Tag: Virgil Van Dijk

Weghorst responds amid backlash to heinous sign touching

The on-loan forward committed an unforgivable sin in the eyes of some Red Devils fans

Wout Weghorst has crossed a line with some Manchester United fans.

The Dutch striker is in hot water for touching the famous “This is Anfield” sign prior to Manchester United’s disastrous 7-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday. Weghorst’s decision was notable as, unlike almost everyone else who touches the sign before games, he does not play for Liverpool.

United fans have been quick to point out a 2018 interview with De Telegraaf, in which the striker said he’d “dreamt” of playing for Liverpool “since childhood.”

Weghorst, who is on loan at United from Burnley, has caught so much flack that he felt compelled to release a statement on Instagram explaining why he committed such an unforgivable sin.

Weghorst’s reasoning? He was only trolling his Netherlands teammate Virgil van Dijk.

“Normally I never react on media topics, but for this one it’s worth it because you amazing United fans are important to me. So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds,” he said.

“From the national team, I know that Virgil always touches that sign and I went to stop him touching it to try and wind him up before the game.

“As a child I always supported FC Twente, and as a player now for Manchester United, my dedication to this incredible club can never be questioned.

“Sunday was a terrible day for all of us, we are putting everything into making it right in the next weeks. We will bounce back together and achieve our aims this season.”

Let’s go to the footage!

It does appear that Weghorst only went for the sign after seeing Van Dijk reach up first, but the defender hardly seemed to notice or care. He then went out and kept a clean sheet while Weghorst and his team gave up a touchdown and extra point.

Maybe, just maybe, that result has set off fans just a bit more than an on-loan striker touching a sign.

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Manchester City vs. Liverpool Live Stream, Premier League Lineups, TV Channel, Start Time

The champions of England will take the field against second-placed Manchester City tonight, stream it here!

Liverpool will enter this game as champions of England when they take the field against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium. This is also the first time Liverpool has taken the field as reigning champions of England since 1991.

Manchester City is not the type of club to sit down for any team and would love a victory against Liverpool in this one.

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Manchester City vs. Liverpool

  • When: Wednesday, July 2
  • Time: 3:10 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: NBCSN, NBC Universo
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Expect a bevy of goals in this match as Manchester City will want to show up and prove a point to the champions, Liverpool. They were dethroned and that does not sit well with Pep Guardiola or his squad. Liverpool has been very impressive this year and this should be a fantastic match to watch live!

Man City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Mendy; De Bruyne, Rodri, Foden; Bernardo, Jesus, Sterling

Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane

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LeBron James echoes Liverpool FC’s ‘Black Lives Matter’ demonstration

Los Angeles Lakers star and Liverpool minority owner LeBron James echoed the efforts of the players for the legendary English soccer club.

LeBron James has been among the biggest names who have been vocal in support of protests across the United States of America against police racism and racist violence against black citizens. But as the protests have continued to grow across the country, so too have they crossed the pond into Europe and other parts of the country. One day after multiple players in the German Bundesliga showed their support for George Floyd and Black Lives Matter, one of England’s most storied clubs also showed their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

LeBron James, a part-owner of Liverpool, was quick to share the statement from Liverpool, the reigning winners of the UEFA Champions League. James shared it with the club hashtag #YNWA, which stands for “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

In addition to supporting the club in England he has a stake in, LeBron has been instrumental in getting his teammates and fellow NBA-mates in formation for the cause at hand.

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✊🏾💪🏾👑

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How to Watch Norwich City vs. Liverpool, Premier League Live Stream, Schedule, TV Channel, Start Time

Watch Norwich City vs. Liverpool Live Online.

After a rare break, the Premier League resumes with Liverpool still on track for history. The next obstacle in the Reds path toward immortality is a trip to Carrow Road to take on the bottom of the table Norwich City. With just 13 league matches remaining in the season, Jurgen Klopp’s side can feel the title of “The Invincibles” inching closer. 

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Norwich City vs. Liverpool 

  • When: Saturday, February 15
  • Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
  • TV: NBCSN
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

On paper, this match should be nothing but a formality, another easy victory for Liverpool to stack up onto the enormous pile its already collected. However, it’s two full weeks since the league leader has played a competitive match. While rest is always important, especially during a long and grueling season, rust is always a possibility when returning from time off. On no planet should Norwich City, a team dead last in the Premier League, have any chance of beating the most in-form team we’ve possibly ever seen. 

Rust isn’t the only worry for Liverpool as it looks to keep its unbeaten season intact. Complacency is also a challenge. Going away from home is never easy. If the Reds don’t come out focused, there’s always the chance the team could be blindsided by a team who is gunning to knock Liverpool off its perch. We’ve seen it time and time again in this sport when massive underdogs, who aren’t given any chance, pull off the unlikely result. Liverpool must come in ready or chance the same fate. 

