After a stellar performance against Erling Haaland in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City, Virgil van Dijk’s reputation as one of the Premier League’s greatest defenders continues to soar. The Dutchman’s commanding display, along with his overall career at Liverpool, has led some, like ex-Reds defender Jamie Carragher, to declare him “the best centre-back we’ve ever seen in the Premier League.” But with so many legendary centre-backs to have graced the Premier League over the years, where does Van Dijk truly rank? Is he the best of all time? Let’s take a closer look at the contenders and assess where…
Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi
Bayern Munich salvaged a dramatic 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund in a thrilling Der Klassiker, but the spotlight was stolen by Harry Kane’s early exit due to injury. Jamie Gittens gave Dortmund the lead in the 27th minute with a sensational solo goal. Picking up a pass from Nico Schlotterbeck near the halfway line, the England Under-21 star breezed past Konrad Laimer and rifled a fierce strike past Manuel Neuer. Gittens became only the second Englishman to score in this fixture after Kane, who famously bagged a hat-trick in last season’s matchup. However, Bayern’s struggles deepened moments later when Kane,…
FIFA has released its long-awaited report on the legacy of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, but the governing body has sparked backlash by rejecting its human rights sub-committee’s key recommendation to compensate workers impacted during the tournament’s preparation and delivery. The sub-committee had urged FIFA to use its £39.4m “legacy fund” to provide remedies for migrant workers who suffered harm, including deaths, injuries, unpaid wages, and significant debt. Instead, FIFA allocated the fund to global social initiatives, drawing condemnation from human rights groups. Amnesty International called FIFA’s stance “shameful,” urging the organization to take responsibility for the abuses linked to…
Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert etched his name in Premier League history by scoring a hat-trick of penalties in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Wolves at Molineux, a feat not achieved in English top-flight football since 1957. Kluivert’s clinical display came in a dramatic match where Evanilson won all three spot-kicks, the first player in Premier League history to do so. The result sent Wolves into the relegation zone and intensified scrutiny on manager Gary O’Neil, whose side was booed off the pitch. The game began with controversy as Evanilson was fouled by Toti Gomes after an apparent handball. VAR upheld the…
Victor Torp’s dramatic late penalty salvaged a 2-2 draw for Frank Lampard in his first game as Coventry City manager against Cardiff City at the CBS Arena. Yakou Meite gave Cardiff the lead just four minutes in, heading home Alex Robertson’s corner, but Coventry responded almost immediately. Ephron Mason-Clark volleyed in Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s precise pass to equalize in the seventh minute, marking an electrifying start to Lampard’s tenure. The visitors regained the lead early in the second half when Robertson unleashed a stunning 25-yard drive that swerved past Brad Collins. Coventry struggled to create clear opportunities as Cardiff sought to…
La Liga leaders Barcelona suffered a surprising 2-1 home defeat to Las Palmas on Saturday, casting a shadow over their 125th anniversary celebrations. Former Barca striker Sandro Ramirez opened the scoring for the visitors with a low strike that silenced the Camp Nou crowd. Although captain Raphinha leveled with a brilliant low drive, Wolves loanee Fabio Silva sealed the upset, converting Javi Munoz’s exquisite pass to restore Las Palmas’ lead. Despite dominating with 26 shots—their season-high in La Liga—Barcelona failed to convert their chances, with Jasper Cillessen pulling off key saves to deny Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Pablo Torre. Adding…
Nottingham Forest secured a much-needed 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town at the City Ground, with Chris Wood’s penalty in the 49th minute sealing the three points. The goal, Wood’s ninth of the Premier League season, equalled Bryan Roy’s club record of 24 Premier League goals. Ipswich started the game confidently but were unable to break down Forest’s defence. Omari Hutchinson came closest for the visitors in the first half, forcing a fine save from Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels. Despite the positive start, Ipswich failed to capitalize on their early momentum. In the second half, a clumsy challenge by Sam Szmodics…
The stage is set for an all-Brazilian showdown in Buenos Aires as Atlético Mineiro and Botafogo clash in the Copa Libertadores final at River Plate’s historic Monumental Stadium. The match, kicking off at 20:00 GMT, marks the sixth consecutive time a Brazilian club will lift South America’s most coveted trophy. A Tale of Two Clubs For Atlético Mineiro, this is a chance to recapture the glory of their 2013 Libertadores triumph. The Belo Horizonte giants, known for their passionate black-and-white-clad fans, have struggled in recent weeks, going 10 games without a win. Despite their dip in form, Atlético boasts a…
Manchester’s Dakota Ditcheva became the first British woman to secure an MMA world title, stopping Taila Santos in the second round to claim the PFL flyweight crown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 26-year-old delivered a clinical performance, ending the bout with a series of devastating body shots to remain unbeaten in 14 professional fights, with 13 finishes. The victory also earned her a $1m (£785,000) prize. “I just beat the best girl out there. The world is mine,” Ditcheva declared after her win, celebrating with her mother, former kickboxing world champion Lisa Howarth. In contrast, fellow Mancunian Brendan Loughnane missed…
Leicester City’s interim manager, Ben Dawson, has confirmed that the club has addressed players’ “unacceptable” behavior during a recent Christmas party in Copenhagen. The incident came to light just days after the Foxes’ 2-1 defeat to Chelsea and the subsequent sacking of manager Steve Cooper. Videos circulating online, though unverified by BBC Sport, allegedly show players celebrating in a nightclub alongside a sign reading, “Enzo, I miss you,” referencing former Leicester boss Enzo Maresca. Dawson, who will oversee Leicester’s Premier League clash with Brentford this weekend, revealed that the club swiftly dealt with the matter internally. “Message Delivered, Focus Forward”Speaking…
