Alex Scott is former footballer turned television presenter and pundit
Scott starred for Arsenal and England, ranking fourth all-time in caps for the Three Lions
Read below for more on Alex Scott wealth estimates and her career to date
If you’re doing some research before placing an online football bet, there’s a good chance you’re already very familiar with Alex Scott.
A former England international, pundit and now presenter, Scott has developed a reputation as one of the best football analysts on television.
A reliable full-back and a star for England and Arsenal in her playing days, Scott featured in women’s football betting tips until she retired in 2018 to take up a career in journalism.
Here’s a look at Scott’s footballing career and her transition to becoming a popular journalist.
Alex Scott Estimated Wealth
There are varying reports of Alex Scott’s net worth. Some websites place Scott’s estimated wealth between £1 million and £5 million. Others believe it’s under £1 million.
The money in the women’s game is incomparable to that in the Premier League. Scott’s salary from her playing days isn’t publicly known, and even the highest paid female footballers are wildly underpaid.
Scott’s salary will have soared recent years as her media career has flourished.
BBC presenters are handsomely compensated – as is often the topic of debate – and Scott has worked tirelessly over the last few years, appearing as a presenter, pundit and commentator.
Who Did Alex Scott Play For?
Alex Scott signed with Arsenal when she was just eight years old. Initially a forward, Scott soon switched to right-back.
She moved to Birmingham City in 2005, but only had a short stint with the club as financial difficulties put the Blues under pressure to cut salary.
Re-joining Arsenal, Scott was a star of one of the best women’s football teams. The Gunners became the first English side to win the UEFA Women’s Cup, and they completed a remarkable quadruple in the same season.
A new league was created in the US called Women’s Professional Soccer in 2008. Scott was originally assigned to the Chicago Red Stars, but she was soon traded to the Boston Breakers.
The England international left north London for Boston, though she returned to the Gunners in 2012 following the collapse of WPS. She went on to win the 2012 Super League with Arsenal as well as three more FA Cups.
On top of a decorated club career, Scott also starred on the international stage.
Her 140 England caps is the fourth-most all-time, while she also started in all four matches of Great Britain’s run to the quarter-finals of the 2012 Olympics.
Alex Scott Journalism
Where many players turn towards coaching and scouting at the end of their careers, Alex Scott always knew journalism was the path she wanted to follow.
Scott completed a Professional Sports Writing and Broadcasting degree at Staffordshire University while still playing for Arsenal.
Her media career has only gone from strength to strength since then, featuring on the BBC’s FA Cup coverage, Match of the Day and becoming the first female pundit to report on a men’s World Cup in 2018.
Recently taking over as presenter of Football Focus, Scott has become one of the faces of football broadcasting. Writing for the BBC after her new role was announced, Scott gave insight on her journey to date.
She said, “Towards the end of my footballing career, some were suggesting coaching and management but I had such a strong passion to take this path.
"I completed my degree in sports journalism and broadcasting, and countless work experience placements from Sky Sports, Arsenal TV and London Live.
"This was to ensure not only I had the correct skills, but so no-one could ever question my place or my merit.”
Walker held the role for 12 years. He was departing at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, meaning there was a vacancy to lead the show, and Scott was appointed to become the first permanent host of Football Focus, the BBC’s Saturday lunchtime football show.
The announcement was a big moment for sports media. Scott is a trailblazer, hopefully provoking significant changes to the demographic of people covering football.
The former Arsenal defender said, “When I was a kid, I would never have watched television and thought someone like me could be presenting a programme like Football Focus.
"For the BBC to trust me with this role and allow me to be my true, authentic self means a lot. To say I’m the Football Focus presenter feels surreal.
“I was one of the first female pundits on the BBC and I clearly remember being determined to transcend from being labelled a ‘female pundit’ to ‘pundit’.
"Besides the statements surrounding my gender or my race, after being part of the BBC family for six years, I want people see me on TV and think ‘she’s great at what she does’.”
Presenting has always been the goal, and Scott took the time to thank several of her colleagues for their help along the way.
“From day one, Dan Walker has guided me… Dan knew I wanted to be a presenter so he helped hone my skills and allowed me to step out of my ‘pundit’ comfort zone on the show.
"In fact, everyone around me - from Gabby Logan to Mark Chapman - and so many people behind the scenes have helped me to get to this point.”
Alex Scott On FIFA 22
Alex Scott has already notched plenty of firsts. On FIFA 22, she became the first female commentator in the franchise’s history.
Undoubtedly one of the best football pundits, Scott’s inclusion is thoroughly deserved.
It’s an overdue step from EA Sports, though, given their slow progress in adding women’s football teams to the game.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
Diego Simeone was an accomplished and successful footballer for club and country.
As a manager he has continued that success, winning multiple trophies and huge financial rewards.
His current contract at Atletico Madrid has helped him amass a significant net worth.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April 1970, Diego Pablo Simeone developed into a highly skilful midfielder, playing for the likes of Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Lazio.
He won 108 caps for Argentina, scoring 11 goals. Having hung up his boots, he began his managerial career at Racing Club.
It was after joining Atletico Madrid in 2011 however, that he truly made his name as a manager, overseeing a glorious new chapter in the club’s history.
Little surprise therefore that Simeone has built up such wealth through a career full of many highs.
What Is Diego Simeone's Salary?
It will surprise many to learn that Simeone is the highest-paid coach in the sporting world.
He earns a massive £37 million per year after bonuses as manager of Atletico Madrid, though after the sporting calendar was halted last year, he voluntarily took a temporary 70% pay cut to help his club. That cut still saw him earn a cool £11 million each season.
Per year
€43,800,000
£36,995,144
Per month
€3,650,000
£3,082,928
Per week
€842,307
£711,444
Per day
€120,000
£101,356
Per hour
€5,000
£4,223
Per minute
€83
£70
Since you've been viewing this page, Diego Simeone has earned
Simeone was on a much more modest salary when he first took charge of Atletico Madrid, with a salary worth up to £2.2 million per year.
However, having won the Europa League in his first season, with regular trophies delivered in the seasons that followed, Simeone was soon able to command a significantly higher salary.
With subsequent contract extensions, he has seen his wages skyrocket to prevent him seeking new challenges.
As a result, he earns over double that of any of the players he manages and all other top managers. Sensible La Liga predictions envisage him staying in demand for many years to come.
Diego Simeone Estimated Wealth
Diego Simeone has a net value of £95 million.
Nineteen years as a successful professional footballer made him a wealthy man, but the vast majority of his current net worth has come from his salary in recent years at Atletico Madrid.
With another new contract signed in 2021 that sees him through to 2024, he is destined to increase his worth further in the coming years. Current La Liga odds suggest he is worth every penny.
While Simeone cannot attract the level of endorsements other big managers or players secure, he still bumps up his base salary with a number of sponsorship deals, such as with Range Rover, and by becoming an ambassador for TV station Canal+.
Diego Simeone Wife
Diego Simeone is married to model and TV presenter, Carla Pereya. Carla was born in Argentina in December 1986. She began modelling at an early age and moved to Milan aged 17 to pursue her dreams.
She found success as a TV personality too and has attracted a big audience of over 250,000 followers on Instagram, where she posts photos of her family life, career and travels around the world.
Carla is Diego’s second wife, as Diego was previously married to Caroline Baldini, divorcing in 2008.
Carla is 16 years Diego’s junior, but age has proven no barrier. They began dating after meeting at a restaurant in 2014 and have since welcomed two daughters to the world together.
Their marriage took place in a simple and small ceremony in Tuscany, Italy in 2019.
Diego Simeone Children
Simeone has five children in total – three sons with his first wife, and two daughters with his second wife.
He seems to have passed on some of his footballing talent, as his sons have followed in their father’s footsteps by excelling at football.
The eldest, Giovanni went on loan to Hellas Verona at the start of the 2021/22 season while Gianluca represents CD Ibiza.
It is the youngest son Giuliano however who has caught many an eye, having emerged as a talent at the club his father manages.
This could pose a dilemma for Diego, who once commented that managing a child would be impossible. Those betting on football could do worse than tip Giuliano for a very bright future.
Diego also has two daughters with Carla Pereya. Their first daughter, Francesca Simeone, was born in September 2016 and their second in February 2019, who they named Valentina. Carla will often share photos online of her and the family.
Diego Simeone Teams Coached
Though Diego Simeone is respected almost entirely as a manager due to his time at Atletico Madrid, he previously coached five other teams. He began at Racing Club in 2006, who he coached for two separate periods.
