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Kenya defender Joseph Okumu has finally been unveiled as a KAA Gent player on a long-term contract.

Goal exclusively reported three days ago the towering Harambee Star was closing in on a move to the Belgium-outfit after he was allowed by his Swedish club, IF Elfsborg, to travel to Gent and complete talks.

Gent have now confirmed on their official website, that Okumu, has penned a four year-contract that will see him stay at the club until 2025.

“Joseph Okumu (26 May 1997) today [Monday] signed a contract until 2025,” read part of the statement. “With the arrival of the 24-year-old Kenyan, we are strengthening our defence.”

The former Chemelil Sugar centre-back has had an impressive season with Elfsborg and attracted reported interest, mainly from Lorient and Reims of France, and from Rangers FC and Celtic of Scotland.

Gent Sports Manager Tim Matthys stated the following on signing Okumu: “Joseph [Okumu] is a great central defender who will also add footballing ability to our defence.

“He has a very good vertical passing and it is no coincidence that he has attracted the attention of many clubs. We are glad he chose us.”

'Crouch', as the former Real Monarchs star is known, joined the Swedish side after participating in the Africa Cup of Nations with Harambee Stars in 2019.

Although Kenya did not do well in the tournament, the centre-back showed his brilliance especially after being called to fill the void that injuries created in the national team.
 
Since then, he has been an undroppable figure for the Harambee Stars, as he has also established himself as one of the key players at club level.

After completing his secondary education at Kakamega High, where he featured in national tournaments alongside his Harambee Stars teammate, Eric Ouma, Okumu joined Chemelil Sugar before he secured a move to Free State Stars of South Africa.

From there, the towering defender joined AFC Ann Arbor and Real Monarchs in the United States before Elfsborg - his first European team - signed him two years ago.

Okumu becomes the third Kenyan to play for the side after Robert Mambo and John Muiruri - Harambee Stars' outstanding midfielders at the beginning of the current century.

Former Kerala Blasters and Mohun Bagan coach Kibu Vicuna has joined Polish second division side LKS Lodz as their new head coach.

The Spaniard confirmed the news on his official Instagram profile where he wrote, "Very happy to join ŁKS Łódź. Great challenge, big club, a new chapter."

Kibu Vicuna's performance in India

The Spaniard came to India in 2019 and joined Mohun Bagan as their head coach. Under his tutelage, the Green and Maroons finished runners-up in the Durand Cup 2019 and CFL 2019 and then won the I-League 2019-20 title.

After guiding the Kolkata giants to their fifth I-League title, Vicuna joined Kerala Blasters ahead of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL). 

Unfortunately, his stint with the Kochi-based club ended on a bitter note as Blasters had a season to forget under his tutelage. Vicuna had to part ways with the club with three matches to spare in the season. The club eventually finished second from the bottom, their worst finish ever in the ISL. 

How did LKS Lodz perform in the 2020-21 season?

LKS Lodz finished fifth in the I liga 2020-21 season with 58 points from 34 matches. They won 17 matches, drew seven and lost 10. Lodz scored 49 goals and conceded 27.

Kibu Vicuna's career so far

The 49-year old started his managerial career as a youth coach at CA Osasuna in 2002 before he gained experience as an assistant coach at several Polish clubs like Legiaw Warsaw, Zaglebie Lubin, Lech Poznan and Slask Wroclaw.

In 2018, he joined Lithuanian club FK Trakai as their head coach and then joined Polish side Wisla Plock before coming to India

Denzel Dumfries' former Barendrecht youth coach Lesley Esajas has explained how the Dutch star's rise from non-league football to the European Championship began, revealing he used to turn down fries and mayonnaise in the squad canteen.

Dumfries is being linked with a number of top clubs across Europe after his impressive start to Euro 2020 with the Netherlands, including German champions Bayern Munich.

Esajas hasn't been surprised by his impact, having seen the PSV right-back show signs of having the necessary discipline to reach the highest level of the game when playing in the Tweede Divisie - Dutch football's third tier - when he was still a youngster.

What's been said?

Esajas told Voetbalzone of Dumfries' dietary habits at the club: "At one time, he had dinner with us. If you see what he eats, you think: take more.

"No fries or mayonnaise. Vegetables, salad; those kinds of things he took. These are the things you have to do to go further. You can take fries, but he was aware.

"It's a shame that scouts from Feyenoord, Excelsior, Sparta or Dordrecht didn't notice him. Their focus is on the technique of players. He wasn't like that."

Dumfries' time with Sparta Rotterdam

Dumfries became a professional when he left Barendrecht to join Sparta Rotterdam in 2014, and made 72 appearances for the club in three years before moving to Heerenveen.

Rick Ketting played alongside the talented defender at Sparta, and says that although his former team-mate wasn't a gifted player technically, he had the mental strength to keep progressing.

