Looking for Soccer News?

Thomas Partey will bring far more to the Arsenal midfield than just defensive security, according to his Ghana international team-mate Andy Yiadom.

The Gunners’ new £45 million ($58m) signing is expected to make his debut when Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Manchester City after the international break.

He has arrived with the reputation of being one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe having honed his art under the disciplined eye of Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.

But Reading defender Yiadom, who has spent the past three years playing alongside Partey with Ghana, says Arsenal have got far more for their money than just a destructive ball-winner.

“He grabs the game by the scruff of the neck,” Yiadom told Goal. “He has a lot of qualities.

“When I’ve watched Atletico, it does seem like he sits there and does the dogged work, but when he is away with us he has a lot more to his game than that. I think his record in terms of goals for Ghana (10 goals in 27 games) proves that because every time I seem to go away with Ghana he scores, so he has got that attacking threat as well.

Yiadom added: “He’s athletic, he’s really good on the ball, he’s skilful and he’s got a great set-piece in him.

“The way he keeps the ball in tight positions when you think he might lose it is really impressive. He just stands out, it’s hard to describe him as a certain type of player because I don’t think I can.

“But personally, and this is going off what I see from him in training and also the games that he has played for Ghana, I think he has the attributes for the No.8 role and to be more of a box-to-box midfielder.

“Atletico obviously are really rigid and extremely disciplined, but having trained with him, I don’t see him as a player who just dogs about and protects the defence - he has got a lot more quality to him than that.”

For Yiadom, Partey’s arrival at Arsenal means a little bit more than it just being one of his international team-mates joining him in England.

The 28-year-old - who was born in Holloway - grew up supporting Arsenal so he has extra reason to be cheerful following his friend’s move to north London.

“It’s all a bit surreal,” he admits. “It’s just a little bit crazy for me that he’s going to the club I’ve supported since I was young.

“I’m really excited that they have signed him. I think he’s a great addition and will make a big difference for Arsenal.

“He’s in his prime and is a fantastic player and I know that he will go there and do extremely well.”

Yiadom added: “Obviously it’s great that he’s in the Premier League as well because it’s a completely different dynamic for him. It’s one of the best leagues in the world and I think everybody wants to come and play here.

“I think he has all the attributes to do well in the Premier League, but also I think what people have to remember is it is the Premier League and he’s been playing in Spain for a long time.

“I know when a player of that calibre comes in to the UK everyone is expecting him to do well - and he may do well straight away - but I think people have to realise that sometimes things do take time.”

Karim Benzema admits to having grown up idolising one Ronaldo and changing his game to play alongside another at Real Madrid.

Having seen ‘O Fenomeno’ star for the likes of Barcelona, Inter and Madrid – along with collecting two World Cup winners’ medals – Benzema had the perfect role model.

He has gone on to become a fearsome goalscorer himself, with 250 efforts for Real seeing him secure a standing among the club’s top five marksmen of all time.

Of those he has looked to for inspiration en route to this point, Benzema told Movistar’s Universo Valdano programme: “Ronaldo was my idol from a young age. I started watching football because of him.

“I looked at his movement and I tried to copy what he did. But there was no one like him, I looked up to him so much. Some players had his speed, but not the ball control and skill at the same time.

“People think he only scored goals, but he could do everything. Strikers need to know how to do a lot of things, not just score goals, and he was the perfect example. I learnt a lot from him and [current Real Madrid coach] Zinedine Zidane.”

Benzema made his own move to Madrid in the same summer that another Ronaldo, Portuguese superstar Cristiano, was acquired by the Blancos.

With the five-time Ballon d’Or winner alongside him, a man who made his name as a goal-getting number nine had to alter his game somewhat in order to let others steal the limelight.

He had no issue with that, saying: “He [Cristiano] was there to score goals, and I had to change the way I played for him, and put aside my own desire to score.”

Benzema has since been freed to become Real’s main man, with Juventus luring Ronaldo away from Madrid in 2018.

An impressive return of 57 efforts over the last two seasons has been recorded, but a prolific French frontman admits to having found the going tough in Spain at times – particularly early on.

He said: “I was very happy to sign, but I wasn't ready mentally for everything that came with it.

“The team, the people, the pressure...when I was at Lyon, I was protected from all that by the president [Jean-Michel Aulas].

“It's a club that has won a lot of European titles and that has always had star players. It was very difficult, particularly given I was alone and spoke no Spanish.

“That first year was very difficult, as how you're feeling off the pitch transmits to your performances on it. I was very young and I didn't know the workings of the club. I thought I'd just go there and play. In the end I felt lost.”

Benzema did consider making a move elsewhere at one stage, but was talked around by Madrid president Florentino Perez.

The 32-year-old added: “He came to my house. I never thought he'd do that.

“When I saw him there, I forgot about the other clubs. I told him that he had my word.”

After 11 months without senior international football, Africa’s national teams return to action with a series of tantalising friendlies this week.

There are some superb match-ups, including all-African affairs like Nigeria vs Algeria, Ghana vs Mali, South Africa vs Namibia and Kenya vs Namibia.

Similarly, we’ve got some fascinating cross-continental clashes, with North African champions Mexico facing reigning Africa Cup of Nations holders Les Fennecs in a mouth-watering showdown.

