Neymar Is Approximately To Join FC Barcelona a' Claims Dani Alves - The Difficult Handle

Neymar could very well be the hottest young talent in Brazil at the time and certainly one of the most grouped after person on the planet. It appears on a matter of time ahead of the Brazilian makes a proceed to European football. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, PSG and Manchester City have all been linked with the Brazilian international and studies suggest that the 21-year-old will ultimately leave Santos come early july. Recently his father believed that the forward is about to become listed on Barcelona and that his daughter wouldnat consider any alternatives. The Brazilian membership were supposedly looking to extend Neymaras stay for one more time, but appeared have already been left with little or no choice but to let him. It's considered that Santos has recently obtained bids from Chelsea and a brand new suitor in Bayern Munich, along with Real Madridas enquiry few days back. Spanish media has reported during the last exchange screen that Barcelona have already reached an with Santos and have actually made a short payment, but these reports were denied by both the membership and the person. But now Barcelona opponent Dani Alves has said that Neymar is on his solution to Camp Nou. The Brazilian fullback has revealed that Neymar currently has a to join Barcelona in anear futurea and he has advised the forward to join the club with any more delay, so that he may improve his game prior to the 2014 world cup. aHe knows what's happening and the deal that he has which is to come calmly to the team in the forseeable future. I would come as possible as soon as it would allow him to enhance the tactical side of his game ahead of the (2014) World Cup If I were him. Besides that he'd be coming to a membership that would match the features he's as a a' The Barcelona defender was quoted in press. Neymaras idol, Pele, has also advised the wonder-boy to select Barcelona has his next team in days gone by, however the Brazilian tale also insisted that the kid shouldnat move to Europe in a rush. Barcelona already boast of having some of the finest players in the world inside their line-up, including a particular Lionel Messi. Today with Neymar on his way to the Catalan membership, defenders across Europe will have sleepless nights consider carnage that Messi and Neymar may cause together on a soccer pitch, while considering Neymaras recent performances in Europe with his national side, it's fair to state that the Brazilian is definately not being a product, or he'll run the risk of getting the next Robinho, instead of being the next Pele.

Jerome Boger To Lead The Official Crew Sunday At Super Bowl XLVII

Referee Jerome Boger will lead the seven-man crew of game officials selected to work Super Bowl XLVII this Sunday between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the NFL announced Wednesday.

The other members of the Super Bowl XLVII officiating crew are Darrell Jenkins (umpire), Steve Stelljes (head linesman), Byron Boston (line judge), Craig Wrolstad (field judge), Joe Larrew (side judge) and Dino Paganelli (back judge). The Super Bowl XLVII officiating crew collectively has 77 years of NFL officiating experience and 50 combined playoff game assignments.

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Penn State Football: 5 Recruits the Nittany Lions Need to Target for 2014

As Penn State prepares to bring in a talented recruiting class highlighted by quarterback Christian Hackenberg, the future of the program continues to get brighter.

Along with Hackenberg, other top recruits such as tight end Adam Breneman and quarterback Tyler Ferguson will be looking to make impacts early on in their college careers.

For the Lions to continue this rebuilding process after being hampered with NCAA sanctions, coach Bill O'Brien will need to bring in another solid recruiting class in 2014.

With national signing day only two days away, O'Brien will need to start working on the next recruiting class beginning next week.

Out of Bethel Park Senior High School in Pennsylvania, Mike Grimm is a prime example of in-state talent that O'Brien can't let slip through his fingers.

Standing at 6'6" and weighing in at over 300 pounds, Grimm is a massive offensive lineman who can help a line that will lose more than one starter after the 2013 season.

With Donovan Smith set at tackle and incoming freshman Brendan Mahon likely to contribute in his freshman season, Grimm can be a solid addition to a large front seven at Penn State.

It will be imperative that O'Brien builds a strong line to block for the young Hackenberg, and Grimm would fit into that mold.

From Gateway High School in Monroeville, Pa., Nicholson is a 6'2" safety who plays both wide receiver and safety for his high school team.

Nicholson is one of the top defensive backs in the 2014 class, and if O'Brien can get the safety to commit to Penn State, it would be a major addition.

O'Brien will need to replace both of these experienced safeties, meaning Nicholson will have a chance to play as a true freshman.

O'Brien was forced to use fullbacks Michael Zordich and Zach Zwinak as running backs while Bill Belton and Derek Day were injured.

Although the 2013 season has a strong contingent of Zwinak, Belton and Akeel Lynch in top spots at running back, adding a home-run threat never hurts.

Blanding is a 5-star recruit according to Rivals.com, and the 6'2", 195-pound defensive back runs a 4.55 40-yard dash.

The current junior at Bayside High School already has offers from Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, Clemson and other schools.

As was mentioned before, Penn State will have serious needs at the safety position after next year, and Blanding would have the opportunity to start during his freshman year.

Bringing in a top talent such as Blanding would be a big step in the right direction for O'Brien and the Nittany Lions.

The defensive tackle is currently being sought out by Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State and South Carolina, along with numerous other Top 25 programs.

Jordan Hill finished his senior year at Penn State in 2012, and the Lions don't exactly have a premier defensive tackle to fill in his place.

Weighing in at over 245 pounds and standing at 6'5", Hand's 4.60 40-yard dash speed is only one indicator of what he can bring to a pass rush.

Although bringing Hand in to play in Happy Valley won't be the easiest task, O'Brien has from this past year that he is up for a challenge.

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Liverpool sends Daniel Pacheco on his third loan term

Liverpool have loaned out forward Daniel Pacheco to Spanish Second Division club SD Huesca until the end of the season after finding his chances limited at Anfield.

The 22-year-old has made only three appearances for the club this season, none of them in the Premier League and has been sent out on loan for a third time after previous spells with Rayo Vallecano and Norwich City.

That was the probably not the script meant for him. He was one of the brightest stars at Barcelona's youth academy and used to score goals at fun. His team mates called him El Asesino (the assassin) for his tremendous scoring prowess.

One of the few things for which Liverpool are forever indebted to their former manager Rafael Benitez is his contribution in revamping the club's academy. He completely transformed the academy structure and it is because of him the club is now reaping full benefits.

In 2007 when Rafalution had already begun, Liverpool signed this Barca prodigy for an undisclosed fee. After impressing everyone at the club's reserve level for one year, he was steadily drafted into the main team.

He made his senior debut in 2009 against Fiorentina coming on as a substitute for Alberto Aquilani in a Champions League tie. It was all going so smooth for him. He was an exciting prospect at the club and was destined to be a hero at Anfield.

He won the Golden boot in the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship for Spain, scoring four goals in the tournament.

The club itself was going through a dark phase. On the pitch, they dropped out of out the top four while off the pitch, boardroom shenanigans created public outrage and administration loomed large after the club has been burdened with gargantuan debts by then parsimonious owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The environment at the club was not healthy and last thing the kid needed was a managerial change. Benitez was sacked and in came Roy Hodgson. A change in system and philosophy meant young talent like Pacheco was overlooked.

Many felt he was too good for the reserves but not quite up there to play in the first team at the club. He was sent on loan to then Championship club Norwich City where he scored two goals in six appearances for the Canaries.

The club saw changes in ownership, manager, staffs, playing system and once again young Pacheco was left to rot. He was sent on loan again, this time to Rayo Vallecano.

Under Brendan Rodgers, at least he got a few chances, mostly in Europa League games but he wasn't impressive in those games. He is out for another loan term and probably his days at the club are numbered.

It's really a shame to see him struggle like that. Is he given enough chances to shine? Has he been backed up enough? Or is he really not that talented to play for first team at Liverpool?

Questions are many but the answers are few. He is 22 and still has time left to resurrect his career at the club or elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have released former Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni from his contract and he will return to Brazil to join Botafogo.

Kobe goes Wilt for 4th on NBA rating list

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) a Kobe Bryant has approved other Los Angeles Lakers good Wilt Chamberlain for last put on the NBA's career scoring list. Bryant made a jumper from the free throw line with 7:54 staying in the second quarter to eclipse Chamberlain's mark of 31,419 items. He tied Chamberlain 22 seconds earlier in the day with a layup. Bryant joined the overall game four points behind Chamberlain. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar covers the NBA's career scoring list with 38,387 details, Karl Malone is 2nd with 36,928 and Michael Jordan is third with 32,292. The 34-year-old Bryant is in his 17th period a all with the Lakers.

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Kevin Keen: "I do think there is a possibility of a future captain in Claudio ... - Birmingham Mail

That's according to Baggies assistant boss Kevin Keen, who feels the Argentina international has the necessary characteristics to be a skipper.

Yacob has impressed all at The Hawthorns with the way he has adapted to Premier League football since his move from Racing Club last summer.

And Keen feels that once the 25-year-old has a better grasp of English - he is currently having lessons - he will bring even more to Steve Clarke's side.

"I can see sometimes in training that he's really wanting to say some things and he can't quite communicate that at the moment.

"But he is working really hard at his English and I think within six months he will be able to get his ideas over a lot better.

"Occasionally we hear him talk a little bit, and I think when he becomes a bit more communicative in English his role within the team will progress even more because I think having been captain of Racing Club, I think he's got ideas and leadership qualities about him that will progress even more when his English becomes even better."

Keen continued: "He got a little bit of publicity earlier in the season but then he was out for quite a while with injury and the team missed him.

"But hopefully between now and the end of the season, if he can stay fine physically, he can contribute to us getting our best finish ever."

Yacob's covering abilities have given Albion's full-backs - Goran Popov or Liam Ridgewell on the left, Steven Reid or Billy Jones on the right - more licence to get forward.

