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Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is inspired to keep supporting Sierra Leone in its fight against coronavirus.

The German centre-back has distributed 60,000 facemasks for traders in Sierra Leone and also he donated $101,000 to the country's Free Quality Education initiative.

Late last year, the 27-year-old boosted the morale of medical staff in Germany after he bought pizzas for 420 personnel in 13 hospitals across 10 different cities.

Born to Sierra Leonean parents in Berlin, Rudiger has continued to support the African country and he wants to play a part in Sierra Leone’s development with Ghanaian businessman Nana Kwame Bediako sighted as his role model.

"It was shocking. At some point especially at the beginning like for a couple of months the world was standing still and it makes you think a lot," Rudiger told BBC Sport.

"I have been poor before so I just thought what can I do to help in this type of situation.

"I asked the hospital where I was born what I can do to help then I said for the next three months I am going to pay for food for hospital workers there.

"You saw when I also met the Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio in London. I donated to education in Sierra Leone. I strongly believe in God and that's why it's important for me to share. This is how I grew up.

“I want to be the guy who is also developing our country just like what Nana Kwame Bediako is doing in Ghana. To me, he is like a role model and that's what I want to be in my country.”

Rudiger has made five Premier League appearances for Chelsea this season, and he will be focused on helping the Blues grab their first victory under Thomas Tuchel when they host Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Thomas Tuchel is a “special coach”, says Bo Svensson, although the Mainz manager concedes that he thought the new Chelsea boss had once “lost his marbles” during a memorable meeting with Bayern Munich.

The highly-rated German has just opened up a new chapter in what has already been a productive career in the dugout.

Having followed in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, a fresh start has been made at Stamford Bridge after severing ties with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Tuchel’s reign in west London got off to a record-setting start, as Chelsea passed their way around Wolves, but he could only take a point from a frustrating 0-0 draw.

More is expected of the 47-year-old once he is fully settled in and adjusted to the demands of life in the Premier League, with Roman Abramovich confident that he has found the right man for a testing role.

Svensson is another expecting Tuchel to clear any hurdles put in front of him, with his managerial exploits to date proving that he is not afraid to make bold decisions and think outside the box.

Having played under Tuchel at Mainz, the former Denmark international told DAZN and Goal of the new Blues boss: “You immediately noticed that he is a special coach and that he thinks a little differently.

“I had never seen such an appearance in front of a team or such training in this form as a player.

“There were a few games under Thomas that we were very surprised at. We pressed against Bayern very early in Munich. He didn't set us up for Bayern's strengths.”

In another meeting with Bayern, Tuchel opted to deploy Svensson – a no-nonsense centre-half – in a midfield berth.

The Dane added: “I was very surprised. But it worked, we won. I thought for a moment that he'd lost his marbles when I saw that tactic.”

Chelsea are now buying into those maverick qualities and hope to see an immediate impact made by the man charged with the task of following in Frank Lampard’s footsteps.

Tuchel has called for patience, with a title challenge in 2020-21 being played down, but he is fiercely ambitious and can be expected to deliver more moments of inspiration across his time in England.

Andy Robertson can appreciate why Liverpool came in for criticism during a five-game Premier League wobble, but he saw the Reds looking more like their old selves in a 3-1 win over Tottenham.

Questions had been asked of underperforming stars throughout a title-winning squad as Jurgen Klopp’s side hit an alarming slump in 2020-21.

The reigning champions looked to be in danger of allowing their crown to slip, with untimely injury problems conspiring against them.

Three points and a fresh goal threat were, however, rediscovered during a productive trip to north London, with the likes of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Trent Alexander-Arnold shining once more.

“That's more like us,” Robertson told the Reds’ official website on the back of an eye-catching display at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“Obviously a lot has been said about us the last couple of weeks and some of it justified and some of it maybe not. But we know what industry we are in and that's what happens. Tonight, everything clicked. I thought we were brilliant all over the park.

“The midfield were excellent. You saw Gini [Wijnaldum] in the last minute of the game, incredible. Hendo [Jordan Henderson] stepping in at the back – that's what a captain does, stepping in at that really tough moment. Then Joel [Matip] goes off and he captains the whole team, as well as Nat [Phillips] at the back and helped him through.

“So, it was a really big performance from us. Luckily it all clicked and we were clinical in front of goal and we got a really good result against a really big team.”

Robertson hopes victory over Spurs will act as a springboard for Liverpool, with the Merseyside outfit eager to put an uncharacteristic dip in collective standards behind them.

The Scot added: “Of course you get games when it just doesn't click, and maybe you get four or five a season but it's spread across a season. 

