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Miguel Herrera has blasted his players after their 2-1 win over Club Tijuana to open the Liga MX season, saying they "did not have a good game" and need to correct their approach to match his instructions.

It was Herrera's first league match in charge, and several key senior players including French duo Andre-Pierre Gignac and Florian Thauvin were away from the team on international duty, but he nonetheless expected better.

Tigres took a two-goal advantage through Carlos Gonzalez and Juan Pablo Vigon before conceding a bizarre deflected goal in the 74th minute to force a tense final stretch.

What has been said?

"We did not have a good game, but I like the dedication and determination, suddenly when we remembered what we want to play," Herrera told reporters.

"This group has roots of [a long time] playing in the same way, we are trying and working to change it. Instead of pushing forwards they maintain possession, delay the game and even play with the goalkeeper. We want to eradicate that, we are really going to change it, but it is not overnight.

"We did not have a great game, but we got the result. We have to correct things, the tournament is very long and we have absences, but the team surrendered ... and it's clear that there is still a long way to go before the team becomes what we want it to be.

"Not only the French [at the Olympics], there are two Mexicans missing from our squad. ... The team will be more solid."

Praise for Vigon

Herrera did acknowledge the workrate of Vigon, who provided Tigres' second goal with a header.

"Vigon did well what we are asking him, that he has that dedication and recovery that he has shown so much," Hererra said.

Further reading

Rangers defender Leon Balogun has revealed some of Steven Gerrard’s traits which include his communication skills with the players.

Balogun enjoyed a successful debut season in Scotland in 2020-21 as the former Liverpool midfielder guided the Gers to win their 55th Premiership title, without losing a match.

The Nigeria international disclosed that the team’s success is down to the way Gerrard bonds with them and the manner he uses to pass his instructions.

“Sometimes it feels like he (Gerrard) is just your pal or one of your teammates,” Balogun told the Beautiful Game Podcast.

“He has the banter with you but then he just knows how to switch. He doesn’t have to scream at us. Sometimes he just has to give you that look and you know, you’re not going to mess it up now because you don’t want to get that look and be the one.

“It helps that he (Gerrard) is a legend himself but also the way he treats his players, and not just him but Mick Beale, he does an amazing job, TC (Tom Culshaw), Gary McAllister.

“They all do their parts. The way they treat you as a human being first and foremost. They understand how to manage their players and that makes it easier. Especially with the manager, Steven Gerrard.”

After impressing in his debut season with his defensive contributions that helped Rangers win the Scottish top-flight, Balogun was handed another one-year contract in April that will keep him at the Ibrox until the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

“It’s been an amazing experience,” he said. “I just joined for this glorious successful year so I think they really learned from mistakes in the past.

“That’s what makes a champion, you don’t dwell on your mistakes, you learn from them and that’s what they did.

“They made sure everyone gets that in your DNA. It didn’t feel hard to focus, it was just taking game by game and making sure we are the best version of ourselves.

“That’s what he (Gerrard) kept telling us, we have to be the best version of ourselves today. The way they set standards, they give you confidence and I cannot say one bad word. It’s been fantastic.”

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has apologised to a journalist after his latest press conference.

The South African threatened to storm out of the post-match conference while defending Marwan Mohsen, who has been the subject of online abuse. 

The tactician chose to start Mohsen ahead of Mohamed Sherif and Walter Bwalya against Entag El-Harby on Sunday, even though he has been subjected to criticism. Bwalya then came on and scored the winner in added time as the African champions recorded a 3-2 victory.

After Al Ahly translator Amr Moheb, later on, explained what the journalist was trying to say, the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach was quick to apologise.

"I am sorry I did not understand what you were saying. I don’t speak Arabic," Mosimane said as quoted by Kingfut.

"I remembered the time when you talked to me about El-Shennawy so I thought you were trying to interrupt."

The dramatic victory against Entag El-Harby brought Al Ahly closer to Zamalek at the top of the table and the South African coach lauded his players, describing them as "tough fighters".

"We will fight to win the league title, and many difficult matches await us," he added. "In the league, there are many teams that play purely defensively against us and rely on counter-attacks, which can not be criticised," he said.

"The game was full of mixed emotions, full of goals, and everyone enjoyed watching it.

"The match showed us that everything is possible in football, everything can happen, and the game ends with the referee’s whistle. What happened reminded me of the Arab Contractors clash when we scored three goals in the second half to win 3-2.

