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While many professional footballers can use both feet, most players are naturally right-footed, meaning left-footers are a notable minority

Just as southpaws can be seen as tricky opponents to orthodox fighters in boxing, the fact that the majority of footballers are right-footed means that left-footed players can sometimes enjoy an advantage.

Interestingly, some of the greatest footballers of all time have been left-footed, or at least predominantly so, in addition, of course, to being supremely talented.

Goal takes a look at some of the best left-footed footballers in history.

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  Gareth Bale

  While his star has dimmed somewhat, Gareth Bale was undoubtedly one of the best left-footed players in the game. The Welshman exploded onto the scene as a marauding full-back-cum-left-winger at Tottenham before maturing into a star forward at Real Madrid, where he helped the club win four Champions Leagues.

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  Roberto Carlos

  Widely regarded as one of the best Brazilian defenders of all time, Roberto Carlos was a flying full-back with an extremely powerful left foot, which he used to his advantage for his national team and Real Madrid. Carlos had a ferocious free kick in his locker, which usually involved a long run-up and a strike with the outside of his fearsome left boot.

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  Ryan Giggs

  Ryan Giggs burst onto the scene for Manchester United as a fleet-footed left winger, whose dribbling ability routinely turned defenders inside out. The 'Welsh Wizard', as he was sometimes known, was a mainstay on the left flank for Sir Alex Ferguson's all-conquering Red Devils teams before adapting to a more central role as he got older.

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  Gheorghe Hagi

  Gheorghe Hagi, the greatest Romanian player of all time, was a left-footer and his prowess was such that he routinely drew comparisons to Diego Maradona. A squat playmaker, Hagi lined out for both Real Madrid and Barcelona during his career, having burst through as a stylish number 10 at Steaua Bucharest.

Incoming Celtic chief executive Dominic McKay looks set to make changes to the “entire business model” at Parkhead.

That’s according to finance expert Kieran Maguire, who was speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

Celtic announced last week that McKay will leave his role within Scottish Rugby on Friday, allowing him to begin his work with the Hoops next Monday – 10 weeks earlier than initially planned.

Peter Lawwell will stick around to help with a smooth transition at Celtic Park for McKay, with the 61-year-old set to retire at the end of June.

Talking to Football Insider regarding McKay’s arrival in seven days time, Maguire believes that big changes are imminent. He said:

“If you look at any business, the culture of the business is determined at the top.

“Dermot Desmond is not a hands-on owner. With Peter Lawwell going and the manager going as well, there’s a bit of a vacuum.

“Celtic have got to start planning for the post-Lawwell era. They’ve also got to plan for a post-Neil Lennon era.

“This season has clearly not been successful. Celtic’s entire business model will now be challenged to an extent.”

Transfer Tavern take

One of McKay’s first major tasks could be to help bring in a new first team manager, as well as looking to fill the newly-created director of football role.

During the coming months, McKay could get some important building blocks in place, and it seems as if Maguire thinks the club’s “entire business model will now be challenged” as a result of his impending arrival.

In our view, bringing McKay in now instead of July, as initially planned, is a positive move. It will allow him to settle into life in Glasgow ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, giving him plenty of time to have his say on some major off-field decisions.

In other news: Celtic could make big loss on Odsonne Edouard, find out more here. 

With 2020 approaching, Goal has decided to pick out the best players to have graced the league over the past 10 years

• Russ Isabella
  

  GK: Nick Rimando

  There may have been more talented goalkeepers to grace MLS over the past 10 years, but there have been none as consistent as Nick Rimando.

  On the heels of an MVP campaign, the Real Salt Lake legend kickstarted the decade with a historic 2010 season that saw him set the record for fewest goals conceded in a single campaign.

  Rimando made six All-Star teams this decade while saving a league-record 22 penalty kicks throughout his career, proving a consistently dominant keeper in a league where the position always seems to be in flux.

  As he steps away from the game, Rimando's stats speak volumes, leaving him with a legacy that sees him exit as unquestionably the most accomplished goalkeeper to ever play in the league.

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  CB: Matt Besler

  For virtually the entire decade, Sporting Kansas City counted themselves among the league's top teams, contending year after year atop the standings.

  Matt Besler was a focal point for the entirety of that run, as he came to represent a team and a system that somehow achieved the same results despite the shifts around them.

  Originally drafted in 2009, Besler immediately became a fixture in the Sporting KC backline, and nothing has changed in the decade since. He has shattered several club records during that time, as he leads all players in games played, games started and minutes played both in MLS and in all competitions.

  The Sporting KC captain drew overseas interest after featuring at the 2014 World Cup, but he and teammate Graham Zusi committed their future to the team, where they have remained mainstays ever since.