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How to Watch Monterrey vs. Liverpool, FIFA Club World Cup Semifinal Live Stream, Schedule, TV Channel, Start Time

Watch Monterrey vs. Liverpool Live Online.

Liverpool’s quest to win its maiden FIFA Club World Cup begins on Wednesday when the kings of Europe will face 2019 CONCACAF Champions League winners Monterrey in Doha, Qatar.

The winner of the semifinal will advance to face Flamengo in the 2019 Club World Cup decider on Saturday after the team defeated Al-Hilal 3-1 Tuesday evening.

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Monterrey vs. Liverpool 

When: Wednesday, December 28

Time: 12:30 p.m. ET

TV: FS2

Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Liverpool lost 1-0 to Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo when the team made its only previous appearance in a Club World Cup final in 2005, but much has changed for the Merseysiders more than a decade later.

The Reds have never faced Monterrey, and both teams will hope to use that element of surprise as they look to be crowned as the first non-Spanish FIFA Club World Cup winners since Bayern Munich in 2013.

Qatar has come under scrutiny as hosts of the tournament for the first time, largely due to the fact that a missed test at an alternative venue means each of the last five matches will be played at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

North American representatives Monterrey are not to be overlooked since manager Antonio Mohamed drastically turned the team’s form around following his reappointment in October. 

Los Rayados lost five of their eight games before Mohamed returned for his second stint with the club, but Monterrey is unbeaten in 14 matches since then and will face Club America in the Liga MX final later this month.

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Vincent Janssen is out of action for Monterrey due to injury, while a ruptured Achilles will prevent winger Aviles Hurtado from participating. Liverpool may be at risk of falling complacent facing opposition slightly below its usual pedigree, but the strength of the squad in Doha is evidence that the Merseysiders mean business.

Georginio Wijnaldum is unfit for the semis, while star centre-back Virgil van Dijk is fine ahead of Wednesday’s clash. The manager may decide to rest some star names like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino from his XI in their first outing, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin, Divock Origi and midfielder Naby Keita are each vying for starts.

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FC Salzburg vs. Liverpool Live Stream, Schedule, US TV Channel, Start Time, How to Watch UEFA Champions League

Watch FC Salzburg vs. Liverpool Live Online.

The kings of Europe look to take a big step towards retaining their crown as Liverpool needs a result in the final round of group stage matches to clinch a spot in the Round of 16. FC Salzburg, the surprise troublemakers of Group E, hosts the defending champions looking to pull off a win for the ages. 

FC Salzburg vs. Liverpool

Date: Tues. December 10

Time: 1:00 PM ET

TV Channel: TNT, TUDN

Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

It’s hard to fault Liverpool for not having its knockout round ticket punched already. Usually, three wins, a draw, and a loss would be enough, but Salzburg getting some unexpected results has made matters more difficult for the two group favorites. FC Salzburg even made Liverpool sweat at Anfield in the first meeting, pulling level 3-3 after an hour, before succumbing to the champions far superior talent. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side is absolutely strolling in the Premier League with an eight-point advantage over second-place Leicester City. You can bet the team’s full focus will be on earning its spot in the next round. 

The dynamic duo of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah has led Liverpool’s attack with five of the club’s 11 goals in the group stage so far. Interestingly, Salzburg actually has a better goal differential than the Reds through its five group matches. 

A big part of that is the team’s 19-year-old striking phenom Erling Braut Håland banging in eight goals in the competition so far. The youngster has attracted the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe thanks to his scoring exploits. If Salzburg has any chance of pulling off the massive upset, it’ll need the Norwegian to have the game of his life. 

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How to Watch UEFA Champions League, Inter Milan vs. Barcelona & Chelsea vs. Lille Live Stream, Schedule, US TV Channel, Start Time

Watch UEFA Champions League Live Online.

The final round of Champions League group stage matches is upon us. By the end of this week, we’ll know the 16 remaining teams left to battle it out for European club soccer’s biggest crown. Six of the eight groups still have at least one place in the Round of 16 yet to be decided. 

UEFA Champions League

  • Date: Tues. Dec. 10 – Wed. Dec. 11
  • TV Channel: TUDN, TNT
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Groups A and B are set in stone as far as this competition goes. PSG has won Group A with Real Madrid clinching the second spot. Bayern Munich takes the top spot in Group B with Tottenham Hotspur punching its ticket as well. 

Manchester City ran away with Group C, while Shakhtar Donetsk and Dinamo Zagreb still have a chance at runner-up status. Shakhtar has the inside edge as it plays last-place Atalanta, while Dinamo plays City. 

