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Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel has given special praise to midfielder Ander Herrera after Saturday’s 3-0 win over Rennes.

The Ligue 1 champions were depleted for their match against the side that lay third in the league, with Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Marco Verratti just some of the players out due to injury.

Herrera, though, stepped forward and created a goal for Angel Di Maria, who was widely hailed as the man of the match after finding the net twice. For Tuchel, however, the former Manchester United central midfielder merited singling out.

“Ander was dead before the match,” Tuchel said. “He died in the dressing room tonight. What he did was exceptional. The same for Leandro Paredes.

“We took risks. At the start, we hoped he would play an hour but it was necessary for him to play the whole of the match. We played a really good Rennes teams but we showed a good mentality and a collective effort. It was a great win.”

Meanwhile, he also praised Di Maria, who bounced back from missing a critical penalty against RB Leipzig.

“Angel likes to play a lot to get his rhythm,” the former Dortmund boss said. “He was suspended for four games and it was very difficult for him – and serious for us.

“After his missed penalty in Leipzig, which was a key moment, he was very sad. Today, he took his responsibilities and gave a good response. That’s sport. There will be difficult and sad moments, but you must get up. He did that and I’m very happy.”

Already without a raft of players, PSG’s injury issues mounted throughout the Rennes fixture as several players limped off.

“Moise Kean took a lot of blows, and he already had pains before the match,” Tuchel said of the frontman, who opened the scoring but left the park unsteadily. “We used him a lot and physically, he was exceptional. I hope there’s nothing too serious for him.

“Idrissa Gueye is suffering again with his hamstring, and for Thilo Kehrer, it’s the same groin injury. That means it’s grave. Alessandro Florenzi is not injured. He was very tired.”

PSG have two weeks off for the international break before returning with a trip to Monaco then a vital home Champions League match with Leipzig.

Harambee Stars goalkeeper Arnold Origi has reminisced about some of his moments with HIFK Fotboll after the confirmation of his exit.

The former Mathare United goalkeeper left the Finnish side after he featured for them in two seasons and has stated whatever he feels for the club cannot be explained by words.

“I have some news and the news might not be so good probably for my supporters but the news is that this is the end of the train for me,” Origi said in a video carried by HIFK Fotboll.

“It has been two amazing years and I can only say thank you to the club and everyone who gave me the opportunity to come and be part of this passionate and historic club.

“I am empty for words you know words cannot explain the energy the rush and the adrenaline I got every moment I stepped on the pitch to represent the club and the supporters.

"We are proud the fans were always here for us and that made us even prouder.”

The former Tusker goalkeeper signed for the Helsinki club after his negotiations with Crystal Palace fell through during the last minutes and has now said he does not regret joining the side.

“I saw the passion and thought there would be something for me and to be sincerely honest I am happy I followed my instincts and it was the correct decision,” he added.

“I am really proud that I took the decision and you know I have enjoyed each and every moment I have been part of and played for the club.

“I would have liked to do more but last year it was a shame what happened about my injury but what I can say is that I leave this place with my head held high. I am really proud of what we have managed in the past two years."

As he leaves, the former Lillestrom SK goalkeeper is confident HIFK Fotboll is now a very competitive side after years of hard work and passion for building it.

“We have established a team that can really fight and compete with anybody at Finland’s elite level,” the Harambee Star concluded.

“I had amazing co-workers not only the players, the people in the office as well as those behind the scenes. We have been able to build something in the two years, a ground that future successes can be built on.

“It was an honour to have the star on my chest, to wear the colours and I adored the jersey because it is one that deserves respect.

“The best moments that includes winning the derby are memories that I will take with me wherever I go. Our paths will surely meet again and I wish you all the best.”

After he was called up for the Kenya vs Comoros African Cup of Nations qualifiers over the next week, Origi is expected in camp soon.

Ulinzi Stars and Tusker were the least active teams during the FKF Premier League summer transfer window which closed at midnight on November 6.

Though the transfer window was extended for another six days, the two clubs had fewer activities with Ulinzi signing only three players and lost none while Tusker brought on board four and lost three.

