Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and… Aiden McGeady
These are just a few names on the list of five-star players on FIFA 19.
It is the 73-rated McGeady we are focusing on however. He is in fact the only player in League One to have this trait.
You’ve been overlook again LeoGetty - Contributor
So, this suggests that McGeady, 32, is in fact more skillful with the ball at his feet than: Lionel Messi, Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne to name but a few.
The former Celtic and Everton man is undoubtedly a flair player, following in the footsteps of Johann Cruyff and Zinedine Zidane with his own skill move ‘The McGeady spin’, but can we really say he is in the top 50 most skillful players in the world?
Let’s just say we haven’t seen much of it since he joined Sunderland last year.
Who’s got more skills?Getty - Contributor
His other ratings on the game are maybe more what you might expect of a League One player. His pace is 75, shooting 71, but he’s pretty weak with just 60 strength.
If we compare those stats to his FIFA 13 card, we can see the skill moves are unchanged although he has lost well over a yard of pace in the past five years, as his pace was once 91.
Whereas when we look at Messi’s card, we can see that he possesses a remarkable 96 dribbling.
Impressive? I suppose, but have we ever heard of the Lionel spin? Nope.
So if you ever find yourself bombing down the wing with Sunderland (big if) then hold down that L2 button, wiggle the joystick and let the magic happen.
WATCH: Love Of The Game: Leyton Orient (Episode 1)
NYON, Switzerland — Germany won the right to host soccer's 2024 European Championship on Thursday, beating Turkey following a politically charged campaign.
The post Germany beats Turkey to host Euro 2024 appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
His performance hasn’t filled Arsenal fans with confidence.
Petr Cech vs Bernd Leno, it’s been the subplot to Arsenal’s season.
Despite forking out £22million to sign the Bayer Leverkusen man in the summer, Cech has kept his place as the Gunners No1.
SIGN UP – WIN £5k BY PLAYING DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER THIS WEEKENDGetty - Contributor The veteran stopper has actually been one of the standout players this season[/caption]
The impressive form of Cech has meant that Leno’s first team opportunities have been few and far between this campaign.
The German made his first start for the Gunners in the Europa League victory over FC Vorskla, going largely untested on the night, but still conceding twice.
Leno’s second outing in an Arsenal shirt came in the Carabao Cup against Brentford.
Reuters Arsenal fans were mostly watching through their fingers[/caption]
Although the Gunners were 3-1 winners on the night, their goalkeeper’s performance was certainly a questionable one.
Just minutes into the clash, the 26-year-old almost dropped an almighty clanger. It was really unbelievable stuff.
Doing his best Cech impression of trying to score an own goal against Man City, Leno produced his very own heart-in-mouth moment.
We can’t watch this without wincing…
Things got no better for the German when he failed to keep out Brentford’s goal in the second-half.
Alan Judge’s free-kick sailed past the goalkeeper who failed to make a real attempt at a save.
The strike was nowhere near the corner of the goal, yet still flew past Leno with ease.
On the basis of this performance, the wait to see Leno in a Premier League game might go on for a while yet.
We thought his whole ‘thing’ was playing out from the back?
Leno’s shocker was eerily reminiscent of a howler during his Bundesliga days…
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Remember the name Diogo Dalot, because he could be Man United’s go-to man at right-back for years to come.
The Portuguese teenager, who was signed from Porto over the summer, made his United debut this evening in their Champions League group stage opener against Young Boys.
And it’s already clear that he’s quite the little player.
SIGN UP – WIN £5k BY PLAYING DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER THIS WEEKENDAFP or licensors Rather nice[/caption]
In the first-half, we saw what the nippy full-back could do when he pulled off an outrageous first-touch to beat his marker and set-up a United counter-attack.
He also proved he’s got a rather sweet cross in the locker, showing fans what they’ve been missing with the reliable but – let’s face it – no-thrills Antonio Valencia filling it at the back.
He racked up some other decent stats on the night, including the most interceptions from a United player and a brilliant three crosses in the opening-half.
That touch 
Diogo Dalot bringing the 
on his Man Utd debut… pic.twitter.com/xrpoZBJSJQ
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 19, 2018
Diogo Dalot made more interceptions vs. Young Boys than any other Manchester United player (2).
A bright start to his #MUFC career. 
pic.twitter.com/M8Gi75RwZT
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 19, 2018
United have been crying out for a decent right-back for years, having struggled to replace the long-retired Gary Neville with the likes of Rafael, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Matteo Darmian and Valencia all filling in.
We’re not saying that after just one game against Young Boys that Jose Mourinho has discovered the instant answer to his right-back dilemma, but it’s certainly promising.
EPA
AFP or licensors
What’s more, with Luke Shaw starting the season well for Mourinho’s team following a disappointing few years at the club, as well as Marcus Rashford’s growing status in the game – United could well have some of the world’s most exciting youngsters in their line-up in the next few seasons.
