wherever he is".

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner, who has collected countless records and honours at club level with Barcelona, is finally off the mark with his country after tasting continental glory.

An iconic 34-year-old, who remains a free agent as those at Camp Nou seek to put a new contract in place, continues to revel in a memorable triumph and hopes to have made his fellow countrymen proud.

What has been said?

Messi has, after helping Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Brazil at the Maracana, posted on Instagram: "It was an incredible Copa America. 

"We know that we can still improve a lot of things, but the truth is that the guys gave it everything and I can't be more proud to have the luck of being captain of this spectacular group.

"I want to dedicate this success to my family, who always gave me the strength to move forward, to my friends that I love so much, to all the people who believe in us and most of all to the 45 million Argentines who have endured such a tough time with this virus ..., especially those that have been personally affected.

"This is for all, and of course also for Diego, who surely was supporting us from wherever he is.

"In order to continue celebrating we have to continue taking care of ourselves. 

"Let's not forget that there is still a long way to go to return to normality and I hope we can take advantage of this happiness to gain a little strength to fight the virus together."

The bigger picture

Argentine great Maradona, who inspired his nation to World Cup glory in 1986, passed away in November 2020 at 60 years of age.

Messi has been following in his footsteps for some time, with many of the opinion that he has become the greatest of all time, and now has international silverware to savour.

That success will live long in the memory, in what remains a testing time for South America during the coronavirus pandemic, but attention is set to shift back to Catalunya.

Barca are in the process of trimming a wage bill that is preventing them from registering new signings and tying their talismanic captain to fresh terms.

Messi has remained in contact with his club throughout a memorable Copa run, but he cannot be fit into a salary cap at Camp Nou at present and must remain patient as speculation rages regarding his future.

Further reading

Simba SC coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa believes they won the Mainland Premier League title in May after winning four matches in a row.

The Msimbazi giants were crowned champions on Sunday after beating Coastal Union 2-0 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, with goals from John Bocco and Chris Mugalu enabling them to reach an unassailable 79 points, nine more than second-placed Yanga and with two matches to play.

But according to the French tactician, who arrived at the club on January 24 to replace Belgian Sven Vandenbroeck, the league title was already won in May after their exit from the Caf Champions League, when they lost 4-3 on aggregate to South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter-finals.

What has been said?

“But I think we won the title in May when we played four matches and won four times without losing, it was very important, it was very key for our season,” Da Rosa told Goal.

“That was the turning point, and I think that Simba completely deserved to win this league, we were dominant, we scored many goals and we did not concede many goals and it shows you this Simba is a very strong team.”

During the winning run in May, Simba defeated Namungo FC 3-1, Ruvu Shooting 3-0, Polisi Tanzania 1-0, and Mbeya City 4-1.

On this team’s overall display, Da Rosa said: “We have played very well since January and we deserved to win the league, like I already said I am completely convinced Simba have a great future and they deserved to be crowned champions.

Simba deserved to win the title?

“There is no doubt about their [players'] performance, there was nothing to stop them from winning the league, they were the best team this season, and I am very happy and also allow me to thank Simba owner Mohamed Dewji and CEO Gonzalez Barbara for having confidence in me.

“It was the first target of my mission to win the league [when I signed to take charge of the team], and we have now done it four times consecutively which is very historical and I am very proud but like I say you know, you cannot be a good coach if you don’t have good players.”

With two matches to go, the Wekundu wa Msimbazi are on 79 points while their closest rivals Yanga, are on 70 and there is no way they can catch them.

Simba will represent the country once again in the Champions League next season.

Italy downed England 1-1 (3-2 pen) in what was a thrilling game of football at Wembley to take home the Euro 2020 title.

Luke Shaw had put England ahead as early as in the second minute however, Italy fought and wrested control of the proceedings only to equalise through Leonardo Bonucci in the second half.

In extra-time, both teams had their chances however, in the penalty shootout which ensued, the Azzurri held their nerves and clinched the title.

Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record for most number of centuries in international cricket, took to social media and congratulated Italy for their fine performance and also had a word for the English team.

What was Tendulkar’s message to Euro 2020 winners Italy?

Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record for most number of centuries in international cricket, took to social media and congratulated Italy for their fine performance and also had a word for the English team.

What was Michael Vaughan’s message to England after Euro 2020 final defeat?

Former England test captain Michael Vaughan acknowledged that the Italians were the better team on the night and probably, deserved to win the Euro 2020 title. However, he had kind words for the English football team and backed them to come good in international competitions, with the World Cup in Qatar less than 500 days away.

Italy were crowned the champions of Europe after an enthralling final against England where they triumphed after a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley on Sunday night. 

It was only Italy's second-ever Euro title, after they won on home soil back in 1968. For England, it was heart-break as their bid to win their first-ever Euro ended in disapointment. 

