Mister Rogers' Villa Park

25:46It's shipped right to your door. Save$45 with my promo code SMALLS at UrgentCareKit.com slash SMALLS. That's promo code SMALLS at UrgentCareKit.com slash SMALLS. Prescription required. Always consult your doctor to determine if this product is right for you.

26:04Barcelona beat Villarreal away from home. Two goals to nil. Raffinia had a penalty in the 12th minute and Barcelona would double their lead in the 63rd minute when Laminia Mal scored. We also saw a red card for Renato Vega for a foul on Laminia Mal. But Barcelona are riding high at the top of the table as it stands four points ahead of Real Madrid. And Hansi Flick feels that we're seeing more stability in his defence. We were with the captain of Barcelona, Frankie de Jong, after a very difficult win. It was difficult to control the game, but you managed to get a very important win. Yeah, I'm very happy with the win against a difficult opponent, especially away.

26:50But I think we deserved the win. And despite being with one more man, you still struggle a little bit. What do you think this happened? I don't think we struggled that much, actually, to be honest. But of course, it's always difficult, but I don't think we struggled. I think we should have done it a lot better with 11 against 10, that's true, but I don't think we struggled a lot. I think the most important thing was that we got stability in the defence and I think we made it really good. And we worked also in the training session on that and made a lot of videos and showed them what we have to improve.

27:31and this was I think the key and of course that players are coming back with a huge quality it's it's it's for us it's important. Here's how things are looking in the table Barcelona sitting at the top of the table four points ahead of Real Madrid as it stands hold that thought just a second you know I want to get Hansi Flick on what he said on the defensive stability with you is that where you're gonna go? Yeah okay I've got a lot of time for what Hansi Flick has done at Barcelona it's brilliant to watch if you're a neutral. But that's the second time I've heard them this season talk about defensive stability.

28:07The first time was after they played Celta Viga away, where they should have been 3-4-0 down after certainly after 45 minutes. They were not, and they went on to win the game because they've got these superstars up front. And he talked about, if we play like that, then we don't have a problem. And I'm thinking, and Stuart Robson was over, and he did the game. and we were sat in the studio and going, did he watch that same game? And he's talking about defensive stability today. And I heard Ian and Mac are in the commentary having a discussion about, would this last when they go into the Champions League against the elite teams?

28:42Can you defend like that? And I think the answer is no. So I don't see how the fact that Villarreal went down to 10 men really helped your cause. The fact that in the first 10 minutes and certainly the first 15 minutes, there was three stroke four clear opportunities for a team with better skill set in the final third to go and kill you i don't see how that falls under the the defensive stability bracket it falls under the we were a shambles again and got away with it bracket certainly in the first half now if you want to talk about Barcelona going forward brilliant love them Rafinha Torres Lamal, Pedri, Firmin Lopez, Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford, Frankie de Jong.

29:32I'll talk about them all day and say, by the way, they could be a match for anybody. But at the back, not having it. Not having it. Ian, you were on the call today. It's a clean sheet for Barcelona, but you just heard what Hansi Flick had to say. Do you see any difference in the defence? No, not really at all. I think he's pulling the wool over our eyes with that comment. It's hard to understand. I think he says something that probably Barcelona's man of the match today was the goalkeeper, Joan Garcia. Looks a really good signing. Pulled off three or four really excellent saves. So there is one thing, though, with Barcelona.

30:07I mean, Craig's right. They're fantastic to watch. There's something happening every second, it seems, in the games. They've got to score a hatful. Even if they let in three, they're probably going to score four and win. But, of course, last season, when push came to shove in the Champions League. They were in a really high-scoring affair. Brilliant barnstormer of a game against Inter, but they lost it because Inter got one more than them. I suppose one of the things he has got, Ian, in his back four, he's got some stability in team selection because he's settled, obviously, Koundé and Baldy. QBRC was in and out, but obviously had Martinez as a partner last year.

