Looking for Soccer News?

Brendan Rodgers has declared striker Jamie Vardy fit for Leicester City's Boxing Day clash with Manchester United.

Vardy was substituted late on in Sunday's 2-0 win over Tottenham as Leicester climbed to second in the Premier League, a point above United having played a game more.

He netted from the penalty spot at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to make Premier League history, becoming the first player to score away to an opponent at three different grounds following previous goals at White Hart Lane and Wembley Stadium.

It took the 33-year-old's tally for the season to 11 goals in 13 outings, placing him behind only Mohamed Salah in the Premier League scoring charts - the Liverpool forward scoring 13 times in the same number of appearances.

Vardy has also now scored 43 goals since Rodgers' first game in charge of Leicester in March 2019, more than any other player in that time.

And Rodgers is expecting to have Vardy available for the visit of United as Leicester aim to improve on a return of five losses in six Boxing Day fixtures since their promotion in 2014.

"Vardy will be fine for the game, it's just a bit of soreness. It will be pretty much the same squad," the manager said at a pre-match news conference on Tuesday.

"[Caglar] Soyuncu may be close. If not for Saturday, he could be ready for Monday [away to Crystal Palace]."

Leicester have lost more games (19) and conceded more goals (60) against United than they have versus any other side in the Premier League.

United enter the game on the back of a 10-match winning run away from home in the Premier League, one short of the record jointly-held by Chelsea and Manchester City.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was under intense pressure following elimination from the Champions League earlier this month, but Rodgers has praised the work being done by his opposite number.

"I think Ole's doing a fantastic job," he said. "They'll be disappointed to go out of the Champions League because it's a competition they have history in.

"Ole has reshaped the club in terms of the values, and he's looking to develop young players. I think he's done a very good job. They've got big quality."

Odisha FC held NorthEast United to a 2-2 draw in the Indian Super League 2020-21 clash at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday.

Both the teams played out an evenly-matched contest. The Highlanders looked to have an edge at various points in the game and head coach Gerard Nus believes that his team deserved to take all three points.

"I think we deserve the three points. We had a great performance with the ball. We created three chances. We deserved to score more compared to the other games and the thing is this game is so competitive and once you don't pay attention then the teams will punish, no matter who you're playing against.

"We are disappointed with the result. But I cannot say anything about the commitment and work rate of the players," Nus said after the game. 

"It's going to be hard. Sometimes you will have fewer chances but you score more goals. This is football. We played eight games but lost one. We will fight till the last game. Last minute. We started the season by beating Mumbai City," he added. 

Federico Gallego had a good game in the midfield as he registered 70 per cent pass accuracy. and 41 touches on the ball. He was, however, substituted in the 53rd minute of the play. Explaining his decision, Nus mentioned that, Gallego was injured and he did not want to risk him further. 

"He's a player and he can be substituted and in that case, he was injured and he was coming from an injury. And he was bringing a lot to the game. To be fair the plan was to play him even less. But we gave him (more time) because he was bringing a lot to the pitch. But you want to prevent another injury."

Nus said that the decision to not start Khassa Camara in the midfield was quite straightforward as he got a yellow card in the previous game and he can only field a limited number of foreign players in a match.

"You have to play eleven players. Camara got a yellow card as well but he is also a foreigner."

Meghalaya-based Alison Kharsyntiew was appointed as the assistant coach for NorthEast United earlier this month. He brings with him the experience of managing Shillong Lajong. Nus said that he has brought in positive energy to the side.

"He just started but we are happy to have him. He has big experience in Indian football. He is bringing positive energy already. So happy to have him."

Uganda have won the U17 Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) Championship after defeating Tanzania 3-1.

The champions scored their goals through Ivan Irinimbazi, Travis Mutyaba, and Ibrahim Juma while Vincent Mulema scored into his net for the Serengeti Boys' goal.

In the first half, neither of the two sides could get an opening goal despite the numerous chances created.

The Cubs scored their first goal in the 63rd minute. The Serengeti Boys committed a foul in their penalty area and it was brought in well, and Irinimbabazi rose highest to head the ball into the back of the net.

With 10 minutes to go, Mutyaba managed to double the advantage. A long ball was played into the danger zone and the Tanzanians did not clear it. 