"I can remember we regularly did passing exercises," said Ketting. "Sometimes he gave passes where we thought: 'what's this?'

"At that time, there was already some speculation about the interest from PSV. So there were sometimes jokes towards Dumfries: 'If you do this at PSV, they will laugh at you'.

"But he made it. And the people who made jokes didn't make it to PSV."

The former Sparta centre-back added: "Our physical coach at Sparta knew Dumfries before and, after the first few training sessions, he said: 'This guy will play in the national team within three or four years', due to his physicality, potential, determination.

"We thought: 'pff, it's possible, but a lot has to happen'. It happened."

Dumfries at Euro 2020

Dumfries announced himself at the Euros with a stunning display in the Netherlands' 3-2 victory against Ukraine, scoring a late winner to give Frank de Boer's side the best possible start in Group C.

The PSV star repeated the trick in their 2-0 triumph against Austria as the Dutch booked their place in the round of 16, and he could be in line to feature once again in their final group outing against North Macedonia on Monday.

Further reading

Hakan Calhanoglu is set to cross the Milan divide from AC to Inter, Goal can confirm, with the Nerazzurri looking to bring in cover for Christian Eriksen.

It remains to be seen whether the Danish playmaker will be cleared to resume his professional career after suffering a cardiac arrest while away with his country at Euro 2020.

The reigning Serie A champions are eager to ensure that they are not left short on creativity in midfield, with the Turkey international set to join.

What's the deal with Calhanoglu?

It is understood that Calhanoglu will undergo a medical with Inter on Tuesday. He will be joining the title holders of Italy as a free agent having allowed his contract with AC Milan to run down.

Goal can confirm that AC Milan's offer was €4 million plus a bonus of around €500,000, which they first made in January and never raised, despite Calhanoglu's hesitation to sign renewed terms. Instead, he will reportedly earn €5m plus a €1m bonus at Inter.

He is moving after his involvement at this summer's European Championship has come to a close, with Turkey bowing out at the group stage.

The bigger picture

Milan have seenstriker Zlatan Ibrahimovic commit to a new one-year contract at San Siro, while Fikayo Tomori's loan from Chelsea has been turned into a permanent transfer.

They have, however, been unable to convince highly-rated goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to stay put, with the 22-year-old Italy international closing in on a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Losing Calhanoglu represents another blow to the Rossoneri, while Inter - who now have Simone Inzaghi in charge following Antonio Conte's departure - are working to ensure that they remain competitive at home and in Europe for 2021-22.

Further reading

David Alaba is taking his versatility to Real Madrid after a 13-year spell at Bayern Munich, and is reluctant to settle on a favoured position for the Blancos.

For now, the Austria international is filling whatever role is required by his country at Euro 2020, with the 28-year-old currently being used as a central defensive playmaker.

He has also played in a wide attacking post over recent weeks, while often finding himself used at full-back during a trophy-laden stint at Allianz Arena.

What has been said?

With Sergio Ramos departing Real are expected to use Alaba at centre-half, but he told UEFA's official website when asked to pick his best position: "For a long time I played at left-back for Bayern Munchen; more recently I played as a central defender, before that I played in midfield now and again. 

"So what does favourite position mean? I'm happy to play wherever I can help the team the most."

Defensive berth

Alaba appears most at home when playing out from the back, and a man who claimed 10 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League crowns during his time at Bayern feels comfortable in the role that he currently fills with Austria.

Asked what he likes most about that berth, Alaba said: "I think you have a lot of influence on the game in this position in both directions – in attack and in defence.

"You get a different perspective on the game, can read it differently maybe. You have the ball a lot in this position, you can set the pace and influence in the build-up of the game more."

The bigger picture

Alaba is leaving Bayern at the end of his contract, with a switch to Spain being made as a free agent.

He has committed to a five-year deal with Real and will form part of a summer refresh at Santiago Bernabeu that has already seen Carlo Ancelotti replace Zinedine Zidane in the dugout.

Further reading

Former SSC Napoli doctor Alfonso De Nicola has discussed Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen's injury in a way that raises serious questions.

The forward sustained a shoulder injury while turning out for the national team in November 2020 and took time on the sidelines before coming back strongly. However, he was not able to inspire his team to qualify for the Champions League after the final-day 1-1 draw at home.

"I cannot tell what happened in the evening of Napoli-Hellas Verona," De Nicola said as quoted by Arenapoli.

"I don't know what happened, but I got nervous because you do not have to get to the last day of the championship with water in your throat. Maybe I am wrong, but there was a mistake in [player] management and health management as well.

"I am thinking of Dries Martins [who had an ankle injury] and Victor Osimhen who went to Belgium for treatment."

The doctor, who left Napoli in 2019, went on to explain what he used to do while at the club.

