Just over one year ago, Tottenham Hotspur failed to qualify for European competition after finishing eighth in the Premier League in 2022/23, Daniel Levy having dismissed Antonio Conte and tacitly resigning himself to the departure of record scorer Harry Kane.

It was a time of strife, a time of suffering and decline, but optimism sprouted from the rubble following Ange Postecoglou's appointment in June – soon after, James Maddison was signed from Leicester City for £40m on a five-year contract.

In one fell swoop, Tottenham bagged a new creative focal point and restored the midfield gusto that had dissipated after the departures and declines of Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen. The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare remarked that the transfer was "arguably their [Tottenham's] most significant in years".

That was last summer. Now, in May 2024, Maddison is suffering the poorest patch of his Lilywhites career, having failed to capture the pre-injury levels that had cemented him as one of the division's highest-quality playmakers – if he wasn't already as a Fox.

And it's for this reason that Postecoglou must consider dropping Maddison from the starting line-up as Tottenham take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening, fighting to recover from successive league losses against Newcastle United and Arsenal.

James Maddison's season in numbers

Maddison is the most inventive and inspiring midfielder in Postecoglou's first team but after a blistering start to life at the club that saw him earn the Premier League Player of the Month award for August and earned him three goals and five assists from his first 11 fixtures, injury in the reverse match against Chelsea has left him out of sorts.

While he was in staggering form early on, his recent efforts have pulled him away from the peak of his prowess and placed him in more mundane settings, where conversation has now risen to his place in the line-up.

Matches played

30

23

Matches started

28

23

Goals

10

4

Assists

9

7

G/A Rate

0.63

0.48

Pass completion

79%

87%

Big chances created

12

10

Key passes per game

2.3

2.4

Dribbles per game

1.5 (54%)

1.2 (46%)

Tackles per game

1.7

1.2

Duels won per game

6.0 (56%)

5.3 (55%)

The table displayed above highlights a dip in prolificness and a slight decline in his ball-carrying and defensive metrics, though this isn't necessarily a negative thing, with Leicester embroiled in a relegation battle last term and suffering from a woeful backline.

Maddison is influential through more than merely his passing and probing, offering an inborn tenacity and drive that cannot be taught. Postecoglou has noted: "He's that creative force for us. He works hard, he wins the ball back, presses."

But we can't shirk away from his recent struggles, having been branded with a 3/10 match rating against Arsenal by reporter Alasdair Gold, making just one key pass, failing with each of his three dribbles and winning just two of eight contested duels.

The Three Lions star remains a brilliant player, sadly suffering from aftereffects of the ankle injury that derailed his stunning start to life in London and kept him sidelined for over two wintry months.

But this evening's clash against Chelsea will be unforgiving, with the injury-hit Blues losing just one of their past 19 fixtures against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

Postecoglou might be wise to shuffle the pack and bench the £170k-per-week midfielder for the first time in the top flight this season.

The question, naturally, then shifts to who should replace Maddison. Giovani Lo Celso? The Argentine offers similar creative qualities but has been used sparingly this season.

Dejan Kulusevski, who flourished against the Gunners, must be moved into the centre against Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Why Ange must unleash Dejan Kulusevski in fresh role

Kulusevski, a bit like Maddison, started the campaign in immovable form and started the first 19 Premier League matches in succession, only being substituted out on three occasions.

Described as the "engine" of Postecoglou's system by Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir, the Sweden international has many sterling attributes but has too been guilty of a nosedive in productivity recently, clinching just one goal and one assist across his past 14 outings.

However, the right-sided forward's energy and commitment makes him a very singular weapon for Postecoglou, outworking opponents and bringing an all-functioning skill set.

Evidencing this dynamic approach: he ranks among the top 20% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries, the top 6% for touches in the attacking penalty area and the top 10% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.

Right winger

21

4

0

Attacking midfield

4

2

2

Left winger

1

0

0

Right midfield

1

0

1

Kulusevski hit a goal and assist apiece in matches against Manchester City and Nottingham Forest back in December when fielded as a No. 10, with Maddison recuperating from injury.

The £110k-per-week earner might not boast the same standard of ball-playing skills but Kulusevski has created 13 big chances in the Premier League this term and averages 1.9 key passes per game.