"My team has a lot of tough fighters, they give their all during difficult times. I substituted defenders for forwards because we needed to score, and Bwalya deserved to score, he went through a lot."

Al Ahly are second with 55 points, as archrivals Zamalek lead with 61 points, although the latter have played two more games.

The Red Devils have only dropped points once in the last five games as they plan to engage Aswan, Wadi Degla, Ceramica Cleopatra and Ismaily in their next league assignments.

Barcelona's alleged online barrage against former club figures such as Pep Guardiola and Joan Laporta was a damage control operation in order to “protect” the club's prestige from attacks by those individuals, claims I3 Ventures owner Carlos Ibanez.

The Blaugrana remain embroiled in a long-running scandal, dubbed “Barcagate”, with former president Josep Maria Bartomeu said to have hired I3 in a bid to hit back at criticism involving how poorly the club was being run under his watch.

Ibanez, currently facing trial on corruption charges, has now provided further context as to what he helped deliver for the disgraced ex-supremo at Camp Nou, who was arrested in March over connections with the case.

What has been said?

Asked in court why focus was given to figures such as Guardiola and Laporta, among others, Ibanez indicated that it was a protective measure for the club rather that one intended to deface the individuals in question, arguing: “It has to do not with improving Barca's prestige, but with protecting it from harm.

“All the people you mention attacked Barca and what we did was try to control the damage. We had to protect the institution from harm. If someone says that [former coach Ernesto] Valverde has to go because Guardiola is a soccer star, what one of these channels does is show that Pep Guardiola has not won any championship for three seasons.

“Does that discredit Guardiola? No. This is a reality, it is a fact. If you don't win championships, you don't win championships. Do not attack Valverde, who is part of our institution, saying that Guardiola is going to be the saviour when he does not actually win championships.”

What is Barcagate?

Barcagate is the name given to the operation and subsequent exposure in 2020 of I3 Ventures' work for the club that began in 2017, when they were reportedly contacted by Bartomeu to help stave off negative criticism of the president's time at the helm.

Under Ibanez, the company ran a fleet of social media accounts that coordinated criticism upon various figures associated with the club, such as former player and manager Guardiola, ex-president Laporta and local media mogul Jaume Roures, among others.

The ostensible reason for the project was to protect Bartomeu through an apparent offensive strategy - though given the fallout that continued to endure under his watch, including an empty-handed 2019-20 campaign and Lionel Messi's push for the exit door, its success remained relatively limited in scope.

The bigger picture

Barcelona will continue to look to pull out of the stormy days of the Bartomeu era under Laporta, who returned for a second spell at the helm of the club in March this year.

They remain mired in financial trouble, however, with Lionel Messi out of contract and the club currently unable to re-sign him until they have balanced the books.

Though the Argentine - fresh from winning the Copa America - is believed to have agreed to a new deal on reduced terms in principle, it is yet to be confirmed as La Liga's new campaign looms on the near-horizon.

Further reading

2020 Olympic football is in full swing, with Africa’s quartet enjoying mixed fortunes during the first two gameweeks across the men and women’s competitions.

These footballers will know that they are walking in the footsteps of giants, and aiming to emulate one of the greatest national sides in the history of African football.

In 1996, in Atlanta, Nigeria became the first African team to win Olympic gold in the football competition—and indeed, there has never been—before or since—a side from the continent who have surpassed this triumph in a major men’s competition.

The Eagles’ performance in the United States will live forever in the memories of those who experienced it, not least because of those vibrant triumphs against Brazil and Argentina in the semi-final and final.

Names like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Celestine Babayaro will forever be remembered among Nigeria’s all-time greats, and their exploits will indelibly be emblazoned in the minds of those who witnessed their feats.

This week on Goal, we are delighted to speak with one of the legends of that side—the great Garba Lawal—as he sits down with Shina Oludare to discuss his memories of that remarkable triumph in Atlanta.

Lawal remembers the inspirational advice of Jo Bonfrere, the big performances among his teammates, and those unforgettable clashes with Brazil and Argentina.

It’s a walk down memory lane, and a beautiful tribute to an iconic team by a man who was at the heart of that glorious success.

The versatile Lawal featured in every one of Nigeria’s matches at the tournament—as the Eagles marched to the gold—and subsequently sealed a move to Roda JC on the back of that triumph.

Having previously played for Julius Berger in his homeland and Tunisian giants Esperance, Lawal went on to taste life in Bulgaria, Sweden, Portugal, Greece and China.

