Karim Benzema has emerged from Cristiano Ronaldo’s shadow to become Real Madrid’s main man – as El Clasico proved
It took Karim Benzema only six minutes to have an impact on El Clsico.Using the intuition all world class strikers possess, the Frenchman beat Jordi Alba to a Vinicius cross that was misjudged by the left-back. Then, with a classy touch into space and a typically cool head, he weighted a perfect cutback from the by-line that Lucas Vzquez only needed to stick a toe onto to open the scoring. A goal put on a plate for the winger.Barcelona had barely woken up but Real Madrids number nine was alert from the first second. In the game where Cristiano Ronaldo so often used to make a difference in the white shirt, Benzema was the first to come out punching. It was another key moment in an excellent second half to the season that has seen Madrids number nine flourish after emerging from the shadow of his old team-mate.Despite consistently holding a starting place in multiple LaLiga and European Cup-winning Madrid squads under a range of coaches, Benzema is still a divisive figure in Spain. A centre-forward who doesnt score goals is the criticism often rolled out. Yet while it is true that his return has gradually declined from a high of above 30 in 2011/12 to only 12 strikes in all competition last season, it is also the case the change came in parallel to Ronaldo becoming more of a box player, and Benzema being asked to do more in his service.Ronaldos departure combined with a lack of major signings up front provided the opportunity – or even necessity – for the 31-year-old to show he still has a strikers soul left in him. The adjustment took some time: a dry spell of no league goals between mid-September and early November gave the critics the fuel they needed. In the winter something finally clicked, and the number nine is now already on 18 strikes for the season, the trend suggesting he will surely break the 20-goal mark for the first time since 2016 and by a fair margin.2Notably, in returning to the goalscoring form of his younger years, Benzema hasnt lost his creative influence. If anything, he is now even more consequential to Madrids overall play, as the game against Bara showed. He could regularly be seen dropping off the forward line and out to the wings, providing someone for Vinicius or Toni Kroos to link up with, or harrying off the ball to push Arthur all the way back into the Bara half when the Catalans were hoping to supply a second ball in from a corner. The cherry on top of it all was the assist, his seventh of the season. The Benzema we are seeing in the Madrid shirt now is closer to the player once on show with France, both a number ten who directs the orchestra, and the supplier of the end-product needed to win games. Someone trusted with bearing the brunt of the team on his shoulders, and delivering.The man who did that before him remains an extraordinary player, and Benzema will evidently never reach Ronaldos record of 18 goals against Barcelona (the former France international is on a far more human nine). But his record in general this season tells its own story, standing only one goal short of Ronaldo’s 19 strikes to date for Juve, for which the Portuguese has received so much praise.2Perhaps its time his old strike partner was signalled out for some true praise of his own then. Coach Santiago Solari wasnt scared to do as much, noting last week that “Benzema has always been brilliant. He makes his team-mates better, and anyone who makes team-mates better through their talent, sacrifice, and commitment, is someone who burns with a bright light.A case in point is Madrids away goal from the Camp Nou, created by their number nine with the brain of a number 10, which gives them an excellent chance of progressing to the Copa del Rey final. The 13 LaLiga goals either created or scored by their centre-forward give them the chance to leapfrog city rivals Atltico in the league table this weekend meanwhile. Thats no small feat considering the importance of the figure they lost in the summer.Its Benzemas year at the Bernabu, and hes starting to enjoy it.

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Netherlands vs England: How Three Lions could line-up in UEFA Nations League semi-final, including Chelsea star England face the Netherlands on Thursday in a bid to make the UEFA Nations League final. Live commentary for the game from the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques in talkSPORT 6 hours ago Also reported by •BBC News
Netherlands vs England: How Dutch side could line-up in UEFA

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Andre Gray's late strike sent Watford through to the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. The game looked to be heading to extra time after Michy Batshuayi cancelled out Etienne
Watford vs Crystal Palace: Hornets' players individual

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Liverpool news: James Milner equals David Beckham assist record - who else is in top 10? JAMES MILNER picked up his 80th Premier League assist during Liverpool's win over Leicester, drawing the
Liverpool news: James Milner equals David Beckham assist

