The best of Hatem Ben Arfa (video)

Hatem Ben Arfa is one of many Newcastle United players who endured a season wrecked by issues with fitness and form. The mercurial Frenchman wowed Toon fans after an injury-affected start, but was unable to keep his momentum going into the 2012/13 season. As Newcastle try to redeem themselves from a shocker of a season, they will look to Ben Arfa for much of their creative spark – assuming of course they can hold on to him. Let’s have a look at why he is held in such high regard.

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Thomas Muller: A closer look at Bayern's composer (Video)

Think back, if you can bear it, to the 2010 World Cup and that game against the Germans. 

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Manchester United name £15m midfielder as a summer target

Manchester United fans will be getting sick of hearing about how David Moyes is going to go about his business, how the ginger Scot is going to solve their midfield frailty and how Wayne Rooney is making empty threats again, and understandably so. Take a break. Go on holiday for a few months. Turn of your computers and stop buying the papers. Enjoy your success until August.

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Champions League fever - The world watches as the German giants go head-to-head

As fans of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund begin to descend on Wembley the excitement surrounding this year's eagerly anticipated Champions League final grows.

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Juventus looking at Argentine Stars

Well, the current Italian champions are at it again by naming a few big names for their wish list for the summer transfer window.

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Real Madrid actively pursuing Tottenham talisman

 

You could almost set your watch by it. Sergio Ramos has become the latest Madridista to wax lyrical about Tottenham employee Gareth Bale.

The use of the word employee is deliberate and motivated by

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic - the trophy magnet (Video)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a bit like marmite; you either love him or hate him. Throughout his career, which has included many of Europe's finest clubs, he has constantly divided opinion as to whether he is a truly great player. At times he can do the unbelievable and you wonder how anyone can question his ability, whilst other moments show a petulant, self-absorbed player who seems reluctant to work hard and quick to criticise teammates. Where do you stand regarding the Swedish international?

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Can Atletico really challenge for La Liga?

After Atletico Madrid managed to overcome Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, can they move on from here and become a regular competitor to their cross-town rivals and Catalan's finest side? This season they have done well in the league and are assured of third place with three games left to play. However, they still trail their neighbours by nine points and champions Barcelona by 19 points. Diego Simeone needs to somehow close this gap if he harbours serious title aspirations.

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Mourinho at the end of his Real Madrid tether? (video)

Jose Mourinho’s time at Real Madrid may be drawing to a close, and it seems to be coming to a suitably messy conclusion should that be the case. Atletico Madrid conquered their city rivals 2-1 in the Copa del Ray final. For it to be done in their own back yard will be nothing short of unforgivable for those attending the Bernabeu, and the Special One’s stock will have fallen ever further. His sending-off paints the picture of a man on the brink.

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The blurred lines between positions - a look at the versatility of players

In recent times it seems more and more players are becoming able to play further up the pitch, out wide or in the heart of defence, i thought I'd run through just a few names of the players who have pulled it off to different degrees of success.

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Paul Scholes: the Ginger Ninja (Video)

In all the hullabaloo following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement it has been forgotten that one of his most loyal servants, Paul Scholes, announced his (second) retirement.

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Bend it like Beckham - the best free kicks (video)

With David Beckham's imminent retirement, it is time to celebrate the wonderful art of the direct free-kick. There is not one football viewer who hasn't attempted to replicate one of Beckham's curlers into the top corner, but footballers themselves have their own individual techniques. Here's a selection of the most eye-catching efforts.

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Can number twos become successful number ones?

As we prepare to enter the whirlwind of speculation that is a tournament-less odd-number summer, the rumour mill is turning fast. No area is more saturated at present than the subject of managerial changes. One move that is often the subject of debate is promotion from within. Nigel Adkins’ journey from physio to boss at Scunthorpe is the most referred to example of recent times, but are there any other success stories, or is Terry Connor’s nightmare stint at Wolves the norm?

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Tottenham on the cusp of sealing £15m Spain international

Tottenham fans around the country are beginning to celebrate as they may finally be adding some quality into their attack, with the Metro reporting a £15m move for Barcelona's David Villa is almost done.

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Paul Scholes' final farewell

Whilst Sir Alex Ferguson has taken all of the headlines regarding his impending retirement as manager of Manchester United, another man is also about to call time upon his Old Trafford career. Quiet, media shy and always keen to avoid the spotlight; Paul Scholes is the third highest appearance holder at the club and has blossomed into one of the finest midfielders in the world under the tutelage of his boss. Now he is set to bow out in just the way he would want; without a lot of fuss made over him and with a Premier League medal to add to his impressive collection.

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