30:46But he's settled at the moment on Gerard Martin and QBRC. Which is, you know, at least he's had a settled back four in terms of personnel because it seemed for the first three months of the season that it was a different back four every game. But they're still giving up the same amount of chances. And Gerard Martin at the top level, I think, eventually is going to struggle in there and get caught. Yeah, you'd worry about that. You would, Craig, I think. I mean, they do miss Inigo Martinez, who they had last season as a kind of linchpin and the older head in the middle of that defence. You don't see that old ahead there now, unless it's Koundé.

31:25So it kind of does have a flimsy look about it. They've tried to just stiffen the midfield ahead by putting Eric Garcia in there, who Flick likes a lot and always seems to find a game for. I think he's played more than any other player in the league this season. But I don't know if that's the answer, too, because Villarreal were creating a lot, and with better finishing, and without the red card, it's maybe a different game today. You know, I've said this to you before. you know what I'm going to say Stuart Robson disagrees with me I think Eric Garcia has been one of their most important players centre-half, right-back, midfield not fashionable but important not headlines, but job just doing the job go and play, son and without players like him probably wouldn't be where they are, you know, you're not given a platform for Laminya Mal and Ferran Torres, so kudos to Eric Garcia you know because every Barcelona fans be watching this and what the hell is Burley talking about Eric Garcia but let me tell you wherever he's played he has done a job and you need players like that in your squad yeah things are going better in Barcelona than they are at Real Madrid right now this has been some of the reaction from the Spanish press Marcus saying with victory with whistles victory between whistles and Diario Assing a lot of goals obviously referring to Kylian Mbappe equal in that calendar year record of Cristiano Ronaldo but a lot of whistles.

32:53Now this is Vinny Junior today on Instagram just a dot dot dot caption and he changed his profile picture from him in a Real Madrid top to him in a Brazil top. Now there were boos or whistles when he came off when he was subbed off Xabi Alonso was asked about that after the game.

33:42we're going to use the time to rest a little bit and start the year with good strength.

34:12of that, they kind of tried to sweep that under the carpet, but the fans are having their say on the matter, and you just wonder where this is all leading with Vinicius, I mean that's interesting he's changed that picture to one in a Brazil shirt, not a Real shirt, is he starting to think he doesn't fit at Real Madrid anymore and will there be some kind of summer scramble for his signature who knows? He is a bit of a baby isn't he, but I think he's thinking do you know what if I just hang around here long enough I can get the fans back in my side because he's not going to be here much longer Xabi Alonso and I know there was a little handshake when he came off but they've got previous and they were rotting again yesterday Real Madrid they won the game they're four points behind it's a head scratcher four points behind they're still in the title race there's a winter break there's a supercopa but they're a bad team to watch they get outplayed by Sevilla with 10 men.

35:12But for Kelly and Mbappe, they would be a country mile behind. And the football they're playing are not playing. It's just, and I think that's why the crowd are the way they are. They're not just, they're getting upset with the players, they're getting upset with the manager, they're getting upset with what they're, what they're seeing on the field. They're not seeing any progress and Vinicius Junior's not playing well. I mean, thankfully for them, Mbappe's playing great. Bellingham's getting back in a bit of form and, you know, they're getting some more experienced defenders back slowly. But my God, the football that they are playing is just,

35:50it's hard to describe. There's no, I said it yesterday when we did the game, Dan and I, there's no pattern to the play. There's no pace to the play. There's no intensity in the game. It's off the cuff. They're getting outplayed. And, you know, Mac, I said it the other week in the Girona game. Girona, and these words, remember, they resonated with me. Girona like to play, and Real Madrid won't let you. Real Madrid shouldn't be letting these teams play. Girona, for example, let you beat them 3-0 today. Girona are in the bottom three. Real Madrid shouldn't be allowing these teams to play. Struggling teams, Elche, Alaves, Raya Vallecano, who are decent, but they should be smothering these teams.

