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Jon Flanagan would have hoped to kick-start his career again when he joined Rangers on a two-year deal from Liverpool during the summer transfer window, but his debut campaign with the Glasgow giants hasn’t gone to plan and he may already be running out of chances to prove he has a future with them.

On the chalkboard

Well, despite primarily being a right-back by trade, the 26-year-old has often also found himself filling in at left-back having done a solid enough job there over the years.

When the one-cap England international arrived north of the border he would surely have been hoping to make his favoured position his own at Ibrox, but he knew he faced a tough battle given he was coming up against James Tavernier – the captain of the club.

It is a battle that he has failed with as 17 of his 21 starts this term have come at left-back according to Transfermarkt, where he has competed with the likes of Borna Barisic and Andy Halliday in what has proven to be a problem position for the Gers.

What is going to happen?

It is perhaps unfair to judge Flanagan on his performances since he has mainly featured on the opposite flank to where he is undeniably best, but with his contract expiring in 2020 he is running out of time and chances to make his mark.

That said, he came under criticism from his own supporters on Twitter following his display at right-back in the cup victory against Cowdenbeath last month, and the fact that he hasn’t made a Steven Gerrard squad since perhaps tells you all you need to know about his thoughts on the player.

The 38-year-old has also been linked with making a move for Liverpool left-back Adam Lewis in recent times, according to The Sun on Sunday, via The Daily Star – a potential deal that would surely have pushed Flanagan even further down the pecking order – and while the 26-year-old may have been a good addition on paper, his arrival at Ibrox may have come at the wrong time.

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Manchester City survived a scare in the Champions League as they came back from 2-1 down to win 3-2 at Schalke on Wednesday night, with Raheem Sterling bagging an injury-time winner after Leroy Sane equalised in glorious fashion.

The Premier League champions often make things look so easy on their way to a win but, this time out, they made things as difficult as possible for themselves – or rather Nicolas Otamendi did.

The Argentine, keeping his place at the heart of defence following the 4-1 win over Newport County in the FA Cup, was shown a second yellow card and subsequently dismissed after the hour. He had received his first yellow card for a handball that gifted the hosts a penalty.

With his side chasing the game, the 31-year-old’s blushes were saved by City’s typically excellent forwards.

What is behind Liverpool’s recent title race slip ups? The Pl>ymaker FC squad discuss in the video above…

With the Premier League title there for either City or Liverpool’s taking, fans of both clubs are surely looking for anything that could separate their sides as we enter the final third of the season – the Anfield Stadium faithful seem to think they’ve found a weak point in Otamendi following his reckless showing on Wednesday.

Here’s how the Reds fans reacted to the 59-cap international’s performance on Twitter…

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Liverpool fans on Twitter have been discussing a potential move for Fulham prodigy Ryan Sessegnon, with the majority keen on a swoop for the youngster.

Since breaking into the Cottagers’ first-team at just 16 years of age, the teenager has netted 25 goals and recorded 17 assists in over 100 appearances for the west Londoners, whilst also showcasing his versatility by playing at both left-back and left-wing.

Jurgen Klopp has gotten quite inventive with his excuses this season. FFC’s James Jones think he has no one but himself to blame for Liverpol’s poor form in the video below…

Sessegnon, in what is his debut season in the Premier League, has found consistent starts hard to come by amid the mess that is Fulham Football Club this season – they have had three managers, and find themselves second bottom in the league.

Despite that, the 18-year-old has scored twice and set up five more. Sessegnon is stalling on a new contract with his current deal set to expire at the end of next season, so Fulham may need to cash in this summer or risk losing him on a free.

Sessegnon is also a self-declared Liverpool fan, stating that Steven Gerrard was his favourite player, and Reds supporters on Twitter have been debating a swoop for the young prospect who would surely jump at the chance to play for his boyhood club…

Newcastle have joined some of Europe’s big guns chasing the signature of Roma’s 19-year-old youngster Nicolò Zaniolo, widely regarded as one of the top talents in Italy.

Lee Ryder of the Newcastle Chronicle reports that the Toon have scouted the 6ft 3in midfielder as a potential replacement for Mo Diame, whose contract is up at the end of the season and may be allowed to leave — such is the faith Rafa has placed in the currently sidelined Sean Longstaff.

With Jonjo Shelvey’s future also uncertain, the promise of a central midfield duo made up with a pair of teenagers is exciting for fans, with what they lack in Premier League experience being countered by sheer talent.

Ironically, Zaniolo ended up at Roma thanks to a summer swap deal with Inter Milan, which saw former Magpie Davide Santon join him there with Radja Nainggolan going in the opposite direction.

But with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Serie A runaway leaders Juventus both eyeing reportedly the starlet, who has four Italy U-21 caps to his name, it will be a tough battle to lure him to Tyneside.

The very fact that Rafa Benitez is looking at players like Zaniolo should be seen as a positive for Newcastle fans, as they maintain hope that the Spaniard will pen a new contract at the club.

Many managers whose contract are winding down at a club would be looking out for themselves in terms of the summer months, but it is testament to the man that Rafa is, that he is still concerned only with the future of Newcastle United.