The ball fell to Mutyaba who managed to work his way into the danger zone before shooting the ball past the goalkeeper.

Tanzania managed to get at the Cubs with a counter-attack in the 89th minute. In his desperate bid to clear the ball, Mulema, unfortunately, turned the ball into his own net.

The Serengeti Boys then conceded a penalty in stoppage time - Omari Yahya was beaten to the ball by Mutyaba, and the former brought down the forward in the danger zone. 

The referee had no option but to point to the penalty spot and captain Ibrahim Juma held his cool to send the custodian the wrong way and seal the win.

The Cubs have now managed to retain title and they will be playing in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2021. Despite losing the final, Tanzania have also qualified for the biennial competition.

Ethiopia finished third after defeating Djibouti 5-2.

Uganda Cubs XI: Mwebe Henry, Mulema Vincent, Peter Gava, Ivan Irinambabazi, Ronald Maddi, Oscar Mawa, Travis Mutyaba, Ibrahim Juma, Enock Luyima, Issa Bugembe, Samir Mudiba.

Subs: Mwanje Elvis Eddy, Shafiq Magogo, Jumbe Fahad, Hassan Mubiru, Kaliisa Shugai, Tuma Tenywa, Abdu Magada.

Tanzania XI: Abdallah Hamisi, Abubakar Lubotile, Yahya Omari, Abdulkarim Kiswanya, Abubakar Sabian, Omar Mvungi, Ladaki Chasambi, Omari Bakari, Sylvester Otto, Hijja Shamte, Mbarak Mohamed.

Subs: Edward Edward, Nuhhu Lugalamila, Chande Mkala, Abdulrazak Dominick, Shomary Mkwawa, Rahim Chapaulinge, James Mabada, Said Said.

Eden Hazard is back in contention for Real Madrid's clash with Granada after coming through his eighth injury absence in 16 months.

The Belgium international suffered a thigh problem at the end of last month in the shock 2-1 home defeat to Deportivo Alaves, lasting only 28 minutes on the pitch.

It was the latest in a string of fitness issues that have plagued Hazard since swapping Chelsea for Los Blancos ahead of the 2019-20 season.

On top of the three injury absences he has had to contend with this term, he was also ruled out for a chunk of November due to coronavirus.

He will hope to finally find some consistency and regular playing time starting with the visit of Diego Martinez's in-form Granada on Wednesday – the Andalusians are unbeaten in five across all competitions.

Before Madrid announced the squad on Tuesday, Zinedine Zidane addressed Hazard's mental state after such a difficult start to life at the club.

"So far, emotionally, it may not have been easy [for Hazard]," Zidane told reporters. "But now I see him well. You have to do things patiently, little by little."

Hazard has played 19 times for Madrid in La Liga but scored only twice, while his assists tally is only marginally better at three.

Even when he has been fit, Hazard has struggled to live up to expectations – his 21 chances created hardly an outstanding figure.

Belgium team-mate Thomas Vermaelen nevertheless affirmed in a recent  Goal  interview that it was only a matter of time before Madrid saw his best form .

"Firstly, everybody is very quick to say that he's got an injury. Injury-prone and that kind of stuff. I think he had a knock on his ankle and that's not his fault. It must be a muscle injury. I think it's not too bad," he explained.

"For me personally he's a world-class player, played against him in England. He will come back. He's very positive. When he comes back and starts playing the game. You'll see the best of him. I'm not worried about him. He'll come back." 

Orlando Pirates secured a 1-0 victory over Sagrada Esperanca in the Caf Confederation Cup first round first-leg match at Estadio Municipal dos Coqueiros on Tuesday afternoon.

Thembinkosi Lorch was the hero for the Buccaneers as he grabbed a late goal which earned the team a hard-fought victory over the Diamonds in Angola's capital city, Luanda. 

The Buccaneers were hoping to record an important away win against the former Angolan champions after defeating Chippa United 1-0 in a PSL match over the weekend.

Coach Josef Zinnbauer made seven changes to the team which took on Chippa with left-back Bongani Sam surprisingly being deployed in central defence, while Wayne Sandilands started in goal. 