Moreover, the 6 foot 1 Kulusevski completed five dribbles, made five tackles, won 13 ground duels and placed two key passes during last weekend's defeat against Arsenal, trumping Maddison quite considerably in output.

With Timo Werner ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, Heung-min Son may well fall back into his natural left wing position, with Richarlison returning to the starting mix as the focal frontman.

Son has primarily played his football as centre-forward this season but he's not been brilliant recently, his penalty against Mikel Arteta's team the only goal scored across the past four games.

Moving back to the flank to diversify his attacking potency might be the way to go for Spurs, with Richarlison proving he can play well this term after bagging nine in eight earlier in 2024.

Indeed, the club skipper's 17 big chances created this season sit behind only Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes, while he ranks among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 14% for assists per 90 and the top 11% for pass completion, showcasing the multi-faceted tools that can inflict damage on Chelsea.

While Kulusevski would have to move over to replace Maddison, Brennan Johnson has been one of Spurs' most in-form forwards in recent months and was benched last time out, suggesting that his pace and directness could be used to compensate for the loss of Werner.

Clinching victory over Chelsea will be no easy task but should Postecoglou make the bold call to drop his elite playmaker, it might just pay dividends for his side, which will stand a better chance of outfighting the Blues in west London.

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It's been a real up-and-down Premier League season for Tottenham Hotspur this year.

They started with a miraculous ten-game unbeaten streak but then lost four on the bounce in the last month or so.

Ange Postecoglou hasn't got everything right in his first year in England, but there are certainly signs that he could lead the Lilywhites to glory if given the proper backing, and based on recent reports, that might happen, as the club have been linked to a star who could be their very own Robin van Persie.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, Spurs are 'pressing ahead' in their pursuit of Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report has revealed that the North Londoners have been sending scouts to watch the Mexican international play throughout the season, and as things stand, Postecoglou has 'pinpointed the Feyenoord star as a priority.'

The bad news for the Lilywhites is that they are likely to face stiff competition for the marksman's signature, as previous reports have linked fierce rivals Arsenal to the 23-year-old, and if they do get ahead of the Gunners, they'll have to stump up around £87m to get the deal done.

It would certainly represent a massive investment from Daniel Levy and Co, but with Richarlison still underwhelming in White with just 15 goals to his name in 66 Spurs appearances, it would be one worth making, especially with the parallels to Van Persie.

How Gimenez could be Spurs own Robin van Persie

Now, comparing a player yet to test himself in Europe's top five leagues to a striker who scored for fun in England and won the Premier League to boot is undoubtedly a lot, but there are some similarities.

For example, both forwards have found their feet in European football with Feyenoord. In the 76 appearances the Dutchman made in his initial spell with the Rotterdam side, he scored 21 goals and provided ten assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 2.4 games.

In comparison, Gimenez has an even better record with the Eredivisie side, scoring 49 goals and providing 11 assists in 86 games so far, meaning he is averaging a goal involvement every 1.4 games.

Gimenez vs Van Persie's initial stint in the Netherlands
Player	Gimenez	Van Persie
Appearances	86	76
Goals	49	21
Assists	11	10
Goal Involvements per Match	0.69	0.40
All Stats via Transfermarkt

The next significant similarity is their deadly left feet. In the last two seasons, the Mexican "nightmare," as talent scout Jacek Kulig vividly described him, has scored 22 of his 38 league goals with his left, nine with his right, and seven with his head, showing that while he's not entirely one-footed, he does heavily favour his left.

Similarly, while the former Arsenal forward could use his right, he would more often than not go with his left and, as things stand, he has scored the third most left-footed Premier League goals in history at 94, behind only Mo Salah and Robbie Fowler.

Players with the most left-footed goals in PL History
Place	Player	Goals
1	Mo Salah	125
2	Robbie Fowler	105
3	Robin van Persie	94
4	Ryan Giggs	83
5	Riyad Mahrez	65
Via ESPN & the Premier League for Salah's latest tally

Lastly, if the Lilywhites were to get their man, then he would be following in the footsteps of the 102-capped Dutchman by moving to north London, and based on his impressive goal tally over the last two years, it looks likely that he would also become a goal machine in England.

