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World Cup 2014: Holland striker Robin van Persie has been one of many Premier League failures in Brazil
Lung-bursting commitment week-in, week-out has left English-based players on the verge of burnout when they play in major international tournaments
Form guide: Robin van Persie has yet to produce his consistent best Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By Alan Hansen
7:00AM BST 09 Jul 2014
After that stunning first game for Holland against Spain we would all have been expecting Robin van Persie to be one of the stars of the tournament but, in reality, he has been far from it. I have been very disappointed with him and he really does not seem to have stretched himself in any of the other games.
In fact, the Premier League's players as a whole have not performed brilliantly at these World Cup finals - I am struggling to think of many that have really stood out.
Aside from Vincent Kompany, who was outstanding and solid as a rock in all of Belgium's games, very few Premier League players have made an impression.
Everton's Tim Howard played brilliantly against Belgium for the United States and Tim Krul of Newcastle United obviously made an indelible mark on the tournament but he only faced five penalties having come on for the shoot-out against Costa Rica. But there are not many others to stand out.
Chelsea's Eden Hazard is another player who has failed to transfer his excellent form from the Premier League to the grandest stage of all. Against Argentina he was the one Belgium player you were relying on to do something special but he hardly gave them anything. He was a disaster in that last game.
In fact Belgium were a big disappointment all round. Twelve months ago you would have been looking at the likes of Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen, Romelu Lukaku, Marouane Fellaini and Kevin Mirallas and thinking how good are Belgium going to be? But there was a definite dip in their performance later in the competition.
It is also interesting to look at the French back four. They made it to the quarter-finals and were agonisingly close to reaching the last four, infinitely further than England managed. But when you consider that Mathieu Debuchy, Laurent Koscielny and Patrice Evra would struggle to get into the England team where does that leave you?
Just look at the USA team. I would say 95 per cent of them would not be included in the England squad but they played with passion and displayed many of the elements that Roy Hodgson's players lacked.
We are now seeing the peculiar prospect of average Premier League players such as Martin Demichelis and Ron Vlaar possibly going on to win the World Cup. Argentina's Demichelis performed much better towards the end of the season with Manchester City but if you'd have been told he could be a contender for a World Cup winners' medal shortly after he signed you would have laughed in their face.
Vlaar has struggled against relegation with Aston Villa for every season since he's signed from Feyenoord but has been lifted by playing in this competition for Holland.
Per Mertesacker has also struggled in a Germany defence that has played some kamikaze stuff on many occasions and somehow got away with it.
For so many of the players based in England to struggle, playing in supposedly the best league in the world, raises the inevitable question as to whether there should be a winter break. That argument has only been strengthened by the fact that Germany and Holland - two countries to have introduced winter breaks to their leagues - have made the last four.
I can see the logic behind introducing it to the Premier League but would it make a significant difference? I am not so sure. While there is no doubt the World Cup's English players definitely arrived more tired than any of their continental counterparts, I believe more of that is down to the way they play.
Football is so intense in England that there is no conserving of energy. It is lung-bursting commitment and hell for leather week-in, week-out. That seems to leave English players on the verge of burnout when they play in major international tournaments.
But then you have to consider somebody like Dirk Kuyt. He played in the Premier League for many years with Liverpool and even now when he steps out on the field he is fresh as a daisy and can run all day.
Therefore I am not convinced that a winter break in England would necessarily be the answer to improve their fortunes.
One thing is clear, however, and that is there has not been one stand-out team. The fact of the matter is that before Tuesday night's game between Brazil and Germany you looked at the four countries left and thought they all have a chance. That is simply because they are all similar in that they are not great.
Lionel Messi would be the standout player but there has not been one team to stampede their way through it. Usually you will see a country early on in the knockout stages and think, ‘they're nailed on to win' but not this time. It has been a memorable World Cup but predicting a winner has left me at a loss.
World Cup 2014: Premier League players fail to make Fifa / Castrol Index team of the tournament so far
According to the Castrol Index not one player plying his trade in the English top division has performed well enough in Brazil to make the best XI
Usual suspects: But no Premier League players
By Oliver Pickup
4:30PM BST 08 Jul 2014
Not one Premier League player has performed well enough to earn a place in the World Cup team of the tournament so far, according to sponsors Castrol, whose best XI is on the Fifa website.