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Vincent Kompany was wanted by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United four years before joining rivals Manchester City. A document showed included a number of players Sir Alex Ferguson wanted ahead
Vincent Kompany was wanted by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester

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Summer Transfer Window Transfer news live: Man United 'agree' major deal; Spurs make £53m bid; Philipe Coutinho latest Transfer news from the Premier League and beyond Spurs Spurs news: Alderweireld makes big claim, £53m bid tabled, Liverpool suffer injury blow All the latest news from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Man United Frontrunners To Sign Spurs Star

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Manchester City wrapped up the Premier League title while Liverpool missed out by a solitary point on the final weekend. Elsewhere, Manchester United lost to Cardiff, Arsenal finished fifth

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Fenerbahce have made a loan offer for Chelsea winger Victor Moses, according to reports. Moses, 28, has been frozen out by Blues boss Maurizio Sarri, making just five appearances this season.
Chelsea transfer news: Fenerbahce make loan offer for Blues

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Manchester United transfer news: Red Devils launch world-record £84m bid for Kalidou Koulibaly as Matthijs De Ligt alternative. Manchester United are ready to launch a world record £84million
Transfer News: Man United to break world-record to sign

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Lukaku will face his former club, Chelsea, at Goodison Park on Saturday providing he overcomes a toe injury. Another former Chelsea striker turned Everton signing, Samuel Etoo, could also be included against José Mourinhos team depending on match fitness.
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Marcus Rashford's Manchester United future is still not Suarez Manchester United FC Manchester United Transfer News Marcus Rashford on joining Man Utd or Chelsea as Barcelona prepare to
Barcelona prepare £100m Marcus Rashford bid while Man Utd are

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Manchester United transfer news: Six centre-backs Jose Mourinho could sign, including Toby Alderweireld and Kalidou Koulibaly The Red Devils look set to make another move in the market for a
Manchester United news: Should the Red Devils sign Ruben Dias?

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Welcome to the Evening Standard's LIVE blog dedicated to the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip. Mattijs de Ligt have may finally agreed his summer move after Paris Saint-Germain bettered
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool

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Liverpool closed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to one point after beating Burnley 4-2 at Anfield on Sunday. Two goals each for Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino ensured Jurgen Klopp's side got back to winning ways after last weekend's goalless draw with Everton.
Liverpool 4-2 Burnley: Roberto Firmino & Sadio Mane score as

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How the Premier League table would look based on every clubs home form in the last eight games – Everton in drop zone
If you’re going to win the Premier League title, you need your home form to be top notch.Thankfully for them, the three contenders all claimed victories at their current stadiums with Liverpool beating Bournemouth, Manchester City thumping Chelsea, and Tottenham edging past Leicester City.10At the other end of the table, Southampton, Brighton, Fulham, and Huddersfield Town failed to capitalise on home advantage in their bids to avoid relegation, which helped Burnley and Cardiff City who won on the road.So, how are all 20 Premier League clubs currently faring at their own stadiums? Find out their form over the last eight home games. 20. HuddersfieldPlayed 8 | Won 0 | Drawn 1 | Lost 7 | Goals For 5 | Goals Against 15 | Goal difference -10 | Points 119. EvertonP 8 | W 2 | D 2 | L 4 | GF 9 | GA 15 | GD -6 | Points 818. Leicester CityP 8 | W 2 | D 2 | L 4 | GF 6 | GA 8 | GD -2 | Points 81017. SouthamptonP 8 | W 2 | D 3 | L 3 | GF 12 | GA 14 | GD -2 | Points 916. Brighton & Hove AlbionP 8 | W 2 | D 1 | L 5 | GF 9 | GA 16 | GD -7 | Points 915. BurnleyP 8 | W 3 | D 1 | L 4 | GF 9 | GA 16 | GD -7 | Points 1014. FulhamP 8 | W 3 | D 2 | L 3 | GF 11 | GA 13 | GD -2 | Points 111013. WatfordP 8 | W 3 | D 2 | L 3 | GF 10 | GA 10 | GD 0 | Points 1112. Crystal PalaceP 8 | W 3 | D 2 | L 3 | GF 7 | GA 5 | GD +2 | Points 1111. Wolverhampton WanderersP 8 | W 4 | D 0 | L 4 | GF 13 | GA 13 | GD 0 | Points 1210. Cardiff CityP 8 | W 4 | D 1 | L 3 | GF 8 | GA 11 | GD -3 | Points 13109. Newcastle UnitedP 8 | W 4 | D 1 | L 3 | GF 9 | GA 9 | GD 0 | Points 138. BournemouthP 8 | W 4 | D 1 | L 3 | GF 15 | GA 12 | GD +3 | Points 137. West Ham UnitedP 8 | W 4 | D 2 | L 2 | GF 14 | GA 14 | GD 0 | Points 14106. ChelseaP 8 | W 5 | D 3 | L 2 | GF 14 | GA 3 | GD +11 | Points 175. Tottenham HotspurP 8 | W 6 | D 0 | L 2 | GF 16 | GA 7 | GD +9 | Points 18104. Manchester UnitedP 8 | W 5 | D 3 | L 0 | GF 19 | GA 9 | GD +10 | Points 18103. ArsenalP 8 | W 6 | D 2 | L 0 | GF 18 | GA 7 | GD +11 | Points 20102. Manchester CityP 8 | W 7 | D 0 | L 1 | GF 25 | GA 8 | GD +17 | Points 21101. LiverpoolP 8 | W 7 | D 1 | L 0 | GF 23 | GA 6 | GD +17 | Points 2210