He eventually returned to Nigeria 12 years after he’d left, again representing Julius Berger before wrapping up his career after a stint with Lobi Stars.

The gold-medal winner amassed over a half-century of caps for Nigeria between 1997 and 2006, representing the Eagles at the World Cups of 1998 and 2002.

He was also part of the Nigeria side that reached at least the semi-finals of four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, although they would never again quite recreate that feat of 1996.

Nordsjaelland midfielder Francis Abu believes the club will come good despite their disappointing start to the Danish Superliga season.

In the absence of talisman Kamaldeen Sulemana who has left for French fold Rennes, the Wild Tigers are struggling to find their rhythm this term, having gone without a win in their opening two games.

FCN opened the campaign with a disappointing home defeat to Viborg before being held to a draw, once again at home, by AGF on Sunday.

"I'm pretty sure the three points will probably come. The match against Viborg was not our best, but we had a much better expression yesterday against AGF, where you could see that we have raised our level," Francis told his club's official website.

On the opening day of the season, Nordsjaelland lost 2-1 at Farum. On Sunday, they did raise their game further up to force a 0-0 stalemate.

"I actually think we deserved to win [on Sunday]. We had the ball the most. Unfortunately, we did not manage to get it in the box.

"We fought really hard yesterday, controlled the ball and did our best, but it was not quite enough. We should have created more great chances. I think you could see that we have improved."

Last season, Francis, who joined FCN from feeder Ghanaian club Right to Dream Academy, was deployed in more attacking positions, particularly on the flanks or as a supporting striker.

This term, he has featured in all two matches so far in a deeper midfielder role.

"I feel really comfortable in midfield. I also played it in the training matches up to the season where I had three good matches," said the 20-year-old.

"At the Right to Dream Academy, I actually played centrally before I came to Farum.

"Then I have tried to develop myself by playing other positions, which shows one of the strengths of FC Nordsjaelland.

"I'm just glad I can help the team as best I can. We have been looking forward to starting the season and I feel we are in a great place."

Francis and FCN will be eyeing their first win of the campaign when they play as guests of Sonderjyske in their next match.

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Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has announced the launch of his football academy in England on Monday.

The 'Wilfried Zaha Academy' will start operations in South London this summer with only kids between the ages of 5 to 12 allowed to enrol for the football camp.

Zaha’s gesture is believed to be one of the ways he is giving back to Croydon – a community in South London where he grew up after he left Abidjan with his family at a tender age.

The academy's operations have started on Monday with the summer football camp that will go on for about five weeks until August 27.

The football camp has daily morning and evening sessions with development and one-on-one sessions.

“Today is the day guys! Wilfried Zaha Academy begins today and I’m so excited I decided I’m going to give away two signed shirts,” Zaha wrote on his Instagram.

Zaha has spent the majority of his career in South London, after rising through the youth ranks at Crystal Palace between 2004 and 2010.

He made his professional debut for the Eagles in a 2-1 Championship loss to Cardiff City after replacing Stern John as an 80th-minute substitute on March 27, 2010.

After an unsuccessful two-year stint at Manchester United where he played just 28 minutes of football in two Premier League games, the 28-year-old returned to Selhurst Park in 2015 and he has become an indispensable player in the Eagles attack.

Zaha finished as Crystal Palace's top scorer last season with 11 goals in 30 Premier League matches and he will be looking to continue his attacking dominance under Patrick Vieira who replaced Roy Hodgson at the helm earlier this month.

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi says it will be “a difficult” decision for the coaches to make regarding the future of Itumeleng Khune as they try to create a reliable goalkeeping department. 

Chiefs recently signed former Bidvest Wits goalkeeper Brandon Peterson to add to their pool of four goalkeepers.

Peterson joins Khune, Daniel Akpeyi, Bruce Bvuma and Brylon Petersen in the Amakhosi goalkeeping department.

One shot-stopper could be released ahead of the 2021/22 season in what makes Khune’s future uncertain.

Khune made a number of glaring blunders which became the topic of his future at the club. 

“Chiefs are the ones who should answer these questions about the future of Itu at the club. One thing we know is, his contract is up and there has not been anything about a new contract,” Baloyi told Sowetan Live.

“There have been rumours about Khune since January, that he signed [for a club] in Qatar, so obviously we will wait to hear. But if they signed this guy [Peterson], it means someone has to leave out of the other four goalkeepers that are there.