"It's 35 degrees back home and he is standing, looking out of the window and shaking his head saying 'Kevin, what is this?'

"For me he has come into the group as the type of player that the head coach was looking for and the role he has played in the team has been very effective alongside the other midfield players who have played most of the season, Youssouf and James.

"The three of them have been a core element of the success we've had this year with Claudio coming in and playing that holding role and being simple with his play but very clever with his breaking up of the opposition's play.

"They (full-backs) know that when they go forward they've got someone there who thinks 'Billy's gone, I'll just drift a little bit that way in case we lose it'.

Current NFL Draft Share Watch for Manti Te'o Following Notre Dame's Professional Morning

Manti Te'o enjoyed in Notre Dame's Pro Day, and as you almost certainly would ever guess, some individuals were involved. Since the linebacker's pre-draft exercises are full and there is less than per month until the draft, it is time for you to upgrade his share. Frankly, he didn't do much to simply help or harm how he is regarded as a possibility by NFL general administrators, head coaches and scouts. Occasions after Te'o went his 40-yard dash, NFL on ESPN's Twitter accountAposted the much-anticipated time: It absolutely was a full tenth of a second faster compared to the established time he clocked in Indianapolis at the scouting combine in late February. Still, though, the time didn't change much. Te'o is and always was a slower linebacker whose sport was based on being ultra-physical at the distinct scrimmage. He thrived in insurance in 2012 due to important decision-making that has been the consequence of incredible instincts and ability to quickly respond to where the other quarterback appeared to be choosing the basketball. Starting at the 2:19 mark,AESPN draft specialists Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay break down Te'o's game with notably opposing views. Good points are made by both, but I side more with Kiper Jr. because his point concerning the number of inside linebackers well in the 40-yard dash that have gone on to be impactful, three-down players weren't timed particularly by that of. McShay did astutely explain that Te'o is just a amazing work defense. On tape, his strength is clear and was enhanced when it came to getting off many blocks and looking through traffic. AHowever, in regards to staying fundamentally sound as a tackler, Te'o could use improvement. Against Stanford and specially in the national title sport against Alabama, Te'o got himself in to great position to make plays at-or-near the type of scrimmage but lunged at the ball-carrier and missed what needs to have been simple discusses. ESPN's Eric Mangini does not think as highly of the former Notre Dame linebacker (via Evan Silva ): Activities Illustrated's Chris Burke wrote a succinct summary of Te'o as a probability and how his Pro Day barely motivated his draft stock: At this point, there's hardly any mystery as it pertains to his sport. He's not the maximum player youall actually see, or is he capable of shifting roles a' like therefore many different linebackers in this draft course a and enjoying outside in a 3-4 or 4-3. Teao's on-field performance usually has exceeded what one might expect from the person together with his physical characteristics. Following his complete workout, ESPN's Adam SchefterAprojected where he believesATe'o will ultimately land in this year's draft (via NFLMocksCrew ): Plenty of groups are in need of inside linebacker aid, so it will be surprising if Te'o makes it out of Round 1. On the fake draft front, Te'o is typically being slated close to the conclusion of Round 1 or at early phases of Round 2. USA TODAY Activities CBS Activities' Dane BruglerApredicted LSU's Kevin Minter to the Baltimore Ravens at No. 32 over all instead of Te'o, but Bleacher Report's own Matt Miller gave the Green Bay Packers Te'o at No. 26 overall in his latest mock draft. Anywhere from pick No. 25 to 40 looks about right. Manti Te'o is just a polarizing draft probability, however in the best process he must have an extended and somewhat effective NFL job at the within linebacker location.

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True Madrid president Florentino has 4-man shortlist to achieve success Mourinho - Tribalfootball.com

True Madrid administrators are considering several top-line candidates to achieve success Jose Mourinho by the end of the season. Mourinho's visit to London and Chelsea over the weekend has increased objectives of a return to Stamford Bridge in the summertime. Punto Pelota claims four names are on Real leader Florentino Perez's candidate. His first-choice is Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp, who has already refused overtures from Chelsea lately. PSG's Carlo Ancelotti, who's prone to keep France in summer time, is among the names, having been a long-term goal for Florentino. Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas and Juventus coach Antonio Conte will be the others into consideration within the Real boardroom. Is Florentino's prospect missing everyone? Give your shout below.. to us.

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Newcastle United reveal A300000 development for new bar at St James' Park - ChronicleLive

As it is turned by developers right into a patio bar a former Newcastle United ticket office will undergo a A300,000 transformation St James' Park A A300,000 transformation will be undergone by the Newcastle United ticket office as builders change it right into a terrace bar. Sodexo Prestige, which runs the catering and events at Newcastle United, is turning the ticket office at the south west part of the surface in to the 700-capacity club. It is due to open over time for the house Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham on Sunday April 7. Along with creating 30 new jobs at the football club a' bringing the amount of catering and events staff at NUFC as much as 700 a' the growth may also give fans an additional option on match days while giving a new place for events and other informal social functions, matching current event services. Derek Llambias, Newcastle Unitedas managing manager, said: aThe patio is just a fashionable new development at St. Jamesa Park and one that we're particularly worked up about. Amazement desired to create a lively venue for supporters to generally meet on match days before and after our games. AIt gives an important new dimension to the arena and can improve the facilities that we curently have in and around St. James.a Colin Perkins, Sodexo Prestige local account director, said: aThis may be the first new bar to be opened at St. Jamesa Park in nine years.a St James' Park through the years

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Grasp M: Borussia Dortmund( ) - 7M SPORTS

7msports A Prediction A A GER D1 VERSUS Grasp M: Borussia Dortmund( aaaa) Borussia Dortmund's away strength is fairly powerful in this year, and they're above VfB Stuttgart in total strength, Borussia Dortmund are anticipated to gain on away industry.

Manchester United Deliver Scouts To Check Stoke Town Keeper Asmir Begovic In... - caughtoffside

Get the CaughtOffside iPad app. Obtain the no 1 Free Activities Application from the Application Store. All the latest footie news and much, much more. Premier League leaders preparing for summer transfer for Stoke goalie. Register to Sunderland vs Manchester United Manchester United have sent a staff of scouts to observe the development of Stokeas Asmir Begovic based on the Daily Mail. The goalkeeper is on international duty with Bosnia and enjoyed in his countryas international fixture with Greece on Friday. The Premier League leaders are looking at a bid for the stopper and delivered over scouts to report back on the playeras performance. Birmingham United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is willing to create in a new goalkeeper come early july to offer competition for Spanish kid David De Gea. There remain questions over the playeras aerial potential, whilst the Old Trafford number one has been in good form in recent days. Anders Lindegaard seems set to keep the team come early july browsing of first-team basketball and Fergie is eager to bring in a top quality substitute that will challenge De Gea for a first-team position. United are prone to face opposition for Begovicas signature though as numerous Premier League clubs are reported to be interested in the ball player. System are also on the look-out for a goalie to offer opposition to Polish stopper Wojciech Szczesny while Chelsea are in need of a for Peter Cech with Thibault Courtois established to remain at Atletico Madrid for another year.

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Stefan Savic believes Manchester City should make move for Stevan Jovetic - Express.co.uk

The Montenegrin defender had a chastening time during his season-long stay with City and grabbed the chance to join Fiorentina last summer.

Jovetic has been on the radar of many clubs, including Arsenal, however they may lose the battle to sign him as his £25m price tag might be too steep.

However, City have deep pockets and so could be in a strong position to sign him if they don't land top transfer target Edinson Cavani.

Savic put a good word in for his countryman, saying: "Jovetic can play for one of the top clubs. I hope he does because he is one of my closest friends.

"It is different for Stevan. He has five years experience, he could play straight away with Sergio Aguero or Carlos Tevez."

See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive.

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Benzema: "I am fine in Madrid" - Sports Mole

While he insists that he is content with his current employers, he admits that he is prepared to keep an open mind regarding his long-term future.

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Chelsea FC target Edinson Cavani won't rule out summer move - Crunchsports.com

Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, says he is "pleased" by the interest being shown in him. United were linked with Begovic during the January transfer window, but the 25-year-old insisted he had no plans to quit the Britannia Stadium. However...

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga takes on Marin Cilic later today in the fourth round of the 2013 Sony Open in Miami (20:00 GMT start). Tsonga and Cilic both produced extremely impressive third round displays to set up this clash. The Frenchman outplayed an erratic Jarkko Nieminen, breaking the experienced Finn ...

Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, who has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester City, has admitted he is unsure whether he will stay with the Serie A side beyond this season. Cavani, who has been on Chelsea's radar for some time, has also been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Juventus, Paris Saint-...

Andy Murray takes on Andreas Seppi later today in the fourth round of the 2013 Sony Open in Miami (18:30 GMT start). If he wins the 2013 Miami Masters, Murray will overtake Roger Federer to become world No. 2 behind Novak Djokovic. The Brit was fortunate not to drop his first set of the tournament ...

WrestleMania 29 takes place on April 7th 2013, with the card for WWE's biggest pay-pay-view of the year coming together nicely. Last week it was confirmed that Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar will be a No Holds Barred match, with the former's career on the line, and on Monday night's edition of Raw, it w...

Milos Raonic has been forced to withdraw from the 2013 Sony Open in Miami due to a throat problem. Raonic and Sam Querrey had been scheduled for a hard-hitting third round match at the 2013 Miami Masters, but Raonic had to pull out at the last minute as he was suffering from strep throat. "I feel ...

PSV Eindhoven midfielder Kevin Strootman, who has been linked with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, has admitted he is ready to find a new club this summer. Arsenal have shown interest in Strootman for some time and have sent scouts to watch him on more than one occasion this season. At th...