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Guardiola says Premier League is the 'toughest league' and describes Liverpool as 'wow' Harry Diamond 06/05/2019 Premier League 0 Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says the Premier League is the 'toughest league' he has worked in, while admitting Liverpool are one of the best sides he has ever faced.
Man City fans react as Liverpool FC drop points in Premier

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Best of the Rest XI: The Premier League's top performers this season outside of the Big Six. he created the most chances in the league with 100. Wilfried Zaha. Had his best goal return to date
Best of the Rest XI: Premier League's top performers outside

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Christian Pulisic explains why he joined Chelsea: 'Their style with Maurizio Sarri fits me very well' The 20-year-old American has spoken about his decision to swap Borussia Dortmund for
~ Christian Pulisic explains why he joined Chelsea: 'Their

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Tottenham Hotspur: How Spurs could line-up next season with five new signings but without Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld
Arsenal To Bid For Ryan Fraser Daily Transfer Update

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Paul Gascoigne has made his emotional return to Tottenham. 'Gazza' was named on the bench at the new Tottenham Stadium for Spurs Legends' clash with Inter Milan. But the ex-England international
Spurs fans will love Gazza's latest message ahead of legends

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Andy Robertson: talkSPORT's Adrian Durham calls on Liverpool

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Apr 29, 2019 · Mauricio Pochettino says he is living his dream as he prepares to lead Tottenham into the Champions League semi-final against Ajax and he believes the club's progress owes everything to the

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The youngster has enjoyed an outstanding season for Trabzonspor, resulting in a senior national call-up. And Cakir's agent admitted recently that the Reds are interested in securing the keeper this summer, however, revealed there has been no official offer as of yet. Every team have scouts and some of them are following Ugurcan's matches.
Liverpool Transfers: 6 Goalkeepers the Reds Could

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told ESPN FC his ultimate aim as Manchester United manager is to repeat the Treble as he prepares to revisit the site of his goal which secured the achievement for Sir Alex Ferguson's side in 1999.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sets Manchester United player challenge

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Darren Randolph was the hero as the Republic of Ireland held rivals Northern Ireland to a goalless draw at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Republic of Ireland 0 Northern Ireland 0: Randolph saves

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Troy Deeney has no regrets about his controversial celebration during Watford's 2-0 victory at West Ham on Saturday. The Hornets skipper put his side in front when he slammed home a first-half penalty before charging towards the corner of the pitch.
Watford striker Troy Deeney escapes FA punishment | Daily