The new players at Ulinzi are Hamisi Abadalla from (Water Works FC), Oliver Rutto (Water Works FC), and Michael Onyango (Kahawa United FC) while Tusker signed Jimmy Ndungi from (Tusker Youth FC), Wellington Ochieng from (Gor Mahia FC), Christopher Oruchum (AFC Leopards), and Kevin MONYI (Western Stima).

The three players who left Tusker are striker Timothy Otieno, who signed for Zambian side Napsa Stars FC, Gabriel Wandera who moved to Nzoia Sugar FC, and Peter Ngugi, who is yet to get a new club.

It was not the same for the other giants as Gor Mahia signed 17 players among them Andrew Juma from (Mathare United), Tito Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Bertrand Nkofor (Al Mudhaibi FC, Oman), Jules Ulimwengu (Rayon Sports SC, Rwanda), John Macharia (FC Guria Lanchkuti, Georgia), Andrew Malisero (Commercial FC), Samuel Njau (Western Stima).

Others include striker Benson Omalla (Western Stima), John Ochieng (Chemelil Sugar), Frank Odhiambo (Bongonaya FC), Gad Mathews (Kisumu All-Stars), Kennedy Odhiambo (Western Stima), Levis Opiyo (Nairobi City Stars), Dickson Raila (Masawa), Sydney Wahongo (Western Stima) and Kelvin Wesonga (Western Stima).

However, the reigning KPL champions also released 15 from their ranks, they include Uganda defender Shafiq Batambuze, Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka), Joash Onyango (Simba SC, Tanzania), Wellington Ochieng (Tusker), Elvis Ronack (Nzoia Sugar), Kennedy Otieno (Western Stima), Boniface Omondi (Wazito), David Mapigano (Azam FC, Tanzania).

Others are Dickson Ambundo (Dodoma Jiji FC, Tanzania), Juma Balinya (KCCA FC, Uganda), Clinton Okoth (Wazito), Fredrick Odhiambo (Wazito FC), Alphonse Omija (Kariobangi Sharks), Edwin Lavatsa, and Ghanaian Jackson Owusu.

AFC Leopards, who are seeking to end their 21-year wait for the league title, were also actively involved as they signed 13 players among them Harrison Mwendwa from (Kariobangi Sharks), John Oyemba (Unattached), Peter Thiong’o (Kakamega Homeboyz), Caleb Olilo (Nairobi Stima), Washington Munene (Wazito, Loan Deal Made Permanent), Yusuf Mainge (FK Porohnie, Slovakia, Return from Loan).

Others are Sellasie Otieno (Liberty Sports Academy, On Loan), Lewis Bandi (Hakati Sportiff), Fabrice Mugheni (Rayon Sports, Rwanda), Alexandre Kouame (Kalighat Milan Sangha FC, India), Gideon Waja (Toronto FC II, Canada), Duncan Otieno (Nkana FC, Zambia), and Bienvenue Shaka (Etoile Du Sahel, Tunisia).

In the process, Ingwe lost nine players - Dan Musamali (Nzoia Sugar, On Loan), Daniel Kakai (Zoo FC, On Loan), Vincent Oburu (Wazito), Christopher Oruchum (Tusker), Maxwel Mulili (Zoo FC, On Loan), Francis Manoa, Vincent Wonder Odongo, Luis Tera and Clark Achuka.

Vihiga United, who earned promotion to the top-flight after beating Kisumu All-Stars 5-3 on post-match penalties in a promotion playoff battle, have, however, not been included in the final transfer list released by FKF.

Jermaine Seoposenwe scored her first goal of the season for Sporting Braga as they thrashed Valadares Gaia 5-1 in Saturday's Portuguese Liga BPI game at Complexo Desportivo de Valadares.

The Banyana Banyana striker was afforded her fifth start of the season by Miguel Santos since joining the club from Spanish outfit Real Betis and she finally broke her duck against Valadares.

On a return from the break, Braga were eager to continue their impressive run following an 8-0 triumph at Gil Vicente in their last outing as Dolores Silva opened the scoring after just five minutes.

Five minutes later, Laura Luis tapped in the second goal of the match off a fine cross from the left for the visitors. 

Valadares, however, pulled one back against Braga after they were gifted with a penalty kick and Paloma Lemos calmly converted from the spot for a third of the match in the 16th minute.

