Author: Gabby

Former Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has launched a scathing attack on England manager Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad selection, labeling two Arsenal players as ‘overrated’ and criticizing the exclusion of Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.

Speaking to AceOdds, van der Vaart expressed bewilderment at Tuchel’s decisions. ‘Looking at the squad, I feel Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke are overhyped,’ he said. ‘Madueke doesn’t get regular minutes at Arsenal, and Eze only plays occasionally. They’re both a bit overhyped.’

The Dutch legend acknowledged Madueke’s talent, recalling his time at PSV Eindhoven. ‘Madueke is still a good player, I know him well from PSV. But the biggest mystery for me is why Cole Palmer was overlooked. That’s a truly puzzling choice,’ van der Vaart added.

Van der Vaart’s comments have reignited debate over Tuchel’s squad selections ahead of the World Cup. Palmer’s impressive form for Chelsea this season made his omission especially surprising to many observers.

Real Madrid center-back Eder Militao has shared his thoughts on the reappointment of Jose Mourinho as the club’s head coach. The Spanish giants officially announced Mourinho’s return on Thursday, signing him to a three-year contract. The Portuguese manager previously led Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013.

In an interview with SportyBet, Militao expressed his enthusiasm for working with the experienced tactician. “He is a top-class manager. I am excited for the upcoming season,” the Brazilian defender said. He also commented on the importance of mental well-being, stating, “Life has its challenges, but staying mentally strong and having supportive family makes everything easier.”

Ghana’s World Cup campaign has been dealt a significant setback after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada. The Athletic has reported that the player cannot travel to the country, missing the opening match against Panama scheduled for Wednesday at BMO Field in Toronto.

The Canadian government’s website specifies that individuals who have committed or been convicted of a crime may be barred from entering. Partey faces charges of sexual assault but has not been convicted, and he maintains his innocence regarding the allegations.

This development leaves Ghana without one of its key players for a crucial fixture in the tournament.

Alain Giresse, the former coach of Senegal’s national team, has expressed confidence that the Teranga Lions have what it takes to advance to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking in an interview with Wiw Sport, the French tactician pointed to the team’s inherent talent and growing competitiveness on the global stage.

Giresse noted that African football is evolving, with teams like Senegal showing they can compete with the world’s best. He recalled that Morocco made history in 2022 by becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals, and he believes Senegal can follow suit.

“I think one day an African country will play in the final. When it comes to Senegal, they have the potential to at least reach the semifinals,” Giresse said. He acknowledged that unexpected events can occur in matches, but stressed that the squad’s intrinsic quality is undeniable. “We see that African teams are increasingly displaying a level that is approaching the top rankings in the world,” he added.

Senegal has been drawn into Group I for the 2026 World Cup, where they will face Norway, Iraq, and France. The group presents a tough challenge, but Giresse believes the team can overcome it and make a deep run in the tournament.

France winger Ousmane Dembele has come to the defense of his national teammate Kylian Mbappe, insisting that the relentless criticism directed at the Real Madrid star is unwarranted. Speaking to Marca before France’s opening match against Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Dembele expressed his frustration with the negative attention Mbappe has faced since being named captain of Les Bleus in 2023.

Dembele emphasized that Mbappe is an extraordinary talent and a wonderful person off the field, and the harsh scrutiny is excessive. “There’s too much criticism aimed at Kylian,” Dembele said. “He’s an incredible player, a top-class talent, and a great guy away from the pitch. People need to stop being so aggressive toward him.”

The criticism has intensified after Mbappe failed to secure any major silverware with Real Madrid during the previous season. However, Dembele believes that the constant negativity is unfair and takes away from Mbappe’s contributions to both club and country. “They find fault with everything he does, and that’s just too much,” Dembele added.

As France prepares for their World Cup campaign, Dembele’s words serve as a reminder of the immense pressure Mbappe faces as one of football’s brightest stars. The French team hopes to put the criticism aside and focus on their quest for glory in the tournament.

In a recent interview with Marca, France international Ousmane Dembele shared his admiration for two football icons. The 28-year-old forward, who is preparing for France’s World Cup opener against Senegal, named Argentina’s Lionel Messi as the finest player he has ever witnessed on the pitch.

Dembele praised Messi’s enduring brilliance, stating, “Messi is the best player I’ve ever seen. Even at 38, he remains fantastic and dangerous. His quality never diminishes, and we must be cautious—he still has the ability to win another World Cup.”

Additionally, Dembele expressed his desire to see Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane take the helm of the French national team. “Zidane is a legend and a reference for me. I hope he becomes the new France head coach one day. He won three Champions League titles in a row, and he could do an incredible job with the national team,” Dembele added.

FIFA has officially confirmed that Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey will not join his teammates in Canada for the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Panama. The decision follows the refusal of his visa application by Canadian authorities, reportedly linked to allegations of rape.

Partey, who was expected to be a key player for the Black Stars, will remain in the United States while the team travels north for the crucial Group A fixture. The visa denial means he will miss the tournament’s first game entirely.

In a statement released on Friday, FIFA clarified its position regarding the matter. The governing body noted that it has no involvement in the immigration procedures of host nations, including visa adjudication. “FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” the statement read. It further emphasized that, consistent with past FIFA events, the host government retains the sole authority to determine visa eligibility and entry into the country.

The development represents a significant setback for Ghana, who will now have to adjust their strategy without one of their most influential players. Partey’s absence could impact the team’s midfield stability and overall performance in the tournament opener.

The Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) has officially presented former Super Eagles midfielder Duke Udi as the new technical adviser for Nigeria National League club Sunshine Stars. The announcement came during a short ceremony held on Friday.

Udi, who previously managed Firstbank FC in the NNL last season, brings valuable experience to the Akure-based side. He will be working alongside Banjo Adepoju, who has been appointed as the head coach.

The newly formed technical team has been urged to stay focused on their objectives and avoid any distractions as Sunshine Stars prepares for the upcoming 2026-27 NNL campaign. The club’s management expressed confidence in Udi’s ability to lead the team effectively.

Arsenal are actively pursuing a deal for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, with a potential transfer fee of around €40 million being discussed. According to sources, the Gunners’ interest in the Greek international does not diminish their pursuit of Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers or other targets.

The club’s sporting director, Andrea Bertea, is diligently working to bolster the attacking options. Tzolis, aged 24, has been in prolific form, netting 43 goals over two seasons for Brugge, following a 23-goal campaign with Fortuna Düsseldorf in the 2. Bundesliga during 2023-24.

Arsenal are focusing on acquiring a left winger and have also made inquiries about Juventus’ 21-year-old Turkey international, Kenan Yildiz. The North London side’s summer transfer strategy appears to be multi-pronged as they aim to strengthen their frontline.