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Richarlison should be stung with a ban much longer than the standard three-game sanction for a straight red card, says John Aldridge, with the Everton forward having caught Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara with a “disgraceful” tackle in a dramatic Merseyside derby.

The Brazil international was given his marching orders in the closing stages of a thrilling encounter at Goodison Park.

He lunged into a mistimed challenge on Thiago and was immediately sent for an early bath.

Liverpool are still waiting to discover whether a Spain international playmaker will be joining Virgil van Dijk in being ruled out of their upcoming fixtures.

With that in mind, and with Thiago lucky to have escaped a potentially career-ending injury, Aldridge has called for the book to be thrown at Richarlison.

The former Reds striker told the Sunday World: “That tackle was disgraceful, there is no other word for it. He has gone over the top of the ball and that is the kind of tackle that can end a career.

“Thiago is 29 and if he breaks his leg badly there, he might struggle to get back to his best. So the red card was not enough for Richarlison.

“That should not be a three-game ban, it needs to be much more than that and if Thiago has got away with it, he is very lucky.”

Richarlison’s tackle on Thiago was far from being the only incident to cause controversy when two old adversaries locked horns.

Jordan Henderson saw a late goal ruled out by VAR after the tightest of offside calls, while Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford avoided any form of punishment for a knee-high challenge on Van Dijk that has left the Dutchman with ligament damage and facing up to surgery.

“The best referee in the Premier League was made to look like a fool by VAR man Coote and there is no excuse for him not asking Michael Oliver to look at the replay on that challenge,” Aldridge added.

“I don’t think Pickford was malicious in that challenge as he is a keeper who makes a lot of mistakes and appears to panic at moments like that. It was a clumsy challenge rather than a reckless one, but everyone agrees it was worthy of a red card.

“The idea that the VAR official was too distracted by the tight offside decision to see the challenge on Van Dijk is a joke and this needs to be a moment when we look at who is in charge of the VAR decisions.

“Maybe we need to get more experienced referees in because Coote has a history of missing big calls and now he has missed another massive one.

“He was in charge of the Man United v Liverpool game last season and missed a clear foul on Divock Origi in the build-up to the United goal and was also at fault for missing a horrible challenge in the Chelsea v Spurs game last season.

“There is no excuse when you can see these incidents from so many angles and while VAR is useful for some aspects of the game, there is a huge problem if the technology is not used in the right manner.”

Paul Pogba is a big fan of Marcus Rashford’s “special” talents, Kylian Mbappe has revealed, with the Manchester United midfielder raving about a current colleague in a manner that he reserves for a select few.

One World Cup-winning Frenchman has been aware of the potential in a Red Devils forward for some time, having graduated through the same Old Trafford academy system.

It was, however, when making a return to English football from Juventus in 2016 that Pogba was given a chance to line up alongside Rashford on a senior stage.

He has been impressed by what he has seen from the England international, with a talented 22-year-old becoming a role model for millions with his efforts on and off the field.

Mbappe, who is about to face Rashford in the Champions League as Paris Saint-Germain prepare to play host to United, is another member of the Red Devils winger’s ever-growing fan club.

He has seen firsthand what the versatile frontman is capable of, having witnessed him register a dramatic penalty at Parc des Princes in the spring of 2019, and is not surprised to hear a fellow countryman talk so highly of him.

Mbappe told reporters ahead of a continental clash with Rashford: “He’s one of the most dangerous forward players in England.

“Paul Pogba has spoken about how special he is and he doesn’t talk about players in such a way often.

“When you take a penalty in that situation, how much practice you have put on the training ground doesn’t matter. It’s about confidence and he’s a player who plays with so much confidence.”

Pogba is not the only familiar face that Mbappe will be hoping to disappoint when United pay their latest visit to Paris.

Anthony Martial is another international colleague of the highly-rated 21-year-old, and another player that he holds in high regard despite the regular rounds of questions that the Red Devils’ No.9 faces when it comes to filling a central striking berth.

“He’s a player I have a great understanding with,” Mbappe said of Martial.

“Playing with somebody as talented as Anthony makes your job easier.