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Ben Chilwell: ‘50million is a fair price’ for Manchester City transfer target, says Stuart Pearce
Manchester City target Ben Chilwell is well worth his reported 50million price tag, according to Stuart Pearce.The Leicester City and England left-back has been linked with a stunning move to the Premier League champions in January and many have been stunned by the rumoured fee.2Chilwell, who turns 22 this month, signed a new long-term contract with the Foxes just two months after after a remarkable start to the season.The academy graduate has nailed down the left-back spot with his boyhood club and made his England debut last month, starting in all of Englands last four games as they qualified for the Nations League finals.And his form this season has reportedly alerted City, who are again without first-choice left-back Benjamin Mendy due to injury and are looking for alternatives.But while many are baulking at the rumoured fee, former Man City player and manager Pearce believes Chilwell – previously linked with Liverpool – is worth every bit of 50m.Speaking on Fridays Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, he said: Thats probably the going rate for an England international player, and it certainly is if Manchester City pick the phone up, you know youre going to put 10m or 20m on to it anyway.2I like the kid, Ive seen him a couple of times this season and Ive been very impressed by him, in an England shirt and a Leicester shirt.Hes of a great age, hes 22 [this year] and youre paying for the fact he could still have another ten years.Hes got great energy and can deal with the ball really well.I think he would be a good fit for Manchester City and I can see why there would be interest.

"I've seen him a couple of times in an England and Leicester shirt and been VERY impressed.""He'd be a good fit for City"Stuart Pearce says 50m is a fair price to pay for #LCFC's @BenChilwell.But do you think 50m is too much? pic.twitter.com/VA5Phedera— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) December 14, 2018

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The first Old Firm match of the Scottish football season pits Brendan Rodgers' all-conquering Celtic, on their longest unbeaten derby run, against revitalised Rangers, led by Steven Gerrard. For two seasons, the Ibrox side have lusted for a derby win as Celtic swept all before them en route to successive domestic trebles.
Brendan Rodgers' Celtic v Steven Gerrard's Rangers: Who will

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Unified heavyweight king Anthony Joshua met Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo while on holiday in Dubai this week. Boxing's WBA, IBF and WBO world champion took a couple of snaps with football's multiple-time English, Spanish and European champion during a New Year's break in the UAE.
Cristiano Ronaldo meets legendary boxer Anthony Joshua in Dubai

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Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace Betting Preview: Latest odds, team news, tips and predictions. FootballJunkie Premier League Previews 03/04/2019 | 0.
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham: Spurs team news and predicted

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Maurizio Sarri jokes with journalist who asked him about his

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Trent Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool wonderkid's assist record this season puts Manchester United star Jesse Lingard to shame talkSPORT. Liverpool wonderkid Trent Alexander-Arnold has had a magnificent season. Sometimes you need to remind yourself the player is just 20-years-old and in just his second campaign as a starting first-team player.

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Keith Hill has been sacked as manager of Rochdale, the League One club have confirmed. Hill was in his second spell in charge at Spotland, taking over again in 2013 having previously managed the
Keith Hill: Rochdale sack manager after six years in charge

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Boxing Day football: Solskjaer's Manchester United homecoming, Benitez out to topple Liverpool, Tottenham to join title race? Wednesday, 26 December 2018 It's Boxing Day, and that means Premier League football galore. 18 top-flight teams are in action, with Fulham vs Wolves starting things off at midday and Watford vs Chelsea closing the
Solskjaer, Spurs and Benitez share spotlight on Boxing Day

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Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold should play in a more attacking role in the England team, believes Danny Murphy.[BREAK]The England boss played with a back-three and two wing backs at the World Cup last summer as the Three Lions reached the semi-finals
Liverpool news: England told to play Trent Alexander-Arnold

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Manchester City will battle to hold their perch at the top of the Premier League in the penultimate round of the 2018/19 season and host Leicester City in the curtain closer of Week 37. Pep
Preview: Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 26 - Last Word on

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'I tried, Arsenal fans!' - Piers Morgan reminds Gunners fans about Jurgen Klopp plea before Liverpool move in 2015. Klopp went on to join Liverpool, while Wenger remained at Arsenal for
'I tried, Arsenal fans!' - Piers Morgan reminds Gunners fans

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Jack Grealish: Birmingham City fan Paul Mitchell jailed for

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Liverpool news: Jamie Carragher's amazing response to Adam Lallana's Cruyff Turn-filled performance vs West Ham Written by: fpnews Posted on: February 5, 2019 Jamie Carragher made fun of Adam Lallana after the Liverpool midfielder decided to go a bit over the top with his skills in Monday night's draw with Liverpool.
Liverpool news: Jamie Carragher's amazing response to Adam

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