More so than usual, there are plenty of intriguing subplots, with a series of new head coaches overseeing their first international break, and numerous new faces being handed their maiden international call-ups.

Cyriel Dessers and Chidera Ejuke (both of Nigeria), Tariqe Fosu and Alexander Djiku (Ghana), Clarke Oduor (Kenya) and Franck Evina (Cameroon) are just some of the new arrivals, and their international debuts should be hotly anticipated by their respective supporters.

The swathe of new faces in the African game could also help fans of the continent’s sport get over the loss of some of the dual-national players who have ultimately opted to represent European sides.

Adama Traore made his Spain debut against Portugal on Wednesday evening, while Bukayo Saka has also been called up for his maiden international window with England…essentially ending his prospects of playing for the Super Eagles.

While nothing competitive is at stake during this international window, the continent’s head coaches—including new or returning faces such as CK Akonnor, Patrice Beaumelle and Milutin Sredojevic—will recognise the value of this break as an opportunity to get their sides in shape ahead of the intense challenges to come across 2021.

Beaumelle, taking over at the Ivory Coast having previously been part of the Elephants team that won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations under Herve Renard, has already made a bold move by recalling the legendary Gervinho to the fold.

Micho, by contrast, has already laid down the law with Zambia, repealing the invitation to two players who missed their deadline to arrive in camp.

Will his measures help the Chipolopolo rediscover their previous glories?

It’s been a long time coming, but finally, international football has returned to Africa…and we can’t wait!

SuperSport United have unveiled four new signings ahead of the start of the 2020-21 season which gets underway in a week's time. 

Former Polokwane City goalkeeper George Chigova is among the players who will be donning the Matsatsantsa colours. 

According to the club, Chigova has signed a two-year deal and so is Iqraam Rayners who arrived before the end of last season from Stellenbosch FC. 

The Tshwane-based outfit also confirmed the acquisition of Mpho Mathebula and Keenan Phillips. 

The pair were on the books of Bidvest Wits last season and join SuperSport on a free transfer following the club's decision to sell its PSL status. 

Matsatsantsa took to their social media platforms to parade their newest signings

SuperSport had been quiet since the opening of the transfer window on September 22 but they have now sent a statement of intent with the arrival of the quartet. 

Meanwhile, this will be Chigova's second stint with SuperSport United, and he returns to the club following the relegation to the NFD of Rise and Shine last season. 

Five years ago, the lanky Zimbabwean defender left Matsatsantsa in an effort to play regular, and he got what he was hoping for at City. 

Chigova was a regular to an extent that he was even given the armband to captain the Polokwane-based outfit. 

On the other hand, Rayners knew at the start of the year that he would not stay with Stellenbosch beyond the previous season. 

This is because he signed a pre-contract with Matsatsantsa in January, and Steve Barker and his technical team decided that it was best they released him.

Tembo brought him to ease the pressure on his strikers; some of which are reported to be on their way out of the club after attracting interest from other local clubs.

Thomas Partey had been part of Arsenal’s long-term planning for “six or seven months” prior to a £45 million ($58m) deal being pushed through on deadline day, Edu has revealed.

The Gunners finally landed a long-standing target as the summer transfer market prepared to close for business.

It took until the final hours of the window to get an agreement in place, but efforts behind the scenes had rumbled on for some time prior to that as the north London giants attempted to secure another important piece of their puzzle.

Technical director Edu told Arsenal’s official website of snapping up Partey: “One day I would like to show the fans how we work, or how we worked because if you saw my plan six or seven months ago when I did it with Mikel, Thomas was there already.

“So you see how many months we had to try to find the right player for the club. 

“So many things to do, so many meetings, we had to see how we were going to buy the player, if we had the financial situation to buy the player, the legal process, the financial process, talk to the player, talk to the agent, so there are a lot of things around this but in the end we did it!”

Partey was the final signing of a productive window for Arsenal, with Edu encouraged by all of the additions made to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

He added: “If you see Willian, he brings us experience and a very special physicality in terms of speed. If you see Gabriel [Magalhaes], he gives us a lot of physicality and presence. Dani [Ceballos], quality. Thomas, physicality, quality and mentally he is very strong.

“But in the end if you see all these players we brought to the club, they are very good here (points to legs), but they are better here (points to head) which for me is very important because when you talk to the players, they have a lot of ambition, they are excited and they are hungry to win a title again. This, for me, is important to have in the players to not only be good here (points to legs), but good here (points to head). And they are.”

As well as bringing in fresh faces, Arsenal were also able to tie up important deals with key assets already on their books.

Edu said of agreeing fresh terms with Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and talismanic club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: “This is another good point I want to mention because normally people are talking about signing players but for me and Mikel, we dedicate our time to what we have at home.

“So we have to renew players, we have to give our respect to the players we have here, so let's do it as soon as possible.

“If you see, Martinelli was the first one we did even before the window, Bukayo was during the window and Auba was in the window as well. Those three, in my plan, was to try to get them done before the window even opened but of course there are negotiations, there are talks, there are meetings but we did it and it's an important point as well.”

A Kolkata Metro railway station adjoining the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata has been rebranded as Indian Football Association Salt Lake Stadium station on Thursday. 

The Indian Football Association (IFA), which is the governing body of football in West Bengal, was handed the naming and branding rights of the station by the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC).