“Ours was unfortunately four or five at once and that's why probably a lot has been said about us. That's fine, we are footballers and we know what industry we are in and everything like that. 

“But we've stuck together on the training ground and everyone is together. Obviously the fans can't be in with us just now but it's important they stick with us.

“It's a unique season, really tight, and we've seen other teams putting runs together and shown where it takes us. And it's up to us to try to put one of them together. 

“But we can't just let this be a one-off, it needs to be the catalyst for a really strong second half of the season.”

Liverpool’s next outing will see them travel to West Ham on Sunday, with Klopp’s men having climbed above the in-form Hammers and into fourth spot – four points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

Zoo FC have finally endorsed the Football Kenya Federation and StarTimes broadcast deal.

The Kericho-based club were among the three ‘rebel’ clubs which initially refused to endorse the deal and at one point were suspended from the league, before being reinstated by a local court ruling.

Goal can now exclusively reveal Zoo have signed the deal to enter into the broadcast deal and have already received a Ksh2.8million grant from the title sponsors courtesy of the federation.

“We hereby endorse the agreement and we shall endeavour to bring the agreement to fruition by cooperating with FKF in performing its obligations under the agreement,” read the agreement letter signed by Zoo chairman Ken Ochieng and obtained by Goal.

“We through this letter of endorsement, pledge to comply with the terms and conditions of the agreement as well as the rules of the game of football and that we shall not enter into any other agreements with third parties in respect of the rights granted to StarTimes [Kenya] Company Limited under the agreement.

“We also undertake to utilise the funds disbursed to us through FKF in respect of the agreement for football activity and for the betterment of the club’s participation in the FKF Premier League.

“In this regard, we authorise FKF to disburse funds in respect of the agreement through our account whose details are outlined in the letter.”

Apart from Zoo, the other two teams yet to sign the deal are Ulinzi Stars and Mathare United and it is not clear when they will endorse the same.

The three teams had initially rejected signing the agreement, arguing they were yet to go through the contract signed between the federation and the Chinese-based pay-TV channel.

The decision forced FKF to suspend two of the clubs and it needed the intervention of the Sports Disputes Tribunal to reinstate them.

Ulinzi Stars were not suspended as they had promised to sign the document, but are yet to do so.

Since being reinstated, Zoo and Mathare United have managed to play five matches each, with the former lying at the bottom of the 18-team table with two points from five matches.

On the other hand, Mathare United are a place above them in position 17 with four points from five matches.

Arsenal legend Lauren has hailed the arrival of Martin Odegaard and has backed the "absolutely brilliant" Norway international to star in the Premier League under Mikel Arteta.

Odegaard completed his loan move from Real Madrid on Wednesday and will spend the remainder of the campaign in north London.

Arsenal do not have an option to turn the move permanent in the summer, but it is understood they have agreed with Madrid to revisit the situation once the season is over to decide on the best way forward.

And Lauren - who won two Premier League titles during his seven-year stay with the Gunners - would love to see the 22-year-old remain at Arsenal for the long-term.

“Absolutely,” the 44-year-old told Goal during an exclusive interview. “Odegaard is a fantastic player.

“I always say that a youngster needs six or seven consecutive games in order to show what he is about.

“Odegaard couldn’t do it at Real Madrid, but he had to replace Modric - who has been the best player in the last few years and there is no patience at Madrid.

“He played just two games [at the start of the season] and you can’t express yourself in two games.

“But the fact he is coming to Arsenal and he is the type of player that [Mikel] Arteta likes, I’m sure he is going to give him those games to express himself and we will see a real talent because he is an absolutely brilliant player.”

Odegaard spent the 2019-20 season on loan with Real Sociedad and enjoyed a superb campaign, scoring seven goals in 36 appearances in all competitions.

He was viewed as one of the stars of the season in La Liga and Lauren believes Arteta will give the young attacker the time and the freedom he needs to express himself and hit similar heights in north London.

“I was watching him when he was at Sociedad and he was just absolutely brilliant,” said the former Gunners right-back.

“If he gets to the level that we saw last season with Sociedad, he will provide a lot of great things.

“He’s got everything, a player who can take the game from the opposition. He’s proven that in La Liga, which is not easy to do.”

Lauren added: “The system that Arteta is playing, that 4-2-3-1, it will suit him because he is going to play behind the striker and in front of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, or whoever Arteta wants to play in front of that backline.

“I will never say to play Odegaard on the wing, he is more of a No.10. If you play 4-4-2 and use him in that four like a diamond [it could work]. He should always be behind the strikers because he is a player who can link very well.

“He can get into the last third and score goals. He is a quality player who can see that final pass. An absolutely fantastic talent.