Between 2006 and 2011 he would also manage Estudiantes, River Plate, San Lorenzo and Catania, with limited success.
After a brief return to Racing Club, he made the move to Madrid in 2011, and it was not long before his stellar coaching career took off.
During a decade of success, he has turned the club into one of Spain’s greatest club sides, taking on the two superpowers of Barcelona and Real Madrid despite more meagre resources.
In his time there he has won La Liga twice, the Copa Del Rey, and the Spanish and UEFA Super Cups, plus two Europa League titles and reached the final of the Champions League in 2014.
Astute European football tips point to him adding many more trophies with a new contract in the bag.
Diego Simeone Tactics
Simeone has taken his skills as a tactical and versatile player and transferred them to the teams he manages.
It is obvious you are watching a Diego Simeone team immediately due to the traits he has passed on to his players – that of intelligence, leadership throughout, and strength, physicality and pure resilience.
He certainly seems to inspire respect and devotion from his players. The Argentine prefers to play a 4-4-2 formation, with two holding midfielders, and narrow wide players that allow the full backs to attack.
While he can be flexible with formations, he always looks for defensive compactness and to counter-attack with speed.
His team is renowned for being hard to break down, and highly proficient at set pieces and what’s more his attention to detail is as good as any manager, allowing him to react during a game and make changes.
Atletico Madrid teams will not often dominate possession, but they excel at controlling the pace and rhythm of games, though with goals shared around, do not expect many of their players to top the La Liga top scorers chart.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
Stephen Tudor is a freelance football writer and sports enthusiast who only knows slightly less about the beautiful game than you do.
A contributor to FourFourTwo and Forbes, he is a Manchester City fan who was taken to Maine Road as a child because his grandad predicted they would one day be good.
Andrew Flintoff is one of the greatest English cricketers of the 21st century
Since retiring from the sport, Flintoff has become a popular television personality, starring on A League Of Their Own and Top Gear
Read below for more on Flintoff’s net worth and career to date
Despite not appearing in cricket odds for England since 2009, Andrew Flintoff is still one of the most famous people in the country.
His place in English cricketing history is secure forever, and he has built a further reputation on television away from sport. Those who look for cricket betting tips will occasionally hear Flintoff in the commentary box.
For the most part, though, he has become known for other media work as a star of A League Of Their Own and one of the presenters of the new-look Top Gear on BBC.
From the story of his nickname to his brief foray into boxing, let’s take a look at Flintoff’s post-cricket life.
Andrew Flintoff Estimated Worth
Celebrity Net Worth projects Andrew Flintoff to have an estimated worth of £15 million.
A successful international cricket career has been followed by years in the spotlight as a television personality and presenter.
From his early days with England, Freddie has been very marketable. Endorsements were flowing, particularly after the 2005 Ashes, which will have formed a large chunk of his net worth.
Who Is Andrew Flintoff’s Wife?
Andrew Flintoff’s wife is Rachael Wools. The couple got married in March 2005 in Knightsbridge.
A former model and entrepreneur, Wools ran an events company called Strawberry Promotions from the age of 19.
In fact, she even met Freddie at an event to promote her company at Edgbaston in 2002.
Wools sold Strawberry Promotions in 2006 to spend more time with her family.
While Flintoff is a recognisable figure as one of the most famous former England cricket captains, Wools’ public appearances have been much less frequent, though she appeared on TV to congratulate Flintoff when he won the Australian version of I’m A Celebrity.
Andrew Flintoff Kids
Andrew Flintoff and Rachael Wools have four children together. Their fourth child, Preston, was born at Christmas in 2019. Preston was named after Freddie’s hometown.
His older siblings are Holly, Corey and Rocky. Holly is the eldest of the quartet, and after Rocky was born, it seemed like the couple were not going to have any more children.
Flintoff, speaking in 2016, said, “We thought about it. I originally wanted five but you have three and that felt like enough. I couldn’t go back to the nappy stage now.”
Only time will tell whether Andrew and Rachel stick with four kids.
Talking about Preston on TalkSport a few months after the birth, the former England captain said, "Little Preston was born at Christmas - it is the first time I've actually spoken about it.
"But yeah, we have got another baby and it has been nice spending time with him."
England cricket fans might also want to thank the birth of Flintoff’s children for his heroic performances in the 2005 Ashes.
Holly was born in 2004, and when he appeared on the First Time Dads podcast, Flintoff credited fatherhood for a breakthrough in his approach to sport.
"My career at the time, I started doing really well… "You start thinking, 'You know what? I'm dressed in whites, we're chucking a ball around and trying to hit it.'
"Although it WAS the most important thing, it now isn't. It frees you up, especially with batting. I started scoring a lot of runs because I wasn't bothered about getting out."
Andrew Flintoff House
Having lived in Altrincham until recently, Andrew Flintoff and Rachael Wools purchased a mansion in Hale, Cheshire in the summer of 2021.
Originally on the market for £5.25 million, Flintoff is believed to have got it for a slightly lower price, partly because he’s good friends with the former owner, Phil Neville.
The ex-Manchester United utility man swapped Cheshire for Miami to take over as manager of David Beckham’s Inter Miami franchise in MLS.
From starring in the largest cricket stadiums in the world to a successful career in TV, Freddie clearly has the cash to splash on a property as luxurious as this with its swimming pool, cinema, home gym and underground car park.
Why Is Andrew Flintoff Called Freddie?
Andrew Flintoff earned the nickname ‘Freddie’ due to the similarity between his surname and that of Fred Flintstone.
The origin of the nickname has some different stories, however.
Some reports claim it was a childhood thing, while others give the honour to Flintoff’s Lancashire Second XI coach, John Stanworth.
Andrew Flintoff Boxing Career
Andrew Flintoff had a short, but ultimately successful, boxing career. It’s not how fans of betting will remember him, yet it’s an important note in Flintoff’s post-cricket life.
Freddie had just one fight. He defeated Richard Dawson in Manchester on a points decision in November 2012. As with anything Flintoff does, the fight attracted a lot of media attention.
Speaking to TalkSport in 2020, he revealed that the sparring is what put him off sticking with boxing long-term.
Flintoff said, “Bizarrely, I really enjoyed the training as I needed to get fit and sort myself out.
“It was the sparring I hated; I used to go in the gym every day and just get beaten up… I realised that this is probably not for me.
“I realised I wasn’t cut out for boxing when I was in a gym in Battersea; this lad had the afternoon off work to spar with me, a rugby lad, and I hit him good on the chin.
“His legs went and he was wobbling, and as Barry (McGuigan, Flintoff’s trainer) was shouting ‘FINISH HIM’, I put my arms around him and cuddled him to make sure he’s alright. I felt really bad.”
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
Phil Tufnell is a former England cricketer turned TV personality
Tufnell has starred in reality TV shows and been a team captain on Question Of Sport
Read below for more on Tufnell’s post-cricket career and his net worth
It’s a long time since anyone betting on cricket was wondering how Phil Tufnell would perform. Tufnell, however, has become more famous since he called time on his playing career.
The transition from player to pundit and celebrity was quick for Tuffers, who’s personality made him a cult hero even when he was regularly in England’s Test team.
Talented, entertaining and often controversial as a cricketer, Tufnell has spent his post-playing days taking on various challenges from ballroom dancing to presenting. Let’s take a look at Tufnell’s life in the spotlight…
How Much Is Phil Tufnell Worth?
Estimations of Phil Tufnell net worth vary greatly. Some figures are around £1 million, while others have gone far north of that.
Tufnell’s earnings as a cricketer were long before the heady days of IPL riches. Being a professional cricketer in the 1990s wasn’t particularly lucrative, and cannot even compare to the wealth on offer in 2021’s biggest cricket online betting events.
His salary since then is likely to have been much larger. Working for the BBC as a stalwart of Question of Sport and appearing in numerous reality TV shows, Tufnell has been everywhere since swapping slow left arm for the jungle in 2003.
Alongside the celebrity life, Tufnell has remained a figure in cricket as a pundit for the BBC and other channels.
His analysis is unlikely to feature in too many cricket betting tips, but Tufnell’s relaxed and cheery persona can often brighten up the commentary on a dreary day at the Test.
Celebrating his 56th birthday in 2022, Tufnell’s net worth is bound to attract further headlines in the coming years, particularly if he throws himself into a few more reality shows.
