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..::Football II::..
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Hazard has the world at his feet, says Lampard
Mertesacker dismisses reports of move away from Arsenal
Suarez open to Liverpool exit
ammo
patta
Spain 1-1 Finland: Pukki leveler leaves Spain reeling
Netherlands 3-0 Estonia: Van Persie among the goals as Oranje maintain perfect record
Vilanova returns to Barcelona
The Blaugrana announced on Monday that the coach was set to depart America and he has now arrived in Catalunya.
Barcelona trainer Tito Vilanova has returned home after spending the past two months in New York recovering from surgery on parotid gland cancer.
The 44-year-old went under the knife on December 20, and then underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy for six weeks.
Vilanova left for New York for further treatment in January, and has now returned home again after two months in the USA.
Pep Guardiola's former assistant took charge of Barcelona in the summer of 2012 after his mentor decided to leave the club and take a one-year sabbatical, and guided the Blaugrana to their best-ever Liga start before being struck by health issues late in 2012.
Vilanova was replaced by Jordi Roura during his absence, with the latter now returning to his role as assistant coach.
The Blaugrana announced on Monday that the coach was set to depart America and he has now arrived in Catalunya.
Barcelona trainer Tito Vilanova has returned home after spending the past two months in New York recovering from surgery on parotid gland cancer.
The 44-year-old went under the knife on December 20, and then underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy for six weeks.
Vilanova left for New York for further treatment in January, and has now returned home again after two months in the USA.
Pep Guardiola's former assistant took charge of Barcelona in the summer of 2012 after his mentor decided to leave the club and take a one-year sabbatical, and guided the Blaugrana to their best-ever Liga start before being struck by health issues late in 2012.
Vilanova was replaced by Jordi Roura during his absence, with the latter now returning to his role as assistant coach.
Sergio Ramos: It is madness to doubt Benzema
The center back has stressed that his Real Madrid teammate is a striker to be reckoned with and knows only too well of the qualities in his armory.
Sergio Ramos has warned his Spain teammates that they cannot afford to allow Karim Benzema any space in Tuesday's crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against France.
The Real Madrid striker has been struggling to find his best form for the national side in recent games and has been heavily criticized for his profligacy in front of goal.
Nevertheless, Ramos has insisted that Benzema cannot be underestimated as he feels the striker can decide a match.
"Doubting a footballer like Benzema is madness. He's an outstanding striker for Madrid and France who can turn a match around," Ramos told AS. "Everyone is free to think what they want, but when he's on form there are few strikers who are as good as him.
"You have to be very focused facing him, because if you make one mistake he'll score against you."
Spain currently sits second in Group I, trailing leader France by two points.
The center back has stressed that his Real Madrid teammate is a striker to be reckoned with and knows only too well of the qualities in his armory.
Sergio Ramos has warned his Spain teammates that they cannot afford to allow Karim Benzema any space in Tuesday's crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against France.
The Real Madrid striker has been struggling to find his best form for the national side in recent games and has been heavily criticized for his profligacy in front of goal.
Nevertheless, Ramos has insisted that Benzema cannot be underestimated as he feels the striker can decide a match.
"Doubting a footballer like Benzema is madness. He's an outstanding striker for Madrid and France who can turn a match around," Ramos told AS. "Everyone is free to think what they want, but when he's on form there are few strikers who are as good as him.
"You have to be very focused facing him, because if you make one mistake he'll score against you."
Spain currently sits second in Group I, trailing leader France by two points.
Schalke opens contract talks with Jones
The former Germany international intends on seeing his career out in the MLS, but his current club wants him to stay put for now.
Schalke is keen to hold on to Jermaine Jones and the club has opened talks with the USA international over a contract extension, Goal.com has learned.
The 31-year-old's current deal with the Gelsenkirchen side runs until the summer of 2014, and Jones has already stated more than once that he wants to end his career in MLS.
Nevertheless, Schalke has no intention of losing Jones any time soon and is willing to offer the midfielder a two-year extension to his current contract.
The Konigsblauen are hopeful that Jones will commit his future to the club, although his wage demands could prove to be a serious obstacle. The midfielder is currently one of S07's top earners, and the Bundesliga side is reluctant to offer him a pay increase.
