#2: javi garcia is a football player

[skyland2703]

guys i don't think this was a coincidence...

[unitedstatesofworld]

Arandina CF vs Real Madrid Lineups: A David vs Goliath Showdown

Ever wonder what happens when a team like Arandina CF squares off against football giants like Real Madrid? It’s the stuff of dreams, underdog stories, and sometimes, unbelievable upsets! Today, we're diving into the much-anticipated Arandina CF vs Real Madrid lineups—who’s on the field, what’s at stake, and how the lineups can make or break the game. So, let’s get into it!

Arandina CF, a team from the lower leagues of Spanish football, has earned their chance to stand against one of the most powerful football clubs in history. The disparity is obvious, but hey, that's why we watch football, right? Could this be a classic David vs. Goliath moment?

Key Highlights of the Match

Competition: Copa del Rey

Date: TBD

Venue: Estadio El Montecillo, Aranda de Duero

Lineups: The game-changing details we’re here for!

Now, without further ado, let’s break down the Arandina CF vs Real Madrid lineups and what they mean for this exciting clash.

Arandina CF: The Local Heroes

Arandina CF may not have the star power of their competitors, but they’ve got heart—and sometimes, that's all you need to pull off an upset. The team’s lineup will feature a mix of seasoned veterans and eager young talents, all looking to make a name for themselves on the big stage.

Possible Starting Lineup for Arandina CF:

Goalkeeper: Sergio Romero

Defenders: Alex Gonzalez, Juan Rodriguez, David Alvarez, and Pablo Gómez

Midfielders: Carlos Marcos, Dani Lopez, Jorge Gomez, and Javi Garcia

Forwards: Manuel Diaz, Antonio Perez

Their formation will likely focus on defensive solidity, given that they are facing one of the most lethal attacking sides in Europe. Expect a 4-4-2 formation that is designed to stifle Real Madrid’s creative freedom.

Key Player to Watch: Javi Garcia A versatile midfielder who can break up play and drive the team forward. He’s the heartbeat of Arandina CF’s game plan.

Real Madrid: The Galacticos

Now, onto the juggernauts. Real Madrid, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, brings with them a galaxy of superstars. The Arandina CF vs Real Madrid lineups will be intriguing because Madrid may field a mix of first-team stars and fringe players. Regardless, their "second string" is likely to feature talent that would walk into most European starting XIs.

Expected Real Madrid Lineup:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Nacho Fernandez, and Ferland Mendy

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Federico Valverde

Forwards: Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz, and Vinicius Jr.

This lineup, packed with athleticism and creativity, will likely follow a 4-3-3 formation that emphasizes quick ball movement and attacking flair. Expect Real Madrid to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.

Key Player to Watch: Vinicius Jr. His blistering pace and unpredictable dribbling can tear apart any defense, and Arandina CF will have their hands full trying to contain him.

Tactics: How the Teams Match Up

Arandina CF’s Game Plan:

Arandina CF will need to focus on their defensive structure. Keeping a solid shape at the back and hitting Real Madrid on the counterattack will be their best bet. Can they keep the scoreline respectable and perhaps even sneak in a goal? Their strategy will hinge on absorbing pressure and taking advantage of set pieces.

Real Madrid’s Strategy:

Real Madrid’s approach will be all about control and creativity. Expect them to dominate the midfield with players like Camavinga and Valverde dictating the pace. The Arandina CF vs Real Madrid lineups suggest that Madrid will try to break down their opponents with quick, incisive passing and individual brilliance from their forwards. If Arandina CF gives them too much space, Madrid will punish them with precision.

Key Battles on the Pitch

What makes this game exciting are the individual battles that can sway the game’s outcome. Let’s highlight a few key matchups from the Arandina CF vs Real Madrid lineups:

Javi Garcia vs Federico Valverde: Can Garcia hold his own against one of the best midfielders in Europe?

Manuel Diaz vs Antonio Rudiger: Will Diaz find a way past the rock-solid Rudiger?

Vinicius Jr. vs Alex Gonzalez: This is a mismatch on paper, but can Gonzalez frustrate the Brazilian star?

What Can Arandina CF Achieve?

Is a victory possible for Arandina CF? Realistically, no one expects them to win, but football has always had a knack for surprises. Even holding Madrid to a low-scoring affair or scoring a goal would be a victory in itself for the underdogs.

Let’s not forget how lesser-known clubs have shocked Europe’s elite before. Remember when Alcorcón knocked out Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey? Anything can happen.

The Pressure on Real Madrid

For Madrid, this is a game they must win convincingly. Anything less will be seen as a failure, and with their depth and quality, they should have no trouble dispatching Arandina CF. But pressure can do funny things, especially when facing a team that has nothing to lose. Could complacency creep in?

Conclusion

In the end, the Arandina CF vs Real Madrid lineups are more than just names on a team sheet—they tell a story of two footballing worlds colliding. The match will likely showcase Madrid’s dominance, but Arandina CF’s determination to fight for every ball could make things interesting. Whether it's a one-sided affair or a shocker for the ages, we’ll be watching with anticipation!