Ultimately, Gimenez might not quite reach the level of Van Persie, but there are apparent similarities, and if he can even replicate a fraction of his output, then Postecoglou will have a very useful striker on his hands next season.

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Liverpool and many other Premier League sides saw the financial power of the Saudi Pro League in full flow last summer and could now see it in action once again to result in another frustrating Anfield exit.

Liverpool transfer news

A new era will naturally mean some fresh faces, but Arne Slot and Michael Edwards will hope to keep hold of the majority of the current Liverpool stars, given that Jurgen Klopp left behind a side who found themselves in a title race for the majority of the season alongside winning the Carabao Cup.

It could be a long summer on that front, however, with the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher already linked with a move away in pursuit of a number one role. The shot-stopper didn't exactly put those rumours to bed recently either, telling The Athletic: "I’ve had such an amazing time at Liverpool.

"It’s been a crazy journey for me and one that I’ve absolutely loved. I love the club, I love the fans and I have a great relationship with the players and the staff. Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No 1.”

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That said, it's not just the Irishman that the Reds have got to worry about. According to the Daily Mail, Saudi Pro League clubs are interested in signing Joe Gomez this summer, with doubts creeping in over the defender's desire to stay put at Anfield in the last few weeks. The England international proved to be an invaluable part of Klopp's final season, playing all across the backline and even in midfield to prove his worth once and for all.

Now, however, he could repeat Jordan Henderson's move by swapping Liverpool for Saudi Arabia to deal Slot an early blow in his Liverpool tenure.

Liverpool need "lifesaver" Gomez next season

Whilst it may not be too long ago that some would have been happy to show Gomez the door at Anfield, he has quickly proven any doubters wrong to become an important part of the current Liverpool side. Now, he is a player that the Reds must keep hold of. Simply put, Liverpool will struggle to find a player who can play left-back, right-back, centre-back and even central midfield all in fairly equal measure. Gomez instantly solves several issues in Slot's squad.

Klopp was well aware of Gomez's importance throughout his final campaign too, saying via This Is Anfield: “[He] played exceptional today again. He’s a real defender and he comes inside, he’s doing that really well. He is a lifesaver, to be honest, that he was here, that he could play.

“People forget how important Joey was in the best years we had. I don’t know how many games he played in the year when we became champions and how many games he played when we won the Champions League – a lot and rightly so because he’s a top-class player.”

More than earning his reported £85k-a-week wage, Liverpool should reject any interest from Saudi Arabia in Gomez this summer.

Aston Villa have been gifted the chance to complete a transfer this summer, after it emerged that an upcoming free agent is open to a switch this summer.

Villa under financial scrutiny

Despite historic success under Unai Emery, which has seen them sew up fourth spot in the Premier League and return to the Champions League for the first time since the 1980s, there are concerns at Villa Park.

The club have spent heavily in recent windows and posted losses of £119.6m after tax in their most recent end of year accounts, though they stressed that "these figures are in line with the strategic business plan, and we continue to operate within the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules".

However, it has understandably led to concerns that money may be tight for the Midlands club this summer unless they part ways with one of their stars, with the likes of Douglas Luiz and Ollie Watkins both having been tentatively linked with moves away.

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An alternative strategy, and one that Villa have been pursuing well in recent years, is to exploit the free agent market.

They signed Boubacar Kamara in Steven Gerrard's final transfer window in charge, before swooping for Youri Tielemans 12 months on. If reports are to be believed, they also have their eyes set on Mario Hermoso this summer, and are set to beat Inter Milan to his signature. He might not be the only one arriving for nothing either.

Villa ready for Kamara repeat

Now, Villa have been offered the chance to sign another defensive midfielder for absolutely nothing, in the form of Leicester City man Wilfred Ndidi. The Villans have been tracking him all season, with his £75,000 a week deal at the King Power Stadium set to come to an end this season and as of yet no renewal having been agreed.

Wilfred Ndidi's Championship season by numbers

Games

32

Goals

4

Assists

5

Tackles and interceptions per 90

2.71

Fouls per 90

1.4

In a new twist, Ndidi himself has revealed he is open to a change, should something become available, despite having been a mainstay of a Leicester City side that lifted the Championship trophy just a week ago.

