Sports24 May, 20262 min read
Troy Deeney Puts Family Health First, Questions Premier League Restart Safety Plans
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Deeney prioritizes his family's health over football ahead of restart. He voiced concerns about Premier League restart plans amid COVID-19.
Deeney on Restart
Watford captain Troy Deeney said the health of his family comes before football as he voiced concerns about the Premier League’s plans to restart the competition after it was stopped by the Covid-19 pandemic. Deeney, who participated this week in a telephone conference with the Association of footballeurs professionnels, Premier League officials and the British government about the Restart project, wrote on Instagram: « Je ne parle pas de football en ce moment, je parle de la santé de ma famille ».
He added: « Si je sens que je ne peux pas m'occuper de ma famille, alors je ne reprendrai pas. » Deeney also questioned the logic of the safety approach, asking: « Si ce n'est pas assez sûr pour que les fans soient à l'intérieur d'un stade, pourquoi les joueurs devraient-ils être en sécurité ».
Mbappé, Ekitike, and France
In a discussion of France’s World Cup prospects, Troy Deeney said he believes in a partnership between Kylian Mbappé and Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike, with Deeney telling the BBC that Ekitike can play on the left with Mbappé for France. Deeney described Ekitike as « exceptionnel; c'est top-class—a real prodigy », and said the striker will rival Erling Haaland for the top scorer title.
The same piece frames Mbappé as beginning his third World Cup with the captain’s armband, after France won in 2018 and finished as unfortunate finalists in 2022. It also says Didier Deschamps has many options, including Hugo Ekitike, and notes that Ekitike was transferred to Liverpool this summer and is making a strong start in the Premier League.
Arsenal Invincibles anniversary
Ouest-France marked Arsenal’s 20-year anniversary on Wednesday, May 15, recalling that exactly 20 years ago the Gunners led by Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira closed out the 2003-04 season without conceding a single defeat. The article says Arsenal finished the Premier League season undefeated, and it also recounts that the run began with a defeat in their first pre-season match against Peterborough (1-0).
It notes that the 28th matchday of the 2019-20 season brought Watford’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Vicarage Road, with Ismaïla Sarr scoring a brace and Troy Deeney adding a goal. Ouest-France also quotes Pascal Cygan reflecting on Henry’s role, saying: « As soon as the ball was played in behind et he had possession, it ended in the back of the net ».