[gadgetsrevv]

Solskjaer, Pochettino among Premier League managers feeling most pressure

After Watford parted ways with Javi Garcia, the FC crew assess the chances that Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino could leave his post this season.

As we wait out the September international break, Craig Burley reflects on the first four weeks of the Premier League season and gives his best XI.

Just six months ago, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was handed a three-year contract as Manchester United manager. Three months later, Mauricio Pochettino was leading Tottenham out in Madrid for the club’s first-ever appearance in a Champions League final.

Yet as the dust settled on a weekend which saw Javi Gracia become the first managerial casualty of the season in Premier League, with the Spaniard sacked by Watford after one draw and three defeats in their opening four league games, Solskjaer and Pochettino found themselves as joint-favourites with the bookmakers to become the next manager to leave their job this season.

– Ogden: United could get a lot worse before they get better – ESPN Premier League fantasy: Sign up now! – Luck Index: Man United worse than sixth?

Solskjaer and Pochettino share the dubious distinction with Steve Bruce, who has endured a difficult start to his reign in charge of Newcastle, but it has been longer than anyone cares to remember since any Newcastle manager was able to work without some kind of uncertainty hovering over his job security. Bruce walked into the job at St James’ Park knowing exactly what to expect, especially having previously managed bitter north-east rivals Sunderland, so the 58-year-old was always going to have to start well to silence his critics. His team didn’t start well, but four points from Newcastle’s last two games suggests that the bookmakers might soon start to lengthen the odds on Bruce joining Gracia on the managerial scrapheap.

Pochettino and Solskjaer now need a similarly positive reaction from their players after the international break in order to banish the storm clouds that are beginning to loom large over them. Results will ultimately dictate the fate of both men, as is the case with any manager, but while the circumstances surrounding Pochettino and Solskjaer’s situations are different, they each have to shoulder a decent portion of the blame for the pressure they are now beginning to feel.

The doubts over Pochettino’s future at Spurs are largely of his own making, with the Argentine speaking on numerous occasions over recent months about how even he doesn’t know how long he will stay at the club or if, indeed, he wants to. In Singapore, during the club’s preseason tour, Pochettino even went so far as to admit that he would have considered leaving his job had Spurs beaten Liverpool in the Champions League final last season.

Pochettino has helped Spurs navigate themselves up football’s version of Everest during his five years in charge, transforming the club from perennial underachievers to Champions League regulars and North London’s top club. Winning the Champions League would have been like reaching the summit, so perhaps he was, or is, ready for a new challenge. But by speaking so openly about potentially coming to the end of the road at Spurs, Pochettino has created uncertainty and given the likes of Christian Eriksen justification for rejecting a new contract at the club in order to pursue a new challenge of his own somewhere else. There are similar doubts over the futures of Jan Vertonghen, Danny Rose and Toby Alderweireld and, all of a sudden, Spurs look like a team on the verge of being broken up and the sense of everyone looking out for themselves is inescapable.

They sit in ninth position, with just one win from four so far in the league, and they went into the international break having thrown away a 2-0 lead at Arsenal to draw 2-2 against their biggest rivals. Pochettino went into that game denying rumours that he was preparing to quit, so the air of uncertainty is understandable and it is reaching the stage where it would be no surprise if the 47-year-old called time on his spell at Tottenham.

It is a different scenario with Solskjaer, who retains the backing of the United supporters and has yet to be subjected to suggestions that the club’s owners, the Glazer family, are growing restless with recent results. But those results are why the bookmakers are being less than generous with their odds on Solskjaer losing his job.

United have made their worst start to a season since 1992-93, winning just once in four games, and they have offloaded several experienced players since the closure of the Premier League transfer window without replacing them. The optimism which flowed following the Norwegian’s appointment as caretaker manager last December in the wake of Jose Mourinho’s sacking has long since evaporated, largely because results have been so bad. United have not won away from Old Trafford in any competition since the remarkable 3-1 Champions League victory at Paris Saint-Germain on March 6 and they have kept just one clean sheet since the 0-0 draw with Liverpool in mid-February. Under Solskjaer, United have won just three of their last 16 games in all competitions, losing nine of them.

Solskjaer has embarked on a squad rebuilding process that has left United with just three forwards — one of them the 17-year-old Mason Greenwood — and no new midfielders, so he must now somehow find a way to keep his wafer-thin squad in contention in all competitions until the chance arrives to sign reinforcements in January. But the big question is whether the former United striker will survive long enough.

Solskjaer and Pochettino were seemingly untouchable in their current positions just six months ago, but football can change quickly. Just ask Javi Gracia. In May, he was being shortlisted as a potential new manager by Chelsea having guided Watford to their first FA Cup final since 1984. Now, he is out of work. That’s the nature of the game for football managers, so it would be foolish to think there is no cause for concern for Pochettino and Solskjaer.

