Football expert Ste Tudor (@SteTudor123) tackles the Buffon vs Casillas question - read on to find out which side of the argument he is on...

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• These two goalkeeping goliaths have won 47 major honours at club level 
• Each have lifted the World Cup and five times apiece been voted the best around
• Both are legends and record-breakers but who is number one?

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For a quarter of a century and more, Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas straddled world football as goalkeeping goliaths who between them completed their sport. 

Think that’s an exaggeration? Combined, the two legends have won 15 league titles for their respective clubs, and each have a World Cup winner’s medal pride of place in cabinets crammed to the brim with silverware.

Who gets your vote - Gianluigi Buffon or Iker Casillas?

— 888sport (@888sport) June 9, 2022

They have been voted the best keeper on the planet a remarkable five times apiece and remained at the very pinnacle of their profession for such a long period it can only be described as an era.

Along with the almost-equally sublime Manuel Neuer, each have been at the vanguard of a goalkeeping revolution that has seen their position substantially change in recent years.

Along with the almost-equally sublime Manuel Neuer, they have elevated their craft to unparalleled heights. 

So, while everyone else endlessly debates about the considerable merits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and who is greater, isn’t it about time we turned to these two iconic figures between the sticks and did likewise?

Buffon vs Casillas? Who is number one?

Shot-stopping

To determine this, we must break down the various skillsets of a multifaceted role, beginning with their principle task of keeping the ball out of the net.

Here, Casillas wins out, but only marginally, blessed as he was with razor-sharp reflexes and outstanding agility, the likes of which we have rarely seen before.

• Sam Cox (@SamRCox_) gives his thoughts on the biggest debate in Welsh football. Who comes out on top in the Ryan Giggs vs Gareth Bale argument?

Should acrobatics be required, the player nicknamed ‘San Iker’ (‘Saint Iker’) could be as spectacular as the next stopper until his retirement in 2020, but in truth he hardly needed to resort to miracle saves, his footwork and anticipation both consistently immaculate. 

All of the above also naturally applies to Buffon, if to a slightly less degree, and if our life depended on a one-on-one we’d go with the Spaniard. This is the extreme example we must reach for to separate this magnificent shot-stopping pair. 

Casillas’ impenetrable air pervaded the Bernabeu for 16 years, making him the bane of opponents great and good as Real Madrid challenged Barcelona at the top throughout. Our La Liga predictions for 2022/23 tip Los Blancos to once again reign supreme in Spain. 

Last line of defence

Of course, palming a shot around the post is only a portion of a goalkeeper’s responsibilities and in all other regards Buffon can lay claim to being the best all-rounder of his generation.

In his organisation of the back-line ahead of him and from his formidable bossing of a penalty area – a strength that factors in his peerless ability in dealing with crosses – the Italian is unrivalled, and from this leadership comes a stature that should not be downplayed.

Strikers knew they were facing the great Gianluigi Buffon that particular afternoon. That thought alone was nigh-on worth a goal head-start.   

Having blazed a trail at Parma as a precocious teenager, the Tuscan custodian went on to make over 500 appearances for Juventus, his presence and talent being a sizable reason why the Zebras so regularly legitimized their slender Serie A odds and won Scudettos year on year. 

There in Turin he was nicknamed ‘Superman’ for goodness sake. What more needs to be said? 

Achievements

Comparing each player’s career feats is like taking a measuring stick up K2, then Everest. 

At club level, the highly accomplished duo won 47 major honours while for Spain and Italy they made an astonishing 334 appearances between them. No other player has adorned the azzurro jersey of Italy more than Buffon.

Casillas’ three Champions League triumphs with Real arguably edges him ahead of his rival for trophies won though Buffon can count himself very unfortunate, losing three finals.

In one, against AC Milan, the 6ft 4 giant made two penalty saves in a dramatic shoot-out.

