At the start of the season, who’d have thought that Son Heung-min would have a better chance of winning silverware with the South Korean military than with Tottenham Hotspur?
All men in South Korea must complete military service by the time they turn 28, but Son earned immunity from the usual 21-month service by winning a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games.
Instead, he only had to spend three weeks with the army, and he took advantage of the break in football to return home and get his service out of the way. As noted by Yonhap News Agency, he even won an award for being so good!
Son picked up the ‘Pilsung’ prize after excelling in shooting drills, finishing first out of 157 trainees. Having seen how good he is at finding the back of the net, that should come as no surprise. Badum-tss.
So, you’re telling me that being good at shooting can win trophies? Has anyone told Spurs that? Is that the key?
Son Heung-Min Completes Military Training
Spurs have been waiting since their 2008 League Cup triumph to get their hand on a trophy, but they did manage to put the pressure on Chelsea in the 2016/17 season. That has to count for something, right? Right?!
As for Son, he’ll have to oil up the hinges on his dusty trophy cabinet to find a spot for his latest prize, but it doesn’t look like he’ll have any other cups to put in there for a while.
Before football was postponed, Spurs found themselves in eighth, and they had even dropped as low as 14th towards the end of 2019.
RB Leipzig v Tottenham Hotspur – UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg
They crashed out of the FA Cup against Norwich City in March and were unceremoniously dumped out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of the might *checks notes*…Colchester United all the way back in September 2019.
Son was always going to be instrumental in winning Spurs’ next piece of silverware, but who’d have thought it would come in this fashion?
Expect to see Harry Kane rushing to catch a plane to South Korea to win his own trophy in the near future.
AMSTERDAM – Pelatih Ajax Amsterdam, Erik Ten Hag, tak memungkiri bahwa hingga saat ini Lionel Messi masih merupakan pemain terbaik di dunia. Akan tetapi, Ten Hag memandang bahwa performa Messi mengalami penurunan sejak Barcelona ditinggal Josep Guardiola.
Guardiola menjadi pelatih Barca selama empat musim, yakni pada medio 2008-2012. Luar biasanya, dalam kurun waktu tersebut Blaugrana sukses dibawa Guardiola menjadi tim terbaik di dunia dengan memenangkan gelar juara Liga Spanyol sebanyak tiga kali, Copa del Rey dua kali, serta Liga Champions dua kali.
Tidak hanya itu, Guardiola pun sukses mengeluarkan potensi maksimal yang dimiliki Messi. Bagaimana tidak, pemain berjuluk La Pulga itu pasalnya berhasil memenangkan trofi Ballon d’Or selama empat tahun beruntun. Bahkan, di ajang Liga Spanyol 2011-2012, Messi mampu melesakkan 50 gol.
Itulah mengapa Ten Hag memandang bahwa puncak kejayaan Barca dan Messi terjadi saat ditangani Guardiola. Sedangkan, setelah Guardiola memutuskan hengkang, Blaugrana hanya mampu memenangi satu trofi Liga Champions saja. Bahkan, dalam empat musim terakhir Barca tak pernah menembus partai final Liga Champions.
“Messi adalah salah satu pemimpin, tetapi dia juga bekerja untuk tim dan unggul sebagai hasilnya. Dia tidak pernah sebagus seperti saat di bawah asuhan Guardiola,” ujar Ten Hag, mengutip dari Goal, Sabtu (9/5/2020).
“Barcelona juga belum banyak menang di Kompetisi Eropa dalam beberapa tahun terakhir. Messi masih unggul, tetapi sekarang juga kadang-kadang melewati batas bawah. Tidak pernah seperti itu saat dilatih Guardiola. Pep punya nyali, dia berani menjadi perintis dan inovatif,” sambung Ten Hag.
Theo báo chí Tây Ban Nha, hậu vệ Renan Lodi của Atletico Madrid được xác định dương tính với Covid-19 sau khi xét nghiệm hôm thứ Tư vừa qua.
Hôm thứ Tư (6/5), hàng loạt các CLB tại La Liga tiến hành xét nghiệm với các cầu thủ và thành phần ban huấn luyện. Barcelona đã công bố kết quả và không có trường hợp nào dương tính.