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[soccernetghana]

FEATURE: Weekly Wonderkids- Mohammed Salisu

[caption id="attachment_800470" align="alignnone" width="512"] Mohammed Salisu (Valladolid), OCTOBER 29, 2019 - Football / Soccer : Spanish "La Liga Santander" match between FC Barcelona 5-1 Real Valladolid CF at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Mutsu Kawamori/AFLO)[/caption] One of Football Index’s unique attributes as a platform is that it allows traders to pick and choose which players to buy and sell, which to stockpile, and which to keep an eye on in the future. Traders can spot a promising footballer, buy stock in said player, and watch them flourish as the player’s profile grows on the world stage. If you truly believe that a teenage prospect who’s only registered a handful of substitute appearances will go on to become a Golden Boot winner, you have the power to put your money where your mouth is and add him to your portfolio. Each Monday, Zach Lowy will analyse a new U-23 player who Football Index traders should consider buying in a new weekly series called “Weekly Wonderkids.” With this series, you’ll be able to discover which youngsters you should place your trust in – and money – and why.   Name: Mohammed Salisu Age: 20 Club: Real Valladolid [caption id="attachment_800471" align="alignnone" width="1366"] VILLAREAL, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 21: Mohammed Salisu Abdul of Real Valladolid in action during the Liga match between Villarreal CF and Real Valladolid CF at Estadio de la Ceramica on September 21, 2019 in Villareal, Spain. (Photo by David Aliaga/MB Media/Getty Images)[/caption] In football, a player’s career can change for better or worse in an instant. That was certainly the case for Mohammed Salisu, who went from an unknown quantity to one of the most promising defenders in Spain in just one day. Despite only being used sparingly in the preseason, Salisu was given his league debut in the season opener against Real Betis. With Federico Barba still suspended after picking up a red card for Chievo Verona three months earlier, and with the club having neglected to purchase a replacement for Fernando Calero, Salisu was thrown into the deep end, but ended up impressing as the Blanquivioletas managed a 2-1 victory. He passed the test with flying colors, and excelled against Real Madrid and Levante.  By the time the summer transfer window had closed, it was neither of the loan arrivals — Javi Sánchez and Barba — who was starting alongside Kiko Olivas in defense, but Salisu. Salisu is now reaping the rewards of manager Sergio González’s trust, as well as the lucky circumstances that landed in his favor. On March 27, 2019, Bayern Munich smashed their transfer record to bring in Lucas Hernandez from Atlético Madrid for €80 million. In turn, the Rojiblancos brought in Mario Hermoso from Espanyol for €25 million plus another €4 million in add-ons, well below his €40 million release clause. This set off another chain of events; Espanyol signed Fernando Calero, who had blossomed for Real Valladolid last season, for a reported fee of €8 million. Fast forward a few months, and Salisu has been the clear victor from this transfer chain. Calero has been an embarrassing flop for Espanyol, who are currently mired at the bottom of La Liga. Hermoso has struggled for minutes behind Felipe Monteiro and José Giménez, while Lucas has been out of action since October after injuring his ankle against Olympiakos. Salisu, on the other hand, has flourished into one of the most promising left-footed center backs in Iberia. Humble Beginnings in Ghana Having been born in Accra, Salisu grew up in the smaller city of Kumasi, before moving back to the capital when he was 13. It was there where he was discovered by Fran Castaño, who left his job in Spain to create the African Talent Football Academy. Castaño took note of his talent, saying, “He seemed very elegant and he was also left-footed. His technical level was very high, and he didn’t boot it long, but instead, played it short.”  Despite having to borrow a friend’s cleats for practice, and despite having not played association football in years, Salisu’s talent shone through. Castaño called the legendary Víctor Fernández, Valladolid’s third all-time leading scorer and academy coach. After seeing three matches of him, Fernández’s mind was made up: he wanted him in his team. Salisu left the dirt pitches of Ghana for cold and windy Valladolid in October 2017, where he would develop in the youth sides under the tutelage of Fernández, Alberto Marcos and Miguel Ángel Gómez. Despite the sharp change in style, Salisu shot up through the ranks with remarkable ease, going from the Juvenil A side to the Promesas side. Such were his promising performances in the third division that González rewarded him with his first-team debut against Getafe in the Copa del Rey Round of 16. Eight months later, he was already an undisputed starter in La Liga.   Breakout Season in Valladolid There have been painful reminders of his youth and inexperience in Spain, such as the September encounter against Villarreal, where he clumsily brought down Javier Ontiveros and conceded a penalty which would then be converted by Santi Cazorla for the opener. He doesn’t offer quite the same security in possession as Calero did, but he has shown several signs of improvement in the build-up. With his technical attributes, his raw physical power and pace, and his psychological toughness, Salisu has quickly made the supporters at the Estadio José Zorrilla forget about Calero. After the costly penalty against Villarreal, González kept his faith in the youngster, saying, “He is a physically imposing player that doesn’t have any brakes. Only games and experience will make him improve, otherwise, he stopped many shots, was very strong in pressure, moved through the lines well and played a good match.” [caption id="attachment_800488" align="alignnone" width="512"] Valladolid's Mohammed Salisu celebrates after scoring during a Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Valladolid and Eibar at the Jose Zorrilla in Valladolid, Spain, 26 October 2019. EFE/ R. GARCIA[/caption] Alongside the veteran Kiko, 11 years his senior, the two have formed a solid center back pairing, with the Andalusian’s cool and composed nature gelling to perfection with the Ghanaian’s energetic, aggressive style. Only Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Sevilla, Getafe and Athletic Club have shipped fewer league goals than Valladolid (23), and even against the likes of Rodrigo Moreno, Willian José and Diego Costa, Salisu has not shrunk from the occasion. He has stood up to be counted, dominating aerial and physical duels, snuffing out chances, and consistently improving on the ball. He is quick at covering space and stepping off his line to intercept danger, and he has the mental fortitude to dust himself off after mistakes and fight for the victory. Between him and Joseph Aidoo (24), the latter of whom has been a pillar in defense since arriving at Celta Vigo in the summer, the future of the Black Stars’ defense is bright.   Next Big Move? As a left-footed center back with an imposing physique and a stubborn refusal to back down in challenges, Salisu has already popped onto the radar of several teams such as Sevilla, Schalke, Everton and Southampton. His contract expires in 2022, and his €12 million release clause is more than accessible for plenty of second-tier and third-tier clubs. While Valladolid are hoping to renew his deal and increase his buyout clause, he has proved unwilling to renew his contract. For all parties, it would be best for the club to sell him in the summer to a stepping-stone club such as Newcastle, Everton or Sevilla. Salisu and his entourage would also do well to remember the unfortunate fate of Calero, who left Valladolid too soon and has paid the price for it with his disastrous performances in Catalunya this season. He must keep his feet firmly planted on the ground, continue to improve and stay focused, and, when the time comes, pick the right move for his development. He still has plenty of room for improvement, but once he polishes his ability on the ball to an elite level and makes fewer mistakes, there’s no telling how high his ceiling can be. One can clearly see the similarities between him and Samuel Umtiti, Salisu’s footballing idol. His friends in Ghana used to nickname him Umtiti, but now, he’s competing against Umtiti for the title of most promising left-footed center back in Spain. When Salisu left his home country for Europe as a teenager, he did so with the goal of “making his family proud of [him.]” Nearly two years later, he’s doing just that. Credit: Zach Lowy/ Footballindex.co.uk  source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