With their lead reduced, Braga moved to recover their two-goal lead when Luis outran her marker to fire in a third seven minutes later.

After the recess, the South Africa international increased the tally seven minutes into the second half, with her first goal of the season.

In the 61st minute, Luis finished up brilliantly to bag her treble of the match and completed the rout for a fifth win in a row for Braga. 

In the victory, Seoposenwe made her fifth appearance of the season and Saturday's strike ended the 27-year-old's goal drought, having last scored in a competitive match in July 2019 for Gintra-Universitetas.

Braga opened a three-point gap at the top of the Portuguese Liga BPI table after the win on the road with 15 points after five games.

Seoposenwe will be hoping to continue her impressive start to life in Portugal when Santos' side host FC Famalicao for their next league fixture on November 15 at Estadio 1º de Maio.

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has predicted the tightest Premier League in years, with the Brazil international suggesting that “six or seven sides” could compete for the title.

Liverpool ran away with the crown last year, while the season previous it was duel between the Reds and Ederson’s City.

Ahead of a clash between the two chief protagonists over the last two years, the shot-stopper believes that the field will be far more open this term.

“This is not a usual season, the teams out of the ‘Big Six’ have all started well,” he told his club’s official website. “Aston villa, Everton and Southampton have all shown good performances lately. They have a lot of quality players and they’ve all had a good pre-season to start at the highest level.

“This year it will be different, it will be tighter, and I think the title race won’t between two teams, but six or seven sides.”

Nevertheless, Ederson appreciates that Sunday’s clash against Liverpool is one that has been earmarked by supporters and critics alike as one for the diary.

“It’s a much-awaited game for everybody, players and fans,” he explained. “I think it’s going to be a very good match. I hope our team can perform and may the better side win. We know they have a few points more than us, but we also have a game in hand. I hope we can get a good result to close the gap.”

City have made a slow start to the season by their high standards. They lie 12th on 11 points but the standings are exceptionally congested, with just six points between first-placed Southampton with Leeds in 15th ahead of Sunday’s play.

Pep Guardiola’s side, meanwhile, have played only six of their fixtures, while several of the teams ahead of them have already completed eight matches in their calendar.

In order to start making up ground, though, they will have to overcome Jurgen Klopp’s side and will be aiming for a repeat of the 4-0 triumph they managed at the Etihad Stadium at the beginning of July.

After this, and following the international break, Ederson's City travel to Tottenham on November 21 before facing Olympiacos in the Champions League.

England boss Gareth Southgate says Aaron Wan-Bissaka is not in his squad as he remains a step behind his rivals for the right-back spot.

The Three Lions are blessed with options in the position and the latest squad includes Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker and Reece James, as well as Arsenal duo Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Bukayo Saka who can play as wing-backs.

Wan-Bissaka has impressed defensively since joining Manchester United from Crystal Palace for a reported £50 million ($65m) last year. In 2019-20, he won 80 tackles in the Premier League, 11 more than any other defender, and was only dribbled past by an opponent on 22 occasions.

By contrast, Alexander-Arnold was beaten 42 times by an opponent dribbling past him last season, but the Liverpool man's record-breaking 13 assists - the most by any defender in a Premier League season - underline the attacking qualities that Southgate favours.

To that end, Chelsea's James was included for this month's matches with the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Iceland despite having to serve a suspension in the UEFA Nations League.

"It's an area of the pitch where we are blessed," Southgate said. "Reece and Trent have both played as wing-backs as well as full-backs. They are in outstanding form and we are probably stronger there than in any other position.

"Aaron is a very good defender, one against one he's probably as good as I have seen, but I have to look at the balance of the team and currently there are players ahead of him."

Southgate also suggested he could speak to Jamie Vardy if the Leicester City striker continues his form until next year's Euro 2020 finals.

Vardy, 33, has scored seven goals this season to propel a strong Leicester start that included a 5-2 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, where he got a hat-trick.

He retired from England duty after the World Cup in 2018 but said in March that he and Southgate "agreed the door would still be open for whatever reason" to a national team return.

"Jamie is playing as well as any forward in the country, there's no two ways about that," Southgate said. "We know exactly what he can bring, and he is probably benefiting from having a rest during international breaks rather than joining up with England. It would be another matter if we were going into a championship, but at the moment we are not."