That England have long departed Brazil and not one person who plies his trade in the English top division is deemed good enough to feature on the teamsheet – which is determined by using a complicated and detailed algorithm – leaves the Football Association and the Premier League open to further ridicule.
Questions have been raised about the true strength of the much-hyped division, in the wake of poor performances in the Champions League – only Chelsea made it through to the semi-final last season, and not one club made it to the quarter-finals stage the season before – and by England at this tournament.
And Castrol's assessment of the top-rated players at the World Cup further condemns the domestic championship, even if there are a number of questionable selections.
There have been some impressive displays in between the sticks over the past month, but Claudio Bravo, the Chilean goalkeeper, is apparently the No1 No1, with a 9.26 Castrol Index rating. Earlier in the tournament the 31-year-old's £9.7-million move to Barcelona from Real Sociedad was announced.
The rest of the team are largely made up of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich players. French defender Raphaël Varane, 21, has been selected at right-back after scoring an average score of 9.7, and his Spanish club team-mates in the Castrol Index side include Angel di Maria (9.46) and Karim Benzema (9.79).
Representatives from Bayern include Xherdan Shaquri (9.32), Toni Kroos (9.28) and Arjen Robben (9.59) – though there is no place for four-goal Thomas Müller.
Paris St Germain have two players in the Castrol Index XI, with Brazilians Thiago Silva (9.66) and David Luiz (9.56) – selected at left-back – making the grade. There is also space for James Rodríguez (9.74), the Colombian playmaker who is currently the tournament's top scorer with six, and speculation is rife that he will soon move from Monaco to Real Madrid. And Mats Hummels, the Borussia Dortmund centre-back, makes the side, scoring 9.63.
In actual fact, the top-rated Premier League player in the Castrol Index is 10th-placed Jan Vertonghen. The Tottenham full-back has impressed for Belgium, especially when rampaging forward, but his 9.48 rating is not enough to make the final XI.
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is the next highest Premier League performer (9.26), in 20th, followed by Vincent Kompany (27th with 9.14) and Mesut Ozil (29th with 9.1)
Luis Suarez appeal against four-month ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini rejected by Fifa
Luis Suarez's appeal against his four-month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini has been rejected
Tried, denied: Luis Suarez will have to serve his suspension Photo: AFP
By Telegraph Sport, and agencies
3:01PM BST 10 Jul 2014
Fifa has rejected an appeal by Luis Suárez and the Uruguay Football Federation (AUF) against his four-month ban from all football activities for biting an opponent.
The appeal was lodged against the sanctions imposed on the Liverpool striker by Fifa's disciplinary committee for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini. They included a nine-match international ban plus a 100,000 Swiss Franc (£66,000) fine.
Fifa head of media Delia Fischer told a news conference in Rio de Janeiro: "The Fifa appeal committee has decided to reject the appeals lodged by both the Uruguayan player Luis Suarez and the Uruguayan FA, and to confirm the decision rendered by the Fifa disciplinary committee on June 25 2014 in its entirety.
"The terms of the decision taken by the Fifa appeal committee were communicated to the player and the Uruguayan FA today."
Both the player and the AUF can make a further appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Arsenal unveil new kit for 2014-15 Premier League season
Arsenal have launched three new strips for the forthcoming campaign that should please fans of an old-school design
Feeling blue: Santi Cazorla in Arsenal's new 'cup' kit Photo: PUMA
By Telegraph Sport
11:00PM BST 10 Jul 2014
Arsenal have unveiled a trio of traditional-looking kits - their first from new suppliers, Puma - that should please their supporters.
The home kit is mostly red with a crew neck, and white sleeves. It has "heat transfer tapes running down the body that accentuate the torso" and "breathable underarm mesh inserts".
Puma says that it "stays true to the traditional Arsenal colours that first appeared in 1933".
It is also said to "represent ‘forever’, one third of the 'Future, Forever, Victorious' values identified by Puma as core to the club and the design inspiration behind the home, away and cup kits, with ‘forever’ symbolising the importance of community and belonging to both the club and its fans".