Jones joined Schalke from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2007, and has since made over 100 Bundesliga appearances for the Veltins Arena outfit.
The former Germany international intends on seeing his career out in the MLS, but his current club wants him to stay put for now.
Schalke is keen to hold on to Jermaine Jones and the club has opened talks with the USA international over a contract extension, Goal.com has learned.
The 31-year-old's current deal with the Gelsenkirchen side runs until the summer of 2014, and Jones has already stated more than once that he wants to end his career in MLS.
Nevertheless, Schalke has no intention of losing Jones any time soon and is willing to offer the midfielder a two-year extension to his current contract.
The Konigsblauen are hopeful that Jones will commit his future to the club, although his wage demands could prove to be a serious obstacle. The midfielder is currently one of S07's top earners, and the Bundesliga side is reluctant to offer him a pay increase.
Jones joined Schalke from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2007, and has since made over 100 Bundesliga appearances for the Veltins Arena outfit.
Toni: Guardiola asked my opinion about Bayern
The Fiorentina striker has revealed that his ex-teammate contacted him before deciding to make the move to the Bundesliga Luca Toni has revealed that future Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola spoke to him about the club before penning a three-year deal with the Bavarians.
The Fiorentina striker and former Barcelona coach were teammates at Brescia between 2001 and 2003, and Guardiola did not hesitate to get in touch with Toni to inquire about his time at the Allianz Arena.
"He called me at some point and asked me how the conditions were in Munich and how my time at the club was. I then already thought that he was on his way to Bayern," Toni was quoted as saying by TZ.
He added, "Bayern are a fantastic club. His decision to move to Bayern was great for him personally and for the club as well. Bayern now have one of the best coaches in the world. I believe that he can turn Bayern into Europe's undisputed No.1 within a few years."
Toni wore the Bayern jersey from 2007 until 2010, winning one Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal during his stay in Munich.
The Fiorentina striker has revealed that his ex-teammate contacted him before deciding to make the move to the Bundesliga Luca Toni has revealed that future Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola spoke to him about the club before penning a three-year deal with the Bavarians.
The Fiorentina striker and former Barcelona coach were teammates at Brescia between 2001 and 2003, and Guardiola did not hesitate to get in touch with Toni to inquire about his time at the Allianz Arena.
"He called me at some point and asked me how the conditions were in Munich and how my time at the club was. I then already thought that he was on his way to Bayern," Toni was quoted as saying by TZ.
He added, "Bayern are a fantastic club. His decision to move to Bayern was great for him personally and for the club as well. Bayern now have one of the best coaches in the world. I believe that he can turn Bayern into Europe's undisputed No.1 within a few years."
Toni wore the Bayern jersey from 2007 until 2010, winning one Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal during his stay in Munich.
Barton: Neymar is the Justin Bieber of football
The 30-year-old remains unimpressed with the forward after watching him in action for Brazil on Monday evening Joey Barton has launched yet another attack on Brazil international Neymar and says the Santos star is the "Justin Bieber" of world football.
The midfielder, who is currently on loan at Olympique de Marseille after he was deemed surplus to requirements by QPR at the start of the season, hit out at the forward last month and has again voiced his opinion that Neymar is overrated after watching the international friendly between Brazil and Russia.
"Neymar is the Justin Bieber of football. Brilliant on the old YouTube. Cat piss in reality...," Barton said on Twitter. "Its amazing what some decent YouTube footage can achieve. I'll have to get one up doing some keepy-ups in the garden. Neymar's actually been one of their livelier players tonight... But people should stop chatting pony. He isn't in the same stratosphere as the boy Messi and that Ronaldo fella..."
Barton also criticized the Brazilian Primeria Division, saying this his U14 division was harder.
"Stop going on about goals in Brazil Lge as well. I once scored 77 in 1 season in the Rainhill and Byrne u14 league and that's a stronger comp."
Neymar said last month that he had never heard of Barton after his first outburst, but has yet to react to the latter's latest tweets.
The 30-year-old remains unimpressed with the forward after watching him in action for Brazil on Monday evening Joey Barton has launched yet another attack on Brazil international Neymar and says the Santos star is the "Justin Bieber" of world football.