After the unveiling of the new station, IFA general secretary Joydeep Mukherjee said, “IFA is always thinking about new ways of promoting its brand. IFA has a huge legacy and it has a big brand that we need to carry forward and we feel that this is a very nice way of highlighting the brand."

Mukherjee also mentioned that the association will have a kiosk inside the station to promote the brand of IFA.

“This is a result of many months of planning, follow ups, discussions and meetings. IFA will also have a kiosk inside the metro station.

“We would like to thank KMRC for extending their full support towards West Bengal football.”

Other than the IFA secretary, IFA president Ajit Banerjee, chairman Subrata Dutta and former footballers like Krishnendu Roy, Manas Bhattacharya, Prasanta Banerjee and current West Bengal state football team’s head coach Ranjan Bhattacharya were present at the ceremony.

Interestingly, IFA becomes the first state football association in the country as well as in the world to have a metro station named after them. In England, Arsenal FC have a station named after the club in Highbury, North London.

This yet another feather in IFA secretary Joydeep Mukherjee’s cap. During Mukherjee’s stint as secretary, IFA topped the rankings of All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) ‘Performance Assessment’ for 2019-20 season. 

They roped in outdoor advertising firm Accord Sports VDK as their new commercial partner and are now an indelible part of the Kolkata Metro network. 

Xherdan Shaqiri posted a false positive when initially being diagnosed with coronavirus, with the Swiss FA revealing that the Liverpool midfielder has passed the latest round of testing and is clear to link up with his international team-mates.

The 28-year-old was initially ruled out of Switzerland’s latest round of UEFA Nations League fixtures after testing positive for Covid-19.

He became the third Liverpool player to be ruled out of action on such medical grounds, with Thiago Alcantara and Sadio Mane having already contracted the virus.

Shaqiri has, however, now been passed fit and ready for duty with club and country.

The Swiss FA said in a statement on its official website: “The Swiss Football Association received this morning the written results of the national team A Covid-19 tests carried out yesterday on all players and staff. Only Manuel Akanji tested positive.

“All other tests are negative, including that of Xherdan Shaqiri. There is therefore currently only one positive case for the coronavirus in the national team.

“Manuel Akanji is in isolation and still has no symptoms. Other medical examinations are underway. All other national team players and staff will fly to Spain this afternoon, where the UEFA Nations League game against the Group A leaders takes place on Saturday.

“Following Xherdan Shaqiri's negative Covid-19 test, the UEFA health committee must now decide on his eligibility to play on Saturday. At this stage, it is impossible to know when the decision will be taken. Shaqiri flies to Spain as planned.”

Shaqiri had been taking in a period of self-isolation, but can now focus on football matters once more.

Switzerland are his priority for now, but he will return to Anfield and rejoin Jurgen Klopp’s ranks once international duty is over.

That is because no deal was done during the summer transfer window, leaving the ex-Bayern Munich star to remain part of the Reds’ Premier League plans and form part of their Champions League squad.

Explaining his decision to stay put, Shaqiri has told Thuner Tagblatt: “The media write a lot, but in the end I’m with Liverpool.

“I have a long-term contract, and I really feel good. I have decided to stay with Liverpool. In football, there is always speculation.

“I think the national team comes at a good time to be able to play again and then attack again when I go back to Liverpool.”

Cesar Azpilicueta has sought to ease any communication concerns surrounding Thiago Silva at Chelsea, with the Blues skipper among those helping to break down language barriers.

One of several summer recruits at Stamford Bridge has arrived in west London with little English of which to speak.

That was considered to be an issue when the Brazilian saw his Premier League debut marred by a costly error in a disappointing display from Frank Lampard’s side at West Brom.

He has since responded to that showing by catching the eye in a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace, with each passing performance helping him to feel a little more settled in new surroundings.

Azpilicueta is among those looking to make that process as seamless as possible, with the Spanish full-back having no concerns when it comes to Chelsea’s defensive line getting their message across.

He told the Blues’ official website: “Yes it’s true, we were communicating in French.

“I speak French, as does Thiago, and obviously Kurt [Zouma] does as well. It was a good way for us to talk at the back. Edu [Mendy] in goal speaks French too, so it was the best way for us.

“We try to help out as much as possible with the players that don’t speak English at the moment and it is no problem for us. Thiago also speaks the same language as Jorginho, so he can communicate with him too.

“I think language is secondary though. Football is a universal game and for people like Thiago, he’s been around the game for a long time and can lead others even without speaking the language so well.

“We want to make the adaptation as easy as possible for the new players and if we have to speak French in defence until the guys understand English, then that is fine.”

While looking to help out others, Azpilicueta faces challenges of his own.

The long-serving 31-year-old now faces competition for a right-back berth from academy graduate Reece James, with a talented 20-year-old showing that he can be the present and future for the Blues.

“The competition with Reece is very strong,” said Azpilicueta.

“As I have said before, this is Chelsea and you have to fight for your place in the team along with many other good players. This has been the same since I arrived here in 2012.

“Reece is a fantastic boy, he’s a huge talent and he has lots of quality. I’m happy to try to help him and the team wherever I can.

“It’s a huge challenge every day to work hard, prove yourself and fight for your place in the team. I want to play as much as possible, that is my target, but of course I want to help the team first and foremost.