36:29They should be outworking them, outfighting them, and then they can outplay them with their skill. They don't. They set off them. They're sort of lazy in their approach, and it's completely against what I thought Xavi Alonso was going to do. My summary of it is he's come in, he's tried to make a leper change at spots with a lot of these players and he's not been able to do it. And he's thought to himself, do you know what? They won't run for me because they didn't run for Ancelotti. They're not going to press for me. So I'm going to have to revert back to what suits them. And hopefully they're going to get a tune for me.

37:03And when that recipe is put together, A manager who wants to do something different, but is having to kowtow to players, which is how it looks to me. There's no longevity for that manager. And that's how it is at the moment for Xabi Alonso. Ian? I think it'll all come to a head in the Super Cup because you've got Real Madrid playing Atletico and then probably Barcelona in the final. So that's crunch. In today's world, planning ahead isn't always top of mind. but not having life insurance can leave families facing difficult financial uncertainty during already emotional times. In many cases, loved ones are left managing expenses, debts, or long-term obligations without a clear plan in place.

37:45Life insurance is one of those ways to help provide financial security and support when it's needed most. That's where Ethos comes in. Ethos makes getting life insurance fast and easy. And it's 100 % online. You can get a quote in seconds, apply in minutes, and even get same-day coverage. There's no medical exam. You just answer a few simple health questions online. And coverage options are flexible, with up to$3 million available and some policies starting at around$30 a month. Ethos has also earned strong customer feedback with a 4.8 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, based on more than 3 ,000 reviews.

38:23Help protect your family with life insurance through Ethos. Get your instant free quote at ethos.com slash sports. That's E-T-H-O-S dot com slash sports. Application times and rates may vary. As you know, managing maintenance, repair, and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Granger has your back. From professional-grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery, they're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Granger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner in protecting both your people and your facilities.

39:03Call 1-800-GRANGER, click granger.com, or just stop by.

39:10Bayern took on Heidenheim on Sunday and put four goals past them. Josip Stanisic, Michael Alise, Luis Diaz, and Harry Kane on the score sheet for Bayern. Harry Kane breaking more records. Not that he even knows which records he's breaking at the moment. I salute you, you know why? I mean I always salute you, but today is a special day. Yeah, I mean a special game, nice to win. The last game of the year, I think it's always important to try and win and finish with some momentum and yeah, really happy that we've done that today. Do you know what I'm talking about? 100 scorer points from your side after 78 games.

39:46No one did it before. This is absolutely marvelous. I salute you, Mr. Kane. Thank you very much. Yeah, it was nice to get that one at the end. I had a couple chances earlier in the game that I was annoyed I didn't quite finish off. So, yeah, it was good to get that one and obviously finish the game with the 4-0. What does it do to you? Tell us about your emotions concerning this record. Yeah, I'm not sure, you know, extremely proud, obviously. I think it speaks highly of the commitment that I put in every day and the work that I put in. Also to the teammates, to the coaching staff who keep making me better, keep making me improve.

40:17and yeah look I don't focus too much on these things but when they happen I just bring on look forward to bringing on the next one so let's see how quick we can get the next 100. I wish you all the best Merry Christmas and Happy New Year you know you're doing well when you don't even know what record you're breaking here it'll be a happy new year's got a winter break fewest games to reach 100 goal contributions in the last 20 Bundesliga seasons and by some distance as well beating Iron Robin out who's in second there, some big names on the list there. Gab and Jules will no doubt be talking about Harry Kane and Bayern flying away with a nine-point lead by Christmas on the latest Gab and Jules show.

40:56That will drop on Monday. Check it out wherever you get your podcasts. David Moyes not happy with the referee in Everton's clash with Arsenal, and this was on the possible penalty that they weren't given. He said, I'd probably be fined in some ways. I think they're saying it's insignificant contact, and it might have been. It may well have been. They come up with new words for every decision, don't they? Frank Leboeuf is back with us. Ian Dark still with us. And Frank, you usually do love a controversial penalty call or no call. So what did you make of this one? Well, for me, it's a definite penalty.