Tomas Berdych takes on Sam Querrey later today in the fourth round of the 2013 Sony Open in Miami (18:00 GMT start). Monday was the day of comebacks at the 2013 Miami Masters and Berdych certainly produced a stirring fightback after looking down and out against Alejandro Falla. To be fair to Berdyc...

Serena Williams takes on Na Li this afternoon in the quarter-finals of the 2013 Sony Open in Miami (17:00 GMT start). Williams was involved in one of Monday's most exciting fourth round matches at the 2013 Miami Masters, coming back from a set down to defeat Dominika Cibulkova. A wayward first set...

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Man United intensify chase of Begovic - Vitalfootball

Check out the forum! You will find 2 members watching today. Go here to join in! Manchester United have reignited their interest in Asmir Begovic. The existing league leaders sent a search to Bosnia to view their 3-1 victory over Greece inside their World Cup Qualfier, which Begovic enjoyed 90 minutes. Manchester United are eager to include yet another goalkeeper with their group as David de Gea, who has been inconsistent this season is fighting to fill the gloves of Edwin van der Sar between the branches at Old Trafford. The 6ft 5in goalkeeper has represented his state 20 situations, and has been ever presents this season for the Potters this season in the Premier League. He's kept 10 clean sheets in 30 appareances, and his top form this year has notified top groups such as Arsenal, Manchester City and Arsenal. Begovic, 25, is happy there is curiosity about him but reaffirms his pleasure at Stoke. He advised The Sentinel: "I am pleased that the big groups are involved in mea it means I`m doing some thing goodabut I'm happy at Stoke because they gave a chance to me to perform in the Premier League. 'We will dsicover what goes on in summer time. In football it is possible to never know 100 per cent.' Kalooga Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for China Go here to join in the discussion on the team community. Alabi stretches Scunthorpe mortgage (Tuesday March 26 2013) Global Potters (Wednesday March 20 2013) Lund stretches Southend loan package (Wednesday March 20 2013) Owen to retire at end of period (Wednesday March 20 2013) VIDEO: Owen To Retire At The End Of The Season (Saturday March 20 2013) Stats: Stoke Town v West Bromwich Albion (Monday March 18 2013) Potters used to Baggies bore sketch. (Sunday March 17 2013) Will the lawn be greener without Pulis? (Friday March 15 2013) Oppositions' view vs West Brom (Home) (Friday March 15 2013) Tony Pulis - Should he stay or go? (Friday March 15 2013)

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Bale injury update - EatSleepSport

Spurs have been handed a boost on the injury front as Gareth Bale has returned to training with the Welsh national team.

The flying wing wizard left Spurs fans with hearts in their mouths on Friday when he had to come off against Scotland because of an ankle injury.

Thankfully he appears to have recovered from the knock, while he was also ill, and has returned to training with Wales prior to their clash with Croatia on Tuesday night, meaning he should be ready for Spurs when they return to the Liberty Stadium at the weekend to play Swansea.

"He's been ill and had a knock on his ankle, but he wanted to play. He said he felt fine so that's why we started him.

"All we can do is wrap him up in cotton wool. If he is not ready, then we can't risk him. We won't because we have to be fair to Tottenham.

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Barcelona's Gerard Peek might warning Pepe from Actual Madrid - GiveMeFootball.com

Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique has revealed that he would sign Real Madrid defender Pepe to strengthen the Catalan leaders' leaky support. The Spain global included other countryman Sergio Ramos and French kid Raphael Varane on the list of if he could people that would bring to Barcelona from the Santiago Bernabeu. Pique would welcome any one of the three Real Madrid centre-backs to help when asked which Madrid person he would prefer to see at Barca increase the La Liga leaders. Even though Barcelona are running away with the league, they found themselves needing to keep coming back from two goals down within their Champions League link against AC Milan and endured successive defeats to They were knocked by Real Madrid, who out of the Copa Del Rey. Peek is echoing the words of teammate Sergio Busquets who also recently stated that he would signal Ramos from Madrid if given the chance. The former Manchester United player thinks that his sids needs defining in protection and might do with reinforcing. "Which Madrid player I would sign for Barcelona? One of Pepe, Ramos and Varane," Pique was quoted as saying by Marca. "With all the injuries we have in support, that's the place where we might do with encouragement the absolute most. And Iker [Casillas] of course."

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Manchester United Provide the Backbone of England's National Squad - Bleacher Report

Manchester United supplies a large percentage of England's World Cup squad at present and looks to do so for many years to come.

At present, Tom Cleverley, Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young are all candidates for a starting place in Roy Hodgson's team.

In addition, with Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones out of the squad through personal choice and injury respectively, United's influence is strongly felt when international weeks come by.

Rio may have scuppered his future chances with his less than convincing , some might say vengeful, reasons for withdrawing from the squad so soon after his declaration that he was keen to further his England career.

Chelsea and Manchester City, United's main challengers in the league, have only managed three players each in the current squad.

Tottenham Hotspur can boast six in the current setup, but none can be considered an automatic choice in terms of a starting berth in Hodgson's first-choice lineup.

If you consider that six of United's eight are 27 years old or younger, the future looks bright for United's domination when it comes to supplying their country with talent.

Add to that the forthcoming arrival of Wilfred Zaha from Crystal Palace, and the promise of up and coming tyros such as Nick Powell, Ben Amos and Joe Rothwell, and the Red Devils' international dynasty looks likely to continue for some time yet.

Is it a conscious decision on Sir Alex Ferguson's part, or is it merely a coincidence that English players figure so strongly in United's setup compared to their main rivals in the Premier League?

Certainly, United's youth policy has been a resounding success for generations, and although a proportion of those players are scouted from other countries, a large percentage comprises homegrown talent.

Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck are good examples of players climbing through the ranks at Old Trafford to reach the twin pinnacles of representing the first team and their country.

Without suggesting they have been entirely frugal in the transfer market, they have bought wisely (with a few exceptions!) to supplement the homegrown talent and shrewd youth acquisitions. By implementing this policy, they have found a workable equilibrium that can be perpetuated.

The propensity to buy young players from the domestic leagues, which can often make more financial sense than scouting overseas for big-name players, is another factor which increases the number of English names on their books.

Looking at the current crop of England stars, Young, Smalling and Jones are relatively recent home purchases that have proven their worth and added to United's England contingent.

Signing players from within these shores does not always involve English players of course, as the purchase of Robin van Persie exemplified, and potential champions need to be alert when top players become available.

Overseas purchases are vitally important as well. They add variety, different skills and often bring fresh ideas to the table.

Without doubt, another issue is the settling-in period when players arrive at a new club. It was no surprise some overseas players take time to adjust to living in a strange Country.

It has also been reported that Newcastle's star defender, Fabricio Coloccini, is keen to leave the Magpies at the end of the season because he misses his homeland.

An inhospitable climate, an alien culture and homesickness can all hinder a player's adjustment to their new place of work.

Conversely, it is not such a culture shock for an English player moving within the country, another benefit of having a high English contingent in your squad.

So, whilst there are considerable benefits having a mixed squad in terms of nationality, a high proportion of native players, whichever country you are referring to, is a great asset.

Notre Dame Pro Day: Players in Dire Need of a Strong Performance

Pro day has arrived for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish players and it is somewhat of a big deal for these kids. Scouts, coaches, NFL general managers and the entire football world are watching as many of the former Irish players are trying to make a positive impact on their NFL draft stock.

It is an absolute madhouse and there are plenty of guys who could use a strong performance today to boost their ranking when it comes to NFL draft boards.

I think it goes without saying that Te'o is the most talked about player that will be performing in today's pro day. He didn't exactly shine in the NFL combine and his slow 40-yard dash time of 4.82 caused an NFL coach to shake his head.

Seriously though, Te'o must improve his speed if he wants to solidify a first-round spot in the upcoming draft. NFL teams need speedy linebackers that can not only chase down running backs and keep up with tight ends, but they need to be able to drop back in coverage quickly and not be a liability in pass defense.

Having a slow 40 time is going to scare many teams away that were considering the former Heisman candidate. We know Te'o is passionate about the game, has a high football IQ and he is strong in run support from what we have seen over the years. All that is wonderful, but he must trim a few seconds off that time to remove all doubt that he can be a complete linebacker at the next level.

Riddick was another Notre Dame player that had a disappointing showing at the NFL combine, clocking in at a subpar 4.68-40 yard dash time. It was also reported, according to UNHD, that he had pulled his hamstring, which would of course explain the slow time.

Riddick is an interesting prospect because he has the ability to be that change-of-pace running back at the next level. He has quick feet and can change direction nicely. Also, despite his smaller frame, he isn't afraid to take a hit, and he does a good job of catching the ball out of the backfield or lining up in the slot.

The former Notre Dame running back is a versatile player that can make a big impact in an NFL offense. He just needs to improve his 40 time and do well in the agility tests to rise up the depth chart. In a draft that isn't deep at running back, Riddick could become one of the sleepers at the position.

Motta has the reputation of being a big hitter and that is about it at the safety spot. But his aggressiveness, smarts and ability to play close to the line of scrimmage can fit well in an NFL defense if he is given a chance.

It is his cover ability and slow straight-line speed that people have issues with. Motta did not do a good job of silencing those critics during the NFL combine, either, as Eric Hansen of the South Bend Tribune pointed out.

Motta is a well-built player that could be an enforcer on the defensive side of the ball or at least a valuable special teams player with his tackling ability. You would like to see him improve his agility, straight-line speed and his coverage awareness. If he has a good pro day, Motta may end up going a little sooner than you think.

Winnipeg Jets players pre-game audio

Ron Hainsey – Will he be able to play tonight? What happened? Not expecting injury to be long term. Any reaction to firing of Boucher.  What would he like to see from his group?  Getting Enstrom back.