“If we give him those six or seven games in order to express himself, he’s going to add many good things to Arsenal. I have no doubt.”

One worry Arsenal fans have over the arrival of Odegaard is that it could stifle the development of Emile Smith Rowe, whose emergence in recent weeks has coincided with a dramatic upturn in form that has seen the Gunners win five of their last six league games.

Smith Rowe has been a revelation in the No.10 role behind the striker, picking up three assists and scoring in the FA Cup win against Newcastle.

There is a thought that Odegaard’s arrival could limit the 20-year-old’s opportunities over the second half of the season, but Lauren is not concerned.

“I believe that they could play the two together,” he said. “Why not?

“Smith Rowe could go to the left or to the right and link well with the striker and the midfield players.

“I believe that Smith Rowe is more mobile, he can play more in the wide position if Arteta wants to use him there.

“He understands the game and can get into positions that can damage the opponent going from wide positions. So Arteta can use both of them if he wants

“There are many games to go and you can decide whether to play one of them or both of them.”

Lauren was speaking on behalf of Sportsbet.io, Official Betting Partner of Arsenal FC. Enter here for your chance to win an Arsenal shirt.

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has had a similar transformative effect on the club as Virgil van Dijk did with Liverpool, Richard Dunne believes, with both sides having become immediately more solid at the back upon their arrivals.

Dias signed a six-year contract when joining City last summer and has quickly justified his £61 million ($83m) price tag with a series of excellent defensive performances and winning the club's player of the month award in November.

The solidity and confidence now emanating from City's back line is in stark contrast to that of Liverpool's this season, with the Reds suffering badly due to the long-term injury sustained by centre-back lynchpin Van Dijk.

The Dutchman has been widely credited as being the missing piece of the puzzle that eventually led to Liverpool winning Champions League and Premier League titles, and Dunne feels that Dias has quickly carved out a similar reputation.

“The 5-2 defeat to Leicester in September was a shambles for City. But it’s what they did next that counts – they went out and bought Dias and he has been brilliant for them,” the ex-City skipper told Sunday World.

“I think he has changed that City team, helped get the best form out of John Stones. With the way they play, City will always create chances, they are now looking so confident going forward because they are so solid at the back.

“Dias isn’t what you’d consider a typical Guardiola player. He’s solid, he is good on the ball, but his first job is to defend. I was impressed with his first interview at the club when he said, 'I’m a winner, I am a leader'.

“City didn’t want another ball-playing centre-back, they needed a central defender who could defend, who had that mentality of keeping a clean sheet, keeping his focus on doing that and leaving it to the attacking players to score.

“It’s not far off what Liverpool did with Virgil van Dijk. Once they got Van Dijk in, everything else seemed to just work well.”

With Dias' presence having helped to solidify the defence, Dunne feels that City now have everything required to win the Premier League while other title chasers contend with various issues.

“Manchester City will be very, very hard to stop,” he said. “I can’t see any weakness in the City side. No one else is creating chances like them, they look to be a far happier squad than anyone else in the top six.

“City look like a side who are taking great pleasure in keeping clean sheets, they have Joao Cancelo able to move from full-back into central midfield, and they have that tactical nous that everyone else seems to be lacking. City were always vulnerable to counterattacks, now with Dias in the side they stop them before they start.

“Manchester United don’t have that, and neither do Liverpool, with Van Dijk out injured.

“They are growing as a team, their confidence is high at a time when everyone else in the top six is being tested, and even though they have lost Kevin De Bruyne, they have clicked. Every other team has problems, but it’s all falling City’s way now.”

Anthony Martial has been “very harshly” treated during “a pretty difficult time”, says Dwight Yorke, with the Manchester United striker being backed to silence his critics if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keeps faith.

The France international forward was handed the No.9 shirt and a central striking berth at Old Trafford in the wake of Romelu Lukaku’s departure during the summer of 2019.

Questions were immediately asked of whether a man who had been filling a wide role for club and country was a suitable option to lead the line for an ambitious Premier League heavyweight.

Martial hit a career-best 23 goals in the 2019-20 campaign, but he did not convince everybody and has just five efforts to his name this season through 25 appearances.

Yorke believes the 25-year-old is being unfairly singled out, with the 1999 Treble winner telling United’s official website: “He’s had a pretty difficult time, at times, hasn’t he and I think he’s been singled out, in my opinion, very harshly.

“I think he’s a fantastic player for what he brings to the team but has probably, in my opinion, been singled out far too often. He’s done a fantastic job and is still only a young guy.

“Coming into our league in England is very difficult for any guy and he’s still at that, I call it, the football education stage. He’s still 25 and has a couple of years before he really blossoms into the footballer he should become.