41:32I mean, the guy kicks the opponent and therefore, you know, you're not allowed to do that. So it's a clear penalty for me. Saliba kicks Barri's back foot and therefore it's a foul. That's clear, that's obvious and I don't know how it cannot be a penalty. So I know what Craig had to say about this yesterday and Stevie, what do you say about it, Ian? There's two players going for the ball and it's kind of accidental, but that doesn't matter. I think I'm with Frank on this. It's a modern penalty. Kind of soft, well, very soft, but in today's parlance and the way things are being interpreted, I was expecting when VAR looked at it that they'd give the penalty.

42:15Yeah, we sat watching it and Don Hutchinson was on as well, obviously former Everton player, but that never swayed them one way or the other. It was just a simple... It was just a simple... No, I mean that. It was just a simple decision. We all sat there. It was Dan, Stevie and myself. Don was back in London. And when we saw that first replay, we went, right, he's going to give it. I understand the referee, you know, maybe didn't spot it. That's fine. You know, that's why we have this technology, whether you like it or not. But once the VAR official, whoever it was, is looking at that and doesn't...

42:54I mean, at the worst-case scenario, the worst-case scenario, the on-field referee should have been sent to the monitor. That is the... Now, that is the bare minimum. for him to sit in Stockley Park in London and say, nothing to see here it's just a shocker I mean you know I understand David Mott, look it's Arsenal, it's a title race Arsenal fans would be because Arsenal fans are as bad as the rest of them really, you know they're fickle when they see something that goes their way, they're happy when they see something that goes against them, everybody's against them you know, they're all the same up there you know, they just can't stand any of them and this was a decision that has gone Arsenal's way big time yesterday, yeah they missed some chances they were the better team, of course they're the better team the best team in England at the moment maybe not playing the best, but they're the best team in England the league table will tell you that they had chances and Trossard hit the post they should have scored and blah blah blah and it's Everton, but it doesn't matter it's a penalty kick and Howard Webb's having a shocker and he was in America, Howard Webb a few weeks ago and he heard this show Julian Rons was on him.

44:06We battered him and he watched it and he wasn't happy. He had the show and he watched it and he was getting a shellacking. And his referees, he's getting one again. Because this isn't the only decision at the weekend. And he's got a problem with his referees. And that's a big problem what we saw in that game yesterday. That a referee has looked at that and thought, I don't need to send the referee to the monitor. A complete shocker. As you said, it wasn't the only one. Eddie Howe believes that his side were also denied a clear penalty. in their game against Chelsea. It finished 2-2. It was Chelsea defender Trevor Chalabar barging into Anthony Gordon in the box.

44:43Here's what Eddie Howe had to say about it. That's a blatant free kick. When it went to VAR and of course they check everything, I thought this is going to be overturned. It's a clear error because that's a clear penalty. As I've seen, I think the defender only focuses on Ant. They've said it's shielding But I don't agree with that analysis So really disappointed that wasn't given So here is a lock at that moment It's not just the barge, right It's the right leg What's the right leg? The right leg, as well as the shoulder and the back The right leg comes straight across Anthony Gordon And doesn't play the ball Now we all thought this was a free kick yesterday Including Don, who hasn't played for Newcastle But he's from Newcastle Ben loves them.

45:33And he's a big Newcastle fan. But it's not just the barge in the back, which I think was... Some people might say shoulder. It was behind the shoulder. But if you watch closely, the right leg steps across his thigh and he cleans him out with that as well. So we were unanimous yesterday again that we thought this should have been a penalty kick and it went against Newcastle. I wonder if we're unanimous today. Where does Frank Leboeuf stand on this? Well, Frank Lepers feels very uncomfortable because he played for Chelsea, so he would love to find some excuses. But I don't know what is a term in English when you have an excessive movement, when you go too much and too strong, and you can be punished for that.