“I’m sure he’ll have another big season with Manchester United and I look forward to playing with him for the national team again.

“He’s a very good friend but also a player that I connect very well with.”

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has settled for Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee as the new coach for Harambee Stars hours after they parted ways with Francis Kimanzi.

Goal can exclusively reveal the Federation under Nick Mwendwa has already contacted Mulee, who is set to make a grand return to the team he coached and guided to the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations finals held in Tunis, Tunisia.

A source within the federation has confirmed to Goal the appointment of Mulee by stating: “We are set to unveil ‘Ghost’ after doing away with Kimanzi, the ceremony will be held on tomorrow [Wednesday] and he will be given a free hand to pick his backroom staff,” the source told Goal.

When reached for comment, Mulee told Goal he was not aware of the appointment but confirmed he had been approached to take over the mantle.

“I am just getting the information from you [on being appointed as Kenya coach],” Mulee told Goal. “But what I can tell you is that federation officials contacted me on Sunday asking if I am available to take over the mantle but I told them I cannot talk about a job, which already has a person.”

But when Goal told him Kimanzi had been fired and the seat was now vacant, Mulee said: “Let us wait and see, for now I don’t know anything about the job.”

In a shocking move which came after Mwendwa retained the mantle to run Kenyan football for another four years, FKF confirmed they had parted ways with the coach, who was only appointed to replace Sebastien Migne in August last year.

“Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi and part of his backroom staff have left the national team by mutual consent,” FKF said in a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and obtained by Goal.

“The Federation is immensely grateful to coach Kimanzi and his departing members of staff that include assistant coach Zedekiah Otieno and goalkeeper trainer Lawrence Webo for their exemplary work, dedication and unrivalled professionalism, which has strengthened Kenya’s chances of qualifying for the Afcon 2022 final tournament.

“The FKF has wished the departed members the best in their future endeavours while stating they will not comment on the issue again until a replacement is in place. All at the federation wish them well in their future endeavours, this even as the search for a replacement to take the national team forward begins in earnest.

“There will be no further comment from FKF until a new appointment is made, in the coming days.”

The tactician took over from Sebastien Migne after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) held in Egypt. He led the national team to a 1-1 draw away to Egypt in the 2021 Afcon qualifiers before settling to the same scoreline at home against Togo.

On October 9, he led Kenya to a 2-1 win over Zambia's Chipolopolo in a friendly staged in Nairobi, but he will now not be part of the team to play Comoros in the Afcon qualifying doubleheader set for November.

Paris Saint-Germain are “very lucky to have Neymar”, claims Lucas Moura, with a “top player” expected to lead another Champions League charge from the Ligue 1 title holders this season.

The Brazil international came agonisingly close to delivering European glory for the French giants in 2020.

They fell at the final hurdle against treble-winning Bayern Munich, but will be back for more in the current campaign and are due to open their quest for glory in a home date with Manchester United on Tuesday.

Neymar will be called upon to provide attacking inspiration once again in that contest, with fellow countryman Lucas backing a man he has played alongside at club and international level to push PSG into contention for more major honours.

A man who spent five years at Parc des Princes before linking up with Tottenham in January 2018 told Le Parisien of Neymar’s talent: “He's progressing every season. He's an impressive player. He started his career almost at the top but he continues to achieve great things. He's a top player.

“Paris is very lucky to have Neymar. Of course, he will help them again this season, he wants to win the Champions League with PSG. There is nothing more to say.”

While Neymar remains on the books at PSG, the French giants have parted company with two other experienced South Americans.

Thiago Silva and Edinson Cavani left the club as free agents over the summer, with both now in English football at Chelsea and Manchester United respectively.

Lucas is pleased to have another compatriot in London with him and believes a prolific Uruguayan frontman will deliver at Old Trafford once he is up to speed in the Premier League.

The Spurs forward added: “I'm happy for Thiago. He's closer to me here in London. I'm happy for him, he's one of the best defenders in the world, I've always said that. He plays for a great team.

“I’m happy for him and for Cavani too. It will undoubtedly be more difficult for him to play in the Premier League. There are a lot of great players.”