Marcus Rashford says he has been left "overwhelmed with pride" after his latest campaigning prompted the UK government to propose a new plan to combat child food poverty.

The striker spoke with prime minister Boris Johnson on Saturday after Manchester United's 3-1 Premier League win at Everton, to discuss help for underprivileged families in the winter months.

Rashford has been leading a campaign to have the government's free school meals scheme extended over the holidays to help struggling families, particularly those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and the latest UK lockdown measures.

In June, the England star successfully lobbied the government to extend its policy of providing free school meals for underprivileged children outside term time, and he launched an online petition last month calling on the authorities to extend the scheme through to Easter 2021.

The motion was voted down in parliament, but after continued lobbying by Rashford, Johnson has reportedly set aside £170 million ($220m) to provide additional support to disadvantaged children over the Christmas period.

"I had a good conversation with the prime minister to better understand the proposed plan, and I very much welcome the steps that have been taken to combat child food poverty in the UK," Rashford said in a social media post.

"There is still so much more to do, and my immediate concern is the approximate 1.7m children who miss out on free school meals, holiday provision and Healthy Start vouchers because their family income isn't quite low enough, but the intent the government have shown today is nothing but positive and they should be recognised for that.

"I am so proud of 'us' as a collective. 'Us' being the local businesses, charity workers, volunteers, teachers, social workers, carers, and key workers. Together we have demonstrated the power of kindness and compassion. We have shown that when it comes down to the wire, we will always have each other.

"Seeing the role everyone has played in supporting our most vulnerable children has been the greatest moment of my life. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of empathy and understanding."

Rashford has also urged the government to work with the Child Food Poverty Task Force, a body set up by the 23-year-old that includes some of the UK's biggest food brands and supermarkets, "to guarantee" that no child goes hungry.

He wrote: "Today, I'm overwhelmed with pride that we have made such significant progress. 'We' will not give up on our children. 'We' will not give up on the future of this country."

Manchester United captain has hailed the excellence of playmaker Bruno Fernandes as he helped the Red Devils secure a 3-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The Portuguese had been the subject of criticism for his display in the shock 2-1 Champions League loss to Istanbul Basaksehir in midweek but bounced back impressively as United recorded their third Premier League win of the season.

Fernandes scored twice in the first half, although there was some debate as to whether striker Marcus Rashford had touched the ball en route to the net for the second, before setting up Edinson Cavani to score his first goal for the club.

“Bruno was excellent,” Maguire confirmed to the club’s official website. “He came under a little bit of stick on Wednesday night but he’s a big character and a big leader. He’s reacted brilliantly and does his talking on the pitch.

“I’m delighted he’s got a couple of goals or whatever you want to call it, a goal or an assist.”

Maguire, meanwhile, is confident in Cavani’s ability to ease the striking burden in attack. The Uruguayan arrived on a free transfer in October, having left PSG at the end of last season.

“He worked tirelessly up there and did the dirty work and he got his rewards right at the end. I think he's going to be a big player for us, he’s going to score goals,” he said. “He knows where the back of the net is and I’ve seen that in training a few times already. He’s just getting up to speed in terms of his training and work rate but he’s going to be a big player for us.”

United have moved up to 14th in the Premier League standings off the back of their victory, yet manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains under pressure after a start to the season that has seen them lose just as many as they have won domestically.

After the international break, United will be tasked with a home encounter against West Bromwich Alion before a Champions League date with Basaksehir at Old Trafford, which has suddenly increased in importance due to their loss in Turkey on Wednesday.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder George Maluleka says he is unmoved by any media reports on him and is “focused on the journey ahead.”

Sundowns are said to be planning loan deals for some of their new signings including Maluleka, who arrived at Chloorkop in July.

Recent media reports suggested that Maluleka was to be loaned out to Cape Town City.

While Downs coach Manqoba Mngqithi has already dismissed the rumours, Maluleka said he is not concerned about anything reported about him in the media.

“When it comes to the media, to be honest, I have never really paid attention to allegations or rumours that are said as my only focus and objective is to play football so I try by all means to avoid such, so I stay focused on the journey ahead,” Maluleka told the Sundowns website.