“He’s still at that learning curve but, yeah, I feel winning takes care of everything. It’s an old cliche but, when you’re scoring goals as a striker, that will always take care of everything.

“At the moment, he’s not doing that and people always point the finger at an individual or a few individuals, singling him out at the moment. So, for me, it’s been harshly done but, at the end of the day, being a Manchester United player, you are always going to have people trying to do that.

“You’re under that scrutiny, so to speak, so you have to rise above it and show what you’re capable of doing. I’m sure he can produce the football we’ve seen in the past and get back to that and it will take care of everything else.”

Yorke added, with Martial seeing a goal that could have got him back on track disallowed in a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United: “Well, that’s all it takes sometimes. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen but, at the end of the day, you know when the team loses, people can get criticised, including the manager and players. It’s part and parcel of the game.

“It’s all results based and, if you’re not getting the results you’re supposed to be getting, good results and it doesn’t go for you, you always come under scrutiny.

“I don’t read too much into the media. I’ve lived that media life as a player and you have got to trust yourself to get that belief from the manager and within the squad for what you’re capable of doing. Not to prove to people but to prove to yourself.

“That’s the first and most important thing – to prove to yourself and the manager because the fans will jump on after that. It’s all about the manager picking him up and giving him the confidence to go out there and really perform like he can.

“There’s an easy solution to all of this conversation, it is to score the goals that win football matches. If you can do that and everything else takes care of itself, like I said.

“I hope Ole kind of lets him unleash his talents against Arsenal. Hopefully, he can do the business and people will get back to talking about his football rather than criticising him.”

The Red Devils are due to take in a trip to Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with that contest presenting Solskjaer’s title hopefuls with a chance to get back to winning ways.

Franklin Sasere claims his uninspiring Lugano sojourn served to motivate him as he scored his first career hat-trick when Hamrun Spartans defeated Valletta 3-0 in a Malta elite division outing on Wednesday.

Manager Mark Buttigieg is investing plenty of faith in the 22-year-old Nigerian and was rewarded with a notable treble to help his team remain at the summit of the Maltese Premier League.

Sasere, who was loaned to Tas-sikkina from the Swiss top-flight at the beginning of the 2020-21 campaign, was well aware of criticism of his performances at Lugano but says it only fuelled him to improve.

“I feel proud scoring my first career hat-trick. I have been working so hard for it and I’m happy it came against Valletta FC,” Sasere told Goal.

“I know that I struggled at Lugano because that was my first time in Europe plus I found it difficult to adapt, which drew negative criticism from those I felt should cheer me up.

“Of a truth, they keep my fire burning. Maybe without them, I wouldn’t have woken up from my slumber. Now that I have scored my first career treble, hopefully, I can keep painting everywhere with goals.

“I dedicate these goals to my family because they made me see hope when I felt all was lost.”

Sasere now boasts of 11 goals in 16 outings this term, while his contribution as a leader in the team has been priceless.

Unbeaten in their last 12 games in all competitions, Hamrun Spartans are guests of relegation-threatened Senglea Athletic in their next league fixture and the former Sunshine Stars player says his team will not underrate Vladan Tomic’s side, who occupies the base of the log with just two points from 16 outings.

“On paper, Senglea are underdogs but the reality is that the game is 11 players versus 11 players,” he continued.

“If we approach the game with a lukewarm attitude, we could be given the shocker of our life.

"So, I want to assure you and everyone out there that we will play them like our lives depend on it and, hopefully, we will come out victorious.”

Uchechi Sunday netted the solitary goal for Maccabi Kiryat Gat as her side claimed a 1-0 victory over Hapoel Be'er Sheva on Thursday.

The Nigeria international enjoyed a winning debut against Hapoel Petach Tikva on December 24 before opening her Israeli league goal account against Hapoel Ra'anana in her side's outing on January 7.

The striker was handed her fourth start for Kiryat Gat and she played a decisive role in her side's fourth win on the bounce.

Following a 3-0 win against Maccabi Emek Hefer on Monday, they were aiming for back-to-back home triumphs and Sunday's 22nd-minute goal crucially proved the match-winner for Kiryat Gat.

The result at Kiryat Gat Stadium takes Maccabi to the top of the Israeli Ligat Al log with 12 points from four games this season, while Hapoel Be'er Sheva are eighth with two points from five games.

Uchechi, who has now scored twice in four games, saw 75 minutes of action and Ghana's Sumaila Sherifatu lasted the duration while Cameroon's Genevieve Mbeleck played for 89 minutes for Kiryat Gat.

On the other hand, Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali played from start to finish for Andrea Bercholc's team, along with Ghana's Blessing Agbomadzi.

