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Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba has moved to quell rumours linking him with a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to Goal. 

What’s the story, then?

Goal report that Alba has said that he wants to finish his career with the Catalan giants having already spent six years with the club following his move from Valencia.

They say that he was directly asked about reports linking him with Tottenham and categorically denied wanting to leave, stating that he is very happy where he is and that he wants to see out his playing days at the Nou Camp.

He did reportedly leave the door open for an exit if Barca decide that they want to dispense with the left-back, but he has a contract until 2020 and a 150 million euro release clause.

Hakimi is a better alternative

In truth, Tottenham’s hopes of snaring a settled, elite defender from one of Europe’s superpowers were always slim but Barca’s bitter rivals may hold the answer for Mauricio Pochettino.

With Marcelo the number one left-back at Real Madrid, opportunities are limited for any pretenders to the throne so the impressive performances for Morocco of Achraf Hakimi will be of interest at this summer’s World Cup. 

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Still only 19, the full-back can play on either side and eat up the ground up and down the flanks, offering quality in attacking areas and defensive solidity to boot.

Instead of chasing Alba, Pochettino should once more look towards young talent if he is seeking a replacement for Danny Rose.

The Genova International Academy is an exclusive football academy that is challenging conventional pathways to becoming a professional footballer.

The organisation was started by its president, Morris Pagniello in 2008. Pagniello was once an aspiring footballer in Australia who was oblivious to “how far behind” he was in his bid to achieve his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

Once Pagniello finished his playing career he decided to help young footballers coming from under-developed football nations.

Determined to bridge “that gap”, Pagniello developed his academies for aspiring Australian footballers to come and train before they go overseas in pursuit of a career in football.

The academy is now in its tenth year and operations have expanded from one academy to over one hundred across America, Canada, Asia, Spain and Italy.

“We started with 7 academy kids in a park and today we’re 18,000 affiliated so it has surpassed what I was looking for but still I’m still looking to build in each country possible.” Pagniello said.

Unlike club academies in the UK, The Genova International Academy is a paid service and Pagniello has said that this had led to some frustrations because the mentality is – ‘we shouldn’t have to pay if we’re good enough’.

Pagniello believes this viewpoint is simply “not true”.

“It’s the world’s most important sport and most played sport so the competition is enormous and until you get to some European nation like Spain or Italy you don’t really know how tough your competition is.”

The Academy President argues that through the usual pathway “only 1% of players make it” with the rest left discouraged from pursuing a professional career in the sport.

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As a young aspiring player, Pagniello himself took “two to three years” before he earned his first paid contract at 23 and the Australian is motivated to give other “kids an opportunity to go to the lower league clubs and show themselves.”

Over 82 players who have joined or passed through the GISS Residential Academy doors have signed to professional clubs in the past 6 years.

Learn more by watching the video below:

Instagram: Giss_worldFacebook: Genova International School of Soccer.  website. www.issgenova.it

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Liverpool will be without the injured trio Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez for the visit of Manchester United on Sunday, which has handed Jurgen Klopp a huge selection dilemma at right-back as the Reds look to hold on to top spot in the Premier League table.

On the chalkboard

Jurgen Klopp has largely flitted between Alexander-Arnold and Gomez in that role so far this season with Nathaniel Clyne suffering from injury and further down the pecking order, although the versatile James Milner did fill in there during the 4-0 win against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium last weekend.

Despite Man United’s disappointing season to date, they still have the attacking players to pose the Merseyside outfit some real problems at Anfield, and one of those dangermen is Marcus Rashford.

The England international has arguably been Jose Mourinho’s men’s best player in recent weeks after scoring one and setting up two more against Fulham in their previous top flight encounter, before following that up with another goal as a substitute against Valencia in midweek, and he may well line up on the left-hand side in a 4-2-3-1 system.

Should Milner start at right-back?

While Clyne has returned to training, it remains to be seen whether he can actually start given how little game time he has had in recent seasons, and even though Milner is a consistent and reliable performer and probably the man in the Liverpool team with the most experience to step in on Sunday, Klopp should consider taking a risk instead.

Rashford will use his pace, skill and ability to cut in on his right foot to great effect at Anfield, and Milner may just not have the mobility to deal with him.

Instead, the German manager should take an almighty risk and start Naby Keita there instead, with the Guinea international proving he has all of the traits to ensure the in-form Red Devil has no space to work in.

The 23-year-old isn’t afraid of a tackle and appears to have improved his disciplinary record which would have been a worry when he signed, and he has only averaged 0.2 fewer tackles than Milner per game in the Premier League so far this season – playing 364 fewer minutes, as per WhoScored.