As PSG prepare to begin their latest continental campaign against United, Lucas and Spurs have progressed through the Europa League qualifiers to reach the group stage, where they will face LASK on Thursday.

Cape Town City coach Olde Jan Riekerink says there are other players who can step in and fill the void left by forward Kermit Erasmus who left the club to join Mamelodi Sundowns.

Erasmus proved he is a seasoned player during the last Premier Soccer League PSL) campaign in which he ended with 13 goals, the best season tally in his career.

Having previously played in the Erevidisie for Feyenoord, Ligue 1 for Stade Rennais and Orlando Pirates, Erasmus was one of the most experienced players in Riekerink’s side.

But Riekerink feels he has enough cover to replace Erasmus who joined Sundowns in early October.

“We have some other options but for now it’s better to talk about the next game,” Riekerink told the media.

“Fagrie [Lakay] is an option, Tashreeq [Morris] is also an option for that game so they will be normally the first candidates. Of course, Kermit decided a lot of games with goals. Now that Kermit is not here, we will see that other players will stand up and show themselves. We will be sure of the next game.

“Our target at this club is that we always want to end in the top eight. Our ambition is that our team has to end as high as possible. I think we will emphasise on the fact that Kermit has left. Kermit was very important for us, he scored a lot of important goals. We will give opportunities to other players to excel.

“I am convinced with this group. We will find our way to score our goals and then other players will find their way to the goal. May it not be one player but several others.”

Other attackers Riekerink could be relying on include Mduduzi Mdantsane, upcoming Diego Appollis and Bafana Bafana player Thabo Nodada.

City’s 2020/21 season has started on a losing note after going down 1-0 to Orlando Pirates in last week’s MTN8 quarter-final clash.

They now prepare to host Chippa United in their opening PSL match on Saturday.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has reiterated Odion Ighalo’s importance for the Premier League club.

The 31-year-old has been struggling for game time in the 2020-21 campaign despite his eye-catching performances in his debut season with the Red Devils.

The forward scored five goals in 19 appearances across all competitions last season to become the toast of the club fans.

His fine displays earned him a loan extension at the Old Trafford until January 2021 after teaming up with the side from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua.  

Ighalo has, however, featured in three games in all competitions in the current campaign involving 207 minutes. 

The forward is behind Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood in the pecking order and the Red Devils also recently bolstered their attack with the signing of Edinson Cavani from Paris Saint- Germain.   

Despite the limited game time, the Norwegian tactician has assured the former Nigeria international of his future with the side.

“I think, as a team and club, we always want to get players in,” Solskjær said in a press conference.

“I think Edinson coming in will try and do that to the Premier League, and we’ll give him time to adapt to this team and to get his sharpness and fitness back.

“We’ve had some very good performances from Odion and he is still a very important part of this squad.”

Ighalo will hope to play a part for Manchester United when they take on PSG in Tuesday’s Champions League game.

The forward had previously featured for Watford, Udinese, Lyn and Changchun Yatai before he teamed up with Shanghai Shenhua.

Ighalo had 35 caps and 16 goals for Nigeria before his retirement from international duty after helping the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Arsenal cult hero Per Mertesacker admits that he was a “panic buy” when making his way to Emirates Stadium during the summer transfer window of 2011.

The Gunners moved to bring in the towering centre-half from Werder Bremen after seeing serious leaks spring in their back four.

A humiliating 8-2 defeat at old adversaries Manchester United proved to be the final straw for then boss Arsene Wenger.

Mertesacker was considered to boast qualities that the north London outfit were crying out for, with there an alarming lack of leadership down the spine of their side.

A man who would go on to savour World Cup glory with Germany during his time with Arsenal, while also taking the captain’s armband, delivered on expectations across seven years with the Gunners.

Mertesacker, who is now in charge of the club’s academy system, is, however, prepared to concede that he was a “messy” signing that may not have happened in different circumstances.

He told Arsenal’s Lockdown Podcast: “I consider myself to be a panic buy. I've got no problems with that whatsoever because sometimes these times are rushed.

“Football is rushed, especially when the transfer window is about to close. At that time Arsenal had two or three days to make adjustments to the squad. To join an English team, my favourite English team, and to join the Premier League was something I couldn't turn down.