[torentialtribute]

Gerard Pique and Xavi come out of international retirement for Catalonia v Venezuela  

Published: 08:24 GMT, March 21, 2019

Gerard Pique and Xavi have come out of international retirement to play for Catalonia

FIFA

The legendary Barcelona duo was named in the 20-person team of Catalonia after the friendly on Monday,] or UEFA but can still play friendly games . The game will be Pique & # 39; s 10th for Catalonia.

Gerard Pique has been named in the Catalonia team to play against Venezuela on Monday. team to play against Venezuela on Monday "

Gerard Pique is in Catalonia & # 39; s team named to play against Venezuela on Monday

His former Barcelona teammate, Xavi, is also named in the team for the March 25 contest "class =" blkBorder img-share "/>

Goalkeeper: Isaac Becerra (Nastic de Tare Edgar Badia (Elche), Edgar Badia (Elche), Edgar Badia (Elche), Defender: Martin Montoya (Brighton), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Marc Bartra ( Real Betis), Aleix Vidal Midfielders: Victor Sanchez (Espanyol), Xavi Hernandez (Al Sadd), Pere Pons (Girona), Oscar Melendo (Espanyol), Joan Jordan (Eibar), Alex ( Eibar), Marc Muniesa Forward: Sergio Garcia (Espanyol), Bojan Krkic (Stoke), Marc Cardona (Eibar)

] There is representation of the Premier League in the team, with Brighton defender Martin Montoya and Southampton midfielder named Oriol Romeu in the team.

Stoke striker Bojan is also included.

Watford attacker Gerard Deulofeu could also be a late addition, according to Sport in Spain.

The 25-year-old made the request to manager Javi Gracia and owner Gino Pozzo.

They are said to be & # 39; sensitive & # 39; are for the request and

La Liga teams Rayo Vallecano and Huesca have joined fellow top-class wrestlers Valladolid to prevent a number of matches

But in Spain other clubs were not admissible. of their players from joining

Valladolid manager Sergio Gonzalez also had to join the part of the technical staff

However, Valladolid, 16th in the rankings, took the decision to block Ruben Alcaraz and Jordi Masip's play

All three teams insisted that the decision be sporting, rather than political tensions between the autonomous region and the central government of Madrid continuing to rise following an illegal referendum on independence in October 2017 . [19459010

Twelve people, most of them former officials of the regional government, are currently on trial for the roles they played in the vote, while the former head of the regional government Carles Puigdemont is in exile in Belgium. ] A statement from Valladolid stated: "The club respects the Catalan Federation, but for the first time places its sporting interests in a decisive phase of the season and we want to avoid potential injury hazards with our football players."