"In case players went to seek treatment elsewhere, I used to send my man with them and he will brief me on what was done during the day," De Nicola continued.

"[Mertens and Osimhen] ankle and shoulder injuries respectively would have been treated well in Belgium, but the results were terrible. We were unlucky because the injuries came at the same time. 

"At that moment, we needed elements of that caliber. Does Napoli always lack a berry of salt? Yes, it can be. This aspect must be analyzed thoroughly before the start of the new season. 

"It is important that everyone thinks and reflects on these issues, especially the players, who are employees of the club. This is their job here [at Napoli]."

Osimhen went on to miss 16 matches; however, he still managed to score 10 league goals and three assists as Napoli went on to finish fifth in Serie A.

They managed 24 wins, five draws, and nine losses, collecting 77 points in the process.

Nigerians are a proud people, so it’ll be necessary to get this out of the way from the get-go: there is absolutely no regret over anyone who has ever shunned the Super Eagles.

A horde of players of varying levels of talent have opted to represent other nations at the West African nation’s expense, and the list is lengthy.

England have been the prime beneficiaries, with Dele Alli’s snub in the mid-2010s arguably the one that hurt the most at the time.

That was until Bukayo Saka decided to represent the Three Lions last year, with the Arsenal youngster officially invited on October 1, coincidentally the day of the nation’s independence.

Recalling the names of everyone who took the same decision may be a fool’s errand, but we’ll try regardless: John Fashanu — who’s since told Goal this wasn’t the case — Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Salako have all featured for the British nation in the past, while Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori both chose a country without an international trophy of any kind since 1966.

Angelo Ogbonna and Stefano Okaka both opted for Italy, Dennis Aogo represented Germany before injury cut short his career and Emmanuel Adebayor led Togo to the World Cup, despite his Nigerian roots.

Be that as it may, none of the aforementioned undoubtedly talent comparable with Real Madrid-bound David Alaba.

The Austria captain could lead his nation into Euro 2020’s round of 16 with a positive result against Ukraine on Monday, but could he have been one of Nigeria and indeed Africa’s leading players instead?

Born to an Austrian mother and Nigerian father, the departing Bayern Munich player’s decision wasn’t drawn out in any way; he was unequivocal in his decision to represent the European nation, rather than Nigeria in the 2010s.

The 10-time Bundesliga winner was hugely successful in his time playing for Germany’s greatest side and played a vital role in helping the hallowed Bavarians claim trebles in 2013 and 2020, matching a feat previously held by Barcelona.

In a sense, his versatility and intelligence to thrive in several positions sometimes led to misunderstandings with his coaches but he’s widely regarded as one of the best left-backs of his generation.

His expertise in that position could have freed Nigerians from the frustrating years of pulling their hair out regarding Elderson Echiejile and the fleeting Brian Idowu spell under Gernot Rohr in the late 2010s.

Jamilu Collins offered little excitement in that position and has been replaced by Zaidu Sanusi in recent competitive games. However, the jury’s still out on the incumbent as the West African nation seek an answer to solve a left-back crisis that has plagued the nation since Taye Taiwo’s halcyon days.

Indeed, Alaba may have played as the country ended nearly two decades of hurt to finally claim the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 to add to his plethora of honours.

Perhaps, maybe another African title might have followed, rather than what really transpired: missing out on two successive Afcons in 2015 and 2017, thus featuring in one tournament in four before making the 2019 showpiece in Egypt.

For a nation short on world class talent — Vincent Enyeama was the only Super Eagle close to even being included in the conversation — someone of Alaba’s talent and intelligence will have elevated the Nigeria side considerably.

Most importantly, his success with Bayern will surely have enhanced Nigeria’s prospects of finally producing another African Footballer of the Year.

Nobody from the three-time African nation has reigned supreme since Nwankwo Kanu’s success in 1999 and the ongoing drought means the nation has lacked a top three representative since 2014.

Interestingly, before Mikel John Obi and Enyeama finishing second and third in 2013 and 2014 respectively, there was an eight-year wait after Jay-Jay Okocha’s third-place finish in 2004 to produce anyone worthy of consideration among Africa’s top stars.

Of course, we’ll never know how events will have panned out.

Regardless, do Nigerians ever wonder what might have been had Alaba chosen the Super Eagles over Das Team?

The first time the Video Assistant Referee system was put on trial across Europe was in July 2016, during a friendly match pitting PSV and FC Eindhoven.

The VAR is a match official, who reviews decisions made by the head referee with the use of video footage and headset for communication in order to try and reduce human errors causing substantial influence on match results.

The VAR team, stationed in the video operation room automatically checks every on-field referee decision falling under the four reviewable categories and if the VAR does not identify any mistake during the check, this is communicated to the referee.

Some of the key decisions VAR checks include goals when there are any infringements leading up to it, review if a sending off is justified, check if the decision to award a penalty is correct or should one have been given for a foul, and look at yellow and red cards if there is a case of mistaken identity.