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Gareth Bale has won four Champions Leagues in five years at Real Madrid, but believes the Spanish giants can be even better in their quest for a 14th European crown despite the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo. Bale has shone in the spotlight since Ronaldo’s departure for Juventus, scoring in all of Real’s opening three La […]
The post Real Madrid more of a team without Ronaldo, says Bale appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
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West Ham finally got their first points of the season, easing to a comfortable-in-the-end 3-1 win over Everton on Sunday.
Relief all round then for Hammers fans and new boss Manuel Pellegrini, who oversaw four-straight defeats in the Premier League before today.
That’s not exactly how you want to start a new season, is it?
Not been going to plan, has it?Reuters
It all worked out though, with new signing Andriy Yarmolenko proving to be the new Arjen Robben with two greats goals, followed up by a third from Marko Arnautovic after Gylfi Sigurdsson briefly gave the Toffees hope with his strike.
But the big news at full-time was the rumours that Hammers striker Lucas Perez refused to warm-up in preparation to come off the bench with 20 minutes left to play in the match.
According to Sky Sports’ in-game commentators, Pellegrini asked the former Arsenal striker to get ready but it seems he refused to do so.
In the end, Pellegrini opted for Carlos Sanchez to replace Mark Noble instead, with the Hammers 3-1 up.
Perez is staying put, it seems
In the end, Sanchez comes on instead
That doesn’t sound good, does it?
So far, Perez has made three fairly unremarkable substitute appearances for the Irons since moving from Arsenal, so surely needs to play as much as he can to impress his new boss.
The 30-year-old – who experienced relegation last season while on-loan with Spanish side Deportivo – cost West Ham £10million in August, and signed a three-year contract.
Lucas Perez reportedly refused to warm up for West Ham during the second half at Goodison ParkSky Sports
Looking back replays, you can clearly see the striker sitting on the bench and looking rather uninterested.
Perez was then spoken to by one of the Hammers’ coaching staff, but appeared to be ignore instructions as the match was went on.
With Arnautovic the Hammers main-man up front and Yarmolenko getting his first start of the Premier League season and netting his first goals, Perez now looks a long way down the pecking order at the London Stadium.
And if he throws another wobbly like this, his time in east London could be brief indeed.
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We want the old Juan Mata back.
The Premier League 2012/13 season was a strange point in time.
Joe Hart won the Golden Glove, Man United drew 5-5 with West Brom and Wigan qualified for the Europa League. Must we continue?
SIGN UP – WIN £10k BY PLAYING DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER THIS WEEKENDPA:Press Association You’re more than welcome for the new phone background[/caption]
One additional detail you’ve perhaps forgotten about that particular season is that Mata went on an absolute madness
.
The Chelsea man, who was entering his second season at Stamford Bridge, topped his stats from what was an impressive debut season by an outrageous amount.
Today he’s a shadow of his former self…
EPA Feel like pure sh*t, just want the old Mata back[/caption]
READ MORE OF THE BEST FANTASY FOOTBALL TIPS FROM OUR EXPERTS:
Who should you pick for your Dream Team Weekender side this weekend? How to win the easiest new Premier League game around Who should replace injured duo Hugo Lloris and Dele Alli in your team?Back in good old 2012/13, Mata was well on his way to becoming one of Europe’s best playmakers.
The diminutive Spaniard was carrying what was at the time an underwhelming Chelsea side.
Yes, they might have forked out for Eden Hazard in the summer, but the Blues were fronted by a questionable duo of Fernando Torres and Demba Ba.
Mata took it upon himself to guide Chelsea through what was a period of transition. The club had just dismissed Roberto Di Matteo in favour of Rafa Benitez.
Getty Images - Getty Father and son[/caption]
Scoring 19 goals and chipping in with 34 assists in all competitions, the former Valencia man was playing out of his skin.
11 of his goals came in the good old Barclays, with 17 assists also coming on these shores.
Mata’s performances earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Season, as well as a spot on the shortlist for Player of the Year.
AFP His boots match the kit. Hold me, Daddy[/caption]
He was unlucky to miss out on the top award, with Spurs’ Gareth Bale snapping it up instead.
The Welshman won it rather fraudulently, if you ask me.
Is it too late for a recount?
Look at that smug face. He even knows it should have been Mata
The unbelievable form of the No10 helped the Blues to lift the Europa League at the end of the campaign.
Mata was effectively the reason that Chelsea fans ended up warming to Benitez, a man who they had treated so harshly upon his arrival.
It’s a well known fact that he’s the nicest man in football.
News Group Newspapers Ltd Give this man more trophies ASAP[/caption]
It’s no coincidence that the Spaniard’s demise has come as Jose Mourinho proceeds to go off-the-boil once again.
Mata can’t seem to secure himself a regular spot in the side at United. It’s about time he moved elsewhere.
The 30-year-old is approaching a stage where he needs opportunities to play before it’s too late. Opportunities that he will seldom get at Old Trafford.
