Germany full-back Philipp Lahm has once again endorsed his credentials on the big stage after impressive displays at Euro 2008.ÂÂ
The Bayern Munich star, playing in his third major tournament, has been a rock at the back for the Germans and his flexibility has proved invaluable to Joachim Low.
Lahm burst onto the international scene at Euro 2004 and he was nominated for FIFA World Player of the Year after his success at the 2006 World Cup.ÂÂ
The 24-year-old has been employed at left-back and right-back this time around in Austria and Switzerland and he has used his blistering pace to great effect in support of a midfield which has lacked natural width.ÂÂ
Low does give Lahm licence to get forward and he is a useful attacking outlet fo…
Inter Milan are preparing a bid for Euro 2008 star Yuri Zhirkov, according to the Corriere dello Sport. Zhirkov has been one of the uncovered gems of this summer’s European Championships, helping an outstanding Russia side make it all the way to the semi finals.
The 25-year-old plays for CSKA Moscow, and he has really caught the eye at left full back with his pace and skill going forward. The player’s versatility is said to impress Jose Mourinho, as he can play at full back, left midfield, or even as a winger.
The Corriere says that Inter, who are currently in negotiations to sign Roma’s Amantino Mancini and Porto’s Ricardo Quaresma, are now considering making a move for Zhirkov. However, the Russian w…
Pep Guardiola lavished praise on Phil Foden s performance in Manchester City s 0-0 Champions League draw at Porto.
City were frustrated by their dogged hosts at Estadio do Dragao, with Gabriel Jesus having a goal ruled out for a VAR offside against Joao Cancelo 10 minutes from time.
Nevertheless, the stalemate saw the Premier League side secure top spot in Group C with a game to spare.
Foden has started four successive Champions League matches, although the England midfielder has been a substitute for City s past five domestic outings.
Speaking to BT Sport, Guardiola seemed to acknowledge the growing clamour for the 20-year-old to become a permanent fixture in his first XI, irrespective of the opponents or competition.
What a player, what a playe…
Ten-man Barcelona battled to a nervy 1-0 win over strugglers Valencia at Camp Nou to move 10 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.
Barca suffered a shock loss to Almeria in their last league game, prior to beating Madrid in Thursday s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, and were made to work hard by Valencia.
Raphinha put the hosts ahead early on but Ronald Araujo s 59th-minute red card, shortly after Ferran Torres missed a penalty, set up a nervier-than-expected final half an hour.
Valencia had good chances either side of Araujo s dismissal, but they failed to test Marc-Andre ter Stegen and remain two points from safety in the relegation zone.
R22
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona)
Barca head coach Xavi was in the stands for thi…
Philippe Coutinho has the characteristics to be a success at Barcelona if he moves to the club from Liverpool, according to fellow Brazilian Rivaldo.
Barca are reported to be preparing a fresh bid worth an initial €110million for Coutinho, having failed with a number of offers for the midfielder in August.
Ernesto Valverde indicated on Wednesday he was unsure whether the club would move for Coutinho again, the player having been featured on leaked promotional material from Nike this week to spark fresh intrigue.
Barca icon Rivaldo, who won a brace of league titles in his five-year spell at Camp Nou, has backed Coutinho for a switch to the Catalan giants.
Coutinho is a very good player and if he ends up signing for Barcelona, he will succeed easily, …