46:17And what happens to Shaloba? He wants to do, I think, shorter against shorter, in which he's quite OK, but he goes too strong. So that's punishable. as we say, and sometimes even when you get a tackle and you get the ball, but you go too strong and the ref gives something because you went over it. I don't know how you say that. We say an excess of commitment. We say in French. I don't know how you say that in English, but it went too strong. So I feel that he's fighting for it, but he goes too strong. So therefore, yeah, it could have been a penalty. Overzealous, maybe. Overzealous. It's a little bit overaggressive, I think.

46:58Also, could be that. Yeah, there were a few moments that we've got to talk about from the weekend that was and something else. Oh, no, you're not going to ask Ian about that? OK, Ian, tell me. Tell me what you think of it. I'll keep it short. 100 % a penalty. He's just wiped him out. I mean, I can't believe they didn't give that. OK. Howard, come to America again and watch the show. Come join us. You're not in England now, Howard. Not everybody's soft soap on you in these programmes. let's get Howard on to PLP or whoever it is and we'll say, oh Howard, what's happening here? Come on this show, we'll freaking have it out, will you?

47:33He's been on this show once. All right, let's get to the first Liverpool game. This was the second goal from Ugo Ekitike and we've heard afterwards that Thomas Frank has said that I think the second goal is a mistake from the ref. Romero is adamant he was fouled by the striker. Was this a push, Ian? Yeah, I think it is. looking at it again. He's put, I mean, he does leak well. It's a great spring by Epidike. Gets in the air and it's a fine header looping away from the goalkeeper. But I think he has pushed Romero in the back. So I think that probably should have been a free kick. Frank? Well, I'm French, so I'm again comfortable in that situation.

48:14But yes, it's a foul. It's a clear foul. I was a defender. when you feel the two hands and the two arms above you, you can't take off because the guy pushes you down, back down. Sorry, it's impossible to fight. And we can see Romero is a strong guy. He can't move. Yeah, he should have been a free kick against Ike Tike. Now, take a guess, boys. Take a guess, boys. Who do you think didn't think this was a foul?

48:45Alejandro Moreno. Stevie? No.

48:52Done? Come on, Frankie. Come on. A striker? Oh, yes.

49:03Mr. Fyotov. Oh, God. Have you plugged your brain in today? Stevie Nichol? He got it right. That's what I said, Stevie. Oh, yes. He got it right. Oh, come. What colour shirt did Stevie wear? Oh, yeah, because he played for Liverpool. Yeah. Now, Stevie... No, but if we have to wear the jersey, the team that we played for, every time we have to be in the show, you know, it doesn't serve the show, you know? You have to be fair, Mr Steve Nichols. Come on. It's a foul. Stevie was going to... Well, you know, I think I said anything. I just thought I let him go. Well, you know, Romero knew the hand was on the back and he threw himself and blah, blah, blah.

49:42So he found a way. but I get the feeling had that been on Van Dijk might have been a different story we'll never know anyway make sure to stay up to date are we just rubbishing people that are not on the show today I just love all the links they were like he used to play for them he supports them he grew up there anyway stay up to date with everything that's going on on ESPN FC over on our YouTube channel and click subscribe while you're there

50:13than a 3-0 count, especially if your hotel gym is non-existent. But at La Quinta by Wyndham, every location features a full-size, fully-equipped fitness center. So whether it's cardio, weights, or a quick workout before a long day, you can stay on top of your game. No excuses, no shortcuts, just your full routine, ready when you are. And when you book at LaQuinta.com, you can earn Wyndham Rewards points with every qualified stay. Tonight, La Quinta. Tomorrow, you shine. Terms and conditions apply. O 'Reilly Auto Parts can help take the guesswork out of your vehicle's check engine, ABS, or maintenance light with O 'Reilly Veriscan.