“I think morale is high, expectation is high, we have to ensure we do not return to the Championship. It’s a tough place to play, Ndidi told Complete Sports.

“If a good chance comes, I won’t mind trying my luck elsewhere but for now I remain a Leicester City player.”

Of course, a move to Villa would bring with it the chance to play in the Champions League once more, a competition Ndidi tasted during his time with the Foxes back in 2016.

He would also be an excellent rotation option given his experience in the Premier League and Europe, having been dubbed "incredible" by then-Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers during his stint in the top flight. Could he be the Kamara alternative that Emery's side so desperately need?

The striker will be frustrated she didn't score against Manchester City on Sunday, but her performances for the Gunners suggest improvements

There was a moment on Sunday when it looked like Alessia Russo was primed to grab the equaliser Arsenal were chasing in their Women's Super League opener against Manchester City. Brought on as a substitute just after the hour mark, with the score 2-1 to the visitors, it was 10 minutes later that the England star found herself through on goal and with all the time in the world to pick her spot.

Yet, to the frustration of herself as well as most inside the Emirates Stadium, it was an opportunity that ended with Russo throwing her hands to her face almost bewildered by her own decision-making.

It was a great ball over the top by Emily Fox that found Russo, one which completely caught out City centre-back Alanna Kennedy. By the time Russo latched onto the pass, her marker was a good five yards behind her, another covering defender, Kerstin Casparij, had too much ground to make up and Ayaka Yamashita, the City goalkeeper, couldn't decide whether to race out or not. The Arsenal striker was through.

Yet, despite the space and time she had, Russo seemed to panic. As she reached the edge of the box, she fired a tame shot into the grateful arms of Yamashita, spurning a golden opportunity to level the scores. Her reaction showed that she knew what a big chance it was and that she couldn't believe she hadn't taken it.

Fortunately, in the grand scheme of things, it didn't matter so much. A few minutes later, Beth Mead got the goal to level the scores at 2-2, with the spoils shared between two sides expected to battle for the WSL title. However, it was a reminder that, despite being the first-choice No.9 for both Arsenal and England, Russo is very much still a work in progress when it comes to fulfilling her potential in the role.

Getty ImagesUps and downs

Similar reminders were also on show last week, when Arsenal suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Hacken in the first leg of their Champions League second-round qualifier. There were flashes of what Russo does so well – playing with her back to goal, getting shots off when defenders don't expect them, picking up good positions – but none of that resulted in a goal that Arsenal's dominance suggested they would find.

On the contrary, her performances in the first round of qualifying were much more encouraging. Against Rangers, Russo didn't have a lot of space to operate in, as the Scottish side spent most of the game defending, but she worked incredibly hard and got a goal her effort deserved. A few days later, against Rosenborg, she was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet again, hitting the woodwork twice in a bright display.

How sharp she has looked in the first few weeks of the Gunners' campaign, and also on their U.S. pre-season tour, was what made Sunday's chance stand out even more, really. After plenty of positive signs, this was just a little reminder of how there is still work to be done.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesOn a journey

Russo can often prompt polarising opinions from fans, be they supporters of Arsenal, England or someone else entirely. Some are in the camp with Gunners head coach Jonas Eidevall, believing that she can become a 20-goal striker. Others are sceptical about whether that is possible.

As with most things in sport, the truth of where she is at in her bid to hit such expectations is somewhere in the middle. While some of Russo's performances show that she really does have the potential to get there – her wonderful goal-poaching against the Washington Spirit last month was a great piece of evidence – she's still on a journey to being that player consistently.

In the same way that her highs shouldn't fool anyone into thinking she is the finished product, the lows shouldn't be used to summarise her whole game either.

Getty ImagesChanging her game

What Eidevall would likely say about Sunday is that it was good to see Russo in that position, one-on-one with Yamashita, and that it is encouraging that she has been in those goal-scoring positions several times through the start of Arsenal's season. That might sound like faint praise but, as anyone who has watched the striker for a few years will know, it's a really positive part of her recent growth.