Maccabi Kiryat will face off with local rivals Maccabi Kishronot Hadera in their next encounter on February 2.

While Hapoel Be'er Sheba search for their first win of the season against Hapoel Ra'anana on the same day.

West Ham United have completed the signing of Said Benrahma on a long-term contract that will keep him at the club until 2026.

Benrahma joined the Hammers from Championship club Brentford on an initial loan in October and he has played in 14 matches so far, which include 12 Premier League appearances.

The deal is reportedly worth around £26 million after West Ham paid up to £21.75m on top of a £4.25m loan fee previously agreed.

He is yet to break his Premier League duck but he has made two assists for David Moyes' side this campaign.

Back in December after making his full league debut against Leeds United, the Algerian forward appreciated his teammates and coaches for his quick adaptation to life at the London Stadium.

“Step by step, game after game and the more I play, I am getting a good feeling with the team and I am happy with the way I am adapting,” Benrahma told the club website.

“All my teammates and coaches have helped me to settle in here at the Club, which has been good for me.

“I play for the team and to be effective, not for myself, and the purpose of this skill is to create a chance or a goal.”

The Algeria international moved to England in 2018 to join Brentford and during his two-year stint at the club, he contributed 30 goals and 31 assists in 94 appearances for the Bees.

The 25-year-old also won several accolades in the Championship - Brentford Supporters' Player of the Year for 2019-20, a spot in the Championship PFA Team of the Year for 2019-20 amongst others.

He also had stints in France with Ligue 1 clubs Nice and Angers, and second-division outfits Chateauroux and Gazelec Ajaccio.

Gareth Bale may need to consider taking the “easy option” of heading to MLS or China, admits Harry Redknapp, with the former Tottenham boss not convinced that Jose Mourinho ever wanted the Welshman back in north London.

A retracing of career steps was taken in by a 31-year-old forward during the summer of 2020.

Having seen a dream spell at Real Madrid turn into something of a nightmare, Bale jumped at the chance to rejoin the Premier League club that catapulted him to superstardom.

A season-long loan deal has not worked out as planned for all concerned, with more niggling fitness problems restricting a proven performer to just 14 appearances across all competitions.

Questions are now being asked of whether Bale will ever rediscover his spark, with Redknapp conceding that a star that once illuminated world football may now be on the wane.

The ex-Spurs boss has told Stadium Astro: “If he isn’t going to do it at Tottenham, where is he going to do it? Does he have to take the easy option of going to America or China to play?

“He is obviously not showing a lot to Jose to make him want to play him. He is bringing people on who, I’m not being disrespectful, couldn’t lace his boots. He’s been on another planet to them as a player.”

Erik Lamela was introduced ahead of Bale in Tottenham’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool, as a Wales international saw just nine minutes off the bench, and Redknapp believes Mourinho has never been convinced by the four-time Champions League winner.

He added: “I don’t know whether he was Jose’s signing. Jose might think he doesn’t fancy him now, because he never plays him.

“To bring him on with 10 minutes to go was a token effort, the game was gone. To bring on people like Lamela before him, I doubt very much whether he was a Jose signing – it was more Daniel [Levy] bringing him back.”

Redknapp added on Bale’s demise, which has seen him struggle at Spurs on the back of being frozen out in Madrid by Zinedine Zidane: “He has got to show that he is worth a place. He has got to show that he can still do it, in training or whatever.

“I haven’t seen him explode, what he used to have. He was unplayable, he had a spell for me at Tottenham and then at Real Madrid where he was incredible. He hasn’t shown that.

“He looks like has hasn’t got that running power, that pace, at the moment. Everyone has a certain day when they hit a brick wall, maybe he has.”

Simba CEO Barbara Gonzalez has explained the club has not yet sealed the services of Doxa Gikanji to avoid rendering him ineligible for the ongoing African Nations Championship.

The midfielder is part of the Democratic Republic of Congo squad that has qualified for the quarter-finals of the biennial competition in Cameroon.

The administrator has further insisted everything regarding the player has been finalized.

"We have discussed everything and reached an agreement with Gikanji," Barbara told Clouds FM.

"We had expected to complete his signing earlier but now that DR Congo have qualified to the last eight of the competition, we cannot do it.

"If we push and sign him, he will automatically be disqualified from the competition because it is meant for players who are plying trade in their respective domestic leagues.

"Now that DR Congo are in quarters, maybe we wait until early February before we seal his services."

The 30-year-old has also told off rivals Yanga SC, who are still pushing for the club to be punished for signing Ghanaian forward Bernard Morrison, who they claim had a legit running contract.