Could this planning be a sign that Rafa is closer to signing a contract extension at Gallowgate? The black and white faithful will certainly hope so.

We think that a player with the calibre of Zaniolo would be a fantastic signing for Newcastle, if a little risky with his lack of experience. What do you think Toon fans? Have your say below…

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BT Sport pundit and former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has criticised Tottenham Hotspur for their recent defeat against Burnley after the Clarets were brushed aside by Newcastle on Tuesday.

What he said

Speaking after Burnley’s 2-0 loss at the hands of Newcastle United, Sutton, as quoted by the Express, said: “I bet there are Spurs players watching this game right now thinking ‘blimey, how on earth did we lose to these at the weekend’.”

Pl>ymaker FC’s Ben Senior will never win the Champions League for one reason only. Find out what in the video below…

The loss against Sean Dyche’s men severely damaged Spurs’ title hopes, and Wednesday night’s defeat at Stamford Bridge didn’t help either. They were always outsiders behind Liverpool and reigning champions Manchester City, but now they have a mountain to climb if they’re to pull off a shock title triumph.

An unfair assessment

However, Sutton’s comments aren’t entirely fair. Whilst Mauricio Pochettino’s side were undeniably poor against Burnley, the Clarets themselves deserve plenty of credit. They were in great form heading into the match against the north London outfit and they executed their gameplan perfectly.

The Premier League is a fiercely competitive division. Sutton forgets that Newcastle beat Manchester City themselves recently. It’s an unoriginal point, but anyone can beat anyone in the top flight and Spurs deserved to lose against a well organised and hard working Burnley outfit.

أكد طارق يحيى المدير الفني السابق لـ الزمالك، أن التونسي فرجاني ساسي، لاعب وسط الفريق الأبيض، من أكثر اللاعبين التزامًا داخل الملعب وخارجه.

وتعرض فرجاني ساسي للطرد في مباراة فريقه بالأمس، أمام المصري البورسعيدي، في الجولة الحادية والثلاثون من مسابقة الدوري المصري، والتي انتهت بفوز الأبيض بهدف دون رد.

أقرأ ايضًا.. فيديو | فرجاني ساسي “غاوي مشاكل”.. طرده أمام المصري ليس الأول وبطولات انفرد بتعديه على الحكام

وكشف مراسل “بطولات”، أن أمين عمر حكم المباراة، دون في تقريره تعدي فرجاني ساسي عليه لفظًا ومحاولة التعدي عليه والتعامل معه بشكل غير لائق بجانب الاستمرار في استفزازه ببعض الكلمات بعد تعرضه للطرد.

أضاف طارق يحيى خلال تصريحات بقناة “الزمالك”: “كنت مديرًا فنيًا للزمالك منذ ثلاث أيام وأعلم كل اللاعبين وبالتحديد، فرجاني ساسي، هو من اللاعبين الملتزمين داخل الملعب وخارجه ويحب مصر جدًا ونادي الزمالك”.

تابع: “ساسي يعتبر مصريًا ويحب الزمالك وجماهيره، وهناك حب بينه وبين جمهور الزمالك”.

وواصل: “بدون شك أن فرجاني ساسي أخطأ، وتوقيع الغرامة عليه اعتراف من إدارة الزمالك بخطأ اللاعب”.

استكمل: “ساسي تعرض لضغوط كثيرة الفترة الماضية، بأنه لا يريد المشاركة والتجديد ويريد الرحيل، وهذا الكلام يصل له”.

أوضح: “أثناء المباراة ساسي تعرض لضغوط، أول مرة تعرض لعركلة واضحة للجميع وخطأ لم يحتسب من قبل حكم المباراة، بعد ذلك تعرض لخطأ واضح تمامًا، وأمين عمر لم يحتسبها واللعب استمر، أخذ انذار على الاعتراض وبعد ذلك الطرد”.

أردف: “قناة الأهلي كان ينقصها أن تحيل أوراق فرجاني ساسي للمفتي يعني إعدام، وعصام عبد المنعم طالب في قناة الأهلي بترحيل ساسي من مصر”.

اختتم: “كل التقدير والاحترام لعصام عبد المنعم، بسبب إنذار أو طرد تتطالب بترحيله من البلد، حدث في عهدك وقتما كنت رئيس اتحاد الكرة مشاكل كثيرة ولم نطالب بترحيل أحد”.

[ad_pod ]According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona could rival West Ham United for the signature of Celta Vigo forward Maxi Gomez in this summer’s transfer window.West Ham were strongly linked with the 22-year-old last month, before ultimately being made to admit defeat in their pursuit of the Uruguay international.The Hammers are expected to return with a bid at the end of the season, but according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are eyeing the young forward as well.Indeed, the Spanish champions are in the market for a new forward with Munir El Haddadi leaving last month and Kevin-Prince Boateng’s loan spell unlikely to last beyond the end of the current season.Gomez has managed nine goals in 22 appearances for Celta this term, whilst he has 27 goals in 61 games for the Spanish side since arriving in 2017.

