DOUGLAS COSTA: FROM HERO TO ZERO

Football is a game loved by millions of people from all walks of life. It is a game watched by adults and children alike. Every kick and touch of  the ball either makes one happy or bored depending on the side the person supports. From the sublime save of a goalkeeper to the scintillating finish of a forward player.

I have watched footballers with skills and panache anytime they touch the ball and Douglas Costa is no exception. He is a enjoy to watch anytime he is in possession. His pace, fair and the ability to read the game makes him one of the best players on the planet.

Football fans especially children tend to mimic their icons, from how they play to their private lifestyles. This gives footballers a great responsibility of exhibiting good and acceptable attitudes not only on the field of play but also in their surroundings.

I have seen players evince bad attitudes on the field of play. Notable ones include the kicking of a fan by the Eric Cantona, the famous Zinedine Zidane's headbutt in the 2006 world cup final and the Suarez bite in the 2014 World Cup.

For a player to elbow another and spit into the mouth of the same player is absurd, surreal and bizarre. In their game against Sassuolo, football fans all over the world were dismayed by the attitude and demeanour of  Douglas Costa.

Definitely there must some the opposing player did or said to him that was infuriating and led to such an unacceptable behaviour. A behaviour which has seen him banned for three months. Not only will his attitude affect him as a player, it is also going to affect his team and team mates as well.

I will not chastise him for what he did since I do not know what really transpired between them but will not also condone that kind of attitude.

Footballers and other sports icons must bare in mind that their actions are mimicked by adults as well as children therefore they must be cautious of what they do on and off the footballing pitch and other sporting arenas.

HENDERSON: THE PLAYER THAT DIVIDES OPINIONS

Jordan Henderson has just signed a new contract at Liverpool. Instead of a joyous reception from all Liverpool fans, the news has rather divided the fan base. For some he deserves it, to others he isn't up to Liverpool standard.

If he really isn't good why has he survived under three different managers? There must be something about the Liverpool captain that has seen him pull through at Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers had this to say after making him captain of Liverpool, “Once I saw him grow and develop as the vice-captain then I felt pretty sure that this would be the season he could be the captain”.  Jordan Henderson was made Liverpool captain after Steven Gerrard departed the club in 2015.

Many thought his reign as captain was over due to the introduction of Jurgen Klopp in October 2015 but Klopp has kept faith in him as captain. Klopp had to go to extent of managing his captain to avoid his recurring ankle injury.

Is there something he brings to the team that some supporters are not witnessing  both on and off the field?  To be honest, the Liverpool captain sometimes puts in wonderful performances and at other time he appears to be off rhythm. It must be also noted that, he puts in his best any time he is called upon. 

The arrival of Fabinho and Naby Keita in the summer meant there would be competition for places in midfield. This competition has seen the Liverpool skipper relegated to the bench starting only one of the last five matches and coming off the bench four time. 

The surprise rise of Gini Wijnaldum this season has seen summer signing Fabinho yet to make an appearance for the Reds while the Liverpool captain finds it difficult to make the starting eleven.

I would say on his day Henderson is unplayable but if he can find consistency in his game he will be one hell of a player for Liverpool. For now he is just an average player who is giving his best to keep his team moving. I know Henderson to be a hardworking player, if he keeps working hard he'll soon find his form and become key player for Liverpool just like in 2013/2014 when Liverpool narrowly lost the the title due to his suspension.