“The club will say who is going to leave. Bvuma has been playing, so has Akpeyi, and Khune has been playing a bit. It will be the one who is number four for the rest of the season.  

“From our side, we will just be making assumptions but we don’t know what their stance is. Last season, there was no out-and-out number one.”

It is not yet clear if Chiefs brought in Peterson because of the possibility that Khune could go to Qatar.

There was stiff competition among Chiefs' goalkeepers last season as there was no certain starter. 

Akpeyi featured in 14 league games while Khune had 11 Premier Soccer League games under his belt and Bvuma played six games.

“I think the three goalkeepers average the same number of games between Khune, Bvuma and Akpeyi,” said Baloyi.

“The number four keeper has not played, we will assume that he will be the one to go but, again, we don’t know if he is part of the future with the club or if they will loan him out. 

“It is a difficult one. Maybe the only assumption I will make is that the rumours are true that Itu has signed in Qatar. 

“Maybe that’s why they are making a signing in the goalkeeping department because looking at the goalkeepers they have, we will say it was not necessary for them to look for another goalkeeper. The goalkeeping department has been good this past season.”

Defender Charles Momanyi has told Goal he has decided to write off what Gor Mahia owe him to avoid giving them stress.

The experienced centre back opted to walk away from the club he joined in 2017 from Kakamega Homeboyz. The soft-speaking Momanyi has further revealed he was pushed out but refused to reveal who wanted him out and for what reasons.

'It is time to focus on another challenge'

"I have been doing my job well at the club, but it is now a closed chapter and I want to focus on another challenge," Momanyi told Goal on Monday.

"I just decided to leave, it is the best way to maintain the good relationship we have had with the club. My policy is to maintain the friendship, and it is the reason why I am still on the good books of Kakamega Homeboyz.

"Gor Mahia owe me a lot, but I have decided to write it off and go to a place I am confident things will be good. Gor Mahia are currently struggling financially and I did not want to give them more stress.

'I have left as a winner'

"To be honest, there are many issues that led to my exit from the team. I don't want to reveal those involved or what issues, but they were meant to create a conflict which is not good," Momanyi continued.

"However, I have left Gor Mahia as a winner and not a loser. We have achieved a lot together and I am grateful to have worked under great management, coaches, and players. I wish the team the best in their future endeavours."

Momanyi's contract with Gor Mahia is expected to end when the current season concludes and he has attracted interest from the Tusker FC, who are hopeful of signing the defender.

The towering centre back prominently featured for Gor Mahia in the Caf Champions League and in the Confederation Cup since he joined the club in December 2017.

Gor Mahia’s recent poor run in the FKF Premier League continued after they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Ulinzi Stars in Nakuru on Monday.

K’Ogalo have now gone for seven matches without registering a win and against the Soldiers, they were punished in the 17th minute when defender Alex Masinde headed home a rebound from goalkeeper Gad Mathews after Masuta Masita had delivered a free-kick from the right-wing.

It was Ulinzi who started the game with the urgency of getting a goal and they created the first chance in the ninth minute when Clinton Omondi combined well with John Kago, after setting up Masita, Gor defender Joachim Ochieng reacted quickly to put the ball out for a throw-in.

However, it did not take long for the Soldiers to find the back of the net as they were 1-0 up in the 17th minute when Masinde reacted quickly to head past keeper Mathews, being a spilled ball from Masuta’s well-curled free-kick.

Ulinzi then resorted to playing a defensive game as they tried to catch Gor on counter-attacks, and in the 25th minute, Masuta was yellow carded after a reckless tackle on Ochieng.

In the 43rd minute, it was Gor Mahia midfielder Ernest Wendo who went into the referee’s book after a clumsy foul on Mark Bikokwa as the two teams walked down the tunnel for the half-time break with Ulinzi leading 1-0.

On resumption, another player Alex Masinde of Ulinzi Stars was also cautioned after fouling Samuel Onyango, and from the ensuing free-kick, the soldiers should have doubled their lead but Masinde’s glancing header went over the bar.

Gor Mahia interim coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo then opted to make his first change, John Macharia replacing John Ochieng and three minutes later, he made further changes, Tito Okello and Clifton Miheso replacing Onyango and Philemon Otieno.

On the other hand, Ulinzi coach Benjamin Nyangweso went for a single change - Benard Ongoma coming in for Masuta, and immediately after the change, Ongoma almost scored the second after rounding up the K’Ogalo defence, he placed the ball wide with keeper Mathews out of his line.