Meanwhile, the Diamonds were playing their maiden competitive match since March 2020 when they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Progresso in an Angolan top-flight league (Girabola) game. 

Esperanca's Brazilian coach Rui Oliveira was looking to mastermind a surprise win over the 1995 African champions with Nigerian striker Joseph Femi Olatubosun spearheading his attack.

Pirates saw most of the ball in the early stages of the match with Fortune Makaringe pulling the strings from midfield for the visitors.

The 27-year-old player, who likes making forward runs from midfield, had an opportunity to score, but he was denied by the Esperanca goalkeeper Landu.

The Diamonds grew in confidence towards the half-hour mark and they began to press the Buccaneers as they looked to break the deadlock.

The pressure was mounted on the Bucs defence which saw Sam being booked after making a hard tackle, before his central defence partner Ntsikelelo Nyazua conceded a free-kick near the box.

However, Sandilands produced a fine save to deny the home side from the set-piece and his save ensured that the first-half ended with the two teams locked at 0-0.

Zinnbauer introduced Jean-Marc Makusu prior to the start of the second-half with the DR Congo international making his official debut for Pirates.

The Buccaneers adopted an offensive approach in the second-half with striker Makusu having replaced midfielder Linda Mntambo and the Soweto giants were able to create chances.

Frank Mhango's attempt from a free-kick hit the woodwork and Terrence Dvzukamanja's shot went across the face of the goalmouth, but there was nobody there to connect.

However, Bucs did get the goal they had been looking for when Lorch beat Landu to make it 1-0 to the visitors with 16 minutes left on the clock.

The Soweto giants were then able to contain the Diamonds until the match referee blew the final whistle and Pirates emerged 1-0 winners on the day.

The two teams will meet again in the second-leg game in South Africa on January 6, but before that, Pirates are scheduled to take on Mamelodi Sundowns in a PSL game on January 2. 

Ghanaian youngster Philip Yeboah Ankrah reveals he did not expect to be called upon to play in Hellas Verona's 1-1 draw with Fiorentina in Serie A on Saturday.

The game was his professional debut.

Having made the bench for the first time, the 18-year-old was surprisingly thrown into the fray by coach Ivan Juric, replacing Mattia Zaccagni in the 78th minute.

"I'm very excited for my debut. For the first time, I finally made the bench of the first team. I was really anxious," Yeboah Ankrah told Arthur Legacy media.

"I didn't expect the coach to let me play the game but I hoped until the end.

"I think I did a good performance, I believe I can always do better.

"The coach told me that for being the first time on the football field, I made a good performance. Going forward, I expect to always give my best!"

At 10, Yeboah left Ghana for Italy, where he started his football career. He was discovered by a scout of the Yellow and Blues and joined the club's youth ranks, developing through the system until last season, when he was promoted to the first team.

"We’ve been discussing and looking forward to a debut. But to be Frank, this came in a bit early and it was a surprise. To us it is the door to the career Yeboah has been dreaming of," Agent Oliver Arthur said.

"More respect to the coach. It tells me he has his tactics or plan and doesn't rely on only experienced players. I would say that is a good coach.

"Yeboah is a strong, fast and a clinical finisher. If he continues with the same focus and determination, he would be a top-level striker in Serie A."

With an eye on a second straight appearance, Yeboah Ankrah will be hoping to keep his place in Hellas Verona's matchday squad for Wednesday's league encounter with Inter Milan.

The striker could be drafted into the Ghana U20 team ahead of the 2021 Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania. The team recently won the Wafu B Cup of Nations in Benin.

Fernandinho has to be considered one of Manchester City’s best buys of the modern era, says Pablo Zabaleta, with the versatile Brazilian proving a serious point to those who questioned a £34 million ($45m) transfer.

Few knew what to expect from the hard-working South American when he was snapped up from Shakhtar Donetsk back in the summer of 2013.

He had been plying his trade in the Ukraine for eight years and was something of an unknown quantity to many in English football.

Fernandinho was, however, to slot seamlessly into the fold and is now assured of legend status at the Etihad Stadium whenever the day comes for him to depart Manchester.

He has taken in 320 appearances for the Blues, claiming three Premier League titles along the way, and has inherited the captain’s armband under Pep Guardiola this season.

