Former Liverpool favourite Dirk Kuyt has backed Dejan Lovren to have a strong season with Jurgen Klopp’s side. The Croatia international has often been highlighted as the weakness in the Reds defence but Kuyt believes the centre-back can things around after enjoying a great summer with Croatia.
AlirezaJahanbakhsh will be the man to carry the hopes of Iran at the World Cup in Russia. The forward is in superb form and would be expected to deliver the necessary goals to push the Middle-Eastern side to their first ever Last 16 round in the World Cup stage.
Feyenoord fans gathered at a fountain in the centre of Rotterdam immediately after the victory to celebrate the club’s Dutch title win.
However, the 36-year-old captain’s prediction came true on Sunday as his hat-trick saw the hosts beat Heracles Almelo 3-1 to secure the Eredivisie and on Monday, the former Liverpool forward led the parade as thousands of fans rejoiced in Rotterdam.
“This is the best moment of my career,” said Kuyt.
He added that the title topped his appearances for Liverpool in the 2007 Champions League final and the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final.
“I knew when I came back two years ago that we could win the championship and everyone laughed at me when I said so,” said Kuyt.
Kuyt who is now retired, originally started his career as a striker, played much of his career as a winger, and has also been deployed as a wingback on few occasions. (more…)
There has been so much noise about the likelihood that Arsenal playmaker MesutOzil would exit the side this summer.
Arsenal pays the former Real Madrid star £140,000 per week. That contract is in its final year before the player would have to commit to another club or accept the Gunners’ offer. This scenario is a regular one for the North London outfit.
Former stars Samir Nasriand Robin van Persie were also in this same situation few years back. Both players were highly sought after in the transfer market and their deals were in its final 12 months. Clubs were falling over themselves for the players and with Arsenal not keen on losing out on both sides; the club had to sell them in 2011 and 2012 to Manchester City and Manchester United respectively. (more…)
Although left back Nacho opened the scoring while Toni Kroos sealed off the victory, Cristiano’s two goals sandwiched between that of his team mates did go a long way in keeping Los Blancos confident throughout Sunday evening as they trashed Sevilla 4-1 , edging them closer to the league title.
Given the criticism of how he hardly shows up for big matches, the Portuguese national side captain have of recent done what he does best – what he’s been doing since breaking out as a youngster at Sporting Lisbon – proving doubters wrong. (more…)
Liverpool are set to play Man City on Sunday at the Etihad.
Guardiola would likely play veterans Yaya Toure and Nicolas Otamendi – both stars who missed the Monaco clash – against the Reds. Liverpool might give a few minutes to Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian missed the game against Burnley last week. He is likely to play the lead strike role. Liverpool would welcome defenderback to the fold after missing games since January.
Guardiola would be the cynosure of all eyes as he begins a tough run of games. City would play Liverpool first before games against Arsenal and Chelsea. This is aside the important – hopes of winning something this term – game against Arsenal in the FA Cup. The Spaniard managed similar tough run of games whilst in the La Liga and with Bayern Munich, so he has the capacity.
City would have to shake off the disappointing result against Monaco in the Champions League. The game against Liverpool is important for confidence as they prosecute the rest of the matches. (more…)