“I was with the German national team during those last three days and I had to ask Joachim Low if I could go to London and have a quick medical. In my medical, I met [Andre] Santos, I became familiar with [Yossi] Benayoun, [Mikel] Arteta and Park [Chu-young] very quickly.

“It had to be messy, it had to be rushed. I didn't care. I was just happy that Arsene Wenger called me and spoke to me in German. I couldn't really believe it.

“It was so unreal those three days, as I said. To turn down an opportunity like Arsenal Football Club? I would always do it again, in the same format, in the same rush, in the same manner.”

Mertesacker took in 221 appearances for Arsenal, becoming a mainstay in their defensive unit, and says he was happy to face the questions that came his way on a regular basis – be that from inside or outside the club.

He added: “There needs to be that mentality in every single training session. I remember Aaron Ramsey was always a sounding board for me because we kept having a go at each other. Whenever we would do something wrong or not do the right thing at a certain time in training, we would feel the accountability.
 
“There were no hiding places really and that's what it's about with winning teams. You have the odd argument and as long as you're authentic and you can back it up with your own behaviour, then there's no problem.
 
“I never had a problem when someone called me out, sometimes it's difficult to do that but once you step out of your bubble and get some perspective, I think that's just healthy. It can be difficult, but the real leaders are the ones who always try to be authentic and honest, no matter what that means at the time.”

Orlando Pirates have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Richard Ofori from Maritzburg United on a three-year deal.

This ends rumours around the player who was linked with the Soweto giants since last season.

"I am very happy to be here. It is a dream for me to be a part of this exciting squad and to work with the technical team," Ofori told the Pirates website.

“I also look forward to meeting my new teammates and being part of this exciting new project.”

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Watford boss Vladimir Ivic is hopeful star defender William Troost-Ekong could be passed fit to play against Blackburn Rovers in Wednesday’s Championship showdown.

The Nigeria international made his Hornets debut in Friday’s 1-0 away win over Derby County at the Pride Park Stadium, although, he was replaced by Craig Cathcart in the 71st minute when he appeared to have suffered a knock.

Nevertheless, Ivic is expecting him to be in action against Tony Mowbray’s Rovers having trained with the rest of the on Monday morning and looked to have dusted off the problem in his left hamstring.

He went further pleading with fans to be patient with the former Gent, Dordrecht and Haugesund man claiming it will take time before he adjusts with the team’s style of play following his move from Italian Serie A outfit Udinese.

“I expect he'll be available for this game and to give us his best,” Ivic told club website.

“He has quality and will help us for sure. We must be patient with him as he needs to adjust with new players.

“He needs to have information about the players and the players need to have information about him and his qualities. He is experienced and he'll adjust fast.”

After two seasons in Italy where he played in 66 Italian elite division encounters having previously moved from Turkish Super Lig giants Bursaspor, Troost-Ekong penned a five-year deal with the Hornets for an undisclosed amount.

Should Watford subdue the Rovers on Wednesday, it will help their bid to return to the English elite division.

As it stands, Watford are fifth in the log having accrued 10 points from five matches.

Zambian international Augustine Mulenga has revealed the reason for his departure from Orlando Pirates and subsequent signing for AmaZulu.

The Chipolopolo attacking midfielder was unveiled by Usuthu on Monday, alongside a host of other players including former Kaizer Chiefs star Siphiwe Tshabalala, as well as Siphelele Mthembu, Luvuyo Memela, Sicelo Mkhize, Siphelele Nene, Makhehleni Makhaula, Limbikani Mzava and Samnkelo Gwazela.

The South African soccer fraternity had previously been led to believe Mulenga had joined new Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, together with another Zambian international and ex-Orlando Pirates forward, Justin Shonga.

That proved however not to be the case as Shonga debuted during TTM's MTN8 defeat to SuperSport United last weekend before Mulenga popped up at Usuthu a couple of days later.

He did reveal that there had been contact from the Limpopo club but is preferring to focus on his new job with Durban-based AmaZulu.

“Yes, they (TTM) did want me but at that time I told them that I still needed time to think about it apart from that, there was nothing else said," he said.