Former Liverpool centre-back Stephane Henchoz has hit out his old club for failing to sign a top quality partner for Martin Skrtel over the summer.After keeping clean sheets away at Stoke, at home to Bournemouth and at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, the Reds’ tight rearguard has lost its frugal edge over the course of the past four games, with the ball having hit the back of the net on nine occasions in the league, while League Two outfit Carlisle United even managed to score at Anfield.Brendan Rodgers started the campaign with Dejan Lovren as Skrtel’s main partner with Mamadou Sakho in reserve, but with the Croatian, who is now injured, having made a number of high-profile errors, the Northern Irishman has switched to a back-three in an attempt to stem the flow of goals at the wrong end.WANT MORE? >>ÂLiverpool transfer newsÂ|ÂLatest transfer newsAnd Henchoz – who was a part of the 2000/01 Liverpool side that lifted the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup – believes that his old club should have moved for a solution over the summer:“I was surprised they weren’t very reactive in the transfer market to sign a centre-back – somebody with experience and who is commanding because they’ve got more or less the same as last year.†He told talkSPORT.“I think [Martin] Skrtel is a good centre-back but he [Rodgers] needs to decide who plays alongside him. He tried [Dejan] Lovren last season and he was poor.“[Mamadou] Sakho has the attributes to be a good centre-back but he has made too many mistakes as well so it’s difficult.â€

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Arsenal star Olivier Giroud is satisfied playing second-fiddle to teammate Theo Walcott in the lone striker role, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

Giroud finally got to start his first Premier League game after six matches coming off the bench against Everton the past weekend, and rewarded manager Arsene Wenger with another goal in a 2-1 victory, his sixth of the campaign.

WANT MORE? >> Arsenal Transfer News | Latest Transfer News

It was a gritty display from the Gunners, with Petr Cech and the defence denying Everton several times late in the encounter to ensure that they went top of the table on Saturday.

Title-rivals Manchester City managed to equal Arsenal on points with a draw against neighbours Manchester United, however Giroud was impressed by his side’s constant climb and is happy to play behind Walcott if this trend of results continue.

“We are stronger mentally this year,” said Giroud. “We are all fighting for each other. We have a great togetherness and we want to achieve big things together.

“We are showing a lot of leadership. We have team meetings and we all want to contribute and bring qualities to the big matches. We are all looking in the same direction and we know we need to be 100 per cent in every game.

“If someone is a bit tired then someone else will battle and fight for each other. That’s the mentality we need to show through the season. If we carry on like that then we will be difficult to beat.

“I never hide. I knew Theo was doing well at the beginning of the season which is why I was not angry about not playing, even if it was something new for me.

“The main thing was that he was on good form and he brought something different compared to me. We have different profiles and when he is a bit tired, I try to take the baton.

“I’m pleased to score but the boss can play with my profile or Theo’s profile. It has been a few weeks of not starting and I was pleased to start.

“I feel better when I play. I missed not playing a bit more this week.”

The Gunners will travel to Sheffield Wednesday in a Capital One Cup clash game this Tuesday, before going to the Liberty Stadium to face Swansea City in their next Premier League encounter during the weekend.

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No bookie is safe from the punters’ lucky charms when the football season is on. And 2015 made no exception from that rule. Like the years before, the punters dreamt big in 2015, placed some crazy accumulator bets and some of them even won life-changing cashes. They didn’t risk much turning their one-digit bet into six-digit wins. How much exactly, you wonder? Well, you’re about to find out:3. ‘Timing Couldn’t Be Better’Dean Clay from Chandler’s Ford is an ordinary man living an ordinary life. But his life took a bit of a twist almost a year ago, in February 2015. Back then, he had just finalised a mortgage on a new home after finding out he was soon to be a father. What he didn’t expect though was a huge win from a ₤2 football bet. He often places three ₤2 bets every week during the football season and nearly 11 months ago, Lady Luck finally smiled upon him. He predicted 14 outcomes but one was truly special: the last, the match between Burnley and West Bromwich Albion. Burnley led 2-0 at one point and Mr. Clay thought it was over. Not by a long shot: WBA went to to equalize and the match finished in a draw, just like Mr. Clay predicted. He initially thought he won almost ₤70,000 but with all the bonuses Coral gave, the soon-to-be father actually won ₤92,944. “Timing couldn’t be a lot better,†Mr. Clay said, according to BBC News thinking of course of his new home and his baby.2. Buying A Car Prior To Winning The Football BetGeorge Wood from Lancashire had an October night to remember barely getting any sleep. No, he hadn’t won anything just yet at that time. He had one last game and in order to cash in big with Ladbrokes, Manchester City had to defeat Bournemouth and both teams had to score goals. Before that match though, he was so sure he was going to win that he bought a new car. ‘I had that gut feeling,’ he told the Mirror. Manchester City ended up winning and Bournemouth scored a consolation goal good for Mr. Wood to win a staggering ₤116,000 from a ₤5 bet. He predicted 10 correct outcomes including including two UEFA Champions League games. Besides the car, Mr. Wood had big plans for his huge prize including a luxury holiday to Mexico and paying off Mum’s debts.1. Irish LuckThe most lucky punter in 2015 however was obviously an Irish. Back in February, a punter from the Republic of Ireland bet €1 with Paddy Power and guessed the outcomes of no less than 17 football matches. One of them – Norwich City vs. Blackburn Rovers – ended dramatically as Norwich scored the winning goal with five minutes left from regulation. The win sealed the Irish a hefty €206,000 payday. Talk about Irish luck…BONUS: What Could Have Been…The Irish though could have been dethroned by a British in August if not for a fold. An individual betting with Coral was in the books for winning ₤273,800 from a ₤5 bet but the bookmaker offer him or her a way out: before the game Portsmouth – Derby County, Coral gave the opportunity to the punter to cash out his prize. The punter accepted the deal and won only ₤50,000.