<img id = "i-645d38c6eaf5eca3" src = "https://ift.tt/2CwB6SH image-a-21_1553155903362.jpg "height =" 415 "width =" 634 "alt =" Watford winger Gerard Deulofeu could still be present, according to reports in Spain for reports in Spain "

<img id = "i-ba0e6620d4129901" src = "https://ift.tt/2UMIoJd image-a-23_1553156467538.jpg "height =" 405 "width =" 634 "alt =" Oriol Romeu van Sou

<img id = "i-ba0e6620d4129901" src = "https: //i.dailymail .co.uk / 1s / 2019/03/21/08 / 11263620-0-image-a-23_1553156467538.jpg "height =" 405 "width =" 634 "alt =" Oriol Romeu from Southampton is one of the Premier League players with "class =" blkBorder "

Oriol Romeu from Southampton is one of the Premier League players

Fellow Huesca and Ray, who sit at the bottom and at the bottom

Catalan coach Gerard Moreno admitted he was disappointed but the decisions made by the players

& # 39; It didn't hurt me, we had permission to play this game, but we just have to accept the club's decisions, & # 39; he said. & # 39; I think the boys really wanted to come and play, that's normal, but I accept what the clubs have said, everyone has their motives. & # 39;

]

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[topsportstime-blog]

Real Madrid vs Melilla: TV channel, live stream, team news & preview

Boasting a healthy lead from the first leg, this encounter should be little more than routine for the European champions Real Madrid have the formality of their Copa del Rey round of 32 second-leg encounter against Melilla to negotiate on Wednesday at the Bernabeu. Goals from Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Alvaro Odriozola and Cristo Gonzalez have given them a 4-0 advantage heading into this encounter after the first leg in the North African enclave . Santi Solari, however, will be eager that Los Blancos continue a strong run of form that has seen him win six of his first seven matches in charge. Editors' Picks Questions will be asked if they do not beat their third-tier opponents once more. Game Real Madrid vs Melilla Date Thursday, December 6 Time 3:15pm GMT / 10:15am ET

TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch

In the United States (US), the game can be watched  live and on-demand with fuboTV (7-day free trial) . New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser. In the United Kingdom (UK), the game will not be broadcast live. UK TV channel Online stream n/a n/a

Squads & Team News

Position Real Madrid squad Goalkeepers Navas, Casilla, Courtois Defenders Ramos, Nacho, Odriozola, Reguilon, De La Fuente, Sanchez Midfielders Casemiro, Valverde, Llorente, Asensio, Ceballos, Feuillassier Forwards Benzema, Vazquez, Cristo, Vinicius Jr. Karim Benzema sits this game out after ending the weekend’s clash against Valencia in discomfort, while Gareth Bale is also rested. Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric will not be involved either. However, Santi Solari has deployed a number of top stars in this encounter, with the likes of Isco, Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior all named in the starting XI. Nacho is out with a knee problem, while Casemiro continues to nurse an ankle issue. No risks are taken with Marcelo. Castilla players Javi Sanchez, Fidalgo and Fran Garcia have all been called up to the senior squad. Real Madrid starting XI: Navas; Carvajal, Vallejo, Sanchez, Odriozola; Valverde, Llorente, Asensio; Isco, Mariano, Vinicius. Subs: Casilla, Varane, Vazquez, Ceballos, Cristo, Fidalgo, Fran Garcia. Position Melilla players Goalkeepers Barrio, P. Luis Defenders Aguza, Chakla, Richi, Mahanan, Torres, Carrion, Pepe Romero, B. Martin Midfielders Menudo, Ortega, Lolo Garrido, Alfonso, Otegui, Martinez  Forwards Ruano, Amar, Qasmi, Oscar Garcia, Aznar, Martin Goalkeeper Pedro Luis is rotated into the squad, despite an impressive performance from Dani Barrio at the weekend. Top scorer Yacine Qasmi leads the line. Melilla starting XI: P. Luis; Romero, Mahanan, Richi, Jilmar; Ortega, Menudo; Ruano, Oscar Garcial; Mizzian, Yacine. Subs: Chakla, Barrio, Otegui, Garrido, Martin, Braim, Martinez. Real Madrid are big 1/10 favourites to win the game according to bet365 . Melilla can be backed at 18/1, while the draw is priced at 9/1. Click here to see more offers for the game, including goalscoring markets, correct score predictions and more.