However, it was a great ending to a tournament that produced some fantastic performances across 51 matches which saw a total of 142 goals scored. It also marked some impressive individual performances that were rightly recognised with awards. 

Let's take a look at all the awards at Euro 2020.

Who won the Euro 2020 Golden Boot?

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo won the Euro 2020 Golden Boot after notching a fantastic return of five goals in four matches. Though Portugal were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Belgium, Ronaldo's exploits in the group stages was enough to get him the top marksman award. He had also equalled Iran legend Ali Daei's record of 109 international goals in the process. 

Who won the Silver Boot at Euro 2020?

Czech Republic forward Patrick Schick also scored five goals at Euro 2020 but had no assists to his name (Cristiano Ronaldo had one assist) that meant he had to be satisfied with the Silver Boot .

Schick's effort also included a wonder goal from near the half-way line against Scotland.

Who won Bronze Boot at Euro 2020?

France's Karim Benzema, who finished the tournament with four goals, was named the Bronze Boot winner after coming third on the list of topscorers. Though there were others like Emil Forsberg, Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane who scored four goals each, Benzema won the award because he played fewer minutes than his rivals.

Who won the Euro 2020 Golden Ball?

The best player of the tournament award, also called the Golden Ball, was awarded to Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma who was instrumental in Italy's title win. The 22-year-old goalkeeper saved two penalties in Italy's penalty shootout win in the final and was also brilliant in their semifinal shootout win over Spain. 

UEFA's team of Technical Observers picked Donnarumma as the Best Player of the Tournament. It must be noted that Donnarumma is only the second goalkeeper ever to win the award. Kasper Schmeichel (Denmark in 1992) was the first.

Who was named the Best Young Player of Euro 2020?

Spain's young midfielder Pedri was named the Best Young Player of Euro 2020. The 18-year-old Barcelona starlet was an ever-present in Luis Enrique's team and played a crucial role in their run to the semifinal.

Pedri, who had just four caps before the tournament, missed only one minute of Spain's entire campaign. 

Spain coach Luis Enrique said: "What Pedri has done in this tournament, at 18, no one has done. Not even Andrés Iniesta did that; it's incredible, unique."

Players born on or after 1 January 1998 were eligible for the award. 

What is the prize money Italy received for winning Euro 2020? 

Each team participating at the Euro received a participation fee of €9.25 million which equates to approximately INR 81.7 Crores. Here's how much prize money each team won at the Euro 2020:

Over five years after last playing a competitive game for Chelsea, and now reaching a critical point in his career, Abdul Baba Rahman remains on the books of the Stamford Bridge giants, yet he has never been further from the first team.

After several convoluted loan spells since 2016, the left-back is once again expecting yet another year away or a permanent sale.

Having suffered serious knee injuries, the last few months have been kinder to the West African.

Loaned to PAOK in late January, the temporary spell saw him feature prominently as the Greek side ended second in the Super League and claimed the Cup with a 2-1 victory over Olympiacos.

Even more important than beating the domestic champions was maintaining a clean bill of health in south-eastern Europe. Baba not only featured in 13 league games but started 11 of those. Perhaps more encouraging was the fact he played 90 minutes in 10 of the aforementioned 11 matches, suffering no new setback.

He featured prominently in the cup as well, starting every match from the quarter-final second-leg until his 95th-minute withdrawal by Pablo Garcia to kill time following Michael Krmencik’s winner in the 90th minute.

The aforementioned progress ought to lift the West African’s spirits after his injury hell appeared to be never-ending.

Having spent the first half of the campaign away from the first-team bubble at Cobham, his time in Greece after months with the Chelsea development squad saw him secure significant minutes under his belt.

Notably, Baba often played left wing-back at PAOK. This is interesting because the West London club have mostly utilised a formation involving wing-backs under Thomas Tuchel since January and could make him an option for the 2021/22 campaign.

In addition, it’s also a role the Ghanaian could have played had he opted against leaving Stamford Bridge five years ago under Antonio Conte.

Indeed, the left-back’s relationship with the demanding Italian coach has come under the microscope again following his recent comments over events leading to his temporary departure in summer 2016.

“I left Chelsea because I didn’t get on well with Conte. When he arrived, I had the first meeting with him before the season ended,” Baba told Joy Sports last week. “He told me how he wanted to play and how I can be in the team if I decide to stay. So, I said okay that’s fine.

“During the pre-season, I didn’t like the way he was reacting toward me. I went to speak to the sporting director, and I told him my worries. I told him this is what is happening in training and I don’t have confidence anymore and if I stay here, I will not be confident enough to show my qualities.”

In fairness, perhaps Conte should have understood the concept of individual differences when dealing with Baba.

Not every player will feel the motivation to respond positively to what may come off as the biggest bully in the yard picking on the individual perceived as vulnerable.

