Author: Michael

🐣 This week’s rising star: Ilyas Ansah 🇩🇪 – 🇬🇭
Every week, OneFootball introduces you to the new gems of world football. This Tuesday, we take you to Germany, to Berlin, where one of the future great European strikers seems ready to burst onto the scene. 

The Bundesliga has a reputation for being a paradise for scorers. A new significant competitor has been added to the list of strikers who could explode the counters in the German championship this season: Ilyas Ansah.
Even though his idol is Thierry Henry, his profile is closer to Isak, Haaland or Ekitike.

,Two weeks into the NFL season and the Pittsburgh Steelers are 1-1, the offense has zero identity and the defense has been historic for all the wrong reasons. No time to sit around and feel sorry for themselves, as the Steelers now travel to New England and go against the 1-1 Patriots. After a slow start in a Week One loss to the Raiders, the Patriots turned things around and beat the Miami Dolphins last week and now get to come back home with some momentum.
Here are the four things we are worried about heading into the week.

Barcelona captain sends a heartfelt message to Samuel Umtiti after retirement announcement
Former Barcelona star and FIFA World Cup-winning defender Samuel Umtiti announced his retirement from the game last night in what came as a shocking revelation, given that he was just 31 years old.
The Frenchman’s decision, however, is understandable given the injury struggles he has been through in recent years.
Umtiti made the move to Barcelona in July 2016 to strengthen the defence in Luis Enrique’s side, and he went on to play six seasons for the Blaugrana.

(Video): Massive Chelsea starlet shows his dominance in domestic league once again
We’ve covered Chelsea’s frustrating Saturday night draw with Brentford to death, so how about something new. Our sister club Strasbourg beat Le Havre 1-0 on Sunday, and star of the show was defender Mamadou Sarr, on loan from the Blues to their affiliate.
His highlight reel from the game is really impressive. He’s quick, strong, composed in his own box and good on the ball. Still just 20, it’s impressive work to keep a clean sheet and set his team up to win the game with a late penalty.

Arsenal improve renewal offer to key defender amid Real Madrid interest – Romano
Arsenal’s William Saliba has been seen as Real Madrid’s dream centre-back target for a long time now, but Mikel Arteta’s fondness for the player and his contractual situation have complicated any potential transfer.
Los Blancos have thus diversified their search and identified alternative targets including Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano and others, but Saliba still is one player the club would splash the cash on if any opportunity arises.

TOKYO (AP) — As every second-language learner knows, Louisiana-born Armand “Mondo” Duplantis needed motivation to learn — in his case — Swedish.
The globe saw his inspiration Monday at Japan’s National Stadium when he clambered into the stands after setting a world record in the pole vault, hugged his fiancée — Swedish model Desiré Inglander — and followed up with a made-for-Hollywood kiss and embrace.

Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League kicks off on Tuesday, and fantasy managers are already facing tough calls with several big-name absentees and late fitness concerns.
Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of who’s out and who’s a doubt across the opening round of fixtures.

Tuesday, September 16
Athletic Club vs Arsenal (18:45 CET)
Athletic Club will be without Nico Williams (muscular) and Prados (knee), both ruled out of the opener. Lekue is carrying a muscular issue and will be assessed closer to kick-off.
Arsenal are hit even harder.

Dan Orlovsky, Ryan Clark and Keenan Allen join

Falcons’ Raheem Morris still refuses to pull the plug on Younghoe Koo after Parker Romo comments
originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Atlanta Falcons had every opportunity to win their Week 1 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Younghoe Koo’s struggles from the previous year resurfaced. This led the Falcons to make some changes, including signing kicker Parker Romo to the practice squad. This move drew some criticism, especially since the Falcons refused to fully pull the plug on Koo.

MLS Betting Recap: Odds shaken by historic Weekend, eyes on midweek lines
The most explosive weekend in MLS history — 57 goals, four hat-tricks, and blowouts that shredded tickets everywhere — and if you had the over on your bets, you were likely a big winner this weekend. Overall, oddsmakers leaned too heavily on public favorites, and sharp bettors who faded the hype players like Messi, who missed a penalty, found value in unexpected spots. Here’s the market check.