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The 10 Best Premier League Midfielders of All Time, Ranked

The 10 Best Premier League Midfielders of All Time, Ranked

Since the start of the Premier League in 1992, the competition has seen many good to great midfielders come and go. Many of the bigger and well-known clubs have had numerous talents throughout their history.

Picking ten midfielders from 29 years of Premier League football was a tough task, with many greats playing before the re-branding of the English football landscape. Because of that, many players will miss out here.

Before we begin, players like Xabi Alonso, Luka Modric, Gilberto Silva and N’Golo Kante will all miss out here, not that they weren’t great players, they were, but most of the players named did not spend an equal amount of time or more in the league compared to others, while Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante, for instance, is still playing and will more than likely make the list in the near future.

With the being said, here are the top ten midfielders in Premier League history.

The 10 Best Premier League Midfielders of All Time, Ranked:

10. Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea, Manchester City)

Appearances: 188

Goals: 44

Assists: 78

PL Titles Won: 3

The only player to still be gracing his talents in the Premier League, Belgian’s Kevin De Bruyne has proven himself to be one of the greatest passers and creative forces the league has ever seen.

Starting off his career in England with Chelsea at the age of 21, De Bruyne struggled to make an impact under Jose Mourinho and left for Germany in 2014. He joined Manchester City in 2015 and has since become one of the best midfielders in world football.

Winning three Premier League titles along with six domestic cups to his name, De Bruyne was influential in all of those successes.

Being named in the UEFA and Premier League Team of the Year on three different occasions along with picking up the Premier League Player of the Season and PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2019 and 2021.

Currently, in his prime years, De Bruyne still has many years ahead of him, and if he continues on his current trajectory, he will have a strong case in being higher up when one talks about great Premier League midfielders.

9. Yaya Toure (Manchester City)

Appearances: 230

Goals: 62

Assists: 32

PL Titles Won: 3

The closest player resembling a prime Patrick Vieira on this list, Manchester City’s Yaya Toure was the engine in the midfield during City’s recent success in the past decade.

The perfect box-to-box midfielder, Toure was an outstanding midfielder with the strength to hold off opposition players at ease, with a sublime control of the ball and great stamina to move around the pitch.

He was also a very underrated goal scorer, many of his 62 Premier League goals were down to his individual brilliance, scoring screamers every season, he cemented himself as a City legend winning three Premier League titles with the club.

The 2013/14 season proved to be his greatest achievement, contributing to 36 goals in 49 games in all competitions, winning the Premier League and League Cup, along with picking up Manchester City’s Player of the Year, being named in the PFA Team of the Year, ESM Team of the Year and winning African Football of the Year.

8. Claude Makelele (Chelsea)

Appearances: 144

Goals: 2

Assists: 4

PL Titles Won: 2

One of the few players to have a position named after him, ‘the Makelele role’ has become synonymous in England after his arrival in 2003 from Real Madrid.

Becoming one of the first signings of the Roman Abramovich era, Makelele was the spine of the midfield during Mourinho’s first spell in charge at the club, the Frenchman provided energy and world-class tackling that gave the likes of Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Michael Ballack a license to ponder forward.

He went on to win two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and two League Cups during his five years at Stamford Bridge, becoming a legendary figure amongst Blues supporters.

The Frenchman would go on to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2008, spending three years at the club before retiring in 2011 at the age of 38.

7. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal, Chelsea)

Appearances: 350

Goals: 50

Assists: 111

PL Titles Won: 2

Starting out as a product of the Barcelona youth academy. Fabregas was signed by Arsenal as a 16-year-old in 2003 where he made his professional debut against Rotherham United, becoming the club’s youngest ever player to start a game.

A magician on the ball, Fabregas spent eight semi-successful years in North London, making 212 league appearances, scoring 35 goals and assisting 75 from 2003 to 2011. He would later join Barcelona before leaving in 2014 for Chelsea.

Joining Chelsea was a controversial decision, but warranted when you look at how successful he was in West London. In his first season under Jose Mourinho, he provided 24 assists and 5 goals in all competitions to secure his first Premier League title and a League Cup.

He went on to secure another Premier League title along with another FA Cup before departing for Monaco in 2019.

Easily one of the best passers to ever grace the Premier League, he is currently second for most assists with 111, only behind Ryan Giggs with 162. The two-time European Champion and World Cup winner is now 34 and in the highlight of his career.