Evander Kane – Any reaction to firing of Guy Boucher?  What is he expecting from his group today?  Feeling energized after a day off?  Challenge faced by players when coach gets fired mid-season?

Tobias Enstrom -  Is he good to go for tonight?  Biggest challenge he will face being off this long?  What has he seen from this team watching from Press Box?  Looking forward to race for a playoff spot.

Mark Stuart -  Is he ready to go tonight?  Is Tampa more dangerous because of coaching change?  Emphasis has to be getting back to the way they play when winning.  Controlling their own destiny.

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Standard Chartereds 30% discount on Liverpool FC jerseys ...

You'll never walk alone with Standard Chartered. The bank is offering a pretty good 30% discount on Liverpool FC 2012/13 Home and Away jerseys.

Promotion is valid until 31 December or while stocks last, whichever is earlier. Here are the T&Cs for your consideration.

FGCU savors its drive to NCAA tournament's Sweet 16

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) a' Sherwood Brown only wanted a bagel. The Florida Gulf Coast star went into a restaurant on campus Monday and was quickly surrounded. People wanted autographs. People wanted photographs. People only wished to scream words of encouragement. A college that opened a mere 16 years ago finds itself front-and-center in March Madness, among only 16 college basketball teams left from an area of 68, wanting to win the NCAA national championship. "I had no idea it was going to be like this, but I am warm it," Brown said as he made his escape from the store. "I feel just like we're obtaining a large amount of America behind us. I suppose you might say we're part of America's group at this point." And the Eagles spent your day savoring their moment. Lines in the university bookstore snaked in one side to the other, over 100 people waiting for the opportunity to pay for their FGCU shirts and caps. Telephone lines were jammed by those seeking seats for this weekend's South Regional, and even the college president half-seriously wondered if he would have the ability to receive what he needed. And as they reached classes, participants were met with applause. "It is really brand new," Eagles instructor Andy Enfield mentioned Monday, as e-mails jumped into his address at a fairly dizzying pace. "No one understands a no one understood a what FGCU stood for, the words. Now it puts our school in a national spotlight and rightly so, because this is a good place. It is a young, energetic university with only a lot of energy. I've been attempting to tell that story to plenty of people." The Eagles perform Florida in the South Regional semifinals Friday night, two wins from a most-improbable trip to the Last Four. Seeded 15th within their region, FGCU pulled down both No. 2 Georgetown and No. 7 North Park State in Philadelphia over the weekend to help keep their period going. Enfield's lone error up to now in the NCAA tournament could have been what happened when he went along to sleep around 5:30 a.m. Saturday, approximately two hours after the Eagles landed house in Fort Myers after pounding their solution to the regional semifinals. Before Enfield went along to sleep, he forgot to silence his ringer. Suffice to express, he was awakened long before he needed. "It is area of the moment," Enfield said. "We are very happy to compromise just a little rest for the achievement of our program." Here's maybe the best way to explain what's happening right now with FGCU: In circumstances where the Gators are back in the regional semifinals, where the Miami Hurricanes (who dropped to FGCU early in 2010) are still alive in the area and look very much like a contender, and as the Miami Heat took a 26-game winning streak into their sport at Orlando on Monday, it is the Eagles who may be the best story. LeBron James selected them to get one game in his class. Not two, although. "Just a hunch," the NBA's ruling MVP said. The Eagles a' 26-10 over all and 13-5 in the Atlantic Sun Conference a' are starting their particular tradition, given that they don't have any real tradition yet. Of the 19 banners that sway in their gym to commemorate various achievements, the earliest entry to them is for a women's volleyball trip to the NCAA Division II event in 2004. "You originate from a tiny school like that, and everybody else just kind of looks at us like a mid-week preparation game. 'All right, we'll get our gain mid-week and then we'll incomparable meeting play,'" mentioned Chris Sale, a former FGCU pitcher now with the Chicago White Sox. "I don't believe is the way it's planning to be from here on out." The college has about 11,300 students, 1 / 2 of whom originate from the state's southwest section. The university a' with a manmade lake and real beach where students go a sits on 760 acres of land donated by Ben Hill Griffin III. And that lends a certain irony to this Eagles-Gators matchup, given that Florida's soccer team performs its home games in what everyone calls The Swamp but what formally is named for Ben Hill Griffin Jr. FGCU is such start as a school that its oldest alumni probably have yet to turn 40. "I have held it's place in higher ed for quite a while, worked at many institutions, and I have not experienced anything similar to this phenomenon," FGCU President Wilson Bradshaw said. "What has happened in the last 3 or 4 times has been extraordinary. We're getting, I am getting, my staff members are getting messages and texts from all around the country, and it's been really gratifying." The attention has been overwhelming, at the very least to the servers that host the school's athletic department internet site. It failed twice Sunday evening, and other university internet sites were seeing big upticks in trips. Will Morse, a former baseball player at the college and now a student, was waiting to buy a sweatshirt at the bookstore. He wished the investment of his time could lead to his parents creating an of $200 for student tickets to this weekend's activities at Cowboys Stadium near Dallas. "It is for my mom's companion. I actually do not know," Morse said. "They live in Colorado and they turned fans immediately, and they wanted a sweatshirt due to their birthday. And so I am the little one who's trying to make certain my parents get me tickets." And the delay in those long lines lasted about as long as FGCU's activities have taken up to now in this event. "I think everybody's surprised, mostly," said elderly Kristi Hurson. "We went to view the game Friday and were all joking this was not likely to be a big deal. And then it was." Her friend and fellow consumer Erica Turczyn used three terms to explain the mood on campus today a' crazy, nuts and disorder. "Professors canceled sessions today, a few of them," Turczyn said. "I do not understand how anyone could target right now." Give FGCU guard Brett Comer some credit. He was attempting to focus, anyway. Comer got three hours sleep before waking up Monday to hit his statistics course. As he appeared, his teacher asked why he was there. "A lot of students did not appear to ensure it is to school today," Comer said. "But I was." He will maybe not be at any sessions later this week. The team's annual banquet is scheduled for April 2. Some body in the reception of the area found that sign Monday and asked if the Eagles make the Final Four if it'd be ended. A great question, one that no one even a couple of days before would have imagined would have actually been uttered at FGCU. "Our heads have not gotten bigger," Bradshaw said. "But we really are stoked up about the eye that we are getting. And I have said this before: If it takes our very successful baseball team to obtain people to arrive at our web site and learn more about Florida Gulf Coast University a' and there is so much more a' then I am fine with that."

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Brighton boss Gus Poyet decreases Reading present

After a brief yet seemingly half-hearted flirtation, Brighton & Hove Albion boss Gus Poyet has rejected the advances of Premier League strugglers Reading to keep with the South Coast team. Poyet, 45, has made a great start to his managerial career with Brighton, and his recent part lie beyond your Championship play-offs on goal difference. A sophisticated group features good titles such as former Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak, England internationals Matthew Upson and Wayne Bridge and former Valencia winger Vicente. Nevertheless, additionally, there are a lot of promising British people at the brand new Amex Stadium. 23-year-old midfielder Liam Bridcutt has been called around the Scotland group for initially, while strikers Craig Mackail-Smith and Will Hoskins are experienced in the reduced leagues and would fancy the chance to impress at Premier League level. Anything tips at Brighton continuing to grow as a club, while the sacking of Brian McDermott suggests bewildered decision-making at Reading. The Berkshire club remarkably won the English Championship a year ago under McDermott, but have failed to drive on since, losing four consecutive games including an essential 2-1 defeat to relegation competitors Aston Villa at the Madejski Stadium a' which proved the ultimate straw for owner Anton Zingarevich. Zingarevich has been extensively criticised for dispensing with the common 50-year-old so close to the end of the period, making his replacement short amount of time to transform along side it. And given that even winger Jimmy Kebe mentioned that the squad wasn't of Premier League quality in a fiery interview within the Xmas time, it's difficult to see what Poyet would gain from going to an old side likely to be relegated. However, Brighton come in a vein of form only when they have to be thriving. A 3-0 victory over local rivals and advertising candidates Crystal Palace at a frantic Amex Stadium was vastly impressive, and their desirable brand of baseball shows that they'll continue steadily to advance. Indeed, with Leicester City and Watford faltering recently, Poyet will harbor increasingly reasonable hopes of a play-off situation, followed by marketing a' which may probably contain trading departments with Reading. And given the Uruguyanas superiority, it is probable that elite Premier League factors will make their move. Poyet remains admired at Stamford Bridge, where he enjoyed a notable enjoying career, and could possibly be in the frame at Everton if David Moyes chooses to leave Goodison Park. This really is, needless to say, hypothetical and unlikely to occur in the longer term. But, it had been smart of Poyet to avoid the likelihood of a pay increase and what likely amounts to a sideways move. Zingarevich is currently prone to change to former Southampton manager Nigel Adkins, an instructor of pedigree who would help stabilise the situation at the Madejski Stadium. Meanwhile, for Poyet, the air is apparently the limit. The writer of this article is Isaac Leigh.

True Madrid confident Spurs star Bale is likely to be game's 10yr Galactico - Tribalfootball.com

Real Madrid have run a personal check on Tottenham star Gareth Bale. Marca says Bale is their Galacticos goal for the summer market and after examining his private life believe they'll be signing an outstanding pro on and off the message. Bale continues to be together with his high school sweetheart and they have just had their first daughter, born in October. True partners believe Bale, with his home life so well satisfied, can be the world's big star for the next decade and are ready to throw the financial institution at Spurs to carry him to Spain. Are Real's scouts right? Can Bale dominate the overall game in the next decade? Give your scream below.. to us.