Is Phil Tufnell Married?
Yes. Phil Tufnell is onto his third marriage. The first of which was with Alison Squires, though the couple got divorced in 1989 before the spinner had made his Test debut.
He was also married to Lisa Barr. This relationship also ended in divorce, with Barr accusing Tufnell of causing ‘anxiety, stress and an eating disorder’.
Tufnell is now married to Dawn Brown, and the couple have been together for two decades. They first met at a charity cricket match, which the former England international spoke about in an interview with The Mirror a few years ago.
He said, "I met Dawn in the hospitality tent at a charity cricket match I was playing in. The two of us got chatting, and I don't think we have stopped laughing since.
"Humour is vital in a relationship, to maintain the friendship. Me and Dawn get on like a house on fire still, that is because we have a bit of laugh, enjoy the same sort of things, we're both social people."
Tufnell has also spoken in the past of how Dawn helped him find the ‘right path’.
The former cricketer said, "Previous relationships hadn't gone quite so well – as you say they were a bit of a car crash.
"But then the cricket was my family in a way. And when that had gone, thankfully, Dawn came along and pointed me down the right path.”
Phil Tufnell Children
Phil Tufnell has two daughters. The eldest is Ellie, who Tufnell had with ex-girlfriend Jane McElvoy in 1992.
During his second marriage, with Lisa Barr, Tufnell had a second daughter. Poppy was born in 1997. The former cricketer also has a stepdaughter called Alana.
Tufnell spoke about his daughters in a Guardian interview in 2015. He said, “I’ve got two daughters from different relationships. Obstacles were put in the way but I’m glad to say they have come back to me over the past four or five years.
"Ellie is 22 and Poppy is 18, so they are grown up now and can see that things weren’t necessarily what other people were saying they were.”
Phil Tufnell Question of Sport
Phil Tufnell was a Question of Sport captain from 2008 through to 2021. The show was changed drastically in 2021 with long-serving skippers Tufnell and Matt Dawson being replaced by Sam Quek and Ugo Monye.
Along with one of the high-profile former England cricket captains, Tufnell is one of three ex cricketers to be a permanent skipper on the show. His stint makes him among the longest serving people in Question of Sport history.
Phil Tufnell Reality TV Shows
Not many celebrities have been spotted on reality shows as much as Phil Tufnell. He first appeared on Blankety Blank before entering the I’m A Celebrity jungle in 2003, which was his main reason for retiring from cricket.
Appearances on They Think It’s All Over, Family Affairs and Simply The Best followed for Tufnell after he was crowned King Of The Jungle. The success on ITV’s flagship reality show really put him into the spotlight and helped kickstart his post-cricket career.
Other reality ventures included a run to the ninth week of Strictly Come Dancing in 2009 and Get Your Act Together and The Jump on ITV in 2015.
Tufnell’s jovial personality makes him an ideal contestant on any celebrity show. As illustrated by his victory in Australia back in 2003, he’s always popular with the public.
Phil Tufnell Netflix
Phil Tufnell starred in a Netflix series with New Zealand cricket star Brendon McCullum, which was released in 2020.
Far from dissecting cricket fielding positions or discussing the depths of the sport, McCullum and Tufnell explored the most picturesque golf courses in New Zealand in this six-part series.
It has been positively received on IMDB with an 8.6 rating out of 10.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
Finding the best FM 2022 wonderkids will make all the difference on your Football Manager saves
These 10 players can follow in the footsteps of Freddy Adu as the best Football Manager wonderkids ever
Read below for 10 FM 2022 wonderkids to sign in the latest instalment of Sports Interactive’s management simulator
Many common names in in-play betting were once obscure FM wonderkids. Such players can earn a cult following, a unique status with Football Manager devotees.
The vast world of Sports Interactive’s game allows gamers to throw themselves into the depths of the football pyramid in the search for young talent.
While yet to breakthrough as an option for those placing an eSports bet, Football Manager continues to go from strength to strength.
As captivating as it is challenging, it is addictive for those who want to manage the minutiae of a club or who fancy a more laidback approach.
Finding the best wonderkids is always a massive part of a Football Manager save. We’ve put together 10 names to keep an eye on in FM 22.
Gianluca Busio
Gianluca Busio made his name in MLS. The summer of 2021 saw the teenager fly across the Atlantic to join newly promoted Serie A side Venezia for a fee which could rise to $10.5 million.
With six USA caps and a Serie A goal to his name already, Busio is going to be shortlisted by many when chasing wonderkids on FM22.
The attributes are well-rounded from the start, with managers able to craft Busio into the player they want him to be. Rated highly on SoFIFA and other ratings websites, Busio is well worth consideration.
Nathanael Mbuku
Although born in 2002, Nathanael Mbuku has already passed the 50-appearance mark in Ligue 1. Having impressed at the Olympics and with strong attributes in FM 21, Mbuku is going to be one of the most popular FM 22 mobile wonderkids.
Good pace, dribbling and determination were his standouts last year. A similar profile is expected in FM 22. Mbuku slots nicely in as a number 10, though he’s just as impactful when used on the right flank.
The French teenager is very attainable. Reims will struggle to resist a big offer, even for their prized phenom.
Jeremy Doku
Just 19 years old, Jeremy Doku was one of the best FM 21 wonderkids. He’s once again one of the top wonderkids in FM22.
Doku moved to Rennes from Anderlecht in 2020 for a fee in the region of £20 million. The Belgian is a natural on either flank or as a centre forward and possesses exceptional pace stats.
With high technique, flair and bravery, he’s got the foundations of an elite attacking player within just a couple of seasons.
He won’t be cheap, but the investment is well worth it if you’ve got the time to develop his game.
Conor Gallagher
Although not immediately available, Conor Gallagher is a name to watch out for in your FM 22 saves. The Chelsea starlet is on loan at Crystal Palace and has started the season well, meaning we can expect some impressive attributes.
Chelsea will be reluctant to let Gallagher go. In season two, though, he could be a loan target on your FM 22 wonderkids shortlist.
The potential value in Gallagher will come if Chelsea decide he’s not up to it. A Championship or lower Premier League side could snap him up at a bargain price and unlock that unquestionable potential in the gifted midfielder.
Adam Karabec
Sparta Prague has been home to many wonderkids on Football Manager. Adam Karabec follows in the footsteps of Adam Hlozek and numerous others.
Karabec is one of the best young footballers in the world, and was named to The Guardian’s ‘Next Generation’ list in 2020.
His physical stats jump off the screen immediately. Karabec is mobile, strong and stands at almost 6 feet tall.
While the technical attributes need some work, the high levels of flair and determination are a good sign when it comes to player development.
Devyne Rensch
Ajax’s academy produces elite young players at an astonishing rate. Devyne Rensch is the latest on his way to stardom.
Having established himself in the first team and earned his first full international cap, Rensch’s attributes should skyrocket in FM 22.
He’s not going to be cheap, which might rule him out of some FM 22 wonderkids shortlists. Able to play across the back three, at wing-back on both flanks and in midfield, though, Rensch is well worth the high transfer fee.
Once again, the high determination is a good sign that he will reach his lofty potential.
Youssoufa Moukoko
Some consider Youssoufa Moukoko as the best Football Manager wonderkid of all-time. Born in 2004 and with several records to his name already, there’s good reason to believe that.
Moukoko was a phenom in FM 21. He’s going to be even better in FM 22. Dortmund won’t sell him cheaply, but if you’re managing one of Europe’s biggest clubs, Moukoko should be at the top of your FM 22 wonderkids shortlist.
Maksim Mukhin
Playing for Russia at the Euros and earning first team appearances with CSKA Moscow, Maksim Mukhin is destined for an attribute upgrade in FM 22.
Mukhin is a do-it-all central midfielder with strong technique, work rate and determination.
Still a raw prospect at the start of a Football Manager 2022 save, managers can mould him into the player they need from midfield destroy to hard-working playmaker.
Gaston Avila
Elite defensive prospects can be hard to find. Gaston Avila checks that box as one of the best FM 22 wonderkids.
Gaining experience with Rosario Central, Avila had good attributes across the board in FM 21. At 6’0 and with great pace, Avila has the makings of a brilliant ball-playing centre-back.
He’s not a name that many will be familiar with through online betting, but Avila should feature on FM 22 wonderkid shortlists wherever you’re managing.
Giovanni Reyna
Already one of the game’s best wonderkids in FM 21, Giovanni Reyna is set for even bigger things in FM 22.