But how did Africa receive the technology, which was first written into the Laws of the Game by the International Football Association Board in 2018?

Which African nation was first to use VAR?

It was Morocco who became the first African country to use video technology in a top-flight league match featuring IRT Tangiers, who won the game 2-1 against FUS Rabat.

But prior to the top-tier fixture, the method had already been used in Morocco during the match between Difaa Hassani Jadidi and Tihad Athletic Sport on Saturday, November 9 in Tangier for the 2018-2019 Moroccan Throne Cup semi-finals.

The system was also used in the 2019 Afcon final in Egypt from the quarter-final stages onwards until the finals though Caf had originally planned to use it from the semi-final stage, it was brought in from the last eight.

Why are most African countries not using VAR?

Most African countries are yet to introduce the system in their local leagues because of the financial complications that are involved.

For example, Dr. Irvin Khoza of South Africa ruled out usage of the gadget in the country saying it was very expensive for the federation to manage.

“The costs implications are also a factor because there is a royalty that you pay every year for the service and there is an initial cost that goes with it,” Khoza said, as quoted by Chronicle.

“There is also a service fee that you pay every year, but more importantly is the suitability of the venues in installing VAR, which is one element, and VOL and GLT are others.”

How did Africans receive VAR?

The introduction of VAR across the world was received with mixed reactions among Africans, some felt it was a good decision to help control the game for fair results, while others felt it will not solve the problems.

For instance, a number of Kenyans feel the VAR should be done away with within top European leagues because of repeated mistakes, pointing at certain genuine goals being disallowed, and dubious penalties awarded during matches.

Ahead of the ongoing Euro tournament, Europe’s most senior refereeing officials admitted VAR was a “dangerous project” but Uefa moved ahead to commit extra resources to the technology.

The technology has also made work even harder for defenders, who fear to tackle balls while in the dangerzone since the rulebook of VAR suggests any amount of impermissible contact inside the penalty box will be given as a penalty.

It may take some time before we see VAR fully used in Africa’s top leagues after highly contentious decisions as a result of the technology across the top five European leagues.

Yanga SC's dream of signing Mercey Ngimbi of Union Maniema did not materialise after TP Mazembe's president, Moise Katumbi, outbid them.

Yanga had already engaged Union Maniema over Ngimbi who was seen as a natural replacement for Haruna Niyonzima but Katumbi's bid threw a spanner into the works of the Jangwani giants. 

They had made a $40,000 bid for the midfielder for a two-year contract, but TP Mazembe's bankroller is said to have made a bid that is more than double - around $100,000 - of what the Tanzanian giants had put on the table.

"Yanga came and we really talked but I can say they were slow to make the payments," Guy Kapya, Union Maniema's treasurer, is quoted as saying by Mwanaspoti. "The player wanted to finish the move so he could play with his friends in Tanzania, but the club was delayed, and Katumbi arrived with a better offer, and that is how he won the race."

"After the Katumbi offer, we reached out to Yanga and told them not to deposit any money in our accounts. Yanga had hoped to sign him to play alongside Tuisila Kisinda and Mukoko Tonombe, but they will now have to look elsewhere."

Meanwhile, Yanga head coach Nasreddine Nabi has revealed his objectives in the upcoming transfer period.

"Among the priorities tabled before the management, I have linked them to outstanding scouts on the continent who would easily pick players who performed impressively. They are going to work hand in hand with the identified scouts and I believe they are going to do a great job in the transfer market," Nasreddine told Mwanaspoti.

The coach is understood to have prioritised the signing of a centre-back who will come and join hands with Bakari Mwamnyeto and Abdallah Shaibu who were signed before the season began. Dickson Job, who was signed from Mtibwa Sugar, on a three-year deal, was brought on board during the January mini-transfer window. 

Already, Yanga have agreed on a two-year deal with AS Vita's Djuma Shabani, who is expected to come in and reinforce the backline. Goal also understands that former Gor Mahia winger Dickon Ambundo - currently at Dodoma Jiji - and David Brayson of KMC FC are in talks with the Jangwani club.

Robin Gosens' father Holger has explained that the Germany Euro 2020 star was "almost a police officer" before starting his football career at Vitesse.

Gosens is currently making a big impact on the international stage for his country, having been selected to start both of their first two Group F fixtures at the European Championship.

The Atalanta left-back impressed during Germany's narrow defeat to France before scoring in their 4-2 win against holders Portugal, capping his impressive rise to prominence over the last few years, but his father says he might have ended up in a completely different profession while he was still a teenager.

What's been said?

Holger Gosens told Goal and SPOX of his son's efforts to join law enforcement prior to moving into senior club football: "He was almost a police officer in Rheinland-Pfalz.