  With an MLS Cup and three U.S. Open Cups to his name, Besler's team success rivals any in MLS, and his 2012 Defender of the Year and four All-Star appearances illustrate his success at an individual level as well.

• Jennifer Buchanan
  

  CB: Chad Marshall

  If one were to make a team for the previous decade, Chad Marshall's name might just end up on the list, and the fact that his name is among the headliners on this one as well should tell you all you need to know about the defender's career.

  After becoming a fixture for the Columbus Crew in 2004 and captaining the side through the early half of the decade, Marshall became an integral part of the Sounders' surge to the postseason year after year once he was traded to Seattle.

  A three-time Defender of the Year, Marshall helped the Sounders claim a Supporters' Shield, a U.S. Open Cup and, ultimately, a highly-coveted MLS Cup in 2016 while forming the backbone for a team that was a contender from day one. He was often overshadowed as he never broke through on the international stage, but there are few defenders in MLS history as reliable as Marshall.

  Clint Dempsey and Ozzie Alonso's departures felt like a changing of the guard for the Sounders, but Marshall's retirement this past summer was truly the end of an era.

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  CB: Omar Gonzalez

  It's easy to forget just how good Omar Gonzalez was during his time with the LA Galaxy.

  The defender spent several years out of the American soccer spotlight after moving to Liga MX in 2016, and his resurfacing during the ill-fated 2018 World Cup qualifying disaster left many with a bad taste. Still, make no mistake, Gonzalez is one of the best defenders MLS has ever seen.

  The former Galaxy star won MLS Defender of the Year in 2011 and finished top three in the voting in 2013 and 2014. He helped anchor the Galaxy defense en route to MLS Cups in 2011, 2012 and 2014, proving a mainstay in one of the most dominant periods the league has ever seen. Gonzalez was ultimately the first defender to earn a Designated Player deal, and he was worth every penny.

  He was often overlooked and overshadowed by his illustrious big-name teammates, but Gonzalez was as vital to the Galaxy's early-decade dynasty as any of them. 

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing up a move for Sam Johnstone this summer, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Athletic’s Steve Madeley claims Spurs have already ‘sent out feelers’ to West Brom over a potential deal for the 28-year-old West Brom goalkeeper, who could be available for as little as £10m in the next transfer window.

Jose Mourinho could even be in the market for two new options between the sticks as Hugo Lloris is thought to be a target for former manager Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain, whilst Paulo Gazzaniga is expected to depart, leaving only Joe Hart, who is the current no.2.

Bye-bye Lloris?

Any move for a shot-stopper of Johnstone’s calibre would surely spell the end for the Frenchman’s time in north London, and perhaps quite rightly too.

The 34-year-old veteran may be part of the side that holds the third-best defensive record in the Premier League, but he’s certainly shown signs of regression in the 18 months Mourinho has been in charge.

There have been a few notable clangers in that time, most recently when letting in a whopping five goals to Everton in the FA Cup. Lloris was soon brandished as Spurs’ “weak link” and also dubbed “lettuce wrists” by Trevor Sinclair and Jason Cundy on talkSPORT.

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Another factor is the fact that most of this squad still remain from that Pochettino era, and if Mourinho is to move on and truly contend for titles, then he ought to kickstart a rebuild and that should begin with Lloris.

He has been at the club for nine years and is the current club captain, though his exit would present the perfect chance for the Portuguese to cement his own mark down at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In Johnstone, they’d be getting a mighty fine successor as, despite all of West Brom’s struggles, the recently-called-up England man has been their star performer.

“He’s one of the best,” lauded Sam Allardyce back in December, echoing the thoughts of his former boss at Villa, Steve Bruce, who once labelled the glovesman a “diamond” to work with.

No goalkeeper in the Premier League has faced more shots on target (168) than Johnstone, and no goalkeeper has made as many saves either (116). His four saves per 90 minutes is far above that of Lloris (2.77), as per FBRef.

With Lloris being slammed for his weak wrists, it certainly seems like the English colossus could be a viable replacement, and for just £10m, this could be a bargain on Levy’s part.

AND in other news, Spurs could land bargain defensive solution in “complete” 6 foot 4 monster…

Every day is like a merry-go-round in Celtic’s hunt for a new manager. The Bhoys have been touted with luring Eddie Howe to Parkhead but his future is now less certain.

Indeed, a major twist on Wednesday revealed that Howe wasn’t keen on returning to management until the summer.

What’s the word?

The Hoops lost Neil Lennon as their manager a number of weeks ago and now they’re in the hunt for a replacement.