Atletico Madrid chưa thông báo chính thức. Tuy nhiên, theo tờ Marca và tờ AS đưa tin, hậu vệ Renan Lodi đã dương tính với virus corona.
Đây là trường hợp nan giải bởi đầu tháng 3 vừa qua cầu thủ này từng có triệu chứng nhiễm bệnh và được bác sĩ đến nhà thăm khám.
Lodi và bạn gái
Suốt thời gian cách ly tại nhà, anh ở cùng bạn gái và người này cũng được ghi nhận dương tính với Covid-19 nhưng không xét nghiệm. Hậu vệ người Brazil sẽ phải cách ly thêm ít nhất 10 ngày nữa để điều trị. Trong trường hợp kết quả xét nghiệm trong vòng 10 ngày tới âm tính, Lodi sẽ được trở lại tập luyện.
Mặt khác, 9 cầu thủ Atletico Madrid được cho là nghi nhiễm Covid-19. Tuy nhiên, kết quả xét nghiệm của 9 cầu thủ này cho kết quả âm tính.
หนึ่งในแนวทางที่มีการนำเสนอเพื่อปลุก แมนเชสเตอร์ ยูไนเต็ด ให้กลับมาเป็นทีมที่ยิ่งใหญ่ใน พรีเมียร์ลีก เหมือนเมื่อวันวานนั้นก็คือ การแต่งตั้ง ‘ผู้อำนวยการฟุตบอล’ หรือ Director of Football
KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Olimpik Malaysia (MOM) bersetuju untuk memberikan geran kepada 23 ahlinya dan tujuh ahli bersekutu OCM yang terjejas oleh wabak COVID-19.
MOM dalam satu kenyataan pada Jumaat memaklumkan bahawa Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Amanah untuk Kumpulan Wang Amanah MOM meluluskan geran berjumlah RM265,000 kepada 30 persatuan sukan kebangsaan (NSA) dengan maksimum RM10,000 untuk setiap NSA.
Badan induk sukan itu berkata geran berkenaan akan disalurkan minggu depan.
Terdahulu, MOM telah menyediakan Dana Khas COVID-19 untuk membantu NSA dengan perbelanjaan pentadbiran mereka pada saat pembatalan dan ketidakupayaan untuk menganjurkan acara sukan khususnya telah menjejaskan aliran pendapatan mereka.
Huyền thoại tuyển Đức và nhà vô địch World Cup 2014 Miroslav Klose đã chính thức về làm trợ lý cho HLV Bayern Munich Hansi Flick. Trang chủ của đội bóng nước Đức đưa tin.
Klose năm nay 41 tuổi và vốn từng chơi cho Bayern từ 2007 đến 2011. Trước khi trở thành trợ lý của Hansi Flick, Klose đã dẫn dắt đội U17 của Bayern và vô địch giải U17 Bundesliga năm 2019.
Klose sẽ theo học khóa HLV của DFB Academy và sẽ bắt tay vào công tác trợ lý kể từ tháng Bảy 2020. Hợp đồng của cựu tiền đạo người Đức kéo dài đến 12 tháng.
Buổi lễ ký kết hợp đồng trở thành trợ lý HLV trưởng của Bayern
CEO của Bayern ông Karl-Heinz Rummenigge tỏ ra rất vui mừng trong buổi lễ ký kết HĐ với Klose.
“Chúng tôi rất vui khi Miro đã bước một bước tiến mới từ đội trẻ sang đội một của Bayern. Cậu ấy là tiền đạo xuất sắc bậc nhất Đức trong vòng 15-20 năm qua. Tôi tin rằng các tiền đạo của chúng tôi sẽ học hỏi được nhiều từ Miro.”
Klose có bề dày thành tích đáng nể với tuyển Đức, cựu sao sinh năm 78 từng ghi 71 bàn trong vòng 137 trận chơi cho Cỗ xe tăng. Klose là vua phá lưới của World Cup 2006, khi đó anh ghi 5 bàn thắng.
Klose là cựu sao Bayern Munich và từng là vua phá lưới Bundesliga mùa 2005/06 với 25 bàn thắng
Sự nghiệp cấp CLB của ‘vua đánh đầu’ cũng khá đa dạng với ba CLB lớn khác nhau là Bremen, Bayern và Lazio. Hùm xám là CLB mà Klose giành nhiều danh hiệu nhất với ‘Vua phá lưới Bundesliga mùa 2005/06’ và hai cú đúp danh hiệu quốc nội trong hai mùa khác nhau.
