Tag Futebol

Football fans across the world revel in the beauty of players pulling off the most ridiculous of tricks and scoring some unbelievable goals.

In an age when ‘Tekkers’ is a popular term among football fans worldwide, rarely a day passes without seeing a player at least attempt something extraordinary on the pitch.

And it’s normally the usual suspects involved, making the game look so easy it’s wrong.

So here’s TEN players who have made a living out of making football look effortless on the pitch…

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Dennis Bergkamp

The Dutch magician became an Arsenal legend during his time in North London and regularly wowed fans with his perfect first touch and outrageous goals.

His goals against Leicester and Newcastle will always be up there with some of the best in Premier League history.

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano’s antics on the field have almost become second nature over the last few years. Everything he does seems to have something special about it, whether it’s a goal or some silky skills.

The compilation above will have many fans asking “how?” on a number of occasions.

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Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho is still doing his thing over in Brazil these days, but he’ll always be remembered for his mind-blowing antics for Barcelona and AC Milan.

The Brazilian midfielder used to make football look so easy while humiliating his opponents week in, week out.

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Lionel Messi

The Argentinian has scored 365 goals in 455 career appearances in all competitions to date and he’s broken dozens of records along the way.

Rarely a season goes by without us seeing him running rings around defenders with ease all across Europe, which is why he’s won four Ballon d’Or’s.

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Mesut Ozil

He may have endured a difficult first season in England after his £42.5million move to Arsenal last summer, but there’s a reason why the Gunners paid so much for him.

The German midfielder made his name with Real Madrid and was one of the biggest providers for Cristiano Ronaldo before he left.

And the below Vine shows you just how easy he can make things happen on the pitch…

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Dimitar Berbatov

Not a lot of players can get away with being lazy in football. Dimitar Berbatov however, can, and he does almost every single week, getting results along the way.

He has been exceptional for pretty much every team he’s played for over the years and thrives on making football look so effortless.

These two videos of him that prove out how little effort it takes for the Bulgarian to be brilliant…

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Mario Balotelli

The Italian is known for his off-field misdemeanors just as much as he is on the pitch, but that’s testament to the type of character he is. The striker might be a bit of bizarre personality, but he sure knows how to make playing football look easy.

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Luis Suarez

The controversial striker has taken the Premier League by storm this season, scoring 31 goals in 32 appearances.

It’s a record that doesn’t just indicate how good he is, but also how easy football comes to him.

Just take a look at these goals and see for yourself…

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Eric Cantona

The Frenchman became a Manchester United legend for being phenomenal every single week.

Some of the goals he scored, for both United and Leeds, were out of this world during the early years of the Premier League, as well as his match-winning performances.

This goal though, just sums up the man himself…

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic

There’s nothing you can say about Zlatan that would do him justice. The Swedish international is one of the most egotistical footballers of the modern era and, whether you like it or not, he has reason to be.

He’s simply a genius on the football pitch and pure entertainment off it.

Here’s his top 20 goals to prove it…

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Tottenham will be looking to bounce back from Capital One Cup disappointment when they welcome Wigan to White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Andre Villas-Boas saw his side throw away a 1-0 lead in the last ten minutes at Carrow Road, going on to lose 2-1 as Clint Dempsey missed a last minute penalty.

They are going well in the league however, having won five out of their last six, and moved up to fourth spot last weekend following their 2-1 win at Southampton.

Wigan endured Capital One Cup humiliation in midweek, losing to League Two Bradford City. Roberto Martinez needs to get the defeat out of the players systems as soon as possible, with his side sitting in 15th place and hoping to build on last weekends win over West Ham.

They have a wretched record at White Hart Lane however, and suffered a humiliating 9-1 defeat at the Lane in 2009.

Tottenham will be without Mousa Dembele who is struggling with a hip injury, whilst Wigan have no new injury concerns to contend with.

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Prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Wigan 

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Virgil van Dijk boosted Liverpool’s defence significantly when he joined the club from Southampton in January.

There are still questions over his potential centre-back partners, with Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan all possessing weaknesses.

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One man, though, who Liverpool fans believe could thrive alongside Van Dijk is Leicester City defender Harry Maguire.

The 25-year-old’s performances for the Foxes last season earned him a place in the England squad for the World Cup in Russia.

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On Monday night, manager Gareth Southgate started Maguire as part of a back three in the Three Lions’ opening Group G game against Tunisia.

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The defender looked comfortable in his role as he played out from the back and even created the assist that led to Harry Kane’s 91st-minute winner.

There has not been any indication that Liverpool are on the hunt for a new defender this summer, but the fans think that Maguire would fit right in.

There may have been only two instances thus far, but Manchester United’s two biggest talents – Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba – are yet to play well together in the same starting XI. However, we probably shouldn’t be all that surprised; especially under a manager who prides himself on balanced and formulaic football, it was never going to be as straightforward as simply attaching Sanchez onto the left-hand side of the Red Devils’ usual game-plan.

