Linking Up: Hugo Chavez hanging out with Maradona, Man City madness, and more…

Here’s the best that we found this week from our friends across the footballing world:

Cruzeiro’s Diego Renan fails to do a Cruyff turn, then gets shoved to the ground in a match against Gremio. [Dirty Tackle]

Luke Young and Sol Campbell are oldies but goodies [Never Captain Nicky Butt]

How would you describe Mascherano in three words? [Football Corner]

Why Paul the Octopus should be the next US Men’s National Team manager [Yanks Are Coming]

Sami Khedira edging closer to Real Madrid [Who Ate All The Pies]

Does Robinho hold the key to a top 3 finish for Manchester City? [In the Stands]

Carlo Ancelotti believes Mario Balotelli makes City title contenders. [Soccernet]

Newcastle centre-back Steven Taylor is out for 3 months due to shoulder injury [The Guardian]

And last but not least, Hugo Chavez hanging out with Maradona. What a couple that is. Photo after the jump [Fútbolita]