6. David Silva (Manchester City)

Appearances: 309

Goals: 60

Assists: 93

PL Titles Won: 4

A Manchester City legend, David Silva’s decade long stint in the Premier League proved to be a massive success. Contributing to 153 goals in 309 games.

Leaving Valencia in 2010, Silva was pivotal in ending Manchester City’s 44-year wait for a league title back in 2012, scoring 8 with 17 assists on route to pipping rivals Manchester United to the title on the final day in dramatic fashion.

He would go on to win another three league titles from 2014 to 2019, along with five League Cups and 2 FA Cups.

Skilful on the ball, and an exquisite passer with a knack for a goal, the little Spaniard will be remembered as one of the best and most-gifted midfielders in Premier League history.

5. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Appearances: 504

Goals: 120

Assists: 92

PL Titles Won: 0

When you think of complete midfielders in Premier League history, you think of Steven Gerrard. He could play box-to-box, as a defensive midfielder or in behind the striker (as proven by his partnership with Fernando Torres), while his aggression and leadership were inspiring to his teammates.

Making his debut in 1998 against Blackburn Rovers, it didn’t take long for Gerrard to become a starter in an average Liverpool side at the time. In 2001 he was the main factor in Liverpool winning the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup (Europa League), before being awarded the captaincy at the age of 23gr

Individually he was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year eight times (the most of any player in the league’s history), along with being named in the UEFA Team of the Year on three consecutive occasions.

A world-class player and captain, Gerrard was known for turning up when it mattered most, inspiring his side to win the Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006.

Unfortunately, he will be forever synonymous with not winning the Premier League in his 17-years at the club. His infamous slip against Chelsea cost his club what would have been their first and only Premier League title during the 2013/14 season, ultimately finishing second behind eventual champions Manchester City.

4. Paul Scholes (Manchester United)

Appearances: 499

Goals: 107

Assists: 55

PL Titles Won: 11

One of England’s most talented midfielders, Paul Scholes was one of many focal points during Sir Alex Ferguson’s incredible career as Manchester United manager.

Making 499 league appearances for United and scoring 107 goals and notching up 55 assists. Scholes won everything with the club. Picking up 20 major trophies, with 11 of those being Premier League titles.

Possessing a rocket of a shot and being able to pinpoint a pass from anywhere, Scholes has proven himself as a world-class player in his era and gained countless admirers along the way.

While his tackling was questionable, his pure aggression and work rate overshadowed his deficiencies for the most part. His control on the ball was also a sight to behold. A misplaced Scholes pass would be a rarity.

Even at the age of 37, he contributed to United winning their 20th League title, coming out of retirement to give Ferguson one last hurrah.

3. Roy Keane (Nottingham Forest, Manchester United)

Appearances: 366

Goals: 39

Assists: 33

PL Titles Won: 7

The hot-headed Irishman was the driving force behind Manchester United’s success and domestic dominance in the 1990s. Winning seven league titles along with a treble-winning season in 1999 after signing from Nottingham Forest in 1993.

Keane was the catalyst for driving United through many of their toughest battles on the pitch. Making 366 league appearances, scoring 39 goals and assisting 33 from 1993 to 2005, the battle-hardened Keane was a monster to play against.

It was his leadership qualities and overall intimidation factor that proved to be his best attributes.

2. Patrick Vieira (Arsenal, Manchester City)

Appearances: 307

Goals: 31

Assists: 34

PL Titles Won: 3

One of the greatest ever defensive midfielders of his era, French midfielder Patrick Vieira proved to be one of Arsene Wenger’s most important signings during his 20-year stint in London.

Acting as the backbone behind Arsenal’s success in the late 1990s to early 2000s, being the destroyer in the middle of the pitch, winning three Premier League titles, captaining the side to an Invincible season before departing for Juventus in 2005.

He returned to England in 2010 for a season with newly rich Manchester City before retiring as a player.

Best known for his battles with Roy Keane, Vieira was a no-nonsense player at the heart of Arsenal’s success. The best thing one can say about Vieria is that since his departure 16 years ago, Arsenal have yet to replace him.

1. Frank Lampard (West Ham United, Chelsea, Manchester City)

Appearances: 609

Goals: 177

Assists: 102

PL Titles Won: 3

Starting off his career as a West Ham United player, Lampard spent five years with the Hammers before making a career-defining move to Stamford Bridge in 2001 where he cemented himself as the greatest player in Chelsea’s history and the greatest midfielder the Premier League has ever seen.

Spending 13 years at Stamford Bridge, totalling 609 Premier League appearances, becoming Chelsea’s all-time leading goalscorer with 211 goals accompanied with 150 assists.