The 31-year-old has featured in all of Sundowns’ three Premier Soccer League (PSL), coming as a substitute each time.

The midfielder already has one assist to his name but admits that he still has “a lot of work” to do to be on top of his game.

“Yeah so far so good with the matches. There’s still a lot of work to be done from my side but it’s very early to tell,” said Maluleka.

“I’ve been doing well and working hard at training steadily to find my best self to help the team and make an impact. It’s a matter of confidence, but a lot of progress so far. I’m happy but not yet satisfied like I said it’s still very early.

 “Competition is always good especially in an environment like Mamelodi Sundowns. You have to be at your best every time you get a chance so it’s very good for the team as well. It makes us stronger as a collective and also pushes you as an individual.

“It’s been a good couple of months at the club and like I said before the team welcomed me with a lot of warmth. I immediately felt very good and positive about it so I’ve never looked back since. I just need to carry on working hard and helping the team move forward. All in all, it’s been great, especially the way I was welcomed.”

After beating Cape Town City 2-0 in a league match last Wednesday, Sundowns return to action on November 22 when they host AmaZulu.

Simba SC defender Joash Onyango believes he has answered critics who doubted his ability to perform.

The Kenya international played a starring role as Wekundu wa Msimbazi played out a 1-1 draw with their sworn rivals Yanga SC on Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

The defender was adjudged to have fouled Tuisila Kisinda in the danger zone and the referee awarded a penalty which was converted by Michael Sarpong.

However, the Harambee Star ensured the reigning champions get a point after scoring with five minutes to go.

"I think [my critics] have seen what a grandfather can do," Onyango told reporters after the match.

"When people openly criticize me, it gives me a reason to work harder on the pitch because, at the end of the day, it is my performance that matters.

Usually, people lack what to say when they are proved wrong and I am happy it happened."

The 27-year-old has also thanked his coach Sven Vandenbroeck for giving him an opportunity to play in arguably the biggest game in the East Africa region.

"I am delighted because the coach trusted me and went ahead to give me an opportunity to play in the derby, I am really thankful," Onyango continued.

"To be honest, I did not expect to be involved."

The centre-back has also appreciated the one point the 21-time champions got in the game.

"It was a tough game for either team, owing to its magnitude and none wanted to lose. Yanga played well, but we also played well. I thank my teammates for playing according to the plan," he added.

"We were prepared to get a win, however, it did not go according to plan and we ended up sharing spoils. A point is better than none, it is football and in some instances, it does not happen as wished."

After 10 rounds, Azam FC lead the table with 25 points. They have managed to collect eight wins, a draw, and a loss. The 27-time champions are in the second position with a point fewer.

Timu ya Wananchi, who are unbeaten, have managed to get seven wins and three draws, while Simba are placed third with 20 points.

Evelyn Ijeh made history with Goteborg as they defeated Ebere Orji and Uchenna Kanu's Linkopings 7-0 at home to win the Swedish Women’s Damallsvenskan title for the first time in their history.

Having won 3-0 at Vaxjo last week, Jorgen Ericson’s ladies were on the brink of a maiden domestic title triumph, opening a four-point lead at the top of the table with two matches to go.

Going to Arena Linkopings on Saturday, Goteborg needed a win regardless of the result of rivals and 2019 winners, Anam Imo's Rosengard at 2018 champions Pitea on Sunday, to confirm their historic feat.

Pauline Hammarlund got Ericson’s team off to a bright start when she opened the scoring thanks to an assist from Rebecka Blomqvist after just 11 minutes.

Filippa Angeldahl doubled the lead for the visitors before the half-hour mark against Olof Unogard's team in front of their home fans.

After the restart, Goteborg continued where they left off against the hosts as Vilde Boe Risa netted a third five minutes into the second half before grabbing her second seven minutes later.

In the 59th minute, the visitors gained a fifth through Natalia Kuikka and Emma Koivisto made it six 17 minutes later, before Stina Blackstenius struck 10 minutes from time to guarantee the title.

The result means Goteborg are Swedish top-flight champions for the first time ever, with a game to spare, and will see them make a debut in the Uefa Women's Champions League next year.