"What is important with Alessia is developing and playing and the goal-scoring positions she increasingly finds herself in," he explained this summer. "I think as a forward, that should be your aim all the time, to be in the right positions, because if you are, the goals come as a consequence. I said early on that her finishing ability is the best that I have ever worked with. If she is getting enough goal-scoring opportunities, goals are sure to happen. I think you see this summer, with the Lionesses as well, that she gets into those positions more frequently now and that is going to be important for us and also for Alessia."

It was something that Eidevall elaborated on further when speaking to ahead of the Gunners' pre-season friendly with Chelsea. "If you've seen her game in the past, I think she's been quite a drifting forward," he added. "She's been out a lot on the flanks, working balls. I know Sarina [Wiegman] has worked with her in that in England and I'm working with her in that at Arsenal to be in more central positions, be more often in what we call the 'goal zone', and she manages to do that more often and that leads to her being involved in more goal-scoring opportunities. That, combined with her finishing ability, obviously results in scoring more goals as well."

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Getty ImagesImproving her numbers

It certainly felt like Russo made progress in a positioning sense through last season – and the numbers back it up. In the WSL, the averages of all of her key metrics in this respect were up in the second half of Arsenal's season compared to the first – those being touches in the opposition's box, total shots, shots on target, expected goals (xG) and goals. She was outperforming her xG from January onwards as well, having underperformed with regards to it in the first half the campaign. That's a testament to the work done by herself, Eidevall, Wiegman and other members of Arsenal and England's coaching staff, like Kelly Smith, the Gunners' icon who has been helping Russo a lot since joining Eidevall's team.

“We work with the positioning and making sure you get into those situations more often, by having the right position and the right angle and making the most out of it," the Arsenal boss explained last season, offering an insight into how he and his staff are trying to help Russo become more of a fox in the box.

"The amount of touches you get as a No.9 is, in most teams, the most limited amount of touches for all the outfield players. It is not about increasing those touches, it is about increasing the quality of those touches. That is generally what you need to work on with forward players. Everyone would like the ball a bit more, but the reality in football is that area is going to be more restricted. You will have fewer touches so it is about dealing with that reality, having fewer touches and not getting impatient and going towards the ball in the wrong moment, but instead anticipating the right moment.”

That's also something that shows in the numbers, as Russo's average total touches decreased as the 2023-24 WSL season went on, despite her average touches in the opposition's box increasing.

MatériaMais Notícias

Dois atacantes com características diferentes mas importância parecida: no clássico entre Botafogo e Vasco, neste sábado, às 21h no Estádio Nilton Santos, pela 15ª rodada da Série B, Rafael Navarro e Germán Cano prometem travar um duelo à parte. A partida será transmitida em tempo real no site do LANCE!.

Ambos são os jogadores importantes para o funcionamento das equipes. Rafael Navarro, apesar de não ser o artilheiro do Botafogo na temporada, é o jogador com mais participações diretas em gol – dez, contando toda a temporada -, o que coloca em destaque a capacidade de balançar as redes, mas também servir os companheiros.

+ Camisa 10? Rafael Navarro vira o jogador com mais assistências do Botafogo na temporada

Germán Cano continua com o mesmo instinto goleador já conhecido desde o ano passado, quando começou a vestir a camisa do Vasco. O argentino é o artilheiro do Cruz-Maltino na temporada: são 14 gols em 27 partidas disputadas.

+ Artilheiro, quebrador de recordes… além de tudo, ‘SuperCano’ joga quase sempre no Vasco. Entenda

Na Série B, os números são mais equilibrados: Navarro tem quatro gols e quatro assistências – o segundo melhor de toda a competição neste quesito -, enquanto Cano contribuiu com seis bolas na rede, mas nenhum passe que virou gol.

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Os números trazem uma pequena dimensão de como os dois se comportam nas respectivas equipes: enquanto no Vasco Germán Cano é o responsável por finalizar praticamente todas as jogadas criadas, Rafael Navarro, mesmo sendo um atacante, também faz parte da criação de jogadas, saindo da área.

Rafael Navarro vive uma evolução. Contratado pelo Botafogo no começo de 2020, teve um início de atuações apagadas no time. Passou praticamente toda a última temporada no sub-20, onde evoluiu, se destacou e retornou ao time principal melhor preparado.