Despite K’Ogalo placing pressure to get an equaliser, Ulinzi maintained their defensive play and managed to earn revenge against a side that had beaten them 1-0 in the first-round meeting.

Ulinzi Stars: James Saruni (GK), Brian Birgen, Harun Mwale, Alex Khasambuli, Bonventure Muchika, Boniface Onyango, Clinton Omondi, John Kago, Elvis Nandwa, Mark Bikokwa, and Masuta Masita.

Subs: Timothy Odhiambo (GK), Bryon Odiaga, Quintine Indeche, Omar Boraafya, Enosh Ochieng, Ibrahim Shambi, Kelvin Thairu, and Benard Ongoma.

Gor Mahia: Gad Mathews, Philemon Otieno, Fred Nkata, Joachim Ochieng, Harun Shakava, Andrew Juma, Ernest Wendo, John Ochieng, Jules Ulimwengu, Karim Nikiema, and Samuel Onyango.

Subs: Samuel Njau, Victor Ochieng, Sydney Wahongo, Nicholas Omondi, Clifton Miheso, John Macharia, Tito Okello, and James Orengo.

Former East Bengal players met at the East Bengal club tent on Monday afternoon to discuss the ongoing club tussle between the club and their investor Shree Cement regarding the signing of the final agreement of a joint venture between the two parties.

After the meeting, the ex-players unanimously released a statement that read, "During the club's difficult time, we the former players of East Bengal met today at the club premise. We are all aware of the ongoing problem between the club and their investor and how that has cast doubt over the participation of the club in ISL and other important tournaments.

"After going through the proposed final agreement we have concluded that the club officials should have been more careful while signing the initial term sheet because this is a one-sided contract. In any agreement, both parties should have equal rights when it comes to exiting the joint-venture that is not there in the agreement. Also, a few more clauses go against a century-old club like East Bengal, like the right to the club ground and logo which will be transferred to the investor forever. This cannot be accepted.

"We further opined that as per the initial term sheet, the sporting rights of the club is with Shree Cement and we urge them to build a strong team and start their preparation for the forthcoming ISL season eight. We hope that considering the sentiments of the ex-players, officials and the members and supporters of the club the issue will be resolved soon.

"In the proposed final agreement, several clauses are further complicated, and it is difficult for the club officials to accept them. We the former players of this club, request Mr Hari Mohan Bangur to resolve via discussion so that East Bengal can play again.

"Also, we would like to draw the kind attention of the respected Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee on this issue and will seek an appointment with her so that the issue gets resolved soon."

What is going on at East Bengal?

After Quess Corp parted ways with East Bengal in June 2020 after being the club's investor for two seasons, Shree Cement came on board as their new investor which facilitated the club's move to the Indian Super League (ISL).

They then proceeded to establish a joint venture named Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation, in which the cement giants held 76 per cent stakes while the club had 24.

After Shree Cement's arrival, a term sheet was signed by both parties in September 2020 in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who had played an important role in bringing the company on board as the club's new investor.

Further reading

East Bengal protest turns violent, Police lathi-charge crowd

Bhaichung Bhutia expresses solidarity with East Bengal fans

Jurgen Klopp has hinted Virgil van Dijk is in line for a return as Liverpool gear up for their latest friendly clash, against Hertha Berlin.

Van Dijk hasn't played for Liverpool since undergoing successful surgery on his cruciate ligament knee injury in October last year.

The 30-year-old missed the majority of the 2020-21 campaign as result and decided against lining up with the Netherlands at the European Championships in order to focus on his recovery, and Klopp has now revealed he is nearing a long-awaited comeback.

What's been said?

The Reds head coach gave an update on Van Dijk ahead of his side's meeting with Bundesliga outfit Hertha at Tivoli Stadion in Innsbruck on Thursday.

“I hope, I am not sure, that there is the opportunity that Virgil could play a few minutes," Klopp has told the club's official website. “He looks really good in training and maybe we can bring [him in], but I need to have some final conversations. He looks ready and we will see.”

Klopp was also asked about the condition of Joe Gomez, who has been out of action for the past nine months due to his own serious knee injury.

The German tactician doesn't expect the England international to play against Hertha, but is leaving the door open for him to feature against Athletic Club on August 8 - a friendly fixture that comes six days before Liverpool begin their latest Premier League campaign away at Norwich City.