50:54The service is free and provides a report with solutions verified by ASE certified master technicians. Ask for O 'Reilly Veriscan today. Stick around now. That's how we roll. I'll roll. Run. Run. Welcome to the latest edition of Extra Time. Craig's here in the studio. We've got Frank and Ian Dark joining us as well. First question is for Craig. Has there ever been a team with as wide a gap between how good they are at both ends of the pitch as Barcelona? That's a good... Yeah, I mean, actually, that's a very good question. You know, you look at teams with good balance. Well, I say that. I think back to Newcastle.

51:40of the, is it around the mid 90s, just beyond, Ian would know better than me, maybe 96, 95, 96, 97 when Kevin Keegan was in charge, maybe a little later. And it was like, if you score three, we will score four. But memory serves me right. They had a, they still had good defensive players. They just played this open style. I don't know. It's chock and cheese, isn't it? Ian Dart can probably help us on that new cut-up point. It is chock and cheese. The story about that team, Kevin Keegan only believed in attacking, so that's exactly how they went about things. They were great entertainers, and he hired Mark Lawrenson, his old mate from Liverpool days, to come and be the defensive coach to sort them out, and Loro told me the story, and he said, I kept asking him, shall I put on a defensive session for the defenders today?

52:36Kevin said, no, wait. He never did. They just attacked. I mean, they're great to watch. There you go. You remember rightly then. Oh, yeah. I just couldn't remember the exact time. I played against them. I just couldn't remember the time frame up front. Les Ferdinand. Les Ferdinand. You know, Ferdinand. Ginole. And Rob Lee, who I played with at Derby for a short period. Terrific player. Ginole. I mean, it was great. And it looked like they were going to win the title. And then United just ground them down. and that infamous Kevin Keegan interview after he got right. Who was in goal? Who was in goal?

53:13Was it Shaq or was it Shaq? It was Shaq, wasn't it? Shaq? That was Shaq. Yeah, it was Shaq. That's why we love bringing up Shaq, isn't it? That was Shaq. I think it was Shaq. That's why they were. That's why we... It was. Well, you'd ask Shaq. You have the reason why. You'd probably say, I don't know. No, that's why there's always the banter about when you throw away a lead and Shekka has to answer it from those times. It wasn't really his fault, was it? I mean, he wasn't... The big man wasn't getting a lot of protection in the end. No, well, as we've just heard, definitely not. OK, this one for you then, Frank.

53:47How difficult is it to defend someone like Morgan Rodgers 1v1 and not let him get inside and onto his right foot? Do you just allow him to cross the ball with his weaker foot? Yeah, you try. I mean you you you put your body a little bit on the left side to open the door on your on your right side to push him to go left Because how he did today you could feel it that it would go With his right foot and and will sweep the ball after so you have to avoid that You know that he's very good at it and he did it all also in the second goal But that was more accidental but in the preparation that he had in the first one Yeah, you can I would say you can try to prevent it They're so talented that they can squeeze you and find a way to push you on the right side.

54:34But yeah, I don't know who was the defender at that time, maybe Euro. But yeah, you have to go a little bit on your left. You say, OK, you cannot go with your right foot. You can try, but I'm going to anticipate. That's the only way you can maybe prevent that. Never mind Morgan Rodgers. You want to try it with Ronaldo. Now, at this point, Frank is going to say, well, I did do that in the World Cup final. Well, I did do that against Ronaldo. And it only once. And it worked. I was so fortunate. But, yeah, well, you have to make a choice. I mean, I played against fantastic players and who are so fast or who are so technical that you have to try something in anticipation.

55:24If you just wait and react, you're going to struggle. So you have to gamble in a way. And I think if Europe would have gambled that time on the right side, yeah, Rodgers can go maybe with his left foot and will have maybe an open door to cross the ball with his left foot. But yeah, I think it's better than to see what we have seen. Rog... Morgan Rodgers. Rodgers is not one-dimensional. and that's what and as he gets a little more experienced and hopefully keeps getting better you know he'll you'll start to see that but he can go either way I talked about Ronaldo I started jesting but you know in the World Cup we were playing Brazil he's like I hope he stays over there because that guy he could go either way and Frank and I Frank and I played with a guy well we played with many guys that could do it but one guy you know Gianfranco Zola you know you didn't talk about him coming in on his right foot.