Zabaleta believes the 35-year-old, who has thrived in midfield and defence for City, will go down in history as a Blues great.

The Argentine, who enjoys a similar standing himself, told the club’s official website: “Fernandinho is like a fine wine. He gets better as he gets older.

“He’s always been really physically strong, but when he’s on the field he brings that leadership and experience to the team.

“His positioning is always good; he can tackle and his distribution of the ball is always excellent.

“OK, maybe he has lost a yard of pace, which is quite normal for a player who is 35, but playing in midfield or at centre-back, you don’t really need that kind of pace.

“He can protect the back four as well as anyone in the Premier League, especially when he plays alongside Rodrigo and he is still a very important player for City.

“He’s also a really nice guy and, for me, one of the greatest signings City made during my time at the Etihad.”

Zabaleta added on Fernandinho’s rise to prominence: “It’s funny, back in 2013, £34 million for a player who was relatively unknown outside Ukraine probably raised a few eyebrows at the time.

“But for what he’s given and for all the trophies the Club has won during his time makes the fee look like excellent business.

“He is always positive and is such an important influence on the pitch and in the dressing room.

“He is not afraid of anything and always plays with total commitment.

“In a 50/50 challenge he will never give anything but 100% and I love players like this.

“In the Premier League, you need players like that if you want to be successful but he has so much to his game and can even score great goals from outside the box.

“He is also happy to do what I call the 'dirty work' – winning the ball back, breaking up play or starting moves from the back and he is someone I loved to have as a team-mate.”

Fernandinho, who is only tied to a contract through to the summer of 2021, has taken in 11 outings for City in the current campaign, with injury issues forcing him onto the sidelines at times.

Mothobi Mvala was back on the scoresheet again, while Peter Shalulile added another goal as Mamelodi Sundowns upstaged Jwaneng Galaxy 2-0 at Lobatse Stadium on Tuesday in their Caf Champions League first round, first-leg encounter.

In his second appearance for Sundowns after scoring on debut in last Saturday's 1-1 Premier Soccer League draw away at Golden Arrows, Mvala was again on target.

While Sundowns were expected to unleash a full-strength squad on Galaxy, the coaches did not make many changes from the squad that played Arrows.

Shalulile was fielded upfront with Lebohang Maboe in the absence of his attacking partners Themba Zwane and Kermit Erasmus, who were not even named on the bench.

Defender Bangaly Soumahoro was handed a rare start while Khuliso Mudau was also in the line-up for the first time this season.

It did not take long for Sundowns to break the deadlock after Lyle Lakay made a run down the left flank to meet a Shalulile pass before providing a low cross which was slotted in by Mvala 10 minutes into the contest.

The hosts rarely troubled Downs, who nearly doubled their advantage six minutes later when another dangerously-looking Lakay cross was headed to safety as Shalulile and Mudau lurked ready to head in.

A well-positioned Shalulile then nearly found the target but his weak shot from inside the box was cleared before the Namibian came close again in the 36th minute after being set up by Maboe, but Galaxy goalkeeper Katlego Mbise was quick to arrive first to collect the ball.

Former Orlando Pirates youth captain Ricardo Lourenco started for Galaxy but lasted just 39 minutes before being replaced by Tebogo Sembowa.

Sundowns also made their substitution at that time with Aubrey Modiba coming on for Maboe in his second appearance of the season.

In what was the Botswana champions' first meaningful attempt at goal, Resaobaka Thatanyane's low drive was saved by Denis Onyango three minutes before the half-time break.

A few seconds into the second half, Shalulile profited from Isaac Paeye's failure to clear the ball before firing past Mbise while being sandwiched by a recovering Paeye and his defensive partner Fortunate Thulare.

Sundowns nearly furthered their advantage three minutes later but Lakay's freekick went just over the bar.

The hosts tried to respond moments later but Ivorian striker Junior Dion arrived a bit late to meet a cross from the left, while Lebogang Ditsele could not direct his shot towards goal and it went high.

Soumahoro stood tall to keep the Galaxy attackers at bay before he was substituted for debutant Spesihle Mkhize.

As Galaxy pressed for a comeback, Downs survived an attack after Ricardo Nascimento failed to clear a cross meant for Dion and the Brazilian had to thank Onyango, who was quick to avert danger.