Match Preview

Santi Solari’s adventure in the Real Madrid dugout started in Melilla on October 31 and since securing a 4-0 victory in the North African enclave has passed off rather smoothly. A 3-0 hiccup against Eibar aside, Los Blancos have rediscovered their winning ways, will qualify in the Champions League with no problems and are only five points behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga. At the weekend, they secured a steady 2-0 victory over Valencia . An own goal after eight minutes gave them a perfect start before Lucas Vazquez added a second in the closing stages. Constitution Day in Spain means that there will be an early kick-off for this fixture and Solari is hoping to give the home fans something to cheer. “This Thursday is a holiday and lots of people will come along to the match, we want to see several different players on the pitch,” he said. Isco is certainly set to be celebrating, with the attacker touted to be given a first chance to impress his new coach from the beginning of a game. The Spain star shared an image on social media asking if he was overweight, but Solari is ignoring the incident. “I'm not on social media and didn't see Isco's photo,” he said. “Players need to give the best of themselves to be available and to then do the best possible. Then there are choices and different periods of form, all of this exists. Article continues below "The job of the coach is to try to pick well and avoid mistakes. “There are players in football who play well and who do so constantly, which is why they start for 10 or 12 years, but nobody has played forever because they are called X.” Against opponents who lead their Segunda B group, he and the rest of Real Madrid’s galaxy of stars will be expected to shine. Read the full article

[mancitynoise]

The Premier League returns with a bang this weekend and the largest reverberations will be created by its final fixture – Arsenal vs Manchester City – in a battle between last season’s champions and a huge club embarking on a new era after so many years of disappointing mediocrity. Both will be determined to start the new campaign as strongly as possible.

It looks set to be an entertaining encounter between two sides who only know how to attack, albeit to varying degrees of success in recent seasons, so who will come out on top in this one? This week’s experts, Ric Turner from Bluemoon and Football FanCast’s latest recruit Will Jones, share their thoughts and predictions ahead of Sunday’s 4pm kickoff.

As is the case with any Premier League season opener, the Emirates Stadium affair is shrouded in curiosities and question marks. While Arsenal’s are perhaps more obvious, welcoming a new manager for the first time in two decades in Unai Emery, there are doubts about City too – both of their previous Premier League title defences were over almost as soon as they started.

Are you convinced we’ll see City put in a much stronger title defence this time around?

Ric: “Our last two title defences were characterised by a degree of complacency, both at board level and amongst the players. We failed to strengthen the squad adequately each time, adding the likes of Jack Rodwell, Javi Garcia, Wilfried Bony and Fernando, when we really should have pushed on to assert our dominance. This time around the squad only needed relatively minor tweaking.

“The addition of Riyad Mahrez gives us another attacking option, allowing Bernardo Silva to play in a more central position and also meaning we can rotate Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane with a bit more frequency. A defensive midfielder was needed, in my opinion, but presumably the club are waiting for the right player after missing out on Jorginho, rather than buying for the sake of it.

“As for the players, Vincent Kompany has already spoken about how he can sense that the desire and attitude is different this time around and I don’t think Guardiola will allow complacency to creep in amongst the squad. We’re well placed to become the first team to retain the title for a decade.”

Do you think Emery will be a success at Arsenal?

Will: “Emery can be a success at Arsenal, if he is given time to be. His preferred system – involving operating a high press and playing very vertically – could definitely work well in the Premier League, as Jurgen Klopp has demonstrated. It is a huge shift from what these Arsenal players are used to though, and it’s unfair to expect them to grasp the intricacies of it all immediately.

“Emery has enjoyed a long pre-season with the bulk of his squad in place, so evidence of progress should be clear from the off.”

Ric: “I think Emery will do well at The Emirates. Obviously it will take time for him to mould a team in his image, and Sunday’s game is something of a baptism of fire, but change was long overdue at Arsenal. It will be interesting to see how they cope as a club in the post-Wenger era though. As United showed, it can be difficult to adapt when a long-serving manager departs.”

Much of that pre-match anticipation centres around the fact we don’t actually know how Emery will set his side up, or for that matter how many of Manchester City’s World Cup stars will be available after featuring in the latter stages of the tournament in Russia. While Phil Foden and Mahrez impressed in the respective absences of Kevin De Bruyne and Sterling during the Community Shield win over Chelsea, testing the use of Arsenal’s two top-class attackers in the same starting XI has been a recurring theme of Arsenal’s pre-season.

Would you start Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette together on Sunday?

Will: “It’s a good sign that Lacazette and Aubameyang are clearly firm friends off of the pitch. For whatever that’s worth, it can only be a positive for their on-field partnership. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely given what we’ve seen in pre-season that they will be played as a pair up front. Though they’ll both start, Emery’s preference for a three-man midfield will likely force Aubameyang to the left flank. Wenger deployed the former Dortmund man in that role at the end of last season too, but it didn’t stop him from being prolific, which bodes well.”

And do you think it’s worth risking De Bruyne and Sterling in an away game against a big six rival?

