Weekly Football News Catch Up: September 18th: Messi Names World’s Best Defender; Ole Gunnar Offered A New Job; Ugochukwu Explains Why He Chose Chelsea; Others

Messi Names Best Defender In the World

Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, has identified the best defender in the world currently.

Messi claimed that Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur was the best defender in the world while speaking to Telemundo (via MD).

Messi said, “I think he [Rimero] is the best defender in the world right now.

“He played very well, and, in my opinion, he was the man of the match.

“Having him behind me is the best thing that can happen to me. He always forces me to go forward, because he always wants to play one on one against his opponent. I have gotten used to not looking back and that is very good for an attacking player.”

This occurred when Argentina, who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup championship in Qatar, played Ecuador for the first time last Friday in a competitive match.

Argentina defeated Ecuador 1-0 after friendlies against Indonesia, Curacao, Australia, and Panama.

Messi’s outstanding free kick resulted in the game’s lone goal.

Ole Gunnar Offered Coaching Job

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the former head coach of Manchester United, has acknowledged that he has been given the chance to take the the seat for the first time since being fired by the Red Devils.

Since being fired by Manchester United over two years ago, Solskjaer has been jobless.

Since then, the Norwegian has hardly been associated with any managerial positions.

The 50-year-old did, however, emerge as a surprising candidate to assume the helm at Leicester City over the summer, but in the end, Enzo Maresca, a former assistant coach at Manchester City, was chosen for the position.

Additionally, it was reported that Solskjaer had received an offer to lead the women’s national football team of Norway.

Since Norway was eliminated early from the 2023 Women’s World Cup in the summer, the slot has been vacant.

However, Solskjaer has now asserted that he has already declined the opportunity to lead the team.

Speaking to Norwegian outlet NRK, Solskjaer said: “Yes, I have spoken to the association about the job as national coach – of course I have it.

“They have asked. But I am not ready for that yet.”

Read Also: Manchester United Antony’s Accuser Drops Charges Against Him

Throughout his playing career, Solskjaer earned 67 caps for the men’s national team of Norway and registered 23 goals.

Osimhen Beats Salah And Mane In Goals Scored At AFCON Qualifiers

Victor Osimhen of Nigeria finished the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign with the most goals.

The star of Napoli outperformed players like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in terms of goals scored.

Osimhen increased his total to 10 in six games with his hat-trick in the Super Eagles’ 6-0 thrashing of Sao Tome and Principe.

It is twice as many as what Patson Daka of Zambia, Louis Mafouta of the Central African Republic, Mane, and Yasine Mskani of Tunisia each scored.

The Super Eagles finished Group A with 15 points thanks to Osimhen’s goals.

Ugochukwu Explains Why He Joined Chelsea

Lesley Ugochukwu, a midfielder for Chelsea, has detailed why he chose to sign with the club.

Ugochukwu transferred from Stade Rennais to Chelsea during the just-completed summer transfer period.

When Chelsea paid €27 million for a relatively unknown 19-year-old sensation from the Ligue 1 club, several people were surprised.

After enrolling in Stade Rennais’ academy in 2012, Ugochukwu made 60 senior appearances for them in various tournaments before joining Chelsea.

Age and relative inexperience at the highest level of football may make it difficult for Ugochukwu to earn a berth in Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino’s starting lineup.

Additionally, some people could think that his move to Chelsea came too soon in his career.

He has, however, now provided a clear justification for his choice to sign with the Premier League’s powerhouses.

The opportunity to sign with a club of Chelsea’s status, according to Ugochuwku, doesn’t arise frequently.

“When someone tells me you are young, why did you go to Chelsea, I answer that there are trains that don’t pass twice,” Ugochukwu said (via Le Parisien).

Awoniyi Wins Forest’s Goal And Player Of The Month Of August

Forest fans have selected Taiwo Awoniyi as their choice for August’s Player of the Month.

Awoniyi scored three goals in three August matches.

The vote total for the Nigerian international was an astounding 83%.

The club’s Goal of the Month honour went to the 26-year-old as well.

The majority of fans selected the forward’s run and finish against Manchester United as the finest of August.

With 38% of the voting, Awoniyi won the second prize.

In four Premier League games this season, the striker has tallied three goals and one assist.