AMN signes new Arsenal contract- to wear No.15 jersey

Talented youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles has committed his long term future to Arsenal after inking a long term extension. The details of the contract were not revealed but sources have it to be a five year deal, making him the first player to a pen an extension after the appointment of Unai Emery as coach. AMN also revealed that he had held discussions with the Spanish gaffer before putting pen to paper.

Maitland-Niles will also wear the No.15 jersey (he previously wore No.30). He is said to prefer a role in central midfield, but has been used in various defensive roles by Arsenal, and to his credit, has acquitted himself admirably. With the signing of Lichtsteiner and the departure of Jack Wilshere, AMN is likely to get more minutes in his preferred playing position in 2018/19. Continue reading

Strong Teams in Russia Suggest Most Open World Cup in Decades

Some World Cups have ‘inevitable’ winners. As hosts in 1998, France seemed destined to lift the trophy. In 2010, Spain’s run to the final and defeat of the Netherlands seemed to be a coronation of the decade’s best football team. Of course, there are always tournaments with no clear favourite which throw up a shock winner. For example, Italy winning in 1982 and 2006 certainly surprised many neutral observers. Continue reading

Argentina jersey numbers for World Cup 2018- Messi gets 10

Argentina have officially announced the jersey numbers that their 23 member squad will be wearing at the 2018 World Cup. The Albiceleste, who controversially chose not to take Mauro Icardi to the tournament, will again be banking on key talisman Lionel Messi, who will be in the No.10 jersey at Russia 2018.

Juve striker Gonzalo Higuain will don the No.9 shirt, with PSG’s Angel di Maria getting No.11. West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini has been given the No.15 jersey.

The trio of Armani, Meza and Pavon- the only players in the squad plying their trade in Argentina have been given numbers 12, 13 and 22 respectively. Continue reading