56:23Because if he thought he was coming in on his right, he'd go on his left. If he thought he was going to go on his left, he'd go on his right. And so the great players, and Morgan Rodgers has got a way to go, but he's a very, very, very good player. He can go either way. Now, will he be strong on his left foot? Probably not. And that's the argument. But you were mentioning, sorry, Craig, you were mentioning Gianfranco. I remember a game that we played against Manchester United, the first game that we played at Stamford Bridge. And the six-yard box. That was insane because he was in a... Yeah, exactly.

56:56And nobody wanted to attack him. They just wanted to wait. And he was in the six-yard box and Spichard was like, hey, guys, what are you doing? He's going to score. And, of course, he scored. They didn't want to do anything because they didn't know what to do. That was insane. Well done, Craig. You remember. Gary Pallister look a little silly. And Gary was a great defender, obviously. That's my Middlesbrough connection. Thank you. So, yeah, nobody wanted to. But, you know, it's a great story at the moment for Morgan Rodgers. Was Gianfranco Zola the best player? Frank ever to wear a Chelsea shirt?

57:27Because a lot of people say so.

57:32Well, I think he was named the best player of the last century. But I think, yeah, in the history of Chelsea, you can say, of course, you can name Peter Osgood and some others. But he had everything. And on top of it, he was a fantastic fellow, working hard for everybody. Yeah, for me, he was the best of the best, yeah. Do you mean the best for Chelsea or the best player that ever pulled a jersey on for Chelsea? Yeah, well, the best player who ever played for Chelsea, yeah. I mean, obviously, you're talking about the Niro. I would slightly disagree with that, even though it sort of pains me to say this.

58:08But I think you could put up an argument, even though he was past his best, that Ruud Hullit could be the best player ever. Oh, I see, yeah. Because Ruud, you know... Yeah, but I... Yeah. Yeah, Craig, I hear what you're saying. But, I mean, Jan was saying that the best player playing at his best for Chelsea as well. I think Ruud was at the end of this career, as you mentioned. Yeah. But I think Jafranco was... You know, listen, this is tomorrow's argument as well for the show. We've got debates on decisions now, who was the best player? Ah, we're really... For every club. We'll team off for this show tomorrow.

58:51I'm coming back as a producer. It's easy, this producer. What about Glenn... Glenn Hoddle. What about Glenn Hoddle as well? Well, well... Yeah, but not for Chelsea. Not for Chelsea. No, not for Chelsea. No, no, no. That works the way you're doing it. If we're doing it the way I'm doing it, and the way Ian was maybe suggesting, it's hard to argue. that a guy who was World Footballer of the Year is Hurlough was twice and played in all these, you know, even though him and I have got a little... I know, listen to the high praise. You don't get that too much. I don't hold it. No? I'm not holding a grudge.

59:33Who's a bigger loss, Ian? Bruno Fernandes or Alexander Isak? Well, I think no question about that at the moment. Bruno Fernandes is the linchpin and has been for about five seasons for Manchester United. He's not everybody's cup of tea, but he's a big, big player, so they won't want to lose him for long. Frank and Craig, did you ever have a teammate who intentionally got themselves suspended for the Boxing Day fixture? No. Well, it's weird because I don't know if this is true, but back in the day, before Arsene Wenger really put the hammer down on some of the culture at Arsenal, I'm going to say early 90s to mid-90s, there was a few Arsenal players, one or two, that always seemed to miss the Boxing Day stroke New Year festivities of the football.

1:00:27Of the football. And we didn't cover the festivities. Not the festivities, the festivities of football. With a suspension. If you timed it right and got your fifth one or whatever it was, or maybe you needed a little bit of surgery, always good for a bit of a hair near surgery, you're not out too long, you know. That would be the time. Can you remember anyone going on, Neil? If you look at Boxing Day 1963 results and put them up again sometime, you'll see that not all the players who played, especially defenders, were particularly sober that day. I think there were 66 goals.