“I was also surprised to hear them mention my name at the time they announced their new signings, but for me, I am here and I am so happy to join AmaZulu and I thank my family for helping me make this decision," Mulenga said at the media unveiling on Monday.

"It was not an easy decision because there were a lot of teams that wanted me,” he added.

The 30-year-old could turn out to be an astute signing by Usuthu. During his time with Pirates he showed some flashes of real class and scored a few excellent goals.

But he never really got going in the last two-and-a-half seasons with Bucs, his case probably not helped by a regular change of technical staff at the Soweto side as well as a high turnover of players.

Ultimately, he didn't play as much as he would have liked to and never really built up any momentum with the Sea Robbers.

“The reason I left Orlando Pirates is because last season, I didn’t have enough game time, and they signed new players this season but it wasn’t like I didn’t want to compete against these new signees, no,” Mulenga said.

“The thing is that I just didn’t want to go through what I went through last season no wonder I asked them that I wanted to leave.

“I am happy to be here and looking forward to meeting the other guys so that we can continue making the supporters happy and achieve the goals we are going to set for this season.”

As fate has it, the Zambian will be meeting up with some of his former Pirates colleagues in just a few days time as AmaZulu host the Buccaneers in their opening league fixture of the new campaign, at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium on Saturday evening.

“I can’t say that I am going to prove a point," he commented. "The thing is that everyone knows I am a good player and I can deliver at any time so I’ll just go out there to enjoy because football is part of me."

Azam FC assistant coach Vivier Bahati has revealed they are not interested in how many goals they will score against Ihefu FC but are only keen to secure maximum points on Tuesday.

The ‘Ice-cream Makers’, who are topping the Mainland Premier League table with a 100 percent record, having won all their six matches played so far this season, will take on the promoted side at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya.

Bahati has now explained they are not concerned with how many goals they will score to achieve the win but all they want is to win their seventh straight match in the league and add three points to their tally.

“We arrived safely in Mbeya and I can say the squad is 100 percent ready for the battle,” Bahati told reporters after the team trained at Sokoine Stadium ahead of the match.

“We are ready to search for three more points that will keep us at the top of the table and our problem is not a slim win or how we do it, our main problem is three points and that is what we are going for, we don’t care how we do it, our problem is at the end of the match we want three points.

“Even if we win 1-0, we will thank God, all we need this season is to win our matches and get maximum points, but if we get more than one goal and win the match that will also be good, but for now we need any win and three points and we will be okay.”

Bahati’s sentiments were echoed by the team captain Agrey Morris who said all they need is a win to keep staying perched at the top of the table.

“We respect Ihefu, we have a lot of respect for them, we know they lost their last league encounter and they will come looking to bounce to winning ways but we are also hungry for points and a win.

“We will fight to win the match and we don’t care how we achieve it; we are ready to return home with three points.”

The Chamazi-based Azam won their last match 3-0 against Mwadui FC at Chamazi complex with a brace from Obrey Chirwa and one goal from Prince Dube.

Two Young Africans (Yanga SC) players are set to miss Mainland Premier League action when the Jangwani outfit hosts Polisi Tanzania on Thursday.

Ahead of Cedric Kaze’s first game in charge as Yanga coach, the two - Mapinduzi Balama and Ally Makame - will miss the game at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium due to injury and malaria respectively.

According to Yanga team manager Hafidhi Saleh, both players were in line to play a role in the fixture but have now been ruled out.

“[Balama] is working his way back to full fitness and has started light exercise to make him fit, however, the medical team is yet to confirm his fitness if he can join the first team training,” Saleh told Goal.

“On the other hand, Makame is suffering from a bout of malaria and he has been excused from the squad, we will check him out if he will be available for the next match.”

Balama has become a regular in Yanga’s team where he scored three goals last season, including the game against rivals Simba SC which gave him a chance to be nominated for the goal of the season.

Despite the absence of the two players, Yanga fans should be happy since coach Kaze has promised to revive the careers of strikers Michael Sarpong and Yacouba Songne at the club.