"Yanga are like pushing to be reunited with a lover who has decided to move on already," Barbara continued.

"They are still fighting for someone who has moved on and does not want to be with them. It does not make sense.

"Nevertheless, the case is on-going and our legal department is dealing with it."

Barbara has further explained the role of the new Wekundu wa Msimbazi forward Perfect Chikwende, who was signed from FC Platinum of Zimbabwe.

"We have signed Chikwende specifically for the Tanzania Mainland League duties. That is where he will be helping us; he will not play a role in Caf Champions League competition," she added. 

The forward was part of the Platinum team that was eliminated from the Champions League by the East African heavyweights after a 4-1 aggregate win in a two-legged affair.

In the group stage of the Champions League, Simba have been drawn in Group A alongside Al-Ahly of Egypt, AS Vita from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh.

Former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet has urged patience with Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, stating that early promise upon arrival was fuelled by the adrenaline of making a big move and that time must be given for the pair to adapt to English football.

Werner appeared to hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge, notching nine goals and six assists across all competitions since arriving from RB Leipzig, but has found form hard to come by in recent weeks and was left on the bench entirely for the Blues' latest clash with Wolves.

Havertz, meanwhile, has yet to fully show English audiences what he is capable of, with only one Premier League goal and three assists recorded.

The sacking of Frank Lampard and subsequent arrival of Thomas Tuchel has left many wondering whether hiring a fellow German will mark a turning point for the out-of-form duo.

Poyet is sympathetic to the plight of the big-money pair, highlighting the abundance of different styles with which teams can play in the Premier League and that adapting to the rigours of England's top tier will come in time.

“I think at the beginning [of the season] it was decent [for Chelsea]. I think when you have new players, the adrenaline of these players is incredible,” Poyet told Perform Stats News.

“They bring something special to the club, but then to maintain that, especially for the young players, is very, very difficult. 

“So, there is a period of adrenaline in which you're going to give a lot. There is a period of adaptation and then there is English football, which even if you think that you know, I promise you, you don't until you are on the pitch every weekend. 

“Every game is a different story, every game is a different challenge. Today, you play against a team that are going to keep the ball, and tomorrow you're going to get a team that is going to play long ball and you're going to have to defend 100 balls in the box.

“And then the next day, somebody's playing on the break, and the next day somebody plays the same system as you, and then you change and they change. So every game is a different challenge.

“I think it's been tough, especially for the young ones, especially for Havertz and Werner. Because you know they're playing now in a low moment and, normally it happens unfortunately for us, the decision to bring something different is by changing the manager.”

Chelsea's next clash sees them play host to Burnley in the Premier League before taking in a trip to face Jose Mourinho's Tottenham.

Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Ulinzi Stars could be forced to look for an alternative venue as Afraha Stadium is set to undergo renovations.

Ulinzi Stars have always been hosting their home matches at the Nakuru facility which has now been earmarked for a 14-month renovation process.

“The 8,200-seater Afraha Stadium in Nakuru Town East Sub-County has been handed to the contractor for an upgrade to international standards,” the County Government of Nakuru, which manages the stadium, announced on Friday via a Facebook post.

“The first phase of the project with an initial sitting capacity of 20,000 is estimated to cost KSh650 million and will be complete in 14 months.

“The upgrade that will see the stadium house all sporting disciplines and a convention centre will be done in phases over five years.

“Governor Lee Kinyanjui's administration seeks to place Nakuru County as a premier sports and conferencing destination.”

The Soldiers are not the only side that has used the stadium as their home ground as Posta Rangers, KCB, and Zoo FC have held their home games there. In fact, Zoo shifted base at the beginning of the season as their own Green Stadium in Kericho is undergoing renovations too.

Apart from the top-tier clubs, lower league outfits are also expected to be affected by the KSh650 million renovation process.

Posta Rangers could be forced to secure the Ole Ntimama Stadium in the neighbouring Narok County as their alternative ground again. Sofapaka and Wazito FC have also hosted games at the Narok multipurpose stadium.

A number of facilities have been put under renovation affecting the leagues' programmes. Nyayo Stadium – which has always been used by the Harambee Stars as well as Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards – had been unavailable for almost four years since the upgrading works started in 2017 until late 2020.

Ruaraka Ground – home to Tusker and a number of National Super League sides – have also at numerous times been declared unavailable. That has always forced teams to overuse either Camp Toyoyo or Moi International Sports Complex at Kasarani.

Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County has often offered an alternative to the clubs especially from the Nairobi region.

Martin Odegaard should have no problem adjusting to the demands of life in the Premier League at Arsenal, says Ray Parlour, with the Norwegian midfielder having operated under the brightest of spotlights at Real Madrid since he was 16 years of age.