Buffon’s longevity, however, possibly balances this out. As well as being Italy’s record appearance-maker, no other player has featured more in Serie A history, his 657 outings dating from the mid-nineties to the present day as his career winds down at Parma. 

Frankly, so vast and impressive are their C.V.s that this particular segment should go down as a score-draw, or more accurately a goalless shut-out and to put their sizable deeds into proper perspective consider this: If you’re a fan of betting then it’s a dead cert that at some point you’ve had a flutter on a game involving one or both players.

If you backed their team, you very likely won your bet. If you went against San Iker or Superman, you very likely lost.  

Testimonials

Unsurprisingly, these generational greats have amassed volumes of praise down the decades with some of the most interesting observations coming from former keepers, legends in their own right. 

In rating one over the other, Peter Shilton was happy to nail his colours to an Italian mast in 2015 saying of Buffon: “He has always been a favourite of mine.”

The ex-Nottingham Forest and England ace went on to compliment ‘Gigi’s consistency but did point out that Casillas possessed a masterful big-game temperament.

Famed Italian stopper Dino Zoff meanwhile – who, like Buffon, also won well over a century of caps for the Azzurri, winning the World Cup into the bargain – weighed in on the debate that same year.

Raising eyebrows across the peninsula he went against his eventual successor who had idolised him growing up, saying simply, “Between Buffon and Casillas, I choose the Spaniard.”

Strikers too have offered their informed opinions on the pair down the seasons, with Fernando Torres once saying of his international team-mate Casillas that Spain were ‘lucky to have him’.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, by way of contrast, opted for his ex-Juve colleague, with one of the most brilliant forwards to ever grace the top 5 leagues in Europe, admitting Buffon was ‘impossible to beat’. 

Verdict

For the second year in a row our annual Serie A predictions won’t include Parma this summer, with the Yellow and Blues now residing in the second tier.

And it is here we find a 44-year-old Gigi Buffon, still exasperating attackers on a weekly basis, even if now the reflexes are a touch blunter, his agility too lessened by age.

For a staggering 27 years though, the one-time Ballon d’Or runner-up has topped his field, for our money a better goalkeeper than any of the many pretenders who have come after his crown. And yes, the superior of Casillas also, if only by a fraction.

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 7th June 2022

• Our way too early predictions for next season include a runaway winner and a surprise package

• Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl could be on borrowed time

• Will Newcastle end their long, long wait for a trophy?

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It’s usually a fool’s errand to make season predictions and for proof of this we only need look at prophecies made prior to last term. Manchester United to finish above Liverpool. Manchester City to fall into decline.

To be clear, these weren’t from our own crystal ball but we’re absolutely not judging whoever it was that hopelessly misread the room. We know how difficult it is to second-guess the future.

And it’s especially difficult making a football prediction at this early juncture, long before most transfers are made and ahead of pre-season friendlies.

What the hell though, right? We’re game if you are. Just please don’t remind us of these next May! 

Manchester United To Secure Top Four

It would be quite wrong to over-estimate the impact Erik ten Hag can, or will, immediately have at Old Trafford just as it’s quite wrong to under-estimate the scale of the task at hand.

This summer, a wealth of under-achieving talent is leaving while numerous new faces are set to arrive, who all need bedding in and acclimatizing to the unique demands that come from being a Manchester United star.

Still, if the Dutchman instils a better structure to the team – and he unquestionably has the managerial acumen to do so – then the Reds should improve and quickly.

Furthermore, if the players buy into his thinking, a Champions League spot is there for the taking.

Southampton to struggle and Hasenhuttl to leave

It always feels somewhat unsavoury to suggest a man and his job will soon be parted but the Austrian will begin 2022/23 as one of the favourites to leave his position first and there are legitimate reasons why.

Throughout Ralph Hasenhuttl’s three-and-a-half year tenure on the South Coast his team have been streaky, capable of putting together a three-month run of good results only to then forget themselves completely and slide down the table. Last season was no different.

Only it feels distinctly different this time, a capitulation from early March on resulting from players looking jaded and in dire need of inspiration.