Portsmouth did upset Derby County 2-1 but it was too late…the deal was already sealed.

The Next Betting Story Of 2016?

But enough with history lessons! 2015 is gone and 2016 awaits the next big winners. You could be one of them and as you can see, you don’t have to bet big in order to win big. All you need is several pounds, intuition and of course, a great deal of luck. Online, it is even easier: pick a lucrative offer from www.top10sportsbettingsites.co.uk and test your luck. Now with exclusive bonuses and free bets. Do you have what it takes?

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has given some positive updates on the Hammers’ injuries stars ahead of a busy summer schedule.

The Hammers have been without star players Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho for weeks now and they haven’t won a game since Payet’s was crocked for three months at the beginning of November.

WANT MORE? >> West Ham transfer news | Latest transfer news

However, Bilic told West Ham’s official site that the likes of Payet and Lanzini are very close to a return to action.

He said: “It is good news that Dimitri Payet is ahead of schedule.

“He should train with us after Villa [on Boxing Day] and is with the fitness coaches now. He might be involved in the Liverpool game, which would be a big boost for us.

“Lanzini is progressing and will probably be available for the Southampton game.”

West Ham travel to Aston Villa on Boxing Day before welcoming Southampton on the 28th and then hosting Liverpool on January 2.

And the Hammers also have Andy Carroll working his way back towards full fitness after missing Sunday’s goalless draw at Swansea, but Bilic admits the striker will not be available against Villa.

“His injury is not like a big one, but it rules him out of the game against Villa,” Bilic confirmed.

“We shouldn’t forget that we have two games in two days. That is a very tricky period.

“For him it’s impossible to play at Villa, but now it looks like Andy might – might- be available for the game [against Southampton].”

And Bilic also hinted at how he might line up against rock bottom Villa on Saturday.

“It will be the same squad as against Swansea, but we should have one or two back for Southampton.”

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Roberto Firmino has been earning all the plaudits in recent weeks for Liverpool.

After a somewhat difficult start in the shadow of fellow Brazilian Philippe Coutinho, Firmino has since come into his own. He is arguably one of Liverpool’s most creative players at the moment and he has quickly been picking up support from all over the world.

Even former Brazil star Ronaldinho has been incredibly impressed with the former Hoffenheim man – high praise indeed from one of the greats of the game. The ex-AC Milan man likened Firmino to Andres Iniesta in a recent interview where he said: “I didn’t ever question if he would be a great player for Liverpool, I knew that he would be.

“He’s in the same class as [Mesut] Ozil, [David] Silva, Iniesta, and all the other great players who play that role.”

Woah- high praise indeed, but is it warranted?

Recent performances have suggested that he should be held in high esteem. Firmino has an excellent touch, superb vision and also a canny ability to strike the ball -as we’ve in weeks gone by.

If he can hold down his position in the Liverpool starting XI, he could become an anchor – a player that Klopp could potentially build his squad around.

In Klopp, Liverpool have one of the best coaches in the world. But right now, he needs to get better players in and around Firmino to get even more out of his game. Players will undoubtedly progress when paired with fellow stars and Klopp needs to make sure he brings in quality names to get the most out of the emerging talent.

But what is so nice to see is that Firmino seems genuinely pleased to be a part of this new and exciting Liverpool set-up. The potential for Alex Teixeira to sign is also a massive plus point for Klopp in his attempts to keep hold of his Brazilian contingent.

It seems like Klopp has a definite plan in place and should the deal to sign Teixeira from Shakhtar Donetsk (albeit it looks unlikely to happen this month) go through, I think this would definitely be a fantastic string to Firmino’s bow.

What is important is that people give him time. Remember Mesut Ozil? He had a quick flash or brilliance and then disappeared until the current season. His time as a recluse has made him one of the world’s best players again and there will be a spell when Firmino drops off. It’s normal.