He sits third for most Premier League appearances with 609, fifth for most goals with 177 (the only midfielder on the list) and fourth on the assist chart with 102.

During his trophy-laden career, Lampard won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, a Europa League and a Champion League triumph in 2012.

He had a brief stint with Manchester City during the 2014/2015 season before departing for the MLS. Ultimately his legacy will always be as a Chelsea and Premier League legend.

The 10 Best Premier League Midfielders of All Time, Ranked

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The 10 Best Premier League Midfielders of All Time, Ranked

The 10 Best Premier League Defenders of All Time, Ranked

The 10 Best Premier League Defenders of All Time, Ranked

Since the start of the Premier League in 1992, the competition has seen many good to great centre-backs come and go. Many of the bigger and well-known clubs have had numerous talents throughout their history.

Picking ten defenders from 29 years of Premier League football was a tough task, with many great defenders playing before the re-branding of the English football landscape. Because of that, many players will miss out here.

Before we begin, players like Ledley King, Steve Bruce, Sami Hypia and Jamie Carragher will all miss out here, not that they weren’t good players, they were, but the level of quality in the league eventually got higher and higher as more teams entered the fray and teams got stronger.

For these good football players and teams, associations usually reward them with soccer medals to affirm and encourage their outstanding achievements. Therefore, the soccer medals are also a symbol of honor.

With the being said, here are the top ten defenders in Premier League history.

The 10 Best Premier League Defenders of All Time, Ranked:

10. Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)

Appearances: 174

Clean Sheets: 68

Goals: 14

PL Titles Won: 1

The only player on the list who is playing in today’s football scene. Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk has proven himself to be the best defender in the world since his arrival in January 2018 for a then world-record fee of £75 million.

Since his debut, he has been colossal at the back for Jurgen Klopp’s side, changing Liverpool’s shaky defence into a well-oiled machine. Becoming a major factor in Liverpool’s recent resurgence, winning the Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup, a first Premier League title and their first title in over 30 years.

Great on the ball, composed and a nuisance to go up against, Van Dijk has the potential to go down as one of the best defenders the league has ever seen but has a long way to go in order to be compared to some of the true greats of English football.

9. Marcel Desailly (Chelsea)

Appearances: 158

Clean Sheets: 54

Goals: 6

PL Titles Won: 0

The legendary defender may not have been at his best during his six years in England, but there is no doubting the class and ability he showed while at Chelsea. Nicknamed ”The Rock”, Desailly was an ever-consistent, strong and tenacious defender.

A Champions League winner with AC Milan and Marseille, he won numerous titles in Italy alongside a World Cup and European Championship with his native country France in 1998 and 2000 respectively.

Joining Chelsea in 1998, he went on to win an FA Cup and UEFA Super Cup in his six years with the club, cementing a solid partnership with fellow Frenchmen Frank Leboeuf before leaving in 2004 under the ownership of Roman Abramovich, he led the groundwork for a young John Terry and never looked back.

8. Jaap Stam (Manchester United)

Appearances: 79

Clean Sheets: 22

Goals: 1

PL Titles Won: 3

The powerful Dutch defender has become a cult figure around Old Trafford after his three years with the club from 1998 to 2001, winning practically every major honour at his disposal.

He was a major figure under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning three consecutive Premier League titles and being part of the infamous treble-winning side of 1999.

Besides being a really talented defender, Stam was known for his no-nonsense and old school style of defending. Often sliding into crunching tackles and being really ”hard”, he fit in perfectly with the rough nature of English football at the time.

He would have been higher up on this list but placing him above more deserving players after spending a mere three years in England would be unjustified.

7. Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea)

Appearances: 135

Clean Sheets: 63

Goals: 7

PL Titles Won: 3

Bought in for £20 million in the summer of Mourinho, Carvalho was part of the Porto team that captured the Champions League under Mourinho’s stewardship back in 2004.

He came into partner John Terry that season, and in doing so became an instant success. Creating one-off (if not) the greatest central defensive partnership in Premier League history.

Questioned upon his arrival in England, Carvalho had the speed and on-the-ball talent to accompany Terry wonderfully. Being part of the spine that conceded 15 goals in the 2004/05 Premier League season.

He was a ”sexy” defender with top-notch footballing ability, which at the time was not the norm for a centre-back, nonetheless, he was a constant professional that won three Premier League titles, three FA Cup’s and two League cups in his six years at the club.

6. Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)

Appearances: 265

Clean Sheets: 94

Goals: 18

PL Titles Won: 4

The spine of Manchester City’s dominance in the past decade, City’s captain fantastic will go down as one of their greatest ever players and certainly their greatest ever defender. Bought during the club’s financial takeover in 2008, Kompany proved himself almost immediately.

Strong, hardworking and a constant leader on and off the pitch, the Belgian lifted the Premier League 4 times during his stint in Manchester, with the player himself scoring crucial goals in two of those title-winning seasons.

While he did suffer from niggling injuries throughout his Manchester City career, his legacy at the club will never be questioned, with a statue being unveiled outside the Etihad Stadium in recent times.

5. Sol Campbell (Tottenham Hotspurs, Arsenal, Portsmouth, Newcastle United)

Appearances: 503

Clean Sheets: 154

Goals: 20

PL Titles Won: 2

Starting out from boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur, Sol Campbell became a legend and hero for many Spurs fans in the 1990s and the early 2000s with his performances earning him the captaincy prior to Spur’s League Cup success in 1999.

Come 2001, Campbell was one of the hottest commodities in world football, a world-class defender in the prime years of his career. He would shockingly sign for Tottenham’s most hated rivals Arsenal in a free transfer that summer.

The move paid off as Campbell won two Premier League titles with the Gunners, including an invincible season, along with three FA Cups.

He went on to win a fourth FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008, captaining an unlikely Pompey side to success under the stewardship of Harry Redknapp.

Regarded as one of the best centre backs of his generation, Campbell was a strong defender with excellent awareness and positioning, physically imposing and a strong tackler, he will go down as an Arsenal and Premier League legend at the annoyance of Spurs fans.

4. Tony Adams (Arsenal)

Appearances: 255

Clean Sheets: 115

Goals: 12

PL Titles Won: 2 (2 First Division titles)

A player who can only be referred to as ‘Mr Arsenal’, Tony Adams encapsulated what Arsenal was in the 1990s and early 2000s, strong-willed, ferocious, and hard to beat.

He did manage to win two successive First Division titles from 1989 to 1991 with the Gunners before the Premier League era began, but his game improved massively with the arrival of Arsene Wenger in 1996.

Spending a decade in the Premier League, Adams won two league titles, one League Cup and three FA Cups along with European success with the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.

While he did possess numerous qualities on the pitch it was his leadership that was ultimately his greatest attribute. Easily Arsenal’s greatest ever captain and defender, Adam’s was truly a special player back in his era.

3. Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)

Appearances: 211

Clean Sheets: 95

Goals: 15

PL Titles Won: 5

Being part of one of the greatest centre-back pairings with Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic was an aggressive defender similar to that of a prime Jaap Stam.

Making 211 Premier League appearances for United from 2006 to 2014, Vidic is the only defender in Premier League history to win two Player of the Year awards. He also made the PFA Team of the Year on four separate occasions.

Winning 5 Premier Leagues, 8 domestic trophies and two European trophies during his 8 seasons.

While he did have moments of madness, picking up 8 red cards and 58 bookings, and struggled on occasion against powerful and quick strikers of his era, he will go down as one of the greatest and scariest defenders in United’s history.

2. Rio Ferdinand (West Ham United, Leeds United, Manchester United, QPR)

Appearances: 504

Clean Sheets: 189

Goals: 11

PL Titles Won: 6

Acting as captain throughout his United career, Ferdinand joined United from Leeds United for a record £30 million at the time.

Often described as a Rolls Royce of a defender, Ferdinand is arguably the most gifted defender with the ball at his feet on this list. He went on to make 504 Premier League appearances, scoring 11 goals in the process.

A defender with pace, elegance and an astute reading of the game, Ferdinand is United’s greatest ever Centre-Back and formed an unquestionably formidable partnership with Nemanja Vidic which saw the pair win mostly everything.

1. John Terry (Chelsea)

Appearances: 492

Clean Sheets: 214

Goals: 41

PL Titles Won: 5

Arguably Chelsea’s greatest ever player, John Terry was a world-class central defender during his 19-year spell at Stamford Bridge.

One of the few academy graduates to make a name for himself at the club, Terry is ‘Mr. Chelsea’, becoming their greatest ever captain during the club’s golden era of the noughties and beyond.

A consistent starter in his mid-30s, Terry made 492 league appearances for the club, becoming the highest-scoring defender in Premier League history with 41 goals. He also played every minute of the 2014/15 Premier League season, winning the title at a canter.