“Of course, every player wants to play every single game but we have to respect the decision of the manager and just know that everyone in the squad will have their chance through the season. I didn’t start the first few Premier League games, but I came on against West Brom and then played against Crystal Palace.

“When you get your chance, you have to take it and make it difficult for the manager to leave you out. I think having that strong competition that we have here is key and is what is needed for the club to improve and develop.”

Bafana Bafana head coach Molefi Ntseki has announced his starting line-up for the match against Namibia. 

The match is taking place at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg and it is one of two matches Bafana will play during this international break. 

Ntseki handed debuts to three players he called up to the squad in Siyethemba Sithebe, Thibang Phethe and Thabo Nodada. 

At the back, Ntseki opted to start with Ronwen Williams ahead of Ricardo Goss. 

The SuperSport United goalkeeper has also been handed the captain's armband in the absence of Thulani Hlatshwayo who was not considered for selection this afternoon alongside Darren Keet, Themba Zwane and Andile Jali. 

Also not included in the matchday squad is Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Lebogang Manyama who is nursing a lower back strain, the association confirmed. 

Now, Ntseki has opted to change his usual defence altogether with Phete and Mosa Lebusa playing as centre-back partners while Reeve Frosler and Innocent Maela complete the back four on the right and left-hand side respectively. 

Newly-signed Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Mothobi Mvala has cracked the nod and he starts alongside Sithebe and Nodada in the middle of the park.

France-based winger Keagan Dolly has been deployed on the left-hand side of the midfield to provide support to lone striker Kermit Erasmus. 

Luther Singh has also been given an opportunity to show the country what he can offer Bafana Bafana after being overlooked many times in the past. 

Ntseki's bench is as strong as the starting line-up with the likes of S'fiso Hlanti, Teboho Mokoena, Lyle Foster and Percy Tau available to come on. 

The exclusion of Tau and Foster isn't surprising at all because the duo only arrived in the country on Tuesday morning.  

They have had three training sessions with their teammates but Tau is expected to get a run to add to his international caps for Bafana Bafana.  

Bafana Bafana starting XI: Ronwen Williams(GK/C), Reeve Frosler, Innocent Maela, Thibang Phete, Mosa Lebusa, Mothobi Mvala, Siyethemba Sithebe, Thabo Nodada, Keagan Dolly, Luther Singh, Kermit Erasmus. 

Substitutes: Ricardo Goss (GK), S’fiso Hlanti, Motjeka Madisha, Abubaker Mobara, Teboho Mokoena, Gladwin Shitolo, Thabiso Kutumela, Lyle Foster, Percy Tau.

Houssem Aouar will be “next on the radar for Mikel Arteta and Edu”, says former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, with the Lyon playmaker told he is still very much wanted at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners were heavily linked with the 22-year-old playmaker during the summer transfer window although he ultimately ended up staying with the Lingue 1 club.

Certain positions were strengthened during the summer, with Gabriel Magalhaes coming in to bolster the back line while Willian adds more creativity on the flanks.

Thomas Partey was also snapped up from Atletico Madrid in a £45 million ($58m) deal, with the Ghana international signing late on on deadline day.

Arsenal did miss out on Aouar, though, with the France international still on the books at Lyon.

That means interest can be rekindled in future windows, with Campbell expecting the Gunners to rejoin the clamour for one of European football’s hottest prospects.

He told The Highbury Squad channel on YouTube when asked to send a transfer message: “Who is next? Houssem Aouar, we missed you. We didn’t get you this time!

“Whether we can get you in January, I’m not sure. But I’m sure you’re next on the radar for Mikel Arteta and Edu.

“Somebody like yourself to add to the quality of that midfield, attacking, creative side.

“You hopefully will be a Gunner at some stage in the future.”

Another former Arsenal striker, Alan Smith, is also hoping that an agreement for Aouar can be reached at some stage further down the line.

He told Sky Sports on missing out on the midfielder’s signature over the summer: “‘They have been linked with Aouar from Lyon for a while.

“He’s that creative player like Mesut Ozil was for a long time and Santi Cazorla was for a long time.

“When you have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette up front, you need good service.

“A creative player is what they are missing. They have solid midfielders but lack a player with that vision.”

Ambitious Arsenal will be back in Premier League action on October 17 when they take in a trip to Manchester City

Liverpool have added to their goalkeeping crop by bringing in Marcelo Pitaluga, an Under-17 World Cup winner with Brazil who worked with Alisson’s brother Muriel at Fluminense in 2019-20.

Goal learned back in September that a deal for the highly-rated 17-year-old was on the cards.

An agreement thought to be worth up to £2 million ($2.6m) has now been pushed through, allowing Pitaluga to join the ranks at Anfield, where he will work with the first team and represent academy sides.

The South American starlet will be hoping to one day follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Alisson by becoming the Reds’ number one, having already made the bench at senior level with Fluminense and tasted global glory at youth level with his country.

John Achterberg, Liverpool’s head of goalkeeping, told the club’s official website of Pitaluga’s capture: “I saw him for the first time in the World Cup squad. You’re checking all the goalies and looking at the ages.

“You see that he was in the World Cup squad one year younger than the rest of the squad, then you think that’s worth a look because normally you have two goalkeepers of the same age, but if you have someone who is a year younger you think he may have some good attributes.