Ric: “I don’t think either player will start, having had less than a full week of training. I imagine they will gradually be fazed back into action but, as shown in the Community Shield on Sunday, we have the strength in depth to cope without them. The likes of Bernardo Silva, Foden and Mahrez provide more than adequate cover.”

Another recurring theme of Arsenal’s pre-season has been the involvement of young players. Emile Smith-Rowe earned himself a new contract with a glorious goal against Atletico Madrid, while Joe Willock has been around the first-team squad and summer signing Matteo Guendouzi – who was initially seen as an acquisition for the future – has probably been Arsenal’s best-performing midfielder over the course of the summer.

Are there any youngsters from pre-season you’d like to see involved on Sunday?

Will: “Guendouzi and striker Eddie Nketiah, both only 19, have caught the eye in pre-season. The Gunners already knew they had a clinical finisher in Nketiah, but Guendouzi’s maturity on the ball and impressive passing range has been a nice surprise. That being said, with several senior figures ahead of each of them in the pecking order, don’t expect either to start on Sunday.

“Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who enjoyed a breakout campaign last time out, could well fill in at left-back given Sean Kolasinac’s injury and Nacho Monreal’s lack of match fitness.”

This match no doubt represents a rude awakening for Emery in English football. Not only are Manchester City reigning Premier League champions, but they’re also record breaking champions lead by a manager who Emery failed to beat from ten attempts during their many years together in La Liga. But it would be wrong to think City are completely invincible – they showed some key weaknesses at times last season, when opponents like Liverpool and Bristol City really took the game to them.

Tactically, what do Arsenal need to do to win on Sunday?

Will: “Arsenal have to kick off the campaign as they mean to go on. Emery’s men need to press relentlessly and effectively. Arsenal have to work as a cohesive unit and hunt in packs. At this early stage, there are likely to be flaws in the system, which City obviously have the equality to exploit.

“At the other end though, in Aubameyang, Lacazette and Mesut Ozil, Arsenal have enough to hurt the men in sky blue. The midfield and defence have to provide a solid, hard-working platform to build from, and need to be alert enough to move the ball quickly up the pitch to take advantage of any counter-attacking opportunities.” 

And finally lads, what are your score predictions?

Ric: “I think it will be a close game, but hopefully City will have too much for them. I’ll go for 2-1 to the Blues.”

Will: “Arsenal 2 – 2 Man City. The Gunners have the home advantage, and their record at the Emirates Stadium is magnificent. The opening day buzz around Emery could also sustain the kind of effort that these Arsenal players are going to have to put in to get a result here.”

[yesfoggycoffeebouquetposts-blog]

Indoor Soccer Leagues In Kansas City

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[footballghana]

FEATURE: Weekly Wonderkids - Mohammed Salisu

One of Football Index’s unique attributes as a platform is that it allows traders to pick and choose which players to buy and sell, which to stockpile, and which to keep an eye on in the future. Traders can spot a promising footballer, buy stock in said player, and watch them flourish as the player’s profile grows on the world stage. If you truly believe that a teenage prospect who’s only registered a handful of substitute appearances will go on to become a Golden Boot winner, you have the power to put your money where your mouth is and add him to your portfolio.

Each Monday, Zach Lowy will analyse a new U-23 player who Football Index traders should consider buying in a new weekly series called “Weekly Wonderkids.” With this series, you’ll be able to discover which youngsters you should place your trust in – and money – and why.

Name: Mohammed Salisu

Age: 20

Club: Real Valladolid

  [caption id="attachment_749830" align="alignnone" width="300"] VILLAREAL, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 21: Mohammed Salisu Abdul of Real Valladolid in action during the Liga match between Villarreal CF and Real Valladolid CF at Estadio de la Ceramica on September 21, 2019 in Villareal, Spain. (Photo by David Aliaga/MB Media/Getty Images) [/caption]

In football, a player’s career can change for better or worse in an instant. That was certainly the case for Mohammed Salisu, who went from an unknown quantity to one of the most promising defenders in Spain in just one day.

Despite only being used sparingly in the preseason, Salisu was given his league debut in the season opener against Real Betis. With Federico Barba still suspended after picking up a red card for Chievo Verona three months earlier, and with the club having neglected to purchase a replacement for Fernando Calero, Salisu was thrown into the deep end, but ended up impressing as the Blanquivioletas managed a 2-1 victory.

He passed the test with flying colors, and excelled against Real Madrid and Levante. By the time the summer transfer window had closed, it was neither of the loan arrivals — Javi Sánchez and Barba — who was starting alongside Kiko Olivas in defense, but Salisu.

Salisu is now reaping the rewards of manager Sergio González’s trust, as well as the lucky circumstances that landed in his favor. On March 27, 2019, Bayern Munich smashed their transfer record to bring in Lucas Hernandez from Atlético Madrid for €80 million. In turn, the Rojiblancos brought in Mario Hermoso from Espanyol for €25 million plus another €4 million in add-ons, well below his €40 million release clause. This set off another chain of events; Espanyol signed Fernando Calero, who had blossomed for Real Valladolid last season, for a reported fee of €8 million.