All that is needed is a main target man for him to truly open up the space. It’s quite clear that Christian Benteke isn’t a part of Klopp’s short-term or long-term goals and with Daniel Sturridge constantly injured, Liverpool need someone at the top of the team to give them that last bit of quality.

There is potential for Firmino and Sturridge to play off one another at the top, but the Englishman desperately needs to get himself fit or he will be bypassed as the team progresses.

Firmino is doing well and with the addition of some quality players, he has bags of potential to become one of the best.

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The influx of money into the Premier League over the last few seasons has meant that literally Premier League team can splash the cash, and virtually every team has accumulated a good squad. One of the consequences of that is the fact that promising teenage players fail to succeed at the highest level – teams can buy ready-made professionals to bolster their ranks, and with the stakes so high, no one wants to give youth a chance. Arsene Wenger, however, is well known for nurturing young talent even though he fails, season after season, to splash the cash. As such lifting the Premier League title remains out of reach, at least for now.

As the Gunners face Hull City today at the Emirates Stadium, Wenger’s opposite number Steve Bruce has no hesitation to include members of the Tigers’ academy set-up. 16 year-old Josh Tymon was a surprise inclusion in the Hull starting XI lining up at full back. He might have thought he would be coming up against superstar attacker Alexis Sanchez but Tymon had to settle with competing against Joel Campbell. Nevertheless, this bold statement from Bruce is something Wenger needs to do in order to allow new talent to prosper and could eventually help Arsenal lift that title once again. They can do it as seen with the likes of Ashley Cole and Cesc Fabregas, so why can’t they do it now?

Instead, the likes of Mathieu Flamini somehow earns a starting berth in the Arsenal midfield,and his inclusion surely restricts the youth from progressing and finding their way into the team. Wenger’s stubbornness means Arsenal will forever be a side finishing between second and fourth place, but hats off to Steve Bruce today for giving youth a chance – and he got the reply he and his team so richly deserve.

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Let’s face it, although every other football writer, pundit, spectator and regular arm-chair fan has seen fit to criticise Aston Villa and their plight in the Premier League this season, no one will be hurting more than the Villa Park faithful themselves, with their once impressive side looking to spend the 2016/17 domestic campaign among the less than attractive realms of second-tier English football.

Both Tim Sherwood and Remi Garde looked out of their depth in the Villa dug-out, the club’s much-maligned boardroom staff arguably doomed their respective side after spending poorly across the previous summer transfer window and as for the Aston Villa players themselves – well, perhaps the least said about them, the better…

Yet as the Midlands-based outfit are now destined to reassert themselves in the Championship next season, Aston Villa are reportedly looking to land David Moyes in the not too distant future in order to save their club from a long-term future away from the bright-lights and unmistakable glamour of the Premier League.

So then, would the former Everton and Manchester United manager really consider this clearly vulnerable outfit, or does the prospect of joining up with Aston Villa in the Championship ultimately remain too much of a step down for David Moyes in the cold light of day?

Well, although the Villans are reportedly ready to offer the 52-year-old Scottish tactician a rather sizable transfer kitty in order to reclaim their once untouchable place, Moyes should wait it out before confirming his allegiances one way or another this summer…

It doesn’t take much to notice just how bad of a state Villa currently find themselves in, for although a club of this size should theoretically excel away from the constant pressure and growing sense of futility the Premier League, there are no guarantees.

This is a team that look nowhere near worthy of operating in the top-flight of English football when all is said and done. Nearly all of Aston Villa’s key under-performers could possibly struggle to fit into any of the top-half Championship sides in light of their progressively poor form this season, with the current relationship between the fans and Aston Villa playing staff remaining as hostile as its seemingly ever been.

David Moyes would nonetheless represent a smart option for the Championship-bound club looking forward, however. The former Goodison Park favourite may have failed to shine at Real Sociedad following his Manchester United mis-hap, but that doesn’t automatically mean that Moyes is all but finished within the English game.

In-fact, whilst the task of saving Aston Villa from their current plight remains anything but straightforward, Moyes could arguably go down as the ideal candidate within the grand scheme of things.

His prior experience in the English game would clearly come in useful down at Villa Park at this particular stage in the proceedings, while his ability to sign young up and coming players within the Championship could prove somewhat fruitful with all things considered. Although Aston Villa certainly fail to represent the most attractive venture for any top-flight manager currently out of the job, Moyes could nonetheless see this as the perfect opportunity to rebuild his reputation.

Aston Villa remain a widely prestigious club with a loyal fan-base ready to back their players within this undoubtedly testing period in their club’s upcoming history, so even though David Moyes could chance upon several less daunting paths of action over the summer, perhaps the future could indeed become a far more promising place for both parties looking to begin an important new chapter ahead of the 2016/17 domestic campaign…

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