The away kit (representing 'forever') also looks familiar - it is yellow with navy sleeves. The club introduced those colours in 1969-70.
The 'cup' kit (victorious) has navy and sky diagonal segments, with lime piping.
Arsenal were with their former kit suppliers Nike since 1994.
They join a Puma stable that also includes Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Arsenal have played in red since they were given a charitable donation from Nottingham Forest in the 1880s, but the white sleeves were indeed added in 1933.
They reverted to all red in 1966-67 but fans did not welcome the move and it lasted only a season. They played in redcurrant shirts in the final campaign at Highbury (2005-06) to mark the shirts they wore in 1913.
Manchester United new kit promo film location paid for with FRUIT and VEGETABLES
Jul 10, 2014 15:40
By Trevor Baxter
New kit movie sir? Certainly, that'll be a pound of King Edwards and a bunch of bananas, please.
Manchester United’s new kit promo video was shot in an historic Moravian settlement - with residents paid in fruit and veg.
Millions of fans have seen the advert for United’s new home shirt sponsored by American car manufacturers Chevrolet.
But only a few locals witnessed the first scenes being shot in the unique location in Droylsden.
The site is just a few miles from City’s Etihad stronghold and the film was shot without a Reds star in sight, reports the Manchester Evening News.
And as part of the facility fee for using the settlement, residents received fruit and veg to sell towards church funds!
Old Trafford legends past and present including Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and Wayne Rooney came together to reveal the former Premier League champions’ new kit for the coming campaign.
Rooney, David de Gea, Robin Van Persie, Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj are all featured with the new shirt with Rooney saying: “This shirt belongs to you, always has, always will.”
But the first part of the video, filmed in Sister Street and adjoining alleyway in Fairfield Square, was put together using actors and a supporting cast of extras.
The scenes appear to be set in the Edwardian era even though the first settlers moved into the Moravian settlement in 1785.
It shows two fans, striding down the cobbled streets stripping off their work clothes to reveal bygone United kits before the action fast forwards through the ages.
Charlton and Law, who attended the funeral of former United goalkeeper, Jack Crompton in Fairfield Moravian Church last year, are seen in another sequence at a different city location. Eventually, hundreds of fans are filmed arriving outside the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ to be met by Rooney and Co.
“The film crew was here for about five or six hours,” one Square resident told the MEN. “They were very nice and at the end gave us the fruit and veg off the stalls they had been using as props to sell for the church.
“I think we raised about £200 when we sold it at a craft fair. We didn’t see any famous footballers though.
“But we’re getting quite used to cameras round here. Not so long ago scenes for some episodes of Foyle’s War were shot in the Square, one of the houses was used extensively for a BBC day-time drama, 32 Brinkburn Street, and it was also used for a location for a Sherlock Holmes drama.
“There was even an AA advert shot here.”
Forget Hollywood; if you want to star spot join the Moravians.
Ryan Giggs insists Louis van Gaal won't be scared of Manchester United challenge
Jul 10, 2014 14:23
By David McDonnell
The Dutchman is scheduled to take over at Old Trafford next week after his World Cup duties with his country are curtailed after Saturday's third-place playoff
Dutch courage: Van Gaal won't be scared at United, insists Giggs
Ryan Giggs says Louis van Gaal will not be "scared" by the challenge at Manchester United.
Van Gaal will take over at United next week following Holland's World Cup semi-final penalty shoot-out defeat to Argentina.
Giggs, who will work alongside van Gaal as his assistant, said the 62-year-old former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss would not be fazed by the United job.
United legend Giggs, who retired from playing blast season, said he had been impressed with van Gaal's performance at this summer's World Cup in Brazil and said United fans would feel the same way.
Giggs said: "I think he has excited everybody. He's mixed up his formations, juggled his players around and got to a World Cup semi-final, which was a great achievement.
"The group he was in, to get out of it in the first place was a real achievement in itself. I'm sure he would like to have gone further, but it wasn't to be.
"He has got a clear philosophy forward to it. He's been at Barcelona, he's been at Bayern Munich, and in my view Manchester United are the biggest. He won't be apprehensive. He can't wait for it I'm sure."