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Jose Mourinho: Chelsea return is possible, I love London | The Sun ...

SunSport yesterday revealed how the Real Madrid boss was back at Stamford Bridge last night for the first time since 2011.

But his appearance further fuelled speculation he will be back as Blues manager this summer when Rafa Benitez leaves his interim role.

Mourinho said: "I am in London very often because we have a house here, we love it here and our daughter is coming to study in London.

"Every time I come here, every time people see me walking around or doing some shopping people immediately start making speculation that I am returning.

"I say every day that I love it here, I had a fantastic time here, that I will return one day, so to be fair, I give a little bit of contribution to that speculation just because I love it.

"I have big emotional connections with Chelsea and one day I think naturally I have to be back to English football or to Chelsea or to another club.

"Of course Chelsea means different things to me than other clubs. Chelsea is in my heart as is Inter. One day I have to be back."

And while the Portuguese is happy to be linked to Chelsea, he has ruled out replacing Alex Ferguson at Manchester United or ousting Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini.

Mourinho said: "At the end of the day I am at Madrid. I am very committed to the ambitions of the club until the end of the season.

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La Salle Advanced To The Sweet 16 On The Ol’ “Southwest Philly Floater”

Rejoice, La Salle fans: your team's the other big Cinderella of the NCAA Tournament, beating Ole Miss 76-74 tonight to advance to the Sweet 16. Rejoice, rest of America: Marshall Henderson's time in the limelight (for now) is no more. And the Explorers did it in thrilling fashion, with Tyrone Garland hitting a shot down low off the glass with 2.5 seconds left for the game's final points. Here's how it looked:

As soon as the clock hit all zeroes, Garland's shot was a guarantee to go down in La Salle lore, whether he gave it a catchy nickname or not. But when he was asked about the shot… well, just check out the 28-second mark below (h/t Crossing Broad):

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Good captains: H Neville - ManUtd.com

24/03/2013 09:00, Report by Paul Davies Why is a fantastic United chief? It's an issue Manchester United Soccer Schools are asking within their Take the Lead plan and we thought wead make an effort to answer it.AUnited Review publisher Paul Davies examines Gary Neville's benefits as a skipper... What made him a great chief? Thereas seldom been a more obvious fit. Gary Neville didnat have to use the skipperas armband to be always a leader; it absolutely was the only way he can perform. His cause as chief may have been disturbed by damage, but his organisation at the back, continuous cajoling of team-mates and penchant for cheerleading target festivities were all faculties of his sport well before he first led the group out. Carrying the armband was only recognition. Most remarkable time? He dreamed of training a prize as chief of Manchester United, and realized it at the Millennium Stadium in February 2006. Raising the Carling Cup (after beating Wigan 4-0) wasn't the pinnacle of his profession, but nonetheless a huge second for him and the Reds a' starting another glory-laden time. Learn more concerning the Manchester United Soccer Schools Simply take the Lead campaign at manutdsoccerschools.com/takethelead. More great captains:ABryan RobsonA

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Drought: Why Robin van Persie's purpose situation can destroy Manchester United's... - Mirror.co.uk

With the Premier League title practically in the bag, Old Trafford thoughts focus on the FA Cup and Dutchman's vibration is a worry PA Manchester United are far enough forward in the Premier League name race for Robin van Persie's sudden purpose drought to possess no affect their impending 20th title success. Keeping a 15-point lead with nine games to get, it is hard to see the Old Trafford team suffering a fall like last time, when they were eight points apparent with six games left but allowed Manchester City to sneak up on them and take the title on goal variation on the final day. Where van Persie's lack of objectives may ultimately cost United, nevertheless, is inside their pursuit of a League and FA Cup Double, to stand along side those they reached in 1994, 1996 and, obviously, 1999, when they went one better and secured the unprecedented Treble. Van Persie had the Player of the Season awards firmly in his grasp after an amazing begin to his United job following his A24million move from Arsenal last summer, with 22 objectives from 28 appearances confirming the knowledge of his purchase, even at such a high price for a person in the final year of his contract. Yet because his goal in United's 1-1 bring at Tottenham on January 20, van Persie has found the net one time in 10 games for Sir Alex Ferguson's side and observed Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez, his rivals for the Player of the Entire Year awards, keep their goalscoring uses during his dry spell. Limp: Robin van Persie of Manchester United leaves the message with a personal injury after colliding with a TV camera against QPR Matthew Peters It was suggested, by one wag, that van Persie's not enough objectives and trail down in kind was no surprise, given at this time of the campaign Arsenal's season is normally around, with nothing to play for. But it will be no laughing matter for United if van Persie's barren plot costs them the FA Cup, an opposition they've not acquired for seven years and one everybody at the club is anxious to win, even if reclaiming the name from local competitors City was the concern at the start of the plan. Three days ago, United had aspirations of coordinating their Treble triumph of 13 years ago. But after being pulled out of the Champions League by Real Madrid and having hung on for a sketch after blowing a 2-0 lead in the home to Chelsea in the FA Cup, they're now holding on with their Double expectations. Therefore, there may be no better time for van Persie to uncover his goalscoring contact and the swagger that characterised his early-season form, when he was able to discover the back of the web at will as he made the seamless transition from the Gunners to the Red Devils. Yet it's perhaps not just been goals that van Persie has brought to United following his switch from Arsenal, the 29-year-old having offered 12 assists in the Premier League alone this expression, evidence that he's so much more than just an out-and-out goalscorer. Drought over? Robin van Persie ratings for Holland against Estonia Jamie McDonald Van Persie made a to the scoresheet in Holland's 3-0 World Cup qualifier win over Estonia on Friday, and Ferguson can only just hope his purpose for his country heralds a to his free-scoring ways for his membership, in particular when United experience Chelsea in their FA Cup quarter-final replay on April 1. The others have walked as much as the goalscoring plate in van Persie's lack, with Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Ryan Giggs, Danny Welbeck, Shinji Kagawa, Nani and Rafael Da Silva on goal for United in new activities. But if van Persie is to hold on tight to his PFA Player of the Year and Footballer of the Year honors from last season and win the Golden Boot, and if United are to ensure their delay to land the FA Cup doesn't expand to a decade, the Dutchman must return among the targets sooner rather than later.

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Manchester United Transfer Rumors: Mary Cleverley Deserves New Commitment - Bleacher Report

Manchester United are supposedly set to supply a huge new deal to star midfielder Tom Cleverley that would see him generate over double his present pay amount. The England global has been outstanding in his first-team appearances this year and has become among United's most important participants throughout the yeara'making a brand new package and future pay increase an earned point for the gifted 23-year-old. Studies via The Daily Mirror suggest: The Manchester United midfielder is already contracted to the team until 2015 but his rise in becomingAa regular person in Sir Alex Fergusonas first teamAmeans he's established for a prize. Cleverley currently picks up around A35,000 per week in basic pay.ABut talks between now and the summertime are required to see him move towards the exact same level as Danny Welbecka'who lately signed a deal for just over double that figure. Cleverley has been very good for the Red Devils in 2010, and he's earned herself a spot in the starting group as a result of his control in the middle.ASo much to ensure that experts Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs have fought it out for the replacement of Cleverley when Sir Alex Ferguson produces him offa'rather than the other way around, which many had thought would transpire coming into the 2013 year. In comparison to many others at United, a fresh option for Cleverley at aroundAA70,000 weekly isn't totally unreasonable and gels with the group. Julian Finney/Getty Photos It's not like he's barely playing and finding a new package, and like he's useless when on the subject it is not. In fact, perhaps the fact last summer that Welbeck could getAA70,000 shows so just how likely the England midfielder would be to receive his new agreement at the club. Ferguson is known for signing younger players on long deals, and it consequently wouldn't be surprising to start to see the 23-year-old on a brand new four- or five-year option. Mike Hewitt/Getty Pictures Cleverley remains very small and entering his role as a midfielder in the teama'he hasn't had an absolutely ideal year for the Red Devils.AYet when he's been required, Cleverley has excelled, and it's that type that's more likely to see him make a new offer at Old Trafford. The midfielder is a very strong passer of the ball, who ranks very high in the average passes per game and team for pass completion percentage. Moreover, he is a strong tackler through the middle of the field, and he adds that additional factor into United's defensive ranks when teams are fighting. But it could be the things that do not always appear on a data page that make Cleverley powerful and a huge advantage to United's midfield. He doesn't often get caught out of position much, he brings great hustle and aggression (though often too much aggression) and has an excellent relationship brooding with Michael Carrick in the middle of the area. Those are things that won't appear in writing, nevertheless they do matter to your decision makers at United, who must, consequently, reward Cleverley for his performances in 2010. Particularly if he is likely to function as the potential of United's central midfield. You think Tom Cleverley deserves a new option at Manchester United? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter:

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West Bromwich £130000 bank raid six get total of 57 years jail - expressandstar.com

Six men behind a "well planned and sophisticated" robbery at a West Bromwich bank were today starting a combined jail term of almost 60 years.

Three stormed the Co-op bank, High Street, at opening time, threatened two female staff with batons and fled in a car driven by a fourth member with £130,000.

Two others organised the raid – but used a gym at the M5 junction one, West Bromwich, as a lookout and to provide an alibi if caught.

After a seven-week trial, all six were convicted of conspiracy to rob by a Warwickshire Crown Court jury in January. At Birmingham Crown Court, Judge Simon Drew QC gave Shakeel Rafiq, aged 31, of Roebuck Lane, West Bromwich to 10 years and said he was an "orchestrator."

He got information about the bank while in a relationship with bank employee Natalie Mashhadi – present at the branch during the attack.