"He failed in North Rhine-Westphalia because his legs differ by 0.5 millimetres, but in Rheinland-Pfalz, he passed the first test.

"I said: 'You can go to the police next year. You shouldn’t have to be told later that you haven't tried'."

Holger went on to detail how important Gosens' spell at Vitesse, which began in 2012, was in shaping his overall career in football.

"During this time, the talent we saw in the game against Portugal emerged," he added. 

"He had an absolute will to get things done by giving 100 per cent. This chance at Vitesse was his life changer."

Gosens' path to the Euros

Gosens joined Heracles Almelo in 2015 after one year in Vitesse's first team and went on to establish himself as one of the most consistent performers in the Eredivisie.

Atalanta came calling two years later, and he has since appeared in 149 games for the Serie A outfit, scoring 27 goals and laying on 20 assists along the way.

Low rewarded Gosens for his performances at club level by handing him his first call-up to the Germany national team last August, and he subsequently made his international debut in a UEFA Nations League clash with Spain.

Gosens has since earned nine caps for his country, scoring two goals, and will be in line for another when they take on Hungary in their final group game at the Euros on Wednesday.

Further reading

Alessandro Nesta was a World Cup-winning centre-half in his heyday, with the iconic Italian lining up against some of the very best forwards in the business - but even he admits to being "mentally destroyed" after facing Lionel Messi.

One of the finest defenders to ever grace the game found himself up against the Argentine superstar for AC Milan in Champions League clashes with Barcelona in 2011-12.

Nesta was 37 years of age by that point while Messi was at the peak of his powers in a 73-goal season, and the legendary defender admits being nudged a step closer to retirement by the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.

What has been said?

Nesta told Calciatori Brutti: "In the tenth minute I kicked Messi and fell to the ground exhausted, I could see the stars. He was already giving me his hand to pull me up. There he mentally destroyed me.

"Do you understand? I was on the ground and when after two seconds I open my eyes, I see his face with his hand in front that he wanted to help me get up. He mentally destroyed me there."

Messi vs Ronaldo?

Nesta, who conquered the world with Italy in 2006, is one of those to have crossed paths with Messi and his rival Cristiano Ronaldo when both were at the very top of their game. He is therefore well positioned to pass judgement on who poses the greater threat.

Asked to offer his opinion on the long-running debate as to which all-time great can be considered the best, Nesta said: "I played against both Ronaldo and Messi. The little one (Messi) is phenomenal: but the other scores 40 goals a year. They are both strong each in their own way. I prefer not to meet Messi between the two."

Further reading

Simba SC assistant coach Selamani Matola has sent a warning to their rivals they will wrap up the Mainland Premier League title soon.

The Msimbazi-based giants produced a narrow 1-0 win against Polisi Tanzania at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza over the weekend, which was enough to take them to 70 points at the peak of the table from 28 matches.

They are three points ahead of rivals Yanga SC, who pulled an incredible comeback to beat bottom-placed side Mwadui FC 3-2 on Sunday and also have three games in hand.

Despite Yanga cutting the lead to three points, Matola has told Goal nothing has changed from their target of sealing a record fourth straight title.

What has been said?

“It was important we win our match [against Polisi] and remember I had told you before the game, all we want to do is win the next three matches to be crowned champions, so nothing has changed, the target remains the same,” Matola told Goal.

“We don’t care about Yanga's result, we have our own matches to handle and that is where the focus is, but I am sure we will wrap the title in the next two matches, we will then be crowned.

“We don’t want to take the title to the end of the season, as Simba we want to focus on the domestic cup, we want to win the title and shift focus to the cup, we also want to defend the title, so I don’t know about the rivals, and what they want to achieve.”

On the game against Polisi, Matola said: “The most important thing is to get three points because by doing that, we are getting closer to defend the title that is why we must take every match seriously.”

Mozambican winger Luis Miquissone scored the solitary goal for the game through a well-calculated set piece in the 27th minute of the closely contested match, thereby enabling the reigning champions to keep peddling forward.

Up next, Simba will host Mbeya City at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday and after that they face their rivals Yanga SC on July 3.

Ousmane Dembele has been forced to withdraw from the France squad with an injury he picked up in the draw against Hungary at the weekend. 

The Barcelona forward had come on as a second-half substitute at the Puskas Arena, with France trailing to Hungary, but he had to be replaced by Thomas Lemar in the 87th minute after feeling discomfort in his knee. 

Les Bleus have now confirmed that after examinations in hospital he will fly back home and will play no further part in Euro 2020. 

What is his injury? 

Didier Deschamps confirmed it was a tendon issue in his knee and Dembele did not feature at all as the squad trained in Budapest on Sunday evening. 

A statement released from the French camp on Monday morning confirmed he had undergone radiological examinations in Budapest Hospital on Sunday evening and his recovery time means he will miss the rest of the tournament. 