Son of former Manchester City and Sunderland midfielder Claudio Reyna, Giovanni has starred for Dortmund and the USA. He doesn’t celebrate his 19th birthday until November 2021.
With sufficient gametime, Reyna will become one of the best players in the world within four or five seasons. Even in 2021/22, he’s one of the better players in the Bundesliga.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
Pepeis the oldest goal scorer in the Champions League era
This list reads like a Hall of Fame of Champions League megastars
How many names could you guess of the oldest Champions League scorers in the list below?
From challenging midweek trips in Autumn to high-profile showdowns in Spring, Champions League betting attracts millions, and sometimes billions, of eyes from around the globe.
It’s the stage where stars are born, where legacies are made, where players and managers can write their names in the annals of football history alongside the sport’s all-time greats.
Pitting the continent’s best against each other can make it tricky to identify the best
football prediction. The Champions League is a world of its own, a different betting challenge to the marathon of a domestic season.
Experience matters when the lights are brightest. It takes a special footballer to still be thriving on the biggest stage deep into their thirties.
Here are the oldest goal scorers in Champions League history…
Lee Dixon
Probably not the name you expected to see here, Lee Dixon scored Arsenal’s third goal in a 4-2 win over Sparta Prague back in 2000.
Dixon was a stalwart on successful Arsenal teams, though he never experienced glory in the Champions League.
Joining the Gunners in 1988 and eventually retiring in 2002, it’s not unreasonable to claim Dixon’s career has been underrated. He won just 22 England caps despite claiming four league titles with the north London club.
Now a pundit, Dixon scored just 41 goals in over 800 career matches. One of those goals was enough to earn him a place on this prestigious list – he’s keeping some impressive company.
Angel di Maria
Angel di Maria converted a penalty in Benfica's 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the group stage of the 2024/25 Champions League.
The Argentine had a brilliant career in the Champions League, despite leaving Real Madrid with only one title to his name and failing to lift the big-eared trophy during his time with PSG.
Burak Yilmaz
Opening the scoring for Lille against Chelsea in 2022, Burak Yilmaz became one of the oldest goal scorers in Champions League history.
Yilmaz, who retired after the 2022/23 season, amassed 77 caps for Turkey.
Cristiano Ronaldo
No one has been more prominent in football bets over the last decade-plus than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Scoring against Villarreal at the start of his second Manchester United stint, Ronaldo became the ninth-oldest goal scorer in Champions League history.
The Portuguese star is bound to climb this list in the coming months and years. It wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if he broke Francesco Totti’s record.
Ronaldo’s role has changed, he’s swapped Madrid for Turin and now Manchester, but he remains one of the world’s premier goal scorers.
Didier Drogba
Beyond the goal tally, Didier Drogba has a special place in Champions League history.
He was at the epicentre of several controversies, he’s scored jaw-dropping goals, and most significantly, he carried Chelsea to their first Champions League triumph in 2012.
That penalty in Munich was thought to be his final kick of a ball for the club.
Drogba returned a couple of years later, however, and when he scored Chelsea’s fourth goal against Schalke in November 2014, he slotted into the top 10 oldest scorers in tournament history.
Bryan Robson
Bryan Robson was the oldest Champions League goal scorer for almost a decade.
In the twilight of his career as the European Cup was rebranded, Robson was just a couple of months shy of his 37th birthday when he found the net for Manchester United against Galatasaray in 1993.
Captaining England 65 times and earning an array of medals at Old Trafford, Robson never tasted success in European action.
Despite that, Captain Marvel is viewed as one of the greatest English players of all-time.
Cristiano Ronaldo
No one has been more prominent in football bets over the last decade-plus than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Scoring against Villarreal at the start of his second Manchester United stint, Ronaldo became the ninth-oldest goal scorer in Champions League history. He has since been knocked down the list.
Departing for Saudi Arabia means Ronaldo will not climb any further, despite once seeming like he would break Totti's record.
Paolo Maldini
It’s fair to say the 2005 Champions League final isn’t remembered for Paolo Maldini’s opening goal.
That strike made him the second oldest scorer in Champions League history at the time.
Of course, Liverpool went on to overturn a three-goal deficit and win the final on penalties.
Maldini and Milan got their revenge a couple of years later, though, as the Italian icon won his fifth European Cup.
Laurent Blanc
In what turned out to be a dramatic trip to Greece for Manchester United, Laurent Blanc wrote his name into the Champions League history books when he scored the opening goal.
It was one of his four goals scored by Le Président in his Manchester United spell.
Blanc had a decorated career on the field, which has continued after his transition to the dugout.
He’s got four Ligue 1 titles to his name and has been named French Manager of the Year twice.
Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud aged like fine wine. At times ineffective at Arsenal, Giroud excelled at Chelsea and Milan well into his thirties. His final Champions League goal was scored over a month after his 37th birthday.
Giroud's second-half strike ensured the Rossoneri recorded a 2-1 win over PSG in the 2023/24 group stage.
Edin Dzeko
Like Giroud, Edin Dzeko got better with age. The Bosnian forward had been prolific with Manchester City, but he was even better in Italy with Roma and then Inter.
It was with the latter than he earned a place on this list. Facing Giroud's Milan in the semi-finals of the 2022/23 Champions League, Dzeko in the eighth minute of the first leg to give Inter a lead in a high-stakes Milan derby. Inter went on to lose to City in the final.
Luka Modric
Still excelling in the Champions League at 39 years of age, Luka Modric could leap into second place on this list in the coming months. The Croatian is a former Ballon d'Or winner and has lifted the Champions League on six occasions.
This goal was a sixth-minute penalty in a 5-1 drubbing of Celtic at the Bernabeu.
Javier Zanetti
Javier Zanetti holds an array of records, so it’s only fair he lets someone else have this one.
The Argentine full-back played for Inter for almost two decades and was an integral part of the Nerazzurri team which came out on top in Champions League predictions in 2010.
It was actually the season after that Zanetti scored his final Champions League goal a couple of months after his 37th birthday.
He did so in a famous match, too, as Inter held off a Gareth Bale second half hat-trick to beat Spurs 4-3 at San Siro.
Filippo Inzaghi
One of the Champions League top scorers and with a couple of winners’ medals in his collection, Filippo Inzaghi combined predatory finishing with longevity at the highest level.
The Italian’s final Champions League strike came in a 2-2 draw with Real Madrid in November 2010.
Three years earlier, he had been named Man of the Match as Milan beat Liverpool in the 2007 final.
Inzaghi is the highest scoring Italian in UEFA competition, and Milan’s all-time leading scorer in Europe. It’ll take some going to break his records.
Sergio Ramos
Playing for Sevilla in the 2023/24 group stage, Sergio Ramos is the only player to feature on this list who went on to lose the match in normal time.
Ramos is one of the greatest goal-scoring defenders in football history. Possessing immense big-game experience and with a knack for delivering when it matters most, the Spaniard features on many record-holding lists of this nature.
Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs hung around for a few more seasons after his last Champions League goal in 2011.
While Giggs was a tearaway winger in his pomp, he adjusted into a more reserved midfield role and took on leadership responsibilities in the latter years of his career.
The 2011 strike against Lazio made Giggs the oldest Champions League goal scorer of all-time. The record stood for just over three years.
Francesco Totti
Francesco Totti is the most universally adored player of his generation.
One-club players have earned an almost unique status in the last two or three decades, and Totti had the supreme talent to accompany his unmatched loyalty.
Roma’s all-time leading scorer and with the second-most goals in Serie A ever, Totti didn’t chase trophies, but he amassed an impressive catalogue of individual accolades.
His goal in a 1-1 draw with CSKA Moscow in November 2014 was his last in Champions League competition.
Pepe
Pepe scored the fourth goal in Porto's 5-3 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the 2023/24 group stage.
The Portuguese defender became the oldest scorer in Champions League history, and the first to find the net after his fortieth birthday.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the highest earning player in the NFL, with a contract worth $45 million (£32.8m)
The 10 highest paid players in the league are all quarterbacks – the QB role is easily the most lucrative position in American football
All NFL active roster players are guaranteed to make $610,000 (£444,000) after the league approved a Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2020
The National Football League is the gold standard when it comes to American football. If you are good enough, the NFL is where you’ll end up – and you can make a LOT of money.
All 32 NFL teams have a salary cap and it is up to the organisation’s General Manager to try and find a way to build the best possible roster while adhering to financial regulations.