“He was at Fluminense; we got some games to look at, all the other goalie coaches also look at it – Jack [Robinson] and the academy coaches Mark [Morris] and Taff [Neil Edwards]. And, of course, I speak to the gaffer and the rest of the coaching department here.

“In Fluminense we had Allan [on loan], so I spoke to Julian [Ward, loan pathways and football partnerships manager] if he saw a little bit of him in training there. He saw him too and was also positive.

“I asked Ali to speak to his brother to see how it goes and how he is doing. Ali spoke to his brother and Ali went training there. We saw a little bit from the training and the games he was playing for the reserves in Brazil.

“He was already 16 playing in the reserve team there so you also think they trust him to play already in the reserves at 16.”

Achterberg added: “Now he is here, we have to improve [him]. He is still young, there is no pressure because there is still a long road and we don’t want to create any pressure for him because there is still work to do.

“First of all, you need to let him settle down, find his way. He needs to learn the speed, the kind of game in England is different than in Brazil, it’s a lot faster and there’s more aggression in it. All that stuff you have to calculate as well to work on a little bit.”

South Africa and Namibia will renew their rivalry in Thursday's international friendly at Rustenburg's Royal Bafokeng Stadium. 

The two nations were in the same group at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final in Egypt, and it was Bafana Bafana who secured a win over their neighbours in one of their three group stage matches. 

But what are the numbers saying? Who has the upper hand going into this encounter in the North West province? 

Bafana Bafana have better head-to-head stats compared to Namibia with seven wins, one draw and just two defeats against their neighbours. 

The first match between South Africa and Namibia took place in 1998. This was the Cosafa Cup tournament and Namibia beat Bafana 3-2. 

Benni McCarthy was already part of this Bafana era. 

South Africa came back stronger in the second time they met Namibia at the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations, hammering their opponents 4-1 thanks to McCarthy's impressive display on the day. 

Another Cosafa Cup matchup came at the 1999 edition and after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, Namibia would then edged out Bafana on penalties. 

And this proved to be their last win over Bafana Bafana who then went on a total dominance over Namibia.

In August 2006, the two countries locked horns in an international friendly and it was South Africa who walked away 1-0 winners over Namibia. 

That was followed by another 1-0 for Bafana in the Cosafa Cup tournament in 2008. 

Namibia managed to hold Bafana Bafana to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly three months before the start of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. 

In 2013, Bafana recorded a 2-1 win over Namibia in the Cosafa Cup tournament. The two sides would meet twice again in the regional tournament in 2017 and 2018. 

And Bafana won both matches 1-0 and 4-1 respectively. 

At last year's finals, South Africa registered a narrow 1-0 win over the Namibians to stand a chance to making it past the group stages. 

The win was important because Bafana Bafana went on to beat Egypt along the road before being stopped by Nigeria in the quarter-finals. 

Mauricio Pochettino has likened Rangers' Steven Davis to Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, praising the midfielder as he prepares to become Northern Ireland's most-capped player in history.

Davis will don the captain's armband for his country on Thursday as they travel to Sarajevo to face Bosnia and Herzegovina for a European Championship play-off, during which he will surpass countryman Pat Jennings in the appearance charts with 120 caps.

Now 35 years old and entering the latter years of his career, Davis' old Southampton boss has likened him to two of football's most heralded midfielders of all time.

“The talent of him I compare to football people like Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta,” Pochettino said of the three-time Scottish Premier League winner in an interview with Sky Sports. 

“You put him in the same level as this type of player because of this capacity to play football, be a playmaker, the intelligence to read the game, his capacity to run. I think to compare Christian Eriksen to this type of player too, they make your team better.

“I remember how the people love 'Davo'. We were in Catalonia doing pre-season, we were doing a session in the afternoon in the room with a coach doing different things. He needed to go to the toilet.

“The moment he arrived back we were all very serious, then all the players and staff started to run towards him and start to celebrate. It was an unbelievable experience because it showed how the players loved him.

“I think how humble he is, that it is the most you can appreciate in a professional. He is a simple guy, a family guy, a good friend and we feel very proud and lucky to have spent time with him. He is a big player and a big person.”

Club boss Steven Gerrard was similarly glowing in his appraisal of his player, adding that he never enjoyed playing against him when Davis faced Liverpool.

“He's special,” the ex-Reds skipper said. “He's a student of the game, you can see how he takes on information. Managers trust him and he's born with a special talent. 

“I didn't really have good memories with him because he was always a pest to play against, he was a very fit individual who would never go away no matter what the scoreline was.”

Grace Asantewaa, Jade Boho, Ida Guehai and Rebecca Elloh were in action as their side progressed to the Spanish Copa de la Reina final following Wednesday's 3-2 penalty win over Athletic Club.

The Spanish Primera Iberdrola teams had played out a barren draw in regulation time before Logrono won the ensuing penalty kicks at Estadio Nuevo Municipal Las Gaunas.

Equatorial Guinea's Boho and Cote d'Ivoire's Guehai joined Logrono in 2018 and Ghana's Asantewaa arrived at the club in 2019, while Cote d'Ivoire's Elloh teamed up with the side this summer.