Downs held on to the win and now prepare for the second leg in Pretoria on January 6.

Karim Benzema is playing the best football of his career for Real Madrid but can still improve, according to head coach Zinedine Zidane.

Former France forward Benzema scored one goal and created two more in Madrid's 3-1 win at Eibar on Sunday.

The 33-year-old's latest telling contributions, following on from a brace against Athletic Bilbao, took him to seven goals and five assists for the champions in La Liga this season.

He leads Madrid in both regards, also topping the charts in terms of shots (40), shots on target (18) and big chances created for his team-mates from which they would be expected to score (five, tied with Rodrygo).

Benzema is averaging 1.0 goals or assists per 90 minutes this term, his best rate across a season since 2015-16 (1.4).

Leading the line alone this term, unlike in that campaign when Cristiano Ronaldo carried the burden, Zidane has been delighted by his number nine's form.

Asked if this was Benzema's best-ever stretch, the coach told reporters: "I think so, yes. Most recently he's been in his best form. What he's doing recently, he's been phenomenal.

"What's yet to come? I think Karim can even get better than he is now - that's what we all hope, for the team, for him, personally.

"On top, it's his ambition. He wants to get better as well as a player. That's very important."

Benzema has played 12 of Madrid's 14 league games, but they took just one point from the two matches he missed.

Indeed, Madrid have won all seven of the fixtures Thibaut Courtois, Sergio Ramos, Casemiro and Benzema - the team's spine - have started together, claiming only two victories when at least one of that quartet have been absent.

Zidane's team selection has therefore come under scrutiny with the topic of rotation broached at Tuesday's news conference before a midweek clash with Granada.

"You guys make me laugh in a good way," said the Blancos head coach. "In the end, if I rotate, you ask me why I do it; if I don't, you ask me why I don't.

"I have it clear what I want to do and how I want to deal with my players. I'm going to count on every one of my players.

"It's true that recently the team has been playing very well and we've rotated less, but I think the players are ready and training very well.

"I think the important thing is with the amount of games coming up - and we have a lot of games coming up - when a squad player gets called upon, he is ready and ready to do a job. That's exactly what they're doing."

Despite the reliance on their key men, Madrid are level on points with rivals Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga, although Diego Simeone's men have two games in hand.

Real Sociedad, who have played a further game more, are three points back in third, but Zidane is not yet calling a two-horse race.

"We know how difficult this league is. You ask me about Atletico Madrid, they are going to say the same thing as me," he said.

"There are a lot of teams here that are going to challenge for this league title. That's the beautiful thing with this league; there are no easy games, you have to always battle, you have to always go out on the pitch to suffer and to win, it's always difficult.

"In any way, we're going to face difficult teams until the end to win this league."

Kenya international Michael Olunga has been crowned as the J1-League Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the concluded 2020 season.

The lanky striker scored 28 goals for Kashiwa Reysol and helped them to a seventh-place finish in the concluded season. The Sun King finished the season as third best scorers with 60 goals. Champions Kawasaki Frontale scored 88 while Yokohama F Marion, who finished ninth, scored 69.

Olunga played a great role for the club and his influence led to his crowning as the best in the concluded season.

"It was a great season for me in 2020," the Kenya international told Goal after being crowned on Tuesday.

"I was able to score a lot of goals. I would like to thank the people at Kashiwa Reysol for their support. I am very honored to be Kashiwa Reysol's first top scorer and the first African MVP."

The 26-year-old has further revealed his hope for the league and African players at large.

"I hope that what I have achieved will have a positive impact on Japan and on the rest of the world.  

"I hope that the J-League will continue to be the best football in Asia and that more and more African players will play in it."

The former Gor Mahia striker went on to appreciate his colleagues as well for their role in his achievements.

"Glad to be named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) 2020 in the Meiji Yasuda J-league," Olunga posted on his social media account.

"First, I want to thank God for this opportunity and blessings throughout this season.  

"Also, the collective effort from myself, my teammates, the entire Kashiwa Reysol fraternity and fans helped make this dream realizable for me, and for this, I am grateful. 

"I hope this is the beginning of more achievements in my career. Thank you all once again and happy holidays."