Despite those strict restrictions, some players are worth paying for. If you’re familiar with NFL odds, you’ll know all about Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson.
Quarterback is the highest paid position in the NFL – and it isn’t even close. In fact, the 11 best paid players in the league are signal callers…
The best QBs can defy
odds to win a game and that is why they are paid the big bucks. If you make it as an NFL quarterback, you’re doing well for yourself.
However, every NFL player earns a decent salary. The 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement guarantees a minimum wage of $610,000 per year – kickers are people too, remember!
Without further ado, it’s time to look at the highest paid players in the NFL. We’ve decided to show NFL salary figures by position as to highlight the difference in contracts across any given roster.
Highest Paid NFL Quarterbacks:
Widely regarded as the most important position in the sport, NFL quarterbacks generally earn more money than most of their teammates.
Some of the highest paid quarterbacks appear on the Super Bowl winners list while others will have their day in the sun in the coming years.
Here, we breakdown the top paid QBs in the NFL – starting with the highest paid player across the entire league, Patrick Mahomes.
Player
Team
Contract Value
Average Annual Salary
Patrick Mahomes
Chiefs
$450m
$45m
Josh Allen
Bills
$258m
$43m
Dak Prescott
Cowboys
$160m
$40m
Deshaun Watson
Texans
$156m
$39m
Russell Wilson
Seahawks
$140m
$35m
Jared Goff
Lions
$134m
$33.5m
Aaron Rodgers
Packers
$134m
$33.5m
Kirk Cousins
Vikings
$66m
$33m
Carson Wentz
Colts
$128m
$32m
Matt Ryan
Falcons
$150m
$30m
Highest Paid NFL Running Backs:
Running backs can earn decent money but are often undervalued compared to other positions – especially given their usage over the course of an NFL season.
A three-down bell cow will command the most lucrative contracts while running backs who are used primarily on third down will be on much smaller deals.
Unsurprisingly, Carolina Panthers star Christian McCaffrey is the highest paid running back in the NFL while the likes of Alvin Kamara and Ezekiel Elliott aren’t far behind…
Player
Team
Contract Value
Average Annual Salary
Christian McCaffrey
Panthers
$64.1m
$16m
Alvin Kamara
Saints
$75m
$15m
Ezekiel Elliott
Cowboys
$90m
$15m
Dalvin Cook
Vikings
$63m
$12.6m
Derrick Henry
Titans
$50m
$12.5m
Nick Chubb
Browns
$36.6m
$12.2m
Aaron Jones
Packers
$48m
$12m
Joe Mixon
Bengals
$48m
$12m
Melvin Gordon
Broncos
$16m
$8m
Saquon Barkley
Giants
$31.2m
$7.8m
Highest Paid NFL Wide Receivers:
Regarded as the most important skill position outside of the quarterback role, the average salary for a wide receiver has accelerated as the NFL has developed into a passing league.
The highest paid wide receiver is DeAndre Hopkins and he is the 14th top earning player in the National Football League, averaging $27.3 million per year.
Hopkins will look to take the Arizona Cardinals – a popular selection in NFL picks straight up this year – deep into the playoffs as he looks to justify their investment.
Player
Team
Contract Value
Average Annual Salary
DeAndre Hopkins
Cardinals
$54.5m
$27.25m
Julio Jones
Titans
$66m
$22m
Keenan Allen
Chargers
$80.1m
$20.025m
Amari Cooper
Cowboys
$100m
$20m
Michael Thomas
Saints
$96.25m
$19.25m
Tyreek Hill
Chiefs
$54m
$18m
Kenny Golloday
Giants
$72m
$18m
Odell Beckham Jr
Browns
$90m
$18m
Allen Robinson
Bears
$17.9m
$17.9m
Tyler Lockett
Seahawks
$69m
$17.25m
Highest Paid NFL Tight Ends:
The current crop of tight ends might just be the best in NFL history and there is now an element of glamour to the position.
With the likes of Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce lighting up the league each week, it isn’t a huge surprise to see the average NFL tight end salary soar over the last few years.
Who is the top paid tight end in the NFL? That award goes to San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle – though his average salary may be surpassed sooner rather than later.
Highest Paid NFL Kickers:
We said it before and we’ll say it again – kickers are people too. Often regarded as the most reliable player on an NFL roster, kickers are under as much pressure as quarterbacks.
Faced with making a last gasp field goal with seconds remaining, the best NFL kickers are the ones who stay cool under pressure and they more than earn their weekly wage.
Readers probably won’t be surprised to hear that Justin Tucker, record holder of the longest field goal in NFL history, is the highest paid kicker in the league…
Highest Paid NFL Punters:
Not the most glamorous position in football, the role of an NFL punter is simple: to punt the ball as far down the field as possible without going into the opposing endzone.
Some punters are aggressive, others are more conservative. However, the top special teams units in the NFL make a huge difference over the course of a season.
Here, we look at the best paid punters in the NFL this year. According to Overthecap, Seattle Seahawks punter Michael Dickson is currently the highest earning NFL punter.
Highest Paid NFL Defensive Ends:
The main task for a defensive end is to sack the quarterback – speed, strength and stamina are three traits required to earn the big bucks at the position.
Myles Garrett, Joey Bosa and T.J. Watt are the highest paid defensive ends in the National Football League and the trio combined for 34.5 sacks in the 2020 season.
The best paid position on the defensive side of the ball, a top tier edge rusher can be the key to success at the highest level of the sport.
Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.
He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.
As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible.
RONALDO SOLD, TUCHEL FIRED AND… IT’S COMING HOME: CRAZY 2022 PREDICTIONS | The Eye Test
The Premier League enters a winter break so we asked our panel for their crazy predictions for 2022... and they really understood the assignment with World Cup triumphs, managerial departures, club turmoil and shock relegations, all discussed! If these any of these shock picks happen, it’s going to be a fascinating year...
Host and avid Chelsea supporter @Rory Jennings is joined by Man City follower Steven McInerney, @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel, and Man United fan Flex from @United View, discuss their hot takes for the year ahead.
2022 will be a unique year for football fans with the Qatar World Cup disrupting the usual calendar - expect your Christmas office party playlist to include Baddiel & Skinner - but will it be a triumphant World Cup for Southgate's England?
Thomas Tuchel has been under pressure recently, but surely Chelsea won't sack him after he delivered Champions League triumph last year... knowing Chelsea's ruthless streak with managers, our panel think it's not out the question.
Since joining Tottenham, Antonio Conte’s tactics and style of play has improved Spurs with Harry Kane looking more like himself and Rory Jennings believes that Spurs can make the top four... and he reckons they could finally bring a trophy back to White Hart Lane.
Elsewhere, they think Manchester City could finally break their Champions League curse while on the other side of Manchester United could implode under Ralf Rangnick. At the other end of the table, three massive clubs in Leeds, Everton, and Newcastle find themselves in a relegation fight, and Flex thinks there could be a shock relegation on the cards!
Can England bring it home? Will Tuchel get sacked this year? Who do you think will be relegated? Will City finally win the Champions League?
IS AUBAMEYANG WORTH A TRANSFER WINDOW GAMBLE? | The Eye Test | 888sport
With only two weeks left in the January transfer window, fans are waiting in suspense to see what changes will be made to their club. With Aston Villa signing Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne and Newcastle United bringing Kieran Tripper back to the Premier League, squads are showing their ambition for the rest of the season. As the clock ticks, which teams will get rid of their underperforming players, and which underrated footballers will be making moves?
Host and Chelsea fan @Rory Jennings, Manchester United supporter Flex from @United View, and Man City follower Steven McInerney from @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel discuss transfer window rumours and speculation.
Rory and Flex both have their eyes on Brighton’s star players, such as Yves Bissouma who has blossomed this season. As United’s Fred and Donny van de Beek have been struggling, as have Chelsea’s Marcus Alonso, Hakim Ziyech, and Ross Barkley underperforming - is it time to spice things up?
At the other end of the table are the Toon who are struggling for survival. As the richest team in the world, Newcastle are rumoured to be after former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who could create magic alongside Allan Saint-Maximin, and Dele Alli is supposedly on the chopping board.
Who should your team take a punt at? Would Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Deli Alli thrive away from their clubs? Can a successful transfer window save Newcastle or is the damage done?