Roy Keane was in the frame but Eddie Howe is now the current favourite. That being said, there have been a number of twists and turns in their pursuit of the 43-year-old.

Howe doesn’t want to return to management for another few months which has put a considerable dampener on Celtic’s plans. That being said, journalist Alan Nixon insists that the former Bournemouth boss still wants to move to Glasgow.

After being asked whether Howe may not actually want to come to Celtic, he issued a defiant four-word message; “Not heard that one.”

Nixon then admitted: “He’s telling people he knows he is taking it.”

Desmond should be buzzing

This will come as particularly pleasing news to majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.

Howe has already entered advanced talks with the Hoops and has even held discussions with Desmond himself. News that he may not come until the summer, however, will have been a considerable setback to the Celtic hierarchy.

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They may have been fearing the worst, potentially thinking that they might have to look elsewhere for Lennon’s replacement.

After all, former Borussia Dortmund head coach Lucien Favre has emerged as an alternative to Howe in case he rejects the offer from the Bhoys.

That being said, with Howe very much still wanting to take on the role, they can focus their efforts solely on the Englishman.

It’s frustrating that he won’t be in the hot seat any time soon, but it will leave Desmond purring with delight that Howe still intends to become the new manager.

Meticulous on the training ground, he could give Celtic a brand new dynamic; something they haven’t had since the days of Brendan Rodgers.

AND in other news, Left for £0, now worth £63m: Celtic will rue rash call on “unbelievable” £100k-p/w gem…

Who have been the Frenchman's best servants during an iconic 22-year reign in north London?

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  1How they line up

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  2Dennis Bergkamp

  A masterful technician who could make the game look easy at times. Bergkamp was never renowned for his goalscoring prowess but still managed over 100 goals during his time at Arsenal. Although he wasn't a Wenger signing it was Bergkamp who led the line for a new, entertaining Arsenal side under the Frenchman. Another player who has his own statue outside Arsenal's stadium.

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  3Thierry Henry

  Arsenal's greatest ever goalscorer. Three FA Cups, two Premier League titles and an Invincible season were part of Henry's honours list. The French striker had a blend of pace, skill and technique which was unrivalled in the Premier League. He even has his own statue outside Emirates Stadium.

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  4Robert Pires

  Pure class. Possessed a perfect touch, precise shot and elegant running style which made it look as if he was gliding across the floor. Pires epitomises those who say 'he's a Wenger player'.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton could reportedly be listening to offers for the club’s Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Football Insider recently reported about Sigurdsson’s situation at Goodison Park, saying that the former Tottenham man will likely be on the market in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Everton prepared to sell Sigurdsson despite loss

The report from Football Insider has stated that, while Ancelotti happens to be an admirer of the former Swansea man, he turns 32 later this year and he will also enter the final year of his contract next season. Also, despite fine form, the report added that Everton feel he hasn’t lived up to the fee for which they signed him in 2017.

It has been reported that Everton are looking to sell one key player in the summer to bolster and reinvest in their squad, and Sigurdsson could certainly be that player. The Toffees are prepared to sell the midfielder, even if they will incur a loss on their initial investment.

Having said that, the 31-year-old’s current salary could prove to be a stumbling block in any potential sale, as Sigurdsson earns more than £100,000 per week.

2021 could be a good time to sell Sigurdsson

While Sigurdsson is currently valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, his value has fallen over the last two years and that isn’t a good sign for Everton, especially considering that he signed for a fee of £44.46m.

While he has an impressive six goals and nine assists this season, Sigurdsson isn’t getting any younger; and since his current contract expires in the summer of 2022, they can’t afford to let him go for free next year.

Because of his age, reducing value and contract length, it would make sense for Everton to sell Sigurdsson in the summer if an ideal suitor can be found.

In other news, Everton have been dealt a blow in their chase for a French ace – read more here.

Plenty of Manchester City fans have been reacting to the performance of Kelechi Iheanacho during Leicester City’s 5-0 victory over Sheffield United this past weekend.

The Foxes were in fantastic form against the Blades, and the £13.5m-valued Nigeria international (per Transfermarkt) particularly enjoyed himself as he picked up a hat-trick to take his tally to 10 goals in all competitions this term. It was also a big win for Leicester, who put themselves eight points clear of fifth place (Sky Sports) as they attempt to qualify for the Champions League.

The Citizens sold the striker to the East Midlands outfit in 2017 for a fee believed to be around £25m (BBC). He had a solid record at the Etihad Stadium, netting 21 times in 64 games despite not being a regular starter, but with Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus to contend with, it made sense for him to move.