“If you see the games now as part of their rehab training, that makes sense," Klopp added. “Joey is very close. There is no race between the two of them; they had different injuries and stuff like this, but [he is] very close.

“If Virgil can play now 20 then probably Joey can in the game after. We will see. In training they both look really good.

“I think from time to time there are some pictures of them from training sessions and everyone can see how good it looks, but there is no rush for us. It is not about they now need five pre-season games to be ready for the start or whatever.

“It is a long season and we prepare them after these very, very serious injuries for the rest of their careers and not for the first game of the season. Losing a little bit of patience for them to return as a supporter or as a coach even is not bad, it just means they were pretty good and we want them to be back in the team.”

The Goal view

Goal's Liverpool correspondent Neil Jones: "Jurgen Klopp hinted last week that he'd be "surprised" if Virgil van Dijk was to play on Thursday, but it seems the prognosis is a little more optimistic now.

"Good news for LiverpooI, who have been pleased with the way Ibrahima Konate has settled in after his move from Leipzig, and how Joel Matip has looked since his return from an ankle injury.

"To add Van Dijk to that would make the Reds a whole lot stronger heading into the new campaign. The Dutchman remains the club's premier centre back, after all. If he can be eased back into action gently in the next fortnight, it shouldn't be long before we see him back in Premier League action."

Further reading

Tottenham have announced the signing of Bryan Gil after finalising a reported £22 million ($30m)-plus Eric Lamela deal with Sevilla.

The 21-year-old has committed to a five-year deal at Spurs, and will join up with his new team-mates in north London after finishing his duties with Spain's U23 at the Tokyo Olympics.

Lamela, meanwhile, has joined Sevilla on a contract until 2024, bringing to an end his eight-year stay in the Premier League with Tottenham.

What's been said?

Spurs have released an official statement on their website confirming Gil's arrival, which reads: "We are delighted to announce the signing of Bryan Gil from Sevilla, with Erik Lamela joining the Spanish club as part of the deal.

"The exciting young winger, 20, joins us on a contract until 2026. Subject to international clearance, Bryan will join up with the club at the conclusion of the Olympics in Tokyo where he is representing Spain."

The north London outfit have also paid tribute to the departing Lamela, adding: "Going the other way to Spain, Erik joined us from AS Roma in August 2013. Over the next eight seasons, the all-action attacking midfielder made 257 appearances in all competitions, helping us reach three cup finals and finish second and third twice in the Premier League.

"Now 29, Erik took his tally of caps for Argentina to 25 during his time here. A club man through and through, we wish Erik all the best for the future."

Spurs begin new era with Gil acquisition

Gil has become Tottenham's first major signing of the summer transfer window and the second new arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo's reign in the dugout after Italian goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini - who joined the club on loan from Atalanta last week .

The Portuguese tactician is ushering in a new era at Spurs after replacing Jose Mourinho in the dugout last month, and Gil will likely have a key role to play in the 2021-22 season.

The Spain international leaves Sevilla with only 21 first-team appearances to his name, but he proved he can handle the demands of top-level football during an impressive loan spell at Eibar last season.

Gil recorded four goals and four assists in 29 outings for the Basque club, and Tottenham supporters will hope that he can transfer that form to the Premier League, with an attacking void waiting to be filled following Gareth Bale's return to Real Madrid earlier this summer.

When could Gil make his debut?

Tottenham supporters will likely have to wait a while longer before seeing Gil line up in the famous white shirt as he continues to star for his country in Tokyo.

If Spain reach the final of the Olympic tournament the winger will be in Japan until at least August 7, which means he would be a doubt to feature in Spurs' Premier League opener against Manchester City eight days later.

Further reading 

Nigeria international Emmanuel Dennis has named Chelsea legend Didier Drogba among his favourites players who have played in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old, who moved to Watford on June 24 from Belgian top-flight side Club Brugge on a five-year deal, has revealed the players he used to admire – present and past.

Aside from Drogba, he also singled out the Ivorian legend's compatriot Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace.

Asked by Watford TV to name his favourite players in the Premier League, Dennis said: “Didier [Drogba] and Wilfried [Zaha] are my favourite Premier League players, I loved watching Droga play, I love to watch Zaha and I also loved to see Wayne [Rooney], scoring those crazy goals.”

On the overall players he looks out for, Dennis said: “Neymar, Cristiano [Ronaldo], and Messi there is a lot of players you can watch and learn from them, I also love Sergio [Ramos].