Giggs said the training programme United's players were working on since returning to pre-season training had been laid down by van Gaal.
"I have spoken to him a couple of times, and had a few emails, but it's been hard as he's been travelling or preparing for games somewhere," said Giggs.
"Louis will be joining us next week and get to meet the players and everybody here at Carrington.
"Everything has been planned off Louis. Albert Stuivenberg (assistant coach) and Marcel Bout (another coach installed by van Gaal) know how he works.
"So it's a bit of me getting to know them and them getting to know a bit, but the blueprint and everything else has been laid down by Louis and we're just following his plans."
Giggs was speaking at the launch of Reunited 14, a pre-season friendly with Valencia at Old Trafford on August 12
The Manchester United midfielder has cut his famous hairdo, with braids looking set to be his next trademark, and will be hoping that it brings a change of fortune in 2014-15
Marouane Fellaini has stunned Manchester United fans by shaving off his famous afro.
The Belgium midfielder, fresh from representing his country at the World Cup, underwent the shock transformation on Thursday and a picture of the result quickly did the rounds on Twitter, causing many United fans to swiftly throw away the novelty Fellaini wigs that were seen at Old Trafford in 2013-14.
How he will style his new cut is yet to be revealed, although cornrows appear to be his current preference.
It is also unknown if Fellaini was acting under orders from new boss Louis van Gaal, who may hope that the buzzcut helps the midfielder recapture the form that persuaded David Moyes to part with £27.5 million (€34.6m) to sign him from Everton.
After enduring a torrid season last term – which has led to reports that he could leave the club this summer – Fellaini will be hoping that the cut lifts a weight off his shoulders in more ways than one.
Marouane Fellaini braids his curly hair to sport a fresh look ahead of new season
Marouane Fellaini has endured a disappointing Premier League season with Manchester United
Belgium midfielder could face the chop at Man Utd by Louis van Gaal
His new hairdo is a start contrast to his typical curly afro hair
By David Kent
Published: 15:54 GMT, 10 July 2014 | Updated: 08:16 GMT, 11 July 2014
Marouane Fellaini has braided his hair ahead of the new Premier League season as he looks to kick-start his career while fearing the chop from Manchester United.
The 26-year-old was pictured on the Facebook page of Belgian organic cosmetic JYB Cosmetics sporting his new do.
Maybe, after a disappointing season with both club and country, he has decided it's time for a fresh start and a new look?
New look: Marouane Fellaini has braided his hair ahead of the new Premier League season
Sheared: The Belgium midfielder has sported a new look as he seeks to kick-start his career
The 26-year-old is coming off the back of a terrible debut season at Manchester United, where he failed to score in 21 appearances in all competitions.
He did come off the bench to score in Belgium's first World Cup game against Algeria, but underwhelmed throughout the rest of the competition, as they crashed out at the last 16 stage.
It also seems as though he's slipping down the pecking order at Old Trafford, with midfielder Ander Herrera having already arrived, and more reinforcements apparently on the way.
Perhaps the trim will help convince Van Gaal that he is a man that means business this season.
Back then: Fellaini (right) sporting short hair during his time with Standard Liege
New start: Louis van Gaal may decide to get rid of the Belgian when he arrives in Manchester
Loss: Felllaini is thought to be one of several United players Van Gaal wishes to sell
Arturo Vidal's agent holds talks with Manchester United, who are also weighing up a bid for Real Madrid's Angel di Maria
Manchester United remain keen to sign Arturo Vidal from Juventus
United held talks with Chile international Vidal's agent on Friday
Premier League side also keen on Angel di Maria but face competition
By Simon Jones
Published: 16:45 EST, 11 July 2014 | Updated: 03:04 EST, 12 July 2014
Manchester United are hoping for a breakthrough in discussions over the £35million transfer of Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal.
The Chile international shares the same agent as Alexis Sanchez, Fernando Felicevich, and talks are understood to have taken place on Friday.
Sanchez signed for Arsenal on Thursday in a £30m move and United hope his international team-mate Vidal could follow him to the Premier League.