Underrated with the ball at his feet, a great passer who could utilise both feet with superb positional sense and an outstanding leader, Terry was truly a gifted player.

He went on to lift five Premier League titles as captain, five FA Cups, three League Cups, one Europa League and a historic Champions League win in 2012.

The 10 Best Premier League Defenders of All Time, Ranked

For more News and Stories on all things Football, click here.

The 10 Best Premier League Defenders of All Time, Ranked

Leicester City Women’s boss Jonathan Morgan sacked

Leicester City has confirmed the departure of Jonathan Morgan from his role as Women’s First Team Manager after a pointless start to the season.
Morgan had led Leicester to the FA Women’s Championship title last season and was given a new contract in July but now leaves the club as they sit bottom of the Women’s Super League after eight games, ending his seven-year spell with the Foxes.
Assistant Manager Michael Makoni and First Team Coach Holly Morgan have also left the club while Leicester’s Head of Women’s Football Development Emile Heskey will oversee First Team training in preparation for the team’s fixture against Manchester United in the Continental Cup on Sunday, December 5.
Holly, who transitioned to a coaching role at the end of last season, came through the Academy ranks to eventually captain the side before her retirement from playing.
All three have played an important role in the development of LCFC Women, particularly since the Club turned professional following its acquisition by King Power in August 2020.
In the statement announcing Morgan and co.’s departure, Leicester City said that “The Club feels a change in leadership is now necessary to give the team the best possible chance of achieving this in the remaining months of the season.”
Jonathan Morgan said: “This Club has been part of mine and my family’s life for 12 years from when my sister Holly Morgan joined as a young player.
“To have taken Leicester from the Midlands Division 1 to an FAWSL club gives me nothing but pride.
“Earning promotion last season in the manner we did will always be a memory I can share with the fans and the city.
“This season has been disappointing, with injuries contributing to a difficult start, but we haven’t achieved the results we had hoped for.
“I wish the Club, the staff and the players my very best.”

Leicester City v Legia Warsaw – Preview, Teams, Odds, Where To Watch

Leicester City have the chance to go top of their UEFA Europa League group on Thursday night if they can beat Legia Warsaw.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are looking to get their first win in five and turn around their fortunes when the Polish champions come to the King Power Stadium at 8 pm.

They currently sit bottom of their European group with only one win to their name but a second would take them top, ahead of the chasing pack by a point, with one game to go.

Leicester will be without Ricardo Pereira and Youri Tielemans, who both last appeared for the side in the 1-1 draw away to Leeds United before the international break.

Pereira is suffering from a hamstring injury while Tielemans will continue his recovery from a calf issue he picked up.

“Youri is still a little bit of time away, but he’s progressing well,” the Leicester manager told the media at LCFC Training Ground on Wednesday afternoon. “[He’ll be back] maybe within the next couple of weeks.

“Ricardo won’t be available. That hamstring [issue] is lingering a little bit, so he will be out for a few weeks also. We’ll just continue to monitor that, but otherwise, the squad is the same.”

Legia are currently in the relegation zone in Poland this season but are still in contention to progress in Europe after beating Leicester in the reverse fixture.

Spartak Moscow’s win over Napoli yesterday evening means that, if Leicester win tonight, all four teams would be within three points at the start of the final matchday.

Teams

Leicester City (4-3-3): Schmeichel (C); Castagne, Evans, Soyuncu, Thomas;  Ndidi, Soumaré, Maddison; Barnes, Daka.

Subs: Ward, Stolarczyk, Bertrand, Vardy, Albrighton, Iheanacho, Perez, Amartey, Choudhury, Dewsbury-Hall, Vestergaard, Marcal.

Legia Warsaw (3-4-3): Miszta; Johansson, Jedrzejczyk (C), Wieteska; Ribeiro, Slisz, Martins, Mladenovic; Muci, Emreli, Luquinhas.

Subs: Tobiasz, Holownia, Pekhart, Celhaka, Skibicki, Wlodarczyk, Rose, Ciepiela.

Odds

Leicester City 1/7

Draw 7/1

Legia Warsaw 15/1

Where To Watch

The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport 2 from 7:45 pm.

Ireland v Slovakia – Preview, Teams, Odds, Where To Watch

The Republic of Ireland take on Slovakia at Tallaght Stadium in search of their second win in their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Ireland have played one game less than the rest of their group (Group A – UEFA) but sit level on points with Slovakia.