1:01:05Wow. We used to play... We actually used to play... Ian, I don't know if you can correct me on this. Apparently Fulham beat Ipswich 10-1 that day. Sorry? Fulham beat Ipswich 10-1 that day, I've just been told. And then lost 4-2 to them two days later. Ian, I might be wrong here, but I think there was one period at Christmastime we played two days in a row. Yeah. Yes, you and Stephen. That used to happen. I think in the late 50s, before your time, Craig, and even before mine, they used to play Christmas Day and then you'd have a return fixture on Boxing Day. So they play 25th and 26th. No. So crazy.

1:01:48Imagine that now. Imagine the managers moaning about the schedule. Yeah. I think I can't. Yeah, but the thing is, they don't drink anymore nowadays, the players, you know. At the time, you know, the guy didn't see they were playing games, you know, they didn't care. Well, they're not supposed to. No. Do you remember anyone doing this, Frank? No, no, not that I was told, but no. I just remember once, you know, getting, I think after three yellow cards, you were getting suspended. And I think I received one day my third yellow card. And I went to the ref and I said, you think I'm upset? You know, you're crazy.

1:02:29I'm going to have a weekend off, you know. So thank you very much. And he got mad. It's not what I was thinking, but I wanted to be bad to him. Ian, are you disappointed that there is only one Boxing Day match on the schedule and will you be commentating the match? It's Manchester United-Newcastle, isn't it? Yeah, I mean, it's to do with the complicated television deal. Seems a big shame to me because it's very much part of the English tradition and everybody loves going out to a match and watching a game on Boxing Day. So that's a bit sad. Having said that, there are lots of games going on in the Football League for everybody to watch.

1:03:10There's a full schedule, I believe, pretty much on the 27th. I do agree. You can say, oh, the game's changing and times have moved on and TV contracts, but it has been a big tradition for years. It's a massive part of the culture, isn't it? I love Boxing Day games. It's part of the culture to go and watch games in Boxing Day all over the country. but it seems the money just talks doesn't it these days which is and I think the fans they don't like it but they're aware of that's how it's going what are some of your favourite going Frank? so sorry for us you know foreigners when you don't have that culture we had like a week off you know for the for the Christmas and New Year's Eve we just started to train just before New Year's Eve, but when you have to play on January 1st at midday, that's quite a change for us, you know, when you have to say goodbye, you say happy new year, and you go to bed, that was very strange for me at first, you know, but we are paid for that, we are the players, so that was okay, but at first it's hard to accept it.

1:04:21What are some of your favourite Christmas desserts, guys? Ian, you love a dessert, don't you? Yeah, well I do give, I've given way haven't I to have a dessert so I do quite like Christmas pudding you know with a bit especially with brandy butter as a treat. I can't do Christmas puts, the raisins. I can eat most things the raisins in the pudding just more of an appetizer. Although I must admit there was a bunch of chocolate in my house today and I I was absolutely filling myself before I came in here. That's dangerous. It's one of those little ones, the small little... Yeah, heroes. I don't know what they were.

1:05:05Quality streets. Well, it was dairy milks and some other stuff. Three adverts going on here. I know, celebrations. Frank, what's a typical French dessert at Christmas? It's called Concerto, and it's a chocolate with different layers of chocolate. It's a square chocolate and it's a tradition for Christmas in my house because that's my wife's favourite dessert. So we get that every Christmas and it's called, yeah, concerto. Fantastic. Very nice. It's a ton of Italian there, isn't it? Fantastic. Beautiful. Alright, thank you so much for sending in your questions. There's loads of content coming up this week.

1:05:47We've set them off for seven days on ESPN FC. Be sure to be with them. Pundits, producers, ah, doing the lot.

1:06:00Turn it up. Storm has zero sugar and 200 milligrams of caffeine, so you can turn that workout up a notch. Good energy in, good energy out. Energy for life.