Andrea Pirlo, in his autobiography, remarked: “When [Conte] speaks his words assault you. They crash through the doors of your mind, often quite violently, and settle deep within you.” Regardless, the pair formed a strong working relationship, winning three Scudetti with Juventus between 2011 and 2014.

In 2016, Leonardo Bonucci likewise noted how Conte’s management of the Italy national team was the principal reason for their unexpected progress to the quarter-final at the European Championship, revealing the coach’s preference for “players with big personalities”.

The 51-year-old famously went berserk at Gianluigi Buffon before a final day match vs Cagliari in May 2014, annoyed after the latter, accompanied by chief executive Beppe Marotta, seemed more interested in discussing bonuses.

At the time, they had accrued 99 points and were already Serie A champions, but Conte desperately wanted to become a Centurion. He reportedly sent the goalkeeper’s teammates out of the room and ran a tirade of abuse on Buffon, who he felt should have known better.

The Old Lady refocused and thrashed the Sardinia outfit 3-0, finishing that year with 102 points.

The aforementioned demonstrate Conte’s drive, ferocity and demanding nature. From the outside looking in, this was probably the intention when he arrived at Cobham, but Rahman believed his new coach was singling him out.

Due to the importance of wing-backs to his system, the insistence on Baba thriving was understood, particularly with the Ghana defender being the only natural left-back in the squad upon his arrival.

While Conte isn’t as wedded to a back three as many might believe — he initially trialled a 4-2-4 in Chelsea’s pre-season and began the campaign with a 4-1-4-1 — the signing of Marcos Alonso and return of David Luiz pointed to the Italian opening the door to a switch as the season wore on.

As it turned out, the aforementioned buys played huge roles in the Blues’ Premier League win. Thus, one has to wonder what might have been: could Baba, not Alonso, have been the flying wing-back in Conte’s 16/17 Blues transformation?

From an African perspective, it would have gratified seeing Victor Moses and Rahman possibly feature significantly on opposite flanks in the first-ever side to claim the PL with a three-man defence.

However, both manager and player fell out, and the latter’s injury hell means he hasn’t added to his 23 Chelsea appearances since 2016.

Conte initially reckoned the Ghana left-back was “too attacking” for his system and the wide defender’s recent comments suggest he should have taken the supposed criticism in stride. Tough love is, after all, preferable to indifference.

Gyasi Zardes may be known as more of a finisher than a creative playmaker, but the U.S. men's national team forward's assist on Sunday put him in some illustrious company.

Zardes assisted the USMNT's opening goal of the Gold Cup with a fortunate touch towards the back post, which fell right to the onrushing Sam Vines.

Vines was able to head home to give the U.S. the 1-0 lead while also helping Zardes notch his 10th assist, putting him into a club featuring several USMNT legends.

Behind only Donovan

With the assist, Zardes now has double-digit goals and assists, having also scored 12 goals in 57 total caps for the USMNT.

He's the second-fastest to reach that double-digit mark in both goals and assists, behind only Landon Donovan, who did so in seven fewer games.

Zardes' 57 games puts him ahead of the likes of Joe-Max Moore, DaMarcus Beasley and Eddie Lewis, who round out the other five quickest.

In total, 12 USMNT players have reached that mark, including Clint Dempsey, Eric Wynalda, Brian McBride, Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, Earnie Stewart and Cobi Jones.

Donovan hit that 10-goal, 10-assist mark at just 22 years, 101 days old, though, with no one else on the list doing so before their 25th birthday.

Pulisic up next?

Zardes and Donovan's marks might not last long, though, as Christian Pulisic is closing in.

At 20 years, 189 days old, Pulisic became the youngest USMNT player to reach 10 goals in March 2019 against Chile.

He also already has nine assists in 38 total appearances, with the Chelsea star likely to rejoin the team for World Cup qualifiers this fall.

Further reading

The England FA has condemned racist abuse on social media aimed at Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka following the Three Lions' Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.

Rashford, Sancho and Saka missed from the spot in Sunday's shootout, ending England's hopes of winning a trophy on home soil.

In the hours after, all three were subjected to abuse on social media, with the FA quick to condemn the "disgusting" messages sent to the players.

What was said?

"We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team," said the FA in a statement.

"We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible.

"We will continue to do everything we can to stamp discrimination out of the game, but we implore government to act quickly and bring in the appropriate legislation so this abuse has real life consequences.

"Social media companies need to step up and take accountability and action to ban abusers from their platforms, gather evidence that can lead to prosecution and support making their platforms free from this type of abhorrent abuse."

Fighting against racism

Throughout their run at the Euros, England's players have been taking the knee before every game, signifying their fight against racism.

Prior to the tournament, the FA had asked fans not to boo the players for their pregame display as they encouraged players to continue their stand.

Meanwhile, players and clubs boycotted social media back in May in an attempt to force the likes of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to take action when it comes to racism on their platforms.

Further reading