Apesar dos 33 anos, Cano não tem sido poupado. Na Série B, por exemplo, jogou todas as 14 partidas. Marcou seis gols na competição, quase um terço dos 19 do Cruz-Maltino no torneio. Contratado no início do ano passado, já quebrou recordes e tem contrato até o final desta temporada.

Among the list of issues that Erik ten Hag – or his potential replacement – will be seeking to solve this summer is at left-back, with Manchester United having been without a recognised option in that role for much of 2024.

With Tyrell Malacia missing the entire campaign and Luke Shaw making just 15 appearances, the Red Devils have undoubtedly suffered from the lack of a senior, orthodox full-back – with the likes of Sofyan Amrabat, Victor Lindelof, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all lining up in that berth in recent months.

Despite being dubbed the "best left-back in the world" by Ten Hag, the Dutchman did admit that Shaw will never be able to complete 60 games in a season due to his prior injury woes, hence the need to acquire a suitable competitor and understudy this summer…

Man Utd seeking long-term left-back target

According to journalist Rudy Galetti – writing for TEAMtalk – Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are keen to 'revamp' the defence ahead of next season, with Girona's Miguel Gutierrez among seven targets that the Red Devils are reportedly keeping tabs on.

The report suggests that United will seek out a new left-back this summer, with Gutierrez – who is said to have a £30m release clause in his current contract – being 'monitored' by the Old Trafford chiefs.

The 22-year-old Spaniard – who is a product of Real Madrid's academy – was reportedly a target for the club during Jose Mourinho's time in charge between 2016 and 2018, with it looking as if the Premier League giants may renew that interest over the coming weeks and months.

How Miguel Gutierrez could slot in at Man Utd

Lauded as a "superb" talent by scout Jacek Kulig, Gutierrez could well represent the perfect successor to Shaw at the Theatre of Dreams, having showcased his quality during a stunning La Liga campaign.

Part of a Girona side that upset the odds to secure Champions League football – albeit with the caveat of backing from City Football Group – the attack-minded full-back scored twice and provided seven assists in 35 games in Spain's top-flight.

That return of assists was actually only bettered by Bruno Fernandes (eight) among the United squad in the Premier League in 2023/24, illustrating just what an attacking outlet Gutierrez could offer to the FA Cup winners.

Such quality is also evidenced by the fact that the youngster created 21 'big chances' this season in La Liga, with that remarkably the same return as Fernandes achieved, despite the Portuguese operating as a number ten.

Stats (2023/24)

Miguel Gutierrez

Luke Shaw

Destiny Udogie

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Andy Robertson

Marc Cucurella

Josko Gvardiol

Games

35

12

28

27

23

21

28

Goals

2

0

2

1

3

0

4

Assists

7

0

3

2

2

2

1

Pass accuracy rate

88%

86%

87%

89%

88%

87%

88%

Key passes per game

1.2

1.1

0.9

1.1

2.8

0.9

0.6

'Big chances' created

21

1

3

5

10

1

2

Interceptions per game

0.6

0.5

1.3

0.7

0.6

1.0

1.0

Tackles per game

0.8

0.9

2.4

1.9

1.5

3.0

2.0

Successful dribbles per game

0.7

0.6

0.9

0.3

0.2

0.2

0.9

Total duels won

45%

47%

50%

61%

52%

60%

60%

Possession lost per game

11

11.8

11.1

8.4

14.6

9.0

10.7

The hope would be that he could also fashion a promising partnership with Lisandro Martinez in that left channel, the latter man able to offer the Madrid-born gem the defensive freedom to bomb forward at will.

As data analyst Ben Mattinson has noted, Gutierrez's traits include "quality on the ball, composed, quality carrier with great passing ability", yet his defensive work perhaps leaves a little to be desired, ranking in just the bottom 2% among his European peers for tackles per 90, and the bottom 19% for interceptions per 90.

Having a "monster" like Martinez alongside him – as hailed by Shaw – could make up for those shortcomings, while the pair could also be perfect for each other due to their quality in possession, with Gutierrez ranking in the top 6% for pass completion.

