As the domestic campaign gets underway this weekend in France, projected 2023 top draft pick and teenage center Victor Wembanyama spoke with understandable caution about preferring team fit as well as a favourable environment rather than just being the No. 1 selection. Zion Williamson’s strength-and-conditioning coach provided an encouraging endorsement, Robert Williams III (knee) will miss the start of the season and more besides. Read the round-up here. Continue reading
Tag: Spain
Spain 1-2 France: Les Bleus seal Nations League title the hard way after nailbiting finish
World champions France recovered from another deficit, for the second time in four days, to be crowned the 2021 UEFA Nations League champions with a 2-1 win over Euro 2020 semi-finalists Spain. Just like their comeback win over Belgium, goals from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe saw them storm ahead in a frenetic second-half packed with chances for both sides. Continue reading
Belgium 2-3 France: Benzema, Mbappe key as Les Bleus earn second-half comeback win
In a week where he addressed the Real Madrid rumours and mother Fayza provided an update on her son’s future, Kylian Mbappe produced his best display since May to help propel France into the UEFA Nations League Final, where they play Euro 2020 semi-finalists Spain on Sunday.
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Don’t compare exciting teen Carlos Alcaraz to Rafael Nadal, warns Juan Carlos Ferrero
Former world no. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero – winner at the 2003 French Open – has cautioned critics quick to apply pressure on Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz as Rafael Nadal’s successor long-term – instead saying more gradual progression is important for him to have a fruitful career.
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Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio provides positive update on knee injury recovery
Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio has issued an encouraging update on his fitness, as he continues recovering from the ACL injury expected to sideline him for the entire 2019-20 season. The 2019-20 LaLiga campaign resumes next month. Continue reading
Dele Alli and football’s fickleness personified
In an unforgiving sport, football’s fickleness and fan entitlement has intensified – both with managers and their players when results or performances don’t match expectations. This weekend’s events saw Tottenham scrape a home draw against Sheffield United, with Dele Alli again a victim of an issue refusing to go away.
Tottenham resigned to Christian Eriksen departure with Real Madrid lurking
Tottenham are resigned to losing key playmaker Christian Eriksen for a cut-price transfer fee in the region of £25m this January with La Liga leaders Real Madrid among the interested suitors lurking amid his expiring contract, according to reports. Continue reading
Euro 2020 Qualifier – Romania 1-2 Spain: 5 Talking Points
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s stoppage-time save proved key as ten-man Spain held firm to maintain their 100% start to their Euro 2020 qualification campaign in Group F, beating Romania 2-1 on Thursday evening. Continue reading
Dani Ceballos hails Unai Emery as Arsenal loan move finalised
Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos has publicly revealed the prospect of working under Unai Emery proved crucial in his decision to join the Gunners on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid.
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Wales 1-4 Spain: 5 Hits and Flops
There was certainly a gulf in class on display at the Principality Stadium, as Luis Enrique’s Spain side cruised to a 4-1 victory over Wales on Thursday evening. It proved a useful warm-up fixture ahead of their UEFA Nations League game against England in midweek, though the visitors were keen to rotate their squad. Continue reading
England squad announced: Maddison, Mount and Sancho earn first call-ups
Ahead of this month’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain, Gareth Southgate has made a few brave inclusions to his England side – granting three creative talents their first senior call-ups for the Three Lions. Continue reading
3 Manchester United players who can be Juan Mata’s long-term replacement
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has been at the club for four-and-a-half years now. Signed by David Moyes for £37.5m from Chelsea, the Spanish international has produced excellent creative moments and important goals alike.
However, in recent seasons, his minutes and productivity in the final third have progressively dwindled under Jose Mourinho’s watch and a lack of regular first-team opportunities has posed questions about his future.
Mo and Sports 