The Saints require three or more big signings this summer to rejuvenate a squad that’s gone stale. But will Hasenhuttl be given the backing to make them?

Manchester City to have it all their own way

The football odds for next term will naturally pitch City as favourites, with Liverpool close behind. Perhaps though, the duopoly we have witnessed in recent years may be showing signs of abating.

Sadio Mane has publicly admitted he intends to depart Anfield this summer and the Senegalese striker is a huge part of Jurgen Klopp’s attacking template.

City meanwhile have considerably strengthened their forward options, not only attracting the phenomenal goal-machine Erling Haaland but also Julian Alvarez, an Argentine who has been tearing things up for River Plate, leading to comparisons being made with Sergio Aguero.

Factor in too, the inevitable psychological baggage of Liverpool’s incredible campaign ending in heartbreak twice-over and the ultra-tight title races that have become the norm may give way to a fairly comfortable ride for the Blues.

We’re calling it now: City to win the league by 8+ points.

Newcastle finally win a trophy, just don’t ask Howe

The Magpies’ perilous circumstances going into 2022 meant their new owners erred towards pragmatism in the January window and in their choice of manager too.

Players were targeted with proven Premier League experience while ‘Steady’ Eddie Howe was recruited to stabilize results and it must be said the former Bournemouth boss did a tremendous job from the get-go.

With their top-flight status secured however, the wealthiest club on the planet will look to bring in more sensational fare this summer on the pitch and that consequently raises the expectation levels in the North-East and puts greater pressure on Howe to excel.

Is he up to the task? Only time will tell but don’t be surprised if a marquee name in a designer suit is at the helm come May.

As for Newcastle, their elevation will likely continue and though top four will remain beyond them for the time being, a domestic cup is well within their means. It would be their first trophy for 67 years.

Spurs to implode

We are in unchartered waters with Antonio Conte who has strayed from his typical M.O. of inheriting a side capable of winning a title and then fixing their problems to facilitate that happening.

Tottenham are not capable of winning the league and indeed are in possession of so many flaws that attaining a top four place last season should be considered an over-achievement.

The Italian deserves a great deal of credit for making that a reality but his contribution paled to that of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min who between them boasted a remarkable 38 direct goal involvements in Spurs’ 41 league goals from February on.

Can these go-to names for Premier League tips maintain this staggering return next term? We all saw how badly Tottenham stuttered in the early stages of 2021/22 when the pair fired blanks.

An over-reliance on their front two will surely back-fire on the Lilywhites at some juncture and when it does Conte will kick up a storm.

Mitrovic to misfire

The Fulham striker’s stats in the Championship last season were off-the-scale, a record-breaking 43 goals firing the Cottagers back into the top-flight. That equated to a goal every 89 minutes all season long.

The powerful Serb was unstoppable, a one-man force of nature. He was beloved by the online betting community because he offered assurances in a thoroughly unpredictable league.

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 | 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

🏅 Aleksandar Mitrovic

The first striker to score 43 goals in a second-tier season since Brian Clough for Middlesbrough in 1958-59, Mitrovic has thrived under Marco Silva. #TAUKAwards | @FulhamFC pic.twitter.com/KlMQr1ZaoU

— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) May 26, 2022

Yet this prolificacy in the second tier is not exactly new. In 2017/18 he bagged 12 in 17 for the West London club. Two years later he notched 26.

In between however, were campaigns in the Premier League that had him toil for very little reward. Last time out, as Fulham finished 11 points adrift of safety, the forward eked out just three in 27 outings.

Fulham’s consistent yo-yoing in recent years suggests they are too good for the Championship but fall short of Premier League standards. The same is true of their burly front-man.

Forest to win best newcomer

After gaining promotion via the Play-Offs, how will Nottingham Forest fare in the best league in Europe?

For inspiration they only need look at the previous year’s Wembley winners, Brentford, who outstripped their fellow promoted sides – Norwich and Watford – both of whom went up automatically but are now Championship-bound again.