LONDON – Legenda Liverpool, Jamie Redknapp, melayangkan pujiannya kepada penyerang belia milik Manchester United, yakni Mason Greenwood. Redknapp berujar bahwa Greenwood adalah pemain muda paling berbakat yang tengah merumput di Liga Inggris saat ini.
Sebagaimana diketahui, musim 2019-2020 memang menjadi debut Greenwood tampil bersama skuad utama Man United. Meski baru memulai karier profesionalnya, Greendwood sudah cukup banyak mendapatkan kesempatan bermain.
Sejauh ini, Greenwood sudah dipercaya tampil bersama tim utama Setan Merah –julukan Man United– sebanyak 36 kali dengan berhasil menyumbangkan 12 golnya. Fakta itu pun membuat banyak pihak bahwa Greenwood bakal punya masa depan yang cerah bersama Man United.
Salah satu yang meyakini bahwa masa depan Greenwood bakal cerah adalah Redknapp. Bahkan Redknapp tidak segan menyebut Greenwood sebagai pemain muda paling berpotensi yang tengah menjalani karier di Liga Inggris saat ini.
“Saya masih ingat beberapa bulan lalu berbincang dengan Nicky Butt dan ia mengatakan bahwa Mason Greenwood adalah pemain muda terbaik yang pernah dilihatnya di Manchester United,” sanjung Redknapp, seperti disadur dari The Guardian, Rabu (8/5/2020).
“Itu merupakan pernyataan yang bukan main-main mengingat para pemain yang sudah pernah mereka hasilkan seperti Class of ’92. Dengan kecepatan dan kekuatannya, tak ada yang tidak bisa ia capai,” tutup pria berusia 46 tahun tersebut.
There was a time when Leeds were 90 minutes away from a Champions League final. There was also a time since that they were in the bottom half of League One. To say the Premier League era has been a mixed bag for Leeds would be an understatement.
They began life in the Premier League as reigning champions of England, after winning the last First Division title. They’ve since found themselves mid-table, big money title contenders, European giants, relegated, relegated again, promoted, and now on the cusp of a return to the top flight under Marcelo Bielsa. All of this alongside more playoff heartbreak than any sane fan should be able to handle.
But through it all, the Yorkshire club have had their share of brilliant players and cult heroes as they’ve bounced around the leagues. The big question is, which 25 most deserve to be in their ultimate squad?
Goalkeepers
Nigel Martyn was a colossal figure at Leeds
Nigel Martyn – One of the best keepers the Premier League has ever seen, Martyn never gets the recognition because he happened to be at his peak at the same time as David Seaman. His place in Leeds history was cemented when he was chosen as keeper in their all-time XI back in 2006.
Paul Robinson – The man who replaced Martyn, Robinson showed in two seasons the ability that would give him something his predecessor never had – England’s number one jersey.
Capser Ankergren – When Leeds were relegated, they needed a new hero. This Dane stepped in and kept a clean sheet at Old Trafford, back when Man Utd were the best in the country. Enough said.
Centre Backs
Lucas Radebe
Lucas Radebe – A true Leeds legend, Radebe was everything you’d want in a captain and a defender. He wasn’t just the hero of everyone at Elland Road either – he was Nelson Mandela’s!
Pontus Jansson – Another true Leed’s legend, Jansson was everything you’d want in a captain and a defender. But seriously, Jansson was incredible for Leeds, and the embodiment of a cult hero.
Rio Ferdinand – When Radebe’s knees went, Leeds signed Rio. What a defender, the rock around which Alex Ferguson built his last great Man Utd team, which says everything you need to know about a defender who could do absolutely everything.
Jonathan Woodgate – Became a bit of a joke after his move to Real Madrid, but let’s not forget, he got a move to Real Madrid! If not for injuries, Woodgate could have been truly special.
Right Backs
Mr. Leeds, Kelly dropped down the leagues with his club
Gary Kelly – If anyone could hold the title of Mr Leeds, Gary Kelly would be up there with 531 appearances over 16 seasons. Won many plaudits across the country for choosing to stay with Leeds after relegation to the Championship.