The midfielder, who is currently on loan at Olympique de Marseille after he was deemed surplus to requirements by QPR at the start of the season, hit out at the forward last month and has again voiced his opinion that Neymar is overrated after watching the international friendly between Brazil and Russia.
"Neymar is the Justin Bieber of football. Brilliant on the old YouTube. Cat piss in reality...," Barton said on Twitter. "Its amazing what some decent YouTube footage can achieve. I'll have to get one up doing some keepy-ups in the garden. Neymar's actually been one of their livelier players tonight... But people should stop chatting pony. He isn't in the same stratosphere as the boy Messi and that Ronaldo fella..."
Barton also criticized the Brazilian Primeria Division, saying this his U14 division was harder.
"Stop going on about goals in Brazil Lge as well. I once scored 77 in 1 season in the Rainhill and Byrne u14 league and that's a stronger comp."
Neymar said last month that he had never heard of Barton after his first outburst, but has yet to react to the latter's latest tweets.
Lloris: Spain game will not be decisive
The Tottenham goalkeeper is expecting a close battle but believes the three games after Tuesday's game are of equal importance.
Hugo Lloris has insisted that France's World Cup 2014 qualifier against Spain will not be decisive in the team's quest to clinch top spot in Group I.
Les Bleus hold a two-point lead over Spain going into Tuesday's encounter in Paris, but Lloris realizes his team faces a difficult task to defeat the reigning world and European champions.
"It will be a very difficult game for us, but it will not be decisive. There are still three more games to go after Tuesday's match," Lloris was quoted as saying by AFP."Things are looking good for us now, but we cannot afford to get complacent. We need a strong performance, just like the second half in the first leg.
"We must be up for the task against the best team in the world. We will probably suffer a bit, but we know that we can cause Spain problems. We believe in our own abilities."
France held Spain to a 1-1 draw in October.
The Tottenham goalkeeper is expecting a close battle but believes the three games after Tuesday's game are of equal importance.
Hugo Lloris has insisted that France's World Cup 2014 qualifier against Spain will not be decisive in the team's quest to clinch top spot in Group I.
Les Bleus hold a two-point lead over Spain going into Tuesday's encounter in Paris, but Lloris realizes his team faces a difficult task to defeat the reigning world and European champions.
"It will be a very difficult game for us, but it will not be decisive. There are still three more games to go after Tuesday's match," Lloris was quoted as saying by AFP."Things are looking good for us now, but we cannot afford to get complacent. We need a strong performance, just like the second half in the first leg.
"We must be up for the task against the best team in the world. We will probably suffer a bit, but we know that we can cause Spain problems. We believe in our own abilities."
France held Spain to a 1-1 draw in October.
Fiorentina forward Jovetic flattered by Arsenal links
The 23-year-old forward insists Arsene Wenger's side are still "one of the biggest in Europe" - even after Robin van Persie's departure Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic admits he is flattered by reports linking him with Arsenal and claims Arsene Wenger's side still remain "one of the biggest in Europe".
The 23-year-old, who will be in action for Montenegro against England on Tuesday evening, has netted 12 goals in 24 Serie A appearances this season.
Goal.com revealed earlier in March that Manchester City is currently in pole position to sign Jovetic having negotiated a first option on the forward, while Arsenal has also been reported as rival bidders.
“I’ve heard about Arsenal’s interest," Jovetic told The Sun. "It’s a big pleasure for me to be on the radar of such a big club. I am happy about that. I’ve always had an affinity with Arsenal. It’s a major club with a big tradition, one of the biggest in Europe."
He added, “It’s not easy to replace Van Persie, who scored a lot of goals. Arsenal have plenty of players who don’t score like Van Persie, but are also very good."
Jovetic concedes he would be open to a move to the Premier League but admits his current focus remains with Fiorentina's Champions League push.
“They are still very strong. I often watch Premier League games on TV," he said. "It’s one of the best leagues in the world and looks tempting for me. Maybe one day I will play there but I have a contract with Fiorentina and battling for a Champions League place in Serie A is the only thing I’m thinking about now.”
The 23-year-old forward insists Arsene Wenger's side are still "one of the biggest in Europe" - even after Robin van Persie's departure Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic admits he is flattered by reports linking him with Arsenal and claims Arsene Wenger's side still remain "one of the biggest in Europe".
The 23-year-old, who will be in action for Montenegro against England on Tuesday evening, has netted 12 goals in 24 Serie A appearances this season.
Goal.com revealed earlier in March that Manchester City is currently in pole position to sign Jovetic having negotiated a first option on the forward, while Arsenal has also been reported as rival bidders.
“I’ve heard about Arsenal’s interest," Jovetic told The Sun. "It’s a big pleasure for me to be on the radar of such a big club. I am happy about that. I’ve always had an affinity with Arsenal. It’s a major club with a big tradition, one of the biggest in Europe."
He added, “It’s not easy to replace Van Persie, who scored a lot of goals. Arsenal have plenty of players who don’t score like Van Persie, but are also very good."
Jovetic concedes he would be open to a move to the Premier League but admits his current focus remains with Fiorentina's Champions League push.
“They are still very strong. I often watch Premier League games on TV," he said. "It’s one of the best leagues in the world and looks tempting for me. Maybe one day I will play there but I have a contract with Fiorentina and battling for a Champions League place in Serie A is the only thing I’m thinking about now.”
Sol Campbell backs Rio Ferdinand in England selection row
The former Three Lions center back believes manager Roy Hodgson should have given the Manchester United defender more notice ahead of his recent international recall Former England defender Sol Campbell believes Roy Hodgson should have given Rio Ferdinand an early indication that he was due to receive an international call up.
"People have to talk and work it out. I think it was a shock to Rio," Campbell told the Mirror. "He was probably thinking he didn’t have a chance and then all of a sudden he has a chance. It was kind of surprising. I know what Rio is going through, the extra matches do take a lot of out of you."
The Manchester United center back pulled out of the Three Lions squad for games against San Marino and Montenegro because of his need to observe an "intricate preplanned training program."
But Campbell sympathizes with his former England teammate and does not blame Ferdinand for refusing to add extra matches to his schedule.
"If you haven’t put that into your routine or if no-one a month ago has told you: ‘I am thinking about putting you in’, it is hard. It is a critical moment for England and a critical moment for Manchester United so it is hard for him," Campbell said. "It is physical, because it is demanding international football - and the traveling as well. If you have your regime and way of playing and routine, then playing for your country, there is a lot in it."
He added, "If you are in your routine and all of a sudden you have to look into playing another game - it is demanding on the body. The demands on the body playing for England can be a lot. But I think he would love to be involved in the next one."
The former Three Lions center back believes manager Roy Hodgson should have given the Manchester United defender more notice ahead of his recent international recall Former England defender Sol Campbell believes Roy Hodgson should have given Rio Ferdinand an early indication that he was due to receive an international call up.
"People have to talk and work it out. I think it was a shock to Rio," Campbell told the Mirror. "He was probably thinking he didn’t have a chance and then all of a sudden he has a chance. It was kind of surprising. I know what Rio is going through, the extra matches do take a lot of out of you."
The Manchester United center back pulled out of the Three Lions squad for games against San Marino and Montenegro because of his need to observe an "intricate preplanned training program."
But Campbell sympathizes with his former England teammate and does not blame Ferdinand for refusing to add extra matches to his schedule.
"If you haven’t put that into your routine or if no-one a month ago has told you: ‘I am thinking about putting you in’, it is hard. It is a critical moment for England and a critical moment for Manchester United so it is hard for him," Campbell said. "It is physical, because it is demanding international football - and the traveling as well. If you have your regime and way of playing and routine, then playing for your country, there is a lot in it."
He added, "If you are in your routine and all of a sudden you have to look into playing another game - it is demanding on the body. The demands on the body playing for England can be a lot. But I think he would love to be involved in the next one."
Holtby: Tottenham is not scared of Arsenal pressure
The Germany international says Spurs are still confident of avoiding a prolonged run of poor form until the end of the season and securing a Champions League spot.
Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby insists there will be no repeat of last year's end-of-season collapse in the race for Champions League qualification.
Spurs surrendered an eight-point lead to local rival Arsenal last term and are in danger of falling away again after defeats in their last two league games.
Holtby, however, says Spurs do not fear their north London foes and are well prepared going into the final stretch of games.
"No, we’re not scared. That’s the past. We are prepared," he told the Daily Mail. "We have a lot of players who have seen that but we are prepared now and we have to just focus on our game. We don’t look at the table, just win our games and at the end we can watch and hope that we are in the top four.
"We can definitely do it. We had 12 unbeaten league games, we had a very good run. And now we’ve had three disappointing games."
The former Schalke midfielder hopes the international break will have given his teammates a chance to clear their heads and ready themselves for the run in.
"These 12 days of international break are really good for us to clear everybody’s head, to go to the national team and see something else," he said. "We will bounce back, especially in the next game.
"There are still a lot of games to play and I think we have the right mentality and the right quality to play Champions League next season."
Tottenham sits in fourth place, one point behind Chelsea and four ahead of Arsenal, having played one game more than its two London rivals.
The Germany international says Spurs are still confident of avoiding a prolonged run of poor form until the end of the season and securing a Champions League spot.
Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby insists there will be no repeat of last year's end-of-season collapse in the race for Champions League qualification.
Spurs surrendered an eight-point lead to local rival Arsenal last term and are in danger of falling away again after defeats in their last two league games.
Holtby, however, says Spurs do not fear their north London foes and are well prepared going into the final stretch of games.
"No, we’re not scared. That’s the past. We are prepared," he told the Daily Mail. "We have a lot of players who have seen that but we are prepared now and we have to just focus on our game. We don’t look at the table, just win our games and at the end we can watch and hope that we are in the top four.
"We can definitely do it. We had 12 unbeaten league games, we had a very good run. And now we’ve had three disappointing games."
The former Schalke midfielder hopes the international break will have given his teammates a chance to clear their heads and ready themselves for the run in.
"These 12 days of international break are really good for us to clear everybody’s head, to go to the national team and see something else," he said. "We will bounce back, especially in the next game.
"There are still a lot of games to play and I think we have the right mentality and the right quality to play Champions League next season."
Tottenham sits in fourth place, one point behind Chelsea and four ahead of Arsenal, having played one game more than its two London rivals.
Reading unveils Adkins as new manager
The former Southampton boss has been confirmed as Brian McDermott's successor but faces a tough task to avoid relegation, with the Royals seven points away from safety Reading has unveiled Nigel Adkins as its new manager, with the 48-year-old signing a three-and-a-half-year deal.
The former Southampton man replaces Brian McDermott, who was sacked on March 11 after a slip in form threatened the Royals' Premier League status.
Adkins himself was removed from his post at St Mary's in January, despite leading the Saints to consecutive promotions from League One.
“I am delighted to bring Nigel to our club because he is perfect for us," owner Anton Zingarevich said. "He has great respect within the game, his CV speaks for itself and he has many attributes as a manager, he is progressive, he develops players, his teams play attacking, passing football but most of all he knows how to win games at all levels.
Zingarevich added, "This is an appointment we have made both with the short and long term in mind and Nigel can take our club forward. I know our supporters have been keen to hear news over the past two weeks and I am certain they will join me in saying it was worth the wait. I wish Nigel and Andy [Crosby] nothing but good luck and now we focus on eight hugely important games in the Premier League.
"Our supporters will also play a vital part in the finale to the season and I am certain Nigel will get an excellent reception from our fans at the Emirates on Saturday."
Gus Poyet had been Reading's first choice to succeed McDermott but the Uruguayan snubbed the offer to move to Berkshire despite talks over a switch from Brighton reaching an advanced stage.
Adkins faces a tough task to keep his new side in the top flight, with the Royals seven points away from safety with just eight games remaining.
His first match in charge will be away to Arsenal on Saturday before a reunion with his former colleagues on April 6 as Southampton travels to Reading for a potentially decisive bottom-of-the-table clash.
The former Southampton boss has been confirmed as Brian McDermott's successor but faces a tough task to avoid relegation, with the Royals seven points away from safety Reading has unveiled Nigel Adkins as its new manager, with the 48-year-old signing a three-and-a-half-year deal.
The former Southampton man replaces Brian McDermott, who was sacked on March 11 after a slip in form threatened the Royals' Premier League status.
Adkins himself was removed from his post at St Mary's in January, despite leading the Saints to consecutive promotions from League One.
“I am delighted to bring Nigel to our club because he is perfect for us," owner Anton Zingarevich said. "He has great respect within the game, his CV speaks for itself and he has many attributes as a manager, he is progressive, he develops players, his teams play attacking, passing football but most of all he knows how to win games at all levels.
Zingarevich added, "This is an appointment we have made both with the short and long term in mind and Nigel can take our club forward. I know our supporters have been keen to hear news over the past two weeks and I am certain they will join me in saying it was worth the wait. I wish Nigel and Andy [Crosby] nothing but good luck and now we focus on eight hugely important games in the Premier League.
"Our supporters will also play a vital part in the finale to the season and I am certain Nigel will get an excellent reception from our fans at the Emirates on Saturday."
Gus Poyet had been Reading's first choice to succeed McDermott but the Uruguayan snubbed the offer to move to Berkshire despite talks over a switch from Brighton reaching an advanced stage.
Adkins faces a tough task to keep his new side in the top flight, with the Royals seven points away from safety with just eight games remaining.
His first match in charge will be away to Arsenal on Saturday before a reunion with his former colleagues on April 6 as Southampton travels to Reading for a potentially decisive bottom-of-the-table clash.
Balotelli can be Italy's racism cure, says Riva
The legendary former Italy international claims that the AC Milan forward can become a figurehead in the battle against "disgusting" discrimination in the country.
Italy legend Gigi Riva believes that AC Milan's Mario Balotelli is potentially "the best cure for racism" in the country.
The striker returned to Italy in January from Manchester City, and has scored seven goals in six games in Serie A since his arrival.
The Azzurri's all-time leading goalscorer is fond of the idea that Balotelli is his spiritual heir, and thinks that the Rossoneri forward can be the person to turn the tide against racism.
"I'd like Balotelli to be my spiritual heir, sure," the 68-year-old told Corriere dello Sport. "He is strong, has great moral qualities, plus having a black guy as a symbol of Italy would be the best cure for racism that we could find.
"I think of Balotelli as a symbol of Italy's nationality and therefore he is very important. He can become a point of reference in order to eradicate the disgusting thing that is racism.
Kevin-Prince Boateng made a stand against racist chanting in a Milan friendly against Pro Patria where he staged a walk off in a symbolic move that has brought the discussion to the fore in Italian football."The scenes at Busto Arsizio with Boateng were painful for him and for us," said Riva. "It was a great shame that it had to happen."
Balotelli is enjoying a fine run of form since returning to Italy for both club and country and Riva, formerly of Cagliari, believes the forward is now settled and it is resulting in better performances on the pitch.
"On a technical level, his game is simple. But he is a force of nature with a physical electricity and sprinting muscles - a classic physicality," added Riva.
The legendary former Italy international claims that the AC Milan forward can become a figurehead in the battle against "disgusting" discrimination in the country.
Italy legend Gigi Riva believes that AC Milan's Mario Balotelli is potentially "the best cure for racism" in the country.
The striker returned to Italy in January from Manchester City, and has scored seven goals in six games in Serie A since his arrival.
The Azzurri's all-time leading goalscorer is fond of the idea that Balotelli is his spiritual heir, and thinks that the Rossoneri forward can be the person to turn the tide against racism.
"I'd like Balotelli to be my spiritual heir, sure," the 68-year-old told Corriere dello Sport. "He is strong, has great moral qualities, plus having a black guy as a symbol of Italy would be the best cure for racism that we could find.
"I think of Balotelli as a symbol of Italy's nationality and therefore he is very important. He can become a point of reference in order to eradicate the disgusting thing that is racism.
Kevin-Prince Boateng made a stand against racist chanting in a Milan friendly against Pro Patria where he staged a walk off in a symbolic move that has brought the discussion to the fore in Italian football."The scenes at Busto Arsizio with Boateng were painful for him and for us," said Riva. "It was a great shame that it had to happen."
Balotelli is enjoying a fine run of form since returning to Italy for both club and country and Riva, formerly of Cagliari, believes the forward is now settled and it is resulting in better performances on the pitch.
"On a technical level, his game is simple. But he is a force of nature with a physical electricity and sprinting muscles - a classic physicality," added Riva.
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