What was said? 

On Saturday after the game Deschamps said: “Dembele, it’s a hit on the tendon, behind the knee, it will be necessary to check. He continued, he wanted to cross and felt a fairly significant discomfort. I brought him off and we will have to watch him."

A statement from France on Monday morning read: “Discussions took place on Sunday between the medical staff of the French team and FC Barcelona. 

“After speaking with the player and Dr Franck Le Gall, Didier Deschamps took note of Ousmane Dembele’s withdrawal.” 

What next for France? 

The reigning world champions beat Germany in their opening Group F game in Munich but were then held to a draw by Hungary on Saturday. 

They currently sit top of Group F with one game left to play and face European champions Portugal at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on Wednesday while Germany host Hungary in the other final group-stage game. 

His injury is a blow for Deschamps as Dembele had a positive impact with France looking to get back in the game at the weekend. However, with such an array of attacking talent in the squad, including a formidable front three of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema, they are not short of options as they look to win the trophy. 

Further reading 

Liverpool have sanctioned another loan move for Sepp van den Berg, with the teenage defender returning to Preston, but no decisions have been made as yet on Nat Phillips, Rhys Williams and Ben Davies.

The Reds will allow the promising Dutch centre-half to spend the 2021-22 campaign at Deepdale, having seen him make 16 appearances for Preston last season.

Van den Berg has only taken in four competitive appearances for his parent club and needs regular game time in order to further his development as he faces fierce competition for places at Anfield.

What has been said?

Van den Berg told Preston's official website on securing another switch: "I’m very pleased. 

"I said it last season at the end that I would love to come back and I was really happy it worked out. I’m just looking forward to playing a whole season now and playing from the start.

"Hopefully I’ll see the fans very soon and of course see the players and the staff again. I really enjoyed last season so I’m just really excited for the upcoming season."

Head coach Frankie McAvoy said: "We’re absolutely delighted. We’re very grateful to Liverpool for allowing him to come back here and obviously to Sepp for choosing to come back to us. 

"He loved his time here last season. He’s a young boy learning his trade and for me he’s fitted in well with a group that made him feel welcome and a part of it. 

"He came as a right centre-back. He didn’t get many games playing in that position, but he fitted in really well as a right-back and then as a right wing-back. I thought he was fantastic. I think he’s done really well and we’ll see how he does at right centre-back. 

"What he’s got to try and do is go again for the second time and hopefully produce what I and the coaching staff believe that he’s capable of."

The bigger picture

While Van den Berg is first through the exits at Liverpool, it may be that other members of a well-stocked crop of centre-halves tread a similar path in the coming weeks.

Jurgen Klopp was left short at the back last season, as untimely injuries disrupted his plans, but the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are returning to fitness.

Ibrahima Konate has also been snapped up, meaning that regular game time will be in short supply for some.

Phillips and Williams ended the 2020-21 campaign as a promising partnership, but the latter is likely to be loaned out this summer as the highly-rated 20-year-old seeks important minutes.

Liam Millar, Ben Woodburn and Sheyi Ojo are among the other academy graduates that the Reds are having to make decisions on with another window now open.

Further reading

Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of Scotland's final Euro 2020 group game against Croatia after testing positive for Covid-19.

Gilmour was left on the bench for Scotland's disappointing 2-0 defeat to their Czech Republic in their opening fixture at the European Championship, but Steve Clarke drafted the 20-year-old into his starting XI for their subsequent clash with England.

Scotland battled to an impressive 0-0 draw at Wembley to keep their hopes of progressing to the last 16 alive, with Gilmour producing a man-of-the-match display, but he will now be forced to go into quarantine after contracting coronavirus.

What's been said?

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has confirmed that the midfielder will sit out the meeting with Croatia at Hampden Park on Tuesday night after the latest round of medical checks in the national team camp.

"The Scottish FA can confirm that a member of the Scotland national team playing squad, Billy Gilmour, has tested positive for Covid-19," the official SFA statement reads.

"Having liaised with Public Health England since the positive test was recorded, Billy will now self-isolate for 10 days and therefore miss tomorrow’s UEFA Euro 2020 Group D match against Croatia at Hampden."

How many games could Gilmour miss?

Scotland still have an outside chance of reaching the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed teams in the six groups if they beat Croatia.

However, even if they make it through, Gilmour will play no part in the round of 16, which will kick off on June 26 and end three days later.

It is not yet known who the third-placed teams could face in the next stage, but if Scotland were to advance to the quarter-finals, the Chelsea star could be eligible to return subject to a negative Covid-19 test - with the last-eight ties due to begin on July 2.

Further reading

Gor Mahia coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto has stated they are on the right track to retain the FKF Premier League title after securing a 1-0 win against Sofapaka on Sunday.