He and Mohammed Masud, 30, of Roebuck Lane, West Bromwich, Rafiq recruited a London team for the raid – later paying them £40,000 from the stolen cash. Masud got five years.

The team were Ashley Douglas, 29, of Lambeth, twins Ibrahim and Akim Lyazi, 19, of Tooting, and Jamal Mahmood, 23, of Wandsworth. Douglas got a 12-year sentence. Others got ten.

They said Ms Mashhadi and fellow robbery victim Rebecca Maxam were part of the plot – but jurors deemed the raid to be a robbery.

Judge Drew said: "Mr Rafiq heard about the one branch and how the branch was clearly vulnerable to attack – he played a key part and it seems to me that he was central to the plan.

"This was a well planned and professionally executed plan. This case involved a serious breach of trust involving inside information by a bank employee. The other victim was a vulnerable person, a woman opening up a bank and surrounded by those involved in the operation."

The jury saw CCTV footage of the Lyazi brothers and Douglas, with faces covered, enter as the bank opened on Saturday, November 26, 2011.

Women were seen being grabbed and forced into the back. They were then told to hand over keys for the strongroom where cash was stored.

Five were arrested in following days. Ibrahim Lyazi escaped as police arrived but dropped a bag with £40,000, leaving notes spread across the street. He was eventually arrested in June.

Afterwards Chief Inspector Paul Bett said: "We welcome the sentences and hope it sends out a clear message. If people commit violent criminal acts we will we pursue them and bring them before the courts."

The bank today welcomed the sentence. A statement said: "We welcome the sentences given at Birmingham Crown Court this week following an incident at our former branch in West Bromwich.

"Whilst we are unable to share specific details, security and the welfare of our colleagues are of the utmost importance to us, and we keep all such arrangements under regular review to safeguard colleagues at all times"

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Chelsea and Manchester City target discusses his future - London24

The 26-year-old may perform at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, nonetheless it is for Brazil against Russia, not for the Blues. When asked whether this game was viewed as a way of proving himself to English supporters he said: aI donat think so. aEach game for me, I experience them in the manner it's. In my opinion chances are, everyone knows my football and me. aIave been playing for quite a while now and every year there is speculation about where Iam going. aAll in know is Iam happy at Zenit. I've five years contract with them. Iam still young. Iam only 26-years-old but I believe people, by know, now what I will do.a Hulk also mentioned that he has not seen much of the capital but would like to be given the chance to begin to see the city at some point with time. aI canat say much because I havenat seen London,a he explained. aEvery time I arrive at London I donat obtain a possiblity to see the city. aIave noticed itas a great city and a beautiful city and David Luiz has been telling me how great a city it's. aHopefully, one day, I'll come and manage to see London for myself.a Hulk will come facing team-mates Alexander Anyukov, Viktor Faizulin, Roman Shirokov, Vladimir Bystrov and Alexander Kerzhakov and the Brazilian wants an arduous game. He said: aI know the Russian team quite nicely because six of the people are with me at Zenit and I really believe they are a very strong team. aThey havenat allow just one purpose in so far inside their qualification for the World Cup. In my opinion itas going to be a good game for people but itas going to be difficult. aWe are likely to try to win the game.a and work with these difficulties His Zenit team-mate, Igor Denisov, will miss the game through injury and Hulk knows that the threat will originate from all over the message. aI know heas a critical person for the Russian staff but I also know they have other great players in the team,a he explained. aI do genuinely believe that Russia wonat have any issues with him not in the group. They do have top quality in the Russian team. Amazement have to keep our focus and do whatever Mr. Scolari requires us to do.a

Link: [Live Football] Mexico - USA - FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifying

Jose Mouinho drops huge touch about Chelsea get back|Sunlight...

The Special One is defined to leave Real Madrid by the end of the summer season and has been connected with his former team. Mourinho, who won six trophies in just over three times with the Blues, said: aEveryone knows I have an adventurous spirit. aItas not easy for my children. Weall see what goes on. After England, Portugal, Italy and Spain, itas difficult to find a new location. aIt could be a location where I have taught before. You will find items that might be about to happen no one could imagine.a Mourinho is said to have had preliminary discussions with Chelsea main Roman Abramovich to ensure success temporary chef Rafa Benitez. Paris Saint-Germain are also freely courting him, while Inter Milan are attempting to tell him to return and replace Andrea Stramaccioni. Benitez opposition can not be understood by video: Mancienne

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John Terry's 5 Greatest Moments at Chelsea

There have been some fine bouts between Chelsea and Barcelona down the years. Just for the sheer tension of the occasion, last season's Champions League semifinal was one. The 2009 clash didn't disappoint either, as Andres Iniesta's late goal sealed Barca's place in the final.

The Blues had lost the first leg of the tie 2-1 in the Nou Camp, and while Didier Dorgba's red card that night had grabbed the headlines, the return at Stamford Bridge would do the same for all the right reasons.

In a pulsating match, goals from Eidur Gudjohnsen, Frank Lampard and Damien Duff had seen Chelsea race clear into a 3-0 lead after just 19 minutes. With the scores 4-2 on aggregate, Barcelona were not just being thumped on the night—they were being well and truly dumped out of the competition.

The tide soon turned, however, when Ronaldhino scored from the spot after Paulo Ferreira had handled inside the box. Chelsea protested, but if there was any doubt over the penalty claim, there could be none for Ronaldhino's second, as he scored a sublime goal from just outside the penalty area, silencing all 41,000 fans inside Stamford Bridge.

It would have been worthy of sending Barca through, but they hadn't banked on Captain Marvel himself stepping up to add another twist to the tale.

With just shy of 15 minutes left on the clock, John Terry rose highest inside the Barcelona box to nod home Duff's corner and seal the win in dramatic fashion.

Almost 10 years on, this game is still fondly remembered on the Stamford Bridge terraces and it will be for a good time yet.

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Six FC Barcelona participants function in Spain U-21 get|totalBarAa

Six Hamilton Academical Barcelona people were selected to perform for the U-21 side of Spain in friendlies against Norway U-21 and Russia U-21. Left straight back Carles Planas was called up earlier, but he picked up a small injury days ahead of the game. Tonight was the first fit of the friendlies prior to the U-21 Championships which is used in Israel this June. Italy instructor Lopetegui plumped for these Spain line-up, consisting of 5 BarAa players: Joel Robles (Wigan Athletic FC), Montoya (FC Barcelona), Bartra (FC Barcelona), IAigo MartAnez (Real Sociedad), Muniesa (FC Barcelona), Illaramendi (Real Sociedad), Thiago (FC Barcelona), Koke (AtlAtico Madrid), Muniain (Athletic Club), Rodrigo (S.L. Benfica), Tello (FC Barcelona). Norway quickly pushed and captured the ball directly from kick-off after Real Sociedad defense IAigo MartAnez didnat have the ability to play the ball out of defence. The first shot hit the post, but the rebound found Nielsen who calmly put the ball in the open goal. The Spanish players straight away eyed the recovery as five minutes later Muniain took on three players on the dribble to locate Tello on the right side of the package. The BarAa youngster drifted inside and fired the ball in to the bottom right corner together with his left foot, equalizing soon after conceding. Manhattan project Rojita conducted within their normal style, passing and pressing high up the opponentas half. This triggered another target for Spain in the 16th minute. Rodrigo pushed through onto the Norway centre backs and recaptured the ball facing the goalkeeper with Tello alongside him. It was unselfishly laid by the Benfica striker down for the 20-year old enemy to produce his second purpose of the night time. The game was all for Spain with chances from a totally free kick by Thiago, a counterattack by Muniesa and a good mix between Montoya and Koke inside the box in rapid succession. In as Thiago retrieved the ball in midfield the second a chance eventually resulted in a goal. The ball finished up at it was passed by Rodrigoas feet who out wide, where Muniain was building a work. Rodrigo followed up his pass with a dash within the box, where he met Muniainas lay-off pass to create it 3-1 for the house area. The pushing and possession continued for the remainder of the first half, but no chances were designed since the teams went in to the dressing rooms for half time. Throughout the second half Lopetegui made the required replacements to field the next players: Joel Robles (Wigan Athletic FC), Montoya (FC Barcelona), Amat (Rayo Vallecano), Nacho FernAndez (Real Madrid), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla FC), Camacho (MAlaga CF), Thiago (FC Barcelona), Canales (Valencia CF), Gerard Deulofeu (FC Barcelona), Alvaro VAzquez (Getafe), Sarabia (Getafe CF). The next half started out very well for Spain with a goal immediately from kick off. Some sharp one touch travels finished up at Thiago, who put the ball in the net; nevertheless the 21-year aged midfielder was called offside. Only in the 52nd minute did Norway got their 2nd chance. A long ball got headed to the legs of a Norway attacker, nevertheless the player blasted it wide private with Joel. Very nearly directly next chance, Rodrigo picked up the ball on the right side of the pitch. With an excellent through ball he made place for Tello to perform into. The winger found Canales working towards an open goal. The Valencia midfielder didnat fail as he won the last purpose of the night for Spain. Just after the goal Tello (2 targets, 1 assist) and Rodrigo (1 goal, 1 assist) were both substituted down. Chances were calmed down a bit with more possession for Spain, but less by the game than earlier in the fit. Twenty-one minutes after Canalesas purpose, Sarabia crossed the ball in to the place where he found Norway defender Jonatan TollAs Nation. The Norwegian tried to head the ball back to his goalkeeper, but miscommunication led to an goal: 5-1 to Spain U-21. In while they didnat flourish in using the offside trap the dying minutes of the sport, the Spanish defence fell asleep. A long ball to Kastrati led to him being 1 on 1 with Joel. It was calmly played by the attacker around Joel to create 5-2 to it. The ultimate purpose by Kastrati could not last to Spainas dominating performance over the evening since the Spanish kids can now get ready for the match against Russiaas U-21 team on March 25. Final score: Spain U-21 5-2 Norway U-21 Goals: 0-1 Nielsen (min 1), 1-1 Tello (min 5), 2-1 Tello (min 16), 3-1 Rodrigo Moreno (min 34), 4-1 Sergio Canales (min 56), 5-1 Jonatan TollAs (O.G. min 76), 5-2 Kastrati (min 87) Image credit: Michael Steele/Getty Picture