NO INVINCIBLES?! RANKING THE BEST PREMIER LEAGUE TEAMS OF ALL TIME | The Eye Test | 888sport
The current Man City team under Pep Guardiola are being spoken about as one of the greatest Premier League teams of all time. But how do they rank up against some of the other great teams to play in the Premier League era. Since the early 90s, different teams have been making and breaking records - from points accumulated, to the fewest goals conceded. But who will claim the title of the greatest Premier League squad?
Debating the greatest Premier League squad is host and Chelsea supporter @Rory Jennings Man Utd follower Flex from @United View, and Manchester City supporter Steven McInerney from @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel.
Trophies, unbeaten records, or their football on the eye - every football fan has different criteria for assessing which team is the best ever - but few could argue the City Centurions, doing what many thought was almost impossible, racking up 100 points in a single season are in the frame. And Steven makes a strong case for their inclusion.
Chelsea fans have plenty to boast about with Jose Mourinho’s 04/05 team- conceding just 15 goals to in their first ever Premier League title, which also saw them win the League Cup and reach the Champions League semi-final in a historic season.
Sir Alex Ferguson produced many a team worthy of being in contention as the best teams ever, and Manchester United’s ’99 squad don’t just look to stats sheets on games won, goals conceded or unbeaten; they have the best haul of silverware ever seen in the Premier League era to back it up. Fergie's treble winning team of Peter Schmeichel, Gary Neville, David Beckham, Roy Keane, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and more all embodied the lethal combination of skill, determination, and belief of every successful team - and were fundamental to the sustained success under SAF.
Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and the rest of Arsenal’s Invincibles gave weekly masterclasses on how to dominate a pitch. But, some argue that drawing 11 games in a league season and being knocked out in the League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League (to Chelsea) dampens their case as the best ever.
What do you think, who is the greatest Premier League team ever? Who makes your top 5? Do Klopp’s Liverpool deserve a place? What makes an era defining team?
MAKE 2022 THE YEAR FANS STAND UP TO GREED | The Eye Test | 888sport
2021 was one of the most controversial and dramatic years in Premier League history. With the big six attempting to join a Super League to consistently contentious VAR rulings – the beautiful game is becoming a nightmare for fans. But as we enter a new year, our panel have suggested some footballing resolutions to reunite clubs with fans?
Discussing the future of football is host and Chelsea supporter @Rory Manchester City supporter Steven McInerney from @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel, Man United fan Flex from @United View, and Tottenham Hotspurs die-hard Abbi Summers.
New Years is a time for change, and many believe there are lots the Premier League need to make. The U-turn of the Super League was a monumental moment in footballing history with fans standing together against greed. Owners such as Daniel Levy, Stan Kroenke and Man Utd’s Glazers as well among others have come under scrutiny, as supporters demand fairness and the return of honest football.
On the pitch, one resolution is to reform the rules. VAR is the most controversial addition to football in recent years, with rulings disputed nearly every weekend. The ‘clear and obvious’ VAR guidance has become laughable, with goals being chalked off because of armpits and major challenges being ignored. With footballers and fans unable to celebrate goals, the joy and passion is slowly being sucked away from football. Will VAR improve, or it is time to scrap it entirely?
What do you think could be done to save football? Do you think big clubs help small clubs facing bankruptcy? Could VAR ever work?
DELE ALLI, WAN-BISSAKA... WHO SHOULD YOUR CLUB SELL IN JANUARY? | The Eye Test | 888sport
The New Year means one thing to football fans, the January transfer window is open! For four weeks, teams will have the opportunity to replace injured players, expand their squad, and, crucially, get rid of the deadwood cluttering up the dressing room - and weighing heavy on the wage bill...
With the relegation and title races being so sharply contested, and injuries and illnesses ravishing almost every team, this has all the makings of an intriguing transfer window, where the emphasis on selling players is as high on the agenda as signing them... so who are the players that need to go this January, and who replaces them?
Host and Chelsea supporter @Rory Jennings , Man United fan Flex from @United View , Man City’s Steven McInerney from @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel , and Tottenham Hotspurs die-hard Abi Summers discuss the January transfer window, who they want out their club and who they should bring in.
The December matches has exposed every team’s fatal flaw, from a lacking central midfield to a missing striker, but will the transfer window be the answer? With Chelsea and Man City battling it out for the title, and United and Spurs vying for fourth, the outcome could be determined by transfer window success.
Elsewhere the panel look at Newcastle United opportunity - richest club in the world, but bottom of the league and in desperate need of reinforcements - how will they navigate the transfer window to help claw them out of the relegation zone - and will any players want to join a struggling squad?
What is your dream transfer window? Do you think Dele Alli still has a place at Tottenham? Should Man United replace AWB this January? Will Newcastle spend big this January - and who would go there?
SPURS FAN: ALL I WANT FOR XMAS IS… A TROPHY | The Eye Test | 888sport
Christmas has arrived and with Santa primed to spread some Christmas cheer, he has gifted our panel one footballing wish: but who wants to bring power back to fans, who wants their team to taste glory and who’s interested in seeing a new team finish in the top four?
Today’s naughty and nice panellists are Chelsea supporter @rory jennings, Man City fan Steven Mcinerney from @esteemed kompany - a man city fan channel, Man Utd follower Flex of @united view and die-hard Spurs fan Abi Summers.
Most fans can only dream of dominating the Premier League or being the Champions of Europe. But even clubs that have the best players in the world and have several accolades to their name in recent season still have plenty of wishes to ask Santa for, and other fans don’t take too kindly to the other panellist’s ‘ungrateful’ behaviour this festive season.
Away from the pitch, our panel discuss the ultimate gift of bring power back to the fans, following the aftermath of the failed European Super League earlier this year.
‘IF LUKAKU GETS IN OVER RONALDO, I RIOT!’ | The Eye Test | 888sport
Liverpool and Man City, the two most recent champions of the Premier League go head-to-head this weekend and while the panel were lined up to pick a combined XI, they thought better of it and went for a combined XI from last season's top four.
It's fair to say they didn't agree on much with Chelsea fan and host @Rory Jennings vehemently backing his contingent Champions of Europe with Mason Mount, N'Golo Kante and Romelu Lukaku all put forward.
Man City fan Steven McInerney of @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel wouldn't back down from Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias and Phil Foden. Flex of@United View had his say with Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo firmly in his team.
The trio gave Liverpool a fair representation, but it was in midfield and up front that they struggled to agree on who would make it in.
Would you pick Romelu Lukaku or Cristiano Ronaldo? How about Kevin De Bruyne or Bruno Fernandes? Or Mason Mount or Phil Foden? What would be your combined XI?
DOES TUCHEL HAVE PEP’S NUMBER? | CHELSEA V MAN CITY PREVIEW | The Eye Test | 888sport
Two of the favourites for the Premier League will clash as Chelsea and Manchester City clash at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Flex of @United View provides the neutral voice of reason as Chelsea fan @Rory Jennings and Man City fan Steven McInerney, @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel discuss who is going to triumph in this one.
This match up pits two of the finest minds in modern football against each other, as Thomas Tuchel and Pep Guardiola lock horns again.
So far, Thomas Tuchel has dominated the match up, with his Chelsea side defeating Man City all three times they have faced off, including in the Champions League final.
Pep has a lock on the Premier League though, winning it in three of his five years in charge, and if he wants to win it again improving his record against Tuchel will go a long way to achieving that.
Since the last match up he has bolstered his squad with Jack Grealish being added to the ranks, some creative flair that he hopes will help him break down Chelsea’s stellar defence.
But Chelsea also added attacking strength, with Romelu Lukaku returning to Stamford Bridge. The striker was the only obvious hole in Chelsea’s Champions League winning side, and so far this signing looks to have taken the Blues to the next level.
Can Pep get revenge on Tuchel? Will Grealish or Lukaku be the difference? How pivotal will this match be for the title race?
ARE SPURS AND ARSENAL FINISHED AS TOP SIX CLUBS? | The Eye Test | 888sport
An interesting start to the Premier League season, but as expected Man City, Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea are looking dominant once again.
@Rory Jennings, @Esteemed Kompany and Flex from @United View discuss who they think is most likely to break into the top four - and who is at risk of dropping out of the Big Six.
Last season the two surprising packages were Leicester City and West Ham. The Foxes have been terrific under Brendan Rodgers, and despite failing to clinch a Champions League spot, they lifted their first ever FA Cup.
West Ham qualified for the Europa League and David Moyes has helped reform the reputation he once built at his time with Everton. A long run in the Europa League could potentially stifle domestic campaigns, though they have started this season at a pace.