Martinez – who ranks in the top 5% in that regard among his fellow centre-backs – could then nicely combine with the Girona man in possession, with the duo also able to interchange positions when necessary, as Gutierrez does look to invert (as shown below), while the current Red Devils star has operated as a left-back in the past.

Such a settled and stable combination could well be just the solution for the powers that be in Manchester, with finding a suitable partner to Martinez in that role – and at right centre-back – seemingly a necessity this summer.

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ECB Reporters Network03-Aug-2020

Simon Harmer belts out an appeal•Getty Images

Essex 298 (ten Doeschate 78, Browne 61, Milnes 4-46) and 0 for 0 need 202 runs to beat Kent 387 and 112 (Harmer 4-35)Simon Harmer showed glimpses of his 2019 form to snatch four wickets and set up a pulsating final day of Essex’s Bob Willis Trophy clash with Kent.Former South Africa spinner Harmer, who took 71 wickets last season, had been targeted in the first innings and had gone 26 overs without a wicket before pinching two late scalps.But he took 4 for 35 to help Essex roll Kent out for 112 in the second innings, with fast-bowling duo Jamie Porter and Sam Cook contributing 2 for 31 and 3 for 19 respectively.It means Essex, who earlier saw Ryan ten Doeschate score 78, will require 202 to win on the last day at the Cloudfm County Ground, Chelmsford.In the first innings, Kent had slumped to 23 for 3 in the first six overs, only to recover thanks to Heino Kuhn’s 140, Ollie Robinson’s 78 and useful contributions in the lower middle order.This time around, they fell to 36 for 3 in 21 overs, before continuing the slide.Porter, who had taken 4 for 107 earlier in the match, got the ball rolling when Daniel Bell-Drummond edged behind to Adam Wheater.Kent debutant Jack Leaning was on a pair after his first innings duck, and narrowly avoided the calamity when his edge fell just short of Sir Alastair Cook at first slip. However, the former Yorkshire batsman only managed six before Sam Cook pinned him lbw.Robinson was dropped on 13 at short leg by Varun Chopra, only to edge Porter to Harmer after a 50-ball 14. Harmer then dismissed Kuhn and Darren Stevens, who both tried to play rare attacking shots, but only picked out Nick Browne and Tom Westley at deep midwicket and long-on respectively.Grant Stewart quickly followed, caught behind off Porter, before Harmer had Marcus O’Riordan lbw. Jordan Cox had provided resilience with a 29 off 116 balls but Cook produced a brilliant in-ducker to break his defences, before he had Hamidullah Qadri nicking behind, O’Riordan, Cox and Qadri all departing with the score on 100.Matt Milnes was the last man to fall as he picked out Feroze Khushi on the legside boundary – Kent rolled for 112, losing their last six wickets for 26 runs. Browne and nightwatchman Porter faced one wicketless, and runless, over from Milnes to end the day.Earlier, ten Doeschate collected his 79th first-class half-century, while also raising money for the Lord’s Taverners. The Holland international is one of seven batsmen who are donating money to the Lord’s Taverners for every run they score this summer – with six bowlers helping to raise money through wickets.Playing in his 17th season with Essex, ten Doeschate used that experience to carefully make his way to his 79th first-class fifty on an uncharacteristically sluggish Chelmsford pitch.Wheater and ten Doeschate needed almost 25 overs to bring up the 50 stand for the sixth wicket, while it took the latter 105 balls to score his first boundary of the match – however, the cover drive was worth the wait.Wicketkeeper Wheater departed when he was run out by Kuhn at midwicket after ten Doeschate had turned down a single to end the 69-run partnership.Ten Doeschate, on his 189th first-class appearance, hit O’Riordan for a six over midwicket before moving to his milestone from 122 balls with a dink to third man.Harmer scored 29 in a 68-run stand with ten Doeschate, before he was plumb in front to O’Riordan just before a post-lunch slump saw the Essex tail only add 18 runs for the last three wickets, with Milnes grabbing all three scalps.Ten Doeschate fell when he struck to Leaning at point, before Sam Cook pulled to midwicket and Quinn edged to second slip in successive balls – Essex falling to an 89-run first-innings deficit.