An away win in Finland got Vera Pauw’s side off the mark after an own goal last time out in Tallaght against World number two Sweden spelt defeat in their first game.

Record ticket sales have been recorded for the match, with a new attendance record expected to be announced during the match – the fans are behind the Women’s side much like the Men’s.

Ireland have no injury issues ahead of the game, with all players called up available for selection.

Slovakia are the first side that Ireland will face in the campaign that are below them in the rankings – the Falcons sit 45th in the world, 12 behind the Republic of Ireland.

Defeats to Sweden and Finland saw them start their campaign on the wrong foot but they will step out under the Tallaght floodlights on Thursday night in search of a second successive win.

Peter Kopún’s players earned their first three points at home to Georgia, who play the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, November 30.

22-year-old midfielder Mária Mikolajová has scored twice for Slovakia in their last two games.

Vera Pauw’s Tigers are yet to keep a clean sheet in the qualification campaign, which Mikolajová could take as an invitation.

Yet, Slovakia have never beaten Ireland, losing all five times the two sides have played each other, only scoring once.

Tonight could change that, but with a record crowd behind them, Ireland will fancy their chances.

Teams

Republic of Ireland (5-4-1): Brosnan; O’Gorman, Fahey, Lo. Quinn, McCarthy, McCabe (C); Finn, Connolly, O’Sullivan; Payne, Lu. Quinn.

Subs: Moloney, Walsh, Atkinson, Caldwell, Littlejohn, Barrett, Carusa, Farrelly, Grant, O’Mahony, Whelan, McLaughlin.

Slovakia (5-4-1): Korenciova; Horvathova, Broova, Fischerova, Bartovicova, Vojtekova; Skorvankova (C), Mikolajova, Surnovska, Hmirova; Matavkova.

Subs: Rezekova, Chladekova, Zemberyova, Ceriova, Panakova, Fabova, Mazuchova, Ondrudova, Kosikova, Lemisova, Bytcankova.

Odds

Republic of Ireland 1/2

Draw 13/5

Slovakia 4/1

Where To Watch

The match will kick off at 7 pm and will be available to watch on RTÉ 2 from 6:30 pm.

Tadhg Furlong signs new three-year contract with IRFU

Leinster and Ireland star Tadhg Furlong has signed a new three-year contract that will see him in green until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Furlong recently reached the halfway mark to becoming an Irish centurion when he picked up his 50th cap for the national side against Japan, and now currently sits on 52 after starting in the wins over New Zealand and Argentina.

The Wexford native made his debut for Ireland in a Rugby World Cup 2015 warm-up fixture against Wales at the Aviva Stadium and has been involved with the side since, making six appearances at two World Cups for the boys in green.

The tighthead started all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions against the Springboks during the summer and has started the last six consecutive Lions tests across the two tours of New Zealand (2017) and South Africa (2021).

In blue, Furlong has already crossed into three-digit territory and sits on 116 appearances for Leinster.

He has won one Six Nations title with Ireland as well as a Triple Crown from the Grand Slam year of 2018.

Furlong has won five trophies with Leinster – four Pro 14 titles, all won in succession, and one European Rugby Champions Cup, which he also won in 2018.

David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director, commented: “Tadhg has again illustrated his pedigree as one of the best tightheads in world rugby.

“His performances for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions in the past year have been top drawer and we are delighted that he has extended his contract to the end of the 2024/25 season.”

Tadhg Furlong commented: “November was a really positive block for the Ireland squad and it was great to have supporters back in the stadium.

“Ireland and Leinster have started the season well and both squads will be aiming for silverware again this season.”

Leverkusen v Celtic – Preview, Betting, Probable Starting Teams

The Glasgow Hoops travel to the high-flying Bundesliga side tonight in a crucial tie in the Europa League’s fifth round

Bayer Leverkusen v Celtic will kick off at 17:45 tonight, Thursday 25th November in the BayArena. The match will be shown live on Virgin Media Two and Virgin TV Go.

Gerardo Seoane’s Leverkusen side comes into this game on top of Group G, three points clear of second place. This young team have been very successful and exciting this season as they sit in fourth place in the Bundesliga as well.

A win tonight could guarantee progression to the Round of 16 but the manager may rest some of their strong players with them playing RB Leipzig in a tough league tie at the weekend.

Ange Postecogclu has improved Celtic’s home form, now bringing them to within four points of Rangers in the Scottish league. Even though this is promising for the Glasgow side, it may be too late for them in Europe.