Another hot prospect has been added to the ranks at Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Arteta moving to snap up the highly-rated playmaker on a loan deal through to the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

That agreement could be made permanent if Odegaard impresses in north London, with the 22-year-old hoping to see the regular game time that has been denied him throughout a testing spell in the Spanish capital .

“I’m sure he’s settled in okay,” former Arsenal winger Parlour told talkSPORT of the Gunners’ latest addition.

“It’s a good environment to be around, you are looked after. Everything is there for the players on a daily basis to improve.

“He will enjoy it. There is not as much pressure on you because there is no crowd. But he has been at Real Madrid so he is used to pressure and playing in big games. I’m sure he can handle that situation.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing, if he does play, what he can bring to the team.”

There is no doubting Odegaard’s ability, with his potential having been noted from a young age, but he is a Premier League novice and will not be as match sharp as he could be.

He also faces the challenge of trying to oust Emile Smith Rowe from a settled Arsenal side , with there plenty of youthful exuberance to be found in Arteta’s ranks.

“I imagine he’s looking at him as a number 10,” Parlour added. “Smith Rowe is well in front of him at the moment because he is playing so well, but it’s another option from the bench.

“Sixteen years old, signing for Real Madrid, the next Messi, there has been a lot of pressure on the young man. He’s gone out last year on loan and played really well. I think Mikel Arteta has looked at that and thought we can nurture him a little bit more, improve him a bit more.

“They have got some good youngsters, Arsenal. You look at [Bukayo] Saka, Smith Rowe, [Gabriel] Martinelli – that is the future for Arsenal Football Club.

“If he does well when he gets his opportunity then I’m sure at the end of the season they are trying to get a deal done with Real Madrid to sign him. He could be another good youngster going forward.”

Odegaard could make his debut for Arsenal in a crunch clash with Manchester United on Saturday, with the Gunners looking to extend a six-game unbeaten run in the Premier League that has delivered 16 points from a possible 18.

Kieran Tierney is “one of the best left-backs in the Premier League” and a model of consistency for Arsenal that is not “flashy” and a steady “seven out of 10 and above every week”, says Nigel Winterburn.

The Scotland international defender continues to see his stock soar at Emirates Stadium during his second season in north London.

The Gunners knew what they were buying into when doing a deal with Celtic in 2019, with Tierney having seen a move to the Premier League mooted for some time.

Injuries stunted his early progress, but Tierney is now a key part of Mikel Arteta’s plans and a man being billed as a future Arsenal captain in the making.

Winterburn, who once filled the same role for the Gunners, believes the 23-year-old is already part of British football’s elite, telling FreeSuperTips: “When Kieran Tierney first came to Arsenal, he was injured and unable to train with the team. He came in on a separate rehabilitation programme initially, but now we are starting to see what he can really produce on a regular basis. 

“He’s one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, when you consider his consistency, his crossing and the chances he creates.

“How successful he will be will depend on how many games he plays, how many trophies he wins, but he's up there with the best full-backs in the Premier League. His level of performance has been great.

“You don't need anything flashy from your defenders, you need them to do their job well and be seven out of 10 and above every week, which is exactly what he does.” 

While Tierney continues to thrive on the left, it has been suggested that Arsenal could do with finding an upgrade on Hector Bellerin in their right-back berth.

Winterburn added on those claims: “A team will always look to see whether they can improve in certain positions. As a manager, along with your coaching staff and scouting network, you’d never say you were looking for a position to upgrade.

"They may not be looking for upgrades in certain positions and for their main players, but if a player pops up that could be better - or eventually be better - than what you’ve got, you’d be silly not to consider them.

“Hector Bellerin had that sensational season a few years ago but he picked up a bad injury and he’s still working through that injury.

“If I’m honest, his performances haven’t been quite there. At times I feel he’s fully recovered and performing like he used to, and then other times I think he’s not quite there yet. He's Arsenal’s first choice right-back, and that's apparent within the selection of this team at this moment in time.” 

Despite their triumph over Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 competition earlier this season, Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer says his side will be underdogs in Saturday's Soweto derby.

Pirates beat Chiefs 3-0 on October 31 last year and followed that up with a 2-0 victory eight days later, in the two-legged MTN8 semi-finals.

The Buccaneers then went on to beat Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 in the final to end a six-year wait for silverware.

Since then, however, it's not been all plain sailing for the Bucs ship and the team has battled for consistency over the past month, winning two, drawing three and losing two of seven league games.

Chiefs, meanwhile, started the season in poor form but have improved of late and head into the derby on a five-match unbeaten run, thanks in part to the return from injury of striker Samir Nurkovic.