Group D winners Juventus will play a big role in deciding who gets the second spot. It plays Bayer Leverkusen, who is just one point behind Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone’s side goes up against Lokomotiv Moskow. 

Reigning European champions Liverpool have secured Group E, while surprising Red Bull Salzburg will make Napoli sweat on the last day. The Italians have a two-point cushion coming into play, but still have some work to do when playing Genk. 

Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan are neck-and-neck in Group F on seven points. Unfortunately for Antonio Conte’s Inter, it must play group winners Barcelona, while Dortmund gets to play Slavia Praha for its place in the knockout rounds. 

Meanwhile, Groups G and H are both wide open with no team clinching a spot in the Round of 16 yet. It should be tense moments in both, as three different teams in each group have a chance to advance, while one will be sent to the Europa League.  

Matchday 6 TV Schedule

Live Stream: fuboTV (try for free)

Tuesday, December 10: 

Red Bull Salzburg vs. Liverpool, 12:55 p.m. ET (TNT)

Napoli vs. Genk, 12:55 p.m. ET (Galavision)

Barcelona vs. Inter Milan, 3:00 p.m. ET (TNT) 

Ajax vs. Valencia, 3:00 p.m. ET (Galavision)

Chelsea vs. Lille, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra 1)

Borussia Dortmund vs. Slavia Praha, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra 2)

Lyon vs. RB Leipzig, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra 3)

Benfica vs. Zenit St. Petersburg, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra 4)

Wednesday, December 11:

Manchester City vs. Dinamo Zagreb, 12:55 p.m. ET (TNT)

Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Atalanta, 12:55 p.m. ET (Galavision)

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Juventus, 3:00 p.m. ET (TNT)

Club Brugge vs. Real Madrid, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDN)

Atletico Madrid vs. Lokomotiv Moskow, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra 1)

Bayern Munich vs. Tottenham Hotspur, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra 2)

PSG vs. Galatasaray, 3:00 p.m. ET (TUDNextra 3)

Olympiacos vs. Red Star Belgrade, 3:00 p.m. (TUDNextra 4)

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The Best XI in men’s world soccer for 2019

Looking at the lineup of the best eleven soccer players in the world for the year 2019.

The year 2019 is about to come to an end, and people like to read lists on the internet, so how about we determine the best eleven men’s soccer players of the year 2019?

The criteria isn’t all that specific, just basically the people who I thought gave the best performances of the past year in men’s soccer. I lined up my fake team in a 4-3-3, with actual assignments for left back and right back. Why? Why not. It’s more fun that way.

We’ll have a poll at the bottom with a notable omission, and you can let me know what else I screwed up on Twitter.

Let’s get to the Best XI for 2019.

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

Oblak was very hard to leave off, but Becker’s ability to play the ball with his feet opened up everything that Liverpool wanted to do. Along with Van Djik, he was the final piece of the puzzle that resulted in Liverpool’s Champions League victory.

Left Back: Jordi Alba

Marcelo was definitely in for a shout here, and I looked at Liverpool’s Robertson, but Alba is consistently fantastic for Barcelona. When your left back is technical enough to play anywhere on the field, that’s a good problem to have.

Center Back: Virgil Van Dijk

Runner up for the Ballon D’Or, Van Dijk is everything you want in a center back. He’s so good that he doesn’t even need to tackle that often — the opponents know not to even go near him. He sucks the air out of opponents’ attacks, consistently. That’s so hard to do.

Center Back: Kalidou Koulibaly

There are a lot of fantastic CBs alive right now, but none may be more gifted than Koilibaly, the rock at the heart of the Napoli defense. With respect to De Ligt, Ramos, Chiellini, and others … I’m giving it to Koulibaly.

Right Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold

One Ballon D’Or voter said Trent AA was the best player in the world last year, which is a bit much, but I feel confident giving him the nod over Joshua Kimmich as the best right back this year.

Midfielder: N’Golo Kante

Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports

Kante has struggled with injuries at times, and last season had to learn a new position, essentially, on the fly, thanks to the coaching of Maurizio Sarri. But he’s still my platonic ideal for a midfielder. He covers more ground than anyone, he plays beautifully, and he makes everyone better. Plus, that smile. THAT SMILE.

Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne

With apologies to his teammate Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne is the most talented attacking midfielder in the Premier League, someone who has every tool in the toolkit. He can dribble, he can pass, he can shoot, and he can do it all with both feet. A perfect soccer player.

Midfielder: Frenkie De Jong

De Jong is an interesting one because now that he’s with Barcelona, they’re asking him to do a lot less than he was doing at Ajax last season. But Ajax’s run last season was part of 2019, and he was absolutely sensational. In he goes.