The two players were among the new arrivals at the club in the past transfer window, but they struggled to score goals under Serbian coach Zlatko Krmpotic, who was later fired by the club after only 37 days in charge.

However, Kaze, who joined Yanga to replace Krmpotic last Friday after penning a two-year deal, has revealed fans should expect to see the true colours of the two players, who he also claimed he had asked the club to sign.

Sarpong and Yaouba are new players in the squad and they are the key players in the striking area and I am happy each of them has managed to score a goal apiece so far in the league,” Kaze was quoted by Sokaletu.

“I want to be honest here, Sarpong and Yacouba are all good players, I know them very well and know the main reason they are struggling is because they are lacking someone to give them passes so that they can score goals.

“I can promise you that now that I have taken charge of the team, you will see a very big difference, you will see why I asked the club to sign them even on my behalf, very soon you will see their importance for the club.”

Yanga are currently lying third on the league table behind Azam FC and Simba with their last league match being a 3-0 win against Coastal Union at Mkapa Stadium.

Edinson Cavani “still hasn’t ticked all the boxes” at Manchester United, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the experienced striker unable to “live on memory” when it comes to making a Red Devils debut.

The Uruguayan frontman was taken to Old Trafford on deadline day of the summer transfer window.

He had been sat in the free agent pool for a few months by the time that deal was done, with United exploring other options before turning to the proven 33-year-old.

Questions have been asked of whether Cavani can deliver the goods in English football, but plenty are tipping him to make a Zlatan Ibrahimovic-style impact for United.

Solskjaer believes the former Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain star will prove to be a shrewd addition in time, but admits he cannot be thrown in at the deep end before working on his match sharpness.

The United boss told the club’s official website after taking the decision to leave Cavani out of a Champions League opener that would have seen him reunited with PSG: “He’s naturally fit. He is fit enough but he needs to play football with the rest of the players and be in those kinds of situations.

“Of course, you can’t live on memory, really, because it’s been a while.

“He’s very thorough, professional and he knows what he needs and what he wants. He still hasn’t ticked all the boxes before he’s available to play.”

While Cavani will play no part on Tuesday in the familiar surrounds of Parc des Princes, the likes of Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial are heading back home.

Solskjaer believes his France internationals will be determined to put on a show, saying: “I think it will inspire everyone.

“Paul and Anthony being back home, it adds a little bit of spice. French players want to do well in this fantastic stadium. Everyone’s ready.” 

A positive start to their continental campaign in the so-called ‘Group of Death’ is imperative for United, with Solskjaer conceding that 10 points may not be enough to guarantee progress as the Red Devils prepare to lock horns with PSG, RB Leipzig and Istanbul Basaksehir.

He added: “It should be enough, then again it’s a difficult group.

“I remember in ’99, we all had two wins and four draws. It was decided on goals scored. Of course, you can’t get 10 points [against PSG], but it’s a good chance to get off to a good start.” 

Gor Mahia forward Nicholas Kipkirui has welcomed the new arrivals at the club stating they will just make the team better.

In the attacking department, K'Ogalo have recruited Malawi teenager Andrew Malisero, Tito Okello from Vipers SC, and Burundian Jules Ulimwengu who was playing for Rayon Sports. These players are direct competition to the former Zoo FC hitman but it does not worry him much.

"The more players we have in one department the better for the team," Kipkirui told Goal.

"The new attackers will make the team better and I welcome them in the team. When we have competition, it pushes everyone to give his best and it makes one better. 

"So, I am not worried about their arrivals; it is a challenge for me to give my best and be considered in the first team."

K'Ogalo will start the 2020/21 campaign against Tusker FC, a team they defeated 5-2 in the reverse fixture during the abandoned 2019/20 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season. 

The 11-time champions have not been as active as Gor Mahia in the league and many believe they will fall in their opening game. But Kipkirui thinks otherwise.

"Every game is tough regardless of the opponent you are playing against," Kipkirui added.

"There is no easy team in the league and we are not going to underrate [Tusker] when we play them. As usual, every match is important to us and we will be aiming at collecting maximum points on the pitch. We usually prepare ourselves well before playing any game.