Hot on the trail: Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Juventus and Chile star Arturo Vidal
Negotiating process: Vidal's agent is understood to have held talks with United on Friday
Vidal joined Juventus in 2011 from Bayer Leverkusen and has seen his stock rise after playing a central role in the club's three consecutive Serie A titles, making a name for himself as a player who is equally comfortable tackling tough or scoring and assisting goals.
The 27-year-old travelled to the 2014 World Cup with Chile despite having surgery on a knee injury in early May and helped his country reach the second round before they were defeated by Brazil on penalties.
Vidal signed a contract extension with Juventus in December last year tying him to the club until 2017.
United also have interest in Real Madrid's Angel di Maria but face competition from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentina international was injured during the 2014 World Cup quarter-final win against Belgium but made a return to light training on Thursday and could yet feature in the final on Sunday.
The winger has been linked with a move to Monaco in the past but stayed at the Bernabeu to help them win the Champions League at the personal request of former United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo.
Following suit: Vidal shares an agent with fellow Chile international Alexis Sanchez who has joined Arsenal
In demand: United are also keen on Real Madrid and Argentina's Angel di Maria but face competition from PSG
One of the summer's biggest transfer sagas reached its conclusion on Friday as Liverpool and Barcelona confirmed they had reached agreement for the transfer of Luis Suarez.
The controversial Uruguay international is expected to finally complete his move next week, putting pen-to-paper on a five-year deal for a fee in the region of £70m.
Suarez will wear the No.9 shirt at Camp Nou and will add some bite to the Barcelona attack alongside Neymar and Lionel Messi.
The striker is expected to line up in a star-studded forward line with Lionel Messi and Neymar when he returns from suspension
Luis Suarez has been allocated the No.9 shirt at Barcelona after his €88 million summer transfer from Liverpool was confirmed on Friday.
The striker wears the number when he is on international duty with Uruguay, but this will be the first time he has taken the shirt at club level since emerging on the world stage.
While at Ajax, Suarez was the No.16 before being given the famous No.7 shirt at Anfield, after joining Liverpool in January 2011.
Replica jerseys with the player’s name and number are already on sale at Camp Nou and the club are expecting a surge of interest from supporters.
Suarez scoops the No.9 shirt which was previously worn by Chile star Alexis Sanchez, who himself has been involved in a big-money move this week, having finalised his €40m transfer to Arsenal.
A star-studded Barca forward line will see Suarez team up with Lionel Messi - who wears No.10 - and Brazil star Neymar (No.11). It is an array of high-profile talent that will have Barca’s marketing department licking their lips in anticipation.
Suarez, who is currently suspended from all football-related activity until the end of October, scored 82 goals in 133 matches in all competitions for Liverpool and will add significant firepower for new coach Luis Enrique when he returns from his four-month ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.
As well as bringing in Suarez, Barca have signed midfielder Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla this summer, as well as two goalkeepers – Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
The Croatian will wear the No.4 shirt vacated by Cesc Fabregas, while shot-stoppers Bravo and Ter Stegen have been allocated No.13 and No.1, respectively.
Luis Suarez is not bigger than Liverpool and we will be stronger next season, claims manager Brendan Rodgers
Liverpool manager insists "Liverpool FC is bigger than any individual" as £75m fee is agreed with Barcelona for sale of Luis Suarez
Parting company: Luis Suarez (left) has swapped Liverpool for Barcelona Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By Chris Bascombe
9:50PM BST 11 Jul 2014
Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager, vowed to recover from the loss of Luis Suárez, insisting “no one is bigger than the club” after the striker sealed a £75 million transfer to Barcelona.
Rodgers delivered a firm message to disappointed supporters after confirming the reluctant sale of the 27-year-old, promising to improve the team with the proceeds of the deal.
Suárez will sign a five-year Barcelona contract next week, pending a medical, although it is unclear whether he will be presented to supporters at the Nou Camp, due to his ban from football-related activities.
Liverpool had no option but to sell Suárez once his exit clause was triggered by Barcelona, and the Uruguayan made it clear he wanted to go.
Rodgers said the player had improved during his time on Merseyside and insisted the club would become “stronger” without him this season.