Forward: Kylian Mbappe

This was a hard one to include, because Mbappe’s been injured at times and Sadio Mane has been absolutely unbelievable for Liverpool. That being said, when he’s healthy, I’m not sure there’s a more unstoppable player alive (not named Messi) than Mbappe.

Forward: Lionel Messi

Getty Images

Yeah, he’s still the best player in the world. Not really sure what else to say.

Striker: Robert Lewandowski

Lewa has been absolutely unreal this year for Bayern Munich, somehow improving on past seasons to be the best pure striker alive. Yes, I left off Cristiano Ronaldo. No, it wasn’t an accident. Lewa has been better, by a bit.

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How to Watch UEFA Champions League, Liverpool vs. Napoli Live Stream, Schedule, US TV Channel, Start Time

Napoli bested Group E rivals Liverpool earlier in this Champions League campaign, but the chances of another win over the titleholders on Wednesday look slim after a rut in form. Liverpool has gone unbeaten in 13 matches since losing 2-0 in Naples …

Napoli bested Group E rivals Liverpool earlier in this Champions League campaign, but the chances of another win over the titleholders on Wednesday look slim after a rut in form. Liverpool has gone unbeaten in 13 matches since losing 2-0 in Naples in September—still its only defeat this season—while Carlo Ancelotti’s men haven’t won a game in more than a month.

Liverpool vs. Napoli

Date: Wed. November 27

Time: 3:00 PM ET

TV Channel: TNT

Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

The silver lining for Napoli is that it’s lost only once in 11 games. In fact, Ancelotti has led his team to only three defeats this term. However, it’s difficult to mask the notion it appears to have lost the will to win, drawing seven of its last 10 games (including the last three in a row).

Roberto Firmino struck near full time to give the Reds a 2-1 victory away to Crystal Palace on Saturday. The same day, Napoli led AC Milan for all of five minutes at the San Siro, before conceding to see out a 1-1 draw.

It just so happens Napoli’s last win in all competitions was a 3-2 Champions League result away to Red Bull Salzburg, providing some inspiration as to what the team is capable of. The Azzurri drew 0-0 at Genk in its previous away Champions League fixture, indicative of the inconsistency posed by this Napoli team.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have proved far more reliable. Liverpool has kept an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League and couldn’t be happier with its manager. Meanwhile, Ancelotti has been dogged by speculation over his future with Napoli currently seventh in Serie A.

An attacking drought, in particular, seems to have hampered Napoli of late. The team scored 15 goals in its first five games of the 2019-20 campaign, but there’s a sense of promise going unfulfilled after the team’s scored just 13 times in its 12 outings since then.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was an unused substitute against Palace and should return to the starting lineup midweek, while centre-back Joel Matip looks likely to remain sidelined. Napoli left-backs Mario Rui and Faouzi Ghoulam each missed the draw against Milan, with the former in contention to return midweek. Striker Arkadiusz Milik was absent for that clash, but is also hoping to be featured in Ancelotti’s plans on Merseyside.

A win for either team at Anfield on Wednesday will guarantee a place in the last 16, but Napoli is in need of a result with third-place Salzburg not quite out of the qualification race just yet.

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How to Watch UEFA Champions League, Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund Live Stream, Schedule, US TV Channel, Start Time

Watch Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund Live Online.

The penultimate round of matches in the Champions League brings us a mouthwatering rematch in Group F as Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund renew acquaintances at the Camp Nou. Both clubs are in a good spot to qualify for the knockout rounds, but Inter Milan is lurking. A win by either side would be a huge momentum shift in the group. 

Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund

Date: Wed. November 27

Time: 3:00 PM ET

TV Channel: TUDN

Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Barcelona is atop La Liga with 28 points alongside bitter rivals Real Madrid. The team also comes into this matchday first in its group. That still won’t quell the panic emitting from its supporters regarding the form and style of play of the club so far this season. A slow start out of the gate without Lionel Messi put pressure on Ernesto Valverde. Since returning to full fitness, the team’s results have improved, but the performances haven’t lived up to the lofty standards it has set for itself. The dominant and attractive style has not been there. Just scraping by opponents is not good enough for Barcelona and its fans. 

Dortmund has had its own struggles that have seen the team drop down to sixth in the Bundesliga. Reports coming out of Germany state that embattled manager Lucien Favre could be managing for his job in this clash with Barcelona. A loss could potentially be devastating on several fronts. Qualifying for the knockout rounds isn’t guaranteed with a big club like Inter Milan still able to catch up in the group. Failing to advance to the Round of 16 would be a catastrophic blow for a club that has a ton of talent and ambition. 

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