Another team in Europe are Tottenham, though with a mixed start of season and question marks over their squad, are they still contenders for a Champions League place this year? Or are they at risk of dropping out of the Big Six? Nuno Espirito Santos certainly has a job on his hands.
One final club that has the potential to do some damage is Everton, under the guidance of Rafa Benitez.
Despite the Toffees’ jury being out, Rafa is one of the finest tacticians of the modern era, and has Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and new recruit Demarai Gray flourishing already.
Which team can break into the top four? Who is at risk of dropping off? Are there any obvious candidates the panel missed? How much of a factor will European football play?
DOES RONALDO BLOW THE TITLE RACE WIDE OPEN? | The Eye Test | 888sport
The summer transfer window has slammed shut with all eyes on the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford. But will CR7 be a success or a flop for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season?
And have United done the best business this summer, or has someone else? @Rory Jennings , @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel and Flex from @United View, discuss the craziest transfer window in history.
There have been marquee signings across the top teams in the Premier League, with Romelu Lukaku returning to Chelsea, Jack Grealish moving to Manchester City as well as the homecoming of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United, plus the additions of Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho at Old Trafford.
Do you think CR7's return to Old Trafford will propel Man United back to the summit of the Premier League table - or is either Jadon Sancho or Raphael Varane an even better signing for the Red Devils? And does this mount the pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to bring back the glory days to United?
What makes for a good transfer window? Most of the big clubs have splashed out on one or two big players, while Arsenal, this summer’s biggest spenders, have brought in six players for just shy of £150m with Ben White and Martin Odegaard being the most notable names.
The Eye Test panel are not convinced by Mikel Arteta’s dealings and fear he may not be the right man for the Gunners going forward.
What do you think - are Manchester United now favourites for the Premier League? Was Jack Grealish the right man to bring in, or should Man City have chased harder for Harry Kane? Who was signing of the summer?
IS SOUTHGATE STILL THE ONE? | The Eye Test | 888sport
The last two major tournaments for England has been their most successful since winning the World Cup in 1966, all under the stewardship of Gareth Southgate.
Despite a semi-final and final in the only two major tournaments he's taken charge of Southgate still has some detractors, and on the fourth episode of The Eye Test, our panel of @Rory Jennings, @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel and @Stevo The Mad Man, discuss if Gareth Southgate should still be leading England going forward.
When appointed, if someone had said Southgate would guide England to a World Cup semi final and a European Championship final, a lot of people would have barely believed you.
However, ever-ambitious England fans spot have been left wanting more and feel a better manager would have guided England to glory in one or both tournaments.
Southgate has shored up the defence, adopting a system utilising multiple holding midfield players such as Declan Rice, Kalvin Philips and Jordan Henderson, or playing with five at the back, with the likes of Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier thriving in these systems.
But with the attacking options available, a prime Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, as well as promising talents such as Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, Southgate has been criticised for being too defensive.
Do YOU think Southgate should stay as manager? Did England flop in the final against Italy and the semi final against Croatia? If Southgate was to leave the job, who would be the man to replace him?
IS PEP A FAILURE IF MAN CITY DON'T WIN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE? | The Eye Test | 888sport
The Premier League has come back with a bang with last season's Champions and pre-season favourites Manchester City losing on the opening day to Spurs.
Meanwhile, the Champions League's return is just around the corner, with the draw for the group stages taking place this week, and Guardiola's men will have their eyes set on going one better in Europe after losing last season's final to rivals Chelsea.
In the third episode of The Eye Test, our panel of @Rory Jennings, @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel and @Stevo The Mad Man discuss which Premier League teams have got the potential to win European football’s top continental competition, with current winners Chelsea, Man City, Man United and Liverpool all vying for Champions League glory.
Holders Chelsea have looked like a different beast since Thomas Tuchel took the helm, their victory last season emphasising how strong they have become, and they'll be contenders yet again.
Pep Guardiola's Man City have struggled in the competition, with last season being the first time he made the final and the trio discuss whether failing to win this season will be determined as a failure, and detrimental to his legacy in Manchester.
Regardless of how well teams play domestically, some sides always seem capable of winning the Champions League because of how the format is set and none of the panel rule out the chances of Liverpool or Man United.
Outside the Premier League, Bayern Munich, Juventus and PSG seem like the squads most capable of taking the trophy away from English football, with Real Madrid and Barcelona now seen as underdogs.
What four teams in Europe do YOU predict to make the semi-finals? Is Guardiola a failure if he fails to bring the trophy to the Etihad? Can any teams outside of England claim the trophy?
MAN CITY ARE NOT A 'BIG CLUB' | The Eye Test | 888sport
The Premier League returned to action with a bang last week as Manchester United and Chelsea secured comfortable wins, but champions Manchester City were defeated by a Tottenham side who were missing their top talisman and potential City target in Harry Kane.
Since coming into money, Manchester City have been a dominant force in the Premier League for over a decade now, breaking numerous records.
Before them, Chelsea did the same, becoming a frequent title challenger after a massive cash injection. But are Chelsea or Manchester City ‘big’ clubs, in all senses, not just financially?
In a very fiery second episode of The Eye Test, returning panellists from last week @Rory Jennings , @Esteemed Kompany - A Man City Fan Channel and @Stevo The Mad Man discuss what makes a club ‘big’ and clash over their opinions. Rory and Esteemed Kompany don’t hold back!
Stevo doesn’t have a horse in this race and acknowledges that both Man City and Chelsea are both big clubs. However, he was shut down for suggesting West ham are in the same bracket!
Steven McInerney, of Esteemed Kompany channel, thinks that global reach, quality of player and current stature make a club 'big'. With over a decade competing at an elite level, Steven is confident that City are one of the biggest in world football.
Rory disagrees, noting there is a difference to being 'big' and being relevant. He reckons City shouldn't even be in the conversation until more time passes.
Only then could they be classed a big club like Chelsea - a club operating at the top level for over 20 years and winning the Champions League.
What do YOU think makes a club ‘big’? Are Man City and Chelsea ‘big’ clubs? Was Rory being childish?
THE PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON PREVIEW | The Eye Test | 888sport
Manchester City fan Steven McInerney is backing his team to win the league after romping to the title last season.
He is confident that the Citizens can repeat that feat after Pep Guardiola has added attacking flair in Jack Grealish and he thinks City's chances of winning the league would go from a probability to an inevitability if they were to bring in a striker like Harry Kane, who's rumoured to be on the way.
The chasing pack looks like it could be more competitive than ever. Liverpool welcome defensive rock Virgil Van Dijk back to the squad but Blues fan Rory believes that Chelsea are Man City's main competitors this season.
Fired up and given heart due to their three consecutive wins when facing Man City, including a Champions League final triumph, Rory feels Thomas Tuchel is the man to outwit Pep Guardiola for the Premier League title.
West Ham fan Stevo the Mad Man feels that Leicester City are being underrated, after more shrewd transfer business this summer and believes it'd be naive to underestimate their capabilities under Brendan Rogers - but Rory disagrees and thinks the Leicester manager is the reason they WON'T make top four.
Stevo is tipping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United to finally have an excellent season, depsite their Europa League final defeat in May.
Man for man, Rory thinks both Manchester clubs are on a level playing field but doesn’t believe Ole is the man to get United to challenge Man City for the Premier League title.
Neither Arsenal or Spurs get much of a look-in for the top four and all three panellists agree they won't be in the picture, and they agree the Champions League spots will go to the same four from last season.
However, the panel are expecting a dogfight to avoid relegation and find it tough to pick who'll go down this season.
Three sides that were known for free-flowing football in the Championship last season gained promotion, but will they be able to replicate that style in the topflight? Or will strugglers from last season, like Brighton or Newcastle, take the plunge?
With fans back in stadiums, we're in for an exciting season and it could be the most competitive season for a long time - but how do you see it panning out?
Do you agree with our panellists - will Pep’s Manchester City retain the league? Can anyone break into last season’s top 4? Will any of the three promoted clubs survive?
Twitter recalls ten Premier League aces who are unfairly forgotten
Combined, these stars have lit up the main stage thousands of times
Even Champions League winners can slip from our memories
The players below have a staggering 1722 Premier League appearances and 434 international caps between them.
They have won the Champions League, Premier League and lifted the League Cup more times than you can shake a stick at. They are, to a man, elite practitioners of their craft.