Despite being an unused substitute on Saturday, the 19-year-old featured for 38 minutes in five appearances, playing from the bench on all occasions for the newly-crowned Swedish champions.

On the other hand, Nigeria international duo Orji and Kanu featured for 57 and 68 minutes, respectively, for Linkopings.

The title feat sees the Nigerian-born Swedish youth international become the third Nigerian to win the Swedish crown in a row after Ikidi won her second with Pitea in 2018 and Anam Imo last season.

The striker, who is the daughter of former Nigeria international Peter Ijeh, had featured for Sweden at U17 and U19 level, but is still eligible to represent the West African nation at senior level.

Having sealed their title triumph, Ijeh and Goteborg will hope to end their league campaign on a high when they welcome Vittsjo in their final game of the season on November 15.

Fulham manager Scott Parker admitted he was disappointed and angry after seeing Ademola Lookman's failed Panenka attempt in a 1-0 loss against West Ham on Saturday. 

After David Moyes' side had taken the lead via Tomas Soucek in the 91st minute, Fulham were awarded a penalty just before full-time after VAR spotted a foul on Tom Cairney. 

Lookman, on loan from RB Leipzig, stepped up to the spot but opted for a poor Panenka attempt that was easily saved by Lukas Fabianski. 

The Cottagers have now collected just four points from their first eight games back in the Premier League and Parker didn't mince his words when asked about Lookman's penalty. 

"I'm disappointed and angry," Parker told BBC's Match of the Day. "You can't take penalties like that and he knows that. He's a young player and he's learning.

"The boy has made a mistake. Ade is the first to understand that. When you're young and you're learning you have to learn quick. He is disappointed and rightly so. This is part and parcel of football, of growing as players and as a team. We'll get around him now.

"Ade has been fantastic since he's been in. He'll need to dust himself down. When you're young you make mistakes."

Despite Lookman's costly mistake, his team-mates rallied around him at full-time and were quick to look forward. 

"Ademola is devastated, apologetic," Cairney said."He's a young man who has had a good start here and is a big player for us. We'll get around him and pick him up, he knows he could have got us a point."

Midfielder Harrison Reed adding: "He has apologised so we will brush it under the carpet and move on. He's gutted in there, we all are."

Lookman has scored one goal across six appearances for Parker's side this season after failing to strike at all for Leipzig during his limited involvement in their 2019-20 campaign. 

Premier League great Ian Wright slammed the young attacker's decision to attempt a Panenka at such a vital moment for his new club. 

“That is as unprofessional as I’ve seen for a long time,” Wright said post-game. “I don’t know what he’s thinking. It’s poor. It’s unprofessional. You have to score that penalty or you have to make the goalkeeper save it." 

Mumbai City FC seem to be one of the stronger teams, at least on paper, as we inch ever closer to the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season. 

They have revamped their foreign contingent, bringing in former FC Goa manager Sergio Lobera and a host of star players who shone at FC Goa in Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall and more. 

They have, however, brought in three new faces to the ISL in Hernan Santana, Adam le Fondre and Cy Goddard. Le Fondre is expected to carry the burden of scoring goals and will be Lobera's trump card in attack. 

The 33-year-old striker is a fairly well-known name in England and has experience of playing in the Premier League before moving to Australia. 

Let's take a closer look at his career so far.

Debut at Stockport and excellence at Rochdale

Adam le Fondre made his professional debut after progressing through the ranks at League Two outfit Stockport County. In fact, he scored on his debut, in a 3-1 win over FC Bury in 2004. He moved to Rochdale on loan in January 2007 where he caught the eye with some impressive performances. 

Once again, he scored twice on his debut for Rochdale and even scored four goals in a game against Wrexham. It was no surprise that Rochdale made the move permanent in the summer. He played every single game for the club in League Two, helping them reach the play-offs in the 2007-08 season, ending as the club's topscorer. His form did not wane in 2008-09 as he ended up scoring 21 goals. 

Fellow League Two side Rotherham United splashed the cash for Le Fondre in August 2009 and he promptly scored on debut for them. He finished the season with 30 goals, establishing himself as a fan favourite, helping Rotherham reach the play-off final. He also featured in the League Two Team of the Year in 2009-10. After continuing his form in the 2010-11 season, Championship side Reading came calling for Le Fondre. 