"Injuries have been a problem at times, but it is my hope that things will be different this time around. I pray that we will not have any, or maybe if they happen, then very minimal."

So what should Gor Mahia fans expect?

"We promise to make them happy in every match we play; we just want to win," Kipkurui stated.

"As usual, we urge the fans to turn up in large numbers and give us the support we need, and we will surely not disappoint."

Gor Mahia will also represent Kenya in the Caf Champions League after they were crowned by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in the abandoned season.

Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Timo Werner is at his best when he's played in a central striker role but doesn't feel his goals will be enough to lead a defensively-suspect Blues to the title.

Werner completed a £47.5 million ($62m) move to Chelsea from RB Leipzig in June after another outstanding individual season in the Bundesliga.

The Germany international scored 95 goals in 159 outings for Julian Nagelsmann's side in total, earning attention from a number of top clubs in the process, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United.

However, Frank Lampard managed to convince Werner that Stamford Bridge was the best place for him to continue his development, and he subsequently committed to the Blues through to 2025.

The 24-year-old has started slowly in the Premier League, drawing blanks in his first four outings, but he finally managed to get off the mark during a 3-3 draw with Southampton on Saturday.

Werner scored a superb individual goal to open the scoring before doubling his account with a well-taken finish just before the hour mark and will be expected to continue delivering the goods in the final third as the season progresses.

Hasselbaink has been impressed with what he's seen from the ex-Leipzig star so far, but would like to see Lampard deploy him in a central role all the time, rather than wide on the left.

"Yes, he is very sharp," the former Chelsea forward told Sky Sports:  "He just turns the defender so easy and there is only one thing on his mind and that’s to get the shot off.

"He is not somebody who likes to play with his back to goal. He likes to see the goal and make his run always on the shoulder of the centre-halves.

"He just knows where the back of the net is. I like him when he plays through the middle but not when he plays on the left.

"He does drift and then come back but yeah, a top striker. His runs are limited because he can only come from the left and cut back into the right-sided centre-half, he is more restricted and he likes to be free.

"He likes to take his time and get the ball down. He is never with his back to goal. I didn’t like to do it, I wasn’t good enough like a (Johan) Cruyff or (Marco) van Basten or whatever.

"He is, in a way, the same. He knows his strength and he wants to make runs at the centre-half.

"For me, what I have seen of him, also in Germany, he is the real deal and he doesn’t care how they go in, he just wants goals."

The Dutchman does not, however, think Werner can fire Chelsea to Premier League glory in 2020-21, with it his belief that his old club are far too vulnerable at the back to sustain a title challenge.

"No, Chelsea are not contenders [for the title]," said Hasselbaink. "They are leaking too many goals. It is a breath of fresh air to see them going forward with the likes of Mason Mount and Werner.

"But the defence is a worry, if they cannot improve the centre-backs and goalkeeper it is a concern.

"Alisson wins Liverpool points, but that doesn't happen with Kepa. Chelsea need to improve in that area."

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa has maintained his ultimate goal is to see Kenya play in the World Cup in the next four years.

The 41-year-old IT guru was handed another four-year term to run football in the country on Saturday after he humiliated his opponents in a national election where he secured 77 votes with his closest challenger only managing 5.

Former Gor Mahia CEO Omondi Aduda with his running mate Athanas Obango came second with just five votes. Herbert Mwachiro, who once served as the FKF deputy CEO alongside Harold Ndege, who is a former Kenya international, walked home with three votes.

Journalist Boniface Osano and his running mate had nothing to smile about since they walked home empty-handed, the same as Dan Mule, who had presented Peter Lichungu as his running mate.

Mwendwa has now told Goal, his main target in the next four years is to make sure Kenya takes part in the World Cup.

“I don’t know how we will achieve it, but I am sure we will make it, in the next four years, I want to see Kenya in the World Cup,” Mwendwa told Goal. “I don’t know if it will be the men’s team or the women’s team but I want to see Kenya represented at the world stage.

“This will happen soon, I want to put more emphasis on national teams and I know with proper planning, everything we want will be achieved.”

Apart from taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations for men and the Africa Women Cup of Nations, Kenya is yet to participate in the world stage.