Indeed, fitting any Premier League team together with the right balance is always something of a puzzle, but even more so when they have the talent United boast in attack through the likes of Sanchez, Pogba, Juan Mata, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jese Lingard. Jose Mourinho’s proposed solution is to play the powerful Frenchman deeper in midfield, but that has lead to another debate in itself of whether Pogba has the discipline for that role and more crucially, whether the holding slot alongside Nemanja Matic truly showcases his dynamic and creative qualities.

The early signs suggest its a flawed idea; tellingly, Pogba has been subbed off midway through the second half during his last two Premier League appearances, while Sanchez has only shown his revered quality in small doses. So we’re proposing three alternative setups – courtesy of lineupbuilder – to get the best out of Pogba and Sanchez, and then giving United fans the chance to have their say on the biggest conundrum currently facing Mourinho.

Solution A – 4-2-3-1

The simplest and most obvious solution – move Pogba further forward into the attacking midfield berth. It would have no effect on Sanchez’s current role in the side, maintain Mourinho’s preferred formation and push Pogba into a position that gives him the freedom to roam and link up with Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku in more advanced areas of the pitch. Ander Herrera is more than capable of doing a study job alongside Matic and is probably a better candidate than Pogba anyway for taking the ball off the centre-halves and spreading the play.

If there’s one lingering concern, however, it’s that Pogba and Sanchez could end up getting in each other’s way. Pogba likes to surge forward into the left channel, but that’s also the space Sanchez looks to cut into when he’s playing on the left wing.

Solution B – 4-3-3

Unquestionably Pogba’s preferred solution, because it would put him in the role that has produced the best form throughout his career – the left-sided slot in a midfield three. That’s the position he took up in Juventus’ midfield diamond, providing the performances that made him a world-record signing, and the one many expected him to be handed upon returning to Old Trafford.

It’s also a system Mourinho knows inside out, having used it famously during his first spell with Chelsea and at Inter Milan, and seems to put everybody in the right places with Matic anchoring, Herrera partnering Pogba just in front and Sanchez and Martial coming inside from the respective flanks.

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However, the concern over Sanchez and Pogba looking to occupy the same space once again persists, and that role still requires some discipline on the France international’s part – he can’t simply bomb forward at every given opportunity. The other question, too, is whether Lukaku holds up the ball well enough. He’ll have less support than in a 4-2-3-1 and although the Belgian has improved on that aspect of his game this season, he’s still not an effective target man of the Didier Drogba calibre.

Solution C – 3-4-3

United toyed with three at the back earlier this season and they certainly have the wide players for it, with Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young perfect for the wing-back roles. Nemanja Matic won the Premier League title playing in the exact same setup last season at Chelsea too and will understand what he needs to bring to the midfield, while Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo both have the speed and experience at full-back to snuff out one-on-one situations either side of Chris Smalling.

More importantly though, it would completely take the leash off Pogba, making him part of the attack instead of the midfield and putting him in incredibly close proximity with Sanchez and Lukaku to finish off what would be a formidable, powerful and potent forward triplet.

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However, Pogba would be starting in the space he likes to explode into, so it remains to be seen if he can have the same kind of impact, not to mention if he can deliver the level of goals and assists expected of players who take up that position – think Eden Hazard and Pedro at Chelsea, or Sanchez and Mesut Ozil at Arsenal last season.

Nonetheless, 3-4-3 remains a tempting concept and would certainly fit the tactical direction the Premier League appears to be heading in at the moment.

So, Man United fans, which formation would you choose to get the best out of Pobga and Sanchez? Let us know by voting below…

On loan Fulham ace Lewis Holtby says that he is keen to return to Tottenham and battle for his future at the end of the season.

The German international left White Hart Lane to become a part of the Cottagers’ relegation scrap in January, and has been impressive under the guidance of Felix Magath – despite the club’s lowly position.

Holtby has struggled to establish himself at Spurs under Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood, and with a number of signings expected this summer, there has been talk of a permanent move away from north London.

But the versatile midfielder says that for now he is focusing on helping his current side avoid the drop, but that he is hoping to return to Tottenham to battle for first-team action:

“There is little sense in talking about other clubs since I have a long-term contract at Tottenham,” he told Goal.

“The status quo is that I will go back to Spurs after the summer holidays. I can’t tell you what is going to happen until then. My agent takes care of everything and as far as I know his mobile is always turned on.

“I loved playing for Tottenham and I would like to fulfil my contract there. But at first it is important to avoid relegation with Fulham.

It is rumoured that Louis van Gaal will replace Sherwood in the White Hart Lane dugout this summer, and Holtby says he is an admirer of the Dutchman:

“Louis van Gaal is an exceptional coach, you can’t deny that.

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“He led big teams to big success. I don’t know whether he will be the new coach and of course it is not for me to decide.”

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It appears that Sunderland Winger James McClean was overlooked for the Republic of Ireland’s latest World Cup 2014 Qualifiers.

In their first outing last Friday they suffered an embarrassing 6-1 defeat at the hands of Germany, and this lead to calls to include the Sunderland ace in their next fixture against the Faroe Islands.

However, the manager Giovanni Trapattoni had other ideas and decided that he did not need to call upon the midfielder for the 4-1 victory.