The Kenyan champions needed a second-half goal courtesy of Burundian striker Jules Ulimwengu to edge out Batoto ba Mungu at Thika Municipal Stadium and stretch their winning run in the top-flight to seven matches in a row.

The slim win also enabled K’Ogalo to cut KCB’s lead at the top of the 18-team table to five points and they still have one match in hand.

The Portuguese tactician has told Goal with the gap between them and the table leaders reducing drastically in the past two weeks, K’Ogalo are firmly on the right path to win a record fourth straight title.

What has been said?

“A few weeks ago, the top team was ahead of us with 16 points but after yesterday's [Sunday] result, the gap is now five points, it means we can still believe, we don’t need to lose hope,” Vaz Pinto told Goal.

“We now have five points to KCB and we have a game in hand so we are happy about the improvement of the team and we are more close to the top and we are happy because before we had 16 points to reach the top.

“16 is a lot of points but now we are more close because it is a gap of five points and we are happy the team is growing and improving in each and every match but we know we need to keep the focus to achieve our goals.”

Can Pinto earn Gor fans the title?

On whether he can win K’Ogalo fans the title, Vaz Pinto said: “What we can promise the fans is always commitment, always focus in our work.

“Because, that is what we can promise them, what we need to control is our work, nothing else but about the recent good results, this is as a consequence of our good work and we believe if we keep the focus we can be there.

“It is possible when it was 16 points I had the belief [we can catch up] and now it is five points, and a game in hand, so I believe more than before that we will make it, but as I said we must put our focus on our job and be committed to tackle game by game and improve as a team and as a family.”

The win pushed Gor Mahia to third on the table with 37 points from 19 matches while KCB are top with 42 points from 20 matches.

K’Ogalo will next take on Wazito FC in another league assignment on Wednesday.

Luke Shaw has backed Harry Kane following his subdued start to Euro 2020, describing the England captain as "the best striker in the world".

Kane led the line during England's 1-0 victory against Croatia in their opening Group D fixture, and retained his place in Gareth Southgate's starting XI for a crunch clash against Scotland at Wembley on Friday.

The Tottenham star struggled to find a path to goal in the win over Croatia, but had an even more frustrating night against the Scots as he only managed 19 touches during the disappointing 0-0 draw.

Shaw defends Kane

Kane has faced widespread criticism for his latest performance at international level, but Shaw has no doubts about the 27-year-old's ability and says he still has a key role to play in the team as the tournament progresses.

The Manchester United full-back told reporters: “There is no concern at all. For me, Harry is the best striker in the world. He is a very important part of this team. In fact, almost the most important part of the team. Whether he has not been at his best or not, he is a crucial player for us.

“If his performances aren't as people expected, this happens in tournament football and you can score a goal at any moment. He is such a crucial player on and off the pitch. He has all our backing and I'm not worried at all."

What has Southgate said?

It has been suggested that Southgate should drop Kane for the Three Lions' final pool meeting with the Czech Republic, which they must win or draw to make sure of their place in the round of 16.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Marcus Rashford are waiting in the wings for an opportunity to shine, but Southgate has promised to stick with his skipper.

"You can assume that [Kane will start], yes, absolutely," said the England boss. "He is fundamental not only to the goals he scores but the build-up play and everything else he brings."

Shaw's assessment of Scotland performance

Shaw went on to admit that England fell well below expectations against Scotland, before urging his team-mates to put that result behind them and focus on improving against the Czechs.

“Of course, there is no denying there is a lot of disappointment," he said. "There should always be expectation. The team we have is undoubtedly very strong with the talent we have. Maybe this has brought us back down to earth and made us realise that it is not going to be easy. Every game is going to be tough.

“Our aim is to be here for seven games and this is a point in the right direction. We will sit down and watch the game back and analyse what we have to do better because there are things that we could have done better as a team.

“Between us all we always demand high standards and that is a fact, we always have to deliver and try our best. Maybe in the Scotland game, we weren’t at our best and that shows. But it is another clean sheet.

“We still have another big game on Tuesday and we have to forget about this one and be ready.”

Further reading

Hector Bellerin claims that Mikel Arteta has "completely changed" Arsenal, but not in a way that will be immediately recognisable to supporters and pundits.

A familiar face returned to Emirates Stadium in December 2019, with the former Gunners captain taking on his first managerial job in the wake of Unai Emery's dismissal.

Positive steps forward were taken in FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs, but inconsistency has remained an issue in north London as further change on and off the field continues to be mooted.

What has been said?

Bellerin is convinced that Arsenal have the right man at the helm, telling the High Performance Podcast of progress being made under Arteta: "I think personally at Arsenal that’s something (emphasis on off the ball movement) that has changed a lot.

"I think the ethics and the way they work since Mikel has been the manager of the club has completely changed.