That is not to suggest that Bournemouth and Fulham on this occasion are doomed to drop but Forest have the wherewithal to match the Bees’ 13th place finish quite comfortably.

This admittedly depends on a well-strategized transfer window, with particular emphasis put on tying down their loanees, Zinckernagel, Garner, Spence and Davis.

Add a couple of experienced figures to the group on top of that quartet and the Tricky Trees could, and should, surprise in 2022/23.

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Expert Steve Mullington gives his daily racing tips, including a NAP, NB and a Longshot. Scroll down now to find out horse racing tips Thursday 9th June at Haydock and Newbury...

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Today's NAP (Best Bet)

3.10 Newbury – Elegant Verse

The price may not be overly attractive to some punters but the Gosden’s have found a great little opportunity for their three-year-old to score in this Listed Abingdon Stakes over 1m 4f.

Elegant Verse, who is by Galileo and out of Special Duty, is an exciting Juddmonte filly and it would be an absolute dream if she could follow in the footsteps of their former high achieving filly/mare Enable.

On paper, the main danger to our 888sport NAP appears to be from the Haggas-trained filly Golden Lyra and I would be pretty confident the pair of them will finish one-two in this Thursday afternoon feature.

Today's NB (Next Best)

5.25 Haydock – Dark Desire

Betting on two-year-old unraced fillies is a dangerous pastime to say the least – some would say foolsome, but sometimes you just have an inclination that one will be primed and ready to go on their first public outing, and that horse in Dark Desire.

Trained by Karl Burke and to be ridden by Andrea Atzeni, Dark Desire is owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum for whom Atzeni has ridden alot of winners for down the years.

This triumvirate of trainer, jockey and owner always do well with their runners together, and Haydock tends to be a happy hunting ground for all three of them.

Alternatives to the pick are Coral Reef for Watson/Doyle and Transfer Affection for the Kevin Ryan stable.

Today's Longshot

5.55 Haydock – Not On Your Nellie

The ever smiling Faye McManoman has a great working relationship with trainer Nigel Tinkler and she is no stranger to Haydock’s winner’s enclosure either, boasting a 21.43% strike rate at the Lancashire racecourse.

Not On Your Nellie has certainly been knocking on the door of late and last season she was just touched off here by Dapper Man in an apprentice handicap.

All the signs are there that she will run another big race here under Faye’s 3lb claim and she is a confident each-way selection for those of you placing your Thursday horse racing online bets.

Danger: Good Luck Fox

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*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 7th June 2022

• Gareth Bale vs Ryan Giggs is a popular debate surrounding two of the best left-sided players in Premier League history

• The two compatriots have an array of medals between them

• Read below for our Gareth Bale vs Ryan Giggs comparison

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Gareth Bale and Ryan Giggs are two of the best Premier League midfielders of all time. Both are winners of PFA Player of the Year, both have lifted numerous trophies, both were long carrying the hope of Wales.

They spent their peaks playing similar positions, albeit in different eras. The comparison of Gareth Bale vs Ryan Giggs is an inevitable one, and the conclusion a fan reaches could be seen as an indicator of their footballing philosophy.

Their career paths are contrasting, as are some of their strengths. For all the betting success each has enjoyed, even the manner of those glories reflects the diversity with which footballers can contribute to team achievements.

Giggs and Bale were scintillating at their best. Their career highlight packages contain moments of majesty both from a technical and athletic perspective.

They have represented arguably the two biggest clubs in the world, lifting Champions Leagues and often been at the centre of debate comparing them to many of their peers.

Whether it was choosing between Giggs and Robert Pires, or pitting Bale against Eden Hazard and Neymar, both were in the spotlight throughout their senior careers.

Peak Performance

There is no question that Bale has the edge when it comes to peak performance.

Bale was among the top five players in the world during his final season or so with Tottenham, and his talismanic efforts for Wales can only be rivalled by a handful of players on the international stage.