He scored 12 goals for Reading in the Championship in the 2011-12 season, playing a key role in the club securing the title and gaining Premier League promotion. In fact, he scored in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in April, the point that secured the title for Reading. 

Premier League experience

He scored on his Premier League debut in 2012-13 season, a 90th-minute penalty that secured a 1-1 draw against Stoke City in August. In November, he scored a brace to help Reading beat Everton 2-1 and win their first Premier League game of the season. He also scored in a losing cause against Manchester United that season. In fact, in 34 matches, he scored 12 goals and also notched the record for most Premier League goals in a season as a substitute. 

He was named the Premier League player of the month in January 2013 for scoring five goals during the month. He was also named Reading's Player of the Season though the club could not avoid relegation. 

In the 2013-14 season, he scored only 15 goals in the league for Reading before moving to Cardiff City. But after a slow start to life, he was loaned out to Bolton Wanderers (also playing in the Championship) in January 2015. He finished with eight goals for Bolton and was the club's topscorer. However, he was loaned out again at the start of the 2015-16 season by Cardiff, this time to Wolves. 

He struggled at Wolves and when he came back to Cardiff in 2016 summer, he was deemed surplus to requirements. He would end up joining Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers on loan before joining the latter on a permanent deal in 2017. 

But after a year, he left for Sydney FC in the A-League where he spent two seasons. 

International football

Adam le Fondre has not featured for the English national team at any level. 

Last stint

Le Fondre was at Sydney FC for two years after signing in August 2018. He made an instant impact at Sydney, scoring 16 goals to end up as the second-highest goalscorer behind Roy Krishna. But his goals powered Sydney to the title. He scored twice in the 6-1 semifinal win over Melbourne Victory and scored from the spot in the penalty shootout which determined the winner in the final.

In the 2019-20 season, he stepped it up a gear. He scored 20 goals this time around, including a hat-trick, as Sydney FC won the title again. Once again, he scored in the 2-0 semifinal win against Perth Glory. 

Odei Onaindia is expected to lead the backline for Hyderabad FC in the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL). 

The Nizams have got a new manager in Manuel Roca to guide them after a disappointing debut season. They have made wholesale changes to the squad and have roped in six new foreigners.

Onaindia is a no-nonsense defender with plenty of experience of playing in the Spanish Segunda B Division. His aerial prowess will be a threat to opposition defence during set-pieces. 

Jersey Number: 16

Youth Career and Professional Debut

Born in the Basque region of Spain, he started honing his football skills at a local club called Lekeitio FT. In 2007, he joined the developmental side of Athletic Bilbao and stayed there for a season. 

In 2008, he joined Tercera Division side Basconia. But soon he was loaned out to CD Elgoibar where he made his professional debut.

Senior Career

Onaindia has established himself as a key figure in defece during his various stints with Tercera sides. In 2010, he joined SCD Durango and made 34 appearances and scored two goals. After a year, he joined SD Amorebieta in Segunda B and spent two seasons with the club. He missed only one game in his two seasons and started in all matches. 

He has represented various Segunda B sides like Barakaldo CF, Burgos and UD Melilla. In 2018-19 he joined CD Mirandes and helped the side gain promotion from Segunda B to Segunda Division. He made 31 appearances in that season and racked up more than 2500 minutes. 

In 2019-20, Mirandes had a brilliant run in the Copa Del Rey as they reached the semi-finals of the tournament. He played every minute of the campaign until his side was defeated by Real Sociedad. On the road to the semis, they had vanquished some top teams of La Liga like Celta Vigo, Sevilla and Villarreal. He even scored against the Yellow Submarines at home in a comfortable 4-2 win.

He also scored a late injury-time goal against FC Cadiz in the league to earn a late point for his side in a thrilling 3-3 draw. After his contract ended with Mirandes in 2020, he joined ISL side Hyderabad FC. 

Theo Bongonda was Genk’s hero after scoring twice in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat of St. Truiden in a Belgian First Division A fixture.

Bongonda, 24, found the net on two occasions as unbeaten John van den Brom’s men cruised to their sixth win of the 2020-21 top-flight campaign.