Olunga, played 32 games for Kashiwa Reysol in the 2020 J1 season and scored 28 goals and as a result, won the Golden Boot. This was the first time an African player has won the MVP in the J1-League.

Allan Saint-Maximin has denied suffering any lasting effects from Covid-19 while squashing talk of a rift with Newcastle head coach Steve Bruce.

Newcastle were dealt a major blow heading into the festive period after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced the Premier League to cancel their fixture against Aston Villa at the start of the month.

The Magpies training ground was closed for over a week to prevent any further spread of the illness, but the team was able to return to action on December 12, with a 2-1 home win over West Brom temporarily lifting the mood at St James' Park.

Bruce, who saw his side plummet back down to earth with a 5-2 defeat away at Leeds United and a 1-1 draw against Fulham the following week, confirmed on Friday that two members of his squad were still dealing with "damaging effects" of Covid-19 after being diagnosed with the disease earlier in the season.

The 59-year-old did not name the duo in question, but told reporters at a press conference: "My thoughts are with the two players, and the welfare of them.

"It's frightening when you think they are young and fit and absolutely supreme athletes. If anybody needs reminding of how serious this is, then we have witnessed it.

"We've had vomiting, sores, mouth ulcers, no smell, no taste, but the big thing, and which is worrying, is the welfare of one or two of them. It's not great at all.

"That long-term Covid is something which you wouldn't think possible in young, fit athletes. Unfortunately, it is so.

"They go for a walk for half an hour and then they want to go back to bed... It's as brutal as that."

Reports had since confirmed that Saint-Maximin and Jamaal Lascelles were the two players laid low with the virus, amid reports of a squad-wide fall out with Bruce in the dressing room.

Saint-Maximin has come out to address both issues ahead of the Magpies' Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Brentford on Tuesday, however, insisting he is in perfect health physically and mentally and that he has "no problem" with his manager.

"I feel great. I have no problem, nothing. Not injured," the French winger said on Instagram Live.

"[I have] No problem with the club, with Steve Bruce. I love this trainer a lot and he takes care of me. I love the club, I love the fans.

"I love everything, I love my life in England and everything and I feel great. That is the only thing you have to know."

Jesse Lingard has not been playing for Manchester United after having to self-isolate "a few times" due to coronavirus, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.

The 28-year-old has only played 99 minutes of football this season having fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and has not featured in a Premier League matchday squad since the start of October, where he was an unused substitute in the 6-1 defeat to Tottenham.

A potential loan deal away is being explored ahead of the January transfer window amid the England international's struggles for time, but Solskjaer says he will be involved against Everton for Wednesday’s League Cup clash and has explained the reasoning behind his absence.

“Jesse will be in the squad, yeah,” Solskjaer said. “He's been working hard in training. He's been unfortunate with having to isolate a few times, been in contact, or close contact with Covid, not even having it himself.

"He's been very unlucky being away from the training ground a few times. He works really hard and he'll be involved in the squad, definitely, on Wednesday.”

Another player who could be involved is Mason Greenwood. The teenager was an unused substitute in the 6-2 win against Leeds on Sunday but could make a return to the starting XI at Goodison Park.

“Mason's fit enough to play, he was on the bench [against Leeds],” Solskjaer said about Greenwood’s role on Sunday.

“Of course, Luke [Shaw] came off with an injury so that had to be done, Edinson [Cavani] has been out with an injury for a while, we need to get him going and Bruno [Fernandes] is one that I also have to protect.

"It just wasn't to be for Mason to come on and he will be involved in the squad unless something happens in the next couple of days.”

The quarter-final clash is another chance for United to get a step closer to winning their first trophy under Solskjaer. They fell at the semi-final stage three times last season and Solskjaer believes winning a first trophy could be the catalyst for future success and instil a winning mentality within his team.

“Of course [winning a trophy] is something we're aiming for. We want to improve every season and to improve on last year is to get to the final and, of course, when you get to the final there's only one thing that matters and that's to lift the trophy,” Solskjaer said.

“I remember myself winning my first trophy. Even towards the end of my career, I think it was Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic's first trophy in the Carling Cup, 2006 was it?

"I think that was their first trophy and it does give something to a team. We are desperate to get our hands on a trophy, these players are desperate to learn how to win.”