The West Ham fans have been offering their views on the suggestion that their club might have to battle Barcelona for the South American.

And a selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

وضح مهاجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي شيفيلد يونايتد الجديد، ريان بروستر، سبب رحيله عن ليفربول خلال الميركاتو الصيفي الحالي وقبل انتهائه يوم الإثنين القادم.

ورحل بروستر إلى شيفيلد يونايتد مقابل 23.5 مليون جنيه إسترليني، ووقع الإنجليزي الشاب على عقد مدته خمس سنوات مقبلة تنتهي في يونيو 2025.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بروستر يوجه رسالة عاطفية لـ ليفربول بعد رحيله إلى شيفيلد

وتحدث ريان عن السبب في حواره مع موقع ناديه الجديد، وقال: “إنه لشعور جيد أن أكون هنا، ولا أطيق الانتظار حتى أبدأ مع الفريق”.

وأضاف: “كانت هناك بعض الأندية التي ترغب في التعاقد معي، لكن شيفيلد كان الخيار الأفضل بالنسبة لي”.

وواصل تصريحاته: “هناك فرصة للمشاركة باستمرار مع شيفيلد خلال الموسم الحالي، فهو فريق رائع ونجح في احتلال المركز التاسع في الموسم الماضي ونأمل أن يكون الوضع أفضل هذا الموسم”.

وأتم: “ربما يمكنني المشاركة في إضافة المزيد من الأهداف لصالح هذا الفريق، سأعمل بجد للمساهمة في وصولنا إلى مركز أعلى بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز”.

Injury: that short, unmistakable word; the heart wrenching ping, snap, twist, pull, tear or break.

It is a harsh reality sportsmen must face when competing at the highest level: that their bodies could, at any point, give in on them.

The tragic event which could befall anyone – the end of their career as they know it, at least.

Louis Saha is one of these people, one of the unfortunate few that were chosen and could do little to battle their way through the trials and tribulations of recovery.

The former Manchester United man made the switch from Craven Cottage to Old Trafford in 2004¸ presumably full of hope and anticipation for his then fledging career at one of the world’s most iconic clubs.

At 25-years-of-age there were no immediate signs of ill-health or physical fatigue – he was in the prime of his career, having already established himself as a talent at his former club Fulham, netting an impressive 26 league goals in 73 appearances.

From January to the end of the season Louis Saha was everything Manchester United could have hoped for.

He released some of the immense pressure which had been piling on Ruud van Nistelrooy in the wake of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s injury, scoring seven times in 12 Premier League appearances.

It truly was very promising stuff.

But fate reared its ugly head and cruelly struck the forward down the following season.

Saha would spend a month out of action after picking up an injury on international duty – a largely unnecessary risk players faced during the period of obsolete ‘friendly’ matches, pre-UEFA Nations League.

He returned but was never the same. Indeed, like with most injuries, players carry scarring; not the kind you can see, but the type that harbours itself inside the players head – those niggling worries that the injury may hit again.

And it did – a savage blow of stark similarity rained upon him – the same infliction under the very same circumstances on international duty.

He would spend two months out.

And again. Three months sidelined at the start of the following season.

In an amazing display of defiance Saha would return and re-establish himself in the first-team scoring 15 goals during the 2005/06 campaign, later replacing the outbound Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined Real Madrid in summer 2006.

Saha burdened the responsibility well. He had become the player Manchester United initially invested in; the pacey, mercurial, goalscoring talent that belonged in the starting line-up.

There was some consistency about his game until he was hit with more complication – this time affecting his groin and hamstring.

A single, paltry goal would sit solitarily alone on Saha’s record that season – a sad indication that the injuries had taken their toll.

An absence from Manchester United’s famous Champions League victory would be the final nail in the coffin for Saha, and he would agree to be moved on later that year.

Injuries would ultimately hamper his career at Everton, Sunderland and Lazio, where he eventually retired.

When asked by Shortlist who the best forward he played with was Wayne Rooney answered: “That’s so hard. There are so many… [thinks hard] I’m going to say Louis Saha. He’s a fantastic player; a real handful for anyone and I just really enjoyed playing off him. He was so lively and made great runs in behind. Always making space for others.”

This is both a testament to his quality and the catastrophic turn his career took.

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It would be fair to say that the West Ham United supporters were not pleased with what they saw from Pablo Zabaleta in Friday night’s 3-1 win over Fulham.

Zabaleta was handed the right-back berth against the Cottagers, but found it difficult to deal with Ryan Babel, who opened the scoring early on.

The 34-year-old has been a fine signing for the Hammers since his arrival in 2017, but his contract will expire this summer and he could well move on or even retire.

It seems that the West Ham fans will be happy to see the back of the Argentine based on their reaction to his display against Fulham.

Indeed, many took to social media to criticise the South American, claiming that he no longer has what is required to operate in the Premier League.

Check out the video below to see Pl>ymaker FC’s American Soccer Fan give his take on all six ‘field goals’ in West Ham v Burnley…

Their criticism was perhaps a touch harsh, but Zabaleta did struggle on Friday night.

A selection of the Twitter reaction to his performance can be seen below: