Roberto Firmino is set to miss out on a starting role for Brazil at this summer’s World Cup, but the Liverpool forward has received a glowing evaluation from Premier League icon, Thierry Henry.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the Arsenal legend spoke highly of the Liverpool no.9:

“His movement, his work-rate, the way he makes the two central defenders move to allow Mo Salah to make those runs. He isn’t the best finisher, but he is the most complete striker in the league.”

The Brazilian has enjoyed a prolific season, scoring 27 goals – a career best – as well as chucking in with 17 assists as he helped his strike partner, Mo Salah, win the Golden Boot.But as Henry points out, there is so much more to Firmino’s game than just goals. The former Hoffenheim player runs himself ragged on the pitch; intensely closing down any opposition defender – refusing them time on the ball in typical Klopp fashion.It is this sacrifice on the pitch that makes Firmino a fan favourite at Anfield and if he can sustain this form or even improve it, Liverpool are in for a treat next season. But for the time being Liverpool fans are busy reacting to Henry’s comment.Here is a selection of the best of what’s been said…[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/Riddock__/status/996535019777740800[/EMBED_TWITTER][EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/mrdanielhollis1/status/996427894380429319[/EMBED_TWITTER][EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/RedAli90/status/996645519081574400[/EMBED_TWITTER][EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/DelaineMoore3/status/996476258828644354[/EMBED_TWITTER][EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/MauWhitfield/status/996430082351751170[/EMBED_TWITTER][EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/jacklfcgill/status/995715364007890947[/EMBED_TWITTER][ad_pod ]

Tottenham fans are mercilessly bashing the Spanish press, after a report from Marca claimed Mauricio Pochettino can ditch his new contract if Real Madrid come calling.

According to a report from Marca, Pochettino will be allowed to leave North London if he is targeted by either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.

Tottenham fans were absolutely delighted when their key man extended his contract until 2023, but the report claims Daniel Levy agreed to the Argentine’s request in a bid to ward off interest from Chelsea.

Real Madrid see the charming 46 year-old as Zinedine Zidane’s successor according to Marca, but he would also be willing to move to Paris, where he played between 2001 and 2003.

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It probably goes without saying, but any report like this from Marca should be taken with an entire container of salt, and that’s exactly how Spurs fans are taking it.

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Pochettino is the perfect fit for Tottenham in every conceivable way, and the idea that a coach who prides himself on developing a young squad, at a club where he is absolutely adored, would move to a club that fires managers for one season without a trophy seems hard to believe.

Fans are rightfully bashing the report, though there are a few who are fearing the worst. Either way, you can find some of the best Twitter reactions below…

Rangers midfielder Carlos Pena has managed to find himself another loan club in Mexico after his failed move to Cruz Azul.

The Ibrox side signed the Mexican last summer but he didn’t impress and was shipped out in January on an 18-month loan before having his contract at his new club cancelled due to an incident in the club’s hotel.

Eventually ending up in rehab to help with alcohol problems, Light Blues supporters feared he may be set for a return to Glasgow.

However, Mexican club Necaxa confirmed on Thursday that he will be moving on loan there, ensuring that Rangers at least won’t have to pay the entirety of wages.

Supporters are surprised to see him find a club so quickly, especially given his off the field problems, but at the same time are grateful to see another club take him off their hands.

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They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on it all…

Arsenal have plenty of pressure on their shoulders for the upcoming season as they try to navigate their way back into the top four of the Premier League.

Unai Emery is the man at the helm now that Arsene Wenger has left, and while his priority will be recruiting new players, he also needs to keep hold of the important figures in the team.

Nacho Monreal is one of those as he is the one calming figure in a shaky defence.

Last season, the Spaniard, who has earned 22 caps for his national team, even contributed with six goals, one of which was scored in the Europa League.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”257647″ player=”12034″ title=”3 Reasons We Love To Hate… Brazil and Argentina”]

Monreal has been at the North London outfit since his 2013 switch from Malaga, and has gone on to become an important member of the team.

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According to a report in Gol Digital on Wednesday, Real Sociedad have enquired about the defender’s availability.

Arsenal fans have made it clear that they want Monreal to stay, but it is worth noting that the 32-year-old has just one year left on his contract.

Comment from discussion Sociedad have enquired about the availability of Monreal. Arsenal likely to say no despite player being 32yo with only a year left on contract..Comment from discussion Sociedad have enquired about the availability of Monreal. Arsenal likely to say no despite player being 32yo with only a year left on contract..Comment from discussion Sociedad have enquired about the availability of Monreal. Arsenal likely to say no despite player being 32yo with only a year left on contract..Comment from discussion Sociedad have enquired about the availability of Monreal. Arsenal likely to say no despite player being 32yo with only a year left on contract..Comment from discussion Sociedad have enquired about the availability of Monreal. Arsenal likely to say no despite player being 32yo with only a year left on contract..Comment from discussion Sociedad have enquired about the availability of Monreal. Arsenal likely to say no despite player being 32yo with only a year left on contract..Comment from discussion Sociedad have enquired about the availability of Monreal. Arsenal likely to say no despite player being 32yo with only a year left on contract..Comment from discussion Sociedad have enquired about the availability of Monreal. Arsenal likely to say no despite player being 32yo with only a year left on contract..Comment from discussion Sociedad have enquired about the availability of Monreal. Arsenal likely to say no despite player being 32yo with only a year left on contract..Comment from discussion Sociedad have enquired about the availability of Monreal. Arsenal likely to say no despite player being 32yo with only a year left on contract..Comment from discussion Sociedad have enquired about the availability of Monreal. Arsenal likely to say no despite player being 32yo with only a year left on contract..Comment from discussion Sociedad have enquired about the availability of Monreal. Arsenal likely to say no despite player being 32yo with only a year left on contract..

Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel impressed in Denmark’s 1-0 win against Peru in their opening match at the Russia World Cup, and Liverpool fans have urged their club to sign the 31-year-old.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp will surely look to bring a new stopper to Anfield this summer following Loris Karius’ Champions League final disaster, and he would surely have been impressed by the Foxes keeper’s display on Saturday.

The Premier League title winner made a number of fine saves and also played his part in Christian Cueva’s penalty kick flying over his crossbar, as he kept a clean sheet in a positive first display for him and his nation.

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Liverpool supporters, the majority of whom don’t want their club to sign a 6ft 3in outfield England star, were quick to have their say on the Dane’s display via social media, and while one said “Kasper Schmeichel is a better De Gea”, another said “he would cost about 30 million”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255848″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Liverpool’s opening fixtures for the 201819 Premier League season”]

West Ham fans have been reacting to reports that Alfie Mawson is close to joining Wolves, and they’re convinced they can find better value elsewhere.

The Hammers look all set to be one of the busiest teams in the transfer window this summer, with Issa Diop and Lukasz Fabianski already the newest members of Manuel Pellegrini’s squad.

While the injury to Manuel Lanzini will likely force at least one attacking signing, the focus of much of the new manager’s work will be at the back, where the Hammers were a bit of a shambles last season, especially away from home.

Diop should go some way to fixing that, but it definitely seems as though Pellegrini wants one more central defender, as both Mawson and Marlon Santos have been heavily linked with moves to the London Stadium.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255853″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch West Ham’s opening fixtures for the 201819 Premier League season”]

According to recent reports though, newly promoted Wolves are not far behind the Hammers in the race for the Swansea defender.

Wolves have been moved into second favourites behind West Ham to secure the 24 year-old, who will almost certainly move after the Swans’ relegation.

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Fans have been reacting to the reports that Wolves are on the hunt, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

West Ham United are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes, according to reputable fansite Knees Up Mother Brown.

What’s the story?

The 23-year-old midfielder only joined Sporting last summer from Sampdoria and went on to make 33 appearances for the Portuguese outfit, scoring an impressive 11 goals and registering eight assists.

But now, according to the report, Fernandes is one of many players who wants to force their way out of the club, after they were attacked by supporters following their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

How far will England go in Russia? Let us know here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

A number of players have reportedly terminated their contracts, including Fernandes, so he could be available on a free transfer this summer.

According to Knees Up Mother Brown, West Ham are understandably interested in the Portugal international and co-owner David Sullivan is investigating the possibility of signing the player.

A real coup for the Hammers

There is no doubt that if West Ham can pull this off, it would be a fantastic signing for the club.

Fernandes is valued at £27million on Transfermarkt for good reason, as he is a complete central midfielder with an eye for goal and good composure on the ball and positional awareness.

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There will surely be fierce competition for his signature, with Chelsea and Liverpool rumoured to be interested in the talent.

If West Ham manage to convince Bruno Fernandes to head to the London Stadium, it will be a massive win for new manager Manuel Pellegrini who will have one of Europe’s top young midfielders in his team.

The Sri Lankan cricket team arrived in Mumbai on Saturday afternoon with Kumar Sangakkara promising their best in an attempt to conquer “the last frontier”

Nagraj Gollapudi in Mumbai08-Nov-2009Sri Lanka have made six tours to India over the last 27 years, played 14 Tests, and are yet to win one. It’s a record Kumar Sangakkara is keen to rectify as his team arrived in Mumbai for a three-Test series beginning on November 16, followed by two Twenty20 internationals and five one-dayers.Sangakkara, however, said his side, No. 2 in the Test rankings, was “under no pressure” to scratch India off the list of countries (South Africa and Australia are the others) where Sri Lanka have never won a Test. “We know we haven’t won here and for us we need to try and change that,” a sleepy-eyed Sangakkara said, in his first interaction with the media in India on Sunday afternoon. “We are here to relax, enjoy and not worry about history, and try and put as much pressure on the Indians as possible.”The pressure, Sangakkara felt, would be on India after the defeat against Australia in the ongoing home one-day series. He said it would be interesting to see how India reacted from the defeat against an under-strength side, saying that “some react positively while some don’t”.Sangakkara, who took over the captaincy from Mahela Jayawardene at the ICC World Twenty20 in June, is building a cohesive unit capable of performing in all conditions. Sri Lanka are formidable at home but their overseas record is mediocre. Their lack of success in India is strange, especially since the conditions here are similar to those in Sri Lanka.Posting large totals is critical to winning Tests in India, and Sri Lanka’s batsmen have been unable to do so in the past, with 420 in Kanpur in 1986 being their best effort. Their present batting line-up could be challenged to surpass that score as only four players – Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Thilan Samaraweera and Sangakkara – have Test experience in India.Things are not bright on the bowling front either. Even Muttiah Muralitharan has taken only 31 wickets in eight Tests and his average of nearly 40 in India is his worst in any country after Australia. And in Lasith Malinga’s absence, their fast-bowling attack comprising Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilan Thushara, Dammika Prasad and Chanaka Welegedara lacks menace and experience. Sangakkara, though, was of the opinion that his relatively inexperienced attack could be at an advantage.”Inexperience is sometimes a good thing as the Indian batsmen have not played our fast bowlers regularly in the longer form of the game which can work to our advantage.” He said sometimes a “fresh perspective, attitude and enthusiasm could be an added bonus”.Sangakkara is banking on 22-year old allrounder Angelo Mathews to give the team flexibility and balance. “We have a great option in Angelo Mathews who gives us the flexibility of playing three spinners on a spin-friendly wicket because of him being a frontline fast bowler and a batsman,” Sangakkara said. “We could even go into the game with three out-and-out fast bowlers, with Mathews in support, and one spinner or even two fast bowlers and two spinners.”It will be interesting, however, to see which two spinners Sri Lanka field in the first Test against India in Ahmedabad beginning on November 16, especially with Sangakkara stressing the importance of “performance and current form”. Murali is likely to be a certainty for one spot, and Ajantha Mendis had spectacular success against the Indian batsmen in Sri Lanka. It is the left-arm spinner, Rangana Herath, though, who has been Sri Lanka’s most successful slow bowler in recent matches.In his last four Tests at home, Herath took 23 wickets against Pakistan and New Zealand. Murali did not play against Pakistan while Mendis proved expensive – his five wickets cost 43 each. Against New Zealand, Murali’s returns were 13 wickets at 24 apiece while Mendis’ three victims came at an average of 45. Sangakkara said that Herath having to play “third fiddle to the other spinners made him hungrier to do well”. Sri Lanka could do with more healthy competition in India during the coming weeks.This series, from November 8 to December 27, begins with a three-day warm-up game against the Board President’s XI at Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex before the first Test. The second Test will be in Kanpur before the teams head back to Mumbai for the third game.

Ponting played on for 40 minutes after being struck by a Roach bouncer. It was a fascinating spell of play during which their battle lived up to the pre-match hype

Brydon Coverdale at the WACA16-Dec-2009It was hard to imagine that the Kemar Roach versus Ricky Ponting battle could live up to the hype, but it did. That much was apparent from the second ball Roach bowled to Ponting, a short, 146kph delivery that thumped the batsman on the left elbow when he tried to evade it, having attempted unsuccessfully to pull the previous bouncer.Ponting is one of the toughest men in international cricket, but that ball hurt. He refused to leave the field and batted on for 40 minutes before he eventually succumbed and retired hurt, although scans showed no break to the arm and he was expecting to resume his innings on the second day. It was a fascinating period that justified the pre-match banter between the two teams.First, Ponting said Roach would be a handful if the WACA was quick and bouncy. Then Roach declared that he wanted to use the venue’s famous speed to hit 155kph. Next, Brad Haddin tried to put the pressure back on Roach. The fast man won a minor battle but didn’t get the Australian captain’s wicket and the West Indies coach David Williams conceded Ponting had the better of the encounter.”We know for a fact that Ponting, not that he’s scared of Roach, respected Roach as a fast bowler who can also hit you in your head as well as hit your edge,” Williams said. “It was a keen contest. Ricky I think got the better of him at the end. But at the end of the day it was good for cricket to see a fast bowler running in on a flat deck, bowling to the No. 1 batsman in the world.”[Roach was under] a little bit of pressure, coming in with all this hype and stuff. He probably bowled a little bit too short and maybe at times a little bit too full but he’s a young guy and he’s learning quickly.”There was one lesson Roach appeared not to learn during the day: he bowled only four overs, including the one that injured Ponting, with the considerable wind at his back. For the rest of the time he toiled into the breeze, which meant he was hovering in the mid 140kph region and only sometimes ticking into the 150s. It was a decision that amazed Shane Watson.”I thought that he definitely would have bowled downwind with the breeze going across, because he does swing the ball away from me and into Simon [Katich],” Watson said. “I was surprised that he bowled into the wind with the second new ball as well. As a batsman, facing Kemar Roach bowling at the wrong end was nicer.”Watson questioned the thinking of the West Indies captain Chris Gayle in making Roach work into the wind. However, Williams said it was the bowler’s call. “Roach is right now our No. 1 bowler and it’s up to him to pick which end he’s going to bowl,” Williams said. “He chose that end. That was Roach’s decision. Normally your strike bowler is going to get the end he prefers and that was the case.”There remains every possibility that the second round of the Roach-Ponting fight will occur on the second day, and this time Roach might decide to switch ends. The blow to the elbow hindered Ponting’s ability to extend his arm when trying to pull and hook, and some of his strokes looked more like gentle tennis shots, but Watson was expecting his captain to bat again.”He got the all-clear with his scans,” Watson said. “There’s no break in his elbow or anything like that. He’s just a bit bruised and battered from the ball that hit him. Hopefully a night’s rest will make sure that he pulls up pretty well and he’ll be right to go tomorrow morning.”It was very gladiatorial out there, the way Kemar Roach was taking on Ricky and of course he’s never going to take a backward step either. For him to be able to bat the way he did, even for that short period of time before he retired hurt, for him to continue taking him on was brilliant to watch.”

Plays of the day from the fourth day of the Sydney Test between Australia and Pakistan

Osman Samiuddin at the SCG06-Jan-2010Haddin takes off

Brad Haddin’s keeping often comes under the scanner – although it is far better than Kamran Akmal’s – but he can be extremely proud of his flying take to remove Salman Butt. Butt glanced and Haddin launched himself to right, intercepting the ball while airborne with his right arm at full stretch. It was a stunning effort and a photo of it should hang on his wall.Lob for a yob

Doug Bollinger doesn’t mind the pick-up-and-return-throw in his follow-through, but he tempered his approach after collecting a defensive shot from Imran Farhat. Bollinger wanted to have a fling at the stumps but Farhat was in the way, so he decided on a lob that cleared the batsman on the way to the keeper. He was less restrained after dismissing Farhat for 22, doing a modest impersonation of Shane Watson’s infamous Perth send-off. Bollinger clenched his fist as Farhat walked off close by, and roared in the batsman’s direction as he left the ground.Anyone for tennis?

Michael Hussey was in survival mode when he padded up to Kaneria, only to see the ball balloon and threaten to hit the stumps. Hussey was taking no chances and swotted the ball down like he was playing a smash at the Australian Open. In the end, nothing but a lack of partners could stop Hussey as he brought up his 11th Test century – a match-winning effort.Divided loyalties?
Geoff Lawson, the former Pakistan coach, has remained the most knowledgeable and sympathetic supporter for the visitors in the broadcast media here. Lawson has lived every moment of this series so far for his former charges, whether exulting in Mohammad Aamer’s successes, defending their dropped chances or waxing eloquent about Umar Akmal. Today at the SCG, perhaps anticipating a famous win, he turned up wearing a PCB National Cricket Academy top. Not bad for a man the present board chairman called “useless.”Akmal-watch
After dropping three catches yesterday, Kamran Akmal walked on to the team bus, sad and forlorn, hoping that “tomorrow will be a new day.” It was, though not for him, as he dropped his fourth catch of the Test, another sitter and this time from Peter Siddle.