Former United States starlet Freddy Adu has claimed he was once a better player than Angel Di Maria, while admitting that he made a mistake in leaving Benfica at the start of his European football journey.

Adu made history when he became the youngest American to sign a major professional contract in any team sport at the age of 14, with D.C. United bringing him onto their books during the 2004 Super Draft.

The Ghana-born forward went on to score 11 goals in 94 senior matches for the MLS outfit before being sold to Real Salt Lake, where he further enhanced his reputation as one of the most talented young players in world football.

Benfica won the race to bring Adu to Europe when they forked out £1 million to sign the teenager in July 2007, but he struggled for regular playing time during his first season in Portugal.

The ex-United States international was sent out on loan to Monaco the following year after only managing four goals in 17 appearances for the Primeira Liga giants, which marked the beginning of a downward spiral.

Adu also took in loan spells at Belenenses, Aris and Caykur Rizespor before Benfica cut their losses on the attacker and accepted an offer from Philadelphia Union in 2011.

The 31-year-old has since played for clubs in Brazil, Serbia and Finland, with his latest venture coming in Sweden with Division One outfit Osterlen FF.

Looking back on a turbulent career which has ultimately seen him fail to live up to his early promise, Adu has expressed regret over his decision to join Monaco after overshadowing Di Maria at Benfica.

The Argentine moved to Estadio Da Luz at the same time as the American, but has gone on to enjoy a far more successful career, carving out a reputation among the elite wingers in the game during stints at Real Madrid, Manchester United and PSG.

"The biggest mistake I made in my career was leaving Benfica on loan to Monaco," Adu told The Blue Wire Podcast. "I say it from the heart. It was one of those decisions that, if I could take it again, I wouldn't make it.

"I had three coaches in a year in Benfica. The club was in such a dysfunctional moment that I just wanted to get out of there and go the other way as soon as possible.

"But it turned out to be the worst decision. I joined the club at the same time as Di María. In the first year, I was better than him.

"I played better than him, but I decided to leave for Monaco on loan. And Di María stayed at Benfica. And guess what?

"He had the chance to play with a coach who later came and became a starter. A year or two later he went to Real Madrid. And I ended up being loaned to a secondary team.

"I made the worst possible decision for my career. It is my biggest regret."

Jose Mourinho is “testing” Dele Alli at Tottenham, says Alan Hutton, with the England international continuing to spark talk of interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Such speculation was commonplace a few years ago, with a goalscoring midfielder performing at the peak of his powers.

That is no longer the case, with Alli suffering a humbling tumble down pecking orders for club and country.

Gareth Southgate has taken to overlooking the 24-year-old in Three Lions squads, with it difficult to justify his inclusion given the struggles being endured domestically.

Alli did land a regular role for Spurs following Mourinho’s arrival in north London back in November 2019.

He has, however, slipped out of favour in the current campaign and has taken in just 75 minutes of Premier League football this season.

That lack of action, with Alli omitted completely from Mourinho’s plans in a 2-0 defeat to Leicester last time out, has seen exit talk resurface at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Leading sides across Europe are said to remain keen on a proven performer who still has plenty of potential to unlock, and it could be that a move is sought during the January window.

Hutton admits that something needs to be done, with Alli being pushed to breaking point by Mourinho.

The former Spurs defender told Football Insider: “Mourinho is testing him. He is certainly testing his mentality and his mental strength.

“When he has been given an opportunity he has played well. He has taken his chances and that is all he can do.

“It is an extremely difficult position for Dele Alli because he is being left of the squad completely.

“Does he have a future under Mourinho? If this is Jose testing him, he is doing very well.”

Alli stepped off the bench for Spurs during their meetings with Crystal Palace and Liverpool, but was left out of the matchday squad for a home date with Leicester.

He has figured on a more regular basis in the Europa League this season, with six of his 10 appearances coming in that competition, but he would have been hoping for much more.

That has a man with 64 Spurs goals to his name mulling over his options heading into the new year, with it suggested that he may be given the chance to rediscover a spark while taking in a loan spell elsewhere.

Manchester United’s class of 2020-21 are recreating the firepower once provided by Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, claims John O’Shea.