“I am a fan of the guy [Ramos], very crazy defender with a lot of experience, strong on everything he does but I know like against this guy, he is old now and I am faster than him, so I will use my speed and also use my experience to beat him.”

On signing for Watford, Dennis explained: “I am really happy, you can see from my face, I am really happy to be here, there are a lot of my friends who are here so it is really easy for me though to accept and to come because I have a lot of friends who are here.

“I have played with William Troost-Ekong in the national team so we are good together and the connection is good for us.”

On his relationship with former Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo, Dennis, who was loaned last season to FC Cologne, said: “I am a big fan of him [Ighalo], he’s like a big bro to all Nigerians so I watched him play here, he scored a lot of goals and I played against him in the Europa League against Manchester United.

"I also met him after the game, we spoke together and it was a really big inspiration.

“I also spoke to him while here and he was like I am happy you are here, you gonna love this place, people are nice and just play your football and you will enjoy everything around.”

Andre-Pierre Gignac insists France are "still in the battle" for Olympic gold after winning their second Group A fixture on Sunday.

Les Bleus bounced back from their opening 4-1 defeat to Mexico by seeing off South Africa in dramatic fashion.

Gignac netted a stunning second-half hat-trick before Teji Savanier popped up to score a late stoppage-time winner and seal a 4-3 victory for Sylvain Ripoll's side.

What's been said?

Gignac expressed his delight after the final whistle, telling reporters in his post-match interview: "There is a burst of pride, a little ego too and we win. It's a victory that feels good and brings us together."

The Tigres UANL striker added on France's chances of going on to win the tournament: "It won't be easy because there has been an incredible burst of energy, but with such a young and talented group, we can do something. 

"We paid the price against Mexico, against a ready team that has been preparing for three months, always coming to the Games to do something big. We are here for the first time since 1996 but we are there, still in the battle."

France come through South Africa test

After a goalless first half, Kobamelo Kodisang gave South Africa a surprise lead in the 53rd minute only for Gignac to level four minutes later.

South Africa regained their one-goal advantage through Evidence Makgopa before Gignac equalised again 12 minutes from time, and the 35-year-old stepped up again after Teboho Mokoena made the scoreline 3-2.

Gignac's third goal came from the penalty spot to set up a tense finale, with France ultimately emerging victorious thanks to a superb last gasp low drive from Savanier.

France will now look ahead to a meeting with Japan on Wednesday, which they must win to make certain of a place in the quarter-finals.

Further reading

Manchester United are growing confident a deal can be agreed to sign Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane after positive talks over the weekend. 

The centre-back is a priority target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he looks to strengthen his back line and Goal understands there were positive talks over personal terms and a transfer fee over the last few days. 

Should the France international sign he would become the second major signing of the summer for United after they landed Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund. 

What do we know? 

United have been working on a deal to land the 28-year-old since agreeing terms to sign Sancho at the start of the month. Solskjaer knows he needs to strengthen his back line if United are to get closer to winning the title and the Real Madrid man has been earmarked as the ideal candidate. 

While a deal is not yet agreed it is edging closer after positive discussions over terms and fee over the weekend. 

Goal reported work has been done to bridge the gap in valuation and a deal could be agreed between €45m (£39/$53m) and €55m (£47m/$65m) and it is understood United are pushing for the fee to be under €50m. 

What is Varane’s contract situation? 

The defender has one year left on his current deal and it is understood he has no interest in putting pen to paper on a new contract with the Spanish giants. 

Real Madrid are aware of the situation and understand that if they do not sell him this summer then they risk losing him on a free transfer next year. 

Madrid have already lost Sergio Ramos on a free transfer this summer and can’t =afford to let another star of their team leave for free. It is believed he will sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford if everything goes to plan and a deal can be finalised. 

Who else are United targeting?

Solskjaer is keen on signing a right-back with discussions having taken place with Kieran Trippier, and a central midfielder is also on the shopping list.

However, there is an acceptance that while there are funds they are not unlimited, and it may not be possible to land all potential targets in the current window. 

A deal for Sancho was wrapped up relatively early, meaning United have five weeks left of the current window to work on strengthening and finalising the squad for the new campaign. 

Paul Pogba’s future is still up in the air with the club and player yet to agree terms over a new contract. Solskjaer said talks are ongoing with Pogba’s representatives but the club risk losing the midfielder on a free transfer next summer if he does not put pen to paper on a fresh deal. 

Further reading