To reach the semi-final, Gerardo Leon's team earlier defeated Espanyol 2-0 before they edged Real Betis in the quarter-final and aimed to book a place in the final for the first time against Athletic.

Following their exploits in a 2-1 defeat to Levante, Guehai and Asantewaa were handed a starting role, while Boho and Elloh featured as second-half substitutes in the semi-final match.

Logrono made a bright start to the match as Asantewaa looked to have opened the scoring for the hosts but her effort was ruled out for offside in the third minute.

As expected, both teams continued on a cautious note, though Logrono had the upper hand in terms of ball possession as Olga Garcia came close in the 20th minute before half time.

Athletic resumed the contest on a high as they showed some level of urgency at the start of the second half when Erika Vazquez and Lucia Garcia almost broke the deadlock for the visitors.

Ángel Villacampa's team maintained their dominance in the final stages as their best chance saw Vazquez hit the woodwork 10 minutes from time but the encounter went into extra time.

The persistence of coach Villacampe's side continued as Valdezate and Moraza threatened the defence of Logrono but the hosts held on to force the contest into a penalty shootout.

From there, both teams went into a penalty shoot-out, which saw Logrono triumph with a 4-3 win thanks to Boho's effort.

Asantewaa was in action for 60 minutes before she was replaced by Boho, while Guehai featured for 101 minutes before she gave way for her compatriot Elloh. 

 African summer signings South Africa's Nothando Vilakazi and Kenya's Cynthia Musongo were undressed for the encounter despite making their debut in Logrono's league opener with Levante

Having reached the final, Logrono will face the winner of Thursday's second semi-final between Barcelona and Sevilla.

Mamelodi Sundowns have announced midfielder Sammy Seabi will spend the 2020-21 PSL season on loan at Swallows FC. 

The news of Seabi moving to the Dube Birds surfaced earlier this week but no official comment was made by either clubs.

Sundowns took to their social media platforms to confirm Seabi's season-long loan deal with the Dobsonville-based outfit on Thursday morning. 

The 25-year-old was signed from Polokwane City at the start of the season and he was converted into a defender by Pitso Mosimane as competition for places in midfield became tougher. 

Players such as Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda, Rivaldo Coetzee made it difficult for Mosimane to accommodate Seabi but he had to make a plan to give him some minutes.

And in his new role as a defender, the lanky player managed just five appearances across all competitions. 

Seabi can now look forward to returning to his natural midfield position at Swallows who are assembling a squad of experienced players for their return to topflight football. 

The former Rise and Shine man becomes a second player to be loaned out by the Tshwane giants this week after Aubrey Ngoma who rejoined Cape Town City until the end of the season. 

Their departures from the Brazilians come on the back of more 10 new signings brought ahead of the upcoming campaign, and chances of the duo cementing their places in the starting line-up became non-existent. 

The acquisition of Mothibi Mvala from Highlands Park forced both Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena to sacrifice Seabi who's real potential hasn't been seen since his arrival to Chloorkop. 

Ngoma, on the other hand, had to make way for Aubrey Modiba who joined the club from SuperSport United. 

Both Seabi and Ngoma will hope things turn out differently for them at their respective clubs so that Sundowns can take them back when their loan deals expire. 

The duo still has running contracts with the Brazilians until the end of June 2023. 

Arsenal have been told that Thomas Partey is “just what they needed”, with former Ghana coach Avram Grant backing a midfielder he knows well to thrive in English football.

The Gunners left it late before pushing through a £45 million ($58m) deal for a player that has long been linked with a switch to Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta finally got his man with the summer deadline approaching, with the decision taken to activate the release clause in a 27-year-old’s contract at Atletico Madrid.

Many had been calling on Arsenal to make such a move, with the north London giants crying out for another dominant presence in their engine room.

Partey is already being billed as the man to follow in the footsteps of iconic figures such as Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva, with similar qualities being added to the Gunners fold.

Grant believes value will be found in a big-money deal, with the former Chelsea and West Ham boss tipping a star turn that he worked with at international level to shine in the Premier League.

“From the first time I watched him, I saw a player who was very strong and good on the ball, who understands the game very well,” Grant told The Sun.

“Even when he was relatively young and inexperienced, he knew what he needed to do in terms of possession and position, how to get in the right place at the right time.

“But he’s also a very good boy, on and off the pitch, with a great character. He wants to do his job and he is very consistent.

“Thomas doesn’t tend to have good days and bad days because you know every match what you will get from him, which is his best for the team.”

The Israeli added: “He likes to be with other people but is a polite boy, quiet most of the time but prepared to say what he thinks when it needs to be said, not shouting but making his point.

“It is good for any manager to have a player like that in his dressing room.

“I’d ask the Arsenal fans to give him a few weeks just to get used to English football, because it is still played differently in the Premier League to anywhere else, even if there are more foreign players now.

"But he will prove a good signing, perfect for what Mikel Arteta is trying to do.

“When you need him to hold the ball up, he can do that and he is a great fit for what Arteta is trying to make his team.

“If you ask him to play wide, he can but it’s not his position.

“He is a central midfielder, who will win the ball and play the right pass forward and can see the pitch, tactically disciplined as well and committed to his team.

“And he will make a big difference to Arsenal, just like he did at Atletico. He is a really good signing, just what they needed.”