The decision to depart Premier League odds for the glamour and prestige of Real Madrid shaped Bale’s career, perhaps robbing fans of an extended spell of prime years.

Injuries took their hold, of course, but Bale was always going to be a different player alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

He was a complementary piece on those Europe-conquering Real Madrid teams, even if he was every bit as important to Los Blancos in the biggest games.

Giggs’ career was always that of excelling in his role rather than taking centre stage as Bale did for Tottenham and does for Wales.

Gareth Bale cements place as the highest achiever in Wales shirt https://t.co/mHA7rT8pgk

— The Guardian (@guardian) June 5, 2022

He had his own stint next to Ronaldo. There was Eric Cantona, Andy Cole, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov.

Even in the midfield hierarchy, Giggs was often overshadowed by the box-to-box exploits of early-career Paul Scholes or the set piece mastery of David Beckham.

While a player has to be an impressive individual talent to make the PFA Team of the Year on six occasions, Giggs was not the same irresistible force as peak Bale.

Some of this can be attributed to being in a more traditional winger role, focused an attacking down the outside rather being given the freedom to drift centrally.

He was always on the left too, where Bale spent much of his career nominally on the right to enhance his threat when cutting inside.

Giggs was a long distance from Bale as a goal threat – the former Manchester United man had just five seasons with double-digit goals in all competitions, three of were before 1996-97. Bale has nine such campaigns.

Longevity

Giggs checks the longevity box. He featured in Premier League predictions for over two decades, ultimately ranking second all-time in appearances behind Gareth Barry.

He finished his career with over 670 league appearances, while Bale is still a distance shy of 400 amid rumours he could retire after Wales’ World Cup venture in Qatar.

Not only did Giggs extend his career to span three decades, but he was extraordinarily durable on a week-to-week basis.

From his first season in 1991-92, he clocked 37 or more matches each season until 2009-10. His first and final campaigns were the only ones where he registered fewer than 32 total appearances.

Injuries have been a part of Bale’s story.

For the three Champions League final goals and his torching of Marc Bartra in 2014, fitness issues have plagued Bale since leaving Tottenham, and have contributed to him falling out of favour at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He made just 58 appearances in all competitions across 2015-16 and 2016-17.

The following season, 2017-18, saw the Welshman score 21 times, including a stunning bicycle kick in the Champions League final, yet he still made fewer than 40 appearances.

Playing Legacy

A glance at Giggs net worth and a reminder of his mammoth medal collection makes it clear he will be happy with his playing days. Still, a footballing legacy is obviously far beyond honours and riches.

Judging purely on their on-field achievements, Bale’s impact on the game will be remembered far beyond Giggs.

The record books will always reflect Giggs’ endurance at the top of the sport, and the way he adapted his game deserves some credit.

But Bale delivered for Real Madrid when it mattered most, and the stark contrast in their attitude and influence for Wales should never be downplayed.

Giggs missed 18 consecutive friendlies for Wales – he was willing to pull out of international matches to prioritise his club career and made no secret of it.

Bale has been the inspiration for a generation of Welsh players and fans, leading his country to the last four of the 2016 Euros and a knockout appearance at the continental tournament five years later.

In June 2022, it was Bale’s free kick that led to Wales qualifying for their first World Cup since 1958.

Playing for The Dragons always seemed an inconvenience for Giggs – he retired with just 64 caps as a result. Bale is already into three figures.

There has to be a substantial bias towards medal hauls to pick Giggs’ career over Bale’s. He will play for longer, and has 10 more league titles, yet Bale is a national hero, and a five-time European champion with Real Madrid.

Bale has shone as an individual with Tottenham, Wales and occasionally Real. He has the individual accolades to reflect his talent, but he’s also enjoyed the benefit of playing, and starring, on some special teams.

It might not be quite the career he dreamt of when he became the most expensive player in the world, yet it is still one that few can rival.

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