“I think the [Pirates] players know what is happening with Kaizer Chiefs at the moment," the German was quoted saying by the Citizen.

"Yes, maybe it wasn’t a good start into the season but now they are coming close to us by getting more points on the table. We know they have a big squad, good squad and Nurkovic is back and he is a player who gives a team a lot of advantage."

Zinnbauer also paid tribute to his opposite number, four-time title-winning coach Gavin Hunt, as well as the quality in the Amakhosi squad.

“The squad that they have [is strong]. It is not like we are going to go there and get three points easily. No, this is going to be a fight, this is a big game," the Sea Robbers tactician said.

“They have a coach who has a lot of experience in this league. He won titles and championships, he knows his business. Yes, we won the last two games in the MTN8 but it’s a different view now.

“We are playing a league game and we are fighting for three points. They are the favourites, they got the second place last year (in the league) and went to the Champions League.”

NorthEast United, now fifth with 18 points from 13 games, have made a brave recovery in their 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign ahead of the Mumbai City test on Saturday.

They defeated the current league leaders in their opening game and recently having picked back-to-back wins over Jamshedpur and ATK Mohun Bagan, club assistant Alison Kharsyntiew believes that they can continue their good run of form and do the double over Mumbai City. 

"First of all, I would like to give credit to the players for their hard work and good performance in the last two games. Hopefully, we will continue with the same spirit in tomorrow's match. Mumbai City, unbeaten 12 games, are a good team but we must believe that we can beat them tomorrow. We just have to be disciplined in our attacking and defending principles and be confident. 

"We have beaten them once but tomorrow is a new game and a fresh challenge for us. I'm sure that the players will be putting in their best efforts to get three points tomorrow," he said.

With regard to dealing with one of the best attacking threat in the league, the former Shillong Lajong coach thinks they can weather the storm and hit Mumbai at the opportune moment.

"It's very simple. We have to communicate well and be disciplined. If we can do that for 90 minutes, I think we can surely get over them. We need to dictate the play and control the game. If we don't have the ball, we need to be patient, create chances and utilise them," Kharsyntiew stated.

NorthEast United defender Benjamin Lambot meanwhile emphasised that nothing much has changed at the club since Khalid Jamil has taken over from Gerard Nus.

"We know coach Khalid from the beginning of the season. So for us, it was not much of a change. We kept doing the same work and brought a bit more discipline in the last few games. We did the same basics and the coach brings in his little touch. We can see in our game that all players are giving their 100 percent. 

"The main problem for us was the set pieces but you can see now that we are stronger on this point because we have been working on that. All the teams have good offensive lines but if you score more than the opponents it's the most important thing in football. So we have to push them and defensively we will try to be stronger. Of course, Mumbai City have a strong attacking line but we can take them like any other team in order to go for the win tomorrow," the Belgian underlined. 

The Ugandan Premier League secretariat has confirmed the new dates for the two rescheduled matches for Vipers Sports Club.

The games had been postponed as the Venoms were taking part in the Caf Champions League but will now have to play them before the rest of the league resumes on February 6.

Vipers – who have confirmed the return of Yunus Ssentamu to bolster the striking area - will host Malaba Youth Development Association (MYDA) on February 6 at the St Mary’s Stadium before a game against former league champions Express FC – who are sixth with eight points - at Wankulukuku Stadium three days later.

MYDA will be the first home tie for Vipers in 2021 as the two teams meet for the first time since the firmer were promoted to the top-flight. The Malaba club has struggled in the league, and are yet to win a single game currently sitting six places below Vipers who are seventh.

The Ugandan league has been on recess since December as the decision was taken in order to accord the national team ample time to participate in the African Nations Championship.

The Cranes have been eliminated in the tournament after posting a 0-0 draw against Rwanda, a 2-1 loss to Togo and finally a 5-2 defeat to Morocco.

It was a huge setback for the Cecafa record champions given the high-profile preparations they were accorded before the tournament started in Cameroon.

The exit of the national team from Chan is not the only setback Ugandan football has suffered as Vipers and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA FC) were also defeated in Caf assignments.

Vipers were eliminated by Al-Hilal of Sudan in the preliminary round of Champions League while KCCA – even though they did not play the first leg as 12 players were infected by the coronavirus – were defeated by AS Kigali of Rwanda in the first round of Confederation Cup.

Premier League matchday six will begin on February 12 when Police FC will play Kyetume FC while BUL FC will be at home to face 13-time league champions Kasasiro Boys.

Mbarara City will welcome Wakiso Giants while Onduparaka FC will clash with Busoga United.