"And these behaviours, our behaviours have been awarded by them. There’s more emphasis on that behaviour, so the way we run back or the way we create space for a player.

"Because you know you can move to receive the ball, you can move to get a player away or you can move into space, there’s so many ways you can move for and sometimes a goal is created not by the player that passes the ball or by the player that scores but by the player that actually created the space.

"And many people, like the fans in the stands or even the pundits sometimes, they won’t see that. But truly that’s what we’ve practised, that’s what the coach has asked, and by the player doing that we're able to score.

"I think even sometimes for the players it’s hard to see, when other teams do it and stuff, but we know in our dressing room and in the way we play that we scored that goal thanks to that player."

The bigger picture

Arsenal could only muster an eighth-place finish in 2020-21, leaving them without European football for the first time since 1995-96.

A lack of continental competition is going to do efforts to get fresh faces on board few favours, with the Gunners currently scouring the market for new recruits.

Exits are also being mooted, with Bellerin among those to have seen their respective futures questioned, and it promises to be a busy summer at Emirates Stadium.

The countdown is already on to next season, with Arsenal learning that they will kick off their 2021-22 campaign away at Premier League new boys Brentford before then facing Champions League winners Chelsea and domestic title holders Manchester City.

Further reading

Alex McLeish has urged Glasgow Rangers to go for the signature of teenage striker Abdul Abdulmalik.

The youngster, who has West African roots thanks to his Nigerian father, is eligible to represent the Super Eagles. He has had a good season at Millwall so Premier League giants Arsenal and Championship side Swansea City have been rumoured to have shown interest in him.

However, the 62-year-old former Scotland coach has urged the Gers to go for the attacker who is highly rated.

“The boys that have grown up in your academy, you don’t see too many of them," McLeish told Ibrox News.

"The network of scouts, they must know there are special youngsters out there, and that’s a possibility with this Millwall kid.  

"It could be a great coup, we have seen over the past few years some young players moving and moving for big money."

Abdulmalik has not yet debuted for the senior Lions but was part of the FA Youth Cup team in the concluded campaign. He managed to score four goals in the six appearances made.

His team went on to reach the quarter-finals of the annual competition as the Millwall U18 side won the Professional Development League title. The striker has featured for the England U18 and U23 sides.

Meanwhile, Victor Moses has disclosed his ambition is to win the Russian Premier League with Spartak Moscow in the 2021-22 season.

The Chelsea loanee helped the People's Team finish second in the Russian top-flight last term which gives them a chance of playing in the Champions League next season.

Moses' late equaliser in Spartak Moscow's 2-2 draw against Akhmat Grozny in the final game of the season in May, sealed the team's second spot.

His heroics earned him the club's Player of the Month prize for May and he has promised to continue giving his best in Rui Vitoria's team after he received his award from a fan on Sunday.

Kai Havertz has been compared to Real Madrid and France legend Zinedine Zidane by Lothar Matthaus, who has highlighted the Germany star's "good positional play" and "fine technique".

Havertz was named in Joachim Low's final 26-man squad for the European Championship after an impressive debut season at Chelsea that saw him overcome some early struggles to fire the club to Champions League glory.

The 22-year-old starred in both of Germany's first two group games against France and Portugal, grabbing a decisive goal in a 4-2 victory over the latter, and Matthaus has now drawn similarities between the playmaker and Ballon d'Or winner Zidane.

What's been said?

The former Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder told Kicker: "I compare him to Zinedine Zidane in terms of skills, technique and overview, and anticipating a situation.

"Zidane didn't seem quick, but it was when he hit the ball. Havertz can do that too."

Matthaus has, however, also warned that Havertz still needs to work on certain areas of his game to reach the very top.

"He could score more goals and improve himself in the short movements with special training," he added. "He has a good eye, good ball control, good positional play, fine technique.

"In addition, Havertz plays intelligently and uses his body well. Havertz is on the way, but nuances will decide whether he will make it to the top, whether he will be an excellent player or just a very good one."

Havertz's role in the Germany team

Matthaus went on to back Havertz to nail down a key role in Germany's starting XI in the coming years, but feels supporters will have to wait to see the best of him at international level, with Thomas Muller currently occupying his natural position in the final third.

"Havertz will be one of the fixed points in the national team in the next six or eight years when [Toni] Kroos, [Thomas] Muller and [Ilkay] Gundogan have finished their careers there," said the World Cup winner.

"If I just look at the talent then the coach would have to say Havertz always plays, even when he was not at his best.

"Kai has everything, but he needs the coach's trust. One place in attack is already occupied by Thomas Muller, which is where I see Havertz."

What's next?

Havertz will likely have another chance to impress when Germany take on Hungary in their final Group F outing on Wednesday.

Germany could qualify for the round of 16 as pool winners if they pick up three points, with world champions France set to take on Euro 2016 winners Portugal on the same day.

Further reading