Sam Byram – He’s struggled to adapt to the top flight, but Sam Byram was excellent for Leeds after coming through the youth set up. He was a real star for them in the Championship for four years.
Left Backs
Alioski is a versatile option for Leeds on the left
Ian Harte – One of the finest left backs of his era, and unfairly left out of most conversations of greatest free-kick takers, Ian Harte was a shoo in for this position. How many people knew he was Gary Kelly’s nephew? Strange.
Ezgian Alioski – Mainly deployed as a winger, Alioski has all the flair to stand out in the Championship, though his lack of consistency may leave his position under threat if Leeds were promoted. He certainly has top-flight credentials though, that’s clear to see.
Central Midfielders
How long can Leeds hold onto their star man?
Olivier Dacourt – As far as game-changers go, Dacourt was that for Leeds. He added the steel to the side which saw them make the Champions League semi finals, and cement themselves in the top four. The reason Terry Venebles preferred Paul Okon will forever be a mystery.
Jonny Howson – A cult figure wherever he’s been, Howson came through the Leeds academy and captained their League One promotion team. Lived the dream with his boyhood club.
Kalvin Phillips – Leeds’ current star man, they’ll do well to hold onto Phillips in the summer. Considering the Whites were one of the best teams in the country for a long time, it’s a credit to his ability that he features in this side ahead of Gary McAllister and Gary Speed.
David Batty – One from the glory years who does make it in, Batty spent two successful spells in Yorkshire, improving the midfield greatly both times. The screams of ‘SHOOOOT’ when he was 35 yards out never fazed him – he’d just play a killer through ball instead.
Right Midfielders
Snodgrass has risen through the leagues since breaking through at Leeds
Robert Snodgrass – On his day, Snodgrass is unplayable, and he was one of the key figures that helped Leeds to promotion from League One back in 2010. He’s a proven operator in the Premier League these days, and inspirational at his best.
Stuart Dallas – Extremely versatile, Stuart Dallas has endeared himself to the Leeds faithful with a string of great performances all over the pitch. A natural right winger, he’s the type of player every manager wants in their squad, and Bielsa is no different.
Left Midfielders
The Wizard of Oz, Harry Kewell lit up Elland Road in the late 90’s
Harry Kewell – Gerard Houllier bought him at Liverpool instead of Cristiano Ronaldo. It made sense at the time, the Aussie favourite was the key man in Leeds’ successful side at the turn of the millennium. What did Ronaldo ever do for Leeds?
Kemar Roofe – A reliable goalscorer all over the park, his form over the last couple of years was enough to earn a move to… Anderlecht. Roofe had to be in here, if he hadn’t gotten injured at the end of last season Leeds would have probably been back in the Premier League already.
Attacking Midfielders
A common sight in Yorkshire, Hernandez is a classy operator
Pablo Hernandez – Magnificent midfielder who’s added real Spanish class to the front line in recent years, Hernandez is easily one of the best players outside the top flight. Nearly put Alan Smith here, but to our knowledge, Hernandez hasn’t offended the whole city… yet.
Lee Bowyer – Oh Lee Bowyer, what should have been. For every magic performance against Barcelona, there was a GBH charge. Let’s focus on his ability though, he may have lacked morals, but never ability.
Strikers
Leeds legend Viduka scored for fun in white
Mark Viduka – With a good claim to be among Leeds’ greatest ever centre forwards, Mark Viduka combined power and clinical ability in dominant performances during his days at Elland Road. He kept the club up by himself in 2002/03.
Jermaine Beckford – Scored the goal in the 1-0 FA Cup win at Old Trafford, hit 30 goals two years in a row, was the star of Leeds’ time in League One. Tell us why Beckford shouldn’t be here?
Luciano Becchio – When Beckford left, Becchio stuck around. If you asked any Leeds fan who their favourite player was between 2010 and 2013, there’s a good chance it would be Becchio. Swore on Sky Sports once. What a lad.
Tony Yeboah – If history was kinder, Michael Bridges would have probably taken this slot, but Tony Yeboah can’t be overlooked. His stay in Yorkshire was short, but my word was it memorable. Those two volleys against Liverpool and Wimbledon are as iconic as goals come.