The Red Devils have always prided themselves on the attacking talent they have at their disposal at any given time.

Some iconic forwards have passed through Old Trafford, including five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo and the club’s all-time leading goalscorer Rooney.

Following in such footsteps is never going to be easy, but the likes of Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial are thriving in the present.

They are ably supported by Edinson Cavani, Daniel James, Bruno Fernandes and Co., with O’Shea impressed by the options Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has on his books.

The former United defender told talkSPORT: “It’s coming back, slowly.

“You see the amount of goals they score, it’s a sign they want to get that attacking flowing football going again, the counter-attacking style with that speed.

“You think of Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez… it’s very exciting to watch and it’s positive.”

United hit six in their latest Premier League outing, as they swept aside old adversaries Leeds, and O’Shea believes positive steps are being taken in the right direction by a club that lost its way somewhat on the back of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

He added: “For me, there is progress under Ole. There’s continual progress. It might be a bit slower than people want, but it’s progress.

“They score goals, yeah they could defend better at times, but if they win that game in hand look where they’ll be in the Premier League.

“You’re expected to win everything at Manchester United; that’s the pressure that’s on you as the manager.

“And yes, the Champions League is disappointing, but PSG and RB Leipzig are no mugs.

“The challenge in the league is to get closer to the champions, that’s Liverpool and they are setting an amazing standard – you see what they did to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (a devastating 7-0 victory on Saturday) and it’s a tough standard to get to.

“But there is progress and I think Manchester United are closing that gap.”

With that in mind, and with many talking the Red Devils up as title contenders in 2020-21, O’Shea hopes Solskjaer will be given the time he needs to get things right – with the Norwegian having faced plenty of questions regarding his suitability to a demanding coaching post.

“It shouldn’t be the case that after every game there’s an examination on Ole and the coaching team,” said O’Shea.

“After every game we hear people say, ‘oh he should stay now’, or, ‘oh he shouldn’t stay now’. You’re never going to progress as a club if that’s the case.

“Let things settle down again. Be calm, be patient. The team won’t get carried away just because they scored the goals they did yesterday.

“They know they’ve got a tough run of games coming up; they have Everton in the Carabao Cup, who have turned the corner, and then Leicester away, and they’ve just had a fantastic win away at Tottenham.

“So it’s small steps, but there’s lots to look forward to and it’s very exciting for the club.”

Alisson says Liverpool will continue to look after number one after returning to top spot in the Premier League table, with the defending champions paying no attention to what others are doing.

That sharp focus has allowed the Reds to become a dominant force at home and abroad in recent years.

Champions League, Club World Cup and domestic title honours have been secured after embracing a relentless approach to trophy chasing.

That mindset is not about to change any time soon, with Jurgen Klopp demanding that standards are not allowed to slip at Anfield.

Alisson is among those looking to avoid any outside interference, with Liverpool taking things one game at a time after ensuring that they are Christmas No.1 for a third successive year.

The Brazilian goalkeeper told the club’s official website after collecting a crushing 7-0 win over Crystal Palace last time out: “It’s good, you put pressure on the opponents, the other teams who are there fighting for first place.

“But we are only thinking about ourselves, thinking about what we can do on the pitch. So, when you get three points with a great performance you will be happy.

“We have one week to rest now, to prepare the next game and the next challenge, and to enjoy a little bit Christmas with the family.

“I wish a merry Christmas for all the supporters, may God bless you. Enjoy it with the family safely, in a safe way. Merry Christmas – this is our gift for you!”

Liverpool have endured their fair share of injury struggles this season, but looked back to their fearsome best against Palace.

Alisson claims that contest was not as easy as the Reds made it look, with a confident outfit hitting all of the right notes on a productive afternoon in south London.

He added: “If you just see the scoresheet you see it was an easy game for Liverpool, but it wasn’t. We had to work really hard here.

“It’s always tough to play against Crystal Palace away because of the way they play. They like to put the balls in behind and we like to press them and sometimes they came out of this pressure of ours.

“But on those moments we did really well, buying some time, dropping a little bit, the defensive line dropped a little bit to buy some time for the other players to come back and help to defend. That’s why, I believe, we got the clean sheet.

“Then after, with the ball we did really, really well – great.”