Celtic are one point behind second-place Real Betis but the Spanish team are playing bottom place Ferencvaros. The Scotsmen will need to claim at least a point or else their European journey could be over.

This is a very uncommon tie in recent European history. They only faced each other once before, which was earlier this season in the first fixture of the Europa League group stage. That tie does not build Celtic fans with hope as they lost 4-0 at home to the German team.

There is a lot more importance on this game so Celtic will try to come out all guns blazing in search of at least a point.

Bayer Leverkusen v Celtic Probable Starting Teams

Bayer Leverkusen

Formation

4-2-3-1

Probable Starting 11

Hradecky (GK), Hincapie, Tapsoba, Tah, Frimpong, Diaby, Palacios, Andrich, Amiri, Alario, Wirtz.

Injuries / Suspensions

Baumgartlinger (Knee), Bakker (Ankle), Fosu-Mensah (Cruciate ligament), Demirbay (Red card)

 

Celtic

Formation

4-2-3-1

Probable Starting 11

Hart (GK), Juranovic, Carter-Vicker, Ralston, McGregor, Bitton, Jota, Turnbull, Abada, Furuhashi.

Injuries / Suspensions

Starfelt (Hamstring), Jullien (Knee), Taylor (Shoulder), Dembele (Ankle), Rogic (Hamstring)

Bayer Leverkusen v Celtic Match Betting

Bayer Leverkusen to win: 4/11

Draw: 4/1

Celtic to win: 13/2

 

Score Prediction

Leverkusen are the clear favorites to win this tie and secure their place in the knockout round and it would be hard to bet against them. Celtic have shown better form and have something to fight for but the Germans might be one step too far for them.

Expect this game to end 3-1 to Leverkusen, spelling the end of Celtic’s European journey this year.

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Europa League and international club football news, click here.

McBryde praises Leinster and Ireland’s ‘modern-day forwards’

Leinster assistant coach Robin McBryde has praised the province’s forwards that starred for Ireland during the Autumn Nations Series.

Leinster players dominated the starting pack selection for all three November internationals against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina and offered a wide variety of qualities throughout each game.

Seven Leinster forwards started the first two matches against Japan and New Zealand while the front row of Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong was a constant on the team sheet across all three games.

The Irish forward unit combined to score nine out of the nineteen tries the national side scored across the international break – all six forwards that got over the line in green will be back in blue in the coming weeks.

“They’ve kept up the trend really – the forwards are outdoing the backs by 3:1 [16-6] at Leinster here as well,” McBryde said.

“So whether it’s a sign of the times, a big shift in rugby or if the backs need to up their game – I don’t know what it is.

“It’s great to see that cohesion, both here at Leinster and with Ireland really, you know. I’m happy with just winning penalties or winning one against the head in the scrum and what have you but, you know, scoring tries – the more they can do, the better it reflects on the pack’s work really.”

McBryde also noted that he was impressed with other aspects of the forwards’ games during the international break, singling out the driving maul against Argentina.

Driving mauls and break-off runs from these mauls led to five of Ireland’s seven tries in Dublin at the weekend – both directly and indirectly.

On top of their excellence in scoring, the Irish forwards excelled with powerful carries that helped their side gain important metres – stats seen below are all via OptaJonny.

Caelan Doris topped the charts in the Autumn Nations Series with 36 carries to his name, while his teammate Jack Conan racked up 32 in two games – the pair’s numbers make up 45% of Ireland’s total in the three games (152).

Conan committed at least two tacklers from 19 of those carries and was a useful edge forward option in the first two games.

The two Leinster back rowers were also strong presences at rucks – Doris hit 99 rucks in total in the November Internationals, a total shared with Wales and Dragons flanker Taine Basham.

The evolution of forwards from solely three-man-pod crash-ball experts into mobile wide threats has been a trend several national teams have picked up on, including Andy Farrell’s Ireland.

Tadhg Furlong’s role as the wide player in the first pod of two in Ireland’s 1-3-2-2 attack underlines the threat of this tactic.

Furlong, arguably the world’s most complete tighthead, burst through defences several times in all three Autumn Nations Series games with the ball in his hands.

Josh Van Der Flier and Ronan Kelleher must also be commended for their carrying ability, as well as Ryan Baird who excelled against Argentina.

All forwards mentioned are on Leinster’s books and McBryde believes the multi-faceted ability of today’s packs is a huge asset for both province and country.