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Archer enjoying beginning options - Sports Mole

Last Updated: Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 19:11 UK The 19-year-old joined the League Two ensemble from Tottenham Hotspur on a basis in September 2012 until January, that has since been extended until the end of the present strategy. Reflecting on his stint at Adams Park to date, the goalkeeper believes that he will end up an improved player for the ability. Games have been played 30 by "i there now to ensure that has been beneficial to my progress. As winning contests could be the most important thing," he is quoted as saying by PA Sport, a young owner. "Jack Butland is the sole other 19-year-old playing in the Football League so getting games of that quality as of this age is good. "In league soccer, everyone is playing due to their future. The force of heading out and each week finding three points is significantly diffent. That transition has actually helped. "Playing reserve baseball for Spurs is good but there's more importance put into every game in the Football League. You can find added demands and more supporters and I have loved every game." A new contract was recently signed by archer with Spurs before summer of 2015.

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Seemingly Hockey And Basketball Arenat Big Enough For The Champions To Obtain Their Own Individual Days At The White House

Among the perks to be a championship U.S. Activities team: you go to the White House. Given, maybe not everyone views this as an advantage, as is their right, but many people take the chance to go and photobomb where they have never photobombed before, and also meet the stuff and president. For next Tuesday the reigning Stanley Cup winner Los Angeles Kings, that time will come. Theyall current Obama with a jersey, be given a speech praising them to the heavens, and alsoa perhaps not function as the only group there? On Tuesday, March 26, President Obama may welcome the Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings and the Major League Soccer champion LA Galaxy to the White House to honor their 2012 championship seasons in a service at the White House. Wait, hockeyas now right down to ashare the afternoon with the MLS champsa position in the White House visit value pecking order? Weare not the only ones who see this as a demotion: Maybe Tim Thomas really was missing out of protest that the White House didnat value his sport as highly as he thought it deserved. Probably the White House really only wanted an L.A.-heavy time. Probably itas a fresh concept that groups that win titles with aCupa inside them donat manage to get thier own day. Or maybea Barack Obama is merely attempting to prove how American he's to the doubters that remain. Theyare still out there, you understand. If the long form birth certificate didnat have the job done in their eyes, you might wonder, what'll? Wella whatas American? Providing hockey second-class sporting standing. Whatas much more American than that? Offering football second-class activity standing. Relegating both sports to the 2nd collection at the same time frame? If thatas maybe not American through and through, we donat understand what is.

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Man City in pole position to signal Falcao - Al-Bawaba

Person City in 'pole situation' against Chelsea for Falcao chase Manchester City appears to maintain the 'pole position' to sign Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao in a 50 million-pound bid after the Colombian striker said that he does not wish to join Chelsea. Area employer Roberto Mancini's hopes of getting in Falcao to the Etihad were increased by reports claiming that the 50 million-pound rated striker has told his team that he is not open to move to Stamford Bridge, which is reportedly the biggest danger to City in the struggle to land Falcao, the Mirror reports. According to the paper, Mancini is just a long-term admirer of the Atletico front-man and will not want a of last summer when he missed out on a host of top objectives to Chelsea in the race to sign Edin Hazard. The report further added that with Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko set to follow Mario Balotelli out of City, the look for striking supports has recently started. Town is able to undertake a major overhaul of their group after failing continually to match the rate being set by Manchester United at the top of the Premier League, the statement added. (ANI)

Villas-Boas in Real link - Clubcall

Tottenham Hotspur, Last updated: 05:25, March 24, 2013[[views]] Premiership, Tottenham Hotspur https://plus.google.com/115899669055204909525 Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has been related to a move to Real Madrid, should Jose Mourinho leave the Bernabeu. Rumours are rife that Mourinho will head for pastures new at the end of the season and Villas-Boas has appeared as a surprise contender following an impressive season with Tottenham.The Portuguese tactician's name took a after he was sacked as manager of Chelsea only months into the role but he has built it back up as Tottenham have mounted a press for Champions League football.Fellow countryman Juan Mata, who played under Villas-Boas at Stamford Bridge, says he's confident the 35-year-old could handle any club on earth and be described as a success."He is able to train any team," Mata revealed. "He is a great instructor, young and modern but with experience and skills, though his time at Chelsea didn't go well at all." < Previous article Next article >

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Malaysian GP is won by vettel of Red Bull

SEPANG, Malaysia (AP) a Three-time defending champion Sebastian Vettel kept off Red Bull teammate Mark Webber in a scintillating battle to get the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday, with the German later apologizing for ignoring team directions late in the battle. Vettel, who had early in the day reported to the staff about Webber's slow rate, struggled his teammate for much of the time, with the vehicles nearly touching as the German grabbed the lead on the 46th panel for his 27th victory, which fits the total of three-time success Jackie Stewart. He now brings Lotus driver Kimi Raiikonen by seven items in the tournament. The ambitious Vettel left Webber visibly annoyed, with the Australian driver refusing to admit his teammate following the race. Webber stated that he'd slowed within the result in save his tires and motor simply to be approved by Vettel. If the struggle had him reconsidering his situation at Red Bull asked, Webber said he'd "a large amount of things going right on through my mind." "It was a close battle and I am maybe not fully happy," Vettel said. A big mistake was made by "i today and we should have kept in the positioning. I smudged for the reason that condition and took the lead from Mark and could say now he is disappointed. Apologies to Mark. The effect is all and there I can say is that I didn't do it deliberately." Vettel insisted he was not aware of his error until after the battle. "Mark should have won," Vettel said, adding that he won't make the mistake again. Webber experienced a fantastic start to the competition, leaping from fifth into second and then got the lead on the ninth lap. He traded places with Vettel several times in the first half of the race because they both pitted and the German almost got past Webber on the panel after appearing out of the sets. Later, Webber had the lead when his team told him to decelerate to get the pressure off his motor and tires a' that have been a problem early in the seasona' just before Vettel passed him. "Basically, I got myself into place where we were managing the race," Webber said. "Had a fairly good condition. I was ready for a sprint to the end and the team rang up and said, 'the race pressure is down, take care of the tires. Don't fight each other .' I made the motor down." Meanwhile, Mercedes extended its astonishing work with 2008 winner Lewis Hamilton concluding next in front of teammate Nico Rosberg. But a similar dispute to that particular at Red Bull struck Mercedes, with Rosberg being told to stand down with five laps to go despite having better speed than Hamilton. Team Principal Ross Brawn implored Rosberg to back off from Hamilton and the team was later told by the German to "remember this one" after the race. "I don't feel amazing sitting here. Nico deserved to be where I'm correct now," Hamilton said. "Obviously, the group thought for position in the championship it was logical to stay in the position we are in. I say congratulations to Nico. He went a much wiser and managed battle than I did." Hamilton early in the day experienced an uncomfortable moment when he drove into his former staff McLaren's sets before correcting himself and heading to Mercedes, which he joined in front of in 2010. It absolutely was a disastrous time for Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, who failed out of the competition on the second lap after damaging his front side when he bumped Vettel a lap earlier. His teammate Felipe Massa began badly but was able to finish fifth. "Bad luck today, as always more than 19 contests is going to be compensated and we are prepared to retrieve great points within the next race," Alonso tweeted. McLaren's issues also continued, as a botched pit end dropped 2009 winner Jenson Button to 14th. The Briton then retired with two laps remaining while his teammate, Sergio Perez, finished ninth.

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What'll happen to Kevin De Bruyne? |Chelsea Hamilton Academical 360

Chelsea are blessed with an inordinate amount of ultra-talented young Belgians, 8 at the last count, of whom 4 are on loan. All of them have had generally excellent seasons, and it is Kevin De Bruyne that I'm looking at today.

Kevin De Bruyne was signed by Chelsea for £6.7m on deadline day of January 2012, but was loaned straight back to Genk for the rest of the season. Despite some impressive showings for Chelsea in pre-season, there was fierce competition for the attacking midfield roles at Chelsea, and the club decided that it was best for his development that he joined Werder Bremen on loan.

To be honest, they were probably right. Kevin De Bruyne went straight into the Werder first team, and has easily been their best player this season. He's started every single game for Bremen, and no wonder, for he's been truly outstanding wherever he's been played. Thomas Schaaf has experimented quite a bit, using de Bruyne on both wings, number 10, central midfield and even as a false nine on occasions. It's safe to say he wouldn't have got anywhere near as many minutes at Chelsea, given that he was originally behind Marko Marin in the pecking order!

He's repaid Bremen very well; 7 goals and 9 assists in 27 games from midfield is excellent by anyone's standards, and for a 21 year old in his first season of top-level football in an otherwise weak Bremen team it's incredible. He's also got a goal and two assists in two and a half games for Belgium.