The player has been heavily watched by the Sunderland medical staff whilst on international duty as they want to monitor the situation with his groin injury.

It is believed the 24 year old would have been able to feature on Tuesday night, in Torshavn, but was deemed surplus to requirements.

However, the former Derry City star signed by old boss Steve Bruce is set to appear in the 146th Tyne-Wear derby.

The player will be looking for a chance to shine in this fixture but his international future still looms over him, before the Republic of Ireland squad meet up again.

Martin O’ Neill revealed to the Daily Mail that “’James himself was hoping he might have got a shout for the Republic’s second game but they went with what they had.”

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It is hoped that McClean will be given another chance to show that he is worthy of wearing the Ireland shirt and replicating his club form, for his country. The Black Cats are not worried about risking the midfielder though against their fierce rivals Newcastle on Sunday.

Sunderland fans have found another reason to bash their previous ownership, after reports suggested the Black Cats won’t get a penny if Jordan Pickford makes a huge move this summer.

According to reports, both Manchester United and Bayern Munich are targeting Pickford, but Sunderland will not receive a portion of the deal, as they did not agree a sell-on clause when they sold him to Everton.

The young stopper swapped Wearside for Merseyside last summer, after an incredible season earned him a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Despite grabbing an initial fee of £25million in the deal though, it seems the Black Cats made a big mistake by not demanding a portion of any future sale.

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The report claims Munich are eyeing the young Englishman as Manuel Neuer’s successor, and Manchester United could turn to him if David De Gea joins Real Madrid.

The previous ownership a the Stadium of Light took plenty of deserved criticism, and fans are bashing them again for not including a sell-on clause.

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It’s safe to say the club could do with some extra funds right now, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Tottenham Hotspur host Arsenal in the latest episode of the North London derby at Wembley on Saturday, and Manchester United fans have made some surprise predictions ahead of the clash that will shock Gunners fans.

Fifth-placed Spurs welcome their sixth-placed local rivals to their temporary home knowing that a draw will be enough to take them into the Champions League spots – at least until Chelsea face West Bromwich Albion on Monday night.

However, a win would extend their advantage over Arsene Wenger’s men to seven points, and considering Arsenal have only won three of their 13 Premier League matches on their travels this season that certainly wouldn’t be a surprise result.

Despite that, Man United supporters all seem to have confidence in Wenger and his side – perhaps buoyed by the fact they now have Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in their ranks – and believe they will pick up the three points.

While one said “Arsenal will win”, another said “I think Arsenal will win”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini believes that his side can pull off one of the shocks of the season by beating Bayern Munich over two legs in their imminent Champions League clash.

The Gunners are set to face the defending continental champions in the first of their double header with them this week, with few predicting that they can beat the German giants.

Arsenal were knocked out by Bayern last season on away goals at the same stage of the tournament, yet a new look Bundesliga side awaits them this term.

Bayern are now coached by Pep Guardiola and have been playing some of the very best football in Europe this season with a star-studded squad.

Arsenal meanwhile have been stuttering of late, with poor results having seen them slip from the summit of the Premier League.

But Flamini says that the Londoners are “ambitious” and are confident of knocking out their illustrious opponents:

“We know it won’t be an easy game because Bayern are a very strong team, but we are Arsenal, we have big ambitions,” he told the London Evening Standard.

“If we want to qualify, we have to get a good result against Bayern.

“What I will say about this season is that I see a great commitment, I see everyone working very hard on the pitch and helping each other.

“This year, Arsenal have a lot of ambition and are fighting for the league title. We have qualified in the FA Cup and we will do everything to qualify in the Champions League.

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“We know it will be a difficult game and now it is important to recover very well because we had so many games. Today, we will start thinking about Bayern.”

Click below to find out how mini can be mighty!

Arsène Wenger has said that both Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs will not be able to play in Saturday’s game against Norwich.

Arsenal’s official website has reported on an update from Arsene Wenger on the current state of the team’s injured players, and some of the Gunners’ key players are still a way from returning.

Wenger confirmed reports Walcott will not play on Saturday saying: “Theo is out for Saturday, for sure. He has an injury to his chest and lungs. We have to treat that clinically. He’s quickly short of breath when he makes an effort but that is bruising and that will heal. It’s no major concern but it will take we think about two weeks to be back to a normal level.” Walcott suffered the chest injury when he was clobbered by San Marino’s goalkeeper in England’s World Cup qualifier last week.

Wenger also confirmed that Gibbs will not play on Saturday, after coming off the pitch when playing against West Ham due to a thigh issue. However, he may take part in Wednesday’s Champions League game against Schalke. Wenger says: “He’s not healed yet. He has a little chance to be ready for Wednesday and a bigger chance for QPR.”

However, things are not looking so good for other Arsenal stars. Wenger said that goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was visiting a specialist yesterday about his ruptured ankle ligaments. He also thinks that first choice goalkeeper Wojiech Szczesny is still two weeks from returning, while he says that other injured stars Tomas Rosicky and Abou Diaby will not return for another few weeks.

Arsenal’s fixture against Norwich kicks off at 17:30 at Carrow Road.

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