أعلن نادي ريال مدريد عن إصابة جديدة قد لحقت بالفريق الأول لكرة القدم قبل أيام قليلة من مباراة أتالانتا في الجولة السادسة من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد وأتالانتا يوم الثلاثاء المقبل في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة” على ملعب “جويس” في مدينة “بيرجامو” الإيطالية.

وبحسب بيان ريال مدريد أن الظهير الأيسر، فيرلاند ميندي، قد أجرى فحوصات طبية والتي أظهرت إصابة الفرنسي في العضلة الرباعية اليمنى.

ولم يحدد بيان ريال مدريد مدة غياب ميندي عن مباريات الفريق الإسباني ولكن شبكة “ذا أثلتيك” أكدت أن اللاعب سيغيب عن نهائي كأس الانتركونتننال في 18 ديسمبر.

وبالتالي، تأكد غياب ميندي عن مباراة أتالانتا التي ستقام يوم الثلاثاء مع إمكانية الغياب عن مباراتين أو ثلاثة آخرين.

اقرأ أيضًا | مبابي: اللعب بشخصية جزء من وظيفتي.. وبيلينجهام لا يُصدق

🚩Ferland Mendy se perderá la Copa Intercontinental, de acuerdo con el club. @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/RPi06LEWw7 — Guillermo Rai (@GuillermoRai_) December 8, 2024

ميندي قد يغيب عن ريال مدريد في 3 مباريات

أتالانتا – دوري أبطال أوروبا – 10 ديسمبر.

رايو فاييكانو – الدوري الإسباني – 14 ديسمبر.

نهائي كأس الانتركونتننتال 2024 – 18 ديسمبر (في قطر).

إشبيلية – الدوري الإسباني – 22 ديسمبر (غير مؤكد).

A £17 million player wanted by Bayern Munich is now considering an exit from the Nou Camp this summer, coming as Arsenal take a real interest in signing him this week.

Edu's summer transfer plan at Arsenal

Sporting director Edu Gaspar has been tasked with reinforcing manager Mikel Arteta's squad this summer, and the Brazilian recently admitted that planning has been underway for quite some time as the Gunners target young, hungry and energetic players.

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Edu also claimed that Arsenal have already drawn up their transfer target list, in a sit down with TNT Sports all the way back in February.

“Well, I understand what the fans are asking for but we already have our targets,” the transfer chief said.

“We have planned a lot ahead and I will be worried if we don’t score a lot of goals and if we’re not creating chances, which is the opposite because we create a lot and score a lot of goals. The plan is to try to get better every year and I think we are in a good moment. Let's see if we can keep improving.

Bukayo Saka

7.67

Declan Rice

7.38

Martin Odegaard

7.37

Kai Havertz

7.16

Gabriel Magalhaes

6.99

“I think if you see the type of the players we have at the moment, it’s players which have a big, big commitment of [to] the club, which is very important.

“So the way we transmit to the fans, transmit to people our commitment – sometimes you can lose, you can win games, it’s all part of the sport – helps us perform the best way possible and show the passion we have for the club and try to be win as many games as we can.

“Many times in certain conversations to recruit the players you don't see the character of the player or the character of the player does not fit well with what we are trying to do and then you have to move on and try to find what we’re really looking for. If you see all the signings we’ve made since we started together, everyone is almost the same, young, energetic and passionate, and good talents with big, beautiful futures ahead of them.”

Arsenal want to sign a new defender among their chief transfer priorities, maybe even a centre-back. In terms of the players who could fit this and Edu's criteria, one of them may have been named by Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo this week.

Arsenal emerge as strong contenders to sign Mika Faye

In a report on Monday, Mundo wrote that Arsenal have emerged strongly in the race for Barcelona starlet Mika Faye "in recent hours".

The £17 million centre-back, also wanted by Bayern Munich, hasn't made a single appearance for the Barca first team, but has impressed for their B side in the Spanish third tier. Considering his lack of chances for Barca's senior side, the teenage defender now has his mind on leaving this summer, unless they can guarantee him opportunities next term.

Faye made 33 league appearances for the Barca B side last season, even chipping in with four goals, and this is said to have alerted Arsenal chiefs.

As well as Bayern and Arsenal, Man United, Liverpool and Inter Milan are displaying a real fondness for the 19-year-old who's already been capped by his native Senegal.