So KDB can dribble, shoot, pass and cross way above average. I think it's fair to say that his crossing is his greatest asset; he's averaged 2.2 accurate crosses per game with a crossing accuracy of 31% this season, which is absolutely ridiculous. In perspective, Eden Hazard has 14% accuracy, Victor Moses has 6%. KDB has an average of 3.2 successful dribbles per game this season. Mata, Hazard and Moses combined have 3.1. Oh, and he's also well-practised in the art of telekinesis, always a useful skill to have:

Absurd stats for dribbling and crossing point towards De Bruyne being an elite old-fashioned winger in the mould of David Beckham. And is certainly fair to say there are similarities between Kevin De Bruyne and a young Beckham. They share excellent vision and accurate passing, pinpoint crossing and dead-eye free kicks, relying on skill and technique rather than blistering pace. They don't play the same position though; Beckham was a right winger whilst De Bruyne plays more of a central attacking role, sometimes drifting out to the left. That's been made possible by the evolution of football, 15 years ago there was no such thing as trequartistas in the Premier League, but now they're all over the place. If Beckham had been born 15 years later, I'm sure he'd have been a creative Mata-esque attacking midfielder.

Beckham has spent most of his career on the right wing, and it's only in the last couple of years that he's switched to regista. This is a very plausible career path for De Bruyne. With such intense competition for the number 10 role at Chelsea, it's likely that KDB will have to play on the wing initially. I don't think he'll be thrown straight into the pivot, and certainly not false nine. He always played as an inverted left winger for Genk (the role that Hazard usually plays for Chelsea) and he did it very well. When KDB loses the speed and stamina required for the wing, he could adapt to regista quite easily in the twilight of his career, just like Beckham.

If De Bruyne works hard on the training ground on his tackling and strength, I see no reason why he couldn't make the switch to the pivot earlier in his career. The speed, dribbling, passing, creativity and eye for goal are already there, so a little more defensive solidity could transform Kevin De Bruyne into a world-class box-to-box midfielder. The best example of this is Bastian Schweinsteiger, who started his career on the right flank and was generally excellent, with accurate passing and crossing rather than burning pace being his finest attributes, much like KDB. With some tutoring from Mikel, De Bruyne could be just as good as the Bayern superstar, and probably a more complete player.

But if the hard work in training is on his speed, stamina and physique, we could end up with a truly terrifying attacker on our hands. Hard work on the track and in the weights room can only do so much for your speed, especially if you're already an elite athlete like De Bruyne. But KDB is already reasonably fast, and an extra yard of pace would lead to the perfect winger in many ways; speed, skill, crossing, passing, finishing, set-pieces, creativity, flair, everything. If KDB was locked in the gym for a few weeks, you might get something along the lines of a much more creative, two-footed Gareth Bale with more accurate passing and crossing. Or possibly a Cristiano Ronaldo with better vision and passing. Granted, you can't just transform someone into natural athlete like Bale or Ronaldo overnight. What can be done is take someone who is already quite quick and get them up to roughly Victor Moses levels of pace and power. If that is done to KDB, his technical ability would make him totally unplayable. Strength and stamina can be improved massively; speed is much more difficult, but possible. Forget about signing Gareth Bale, because Kevin De Bruyne can and should be miles better than Bale.

If you'd prefer it if De Bruyne sticks to what he already knows how to do and tries to make the very most of his technical qualities, we could have a similarly outstanding player on our hands. With the vision, creativity and technique that he has, Kevin De Bruyne could be as good as any attacking midfielder that has ever been seen. I'm talking about Kaka, Zinedine Zidane and Andres Iniesta. De Bruyne's potential is so limitless that I'd be honestly surprised if he isn't being mentioned in the same breath as the aforementioned legendary attacking midfielders within the next five years. Andres Iniesta is probably the best comparison to De Bruyne, if Lucas Piazon and Oscar are the new Kaka and Zidane respectively.

When De Bruyne returns next season, it will be very interesting to see exactly how Chelsea will use him. With the obvious lack of, and need for, a regista at Chelsea, KDB's ability with long passes makes it very possible that he may end up playing a Xavi-esque role for Chelsea. This role doesn't require much more than outstanding short and long passing ability, and De Bruyne certainly has that. KDB doesn't really dictate the tempo of the game – that's not his responsibility – but I'm sure he could. Josh McEachran is problem more naturally suited to this sort of position, but that doesn't mean that De Bruyne or even Oscar couldn't do it very effectively.

Chelsea are blessed with an inordinate amount of ultra-talented young Belgians, 8 at the last count, of whom 4 are on loan. All of them have had generally excellent seasons, and it is Kevin De Bruyne that I'm looking at today.

Kevin De Bruyne was signed by Chelsea for £6.7m on deadline day of January 2012, but was loaned straight back to Genk for the rest of the season. Despite some impressive showings for Chelsea in pre-season, there was fierce competition for the attacking midfield roles at Chelsea, and the club decided that it was best for his development that he joined Werder Bremen on loan.

To be honest, they were probably right. Kevin De Bruyne went straight into the Werder first team, and has easily been their best player this season. He's started every single game for Bremen, and no wonder, for he's been truly outstanding wherever he's been played. Thomas Schaaf has experimented quite a bit, using de Bruyne on both wings, number 10, central midfield and even as a false nine on occasions. It's safe to say he wouldn't have got anywhere near as many minutes at Chelsea, given that he was originally behind Marko Marin in the pecking order!

He's repaid Bremen very well; 7 goals and 9 assists in 27 games from midfield is excellent by anyone's standards, and for a 21 year old in his first season of top-level football in an otherwise weak Bremen team it's incredible. He's also got a goal and two assists in two and a half games for Belgium.

So KDB can dribble, shoot, pass and cross way above average. I think it's fair to say that his crossing is his greatest asset; he's averaged 2.2 accurate crosses per game with a crossing accuracy of 31% this season, which is absolutely ridiculous. In perspective, Eden Hazard has 14% accuracy, Victor Moses has 6%. KDB has an average of 3.2 successful dribbles per game this season. Mata, Hazard and Moses combined have 3.1. Oh, and he's also well-practised in the art of telekinesis, always a useful skill to have:

Absurd stats for dribbling and crossing point towards De Bruyne being an elite old-fashioned winger in the mould of David Beckham. And is certainly fair to say there are similarities between Kevin De Bruyne and a young Beckham. They share excellent vision and accurate passing, pinpoint crossing and dead-eye free kicks, relying on skill and technique rather than blistering pace. They don't play the same position though; Beckham was a right winger whilst De Bruyne plays more of a central attacking role, sometimes drifting out to the left. That's been made possible by the evolution of football, 15 years ago there was no such thing as trequartistas in the Premier League, but now they're all over the place. If Beckham had been born 15 years later, I'm sure he'd have been a creative Mata-esque attacking midfielder.

Beckham has spent most of his career on the right wing, and it's only in the last couple of years that he's switched to regista. This is a very plausible career path for De Bruyne. With such intense competition for the number 10 role at Chelsea, it's likely that KDB will have to play on the wing initially. I don't think he'll be thrown straight into the pivot, and certainly not false nine. He always played as an inverted left winger for Genk (the role that Hazard usually plays for Chelsea) and he did it very well. When KDB loses the speed and stamina required for the wing, he could adapt to regista quite easily in the twilight of his career, just like Beckham.

If De Bruyne works hard on the training ground on his tackling and strength, I see no reason why he couldn't make the switch to the pivot earlier in his career. The speed, dribbling, passing, creativity and eye for goal are already there, so a little more defensive solidity could transform Kevin De Bruyne into a world-class box-to-box midfielder. The best example of this is Bastian Schweinsteiger, who started his career on the right flank and was generally excellent, with accurate passing and crossing rather than burning pace being his finest attributes, much like KDB. With some tutoring from Mikel, De Bruyne could be just as good as the Bayern superstar, and probably a more complete player.

But if the hard work in training is on his speed, stamina and physique, we could end up with a truly terrifying attacker on our hands. Hard work on the track and in the weights room can only do so much for your speed, especially if you're already an elite athlete like De Bruyne. But KDB is already reasonably fast, and an extra yard of pace would lead to the perfect winger in many ways; speed, skill, crossing, passing, finishing, set-pieces, creativity, flair, everything. If KDB was locked in the gym for a few weeks, you might get something along the lines of a much more creative, two-footed Gareth Bale with more accurate passing and crossing. Or possibly a Cristiano Ronaldo with better vision and passing. Granted, you can't just transform someone into natural athlete like Bale or Ronaldo overnight. What can be done is take someone who is already quite quick and get them up to roughly Victor Moses levels of pace and power. If that is done to KDB, his technical ability would make him totally unplayable. Strength and stamina can be improved massively; speed is much more difficult, but possible. Forget about signing Gareth Bale, because Kevin De Bruyne can and should be miles better than Bale.

If you'd prefer it if De Bruyne sticks to what he already knows how to do and tries to make the very most of his technical qualities, we could have a similarly outstanding player on our hands. With the vision, creativity and technique that he has, Kevin De Bruyne could be as good as any attacking midfielder that has ever been seen. I'm talking about Kaka, Zinedine Zidane and Andres Iniesta. De Bruyne's potential is so limitless that I'd be honestly surprised if he isn't being mentioned in the same breath as the aforementioned legendary attacking midfielders within the next five years. Andres Iniesta is probably the best comparison to De Bruyne, if Lucas Piazon and Oscar are the new Kaka and Zidane respectively.

When De Bruyne returns next season, it will be very interesting to see exactly how Chelsea will use him. With the obvious lack of, and need for, a regista at Chelsea, KDB's ability with long passes makes it very possible that he may end up playing a Xavi-esque role for Chelsea. This role doesn't require much more than outstanding short and long passing ability, and De Bruyne certainly has that. KDB doesn't really dictate the tempo of the game – that's not his responsibility – but I'm sure he could. Josh McEachran is problem more naturally suited to this sort of position, but that doesn't mean that De Bruyne or even Oscar couldn't do it very effectively.

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