“You can’t rely on size alone, if you’ve got lemons, you make lemonade. You’re never gonna have the biggest pack ever – here in Leinster or in Ireland really – so you’re gonna have to play to your strengths and I think that’s what Ireland have done in the past month…”

“…that’s what the modern-day forward is all about really – being able to contribute around the field and obviously nailing the set-piece as well.”

Leinster return to action on Saturday night when they welcome Ulster to the RDS Arena for their first interprovincial clash of the season.

Manchester City v PSG – Preview, Teams, Odds, Where To Watch

Manchester City and PSG go head-to-head in the penultimate round of the UEFA Champions League group stage on Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium.

PSG, winners of the reverse fixture, sit second behind City by a point but are the only unbeaten side in Group A.

A second win for Mauricio Pochettino over Pep Guardiola with his Parisian outfit this season will put them into the round of 16.

Manchester City will also look to progress to the next stage with a win against a side including Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.

City have recovered well from their defeat to PSG three rounds ago, with back-to-back victories over Belgian champions Club Brugge sending them top of the group.

Brugge themselves are still able to qualify for the last 16 and if they can beat RB Leipzig in their match tonight, they could put a lot of heat on the losing side in the City-PSG fixture.

A draw in this fixture and a win for Phillippe Clement’s side would mean that three teams will be in the race to progress on the final matchday.

City’s Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne will miss the game after contracting Covid-19 during the November international window while £100 million signing Jack Grealish will be monitored ahead of the match.

Rafinha, Julain Draxler and Alexandre Letellier will all miss the clash for PSG as they recover from injuries.

Teams

Manchester City – Predicted (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Cancelo; Rodri, Gundogan, Zinchenko; Mahrez, Bernardo, Sterling.

Subs: Steffen, Carson, Ake, Jesus, Laporte, Fernandinho, Palmer, McAtee.

PSG (4-3-3): Navas; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Mendes; Paredes, Herrera, Gueye; Messi, Neymar, Di Maria; Mbappé.

Subs: Donnarumma, Franchi, Dagba, Diallo, Kehrer, Ramos, Verratti, Di Maria, Ebimbe, Wijnaldum, Pereira, Icardi.

Odds

Manchester City 1/2

Draw 7/2

PSG 9/2

Where To Watch

Manchester City play host to PSG at 8 pm with BT Sport 2 showing the match (Coverage from 7 pm). LiveScore will also have the match on their app.

Liverpool v Porto – Preview, Teams, Odds, Where To Watch

Liverpool welcome Porto to Anfield on Wednesday night at 8 pm in the fifth round of the UEFA Champions League group stage.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have already progressed to the next stage of the competition after winning their first four games in the group – the first time they have ever done so.

Porto lead a three-horse race for second that they can wrap up with a victory at Anfield, should the Atletico Madrid – AC Milan result go their way.

However, Liverpool are expected to field a strong side in their last home group game, as Klopp has hinted to when questioned on the topic.

The team have history when it comes to fielding a strong side in dead rubber Champions League games – last season’s 1-1 draw away to Midtjylland serves as a prime example.

Diogo Jota was forced off late in the game due to injury, which kept him out for 18 games after a strong start to life on Merseyside.

“That is pretty not much how it will be [choosing a weak squad],” Klopp said to Liverpoolfc.com after qualifying for the last 16.

“We go for it, we want to win football games, that’s all. Sometimes you can qualify for something, sometimes not, it is still the same thing – you play a game, you want to win it, show it.”

Porto come into the game in red-hot form with eight wins in their last nine since the 5-1 defeat to Liverpool.

Sergio Conceicao and his men will be aiming to take the golden chance to qualify but Liverpool and their home crowd will look to dissuade them as much as possible.

Teams

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Williams, Matip, Konate, Tsimikas; Morton, Thiago, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Minamino, Mané.

Subs: Kelleher, Adrian, Fabinho, Van Dijk, Milner, Henderson, Jota, Robertson, Origi, Phillips, Alexander-Arnold.

Porto (4-3-3): Costa; Joao Mario, Pepe, Mbemba, Zaidu; Uribe, Otavio, Oliveira; Evanilson, Taremi, Diaz.

Subs: Marchesín, Fábio Cardoso, Francisco Conceição, Pepê, Grujic, Tecatito, Manafá, Vitinha, Wendell, Bruno Costa, Toni Martínez, Fábio Vieira.

Odds

Liverpool 17/20

Draw 11/4

Porto 14/5

Where To Watch

Liverpool v Porto will kick off at 8 pm. LiveScore will show the match on their app while BT Sport 3 will bring fans coverage of the match from 7:15 pm.

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