“If there is one thing the history of this great club teaches us, it is that Liverpool FC is bigger than any individual,” said Rodgers.
“I am confident we will improve the team further and will be stronger for this coming season, when we will be competing on all fronts; domestically and in the greatest club competition in the world, the Champions League.
“Luis is a very special talent and I thank him for the role he has played in the team in the past two years, during my time at Liverpool. I think he would be the first to accept he has improved as a player over that period, along with the team and has benefited from being here, as we have benefited from him.
“The club have done all they can over a sustained period of time to try to keep Luis at Liverpool. It is with great reluctance and following lengthy discussions that we have eventually agreed to his wishes to move to Spain for new experiences and challenges. We wish him and his young family well; we will always consider them to be friends.
“We are focused on the future, as we strive to continue with the progress we have made and build on last season.”
Suárez released his own statement in which he cited his lifelong ambition “to play and live in Spain”.
“It is with a heavy heart that I leave Liverpool for a new life and new challenges in Spain,” he said. “Both me and my family have fallen in love with this club and with the city. But most of all I have fallen in love with the incredible fans. You have always supported me and we, as a family, will never forget it, we will always be Liverpool supporters.
“I hope you can all understand why I have made this decision. This club did all they could to get me to stay, but playing and living in Spain, where my wife’s family live, is a lifelong dream and ambition. I believe now the timing is right.
“I wish Brendan Rodgers and the team well for the future. The club is in great hands and I’m sure will be successful again next season.
“I am very proud I have played my part in helping to return Liverpool to the elite of the Premier League and in particular back into the Champions League.
“Thank you again for some great moments and memories. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Suarez later released an open letter in which he thanked Liverpool fans and the club for their support during "difficult times".
"Over the last few years I have experienced lots of good moments and other, more difficult ones.
"Both in good times and bad I always felt supported by wonderful fans at a wonderful club.
"We will always feel close to the city: we feel proud of the fact that our daughter, who is almost four years old now, was raised in Liverpool and that our son was born there."
He added: "At difficult times, I had your backing and that is something that I will always carry in my heart."
For all Suárez’s indiscretions, Liverpool are sorry to lose one of the world’s premier talents. The club hoped he would stay to lead the club’s return to the Champions League but that prospect seemed remote even as they pushed for the Premier League title last May.
The lure of the Spanish superpowers as an ultimate destination remains too great for the world’s best players to resist. The consolation for Rodgers is that his transfer kitty has been magnified and negotiations surrounding the transfer were painless.
There were fears Barcelona would try to negotiate a lower fee, but it became apparent during the first meeting between club officials that a summer saga similar to last year – when Suárez tried to engineer his departure to Arsenal for £40 million – would not be repeated. Despite suggestions from Spain that Liverpool received less than the sale clause, Anfield officials are adamant they only sanctioned the deal because they received the full value.
Suárez joined Liverpool from Ajax for £22 million in January 2011 and instantly endeared himself to the Kop with skill, work-rate and goals. He was voted player of the year by his fellow professionals and journalists last season after scoring 31 times.
Sadly, he also leaves the Premier League having left his mark on various disciplinary panels. He was banned for 10 games for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic in 2013, while an earlier charge of using language “referencing the racial origin” of Manchester United’s Patrice Evra led to an eight-match ban and £40,000 fine in 2011. He was also banned for one match for making an obscene gesture to Fulham fans.
He departs in the midst of a four-month Fifa suspension for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup.
Liverpool have already begun the process of replacing him. Having invested £40 million on Adam Lallana, Emre Can and Rickie Lambert, they expect to conclude the purchase of winger Lazar Markovic for £26 million from Benfica today.
Yaya Toure's agent claims Man City midfielder's colour has prevented him from winning top individual awards
Dmitri Seluk says the Ivory Coast international would have finished higher than third place in the PFA and FWA Footballer of the Year awards, and higher than 12th in the Ballon d'Or voting, if he was white
No fair: Yaya Toure would have won more awards if he were white according to his agent Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By Telegraph Sport, and agencies
12:39PM BST 12 Jul 2014
The agent of Yaya Toure has claimed the reason the Manchester City midfielder has failed to win any of football's top individual awards is because he is black.