Arsenal, with Partey now in contention for a Premier League debut, will return to action after the international break with a testing trip to Manchester City on October 17.

Seven for the number seven!

The 2020 Malaysia Super League success marked the seventh league title that Aidil Zafuan has helped Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) win while adorning his favourite number ‘7’ on the back of his shirt. Overall the centre back has eight league titles in his career having won one with Negeri Sembilan back in 2006.

It’s an achievement that makes him the most decorated player in the Super League era without any equal. No one else has won as many titles as him and at 33 years of age, his ability to remain at the top while maintaining a high-level of performance showcases his remarkable longevity in the game.

But even for someone with 16 years of top flight football under his belt, the 2020 season still represented something new for Aidil. The outbreak of Covid-19 has led to a five-month break in the schedule as players readjusted to having a second pre-season in a very odd year of football.

“It’s an achievement that I’m very proud of and something that’s very important in my career as a footballer. I’ve given my all to JDT since 2013 until now. It’s satisfying to be able to give the club something every year, which is also a target for me - whether that’s the league or cups,” Aidil told Goal.

“Personally, this season is very sweet because 2020 is a year we’ve faced a lot of challenges with the Covid-19 impacting the league for a few months. We couldn’t train and at the end, we were left with just seven remaining matches to play.

“But because the season was shortened, we knew we had to double up our focus. Every game we cannot afford to drop points. It has been a difficult season despite lesser games to play, those were not easy games at all. But this is the 7th league title for JDT and all in my jersey number 7!

Over the years, JDT have recruited their fair share of young potential centre back but Aidil remains the preferred choice at the back alongside Marcos Antonio previously and Mauricio dos Santos Nascimento in the current set-up. All but one (2014) of the seven titles were won with Aidil and JDT being the best defensive unit in the competition.

Of the players club owner HRH Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim signed back in 2013 after taking over and rebranding the club, Aidil is the only one from the original batch that remains in the current team. An amazing span of eight years at the club where he practically saw first-hand the massive transformation that the club went through.

JDT has grown tremendously over the years and in capturing the league title season after season, they have only met the expectations laid on them. The pressure to keep winning is enormous and that is something which Aidil has learned to cope with including in this latest season.

“I’m someone who believes that everything happens for a reason. When things happen that make us not able to compete and having to stop for a few months, the positive was that we were able to have a proper rest. It allowed my body to rest and I used that time in a very positive manner with my family.

“To tell you the truth, having that proper break and returning it was like being reborn and going into football for the very first time. That was how refreshing it felt for me and it made me all raring to go again.

“Pressure is always there no matter if it was 22 games or 14 games or 7. But it’s not something that I constantly keep in my mind because that can have a very negative effect on me and the team. Pressure is good but not too much. What was important for us to focus on ourselves instead of seeing which team is closing in on us. 

“We took every game individually and the target is never to come away with nothing. If we are playing away then the minimum is to come away with a point. We are unbeaten through to winning the league and as you can see, it’s our strength and something which we must keep every season.”

But the season is not over yet for Aidil and JDT. There’s still the AFC Champions League (ACL) in November as well as the Malaysia Cup that will start later this month where JDT still have a chance for progression in the former and are the reigning champions of the latter.

Therefore it was important for the team to gain some measure of form and momentum in this stop-start season where tougher challenges in the shape of Vissel Kobe, Guangzhou Evergrande and Suwon Bluewings awaits in the remainder of the ACL group matches which JDT are slated to host.

Having already won so much on the domestic scene, Aidil and JDT must start to expand that domination into the Asian scale despite them very much being in the infancy stage of their involvement with the most elite club cup competition in Asia as this is only their second season in the group stage.

Yet progression needs to be seen on that stage because that is where the club aspires to be and where Aidil himself wants to make a good impression in whatever remaining years that are left in his career. One more big mountain for Aidil to help JDT conquer.

“We wanted the win and the right momentum to take into the ACL. Had we not been able to resume the domestic league and straight jump into the ACL, I’m sure we will be in a worse shape because we won’t be able to find our rhythm. 

“It’s good that we managed to achieve a good success in winning the Super League and that will give us a lot of boost going into the ACL,” explained Aidil.

Former Sofapaka and Western Stima forward Ronald Okoth has termed the absence of key foreign-based players as a blessing to the local ones.

Kenya will host Zambia on Friday for a friendly tie without Michael Olunga, Victor Wanyama, Arnold Origi, Johanna Omollo and Ayub Timbe but the retired striker said the available players – especially those drawn from the Kenyan Premier League – must see the absence as an opportunity to impress.

“The unavailability of the foreign-based players is an advantage to the local ones because this is their great opportunity to show their worth and what they can offer,” Okoth told Goal.

“If the professionals would have come, definitely they would not have been called up.”

However, Clark Oduor, Cliff Nyakeya, Masoud Juma, Joash Onyango, Ian Otieno, Timothy Otieno, Anthony Akumu, and Francis Kahata are players from outside the country available for Kimanzi.

The 2013 KPL winner also explained the importance of giving an opportunity to the players who grace the local leagues. Since when he was appointed, head coach Francis Kimanzi has worked with Samuel Olwande of Mathare United, Johnstone Omurwa of Wazito, Gor Mahia’s Lawrence Juma and Kenneth Muguna consistently.