Yet you won’t find them on any other top ten lists. They all-too-rarely come up in conversation. It’s as if they never existed.
Were they unremarkable? Were they ‘merely’ cult heroes, unappreciated outside their club’s fan-base? Or has history simply been unkind to them?
We asked Twitter to dip into its memory bank and nominate ten players who deserve to be recalled and celebrated from the Premier League era. The result was several blasts from the past.
Having made 193 Premier League appearances across six seasons the Canadian is included here for his durability because in truth his stats err towards the mediocre.
In 91 games for the Toffees, Radzinski scored 25 which admittedly is a decent return. At Fulham though that slowed right down to 10 in 102.
As for assists, it only gets worse, with one every 48 matches a pitiful figure for a second striker while his personal achievements are slight, peaking at topping the Belgium goal-scoring chart in 2001.
Balancing this out, the Polish-born forward notched some important goals to help fend off relegations and it’s notable that he played 37 more top-flight fixtures than Eric Cantona. He should at least be remembered.
The committed centre-back represented his country at three major tournaments and won the Champions League with AC Milan but injuries sadly blighted his five years in England.
Just 84 appearances for the Villans is testimony to that but such was his quality it was still sufficient to see the great Dane inducted into a Villa ‘Hall of Legends’ on the club’s website.
If the Danish Footballer of the Year in 2008 remains revered by those who appreciated him on a weekly basis, beyond Villa Park he is a forgotten entity these days.
This is a shame because Laursen was a class act whose playing style perfectly suited the physicality of the Premier League.
What the Saints wouldn’t give for a player with Pahars’ ability right now because according to Premier League betting odds, the south coast side are among the favourites to fight the drop this term.
In 129 top-flight outings through the early 2000s the little Latvian schemer scored 42 goals and regularly lit up the newly erected St Marys with his direct foraging, all committed at full pace.
It’s no surprise Pahars was voted Latvian Footballer of the Year three times running. Indeed, it astonishes that he never won more because the current Siena coach in Italy’s fourth tier was undoubtedly one of his nation’s finest ever exports.
One of the best feel-good stories during the Premier League’s early years was the dramatic reinvention of Warhurst from a centre-back to a free-scoring forward. It set the tone with the player admired from that point on for his versatility.
With Wednesday deprived of all their attacking talent to injury, manager Trevor Francis converted the youngster in desperation only for Warhurst to exceed all expectations, bagging 12 goals in 12 games. His prolificacy even led to an England call up.
On leaving Hillsborough, the player went on to win the title with Blackburn and all told the likeable Mancunian impressed in four different positions across 144 top-flight appearances.
6) Yossi Benayoun
PL Clubs: West Ham United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea
The Israeli midfielder is a great quiz answer, with the question framed around a popular star who performed his magic for world famous clubs over eight years, making 194 Premier League appearances, only for whatever reason he has slipped into the abyss of time.
Perhaps it’s due to chronic bad timing why Benayoun is now largely unremembered while his fellow countryman Eyal Berkovic comes easily to mind.
Despite playing for three of the most successful English clubs in the 21st century, the skilful schemer only won a Europa League medal, finishing runner up too in the FA Cup. He shone during a time when Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea did not.
Our EPL predictions have his last employer pushing strongly for the title this season. Regrettably, it’s many years too late for Yossi.
Stewart racked up the fewest Premier League starts of all his contemporaries here – just 81 in four and a bit seasons - but boy did he maximise his limited time on the main stage.
In 2000/01, after firing the Tractor Boys out of the Championship, the arch poacher scored 19 in his debut campaign among the elite, as Ipswich incredibly finished a lofty fifth.
Only Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink notched more that year and to put his achievement into perspective Thierry Henry and Michael Owen both found the net with less regularity.
Still, Stewart’s high-flying act pales to that of his club’s and the equivalent today would be Brentford challenging throughout for a Champions League spot. The sports betting odds on that happening is somewhere between large and colossal.
4) Gary Breen
PL Clubs: Coventry City, West Ham United and Sunderland
In a career that spanned two full decades, Breen frustrated the greatest strikers around, shepherding them into areas they didn’t want to go, anticipating throughballs; always consummate, always calm.
It was such traits that attracted Barcelona and Inter Milan following a successful World Cup campaign with Ireland but alas a glittering move always eluded him, instead remaining at mid-level clubs for the duration of his long top-flight residence.
So it was that his forwards – from Darren Huckerby to Paolo Di Canio – got all the glory and plaudits while Breen is now largely forgotten. That doesn’t seem very fair.
Potts epitomised several aspects of football that should be treasured far more than others. He was a one-club man, bar a short stint at Dagenham and Redbridge to see out his esteemed career.
He went about his business with the minimum of fuss, putting in 7/10 performances week in, week out, anywhere across the Hammers’ back-line. And not once did he make the back pages over a contract dispute or for bad-mouthing his manager.
Instead, he quietly and efficiently made 202 top-flight appearances, captaining his boyhood club for several years, and always doing them proud. Only eight players have worn the shirt more.
Every club has a Steve Potts and there should be a statue of them outside each ground.
2) Steed Malbranque
PL Clubs: Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland
Only 84 players have made more Premier League outings than the French creative talent yet for all of his exquisite touches and imagination; for all of the times he delighted Craven Cottage, White Hart Lane and the Stadium of Light with his rare ability, Malbranque’s name still elicits the same response as when a long-forgotten childhood curio appears on television.
As his nominee on social media states, the Romanian was ‘one of the very best full-backs ever in the Premier League’ and though he is perhaps the most familiar of all the players remembered here, that pertinent fact is too often over-looked.
Instead, Gary Neville and Lee Dixon will routinely be praised when the role and its finest exponents are debated. Alternatively, its modern specialists are trumpeted.
But Petrescu was brilliant, and consistently so, excelling at the Bridge throughout a transformative era for Chelsea.
Not for nothing did the Bucharest-born star score 23 goals in the top-flight while it mattered too that, by virtue of his career path, he adorned some great retro football shirts.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
Stephen Tudor is a freelance football writer and sports enthusiast who only knows slightly less about the beautiful game than you do.
A contributor to FourFourTwo and Forbes, he is a Manchester City fan who was taken to Maine Road as a child because his grandad predicted they would one day be good.
Following Man Utd’s shock defeat in game week one of the 21/22 Champions League campaign against Switzerland’s Young Boys, in a survey of 2,000 Manchester United fans, more than half don’t think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be the man to deliver a fourth Champions League trophy for the club.
The defeat by Young Boys highlighted deficiencies all over the pitch and it could get worse in Group F with United now facing a notoriously tough side in Villarreal – penalty shoot-out victors over Solskjaer's stars in last season's Europa league Final.
A poor display against the Spaniards will only harden the belief that Ole's run out of gas in his quest to make United winners.
However, despite the opening game loss to Young Boys and lack of belief in their manager, 93% of Man Utd fans still remain confident that the reds will still qualify from Group F.
Five time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo was brought in to help United take a significant step towards European – and domestic – glory.
A whopping 78% of Manchester United fans believe their new signing will finish as the Champions League top goal scorer for a record eighth time.
KINGS OF EUROPE – OR PRINCES OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
When it comes to winning a fourth Champions League trophy or fourteenth Premier League title Manchester United fans are divided.
Most younger fans (U35) believe it’s the Champions League that should be the priority (60% vs 20%), while older fans (55+) who saw United dominate domestically during Sir Alex Ferguson's tumultuous reign would rather Ole and his men focus on the domestic league title (38% v 27%) after a recent home defeat at the hands of Aston Villa.
POGBA THE PUZZLE – WILL HE STAY OR GO?
Few players in the modern game divide opinion more than midfielder Paul Pogba.
Love him or loathe him Pogba brings a swagger to United's game that just isn't there when he's missing.
Yes, he sometimes frustrates. And, in his defence, he's not always played in the position to get the best from him.
But his ability to conjure magic means he has few peers in the Premier League.
Pogba is said to be enjoying life at United and has been impressed by the arrival of Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho.
Yet the French World Cup winner has yet to commit to a new contract with Juventus reportedly ready to lure him back to Italy in the new year.
A resounding 70% of Man Utd fans hope he turns his back on the struggling Italian giants and think United have a better chance of winning silverware if Pogba renews his deal and stays at Old Trafford.
Bet on football with 888sport throughout the 2021/22 season and follow the latest developments on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's position at Manchester United.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