Dmitri Seluk said the Ivory Coast international would have finished higher than third place in the PFA and FWA Footballer of the Year awards, and higher than 12th in the Ballon d'Or voting, if he was white.
Toure was beaten to both English awards by Luis Suarez, while Eden Hazard and Steven Gerrard came second in the PFA and FWA voting respectively.
Seluk told The Times: "If he was white, 100 percent he would have won one of those top awards.
"I don't want to talk too much about racism or the politics of football, but he does not get the praise he should get. Yaya has three times in a row won the African Player of the Year, but it is different with the other awards.
"I agree with Jose Mourinho when he said that the Player of the Year should come from the team that wins the title. I have very much respect for Suarez and Gerrard, but what Yaya did from midfield, not often a player can do this.
"Who was the best team this year? Manchester City? Who was their best player? Toure. Gerrard is really good but Liverpool finished second in the league and Yaya is third (in the FWA vote)."
Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or ahead of Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery.
Seluk added: "He is a bit upset about the situation. Messi is the top player in the history of football and I respect Ronaldo and Ribery a lot. Yaya respects all these players. But for an African in these awards it is hard. Fifa needs to change something."
Seluk also refused to guarantee his client would remain at City this summer, saying: "If an important club like PSG (Paris St Germain) or Real Madrid made a big offer it would be for Manchester City to decide what happens."
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal needs three more quality players, says Gary Neville
Gary Neville pinpoints key areas where the team can be improved - centre-back, centre midfield and wing
Master plan: Louis van Gaal is pondering who to sign for Manchester United Photo: AFP
By Telegraph Sport
11:22AM BST 11 Jul 2014
Former Manchester United star Gary Neville believes the Premier League giants need to sign "three more players of the right quality" to ensure they can challenge for the title next season.
United have already recruited England left-back Luke Shaw and Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera, and with incoming manager Louis Van Gaal keen to bolster his squad further, Neville has pinpointed the key areas where the team can be improved.
"I actually think 3 more of the right quality would be a good summer. CB/ CM / Wide MDF," he tweeted.
Neville has also warned supporters not to expect a revolution at OId Trafford under new manager Van Gaal. The Holland coach will take up the reins after the World Cup, with many expecting an influx of big-name internationals.
Van Gaal was installed as David Moyes's replacement in May after the ex-Everton boss failed to keep the club in the top four after he was hand picked by predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson.
If reports are to be believed, up to eight new signings could be completed before the summer transfer window closes, but Neville predicts only half that number.
"I don't think he'll be a revolution unless they sign seven, eight or nine players," Neville said. "I think that at the moment it will be a case of getting the maximum out of the players that are there, and organising himself quickly into understanding which players he wants to move forward with him. But his experience is enough, and I do think he'll do well."
Neville is assistant coach to England boss Roy Hodgson and, despite the national team's failure to get out of the group stages in Brazil, he believes the experience will, ultimately, stand the young players in good stead for Euro 2016 in France.
"We were all disappointed to go out after two games - we were devastated, really," he said.
"We accept that we've fallen below what everyone expects this time, including ourselves and next time we've got to do better.
"The good thing about it was there are a lot of young players who were part of that squad and we've got to make sure that those players develop in the next two years and we are more competitive in the tournament in two years' time; there's no doubt about that.
"I think the plusses are that those players in two years' time will be further forward - there are a lot of younger ones there - Henderson, Wilshere, Sturridge, Welbeck, Jones, Smalling, Shaw - a lot of young lads who basically will be around for another three to five tournaments after experiencing their first one.
"From that point of view you've got to think that hopefully the benefit of that will come in two years' time."
Van Gaal: I start at Manchester United on Wednesday
By Harry Sherlock
Jul 14, 2014 08:47:00
The 62-year-old guided Netherlands to third place at the World Cup in Brazil and says he has no need for a holiday before he begins life at the Premier League club
Louis van Gaal has confirmed that he will begin work at Manchester United on Wednesday.
The 62-year-old, who guided Netherlands to third place in the 2014 World Cup, was named as David Moyes' permanent successor in May, signing a three-year contract.