After this latest display, though, these Man City fans were delighted with Iheanacho’s showing, and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts after @City_Xtra commented on his display.

One even stated that they would rather see the Nigerian back at the Etihad than reported City target Erling Haaland, who has been scoring goals for fun at Borussia Dortmund.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Iheanacho below

“So happy for him”

Credit: @hipyjon

“Well done!”

Credit: @SaucySilvaaa

“Bring him home, perfect false 9”

Credit: @MaoistSamaras

“Come back straight swap for Jesus!”

Credit: @robbierust81

“tears in my eyes, well done Kelechi”

Credit: @ryann_aden

“Bring him home Perfect Aguero replacement forget about Haaland”

Credit: @KZN22_

In other news, some Man City fans slammed this player’s performance against Fulham.

In an exclusive interview with  Football FanCast, Carlton Palmer has expressed his concern about the relative inaction over a contract extension for Crystal Palace left-back Patrick van Aanholt.

Roy Hodgson has carefully crafted his side over the past four-and-a-half years with limited resources, in no small part thanks to a number of astute signings sanctioned by Steve Parish.

Van Aanholt can count himself among that number – since his arrival in 2017, the 30-year-old has gone on to make 122 appearances for Palace across all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

However, concerns are beginning to mount, with the Dutchman’s contract at Selhurst Park expiring in five months time, which has been heighted by the fact that talks have reportedly broken down between the club and his representatives over a contract extension.

Whilst the emergence of 21-year-old Tyrick Mitchell has also continued to cast doubts about his future at the club, his potential departure would leave Hodgson desperately short of options on the left-hand side of the defence.

Palmer, when speaking to Football FanCast’s Tom Ward, believes Palace may be reluctant to tie the veteran defender down to a long-term deal as he points towards a total shift in transfer policy.

He told FFC:

“Well, a lot of that will depend on wage demands. And you know, they’re looking, I think, more and more now with Parish and the way they’ve got the recruitment set up there.

“They’re trying to get the balance of youth and experience again, and they’re going for younger players, as you’ve seen with the signing of Jean-Philippe Mateta. They’re going for that quality and that youth and that exuberance, and that energy and that pace, and Roy Hodgson’s noted for that.

“If they were going to renew his contract, I think they’d have done it by now. So that tells you everything you need to know.”

Indeed, it’s easy to see why Palace may have opted for a different approach after the emergence of Mitchell, who has burst onto the scene this season, which has attracted interest from local rivals Arsenal.

The Eagles have also been targeting a number of potential replacements should Van Aanholt depart Selhurst Park, with Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso and Marseille’s Jordan Amavi believed to be in the frame.

Hodgson recently admitted he is concerned by the number of Palace players who are out of contract at the end of the season but expects a complete overhaul of his ageing squad in the summer.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson must unleash Jean-Philippe Mateta against Wolves…

Hugo Lloris has been the first-choice goalkeeper at Tottenham Hotspur for nearly a decade now, with the North London club having signed him from Lyon in 2012, but his recent performances have emphasised why they need to hasten their search for a replacement.

The French international shipped five goals in midweek against Everton, including a dreadful error when he palmed Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s effort into his own goal.

His poor form continued in the 3-0 defeat against Manchester City on Saturday, as first he was unable to keep out Rodri’s tame penalty before he allowed a weak shot from Ilkay Gundogan to trickle underneath him, at which point, it was game over for Jose Mourinho’s side.

Lloris is 34-years-old now and the form that once established him as one of the best goalkeepers in the world looks to have abandoned him. This season, he has averaged a disappointing 6.72 rating for his performances in the Premier League, in a campaign that has unfortunately been littered with mistakes.

Earlier in the season, when he made an error in Spurs’ 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace which arguably cost the Lilywhites all three points, Mourinho was quick to stand by his captain, claiming that he is still one of the best shot-stoppers in the league.

However, after his recent errors, you wonder how long the Portuguese manager will continue to stick with Lloris in goal, as there is no doubt that he has cost Spurs points in recent fixtures.

With Paulo Gazzaniga out of favour and currently out on loan, and with Joe Hart perhaps only at Spurs because he helps with the home-grown quota, it seems clear that Daniel Levy needs to look at bringing in a long-term replacement for Lloris in the near future.

The Frenchman, who reportedly earns £100k per week at Spurs, has previously admitted that he won’t finish his career with the North London club and with his contract set to expire at the end of next season, the Lilywhites may need to act quickly if they want to bring in a quality replacement as they might not be the only team looking for a new ‘keeper this summer.

And, in other news… 27 y/o Spurs dud proved he’s no longer good enough vs City; Sterling had him on toast