Fast forward a few months, and Salisu has been the clear victor from this transfer chain. Calero has been an embarrassing flop for Espanyol, who are currently mired at the bottom of La Liga. Hermoso has struggled for minutes behind Felipe Monteiro and José Giménez, while Lucas has been out of action since October after injuring his ankle against Olympiakos. Salisu, on the other hand, has flourished into one of the most promising left-footed center backs in Iberia.

Humble Beginnings in Ghana

Having been born in Accra, Salisu grew up in the smaller city of Kumasi, before moving back to the capital when he was 13. It was there where he was discovered by Fran Castaño, who left his job in Spain to create the African Talent Football Academy. Castaño took note of his talent, saying, “He seemed very elegant and he was also left-footed. His technical level was very high, and he didn’t boot it long, but instead, played it short.” 

Despite having to borrow a friend’s cleats for practice, and despite having not played association football in years, Salisu’s talent shone through. Castaño called the legendary Víctor Fernández, Valladolid’s third all-time leading scorer and academy coach. After seeing three matches of him, Fernández’s mind was made up: he wanted him in his team.

Salisu left the dirt pitches of Ghana for cold and windy Valladolid in October 2017, where he would develop in the youth sides under the tutelage of Fernández, Alberto Marcos and Miguel Ángel Gómez. Despite the sharp change in style, Salisu shot up through the ranks with remarkable ease, going from the Juvenil A side to the Promesas side. Such were his promising performances in the third division that González rewarded him with his first-team debut against Getafe in the Copa del Rey Round of 16. Eight months later, he was already an undisputed starter in La Liga.

Breakout Season in Valladolid

There have been painful reminders of his youth and inexperience in Spain, such as the September encounter against Villarreal, where he clumsily brought down Javier Ontiveros and conceded a penalty which would then be converted by Santi Cazorla for the opener. He doesn’t offer quite the same security in possession as Calero did, but he has shown several signs of improvement in the build-up. With his technical attributes, his raw physical power and pace, and his psychological toughness, Salisu has quickly made the supporters at the Estadio José Zorrilla forget about Calero.

After the costly penalty against Villarreal, González kept his faith in the youngster, saying, “He is a physically imposing player that doesn’t have any brakes. Only games and experience will make him improve, otherwise, he stopped many shots, was very strong in pressure, moved through the lines well and played a good match.”

[caption id="attachment_749832" align="alignnone" width="300"] Valladolid's Mohammed Salisu celebrates after scoring during a Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Valladolid and Eibar at the Jose Zorrilla in Valladolid, Spain, 26 October 2019. EFE/ R. GARCIA[/caption]

Alongside the veteran Kiko, 11 years his senior, the two have formed a solid center back pairing, with the Andalusian’s cool and composed nature gelling to perfection with the Ghanaian’s energetic, aggressive style. Only Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Sevilla, Getafe and Athletic Club have shipped fewer league goals than Valladolid (23), and even against the likes of Rodrigo Moreno, Willian José and Diego Costa, Salisu has not shrunk from the occasion. He has stood up to be counted, dominating aerial and physical duels, snuffing out chances, and consistently improving on the ball.

He is quick at covering space and stepping off his line to intercept danger, and he has the mental fortitude to dust himself off after mistakes and fight for the victory. Between him and Joseph Aidoo (24), the latter of whom has been a pillar in defense since arriving at Celta Vigo in the summer, the future of the Black Stars’ defense is bright.

Next Big Move?

As a left-footed center back with an imposing physique and a stubborn refusal to back down in challenges, Salisu has already popped onto the radar of several teams such as Sevilla, Schalke, Everton and Southampton. His contract expires in 2022, and his €12 million release clause is more than accessible for plenty of second-tier and third-tier clubs. While Valladolid are hoping to renew his deal and increase his buyout clause, he has proved unwilling to renew his contract. For all parties, it would be best for the club to sell him in the summer to a stepping-stone club such as Newcastle, Everton or Sevilla.

Salisu and his entourage would also do well to remember the unfortunate fate of Calero, who left Valladolid too soon and has paid the price for it with his disastrous performances in Catalunya this season. He must keep his feet firmly planted on the ground, continue to improve and stay focused, and, when the time comes, pick the right move for his development.

He still has plenty of room for improvement, but once he polishes his ability on the ball to an elite level and makes fewer mistakes, there’s no telling how high his ceiling can be. One can clearly see the similarities between him and Samuel Umtiti, Salisu’s footballing idol. His friends in Ghana used to nickname him Umtiti, but now, he’s competing against Umtiti for the title of most promising left-footed center back in Spain.

When Salisu left his home country for Europe as a teenager, he did so with the goal of “making his family proud of [him.]” Nearly two years later, he’s doing just that.

  Credit: Zach Lowy/ Footballindex.co.uk 

  source: https://footballghana.com/