On being re-elected, Mwendwa called on all his rivals to join him in making Kenyan football better.

“I also want to ask those who were competing against me, and even those who lost in various positions here today [Saturday] I am welcoming them to my side, let them come, we work together, let us put our heads together to improve our football,” Mwendwa told Goal.

"I cannot do this on my own [achieving set targets] or with the team, you have given me, I need everyone on board so we can achieve our set targets.

“We have several targets we must achieve in the next four years, I want to see Kenya in the World Cup, for both men and women national teams, I know it might sound like a dream or even a joke, but we can make it, we need proper planning and that is why I want everyone on board.”

Mwendwa’s first major assignment will be the Africa Cup of Nations double-header against Comoros in November.

Virgil van Dijk is “the full package” when it comes to modern-day centre-halves, says Danny Murphy, with the Liverpool defender considered to be a better all-round performer than Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.

That is some billing for the Netherlands international, but his consistency over recent years has placed him into a notable talent bracket.

For many, a man taken to Liverpool for £75 million ($97m) in the winter window of 2018 has already secured a place among the Premier League’s all-time greats.

Murphy is among those to hold said opinion, with the former Liverpool midfielder claiming that a commanding 29-year-old merely needs more silverware in order to cement a standing above iconic figures from Manchester United and Chelsea’s past.

“I was very fortunate to play with Rio Ferdinand in his pomp with England,” Murphy told talkSPORT.

“He was one of the very best centre-halves I’ve ever seen as well.

“But Van Dijk for me is the full package. There are no weaknesses in his game.

“I think his long-range passing was better than Rio’s but we are splitting hairs.

“The only thing that Van Dijk doesn’t have is longevity because Rio and Terry played over a decade and won trophies in that time. That’s what Van Dijk has got to do.”

Liverpool are going to have to try and chase down more major honours this season without Van Dijk at their disposal.

He is facing up to a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage in a dramatic derby date with Merseyside rivals Everton.

A reckless challenge from Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has left Van Dijk requiring surgery, with Murphy admitting that the Dutchman is going to be a big miss.

He has told BBC Sport: “They are going to be worse off without him. They are going to be more vulnerable defensively without Van Dijk because he’s the best in the world – he’s the best centre-half I’ve ever seen, he’s that good.

“You are going to be more vulnerable. Fabinho could drop in there if [Joe] Gomez or [Joel] Matip are struggling, but after that, there isn’t that much cover.

“They have got to get through to January really, because it probably looks as though he is going to be out for the rest of the season.

“The circumstances surrounding it aren’t good. He must be devastated watching that back because it could easily have been avoided. I’d be angry.”

Watford manager Vladimir Ivic has revealed Ismaila Sarr will be available for selection when they face Blackburn Rovers in Wednesday’s Championship game.

The fleet-footed forward was a target for a number of Premier League clubs after his stand-out performances for Watford last season in their failed quest to maintain their English top-flight status.

The forward scored five important goals in the division amid other dazzling displays, including his brace against Liverpool which ended the Reds' unbeaten run.

Despite being linked to many top sides including Liverpool, the 22-year-old will now continue his stay with Watford.

Sarr was left out of Watford’s game against Derby after returning exhausted from international duty with Senegal.  

Ivic has explained the winger is fully committed to the club and having returned to training, he will feature when they take on Blackburn on Wednesday night.

“He is with us. He stayed out because he was tired from his trip and now he works normal and is available for the game,” Ivic told the club website.

“I discussed with him a lot about his ability and he says he’s motivated and wants to be part of us. He’s one of the players who gives his maximum every day to the practice and I am satisfied he is with us now the window is closed.

“He is part of Watford and will show his quality and his potential. He is a fast player, who attacks the space and knows what to do one against one. He can give us different quality than other players.

“He is the guy who will show his potential and quality in the next games and to do it, he must work for the team because all of us work for the team. There is not one player in the world who can win the game: the team wins the game. Everyone needs to think about how they can improve the team.”

Sarr has only made two appearances in the Championship this season for Watford against Luton Town and Reading.

The forward will hope to help Watford secure their fourth win of the campaign at Vicarage Road.