PA:Press Association I’m not sure why the guy in the background is laughing. This is serious stuff[/caption]
His international career has suffered too. Just when it had looked as though he was to be the future of the Spanish national team, he’s now not featured since 2016.
Mata’s quality is undoubted and his antics in 2012/13 are all the proof you need that there’s a top player waiting to reemerge.
Give us back the old Mata, please.
Play the easiest fantasy football game around this weekend…Want to show off your fantasy football credentials every weekend? Then Dream Team Weekender is just for you – and it’s absolutely free to play.
Simply pick seven players with no budget limitations from the Saturday and Sunday fixtures to be in with a chance of winning a whopping £10k this weekend.
And the best thing about it? If you don’t win, you’ve only got to wait until the following weekend for another shot at the prize money.
Sound like a bit of you? Sign up to play Dream Team Weekender here and join the fun.
SIGN UP – WIN £10k BY PLAYING DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER THIS WEEKEND WATCH: Love Of The Game: Leyton Orient (Episode 1)
The year is 2015, Liverpool have just sacked Brendan Rodgers and replaced them with a wacky German manager Jurgen Klopp famed for ‘heavy metal’ football.
His first game in charge is against a settled Spurs side who have ambitions for Europe and silverware.
Klopp is working out who’s going to be part of his new era and settles for the best XI he can field at White Hart Lane.
SIGN UP – WIN £10k BY PLAYING DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER THIS WEEKENDJust do your best DivockPA:Press Association
Unfortunately for Klopp he inherited a Liverpool side that had failed to qualify for the Champions League, was full of defensive madmen, an overload of flair midfielders, an inexperienced striker and a wobbly goalkeeper.
Not a good mix to visit one of the best clubs in the league who boast Harry Kane in razor sharp form, a firebrand Dele Alli and a Belgian chastity belt guarding the goal in the shape of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.
The game turned out to be a rather dull 0-0 draw as both teams had a total 25 shots without managing to get a single one on target for either side.
You can be sure that Simon Mignolet will have been happy not to have had to actually make a save.
Get those lunges in JurgenReuters
Out of the 11 players that started that game for Liverpool, only one remains a starter in the Klopp sides we see today.
Any guesses? It’s Mr. Reliable James Milner of course.
Philippe Coutinho finally got his big money move, Lucas and Emre Can have both left the club while Alberto Moreno is the only member of a back four of Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho and Nathaniel Clyne still at Anfield.
Simon Mignolet is wallowing around as Alisson’s number two as Klopp has overseen a complete overhaul of playing staff.
A rabble of Liverpool playersAction Images - Reuters
As for the bench, the less said about Jerome Sinclair, Joao Teixeira, Jordan Ibe and a 34-year-old Kolo Toure the better.
Nowadays, Liverpool undoubtedly have one of the most exciting squads in the league, dripping with pace and absolutely lethal on the counter attack.
The midfield has been bolstered with Naby Keita while £40m summer signing Fabinho hasn’t even been taken out of the wrapping.
They are top of the league and will be aiming to extend their 100% start to the season at Wembley on Saturday.
But what has happened to Spurs in that time?
Not a lot to be honest.
The only major changes have seen Kyle Walker being replaced by Kieran Trippier at right-back and Nacer Chadli swapped Spurs for West Brom and eventually Monaco while Dele Alli plays a little bit closer to Harry Kane.
It’s harsh to say the club has stagnated in the time since Klopp’s first game – Spurs went on to finish second that season and have qualified for the Champions League each season thereafter.
And yet they haven’t won anything.
Liverpool have equally failed to bring home any silverware but Klopp’s pro-active squad management has seen them reach both European major finals since then.
And elevated them to one of the few teams capable of challenging City to the title.
The (no)money manGetty Images - Getty
Spurs have made minor additions in Lucas Moura last January and Moussa Sissoko but Daniel Levy isn’t opening his wallet for any new players.
The new stadium is going way over budget and schedule and it is a make-or-break season for Spurs.
Miss out on the top four and don’t win anything and the team could be ripped apart in the summer.
For Liverpool on the other hand, everything is looking pretty rosy.
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In 2013 two German sides completely and utterly dominated European football The death of the number 10: is football’s most iconic position in danger of dying out? Has Jamie Carragher just debunked one of English football’s biggest myths? Join the Winners Club this weekend…Want to show off your fantasy football credentials every weekend? Fancy joining an elite club? Then Dream Team Weekender is just for you – and it’s absolutely free to play.
Simply pick seven players with no budget limitations from the Saturday and Sunday fixtures to be in with a chance of winning a whopping £10k this weekend.
And the best thing about it? If you don’t win, you’ve only got to wait until the following weekend for another shot at the prize money.
Sound like a bit of you? Sign up to play Dream Team Weekender here and join the club.
SIGN UP – WIN £10k BY PLAYING DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER THIS WEEKEND WATCH: Love Of The Game: Leyton Orient (Episode 1)