“It shows that the players will always perform if they are shown trust by the coach,” Okoth explained.

“It is the best source of encouragement for the local lads and I should also laud Kimanzi for building his team with local players something that we have not seen for long.”

Okoth pointed out the strength Chipolopolo will enjoy during the Friday clash but added the Kenyan players must fight and prove their worth regardless of records.

“I think on paper Zambia have an upper hand especially if you consider how active they have been in the previous months,” the former Mathare United star said.

“But I know our boys are also looking forward to this game knowing that it is an important encounter irrespective of what history states.

“Expectations are very high on the boys and they surely know what it takes to play for the national team. I am sure they know it is a rare opportunity and you have to make maximum use in order to stamp authority on the national side.

“As much as Zambia have the upper hand, I know we can fight but let us wait and see what we can get after 90 minutes.”

Harambee Stars were allowed to start training by the government three days before the Nyayo Stadium Zambia meeting and Okoth feels the same should be extended to the leagues.

“Hopefully, the government action will set the pace for the leagues' resumption,” he concluded.

“It is a great gesture from the government to allow Harambee Stars to train although it can be seen as too little too late and we would like to see our own leagues resume.”

Kenya will play Zambia behind closed doors.

Kenya left-back Clarke Oduor has arrived in the country ahead of the Zambia friendly scheduled for Friday at Nyayo Stadium.

The 21-year-old joins the Francis Kimanzi charges hoping to be involved and hold a permanent role at Harambee Stars. The defender has promised to give his best and ensure the hosts get a positive outcome against the Chipolopolo.

"I am very happy to be here and also happy to have the chance to play for Kenya," Oduor told Goal after his arrival in the Stars camp. 

"It is an exciting journey that I want to take with both hands and I hope it is just the beginning and I will be able to impress.  

"I always longed to play for the national team and my ultimate goal is to make sure I cement my place in the team.  

"My dream now is to help the team do well against Zambia and even in subsequent matches, I want to be a regular and I want my coming here to be regular for many seasons to come."  

With the absence of Erick Ouma who is still recovering from an injury and Aboud Omar who was not called up, Kimanzi might be tempted to start Oduor on Friday.

Harambee Stars' record against the Cosafa nation is poor as only six wins and seven draws have been registered from their previous 37 matches.  

Kenya is using the friendly to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) doubleheader against Comoros in November.

Final Squad 

Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), and Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya).

Defenders: Brian Mandela (Unattached), Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito, Kenya), Joash Onyango (Simba, Tanzania), Joseph Okumu (Elfsborg, Sweden), Clarke Oduor (Barnsley, England), David Owino (Mathare United, Kenya), Philemon Otieno (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Badi Baraka (KCB, Kenya).

Midfielders: Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Francis Kahata (Simba, Tanzania), Eric Johanna (Jonkoping’s Sodra IF, Sweden), Cliff Nyakeya (Masr FC, Egypt), Antony Akumu (Kaiser Chief, South Africa), Hassan Abdallah (Bandari FC, Kenya), Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Katana Mohamed (Isloch, Belarus), Austin Otieno (AFC Leopards, Kenya).

Forwards: Elvis Rupia (AFC Leopards, Kenya), Masud Juma (JS Kabylie, Algeria), Timothy Otieno (NAPSA Stars, Zambia), Oscar Wamalwa (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya).

Everton are one of the Premier League’s most historic clubs and, under Carlo Ancelotti, they are hoping to challenge for trophies and titles once again.

The 2019-20 season saw Merseyside rivals Liverpool lift their 19th English crown, their first of the Premier League era. But have Everton ever won the title?

Goal takes a look at the trophies the Toffees have won in the past, as the long wait for silverware at Goodison Park continues.

Have Everton ever won the Premier League?

Everton have won the English title nine times, but never in the Premier League era.

Their last league triumph came in the 1986-87 season, under Howard Kendall. The Toffees finished nine points clear of second-placed Liverpool in a good season for Merseyside.

Everton had also won the old First Division two years previously, in 1984-85. Again, Liverpool finished second behind Kendall’s team.

In 2016, Everton honoured the late Kendall by naming the Gwladys Street End of Goodison Park after him.

Everton were the second club to win the English title when they won the Football League in 1890-91, its third-ever season. Preston North End had won the first two.

They have since won the title in 1914-15, 1927-28, 1931-31, 1938-39, 1962-63 and 1969-70, before the two triumphs under Kendall.

When did Everton last win a trophy?

Everton last won a major trophy in 1994-95, when they lifted the FA Cup.

Paul Rideout scored the only goal of the game as Joe Royle’s side beat Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley. The Toffees followed up their victory by beating Premier League champions Blackburn 1-0 to win the Charity Shield three months later.

They have won the FA Cup five times, in 1906, 1933, 1966, 1984 and 1995, and what is now known as the Community Shield on nine occasions – including in 1986, when the trophy was shared with Liverpool after a 1-1 draw.

Everton have never won the League Cup, coming closest when they lost in the final in 1977 and 1984.

They have only ever won one European trophy, the 1984-85 European Cup Winners’ Cup. They beat Bayern Munich on their way to the final, where they beat Rapid Vienna 3-1.

Full list of Everton trophies & titles

*Trophy shared with Liverpool