And having finished work with the Oranje, as reported by Goal, Van Gaal says he has no need for a holiday ahead of taking the reins at Old Trafford.
"I like everything I do," he told NOS. "And because I like it, I don't mind to continue with the next job. It's not a problem for me that I'm already going to Manchester on Wednesday. A new experience with new people."
Van Gaal has already begun his Old Trafford squad revamp, signing Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao and Luke Shaw from Southampton, but has been conducting his business from Brazil – having only met "two people" from the club so far.
"I've only met two people from Manchester United so far," he added. "The chief scout and the CEO."
Manchester United shouldn't retire my No.11, says Giggs
By Nicholas McGee
Jul 14, 2014 17:20:00
The Welshman, who ended his illustrious playing career at Old Trafford to become Louis van Gaal's assistant this summer, feels that another great player should take the shirt
Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs does not believe the club should retire his No.11 shirt following the end of his playing career.
The Welshman officially announced his retirement from the game in May after a spell as interim manager at the end of the last season and has now taking up a role as second-in-command behind new boss Louis van Gaal.
The 40-year-old spent his entire 24-year career at Old Trafford, winning 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues but, despite his incredible achievements with United, Giggs wants the No.11 jersey to continue to be used.
"There are obviously special cases but it just depends on the club, really," he told MUTV.
"I don't think it's for United, where they constantly churn over great players."
Giggs then joked that whoever follows him in wearing the shirt will be under immediate scrutiny.
"I haven't thought about who will take over the No.11 shirt - that's a good question," he added.
"They're under pressure, aren't they? I look forward to seeing who takes it and wish them all the best."
The Premier League side have agreed a huge kit sponsorship guaranteeing them at least €940 million, starting in 2015
Manchester United and Adidas have agreed a 10-year sponsorship deal worth upwards of €940 million, the Premier League club have confirmed.
As exclusively revealed by Goal, the German sports manufacturer emerged as the frontrunner to replace former sponsors Nike in April and have now clinched a world-record deal.
A statement read: "Manchester United plc (NYSE:MANU) has reached a 10-year agreement with adidas for a global technical sponsorship and dual branded licensing deal for a minimum guarantee of €940m, subject to certain adjustments, beginning with the 2015-2016 campaign.
"For the 2014-2015 season, Nike will continue in its role of technical sponsor and trademark licensee."
It represents a world record for any sportswear deal in any sport and dwarfs the fee paid by the same company to sponsor Chelsea's kit by €57m per season.
United's new Nike kit, their last under the current arrangement, was revealed earlier in July
Everton legend Joe Royle has returned to Goodison Part as part of manager Roberto Martinez's backroom team.
The 65-year-old has been appointed to assist the club’s breakthrough academy and Under-21 players, and well also become a member of the club’s scouting and recruitment staff.
Royle was a product of the Mareseyside outfit’s youth system and went on to score 119 goals in 275 appearances for Everton from 1966-74, before winning the FA Cup during his three-year spell as manager in the 1990s.
Bringing through young players has been an area of strength for Everton, with England starlet Ross Barkley the latest off the production line, and manager Martinez believes Royle will be a valuable addition.
The Spaniard told the club’s official website: "Everyone knows the incredible influence Joe has had at our football club, both as a player and a manager.
"He is a true Evertonian and we all welcome him back to Goodison Park.
"We are all very excited with the talent coming through in our academy and we pride ourselves on the work we do with the young players.
"Joe's experience and football know-how will be hugely beneficial for the youngsters at a key stage of their development. He is the first major change in our structure in player development."
Royle only took up a role as footballing consultant to Norwich manager Neil Adams in June, and he said: "I was happy with my role at Norwich City and wouldn't have considered an offer from any other club than Everton.
"It's like coming home for me.
"I made my debut for Everton as a 16-year-old so I understand what it means to be a young player coming through at this football club.
"I'm looking forward to using my experience to help the players we have here.
"I admire what Roberto achieved in his debut season and I am really looking forward to working alongside him."
Chairman Bill Kenwright added: "Joe is an Everton giant in every sense of the word and it's great that he has come back home.
"Developing more young players is really important to us and we know Joe will play an important role in helping us achieve these aims."