Four minutes into the game, they took the lead through the winger of Congolese descent, who fired an angled shot past goalkeeper Daniel Schmidt following a corner kick from Japanese forward Junya Ito.

A few minutes later, Joakim Maehle was on course to double the visitors’ advantage but his effort was saved by Schmidt.

St. Truiden drew level in the 28th minute courtesy of Yuma Suzuki after being played in by Alexander Filippov. The visitors suffered a momentary setback as star player Dries Wouters was substituted for Kristian Thorstvedt due to an ankle injury.

A minute later, Bongonda completed his double with a sublime lob past the goalkeeper as the Canaries’ defenders were caught flatfooted.

The second half produced little spark owing to the scarcity of goals. Nigeria international Paul Onuachu was presented with a chance to hand his team a two-goal advantage in the 55th minute, but his header was saved by goalkeeper Schmidt.

Despite pouring attacks from Kevin Muscat’s side, who were reduced to 10 men following the expulsion of Steve De Ridder for a second caution, they were unable to produce a comeback as they lost their sixth game of the ongoing season.

While Bongonda saw all minutes of action, Onuachu saw 86 minutes before making way for Cote d’Ivoire’s Eboue Kouassi with Nigeria’s Cyriel Dessers an unused substitute.

For the hosts, Guinea's Ibrahima Sankhon was handed a starter's role but he was replaced in the 68th minute by Tatsuya Ito, while South Korea's Seung-Woo Lee came in for Samuel Asamoah with nine minutes left to play.

Morocco's Samy Mmaee, Guinea's Mory Konate and Angola's Jonathan Buatu were not listed for the derby.

Thanks to this result, Genk sit in third place with 22 points from 12 games, while St. Truiden occupy the 15th spot having garnered nine points with a game less.

Despite representing Belgium at U19 and U21 levels, Bongonda is eligible to represent Congo DR at senior level.

William Troost-Ekong has expressed his delight after scoring his first goal for Watford in their 3-2 victory over Coventry City in Saturday’s Championship game.

The 27-year-old teamed up with the Hornets in the summer from Italian club Udinese and was afforded his fifth appearance at Vicarage Road.

The Nigeria international shone in the encounter, scoring to help Vladimir Ivic’s men secure their sixth win of the season.

The centre-back powered a fine header past goalkeeper Marko Marosi from James Garner’s well-taken corner.

Troost-Ekong is pleased with his contribution in the game and hopes the Hornets will continue to utilize their set-pieces.

“James Garner put a fantastic ball in and made it easy, I just had to run on to it,” Troost-Ekong told the club website.

“It was an important moment and set-pieces are so important in this league, you see how they can change games. It’s been going against us so far this season so to score from a set-piece is massive.

“I’m happy I managed to contribute like that today and hopefully we can get some more during the season.”

Watford took the lead through Andre Gray’s effort but conceded two goals in the space of one minute before Troost-Ekong ignited their comeback and Senegal international Ismaila Sarr scored the winner.

The Hornets have now registered 14 goals in the division so far and conceded nine, winning their last two games.

The Super Eagles defender is happy with his side’s performances in front of goal but wants them to improve on their defence.

“The goals for are really important. We have to do a bit better, we’ve been conceding too many in the last few games but there’s so much we can still improve and I think this team has so much potential,” he continued.

“We just have to keep going and keep working, keep the goalscoring going and hopefully we won’t concede as many goals from set-pieces as we have done.

“The first half we were dominant but just missing a goal. We played well in possession today, we moved the ball better than we did in the previous games and it’s always nice when we score the first goal.

“We lost ourselves for a minute when they got the two goals back, but we showed great character to come out with the three points.”

Victory over Coventry City has ensured the Hornets moved to the second spot on the league table, one point behind leaders Reading and Troost-Ekong believes the position will boost their confidence.

“If you’re looking at the target for the rest of the season, we need to stay on course, so it’s important we stay up in the table, but everyone knows how close it is,” he added.

“If we’d lost today we might have dropped five, six or seven places, so I don’t think you can really look at the table yet, but it’s important for the feeling and for the momentum.”

Troost-Ekong will hope to replicate his impressive performances for Nigeria in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games against Sierra Leone on November 13 and 17.